frightfully victorious Folko de Montfaucon. “The great King Richard received me with all the courtesy which was to be expected from that mirror of knighthood; and when I besought him to grant me a protector, he made his most chosen favourite, and brother in the battle-field, be introduced, commanding him to kneel down, and beg for the honour of devoting his life to my service. How proud then was I, and with what indifferent and cold looks did I soon afterwards see Folko de Montfaucon enter the English court in order to renew the combat for the ring! Alas! my hopes were then vain. I should have known that the English champions, however brave and steadfast, are yet inferior to the French in the sports of the tournament. Indeed, my valiant defender, conscious of this, had insisted, as a condition of the fight, that it was not to be decided by the lance only, but that the vanquished party might maintain his rights afterwards with the sword. In consequence of that precaution, Folko’s victory was more laborious and more honourable, but by no means less certain or less decisive. My champion was carried insensible, with three sword wounds, out of the lists, and Folko at the same moment kneeled before me, requesting that I would give him back the ring. The generous King Richard addressed him, saying, that he should be satisfied with having thus maintained and supported his pretensions in the combat, but as for the ring, he should leave it in the hands of the fair lady to whom the possession of it was evidently so very dear. ‘Most noble king and pattern of all Christian knights,’ said Folko, ‘if it depended on myself alone, this beautiful lady should most certainly remain in undisturbed possession of the ring; nay, my life should be sacrificed if it would offer any compensation for the tears with which her bright eyes are now clouded; but the jewel is the property of my sister, Blanchefleur de Montfaucon, as whose champion I have now the honour of appearing here; and, as your majesty best knows, a knight dare not give away the rights of her for whom he has fought in the lists.’