Vinciguerra, “had you made a request to me in the proper manner for that purpose, but now----.”--“You had perhaps commanded him, forsooth?” interrupted Theobaldo, (smiling, and looking down upon the knights with unwonted dignity), “but by so doing you would have succeeded not a jot better than the Knight of Montfaucon!”--Vinciguerra cast an angry look at his squire for this boldness; while Sir Folko, attending only to the count’s last words, resumed,--“I should have made a request sayest thou?--Know that I appear in such manner only before my king, whom I am sworn to serve and honour; but with other men I but demand my own proper rights. Is it your pleasure to admit them at this time or not?”--“Thou would’st, methinks, speak more politely and calmly before me, sir knight,” answered the count, “were it not that I now stand before you as an unarmed and defenceless captive!” These words fell like corroding poison, or fire, into the pure and generous heart of the Knight of Montfaucon; so that, wholly forgetful of the time and place, with all the dangers by which they were surrounded, he had, in a moment, drawn out two Persian sabres from among the weapons by which the mule was loaded, held them cross-ways, with the handles towards Vinciguerra, and said,--“My lord count, take your choice; they are both of the same length, and both equally sharp. European weapons were indeed better; but, alas! I have none here to offer you.”--While the count, somewhat surprised at this proceeding, but yet resolute, made his choice between the two sabres, Theobaldo endeavoured to remind them how formidable were the enemies by whom they were now both beset, and how little a kingdom, torn by civil dissensions, need ever hope for victory. A contemptuous look from the chevalier was the answer that he first received, and on this followed the decisive words:--“The question here is of my honour; and do you keep to your measuring-rod, good merchant!”--Shrugging his shoulders, and, with a look of proud contempt, Theobaldo then turned away, saying,--“The time will come, however, when you will gladly take that assistance which I alone can offer you!”--So he went away to the sea-shore, and walked up and down for pastime, while the two knights fell furiously on each other. In vain did the falcon, with his golden collar and rose-coloured parchment, hover round his master’s head, watching the moment when he might descend. The knight never observed his approach, his whole heart being now possessed by fiery passions, how different from the sweet emotion wherewith he should have welcomed this messenger of love!