"Douglas, Douglas, beware how you rouse the lion!" gasped the king.
"The lion might rend you yourself in pieces!"
"This very night I will give you the proof that you demand, sire.
This very night you shall hear how Earl Surrey, sitting at the feet
of his Geraldine, swears to her his love."
"It is well!" said the king. "This night, then! Woe to you, Douglas,
if you cannot redeem your word!"
"I will do so, your majesty. For this, it is only necessary that you
will be graciously pleased to swear to me that you will not, by a
sigh or a breath, betray yourself. The earl is suspicious; and the
fear of an evil conscience has sharpened his ear. He would recognize
you by your sigh, and his lips would not speak those words and
avowals which you desire to hear."
"I swear to you that I will not by any sigh or breath betray my
presence!" said the king, solemnly. "I swear this to you by the holy
mother of God! But now let that suffice. Air--air--I suffocate!
Everything swims before my eyes. Open the window, that a little air
may flow in! Ah! that is good! This air at least is pure, and not
infected with sin and slander!"
And the king had Earl Douglas roll him to the opened window, and
inspired in long draughts that pure fresh air. Then he turned to the
ladies with an agreeable smile.
"My ladies," said he, "I thank you! You have to-day shown yourselves
my true and devoted friends! I shall ever remember it, and I beg of
you, if at any time you need a friend and protector, to apply to us
with all confidence.
Pages:
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393