"have ye seen aught of mine enemy yet?" "No," replied one of the ruffians, in a surly tone, and we have waited your coming almost since nightfall." "Tut, chafe it not, Leof," said the knight, "but prepare thyself, for he will pass this way anon." "I am ready, Sir Rudulf," said Cedric, the other worthy, touching the hilt of his dagger, 66 my basilard here is sharp, and my arm is firm." He half unsheathed the weapon as he spoke, and its bright blade gleamed in the moonlight, for the queen of heaven was struggling through the dark and murky clouds, and as her edge now and then appeared above them, her beams were poured over the ancient Dowgate, and fell in an uninterrupted line on the gurgling stream as it rushed along. The spire of the venerable church of St. Mary Bothawe* raised its grey head high above the surrounding houses, and the faint sound of the evening service reached the ears of the guilty trio, who retired under the pent-house, and conversed in low whispers. Various plans were proposed for putting their victim to death without alarming the neighbourhood. "I would advise," said Leof, "that he be strangled. I have a stout coil of hemp in my pouch, 'twould make no noise." one who never wronged thee? Away with thee thou fierce man, or I will raise the watch." "Slave," cried the Knight, " dost thou taunt me at this hour and in this place ?-Down, down on thy knees, and mutter a prayer for thy soul's safe passage to heaven, for no earthly power can save thee!" A bell at this moment tolled out, and the moon was entirely shrouded in a mass of thick and murky clouds. "Hear'st thou that bell?" cried Sir Rudulf, "it sounds thy passing knell. Die, presumptuous boy!" and unsheathing his sword as he spoke, he made a furious lounge at his enemy. The sword struck the young man on the chest, but he wore a shirt of steel under his jerkin, and the weapon was rendered harmless; nevertheless it was given with such violence, that Geoffery Meryl staggered back several paces, and would have fallen, but for his serving man, who rushing up, supported his master with his left arm, while with his right he drew his sword, and dealt the Knight a blow on the head, which the mailed hood he wore alone prevented from being fatal; but Sir Rudulf immediately recovered himself, and shouting to his villainous associates, they immediately appeared and joined in the strife. With such odds in favour of the assassins, it could not be expected that the combat would be of long duration, for even the giant strength of Sir Rudulf was more than a match for ordinary men, even at that rude period, when effeminate habits had not made such inroads upon the physical strength of the English people. Ere a dozen blows had been exchanged, Geoffery's follower fell at his feet with a gasp, and rolling over the side of the bridge, fell with a heavy splash into the brook; at the same moment his master's sword was dashed from his grasp by the powerful arm of Sir Rudulf de Bracy: yet ere the giant Knight could strike him down, he grappled with his enemy, and seized him by the throat, but it was a hopeless struggle; he reeled and fell pierced by the daggers of the ruffians, a ̈and Sir Rudulf, half choked, shook himself, wiped the blood from his armour, and resuming his mantle, bade the ruffians cast the body into the stream. His commands were obeyed, and the corpse of the ill-fated youth was thrown into the brook; the bubbles which rose upon its surface sparkled for a moment in the moonbeams, then burst, and the stream resumed its wonted smoothness, though fairest youths in England. it swept over the corpse of one of the "Ah! ah! ah!" laughed Cedric, but in an under tone,—" Why, thou wouldst be playing at bell-the-cat, ay! I am for treating him to sharp steel like a soldier. What say ye, Sir Rudulf?" "Thou art much of my mind," replied the Knight, "but we have no time left for parley-here comes mine enemy, back and conceal yourselves awhile, and when I give the word rush out and strike." The ruffians instantly obeyed, and Sir Rudulf stepping forward, gained the small wooden bridge which crossed the brook at that spot, and waited the approach of his victim. He came on at a leisure pace, followed by a serving man, and prepared to cross the brook; when the Knight, throwing aside his mantle, and extending his arm, said in fierce tone 66 Geoffery Meryl, thou art in my power, command thy soul to God, for this night thou shalt lie in Abraham's bosom." "Rudulf de Bracy," replied the young "why dost thou seek to murther man, This Church before the Great Fire, stood in Turnwheel-lane. A portion of its venerable walls still remains, and the burial ground contains a few monuments, though of a recent date. There are few persons who have not heard or read of the splendid entry of Richard the First into London, after he had been liberated by his implacable foe, Leopold of Austria. This has been so often described, that any attempt of ours to detail the gorgeous spectacles with which the loyal citizens had prepared to welcome him, would, we fear, be considered presumption on our part; nevertheless, we must dwell for a moment on the scene. It was a clear and beautiful day on which the Lion-hearted King made his entry into London, and as he rode through the Chepe, thousands of loyal voices greeted his return. The trappings of the horse he rode glittered with the most splendid ornaments, and the dress of the King himself was magnificent in the extreme. He bowed gracefully to the people, whose shouts filled the air; and his broad and open features were lit up with rapture as he looked on the smiling countenances of those who surrounded him. Troops of armed citizens followed in his train; bills, pikes, lances, and rich armour flashed in the morning sun; the windows were hung with rich tapestry and cloth of gold, and the beauties of London graced each terrace and balcony; indeed, so great was the display made by the citizens of their wealth, that some of the German Barons who had accompanied the King to England, were heard to say, that had the ArchDuke known of it, he would not have parted with his prisoner for so moderate a ransom. The procession moved on towards the Guildhall, where a splendid repast was prepared. The King sat aloft on the dais, surrounded by his nobles. On his right sat Henry Fitz-Alwaine, the mayor, (the first who bore that title in London) and over against him, De Antiloche and Durant, the sheriffs, in their rich dresses and golden chains. In the body of the hall were tables for the citizens, who were all clad in their best, and many of them in armour. In the galleries were minstrels stationed,' whose fingers and lungs were exerted to the utmost for the gratification of their sovereign. The most costly wines were dealt out by the generous Londoners, who were mad with joy for the return of their brave monarch. It was during the height of these revelries, that a female form, closely veiled, followed by a young man of a gallant figure, was observed to enter the hall by a side door. Onward she came, unheeding the looks of surprise and astonishment which greeted her appearance; having passed the row of men-at-arms that stood on the steps of the dais, and who made room for her as they would have done for a being of another world, she advanced towards the King. At this moment a knight stepped forward, and was about to interfere, when Richard spoke "Let her advance, Sir Rudulf," said he. 66 "My Leige," replied the wily villain, might it not be some treasonable design against your Grace's life?" "Tut! tut! good Sir Rudulf," exclaimed the King, impatiently," shall we who never shrunk from the scymetars and lances of the Paynim, tremble at the approach of a timid woman? Come hither, damsel, we will do thee justice, though in the midst of wassail.” May heaven reward your Grace," said the maiden, withdrawing her veil, and discovering a countenance of dazzling beauty, though disfigured by weeping. Then kneeling down, she continued in scarcely audible accents, "My Leige, I claim justice on a villain knight who stands in your highness's presence-he has treacherously slain my only brother." Sir Rudolf's frame quivered with impatience; but he dared not speak, and contented himself by scowling fiercely on the young Knight who had accompanied the maiden into the hall. "Rise, gentle maiden," said the King, extending his hand to the suppliant," and name the villain who has robbed you of your kinsman." "He stands on your Grace's right hand," replied the mourner; "that dark swarthy one whom men call Sir Rudu!f de Bracy,-on him I charge this deed!" Sir Rudulf sprung forward with a violence which seemed as though he would have annihilated his accuser,-when he was checked by the King, who in a stern voice demanded what he had to say to the charge. My Leige," replied De Bracy, endeavouring to stifle his emotion, "'tis a vile plot to rob me of my life, or my still dearer good-name. I do deny the charge by my knighthood, 'tis false! Who supports this accusation?" All pressed forward to hear the answer to this demand, when the young Knight before mentioned drew from his bosom a gold chain. "Your Grace shall hear the particulars of this bloody story," said he, addressing the King. Last night, some two hours believe, stood on the scite of the steel-yard, after moon-rise, this lady's brother and my intimate, Master Geoffrey Meryl, was The Guildhall of London, at that time, we in Thames-street. returning home from his kinsman's house in the East Cheaping, attended only by his serving-man, when they were most savagely slain on their way home. Their bodies were this morning found at the grating under Dowgate, by the sentinel, who gave me this gold chain, which he found clutched in the death-grasp of my murdered friend; there is a medal attached to it which bears the arms of Sir Rudulf de Bracy! from whose neck the chain was doubtless torn in the deadly struggle." De Bracy's dark countenance grew black as a thunder-cloud, and then changed to a livid hue, while he fiercely replied "This is a well-hatched conspiracy; but am I to be condemned because, forsooth, a chain thus marked has been found upon the murdered man ?-I lost it in a ruffle at the Conduit in the Chepe, some eight months since." "Tis false !" said the young Knight, "thou had'st it round thy neck but yesterday-yet why need I argue with thee? -Bring forward his partner-here is one of thy accomplices." As he spoke, a man-at-arms led forward the ruffian Leof, strongly bound. 66 66 Ah, villain !" cried Sir Rudulf, while every nerve quivered with rage, art thou, too, leagued against me?" "Ay, Sir Knight," growled the ruffian, in reply, 66 you deceived me, but I have now my revenge by cheating thee; nay, chafe it not, I have looked on a sterner face than thine, and quailèd not. Did you not tell us that the men we slew were Normans?-else should my dagger have been drawn against them." "Peace, slave," said the King, interrupting Leof; "what ho! a guard there! -take this villain to the Chepe, and let him be hung forthwith.-And thou, Sir Rudulf, what hast thou to say to this charge?" 66 My Leige," replied De Bracy, kneeling before the King, "I am innocent, so help me Heaven and St. George! and I claim the combat against any knight who shall gainsay me." He rose as he spoke, and unfastening the jewelled clasp which confined his hood at the throat, he drew it from his head, and threw it on the floor, crying out in a voice of thunder, Here is my gage!" All eyes were turned on the young Knight who had made the accusation, while he, striding forward, flung down his hood, seized the hand of Sir Rudolf, and in a firm and solemn tone, using the customary forms upon those occasions, said, "Rudulf de Bracy, whom I hold by the hand, I do here charge thee that thou hast treacherously slain my dear friend, Geoffrey Meryl; and this I am ready to maintain by my body as a lawful man and a true knight; and that my appeal is true, so help me God and his saints!" He rung the hand of De Bracy as he spoke, and flung it from him with disdain; the guilty Knight smiled darkly, and taking the hand of his accuser, said, "Walter of Wallington, whom I hold by the hand, I do here charge thee that thou hast lied in thy throat; for that I did not slay thy friend as thou hast alleged ; and this I am ready to aver by my body as a true knight !" 66 ""Tis well," said the King; sheriffs, see that they be delivered into the custody of our marshal; and let lists be prepared for the combat in Smithfield, by sun-rise to-morrow." The sheriffs left the hall, having in custody the two Knights, whose looks indicated their impatience at the delay. Walter of Wallington found means to speak a few words of comfort to Agnes, who dreaded the issue of his encounter with the giant Sir Rudulf. "We would fain know what has caused this feud," said the King to FitzAlwaine; "we thought our subjects had forgotten their differences, and that the Norman and Saxon were brothers." "My Leige, I grieve to say 'tis not so," replied the mayor, with great reverence: "We have had many sad frays since your grace left England. On Lammasday there were six citizens slain in a ruffle at the Conduit in the Chepe. Your Grace has heard, too, of the arch-traitor, FitzOsbert, whom we took in the church of St. Mary-le-Bow ;-but here come De Antiloche and Durant, who can, perhaps, explain this matter unto your Grace." As he spoke, the sheriffs approached, and resumed their seats; when, in answer to the King's enquiries, De Antiloche spoke,— "My Liege," said he, " yon dark and stalwart Knight, as I am told, is smitten with the beauty of Mistress Agnes Meryl, whom he hath assailed with many pieces of gallantry, but without avail. 'Tis said she looks with a more kindly eye upon the fair-haired Knight, Sir Walter of Wallington, who was a bosom friend of the murdered gentleman. Sir Rudulf de Bracy thought that this preference was shown at the persuasion of her brother, and has often been heard to mutter revenge against the young Saxon, (whom God assoilize!) Sir Rudulf was seen last night by the watch, hastening from the spot where the murder was committed pray Heaven he may clear himself f this charge!" 66 "Amen," said the King; we would not, for the brightest jewel in our crown, that De Bracy be the vanquished. We have known him as a brave knight-he did noble work by our side upon the Paynim at Ascalon. They shall have a fair field-and may God defend the right!" Nothing further occurred to disturb the harmony of that evening, and it was late before the wassailers quitted the festive board, and sought their various homes, many of them to all appearance totally disqualified for business on the following day, though some were sober enough to bet upon the issue of the approaching combat. "I'll wager a butt of Malvoisey," said Ralph de Morden, the rich mercer of the Westcheap, to his neighbour and gossip as they reeled home. Ay, a butt of the best, I'll wager that Sir Rudulf comes off unhurt. I have heard many say that he fought like a Sampson at the taking of Ascalon, where he slew nine Saracens with the good sword he now wears. "He is a doughty knight, in good sooth," replied the other, "but master Walter is a man of a strong frame, and though more fair and comely than De Bracy, he hath thewes and sinews that are well nigh a match for his adversary." "Pish!" ejaculated a voice so near that it made the two citizens start, and a man of spare habit advanced from behind them. "Ye talk folly, goodman merchant," said he, addressing the one who had thus spoken, "Sir Rululf, my master, is a man for two such springalds as Walter of Wallington." "I cry your mercy, master Argentine," said the first citizen, "and will allow that you, being a man of war, and a follower of the stout knight we speak of, are better able to judge of his prowess than us merchants, though trust me I have seen some knightly service done ere now." "That may be, citizen Morden," replied the follower," but ye have not seen the fields that I have looked over. There are men of might among the Paynims, and beshrew me if they deal not in hard knocks, as my sconce hath ere now testified. By the mass, their maces make helm and burgonot ring like a kettle in a tinker's hand, and their arrows are of the sharpest!" "I doubt it not, master Argentine," said the merchant, " 'may I ask what brings ye into vintry ward at this hour, when Sir Rudulf dwells nigh unto MoorGate?" "I am going to Kynulph, the armourer's house hard-by here, he has a hood of mail to mend for our knight, and I must bear it home and get it in order for the combat to-morrow. Give you good even, my masters." As he spoke he turned on his heel, and striding down Thames Street, entered a dark alley which led to the river side. Here dwelt Kynulph the Saxon. The red glare seen through the clefts of the closed door, with the heavy ring of the anvil told that his labours had not yet ceased. Argentine pushed open the door, and entered the smithy, where he found the Saxon and two of his men busily employed on a suit of harness. The appearance of Kynulph was that of a Cyclops, his frame and his height were perfectly herculean, and the expression of his countenance had not been improved by the loss of an eye, which had been struck out in one of the frequent frays between the Saxons and their still inve terate foes, the Normans Kynulph, under an assumed appearance of reckless boldness, disguised the combined qualities of craft and dissimulation: his hatred to the Normans was the most deeply rooted, and towards Sir Rudulf de Bracy he nourished the most implacable revenge, for some injuries real or supposed, which he had inflicted on his countrymen. It was not, then, with pleasurable feelings that he beheld Argentine, but dressing his coarse and dingy features in a smile, he extended his huge paw to his visitor, who returned the grasp with which he was greeted, though with not the same degree of pressure, which could be compared to that of the armourer's own vices. "Argentine grinned with pain under the salute, but courtesy forbade him to complain, and after his palm had been released he enquired for the hood of mail. "Ye might have had it at even-song yesterday, an ye had liked," said the armourer, taking it from a chest. "Have ye tempered it well, gossip ?" enquired Argentine. 66 Ay," replied the other, "It is tempered bravely, Sir Rudulf will need no other." This was uttered in a peculiar tone, and was noticed by Argentine. "What mean ye, gossip ?" said he. "I mean,” replied the other," that it will bear thy master through twenty battles." "'Tis well; and now I must away and get all in order for to-morrow. Good even, Master Kynulph." And so saying he quitted the smithy, with the head-piece, little dreaming that, like another Lychas, he was carrying the means of the Knight's probable destruction. "Fool," thou art deceived as well as thy master," said the armourer, fastening the door after him-" that hood is the last he will wear he will need no other 'twill not bear the blow of a churl's quarter-staff: the first stroke of a mace or a pole-axe will shiver it to pieces?" "Ah! ah! ah !" laughed his two men, "how the Norman villains will be humbled when they see their doughty knight's scull beaten in by our brave countryman." "Whist !--some one may be abroad," said Kynulph. "Would that I could let Walter of Wallington know where to strike his enemy: that steel is so tempered, that a child might dash it to pieces.' "I marvel whether he would take the 'vantage of De Bracy, an he knew it," said Gurth, one of the men, "for he hath such notions of honour and honesty, that, beshrew me, if he would play false even with a Norman." "Thou sayest true," replied the armourer, “and, as it is, we had better leave it to chance, for if they come to hand blows, it will be all over with Rudulf de Bracy ere you could say an Ave or a Pater Noster." Before morning dawn workmen were employed in preparing the lists for the approaching combat. Ere the sun's beams had gilded the spires and towers of London, thousands were on the spot, eager to witness the fight. The King shortly appeared, and as the east began to brighten all was in readiness. At the appointed hour, Walter of Wallington's trumpet sounded, and shortly after, the usual ceremony having been gone through, that champion entered the lists armed at all points, and mounted on a strong but graceful war-horse. His challenge having been answered, Sir Rudulf de Bracy appeared, and after the customary charge, the marshals delivered them their lances. A breathless silence pervaded the assembled multitude as the combatants reined back their snorting steeds, to take full room for their career; and while the Normans openly proclaimed their confidence in their champion, the Saxons offered up secret and fervent prayers for the success of theirs. At length the signal was given-the trumpet bayed loudly, and, with levelled lances the combatants flew to meet each other they encountered about mid-way, and Walter of Wallington's horse stumbling at that moment, his aim was lost, and the lance of the Norman hurled him to the ground with tremendous violence. Here the heralds interposed, and raised the fallen champion from the ground. His hauberk of proof had protected him; and after draining a bowl of wine, he stood unhurt and ready to renew the combat. "Saxon," said Sir Rudulf, who still kept on horseback, "the lance is treacherous to thee-let us try the battle on foot." "Agreed," said Walter. De Bracy leapt from his horse and unsheathed his sword; the heralds retired, and the horses were led away, when the combat was renewed with great fury.Although nature had given a powerful frame to the Saxon champion, yet this would have availed him but little, for Sir Rudulf's strength was greater than that of ordinary men; Walter was, therefore, obliged to observe the utmost caution, for the blows of his adversary were showered in tremendous succession; but they were all parried, and De Bracy, losing breath by the great exertion he had made, desisted for a moment, and contented himself with warding off the blows aimed at him ; for Walter of Wallingford did not neglect to avail himself of this opportunity, and dealt his strokes with great skill and force. In the midst of the combat, the sword of De Bracy broke at the hilt, and he was left at the mercy of his antagonist. "Strike, Saxon," said Sir Rudulf, looking sternly upon him-"Rudulf de Bracy asks not mercy at thy hands." "I scorn "Nay," replied Walter, such 'vantage, and will continue the fight with mace or pole-axe, as the other weapons have failed." De Bracy's dark countenance brightened as he heard this proposed, for it offered him an advantage; the mace being a weapon which his great strength so admirably qualified him to wield, he therefore replied eagerly, 66 "Well, as ye list ;" then speaking to the soldiers, a mace for myself and the Saxon," and they were brought and delivered to them. They took their stand opposite to each other, about twelve yards distant, with flashing eyes and lowered brows. On the signal being given, they advanced, De Bracy flourishing the ponderous weapon round his head, while Walter, keeping his left arm across his breast, carried his mace in his right hand, resting it on his shoulder. They stood for several moments, regarding each other with fixed looks; each apparently unwilling to strike the first blow. At length the Norman's huge weapon descended with frightful rapidity, and threatened destruction to his enemy. The blow would have felled a giant, had it taken effect; but it was avoided by Walter of Wallington, who, leaping on one side, escaped the danger. |