marvelled at and regretted the unwonted inactivity which they
were compelled to share. These were but the accompaniments of
the soldier and huntsman; but on a small table close by the bed
was placed a shield of wrought steel, of triangular form, bearing
the three lions passant first assumed by the chivalrous monarch,
and before it the golden circlet, resembling much a ducal
coronet, only that it was higher in front than behind, which,
with the purple velvet and embroidered tiara that lined it,
formed then the emblem of England's sovereignty. Beside it, as
if prompt for defending the regal symbol, lay a mighty curtal-axe, which would have wearied the arm of
any other than Coeur de
Lion.

In an outer partition of the pavilion waited two or three
officers of the royal household, depressed, anxious for their
master's health, and not less so for their own safety, in case of
his decease. Their gloomy apprehensions spread themselves to the
warders without, who paced about in downcast and silent
contemplation, or, resting on their halberds, stood motionless on
their post, rather like armed trophies than living warriors.

"So thou hast no better news to bring me from without, Sir
Thomas!" said the King, after a long and perturbed silence,
spent in the feverish agitation which we have endeavoured to
describe. "All our knights turned women, and our ladies become
devotees, and neither a spark of valour nor of gallantry to
enlighten a camp which contains the choicest of Europe's
chivalry--ha!"

"The truce, my lord," said De Vaux, with the same patience with