fever in this overflow of confidence, "bethink you, the Soldan is
a pagan, and that you are his most formidable enemy--"

"For which reason he is the more bound to do me service in this
matter, lest a paltry fever end the quarrel betwixt two such
kings. I tell thee he loves me as I love him--as noble
adversaries ever love each other. By my honour, it were sin to
doubt his good faith!"

"Nevertheless, my lord, it were well to wait the issue of these
medicines upon the Scottish squire," said the Lord of Gilsland.
"My own life depends upon it, for worthy were I to die like a dog
did I proceed rashly in this matter, and make shipwreck of the
weal of Christendom."

"I never knew thee before hesitate for fear of life," said
Richard upbraidingly.

"Nor would I now, my liege," replied the stout-hearted baron,
"save that yours lies at pledge as well as my own."

"Well, thou suspicious mortal," answered Richard, "begone then,
and watch the progress of this remedy. I could almost wish it
might either cure or kill me, for I am weary of lying here like
an ox dying of the murrain, when tambours are beating, horses
stamping, and trumpets sounding without."

The baron hastily departed, resolved, however, to communicate his
errand to some churchman, as he felt something burdened in
conscience at the idea of his master being attended by an