but to take opportunity by the forehead, first by secret means
convented[2] with the Norman, and procured him with rich rewards to
swear that if Rosader came within his claws he should never more
return to quarrel with Saladyne for his possessions. The Norman
desirous of pelf--as _Quis nisi mentis inops oblatum respuit
aurum?_--taking great gifts for little gods, took the crowns of
Saladyne to perform the stratagem.

[Footnote 1: toad.]

[Footnote 2: met.]

Having thus the champion tied to his villainous determination by oath,
he prosecuted the intent of his purpose thus. He went to young
Rosader, who in all his thoughts reached at honor, and gazed no lower
than virtue commanded him, and began to tell him of this tournament
and wrastling, how the king should be there, and all the chief peers
of France, with all the beautiful damosels of the country.

"Now, brother," quoth he, "for the honor of Sir John of Bordeaux, our
renowmed father, to famous that house that never hath been found
without men approved in chivalry, show thy resolution to be
peremptory.[1] For myself thou knowest, though I am eldest by birth,
yet never having attempted any deeds of arms, I am youngest to perform
any martial exploits, knowing better how to survey my lands than to
charge my lance: my brother Fernandyne he is at Paris poring on a few
papers, having more insight into sophistry and principles of
philosophy, than any warlike endeavors; but thou, Rosader, the
youngest in years but the eldest in valor, art a man of strength, and
darest do what honor allows thee. Take thou my father's lance, his