A second and a third party of knights took the field; and although

they had various success, yet, upon the whole, the advantage decidedly

remained with the challengers, not one of whom lost his seat or

swerved from his charge--misfortunes which befell one or two of their

antagonists in each encounter. The spirits, therefore, of those opposed

to them, seemed to be considerably damped by their continued success.

Three knights only appeared on the fourth entry, who, avoiding the

shields of Bois-Guilbert and Front-de-Boeuf, contented themselves

with touching those of the three other knights, who had not altogether

manifested the same strength and dexterity. This politic selection

did not alter the fortune of the field, the challengers were still

successful: one of their antagonists was overthrown, and both the others

failed in the "attaint", [18] that is, in striking the helmet and shield

of their antagonist firmly and strongly, with the lance held in a direct

line, so that the weapon might break unless the champion was overthrown.

After this fourth encounter, there was a considerable pause; nor did

it appear that any one was very desirous of renewing the contest.

The spectators murmured among themselves; for, among the challengers,

Malvoisin and Front-de-Boeuf were unpopular from their characters,

and the others, except Grantmesnil, were disliked as strangers and

foreigners.

But none shared the general feeling of dissatisfaction so keenly as

Cedric the Saxon, who saw, in each advantage gained by the Norman

challengers, a repeated triumph over the honour of England. His own

education had taught him no skill in the games of chivalry, although,

with the arms of his Saxon ancestors, he had manifested himself, on

many occasions, a brave and determined soldier. He looked anxiously

to Athelstane, who had learned the accomplishments of the age, as if

desiring that he should make some personal effort to recover the victory

which was passing into the hands of the Templar and his associates.

But, though both stout of heart, and strong of person, Athelstane had a

disposition too inert and unambitious to make the exertions which Cedric

seemed to expect from him.

"The day is against England, my lord," said Cedric, in a marked tone;

"are you not tempted to take the lance?"

"I shall tilt to-morrow" answered Athelstane, "in the 'melee'; it is not

worth while for me to arm myself to-day."

Two things displeased Cedric in this speech. It contained the Norman

word "melee", (to express the general conflict,) and it evinced

some indifference to the honour of the country; but it was spoken by

Athelstane, whom he held in such profound respect, that he would not

trust himself to canvass his motives or his foibles. Moreover, he had

no time to make any remark, for Wamba thrust in his word, observing, "It

was better, though scarce easier, to be the best man among a hundred,

than the best man of two."




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