Ivanhoe

But the Disinherited Knight spoke not a word in reply to the compliment

of the Prince, which he only acknowledged with a profound obeisance.

The horse was led into the lists by two grooms richly dressed, the

animal itself being fully accoutred with the richest war-furniture;

which, however, scarcely added to the value of the noble creature in the

eyes of those who were judges. Laying one hand upon the pommel of the

saddle, the Disinherited Knight vaulted at once upon the back of the

steed without making use of the stirrup, and, brandishing aloft his

lance, rode twice around the lists, exhibiting the points and paces of

the horse with the skill of a perfect horseman.

The appearance of vanity, which might otherwise have been attributed to

this display, was removed by the propriety shown in exhibiting to the

best advantage the princely reward with which he had been just honoured,

and the Knight was again greeted by the acclamations of all present.

In the meanwhile, the bustling Prior of Jorvaulx had reminded Prince

John, in a whisper, that the victor must now display his good judgment,

instead of his valour, by selecting from among the beauties who graced

the galleries a lady, who should fill the throne of the Queen of Beauty

and of Love, and deliver the prize of the tourney upon the ensuing day.

The Prince accordingly made a sign with his truncheon, as the Knight

passed him in his second career around the lists. The Knight turned

towards the throne, and, sinking his lance, until the point was within

a foot of the ground, remained motionless, as if expecting John's

commands; while all admired the sudden dexterity with which he instantly

reduced his fiery steed from a state of violent emotion and high

excitation to the stillness of an equestrian statue.

"Sir Disinherited Knight," said Prince John, "since that is the only

title by which we can address you, it is now your duty, as well as

privilege, to name the fair lady, who, as Queen of Honour and of Love,

is to preside over next day's festival. If, as a stranger in our land,

you should require the aid of other judgment to guide your own, we

can only say that Alicia, the daughter of our gallant knight Waldemar

Fitzurse, has at our court been long held the first in beauty as in

place. Nevertheless, it is your undoubted prerogative to confer on whom

you please this crown, by the delivery of which to the lady of

your choice, the election of to-morrow's Queen will be formal and

complete.--Raise your lance."