Ivanhoe

About the same time arrived Cedric the Saxon, with the Lady Rowena,

unattended, however, by Athelstane. This Saxon lord had arrayed his

tall and strong person in armour, in order to take his place among the

combatants; and, considerably to the surprise of Cedric, had chosen to

enlist himself on the part of the Knight Templar. The Saxon, indeed, had

remonstrated strongly with his friend upon the injudicious choice he had

made of his party; but he had only received that sort of answer usually

given by those who are more obstinate in following their own course,

than strong in justifying it.

His best, if not his only reason, for adhering to the party of Brian de

Bois-Guilbert, Athelstane had the prudence to keep to himself. Though

his apathy of disposition prevented his taking any means to recommend

himself to the Lady Rowena, he was, nevertheless, by no means insensible

to her charms, and considered his union with her as a matter already

fixed beyond doubt, by the assent of Cedric and her other friends. It

had therefore been with smothered displeasure that the proud though

indolent Lord of Coningsburgh beheld the victor of the preceding day

select Rowena as the object of that honour which it became his privilege

to confer. In order to punish him for a preference which seemed to

interfere with his own suit, Athelstane, confident of his strength,

and to whom his flatterers, at least, ascribed great skill in arms, had

determined not only to deprive the Disinherited Knight of his powerful

succour, but, if an opportunity should occur, to make him feel the

weight of his battle-axe.

De Bracy, and other knights attached to Prince John, in obedience to

a hint from him, had joined the party of the challengers, John being

desirous to secure, if possible, the victory to that side. On the

other hand, many other knights, both English and Norman, natives and

strangers, took part against the challengers, the more readily that

the opposite band was to be led by so distinguished a champion as the

Disinherited Knight had approved himself.

As soon as Prince John observed that the destined Queen of the day had

arrived upon the field, assuming that air of courtesy which sat well

upon him when he was pleased to exhibit it, he rode forward to meet

her, doffed his bonnet, and, alighting from his horse, assisted the Lady

Rowena from her saddle, while his followers uncovered at the same time,

and one of the most distinguished dismounted to hold her palfrey.

"It is thus," said Prince John, "that we set the dutiful example of

loyalty to the Queen of Love and Beauty, and are ourselves her guide to

the throne which she must this day occupy.--Ladies," he said, "attend

your Queen, as you wish in your turn to be distinguished by like

honours."