"Peace and no more from out its brazen portals
The blasts of war's great organ shake the skies,
But beautiful as songs of the immortals,
The holy harmonies of peace arise."
And now Brian Fitz-Count could carry out his heart's desire, and follow Osric to the Crusades. His wife, Maude of Wallingford, had before retired into Normandy, weary of strife and turmoil, and taken the veil, with his consent, in a convent connected with the great monastery of Bec.
In the chamber overlooking the south terrace, the river, and the glacis, once the bower of Maude d'Oyley, sat the young King Henry. He was of ruddy countenance and well favoured, like David of old. His chest was broad but his stature short, his manners graceful and dignified.
Before him stood the lord of the castle.
"And so thou wilt leave us! For the sake of thy long and great services to our cause, I would fain have retained thee here."
"My liege, I wish to atone for a life of violence and bloodshed. I must save my poor soul."
"Hast thou sinned more than other men?"