“Both heard and seen him, my lord: we have eaten of the same bread, and shared the same couch.”
“What say they of the Christian kings?”
“They say the Dacian king has regained his kingdom and crown by the aid of a brave knight of Rome, whom he promoted to great honor and riches.”
“They say true, sir pilgrim,” said the king, on whose brow an angry spot began to show.
“They further say, that thou, O king, hast driven away this good and brave knight, seduced by the malice of one Plebeus, who has poisoned your royal ear with his falsehoods.”
“False pilgrim,” cried Plebeus, who stood by the king’s chair; “false pilgrim, thou utterest lies that thou darest not to defend with thy life. That Tyrius was a traitor; he would have dethroned our king.”
“Sir knight,” replied Guido, “I have both spoken the truth, and dare prove it; if thou art Sir Plebeus, and sayest Tyrius was a traitor; go to, thou art a liar, and by the king’s leave I will prove thy falsehood on thy body.”
“It is well,” said the king; “let the wager of battle decide the truth, and God defend the right.”
“Give me, my lord, such arms as be necessary for the field, and the ordeal of battle shall prove the truth. Save this sword, I have no armor.”
“Be it so as you desire; to-morrow, at noon, we will see this combat. Daughter, to thy care I commit this pilgrim knight; see that he be forthcoming by to-morrow’s noon.”