He drew her towards him with sudden great tenderness, as she knelt and looked into his face. Her eyes swam with tears, her lips quivered.
"My life, why do you weep?"
She started away from him with sudden strength, and stood by the window, trembling.
"Give me my armour and my banner," she said; "let me ride to the trenches and barter terms by my surrender. Sire, let me go, let me go."
He looked at her sadly under his brows, with forehead wrinkled.
"You would leave me?"
"Ah yes, to save you from the sword. Is it easy for me to ask you this?"
"You crave more than I can give."
"No, no."
"I cannot surrender you."