At last the French gentlemen appeared at the gate of the castle in imposing4 array—knights in glistening5 armor, squires6 and servants also armed. Count von Gragny, a famous soldier and well-known to H?el on many a battle-field, came as the King’s representative. The strangers were escorted to their quarters, and after a short rest Count Gragny exchanged his armor for court dress to wait upon the Duchess. With his little retinue7 he rode through the narrow streets of the city to the castle, where the chamberlain conducted him to her presence.
30
Constance received upon a dais in the centre of the room, surrounded by her ladies, and bowed a gracious welcome to the Count, who knelt and delivered the greeting of his King.
“I am delighted, noble Count,” Constance began, “that the King has granted my wish and is willing to be the godfather of the Duke.”
“The King has shown you further favor, Lady Duchess, and has intrusted me with a message which is for your private ear,” replied the Count.
The Duchess, surprised, motioned her ladies to withdraw. “Speak,” she eagerly exclaimed, when they were alone.
“The King of France, in consideration of your unprotected situation and the dangers which threaten the heir of Duke Geoffrey—”
“Pardon me,” interrupted Constance, “we do not feel that we are unprotected. Our vassals8 are faithful, and the people are loyal.”
“Yet as dangers may easily arise, noble lady, when you least expect them, King Philip offers to undertake the guardianship9 of your son.”
31
Constance was alarmed, but retained her composure, and asked: “Would not this provoke danger? It is the duty of the nearest paternal10 relatives, the King of England and his princes, to take the place of father to my son, and they may not yield that right.”
“Are you sure they are willing to exercise it, Lady Duchess? and have you sufficient confidence in them to intrust your child to their care? Will they unqualifiedly recognize him as the Duke? King Henry is far over the frontiers of Scotland and his sons are not on the best of terms with you.”
“Richard is noble and just. He is the eldest11, and is under obligation to his dead brother, Geoffrey,” replied Constance.
“Do not depend upon him. He is never in one place long enough to become attached to any one. I advise you to accept the King’s offer.”
“I will consider it, Count,” replied the Duchess, rising. “For the next few days, meanwhile, you are my guest. We will let business rest during the festivities, but will confer with you again on this matter before you return to Paris.”
32
The Count bowed and left the Duchess, who remained for some time absorbed in thought. At last she called Bertha, who was accustomed to bring the Prince to his mother about that hour, and she at once entered, carrying the child in her arms. The Duchess rushed up to her, took the child, and tenderly kissed him. “I may enjoy my sweet one only a moment to-day, Bertha,” she exclaimed. “Is it not glorious that God has given me such a charming gift of love? Surely fate should be kind to him, but, alas12, clouds are gathering13 on the horizon of his life, and I am left alone to protect him. Now, Bertha, take my darling away, for Knight3 H?el comes to speak with me.”
H?el was very anxious, for he feared, after the long interview with the Count, that difficulties had arisen. Constance began at once communicating to him what had been proposed, “Can you divine what King Philip Augustus has requested of me?”
“Requested, or demanded?” asked H?el.
“Both, only the demand was concealed14. He wishes to take the guardianship of the Duke of Brittany.”
“Ha! crafty15 as ever! Were his proposal disinterested16, it would be well. Still, Philip has the power to protect you.”
33
“But against whom? We are living in peace, and I must first know what to expect from England.”
“May I know what reply you made to the Count?”
“None, as yet. I asked time for consideration. See to it, therefore, that the French gentlemen have a cordial reception, and at the christening to-morrow the representative of the King shall be honored as far as is in our power.”
With this the Duchess closed the interview, and H?el repaired to his guests to ascertain17 their wishes and make their visit as pleasant as possible.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
adherents
|
|
| n.支持者，拥护者( adherent的名词复数 )；党羽；徒子徒孙 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
knights
|
|
| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
imposing
|
|
| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
glistening
|
|
| adj.闪耀的，反光的v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
squires
|
|
| n.地主，乡绅( squire的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
retinue
|
|
| n.侍从；随员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
vassals
|
|
| n.奴仆( vassal的名词复数 )；（封建时代）诸侯；从属者；下属 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
guardianship
|
|
| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
paternal
|
|
| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
eldest
|
|
| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
alas
|
|
| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
gathering
|
|
| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
concealed
|
|
| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
crafty
|
|
| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
disinterested
|
|
| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
ascertain
|
|
| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |