It was this glance which subdued her proud
spirit to its influence. Her maidenly apprehensions became aroused; she
attempted, but in vain, to drive away the intruder: the vision haunted
her deeply--too deeply for her repose! Marks of some outward impression
were yet visible on her hand, whether from causes less occult than the
moving phantasma of the mind, is a question that would resist all our
powers of solution. In a mood thus admirably fitted for the encountering
of some marvellous adventure, did she mount her little white palfrey,
all pranked out and caparisoned for the occasion.
Followed by a train of some length, with Oskatell by her side, the
daughter of the house of Lathom allured the eyes of not a few as she
passed on. Many a stately knight bent his head, and many an inquiry was
directed to the esquires and attendants as she drew near.
The scene of this renowned combat was a spacious plain below the city,
on the opposite side of the river Itchen. The chalky cliffs, which
obtained for it the name of Caer Gwint, or the White City, were studded
with gay and anxious multitudes, whose hopes and fears have long been
swept off by the waves of passing generations.
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