" The whole of this procession was
one vast masquerade of pomp, little betokening the frailty and folly
which it enveloped. Though to all outward show fair and glistening, yet
was there a heavy gloom brooding over the nation. Prince Edward, the
flower of chivalry, usually called the Black Prince, from the colour of
his armour, lay then grievously sick, and the whole hope and welfare of
the land seemed to hang on his recovery. The known ambition of John of
Gaunt was a main source of alarm and anxiety. "Edward had, however,"
says the historian, "declared his grandson heir and successor to the
crown, and thereby cut off all the hopes of the Duke of Lancaster, if he
ever had the temerity to entertain any."
Not forgetting his former homage to the sex, the king's eye lingered on
the form of Isabella, but she drew back, daunted by the ardour of his
gaze. Oskatell saw the impression she had made, in nowise displeased,
hoping some ray of royal favour would be reflected to him from the beam
that already dawned on his companion.
We now pass on to the field, where everything was in readiness for the
combat. The knights had heard mass and made confession, these being the
requisite preparatives to the noble deeds they had that day vowed to
perform.
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