"Sir John, I commend thee to thy mistress. A dainty choice. She is 'The
Queen of Beauty' for the day, and to-night we command your presence at
the banquet."
"My gracious liege," said Isabella, pointing to Oskatell, "I have a
brother; unto his care it is but meet that I entrust myself; and he"----
"His person and endowments," interrupted the king, "are not unknown to
us. I do honour thee by ennobling him; for though our ladies' brightness
be all too dazzling to receive a glory from us, yet peradventure for
their sakes our courtesy is vouchsafed. Rise, Sir Oskatell de Lathom."
Again a flourish of trumpets proclaimed the king's favour, who with many
more gracious speeches won the affection of all who heard him that day.
Several other jousts and "gentle passages" were held, the success of
which falling principally with the English combatants, the boasting
pride of France was again humbled before the king, who seemed to renew
his former victories at this memorable "_Tourney of Winchester_."
But Isabella had bartered years of repose for this brief season of
intoxicating splendour. The barbed arrow was in her heart, and the more
she struggled, the more irreclaimable it grew.
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