"This noble
birth and heritage are mine! Behold, 'tis thus I repay your injustice!"
He threw off his cloak; underneath appeared a complete suit of proof
armour, and a surcoat, on which was emblazoned the badge of the
Fitz-Eustace.
"I am Richard Fitz-Eustace, thine elder brother! Nay, put off that brow
of discontent. I claim not my birthright; the vows of Heaven are upon
me, and to thee and thine will this good inheritance devolve. One right
only do I claim--this prisoner is free. Was he not my stay and
sustenance when the fiat of Heaven guided me hither? He sheltered me,
and had pity on mine infirmity. Moreover, he had some well-founded
expectancy towards these domains, by reason of kindred to the Lacies,
had they not been devised by will to the Fitz-Eustace. His blood is
noble as our own. He thinks there is injustice in the deed, but not to
him shall the atonement come. Thou hast a daughter, and my prescience
hath this consequence, that by her this rankling wound shall be healed.
If so be that he have found favour in her sight, let her and the son of
this ambitious priest be joined together in the bonds of holy wedlock;
for my word is gone forth--his blood mingles with ours.
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