Enlight21

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895. Excerpt: ... assumed forgetfulncss, after so much has been remembered, comes too late to serve your purpose. I will myself tell the name of the knight before whose lance I fell: it was the Knight of Ivanhoe; nor was there one of the six that, for his years, had more renown in arms. Yet this will I say, and loudly, that, were he in England, I would gladly meet him in this week's tournament, mounted and armed as I now am." "If Ivanhoe ever returns from Palestine I will be his surety that he meets you," replied the Palmer. Not long after, the grace-cup was served round, and the guests, after making deep obeisance to their landlord and the Lady Rowena, arose, and retired with their attendants for the night. As the Palmer was being guided to his chamber he was met by the waiting maid of Rowena, who informed him that her mistress desired to speak with him. A short passage and an ascent of some steps led him to the lady's apartment. As the pilgrim entered she ordered her attendants, excepting only one, to retire. "Pilgrim," said the lady, after a moment's pause, during which she seemed uncertain how to address him, "you this night mentioned a name--I mean the name of Ivanhoe--I would gladly hear news of him. Where and in what condition did you leave him?" "I know little of the Knight of Ivanhoe," answered the Palmer with a troubled voice. "He hath, I believe, surmounted the persecution of his enemies in Palestine, and is on the eve of returning to England." The Lady Rowena sighed deeply. "Would to God," she then said, "he were here safely arrived, and able to bear arms in the approaching tourney. Should Athelstane of Coningsburgh obtain the prize, Ivanhoe is like to hear evil tidings when he reaches England." Finding that there was no further information to be obtained about... ssssss