Page:Stilfrid and Brunswik (1879).pdf/20

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10
STILFRID.

to live, if thou shouldest reject such an offer; for if thou wert to begin at the rising and travel to the setting of the sun, never wouldst thou meet with a like thing. For thou knowest that thou hast plenty of valiant men in thy service; therefore choose out twelve, and let it be agreed upon and witnessed, and show the letter to other kings and princes.” So the English king sent to the King of Naples, that he should have his desire.

So they appointed a time at the end of two weeks, and meanwhile both of them sent to the kings and princes round about, that they might make the covenant between them twain. And when many kings and princes assembled, they made the covenant between them; and after preparing the horses and money on both sides, they made an enclosure for them in a meadow, and fenced it round about, so that no man could get in or out. And when the day came, on which the battle was to be, the King of England rode up and down his army, choosing out twelve valiant princes and knights, and one he summoned, saying: ‘Symforian of Lionshield, mount thy horse and ride into that meadow; if thou holdest it