Page:Stilfrid and Brunswik (1879).pdf/34

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STILFRID.

happen to me, when I fought with any one; now it cannot be otherwise; I pray thee, Stilfrid, slay me not.” Thereupon the princes hastened down to them and all besought Stilfrid, saying: “Since he yieldeth himself to thee, receive him to mercy.” Saith Stilfrid: “O ye kings and great princes, and all ye assembled people! for your prayer I will do it, and to please you I will not slay him, but for his haughty words I ought to slay him. Rise, Zibrid! I will let thee go and show thee mercy.”

And when all was thus ended, Stilfrid kneeled down on his knees and gave thanks to God and likewise to S. Wenceslas. Then, and not till then, did he command his Bohemian banner to be unfurled, on one side whereof was a kettle on a fiery field. On seeing this, the princes and kings knew, what they had not yet known, that Stilfrid was the Prince of Bohemia, and led him with great reverence out of the lists under his banner. And King Astronomus said: “Stilfrid, great lord! I will proclaim thy name before all princes, because, being a great lord, thou didst not allow thyself to be known, and undertookest