Page:Stilfrid and Brunswik (1879).pdf/36

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STILFRID.

stored him his kingdom under these conditions: That he should never be against him, but act upon his counsel; and likewise, if need were, should send to his aid thirty thousand men and two thousand horses, and that even if he were obliged to sell his goods.

And Stilfrid said: “O King! remember that thou gavest me a choice to ask for a gift. I ask not for lands, but for the honour of my Bohemian nation and of my only son, Brunswik. I ask thee to give me the arms of the King of England, to wit, a black eagle on a golden field, instead of this kettle, which I bear upon my shield.” The King of Naples said to him: “Truly Stilfrid, not only the eagle, which I can easily give, but the half of my kingdom in full possession do I give thee, if thou willest; and be thou sure and certain, that thou shalt have whatsoever thou askest.” And he bade speedily erase the kettle and embroider a black eagle on a golden field on his banner and on all his pennons.

Stilfrid thanked him for this, and sent word with speed to his own land, where he had not been for three years, that they were to equip