Be pleased to read it, it is open." The Envoy took the letter and read it, lifting his eyebrows as he did so.
"By St.Mark,--he's the right saint to swear by in Venice"-- he exclaimed when he had finished, "this is a strange affair.

You have travelled hither to offer single combat to Edmund Acour, Count of Noyon and Seigneur of Cattrina.

The Doge is urged by his friendship to the throne of England to bring about this combat to the death, seeing that de Noyon has broken his oath of homage, has plotted to overthrow King Edward, has fought against him and that therefore you are his Grace's champion as well as the avenger of certain private wrongs which you will explain.
That's the letter.

Well, I think the Doge will listen to it, because he scarce dare do otherwise who wishes no quarrel with our country just now when it is victorious.

Also this de Noyon, whom we call Cattrina here, has allied himself with certain great men of the Republic, with whom he is connected by blood, who are secret enemies to the Doge.