It is known to me that the matter has been brought before you by the Archbishop, who, as guardian of my daughter during my absence on the service of the nation, wished to obtain your sanction, as till my return he held her safety in trust.

This was so, not from any merit of mine, but because she, in her own person, had undertaken for the service of our nation a task of almost incredible difficulty.

My Lords, were she child of another father, I should extol to the skies her bravery, her self-devotion, her loyalty to the land she loves.

Why, then, should I hesitate to speak of her deeds in fitting terms, since it is my duty, my glory, to hold them in higher honour than can any in this land?
I shall not shame her--or even myself--by being silent when such a duty urges me to speak, as Voivode, as trusted envoy of our nation, as father.

Ages hence loyal men and women of our Land of the Blue Mountains will sing her deeds in song and tell them in story.