But you were so much the noble and intrepid king, that you would not yourself become the accuser--nay, you would not once draw back the foot menaced by the serpent.

Great and merciful, like God Himself, you smiled upon him whom you knew to be your enemy.

But I, my king--I have other duties.

I am like the faithful dog, that has eyes only for the safety of his master, and falls upon every one that comes to menace him.

I have seen the serpent that would kill you, and I will bruise his head!" "And what is the name of this serpent of which you speak ?" asked the king; and his heart beat so boisterously that he felt it on his trembling lips.
"It is called," said Earl Douglas, earnestly and solemnly--"it is called Howard!" The king uttered a cry, and, forgetting his gout and his pains, arose from his chair.
"Howard!" said he, with a cruel smile.