But I must not speak to you of such high matters, though it seems that some have thought otherwise.

Fair Margaret, have you aught to ask of me ?" "Yes, your Majesty--that you will deal gently with my true love when he comes before you for trial, remembering that he is hot of head and strong of arm, and that such knights as he--for knightly is his blood-- cannot brook to see their ladies mishandled by rough men, and the wrappings that shield them torn from off their bosoms.

Also, I pray that I may be protected from Morella, that he may not be allowed to touch or even to speak to me, who, for all his rank and splendour, hate him as though he were some poisoned snake." "I have said that I must not prejudge your case, you beautiful English Margaret," the queen answered with a smile, "yet I think that neither of those things you ask will cause justice to slip the bandage that is about her eyes.

Go, and be at peace.

If you have spoken truth to me, as I am sure you have, and Isabella of Spain can prevent it, the Senor Brome's punishment shall not be heavy, nor shall the shadow of the Marquis of Morella, the base-born son of a prince and of some royal infidel"-- these words she spoke with much bitterness--"so much as fall upon you, though I warn you that my lord the king loves the man, as is but natural, and will not condemn him lightly.