He heeded neither laughter at its uncouth plainness, nor even the malicious sneer as to the poor Englishman's incapacity to purchase a handsomer one; rejecting every offer of a real Toledo, and declaring that he would prove both the strength and brightness of English steel, so that none should gainsay it.
"Welcome, Don Arthur! welcome, Senor Stanley! By St.Francis, I shall never learn thy native title, youth!" exclaimed the monarch, frankly, as he extended his hand, which Stanley knelt to salute.

"Returned with fresher laurels, Stanley?
Why, man, thou wilt make us thy debtor in good earnest!" "Nay, my gracious liege: that can never be!" replied Stanley, earnestly.

"Grateful I am, indeed, when there is opportunity to evince fidelity and valor in your Grace's service; but believe me, where so much has been and is received, not a life's devotion on my part can remove the impression, that I am the debtor still." "I believe thee, boy! I do believe thee! I would mistrust myself ere I mistrusted thee.

We will hear of thy doings to-morrow.

Enough now to know we are well satisfied with thy government in Sicily, and trust our native subject who succeeds thee will do his part as well.