There is not one of the knights assembled round you who would not in like manner have avenged an insult offered to those of Austria; and I am ready to do battle in the lists with any who choose to say that the deed was a foul or improper one.

In the Holy Land Austrians and English fought side by side; and it is strange indeed to me that on my return, journeying through the country of the emperor, I should find myself treated as an enemy, and see the arms of King Richard exposed to insult and derision by the burghers of this city." As Cuthbert had spoken he threw down his mailed glove, and several of the knights present stepped forward to pick it up.

The baron, however, waved them back.
"It is no question," he said, "of honorable fight.

This is a follower of the murderer of my good cousin of Montferat, who died under the hands of assassins set upon him by Richard of England." "It is false!" Cuthbert shouted.

"I denounce it as a foul lie, and will maintain it with my life." "Your life is already forfeited," the baron said, "both by your past connection with Richard of England and as the insulter of the arms of Austria.