The followers of the prophet hold minstrels but in slight reverence." "What is the news of King Richard ?" the knight said.

"I have heard that he was lost on the voyage homeward." "It is not so," Blondel said.

"He landed safely on the coast, and was journeying north with a view of joining his sister at the court of Saxony, when he was foully seized and imprisoned by the Archduke John." "That were gross shame indeed," the knight said, "and black treachery on the part of Duke John.

And where is the noble king imprisoned ?" "That," said Blondel, "no man knows.

On my journey hither I have gathered that the emperor claimed him from the hand of the archduke, and that he is imprisoned in one of the royal fortresses, but which I know not.