CHAPTER VI.
THE LISTS.
The third day after the arrival of the Earl of Evesham there was a great banquet given by the King of France to King Richard and his principal nobles.
Among those present was the Earl of Evesham, and Cuthbert as his page followed him to the great tent where the banquet was prepared.
Here, at the top of the tent, on a raised dais, sat the King of France, surrounded by his courtiers.

The Earl of Evesham, having been conducted by the herald to the dais, paid his compliments to the king, and was saluted by him with many flattering words.
The sound of a trumpet was heard, and Richard of England, accompanied by his principal nobles, entered.
It was the first time that Cuthbert had seen the king.
Richard was a man of splendid stature and of enormous strength.

His appearance was in some respects rather Saxon than Norman, for his hair was light and his complexion clear and bright.

He wore the mustache and pointed beard at that time in fashion; and although his expression was generally that of frankness and good humor, there might be observed in his quick motions and piercing glances signs of the hasty temper and unbridled passion which went far to wreck the success of the enterprise upon which he was embarked.
Richard possessed most of the qualities which make a man a great king and render him the idol of his subjects, especially in a time of semi-civilization, when personal prowess is placed at the summit of all human virtues.

In all his dominions there was not one man who in personal conflict was a match for his king.
Except during his fits of passion, King Richard was generous, forgiving, and royal in his moods.