They delivered their message in terms of the utmost humility; and without arraigning the justice of the conqueror in his severe treatment of their countrymen, only solicited a period to that severity, laying at his feet the treasures with which they were entrusted, and pledging themselves and their master for the payment of any further sums which he might demand as the price of mercy.
"King Richard spake with wordes mild.
'The gold to take, God me shield! Among you partes [Divide] every charge.
I brought in shippes and in barge, More gold and silver with me, Than has your lord, and swilke three.
To his treasure have I no need! But for my love I you bid, To meat with me that ye dwell; And afterward I shall you tell.
Thorough counsel I shall you answer, What BODE [Message] ye shall to your lord bear.
"The invitation was gratefully accepted.

Richard, in the meantime, gave secret orders to his marshal that he should repair to the prison, select a certain number of the most distinguished captives, and, after carefully noting their names on a roll of parchment, cause their heads to be instantly struck off; that these heads should be delivered to the cook, with instructions to clear away the hair, and, after boiling them in a cauldron, to distribute them on several platters, one to each guest, observing to fasten on the forehead of each the piece of parchment expressing the name and family of the victim.
"'An hot head bring me beforn, As I were well apayed withall, Eat thereof fast I shall; As it were a tender chick, To see how the others will like.' "This horrible order was punctually executed.

At noon the guests were summoned to wash by the music of the waits.

The king took his seat attended by the principal officers of his court, at the high table, and the rest of the company were marshalled at a long table below him.
On the cloth were placed portions of salt at the usual distances, but neither bread, wine, nor water.

The ambassadors, rather surprised at this omission, but still free from apprehension, awaited in silence the arrival of the dinner, which was announced by the sound of pipes, trumpets, and tabours; and beheld, with horror and dismay, the unnatural banquet introduced by the steward and his officers.