When he seemed to think it sufficiently medicated, he was about to offer it to the sovereign, who prevented him by saying, "Hold an instant.

Thou hast felt my pulse--let me lay my finger on thine.

I too, as becomes a good knight, know something of thine art." The Arabian yielded his hand without hesitation, and his long, slender dark fingers were for an instant enclosed, and almost buried, in the large enfoldment of King Richard's hand.
"His blood beats calm as an infant's," said the King; "so throbs not theirs who poison princes.

De Vaux, whether we live or die, dismiss this Hakim with honour and safety .-- Commend us, friend, to the noble Saladin.
Should I die, it is without doubt of his faith; should I live, it will be to thank him as a warrior would desire to be thanked." He then raised himself in bed, took the cup in his hand, and turning to the Marquis and the Grand Master--"Mark what I say, and let my royal brethren pledge me in Cyprus wine, 'To the immortal honour of the first Crusader who shall strike lance or sword on the gate of Jerusalem; and to the shame and eternal infamy of whomsoever shall turn back from the plough on which he hath laid his hand!'" He drained the cup to the bottom, resigned it to the Arabian, and sunk back, as if exhausted, upon the cushions which were arranged to receive him.

The physician then, with silent but expressive signs, directed that all should leave the tent excepting himself and De Vaux, whom no remonstrance could induce to withdraw.