It were inconsistent to think so, since even the Oriflamme itself--the great banner of France, to which the royal Richard himself, in respect of his French possessions, is but a vassal--holds for the present an inferior place to the Lions of England.

But as sworn brethren of the Cross, military pilgrims, who, laying aside the pomp and pride of this world, are hewing with our swords the way to the Holy Sepulchre, I myself, and the other princes, have renounced to King Richard, from respect to his high renown and great feats of arms, that precedence which elsewhere, and upon other motives, would not have been yielded.
I am satisfied that, when your royal grace of Austria shall have considered this, you will express sorrow for having placed your banner on this spot, and that the royal Majesty of England will then give satisfaction for the insult he has offered." The SPRUCH-SPRECHER and the jester had both retired to a safe distance when matters seemed coming to blows; but returned when words, their own commodity, seemed again about to become the order of the day.
The man of proverbs was so delighted with Philip's politic speech that he clashed his baton at the conclusion, by way of emphasis, and forgot the presence in which he was, so far as to say aloud that he himself had never said a wiser thing in his life.
"It may be so," whispered Jonas Schwanker, "but we shall be whipped if you speak so loud." The Duke answered sullenly that he would refer his quarrel to the General Council of the Crusade--a motion which Philip highly applauded, as qualified to take away a scandal most harmful to Christendom.
Richard, retaining the same careless attitude, listened to Philip until his oratory seemed exhausted, and then said aloud, "I am drowsy--this fever hangs about me still.

Brother of France, thou art acquainted with my humour, and that I have at all times but few words to spare.

Know, therefore, at once, I will submit a matter touching the honour of England neither to Prince, Pope, nor Council.

Here stands my banner--whatsoever pennon shall be reared within three butts' length of it--ay, were it the Oriflamme, of which you were, I think, but now speaking--shall be treated as that dishonoured rag; nor will I yield other satisfaction than that which these poor limbs can render in the lists to any bold challenge--ay, were it against five champions instead of one." "Now," said the jester, whispering his companion, "that is as complete a piece of folly as if I myself had said it; but yet, I think, there may be in this matter a greater fool than Richard yet." "And who may that be ?" asked the man of wisdom.
"Philip," said the jester, "or our own Royal Duke, should either accept the challenge.