[The Talisman by Sir Walter Scott]@TWC D-Link bookThe Talisman CHAPTER VIII 5/18
Yes, I will see his physician.
I will put myself into the charge of this Hakim--I will repay the noble Soldan his generosity--I will meet Saladin in the field, as he so worthily proposes, and he shall have no cause to term Richard of England ungrateful.
I will strike him to the earth with my battle-axe--I will convert him to Holy Church with such blows as he has rarely endured.
He shall recant his errors before my good cross-handled sword, and I will have him baptized on the battle-field, from my own helmet, though the cleansing waters were mixed with the blood of us both .-- Haste, De Vaux, why dost thou delay a conclusion so pleasing? Fetch the Hakim hither." "My lord," said the baron, who perhaps saw some accession of fever in this overflow of confidence, "bethink you, the Soldan is a pagan, and that you are his most formidable enemy--" "For which reason he is the more bound to do me service in this matter, lest a paltry fever end the quarrel betwixt two such kings.
I tell thee he loves me as I love him--as noble adversaries ever love each other.
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