"But knowest thou, to fight in very earnest is something different than to read and chant it in a minstrel's lay?
Better hie thee back to Florence, boy; the mail suit and crested helm are not for such as thee--better shun them now, than after they are donned." "How! darest thou, Edward?
Edward, tempt me not too far," exclaimed Nigel, his cheek flushing, and springing towards him, his hand upon his half-drawn sword.

"By heaven, wert thou not my mother's son, I would compel thee to retract these words, injurious, unjust! How darest thou judge me coward, till my cowardice is proved?
Thy blood is not more red than mine." "Peace, peace! what meaneth this unseemly broil ?" said Robert, hastily advancing between them, for the dark features of Edward were lowering in wrath, and Nigel was excited to unwonted fierceness.

"Edward, begone! and as thou saidst, see to Sir Robert Keith--what news he brings.

Nigel, on thy love, thy allegiance so lately proffered, if I read thy greeting right, I pray thee heed not his taunting words.

I do not doubt thee; 'twas for thy happiness, not for thy gallantry, I trembled.