I also, and the noble Athelstane of Coningsburgh, speak only the language, and practise only the manners, of our fathers.

We therefore decline with thanks your Highness's courteous invitation to the banquet.

To-morrow, the Lady Rowena will take upon her the state to which she has been called by the free election of the victor Knight, confirmed by the acclamations of the people." So saying, he lifted the coronet, and placed it upon Rowena's head, in token of her acceptance of the temporary authority assigned to her.
"What says he ?" said Prince John, affecting not to understand the Saxon language, in which, however, he was well skilled.

The purport of Cedric's speech was repeated to him in French.

"It is well," he said; "to-morrow we will ourself conduct this mute sovereign to her seat of dignity .-- You, at least, Sir Knight," he added, turning to the victor, who had remained near the gallery, "will this day share our banquet ?" The Knight, speaking for the first time, in a low and hurried voice, excused himself by pleading fatigue, and the necessity of preparing for to-morrow's encounter.
"It is well," said Prince John, haughtily; "although unused to such refusals, we will endeavour to digest our banquet as we may, though ungraced by the most successful in arms, and his elected Queen of Beauty." So saying, he prepared to leave the lists with his glittering train, and his turning his steed for that purpose, was the signal for the breaking up and dispersion of the spectators.
Yet, with the vindictive memory proper to offended pride, especially when combined with conscious want of desert, John had hardly proceeded three paces, ere again, turning around, he fixed an eye of stern resentment upon the yeoman who had displeased him in the early part of the day, and issued his commands to the men-at-arms who stood near--"On your life, suffer not that fellow to escape." The yeoman stood the angry glance of the Prince with the same unvaried steadiness which had marked his former deportment, saying, with a smile, "I have no intention to leave Ashby until the day after to-morrow--I must see how Staffordshire and Leicestershire can draw their bows--the forests of Needwood and Charnwood must rear good archers." "I," said Prince John to his attendants, but not in direct reply,--"I will see how he can draw his own; and woe betide him unless his skill should prove some apology for his insolence!" "It is full time," said De Bracy, "that the 'outrecuidance' [19] of these peasants should be restrained by some striking example." Waldemar Fitzurse, who probably thought his patron was not taking the readiest road to popularity, shrugged up his shoulders and was silent.
Prince John resumed his retreat from the lists, and the dispersion of the multitude became general.
In various routes, according to the different quarters from which they came, and in groups of various numbers, the spectators were seen retiring over the plain.