Therefore I ask your leave to say my say." "Speak," said the abbess.
"This is my counsel," went on Rosamund, "and it is short and plain.

When we know that the Saracens are in the city, let us set fire to this convent and get us to our knees and so perish." "Well spoken; it is best," muttered several.

But the abbess answered with a sad smile: "High counsel indeed, such as might be looked for from high blood.

Yet it may not be taken, since self-slaughter is a deadly sin." "I see little difference between it," said Rosamund, "and the stretching out of our necks to the swords of friends.

Yet, although for others I cannot judge, for myself I do judge who am bound by no final vows.