way I may fulfil your majesty's behest?"

"There are two ships ready to set out on a cruise," said the queen, "of
which I have made the Baron de Lansac general. I appoint you captain of
one of them, being assured that the qualities you derive from those
whose blood is in your veins will supply the defect of your years. Mark
what a favour I confer upon you, since I give you an opportunity to
signalise yourself in the service of your queen, to display your
capacity and your valour, and to win the highest reward, methinks, which
you yourself could desire. I myself will be Isabella's guardian, though
she manifests that her own virtue will be her truest guardian. Go in
God's name; for since you are in love, as I imagine, I expect great
things from your prowess. Fortunate were the king who in time of war had
in his army ten thousand soldiers in love, expecting to obtain their
mistresses as the reward of their victories. Rise, Richard, and if you
have anything to say to Isabella, say it now, for to-morrow you must
sail."

Richard kissed the queen's hands, highly prizing the favour she had
conferred upon him, and went and knelt before Isabella. He tried to
speak to her, but could not, for he felt as if there was a knot in his
throat that paralysed his tongue. He strove with all his might to keep
down the tears that started into his eyes, but he could not conceal them
from the queen. "Shame not to weep, Richard," said her majesty, "nor
think less of yourself for allowing such evidence of a tender heart to
escape you, for it is one thing to fight the enemy, and another to take
leave of one who is dearly loved. Isabella, embrace Richard, and give
him your blessing: his affection well deserves it."

Isabella's heart ached to see Richard so cast down. She could not
understand what her majesty said. Conscious of nothing but her grief,
motionless, and blinded by her tears, she looked like a weeping statue
of alabaster. The anguish of the two lovers drew tears from most of the
beholders. In fine, Richard and Isabella separated without exchanging a
word; and Clotald and his friends, after saluting the queen, left the
hall full of grief and pity. Isabella felt like an orphan whose parents
have just been buried, and dreaded lest her new mistress should make her
abandon the rule of life in which she had been brought up.

Two days afterwards, Richard put to sea, distracted among many other
sources of incertitude by two reflections--one