lliam himself. But now they were rich and he was poor, so they
mocked at him.

"My lords," said William, "you do ill to treat me so. I have loved you
all, and you bear the tokens of my love about you at this moment. If I
can give you no more gifts, it is because I have lost all I have in the
world at the Aliscans. My men are dead, and my nephews are prisoners
in the hands of the Saracens. It is the Lady Gibourc who bade me come
here, and it is she who asks for help through me. Have pity on us, and
help us." But without a word, they rose up and went into the Palace,
and William knew what their love was worth.

The young men told Louis of the words that the Count had spoken, and
the King rose and leaned out of the window. "Sir William," said he,
"go to the inn, and let them bathe your horse. You seem in a sorry
plight, without a groom to help you."

William heard and vowed vengeance. But if the King and the courtiers
had no hearts, in his need a friend came to him, Guimard, a citizen of
Laon, who took the Count home and offered him rich food. But because
of his vow to the Lady Gibourc, he would only eat coarse bread, and
drink water from the spring; and as soon as it was light he rose up
from his bed of fresh hay, and dressed himself. "Where are you going,"
asked his host.

"To the Palace, to entreat the aid of the King, and woe be to him who
tries to stop me."

"May God protect you, Sir," answered Guimard. "To-day the King crowns
Blanchefleur, your sister, who no doubt loves you well. And he gives
her for her dower the richest land in all fair France, but a land that
is never at peace."

"Well," said William, "I will be present at the ceremony. Indeed they
cannot do without me, for all France is under my care, and it is my
right to bear her standard in battle. And let them beware how they
move me to wrath, lest I depose the King of France and tear the crown
from his head."

The Count placed a breastplate under his jerkin, and hid his sword
under his cloak. The gates of the Palace opened before him and he
entered the vaulted hall. It was filled with the greatest nobles in
the land, and ladies with rich garments of silk and gold. Lords and
ladies both knew him, but not one gave him welcome--not even his
sister, the Queen. His fingers played with his sword, and he had much
ado not to use it. But while his wrath was yet kindling the heralds
announced that his father, Aimeri, had come.

PART