the Soldan,
desired to know whether it was not true that he had honored the Earl of
Huntingdon with a personal encounter.

Saladin answered with a smile, that he had proved his horse and his
weapons with the heir of Scotland, as cavaliers are wont to do with each
other when they meet in the desert; and modestly added that, though the
combat was not entirely decisive, he had not, on his part, much reason
to pride himself on the event. The Scot, on the other hand, disclaimed
the attributed superiority, and wished to assign it to the Soldan.

"Enough of honor thou hast had in the encounter," said Richard, "and I
envy thee more for that, than for the smiles of Edith Plantagenet,
though one of them might reward a bloody day's work.--But what say you,
noble princes; is it fitting that such a royal ring of chivalry should
break up without something being done for future times to speak of? What
is the overthrow and death of a traitor, to such a fair garland of honor
as is here assembled, and which ought not to part without witnessing
something more worthy of their regard? How say you, princely Soldan;
what if we two should now, and before this fair company, decide the
long-contended question for this land of Palestine, and end at once
these tedious wars? Yonder are the lists ready, nor can Paynimrie ever
hope a better champion than thou. I, unless worthier offers, will lay
down my gauntlet in behalf of Christendom, and, in all love and honor,
we will do mortal battle for the possession of Jerusalem."

There was a deep pause for the Soldan's answer. His cheek and brow
colored highly, and it was the opinion of many present that he hesitated
whether he should accept the challenge. At length he said: "Fighting for
the Holy City against those whom we regard as idolaters, and worshippers
of stocks and stones, and graven images, I might confide that Allah
would strengthen my arm; or if I fell beneath the sword of the Melech
Ric, I could not pass to Paradise by a more glorious death. But Allah
has already given Jerusalem to the true believers, and it were a
tempting the God of the Prophet to peril, upon my own personal strength
and skill, that which I hold securely by the superiority of my forces."

"If not for Jerusalem, then," said Richard, in the tone of one who would
entreat a favor of an intimate friend, "yet, for the love of honor, let
us run at least three courses with grinded lances."

"Even this," said Saladin, half smilin