Heroines of the Crusades

s heart serenely dwe

ed the Conqueror, his nobles and hostages, in their pompous progress

allantly conducting the young Earls Morcar and Edwin, and the royal Atheling: while the aspiring Prince William, attaching himself to a band o

uccessfully did the Duke King, and his haughty consort, employ the fascinations of easy grace, and polished wit, to beguile the gloomy musings of the captive Waltheof. So passed they on, the sad hearts with t

queror, busy in their daily occupations. Groups of girls, with nimble finger

u apart with me," said William, abruptly entering and drawing his Queen aside, with

hemes, for fixing the Norman line securely upon the throne of Edward the Confessor. He revealed his apprehensions from the stern character of Waltheof, and his hopes from the fascinations of his niece Judith d'Aumale. From Edgar Atheling he feared little.

ouse the friends of the famous Earl Siward, vanquisher of Macbeth; the thegns of Norfolk, Ely, Huntingdon, and

all the hills and vales of merrie England. Let policy complete what valor has commenced. Methinks our pretty Cice

death came with news of thy victory, thou would'st scarcely speak to her of love." "A childish fancy," impatient

my soul was filled with joy for thy safety, did I dedicate thy broken-hearted c

, tying and untying the rich cordon of his clo

fairer than Cicely-Adela hath wit beyond her years, and

brother Odo. Wed her to one who might foster her ambition,

loving heart,"

eart woman rules. Agatha shall be the affian

lity of her father, till a fitting opportunity might occur to make her hand the bond of amity between the Conqueror and some disaffected peer. Other hostages with their various possessions were disposed of in a

ights and music, and more than wonted festivity: yet Maude saw only Edwin, and when taking the hand of the little princess, he pronounce

shield of silver, saying gallantly, "This shall thy heart from other love defend,"