Gilbert's face changed, for he was moved. He knelt on one knee to
receive the shield, and his voice shook.
"Madam, I will bear this device ever for your Grace's sake and memory,
and I pray that I may bear it honourably, and my sons' sons after me."
Eleanor waited a breathing-space before she spoke again.
"You may not bear it long, sir," she said, and her voice was less hard
and clear, "for I desire of you a great service, which is also an
honour before other men."
"What I may do, I will do."
"Take, then, at your choice two or three score lances, gentlemen and
men-at-arms who are well mounted, and ride ever a day's march before
the army, spying out the enemy and sending messengers constantly to us,
as we shall send to you; for I trust not the Greek guides we have. So
you shall save us all from the destruction that overtook the German
Emperor in the mountains. Will you do this?"
Again Gilbert's face lightened, for he knew the danger and the honour.
"I will do it faithfully, so help me God."
Then he would have risen, but the Queen spoke again.
"Lady Anne," she said, "give me the sword of Aquitaine."
Anne of Auch brought the great blade, in its velvet scabbard, with its
cross-hilt bound with twisted wire of gold for the old Duke's grip. The
Queen drew it slowly and gave back the sheath.
"Sir," she said, "I will give you knighthood, that you may have
authority among men."
Gilbert was taken unawares. He bowed his head in silence, and knelt
upon both knees instead of on one only, placing his open hands
together.
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