Could I but have seen thee safe in the arms of thy father, that life would have been well bestowed which insured the safety of my liege lord. Now Reginald de Lacy, in exile and suffering, will learn from strangers the loss of all he loves. While Gilbert spoke, the boy, who comprehended from the words of his faithful friend that he was about to lose him, clung to him with frantic eagerness, entreating not to be left alone. Albert s emotion proved fatal to the faithful Gilbert, for in striving to raise himself to comfort the boy, his wounds burst out afresh. Since then this Christian boy, as thou knowest, has been an inmate of my dwelling, and I love him even as mine own child.
Peace be with thee.
I go to acquaint our brethren with the decree of the tyrant.