The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-08-11

tiNo \ uohlTe W uD1Oiu 1cT kOOu Dutue
before all tho world. ! I'm a foreigner
here with few friends. or none. yct l cannot
believe that your Majesties will withhold
from ma the right Of battle which all over
the world In such a case one gentleman
may demand of another. I challenge the
Marquis Of Morella to mortal combat with
out mercy to the fallen, and here is the
proof Of it,"
Then stepping across the open space
before the bar he drew the leathern gaunt-
let on his hand and threw 1t straight into
Morella's face, knowing that after such an
insult he could not choose but fight.
With an oath Morella snatched at his
sword; but before he could draw It officers
Of the court threw themselves on him.
and the Kings stern voice was heard COM
handing them to cease their brawling
in the royal presence.
Il ask your pardon. Sire. gasped Morello.
but you have seen what this Enslishman
did to me, a erandee of SPAIN
Yes broke in the Queen, .but We have
also heard what you, a grandee Of Spain.
did to this gentleman Of England. and the
charge you brought against him, which,
it seems. the Doha Margaret does not be-
lieve."
I'm truth. no, your Majesty. y said Mar
garet. Let me be sworn also. and / can
explain much Of what the Marquis has told
you. I never wished to marry him or any
man, save this one" and she touched Peter
on the arm. and anything that he or I
may have done We did to escape the evil
net IN which we were snared.'
w believe it, answered tho Queen
with a smile, who then fell to consulting
with the King and the alcaldes.
For a long time they debated in voices 50
low that none could hear what they said.
looking now at one and nov at another
OF the parties to this strange suit. Also.
some priest was called into their council.
which Margaret thought a bad omen.
At length they made UP their minds. and
in a low. quiet voice and measured words
her Majesty. as Queen Of CASTLE. gave the
judgment Of them all. Addressing herself
first to Morella. she said:
MY lord Marquis, you hs . brought very
grave charges against the lady who claims
to be your wife and the Enr'ishman whose
affianced bride you admit you snstched
away by fraud and force. This gentleman,
on his own behalf and on behalf Of these
ladies. has challenged you to a combat to the
uebIn III n IBHnlOn bDab nOUe Chu lIctdhC
Do you accept his challenger
Il would accept it readily enough, your
Majesty" answered Morella n sullen tones,
since heretofore none nave doubted my
courage but l must remember that | am
and he paused, then added-"what your
Majesties know me to be, a grandee OF
Spain, and something more, wherefore 1t ID
scarcely lawful for me to cross swords with
a jew merchants clerk, for that was this
mans high rank and Office in England"
you could cross them with me on your
ship, the San Antoniol" exclaimed Peter
bitterly. why then are you ashamed to
finish what you were not ashamed to beginp
Moreover, I tell you that in love or war ]
hold myself the equal Of any woman thief
and bastard in this kingdom. who am one
Of a name that has been honored in my
own"
Now again the King and Queen spoke
together Of this question of rank-no small
one in that age and country. Then Isabella
said:
1T is true that a grandee Of Spain cannot
he asked TO meet a simple foreign gentle
man in single combat. Therefore, since
he has thought At to raise it. we uphold the
objection Of the Marquis Of Morella n
declare that this challenge Ii not binding
on his honor. Yet we note his willingness
TO accept the same and are prepared to do
what we can co make the matter easy, so
that it may not be said hat a Spaniard
who has wrought wrong to an Englishman
and been asked openly TO make the amend
of arms before the faces Of his sovereigns
was debarred from so doing by the acct
liant ~ bic rank GaA0r pofar pr0pna
il you will receive it at our hands. as others
Of your nation rave been proud to do, we
propose, believing you to be a brave and
loyal man Of gentle birth, to confer upon you
the knighthood OF the Order Of 81. James
and thereby and therein h right to con-
sort as equal, or TO fight As equal, any noble
Of Spain, unless he should be OF the right
blood royal, to which place W. think the
most puissant and excellent Marquis Of
Morells lays no claim
Il thank your Majesties." said Peter,
astonished, for the honor hat you would
do me, which. had it not been for the fact
that my father chose the wrong side on
Bosworth Field, being Of a race somewhat
Obstinate in the matter Of loyalty, I should
not have needed to accept from your Majes-
ties. As it is | am very grateful, 81 nee now
the noble Marquis need not feel debased
in settling our long quarrel as he would
desire u do"
Come hither and kneel down. Senior
Peter Bronze" said the Queen when he had
finished speaking.
He obeyed, and isabella. borrowing his
sword from the King. gave him the acco-
lade by striking him thrice upon the right
shoulder and saying:
Rise. Sir Peter Bronze. knight OF the
most noble Order Of Saint Isgo. and by
creation a Don OF Spain"
He rose. he bowed. retreating backward
as was the custom. and thereby nearly
falling OF the dais, which some people
thought a good omen for Morella. AZ he
vent the King said:
Our marshal. Sir Peter. will arrange
the time and name Of your combat with
the Marquis as shall be most convenient TO
you both. Meanwhile, we command you
both that no unseemly word or deed should
pass bet wee you. who must soon meet
face to face to abide the judgment Of God
In battle 4 Ioutrance. Now. since one OF
you must die so shortly, we entreat you to