and well the rich duchies of Bordeaux and Aqui-
taine. Although Sevin was dead these many years,
Amaury's hate for him was so great that even
death could not still it and, since he could not
12
attack Sevin, he planned revenge against the
Duke's two young sons, Huon and Gerard. These
youths he swore secretly to bring to ruin and
shameful death.
With this deep in his snake-brain, he arose now
and, smiling as he ever did, addressed the King,
saying:
"Lord King, young men must learn many things
in this hard world and he who would rule a king-
dom hath doubly much to master. Therefore, while
you are yet amongst us to advise and oversee him,
let Prince Chariot be given a dukedom to hold,
that he may learn to govern the larger in the
smaller."
The King nodded at the wit in this, as did the
other peers. But Duke Naymes drummed with his
nails upon the broad arm of his chair, for he had
been friend to Duke Sevin and had heard much
from him concerning the foulness of Amaury. So
that now he suspected a wrong in the making.
"There is," Amaury, encouraged by the King's
smiles, continued, "a fair duchy, rich and mighty,
meet for any prince, which is forfeit to Your Maj-
esty because of the rash rebellion of its natural
lords. Let this be given now to Prince Chariot for
his testing."
King Charlemagne showed open surprise, for
he could not remember any rebel duchy. And he
asked:
"Name you this Duke who is rebel against us."
Amaury replied readily and openly enough:
"My Lord King, I speak of Bordeaux which is
forfeit to Your Grace, since Huon and his brother
Gerard who now rule there have not come to your
court to do homage for their landsўas is your will
