plan began to grow.
He hurried from the council hall of the King
into the apartments- of Prince Chariot where he
found the King's son dallying at ease with some
young knights and squires of his following. And
there Amaury did fling himself on his knees before
the Prince, to clutch at Chariot's cloak and cry
aloud for justice.
The Prince, much amazed at Amaury's outcry,
did send the others from him and demand that the
Earl tell him the cause of such distracted actions.
Then did Amaury display the blackness of his
heart in the words of his crooked mouth.
"Know you, Prince Chariot, your father, de-
ceived by false enemies, is bringing hither to court
that traitor Huon of Bordeaux and his brother
Gerard. And our King promises to bestow upon
Huon the duchies of Bordeaux and Aquitaine
which should be rightfully yours. While Gerard
the King promises to take into his household
where he may secretly work all manner of ill. Once
here at court they will work against your Grace,
for this Huon and his brother come of bad stock
and me they hate so that they will even seek to
injure youўsince you have played my friendў
bringing ruin upon the man through his master.
So do I warn you now, Prince Chariot, if these
twain enter into this court black evil will come
with them and noneўeven the highestўshall be
safe from their wickedness."
Now was Chariot alarmed at the words of
Amaury for in his heart he knew well that he was
not well beloved in France and that many of the
lords hated him for his ill deeds of the past. So,
should Huon and Gerard come to work against
him secretly, they would find many to listen to
them. Thus, with all his fears and hate aroused,
Chariot prayed Amaury to tell him what to do to
20
defend himself against these brothers from Bor-
