"Norton, Andre - Huon of the horn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

yet supple so that he who wore it was as one free
from armor. So armed he rode for the field yet
fasting, a war stallion of the color of fresh spilled
blood between his knees. Duke Naymes on his
right hand and the squire of his body going before
with his plumed helmet and shield.

Since Huon rode thus uncovered all those about
the field marveled at his youth and the comeliness
of his features, saying amongst themselves that
not even a king's son in his pride could equal this

37

Duke out of Bordeaux. Such whisperings reached
even to the ears of Charlemagne where he sat in
state and they fanned the hotter his wrath against
the slayer of his son.

Amaury came to the place of combat with an
easy mind, for he deemed Huon but a green boy
with no knowledge of lance or sword play, no fit
match for a warrior of many years' seasoning. But,
as he rode into the view of the court, his black
charger stumbled so that the Earl, who was riding
' easy, was near to being unhorsed. And those
watching felt this to be a dark omen.

But Amaury straightened in his saddle and put
on his helmet with a steady hand, having confi-
dence in himself and his strength.

Huon too put on his helmet, slung his shield
upon his arm and took up the lance his squire held
ready. His bright roan pawed the turf and thun-
dered a challenge of its own to the black which
Amaury curbed with a heavy hand.

Then, at the word given by the King himself,
they charged. Amaury aimed his lance at Huon's
helmet. He knew such a stroke'to be a master one
which only a skillful man might dare to attempt--
yet so sure was he of the coming battle that he
might have been a boy teasing a harmless kitten.


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