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

But Huon chose the safer attack, guessing at
what might lie in Amaury's mind. So that when
they met in their course he swung aside his head
and the Earl's lance thrust only into the thinness
of air. But Huon's lance struck straight and true
into the center of the other's shield with such force
that not only Amaury but also his attacker were
hurled from their saddles.

On foot both cast aside their useless lances and

38

drew their swords. And the Earl was so angered
by his overthrow that he came against Huon with-
out caution, having even thrown from him his
shield that he might strike a two-handed blow.

Huon still clung to his shield and with it he
caught the blow which Amaury aimed to cut him
down. Deep into the iron stove the blade in such
a way that the Earl could not speedily withdraw
it again. Then did Huon strike in his turn, so clean
a blow where neck met shoulder that the strong
mail Amaury was wearing was but as a piece of
silk. And Amaury's head, still within his plumed
helm, rolled across the dusty ground, even to the
very foot of the King's chair.

Those gathered about the lists raised a cry of
amazement, for no one of them had really believed
in his heart that Huon could overcome Amaury.
And the King's crafty heart leaped also--for if
Huon were not dead in truth, he would speedily
be dead to France--since Amaury had been killed
before confessing falseness. And so did the heralds
proclaim the King's will at his signal.

When the harsh decree of banishment was read,
all the lords about the throne raised their voices
in protest and Duke Naymes led their Outcry, say-
ing:

"Lord King, what sorrow will you do with these
hard words? This youth hath proved in battle,
with God judging the right, that he spoke true
words before you. Since he slew Prince Chariot
unwittingly, he is not to be thought a murderer.
Do you devise some punishment which will not
set him for all his lifetime far from those who hold