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

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think that if you go we shall not look upon your
face again in this world. But if this be your will
then I will say naught. All shall be ordered as you
wish and I shall hold your duchy against your
return."

Having so spoken she went privately to Huon
and asked of him that he would watch over her
lord and see that no harm came to him, for deeply
did she love the Duke Garyn. And Huon swore
upon the Cross that all would be as she asked and
no harm would come to his uncle if he, Huon of
Bordeaux, could prevent.

But still she wept, hiding her tear-besmeared
face in the long sleeves of her robe as Garyn and
Huon rode forth from the hold of St. Omar.

Now while Huon journeyed thus half the world
away, his brother Gerard, having recovered of the
wound dealt him by Prince Chariot, arose from
his bed and rode home to Bordeaux. The Duchess
Aclis had a man at watch in the tower and when
he sighted the pennons on the lances of those in
Gerard's company, he called that joyful news to
all the keep, bringing the household out in haste
to welcome their returning lords.

But when Gerard came alone into the courtyard
the Duchess put her hands to her breast as if to
ward off a fatal sword thrust and cried:

"Where is thy brother? Why ride you alone?"

So Gerard needs must tell her the whole sorry
tale at once. And upon the hearing of it she uttered
a shriek, in so loud a voice that all the city heard
it and the people trembled at its meaning. So hav-
ing given voice to her woe she fell as one dead
upon the pavement.

44

Her maidens bore her speedily to her chamber,
but she never spoken again, for her heart was
broken and she was with her lord in Paradise.