160 THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF [book I.

with, as it were, parental affection; so much so thathe ventured to address the new convert thus afterher baptism : “ Noble young lady, who did prefer

our creed and us its followers to your own and kin-dred, even while yet a pagan, choose of yourselffreely, we beseech you, from the warriors now be-fore you! Any of us will think him honoured byyour choice of him as your husband. But, inconscience before all, listen to me, my sweet friend;and let me counsel you to reflect well, before youratify your father’s selection of me. He indeedhas given you to me; but I advise you to choosebetter. I have led a life of labour from my boy-hood up ; and have suffered much, and fear I haveyet much to suffer. I have to defend myself bothfrom the emperor and the infidels. Besides which Imade a vow, while in irons, to go to St. Leonard’sin Aquitaine, as soon as I should be set free. Sohow could we promise ourselves time for the delightsof Hymen, since I am obliged so soon to exposemyself to the.risks of the seas and direct my stepsto a distant country? These considerations, mydearest mistress, cannot but engage you to chooseanother for indissoluble partner. Behold Roger, sonof Prince Richard, my cousin; he is younger andwith greater talents, more handsome than I am, and,my equal in power and riches; I wish you to marry