OF THE CRUSADERS.

2733

BY THE AUTHOR OF "WAVERLEY,
QUENTIN DURWARD," &c.

IN THREE VOLUMES..

VOL. III.

The Talisman.

PHILADELPHIA:

JAMES CRISSY, NO. 14, SOUTH SEVENTH STREET.

THE Marquis of Montserrat, and the Grand Master of the Knights Templars, stood together in the front of the royal pavilion, within which this singular scene had passed, and beheld a strong guard of bills and bows drawn out to form a circle around it, and keep at stance all which might disturb the sleeping monarch. The soldiers wore the downcast, silent, and sullen looks, with which they trail their arms at a funeral, and stepped with such caution that you could not hear a buckler ring, or a sword clatter, though so many men in armour were moving around the tent. They lowered their weapons in deep reverence, as the dignitaries passed through their files, but with the same profound silence.

"There is a change of cheer among those island dogs," said the Grand Master to Conrade, when they had passed Richard's guards. "What hoarse tumult and revel used to be before this pavilion! nought but pitching the bar, hurling the ball, wrestling, roaring of songs, and quaffing of flagons, among these burley yeomen, as if they were holding some country wake, with a May-pole in the midst of them, instead of a royal standard."