Nevertheless, we
command you not to wound or kill the said knight unless he resists the
authority of us by you conveyed and you cannot otherwise hold him
safe from escaping from out this our realm. This commission you will
presently go forth to execute, keeping its tenor and your aim secret
until the moment comes to strike, and, as you perform your duty, of
which you will return and make report to us, so shall we judge and
reward you. Do you understand?"
"Sire," answered Hugh, bowing, "I understand, and I will obey to my last
breath."
"Good! When the parchments are engrossed my officer here will read them
to you and explain aught that may need it. Meanwhile, we have an hour or
two during which your horses can eat, for there are no fresh beasts here
to give you, and it is best, to avoid doubts, that you should return as
you came, only showing your powers if any should attempt to arrest
you. So let us have done with these heavy matters, and disport us for
a while. This servant of yours has made a common boast that he will
outshoot any of our picked archers, and now we are ready to go forth
and put him to the proof of the butts. Let him know, however, that,
notwithstanding our words of yesterday, we shall not hold him to blame
if he fails, since many a man of higher degree promises more at night
than he can perform in the morning."
"Sire, I'll do my best.
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