Moreover," he went on, searching her cold impassive face with his eyes,
"I did not escape his wrath, for he gave command that I was to be seized
wherever I might be found and cast into prison till I could be put
upon my trial, and my knights with me. Of your father's case he is
considering since his only son has been slain and he holds him in
regard. Therefore it is that I am obliged to avoid London and take
refuge here."
Still Eve remained silent, and in his heart Acour cursed her
stubbornness.
"Lady," he proceeded, though with somewhat less assurance--for now he
must leave lies and get to pleading, and never did a suit seem more
hopeless, "these things being so through no fault of mine whose hands
are innocent of any share in this young man's end, I come to pray of
you, the sword of death having cut all your oaths, that you will have
pity on my love and take me as your husband, as is your father's wish
and my heart's desire. Let not your young life be swallowed up in grief,
but make it joyous in my company. I can give you greatness, I can give
you wealth, but most of all I can give you such tender adoration as
never woman had before. Oh! sweet Eve, your answer," and he cast himself
upon the ground before her, and, snatching the hem of her robe, pressed
it to his lips.
Then at length Eve spoke in a voice that rang like steel:
"Get you gone, knave, whose spurs should be hacked from your heels by
scullions.
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