Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen

And the son of Atreus yells: Come forward, heroes! Stand out bravely from the crowd around you. All people can rely on martial arts and strong physical strength Overwhelm your opponents for glory. This cow is worth twenty bulls, it is A prize for the person who shoots the furthest in archery. "Iliad" [Note: Quoted from Pope's English translation of "Iliad", which is somewhat different from the original poem of "Iliad". 】 The speed with which Ivanhoe flew from mouth to mouth as soon as his name was uttered speaks to how much people cared and wondered.It didn't take long for it to spread to the prince's circle, and when he heard the news, his face suddenly became gloomy.However, he glanced around, pretending to be contemptuous, and said: Gentlemen, and especially you, Elder Emer, the learned man said: the human heart naturally has a liking and a dislike for things.What do you guys think of this theory?Before I could even guess who was wrapped in that suit of armor, I realized that my brother's favorite had come before us.

General Bullface must prepare to return the fief of Ivanhoe he got.De Blasey said that he had just completed his honorable task of jousting, and having thrown down his shield and helmet, he was once more among the prince's retinue. Yes, Waldemar.Fizzy replied that the lad would seem to demand the return of the castle and fiefdoms that Richard had given him, though they had been generously given to the Buffalo by His Royal Highness. For a territory like Ivanhoe, John replied, even if there were three, General Bullface would not be too many, and he would not spit out what he got.Besides, gentlemen, I hope that none of you will deny that I have the right to divide the royal domains among those who follow me faithfully and are ready to fulfill the mission of war, and let them replace those who wander abroad when the need arises, but can neither People who can't be loyal even if they work hard.

The question was too much for those who could not fail to believe that the Prince's self-proclaimed power was wholly undeniable.Unanimously compliment him as a generous prince!A noble and upright prince who rewards and punishes his loyal followers clearly! This eulogy among the entourage was, of course, the work of those who, if they had not actually benefited from the injury to Richard's confidants and entourage, hoped to someday do so.Dean Aimer also agreed with everyone's views, but pointed out: the holy Jerusalem cannot really be called a foreign country, it is the common mother and the holy land of all Christians.But he declared that he did not think the Knights of Ivanhoe could use this as an excuse to justify himself, since he believed that Richard's crusaders had at most reached Ashkelon. The ancient city of people. ], the whole world knows that it was originally a city of the Philistines and has no right to enjoy the name of the Holy City.Out of curiosity, Waldemar once visited the place where Ivanhoe fell, and now he came back and said: That young man doesn't seem to cause any trouble to Your Highness, General Bullface can rest assured that there is no need to worry about him. Worry about the fief you got; the man's injuries are very serious.

But whatever his wounds, said Prince John, he is the winner of the day; and if he were our tenfold enemy, or my brother's utterly loyal subject, all the same, his wounds must still be healed, and our Let the doctor take care of him. A sinister smile played on his lips as he spoke.Waldemar quickly replied: Ivanhoe has already been helped out of the arena and is under the care of his relatives and friends. I am indeed saddened to see the Queen of Love and Beauty so distressed, he said, and it was unexpected that the Queen's great day should make this event a tragedy.I am a man who is never moved to see a woman grieve for her lover, but this Miss Rowena, who suppressed her sorrow, remained so solemn, if she had not clasped her hands, and her tearless eyes quivered slightly. , staring at the dying body in front of her, no one would notice her pain.

This Miss Rowena was so much talked about, Prince John said, who is she? A Saxon heiress with a lot of property, replied Elder Emer, a lovely rose, a priceless pearl, a beauty once in a thousand, a bouquet of herbs, a dipterocarp. We'll make her tears smile, and her sorrows turn into joy, said Prince John, marry her to a Norman, and change her blood.She seems to be underage, and our royal family has the right to dictate her marriage.De Blasey, are you right?How would you like it if you could marry a Saxon woman like the men of the conqueror, and get a large and fertile field and a lot of property?

If the fields are to my liking, my lord, replied De Blasey, I would not be unwilling to add a bride; this good deed will make me loyal to my lord throughout my life, and you to your servants and vassals All the promises made have been fulfilled. I shall not forget the matter, said Prince John, and we may proceed at once, ordering my steward to inform Miss Rowena and her companion at once. The downturned Saxon bull attends this evening's feast.Debigott, he said, turning to his steward, this second invitation, you must be as polite as possible, to satisfy those Saxons' pride, so that they can't refuse again, although I swear on the bones of St. Becket, with These guys are just playing the piano to the cow when they are polite.

Prince John walked while talking, intending to signal everyone to leave the arena, but at this moment, a small letter was handed to him. Where did it come from?asked Prince John, looking at the bearer. From abroad, my lord, but who sent it, I don't know, replied the valet, it was brought here by a Frenchman, who said he traveled day and night without stopping, to get it to his lord in time . The prince studied the words on the envelope carefully for a while, and then looked at the wax seal on the silk thread binding the envelope. There were three lily patterns on it [Note: The coat of arms of the French royal family. 】.John was uneasy as he opened the envelope, and the uneasiness became more and more obvious and intense as he read.The words in the letter are as follows:

Be careful, the devil is out of his cage! The Prince's face became deathly pale, and he looked first at the ground and then at the sky, as if a man had received news of a death sentence.After recovering from the initial panic, he took Waldemar.Fei Zexi and De Blasey called aside, showed them the letters one after another, and then said in a trembling voice: This tells me that my brother Richard has been freed. It could have been a false alarm and the letter was forged.De Blasey said. This is the autograph of His Holiness, stamped with his seal.replied Prince John. Then, said Fitzersey, without further ado, we must muster our forces at once, at York or some other central point.A few days later, I'm afraid it will really be too late.His Highness has to announce the interruption of this game immediately.

Farmers and ordinary people have not yet participated in the competition, and they will definitely be dissatisfied with such a hasty end.De Blasey said. It's still early today, Waldemar said, it might as well hold an archery competition immediately, judge the winners and losers, and award prizes.Thus, as far as the Saxon slaves were concerned, the prince's promise was fully fulfilled. Thank you, Waldemar, said the Prince, for reminding me that I have not settled with that arrogant peasant who insulted me yesterday.Our banquet will also be held this evening as originally planned.Even if this is my last hour in power, this hour is still sacred, and revenge and fun should go on as usual.Let's talk about new troubles when the new day comes.

Immediately the trumpet sounded, calling back the spectators who were about to leave the arena.The ceremonial officer announced that Prince John had to cancel the match to be held tomorrow due to important and urgent business to be dealt with; Decided to start the archery competition scheduled for tomorrow immediately before the end of the game.The archery winner was rewarded with a silver-encrusted horn and a precious silk sash embroidered with the image of the saint Hubert, the protector of the hunt. At first more than thirty farmers signed up for the race, among them were rangers and their helpers from Needwood and Charnwood.Yet when the archers found themselves in a match with these men, a score or so withdrew from the contest, not wanting to ruin themselves in a contest that was almost certain to lose.For in those days the skill of every famous archer was known for many miles around, as in Newmarket. 】The advantages of each horse trained are well known to anyone who frequents that famous market.

The roster for shooter honors is smaller, with eight still.Prince John took a few steps from his throne and surveyed the selected farmers, some of whom wore the livery of the royal garden servants.After this examination had satisfied his curiosity, he set his eyes on the man he hated.He found that this person was still standing where he was, with the same expression on his face as yesterday, still looking so calm. Man, said Prince John, I knew from your insolent talk yesterday that you were not really a bow-shooter, and now if you do, you don't take any chances when you see these merry lads standing there, Compete with them. I'm sorry, Your Highness, the yeoman replied, I don't take part in archery, there are other reasons besides fear of failure and embarrassment. What is your other reason?asked Prince John, feeling an insatiable curiosity about the man, for some reason perhaps he himself could not explain. First of all, the farmer replied, I don't know if the targets these archers usually use are the same as mine; secondly, I don't understand why His Highness is so interested in someone who offends you by speaking rudely. He won a third prize, which doesn't do you any favors either. Prince John blushed suddenly, and he asked: Farmer, what's your name? Locksley [Note: The yeoman written here is Robin Hood, who is said to have been born in a village called Locksley; Robin Hood is also known as a sharpshooter. 】.replied the farmer. Well, Locksley, said Prince John, you may wait until these men have finished their performance before you shoot.If you win the prize, I'll give you another twenty ducats; but if you lose, you'll have to take off your grass-green clothes. ], let someone beat you out of the arena with a bowstring, as a punishment for a rude man who talks big and talks big. But what if I don't want to bet and refuse to play?The yeoman said, Your Highness is powerful and powerful, and you have so many guards at your command. It is really easy to take off my clothes and hit me, but you cannot force me to shoot arrows. If you don't know how to flatter me, and refuse my advice, said the prince, the officer on duty at the tournament will cut your bowstring, break your bow and arrow, and cast you out of the ring like a coward. But it's not fair, proud prince, said the yeoman, you force me to take a chance against the best archers in Leicestershire and Staffordshire, and if they win I'll be punished unseemly , how can there be such a thing.But since you want to do this, I can obey. Guards, watch him carefully, said Prince John, he is frightened; I must watch, lest he slip away and escape the game.Boys, you're a good man, bring out your arrows; a ram and a cask of wine are ready to reward you in the tent yonder. The target is set at the upper end of the passage to the south of the arena.The contestants stand at the entrance and exit of the passage and shoot in turn. The distance from the target here just meets the standard of so-called long-distance archery.The archers first draw lots to determine the order, and each of them can shoot three times in a row.The games were officiated by a lesser official called the Inspector of the Games, since the Inspectors of the Guard were of a higher rank, and they were unwilling to degrade themselves to officiate the games of the common people. One by one, the archers cheered up, took a few steps forward, and walked to the prescribed position to shoot.Twenty-four arrows were fired one after another, ten of them hit the target, and the rest were not far from it. Judging from the distance of the target, it can still be regarded as a good result.Of the ten arrows that hit the target, two within the inner circle were shot by Hubert, the Malvorcine's forester, who was thus declared the winner. Now is your turn, Locksley, said Prince John to the daring yeoman, sneering, Will you fight Hubert, or give up your bow and shoulders to the warden? Since there's no other way, said Locksley, I'll try my luck; but on one condition, that after I've shot two arrows at Hubert's target, he must also be at the target I want him to shoot at. shoot once. That's perfectly fair and reasonable, replied Prince John, and I have no objection to your request.Hubert, as long as you can defeat this cowhide king, I can give you that horn full of silver coins. One can only do the best one can, replied Hubert, but I have an ancestor who drew a good bow at the Battle of Hastings, and I am sure I will not dishonor his name. The original target was removed and a new one of the same size was replaced.Hubert, being the winner of the previous round, had the right to shoot first; he took the bow in his hand, set the arrow on the string, took careful aim at the target, and measured the distance with his eyes for a long time.Finally he took a step forward, straightened his left arm, lifted the bow a little so that its center, or grip, was almost at face height, and drew the string up to his ear.The arrow whizzed through the air and landed just inside the inner circle of the target, but not in the very center. You don't take into account the wind, Huppert, said his opponent, bowing his bow, or the score would have been better. When he said this, Locksley had already stepped forward a few steps and walked to the designated spot. He didn't seem to take his target seriously at all, he raised his bow, as if he didn't even look at the target, and shot out casually. arrow.He had scarcely stopped talking when the arrow left the bowstring and was on the target, two inches closer to the exact center of the white spot than Hubert's arrow. God testifies!Prince John said to Hubert, if you are defeated by that bastard who runs around, you should hang on the gallows! Hubert replied in the same way anyway: Your Highness can hang me, he said, a man can only do what he can.But one of my ancestors was good at holding a bow To hell with you, I don't care what happened to your ancestors!John interrupted him, shoot the arrow, bastard, shoot the grades, or I'll never spare you! After thus instructing, Hubert returned to the archery, this time not ignoring the advice given to him by his adversary, and giving due consideration to a breeze that happened to blow; in the middle of . Good arrows, good arrows!As expected of Hubert [Note: Refers to Saint Hubert, patron saint of hunting. 】!There was a burst of applause in the arena, as if they were cheering for that famous saint, not for a stranger, hit the bull's-eye, hit the bull's-eye!Hubert will always be Hubert! This time you're doomed, Locksley.said the prince, sneering. Then I have to drive away his arrow.Locksley replied. Now he was a little more careful than last time, and his arrow hit the opponent's arrow just in time, smashing it to pieces.This brilliant arrow stunned those standing around, and even forgot to shout to show their admiration, this must be a devil, not a mortal of flesh and blood, the archers whispered, so good Such archery has never been seen since the introduction of bows and arrows in England. Now, said Locksley, I must ask His Majesty's permission to set another target, which is commonly used by northerners; and I welcome every brave archer to try it, so as to win the smile of his beloved pretty girl. So he turned around and walked out of the field, saying, "Don't worry, you can send someone to follow me; I just want to go to the nearby willow forest to cut a willow branch." Prince John made a gesture, and was about to have some of the guards follow him, lest he should escape; but a disgrace erupted from the crowd!shameful!shouted, which forced him to dismiss this not generous idea. Locksley returned almost at once with a willow trunk about six feet long, all straight, and a little thicker than a man's thumb.He began to peel the bark leisurely, saying at the same time that it would be an insult to his arrows to ask a good hunter to shoot at a target as big as he was just now.In his view, he said, it was like taking King Arthur's round table as a target in the land where he grew up. ], that table can accommodate sixty knights sitting around the table.A seven-year-old could hit a target like that with his eyes closed.Then he walked to the other side of the arena calmly, stuck the willow stem straight on the ground, and said: Only those who can hit this pole from a hundred yards away can be called a good archer. It is worthy to wear a bow and arrow in front of the king, that is, to serve the mighty King Richard. My old man was a good bowman, said Hubert, and fought at the Battle of Hastings, but he never shot a target like that in his life and neither did I.If the farmer can split this trunk with an arrow, I will be defeated, but I think I will lose to a devil in disguise, not to a mortal.One can only do one's best, I don't want to shoot knowing that I can't hit it.It was as if I had shot at the edge of our priest's paper-knife, or a stalk of straw, or a ray of sunlight, that white light that dazzles my eyes. You cowardly dog!Prince John said, Brother Locksley, just shoot.If you hit it, I must say, you are the best archer who ever lived.Anyway, don't keep yelling and bragging all the time, you have to show us your real skills. As Hubert said, I can only do my best, Locksley replied, no one can do better. As he spoke, he drew the bow again, but this time he examined the weapon carefully and replaced a string, for he found that the original one was not very smooth, and was somewhat worn from the first two shots.Then he looked at the target for a while. At this time, there was no sound in the field, and everyone held their breath and waited for the result.The archer proved his skill and lived up to people's expectations. He shot an arrow and the willow trunk split open.The cheers were immediately earth-shattering, and Prince John had to praise Locksley's ability so much that he forgot his dissatisfaction with him for a while. These twenty gold coins, he said, and this horn, you won in good faith, now It's all yours.If you will put on the uniform and follow me as a guard in my bodyguard, I will give you fifty gold pieces.For no one has ever drawn a bow with such firm composure, or shot an arrow with such unerring sight. Forgive me, noble prince, said Locksley, but I have sworn that if I join the army, it will be only with your brother King Richard.I give the twenty ducats to Hubert, who has done as well today as his ancestors did at Hastings.If he hadn't been so humble and refused to play, he could have shot that wicker like I did. Hubert shook his head, accepting the stranger's gift with half-push; Locksley didn't want people to see him anymore, waited for an opportunity to sneak into the crowd, and then disappeared. The fact that the victorious archer escaped so easily from Prince John's gaze may have been due to the fact that the latter was preoccupied with other, more urgent and important matters.When he arose to leave the tournament, he beckoned his steward to him, and ordered him to go at once to Ashbey, and find Isaac the Jew, and tell the beast, he said, to send me two thousand crowns before sundown.He knows what a surety is; but you can show him this ring, and reassure him.The rest of the money must be delivered in Yorktown within six days.If he doesn't get it right, tell this unChristian bastard to watch his head.Be careful on the way and don't go astray with him, because this circumcised slave was here just now showing off the beautiful clothes he cheated. After finishing speaking, the prince mounted his horse and returned to Ashby; the audience dispersed immediately and went home.