Chapter 43 Chapter Forty-Three

May Mowbray's guilt be so heavy, Breaking the spine of the spitting horse, Throw men on horseback on the field, Like a mean coward! "Richard II" Our scene must again be moved outside the temple synagogue, where in about an hour a bloody battle will be fought to decide Rebecca's life or death.Now the arena is crowded with people, and it is extremely lively, as if the residents from tens of miles around have all come out to participate in religious celebrations or rural festivals here.Love to see bloodshed and killing people is not unique to that dark age, but in a society where individual duels and collective martial arts are popular, everyone has become accustomed to the warriors falling in a pool of blood after fighting.Even today, when moral standards are greatly improved, executions, boxing matches, riots, or rallies of radical reformers will attract large crowds, regardless of the danger they may encounter; in fact, they don't care about it, they just want to see See how it goes, or who the heroes are, to use the rhetoric of the rebels, who is the tough guy and who is the soft bone.

Therefore, quite a lot of people fixed their eyes on the gate of the temple hall, wanting to see the grandeur of the procession entering the arena; more people gathered around the arena and surrounded it tightly.This venue belongs to the auditorium, and it is connected with it. The ground has been carefully leveled, and military drills or martial arts competitions are usually held here.It is situated on top of a flat hill, surrounded by a strong fence, and since the Templars welcome everyone to watch their martial arts show, there are wide stands and spectator seats in the arena. Now at the east end of the arena towers a luxurious seat, which is reserved for the grand master, and on both sides of it are the seats of honor, the seats of the bishop and the knights, and above these seats flies a sacred banner called The black and white banner is the symbol of the Knights Templar and their slogan in battle.

At the other end of the yard stood a pile of firewood, in the center of which was a stake, fastened deep into the ground, through which only a passage was left for the victim to enter this dreadful circle, where he could be relieved by the shackles already hung there. And bound with chains to the pillars.Next to these execution facilities stood four black slaves. Their dark skin and appearance were still rare in England at that time, which made the crowd terrified, as if they were evil spirits specially used to perform magic.None of these men moved, except that they moved firewood now and then under the direction of a man who seemed to be their leader.They never glanced at the crowd, and seemed completely unaware of the existence of people and things around them. All they cared about was how to perform their terrible duties.As they spoke to each other, they pursed their thick lips and showed their white teeth, as if smirking at the tragedy that was about to be reenacted.The terrified crowd, looking at them, might have been compelled to think that these were the accomplices of the Witch's magic, and that now it was only because her death was at hand that they retaliated and acted as accomplices in her dreadful punishment.Everyone whispered about the various tricks used by the demon king in that troubled and unfortunate time, and it was inevitable that the devil was also blamed for the things that were not the devil's work.

Daddy Dennett, said one farmer to another old farmer, did you hear that the devil took Athelstan of Coningsberg, the great Saxon estate? Yes, but by the grace of God and St. Dunstan he sent him back again. How is this going?asked a lively young man in a green coat embroidered with gold, followed by a stout child with a harp on his back, which revealed his occupation.This troubadour seemed to be no common man, for, besides his richly embroidered coat, around his neck was a silver necklace, on which hung a tuner or key, which was used to tune the harp. .On his right arm was a silver plate. Instead of bearing the coat of arms or emblem of the noble family to which he belonged, as usual, it had only one word: What do you mean, Sherwood?The merry troubadour joined the peasant talk, and I came here looking for a subject for my song, but, God bless, I found two at once, which was great.

According to popular legend, the old farmer said, four weeks after the death of Athelstan of Fort Coning That's impossible, said the troubadour, for I saw him alive and well at the tourney at Ashby. But he is dead, or his soul has gone to heaven, said the young farmer, because I heard the monks of St. Edmund sing a requiem for him, and there was a rich funeral feast and alms at Coningsberg It's true, I was going to go there too, but Mabel.Perkins Alas, Athelstan is dead, said the old man, shaking his head, especially as the old Saxon royal lineage ends But your story, two masters, your story.said the troubadour, a little anxiously.

Yes, yes, go on with the story, interrupted a rough monk.He stood beside them, leaning on a stick, halfway between a pilgrim's staff and an iron-headed stick, or maybe both, as the case may be, tell a story, burly The priest said again, don't dawdle, we don't have so much time. If the elder would like to hear it, said Dennett, a very drunken priest came to St. Edmund's Abbey the other day to call on the deacon I don't like to hear such lies, replied the priest. How can a priest get drunk?Suffice it to say, my friend, that the saint was so engrossed in the Scriptures that he lost his mind, and staggered a little, as if he had just had a drink; I have experienced it.

Well, then, said Father Dennett, a priest came to visit the deacon at Edmund Abbey, but it was an unruly priest who killed half the deer stolen in the woods, and he thought the clink of the flagon was louder than the deacon. The sound of the holy bell is more melodious in church, and a piece of bacon is more interesting than a prayer-book; but for the rest, he is a good fellow, always merry, and can dance with a spear and stick, and bow and arrow, and with Yorkshire Any lad can dance. Dennett, said the troubadour, thanks to these last words you have not broken a rib, or even two. Fuck you, lad, I ain't afraid of him, said Dennett, I'm old and my limbs don't work, but I wrestled in Doncaster

But stories, your stories, friends.The troubadour reminded him again. Well, here's the story: Athelstan of Coningsberg is buried in St. Edmund's Abbey. That's nonsense, total nonsense, Monk, because I saw him carried back to his own home in Coningsberg. Speak yourself, then, master, said Dennett, a little angry at being contradicted; his companion and the troubadour had many good things to say, until at last the old farmer calmed down and went on with his story. Story: The two sober priests, because the master must have said that they didn't drink, kept drinking sweet ale, wine, and other wines for a long time, when they suddenly heard a heavy moan, clang clang There was a sound of chains, and after a while the dead man Athelstan suddenly entered the room and said: You wicked priests!

Don't talk nonsense, the monk interrupted hastily, he didn't speak at all. all right!Brother Tucker, said the troubadour, pulling him away from the two country folks, I reckon we're asking for trouble again. I tell you, Alan Adair, said the Friar, that I saw Athelstan of Fort Coning, shrouded in shrouds and smelling of earth like a living man.Even if I drink another barrel of wine, I will never forget this scene. Don't lie!The troubadour replied, you are kidding me! I won't lie to you, said the monk, and I swung my iron-headed wooden club and gave him a hard blow, but strangely enough, the stick went through him as if hitting a puff of smoke!

My St. Hubert!The troubadour said, but this is an interesting story, which can be set to an old tune and made into "Old Monk Meets New Trouble". Laugh if you want, said Brother Tucker, but I won't sing like that, lest the devil come to me and take me away!No, never, I made a wish at that time to contribute to doing good deeds and accumulating virtue. If there are merits such as burning witches and dueling to solve cases, I must participate, so I came here. As they were talking, the great bell of St. Michael's Church rang, interrupting their conversation.This church belongs to the Temple Synagogue and is located in a Zhuangzi not far from the synagogue.The bells sounded eerie, one after the other, with a pause in between, and when their echo died away in the distance, another sound was sent into the air.These bells, which signaled the beginning of the ceremony, chilled and filled the assembled crowd with terror; and now all eyes were turned to the hall, and awaited the appearance of the Grand Master, the champions of the tournament, and the prisoners.

Finally, the drawbridge was lowered, the gate was opened, and a knight galloped out of the castle holding the banner of the Knights Order. There were six trumpeters in front of him, and the bishop behind him. Grandmaster, he is riding a tall horse, but the decoration on the horse is very simple.Behind him is Brian.Bois-guibert, he is fully armed, in shining armor, but without the gun, shield and sword, which are carried by the two squires behind him.Although his face was partly hidden by the long feathers falling from the top of his military helmet, he could still see that it expressed strong and complicated emotions, as if arrogance and hesitation were wrestling in his heart.His face was deathly pale, as if he had not slept for several nights, yet he rode his horse with his usual ease, showing the grace of the most famous Templar.His whole appearance is solemn and majestic, but if you observe carefully, you can easily find that there is a murderous look hidden in his dark face, which makes people shudder and dare not look at him closely. Riding on both sides of him is Conrad.Montefiore and Albert.Malvorsin, who served as the supervisors of the tournament, wore formal dresses, which were the white uniforms of the Knights.They were followed by the other knights of the Templars, and a long line of squires and valets in black, all of whom hoped to someday be honored as knights.Behind these novices came a line of guards on foot, in black uniforms, and from among their raised spears could be seen the pale face of the female prisoner, who was walking with slow but undaunted steps towards the fate of her life. place.She had been stripped of all ornaments, lest she should use them to carry the talismans, which the devil was said to have bestowed upon his disciples, with whom they would not confess, even under torture.Now she has taken off the oriental dress and is wearing a rough white dress, which is not about the style at all, but even in this dress, there is no other decoration except for the long black locks. She had such an air of combined heroic and resigned serenity that tears shed from every eye upon seeing her, and even the hard-hearted obstinate felt sorry for such a beauty who did not deserve such a play of fate. , As a result, the sky is angry and the people complain, and it is reduced to a subduing tool in the hands of the devil. The servants and messengers of the synagogue followed behind the prisoner. Everyone folded their arms, looked at the ground, and walked slowly. No one dared to move, and they seemed to be in order. The large group of people slowly walked up the flat slope to the high ground where the arena is located; after entering there, they circled the arena from right to left, and then stopped and stood.So the great master and his followers, except the warriors and the two supervisors, got off their horses one after another, and the horse was immediately led out of the arena by the followers who were waiting on the left and right for this matter. The unfortunate Rebecca was shown to the black chair near the woodpile; and when she first beheld the dreadful spot, which was prepared to inflict her mental torment as well as physical pain, she could She was seen to shudder and close her eyes, apparently praying inwardly, for her lips moved, though no sound came out.But after a minute she opened her eyes and gazed at the pile for a moment, as if to make her mind accept the fact, before turning her head calmly. At this time, the grand master ascended the seat, and the knights sat down around or behind the grand master according to their respective positions.Then came the loud and long blast of the horn, announcing that the court had officially opened.Then Malvosin, as supervisor of the tournament, stepped forward and placed the Jewish girl's glove, her token of the duel, at the Grand Master's feet. Your Excellency the brave and benevolent Grand Master, he said, now I place the token of the duel at your honorable feet, and lead the Knights Templar, Bishop Brienne.Bois-Ghibert comes to report to you, as a distinguished knight who accepts the challenge, he will today fulfill the duty of a duel to prove the verdict of the Holy Court of the Order that the Jewish woman named Rebecca is indeed a witch , her execution was well deserved.The knight is now ready to fight an honorable duel in the manner of a knight, and the honorable Grand Master is hereby expressly requested to grant his permission. Had he sworn to the Celestial League that his charges were just and honest?Bring the crucifix and the liturgical book, said the Grand Master. Your Excellency the Grand Master, Malvosin immediately replied, our brother Brienne is already in Conrad.Under the presidency of the Knight of Montefiche, he swore to the League of Heaven that his accusation was truthful; he could not take other oaths, because his opponent was a pagan who did not believe in Christ and had no right to swear. This statement was approved, and Albert was relieved. It turned out that this cunning knight had foreseen that he would ask Brienne.It was very difficult and almost impossible for Bois-Guibert to swear such an oath in public, so he came up with this excuse to avoid unnecessary trouble. The great master agreed to Albert.After Malvorsin's explanation, he ordered the ceremonial officer to perform his duties on stage.At this time, the horn sounded again, and an officer of ceremony stood in front and announced loudly: All are silent, please pay attention!Knight Templar Brienne.His Excellency Bois-Guibert hereby accepts the challenge to decide the justice of the charges against the Jewish woman Rebecca.Whereas Rebecca is a woman, and legally entitled to fight by another, any knight of innocence may fight in her place; Under the same conditions, conduct a fair and reasonable duel.The trumpets sounded again, and a dead silence persisted for several minutes. There was no joust for the complainant, and the Grand Master said, Master of Ceremonies, go and ask her if there is anyone who will fight for her in this matter. The ceremonial officer walked towards the chair where Rebecca was sitting; at this time Bois-Guilbert also turned his horse, and despite Malvasin and Montefiche's winks at him, he ran to the other side of the arena and arrived at Rebecca at the same time as the ceremonial officer. Card's chair side. According to the rules of the contest, is this appropriate?Malvorshin asked the Grand Master. Albert.That is all right, Malvorsin, Bomano replied, because in praying to God to judge, we cannot forbid the free contact between the two parties, which will help uncover the truth of the case. At the same time, the ceremonial officer said to Rebecca: "Little girl, the honorable and just Grand Master asks you if you have any hope of getting a warrior to fight for you today, or would you admit that the punishment you received is just, So accept the death sentence? Please reply to the Grand Master, Rebecca replied, I insist that I am innocent, and I do not admit that the punishment against me is just, otherwise I would be guilty of throwing my life away.Please tell him, I ask for as long as his rules allow, because God always gives a chance when people are on the verge of death, and then God may send me a savior ; If after the time limit, everything goes on as usual, then let him do it! The ceremonial officer returned this answer to the grand master. God bless, let no Jew or heathen accuse us of injustice!Lugas.Bomano said, We can wait until the sun is flat in the west, and the shadow of the sun is cast in the east, to see if anyone will volunteer to fight for this unfortunate woman.But when the time comes, please prepare her to die. The ceremonial officer passed the words of the great master to Rebecca again. She bowed her head and folded her hands together, then raised her face, as if she was praying for God to give her the help that she could not get in the world.In the terrible silence, Bois-Guilbert's voice reached her ears, its softness, but it frightened her more than the loud announcement of the magistrate. Rebecca, said the Templar, did you hear me? I don't want to listen to you, cruel and cruel man.said the unhappy girl. Alas, but you know what I mean?Now, said the Templar, my voice is terrific to my own ears.I simply don't know where we stand, or what they've brought us here for.The arena, the chairs, the firewood, I know what they are for, yet it seems unreal to me, a horrific vision, which frightens and disgusts me, but Can't convince my mind that this is true. My mind and senses are clear and clear, replied Rebecca, and they all tell me that the logs are meant to destroy my earthly body, but also open a painful, Short road however. It is a dream, Rebecca, a dream, replied the Templar, a false fantasy, even you wiser Sadducees. ] will not believe it.Listen to me, Rebecca, he continued with excitement, now you have a chance at life and freedom that those bastards and that old obstinate never dreamed of.Please jump on my horse and ride on my back. My Zamor is a strong horse. It will never let its rider be in danger. A medieval Islamic state in Turkey. 】The sultan won the duel.I said, jump on the horse and ride behind me.In one short hour I can drive my pursuers far, and a new world of joy opens before you, and for me it is a new path of honor.Let them talk of their trials, I don't care; let them blot Bois-guibert's name from the monk's list of slaves!If they dare desecrate my sigil, I will demand blood from them. Go away, devil!Says Rebecca, You can't shake my resolution even at this last hour.Though I am surrounded by enemies, I consider you my worst and most implacable enemy; and in the name of God I bid you go! Their negotiations dragged on for so long, Albert.Malvosin could bear it no longer, and finally stepped forward to stop them. Did the little girl admit she was guilty?He asked Bois-Guilbert if she would not confess to her crime until she died? Yes, she would rather die than plead guilty.Bois Guibert said. Then, Malvorsin said, honorable brother, please return to your position and wait for the end of the matter.The sundial's shadow had shifted to the other side.Come, brave Boisguibert, you are the hope of our order, and you will soon become its leader. He said so in a comforting tone, putting his hand on his bridle as if to lead him back to his post. Hypocritical villain!What do you mean hold my rein?Brienne Knight said angrily.He broke his friend's hand and rode back to the top of the field. His resentment was still great, and Malvosin secretly said to Montefischer that he hoped he would not act recklessly, and would not be like a Greek gunpowder pot. Not extinguished, so can attack ships and forts, burn everything. ], burn whatever you encounter. The judges had been on the court for two hours, but no challenger had appeared. No wonder, since she was a Jewish woman, said Brother Tucker, but in good conscience, it is unbearable that such a young and beautiful woman should be put to death, and no one would fight for her!Even if she has ten devils attached to her body, as long as she has a little Christian flavor, I will raise the iron headed wooden club and beat the steel helmet of that vicious Templar to pieces, so that he will not go unpunished. It was believed, however, that no one could or would fight a duel for a Jewish woman accused of witchcraft; and the knights, instigated by Malvosin, murmured that Rebecca's challenge could be declared withdrawn.However, at this moment, a knight appeared in the wilderness non-stop, galloping towards the arena.Thousands of voices shouted: The fighters are coming, the fighters are coming!Despite the preconceptions that had developed among the crowd, they cheered unanimously when they saw the knight enter the arena.On closer inspection, however, the hopes aroused by the knight's timely arrival were dashed.His horse, exhausted from the long journey, was in danger of collapsing; the rider, though fearless, was almost unable to hold himself in the saddle through weakness, fatigue, or a combination of both. . The ceremonial officer immediately asked him to declare his identity, name and intention, and the strange knight replied confidently and confidently: I am a formal knight, of noble origin, and now I come to use my sword and spear to serve this girl, the future of York. Sarah's daughter, Rebecca, to administer justice and protect her legal rights; to prove that her conviction was unfounded and wrong, and to Brian.Chevalier de Bois-Guilbert, traitor, murderer, and liar, challenges me to prove all that has been said by my jousting with him on this field, with the help of God, the Virgin, and the illustrious knight Saint-George. The visitor must first prove that he is an official knight and has a clean family background. Malvosin said that the Templars never duel with unknown people. My name is louder than yours, and my lineage is purer than yours, Malworthy, replied the knight, lifting his mask, I am Wilfred of Ivanhoe. I don't want to duel with you just yet, said the Templar, his voice changed, and he seemed a little bluffing, it's better to heal your wounds and feed your horses, then maybe I will feel that, for the sake of a lesson Look at you, a fledgling kid, it's worth fighting with you. ha!Arrogant Templar, Ivanhoe replied, do you remember falling off your horse twice before this gun?Think of the tournament at Acre, think of the contest at Ashby, think of your boasting in the halls at Rotherwood, when you bet your golden chain with my reliquary, saying It's time to fight Wilfred of Ivanhoe to restore your lost honor!By my reliquary and the relics in it, unless you fight me without delay, I will proclaim this temple of you in every court of Europe, in every hall of your order The knight is a coward who is afraid of death! Bois-Ghibert was a little hesitant, looked back at Rebecca, and then yelled viciously at Ivanhoe: You Saxon dog!Since you want to die, grab your gun and prepare to die! Grandmaster agrees to my duel?Ivanhoe asked. I cannot deny your challenge, as long as the girl accepts you as her champion, said the Grand Master, but I hope you improve your conditions before joining the fight.You have always hated our Knights, but I am willing to treat you fairly. No, I can just participate in the duel like this, Ivanhoe said, this is God's judgment and I hand myself over to Him to wait for His judgment.Then he rode his horse up in front of the accused, and said: Rebecca, do you accept me as your champion? I accepted her, saying, her voice trembling with excitement, as she had never before faced the terror of death, that I accepted you as my champion, for you were sent by God to save me.However, no no your injury is not healed yet.Do not duel with that arrogant man; why should you be destroyed too? But Ivanhoe had come to his place, put down his visor, and raised his spear.Bois-Guirebert also got ready; and, according to his squire, although his face had looked so gray and pale all morning with all the complex emotions wrestling in him, when he put on his visor he suddenly became pale. His face was flushed and his cheeks were hot. Seeing that the two sides had taken their positions, the ceremony officer raised his voice and repeated three times: Fulfill your duty, brave knights!After the third cry, he stepped aside, and announced in the same tone that no one, by word, cry, or action, should intervene or disturb the fighting in the jousting arena, otherwise he would be killed immediately.The Grand Master, holding Rebecca's glove, the token of battle, now threw it into the arena, and announced an ominous order: Go! The horn sounded, and the two knights rushed face to face at the fastest speed.Ivanhoe's exhausted horse and its equally exhausted man fell, as one might expect, before the Templar's well-aimed lance and the mighty steed.The result of the battle is predictable, but although Ivanhoe's long spear touched Bois-Guilbert's shield lightly in comparison, to the surprise of the audience, the knight After shaking on the horse, his feet left the stirrups and fell to the ground. Immediately after Ivanhoe's horse fell, he pulled himself out, stood up, and drew his sword in order to change the disadvantaged situation; his opponent did not stand up.Wilfrid kicked him in the chest with one foot, pointed the tip of his sword at his throat, and ordered him to surrender or kill him on the spot.Bois-guibert didn't answer anything. Do not kill him, Sir Knight, cried the Grand Master, he has not yet repented, nor has he been pardoned.Don't kill his soul and body together!We admit he beats. He entered the arena and ordered the helms of the defeated knights to be uncovered.His eyes were closed, and the deep red tide remained on his face.When everyone looked at him in amazement, his eyes opened, but he was dull and motionless.The redness gradually faded from his face, turning deathly pale.He was not stabbed to death by the opponent's gun, he died in the fierce struggle of his own emotions. This is indeed God's judgment, the great master raised his head and said, may your will be done on earth! [Note: For words in the Christian Lord’s Prayer, see New Testament, Matthew. 】