'
'Stout heart, I like thy freedom. Pr'ythee say on.'
'I was a-saying, I hope you will lead us in the charge to-morrow. Some
say you will not.'
'They say falsely.'
'I thought so. I'll ever answer for my little ruler, but then the
Queen?'
'Is a true soldier's wife, and lives in the camp.'
'That's brave! There, I told you so, comrades; you would not believe
me, but I knew our little ruler before you did. I lived near the gate at
Hamadan, please your Highness: old Shelomi's son.'
'Give me thy hand; a real friend. What is't ye eat here, boys? Let me
taste your mess. I'faith I would my cook could dress me such a pilau!
Tis admirable!'
The soldiers gathered round their chieftain with eyes beaming with
adoration. 'Twas a fine picture, the hero in the centre, the various
groups around, some conversing with him, some cooking, some making
coffee, all offering him by word or deed some testimonial of their
devotion, and blending with that devotion the most perfect frankness.
'We shall beat them, lads!'
'There is no fear with you, you always conquer.'
'I do my best, and so do you. A good general without good troops is
little worth.'
'I'faith that's true. One must have good troops.
Pages:
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306