第11章

FirsthesanganORIGINALairandpoem，beginning”Cherriesnice，cherriesnice，nice，comechoose，Freshandfairones，who’llrefuse？”&c。

Thewhichhewasreadytotakehisaffidavithehadcomposedthedaybeforeyesterday。ThenhesanganequallyORIGINALheroicmelody，ofwhichthechoruswas”RuleBritannia，Britanniarulesthesea，ForBritonsnever，never，neverslavesshallbe，”&c。

Thecourtiersapplaudedthissongastheydidtheother，allexceptIvanhoe，whosatwithoutchangingamuscleofhisfeatures，untiltheKingquestionedhim，whentheknight，withabowsaid”hethoughthehadheardsomethingveryliketheairandthewordselsewhere。”HisMajestyscowledathimasavageglancefromunderhisredbushyeyebrows；butIvanhoehadsavedtheroyallifethatday，andtheKing，therefore，withdifficultycontrolledhisindignation。”Well，”saidhe，”bySt。RichardandSt。George，butyeneverheardTHISsong，forIcomposeditthisveryafternoonasItookmybathafterthemelee。DidInot，Blondel？”

Blondel，ofcourse，wasreadytotakeanaffidavitthathisMajestyhaddoneashesaid，andtheKing，thrummingonhisguitarwithhisgreatredfingersandthumbs，begantosingoutoftuneandasfollows:——”COMMANDERSOFTHEFAITHFUL。”ThePopeheisahappyman，HisPalaceistheVatican，Andtherehesitsanddrainshiscan:

ThePopeheisahappyman。

IoftensaywhenI’mathome，I’dliketobethePopeofRome。”Andthenthere’sSultanSaladin，ThatTurkishSoldanfullofsin；

Hehasahundredwivesatleast，Bywhichhispleasureisincreased:

I’veoftenwished，Ihopenosin，ThatIwereSultanSaladin。”Butno，thePopenowifemaychoose，AndsoIwouldnotwearhisshoes；

NowinemaydrinktheproudPaynim，AndsoI’drathernotbehim:

Mywife，mywine，IloveIhope，AndwouldbeneitherTurknorPope。””Encore！Encore！Bravo！Bis！”EverybodyapplaudedtheKing’ssongwithallhismight:everybodyexceptIvanhoe，whopreservedhisabominablegravity:andwhenaskedaloudbyRogerdeBackbitewhetherhehadheardthattoo，saidfirmly，”Yes，RogerdeBackbite；andsohastthouifthoudarestbuttellthetruth。””Now，bySt。Cicely，mayInevertouchgitternagain，”bawledtheKinginafury，”ifeverynote，word，andthoughtbenotmine；mayIdieinto-morrow’sonslaughtifthesongbenotmysong。Singthyself，WilfridoftheLanthornJaws；thoucould’stsingagoodsonginoldtimes。”Andwithallhismight，andwithaforcedlaugh，theKing，wholovedbrutalpracticaljests，flunghisguitarattheheadofIvanhoe。

SirWilfridcaughtitgracefullywithonehand，andmakinganelegantbowtothesovereign，begantochantasfollows:——”KINGCANUTE。”KingCanutewasweary-hearted；hehadreignedforyearsascore，Battling，struggling，pushing，fighting，killingmuchandrobbingmore；

Andhethoughtuponhisactions，walkingbythewildsea-shore。”’TwixttheChancellorandBishopwalkedtheKingwithstepssedate，Chamberlainsandgroomscameafter，silversticksandgoldsticksgreat，Chaplains，aides-de-camp，andpages，——alltheofficersofstate。”Slidingafterlikehisshadow，pausingwhenhechosetopause，Ifafrownhisfacecontracted，straightthecourtiersdroppedtheirjaws；

IftolaughtheKingwasminded，outtheyburstinloudhee-haws。”Butthatdayasomethingvexedhim，thatwascleartooldandyoung:

ThricehisGracehadyawnedattable，whenhisfavoritegleemensung，OncetheQueenwouldhaveconsoledhim，buthebadeherholdhertongue。”’Somethingailsmygraciousmaster，’criedtheKeeperoftheSeal。

’Sure，mylord，itisthelampreysservedatdinner，ortheveal？’

’Psha！’exclaimedtheangrymonarch。’Keeper，’tisnotthatIfeel。”’’TistheHEART，andnotthedinner，fool，thatdothmyrestimpair:

CanaKingbegreatasIam，prithee，andyetknownocare？

Oh，I’msick，andtired，andweary。’——Someonecried，’TheKing’sarm-chair？’”Thentowardsthelackeysturning，quickmyLordtheKeepernodded，StraighttheKing’sgreatchairwasbroughthim，bytwofootmenable-bodied；

Languidlyhesankintoit:itwascomfortablywadded。”’Leadingonmyfiercecompanions，’criedbe，’overstormandbrine，IhavefoughtandIhaveconquered！Wherewasgloryliketomine？’

Loudlyallthecourtiersechoed:’Whereisgloryliketothine？’”’Whatavailmeallmykingdoms？WearyamInow，andold；

ThosefairsonsIhavebegotten，longtoseemedeadandcold；

WouldIwere，andquietburied，underneaththesilentmould！”’Oh，remorse，thewrithingserpent！atmybosomtearsandbites；

Horrid，horridthingsIlookon，thoughIputoutallthelights；

Ghostsofghastlyrecollectionstroopaboutmybedofnights。”’Citiesburning，conventsblazing，redwithsacrilegiousfires；

Mothersweeping，virginsscreaming，vainlyfortheirslaughteredsires。’——

Suchatenderconscience，’criestheBishop，’everyoneadmires。”’Butforsuchunpleasantbygones，cease，mygraciouslord，tosearch，They’reforgottenandforgivenbyourHolyMotherChurch；

Never，neverdoessheleaveherbenefactorsinthelurch。”’Look！thelandiscrownedwithminsters，whichyourGrace’sbountyraised；

Abbeysfilledwithholymen，whereyouandHeavenaredailypraised:

YOU，mylord，tothinkofdying？onmyconscienceI’mamazed！’”’Nay，Ifeel，’repliedKingCanute，’thatmyendisdrawingnear。’

’Don’tsayso，’exclaimedthecourtiers(strivingeachtosqueezeatear)。

’SureyourGraceisstrongandlusty，andmaylivethisfiftyyear。’”’Livethesefiftyyears！’theBishoproared，withactionsmadetosuit。

’Areyoumad，mygoodLordKeeper，thustospeakofKingCanute！

Menhavelivedathousandyears，andsurehisMajestywilldo’t。”’Adam，Enoch，Lamech，Cainan，Mahaleel，Methusela，Livedninehundredyearsapiece，andmayn’ttheKingaswellasthey？’

’Fervently，’exclaimedtheKeeper，’ferventlyItrusthemay。’”’HEtodie？’resumedtheBishop。’HeamortalliketoUS？

Deathwasnotforhimintended，thoughcommunisomnibus:

Keeper，youareirreligious，fortotalkandcavilthus。”’Withhiswondrousskillinhealingne’eradoctorcancompete，Loathsomelepers，ifhetouchthem，startupcleanupontheirfeet；

Surelyhecouldraisethedeadup，didhisHighnessthinkitmeet。”’DidnotoncetheJewishcaptainstaythesunuponthehill，And，thewhileheslewthefoemen，bidthesilvermoonstandstill？

So，nodoubt，couldgraciousCanute，ifitwerehissacredwill。’”’MightIstaythesunaboveus，goodSirBishop？’Canutecried；

’CouldIbidthesilvermoontopauseuponherheavenlyride？

Ifthemoonobeysmyorders，sureIcancommandthetide。”’Willtheadvancingwavesobeyme，Bishop，ifImakethesign？’

SaidtheBishop，bowinglowly，’Landandsea，mylord，arethine。’

Canuteturnedtowardstheocean——’Back！’hesaid，’thoufoamingbrine”’FromthesacredshoreIstandon，Icommandtheetoretreat；

Venturenot，thoustormyrebel，toapproachthymaster’sseat:

Ocean，bethoustill！Ibidtheecomenotnearertomyfeet！’”Butthesullenoceanansweredwithalouder，deeperroar，Andtherapidwavesdrewnearer，fallingsoundingontheshore；

BacktheKeeperandtheBishop，backtheKingandcourtiersbore。”Andhesternlybadethemnevermoretokneeltohumanclay，ButalonetopraiseandworshipThatwhichearthandseasobey:

Andhisgoldencrownofempireneverworehefromthatday。

KingCanuteisdeadandgone:Parasitesexistalway。”

Atthisballad，which，tobesure，wasawfullylong，andasgraveasasermon，someofthecourtierstittered，someyawned，andsomeaffectedtobeasleepandsnoreoutright。ButRogerdeBackbitethinkingtocurryfavorwiththeKingbythispieceofvulgarity，hisMajestyfetchedhimaknockonthenoseandabuffetontheear，which，Iwarrantme，wakenedMasterRoger；towhomtheKingsaid，”Listenandbecivil，slave；Wilfridissingingaboutthee——

Wilfrid，thyballadislong，butitistothepurpose，andIhavegrowncoolduringthyhomily。Givemethyhand，honestfriend。

Ladies，goodnight。Gentlemen，wegivethegrandassaultto-morrow；

whenIpromisethee，Wilfrid，thybannershallnotbebeforemine。”——

AndtheKing，givinghisarmtoherMajesty，retiredintotheprivatepavilion。

CHAPTERIII。

ST。GEORGEFORENGLAND。

WhilsttheroyalRichardandhiscourtwerefeastinginthecampoutsidethewallsofChalus，theyofthecastlewereinthemostmiserableplightthatmaybeconceived。Hunger，aswellasthefierceassaultsofthebesiegers，hadmadedireravagesintheplace。Thegarrison’sprovisionsofcornandcattle，theirveryhorses，dogs，anddonkeyshadbeeneatenup——sothatitmightwellbesaidbyWamba”thatfamine，aswellasslaughter，hadTHINNED

thegarrison。”WhenthemenofChaluscameonthewallstodefenditagainstthescaling-partiesofKingRichard，theywerelikesomanyskeletonsinarmor；theycouldhardlypulltheirbowstringsatlast，orpitchdownstonesontheheadsofhisMajesty’sparty，soweakhadtheirarmsbecome；andthegiganticCountofChalus——awarriorasredoubtableforhissizeandstrengthasRichardPlantagenethimself——wasscarcelyabletoliftuphisbattle-axeuponthedayofthatlastassault，whenSirWilfridofIvanhoeranhimthroughthe——butweareadvancingmatters。

WhatshouldpreventmefromdescribingtheagoniesofhungerwhichtheCount(amanoflargeappetite)sufferedincompanywithhisheroicsonsandgarrison？——Nothing，butthatDantehasalreadydonethebusinessinthenotorioushistoryofCountUgolino；sothatmyeffortsmightbeconsideredasmereimitations。WhyshouldInot，ifIweremindedtorevelinhorrifyingdetails，showyouhowthefamishedgarrisondrewlots，andatethemselvesduringthesiege；

andhowtheunluckylotfallingupontheCountessofChalus，thatheroicwoman，takinganaffectionateleaveofherfamily，causedherlargecaldroninthecastlekitchentobeseta-boiling，hadonions，carrotsandherbs，pepperandsaltmadeready，tomakeasavorysoup，astheFrenchlikeit；andwhenallthingswerequitecompleted，kissedherchildren，jumpedintothecaldronfromoffakitchenstool，andsowassteweddowninherflannelbed-gown？

Dearfriends，itisnotfromwantofimagination，orfromhavingnoturnfortheterribleorpathetic，thatIspareyouthesedetails。

Icouldgiveyousomedescriptionthatwouldspoilyourdinnerandnight’srest，andmakeyourhairstandonend。Butwhyharrowyourfeelings？Fancyallthetorturesandhorrorsthatpossiblycanoccurinabeleagueredandfamishedcastle:fancythefeelingsofmenwhoknowthatnomorequarterwillbegiventhemthantheywouldgetiftheywerepeacefulHungariancitizenskidnappedandbroughttotrialbyhisMajestytheEmperorofAustria；andthenletusrushontothebreachandprepareoncemoretomeettheassaultofdreadfulKingRichardandhismen。

Onthe29thofMarchintheyear1199，thegoodKing，havingcopiouslypartakenofbreakfast，causedhistrumpetstoblow，andadvancedwithhishostuponthebreachofthecastleofChalus。

ArthurdePendennisborehisbanner；WilfridofIvanhoefoughtontheKing’srighthand。Molyneux，BishopofBullocksmithy，doffedcrosierandmitreforthatday，andthoughfatandpursy，pantedupthebreachwiththemostresolutespirit，roaringoutwar-criesandcurses，andwieldingaprodigiousmaceofiron，withwhichhedidgoodexecution。RogerdeBackbitewasforcedtocomeinattendanceuponthesovereign，buttookcaretokeepintherearofhisaugustmaster，andtoshelterbehindhishugetriangularshieldasmuchaspossible。ManylordsofnotefollowedtheKingandboretheladders；andastheywereplacedagainstthewall，theairwasperfectlydarkwiththeshowerofarrowswhichtheFrencharcherspouredoutatthebesiegers，andthecataractofstones，kettles，bootjacks，chestsofdrawers，crockery，umbrellas，congreve-

rockets，bombshells，boltsandarrowsandothermissileswhichthedesperategarrisonflungoutonthestorming-party。TheKingreceivedacoppercoal-scuttlerightoverhiseyes，andamahoganywardrobewasdischargedathismorion，whichwouldhavefelledanox，andwouldhavedonefortheKinghadnotIvanhoewardeditoffskilfully。Stilltheyadvanced，thewarriorsfallingaroundthemlikegrassbeneaththescytheofthemower。

Theladderswereplacedinspiteofthehailofdeathraininground:theKingandIvanhoewere，ofcourse，thefirsttomountthem。Chalusstoodinthebreach，borrowingstrengthfromdespair；

androaringout，”Ha！Plantagenet，St。BarbacueforChalus！”hedealttheKingacrackacrossthehelmetwithhisbattle-axe，whichshoreoffthegiltlionandcrownthatsurmountedthesteelcap。

TheKingbentandreeledback；thebesiegersweredismayed；thegarrisonandtheCountofChalussetupashoutoftriumph:butitwaspremature。

AsquickasthoughtIvanhoewasintotheCountwithathrustintierce，whichtookhimjustatthejointofthearmor，andranhimthroughascleanasaspitdoesapartridge。Utteringahorridshriek，hefellbackwrithing；theKingrecoveringstaggereduptheparapet；therushofknightsfollowed，andtheunion-jackwasplantedtriumphantlyonthewalls，justasIvanhoe，——butwemustleavehimforamoment。”Ha，St。Richard！——ha，St。George！”thetremendousvoiceoftheLion-kingwasheardovertheloudestroaroftheonset。Ateverysweepofhisbladeaseveredheadflewovertheparapet，aspoutingtrunktumbled，bleeding，ontheflagsofthebartizan。TheworldhathneverseenawarriorequaltothatLion-heartedPlantagenet，asheragedoverthekeep，hiseyesflashingfirethroughthebarsofhismorion，snortingandchafingwiththehotlustofbattle。

OnebyonelesenfansdeChalushadfallen；therewasonlyoneleftatlastofallthebraveracethathadfoughtroundthegallantCount:——onlyone，andbutaboy，afair-hairedboy，ablue-eyedboy！hehadbeengatheringpansiesinthefieldsbutyesterday——itwasbutafewyears，andhewasababyinhismother’sarms！WhatcouldhispunysworddoagainstthemostredoubtedbladeinChristendom？——andyetBohemondfacedthegreatchampionofEngland，andmethimfoottofoot！Turnaway，turnaway，mydearyoungfriendsandkind-heartedladies！Donotlookatthatill-fatedpoorboy！hisbladeiscrushedintosplintersundertheaxeoftheconqueror，andthepoorchildisbeatentohisknee！……”Now，bySt。BarbacueofLimoges，”saidBertranddeGourdon，”thebutcherwillneverstrikedownyonderlambling！Holdthyhand，SirKing，or，bySt。Barbacue——”

Swiftasthoughttheveteranarcherraisedhisarblasttohisshoulder，thewhizzingboltfledfromtheringingstring，andthenextmomentcrashedquiveringintothecorseletofPlantagenet。

’Twasalucklessshot，BertrandofGourdon！Maddenedbythepainofthewound，thebrutenatureofRichardwasaroused:hisfiendishappetiteforbloodrosetomadness，andgrindinghisteeth，andwithacursetoohorribletomention，theflashingaxeoftheroyalbutcherfelldownontheblondringletsofthechild，andthechildrenofChaluswerenomore！……

Ijustthrowthisoffbywayofdescription，andtoshowwhatMIGHT

bedoneifIchosetoindulgeinthisstyleofcomposition；butasinthebattleswhicharedescribedbythekindlychronicler，ofoneofwhoseworksthispresentmasterpieceisprofessedlyacontinuation，everythingpassesoffagreeably——thepeopleareslain，butwithoutanyunpleasantsensationtothereader；nay，someofthemostsavageandblood-stainedcharactersofhistory，suchistheindomitablegood-humorofthegreatnovelist，becomeamiable，jovialcompanions，forwhomonehasaheartysympathy——so，ifyouplease，wewillhavethisfightingbusinessatChalus，andthegarrisonandhonestBertrandofGourdon，disposedof；theformer，accordingtotheusageofthegoodoldtimes，havingbeenhungupormurderedtoaman，andthelatterkilledinthemannerdescribedbythelateDr。GoldsmithinhisHistory。

AsfortheLion-hearted，weallverywellknowthattheshaftofBertranddeGourdonputanendtotheroyalhero——andthatfromthat29thofMarchheneverrobbednormurderedanymore。AndwehavelegendsinreconditebooksofthemanneroftheKing’sdeath。”Youmustdie，myson，”saidthevenerableWalterofRouen，asBerengariawascarriedshriekingfromtheKing’stent。”Repent，SirKing，andseparateyourselffromyourchildren！””Itisilljestingwithadyingman，”repliedtheKing。”ChildrenhaveInone，mygoodlordbishop，toinheritafterme。””RichardofEngland，”saidthearchbishop，turninguphisfineeyes，”yourvicesareyourchildren。Ambitionisyoureldestchild，Crueltyisyoursecondchild，Luxuryisyourthirdchild；

andyouhavenourishedthemfromyouryouthup。Separateyourselffromthesesinfulones，andprepareyoursoul，forthehourofdeparturedrawethnigh。”

Violent，wicked，sinful，ashemighthavebeen，RichardofEnglandmethisdeathlikeaChristianman。Peacebetothesoulofthebrave！WhenthenewscametoKingPhilipofFrance，hesternlyforbadehiscourtierstorejoiceatthedeathofhisenemy。”Itisnomatterofjoybutofdolor，”hesaid，”thatthebulwarkofChristendomandthebravestkingofEuropeisnomore。”

MeanwhilewhathasbecomeofSirWilfridofIvanhoe，whomweleftintheactofrescuinghissovereignbyrunningtheCountofChalusthroughthebody？

Asthegoodknightstoopeddowntopickhisswordoutofthecorpseofhisfallenfoe，someonecomingbehindhimsuddenlythrustadaggerintohisbackataplacewherehisshirt-of-mailwasopen(forSirWilfridhadarmedthatmorninginahurry，anditwashisbreast，nothisback，thathewasaccustomedordinarilytoprotect)；

andwhenpoorWambacameupontherampart，whichhedidwhenthefightingwasover，——beingsuchafoolthathecouldnotbegottothrusthisheadintodangerforglory’ssake——hefoundhisdearknightwiththedaggerinhisbacklyingwithoutlifeuponthebodyoftheCountdeChaluswhomhehadanonslain。

Ah，whatahowlpoorWambasetupwhenhefoundhismasterkilled！

Howhelamentedoverthecorpseofthatnobleknightandfriend！

WhatmatteredittohimthatRichardtheKingwasbornewoundedtohistent，andthatBertranddeGourdonwasflayedalive？Atanothertimethesightofthisspectaclemighthaveamusedthesimpleknave；butnowallhisthoughtswereofhislord:sogood，sogentle，sokind，soloyal，sofrankwiththegreat，sotendertothepoor，sotruthfulofspeech，somodestregardinghisownmerit，sotrueagentleman，inaword，thatanybodymight，withreason，deplorehim。

AsWambaopenedthedearknight’scorselet，hefoundalocketroundhisneck，inwhichtherewassomehair；notflaxenlikethatofmyLadyRowena，whowasalmostasfairasanAlbino，butasblack，Wambathought，asthelocksoftheJewishmaidenwhomtheknighthadrescuedinthelistsofTemplestowe。AbitofRowena’shairwasinSirWilfrid’spossession，too；butthatwasinhispursealongwithhissealofarms，andacoupleofgroats:forthegoodknightneverkeptanymoney，sogenerouswasheofhislargesseswhenmoneycamein。

Wambatookthepurse，andseal，andgroats，butheleftthelocketofhairroundhismaster’sneck，andwhenhereturnedtoEnglandneversaidawordaboutthecircumstance。Afterall，howshouldheknowwhosehairitwas？Itmighthavebeentheknight’sgrandmother’shairforaughtthefoolknew；sohekepthiscounselwhenhebroughtbackthesadnewsandtokenstothedisconsolatewidowatRotherwood。

Thepoorfellowwouldneverhaveleftthebodyatall，andindeedsatbyitallnight，anduntilthegrayofthemorning；when，seeingtwosuspicious-lookingcharactersadvancingtowardshim，hefledindismay，supposingthattheyweremarauderswhowereoutsearchingforbootyamongthedeadbodies；andhavingnottheleastcourage，hefledfromthese，andtumbleddownthebreach，andneverstoppedrunningasfastashislegswouldcarryhim，untilhereachedthetentofhislatebelovedmaster。

Thenewsoftheknight’sdemise，itappeared，hadbeenknownathisquarterslongbefore；forhisservantsweregone，andhadriddenoffonhishorses；hischestswereplundered:therewasnotsomuchasashirt-collarleftinhisdrawers，andtheverybedandblanketshadbeencarriedawaybytheseFAITHFULattendants。WhohadslainIvanhoe？Thatremainsamysterytothepresentday；butRogerdeBackbite，whosenosehehadpulledfordefamation，andwhowasbehindhimintheassaultatChalus，wasseentwoyearsafterwardsatthecourtofKingJohninanembroideredvelvetwaistcoatwhichRowenacouldhaveswornshehadworkedforIvanhoe，andaboutwhichthewidowwouldhavemadesomelittlenoise，butthat——butthatshewasnolongerawidow。

Thatshetrulydeploredthedeathofherlordcannotbequestioned，forsheorderedthedeepestmourningwhichanymillinerinYorkcouldsupply，anderectedamonumenttohismemoryasbigasaminster。Butshewasaladyofsuchfineprinciples，thatshedidnotallowhergrieftoovermasterher；andanopportunityspeedilyarisingforunitingthetwobestSaxonfamiliesinEngland，byanalliancebetweenherselfandthegentlemanwhoofferedhimselftoher，Rowenasacrificedherinclinationtoremainsingle，tohersenseofduty；andcontractedasecondmatrimonialengagement。

ThatAthelstanewastheman，Isupposenoreaderfamiliarwithlife，andnovelswhicharearescriptoflife，andareallstrictlynaturalandedifying，canforamomentdoubt。CardinalPandulfotiedtheknotforthem:andlestthereshouldbeanydoubtaboutIvanhoe’sdeath(forhisbodywasneversenthomeafterall，norseenafterWambaranawayfromit)，hisEminenceprocuredaPapaldecreeannullingtheformermarriage，sothatRowenabecameMrs。

Athelstanewithaclearconscience。Andwhoshallbesurprised，ifshewashappierwiththestupidandboozyThanethanwiththegentleandmelancholyWilfrid？Didwomenneverhaveapredilectionforfools，Ishouldliketoknow；orfallinlovewithdonkeys，beforethetimeoftheamoursofBottomandTitania？Ah！Mary，hadyounotpreferredanasstoaman，wouldyouhavemarriedJackBray，whenaMichaelAngelooffered？Ah！Fanny，wereyounotawoman，wouldyoupersistinadoringTomHiccups，whobeatsyou，andcomeshometipsyfromtheClub？Yes，RowenacaredahundredtimesmoreabouttipsyAthelstanethanevershehaddoneforgentleIvanhoe，andsogreatwasherinfatuationabouttheformer，thatshewouldsituponhiskneeinthepresenceofallhermaidens，andlethimsmokehiscigarsintheverydrawing-room。

ThisistheepitaphshecausedtobewrittenbyFatherDrono(whopiquedhimselfuponhisLatinity)onthestonecommemoratingthedeathofherlatelord:——

HicestGuilfridus，bellidumvixitavidus:

Cumgladioetlancea，NormaniaetquoqueFranciaVerberaduradabat:perTurcosmultumequitabat:

Guilbertumoccidit:atqueHierosolymavidit。

Heu！nuncsubfossasunttantimilitisossa，UxorAthelstaniestconjuxcastissimaThani。

AndthisisthetranslationwhichthedoggerelknaveWambamadeoftheLatinlines:”REQUIESCAT。”Underthestoneyoubehold，Buried，andcoffined，andcold，LiethSirWilfridtheBold。”Alwayshemarchedinadvance，WarringinFlandersandFrance，Doughtywithswordandwithlance。”FamousinSaracenfight，Rodeinhisyouththegoodknight，ScatteringPaynimsinflight。”BriantheTemplaruntrue，Fairlyintourneyheslew，SawHierusalemtoo。”Nowheisburiedandgone，Lyingbeneaththegraystone:

Whereshallyoufindsuchaone？”Longtimehiswidowdeplored，Weepingthefateofherlord，Sadlycutoffbythesword。”Whenshewaseasedofherpain，CamethegoodLordAthelstane，Whenherladyshipmarriedagain。”

Athelstaneburstintoaloudlaugh，whenheheardit，atthelastline，butRowenawouldhavehadthefoolwhipped，hadnottheThaneinterceded；andtohim，shesaid，shecouldrefusenothing。

CHAPTERIV。

IVANHOEREDIVIVUS。

Itrustnobodywillsuppose，fromtheeventsdescribedinthelastchapter，thatourfriendIvanhoeisreallydead。Becausewehavegivenhimanepitaphortwoandamonument，aretheseanyreasonsthatheshouldbereallygoneoutoftheworld？No:asinthepantomime，whenweseeClownandPantaloonlayoutHarlequinandcryoverhim，wearealwayssurethatMasterHarlequinwillbeupatthenextminutealertandshininginhisglisteningcoat；and，aftergivingaboxontheearstothepairofthem，willbetakingadancewithColumbine，orleapinggaylythroughtheclock-face，orintothethree-pair-of-stairs’window:——soSirWilfrid，theHarlequinofourChristmaspiece，mayberunthroughalittle，ormaymakebelievetobedead，butwillassuredlyriseupagainwhenheiswanted，andshowhimselfattherightmoment。

Thesuspicious-lookingcharactersfromwhomWambaranawaywerenocut-throatsandplunderers，asthepoorknaveimagined，butnootherthanIvanhoe’sfriend，thehermit，andareverendbrotherofhis，whovisitedthesceneofthelatebattleinordertoseeifanyChristiansstillsurvivedthere，whomtheymightshriveandgetreadyforheaven，ortowhomtheymightpossiblyofferthebenefitoftheirskillasleeches。Bothwereprodigiouslylearnedinthehealingart；andhadaboutthemthosepreciouselixirswhichsooftenoccurinromances，andwithwhichpatientsaresomiraculouslyrestored。Abruptlydroppinghismaster’sheadfromhislapashefled，poorWambacausedtheknight’spatetofallwithratheraheavythumptotheground，andiftheknavehadbutstayedaminutelonger，hewouldhaveheardSirWilfridutteradeepgroan。Butthoughthefoolheardhimnot，theholyhermitsdid；andtorecognizethegallantWilfrid，towithdrawtheenormousdaggerstillstickingoutofhisback，towashthewoundwithaportionofthepreciouselixir，andtopouralittleofitdownhisthroat，waswiththeexcellenthermitstheworkofaninstant:whichremediesbeingapplied，oneofthegoodmentooktheknightbytheheelsandtheotherbythehead，andborehimdaintilyfromthecastletotheirhermitageinaneighboringrock。AsfortheCountofChalus，andtheremainderoftheslain，thehermitsweretoomuchoccupiedwithIvanhoe’scasetomindthem，anddidnot，itappears，givethemanyelixir:sothat，iftheyarereallydead，theymuststayontherampartstarkandcold；orifotherwise，whenthesceneclosesuponthemasitdoesnow，theymaygetup，shakethemselves，gototheslipsanddrinkapotofporter，orchangetheirstage-clothesandgohometosupper。Mydearreaders，youmaysettlethematteramongyourselvesasyoulike。Ifyouwishtokillthecharactersreallyoff，letthembedead，andhavedonewiththem:but，entrenous，I

don’tbelievetheyareanymoredeadthanyouorIare，andsometimesdoubtwhetherthereisasinglesyllableoftruthinthiswholestory。

Well，Ivanhoewastakentothehermits’cell，andtheredoctoredbytheholyfathersforhishurts；whichwereofsuchasevereanddangerousorder，thathewasundermedicaltreatmentforaveryconsiderabletime。Whenhewokeupfromhisdelirium，andaskedhowlonghehadbeenill，fancyhisastonishmentwhenheheardthathehadbeeninthefeverforsixyears！Hethoughtthereverendfatherswerejokingatfirst，buttheirprofessionforbadethemfromthatsortoflevity；andbesides，hecouldnotpossiblyhavegotwellanysooner，becausethestorywouldhavebeensadlyputouthadheappearedearlier。Anditproveshowgoodthefathersweretohim，andhowverynearlythatscoundrelofaRogerdeBackbite’sdaggerhadfinishedhim，thathedidnotgetwellunderthisgreatlengthoftime；duringthewholeofwhichthefatherstendedhimwithouteverthinkingofafee。Iknowofakindphysicianinthistownwhodoesasmuchsometimes；butIwon’tdohimtheillserviceofmentioninghisnamehere。

Ivanhoe，beingnowquicklypronouncedwell，trimmedhisbeard，whichbythistimehungdownconsiderablybelowhisknees，andcallingforhissuitofchain-armor，whichbeforehadfittedhiselegantpersonastightaswax，nowputiton，anditbaggedandhungsolooselyabouthim，thateventhegoodfriarslaughedathisabsurdappearance。Itwasimpossiblethatheshouldgoaboutthecountryinsuchagarbasthat:theveryboyswouldlaughathim:

sothefriarsgavehimoneoftheiroldgowns，inwhichhedisguisedhimself，andaftertakinganaffectionatefarewellofhisfriends，setforthonhisreturntohisnativecountry。Ashewentalong，helearnedthatRichardwasdead，thatJohnreigned，thatPrinceArthurhadbeenpoisoned，andwasofcoursemadeacquaintedwithvariousotherfactsofpublicimportancerecordedinPinnock’sCatechismandtheHistoricPage。

Butthesesubjectsdidnotinteresthimnearsomuchashisownprivateaffairs；andIcanfancythathislegstrembledunderhim，andhispilgrim’sstaffshookwithemotion，asatlength，aftermanyperils，hecameinsightofhispaternalmansionofRotherwood，andsawoncemorethechimneyssmoking，theshadowsoftheoaksoverthegrassinthesunset，andtherookswingingoverthetrees。Heheardthesuppergongsounding:heknewhiswaytothedoorwellenough；heenteredthefamiliarhallwithabenedicite，andwithoutanymorewordstookhisplace……

Youmighthavethoughtforamomentthatthegrayfriartrembledandhisshrunkencheeklookeddeadlypale；butherecoveredhimselfpresently:norcouldyouseehispallorforthecowlwhichcoveredhisface。

AlittleboywasplayingonAthelstane’sknee；RowenasmilingandpattingtheSaxonThanefondlyonhisbroadbullhead，filledhimahugecupofspicedwinefromagoldenjug。Hedrainedaquartoftheliquor，and，turninground，addressedthefriar:——”Andso，grayfrere，thousawestgoodKingRichardfallatChalusbytheboltofthatfelonbowman？””Wedid，anitpleaseyou。ThebrothersofourhouseattendedthegoodKinginhislastmoments:intruth，hemadeaChristianending！””Anddidstthouseethearcherflayedalive？Itmusthavebeenraresport，”roaredAthelstane，laughinghugelyatthejoke。”Howthefellowmusthavehowled！””Mylove！”saidRowena，interposingtenderly，andputtingaprettywhitefingeronhislip。”Iwouldhavelikedtoseeittoo，”criedtheboy。”That’smyownlittleCedric，andsothoushalt。And，friar，didstseemypoorkinsmanSirWilfridofIvanhoe？TheysayhefoughtwellatChalus！””Mysweetlord，”againinterposedRowena，”mentionhimnot。””Why？Becausethouandheweresotenderindaysofyore——whenyoucouldnotbearmyplainface，beingallinlovewithhispaleone？””Thosetimesarepastnow，dearAthelstane，”saidhisaffectionatewife，lookinguptotheceiling。”Marry，thounevercouldstforgivehimtheJewess，Rowena。””Theodioushussy！don’tmentionthenameoftheunbelievingcreature，”exclaimedthelady。”Well，well，poorWilwasagoodlad——athoughtmelancholyandmilksopthough。Why，apintofsackfuddledhispoorbrains。””SirWilfridofIvanhoewasagoodlance，”saidthefriar。”IhaveheardtherewasnonebetterinChristendom。Helayinourconventafterhiswounds，anditwastherewetendedhimtillhedied。Hewasburiedinournorthcloister。””Andthere’sanendofhim，”saidAthelstane。”Butcome，thisisdismaltalk。Where’sWambatheJester？Letushaveasong。Stirup，Wamba，anddon’tlielikeadoginthefire！Singusasong，thoucrack-brainedjester，andleaveoffwhimperingforbygones。

Tush，man！Therebemanygoodfellowsleftinthisworld。””Therebebuzzardsineagles’nests，”Wambasaid，whowaslyingstretchedbeforethefire，sharingthehearthwiththeThane’sdogs。”Therebedeadmenalive，andlivemendead。Therebemerrysongsanddismalsongs。Marry，andthemerriestarethesaddestsometimes。Iwillleaveoffmotleyandwearblack，gossipAthelstane。Iwillturnhowleratfunerals，andthen，perhaps，I

shallbemerry。Motleyisfitformutes，andblackforfools。

Givemesomedrink，gossip，formyvoiceisascrackedasmybrain。””Drinkandsing，thoubeast，andceaseprating，”theThanesaid。

AndWamba，touchinghisrebeckwildly，satupinthechimney-sideandcurledhisleanshankstogetherandbegan:——”LOVEATTWOSCORE。”Ho！prettypage，withdimpledchin，Thatneverhasknownthebarber’sshear，Allyouraimiswomantowin——

Thisisthewaythatboysbegin——

Waittillyou’vecometofortyyear！”Curlygoldlockscoverfoolishbrains，Billingandcooingisallyourcheer，SighingandsingingofmidnightstrainsUnderBonnybells’window-panes。

Waittillyou’vecometofortyyear！”FortytimesoverletMichaelmaspass，Grizzlinghairthebraindothclear；

Thenyouknowaboyisanass，Thenyouknowtheworthofalass，Onceyouhavecometofortyyear。”Pledgemeround，Ibidyedeclare，Allgoodfellowswhosebeardsaregray:

DidnotthefairestofthefairCommongrow，andwearisome，ereEveramonthwaspassedaway？”Thereddestlipsthateverhavekissed，Thebrightesteyesthateverhaveshone，Mayprayandwhisperandwenotlist，Orlookawayandneverbemissed，Ereyeteveramonthwasgone。”Gillian’sdead，Heavenrestherbier，HowIlovedhertwentyyearssyne！

Marian’smarried，butIsithere，Aliveandmerryatfortyyear，DippingmynoseintheGasconwine。””Whotaughttheethatmerrylay，Wamba，thousonofWitless？”

roaredAthelstane，clatteringhiscuponthetableandshoutingthechorus。”Itwasagoodandholyhermit，sir，thepiousclerkofCopmanhurst，thatyouwotof，whoplayedmanyaprankwithusinthedaysthatweknewKingRichard。Ah，noblesir，thatwasajovialtimeandagoodpriest。””Theysaytheholypriestissureofthenextbishopric，mylove，”

saidRowena。”HisMajestyhathtakenhimintomuchfavor。MyLordofHuntingdonlookedverywellatthelastball；butInevercouldseeanybeautyintheCountess——afreckled，blowsything，whomtheyusedtocallMaidMarian:though，forthematterofthat，whatbetweenherflirtationswithMajorLittlejohnandCaptainScarlett，really——””Jealousagain——haw！haw！”laughedAthelstane。”Iamabovejealousy，andscornit，”Rowenaanswered，drawingherselfupverymajestically。”Well，well，Wamba’swasagoodsong，”Athelstanesaid。”Nay，awickedsong，”saidRowena，turninguphereyesasusual。”What！railatwoman’slove？Preferafilthywinecuptoatruewife？Woman’sloveiseternal，myAthelstane。Hewhoquestionsitwouldbeablasphemerwerehenotafool。Thewell-bornandwell-

nurturedgentlewomanlovesonceandonceonly。””Iprayyou，madam，pardonme，I——Iamnotwell，”saidthegrayfriar，risingabruptlyfromhissettle，andtotteringdownthestepsofthedais。Wambasprungafterhim，hisbellsjinglingasherose，andcastinghisarmsaroundtheapparentlyfaintingman，heledhimawayintothecourt。”Therebedeadmenaliveandlivemendead，”whisperedhe。”Therebecoffinstolaughatandmarriagestocryover。SaidInotsooth，holyfriar？”Andwhentheyhadgotoutintothesolitarycourt，whichwasdesertedbyallthefollowersoftheThane，whowereminglinginthedrunkenrevelryinthehall，Wamba，seeingthatnonewereby，kneltdown，andkissingthefriar’sgarment，said，”Iknewthee，Iknewthee，mylordandmyliege！””Getup，”saidWilfridofIvanhoe，scarcelyabletoarticulate:”onlyfoolsarefaithful。”

Andhepassedon，andintothelittlechapelwherehisfatherlayburied。Allnightlongthefriarspentthere:andWambatheJesterlayoutsidewatchingasmuteasthesaintovertheporch。

Whenthemorningcame，Wumbawasgone；andtheknavebeinginthehabitofwanderinghitherandthitherashechose，littlenoticewastakenofhisabsencebyamasterandmistresswhohadnotmuchsenseofhumor。AsforSirWilfrid，agentlemanofhisdelicacyoffeelingscouldnotbeexpectedtoremaininahousewherethingssonaturallydisagreeabletohimwereoccurring，andhequittedRotherwoodincontinently，afterpayingadutifulvisittothetombwherehisoldfather，Cedric，wasburied；andhastenedontoYork，atwhichcityhemadehimselfknowntothefamilyattorney，amostrespectableman，inwhosehandshisreadymoneywasdeposited，andtookupasumsufficienttofithimselfoutwithcredit，andahandsomeretinue，asbecameaknightofconsideration。Buthechangedhisname，woreawigandspectacles，anddisguisedhimselfentirely，sothatitwasimpossiblehisfriendsorthepublicshouldknowhim，andthusmetamorphosed，wentaboutwhithersoeverhisfancyledhim。HewaspresentatapublicballatYork，whichthelordmayorgave，dancedSirRogerdeCoverleyintheverysamesetwithRowena——(whowasdisgustedthatMaidMariantookprecedenceofher)——hesawlittleAthelstaneovereathimselfatthesupperandpledgehisbigfatherinacupofsack；hemettheReverendMr。Tuckatamissionarymeeting，wherehesecondedaresolutionproposedbythateminentdivine；——infine，hesawascoreofhisoldacquaintances，noneofwhomrecognizedinhimthewarriorofPalestineandTemplestowe。Havingalargefortuneandnothingtodo，hewentaboutthiscountryperformingcharities，slayingrobbers，rescuingthedistressed，andachievingnoblefeatsofarms。Dragonsandgiantsexistedinhisdaynomore，orbesurehewouldhavehadaflingatthem:forthetruthis，SirWilfridofIvanhoewassomewhatsickofthelifewhichthehermitsofChalushadrestoredtohim，andfelthimselfsofriendlessandsolitarythathewouldnothavebeensorrytocometoanendofit。Ah，mydearfriendsandintelligentBritishpublic，aretherenototherswhoaremelancholyunderamaskofgayety，andwho，inthemidstofcrowds，arelonely？Listonwasamostmelancholyman；Grimaldihadfeelings；andthereareothersIwotof:——butpsha！——letushavethenextchapter。

CHAPTERV。

IVANHOETOTHERESCUE。

Therascallymannerinwhichthechicken-liveredsuccessorofRichardoftheLion-heartconductedhimselftoallparties，tohisrelatives，hisnobles，andhispeople，isamatternotorious，andsetforthclearlyintheHistoricPage:hence，althoughnothing，exceptperhapssuccess，can，inmyopinion，excusedisaffectiontothesovereign，orappearanceinarmedrebellionagainsthim，theloyalreaderwillmakeallowancefortwooftheprincipalpersonagesofthisnarrative，whowillhavetoappearinthepresentchapterintheodiouscharacterofrebelstotheirlordandking。Itmustberemembered，inpartialexculpationofthefaultofAthelstaneandRowena，(afaultforwhichtheywerebitterlypunished，asyoushallpresentlyhear，)thatthemonarchexasperatedhissubjectsinavarietyofways，——thatbeforehemurderedhisroyalnephew，PrinceArthur，therewasagreatquestionwhetherhewastherightfulkingofEnglandatall，——thathisbehaviorasanuncle，andafamilyman，waslikelytowoundthefeelingsofanyladyandmother，——finally，thattherewerepalliationsfortheconductofRowenaandIvanhoe，whichitnowbecomesourdutytorelate。

WhenhisMajestydestroyedPrinceArthur，theLadyRowena，whowasoneoftheladiesofhonortotheQueen，gaveupherplaceatcourtatonce，andretiredtohercastleofRotherwood。Expressionsmadeuseofbyher，andderogatorytothecharacterofthesovereign，werecarriedtothemonarch’sears，bysomeofthoseparasites，doubtless，bywhomitisthecurseofkingstobeattended；andJohnswore，bySt。Peter’steeth，thathewouldberevengeduponthehaughtySaxonlady，——akindofoathwhich，thoughhedidnottroublehimselfaboutallotheroaths，hewasneverknowntobreak。

Itwasnotforsomeyearsafterhehadregisteredthisvow，thathewasenabledtokeepit。

HadIvanhoebeenpresentatRonen，whentheKingmeditatedhishorriddesignsagainsthisnephew，thereislittledoubtthatSirWilfridwouldhavepreventedthem，andrescuedtheboy:forIvanhoewas，asweneedscarcelysay，aheroofromance；anditisthecustomanddutyofallgentlemenofthatprofessiontobepresentonalloccasionsofhistoricinterest，tobeengagedinallconspiracies，royalinterviews，andremarkableoccurrences:andhenceSirWilfridwouldcertainlyhaverescuedtheyoungPrince，hadhebeenanywhereintheneighborhoodofRouen，wherethefoultragedyoccurred。Buthewasacoupleofhundredleaguesoff，atChalus，whenthecircumstancehappened；tieddowninhisbedascrazyasaBedlamite，andravingceaselesslyintheHebrewtongue(whichhehadcaughtupduringapreviousillnessinwhichhewastendedbyamaidenofthatnation)aboutacertainRebeccaBenIsaacs，ofwhom，beingamarriedman，heneverwouldhavethought，hadhebeeninhissoundsenses。Duringthisdelirium，whatwerepoliticstohim，orhetopolitics？KingJohnorKingArthurwasentirelyindifferenttoamanwhoannouncedtohisnurse-tenders，thegoodhermitsofChalusbeforementioned，thathewastheMarquisofJericho，andabouttomarryRebeccatheQueenofSheba。

Inaword，heonlyheardofwhathadoccurredwhenhereachedEngland，andhissenseswererestoredtohim。Whetherwashehappier，soundofbrainandentirelymiserable，(asanymanwouldbewhofoundsoadmirableawifeasRowenamarriedagain，)orperfectlycrazy，thehusbandofthebeautifulRebecca？Idon’tknowwhichhelikedbest。

HowbeittheconductofKingJohninspiredSirWilfridwithsothoroughadetestationofthatsovereign，thathenevercouldbebroughttotakeserviceunderhim；togethimselfpresentedatSt。

James’s，orinanywaytoacknowledge，butbysternacquiescence，theauthorityofthesanguinarysuccessorofhisbelovedKingRichard。ItwasSirWilfridofIvanhoe，Ineedscarcelysay，whogottheBaronsofEnglandtoleaguetogetherandextortfromthekingthatfamousinstrumentandpalladiumofourlibertiesatpresentintheBritishMuseum，GreatRussellStreet，Bloomsbury——

theMagnaCharta。HisnamedoesnotnaturallyappearinthelistofBarons，becausehewasonlyaknight，andaknightindisguisetoo:nordoesAthelstane’ssignaturefigureonthatdocument。

Athelstane，inthefirstplace，couldnotwrite；nordidhecareapennypieceaboutpolitics，solongashecoulddrinkhiswineathomeundisturbed，andhavehishuntingandshootinginquiet。

ItwasnotuntiltheKingwantedtointerferewiththesportofeverygentlemaninEngland(asweknowbyreferencetotheHistoricPagethatthisodiousmonarchdid)，thatAthelstanebrokeoutintoopenrebellion，alongwithseveralYorkshiresquiresandnoblemen。

ItisrecordedoftheKing，thatheforbadeeverymantohunthisowndeer；and，inordertosecureanobediencetohisorders，thisHerodofamonarchwantedtosecuretheeldestsonsofallthenobilityandgentry，ashostagesforthegoodbehavioroftheirparents。

Athelstanewasanxiousabouthisgame——Rowenawasanxiousaboutherson。TheformersworethathewouldhunthisdeerinspiteofallNormantyrants——thelatterasked，shouldshegiveupherboytotheruffianwhohadmurderedhisownnephew？*ThespeechesofbothwerebroughttotheKingatYork；and，furious，heorderedaninstantattackuponRotherwood，andthatthelordandladyofthatcastleshouldbebroughtbeforehimdeadoralive。

*SeeHume，GiraldusCambrensis，TheMonkofCroyland，andPinnock’sCatechism。

Ah，wherewasWilfridofIvanhoe，theunconquerablechampion，todefendthecastleagainsttheroyalparty？AfewthrustsfromhislancewouldhavespittedtheleadingwarriorsoftheKing’shost:afewcutsfromhisswordwouldhaveputJohn’sforcestorout。ButthelanceandswordofIvanhoewereidleonthisoccasion。”No，behangedtome！”saidtheknight，bitterly，”THISisaquarrelinwhichIcan’tinterfere。Commonpolitenessforbids。Letyonderale-swillingAthelstanedefendhis——ha，ha——WIFE；andmyLadyRowenaguardher——ha，ha，ha——SON。”Andhelaughedwildlyandmadly；andthesarcastic，wayinwhichhechokedandgurgledoutthewords”wife”and”son”wouldhavemadeyoushuddertohear。

Whenheheard，however，that，onthefourthdayofthesiege，Athelstanehadbeenslainbyacannon-ball，(andthistimeforgood，andnottocometolifeagainashehaddonebefore，)andthatthewidow(ifsotheinnocentbigamistmaybecalled)wasconductingthedefenceofRotherwoodherselfwiththegreatestintrepidity，showingherselfuponthewallswithherlittleson，(whobellowedlikeabull，anddidnotlikethefightingatall，)

pointingthegunsandencouragingthegarrisonineveryway——betterfeelingsreturnedtothebosomoftheKnightofIvanhoe，andsummoninghismen，hearmedhimselfquicklyanddeterminedtogoforthtotherescue。

HerodewithoutstoppingfortwodaysandtwonightsinthedirectionofRotherwood，withsuchswiftnessanddisregardforrefreshment，indeed，thathismendroppedonebyoneupontheroad，andhearrivedaloneatthelodge-gateofthepark。Thewindowsweresmashed；thedoorstovein；thelodge，aneatlittleSwisscottage，withagardenwherethepinaforesofMrs。Gurth’schildrenmighthavebeenseenhangingonthegooseberry-bushesinmorepeacefultimes，wasnowaghastlyheapofsmokingruins:cottage，bushes，pinafores，childrenlaymangledtogether，destroyedbythelicentioussoldieryofaninfuriatemonarch！FarbeitfrommetoexcusethedisobedienceofAthelstaneandRowenatotheirsovereign；butsurely，surelythiscrueltymighthavebeenspared。

Gurth，whowaslodge-keeper，waslyingdreadfullywoundedandexpiringattheflamingandviolatedthresholdofhislatelypicturesquehome。Acatapultandacoupleofmangonelshaddonehisbusiness。Thefaithfulfellow，recognizinghismaster，whohadputuphisvisorandforgottenhiswigandspectaclesintheagitationofthemoment，exclaimed，”SirWilfrid！mydearmaster——

praisedbeSt。Waltheof——theremaybeyettime——mybelovedmistr——

masterAthelst……”Hesankback，andneverspokeagain。

IvanhoespurredonhishorseBaviecamadlyupthechestnutavenue。

Thecastlewasbeforehim；thewesterntowerwasinflames；thebesiegerswerepressingatthesoutherngate；Athelstane’sbanner，thebullrampant，wasstillonthenorthernbartizan。”AnIvanhoe，anIvanhoe！”hebellowedout，withashoutthatovercameallthedinofbattle:”NostreDamealarescousse！”AndtohurlhislancethroughthemidriffofReginalddeBracy，whowascommandingtheassault——whofellhowlingwithanguish——towavehisbattle-axeoverhisownhead，andcutoffthoseofthirteenmen-at-arms，wastheworkofaninstant。”AnIvanhoe，anIvanhoe！”hestillshouted，anddownwentamanassureashesaid”hoe！””Ivanhoe！Ivanhoe！”ashrillvoicecriedfromthetopofthenorthernbartizan。Ivanhoeknewit。”Rowenamylove，Icome！”heroaredonhispart。”Villains！touchbutahairofherhead，andI……”

Here，withasuddenplungeandasquealofagony，Baviecasprangforwardwildly，andfellaswildlyonherback，rollingoverandoverupontheknight。Allwasdarkbeforehim；hisbrainreeled；

itwhizzed；somethingcamecrashingdownonhisforehead。St。

WaltheofandallthesaintsoftheSaxoncalendarprotecttheknight！……

Whenhecametohimself，Wambaandthelieutenantofhislanceswereleaningoverhimwithabottleofthehermit’selixir。”Wearrivedherethedayafterthebattle，”saidthefool；”marry，I

haveaknackofthat。””Yourworshiprodesodeucedlyquick，therewasnokeepingupwithyourworship，”saidthelieutenant。”Theday——after——thebat——”groanedIvanhoe。”WhereistheLadyRowena？””Thecastlehasbeentakenandsacked，”thelieutenantsaid，andpointedtowhatonceWASRotherwood，butwasnowonlyaheapofsmokingruins。Notatowerwasleft，notaroof，notafloor，notasinglehumanbeing！Everythingwasflameandruin，smashandmurther！

OfcourseIvanhoefellbackfaintingagainamongtheninety-sevenmen-at-armswhomhehadslain；anditwasnotuntilWambahadappliedasecond，anduncommonlystrongdoseoftheelixirthathecametolifeagain。Thegoodknightwas，however，fromlongpractice，soaccustomedtotheseverestwounds，thatheborethemfarmoreeasilythancommonfolk，andthuswasenabledtoreachYorkuponalitter，whichhismenconstructedforhim，withtolerableease。

Rumorhadasusualadvancedbeforehim；andheheardatthehotelwherehestopped，whathadbeentheissueoftheaffairatRotherwood。Aminuteortwoafterhishorsewasstabbed，andIvanhoeknockeddown，thewesternbartizanwastakenbythestorming-partywhichinvestedit，andeverysoulslain，exceptRowenaandherboy；whoweretieduponhorsesandcarriedaway，underasecureguard，tooneoftheKing’scastles——nobodyknewwhither:andIvanhoewasrecommendedbythehotel-keeper(whosehousehehadusedinformertimes)toreassumehiswigandspectacles，andnotcallhimselfbyhisownnameanymore，lestsomeoftheKing’speopleshouldlayhandsonhim。However，ashehadkilledeverybodyroundabouthim，therewasbutlittledangerofhisdiscovery；andtheKnightoftheSpectacles，ashewascalled，wentaboutYorkquiteunmolested，andatlibertytoattendtohisownaffairs。

Wewishtobebriefinnarratingthispartofthegallanthero’sexistence；forhislifewasoneoffeelingratherthanaffection，andthedescriptionofmeresentimentisconsideredbymanywell-

informedpersonstobetedious。WhatWEREhissentimentsnow，itmaybeasked，underthepeculiarpositioninwhichhefoundhimself？HehaddonehisdutybyRowena，certainly:nomancouldsayotherwise。Butasforbeinginlovewithheranymore，afterwhathadoccurred，thatwasadifferentquestion。Well，comewhatwould，hewasdeterminedstilltocontinuedoinghisdutybyher；——

butasshewaswhiskedawaythedeuceknewwhither，howcouldhedoanything？Soheresignedhimselftothefactthatshewasthuswhiskedaway。

He，ofcourse，sentemissariesaboutthecountrytoendeavortofindoutwhereRowenawas:butthesecamebackwithoutanysortofintelligence；anditwasremarked，thathestillremainedinaperfectstateofresignation。Heremainedinthisconditionforayear，ormore；anditwassaidthathewasbecomingmorecheerful，andhecertainlywasgrowingratherfat。TheKnightoftheSpectacleswasvotedanagreeablemaninagraveway；andgavesomeveryelegant，thoughquiet，parties，andwasreceivedinthebestsocietyofYork。

Itwasjustatassize-time，thelawyersandbarristershadarrived，andthetownwasunusuallygay；when，onemorning，theattorney，whomwehavementionedasSirWilfrid’smanofbusiness，andamostrespectableman，calleduponhisgallantclientathislodgings，andsaidhehadacommunicationofimportancetomake。Havingtocommunicatewithaclientofrank，whowascondemnedtobehangedforforgery，SirRogerdeBackbite，theattorneysaid，hehadbeentovisitthatpartyinthecondemnedcell；andonthewaythroughtheyard，andthroughthebarsofanothercell，hadseenandrecognizedanoldacquaintanceofSirWilfridofIvanhoe——andthelawyerheldhimout，withaparticularlook，anote，writtenonapieceofwhity-brownpaper。

WhatwereIvanhoe’ssensationswhenherecognizedthehandwritingofRowena！——hetremblinglydashedopenthebillet，andreadasfollows:——”MYDEARESTIVANHOE，——ForIamthinenowaserst，andmyfirstlovewasever——everdeartome。HaveIbeenneartheedyingforawholeyear，anddidstthoumakenoefforttorescuethyRowena？Haveyegiventoothers——Imentionnottheirnamenortheirodiouscreed——

theheartthatoughttobemine？Isendtheemyforgivenessfrommydyingpalletofstraw——IforgivetheetheinsultsIhavereceived，thecoldandhungerIhaveendured，thefailinghealthofmyboy，thebitternessofmyprison，thyinfatuationaboutthatJewess，whichmadeourmarriedlifemiserable，andwhichcausedthee，Iamsure，togoabroadtolookafterher。Iforgivetheeallmywrongs，andfainwouldbidtheefarewell。Mr。Smithhathgainedovermygaoler——hewilltelltheehowImayseethee。Comeandconsolemylasthourbypromisingthatthouwiltcareformyboy——HISboywhofelllikeahero(whenthouwertabsent)combatingbythesideofROWENA。”

Thereadermayconsulthisownfeelings，andsaywhetherIvanhoewaslikelytobepleasedornotbythisletter:however，heinquiredofMr。Smith，thesolicitor，whatwastheplanwhichthatgentlemanhaddevisedfortheintroductiontoLadyRowena，andwasinformedthathewastogetabarrister’sgownandwig，whenthegaolerwouldintroducehimintotheinterioroftheprison。Thesedecorations，knowingseveralgentlemenoftheNorthernCircuit，SirWilfridofIvanhoeeasilyprocured，andwithfeelingsofnosmalltrepidation，reachedthecell，where，forthespaceofayear，poorRowenahadbeenimmured。

Ifanypersonhaveadoubtofthecorrectness，ofthehistoricalexactnessofthisnarrative，Ireferhimtothe”BiographieUniverselle”(articleJeansansTerre)，whichsays，”Lafemmed’unbaronauquelonvintdemandersonfils，repondit，’Leroipense-t-

ilquejeconfieraimonfilsaunhommequiaegorgesonneveudesapropremain？’Jeanfitenleverlamereetl’enfant，etlalaissaMOURIRDEFAIMdanslescachots。”

Ipicturetomyself，withapainfulsympathy，Rowenaundergoingthisdisagreeablesentence。Allhervirtues，herresolution，herchasteenergyandperseverance，shinewithredoubledlustre，and，forthefirsttimesincethecommencementofthehistory，IfeelthatIampartiallyreconciledtoher。Thewearyyearpasses——shegrowsweakerandmorelanguid，thinnerandthinner！AtlengthIvanhoe，inthedisguiseofabarristeroftheNorthernCircuit，isintroducedtohercell，andfindshisladyinthelaststageofexhaustion，onthestrawofherdungeon，withherlittleboyinherarms。Shehaspreservedhislifeattheexpenseofherown，givinghimthewholeofthepittancewhichhergaolersallowedher，andperishingherselfofinanition。

Thereisascene！IfeelasifIhadmadeitup，asitwere，withthislady，andthatwepartinpeace，inconsequenceofmyprovidingherwithsosublimeadeath-bed。FancyIvanhoe’sentrance——theirrecognition——thefaintblushuponherwornfeatures——thepatheticwayinwhichshegiveslittleCedricinchargetohim，andhispromisesofprotection。”Wilfrid，myearlyloved，”slowlygaspedshe，removinghergrayhairfromherfurrowedtemples，andgazingonherboyfondly，ashenestledonIvanhoe’sknee——”promiseme，bySt。WaltheofofTemplestowe——promisemeoneboon！””Ido，”saidIvanhoe，claspingtheboy，andthinkingitwastothatlittleinnocentthepromisewasintendedtoapply。”BySt。Waltheof？””BySt。Waltheof！””Promiseme，then，”gaspedRowena，staringwildlyathim，”thatyouneverwillmarryaJewess？””BySt。Waltheof，”criedIvanhoe，”thisistoomuch，Rowena！”——Buthefelthishandgraspedforamoment，thenervesthenrelaxed，thepalelipsceasedtoquiver——shewasnomore！

CHAPTERVI。

IVANHOETHEWIDOWER。

HavingplacedyoungCedricatschoolatthehallofDotheboyes，inYorkshire，andarrangedhisfamilyaffairs，SirWilfridofIvanhoequittedacountrywhichhadnolongeranycharmsforhim，andinwhichhisstaywasrenderedthelessagreeablebythenotionthatKingJohnwouldhanghim，ifeverhecouldlayhandsonthefaithfulfollowerofKingRichardandPrinceArthur。

Buttherewasalwaysinthosedaysahomeandoccupationforabraveandpiousknight。Asaddleonagallantwar-horse，apitchedfieldagainsttheMoors，alancewherewithtospitaturbanedinfidel，oraroadtoParadisecarvedoutbyhisscimitar，——theseweretheheightoftheambitionofgoodandreligiouswarriors；andsorenownedachampionasSirWilfridofIvanhoewassuretobewellreceivedwhereverblowswerestrickenforthecauseofChristendom。EvenamongthedarkTemplars，hewhohadtwiceovercomethemostfamouslanceoftheirOrderwasarespectedthoughnotawelcomeguest:butamongtheoppositioncompanyoftheKnightsofSt。John，hewasadmiredandcourtedbeyondmeasure；andalwaysaffectioningthatOrder，whichofferedhim，indeed，itsfirstrankandcommanderies，hedidmuchgoodservice；fightingintheirranksforthegloryofheavenandSt。Waltheof，andslayingmanythousandsoftheheatheninPrussia，Poland，andthosesavageNortherncountries。Theonlyfaultthatthegreatandgallant，thoughsevereandasceticFolkoofHeydenbraten，thechiefoftheOrderofSt。John，foundwiththemelancholywarrior，whoselancedidsuchgoodservicetothecause，was，thathedidnotpersecutetheJewsassoreligiousaknightshould。Heletoffsundrycaptivesofthatpersuasionwhomhehadtakenwithhisswordandhisspear，savedothersfromtorture，andactuallyransomedthetwolastgrindersofavenerablerabbi(thatRogerdeCartright，anEnglishknightoftheOrder，wasabouttoextortfromtheelderlyIsraelite，)withahundredcrownsandagimmalring，whichwereallthepropertyhepossessed。Wheneverhesoransomedorbenefitedoneofthisreligion，hewouldmoreovergivethemalittletokenoramessage(werethegoodknightoutofmoney)，saying，”Takethistoken，andrememberthisdeedwasdonebyWilfridtheDisinherited，fortheserviceswhilomerenderedtohimbyRebecca，thedaughterofIsaacofYork！”Soamongthemselves，andintheirmeetingsandsynagogues，andintheirrestlesstravelsfromlandtoland，whentheyofJewrycursedandreviledallChristians，assuchabominableheathenswill，theyneverthelessexceptedthenameoftheDesdichado，orthedoubly-disinheritedashenowwas，theDesdichado-Doblado。

Theaccountofallthebattles，storms，andscaladoesinwhichSirWilfridtookpart，wouldonlywearythereader；forthechoppingoffoneheathen’sheadwithanaxemustbeverylikethedecapitationofanyotherunbeliever。Sufficeittosay，thatwhereverthiskindofworkwastobedone，andSirWilfridwasintheway，hewasthemantoperformit。ItwouldastonishyouwereyoutoseetheaccountthatWambakeptofhismaster’sachievements，andoftheBulgarians，Bohemians，Croatians，slainormaimedbyhishand。Andas，inthosedays，areputationforvalorhadanimmenseeffectuponthesoftheartsofwomen，andeventheugliestman，wereheastoutwarrior，waslookeduponwithfavorbyBeauty:soIvanhoe，whowasbynomeansill-favored，thoughnowbecomingratherelderly，madeconquestsoverfemalebreastsaswellasoverSaracens，andhadmorethanonedirectofferofmarriagemadetohimbyprincesses，countesses，andnobleladiespossessingbothcharmsandmoney，whichtheywereanxioustoplaceatthedisposalofachampionsorenowned。ItisrelatedthattheDuchessRegentofKartoffelbergofferedhimherhand，andtheducalcrownofKartoffelberg，whichhehadrescuedfromtheunbelievingPrussians；

butIvanhoeevadedtheDuchess’soffer，byridingawayfromhercapitalsecretlyatmidnightandhidinghimselfinaconventofKnightsHospitallersonthebordersofPoland。AnditisafactthatthePrincessRosaliaSeraphinaofPumpernickel，themostlovelywomanofhertime，becamesofranticallyattachedtohim，thatshefollowedhimonacampaign，andwasdiscoveredwithhisbaggagedisguisedasahorse-boy。Butnoprincess，nobeauty，nofemaleblandishmentshadanycharmsforIvanhoe:nohermitpractisedamoreausterecelibacy。Theseverityofhismoralscontrastedsoremarkablywiththelaxanddissolutemanneroftheyounglordsandnoblesinthecourtswhichhefrequented，thattheseyoungspringaldswouldsometimessneerandcallhimMonkandMilksop；buthiscourageinthedayofbattlewassoterribleandadmirable，thatIpromiseyoutheyouthfullibertinesdidnotsneerTHEN；andthemostrecklessofthemoftenturnedpalewhentheycouchedtheirlancestofollowIvanhoe。HolyWaltheof！itwasanawfulsighttoseehimwithhispalecalmface，hisshielduponhisbreast，hisheavylancebeforehim，chargingasquadronofheathenBohemians，oraregimentofCossacks！Whereverhesawtheenemy，Ivanhoeassaultedhim:andwhenpeopleremonstratedwithhim，andsaidifheattackedsuchandsuchapost，breach，castle，orarmy，hewouldbeslain，”AndsupposeIbe？”heanswered，givingthemtounderstandthathewouldaslieftheBattleofLifewereoveraltogether。