|
|
|
|
|
|
Queen received confident letters from her son. Those Alinor had from Simon told a different tale. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"We went without mishap or disorder," Simon wrote, "and the men are well disposed to each other, there being little conflict between ours and the French. This is better than I had feared. I wish I could say the same for the higher as for the lower. My lord, by his very nature and without his desire or effort, outshines King Philip as the sun the moon. The people call after him and throw roses and run to kiss the hem of his garments. In a manner I wish it were not so, for Philip is eaten with the worm of envy. There are many sweet words and kisses, many protestations of love and tender looks into my lord's eyes, but when his eyes are turned away mine are not. I see such things in King Philip as should not be in the face of one committed to God's work. Tell my lady that I sleep in my lord's chamber with my naked sword by my hand, and I have let this be known. Also I have so wrought that my English servants prepare the food. There will be no tampering with them, for they have nothing to gain from the French King and, besides, love me well." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alinor wondered whether Simon was wise to add to the weight of the Queen's troubles with such suspicions, but she soon realized that he had done right. It was necessary for her peace of mind that the Queen trust Simon's news, and confirmation of what she already strongly suspected did not disturb her much. Having done all that humanly could be done to protect Richard, she was willing to trust in God for the rest without useless rending of her spirit. She could not afford to waste her strength on fruitless fear. She needed it all for practical considerations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As if the King's departure was a signal, William Longchamp broke all bounds of sense and propriety. Not content with having set his co-justiciar's power at naught, he took the Bishop of Durham prisoner by a |
|
|
|
|
|