第124章 The Dregs of the Cup(2)

Then a murmur rose from the multitude, and the sound of it seemed to shape itself into one word: "Mercy!"Still Saladin made no sign, and they were led away to their prisons.

Among the thousands who watched this strange and most thrilling scene were two men wrapped in long cloaks, Godwin and the bishop Egbert.Thrice did Godwin strive to approach the throne.But it seemed that the soldiers about him had their commands, for they would not suffer him to stir or speak; and when, as Rosamund passed, he strove to break a way to her, they seized and held him.Yet as she went by he cried:

"The blessing of Heaven be upon you, pure saint of God--on you and your true knight."Catching the tones of that voice above the tumult, Rosamund stopped and looked around her, but saw no one, for the guard hemmed her in.So she went on, wondering if perchance it was Godwin's voice which she had heard, or whether an angel, or only some Frankish prisoner had spoken.

Godwin stood wringing his hands while the bishop strove to comfort him, saying that he should not grieve, since such deaths as those of Rosamund and Wulf were most glorious, and more to be desired than a hundred lives.

"Ay, ay," answered Godwin, "would that I could go with them!""Their work is done, but not yours," said the bishop gently.

"Come to our tent and let us to our knees.God is more powerful than the Sultan, and mayhap He will yet find a way to save them.

If they are still alive tomorrow at the dawn we will seek audience of Saladin to plead with him."So they entered the tent and prayed there, as the inhabitants of Jerusalem prayed behind their shattered walls, that the heart of Saladin might be moved to spare them all.While they knelt thus the curtain of the tent was drawn aside, and an emir stood before them.

"Rise," he said, "both of you, and follow me.The Sultan commands your presence."Egbert and Godwin went, wondering, and were led through the pavilion to the royal sleeping place, which guards closed behind them.On a silken couch reclined Saladin, the light from the lamp falling on his bronzed and thoughtful face.

"I have sent for you two Franks," he said, "that you may bear a message from me to Sir Balian of Ibelin and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.This is the message:--Let the holy city surrender to-morrow and all its population acknowledge themselves my prisoners.Then for forty days I will hold them to ransom, during which time none shall be harmed.Every man who pays ten pieces of gold shall go free, and two women or ten children shall be counted as one man at a like price.Of the poor, seven thousand shall be set free also, on payment of thirty thousand bezants.

Such who remain or have no money for their ransom--and there is still much gold in Jerusalem-- shall become my slaves.These are my terms, which I grant at the dying prayer of my niece, the lady Rosamund, and to her prayer alone.Deliver them to Sir Balian, and bid him wait on me at the dawn with his chief notables, and answer whether he is willing to accept them on behalf of the people.If not, the assault goes on until the city is a heap of ruins covering the bones of its children.""We bless you for this mercy," said the bishop Egbert, "and we hasten to obey.But tell us, Sultan, what shall we do? Return to the camp with Sir Balian?""If he accepts my terms, nay, for in Jerusalem you will be safe, and I give you your freedom without ransom.""Sire," said Godwin, "ere I go, grant me leave to bid farewell to my brother and my cousin Rosamund.""That for the third time you may plot their escape from my vengeance?" said Saladin."Nay, bide in Jerusalem and await my word; you shall meet them at the last, no more.""Sire," pleaded Godwin, "of your mercy spare them, for they have played a noble part.It is hard that they should die who love each other and are so young and fair and brave.""Ay," answered Saladin, "a noble part; never have I seen one more noble.Well, it fits them the better for heaven, if Cross-worshippers enter there.Have done; their doom is written and my purpose cannot be turned, nor shall you see them till the last, as I have said.But if it pleases you to write them a letter of farewell and to send it back by the embassy, it shall be delivered to them.Now go, for greater matters are afoot than this punishment of a pair of lovers.A guard awaits you."So they went, and within an hour stood before Sir Balian and gave him the message of Saladin, whereat he rose and blessed the name of Rosamund.While he called his counsellors from their sleep and bade his servants saddle horses, Godwin found pen and parchment, and wrote hurriedly:

"To Wulf, my brother, and Rosamund, my cousin and his betrothed,-- I live, though well-nigh I died by dead Masouda--Jesus rest her gallant and most beloved soul! Saladin will not suffer me to see you, though he has promised that Ishall be with you at the last, so watch for me then.I still dare to hope that it may please God to change the Sultan's heart and spare you.If so, this is my prayer and desire--that you two should wed as soon as may be, and get home to England, where, if I live, I hope to visit you in years to come.Till then seek me not, who would be lonely a while.But if it should be fated otherwise, then when my sins are purged I will seek you among the saints, you who by your noble deed have earned the sure grace of God.