least no unworthy antagonist even of the best lance in Italy: and, added
to this, the gallantry of the age made him feel it a sort of treason to
his mistress to forego any means of asserting her perfections.

It was, therefore, with considerable irritation that Adrian, as the
pavilion of Montreal became visible, perceived the squire returning
to him. And the reader will judge how much this was increased when the
latter, once more dismounting, accosted him thus:

"My master, the Knight of St. John, on hearing the courteous answer of
the Lord Adrian di Castello, bids me say, that lest the graver converse
the Lord Adrian refers to should mar gentle and friendly sport, he
ventures respectfully to suggest, that the tilt should preface the
converse. The sod before the tent is so soft and smooth, that even a
fall could be attended with no danger to knight or steed."

"By our Lady!" cried Adrian and Annibaldi in a breath, "but thy last
words are discourteous; and" (proceeded Adrian, recovering himself)
"since thy master will have it so, let him look to his horse's girths. I
will not gainsay his fancy."

Montreal, who had thus insisted upon the exhibition, partly, it may
be, from the gay and ruffling bravado, common still amongst his brave
countrymen; partly because he was curious of exhibiting before those who
might soon be his open foes his singular and unrivalled address in arms,
was yet more moved to it on learning the name of the leader of the
Roman Company; for his vain and haughty spirit, however it had
disguised resentment at the time, had by no means forgiven certain
warm expressions of Adrian in the palace of Stephen Colonna, and in the
unfortunate journey to Corneto. While Adrian, halting at the entrance of