brother's minion, even when I least guessed whom yonder suit of
armour enclosed."

"Front-de-Boeuf must prepare to restore his fief of Ivanhoe,"
said De Bracy, who, having discharged his part honourably in the
tournament, had laid his shield and helmet aside, and again
mingled with the Prince's retinue.

"Ay," answered Waldemar Fitzurse, "this gallant is likely to
reclaim the castle and manor which Richard assigned to him, and
which your Highness's generosity has since given to
Front-de-Boeuf."

"Front-de-Boeuf," replied John, "is a man more willing to swallow
three manors such as Ivanhoe, than to disgorge one of them. For
the rest, sirs, I hope none here will deny my right to confer the
fiefs of the crown upon the faithful followers who are around me,
and ready to perform the usual military service, in the room of
those who have wandered to foreign Countries, and can neither
render homage nor service when called upon."

The audience were too much interested in the question not to
pronounce the Prince's assumed right altogether indubitable.
"A generous Prince!---a most noble Lord, who thus takes upon
himself the task of rewarding his faithful followers!"

Such were the words which burst from the train, expectants all of
them of similar grants at the expense of King Richard's followers
and favourites, if indeed they had not as yet received such.
Prior Aymer also assented to the general proposition, observing,