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 deire as a preent what you nobly acquired in war: I will recompene you according to your etimation of the jewel; and moreover always retain a deep ene of the obligation.’

Friedbert was by no means diconcerted at the requiition; he rather rejoiced that his plan had o well ucceeded. ‘Your wihes,’ he proceeded, ‘virtuous princes, are to me an inviolable law. I pledge my blood and property to you, on the honour of a knight; thee I will freely rique whenever you require; only do not deire me to violate my oath, and wrong my concience. After gaining the ring in an hard and doubtful combat, I made a olemn vow, and engaged the alvation of my precious oul, never to quit the ring, till I had betowed it as the pledge of my hand and heart, before the holy altar, in token of matrimonial fidelity. I can only be abolved from this oath by fulfilling it. But if you are dipoed to ait me therein, I can have Rh