Page:Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical setting (IA cu31924026512263).pdf/130

 Guy had learned through a spy that the sultan was planning a desperate assault upon Constantinople. He informed the emperor, who placed the defense of the city in his hands. Guy, assisted by the Constable, made preparations to attack the Saracens before they should reach the city. Before the sortie Guy addressed his men, urging them to attack boldly and vigorously and rid the country of the foe. Guy, Heraud, and their companions performed many prodigies of valor, and the Greeks, too, fought well. The infidels were slaughtered by the thousands, and as a result of this victory,

Guy, the good knyght, Most was worshipped and that was right.

Morgadour, the imperial steward, who aspired to the hand of the emperor's daughter, became envious of the honors won by Guy, and his jealousy and hatred increased in proportion as the realization of his hopes grew less and less probable. He plotted to remove his rival by suggesting to the emperor that Guy and Heraud be sent as ambassadors to the sultan to make a proposal of peace. The steward well knew that if they should go, they would never return. The emperor was willing to make a proposal of peace to the enemy, but unwilling that Guy should go on this dangerous mission. However, Guy insisted upon going. He entered the tent of the sultan defiantly, and proposed to him that he select a champion to represent the Saracens. Guy himself would defend the cause of the emperor. If the sultan's champion should win, the Greeks were to pay tribute to the sultan and acknowledge him as their lord. If, however, he should be vanquished, the infidels should leave the country. The sultan's answer to the proposal was an order to his men to take and slay the insolent ambassador. Thereupon the latter drew his sword and