4
The king's imagination being fired by this des-
cription, he eagerly enquired in what corner of the
nation so great a beauty could be concealed from
his view, and if he could not obtain an audience,
that he might be satisfied if her person equalled
his account, or if the affections of her uncle did not
blind him.
The nobleman, now perceiving his error, and that
the praises he had thought justly bestowed upon
his niece night lead her to ruin, cooly replied, he
had only made this relation to give a true definition
of beauty, and implored his majesty to pardon his
presumption.
The king possessed too much penetration not to
perceive the meaning of the courtier's answer. He
grew exceedingly angry; and commanded the noble-
man, on his allegiance, to tell him the truth.
Being in fear of the king's displeasure, he plainly
answered, " My liege, there is such a lady, daughter
of Walter, Lord Clifford, and of his lady, my sister,
living in Godstowe, in Oxfordshire. Many noble
persons have sought her in marriage, but have met
a refusal ; her tender heart not being yet disposed
to love."
" And this I affirm is the truth, on the forfeiture
of my head. As for the name of the fair creature,
it is Rosamond; and indeed she is the peerless rose
of the world." While they were thus discoursing,
queen Eleanor came to visit the king, which broke
of any further conversation,
It was not long before the king resolved to invite
himself to her father's house, and to that end took
a progress into Oxfordshire, attended only by some
trusty courtiers, and was highly welcomed by the
Lord Clifford and his lady; fearing his design, they
ordered their daughter not to appear in his presence;
but the king bidding one of his attendants to en-
quire of the servants if she was at home, and finding
