Page:The Queens of England.djvu/81

BERENGARIA. 67 to him ; for in both he had but too much reason to expect to find a foe. Richard was indignant with him because he had imprisoned his sister, Joanna, the Dowager Queen of Naples ; while Philip was displeased insomuch that the rightful heir to it was the wife of his ally, Henry the Sixth, Emperor of Germany. At length these divisions of the brothers in arms, as they were called, prevailed to such an alarming extent that the more prudent and well-intentioned of the barons on both sides intervened to endeavor to terminate this dangerous state of antagonism. A solemn conference was held for the purpose of discussing and composing every subject which then was, or at any time might prove likely to be, productive of controversy and alienation between the two sovereigns. But this expedi- ent, wise and well meaning as it was, threatened for a time to create the very conflagration which it was intended to pre- vent ; for one of the first combustible topics brought under the consideration of the council was the engagement of Rich- ard to marry Alice ! Then came the tug of strife, and very nearly of war, when the English prince declared that he would not only not wed Philip's sister, but that his reason for reject- ing her hand was that the lady's reputation was not as unsullied as it ought to have been ! The accusations advanced were so strong, and so respectably and unimpeachably sustained, that Philip was ashamed to enforce his sister's claim ; arid not only concurred in her rejection, but actually sanctioned the union of Richard with Berengaria of Navarre. From this period really commences the crusading career of Richard Cceur de Lion. Philip resumed his voyage for the Holy Land as soon as he had given his assent to the connubial intentions of the daring Plantagenet, who delayed for a brief time to follow him, in order that he might be accompanied by his bride. Speedily, therefore, after her arrival, under the protection of Queen Eleanor, at Messina, he sailed from that unquiet city ; having divided his armament into two squadrons, one of which he headed himself, and to the other, commanded by a noble knight, consigned the custody of Berengaria and his sister Joanna, the Dowager Queen of Naples. Here Queen Eleanor, bidding adieu to both her children, returned to~Eng- land before they quitted the port. Again Richard's fleet was destined to be exposed to the fury of the elements ; and that portion of it in which were embarked