Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/375

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OF MENTAL CONSTANCY.
363

had he not drank. Addressing his antagonist, he said, "Good pilgrim, if thou wilt courteously permit me to slake my thirst, I will do the like for thee, shouldst thou need it." "I consent," answered Guido, "go and drink." Having quenched his thirst, they continued the battle, with redoubled animosity. By and by, however, Guido himself thirsted, and required the same courtesy, to be shewn him, as he had exhibited. "I vow to heaven," answered his enemy, "that you shall taste nothing, except by the strong hand." At this ungrateful return, Guido defending himself as well as he could, approached the water, leaped in, and drank as much as he wished. Then springing out, he rushed upon the treacherous Plebeus, like a raging lion; who, at last, sought refuge in flight. The king, observing what passed, caused them to be separated, and to rest for that night, that in the morning they might be ready to renew the contest. The pilgrim then re-entered his chamber; and received from the king's daughter, all the kindness it was in her power to display. She bound up his wounds, prepared supper, and placed