_. It was pointed out
to the Prince, in impeachment of this decree, that the victory had been
in fact won by the Disinherited Knight, who, in the course of the day,
had overcome six champions with his own hand, and who had finally
unhorsed and struck down the leader of the opposite party. But Prince
John adhered to his own opinion, on the ground that the Disinherited
Knight and his party had lost the day but for the powerful assistance of
the Knight of the Black Armor, to whom, therefore, he persisted in
awarding the prize.

To the surprise of all present, however, the knight thus preferred was
nowhere to be found. He had left the lists immediately when the conflict
ceased, and had been observed by some spectators to move down one of the
forest glades with the same slow pace and listless and indifferent
manner which had procured him the epithet of the Black Sluggard.[87-17]
After he had been summoned twice by sound of trumpet and proclamation of
the heralds, it became necessary to name another to receive the honors
which had been assigned to him. Prince John had now no further excuse
for resisting the claim of the Disinherited Knight, whom, therefore, he
named the champion of the day.

Through a field slippery with blood and encumbered with broken armor and
the bodies of slain and wounded horses, the marshals again conducted
the victor to the foot of Prince John's throne.

"Disinherited Knight," said Prince John, "since by that title only you
will consent to be known to us, we a second time award to you the honors
of this tournament, and announce to you your right to claim and receive
from the hands of the Queen of Love and Beauty the chaplet of honor
which your valor has justly deserved."

The Knight bowed low and gracefully, but returned no answer.

While the trumpets sounded, while the heralds strained their voices in
proclaiming honor to the brave and glory to the victor, while ladies
waved their silken kerchiefs and embroidered veils, and while all ranks
joined in a clamorous shout of exultation, the marshals conducted the
Disinherited Knight across the lists to the foot of that throne of honor
which was occupied by the Lady Rowena.

On the lower step of this throne the champion was made to kneel down.
Indeed, his whole action since that the fight had ended seemed rather to
have been upon the impulse of those around him than from his own free
will; and it was observed that he tottered as they guided him the s