In
that is greater glory and more of power than being husband to the
Lady of Holland."
And so he returned a most ungracious answer:
"Tell the Countess Jacqueline," he said to the knight of
Leyenburg, "that the honor of her hand I cannot accept. I am her
foe, and would rather die than marry her."
All the hot blood of her ancestors flamed in wrath as young
Jacqueline heard this reply of the rebel lord.
"Crush we these rebel curs, von Brederode," she cried, pointing
to the banner of Arkell; "for by my father's memory, they shall
have neither mercy nor life from me."
Fast upon the curt refusal of the Lord of Arkell came his message
of defiance.
"Hear ye, Countess of Holland," rang out the challenge of the
herald of Arkell, as his trumpet-blast sounded before the gate of
the citadel, "the free Lord of Arkell here giveth you word and
warning that he will fight against you on the morrow!"
And from the citadel came back this ringing reply, as the knight
of Leyenburg made answer for his sovereign lady:
"Hear ye, sir Herald, and answer thus to the rebel Lord of
Arkell: 'For the purpose of fighting him came we here, and fight
him we will, until he and his rebels are beaten and dead.
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