“Plague on you！” cried Miraz. “It was not that sort of council I wanted. Do you think I am asking you if I should be afraid to meet this Peter （if there is such a man）？ Do you think I fear him？ I wanted your counsel of the policy of the matter； whether we， having the advantage， should hazard it on a wager of battle.”
“To which I can only answer， your Majesty，” said Glozelle， “that for all reasons the challenge should be refused. There is death in the strange knight’s face.”
“There you are again！” said Miraz， now thoroughly angry. “Are you trying， to make it appear that I am as great a coward as your Lordship？”
“Your Majesty may say your pleasure，” said Glozelle sulkily.
“You talk like an old woman， Glozelle，” said the King. “What say you， my Lord Sopespian？”
“Do not touch it， Sire，” was the reply. “And what your Majesty says of the policy of the thing comes in very happily. It gives your Majesty excellent grounds for a refusal without any cause for questioning your Majesty‘s honour or courage.”
“Great Heaven！” exclaimed Miraz， jumping to his feet. “Are you also bewitched today？ Do you think I am looking for grounds to refuse it？ You might as well call me coward to my face.”