Now the magic of the ax followed it here as before, and every looker-on believed he saw Sir Ranier slaying his hundreds.  So it chanced when the battle was over, and those were recalled who pursued the enemy, that a group of knights, and the great lords of the court who were gathered around the king, and were discussing the events of the day, agreed as one man, that there never had been a warrior as potent as Sir Ranier since the days of Roland, and that he deserved to be made a great lord.  And the king thought so, too.  So he created him a baron on the field, and ordered his patent of nobility to be made out on their return, and gave him castles and land; and, furthermore, told him he would grant him any favor more he chose to ask, though it were half the kingdom.

When Dyvorer and others heard this, they were more envious than ever, and concerted together a plan for the ruin of Lord Treefell, for such was Sir Ranier’s new title.  After many things had been proposed and rejected, Dyvorer said:  “The Princess Isaure loves this stripling, as I have been told by my sister, the Lady Zanthe, who attends on her highness.  I think he has dared to raise his hopes to her.  I will persuade him to demand her hand as the favor the king has promised.  Ranier does not know our ancient law, and, while he will fail in his suit, the king will be so offended at his presumption that he will speedily dismiss him from the court.”

This plan was greatly approved.  Dyvorer sought out Ranier, to whom he professed great friendship, with many regrets for all he might have said or done in the past calculated to give annoyance.  As Dyvorer was a great dissembler, and Ranier was frank and unsuspicious, they became very intimate.  At length, one day when they were together, Dyvorer said: 

“Have you ever solicited the king for the favor he promised?”

And Ranier answered, “No!”

“Then,” said Dyvorer, “it is a pity that you do not love the Princess Isaure.”

“Why?” inquired Ranier.

“Because,” replied Dyvorer, “the princess not only favors you, but, I think, from what my sister Zanthe has said, that the king has taken this mode of giving her to you at her instance.”

Ranier knew that the Lady Zanthe was the favorite maiden of the princess, and, as we are easily persuaded in the way our inclinations run, he took heart and determined to act upon Dyvorer’s counsel.

About a week afterward, as the king was walking in the court-yard of his palace, as he did at times, he met with Ranier.

“You have never asked of me the favor I promised, good baron,” said King Dagobert.

“It is true, your majesty,” said Ranier; “but it was because I feared to ask what I most desired.”

[Illustration:  The combat with sir Paul.]

“Speak,” said the king, “and fear not.”

Therefore Ranier preferred his request for the hand of the princess.