Edith，’’saidRichard，Icannotforcethyresolution；butbewareyoushutnotthedoorwhichHeavenopens。ThehermitofEngaddi，hewhomPopesandCouncilshaveregardedasaprophet，hathreadinthestarsthatthymarriageshallreconcilemewithapowerfulenemy，andthatthyhusbandshallbeChristian，leavingthusthefairestgroundtohope，thattheconversionoftheSoldan，andthebringinginofthesonsofIshmaeltothepaleofthechurch，willbetheconsequenceofthyweddingwithSaladin。Come，thoumustmakesomesacrificeratherthanmarsuchhappyprospects。’’
Menmaysacrificeramsandgoats，’’saidEdith，butnothonourandconscience。IhaveheardthatitwasthedishonourofaChristianmaiden，whichbroughttheSaracensintoSpain-theshameofanotherisnolikelymodeofexpellingthemfromPalestine。’’
DostthoucallitshametobecomeanEmpress？’’saidtheKing。
IcallitshameanddishonourtoprofaneaChristiansacrament，byenteringintoitwithaninfidelwhomitcannotbind；
andIcallitfouldishonour，thatI，thedescendantofaChristianprincess，shouldbecomeoffreewilltheheadofaharemofheathenconcubines。’’