CYPRUS. 53

It was latest autumn, however; and Cyprus did
not look by any means so bright and beautiful as the
Boy Crusaders had, during the voyage, anticipated.
Indeed, clouds rested over the range of mountains
that intersects the island lenethways. The rain had
fallen somewhat heavily, and the aspect of the place
was so decidedly dismal and disheartening, that, as
the two squires landed, their countenances expressed
much disappointment.

‘Now, by St. Jobn of Beverley,’ exclaimed Guy,
giving expression to his feelings, ‘I marvel much
that this lovely queen, Venus, of whom minstrels
have sung so much, should, when she doubtless had
her free choice as to a residence, have so highly
favoured this place.

‘Tastes differ,’ replied Walter, rather gloomi'y.
‘Certainly, had I my choice of a residence, I should
fix my abode elsewhere.’

‘But what have we here?’ cried Guy, as he
pointed to countless casks of wine piled high, one on
the other, and to huge heaps of wheat, barley, and
other grains, which the purveyors of King Louis had
some time before prepared for his grand enterprise.
‘ Beshrew me, if, at a distance, I did not imagine the
casks of wine to be houses, and the heaps of corn
mountains.’

‘Anyhow,’ observed Walter, ‘the sight of the
wine and the corn should give us comfort; for it is
clear that the King of France, however saintly, does
not forget that men have mouths, nor mean his
army to die of hunger or thirst.’

‘On my faith,’ said Guy, ‘I have a strong desire

D