Richard now set out on his voyage home. He was wrecked, however,
on the Adriatic Sea near Trieste. To get to England he was obliged
to go through the lands of Leopold, duke of Austria, one of his
bitterest enemies. So he disguised himself as a poor pilgrim returning
from the Holy Land.
But he was recognized by a costly ring that he wore and was taken
prisoner at Vienna by Duke Leopold. His people in England anxiously
awaited his return, and when after a long time he did not appear
they were sadly distressed. There is a legend that a faithful squire
named Blondel went in search of him, as a wandering minstrel traveled
for months over central Europe, vainly seeking for news of his
master.
At last one day, while singing one of Richard's favorite songs
near the walls of the castle where the king was confined, he heard
the song repeated from a window. He recognized the voice of Richard.
From the window Richard told him to let the English people and
the people of Europe know where he was confined, and the minstrel
immediately went upon his mission.
Soon Europe was astounded to learn that brave Richard of England,
the great champion of Christendom, was imprisoned. The story of
Blondel is probably not true, but what is true is that England
offered to ransom Richard; that the Pope interceded for him; and
that finally it was agreed that he should be given up on the payment
of a very large sum of money. The English people quickly paid the
ransom and Richard was freed.
The king of France had little love for Richard, and Richard's own
brother John had less. Both were sorry that C[oe]ur de Lion was
at liberty.
John had taken charge of the kingdom during his brother's absence,
and hoped that Richard might pass the rest of his days in the prison
castle of Leopold.
As soon as Richard was released, the French king sent word to John,
"The devil is loose again." And a very disappointed man was John
when all England rang with rejoicing at Richard's return.