War Preparations
In the excitement which King Richard’s death produced in England,
Eleanor contrived to secure an appearance of justice in John’s
sovereignty. A spurious will of Henry the Second’s was opened by her, by
the provisions of which John was given the crown, regardless of the
legitimate claims of the son of Geoffrey, his oldest brother. By this
means Arthur was also cut off from the succession. The injustice was
clear enough; but John, with the aid of a strong following of the
nobles, whom he had secured by artifice and promises, kept possession of
power. The time was now come for Philip Augustus openly and without
delay to maintain Arthur’s rights. Nothing less was at stake than the
title to the English crown. John was declared a throne-robber, and was
summoned as a feudal tenant before the French tribunal. In case of
disobedience war would be declared against him. John had already made
his plans to go to France at the head of an army, with the intention, as
far as he was able, of permanently wresting the English provinces from
the domination of France. He had not a doubt he could easily settle the
claims of Constance and Arthur and succeed in his purpose. Determined as
Philip Augustus may have been to defend Arthur’s rights, somehow the war
preparations were delayed much longer than seemed safe to the Duke, who
could scarcely conceal his impatience. He resolved to challenge his
uncle to single combat, and reluctantly followed the advice of his
mother to act with caution.
“Why does Philip hesitate?” he indignantly exclaimed.
“I believe the King is waiting for money,” replied Höel.
Arthur contemptuously shrugged his shoulders.
“Alas!” sighed Constance, “how can our plans succeed? We are very poor.”
Arthur hastened to the Louvre, and although the chamberlain informed him
that the King was holding an important interview, he insisted upon
admission. Nothing could be more urgent than his own affairs.
“It serves you right,” the King was saying as the Duke was announced.
Philip was seated at a table covered with papers. By his side stood an
old man in a cringing attitude, who cast a hasty glance at Arthur as he
entered.
“Welcome, cousin,” said the King, with a smile. “You have come in time
to be a partner in our business arrangement.”
He beckoned to the old man, who submissively bowed his head. His spare
figure was clad in a dark cloak of heavy silk. A tall black velvet cap
covered his head and his long gray locks hung down his shoulders. His
attire proclaimed him a Jew, and when he began to speak his voice
awakened memories in Arthur’s mind.
“Your Majesty,” said the Jew, “spare us this demand. Our coffers are
still empty because of the treasures you took from us not long ago, when
Your Grace allowed us to return to your kingdom.”
“You shall only lend to us this time,” said the King.
“Upon what security?” quickly asked the Jew.
“Upon this security,” said Arthur, turning toward him and displaying the
ring he wore on his finger. “Would you like to see the note also?” he
said with a smile. “Do you know how it reads?”
The Jew hesitated an instant, then turned the ring to the light and
looked keenly at Arthur. Raising his head, he said with a certain
nobility of expression, “I know you. You are the Duke of Brittany.”
“Say rather, the King of England,” added Philip. “Well, Arthur, let us
close up this business with Abraham, which has already fruitlessly
consumed an hour of our time. Listen, Abraham. We need thirty thousand
gold gulden to equip our troops, and a like sum in six months to pay
them.”
The King arose, and Abraham went to the door; but before leaving he
turned to Arthur and said in a low tone, “If you will come to my poor
abode this evening, most gracious Duke, you shall be satisfied.”