পাতা:সদগুণ ও বীর্য্যের ইতিহাস.djvu/৯৭

p 94 } When therefore the castle had been given up, the general conducted the commander to the king and begged that his life might be spared, saying, that it was in expectation of this favor that he had delivered up a fortress which he might have defended The king replied that his commission did notauthorize him to promise a pardon; that in having delivered up the hostile commander he had done his duty; and that the sparing of his life depended on the king's pleasure. Herbert replied that he had engaged to do the utmost in his power to save his life, which he had not yet done; he therefore humbly besought his majesty to do one of two things; either to replace the commander in the fort and command some one else to take him out; or to take his own life in lieu of that of the commander, since that was the last thing hé could do to redeem his promise. The king finding Herbert so very importunate, pardoned the commander, but bestowed no reward on his faithful general.