Thus the tale ended, and we went to bed to sleep soundly till the
morrow.



TALES OF THE FOURTH DAY



The fourth day of our journey dawned bright and clear, and we were on
the road early. The sun shone brilliantly, the warm air was full of
the songs of larks. We were all in the mood for a tale of romance,
and were glad when the Host called on the handsome young Squire to
tell us his tale. "For certain," said Harry Bailey, "you know more of
love than any man." "No, good sir," replied the Squire, laughing and
blushing a little; "but I will do my best. If I fail, pray have me
excused." And as he rode along gracefully, with his long sleeves
fluttering gaily behind him, he told us this story:



THE SQUIRE'S TALE OF CAMBUSKAN AND CANACEE



The land of Tartary in the East was ruled by a great king, Cambuskan,
brave and just, honourable and wise, and the possessor of wealth
untold. He had made war on his enemies and established his kingdom
firm and secure. Yet he was not old, but fresh and strong, rejoicing