in life and very handsome. This great king had two sons, Algarsyf and
Cambalo, and a daughter Canacee. She was exceedingly fair; but alas!
neither my language nor my wit is sufficient to describe her
beauty--only one skilled in speech could do that, and such I am not.

When Cambuskan had ruled for twenty years he proclaimed that on his
birthday that year a great feast would be held.

When the day came many flocked to do honour to the king. Outside the
birds sang gaily in the fresh spring weather; inside the palace,
Cambuskan, dressed in his magnificent royal robes, with a shining
crown on his head, sat high on the dais, while his courtiers and
guests assembled in the splendid banquet hall. It would take a
summer's day to tell you of the strange dishes they ate, and Eastern
meats are unknown to me; but I know there were roasted swans and
heron stews, and that whatever a man desired was given him. During
the feast the minstrels played sweet melodies.

When the third course had been served, suddenly the door at the end
of the hall opened, and a knight entered. He was fully armed save for
his head, and rode upon a horse of brass. He carried in his hand a
broad mirror, and at his side hung a naked sword. As he came nearer,
Cambuskan could see that he wore a bright ring on his thumb. He rode
in stately manner straight up the hall till he came to the king, and
there saluted him with all knightly courtesy. Then he bowed to each
of the courtiers in order, and spoke words of greeting to them all.
His speech and bearing were so gracious that it was clear that he was
a knight of noble birth, and came from a great court. The guests sat
silent in sheer amazement. When he had saluted everyone he began to
explain his coming. I would I could command the flowing speech and