"Thou hast it--BENEDICTIO DOMINI SIT VOBISCUM," said the prelate,
making the sign of the cross, but without approaching nearer to
the patient's bed.

"Your eyes witness," said the Arabian, "the fever hath been
subdued. He speaks with calmness and recollection--his pulse
beats composedly as yours--try its pulsations yourself."

The prelate declined the experiment; but Thomas of Gilsland, more
determined on making the trial, did so, and satisfied himself
that the fever was indeed gone.

"This is most wonderful," said the knight, looking to the bishop;
"the man is assuredly cured. I must conduct this mediciner
presently to King Richard's tent. What thinks your reverence?"

"Stay, let me finish one cure ere I commence another," said the
Arab; "I will pass with you when I have given my patient the
second cup of this most holy elixir."

So saying he pulled out a silver cup, and filling it with water
from a gourd which stood by the bedside, he next drew forth a
small silken bag made of network, twisted with silver, the
contents of which the bystanders could not discover, and
immersing it in the cup, continued to watch it in silence during
the space of five minutes. It seemed to the spectators as if
some effervescence took place during the operation; but if so, it
instantly subsided.

"Drink," said the physician to the sick man--"sleep, and awaken