Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/31

Rh to ejaculate, and when at length she could speak, she said, "If ye desire me to live, hasten immediately for my lord." The spectators hearing her wish, mounted their horses, and rode to the king. They explained to him the imminent danger of his wife; and he forthwith returned to the castle, and entered the chamber where the queen lay. When she saw him, she said, "Oh, my lord, command us to be left alone; what I have to say is for your private ear." The room was accordingly cleared; and the lady eagerly besought him to say, of what family he was. "That is a singular question," replied he, "but know, that I am a native of a distant country." "Oh," returned the lady, "I solemnly vow to God, that unless you declare to me the whole truth, I will kill myself." "And I," said the king, "shall be poor and wretched—possessed of nothing but the arms with which I freed you and the kingdom from slavery." "Only tell me," urged the lady, "from what country you came, and who are your parents; and unless you speak truly, I will never more touch food." "You shall be satisfied," said