Page:History of Valentine and Orson (3).pdf/15



OW Valentine being greatly vexed in mind for the death of his father whom he had killed by mistake, resolved to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre; and thereupon taking leave of his wile Clerimond, and giving the government of the empire unto his brother Orson, he departed, to the great sorrow of all, particularly his brother Orson, and the fair Clarimond.

Valentine, after seven years absence, returned, dressed like a poor palmer, begging victuals at the gate of his own palace; and at length being sick, and about to die, he called for Clerimond and made himself known to her, at which she was ready to give up the ghost.

At last, having recommended the care of her to his brother and the Empress, his dear mother, and blessing of them, he turned on one side, and breathed out his noble soul from his illustrious body, to the great grief of all the valiant Knights of Christendom, to whom he had been a most noble example, and a generous reliever. But Clerimond never would espouse any one, but betook her to a single, life, always lamenting the loss of her beloved husband.

After his death Orison governed the empire with great wisdom and justice for seven years, till at length, seeing the fragile state of