Page:History of the Emperor Manalay, and his virtuous wife (2).pdf/3

Rh from you the privities of my heart, I purpose to visit the Holy Land, wherefore, I ordain thee principally to be Lady and Governess over all my Empire, and all my people; and under thee I ordain here my brother to be thy Steward, and to provide all things that may be profitable to my empire and my people.

Then said the Empress, since it will no otherwise be, but that thou wilt need go to visit the City of Jerusalem, I shall be in your absence as true as any turtle that has lost her mate; for as I believe you shall not escape whence with your life.

The Emperor then comforted her with fair words and kissed her, and After that took his leave of her and others, and went to the City of Jerusalem.

And anon after the Emperor was one, his brother became so proud, fiat he oppressed poor men and robbed such men; and he did worse than this, for he daily stirred the Empress to commit sin with him: But ever answered again as an holy and devout woman, and said, I will (quoth she)