Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/79





he first part of this story is found in Chaucers Canterbury Tales, where it is left in an unfinished state. Spenser afterward takes up the story of Candace in the second canto of the fourth book of Faery Queen, which celebrates the life-long friendship of Cambello and Triamond. I have taken some liberties with the two stories in order to unite them gracefully, but they are very slight and immaterial.

The famous old Emperor Cambuscan made a grand feast in his royal palace to celebrate his victory over the sovereign of the Russias. On his right hand was his son Cambello, bravest of knights, and on the other side sat his fair daughter Candace, who was of all princesses most learned and prudent.

While they sat amid the noise and rejoicing of the feast, word was brought to the Emperor that a messenger stayed without, bearing presents to the court. On this he was ordered