Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/81

Rh of plants, and it shall also have power to stanch the blood from any wound, howsoever dangerous, which its wearer shall receive.”

The Emperor thanked the ambassador from his brother of Araby, with many thanks, and made him welcome at his festivities. The gifts were received with great honor, and were divided between the monarch and his children. Cambuscan himself retained the magic horse and the mirror, Cambello took the sword, and to Candace, already noted for her learning, the ring was given, so that by its aid she became the wisest princess in all Europe.

Now upon each of these gifts there hangs a tale more wonderful than any of those with which the Persian Sultana beguiled her lord. But our fortunes go now with Candace and her ring, and the happy issue out of deadly battle which it brought to her brother Cambello.

Now this brother and sister loved each other with great affection, so that their friendship stood as a pattern of fraternal love. Although Candace had many suitors among the best born knights, yet she refused all, content in the society of her brother and her books, and caring naught for any wooers who appeared to sue for her.

But at length the people began to clamor for the marriage of the princess, desiring that she