Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/176

 immediately dispatched a message to his mother, and to his court all around, informing them of his bride's arrival, requiring them, for the honour and dignity of his crown, to ride forth and meet the new queen.

The throng of mingled Syrians and Romans formed a rich array. The Sultaness, splendidly apparelled, received the young stranger as any mother would a beloved child. I know not whether the triumph of Julius, which Lucan has described so magnificently, were more remarkable than the assembly of this blissful company: but this scorpion of a Sultaness, notwithstanding her flattery and pleasant cheer, had concealed under all a deadly sting.

Soon after, the Sultan arrived in such royal pomp, that it was wonderful to behold, and with gladness of heart welcomed her to a second home; and so I leave them in the full enjoyment of mirth and bliss.

The time had now come when the old Sultaness had prepared the feast I spoke of, and had invited to it all the Christians, both young and old. There were they regaled with dainties and luxuries more than I can describe—