she was very imperfectly covered. They were now brought into the royal presence; and the soudan, addressing Sir Isumbras, immediately offered him as much treasure as he should require, on condition that he should renounce Christianity, and consent to fight under the Saracen banners. The answer was a respectful but peremptory refusal, concluded by an earnest petition for a little food; but the soudan, having by this time turned his eyes from Sir Isumbras to the beautiful companion of his pilgrimage, paid no attention to this request;
"The soudan beheld that lady there,
Him thought an angel that she were,
Comen a-down from heaven:
'Man! I will give thee gold and fee,
An thou that woman will sellen me,
More than thou can neven[1].
I will thee given an hundred pound
Of pennies that ben whole and round,
And rich robes seven:
She shall be queen of my land;
And all men bow unto her hand;
And none withstand her steven[2]'
Sir Isumbras said 'Nay!
My wife I will nought sell away,
