power of Jesus Christ, which can deliver those who believe, from the snares of the Evil One. And then she laid before him all the doctrine of our holy law; so that before even-song the constable was converted, and professed himself a true believer in Christ.
This worthy man was not lord of the place I have described, but he held it under Alia, King of Northumberland, who bore so strong a hand against the Scots. But this is not the matter of my story.—Satan, who is ever on the watch to entrap erring mortals, had cast an evil eye on Constance and her perfections, and sought to requite her for all her godly works. To this end he moved a young knight, dwelling near the castle, to love her with a foul and dishonest affection; which, when he found had no avail, (for no temptation could bring her to sin and shame,) the villainous heart of the youth, through spite and disappointment, compassed his thought to make her die a felon's death. Watching therefore his opportunity, while the constable was away, he crept privately by night to Hermegild's chamber, who, with Constance had both fallen
