“Certes, lady,” said the dansellon, who was her brother, “none could give or promise me aught so sweet, as the life of that sister, who was so fair and good.”

When the lady hearkened to these words her heart yearned with tenderness.  She praised God, rendering Him thanks, and said to them, “Be sure that you speak with unfeigned lips.”

And they answered and said that they spoke with unfeigned lips.  Then the lady began to weep with happy tears, and said to them, “Sir, now may you truly say that you are my father, for I am that daughter on whom you wrought such bitter justice.  And you, Messire Thibault, are my lord and husband; and you, sir dansellon, are my brother.”

Then she rehearsed to them in what manner she was found of the chapmen, and how they bestowed her as a gift on the Soudan.  They were very glad, and rejoiced mightily, humbling themselves before her, but she forbade them to show their mirth, saying, “I am a Saracen, and have renounced the faith; otherwise I should not be here, but were dead already.  Therefore I pray and beseech you as you love your lives and would prolong your days, whatever you may see or hear, not to show me any affection, but keep yourselves strange to me, and leave me to unravel the coil.  Now I will tell why I have revealed myself to you.  My husband, the Soudan, rides presently to battle.  I know well, Messire Thibault, that you are a hardy knight, and I will pray the Soudan to take you with him.  If ever you were brave, now is the time to make it plain.  See to it that you do him such service that he have no grievance against you.”

The lady departed forthwith, and coming before the Soudan, said, “Husband, one of my captives desires greatly to go with you, if such be your pleasure.”

“Wife,” answered he, “I dare not put myself in his hand, for fear that he may do me a mischief.”

“Husband, he will not dare to be false, since I hold his companions as hostages.”

“Wife,” said he, “I will take him with me, because of your counsel, and I will deliver him a good horse and harness, and all that warrior may require.”

The lady returned straightway to the chamber.  She said to Messire Thibault, “I have persuaded the Soudan to bring you to the battle.  Act therefore manfully.”

At this her brother knelt at her knee, praying her to plead with the Soudan that he might go also.

“That I may not do,” said she, “or the thing will be too clear.”

The Soudan ordered his business, and went forth, Messire Thibault being with him, and came upon the enemy.  According to his word, the Soudan had given to the knight both horse and harness.  By the will of Jesus Christ, who faileth never such as have faith and affiance in Him, Messire Thibault did such things in arms that in a short space the enemies of the Soudan were put under his feet.  The Soudan rejoiced greatly at his knight’s deeds and his victory, and returned bringing many captives with him.  He went straight to the dame, and said, “Wife, by my law I have naught but good to tell of your prisoner, for he has done me faithful service.  So he deny his faith, and receive our holy religion, I will grant him broad lands, and find him a rich heiress in marriage.”