“Husband, I know not, but I doubt if he will do this thing.”

No more was spoken of the matter; but the lady set her house in order, as best she was able, and coming to her captives said, “Sirs, go warily, so that the Saracens see nothing of what is in our mind; for, please God, we shall yet win to France and the county of Ponthieu.”

On a day the lady came before the Soudan.  She went in torment, and lamented very grievously.

“Husband, it is with me as it was before.  Well I know it, for I have fallen into sore sickness, and my food has no relish in my mouth, no, not since you went to the battle.”

“Wife, I am right glad to hear that you are with child, although your infirmity is very grievous unto me.  Consider and tell me those things that you deem will be to your healing, and I will seek and procure them whatever the cost.”

When the lady heard this, her heart beat lightly in her breast.  She showed no semblance of joy, save this only, that she said, “Husband, my old captive tells me that unless I breathe for awhile such air as that of my native land, and that quickly, I am but dead, for in nowise have I long to live.”

“Wife,” said the Soudan, “your death shall not be on my conscience.  Consider and show me where you would go, and there I will cause you to be taken.”

“Husband, it is all one to me, so I be out of this city.”

Then the Soudan made ready a ship, both fair and strong, and garnished her plenteously with wines and meats.

“Husband,” said the lady to the Soudan, “I will take of my captives the aged and the young, that they may play chess and draughts at my bidding, and I will carry with me my son for my delight.”

“Wife,” answered he, “your will is my pleasure.  But what shall be done with the third captive?”

“Husband, deal with him after your desire.”

“Wife, I desire that you take him on the ship; for he is a brave man, and will keep you well, both on land and sea, if you have need of his sword.”

The lady took leave of the Soudan, bidding him farewell, and urgently he prayed her to return so soon as she was healed of her sickness.  The stores being put upon the ship and all things made ready, they entered therein and set sail from the haven.  With a fair wind they went very swiftly, so that the shipmen sought the lady, saying, “Madam, this wind is driving the boat to Brindisi.  Is it your pleasure to take refuge there, or to go elsewhere?”

“Let the ship keep boldly on her course,” answered the lady to them, “for I speak French featly and other tongues also, so I will bring you to a good end.”

They made such swift passage by day and by night, that according to the will of Our Lord they came quickly to Brindisi.  The ship cast anchor safely in the harbour, and they lighted on the shore, being welcomed gladly by the folk of that country.  The lady, who was very shrewd, drew her captives apart, and said, “Sirs, I desire you to call to mind the pledge and the covenant you have made.  I must now be certain that you are true men, remembering your oaths and plighted words.  I pray you to let me know, by all that you deem of God, whether you will abide or not by our covenant together; for it is yet not too late to return to my home.”