They answered, “Lady, know beyond question that the bargain we have made we will carry out loyally.  By our faith in God and as christened men we will abide by this covenant; so be in no doubt of our assurance.”

“I trust you wholly,” replied the lady; “but, sirs, see here my son, whom I had of the Soudan, what shall we do with him?”

“Lady, the boy is right welcome, and to great honour shall he come in our own land.”

“Sirs,” said the dame, “I have dealt mischievously with the Soudan, for I have stolen my person from him, and the son who was so dear to his heart.”

The lady went again to the shipmen, and lifting her hand, said to them, “Sirs, return to the Soudan whence you came, and greet him with this message.  Tell him that I have taken from him my body and the son he loved so well, that I might deliver my father, my lord, and my brother from the prison where they were captive.”

When the sailors heard this they were very dolent, but there was naught that they might do.  They set sail for their own country, sad and very heavy by reason of the lady, of the young lad, whom they loved greatly, and of the captives who were escaped altogether from their hand.

For his part the Count arrayed himself meetly by grace of merchants and Templars, who lent him gladly of their wealth.  He abode in the town, together with his fellowship, for their solace, till they made them ready for the journey, and took the road to Rome.  The Count sought the Pontiff, and his company with him.  Each confessed him of the secrets of his heart, and when the Bishop heard thereof, he accepted their devotion, and comforted them right tenderly.  He baptised the child, who was named William.  He reconciled the lady with Holy Church, and confirmed the lady and Messire Thibault her lord, in their marriage bond, reknitting them together, giving penance to each, and absolution for their sins.  After this they made no long sojourn in Rome, but took their leave of the Apostle who had honoured them so greatly.  He granted them his benison, and commended them to God.  So they went their way in great solace and delight, praising God and His Mother, and all the calendar of saints, and rendering thanks for the mercies which had been vouchsafed to them.  Journeying thus they came at last to the country of their birth, and were met by a fair procession of bishops and abbots, monks and priests, who had desired them fervently.  But of all these welcomes they welcomed most gladly her who was recovered from death, and had delivered her sire, her lord, and her brother from the hands of the Paynim, even as you have heard.  There we leave them for awhile, and will tell you of the shipmen and Saracens who had fared with them across the sea.