Great joy had the lady to hear these words.  She promised the maiden that in recompense of her service, she would grant her such guerdon as she should wish.  The maiden took the babe—­yet smiling in her sleep—­and wrapped her in a linen cloth.  Above this she set a piece of sanguine silk, brought by the husband of this dame from a bazaar in Constantinople—­fairer was never seen.  With a silken lace they bound a great ring to the child’s arm.  This ring was of fine gold, weighing fully an ounce, and was set with garnets most precious.

Letters were graven thereon, so that those who found the maid might understand that she came of a good house.  The damsel took the child, and went out from the chamber.  When night was come, and all was still, she left the town, and sought the high road leading through the forest.  She held on her way, clasping the baby to her breast, till from afar, to her right hand, she heard the howling of dogs and the crowing of cocks.  She deemed that she was near a town, and went the lighter for the hope, directing her steps, there, whence the noises came.  Presently the damsel entered in a fair city, where was an Abbey, both great and rich.  This Abbey was worshipfully ordered, with many nuns in their office and degree, and an Abbess in charge of all.  The maiden gazed upon the mighty house, and considered its towers and walls, and the church with its belfry.  She went swiftly to the door, and setting the child upon the ground, kneeled humbly to make her prayer.

“Lord,” said she, “for the sake of Thy Holy Name, if such be Thy will, preserve this child from death.”

Her petition ended, the maiden looked about her, and saw an ash tree, planted to give shadow in a sunny place.  It was a fair tree, thick and leafy, and was divided into four strong branches.  The maiden took the child again in her arms, and running to the ash, set her within the tree.  There she left her, commending her to the care of God.  So she returned to her mistress, and told her all that she had done.

Now in this Abbey was a porter, whose duty it was to open the doors of the church, before folk came to hear the service of God.  This night he rose at his accustomed hour, lighted candles and lamps, rang the bells, and set wide the doors.  His eyes fell upon the silken stuff within the ash.  He thought at first that some bold thief had hidden his spoil within the tree.  He felt with his hand to discover what it might be, and found that it was a little child.  The porter praised God for His goodness; he took the babe, and going again to his house, called to his daughter, who was a widow, with an infant yet in the cradle.

“Daughter,” he cried, “get from bed at once; light your candle, and kindle the fire.  I bring you a little child, whom I have found within our ash.  Take her to your breast; cherish her against the cold, and bathe her in warm water.”