Before Constance
arrived in Syria she called together all the lords in the kingdom whom
she knew to be friendly to him. She told them of a plot she had made
to kill the Soldan and all those who changed their religion with him,
as soon as the bride bad come. They all agreed to this dreadful plot,
and then the old Soldaness went smiling and bland, to the Soldan's
palace.
"My dear son," she said, "at last I am resolved to become a Christian;
I am surprised I have been blind so long to the beauty of this new
faith. And, in token of our agreement about it, I pray you will honor
me by attending with your bride at a great feast which I shall make for
you."
The Soldan was overjoyed to see his mother so amiable. He knelt at her
feet and kissed her hand, saying,--"Now, my dear mother, my happiness
is full, since you are reconciled to this marriage. And Constance and
I will gladly come to your feast."
Then the hideous old hag went away, nodding and mumbling,--"Aha!
Mistress Constance, white as they call you, you shall be dyed so red
that all the water in your church font shall not wash you clean again!"
Constance came soon after, and there was great feasting and
merry-making, and the Soldan was very happy.
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