though all, alas! bought at a dreadful price. Too certainly does sudden woe succeed to worldly bliss: the end of the joy of our labour is sprinkled with bitterness, and grief follows in the train of mirth. For your security's sake, therefore, attend to this advice:—in the day of gladness think upon, and provide against the evil which comes up behind.
Shortly to describe this event:—the Sultan and every Christian were murdered at table, the Lady Constance alone being spared. The old Sultaness, with her friends, compassed this cursed deed, that she herself might rule the kingdom uncontrolled. Not even one Syrian of the Sultan's council who had been converted, escaped the frightful massacre: and Constance, who was wild with horror and dismay, they hurried into a vessel that had no rudder, bidding her find her way to Italy. A certain treasure she had brought to Syria, and store of provision, with clothing, they yielded to her; and forth she drifted on the salt sea. The ruler of all events be thy Pilot, gentlest and most forlorn of women! She blessed herself, and with a piteous voice prayed to the
