perity, think with ruth upon her state—think how she was bested:—an emperor's daughter, standing alone, with not a friend to whom she could pour out her complaint.
The King had such compassion upon her forlorn state (for the gentle heart ever leans to the piteous side) that the tears flowed from his eyes. 'Quickly, let a book be brought,' said he, 'and if this knight will swear that she slew this woman, we will yet consult who shall be our justice in this case.' A British book containing the gospel was produced, and on this book he made oath that she was guilty. Immediately an unseen hand smote him on his neck, so that he fell like a stone, and, in the sight of all, his eyes burst from his head. Then in the general audience a voice followed, saying: 'Thou hast slandered the guiltless daughter of Holy Church in high presence—thus hast thou done.' All, save Constance alone, stood aghast at this wonder, each in dread of the divine wrath. All who had wrongly suspected her made repentance; and, to conclude, the miracle, with the mediation of Constance, wrought upon
