"
So saying he pulled out a silver cup, and filling it with water
from a gourd which stood by the bedside, he next drew forth a
small silken bag made of network, twisted with silver, the
contents of which the bystanders could not discover, and
immersing it in the cup, continued to watch it in silence during
the space of five minutes. It seemed to the spectators as if
some effervescence took place during the operation; but if so, it
instantly subsided.
"Drink," said the physician to the sick man--"sleep, and awaken
free from malady."
"And with this simple-seeming draught thou wilt undertake to cure
a monarch?" said the Bishop of Tyre.
"I have cured a beggar, as you may behold," replied the sage.
"Are the Kings of Frangistan made of other clay than the meanest
of their subjects?"
"Let us have him presently to the King," said the Baron of
Gilsland. "He hath shown that he possesses the secret which may
restore his health. If he fails to exercise it, I will put
himself past the power of medicine."
As they were about to leave the hut, the sick man, raising his
voice as much as his weakness permitted, exclaimed, "Reverend
father, noble knight, and you, kind leech, if you would have me
sleep and recover, tell me in charity what is become of my dear
master?"
"He is upon a distant expedition, friend," replied the prelate--
"on an honourable embassy, which may detain him for some days.
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