s; the emperor doubtless feels both joy
and grief: he is glad that his son's intention is fixed upon honour,
and on the other hand he is sorrowful because his son is about to be
separated from him. Yet, because of the promise which he made, despite
the grief he feels, he must grant his request; for an emperor must keep
his word. "Fair son," he says, "I must not fail to do your pleasure,
when I see you thus striving for honour. From my treasure you may have
two barges full of gold and silver; but take care to be generous and
courteous and well-behaved." Now the youth is very happy when his father
promises him so much, and places his treasure at his disposal, and bids
him urgently to give and spend generously. And his father explains his
reason for this: "Fair son," he says, "believe me, that generosity is
the dame and queen which sheds glory upon all the other virtues. And the
proof of this is not far to seek. For where could you find a man, be he
never so rich and powerful, who is not blamed if he is mean? Nor could
you find one, however ungracious he may be, whom generosity will not
bring into fair repute? Thus largess makes the gentleman, which
result can be accomplished neither by high birth, courtesy, knowledge,
gentility, money, strength, chivalry, boldness, dominion, beauty, or
anything else. [28] But just as the rose is fairer than any other flower
when it is fresh and newly blown, so there, where largess dwells, it
takes its place above all other virtues, and increases five hundred fold
the value of other good traits which it finds in the man who acquits
himself well. So great is the merit of generosity that I could not tell
you the half of it." The young man has now successfully concluded the
negotiations for what he wished; for his father has acceded to all
his desires. But the empress was sorely grieved when she heard of the
journey which her son was about to take. Yet, whoever may grieve or
sorrow, and whoever may attribute his intention to youthful folly, and
ever may blame and seek to dissuade him, the youth ordered his ships to
be made ready as soon as possible, desiring to tarry no longer in his
native land. At his command the ships were freighted that very night
with wine, meat, and biscuit.

(Vv. 235-338.) The ships were loaded in the port, and the next morning
Alexander came to the strand in high spirits, accompanied by his
companions, who were happy over the prospective voyage. They were
escorted by