the emperor and the empress in her grief. At the port they
find the sailors in the ships drawn up beside the cliff. The sea was
calm and smooth, the wind was light, and the weather clear. When he had
taken leave of his father, and bidden farewell to the empress, whose
heart was heavy in her bosom, Alexander first stepped from the small
boat into the skip; then all his companions hastened by fours, threes,
and twos to embark without delay. Soon the sail was spread and the
anchor raised. Those on shore whose heart is heavy because of the men
whom they watch depart, follow them with their gaze as long as they can:
and in order to watch them longer, they all climb a high hill behind
the beach. From there they sadly gaze, as long as their eyes can follow
them. With sorrow, indeed, they watch them go, being solicitous for
the youths, that God may bring them to their haven without accident and
without peril. All of April and part of May they spent at sea. Without
any great danger or mishap they came to port at Southampton. [29]
One day, between three o'clock and vespers, they cast anchor and
went ashore. The young men, who had never been accustomed to endure
discomfort or pain, had suffered so long from their life at sea that
they had all lost their colour, and even the strongest and most vigorous
were weak and faint. In spite of that, they rejoice to have escaped from
the sea and to have arrived where they wished to be. Because of their
depleted state, they spend the night at Southampton in happy frame, and
make inquiries whether the King is in England. They are told that he
is at Winchester, and that they can reach there in a very short time if
they will start early in the morning and keep to the straight road. At
this news they are greatly pleased, and the next morning at daybreak the
youths wake early, and prepare and equip themselves. And when they were
ready, they left Southampton, and kept to the direct road until they
reached Winchester, where the King was. Before six o'clock in the
morning the Greeks had arrived at the court. The squires with the horses
remain below in the yard, while the youths go up into the presence of
the King, who was the best that ever was or ever will be in the world.
And when the King sees them coming, they please him greatly, and meet
with his favour. But before approaching the King's presence, they
remove the cloaks from about their necks, lest they should be considered
ill-bred. Thus, all unm