language, he lost himself in a
forest, and remained three days without seeing a human creature, living
on honey and wild fruits which he found on the trees. The third day,
seeking a passage through a rocky defile, he beheld a man in tattered
clothing, whose beard and hair covered his breast and shoulders. This
man stopped on seeing him, observed him, and recognized the arms and
bearing of a French knight. He immediately approached, and exclaimed,
in the language of the South of France, "God be praised! Do I indeed
behold a chevalier of my own country, after fifteen years passed in
this desert without seeing the face of a fellow-countryman?"

Huon, to gratify him still more, unlaced his helmet, and came towards
him with a smiling countenance. The other regarded him with more
surprise than at first. "Good Heaven!" he exclaimed, "was there ever
such a resemblance? Ah, noble sir," he added, "tell me, I beseech you,
of what country and race you come?" "I require," replied Huon, "before
telling you mine, that you first reveal your own; let it suffice you at
present to know that I am a Christian, and that in Guienne I was born."
"Ah! Heaven grant that my eyes and my heart do not deceive me,"
exclaimed the unknown; "my name is Sherasmin; I am brother to Guire,
the Mayor of Bordeaux. I was taken prisoner in the battle where my dear
and illustrious master, Sevinus, lost his life. For three years I
endured the miseries of slavery; at length I broke my chains and
escaped to this desert, where I have sustained myself in solitude ever
since. Your features recall to me my beloved sovereign, in whose
service I was from my infancy till his death." Huon made no reply but
by embracing the old man, with tears in his eyes. Then Sherasmin
learned that his arms enfolded the son of the Duke Sevinus. He led him
to his cabin, and spread before him the dry fruits and honey which
formed his only aliment.

Huon recounted his adventures to Sherasmin, who was moved to tears at
the recital. He then consulted him on means of conducting his
enterprise. Sherasmin hesitated not to confess that success seemed
impossible; nevertheless he swore a solemn oath never to abandon him.
The Saracen language, which he was master of, would be serviceable to
them when they should leave the desert, and mingle with men.

They took the route of the Red Sea, and entered Arabia. Their way lay
through a region which Sherasmin described as full of terrors. It was
inhabite