There also she found the Saviour's seamless coat, and the four nails that pierced his hands and feet ; and of one of these the Emperor made a bridle for his horse to carry him in battle, and thereby he overcame all his enemies, and reigned from Persia to the British Sea. They showed me also a part of the crown of our Lord, made of the branches of Aubespinc ; and I had one of those precious thorns given to ine as a great favor, and it hath this virtue ; that whosoever beareth it about him, is secure from thunder and from tempest, and from the malevolence of evil spirits and demons. We tarried long at Constantinople, for there were many wonderful things to be seen. Every year the birth-day of Jesus is celebrated with rejoicings ; and on these occasions one may behold representatives of all the nations that inhabit different parts of the world; and the common people are amused with surprising feats of jugglery and dexterous motions of wild beasts, and birds of prey that have been trained to fight each other. And the Emperor entertained the bishops right royally in the palace of the Blaquernel, in feasts and games, and gave them gifts of gold and silver, rich apparel and cosily jewels, so that they were in no haste to depart, and many of the mixed multi-tudes that followed with us, remained there, and entered the service of the Emperor." Ingulfus was surprised the following day in the midst of his studies, by a secret visit from Adela. " I am come," said she, " to obtain of thee, the precious thorn from the crown of our Lord." The countenance of Ingulfus indicated at once his re-luctance to part with the inestimable relic, and his strong desire to gratify the princess. " Nay," said she, observing his hesitation, " I know its value, and am prepared to reward thee at whatsoever cost." " Though it may have been the practice of some unwor-thy palmers, to trade in relics," said Ingulfus, " I cannot make merchandise of that which pierced the brow of my blessed Lord. It is thine without money, and without price." ADELA. 57