106 |)e tfut3Tro of ftogamouD'a (Sra&e* 



steps, till, having achieved the purpose of their preda- 

 tory warfare, the earl and his companions embarked 

 for England. But the nights were dark, and October 

 winds, gathering strength and fierceness from the early 

 setting in of a long winter, tost their unwieldy ships like 

 cockle-shells on the face of the deep waters. The chief- 

 tains despaired of life, as did the bravest of the seamen, 

 and the earl resolved to throw overboard whatever he 

 possessed, either of rings, or gold, or silver, rich vest- 

 ments, or scutcheoned banners, that as he had entered 

 life unprovided with them, so he might pass in like 

 manner to his eternal home. But a waxen light, of large 

 size and brilliancy, was seen by all on board, suddenly 

 appearing on the summit of the mast, and near it stood a 

 female of surpassing beauty, who preserved that warning 

 light, shining in the midnight darkness, from being 

 extinguished by the wind or rain. Seeing this, the 

 mariners took courage, and when the day began 

 to dawn, the violence of the storm abated, a fresh 

 gale sprung up, and urged the ship onward to the 

 isle of Rhe, about three miles distant from Rochelle. 

 As they neared the coast, an old abbey came in sight, and 

 thither the earl sent messengers on landing, requesting 

 favour and protection, and that he might remain concealed 

 from his enemies till a fair wind should admit of his 

 returning home. To this the abbot gave consent, and 

 received both the earl and his companions with kindness 

 and hospitality. But the island was in charge of Savaric 



