THE HORSE OF BRASS 



CAMBUSCAN was the noblest ruler in all the 

 East. On the day upon which he completed 

 the twentieth year of his reign, he held a great 

 feast in his palace, to which all the princes of his 

 realm were invited. The royal dining-hall was 

 a marvel of beauty and magnificence, and the 

 table was the finest that the world has even seen. 

 At the head of the board sat the king, with his 

 wife Elfeta, his two sons, Algarsif and Camballo, 

 and his daughter Canace. On either side were 

 ranged, in the order of their rank, the noblest 

 lords and the most beautiful ladies of the land. 

 The minstrels played sweet music, and the hearts 

 of the king and his guests were filled with joy. 

 In the midst of the festivity there came into 

 the hall, without invitation or announcement, a 

 strange knight mounted upon a steed of brass, and 

 holding in his hand a broad, bright mirror. By 

 his side hung a jewel-hilted sword, and on his 

 thumb was a ring of dazzling beauty. Everybody 



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