‘It is an earthquake,’ whispered the people of Babylon, as the houses shook and the swords rattled.
After this the giant’s followers, who, big though they were, had no mind to face such a fighter, fled into the forest, and were seen no more.
The first thing to be done was of course to cut the cords which had been carefully wound round the arms and legs of the prisoners, who, seizing the champion’s hands, shed tears and kisses over them. As to the sultan, he was well-nigh speechless from gratitude, but when he was able to speak he begged the youth to ask for some boon that he could grant, even if it were the half of his kingdom.
‘That I will tell you to-morrow,’ said he.
By this time the evening had come, and the chariots and the horses were made ready, and the company returned to the palace in Babylon, though neither the princess nor her ladies felt very safe till they were within the gates of the city.
Early next day the sultan sent the grand vizier to bid the youth await him in the great hall, that he might declare in presence of all the court what guerdon should be given him for saving his master’s life.
And a right noble company was gathered together, for the victor was well loved of all, and every man expected that he would ask the hand of the princess.
All stood up and bowed low as the sultan swept down between them clothed in his royal robes, and wearing his golden crown on his head; for he wished the goodly assemblage to know how priceless a service the young man had done him. Nay, he too thought, like his people, that there was only one boon that the youth could fitly crave.
When he was seated on his throne, he signed to the chevalier to draw near.
‘And what is the reward that I shall give you?’ he asked with a smile as the young man knelt before him.