The Western heroes rode back to Constantinople light-hearted and happy,
for Dietrich had told them that the hour of their return home was near.
The first step, in his opinion, was to proclaim that Imelot had
conquered and dispersed the Greek army, and was rapidly marching on the
capital.
“All is lost,” they cried, when the citizens came out to meet them,
“fly, save yourselves while you may. Imelot’s wild horde of savages
will soon be upon you.” Then galloping to the palace, Dietrich
entreated the empress to come on board his galley with her daughter and
her ladies, and to bring anything of value that she particularly cared
for.
They soon reached the strand. Oda crossed the plank leading to the
vessel, her hand resting trustfully on Dietrich’s arm. Then the plank
was withdrawn and the ship pushed from land. The empress wept and
begged that she might be taken too, but Dietrich explained to her the
true state of the case, and telling her who he was, assured her that
Oda was going home with him to rule over the West as his beloved queen.
“Ah,” said the mother, much comforted, “be kind to her, noble hero, and
take my blessing on you both. Think of me sometimes, as I shall think
of you.”
After a pleasant voyage the travellers arrived at Bari, where the
marriage of King Rother to the princess was celebrated with all pomp.
When Constantine returned with his victorious army to Constantinople,
and learnt what had happened, he was very angry. Had he not feared
Rother and his gigantic allies, he would have sent an army to Bari to
fetch back the princess. The whole city was in such confusion, that
King Imelot had not much difficulty in effecting his escape and
returning to his own land. The emperor did not fret much when he heard
this news. He could think of nothing but the loss of his daughter. He
cared not for the rich dishes in which he used to delight, nor for the
delicate wines his steward brought to tempt his appetite. He grew thin
and pale, and his clothes hung loose on his shrunken frame.