a firm and stable peace Alis sends
one of his officers to Alexander, bidding him come to him in person and
receive the government of the land, but stipulating that he should leave
to him the honour of emperor in name and of wearing the crown: thus, if
Alexander is willing, peace may be established between them. When this
news was brought to Alexander his men made ready with him and came to
Athens, where they were received with joy. But Alexander is not willing
that his brother should have the sovereignty of the empire and of the
crown unless he will pledge his word never to take a wife, and that
after him Cliges shall be emperor of Constantinople. Upon this the
brothers both agreed. Alexander dictated the terms of the oath, and his
brother agreed and gave his word that he would never in his life take a
wife in marriage. So peace is made, and they are friends again, to the
great satisfaction of the lords. They hold Alis as their emperor, but
all business is referred to Alexander. What he commands is done, and
little is done except through him. Alis has nothing but the name of
emperor; but Alexander is served and loved; and he who does not serve
him for love must needs do so from fear. Through the effect of one or
the other of these two motives he has all the land within his power. But
he whom they call Death spares neither the strong man nor the weak, but
kills and slays them all. So Alexander had to die; for a disease caught
him in its grip from which he could obtain no relief. But before he
was surprised by death he summoned his son and said to him: "Fair son
Cliges, thou canst never know that prowess and valour are thine unless
thou go first to make test of them with the Bretons and French at King
Arthur's court. If adventure takes thee thither, so conduct and demean
thyself that thy identity be not known until thou hast tried thy
strength with the most excellent knights of that court. I beg thee to
heed my counsel in this matter, and if the occasion arises have no fear
to measure thy skill with thy uncle, my lord Gawain. Do not forget this
advice, I pray."

(Vv. 2619-2665.) After he had thus exhorted him, he did not live long.
Soredamors' grief was such that she could not survive him, but
died after him of a broken heart. Alis and Cliges both mourned him
becomingly, but finally they ceased their grief, for sorrow, like
everything else, must be outlived. To continue in sorrow is wrong, for
no good can come from it. So