Note 14 — Chapter V · The Grateful Dead and The Ransomed Woman.

In the fourteenth century variant from Scala Celi, Nicholas, our story is altogether transformed into a legend. The only son of a widow14 of Bordeaux is sent as a merchant to a distant city with fifty pounds. He gives it all to help rebuild a church of St Nicholas, and returns home empty-handed. Much later he is sent out with one hundred pounds, and buys the Sultan’s daughter. His mother disowns him, and he is supported by the embroidery which the princess makes. With her wares he goes to a festival at Alexandria, but, at her bidding, keeps away from the castle. When he journeys to Alexandria a second time, however, he goes to the castle and is imprisoned, as the handiwork of the princess is recognized. She is sent for, while the hero is released and goes home. Since he does not find the maiden there, he returns to Alexandria with a piece of embroidery which she has sent him, meets her, and elopes by the aid of St. Nicholas, who sends them a ship opportunely.