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Cantiga 131 of the Cantigas de Santa Maria of Alfonso X

The Emperor who was Trapped in a Mine
The Emperor Alexios of Constantinople went to inspect the ore in silver mine.

While he was in the mine, the tunnel collapsed and caved in. Everyone was killed, except for the Emperor who was protected by a large rock.

The sorrowful Empress, Jordana, had masses said and offerings made for an entire year.

During this time, the Virgin provided the Emperor with food and made angels come to comfort him and help him sleep. The Virgin told him that his wife had asked her to look after him. She promised to continue taking care of him and to free him.

One night, the Virgin appeared to the patriarch. She told him what had happened to the Emperor and, the next day, he reported the news to the Empress.

The patriarch sent workers to free the Emperor from the mine. They dug down and found him alive. He advised them to thank the Virgin who had provided for his needs at his wife’s request.


Source: upenn.edu



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