Retrieving xml using jQuery into variables, which will be stored

I'm trying to retrieve data from ECB RSS feed to get exchange rate values. These values will replace manual exchange rate declarations in a local database.

I'm simply trying to get the value and place it in a variable:

    var rssGBP = $.ajax({
                    type: "GET",
                    url: "http://ift.tt/1AHGWKG",
                    dataType: "xml",
                    success: function(xml) {
                        $(xml).find('cb:exchangeRate').each(function(){
                        var pound = $(this).find('cb:value').text();
                        return pound;
                        });
                    }
                })

using an alert to check I have the result, it will be removed once I get it working.

alert(rssGBP); returns "[object, Object]" alert(rssGBP.text()); returns "uncaught errortype: object # has no method text"

probably some simple solution I just can't find. I've used similar code before with no problems. Would removing return and having rssGBP.pound.text() work?

Thanks.