But leaning on his arm, like a woman wearied with repose, she
brought him to walk in a gallery, where she said to him--
"I marvel that you who are so handsome and young, and full of excellent
grace, have lived in this company, where are so many beautiful ladies,
and yet have been lover or true knight to none." Then, looking at him as
graciously as she was able, she waited for his reply.
"Madam," he said, "if I were worthy that your Highness should stoop to
think of me, you would have still greater reason to marvel at seeing a
man so little worthy of love as I am, offer his service where it would
be rejected or scorned."
On hearing this discreet reply, the Duchess felt she loved him more
than before. She vowed to him that there was not a lady at her Court
who would not be only too happy to have such a knight, and that he might
well make an adventure of the sort, since there was no danger but he
would come out of it with honour. The gentleman kept his eyes downcast,
not daring to meet her looks, which were hot enough to melt ice; but,
just as he was trying to excuse himself, the Duke sent for the Duchess
to come to the council on some matter that concerned her, and thither
with much regret she went.
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