"
The gentleman, piqued by these words, and impelled by the love that he
bore his master, resolved to tell him the truth, believing that he was
too honourable a man ever, on any account, to reveal it. Accordingly,
throwing himself upon his knees, and clasping his hands, he said--
"My lord, the duty that I owe to you and the love that I bear you
constrain me more than the fear of any death. I can see that you imagine
and judge falsely concerning me, and, to take this trouble from you, I
am resolved to do that to which no torment had compelled me. But I pray
you, my lord, swear to me by the honour of God, and promise me by your
own faith as a Prince and a Christian, that you will never reveal the
secret which, since it so pleases you, I am obliged to tell."
Upon this the Duke swore to him with all the oaths he could think of
that he would never reveal aught of it to any living being, whether by
speech, or writing, or feature. Then the young man, feeling confidence
in so virtuous a Prince as he knew his master to be, began the building
up of his misfortune, and said--
"It is now seven years, my lord, since knowing your niece, the Lady
du Vergier, to be a widow and without kindred, I set myself to win her
favour.
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