ve to hear the will of Deodonato and the
fate of the damsel. And the small eyes of Fusbius glowed, and the calm
eyes of the President smiled.

"My Cousins, Gentlemen, and my faithful Guard," said Deodonato, "Time,
which is Heaven's mighty Instrument, brings counsel. Say! what the
Duke has done, shall any man undo?"

Then cried they all, save one:

"No man!"

And the President said:

"Saving the Duke."

"The decrees which I made," said Deodonato, "I unmake. Henceforth let
men and maidens in my Duchy marry or not marry as they will, and God
give them joy of it."

And all, save Fusbius, cried "Amen!" But Fusbius cried:

"Your Highness, it is demonstrated beyond cavil; ay, to the
satisfaction of your Highness----"

"This is very tedious," said Deodonato. "Let him speak no more!"

And again he drew near to Dulcissima, and there, before them all, he
fell on his knee. And a murmur ran through the hall.

"Madam," said Deodonato, "if you love me, wed me. And, if you love me
not, depart in peace and in honor; and I, Deodonato, will live my life
alone."

Then the damsel trembled, and barely did Deodonato catch her words:

"There are many men here," said she.

"It is not given to Princes," said Deodonato, "to be alone.
Nevertheless, if you will, leave me alone." And the damsel bent low,
so that the breath of her mouth stirred the hair on Deodonato's head,
and he shivered as he knelt.

"My Prince and my King!" said she.

And Deodonato shot to his feet, and before them all he kissed her, and,
turning, spoke:

"As I have wooed, let every man in this Duchy woo. As I have won, let
every man that is worthy win. For, unless he so woo, and unless he so
win, vain is his wooing, and vain is his winning, and a fig for his
wedding, say I, Deodonato! I, that was Deodonato, and now
am--Deodonato and Dulcissima."

And a great cheer rang out in the Hall, and Fusbius fled to the door;
and they tore his gown as he went and cursed him for a knave. But the
President raised his voice aloud and cried:

"May Heaven preserve your Highnesses--and here's a blessing on all
windows!"

And that is the reason why you will find (if you travel there, as I
trust you may, for nowhere are the ladies fairer or the men so gallant)
more windows in the Duchy of Deodonato than anywhere in the wide world
besides. For the more windows, the wider the view; and the wider the
view, the more pretty damsels do you see; and the more pretty