, he was bidden by him
sing somewhat to his viol. Thereupon he fell to singing the song
aforesaid on such dulcet wise that all who were in the royal hall
appeared men astonied, so still and attent stood they all to hearken,
and the king maybe more than the others. Minuccio having made an end
of his singing, the king enquired whence came this song that himseemed
he had never before heard. 'My lord,' replied the minstrel, 'it is not
yet three days since the words were made and the air.' The king asked
for whom it had been made; and Minuccio answered, 'I dare not discover
it save to you alone.' The king, desirous to hear it, as soon as the
tables were removed, sent for Minuccio into his chamber and the latter
orderly recounted to him all that he had heard from Lisa; wherewith
Don Pedro was exceeding well pleased and much commended the damsel,
avouching himself resolved to have compassion of so worthful a young
lady and bidding him therefore go comfort her on his part and tell her
that he would without fail come to visit her that day towards vespers.
Minuccio, overjoyed to be the bearer of such pleasing news, betook
himself incontinent, viol and all, to the damsel and bespeaking her in
private, recounted to her all that had passed and after sang her the
song to his viol; whereat she was so rejoiced and so content that she
straightway showed manifest signs of great amendment and longingly
awaited the hour of vespers, whenas her lord should come, without any
of the household knowing or guessing how the case stood.

Meanwhile, the king, who was a debonair and generous prince, having
sundry times taken thought to the things heard from Minuccio and very
well knowing the damsel and her beauty, waxed yet more pitiful over
her and mounting to horse towards vespers, under colour of going
abroad for his diversion, betook himself to the apothecary's house,
where, having required a very goodly garden which he had to be opened
to him, he alighted therein and presently asked Bernardo what was come
of his daughter and if he had yet married her. 'My lord,' replied the
apothecary, 'she is not married; nay, she hath been and is yet very
sick; albeit it is true that since none she hath mended marvellously.'
The king readily apprehended what this amendment meant and said, 'In
good sooth, 'twere pity so fair a creature should be yet taken from
the world. We would fain go visit her.' Accordingly, a little after,
he betook himself with Bernardo a