, 'My lord, I
am well assured that, were it known that I had fallen enamoured of
you, most folk would account me mad therefor, thinking belike that I
had forgotten myself and knew not mine own condition nor yet yours;
but God, who alone seeth the hearts of mortals, knoweth that, in that
same hour whenas first you pleased me, I knew you for a king and
myself for the daughter of Bernardo the apothecary and that it ill
beseemed me to address the ardour of my soul unto so high a place.
But, as you know far better than I, none here below falleth in love
according to fitness of election, but according to appetite and
inclination, against which law I once and again strove with all my
might, till, availing no farther, I loved and love and shall ever
love you. But, since first I felt myself taken with love of you, I
determined still to make your will mine; wherefore, not only will I
gladly obey you in this matter of taking a husband at your hands and
holding him dear whom it shall please you to bestow on me, since that
will be mine honour and estate, but, should you bid me abide in the
fire, it were a delight to me, an I thought thereby to pleasure you.
To have you, a king, to knight, you know how far it befitteth me,
wherefore to that I make no farther answer; nor shall the kiss be
vouchsafed you, which alone of my love you would have, without leave
of my lady the queen. Natheless, of such graciousness as hath been
yours towards me and that of our lady the queen here God render you
for me both thanks and recompense, for I have not the wherewithal.'
And with that she was silent.

Her answer much pleased the queen and she seemed to her as discreet as
the king had reported her. Don Pedro then let call the girl's father
and mother and finding that they were well pleased with that which he
purposed to do, summoned a young man, by name Perdicone, who was of
gentle birth, but poor, and giving certain rings into his hand,
married him, nothing loath, to Lisa; which done, he then and there,
over and above many and precious jewels bestowed by the queen and
himself upon the damsel, gave him Ceffalu and Calatabellotta, two very
rich and goodly fiefs, and said to him, 'These we give thee to the
lady's dowry. That which we purpose to do for thyself, thou shalt see
in time to come.' This said, he turned to the damsel and saying, 'Now
will we take that fruit which we are to have of your love,' took her
head in his hands and kissed her on the b