vings, and deliver them to our gallants on some fitting
opportunity.'

"'In this case,' said her ladyship, 'ye are but half betrothed, and
there is yet time to think twice of the matter;' nevertheless, her
ladyship did praise the young damsels, inasmuch as they did not part
lightly and rashly with their mothers' trinkets. She advised them,
moreover, to tarry; as they or their gallants might change their minds.

"This speech did much alarm the damsels, who did then believe the whole
matter to be postponed; and they did forthwith begin to weep, and to
beseech her ladyship, not for this account, to cause their lovers to
alter their mind, seeing that they, the damsels, were poor, and were not
likely soon to get other suitors.

"The duchess did then say unto them: 'The misfortune would not be so
great! I would find husbands for you soon enough.' Hereupon, she turned
to old Meggy, and said,

"'Ah! most worthy nurse, what a life does a wretched princess lead! Had
I but married an honest burgher, then should I have had nothing but my
household duties and my children to attend to; I could have gone quietly
to bed, slept without care, and waked with pleasure; but in my position
every thing is otherwise. Alack, when my other damsels come hither, and
learn that these silly girls are already betrothed, they will all run
mad, and I shall have to send them to all the marriage feasts throughout
the duchy to pick up husbands.'

"Hereupon, she sent the nurse Meggy for her jewel box, opened it, and
gave to each of the two damsels a handsome ring, the which they might
present to their lovers, and thus return their pledge; but under this
condition, that they were not to deliver their rings until the duchess
gave them a sign thereunto with her kerchief.

"While all this was going on, the duke on his part had entered the
duchess's apartment, accompanied by the chamberlain, all the gentlemen
of his court, and the maids of honor. The lovers, meanwhile, were on the
look out, and were not aware that matters had gone to such a length
touching their love affairs. They had joyfully obeyed the white signal,
and stood near unto the gates of the castle waiting for some opportunity
of seeing their betrothed. The duke perceived this, and hereupon opened
the window, and called unto the soldiers on guard, 'Arrest me those two
fellows, and conduct them to the guard-house, until further orders!'

"Hereupon the damsels, Agnes and Mary, were exceedingly