he eyes of those that saw the piteous
sight are scarcely yet dried."

[Illustration: 005a.jpg The Duke of Urbino sending the Maiden to Prison for carrying
Messages between his Son and his Sweetheart]

[The Duke of Urbino sending the Maiden to Prison for carrying
Messages between his Son and his Sweetheart]

[Illustration: 005.jpg Page Image]

_TALE LI_.

_Because he would not have his son make a poor marriage, the
Duke of Urbino, contrary to the promise given to his wife,
hanged a young maiden by whom his son was wont to inform his
sweetheart of the love he bore her_.

The Duke of Urbino, called the Prefect, (1) the same that married the
sister of the first Duke of Mantua, had a son of between eighteen and
twenty years of age, who was in love with a girl of an excellent and
honourable house, sister to the Abbot of Farse. (2) And since, according
to the custom of the country, he was not free to converse with her as
he wished, he obtained the aid of a gentleman in his service, who was in
love with a very beautiful and virtuous young damsel in the service of
his mother. By means of this damsel he informed his sweetheart of the
deep affection that he bore her; and the poor girl, thinking no harm,
took pleasure in doing him service, believing his purpose to be so good
and virtuous that she might honourably be the carrier of his intentions.
But the Duke, who had more regard for the profit of his house than
for any virtuous affection, was in such great fear lest these dealings
should lead his son (3) into marriage, that he caused a strict watch
to be kept; whereupon he was informed that the poor damsel had been
concerned in carrying some letters from his son to the lady he loved. On
hearing this he was in great wrath, and resolved to take the matter in
hand.

1 This is Francesco Maria I., della Rovere, nephew to Pope
Julius II., by whom he was created Prefect of Rome. Brought
up at the French Court, he became one of the great captains
of the period, especially distinguishing himself in the
command of the Venetian forces during the earlier part of
his career. He married Leonora Ypolita Gonzaga, daughter of
Francesco II., fourth Marquis of Mantua, respecting whom see
_ante_, vol. iii., notes to Tale XIX. It was Leonora rather
than her husband who imparted lustre to the Court of Urbino
at this period by encouraging arts and letters. Among those