n as lives, and
as bold. You are aware how many ill turns he has done me, and that, just
when I loved him most, he fell in love with others, and so caused me
more grief than I have ever suffered to be seen. Well, God has now
afforded me the means of taking revenge upon him.

"I am forthwith going to my own room, which is overhead, and immediately
afterwards, if it pleases you to keep watch, you will see him follow me.
When he has passed the galleries, and is about to go up the stairs, I
pray you come both to the window and help me to cry 'Thief!' You will
then see his rage, which, I am sure, will not become him badly, and,
even if he does not revile me aloud, I am sure he will none the less do
so in his heart."

This plan was not agreed to without laughter, for there was no gentleman
that tormented the ladies more than he did, whilst he was so greatly
liked and esteemed by all, that for nothing in the world would any one
have run the risk of his raillery.

It seemed, moreover, to the two Princesses that they would themselves
share in the glory which the other lady looked to win over this
gentleman.

Accordingly, as soon as they saw the deviser of the plot go out, they
set themselves to observe the gentleman's demeanour. But little time
went by before he shifted his quarters, and, as soon as he had passed
the door, the ladies went out into the gallery, in order that they might
not lose sight of him.

Suspecting nothing, he wrapped his cloak about his neck, so as to hide
his face, and went down the stairway to the court, but, seeing some one
whom he did not desire to have for witness, he came back by another
way, and then went down into the court a second time. The ladies saw
everything without being perceived by him, and when he reached the
stairway, by which he thought he might safely reach his sweetheart's
chamber, they went to the window, whence they immediately perceived
the other lady, who began crying out 'Thief!' at the top of her voice;
whereupon the two ladies below answered her so loudly that their voices
were heard all over the castle.

I leave you to imagine with what vexation the gentleman fled to his
lodgings. He was not so well muffled as not to be known by those who
were in the mystery, and they often twitted him with it, as did even
the lady who had done him this ill turn, saying that she had been well
revenged upon him.

It happened, however, that he was so ready with his replies and evasions