Page:History of the seven wise masters of Rome.pdf/18

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The Hiſtory of the Seven

the caſtle, hoping ſhe might look out at the window, and he find means to diſcover his paſſion: Not long did his expectation fail, for the Lady beholding him, concluded he was the man ſhe beheld in her dream; and as he daily frequented the place, ſhe took an opportunity to drop a letter, which he took up and departed, conſulting with himſelf how he might anſwer her expectations, which he determined thus; that he would inſinuate himſelf into the King's favour, which he did by his great wiſdom in ſtate affairs, inſomuch that the King made him ſteward of his houſehold; and, accordingly, ordered an houſe to be built adjoining to the caſtle for him; through the building of which the Knight contrived to cut the wall, and to make a private way into the caſtle; and then, for ſecrecy, ſlew the workmen. On his entering, he was joyfully received by the queen, who permitted him to take his fill of love, giving him the ring the King gave her on the wedding day; which the King noticed as he ſlept in his preſence; he perceived the diſcovery, feigned ſick, and obtained licence to retire, conveying the ring to her again ere the king came to enquire for it: Nay he often brought her to the King's table pretending ſhe was a lady of his acquaintance whom he intended ſhortly to wed. The King earneſtly looking, ſaid, Well, if I had not the keys of the caſtle, I ſhould