of her, as though she had been his true daughter, and his son a servant; so fond of her were he and his wife for her good disposition, conversation and talent. Then the mother casting about her to do her some good, and do herself a pleasure at the same time, determined to marry her to her son, that she might share his goods after his father and mother should be dead, and the father agreed thereto. But when they spoke thereof to the damsel, she said that she thanked them indeed for all the care they had taken of her, but that she could not marry until she had accomplished a vow which she had made to God in her captivity, and if the son would make a journey for love of her, she promised and vowed to wed no other than him. To this the youth consented, and she told him what he had to do, and gave him whatsoever was needful for him. And he sailed from his country on a ship bound for Flanders; but having arrived at a port in England departed out of the vessel, and taking a coffer which he had brought with him, went to the city of London, where the King then was. Coming to the courtyard of the palace he saw that the King had finished dinner, and was coming forth by a corridor which opened on the side of the court where the youth was. Perceiving this, he spread out some of those linens embroidered with letters whereof we have spoken, and when any came to look at them he warned them not to touch, for none might handle them save the King, nor would he suffer any person to read the letters, for so the damsel had enjoined him. This being told to the King, he, desiring to see the broideries, called
