have we to pry into the secrets of this young man's heart? He
seems virtuous and frank, and tells us he is unhappy. Are those
circumstances that authorise us to make a property of him? How are
we entitled to his confidence?"

"Lord, Madam! how little you know of love!" replied Bianca; "why,
lovers have no pleasure equal to talking of their mistress."

"And would you have ME become a peasant's confidante?" said the
Princess.

"Well, then, let me talk to him," said Bianca; "though I have the
honour of being your Highness's maid of honour, I was not always so
great. Besides, if love levels ranks, it raises them too; I have a
respect for any young man in love."

"Peace, simpleton!" said the Princess. "Though he said he was
unhappy, it does not follow that he must be in love. Think of all
that has happened to-day, and tell me if there are no misfortunes
but what love causes.--Stranger," resumed the Princess, "if thy
misfortunes have not been occasioned by thy own fault, and are
within the compass of the Princess Hippolita's power to redress, I
will take upon me to answer that she will be thy protectress. When
thou art dismissed from this castle, repair to holy father Jerome,
at the convent adjoining to the church of St. Nicholas, and make
thy story known to him, as far as thou thinkest meet. He will not
fail to inform the Princess, who is the mother of all that want her
assistance. Farewell; it is not seemly for me to hold farther
converse with a man at this unwonted hour."