Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/353

Rh my lord."—"But," replied the messengers, "our lord is greater than the law which he made himself: and since he is disposed to shew mercy towards you, we repeat, that you may properly comply with his wishes, secure from further punishment or reproach."—"How shall I know that?" said the lady; "if my beloved would assure me of it; if he would deign to come and kiss me with the kiss of his lip, then should I feel certain of favor."

When the messengers communicated to the Prince what had passed between them and his afflicted wife, he called together the noblemen of his kingdom, and deliberated upon the measures it became him to adopt. After mature reflection, they determined that some man of experience and judgment, should be sent to persuade her to return. But they who answered this description, refused to undertake the office; and the husband, in his extremity, despatched once more the messengers, whom he commissioned to speak thus: "What can I do for you? There is not a man in my dominions who will execute my wishes!" These words increased the anguish