Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/267

Rh your names, and the settlement you will make her. She shall examine them, and chuse between ye." The suitors complied, and gave the writings to the king, who read, and sealed, and then despatched Apollonius with them to the lady. As soon as she beheld him whom she loved, she exclaimed, "Sir, how is it that you enter my chamber alone?" He presented the writings which her father had sent, and having opened them, read the names and proposals of the three suitors. Casting them aside, she said to Apollonius, "Sir, are you not sorry that I must be married?" "No," returned he, "whatever is for your honour, is pleasant to me." "Ah! master, master," continued the girl; "but if you loved me, you would grieve." She wrote back her answer, sealed, and delivered it to Apollonius to carry to the king. It ran in these words. "Royal sir, and father, since you have permitted me to write my wishes, I do write them. I will espouse him who was ship-wrecked." The king read, but not knowing which of them had been in this predicament, he said to the contending parties, "Which of you has been