Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/271

Rh But to return to our story. When the king became aware of his daughter's inclination, he said to the three lovers, "In due time, I will communicate with you." They bade him farewell and departed. But the king hastened to his daughter. "Whom," said he, "wouldest thou chuse for thy husband?" She prostrated herself before him with tears, and answered, "Dear father, I desire to marry the shipwrecked Apollonius." His child's tears softened the parent's heart; he raised her up, and said, "My sweet child, think only of thy happiness; since he is thy choice, he shall be mine. I will appoint the day of your nuptials immediately." The following morning, he sent messengers to the neighbouring cities, to invite the nobles. When they arrived, he said, "My lords, my daughter would marry her master. I desire you, therefore, to be merry, for my child will be united to a wise man." Saying this, he fixed the period of their spousals.

Now it happened, after she became pregnant, that she walked with her husband, prince Apollonius, by the sea-shore, and a