Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/281

Rh moreover, pray you to take charge of her nurse, Ligoridis, whose unremitting fidelity deserves a better reward." With such words, he gave the child up to them, accompanied by large presents of gold and silver, and valuable raiment. He then took an oath, that he would neither cut his beard, or hair, or nails, until his daughter were bestowed in marriage. (72) Grieving at the rashness of the vow, Stranguilio took the infant, and promised to educate it with the utmost care; and Apollonius, satisfied with the assurance, went on board his vessel, and sailed to other countries.

While these things were transacting, Tharsia attained her fifth year, and commenced a course of liberal studies, with the young Philomatia, her companion. When she was fourteen, returning from school, she found her nurse, Ligoridis, taken with a sudden indisposition; and seating herself near the old woman, kindly inquired the cause. "My dear daughter," replied she, "hear my words, and treasure them in your heart. Whom do you believe to be your father and mother;