Page:History of Fortunatus (4).pdf/4

 lord's entire affection, and sailed with him in galley to the famous city of Venice.

Fortunatus, knowing the language of this, he had orders from his lord to buy costly jewels, garments of velvet, and other merchandize, which wonderfully pleased  at his return home, he was soon after  to the duke of Cleve's daughter, to whom  was contracted before his going to the war, a  and beautiful lady, At this wedding was  valiant lords and knights, mounted on sta horses to tilt and tourney before the noble  there present. After they had finished their and mortal games, the duke of Cleaves, and  bride and bridegroom, agreed to let the  try their manhood at several pastimes, for two jewels, valued at 300 crowns, which made them strive one against another to do their best; so  duke Of Burgundy's servant won one, and Fortunatus the other. Upon this they desired the servant to challenge Fortunatus to fight him  all the ladies, who should have them b which challenge was soon accepted, and they  each other very briskly, till at last  hoisted the duke's servant off his  his spear's length. Whereupon he won the and obtained the jewels, which increased  envy of the other servants, but greatly  the earl.

Among the earl's servants there was a crafty fellow called Robert, who consulted with the how to remove this favourite, winch they  by this stratagem: Robert, who pretended  friendship to Fortunatus, went to him one day