Page:Matteo Bandello - twelve stories (IA cu31924102029083).pdf/29



OT many years ago, in Spain, near the Pyrenees, there lived a lady at her castle there, the widow of a knight of most noble birth, and a native of those parts. They had an only daughter of great beauty, whom they brought up with the utmost care. Ginevra the Fair was the name by which all knew her, her hair being so fair that it seemed like shining threads of burnished gold. About half a day's journey from Ginevra's home there was another castle, the property of a young knight. He also had no father, and for long past his mother had caused him to live at Barcelona to study letters, as well as the habits and ways of a well-bred gentleman. He soon acquired polished manners and a graceful bearing, and, besides letters, he gave himself up to arms, to such Rh