Page:Peregrinaggio di tre giovani figliuoli del re di Serendippo.djvu/101

 The young man noticed that she was passionately in love with his father's counselor, and had no regard for her honor nor for that of her husband. He began to investigate her, as cautiously as he could, being careful not to speak with anyone, for he was greatly concerned about his father's honor. One day, knowing that she had gone into the garden with the counselor, he followed them in secret. Hiding behind a bush he saw them near a small spring in the garden, lying down and carnally embracing each other. He was enraged, but did not know what to do. And as he wanted to come out from behind the bush, they saw him. They were in great fear that the young man would undoubtedly reveal their misdeed to his father, and they concluded jointly that they should accuse the young man of the crime they had committed.

So, after he had left the garden, they immediately returned to their dwellings in the palace. Since, it was already late, the Sultan called the counselor to discuss some affairs, and noticed that he looked pensive. "Please be truthful, and tell me what is on your mind," he said, "why are you sadder than usual?"

"Sire," replied the councilor, " I should not accuse anyone, for it does not befit my position with respect to you.