Page:Peregrinaggio di tre giovani figliuoli del re di Serendippo.djvu/133

 This had been done right away and the Prince enjoyed amorous conversation with the young woman for a long time, after which he pretended to go to sleep. The wicked woman who ardently loved the cook and not the Prince, slowly got up from his side and with her clothes under her arms moved toward the kitchen. When she reached the stairs, she placed her foot down to descend but did not find the steps. She fell violently and because she was at great height, she broke all her bones and died instantly.

The Prince was very happy and cheerful about this, although he showed great sorrow to the person who brought him this news.

And since only the third one remained to avenge himself, he sent for her late the following day. He ardently caressed her when she came before him and as with the other two, he dined with her and engaged in varied conversation until it was time to go to bed.

However, the day before he had asked one of his trusted barons to steal the earthenware vase that she carried under her arms in order to cross the river securely, and to replace it with another similar one which had not been fired. This order was diligently carried out. Now, the Prince went to bed with the evil woman and enjoyed her for a long time amorously, after which he pretended to fall asleep as he had done before.