Page:Peregrinaggio di tre giovani figliuoli del re di Serendippo.djvu/169

 Therefore, the merchant pleaded with the King that if he liked to listen to her art, he would be grateful if he came to his residence where he could leisurely hear the great talents of the maiden at his convenience. When the Lord heard why it was difficult for the young woman to leave the dwelling, he decided to arrive at the merchant's residence at night and he went there, accompanied only by one of his gentlemen.

When he arrived there and entered the young woman's room, he noticed her beauty and honesty and immediately felt an ardent love for her. And he asked her to be so kind to let him hear her art. She consented to the words of the Lord, took the lute in her hand and began to play it in such soft tones that he admitted to the merchant that he had never heard anyone in this profession who had approached her excellence. And when he asked her again to let him hear her play once more, she obeyed, and taking the lute in her hand, she played so sweetly for quite some time so that before the Lord took leave of her, he was greatly enamored of her skill and presented her with a precious jewel. He thanked her and the merchant greatly for the courtesy received and returned to his palace.

Now, because she was so excellent, the professional fame of the young woman spread in a short amount of time all over the city.