Page:Peregrinaggio di tre giovani figliuoli del re di Serendippo.djvu/170

 And I lost my past reputation and name and I was also abandoned by my pupils. It was painful beyond measure to have lost my livelihood which I had worked so hard to acquire. One day I went to the merchant's residence and in a private conversation let him know the serious harm that his arrival with the young woman had caused me. And I begged him that because of her I was in such a sorrowful state, he might at least be agreeable to let me hear her music. He entered the young woman's room and told her of my wish. Since I was already old, she easily agreed to let me enter and let me listen to her. When I was in her presence, I saw her singular beauty and I convinced myself that she surpassed me and anyone else in musical skill. I wanted to make sure of this and I begged her affectionately, while she was holding her lute in her hand, if she would agree to let me listen to her artistry. She readily consented and let me hear such a sweet melody, that I believe that no one else in the whole world could compare with her. I was so ardently enamored with so much excellence that I beseeched both her and the merchant, since I was already old, that they would be willing to accept me as a servant. Because of the rare skills of the young woman I would not be lacking in providing them faithful and diligent service.