Page:Peregrinaggio di tre giovani figliuoli del re di Serendippo.djvu/171

 My request was heard favorably and the merchant assigned me to take care of the young woman's dwelling. I earned her favor through continuous and prompt service, and in a short time I noticed that she appreciated and revered me as if I were her own father. In this way, through the sweetness of such servitude provided, I forgot everything and I spent a peaceful and happy life in the dwelling of the young woman. I noticed that whenever she played the lute, she would tend to utter a deep sigh. This led me to believe that this was caused by love so one day I decided to ask her about it. I had to wait three months before the occasion presented itself when she and I were discussing various events in nature and the unhappy state of mortal beings.

"Dear lady," I said to her, "it may not be hard for you to reveal to me the cause of so many sighs, which I hear you make continually, because I am a man, well advanced in age and with life experience, and perchance I might be able to provide some remedy for your distress. And if you think my request is bold, then I humbly beg your pardon with the great reverence I have for your skills."

After I finished these words the young woman started to weep. My dearest father," she said to me, "since you dedicated you to our service I have known from many signs, that you have always loved me tenderly as a true daughter, and in everything you have been faithful and diligent to us in all your work.