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 under your wise direction: choose that which shall be most pleasant to yourself; at the same time befitting my honour as well as your own.'

'Then have I gained the mastery,' said she, 'since I may choose and govern according to my inclination!'

'Even so,' said he, 'I hold it best.'

'Now, then,' she replied, 'throw aside all your anger against me, and kiss me, for by my honour I will be to you both beautiful and true. Moreover, may I be utterly condemned, if I prove not as good and faithful a wife as ever this world saw; and, on the morrow, as fair to see as any Lady or Empress betwixt east and west. Draw the curtains, and behold half my promise.'

When the Knight saw the fulfilment of this marvel,—that she was both young and exceedingly handsome, for joy he took her in his arms, and kissed her a thousand and a thousand times. His heart was bathed in bliss; and so they lived to their lives' end; she obeying him in all things, and making his pleasure her happiness.