Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/258

254 all; now also they were of this and no other intent; only they humbly begged that, as a reward for past, and as an encouragement for future and stable fidelity, Her Royal Majesty would grant them some increase of their privileges and liberties, according to the fashion that pleased H. R. M. They promised that they would, by constant obedience, prove their gratitude for this gift." Then they finished speaking, bowed to the earth, and withdrew. Then rubbing my eyes, I said unto myself: "What will this be? Has the world, then, not enough of liberty that it demands more? A bridle you require, a bridle and a whip, and somewhat of hellebore." But I devised thus with myself only, for I had decided to say naught; in the presence of these sages and grey-haired men, this was more beseeming for me.

8. And they again meet in council, and after much deliberation the queen gave it to be known that she had ever striven to educate and to adorn her kingdom, and that of her own free will she was inclined to this; having then heard the prayers of her trusty and well-beloved subjects, she did not wish to leave them unfulfilled. Therefore had she decided to improve their titles, that they might be more greatly honoured. Thus would they more clearly and by greater honour be distin-