Page:The venture; an annual of art and literature.djvu/121

 asking it, gave me this scroll for a testimony that he in the presence of the Princess would confer upon me any favour I might ask that should be agreeable to righteousness, provided that I should produce my Lady the Princess to his steward as I have done; here he is to confirm it. Now for the first time do I produce this scroll, and being in the presence of her Highness, I pray your Majesty, having respect to the service rendered by me to you and to my Lady the Princess, to grant me the favour of becoming a gentleman of his house, and his subject like these other gentlemen; and if they deem that my services do not deserve so much, I am ready to serve all my life without resting until they do." And when his discourse was ended, replying to some who asked him, he told where and how the Princess had been captive and he had obtained her freedom, whereat those who knew it not already had great marvel. And when he had finished they all, greatly commending him, asked the King to grant him the favour he sought, seeing that it was just, and that moreover he might have the honour he had well earned. The King rejoiced much to hear and see that all were well agreed, and rising from his throne and advancing two paces towards where the Portuguese was standing, he said: "I am content to grant you what you desire, and moreover from this day forth hold you as Prince of this kingdom as though you were my own son, and I will that you should forthwith espouse my daughter, and hereby ask her consent." And all the hall was full of voices crying, "This is reason and right." And straightway he was wedded