Page:The venture; an annual of art and literature.djvu/206

 On the fiftieth anniversary, when the days of sacred fasting and seclusion called for him, beseeching forgiveness of Heaven, he turned back secretly from the tombs of his ancestors, nor stayed the set time; for now his will mounted to madness that he would have proof for his jealousy and release from his royal oath which made him refrain from the word for her death. Therefore, with great subtlety, the King put on the disguise of a merchant, staining his face and hands, and letting no mark on his person show by which he might be known. Then he took with him jewels of great price, and coming to the palace caused himself to be led into the presence of the Queen.

She, seeing such wonders, was willing to give all the wealth she had to get possession of them. But the King had left her with a small purse, and the price he now asked was fabulous. When she informed him that this was beyond her, he answered softly, "There is another price, O fairest of all fair women, that can only be asked in secret."

Then she put all forth from her and said, "Thou would'st come into my chamber to ask me that?" "Even so," said he. And she answered, "Give me the jewels: whatever it is I grant it before the asking." Then she retired from him for a while, but afterwards returned, and she led him in; and they were together, and all doors closed.

About midnight she said to him, "My lord, forty-nine times thou hast returned to me in disguise; yet is it only at this fiftieth time that I have discovered thee!"