sight are scarcely yet dried."

[Illustration: 005a.jpg The Duke of Urbino sending the Maiden to Prison for carrying
Messages between his Son and his Sweetheart]

[The Duke of Urbino sending the Maiden to Prison for carrying
Messages between his Son and his Sweetheart]

[Illustration: 005.jpg Page Image]




_TALE LI_.

_Because he would not have his son make a poor marriage, the
Duke of Urbino, contrary to the promise given to his wife,
hanged a young maiden by whom his son was wont to inform his
sweetheart of the love he bore her_.

The Duke of Urbino, called the Prefect, (1) the same that married the
sister of the first Duke of Mantua, had a son of between eighteen and
twenty years of age, who was in love with a girl of an excellent and
honourable house, sister to the Abbot of Farse. (2) And since, according
to the custom of the country, he was not free to converse with her as
he wished, he obtained the aid of a gentleman in his service, who was in
love with a very beautiful and virtuous young damsel in the service of
his mother. By means of this damsel he informed his sweetheart of the
deep affection that he bore her; and the poor girl, thinking no harm,
took pleasure in doing him service, believing his purpose to be so good