s also present a Prince of
very high degree, who, when telling me the story, forbade me to discover
his name. I may, however, tell you that he was the handsomest and most
graceful Prince that has ever been or, in my opinion, ever will be in
this realm. (2)

2 Francis L, prior to his accession.--Ed.

The Prince, seeing this fair and youthful lady whose eyes and
countenance invited him to love her, came and spoke to her with such
eloquence and grace that she was well pleased with his discourse.

Nor did she seek to hide from him that she had long had in her heart the
love for which he prayed, but entreated that he would spare all pains to
persuade her to a thing to which love, at first sight, had brought her
to consent. Having, by the artlessness of love, so promptly gained what
was well worth the pains of being won by time, the young Prince thanked
God for His favour, and forthwith contrived matters so well that they
agreed together in devising a means for seeing each other in private.

The young Prince failed not to appear at the time and place that had
been agreed upon, and, that he might not injure his lady's honour, he
went in disguise. On account, however, of the evil fellows (3) who were
wont to prowl at night through the city, and to whom he cared not
to make himself known, he took with him certain gentlemen in whom he
trusted.

3 The French expression here is _mauvais garsons_, a name
generally given to foot-pads at that time, but applied more
particularly to a large band of brigands who, in the
confusion prevailing during Francis I.'s captivity in Spain,
began to infest the woods and forests around Paris, whence
at night-time they descended upon the city. Several
engagements were fought between them and the troops of the
Queen-Regent, and although their leader, called King
Guillot, was captured and hanged, the remnants of the band
continued their depredations for several years.--B. J.

And on entering the street in which the lady lived, he parted from them,
saying--

"If you hear no noise within a quarter of an hour, go home again, and
come back here for me at about three or four o'clock."

They did as they were commanded, and, hearing no noise, withdrew.

The young Prince went straight to his advocate's house, where he found
the door open as had been promised him. But as he was ascending the
staircase he met the husband, carrying a candle in hi