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"Answer truly," said he, "without fear or favor. So shall you fulfill Our pleasure." And the President, looking round upon the company, said: "It is, your Highness, by all reasonable, honest, just, proper, and honorable intendment, as good, sound, full, and explicit an offer of marriage as hath ever been had in this duchy." "So be it," said Duke Deodonato; and Dr.
Fusbius, with deference, "will consider that between an abstract proposition and a practical measure " "There is to the logical mind no stopping place," interrupted Duke Deodonato. "But, sir," cried the President, "imagine the consternation which this " "Let it be gazetted to-night," said Duke Deodonato.
That was an interesting case of hers. But I gave the right answer. The girl ought to marry A." And so the girl did. "It is a most anxious thing to be an absolute ruler," said Duke Deodonato, "but I have made up my mind. Fusbius, Ph. "Your Highness will remember " began the President of the Council. "My lord, I have made up my mind," said Duke Deodonato.
Henceforth let men and maidens in my Duchy marry or not marry as they will, and God give them joy of it." And all, save Fusbius, cried "Amen." But Fusbius cried, "Your Highness, it is demonstrated beyond cavil, ay, to the satisfaction of your Highness " "This is very tedious," said Deodonato. "Let him speak no more."
The hand of a princess cannot be requested and granted in " "Then find me somebody else," said Deodonato; "and pray leave me. I would be alone;" and Duke Deodonato waved his hand to the door. Outside the door the President said to the Doctor: "I could wish, sir, that you had not convinced his Highness." "My lord," rejoined the Doctor, "truth is my only preoccupation."
Then Deodonato turned, and he pressed with his hand on the silver bell, and straightway the Hall was filled with the Councilors, the Judges, and the halberdiers, attentive to hear the will of Deodonato and the fate of the damsel. And the small eyes of Fusbius glowed, and the calm eyes of the President smiled.
Her robe was dishevelled and rent, her golden hair hung loose on her shoulders, and her eyes were full of tears. "At whose suit is she arrested?" asked Deodonato. "At the suit of the most learned Dr. Fusbius, may it please your Highness." "Sir," said Dr. Fusbius, "it is true. This lady, grossly contemning your Highness's decree, has refused my hand in marriage."
Deodonato turned to the window, and for a space he looked out; and the damsel smoothed her hair and drew her robe, where it was whole, across the rent; and she looked on Deodonato as he stood, and her bosom rose and fell. And she prayed a prayer that no man heard or, if he heard, might be so base as to tell.
"This day in your Duchy women are slaves, and men their masters by your will," said she. "It is the order of nature," said Deodonato. "It is not my pleasure," said the damsel. Then Deodonato laid his hand on his silver bell, for he was very angry. "Fusbius waits without," said he. "I will wed him and kill him," cried Dulcissima. Deodonato gazed on her.
And again he drew near to Dulcissima, and there, before them all, he fell on his knee. And a murmur ran through the hall. "Madam," said Deodonato, "if you love me, wed me. And, if you love me not, depart in peace and in honor; and I, Deodonato, will live my life alone." Then the damsel trembled, and barely did Deodonato catch her words: "There are many men here," said she.
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