At the end of the feast she sang a song with
her husband in so graceful a fashion that she seemed more beautiful than
ever.
The King, perceiving so many perfections united in one person, was not
over pleased at the gentle harmony between the husband and wife, and
deliberated how he might destroy it. The chief difficulty he met with
was in the great affection which he observed existed between them, and
on this account he hid his passion in his heart as deeply as he could.
To relieve it in some measure, he gave many entertainments to the lords
and ladies of Naples, and at these the gentleman and his wife were not
forgotten. Now, inasmuch as men willingly believe what they desire, it
seemed to the King that the glances of this lady gave him fair promise
of future happiness, if only she were not restrained by her husband's
presence. Accordingly, that he might learn whether his surmise was
true, the King intrusted a commission to the husband, and sent him on a
journey to Rome for a fortnight or three weeks.
As soon as the gentleman was gone, his wife, who had never before been
separated from him, was in great distress; but the King comforted her as
often as he was able, with gentle persuasions and presents, so that
at last she was not only consoled, but well pleased with her husband's
absence.
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