(1)
1 This story is historical, and the incidents must have
occurred between 1520 and 1525.--L.
There lived in the land of Flanders a lady of such high lineage, that
none more illustrious could be found. She was a widow, both her first
and second husbands being dead, and she had no children living. During
her widowhood she lived in retirement with her brother, by whom she was
greatly loved, and who was a very great lord and married to the daughter
of a King. This young Prince was a man much given to pleasure, fond of
hunting, pastimes, and women, as his youth inclined him. He had a
wife, however, who was of a very froward disposition, (2) and found no
pleasure in her husband's pursuits; wherefore this Lord always took
his sister along with his wife, for she was a most joyous and pleasant
companion, and withal a discreet and honourable woman.
In this Lord's household there was a gentleman who, for stature,
comeliness, and grace, surpassed all his fellows. This gentleman, (3)
perceiving that his master's sister was of merry mood and always ready
for a laugh, was minded to try whether the offer of an honourable love
would be displeasing to her.
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