warned her of the coming of the master of the ship. Soon after the master of the ship came and saluted her courteously: And the Lady received him according to his 'degree, praying him that she might have for her money such cloth as might be convenient for her wearing. Then he granted that she should have any thing that she liked, and soon they were agreed, wherefore the servant went immediately again with the master of the ship for the cloth. And when they were both within on ship-board, the master said to the Lady's servant: My dear friend, to thee I would open my mind, if I might trust to them, and if thou help me, thou shalt have of me a great reward. Then answered he, and said: I shall (quoth he) be sworn to thee to keep thy counsel, and fulfil thine intent as far forth with as I can.
Then said the master of the ship, I love thy Lady more than I can tell thee; for her beauty and feature is so excellent, that I would give for the love of her, all the gold that I have: And if I may obtain the love of her through
