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she disobeyed him. This news she sent Leander in a letter all blotted with tears, which made him for sometime like a man beside himself, but resolving to hazard all for his mistress, he concluded to appear like himself, and so in the most rich attire, which he sent for out of Greece, he appeared one of the most goodly persons that had ever been seen at the court; so that all admired who this stranger should be till Hero’s father one day casting his eyes upon him as he passed by, run to him with tears in his eyes, crying out. O my deliverer! and good angel, have I found you again. How is it that you left us, after you had saved us from a death that was so near us? Leander made modest excuses on that account, saying: It was no more than in honour he ought to have down. The old man was still more abundantly transported when he knew it was prince Leander took him to the palace, shewed him all the choice rarities; and made great feasting for several days, desiring him to demand whatever was in his power to oblige him with, and he would grant it immediately.
Leander thinking now was the time, said, sir, for all the favours you have done me, and the offers you have made me I return you my most humble thanks; there is but one thing in the world I desire of you, and if I could but think you would grant me that, I would freely demand it, Demand then, said he, said Leander, with your leave, to serve the princess Hero. At which he started and looked pale, protesting that had he not already promised her to Altemansor, there was no man under heaven he could more gladly have bestowed her on, than Leander, whose fame and worth had sufficiently spread over Asia and Europe; but having sworn to give her him before the high alter,
