Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/295

short period had elapsed, when the urgent entreaties of a neighbour prevailed with her to appear at a festival; where, amongst other guests, was a youth, upon whom the excellence and beauty of the lady made a deep impression. He became violently enamoured of her, and despatched various emissaries to declare his passion, and win her to approve his suit. But the virtuous lady received his advances with the utmost scorn, and vehemently reproached him for his dishonesty. This untoward repulse greatly disconcerted the youth, and his health daily declined. It chanced, that on one occasion he went sorrowfully towards the church; and, upon the way, an old woman accosted him, who, by pretended sanctity had long obtained an undue share of reverence and regard. She demanded the cause of the youth's apparent uneasiness. "It will nothing profit thee to know," said he. "But," replied the old woman, "it may be much to your advantage: discover the wound, and it is not impossible but a remedy may be procured. With the aid of Heaven it may easily be effected—shew it me." Thus