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he was reading, and told him that their Lord, having conceived a great jealousy of his chamberlains, (of which Fortunatus was one) had ordered, the surgeon to come next morning to have them gelded. Which, when Fortunatus heard, he was much surprized, and therefore desired this old fellow, Robert, to tell him how he might convey himself with speed out of the city undiscovered. Robert observing this, told him he was loath to part with so good a companion, but if he would go, he could not get out of the city till the morning, as the gates were shut.—Fortunatus desired him by all means to conceal his departure, and then in great trouble of mind he departed, taking his journey on horseback.
CHAP.II.
Of the Travels of Fortunatus.
Fortunatus getting away in the manner aforesaid, travelled with ail speed to Calais, where he took shipping for England, and coming to London, he ⟨fell⟩ in company with two Cyprus merchants, with ⟨whom⟩ he riotously spent all his money, and being ⟨in⟩ a poor condition, void of succour, he conveyed ⟨himself⟩ again over the sea to France, where he ⟨arrived⟩ in Picardy, and resolved to go for Paris. When passing through a wood, and being at a loss ⟨which⟩ way to go, as he gazed about, he saw a ⟨beautiful⟩ lady crossing a way to whom he made up, ⟨saying⟩, I beseech thee, sweet virgin, for the love ⟨of⟩ God, to assist me, so I may come out, of this ⟨wood⟩, for these three days have I travelled without meat. Then she demanded of him, what
