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So Pacolet led them to the great gates of the castle, which he unloosed, and then carried them to the sea-shore, where he had prepared a proper ship to transport them wherever they should think convenient; which, at Orson’s request, went to Aquitain, in order to marry Fezon, sinee now he had got the use of his tongue, and found out his parents.
Next morning when Ferragus heard of their eseape, he was enraged to the last degree, got ready a fleet and seoured the seas to take Valentine, but was forced after a fruitless seareh, to return home to his palace, whilst Valentine’s company arrived at Aquitain, and not caring to discover themselves to Duke Savoy, lodged themselves in private; for Orson kuowing the ineonstaney of the fair sex, had a mind to try the lady Fezon before he married her; therefore, taking the habit of a Knight-errant, and making Pacolet his page, he went to the Duke Savoy’s palace, and asked to be admitted into his service; to which the Duke answered, (not knowing Orson,) that he would accept of it very willingly, and would reward him liberally; he therefore presented him with a purse of money, and withal made him a champion of the eourt.
Orson soon, by his courteous behaviour, got tho love of every body, and was much respeeted by the lady Fezon, who did not know him to be Orson, because of his speeeh. Of these passages, Orson, at convenient times would aequaint Valentine, Clerimond, and his mother Bellifant, who wero greatly rejoiced therewith; but this joy was interrupted by Ferragus’s proclaiming war against the Duke of Aquitain.
