entertained in your service. Thou likest me well, answered the Earl what wages shall I give thee? Fortunatus said, I desire no wages, but to be rewarded according to my deserts, These words pleased the Earl, they soon agreed, and so sailed to Venice.
CHAP. II.
How Fortunatus sailed away with the Earl, without the knowledge of his Father and Mother.
THE Earl was now returned home, and joyfully received of his subjects, for he was very affable, just and virtuous, and the other of his neighbours welcomed him home. Presently after his return, he married the duke of Cleve’s daughter, who was a fair and beauteous lady; Fortunatus having bought for the wedding, at Venice, several costly jewels, garments of velvet silk, and cloth of gold. To the wedding resorted many lords of great estates, with many valiant knights and gentlemen, mounted on stately horses, tilt and tourney before the noble ladies there present, and as there was no small
