human
For verily I owe thee more than I may repay.
gpt
There could be never a debt between us, my cousin, he answered smiling: then with the ceremonious bow of a courtier, he added, with a singular mixture of gravity and playfulness:
human
I would remind your Majesty of a function of this Court which it hath never pleased my fair cousin to exercise. There is one among the maids of honor--most rare and noble--bounden by special vows of fealty, as a _Dama di Maridaggio_, to marry at the command of her Sovereign.
gpt
Margherita de Iblin?
human
Margherita! he answered, radiantly;
gpt
And how--if when I name the other two which custom doth demand for this ceremonial, she shall find a knight more to her liking?
human
Name one; and name him thrice,
gpt
Little I dreamed thee, Aluisi, so poor a knight that thou shouldst lack the courage to plead thine own cause, she exclaimed in amusement.
human
And of what avail a gift that is not free?
gpt
Nay, he said;
human
I will right heartily forgive thee, so but thou win it, Caterina assured him.
gpt
Yet if she hath not said thee nay--what lackest thou of favor?
human
She will not say me '_yea_,' he answered her,
gpt
Shall mine be less because of their happiness? Caterina questioned indignantly.
human
Nay, but much less--_much_ less, without it!--Where is the Dama Margherita?
gpt
Nay, fair Cousin, he protested,
human
I do not understand, she said, in a tone that was half resentful.
gpt
I am ever at your Majesty's command for loyalty and service: but this custom displeaseth me--I pray your Majesty, let it be dismissed.
human
Nay, Margherita, it is my right; the Queen persisted.
gpt
I would have thee choose one of three noble knights whom I will present to thee.
human
Three!