I have always heard that when virtue abides
in a weak and feeble vessel, and is assailed by its strong and puissant
opposite, it especially deserves praise, and shows itself to be what
it really is. If strength withstand strength, it is no very wonderful
thing; but if weakness win the victory, it is lauded by every one.
Knowing, as I do, the persons of whom I desire to speak, I think that
I should do a wrong to virtue, (which I have often seen hidden under so
mean a covering that none gave it any heed), if I did not tell of her
who performed the praiseworthy actions that I now feel constrained to
relate."
[Illustration: 122.jpg Tailpiece]
[Illustration: 123a.jpg The Girl refusing the Gift of the Young Prince]
[The Girl refusing the Gift of the Young Prince]
[Illustration: 123.jpg Page Image]
_TALE XLII_.
_A young Prince set his affections upon a young girl, and
although she was of low and poor parentage, he could not, in
spite of all his efforts, obtain from her what he had hoped
to have. Accordingly, recognising her virtue and honour, the
Prince desisted from his attempt, esteemed her highly all
his life, and, marrying her to a follower of his own,
bestowed great benefits upon her_.
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