OF PAINEFULL ADVENTURES. 2)3
ing, but grew also daily in more feruent loue of Apol-lonius, as, whether stading in doubt of her fathers resolute good wil if he were moued concerning marriage, or fearing the time woulde be deferred in respect whereof she was presently ready, in so much that she fell sicke and became weaker euerie day than other. When the king perceiued his daughters infirmitie to increase, hee sent immediatlie throughout all the dominions for the learnedst phisitions to search out her griefe and to cure it, who examining her vrine, and feeling her pulse, coulde finde out no manifest cause or substance of her disease. After a few dayes that this happened, three noble yong men of the same countrey, which had been suters a long time vnto Lucina for marriage, came vnto the Court, and being brought into the kinges presence saluted him dutifully. To whom the king said, Gentlemen, what is the cause of your comming? They answered, your Grace had oftentimes promised to bestow your daughter in marriage, vpon one of vs? and this is the cause of our comming at this time. Wee are your subiectes, wealthie, and descended of noble families, might it therefore please your Grace to choose one among vs three, to be your sonne in law. Then answered the king you are come vnto me at an unseasonable time, for my daughter now applieth her studie, and lieth sicke for the desire of learning, and the time is much vnmeet for marriage. But to the intent you shall not altogether loose your labour, nor that I will not seeme to deferre you too long, write your names euery one seuerally in a peece of paper, and what ioynter you will make, and I will send the writinges to my daughter, that she may choose him whom she best liketh of. They did forthwith as the king had counselled them, and deliuered the writings vnto the king, which hee read, and signed them, and deliuered them vnto Apollonius, saying: Take here VOL. iv.(') " s