Oldal 197 [197]
KING BIZARRE AND PRINCE CHARMING
health was declining and who was very desirous of seeing
his son married before his death.
Father,” said he, "I have long reflected on your wise
words. You gave me life, but Pazza has done still more in
awakening my mind and soul. I see but one way of paying
the debt of my heart; that is, to marry the woman to whom
I am indebted for what I am. I come to ask you for
Pazza’s hand.”
. My dear child,” answered Bizarre, "this step does you
credit. Pazza is not of royal blood; she is not the one
whom, in different circumstances, I should have chosen
for your wife; but her virtues, her merit, and, above all, the
service which she has rendered us, make me forget idle
prejudices. Pazza has the soul of a queen; she shall
mount the throne with you. In the country of Wild Oats,
wit and humor are held in sufficient estimation to win you
forgiveness for what fools call a misalliance, and what I
call a princely marriage. Happy is he who can choose
an intelligent wife, capable of understanding and loving
him! ‘To-morrow your betrothal shall be celebrated, and
in two years your marriage shall take place."
The marriage occurred more speedily than the king had
foreseen. Fifteen months after these memorable words,
Bizarre expired of languor and exhaustion. He had taken
the vocation of king in earnest; he fell a victim to royalty.
The old countess and Pazza wept their friend and bene¬
137