He is now deed and nayled in his chest, coffin Now God yive his soule wel good rest! give Fraunces Petrark,[138] the laureat poete, Highte this clerk, whos rethorique swete was named Enlumynd al Ytail of poetrie, Italy As Linian[139] did of philosophie, Or lawue, or other art particulere; law But deth, that wol not suffre us duellen here, But as it were a twyncling of an ye, eye Hem bothe hath slayn, and alle schul we dye. “Now he is dead, and nailéd in his chest, I pray to God to give his spirit rest! Francis Petrarch, the poet laureate, This clerk was call’d, whose rhetoric sweet did late Illume all Italy with poetry, As Linian did with his philosophy, And law, and other noble arts as well; But death, that will not suffer us here to dwell, But, as it were, a twinkling of an eye, Hath slain them both, and we, too, all shall die.” PART I. To the west of Italy there is a territory called Saluces,[140] which once belonged to a marquis very much beloved by all his people. They all obeyed and respected him, both lords and commoners, and he was very happy. Besides, he was the noblest born of any one in Lombardy--handsome, and strong, and young--courteous to all, and discreet enough, except in some things where he was not quite perfect! and his name was Walter. The worst fault of him was the careless sort of life he led. He did nothing but hunt, and hawk, and amuse himself, instead of attending to more serious duties. This made his people very sorry, and they thought if Walter had a wife he would get more steady, and not waste his time so sadly. One day all his people went in a great crowd to see him; and the wisest one among them said--“O noble marquis, your goodness gives us courage to come to you and tell you what we want. Do not be angry, but deign to listen to us, for we all love you. The only thing needed to make us quite happy is for you to marry. We pray you, then, to let us find you a nice wife, and we will choose the noblest and best in the land.” Walter listened, and then answered--“My dear people, you know I am very comfortable as I am, and enjoy my liberty: I don’t want a wife. But if it makes you any happier, I will try and get one as soon as I can. As for choosing me one, pray don’t take so much trouble. I would much rather do that for myself. Only remember that when I am married, you must always show the greatest honour and respect to whoever she may be. For since I consent to give up my freedom to please you, you must not find fault with any one whom I choose.” All the people promised they would be quite content with any wife he liked, for they were so much afraid he would not marry at all if they didn’t.