among the principal people of the city, was frequented by many other buffoons. This decision seemed good to Timbrio, and straightway he left to the hands of my skill all his happiness. Forthwith I had several elegant costumes made, of various kinds, and, putting them on, I began to rehearse my new character before Timbrio, who laughed not a little at seeing me thus clothed in buffoon's garb; and to see if my skill equalled the dress, he told me to say something to him, pretending that he was a great prince, and I newly come to visit him. And if memory does not fail me, and you, sirs, are not tired of listening to me, I will tell you what I sang to him then, as it was the first time.' All said that nothing would give them greater pleasure, than to learn in detail all the issue of his affair, and so they bade him not to fail to tell them anything, however trivial it might be. 'Since you give me this permission,' said the hermit, 'I have no desire to fail to tell you how I began to give examples of my foolery, for it was with these verses that I sang to Timbrio, imagining him to be a great lord to whom I was saying them: SILERIO. From a prince whose path is true, Levelled by a rule so right, _What, save deeds that Heaven delight, Can we hope from him to view?_ Neither in this present age, Nor in times of long ago, Hath a State been ruled, I know, By a prince who is so sage, One whose zeal is measured true By the Christian rule of right:-- _What, save deeds that Heaven delight, Can we hope from him to view?_ For another's good he toils, Mercy ever in his eye, In his bosom equity, Seeking ne'er another's spoils: Unto him the most, 'tis true, In the world the least is, quite:-- _What, save deeds that Heaven delight, Can we hope from him to view?_ And thy name for kindly Love, Which doth raise itself to Heaven, That a holy soul hath given Unto thee, doth clearly prove That thy course thou keepest true, And art loyal to Heaven's right:-- _What, save deeds that Heaven delight, Can we hope from him to view?_ When a prince's Christian breast Shrinketh aye from cruelty, Righteousness and clemency Are his guardians trustiest: When a prince, where none pursue, Towards the sky, doth raise his flight:-- _What, save deeds that Heaven delight, Can we hope from him to view?_