When the varlet heard this cunning counsel of the maiden, he rejoiced greatly, and thanking her sweetly for her rede, craved permission to depart.  He returned to his own home, and gathering together a goodly store of silken cloths most precious, he bestowed his gear upon the pack horses, and made him ready for the road.  So with a little company of men, mounted on swift palfreys, and most privy to his mind, he arrived at Salerno.  Now the squire made no long stay at his lodging, but as soon as he might, went to the damsel’s kindred to open out his mind.  He delivered to the aunt the letters he carried from his friend, and bewailed their evil case.  When the dame had read these letters with him, line by line, she charged him to lodge with her awhile, till she might do according to his wish.  So by her sorceries, and for the love of her maid, she brewed such a potion that no man, however wearied and outworn, but by drinking this philtre, would not be refreshed in heart and blood and bones.  Such virtue had this medicine, directly it were drunken.  This simple she poured within a little flacket, and gave it to the varlet, who received the gift with great joy and delight, and returned swiftly to his own land.

The varlet made no long sojourn in his home.  He repaired straightway to the Court, and, seeking out the King, required of him his fair daughter in marriage, promising, for his part, that were she given him, he would bear her in his arms to the summit of the mount.  The King was no wise wrath at his presumption.  He smiled rather at his folly, for how should one so young and slender succeed in a business wherein so many mighty men had failed.  Therefore he appointed a certain day for this judgment.  Moreover he caused letters to be written to his vassals and his friends—­passing none by—­bidding them to see the end of this adventure.  Yea, with public cry and sound of trumpet he bade all who would, come to behold the stripling carry his fair daughter to the pinnacle of the mountain.  And from every region round about men came to learn the issue of this thing.  But for her part the fair maiden did all that she was able to bring her love to a good end.  Ever was it fast day and fleshless day with her, so that by any means she might lighten the burthen that her friend must carry in his arms.

Now on the appointed day this young dansellon came very early to the appointed place, bringing the flacket with him.  When the great company were fully met together, the King led forth his daughter before them; and all might see that she was arrayed in nothing but her smock.  The varlet took the maiden in his arms, but first he gave her the flask with the precious brewage to carry, since for pride he might not endure to drink therefrom, save at utmost peril.  The squire set forth at a great pace, and climbed briskly till he was halfway up the mount.  Because of the joy he had in clasping his burthen, he gave no thought to the potion.  But she—­she knew the strength was failing in his heart.