Having thus resolved, he had immediate recourse to his former tutor, informing him of his determination to bear his friend company a little longer, and entreating to be employed in some pleasant study to beguile the period during which he had to remain.  The professor begged him to suggest something he should like, as he should be very happy to assist him in its attainment.  “My worthy tutor,” replied Bucciolo, “I think I should like to learn the way in which one falls in love, and the best manner to begin.”  “O very good!” cried the tutor, laughing.  “You could not have hit upon anything better, for you must know that, if such be your object, I am a complete adept in the art.  To lose no time, in the first place go next Sunday to the church of the Frati Minori (Friars Minor of St. Francis), where all the ladies will be clustered together, and pay proper attention during service in order to discover if any one of them in particular happens to please you.  When you have done this, keep your eye upon her after service, to see the way she takes to her residence, and then come back to me.  And let this be the first lesson—­the first part—­of that in which it is my intention to instruct you.”  Bucciolo went accordingly, and taking his station the next Sunday in the church, as he had been directed, his eyes, wandering in every direction, were fixed upon all the pretty women in the place, and upon one in particular, who pleased him above all the rest.  She was by far the most beautiful and attractive lady he could discover, and on leaving church he took care to obey his master and follow her until he had made himself acquainted with her residence.  Nor was it long before the young lady began to perceive that the student was smitten with her; upon which Bucciolo returned to his master and informed him of what he had done.  “I have,” said he, “learned as much as you ordered me, and have found somebody I like very well.”  “So far, good,” cried the professor, not a little amused at the sort of science to which his pupil had thus seriously devoted himself—­ “so far, good!  And now observe what I have next to say to you:  Take care to walk two or three times a day very respectfully before her house, casting your eyes about you in such a way that no one may catch you staring in her face; look in a modest and becoming manner, so that she cannot fail to notice and be struck with it.  And then return to me; and this, sir, will be the second lesson in this gay science.”

So the scholar went and promenaded with great discretion before the lady’s door, who observed that he appeared to be passing to and fro out of respect to one of the inhabitants.  This attracted her attention, for which Bucciolo very discreetly expressed his gratitude by looks and bows, which being as often returned, the scholar began to be aware that the lady liked him.  He immediately went and told the professor all that had passed, who replied, “Come, you have done very well.  I am hitherto quite satisfied.