Harsh Signor Benedetto burst into tears.

"I can refuse him nothing," he said, with a sob. "He will givesuch glory unto Urbino as never the world hath seen!"

"And call down this fair Pacifica whom Raffaelle has won," exclaimedthe sovereign of the duchy, "and I will give her myself as herdower as many gold pieces as we can cram into this famous vase. Anhonest youth who loves her and whom she loves--what much better can youdo, Benedetto? Young man, rise up and be happy. An angel hasdescended on earth this day for you."

But Luca heard not; he was still kneeling at the feet ofRaffaelle, where the world has knelt ever since.