The impossibility of love between the classes forms the basis of this tragic tale. The story begins when a poor clerk falls in love with a princess. The smitten lad begins following her everywhere and writing passionate declarations of his love. She is touched by his affection, but because of the class difference realizes that their love can never be. He then sends her the one valuable thing he owns--a golden bracelet inlaid with garnets. It had belonged to his mother. Again the princess is deeply moved. Unfortunately, her insensitive peers laugh at the simple gift and the distraught clerk is so ashamed that he kills himself. The princess, against tradition, attends the funeral and offers her condolences. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi