Page 265 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

of his most trusty servants, he gave him his instructions, and dispatched him to his most judicious and high-minded lady at Pavia, which was close
him with them: after which, he repaired to his estate, and forthwith, as by, and where never a gate was locked. Which done, he brought the
best he might, caused a goodly supper to be made ready, and the tables gentlemen into the garden, and courteously asked them who they were.
set in his garden; which done, he stationed himself at the gate on the "We are Cypriote merchants," replied Saladin, "and it is from Cyprus we
lookout for his guests. come, and we are on our way to Paris on business." Quoth then Messer
Torello: "Would to God that our country bred gentlemen of such a quality
The servant, conversing with the gentlemen of divers matters, brought as are the merchants that I see Cyprus breeds!" From which they passed
them by devious roads to his lord's estate without their being aware of to discourse of other matters, until, supper-time being come, he besought
it. As soon as Messer Torello espied them, he came forth afoot to meet them to seat themselves at table; whereat, considering that the supper
them, and said with a smile: "A hearty welcome to you, gentlemen." Now was but improvised, their entertainment was excellent and well-ordered.
Saladin, being very quick of apprehension, perceived that the knight had
doubted, when he met them, that, were he to bid them to his house, The tables being cleared, Messer Torello, surmising that they must be
they might not accept his hospitality; and accordingly, that it might not weary, kept them no long time from their rest, but provided them with the
be in their power to decline it, had brought them to his house by a ruse. most comfortable beds, and soon after went to rest himself. Meanwhile,
And so, returning his greeting: "Sir," quoth he, "were it meet to find fault the servant that he had sent to Pavia did his lord's errand to the lady, who,
with those that show courtesy, we should have a grievance against you, in the style rather of a queen than of a housewife, forthwith assembled not
for that, to say nothing of somewhat delaying our journey, you have in a few of Messer Torello's friends and servants, and caused all necessary
return for a single greeting constrained us to accept so noble a courtesy preparations to be made for a magnificent banquet, and by messengers
as yours." Whereto the knight, who was of good understanding and well- bearing torches invited not a few of the noblest of the citizens; and had a
spoken, made answer: "Gentlemen, such courtesy as we show you will, store of silken and other fabrics and fur brought in, and all set in order in
in comparison of that which, by what I gather from your aspect, were every point as her husband had directed. Day came, and the gentlemen
meet for you, prove but a sorry thing; but in truth this side of Pavia you being risen, Messer Torello got on his horse with them, and having sent
might not anywhere have been well lodged; wherefore take it not amiss for his hawks, brought them to a ford, and showed them how the hawks
that you have come somewhat out of your way to find less uncomfortable flew. By and by, Saladin requested of him a guide to the best inn at Pavia:
quarters." And as he spoke, about them flocked the servants, who, having "I myself will be your guide," returned Messer Torello, "for I have occasion
helped them to dismount, saw to their horses; whereupon Messer Torello to go there." Which offer they, nothing doubting, did gladly accept, and
conducted them to the chambers that were made ready for them, where, so with him they set forth; and about tierce, being come to the city, and
having caused them to be relieved of their boots, and refreshed with the expecting to be directed to the best inn, they were brought by Messer
coolest of wines, he held pleasant conversation with them until supper- Torello to his own house, where they were forthwith surrounded by full
time. Saladin and his lords and servants all knew Latin, so that they both fifty of the greatest folk of the city, gathered there to give the gentlemen
understood and made themselves understood very well, and there was a welcome; and it was who should hold a bridle or a stirrup, while they
none of them but adjudged this knight to be the most agreeable and dismounted. Whereby Saladin and his lords more than guessing the
courteous man, and therewithal the best talker, that he had ever seen; truth: "Messer Torello," quoth they, "it was not this that we craved of
while to Messer Torello, on the other hand, they showed as far greater you. Honor enough had we from you last night, and far in excess of our
magnificoes than he had at first supposed, whereby he was inwardly desires; wherefore you might very well have left us to go our own road."
vexed that he had not been able that evening to do them the honors Whereto: "Gentlemen," replied Messer Torello, "for that which was done
of company, and a more ceremonious banquet. For which default he last night I have to thank Fortune rather than you: seeing that Fortune
resolved to make amends on the ensuing morning: wherefore, having surprised you on the road at an hour when you must needs repair to my
imparted to one of his servants that which he would have done, he sent little house: for that which shall be done this morning I shall be beholden
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