Page 266 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

to you, as will also these gentlemen that surround you, with whom, if far from your wives, have come a long way, and have yet a long way to
The Decameron Fairly conquered, Saladin and his lords dismounted and were heartily no great value, be yet acceptable to you."
you deem it courteous so to do, you may refuse to breakfast, if you like."
go, and that merchants love to be neat and trim, may, albeit they are of

welcomed by the gentlemen. They were conducted to chambers that had
Wondering, the gentlemen acknowledged without reserve that there
was no point of courtesy where Messer Torello was not minded to acquit
been sumptuously adorned for their use. After laying aside their riding
dress and taking some refreshment, they repaired to the saloon, where
everything had been prepared with splendor. There, having washed their
to the quality of merchants, they suspected that Messer Torello had
hands, they sat down to a magnificent meal of many courses, served with himself towards them. Noting the lordly fashion of the robes, unsuited
recognized them. However, one of them said to the lady: "Gifts great
all stately and fair ceremony. Even the Emperor himself could not have indeed are these, Madam, nor such as lightly to accept, were it not that
been honored more. Although Saladin and his lords were accustomed to we are constrained by your prayers, to which we may on no account say
great displays of pomp and state, this hospitality seemed to them one of no." Whereupon, Messer Torello being now come back, the lady bade
the greatest they had ever seen, considering their host was but a citizen them farewell and took her leave of them. In like manner, she caused
and not a lord. their servants to be supplied with suitable equipment. The gentlemen,
much importuned by Messer Torello, consented to stay the rest of the day
After breakfast, the tables were cleared, and they conversed on high with him. Having slept, they donned their robes and rode a while with him
matters. As it was very hot, all the gentlemen of Pavia, as Messer Torello about the city. When supper-time came, they feasted magnificently with a
pleased, retired for their siesta, while he remained with his three guests. numerous and honorable company. In due time, they betook themselves
He then withdrew with them into a chamber, calling his noble lady to join to rest, and at daybreak, being risen, they found, in place of their jaded
them so that there might be nothing dear to him that they had not seen. nags, three stout and excellent palfreys, and likewise fresh and goodly
The lady, exceedingly fair and stately of person, arrayed in rich apparel, mounts for their servants.
with her two little boys who looked like angels, presented herself before
them and graciously greeted them. They rose, returned her salutation with Saladin, marking this, turned to his lords and said: "By God, never was
reverence, and caused her to sit among them, making much of her two gentleman more complete, courteous, and considerate than this Messer
little boys. After some gracious conversation, Messer Torello withdrew Torello. If the Christian kings are as kingly as he is knightly, there is none of
somewhat apart, and the lady asked them courteously whence they them whose onset the Sultan of Babylon might well abide, to say nothing
came and where they were bound. They gave her the same answer that of so many as we see making ready to fall upon him." Knowing that it was
Messer Torello had received. not permissible to refuse, he very courteously thanked Messer Torello, and
so they got to horse. Messer Torello, with a numerous company, escorted
"So!" quoth the lady with a joyful air, "then I see that my woman's wit them far beyond the gate of the city. Although Saladin was loath to part
will be of service to you. I pray you as a special favor neither to reject from him, so greatly did he now affect him, yet as he must needs speed on,
nor despise the little gift I am about to present to you. Reflecting that, he besought him to turn back. Whereupon, albeit it irked him to take leave
as women have but small minds, so they make but small gifts, accept it, of them, Messer Torello said: "Gentlemen, since such is your pleasure, I
having regard rather to the goodwill of the giver than the magnitude of obey; but this I must say to you. Who you are I know not, nor would I know
the gift." She then brought forth for each of them two pairs of robes, one more than you are pleased to impart; but whoever you may be, you will not
lined with silk, the other with fur, not such robes as citizens or merchants, make me believe that you are merchants this while; and so farewell!" To
but such as lords use to wear, and three vests of taffeta, besides linen whom Saladin, having already taken leave of all his company, thus made
clothes. "Take them," quoth she. "The robes I give you are even such as answer: "Perhaps, Sir, we shall one day give you to see somewhat of our
I have arrayed my lord with. The other things, considering that you are merchandise, and thereby confirm your belief: and so farewell!"
262
The Decameron