[Day the Tenth]
SALADIN, IN THE DISGUISE OF A MERCHANT, IS HONOURABLY
ENTERTAINED BY MESSER TORELLO D'ISTRIA, WHO, PRESENTLY
UNDERTAKING THE [THIRD] CRUSADE, APPOINTETH HIS WIFE A TERM
FOR HER MARRYING AGAIN. HE IS TAKEN [BY THE SARACENS] AND
COMETH, BY HIS SKILL IN TRAINING HAWKS, UNDER THE NOTICE OF
THE SOLDAN, WHO KNOWETH HIM AGAIN AND DISCOVERING HIMSELF TO
HIM, ENTREATETH HIM WITH THE UTMOST HONOUR. THEN, TORELLO
FALLING SICK FOR LANGUISHMENT, HE IS BY MAGICAL ART
TRANSPORTED IN ONE NIGHT [FROM ALEXANDRIA] TO PAVIA, WHERE,
BEING RECOGNIZED BY HIS WIFE AT THE BRIDE-FEAST HELD FOR HER
MARRYING AGAIN, HE RETURNETH WITH HER TO HIS OWN HOUSE
Filomena having made an end of her discourse and the magnificent
gratitude of Titus having been of all alike commended, the king,
reserving the last place unto Dioneo, proceeded to speak thus:
"Assuredly, lovesome ladies, Filomena speaketh sooth in that which she
saith of friendship and with reason complaineth, in concluding her
discourse, of its being so little in favour with mankind. If we were
here for the purpose of correcting the defaults of the age or even of
reprehending them, I might ensue her words with a discourse at large
upon the subject; but, for that we aim at otherwhat, it hath occurred
to my mind to set forth to you, in a story belike somewhat overlong,
but withal altogether pleasing, one of the magnificences of Saladin,
to the end that, if, by reason of our defaults, the friendship of any
one may not be throughly acquired, we may, at the least, be led, by
the things which you shall hear in my story, to take delight in doing
service, in the hope that, whenassoever it may be, reward will ensue
to us thereof.
I must tell you, then, that, according to that which divers folk
affirm, a general crusade was, in the days of the Emperor Frederick
the First, undertaken by the Christians for the recovery of the Holy
Land, whereof Saladin, a very noble and valiant prince, who was then
Soldan of Babylon, having notice awhile beforehand, he bethought
himself to seek in his own person to see the preparations of the
Christian princes for the undertaking in question, so he might the
better avail to provide himself. Accordingly, having ordered all his
affairs in Egypt, he made a show of going a pilgrimage and set out in
the disguise of a merchant, attended by two only of his chiefest and
sagest officers and three serving-men. After he had visited many
Christian countries, it chanced that, as they rode through Lombardy,
thinking to pass beyond the mountains,[471] they encountered, about
vespers, on the road from Milan to Pavia, a gentleman of the latter
place, by name Messer Torello d'Istria, who was on his way, with his
servants and dogs and falcons, to sojourn at a goodly country seat he
had upon the Tesino, and no sooner set eyes on Saladin and his company
than he knew them for gentlemen and strangers; wherefore, the Soldan
enquiring of one of his servants how far they were yet distant from
Pavia and if he might win thither in time to enter the city, he
suffered not the man to reply, but himself answered, 'Gentlemen, you
cannot reach Pavia in time to enter therein.' 'Then,' said Saladin,
'may it please you acquaint us (for that we are strangers) where we
may best lodge the night.' Quoth Messer Torello, 'That will I
willingly do. I had it presently in mind to dispatch one of my men
here to the neighborhood of Pavia for somewhat: I will send him with
you and he shall bring you to a place where you may lodge conveniently
enough.' Then, turning to the discreetest of his men he [privily]
enjoined him what he should do and sent him with them, whilst he
himself, making for his country house, let order, as best he might, a
goodly supper and set the tables in the garden; which done, he posted
himself at the door to await his guests.
[Footnote 471: _i.e._ to cross the Alps into France.]
Meanwhile, the servant, devising with the gentlemen of one thing and
another, led them about by certain by-roads and brought them, without
their suspecting it, to his lord's residence, where, whenas Messer
Torello saw them, he came to meet them afoot and said, smiling,
'Gentlemen, you are very welcome.' Saladin, who was very quick of
apprehension, understood that the gentleman had misdoubted him they
would not have accepted his invitation, had he bidden them whenas he
fell in with them, and had, therefore, brought them by practice to his
house, so they might not avail to refuse to pass the night with him,
and accordingly, returning his greeting, he said, 'Sir, an one could
complain of men of courtesy, we might complain of you, for that
(letting be that you have somewhat hindered us from our road) you
have, without our having merited your goodwill otherwise than by a
mere salutation, constrained us to accept of such noble hospitality as
is this of yours.' 'Gentlemen,' answered Messer Torello, who was a
discreet and well-spoken man, 'it is but a sorry hospitality that you
will receive from us, regard had to that which should behove unto you,
an I may judge by that which I apprehend from your carriage and that
of your companions; but in truth you could nowhere out of Pavia have
found any decent place of entertainment; wherefore, let it not irk you
to have gone somedele beside your way, to have a little less unease.'
Meanwhile, his servants came round about the travellers and helping
them to dismount, eased[472] their horses.
[Footnote 472: _Adagiarono_; see p. 447, note.]
Messer Torello then brought the three stranger gentlemen to the
chambers prepared for them, where he let unboot them and refresh them
somewhat with very cool wines and entertained them in agreeable
discourse till such time as they might sup. Saladin and his companions
and servants all knew Latin, wherefore they understood very well and
were understood, and it seemed to each of them that this gentleman was
the most pleasant and well-mannered man they had ever seen, ay, and
the best spoken. It appeared to Messer Torello, on the other hand,
that they were men of magnificent fashions and much more of account
than he had at first conceived, wherefore he was inwardly chagrined
that he could not honour them that evening with companions and with a
more considerable entertainment. But for this he bethought himself to
make them amends on the morrow, and accordingly, having instructed one
of his servants of that which he would have done, he despatched him to
Pavia, which was very near at hand and where no gate was ever locked,
to his lady, who was exceeding discreet and great-hearted. Then,
carrying the gentlemen into the garden, he courteously asked them who
they were, to which Saladin answered, 'We are merchants from Cyprus
and are bound to Paris on our occasions.' 'Would to God,' cried Messer
Torello, 'that this our country produced gentlemen of such a fashion
as I see Cyprus doth merchants!' In these and other discourses they
abode till it was time to sup, whereupon he left it to them to honour
themselves at table,[473] and there, for an improvised supper, they
were very well and orderly served; nor had they abidden long after the
tables were removed, when Messer Torello, judging them to be weary,
put them to sleep in very goodly beds and himself a little after in
like manner betook himself to rest.
[Footnote 473: _i.e._ to place themselves according to their several
ranks, which were unknown to Torello.]
Meanwhile the servant sent to Pavia did his errand to the lady, who,
with no womanly, but with a royal spirit, let call in haste a great
number of the friends and servants of Messer Torello and made ready
all that behoved unto a magnificent banquet. Moreover, she let bid by
torchlight many of the noblest of the townfolk to the banquet and
bringing out cloths and silks and furs, caused throughly order that
which her husband had sent to bid her do. The day come, Saladin and
his companions arose, whereupon Messer Torello took horse with them
and sending for his falcons, carried them to a neighbouring ford and
there showed them how the latter flew; then, Saladin enquiring for
some one who should bring him to Pavia and to the best inn, his host
said, 'I will be your guide, for that it behoveth me go thither.' The
others, believing this, were content and set out in company with him
for the city, which they reached about tierce and thinking to be on
their way to the best inn, were carried by Messer Torello to his own
house, where a good half-hundred of the most considerable citizens
were already come to receive the stranger gentlemen and were
straightway about their bridles and stirrups. Saladin and his
companions, seeing this, understood but too well what was forward and
said, 'Messer Torello, this is not what we asked of you; you have done
enough for us this past night, ay, and far more than we are worth;
wherefore you might now fitly suffer us fare on our way.' 'Gentlemen,'
replied Messer Torello, 'for my yesternight's dealing with you I am
more indebted to fortune than to you, which took you on the road at an
hour when it behoved you come to my poor house; but of your this
morning's visit I shall be beholden to yourselves, and with me all
these gentlemen who are about you and to whom an it seem to you
courteous to refuse to dine with them, you can do so, if you will.'
Saladin and his companions, overcome, dismounted and being joyfully
received by the assembled company, were carried to chambers which had
been most sumptuously arrayed for them, where having put off their
travelling gear and somewhat refreshed themselves, they repaired to
the saloon, where the banquet was splendidly prepared. Water having
been given to the hands, they were seated at table with the goodliest
and most orderly observance and magnificently served with many viands,
insomuch that, were the emperor himself come thither, it had been
impossible to do him more honour, and albeit Saladin and his
companions were great lords and used to see very great things,
natheless, they were mightily wondered at this and it seemed to them
of the greatest, having regard to the quality of the gentleman, whom
they knew to be only a citizen and not a lord. Dinner ended and the
tables removed, they conversed awhile of divers things; then, at
Messer Torello's instance, the heat being great, the gentlemen of
Pavia all betook themselves to repose, whilst he himself, abiding
alone with his three guests, carried them into a chamber and (that no
precious thing of his should remain unseen of them) let call thither
his noble lady. Accordingly, the latter, who was very fair and tall of
her person, came in to them, arrayed in rich apparel and flanked by
two little sons of hers, as they were two angels, and saluted them
courteously. The strangers, seeing her, rose to their feet and
receiving her with worship, caused her sit among them and made much of
her two fair children. Therewithal she entered into pleasant discourse
with them and presently, Messer Torello having gone out awhile, she
asked them courteously whence they were and whither they went; to
which they made answer even as they had done to her husband; whereupon
quoth she, with a blithe air, 'Then see I that my womanly advisement
will be useful; wherefore I pray you, of your especial favour, refuse
me not neither disdain a slight present, which I shall cause bring
you, but accept it, considering that women, of their little heart,
give little things and regarding more the goodwill of the giver than
the value of the gift.' Then, letting fetch them each two gowns, one
lined with silk and the other with miniver, no wise citizens' clothes
nor merchants, but fit for great lords to wear, and three doublets of
sendal and linen breeches to match, she said, 'Take these; I have clad
my lord in gowns of the like fashion, and the other things, for all
they are little worth, may be acceptable to you, considering that you
are far from your ladies and the length of the way you have travelled
and that which is yet to travel and that merchants are proper men and
nice of their persons.'
The Saracens marvelled and manifestly perceived that Messer Torello
was minded to leave no particular of hospitality undone them; nay,
seeing the magnificence of the unmerchantlike gowns, they misdoubted
them they had been recognized of him. However, one of them made answer
to the lady, saying, 'Madam, these are very great matters and such as
should not lightly be accepted, an your prayers, to which it is
impossible to say no, constrained us not thereto.' This done and
Messer Torello being now returned, the lady, commending them to God,
took leave of them and let furnish their servants with like things
such as sorted with their condition. Messer Torello with many prayers
prevailed upon them to abide with him all that day; wherefore, after
they had slept awhile, they donned their gowns and rode with him
somedele about the city; then, the supper-hour come, they supped
magnificently with many worshipful companions and in due time betook
themselves to rest. On the morrow they arose with day and found, in
place of their tired hackneys, three stout and good palfreys, and on
likewise fresh and strong horses for their servants, which when
Saladin saw, he turned to his companions and said, 'I vow to God that
never was there a more accomplished gentleman nor a more courteous and
apprehensive than this one, and if the kings of the Christians are
kings of such a fashion as this is a gentleman, the Soldan of Babylon
can never hope to stand against a single one of them, not to speak of
the many whom we see make ready to fall upon him.' Then, knowing that
it were in vain to seek to refuse this new gift, they very courteously
thanked him therefor and mounted to horse.
Messer Torello, with many companions, brought them a great way without
the city, till, grievous as it was to Saladin to part from him, (so
much was he by this grown enamoured of him,) natheless, need
constraining him to press on, he presently besought him to turn back;
whereupon, loath as he was to leave them, 'Gentlemen,' quoth he,
'since it pleaseth you, I will do it; but one thing I will e'en say to
you; I know not who you are nor do I ask to know more thereof than it
pleaseth you to tell me; but, be you who you may, you will never make
me believe that you are merchants, and so I commend you to God.'
Saladin, having by this taken leave of all Messer Torello's
companions, replied to him, saying, 'Sir, we may yet chance to let you
see somewhat of our merchandise, whereby we may confirm your
belief;[474] meantime, God be with you.' Thereupon he departed with
his followers, firmly resolved, if life should endure to him and the
war he looked for undo him not, to do Messer Torello no less honour
than that which he had done him, and much did he discourse with his
companions of him and of his lady and all his affairs and fashions and
dealings, mightily commending everything. Then, after he had, with no
little fatigue, visited all the West, he took ship with his companions
and returned to Alexandria, where, being now fully informed, he
addressed himself to his defence. As for Messer Torello, he returned
to Pavia and went long in thought who these might be, but never hit
upon the truth, no, nor came near it.
[Footnote 474: Sic (_la vostra credenza raffermeremo_); but the
meaning is, "whereby we may amend your unbelief and give you cause to
credit our assertion that we are merchants."]
The time being now come for the crusade and great preparations made
everywhere, Messer Torello, notwithstanding the tears and entreaties
of his wife, was altogether resolved to go thereon and having made his
every provision and being about to take horse, he said to his lady,
whom he loved over all, 'Wife, as thou seest, I go on this crusade, as
well for the honour of my body as for the health of my soul. I commend
to thee our affairs and our honour, and for that I am certain of the
going, but of the returning, for a thousand chances that may betide, I
have no assurance, I will have thee do me a favour, to wit, that
whatever befall of me, an thou have not certain news of my life, thou
shalt await me a year and a month and a day, ere thou marry again,
beginning from this the day of my departure.' The lady, who wept sore,
answered, 'Messer Torello, I know not how I shall endure the chagrin
wherein you leave me by your departure; but, an my life prove stronger
than my grief and aught befall you, you may live and die assured that
I shall live and die the wife of Messer Torello and of his memory.'
'Wife,' rejoined Messer Torello, 'I am very certain that, inasmuch as
in thee lieth, this that thou promisest me will come to pass; but thou
art a young woman and fair and of high family and thy worth is great
and everywhere known; wherefore I doubt not but many great and noble
gentlemen will, should aught be misdoubted of me,[475] demand thee of
thy brethren and kinsfolk; from whose importunities, how much soever
thou mightest wish, thou wilt not be able to defend thyself and it
will behove thee perforce comply with their wishes; and this is why I
ask of thee this term and not a greater one.' Quoth the lady, 'I will
do what I may of that which I have told you, and should it
nevertheless behove me to do otherwise, I will assuredly obey you in
this that you enjoin me; but I pray God that He bring nor you nor me
to such an extremity in these days.' This said, she embraced him,
weeping, and drawing a ring from her finger, gave it to him, saying,
'And it chance that I die ere I see you again, remember me when you
look upon this ring.'
[Footnote 475: _i.e._ should any rumour get wind of death.]
Torello took the ring and mounted to horse; then, bidding all his
people adieu, he set out on his journey and came presently with his
company to Genoa. There he embarked on board a galleon and coming in a
little while to Acre, joined himself to the other army[476] of the
Christians, wherein, well nigh out of hand, there began a sore
sickness and mortality. During this, whether by Saladin's skill or of
his good fortune, well nigh all the remnant of the Christians who had
escaped alive were taken by him, without blow stricken, and divided
among many cities and imprisoned. Messer Torello was one of those
taken and was carried prisoner to Alexandria, where, being unknown and
fearing to make himself known, he addressed himself, of necessity
constrained, to the training of hawks, of which he was a great master,
and by this he came under the notice of Saladin, who took him out of
prison and entertained him for his falconer. Messer Torello, who was
called by the Soldan by none other name than the Christian, recognized
him not nor did Saladin recognize him; nay, all his thoughts were in
Pavia and he had more than once essayed to flee, but without avail;
wherefore, certain Genoese coming ambassadors to Saladin, to treat for
the ransom of sundry of their townsmen, and being about to depart, he
bethought himself to write to his lady, giving her to know that he was
alive and would return to her as quickliest he might and bidding her
await him. Accordingly, he wrote letters to this effect and instantly
besought one of the ambassadors, whom he knew, to cause them come to
the hands of the Abbot of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, who was his uncle.
[Footnote 476: Sic (_all' altro esercito_). The meaning of this does
not appear, as no mention has yet been made of two Christian armies.
Perhaps we should translate "the rest of the army," _i.e._ such part
of the remnant of the Christian host as fled to Acre and shut
themselves up there after the disastrous day of Hittin (23 June,
1187). Acre fell on the 29th July, 1187.]
Things being at this pass with him, it befell one day that, as Saladin
was devising with him of his hawks, Messer Torello chanced to smile
and made a motion with his mouth, which the former had much noted,
what while he was in his house at Pavia. This brought the gentleman to
his mind and looking steadfastly upon him, himseemed it was himself;
wherefore, leaving the former discourse, 'Harkye, Christian, said he,
'What countryman art thou of the West?' 'My lord,' replied Torello, 'I
am a Lombard of a city called Pavia, a poor man and of mean
condition.' Saladin, hearing this, was in a manner certified of the
truth of his suspicion and said joyfully in himself, 'God hath
vouchsafed me an opportunity of showing this man how grateful his
courtesy was to me.' Accordingly, without saying otherwhat, he let
lay out all his apparel in a chamber and carrying him thither, said to
him, 'Look, Christian, if there be any among these gowns that thou
hast ever seen.' Torello looked and saw those which his lady had given
Saladin; but, natheless, conceiving not that they could possibly be
the same, he answered, 'My lord, I know none of them; albeit, in good
sooth, these twain do favour certain gowns wherewithal I, together
with three merchants who came to my house, was invested aforetime.'
Thereupon Saladin, unable to contain himself farther, embraced him
tenderly, saying, 'You are Messer Torello d'Istria and I am one of the
three merchants to whom your lady gave these gowns; and now is the
time come to certify you what manner merchandise mine is, even as I
told you, at my parting from you, might chance to betide.' Messer
Torello, hearing this, was at once rejoiced and ashamed; rejoiced to
have had such a guest and ashamed for that himseemed he had
entertained him but scurvily. Then said Saladin, 'Messer Torello,
since God hath sent you hither to me, henceforth consider that not I,
but you are master here.' Accordingly, after they had mightily
rejoiced in each other, he clad him in royal apparel and carrying him
into the presence of all his chief barons, commanded, after saying
many things in praise of his worth, that he should of all who held his
favour dear be honoured as himself, which was thenceforward done of
all, but above all of the two gentlemen who had been Saladin's
companions in his house.
The sudden height of glory to which Messer Torello thus found himself
advanced put his Lombardy affairs somedele out of his mind, more by
token that he had good reason to hope that his letters were by this
come to his uncle's hands. Now there had died and been buried in the
camp or rather in the host, of the Christians, the day they were taken
by Saladin, a Provençal gentleman of little account, by name Messer
Torello de Dignes, by reason whereof, Messer Torello d'Istria being
renowned throughout the army for his magnificence, whosoever heard
say, 'Messer Torello is dead,' believed it of Messer Torello d'Istria,
not of him of Dignes. The hazard of the capture that ensued thereupon
suffered not those who had been thus misled to be undeceived;
wherefore many Italians returned with this news, amongst whom were
some who scrupled not to avouch that they had seen him dead and had
been at the burial. This, coming to be known of his wife and kinsfolk,
was the cause of grievous and inexpressible sorrow, not only to them,
but to all who had known him. It were longsome to set forth what and
how great was the grief and sorrow and lamentation of his lady; but,
after having bemoaned herself some months in continual affliction,
coming to sorrow less and being sought in marriage with the chiefest
men in Lombardy, she began to be presently importuned by her brothers
and other her kinsfolk to marry again. After having again and again
refused with many tears, needs must she at the last consent perforce
to do her kinsfolk's will, on condition that she should abide, without
going to a husband, so long as she had promised Messer Torello.
The lady's affairs at Pavia being at this pass and there lacking maybe
eight days of the term appointed for her going to her new husband, it
chanced that Messer Torello espied one day in Alexandria one whom he
had seen embark with the Genoese ambassadors on board the galley that
was to carry them back to Genoa, and calling him, asked him what
manner voyage they had had and when they had reached Genoa; whereto
the other replied, 'Sir, the galleon (as I heard in Crete, where I
remained,) made an ill voyage; for that, as she drew near unto Sicily,
there arose a furious northerly wind, which drove her on to the
Barbary quicksands, nor was any one saved; and amongst the rest two
brothers of mine perished there.' Messer Torello, giving credit to his
words, which were indeed but too true, and remembering him that the
term required by him of his wife ended a few days thence, concluded
that nothing could be known at Pavia of his condition and held it for
certain that the lady must have married again; wherefore he fell into
such a chagrin that he lost [sleep and] appetite and taking to his
bed, determined to die. When Saladin, who loved him above all, heard
of this, he came to him and having, by dint of many and urgent
prayers, learned the cause of his grief and his sickness, upbraided
him sore for that he had not before told it to him and after besought
him to be comforted, assuring him that, if he would but take heart, he
would so contrive that he should be in Pavia at the appointed term and
told him how. Messer Torello, putting faith in Saladin's words and
having many a time heard say that this was possible and had indeed
been often enough done, began to take comfort and pressed Saladin to
despatch. The Soldan accordingly charged a nigromancer of his, of
whose skill he had aforetime made proof, to cast about for a means
whereby Messer Torello should be in one night transported upon a bed
to Pavia, to which the magician replied that it should be done, but
that, for the gentleman's own weal, he must put him to sleep.
This done, Saladin returned to Messer Torello and finding him
altogether resolved to seek at any hazard to be in Pavia at the term
appointed, if it were possible, and in default thereof, to die,
bespoke him thus; 'Messer Torello, God knoweth that I neither will nor
can anywise blame you if you tenderly love your lady and are fearful
of her becoming another's, for that, of all the women I ever saw, she
it is whose manners, whose fashions and whose demeanour, (leaving be
her beauty, which is but a short-lived flower,) appear to me most
worthy to be commended and held dear. It had been very grateful to me,
since fortune hath sent you hither, that we should have passed
together, as equal masters in the governance of this my realm, such
time as you and I have to live, and if this was not to be vouchsafed
me of God, it being fated that you should take it to heart to seek
either to die or to find yourself in Pavia at the appointed term, I
should above all have desired to know it in time, that I might have
you transported to your house with such honour, such magnificence and
in such company as your worth meriteth. However, since this hath not
been vouchsafed and you desire to be presently there, I will e'en, as
I may, despatch you thither after the fashion whereof I have bespoken
you.' 'My lord,' replied Messer Torello, 'your acts, without your
words, have given me sufficient proof of your favour, which I have
never merited in such supreme degree, and of that which you say,
though you had not said it, I shall live and die most assured; but,
since I have taken this resolve, I pray you that that which you tell
me you will do may be done speedily, for that to-morrow is the last
day I am to be looked for.'
Saladin answered that this should without fail be accomplished and
accordingly, on the morrow, meaning to send him away that same night,
he let make, in a great hall of his palace, a very goodly and rich bed
of mattresses, all, according to their usance, of velvet and cloth of
gold and caused lay thereon a counterpoint curiously wrought in
various figures with great pearls and jewels of great price (the which
here in Italy was after esteemed an inestimable treasure) and two
pillows such as sorted with a bed of that fashion. This done, he bade
invest Messer Torello, who was presently well and strong again, in a
gown of the Saracen fashion, the richest and goodliest thing that had
ever been seen of any, and wind about his head, after their guise, one
of his longest turban-cloths.[477] Then, it growing late, he betook
himself with many of his barons to the chamber where Messer Torello
was and seating himself, well nigh weeping, by his side, bespoke him
thus; 'Messer Torello, the hour draweth near that is to sunder me from
you, and since I may not bear you company nor cause you to be
accompanied, by reason of the nature of the journey you have to make,
which suffereth it not, needs must I take leave of you here in this
chamber, to which end I am come hither. Wherefore, ere I commend you
to God, I conjure you, by that love and that friendship that is
between us, that you remember you of me and if it be possible, ere our
times come to an end, that, whenas you have ordered your affairs in
Lombardy, you come at the least once to see me, to the end that, what
while I am cheered by your sight, I may then supply the default which
needs must I presently commit by reason of your haste; and against
that betide, let it not irk you to visit me with letters and require
me of such things as shall please you; for that of a surety I will
more gladly do them for you than for any man alive.'
[Footnote 477: It may be well to remind the European reader that the
turban consists of two parts, _i.e._ a skull-cap and a linen cloth,
which is wound round it in various folds and shapes, to form the
well-known Eastern head-dress.]
As for Messer Torello, he could not contain his tears; wherefore,
being hindered thereby, he answered, in a few words, that it was
impossible his benefits and his nobility should ever escape his mind
and that he would without fail do that which he enjoined him, whenas
occasion should be afforded him; whereupon Saladin, having tenderly
embraced him and kissed him, bade him with many tears God speed and
departed the chamber. The other barons then all took leave of him and
followed the Soldan into the hall where he had caused make ready the
bed. Meanwhile, it waxing late and the nigromant awaiting and pressing
for despatch, there came a physician to Messer Torello with a draught
and making him believe that he gave it him to fortify him, caused him
drink it; nor was it long ere he fell asleep and so, by Saladin's
commandment, was carried into the hall and laid upon the bed
aforesaid, whereon the Soldan placed a great and goodly crown of great
price and inscribed it on such wise that it was after manifestly
understood to be sent by him to Messer Torello's lady; after which he
put on Torello's finger a ring, wherein was a carbuncle enchased, so
resplendent that it seemed a lighted flambeau, the value whereof could
scarce be reckoned, and girt him with a sword, whose garniture might
not lightly be appraised. Moreover, he let hang a fermail on his
breast, wherein were pearls whose like were never seen, together with
other precious stones galore, and on his either side he caused set two
great basins of gold, full of doubloons, and many strings of pearls
and rings and girdles and other things, which it were tedious to
recount, round about him. This done, he kissed him once more and bade
the nigromant despatch, whereupon, in his presence, the bed was
incontinent taken away, Messer Torello and all, and Saladin abode
devising of him with his barons.
Meanwhile, Messer Torello had been set down, even as he had requested,
in the church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro at Pavia, with all the
jewels and ornaments aforesaid, and yet slept when, matins having
sounded, the sacristan of the church entered, with a light in his
hand, and chancing suddenly to espy the rich bed, not only marvelled,
but, seized with a terrible fright, turned and fled. The abbot and the
monks, seeing him flee, marvelled and questioned him of the cause,
which he told them; whereupon quoth the abbot, 'Marry, thou art no
child nor art thou new to the church that thou shouldst thus lightly
take fright; let us go see who hath played the bugbear with thee.'
Accordingly, kindling several lights, the abbot and all his monks
entered the church and saw that wonder-rich and goodly bed and thereon
the gentleman asleep; and what while, misdoubting and fearful, they
gazed upon the noble jewels, without drawing anywise near to the bed,
it befell that, the virtue of the draught being spent, Messer Torello
awoke and heaved a great sigh, which when the monks saw and heard,
they took to flight, abbot and all, affrighted and crying, 'Lord aid
us!' Messer Torello opened his eyes and looking about him, plainly
perceived himself to be whereas he had asked Saladin to have him
carried, at which he was mightily content. Then, sitting up, he
particularly examined that which he had about him, and for all he had
before known of the magnificence of Saladin, it seemed to him now
greater and he knew it more. Nevertheless, without moving farther,
seeing the monks flee and divining why, he proceeded to call the abbot
by name, praying him be not afraid, for that he was Torello his
nephew. The abbot, hearing this, waxed yet more fearful, as holding
him as dead many months before; but, after awhile, taking assurance by
true arguments and hearing himself called, he made the sign of the
cross and went up to him; whereupon quoth Messer Torello, 'How now,
father mine, of what are you adread? Godamercy, I am alive and
returned hither from beyond seas.'
The abbot, for all he had a great beard and was clad after the Saracen
fashion, presently recognized him and altogether reassured, took him
by the hand, saying, 'My son, thou art welcome back.' Then he
continued, 'Thou must not marvel at our affright, for that there is
not a man in these parts but firmly believeth thee to be dead,
insomuch that I must tell thee that Madam Adalieta thy wife,
overmastered by the prayers and threats of her kinsfolk and against
her own will, is married again and is this morning to go to her new
husband; ay, and the bride-feast and all that pertaineth unto the
nuptial festivities is prepared.' Therewithal Messer Torello arose
from off the rich bed and greeting the abbot and the monks with
marvellous joyance, prayed them all to speak with none of that his
return, against he should have despatched an occasion of his; after
which, having caused lay up the costly jewels in safety, he recounted
to his uncle all that had befallen him up to that moment. The abbot
rejoiced in his happy fortunes and together with him, rendered thanks
to God, after which Messer Torello asked him who was his lady's new
husband. The abbot told him and Torello said, 'I have a mind, ere folk
know of my return, to see what manner countenance is that of my wife
in these nuptials; wherefore, albeit it is not the usance of men of
your habit to go to entertainments of this kind, I would have you
contrive, for the love of me, that we may go thither, you and I.' The
abbot replied that he would well and accordingly, as soon as it was
day, he sent to the new bridegroom, saying that he would fain be at
his nuptials with a friend of his, whereto the gentleman answered that
it liked him passing well.
Accordingly, eating-time come, Messer Torello, clad as he was,
repaired with his uncle to the bridegroom's house, beheld with
wonderment of all who saw him, but recognized of none; and the abbot
told every one that he was a Saracen sent ambassador from the Soldan
to the King of France. He was, therefore, seated at a table right
overagainst his lady, whom he beheld with the utmost pleasure, and
himseemed she was troubled in countenance at these new nuptials. She,
in her turn, looked whiles upon him, but not of any cognizance that
she had of him, for that his great beard and outlandish habit and the
firm assurance she had that he was dead hindered her thereof.
Presently, whenas it seemed to him time to essay if she remembered her
of him, he took the ring she had given him at his parting and calling
a lad who served before her, said to him, 'Say to the bride, on my
part, that it is the usance in my country, whenas any stranger, such
as I am here, eateth at the bride-feast of any new-married lady, like
herself, that she, in token that she holdeth him welcome at her table,
send him the cup, wherein she drinketh, full of wine, whereof after
the stranger hath drunken what he will, the cup being covered again,
the bride drinketh the rest.'
The page did his errand to the lady, who, like a well-bred and
discreet woman as she was, believing him to be some great gentleman,
commanded, to show him that she had his coming in gree, that a great
gilded cup, which stood before her, should be washed and filled with
wine and carried to the gentleman; and so it was done. Messer Torello,
taking her ring in his mouth, contrived in drinking to drop it, unseen
of any, into the cup, wherein having left but a little wine, he
covered it again and despatched it to the lady. Madam Adalieta, taking
the cup and uncovering it, that she might accomplish his usance, set
it to her mouth and seeing the ring, considered it awhile, without
saying aught; then, knowing it for that which she had given to Messer
Torello at parting, she took it up and looking fixedly upon him whom
she deemed a stranger, presently recognized him; whereupon, as she
were waxen mad, she overthrew the table she had before her and cried
out, saying, 'It is my lord, it is indeed Messer Torello!' Then,
running to the place where he sat, she cast herself as far forward as
she might, without taking thought to her clothes or to aught that was
on the table, and clipped him close in her arms nor could, for word or
deed of any there, be loosed from his neck till she was bidden of
Messer Torello contain herself somewhat, for that time enough would
yet be afforded her to embrace him. She accordingly having arisen and
the nuptials being by this all troubled, albeit in part more joyous
than ever for the recovery of such a gentleman, every one, at Messer
Torello's request, abode quiet; whereupon he related to them all that
had betided him from the day of his departure up to that moment,
concluding that the gentleman, who, deeming him dead, had taken his
lady to wife, must not hold it ill if he, being alive, took her again
unto himself.
The bridegroom, though somewhat mortified, answered frankly and as a
friend that it rested with himself to do what most pleased him of his
own. Accordingly, the lady put off the ring and crown had of her new
groom and donned the ring which she had taken from the cup and the
crown sent her by the Soldan; then, issuing forth of the house where
they were, they betook themselves, with all the nuptial train, to
Messer Torello's house and there recomforted his disconsolate friends
and kindred and all the townsfolk, who regarded his return as well
nigh a miracle, with long and joyous festival. As for Messer Torello,
after imparting of his precious jewels to him who had had the expense
of the nuptials, as well as to the abbot and many others, and
signifying his happy repatriation by more than one message to Saladin,
whose friend and servant he still professed himself, he lived many
years thereafterward with his noble lady and thenceforth, used more
hospitality and courtesy than ever. Such then was the issue of the
troubles of Messer Torello and his beloved lady and the recompense of
their cheerful and ready hospitalities, the which many study to
practise, who, albeit they have the wherewithal, do yet so ill
contrive it that they make those on whom they bestow their courtesies
buy them, ere they have done with them, for more than their worth;
wherefore, if no reward ensue to them thereof, neither themselves nor
others should marvel thereat."