[045]
Which Jancofiore learning, and being informed that the merchandise,
that he had brought with him, was worth fully two thousand
florins of gold, or even more, besides that which he expected, which
was valued at more than three thousand florins of gold, bethought her
that she had not aimed high enough, and that 'twere well to refund
him the five hundred, if so she might make the greater part of the
five thousand florins her own. Wherefore she sent for him,
[046]
and
Salabaetto, having learned his lesson of cunning, waited on her.
Feigning to know nought of the cargo he had brought with him, she
received him with marvellous cheer, and began: "Lo, now, if thou
wast angry with me because I did not repay thee thy money in due
time:"
[047]
but Salabaetto interrupted her, saying with a laugh:
"Madam, 'tis true I was a little vexed, seeing that I would have
plucked out my heart to pleasure you; but listen, and you shall learn
the quality of my displeasure. [048]Such and so great is the love I bear
you, that I have sold the best part of all that I possess, whereby I
have already in this port merchandise to the value of more than two
thousand florins, and expect from the Levant other goods to the
value of above three thousand florins, and mean to set up a warehouse
in this city, and live here, to be ever near you, for that I deem myself
more blessed in your love than any other lover that lives."
[049]
Whereupon:
"Harkye, Salabaetto," quoth the lady, "whatever advantages
thee is mighty grateful to me, seeing that I love thee more
than my very life, and right glad am I that thou art come back with
intent to stay, for I hope to have many a good time with thee; but
something I must say to thee by way of excuse, for that, whilst thou
wast thinking of taking thy departure, there were times when thou
wast disappointed of seeing me, and others when thou hadst not as
gladsome a welcome as thou wast wont to have, and therewithal I
kept not the time promised for the repayment of thy money.
[050]
Thou
must know that I was then in exceeding great trouble and tribulation,
and whoso is thus bested, love he another never so much, cannot
greet him with as gladsome a mien, or be as attentive to him, as he
had life;
[051]
and thou must further know that 'tis by no means an easy
matter for a lady to come by a thousand florins of gold: why, 'tis
every day a fresh lie, and never a promise kept; and so we in our
turn must needs lie to others; and 'twas for this cause, and not for
any fault of mine, that I did not repay thee thy money;
[052]
however, I
had it but a little while after thy departure, and had I known whither
to send it, be sure I would have remitted it to thee; but, as that I
wist not, I have kept it safe for thee."
[053]
She then produced a purse, in
which were the very same coins that he had brought her, and placed
it in his hand, saying: "Count and see if there are five hundred
there."
[054]
'Twas the happiest moment Salabaetto had yet known, as,
having told them out, and found the sum exact, he made answer:
"Madam, I know that you say sooth, and what you have done
abundantly proves it; wherefore, and for the love I bear you, I
warrant you there is no sum you might ask of me on any occasion of
need, with which, if 'twere in my power, I would not accommodate
you; whereof, when I am settled here, you will be able to assure
yourself."
