imple folk had promised to pay somewhat
of their modest store; and although my soul overflowed with thankful joy
over the great sums to be given by our kith and kin, I rejoiced no less
over the five pounds of farthings promised by a cordwainer, whom we had
holpen some years ago when he had been sick and in debt.

And then was there hearty embracing and kissing, and the men, as was
befitting after a deed so well done, craved to drink. Cousin Maud
hastened with all zeal to do honor to friends and guests so dear; but
as she reached the door she stood still as in doubt, and signed to me
so that I perceived that somewhat had gone wrong. And so indeed it had,
inasmuch as our silver vessels, down to the very least cup, had gone
to the silversmith in pledge, and Uncle Tucher, the Councillor, who had
bought my palfrey, had also been fain to have all our old wine, whereof
many goodly rows of casks, and jars sealed with pitch, lay in our
cellars. A few hams still hung in the chimney by good luck; and there
were chickens and eggs in plenty; but of all else little enough, even of
butter. When Cousin Maud set forth all this with a right lamentable face
I could not refrain my mirth, and I promised her that if she could send
up a few dainty dishes from the kitchen, I would make shift to please
our beloved guests. That as for the wine, I would take that upon myself,
and no Emperor need be ashamed of our Venice glasses. And herewith I
sent her down stairs; but I then frankly confessed to our friends how
matters stood; and when they had heard me, now laughing heartily,
and now in amazement and shaking their heads, I enquired of Doctor
Holzschuher, as a man of law, how I might deal with the wine, inasmuch
as it had already found a purchaser? Hereupon arose much jocose argument
and discussion, and at last the learned notary and doctor of laws
declared that he held it to be his duty, as adviser to the Council and
administrator of the Schopper estates, to taste and prove with all due
caution whether the price promised by Tucher, and not yet paid down,
were not all too little for the liquor, inasmuch as his clients, being
but women-folk, had no skill in the good gifts of Bacchus, and could not
know their value. To abstain from such testing he held would be a breach
of duty, and whereas he did not trust his own skill alone, he must call
upon Master Christian Pfinzing as a man of ripe experience, and Master
Councillor Pernhart, who, as brother to