dy spent all his
substance, and not daring to make himself known for fear of his
father, he fell into great want, and so into severe sickness.
His companions having nothing wherewith to live, and not
knowing any trade by which to gain their bread, did menial
services fit for day-laborers, and sustained their lord with
their earnings, he remaining hidden in a poor woman's house
where they all dwelt.

"The Marchioness had sent many messengers in divers provinces
with money to find her son, but they never heard any news of
him; so that they thought him dead, not hearing anything,
either, of his attendants. Now it happened that one of those
who sought Federico came to Naples, and presented himself to
the king with a letter from the said lady, praying that he
should make search in his territory for a company of seven men,
giving the name and description of each. The king caused this
search to be made by the heads of the district; and one of
these heads told how in his district there were six Lombard men
(not knowing of Federico, who lay ill), but that they were
laborers and of base condition. The king determined to see
them; and they being come before him, he demanded who they
were, and how many; as they were not willing to discover their
lord, on being asked their names they gave others, so that the
king, not being able to learn anything, would have dismissed
them. But the messenger sent by the Marchioness knew them, and
said to the king, 'Sire, these are the attendants of him whom I
seek; but they have changed their names.' The king caused them
to be separated one from another, and then asked them of their
Lord; and they, finding themselves separated, minutely narrated
everything; and the king immediately sent for Federico, whom
his officers found miserably ill on a heap of straw. He was
brought to the palace, where the king ordered him to be cared
for, sending the messenger back to his mother to advise her how
the men had been found and in what great misery. The
Marchioness went to her husband, and, having cast herself at
his feet, besought him of a grace. The Marquis answered that he
would grant everything, so it did not treat of Federico. Then
the lady opened him the letter of the king of Naples, which had
such effect that it softened the soul of the Marquis, showing