r made many haughty speeches, asking and counselling of many
things and demanding in particular to see Ghino. The latter, hearing
this talk, let part of it pass as idle and answered the rest very
courteously, avouching that Ghino would visit him as quickliest he
might. This said, he took his leave of him and returned not until the
ensuing day, when he brought him as much toasted bread and as much
malmsey; and so he kept him several days, till such time as he
perceived that he had eaten some dried beans, which he had of intent
aforethought brought secretly thither and left there; whereupon he
asked him, on Ghino's part, how he found himself about the stomach.
The abbot answered, 'Meseemeth I should fare well, were I but out of
his hands; and after that, I have no greater desire than to eat, so
well have his remedies cured me.' Thereupon Ghino caused the abbot's
own people array him a goodly chamber with his own gear and let make
ready a magnificent banquet, to which he bade the prelate's whole
household, together with many folk of the burgh. Next morning, he
betook himself to the abbot and said to him, 'Sir, since you feel
yourself well, it is time to leave the infirmary.' Then, taking him by
the hand, he brought him to the chamber prepared for him and leaving
him there in company of his own people, occupied himself with caring
that the banquet should be a magnificent one.

The abbot solaced himself awhile with his men and told them what his
life had been since his capture, whilst they, on the other hand,
avouched themselves all to have been wonder-well entreated of Ghino.
The eating-hour come, the abbot and the rest were well and orderly
served with goodly viands and fine wines, without Ghino yet letting
himself be known of the prelate; but, after the latter had abidden
some days on this wise, the outlaw, having let bring all his gear into
one saloon and all his horses, down to the sorriest rouncey, into a
courtyard that was under the windows thereof, betook himself to him
and asked him how he did and if he deemed himself strong enough to
take horse. The abbot answered that he was strong enough and quite
recovered of his stomach-complaint and that he should fare perfectly
well, once he should be out of Ghino's hands. Ghino then brought him
into the saloon, wherein was his gear and all his train, and carrying
him to a window, whence he might see all his horses, said, 'My lord
abbot, you must know that it was the being a