t, he mounted to horse with one of his servants
and rode, without halting, till he came whereas the lady was buried
and opened the sepulchre with all despatch. Then, entering therein, he
laid himself beside her and putting his face to hers, kissed her again
and again with many tears. But presently,--as we see men's appetites
never abide content within any limit, but still desire farther, and
especially those of lovers,--having bethought himself to tarry there
no longer, he said, 'Marry, now that I am here, why should I not touch
her somedele on the breast? I may never touch her more, nor have I
ever yet done so.' Accordingly, overcome with this desire, he put his
hand into her bosom and holding it there awhile, himseemed he felt her
heart beat somewhat. Thereupon, putting aside all fear, he sought more
diligently and found that she was certainly not dead, scant and feeble
as he deemed the life [that lingered in her;] wherefore, with the help
of his servant, he brought her forth of the tomb, as softliest he
might, and setting her before him on his horse, carried her privily to
his house in Bologna.

There was his mother, a worthy and discreet gentlewoman, and she,
after she had heard everything at large from her son, moved to
compassion, quietly addressed herself by means of hot baths and great
fires to recall the strayed life to the lady, who, coming presently to
herself, heaved a great sigh and said, 'Ah me, where am I?' To which
the good lady replied, 'Be of good comfort; thou art in safety.' Madam
Catalina, collecting herself, looked about her and knew not aright
where she was; but, seeing Messer Gentile before her, she was filled
with wonderment and besought his mother to tell her how she came
thither; whereupon Messer Gentile related to her everything in order.
At this she was sore afflicted, but presently rendered him such thanks
as she might and after conjured him, by the love he had erst borne her
and of his courtesy, that she might not in his house suffer at his
hands aught that should be anywise contrary to her honour and that of
her husband and that, as soon as the day should be come, he would
suffer her return to her own house. 'Madam,' answered Messer Gentile,
'whatsoever may have been my desire of time past, I purpose not,
either at this present or ever henceforth, (since God hath vouchsafed
me this grace that He hath restored you to me from death to life, and
that by means of the love I have hitherto born