d
of his, he biddeth him to his house and there showeth him the thing,
be it wife or mistress or daughter or whatsoever else, he holdeth most
dear, avouching that, like as he showeth him this, even so, an he
might, would he yet more willingly show him his very heart; which
custom I purpose to observe in Bologna. You, of your favour, have
honoured my banquet with your presence, and I in turn mean to honour
you, after the Persian fashion, by showing you the most precious thing
I have or may ever have in the world. But, ere I proceed to do this, I
pray you tell me what you deem of a doubt[450] which I shall broach to
you and which is this. A certain person hath in his house a very
faithful and good servant, who falleth grievously sick, whereupon the
former, without awaiting the sick man's end, letteth carry him into
the middle street and hath no more heed of him. Cometh a stranger,
who, moved to compassion of the sick man, carrieth him off to his own
house and with great diligence and expense bringeth him again to his
former health. Now I would fain know whether, if he keep him and make
use of his services, his former master can in equity complain of or
blame the second, if, he demanding him again, the latter refuse to
restore him.'

[Footnote 450: _Dubbio_, _i.e._ a doubtful case or question.]

The gentlemen, after various discourse among themselves, concurring
all in one opinion, committed the response to Niccoluccio
Caccianimico, for that he was a goodly and eloquent speaker; whereupon
the latter, having first commended the Persian usage, declared that he
and all the rest were of opinion that the first master had no longer
any right in his servant, since he had, in such a circumstance, not
only abandoned him, but cast him away, and that, for the kind offices
done him by the second, themseemed the servant was justly become his;
wherefore, in keeping him, he did the first no hurt, no violence, no
unright whatsoever. The other guests at table (and there were men
there of worth and worship) said all of one accord that they held to
that which had been answered by Niccoluccio; and Messer Gentile, well
pleased with this response and that Niccoluccio had made it, avouched
himself also to be of the same opinion. Then said he, 'It is now time
that I honour you according to promise,' and calling two of his
servants, despatched them to the lady, whom he had let magnificently
dress and adorn, praying her be pleased to come gladden