done and
Messer Torello being now returned, the lady, commending them to God,
took leave of them and let furnish their servants with like things
such as sorted with their condition. Messer Torello with many prayers
prevailed upon them to abide with him all that day; wherefore, after
they had slept awhile, they donned their gowns and rode with him
somedele about the city; then, the supper-hour come, they supped
magnificently with many worshipful companions and in due time betook
themselves to rest. On the morrow they arose with day and found, in
place of their tired hackneys, three stout and good palfreys, and on
likewise fresh and strong horses for their servants, which when
Saladin saw, he turned to his companions and said, 'I vow to God that
never was there a more accomplished gentleman nor a more courteous and
apprehensive than this one, and if the kings of the Christians are
kings of such a fashion as this is a gentleman, the Soldan of Babylon
can never hope to stand against a single one of them, not to speak of
the many whom we see make ready to fall upon him.' Then, knowing that
it were in vain to seek to refuse this new gift, they very courteously
thanked him therefor and mounted to horse.

Messer Torello, with many companions, brought them a great way without
the city, till, grievous as it was to Saladin to part from him, (so
much was he by this grown enamoured of him,) natheless, need
constraining him to press on, he presently besought him to turn back;
whereupon, loath as he was to leave them, 'Gentlemen,' quoth he,
'since it pleaseth you, I will do it; but one thing I will e'en say to
you; I know not who you are nor do I ask to know more thereof than it
pleaseth you to tell me; but, be you who you may, you will never make
me believe that you are merchants, and so I commend you to God.'
Saladin, having by this taken leave of all Messer Torello's
companions, replied to him, saying, 'Sir, we may yet chance to let you
see somewhat of our merchandise, whereby we may confirm your
belief;[474] meantime, God be with you.' Thereupon he departed with
his followers, firmly resolved, if life should endure to him and the
war he looked for undo him not, to do Messer Torello no less honour
than that which he had done him, and much did he discourse with his
companions of him and of his lady and all his affairs and fashions and
dealings, mightily commending everything. Then, after he had, with no
little fatigue, visited all