the West, he took ship with his companions
and returned to Alexandria, where, being now fully informed, he
addressed himself to his defence. As for Messer Torello, he returned
to Pavia and went long in thought who these might be, but never hit
upon the truth, no, nor came near it.

[Footnote 474: Sic (_la vostra credenza raffermeremo_); but the
meaning is, "whereby we may amend your unbelief and give you cause to
credit our assertion that we are merchants."]

The time being now come for the crusade and great preparations made
everywhere, Messer Torello, notwithstanding the tears and entreaties
of his wife, was altogether resolved to go thereon and having made his
every provision and being about to take horse, he said to his lady,
whom he loved over all, 'Wife, as thou seest, I go on this crusade, as
well for the honour of my body as for the health of my soul. I commend
to thee our affairs and our honour, and for that I am certain of the
going, but of the returning, for a thousand chances that may betide, I
have no assurance, I will have thee do me a favour, to wit, that
whatever befall of me, an thou have not certain news of my life, thou
shalt await me a year and a month and a day, ere thou marry again,
beginning from this the day of my departure.' The lady, who wept sore,
answered, 'Messer Torello, I know not how I shall endure the chagrin
wherein you leave me by your departure; but, an my life prove stronger
than my grief and aught befall you, you may live and die assured that
I shall live and die the wife of Messer Torello and of his memory.'
'Wife,' rejoined Messer Torello, 'I am very certain that, inasmuch as
in thee lieth, this that thou promisest me will come to pass; but thou
art a young woman and fair and of high family and thy worth is great
and everywhere known; wherefore I doubt not but many great and noble
gentlemen will, should aught be misdoubted of me,[475] demand thee of
thy brethren and kinsfolk; from whose importunities, how much soever
thou mightest wish, thou wilt not be able to defend thyself and it
will behove thee perforce comply with their wishes; and this is why I
ask of thee this term and not a greater one.' Quoth the lady, 'I will
do what I may of that which I have told you, and should it
nevertheless behove me to do otherwise, I will assuredly obey you in
this that you enjoin me; but I pray God that He bring nor you nor me
to such an extremity in these days.' This said, she embraced him,