ould ever escape his mind
and that he would without fail do that which he enjoined him, whenas
occasion should be afforded him; whereupon Saladin, having tenderly
embraced him and kissed him, bade him with many tears God speed and
departed the chamber. The other barons then all took leave of him and
followed the Soldan into the hall where he had caused make ready the
bed. Meanwhile, it waxing late and the nigromant awaiting and pressing
for despatch, there came a physician to Messer Torello with a draught
and making him believe that he gave it him to fortify him, caused him
drink it; nor was it long ere he fell asleep and so, by Saladin's
commandment, was carried into the hall and laid upon the bed
aforesaid, whereon the Soldan placed a great and goodly crown of great
price and inscribed it on such wise that it was after manifestly
understood to be sent by him to Messer Torello's lady; after which he
put on Torello's finger a ring, wherein was a carbuncle enchased, so
resplendent that it seemed a lighted flambeau, the value whereof could
scarce be reckoned, and girt him with a sword, whose garniture might
not lightly be appraised. Moreover, he let hang a fermail on his
breast, wherein were pearls whose like were never seen, together with
other precious stones galore, and on his either side he caused set two
great basins of gold, full of doubloons, and many strings of pearls
and rings and girdles and other things, which it were tedious to
recount, round about him. This done, he kissed him once more and bade
the nigromant despatch, whereupon, in his presence, the bed was
incontinent taken away, Messer Torello and all, and Saladin abode
devising of him with his barons.

Meanwhile, Messer Torello had been set down, even as he had requested,
in the church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro at Pavia, with all the
jewels and ornaments aforesaid, and yet slept when, matins having
sounded, the sacristan of the church entered, with a light in his
hand, and chancing suddenly to espy the rich bed, not only marvelled,
but, seized with a terrible fright, turned and fled. The abbot and the
monks, seeing him flee, marvelled and questioned him of the cause,
which he told them; whereupon quoth the abbot, 'Marry, thou art no
child nor art thou new to the church that thou shouldst thus lightly
take fright; let us go see who hath played the bugbear with thee.'
Accordingly, kindling several lights, the abbot and all his monks
entered the church an