considered it awhile, without
saying aught; then, knowing it for that which she had given to Messer
Torello at parting, she took it up and looking fixedly upon him whom
she deemed a stranger, presently recognized him; whereupon, as she
were waxen mad, she overthrew the table she had before her and cried
out, saying, 'It is my lord, it is indeed Messer Torello!' Then,
running to the place where he sat, she cast herself as far forward as
she might, without taking thought to her clothes or to aught that was
on the table, and clipped him close in her arms nor could, for word or
deed of any there, be loosed from his neck till she was bidden of
Messer Torello contain herself somewhat, for that time enough would
yet be afforded her to embrace him. She accordingly having arisen and
the nuptials being by this all troubled, albeit in part more joyous
than ever for the recovery of such a gentleman, every one, at Messer
Torello's request, abode quiet; whereupon he related to them all that
had betided him from the day of his departure up to that moment,
concluding that the gentleman, who, deeming him dead, had taken his
lady to wife, must not hold it ill if he, being alive, took her again
unto himself.

The bridegroom, though somewhat mortified, answered frankly and as a
friend that it rested with himself to do what most pleased him of his
own. Accordingly, the lady put off the ring and crown had of her new
groom and donned the ring which she had taken from the cup and the
crown sent her by the Soldan; then, issuing forth of the house where
they were, they betook themselves, with all the nuptial train, to
Messer Torello's house and there recomforted his disconsolate friends
and kindred and all the townsfolk, who regarded his return as well
nigh a miracle, with long and joyous festival. As for Messer Torello,
after imparting of his precious jewels to him who had had the expense
of the nuptials, as well as to the abbot and many others, and
signifying his happy repatriation by more than one message to Saladin,
whose friend and servant he still professed himself, he lived many
years thereafterward with his noble lady and thenceforth, used more
hospitality and courtesy than ever. Such then was the issue of the
troubles of Messer Torello and his beloved lady and the recompense of
their cheerful and ready hospitalities, the which many study to
practise, who, albeit they have the wherewithal, do yet so ill
contrive it that they make those