after several years, no effect was seen to follow upon their
expectation, the three brothers not only lost their credit, but, their
creditors seeking to be paid their due, they were suddenly arrested
and their possessions sufficing not unto payment, they abode in
prison for the residue, whilst their wives and little ones betook
themselves, some into the country, some hither and some thither, in
very ill plight, unknowing what to expect but misery for the rest of
their lives.

Meanwhile, Alessandro, after waiting several years in England for
peace, seeing that it came not and himseeming that not only was his
tarrying there in vain, but that he went in danger of his life,
determined to return to Italy. Accordingly, he set out all alone and
as chance would have it, coming out of Bruges, he saw an abbot of
white friars likewise issuing thence, accompanied by many monks and
with a numerous household and a great baggage-train in his van. After
him came two old knights, kinsmen of the King, whom Alessandro
accosted as acquaintances and was gladly admitted into their company.
As he journeyed with them, he asked them softly who were the monks
that rode in front with so great a train and whither they were bound;
and one of them answered, 'He who rideth yonder is a young gentleman
of our kindred, who hath been newly elected abbot of one of the most
considerable abbeys of England, and for that he is younger than is
suffered by the laws for such a dignity, we go with him to Rome to
obtain of the Holy Father that he dispense him of his defect of
overmuch youthfulness and confirm him in the dignity aforesaid; but
this must not be spoken of with any.'

The new abbot, faring on thus, now in advance of his retinue and now
in their rear, as daily we see it happen with noblemen on a journey,
chanced by the way to see near him Alessandro, who was a young man
exceedingly goodly of person and favour, well-bred, agreeable and fair
of fashion as any might be, and who at first sight pleased him
marvellously, as nought had ever done, and calling him to his side,
fell a-discoursing pleasantly with him, asking him who he was and
whence he came and whither he was bound; whereupon Alessandro frankly
discovered to him his whole case and satisfied his questions, offering
himself to his service in what little he might. The abbot, hearing his
goodly and well-ordered speech, took more particular note of his
manners and inwardly judging him to be a man