t forth and directed my
steps toward the latrines of the keep. Spying from within two tiles
upon the roof, I was able at once to clamber up with ease. I wore a
white doublet with a pair of white hose and a pair of half-boots, into
which I had stuck the poniard I have mentioned.

After scaling the roof, I took one end of my linen roll and attached
it to a piece of antique tile which was built into the fortress wall;
it happened to jut out scarcely four fingers. In order to fix the
band, I gave it the form of a stirrup. When I had attached it to that
piece of tile, I turned to God and said: "Lord God, give aid to my
good cause; you know that it is good; you see that I am aiding
myself." Then I let myself go gently by degrees, supporting myself
with the sinews of my arms, until I touched the ground. There was no
moonshine, but the light of a fair open heaven. When I stood upon my
feet on solid earth, I looked up at the vast height which I had
descended with such spirit; and went gladly away, thinking I was free.
But this was not the case; for the castellan on the side of the
fortress had built two lofty walls, the space between which he used
for stable and hen-yard; the place was barred with thick iron bolts
outside. I was terribly disgusted to find there was no exit from this
trap; but while I paced up and down debating what to do, I stumbled on
a long pole which was covered up with straw. Not without great
trouble, I succeeded in placing it against the wall, and then swarmed
up it by the force of my arms until I reached the top. But since the
wall ended in a sharp ridge, I had not strength enough to drag the
pole up after me. Accordingly I made my mind up to use a portion of
the second roll of linen which I had there; the other was left hanging
from the keep of the castle. So I cut a piece off, tied it to the
pole, and clambered down the wall, enduring the utmost toil and
fatigue. I was quite exhausted, and moreover had flayed the inside of
my hands, which bled freely. This compelled me to rest awhile, and I
bathed my hands in my own urine.

When I thought that my strength was recovered, I advanced quickly
toward the last rampart, which faces toward Prato. There I put my
bundle of linen lines down upon the ground, meaning to fasten them
round a battlement, and descend the lesser as I had the greater
height. But no sooner had I placed the linen than I became aware
behind me of a sentinel, who was going the rounds. Seein