e by little, to try his leg. She threw herself
upon both knees; but incontinently he raised her up, and would never
suffer her to speak a word, until she was first seated beside him. She
began her speech in this manner: 'My lord, the grace which God did me, at
the taking of this town, in directing you to this our house, was not less
than the saving to me of my husband's life, and my own, and my two
daughters', together with their honor, which they ought to hold dearer
still. And more, from the time that you arrived here, there hath not
been done to me, or to the least of my people, a single insult, but all
courtesy; and there hath not been taken by your folks of the goods they
found here the value of a farthing without paying for it. My lord, I am
well aware that my husband, and I, and my children, and all of this
household are your prisoners, for to do with and dispose of at your good
pleasure, as well as the goods that are herein; but, knowing the
nobleness of your heart, I am come for to entreat you right humbly that
it may please you to have pity upon us, extending your wonted generosity.
Here is a little present we make you; you will be pleased to take it in
good part.' Then she took the box which the servitor was holding, and
opened it before the good knight, who saw it full of beautiful ducats.
The gentle lord, who never in his life made any case of money, burst out
laughing, and said, 'Madam, how many ducats are there in this box?' The
poor soul was afraid that he was angry at seeing so few, and said to him,
'My lord, there are but two thousand five hundred ducats; but, if you are
not content, we will find a larger sum.' Then said he, 'By my faith,
madam, though you should give me a hundred thousand crowns, you would not
do so well towards me as you have done by the good cheer I have had here,
and the kind tendance you have given me; in whatsoever place I may happen
to be, you will have, so long as God shall grant me life, a gentleman at
your bidding. As for your ducats, I will none of them; and yet I thank
you; take them back; all my life I have always loved people much better
than crowns. And think not in any wise that I do not go away as well
pleased with you as if this town were at your disposal, and you had given
it to me.'

"The good lady was much astounded at finding herself put off. 'My lord,'
said she, 'I should feel myself forever the most wretched creature in the
world, if you did not take aw