APPENDIX
fromIl PecoronebyGiovanni Fiorentino
(edited from the translation by W. G. Waters)
There was once in Florence, in the house of the Scali, a certain merchant called Bindo, who had sailed many times to Tana, near to Alexandria, and had likewise adventured in those other long voyages which are made for the sake of traffic. This Bindo, who was very rich, had three stalwart sons; and when he lay on his deathbed, he bade come to him the eldest and the second born. And in their presence he made his will and left them heirs of all he possessed in the world. But to the youngest he leftnothing.
When the will was completed, the youngest son, who was called Giannetto, heard tell of the same, and went to his father's bedside and said, “Father, I am greatly astounded at what you have done, in taking no thought of me in your testament.”
The father answered, “My Giannetto, there is no one living I hold dearer than you. Therefore I am not minded that you should tarry here after my death, but rather that you should betake yourself to Venice to your godfather, who is named Messer Ansaldo. He has no son of his own, and has written to me more than once to send you to him. Moreover, I must tell you that he is the richest of all the Christian merchants. Wherefore I desirethatyougotohimaftermydeathandgivehim