Giannetto's bearing and manners. Nor was any feast ever given to which he was not bidden.
It happened one day that two good friends of his determined to sail for Alexandria with some wares laden in two ships, as was their annual custom. They said to Giannetto, “You ought to give yourself the pleasure of a voyage with us, in order to see the world, especially Damascus and the partsthereabout.”
Giannetto answered, “In faith I would gowillingly, if only Messer Ansaldo would give me leave.”
They replied, “We will see that he does this, be sure of that.”
They went forthwith to Messer Ansaldo and said to him, “We beg you to let Giannetto go with us this spring to Alexandria, and to give him a bark or vessel so that he may see something of the world.”
Messer Ansaldo replied that he was willing to let Giannetto do as he liked, and the others assured him that the young man would be well pleased to go.
Then Messer Ansaldo let prepare a very fine ship, which he loaded with much merchandise, and supplied with banners and arms and all that was necessary. And when all was in readiness Messer Ansaldo gave orders to the captain and the crew of the ship that they should do whatever Giannetto might direct, and he committed him to their care. “For,” said he, “I am not sending him out for the sake of gain, but so that he may see the world as it best pleaseshim.”
When Giannetto went to embark, all Venice came to see him, for it was long time since any ship so fine or so well furnished had left the port; and when he