people flocked to see her. And it was told likewise to the lady, who forthwith sent forGiannetto.
He went to her with all haste and made respectful obeisance. Whereupon she took him by the hand and asked who he was, and whence he had come, and whether he knew the custom of theland.
Giannetto answered that he did, and that he had come there by reason of this custom alone.
The lady said, “You are welcome a hundredfold.” And all that day she treated him with the greatest honor, and bid come diverse counts and barons and knights who were under her rule to keep Giannetto company. All these were mightily pleased with Giannetto's manners and his polished and pleasant and affable presence. Almost everyone felt kindly towards him, and all that day they danced and sang and made merry at the court for the sake of Giannetto. And everyone would have been well content to own him as over-lord.
When evening was come the lady took him by the hand and led him into the bedchamber, and said, “Meseems it is time for us to go to bed.”
Whereto Giannetto made answer, “Madonna, I am at your command.”
Then two damsels came, one bearing wine and the other sweetmeats, and the lady said, “Surely you must be thirsty; drink of this wine.”
Giannetto took some sweetmeats and drank of the wine, which was drugged to make him sleep, and he unwitting drank half a glass thereof, as it had the taste of good wine. Then he undressed and lay down on the bed,