saw with what dexterity he led the dance, and how he always wore a merry face as if he had been the son of some great lord.
When it seemed to her time to retire, the lady took Giannetto by the hand and said, “Let us go to bed.”
And when they had gone into the chamber, and had disposed themselves to rest, two damsels came with wine and sweetmeats, whereof they ate and drank, and then went to bed. Giannetto fell asleep as soon as he lay down; whereupon the lady undressed and placed herself beside him, but he did not awake from sleep all night.
As soon as it was day the lady arose and bade them quickly unload the vessel. And when it was nine o'clock Giannetto awoke. But on seeking for the lady, he could not find her. Then he lifted up his head and perceived that it was broad day. So he got up, covered with disgrace, and once more they gave him a horse and money for the journey, and said, “Go your way.” And he departed full of shame andsorrow.
He journeyed for many days without halt till he came to Venice, and there he went by night to the house of his friend, who, when he saw him, was hugely amazed and said, “Alas! And what can thismean?”
Giannetto replied, “I am in evil case. Accursed be the fortune which led me into that land!”
His friend replied, “Certes, you may well miscall your fortune, since you have ruined Messer Ansaldo, the greatest and the richest of our Christian merchants; but still your shame is worse than his loss.”
Giannetto lay hid some days in his friend's house,knowingnotwhattosayordo,andalmost