who was returning home after a course of study at Bologna.
The host when he heard this did them great reverence, and while the doctor of laws sat at table he inquired of the host in what fashion the city of Venice was governed. Whereupon the host replied, “Messere, we make too much of justicehere.”
When the doctor inquired how this could be, the host went on to say, “I will tell you how, Messere. Once there came hither from Florence a youth whose name was Giannetto. He came to reside with his godfather, who was called Messer Ansaldo. And so gracious and courteous did he show himself to everyone, that all the ladies of Venice, and the gentlemen as well, held him very dear. Never before had there come to our city so seemly a youth. Now this godfather of his fitted out for him, on three different occasions, three ships, all of great value. And every time disaster befell his venture. But for the equipment of the last ship Messer Ansaldo had not money enough, so he had perforce to borrow ten thousand ducats of a certain Jew upon these terms, to wit, that if by the day of San Giovanni in the following June he should not have repaid the debt, the Jew aforesaid should be free to cut away, from whatever part of his body he would, a pound of flesh. Now this much desired youth has returned from his last voyage. And, in lieu of the ten thousand ducats, has offered to give a hundred thousand. But this villainous Jew will not accept them. So all our excellent citizens are come hither to entreat him, but all their prayers profit nothing.”