upon the Jew, saying, “This fellow thought to play a trick, and see he is tricked himself.”
Then the Jew, seeing that he could not have his will, took his bonds and cut them in pieces in his rage. Whereupon Messer Ansaldo was at once set free and led with the greatest rejoicing to Messer Giannetto's house.
Next Giannetto took the hundred thousand ducats and went to the doctor, whom he found in his chamber making ready to depart, and said, “Messere, you have done me the greatest service I have ever known, and for this reason I would that you take with you this money, which, certes, you have wellearned.”
The doctor replied, “Messer Giannetto, I thank you heartily. But as I have no need of the money, keep it yourself, so that your wife may not charge you with wasting yoursubstance.”
Messer Giannetto answered, “By my faith, she is so generous and kindly and good, that, even were I to lavish four times the money I have here, she would not complain. In sooth, she was fain that I should take with me a much greater sum than this.”
The doctor inquired whether Giannetto were contented with this wife of his.
And Giannetto replied, “There is no one God ever made who is so dear to me as she is; she is so prudent and so fair that nature could not possibly excel her. Now, if you will do me the favor to come and visit me, and see her, I think you will be amazed at the honorable reception she will give you, and you can see for yourself whether or not she is all that I now tellyou.”