The doctor of laws replied, “I cannot visit you as you desire, seeing that I have other business in hand. But, since you tell me that your wife is so virtuous a lady, salute her on my behalf when you seeher.”
Messer Giannetto declared that he would not fail to do this, but he still urged the doctor to accept the money as a gift.
While they were thus debating the doctor espied upon Messer Giannetto's hand a ring, and said, “I would fain have that ring of yours, but money of any sort I will not take.”
Messer Giannetto answered, “It shall be as you wish, but I give you this ring somewhat unwillingly, for my wife gave me the same, saying that I must always keep it out of love for her. Now, were she to see me without the ring, she would deem that I had given it to some other woman, and would be angry with me, and believe I had fallen in love otherwhere, but in sooth I love her better than I love myself.”
The doctor replied, “Certes, if she loves you as much as you say, she will believe you when you tell her that you gave it to me. But perchance you want to give it to some old sweetheart of yours here inVenice.”
Messer Giannetto answered, “So great are the love and the trust I have for her, that there is not a lady in the world for whom I would exchange her, so consummately fair is she in every sense.” And with these words he drew from his finger the ring, which he gave to the doctor. And they embraced each other, saluting with duerespect.