own self. And they made high festival with jousting, and sword-play, and dancing, and singing, in which all the barons and ladies present at the court tookpart.
When Messer Giannetto perceived that his wife did not welcome him with that good humor which was her wont, he went into the chamber, and, having called her, asked her what was amiss, and offered to embrace her.
But she said, “I want no caresses of yours, for I am well assured that you have met some old sweetheart of yours at Venice.”
Messer Giannetto began to protest. Whereupon the lady cried, “Where is the ring I gave you?”
Messer Giannetto answered, “That which I thought would happen has indeed come to pass, for I said you must needs think evil of what I did. But I swear to you, by the faith I have in God and in your- self, that I gave the ring to that doctor of laws who helped me win the suit against theJew.”
The lady said, “And I swear to you, by the faith I have in God and in you, that you gave it to a woman. I am sure of this, and you are not ashamed to swear as you have sworn.”
Messer Giannetto went on, “I pray that God may strike me dead if I do not speak the truth. Moreover, I spake as I told you to the doctor when he begged the ring of me.”
The lady replied, “You had better abide henceforth in Venice, and leave Messer Ansaldo here, while you take your pleasure with your wantons. In sooth, I hear they all wept when you left them.”