made ready
all that behoved unto a magnificent banquet. Moreover, she let bid by
torchlight many of the noblest of the townfolk to the banquet and
bringing out cloths and silks and furs, caused throughly order that
which her husband had sent to bid her do. The day come, Saladin and
his companions arose, whereupon Messer Torello took horse with them
and sending for his falcons, carried them to a neighbouring ford and
there showed them how the latter flew; then, Saladin enquiring for
some one who should bring him to Pavia and to the best inn, his host
said, 'I will be your guide, for that it behoveth me go thither.' The
others, believing this, were content and set out in company with him
for the city, which they reached about tierce and thinking to be on
their way to the best inn, were carried by Messer Torello to his own
house, where a good half-hundred of the most considerable citizens
were already come to receive the stranger gentlemen and were
straightway about their bridles and stirrups. Saladin and his
companions, seeing this, understood but too well what was forward and
said, 'Messer Torello, this is not what we asked of you; you have done
enough for us this past night, ay, and far more than we are worth;
wherefore you might now fitly suffer us fare on our way.' 'Gentlemen,'
replied Messer Torello, 'for my yesternight's dealing with you I am
more indebted to fortune than to you, which took you on the road at an
hour when it behoved you come to my poor house; but of your this
morning's visit I shall be beholden to yourselves, and with me all
these gentlemen who are about you and to whom an it seem to you
courteous to refuse to dine with them, you can do so, if you will.'

Saladin and his companions, overcome, dismounted and being joyfully
received by the assembled company, were carried to chambers which had
been most sumptuously arrayed for them, where having put off their
travelling gear and somewhat refreshed themselves, they repaired to
the saloon, where the banquet was splendidly prepared. Water having
been given to the hands, they were seated at table with the goodliest
and most orderly observance and magnificently served with many viands,
insomuch that, were the emperor himself come thither, it had been
impossible to do him more honour, and albeit Saladin and his
companions were great lords and used to see very great things,
natheless, they were mightily wondered at this and it seemed to them
of the greatest