and would never suffer her to speak a word, until she was first seated beside him.  She began her speech in this manner:  ’My lord, the grace which God did me, at the taking of this town, in directing you to this our house, was not less than the saving to me of my husband’s life, and my own, and my two daughters’, together with their honor, which they ought to hold dearer still.  And more, from the time that you arrived here, there hath not been done to me, or to the least of my people, a single insult, but all courtesy; and there hath not been taken by your folks of the goods they found here the value of a farthing without paying for it.  My lord, I am well aware that my husband, and I, and my children, and all of this household are your prisoners, for to do with and dispose of at your good pleasure, as well as the goods that are herein; but, knowing the nobleness of your heart, I am come for to entreat you right humbly that it may please you to have pity upon us, extending your wonted generosity.  Here is a little present we make you; you will be pleased to take it in good part.’  Then she took the box which the servitor was holding, and opened it before the good knight, who saw it full of beautiful ducats.  The gentle lord, who never in his life made any case of money, burst out laughing, and said, ‘Madam, how many ducats are there in this box?’ The poor soul was afraid that he was angry at seeing so few, and said to him, ’My lord, there are but two thousand five hundred ducats; but, if you are not content, we will find a larger sum.’  Then said he, ’By my faith, madam, though you should give me a hundred thousand crowns, you would not do so well towards me as you have done by the good cheer I have had here, and the kind tendance you have given me; in whatsoever place I may happen to be, you will have, so long as God shall grant me life, a gentleman at your bidding.  As for your ducats, I will none of them; and yet I thank you; take them back; all my life I have always loved people much better than crowns.  And think not in any wise that I do not go away as well pleased with you as if this town were at your disposal, and you had given it to me.’

“The good lady was much astounded at finding herself put off.  ‘My lord,’ said she, ’I should feel myself forever the most wretched creature in the world, if you did not take away with you so small a present as I make you, which is nothing in comparison with the courtesy you have shown me heretofore, and still show me now by your great kindness.’  When the knight saw her so firm, he said to her, ’Well, then, madam, I will take it for love of you; but go and fetch me your two daughters, for I would fain bid them farewell.’  The poor soul, who thought herself in paradise, now that her present was at last accepted, went to fetch her daughters, the which were very fair, good, and well educated, and had afforded the good knight much pastime during his illness, for right well could they sing and play