The tables being cleared, Messer Torello, surmising that they must be weary, kept them no long time from their rest, but bestowed them in most comfortable beds, and soon after went to rest himself.  Meanwhile the servant that he had sent to Pavia did his lord’s errand to the lady, who, in the style rather of a queen than of a housewife, forthwith assembled not a few of Messer Torello’s friends and vassals, and caused all meet preparation to be made for a magnificent banquet, and by messengers bearing torches bade not a few of the noblest of the citizens thereto; and had store of silken and other fabrics and vair brought in, and all set in order in every point as her husband had directed.  Day came, and the gentlemen being risen, Messer Torello got him to horse with them, and having sent for his hawks, brought them to a ford, and shewed them how the hawks flew.  By and by, Saladin requesting of him a guide to the best inn at Pavia:—­“I myself will be your guide,” returned Messer Torello, “for I have occasion to go thither.”  Which offer they, nothing doubting, did gladly accept, and so with him they set forth; and about tierce, being come to the city, and expecting to be directed to the best inn, they were brought by Messer Torello, to his own house, where they were forthwith surrounded by full fifty of the greatest folk of the city, gathered there to give the gentlemen a welcome; and ’twas who should hold a bridle or a stirrup, while they dismounted.  Whereby Saladin and his lords more than guessing the truth:—­“Messer Torello,” quoth they, “’twas not this that we craved of you.  Honour enough had we from you last night, and far in excess of our desires; wherefore thou mightst very well have left us to go our own road.”  Whereto:—­“Gentlemen,” replied Messer Torello, “for that which was done yestereve I have to thank Fortune rather than you:  seeing that Fortune surprised you on the road at an hour when you must needs repair to my little house:  for that which shall be done this morning I shall be beholden to you, as will also these gentlemen that surround you, with whom, if you deem it courteous so to do, you may refuse to breakfast, if you like.”

Fairly conquered, Saladin and his lords dismounted, and heartily welcomed by the gentlemen, were conducted to the chambers which had been most sumptuously adorned for their use; and having laid aside their riding dress, and taken some refreshment, repaired to the saloon, where all had been made ready with splendour.  There, having washed their hands, they sat them down to table, and were regaled with a magnificent repast of many courses, served with all stately and fair ceremony, insomuch that, had the Emperor himself been there, ’twould not have been possible to do him more honour.  And albeit Saladin and his lords were grandees and used to exceeding great displays of pomp and state, nevertheless this shewed to them as not a little marvellous, and one of the greatest they had ever seen, having regard to the quality of