so in due time they betook them to rest; and at daybreak, being risen, they found, in lieu of their jaded nags, three stout and excellent palfreys, and in like manner fresh and goodly mounts for their servants.  Which Saladin marking turned to his lords, and:—­“By God,” quoth he, “never was gentleman more complete and courteous and considerate than this Messer Torello, and if the Christian kings are as kingly as he is knightly, there is none of them whose onset the Soldan of Babylon might well abide, to say nought of so many as we see making ready to fall upon him.”  However, knowing that ’twas not permissible to refuse, he very courteously thanked Messer Torello:  and so they got them to horse.  Messer Torello with a numerous company escorted them far beyond the gate of the city, until, loath though Saladin was to part from him, so greatly did he now affect him, yet as he must needs speed on, he besought him to turn back.  Whereupon, albeit it irked him to take leave of them:—­“Gentlemen,” quoth Messer Torello, “since such is your pleasure, I obey; but this I must say to you.  Who you are I know not, nor would I know more than you are pleased to impart; but whoever you may be, you will not make me believe that you are merchants this while; and so adieu!” To whom Saladin, having already taken leave of all his company, thus made answer:—­“Peradventure, Sir, we shall one day give you to see somewhat of our merchandise, and thereby confirm your belief:  and so adieu!”

Thus parted Saladin and his company from Messer Torello, Saladin burning with an exceeding great desire, if life should be continued to him, and the war, which he anticipated, should not undo him, to shew Messer Torello no less honour than he had received at his hands, and conversing not a little with his lords both of Messer Torello himself and of his lady, and all that he did and that in any wise concerned him, ever more highly commending them.  However, having with much diligence spied out all the West, he put to sea, and returned with his company to Alexandria; and having now all needful information, he put himself in a posture of defence.  Messer Torello, his mind full of his late guests, returned to Pavia; but, though he long pondered who they might be, he came never at or anywhere near the truth.

Then with great and general mustering of forces came the time for embarking on the emprise, and Messer Torello, heeding not the tearful entreaties of his wife, resolved to join therein.  So, being fully equipped and about to take horse, he said to his lady, whom he most dearly loved:—­“Wife, for honour’s sake and for the weal of my soul, I go, as thou seest, on this emprise:  our substance and our honour I commend to thy care.  Certain I am of my departure, but, for the thousand accidents that may ensue, certitude have I none of my return:  wherefore I would have thee do me this grace, that, whatever be my fate, shouldst thou lack certain intelligence that I live, thou wilt expect me a year and a month