It would never have sorted with my inclinations to have turned man-at-arms.
This ring, Madonna, that once has served you, I beg that you will keep, for it may serve you again." "I could not, Lazzaro! I could not!" she exclaimed, recoiling, yet without any show of deeming presumptuous my words or of being offended by them.
"If you would make me the reward that you say I have earned, you will do this for me.

It will make me happier, Madonna.

Take it"-- I thrust it into her unwilling hand--"and if ever you should need me send it back to me.

That ring and the name of the place where you abide by the lips of the messenger you choose, and with a glad heart, as fast as horse can bear me, shall I ride to serve you once again." "In such a spirit, yes," said she.

"I take it willingly, to treasure it as a buckler against danger, since by means of it I can bring you to my aid in time of peril." "Madonna, do not overestimate my powers," I besought her.