And what more she would have added I put off by urging her to mount.
Sitting the man's saddle as best she might--well enough, indeed, to fill us all with surprise and admiration--she took her leave of me with pretty words of thanks, which again I interrupted.
"You have but to follow the road," said I, "and it will bring you straight to Cagli.

The distance is a short league, and you should come there safely.

Farewell, Madonna!" "May I not know," she asked at parting, "the name of him that has so generously befriended me ?" I hesitated a second.

Then--"They call me Boccadoro," answered I.
"If your mouth be as truly golden as your heart, then are you well-named," said she.

Then, gathering her mantle about her, and waving me farewell, she rode off without so much as a glance at the cowardly hinds who had failed her in the hour of her need.
A moment I stood watching her as she cantered away in the sunshine; then stepping to the litter, I vaulted in.
"Now, rogues," said I to the escort, "strike me that road to Fabriano." "I know you not, sir," protested Giacopo.