Thus had my position grown steadily more bearable.

I was just a jester and no more, and so, in a measure--though I blush to say it--I grew content.

I gathered consolation from the fact that there were not any who now remembered the story of my coming to Pesaro, or who knew of the cowardliness I had been guilty of when I consented to mask myself in the motley and assume the name of Boccadoro.

I counted on the Lord Giovanni's generosity to let things continue thus, and, meanwhile, I provided for my mother out of the vails that were earned me by my shame.

But there came a day when Giovanni in evil wantonness of spirit chose to make merry at the Fool's expense.
"To be held up to scorn and ridicule is a part of the trade of such as I, and had it been just Boccadoro whom Giovanni had exposed to the derision of his Court, haply I had been his jester still.