Then Pollione, ever travelling on, one day met in Verona a clever, bold-looking young man, who was playing marvellous juggler’s tricks in a public place. And, looking closely at one another, each recognised in his observer the wizard who knew hidden things.
“Let us go together,” said Pollione. “We shall do better by mutual aid.”
So they went into partnership.
One evening they found themselves in a castle, where the signore treated them very kindly; and this lord had a beautiful daughter, who looked at Pollione with long glances, nor were his at her one whit shorter.
But the father seemed to be dying with some great sorrow; and at last he said to Pollione:
“Thou art a gentleman, and a man who is learned in books and wise. It may be that thou canst give me good advice and save me. If thou canst, there is nothing of mine which I will not give thee. And this is the story:
“A year ago I was sent on State affairs to Constantinople, where the Sultan promised me that within a certain time he would send me a lion as a gift for our Grand Duke.
“And after I had returned to Italy I told the Duke of this, at which he was greatly pleased. But when the time had come to an end the lion did not arrive. Then several of the courtiers who were my envious enemies made the Duke believe that the tale of the lion was all a lie, and a mere boast of mine.
“Then the Duke said to me that if the lion did not arrive within six months I should lose my head, and the allotted time is nearly past.”
“I believe that I can save you,” replied Pollione. “I will do it, if only to please your daughter.”