The Earl hearing that the two horses had been bought out of his hands, grew angry, and sent to the innkeeper to be informed who he was—The Earl being told he was a stranger, commanded him to be apprehended, imagining he had committed some robbery, and being examined who he was, answered, He was born in Cyprus, and was the son of a decayed gentleman. The Earl asked him how he got so much money? He told him he came by it honestly—Then the Earl swore in a violent passion, that if he would not discover, he would put him to the rack.—Fortunatus proposed to die rather than reveal it.—Upon this he was put upon the rack, and being again asked how he got so many crowns, he said he found them in a wood adjoining.—Thou villain, said the Earl the money found is mine, and thy body and goods are forfeited. O, my gracious Lord, said he, I knew not it was in your jurisdiction—But said the Earl, this shall not excuse you, for to day I will take thy goods, and tomorrow thy life.
Then did Fortunatus wish he had chose Wisdom before Riches.
Then Fortunatus earnestly begged his life of the Earl, who at the entreaty of some of his nobles spared his life and restored him the crowns and the purse, and charged him never to come into his jurisdiction—Fortunatus rejoiced that he had so well escaped, and had not lost his Purse.
After that he had travelled towards his own country, having got horses and servants to attend him, he arrived at Famagosta, where it was told him that his father and mother were dead. He then purchased his fathers house, and pulled it down, and built a stately palace. He also built a fine Church, and had three tombs made, one for his father and mother, the other for the wife which he intended to marry, and the last for his heirs and himself.
Chap. 6.
Of Fortunatus's Marriage with Lord Nemains
youngest Daughter.
Not far from Famagosta lived a Lord who had three daughters; one of which the King of Cyprus intended to bestow on Fortunatus: but gave him leave to take his choice. When Fortunatus had asked them some questions, he chose the youngest, to the great grief of the other two sisters; but the Countess and Earl approved the match. Fortunatus presented the Countess her mother, and her two sisters, with several rich jewels.
Then did the King proffer to keep the wedding at his court, but Fortunatus desired to keep it at his own palace, desiring the King and Queen's Company—Then said the King, I'll come with my Queen and all my relations—After four days the King and all his Company went to Fortunatus's house where they were entertained in a grand manner. His house was adorned with costly furniture, glorious to behold. This feasting lasted forty days. Then the king returned to his Court, vastly well satisfied with the entertainment.—After this, Fortunatus made another feast for the citizens, their wives and daughters.
Chap. 7.
Of Fortunatus having two Sons by his Wife.
Fortunatus and his Wife Cassandra lived long in a happy state, and found no want of any thing but Children; and he knew the virtues of his purse would fail at his death, if he had no lawfully begotten heirs; therefore he made it constantly the petition in his prayers to God, that he would be pleased to send him an heir; and at length, in due time his lady brought forth a son, and he named him Ampedo. Shortly after she had another son, for whom he provided the best of tutors to take care they had an education suitable to their fortunes.