[1] This brusque change into the direct narration is characteristic of the Novellino. I have followed the original here, and elsewhere, where it has been possible as tending to preserve the quality of the quaint original. [↑]
[2] consigliatemi, a rather unusual form. [↑]
[3] The meaning may also be: he was so content. [↑]
[4] “and not sent me the sturgeon” is missing in some texts. Biagi gives the version as printed here. [↑]
XCII
Here it is told of a good woman who had made a fine pie
There was a woman who had made a fine eel pie,[1] and had put it in the cupboard. She saw a mouse enter by the window, attracted by the good smell. The woman called the cat, and put [[199]]it in the cupboard to catch the mouse. The mouse hid itself among the flour, and the cat ate the pie. When the woman opened the door the mouse jumped out.
And the cat, because it was satisfied, did not catch it.