And so in their meeting-place they had a bench for three, and more could not be seated thereon, and no one dared to seat himself there for fear of their truculence.
And although Messer Polo was their superior and in other things, they were obedient to his commands, yet in that desirable place he did not dare to sit. They admitted, however, that he was the first lord of Romagna and the one who came nearest of all to making a fourth in their company.
What did the three knights do, seeing that [[111]]Messer Polo was pressing them hard? They walled up half the door of their palace so that he could not enter[2]. For the man was of a very stout build. Not being able to enter, he undressed and went in in his shirt.
When they heard him, they got into their beds, and had themselves covered up as though they were ill.
Messer Polo, who had thought to find them at table, discovered them in bed. He comforted them, and interrogated them, and inquired as to their ailments, and perceiving everything, took his leave and went away.
The knights said: this is no joke!
They went to the village of one of their number where he had a beautiful little castle with moats and a draw-bridge.
They decided to winter there. One day Messer Polo went thither with a numerous company, and when they wanted to enter, the three knights raised the bridge. Say what they would, they did not succeed in entering.
So they went away. [[112]]
When the winter had passed, the knights returned to the city.