The house grew apace, and became passing rich.
And this tale is told, and it is true. For there they have this custom that whenever any gentleman passes with a great quantity of chattels they invite him, and show him honour.
And the Abbess and the sisters come out to meet him, and after some conversation[1] whichever he likes best, serves him and accompanies him to board and to bed.
In the morning, when he rises, he finds water and fine linen, and when he has washed, she prepares a needle for him with a silk thread, and he must pass the thread through the eye of the needle, and if at the third trial he finds he cannot succeed, then the women deprive him of all his chattels, and give him nothing back.
And if at the third trial, he threads the needle, they give him back his arms, and present him with beautiful jewels. [[146]]
[1] Orig.: in sul donneare. The meaning is uncertain. The tale is of course to be found in the Decameron, IV, 9. [↑]