“Ah, here you are at last,” said he, seeing Vitalis come up.
“Yes,” said he, and uttering a cry of joy he fainted in the arms of Massaccio.
Massaccio sustained, assisted him, and brought him to himself; then, giving him his arm,—“Let us,” said he, “quit this forest”; but Vitalis could hardly walk,—he was exhausted with hunger.
“Eat this piece of bread,” said Massaccio, and he gave him some which he took out of his wallet.
“My benefactor, my savior, my good angel,” said Vitalis, “how can I ever sufficiently recompense you!”
“You have promised me a marriage portion for my bride, and your palace at Venice for myself,” said Massaccio. But Vitalis now began to regain his strength.
“Yes, certainly, I will give a portion to your wife, my dear Massaccio, and I will make you the richest peasant of your village. Where do you live?”
“At Capalatta in the forest; but I would willingly quit my village to establish myself at Venice in the palace you have promised me.”
“Here we are out of the forest,” said Vitalis; “I know my road now; thank you, Massaccio.”
“But when shall I come for my palace and the portion for my intended?” returned the peasant.