Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/75

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FRIENDSHIP.
51

him money enough to effect it; as he knew no person, and had no security to offer but his own honour." They were so sensibly touched with his greatness of soul, that one of them took him to his house, clothed him in new apparel, gave him the money, and, embracing him, sent him away joyful.

Early in the morning he walked out of the city, and gathered the most beautiful flowers then in season, with herbs of the strongest fragrance; and causing his friend to be put into a case of lead, he covered him with them. He watched all day by his side, and in the evening, when the ship was ready, kissed his lips, and he was enclosed from his sight for ever. At night he went aboard with a bursting heart.

When he reached England, he gathered their mutual friends, and caused him to be buried under a yew tree in the churchyard of the village where he was born. After resting some days, he returned to Florence, and laboured with his hands till the debt was paid.