Page:The Pentamerone, or The Story of Stories.djvu/342

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THE PENTAMERONE.

which he bore to the mountain of designs, and when it reached the top rolled over and over to the bottom. At length however, after a thousand entreaties, Milluccio told his brother all about his love; whereupon Jennariello comforted him as much as he could, and bade him be of good cheer, and not give way to an unhappy passion; for that he was resolved, in order to satisfy him, to go all the world over until he found a woman the counterpart of that stone.

Then instantly fitting out a large ship, filled with merchandize, and dressing himself like a merchant, he sailed for Venice, the wonder of Italy, the receptacle of virtuous men, the great book of the marvels of art and nature; and having procured there a safe-conduct to pass to the Levant, he set sail for Cairo. When he arrived there, and entered the city, he saw a man who was carrying a most beautiful falcon; and Jennariello at once purchased it, to take to his brother, who was a sportsman. Soon afterwards he met another man, with a splendid horse, which he also bought; whereupon he went to an inn, to refresh himself after the fatigues he had suffered at sea.

The following morning, when the army of the Stars at the command of the general of the Light, strikes the tents in the camp of the sky, and abandons the post, Jennariello set out to wander through the city,