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VARDIELLO.
49
the mother rich, and the mother's wit found a remedy for the foolishness of the son: whereby it is clearly seen that
"A ship when steered by a skilful hand
Will seldom strike upon rock or sand."
The Prince and the Slave laughed till they were ready to burst at Vardiello's stupidity, and praised the cleverness of his mother, who had the wit to foresee and provide against his folly. But when all the others had turned the key on their chattering, Popa, being requested to tell a story, began as follows.
