THE FOOL ERRANT - World eBook Library - World Public Library

Ducal Court, authorising him to use all diligence and spare no expense in finding Francis-Antony Strelley of Upcote Esquire,
wherever he might be in Italy; and with further authority to secure honour for his drafts upon the banking-house of Peruzzi in
Florence to the extent of five hundred pounds sterling.
2. A letter to the said Sir John Macartney from Mr. Simcoe of Gray's Inn Square, announcing the death of my father, Antony
Strelley Esquire.
3. A letter addressed to me by my honoured, dear and now widowed mother.
Over these documents—especially the last two of them—and my mournful reflections upon them, I draw that veil, which no one
who has been a bad but repentant son to a saintly parent, will ever ask me to lift up.
My first desire was to be rid of Palamone, my next to think. I turned shortly on the frate.
"I am obliged to you for your diligence in my affairs," I said to him, "though I don't understand how you procured the means of
using it. However, as you seem willing to serve me, you will have the goodness to ride on to Sinalunga and buy me three horses,
two suits of clothes, with riding-boots and cloaks for each; body linen sufficient for two persons, valises and whatever else may
be necessary—all being duplicates, remember. The whole of these necessaries you will bring back to that house which you see
in the valley, together with a proper supply of ready money, within three hours of this. Now be off."
It was his turn to salute me now, and for him to say, "Servo suo."
I found Belviso helping Filippa, the daughter of the house, to milk the goats, and when he had done, drew him apart and told
him my news. He received it gravely, without surprise. "Don Francis," he said, "what do you expect of me, except 'Of course!'
It did not need much penetration on my part to see that you were a signorino. The whole of our company knew it. As far as I
am concerned, it only makes your goodness to me the more inexplicable, while it perfectly explains my willingness to serve you;
and since you have added condescension to charity I am the more sincerely grateful. As you will now wish to be rid of me, I
can assure you that I am strong enough to stand alone. I believe that I shall make my way in the world by honest courses in the
future; but I shall never cease to bless your name."
"Belviso," I said, "as to leaving me, that is your affair, for I tell you that the separation will never spring from me. We have been
brothers in misery, and may be no less so in good fortune. At any rate, I shall not leave you to this life of a beast. Come with me
to Arezzo, and after that to Florence. Then we will talk of all our businesses, and hear what Virginia has to say."
He looked serious. "Ah," he said, "I know beforehand what your Virginia will say. She will say as I do. I will follow you to the
gates of Heaven or Hell, Don Francis, but only in one capacity!"
I said, "There is only one possible capacity."
"I know that very well," replied the boy. "We agree to that point, but differ beyond it."
"What do you mean?" I asked him, puzzled.
He was very serious, and said, "Don Francis, if I go with you from this place, I go as your servant, and in no other fashion." To
that I said, "Never," and invoked the aid of Heaven. Shrugging, he turned away, saying, "As you will. Then it is farewell,
padrone."
"You will make me angry," I said; and he answered, "It is your right."
"My right, is it?" said I. "If so, then, I command you."
"What!" he exclaimed. "You command me to be your brother? Dear sir!"
At this I became angry in good earnest, and showed it very plainly. He was extremely patient under it, but equally firm. He said,
"Don Francis, your generosity has gone near to be your ruin, because, though it would be good logic in Heaven, we are not
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