SO the Governor came to see me. Two days before he had been made Bishop
of Jesi; [1] and when he entered he said: “Friend Benvenuto, although my
office is wont to frighten men, I come to set your mind at rest, and to
do this I have full authority from his holiness’ own lips, who told me
how he also escaped from Sant’ Angelo, but had many aids and much
company, else he would not have been able to accomplish it. I swear by
the sacraments which I carry on my person (for I was consecrated Bishop
two days since) that the Pope has set you free and pardoned you, and is
very sorry for your accident. Attend to your health, and take all things
for the best; for your imprisonment, which you certainly underwent
without a shadow of guilt, will have been for your perpetual welfare.
Henceforward you will tread down poverty, and will have to go back to
France, wearing out your life in this place and in that. Tell me then
frankly how the matter went, and who rendered you assistance; afterwards
take comfort, repose, and recover.” I began at the beginning, and
related the whole story exactly as it had happened, giving him the most
minute countersigns, down to the water-carrier who bore me on his back.
When the Governor had heard the whole, he said: “Of a surety these are
too great exploits for one man alone; no one but you could have
performed them.” So he made me reach my hand forth, and said: “Be of
good courage and comfort your heart, for by this hand which I am holding
you are free, and if you live, shall live in happiness.” While thus
conversing with me, he had kept a whole heap of great lords and noblemen
waiting, who were come to visit me, saying one to the other: “Let us go
to see this man who works miracles.” So, when he departed, they stayed
by me, and one made me offers of kindness, and another made me presents.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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