I have heard (quoth _Bruno_) of such an experiment, and helde it to be infallible; but it extendeth onely unto persons of Gentilitie, whereof there are but few dwelling heere about, and in the case of stealing a Brawne, it is doubtfull to invite them, neither can there be any certainty of their comming. I confesse what you say, aunswered _Buffalmaco_, to be very true: but then in this matter, so nerely concerning us to be done, and for a deare Friend, what is your advice? I would have Pilles made of Ginger, compounded with your best and strongest _Malmesey_,** then let the ordinary sort of people be invited (for such onely are most to be mistrusted) and they will not faile to come, because they are utterly ignorant of our intention. Besides, the Pilles may as well bee hallowed and consecrated, as bread and cheese on the like occasion. Indeede you say true (replyed _Buffalmaco_) but what is the opinion of _Calandrino_? Is he willing to have this tryall made, or no? Yes, by all meanes, answered _Calandrino_, for gladly I would know who hath stolne my Brawne, and your good words have (more then halfe) comforted me already in this case. Well then (quoth _Bruno_) I will take the paines to go to _Florence_, to provide all things necessarie for this secret service; but I must bee furnished with money to effect it. _Calandrino_ had some forty shillings then about him, which he delivered to _Bruno_, who presently went to _Florence_, to a frend of his an Apothecarie, of whom he bought a pound of white Ginger, which hee caused him to make uppe in small Pilles: and two other beside of a Dogges-dates or Dowsets, confected all over with strong Aloes, yet well moulded in Sugare, as all the rest were: and because they should the more easily bee knowne from the other, they were spotted with Gold, in verie formall and Physicall manner. He bought moreover, a big Flaggon of the best Malmesey, returning backe with all these things to _Calandrino_, and directing him in this order. You must put some friend in trust, to invite your Neighbours (especially such as you suspect) to a breakfast in the morning: and because it is done as a feast in kindnesse, they will come to you the more willingly. This night will I and _Buffalmaco_ take such order, that the Pilles shall have the charge imposed on them, and then wee will bring them hither againe in the morning: and I my selfe (for your sake) will deliver them to your guests, and performe whatsoever is to bee sayde or done. On the next morning, a goodly company being assembled, under a faire Elme before the Church; as well young _Florentynes_ (who purposely came to make themselves merry) as neighbouring Husbandmen of the Village: _Bruno_ was to begin the service, with the Pils in a faire Cup, and _Buffalmaco_ followed him with another Cup, to deliver the wine out of the Flaggon, all the company beeing set round, as in a circle; and _Bruno_ with _Buffalmaco_ being in the midst of them, _Bruno_ thus spake.