The wealthy Theobaldo was now standing in his great vaulted warehouse, with many clerks, servants, and customers, around him, ruling like a petty prince, even by signs and single words, over all the business of the day, and yet not disdaining to put his own hand to the work in cases of necessity. Thus, on Otto’s arrival, he was employed in measuring out some pieces of very rich gold embroidered cloth; on completing which, he perceived the knight, without recognising him in his black armour, for Otto had pulled down his visor. Notwithstanding this, Theobaldo felt attracted by him, like iron by the magnet; for there was indeed a share of iron (if one may so speak) in the courageous heart of the merchant. “Have you any commands, noble sir?” said he to the youth; “if so, please to inform me, and you shall be served before all other customers.” Hereupon Otto threw open his visor, and the merchant started back with astonishment and admiration. “Good Heaven!” cried he, “how much nobler and more dignified are your looks now than even yesterday! and must I thus appear before you with the pitiful measuring rod in my hand?” Therewith he threw away the despised implement with such force, that it struck against a pillar, and broke into a hundred pieces, though as it was made of ivory and gold; the attendants thought it could never have been their master’s design to destroy it in such manner. They therefore ran and picked up the fragments, anxiously informing him, that it would be very possible to have it again repaired, and made as good as ever. The merchant, however, took no notice of these words, but hastily led the knight up stairs into his house.