Similarly I accepted
weapons, money, and a horse; and thus equipped, looking for the first time
in my life like a patrician of my own lofty station, I rode forth from
Monte Orsaro with Galeotto and Gervasio, attended by the former's troop of
twenty lances.
And from the moment of our setting out there came upon me a curious peace,
a happiness and a great sense of expectancy. No longer was I oppressed by
the fear of proving unworthy of the life which I had chosen--as had been
the case when that life had been monastic.
Galeotto was in high spirits to see me so blithe, and he surveyed with
pride the figure that I made, vowing that I should prove a worthy son of my
father ere all was done.
The first act of my new life was performed as we were passing through the
village of Pojetta.
I called a halt before the doors of that mean hostelry, over which hung
what no doubt would still be the same withered bunch of rosemary that had
been there in autumn when last I went that way.
To the sloe-eyed, deep-bosomed girl who lounged against the door-post to
see so fine a company ride by, I gave an order to fetch the taverner. He
came with a slouch, a bent back, and humble, timid eyes--a very different
attitude from that which he had last adopted towards me.
"Where is my mule, you rogue?" quoth I.
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