صفحة 519 من 1118

And then, if there is no bread, you and I can eat meat; God has

given me wealth I tell you. Now I will conduct you to my patron.

I have often spoken of you to him; he will make you welcome. He

is a native of Bergamo, a man of an excellent disposition. 'Tis

true, he did not expect you at this time, but when he learns your

story-And then he knows how to value skilful workmen, because

scarcity lasts but a little while, and business must finally go

on.-But I must hint to you one thing; do you know what name they

give to us Milanese in this country?"

"What name they give us?"

"They call us simpletons."[29]

[29] Baggiani.

"That is certainly not a very agreeable name."

"What matters it? Whoever is born in the territory of Milan, and

would gain his living in that of Bergamo, must put up with it. As

to the people here, they call a Milanese a simpleton as freely as

they call a gentleman sir."

"They say so, I suppose, to those who will suffer it."