Page:The Song of the Sirens.djvu/340

 among them. Be content with what you find, Messer Melozzo. There is a duke's ransom on that tray."

Melozzo chose a high filigree comb set with rubies and emeralds, a sort of diadem that matched it, bracelets the gold of which was almost hidden among the sapphires they carried, and a belt on which turquoises and sapphires cut flat and set deep, alternated, close together, with little gold showing between and around them.

When he had loaded Fabrizia with all she could wear at once he said:

"I have chosen, Messer Bauro."

Bauro dismissed the pages.

When they were gone he said:

"Ask your wife to stand up, that we may judge of the effect." When Fabrizia had turned round he asked:

"Are you proud of her, Messer Melozzo?"

"The archangels in heaven," Melozzo replied, vehemently, "are not so proud of the Madonna."

"Are you tired of her yet, Messer Melozzo?" Bauro went on. "Do you find matrimony tedious? Have you been married too long?"

Melozzo swore aloud, a solemn oath.

"By all that and more," he said, "no man would ever weary of Fabrizia. A thousand years would be too short a time in which to enjoy Fabrizia."