Now fell it, that the masters of that sort Have shapen them 1443 to Romë for to wend, Were it for chapmanhood 1444 or for disport, None other message would they thither send, But come themselves to Rome, this is the end: And in such place as thought them ávantage For their intent, they took their herbergage. 1445

Sojourned have these merchants in that town A certain time as fell to their pleasance: And so befell, that th’ excellent renown Of th’ emperorë’s daughter, Dame Constance, Reported was, with every circumstance, Unto these Syrian merchants in such wise, From day to day, as I shall you devise 1446