That was what Don Bempo was now considering, and what made him waver in
his first determination not to buy the fish.
There was only this one gigantic fish in the market; and, if he bought
it, Signor Gianettino, his enemy, of course, could not possess it; the
triumph of the day would then inure to the Spanish embassy, and Don
Bempo would come off conqueror. That was indeed a very desirable object,
but--twenty ducats was still an enormous price, and was not at all
reconcilable with the recommended economy.
At any rate he dared not buy the fish without first consulting the
major-domo of the duke.
"You will not, then, sell this fish for twelve ducats?" asked Don Bempo,
just as Gianettino had unnoticedly approached. "Reflect, man, twelve
ducats are a fortune--it is a princely payment!"
The fisherman contemptuously shook his head. "Rather than sell it for
twelve ducats I would eat it myself," said he, "and invite my friends,
these good Romans, as guests! Go, go, sublime Spanish Don, and buy
gudgeons for your pair of miserable ducats! Such a fish as this is too
dear for you; you Spanish gentlemen should buy gudgeons!"
"Bravo! bravo!" cried the laughing spectators. "Gudgeons for the Spanish
gentlemen with high-nosed faces and empty pockets!"
Don Bempo blushed with anger and wounded pride. "I shall unquestionably
buy this fish," said he, "for nothing is too dear for my master when the
honor of our nation is to be upheld. But you must allow me time to go
home and get the money from the major-domo. Keep the fish, therefore, so
long, and I will return with the twenty ducats for it."
And majestically Don Bempo made himself a path through the crowd, which
laughingly stepped aside for him, shouting: "Gudgeons for the Spanish
gentleman! Viva Don Bempo, who pays twenty ducats for a fish!"
"He will certainly not come back," said the fisherman, shaking his head.
"He goes to buy gudgeons!" cried another.
"What will you bet that he returns to buy the fish?" said a third.
"He will not buy it!" interposed a fourth. "These Spaniards have no
money; they are poor devils!"
"Who dares say that?" shrieked another, and now suddenly followed one of
those quarrels which are so quickly excited on the least occasion among
the passionate people of the south. There was much rage, abuse, and
noise. How flashed the eyes, how shook the fists, what threats resounded
there!
"Peace, my dear friends, be quiet, I tell you!" cried the fisherman,
with his stentorian voice. "See, there comes a new purchaser for my
fish. Be quiet, and let us see how much France is disposed to offer us."
The disturbance subsided as suddenly as it had arisen, and all pressed
nearer; all directed interrogating, curious, expectant glances at Signor
Gianettino, who just at that moment approached with a proud and grave
step, followed by the solemn train of six scullions with their baskets.