If 1296 was
the date of return, moreover, the six-and-twenty years assigned in the
preamble as the period of Marco's absence (p. 2) would be nearer
accuracy. For he left Venice in the spring or summer of 1271.
[23] Marco Barbaro, in his account of the Polo family, tells what seems to
be the same tradition in a different and more mythical version: -
"From ear to ear the story has past till it reached mine, that when
the three Kinsmen arrived at their home they were dressed in the most
shabby and sordid manner, insomuch that the wife of one of them gave
away to a beggar that came to the door one of those garments of his,
all torn, patched, and dirty as it was. The next day he asked his wife
for that mantle of his, in order to put away the jewels that were sewn
up in it; but she told him she had given it away to a poor man, whom
she did not know. Now, the stratagem he employed to recover it was
this. He went to the Bridge of Rialto, and stood there turning a
wheel, to no apparent purpose, but as if he were a madman, and to all
those who crowded round to see what prank was this, and asked him why
he did it, he answered: 'He'll come if God pleases.' So after two or
three days he recognised his old coat on the back of one of those who
came to stare at his mad proceedings, and got it back again. Then,
indeed, he was judged to be quite the reverse of a madman! And from
those jewels he built in the contrada of S. Giovanni Grisostomo a very
fine palace for those days; and the family got among the vulgar the
name of the Ca' Million, because the report was that they had jewels
to the value of a million of ducats; and the palace has kept that name
to the present day - viz., 1566." (Genealogies, MS. copy in Museo
Civico; quoted also by Baldelli Boni, Vita, p. xxxi.)
[24] The Will of the Elder Marco, to which we have several times referred,
is dated at Rialto 5th August, 1280.
The testator describes himself as formerly of Constantinople, but now
dwelling in the confine of S. Severo.
His brothers Nicolo and Maffeo, if at Venice, are to be his sole
trustees and executors, but in case of their continued absence he
nominates Jordano Trevisano, and his sister-in-law Fiordelisa of
the confine of S. Severo.
The proper tithe to be paid. All his clothes and furniture to be sold,
and from the proceeds his funeral to be defrayed, and the balance to
purchase masses for his soul at the discretion of his trustees.
Particulars of money due to him from his partnership with Donato
Grasso, now of Justinople (Capo d'Istria), 1200 lire in all.
(Fifty-two lire due by said partnership to Angelo di Tumba of S.
Severo.)
The above money bequeathed to his son Nicolo, living at Soldachia,
or failing him, to his beloved brothers Nicolo and Maffeo.
