Presently I will go to the tavern of the 'Silver Dice.' I will play at first with a few farthings, then for white pieces, at last for florins and even crowns! This time I will stop playing as soon as my pocket is full of money.

Then at least I will send something to my poor mother.

In what condition is she now?
Perhaps she no longer lives on earth; that would be better for her.

Poor and blind, and her only dependence a son who must conceal his true name in order to escape the gallows; a gambler, drunkard--in a word, a real jail-bird! Yes, if fortune favors me, I will send her something.

The signor promised me to have it conveyed to Lucca.