But I wish they were in my possession.

I tell you, I would pay down half my fortune to have them, for they would bring me back four times as much within the year.

Half my fortune! And I am not poor, Zorzi." "Half your fortune ?" repeated Zorzi.

"That is a large sum, I imagine.
Pray, sir, how much might half your fortune be, in round numbers?
Ten thousand silver lires ?" "Silver!" sneered Giovanni contemptuously.
"Gold, then ?" suggested Zorzi, drawing him on.
"Gold?
Well--possibly," admitted Giovanni with caution.

"But of course I was exaggerating.