_Messer Geri_ well noting his behaviour, and observing the verie same course in him two mornings together; on the third day (as he was drinking) he said unto him. Well done _Cistio_, what, is it good, or no? _Cistio_ starting up, forthwith replyed: Yes Sir, the wine is good indeed, but how can I make you to beleeve me, except you taste of it? _Messer Geri_, eyther in regard of the times quality, or by reason of his paines taken, perhaps more then ordinary, or else, because hee saw _Cistio_ had drunke so sprightly, was very desirous to taste of the Wine, and turning unto the Ambassadors, in merriment he saide. My Lords, me thinks it were not much amisse, if we tooke a taste of this honest mans Wine, perhaps it is so good, that we shall not neede to repent our labour.
Heereupon, he went with them to _Cistio_, who had caused an handsome seate to be fetched forth of his house, whereon he requested them to sit downe, and having commanded his men to wash cleane the Glasses, he saide. Fellowes, now get you gone, and leave me to the performance of this service; for I am no worse a skinker, then a Baker, and tarry you never so long, you shall not drinke a drop. Having thus spoken, himselfe washed foure or five small glasses, faire and new, and causing a Viall of his best wine to be brought him: hee diligently filled it out to _Messer Geri_ and the Ambassadours, to whom it seemed the very best Wine, that they had drunke of in a long while before. And having given _Cistio_ most hearty thankes for his kindnesse, and the Wine his due commendation: many dayes afterwardes (so long as they continued there) they found the like courteous entertainment, and with the good liking of honest _Cistio_.
But when the affayres were fully concluded, for which they were thus sent to _Florence_, and their parting preparation in due readinesse: _Messer Geri_ made a very sumptuous Feast for them, inviting thereto the most part of the honourablest Citizens, and _Cistio_ to be one amongst them; who (by no meanes) would bee seene in an assembly of such State and pompe, albeit he was thereto (by the saide _Messer Geri_) most earnestly entreated.
In regard of which deniall, _Messer Geri_ commaunded one of his servants, to take a small Bottle, and request _Cistio_ to fill it with his good Wine; then afterward, to serve it in such sparing manner to the Table, that each Gentleman might be allowed halfe a glasse-full at their down-sitting. The Serving-man, who had heard great report of the Wine, and was halfe offended, because he could never taste thereof: tooke a great Flaggon Bottle, containing foure or five Gallons at the least, and comming there-with unto _Cistio_, saide unto him. _Cistio_, because my Master cannot have your companie among his friends, he prayes you to fill this Bottle with your best Wine. _Cistio_ looking uppon the huge Flaggon, replied thus. Honest Fellow, _Messer Geri_ never sent thee with such a Message to me: which although the Servingman very stoutly maintained, yet getting no other answer, he returned backe therewith to his Master.