Page "Fortunatus" Paragraph 2

The tale follows the life of a young man named Fortunatus from relative obscurity through his adventures towards fame and fortune ; it subsequently follows the careers of his two sons.

Fortunatus was a native, says the story, of Famagusta in Cyprus, and meeting the goddess of Fortune in a forest received from her a purse which was continually replenished as often as he drew from it.

With this he wandered through many lands, and at Cairo was the guest of the sultan.

Among the treasures which the sultan showed him was an old napless hat which had the power of transporting its wearer to any place he desired.

Of this hat, he feloniously possessed himself and returned to Cyprus, where he led a luxurious life.

On his death he left the purse and the hat to his sons Ampedo and Andelosia ; but they were jealous of each other, and by their recklessness and folly soon fell on evil days.