THE SIENESE HILLS to THE SAGREDO ESTATE
1726
XXXIX
Il Croco, the flower, established San Gimignano"s early strength. Even though the trade for saffron died a while ago, there is still evidence of the Crocus Sativus in the valley. The phantoms of the lost trade are there in the reds and purples and in the texture and breath of the valley. What stories that breath could tell if we knew how to listen. It would tell us of the colours of love and how love transmutes into gold. I often walk into the valley and up the hill to the town. I visit the convent there. I pray. I wish for the power of saffron to heal me. And him. I feel very close to Orlando within the reach of the towers, as though he were one of the towers. [Antonia, 1746]
“Orlando, settle yourself. Everything will work out well. S
