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第108章

the decameron(十日谈)-第108章

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daughter。 Now; let it be thy part; during thy time of remaining with
her; to employ thy utmost diligence in pleasing her; by deserving
and gaining her grace; till heaven shall blesse thee with better
fortune: and as she promised; so she performed。
  The Sarazine Lady; being well stept into yeares; upon the
commendable speeches delivered by Carapresa; did the more seriously
fasten her eye on Constance; and compassion provoking her to teares;
she tooke her by the hand; and (in loving manner) kissed her
fore…head。 So she led her further into her house; where dwelt divers
other women (but not one man) all exercising themselves in severall
labours; as working in all sorts of silke; with Imbroideries of Gold
and Silver; and sundry other excellent Arts beside; which in short
time were very familiar to Constance; and so pleasing grew her
behaviour to the old Lady; and all the rest beside; that they loved
and delighted in her wonderfully; and (by little and little) she
attained to the speaking of their language; although it were very
harsh and difficult。
  Constance continuing thus in the old Ladies service at Susa; and
thought to be dead or lost in her owne Fathers house; it fortuned;
that one reigning then as King of Thunis; who named himselfe
Mariabdela: there was a young Lord of great birth; and very powerfull;
who lived as then in Granada; and pleaded that the Kingdome of
Thunis belonged to him。 In which respect; he mustred together a mighty
Army; and came to assault the King; as hoping to expell him。 These
newes comming to the eare of Martuccio Gomito; who spake the Barbarian
Language perfectly; and hearing it reported; that the King of Thunis
made no meane preparation for his owne defence: he conferred with
one of his keepers; who had the custody of him; and the rest taken
with him; saying: If (quoth he) I could have meanes to speake with the
King; and he were pleased to allow of my counsell; I can enstruct
him in such a course; as shall assure him to win the honor of the
field。 The Guard reported these speeches to his Master; who
presently acquainted the King therewith; and Martuccio being sent for;
he was commanded to speake his minde: Whereupon he began in this
manner。
  My gracious Lord; during the time that I have frequented your
countrey; I have heedfully observed; that the Militarie Discipline
used in your fights and battailes; dependeth more upon your Archers;
then any other men imployed in your war And therefore; if it could
be so ordered; that this kinde of Artillery may faile in your
enemies Campe; and yours be sufficiently furnished therewith; you
neede make no doubt of winning the battaile: whereto the King thus
replyed。 Doubtlesse; if such an act were possible to be done; it would
give great hope of successefull prevalling。 Sir; said Martuccio; if
you please it may be done; and I can quickly resolve you how。 Let
the strings of your Archers Bowes be made more soft and gentle; then
those which heretofore they have formerly used; and next; let the
nockes of the Arrowes be so provided; as not to receive any other;
then those pliant gentle strings。 But this must be done so secretly;
that your enemies may have no knowledge thereof; least they should
provide themselves in the same manner。 Now the reason (Gracious
Lord) why thus I counsell you; is to this end。 When the Archers on the
Enemies side have shot their Arrowes at your men; and yours in the
like maner at them: it followeth; that (upon meere constraint) they
must gather up your Arrowes; to shoote them backe againe at you; for
so long while as the battell endureth; as no doubt but your men wil do
the like to them。 But your enemies finde themselves much deceived;
because they can make no use of your peoples Arrowes; in regard that
the nockes are too narrow to receive their boystrous strings。 Which
will fall out contrary with your followers; for the pliant strings
belonging to your Bowes; are as apt for their enemies great nockt
Arrowes; as their owne; and so they shall have free use of both;
reserving them in plentifull store; when your adversaries must stand
unfurnished of any; but them that they cannot any way use。
  This counsell pleased the King very highly; and he being a Prince of
great understanding; gave order to have it accordingly followed; and
thereby valiantly vanquished his enemies。 Heereupon; Martuccio came to
be great in his grace; as also consequently rich; and seated in no
meane place of authority。 Now as worthy and commendable actions are
soone spread abroad; in honor of the man by whom they hapned: even
so the fame of this rare got victory; was quickly noysed throughout
the Countrey; and came to the hearing of poore Constance; that
Martuccio Gomito (whom she supposed so long since to be dead) was
living; and in honourable condition。 The love which formerly she
bare unto him; being not altogether extinct in her heart; of a small
sparke; brake forth into a sodaine flame; and so encreased day by day;
that her hope (being before almost quite dead) revived againe in
chearfull manner。
  Having imparted all her fortunes to the good old Lady with whom
she dwelt; she told her beside; that she had an earnest desire to
see Thunis; to satisfie her eyes as well as her eares; concerning
the rumor blazed abroad。 The good old Lady commended her desire; and
(even as if she had bene her Mother) tooke her with her aboord a
Barke; and so sayled thence to Thunis; where both she and Constance
found honourable welcome; in the house of a kinsman to the Sarazin
Lady。 Carapresa also went along with them thither; and her they sent
abroad into the City; to understand the newes of Martuccio Gomito。
After they knew for a certainty that he was living; and in great
authority about the King; according as the former report went of
him。 Then the good old Lady; being desirous to let Martuccio know;
that his faire friend Constance was come thither to see him; went
her selfe to the place of his abiding; and spake unto him in this
manner。 Noble Martuccio; there is a servant of thine in my house;
which came from Liparis; and requireth to have a little private
conference with thee: but because I durst not trust any other with the
message; my selfe (at her entreaty) am come to acquaint thee
therewith。 Martuccio gave her kinde and hearty thankes; and then
went along with her to the house。
  No sooner did Constance behold him; but she was ready to dye with
conceite of joy; and being unable to containe her passion: sodainely
she threw her armes about his necke; and in meere compassion of her
many misfortunes; as also the instant solace of her soule (not being
able to utter one word) the teares trickled abundantly downe her
cheekes。 Martuccio also seeing his faire friend; was overcome with
exceeding admiration; and stood awhile; as not knowing what to say;
till venting forth a vehement sighe; thus he spake。 My deerest love
Constance! Art thou yet living? It is a tedious long while since I
heard thou wast lost; and never any tydings knowne of thee in thine
owne Fathers house。 With which words; the teares standing in his eyes;
most lovingly he embraced her; Constance recounted to him all her
fortunes; and what kindnesse she had receyved from the Sarazine
Lady; since her first houre of comming to her。 And after much other
discourse passing betweene them; Martuccio departed from her; and
returning to the King his master; tolde him all the history of his
fortunes; and those beside of his Love Constance; being purposely
minded (with his gracious liking) to marry her according to the
Christian Law。
  The King was much amazed at so many strange accidents; and sending
for Constance to come before him; from her owne mouth he heard the
whole relation of her continued affection to Martuccio; whereupon
hee saide。 Now trust me faire Damosell; thou hast dearely deserved him
to be thy husband。 Then sending for very costly Jewels; and rich
presents; the one halfe of them he gave to her; and the other to
Martuccio; graunting them license withall; to marry according to their
owne mindes。
  Martuccio did many honors; and gave great gifts to the aged Sarazine
Lady; with whom Constance had lived so 

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