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第111章

the decameron(十日谈)-第111章

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strongly back…ward; that breaking the reines of his bridle; he
laboured to escape from them。 But being beset on every side; and
utterly unable to helpe himself; he contended with his teeth and feete
in his owne defence; till they haled him violently to the ground;
and tearing his body in pieces; left not a jot of him but the bare
bones; and afterward ran ranging thorow the Forest。 At this sight;
poore Pedro was mightily dismaied; fearing to speed no better then his
Horse had done; and therefore could not devise what was best to be
done; for he saw no likelihood; of getting out of the Forest with
life。 But day…light drawing on apace; and he almost dead with cold;
having stood quaking so long in the Tree; at length by continuall
looking every where about him; to discerne the least glimpse of any
comfort; he espied a great fire; which seemed to be about halfe a mile
off from him。
  By this time it was broad day; when he descended downe out of the
Tree; (yet not without much feare) and tooke his way towards the fire;
where being arrived; he found a company of Shepheards banquetting
about it; whom he curteously saluting; they tooke pity on his
distresse; and welcommed him kindly。 After he had tasted of such
cheare as they had; and was indifferently refreshed by the good
fire; he discoursed his hard disasters to them; as also how he
happened thither; desiring to know; if any Village or Castle were
neere there about; where he might in better manner releeve himselfe。
The Shepheards told him; that about a mile and an halfe from thence;
was the Castle of Signior Liello di Campo di Fiore; and that his
Lady was residing there; which was no meane comfort to poore Pedro;
requesting that one of them would accompany him thither; as two of
them did in loving manner; to rid him of all further feares。
  When he was arrived at the Castle; and found there divers of his
familiar acquaintance: he laboured to procure some meanes; that the
Damosell might bee sought for in the Forrest。 Then the Lady calling
for her; and bringing her to him; he ran and caught her in his
armes; being ready to swoune with conceite of joy; for never could any
man be more comforted; then he was at the sight of his Angelina; and
questionlesse; her joy was not a jot inferiour to his; such a simpathy
of firme love was settled betweene them。 The Lady of the Castle; after
she had given them very gracious entertainment; and understood the
scope of their bold adventure; she reproved them both somewhat
sharpely; for presuming so farre without the consent of their Parents。
But perceiving (notwithstanding all her remonstrances) that they
continued still constant in their resolution; without any inequality
of either side; shee saide to her selfe。 Why should this matter be any
way offensive to me? They love each other loyally; they are not
inferiour to one another in birth; but in fortune; they are equally
loved and allied to my Husband; and their desire is both honest and
honorable。 Moreover; what know I; if it be the will of Heaven to
have it so? Theeves intended to hang him; in malice to his name and
kinred; from which hard fate he hath happily escaped。 Her life was
endangered by a sharpe pointed Javeline; and yet her fairer starres
would not suffer her so to perish: beside; they have both escaped
the fury of ravenous wild beasts; and all these are apparant signes;
that future comforts should recompence former passed misfortunes;
farre be it therefore from me; to hinder the appointment of the
Heavens。
  Then turning her selfe to them; thus she proceeded。 If your desire
be to joyne in honourable marriage; I am well contented therewith; and
your nuptials shall here be solemnized at my Husbands charges。
Afterward both he and I will endeavour; to make peace betweene you and
your discontented Parents。 Pedro was not a little joyfull at her kinde
offer; and Angelina much more then he; so they were married together
in the Castle; and worthily feasted by the Lady; as Forrest
entertainment could permit; and there they enjoyed the first fruits of
their love。 Within a short while after; the Lady and they (well
mounted on Horsebacke; and attended with an honourable traine)
returned to Rome; where her Lord Liello and she prevailed so well with
Pedroes angry Parents: that the variance ended in love and peace;
and afterward they lived lovingly together; till old age made them
as honourable; as their true and mutuall affection formerly had done。





                    THE FIFT DAY; THE FOURTH NOVELL

   DECLARING THE DISCREETE PROVIDENCE OF PARENTS; IN CARE OF THEIR
            CHILDRENS LOVE AND THEIR OWNE CREDIT; TO CUT OFF
           INCONVENIENCES; BEFORE THEY DO PROCEEDE TOO FARRE

  Ricciardo Manardy; was found by Messer Lizio da Valbonna; as he sate
fast asleepe at his Daughters Chamber window; having his hand fast
in hers; and she sleeping in the same manner。 Whereupon; they are
joyned together in marriage; and their long loyall love mutually
recompenced。

  Madam Eliza having ended her Tale; and heard what commendations
the whole company gave thereof; the Queene commanded Philostratus;
to tell a Novell agreeing with his owne minde; smiling thereat; thus
replyed。 Faire Ladies; I have bene so often checkt and snapt; for my
yesterdayes matter and argument of discoursing; which was both tedious
and offensive to you; that if I intended to make you any amends; I
should now undertake to tell such a Tale; as might put you into a
mirthfull humour。 Which I am determined to do; in relating a briefe
and pleasant Novell; not any way offensive (as I trust) but
exemplary for some good notes of observation。
  Not long since; there lived in Romania; a Knight; a very honest
Gentleman; and well qualified; whose name was Messer Lizio da
Valbonna; to whom it fortuned; that (at his entrance into age) by
his Lady and wife; called Jaquemina; he had a Daughter; the very
choycest and goodliest gentlewoman in all those places。 Now because
such a happy blessing (in their olde yeeres) was not a little
comfortable to them; they thought themselves the more bound in duty;
to be circumspect of her education; by keeping her out of
over…frequent companies; but onely such as agreed best with their
gravity; and might give the least ill example to their Daughter; who
was named Catharina; as making no doubt; but by this their provident
and wary respect; to match her in marriage answerable to their liking。
There was also a yong Gentleman; in the very flourishing estate of his
youthfull time; descended from the Family of the Manardy da
Brettinoro; named Messer Ricciardo; who oftentimes frequented the
House of Messer Lizio; and was a continuall welcome guest to his
Table; Messer Lizio and his wife making the like account of him;
even as if hee 'had' bene their owne Sonne。
  This young Gallant; perceiving the Maiden to be very beautifull;
of singular behaviour; and of such yeeres as was fit for marriage;
became exceeding enamoured of her; yet concealed his affection so
closely as he could; which was not so covertly carried; but that she
perceived it; and grew into as good liking of him。 Many times he had
an earnest desire to have conference with her; which yet still he
deferred; as fearing to displease her; at the length he lighted on
an apt opportunity; and boldly spake to her in this manner。 Faire
Catharina; I hope thou wilt not let me die for thy love? Signior
Ricciardo (replyed she suddenly againe) I hope you will extend the
like mercy to me; as you desire that I should shew to you。 This
answere was so pleasing to Messer Ricciardo; that presently he
saide。 Alas deare Love; I have dedicated all my fairest fortunes onely
to thy service; so that it remaineth soly in thy power to dispose of
me as best shall please thee; and to appoint such times of private
conversation; as may yeeld more comfort to my poore afflicted soule。
  Catharina standing musing awhile; at last returned him this answere。
Signio Ricciardo; quoth she; you see what a restraint is set on my
liberty; how short I am kept from conversing with any one; that I hold
this our enterparlance now almost miraculous。 But if you could
devise any conven

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