贝壳电子书 > 英文原著电子书 > the decameron(十日谈) >

第121章

the decameron(十日谈)-第121章

小说: the decameron(十日谈) 字数: 每页4000字

按键盘上方向键 ← 或 → 可快速上下翻页,按键盘上的 Enter 键可回到本书目录页,按键盘上方向键 ↑ 可回到本页顶部!
————未阅读完?加入书签已便下次继续阅读!



  A most magnificent dinner had Anastasio provided; and the tables
were covered under the Pine…trees; where he saw the cruell Lady so
pursued and slaine: directing the guests so in their seating; that the
yong Gentlewoman his unkinde Mistresse; sate with her face opposite
unto the place; where the dismall spectacle was to be seene。 About the
closing up of dinner; they beganne to heare the noise of the poore
prosecuted Woman; which drove them all to much admiration; desiring to
know what it was; and no one resolving them; they arose from the
Tables; and looking directly as the noise came to them; they espyed
the wofull Woman; the Dogges eagerly pursuing her; and the armed
Knight on horsebacke; gallopping fiercely after them with his drawne
weapon; and came very nere unto the company; who cryed out with lowd
exclaimes against the dogs and the Knight; stepping forth in
assistance of the injured woman。
  The Knight spake unto them; as formerly he had done to Anastasio;
(which made them draw backe; possessed with feare and admiration)
acting the same cruelty as he did the Friday before; not differing
in the least degree。 Most of the Gentlewomen there present; being
neere allyed to the unfortunate Woman; and likewise to the Knight;
remembring well both his love and death; did shed teares as
plentifully; as if it had bin to the very persons themselves; in
usuall performance of the action indeede。 Which tragicall Sceene being
passed over; and the Woman and Knight gone out of their sight: all
that had seene this straunge accident; fell into diversity of confused
opinions; yet not daring to disclose them; as doubting some further
danger to ensue thereon。
  But beyond all the rest; none could compare in feare and
astonishment with the cruell yong Maide affected by Anastasio; who
both saw and observed all with a more inward apprehension; knowing
very well; that the morall of this dismall spectacle; carried a much
neerer application to her then any other in all the company。 For now
she could call to mind; how unkinde and cruell she had shewne her
selfe to Anastasio; even as the other Gentlewoman formerly did to
her Lover; still flying from him in great contempt and scorne: for
which; she thought the Blood…hounds also pursued her at the heeles
already; and a sword of vengeance to mangle her body。 This feare
grew so powerfull in her; that to prevent the like heavy doome from
falling on her; she studied (by all her best and commendable meanes;
and therein bestowed all the night season) how to change her hatred
into kinde love; which at the length she fully obtained; and then
purposed to prosecute in this manner。
  Secretly she sent a faithfull Chambermaide of her owne; to greete
Anastasio on her behalfe; humbly entreating him te come see her:
because now she was absolutely determined; to give him satisfaction in
all which (with honour) he could request of her。 Whereto Anastasio
answered; that he accepted her message thankfully; and desired no
other favour at her hand; but that which stood with her owne offer;
namely; to be his Wife in honourable marriage; The Maide knowing
sufficiently; that he could not be more desirous of the match; then
her Mistresse shewed her selfe to be; made answer in her name; that
this motion would be most welcome to her。
  Heereupon; the Gentlewoman her selfe; became the solicitour to her
Father and Mother; telling them plainly; that slie was willing to be
the Wife of Anastasio: which newes did so highly content them; that
upon the Sunday next following; the marriage was very worthily
solemnized; and they lived and loved together very kindly。 Thus the
divine bounty out of the malignant enemies secret machinations; can
cause good effects to arise and succeede。 For; from this conceite of
fearfull imagination in her; not onely happened this long desired
conversion; of a Maide so obstinately scornfull and proud; but
likewise all the women of Ravenna (being admonished by her example)
grew afterward more kind and tractable to mens honest motions; then
ever they shewed themselves before。 And let me make some use hereof
(faire Ladies) to you; not to stand over…nicely conceited of your
beauty and good parts; when men (growing enamored of you by them)
solicite you with their best and humblest services。 Remember then this
disdainfull Gentlewoman; but more especially her; who being the
death of so kinde a Lover; was therefore condemned to perpetuall
punishment; and he made the minister thereof; whom she had cast off
with coy disdaine; from which I wish your minds to be as free; as mine
is ready to do you any acceptable service。




                     THE FIFT DAY; THE NINTH NOVELL

      WHEREIN IS FIGURED TO THE LIFE; THE NOTABLE KINDNESSE AND
        COURTESIE; OF A TRUE AND CONSTANT LOVER: AS ALSO THE
                   MAGNANIMOUS MINDE OF A FAMOUS LADY

  Frederigo; of the Alberighi Family; loved a Gentlewoman; and was not
requited with like love againe。 By bountifull expences; and over
liberall invitations; he wasted and consumed all his lands and
goods; having nothing left him; but a Hawke or Faulcon。 His unkinde
Mistresse happeneth to come visite him; and he not having any other
foode for her dinner; made a dainty dish of his Faulcone for her to
feede on。 Being conquered by this exceeding kinde courtesie; she
changed her former hatred towardes him; accepting him as her Husband
in marriage; and made him a man of wealthy possessions。

  Madam Philomena having finished her discourse; the Queene
perceiving; that her turne was the next; in regard of the priviledge
granted to Dioneus; with a smiling countenance thus she spake。 Now
or never am I to maintaine the order which was instituted when wee
began this commendable exercise; whereto I yeeld with all humble
obedience。 And (worthy Ladies) I am to acquaint you with a Novell;
in some sort answerable to the precedent; not onely to let you know;
how powerfully your kindnesses do prevalle; in such as have a free and
gentle soule: but also to dvise you; in being bountifull; where vertue
doth justly challenge it。 And evermore; let your favours shine on
worthy deservers; without the direction of chaunce or Fortune; who
never bestoweth any gift by discretion; but rashly without
consideration; even to the first she blindly meets withall。
  You are to understand then; that Coppo di Borghese Domenichi; who
was of our owne City; and perhaps (as yet) his name remaineth in great
and reverend authority; now in these dayes of ours; as well
deserving eternall memory; yet more for his vertues and commendable
qualities; then any boast of Nobility from his predecessors。 This man;
being well entred into yeares; and drawing towards the finishing of
his dayes; it was his only delight and felicity; in conversation among
his neighbours; to talke of matters concerning antiquity; and some
other things within compasse of his owne knowledge: which he would
deliver in such singular order (having an absolute memory) and with
the best Language; as very few or none could do the like。 Among the
multiplicity of his queint discourses; I remember he told us; that
sometime there lived in Florence a yong Gentleman; named Frederigo;
Sonne to Signior Phillippo Alberigo; who was held and reputed; both
for Armes; and all other actions beseeming a Gentleman; hardly to have
his equall through all Tuscany。
  This Frederigo (as it is no rare matter in yong Gentlemen) became
enamored of a Gentlewoman; named Madam Giana; who was esteemed (in her
time) to be the fairest and most gracious Lady in all Florence。 In
which respect; and to reach the height of his desire; he made many
sumptuous Feasts and Banquets; joustes; Tilties; Tournaments; and
all other noble actions of Armes; beside; sending her infinite rich
and costly presents; making spare of nothing; but lashing all out in
lavish expence。 Notwithstanding; she being no lesse honest then faire;
made no reckoning of whatsoever he did for her sake; or the least
respect of his owne person。 So that Frederigo; spending thus daily
more; then his meanes and ability could maintaine; and no supplies any
way redounding to him; or his faculties (as very easily

返回目录 上一页 下一页 回到顶部 1 1

你可能喜欢的