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

第128章

the decameron(十日谈)-第128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!



benefit) the very best and choicest things of esteeme; in the most
vile and abject places of their houses; as being subject to least
suspition; and where they may be sure to have them at all times; for
supply of any necessitie whatsoever; because so base a conveyance hath
better kept them; then the very best chamber in the house could have
done。 Even so these two great commanders of the world; do many times
hide their most precious Jewels of worth; under the clouds of Arts
or professions of worst estimation; to the end; that fetching them
thence when neede requires; their splendor may appeare to be the
more glorious。 Nor was any such matter noted in our homely Baker
Cistio; by the best observation of Messer Geri Spina; who was spoken
of in the late repeated Novell; as being the husband to Madame Oretta;
whereby this accident came to my remembrance; and which (in a short
Tale) I will relate unto you。
  Let me then tell ye; that Pope Boniface (with whom the fore…named
Messer Geri Spina was in great regard) having sent divers Gentlemen of
his Court to Florence as Ambassadors; about very serious and important
businesse: they were lodged in the house of Messer Geri Spina; and
he employed (with them) in the saide Popes negotiation。 It chanced;
that as being the most convenient way for passage; every morning
they walked on foot by the Church of Saint Marie d'Ughi; where
Cistio the Baker dwelt; and exercised the trade belonging to him。
Now although Fortune had humbled him to so meane a condition; yet shee
added a blessing of wealth to that contemptible quality; and (as
smiling on him continually) no disasters at any time befell him; but
still he flourished in riches; lived like a jolly Citizen; with all
things fitting for honest entertainment about him; and plenty of the
best Wines (both White and Claret) as Florence; or any part thereabout
yeelded。
  Our frolicke Baker perceiving; that Messer Geri Spina and the
other Ambassadors; used every morning to passe by his doore; and
afterward to returne backe the same way: seeing the season to be
somewhat hot and soultry; he tooke it as an action of kindnesse and
courtesie; to make them an offer of tasting his white wine。 But having
respect to his owne meane degree; and the condition of Messer Geri:
hee thought it farre unfitting for him; to be so forward in such
presumption; but rather entred into consideration of some such meanes;
whereby Messer Geri might bee the inviter of himselfe to taste his
Wine。 And having put on him a trusse or thin doublet; of very white
and fine Linnen cloath; as also breeches; and an apron of the same;
and a white cap upon his head; so that he seemed rather to be a
Miller; then a Baker: at such times as Messer Geri and the Ambassadors
should daily passe by; hee set before his doore a new Bucket of
faire water; and another small vessell of Bologna earth (as new and
sightly as the other) full of his best and choisest white Wine; with
two small Glasses; looking like silver; they were so cleare。 Downe
he sate; with all this provision before him; and emptying his stomacke
twice or thrice; of some clotted flegmes which seemed to offend it:
even as the Gentlemen were passing by; he dranke one or two rouses
of his Wine so heartily; and with such a pleasing appetite; as might
have moved a longing (almost) in a dead man。
  Messer Geri well noting his behaviour; and observing the verie
same course in him two mornings together; on the third day (as he
was drinking) he said unto him。 Well done Cistio; what; is it good; or
no? Cistio starting up; forthwith replyed; Yes Sir; the wine is good
indeed; but how can I make you to beleeve me; except you taste of
it? Messer Geri; eyther in regard of the times quality; or by reason
of his paines taken; perhaps more then ordinary; or else; because
hee saw Cistio had drunke so sprightly; was very desirous to taste
of the Wine; and turning unto the Ambassadors; in merriment he
saide。 My Lords; me thinks it were not much amisse; if we tooke a
taste of this honest mans Wine; perhaps it is so good; that we shall
not neede to repent our labour。
  Heereupon; he went with them to Cistio; who had caused an handsome
seate to be fetched forth of his house; whereon he requested them to
sit downe; and having commanded his men to wash cleane the Glasses; he
saide。 Fellowes; now get you gone; and leave me to the performance
of this service; for I am no worse a skinker; then a Baker; and
tarry you never so long; you shall not drinke a drop。 Having thus
spoken; himselfe washed foure or five small glasses; faire and new;
and causing a Viall of his best wine to be brought him: hee diligently
filled it out to Messer Geri and the Ambassadours; to whom it seemed
the very best Wine; that they had drunke of in a long while before。
And having given Cistio most hearty thankes for his kindnesse; and the
Wine his due commendation: many dayes afterwardes (so long as they
continued there) they found the like courteous entertainment; and with
the good liking of honest Cistio。
  But when the affayres were fully concluded; for which they wer
thus sent to Florence; and their parting preparation in due
readinesse: Messer Geri made a very sumptuous Feast for them; inviting
thereto the most part of the honourablest Citizens; and Cistio to be
one amongst them; who (by no meanes) would bee seene in an assembly of
such State and pompe; albeit he was thereto (by the saide Messer Geri)
most earnestly entreated。
  In regard of which deniall; Messer Geri commaunded one of his
servants; to take a small Bottle; and request Cistio to fill it with
his good Wine; then afterward; to serve it in such sparing manner to
the Table; that each Gentleman might be allowed halfe a glasse…full at
their down…sitting。 The Serving…man; who had heard great report of the
Wine; and was halfe offended because he could never taste thereof:
tooke a great Flaggon Bottle; containing foure or five Gallons at
the least; and comming there…with unto Cistio; saide unto him。 Cistio;
because my Master cannot have your companie among his friends; he
prayes you to fill this Bottle with your best Wine。 Cistio looking
uppon the huge Flaggon; replyed thus。 Honest Fellow; Messer Geri never
sent thee with such a Message to me: which although the Serving…man
very stoutly maintained; yet getting no other answer; he returned
backe therwith to his Master。
  Messer Geri returned the Servant backe againe unto Cistio; saying:
Goe; and assure Cistio; that I sent thee to him; and if hee make
thee any more such answeres; then demaund of him; to what place else I
should send thee? Being come againe to Cistio; hee avouched that his
Maister had sent him; but Cistio affirming; that hee did not: the
Servant asked; to what place else hee should send him? Marrie (quoth
Cistio) unto the River of Arno; which runneth by Florence; there
thou mayest be sure to fill thy Flaggon。 When the Servant had reported
this answer to Messer Geri; the eyes of his understanding beganne to
open; and calling to see what Bottle hee had carried with him: no
sooner looked he on the huge Flaggon; but severely reproving the
sawcinesse of his Servant; hee sayde。 Now trust mee; Cistio told
thee nothing but trueth; for neither did I send thee with any such
dishonest message; nor had the reason to yeeld or grant it。
  Then he sent him with a bottle of more reasonable competencie; which
so soone as Cistio saw: Yea mary my friend; quoth he; now I am sure
that thy Master sent thee to me; and he shall have his desire with all
my hart。 So; commaunding the Bottle to be filled; he sent it away by
the Servant; and presently following after him; when he came unto
Messer Geri; he spake unto him after this maner。 Sir; I would not have
you to imagine; that the huge flaggon (which first came) did any jotte
dismay mee; but rather I conceyved; that the small Viall whereof you
tasted every morning; yet filled many mannerly Glasses together; was
fallen quite out of your remembrance; in plainer tearmes; it beeing no
Wine for Groomes or Peazants; as your selfe affirmed yesterday。 And
because I meane to bee a Skinker no longer; by keeping Wine to
please any other pallate

返回目录 上一页 下一页 回到顶部 1 1

你可能喜欢的