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第163章

the decameron(十日谈)-第163章

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word shall be of better worth with you。 Consider the conveniency of
time; wee being so privately here alone: whereas at my returning
hither againe; some hinderance may thwart me; and the like opportunity
be never obtained。 Sir; she) you have heard my resolution; if you will
fetche the Florines; doe; otherwise; walke about your businesse; for I
am a woman of my word。
  Sir Simon perceiving; that she would not trust him upon bare
words; nor any thing was to be done; without Salvum me fac; whereas
his meaning was Sine custodia; thus answered。 Well Belcolove; seeing
you dare not credit my bringing the tenne Florines; according to my
promised day: I will leave you a good pawne; my very best Cloake;
lyned quite thorough with rich Silke; and made up in the choysest
manner。
  Belcolore looking on the Cloake; said。 How much may this Cloake
bee worth? How much? quoth Sir Simon; upon my word Belcolore; it is of
a right fine Flanders Serdge; and not above eight dayes since; I
bought it thus (ready made) of Lotto the Fripperer; and payed for it
sixe and twenty Florines; a pledge then sufficient for your ten。 Is it
possible; said shee; that it should cost so much? Well; Sir Simon;
deliver it me first; I will lay it up safe for you against Saturday;
when if you fetch it not; I will redeeme mine owne things with it; and
leave you to release it your selfe。
  The Cloake is laid up by Belcolore; and Sir Simon so forward in
his affection; that (in briefe) he enjoyed what hee came for; and
departed afterward in his light tripping Cassocke; but yet thorow
by…Lanes; and no much frequented places; smelling on a Nosegay; as
if hee had beene at some wedding in the Countrey; and went thus
lightly without his Cloake; for his better ease。 As commonly after
actions of evill; Repentance knocketh at the doore of Conscience;
and urgeth a guilty remembrance; with some sence of sorrow: so was
it now with sweet Sir Simon; who survayin over all his vailes of
offering Candles; the validity of his yearely benefits; and all
comming nothing neere the summe of (scarce halfe) sixe and twenty
Florines; he began to repent his deed of darkenesse; although it was
acted in the day…time; and considered with himselfe; by what honest
(yet unsuspected meanes) hee might recover his Cloake againe; before
it went to the Broaker; in redemption of Belcolores pawned
apparrell; and yet to send her no Florines neither。
  Having a cunning reaching wit; especially in matters for his owne
advantage; and pretending to have a dinner at his lodging; for a few
of some invited friends: he made use of a neighbours Boy; sending
him to the house of Belcolore; with request of lending him her Stone
Morter; to make Greenesawce in for his guests; because hee had meate
required such sawce。 Belcolore suspecting no treachery; sent him the
Stone Morter with the Pestell; and about dinner time; when he knew
Bentivegna to bee at home with his wife; by a spye which was set for
the purpose; hee called the Clearke (usually attending on him) and
said。 Take this Morter and Pestell; beare them home to Belcolore;
and tell her: Sir Simon sends them home with thankes; they having
sufficiently served his turne; and desire her likewise; to send me
my Cloake; which the Boy left as a pledge for better remembrance;
and because she would not lend it without a pawne。
  The Clearke comming to the house of Belcolore; found her sitting
at dinner with her Husband; and delivering her the Pestell and Morter;
performed the rest of Sir Simons message。 Belcolore hearing the Cloake
demaunded; stept up to make answere: But Bentivegna; seeming (by his
lookes) to be much offended; roughly replyed。 Why how now wife? Is not
Sir Simon our especiall friend; and cannot he be pleasured without a
pawne? I protest upon my word; I could find in my heart to smite
thee for it。 Rise quickely thou wert best; and send him backe his
Cloake; with this warning hereafter; that whatsoever he will have;
be it your poore Asse; or any thing else being ours; let him have
it: and tell him (Master Clearke) he may command it。 Belcolore rose
grumbling from the Table; and fetching the Cloake forth of the
Chest; which stood neere at hand in the same roome; shee delivered
it to the Clearke; saying。 Tell Sir Simon from me; and boldly say
you heard me speake it: that I make a vow to my selfe; he shall
never make use of my Morter hereafter; to beat any more of his
sawcinesse in; let my Husband say whatsoever he will; I speake the
word; and will performe it。
  Away went the Clearke home with the Cloake; and told Sir Simon
what she had said; whereto he replyed。 If I must make use of her
Morter no more; I will not trust her with the keeping of my Cloake;
for feare it goe to gage indeed。
  Bentivegna was a little displeased at his wives words; because hee
thought she spake but in jest; albeit Belcolore was so angry with
Sir Simon; that she would not speake to him till vintage time
following。 But then Sir Simon; what by sharpe threatenings; of her
soule to be in danger of hell fire; continuing so long in hatred of
a holy Priest; which words did not a little terrifie her; besides
daily presents to her; of sweet new Wines; roasted Chesse…nuts; Figges
and Almonds: all unkindnesse became converted to former familiarity;
the garments were redeemed: he gave her Sonnets which she would
sweetly sing to her Cimbale; and further friendship increased betweene
her and sweet Sir Simon。




                    THE EIGHT DAY; THE THIRD NOVELL

   JUSTLY REPREHENDING THE SIMPLICITY OF SUCH MEN; AS ARE TOO MUCH
         ADDICTED TO CREDULITIE; AND WILL GIVE CREDIT TO EVERY
                            THING THEY HEARE

  Calandrino; Bruno; and Buffalmaco; all of them being Painters by
profession; travelled to the Plaine of Mugnone; to finde the
precious Stone called Helitropium。 Calandrino no perswaded himselfe to
have found it; returned home to his house heavily loaden with
stones。 His Wife rebuking him for his absence; hee groweth into anger;
and shrewdly beateth her。 Afterward; when the case is debated among
his other friends Bruno and Buffalmaco; all is found to be meere
foolery。

  Pamphilus having ended his Novell; whereat the Ladies laughed
exceedingly; so that very hardly they could give over。 The Queene gave
charge to Madame Eliza; that shee should next succeed in order;
when; being scarcely able to refraine from smyling; thus she began。
  I know not (Gracious Ladies) whether I can move you to as hearty
laughter; with a briefe Novell of mine owne; as Pamphilus lately did
with his: yet I dare assure you; that it is both true and pleasant;
and I will relate it in the best manner I can。
  In our owne Citie; which evermore hath contained all sorts of
people; not long since there dwelt; a Painter; named Calandrino; a
simple man; yet as much adicted to matters of novelty; as any man
whatsoever could be。 The most part of his time; he spent in the
company of two other Painters; the one called Bruno; and the other
Buffalmaco; men of very recreative spirits; and of indifferent good
capacity; often resorting to the said Calandrino; because they tooke
delight in his honest simplicity; and pleasant order of behaviour。
At the same time likewise; there dwelt in Florence; a yong Gentleman
of singular disposition; to every generous and witty conceite; as
the world did not yeeld a more pleasant companion; he being named Maso
del Saggio; who having heard somwhat of Calandrinos sillinesse:
determined to jest with him in merry manner; and to suggest his
longing humors after Novelties; with some conceit of extraordinary
nature。
  He happening (on a day) to meete him in the Church of Saint John;
and seeing him seriously busied; in beholding the rare pictures; and
the curious carved Tabernacle; which (not long before) was placed on
the。 high Altar in the said Church: considered with himselfe; that
he had now fit place and opportunity; to effect what hee had long time
desired。 And having imparted his minde to a very intimate friend;
how he intended to deale with simple Calandrino: they went both very
neere him; where he sate all alone; and making shew as if they saw him
not; began 

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