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第19章

the decameron(十日谈)-第19章

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passe; that as he yssued foorth of Bruges; hee saw a young Abbot
also journeying thence; being cloathed in white; accompanied with
divers Monkes; and a great traine before; conducting the needfull
Carriage。 Two auncient Knights; kinsmen to the King; followed after;
with whom Alessandro acquainted himselfe; as having formerly known
them; and was kindely accepted into their company。 Alessandro riding
along with them; courteously requested to know; what those Monks
were that rode before; and such a traine attending on them? Whereto
one of the Knights thus answered。
  He that rideth before; is a yong Gentleman; and our Kinsman; who
is newly elected Abbot of one of the best Abbeys in England; and
because he is more yong in yeeres; then the decrees for such a dignity
do allow; we travaile with him to Rome; to entreat our Holy Father;
that his。youth may be dispensed withall; and he confirmed in the
said dignitie; but hee is not to speake a word to any person。 On
rode this new Abbot; sometimes before his Traine; and other whiles
after; as we see great Lords use to do; when they ride upon the
High…wayes。
  It chanced on a day; that Alessandro rode somewhat neere to the
Abbot; who stedfastly beholding him; perceived that he was a very
comely young man; so affable; lovely; and gracious; that even in
this first encounter; he had never seene any man before that better
pleased him。 Calling him a little closer; he began to conferre
familiarly with him; demanding what he was; whence he came; and
whether he travelled。 Alessandro imparted freely to him all his
affaires; in every thing satisfying his demands; and offering
(although his power was small) to doe him all the service he could。
  When the Abbot had heard his gentle answeres; so wisely and
discreetly delivered; considering also (more particularly) his
commendable carriage; hee tooke him to be (at the least) a
well…borne Gentleman; and far differing from his owne logger headed
traine。 Wherefore; taking compassion on his great misfortunes; he
comforted him very kindly; wishing him to live alwayes in good hope。
For; if he were vertuous and honest; he should surely attaine to the
seate from whence Fortune had throwne him; or rather much higher。
Intreating him also; that seeing he journied towards Tuscany; as he
himselfe did the like; to continue stil (if he pleased) in his
company。 Alessandro most humbly thanked him for such gracious comfort;
protesting; that he would be alwaies readie to do whatsoever he
commanded。
  The Abbot riding on; with newer crotchets in his braine then he
had before the sight of Alessandro; it fortuned; that after divers
dayes of travaile; they came to a small Country Village; which
affoorded little store of Lodging; and yet the Abbot would needes
lye there。 Alessandro; being well acquainted with the Hoste of the
house; willed him to provide for the Abbot and his people; and then to
lodge him where hee thought it meetest。 Now before the Abbots
comming thither; the Harbenger that marshalled all such matters; had
provided for his Traine in the Village; some in one place; and
others elsewhere; in the best maner that the Towne could yeelde。 But
when the Abbot had supt; a great part of the night being spent; and
every one else at his rest; Alessandro demaunded of the Hoste; what
provision he had made for him; and how hee should be lodged that
night?
  In good sadnesse Sir (quoth the Host) you see that my house is
full of Guests; so that I and my people; must gladly sleepe on the
tables and benches: Neverthelesse; next adjoyning to my Lord Abbots
Chamber; there are certaine Corn…lofts; whether I can closely bring
you; and making shift there with a slender Pallet…bed; it may serve
for one night; insted of a better。 But mine Host (quoth Alessandro)
how can I passe thorow my Lords Chamber; which is so little; as it
would not allow Lodging for any of his Monkes? If I had remembred so
much (said the Host) before the Curtaines were drawne; I could have
lodged his Monkes in the Corne…lofts; and then both you and I might
have slept where now they doe。 But feare you not; my Lords Curtaines
are close drawne; hee sleepeth (no doubt) soundly; and I can
conveigh you thither quietly enough; without the least disturbance
to him; and a Pallet…bed shall be fitted there for you。 Alessandro
perceiving that all this might be easily done; and no disease
offered to the Abbot; accepted it willingly; and went thither
without any noyse at all。
  My Lord Abbot; whose thoughts were so busied about amorous
desires; that no sleepe at all could enter his eyes; heard all this
talke between the Host and Alessandro; and also where hee was
appointed to Lodge; he saide thus within himselfe。 Seeing Fortune hath
fitted me with a propitious time; to compasse the happinesse of my
hearts desire; I know no reason why I should refuse it。 Perhaps; I
shall never have the like offer againe; or ever be enabled with such
an opportunitie。 So; beeing fully determined to prosecute his
intention; and perswading himself also; that the silence of the
night had bestowed sleepe on all the rest; with a lowe and trembling
voyce; he called Alessandro; advising him to come and lye downe by
him; which (after some few faint excuses) he did; and putting off
his cloaths; lay downe by the Abbot; being not a little proude of so
gracious a favour。
  The Abbot; laying his arme over the others body; began to imbrace
and hugge him; even as amorous friends (provoked by earnest
affection); use to doe。 Whereat Alessandro verie much mervayling;
and being an Italian himselfe; fearing least this folly in the
Abbot; would convert to foule and dishonest action; shrunke modestly
from him。 Which the Abbot perceiving; and doubting least Alessandro
would depart and leave him; pleasantly smiling; and with bashfull
behaviour baring his stomack; he tooke Alessandroes hand; and laying
it thereon; saide; Alessandro; let all bad thoughts of bestiall
abuse be farre off from thee; and feele here; to resolve thee from all
such feare。 Allessandro feeling the Abbots brest; found there two
pretty little mountaines; round; plumpe; and smooth; appearing as if
they had beene of polished Ivory; whereby he perceived; that the Abbot
was a woman: which; setting an edge on his youthful desires; made
him fall to embracing; and immediately he offered to kisse her; but
she somewhat rudely repulsing him; as halfe offended; saide。
  Alessandro; forbeare such boldnesse; uppon thy lives perill; and
before thou further presume to touch me; understand what I shall
tell thee。 I am (as thou perceivest) no man; but a woman; and
departing a Virgin from my Fathers House; am travelling towards the
Popes holinesse; to the end that he should bestow me in marriage。
But the other day; when first I beheld thee; whether it proceeded from
thy happinesse in fortune; or the fatall houre of my owne infelicity
for ever; I know not; I conceyved such an effectuall kinde of liking
towardes thee; as never did Woman love a man more truely then I doe
thee having sworn within my soule to make thee my Husband before any
other; and if thou wilt not accept me as thy wife; set a locke upon
thy lippes concerning what thou hast heard; and depart hence to
thine owne bed againe。
  No doubt; but that these were strange newes to Alessandro; and
seemed meerely as a miracle to him。 What shee was; he knew not; but in
regard of her traine and company; hee reputed her to be both noble and
rich; as also she was wonderfull faire and beautifull。 His owne
fortunes stood out of future expectation by his kinsmens overthrow;
and his great losses in England; wherefore; upon an opportunity so
fairely offered; he held it no wisedome to returne refusall; but
accepted her gracious motion; and referred all to her disposing。
Shee arising out of her bed; called him to a little Table standing by;
where hung a faire Crucifixe upon the wall; before which; and
calling him to witnesse; that suffered such bitter and cruell torments
on his Crosse; putting a Ring upon his finger; there she faithfully
espoused him; refusing all the world; to be onely his: which being
on either side confirmed solemnly; by an holy Vow; and c

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