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第208章

the decameron(十日谈)-第208章

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       LIBERALITY; OR IN MAGNIFICENT MANNER; PERFORMED ANY WORTHY
            ACTION; FOR LOVE; FAVOUR; FRIENDSHIP; OR ANY OTHER
                          HONOURABLE OCCASION

  Already began certaine small Clouds in the West; to blush with a
Vermillion tincture; when those in the East (having reached to their
full heighth) looked like bright burnished Gold; by splendour of the
Sun beames drawing neere unto them: when Pamphilus being risen; caused
the Ladies; and the rest of his honourable companions to be called。
When they were all assembled; and had concluded together on the place;
whither they should walke for their mornings recreation: the King
ledde on the way before accompanied with the two Noble Ladies
Philomena and Fiammetta; all the rest following after them;
devising; talking; and answering to divers demands both what that
day was to be don; as also concerning the proposed imposition for
the forthcoming day。
  After they had walked an indifferent space of time; and found the
rayes of the Sunne to be over…piercing for them: they returned backe
againe to the Pallace; as fearing to have their blood immoderately
heated。 Then rinsing their Glasses in the coole cleare running
current; each tooke their mornings draught; and then walked into the
milde shades about the Garden; untill they should bee summoned to
dinner。 Which was no sooner over…past; and such as slept; returned
waking: they mette together againe in their wonted place; according as
the King had appointed; where he gave command unto Madame Neiphila;
that shee should (for that day) begin the first Novell; which she
humbly accepting; thus began。




                     THE TENTH DAY; THE FIRST NOVELL

    WHERIN MAY EVIDENTLY BE DISCERNED; THAT SERVANTS TO PRINCES AND
     GREAT LORDS; ARE MANY TIMES RECOMPENCED; RATHER BY THEIR GOOD
         FORTUNE; THEN IN ANY REGARD OF THEIR DUTIFULL SERVICES

  A Florentine knight; named Signior Rogiero de Figiovanni; became a
servant to Alphonso; King of Spaine; who (in his owne opinion)
seemed but sleightly to respect and reward him。 In regard whereof;
by a notable experiment; the King gave him a manifest testimony;
that it was not through any defect in him; but onely occasioned by the
Knights ill fortune; most bountifully recompencing him afterward。

  I doe accept it (Worthy Ladies) as no mean favour; that the King
hath given me the first place; to speake of such an honourable
Argument; as Bounty and Magnificence is; which precious Jewell; even
as the Sunne is the beauty; or ornament and bright glory of al heaven;
so is bounty and magnificence the Crowne of all vertues。 I shall
then recount to you a short Novell; sufficiently pleasing; in mine
owne opinion; and I hope (so much I dare rely on your judgements) both
profitable; and worthy to be remembred。
  You are to know then; that among other valiant Knights; which of
long have lived in our City; one of them; and (perhappes) of as
great merit as any; was one; named Signior Rogiero d'Figiovanni。 He
being rich; of great courage; and perceiving; that (in due
consideration) the quality belonging to life; and the customes
observed among our Tuscanes; were not answerable to his expectation;
nor agreed with the disposition of his valour; determined to leave his
native Countrey; and belong in service (for some time) to Alfonso;
King of Spaine; whose fame was generally noised in all places; for
excelling all other Princes in those times; for respect of mens well
deservings; and bountifull requitall of their paines。 Being provided
in honorable order; both of Horses; Armes; and a competent train; he
travelled to Spaine; where he was worthily entertained。
  Signior Rogiero continuing there; living in honorable maner; and
performing many admirable actions of arms; in short time he made
himselfe sufficiently knowne; for a very valiant and famous man。 And
having remained an indifferent long while; observing divers behaviours
in the king: he saw; how enclined himselfe first to one man; then
another; bestowing on one a Castle; a Towne on another; and
Baronnies on divers; som…what indiscreetly; as giving away bountiful
to men of no merit。 And restraining all his favors from him; as
seeming close fisted; and parting with nothing: he took it as a
diminishing of his former reputation; and a great empayring of his
fame; wherefore he resolved on his departure thence; and made his suit
to the king that he might obtaine it。 The king did grant it; bestowing
on him one of the very best Mules; and the goodliest that ever was
backt; a gift most highly pleasing to Rogiero; in regarde of the
long journy he intended to ride。 Which being delivcrd; the king gave
charge to one of his Gentlemen; to compasse such convenient meanes; as
to ride thorow the country; and in the company of Signior Rogiero; yet
in such manner; as he should not perceive; that the King had purposely
sent him so to do。 Respectively he should observe whatsoever he said
concerning the king; his gesture; smiles; and other behavior;
shaping his answers accordingly; and on the nexte morning to command
his returne backe with him to the King。
  Nor was the Gentleman slacke in this command; but noting Rogieroes
departing forth of the city; he mounted on horseback likewise; and
immediatly after came into his company; making him beleeve; that he
journied towards Italy。 Rogiero rode on the Mule which the king had
given him; with diversity of speeches passing between them。 About
three of the clocke in the afternoone; the Gentleman said。 It were not
amisse Sir; (having such fit opportunitie); to Stable our horses for a
while; till the heate be a little more overpast。 So taking an Inne;
and the horses being in the stable; they all staled except the Mule。
  Being mounted againe; and riding on further; the Gentleman duely
observed whatsoever Rogiero spake; and comming to the passage of a
small River or Brooke: the rest of the beasts dranke; and not the
Mule; but staled in the River: which Signior Rogiero seeing;
clapping his hands on the Mules mane; hee said。 What a wicked beast
art thou? thou art just like thy Master that gave thee to mee。 The
Gentleman committed the words to memory; as he did many other
passing from Rogiero; riding along the rest of the day; yet none in
disparagement of the King; but rather highly in his commendation。
And being the next morning mounted on horseback; seeming to hold on
still the way for Tuscane: the Gentleman fulfilled the Kings
command; causing Signior Rogiero to turne back againe with him;
which willingly he yeelded to doe。
  When they were come to the Court; and the King made acquainted
with the words; which Rogiero spake to his Mule; he was called into
the presence; where the King shewed him a gracious countenance; and
demanded of him; why he had compared him to his Mule? Signior
Rogiero nothing daunted; but with a bold and constant spirit; thus
answered。 Sir; I made the comparison; because; like as you give; where
there is no conveniency; and bestow nothing where reason requireth:
even so; the Mule would not stale where she should have done; but
where was water too much before; there she did it。 Beleeve me
Signior Rogiero; replyed the King; if I have not given you such gifts;
as (perhaps) I have done to divers other; farre inferiour to you in
honour and merit; this happened not thorough any ignorance in me; as
not knowing you to be a most valiant Knight; and well…worthy of
speciall respect: but rather through your owne ill fortune; which
would not suffer me to doe it; whereof she is guilty; and not I; as
the truth thereof shall make it selfe apparant to you。 Sir; answered
Rogiero; I complaine not; because I have received no gift from you; as
desiring thereby covetously to become the richer: but in regard you
have not as yet any way acknowledged; what vertue is remaining in
me。 Neverthelesse; I allow your excuse for good and reasonable; and am
heartely contented; to behold whatsoever you please; although I doe
confidently credit you; without any other testimony。
 The King conducted him then into the great Hall; where (as hee had
before given order) stood two great Chests; fast lockt; in th

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