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

第221章

the decameron(十日谈)-第221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!



strength; against a burden of over…ponderous weight; it became the
occasion of this grievous sickenesse: but I hope that the violence
thereof is (almost) already kild; onely by this soveraigne mercy in
you; and doubtlesse it will cause my speedy deliverance。 The King
did best understand this so well palliated answere of Lisana; which as
he did much commend; in regard of her high adventuring; so he did
againe as greatly condemne Fortune; for not making her more happy in
her birth。
  So; after he had stayed there a good while; and given her many
comfortable speeches; he returned backe to the Court。 This humanity in
the King; was reputed a great honour to the Apothecary and his
daughter; who (in her owne mind) received as much joy and
contentment thereby; as ever any wife could have of her owne Husband。
  And being assisted by better hopes; within a short while after;
she became recovered; and farre more beautifull (in common judgment)
then ever she was before。
  Lisana being now in perfect health; the King consulted with his
Queene; what meete recompence he should gratifie her withall; for
loving and affecting him in such fervent manner。 Upon a day
determined; the King mounting on horsebacke; accompanied with many
of his cheefest Lords and Barons; he rode to the Apothecaries house;
where walking in his beautifull Garden; hee called for Bernardo and
his daughter Lisana。 In the meane space; the Queene also came thither;
Royally attended on by her Ladies; and Lisana being admitted into
their company; they expressed themselves very gracious to her。 Soone
after; the King and the Queene cald Lisana; and the King spake in this
manner to her。
  Faire Virgin; the extraordinary love which you bare to us; calleth
for as great honour from us to you; in which respect; it is our Royall
desire; by one meanes or other to requite your kinde Love。 In our
opinion; the chief honour we can extend to you。 is; that being of
sufficient yeares for marriage; you would grace us so much; as to
accept him for your Husband; whom we intend to bestow on you。 Beside
this further grant from us; that (notwithstanding whatsoever else) you
shall call us your Knight; without coveting any thing else from you;
for so great favour; but only one kisse; and thinke not to bestow it
nicely on a King; but grant it the rather; because he begges it。
  Lisana; whose lookes were dyed with a vermillian tincture; or rather
converted into a pure maiden blush; reputing the Kings desire to be
her owne; in a low and humbled voyce; thus answered。 My Lord; most
certaine am I; that if it had beene publikely knowne; how none but
your highnes; might serve for me to fixe my love on; I should have
been termed the foole of all fooles: they perhaps beleeving; that I
was forgetfull of my selfe; in being ignorant of mine owne
condition; and much lesse of yours。 But the Gods are my witnesses
(because they know the secrets of all hearts) that even in the very
instant; when Loves fire tooke hold on my yeelding affection: I knew
you to be a King; and my selfe the daughter of poore Bernardo the
Apothecary: likewise; how farre unfitting it was for me; to be so
ambitious in my loves presuming。 But I am sure your Majestie doth know
(much better then I am able to expresse) that no one becommeth
amourous; according to the duty of election; but as the appetite
shapeth his course; against whose lawes my strength made many
resistances; which not prevailing; I presumed to love; did; and so for
ever shall doe; your Majestie。
  Now Royall Soveraigne; I must needes confesse; that so soone as I
felt my selfe thus wholly conquered by loving you; I resolved for ever
after; to make your will mine owne; and therefore; am not onely
willing to accept him for my Husband; whom you shall please to
appoint; befitting my honor and degree: but if you will have me to
live in a flaming fire; my obedience shall sacrifice it selfe to
your will; with the absolute conformity of mine owne。 To stile you
by the name of my Knight; whom I know to be my lawfull King and
Soveraigne; you are not ignorant; how farre unfitting a word that were
for me to use: As also the kisse which you request; in requitall of my
love to you; to these two I will never give consent; without the
Queenes most gracious favour and license first granted。 Neverthelesse;
for such admirable benignity used to me; both by your Royall selfe;
and your vertuous Queene: heaven shower downe all boundlesse graces on
you both; for it exceedeth all merit in me; and so she ceased
speaking; in most dutifull manner。
  The answer of Lisana pleased the Queene exceedingly; in finding
her to be so wise and faire; as the King himself had before informed
her: who instantly called for her Father and Mother; and knowing
they would be well pleased with whatsoever he did; he called for a
proper yong Gentleman; but somewhat poore; being named Perdicano;
and putting certaine Rings into his hand; which he refused not to
receive; caused him there to espouse Lisana。 To whome the King gave
immediately (besides Chaines and jewels of inestimable valew;
delivered by the Queene to the Bride) Ceffala and Calatabelotta; two
great territories abounding in divers wealthy possessions; saying to
Perdicano。 These wee give thee; as a dowry in marriage with this
beautifull Maid; and greater gifts we will bestow on thee hereafter;
as we shal perceive thy love and kindnesse to her。
  When he had ended these words; hee turned to Lisana; saying: Heere
doe I freely give over all further fruits of your affection towards
me; thanking you for your former love: so taking her head betweene his
hands he kissed her faire forhead; which was the usuall custome in
those times。 Perdicano; the Father and Mother of Lisana; and she her
selfe likewise; extraordinarily joyfull for this so fortunate a
marriage; returned humble and hearty thankes both to the King and
Queene; and (as many credible Authors doe affirme) the King kept his
promise made to Lisana; because (so long as he lived) he alwales
termed himselfe by the name of her Knight; and in al actions of
Chivalry by him undertaken; he never carried any other devise; but
such as he received still from her。
  By this; and divers other like worthy deeds; not onely did he win
the hearts of his subjects; but gave occasion to the who world beside;
to renowne his fame to all succeeding posterity。 Whereto (in these
more wretched times of ours) few or none bend the sway of their
understanding: but rather how to bee cruell and tyrranous Lords; and
thereby win the hatred of their people。




                    THE TENTH DAY; THE EIGHT NOVELL

       DECLARING; THAT NOTWITHSTANDING THE FROWNES OF FORTUNE;
     DIVERSITY OF OCCURRENCES; AND CONTRARY ACCIDENTS HAPPENING:
       YET LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP OUGHT TO BE PRECIOUSLY PRESERVED
                                AMONG MEN

  Sophronia; thinking her selfe to be the maried wife of Gisippus; was
(indeed) the wife of Titus Quintus Fulvius; and departed thence with
him to Rome。 Within a while after; Gisippus also came thither in
very poore condition; and thinking that he was despised by Titus; grew
weary of his life; and confessed that he had murdred a man; with ful
intent to die for the fact。 But Titus taking knowledge of him; and
desiring to save the life of Gisippus; charged himself to have done
the bloody deed。 Which the murderer himself (standing then among the
multitude) seeing; truly confessed the deed。 By meanes whereof; all
three were delivered by the Emperor Octavius; and Titus gave his
Sister in mariage to Gisippus; giving them also the most part of his
goods and inheritances。

  By this time Madam Philomena; at command of the King; (Madam
Pampinea ceasing) prepared to follow next in order; whereupon thus she
began。 What is it (Gracious Ladies) that Kings cannot do (if they
list) in matters of greatest importance; and especially unto such as
most they should declare their magnificence? He then that performeth
what he ought to do; when it is within his owne power; doth well。
But it is not so much to bee admired; neither deserveth halfe the
commendations; as when one man doth good to another; when least i

返回目录 上一页 下一页 回到顶部 1 1

你可能喜欢的