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第232章

the decameron(十日谈)-第232章

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comfort; that I am therewith acquainted; because I intended to have
you conveighed thither; yea; even into your owne house; in such
honourable order as your vertues doe justly merit; which in regard
it cannot be so conveniently performed; but as I have already informed
you; and as the necessity of the case urgently commandeth; accept it
as it may be best accomplished。
  Great Saladine (answered Thorella) effects (without words) have
already sufficiently warranted your Gracious disposition towards me;
farre beyond any requitall remayning in me; your word onely being
enough for my comfort in this case; either dying or living。 But in
regard you have taken such order for my departure hence; I desire to
have it done with all possible expedition; because to morrow is the
very last day; that I am to be absent。 Saladine protested that it
should be done; and the same evening in the great Hall of his Pallace;
commanded a rich and costly Bedde to be set up; the mattras formed
after the Alexandrian manner; of Velvet and cloth Gold; the Quilts;
counterpoints and coverings; sumptuously imbroydered with Orient
Pearles and Precious Stones; supposed to be of inestimable value;
and two rarely wrought Pillowes; such as best beseemed so stately a
Bedde; the Curtaines and Vallans every way equall to the other pompe。
  Which being done; he commanded that Thorello (who was
indifferently recovered) should be attyred in one of his owne
sumptuous Saracine Roabes; the very fairest and richest that ever
was seene; and on his head a Majesticall Turbant; after the manner
of his owne wearing; and the houre appearing to be somewhat late; he
with many of his best Baschaes; went to the Chamber where Thorello
was; and sitting downe a while by him; in teares thus he spake。
Signior Thorello; the houre for sundering you and me; is now very
neere; and because I cannot beare you company; in regard of the
businesse you goe about; and which by no meanes will admit it: I am to
take my leave of you in this Chamber; and therefore am purposely
come to doe it。 But before I bid you farewell; let me entreat you;
by the love and friendship confirmed betweene us; to be mindfull of
me; and to take such order (your affaires being fully finished in
Lombardie) that I may once more enjoy the sight of you here; for a
mutuall solace and satisfaction of our mindes; which are now divided
by this urgent hast。 Till which may be granted; let me want no
visitation of your kind letters; commanding thereby of me;
whatsoever here can possibly be done for you: assuring your selfe;
no man living can command me as you doe。
  Signior Thorello could not forbeare weeping; but being much
hindred therby; answered in few words。 That he could not possibly
forget; his Gracious favours and extraordinary benefits used towards
him; but would accomplish whatsoever hee commaunded; according as
heaven did enable him。
  Hereupon; Saladine embracing him; and kissing his forehead; said。
All my Gods goe with you; and guard you from any perill; departing
so out of the Chamber weeping; and his Baschaes (having likewise taken
their leave of Thorello) followed Saladine into the Hall; whereas
the Bedde stood readily prepared? Because it waxed very late; and
the Magitian also there attending for his dispatch: the Phisitian went
with the potion to Thorello; and perswading him; in the way of
friendship; that it was onely to strengthen him after his great
weaknes: he drank it off; being thereby immediately entraunced; and so
presently sleeping; was (by Saladines command;) laid on the
sumptuous and costly Bed; whereon stood an Imperiall Crowne of
infinite value; appearing (by a description engraven on it) that
Saladine sent it to Madame Adalietta; the wife of Thorello。 On his
finger also hee put a Ring; wherein was enchased an admirable
Carbuncle; which seemed like a flaming Torche; the value thereof not
to bee estimated。 By him likewise hee laid a rich sword; with the
girdle; hangers; and other furniture; such as seldome can be seene the
like。 Then hee laid a jewell on the Pillow by him; so sumptuouslie
embelished with Pearles and precious Stones; as might have beseemed
the greatest Monarch in the World to weare。 Last of all; on either
side of them; hee set two great Basons of pure Gold; full of double
ducates; many cords of Orient Pearles; Rings; Girdles; and other
costly jewells (over…tedious to bee recounted) and kissing him once
more as hee lay in the bedde; commanded the Magitian to dispatch and
be gone。
  Instantly; the bedde and Thorello in it; in the presence of
Saladine; was invisibly carried thence; and while he sate conferring
with his Baschaes; the bed; Signior Thorello; and all the rich Jewells
about him; was transported and set in the Church of San Pietro in Ciel
d'Ore in Pavia; according to his own request; and soundly sleeping;
being placed directly before the high Altar。 Afterward; when the bells
rung to Mattines; the Sexton entring the Church with a light in his
hand (where hee beheld a light of greater splendor) and suddenly
espied the sumptuous bedde there standing: not only was he smitten
into admiration; but hee ranne away also very fearefully。 When the
Abbot and the Monkes mette him thus running into the Cloyster; they
became amazed; and demanded the reason why he ranne in such haste;
which the Sexton told them。 How? quoth the Abbot; thou art no
childe; or a new…come hither; to be so easilie affrighted in our
holy Church; where Spirits can have no power to walke; God and Saint
Peter (wee hope) are stronger for us then so: wherefore turne backe
with us; and let us see the cause of thy feare。
  Having lighted many Torches; the Abbot and his Monkes entred with
the Sexton into the Church; where they beheld the wonderful riche
bedde; and the Knight lying fast asleepe in it。 While they stood all
in amazement; not daring to approach neere the bedde; whereon lay such
costly jewells: it chanced that Signior Thorello awaked; and
breathed forth a vehement sigh。 The Monkes and the Abbot seeing him to
stirre; ranne all away in feare; crying aloud; God and S。 Peter defend
us。
  By this time Thorello had opened his eyes; and looking round about
him; perceived that hee was in the place of Saladines promise; whereof
hee was not a little joyfull。 Wherefore; sitting up in the bedde;
and particularly observing all the things about him: albeit he knew
sufficiently the magnificence of Saladine; yet now it appeared far
greater to him; and imagined more largely thereof; then hee could
doe before。 But yet; without any other ceremony; seeing the flight
of the Monkes; hearing their cry; and perceiving the reason; he called
the Abbot by his name; desiring him not to be afraid; for he was his
Nephew Thorello; and no other。
  When the Abbot heard this; hee was ten times worse affrighted then
before; because (by publique fame) hee had beene so many moneths
dead and buried; but receiving (by true arguments) better assurance of
him; and hearing him still call him by his name: blessing himselfe
with the signe of the Crosse; hee went somewhat neerer to the bed;
when Thorello said。 My loving Uncle; and religious holy Father; wherof
are you afraid? I am your loving Nephew; newly returned from beyond
the Seas。 The Abbot; seeing his beard to be grown long; and his
habit after the Arabian fashion; did yet collect some resemblance of
his former countenance; and being better perswaded of him; tooke him
by the hand; saying:
  Sonne thou art happily returned; yet there is not any man in our
Citie; but doth verily beleeve thee to bee dead; and therefore doe not
much wonder at our feare。 Moreover; I dare assure thee; that thy
Wife Adalietta; being conquered by the controuling command; and
threatnings of her kinred (but much against her owne minde) is this
very morning to be married to a new husband; and the marriage feast is
solemnly prepared; in honour of this second nuptialls。
  Thorello arising out of the bedde; gave gracious salutations to
the Abbot and his Monkes; intreating earnestly of them all; that no
word might be spoken of his returne; untill he had compleated an
important businesse。 Afterward; having safely secured t

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