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第235章

the decameron(十日谈)-第235章

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of some Noble Lord; whereat every one wondred that had knowne her。
Beside all this; shee was so obedient to her husband; so fervent in
all dutifull offices; and patient; without the very least provoking:
as hee held himselfe much more then contented; and the onely happy man
of the world。
  In like manner; towards the subjects of her Lord and Husband; she
shewed her selfe alwayes so benigne and gracious; as there was not any
one; but the more they lookt on her; the better they loved her;
honouring her voluntarily; and praying to the heavens; for her health;
dignity and well…fares long continuance。 Speaking now (quite
contrary to their former opinion of the Marquesse) honourably and
thily; that he had shewne him selfe a singular wise man; in the
election of his Wife; which few else (but he) in the world would
have done: because their judgement might fall farre short; of
discerning those great and precious vertues; veiled under a homely
habite; and obscured in a poore Countrey cottage。 To be briefe; in
very short time; not onely the Marquisate it selfe; but all
neighbouring Provinces round about; had no other common talke; but
of her rare course of life; devotion; charity; and all good actions
else; quite quailing all sinister Instructions of her Husband;
before he received her in marriage。
  About foure or five yeeres after the birth of her daughter; shee
conceived with child againe; and (at the limitted houre of
deliverance) had a goodly Sonne; to the no little liking of the
Marquesse。 Afterward; a strange humour entred into his braine; namely;
that by a long continued experience; and courses of intollerable
quality; he would needes make proofe of his faire Wives patience。
First he began to provoke her by injurious speeches; shewing fierce
and frowning lookes to her; intimating; that his people grew
displeased with him; in regard of his Wives base birth and
education; and so much the rather; because she was likely to bring
children; who (by her blood) were no better then beggers; and murmured
at the daughter already borne。 Which words when Grizelda heard;
without any alteration of countenance; for the least distemperature in
any appearing action she said。
  My honourable and gracious Lord; dispose of me; as you thinke
best; for your owne dignity and contentment; for I shall therewith
be well pleased: as she that knowes her selfe; farre inferiour to
the meanest of your people; much lesse worthy of the honour; whereto
you liked to advance me。
  This answere was very welcome to the Marquesse; as apparantly
perceiving hereby; that the dignity whereto hee had exalted her; or
any particular favours beside; could not infect her with any pride;
coynesse; or disdaine。 Not long after; having told her in plaine and
open speeches; that his subjects could not endure her so late borne
daughter: he called a trusty servant of his; and having instructed him
what he should doe; sent him to Grizelda; and he being alone with her;
looking very sadde; and much perplexed in mind; he saide。 Madame;
except I intend to loose mine owne life; I must accomplish what my
Lord hath strictly enjoyned me; which is; to take this your yong
daughter; and then I must: So breaking off abruptly; the Lady
hearing his words; and noting his frowning lookes; remembring also
what the Marquesse himselfe had formerly said; she presently imagined;
that he had commanded his servant to kill the childe。 Suddenly
therefore; she tooke it out of the Cradle; and having sweetly
kissed; and bestowne her blessing on it (albeit her heart throbbed;
with the inward affection of a Mother) without any alteration of
countenance; she tenderly laid it in the servants armes; and said。
Here friend; take it; and doe with it as thy Lord and mine hath
commanded thee: but leave it in no rude place; where birds or savage
beasts may devour it; except it be his will to have it so。
  The servant departing from her with the child; and reporting the
Marquesse what his Lady had said; he wondered at her incomparable
constancy。 Then he sent it by the same servant to Bologna; to an
honourable Lady his kinsewoman; requesting her (without revealing
whose child it was) to see it both nobly and carefully educated。
  At time convenient afterward; being with child againe; and delivered
of a Princely Sonne (then which nothing could be more joyfull to the
Marquesse) yet all this was not sufficient for him; but with farre
ruder language then before; and lookes expressing harsh intentions; he
said unto her。 Grizelda; though thou pleasest me wonderfully; by the
birth of this Princely Boy; yet my subjects are not therewith
contented; but blunder abroad maliciously; that the grandchild of
Janiculo; a poore countrey pezant; when I am dead and gone; must be
their Soveraigne Lord and Master。 Which makes me stand in feare of
their expulsion; and to prevent that; I must be rid of this childe; as
well as the other; and then send thee away from hence; that I may take
another wife; more pleasing to them。
  Grizelda; with a patient sufferent soule; hearing what he had
said; returned no other answere but this。 Most Gracious and Honourable
Lord; satisfie and please your owne Royall minde; and never use any
respect of me: for nothing is precious or pleasing to mee; but what
may agree with your good liking。 Within a while after; the Noble
Marquesse in the like manner as he did before for the Daughter; so
he sent the same servant for the Sonne; and seeming as if he had
sent it to have been slaine; conveighed it to be nursed at Bologna; in
company of his sweete Sister。 Whereat the Lady shewed no other
discontentment in any kinde; then formerly she had done for her
Daughter; to the no meane marvell of the Marquesse; who protested in
his soule; that the like woman was not in all the world beside。 And
were it not for his heedfull observation; how loving and carefull
she was of her children; prizing them as dearely as her owne life:
rash opinion might have perswaded him; that she had no more in her;
then a carnall affection; not caring how many she had; so shee might
thus easily be rid of them; but he knew her to be a truely vertuous
mother; and wisely liable to endure his severest impositions。
  His Subjects beleeving; that he had caused the children to bee
slaine; blamed him greatly; thought him to be a most cruell man; and
did highly compassionate the Ladies case: who when shee came in
company of other Gentlewomen; which mourned for their deceassed
children; would answere nothing else: but that they could not be
more pleasing to her; then they were to the father that begot them。
  Within certaine yeares after the birth of these children; the
Marquesse purposed with himselfe; to make his last and finall proofe
of faire Grizeldaes patience; and said to some neere about him: that
he could no longer endure; to keepe Grizelda as his wife;
confessing; he had done foolishly; and according to a young giddie
braine; when he was so rash in the marriage of her。 Wherfore he
would send to the Pope; and purchase a dispensation from him; to
repudiate Grizelda; and take another Wife。 Wherein although they
greatly reproved him; yet he told them plainely; that it must needes
be so。
  The Lady hearing these newes; and thinking she must returne againe
to her poore father's house; and (perhaps) to her old occupation of
keeping sheepe; as in her yonger dayes she had done; understanding
withall; that another woman must enjoy him; whom shee dearely loved
and honoured; you may well thinke (worthy Ladies) that her patience
was now put to the maine proofe indeede。 Neverthelesse; as with an
invincible true vertuous courage; she had outstood all the other
injuries of Fortune; so did she constantly settle her soule; to
beare this with an undaunted countenance and behaviour。
  At such time as was prefixed for the purpose; counterfeit Letters
came to the Marquesse (as sent from Rome) which he caused to be
publikely read in the hearing of his subjects: that the Pope had
dispensed with him; to leave Grizelda; and marry with another Wife;
wherefore sending for her immediatly; in presence of them all; thus he
spake to her。 Woman; by concession sent me from

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