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第237章

the decameron(十日谈)-第237章

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Honor (if I have any power in me to prevaile by) that you would not
give her such cutting and unkind language; as you did to your other
wife: for I cannot thinke her armed with such patience; as should
(indeed) support them: as wel in regard she is much yonger; as also
her more delicate breeding and education; whereas she who you had
before; was brought up in continual toile and travaile。
  When the Marquesse perceyved; that Grizelda beleeved verily; this
yong daughter of hers should be his wife; and answered him in so
honest and modest manner: he commanded her to sit downe by him; and
saide。 Grizelda; it is now more then fitte time; that thou shouldst
taste the fruite of thy long admired patience; and that they who
have thought me cruell; harsh and uncivill natured; should at length
observe; that I have done nothing basely; or unadvisedly。 For this was
a worke premeditated before; for enstructing thee; what it is to be
a married wife; and to let them know (whosoever they be) how to take
and keepe a wife。 Which hath begotten (to me) perpetuall joy and
happinesse; so long as I have a day to live with thee: a matter
whereof I stoode before greatly in feare; and which (in marriage I
thought) would never happen to me。
  It is not unknown to thee; in how many kinds (for my first proofe) I
gave thee harsh and unpleasing speeches; which drawing no
discontentment from thee; either in lookes; words; or behaviour; but
rather such comfort as my soule desired; and so in my other
succeedings afterward: in one minute now; I purpose to give thee
that consolation; which I bereft thee of in many tempestuous
stormes; and make a sweet restauration; for all thy former sower
sufferinges。 My faire and dearly affected Grizelda; shee whom thou
supposest for my new elected Spouse; with a glad and cheerfull hart;
imbrace for thine owne daughter; and this also her Brother; beeing
both of them thy children and mine; in common opinion of the vulgar
multitude; imagined to be (by my command) long since slaine。 I am
thy honourable Lord and Husband; who doth; and will love thee farre
above all women else in the world; giving thee justly this deserved
praise and commendation; That no man living hath the like Wife; as I
have。
  So; sweetly kissing her infinitely; and hugging her joyfully in
his armes (the teares now streaming like new…let…loose Rivers; downe
her faire face; which no disaster before could force from her) hee
brought her; and seated her by her daughter; who was not a little
amazed at so rare an alteration。 Shee having in zeale of affection)
kissed and embraced them both; all else there present being clearely
resolved from the former doubt which too long deluded them; the ladies
arose jocondly from the tables; and attending on Grizelda to her
Chamber; in signe of a more successfull augury to follow; tooke off
her poor contemptible rags; and put on such costly robes; which (as
Lady Marchionesse) she used to weare before。
  Afterward; they waited on her into the Hall againe; being their true
Soveraigne Lady and Mistresse; as she was no lesse in her poorest
Garments; where all rejoycing for the new restored Mother; and happy
recovery of so noble a son and daughter; the Festivall continued
many months after。 Now every one thought the Marquesse to be a noble
and wise Prince; though somewhat sharpe and unsufferable; in the
severe experiences made of his wife: but (above al) they reputed
Grizelda; to be a most wise; patient; and vertuous Lady。 The Count
of Panago; within few daies after returned backe to Bologna; and the
Lord Marques; fetching home old Janiculo from his country drudgery; to
live with him (as his Father in law) in his Princely Palace; gave
him honorable maintenance; wherein hee long continued; and ended his
daies。 Afterward; he matched his daughter in a Noble marriage: he
and Grizelda living a long time together; in the highest honor that
possibly could be。
  What can now be saide to the contrary; but that poore Country
Cottages; may yeeld as divine and excellent spirits; as the most
stately and Royall mansions; which breed and bring uppe some; more
worthy to be Hog…rubbers; then hold any soveraignty over men? Where is
any other (beside Grizelda) who not only without a wet eye; but
imboldned by a valiant and invincible courage: that can suffer the
sharpe rigors; and (never the like heard of proofes) made by the
Marquesse? Perhaps he might have met with another; who would have
quitted him in a contrary kinde; and for thrusting her forth of doores
in her smocke; could have found better succor somewhere else; rather
then walke so nakedly in the cold streets。
  Dioneus having thus ended his Novel; and the Ladies delivering their
severall judgements; according to their owne fancies; some holding one
conceite; others leaning to the contrary; one blaming this thing;
and another commending that; the King lifting his eyes to heaven;
and seeing the Sun began to fal low; by rising of the Evening
Starre; without arising from his seat; spake as followeth。 Discreet
Ladies; I am perswaded you know sufficiently; that the sense and
understanding of us mortals; consisteth not onely (as I think) by
preserving in memory things past; or knowledge of them present; but
such as both by the one and other; know how to foresee future
occasions; are worthily thought wise; and of no common capacity。
  It will be (to morrow) fifteene dayes; since we departed from the
City of Florence; to come hither for our pastime and comfort; the
conservation of our lives; and support of our health; by avoyding
those melanchollies; griefes and anguishes; which we beheld daylie
in our City; since the pestilentiall visitation beganne there; wherein
(by my judgement) we have done well and honestly。 Albeit some light
Novels; perhaps attractive to a little wantonnes; as some say; and our
joviall feasting with good cheare; singing and dancing; may seeme
matters inciting to incivility; especially in weake and shallow
understandings。 But I have neither seene; heard; or knowne; any
acte; word; or whatsoever else; either on your part or ours; justly
deserving to be blamed: but all has bin honest; as in a sweete and
hermonious concord; such as might well beseeme the communitie of
Brethren and Sisters; which assuredly; as well in regard of you; as
us; hath much contented me。
  And therefore; least by over…long consuetude; something should
take life; which might be converted to a bad construction; and by
our country demourance for so many dayes; some captious conceit may
wrest out an ill imagination; I am of the minde (if yours be the like)
seeing each of us hath had the honor; which now remaineth still on me:
that it is very fitting for us; to returne thither from whence we
came。 And so much the rather; because this sociable meeting of ours;
which already hath wonne the knowledge of many dwellers here about us;
should not grow to such an increase; as might make our purposed
pastime offensive to us。 In which respect (if you allow of advise) I
wil keepe the Crowne till our departing hence; the which I intend
shalbe to morrow: but if you determine otherwise I am the man ready
to make my resignation。
  Many imaginations passed amongst the Ladies; and likewise the men;
but yet in the end; they reputed the Kings counsell to bee the best
and wisest; concluding to do as he thought convenient。 Wherupon; hee
called the Master of the housholde; and conferred with him; of the
businesse belonging to the next morning; and then gave the company
leave to rise。 The Ladies and the rest; when they were risen; fel some
to one kinde of recreation; and others as their fancies served them;
even as (before) they had done。 And when Supper time came; they
dispatcht it in very loving manner。 Then they began to play on
instruments; sing and dance; and Madame Lauretta leading the dance:
the King commaunded Madame Fiammetta to sing a song; which
pleasantly she began in this manner。

                       THE SONG
     THE CHORUS SUNG BY ALL THE REST OF THE COMPANY

     If Love were free from Jealousie;
       No Lady living;
       Had lesse heart…greeving;
     Or liv'd so happily as I。

  If gallan

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