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

第55章

the decameron(十日谈)-第55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!



very long; to the end that he might the better know him the next
morning; and so returned backe to his lodging againe。 The Querry;
who partly saw; but felt what was done to him; perceived plainely
(being a subtill ingenious fellow) for what intent he was thus marked。
Wherefore; without any longer dallying; up he rose; and taking a paire
of sheares; wherewith they used to trim their Horses; softly he went
from bed to bed; where they all lay yet soundly sleeping; and clipt
away each mans locke from his right eare; in the selfe same manner
as the King had done his; and being not perceived by any one of
them; quietly he laide him downe againe。
  In the morning; when the King was risen; he gave command that before
the Pallace gates were opened; all his whole Family should come before
him; as instantly his will was fulfilled。 Standing all uncovered in
his presence; he began to consider with himselfe; which of them was
the man that he had marked。 And seeing the most part of them to have
their lockes cut; all after one and the selfe same manner;
marvailing greatly; he saide to himselfe。 The man whom I seeke for;
though he be but of meane and base condition; yet it plainely
appeareth; that he is of no deject or common understanding。 And
seeing; that without further clamour and noyse; he could not find
out the party he looked for; he concluded; not to win eternall
shame; by compassing a poore revenge: but rather (by way of
admonition) to let the offender know in a word; that he was both noted
and observed。 So turning to them all; he saide; He that hath done
it; let him be silent; and doe so no more; and now depart about your
businesse。
  Some other turbulent spirited man; no imprisonments; tortures;
examinations; and interrogations; could have served his turne; by
which course of proceeding; he makes the shame to be publikely knowne;
which reason requireth to keepe concealed。 But admit that condigne
vengeance were taken; it diminisheth not one tittle of the shame;
neither qualifieth the peoples bad affections; who will lash out as
liberally in scandal; and upon the very least babling rumor。 Such
therfore as heard the Kings words; few though they were; yet truly
wise; marvelled much at them; and by long examinations among
themselves; questioned; but came far short of his meaning; the man
onely excepted whom indeed they concerned; and by whom they were never
discovered; so long as the King lived; neither did he dare at any time
after; to hazard his life in the like action; under the frownes or
favour of Fortune。




                    THE THIRD DAY; THE THIRD NOVELL

   DECLARING; THAT THE LEWD QUALITIES OF SOME PERSONS; OFTENTIMES
       MISGUIDE GOOD PEOPLE; INTO GREAT AND GREEVOUS ERRORS。

  Under colour of Confession; and of a most pure conscience; a faire
yong Gentlewoman; being amourously affected to an honest man;
induced a devoute and solemne religious Friar; to advise her in the
meanes (without his suspition or perceiving) how to enjoy the
benefit of her friend; and bring her desires to their full effect。

  When Madam Pampinea sate silent; and the Querries boldnesse equalled
with his crafty cunning; and great wisedom in the King had passed
amongst them with a generall applause; the Queene turning her selfe to
Madam Philomena; appointed her to follow next in order as the rest had
done before her: whereupon Philomena began after this maner。
  It is my purpose; to acquaint you with a notable mockerie; which was
performed (not in jest; but earnest) by a faire Gentlewoman; to a
grave and devoute Religious Friar; which will yeelde so much the
more pleasure and recreation; to every secular understander; if but
diligently he or she doe observe; how commonly those Religious persons
(at least the most part of them) like notorious fooles; are the
inventers of new courses and customes; as thinking themselves more
wise and skilful in all things then any other; yet prove to be of no
worth or validity; addicting the verie best of all their devices; to
expresse their owne vilenesse of mind; and fatten themselves in
their styes like to pampered Swine。 And assure your selves worthy
Ladies; that I doe not tell this tale onely to follow the order
enjoyned me; but also to informe you that such Saint…like holy Sirs;
of whom we are too opinionate and credulous; may be; yea and are
(divers times) cunningly met withall; in theyr craftinesse; not
onely by men; but likewise some of our owne sexe; as shall make it
apparant to you。
  In our owne City (more full of craft and deceit; then love or
faithfull dealing) there lived not many yeeres since; a Gentlewoman of
good spirit; highly minded; endued with beauty and all commendable
qualities; as any other woman (by nature) could be。 Her name; or any
others; concerned in this Novel; I meane not to make manifest;
albeit I know them; because some are yet living; and thereby may be
scindalized; and therefore it shall suffice to passe them over with
a smile。 This Gentlewoman; seeing her selfe to be descended of very
great parentage; and (by chance) married to an Artezan; a Cloathyer or
Draper; that lived by the making and selling of cloth。 Shee could
not (because he was a Tradesman) take downe the height of her minde;
conceiving; that no man of meane condition (how rich soever) was
worthy to enjoy a Gentlewoman in marriage。 Observing moreover; that
with all his wealth and treasure; he understood nothing better; then
to open skeines of yarne; fill shuttles lay webbes in his Loomes; or
dispute with his Spinsters; about their businesse。
  Being thus over…swayed with her proud opinion; she would no longer
be embraced or regarded by him in any manner; saving only because
she could not refuse him; but would find some other for her better
satisfaction; who might seeme more worthy of her respect; then the
Draper her Husband did。 Heereupon shee fell so deepe in love with a
verie honest man of our City also; and of indifferent yeeres; as
what day shee saw him not; shee could take no rest the night
ensuing。 The man himselfe knew nothing hereof; and therefore was the
more carelesse: and she being curious; nice; yet wisely considerate;
durst not let him understand it; neither by any womans close
conveyed message; nor yet by Letters; as fearing the perils which
happen in such cases。 But her eye observing his dayly walkes and
resorts; gave her notice of his often conversing with a religious
Friar; who albeit he was a fat and corpulent man; yet notwithstanding;
because he seemed to leade a sanctimonious life; and was reported to
be a most honest man; she perswaded her selfe; that he might be the
best meanes betweene her and her friend。
  Having considered with her selfe; what course was best to be
observed in this case; uppon a day apt and convenient; she went to the
Convent where he kept; and having caused him to be called; shee told
him; that if his leysure so served; very gladly would she be
confessed; and onely had made her choice of him。 The holy man seeing
her to be a Gentlewoman (as indeed she was) willingly heard her; and
when she had confessed what she could; she had yet another matter to
acquaint him withall; and thereupon thus she began。
  Holy Father; it is no more then convenient that I should have
recourse to you; to be assisted by your helpe and counsell; in a
matter which I will impart unto you。 I know; that you are not ignorant
of my parents and husband; of whom I am affected as deerely as his
life; for proofe whereof; there is not any thing that I can desire;
but immediately I have it of him; he being a most rich man; and may
very sufficiently affoord it。 In regard whereof; I love him equally as
my selfe; and (setting aside my best endevours for him) I must tell
you one thing quite contrary to his liking and honour: no woman
could more worthily deserve death; then my selfe。 Understand then
(good Father) that there is a man; whose name I know not; but he
seemeth to be honest; and of good worth; moreover (if I am not
deceived) he resorteth oftentimes to you; being faire and comely of
person; going alwayes in blacke garments of good price and value。 This
man; imagining (perhaps) no such minde

返回目录 上一页 下一页 回到顶部 1 1

你可能喜欢的