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第62章

the decameron(十日谈)-第62章

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embraced; to resolve her certainly in this strange alteration of her
husband; whereunto thus he answered。
  Madam; you have so straitly concured me; by urging the remembrance
of her; for whose sake I am not able to deny any thing you can demand;
as I am readie therein to pleasure you。 But first you must promise me;
that neither you; or any other person for you; shall at any time
disclose it to your Husband; untill you have seene by effect; that
which I have told you proveth to be true: and when you please; I wil
instruct you how your selfe shall see it。 The Ladie was not a little
joyfull to be thus satisfied in her Husbands folly; and constantly
crediting his words to be true; shee sware a solemne oath; that no one
alive should ever know it。 So stepping a little further aside; because
no listening eare should heare him; thus he beganne。
  Lady; if I did love you now so effectually as heeretofore I have
done; I should be very circumspect; in uttering any thing which I
immagined might distast you。 I know not whether your husband
Philipello; were at any time offended; because I affected you; or
beleeved that I received any kindnes from you: but whether it were
so or no; I could never discerne it by any outward apparance。 But
now awaiting for the opportunity of time; which he conceived should
affoord me the least suspition; he seekes to compasse that; which (I
doubt) he feares I would have done to him; in plaine termes Madam;
to have his pleasure of my wife。 And as by some carriages I have
observed; within few daies past he hath solicited and pursued his
purpose very secretly; by many Ambassages; and meanes; as (indeed) I
have learned from her selfe; and alwaies she hath returned in such
answers; as she receyved by my direction。
  And no longer ago Madam; then this very morning; before my comming
hither; I found a woman…messenger in my house; in very close
conference with my Wife; when growing doubtfull of that which was true
indeede; I called my Wife; enquiring; what the woman would have with
her; and she told me; it was another pursuite of Philipello
Fighinolfi; who (quoth shee) upon such answers as you have caused me
to send him from time to time; perhappes doth gather some hope of
prevailing in the end; which maketh him still to importune me as he
doth。 And now he adventureth so farre; as to understand my finall
intention; having thus ordered his complot; that when I please; I must
meet him secretly in a house of this City; where he hath prepared a
Bath ready for me; and hopeth to enjoy the end of his desire; as
very earnestly he hath solicited me thereto。 But if you had not
commanded me; to hold him in suspense with so many frivolous
answers; I would ere this; have sent him such a message; as should
have bene little to his liking。
  With patience Madam I endured all before; but now (me thinkes) he
proceedeth too farre; which is not any way to be suffered; and
therefore I intended to let you know it; that you may perceive; how
wel you are rewarded for the faithfull and loyall love you beare
him; and for which; I was even at deaths dore。 Now; because you may be
the surer of my speeches; not to be any lyes or fables; and that you
may (if you please) approve the truth by your owne experience; I
caused my wife to send him word; that she would meet him to morrow
at the Bathing…house appointed; about the houre of noone…day; when
people repose themselves in regard of the heates violence; with
which answer the woman returned very jocondly。 Let me now tell you
Lady; I hope you have better opinion of my wit; then any meaning in
me; to send my wife thither; I rather did it to this end; that
having acquainted you with his treacherous intent; you should supply
my wives place; by saving both his reputation and your owne; and
frustrating his unkind purpose to me。 Moreover; upon the view of his
owne delusion; wrought by my wife in meere love to you; he shall see
his foule shame; and your most noble care; to keepe the rites of
marriage betweene you still unstained。
  Madame Catulla; having heard this long and unpleasing report;
without any consideration; either what he was that tolde the tale;
or what a treason he intended against her: immediately (as jealous
persons use to doe) she gave faith to his forgerie; and began to
discourse many things to him; which imagination had often misguided
her in; against her honest minded husband; and enflamed with rage;
suddenly replied; that shee would doe according as he had advised her;
as being a matter of no difficulty。 But if he came; she would so shame
and dishonour him; as no woman whatsoever should better schoole him。
Ricciardo highly pleased herewith; and being perswaded; that his
purpose would take the full effect: confirmed the Lady in her
determination with many words more; yet putting her in memory; to
keepe her faithfull promise made; without revealing the matter to
any living person; as shee had sworne upon her faith。
  On the morrow morning; Ricciardo went to an auncient woman of his
acquaintance; who was the Mistresse of a Bathing…house; and there
where he had appointed Madame Catulla; that the Bath should bee
prepared for her; giving her to understand the whole businesse; and
desiring her to be favourable therein to him。 The woman; who had beene
much beholding to him in other matters; promised very willingly to
fulfill his request; concluding with him; both what should be done and
said。 She had in her house a very darke Chamber; without any window to
affoord it the least light; which Chamber she had made ready;
according to Ricciardoes direction; with a rich Bed thereir; so soft
and delicate as possible could bee; wherein he entred so soone as he
had dined; to attend the arrivall of Madame Catulla。 On the same
day; as she had heard the speeches of Ricciardo; and gave more
credit to them then became her; shee returned home to her house in
wonderfull impatience。 And Philippello her husband came home
discontentedly too; whose head being busied about some worldly
affaires; perhaps he looked not so pleasantly; neither used her so
kindly; as he was wont to doe。 Which Catulla perceiving; shee was
ten times more suspicious then before; saying to her selfe。 Now
apparent trueth doth disclose it selfe; my husbands head is troubled
now with nothing else; but Ricciardoes wife; with whom (to morrow)
he purposeth his meeting; wherein he shall be disappointed; if I live;
taking no rest at all the whole night; for thinking how to handle
her husband。
  What shall I say more? On the morrow; at the houre of mid…day
accompanied onely with her Chamber…mayde; and without any other
alteration in opinion; shee went to the house where the Bath was
promised; and meeting there with the olde woman; demaunded of her;
if Philippello were come thither as yet or no? The woman; being well
instructed by Ricciardo; answered: Are you shee that should meete
him heere? Yes; replied Catulla。 Goe in then to him (quoth the
woman) for he is not farre off before you。
  Madame Catulla; who went to seeke that which shee would not finde;
being brought vailed into the darke Chamber where Ricciardo was;
entred into the Bath; hoping to finde none other there but her
husband; and the custome of the Country; never disallowed such
meetings of men with their wives; but held them to be good and
commendable。 In a counterfeit voyce he bad her welcome; and she; not
seeming to be any other then shee was indeed; entertained his
imbracings in as loving manner; yet not daring to speake; least he
should know her; but suffered him to proceede in his owne errour。
  Let passe the wanton follies passing betweene them; and come to
Madame Catulla; who finding it a fit and convenient time; to vent
forth the tempest of her spleene; began in this manner。 Alas! how
mighty; are the misfortunes of women; and how ill requited is all
the loyall love of many wives to their husbands? I; a poore
miserable Lady; who; for the space of eight yeeres now fully
compleated; have loved thee: more dearely then mine owne life; finde
now (to my hearts endlesse griefe) how thou wastest and consumest
thy desires; to delight them with a strange woman; like a most vil

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