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第67章

the decameron(十日谈)-第67章

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contentment。 And questionlesse; if I speed no worse then my good
hope perswadeth me; I will see you againe to night; and acquaint you
at better leysure; in such things as I cannot do now at this present。
  So putting on his Pilgrimes habit againe; kissing her once more; and
comforting her with future good successe; he departed from her;
going to the prison where Aldobrandino lay; whom hee found more
pensive; as being in hourely expectation of death; then any hope he
had to be freed from it。 Being brought neerer to him by the
prisoners favour; as seeming to be a man come onely to comfort him:
sitting downe by him; thus he began。 Aldobrandino; I am a friend of
thine; whom Heaven hath sent to doe thee good; in meere pittie and
compassion of thine innocency。 And therefore; if thou wilt grant me
one small request; which I am earnestly to crave at thy hands; thou
shalt heare (without any failing) before to morrow at night; the
sentence of thy free absolution; whereas now thou expectest nothing
but death; whereunto Aldobrandino thus answered。 Friendly man;
seeing thou art so carefull of my safety (although I know thee not;
neither doe remember that ere I saw thee till now) thou must needs
be some especiall kinde friend of mine。 And to tell thee the truth;
I never committed the sinful deed for which I am condemned to death。
True it is; I have other heinous and greevous sins; which
(undoubtedly) have throwne。 this heavy judgement on me; and
therefore I am the more willing to undergo it。 Neverthelesse; let me
thus I us farre assure thee; that I would gladly not onely promise
something which might be to the glory of God; if he were pleased in
this case to have mercy on me; but also would as willingly performe
and accomplish it。 Wherefore; demaund whatsoever thou pleasest; for
unfained (if I escape with life) I will truly keepe promise with thee。
  Sir; replyed the Pilgrime; I desire nor demand any thing of you; but
that you would pardon the foure Brethren of Theobaldo; that brought
you to this hard extremity; as thinking you to be guilty of their
brothers death; and that you would also accept them as your brethren
and friends upon their craving pardon for what they have done。
  Sir; answered Aldobrandino; no man knoweth how sweet revenge is; nor
with what heate it is to be desired; but onely the man who hath bene
wronged。 Notwithstanding; not to hinder hope; which onely aymeth at
Heaven; I freely forgive them; and henceforth pardon them for ever;
intending more。 over; that if mercy give me life; and cleere me from
this bloody imputation; to love and respect them so long as I shall
live。 This answere was most pleasing to the Pilgrime; and without
any further multiplication of speeches; he entreated him to be of good
comfort; for he feared not but before the time prefixed; he should
heare certaine tydings of his deliverance。
  At his departing from him; hee went directly to the Signoria; and
prevailed so far that he spake privately with a Knight; who was then
one of the States chiefest Lords; to whom he saide。 Sir; a man ought
to bestow his best paines and diligence; that the truth of things
should be apparantly knowne; especially; such men as hold the place
and office as you doe: to the end; that those persons which have
committed no foule offence; should not bee punished; but onely the
guilty and haynous transgressors。 And because it will be no meane
honor to you; to lay the blame where it worthily deserveth; I am
come hither purposely; to informe you in a case of most weighty
importance。 It is not unknowne to you; with what rigour the State hath
proceeded against Aldobrandino Palermini; and you think verily he is
the man that hath slaine Theobaldo Elisei; whereupon your Law hath
condemned him to die。 I dare assure you Sir; that a very unjust course
hath beene taken in this case; because Aldobrandino is falsly
accused as you your selfe will confesse before midnight; when they are
delivered into your power; that were the murderers of the man。
  The honest Knight; who was very sorrowfull for Aldobrandino;
gladly gave attention to the Pilgrime; and having conferred on many
matters; appertaining to the fact committed: the two Brethren who were
Theobaldoes Hostes; and their Chambermaid; upon good advice given;
were apprehended in their first sleep; without any resistance made
in their defence。 But when the tortures were sent for; to understand
truly how the case went; they would not endure any paine at all; but
each aside by himselfe; and then altogether confessed openly; that
they did the deede; yet not knowing him to be Theobaldo Elisei。 And
when it was demanded of them; upon what occasion they did so foule
an act; they answered; that they were so hatefull against the mans
life; because he would luxuriouslie have abused one of their wives;
when they both were absent from their owne home。
  When the Pilgrim had heard their voluntary confession; he tooke
his leave of his Knight; returning secretly to the house of Madam
Hermelina; and there (because all her people were in their beds) she
carefully awaited his returne; to beare some glad tydings of her
father; and to make a further reconciliation betweene her and
Theobaldo; when sitting downe by her; he said: Deare Love; be of
good cheere; for (upon my word) to morrow you shall have your father
home safe; well; and delivered from all further danger: and to
confirme her the more confidently in his words; he declared at large
the whole carriage of the businesse。 Hermelina being wondrously
joyfull; for two such succesefull accidents to injoy her husband alive
and in health; and also to have her father freed from so great a
danger; kissed and embraced him most affectionately; welcomming him
lovingly into her bed; whereto so long time hee had beene a stranger。
  No sooner did bright day appeare; but Theobaldo arose; having
acquainted her with such matters as were to be done; and once more
earnestly desiring her; to conceale (as yet) these occurrences to
her selfe。 So in his Pilgrims habit; he departed from her house; to
awaite convenient: opportunity; for attending on the businesse
belonging to Aldobrandino。 At the usuall houre appointed; the Lords
were all set in the Signioria; and had received full information;
concerning the offence imputed to Aldobrandino; setting him at liberty
by publique consent; and sentencing the other malefactors with
death; who (within a few dayes after) were beheaded in place the
murther was committed。 Thus Aldobrandino being released; to his
exceeding comfort; and no small joy of his daughter; kindred; and
friends; all knowing perfectly; that this had happened by the Pilgrims
meanes; they conducted him home to Aldobrandinoes house; where they
desired him to continue so long as himselfe pleased; using him with
most honourable and gracious respect; bilt especially Hermelina; who
knew (better then the rest) on whom she bestowed her liberall favours;
yet concealing all closely to her selfe。 After two or three dayes were
over…past; in these complementall entercoursings of kindnesse;
Theobaldo began to consider; that it was high time for reconciliation;
to be solemnely past betweene his brethren and Aldobrandino。 For; they
were not a little amazed at his strange deliverance; and went likewise
continually armed; as standing in feare of Aldobrandino and his
friends; which made him the more earnest; for accomplishment of the
promise formerly made unto him。 Aldobrandino lovingly replied; that he
was ready to make good his word。 Whereupon; the Pilgrime provided a
goodly Banquet; whereat he pursued to have present Aldobrandino; his
Daughter; Kindred; and their wives。 But first; himselfe went in
person; to invite them in peace to his banquet; using many pregnant
and forcible reasons to them; such as are requisite in the like
discordant cases。 In the end; they were so wise and prevailing with
them that they willingly condiscended; and thought it no disparagement
unto them; for the recovery of Aldobrandinoes kindnesse againe; to
crave pardon for their great error committed。 On the morrow following;
about dinner time; the foure brethren of Theobaldo; attired in their
mourni

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