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第82章

the decameron(十日谈)-第82章

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in execution。 Moreover; being made Priest; when he was celebrating
Masse at the Altar; if he saw himselfe to be observed by any; he would
most mournefully reade the passion of our Saviour; as one whose teares
cost him little; whensoever hee pleased to use them; so that; in a
short while; by his preaching and teares; he fed the humours of the
Venetians so pleasingly; that they made him executor (well…neere) of
all their Testaments; yea; many chose him as depositary or Guardion of
their monies; because he was both Confessour and Councellor; almost to
all the men and women。
  By this well seeming out…side of sanctity; the Wolfe became a
Shepheard; and his renowne for holinesse was so famous in those parts;
as Saint Frances himselfe had hardly any more。 It fortuned; that a
young Gentlewoman; being somewhat foolish; wanton and proud minded;
named Madam Lisetta de Caquirino; wife to a wealthy Merchant; who went
with certaine Gallies into Flanders; and there lay as Lieger long
time: in company of other Gentlewomen; went to be confessed by this
ghostly Father; kneel。 at his feete; although her heart was high
enough; like a proud minded woman; (for Venetians are presumptuous;
vaine…glorious; and witted much like to their skittish Gondoloes)
she made a very short rehearsall of her sinnes。 At length Fryar Albert
demanded of her; whether shee had any amorous friend or lover? Her
patience being exceedingly provoked; stearne anger appeared in her
lookes; which caused her to returne him this answer。 How now Sir
Domine? what? have you no eyes in your head? Can you not distinguish
between mine; and these other common beauties? I could have Lovers
enow; if I were so pleased; but those perfections remaining in me; are
not to be affected by this man; or that。 How many beauties have you
beheld; any way answerable to mine; and are more fit for Gods; then
mortals。
  Many other idle speeches shee uttered; in proud opinion of her
beauty; whereby Friar Albert presently perceived; that this
Gentlewoman had but a hollow braine; and was fit game for folly to
flye at; which made him instantly enamoured of her; and that beyond
all capacity of resisting; which yet he referred to a further; and
more commodious time。 Neverthelesse; to shew himselfe an holy and
religious man now; he began to reprehend her; and told her plainely;
that she was vain…glorious; and overcome with infinite follies。
Heereupon; him call。ed him a logger headed beast; and he knew not
the difference betweene an ordinary complexion; and beauty of the
highest merit。 In which respect; Friar Albert; being loth to offend
her any further; after confession was fully ended; let her passe
away among the other Gentlewomen; she giving him divers disdainfull
lookes。
  Within some few dayes after; taking one of his trusty brethren in
his company; he went to the House of Madam Lisetta; where requiring to
have some conference alone with her selfe; shee tooke him into a
private Parlor; and being there; not to be seene by any body; he
fell on his knees before her; speaking in this manner。 Madam; for
charities sake; and in regard of your owne most gracious nature; I
beseech you to pardon those harsh speeches; which I used to you the
other day; when you were with me at confession: because; the very
night ensuing thereon; I was chastised in such cruell manner; as I was
never able to stirre forth of my bed; untill this very instant
morning; whereto the weake…witted Gentlewoman thus replyed。 And who
I pray you (quoth she) did chastise you so severely? I will tell you
Madam; said Friar Albert; but it is a matter of admirable secrecie。
  Being alone by my selfe the same night in my Dorter; and in very
serious devotion; according to my usuall manner: suddenly I saw a
bright splendour about me; and I could no sooner arise to discerne
what it might be; and whence it came; but I espied a very goodly young
Lad standing by me; holding a golden Bow in his hand; and a rich
Quiver of Arrowes hanging at his backe。 Catching fast hold on my Hood;
against the ground he threw me rudely; trampling on me with his feete;
and beating me with so many cruell blowes; that I thought my body to
be broken in peeces。 Then I desired to know; why he was so rigorous to
me in his correction? Because (quoth he) thou didst so saucily presume
this day; to reprove the celestiall beauty of Madam Lisetta; who (next
to my Mother Venus) I love most dearely。 Whereupon I perceived; he was
the great commanding God Cupid; and therefore I craved most humbly
pardon of him。 I will pardon thee (quoth he) but upon this
condition; that thou goe to her so soone as conveniently thou canst;
and (by lowly humility) prevaile to obtaine her free pardon: which
if she will not vouchsafe to grant thee; then shall I in stearne anger
returne againe; and lay so many torturing afflictions on thee; that
all thy whole life time shall be most hatefull to thee。 And what the
displeased God saide else beside; I dare not disclose; except you
please first to pardon me。
  Mistresse shallow…braine; being swolne big with this wind; like an
empty bladder; conceived no small pride in hearing these words;
constantly crediting them to be true; and therefore thus answered。 Did
I not tel you Father Albert; that my beauty was celestiall? But I
sweare by my beauty; notwithstanding your idle passed arrogancy; I
am heartily sorry for your so severe correction; which that it may
no more be inflicted on you; I do freely pardon you; yet with this
proviso; that you tell me what the God else saide unto you; whereto
Fryar Albert thus replyed。 Madam; seeing you have so graciously
vouchsafed to pardon me; I will thankfully tell you all: but you
must be very carefull and respective; that whatsoever I shall
reveale unto you; must so closely be concealed; as no living
creature in the World may know it; for you are the onely happy Lady
now living; and that happinesse relleth on your silence and
secrecie: with solemne vowes and protestations she sealed up her
many promises; and then the Fryar thus proceeded。
  Madam; the further charge imposed on me by God Cupid; was to tell
you; that himselfe is so extremely enamored of your beauty; and you
are become so gracious in his affection; as; many nights he hath
come to see you in your Chamber; sitting on your pillow; while you
slept sweetly; and desiring very often to awake you; but onely fearing
to affright you。 Wherefore; now he sends you word by me; that one
night he intendeth to come visite you; and to spend some time in
conversing with you。 But in regard he is a God; and meerely a spirit
in forme; whereby neither you or any else have capacity of beholding
him; much lesse to touch or feele him: he saith that (for your sake)
he will come in the shape of a man; giving me charge also to know of
you; when you shall please to have him come; and in whose similitude
you would have him to come; whereof he will not falle; in which
respect; you may justly thinke your selfe to be the onely happy
woman livng; and farre beyond all other in your good fortune。
  Mistresse want…wit presently answered; shee was well contented; that
God Cupid should love her; and she would returne the like love
againe to him; protesting withill; that wheresoever shee should see
his majesticall picture; she would set a hallowed burning Taper before
it。 Moreover; at all times he should be most welcome to her;
whensoever hee would vouchsafe to visite her; for; he should alwayes
finde her alone in her private Chamber: on this condition; that his
olde Love Psyches; and all other beauties else whatsoever; must be set
aside; and none but her selfe onely to be his best Mistresse;
referring his personall forme of appearance; to what shape himselfe
best pleased to assume; so that it might not be frightfull; or
offensive to her。
  Madam (quoth Friar Albert) most wisely have you answered; and
leave the matter to me; for I will take order sufficiently; and to
your contentment。 But you may do me a great grace; and without any
prejudice to your selfe; in granting me one poore request; namely;
to vouchsafe the Gods appearance to you; in my bodily shape and
person; and in the perfect forme of 

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