the decameron(十日谈)-第91节
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Ruggiero in way of an amends; and to enable his marriage with the
Doctors Mayde; whose constancie was much commended; and wrought such a
miracle on penitent Ruggiero; that after his marriage; which was
graced with great and honourable pompe; he regained the intimate
love of all his kindred; and lived in most Noble condition; even as if
he had never bene any disordered man。
If the former Novels had made all the Ladies sad and sighe; this
last of Dioneus as much delighted them; as restoring them to their
former jocond humor; and banishing Tragicall discourse for ever。 The
King perceiving that the Sun was neere setting; and his government
as neere ending; with many kinde and courteous speeches; excused
himselfe to the Ladies; for being the motive of such an argument; as
expressed the infelicity of poore Lovers。 And having finished his
excuse; up he rose; taking the Crown of Lawrell from off his owne
head; the Ladies awaiting on whose head he pleased next to set it;
which proved to be the gracious Lady Fiammetta; and thus he spake。
Here I place this Crowne on her head; that knoweth better then any
other; how to comfort this faire assembly to morrow; for the sorrow
which they have this day endured。
Madame Fiammetta; whose lockes of haire were curled; long; and
like golden wiers; hanging somewhat downe over her white and
delicate shoulders; her visage round; wherein the Damaske Rose and
Lilly contended for priority; the eyes in her head; resembling those
of the Faulcon messenger; and a dainty mouth; her lippes looking
like two little Rubyes; with a commendable smile thus she replyed。
Philostratus; gladly I do accept your gift; and to the end that ye
may the better remember your selfe; concerning what you have done
hitherto: I will and command; that generall preparation be made
against to morrow; for faire and happy fortunes hapning to Lovers;
after former cruell and unkinde accidents。 Which proposition was
very pleasing to them all。
Then calling for the Master of the Houshold; and taking order with
him; what was most needfull to be done; she gave leave unto the
whole company (who were all risen) to go recreate themselves untill
supper time。 Some of them walked about the Garden; the beauty
whereof banished the least thought of wearinesse。 Others walked by the
River to the Mill; which was not farre off; and the rest fell to
exercises; fitting their owne fancies; untill they heard the summons
for Supper。 Hard by the goodly Fountaine (according to their wonted
manner) they supped altogether; and were served to their no meane
contentment: but being risen from the Table; they fell to their
delight of singing and dancing。 While Philomena led the dance; the
Queene spake in this manner。
Philostratus; I intend not to varie from those courses heretofore
observed by my predecessors; but even as they have already done; so it
is my authority; to command a Song。 And because I am well assured;
that you are not unfurnished of Songs answerable to the quality of the
passed Novels: my desire is; in regard we would not be troubled
hereafter; with any more discourses of unfortunate Love; that you
shall sing a Song agreeing with your owne disposition。 Philostratus
made answer; that hee was ready to accomplish her command; and without
all further ceremony; thus he began。
THE SONG
Chorus。 My teares do plainly prove;
How justly that poore heart hath cause to greeve
Which (under trust) findes Treason in his Love。
When first I saw her; that now makes me sigh;
Distrust did never enter in my thoughts。
So many vertues clearly shin'd in her;
That I esteem'd all martyrdome was light
Which Love could lay on me。 Nor did I greeve;
Although I found my liberty was lost。
But now mine error I do plainly see:
Not without sorrow; thus betray'd to bee。
My teares do; etc。
For; being left by basest treachery
Of her in whom I most reposed trust:
I then could see apparant flatterie
In all the fairest shewes that she did make。
But when I strove to get forth of the snare;
I found my selfe the further plunged in。
For I beheld another in my place;
And I cast off; with manifest disgrace。
My; etc。
Then felt my heart such hels of heavy woes;
Not utterable。 I curst the day and houre
When first I saw her lovely countenance;
Enricht with beautie; farre beyond all other:
Which set my soule on fire; enflamde each part;
Making a martyrdome of my poore hart。
My faith and hope being basely thus betrayde;
I durst not moove; to speake I was affrayde。
My teares do; etc。
Thou canst (thou powerfull God of Love) perceive;
My ceasselesse sorrow; voyde of any comfort:
I make my moane to thee; and do not fable;
Desiring; that to end my misery;
Death may come speedily; and with his Dart
With one fierce stroke; quite passing through my heart:
To cut off future fell contending strife;
An happy end be made of Love and Life。
My teares do; etc。
No other meanes of comfort doth remaine;
To ease me of such sharpe afflictions;
But onely death。 Grant then that I may die;
To finish greefe and life in one blest houre。
For; being bereft of any future joyes;
Come; take me quickly from so false a friend。
Yet in my death; let thy great power approve;
That I died true; and constant in my Love。
My teares do; etc。
Happy shall I account this sighing Song;
If some (beside my selfe) do learne to sing it;
And so consider of my miseries;
As may incite them to lament my wrongs。
And to be warned by my wretched fate;
Least (like my selfe) themselves do sigh too late。
Learne Lovers; learne; what tis to be unjust;
And be betrayed; where you repose best trust。
The words contained in this Song; did manifestly declare; what
torturing afflictions poore Philostratus felt; and more (perhaps)
had beene perceived by the lookes of the Lady whom he spake of;
being then present in the dance; if the sodaine ensuing darknesse
had not hid the crimson blush; which mounted up into her face。 But the
Song being ended; and divers other beside; lasting till the houre of
rest drew on; by command of the Queene; they all repaired to their
Chambers。
THE INDUCTION TO THE FIFT DAY
WHEREON; ALL THE DISCOURSES DO PASSE UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
MOST NOBLE LADY FIAMMETTA: CONCERNING SUCH PERSONS; AS HAVE BENE
SUCCESSEFULL IN THEIR LOVE; AFTER MANY HARD AND
PERILLOUS MISFORTUNES
Now began the Sunne to dart foorth his golden beames; when Madam
Fiammetta (incited by the sweete singing Birdes; which since the
breake of day; sat merrily chanting on the trees) arose from her
bed: as all the other Ladies likewise did; and the three young
Gentlemen descending downe into the fields; where they walked in a
gentle pace on the greene grasse; untill the Sunne were risen a little
higher。 On many pleasant matters they conferred together; as they
walked in severall companies; till at the length the Queene; finding
the heate to enlarge it selfe strongly; returned backe to the
Castle; where when they were all arrived; she commanded; that after
this mornings walking; their stomackes should be refreshed with
wholsom Wines; as also divers sorts of banquetting stuffe。
Afterward; they all repaired into the Garden; not departing thence;
the houre of dinner was come: at which time; the Master of the
houshold; having prepared every thing in decent readinesse; after a
solemne song was sung; by order from the Queene; they were seated:
When they had dined; to their own liking and contentment; they began
(in continuation of their former order) to exercise divers dances; and
afterward voyces to their instruments; and many pretty Madrigals and
Roundelayes。 Upon the finishing of these delights; the Queene gave
them leave to take their rest; when such as were so minded; went to
sleep; others solaced themselves in the Garden。 But after midday was
overpast; they met (according to their wonted manner) and as the
Queene had commanded; at the faire Fountaine; where she being placed
in her seate royall; and casting her eye upon Pamphilus; she bad him
begin the dayes discourses; of happy successe in love; after
disastrous and troublesome accidents; who yeelding thereto with humble
reverence; thus began。
Many Novels (gracious Ladies) do offer themselves to my memory;
wherewith to beginne so pleasant a day; as it is her Highnesse
desire that this should be: among which plenty; I esteeme one above
all the rest; because you may comprehend thereby; not onely the
fortunate conclusion; wherewith we intend to begin our day; but
also; how mighty the forces of Love are; deserving to be both
admired and reverenced。 Albeit there are many; who scarsely knowing
what they say; do condemne them with infinite grosse imputations:
which I purpose to disprove; and (I hope) to your no little pleasing。
THE FIFT DAY; THE FIRST NOVELL
WHEREBY THAT LOVE (OFTENTIMES) MAKETH A MAN BOTH WISE AND
VALIANT
Chynon; by falling in Love; became wis