diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | 44561-0.txt | 390 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44561-0.zip | bin | 118301 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44561-h.zip | bin | 11735646 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44561-h/44561-h.htm | 419 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/44561-h.htm.2021-01-25 | 5524 |
5 files changed, 7 insertions, 6326 deletions
diff --git a/44561-0.txt b/44561-0.txt index 810fe4d..8e87539 100644 --- a/44561-0.txt +++ b/44561-0.txt @@ -1,36 +1,4 @@ -Project Gutenberg’s Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance, by Anonymous - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance - Selected and Translated from the Italian - -Author: Anonymous - -Illustrator: George Cruikshank - -Release Date: January 1, 2014 [EBook #44561] -Last Updated: December 11, 2016 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF HUMOUR, GALLANTRY *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44561 *** TALES OF HUMOUR, GALLANTRY & ROMANCE, @@ -4672,358 +4640,4 @@ THE END. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance, by Anonymous -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF HUMOUR, GALLANTRY *** - -***** This file should be named 44561-0.txt or 44561-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/5/6/44561/ - -Produced by David Widger - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” - or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. - -The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation’s web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44561 *** diff --git a/44561-0.zip b/44561-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ba56377..0000000 --- a/44561-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/44561-h.zip b/44561-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0cca717..0000000 --- a/44561-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/44561-h/44561-h.htm b/44561-h/44561-h.htm index b07d7b3..f730eb2 100644 --- a/44561-h/44561-h.htm +++ b/44561-h/44561-h.htm @@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> <title> Tales of Humour, Gallantry & Romance </title> @@ -35,45 +36,8 @@ </style> </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance, by Anonymous - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance - Selected and Translated from the Italian - -Author: Anonymous - -Illustrator: George Cruikshank - -Release Date: January 1, 2014 [EBook #44561] -Last Updated: December 11, 2016 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF HUMOUR, GALLANTRY *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger - - - - - -</pre> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44561 ***</div> <div style="height: 8em;"> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> @@ -5146,379 +5110,6 @@ Produced by David Widger <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div> - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance, by -Anonymous - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF HUMOUR, GALLANTRY *** - -***** This file should be named 44561-h.htm or 44561-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/5/6/44561/ - -Produced by David Widger - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” - or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. - -The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation’s web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - - </body> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44561 ***</div> +</body> </html> diff --git a/old/44561-h.htm.2021-01-25 b/old/44561-h.htm.2021-01-25 deleted file mode 100644 index 98d994e..0000000 --- a/old/44561-h.htm.2021-01-25 +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5524 +0,0 @@ -<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
-
-<!DOCTYPE html
- PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
- "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" >
-
-<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
- <head>
- <title>
- Tales of Humour, Gallantry & Romance
- </title>
- <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
-
- body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
- P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
- H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
- hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
- .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
- blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
- .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
- .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
- .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;}
- div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
- div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
- .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
- .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
- .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal;
- margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%;
- text-align: right;}
- .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em;
- border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left;
- text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;
- font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;}
- pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
-
-</style>
- </head>
- <body>
-
-
-<pre>
-
-Project Gutenberg's Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance, by Anonymous
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Title: Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance
- Selected and Translated from the Italian
-
-Author: Anonymous
-
-Illustrator: George Cruikshank
-
-Release Date: January 1, 2014 [EBook #44561]
-Last Updated: December 11, 2016
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF HUMOUR, GALLANTRY ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David Widger
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
- <div style="height: 8em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h1>
- TALES OF HUMOUR, GALLANTRY & ROMANCE,
- </h1>
- <h3>
- Selected And Translated From The Italian.
- </h3>
- <h2>
- With Sixteen Illustrative Drawings by George Cruikshank.
- </h2>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/frontispiecem.jpg" alt="frontispiecem " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/frontispiece.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/titlepagem.jpg" alt="titlepagem " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/titlepage.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- <br /> <br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <br /> <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- ADVERTISEMENT.
- </h3>
- <p>
- These tales are translated from a variety of authors. The translator has
- been chiefly led to the task by the hope of composing an entertaining
- volume out of materials not generally accessible. The works in which many
- of them are found, are by no means common, and the indelicacy with which
- almost all collections of Italian tales are polluted, deservedly excludes
- them from general perusal. Such care has, however, been employed in the
- following selection, and such liberties taken with the originals, when
- they appeared objectionable on this account, that it is hoped this little
- book will escape the censure too justly cast upon Italian works of humour,
- in general—a censure which falls heavily upon many of the otherwise
- admirable tales of Boccaccio. While, however, such trifling alterations
- have been made as appeared necessary, these tales may still justly be
- considered as fair specimens of the Italian <i>Novella</i>, and like the
- celebrated collection already alluded to, furnish us with a very lively
- idea of the early manners of the Italians. Those tales, from which our
- great dramatist borrowed parts of his plots, and some of his incidents,
- have a double interest, both from their own nature, and as they illustrate
- the process by which his genius, “by happy alchemy of mind,” turned all
- the materials which fell in his way to gold. Two or three of this kind
- have been purposely selected.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- <b>CONTENTS</b>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>ITALIAN TALES.</b> </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE TEACHER TAUGHT. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE UNEXPECTED REPLY. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> WHO AM I? </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> THE DEAD RIDER. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> THE SKILFUL PHYSICIAN </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE POMEGRANATE SEED </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> THE FATAL MISTAKE </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> THE DEAD ALIVE </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> THE FALSE CHAMPION </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> THE MERCHANT OF VENICE </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THERE IS A SKELETON IN EVERY HOUSE. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> THE ELOPEMENT. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> THE FRIAR ENTRAPPED </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> ANTONIO AND VERONICA. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> BELPHAGOR. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> THE SLEEPING DRAUGHT </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> THE COUNTERPARTS </a>
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- ITALIAN TALES.
- </h2>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE TEACHER TAUGHT.
- </h2>
- <p>
- There dwelt in Rome two very intimate friends and relations of the family
- of Savelli, the one named Bacciuolo, and the other Pietro Paolo, both
- nobly bom and possessed of sufficient wealth. These young men determined
- to go and complete their studies at Bologna; one wished to study the
- common law, and the other the canon law. They accordingly took leave of
- their friends, and came to Bologna, and assiduously applied themselves to
- their respective pursuits, which they continued for some time. Now, as you
- no doubt know, the former improved himself much sooner than Pietro Paolo,
- for which reason, being now a licentiate, he determined to return to Rome,
- and said to Pietro Paolo—“Brother, since I am now a licentiate, I
- have resolved to return home.” Peter Paul answered, “I prithee do not
- leave me here—oblige me by remaining the winter—then in the
- spring we will go together—thou in the mean time mayest learn some
- other science, by which means thou wilt not waste thy time.” Bacciuolo
- willingly agreed to the proposal, promised to wait for him, and in order
- not to lose his time, went to the professor, and said, “Sir, having made
- up my mind to remain with my friend and relation, I would be glad if it
- pleased you to teach me some noble science during my stay.” The professor
- answered, that he would most willingly do it. “Chuse which science you
- prefer, and I will teach it you with pleasure.” Bacciuolo then replied,
- “Worthy Sir, I would learn how to make love, and to set about it.” The
- professor, smiling, answered, “this is a good joke, thou couldst not have
- hit on a science in which I am a greater adept. Now then go thy ways on
- Sunday morning to the church of the minor friars—there thou wilt see
- numbers of fine women assembled, and wilt be able to pitch upon some one
- that may take thy fancy. When thou hast selected the one, follow her until
- you find out where she lives—then return to me. This is the first
- part of my instructions.” Bacciuolo departed, and on the following Sunday,
- going to the church as he had been desired, and eyeing all the pretty
- women, for there were many, he saw one among them that pleased him much—she
- being very handsome and graceful. When she left the church, Bacciuolo took
- care to follow her close, and saw, and marked the house where she dwelt,
- not however, without the lady perceiving that the young student had taken
- a fancy to her. Bacciuolo returned to the professor, and said, “I have
- done as you desired me, and I have seen one whom I like very much.” Upon
- which the professor said he was highly pleased, and smiled at Bacciuolo,
- seeing what species of science he was anxious to learn, and he said to
- him, “be sure you make a point of passing by her house, as it were
- carelessly, two or three times every day, and have your eyes about you,
- and take care that no one observes you looking at her, but enjoy as much
- as thou mayest the sight of her, and let her perceive that thou art in
- love with her; then return to me. This is the second part of my
- instructions.” Bacciuolo left the professor, and cautiously began to walk
- to and fro before the lady’s house; so that the lady perceived that he
- must certainly walk to and fro before the house, for the purpose of seeing
- her—she, therefore, began to eye him; insomuch that Bacciuolo began
- to bow most respectfully to her, and she returned the salutation several
- times, the which persuaded Bacciuolo that the lady did not dislike him.
- He, of course, reported the whole to the professor; who answered, “well, I
- am pleased with this, and you have ruled yourself well hitherto. Now you
- must endeavour to find one of those female pedlers, that sell trinkets,
- purses, and such like in the streets of Bologna, and set her to make the
- lady acquainted with your passion, how much you are devoted to her, and
- that there is none you could prefer to her, and how happy you would be if
- she would lay upon you any commands, by which you could prove your
- devotion to her: thou wilt hear what she says to this, and thou wilt
- report it to me, and I will direct thy future conduct.” Bacciuolo
- immediately went out and found a pedler perfectly well acquainted with her
- trade, and addressed her thus:—“I wish you to do me a great
- kindness, and I will reward you handsomely.” The woman answered, “I will
- obey your orders, for I have nothing to look to but to get money.”
- Bacciuolo gave her a crown-piece, and said, “I wish you to go today to a
- house in a street called the Maccarella; there lives a damsel, called the
- Lady Giovanna, whom I love more than any other living creature; and I wish
- you to get me into her good graces, and tell her I would gladly do any
- thing that might give her pleasure; and say all the pretty coaxing things,
- which I am sure you can say on such occasions; therefore I entreat you to
- exert your skill.” The little old woman answered, “rest assured, kind
- Signor, I will do my best, and find a favourable opportunity for the
- purpose.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Go, my good woman,” said Bacciuolo, “and I will wait for you here.” She
- immediately set forth with her little basket of trinkets, and went up to
- the lady, whom she found sitting at her door to breathe the cool air.
- Courtesying to her, she said, “Lady, are there any of these trinkets that
- you would like to have? Take whatever you please, lady,” said she, and
- seated herself by the lady, shewing her some purses, looking-glasses,
- laces, and other little things; after looking at all the wares, she
- noticed a purse, and said, “if I had money about me, I should willingly
- purchase that purse.” The little woman cried, “La! Ma’am, don’t think
- about that, take it if it pleases you, for every thing in this basket is
- paid for.” The lady was surprized to hear this, and said, “Good woman,
- what do you mean, what are you saying?” The little old woman, with tears
- in her eyes, said, “Why, Madam, I will tell you. The truth is, a young
- gentleman, whose name is Bacciuolo, and who is desperately in love with
- you, has sent me. He says, you are the only creature on earth he loves,
- and that he would willingly do any thing to merit your regard, and that to
- obey any commands of yours will be the greatest happiness to him. Indeed,
- I fear he cannot live unless you allow him to speak to you. As for my
- part, I never saw so genteel a youth in my life.” The lady on hearing
- these things blushed, and turning to the woman, said, “were it not for my
- honour’s sake, old woman, I would expose you to the world, and that would
- make you repent. Art thou not ashamed, thou good-for-nothing old hag, to
- come on such an errand to a modest woman, a plague upon thee!”—and
- so saying, the lady seized hold of a stick which lay behind the door to
- give her a beating, adding, “if ever thou comest here again, I will beat
- thee black and blue.” Upon which the old woman quickly packed up her
- wares, and made off as fast as she could waddle, in a great fright, nor
- did she stop on the way till she got to Signor Bacciuolo.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/026m.jpg" alt="026m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/026.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- When Bacciuolo saw her, he eagerly asked how matters had gone with her—“Bad
- enough,” said she, “I never was in such a fright. However, the case is,
- she will neither see nor hear you; and had I not been pretty quick in
- making off, I should have had a sound beating. For my part, I will not go
- near her again, and I advise you to have nothing more to do with her.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Bacciuolo was quite broken-hearted at this intelligence, and went to
- report it to the professor, and related the whole transaction. “Be not
- alarmed, Bacciuolo, because the oak does not fall at the first stroke of
- the axe. There—go past the house this evening, and observe with what
- sort of an eye she views thee; find out, by the kind of glance she casts
- upon thee, whether she be angry or no; then come and tell me.” Bacciuolo
- went forth towards the lady’s house. When she saw him, she instantly
- called her maid, and said to her, “Go after that young man, and tell him
- to come to speak to me this evening, and not to fail.” So the maid went to
- him, and told him that the Lady Giovanna desired he would come that
- evening to her, as she wished to speak to him. Bacciuolo was in a strange
- surprize, but answered that he would most willingly do so; and then
- immediately returned to the professor, and informed him of what had
- happened. The professor was a little staggered, for somehow or other a
- suspicion struck him that it might be his own wife, and he thought to
- himself, if it should!—> And so it was in fact. “Well,” said he,
- “wilt thou go?”—“Certainly,” said Bacciuolo. “Well,” said the
- professor, “when you do go, go straight from here.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Very well, so I will,” said Bacciuolo.
- </p>
- <p>
- This lady was the wife of the professor, but Bacciuolo did not know that.
- The professor, however, began to feel uneasy; for, in the winter, he used
- to sleep at the college to lecture the students late in an evening, and
- his wife lived alone with her maid. “I would not,” said the professor,
- “that this fellow should learn to make love at my expense—but I will
- know further.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Evening coming on, Bacciuolo came to him, saying, “Good Sir, I am going.”—“Well,”
- said the professor, “speed be with you, but be wise.” Bacciuolo said,
- “leave me alone for that, you have not taught me for nothing,” and went
- away. He had put on a good cuirass, and provided himself with a stout
- rapier, and a stiletto in his girdle. When Bacciuolo was gone, the
- professor followed close at his heels, Bacciuolo little thinking whom he
- had got behind him. When arrived at the door, he tapped gently, and the
- lady herself instantly let him in, and the professor saw, to his
- astonishment, that it really was his wife. “Oh! oh! I see,” said he, “the
- fellow has made his progress at my cost and he began to think of killing
- him.” He went back to the college, bought a sword and a stiletto, returned
- furiously to the house, fully determined to make Signor Bacciuolo pay for
- his instructions, and reaching the door, he began to knock loudly. The
- lady was seated by the fire with Bacciuolo, and hearing the knocking, she
- immediately apprehended it might be her husband, and therefore concealed
- her lover under a heap of damp unironed linen which had been bundled up in
- a comer near the window. She then ran to the door, and demanded who was
- there. “Open the door, thou wicked woman,” cried the professor from
- without, “and thou wilt soon know it.” The lady opened the door, and,
- seeing him with a sword in his hand, exclaimed, “good heavens! what means
- this, my dear Sir?”—“Thou well knowest whom thou hast in the house,”
- he said. “Good heavens,” cried the lady, “what is it you mean, are you
- mad? Look over the house,” she said, “and if you find any one, I give you
- leave to execute your threats. How should I think of conducting myself
- otherwise than I always have done; beware, Sir, lest the evil spirit take
- possession of you, and lead you to destruction.”
- </p>
- <p>
- The husband, having got a candle, went looking about all over the house;
- in the cellar, behind and under all the casks, butts, and indeed in every
- corner: then ran up stairs like a madman; searched every part ‘of the
- room, but the right one; under the bed; thrust his sword into every square
- inch of the bedding, yet could he not find any thing. The lady, who stuck
- close to him with a light in her hand, often repeated to him, “good
- master! cross yourself, for assuredly the evil spirit is in you, and has
- tempted you to seek after what does not exist, for if I had the most
- distant thought of such wickedness, I would be the death of myself.
- Therefore, I do entreat you not to suffer yourself to be seduced by such
- wicked thoughts.” Upon which the professor, unable to find the object of
- his search, and hearing what the lady had said, began to think he was
- mistaken in his suspicions, and so put out the light, and returned to the
- college.
- </p>
- <p>
- The lady immediately brought out Bacciuolo from under the clothes, and
- lighted a large fire; put on it a famous fine capon to boil, and they
- pledged each other merrily, the lady often saying, “You see, my good
- little man has not found us out;” and so they cheerfully spent some hours
- together. In the morning Bacciuolo went to the professor, and said, “Oh,
- my good sir! I will make you laugh.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How is that?” said the professor. “Last night, after I had been a short
- time at the lady’s house, in came the husband, and though he hunted every
- where in search of me, he could not find me, for she had hidden me under a
- heap of damp linen, that were going to be dried; and the lady talked the
- poor fellow over so, that he soon went away; when we had a large capon for
- supper, drank some excellent wine, and had the best fun you can imagine,
- and I have promised to return again to night.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Be sure,” said the professor, “when you go this evening, to let me know.”
- Bacciuolo answered he would, and left the professor.
- </p>
- <p>
- The professor meanwhile was in the utmost rage, and actually beside
- himself—so much so that he was not able to attend at the classes, he
- was so broken hearted. However, he consoled himself with the idea that he
- should catch him at night. So he purchased a breast plate, a light armour,
- and with his cuirass, rapier, and stiletto, cut quite a martial figure.
- When the time came, Bacciuolo innocently went to the professor, and said,
- “I am going.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well,” said the professor, “go, and return to-morrow, and relate to me
- what may have happened.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I will,” said Bacciuolo, and marched off to the lady’s house. The
- professor put on his armour, and followed Bacciuolo close at his heels,
- and thought of overtaking him at the door. The lady, who was upon the
- watch, opened the door quickly, let in her lover, and shut it again like
- lightning. When the professor reached the house he began to knock with all
- his might, making a tremendous noise. The lady in an instant put out the
- light, and made Bacciuolo slide behind her, opened the door, and clasping
- her arms on the neck of her husband, whirled him round and gave Bacciuolo
- an opportunity of slipping out; at the same time crying, “help! help! the
- man is mad, the man is mad;” still holding the poor gentleman tight round
- the waist.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/034m.jpg" alt="034m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/034.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- The neighbours, upon hearing this noise, ran out, and seeing the professor
- thus armed at all points, with his huge breast-plate, cuirass, helmet,
- long rapier, and stiletto, and the lady crying out, “Hold him, hold him,
- he is mad; he has cracked his brain with study;” thought it was really
- true, and that he had lost his wits. They began to say to him, “what means
- all this, good Signor? go to bed and rest—do not torment yourself in
- this way.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How can I rest,” he shouted, “when this wicked woman is harbouring a man
- in the house? I saw him go in with my own eyes.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Oh wretched woman that I am,” cried the lady, “ask these neighbours, all,
- whether they have ever witnessed improper conduct in me.” They all with
- one voice answered, both men and women—“Do not think, Signor, so
- base a thing, for never was a better woman born than this lady—more
- virtuous or more decorous.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How!” said the professor, “why I saw the man enter the house, and I am
- sure he is in it now.” In the mean time two of the lady’s brothers
- arrived, and when she saw them, she burst into tears, and said, “my dear
- brothers! this husband of mine is raving mad, and will have it that I have
- a man in the house, and wants to be the death of me, and you well know
- whether I am a woman likely to fall into such abominations.” The brothers
- said to the armed philosopher, who foamed at the mouth with rage, “we
- marvel much, Sir, that you should dare suspect a sister of ours of such an
- act, and wonder what can make you dream of such a thing, having lived with
- her so long.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I tell you,” said the professor, “that there <i>is</i> a man in the
- house, and I have seen him.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well!” said the brothers, “let us hunt him out, and if he is found here,
- we will give her such a lesson as shall make you full amends.” One of the
- brothers drew the lady aside, and said, “Hast thou in truth really got any
- one in the house?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Alas!” said the lady, “heaven forbid! may I die before I harbour such a
- thought as no woman of our family was ever guilty of. Art thou not ashamed
- to put such a question?” Upon which the brother felt quite happy, and the
- three went up to search. The professor directly made for the damp linen,
- pulled them about, and stabbed them through and through in every
- direction, hardly leaving an inch through which he did not stick his
- sword, and the while taunting and insulting Bacciuolo as if he had
- actually been under them.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/039m.jpg" alt="039m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/039.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- “Well,” said the lady, “did I not tell you he was mad? see how he spoils
- the linen: thou hast not been at the trouble of getting them up—that
- is very clear.” The brothers then began to think he was truly mad, and
- after seeking every where, and not finding any one, one brother said,
- “This fellow is certainly mad.” The other then said, “Signor, in truth you
- do an infamous injustice to this sister of ours, in giving her so vile a
- character.” But the professor, who well knew how matters stood, being in a
- rage, began to quarrel violently with them, and kept his naked sword in
- his hand. So each of them took a good stick, and being determined to
- administer a little wholesome correction, they laid them about the poor
- professor most unmercifully, and when they had nearly broken the sticks on
- his back, they bound him for a madman, telling every body that he had
- cracked his brain by intense study, and so they tied him up all night. In
- the morning they sent for the doctor, who ordered him to be put to bed by
- a fire, and desired that he should not speak to any one, or any one to
- him, and that particular attention should be paid to his diet, till he
- recovered his senses.
- </p>
- <p>
- The news that the Signor had gone mad soon spread all over Bologna; every
- body was much concerned. Some said, “I suspected it would be so, for he
- could not attend the lectures the other day.” Others said, “I thought it
- would be so, I observed him so materially altered of late.” The report was
- universally credited, and many went to see him. Bacciuolo unacquainted
- with what had taken place, went in the morning to the college, with the
- intention of telling the professor of his adventure; but on reaching the
- place, he was told how the Signor had become mad. Bacciuolo wondered at
- this, and was very sorry for it, and went to see him with the rest, and
- being arrived at the house, Bacciuolo began to be staggered, and almost
- fainted, seeing how things stood; but in order to prevent any one noticing
- how affected he was, he went in with them, and on reaching the apartment,
- he saw the Signor all over bruises, and chained to the bed. All the
- students began to condole with him, and express their sorrow at seeing him
- in such a state. Bacciuolo’s turn coming, he said, “good Signor, I am as
- much grieved at your situation, as though you were my father; and if I can
- do any thing to relieve you, I pray you deal with me as if I were your
- son.” Upon which the professor answered, “Bacciuolo, Bacciuolo, I pray
- thee go in peace, for thou hast learned much at my cost.” The lady
- prevented farther discourse, by saying, “do not mind him, for he has lost
- his wits, and does not know what he says.” Bacciuolo then departed, and
- came to Paolo, and said, “Brother, Heaven guard thee, for I have learned
- so much, that nothing remains for me to learn; therefore will I return
- back to my home as fast as my legs can carry me.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE UNEXPECTED REPLY.
- </h2>
- <p>
- ‘Tis now a few years since there were two eminent and worthy lawyers, the
- one was named Alano, and the other Piero; in fact, there were not in
- Christendom two greater men than these two, who were invariably in
- opposition to one another. Alano, however, always came off conqueror,
- being by much the greatest rhetorician then known, and one whose
- principles were of a sounder kind than those of Piero, who was something
- of a heretic, and would often have inflicted a severe blow on religion,
- had it not ever been defended by Alano, who knocked down all his
- arguments. Alano determined to go to Rome to visit the holy relics, the
- pope, and his court: in consequence, taking several servants with him,
- clothes, and other baggage, he departed for Rome and visited the pope and
- his court; observed its elegance and grandeur, and wondered much,
- considering that it ought to be the foundation of Christianity and holy
- faith, at seeing it so corrupted and full of simony. He was so ashamed of
- this, he determined to forsake the world and give himself up entirely to
- the service of his Maker. He therefore departed from Rome with all his
- servants, and when he came near Saint Chirico of Rosana, he told them to
- go forward towards the inn, and leave him to himself. When Alano saw them
- gone forward, he turned towards the mountain and galloped off, and arrived
- in the evening at a shepherd’s cottage. Alano dismounted, and stopped that
- night with him; the next morning he said to the shepherd, “I will leave
- thee my clothes and my horse, and do thou give me thine.” The shepherd
- thought he was in jest, and said, “Sir, I have entertained you in the best
- manner I am able; I pray you do not mock me.” Messer Alano stripped off
- his clothes, and made the shepherd do the same, which he put on; left him
- his horse and his clothes; put on the shepherd’s shoes; took his cash and
- stick, and set forward at a venture. His servants perceiving he did not
- come, after looking out for him, began to think that as it was rather an
- unsafe road, that he might have been, robbed and murdered; and, after
- remaining a day or two, returned to Paris.
- </p>
- <p>
- Alano, when he had left the shepherd, travelling on, arrived at an abbey
- at Maremma, and, begging some bread, the abbot asked him if he would stay
- and live with them. Alano answered, that he would willingly do so. “What
- can you do?” said the abbot. “Sir,” replied Alano, “I shall do whatever
- you bid me.” The abbot thought that he seemed a good fellow, and took him
- into the house, and began by sending him to fetch wood. He behaved so
- well, that all who were in the abbey were delighted with him, for he would
- willingly do any thing they asked him; neither did he seem ashamed nor
- reluctant. In consequence of this good behaviour, the abbot gave him a
- place in the monastery, and called him Don Beneditto; the life he used to
- lead was to fast four days in the week; never undress, and spend great
- part of the night in prayer; and whatever might be said or done to him, he
- never complained, but praised the Lord. Thus had he determined to live and
- serve his Maker, so that the abbot loved him extremely.
- </p>
- <p>
- His servants, on their return to Paris, having given it out that he was
- dead, every body lamented the loss of so great a man, and so able a
- lawyer. Now, Messer Giulio Piero hearing that Messer Alano was dead,
- rejoiced much at it. “Now,” said he, “I shall be able to compass that
- which I have long meditated.” So he prepared himself and went to Rome, and
- there proposed, in open consistory, a question which was greatly injurious
- to our faith, and, by his craft, endeavoured to introduce heresy in our
- church. Upon which the pope called the college of cardinals together,
- where it was determined to send for all the greatest men in Italy to
- attend a consistory, for the purpose of answering the questions which
- Messer Giulio Piero had proposed against our faith. Of course, all the
- bishops, abbots, and other great prelates who were canonists, were
- summoned to the court. Among others, this very abbot with whom Alano was
- living was called upon, and he prepared himself for his departure. Alano,
- being informed of the business he was going upon, entreated the abbot to
- let him go with him. “What would you do there?” said the abbot; “you, who
- do not even know how to read, what would you do there among all the
- greatest men of the church? They will speak nothing but Latin, so that
- thou wilt not understand one word.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I shall at least see the pope,” answered Alano, “whom I never yet beheld,
- nor do I know what sort of a thing he be.” The abbot, perceiving how
- earnestly he wished it, said, “Well, I will allow thee to come with me,
- but wilt thou know how to ride?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Yes, sir,” replied Alano. At the proper time the abbot departed, and
- Alano with him. Being arrived at Rome, and the day being fixed when the
- consistory was to meet, upon hearing that any one might go and hear what
- was discussed, Messer Alano begged the abbot most earnestly to allow him
- to go to the said consistory. “Art thou beside thyself?” said the abbot;
- “how dost thou think I could take thee there, where the pope, cardinals,
- and all the greatest lords are?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I will get under your cloak,” said Alano; “then I shall not be seen, for
- I am very short, as well as very thin.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Take care,” said the abbot, “the porter and servants do not give thee a
- good beating.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Let me alone for that,” said Alano; “I warrant I’ll take care of myself.”
- When the abbot went in, there being a great crowd, Alano popped under the
- abbot’s cloak, and went in with the rest. The abbot took his proper seat
- with the other abbots. Alano stood between his legs under the abbot’s
- cloak, and peeped through the arm-hole of his robe, attentively listening
- to hear the question proposed. A short time after, Piero entered, mounted
- the tribune in presence of the pope, cardinals, and all the others, and
- proposed his question, which he argued with his usual artfulness. Alano
- immediately recognised him, and seeing that no one answered him, or argued
- with him, he popped his head through the arm-hole of the abbot’s cloak,
- and cried out “<i>Giube</i>.” The abbot raised his hand, and gave him a
- good box on the ear, saying, “hold your tongue, and the devil take you!
- wilt thou shame me?” Of course, all those near looked at one another with
- wonder, saying, “Whence came that voice?” A few minutes afterwards, Alano
- put out his head again, and said, “<i>hear me, holy father!</i>” which
- made the abbot much ashamed and confused; for every one stared at him, and
- cried out, “Who is that you have got under your cloak?” The abbot said it
- was one of his lay brothers, who was insane. Upon which they abused him,
- and said, “What! do you bring a madman into the consistory?” and the
- guards came forth to beat and drive him away. Alano, fearing he should get
- some hard blows, made off from under the abbot’s cloak; and rushing in
- among the bishops and cardinals, made his way till he got at the feet of
- the pope, which caused a burst of laughter among them all, throughout the
- consistory. The abbot was on the point of being turned out, for having
- brought the fellow there, but Alano being at the pope’s feet, he entreated
- he might be allowed to give his opinion on the case, and the pope granted
- his petition. Alano then mounted the tribune with alacrity, and all were
- gaping to hear what the madman would say. Alano opened his mouth, and
- began by recapitulating all his opponent had advanced, and separately
- answered the different parts of the question with a mild and natural, but
- vigorous eloquence. The whole college were in the utmost astonishment at
- hearing the elegant Latin he spoke, and the fine arguments which he
- produced against his adversary. Every one cried out, “why truly, this is
- the Lamb of God that appears to us.” The pope hearing his eloquence,
- thanked heaven at every instant. Alano having thus confuted Piero in every
- argument, the latter was sorely vexed and humbled, and said, “truly thou
- art the spirit of Messer Alano, or that of the devil himself.” Alano
- answered, “I am the very Alano who many times have put to flight your
- conceit; but thou! thou art the true malignant spirit who wishest to fill
- our church with heresy.” Piero replied, “indeed, if I had known thou hadst
- been alive, I should never have ventured here.” The pope became anxious to
- know who this Alano was, and called the abbot to know how he came by this
- man. “Most holy father!” said the abbot, “I have had him with me a long
- time, and I really thought he could not even read, nor have I ever found
- any man possessed of so much humility as he is. He is always employed in
- cutting and bringing home fire-wood; sweeping the rooms; making beds;
- attending the sick, and taking care of the horses. He always appeared to
- me a very simple fellow.”
- </p>
- <p>
- The pope hearing what a holy and virtuous life he led, and what he had
- formerly been, wished to create him cardinal, and paid him every mark of
- honour, saying to him, “Had it not been for thee, our church must have
- suffered serious injury, therefore I wish thee to remain at our court.”
- Alano replied, “Most holy father, I wish to live and die in this solitary
- life, and never more go back to the world. Nay, I mean to return with my
- good abbot to his abbey, and follow up the life I have entered upon, and
- thus serve God.” The abbot fell on his knees, praying him to pardon him,
- for he had not known him, and particularly for the box on the ear which he
- had given him. Messer Alano said, “there is no occasion for such a thing;
- the father has an undoubted right to chastise his child.” They afterwards
- took leave of his holiness and the cardinals, and returned to the abbey.
- The abbot ever after paid him the greatest respect, and he lived with him
- a holy life. He compiled and wrote several works on religion, and whilst
- he lived here, conducted himself in so virtuous a manner as to ensure to
- himself an eternal life hereafter.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- WHO AM I?
- </h2>
- <p>
- A party of young men were at supper, one Sunday, in the city of Florence,
- at a gentleman’s house whose name was Tommaso de Pecori, a respectable,
- honourable, and good-humoured man, who delighted in pleasant society. This
- party being retired after supper by a cheerful fire, were talking merrily
- together, as people who meet on such occasions are apt to do:—“How
- happens it,” said one of them, “that Manetto Ammannotini would not join us
- to night; yet we all asked him, and still he obstinately refused to come?”
- This Manetto was by trade a carver in ebony, and kept a shop in St. John’s
- Place—a clever fellow in his trade; he had an agreeable person, was
- of a merry turn of mind, and about thirty-five years of age. Being tall
- and rather corpulent, he was called Grasso, and was always accustomed to
- be of the party of jovial good fellows above-mentioned, who made
- themselves merry and comfortable; but in the present instance, whether
- from whim or caprice, the said Manetto would not meet them. The party,
- however, talking the matter over, could not guess at the reason, and
- concluding it to be a whim, were a little piqued at it. He who had spoken
- first, said, “why should we not play him a trick, to cure him of these
- fancies for the future?” Another said, “but what trick could we put upon
- him, except make him stand a treat, or some such thing?”
- </p>
- <p>
- In the party was one whose name was Philip of Brunelesco; this person, who
- was well acquainted with Grasso, and knew his situation, began to think
- with himself how they could play him a trick, and ruminating for some
- time, he at last said, for he was a clever fellow, “Gentlemen, if you
- like, and I can find in my heart to do it, we will play off a hoax on this
- Grasso, which will greatly divert us: what I think we must do, is to
- persuade him that he is transformed, and not the same Grasso, but some
- other person.” The others answered, “but that is certainly not possible.”
- Upon which, Philip explained the plan he meant to pursue; as he was a
- shrewd fellow, he persuaded them it was very possible; so they all agreed
- on the means and plan to be pursued by each of them, in order to prove to
- Grasso that he was no other than one Matteo, one of the party. They
- proceeded, next night, in the following manner: it was agreed that Philip,
- who was more intimate with Grasso than either of the others, should go,
- about the time that shopkeepers generally shut up, to Grasso’s shop. When
- he had been talking to Grasso some time, there came in, as it had been
- previously settled, a boy in great haste, who asked if Mr. Philip of
- Brunelesco was there. Philip coming forward, said he was, and that he
- himself was the man, and asked him what he wanted. To which the boy
- answered, “you must come home immediately, Sir, for, about two hours ago,
- your mother met with an accident, and is almost dead; therefore, hasten
- away with me.” Philip, pretending to be very much alarmed and grieved,
- cried out, “good heaven defend me!” and took leave of Grasso. Grasso,
- being his friend, said, “I will go with you, if I can be of any service to
- you; these are cases in which friends should not hold back.” Philip
- thanked him, and said, “I do not wish that you should come now, but should
- any thing be wanting I will send you word to come.” Philip set off as if
- going homewards, but, turning round a corner of the street, he went into
- Grasso’s house facing the church of Santa Reparata, and opening the door
- with a picklock, went in and fastened the door, so that no one might
- enter. Grasso’s mother had gone, a few days before, to a little cottage
- she possessed at Polirrosa, in order to wash the linen, and was expected
- home hourly. Grasso, after having shut up the shop, went walking up and
- down the Piazza of San Giovanni as he was accustomed to do, still thinking
- of his friend’s misfortune. It being then night, he thought to himself
- that Philip would not be in need of any assistance as he had not sent for
- him, so he determined to go home, and, arriving at the door, he ascended
- the two steps before it, tried to open the door as usual, and being unable
- to do so, he perceived it was locked in the inside; therefore, knocking,
- he cried out aloud, “open the door!” thinking his mother had returned
- home, and had fastened the door for some reason or other, or had done it
- inadvertently. Philip, who was within, imitating Grasso’s voice, said, “<i>who
- is there?</i>” Grasso said, “open the door!” Philip pretended as if he
- thought he who knocked was the identical Matteo, whom they wanted Grasso
- to believe himself to be; and still assuming the character of Grasso,
- said, “pry’thee, Matteo, go thy ways, for I am in much anxiety, for as I
- was in the shop talking to Philip, a boy came running to him, and told him
- his mother was nearly dead, therefore you see I am sadly distressed then;”
- turning round he said, “good mother Giovanni, (for thus Grasso’s mother
- was called) do let me have some supper, for it is a shame; you were to
- have been home two days ago, instead of which you arrive just at this time
- of the night thus he went on chiding, and imitating Grasso’s voice.”
- Grasso hearing this scolding, and it seeming to him to be his own voice,
- said to himself, “what the devil is all this, and who is he that is up
- there, is it I?—He says Philip was at his shop when he was told that
- his mother was ill, and moreover he is scolding Mother Giovanni—certainly
- I have lost my recollection”—thus saying, as he went down the steps
- to holla up at the windows, there came by, as had been previously settled,
- one whose name was Donatello, a stone-mason, a great friend of Grasso, who
- approaching him in the dark, said “good night, Matteo, are you going to
- see Grasso—he is just gone home,” and so saying, he left him.
- Grasso, if he was surprised at first when Donatello called him Matteo, was
- now thunderstruck, and withdrew in the Piazza of San Giovanni, saying to
- himself, “I will walk about here till some one shall pass, and, knowing
- me, will tell me who I really am.” Thus sauntering, in the greatest
- agitation of mind, he was met according to agreement, by four officers of
- the police, a messenger, and with them a man to whom that Matteo, whom
- Grasso began to think himself, owed money. This man accosting Grasso,
- turned to the officers and said, “take him, this is Matteo, this is my
- debtor. You see I have followed thee up close. I have caught thee at
- last.” The officers then began to seize him, and lead him away. Grasso,
- turning to the man who had just arrested him, said, “what have I to do
- with thee? you have mistaken your man; I am not he you take me to be; I am
- Grasso, the carver in ebony; I am not Matteo, nor do I know who your
- Matteo is.” He was on the point of following up his words, with a few hard
- blows, but they seized him by the arms, and held him tight. The creditor
- coming forward, and looking at him from head to foot, said, “what! you not
- Matteo! do I not know Matteo? Matteo, my debtor! don’t I know who Grasso
- the carver is? I have thy name in my books, and have had a writ against
- thee this twelvemonth; so like a rogue, thou now deniest being Matteo, but
- an <i>alias</i> will not pay me my debt; take him away, take him away, we
- shall soon see if thou art Matteo.” Thus abusing him, they led him to
- prison, and as it was supper-time, they met no one on their way. Being
- arrived, the gaol-keeper took down the captive under the name of Matteo,
- and confined him among the other prisoners, who having heard his name
- mentioned, though without knowing him, called out, “good night, Matteo.”
- Grasso, hearing himself so named by every one of them, exclaimed, “what
- can this mean?” and really began to think that he certainly must be
- Matteo. The prisoners said, “thou seest we are going to supper, take a
- little with us, and put off care till to-morrow.” Grasso supped with them,
- and when supper was over, one of them gave him part of his birth, saying,
- “Matteo, for this night make what shift you can here, then, to-morrow
- morning, if you can pay your debt, well and good; if not, thou must send
- home for a few bed-clothes.” Grasso thanked him and laid himself down to
- rest, and began to think what he should do if from Grasso he were really
- turned to Matteo; “which,” said he to himself, “I really think must be the
- case, from the different proofs I have had. If I send home to my mother,
- and Grasso should be in my house, they will laugh at me, and say I am mad,
- and yet methinks I am really Grasso.” And thus he remained all night in
- suspense, not knowing whether he was Grasso or Matteo, and scarcely could
- he get a wink of sleep. In the morning he rose and placed himself at a
- small grated window of the prison, in hopes that some one would pass that
- knew him; remaining thus, there passed by a young man called Giovanni
- Francesco Rucellai, who was one of the party at supper when the conspiracy
- was formed, and who was well acquainted with Grasso: for this man Grasso
- was about making a dressing-table intended for a lady, a friend of
- Giovanni’s, who, the very day before, had been in Grasso’s shop to press
- him to finish the work, which the carver had promised should be finished,
- at farthest, in four days. This person having entered a shop next the
- prison, popped his head out at the door that faced the grated window of
- the prison, which in those times was on the ground floor, and at which
- window Grasso stood, who having seen Giovanni, began to grin and nod at
- him. Giovanni stared at him, as if he had never seen him before, and said,
- “what art thou grinning at, friend?” It appearing to Grasso, that the man
- did not know him, he said, “Oh! at nothing particular, but pray do you
- know one Grasso, that lives at the Piazza san Giovanni, just behind yonder
- place, who makes inlaid works?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Do I know him,” said Giovanni, “don’t I? why he is one of my best
- friends, and I am just going to him about a little job he is about for
- me.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well,” said Grasso, “since you are going there about your own affair, do
- me the favour to tell him, a friend of his is taken into custody, and beg
- of him, as an act of friendship, to come and speak to him.” Giovanni,
- looking at him, and scarcely able to keep his countenance, said, “I will
- do it with pleasure;” and went away about his business. Grasso still
- remaining at the little window, said to himself, “now I may be quite sure
- that I am no longer Grasso, but that I am changed to Matteo; what cursed
- ill fate is mine! If I speak of this matter, I shall be looked upon as a
- madman, and all the boys will run after me, and if I do not clear it up, a
- hundred blunders, such as happened to me last night, will occur again; so
- that either way I am in a terrible hobble: but let us see whether Grasso
- will come, for if he comes, I shall tell him all about it.” Long did he
- wait in expectation; but as Grasso never came, he withdrew from the
- window, to make room for one of the prisoners; his eyes at first cast down
- to the ground, and then looking up to heaven, with his hands clasped
- together. At that time, there was in prison a judge, whose name, through
- respect, we shall not mention, who was there for debt. This judge,
- although he did not know Grasso, seeing him so very disconsolate, tried
- every means to comfort him, and said, “Matteo, you are as down-hearted as
- if you were going to be hanged to-morrow morning; yet according to what I
- hear, yours is but a small debt; you should not give yourself up thus to
- grief. Why don’t you send to some friend or relation, and try to pay the
- money, or settle the business, in some way or other, so that you may get
- out of prison, and not vex yourself in this manner?” Grasso, finding that
- he so kindly endeavoured to comfort him, determined to tell him the whole
- circumstance, and having drawn him into a corner of the prison, said,
- “Sir, although you may not know me, I know you well, and know that you are
- a very worthy man, therefore have I made up my mind to tell you the cause
- of my unhappiness, lest you should think that such a trifling debt would
- make me uneasy. No! I have much greater reason for sorrow,” and then he
- began to tell him the whole story, from beginning to end, weeping almost
- all the while, and requested two things of him, the one that he would not
- mention the matter to any living soul; and next that he would give him
- some advice, or point out some way to extricate him from so perplexing a
- situation; adding, “I know, Sir, you have read a great deal, and many
- authors who have written most extraordinary things, but have you ever
- heard of such a case as this?”
- </p>
- <p>
- The worthy man having heard him, and considering the affair, it struck him
- it must be one of these two things, either that the poor fellow had lost
- his senses, or that this was a hoax, as it certainly was: and he
- immediately answered, he had read many similar things, and that to become
- another person was no uncommon occurrence, and by no means wonderful.
- “Now, then,” said Grasso, “pray tell me if I am become Matteo?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Of course,” said the judge, “he must have become Grasso.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well,” said Grasso, “if it be so, I should like to see him to quiet my
- mind.” Whilst they were thus conversing, it being nearly the hour of
- vespers, two brothers of this Matteo came to the prison and asked for the
- turnkey, and inquired whether a brother of theirs, by name Matteo, was in
- the prison, and for what sum he had been arrested, because, being his
- brothers, they had come to pay the debt for him, and to take him away. The
- turnkey, who was well acquainted with the plot, being a friend of Tommaso
- Pecori, answered, “There was such a person,” and, pretending to turn over
- the leaves of the book, said, “the debt is so much, due to so and so.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well,” said they, “we wish to speak to him, then we will settle every
- thing for him,” and going to the prison, they desired one of the
- prisoners, who stood at the grating, to tell Matteo that two of his
- brothers were here, who were come to take him out of prison. The fellow
- having delivered his message, Grasso came to the little window, and bowed
- to them. The eldest of the brothers thus addressed him, “thou knowest,
- Matteo, how often we have admonished thee in respect to thy bad goings on:
- thou art every day getting in debt with some person or other, and never do
- you pay any one, because of the money you are spending in gambling, and
- what not, by which means thou art always left without a penny; and now
- that thou art in gaol, thou thinkest we have means to pay for thee, who
- hast consumed, within a short space, a treasure of money in all kinds of
- follies. Therefore, now we do say, that were it not for our honour’s sake,
- and on account of thy mother, we would leave thee here long enough, that
- thou mightest learn better ways; but, for this once, we have determined to
- pay thy debt and get thee out of this dungeon, but if ever you get into
- such a scrape again you shall get out of it as you may. In order that we
- may not be seen coming from hence in the day-time, we will call this
- evening for thee, when there are fewer people about, in order to prevent
- folks from knowing our affairs, and being made to blush at this
- misconduct.” Grasso turned to him that spoke, and with great humility and
- apparent contrition assured him, that, for the future, he should conduct
- himself more prudently, and would avoid the follies he had hitherto been
- guilty of, and never more disgrace them; and prayed them, for heaven’s
- sake, when the hour should come, that they would call and fetch him away.
- They promised to do so, and left him. He retired from the window, and said
- to the judge, “this is droll enough; here have been two brothers of
- Matteo, of that Matteo which I am changed to, and they have spoken to me
- as if to Matteo; they have chid me much, and say they will come for me in
- the evening, and take me from hence; now, if they take me from this place,
- where in the world shall I go? Home I must not go, for if Grasso should be
- there, what shall I say? I shall be taken for a maniac; and methinks he
- must be there, otherwise my mother would have inquired after me; whereas
- having him with her she does not perceive the mistake.” The judge had much
- ado to refrain from laughter, and enjoyed the joke; and said to him,
- “don’t go home, but go with those who call themselves your brothers; see
- where they take you, and what they do with you.” While they were thus
- talking, evening drew on, and the brothers came, pretending as if they had
- settled the debt and costs. The gaol-keeper arose with the keys of the
- prison in his hand, and said, “which of you is Matteo?” Grasso, stepping
- forward, said, “‘tis I.” The keeper looked at him, and said, “these, thy
- brothers, have paid your debt for you; therefore, you are now free;” and
- having opened the prison door, said, “go thy ways.” Grasso came out, and
- it being nearly dark, went with the two brothers, who lived at Santa
- Félicita, at the rising of the hill San Giorgio.
- </p>
- <p>
- Being arrived at home they went with him into a room on the ground floor.
- “Remain here,” said they, “till supper time, as we would not let your
- mother see you, to distress her.” One of them remained with him, and they
- sat down by the fire before the table already prepared. The other went to
- the curate of St. Felicita, a good worthy man, and said to him, “I come to
- you, reverend Sir, with that confidence due to you. It is true we are
- three brothers, among which is one whose name is Matteo, who, yesterday,
- on account of some debt, was put into prison, and has taken it so much to
- heart that we really think he is losing his senses, and going mad. In
- every thing he appears Matteo as heretofore, except in one thing, that is,
- he has taken it into his head that he is become another man than Matteo.
- Did you ever hear of such a thing? he pretends that he is a certain
- Grasso, a carver, well known to him, who has a shop behind San Giovanni,
- and his own home is St. Mario del Fiore, and no one can get this out of
- his noddle; so that we have got him out of prison, brought him here, and
- put him into a room to conceal him, lest these absurd notions should be
- made public: therefore, to conclude, we beg of you, for charity sake, that
- you would kindly come to our house and speak to him, and endeavour to cure
- him of this extraordinary hallucination: and, indeed, we shall feel under
- the greatest obligation to you for it.” The priest was a good-natured
- soul, and answered, that he most willingly would do it, and in speaking
- with him he said he should soon discover the state of the case, and by
- talking seriously to him, would get this maggot out of his head. He went
- home with them, and when arrived where Grasso was, he entered the room
- when he was busy with his own thoughts. Grasso no sooner saw him, than he
- rose; the Priest said, “Good night, Matteo.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Good night to you,” said Grasso, “what brings you this way?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I am come to spend a little time with thee,” said the Priest, and having
- taken a seat, “sit by me,” said he, “and I will tell thee my mind.” Grasso
- obeyed him, and sat down. “Now,” said the Priest, “I’ll tell you the
- reason, Matteo, why I came; it is first, because I have heard, and much it
- grieves me, that yesterday thou wert taken to prison on account of some
- debt: and, in the second place, that thou hast felt, and still feelest the
- greatest distress, which has almost driven thee mad; and among other
- nonsense of that kind, that thou wilt not believe but that thou art no
- longer Matteo, and insistest that thou art another person, called Grasso,
- the carver. Thou art much to blame to let such a trifling thing so
- distress you as almost to make you mad, and suffer yourself to be laughed
- at to your great discredit. In truth, Matteo, I will not have you do so,
- and I do desire that, for the love of me, thou wouldst promise me to give
- up this folly, and attend to thy business as an honourable man, like other
- people, by which means thou wilt delight thy brothers; for, if this
- circumstance were to be known, it would be said thou hadst lost thy
- intellect, and although thou mightest perfectly recover, yet it would ever
- be thought that thou wert still subject to fits of insanity, and thou
- wouldst be a lost man; therefore, to end the matter, determine now to be a
- man, not a simpleton, and give over all this nonsense; whether thou be
- Grasso or not Grasso, do as I advise you, for I counsel thee for thy
- good.” Thus saying, he smiled kindly at him. Grasso having heard how
- benevolently he admonished him, not doubting but he must be Matteo,
- answered him directly, “that he certainly was disposed to do whatever he
- could to obey him,” and he promised that, hereafter, he would exert
- himself, and endeavour not to think of his being any thing but Matteo, as
- he was; but that he wanted him to do him a very great favour, if it was
- possible, and this was, that he wished very much indeed to speak to that
- said Grasso, so as to convince himself of his own identity: to which the
- Priest answered, “this is all nonsense and much against your interest; I
- see thou hast still this whimsy in thy head.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “What the devil have you to do with the fellow? what do you want with that
- Grasso, that you should eternally be talking of him? the more you make
- this thing public the worse it will be for you,” and so much did he talk
- to him, that he at last prevailed on him to give up the idea of seeing
- him, and having left him, he told the brothers what he had said and done,
- and what Matteo had promised: thus taking leave of them, he made the best
- of his way to the church.
- </p>
- <p>
- While the Priest had remained with Matteo, Philip of Brunelesco had come
- secretly into another room. Much to his amusement, he heard the whole
- account from one of the brothers, of his going out of the prison—their
- conversation in their way home, and the rest: after which, putting a small
- powder in a cup, he said to one of the brothers, “contrive, while you are
- at supper, to give him this in a glass of wine, or any thing else you can,
- so that he may not notice it. This is an opiate, which will set him so
- fast asleep, that though you mumbled and tumbled him ever-so-much, he
- would not wake for several hours; and I will be with you by five o’clock,
- and we will settle the rest of the business.” The brothers having returned
- to the room, they sat down with him to supper, and it was already three
- o’clock. Thus as they supped, they gave him the potion unnoticed by him;
- the which so perfectly stupified him, that he was unable to keep his eyes
- open. The brothers then said to him, “Matteo, thou seemest to be dead
- asleep, thou must have had little sleep last night,” to which Grasso
- replied, “I protest, in the whole course of my life, I never felt so
- sleepy; I feel as if I had not slept for a whole month, therefore I think
- I had better go to bed,” and he began to undress, but scarcely was he able
- to pull off his shoes and stockings, and get into bed. No sooner did he
- get into bed but he fell fast asleep, and snored like a pig.
- </p>
- <p>
- At the hour previously fixed upon, Philipo di Brunelesco entered the room
- where he was, with six of his companions, and seeing him fast asleep, they
- took him and placed him on a sort of litter, with all his clothes, and
- carried him home. No one being at home, as it happened that his mother had
- not returned, they took him to his bed and placed him in it; they put his
- clothes where he was in the habit of depositing them, but instead of
- laying him at the head of the bed, they placed his head at the foot. This
- being done, they took the key of the shop that was hanging on a nail in
- the room, and they marched into the shop, where they took the tools he
- used to work with, and displaced them all from their usual places; turned
- the sharp edges of the planes topsy-turvy; the hammers on their wrong
- side; the saws, and, in short, every corner of his shop was ransacked and
- all things turned upside-down. The shop looked as if the devil and all his
- imps had been at work. Having locked the shop door, they carried the key
- to Grasso’s room, and shutting the door after them, each of them went home
- to bed. Grasso, in a deep sleep from the effect of the opium, slept on the
- whole night without ever waking. In the morning, at the ringing of Santa
- Maria del Fiore, the beverage having taken its due effect, Grasso awoke;
- it being day-light, and recollecting the sound of the bell, he opened his
- eyes, and seeing the light in the room, and looking about him, he became
- persuaded he was in his own house, and recollecting all that had happened
- to him, he was full of astonishment. Remembering where he had gone to bed
- the night before, and where he then was, he began to think he had been
- dreaming, or was at that instant in a dream: the one seemed to be the fact
- at one time, and the next at another.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/072m.jpg" alt="072m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/072.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- After a deep sigh from his heart, “Heaven help me,” said he. Getting out
- of bed, and dressing himself, he took the key of the shop and went to it,
- and on opening it he saw all the shop in the greatest disorder, at which
- he stared with wonder. While he was setting them all to rights, and in
- their proper places, the two brothers of Matteo came in, and finding him
- so busy, seeming not to know him, one of them said, “Good morning,
- friend.” Grasso turning round, looked at them, and recognizing them, said,
- “Good morning, good morning, what are you come for?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I will tell you,” said one of them. “You know we have a brother called
- Matteo, who within a few days, owing to his being imprisoned for debt, has
- fallen into such a melancholy fit, that it has almost made him mad; and
- among other foolish things, he has got it into his head that he is not
- Matteo, but the master of this shop, who it seems is called Grasso. Upon
- which, having talked to him on the subject, and likewise the priest of the
- parish, who is a very good sort of man, he had promised the latter he
- would give up this foolish whim. He went to bed last night very cheerful
- while we were at supper, but, this morning, without our hearing him, he
- went out, nor do we know where he is gone; for this reason we came to see
- if perchance he had come here, or you could tell us if you know any thing
- of him.” Grasso, while the man was speaking, was bewildered; at last,
- turning towards them, he said, “I know not what the devil you are talking
- about, or what all this nonsense means. Matteo has not been here, and if
- he said he was I, he is a great rascal, and, by my soul, if I meet with
- him I’ll have a brush at him: I’ll know whether he be I, or I am he. What
- the deuce has happened within these few days?” and, in a great rage, he
- took up his mantle, and pulling the shop-door after him, he left them and
- went towards St. Maria del Fiore, swearing all the way.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/077m.jpg" alt="077m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/077.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- The brothers went about their business, and Grasso having entered into the
- church, walked up and down raging and fuming like a lion, so provoked and
- perplexed was he at all that had occurred. While he was in this state of
- confusion, there arrived at Florence one who had been his comrade, and who
- had been in Hungary, and had there made money by means of the protection
- of Signor Filippo Scolari, formerly called Spano, one of the citizens of
- Florence, who was then captain-general in the army of Gismondo, son of
- Charles, King of Bohemia. This Spano received and protected all those
- Florentines who had any particular talent, mechanical or intellectual,
- being a very worthy man who loved his nation very much, and did a great
- deal of good to his countrymen. This person had as it happened, come to
- Florence for the purpose of engaging some able and clever mechanics to
- complete some work he had taken in hand. He had often talked to Grasso on
- this subject, begging of him to go with him, and telling him that in a
- very few years he would become rich.. As soon as Grasso saw him coming, he
- thought of going with him; therefore, walking up to him, he said, “you
- have often advised me to go to Hungary with you, and I always refused;
- now, in consequence of a certain event that has befallen me, and on
- account of some little difference between my mother and me, I am willing
- to go with you, if you are willing I should, and I must be gone to-morrow
- morning, for if I delay my departure will be prevented.” The young man
- said, that he was very glad of this, but that he himself could not set off
- tomorrow on account of some business, but that he might go forward and
- wait for him at Bologna, and he would be there in a few days. Grasso was
- delighted, and having settled matters, he returned to the shop, packed up
- some of his best tools, his clothes, and a little money he had; this being
- done he marched off to Borgo St. Lorenzo, and hired a pony as far as
- Bologna, and the next morning, mounting his palfrey, rode towards that
- city, and left a letter directed to his mother, in which he desired her to
- dispose of the shop to her advantage, and said that he was going to
- Hungary. Thus did Grasso depart from Florence, and, after waiting for his
- companion at Bologna, they departed for Hungary. There they did so well,
- that in a very few years they became quite rich considering their station,
- through the protection of the above-mentioned Spano, who made Grasso an
- engineer under the name of Manetto of Florence. Grasso returned several
- times to Florence, and being asked by Philip of Brunelesco to tell his
- story, he related this tale.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE DEAD RIDER.
- </h2>
- <p>
- At the time when the king, Don Fernando, peaceably ruled the kingdom of
- Castile, there was at Salamanca, a noble and ancient city of that kingdom,
- a grey friar, called Maestro Diego of Revolo, who, being no less famous in
- the <i>Thomist</i> than the <i>Scotist</i> doctrines, was deservedly
- chosen, with no mean salary, to be a lecturer at the schools of the famous
- university of the above-mentioned city. This man obtained the greatest
- fame throughout the whole kingdom, and sometimes gave the most pious and
- useful sermons. Being young, handsome, and rather of a warm and
- inflammable constitution, it happened one day, that whilst he was in the
- pulpit he cast his eyes on a beautiful young lady, named Catherine, the
- wife of one of the principal cavaliers in the town, whose name was
- Roderigo Dangiagia. At first sight of this lady our hero was vanquished,
- for Cupid had shot a keen dart in his already contaminated heart.
- Descending from the pulpit, he dismissed all theological reasonings and
- sophistical arguments, and gave his whole soul to the thought of that
- divine object, and although he knew the high rank of the lady, whose wife
- she was, and what a mad undertaking it would be, and tried to persuade
- himself not to venture, yet he sometimes thought, where love asserts its
- empire it cares not for rank, for if that was the case princes would not
- so often course on our lands, therefore love must have that same privilege
- with us. “No one foresees the wounds love inflicts, they come suddenly and
- unexpectedly; therefore, if Cupid, whose arrows are resistless, has found
- me unarmed and incapable of resistance, it must be that I am fairly
- conquered, and as his vassal I will enter the lists, and if I am to die, I
- shall be freed from this torture, and in the next world my spirit will
- proudly glory in having placed its affections on so high an object.” Thus
- saying, without recurring to former nugatory arguments, he, with burning
- tears, took pen, ink, and paper, and wrote an elegant epistle to his
- beloved; first extolling her as more than divine, and speaking of her
- immortal charms; then telling her she had so captivated him that he must
- either obtain her favours or die; and, lastly, as he knew he could not
- presume, from her high rank, to be admitted in her house, yet he most
- earnestly entreated that she would condescend to appoint a time and place,
- when he might secretly visit her, or at least permit him to be her devoted
- servant, as he had chosen her for the only mistress of his life, adding
- numberless tender expressions; he, lastly, kissed the letter over and
- over, sealed it, and gave it to a little friar of his, telling him whom to
- carry it to, and at the same time giving him his directions. Away went the
- friar according to order, and when arrived at the house, he found the lady
- surrounded by her women. Making a profound obeisance, he said, “My master,
- Madam, sends his most dutiful respects to you, and entreats you to give
- him a little of your finest flour to make hosts with, as you will find
- better explained in that little letter.” The lady, who was sagacious
- enough, on seeing the letter, pretty nearly guessed at the purport of it.
- Upon reading it, although very virtuous and honest, yet she could not help
- being a little pleased at his falling in love with her, and knowing
- herself to be so very great a beauty, she delighted in perusing it, and
- hearing her charms so praised, being one of those who strongly feel that
- innate passion of females—the love of praise—and who place
- their whole fame, honour, and glory in being loved and exalted for their
- beauty, and who would rather be considered handsome, though wanting in
- chastity, than ugly, though with the highest reputation. The lady,
- however, having an extraordinary dislike to friars (and not without
- reason), determined, not only not to condescend to his wishes, but not
- even to favour him with an answer. She likewise made up her mind, for this
- time, not to mention it to her husband, and turning to the little friar,
- without seeming in the least agitation, “tell thy master,” said she, “that
- the master of my flour will have it entirely to himself, and therefore he
- must get some elsewhere, and as to the letter, it requires no answer, but
- that should he wish for one, he must let me know, because when my husband
- comes home I will direct him to answer it as it ought,” The friar, though
- he received so severe an answer, was not discouraged; on the contrary, his
- love and ardent desire were the more increased, and instead of withdrawing
- himself from this undertaking, as his convent was close to her house, he
- so pursued her every where, that she could not go to her window without
- meeting his eyes; to church, or out of the house, but he was ever at her
- heels; insomuch, that not only the neighbours, but the very town took
- notice of it: upon which she then reflected it was no longer proper to
- conceal it from her husband, who, if he should hear of it from another
- quarter, would conceive a very bad opinion of her virtue, and more serious
- consequences might ensue. Thus determined, she one night related the whole
- transaction to her husband. He, who was not less courageous than
- honourable, was so dreadfully enraged that he had nearly gone and set the
- whole convent in a blaze, and thus destroyed the whole brotherhood; yet
- growing a little cooler, after praising the conduct of his wife, he
- desired her to let the gallant know, he might come the following night,
- and introduce him in the best manner she could in the house, at a
- particular hour, in order that he might revenge his honour, without
- exposing his wife to any rudeness, and leave the rest to him. The lady
- felt rather embarrassed, considering the consequences that might follow,
- yet to obey the will of her lord, she engaged to do so, and as the little
- friar was continually coming on the same errand, she said to him one day,
- “commend me to your master and tell him that the tender affection he
- professes to me, and the burning tears which he writes me word he
- constantly sheds in thinking of me, have at last softened my heart towards
- him, and made me sensible of his love, and that as fortune would have it,
- Messer Roderigo being gone this morning into the country, and being likely
- to remain till next day, that he must come as soon as the clock struck
- three, as secretly as possible; that I will admit him, but that I
- particularly desire he would bring no one with him, not even his most
- intimate friend.” The little monk, happy beyond measure, brought this good
- news to his master, who thought himself the happiest fellow in the world,
- and every moment of the intermediate time appeared to him whole ages. The
- hour coming at last, dressing and perfuming himself in order that he might
- not smell of the friar, and providing himself with a large store of
- sweetmeats, &c. he went to the lady’s house; there finding the door
- open, went in, and was led in the dark by a little girl to the dining-room
- where he expected the lady would kindly receive him, instead of which he
- found the husband and a faithful servant of his; they having seized him,
- very coolly strangled him. Master Diego being dead, the cavalier repented
- that he had so disgraced himself, by killing a contemptible friar; but
- seeing that repentance was unavailing, and being in fear of the king’s
- displeasure, he determined to get the corpse out of the house, and carry
- him to his convent. The servant taking him on his shoulders, they went
- towards the garden of the convent, and having got in, they soon carried
- him to the privy, where there being but one seat left, the rest being
- totally destroyed, as it often happens in convents, where every place is
- more like a cavern or den of thieves, than the habitation of the servants
- to the Deity, they placed the body on it and there left him, and went
- home. As Messer Diego sat there in that natural attitude, a young and
- stout friar having occasion, in the middle of the night, to go to the
- privy, he lighted a taper and ran to the place where the defunct Diego
- sat; being recognised by the young friar, and not suspecting he was dead,
- he withdrew, waiting till he would have come away. Now there had been a
- monastical jealousy, envy, and hatred between these two, so that being
- much pressed, and seeing he did not move, he said to himself, “This fellow
- certainly sits there to spite me, and shews, even in this mean act, his
- contempt for me; but I declare I will wait as long as I can, and though I
- might go somewhere else, if he does not quit the place I’ll make him.”
- Diego, who long since had crossed the Styx, of course never moved. “By
- heavens,” said the young friar at last, unable to wait any longer, “I will
- not bear with this insult,” so saying, he picked up a large stone, threw
- it at the deceased’s breast, and tumbled him backwards without his moving
- a limb. The friar perceiving the strength of the blow, and seeing him
- fall, suspected he had killed him; after waiting in hopes of seeing him
- rise, between fear and hope, he got closer to him: looking at him with the
- taper, he perceived he was really dead, and conceiving that their former
- enmity being known, he would be suspected to have killed him, he was on
- the point of hanging himself, yet, thinking better of it, he resolved to
- carry him out of the convent, and lay him down in the street to avoid any
- suspicion falling upon him. While he was deliberating upon this, the
- public and scandalous courtship of the master to Donna Catarina occurred
- to his mind; upon which he said to himself, “where can I carry him more
- easily, and with less suspicion attached to me than before Messer
- Roderigo’s door; besides, its being nearer at hand, it will certainly be
- believed that the fellow going to court his wife, he had got some one to
- kill him?” Having fixed on this course, he, with some difficulty, at last
- brought him to the very door, from whence, but a few hours before, he had
- entered alive and in high spirits. This being done without any one seeing
- him, he ran as fast as his legs would carry him to the convent; he thought
- he was pretty safe from suspicion, but yet considered it would be better
- to absent himself for a few days; he therefore went immediately to the
- prior and said, “Reverend Father, the other day, for want of mules, I left
- the greater part of our gatherings at Medina, at the house of one of our
- fraternity; I therefore, with your holy permission, would like to take the
- mare of the convent, and, with God’s help, I hope to return the day after
- to-morrow.” The prior not only gave him permission, but greatly praised
- his forecast. The young friar having obtained leave, prepared his little
- travelling materials, and having the mare, was anxiously waiting for the
- dawn to set off. Messer Roderigo, who had scarcely closed his eyes all
- night thinking upon the events that had occurred, and still a little
- afraid of the consequences, got up, and sent his servant to inquire about
- the convent, and find out whether the friars had discovered the deceased
- Diego; the servant, on going out, found Diego right before the door,
- looking as if holding an argument, the which caused him no small fright,
- as such things generally do; he ran up to call his master, and scarcely
- having the power of articulation, shewed him the dead body of Messer
- Diego. The cavalier stared with astonishment and fear, yet comforting
- himself in the idea of the justness of his case, he determined quietly to
- wait the issue, and, turning round to the dead man, he said, “thou art
- then determined, dead or alive, to haunt my house, but to spite me;
- whoever brought thee here, thou shalt not have the power of returning
- again except on a beast, as thou wert once thyself in the world,” so
- saying, he ordered his servant to get from a neighbouring stable a
- stallion which he kept for breeding. The servant went immediately and
- brought the stallion, with saddle and bridle, and, as the cavalier had
- intended, put good Master Diego on his back; sticking him upright, and
- binding him tight, they put a lance in his hand on the rest, as if they
- were sending him to the tilt; thus equipped, they led him to the church
- gates, tied the horse there and went home. Scarcely had this been done
- than the young friar, thinking it was time to begin his journey, unlocking
- the gates, then mounting his mare, was stalking out, when, to his great
- terror, he beheld Master Diego equipped as before mentioned, and who with
- his lance seemed to threaten him with instant death. He was near falling
- dead with affright, from thinking that his spirit had returned into its
- terrestrial abode, and was perhaps intending thus to pursue him every
- where. While he was thus fixed to the spot, the stallion, whose instinct
- told him he had a female beside him, began to move, and, neighing, tried
- to get at her, which added to the poor friar’s alarm; however, wishing to
- drive the mare on her way, as she turned her rump towards the stallion,
- she fell a kicking. The friar, who was not one of the best riders, was
- nearly thrown, and unwilling to meet with another shock like the first, he
- pressed and spurred the flanks of his mare, holding fast the pummel of the
- saddle, and letting loose the bridle, he suffered the mare to go where and
- as she pleased. The stallion, seeing his prey gallop off, struggling and
- foaming, broke the slight rope that bound him, and stoutly pursued her;
- the poor quaking friar, hearing his enemy close behind, turned his head
- and saw him with his lance fixed like a fierce justler; seized with deadly
- fright he began crying out, “Help, help!” At this outcry, and the stamping
- of those furious horses, the people all came looking out at the doors and
- windows, for it was now broad day-light. Every one was ready to die with
- laughing, seeing the chase of the two friars thus mounted, who both looked
- more dead than alive; the mare leaped from one side of the road to the
- other, and the enraged stallion after her, and of course the poor friar
- was often in danger of being wounded, as may well be imagined.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/092m.jpg" alt="092m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/092.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- The crowds followed close, holloing and hooting; some threw stones, others
- sticks at the stallion; every one endeavoured to part them, not indeed
- through pity for the friars, but from curiosity to know who they were, for
- their race was so swift that they could not recognise them; they, however,
- luckily ran towards one of the city gates, where they were stopped, and
- the quick and the dead were both taken and recognised, to the great
- astonishment of all the multitude. They were both brought on horseback to
- the convent, and received with great grief by the friars; they buried the
- dead, and the living ordered for torture. The poor fellow, when bound,
- rather than suffer torture, confessed he had killed him on account of what
- has been previously related; they, however, could not account for his
- being mounted as he was. In consequence of his confession the young friar
- was not put to the rack, but was to be confined in a dark dungeon until he
- could be sent to the minister of state, that he might be stripped of his
- orders by the bishop of the place, and to the lord chief justice to
- condemn him, and execute him as a murderer according to law. King Fernando
- did perchance arrive at Salamanca at that time; the story having been
- related to him, although a very chaste prince, and much distressed at the
- sequel, and the loss of so great a man, he could not refrain from laughing
- heartily, when with his barons, at the very ludicrous adventure. Near the
- time when the friar was to be executed, Messer Roderigo, who felt some
- compunction at what had happened, and still more for the fate of the
- innocent friar, and that his silence on the subject certainly would
- occasion his death, being a favourite with the king, determined on
- divulging the whole truth, even at the peril of his own life; therefore,
- presenting himself before the king and his barons, he said, “My liege, the
- unjust and rigid sentence pronounced against the innocent friar, induces
- me to explain the circumstances of the accident, and if it please your
- majesty to pardon him who has most justly killed Messer Diego, I will
- bring him forth instantly, and he will truly relate what has happened.”
- The king, who by nature was inclined to mercy, and anxious to know the
- truth, most generously promised a pardon, upon which the cavalier minutely
- related every circumstance, produced the letter of Diego, and the king
- having previously heard the friar’s story, and perceiving it to agree with
- Don Roderigo’s, he summoned the judge and friar before him, and after
- relating every thing before the barons and the people, immediately ordered
- the poor friar to be released and forgiven, being cleared from the crime
- and all imputation of guilt. The happy friar went merrily back to his
- convent, thanking his stars.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE SKILFUL PHYSICIAN
- </h2>
- <p>
- Some few years ago, being in company with a large party of noble ladies
- and cavaliers, the novel of Gismonda, daughter of Tancredi, Prince of
- Salerno, was read by one of them, and the catastrophe having damped the
- spirits of most of the guests, a gentleman present, in order to enliven
- the company, began his tale in the following terms:—
- </p>
- <p>
- It has always seemed to me, noble lady, that the ancient Greeks have
- surpassed our Italians in nobleness of heart and humanity, and having
- heard in the last <i>Novella</i> of the cruelty of Tancredi, Prince of
- Salerno, who had bereft himself of every sort of happiness, and condemned
- his daughter to death, a story of a Greek nobleman occurs to my mind, who
- was much more humane and wise than Tancredi. You must know, that among the
- successors of Alexander the Great, there was a very powerful baron, called
- Seleucus, who was afterwards king of Syria. When young, he took to his
- wife a daughter of Ptolomæus, king of Egypt, by name Cleopatra, by whom a
- short time after he had a son named Antiochus, and several daughters, whom
- I will not now mention. When Antiochus was about fourteen, it happened
- that Cleopatra, his mother, fell ill and died, consequently his father
- Seleucus remained a widower. Being advised and stimulated by his friends,
- he took another lady, the daughter of Antipater, king of Macedonia, called
- Stratonica, whom after the usual festivities on those great occasions, he
- brought home to his court, and lived most happily with her. Stratonica’s
- person was beautiful, and her conversation, surpassed every thing one can
- conceive. Being very accessible in her court, she often was in company
- with the young Antiochus, sometimes sporting, riding, and sharing other
- amusements with him, and without being conscious of it, or having even a
- thought about it, she excited an ardent passion in the youth, which daily
- increased. Antiochus, then about eighteen, but of a very reserved
- character, and of a noble-minded disposition, knowing that his love was
- not allowable on account of his father, kept his passion so secret, that
- no one ever suspected it. In proportion as the flame was kept under, the
- more it consumed him and increased; so that in a very few months he grew
- quite pale, and his person, which formerly was stout and vigorous, became
- weak and emaciated, in so much that he was often asked by his father and
- friends, what could be the matter with him? whether he was ill? to which
- the youth answered first one thing, then another, ever misleading them as
- to the true cause. At length he got some one to beg his father to send him
- to the army, saying, that bearing arms, and the toil of a military life,
- would be a cure for his illness; that too much ease and idleness had
- brought it on. This and other arguments induced his father to send him to
- the army, attended by old men, veterans in arms. The remedy might have
- proved efficacious, had the youth been able to bear his heart with him;
- but that being fixed in its attachment to the divine features of the
- beautiful lady, it may truly be said, his body followed the army, but his
- soul dwelt at home; nor could he bestow a thought on arms, but only
- thought of her, and sleeping, even, he thought he was with her, and often
- wept at his folly in having left her. In the course of two months, such
- was his afflicted state, that he was taken dangerously ill, became unable
- to quit his bed, and was obliged to be carried home in a litter, to the no
- small grief of all his father’s subjects, who had great hopes in the
- virtues of the youth, expecting, at his father’s death, to have a worthy
- successor to the throne. A consultation of the medical men was held upon
- his complaint, and although they were men of the first rate talents, and
- used every means in their power, they were unable to do him any good,
- because the root of the evil was perfectly unknown to them, nor could they
- heal the secret wound which love had made, but merely aimed at the cure of
- the body. At last, weary with useless medical assistance, they found they
- could not remove this unknown cause of disease. Among them was a very
- learned and judicious physician, by name Philip, he was the king’s doctor,
- and a citizen of the place. As he was zealously endeavouring to find out
- the youth’s complaint, it occurred to his mind, and this suspicion grew
- upon him, that it might be the passion of love, which the others called
- consumption.
- </p>
- <p>
- Philip, full of this thought, and extremely anxious, used to remain long
- in the sick chamber, noticing with particular attention every movement of
- the patient. He then said to the king, that in order to divert the youth,
- it was necessary that the queen, and some other ladies of the court,
- should go at least once a day to see him, and afford him some little
- amusement. Upon which the king ordered that it should be attended to. The
- doctor, seated by the patient’s bed, held his left arm, applying his
- fingers to his pulse, in order to notice any sudden change that might take
- place. By this prudent and wise conduct, he discovered the disease of the
- youth; for although, when many beautiful ladies came in to pay him a
- visit, the doctor never observed the least variation in the feeble pulse
- of his patient; yet, when the queen entered the room, he felt an
- extraordinary and strong palpitation, and struggle of nature; and when the
- queen had sat down near the youth, and soothed him by her kind
- conversations, the pulse seemed to grow still and regular; but when she
- arose and left the room, the pulsation grew so violent, that the doctor
- began to fear some dreadful consequences. The physician, looking in the
- face of his patient, found melancholy seated in that countenance, where
- but a moment before happiness had seemed peaceably to dwell; upon which
- the doctor became more convinced that the disease was seated in the heart,
- but he would not determine, till he had tried three or four times the same
- experiment. When he found it produced the very same effects, he determined
- to speak to the youth, and acquaint him with what he had discovered.
- Having taken a proper opportunity, and sent every body out of the room, he
- thus addressed him:—“I thought, Antiochus, that you had so much
- reliance in me, that not only you would confide in me in a medical
- capacity, where your very existence depended, but even in any other
- affair, private or public, and that you would not disguise any occurrence
- that should concern you; but now I find I have been egregiously mistaken,
- and that my faithful services have not merited this proof of esteem, the
- which I cannot help complaining of, considering that in other respects,
- though you might have kept me in the dark, yet, in my profession, and in
- what concerned your immediate health, you ought not to have deceived me
- thus. Know, that the root of thy disease, which from false shame thou hast
- concealed, is perfectly evident to me; what it is, and by whom caused, is
- well known to me, nor am I so unfeeling not to be aware that youth is
- subject to the frailties of love, and often deprived of the object of its
- affection; but take comfort, and you will find to a certainty that my
- medicine will prove an effectual cure to your disease: not by means of
- pills or draughts, but by inducing your father to yield his wife to you,
- rather than lose his son.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Whilst the doctor spoke, the youth burst into a flood of tears, and
- sobbing violently, entreated the doctor to let him die quietly, and thus
- end his sorrows; for which the doctor strongly reproved him, pointing out
- to him the grief his death would cause to his afflicted father, and the
- regret that the people, indeed the whole kingdom, would feel at the loss
- of him—they who had conceived such hopes of him, and of his virtues.
- The prudent doctor pointed out to him, that this was not a circumstance
- that ought to make him wish for death, particularly as there was an easy
- remedy; that he was convinced of it, and bade him be comforted, and rely
- on him. In such a manner did the doctor afford every consolation he could
- to his patient; and after making him take such nourishing food as he
- thought necessary in his debilitated state, he went forth to the king. The
- moment the doctor entered, the king anxiously inquired how his son was,
- and whether he had hopes of him. The doctor humbly begged to speak in
- private to his majesty, and having both retired to the king’s closet, the
- doctor thus addressed him:—“My liege, I have discovered the disease
- of your son, which we all have sought in vain; yet I certainly Wish I had
- not, since it has no cure.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How!” said the king; “is it such as admits of no remedy?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Thus it is, my liege, and there are no means to cure it.” The king
- insisting on knowing the case, the doctor replied, “the passion of love it
- is, and she whom he loves is my wife, and I will keep her to myself, and
- would suffer every torture rather than resign her; therefore, there are no
- hopes, although I am certain that possessing her would save his life.”
- Upon which the king, weeping bitterly, said, “Oh, Philip! wilt thou be so
- hardhearted as to suffer me to lose such a son for the sake of thy wife?
- Dost thou think, that in parting with her thou wilt not be able to meet
- with another equally handsome, nobly born, and as pleasing to thee as she?
- Thou knowest that a divorce may take place under various causes and
- circumstances, nor could there be, perhaps, a better reason for dissolving
- your marriage than the present. I therefore pray thee, by the trust I
- repose in thee, by the honours and benefits thou hast received at my
- hands, the which I mean greatly to increase to thy full satisfaction, that
- thou wilt make up thy mind to consent to the restoring of this son of
- mine, my only hope, and that of my kingdom; for thou must be aware what my
- fate would be should he die, and how I must hereafter feel towards thee;
- how look upon thee! With what face wilt thou be able to approach me, when
- thou recollectest that for the sake of a woman, where thousands might be
- found to charm thee, thou wilt have been the cause of such a son’s death,
- and my everlasting misery.” In proportion as the king’s reasons and
- entreaties were irresistible, the greater was the delight of the doctor;
- as the very pressing reasons he urged would avail the more against
- himself. Therefore, as soon as the king had ceased to speak, still looking
- towards the doctor, in hopes he had persuaded him, the doctor said, “My
- liege, your reasons are such and so conclusive, that had I ten wives,
- however dear to me, I would part with them to preserve your son’s life;
- but I must needs use the same powerful and convincing arguments with you,
- my sovereign, and inform you of the real and true state of the case, which
- is, that your son has no other disease but that of a violent and
- unconquerable passion, and the object of which is Stratonica, your wife.
- Now, if I, who am not his father, ought to give up my wife and seek
- another, ought you not, my lord, who are his father, doubly to feel you
- should yield yours to save your own son’s life?”
- </p>
- <p>
- The king, upon hearing this, was struck with amazement, and desired the
- doctor to tell him how he had come to the knowledge of these things, and
- being assured that the queen knew nothing of the fact, and the youth,
- through shame and reverence for his father, had resolved rather to die
- than reveal his unlawful passion, moved by pity, and being unable to
- refute his own arguments, he determined, for the sake of his son, to part
- with his wife. In consequence, the separation having taken place, he most
- kindly and generously bestowed the lady on his son. The youth, who at
- first was in the utmost despair, as soon as he heard the kind intentions
- of his father, and saw the pleasure he seemed to feel at the happiness he
- blessed him with, soon began to cheer up, and in a few days was restored
- to health and spirits; and having received the hand of Stratonica, lived
- with her in the greatest happiness, and soon had a son and other children.
- The father, beholding his son saved from threatening danger, and himself
- surrounded by his grand-children, which secured the succession of his
- race, lived perfectly happy, daily thankful to Providence for the resolute
- step he had taken, and particularly grateful to the doctor who had been
- the means, by his judgment and prudence, to effect so great a purpose.
- Thus the humanity and tenderness of the Grecian king, who saved the life
- of his son, and secured happiness to himself, presents a striking contrast
- with the conduct of Tancredi.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE POMEGRANATE SEED
- </h2>
- <p>
- At a time when Languedoc was not as yet under the power of the <i>fleur-de-lis</i>,
- there was at Toulouse a certain count, by name Benato, who, besides being
- endowed by nature with numberless advantages, was blessed with the most
- beautiful children that any prince could boast of; besides two sons, he
- had a daughter younger than either, who according to every body’s opinion
- was the most handsome, modest, and agreeable lady that was ever known. In
- one thing alone heaven seemed unpropitious to him, for while he was living
- most happily with his wife, a sister of the count of Provence, she died
- before she had attained her thirty-fifth year, to his very great grief,
- and that of the country around. Being on the point of death, she called
- the count, her husband, and after humbly requesting his forgiveness of
- such neglect, or omissions, she might have been guilty of towards him, she
- recommended earnestly, with tears in her eyes, her dear children to him;
- but above all, her daughter, whose name was Bianca, adding, that as a last
- favor which he would grant her in this world, she begged he would make her
- a solemn promise, and with full determination never to violate it; which
- was, not to marry her daughter to any one, although it were even the king
- of France himself, unless after seeing him, and becoming acquainted with
- him, she should like him; adding, that to a young woman there was no
- blessing equal to the full liberty of selecting him who is to be her
- companion through life, and to whom she is to be true until death. The
- count having heard the kind and motherly entreaties of his beloved wife,
- considering these were the last words she would probably utter, and the
- last favor he could bestow, after many sorrowful tears, promised her
- solemnly that her wishes should be fulfilled, and that all should be as
- she desired. He then tried to soothe her last moments, though he himself
- was, perhaps, in greater need of consolation; he received her expiring
- breath, and with due honors had her interred in the cathedral of Toulouse,
- as may be yet proved by the tombstone.
- </p>
- <p>
- In those times, when Catalonia had not yet fallen into the hands of the
- king of Arragon and Castile, one Don Fernando, who was count of Barcelona,
- from the proximity of the states, and their rivalship in glory, had long
- waged war against the count of Toulouse, with mutual injury to one
- another; the one being aided by the king of Spain, and the other by the
- king of France; nevertheless, as we very often see it happen, that wars
- entered upon by princes, from vain and ambitious views, come to an end,
- either from weariness, or poverty of the parties; they at last, though
- late, having considered that their warfare was nothing more than ruining
- themselves to enrich their neighbours, and affording satisfaction to their
- enemies, came to the determination to make such a peace as would be most
- honourable and least injurious to the mediators; and in order the better
- to cement the peace entered upon, it was said, that it would be highly
- desirable that the families so long divided, and now at peace, should be
- more closely united by an alliance, seeing that the count of Toulouse had
- but one daughter among his three children, and the count of Barcelona only
- one son among his. It therefore did not become necessary to argue long on
- the subject of this marriage, Salse and Perpignan, as some say, being the
- dowry, and, as others say, plenty of gold, the which was lent him, upon a
- mortgage of some possessions near Arli and Terrascone, by the count of
- Provence, who greatly had enriched his estates by the excellent government
- of Romeo. These things concluded, there remained nothing more to do, than
- for the Count of Toulouse, remembering the solemn promise made to his
- wife, to say all should be done, provided the manners of the young count
- should meet with his daughter’s approbation, in favour of whom he had
- pledged himself never to marry her without her full approbation. This
- appeared to all a very trifling circumstance, and by no means likely to
- thwart their hopes, inasmuch as this youth, besides ample possessions,
- noble birth, and equality of rank, possessed an elegant form, great
- talents, and gentlemanly manners. It was scarcely to be credited that he
- should have been born at Barcelona; but it was so, and is still considered
- as a wonder, for the like was never seen there since, or ever will be.
- </p>
- <p>
- The young count was then sent by his father to the said nuptials, so
- earnestly wished for by both countries, in great pomp, and attended by a
- suitable retinue to Toulouse, where he was received with that cordiality
- and honour which was due to the favourite son of so great a lord, blended
- with French politeness and Spanish dignity, which from their proximity to
- each other, they were well acquainted with. These first ceremonies having
- been attended to, the beautiful daughter of the count, elegantly dressed,
- was presented to him. The lady, who had spared no pains to adorn her
- natural charms in every possible way, received him in so courteous and
- fascinating a manner, that the young count was amazed, enraptured, and
- totally subdued by love and admiration; and, if at first by reports he was
- ambitious of possessing her, he now was inflamed, and scarcely able to
- command his feelings. The lady, previously informed of every thing by her
- father, now eyed him with scrutiny from top to toe, narrowly watched all
- his movements, as well as he did those of the lady, only she with that
- timidity and modesty befitting a female, while he gazed at her with all
- the ease and freedom of an enamoured prince. After this introduction, the
- dinner room was thrown open, where a table was spread, covered with all
- the delicacies that the season and country could afford.
- </p>
- <p>
- Dinner being over, pomegranates were brought in golden vases, according to
- the custom of that country, where they are remarkably fine, to clear and
- sweeten the mouth and breath from the taste of the various viands. The
- count having taken some, how it happened none can tell, but he dropt one
- single seed, which he dexterously caught up before it reached the ground,
- the which he did, as he said himself, and others affirmed, merely to shew
- his quickness and dexterity, and put it in his mouth. The lady, whether
- fate ordained it so, or that the action appeared to her unseemly, or
- ungentleman-like in a person of his rank, was much vexed and disgusted at
- it, and thus argued in her own breast:—This is what I have often
- heard said by those who certainly have means of judging; that the
- Catalonian people are the most sordid, miserly, and covetous set of our
- western countries. Although I have not perceived in him, as yet, any of
- the Catalonian ways, yet he may have put on this countenance, according to
- the practices of the Catalonians, to deceive people. Poor, indeed, is he
- in address, that cannot, for a short time, assume the manners and language
- of a cavalier, at least till he has encompassed his object; but avarice,
- as I have often heard one of my tutors say, as it is the mother and nurse
- of every vice, so it has this particular property, that it cannot totally
- be disguised or concealed, even by the greatest hypocrite, because he, who
- is by nature of such a disposition, begrudges not only his own property,
- but feels as much annoyed in seeing even that of his enemy’s wasted, as a
- liberal man would feel in seeing his taken from him; and if this knight is
- such, and I verily believe him to be so, considering that amidst plenty he
- cannot bear to lose even one single seed, how much more will he be
- avaricious of his own gold;—what then would be my case?—can
- there be a more distressing thing for a generous and noble spirited woman,
- than to have a sordid and avaricious husband? This would be heavy sorrow
- to me, and the sport of others. Heaven forbid it should ever be my case. I
- would sooner die an old maid, than live with such a being in continual
- wretchedness and sorrow for my own folly. Let my father do what he
- pleases, I know that she must be a fool indeed, who suffers herself to be
- persuaded to what would make her miserable.
- </p>
- <p>
- Having thus resolved, she ceased to bestow a thought more on the subject.
- All the fetes and rejoicings having ended, the count of Toulouse, one day
- craving the permission of the Catalonian knight, took his daughter by the
- hand and led her into another room, and here, with all the tenderness of a
- kind father, asked her what were her sentiments respecting this young
- Catalonian. She firmly and deliberately told him, she would rather live
- single all her days, than be united to a man whose principles and manners
- were so directly opposite to her own. On hearing this, the old man was
- sorely grieved, considering that this match having been proposed for the
- advantage of the whole country, by not having effect, it might be the
- cause of ruin and eternal quarrels between the rival states. Having asked
- his daughter the cause of her dislike, and being answered, he thought it
- so very trifling a circumstance, that he could not help laughing. He
- several times attempted to dissuade her, but she protested that if,
- contrary to the sacred promise made to her mother, any attempt should be
- tried to force her inclinations, she would, rather than consent, destroy
- herself with her own hands. The old count, remembering his promise to his
- dying wife, and moved by the love he bore his daughter, said, with tears
- in his eyes, “if thou art so firmly fixed, be it even as thou wilt; nor
- shall there be any persuasion used with thee by me.” Having left the room,
- he endeavoured, in the politest and best way, to excuse himself with the
- count, observing on the dispositions of women, and particularly girls, and
- how often they were bent on that which was most against their own
- happiness, and at last told the count of Barcelona, that she was totally
- averse to the match. This was a most grievous disappointment to the count,
- more particularly as the possibility of such a thing had never entered his
- head, and that he considered the thing as done in his own mind. However,
- concealing his wrath and disappointment, he said, smiling, this is not an
- extraordinary case, and many a greater man than myself has before now been
- the sport of a woman’s caprice, but, that since that was the case, he
- would press no further, but take his leave, and depart for Barcelona on
- the morrow He only begged, in consideration for the trouble he had had in
- coming, and the disappointment he had met with, that the count would tell
- him what it was that his daughter so mightily disliked in him. The old man
- was ashamed to tell it, or to keep the secret; at length, however, he told
- him; nor could the Catalonian help laughing, and he replied, “well, for
- the future when I pay my court to the ladies, I will go when pomegranates
- are out of season, since, as Ceres was deprived of a daughter, I am of a
- wife.” He praised the count for so piously attending to the promise he had
- made his wife, and his love for his daughter, in abstaining from using
- compulsion towards her, and assured him this circumstance should not cause
- any dissension or alteration in their late friendly intercourse. They then
- entered into conversation on other subjects during the rest of the day;
- the count, concealing the rancour of his heart against the lady, took
- leave of her and others as kindly as he could, and departed, making the
- speediest journey to Catalonia, and having arrived on the confine of his
- territories, he dismissed his retinue, giving them to understand he meant
- to go on a pilgrimage not many leagues off, (by some thought to have been
- to our Lady of Monserrato) and, as on such occasions all pomp and shew are
- dismissed, he took with him only two of his most intimate friends; and
- informed them of the whole scheme he had planned; they left their horses,
- and journeyed on foot to Toulouse, being each of them in disguise, the
- count in the habit of a pedler, carrying before him a box of trinkets and
- jewels strung to his shoulders, for he had bought many valuable jewels,
- and intermixed among them some precious stones of his own, which he had
- brought with him as presents to the bride. He did not include those of
- greatest value, lest he should be found out by having so much rich
- property, and having taken off his beard, which was then worn very long
- among the great in Catalonia, he entered Toulouse alone, having despatched
- his two friends to Barcelona, considering that was the best means whereby
- he might have the good fortune of seeing and speaking to his lady. Thus he
- used to go, morning and evening, about Toulouse, selling his commodities
- to such as chose to buy them, but he mostly took care to place himself
- facing the palace where the count of Languedoc dwelt, in hopes of speaking
- to the lady, whom at first from love, and now from spite, he constantly
- dwelt upon. It was not many days, before that one evening the day having
- proved intensely hot, he beheld his lady, beautifully dressed in white,
- sitting with many of the first ladies at her door; he humbly bowing to
- them, asked whether any of the company chose to purchase some of the
- trinkets he had; offering his fine goods at a very cheap rate. The
- countess and other ladies agreeing, as is the custom of the country, to
- look at them, called him to them, and asking him what he had to sell, they
- all got around him, some looking at one thing, others at another. He,
- unaccustomed to the trade, was scarcely able to answer them; and ever
- endeavouring to answer the countess, evaded many answers to the others.
- After selling many articles they had chosen, he went his way, vesper time
- being near. He continued his attendance thus for several days, and became
- a very great favourite, to the annoyance of the other pedlers, who
- whenever they offered their goods, were answered, “No! no! we will be true
- to our Navarro,” for he had told the ladies he was of Navarre, not being
- able so to disguise his language, as to appear a Frenchman, yet he would
- not be known for a Spaniard.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/titlepage2m.jpg" alt="frontispiecem " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/titlepage2.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- It happened that, after a few days, seeing a good opportunity, the count,
- unheard by any other person, said to one of the ladies of the countess
- whom he observed to be her greatest favourite, and much beloved by her,
- and to whom he had made some little trifling presents out of his wares,
- that he had at home one of the most valuable and extraordinary jewels,
- from its peculiar properties, that had ever been seen in the world, but
- that he never brought it about with him, lest he should be robbed of it,
- and that he valued it so, that were it to save his life, he never would
- part with it. Without saying any more he departed. The lady was distracted
- till she could tell the countess what Navarro had said to her. When
- bed-time came, while she undressed her mistress, she related to her the
- wonderful properties and beauty of the jewel, adding, as is usual with
- such people, something of her own to the truth, and saying, that if she
- was the countess, she would move heaven and earth but she would have it,
- although he swore he never would part with it, because it was a remedy
- against every evil, except death. Thus by such praising, and such
- accounts, she made her so eager to possess it, that the lady could not
- rest the whole night for thinking of this wonderful jewel. Scarcely had
- the dawn appeared, but she sent her maid to Navarro, to conjure him in her
- name, and use every means to induce him to sell it, and should she not be
- able to succeed, that she might persuade him, at least, to show it to her;
- because, on being seen, it perhaps might lose much of its value in her
- mind, and thereby lessen the violent desire she felt to have it. She, of
- course, went to Navarro, and related all that had passed. He was highly
- delighted at what he heard, and began again to relate the very wonderful
- effects and power of this jewel, swearing most positively he would sooner
- part with his life than with it; but that, in compliment to her, he would
- allow the countess a view of it. The waiting-maid, finding she could not
- succeed further, accepted the offer; and having fixed the time of the day
- when the lady could see it, she went back to the countess, and related
- what had been determined upon. At the appointed time Navarro came with the
- beautiful jewel. It was a diamond of so large a size, and of so
- extraordinary a shape, as she had never seen before; he said it had been
- brought to the old count of Barcelona by certain Catalonian corsairs, who
- had been cruising beyond the Straights of Gibraltar, and had taken it from
- some Normans, who proving the weakest in the fight, were made prisoners,
- and all their property taken from them; many say, added he, that it had
- been long in the possession of the king of Naples. Greatly did he praise
- it before he showed it, and said, the least he valued it for was its
- beauty, but that it was its extraordinary properties that he esteemed,
- adding, he would not suffer any one else to see it but herself. He then
- brought it forth, still persisting he would not part with it on any
- account whatsoever.
- </p>
- <p>
- The countess, holding the jewel in her hand, was admiring it, and the more
- she minutely examined it, the more beautiful it appeared to her; such was
- the desire of possessing it, that she would have given any thing to obtain
- it; yet, concealing this desire as well as she could, she begged Navarro
- to inform her of its virtues and properties. After many times refusing so
- to do, as if he had some great objection to do so, “Madam,” said he,
- “whenever any one is in doubt how to determine upon any thing of great
- moment, if they look in it; and the determination they wish to abide by is
- likely to be of advantage, they see this stone as clear and bright as if
- all the solar rays were centred within it; if the reverse, it becomes as
- dark as night. Some say, indeed, that it is the philosophers’ stone, so
- long sought after in vain, while others think it is not the produce of
- nature, but of hermetical philosophy. There are others maintain, that it
- was that which Alexander the Great possessed, who never went into battle
- without first consulting it; and, lastly, that it was Caesar’s, and was
- the means of rendering both invulnerable, as you have often heard
- related.” Having thus replied to the lady, he took the jewel back, and
- went his way. Being left with her woman, she exclaimed, “Oh! who could be
- so happy as I, if I could but possess such a beautiful and wonderful
- thing! look at it, and consult it when I pleased; should I ever be asked
- again in marriage, as I was awhile ago by the count of Barcelona, what a
- blessing it would be to me to have the advice of my infallible monitor,”
- she then intreated her maid again, for her sake, to go and beseech Navarro
- to let her purchase it at any price he should fix. Though the maid had not
- the least hope of success, yet she went twice without succeeding, for he
- even denied ever showing it again. At last, the third day, it appearing to
- him a proper time to execute the plan he at first had premeditated,
- Navarro said, “Madam, since your importunity, the beauty, and superior
- charms of your lady, have so won me over to part with such a wonderful
- jewel, go and say that I certainly will give it to her, provided, in
- return, she will admit me, for one night only, in her room, as she would a
- husband. Should she refuse, tell her that neither entreaties, money, or
- any other reward, shall ever dispossess me of it, and request her to cease
- to wish for it any longer, or molest me further.”
- </p>
- <p>
- The maid related the whole conversation to the countess, adding, that if
- she could not bring herself to agree to it, she would have no more to do
- in the business, as she was fully convinced, nothing less than such a
- sacrifice would do. The lady was seriously angry, considering herself
- greatly insulted in her honor, and in threatening words reprobated the
- presumption of the fellow, who dared to contaminate her greatness by such
- a proposal; with her maid she also found fault, because she had not
- rebuked him for presuming to make such a proposal. The maid, rather
- smilingly, said, “Madam when I first went by your order, I thought my duty
- was to report to both what each other should say; nor should I ever have
- thought it my province to alter or conceal any thing said; therefore, if
- you are any way displeased, it is your fault, for you should have ordered
- me, had he said any thing rude, not to tell you of it, and to have
- reprimanded him; though had you mentioned such a thing, I declare I should
- not have meddled in it at all; for I not only cannot punish, but cannot
- even blame things when they are not unjust. The gods receive alike the
- prayers of the just as well as of the wicked; true it is, they grant it to
- the just when they think fit, nor did I suppose you would assume more to
- yourself. In the name of peace, what has Navarro done to you? in what has
- he offended you? are you not aware that asking is neither robbing nor
- giving? You are too young, and do not well distinguish good from evil, but
- were those locks of yours as grey as mine, you would talk in a very
- different style. Such speeches may be uttered, ‘tis true, but to whom and
- where?—not here! nor to me! nor to any of your maids, but to
- strangers, who, although they will not give credit to them, will consider
- you as very virtuous, and a woman who is acquainted with female arts, that
- is, in one word, to dissemble. But with me, who am wholly yours, and have
- no dearer being than you, you must not talk so; but allowing for your
- great youth, and bearing with your reproofs, I will proceed and tell you
- that if you wisely agree to Navarro’s request, you will have the gem, and
- I really think you will have the best bargain. This pedler, although but a
- small trader, has in his countenance, manners, and thoughts, something
- more of the gentleman than the mechanic. Now if you do not take him, you
- will have done what you choose, but not what you ought.”
- </p>
- <p>
- With such arguments and discourse did the old lady’s-maid spur on and
- seduce her mistress; so that wearied at last with her reasoning and
- importunities, though she thought it a monstrous difficult thing to
- manage, she after many <i>nays</i> and <i>yesses, ifs</i> and <i>buts</i>,
- said to her, “do what you list, but settle it so that it be only for one
- night, and late enough, that it may not occasion any mischief to me, and
- danger to thee; for really when once you begin upon a thing, there is no
- way of getting rid of you, and one’s obliged to give way.” The lady made
- no answer, but went to Navarro, and arranged so, that the following
- evening, after midnight, he should come to the garden-gate behind the
- house, and she would direct the rest, and not to forget the jewel; all of
- which was duly performed, and at night when he had given the gem, he said,
- he had more of equal value which he saved for her, and would dispose of at
- the same price; the which being heard by her woman, she so teazed her
- mistress, pointing out to her that repetitions would not make things
- worse, that she earned a beautiful ruby and an emerald, the one of which
- Navarro said possessed the virtue of counter poison, the other an antidote
- to the plague, the which often occurs in Languedoc. But as it often
- happens that we get that which we do not look for, a few weeks after the
- countess actually found that she was not likely to escape with impunity,
- upon which she entered into counsel with her adviser, who afforded her all
- the consolation she could, and told her that she must keep her own secret,
- and all things should be provided against, and all go well; that she was
- not the first by far, and would certainly not be the last, to whom such
- things had happened, who afterwards, for a true maiden, was taken as a
- wife.
- </p>
- <p>
- The flush of shame rising upon the countess’s cheek, she cried, “let
- others do what they may; heaven forbid, that since I could not guard
- against the first transgression, I should gloss it over by a second; I
- never will be the wretch to deceive one that shall think me honourable.
- The sin shall fall on the sinner, and that fruit shall be his that sowed
- it. Too long have I followed thy silly counsels, therefore, without any
- farther consultations, if thou wishest not to offend me, go and bring
- Navarro to me, for since I have so degraded myself as to become his,
- though late, I will be noble enough never, by deceit, to become another’s,
- and am fully determined to submit to that fate which thy ill advice, and
- thy want of discretion and prudence, have led me to.” The waiting-maid
- perceiving the countess’s resolution was fixed, though she endeavoured to
- soothe and persuade her, brought Navarro, who, perhaps, having seen the
- countess much altered, had well guessed the cause. The countess, almost
- overcome with grief, yet, without shedding a tear, with the greatest
- firmness, not like a silly girl, said to him, “my friend, since thy good
- fortune and my ill one, thy great prudence and my want of it, has led me,
- nobly born as I am, rather than deceive God and man, to become the wife of
- a pedler, and thou, whoever thou art, to become the husband of a count’s
- daughter; I pray thee not to turn thy back on me, but to prepare thyself
- to become mine. I am pregnant, and do not mean to remain here, a burden
- and nuisance to others, and an eternal cause of shame and sorrow to
- myself; I am therefore resolved upon going with thee, living poorly, and
- labouring for my bread, rather to injure this guilty body, than to live in
- ease and plenty, to the detriment of my soul; therefore prepare all things
- so, that by to-morrow night we may go from hence, and having by me thy
- gems, many of my own, and a little money, we will go as well as we can,
- sheltered from hunger, until I can see to what better fate the destinies
- have decreed me.” The count of Barcelona, whom henceforward we shall no
- longer call Navarro, though much pleased, for it was this which he wished
- above all things, considered within himself, had he been what she really
- thought him, what would have been her fate; to what fortune leads us; how
- often it happens, and how easy it is to deceive women, though they think
- themselves so wise, and particularly girls. He felt so much pity for her
- that he was ready to do that, which she, though a woman, had too much
- pride to do, that is actually to weep and, in great agitation, he said to
- her, “Madam, I am a poor pedler, as you have clearly seen, and as such I
- have made up my mind to live and die a bachelor, therefore I intreat you
- not to molest me with such thoughts, nor bring upon yourself this
- disgrace.” He would have proceeded, but compassion for her, the desire of
- possessing her, and the fear she should repent what she had proposed,
- actually choked his utterance. “My friend,” said she, “I will only say
- that the most fortunate man in the world has scarcely evermore than one
- such a lucky opportunity, as thy good fortune offers thee to my great
- disadvantage; beware of her frowning upon thee for thy folly, should thou,
- a poor pedler, refuse to marry her who but very lately refused the count
- of Barcelona.” These last words so fired the soul of the count, and so
- excited him to vengeance, that he no longer refused, and said that since
- she wished it, he would be ready to obey, and that she must prepare
- herself to lead a life suitable to one who was his wife, and not as her
- father’s daughter; walking on foot without any other companion; inasmuch
- as not only his profession demanded, but also because it was necessary to
- avoid the danger to which the carrying away the daughter of a count would
- expose him. It was agreed, without saying a word to any one except the
- countess’s maid, that they would sally forth, each under a pilgrim’s
- dress, to St. James of Gallicia the next night. The bustle and wonder at
- Toulouse and the adjacent parts were very great when this accident was
- discovered; but no one being willing to credit it, it was thought that
- through devotion she had retired into some religious house; for since she
- had perceived her situation, she had been much more attentive to her
- religious duties than usual, avoiding, as far as she could, all company;
- the which circumstance gave additional credit to the belief: and the maid,
- who had remained, had so well managed her story, intimating her
- displeasure at being so deceived, that every one thought that was actually
- the fact; therefore in consequence of this belief, the couple being soon
- out of the territory of Languedoc, they were not found out, although
- closely pursued. It would be tedious to relate the many trials and
- sufferings of the poor unhappy lady on their march; she who had for years
- scarcely moved a step without her carriage, and being assisted by several
- cavaliers of her father’s court, was now, in the parching month of July,
- obliged to walk on flinty stones, besides being pretty large, and enduring
- every possible suffering on the road which a poor person must bear. The
- count now and then would make her rest, but in such a harsh tone, and then
- so uncourteously made her resume her journey, that it went to her very
- soul; but on the day they left Toulouse she made up her mind patiently to
- bear every insult of fortune. Proceeding thus on her journey, they reached
- the inn where she hoped to rest from the fatigues of the day; but whether
- from the bad accommodations in that country, or that the count chose to
- have it so, she could not close her eyes, and it became rather an encrease
- of sufferings, than an alleviation either to body or mind. After several
- days, being arrived at Barcelona, there he found his friends, whom he had
- sent off with speed, the very day he left Toulouse, to provide the poorest
- lodging they could find for him and his lady, but, however, at a good and
- religious woman’s, though there are but few of those. Having slept with
- her the first night, and stayed with her the whole day, in the evening he
- made her believe that some business would detain him out the next day, and
- that he could not possibly be with her till night, desiring her to attend
- with the old woman to her work, so that she might provide for her scanty
- living, for he did not mean to sell any of his jewels, nor waste his
- money; on the contrary, as he spared from his trade by industry, she must
- do the same, if she wished for peace and quietness; the unhappy countess
- sighed from her inmost soul, recollecting how many poor people her father
- supported, while she was in such a distressed situation, as to be obliged
- to work for her daily support; but with a sweet smile, she answered she
- should do as he desired. The count, in a pilgrim’s dress, left her and
- went to his home, where, as one that had been lost, without hopes of being
- seen again, he was most tenderly received by his father and mother, for he
- had considerably lengthened the proposed time of his absence. Thus then
- did the count jovially spend the days with his friends and courtiers,
- never omitting, however, returning in his pilgrim’s dress to his lady at
- night, and commanding her new duties, and ordering her to be always ready
- to help the hostess in the kitchen and household work, Not being as yet
- satisfied, he determined to heap upon her new injuries; he therefore said
- to her one evening, “to-morrow I mean to treat a friend of mine, a
- skinner, at a tailor’s, where I must, of course, purchase the bread, and
- as bread is very dear in this part of the world, and I don’t like to be at
- the expense, I have thought that tomorrow morning, after you have helped
- the hostess in baking, you must pretend to have dropped something, and
- hide four rolls in your pocket under your petticoat, and keep them for me,
- and two or three hours after dinner I’ll come and fetch them.” This
- appeared a most vile and degrading thing to the noble-minded countess, and
- had it not been that she had heard much of the idle and lazy habits of the
- Spaniards and Navarrese, she would have believed he was in jest, yet
- thinking, after all, it was spoken in good earnest, she intreated him for
- heaven’s sake, not to compel her to such an act; to which he churlishly
- answered, “what! have you not yet forgotten you are the daughter of the
- count of Toulouse, eh! yet the first day we left the place I told thee,
- and thou didst promise, that forgetting the past thou wouldst only
- remember that thou wert the poor wife of Navarro; now I tell thee again,
- that if thou wishest to be happy, thou must make up thy mind to do this,
- and any thing else I shall command thee, otherwise I will leave thee here
- alone, and shall go elsewhere to seek my fortune.” Thus was she compelled
- to obey; and, in the morning, as she had been desired, so she did. The
- count every evening used to ride about at his pleasure, and, on that day,
- calling on one of the two friends who were at Toulouse with him, and who
- was somewhat related to him, he told him what he was to do. The count
- passed by the poor dwelling of his lady, and there stopped awhile at a
- distance, while his companion, who had directions how to act, drew near
- the old woman, who happened to be at the door, at work with the countess;
- “Mistress,” said he, “who is this young woman sitting by you?” When the
- old woman had told him who she was, and when she had arrived there; “Oh,”
- said the gentleman, “you seem to be old in the world, but with very little
- knowledge of it; this female appears to me to be one of the wickedest
- women I ever saw, and, if you do not mind, she will strip you of every
- thing you have in the world;” the which the old woman denied, and bestowed
- great praise upon her. “Nay,” said the gentleman, “I will convince you
- with your own eyes before I go; now, only raise her upper petticoat a
- little, and look in her pocket and see what she has there, and that will
- prove to you that I have not been studying necromancy at Toledo seven
- years for nothing;” and as he seemed approaching, to convince her himself,
- she, out of regard to the countess, rather than suspicion, searched her
- pocket, where she found the four rolls, at which she was much amazed, and
- endeavoured to apologize for her to the gentleman. After a little chat,
- and laughing on the subject, he departed: the reader may well imagine how
- confounded and ashamed the countess was. She almost swooned in seeing
- herself so detected and degraded. Having afterwards been gently reproved
- by the old woman, she, weeping, asked her pardon, and promised never to be
- guilty of the like sin again, but carefully concealing who it was that had
- made her do so. At night the count said he had not had any occasion for
- them, and pretended to be much displeased at the shame she had brought
- upon herself, saying, that it was in consequence of her ill-will to do it,
- and her awkwardness.
- </p>
- <p>
- The countess of Catalonia, his mother, at that time was preparing some
- curious works which she was engaged to consecrate by a vow to a saint at
- Barcelona, to be added as ornaments to the various figures, animals, &c.
- represented on it; now, it occurred to the count that this would be an
- excellent opportunity of mortifying still more the poor countess; he
- therefore told his mother that he knew a French woman that understood
- these things remarkably well, and would send her on the following day;
- and, in the evening, he told the countess to prepare, and commanded her to
- steal as many of the pearls as she possibly could. She burst into a flood
- of tears on hearing this, for the adventure of the rolls was too fresh in
- her memory, and considering that she was going to the house of him whom
- she, but scarcely nine months since, had scorned and refused, and where
- she might easily be discovered, weeping bitterly, she begged him not to
- insist; but upon his threatening vengeance against her should she not
- obey, she was compelled to consent; and the better to conceal the theft,
- it was agreed she should put the pearls in her mouth, under her tongue,
- for however few she might take, these being so very valuable, it would
- still be a great gain. In the morning she was introduced and set to work
- by the count’s mother; her manners and behaviour were so genteel, that
- such as beheld her agreed that she must have been of noble birth, and well
- brought up, from her readiness and grace in every thing that belongs to a
- female; she, little caring for their praises, these being rather as so
- many daggers to her heart, attended to the concerted plan, and had already
- got three of the finest pearls under her tongue, when she beheld the very
- gentleman that had occasioned the bread scene to take place, for he had
- been sent by the count. The said gentleman began to converse with the old
- countess, then looking at the poor creature now at work, said he was much
- astonished that such a vile woman should be admitted in her house;
- relating to her the story of the rolls, and presently proceeded to tell
- the old countess what she had robbed her of, which the poor creature, to
- her great confusion, was compelled to bear; but the lady, excusing her on
- account of her poverty, paid her for the work she had done, and dismissed
- her.
- </p>
- <p>
- The angry count at last thinking he had sufficiently avenged the insult he
- had suffered from his wife, and punished the rash opinion she had formed
- of him; she now feeling that she had been guilty of much more meanness
- than the picking up a seed of pomegranate, and knowing she was near her
- time, determined no longer to torment her, and having related the whole
- story to his father and mother and that she had been persuaded to become
- his prey, not from avarice, but by artful means; likewise, considering how
- much pain and grief he had heaped upon her in punishment for her offence,
- he said, that the next day, he intended, it being agreeable to them, to
- bring her home as the daughter of the count of Toulouse, and his wife. The
- old folks were as much delighted at hearing this, as they had been grieved
- when they heard the match had been broken off, and without giving any
- reason for it, a grand and elegant fete was ordered to be prepared in the
- evening. The count of Barcelona said to his wife, “to-morrow there will be
- a grand fete at the house of the count of this country, on account of his
- marrying the eldest daughter of the king of Arragon, one of the handsomest
- and most beautiful women in the world; indeed, he may thank heaven that
- thou didst spurn him from thee, for he has much improved his riches and
- dignity by this alliance.” The poor creature at this could not repress a
- deep sigh, considering what she formerly had been, and what she now was.
- The count proceeded: “to-morrow will be a holiday, there is no work done,
- therefore I have been thinking that thou and the good old woman should
- come and spend your time there, for here alone thou wouldst be moped, and
- meanwhile thou wilt be able to see if any thing can be got at there
- without being detected; as thou art a woman, though thou hast been seen
- there, no harm will come of it, but a little shame, that will soon be
- overcome, and which a poor creature as thou art must make up thy mind to.”
- Although the countess had suffered so much from the other vexatious scenes
- she had gone through, she now thought this the most cruel of all, and, in
- the greatest agony, said, she could be prepared to meet death, rather than
- do such a thing: but the count, who was fully determined on this last
- trial, swore, threatened, and abused her so, that she was at last forced
- to submit, and promised she would not fail to be there. He having apprised
- the hostess of his design, told her at what hour, and where she was to go
- the next morning; this done, he returned home. On the following day, all
- the first nobles and ladies of Barcelona having assembled at the old
- count’s to honour the festival, before the tables were prepared, various
- amusements took place. The old hostess, as previously agreed with the
- count, brought, most reluctantly, and, as it were, by force, the young
- countess a full hour before dinner. The poor creature had scarcely entered
- the great room, retiring as much as possible amidst the least conspicuous
- among them, than the count, sumptuously dressed, joyful and happy, going
- graciously up to her, said aloud, so that he might be distinctly heard by
- all, “welcome, the lady countess, my bride! It is now high time that your
- pedler, Navarro, should be transformed into the count of Barcelona, and
- that you, a poor pedler’s wife, should become the daughter and wife of a
- count!” At these words, struck dumb with wonder, shame, fear, and hope,
- the countess looked around to see whether these words were addressed to
- any person besides her; yet, in a moment recognising his voice and
- manners, uncertain what she should do, the words died on her lips: upon
- which the count added, “my lady, if the having been refused by you, had
- enraged me so as to make me more cruel towards you than you might consider
- justifiable, yet, I think, had you been in like circumstances, as much in
- love as I, and undeserving to be so indignantly treated, I should obtain
- not only your pardon, but that you would plead my excuse: therefore, as I
- have found more true nobleness of mind in you, in this low state you have
- been reduced to, than I at first was able to discover in your higher
- situation, I do entreat you to forget, as I do, the first offence, my
- former treatment, and cast into eternal oblivion every revengeful deed of
- mine, and be pleased, in the presence of my father, mother, and this noble
- company, to give me in Barcelona that which you refused me in Toulouse,
- and which I stole from you by the dint of art.” The countess recovering
- from her astonishment, replied, with a noble countenance, manner, and good
- sense, and like a princess: “happy am I, my true lord, to know on this day
- how far greater my good fortune has been than my judgment: since I find
- you what you really are, not what I at first looked upon you to be; most
- willingly do I forget the merited wrongs I have suffered, and ready am I
- to bestow publicly, before this noble and honourable assembly, that which
- before was granted in Toulouse before less honourable witnesses. I am,
- therefore, ready to be yours, if it so pleases you, and if it be approved
- by your father and the lady your mother, whose generous pardon I crave for
- former offences, and will ever honour and hold dear as a loving daughter.”
- She would have proceeded, had not the tears of the old count, countess,
- and bystanders, interrupted her. Her tattered garments were then thrown
- aside; she was elegantly dressed; the fete became a complete scene of
- happiness; the count of Toulouse was apprised of every thing, and the
- alliance joyfully confirmed, the ample portion given, and the former
- friendship newly cemented, and, a very few days after, the countess was
- delivered of a beautiful son, and several other children in the course of
- time; she lived most happily with her husband, and became almost adored
- throughout the country.
- </p>
- <p>
- This story is distinctly and circumstantially recorded in both countries,
- and I leave it to the hearers to determine which was most to be admired—the
- virtue of Toulouse, or the courtesy of Catalonia.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE FATAL MISTAKE
- </h2>
- <p>
- There lived at Salerno a nobleman of the name of Marino, who had by his
- lady, named Placida, one only son, who was scarcely two years old when his
- father became dangerously ill, so much so that all the doctor’s skill
- could not avail. Finding that it was impossible for him to recover, he
- called his wife, and requested her to bring his boy to him. When his wife
- came near, he raised himself in the bed as well as he could, gave one hand
- to his wife, and held the boy’s in the other, and said to her, “Placida, I
- am come unto my last hour, therefore am aware I shall not be able to take
- care of our boy; bring him up, and train him to virtuous pursuits, in
- which thing I had placed all my future happiness, and in doing for him all
- that which his tender age required of me; seeing that I must leave him so
- young, I should feel my approaching dissolution with real dismay, were I
- not convinced that your principles and prudence will amply make up for the
- loss of his father. I, therefore, consign unto thy care and power this
- dear son, in whom I still hope to live again; and I entreat thee, by the
- dear remembrance of the extraordinary blessings and happiness we have
- enjoyed hitherto, that as thou hast ever been the ten-derest parent, thou
- wilt now be both father and mother to him; and since it does not please
- heaven that we should be continued together in this happy state, I do
- entreat that thou bestow on him all that tender love and affection that
- thou wouldst have bestowed on me had I lived to old age; do but this, and
- I shall depart happy!” Thus saying, he embraced his wife, kissed the boy,
- and placed him on her bosom. “Marino,” said the afflicted wife, “thou
- earnest away with thee the better part of me; would it had pleased heaven
- to have taken us both at the same time; but since it has otherwise
- decreed, and perhaps in order that our child might not remain entirely
- bereft of protection, I will be to him the tenderest of mothers. True it
- is, he would have needed thy assistance more than mine in educating him,
- and in directing his mind and heart, but nothing shall be wanting in me to
- justify the reliance and good opinion thou placest in me, or to induce the
- dear boy, in whom I see thy beloved image impressed, to imitate thy many
- virtues. Oh! that I could, by the sacrifice of my life, lengthen thine!
- Rest assured that I will preserve my faith in the care of the charge thou
- hast given me, while I live, as truly as I have to thee during this life.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Much did he praise and commend her, and would have said more, but to the
- great grief of Placida, he expired soon after in her arms.
- </p>
- <p>
- After the funeral was over, Placida took great care to do every thing that
- could be conducive to the child’s future welfare. The boy was naturally of
- a good temper, clever, fond of his mother, and very obedient to her, the
- which made him improve so much in learning and manners, that every one was
- astonished, and gave great credit to his mother for the care she had taken
- of him.
- </p>
- <p>
- When the boy entered his twelfth year, he was seized with a fever, which
- by changing its symptoms, induced the medical men to fear it would turn to
- a consumption, and cause his dissolution. The poor mother, meanwhile, did
- not omit any one thing that could tend to his recovery, but was wasting
- away with grief as much as her son was by the fever. The physicians used
- every means to prevent the disorder from increasing, and the mother took
- care to give him every morning the medicines that had been ordered in
- certain portions of endive water, nor would she suffer any of the servants
- to do it for her. She, therefore, got up every morning, mixed the draught
- with her own hands, and gave it to him; but, by the sequel, it will be
- perceived how unavailing is prudence when ill-fortune pursues us. Placida,
- although yet young, for she was scarcely more than thirty, and though
- beautiful, and truly virtuous, was most anxious to preserve that beauty
- which nature had so liberally bestowed on her; for which purpose she was
- in the habit of using a cosmetic to clear the skin, and prevent the
- wrinkles which age naturally brings on. It unfortunately happened that
- after using this wash, she gave it to her maid to put in its proper place.
- As the latter was going out of the room with the bottle, one of the
- servants came in, and gave her the bottle of endive water intended for the
- patient’s mixture; having both hands full, she placed one bottle, as she
- thought, in the place where the wash used to be deposited, and the other
- she gave to her mistress, who laid it where she usually put her son’s
- mixture.
- </p>
- <p>
- The next morning Placida went to her son, and gave him the medicine which
- she had prepared as usual, but he had not taken it more than an hour when
- he began to feel the most excruciating pain, and was tortured almost to
- death. The mother, in the greatest alarm, sent for the physicians, and
- related to them the strange effect produced that day on the patient by the
- draught which had before appeared so serviceable to him. The medical men
- were at a loss how to account for this extraordinary circumstance, but on
- examining the effect produced on the patient, they concluded there were
- signs of poison having been taken. “Good lady,” said they, “your son has
- not taken his usual medicine; but poison has been given to him; it is that
- which has brought him to such a state.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “What! poison!” cried she, “wretch that I am!—Gentlemen, you must be
- mistaken, for none but I ever administer the draughts.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “It may be,” said they, “that the person that fetched it may have deceived
- you, and put poison in the draught.” The servant, upon this, was
- immediately called up; he said that he had brought that which the
- apothecary had given him, without looking into what it might be, and that
- he would rather die than have done such a thing; being extremely fond of
- the youth, and besides a very worthy servant, he was easily credited. The
- apothecary was next sent for, but he positively asserted he had sent the
- same draught as usual. No one could imagine how this could have happened;
- the physicians, however, determined to come to the bottom of it, desired
- the bottles to be brought to them, and dipping in the finger, and tasting
- the dregs, they immediately perceived the sublimate of the cosmetic. “Good
- lady,” said they, “you have been deceived, this is not the endive
- decoction, but real poison.” The lady, examining the bottle more minutely,
- immediately suspected it was that wherein the wash used to be; terror
- seized her; she called the maid, and it was discovered that she had given
- her mistress the wrong bottle. The physicians instantly used every means
- in their power, but the poison had had too much time to work on the vital
- parts, and nothing could save him. The disconsolate mother threw herself
- on her lifeless child, and remained there till they really thought she had
- expired; the doctors, however, used their skill, and soon recovered her,
- but the poor creature, instead of feeling thankful for their kind offices,
- reproached them for not allowing her to die; but, said she, that which
- grief will not do, my hand shall accomplish. Thus saying, she caught a
- knife that lay on the table, and was in the act of destroying herself,
- when they all interposed. She called them most cruel in wishing her to
- endure life; cursed her hard fate, and her ill fortune; accused heaven;
- raved; insisted that her maid should be brought to her, that she might
- strangle her with her own hands, since her carelessness had brought her
- beloved son to the grave. Those present endeavoured to remind her that it
- was not any ill intention, but a mistake; and that, therefore, the girl
- did not deserve so severe a punishment. She insisted, however, that she
- should be taken up, and examined; but the judge, finding her more silly
- than guilty, absolved her. This did not satisfy dame Placida, and they
- were obliged to remove the young woman from her service, who was sorely
- grieved at her careless conduct, having been the cause of so fatal an
- accident. After this delirium and rage against the poor girl had subsided,
- she began to reflect on herself, and considering that her pride, in
- wishing to preserve her beauty, had been the sole cause, she tore her
- hair, scratched her face, and totally disfigured herself, and talked of
- nothing but killing herself; “No!” said she, “I, who have murdered my
- child, do not deserve to live!” She constantly entreated those who had the
- care of her to kill her. Finding this would not avail, she determined to
- starve herself, and would neither eat nor drink, and they were obliged to
- force some nourishing liquid down her throat. She at last went downright
- mad, and, in her madness, was ever calling upon her beloved son. She
- continued so a few years, and was at last happily released; happily, it
- must be allowed, since she would have suffered the most agonizing pain and
- anguish of heart had she lived.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE DEAD ALIVE
- </h2>
- <p>
- There was, not many years ago, at a village called Valdistrove near Siena,
- a countryman of about thirty years of age, a fine stout and sturdy fellow,
- and industrious too, who never lost an hour in idleness, and one of the
- best labourers about the place. Santi-grande was his name, grande being
- added from a nick name given to his father. This fellow was
- extraordinarily strong and powerful, but the greatest ninny that ever
- lived; nature had certainly endowed him with strength of body, but had
- left his upper rooms totally unfurnished, in so much that he became the
- sport of the villagers, who delighted in playing him all sorts of tricks—no
- uncommon thing in villages, where an idiot or so is usually to be met
- with. Even gentlemen of the neighbourhood would often play him some trick
- or other. Poor Santi took it all very quietly—insensible of his
- inaptitude. Some time since a favorite goat, which he prided himself in,
- had brought forth two kids; he was highly delighted, and thought himself a
- Croesus in the possession of these, and planned what was to be done with
- the money they would fetch, when they were grown to a proper size. He said
- to his brother, “Simon! get me those two kids ready by the morning, for I
- will go to Siena to-morrow, and sell them.” Santi was so elated, that he
- could not sleep the whole night. Simon, who wished to humour him, got the
- kids ready, saying to him, “now don’t ye go and make a foolish bargain,
- for they are well worth three livres; they are stout little creatures.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Leave that to me,” said the poor silly fellow, “I knows how to make a
- bargain, I warrant you,” and away he went, Singing. It so happened that
- when he came to the Porta del Diavolo, two of his neighbours met him, and
- being in a merry humour, determined to have a little sport with him. Aware
- of his errand, one of them said, “well, Santi, have you capons to sell
- there?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Faith,” said Santi, “unless my brother has played me a trick I think they
- are two fine kids,” so saying, he was feeling their ears and shooting
- horns. Our two humourists observing that Santi was a little in doubt about
- their identity, were inclined to carry on the joke. “Nay,” said one, “feel
- again, for they are capons to a certainty.” A porter that happened to be
- near him, seeing what was going on, cried out “Here, master, will you sell
- your capons? What do you ask for them?” Santi stopped short in amazement
- at the question; the fellow drawing near, said, “well, will you sell
- them?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “No,” said Santi, “I won’t; they are not capons, they are kids.” One of
- the youngsters kept close in conversation with Santi, asking him how he
- came to be so tricked; while the other, mending his pace, persuaded all
- those he met with, to ask the man if he would sell his capons? the which
- they all did. When the fellow got to the inn of the Angel, he told the
- landlord of the joke, and all the stable-boys and waiters came forth,
- crying out, “will you sell your capons, Santi?” and all seeming anxious to
- buy them. Poor Santi looked hard at the kids, and could not be persuaded
- that they could be capons, therefore made the same answer, that they were
- kids not capons; “for,” said he, “I told brother to pack up the kids, not
- capons.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Why,” said the youngster, “they are well worth the kids, but if thou
- attemptest to sell them for kids, every one will think thou art mad.” His
- companion, meanwhile, had gone forward to the city gate to tell the
- custom-house officers the joke, so that when Santi came to the gate, they
- demanded the duty for the capons, which was one penny each: “But,” said
- Santi, “these are kids.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Oh! let him alone,” said one of the officers, “he is mad, and wants to
- pay the duty for kids instead of capons.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “You silly fellow,” said one of them, “if they were kids you would have
- five pence duty to pay, don’t think we should cheat ourselves.” In the
- meantime numbers of people crowded around, and enjoying the sport,
- vociferated that they were capons, so that at last Santi began to think
- they really were. “Yet,” said he to a driver that was talking to him, “I
- thought I heard them cry <i>ba, ba</i>.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “True,” said the driver, “but were not the capons and kids in the same
- place?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Yes,” said Santi. “Well, the capons learned to <i>ba</i> from the goat
- and kids, as children learn to prate from their mothers and nurses.
- However, were I you, now we are near the town, I would not attempt to
- offer them as kids, for they will think you mad.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “A plague on that brother of mine, but I will serve him a trick for this,”
- said Santi. The two young men, when they came to the gates of the town,
- left Santi and the driver talking on, and went their way, when they met
- Girolino Palmieri, a very frolicksome fellow, though rather old.
- </p>
- <p>
- On hearing the jest they had put upon Santi, and his business leading him
- that way, he determined to carry on the farce, and have a little sport;
- having met Santi, he asked him what he would sell the two capons for?
- Santi, who no longer considered them as kids, bargained with Girolino for
- three livres, and they being two fine ones, he bought them, rather to
- prevent some one else from having the bargain, paid Santi for them, and
- led him to the house of a cousin of his in the market-place, took him up
- stairs, saying to him, “what is the matter with you? are you not well? are
- you in any pain? how pale you look; will you have a glass of wine? why,
- thou art not the same man, how changed!” at these words, and in thinking
- of the capons, Santi became wild, and thought that, like the kids who had
- turned capons, he also had turned to something frightful. The young men,
- who had noticed that Girolino had bought the kids, were determined to
- inquire how the matter ended, and followed Girolino to the house, where
- they found Santi drinking. “Well, how is it?” said the one; but before he
- could well answer, Girolino said, “I have made him take a glass, for he
- feels very ill.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Poor fellow!” said one of the men, “where do you feel pain? how deadly
- thou dost look, thou art surely dying.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “He ought to be put to bed,” said the other. Hearing this, and much more
- to the same purpose, Santi, almost maddening, thought he began to feel
- very ill, and conceiving he was dying, cried out, “my head aches! my body!
- my back! my legs! oh dear! oh dear! I am going.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Art thou cold?” said Girolino. “He must be so,” said the one, “though it
- be intensely hot.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Indeed, I do begin to feel cold,” quoth Santi. Girolino, still determined
- to go on with it, ordered a maid servant to warm a bed for him; when put
- to bed, they said, “Santi, how long is it since thou hast confessed? hast
- thou been to confess this year?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Yes,” said he. “Well, but,” said one of them, “if thou diest, where wilt
- thou be buried?” Santi, thinking he was either dead or dying, said, “let
- me be buried at St. Giulia, where my dad lies; and let the money I got for
- the capons go to my mother, for I won’t let brother have a farthing.”
- Girolino perceiving that Santi thought he was actually dying, ordered a
- large old sheet, and he and the other two cut out and sewed up a
- winding-sheet, and took it unto Santi, saying, “look ye, Santi, I will
- have ye die like a gentleman; put this on quick, or it will be too late.”
- Santi, who had no notion that dying was a serious thing, put it on, and in
- so doing, said, “why its too long! I never shall get it on.” Having thus
- equipped him, they said, “now, Santi, that thou art dead, lay still, shut
- your eyes, and don’t speak, and we will get thee carried to the ground
- where your dad lies.” While they were laying him on a sort of hearse, and
- four men were sent for to carry him, they alternately cried out, “Poor
- Santi is dead; poor fellow, he is really dead!” The porters, who thought
- they were carrying a corpse, went through the gates quietly without being
- stopped, intending to take him to Strove, his own village: as they went
- on, there happened to pass by a carrier belonging to the cavalier
- Cappacci, who knew Santi well, but not recognising him in that state,
- asked the man who it was that died. They not knowing, answered they could
- not tell; however, the carrier getting near to the hearse, knew Santi
- instantly, and cried out, “Why it’s that booby Santi del Grande; how came
- the mad fellow to die so soon, a stupid dog.” Santi hearing himself thus
- abused, could not abstain from answering, yet without moving, he opened
- his eyes, and cried out, “if I was alive, instead of being dead as I now
- am, I’d let you know who Santi del Grande is.” On hearing the dead man
- holla thus, the porters dropped their load, and ran off as if the very
- devil was after them. Santi, meanwhile, lay on the ground weeping and
- groaning, and as many came round him to see this living dead, and asked
- him what was the matter, the only thing he could say was, “take and bury
- me where my daddy lies.” A cousin of his, who had returned from market,
- where he had been to sell some wood, finding him in that state, bound him
- safe on the hearse and had him taken home. His mother and brother seeing
- him in that condition, asked him what was the matter, and how he came to
- be in such a state; to which he only answered, “Oh! I am dead, bury me—bury
- me, where my daddy lies.” His brother, suspecting some one had played him
- a trick, and made him believe that he was really dead, adopted the only
- means he thought could bring him to his senses, and, taking a horsewhip,
- began to lay it thick and thin on Santi’s back; upon which Santi, roused
- by the blows, cried out, “villain that thou art, thou hast caused my death
- by giving me two capons instead of the kids I asked thee for;” and upon
- this he run after his brother, and both fell to it.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/161m.jpg" alt="161m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/161.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- The mother hearing the bustle came in with some neighbours, and parted
- them at last. Santi much bruised with the rope that had fastened him on,
- and the shock of the hearse when it fell, in addition to the
- horse-whipping, was put to bed black and blue. After two or three days he
- recovered, went to his usual work, but swore he would never go and sell
- any thing at market again.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE FALSE CHAMPION
- </h2>
- <p>
- There was in Provence, not many years ago, a certain Signor Carsivallo, a
- nobleman who possessed several manors; a man of great merit and judgment,
- much beloved and respected by the barons and nobles of the place, the more
- so on account of the antiquity of his family, who were descendants of the
- Balzos. This gentleman had a daughter, named Lisetta, who was one of the
- greatest beauties in Provence. Many barons and lords, who were young, and
- of elegant appearance, had solicited her hand. But the said Carsivallo
- refused them all, nor would he marry her to any of them.
- </p>
- <p>
- There was at that time a Count Aldobrandini, who was lord of all Venisi,
- containing many cities and castles, and who was above seventy years old,
- and had neither wife or children. He was possessed of so much riches that
- they exceeded all belief. This Count Aldobrandini hearing of this
- beautiful daughter of Carsivallo, fell in love with her, and would
- willingly have married her, but was ashamed to solicit her hand on account
- of his age, knowing that so many young and noble knights had sought to
- obtain her, and had been refused. However, he felt his love increasing,
- and could find no way to obtain her. It happened that giving a grand
- treat, Carsivallo, as his friend and humble servant, called to see him;
- the count received him with open arms, and honoured him much, gave him
- hunters, hawks, hounds, and various other presents; after which the count
- bethought himself he would in a friendly manner ask him for his daughter.
- </p>
- <p>
- Being one day by themselves the count began, half in jest and half in
- earnest, “my good friend, Carsivallo, I will open my mind to thee without
- any further preface, as I know I may venture to speak freely to thee,
- although, perhaps, I may be a little ashamed on account of one thing, and
- that alone—that I am not quite so stout as I was; but be that as it
- may, I would willingly, if it met thy pleasure, marry thy daughter.”
- Carsivallo answered, “my good lord, I would most willingly give her unto
- you, but that I should feel very awkward in so doing, considering that
- those who have solicited her hand are all young men, from eighteen to
- twenty, who would become my enemies; besides, her mother, brothers, and
- relations, would not be pleased, nor do I know the girl would be at all
- gratified, when others so young and blooming might have had her.” The
- count replied, “thou sayest right, but thou mightest tell her, she shall
- be mistress of all I possess in the world; meanwhile we will contrive to
- find some way of succeeding, therefore, let us think upon this to-night.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Yes,” said Carsivallo, “I am most willing, and to-morrow morning we will
- communicate the result to each other.” The count could not close his eyes
- all night, but planned an excellent scheme, and the next morning he called
- Carsivallo, and said, “I have found an excellent plan that will afford you
- a good excuse, and do you great honour.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How is that, my lord?” said Carsivallo. “Do thou,” said the count, “order
- a tournament to be publicly cried, and let it be known that he who wishes
- to marry your daughter must come on such a day, and whoever shall be the
- conqueror, shall have the lady, and leave the rest to me. I will find
- means to become the victor, and by this contrivance thou wilt be excused
- by all.” Carsivallo said, “well, I am agreeable to it.” He left the count,
- thus saying, and went home; and, when he thought it was time, he called
- his wife, and other relations and friends, and said to them, “methinks it
- is high time to marry Lisetta; what mean you to do, considering how many
- there are who offer themselves; if we bestow her on one, the others will
- be affronted, and become enemies, saying, ‘am I not as good as he and so
- will they all, and we shall only create foes where we try to gain friends;
- what think you of proclaiming a tournament in the spring, and of bestowing
- her on him who shall win her?” The mother, and the rest of the friends,
- said they were of the same opinion, and approved of the plan. Carsivallo
- ordered the tournament to be proclaimed, stating, that whoever wished to
- marry his daughter, should come on the first of May, in the city of
- Marseilles, to the tournament, and that he who should prove the victor,
- should have the lady. In consequence of which, Aldobrandini sent to
- France, praying the king that he might be pleased to send one of his best
- squires, who was most valiant and expert at the tournaments. The king,
- considering the count had always been a faithful servant to the crown,
- and, over and above, a relation, sent him one of his knights, whom he had
- himself brought up from his infancy; his name was Ricardo, a descendant of
- the ancient and famous family of Mont Albano, and ordered him to obey the
- count in every thing he should desire. This youth came to the count, who
- received him with great kindness, then told him the reason why he had sent
- for him. “Milord,” said Ricardo, “I am commanded by his majesty strictly
- to obey you, therefore, command me, and I will boldly undertake it.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “We have ordered a tournament at Marseilles, where I mean you to be the
- conqueror; then will I come in the field of battle to fight with thee;
- thou must manage so that I be the victor in the contest.” Ricardo
- answered, he would do so. The count concealed him within the palace till
- it was time, then said, “take such arms as thou listest, and go to
- Marseilles, and give thyself out for a traveller; provide thyself with
- money, horses, &c., and take care to be true.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Let me alone, Milord,” said Ricardo, and away he went to the stable;
- there he saw a fine horse that had not been rode for some months; he had
- it saddled, mounted it, and, taking such retinue as he thought proper, set
- off for Marseilles, where great preparations had been made for the
- intended tournament. Many gentlemen had already arrived on the occasion,
- all mounted as superbly as they could possibly be, with numbers of
- trumpets, fifes, &c. that stunned the hearers. A great spot of ground
- was palisadoed for the tournament, adorned with numbers of elegant booths
- for the ladies and gentlemen spectators. On the first of May, the noble
- lady, Lisetta, made her appearance, and, like another sun, eclipsed all
- the other ladies, as much by her noble manners as her superior beauty. All
- those that were anxious to obtain her, came forth with different devices,
- and began to thump at one another most gloriously. Ricardo advanced in the
- ring, mounted on the above-mentioned horse, forcing his way through all
- the combatants. The tournament lasted the best part of the day, and
- Ricardo was always victor, being more expert, and used to the sport; he
- boldly attacked, defended himself, and wheeled round with the agility of
- one well trained to the game. Every one inquiring who he was, they were
- told he was a foreign nobleman, just arrived. He, however, remained
- victor, and all the others were defeated; one went one way, the other
- another, but all much dispirited; and, shortly after, Count Aldobrandini
- entered the list, covered with his armour, and ran up to Ricardo and
- challenged him, and Ricardo counter-challenged; and, after a seeming hard
- contest, as had been first agreed, the said Ricardo suffered himself to be
- dismounted, but never had he done any thing with more regret, for he had
- fallen in love himself with the lady; but he was bound to obey the king,
- and, of course, the commands of Aldobrandini. The count, remaining the
- conqueror, rode round the ring, sword in hand, his suit and barons coming
- into the ring to attend him, and greeting him. When he pulled off his
- vizor, every one was struck with amazement, and more particularly the
- lady. Thus did the count gain the lovely Lisetta, and took her home, where
- great rejoicings were continued for some time. Ricardo, returning to the
- king, was asked what had occurred; “Please your majesty,” said Ricardo, “I
- am just come from a tournament, in which the count mischievously
- introduced me.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How!” said the king, “I have been pimp to the count;” and Ricardo related
- the story, which very much surprised the king. “Be not astonished, my
- liege, at what has happened, but rather be surprised that I should have
- done such a thing, for I never in my life did any thing I regret so much,
- and felt so much grief for, so extremely beautiful is she whom the count
- has so slily gained.” The king thought awhile, then said, “Ricardo, do not
- be down-hearted, this will prove a fortunate event to thee.”
- </p>
- <p>
- It happened a little while after, that the said Count Aldobrandini died
- without heir; the lady Lisetta, being left a widow, was taken home to her
- father, but he scarcely ever spoke or looked at her; the lady began to
- wonder very much at this, and being unable to bear it any longer, she said
- to her father—-“Father, <i>I</i> wonder much at your behaviour to
- me, recollecting that I was your darling child, that you loved me better
- than all your other children, and leaped with joy whenever you beheld me—that
- is, while I was a maiden; now, I know not what can be the cause, you
- scarcely seem able to look at me.” Her father answered, “thou canst not
- wonder so much at me as I wonder at thee, for I thought thee more wise,
- considering why, and by what contrivances, I married thee to the count
- merely that thou mightest have children, and remain possessed of his
- riches.”
- </p>
- <p>
- It so happened that all Aldobrandini’s possessions fell to the king of
- France, who, remembering the generous conduct of Ricardo, sent to Provence
- to signify unto Carsivallo, that he wished to give his daughter to a
- squire of his, who, by right, ought to be her husband. Carsivallo, who
- understood the matter, answered the king, that he was master to do as his
- majesty pleased. The king mounted his horse, and with a large retinue went
- to Provence, and conducted Ricardo with him, and formed this match, that
- is, that Lisetta should be his wife, after which he created him count, and
- bestowed on him the county which Aldobrandini had been lord of. This match
- gave great satisfaction to all, but especially to the lady, and so they
- lived together in happiness and comfort.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
- </h2>
- <p>
- There was at Florence, of the family of the Seali, a merchant whose name
- was Biondo, who had been several times to Alexandria and other parts of
- Egypt, and all those long voyages which merchants generally take with
- their cargoes. This Biondo was very rich, and had three sons, and being on
- his death bed, called his eldest and his second son, and made his will in
- their presence, leaving those two heirs to all he possessed, but left
- nothing to the youngest. The will being made, the younger, whose name was
- Gianetto, went to his father, who lay in his bed, and said, “my dear
- father, I wonder much at what you have done, and at your not remembering
- me in your will.” His father answered, “my dear boy, there is no one of
- you I love more than yourself, for this reason I do not wish you to remain
- here; on the contrary, I intend you, when I am dead, to go to Venice, to a
- godfather of yours, whose name is Messer Ansaldo, who has not any
- children, and has often written to me to desire me to send you to him; and
- I can tell you, he is one of the richest merchants among the Christians
- there. I therefore desire, as soon as I am laid low, that you will go to
- him, and present him with this letter, and be sure, if you conduct
- yourself with propriety, you will become a rich man.” The son answered,
- “father, I am ready to obey you,” upon which his father gave him his
- blessing, and after a few days died. His sons lamented much his death, and
- paid due honors to his memory. After a few days, the two eldest brothers
- called Gianetto, and thus addressed him:—“brother, it is true our
- father made his will, left us his heirs, and made no mention whatever of
- thee, yet thou art, nevertheless, our brother, and what belongs to us is
- equally thine.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Brothers,” answered Gianetto, “I thank you for your offer; but for my
- part I have made up my mind to try my fortune elsewhere, and have so
- fixed; therefore do you keep the property, and heaven prosper you with
- it.” The brothers seeing him bent on his purpose, gave him a horse and
- cash to bear all his expenses. Gianetto took leave of them, and went to
- Venice, found Messer Ansaldo’s counting-house, and delivered him the
- letter his father had given him. On reading the letter, Ansaldo found that
- the bearer was the son of his worthy and beloved Biondo, and embraced him
- most affectionately, saying, “welcome, my god-child, whom I have so long
- wished to see,” then he asked him about his father; upon which Gianetto
- answered, he was dead. Ansaldo shed tears; embraced him again, and said,
- “much am I grieved at the death of Biondo, for greatly did he contribute
- to the gains I have made in trade; but such is the joy I feel in having
- thee, my boy, with me, that it greatly alleviates my sorrow,” He ordered
- him to be taken to his house, and commanded all his household to obey, and
- wait on Gianetto, as they would even upon himself. He gave him the key of
- the bureau, and said, “my son! do thou dispose of the money as thou shalt
- think meet; clothe thyself as thou thinkest most becoming; keep open house
- for all such gentlemen as thou shalt think proper, and make thyself known.
- I leave such things entirely to thy care, and the more thou wilt make
- thyself known and beloved, the more happy shall I feel.” Gianetto,
- therefore, began to be acquainted with the noble youths in Venice, and to
- give sumptuous dinners; assisted and clothed several families; bought fine
- horses; entered the ring, and revelled as one used and well practised in
- the style of a gentleman. He was never remiss in paying due honour where
- it was required, and more particularly to Messer Ansaldo, whom he treated
- as his real father; and so well did he conduct himself towards persons of
- every rank, that he became endeared even to the lower classes in Venice.
- Seeing how gracious, courtly, and affable he was, both ladies and
- gentlemen were delighted with him, his manners were so pleasing. Messer
- Ansaldo thought but of him; nor were there any parties, sports, or
- festivals in Venice, but Gianetto was sure to be invited, so much was he
- beloved. Two friends of his, at that time, wished to go to Alexandria with
- their cargoes in two ships, as they were wont to do every year, and told
- Gianetto of it saying, “you ought to take this voyage with us, and see the
- world; particularly, you should see Damascus, and various countries
- beyond.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Indeed, I should delight in it,” replied Gianetto, “if my godfather
- Ansaldo would permit me.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “We will contrive,” said one of them, “that he shall,” and they both went
- to him, saying, “Messer Ansaldo, we are about to entreat you to allow
- Gianetto to go with us next spring on our voyage to Alexandria, to freight
- him a ship, and suffer him to see a little of the world.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well,” said Ansaldo, “I am willing, if he wishes it.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Sir,” said they, “he is most anxious to do so.” Messer Ansaldo, in
- pursuance of this scheme, ordered a beautiful vessel to be got ready,
- loaded with the finest goods, and decorated in the best possible style.
- When all was provided, Ansaldo desired the captain and the crew to obey
- Gianetto in every thing; “he should command, because I do not send him for
- the purpose of gain, but solely that he may see the world, and enjoy
- himself.” When Gianetto was ready to embark, all Venice came in throngs to
- the shore, for it was many years since a ship was seen so well and so
- finely fitted out for sea. His departure grieved all that knew him;
- however, he took leave of Messer Ansaldo and his friends, and cheerfully
- sailed towards Alexandria.
- </p>
- <p>
- These three friends were each in his ship, and sailing along one morning
- before day-light, when Gianetto espied a gulf, with a beautiful harbour,
- and asked the captain the name of it, to which he made answer, and said,
- “that place belongs to a noble widow who has been the cause of the ruin of
- many gentlemen.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How?” said Gianetto; “Sir,” said the captain, “this is a most beautiful,
- and enchanting lady, who has established as a law in her domains, that
- whoever lands there must lay with her, and if he can pass the night
- without sleep, he is at liberty to marry her, and then becomes master of
- the harbour, and all the estate; whereas, if he do not, he loses his cargo
- and every thing he has brought with him.” Gianetto paused awhile, then
- said, “you must manage how you can, but sail into that harbour.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Sir,” said the captain, “think well on what you are saying, for many a
- gentleman has gone there who has been driven away pennyless.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Do not concern yourself about that, but do as I desire you,” said
- Gianetto. Of course the thing was done, and on they sailed, without their
- companions noticing the course they had taken.
- </p>
- <p>
- On the morning the news was spread that this fine ship had reached the
- harbour, so that all the people came to see it: the lady was soon informed
- of it, and sent for Gianetto, who immediately presented himself
- respectfully to her. The lady took him by the hand, asked him who he was,
- whence he came, and whether he knew the usage of the place? Gianetto
- answered he did, and only came there in consequence of this knowledge. A
- thousand times welcome, said the virtuous lady, and honoured and
- entertained him nobly, sending for the barons, counts, and knights, to
- welcome and amuse him. Gianetto’s manners delighted all around him, and
- the day was spent in dancing, singing, and festivity, by the court, in
- honour of Gianetto, and one and all would have been pleased to have him
- for their lord. Evening coming on, the lady took him by the hand, and led
- him into an apartment, saying, “methinks it seems time to withdraw.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Madam,” said Gianetto, “I am at your commands.” Two young damsels came,
- the one bringing wine in her hand, and the other some sweetmeats. “I
- know,” said the lady, “you must be thirsty, therefore drink.” Gianetto
- took some of the sweetmeats, and drank some of the wine, which had been
- prepared as a sleeping draught, but he knew it not. He drank half a
- goblet, for it seemed very pleasant to him; and then he soon undressed
- himself and went to bed; no sooner had he laid down, than he fell asleep;
- the lady laid herself down by the side of the youth, who never woke till
- the next morning about three o’clock.
- </p>
- <p>
- The lady got up as soon as it was daylight, and ordered the ship to be
- unladen, which she found contained a store of rich and good wares. It
- being now past three, the lady’s maid went into Gianetto’s room, and made
- him rise, and told him he might depart, for that he had lost the ship, and
- all it contained; upon this he felt quite ashamed, and he thought he had
- certainly acted wrong. The lady ordered a horse and money to be given to
- him, and dismissed him, and he departed overwhelmed with sorrow. He
- arrived at Venice, but being ashamed, he would not go home, but in the
- evening went to a friend, who wondering, said, “alas, Gianetto, what means
- this?”—“My ship,” said he, “dashed in the night against a rock, and
- went to pieces; all was lost; some saved themselves as well as they could;
- I caught fast hold of a plank that brought me on shore, and have come home
- by land, and here I am.” Gianetto remained several days with his friend,
- who sometime after paid a visit to Messer Ansaldo, whom he found quite
- disconsolate. Ansaldo said, “I am in great apprehension that this son of
- mine is dead, or ill from the voyage; the love I bear him is such, that I
- have no peace or comfort from this fear.” The young man answered, “I can
- bring you news of him. He has been shipwrecked, and lost every thing
- except his life.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well,” said Messer Ansaldo, “heaven be praised, provided he live, I care
- not for any thing that is lost; where is he?”—“He is at my house,”
- replied the young man; and Ansaldo immediately would go to him; and as
- soon as he saw him, he ran to embrace him, saying, “my son, don’t be
- ashamed before me, for it is often the case that ships founder, therefore
- do not fret, for since thou hast not suffered any personal injury, I am at
- ease,” so saying, he took him home, consoling him as much as he could on
- the way.
- </p>
- <p>
- The news of Gianetto’s misfortune soon got wind, and grieved all that knew
- him. It happened that a little while after this, his companions returned
- from Alexandria, both very rich, and on their arrival enquired for their
- friend Gianetto. They were no sooner told the whole circumstance, than
- they ran to him, and embracing him, said, “how earnest thou to leave us,
- and where didst thou go? for we never could hear any thing of thee. We
- sailed back, to and fro, but never could see, or hear where thou wast
- gone. Indeed we have been most melancholy on our return, for we thought
- thou wast dead.” Gianetto answered, “a heavy gale arose that drove my ship
- into a creek, right on a rock near land, and I scarcely could save myself—all
- was lost!” This was the excuse Gianetto gave in order to conceal his silly
- conduct. They both were thankful that he had escaped, and said, “next
- spring, with heaven’s blessing, we will gain as much more as thou hast
- lost, therefore let us be merry as usual, and give sorrow to the wind.”
- Yet Gianetto could not help thinking how he could return to the lady,
- saying, “I must have her for my wife, or die for it.” With such thoughts
- he could not give way to mirth. Ansaldo, therefore, often said to him, “do
- not fret, we have still wherewithal to live at ease.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Sir,” said Gianetto, “I never can be happy if I do not make another
- voyage.” Ansaldo hearing this, and that such was his anxious wish, when
- the time came, he provided him with a ship laden with still more property
- than before, insomuch that he put on board almost the whole of his
- possessions.
- </p>
- <p>
- His companions, when their ships were stored, set sail in company with
- Gianetto: as they were sailing, Gianetto looked out with anxiety for the
- harbour of his lady, which was called the port of the Lady Belmonte, and
- arriving one evening at the mouth of the creek, Gianetto soon recognized
- it, and ordered the ship to be steered into the harbour, so that his
- friends did not perceive it.
- </p>
- <p>
- The lady, on rising in the morning, looking to the harbour, saw the ship,
- and the colours playing in the wind, which recognising, she called her
- woman, and said, “dost thou know those colours?”—“Madam,” said the
- waiting woman, “it seems the same ship that brought that young man about a
- year ago, who had such riches on board.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “True,” said the lady, “I believe thou art right, and certainly this youth
- must be downright in love with me, for I have never seen any one return
- here again.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I,” said the maid, “never saw a more graceful or courteous fellow than he
- is.” The lady sent several equerries and damsels to him, who paid him
- homage, and led him joyfully to the castle, and into the presence of the
- lady. When she saw him, she embraced him affectionately, and he most
- respectfully saluted her. All the nobles were invited to partake of the
- day’s pleasure in honour of Gianetto. They all admired how well he led a
- dance, and the ladies were quite charmed at the elegance of his person and
- manners, and thought he must be the son of some great lord.
- </p>
- <p>
- But the same thing happened again. He lost his ship and all his property,
- and arrived at Venice without a ducat.
- </p>
- <p>
- In the evening he went to his friend, who was thunderstruck at sight of
- him. “Alas! what does this mean?” said he. “My cursed ill-luck,” said
- Gianetto, “that I should ever have come into this country.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well mayst thou curse thy ill stars,” said his friend, “for thou hast
- ruined poor Messer Ansaldo, who was one of the richest Christian
- merchants, and worst of all is the discredit.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Gianetto remained concealed several days at his friend’s house, without
- knowing what to say or what to do, and was inclined to return to Florence,
- without letting Messer Ansaldo know it; but after a little reflection he
- bethought him he would go to him, and did so.
- </p>
- <p>
- When Messer Ansaldo saw him, he arose, and ran to embrace him, and said,
- “welcome, my son.” Gianetto, weeping, embraced him; but when Ansaldo had
- heard the account, he said, “do not repine; as I have got thee again, I am
- not downhearted; there remains still enough for us to hold up, and be
- comfortable; the ocean will sometimes take from the one and give to
- another.” The news, however, soon spread itself in Venice, every one spoke
- of it, and grieved at the losses he had had, but Messer Ansaldo was
- compelled to sell many possessions he had, to pay the creditors who had
- furnished him with the goods. It happened that those companions of
- Gianetto returned from Alexandria very rich, and on their arrival at
- Venice, were informed of Gianetto’s situation, and how he had lost every
- thing, which they very much wondered at, saying, “this is the strangest
- thing that ever was heard of.” However, they went to Messer Ansaldo and
- Gianetto, and comforting him, said, “Signor, do not be disheartened, we
- intend to go next year, and trade for you, for we are partly the cause of
- these your losses, since it was we who induced Gianetto to go with us in
- the first instance; therefore be under no apprehension, and whilst we have
- property, command it as your own.” Messer Ansaldo thanked them, and said
- that he had still wherewith to live well. Gianetto, meanwhile, dwelling
- night and day on the dismal prospect and losses he had sustained, could
- not possibly conceal his chagrin, the which Ansaldo perceiving, he asked
- him what was the matter with him?—“I shall never be happy, if I do
- not recover that which I have lost.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “My son,” replied Ansaldo, “I will not have thee go again, because it is
- better that we rest quietly with what little remains to us, than to run
- any more risks.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I am fully resolved,” said Gianetto, “to do my utmost, and should be
- quite ashamed, and think myself dishonourable if I did not, and remained
- in this situation.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Ansaldo, perceiving it was his fixed determination, prepared to sell out
- whatever he had remaining, and freight the youth another fine ship. As he
- was short of ten thousand ducats, he went to a Jew and borrowed the sum on
- the following conditions (having no other security to give): that if he
- did not return the money within that midsummer-day twelvemonth, the Jew
- might cut off one pound of flesh from any part of his body; which the Jew
- accepting, Ansaldo was relieved: the Jew took care to have this agreement
- drawn up, and authenticated in all due form before witnesses, with all the
- precaution that men of business usually take in such masters; then counted
- over the ten thousand ducats in gold to Messer Ansaldo, who supplied the
- ship with every thing that was requisite, and though the two last were
- beautiful, yet this was much richer than either. The two friends loaded
- theirs with full intention that the produce should be for Gianetto.
- </p>
- <p>
- When the moment for their departure came, Messer Ansaldo said to Gianetto,
- “my son, thou art going, and thou knowest under what penalty I labour; I
- do pray thee, that though any misfortune should again happen to thee, that
- thou comest to me, and let me behold thee ere I die; then shall I rest
- content.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Messer Ansaldo,” said the youth, “I shall do every thing that will make
- you happy.” Ansaldo gave him his blessing, they took leave of each other,
- and he embarked.
- </p>
- <p>
- The two friends narrowly watched Gianetto’s ship, and he was carefully
- looking out for the port of Belmonte, and at last succeeded in persuading
- the captain to strike into the said harbour during the night. When the
- dawn appeared, the two friends looked about for Gianetto’s ship, and, not
- seeing it, said, “really this poor fellow is truly unfortunate.” Not
- knowing how to find him out, they agreed it were safer to follow their
- voyage, seeing there were no hopes of meeting with him. The ship being
- arrived in the port, all came forth to see it, on hearing that Gianetto
- had returned, and wondering very much at it, said, “this must be the son
- of some great lord, if we reflect that he comes every year with such rich
- cargoes, and such fine ships—would to heaven he were our lord.” Thus
- was he courted by all the barons and knights of that land; the lady was
- soon informed that Gianetto had returned; she advanced to the window, and
- beheld the beautiful ship, and recognised the colours; crossing herself,
- she said, “surely this is the great man who has so enriched this country,”
- and she sent for him, and he went to her; they embraced and saluted each
- other, and the whole day was spent in joy; and to honour Gianetto, a grand
- tilt was ordered; and Gianetto would also be one among them, and did
- wonders by the elegance and activity of his person. So far did he excel,
- that all the barons were most anxious that he should prove their lord. The
- usual time approaching, the lady said, “I think it is fit we go to rest,”
- and took his hand to lead him into the room, when one of the lady’s women,
- who was much grieved at Gianetto’s mischances, whispered at the threshold
- of the door, as he was following the lady, and said, “pretend as if you
- were drinking, but do not drink to-night.” Gianetto heard the whisper, and
- went in with the lady. “I know,” said she, “you are thirsty, therefore, I
- will have you drink before you go to rest.” Two beautiful creatures
- immediately entered, bringing wine and sweetmeats, and presented, as
- usual, the wine and cakes, and he said, “how could any one abstain from
- drinking this wine, handed as it is by two such beautiful maidens,” which
- saying made the lady laugh; and Gianetto took the goblet, and, pretending
- to drink, he let the wine drop down into his bosom. The lady, thinking he
- had drank it off, said within herself, thou must return with another
- cargo, for this is lost to thee; but Gianetto went to bed, and felt
- himself quite wakeful, and it seemed an age before the lady came to bed;
- and he kept saying to himself, by the mass I have caught you now, fair
- lady, you have reckoned this time without your host: and as the lady
- delayed some time coming to bed, he began to snore as if asleep;
- therefore, the lady said to herself, this is all as it should be, and
- immediately undressed, and laid herself down by Gianetto, who, the moment
- she was under cover, shewed he was awake, and thus he remained the whole
- night. The lady rose before morning, and sent for all the barons, knights,
- and citizens, to the council chamber, and said to them, “Gianetto is your
- lord, therefore, rejoice and make merry.” This being spread abroad,
- nothing was heard but the general cry of, “long live our lord,” and the
- ringing of bells, and sounds of various instruments. Several barons who
- were absent from the castle were sent for to pay homage to their lord, and
- a great rejoicing took place; and Gianetto, when he came from his room,
- was knighted, placed in the seat of honour with the baton in his hand, and
- hailed as sovereign lord; and when all the nobility were arrived at court,
- he was married to the lady amidst such festivity as can scarcely be
- credited, for all the barons, knights, and gentry, were invited to the
- tilts, the sham-fights, dances, music, singing, and every thing that is
- usual on such extraordinary occasions. Gianetto, being a noble-spirited
- youth, began to bestow presents of rich silks, and other things which he
- had brought, and took upon himself a manly conduct; made himself obeyed,
- and enforced the laws towards all his subjects, and was enjoying all the
- pleasures and comforts, without once thinking of poor Ansaldo, who had
- pledged himself for ten thousand ducats to the Jew. However, being one day
- looking out of the window with his lady, he saw a number of persons
- carrying small torches who were going with offerings in great pomp.
- Gianetto said to his bride, “pray, lady, what means this?” the lady
- replied, “that is a procession of mechanics who are going to carry their
- offerings to the church of St. John, this day being his festival:” this
- called to Gianetto’s mind the case of Ansaldo. He withdrew from the
- window, and heaved a deep sigh, and grew quite pale, walking to and fro in
- the room, thinking of the circumstance. On the lady’s asking him what was
- the matter with him, Gianetto answered, “nothing.” The lady then began to
- consider him attentively:—“Certainly,” said she, “something ails
- you, and you will not own it;” and she coaxed him so much, that at last
- Gianetto related to her how Messer Ansaldo had pledged himself to the
- amount of ten thousand ducats; and this very day, said he, is the day
- fixed, and I am distracted at the thought my poor father should die on my
- account, for if to-day the sum is not paid, he loses one pound of flesh
- cut off from his body. The lady replied, “take horse directly, and go by
- land, which will be the quickest, and take with you such attendants as you
- like, with a hundred thousand ducats, and rest not till you arrive at
- Venice, and, if he be not dead, do you endeavour to bring him here.” The
- horn was quickly blown; he mounted his steed, accompanied by twenty
- attendants, and, having taken money enough, journeyed with speed to
- Venice. The Jew had caused Messer Ansaldo to be arrested, and wanted to
- have the pound of flesh; upon which Ansaldo entreated him to delay his
- death for a few days, that, in case Gianetto should come, he might see
- him. The Jew said, “I am willing to grant what you ask as to the delay,
- but were he to come a hundred times over, I will have the pound of flesh
- from your body, as agreed on in the note.” Ansaldo answered that he was
- satisfied. The news of this having spread itself through Venice, several
- merchants agreed to pay the money, but the Jew would not consent, being
- determined on his death, that he might say he had been the death of the
- first and greatest Christian merchant. However, it happened that when
- Gianetto started in great haste to come to Venice, his lady followed close
- after him, dressed as a judge, with two servants with her. Gianetto, when
- he arrived at Venice, went directly to the Jew, and embraced Messer
- Ansaldo; then said to the Jew, that he wished to give him the money, and
- so much beside as he might require; the Jew replied that he would not
- receive the money, since it was not paid at the proper time; that he would
- have the pound of flesh: and here was the great question; every one was
- against the Jew, but still, as Venice was considered the seat of justice,
- and the Jew had it plainly on his side, and in proper form, none dared to
- oppose him, but by entreaties; so that all the merchants went to the Jew
- to beg and pray him to desist, but as he was the more obstinate, Gianetto
- offered him twenty thousand, yet he would not consent; thirty thousand
- were then offered—forty thousand—fifty thousand—till at
- last he was offered one hundred thousand. “Look ye, sirs,” said the Jew,
- “if you were to offer me as many more ducats as are to be found in Venice,
- I would not take them; on the contrary, I will abide by what the agreement
- states.” While they were thus arguing the point, the lady arrived at
- Venice, dressed in the habit of a judge, and alighted at an inn; the
- landlord asked one of the attendants who the gentleman was. The servant,
- who had been previously instructed in what he had to say, replied, “this
- is a gentleman, a judge returning from Bologna, where he has studied, the
- law, and is now going home.” The landlord hearing this, paid him every
- attention; and, when at table, he said to the landlord, “what is the
- government of your city, landlord?” The landlord answered, “there is too
- much law, sir.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How?” said the judge. “I will tell you,” replied the landlord; “there was
- a youth that came here from Florence, whose name was Gianetto; he went to
- his godfather, whose name is Ansaldo; this youth was so genteel and well
- bred, that he became the darling of all that knew him, but never did a
- more unfortunate man walk this city; three times did his godfather freight
- ships to a great amount, and every time he lost his all; so that at the
- last, wanting money, Ansaldo borrowed ten thousand ducats of a Jew, under
- a promise that if he did not return them on St. John’s day, in June to
- come, the said Jew should have a right to take from his body one pound of
- flesh, wherever he might choose; now, this blessed youth is returned, and
- has offered one hundred thousand ducats, instead of the ten thousand, and
- the scoundrel of a Jew will not take them; all the best men in Venice have
- gone to entreat, but to no purpose.” The judge said, “but this question is
- easy to determine.” The host said, “if you will take the task on yourself,
- and end this business, so as to save the good man’s life, you will acquire
- the friendship and love of the most noble and virtuous youth that ever was
- bom, beside the blessing of all the people in this city.” The feigned
- judge ordered it to be posted up through Venice, that if any critical and
- extraordinary law-case should occur, that they might come to him and he
- would make out a clear case. The news of this being carried to Gianetto,
- that there had arrived a judge from Bologna, who would determine any law
- question, Gianetto called on the Jew, and said to him, “let us go to this
- said judge.” “Well,” said the Jew, “let us go; but whatever he or any one
- may say or do, I will abide by the written agreement.” When they came to
- the judge, Gianetto did not recognise him, but she knew him well. Gianetto
- and the Jew both related their own story; the judge, after reading the
- agreement, said to the Jew, “I advise you to take the offered hundred
- thousand ducats, and let this good man free, who will ever feel indebted
- to you:” to which the Jew answered, “no, not I, I will do no such a
- thing.” “That is the best thing you can do.” “No! no!” replied the Jew,
- “I’ll do no such thing.” Upon this they all went to the court, where such
- matters were brought to issue. The feigned judge taking upon himself the
- defence of Ansaldo, said, “order Ansaldo to come into court,” which being
- done, the judge said, “do thou take now one pound of flesh from him, where
- thou wilt, and go thy ways;” upon which the Jew ordered him to be
- stripped; took a razor in his hand, which he had brought for the purpose,
- when Messer Gianetto turned to the judge and said, “this, sir, was not
- what I entreated you would do for me.” “Make yourself easy,” said the
- judge, “he has not yet cutoff the pound of flesh.” In the meanwhile the
- Jew was eying Ansaldo all over to see where he should cut. “Mind what you
- are about,” said the judge, “for, should you take more or less than one
- pound, I’ll have you hanged. I tell thee, Jew, if thou spillest one single
- drop of blood thou shalt die, for thy agreement does not mention thou art
- to shed one drop of blood; moreover, it states thou art to take one pound
- of flesh, neither more nor less; therefore, if thou art wise, beware what
- thou dost,” and he immediately sent for the executioner, ordered the
- handcuffs and fetters to be brought to him, saying, “if I see one single
- drop of blood fall, thy head shall be severed from thy body.” The Jew then
- began to quake, and Gianetto to leap with joy; but, after some contention,
- the Jew said, “your worship has outwitted me, therefore let me have the
- hundred thousand ducats, and I will be satisfied.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “No,” said the judge,
- </p>
- <p>
- “I will have thee take the pound of flesh, as the paper states, for I will
- not give thee a stiver; thou shouldst have taken them when they were
- offered to thee.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/197m.jpg" alt="197m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/197.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- The Jew then said, “ninety thousand;” then, “eighty thousand;” but still
- the judge was inflexible. “Let us give him what he asks,” said Gianetto,
- “provided he let him free.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Let me alone,” said the judge. The Jew then said, “give me fifty
- thousand.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I would not give thee a brass farthing,” said the judge. “Well then,”
- said the Jew, “give me my ten thousand ducats, and a curse be with you
- all.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Hast thou not heard me,” said the judge, “I will not give thee a doit;
- take thou the pound of flesh if thou wilt, if thou wilt not, I’ll make
- thee cancel the writing.” All present were overjoyed, and laughed at the
- Jew, in seeing the biter so completely bit.
- </p>
- <p>
- The Jew, finding he could not compass his malicious intent, took the
- papers, and, being desperately enraged, tore them to bits, and threw them
- on the ground. Thus was Messer Ansaldo liberated and conducted home by
- Gianetto; who immediately taking the one hundred thousand ducats, went to
- the judge, and found him in his room ready to go home again; upon which
- Messer Gianetto said to him, “sir, you have rendered me the greatest
- service, and done me the greatest kindness; therefore, I request you to
- take this money along with you, for you have well earned it.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I thank you kindly, Messer Gianetto,” said the judge, “but I am not the
- least in want of it; take it back with you, that your wife may not say you
- have made a hard bargain.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Upon my faith,” said Gianetto, “if I were to spend four times as much,
- she is so noble-minded, kind, and generous, she would not in the least be
- displeased, for she wished me to offer more, if needful.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How do you feel towards her?” said the judge. “There is not a woman on
- earth I could love so much, she is so chaste, and as beautiful as nature
- could possibly make her, and if you will oblige us so far, you will come
- and see her. You will be charmed with her, and the great politeness she
- will shew you, and you will then judge whether what I say is true or not.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “As to coming with you I cannot, for I have other things to attend to, but
- since you say she is so benevolent, when you see her present my best
- respects to her.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I will,” said Gianetto, “but I wish you to take some of this money;” and
- while he was speaking the judge perceived a ring on his finger, and said,
- “I wish to have that ring, nor will I have any thing else from you.”
- Gianetto answered, “I am agreeable to it, yet I give it you somewhat
- unwillingly, because it is the gift of my wife, and she desired I would
- always wear it for her sake, and should she notice I have it not, she will
- think I gave it to some woman I am in love with, and I love her more than
- myself.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I think,” replied the judge, “that if she loves you so truly, she will
- readily believe you, when you tell her you gave it to me; but, perhaps,
- you yourself wish to give it away to some favourite lady in Venice.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “The love I bear her,” said Gianetto, “is such, that there is not the
- woman created that I would prefer to her, so good, so beautiful is she,”
- and so saying, he took the ring from his finger and presented it to the
- judge, embracing him. “I entreat you,” said the latter, “to do me a
- favor.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Mention it, I pray you,” said Gianetto. “Do not stay here, but return
- soon to your lady.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Indeed,” said Gianetto, “it seems to me an age since I have seen her;”
- and thereupon they parted. The judge stept into the gondola, and went in
- peace. Gianetto treated all his acquaintance, made them presents, and kept
- open house; then took leave of all his Venetian connexions, taking with
- him Messer Ansaldo, and many of his former friends, and set off for
- Belmonte. Most of those of both sexes he left behind, grieved much at his
- departure, so nobly had he behaved while with them. Now it happened that
- the lady had arrived several days previous, and had ordered great
- preparations to be made. The houses were all hung with tapestry; several
- companies of armed troops were posted here and there, and when Messer
- Gianetto and Ansaldo arrived, all the knights and barons, with the rest of
- the court, went to meet him, crying out, “long live our worthy lord!” and
- when he reached Belmonte, the lady embraced Ansaldo, and shammed a little
- coolness towards Gianetto, whom still she loved so dearly. Great
- rejoicings took place; tilting, sham fights, dancing, music, and singing
- among the ladies and damsels that were present. Gianetto seeing his lady
- did not look so kindly towards him as she was wont to do, went into his
- own room and sent for her. “What is the matter with you?” said he. “There
- is no occasion for this outward show of tenderness,” said the lady, “for I
- know you have found out your old favourite lady.” Gianetto began to
- exculpate himself. The lady said, “where is the ring I gave you?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well,” said Gianetto, “what I anticipated is come to pass; I said, I was
- sure you would be displeased, but I solemnly swear to you, by all that is
- sacred, that I gave the ring to the judge that extricated Ansaldo from his
- difficulties.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “And I swear,” said she, “by all that I hold most dear, that thou hast
- given it to a woman. I know it well, and thou oughtest to be ashamed to
- perjure thyself thus.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “May I die this moment,” said Gianetto, “if I do not tell thee true; and,
- besides, I told the judge how it would turn out.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Thou might have stayed where thou wert, and have sent Ansaldo here by
- himself, and enjoyed thyself, among thy damsels, for I hear they all wept
- at thy departure.” Messer Gianetto began to be greatly distressed, and
- could not refrain from tears, saying, “thou swearest what is not true, and
- what could not be.” The lady, however, seeing he was in great agitation,
- and quite miserable, it went to her heart, and she ran to embrace him,
- laughing immoderately, and showing him the ring, and repeated to him every
- thing he had said to the judge, and how she herself had acted the part of
- the judge, and in what manner he had given him the ring. Gianetto
- marvelled at this account, but seeing it was all true, he began to feel
- relieved, and extremely pleased, and going out of the room, related the
- story to some of his friends, and the adventure increased their mutual
- affection, and thus they lived happily together, surrounded by friends,
- and not forgetting to pay all kind attention to Ansaldo.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THERE IS A SKELETON IN EVERY HOUSE.
- </h2>
- <p>
- There was at Naples a lady of the name of Corsina, bom at Capovana, and
- wife of a noble cavalier, whose name was Messer Ramondo del Balzo. It
- happened after some years that heaven was pleased to deprive this lady of
- her husband, and she was left a widow, with an only son, whose name was
- Carlo. This youth possessing all the excellent qualities and endowments of
- his father, became the mother’s idol and only care. She bethought herself
- that it would be greatly to his advantage to send him to Bologna, to
- pursue his studies, in order that he might hereafter become a great man.
- Having made up his mind to this, she gave him a tutor, provided him with
- books, and every thing that would make him comfortable, and sent him away
- with a tender mother’s blessing. There, for several years, she maintained
- him with every comfort he could wish. The youth, having every advantage,
- improved greatly, and became an excellent scholar, and by his
- gentleman-like manners, correct conduct, and great talents, had gained the
- affection of all his fellow collegians. It happened, that having become,
- after some years, a doctor in law, and being nearly on the eve of his
- return to Naples, he was taken seriously ill, whereupon all the best
- physicians of Bologna anxiously endeavoured to save his life, but had no
- hopes of success. Carlo, perceiving he was a lost man, said to himself, I
- do not care so much for myself, as for my poor, dear mother, who will no
- longer have a son, for whom she has sacrificed her all, and whom she
- expected would become her consolation, who might form some great alliance,
- and thereby restore our family name. Now if she hears I am dead, and has
- not the comfort of seeing me once again, she will assuredly die with
- excessive grief. This reflection, more than the loss of his own life,
- overwhelmed him with sorrow, and the thought continuing uppermost in his
- mind, suggested the idea to him of contriving some means to prevent his
- mother from being overpowered by her grief; he therefore immediately wrote
- to her in the following words:—“My dearest mother, I do entreat that
- you would be kind enough to get me a shirt made by the most beautiful and
- the most happy lady you can find in Naples, she who is most free from the
- cares or sorrows of this world.” The letter being dispatched, and coming
- to hand, the mother immediately considered of the means of satisfying this
- request, and how she could find one; she enquired among all her
- acquaintances where she could meet such an unconcerned, and indifferent,
- and easy-minded woman; but the task was arduous, yet she was determined to
- do her son’s will. The lady, however, searched to such effect, that she at
- last found one, who appeared so cheerful, so beautiful, and so happy, and
- so unconcerned, that she seemed incapable of feeling a single unpleasant
- thought. Madame Corsina, fancying she had found the very person she was in
- search of, went to the lady, who received her very politely. Madame
- Corsina said to her, “can you guess what I am come for? it is because
- looking upon you as the most cheerful lady in Naples, and the freest from
- painful thoughts or troubles; I wish to ask you a very great favour, that
- is, that you would make a shirt for me with your own hands, that I may
- send it to my son, who has earnestly entreated me to get it made by such a
- one as yourself.” The young lady answered, “you say you consider me the
- most cheerful young woman in Naples.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Yes,” said Madame Corsina. “Now,” added the lady, “I will prove to you it
- is quite the reverse, and that there never was born, perhaps, a more
- unfortunate woman than myself, or who has more sorrows and heavy
- afflictions, and that you may be convinced of this,” said she, “come with
- me;” and, taking her hand, she led her into an inner chamber, where,
- drawing aside a curtain, she pointed to a skeleton which was hanging from
- a beam: upon which Madame Corsina exclaimed, “Oh, heavens! what means
- this?” The young lady mournfully sighed, then said, “This was a most
- worthy youth, who was in love with me; my husband finding him here, caused
- him directly to be hung as you see; and, to increase my agonies, he
- compels me to come and see the unfortunate youth every night and morning;
- think what must be my anguish at being obliged to see him thus daily; yet,
- if you wish it, I will do that you desire; but, as to being the most
- cheerful, unconcerned, and happy person, I am, on the contrary, the most
- wretched woman that ever was on earth.” The dame remained in perfect
- astonishment, and said, “well, I see clearly that no one is free from
- troubles and calamities, and that those that consider me the most cheerful
- young woman in Naples.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Yes,” said Madame Corsina. “Now,” added the lady, “I will prove to you it
- is quite the reverse, and that there never was bom, perhaps, a more
- unfortunate woman than myself, or who has more sorrows and heavy
- afflictions, and that you may be convinced of this,” said she, “come with
- me;” and, taking her hand, she led her into an inner chamber, where,
- drawing aside a curtain, she pointed to a skeleton which was hanging from
- abeam: upon which Madame Corsina exclaimed, “Oh, heavens! what means
- this?”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/207m.jpg" alt="207m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/207.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- The young lady mournfully sighed, then said, “This was a most worthy
- youth, who was in love with me; my husband finding him here, caused him
- directly to be hung as you see; and, to increase my agonies, he compels me
- to come and see the unfortunate youth every night and morning; think what
- must be my anguish at being obliged to see him thus daily; yet, if you
- wish it, I will do that you desire; but, as to being the most cheerful,
- unconcerned, and happy person, I am, on the contrary, the most wretched
- woman that ever was on earth.” The dame remained in perfect astonishment,
- and said, “well, I see clearly that no one is free from troubles and
- calamities, and that those that appear the most happy to us, are often the
- most wretched.” She therefore took leave of the lady, returned home, and
- wrote to her son, that he must excuse her if she could not send the shirt,
- for she could not find a single individual who was free from troubles and
- sorrows. After a few days a letter arrived, stating that her son was dead;
- she, therefore, wisely thought to herself, that as she clearly saw no one
- was ever free from misfortunes and tribulations, even the very best of
- women; she would therefore take comfort, more especially, as she perceived
- she was not the only one, and thereby quieted her mind, and lived more
- happily by her submission to the decree of heaven.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE ELOPEMENT.
- </h2>
- <p>
- The Cavalier Nimagri à Revescio, a descendant of a noble Venetian family,
- whose name it is immaterial to mention, more particularly as the fact
- happened only some fifty years ago, being on his way to Rome, passed
- through Caserta, and wanting a servant, his valet having been taken
- dangerously ill on the road, enquired of the host, where he alighted,
- whether he could recommend him such a one? The host said he would enquire,
- and towards the evening brought a man up, who he said wanted a place. The
- host having retired, the Cavalier Nimagri asked the man what he could do?
- To which Gasparo, the servant, answered, “nothing, sir.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Nothing,” said the cavalier, “can you dress hair, shave, &c.?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “No, sir, but have good will, and will learn any thing.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “But what has been your employment?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “A very bad one,” said Gasparo, “but I am heartily sick of it, and am
- determined to get my bread honestly and live in the fear of God.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “But what are you; where do you come from?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Oh, sir,” he continued, “I am a Sicilian, Gasparo is my name; take pity
- on a poor repentant sinner! hitherto I have been only a thief and a
- murderer, who for a ducat or two would have murdered any man.” Don Nimagri
- was astonished at the singularity of the case, and not a little staggered
- at the horrible countenance before him, wherein his former trade was
- strikingly depicted; but being a young man of uncommon courage, and
- altogether struck with the candour and simplicity of the fellow’s tale, as
- well as the unaffected repentance he showed, he hired him, and he has
- often been heard to say, in his life he never met with a more trusty or
- faithful servant.
- </p>
- <p>
- The next day the cavalier pursued his intended journey to Rome; on the
- second evening, having stopped at one of the best inns at Mecerra, while
- Don Nimagri was at supper, the host came in, and having apologized for the
- intrusion, said, “Signor Cavalier, there is a very noble youth below, just
- arrived, who, upon hearing I had but one gentleman traveller in the house,
- has begged I would ask your excellency, whether you would allow him the
- pleasure of your society: I assure you, sir,” said the host, “he is a very
- handsome young man, and, I dare say, the son of some nobleman of the first
- rank, who has been playing some thoughtless pranks; run away from college,
- or some such trick.” Don Nimagri, who was naturally of a kind disposition,
- desired the host to give his compliments to the gentleman, and say, he
- should be very happy in his company. In a few minutes the host introduced
- the guest, a very elegant youth, seemingly about eighteen, whose genteel
- and prepossessing appearance bespoke him of high birth; he was in stature
- rather short, delicate, but well proportioned, of a fair complexion, with
- beautiful and animated eyes’; after the usual compliments on such
- occasions, an addition was ordered to the supper. Don Nimagri’s curiosity
- was a good deal excited by the manners and conversation of his guest; it
- was sensible, but reserved. Don Nimagri was too well bred to pry into his
- guest’s affairs, but there was a visible uneasiness about the youth that
- distressed him; he endeavoured to rouse him by every means in his power,
- but the stranger answered but little; scarcely eat any thing; sighed
- deeply; and, upon the whole, seemed to be greatly agitated. Don Nimagri,
- however, imagining be might have some affair of honour on his hands,
- generously offered the stranger every assistance in his power. Supper
- being ended, the youth got up, paced awhile along the room, and, at last,
- addressing the cavalier, said in a hurried tone, “noble signor, I have a
- favour to ask you: will you allow me, if the host can accommodate us with
- a double-bedded room, to sleep in the same apartment?” Don Nimagri
- hesitated not an instant, but rang for the host, and enquired for a room
- with two beds; the host answered, that he was sorry to say he had no such
- thing in the inn. Don Nimagri perceiving the host’s answer very much
- encreased the youth’s inquietude, though he could not rightly guess at the
- cause, said, “well, signor, we must do as well as we can, the night is
- very hot; for my part I only mean to take off my coat and boots, slip on
- my dressing gown, and lay on the bed, for I propose starting very early,
- and to travel in the cool of the morning;” and, as Gasparo came in to
- receive orders, he desired his horse to be ready by five o’clock. These
- matters being settled, they retired to rest. Don Nimagri would have been
- glad to have had a few hours sleep, but our youth was so restless as he
- lay on the bed, that it seemed impossible. Sleep, however, had at last
- over-powered the signor cavaliero; he had scarcely slept two hours, when
- he was roused by a tremendous noise, as if the whole inn was in arms; he
- listened, and the noise still increasing, he jumped up; scarcely was he on
- his feet, when a loud rap was heard at the room door, and two voices
- demanded admittance. The youth, at the sound of the voices, ran to Don
- Nimagri, and hardly able to articulate a word, caught hold of his arm and
- cried, “Oh, save me, signor! I am an unfortunate young <i>woman!</i>” and
- fell at his feet. The cavalier had not a moment to think, for they
- threatened to break open the door; upon which Don Nimagri called to them,
- and said if they dared to force the door, without a proper order from the
- magistrate, he would blow their brains out, and that he was well prepared
- to encounter a host of them; to which they replied they had. “If you
- have,” said the cavalier, “thrust it under the door, and if it is a true
- one, I will open the door;” but that was not the case, they were not in
- possession of any such a thing. After many useless threats, they said they
- would fetch a police officer, and retired. Meanwhile Gasparo, on the first
- hearing of the bustle, had equipped himself with two large pistols in his
- belt, a poignard, a huge sword which he always wore, and came in to his
- master: what was to be done with the lady was the first question; the host
- was called, and a purse of ducats put into his hand, (the best pleaders
- for protection); the state of the case being told him, he proposed, while
- they were gone, to procure an order, which he had no doubt they would
- obtain, as the magistrate of the place was by no means invulnerable
- against the attack of a full purse; that the lady should be hidden in the
- hay-loft under some trusses, properly arranged for the purpose. This being
- done, the cavalier threw himself carelessly on the bed, and waited in
- great anxiety to hear of the lady’s safety, till Gasparo ran in, and cried
- out, “<i>II Diavolo istesso non la troverebbe</i>,”—the devil
- himself could not find her out, she is so well concealed. It was but a
- short time after every thing was settled, that the two gentlemen returned,
- accompanied by an officer, who was desired to thrust the warrant under the
- door, if he really had one. Don Nimagri finding that it was a magistrate’s
- order, and knowing the lady was safe, ordered Gasparo to open the door;
- the strangers judging by the appearance of Don Nimagri, and Gasparo’s
- terrible figure, that the one was a person of some consequence, and well
- protected, began to apologize, stating that they were in search of a
- sister who had run away from home to avoid an union with a nobleman of her
- father’s choice, and whom they were determined to secure.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/217m.jpg" alt="217m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/217.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- They searched every where, and as one of the brothers was looking under
- the bed, Qasparo, who was perhaps seized with an itching after his old
- habits, was winking and blinking at his master, with a piteous, imploring
- face, to let him have a pop or two at them; and it was with difficulty he
- was able, by threatening looks, and a grasp of his arm, to prevent him
- from discharging both his pieces at them. Being disappointed in their
- search, the three men withdrew. As soon as Don Nimagri thought they were
- safe, Gasparo and himself went to release the affrighted lady, who was
- more dead than alive; some refreshments being brought in, Donna Colomba,
- having recovered a little, related her story to her protector, informing
- him that her cruel father, for the sake of interest, insisted she should
- marry an old dotard, who was old enough to be her grandfather, and whose
- vices and character she abhorred. “But what do you intend to do?” said our
- young champion. “Signor,” added she, with a bewitching grace, and tears
- glistening in her fine eyes, “I am under your protection; the interest you
- have shown for my safety, repels every idea of fear in me, and I have no
- hesitation in entrusting my life and my honor in your hands, if you will
- but escort me with your servant as far as Benevento; I have, at a short
- distance from thence, an aunt, an abbess, under whose sacred care I shall
- be safe, and where I mean to take the veil: do but this, and I will ever
- be grateful to you.” Don Nimagri was too much of a man and a cavalier to
- withstand the entreaties of a distressed fair one; he immediately gave
- orders for a carriage to be got ready, desired Gasparo to saddle their
- horses, look to the pistols in both saddles, and be quick. Gasparo flew;
- the chaise being ready, the host liberally paid, the better to seal his
- lips, Donna Colomba and Don Nimagri leaped into the vehicle, and drove off
- full gallop. Whether the brothers had had scent by some stable-boy or
- other, that a lady had been at the inn is not certain; but they had laid
- watch, the which was easy enough, as there was but one road; but being
- afraid, they placed themselves in ambush and suffered them to pass, and
- followed behind at a small distance, expecting to overtake them at the
- rising of the hill, which was about three miles off, when the horses would
- be tired. By the time they got within a quarter of a mile from the hill,
- Gasparo who was following, leading his master’s steed, hearing a trampling
- of horses, looked back, saw them, and instantly gave the alarm, crying as
- loud as he could, “here they are, here they are, we shall have fine
- sport.” Don Nimagri looked out of the window, stopped the carriage, got
- out, mounted his horse, ordered the postillion to drive as fast as he
- could out of reach, the which he had no occasion to repeat, for he was
- gone before Don Nimagri could well turn his horse to face the enemy. The
- sbirro darting forward, pistol in hand, ordered them to stand. Gasparo,
- who was more expert at this work than his master, fired his pistol, but
- missing his aim, only shot the horse; down fell the sbirro. Gasparo
- dismounted in an instant; put his horse’s bridle into his master’s hand,
- ran up to the sbirro, and with his stiletto most charitably put him out of
- misery, for the poor devil had broken his arm in the fall. Don Nimagri
- meanwhile fired at the brothers who had advanced upon him. Gasparo seeing
- the danger of his master in this unequal match, fired his other pistol so
- successfully, that whether one alone, or both were wounded, was never
- heard, for both set spurs to their horses, like the valiant knight who ran
- away, to live and fight another day.
- </p>
- <p>
- Don Nimagri finding that the enemy were fled, did not think it necessary
- to follow them, but turned his attention to the lady. They rode up to the
- carriage as fast as they could, and found the lady in the greatest terror;
- she eagerly enquired whether her brothers were safe, for cruel as they
- were, she could not but feel as a sister. Don Nimagri assured her they had
- both run away safe and sound. There being no time to be lost, lest they
- might have run off under the idea of getting assistance, he ordered the
- postillion to proceed to the next post, where they rested some time, the
- lady being overcome by the fright, fatigue, and distress of mind. As soon
- as she was recovered they set off, and arrived safe at Benevento, but
- although it was in the middle of the night, no entreaty or remonstrance
- could prevail on the lady to remain there till morning; she was so alarmed
- at the idea of being surprised, and carried away by her brothers, whom she
- had reason to fear were still pursuing, or perhaps some more powerful
- dread in the breast of a virtuous female, now she was discovered, that
- with tears she entreated Don Nimagri to proceed to the convent she had
- mentioned, to which he reluctantly agreed, apprehending the consternation
- and fright such an arrival, and at such an hour, would create. The
- sisterhood of the convent, as he conjectured, when they arrived, had just
- retired again to rest after their midnight prayer, and were scarcely
- fallen into a doze, when they were terrified by the violent ringing of the
- great convent bell. What could be the matter? was the general cry. The
- alarm spread like wild-fire; some fell on their marrow-bones, praying to
- St. Jenajo; some ran with half their garments into the chapel; some
- concealed themselves in the vaults, while the poor ab-bess lay trembling
- in her bed, counting her beads. At last the porteress came to the gate and
- through the little grating enquired what was the matter. Don Nimagri said
- Donna Colomba, the abbess’s relation, was pursued, and begged protection.
- While the good nun went up to deliver the message, the gates were opened,
- and the chaise drove in. But poor Gasparo was shut out, and thereby
- exposed to his fate, had there been any one at their heels; but luckily
- for him, they had been too much terrified to venture a second attack.
- Shortly after the fugitives were introduced into the chapel, for the
- abbess seeing the girls running helter-skelter in every direction, did not
- dare to introduce a man into any room, lest some of them might have sought
- refuge there. Therefore, into the chapel they went; two or three of those
- innocent creatures, who had run into it in their fright, now scampered
- away as fast as they could, at sight of a man, and at that time of the
- morning. When the abbess had heard Donna Colomba’s account, she thanked
- Don Nimagri for his very kind and humane attention, expressed great regret
- at not being able to allow him to stay the night, but offered to send to a
- neighbouring farm, and obtain accommodation for him and his servant;
- entreated him to come in the morning that they might have an opportunity
- of giving him some testimony of the gratitude they felt for his kind
- protection to her relation. Don Nimagri, highly pleased at his success in
- saving the lady, departed. Receiving a message from the abbess in the
- morning, he attended her, and was presented to the whole sisterhood as the
- saviour of Donna Colomba’s life and honor, and much gratified with the
- blessings and thanks of all these pretty creatures, who vied with each
- other in little presents of relics, sweet-meats,&c. The lady abbess
- presented him with a very handsome crucifix set in diamonds. Donna Colomba
- could not find words to express herself, but requested his acceptance of a
- beautiful diamond ring in remembrance of her; and loaded him with
- blessings. Gasparo, I must say, was not neglected by the inferior nuns.
- Although not a very prepossessing parsonage, the account he gave of his
- glorious exploits so delighted them, for ladies are fond of valour, that
- he did not lack wine, cakes, and the good things usually met with in
- convents. After a few hours Don Nimagri took leave of the ladies and
- sisterhood, and arrived safe and sound at Rome.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE FRIAR ENTRAPPED
- </h2>
- <p>
- At Arezzo, a city of Tuscany, there formerly lived a friar, who was styled
- Master Stefano. He was, in fact, a Mantuan, but he had dwelt so long at
- Arezzo, that most people considered him an Aretine. He was a handsome
- fellow, about thirty, extremely bold, and eloquent, and, as most of the
- preaching friars are, I mean the wickeder part of them, inclined to trick
- his best friend out of his wife’s affections. Although in the pulpit they
- preach up chastity, reprobate the sin of disturbing the happiness of
- married life, and dwell upon the merit of alms-giving, all this is in
- order to be more securely admitted into families, and to gain a character
- for sanctity, by which people may be induced to leave their property to
- the church, and deprive their rightful heirs of their due. Thus they
- enrich themselves, and laugh in their sleeves at the fools who are deluded
- by their hypocrisy.
- </p>
- <p>
- Instead of paying regard to the divine precept, which directs all those of
- their profession not to provide food for the morrow, they are for ever
- begging, and grasping at every thing within their reach; and if perchance
- they should confess a dying person, who has detained that which was not
- his own, they will make him believe it is more meritorious and good for
- his soul, to give it to the church, than restore it to its owner. This
- Master Stefano was one of these fine fellows. He fell in love with a
- beautiful and virtuous lady, named Emilia, who was married to as worthy a
- man, Girolamo de Brendali. The lady, who thought that Stefano led so pure
- and holy a life, never suspected that he could entertain such unworthy
- intentions, and received him every day with the greatest marks of
- kindness, both on account of her husband’s partiality to him, and,
- moreover, because for two years past he had been her confessor. The friar,
- however, being unable to moderate the ardour of his passion, determined to
- make her acquainted with it, having that opportunity at command every day.
- Still he thought it would be better to wait awhile, because it was
- carnival time; after which she was in the habit of going to church to
- confess, thinking it much more safe on account of the sanctity of the
- place, in case any thing should be suspected, rather than her own house.
- </p>
- <p>
- About eight days after the carnival, the lady, as was her custom, went to
- the church. The friar hastened to lead her to the remotest confessional he
- could pitch upon. After a few words of civility had passed, he began to
- interrogate her cursorily and lightly, touching the mortal sins, except
- that of incontinence, upon which he long dwelt, being highly delighted
- with an opportunity of expatiating on the subject, after the manner of too
- many confessors, who, under the pretence of interrogating, gratify their
- own prurient imaginations with indecent explanations, and circumstantial
- detail. Thus did the friar dwell on his favourite subject as long as he
- could, in order to forward the discovery of his passion to the lady. At
- last, breathing a deep sigh, he said, “Lady, heaven knows I have many a
- time hesitated to give you absolution, because I have from your confession
- found you so chaste and free from the sin of incontinence.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “How, father,” said she, “is it then a sin to be faithful to one’s
- husband, and to be chaste?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “The reason is,” said the friar, “because so beautiful as you are, I
- cannot believe but you must have numbers of admirers, and surely you
- cannot have resisted them all. I have often thought, that through shame
- you have not told the truth, perhaps for fear (though heaven forbid that I
- should ever do such a thing) lest I should tell your husband, or lest I
- should refuse you absolution, of which, however, you would be unworthy
- only by disguising from me the truth. Therefore, speak to me with
- sincerity, let no fear prevent you, for I promise you, that instead of the
- reproof you might expect, you will find praise and approbation; for I
- think it a much greater sin to let a poor unfortunate fellow of a lover
- die, than to break through that which has been prescribed merely to make
- us live a little more regularly, than if all things were in common; or,
- perhaps, because we set less value upon those things which we can obtain
- with ease.” The lady was greatly astonished at hearing these words, and
- being a virtuous and sensible woman, she began to suspect what the
- hypocritical friar was driving at; but resuming her serenity of
- countenance, which had been a little ruffled by his discourse, she
- resolved to answer him, without giving him the least suspicion that she
- understood his meaning, in order not to check him from saying what he had
- in his mind. So with a smile she said, “alas! father, saidst thou that
- thou dost not believe I am the honest and virtuous woman which I am?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Nay, it is quite the reverse,” quoth the friar, “I do think you a more
- worthy lady than you would seem, and that you would not be so cruel, as to
- suffer any one to languish and die for the sake of preserving that
- virtue.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Heaven preserve you,” said the lady, “who do you think would die on my
- account? who would cast on me a look of tenderness?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Oh!” groaned the friar, “who is it can look on you and not lose his
- heart. As for my part, (and pray pardon me if I offend you), since I have
- been blessed with a sight of you, there has not been a day or night that I
- have spent without thinking of your beauty, or without petitioning mighty
- Love to afford me an opportunity (though at the risque of my life) of
- telling you how great is the tender affection I bear you. Should my
- ill-fate order it so that my passion should offend, lay the blame not on
- me, but on those transcendent charms and noble manners which have brought
- me to such a crisis, that I can no longer live unless you take pity on me.
- Should you delay this compassion, lady too long, perhaps it may come too
- late, for I must surely die.” Besides that Emilia was a virtuous woman;
- she was doubly offended at the friar’s speech, on account of the
- friendship which her husband bore him, and for this reason resolved on his
- punishment. She told him she could not give credit to such wonderful
- things; neither did she believe in his affection, nor in the charms he
- alluded to. Having parted from the friar, the lady went home, and related
- every word to her husband Girolamo, having previously made him solemnly
- swear that he would not meditate any serious revenge, but merely inflict
- some slight punishment on him, and let him go. Girolamo considering what
- he could do to the worthy preacher, which should not be a serious injury,
- and yet a great disgrace, he hit upon a plan which will soon appear. He
- told his wife to contrive to let the friar come to her some night, and
- related to her his plan. To this she agreed, and, in consequence, to
- prevent the friar from having any suspicion, and in order that the plot
- might the better succeed, she sent the friar some little trifling presents
- by her maid—perfumes, flowers, and green and black ribbons, such as
- ladies are used to send their lovers.
- </p>
- <p>
- Our innamorato accepted every thing with joy and rapture, and had no
- scruple in sending as many back by a little convenient brother. The friar,
- now thinking he was at home to a peg, determined one Saturday to pay her a
- visit, for, on that day, it was his custom to rest from his duty;
- therefore, taking with him the little friar, on the Saturday before the
- Sunday of St. Lazarus, he marched off to the Lady Emilia. It so happened
- that, exactly as he wished it, Girolamo had gone out; he joyfully went up
- stairs, and sent word to Emilia that he had waited upon her; the lady
- received him with very great kindness and affection; upon which our worthy
- friar, after a few sweet words, reminded her of his anguish and his hopes;
- to which Emilia, who had been taught by her husband what to say, replied,
- “holy father! heaven knows I have always thought infidelity to my husband
- a great crime, but as you have assured me that there is no sin in it, and
- that you bear me such great love, I have determined to reward your
- passion, but on condition of inviolable secrecy; indeed, to shew you that
- I am in earnest, I would say that, were not to-morrow the Sunday of
- Lazarus, when you are to preach, you might come this very evening between
- eleven and twelve o’clock, my husband being gone to Villa Cavalca; I would
- not fail to open the door to you, at that time all the servants will be
- gone to bed and fast asleep.” The worthy friar, who wished for nothing
- more ardently, and to whom every minute seemed an age, said, “dear lady,
- if this be your kind intention, do not let my preaching prevent you, for
- if you will let me out a little before day-light, I will preach a sermon
- to-morrow that shall delight and melt the hearts of my hearers.” He
- departed, and, in order to make himself the more agreeable to the lady, he
- went to refresh and perfume himself; the lady, meanwhile, related all the
- particulars to her husband, who, after telling his lady how she should
- act, left the house, and went to sup with an intimate friend. At the hour
- appointed, the friar tapped at the door, which was opened to him, and he
- was led gently up stairs to the bedchamber where Girolamo and his wife
- usually slept; here she left him, desiring him to undress, saying that she
- would come to him as soon as she had arranged some trifling matters.
- Scarcely had our amorous lover stripped himself to his shirt, when
- Girolamo, who, with the friend with whom he had supped, had watched the
- friar, knocked furiously at the door. Emilia, on hearing this, rushed into
- the room, threw open the window, and demanded who was there, pretending to
- be in a dreadful fright. Girolamo answering, desired to be admitted,
- saying it was her husband. Emilia began to call out that she was undone,
- ran up to the father, who was more dead than alive through fright, bid him
- get up quick, and said, “we are as good as dead; I cannot think how it is,
- but my husband, whom I thought ten miles off, is now knocking at the
- door.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “For heaven’s sake,” said she, “slip into that chest,” shewing him a large
- one in the room, “and lie there until I see what may be done; meanwhile I
- will hide your clothes somewhere or other as well as I am able; heaven
- knows, I fear more for your holy person than I do for my own life.” The
- unfortunate wretch, seeing himself reduced to such a pass, did as the lady
- desired. Meanwhile the servants awoke, got up, and let their master in,
- who, pretending that he had been attacked, along with his companion, when
- put of Arezzo, by some banditti, said he had caused the city gates to be
- opened by giving a crown to the guard; the which had delayed him for more
- than three hours, on account of his being obliged to go to the castle to
- get the keys. After ordering a bed for his companion, he went into bed to
- his wife, while the poor fellow remained in the chest. Day-light coming,
- the church bells began to ring for prayers, which greatly annoyed our
- captive, who was to preach at the cathedral.
- </p>
- <p>
- Girolamo and his friend having risen, ordered two servants to carry the
- chest to the church, and place it in the middle, saying they were ordered
- to do so by the preacher; and that unlocking the chest without raising the
- lid, they should leave it there; all which the fellows did very neatly:
- every body stared, and wondered what all this could mean, some said one
- thing, and some another. At last the bell having ceased to ring, and no
- one appearing in the pulpit, or any other part of the church, a young man
- rose and said, “really this preacher of ours makes us wait too long; pray
- let us see what he has ordered to be brought in this chest,” having said
- thus much, he, before all the congregation, lifted up the lid, and looking
- in, beheld the friar in his shirt, pale, almost frightened to death, and
- certainly appearing more dead than alive, and as if buried in the chest.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/235m.jpg" alt="235m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/235.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- He, however, finding himself discovered, collected his mind as well as he
- could, and stood upright to the great astonishment of all present; and,
- having taken his text from the Sunday of Lazarus, he then addressed his
- congregation:—“My dear brethren, I am not at all astonished at your
- surprise and amusement in seeing me brought before you in this chest, or
- rather at my ordering myself to be brought thus: ye know that this is the
- day in which our holy church commemorates the wonderful miracle our Lord
- performed on the person of Lazarus, in raising him from the dead who had
- been buried four days. I was desirous in your favour to present myself to
- you, as it were, in the form of Lazarus, in order that seeing me in this
- chest, which is no other than an emblem of the sepulchre wherein he had
- been buried, you might be moved more effectually to the consideration of
- what perishable things we are, and that seeing me stripped of all worldly
- decorations, thus, in my shirt, you may be convinced of the vanity of the
- things in this world, the which if duly considered, may tend greatly to
- the amending of our lives. Will you believe that, since yesternight, I
- have been a thousand times dead, and revivified as Lazarus was; and,
- considering my dreadful situation, remember that we must all die, and
- trust to Him who can bestow upon us life eternal; but first ye must die to
- sin, to avarice, to rapine, and all those sinful deeds to which our nature
- prompts us; and, above all, avoid seducing the wives of others, as none
- who so act can be saved.” In such language, and in this manner did the
- friar continue his sermon. Much praise did the Aretines heap upon him,
- more especially Girolamo and his friend, who had come to see how the trick
- would succeed, and who were astonished at the extraordinary presence of
- mind which the friar displayed, and laughed heartily at his success in
- persuading his audience of his wonderful chastity in respect of other
- men’s wives. Girolamo, in consideration of the adroitness of the culprit,
- did not attempt any other revenge, but took very good care to shut his
- door in future against all such double-faced hypocrites.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- ANTONIO AND VERONICA.
- </h2>
- <p>
- In the time of Charles the Second, there was at Salerno a noble knight, of
- an ancient family, called Messer Mazzeo, a chief justice, extremely rich
- both in money and lands, whose wife being rather old, died, and left an
- only daughter, whose name was Veronica, youthful, handsome, and very
- virtuous. Her father, whether from affection, or that he wished to marry
- her advantageously, kept her single at home, though she had many offers.
- It happened that a youth, named Antonio Marcello, of noble birth, who had
- been familiar in the house from his infancy, under the sanction of a
- certain relationship between him and Messer Mazzeo’s lady, became so
- enraptured with Veronica, that he was almost mad. Antonio, although
- reserved and virtuous, and dearly beloved as a worthy son could be, yet
- unable to resist all powerful love, and having opportunities which his
- weak resolution could not withstand, this pair of youthful lovers forgot
- what was due to their father and themselves. Though they continued, with
- the greatest caution, this guilty intercourse, yet their utmost care could
- not guard them from the cruel storm which fate was raising against them.
- One night being together, and not suspecting any thing, it happened that
- one of the servants espied them, and immediately went to his master, and
- having related the fact, the former, full of indignation, went with some
- of his servants to the place where the couple were, who, being thrown into
- the utmost consternation, were both seized, but Antonio being very strong
- and courageous, disengaged himself, and, sword in hand, rushed forth and
- made his escape, unhurt and unseen, and went home. Messer Mazzeo, grieved
- to death on seeing how matters stood, insisted on knowing from his
- daughter who the young man was. She very prudently, knowing the temper of
- her father, and that the death of her lover must be the consequence,
- determined rather to expose her own life than his, and finally told her
- father that she would suffer every torment, and even death itself, rather
- than let the youth’s name be known. The father, in the greatest rage,
- after having tortured her in various ways, seeing her obstinately
- determined to be silent, although parental feeling moved him at times,
- determined upon her death, and, without seeing her more, he commanded two
- of his trusty servants immediately to drag her into a boat, and throw her
- overboard, when they should be some miles from shore. The men, though most
- unwillingly, bound her hands, and forced her to the sea side, and while
- they were making the boat ready, one of them being moved to compassion,
- sifted the other, who was equally sorry at the cruel circumstance, and
- talking over the matter, they agreed not only to spare her life, but to
- set her at liberty; and having unbound her, they told her that being
- strongly moved to pity, they could not execute the cruel sentence her
- father had ordered, and begged of her, as a return for the liberty they
- restored to her, that she would expatriate herself, so that her father
- might never hear of their having saved her. The poor young lady finding
- she received life through the humanity of her own servants, and that she
- was unable to reward them sufficiently, poured forth her prayers to heaven
- to send them blessings equal to the inestimable gift they bestowed upon
- her; and after recovering from-her fright and terror she swore to them, by
- that life they had saved her, that she would conduct herself in such a
- manner, that not only her merciless father, but no living soul should ever
- be apprised of the circumstance.
- </p>
- <p>
- After having cut her hair, and dressed her up as well as they could with
- their own clothes, and giving her what trifle of money they had about
- them, they directed her on the way to Naples, and left her with tears; and
- having returned home with her clothes, they asserted, that with a large
- stone tied to her neck, they had plunged her into the sea about ten miles
- off. The noble lady, who had never before been out of the city, felt
- herself nearly fainting at every step she took; the thoughts of leaving
- her poor Antonio without the hope of ever seeing him again, together with
- many other tender thoughts, nearly induced her to turn back; but
- recollecting the kindness she experienced, and the solemn promise she had
- made to them, gratitude, that blossom of every virtue, had such power over
- her feelings, that every such thought was dismissed. She therefore went
- on, not knowing where, and praying to heaven to help her, she walked the
- remaining part of the night. About dawn, being near Nocera, she was
- overtaken by a party who were going on to Naples, and joined company with
- them; among these was a Calabrian gentleman, who was taking some sparrow
- hawks to the Duke of Calabria. The youth (for so the lady appeared)
- seeming to him a pleasant young man, he asked her what countryman he was,
- and whether he wanted employment? Veronica, who in sport had learned in
- her youth to imitate the language of an old woman of Apulia, who was in
- her father’s house, thought she would make use of those Pugliese words
- which she recollected, as often as she could in the course of her
- conversation with him, and answered, “I am a native of Apulia, and came
- forth from home only to get a situation, but, as I am the son of a noble
- father, I would not wish to undertake too menial a place.” To which the
- Calabrian said, “would you like to be keeper of the hawks?” This question
- highly delighted Veronica, having at her father’s house had the care of
- several; she answered, that from her infancy she had been accustomed to
- the care of them. After some conversation as they went along, she took the
- care of one, and being arrived at Naples, and clad so that she appeared a
- very neat and elegant little squire, whether fate had so decreed it, or
- that her likely appearance captivated him, the duke would have both the
- hawks and the young Pugliese keeper who managed them so well, and,
- consequently, he was installed in the family with a young Neapolitan. She
- so carefully fulfilled her duty, and was so exact in her attendance, that
- in a short time she became the greatest favourite, and was much valued by
- the duke; insomuch that she remained with him till fortune directed
- another course for her.
- </p>
- <p>
- Her old father, meanwhile, torn with grief and remorse, for the fatal
- story had got wind, remained mostly shut up in his house or at his country
- villa, secluded from all society. Antonio, after bitterly sorrowing for
- the death of his dear Veronica, and finding that the old man had never
- discovered who the cavalier was who had escaped on that fatal night,
- determined after a few days, as well to prevent suspicion, as moved by
- compassion, to visit the old man; he generally accompanied him to his
- villa, and shewed himself as kind, obedient, and dutiful, as if he had
- been his own son, the which Mazzeo felt the more sensibly, as the youth
- seemed to be the only one who had not forsaken him in his dire calamity,
- and therefore loved him as he would have done his own, and could not rest
- one hour without his dear Antonio. As the latter persevered in his
- kindness and attentions to him, it occurred to the old man, that since his
- ill fortune had deprived him of an heir, he would adopt him as such. Full
- of this thought he made his will, and left Antonio heir to every thing he
- possessed, and died shortly after. Antonio having thus acquired immense
- property, and occupying the house of the deceased, met with numberless
- objects that recalled to his mind the tender and heroic affection of his
- dear Veronica, who rather met her death, than reveal his name. His grief
- and gratitude were such, that he vowed he never would marry. Meanwhile the
- duke determined to go to Calabria, which thing enraptured the Pugliese
- (Veronica), as she would not only see her dear country again, but might
- perchance hear of her lover, and of her father, whom she still loved, in
- spite of his cruelty, and of whom she had made no enquiry lest her secret
- should be known. Being arrived at Salerno, and the duke’s retinue
- accommodated with lodgings according to their rank, it happened, as it
- pleased fortune to ordain, in order to put an end to their long
- sufferings, and finally make Antonio happy, that it fell to the lot of
- Antonio Marcello to accommodate the Pugliese and his companions with
- lodgings, which circumstance we may naturally suppose was no small joy to
- Veronica. They were honorably and courteously entertained by Antonio; at
- night he provided an elegant supper, and in the very apartment where he
- was wont to spend such happy moments with Veronica. As these two were
- looking anxiously on each other, Antonio thought he traced in the
- countenance of the Pugliese some of the features of his beloved, and
- recollecting her death, every word he uttered was broken by the deepest
- sighs. Veronica, seeing herself in her own house, though delighted at
- beholding her lover in possession of all the property, yet not seeing her
- father nor any of the family she had left, felt much afflicted and became
- very desirous of hearing something about him. While she remained thus
- agitated, in the course of the supper, her companion asked Antonio whether
- those painted arms in the hall were his, to which Antonio answered in the
- negative, and said they were those of a noble lord, named Messer Mazzeo,
- first judge, who having died in old age without children, had bequeathed
- all his property to him, for which reason having been adopted by him, he
- had taken possession, not only of the property, but assumed the name, as
- if he had been his own father. When Veronica heard this, her heart leaped
- with joy, and she could scarcely refrain from shedding tears; she,
- however, calmed herself till supper was over, when she thought it was high
- time she should fold her beloved to her arms, whom fortune had so kindly
- preserved to her; and taking Antonio by the hand, leaving her friends with
- the rest of the company, they entered an adjoining room, where she wished
- to say something to him by which he might recognise her. She attempted to
- speak, but could not utter a syllable from excess of joy and tears. Thus
- exhausted by contending feelings, she fell into his arms, exclaiming; “Oh!
- Antonio, my love, is it possible thou dost not know me?” He, who as I have
- said before, thought he recognized some features of his dear Veronica,
- upon hearing those words, immediately became convinced of what he only at
- first surmised, and overcome with the ten-derest feelings, said, “my soul,
- art thou really living?” So saying he swooned in her arms. After caressing
- each other for a time with endearments, and relating their adventures,
- Antonio considering it fit to divulge the whole circumstances, and herself
- being of the same mind, they went out of the room to her companions, and
- although it was late, Antonio sent to all his own friends and Veronica’s,
- desiring them to attend directly at his house, on business of the greatest
- importance. They being arrived, he requested them to attend him as far as
- the palace of the duke, as he meant to request him to put him in
- possession of an estate formerly belonging to Messer Mazzeo, from which no
- fruit or advantage had been derived for many years past. The whole group
- having willingly agreed so to do, when before the duke, Antonio, taking
- his Veronica by the hand, in the presence of all, related every
- circumstance that had happened, without concealing the least particular;
- declaring afterwards how, from the very beginning of their love, they had
- pledged their faith as man and wife, and meant, with their lord’s
- approbation, to celebrate publicly this marriage. The duke, barons,
- relations, and strangers present, hearing these extraordinary events were
- much surprised, and heartily rejoiced at the happy issue. The conduct and
- constancy of Antonio and Veronica were highly praised; they took leave of
- the duke, and next day high mass was celebrated in the presence of his
- highness, and Antonio and Veronica were both married; noble presents were
- sent by the duke, and they in love, and with many beautiful children,
- lived, and terminated this life at a very old age.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- BELPHAGOR.
- </h2>
- <p>
- We find in the ancient records of Florence, that a most holy man, whose
- life was, in after years, celebrated for sanctity, being one night deeply
- engaged in meditation, fell into a dream and saw numbers of the souls of
- wretched mortals, who had died under the displeasure of the gods, and
- inhabited the dark regions of Pluto; complaining, at least most part of
- them, of having been driven to such misery by marriage; the which greatly
- surprised Minos, Radamanthus, and other infernal judges, as they did not
- credit those falsehoods against the sex. But these complaints increasing
- daily, after informing Pluto of it, it was resolved to hold a council of
- all the infernal deities upon the subject, and ultimately determine upon
- what might be best to do, in order to ascertain the whole truth of the
- case. These being called to council, Pluto spoke in the following manner:—“Although,
- my dearly beloved, by celestial power and irrevocable fate, I possess this
- realm, and am wholly unaccountable to any celestial or mortal being, yet
- as it is more wise to listen to the opinions of others, I have resolved to
- take your advice in a case that might eventually be of great dishonour to
- our empire; all the souls of men that come into our infernal kingdom, say
- that their wives are the cause of it; this appearing impossible to us, we
- therefore fear that in passing sentence on this subject, we may, perhaps,
- be accused of too much cruelty, or of not being sufficiently severe, and
- unfriendly to justice; being desirous to avoid both these charges, we have
- called upon you for your advice and assistance, in order that this realm
- may remain, as it ever hath been, without disgrace.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/252m.jpg" alt="252m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/252.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- It appeared to all the infernal lords that it was a most momentous case,
- and they unanimously agreed that it ought to be sifted to the very bottom,
- but disagreed about the means and manner of carrying the investigation
- into effect; some were of opinion that one of them should be sent into the
- world, in the shape of a man, to ascertain personally the truth; others
- thought it might be done with less difficulty, by compelling several
- souls, by various torments, to tell the truth; but the majority decreeing
- that some one should be sent, they decided upon the former opinion. No one
- being inclined to take this business upon himself, it was settled that
- chance should determine, the which fell to the lot of the arch-devil
- Belphagor, who, before he was kicked out of heaven, was called archangel;
- he, though against his will, was compelled by Pluto’s power to accept the
- office, and prepared to do that which the council should determine, and
- bound himself to such compacts as had solemnly been stipulated between
- them; the which were, that he who should be deputed should immediately
- receive a hundred thousand ducats, with which he was to come into the
- world with the features of man—take to him a wife—live ten
- years with her—then, feigning death, should return; and, by his own
- experience, prove to his superiors, what are the sorrows and comforts of
- the married state. It was moreover fixed, that he should be subject to all
- the misfortunes, and all the evils incident to man—that of poverty,
- imprisonment, diseases, and other calamities which men draw on themselves,
- unless he could extricate himself from them by deceit or cunning.
- Belphagor, having assumed the man, and taken the cash, came to the world,
- and after having ordered his horses and attendants, he made cheerfully
- towards Florence, the which city he chose in preference to any other, as
- the one where roguery and usury were most likely to thrive; and, taking
- the name of Roderigo, he hired a house in the Borgo d’Ogrissanti. In order
- that they might not enquire who he was, he gave out that he had quitted
- Spain, when very young, and going to Syria, had gained all his wealth at
- Aleppo, and that his object in coming to Italy was to take a wife, as
- being a more civilized country, and more congenial to his feelings.
- Roderigo was a very handsome man, about thirty, and being in a very few
- days known to possess immense riches, and it appearing that he was liberal
- and humane, many noble citizens who had plenty of daughters, and a
- scarcity of money, made offers to him; out of the number, Roderigo
- selected a most beautiful young lady called Onesta, daughter of Amerigo
- Donati, who had three other daughters almost marriageable, and three sons
- grown to man’s estate. Although he was of a noble family, and greatly
- esteemed in Florence, yet, in consequence of a style of living suited to
- his rank, he was very poor.
- </p>
- <p>
- Roderigo’s wedding was most splendid; nothing usual on such occasions was
- forgotten or neglected; it having been decreed before he left the dark
- regions, that he should be subject to all the passions of men, he soon
- took delight and pride in the pomp and vanities of the world, and the
- praises of men, the which cost him dear enough; besides this, he had not
- been long with his wife before he fell desperately in love with her, and
- was wretched if she happened to look otherwise than cheerful, or was
- displeased at any thing. Madonna Onesta had not only brought youth and
- beauty to Roderigo, but such a share of pride, that he, who was a
- tolerable judge, thought the pride of Lucifer himself was a mere nothing
- to it; this greatly increased the very instant she perceived how much her
- husband doated upon her, and as she thought she could rule him as she
- pleased, she commanded him imperiously, nor did she hesitate, if he denied
- her any thing, to abuse and maltreat him, the which greatly annoyed him,
- yet the ties of matrimony, and the love he bore her, made him endure all
- with patience. I make no mention of the very enormous expenses he was at
- to please her in new fashions, which naturally often vary in this our
- city, and which he was obliged to submit to for the sake of peace. He was
- compelled to help his father-in-law in portioning the other girls; then
- again, to be on good terms with her, he was compelled to equip one brother
- for the Levant with clothes, &c., and the other to the west with
- silks; and, lastly, to open a goldbeater’s shop for the third, all of
- which consumed the best part of his fortune. Moreover, in the carnival
- time and festival of St. John, when the whole city is nothing but feasting
- and revels, and when the noblemen treat each other with splendid
- entertainments, Madonna Onesta would not yield to any lady in splendour
- and show, but insisted that her Roderigo should outdo them all in
- magnificence. Quietly did Roderigo bear all these things for the reasons
- above-mentioned—peace and quietness; nor would he have grudged the
- expense, though very annoying, nay, would have even borne more, could he
- but have had peace in the house; or could he have waited quietly the
- moment of his ruin: but, on the contrary, it was quite the reverse, for
- besides the ruinous extravagance she led him into, her diabolical nature
- wearied him daily, nor was there a servant in the house that could stay
- any time. Roderigo, of course, suffered much in not being able to keep a
- single servant that could take care of his property, for the very devils
- he had brought with him, under the shape of servants, rather chose to
- return to hell, among their native fire and smoke, than dwell in the world
- under her controul. Roderigo going on in this dreadful way, and having
- wasted all his property in the above manner, began to live on the hopes of
- remittances from the east and west, which he expected to receive, but
- being put to shifts and having good credit still, he borrowed on
- promissory notes. At this juncture the intelligence arrived from the east
- and west that one of the Madonna Oliesta’s brothers had gambled away all
- Roderigo’s property, and that the other, on his return with a ship laden
- with goods uninsured, had been drowned, and the ship sunk. The instant the
- news was made known, the creditors assembled, and judging he was a ruined
- man, they being prevented from making any demands, the notes not being as
- yet due, agreed it was proper to keep a watchful eye over him, in order
- that he might not give them the slip. Roderigo, on the other hand, seeing
- his situation desperate, and thinking of the infernal law that bound him
- to this sublunary world, determined to be off at any rate. He mounted his
- horse one morning, and living near the gate Alprato, he rode through on
- his way. No sooner was his departure heard of, than the creditors were
- roused up to action, and applying to the magistrate, they flew with the
- police, and even the populace, after him. Roderigo was scarcely one mile
- off, when he heard the outcry behind him. Conceiving the road was but an
- indifferent protection, he thought that striking across the fields would
- be a far safer way; but in so doing he found so many ditches in his road,
- the which are frequent in that part, that he alighted, left his horse, and
- ran on foot through fields covered with vines and reeds, with which that
- country abounds. He arrived at Peretola, at the house of Matteo del
- Bricea, a labourer of Giovanni del Bene, and as chance would have it,
- found Matteo feeding the oxen. Roderigo begged of him to save him from the
- hands of his enemies, who, he said, pursued him, to take him and shut him
- up in gaol to die; promising him a great reward, and adding, that he would
- enrich him, and would, before he left him, give him such proofs that he
- could no longer doubt; and should he not keep his word, he would allow him
- to deliver him up to his pursuers. Matteo, though but a labourer, was a
- man of spirit, and kind-hearted; and thinking he could lose nothing by
- protecting him, he promised so to do, and concealed him behind a dunghill,
- covered him up with lumber, and sticks which he had brought for firewood.
- Roderigo had scarcely time to conceal himself properly, before his
- pursuers reached the place, who, however, could not obtain from Matteo an
- avowal that he had seen any such a one as they described. They, therefore,
- continued their way; being unsuccessful in their search, after two days
- pursuit, they returned back to Florence. When the bustle was over, Matteo
- took him out of his concealment. Roderigo said to him, “Matteo, I am under
- the greatest obligation to you, and will reward you, and that thou mayest
- believe me, I will tell thee who I am,”—upon this he related to him
- who he was, and the orders he received on going out of hell; his taking a
- wife; the eternal plague he had with her, and, moreover, the means he
- should use to enrich him, which was this:—when he should hear that
- there was a young woman possessed with the devil, to be quite assured that
- it was he who was within her, and that he should not cast himself from her
- until he himself should come, by which means he might get such payment
- from her friends as he might choose. Thus agreed, he disappeared. Very few
- days had elapsed, when it was reported in Florence that a daughter of
- Ambrogio Amadeo, who had married Buonijuto Zebalducci, was possessed by
- the devil. The friends, of course, tried all the remedies usually recurred
- to in such cases, such as placing the head of Saint Zarobi on her head,
- and Saint John of Gualberto’s cloak, which things were rendered of no
- avail by Roderigo, and to make it clear that the deceased had really and
- truly an evil spirit within her, he made her speak Latin, and hold a
- disputation on philosophy. She made public the sins of people, and
- particularly those of a monk, who had kept a female more than four years
- under the dress of a young friar; which things people much marveled at.
- Messer Ambrogio, however, was truly miserable, and had lost all hopes of a
- cure, when Matteo having heard of the case, came to him, and told him that
- if he would give him five hundred florins to purchase a little farm at
- Ponterolo, he would restore the lady to her perfect senses. Ambrogio
- accepted the offer, upon which Matteo having ordered several masses to be
- said, and numerous mysterious ceremonies to be performed, in order the
- better to conceal the business, he accosted the lady, and whispering into
- her ear, said, “Roderigo, I am now come to thee that thou mayest perform
- thy promise,” to which Roderigo answered, “but this sum is not enough to
- make thee rich, therefore as soon as I depart from this, I will cast
- myself into the daughter of Charles, King of Naples, nor will I depart
- from her until thou comest to me. Thou wilt then make thy own demand to
- the king, and after this, never trouble me more.” This said, he came forth
- from the lady, to the great amazement and joy of all present. It was but a
- few months after, that the news was spread through Italy of the accident
- which had befallen King Charles’s daughter. All the attempts of the monks
- proving ineffectual to relieve her, and the King having heard of Matteo,
- immediately dispatched a messenger to Florence to fetch him. Matteo
- arrived soon at Naples, and, after some artful practices, removed the evil
- spirit from the lady; but before Roderigo quitted his hold, he said,
- “Matteo, thou seest I have kept my word with thee in enriching thee; I
- therefore am now under no obligations whatever to thee; do not thou ever
- attempt to appear before me, because I might hereafter do thee much harm,
- instead of the good I have done thee.” Matteo, returning to Florence very
- rich, for the king had given him fifty thousand ducats, thought of
- enjoying his wealth in comfort, unconscious that Roderigo would ever do
- him any injury; but this hope was soon frustrated by news arriving that
- the daughter of Louis the Seventh of France was possessed of the evil
- spirit; this quite upset the mind of Matteo, considering the power of that
- king, and coupling, withal, the threat of Roderigo, if ever he appeared
- before him. Meanwhile, Louis unable to find a cure for his daughter, and
- being told of Matteo’s power of exorcism, sent at first a messenger to
- request his attendance; but Matteo alleging indisposition as an excuse,
- the king was obliged to apply to the government, who compelled Matteo to
- obedience. In great grief and perturbation of mind did Matteo arrive at
- Paris; he told the king that certainly there were such things by which he
- had formerly cured persons possessed with the devil, but that was not the
- case with all such, because there were some of so wicked a nature, that
- neither threats, exorcism, or religious ceremonies could move them; yet
- that he would certainly do his best, but, that should his endeavours prove
- useless, he entreated his majesty to pardon him. The king, greatly
- disappointed and incensed, replied, that if he did not cure his daughter,
- he certainly should be hanged. Matteo, of course, felt much alarmed at his
- ticklish situation; nevertheless, summoning up his whole stock of courage,
- he desired the lady might be called in, and with all humility, in a
- whisper, entreated Roderigo to take pity on him, reminding him of what he
- had formerly done by him: to which Roderigo answered, “treacherous
- villain, hast thou the boldness to appear before me? dost thou forget I
- made thee the rich man thou art? I will now show thee and the world how I
- can bestow gifts, and bereave mortals of them at my pleasure, and before
- thou quittest this place, I’ll have thee gibbeted.” Matteo, conceiving he
- was lost, and seeing no other means of escape, determined to try his
- fortune in another way; therefore, desiring the lady might be dismissed,
- he said to the king, “Sire, I have already told your majesty, that there
- are such malignant spirits, against which nothing will avail, and this is
- one; however, I will try one last experiment, which, should it succeed,
- will make your majesty and myself most happy; should it fail, I hope your
- majesty will feel that compassion towards me that my innocence deserves.
- To this effect your majesty will please to order that a large platform be
- erected at the piazza of <i>Our Lady</i>, large enough to contain all your
- barons and clergy, decking the railing with cloths, silks, and gold
- fringes; in the middle of this platform I wish an altar to be placed, and
- on Sunday morning next I wish your majesty to attend in solemn and royal
- pomp, with all your barons and clergy in their richest canonicals, when
- high mass shall be chaunted, and the lady brought forth. Besides these
- things, I do request that a group of at least twenty persons be placed at
- one corner of the square, with each a trumpet, horn, bugle, cymbals,
- drums, kettle-drums, or other terrific instruments, who, at the waving of
- my hat, shall immediately strike up and walk on towards the platform; this
- and certain other exorcisms will, I hope, drive the evil spirit from the
- lady.” Every thing was ordered by his majesty which Matteo desired; on the
- Sunday morning the king, barons, clergy, and populace being assembled, the
- mass was celebrated, and the lady brought up to the platform by two
- bishops, and several noblemen. Roderigo, when he beheld such a multitude
- collected together, was almost confounded: “what the devil does this
- dastardly scoundrel mean to do,” said he to himself; “does he think to
- frighten me by all this show and bustle; does he not know that I am used
- to the pomp and splendour of heaven, and the fire and furies of hell? but
- I will punish him, that I will.” Matteo approached him, and entreated him
- to be gone.
- </p>
- <p>
- “What do you mean,” said Roderigo, “do you think to terrify me by all
- these preparations? dost thou think to shelter thyself from my power and
- the king’s rage? Wretch! scoundrel that thou art! I will have thee hanged,
- cost what it may,” and at it they went, abusing each other, till at last
- Matteo thought it would be useless to lose any more time, and gave the
- signal by waving his hat. All those that had been ordered played up, and
- with an infernal noise approached the scaffold. Roderigo, at this horrid
- cry and noise, pricked up his ears, and remained stupified, not knowing
- what it could be, and asking Matteo what all that meant. Matteo, seeming
- quite alarmed, said, “Oh, Roderigo, <i>it is your wife, it is your wife</i>
- that is coming to you!” At the hearing of his wife’s name, no one would
- credit the agitation, fright, and terror it threw him into; and without
- considering the improbability of its being so, he was so thunderstruck
- that he instantly made off in a bustle, and left the lady <i>free</i>,
- preferring to go back to hell and give an account of his mission, to
- encountering the vexations, spite, troubles, hardships, and dangers to
- which the marriage yoke had subjected him. Thus Belphagor returned to the
- infernal regions, gave a true and circumstantial account of all the evils
- which a wife brings into a house, and Matteo, highly delighted at his
- exploit, and at having outwitted the devil, returned home in raptures.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE SLEEPING DRAUGHT
- </h2>
- <p>
- There was in Siena, not many years ago, a young man, the son of
- respectable parents, named Marriotto Mignelli, who fell violently in love
- with a young lady by name Gianozza, the daughter of one of the most
- respectable and worthy citizens, descended from the family of the
- Saraceni; in the course of time his assiduity and constancy were returned
- by the lady with equal ardour. They, for some time, remained satisfied
- with the joys of reciprocal protestations, and the sight of each other
- alone was a blessing beyond their most ardent wishes,—but this
- lasted but a short time; in what manner they should proceed to complete
- their views of happiness they could not devise, knowing the repulse they
- should meet from the parents of the lady. At last Gianozza, who was as
- prudent as she was handsome, resolved on secretly being married to him,
- and thus, should they be detected, to sanction their secret intrigue under
- the cloak of a marriage. In order to accomplish this object, they bribed
- an Augustin friar, by whose means they were united. Having, for a time,
- enjoyed the fruits of this sly, and partly unlawful marriage, it happened
- that fortune, contrary to their expectations, turned all their joys to
- bitter sorrow. Marriotto one day coming to high words with a respectable
- citizen, blows ensued, and Marriotto unfortunately struck the man a severe
- blow with his stick on the head, of which the unhappy man died a few days
- after: Marriotto, therefore, carefully concealed himself. As the sbirri,
- who were sent in quest of him, could not find him, he was outlawed by the
- magistrates, and condemned to die if found within their jurisdiction.
- </p>
- <p>
- What were the sorrows of the loving pair, may more easily be conceived
- than described; the bitter tears that were shed at their parting, under
- the impression they never should meet again, would have melted a heart of
- stone; and, in their last embrace, they both seemed expiring in each
- other’s arms. At length Marriotto tried to comfort his mournful bride, by
- intimating a hope that, by some fortunate event, he might return to his
- country. He, at last, determined not only to absent himself from Tuscany,
- but to fly from Italy altogether, and go over to Alexandria to an uncle,
- named Mignanelli, he had there, a great merchant. After settling with his
- wife on the best means of carrying on a correspondence between them, the
- unhappy couple parted in tears. The distracted Marriotto made his way to
- the nearest port, to set sail for Alexandria, after leaving a letter for
- his brother, to inform him of the whole secret. He most pressingly
- entreated him carefully to watch over the safety of his dear Gianozza, and
- to protect her. In due time he arrived at Alexandria, was kindly received
- by his uncle, and related his misfortunes to him; Mignanelli was much
- grieved, not so much at the murder of the man, as on account of the
- offence given to the relations of the lady by this secret union, and whose
- power was much to be dreaded; but thinking it was useless to reproach him
- for things past, they endeavoured to quiet each other’s minds. The uncle
- initiated him in trade, and having every month letters constantly from his
- beloved Gianozza, and now and then seeing his brother, he was
- comparatively happy. In the interim, the father of Gianozza being
- solicited and importuned by many to marry his daughter, she continually
- objected to one, then to another; being at last pressed by her father to
- choose a husband, and, in such a manner, that it would have been needless
- to resist, she became almost distracted; to tell the truth would have but
- added fuel to fire. In this dreadful situation, a thought struck her, not
- only dangerous and cruel, but, perhaps, never yet heard of. She told her
- father she was ready to obey his commands, and immediately went to the
- friar Augustin, who had favoured their scheme, and cautiously imparted to
- him her project, and entreated his assistance; upon which he assumed that
- modest caution and timidity natural to the cloth, and, by some, highly
- admired; and humm’d and hah’d, but the enchanting powers of a well lined
- purse soon emboldened him, and he manfully entered into the scheme. He
- hastened home and made up (for he was an adept in the science) a draught,
- that not only would send a person to sleep for three days, but would give
- the real appearance of a corpse; having made up this draught, he sent it
- to the lady, with proper directions. Gianozza wrote a letter to Marriotto,
- to inform him of every particular the friar had done by her express
- command; then swallowed the draught, which, in a short time, threw her
- into a stupor, and she fell as if dead amidst her women; their cries soon
- brought her father and all the family into the room; the distracted old
- man sent for medical assistance, but nothing could avail; she was to all
- appearance dead, and the doctors were of opinion it was from the gout that
- had seized the chest.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
- <img src="images/272m.jpg" alt="272m " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h4>
- <a href="images/272.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a>
- </h4>
- <p>
- The next day, and the succeeding one, she was carefully watched, to see if
- any signs of life appeared, but none being visible, to the great grief of
- her aged parent, and amidst the tears and lamentations of friends and
- relations, she was buried in the church of St. Augustin. About midnight
- the friar, assisted by one of his trusty brethren, took her out of the
- coffin into his room, and at the hour when the operation of the draught
- must be nearly over, they, by friction and other means, restored her to
- life. Being completely revived to sense and feeling in a few days, dressed
- in a friar’s garment, she set forth with the Augustin friar to port
- Pisano, where they found the galley Aquamorta, that was to touch at
- Alexandria in her voyage. Having taken their passage, they embarked
- forthwith, but as navigation is very precarious, and merchant vessels are
- often detained by landing, or freighting goods, contrary winds, and other
- casualties, they did not arrive till some months later than they expected.
- </p>
- <p>
- The unfortunate Marriotto had, however, received, by several merchants,
- letters from Gargano his brother, who anxious to keep up the
- correspondence he had promised, had written to him every particular of the
- melancholy event, adding, that the afflicted and broken-hearted old father
- had died with grief. On the other hand, the vessel by which Gianozza’s
- letter had been sent was carrying corn to Alexandria, and was taken by
- pirates. Having no other information than his brother’s, he concluded it
- was all as stated in his letters. Reader, if thou hast a heart, thou wilt
- easily picture to thyself the distraction of Marriotto; so overpowering
- were his sorrows, that he determined not to outlive his misfortune, and in
- spite of his uncle’s entreaties, he resolved to return to Siena, to
- conceal himself in disguise, and there, where he thought his dear Gianozza
- lay, to bathe her tomb with his tears, and die. He embarked in a Venetian
- galley that was sailing to Naples; being arrived there, he went by land
- into Tuscany, entered Siena unknown, in a pilgrim’s dress, and without
- going to any of his relations, went to the church of St. Augustin, where
- his beloved had been buried; there he wept and lamented, and would fain
- have buried himself with her in the tomb.
- </p>
- <p>
- The following evening he provided himself with an iron tool and wrench,
- and had nearly succeeded in opening the tomb, when the sexton, who was
- come to ring the bell for midnight prayers, hearing a noise, hastened to
- the place, and found the unfortunate Marriotto hard at his work; taking
- him to be a robber of the tombs, he halloed lustily, “<i>stop thief, stop
- thief!</i>” that all the fraternity were soon down into the church, some
- in their night-caps, others in their shirts; and although he was in
- tatters, he was immediately recognised to be Marriotto Mignelli. Here he
- was kept fast till the morning. It was soon divulged in Siena, and
- reaching the ears of the magistrates, they instantly sent the sbirri to
- seize him. They brought him before the judge, and he had scarcely felt the
- first torture, when he confessed, rather than endure more torments, the
- cause of his desperate resolution to return home. Although he was
- universally pitied, and more particularly by the fair sex, who looked upon
- him as a phenomenon of true love, and wept bitterly for his fate, yet the
- magistrate ordered that on the first execution day he should be hung.
- Thus, the interposition of his friends being unavailing, he submitted to
- his fate. After some months had elapsed, Gianozza, and her conductor
- arrived, after great sufferings, at Alexandria, enquired for Niccolo
- Mignanelli, and having found him made herself known to him, and told him
- all her misfortunes, and the purpose of her voyage. The good uncle was
- petrified with amazement, and grieved to the heart. After he had made her
- take her usual woman’s garments, and kindly treated the friar, he then
- related to the distressed Gianozza how Marriotto, led away by despair, had
- left him, and had gone back, without giving him the least intimation,
- fully determined to die, and how much he had grieved at his departure,
- knowing that such was his fixed resolve. Reader, you will surely conceive
- that this last misfortune outweighed every past suffering, and almost
- overwhelmed the unfortunate widow. After the bitterness of her sorrow was
- alleviated by scorching tears, Niccolo advised that they should both
- immediately take shipping, go to Siena, and find out Marriotto, dead or
- alive, and use every means to clear the honour of the lady. Having settled
- some little business, he made her take men’s clothes, embarked her, and
- after a prosperous voyage they arrived at Leghorn, and went from thence as
- speedily as they could to a little estate near Siena, which Niccolo
- possessed. Having enquired into many particulars, they were informed, to
- their very great grief, that Marriotto had three days before been
- executed. This fatal news was, indeed, a last stroke of cruel fortune.
- This was too much; tears could no longer flow; death and despair were
- indelibly traced in her countenance. Niccolo tried to comfort her, and at
- last determined, as secretly as possible, to place her in a convent,
- where, without making her known to the abbess, she might be taken care of.
- In this he succeeded; but intense grief, which totally deprived her of
- sleep and food, in a few days relieved her from all her sorrows, and she
- expired calling on her beloved Marriotto.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE COUNTERPARTS
- </h2>
- <p>
- Messer Basilio, of Milan, who had fixed his residence in Pisa, on his
- return from Paris, where he had pursued the study of physic, having
- accumulated, by industry and extraordinary skill, a good fortune, married
- a young woman of Pisa, of very slender fortune, and fatherless and
- motherless; by her he had three sons, and a daughter who in due time was
- married in Pisa; the eldest son was likewise married, the younger one was
- at school; the middle one, whose name was Lazarus, although great sums had
- been spent upon his education, made nothing of it; he was naturally idle
- and stupid, of a sour and melancholy disposition; a man of few words, and
- obstinate to such a degree, that if once he had said no to any thing,
- nothing upon earth could make him alter his mind. His father, finding him
- so extremely troublesome, determined to get rid of him, and sent him to a
- beautiful estate he had lately bought at a small distance from town.
- </p>
- <p>
- There he lived contented, more proud of the society of clowns and
- clodpoles, than the acquaintance of civilized people. While Lazarus was
- thus living quietly in his own way, there happened about ten years after a
- dreadful mortality in Pisa; people were seized with a violent fever, they
- then fell into a sleep suddenly, and died in that state. The disease was
- catching; Basilio, as well as other physicians, exerted their utmost
- skill, as well for their own interest as the general good; but ill fortune
- would have it that he caught the infection and died. The contagion was
- such that not one individual of the family escaped death, except an old
- woman servant. The raging disease having ceased at last, Lazarus was
- induced to return to Pisa, where he inherited the extensive estates and
- riches of his father. Many were the efforts made by the different families
- to induce him to marry their daughters, notwithstanding they were aware of
- his boorish disposition; but nothing would avail. He said he was resolved
- to wait four years before he would marry; so that his obstinate
- disposition being well known, they ceased their importunities. Lazarus,
- intent upon pleasing himself alone, would not associate with any living
- soul. There was, however, one poor man, named Gabriel, who lived in a
- small house opposite to him, with his wife Dame Santa. This poor fellow
- was an excellent fisherman and birdcatcher, made nets, &c. and what
- with that, and the assistance of his wife, who spun, he made shift to keep
- his family, consisting of two children, a boy of five, and a girl of three
- years old. Now it happened that this Gabriel was a perfect likeness of
- Lazarus; both were red haired, had the same length of beard, every
- feature, size, gait, and voice so perfectly alike, that one would have
- sworn they were twins; and had they both been dressed alike, certainly no
- one but would have mistaken the one for the other; the wife herself would
- have been deceived, but for the clothes—those of Lazarus being fine
- cloth, and her husband’s of coarse wool of a different colour. Lazarus,
- observing tins extraordinary resemblance, could not help fancying that
- there must be something in it, and began to familiarise himself with his
- society, sent his wife presents of eatables, wines, &c. and often
- invited Gabriel to dinner or supper with him, and conversed with him.
- Gabriel, though poor and untaught, was shrewd and sagacious, and knew well
- how to get on the blind side of any one; he so humoured him, that at last
- Lazarus could not rest an instant without his company. One day, after
- dinner, they entered into conversation on the subject of fishing, and the
- different modes of catching fish, and at last came to the fishing by
- diving with small nets fastened to the neck and arms; and Gabriel told him
- of the immense numbers of large fish which were caught in that manner,
- insomuch that Lazarus became very anxious to know how one could fish
- diving, and begged of him to let him see how he did it. Upon which Gabriel
- said he was very willing, and it being a hot summer’s day, they might
- easily take the sport, if he too were willing. Having risen from table,
- Gabriel marched out, fetched his nets, and away they went. They arrived on
- the borders of the Arno, in a shady place surrounded by elders; there he
- requested Lazarus to sit and look on. After stripping, and fastening the
- nets about him, he dived in the river, and being very expert at the sport,
- he soon rose again with eight or ten fish of terrible size in his nets.
- Lazarus could not think how it was possible to catch so many fish under
- water; it so astonished him, that he determined to try it himself. The day
- was broiling hot, and he thought it would cool him. By the assistance of
- Gabriel he undressed, and the latter conducted him in at a pleasant part
- of the shore, where the water was scarcely knee deep. There he left him
- with nets, giving him charge not to go farther than the stake which he
- pointed out to him. Lazarus, who had never before been in the water, was
- delighted at its coolness, and observing how often Gabriel rose up with
- nets full of fish, bethought himself one must see under as well as above
- water, otherwise it would be impossible to catch the fish in the dark,
- therefore, in order to ascertain the point, without thinking of
- consequences, he put his head under water, and dashed forward beyond the
- stake. Down he went like a piece of lead; not aware he should hold his
- breath, and knowing nothing of swimming, he struggled hard to raise
- himself above the surface. He was almost stifled with the water he had
- swallowed, and was carried away by the current so that he very shortly
- lost his senses. Gabriel, who was very busy catching a great deal of fish
- in a very good place, did not care to leave it; therefore, poor Lazarus,
- after rising half dead two or three times, sunk at last never to rise
- again. Gabriel, after he had got as much fish as he thought would do for
- him, joyfully turned round to show Lazarus his sport; he looked round and
- did not see him, he then sought him every where, but not finding him, he
- became quite alarmed, and terrified at the sight of the poor fellow’s
- clothes that were laid on the bank. He dived, and sought the body, and
- found it at last driven by the current on the beach; at the sight he
- almost lost his senses; he stood motionless, not knowing what to do, for
- he feared, that in relating the truth, people would think it was all a
- lie, and that he had drowned him, himself, in order to get his money.
- Driven thus almost to despair, a thought struck him, and he determined to
- put it in instant execution. There was no witness to the fact, for every
- one was asleep, it being the heat of the day; he, therefore, took the
- fish, and put them safe in a basket, and for that purpose, took the dead
- body on his shoulders, heavy as it was, laid him on some grass, put his
- own breeches on the dead limbs, untied the nets from his own arms, and
- tied them tight to the arms of the corpse. This done, he took hold of him,
- dived into the water, and tied him fast with the nets to the stake under
- water. He then came on shore, slipped on Lazarus’s shirt, and all his
- clothes, and even his fine shoes, and sat himself down on a bank,
- determining to try his luck first in saving himself from his perilous
- situation, and next to try whether he might not, from his extreme likeness
- to Lazarus, make his fortune and live at ease. Being a bold and sagacious
- fellow, he immediately undertook the daring and dangerous experiment, and
- began to cry out with all his might and main, “Oh! good people, help!
- help! run and help the poor fisherman, who is drowning.” He roared out so,
- that at last the miller, who lived not far off, came running with I know
- not how many of his men. Gabriel spoke with a gruff voice, the better to
- imitate that of Lazarus, and weepingly related that the fisherman, after
- diving and catching a good deal of fish, had gone again, and that as he
- had been above an hour under water, he was afraid he was drowned; they,
- enquiring what part of the river he had gone to, he shewed them the stake
- and place. The miller, who could swim very well, rushed in towards the
- stake, and found the corpse, but being unable to extricate it from the
- stake, rose up again and cried out, “Oh! yes he is dead sure enough, but I
- cannot get him up by myself,” upon which two others stripped, and got the
- body out, whose arms and limbs were lacerated by the nets, which (as they
- thought) had entangled him, and caused his death. The news being spread
- abroad, a priest came, the corpse was put in a coffin and carried to a
- small church, that it might be owned by the family of Gabriel. The
- dreadful news had already reached Pisa, and the unfortunate wife, with her
- weeping children, came to the church, and there beholding her beloved
- husband, as she thought, she hung over him, wept, sobbed, tore her hair,
- and became almost frantic, insomuch that the bystanders were moved to
- tears. Gabriel, who was a most loving husband and father, could scarce
- refrain from weeping, and seeing the extreme affliction of his wife, came
- forward, keeping Lazarus’s hat over his eyes, and his handkerchief to his
- face as it were to wipe away his tears, and approaching the widow, who
- took him, as well as others, for Lazarus, he said, in the hearing of all
- the people, “good woman, do not give, way to such sorrow, nor weep so, for
- I will, not forsake you; as it was to oblige me, and afford me pleasure,
- that he went a fishing to-day against his inclination, methinks it is
- partly to me he owed his death, therefore I will ever be a friend to thee
- and thine; all expenses shall be paid, therefore return home and be
- comforted, for while I live thou shalt never want, and should I die I will
- leave thee enough to make thee as comfortable as any of thy equals.” Thus
- he went on, weeping and sobbing, as if regretting the loss of Gabriel, and
- really agonized by the distress of his widow. He was inwardly praised by
- all present, who believed him to be Lazarus.
- </p>
- <p>
- The poor widow, after the funeral was performed, returned to Pisa, much
- comforted by the promises of him, whom she considered as her neighbour
- Lazarus. Gabriel, who had been long acquainted with the deceased’s ways,
- manners, and mode of living, entered Lazarus’s house, as if the master of
- it; without uttering a syllable, ascended into a very beautiful room that
- looked over a fine garden, pulled out of the dead man’s coat he had on a
- bunch of keys, and opened several chests, and finding some smaller keys,
- he opened several desks, bureaus, money chests, and found, independent of
- trunks filled with cloth, linen and jewels, which the old father, the
- physician, and brothers of the deceased had left, nearly to the value of
- two thousand gold florins, and four hundred of silver. He was in raptures
- all the night, and began to think of the best means to conceal himself
- from the servants, and appear as the real Lazarus. About the hour of
- supper he came out of his room, weeping; the servants, who had heard the
- dreadful situation of the Widow Santa, and that it was reported that their
- master had partly been the cause of the accident, were not much surprised
- at seeing him thus afflicted, thinking it was on account of Gabriel. He
- called the servant and desired him to take a couple of loaves, two bottles
- of wine, and half his supper to the Widow Santa, the which the poor widow
- scarcely touched. When the servant returned, Gabriel ordered supper but
- ate sparingly, the better to deceive the servants, as Lazarus was a very
- little eater; then left the room without saying a word, and shut himself
- up in his own room as the deceased used to do. The servants thought there
- was some alteration in his countenance and voice, but attributed it to the
- sorrowful event that had occurred. The widow, after having tasted of the
- supper, and considering the care that had been taken of her, and the
- promises made by Lazarus, began to take comfort, parted with her
- relations, who had come to condole with her, and retired to bed. Gabriel,
- full of thought, could not sleep a wink, and got up in the morning at
- Lazarus’s usual hour, and in all things imitated him. But being informed
- by the servants that Santa was always in grief, weeping and discomforted,
- and being a fond husband, and loving her tenderly, he was miserable upon
- hearing this, and determined to comfort her. Thus resolved, one day after
- dinner he went to her, and found a cousin of her’s with her. Having given
- her to understand he had some private business with her, the cousin
- knowing how much she was indebted to him, and her expectations, left the
- room, and departed, saying, he begged she would be advised by her worthy
- neighbour.
- </p>
- <p>
- As soon as he was gone, he shut the door, went into his room and motioned
- her to follow; she, struck with the singularity of the case, and fearing
- for her honor, did not know what to do, whether she should, or she should
- not follow; yet thinking of his kindness, and the hopes she had from his
- liberality, and taking her eldest son by the hand, she went into the room,
- where she found him lying on a little bed, on which her husband used to
- lie when tired; upon which she started and stopped. Gabriel, seeing her
- come with her son, smiled with pleasurable feelings at the purity of his
- wife’s conduct; one word that he uttered, which he was in the habit of
- using, staggered the poor Santa, so that she could not utter a syllable.
- Gabriel, pressing the poor boy to his breast, said, “thy mother weeps
- unaware of thy happy fate, her own, and her husband’s.” Yet not daring to
- trust himself before him, though but a child, he took him into the next
- room, gave him money to play with, and left him there. Returning to his
- wife, who had caught his words, and partly recognized him, he
- double-locked the door, and related to her every circumstance that had
- happened, and how he had managed every thing; she, delighted and convinced
- from the repetition of certain family secrets, known to themselves alone,
- embraced him, giving him as many kisses as she had bestowed tears for his
- death, for both were loving and tenderly attached. After reciprocal marks
- of each other’s affection, Gabriel said to her that she must be perfectly
- silent, and pointed out to her how happy their life would hereafter prove;
- he told her of the riches he had found, and what he intended to do, the
- which highly delighted her. In going out, Santa pretended to cry on
- opening the street door, and said aloud, that she might be heard by the
- neighbours, “I recommend these poor fatherless children to you, signor!”
- to which he answered, “fear not, good Mrs. Santa,” and walked away, full
- of thoughts on his future plans. When evening came on, observing the same
- uniform conduct of his predecessor, he went to bed, but could not sleep
- for thinking. No sooner did the dawn appear than he rose and went to the
- church of St. Catherine, where a devout and worthy pastor dwelt, and who
- was considered by all the Pisanians as a little saint: friar Angelico
- appearing, Gabriel told him he wanted to speak to him on particular
- business, and to have his advice upon a very important and singular case
- that had happened to him. The kind friar, although he did not know him,
- led him into his room. Gabriel, who well knew the whole genealogy of
- Lazarus, son of Basilio of Milan, related it fully to the friar, likewise
- the dreadful accident, adding, that he considered himself as a principal
- cause of it, making him believe it was he who induced the unfortunate man
- to go a fishing against his will; he represented the mischief which
- resulted from it to the widow and children of the deceased, and that he
- considered himself so much the cause of it, and felt such a weight on his
- conscience, that he had made up his mind, though Santa was of low
- condition, and poor, to take her for his wife, if she and her friends
- approved of it, and to take the children of the poor fisherman under his
- care as his own; bring them up with his own children, should he have any,
- and leave them co-heirs with them; this, he said, would reconcile him to
- himself and his Maker, and be approved by men. The holy man, seeing the
- worthy motives which actuated him, approved of his intention, and
- recommended as little delay as possible, since he would thereby meet with
- forgiveness. Gabriel, in order the more effectually to secure his ready
- cooperation, threw down thirty pieces of money, saying, that in the three
- succeeding Mondays he wished high mass to be sung for the soul of the
- deceased. At this tempting sight the friar, although a very saint, leaped
- with joy, took the cash, and said, “my son, the masses shall be sung next
- Monday; there is nothing more to attend to now but the marriage, a
- ceremony which I advise thee to hasten as much as thou canst; do not think
- of riches or noble birth; thou art, thank heaven, rich enough; and as to
- birth, we are all children of one father; true nobility consists in virtue
- and the fear of God, nor is the good woman deficient in either; I know her
- well, and most of her relations.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Oh, Father,” said Gabriel, “I am come to you for the very purpose,
- therefore, I pray you, put me quickly in the way to forward the business.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “When will you give her the ring?” said the holy man. “This very day,” he
- answered, “if she be inclined.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Well,” said the friar, “go thy ways, and leave all to me; go home, and
- stir not from thence—these blessed nuptials shall take place.”
- Gabriel thanked him, received his blessing, and went home. The holy father
- carefully put the cash in his desk, then went to an uncle of Dame Santa, a
- shoemaker by trade, and a cousin of hers, a barber, and related to them
- what had happened; after which they went together to Dame Santa, and used
- every possible argument to persuade her to consent to the match, the which
- she feigned great difficulty in consenting to, saying that it was merely
- for the advantage of her children that she submitted to such a thing. I
- will only add, that the very same morning, by the exertions of the friar,
- they were married a second time; great rejoicings took place, and Gabriel
- and his wife laughed heartily at the simplicity of the good friar, and the
- credulity of the relations and neighbours. They happily lived in peace and
- plenty, provided for and dismissed the old servants; were blessed with two
- more children, whom he named <i>Fortunatus</i>, and from whom afterward
- sprung some of the most renowned men, both in arms and letters.
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE END.
- </h3>
- <div style="height: 6em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tales Of Humour, Gallantry and Romance, by
-Anonymous
-
-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF HUMOUR, GALLANTRY ***
-
-***** This file should be named 44561-h.htm or 44561-h.zip *****
-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
- http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/5/6/44561/
-
-Produced by David Widger
-
-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
-will be renamed.
-
-Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
-one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
-(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
-permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules,
-set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
-copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
-protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project
-Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
-charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you
-do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
-rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
-such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
-research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
-practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is
-subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
-redistribution.
-
-
-
-*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
-
-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
-
-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
-Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
-Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
- www.gutenberg.org/license.
-
-
-Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works
-
-1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
-(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
-all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
-If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
-terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
-entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
-
-1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
-paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
-and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works. See paragraph 1.E below.
-
-1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation”
- or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the
-collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
-individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
-located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
-copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
-works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
-are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
-Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
-freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
-this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
-the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
-keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
-Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
-
-1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
-what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
-a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
-the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
-before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
-creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
-Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning
-the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
-States.
-
-1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
-
-1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
-access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
-whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
-phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project
-Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
-copied or distributed:
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
-
-1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
-from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
-posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
-and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
-or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
-with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the
-work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
-through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
-Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
-1.E.9.
-
-1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
-terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked
-to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
-permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
-
-1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
-
-1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm License.
-
-1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
-word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
-distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
-“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version
-posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
-you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
-copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
-request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other
-form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
-
-1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
-
-1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
-that
-
-- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
- the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
- you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is
- owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
- has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
- Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments
- must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
- prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
- returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
- sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
- address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to
- the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.”
-
-- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
- you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
- does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
- License. You must require such a user to return or
- destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
- and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
- Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
- money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
- electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
- of receipt of the work.
-
-- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
- distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
-forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
-both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
-Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the
-Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
-
-1.F.
-
-1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
-public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
-collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
-“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
-corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
-property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
-computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
-your equipment.
-
-1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right
-of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
-fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
-DAMAGE.
-
-1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
-written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
-your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
-the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
-refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
-providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
-receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
-is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
-opportunities to fix the problem.
-
-1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO OTHER
-WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
-WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
-
-1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
-If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
-law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
-interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
-the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
-provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
-
-1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
-with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
-promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
-harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
-that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
-or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
-work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
-Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
-
-
-Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
-including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
-because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
-people in all walks of life.
-
-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
-assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s
-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
-remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
-To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
-and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
-and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
-Foundation
-
-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
-Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification
-number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
-permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.
-
-The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
-Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
-throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809
-North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email
-contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
-Foundation’s web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
-
-For additional contact information:
- Dr. Gregory B. Newby
- Chief Executive and Director
- gbnewby@pglaf.org
-
-Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
-array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
-status with the IRS.
-
-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
-States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
-with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To
-SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
-particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
-approach us with offers to donate.
-
-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
-outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
-
-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
-methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
-To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-
-Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works.
-
-Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
-concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
-with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
-Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
-editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
-unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily
-keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
-
-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
-
- www.gutenberg.org
-
-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
- </body>
-</html>
|