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diff --git a/17702-h/17702-h.htm b/17702-h/17702-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..840af70 --- /dev/null +++ b/17702-h/17702-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6992 @@ +<?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> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Heptameron, Volume II. + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 2em; 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: 20%; margin-right: 20%; 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; } + pre { font-family: Times; font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tales Of The Heptameron, Vol. II. (of +V.), by Margaret, Queen Of Navarre + +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: The Tales Of The Heptameron, Vol. II. (of V.) + +Author: Margaret, Queen Of Navarre + +Illustrator: Freudenberg and Dunker + +Translator: George Saintsbury: From The Authentic Text +Of M. Le Roux De Lincy With An Essay Upon The Heptameron by the Translator + +Release Date: February 7, 2006 [EBook #17702] +Last Updated: September 9, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TALES OF THE HEPTAMERON *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="cover (92K)" src="images/cover.jpg" width="100%" /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="spines (63K)" src="images/spines.jpg" width="100%" /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE TALES OF<br /> THE HEPTAMERON<br /> <br /> OF<br /> <br /> Margaret, Queen + of Navarre + </h1> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <i>Newly Translated into English from the Authentic Text</i> <br /> <br /> + OF M. LE ROUX DE LINCY WITH <br /> <br /> AN ESSAY UPON THE HEPTAMERON <br /> + BY <br /> GEORGE SAINTSBURY, M.A. <br /> <br /> Also the Original + Seventy-three Full Page Engravings <br /> Designed by S. FREUDENBERG <br /> + <br /> And One Hundred and Fifty Head and Tail Pieces <br /> By DUNKER<br /> + <br /> <i>IN FIVE VOLUMES</i> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + VOLUME THE SECOND + </h2> + <h4> + LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY OF ENGLISH BIBLIOPHILISTS <br /> MDCCCXCIV + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17701/17701-h/17701-h.htm">Volume + I.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17703/17703-h/17703-h.htm">Volume + III.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17704/17704-h/17704-h.htm">Volume + IV.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17705/17705-h/17705-h.htm">Volume + V.</a> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="100%" alt="Frontispiece " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Margaret, Queen of Navarre, from a crayon drawing by Clouet, preserved at + the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="100%" alt="Titlepage " /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <i><b>FIRST DAY, Continued</b></i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <i>TALE VIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <i>TALE IX</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <i>TALE X</i>. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <b>SECOND DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PROL"> PROLOGUE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> <i>TALE XI.</i> (A). </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> <i>TALE XI.</i> (B). </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> <i>TALE XII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> <i>TALE XIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> <i>TALE XIV</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> <i>TALE XV</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> <i>TALE XVI</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> <i>TALE XVII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> <i>TALE XVIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> <b>APPENDIX.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> A. (Tale VIII., Page i.) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> B (Tale XL (B.), Page 95.) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> C. (Tale XII., Page 101.) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> D. (Tale XVI., Page 183.) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> E. (Tale XVII., Page 195.) </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + List of Illustrations + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Titlepage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> 001a.jpg Bornet’s Concern on Discovering That + his Wife Is Without Her Ring </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> 001.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> 012.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> 013a.jpg the Dying Gentleman Receiving The + Embraces Of His Sweetheart </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> 013.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> 024.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> 025a.jpg the Countess Asking an Explanation + from Amadour </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> 025.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> 083.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> 089.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0013"> 093.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0014"> 095a.jpg the Grey Friar Telling his Tales + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0015"> 095.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0016"> 100.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0017"> 101a.jpg the Gentleman Killing The Duke </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0018"> 101.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0019"> 117.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0020"> 119a.jpg the Sea-captain Talking to The Lady + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0021"> 119.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0022"> 140.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0023"> 141a.jpg Bonnivet and the Lady of Milan </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0024"> 141.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0025"> 155.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0026"> 157a.jpg the Lady Taking Oath As to Her + Conduct </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0027"> 157.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0028"> 182.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0029"> 183a.jpg the Gentleman Discovering The Trick + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0030"> 183.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0031"> 193.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0032"> 195a.jpg the King Showing his Sword </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0033"> 195.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0034"> 203.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0035"> 205a.jpg the Student Escaping The Temptation + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0036"> 205.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0037"> 216.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DETAILED CONTENTS OF VOLUME II. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + <i><b>FIRST DAY—Continued.</b></i> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0002">Tale + VIII.</a> The misadventure of Bornet, who, planning with a friend of + <br /> his that both should lie with a serving-woman, discovers too late + that <br /> they have had to do with his own wife. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0003">Tale IX.</a> The evil fortune of a gentleman of + Dauphiné, who dies of <br /> despair because he cannot marry a damsel + nobler and richer than himself. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0004">Tale + X.</a> The Spanish story of Florida, who, after withstanding the love + <br /> of a gentleman named Amadour for many years, eventually becomes a + nun. <br /><br /> <br /> <i><b>SECOND DAY</b></i>. <br /> Prologue <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007">Tale XI. (A).</a> Mishap of the Lady de Roncex + in the Grey Friars’ Convent <br /> at Thouars. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0008">Tale XI. (B)</a>. Facetious discourse of a Friar + of Touraine. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0009">Tale XII.</a> Story of + Alexander de’ Medici, Duke of Florence, whom his <br /> cousin, Lorenzino + de’ Medici, slew in order to save his sister’s honour. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0010">Tale XIII.</a> Praiseworthy artifice of a lady to + whom a sea Captain sent <br /> a letter and diamond ring, and who, by + forwarding them to the Captain’s <br /> wife as though they had been + intended for her, united husband and wife <br /> once more in all + affection. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0011">Tale XIV.</a> The Lord of + Bonnivet, after furthering the love entertained <br /> by an Italian + gentleman for a lady of Milan, finds means to take <br /> the other’s + place and so supplant him with the lady who had formerly <br /> rejected + himself. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0012">Tale XV.</a> The troubles + and evil fortune of a virtuous lady who, after <br /> being long + neglected by her husband, becomes the object of his jealousy. <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013">Tale XVI.</a> Story of a Milanese Countess, + who, after long rejecting the <br /> love of a French gentleman, rewards + him at last for his faithfulness, <br /> but not until she has put his + courage to the proof. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0014">Tale XVII.</a> + The noble manner in which King Francis the First shows Count <br /> + William of Furstemberg that he knows of the plans laid by him against + <br /> his life, and so compels him to do justice upon himself and to + leave <br /> France. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0015">Tale XVIII.</a> + A young gentleman scholar at last wins a lady’s love, after <br /> + enduring successfully two trials that she had made of him. <br /><br /> <b><a + href="#link2H_APPE">Appendix to Vol. II</a></b> <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/001a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="001a.jpg Bornet’s Concern on Discovering That his Wife Is Without Her Ring " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Bornet’s Concern on discovering that his Wife is without her Ring] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/001.jpg" width="100%" alt="001.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE VIII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A certain Bornet, less loyal to his wife than she to him, + desired to lie with his maidservant, and made his enterprise + known to a friend, who, hoping to share in the spoil, so + aided and abetted him, that whilst the husband thought to + lie with his servant he in truth lay with his wife. Unknown + to the latter, he then caused his friend to participate in + the pleasure which rightly belonged to himself alone, and + thus made himself a cuckold without there being any guilt on + the part of his wife.</i> (1) +</pre> + <p> + In the county of Alletz (2) there lived a man named Bornet, who being + married to an upright and virtuous wife, had great regard for her honour + and reputation, as I believe is the case with all the husbands here + present in respect to their own wives. But although he desired that she + should be true to him, he was not willing that the same law should apply + to both, for he fell in love with his maid-servant, from whom he had + nothing to gain save the pleasure afforded by a diversity of viands. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 For a list of tales similar to this one, see <i>post</i>, + Appendix A. + + 2 Alletz, now Alais, a town of Lower Languedoc (department + of the Gard), lies on the Gardon, at the foot of the + Cevennes mountains. It was formerly a county, the title + having been held by Charles, Duke of Angoulême, natural son + of Charles IX.—M. +</pre> + <p> + Now he had a neighbour of the same condition as his own, named Sandras, a + tabourer (3) and tailor by trade, and there was such friendship between + them that, excepting Bornet’s wife, they had all things in common. It thus + happened that Bornet told his friend of the enterprise he had in hand + against the maid-servant; and Sandras not only approved of it, but gave + all the assistance he could to further its accomplishment, hoping that he + himself might share in the spoil. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 Tabourers are still to be found in some towns of Lower + Languedoc and in most of those of Provence, where they + perambulate the streets playing their instruments. They are + in great request at all the country weddings and other + festive gatherings, as their instruments supply the + necessary accompaniment to the ancient Provençal dance, the + <i>farandole</i>.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The maid-servant, however, was loth to consent, and finding herself hard + pressed, she went to her mistress, told her of the matter, and begged + leave to go home to her kinsfolk, since she could no longer endure to live + in such torment. Her mistress, who had great love for her husband and had + often suspected him, was well pleased to have him thus at a disadvantage, + and to be able to show that she had doubted him justly. Accordingly, she + said to the servant— + </p> + <p> + “Remain, my girl, but lead my husband on by degrees, and at last make an + appointment to lie with him in my closet. Do not fail to tell me on what + night he is to come, and see that no one knows anything about it.” + </p> + <p> + The maid-servant did all that her mistress had commanded her, and her + master in great content went to tell the good news to his friend. The + latter then begged that, since he had been concerned in the business, he + might have part in the result. This was promised him, and, when the + appointed hour was come, the master went to lie, as he thought, with the + maid-servant; but his wife, yielding up the authority of commanding for + the pleasure of obeying, had put herself in the servant’s place, and she + received him, not in the manner of a wife, but after the fashion of a + frightened maid. This she did so well that her husband suspected nothing. + </p> + <p> + I cannot tell you which of the two was the better pleased, he at the + thought that he was deceiving his wife, or she at really deceiving her + husband. When he had remained with her, not as long as he wished, but + according to his powers, which were those of a man who had long been + married, he went out of doors, found his friend, who was much younger and + lustier than himself, and told him gleefully that he had never met with + better fortune. “You know what you promised me,” said his friend to him. + </p> + <p> + “Go quickly then,” replied the husband, “for she may get up, or my wife + have need of her.” + </p> + <p> + The friend went off and found the supposed maid-servant, who, thinking her + husband had returned, denied him nothing that he asked of her, or rather + took, for he durst not speak. He remained with her much longer than her + husband had done, whereat she was greatly astonished, for she had not been + wont to pass such nights. Nevertheless, she endured it all with patience, + comforting herself with the thought of what she would say to him on the + morrow, and of the ridicule that she would cast upon him. + </p> + <p> + Towards daybreak the man rose from beside her, and toying with her as he + was going away, snatched from her finger the ring with which her husband + had espoused her, and which the women of that part of the country guard + with great superstition. She who keeps it till her death is held in high + honour, while she who chances to lose it, is thought lightly of as a + person who has given her faith to some other than her husband. + </p> + <p> + The wife, however, was very glad to have it taken, thinking it would be a + sure proof of how she had deceived her husband. When the friend returned, + the husband asked him how he had fared. He replied that he was of the same + opinion as himself, and that he would have remained longer had he not + feared to be surprised by daybreak. Then they both went to the friend’s + house to take as long a rest as they could. In the morning, while they + were dressing, the husband perceived the ring that his friend had on his + finger, and saw that it was exactly like the one he had given to his wife + at their marriage. He thereupon asked his friend from whom he had received + the ring, and when he heard he had snatched it from the servant’s finger, + he was confounded and began to strike his head against the wall, saying—“Ah! + good Lord! have I made myself a cuckold without my wife knowing anything + about it?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said his friend in order to comfort him, “your wife gives her + ring into the maid’s keeping at night-time.” + </p> + <p> + The husband made no reply, but took himself home, where he found his wife + fairer, more gaily dressed, and merrier than usual, like one who rejoiced + at having saved her maid’s conscience, and tested her husband to the full, + at no greater cost than a night’s sleep. Seeing her so cheerful, the + husband said to himself— + </p> + <p> + “If she knew of my adventure she would not show me such a pleasant + countenance.” + </p> + <p> + Then, whilst speaking to her of various matters, he took her by the hand, + and on noticing that she no longer wore the ring, which she had never been + accustomed to remove from her finger, he was quite overcome. + </p> + <p> + “What have you done with your ring?” he asked her in a trembling voice. + </p> + <p> + She, well pleased that he gave her an opportunity to say what she desired, + replied— + </p> + <p> + “O wickedest of men! From whom do you imagine you took it? You thought it + was from my maid-servant, for love of whom you expended more than twice as + much of your substance as you ever did for me. The first time you came to + bed I thought you as much in love as it was possible to be; but after you + had gone out and were come back again, you seemed to be a very devil. + Wretch! think how blind you must have been to bestow such praises on my + person and lustiness, which you have long enjoyed without holding them in + any great esteem. ‘Twas, therefore, not the maid-servant’s beauty that + made the pleasure so delightful to you, but the grievous sin of lust which + so consumes your heart and so clouds your reason that in the frenzy of + your love for the servant you would, I believe, have taken a she-goat in a + nightcap for a comely girl! Now, husband, it is time to amend your life, + and, knowing me to be your wife, and an honest woman, to be as content + with me as you were when you took me for a pitiful strumpet. What I did + was to turn you from your evil ways, so that in your old age we might live + together in true love and repose of conscience. If you purpose to continue + your past life, I had rather be severed from you than daily see before my + eyes the ruin of your soul, body, and estate. But if you will acknowledge + the evil of your ways, and resolve to live in fear of God and obedience to + His commandments, I will forget all your past sins, as I trust God will + forget my ingratitude in not loving Him as I ought to do.” + </p> + <p> + If ever man was reduced to despair it was this unhappy husband. Not only + had he abandoned this sensible, fair, and chaste wife for a woman who did + not love him, but, worse than this, he had without her knowledge made her + a strumpet by causing another man to participate in the leasure which + should have been for himself alone; and thus he had made himself horns of + everlasting derision. However, seeing his wife in such wrath by reason of + the love he had borne his maid-servant, he took care not to tell her of + the evil trick that he had played her; and entreating her forgiveness, + with promises of full amendment of his former evil life, he gave her back + the ring which he had recovered from his friend. He entreated the latter + not to reveal his shame; but, as what is whispered in the ear is always + proclaimed from the housetop, the truth, after a time, became known, and + men called him cuckold without imputing any shame to his wife. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me, ladies, that if all those who have committed like + offences against their wives were to be punished in the same way, Hircan + and Saffredent would have great cause for fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Longarine,” said Saffredent, “are none in the company married save + Hircan and I?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed there are others,” she replied, “but none who would play a + similar trick.” + </p> + <p> + “Whence did you learn,” asked Saffredent, “that we ever solicited our + wives’ maid-servants?” + </p> + <p> + “If the ladies who are in question,” said Longarine, “were willing to + speak the truth, we should certainly hear of maid-servants dismissed + without notice.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Geburon, “you are a most worthy lady! You promised to make + the company laugh, and yet are angering these two poor gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “Tis all one,” said Longarine: “so long as they do not draw their swords, + their anger will only serve to increase our laughter.” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty business indeed!” said Hircan. “Why, if our wives chose to + believe this lady, she would embroil the seemliest household in the + company.” + </p> + <p> + “I am well aware before whom I speak,” said Longarine. “Your wives are so + sensible and bear you so much love, that if you were to give them horns as + big as those of a deer, they would nevertheless try to persuade themselves + and every one else that they were chaplets of roses.” + </p> + <p> + At this the company, and even those concerned, laughed so heartily that + their talk came to an end. However, Dagoucin, who had not yet uttered a + word, could not help saying— + </p> + <p> + “Men are very unreasonable when, having enough to content themselves with + at home, they go in search of something else. I have often seen people + who, not content with sufficiency, have aimed at bettering themselves, and + have fallen into a worse position than they were in before. Such persons + receive no pity, for fickleness is always blamed.” + </p> + <p> + “But what say you to those who have not found their other half?” asked + Simontault. “Do you call it fickleness to seek it wherever it may be + found?” + </p> + <p> + “Since it is impossible,” said Dagoucin, “for a man to know the + whereabouts of that other half with whom there would be such perfect union + that one would not differ from the other, he should remain steadfast + wherever love has attached him. And whatsoever may happen, he should + change neither in heart nor in desire. If she whom you love be the image + of yourself, and there be but one will between you, it is yourself you + love, and not her.” + </p> + <p> + “Dagoucin,” said Hircan, “you are falling into error. You speak as though + we should love women without being loved in return.” + </p> + <p> + “Hircan,” replied Dagoucin, “I hold that if our love be based on the + beauty, grace, love, and favour of a woman, and our purpose be pleasure, + honour, or profit, such love cannot long endure; for when the foundation + on which it rests is gone, the love itself departs from us. But I am + firmly of opinion that he who loves with no other end or desire than to + love well, will sooner yield up his soul in death than suffer his great + love to leave his heart.” + </p> + <p> + “In faith,” said Simontault, “I do not believe that you have ever been in + love. If you had felt the flame like other men, you would not now be + picturing to us Plato’s <i>Republic</i>, which may be described in writing + but not be put into practice.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I have been in love,” said Dagoucin, “and am so still, and shall + continue so as long as I live. But I am in such fear lest the + manifestation of this love should impair its perfection, that I shrink + from declaring it even to her from whom I would fain have the like + affection. I dare not even think of it lest my eyes should reveal it, for + the more I keep my flame secret and hidden, the more does my pleasure + increase at knowing that my love is perfect.” + </p> + <p> + “For all that,” said Geburon, “I believe that you would willingly have + love in return.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not deny it,” said Dagoucin, “but even were I beloved as much as I + love, my love would not be increased any more than it could be lessened, + were it not returned with equal warmth.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this Parlamente, who suspected this fantasy of Dagoucin’s, said— + </p> + <p> + “Take care, Dagoucin; I have known others besides you who preferred to die + rather than speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Such persons, madam;” said Dagoucin, “I deem very happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless,” said Saffredent, “and worthy of a place among the innocents + of whom the Church sings: + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Non loquendo sed moriendo confessi sunt</i>.’ (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 From the ritual for the Feast of the Holy Innocents.—M. +</pre> + <p> + I have heard much of such timid lovers, but I have never yet seen one die. + And since I myself have escaped death after all the troubles I have borne, + I do not think that any one can die of love.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Saffredent!” said Dagoucin, “how do you expect to be loved since + those who are of your opinion never die? Yet have I known a goodly number + who have died of no other ailment than perfect love.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you know such stories,” said Longarine, “I give you my vote to tell + us a pleasant one, which shall be the ninth of to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “To the end,” said Dagoucin, “that signs and miracles may lead you to put + faith in what I have said, I will relate to you something which happened + less than three years ago.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/012.jpg" width="100%" alt="012.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/013a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="013a.jpg the Dying Gentleman Receiving The Embraces Of His Sweetheart " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Dying Gentleman receiving the Embraces of his Sweetheart] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/013.jpg" width="100%" alt="013.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE IX</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>The perfect love borne by a gentleman to a damsel, being too deeply + concealed and disregarded, brought about his death, to the great regret of + his sweetheart</i>. + </p> + <p> + Between Dauphiné and Provence there lived a gentleman who was far richer + in virtue, comeliness, and honour than in other possessions, and who was + greatly in love with a certain damsel. I will not mention her name, out of + consideration for her kinsfolk, who are of good and illustrious descent; + but you may rest assured that my story is a true one. As he was not of + such noble birth as herself, he durst not reveal his affection, for the + love he bore her was so great and perfect that he would rather have died + than have desired aught to her dishonour. Seeing that he was so greatly + beneath her, he had no hope of marrying her; in his love, therefore, his + only purpose was to love her with all his strength and as perfectly as he + was able. This he did for so long a time that at last she had some + knowledge of it; and, seeing that the love he bore her was so full of + virtue and of good intent, she felt honoured by it, and showed him in turn + so much favour that he, who sought nothing better than this, was well + contented. + </p> + <p> + But malice, which is the enemy of all peace, could not suffer this + honourable and happy life to last, and certain persons spoke to the + maiden’s mother of their amazement at this gentleman being thought so much + of in her house. They said that they suspected him of coming there more on + account of her daughter than of aught else, adding that he had often been + seen in converse with her. The mother, who doubted the gentleman’s honour + as little as that of any of her own children, was much distressed on + hearing that his presence was taken in bad part, and, dreading lest + malicious tongues should cause a scandal, she entreated that he would not + for some time frequent her house as he had been wont to do. He found this + hard to bear, for he knew that his honourable conversation with her + daughter did not deserve such estrangement. Nevertheless, in order to + silence evil gossip, he withdrew until the rumours had ceased; then he + returned as before, his absence having in no wise lessened his love. + </p> + <p> + One day, however, whilst he was in the house, he heard some talk of + marrying the damsel to a gentleman who did not seem to him to be so very + rich that he should be entitled to take his mistress from him. So he began + to pluck up courage, and engaged his friends to speak for him, believing + that, if the choice were left to the damsel, she would prefer him to his + rival. Nevertheless, the mother and kinsfolk chose the other suitor, + because he was much richer; whereupon the poor gentleman, knowing his + sweetheart to be as little pleased as himself, gave way to such sorrow, + that by degrees, and without any other distemper, he became greatly + changed, seeming as though he had covered the comeliness of his face with + the mask of that death, to which hour by hour he was joyously hastening. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, he could not refrain from going as often as was possible to + converse with her whom he so greatly loved. But at last, when strength + failed him, he was constrained to keep his bed; yet he would not have his + sweetheart know of this, lest he should cast part of his grief on her. And + giving himself up to despair and sadness, he was no longer able to eat, + drink, sleep, or rest, so that it became impossible to recognise him by + reason of his leanness and strangely altered features. + </p> + <p> + Some one brought the news of this to his sweetheart’s mother, who was a + lady full of charity, and who had, moreover, such a liking for the + gentleman, that if all the kinsfolk had been of the same opinion as + herself and her daughter, his merits would have been preferred to the + possessions of the other. But the kinsfolk on the father’s side would not + hear of it. However, the lady went with her daughter to see the unhappy + gentleman, and found him more dead than alive. Perceiving that the end of + his life was at hand, he had that morning confessed and received the Holy + Sacrament, thinking to die without seeing anybody more. But although he + was at death’s door, when he saw her who for him was the resurrection and + the life come in, he felt so strengthened that he started up in bed. + </p> + <p> + “What motive,” said he to the lady, “has inclined you to come and see one + who already has a foot in the grave, and of whose death you are yourself + the cause?” + </p> + <p> + “How is it possible,” said the lady, “that the death of one whom we like + so well can be brought about by our fault? Tell me, I pray, why you speak + in this manner?” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” he replied, “I concealed my love for your daughter as long as I + was able; and my kinsfolk, in speaking of a marriage between myself and + her, made known more than I desired, since I have thereby had the + misfortune to lose all hope; not, indeed, in regard to my own pleasure, + but because I know that she will never have such fair treatment and so + much love from any other as she would have had from me. Her loss of the + best and most loving friend she has in the world causes me more affliction + than the loss of my own life, which I desired to preserve for her sake + only. But since it cannot in any wise be of service to her, the loss of it + is to me great gain.” + </p> + <p> + Hearing these words, the lady and her daughter sought to comfort him. + </p> + <p> + “Take courage, my friend,” said the mother. “I pledge you my word that, if + God gives you back your health, my daughter shall have no other husband + but you. See, she is here present, and I charge her to promise you the + same.” + </p> + <p> + The daughter, weeping, strove to assure him of what her mother promised. + He well knew, however, that even if his health were restored he would + still lose his sweetheart, and that these fair words were only uttered in + order somewhat to revive him. Accordingly, he told them that had they + spoken to him thus three months before, he would have been the lustiest + and happiest gentleman in France; but that their aid came so late, it + could bring him neither belief nor hope. Then, seeing that they strove to + make him believe them, he said— + </p> + <p> + “Well, since, on account of my feeble state, you promise me a blessing + which, even though you would yourselves have it so, can never be mine, I + will entreat of you a much smaller one, for which, however, I was never + yet bold enough to ask.” + </p> + <p> + They immediately vowed that they would grant it, and bade him ask boldly. + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you,” he said, “to place in my arms her whom you promise me for + my wife, and to bid her embrace and kiss me.” + </p> + <p> + The daughter, who was unaccustomed to such familiarity, sought to make + some difficulty, but her mother straightly commanded her, seeing that the + gentleman no longer had the feelings or vigour of a living man. Being thus + commanded, the girl went up to the poor sufferer’s bedside, saying— + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, sweetheart, be of good cheer.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as well as he could, the dying man stretched forth his arms, wherein + flesh and blood alike were lacking, and with all the strength remaining in + his bones embraced her who was the cause of his death. And kissing her + with his pale cold lips, he held her thus as long as he was able. Then he + said to her— + </p> + <p> + “The love I have borne you has been so great and honourable, that, + excepting in marriage, I have never desired of you any other favour than + the one you are granting me now, for lack of which and with which I shall + cheerfully yield up my spirit to God. He is perfect love and charity. He + knows the greatness of my love and the purity of my desire, and I beseech + Him, while I hold my desire within my arms, to receive my spirit into His + own.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he again took her in his arms, and with such exceeding + ardour that his enfeebled heart, unable to endure the effort, was deprived + of all its faculties and life; for joy caused it so to swell that the soul + was severed from its abode and took flight to its Creator. + </p> + <p> + And even when the poor body had lain a long time without life, and was + thus unable to retain its hold, the love which the damsel had always + concealed was made manifest in such a fashion that her mother and the dead + man’s servants had much ado to separate her from her lover. However, the + girl, who, though living, was in a worse condition than if she had been + dead, was by force removed at last out of the gentleman’s arms. To him + they gave honourable burial; and the crowning point of the ceremony was + the weeping and lamentation of the unhappy damsel, who having concealed + her love during his lifetime, made it all the more manifest after his + death, as though she wished to atone for the wrong that she had done him. + And I have heard that although she was given a husband to comfort her, she + has never since had joy in her heart. (1) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 By an expression made use of by Dagoucin (see <i>ante</i>), + Queen Margaret gives us to understand that the incidents + here related occurred three years prior to the writing of + the story. It may be pointed out, however, that there is + considerable analogy between the conclusion of this tale and + the death of Geffroy Rudel de Blaye, one of the earliest + troubadours whose name has been handed down to us. Geffroy, + who lived at the close of the twelfth century, became so + madly enamoured of the charms of the Countess of Tripoli, + after merely hearing an account of her moral and physical + perfections, that, although in failing health, he embarked + for Africa to see her. On reaching the port of Tripoli, he + no longer had sufficient strength to leave the vessel, + whereupon the Countess, touched by his love, visited him on + board, taking his hand and giving him a kindly greeting. + Geffroy could scarcely say a few words of thanks; his + emotion was so acute that he died upon the spot. See J. de + Nostredame’s <i>Vies des plus Célèbres et Anciens Poëtes + Provençaux</i>(Lyons, 1575, p. 25); Raynouard’s <i>Choix des + Poésies des Troubadours</i> (vol. v. p. 165); and also + Raynouard’s <i>Histoire Littéraire de la France</i> (vol. xiv. p. + 559).—L. +</pre> + <p> + “What think you of that, gentlemen, you who would not believe what I said? + Is not this example sufficient to make you confess that perfect love, when + concealed and disregarded, may bring folks to the grave? There is not one + among you but knows the kinsfolk on the one and the other side, (2) and so + you cannot doubt the story, although nobody would be disposed to believe + it unless he had some experience in the matter.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 This certainly points to the conclusion that the tale is + founded upon fact, and not, as M. Leroux de Lincy suggests, + borrowed from the story of Geffroy Rudel de Blaye. It will + have been observed (<i>ante</i>) that the Queen of Navarre + curiously enough lays the scene of her narrative between + Provence and Dauphiné. These two provinces bordered upon one + another, excepting upon one point where they were separated + by the so-called Comtat Venaissin or Papal state of Avignon. + Here, therefore, the incidents of the story, if authentic, + would probably have occurred. The story may be compared with + Tale L. (<i>post</i>).—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + When the ladies heard this they all had tears in their eyes, but Hircan + said to them— + </p> + <p> + “He was the greatest fool I ever heard of. By your faith, now, I ask you, + is it reasonable that we should die for women who are made only for us, or + that we should be afraid to ask them for what God has commanded them to + give us? I do not speak for myself nor for any who are married. I myself + have all that I want or more; but I say it for such men as are in need. To + my thinking, they must be fools to fear those whom they should rather make + afraid. Do you not perceive how greatly this poor damsel regretted her + folly? Since she embraced the gentleman’s dead body—an action + repugnant to human nature—she would not have refused him while he + was alive had he then trusted as much to boldness as he trusted to pity + when he lay upon his death-bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Oisille, “the gentleman most plainly showed that he + bore her an honourable love, and for this he will ever be worthy of all + praise. Chastity in a lover’s heart is something divine rather than + human.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Saffredent, “in support of Hircan’s opinion, which is also + mine, I pray you believe that Fortune favours the bold, and that there is + no man loved by a lady but may at last, in whole or in part, obtain from + her what he desires, provided he seek it with wisdom and passion. But + ignorance and foolish fear cause men to lose many a good chance; and then + they impute their loss to their mistress’s virtue, which they have never + verified with so much as the tip of the finger. A fortress was never well + assailed but it was taken.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Parlamente, “I am amazed that you two should dare to talk in + this way. Those whom you have loved owe you but little thanks, or else + your courting has been carried on in such evil places that you deem all + women to be alike.” + </p> + <p> + “For myself, madam,” said Saffredent, “I have been so unfortunate that I + am unable to boast; but I impute my bad luck less to the virtue of the + ladies than to my own fault, in not conducting my enterprises with + sufficient prudence and sagacity. In support of my opinion I will cite no + other authority than the old woman in the <i>Romance of the Rose</i>, who + says— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Of all, fair sirs, it truly may be said, + Woman for man and man for woman’s made.’ (3) + + 3 From John de Mehun’s continuation of the poem.—M. 2 +</pre> + <p> + Accordingly I shall always believe that if love once enters a woman’s + heart, her lover will have fair fortune, provided he be not a simpleton.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Parlamente, “if I were to name to you a very loving woman who + was greatly sought after, beset and importuned, and who, like a virtuous + lady, proved victorious over her heart, flesh, love and lover, would you + believe this true thing possible?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, “I would.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Parlamente, “you must all be hard of belief if you do not + believe this story.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Dagoucin, “since I have given an example to show how the + love of a virtuous gentleman lasted even until death, I pray you, if you + know any such story to the honour of a lady, to tell it to us, and so end + this day. And be not afraid to speak at length, for there is yet time to + relate many a pleasant matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, since I am to wind up the day,” said Parlamente, “I will make no + long preamble, for my story is so beautiful and true that I long to have + you know it as well as I do myself. Although I was not an actual witness + of the events, they were told to me by one of my best and dearest friends + in praise of the man whom of all the world he had loved the most. But he + charged me, should I ever chance to relate them, to change the names of + the persons. Apart, therefore, from the names of persons and places the + story is wholly true.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/024.jpg" width="100%" alt="024.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/025a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="025a.jpg the Countess Asking an Explanation from Amadour " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Countess asking an Explanation from Amadour] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/025.jpg" width="100%" alt="025.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE X</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>Florida, after virtuously resisting Amadour, who had assailed her + honour almost to the last extremity, repaired, upon her husbands death, to + the convent of Jesus, and there took the veil</i>. (1) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This tale appears to be a combination of fact and fiction. + Although Queen Margaret states that she has changed the + names of the persons, and also of the places where the + incidents happened, several historical events are certainly + brought into the narrative, the scene of which is laid in + Spain during the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella. M. Le Roux + de Lincy is of opinion, however, that Margaret really refers + to some affair at the Court of Charles VIII. or Louis XII., + and he remarks that there is great similarity between the + position of the Countess of Aranda, left a widow at an early + age with a son and a daughter, and that of Louise of Savoy + with her two children. M. Lacroix and M. Dillaye believe the + hero and heroine to be Admiral de Bonnivet and Margaret. It + has often been suspected that the latter regarded her + brother’s favourite with affection until after the attempt + related in Tale IV.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In the county of Aranda, (2) in Aragon, there lived a lady who, while + still very young, was left a widow, with a son and a daughter, by the + Count of Aranda, the name of the daughter being Florida. This lady strove + to bring up her children in all the virtues and qualities which beseem + lords and gentlemen, so that her house was reputed to be one of the most + honourable in all the Spains. She often went to Toledo, where the King of + Spain dwelt, and when she came to Saragossa, which was not far from her + house, she would remain a long while with the Queen and the Court, by whom + she was held in as high esteem as any lady could be. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Aranda, in the valley of the Duero, between Burgos + and Madrid, is one of the most ancient towns in Spain, but of + miserable aspect, although a large trade is carried on there + in cheap red wines. (Ferdinand and Isabella resided for some + time at Aranda.—Ed.) +</pre> + <p> + Going one day, according to her custom, to visit the King, then at his + castle of La Jasserye, (3) at Saragossa, this lady passed through a + village belonging to the Viceroy of Catalonia, (4) who, by reason of the + great wars between the kings of France and Spain, had not been wont to + stir from the frontier at Perpignan. But for the time being there was + peace, so that the Viceroy and all his captains had come to do homage to + the King. The Viceroy, learning that the Countess of Aranda was passing + through his domain, went to meet her, not only for the sake of the ancient + friendship he bore her, but in order to do her honour as a kinswoman of + the King’s. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This castle is called La Jafferie in Boaistuau’s edition + of 1558, and several learned commentators have speculated as + to which is the correct spelling. Not one of them seems to + have been aware that in the immediate vicinity of Saragossa + there still stands an old castle called El Jaferia or + Aljaferia, which, after being the residence of the Moorish + sovereigns, became that of the Spanish kings of Aragon. It + has of modern times been transformed into barracks.—Ed. + + 4 Henry of Aragon, Duke of Segorbe and Count of Ribagorce, + was Viceroy of Catalonia at this period. He was called the + Infante of Fortune, on account of his father having died + before his birth in 1445.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + Now he had in his train many honourable gentlemen, who, in the long waging + of war, had gained such great honour and renown that all who saw them and + consorted with them deemed themselves fortunate. Among others there was + one named Amadour, who, although but eighteen or nineteen years old, was + possessed of such well-assured grace and of such excellent understanding + that he would have been chosen from a thousand to hold a public office. It + is true that this excellence of understanding was accompanied by such rare + and winsome beauty that none could look at him without pleasure. And if + his comeliness was of the choicest, it was so hard pressed by his speech + that one knew not whether to give the greatest honour to his grace, his + beauty, or the excellence of his conversation. + </p> + <p> + What caused him, however, to be still more highly esteemed was his great + daring, which was no whit diminished by his youth. He had already shown in + many places what he could do, so that not only the Spains, but France and + Italy also made great account of his merits. For in all the wars in which + he had taken part he had never spared himself, and when his country was at + peace he would go in quest of wars in foreign lands, where he was loved + and honoured by both friend and foe. + </p> + <p> + This gentleman, for the love he bore his commander, had come to the domain + where the Countess of Aranda had arrived, and remarking the beauty and + grace of her daughter Florida, who was then only twelve years old, he + thought to himself that she was the fairest maiden he had ever seen, and + that if he could win her favour it would give him greater satisfaction + than all the wealth and pleasure he might obtain from another. After + looking at her for a long time he resolved to love her, although his + reason told him that what he desired was impossible by reason of her + lineage as well as of her age, which was such that she could not yet + understand any amorous discourse. In spite of this, he fortified himself + with hope, and reflected that time and patience might bring his efforts to + a happy issue. And from that moment the kindly love, which of itself alone + had entered Amadour’s heart, assured him of all favour and the means of + attaining his end. + </p> + <p> + To overcome the greatest difficulty before him, which consisted in the + remoteness of his own home and the few opportunities he would have of + seeing Florida again, he resolved to get married. This was contrary to + what he had determined whilst with the ladies of Barcelona and Perpignan, + in which places he was in such favour that little or nothing was refused + him; and, indeed, by reason of the wars, he had dwelt so long on the + frontiers that, although he was born near Toledo, he seemed rather a + Catalan than a Castillan. He came of a rich and honourable house, but + being a younger son, he was without patrimony; and thus it was that Love + and Fortune, seeing him neglected by his kin, determined to make him their + masterpiece, endowing him with such qualities as might obtain what the + laws of the land had refused him. He was of much experience in the art of + war, and was so beloved by all lords and princes that he refused their + favours more frequently than he had occasion to seek them. + </p> + <p> + The Countess, of whom I have spoken, arrived then at Saragossa and was + well received by the King and all his Court. The Governor of Catalonia + often came to visit her, and Amadour failed not to accompany him that he + might have the pleasure of merely seeing Florida, for he had no + opportunity of speaking with her. In order to establish himself in this + goodly company he paid his addresses to the daughter of an old knight, his + neighbour. This maiden was named Avanturada, and was so intimate with + Florida that she knew all the secrets of her heart. Amadour, as much for + the worth which he found in Avanturada as for the three thousand ducats a + year which formed her dowry, determined to address her as a suitor, and + she willingly gave ear to him. But as he was poor and her father was rich, + she feared that the latter would never consent to the marriage except at + the instance of the Countess of Aranda. She therefore had recourse to the + lady Florida and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “You have seen, madam, that Castilian gentleman who often talks to me. I + believe that all his aim is to have me in marriage. You know, however, + what kind of father I have; he will never consent to the match unless he + be earnestly entreated by the Countess and you.” + </p> + <p> + Florida, who loved the damsel as herself, assured her that she would lay + the matter to heart as though it were for her own benefit; and Avanturada + then ventured so far as to present Amadour to her. He was like to swoon + for joy on kissing Florida’s hand, and although he was accounted the + readiest speaker in Spain, yet in her presence he became dumb. At this she + was greatly surprised, for, although she was only twelve years old, she + had already often heard it said that there was no man in Spain who could + speak better or with more grace. So, finding that he said nothing to her, + she herself spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Senor Amadour,” she began, “the renown you enjoy throughout all the + Spains has made you known to everybody here, and all are desirous of + affording you pleasure. If therefore I can in any way do this, you may + dispose of me.” + </p> + <p> + Amadour was in such rapture at sight of the lady’s beauty that he could + scarcely utter his thanks. However, although Florida was astonished to + find that he made no further reply, she imputed it rather to some whim + than to the power of love; and so she withdrew, without saying anything + more. + </p> + <p> + Amadour, who perceived the qualities which even in earliest youth were + beginning to show themselves in Florida, now said to her whom he desired + to marry— + </p> + <p> + “Do not be surprised if I lost the power of utterance in presence of the + lady Florida. I was so astonished at finding such qualities and such + sensible speech in one so very young that I knew not what to say to her. + But I pray you, Avanturada, you who know her secrets, tell me if she does + not of necessity possess the hearts of all the gentlemen of the Court. Any + who know her and do not love her must be stones or brutes.” + </p> + <p> + Avanturada, who already loved Amadour more than any other man in the + world, could conceal nothing from him, but told him that Florida was loved + by every one. However, by reason of the custom of the country, few spoke + to her, and only two had as yet made any show of love towards her. These + were two princes of Spain, and they desired to marry her, one being the + son of the Infante of Fortune (5) and the other the young Duke of Cardona. + (6) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 M. Lacroix asserts that the Infante of Fortune left no son + by his wife, Guyomare de Castro y Norogna; whereas M. Le + Roux de Lincy contends that he had a son—Alfonso of Aragon— + who in 1506 was proposed as a husband for Crazy Jane. + Alfonso would therefore probably be the prince referred to + by Margaret.—Ed. + + 6 Cardona, a fortified town on the river Cardoner, at a few + miles from Barcelona, was a county in the time of Ferdinand + and Isabella, and was raised by them to the rank of a duchy + in favour of Ramon Folch I. To-day it has between two and + three thousand inhabitants, and is chiefly noted for its + strongly built castillo. The young Duke spoken of by Queen + Margaret would be Ramon Folch’s son, who was also named + Ramon.—B. J. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I pray you,” said Amadour, “tell me which of them you think she loves the + most.” + </p> + <p> + “She is so discreet,” said Avanturada, “that on no account would she + confess to having any wish but her mother’s. Nevertheless, as far as can + be judged, she likes the son of the Infante of Fortune far more than she + likes the young Duke of Cardona. But her mother would rather have her at + Cardona, for then she would not be so far away. I hold you for a man of + good understanding, and, if you are so minded, you may judge of her choice + this very day, for the son of the Infante of Fortune, who is one of the + handsomest and most accomplished princes in Christendom, is being brought + up at this Court. If we damsels could decide the marriage by our opinions, + he would be sure of having the Lady Florida, for they would make the + comeliest couple in all Spain. You must know that, although they are both + young, she being but twelve and he but fifteen, it is now three years + since their love for each other first began; and if you would secure her + favour, I advise you to become his friend and follower.” + </p> + <p> + Amadour was well pleased to find that Florida loved something, hoping that + in time he might gain the place not of husband but of lover. He had no + fear in regard to her virtue, but was rather afraid lest she should be + insensible to love. After this conversation he began to consort with the + son of the Infante of Fortune, and readily gained his favour, being well + skilled in all the pastimes that the young Prince was fond of, especially + in the handling of horses, in the practice of all kinds of weapons, and + indeed in every diversion and pastime befitting a young man. + </p> + <p> + However, war broke out again in Languedoc, and it was necessary that + Amadour should return thither with the Governor. This he did, but not + without great regret, since he could in no wise contrive to return to + where he might see Florida. Accordingly, when he was setting forth, he + spoke to a brother of his, who was majordomo to the Queen of Spain, and + told him of the good match he had found in the Countess of Aranda’s house, + in the person of Avanturada; entreating him, in his absence, to do all + that he could to bring about the marriage, by employing his credit with + the King, the Queen, and all his friends. The majordomo, who was attached + to his brother, not only by reason of their kinship, but on account of + Amadour’s excellent qualities, promised to do his best. This he did in + such wise that the avaricious old father forgot his own nature to ponder + over the qualities of Amadour, as pictured to him by the Countess of + Aranda, and especially by the fair Florida, as well as by the young Count + of Aranda, who was now beginning to grow up, and to esteem people of + merit. When the marriage had been agreed upon by the kinsfolk, the Queen’s + majordomo sent for his brother, there being at that time a truce between + the two kings. (7) + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the King of Spain withdrew to Madrid to avoid the bad air which + prevailed in divers places, and, by the advice of his Council, as well as + at the request of the Countess of Aranda, he consented to the marriage of + the young Count with the heiress Duchess of Medina Celi. (8) He did this + no less for their contentment and the union of the two houses than for the + affection he bore the Countess of Aranda; and he caused the marriage to be + celebrated at the castle of Madrid. (9) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 There had been a truce in 1497, but Queen Margaret + probably alludes to that of four months’ duration towards + the close of 1503.—B.J. + + 8 Felix-Maria, widow of the Duke of Feria, and elder sister + of Luis Francisco de la Cerda, ninth of the name. She became + heiress to the titles and estates of the house of Medina- + Celi upon her brother’s death. If, however, Queen Margaret + is really describing some incident in her own life, she must + refer to Louis XII.‘s daughter, Claude, married in 1514 to + Francis I.—D. + + 9 The castle here referred to was the Moorish Alcazar, + destroyed by fire in 1734. The previous statement that King + Ferdinand withdrew to Madrid on account of the bad air + prevailing in other places is borne out by the fact that the + town enjoyed a most delightful climate prior to the + destruction of the forests which surrounded it.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Amadour was present at this wedding, and succeeded so well in furthering + his own union, that he married Avanturada, whose affection for him was far + greater than his was for her. But this marriage furnished him with a very + convenient cloak, and gave him an excuse for resorting to the place where + his spirit ever dwelt. After he was married he became very bold and + familiar in the Countess of Aranda’s household, so that he was no more + distrusted than if he had been a woman. And although he was now only + twenty-two years of age, he showed such good sense that the Countess of + Aranda informed him of all her affairs, and bade her son consult with him + and follow his counsel. + </p> + <p> + Having gained their esteem thus far, Amadour comported himself so + prudently and calmly that even the lady he loved was not aware of his + affection for her. By reason, however, of the love she bore his wife, to + whom she was more attached than to any other woman, she concealed none of + her thoughts from him, and was pleased to tell him of all her love for the + son of the Infante of Fortune. Although Amadour’s sole aim was to win her + entirely for himself, he continually spoke to her of the Prince; indeed, + he cared not what might be the subject of their converse, provided only + that he could talk to her for a long time. However, he had not remained a + month in this society after his marriage when he was constrained to return + to the war, and he was absent for more than two years without returning to + see his wife, who continued to live in the place where she had been + brought up. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Amadour often wrote to her, but his letters were for the most + part messages to Florida, who on her side never failed to return them, and + would with her own hand add some pleasant words to the letters which + Avanturada wrote. It was on this account that the husband of the latter + wrote to her very frequently; yet of all this Florida knew nothing except + that she loved Amadour as if he had been her brother. Several times during + the course of five years did Amadour return and go away again; yet so + short was his stay that he did not see Florida for two months altogether. + Nevertheless, in spite of distance and length of absence, his love + continued to increase. + </p> + <p> + At last it happened that he made a journey to see his wife, and found the + Countess far removed from the Court, for the King of Spain was gone into + Andalusia, (10) taking with him the young Count of Aranda, who was already + beginning to bear arms. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 10 There had been a revolt at Granada in 1499, and in the + following year the Moors rose in the Alpujarras, whereupon + King Ferdinand marched against them in person.—L. +</pre> + <p> + Thus the Countess had withdrawn to a country-house belonging to her on the + frontiers of Aragon and Navarre. She was well pleased on seeing Amadour, + who had now been away for nearly three years. He was made welcome by all, + and the Countess commanded that he should be treated like her own son. + Whilst he was with her she informed him of all the affairs of her + household, leaving most of them to his judgment. And so much credit did he + win in her house that wherever he visited all doors were opened to him, + and, indeed, people held his prudence in such high esteem that he was + trusted in all things as though he had been an angel or a saint. + </p> + <p> + Florida, by reason of the love she bore his wife and himself, sought him + out wherever he went. She had no suspicion of his purpose, and was + unrestrained in her manners, for her heart was free from love, save that + she felt great contentment whenever she was near Amadour. To more than + this she gave not a thought. + </p> + <p> + Amadour, however, had a hard task to escape the observation of those who + knew by experience how to distinguish a lover’s looks from another man’s; + for when Florida, thinking no evil, came and spoke familiarly to him, the + fire that was hidden in his heart so consumed him that he could not keep + the colour from rising to his face or sparks of flame from darting from + his eyes. Thus, in order that none might be any the wiser, he began to pay + court to a very beautiful lady named Paulina, a woman so famed for beauty + in her day that few men who saw her escaped from her toils. + </p> + <p> + This Paulina had heard how Amadour had made love at Barcelona and + Perpignan, insomuch that he had gained the affection of the highest and + most beautiful ladies in the land, especially that of a certain Countess + of Palamos, who was esteemed the first for beauty among all the ladies of + Spain; and she told him that she greatly pitied him, since, after so much + good fortune, he had married such an ugly wife. Amadour, who well + understood by these words that she had a mind to supply his need, made her + the fairest speeches he could devise, seeking to conceal the truth by + persuading her of a falsehood. But she, being subtle and experienced in + love, was not to be put off with mere words; and feeling sure that his + heart was not to be satisfied with such love as she could give him, she + suspected he wished to make her serve as a cloak, and so kept close watch + upon his eyes. These, however, knew so well how to dissemble, that she had + nothing to guide her but the barest suspicion. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, her observation sorely troubled Amadour; for Florida, who + was ignorant of all these wiles, often spoke to him before Paulina in such + a familiar fashion that he had to make wondrous efforts to compel his eyes + to belie his heart. To avoid unpleasant consequences, he one day, while + leaning against a window, spoke thus to Florida— + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, sweetheart, counsel me whether it is better for a man to + speak or die?” + </p> + <p> + Florida forthwith replied— + </p> + <p> + “I shall always counsel my friends to speak and not to die. There are few + words that cannot be mended, but life once lost can never be regained.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you promise me, then,” said Amadour, “that you will not be + displeased by what I wish to tell you, nor yet alarmed at it, until you + have heard me to the end?” + </p> + <p> + “Say what you will,” she replied; “if you alarm me, none can reassure me.” + </p> + <p> + “For two reasons,” he then began, “I have hitherto been unwilling to tell + you of the great affection that I feel for you. First, I wished to prove + it to you by long service, and secondly, I feared that you might deem it + presumption in me, who am but a simple gentleman, to address myself to one + upon whom it is not fitting that I should look. And even though I were of + royal station like your own, your heart, in its loyalty, would suffer none + save the son of the Infante of Fortune, who has won it, to speak to you of + love. But just as in a great war necessity compels men to devastate their + own possessions and to destroy their corn in the blade, that the enemy may + derive no profit therefrom, so do I risk anticipating the fruit which I + had hoped to gather in season, lest your enemies and mine profit by it to + your detriment. Know, then, that from your earliest youth I have devoted + myself to your service and have ever striven to win your favour. For this + purpose alone I married her whom I thought you loved best, and, being + acquainted with the love you bear to the son of the Infante of Fortune, I + have striven to serve him and consort with him, as you yourself know. I + have sought with all my power for everything that I thought could give you + pleasure. You see that I have won the esteem of your mother, the Countess, + and of your brother, the Count, and of all you love, so that I am regarded + here, not as a dependant, but as one of the family. All my efforts for + five years past have had no other end than that I might spend my whole + life near you. + </p> + <p> + “Understand that I am not one of those who would by these means seek to + obtain from you any favour or pleasure otherwise than virtuous. I know + that I cannot marry you, and even if I could, I would not do so in face of + the love you bear him whom I would fain see your husband. And as for + loving you with a vicious love like those who hope that long service will + bring them a reward to the dishonour of a lady, that is far from my + purpose. I would rather see you dead than know that you were less worthy + of being loved, or that your virtue had diminished for the sake of any + pleasure to me. For the end and reward of my service I ask but one thing, + namely, that you will be so faithful a mistress to me, as never to take + your favour from me, and that you will suffer me to continue as I now am, + trusting in me more than in any other, and accepting from me the assurance + that if for your honour’s sake, or for aught concerning you, you ever have + need of a gentleman’s life, I will gladly place mine at your disposal. You + may be sure also that whatever I may do that is honourable and virtuous, + will be done solely for love of you. If for the sake of ladies less worthy + than you I have ever done anything that has been considered of account, be + sure that, for a mistress like yourself, my enterprise will so increase, + that things I heretofore found impossible will become very easy to me. If, + however, you will not accept me as wholly yours, I am resolved to lay + aside my arms and to renounce the valour which has failed to help me in my + need. So I pray you grant me my just request, for your honour and + conscience cannot refuse it.” + </p> + <p> + The maiden, hearing these unwonted words, began to change colour and to + cast down her eyes like a woman in alarm. However, being sensible and + discreet, she replied— + </p> + <p> + “Since you already have what you ask of me, Amadour, why make me such a + long harangue? I fear me lest beneath your honourable words there be some + hidden guile to deceive my ignorance and youth, and I am sorely perplexed + what to reply. Were I to refuse the honourable love you offer, I should do + contrary to what I have hitherto done, for I have always trusted you more + than any other man in the world. Neither my conscience nor my honour + oppose your request, nor yet the love I bear the son of the Infante of + Fortune, for that is founded on marriage, to which you do not aspire. I + know of nothing that should hinder me from answering you according to your + desire, if it be not a fear arising from the small need you have for + talking to me in this wise; for if what you ask is already yours, why + speak of it so ardently?” + </p> + <p> + Amadour, who was at no loss for an answer, then said to her— + </p> + <p> + “Madam, you speak very discreetly, and you honour me so greatly by the + trust which you say you have in me, that if I were not satisfied with such + good fortune I should be quite unworthy of it. But consider, madam, that + he who would build an edifice to last for ever must be careful to have a + sure and stable foundation. In the same way I, wishing to continue for + ever in your service, must not only take care to have the means of + remaining near to you, but also to prevent any one from knowing of the + great affection that I bear you. Although it is honourable enough to be + everywhere proclaimed, yet those who know nothing of lovers’ hearts often + judge contrary to the truth, and thence come reports as mischievous as + though they were true. I have been prompted to say this, and led to + declare my love to you, because Paulina, feeling in her heart that I + cannot love her, holds me in suspicion and does nought but watch my face + wherever I may be. Hence, when you come and speak to me so familiarly in + her presence, I am in great fear lest I should make some sign on which she + may ground her judgment, and should so fall into that which I am anxious + to avoid. For this reason I am lead to entreat you not to come and speak + to me so suddenly before her or before others whom you know to be equally + malicious, for I would rather die than have any living creature know the + truth. Were I not so regardful of your honour, I should not have sought + this converse with you, for I hold myself sufficiently happy in the love + and trust you bear me, and I ask nothing more save that they may + continue.” + </p> + <p> + Florida, who could not have been better pleased, began to be sensible of + an unwonted feeling in her heart. She saw how honourable were the reasons + which he laid before her; and she told him that virtue and honour replied + for her, and that she granted him his request. Amadour’s joy at this no + true lover can doubt. + </p> + <p> + Florida, however, gave more heed to his counsel than he desired, for she + became timid not only in presence of Paulina but elsewhere, and ceased to + seek him out as she had been accustomed to do. While they were thus + separated she took Amadour’s constant converse with Paulina in bad part, + for, seeing that the latter was beautiful, she could not believe that + Amadour did not love her. To beguile her sorrow she conversed continually + with Avanturada, who was beginning to feel very jealous of her husband and + Paulina, and often complained of them to Florida, who comforted her as + well as she could, being herself smitten with the same disease. Amadour + soon perceived the change in Florida’s demeanour, and forthwith thought + that she was keeping aloof from him not merely by his own advice, but also + on account of some bitter fancies of her own. + </p> + <p> + One day, when they were coming from vespers at a monastery, he spoke to + her, and asked— + </p> + <p> + “What countenance is this you show me, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “That which I believe you desire,” replied Florida. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, suspecting the truth, and desiring to know whether he was + right, he said to her— + </p> + <p> + “I have used my time so well, madam, that Paulina no longer has any + suspicion of you.” + </p> + <p> + “You could not do better,” she replied, “both for yourself and for me. + While giving pleasure to yourself you bring me honour.” + </p> + <p> + Amadour gathered from this speech that she believed he took pleasure in + conversing with Paulina, and so great was his despair that he could not + refrain from saying angrily to her— + </p> + <p> + “In truth, madam, you begin betimes to torment your lover and pelt him + with hard words. I do not think I ever had a more irksome task than to be + obliged to hold converse with a lady I do not love. But since you take + what I have done to serve you in bad part, I will never speak to her + again, happen what may. And that I may hide my wrath as I have hidden my + joy, I will betake me to some place in the neighbourhood, and there wait + till your caprice has passed away. I hope, however, I shall there receive + tidings from my captain and be called back to the war, where I will remain + long enough to show you that nothing but yourself has kept me here.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he forthwith departed without waiting for her reply. + </p> + <p> + Florida felt the greatest vexation and sorrow imaginable; and love, + meeting with opposition, began to put forth its mighty strength. She + perceived that she had been in the wrong, and wrote continually to Amadour + entreating him to return, which he did after a few days, when his anger + had abated. + </p> + <p> + I cannot undertake to tell you minutely all that they said to each other + in order to destroy this jealousy. But at all events he won the victory, + and she promised him that not only would she never believe he loved + Paulina, but that she would ever be convinced he found it an intolerable + martyrdom to speak either to Paulina or to any one else except to do + herself a service. + </p> + <p> + When love had conquered this first suspicion, and while the two lovers + were beginning to take fresh pleasure in conversing together, news came + that the King of Spain was sending all his army to Salces. (11) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 11 Salces, a village about fifteen miles north of Perpignan, + noted for its formidable fortress, still existing and + commanding a pass through the Corbière Mountains, which in + the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries separated France from + Roussillon, then belonging to Spain. The French burnt the + village and demolished the fort of Salces in 1496, but the + latter was rebuilt by the Spaniards in the most massive + style. The walls of the fort are 66 feet thick at the base + and 54 feet thick at the summit. When Queen Margaret + returned from Spain in 152,5 she reached France by the pass + of Salces. (See vol. i. p. xlvi.).—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Amadour, accustomed ever to be the first in battle, failed not to seize + this opportunity of winning renown; but in truth he set forth with + unwonted regret, both on account of the pleasure he was losing and because + he feared that he might find a change on his return. He knew that Florida, + who was now fifteen or sixteen years old, was sought in marriage by many + great princes and lords, and he reflected that if she were married during + his absence he might have no further opportunity of seeing her, unless, + indeed, the Countess of Aranda gave her his wife, Avanturada, as a + companion. However, by skilful management with his friends, he obtained a + promise from both mother and daughter that wherever Florida might go after + her marriage thither should his wife, Avanturada, accompany her. Although + it was proposed to marry Florida in Portugal, it was nevertheless resolved + that Avanturada should never leave her. With this assurance, yet not + without unspeakable regret, Amadour went away and left his wife with the + Countess. + </p> + <p> + When Florida found herself alone after his departure, she set about doing + such good and virtuous works as she hoped might win her the reputation + that belongs to the most perfect women, and might prove her to be worthy + of such a lover as Amadour. He having arrived at Barcelona, was there + welcomed by the ladies as of old; but they found a greater change in him + than they believed it possible for marriage to effect in any man. He + seemed to be vexed by the sight of things he had formerly desired; and + even the Countess of Palamos, whom he had loved exceedingly, could not + persuade him to visit her. + </p> + <p> + Amadour remained at Barcelona as short a time as possible, for he was + impatient to reach Salces, where he alone was now awaited. When he + arrived, there began between the two kings that great and cruel war which + I do not purpose to describe. (12) Neither will I recount the noble deeds + that were done by Amadour, for then my story would take up an entire day; + but you must know that he won renown far above all his comrades. The Duke + of Najera (13) having arrived at Perpignan in command of two thousand men, + requested Amadour to be his lieutenant, and so well did Amadour fulfil his + duty with this band, that in every skirmish the only cry was “Najera!” + (14) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 12 In 1503 the French, under Marshals de Rieux and de Gié, + again besieged Salces, which had a garrison of 1200 men. The + latter opposed a vigorous defence during two months, and + upon the arrival of the old Duke of Alba with an army of + succour the siege had to be raised.—B. J. + + 13 Pedro Manriquez de Lara, Count of Trevigno, created Duke + of Najera by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1501.—B. J. + + 14 The Duke’s war-cry, repeated by his followers as a + rallying signal in the <i>mêlée</i>. War-cries varied greatly. + “Montjoie St. Denis” was that of the kings of France, and + “Passavant le meilleur” (the best to the front) that of the + Counts of Champagne. In other instances the war-cry + consisted of a single word, “Bigorre” being that of the + kings of Navarre, and “Flanders” that of the Princess of + Beaujeu. When the war-cry was merely a name, as in the case + of the Duke of Najera, it belonged to the head of the + family.—D. +</pre> + <p> + Now it came to pass that the King of Tunis, who for a long time had been + at war with the Spaniards, heard that the kings of France and Spain were + warring with each other on the frontiers of Perpignan and Narbonne, and + bethought himself that he could have no better opportunity of vexing the + King of Spain. Accordingly, he sent a great number of light galleys and + other vessels to plunder and destroy all such badly-guarded places as they + could find on the coasts of Spain. (15)The people of Barcelona seeing a + great fleet passing in front of their town, sent word of the matter to the + Viceroy, who was at Salces, and he forthwith despatched the Duke of Najera + to Palamos. (16) When the Moors saw that place so well guarded, they made + a feint of passing on; but returning at midnight, they landed a large + number of men, and the Duke of Najera, being surprised by the enemy, was + taken prisoner. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 15 The above two sentences, deficient in the MS. followed by + M. Le Roux de Lincy, have been borrowed from MS. No. 1520 + (Bib. Nat.). It was in 1503 that a Moorish flotilla ravaged + the coast of Catalonia.—Ed. + + 16 The village of Palamos, on the shores of the + Mediterranean, south of Cape Bagur, and within fifteen miles + from Gerona.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Amadour, who was on the alert and heard the din, forthwith assembled as + many of his men as possible, and defended himself so stoutly that the + enemy, in spite of their numbers, were for a long time unable to prevail + against him. But at last, hearing that the Duke of Najera was taken, and + that the Turks had resolved to set fire to Palamos and burn him in the + house which he was holding against them, he thought it better to yield + than to cause the destruction of the brave men who were with him. He also + hoped that by paying a ransom he might yet see Florida again. Accordingly, + he gave himself up to a Turk named Dorlin, a governor of the King of + Tunis, who brought him to his master. By the latter he was well received + and still better guarded; for the King deemed that in him he held the + Achilles of all the Spains. + </p> + <p> + Thus Amadour continued for two years in the service of the King of Tunis. + The news of the captures having reached Spain, the kinsfolk of the Duke of + Najera were in great sorrow; but those who held the country’s honour dear + deemed Amadour the greater loss. The rumour came to the house of the + Countess of Aranda, where the hapless Avanturada at that time lay + grievously sick. The Countess, who had great misgivings as to the + affection which Amadour bore to her daughter, though she suffered it and + concealed it for the sake of the merits she perceived in him, took Florida + apart and told her the mournful tidings. Florida, who was well able to + dissemble, replied that it was a great loss to the entire household, and + that above all she pitied his poor wife, who was herself so ill. + Nevertheless, seeing that her mother wept exceedingly, she shed a few + tears to bear her company; for she feared that if she dissembled too far + the feint might be discovered. From that time the Countess often spoke to + her of Amadour, but never could she surprise a look to guide her judgment. + </p> + <p> + I will pass over the pilgrimages, prayers, supplications, and fasts which + Florida regularly performed to ensure the safety of Amadour. As soon as he + had arrived at Tunis, he failed not to send tidings of himself to his + friends, and by a trusty messenger he apprised Florida that he was in good + health, and had hopes of seeing her again. This was the only consolation + the poor lady had in her grief, and you may be sure that, since she was + permitted to write, she did so with all diligence, so that Amadour had no + lack of her letters to comfort him. + </p> + <p> + The Countess of Aranda was about this time commanded to repair to + Saragossa, where the King had arrived; and here she found the young Duke + of Cardona, who so pressed the King and Queen that they begged the + Countess to give him their daughter in marriage. (17) The Countess + consented, for she was unwilling to disobey them in anything, and moreover + she considered that her daughter, being so young, could have no will of + her own. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 17 The Spanish historians state that in 1513 the King, to + put an end to a quarrel between the Count of Aranda and the + Count of Ribagorce, charged Father John of Estuniga, + Provincial of the Order of St. Francis, to negotiate a + reconciliation between them, based on the marriage of the + eldest daughter of the Count of Aranda with the eldest son + of the Count of Ribagorce. The latter refusing his consent, + was banished from the kingdom.—D. +</pre> + <p> + When all was settled, she told Florida that she had chosen for her the + match which seemed most suitable. Florida, knowing that when a thing is + once done there is small room for counsel, replied that God was to be + praised for all things; and, finding her mother look coldly upon her, she + sought rather to obey her than to take pity on herself. It scarcely + comforted her in her sorrows to learn that the son of the Infante of + Fortune was sick even to death; but never, either in presence of her + mother or of any one else, did she show any sign of grief. So strongly did + she constrain herself, that her tears, driven perforce back into her + heart, caused so great a loss of blood from the nose that her life was + endangered; and, that she might be restored to health, she was given in + marriage to one whom she would willingly have exchanged for death. + </p> + <p> + After the marriage Florida departed with her husband to the duchy of + Cardona, taking with her Avanturada, whom she privately acquainted with + her sorrow, both as regards her mother’s harshness and her own regret at + having lost the son of the Infante of Fortune; but she never spoke of her + regret for Amadour except to console his wife. + </p> + <p> + This young lady then resolved to keep God and honour before her eyes. So + well did she conceal her grief, that none of her friends perceived that + her husband was displeasing to her. + </p> + <p> + In this way she spent a long time, living a life that was worse than + death, as she failed not to inform her lover Amadour, who, knowing the + virtue and greatness of her heart, as well as the love that she had borne + to the son of the Infante of Fortune, thought it impossible that she could + live long, and mourned for her as for one that was more than dead. This + sorrow was an increase to his former grief, and forgetting his own + distress in that which he knew his sweetheart was enduring, he would + willingly have continued all his life the slave he was if Florida could + thereby have had a husband after her own heart. He learnt from a friend + whom he had gained at the Court of Tunis that the King, wishing to keep + him if only he could make a good Turk of him, intended to give him his + choice between impalement and the renunciation of his faith. Thereupon he + so addressed himself to his master, the governor who had taken him + prisoner, that he persuaded him to release him on parole. His master + named, however, a much higher ransom than he thought could be raised by a + man of such little wealth, and then, without speaking to the King, he let + him go. + </p> + <p> + When Amadour reached the Court of the King of Spain, he stayed there but a + short time, and then, in order to seek his ransom among his friends, he + repaired to Barcelona, whither the young Duke of Cardona, his mother, and + Florida had gone on business. As soon as Avanturada heard that her husband + was returned, she told the news to Florida, who rejoiced as though for + love of her friend. Fearing, however, that her joy at seeing Amadour might + make her change her countenance, and that those who did not know her might + think wrongly of her, she remained at a window in order to see him coming + from afar. As soon as she perceived him she went down by a dark staircase, + so that none could see whether she changed colour, and embracing Amadour, + led him to her room, and thence to her mother-in-law, who had never seen + him. He had not been there for two days before he was loved as much as he + had been in the household of the Countess of Aranda. + </p> + <p> + I leave you to imagine the conversation that he and Florida had together, + and how she complained to him of the misfortunes that had come to her in + his absence. After shedding many tears of sorrow, both for having been + married against her will and also for having lost one she loved so dearly + without any hope of seeing him again, she resolved to take consolation + from the love and trust she had towards Amadour. Though she durst not + declare the truth, he suspected it, and lost neither time nor opportunity + to show her how much he loved her. + </p> + <p> + Just when Florida was all but persuaded to receive him, not as a lover, + but as a true and perfect friend, a misfortune came to pass, for the King + summoned Amadour to him concerning some important matter. + </p> + <p> + His wife was so grieved on hearing these tidings that she swooned, and + falling down a staircase on which she was standing, was so hurt that she + never rose again. Florida having by this death lost all her consolation, + mourned like one who felt herself bereft of friends and kin. But Amadour + grieved still more; for on the one part he lost one of the best wives that + ever lived, and on the other the means of ever seeing Florida again. This + caused him such sorrow that he was near coming by a sudden death. The old + Duchess of Cardona visited him incessantly, reciting the arguments of + philosophers why he should endure his loss with patience. But all was of + no avail; for if on the one hand his wife’s death afflicted him, on the + other his love increased his martyrdom. Having no longer any excuse to + stay when his wife was buried, and his master again summoned him, his + despair was such that he was like to lose his reason. + </p> + <p> + Florida, who thinking to comfort him, was herself the cause of his + greatest grief, spent a whole afternoon in the most gracious converse with + him in order to lessen his sorrow, and assured him that she would find + means to see him oftener than he thought. Then, as he was to depart on the + following morning, and was so weak that he could scarcely stir from his + bed, he prayed her to come and see him in the evening after every one else + had left him. This she promised to do, not knowing that love in extremity + is void of reason. + </p> + <p> + Amadour altogether despaired of ever again seeing her whom he had loved so + long, and from whom he had received no other treatment than I have + described. Racked by secret passion and by despair at losing all means of + consorting with her, he resolved to play at double or quits, and either + lose her altogether or else wholly win her, and so pay himself in an hour + the reward which he thought he had deserved. Accordingly he had his bed + curtained in such a manner that those who came into the room could not see + him; and he complained so much more than he had done previously that all + the people of the house thought he had not twenty-four hours to live. + </p> + <p> + After every one else had visited him, Florida, at the request of her + husband himself, came in the evening, hoping to comfort him by declaring + her affection and by telling him that, so far as honour allowed, she was + willing to love him. She sat down on a chair beside the head of his bed, + and began her consolation by weeping with him. Amadour, seeing her filled + with such sorrow, thought that in her distress he might the more readily + achieve his purpose, and raised himself up in the bed. Florida, thinking + that he was too weak to do this, sought to prevent him, but he threw + himself on his knees before her saying, “Must I lose sight of you for + ever?” Then he fell into her arms like one exhausted. The hapless Florida + embraced him and supported him for a long time, doing all she could to + comfort him. But what she offered him to cure his pain only increased it; + and while feigning to be half dead, he, without saying a word, strove to + obtain that which the honour of ladies forbids. + </p> + <p> + When Florida perceived his evil purpose, in which she could hardly believe + after all his honourable conversation, she asked him what he sought to do. + Amadour, fearing her reply, which he knew could not be otherwise than + chaste and virtuous, said nothing, but pursued his attempt with all the + strength that he could muster. Florida, greatly astonished, suspected + rather that he had lost his senses than that he was really bent upon her + dishonour, and called out to a gentleman whom she knew to be in the room; + whereupon Amadour in extreme despair flung himself back upon his bed so + suddenly that the gentleman thought him dead. + </p> + <p> + Florida, who had risen from her chair, then said to the gentleman— + </p> + <p> + “Go quickly for some strong vinegar.” + </p> + <p> + This the gentleman did, whereupon Florida said— + </p> + <p> + “What madness, Amadour, has mounted to your brain? What was it you thought + and wished to do?” + </p> + <p> + Amadour, who had lost all reason in the vehemence of his love, replied— + </p> + <p> + “Does so long a service merit so cruel a reward?” + </p> + <p> + “And what of the honour of which you have so often preached to me?” said + Florida. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! madam,” said Amadour, “it would be impossible to hold your honour + more dear than I have held it. Before you were married, I was able so to + subdue my heart that you knew nothing of my desires, but now that you are + wedded and your honour may be shielded, do I wrong you in asking for what + is mine? By the strength of my love I have won you. He who first possessed + your heart had so little desire for your person that he deserved to lose + both. He who now owns your person is not worthy to have your heart, and + hence even your person does not properly belong to him. But for five or + six years I have for your sake borne many pains and woes, which must show + you that your body and heart belong to me alone. Think not to defend + yourself by speaking of conscience, for when love constrains body and + heart sin is never imputed. Those who are driven by frenzy so far as to + slay themselves cannot sin, for passion leaves no room for reason; and if + the passion of love be more intolerable than any other, and more blinding + to the senses, what sin could you fasten upon one who yields to the + conduct of such indomitable power? I am going away, and have no hope of + ever seeing you again; but if before my departure I could have of you that + assurance which the greatness of my love deserves, I should be + strengthened sufficiently to endure in patience the sorrows of a long + separation. If you will not grant me my request you will ere long learn + that your harshness has brought me to a miserable and a cruel death.” (18) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 18 The passage commencing “Those who are driven” and ending + “a cruel death” is deficient in the earlier editions of the + <i>Heptameron</i>, which give the following in place of it: “Do + not doubt but what those who have felt the power of love + will cast the blame on you who have so robbed me of my + liberty and dazzled my senses with your divine graces, that + not knowing what to do henceforth, I am constrained to go + away without the hope of ever seeing you again; certain, + however, that wherever I may be, you will still have part of + my heart, which will ever remain yours, be I on land, on the + sea, or in the hands of my most cruel enemies.” The above is + one of various instances of the liberty taken by Boaistuau + and Gruget with Margaret’s text.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Florida was not less grieved than astonished to hear these words from one + whom she had never imagined capable of such discourse, and, weeping, she + thus replied— + </p> + <p> + “Alas, Amadour, is this the honourable converse that we used to have + together while I was young? Is this the honour or conscience which many a + time you counselled me to value more than life? Have you forgotten both + the worthy examples you set before me of virtuous ladies who withstood + unholy love, and also your own contempt for erring women? I cannot believe + you so changed, Amadour, that regard for God, your own conscience, and my + honour is wholly dead within you. But if it indeed be as you say, I praise + the divine goodness which has prevented the misfortune into which I was + about to fall, and has revealed to me by your own words the heart of which + I was so ignorant. Having lost the son of the Infante of Fortune, not only + by my marriage, but also, as is known to me, by reason of his love for + another, and finding myself wedded to a man whom, strive as I may, I + cannot love, I resolved to set heart and affection entirely on loving you. + This love I built upon that virtue which I had so often perceived in you, + and to which by your own assistance I think I have attained—I mean + the virtue of loving one’s honour and conscience more than life. I came + hither thinking to make this rock of virtue a sure foundation of love. But + you have in a moment shown me, Amadour, that instead of a pure and cleanly + rock, this foundation would have been one of shifting sand or filthy mire; + and although a great part of the house in which I hoped always to dwell + had already been raised, you have suddenly demolished it. Lay aside, + therefore, any hope you had concerning me, and make up your mind not to + seek me by look or word wherever I may be, or to hope that I shall ever be + able or willing to change my resolve. It is with the deepest sorrow that I + tell you this, though had I gone so far as to swear eternal love with you, + I know that my heart could not have lived through this meeting. Even now I + am so confounded to find myself deceived, that I am sure my life will be + either short or sad. With these words I bid you farewell, and for ever.” + </p> + <p> + I will not try to describe to you the grief that Amadour felt on hearing + this speech. It is impossible not only to describe it, but even to + conceive it, except indeed to such as have experienced the like. Seeing + that with this cruel conclusion she was about to leave him, he seized her + by the arm, knowing full well that, if he did not remove her evil opinion + of him, he would lose her for ever. Accordingly he dissembled his looks as + well as he could, and said— + </p> + <p> + “During my whole life, madam, I have desired to love a woman of virtue, + and having found so few of them, I was minded to put you to proof, and so + discover whether you were as well worthy of esteem as of love. Now I know + for certain that you are; and therefore I give praise to God, who has + inclined my heart to the love of such great perfection. I entreat you to + pardon my mad and foolhardy attempt, seeing that the issue of it has + turned to your honour and to my great satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + Florida was beginning to learn through him the deceitfulness of men; and, + just as she had formerly found it difficult to believe in evil where it + existed, so did she now find it even more difficult to believe in virtue + where there was none. + </p> + <p> + “Would to God you spoke the truth,” she said to him; “but I am not so + ignorant as not to know by my experience in marriage that the blindness of + strong passion led you to act as you did. Had God given me a loose rein I + am sure that you would not have drawn bridle. Those who go in quest of + virtue are wont to take a different road to yours. But enough; if I have + been too hasty in crediting you with some goodness, it is time I learned + the truth, by which I am now delivered out of your hands.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Florida left the room. As long as the night lasted she did + nought but weep; for the change that had taken place caused her intense + grief, and her heart had much ado to hold out against the sorrowing of + love. Although, guided by reason, she had resolved to love no more, yet + the heart, which cannot be subdued, would in no wise permit this. Thus she + was unable to love him less than before, and knowing that love had been + the cause of his offence, she made up her mind to satisfy love by + continuing to love him with her whole heart, and to obey honour by never + giving any sign of her affection either to him or to any one else. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Amadour departed in the distress that I have described. + Nevertheless his heart, which was so lofty that there was none like it in + the world, suffered him not to despair, but prompted him to new devices + for seeing Florida again and winning her favour. So as he proceeded to the + King of Spain, who was then at Toledo, he took his way through the county + of Aranda, where he arrived very late one evening, and found the Countess + in great sadness on account of the absence of her daughter. + </p> + <p> + When she saw Amadour she kissed and embraced him as though he had been her + own son, and this no less for the love she herself bore him as for that + which she suspected he had for Florida. She asked minutely for news of her + daughter, and he told her what he could, though not the entire truth. + However, he confessed the love which existed between them, and which + Florida had always concealed; and he begged the Countess to aid him in + hearing often of Florida, and to take her as speedily as possible to + Aranda. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak he went on his way, and when he had despatched his business + with the King he left for the war. So sad was he and so changed in every + way that ladies, captains, and acquaintances alike could scarcely + recognise him. + </p> + <p> + He now wore nothing but black, and this of a heavier pile than was needful + as mourning for his dead wife; but indeed her death served only as a cloak + for the sorrow that was in his heart. Thus Amadour spent three or four + years without returning to Court. + </p> + <p> + The Countess of Aranda hearing that Florida was changed and that it was + pitiful to see her, sent for her, hoping that she would return home. The + contrary, however, happened. When Florida learned that Amadour had told + her mother of their love, and that she, although so discreet and virtuous, + had approved of it, she was in extraordinary perplexity. On the one hand + she perceived that if her mother, who had such great esteem for Amadour, + were told the truth some mischief might befall the latter; and this even + to save her life she would not have brought to pass, for she felt strong + enough to punish his folly herself without calling on her kinsfolk for + assistance. On the other hand she saw that, if she concealed the evil she + knew of him, she would be constrained by her mother and all her friends to + speak to him and show him favour, and this she feared would only + strengthen his evil purpose. However, as he was a long way off, she kept + her own counsel, and wrote to him whenever the Countess commanded her. + Still her letters were such that he could see they were written more out + of obedience than goodwill; and the grief he felt in reading them was as + great as his joy had been in reading the earlier ones. + </p> + <p> + At the end of two or three years, when he had performed so many noble + deeds that all the paper in Spain could not contain the records of them, + (19) he conceived a very skilful device, not indeed to win Florida’s + heart, which he looked upon as lost, but to gain the victory over his + enemy, since such she had shown herself to be. He put aside all the + promptings of reason and even the fear of death, and at the risk of his + life resolved to act in the following way. He persuaded the chief Governor + (20) to send him on an embassy to the King concerning some secret attempt + against Leucate; (21) and he procured a command to take counsel with the + Countess of Aranda about the matter before communicating it to the King. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 19 Margaret, perhaps, wrote “All the paper of Spain could + not contain them,” simply because Spanish paper was then of + very small size. Paper-making had, however, been almost + monopolised by Spain until the end of the thirteenth + century, the cotton used in the manufacture being imported + from the East.—M. + + 20 The Viceroy of Catalonia.—D. + + 21 Leucate, now a village, but said to have been a + flourishing town in the fourteenth century, lies near the + Mediterranean, at a few miles from Salces, and gives its + name to a large salt-water lake. Formerly fortified, it was + repeatedly besieged and burnt by the Spaniards; notably by + the Duke of Alba in 1503, after he had relieved Salces.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Then he came post haste to the county of Aranda, where he knew Florida to + be, and secretly sent a friend to inform the Countess of his coming, + praying her to keep it secret, and to grant him audience at nightfall + without the knowledge of any one. + </p> + <p> + The Countess, who was very pleased at his coming, spoke of it to Florida, + and sent her to undress in her husband’s room, that she might be ready + when sent for after every one was gone to bed. Florida had not yet + recovered from her first alarm, but she said nothing of it to her mother, + and withdrew to an oratory in order to commend herself to Our Lord. While + she was praying that her heart might be preserved from all evil affection, + she remembered that Amadour had often praised her beauty, and that in + spite of long illness it had not been impaired. Being, therefore, more + willing to injure her beauty than suffer it to kindle an evil flame in the + heart of an honourable gentleman, she took a stone which lay in the chapel + and struck herself a grievous blow on the face so that her mouth, nose, + and eyes were quite disfigured. Then, in order that no one might suspect + it to be of her own doing, she let herself fall upon her face on leaving + the chapel when summoned by the Countess, and cried out loudly. The + Countess coming thither found her in this pitiful state, and forthwith + caused her face to be dressed and bandaged. + </p> + <p> + Then the Countess led her to her own apartment, and begged her to go to + her room and entertain Amadour until she herself had got rid of her + company. This Florida did, thinking that there were others with him. + </p> + <p> + But when she found herself alone with him, and the door closed upon her, + she was as greatly troubled as he was pleased. He thought that, by love or + violence, he would now have what he desired; so he spoke to her, and + finding that she made the same reply as before, and that even to save her + life she would not change her resolve, he was beside himself with despair. + </p> + <p> + “Before God, Florida,” he said to her, “your scruples shall not rob me of + the fruits of my labour. Since love, patience, and humble entreaty are of + no avail, I will spare no strength of mine to gain the boon, upon which + all its existence depends.” + </p> + <p> + Florida saw that his eyes and countenance were altered exceedingly, so + that his complexion, naturally the fairest in the world, was now as red as + fire, and his look, usually so gentle and pleasant, had become as horrible + and furious as though fierce flames were blazing in his heart and face. In + his frenzy he seized her delicate, weak hands in his own strong, powerful + ones; and she, finding herself in such bondage that she could neither + defend herself nor fly, thought that her only chance was to try whether he + had not retained some traces of his former love, for the sake of which he + might forego his cruelty. She therefore said to him— + </p> + <p> + “If you now look upon me, Amadour, in the light of an enemy, I entreat + you, by that pure love which I once thought was in your heart, to hearken + to me before you put me to torture.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that he became attentive, she continued— + </p> + <p> + “Alas! Amadour, what can prompt you to seek after a thing that can afford + you no satisfaction, and thus afflict me with the profoundest grief? You + made trial of my inclinations in the days of my youth and earliest beauty, + and they perhaps served to excuse your passion; but I am amazed that now, + when I am old, and ugly, and sorrow-stricken, you should seek for what you + know you can never find. I am sure you do not doubt that my mind is as it + used to be, and so by force alone can you obtain what you desire. If you + observe the condition of my face, and lay aside the memory of the beauty + that once you saw in it, you will have no inclination to draw any nearer; + and if you still retain within you any remnants of your past love, it is + impossible that pity will not subdue your frenzy. To this pity, which I + have often found in you, I appeal with prayers for mercy. Suffer me to + live in peace, and in that honour which by your own counsel I have + resolved to preserve. But if the love you once bore me is now turned to + hate, and you desire, in vengeance rather than in love, to make me the + unhappiest woman alive, I protest to you that it shall not be so. You will + force me against my will to make your evil purpose known to her who thinks + so highly of you; and you may be sure that, when she learns it, your life + will not be safe.” + </p> + <p> + But Amadour interrupted her. + </p> + <p> + “If I must die,” he said, “I shall be the sooner rid of my torment. The + disfigurement of your face, which I believe is of your own seeking, shall + not restrain me from making you mine. Though I could have nothing but your + bones, I would yet hold them close to me.” + </p> + <p> + When Florida saw that prayers, reasoning, and tears were alike of no + avail, and that while he cruelly pursued his evil purpose she lacked the + strength to resist him, she summoned the aid which she dreaded as greatly + as death, and in a sad and piteous voice called as loudly as she could + upon her mother. The Countess, hearing her daughter’s cries, had grave + misgivings of the truth, and hastened into the room with all possible + speed. + </p> + <p> + Amadour, who was not so ready to die as he affirmed, desisted promptly + from his enterprise; and when the lady opened the door she found him close + beside it, and Florida some distance from him. “Amadour,” said the + Countess, “what is the matter? Tell me the truth.” + </p> + <p> + Amadour, who was never at a loss for invention, replied with a pale and + daunted face— + </p> + <p> + “Alas! madam, what change is this in the lady Florida? I was never so + astonished before, for, as I have told you, I thought I had a share in her + favour; but I now see clearly that I have lost it all. While she was being + brought up by you, she was, I think, no less discreet or virtuous than she + is at present; however, she had then no qualms of conscience about + speaking with any one. But now, when I sought to look at her, she would + not suffer me to do so. When I saw this behaviour on her part I thought I + must be dreaming, and asked her for her hand to kiss it after the manner + of the country. This she utterly refused me. I acknowledge, madam, that + then I acted wrongfully, and I entreat your pardon for it; for I took her + hand, as it were by force, and kissed it. I asked nothing more of her, but + I believe that she intends my death, for she called out to you as you + know. Why she did this I cannot tell, unless indeed she feared that I had + some other purpose in view. Nevertheless, madam, be this as it may, I + confess that I am in the wrong; for although she ought to love all who are + devoted to you, fortune wills it that I, who am of all most attached to + her, am banished from her good graces. Still, I shall ever continue the + same both to you and to her; and I entreat you to continue me in your good + favour since, by no fault of my own, I have now lost hers.” + </p> + <p> + The Countess, who partly believed and partly suspected him, went up to her + daughter and asked—“Why did you call me so loudly?” + </p> + <p> + Florida replied that she had felt afraid; and, although the Countess + questioned her minutely on many points, she would give no other reply. + Finding that she had escaped from her enemy she deemed him sufficiently + punished by the failure of his attempt. + </p> + <p> + After the Countess had had a long conversation with Amadour, she suffered + him to speak again in her presence with Florida, to see how he would + behave. He said but little, save that he thanked her for not having + confessed the truth to her mother, and begged that since she had expelled + him from her heart, she would at least allow no other to take his place. + </p> + <p> + “If my voice had not been my only means of defending myself,” she replied, + “it would never have been heard; and from me you shall have no worse + punishment, if you do not force me to it by troubling me again as you have + done. Do not fear that I can ever love another; since I have not found the + good I wished for in a heart that I considered to be the most virtuous in + the world, I do not expect to find it in any man. This evil fortune will + henceforth free me of all the passion that love can give.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she bade him farewell. + </p> + <p> + Her mother, who had been watching her face, was unable to form any + opinion; though from that time forth she clearly saw that her daughter had + lost all affection for Amadour. She imagined her so devoid of reason as to + hate everything that she herself loved; and from that hour she warred with + her in a strange way, spending seven years without speaking to her except + in anger, all which she did at Amadour’s request. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, on account of her mother’s harsh treatment, Florida’s former + dread of being with her husband was changed into a desire of never leaving + him. Seeing, however, that all her efforts were useless, she resolved to + deceive Amadour, and laying aside her coldness for a day or two, she + advised him to pay court to a lady who, she said, had been speaking of + their love. + </p> + <p> + This lady lived with the Queen of Spain, and was called Loretta. Amadour + believed the story, and, thinking that he might in this way regain + Florida’s good graces, he made love to Loretta, who was the wife of a + captain, one of the viceroys of the King of Spain. She, in her pleasure at + having gained such a lover, showed so much elation that the affair was + rumoured abroad. Even the Countess of Aranda, who was at Court, had + knowledge of it, and thenceforward treated Florida less harshly than + before. + </p> + <p> + One day Florida heard that the captain, Loretta’s husband, had grown + jealous, and was resolved to kill Amadour in one way or another as best he + might. In spite of her altered treatment of Amadour, Florida did not + desire that evil should befall him, and so she immediately informed him of + what she had heard. He was quite ready to hark back again to his first + love, and thereupon told her that, if she would grant him three hours of + her conversation every day, he would never again speak to Loretta. But + this she would not grant. “Then,” said Amadour, “if you will not give me + life, why prevent me from dying, unless indeed you hope to make me suffer + more pain during life than any death could cause? But though death shun + me, I will seek it until I find it; then only shall I have rest.” + </p> + <p> + While they were on this footing, news came that the King of Granada (22) + was entering upon a great war against the King of Spain. The latter, + therefore, sent the Prince, his son, (23) to the war, and with him the + Constable of Castille and the Duke of Alba, (24) two old and prudent + lords. The Duke of Cardona and the Count of Aranda were unwilling to + remain behind, and prayed the King to give them some command. This he did + as befitted their rank, and gave them into the safe keeping of Amadour, + who performed such extraordinary deeds during the war, that they seemed to + be acts as much of despair as of bravery. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 22 The last King of Granada was Mahomed Boabdil, dethroned + in 1493. The title may have been assumed, however, by the + leader of an insurrection.—D. + + 23 As Ferdinand and Isabella had no son, the reference must + be to their daughter’s husband, Philip the Fair of Austria, + son of the Emperor Maximilian I. and father of Charles V.— + B. J. + + 24 Frederick of Toledo, Marquis of Coria and Duke of Alba, + generally called the old Duke of Alba to distinguish him + from his son.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + Coming now to the point of my story, I have to relate how his overboldness + was proved by his death. The Moors had made a show of offering battle, and + finding the Christian army very numerous had feigned a retreat. The + Spaniards started in pursuit, but the old Constable and the Duke of Alba, + who suspected the trickery of the Moors, restrained the Prince of Spain + against his will from crossing the river. The Count of Aranda, however, + and the Duke of Cardona crossed, although it was forbidden; and when the + Moors saw that they were pursued by only a few men they faced about again. + The Duke of Cardona was struck down and killed with a blow of a scimitar, + and the Count of Aranda was so grievously wounded that he was left for + dead. Thereupon Amadour came up filled with rage and fury, and bursting + through the throng, caused the two bodies to be taken up and carried to + the camp of the Prince, who mourned for them as for his own brothers. On + examining their wounds the Count of Aranda was found to be still alive, + and was sent in a litter to his home, where he lay ill for a long time. On + the other hand, the Duke’s body was sent back to Cardona. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Amadour, having made this effort to rescue the two bodies, had + thought so little of his own safety that he found himself surrounded by a + large number of Moors. Not desiring his person to be captured any more + than he had captured that of his mistress, nor to break his faith with God + as he had broken faith with her—for he knew that, if he were taken + to the King of Granada, he must either die a cruel death or renounce + Christianity—he resolved to withhold from his enemies the glory + either of his death or capture. So kissing the cross of his sword and + commending his body and soul to God, he dealt himself such a thrust as to + be past all help. + </p> + <p> + Thus died the unhappy Amadour, lamented as deeply as his virtues deserved. + The news spread through the whole of Spain; and the rumour of it came to + Florida, who was at Barcelona, where her husband had formerly commanded + that he should be buried. She gave him an honourable funeral, (25) and + then, without saying anything to her mother or mother-in-law, she became a + nun in the Convent of Jesus, taking for husband and lover Him who had + delivered her from such a violent love as that of Amadour’s, and from such + great affliction as she had endured in the company of her husband. Thus + were all her affections directed to the perfect loving of God; and, after + living for a long time as a nun, she yielded up her soul with gladness, + like that of the bride when she goes forth to meet the bridegroom. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 25 The Franciscan monastery of the little village cf + Bellpuig, near Lerida, contains the tomb of Ramon de + Cardona, termed one of the marvels of Catalonia on account + of the admirable sculptures adorning it. One of the + beautiful white marble bas-reliefs shows a number of galleys + drawn up in line of battle, whilst some smaller boats are + conveying parties of armed men to a river-bank on which the + Moors are awaiting them in hostile array. On the frieze of + an arch the Spaniards and Moors are shown fighting, many of + the former retreating towards the water. An inscription + records that the tomb was raised to the best of husbands by + Isabella, his unhappy spouse. + + Margaret gives the name of Florida to the wife of the Duke + whom she mentions, but it should be borne in mind that she + has systematically mingled fact with fiction throughout this + story; and that she was alluding to the Duke buried at + Bellpuig seems evident from an examination of the bas- + reliefs mentioned above. Ramon de Cardona was, however, a + more important personage than she pictures him. He became + Charles V.‘s viceroy in Naples, and did not die till 1520, + whereas Margaret’s story appears to end in or about 1513. + Possibly she saw the tomb when in Spain.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I am well aware, ladies, that this long tale may have been wearisome to + some among you, but had I told it as it was told to me it would have been + longer still. Take example, I beg you, by the virtue of Florida, but be + somewhat less cruel; and think not so well of any man that, when you are + undeceived, you occasion him a cruel death and yourselves a life of + sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + Having had a long and fair hearing Parlamente said to Hircan— + </p> + <p> + “Do you not think that this lady was pressed to extremities and that she + held out virtuously?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hircan; “a woman can make no more feeble resistance than to cry + out. If she had been in a place where none could hear her I do not know + how she would have fared. And if Amadour had had more love and less fear + he would not have desisted from his attempt for so little. So this story + will not cause me to change my firm opinion that no man ever perfectly + loved a lady, or was loved by her, that he did not prove successful if + only he went the right way to work. Nevertheless, I must praise Amadour + for having in part done his duty.” + </p> + <p> + “What duty?” asked Oisille. “Do you call it a lover’s duty to try and take + his mistress by force when he owes her all reverence and submission?” + </p> + <p> + Here Saffredent took up the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” he said, “when our mistresses hold their state in chamber or + hall, seated at their ease as though they were our judges, we lead them to + the dance in fear; we wait upon them with all diligence and anticipate + their commands; and we are so afraid of offending them and so desirous of + doing them service that those who see us pity us, and often deem us more + witless than brutes. They account us dull and void of understanding, and + give praise to the ladies, whose faces are so imperious and their speech + so fair that they make themselves feared, loved, and honoured by those who + only know them outwardly. But when we are together in private, and love + alone can judge our behaviour, we know full well that they are women and + we are men. Then is the name ‘mistress’ changed to ‘sweetheart,’ and the + ‘slave’ becomes a ‘lover.’ As the proverb says—‘By service true and + loyalty, do servants rise to mastery.’ They have honour equally with men, + who can give it to them and can take it away; and seeing us suffer in + patience, they should reward us when they can do so without hurt to their + honour.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not speak of that true honour,” said Longarine, “which is the + greatest happiness this world can give. If every one calls me a virtuous + woman, and I myself know the contrary, the praise I receive only increases + my shame and puts me in secret to still greater confusion. In the same + way, if people condemn me and I know that I am innocent, their + condemnation will only make me the better pleased with myself.” + </p> + <p> + “In spite of what you all have said,” interposed Geburon, “it seems to me + that Amadour was as noble and virtuous a knight as ever lived, and I think + I can recognise him under his feigned name. Since Parlamente would not + name him, neither will I. But you may rest assured that, if he be the man + whom I have in mind, his heart never knew fear, nor was ever void of love + and bravery.” + </p> + <p> + “The day has been spent so pleasantly,” said Oisille, “that if the others + are like it I think our talk will make the time pass quickly by. But see + where the sun is, and listen to the abbey bell, which has long been + calling us to vespers. I did not mention this to you before, for I was + more inclined to hear the end of the story than to go to prayers.” + </p> + <p> + At these words they all rose, and when they reached the abbey they found + that the monks had been waiting for them a full hour and more. After + vespers they went to supper, and during the whole evening they conversed + about the stories they had heard, all of them searching every corner of + their memories to try and make the second day as pleasant as the first. + And after playing many games in the meadow they went to bed, and so made a + glad and happy ending of the first day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/083.jpg" width="100%" alt="083.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECOND DAY. + </h2> + <p> + <i>On the Second Day is recounted the first conceit <br /> that presents + itself to each</i>. <a name="link2H_PROL" id="link2H_PROL"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PROLOGUE. + </h2> + <p> + On the morrow they rose in great eagerness to return to the place where + they had had so much pleasure on the previous day. Each one was ready with + a tale, and was impatient for the telling of it. They listened to the + reading of Madame Oisille, and then heard mass, all commending themselves + to God, and praying Him to grant them speech and grace for the continuance + of their fellowship. Afterwards they went to dinner, reminding one another + the while of many stories of the past. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, they rested in their apartments, and at the appointed time + returned to the meadow, where day and season alike seemed favourable to + their plans. They all sat down on the natural seat afforded by the green + sward, and Parlamente said— + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday I told the tenth and last tale; it is therefore for me to + choose who shall begin to-day. Madame Oisille was the first of the ladies + to speak, as being the oldest and wisest, and so I now give my vote to the + youngest—I do not also say the flightiest—for I am sure that + if we all follow her leading we shall not delay vespers so long as we did + yesterday. Wherefore, Nomerfide, you shall lead us, but I beg that you + will not cause us to begin our second day in tears.” + </p> + <p> + “There was no need to make that request,” said Nomerfide, “for one of our + number has made me choose a tale which has taken such a hold on me that I + can tell no other; and should it occasion sadness in you, your natures + must be melancholy ones indeed.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/089.jpg" width="100%" alt="089.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XI.</i> (A). + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Madame de Roncex, while at the monastery of the Grey Friars + at Thouars, (1) was constrained to go in great haste to a + certain place, and, not looking to see whether the seats + were clean, sat down in a filthy spot and befouled both her + person and clothes; whereupon crying out for assistance, in + the hope that some woman would come and cleanse her, she was + waited on by men, who beheld her in the worst plight in + which a woman could be found</i>. (2) + + 1 In the department of the Deux-Sèvres.—Ed. + + 2 This story, given in Boaistuau’s version of Margaret’s + tales, and to be found in most of the MS. copies of the + <i>Heptameron</i> at the ‘Paris Bibliothèque Nationale’, was not + included in the edition issued by Gruget, who replaced it by + a story called <i>The jests made by a Grey Friar</i>, for which + see <i>post</i>, p. 95 <i>et seq</i>.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In the household of Madame de la Trémoille there was a lady named Roncex, + who one day, when her mistress had gone to visit the monastery of the Grey + Friars, found herself in great need to go to a certain place whither her + maid could not go in her stead. She took with her a girl named La Mothe to + keep her company, but being modest and unwilling to be seen, left her in + the room, and went alone into a darksome privy, a place used in common by + all the friars, who had given such a good account therein of all their + victuals, that seat and floor, and in sooth the whole place, were thickly + covered with the must of Bacchus and Ceres that had passed through the + friars’ bellies. + </p> + <p> + The unhappy lady, who was so hard pressed that she had scarcely time to + lift her dress, chanced to sit down in the foulest, dirtiest spot in the + whole place, where she found herself stuck fast as though with glue, her + poor hips, garments, and feet being so contaminated that she durst not + take a step or turn on any side, for fear lest she should meet with + something worse. Thereupon she began to call out as loudly as she could— + </p> + <p> + “La Mothe, my child, I am ruined and undone!” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl, who had formerly heard tell of the wickedness of the Grey + Friars, and imagined that some of them were hidden there and were trying + to take her mistress by force, thereupon ran off as hard as she could, + saying to every one she met— + </p> + <p> + “Come and help Madame de Roncex; the Grey Friars are trying to ravish her + in yonder privy.” + </p> + <p> + They thereupon hastened thither with all speed, and found the unhappy lady + crying out for assistance, longing for some woman to come and cleanse her, + and with her back parts all uncovered, for she feared to touch them with + her garments lest these also should be defiled. + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen, coming in at her cries, beheld this fine sight, but could + see nought of the Grey Friars, unless it were their ordure clinging to her + hips; nor did this pass without laughter on their part and great shame on + hers, for instead of having women to cleanse her, she was waited on by + men, who saw her naked, and in the sorriest plight in which a woman could + be found. For this reason, on perceiving them, she soiled what was still + clean, by dropping her garments in order to cover herself, forgetting the + filth that she was in for the shame she felt at sight of the men. And when + she had come out of that foul place it was necessary to strip her naked + and change all her garments before she could leave the monastery. She was + minded to be angry with La Mothe for the aid that she had brought her, but + finding that the poor girl had thought her in a yet more evil plight, she + put aside her wrath and laughed like the rest. (3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 It is impossible to identify the lady mentioned in this + story, her name being spelt in so many ways in the various + MSS. of the <i>Heptameron</i>. It is given as Roncex in the copy + here followed, as Roubex in a copy that belonged to Louis + XVIII., and as Roncci in the De Thou MS., whilst Boaistuau + printed it as Roucey. The Madame de la Trémoille, alluded to + at the outset, is believed by Lacroix and Dillaye to have + been Anne de Laval (daughter of Guy XV., Count of Laval, and + of Charlotte of Aragon, Princess of Tarento), who married + Francis de la Trémoille, Viscount of Thouars, in 1521, and + was by her mother a cousin of Queen Margaret. Possibly, + however, the reference is to Gabrielle de Bourbon, wife of + Louis II. de la Trémoille, a lady of exemplary piety, who + erected the beautiful Renaissance chapel of the château of + Thouars.—L. & Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I think, ladies,” said Nomerfide, “that this story has proved neither + long nor melancholy, and that I have given you what you expected.” + </p> + <p> + At this the company laughed heartily, and Oisille said—“The story is + indeed nasty and unclean, yet, knowing the persons who fared in this + manner, we cannot consider it unwelcome. Gladly would I have seen the + faces of La Mothe and of the lady to whom she brought such timely aid. But + now,” she added to Nomerfide, “since you have finished so soon, give your + vote to some one whose thoughts are of a graver turn.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you desire me to atone for my fault,” answered Nomerfide, “I give + my vote to Dagoucin, whose discretion is such that he would die rather + than say anything foolish.” + </p> + <p> + Dagoucin then thanked her for the esteem in which she held his good sense, + and thus began—“The story I am minded to relate is intended to show + you how love blinds the greatest and most honourable hearts, and how hard + it is to overcome wickedness by any kindness whatsoever.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/093.jpg" width="100%" alt="093.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/095a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="095a.jpg the Grey Friar Telling his Tales " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Grey Friar telling his Tales] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/095.jpg" width="100%" alt="095.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XI.</i> (B). + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Of the jests made by a Grey Friar in his sermons</i>. (1) + + 1 See <i>ante</i>, p. 89, note 2, <i>and post</i>. Appendix B. +</pre> + <p> + Near the town of Bléré in Touraine there is a village called St. + Martin-le-Beau, whither a Grey Friar belonging to the monastery at Tours + was summoned to preach during the seasons of Advent and Lent. This friar, + who was more garrulous than learned, and now and then found himself at a + loss for matter to eke out his hour, would thereupon begin telling tales + which more or less agreeably satisfied the good villagers. + </p> + <p> + One Holy Thursday he preached about the Paschal Lamb, and while speaking + of how it was eaten at night, seeing that there were present at the + preaching some handsome young ladies of Amboise, who were newly arrived to + keep Easter at the village, and to stay there for a few days afterwards, + he wished to surpass himself, and thereupon asked all the women-folk + whether they knew what it was to eat raw flesh at night. “I will tell you + what it is, ladies,” he said, whereat the young men of Amboise, who had + just arrived with their wives, sisters, and nieces, and who had no + knowledge of the pilgrim’s humour, began to be scandalised; though on + listening further their indignation gave place to laughter, even when he + said that to eat the lamb it was needful to have one’s loins girt, one’s + feet in one’s shoes, and one’s hand on one’s staff. + </p> + <p> + The friar, seeing them laugh at this, and guessing the reason, immediately + corrected himself. “Well,” said he, “to have shoes on one’s feet and a + staff in one’s hand; ‘tis all one.” + </p> + <p> + That this sally was received with laughter you will readily believe. Even + the ladies could not refrain from merriment, and for them he added other + diverting sayings. Then finding the time was nearly up, and wishing the + ladies to be well pleased with him when they departed, he said to them—“Now, + fair ladies, when you are chatting presently with your gossips, you will + be asking one another: ‘Who, pray, is this Master Friar, that speaks out + so boldly? He must be a brisk fellow.’ I will tell you, ladies, yes, I + will tell you, and be not astonished if I speak out boldly, for I am of + Anjou, at your service.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he ended his sermon, leaving his hearers more disposed to + laugh at his foolish speeches than to weep in memory of our Lord’s Passion + which was then being commemorated. + </p> + <p> + The other sermons that he preached during the festival had much the same + value. You are aware that these friars never fail to go begging for their + Easter eggs, and receive not only eggs, but many other things, such as + linen, yarn, chitterlings, hams, chines, and similar trifles. So when + Easter Tuesday came, and the friar was making those exhortations to + charity of which such folks as he are no niggards, he said— + </p> + <p> + “I am bound to thank you, ladies, for the liberality you have shown to our + poor monastery, and yet I cannot forbear telling you that you have + hitherto not duly considered the nature of our wants. You have for the + most part given us chitterlings, but of these we ourselves have no lack. + God be praised, our monastery is indeed full of them. What then can we do + with so many? I will tell you. My advice, ladies, is that you should mix + your hams with our chitterlings; in this way you would bestow fine alms.” + </p> + <p> + Then, continuing his sermon, he brought into it certain scandalous matter, + and, whilst discoursing upon it somewhat bluntly and quoting sundry + examples, he said in apparent amazement— + </p> + <p> + “Truly, ladies and gentlemen of Saint-Martin, I am greatly astonished that + you should be scandalised so unreasonably at what is less than nothing, + and should tell tales of me wherever you go, saying: ‘It is a big + business; who could have thought that the father would have got his + landlady’s daughter with child?’ A monk get a girl with child!” he + continued; “forsooth, what a wonder! But hark you, fair ladies, would you + not rather have had cause for wonderment, had the girl acted thus by the + monk?” + </p> + <p> + “Such, ladies, was the wholesome food on which this worshipful shepherd + fed the Lord’s flock. And so brazen was he, that after committing the sin, + he spake openly of it in the pulpit, where nought should be said that + tends to aught but the edification of one’s neighbour, and above all to + the glory of God.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Saffredent, “he was a master monk—I should have liked + him nearly as well as Brother Anjibaut, who gets credit for all the jests + that are spoken in merry company.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part, I can see nothing laughable in such mockery,” said Oisille, + “especially in such a place.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget, madam,” said Nomerfide, “that at that time, though it was not + so very long ago, the good villagers, and indeed most of the dwellers in + the large towns, who think themselves cleverer than other people, had + greater regard for such preachers as he than for those who purely and + simply preached the holy Gospel to them.” + </p> + <p> + “However that may be,” said Hircan, “he was not wrong in asking for hams + in exchange for chitterlings, for in hams there is far more eating. And + even if some devout creature had understood him amphibologically, as I + believe he wished to be understood, neither he nor his brethren would have + fared badly any more than the wench that had her bag full.” + </p> + <p> + “But how impudent of him,” said Oisille, “to pervert the meaning of the + text to suit his fancy, thinking that he had to do with beasts like + himself, and shamelessly trying to entice the poor little women so that he + might teach them how to eat raw flesh at night.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Simontault; “but you forget that he saw before him those + young tripe-sellers of Amboise in whose tub he would fain have washed his + ——— shall I name it? No, but you understand me—and + have treated them to a taste of it, not roasted, but stirring and + frisking, so as to please them the more.” + </p> + <p> + “Softly, softly, Simontault,” said Parlamente; “you forget yourself. Have + you laid aside your accustomed modesty to don it only in time of + necessity?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, no,” said he; “‘twas the unworthy monk that led me astray. + Wherefore, that we may return to the matter in hand, I beg Nomerfide, who + caused my offence, to give her vote to some one who will make the company + forget our common fault.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you include me in your transgression,” said Nomerfide, “I will + choose one who will atone for our failings, that is Dagoucin. He is so + discreet that to save his life he would not say a foolish thing.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/100.jpg" width="100%" alt="100.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0017" id="linkimage-0017"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/101a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="101a.jpg the Gentleman Killing The Duke " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Gentleman killing the Duke] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0018" id="linkimage-0018"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/101.jpg" width="100%" alt="101.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Duke of Florence, having continually failed to make + known to a certain lady the love he bore her, confided in + her brother, and begged his assistance that he might attain + his ends. This, after many remonstrances, the brother agreed + to give, but it was a lip-promise only, for at the moment + when the Duke was expecting to vanquish her whom he had + deemed invincible, the gentleman slew him in his bed, in + this fashion freeing his country from a tyrant, and saving + both his own life and the honour of his house</i>. (1) + + 1 The basis of this story is historical. The event here + described—one of the most famous in the annals of + Florence—furnished Alfred de Musset with the subject of his + play <i>Lorenzaccio</i>, and served as the foundation of <i>The + Traitor</i>, considered to be Shirley’s highest achievement as + a dramatic poet. As Queen Margaret’s narrative contains + various errors of fact, Sismondi’s account of the affair, as + borrowed by him from the best Italian historians, is given + in the Appendix, C—Eu. +</pre> + <p> + Ten years ago there reigned in the city of Florence a Duke of the house of + Medici who had married the Emperor’s natural daughter, Margaret. (2) She + was still so young that the marriage could not be lawfully consummated, + and, waiting till she should be of a riper age, the Duke treated her with + great gentleness, and to spare her, made love to various ladies of the + city, whom he was wont to visit at night, whilst his wife was sleeping. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 The Duke here referred to was Alexander de’ Medici, first + Duke of Florence, in which city he was born in 1510. His + mother, a slave named Anna, was the wife of a Florentine + coachman, but Lorenzo II. de’ Medici, one of this woman’s + lovers, acknowledged him as his offspring, though, according + to some accounts, his real father was one of the popes, + Clement VII. or Julius II. After the Emperor Charles V. had + made himself master of Florence in 1530, he confided the + governorship of the city to Alexander, upon whom he bestowed + the title of Duke. Two years later Alexander threw off the + imperial control, and soon afterwards embarked on a career + of debauchery and crime. In 1536, Charles V., being desirous + of obtaining the support of Florence against France, treated + with Alexander, and gave him the hand of his illegitimate + daughter, Margaret. The latter—whose mother was Margaret + van Gheenst, a Flemish damsel of noble birth—was at that + time barely fourteen, having been born at Brussels in 1522. + The Queen of Navarre’s statements concerning the + youthfulness of the Duchess are thus corroborated by fact. + After the death of Alexander de’ Medici, his widow was + married to Octavius Farnese, Duke of Parma, who was then + only twelve years old, but by whom she eventually became the + mother of the celebrated Alexander Farnese. Margaret of + Austria occupies a prominent place in the history of the + Netherlands, which she governed during a lengthy period for + her brother Philip II. She died in retirement at Ortonna in + Italy in 1586.—L. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Among these there was one very beautiful, discreet, and honourable lady, + sister to a gentleman whom the Duke loved even as himself, and to whom he + gave such authority in his household that his orders were feared and + obeyed equally with the Duke’s own. And moreover the Duke had no secrets + that he did not share with this gentleman, so that the latter might have + been called his second-self. (3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The gentleman here mentioned was the Duke’s cousin, + Lorenzo di Pier-Francesco de’ Medici, commonly called + Lorenzino on account of his short stature. He was born at + Florence in 1514, and, being the eldest member of the junior + branch of the Medici family, it had been decided by the + Emperor Charles V. that he should succeed to the Dukedom of + Florence, if Alexander died without issue. Lorenzino + cultivated letters, and is said to have possessed + considerable wit, but, on the other hand, instead of being a + high-minded man, as Queen Margaret pictures him, he was a + thorough profligate, and willingly lent a hand in + Alexander’s scandalous amours. The heroine of this story is + erroneously described as Lorenzino’s sister; in point of + fact she was his aunt, Catherine Ginori. See Appendix, C.— + Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Finding the gentleman’s sister to be a lady of such exemplary virtue that + he was unable to declare his passion to her, though he sought all possible + opportunities for doing so, the Duke at last came to his favourite and + said to him— + </p> + <p> + “If there were anything in this world, my friend, that I might be + unwilling to do for you, I should hesitate to tell you what is in my mind, + and still more to beg your assistance. But such is the affection I bear + you that had I wife, mother, or daughter who could avail to save your + life, I would sacrifice them rather than allow you to die in torment. I + believe that your love for me is the counterpart of mine for you, and that + if I, who am your master, bear you so much affection, you, on your part, + can have no less for me. I will therefore tell you a secret, the keeping + of which has brought me to the condition you see. I have no hope of any + improvement except it be through death or else the service which you are + in a position to render me.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing these words from the Duke, and seeing his face unfeignedly + bathed in tears, the gentleman felt such great pity for him that he said— + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am your creature: all the wealth and honour that I am possessed of + in this world come from you. You may speak to me as to your own soul, in + the certainty that all that it be in my power to do is at your command.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the Duke began to tell him of the love he bore his sister, a + love so deep and strong that he feared he could not live much longer + unless, by the gentleman’s help, he succeeded in satisfying his desire. He + was well aware that neither prayers nor presents would be of any avail + with the lady, wherefore he begged the gentleman—if he cared for his + master’s life as much as he, his master, cared for his—to devise + some means of procuring him the good fortune which, without such + assistance, he could never hope to obtain. + </p> + <p> + The brother, who loved his sister and the honour of his house far more + than the Duke’s pleasure, endeavoured to remonstrate with him, entreating + that he might be employed for any other purpose save the cruel task of + soliciting the dishonour of his own kin, and declaring that the rendering + of such a service was contrary alike to his inclinations and his honour. + </p> + <p> + Inflamed with excessive wrath, the Duke raised his hand to his mouth and + bit his nails. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said he in a fury, “since I find that you have no friendship for + me, I know what I have to do.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, who was acquainted with his master’s cruelty, felt afraid, + and answered— + </p> + <p> + “My lord, since such is your pleasure, I will speak to her, and tell you + her reply.” + </p> + <p> + “If you show concern for my life, I shall show it for yours,” replied the + Duke, and thereupon he went away. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman well understood the meaning of these words, and spent a day + or two without seeing the Duke, considering what he should do. On the one + hand he was confronted by the duty he owed his master, and the wealth and + honours he had received from him; on the other by the honour of his house, + and the fair fame and chastity of his sister. He well knew that she would + never submit to such infamy unless through his own treachery she were + overcome by violence, so unnatural a deed that if it were committed he and + his kindred would be disgraced for ever. In this dilemma he decided that + he would sooner die than so ill use his sister, who was one of the noblest + women in all Italy, and ought rather to deliver his country of this tyrant + who, abusing his power, sought to cast such a slur upon his family; for he + felt sure that if the Duke were suffered to live, neither his own life nor + the lives of his kindred would be safe. So without speaking of the matter + to his sister or to any living creature, he determined to save his life + and vindicate his honour at one and the same time. Accordingly, when a + couple of days had gone by, he went to the Duke and told him that with + infinite difficulty he had so wrought upon his sister that she had at last + consented to do his will, provided that the matter were kept secret, and + none but he, her brother, knew of it. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, who was longing for these tidings, readily believed them, and + embracing the ambassador, promised him anything that he might ask. He + begged him to put his scheme quickly into execution, and they agreed + together upon the time when this should be done. The Duke was in great + joy, as may well be imagined; and on the arrival of that wished-for night + when he hoped to vanquish her whom he had deemed invincible, he retired + early, accompanied only by the lady’s brother, and failed not to attire + himself in a perfumed shirt and head-gear. Then, when every one was gone + to rest, he went with the gentleman to the lady’s abode, where he was + conducted into a well-appointed apartment. + </p> + <p> + Having undressed him and put him to bed, the gentleman said— + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I will now go and fetch you one who will assuredly not enter + this room without blushing; but I hope that before morning she will have + lost all fear of you.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving the Duke, he then went to his own room, where he found one of his + servants, to whom he said— + </p> + <p> + “Are you brave enough to follow me to a place where I desire to avenge + myself upon my greatest living enemy?” + </p> + <p> + The other, who was ignorant of his master’s purpose, replied— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, though it were the Duke himself.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the gentleman led him away in such haste as to leave him no time + to take any weapon except a poignard that he was wearing. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, on hearing the gentleman coming back again, thought that he was + bringing the loved one with him, and, opening his eyes, drew back the + curtains in order to see and welcome the joy for which he had so long been + waiting. But instead of seeing her who, so he hoped, was to preserve his + life, he beheld something intended to take his life away, that is, a naked + sword which the gentleman had drawn, and with which he smote the Duke. The + latter was wearing nothing but his shirt, and lacked weapons, though not + courage, for sitting up in the bed he seized the gentleman round the body, + saying— + </p> + <p> + “Is this the way you keep your promise?” + </p> + <p> + Then, armed as he was only with his teeth and nails, he bit the + gentleman’s thumb, and wrestled with him so stoutly that they both fell + down beside the bed. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, not feeling altogether confident, called to his servant, + who, finding the Duke and his master so closely twined together that he + could not tell the one from the other, dragged them both by the feet into + the middle of the room, and then tried to cut the Duke’s throat with his + poignard. The Duke defended himself until he was so exhausted through loss + of blood that he could do no more, whereupon the gentleman and his servant + lifted him upon the bed and finished him with their daggers. They then + drew the curtain and went away, leaving the dead body shut up in the room. + </p> + <p> + Having vanquished his great enemy, by whose death he hoped to free his + country, the gentleman reflected that his work would be incomplete unless + he treated five or six of the Duke’s kindred in the same fashion. The + servant, however, who was neither a dare-devil nor a fool, said to him— + </p> + <p> + “I think, sir, that you have done enough for the present, and that it + would be better to think of saving your own life than of taking the lives + of others, for should we be as long in making away with each of them as we + were in the case of the Duke, daylight would overtake our enterprise + before we could complete it, even should we find our enemies unarmed.” + </p> + <p> + Cowed by his guilty conscience, the gentleman followed the advice of his + servant, and taking him alone with him, repaired to a Bishop (4) whose + office it was to have the city gates opened, and to give orders to the + guard-posts. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Probably Cardinal Cybo, Alexander’s chief minister, who + according to Sismondi, was the first to discover the + murder.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I have,” said the gentleman to the Bishop, “this evening received tidings + that one of my brothers is at the point of death. I have just asked leave + of the Duke to go to him, and he has granted it me; and I beg you to send + orders that the guards may furnish me with two good horses, and that the + gatekeeper may let me through.” + </p> + <p> + The Bishop, who regarded the gentleman’s request in the same light as an + order from his master the Duke, forthwith gave him a note, by means of + which the gate was opened for him, and horses supplied to him as he had + requested; but instead of going to see his brother he betook himself + straight to Venice, where he had himself cured of the bites that he had + received from the Duke, and then passed over into Turkey. (5) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 On leaving Florence, Lorenzo repaired first to Bologna + and then to Venice, where he informed Philip Strozzi of how + he had rid his country of the tyrant. After embracing him in + a transport, and calling him the Tuscan Brutus, Strozzi + asked the murderer’s sisters, Laudamina and Magdalen de’ + Medici, in marriage for his own sons, Peter and Robert. From + Venice Lorenzino issued a <i>mémoire justificatif</i>, full of + quibbles and paradoxes, in which he tried to explain his + lack of energy after the murder by the indifference shown by + the Florentines. He took no part in the various enterprises + directed against Cosmo de’ Medici, who had succeeded + Alexander at Florence. Indeed his chief concern was for his + own safety, which was threatened alike by Cosmo and the + Emperor Charles V., and to escape their emissaries he + proceeded to Turkey, and thence to France, ultimately + returning to Venice, where, despite all his precautions + against danger, he was assassinated in 1547, together with + his uncle, Soderini, by some spadassins in the pay of Cosmo + I.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In the morning, finding that their master delayed his return so long, all + the Duke’s servants suspected, rightly enough, that he had gone to see + some lady; but at last, as he still failed to return, they began seeking + him on all sides. The poor Duchess, who was beginning to love him dearly, + was sorely distressed on learning that he could not be found; and as the + gentleman to whom he bore so much affection was likewise nowhere to be + seen, some went to his house in quest of him. They found blood on the + threshold of the gentleman’s room, which they entered, but he was not + there, nor could any servant or other person give any tidings of him. + Following the blood-stains, however, the Duke’s servants came at last to + the room in which their master lay. The door of it was locked, but this + they soon broke open, and on seeing the floor covered with blood they drew + back the bed-curtain, and found the unhappy Duke’s body lying in the bed, + sleeping the sleep from which one cannot awaken. + </p> + <p> + You may imagine the mourning of these poor servants as they carried the + body to the palace, whither came the Bishop, who told them how the + gentleman had departed with all speed during the night under pretence of + going to see his brother. And by this it was clearly shown that it was he + who had committed the murder. And it was further proved that his poor + sister had known nothing whatever of the matter. For her part, albeit she + was astounded by what had happened, she could but love her brother the + more, seeing that he had not shrunk from risking his life in order to save + her from so cruel a tyrant. And so honourable and virtuous was the life + that she continued leading, that although she was reduced to poverty by + the confiscation of the family property, both she and her sister found as + honourable and wealthy husbands as there were in all Italy, and lived ever + afterwards in high and good repute. + </p> + <p> + “This, ladies, is a story that should make you dread that little god who + delights in tormenting Prince and peasant, strong and weak, and so far + blinds them that they lose all thought of God and conscience, and even of + their own lives. And greatly should Princes and those in authority fear to + offend such as are less than they; for there is no man but can wreak + injury when it pleases God to take vengeance on a sinner, nor any man so + great that he can do hurt to one who is in God’s care.” + </p> + <p> + This tale was commended by all in the company, (6) but it gave rise to + different opinions among them, for whilst some maintained that the + gentleman had done his duty in saving his own life and his sister’s + honour, as well as in ridding his country of such a tyrant, others denied + this, and said it was rank ingratitude to slay one who had bestowed on him + such wealth and station. The ladies declared that the gentleman was a good + brother and a worthy citizen; the men, on the contrary, that he was a + treacherous and wicked servant. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 In MS. No. 1520 (Bib. Nat.) this sentence begins: “The + tale was attentively listened to by all,” &c.—L. +</pre> + <p> + And pleasant was it to hear the reasons which were brought forward on both + sides; but the ladies, as is their wont, spoke as much from passion as + from judgment, saying that the Duke was so well worthy of death that he + who struck him down was a happy man indeed. + </p> + <p> + Then Dagoucin, seeing what a controversy he had set on foot, said to them— + </p> + <p> + “In God’s name, ladies, do not quarrel about a thing that is past and + gone. Take care rather that your own charms do not occasion more cruel + murders than the one which I have related.” + </p> + <p> + “‘La belle Dame sans Mercy,’” (7) replied Parlamente, “has taught us to + say that but few die of so pleasing an ailment.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 <i>La belle Dame sans Merci</i> (The Pitiless Beauty) is one + of Alain Chartier’s best known poems. It is written in the + form of a dialogue between a lady and her lover: the former + having obstinately refused to take compassion on the + sufferings of her admirer, the latter is said to have died + of despair. The lines alluded to by Margaret are spoken by + the lady, and are to the following effect—“So graceful a + malady seldom puts men to death; yet the sooner to obtain + comfort, it is fitting one should say that it did. Some + complain and worry greatly who have not really felt the most + bitter affliction; and if indeed Love doth cause such great + torment, surely it were better there should be but one + sufferer rather than two.” The poem, as here quoted, will be + found in André Duchesne’s edition of the <i>OEuvres de Maistre + Alain Chartier</i>, Paris, 1617, p. 502.—L. +</pre> + <p> + “Would to God, madam,” answered Dagoucin, “that all the ladies in this + company knew how false that saying is. I think they would then scarcely + wish to be called pitiless, or to imitate that unbelieving beauty who + suffered a worthy lover to die for lack of a gracious answer to his suit.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” said Parlamente, “you would have us risk honour and conscience to + save the life of a man who says he loves us.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not my meaning,” replied Dagoucin, “for he who loves with a + perfect love would be even more afraid of hurting his lady’s honour than + would she herself. I therefore think that an honourable and graceful + response, such as is called for by perfect and seemly love, must tend to + the increase of honour and the satisfaction of conscience, for no true + lover could seek the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + “That is always the end of your speeches,” said Ennasuite; “they begin + with honour and end with the contrary. However, if all the gentlemen + present will tell the truth of the matter, I am ready to believe them on + their oaths.” + </p> + <p> + Hircan swore that for his own part he had never loved any woman but his + own wife, and even with her had no desire to be guilty of any gross + offence against God. + </p> + <p> + Simontault declared the same, and added that he had often wished all women + were froward excepting his own wife. + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Geburon to him, “you deserve that your wife should be what + you would have the others. For my own part, I can swear to you that I once + loved a woman so dearly that I would rather have died than have led her to + do anything that might have diminished my esteem for her. My love for her + was so founded upon her virtues, that for no advantage that I might have + had of her would I have seen them blemished.” + </p> + <p> + At this Saffredent burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Geburon,” he said, “I thought that your wife’s affection and your own + good sense would have guarded you from the danger of falling in love + elsewhere, but I see that I was mistaken, for you still use the very + phrases with which we are wont to beguile the most subtle of women, and to + obtain a hearing from the most discreet. For who would close her ears + against us when we begin our discourse by talking of honour and virtue? + (8) But if we were to show them our hearts just as they are, there is many + a man now welcome among the ladies whom they would reckon of but little + account. But we hide the devil in our natures under the most angelic form + we can devise, and in this disguise receive many favours before we are + found out. And perhaps we lead the ladies’ hearts so far forward, that + when they come upon vice while believing themselves on the high road to + virtue, they have neither opportunity nor ability to draw back again.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 This sentence is borrowed from MS. No. 1520 (Bib. Nat.)— + L. +</pre> + <p> + “Truly,” said Geburon, “I thought you a different man than your words + would show you to be, and fancied that virtue was more pleasing to you + than pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said Saffredent. “Is there any virtue greater than that of loving + in the way that God commands? It seems to me that it is much better to + love one woman as a woman than to adore a number of women as though they + were so many idols. For my part, I am firmly of opinion that use is better + than abuse.” + </p> + <p> + The ladies, however, all sided with Geburon, and would not allow + Saffredent to continue, whereupon he said— + </p> + <p> + “I am well content to say no more on this subject of love, for I have been + so badly treated with regard to it that I will never return to it again.” + </p> + <p> + “It is your own maliciousness,” said Longarine, “that has occasioned your + bad treatment; for what virtuous woman would have you for a lover after + what you have told us?” + </p> + <p> + “Those who did not consider me unwelcome,” answered Saffredent, “would not + care to exchange their virtue for yours. But let us say no more about it, + that my anger may offend neither myself nor others. Let us see to whom + Dagoucin will give his vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it to Parlamente,” said Dagoucin, “for I believe that she must + know better than any one else the nature of honourable and perfect love.” + </p> + <p> + “Since I have been chosen to tell the third tale,” said Parlamente, “I + will tell you something that happened to a lady who has always been one of + my best friends, and whose thoughts have never been hidden from me.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0019" id="linkimage-0019"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/117.jpg" width="100%" alt="117.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0020" id="linkimage-0020"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/119a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="119a.jpg the Sea-captain Talking to The Lady " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Sea-captain talking to the Lady] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0021" id="linkimage-0021"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/119.jpg" width="100%" alt="119.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XIII</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>A sea-captain, being greatly in love with a lady, sent her a diamond; + but she despatched it to his wife, whom he had long neglected, and in this + wise so atoned for his conduct that his wife was reconciled to him in + perfect affection</i>. (1) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 M. Le Roux de Lincy believes that this story has some + historical basis, and, Louise of Savoy being termed the + Regent, he assigns the earlier incidents to the year 1524. + But Louise was Regent, for the first time, in 1515, and we + incline to the belief that Queen Margaret alludes to this + earlier period. Note the reference to a Court journey to + Normandy (post, p. 136), which was probably the journey that + Francis I. and his mother are known to have made to Rouen + and Alençon in the autumn of 1517. See vol. i. p. xxviii.— + Ed. 2 119 +</pre> + <p> + In the household of the Lady-Regent, mother of King Francis, there was a + very pious lady married to a gentleman of like mind with herself, and, + albeit her husband was old and she was young and pretty, she served and + loved him as though he had been the handsomest and youngest man in the + world. So that she might give him no cause for sorrow, she set herself to + live as though she were of the same age as himself, eschewing all such + company, dress, dances, and amusements as young women are wont to love, + and finding all her pleasure and recreation in the service of God; on + which account her husband so loved and trusted her, that she ruled him and + his household as she would. + </p> + <p> + One day it happened that the gentleman told his wife that from his youth + up he had desired to make a journey to Jerusalem, and asked her what she + thought of it. She, whose only wish was to please him, replied— + </p> + <p> + “Since God has withheld children from us, sweetheart, and has granted us + sufficient wealth, I would willingly use some portion of it in making this + sacred journey with you, for indeed, whether you go thither or elsewhere, + I am resolved never to leave you.” + </p> + <p> + At this the good man was so pleased, that it seemed to him as though he + were already on Mount Calvary. + </p> + <p> + While they were deliberating on this matter, there came to the Court a + gentleman, the Captain of a galley, who had often served in the wars + against the Turks, (2) and was now soliciting the King of France to + undertake an expedition against one of their cities, which might yield + great advantage to Christendom. The old gentleman inquired of him + concerning this expedition, and after hearing what he intended to do, + asked him whether, on the completion of this business, he would make + another journey to Jerusalem, whither he himself and his wife had a great + desire to go. The Captain was well pleased on hearing of this laudable + desire, and he promised to conduct them thither, and to keep the matter + secret. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 M. Paul Lacroix, who believes that the heroine of this + tale is Margaret herself (she is described as telling it + under the name of Parlamente), is also of opinion that the + gentleman referred to is the Baron de Malleville, a knight + of Malta, who was killed at Beyrout during an expedition + against the Turks, and whose death was recounted in verse by + Clement Marot (<i>OEuvres</i>, 1731, vol. ii. p. 452-455). + Margaret’s gentleman, however, is represented as being + married, whereas M. de Malleville, as a knight of Malta, was + necessarily a bachelor. Marot, moreover, calls Malleville a + Parisian, whereas the gentleman in the tale belonged to + Normandy (see <i>post</i>, p. 136).—B. J. and L. +</pre> + <p> + The old gentleman was all impatience to find his wife and tell her of what + he had done. She was as anxious to make the journey as her husband, and on + that account often spoke about it to the Captain, who, paying more + attention to her person than her words, fell so deeply in love with her, + that when speaking to her of the voyages he had made, he often confused + the port of Marseilles with the Archipelago, and said “horse” when he + meant to say “ship,” like one distracted and bereft of sense. Her + character, however, was such that he durst not give any token of the + truth, and concealment kindled such fires in his heart that he often fell + sick, when the lady showed as much solicitude for him as for the cross and + guide of her road, (3) sending to inquire after him so often that the + anxiety she showed cured him without the aid of any other medicine. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This may simply be an allusion to wayside crosses which + serve to guide travellers on their road. M. de Montaiglon + points out, however, that in the alphabets used for teaching + children in the olden time, the letter A was always preceded + by a cross, and that the child, in reciting, invariably + began: “The cross of God, A, B, C, D,” &c. In a like way, a + cross figured at the beginning of the guide-books of the + time, as a symbol inviting the traveller to pray, and + reminding him upon whom he should rely amid the perils of + his journey. The best known French guide-book of the + sixteenth century is Charles Estienne’s <i>Guide des Chemins + de France</i>.—M. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Several persons who knew that this Captain had been more renowned for + valour and jollity than for piety, were amazed that he should have become + so intimate with this lady, and seeing that he had changed in every + respect, and frequented churches, sermons, and confessions, they suspected + that this was only in order to win the lady’s favour, and could not + refrain from hinting as much to him. + </p> + <p> + The Captain feared that if the lady should hear any such talk he would be + banished from her presence, and accordingly he told her husband and + herself that he was on the point of being despatched on his journey by the + King, and had much to tell them, but that for the sake of greater secrecy + he did not desire to speak to them in the presence of others, for which + reason he begged them to send for him when they had both retired for the + night. The gentleman deemed this to be good advice, and did not fail to go + to bed early every evening, and to make his wife also undress. When all + their servants had left them, they used to send for the Captain, and talk + with him about the journey to Jerusalem, in the midst of which the old + gentleman would oft-times fall asleep with his mind full of pious + thoughts. When the Captain saw the old gentleman asleep in bed, and found + himself on a chair near her whom he deemed the fairest and noblest woman + in the world, his heart was so rent between his desires and his dread of + speaking that he often lost the power of speech. In order that she might + not perceive this, he would force himself to talk of the holy places of + Jerusalem where there were such signs of the great love that Jesus Christ + bore us; and he would speak of this love, using it as a cloak for his own, + and looking at the lady with sighs and tears which she never understood. + By reason of his devout countenance she indeed believed him to be a very + holy man, and begged of him to tell her what his life had been, and how he + had come to love God in that way. + </p> + <p> + He told her that he was a poor gentleman, who, to arrive at riches and + honour, had disregarded his conscience in marrying a woman who was too + close akin to him, and this on account of the wealth she possessed, albeit + she was ugly and old, and he loved her not; and when he had drawn all her + money from her, he had gone to seek his fortune at sea, and had so + prospered by his toil, that he had now come to an honourable estate. But + since he had made his hearer’s acquaintance, she, by reason of her pious + converse and good example, had changed all his manner of life, and should + he return from his present enterprise he was wholly resolved to take her + husband and herself to Jerusalem, that he might thereby partly atone for + his grievous sins which he had now put from him; save that he had not yet + made reparation to his wife, with whom, however, he hoped that he might + soon be reconciled. + </p> + <p> + The lady was well pleased with this discourse, and especially rejoiced at + having drawn such a man to the love and fear of God. And thus, until the + Captain departed from the Court, their long conversations together were + continued every evening without his ever venturing to declare himself. + However, he made the lady a present of a crucifix of Our Lady of Pity, (4) + beseeching her to think of him whenever she looked upon it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 “Our Lady of Pity” is the designation usually applied to + the Virgin when she is shown seated with the corpse of + Christ on her knees. Michael Angelo’s famous group at St. + Peter’s is commonly known by this name. In the present + instance, however, Queen Margaret undoubtedly refers to a + crucifix showing the Virgin at the foot of the Cross, + contemplating her son’s sufferings. Such crucifixes were + formerly not uncommon.—M. +</pre> + <p> + The hour of his departure arrived, and when he had taken leave of the + husband, who was falling asleep, and came to bid his lady farewell, he + beheld tears standing in her eyes by reason of the honourable affection + which she entertained for him. The sight of these rendered his passion for + her so unendurable that, not daring to say anything concerning it, he + almost fainted, and broke out into an exceeding sweat, so that he seemed + to weep not only with his eyes, but with his entire body. And thus he + departed without speaking, leaving the lady in great astonishment, for she + had never before seen such tokens of regret. Nevertheless she did not + change in her good opinion of him, and followed him with her prayers. + </p> + <p> + After a month had gone by, however, as the lady was returning to her + house, she met a gentleman who handed her a letter from the Captain, and + begged her to read it in private. + </p> + <p> + He told her how he had seen the Captain embark, fully resolved to + accomplish whatever might be pleasing to the King and of advantage to + Christianity. For his own part, the gentleman added, he was straightway + going back to Marseilles to set the Captain’s affairs in order. + </p> + <p> + The lady withdrew to a window by herself, and opening the letter, found it + to consist of two sheets of paper, covered on either side with writing + which formed the following epistle:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Concealment long and silence have, alas! + Brought me all comfortless to such a pass, + That now, perforce, I must, to ease my grief, + Either speak out, or seek in death relief. + Wherefore the tale I long have left untold + I now, in lonely friendlessness grown bold, + Send unto thee, for I must strive to say + My love, or else prepare myself to slay. + And though my eyes no longer may behold + The sweet, who in her hand my life doth hold, + Whose glance sufficed to make my heart rejoice, + The while my ear did listen to her voice,— + These words at least shall meet her beauteous eyes, + And tell her all the plaintive, clamorous cries + Pent in my heart, to which I must give breath, + Since longer silence could but bring me death. + And yet, at first, I was in truth full fain + To blot the words I’d written out again, + Fearing, forsooth, I might offend thine ear + With foolish phrases which, when thou wast near, + I dared not utter; and ‘Indeed,’ said I, + ‘Far better pine in silence, aye, and die, + Than save myself by bringing her annoy + For whose sweet sake grim death itself were joy.’ + And yet, thought I, my death some pain might give + To her for whom I would be strong, and live: + For have I not, fair lady, promised plain, + My journey ended, to return again + And guide thee and thy spouse to where he now + Doth yearn to call on God from Sion’s brow? + And none would lead thee thither should I die. + If I were dead, methinks I see thee sigh + In sore distress, for then thou couldst not start + Upon that journey, dear unto thy heart. + So I will live, and, in a little space, + Return to lead thee to the sacred place. + Aye, I will live, though death a boon would be + Only to be refused for sake of thee. + But if I live, I needs must straight remove + The burden from my heart, and speak my love, + That love more loyal, tender, deep, and true, + Than, ever yet, the fondest lover knew. + And now, bold words about to wing your flight, + What will ye say when ye have reached her sight? + Declare her all the love that fills my heart? + Too weak ye are to tell its thousandth part! + Can ye at least not say that her clear eyes + Have torn my hapless heart forth in such wise, + That like a hollow tree I pine and wither + Unless hers give me back some life and vigour? + Ye feeble words! ye cannot even tell + How easily her eyes a heart compel; + Nor can ye praise her speech in language fit, + So weak and dull ye are, so void of wit. + Yet there are some things I would have you name— + How mute and foolish I oft time became + When all her grace and virtue I beheld; + How from my ‘raptured eyes tears slowly welled + The tears of hopeless love; how my tongue strayed + From fond and wooing speech, so sore afraid, + That all my discourse was of time and tide, + And of the stars which up in Heav’n abide. + O words, alas! ye lack the skill to tell + The dire confusion that upon me fell, + Whilst love thus wracked me; nor can ye disclose + My love’s immensity, its pains and woes. + Yet, though, for all, your powers be too weak, + Perchance, some little, ye are fit to speak— + Say to her thus: “Twas fear lest thou shouldst chide + That drove me, e’en so long, my love to hide, + And yet, forsooth, it might have openly + Been told to God in Heaven, as unto thee, + Based as it is upon thy virtue—thought + That to my torments frequent balm hath brought, + For who, indeed, could ever deem it sin + To seek the owner of all worth to win? + Deserving rather of our blame were he + Who having seen thee undisturbed could be.’ + None such was I, for, straightway stricken sore, + My heart bowed low to Love, the conqueror. + And ah! no false and fleeting love is mine, + Such as for painted beauty feigns to pine; + Nor doth my passion, although deep and strong, + Seek its own wicked pleasure in thy wrong. + Nay; on this journey I would rather die + Than know that thou hadst fallen, and that I + Had wrought thy shame and foully brought to harm + The virtue which thy heart wraps round thy form. + ‘Tis thy perfection that I love in thee, + Nought that might lessen it could ever be + Desire of mine—indeed, the nobler thou, + The greater were the love I to thee vow. + I do not seek an ardent flame to quench + In lustful dalliance with some merry wench, + Pure is my heart, ‘neath reason’s calm control + Set on a lady of such lofty soul, + That neither God above nor angel bright, + But seeing her, would echo my delight. + And if of thee I may not be beloved, + What matter, shouldst thou deem that I have proved + The truest lover that did ever live? + And this I know thou wilt, one day, believe, + For time, in rolling by, shall show to thee + No change in my heart’s faith and loyalty. + And though for this thou mayst make no return, + Yet pleased am I with love for thee to burn, + And seek no recompense, pursue no end, + Save, that to thee, I meekly recommend + My soul and body, which I here consign + In sacrifice to Love’s consuming shrine. + If then in safety I sail back the main + To thee, still artless, I’ll return again; + And if I die, then there will die with me + A lover such as none again shall see. + So Ocean now doth carry far away + The truest lover seen for many a day; + His body ‘tis that journeys o’er the wave, + But not his heart, for that is now thy slave, + And from thy side can never wrested be, + Nor of its own accord return to me. + Ah! could I with me o’er the treach’rous brine + Take aught of that pure, guileless heart of thine, + No doubt should I then feel of victory, + Whereof the glory would belong to thee. + But now, whatever fortune may befall, + I’ve cast the die; and having told thee all, + Abide thereby, and vow my constancy— + Emblem of which, herein, a diamond see, + By whose great firmness and whose pure glow + The strength and pureness of my love thou’lt know. + Let it, I pray, thy fair white finger press, + And thou wilt deal me more than happiness. + And, diamond, speak and say: ‘To thee I come + From thy fond lover, who afar doth roam, + And strives by dint of glorious deeds to rise + To the high level of the good and wise, + Hoping some day that haven to attain, + Where thy sweet favours shall reward his pain.” + </pre> + <p> + The lady read the letter through, and was the more astonished at the + Captain’s passion as she had never before suspected it. She looked at the + cutting of the diamond, which was a large and beautiful one, set in a ring + of black enamel, and she was in great doubt as to what she ought to do + with it. After pondering upon the matter throughout the night, she was + glad to find that since there was no messenger, she had no occasion to + send any answer to the Captain, who, she reflected, was being sufficiently + tried by those matters of the King, his master, which he had in hand, + without being angered by the unfavourable reply which she was resolved to + make to him, though she delayed it until his return. However, she found + herself greatly perplexed with regard to the diamond, for she had never + been wont to adorn herself at the expense of any but her husband. For this + reason, being a woman of excellent understanding, she determined to draw + from the ring some profit to the Captain’s conscience. She therefore + despatched one of her servants to the Captain’s wife with the following + letter, which was written as though it came from a nun of Tarascon:— + </p> + <p> + “MADAM,—Your husband passed this way but a short time before he + embarked, and after he had confessed himself and received his Creator like + a good Christian, he spoke to me of something which he had upon his + conscience, namely, his sorrow at not having loved you as he should have + done. And on departing, he prayed and besought me to send you this letter, + with the diamond which goes with it, and which he begs of you to keep for + his sake, assuring you that if God bring him back again in health and + strength, you shall be better treated than ever woman was before. And this + stone of steadfastness shall be the pledge thereof. + </p> + <p> + “I beg you to remember him in your prayers; in mine he will have a place + as long as I live.” + </p> + <p> + This letter, being finished and signed with the name of a nun, was sent by + the lady to the Captain’s wife. And as may be readily believed, when the + excellent old woman saw the letter and the ring, she wept for joy and + sorrow at being loved and esteemed by her good husband when she could no + longer see him. She kissed the ring a thousand times and more, watering it + with her tears, and blessing God for having restored her husband’s + affection to her at the end of her days, when she had long looked upon it + as lost. Nor did she fail to thank the nun who had given her so much + happiness, but sent her the fairest reply that she could devise. This the + messenger brought back with all speed to his mistress, who could not read + it, nor listen to what her servant told her, without much laughter. And so + pleased was she at having got rid of the diamond in so profitable a + fashion as to bring about a reconciliation between the husband and wife, + that she was as happy as though she had gained a kingdom. + </p> + <p> + A short time afterwards tidings came of the defeat and death of the poor + Captain, and of how he had been abandoned by those who ought to have + succoured him, and how his enterprise had been revealed by the Rhodians + who should have kept it secret, so that he and all who landed with him, to + the number of eighty, had been slain, among them being a gentleman named + John, and a Turk to whom the lady of my story had stood godmother, both of + them having been given by her to the Captain that he might take them with + him on his journey. The first named of these had died beside the Captain, + whilst the Turk, wounded by arrows in fifteen places, had saved himself by + swimming to the French ships. + </p> + <p> + It was through him alone that the truth of the whole affair became known. + A certain gentleman whom the poor Captain had taken to be his friend and + comrade, and whose interests he had advanced with the King and the highest + nobles of France, had, it appeared, stood out to sea with his ships as + soon as the Captain landed; and the Captain, finding that his expedition + had been betrayed, and that four thousand Turks were at hand, had + thereupon endeavoured to retreat, as was his duty. But the gentleman in + whom he put such great trust perceived that his friend’s death would leave + the sole command and profit of that great armament to himself, and + accordingly pointed out to the officers that it would not be right to risk + the King’s vessels or the lives of the many brave men on board them in + order to save less than a hundred persons, an opinion which was shared by + all those of the officers that possessed but little courage. + </p> + <p> + So the Captain, finding that the more he called to the ships the farther + they drew away from his assistance, faced round at last upon the Turks; + and, albeit he was up to his knees in sand, he did such deeds of arms and + valour that it seemed as though he alone would defeat all his enemies, an + issue which his traitorous comrade feared far more than he desired it. + </p> + <p> + But at last, in spite of all that he could do, the Captain received so + many wounds from the arrows of those who durst not approach within + bowshot, that he began to lose all his blood, whereupon the Turks, + perceiving the weakness of these true Christians, charged upon them + furiously with their scimitars; but the Christians, so long as God gave + them strength and life, defended themselves to the bitter end. + </p> + <p> + Then the Captain called to the gentleman named John, whom his lady love + had given him, and to the Turk as well, and thrusting the point of his + sword into the ground, fell upon his knees beside it, and embraced and + kissed the cross, (5) saying— + </p> + <p> + “Lord, receive into Thy hands the soul of one who has not spared his life + to exalt Thy name.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 As is well known, before swords were made with shell and + stool hilts, the two guards combined with the handle and + blade formed a cross. Bayard, when dying, raised his sword + to gaze upon this cross, and numerous instances, similar to + that mentioned above by Queen Margaret, may be found in the + old <i>Chansons de Geste</i>.—M. +</pre> + <p> + The gentleman called John, seeing that his master’s life was ebbing away + as he uttered these words, thought to aid him, and took him into his arms, + together with the sword which he was holding. But a Turk who was behind + them cut through both his thighs, whereupon he cried out, “Come, Captain, + let us away to Paradise to see Him for whose sake we die,” and in this + wise he shared the poor Captain’s death even as he had shared his life. + </p> + <p> + The Turk, seeing that he could be of no service to either of them, and + being himself wounded by arrows in fifteen places, made off towards the + ships, and requested to be taken on board. But although of all the eighty + he was the only one who had escaped, the Captain’s traitorous comrade + refused his prayer. Nevertheless, being an exceeding good swimmer, he + threw himself into the sea, and exerted himself so well that he was at + last received on board a small vessel, where in a short time he was cured + of his wounds. And it was by means of this poor foreigner that the truth + became fully known, to the honour of the Captain and the shame of his + comrade, whom the King and all the honourable people who heard the tidings + deemed guilty of such wickedness toward God and man that there was no + death howsoever cruel which he did not deserve. But when he returned he + told so many lies, and gave so many gifts, that not only did he escape + punishment, but even received the office of the man whose unworthy servant + he had been. + </p> + <p> + When the pitiful tidings reached the Court, the Lady-Regent, who held the + Captain in high esteem, mourned for him exceedingly, as did the King and + all the honourable people who had known him. And when the lady whom he had + loved the best heard of his strange, sad, and Christian death, she changed + the chiding she had resolved to give him into tears and lamentations, in + which her husband kept her company, all hopes of their journey to + Jerusalem being now frustrated. + </p> + <p> + I must not forget to say that on the very day when the two gentlemen were + killed, a damsel in the lady’s service, who loved the gentleman called + John better than herself, came and told her mistress that she had seen her + lover ir a dream; he had appeared to her clad in white, and had bidden her + farewell, telling her that he was going to Paradise with his Captain. And + when the damsel heard that her dream had come true, she made such + lamentation that her mistress had enough to do to comfort her. (6) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 The Queen of Navarre was a firm believer in the truth and + premonitory character of dreams, and according to her + biographers she, herself, had several singular ones, two of + which are referred to in the Memoir prefixed to the present + work (vol. i. pp. lxxxiii. and Ixxxvii.). In some of her + letters, moreover, she relates that Francis I., when under + the walls of Pavia, on three successive nights beheld his + little daughter Charlotte (then dying at Lyons) appear to + him in a dream, and on each occasion repeat the words, + “Farewell, my King, I am going to Paradise.”—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + A short time afterwards the Court journeyed into Normandy, to which + province the Captain had belonged. His wife was not remiss in coming to + pay homage to the Lady-Regent, and in order that she might be presented to + her, she had recourse to the same lady whom her husband had so dearly + loved. + </p> + <p> + And while they were waiting in a church for the appointed hour, she began + bewailing and praising her husband, saying among other things to the lady— + </p> + <p> + “Alas, madam! my misfortune is the greatest that ever befell a woman, for + just when he was loving me more than he had ever done, God took him from + me.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, and with many tears, she showed the ring which she wore on her + finger as a token of her husband’s perfect love, whereat the other lady, + finding that her deception had resulted in such a happy issue, was, + despite her sorrow for the Captain’s death, so moved to laughter, that she + would not present the widow to the Regent, but committed her to the charge + of another lady, and withdrew into a side chapel, where she satisfied her + inclination to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “I think, ladies, that those who receive such gifts ought to seek to use + them to as good a purpose as did this worthy lady. They would find that + benefactions bring joy to those who bestow them. And we must not charge + this lady with deceit, but esteem her good sense which turned to good that + which in itself was worthless.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say,” said Nomerfide, “that a fine diamond, costing two + hundred crowns, is worthless? I can assure you that if it had fallen into + my hands, neither his wife nor his relations would have seen aught of it. + Nothing is more wholly one’s own than a gift. The gentleman was dead, no + one knew anything about the matter, and she might well have spared the + poor old woman so much sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “By my word,” said Hircan, “you are right. There are women who, to make + themselves appear of better heart than others, do things that are clearly + contrary to their notions, for we all know that women are the most + avaricious of beings, yet their vanity often surpasses their avarice, and + constrains their hearts to actions that they would rather not perform. My + belief is that the lady who gave the diamond away in this fashion was + unworthy to wear it.” + </p> + <p> + “Softly, softly,” said Oisille; “I believe I know who she is, and I + therefore beg that you will not condemn her unheard.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Hircan, “I do not condemn her at all; but if the gentleman + was as virtuous as you say, it were an honour to have such a lover, and to + wear his ring; but perhaps some one less worthy of being loved than he + held her so fast by the finger that the ring could not be put on.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Ennasuite, “she might well have kept it, seeing that no one + knew anything about it.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said Geburon; “are all things lawful to those who love, provided + no one knows anything about them?” + </p> + <p> + “By my word,” said Saffredent, “the only misdeed that I have ever seen + punished is foolishness. There is never a murderer, robber, or adulterer + condemned by the courts or blamed by his fellows, if only he be as cunning + as he is wicked. Oft-time, however, a bad man’s wickedness so blinds him + that he becomes a fool; and thus, as I have just said, it is the foolish + only that are punished, not the vicious.” + </p> + <p> + “You may say what you please,” said Oisille, “only God can judge the + lady’s heart; but for my part, I think that her action was a very + honourable and virtuous one. (7) However, to put an end to the debate, I + pray you, Parlamente, to give some one your vote.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 In our opinion this sentence disposes of Miss Mary + Robinson’s supposition (<i>The Fortunate Lovers</i>, London, + 1887, p. 159) that Oisille (i.e., Louise of Savoy) is the + real heroine of this tale. Queen Margaret would hardly have + represented her commending her own action. If any one of the + narrators of the <i>Heptameron</i> be the heroine of the story, + the presumptions are in favour of Longarine (La Dame de + Lonray), Margaret’s bosom friend, whose silence during the + after-converse is significant.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I give it willingly,” she said, “to Simontault, for after two such + mournful tales we must have one that will not make us weep.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” said Simontault. “In giving me your vote you have all but + told me that I am a jester. It is a name that is extremely distasteful to + me, and in revenge I will show you that there are women who with certain + persons, or for a certain time, make a great pretence of being chaste, but + the end shows them in their real colours, as you will see by this true + story.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0022" id="linkimage-0022"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/140.jpg" width="100%" alt="140.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0023" id="linkimage-0023"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/141a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="141a.jpg Bonnivet and the Lady of Milan " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Bonnivet and the Lady of Milan] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0024" id="linkimage-0024"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/141.jpg" width="100%" alt="141.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XIV</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Lord of Bonnivet, desiring to revenge himself upon a + Milanese lady for her cruelty, made the acquaintance of an + Italian gentleman whom she loved, but to whom she had never + granted anything save fair words and assurances of + affection. To accomplish his purpose he gave this gentleman + such good advice that the lady granted him what he had so + long sought, and this the gentleman made known to Bonnivet, + who, having cut both hair and beard, and dressed himself in + clothes like those of the other, went at midnight and put + his vengeance into execution. Then the lady, having learnt + from him the plan that he had devised to win her, promised + to desist from loving those of her own nation, and to hold + fast to him</i>. +</pre> + <p> + At the time when the Grand-Master of Chaumont was Governor of the Duchy of + Milan, (1) there lived there a gentleman called the Lord of Bonnivet, who + by reason of his merits was afterwards made Admiral of France. Being + greatly liked by the Grand-Master and every one else on account of the + qualities he possessed, he was a welcome guest at the banquets where the + ladies of Milan assembled, and was regarded by them with more favour than + ever fell to a Frenchman’s lot, either before or since; and this as much + on account of his handsome countenance, grace of manner, and pleasant + converse, as by reason of the renown which he had gained among all as + being one of the most skilful and valorous soldiers of his time. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 M. de Lincy is of opinion that the incidents recorded in + this story took place between 1501 and 1503; but according + to M. Lacroix, the Grand-Master of Chaumont did not become + Governor of the Milanese till 1506. This personage, to whom + Queen Margaret frequently alludes in her tales, was Charles + d’Amboise, nephew of the famous Cardinal d’Amboise, minister + to Louis XII. In turn admiral and marshal, Governor of + Paris, and Grand-Master, in France, of the Order of St. John + of Jerusalem, he figured prominently in the Italian wars of + the time, and notably at the battle of Aignadel. In 1510 he + commanded the troops which fought on behalf of the Duke of + Ferrara against the Emperor and Pope Julius II., and the + latter having excommunicated him for bearing arms against + the Holy See, his mind is said to have become unhinged. He + died at Correggio in February 1511, when only thirty-eight + years of age, some biographers asserting that he was + poisoned, whilst others contend that he fell from a bridge + during a military expedition. Whilst on his death-bed, he + sent messengers to the Pope, begging that the decree of + excommunication against him might be annulled, but before + the Papal absolution arrived he had expired. The name of + Chaumont, by which he is generally known, is that of an + estate he possessed, between Blois and Amboise, on the + Loire. The reputation he enjoyed of being one of the + handsomest men of his time was well deserved, if one may + judge by a painting at the Louvre which is said to be his + portrait. This picture, long ascribed to Leonardo da Vinci, + and supposed to represent Charles VIII. of France, has been + identified as the work of Andreas Solario, who executed + numerous paintings for Cardinal d’Amboise at the famous + château of Gaillon.—L. M. and Eu. + + 2 Some particulars concerning William Gouffier, Lord of + Bonnivet, have been given in vol. i. (Tale IV. n. 3). It + may here be mentioned that the domain whence he derived the + name by which he is generally known was in the neighbourhood + of Poitiers, around the village of Vendeuvre, where he built + himself a vast château, destroyed at the close of the + eighteenth century. Some fragments of the sculptured work + adorning it, remarkable for their elegance of design and + delicacy of workmanship, are in the Poitiers Museum. It is + not unlikely that the incidents related in Tale IV. occurred + at this château; or else at that of Oiron, another domain of + the Gouffiers, between Loudun and Bressuire. In the chapel + of Oiron were buried Bonnivet, his mother, his brother + Artus, and his nephew Claud. Their tombs, large marble + mausoleums of Italian workmanship, surmounted by recumbent + statues, were opened and mutilated by the Huguenots in 1568, + when the bones they contained were scattered to the winds. + Bon-nivet’s statue is probably the most damaged of the four. + The château of Oiron, with its marble staircases, quaint + frescoes, sculptured medallions, &c, testifies to the great + wealth possessed by the Gouffier family, and justifies the + cynical motto assumed by Bonnivet’s nephew: “Others have + beaten the bushes, but we have the birds.”—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + One day during the carnival, when he was among the maskers, he danced with + one of the most beautiful and bravely attired ladies to be found in the + whole city; and whenever a pause occurred in the music of the hautboys, he + did not fail to address her with love speeches, in which he excelled all + others. But she (3) having no favourable reply to give him, suddenly + checked his discourse by assuring him that she neither loved nor ever + would love any man but her husband, and that he must by no means expect + that she would listen to him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This lady may perhaps be the “Sennora Clerice” (Clarissa) + of whom Brantôme writes as follows in his <i>Capitaines + François</i>:—“It was Bonnivet alone who advised King Francis + to cross the mountains and follow M. de Bourbon, and in this + he had less his master’s advantage and service at heart than + his desire to return and see a great and most beautiful lady + of Milan, whom he had made his mistress some years + previously.... It is said that this was the ‘Sennora + Clerice,’ then accounted one of the most beautiful ladies of + Italy.... A great lady of the time, from whom I heard this + story, told me that he, Bonnivet, had commended this lady + Clerice to the King so highly as to make him desirous of + seeing and winning her; and this was the principal cause of + this expedition of the King’s.”—Lalanne’s <i>OEuvres de + Brantôme</i>, vol. ii. p. 167-8.—L. +</pre> + <p> + The gentleman, however, would not take this answer for a refusal, and + continued to press his suit with great energy until mid-Lent. But he found + her still firm in her declaration that she would love neither himself nor + another, which he could not believe, however, seeing how ill-favoured was + her husband, and how great her own beauty. Convinced that she was + practising dissimulation, he resolved, on his own side, to have recourse + to deception, and accordingly he ceased to urge his suit, and inquired so + closely concerning her manner of life that he discovered she was in love + with a most discreet and honourable Italian gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Little by little the Lord of Bonnivet insinuated himself into the + friendship of this gentleman, and did so with so much discretion and + skill, that the other remained ignorant of his motive, and became so much + attached to him that, after the lady of his heart, there was no one in the + world whom he loved more. In order that he might pluck his secret from his + breast, the Lord of Bonnivet pretended to tell him his own, declaring that + he loved a certain lady to whom he had in truth never given a thought, and + begging that he would keep the matter secret, and that they might have but + one heart and one mind together. Wishing to show in return a like + affection, the poor Italian gentleman thereupon proceeded to disclose at + length the love that he bore the lady on whom Bonnivet wished to be + revenged; and after this they would meet somewhere once every day in order + to recount the favours that had befallen them during the past four and + twenty hours; with this difference, however, that one lied, and the other + spoke the truth. And the Italian confessed that he had loved this lady for + three years, but had never obtained anything of her save fair words and + the assurance of her love. + </p> + <p> + Bonnivet then gave him all the advice that he could to enable him to + attain his end, and to such good purpose that in a few days the lady + consented to grant all that was sought of her. It only remained to devise + a plan for their meeting, and through the counsels of Bonnivet this was + soon accomplished. And so one day before supper the Italian said to him— + </p> + <p> + “I am more beholden to you, sir, than to any other man living, for, thanks + to your good advice, I expect to obtain to-night that which I have coveted + so many years.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, my friend,” thereupon said Bonnivet, “tell me the manner of + your undertaking, so that if there be any risk in it, or craft required, I + may serve you in all friendship.” + </p> + <p> + The Italian gentleman then began to tell him that the lady had devised a + means of having the principal door of the house left open that night, + availing herself as a pretext of the illness of one of her brothers for + whose requirements it was necessary to send into the town at all hours. He + might enter the courtyard, but he was to be careful not to go up by the + principal staircase. Instead of this he was to take a small flight on his + right hand, and enter the first gallery he came to, into which the rooms + of the lady’s father-in-law and brothers-in-law opened; and he was to + choose the third door from the head of the stairs, and if on trying it + gently he found that it was locked, he was to go away again, for in that + case he might be sure that her husband had returned, though not expected + back for two days. If, however, he found that the door was open, he was to + enter softly, and boldly bolt it behind him, for in that case there would + be none but herself in the room. And above all, he was to get himself felt + shoes, in order that he might make no noise, and he was to be careful not + to come earlier than two hours after midnight, for her brothers-in-law, + who were fond of play, never went to bed until after one of the clock. + </p> + <p> + “Go, my friend,” replied Bonnivet, “and may God be with you and preserve + you from mischief. If my company can be of any service to you, I am wholly + at your disposal.” + </p> + <p> + The Italian gentleman thanked him warmly, but said that in an affair of + this nature he could not be too much alone; and thereupon he went away to + set about his preparations. + </p> + <p> + Bonnivet, on his part, did not go to sleep, for he saw that the time had + come for revenging himself upon his cruel love. Going home betimes, he had + his beard trimmed to the same length and breadth as the Italian’s, and + also had his hair cut, so that, on touching him, no difference between + himself and his rival might be perceived. Nor did he forget the felt + shoes, nor garments such as the Italian was wont to wear. Being greatly + liked by the lady’s father-in-law, he was not afraid to go to the house at + an early hour, for he made up his mind that if he were perceived, he would + go straight to the chamber of the old gentleman, with whom he had some + business on hand. + </p> + <p> + About midnight he entered the lady’s house, and although there were a good + many persons going to and fro, he passed them unnoticed and thus reached + the gallery. Trying the first two doors, he found them shut; the third, + however, was not, and he softly pushed it open. And having thus entered + the lady’s room, he immediately bolted the door behind him. He found that + the whole chamber was hung with white linen, the floor and ceiling also + being covered with the same; and there was a bed draped with cloth so fine + and soft and so handsomely embroidered in white, that nothing better were + possible. And in the bed lay the lady alone, wearing her cap and + night-gown, and covered with pearls and gems. This, before he was himself + perceived by her, he was able to see by peeping round the curtain; for + there was a large wax candle burning, which made the room as bright as + day. And fearful lest he should be recognised by her, he first of all put + out the light. Then he undressed himself and got into bed beside her. + </p> + <p> + The lady, taking him to be the Italian who had so long loved her, gave him + the best possible reception; but he, not forgetting that he was there in + another’s stead, was careful not to say a single word. His only thought + was to execute his vengeance at the cost of her honour and chastity + without being beholden to her for any boon. And although this was contrary + to her intention, the lady was so well pleased with this vengeance that + she deemed him rewarded for all she thought he had endured. At last it + struck one of the clock, and it was time to say good-bye. Then, in the + lowest tones he could employ, he asked her if she were as well pleased + with him as he was with her. She, believing him to be her lover, said that + she was not merely pleased but amazed at the greatness of his love, which + had kept him an hour without answering her. + </p> + <p> + Then he began to laugh aloud, and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “Now, madam, will you refuse me another time, as you have hitherto been + wont to do?” + </p> + <p> + The lady, recognising him by his speech and laughter, was in such despair + with grief and shame, that she called him villain, traitor, and deceiver a + thousand times over, and tried to throw herself out of bed to search for a + knife in order to kill herself, since she was so unfortunate as to have + lost her honour through a man whom she did not love, and who to be + revenged on her might publish the matter to the whole world. + </p> + <p> + But he held her fast in his arms, and in fair soft words declared that he + would <i>love</i> her more than her lover, and would so carefully conceal + all that affected her honour that she should never be brought to reproach. + This the poor foolish thing believed, and on hearing from him the plan + that he had devised and the pains that he had taken to win her, she swore + to him that she would love him better than the other, who had not been + able to keep her secret. She now knew, said she, how false was the repute + in which the French were held; they were more sensible, persevering, and + discreet than the Italians; wherefore she would henceforward lay aside the + erroneous opinions of her nation and hold fast to him. But she earnestly + entreated him not to show himself for some time at any entertainment or in + any place where she might be unless he were masked; for she was sure she + should feel so much ashamed that her countenance would betray her to every + one. + </p> + <p> + This he promised to do, and he then begged that she would give her lover a + good welcome when he came at two o’clock, getting rid of him afterwards by + degrees. This she was very loth to do, and but for the love she bore to + Bonnivet would on no account have consented. However, when bidding her + farewell, he gave her so much cause for satisfaction that she would fain + have had him stay with her some time longer. + </p> + <p> + Having risen and donned his garments again, he departed, leaving the door + of the room slightly open, as he had found it. And as it was now nearly + two o’clock, and he was afraid of meeting the Italian gentleman, he + withdrew to the top of the staircase, whence he not long afterwards saw + the other pass by and enter the lady’s room. + </p> + <p> + For his own part, he then betook himself home to rest, in such wise that + at nine of the clock on the following morning he was still in bed. While + he was rising, there arrived the Italian gentleman, who did not fail to + recount his fortune, which had not been so great as he had hoped; for on + entering the lady’s chamber, said he, he had found her out of bed, wearing + her dressing-gown, and in a high fever, with her pulse beating quick and + her countenance aflame, and a perspiration beginning to break out upon + her. She had therefore begged him to go away forthwith, for fearing a + mishap, she had not ventured to summon her women, and was in consequence + so ill that she had more need to think of death than of love, and to be + told of God than of Cupid. She was distressed, she added, that he should + have run such risk for her sake, since she was wholly unable to grant what + he sought in a world she was so soon to leave. He had felt so astonished + and unhappy on hearing this that all his fire and joy had been changed to + ice and sadness, and he had immediately gone away. However, he had sent at + daybreak to inquire about her, and had heard that she was indeed very ill. + While recounting his griefs he wept so piteously that it seemed as though + his soul must melt away in his tears. + </p> + <p> + Bonnivet, who was as much inclined to laugh as the other was to weep, + comforted him as well as he could, telling him that affections of long + duration always had a difficult beginning, and that Love was causing him + this delay only that he might afterwards have the greater joy. And so the + two gentlemen parted. The lady remained in bed for some days, and on + regaining her health dismissed her first suitor, alleging as her reason + the fear of death that had beset her and the prickings of her conscience. + But she held fast to my lord Bonnivet, whose love, as is usual, lasted no + longer than the field flowers bloom. + </p> + <p> + “I think, ladies, that the gentleman’s craftiness was a match for the + hypocrisy of the lady, who, after playing the prude so long, showed + herself such a wanton in the end.” + </p> + <p> + “You may say what you please about women,” said Ennasuite, “but the + gentleman played an evil trick. Is it allowable that if a lady loves one + man, another may obtain her by craft?” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure,” said Geburon, “that when such mares are for sale they + are of necessity carried off by the last and highest bidder. Do not + imagine that wooers take such great pains for the ladies’ sakes. It is for + their own sakes and their own pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “By my word,” said Longarine, “I believe you; for, truth to tell, all the + lovers that I have ever had have always begun their speeches by talking + about me, declaring that they cherished my life, welfare, and honour; but + in the end they only thought of themselves, caring for nought but their + own pleasure and vanity. The best plan, therefore, is to dismiss them as + soon as the first portion of their discourse is ended; for when they come + to the second, there is not so much credit in refusing them, seeing that + vice when recognised must needs be rejected.” + </p> + <p> + “So as soon as a man opens his mouth,” said Ennasuite, “we ought to refuse + him, without knowing what he is going to say?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” replied Parlamente, “my friend does not mean that. We know that at + first a woman should never appear to understand what the man desires, or + even to believe him when he has declared what it is; but when he comes to + strong protestations, I think it were better for ladies to leave him on + the road rather than continue to the end of the journey with him.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be,” said Nomerfide; “but are we to believe that they love us + for evil? Is it not a sin to judge our neighbours?” + </p> + <p> + “You may believe what you please,” said Oisille; “but there is so much + cause for fearing it to be true, that as soon as you perceive the faintest + spark, you should flee from this fire, lest it should burn up your heart + before you even know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Hircan, “the laws you lay down are over harsh. If women, + whom gentleness beseems so well, were minded to prove as rigorous as you + would have them be, we men, on our part, would exchange our gentle + entreaties for craft and force.” + </p> + <p> + “In my opinion,” said Simontault, “the best advice is that each should + follow his natural bent. Whether he love or not, let him do so without + dissimulation.” + </p> + <p> + “Would to God,” said Saffredent, “that such a rule would bring as much + honour as it would give pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Dagoucin, however, could not refrain from saying— + </p> + <p> + “Those who would rather die than make their desire known could not comply + with your law.” + </p> + <p> + “Die!” thereupon said Hircan; “the good knight has yet to be born that + would die for the publishing of such a matter. But let us cease talking of + what is impossible, and see to whom Simontault will give his vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” said Simontault, “to Longarine, for I observed her just now + talking to herself. I imagine that she was recalling some excellent + matter, and she is not wont to conceal the truth, whether it be against + man or woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you deem me so truthful,” replied Longarine, “I will tell you a + tale which, though it be not so much to the praise of women as I could + wish it to be, will yet show you that there are some possessed of as much + spirit, wit, and craft as men. If my tale be somewhat long, you will bear + with it in patience.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0025" id="linkimage-0025"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/155.jpg" width="100%" alt="155.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0026" id="linkimage-0026"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/157a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="157a.jpg the Lady Taking Oath As to Her Conduct " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lady taking Oath as to her Conduct] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0027" id="linkimage-0027"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/157.jpg" width="100%" alt="157.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XV</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Through the favour of King Francis, a simple gentleman of + the Court married a very rich woman, of whom, however, as + much by reason of her extreme youth as of the bestowal of + his own heart elsewhere, he made but little account; + whereat, after trying every plan to please him, she was so + moved with resentment and overcome by despair, that she + resolved to console herself with another for the indignities + which she endured from her husband.</i> (1) + + 1 The incidents referred to in this story must have + occurred between 1515 and 1543, during the reign of Francis + I.—L. +</pre> + <p> + At the Court of King Francis the First there was a gentleman whose name I + know right well, but will not mention. He was poor, having less than five + hundred livres a year, but he was so well liked by the King for his many + qualities that he at last married a lady of such wealth that a great lord + would have been pleased to take her. As she was still very young, he + begged one of the greatest ladies of the Court to receive her into her + household, and this the lady very willingly did. + </p> + <p> + Now this gentleman was so courteous, so handsome, and so full of grace + that he was held in great regard by all the ladies of the Court, and among + the rest by one whom the King loved, and who was neither so young nor so + handsome as his own wife. And by reason of the great love that the + gentleman bore this lady, he made such little account of his wife, that he + slept scarcely one night in the year with her, and, what she found still + harder to endure, he never spoke to her or showed her any sign of love. + And although he enjoyed her fortune, he allowed her so small a share in + it, that she was not dressed as was fitting for one of her station, or as + she herself desired. The lady with whom she abode would often reproach the + gentleman for this, saying to him— + </p> + <p> + “Your wife is handsome, rich, and of a good family, yet you make no more + account of her than if she were the opposite. In her extreme youth and + childishness she has hitherto submitted to your neglect; but I fear me + that when she finds herself grown-up and handsome, her mirror and some one + that loves you not will so set before her eyes that beauty by which you + set so little store, that resentment will lead her to do what she durst + not think of had you treated her well.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, however, having bestowed his heart elsewhere, made light of + what the lady said, and notwithstanding her admonitions, continued to lead + the same life as before. + </p> + <p> + But when two or three years had gone by, his wife became one of the most + beautiful women ever seen in France, so that she was reputed to have no + equal at the Court. And the more she felt herself worthy of being loved, + the more distressed she was to find that her husband paid no attention to + her; and so great became her affliction that, but for the consolations of + her mistress, she had well-nigh been in despair. After trying every + possible means to please her husband, she reflected that his inclinations + must needs be directed elsewhere, for otherwise he could not but respond + to the deep love that she bore him. Thereupon she made such skilful + inquiries that she discovered the truth, namely, that he was every night + so fully occupied in another quarter that he could give no thought to his + wife or to his conscience. + </p> + <p> + Having thus obtained certain knowledge of the manner of life he led, she + fell into such deep melancholy, that she would not dress herself otherwise + than in black or attend any place of entertainment. Her mistress, who + perceived this, did all that in her lay to draw her from such a mood, but + could not. And although her husband was made acquainted with her state, he + showed himself more inclined to make light of it than to relieve it. + </p> + <p> + You are aware, ladies, that just as extreme joy will give occasion to + tears, so extreme grief finds an outlet in some joy. In this wise it + happened that a great lord who was near akin to the lady’s mistress, and + who often visited her, hearing one day of the strange fashion in which she + was treated by her husband, pitied her so deeply that he desired to try to + console her; and on speaking to her, found her so handsome, so sensible, + and so virtuous, that he became far more desirous of winning her favour + than of talking to her about her husband, unless it were to show her what + little cause she had to love him. + </p> + <p> + The lady, finding that, though forsaken by the man who ought to have loved + her, she was on the other hand loved and sought after by so handsome a + Prince, deemed herself very fortunate in having thus won his favour. And + although she still desired to preserve her honour, she took great pleasure + in talking to him and in reflecting that she was loved and prized, for + these were two things for which, so to speak, she hungered. + </p> + <p> + This friendship continued for some time, until it came to the knowledge of + the King, who had so much regard for the lady’s husband that he was + unwilling he should be put to any shame or vexation. He therefore + earnestly begged the Prince to forego his inclinations, threatening him + with his displeasure should he continue to press his suit. + </p> + <p> + The Prince, who set the favour of the King above all the ladies in the + world, promised for his sake to lay aside the enterprise, and to go that + very evening and bid the lady farewell. This he did as soon as he knew + that she had retired to her own apartments, over which was the room of the + gentleman, her husband. And the husband being that evening at his window, + saw the Prince going into his wife’s room beneath. The Prince saw him + also, but went in for all that, and in bidding farewell to her whose love + was but beginning, pleaded as his sole reason the King’s command. + </p> + <p> + After many tears and lamentations and regrets, which lasted until an hour + after midnight, the lady finally said— + </p> + <p> + “I praise God, my lord, that it pleases Him you should lose your love for + me, since it is so slight and weak that you are able to take it up and lay + it down at the command of man. For my own part, I have never asked + mistress or husband or even myself for permission to love you; Love, aided + by your good looks and courtesy, gained such dominion over me that I could + recognise no God or King save him. But since your heart is not so full of + true love that fear may not find room in it, you can be no perfect lover, + and I will love none that is imperfect so perfectly as I had resolved to + love you. Farewell, then, my lord, seeing that you are too timorous to + deserve a love as frank as mine.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince went away in tears, and looking back he again noticed the + husband, who was still at the window, and had thus seen him go in and come + out again. Accordingly he told him on the morrow why he had gone to see + his wife, and of the command that the King had laid upon him, whereat the + gentleman was well pleased, and gave thanks to the King. + </p> + <p> + However, finding that his wife was becoming more beautiful every day, + whilst he himself was growing old and less handsome than before, he began + to change his tactics, and to play the part which he had for a long time + imposed upon his wife, bestowing some attention upon her and seeking her + more frequently than had been his wont. But the more she was sought by him + the more was he shunned by her; for she desired to pay him back some part + of the grief that he had caused her by his indifference. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, being unwilling to forego so soon the pleasure that love was + beginning to afford her, she addressed herself to a young gentleman, who + was so very handsome, well-spoken, and graceful that he was loved by all + the ladies of the Court. And by complaining to him of the manner in which + she had been treated, she lured him to take pity upon her, so that he left + nothing untried in his attempts to comfort her. She, on her part, to + console herself for the loss of the Prince who had forsaken her, set + herself to love this gentleman so heartily that she came to forget her + former grief, and to think of nothing but the skilful conduct of her new + amour, in which she succeeded so well that her mistress perceived nought + of it, for she was careful not to speak to her lover in her mistress’s + presence. When she wished to talk with him she would betake herself to the + rooms of some ladies who lived at the Court, amongst whom was one that her + husband made a show of being in love with. + </p> + <p> + Now one dark evening she stole away after supper, without taking any + companion with her, and repaired to the apartment belonging to these + ladies, where she found the man whom she loved better than herself. She + sat down beside him, and leaning upon a table they conversed together + while pretending to read in the same book. Some one whom her husband had + set to watch then went and reported to him whither his wife was gone. + Being a prudent man, he said nothing, but as quickly as possible betook + himself to the room, where he found his wife reading the book. Pretending, + however, not to see her, he went straight to speak to the other ladies, + who were in another part of the room. But when his poor wife found herself + discovered by him in the company of a gentleman to whom she had never + spoken in his presence, she was in such confusion that she quite lost her + wits; and being unable to pass along the bench, she leaped upon the table + and fled as though her husband were pursuing her with a drawn sword. And + then she went in search of her mistress, who was just about to withdraw to + her own apartments. + </p> + <p> + When her mistress was undressed, and she herself had retired, one of her + women brought her word that her husband was inquiring for her. She + answered plainly that she would not go, for he was so harsh and strange + that she dreaded lest he should do her some harm. + </p> + <p> + At last, however, for fear of worse, she consented to go. Her husband said + not a word to her until they were in bed together, when being unable to + dissemble so well as he, she began to weep. And when he asked her the + cause of this, she told him that she was afraid lest he should be angry at + having found her reading in company with a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + He then replied that he had never forbidden her to speak to a man, and did + not take it ill that she had done so; but he did indeed take it ill that + she had run from him as though she had done something deserving of + censure, and her flight and nothing else had led him to think that she was + in love with the gentleman. He therefore commanded her never to speak to + him again in public or in private, and assured her that the first time she + did so he would slay her without mercy or compassion. She very readily + promised to obey, and made up her mind not to be so foolish another time. + </p> + <p> + But things are desired all the more for being forbidden, and it was not + long before the poor woman had forgotten her husband’s threats and her own + promises. That very same evening she sent to the gentleman, begging him to + visit her at night. But the husband, who was so tormented by jealousy that + he could not sleep, and who had heard say that the gentleman visited his + wife at night, wrapped himself in a cloak, and taking a valet with him, + went to his wife’s apartment and knocked at the door. She, not in the + least expecting him, got up alone, put on furred slippers and a + dressing-gown which were lying close at hand, and finding that the three + or four women whom she had with her were asleep, went forth from her room + and straight to the door at which she had heard the knocking. On her + asking, “Who is there?” she received in answer the name of her lover; but + to be still more certain, she opened a little wicket, saying— + </p> + <p> + “If you be the man you say you are, show me your hand, and I shall + recognise it.” + </p> + <p> + And when she touched her husband’s hand she knew who it was, and quickly + shutting the wicket, cried out— + </p> + <p> + “Ha, sir! it is your hand.” + </p> + <p> + The husband replied in great wrath— + </p> + <p> + “Yes; it is the hand that will keep faith with you. Do not fail, + therefore, to come when I send for you.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he went away to his own apartment, whilst she, more dead + than alive, went back into her room, and cried out aloud to her + servant-women, “Get up, my friends; you have slept only too well for me, + for thinking to trick you, I have myself been tricked.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she swooned away in the middle of the room. The women + rose at her cry, and were so astonished at seeing their mistress stretched + upon the floor, as well as at hearing the words, she had uttered, that + they were at their wits’ end, and sought in haste for remedies to restore + her. When she was able to speak, she said to them— + </p> + <p> + “You see before you, my friends, the most unhappy creature in the world.” + </p> + <p> + And thereupon she went on to tell them the whole adventure, and begged of + them to help her, for she counted her life as good as lost. + </p> + <p> + While they were seeking to comfort her, a valet came with orders that she + was to repair to her husband instantly. Thereupon, clinging to two of her + women, she began to weep and wail, begging them not to suffer her to go, + for she was sure she would be killed. But the valet assured her to the + contrary, offering to pledge his life that she should receive no hurt. + Seeing that she lacked all means of resistance, she at last threw herself + into the servant’s arms, and said to him— + </p> + <p> + “Since it may not be otherwise, you must e’en carry this hapless body to + its death.” + </p> + <p> + Half fainting in her distress, she was then at once borne by the valet to + his master’s apartment. When she reached it, she fell at her husband’s + feet, and said to him— + </p> + <p> + “I beseech you, sir, have pity on me, and I swear to you by the faith I + owe to God that I will tell you the whole truth.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Fore God you shall,” he replied, like one beside himself, and forthwith + he drove all the servants from the room. + </p> + <p> + Having always found his wife very devout, he felt sure that she would not + dare to forswear herself on the Holy Cross. He therefore sent for a very + beautiful crucifix that belonged to him, and when they were alone + together, he made her swear upon it that she would return true replies to + his questions. Already, however, she had recovered from her first dread of + death, and taking courage, she resolved that if she was to die she would + make no concealment of the truth, but at the same time would say nothing + that might injure the gentleman she loved. Accordingly, having heard all + the questions that her husband had to put to her, she replied as follows— + </p> + <p> + “I have no desire, sir, either to justify myself or to lessen to you the + love that I have borne to the gentleman you suspect; for if I did, you + could not and you should not believe me. Nevertheless, I desire to tell + you the cause of this affection. Know, then, sir, that never did wife love + husband more than I loved you, and that from the time I wedded you until I + reached my present age, no other passion ever found its way into my heart. + You will remember that while I was still a child, my parents wished to + marry me to one richer and more highly born than yourself, but they could + never gain my consent to this from the moment I had once spoken to you. In + spite of all their objections I held fast to you, and gave as little heed + to your poverty as to their remonstrances. You cannot but know what + treatment I have had at your hands hitherto, and the fashion in which you + have loved and honoured me; and this has caused me so much grief and + discontent that but for the succour of the lady with whom you placed me, I + should have been in despair. But at last, finding myself fully grown and + deemed beautiful by all but you, I began to feel the wrong you did me so + keenly that the love I had for you changed into hate, and the desire of + obeying you into one for revenge. In this despairing condition I was found + by a Prince who, being more anxious to obey the King than Love, forsook me + just as I was beginning to feel my pangs assuaged by an honourable + affection. When the Prince had left me, I lighted upon this present + gentleman; and he had no need to entreat me, for his good looks, + nobleness, grace, and virtue are well worthy of being sought after and + courted by all women of sound understanding. At my instance, not at his + own, he has loved me in all virtue, so that never has he sought from me + aught that honour might refuse. And although I have but little cause to + love you, and so might be absolved from being loyal and true to you, my + love of God and of my honour has hitherto sufficed to keep me from doing + aught that would call for confession or shame. I will not deny that I went + into a closet as often as I could to speak with him, under pretence of + going thither to say my prayers, for I have never trusted the conduct of + this matter to any one, whether man or woman. Further, I will not deny + that when in so secret a place and safe from all suspicion I have kissed + him with more goodwill than I kiss you. But as I look to God for mercy, no + other familiarity has passed between us; he has never urged me to it, nor + has my heart ever desired it; for I was so glad at seeing him that + methought the world contained no greater pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “And now, sir, will you, who are the sole cause of my misfortune, take + vengeance for conduct of which you have yourself long since set me an + example, with, indeed, this difference, that in your case you thought + nought of either honour or conscience; for you know and I know too that + the woman you love does not rest content with what God and reason enjoin. + And albeit the law of man deals great dishonour to wives who love other + men than their husbands, the law of God does not exempt from punishment + the husbands who love other women than their wives. And if my offences are + to be weighed against yours, you are more to blame than I, for you are a + wise and experienced man, and of an age to know and to shun evil, whilst I + am young and have no experience of the might and power of love. You have a + wife who desires you, honours you, and loves you more than her own life; + while I have a husband who avoids me, hates me, and rates me as lightly as + he would a servant maid. You are in love with a woman who is already old, + of meagre figure, and less fair than I; whilst I love a gentleman younger, + handsomer, and more amiable than you. You love the wife of one of the best + friends you have in the world, the mistress, moreover, of your King and + master, so that you offend against the friendship that is due to the + first, and the respect that is due to the second; whereas I am in love + with a gentleman whose only tie is his love for me. Judge then fairly + which of us two is the more worthy of punishment or pardon: you, a man of + wisdom and experience, who through no provocation on my part have acted + thus ill not only towards me, but towards the King, to whom you are so + greatly indebted; or I, who am young and ignorant, who am slighted and + despised by you, and loved by the handsomest and most worshipful gentleman + in France, a gentleman whom I have loved in despair of ever being loved by + you.” + </p> + <p> + When the husband heard her utter these truths with so fair a countenance, + and with such a bold and graceful assurance as clearly testified that she + neither dreaded nor deserved any punishment, he was overcome with + astonishment, and could find nothing to reply except that a man’s honour + and a woman’s were not the same thing. However, since she swore to him + that there had been nothing between herself and her lover but what she had + told him, he was not minded to treat her ill, provided she would act so no + more, and that they both put away the memory of the past. To this she + agreed, and they went to bed in harmony together. + </p> + <p> + Next morning an old damosel who was in great fear for her mistress’s life + came to her at her rising, and asked— + </p> + <p> + “Well, madam, and how do you fare?” + </p> + <p> + “I would have you know,” said her mistress, laughing, “that there is not a + better husband than mine, for he believed me on my oath.” + </p> + <p> + And so five or six days passed by. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the husband had such care of his wife that he caused a watch to + be kept on her both night and day. But for all his care he could not + prevent her from again speaking with her lover in a dark and suspicious + place. However, she contrived matters with such secrecy that no one, + whether man or woman, could ever learn the truth, though a rumour was + started by some serving-man about a gentleman and a lady whom he had found + in a stable underneath the rooms belonging to the mistress of the lady in + question. At this her husband’s suspicions were so great that he resolved + to slay the gentleman, and gathered together a large number of his + relations and friends to kill him if he was anywhere to be found. But the + chief among his kinsmen was so great a friend of the gentleman whom they + sought, that instead of surprising him he gave him warning of all that was + being contrived against him, for which reason the other, being greatly + liked by the whole Court, was always so well attended that he had no fear + of his enemy’s power, and could not be taken unawares and attacked. + </p> + <p> + However, he betook himself to a church to meet his lady’s mistress, who + had heard nothing of all that had passed, for the lovers had never spoken + together in her presence. But the gentleman now informed her of the + suspicion and ill-will borne him by the lady’s husband, and told her that + although he was guiltless he had nevertheless resolved to go on a long + journey in order to check the rumours, which were beginning greatly to + increase. The Princess, his lady’s mistress, was much astonished on + hearing this tale, and protested that the husband was much in the wrong to + suspect so virtuous a wife, and one in whom she had ever found all worth + and honour. Nevertheless, considering the husband’s authority, and in + order to quell these evil reports, she advised him to absent himself for a + time, assuring him that for her part she would never believe such foolish + suspicions. + </p> + <p> + Both the gentleman and the lady, who was present, were well pleased at + thus preserving the favour and good opinion of the Princess, who further + advised the gentleman to speak with the husband before his departure. He + did as he was counselled, and meeting with the husband in a gallery close + to the King’s apartment, he assumed a bold countenance, and said to him + with all the respect due to one of high rank— + </p> + <p> + “All my life, sir, I have desired to do you service, and my only reward is + to hear that last evening you lay in wait to kill me. I pray you, sir, + reflect that while you have more authority and power than I have, I am + nevertheless a gentleman even as you are. It would be grievous to me to + lose my life for naught. I pray you also reflect that you have a wife of + great virtue, and if any man pretend the contrary I will tell him that he + has foully lied. For my part, I can think of nothing that I have done to + cause you to wish me ill. If, therefore, it please you, I will remain your + faithful servant; if not, I am that of the King, and with that I may well + be content.” + </p> + <p> + The husband replied that he had in truth somewhat suspected him, but he + deemed him so gallant a man that he would rather have his friendship than + his enmity; and bidding him farewell, cap in hand, he embraced him like a + dear friend. You may imagine what was said by those who, the evening + before, had been charged to kill the gentleman, when they beheld such + tokens of respect and friendship. And many and diverse were the remarks + that each one made. + </p> + <p> + In this manner the gentleman departed, and as he had far less money than + good looks, his mistress delivered to him a ring that her husband had + given her of the value of three thousand crowns; and this he pledged for + fifteen hundred. + </p> + <p> + Some time after he was gone, the husband came to the Princess, his wife’s + mistress, and prayed her to grant his wife leave to go and dwell for a + while with one of his sisters. This the Princess thought very strange, and + so begged him to tell her the reasons of his request, that he told her + part of them, but not all. When the young lady had taken leave of her + mistress and of the whole Court without shedding any tears or showing the + least sign of grief, she departed on her journey to the place whither her + husband desired her to go, travelling under the care of a gentleman who + had been charged to guard her closely, and above all not to suffer her to + speak on the road to her suspected lover. + </p> + <p> + She knew of these instructions, and every day was wont to cause false + alarms, scoffing at her custodians and their lack of care. Thus one day, + on leaving her lodging, she fell in with a Grey Friar on horseback, with + whom, being herself on her palfrey, she talked on the road the whole time + from the dinner to the supper hour. And when she was a quarter of a league + from the place where she was to lodge that night, she said to him— + </p> + <p> + “Here, father, are two crowns which I give you for the consolation you + have afforded me this afternoon. They are wrapped in paper, for I well + know that you would not venture to touch them. (2) And I beg you to leave + the road as soon as you have parted from me, and to take care that you are + not seen by those who are with me. I say this for your own welfare, and + because I feel myself beholden to you.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 The Grey Friars belonging to a mendicant order were + prohibited from demanding or accepting money; it was only + allowable for them to receive gifts in kind, mainly edible + produce. It was for this reason that the lady gave the friar + the two crowns wrapped in paper, knowing that he ought not + to touch the coins.—M. See also vol. i. p. 98, note 3. +</pre> + <p> + The friar, well pleased with the two crowns, set off across the fields at + full gallop; and when he was some distance away the lady said aloud to her + attendants— + </p> + <p> + “You may well deem yourselves good servants and diligent guards. He as to + whom you were to be so careful has been speaking to me the whole day, and + you have suffered him to do so. Your good master, who puts so much trust + in you, should give you the stick rather than give you wages.” + </p> + <p> + When the gentleman who had charge of her heard these words he was so angry + that he could not reply, but calling two others to him, set spurs to his + horse, and rode so hard that he at last reached the friar, who on + perceiving his pursuers had fled as fast as he could. However, the poor + fellow was caught, being less well mounted than they were. He was quite + ignorant of what it all meant, and cried them mercy, taking off his hood + in order that he might entreat them with bareheaded humility. Thereupon + they realised that he was not the man whom they sought, and that their + mistress had been mocking them. And this she did with even better effect + upon their return to her. + </p> + <p> + “You are fitting fellows,” said she, “to receive ladies in your charge. + You suffer them to talk to any stranger, and then, believing whatever they + may say, you go and insult the ministers of God.” + </p> + <p> + After all these jests they arrived at the place that her husband had + commanded, and here her two sisters-in-law, with the husband of one of + them, kept her in great subjection. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile her husband had heard how his ring had been pledged for + fifteen hundred crowns, whereat he was exceedingly wrathful, and in order + to save his wife’s honour and to get back the ring, he bade his sisters + tell her to redeem it, he himself paying the fifteen hundred crowns. + </p> + <p> + She cared nought for the ring since her lover had the money, but she wrote + to him saying that she was compelled by her husband to redeem it, and in + order that he might not suppose she was doing this through any lessening + of her affection, she sent him a diamond which her mistress had given, + her, and which she liked better than any ring she had. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the gentleman forwarded her the merchant’s bond right willingly; + deeming himself fortunate in having fifteen hundred crowns and a diamond, + (3) and at being still assured of his lady’s favour. However, as long as + the husband lived, he had no means of communing with her save by writing. + </p> + <p> + When the husband died, expecting to find her still what she had promised + him to be, he came in all haste to ask her in marriage; but he found that + his long absence had gained him a rival who was loved better than himself. + His sorrow at this was so great that he henceforth shunned the + companionship of ladies and sought out scenes of danger, and so at last + died in as high repute as any young man could have. (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The gentleman deemed it only natural that the woman he + honoured with his love should present him with money. In the + seventeenth century similar opinions were held, if one may + judge by some passages in Dancourt’s comedies, and by the + presents which the Duchess of Cleveland made to Henry + Jerrayn and John Churchill, afterwards Duke of Marlborough, + as chronicled in the <i>Memoirs of the Count de Gramont</i>.—M. + + 4 Brantôme tells a somewhat similar tale to this in his + <i>Vies des Dames Galantes</i> (Dis. I.): “I knew,” he writes, + “two ladies of the Court, sisters-in-law to one another, one + of whom was married to a courtier, high in favour and very + skilful, but who did not make as much account of his wife as + by reason of her birth he should have done, for he spoke to + her in public as he might have spoken to a savage, and + treated her most harshly. She patiently endured this for + some time, until indeed her husband lost some of his credit, + when, watching for and taking the opportunity, she quickly + repaid him for all the disdain that he had shown her. And + her sister-in-law imitated her and did likewise; for having + been married when of a young and tender age, her husband + made no more account of her than if she had been a little + girl.... But she, advancing in years, feeling her heart beat + and becoming conscious of her beauty, paid him back in the + same coin, and made him a present of a fine pair of horns, + by way of interest for the past”—Lalanne’s <i>OEuvres de + Brantôme</i>, vol. ix. p. 157.—L. +</pre> + <p> + “In this tale, ladies, I have tried, without sparing our own sex, to show + husbands that wives of spirit yield rather to vengeful wrath than to the + sweetness of love. The lady of whom I have told you withstood the latter + for a great while, but in the end succumbed to despair. Nevertheless, no + woman of virtue should yield as she did, for, happen what may, no excuse + can be found for doing wrong. The greater the temptations, the more + virtuous should one show oneself, by resisting and overcoming evil with + good, instead of returning evil for evil; and this all the more because + the evil we think to do to another often recoils upon ourselves. Happy are + those women who display the heavenly virtues of chastity, gentleness, + meekness, and long-suffering.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me, Longarine,” said Hircan, “that the lady of whom you have + spoken was impelled by resentment rather than by love; for had she loved + the gentleman as greatly as she appeared to do, she would not have + forsaken him for another. She may therefore be called resentful, + vindictive, obstinate, and fickle.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all very well for you to talk in that way,” said Ennasuite, “but + you do not know the heartbreak of loving without return.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said Hircan, “that I have had but little experience in that + way. If I am shown the slightest disfavour, I forthwith forego lady and + love together.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Parlamente, “is well enough for you who love only your own + pleasure; but a virtuous wife cannot thus forsake her husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” returned Simontault, “the lady in the story forgot for a while that + she was a woman. No man could have taken a more signal revenge.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not follow,” said Oisille, “because one woman lacks discretion + that all the rest are the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Saffredent, “you are all women, as any one would find + who looked carefully, despite all the fine clothes you may wear.” + </p> + <p> + “If we were to listen to you,” said Nomerlide, “we should spend the day in + disputes. For my part, I am so impatient to hear another tale, that I beg + Longarine to give some one her vote.” + </p> + <p> + Longarine looked at Geburon and said:— + </p> + <p> + “If you know anything about a virtuous woman, I pray you set it forth.” + </p> + <p> + “Since I am to do what I can,” said Geburon, “I will tell you a tale of + something that happened in the city of Milan.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0028" id="linkimage-0028"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/182.jpg" width="100%" alt="182.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0029" id="linkimage-0029"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/183a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="183a.jpg the Gentleman Discovering The Trick " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Gentleman discovering the Trick] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0030" id="linkimage-0030"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/183.jpg" width="100%" alt="183.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XVI</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>A lady of Milan, widow of an Italian Count, had resolved never again to + marry or to love. But for three years she was so earnestly wooed by a + French gentleman, that after repeated proof of the steadfastness of his + love, she granted him what he had so greatly desired, and they vowed to + each other everlasting affection</i>. (l) + </p> + <p> + In the days of the Grand Master of Chaumont, (2) there lived a lady who + was reckoned one of the most honourable women that there were at that time + in the city of Milan. She had married an Italian Count, and being left a + widow, lived in the house of her brothers-in-law, refusing to hear speak + of another marriage. And so discreetly and piously did she demean herself + that there was none in the Duchy, whether French or Italian, but held her + in high esteem. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 According to M. de Lincy, who points out that Bonnivet + must be the hero of the adventure here related, the + incidents referred to would have occurred at Milan between + 1501 and 1503; but in M. Lacroix’s opinion they would be + posterior to 1506.—Ed. + + 2 See <i>ante</i>, note 1 to Tale XIV. +</pre> + <p> + One day when her brothers and sisters-in-law offered an entertainment to + the Grand Master of Chaumont, this widow lady was obliged to be present, + though she made it her rule not to attend such gatherings when held in + other places. And when the Frenchmen saw her, they were all admiration for + her beauty and grace, especially one among them whose name I shall not + mention; for it will suffice for you to know that there was no Frenchman + in Italy more worthy of love than he, for he was endowed with all the + beauties and graces that a gentleman could have. And though he saw that + the lady wore black crape, and remained with several old women in a corner + apart from the young ones, yet, having never known what it was to fear + either man or woman, he set himself to converse with her, taking off his + mask, and leaving the dance in order to remain in her company. + </p> + <p> + Throughout the whole of the evening he did not cease talking to her and to + the old women, and found more pleasure in doing so than if he had been + with the most youthful and bravely attired ladies of the Court. So much, + indeed, was this the case, that when the hour came to withdraw he seemed + to have not yet had time even to sit down. And although he only spoke to + the lady on such common matters as were suited to such company, she knew + very well that he desired to win her favour, and this she resolved to + guard against by all means in her power, so that he was never afterwards + able to see her at any banquet or assembly. + </p> + <p> + He inquired about the manner of her life, and found that she often went to + churches and convents; whereupon he kept such good watch that she could + never visit them so secretly but he was there before her. And he would + remain in the church as long as he had the happiness to see her, and all + the time that she was present would gaze at her so affectionately that she + could not remain in ignorance of the love he bore her. In order to avoid + him, she resolved to feign illness for a time, and to hear mass in her own + house; and at this the gentleman was most sorely grieved, for he had no + other means of seeing her than at church. + </p> + <p> + Thinking that she had cured him of his habit, she at last returned to the + churches as before, but love quickly brought tidings of this to the French + gentleman, who then renewed his habits of devotion. He feared, however, + that she might again throw some hindrance in his way, and that he might + not have time to tell her what he would; and so one morning, when she + thought herself well concealed in a chapel, he placed himself at the end + of the altar at which she was hearing mass; and seeing that she was but + scantily attended, he turned towards her just as the priest was elevating + the host, and in a soft and loving voice said to her— + </p> + <p> + “May I be sent to perdition, madam, by Him whom the priest has now in his + hands, if you are not causing my death. Though you take from me all means + of speaking with you, you cannot be ignorant of my desire; my wearied eyes + and my deathly face must make the truth apparent to you.” (3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The Queen of Navarre is known to have had a considerable + knowledge of the Italian language, and it is therefore quite + possible that she was acquainted with the story of + Poliphilus and Polia, which, although no French translation + of it appeared until 1554, had been issued at Venice as + early as 1499. In any case, however, there is a curious + similarity between the speech of the French gentleman given + above and the discourse which Poliphilus addresses to Polia + when he finds her saying her prayers in the temple. A + considerable portion of the Italian story is in keeping with + the character of the <i>Heptameron</i> tales.—M. +</pre> + <p> + The lady pretended not to understand him, and replied— + </p> + <p> + “God’s name should not thus be taken in vain; but the poets say that the + gods laugh at the oaths and lies of lovers, and so women who regard their + honour should not show themselves credulous or compassionate.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she rose up and returned home. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman’s anger at these words may well be imagined by such as have + experienced the like fortune. But having no lack of spirit, he held it + better to have received this unfavourable reply than to have failed in + declaring his love, to which he held fast during three years, losing + neither time nor opportunity in wooing her by letters and in other ways. + </p> + <p> + For three years, however, she vouchsafed him no reply, but shunned him as + the wolf shuns the hound that is to take him; and this she did through + fear for her honour and fair fame, and not because she hated him. He + perceived this so clearly that he pursued her more eagerly than ever; and + at last, after many refusals, troubles, tortures and despairs, the lady + took pity upon him for the greatness and steadfastness of his love, and so + granted him what he had so greatly desired and so long awaited. + </p> + <p> + When they had agreed concerning the means to be employed, the French + gentleman failed not to repair to her house, although in doing so he + placed his life in great danger, seeing that she and her relations lived + all together. + </p> + <p> + However, being as skilful as he was handsome, he contrived the matter so + prudently that he was able to enter the lady’s room at the hour which she + had appointed, and found her there all alone, lying in a beautiful bed; + but as he was hasting to put off his clothes in order to join her, he + heard a great whispering at the door, and a noise of swords scraping + against the wall. + </p> + <p> + Then the widow said to him, with the face of one nigh to death— + </p> + <p> + “Now is your life and my honour in as great danger as well can be, for I + hear my brothers outside seeking you to slay you. I pray you, therefore, + hide yourself under this bed, and when they fail to find you I shall have + reason to be angry with them for alarming me without just cause.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, who had never yet known fear, replied— + </p> + <p> + “And what, pray, are your brothers that they should frighten a man of + mettle? If the whole breed of them were there together, I am sure they + would not tarry for the fourth thrust of my sword. Do you, therefore, rest + quietly in bed, and leave the guarding of this door to me.” + </p> + <p> + Then he wrapped his cloak about his arm, took his drawn sword in his hand, + and opened the door so that he might have a closer view of the swords that + he had heard. When the door was opened, he saw two serving-women, who, + holding a sword in each hand, had raised this alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” they said to him, “forgive us. We were commanded by our mistress to + act in this manner, but you shall be hindered by us no more.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that they were women, the gentleman could do no more than bid them + go to the devil, and shut the door in their faces. Then he got into bed to + the lady with all imaginable speed, his passion for her being in no wise + diminished by fear; and forgetting to inquire the reason of this skirmish, + he thought only of satisfying his desire. + </p> + <p> + But when daybreak was drawing nigh, he begged his mistress to tell him why + she had treated him so ill, both in making him wait so long, and in having + played this last trick upon him. + </p> + <p> + “My intention,” she answered, laughing, “had been never to love again, and + I had observed it from the time I became a widow; but, after you had + spoken to me at the entertainment, your worth led me to change my resolve, + and to love you as much as you loved me. It is true that honour, which had + ever guided me, would not suffer me to be led by love to do aught to the + disparagement of my reputation. But as the poor hind when wounded unto + death thinks by change of place to change the pain it carries with it, so + did I go from church to church thinking to flee from him whom I carried in + my heart, and the proof of whose perfect devotion has reconciled honour + and love. However, that I might be the more certain that I was giving my + heart and love to a true man, I desired to make this last proof by means + of my serving-women. And I vow to you that had I found you so timorous as + to hide beneath my bed, either for fear of your life or for any other + reason, I was resolved to rise and go into another room and never see you + more. But since I have found that you are possessed of more beauty, and + grace, and virtue, and valour than rumour had given you, and that fear has + no power over your heart, nor can cool one whit the love you bear me, I am + resolved to cleave to you for the remainder of my days. I feel sure that I + could not place life and honour in better hands than those of one whom I + deem unmatched in every virtue.” + </p> + <p> + And, just as though the human will could be unchangeable, they vowed and + promised what was not in their power, namely, perpetual affection. For + this is a thing that can neither spring up nor abide in the heart of man, + as only those ladies know who have had experience of how long such + feelings last. (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 In Boaistuau’s edition of the <i>Heptameron</i> the final part + of the above sentence is given as follows: “And those women + that have had experience of it know this, and also how long + such fancies last.” An extract from Brantôme in connection + with the story will be found in the Appendix to this volume, + D. +</pre> + <p> + “So, ladies, if you are wise, you will beware of us even as the stag, had + he understanding, would beware of the hunter; for our glory, happiness, + and delight is to see you captured in order to rob you of that which is + more precious to you than life.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Geburon,” said Hircan, “since when have you turned preacher? I can + remember a time when you did not talk after that fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite true,” said Geburon, “that I have just spoken contrary to + what I have always said my life long; but since my teeth are no longer + able to chew venison, I warn the hapless deer to beware of the hunters, in + order that I may atone in my old age for all the mischief which I sought + to do in my youth.” + </p> + <p> + “We thank you, Geburon,” said Nomerfide, “for warning us to our profit, + but for all that we do not feel very greatly beholden to you. You never + spoke in that way to one you truly loved, and this is a proof that you + have little love for us, and, moreover, would not have us loved. + Nevertheless, we hold ourselves as discreet and as virtuous as the ladies + whom you so long pursued in your youth. But old folk are commonly vain + enough to think that they have been wiser in their time than those who + come after them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Nomerfide,” said Geburon, “will you believe that I have told you + the truth when the faithlessness of one of your lovers has made you + acquainted with the evil nature of men?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” said Oisille to Geburon, “that the gentleman whom you + praise so highly for his boldness ought rather to be praised for the + ardour of his love. So strong is this passion, that it impels the most + cowardly to embark on enterprises about which the bravest would think + twice.” + </p> + <p> + “If, madam,” said Saffredent, “he’had not deemed the Italians to be better + at talking than acting, me-thinks he had reason to be afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Oisille, “if he had not had in his heart the fire that + consumes fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you do not deem the boldness of this gentleman altogether worthy of + praise,” said Hircan, “you doubtless know of some one else more deserving + of commendation.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Oisille, “the gentleman in the story deserves praise, but I do + know of one who is more worthy of being admired.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, madam,” said Geburon, “if that be so, take my place and tell + us the tale.” + </p> + <p> + “If,” began Oisille, “a man who showed such boldness against the Milanese + to save his own life and his mistress’s honour is to be esteemed so very + brave, what shall be said of one who, without any need for it, and from + pure and simple valour, performed the deed of which I will now tell you?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0031" id="linkimage-0031"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/193.jpg" width="100%" alt="193.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0032" id="linkimage-0032"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/195a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="195a.jpg the King Showing his Sword " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The King showing his Sword] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0033" id="linkimage-0033"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/195.jpg" width="100%" alt="195.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XVII</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>King Francis, being urged to banish Count William, who was said to have + received money to bring about his death, did not suffer it to appear that + he had any inkling of the scheme, but played the Count so shrewd a trick + that he himself took leave of the King and went into banishment</i>. (1) + </p> + <p> + To the town of Dijon, in the Duchy of Burgundy, there came a German Count + to take service with King Francis. He was named William, (2) and was of + the House of Saxony, which is so closely allied with that of Savoy that + formerly they were but one. This Count, who was held for as handsome and + valiant a gentleman as Germany ever knew, was right well received by the + King, who not only took him into his service, but kept him close to + himself as a groom of the chamber. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The incidents of this story are historical. Francis I. is + known to have sojourned at Dijon in June and July 1521.—L. + + 2 This is William, eldest son of Wolfgang von Furstemberg, + chamberlain to Maximilian I., and privy counsellor to Philip + of Austria.—B. J. Various particulars concerning him are + given in the Appendix to this volume, E. +</pre> + <p> + Now the Lord de la Trémoille, (3) Governor of Burgundy, an old knight and + a loyal servant to the King, was ever jealous and anxious for his master’s + safety, and was wont to have spies at all points to learn what the King’s + enemies were doing; and so prudently did he contrive matters, that but few + things were hidden from him. Among his informations there came to him one + day a letter from a friend telling him that Count William had received a + sum of money, with promise of more, for putting the King to death in any + such manner as he might find possible. (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This is Louis II., Sire de la Trémoille, Viscount of + Thouars and Prince of Talmont, born in 1460. The son of + Louis I. de la Trémoille and of Margaret d’Amboise, he + became one of the most remarkable men of his time. Favoured + by Anne de Beaujeu, who arranged his marriage with Gabrielle + de Bourbon, he commanded the royal troops at the battle of + St. Aubin du Cormier, in Brittany (1488), at which the + rebellious Duke of Orleans (afterwards Louis XII.) and the + Prince of Orange, with a large number of the nobles, their + partisans, were made prisoners. They were all invited to La + Trémoille’s table after the engagement, and, according to + Godefroi’s Latin history of Louis XII., at the close of the + repast two Franciscan monks entered the hall, whereupon La + Trémoille rose and said: “Princes, I refer your judgments to + the King, but as for you, Knights, who have broken your + faith and falsified your knightly oath, you shall pay for + your crime with your heads. If you have any remorse on your + consciences, here are monks who will shrive you.” The hall + resounded with lamentations, but the unhappy nobles were + promptly dragged into the courtyard, and there put to death; + both Orleans and Orange being too terror-stricken to + intercede for them. When the former came to the throne, he + forgave La Trémoille for his conduct in this affair, and + showed him great favour, appointing him Governor of Burgundy + in 1501. La Trémoille also became Admiral of Guienne and + Brittany, and figured conspicuously in the various Italian + campaigns of the period. He was killed at Pavia in 1525. + Jean Bouchet, a contemporary, wrote a curious life of this + remarkable man, entitled <i>Panegyric du Chevalier sans + reproche</i>. It will be found in Michaud and Poujoulat’s + <i>Collection de Mitnoires</i>,—L. and Ed. + + 4 It has been suggested that the instigator of this plot + was Charles V.‘s famous minister, Cardinal Granvelle.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The Lord de la Trémoille failed not to give speedy notice of the affair to + the King, and further made it known to the King’s mother, Louise of Savoy, + who, forgetting that she and this German were akin, begged the King to + banish him forthwith. But the King bade her speak no more of it, saying + that it was impossible so upright and honourable a gentleman would + undertake so vile a deed. + </p> + <p> + Some time afterwards a second warning arrived in confirmation of the + first, and the Governor, burning with love for his master, sought + permission either to banish the Count or else take him in hand in some + other fashion; but the King charged him expressly to keep the affair + secret, being persuaded that he might discover the truth by some other + means. + </p> + <p> + One day when going a-hunting, the King, as his sole weapon, buckled on the + finest sword it were possible to see, and took Count William along with + him, desiring that he would follow him close. After hunting the stag for + some time, seeing that all his people save the Count were far off, he + turned out of all the roads and tracks, till he found himself alone with + the Count in the deepest part of the forest, (5) when, drawing his sword, + he said:— + </p> + <p> + “Think you that this sword be handsome and trusty?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 This may be either the forest of Argilly or that of + Mondragon, both in the vicinity of Dijon.—ED. +</pre> + <p> + The Count took it by the point, and answered that he had never seen one + that he liked better. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said the King; “and I think that, if a gentleman had + resolved to slay me, he would think twice before he attacked me if he knew + the strength of my arm, the stoutness-of my heart, and the excellence of + this sword. Yet, for all that, I should count him but a craven scoundrel + if, when we were face to face and alone, he durst not execute what he had + dared to undertake.” + </p> + <p> + “Sire,” replied Count William, with astonished countenance, “the + wickedness of the undertaking would be very great, but the folly of + seeking to execute it would be no less.” + </p> + <p> + The King laughed, sheathed his sword again, and hearing the hunt hard by, + spurred after it with all speed. When he reached his train he spoke to + none of what had passed, but he felt convinced that, although Count + William was as brave and ready a gentleman as might be, he was not the man + to carry out so high an enterprise. + </p> + <p> + However, Count William, fearing that he had been discovered or was at + least suspected, repaired the next morning to Robertet, Secretary for the + King’s Finances, (6) and told him that he had considered the privileges + and pay offered him to continue in the King’s service, and that they would + not suffice to support him for half the year. Unless therefore it pleased + the King to give him double, he would be forced to depart; and he + accordingly begged the said Robertet to acquaint him as soon as might be + with the will of the King. To this the Secretary replied that he could not + better advance the business than by going to the King straightway; and he + undertook the mission right willingly, for he had seen the warnings that + the Governor had received. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 This is Florimond Robertet, the first of that family of + statesmen who served the French crown from Charles VIII. to + Henri III. It was Charles VIII. who appointed Florimond + Treasurer of France and Secretary of Finances, offices in + which he displayed great skill and honesty. Louis XII., who + confirmed him in his functions, habitually consulted him on + important political affairs. He acquired considerable + wealth, and was often called “the great baron,” after the + barony of Alluye, which he possessed in Le Perche. One of + the curiosities of Blois is the Hôtel d’Alluye, a house of + semi-Moorish style, erected by Robertet at the close of the + fifteenth century. Another of his residences was the château + of Bury, near Blois, where he set up Michael Angelo’s famous + bronze statue of David, presented to him by the city of + Florence, and the fate of which has furnished material for + so much speculation. Under Francis I. Robertet enjoyed the + same credit as during the two previous reigns. Fleuranges + declares that no one else was so intimate with the King, and + commends him as being the most experienced and competent + statesman of the times. According to the <i>Journal d’un + Bourgeois de Paris</i>, Robertet died “at the Palais (de + Justice) in Paris, of which he was concierge,” on November + 29, 1527. Francis repeatedly visited him during his illness, + and, on his death, ordered that his remains should lie in + state, and be interred with great pomp and ceremony. Clement + Marot’s works contain a poem, four hundred lines in length, + celebrating Robertet’s virtues and talents.—L., B. J., and + Ed. +</pre> + <p> + As soon, therefore, as the King was awake he failed not to lay the matter + before him in the presence of the Lord de la Trémoille and the Admiral de + Bonnivet, who were ignorant of the trick that the King had played the + Count the day before. + </p> + <p> + Then the King laughed, and said to them—“You desired to banish Count + William, and you see he is banishing himself. Wherefore, tell him that if + he be not content with the establishment which he accepted on entering my + service, and which many men of good families have deemed themselves + fortunate to have, he must e’en seek a better fortune elsewhere. For my + part, I will in no wise hinder him, but shall be well pleased if he can + find some condition wherein to live according to his deserts.” + </p> + <p> + Robertet was as prompt to bear this answer to the Count as he had been to + prefer his request to the King. The Count replied that with the King’s + permission he was resolved to depart, and, like one whom fear urges to + flight, he did not tarry even four and twenty hours; but, just as the King + was sitting down to table, came to take leave of him, feigning much sorrow + that his need should force him from the Royal presence. + </p> + <p> + He also went to take leave of the King’s mother, who parted from him no + less joyfully than she had formerly received him as a kinsman and friend. + And thus he returned to his own country; and the King, seeing his mother + and courtiers in amazement at his sudden departure, told them of the + fright he had given him, saying that, even if the Count were innocent of + that which was laid against him, his fear had been sufficiently great to + constrain him to leave a master whose temper he had not yet come to know. + </p> + <p> + “For my part, ladies, I can see no reason why the King should have been + moved to risk himself thus against so famous a captain, except that, + forsaking the company and places where Kings find no inferiors ready to + give them battle, he desired to place himself on an equal footing with one + whom he suspected to be his enemy; and this that he might have the + satisfaction of testing the stoutness and valour of his own heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Without a doubt,” said Parlamente, “he was in the right; for all the + praise of man cannot so well satisfy a noble heart as its own particular + knowledge and experience of the virtues that God has placed in it.” + </p> + <p> + “The ancients,” said Geburon, “long ago showed us that to reach the Temple + of Fame it was necessary to pass through the Temple of Virtue, and I, who + am acquainted with the two persons in your tale, know right well that the + King is indeed one of the most valiant men in his kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + “By my word,” said Hircan, “at the time when Count William came to France, + I should have feared his [the King’s] sword more than those of the four + most accomplished Italian gentlemen at Court.” + </p> + <p> + “We well know,” said Ennasuite, “that he is too famous for our praises to + equal his merit, and that the day would be spent before we each could say + all the good we think of him. And so, madam, I pray you, give your vote to + one who will tell us some further good of men, if such there be.” + </p> + <p> + Then said Oisille to Hircan— + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me that, as you are so wont to speak ill of women, you will + find it easy to tell us some good story in praise of a man. I therefore + give you my vote.” + </p> + <p> + “That can I easily do,” said Hircan, “for but a little while since I was + told a story in praise of a gentleman whose love, constancy and patience + are so meritorious that I must not suffer them to be forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0034" id="linkimage-0034"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/203.jpg" width="100%" alt="203.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0035" id="linkimage-0035"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/205a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="205a.jpg the Student Escaping The Temptation " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Student escaping the Temptation] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0036" id="linkimage-0036"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/205.jpg" width="100%" alt="205.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XVIII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A young student of noble birth, being smitten with love for + a very beautiful lady, subdued both love and himself in + order to achieve his end, and this in spite of many such + temptations as might have sufficed to make him break his + promise. And so all his woes were turned to joy by a reward + suitable to his constant, patient, loyal and perfect love</i>. + (1) + + 1 This story seems to be based on fact, being corroborated + in its main lines by Brantôme, but there is nothing in the + narrative to admit of the personages referred to being + identified.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In one of the goodly towns of the kingdom of France there dwelt a nobleman + of good birth, who attended the schools that he might learn how virtue and + honour are to be acquired among virtuous men. But although he was so + accomplished that at the age of seventeen or eighteen years he was, as it + were, both precept and example to others, Love failed not to add his + lesson to the rest; and, that he might be the better hearkened to and + received, concealed himself in the face and the eyes of the fairest lady + in the whole country round, who had come to the city in order to advance a + suit-at-law. But before Love sought to vanquish the gentleman by means of + this lady’s beauty, he had first won her heart by letting her see the + perfections of this young lord; for in good looks, grace, sense and + excellence of speech he was surpassed by none. + </p> + <p> + You, who know what speedy way is made by the fire of love when once it + fastens on the heart and fancy, will readily imagine that between two + subjects so perfect as these it knew little pause until it had them at its + will, and had so filled them with its clear light, that thought, wish and + speech were all aflame with it. Youth, begetting fear in the young lord, + led him to urge his suit with all the gentleness imaginable; but she, + being conquered by love, had no need of force to win her. Nevertheless, + shame, which tarries with ladies as long as it can, for some time + restrained her from declaring her mind. But at last the heart’s fortress, + which is honour’s abode, was shattered in such sort that the poor lady + consented to that which she had never been minded to refuse. + </p> + <p> + In order, however, to make trial of her lover’s patience, constancy and + love, she only granted him what he sought on a very hard condition, + assuring him that if he fulfilled it she would love him perfectly for + ever; whereas, if he failed in it, he would certainly never win her as + long as he lived. And the condition was this:—she would be willing + to talk with him, both being in bed together, clad in their linen only, + but he was to ask nothing more from her than words and kisses. + </p> + <p> + He, thinking there was no joy to be compared to that which she promised + him, agreed to the proposal, and that evening the promise was kept; in + such wise that, despite all the caresses she bestowed on him and the + temptations that beset him, he would not break his oath. And albeit his + torment seemed to him no less than that of Purgatory, yet was his love so + great and his hope so strong, sure as he felt of the ceaseless continuance + of the love he had thus painfully won, that he preserved his patience and + rose from beside her without having done anything contrary to her + expressed wish. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Brantôme’s <i>Dames Galantes</i> contains an anecdote which is + very similar in character to this tale: “I have heard + speak,” he writes, “of a very beautiful and honourable lady, + who gave her lover an assignation to sleep with her, on the + condition that he should not touch her... and he actually + obeyed her, remaining in a state of ecstasy, temptation and + continence the whole night long; whereat she was so well + pleased with him that some time afterwards she consented to + become his mistress, giving as her reason that she had + wished to prove his love by his obedience to her + injunctions; and on this account she afterwards loved him + the more, for she felt sure that he was capable of even a + greater feat than this, though it were a very great one.”— + Lalanne’s <i>OEuvres de Brantôme</i>, vol. ix. pp. 6, 7.—L. +</pre> + <p> + The lady was, I think, more astonished than pleased by such virtue; and + giving no heed to the honour, patience and faithfulness her lover had + shown in the keeping of his oath, she forthwith suspected that his love + was not so great as she had thought, or else that he had found her less + pleasing than he had expected. + </p> + <p> + She therefore resolved, before keeping her promise, to make a further + trial of the love he bore her; and to this end she begged him to talk to a + girl in her service, who was younger than herself and very beautiful, + bidding him make love speeches to her, so that those who saw him come so + often to the house might think that it was for the sake of this damsel and + not of herself. + </p> + <p> + The young lord, feeling sure that his own love was returned in equal + measure, was wholly obedient to her commands, and for love of her + compelled himself to make love to the girl; and she, finding him so + handsome and well-spoken, believed his lies more than other truth, and + loved him as much as though she herself were greatly loved by him. + </p> + <p> + The mistress finding that matters were thus well advanced, albeit the + young lord did not cease to claim her promise, granted him permission to + come and see her at one hour after midnight, saying that after having so + fully tested the love and obedience he had shown towards her, it was but + just that he should be rewarded for his long patience. Of the lover’s joy + on hearing this you need have no doubt, and he failed not to arrive at the + appointed time. + </p> + <p> + But the lady, still wishing to try the strength of his love, had said to + her beautiful damsel— + </p> + <p> + “I am well aware of the love a certain nobleman bears to you, and I think + you are no less in love with him; and I feel so much pity for you both, + that I have resolved to afford you time and place that you may converse + together at your ease.” + </p> + <p> + The damsel was so enchanted that she could not conceal her longings, but + answered that she would not fail to be present. + </p> + <p> + In obedience, therefore, to her mistress’s counsel and command, she + undressed herself and lay down on a handsome bed, in a room the door of + which the lady left half-open, whilst within she set a light so that the + maiden’s beauty might be clearly seen. Then she herself pretended to go + away, but hid herself near to the bed so carefully that she could not be + seen. + </p> + <p> + Her poor lover, thinking to find her according to her promise, failed not + to enter the room as softly as he could, at the appointed hour; and after + he had shut the door and put off his garments and fur shoes, he got into + the bed, where he looked to find what he desired. But no sooner did he put + out his arms to embrace her whom he believed to be his mistress, than the + poor girl, believing him entirely her own, had her arms round his neck, + speaking to him the while in such loving words and with so beautiful a + countenance, that there is not a hermit so holy but he would have + forgotten his beads for love of her. + </p> + <p> + But when the gentleman recognised her with both eye and ear, and found he + was not with her for whose sake he had so greatly suffered, the love that + had made him get so quickly into the bed, made him rise from it still more + quickly. And in anger equally with mistress and damsel, he said— + </p> + <p> + “Neither your folly nor the malice of her who put you there can make me + other than I am. But do you try to be an honest woman, for you shall never + lose that good name through me.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he rushed out of the room in the greatest wrath imaginable, and + it was long before he returned to see his mistress. However love, which is + never without hope, assured him that the greater and more manifest his + constancy was proved to be by all these trials, the longer and more + delightful would be his bliss. + </p> + <p> + The lady, who had seen and heard all that passed, was so delighted and + amazed at beholding the depth and constancy of his love, that she was + impatient to see him again in order to ask his forgiveness for the sorrow + that she had caused him to endure. And as soon as she could meet with him, + she failed not to address him in such excellent and pleasant words, that + he not only forgot all his troubles but even deemed them very fortunate, + seeing that their issue was to the glory of his constancy and the perfect + assurance of his love, the fruit of which he enjoyed from that time forth + as fully as he could desire, without either hindrance or vexation. (3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 In reference to this story, Montaigne says in his Essay + on Cruelty: “Such as have sensuality to encounter, willingly + make use of this argument, that when it is at the height it + subjects us to that degree that a man’s reason can have no + access... wherein they conceive that the pleasure doth so + transport us that our reason cannot perform its office + whilst we are so benumbed and extacied in delight.... But I + know that a man may triumph over the utmost effort of this + pleasure: I have experienced it in myself, and have not + found Venus so imperious a goddess as many—and some more + reformed than I—declare. I do not consider it as a miracle, + as the Queen of Navarre does in one of the Tales of her + <i>Heptameron</i> (which is a marvellous pretty book of the + kind), nor for a thing of extreme difficulty to pass over + whole nights, where a man has all the convenience and + liberty he can desire, with a long-coveted mistress, and yet + be just to his faith first given to satisfy himself with + kisses and innocent embraces only, without pressing any + further.”—Cotton’s “Montaigne’s Essays”, London, 1743, vol + ii. pp. 109-10. +</pre> + <p> + “I pray you, ladies, find me if you can a woman who has ever shown herself + as constant, patient and true as was this man. They who have experienced + the like temptations deem those in the pictures of Saint Antony very small + in comparison; for one who can remain chaste and patient in spite of + beauty, love, opportunity and leisure, will have virtue enough to vanquish + every devil.” + </p> + <p> + “Tis a pity,” said Oisille, “that he did not address his love to a woman + possessing as much virtue as he possessed himself. Their amour would then + have been the most perfect and honourable that was ever heard of.” + </p> + <p> + “But prithee tell me,” said Geburon, “which of the two trials do you deem + the harder?” + </p> + <p> + “I think the last,” said Parlamente, “for resentment is the strongest of + all temptations.” + </p> + <p> + Longarine said she thought that the first was the most arduous to sustain, + since to keep his promise it was needful he should subdue both love and + himself. + </p> + <p> + “It is all very well for you to talk,” said Simontault, “it is for us who + know the truth of the matter to say what we think of it. For my own part, + I think he was stupid the first time and witless the second; for I make no + doubt that, while he was keeping his promise, to his mistress, she was put + to as much trouble as himself, if not more. She had him take the oath only + in order to make herself out a more virtuous woman than she really was; + she must have well known that strong love will not be bound by commandment + or oath, or aught else on earth, and she simply sought to give a show of + virtue to her vice, as though she could be won only through heroic + virtues. And the second time he was witless to leave a woman who loved + him, and who was worth more than his pledged mistress, especially when his + displeasure at the trick played upon him had been a sound excuse.” + </p> + <p> + Here Dagoucin put in that he was of the contrary opinion, and held that + the gentleman had on the first occasion shown himself constant, patient + and true, and on the second occasion loyal and perfect in his love. + </p> + <p> + “And how can we tell,” asked Saffredent, “that he was not one of those + that a certain chapter calls <i>de frigidis et malificiatis?</i>” (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 This is an allusion to the penalties pronounced by + several ecclesiastical Councils, and specified in the + Capitularies, against those who endeavoured to suspend the + procreative faculties of their enemies by resorting to + magic. On this matter Baluze’s collection of Capitularies + (vol. i.) may be consulted. The “chapter” referred to by + Margaret is evidently chapter xv. (book vi.) of the + Decretals of Pope Boniface VIII., which bears the title of + <i>De frigidis et maleficiatis</i>, and which is alluded to by + Rabelais in <i>Pantagruel</i>. The belief in the practices in + question dates back to ancient times, and was shared by + Plato and Pliny, the latter of whom says that to guard + against any spell of the kind some wolf fat should be rubbed + upon the threshold and door jambs of one’s bed-chamber. In + the sixteenth century sorcery of this description was so + generally believed in, in some parts of France, that + Cardinal du Perron inserted special prayers against it in + the ritual. Some particulars on the subject will be found in + the <i>Admirables Secrets du Petit Albert</i>, and also in a + <i>Traité d’Enchantement</i>, published at La Rochelle in 1591, + which gives details concerning certain practices alleged to + take place on the solemnisation of marriage among those of + the Reformed Church.—D. and L. +</pre> + <p> + “To complete his eulogy, Hircan ought to have told us how he comported + himself when he obtained what he wanted, and then we should have been able + to judge whether it was virtue or impotence that made him observe so much + discretion.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure,” said Hircan, “that had he told me this I should have + concealed it as little as I did the rest. Nevertheless, from seeing his + person and knowing his temper, I shall ever hold that his conduct was due + to the power of love rather than to any impotence or coldness.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if he was such as you say,” said Simontault, “he ought to have + broken his oath; for, had the lady been angered by such a trifle, it would + have been easy to appease her.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Ennasuite, “perhaps she would not then have consented.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray,” said Saffredent, “would it not have been easy enough to compel + her, since she had herself given him the opportunity?” + </p> + <p> + “By Our Lady!” said Nomerfide, “how you run on! Is that the way to win the + favour of a lady who is accounted virtuous and discreet?” + </p> + <p> + “In my opinion,” said Saffredent, “the highest honour that can be paid to + a woman from whom such things are desired is to take her by force, for + there is not the pettiest damsel among them but seeks to be long + entreated. Some indeed there are who must receive many gifts before they + are won, whilst there are others so stupid that hardly any device or craft + can enable one to win them, and with these one must needs be ever thinking + of some means or other. But when you have to do with a woman who is too + clever to be deceived, and too virtuous to be gained by words or gifts, is + there not good reason to employ any means whatever that may be at your + disposal to vanquish her? When you hear it said that a man has taken a + woman by force, you may be sure that the woman has left him hopeless of + any other means succeeding, and you should not think any the worse of a + man who has risked his life in order to give scope to his love.” + </p> + <p> + Geburon burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + “In my day,” said he, “I have seen besieged places stormed because it was + impossible to bring the garrison to a parley either by money or by + threats; ‘tis said that a place which begins to treat is half taken.” + </p> + <p> + “You may think,” said Ennasuite, “that every love on earth is based upon + such follies as these, but there are those who have loved, and who have + long persevered in their love, with very different aims.” + </p> + <p> + “If you know a story of that kind,” said Hircan, “I will give place to you + for the telling of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I do know one,” said Ennasuite, “and I will very willingly relate it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0037" id="linkimage-0037"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/216.jpg" width="100%" alt="216.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A. (Tale VIII., Page i.) + </h2> + <p> + Tales of a similar character to this will be found in the following works + written prior to Margaret’s time:— + </p> + <p> + Legrand d’Aussy’s collection of <i>Fabliaux ou Contes du XIIème et XIIIème + siècles</i> (vol. iii.). + </p> + <p> + Boccaccio’s <i>Decameron</i> (day viii., story iv.). + </p> + <p> + Enguerrand d’Oisy’s <i>Le Meunier d’Aleu</i>. + </p> + <p> + Poggio’s <i>Facetio ( Vir sibi cornua promovens)</i>. + </p> + <p> + Sacchetti’s <i>Novelle</i> (vol. ii., No. ccvi.). + </p> + <p> + Morlini’s <i>Novelle</i> (No. lxxix.). + </p> + <p> + <i>Les Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles</i> (story ix.). + </p> + <p> + Malespini’s <i>Ducento Novelle</i> (part ii., No. xcvi.). + </p> + <p> + Of the foregoing, says M. de Montaiglon, Margaret could only have been + acquainted with the <i>Decameron</i>, the <i>Cent Nouvelles</i>, and + Poggio’s <i>Facetio</i>, which had been translated into French by Tardix + (see Nos. cv. and ex. of that translation). + </p> + <p> + A similar story in Latin verse is also contained in a fourteenth century + MS. at Monte Cassino. See <i>I codici e le arti a Monte Cassino</i>, by D. + Andrea Caravita (vol. ii. p. 289). + </p> + <p> + Since Margaret’s time stories of the same character have appeared in the + following works:— + </p> + <p> + Melander’s <i>Jocondia</i> (p. 298). + </p> + <p> + Phil. Béroalde’s <i>Contes Latins</i> (see <i>Poggii Imitationes</i>, + Noel’s éd., vol. ii. p. 245). + </p> + <p> + Guicciardini’s <i>Hore di Recreazione</i> (p. 103). + </p> + <p> + J. Bouchet’s <i>Serées</i> (No. 8; Roybet’s éd., vol. ii. p. 115). + </p> + <p> + Gabrielle Chapuys’ <i>Facétieuses Journées</i> (p. 213). + </p> + <p> + La Fontaine’s <i>Contes</i> (book v., No. viii.:<i> Les Quiproquo</i>). <i>Le + Passe-Temps Agréable</i> (p. 27). + </p> + <p> + Moreover, a song written on the same subject will be found, says M. de + Lincy, on folio 44 of the <i>Premier Recueil de toutes les chansons + nouvelles</i> (Troyes, Nicholas du Ruau, 1590). It is there called “The + facetious and recreative story of a certain labourer of a village near + Paris, who, thinking that he was enjoying his servant, lay with his wife.” + This song was reprinted in various other collections of the sixteenth and + seventeenth centuries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + B (Tale XL (B.), Page 95.) + </h2> + <p> + An anecdote in keeping with this story will be found in Brantôme’s + miscellaneous works (Petitot’s éd., vol. viii. pp. 382-4). The author of + <i>Les Dames Galantes</i>, after alluding to his aunt Louise de Bourdeille—who + was brought up at Court by Anne of Brittany—proceeds to say:— + </p> + <p> + “A certain Grey Friar, who habitually preached before the Queen, fell so + deeply in love with Mademoiselle de Bourdeille that he completely lost his + wits, and sometimes in his sermons, whilst speaking of the beauty of the + holy virgins of past times, he would so forget himself as to say some + words respecting the beauty of my said aunt, not to mention the soft + glances which he cast at her. And sometimes, whilst in the Queen’s room, + he would take great pleasure in discoursing to her, not with words of love + however, for he would have incurred a whipping, but with other covert + words which tended towards love. My aunt in no wise approved of his + discourses, and made some mention of them to her own and her companions’ + governess. The Queen heard of the matter and could not believe it, on + account of this man’s cloth and holiness. For this reason she kept silent + until a certain Good Friday, when, in accordance with custom, this friar + preached before her on the Holy Passion. The ladies and the maids, + including my aunt, being seated as was their wont before the reverend + father, in full view of him, he, as though giving out the text and introit + of his sermon, began to say: ‘It is for you, lovely humanity, it is for + you that I suffer this day. Thus on a certain occasion spake our Lord + Jesus Christ.’ Then proceeding with his sermon the friar chronicled all + the sufferings and afflictions which Jesus endured for mankind at His + death upon the Cross, and these he compared to the sufferings that he + himself endured on account of my aunt; but in such covert, such disguised + words that even the most enlightened might have failed to understand their + meaning. Queen Anne, however, who was very expert both in mind and + judgment, laid hold of this, and took counsel as to the real meaning of + the sermon, both with certain lords and ladies and certain learned men who + were there present. They all pronounced the sermon to be most scandalous, + and the Grey Friar most deserving of punishment; for which reason he was + secretly chastised and whipped, and then driven away, without any scandal + being made. Such was the Queen’s reply to the amours of this Grey Friar; + and thus was my aunt well avenged on him for the way in which he had so + often importuned her. In those times it was not allowable, under divers + penalties, either to contradict or to refuse to speak to such people, who, + so it was thought, conversed only of God and the salvation of the soul.” + </p> + <p> + In Mérimée’s Chronique de Charles IX., there will be found a facetious + sermon by another Grey Friar; this, however, is less in keeping with the + <i>Heptameron</i>, than with the character of the discourses delivered by + the preachers of the League.—M. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + C. (Tale XII., Page 101.) + </h2> + <p> + The following account of the assassination of Alexander de’ Medici is + taken from Sismondi’s <i>Histoire des Républiques Italiennes du Moyen Age</i>, + Paris, 1826, vol. xvi. p. 95 et seq.:— + </p> + <p> + “But few months had elapsed since Alexander’s marriage, and he had + employed them in his wonted debauchery, carrying depravity and dishonour + alternately into the convents and noblest abodes of Florence, when, on + January 6, 1537, he was assassinated by the man whom, of all men, he the + least mistrusted. This was his cousin, Lorenzino de’ Medici.... Lorenzino + had already helped Alexander to seduce several women of noble birth; and + to facilitate his assignations had often lent him his house, which + adjoined the ducal residence in the Via Larga. He engaged to bring the + Duke the wife of Leonardo Ginori—sister to his own mother, but much + younger than she was. Alexander had long been struck with this lady’s + beauty, but so far she had virtuously repulsed him. After supper, however, + on the day of the feast of the Epiphany, when the Carnival begins, + Lorenzino informed the Duke that if he would repair to his house, + unaccompanied and observing the greatest secrecy, he would find Catherine + Ginori there. Alexander accepted the assignation, dismissed all his + guards, rid himself of all those who wished to keep a watch upon him, and + entered Lorenzino’s house without being perceived. He was tired and wished + to rest awhile, but before throwing himself on the bed he unbuckled his + sword, and Lorenzino, on taking it from him to hang it at the head of the + bedstead, wound the belt around the hilt in such a fashion that the weapon + could not be easily drawn from its scabbard. After telling the Duke to + rest whilst he went to fetch his aunt, he went away, locking the door of + the room behind him; but returned shortly afterwards with a spadassin, + nicknamed Scoronconcolo, whom he had previously engaged, for the purpose, + he said, of ridding him of a great personage of the Court whose name he + had prudently not given. In fact Lorenzino had carried his design to the + very point of execution without taking a single person into his + confidence. On returning into the room, followed by Scoronconcolo, he + called to the Duke: ‘Are you asleep, my lord?’ and at the same moment + transpierced him with a short sword which he was carrying. Alexander, + although mortally wounded, tried to resist his murderer, whereupon + Lorenzino, to prevent him from crying out, thrust two of his fingers into + his mouth, at the same time exclaiming: ‘Be not afraid, my lord.’ + Alexander, it appears, bit his assailant’s fingers with all the strength + of his jaws, and holding him in a tight embrace, rolled with him about the + bed, so that Scoronconcolo was unable to strike the one without striking + the other. He endeavoured to get at the Duke from between Lorenzino’s + legs, but only succeeded in piercing the mattress, till at last he + remembered that he had a knife about him, and drove it into the Duke’s + throat, turning it round and round until he eventually killed him. (1) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 Bened. Varchi, lib. xv.; Bern. Segni, 1. vii.; Filippo de + Nerli, 1. xii.; Gio. Batt. Adriani, 1. i.; Scipione + Ammirato, 1. xxxi.; Pauli Jovii. Hist. 1. xxxviii.; Istorie + di Marco Guazzo, fol. 159. +</pre> + <p> + “Lorenzino failed to reap the fruits of the crime, which he had planned + with so much skill and such profound secrecy. By the life he had led, he + had aroused the distrust of all honest folks, he had no friends to whom he + could apply for advice or help, he had no party behind him, he had never + been known to display that zeal for liberty which he subsequently + affected. Although he was the first of the Medici in the order of + succession, no one thought of him. For his own part, he only thought of + ensuring his safety. He locked the door of the room, taking the key away + with him, and having obtained an order for the city gates to be opened, + and for post-horses to be provided for him, under pretence that he had + just learned that his brother was ill, in the country, he started for + Bologna, whence he proceeded to Venice, accompanied by Scoronconcolo.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + D. (Tale XVI., Page 183.) + </h2> + <p> + With reference to this story Brantôme writes as follows in the Sixth + Discourse of his <i>Vies des Dames Galantes</i>:— + </p> + <p> + “In the hundred stories of Queen Margaret of Navarre we have a very fine + tale of that lady of Milan who, having one night given an assignation to + the late M. de Bonnivet, afterwards Admiral of France, posted her maids + with drawn swords on the stairs so that they might make a noise there; + which they did right well, in obedience to the orders of their mistress, + who for her part feigned great affright, saying that her brothers-in-law + must have remarked something amiss, that she herself was lost, and that + he, Bonnivet, ought to hide under the bed or behind the hangings. But M. + de Bonnivet, without evincing any fear, wrapped his cape round his arm, + and taking his sword replied: ‘Well, where are these brave brothers who + want to frighten me, or do me harm? When they see me they will not even + dare to look at the point of my sword.’ Then opening the door he rushed + out, and just as he was about to charge down the staircase he espied the + women making all this noise; and they, taking fright at sight of him, + began to cry out and confess everything. M. de Bonnivet, seeing that it + was nothing more serious, left them, bidding them betake themselves to the + devil; and then, returning into the room, he closed the door after him and + went to find his lady, who began to laugh and embrace him, and confess to + him that it was a trick devised by herself, assuring him that if he had + behaved as a poltroon, and had not thus displayed the valour which he was + said to possess, he should never have had her favours.... She was one of + the most beautiful women of Milan, and he had had a deal of trouble to win + her. + </p> + <p> + “I knew a brave gentleman who, one day at Rome, was alone with a pretty + Roman lady—her husband being away—and she gave him a similar + alarm, causing one of her women to come in hastily to warn her that her + husband had returned from the country. The lady, feigning astonishment, + begged the gentleman to hide himself in a closet, as otherwise she would + be lost. ‘No, no,’ said the gentleman; ‘I would not do that for all the + wealth in the world; if he comes I will kill him.’ And as he seized upon + his sword the lady began to laugh and confess that she had contrived this + to try him so as to see how he would act, and if he would defend her well + should her husband seek to do her any harm. + </p> + <p> + “I also knew a very beautiful lady who suddenly left a lover she had, + because she did not find him brave, and took another who did not resemble + him, but who was extremely feared and redoubted on account of his sword, + he being one of the best swordsmen that could then be found.”—Lalanne’s + <i>OEuvres de Brantôme</i>, vol. ix. pp. 388-90. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + E. (Tale XVII., Page 195.) + </h2> + <p> + Brantome, in the Thirtieth Discourse of his <i>Capitaines Étrangers</i>, + writes of Furstemberg as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Count William von Furstemberg was accounted a good and valiant captain, + and would have been more highly esteemed had he not been deficient in + faith, over greedy and too much addicted to pillage, as he showed once in + France, when he passed along with his troops; for after his passage there + was nothing left. He served King Francis for the space of six or seven + years [not more than six.—Ed.] with some five companies always + numbering from six to seven thousand men; however, after this long term of + services, or rather ravages and pillage, he was suspected of having + designs against the King’s person, as I have elsewhere related, and those + who would learn more of the matter will find the story in the hundred + tales of Queen Margaret of Navarre, wherein the valour, generosity and + magnanimity of that great King are clearly shown. The other, in great + fear, left his service and entered that of the Emperor (Charles V.). If he + had not been related to Madame la Régente (Louise of Savoy), through the + House of Saxony, whence sprang that of Savoy, he would possibly have met + with the fate he merited, had the King been minded to it; but on this + occasion the King wished to show his magnanimity rather than have him put + to death by the officers of justice. Again the King pardoned him when, on + the arrival of the Emperor at St. Dizier in Champagne, he was taken, + sounding the river Marne, (2) which he had on other occasions well + reconnoitred, in coming to or on leaving France with his troops. He was on + this occasion merely sent to the Bastille, and got quit for a ransom of + 30,000 crowns. Some great captains said and opined that he ought not to + have been thus treated as a prisoner of war but as a real vile spy, for he + had professedly acted as such; and they said, moreover, that he got off + too cheaply at such a ransom, which did not represent the smallest of the + larcenies that he had perpetrated in France.”—Lalanne’s <i>OEuvres + de Brantôme</i>, vol. i. pp. 349-50. + </p> + <p> + Prior to this affair Furstemberg apparently showed some regret for his + earlier schemes against Francis I., for Queen Margaret, writing to her + brother in 1536, remarked:— + </p> + <p> + “Count William has asked me to write and tell you that there is a great + difference between the shameful purgatory of Italy and the glorious + paradise of this camp, (3) and he spoke to me of his past misdeeds, which + I would rather he should speak of to you,” &c.—Génin’s <i>Lettres + de Marguerite</i>, p. 321. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 This occurred in September 1544. From an unpublished MS. + in the public library at Rheims it appears that Furstemberg + was wearing a disguise when captured. The Emperor had sent + him forward expressly to sound the river. Another + unpublished MS. at the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris (<i>anc. + fol.</i> 8561. f. 22), gives some particulars of his operations + about this time.—Ed. + + 3 That of Avignon. See vol. i. p. liv.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In a poetic epistle sent by Margaret to Francis I. in January 1543, to + celebrate the New Year, there is an allusion to a “Conte Guillaume,” whom + Messrs. de Lincy and Montaiglon conjecture to be Furstemberg, though other + commentators think that the Queen refers to William Poyet, the dishonest + chancellor, who was sent to the Bastille in 1542 for peculation. We share, + however, the opinion of Messrs. de Lincy and Montaiglon, as in various + contemporary MSS. which we have referred to, we have frequently found + Furstemberg alluded to as “Conte” and “Comte Guillaume,” without any + mention of his surname. The passage in Margaret’s epistle alluded to above + may be thus rendered in prose:— + </p> + <p> + “God, fighting for the King in every spot, curses his enemies and brings + them to shame and ruin, so that none hold them of account; as witness + ‘Compte [“Conte” in the MS.] Guillaume,’ who, in serving the King and the + kingdom, became rich, feared and highly esteemed. Now, however, a + fugitive, poor and contemned, he may well meditate as to whence came his + honours, who it was that maintained him wealthy, happy and feared; and + thus it is that all the King’s enemies are cursed by God in Paradise.”—<i>Les + Marguerites de la Marguerite</i>, 1873, vol. ii. p. 203. + </p> + <p> + Apropos of Furstemberg the following entry occurs in M. de Laborde’s <i>Comptes + des Bâtiments du Roi</i> (vol. ii. p. 229):— + </p> + <p> + “Paid to Francis de Cadenet, doctor to Count William of Furstemberg, as a + gift and favour for his services, 30 crowns, value 67 livres 10 sols.”—L., + M. and Ed. + </p> + <p> + END OF VOL. II. <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17701/17701-h/17701-h.htm">Volume + I.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17703/17703-h/17703-h.htm">Volume + III.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17704/17704-h/17704-h.htm">Volume + IV.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17705/17705-h/17705-h.htm">Volume + V.</a> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tales Of The Heptameron, Vol. II. +(of V.), by Margaret, Queen Of Navarre + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TALES OF THE HEPTAMERON *** + +***** This file should be named 17702-h.htm or 17702-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17702/ + +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. 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