Tragicall Tales translated by Tvrbervile In time of his troubles out of sundrie Italians, with the Argument and Lenuoye to eche Tale |
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 | Tragicall Tales translated by Tvrbervile |  |
13
In
Italie there is a Citie, hight
Rauenna, by report as braue a place
As may be found, both fresh & fair to sight
Wherein of yore there was a noble race
Of gallant wights, great choise of men of fame,
But one in chief, Nastagio by name.
Rauenna, by report as braue a place
As may be found, both fresh & fair to sight
Wherein of yore there was a noble race
Of gallant wights, great choise of men of fame,
But one in chief, Nastagio by name.
The father of this forward ympe did dye,
Forespent with yeeres, and load with siluer locks,
Whose land and fee descended orderly
Unto the Sonne, with store of other stocks:
Few fathers of this aged mans degree,
In so good case did leaue their sonnes as hee.
Forespent with yeeres, and load with siluer locks,
Whose land and fee descended orderly
Unto the Sonne, with store of other stocks:
Few fathers of this aged mans degree,
In so good case did leaue their sonnes as hee.
This might suffice to make Nastagio rich,
But, where wealth is, there lightlie followes more,
For hee an vncle had, who gaue as mych
At time of death, as father left before:
The wealth of these two rych renowmed wights,
In little space vpon Nastagio lights.
But, where wealth is, there lightlie followes more,
For hee an vncle had, who gaue as mych
At time of death, as father left before:
The wealth of these two rych renowmed wights,
In little space vpon Nastagio lights.
Not one in all Rauenna might compare
With him for wealth, or matcht him for his muck:
He liude at full, not tasting any care,
But tooke his time, and vsde his golden luck:
Not wanting ought that fitted for his state,
By meane of flowing wealth full warme he sate.
With him for wealth, or matcht him for his muck:
He liude at full, not tasting any care,
But tooke his time, and vsde his golden luck:
Not wanting ought that fitted for his state,
By meane of flowing wealth full warme he sate.
This youth his wanton prime without a wife,
Retchlesse consumde, and liude in single sort,
Esteeming that to be the blessed life,
Because he found it stuft with glee and sporte:
As yonkers that at randon vse to range,
Refuse to wed, because they loue to change.
Retchlesse consumde, and liude in single sort,
Esteeming that to be the blessed life,
Because he found it stuft with glee and sporte:
[13]
Refuse to wed, because they loue to change.
Untill at length his roauing eies hee kest
Upon a wench, and tooke so perfect view
Of Graces that did harbour in her brest,
As streight to liking of this maid he grewe
His fansie fed vpon hir featurde lookes,
In sort as none saue her this gallant brookes.
Upon a wench, and tooke so perfect view
Of Graces that did harbour in her brest,
As streight to liking of this maid he grewe
His fansie fed vpon hir featurde lookes,
In sort as none saue her this gallant brookes.
Who doublesse was a neate and noble Dame,
Trauersar cleaped was her worthie Sire,
And she herselfe Euphymia cald by name,
As fresh of hewe as men might well desire:
With her I say, Nastagio fell in loue,
Whose setled choyse no reason might remoue.
Trauersar cleaped was her worthie Sire,
And she herselfe Euphymia cald by name,
As fresh of hewe as men might well desire:
With her I say, Nastagio fell in loue,
Whose setled choyse no reason might remoue.
Her christall eyes had lurcht his yeelding heart,
And razde his bending breast by often glaunce,
Her glittering locks so queyntly coucht by art,
Had brought this youth to such a louing traunce,
As all his care was how to compasse grace,
From her whom he so derely did imbrace.
And razde his bending breast by often glaunce,
Her glittering locks so queyntly coucht by art,
Had brought this youth to such a louing traunce,
As all his care was how to compasse grace,
From her whom he so derely did imbrace.
(Then as it is the trade of Cupids knights)
He fell to feast, where lackt no daintie fare,
To come be forraine cates that breede delights,
For no expence this courtly wight would spare.
Hee vsde the tilt on Ienate trapt with gold,
To please his Dannas eyes with courage bold.
He fell to feast, where lackt no daintie fare,
To come be forraine cates that breede delights,
For no expence this courtly wight would spare.
Hee vsde the tilt on Ienate trapt with gold,
To please his Dannas eyes with courage bold.
For is she be a noble Dame in deede,
Shee pleasure takes to view a manlie knight
In armour clad, be striding of his steed:
And doth detest the base and coward wight,
For that the valiant will defend her fame,
When carpet squires will hide their heads with shame.
Shee pleasure takes to view a manlie knight
14
And doth detest the base and coward wight,
For that the valiant will defend her fame,
When carpet squires will hide their heads with shame.
Thus wasted he the day in Loue deuice,
And spent the nights with costly musikes sound,
In hope at length this virgin to entice
To salue his sore, and cure his couert wounde:
Nothing was left in any point vndone,
Whereby the loue of Ladies might be wonne:
And spent the nights with costly musikes sound,
In hope at length this virgin to entice
To salue his sore, and cure his couert wounde:
Nothing was left in any point vndone,
Whereby the loue of Ladies might be wonne:
By letters he vnfolded all his fittes,
By message eke imparted all his paine,
His mournfull lines bewraid his mazed wits,
His songs at loue declarde his passions plaine:
The rockiest heart aliue it would haue movde,
To see how well this noble man had loude,
By message eke imparted all his paine,
His mournfull lines bewraid his mazed wits,
His songs at loue declarde his passions plaine:
The rockiest heart aliue it would haue movde,
To see how well this noble man had loude,
Yet cruell shee, when he had done and saide
The most he might to moue her stonie heart,
To like of him might not at all be waide,
For shee was struck with Cupids Leaden dart,
Whose chilling cold had bound her bowels so,
As in no wise she could abridge his wo.
The most he might to moue her stonie heart,
To like of him might not at all be waide,
For shee was struck with Cupids Leaden dart,
Whose chilling cold had bound her bowels so,
As in no wise she could abridge his wo.
But how much more the louer made his mone,
Suing for ruth and well deserued grace,
The more shee sate vnmoued, like the stone,
Whom waues do beat, but wag not from his place:
Either beauties pride or stately flocke did force
This haughtie dame from pitie and remorce.
Suing for ruth and well deserued grace,
The more shee sate vnmoued, like the stone,
Whom waues do beat, but wag not from his place:
Either beauties pride or stately flocke did force
This haughtie dame from pitie and remorce.
[14]
Shee rigorouslie refusde, and tooke disdaine,
So much as once to yeeld him friendlie cheare,
Who for her sake had bid such bitter paine,
As any tender heart would bleed to heare:
And in reward of all his friendship past,
Shee gaue him leaue to spoile himselfe at last.
So much as once to yeeld him friendlie cheare,
Who for her sake had bid such bitter paine,
As any tender heart would bleed to heare:
And in reward of all his friendship past,
Shee gaue him leaue to spoile himselfe at last.
Wherto through deep dispaire his mind was bēt
In hope thereby to end his wretched woe,
Because he saw her malice not relent,
Who for good will became his deadlie foe:
For in such cuse aye death is counted light,
Where men may not enioy their sweete delight.
In hope thereby to end his wretched woe,
Because he saw her malice not relent,
Who for good will became his deadlie foe:
For in such cuse aye death is counted light,
Where men may not enioy their sweete delight.
His wilfull hand was armde with naked knife,
And euen at point to giue the fatall stroke,
By short dispatch of loathed lingring life,
To ridde his wearie neck of heauie yoke:
But life was sweete, and he to liue, would leaue
The Dame, from whom he might no ruth receiue.
And euen at point to giue the fatall stroke,
By short dispatch of loathed lingring life,
To ridde his wearie neck of heauie yoke:
But life was sweete, and he to liue, would leaue
The Dame, from whom he might no ruth receiue.
When Fansie saw his raging humour cease,
And Reason challenge rule, and charge againe,
Whereby his fond affection woulde decease,
And hee be quit of all his former paine:
To keepe him in, and hold his louer fast,
She gaue him Hope, to come by loue at last.
And Reason challenge rule, and charge againe,
Whereby his fond affection woulde decease,
And hee be quit of all his former paine:
To keepe him in, and hold his louer fast,
She gaue him Hope, to come by loue at last.
Thus diuers thoughts did soiourne in his brest,
Sometimes he meant himselfe with sword to slay,
Another time to leaue to loue was best:
Some other while affection bare the sway:
Was neuer man belowe the starrie skie,
So loth to liue, and yet so woe to die.
Sometimes he meant himselfe with sword to slay,
Another time to leaue to loue was best:
Some other while affection bare the sway:
15
So loth to liue, and yet so woe to die.
For why? in life he found himself a thrall,
Unable aye to compasse his delight:
And yet by death there was no hope at all,
For then he was assurde to loose her quight:
So neither life nor death might ease his minde,
That by the Gods was thus to loue assignde.
Unable aye to compasse his delight:
And yet by death there was no hope at all,
For then he was assurde to loose her quight:
So neither life nor death might ease his minde,
That by the Gods was thus to loue assignde.
Whilst thus Nastagio sought his owne decay,
By liquorous lust, his friendes and nearest kinne
Perceiuing how his wealth did wast away,
And that his bodie pinde and waxed thinne:
Did diuers times their friendly counsell giue,
That from Rauenna he abroade should liue.
By liquorous lust, his friendes and nearest kinne
Perceiuing how his wealth did wast away,
And that his bodie pinde and waxed thinne:
Did diuers times their friendly counsell giue,
That from Rauenna he abroade should liue.
For change of place perhaps wold purchase helth
And absence cause his foolish fancies weare:
They did not leaue to tell him how his wealth
And all things els consumde, and melted there:
But scornefull he did scoffe their good aduise,
And had their grauest wordes in slender price.
And absence cause his foolish fancies weare:
They did not leaue to tell him how his wealth
And all things els consumde, and melted there:
But scornefull he did scoffe their good aduise,
And had their grauest wordes in slender price.
As louers wont, who fancie nothing lesse
Than speeches tending all to their auaile:
Not much vnlike the lame, for whose redresse.
When counsell commes, they lightlie turne their taile,
Loathing to lend an eare to holsome lore,
Of such as seeke to salue their lingring sore.
Than speeches tending all to their auaile:
Not much vnlike the lame, for whose redresse.
When counsell commes, they lightlie turne their taile,
Loathing to lend an eare to holsome lore,
Of such as seeke to salue their lingring sore.
Yet they like friends would neuer blin or stint,
To shew him meanes to better his estate:
Whereby, As often drops do pearce the flint,
So they at length by many speeches, gare
His free consent to trauell for a space,
To trie what chaunce would hap by change of place.
To shew him meanes to better his estate:
[15]
So they at length by many speeches, gare
His free consent to trauell for a space,
To trie what chaunce would hap by change of place.
Iudge you that loue, and can discerne aright,
How great annoy departure bredde in minde
To him that loude a passing proper wight:
(Though not belovde) & now must leaue behinde
The idoll that was shrinde within his brest.
Whose rife remembrance lowde him little rest?
How great annoy departure bredde in minde
To him that loude a passing proper wight:
(Though not belovde) & now must leaue behinde
The idoll that was shrinde within his brest.
Whose rife remembrance lowde him little rest?
But yet away for promise sake he would,
All needfull things were ready for the same,
Both cates and coyne, with plate of beaten gold:
And for his better comfort, kinsmen came,
Who ioyed to see him part away from thence,
Where she abode that causd his lewde expence.
All needfull things were ready for the same,
Both cates and coyne, with plate of beaten gold:
And for his better comfort, kinsmen came,
Who ioyed to see him part away from thence,
Where she abode that causd his lewde expence.
To forraine coast Nastagio now was bent,
But not resolude what speciall place to see,
Eyther Flaunders, France or Spaine, I think he ment.
For that those seates of ciuile nature be:
To make it short, hee tooke his horse in poast,
And so departs the soyle he fansied most.
But not resolude what speciall place to see,
Eyther Flaunders, France or Spaine, I think he ment.
For that those seates of ciuile nature be:
To make it short, hee tooke his horse in poast,
And so departs the soyle he fansied most.
They had not trauailde farre, before they came
Unto a place, that from Rauenna stood
Three miles or thereabout, the village name
Was Classye, there Nastagio thought it good
To make aboude, for ease and solace sake,
Wherefore he pight his tent, and thus bespoke.
Unto a place, that from Rauenna stood
Three miles or thereabout, the village name
Was Classye, there Nastagio thought it good
To make aboude, for ease and solace sake,
Wherefore he pight his tent, and thus bespoke.
16
In thank you (friends quoth hee) with all my hart,
I hold my selfe indebted for your paine,
Now here you may (if so you list) depart,
And to Rauenna shape returne againe:
For I and mine will respite here a space,
I like the seate, and fancie well the place.
I hold my selfe indebted for your paine,
Now here you may (if so you list) depart,
And to Rauenna shape returne againe:
For I and mine will respite here a space,
I like the seate, and fancie well the place.
Here doe I meane to make assured stay,
Untill the rufull Gods doe ease my woe,
And Cupide chase my sorowes cleane away,
I purpose not a foote from hence to goe:
Lo here I pledge my faith to come no more
Unto the soyle where I receiude my sore.
Untill the rufull Gods doe ease my woe,
And Cupide chase my sorowes cleane away,
I purpose not a foote from hence to goe:
Lo here I pledge my faith to come no more
Unto the soyle where I receiude my sore.
Which promise if I hold, you haue your willes,
Who gaue aduise and counsell to the same:
There restes no more your pensiue friend fulfils
A heauie charge, to flee so faire a Dame,
As to my doome, there are not many moe,
To match with her, whose beautie breedes my woe.
Who gaue aduise and counsell to the same:
There restes no more your pensiue friend fulfils
A heauie charge, to flee so faire a Dame,
As to my doome, there are not many moe,
To match with her, whose beautie breedes my woe.
But well, content I am, at your request
To liue exilde, in manner as you see,
I will no more produce mine owne vnrest,
By louing her that loathes to pitte me:
And hauing thus at full declarde his minde,
They tooke their leaues, he pausde and staid binde.
To liue exilde, in manner as you see,
I will no more produce mine owne vnrest,
By louing her that loathes to pitte me:
And hauing thus at full declarde his minde,
They tooke their leaues, he pausde and staid binde.
Thus he at plasure lodgde, did banket more,
And led his life at greater libertie,
Than in Rauenna he had done of yore:
Hee did exceede for courtly iolitie,
There wanted no delight that youth doth craue,
Which he for coyne or any cost might haue.
And led his life at greater libertie,
Than in Rauenna he had done of yore:
Hee did exceede for courtly iolitie,
[16]
Which he for coyne or any cost might haue.
And whylom, as his auncient custome was,
For diuers of his friendes he vsde to send,
In gladsome ioyes the wearie day to passe:
Whereby no loue care might his ease offend:
Was neuer wight that liude in greater glee,
Nor spent his time in brauer sort than hee.
For diuers of his friendes he vsde to send,
In gladsome ioyes the wearie day to passe:
Whereby no loue care might his ease offend:
Was neuer wight that liude in greater glee,
Nor spent his time in brauer sort than hee.
When May, with motly robes began his raigne,
(A lustie time for euery louing lad)
Nastagio pondering in his busie braine,
The slender hyre that he receiued had,
And foule repulse for all his good desart,
Gan walke abrode, and wild his groomes to part.
(A lustie time for euery louing lad)
Nastagio pondering in his busie braine,
The slender hyre that he receiued had,
And foule repulse for all his good desart,
Gan walke abrode, and wild his groomes to part.
Whereby he might the better call to thought,
The causelesse rigour of the cruell Dame:
Whose smal regard his former spoil had wrought
And turnde his torments into pleasaunt game:
Along he paced into a gladsome groue,
Whilst in his head ten thousand fancies stroue.
The causelesse rigour of the cruell Dame:
Whose smal regard his former spoil had wrought
And turnde his torments into pleasaunt game:
Along he paced into a gladsome groue,
Whilst in his head ten thousand fancies stroue.
There stalkte he on, as soft as foote could tread,
In deepe discourse of beautie and disdaine,
Untill himselfe a mile or more he lead
Into the Coppyse, not hauing any traine:
So long he staide, as dinner time drew neare,
Which he forgot, not minding bellye cheare.
In deepe discourse of beautie and disdaine,
Untill himselfe a mile or more he lead
Into the Coppyse, not hauing any traine:
So long he staide, as dinner time drew neare,
Which he forgot, not minding bellye cheare.
Loe see the hap, that him did there betide,
Within a while he heard a dolefull noyse,
Of one that in the groue full shrilly cryde,
Who seemde to be a virgin by her voyce:
The sodayne feare so much amazde the man,
As streight to leaue his pleasant thoughtes he gan,
Within a while he heard a dolefull noyse,
17
Who seemde to be a virgin by her voyce:
The sodayne feare so much amazde the man,
As streight to leaue his pleasant thoughtes he gan,
Uplifted he his head, and glewde aboute
To see what woofull wight it was and why
She so exclamde, and made such sodaine shoute:
And as alongst the lawnde he kest his eye,
A naked Nymphe well shapte in euery lym,
With speedie pace, he sawe come towards him,
To see what woofull wight it was and why
She so exclamde, and made such sodaine shoute:
And as alongst the lawnde he kest his eye,
A naked Nymphe well shapte in euery lym,
With speedie pace, he sawe come towards him,
Retchelesse she ran through thick & thin amayn,
Bebrusht with bryers her broosed body bled.
The brambles skirmishte had with euery vayne,
Untrust her haire hoong rounde about her head:
And euer as she ranne athwarte the wood,
Mercy she cryde with open mouth a good.
Bebrusht with bryers her broosed body bled.
The brambles skirmishte had with euery vayne,
Untrust her haire hoong rounde about her head:
And euer as she ranne athwarte the wood,
Mercy she cryde with open mouth a good.
Two monstrous mastyues eke he sawe that ran
Close by her side, two vgly curres they were,
Who euer as they ouertooke her, gan
Her haunches with their greedie teeth to teare:
To view (alas) it was a wofull sight,
Such hungrie boundes on naked flesh to light.
Close by her side, two vgly curres they were,
Who euer as they ouertooke her, gan
Her haunches with their greedie teeth to teare:
To view (alas) it was a wofull sight,
Such hungrie boundes on naked flesh to light.
He lookte a little more ascance, and vewde
One riding faste, as Ienats legges could goe,
A hydeous knight, to seeming swarthie hewde,
And (as appearde) he was the maydens foe:
For in his hande a naked sword he had,
Whose face was grimme, and he in blacke yclad.
One riding faste, as Ienats legges could goe,
A hydeous knight, to seeming swarthie hewde,
And (as appearde) he was the maydens foe:
For in his hande a naked sword he had,
Whose face was grimme, and he in blacke yclad.
[17]
Who gallopt on, and glewde with fell regarde,
Pronouncing threates and termes of hye disdaine,
Which cruell tooles for murther well preparde:
And cryde so loude Nastagio heard it plaine,
That he reuenge of her by death would take,
With other thundring words which thoe he spake.
Pronouncing threates and termes of hye disdaine,
Which cruell tooles for murther well preparde:
And cryde so loude Nastagio heard it plaine,
That he reuenge of her by death would take,
With other thundring words which thoe he spake.
Thus for an houre space, or thereaboute,
In one selfe brake Nastagio mazed stoode
Perplexed sore, and greatly in a doubte,
Beholding howe the dogges athwarte the wood,
Did chace the wench, and how the wrathful knight
With gastly looke pursewde this sillie wight.
In one selfe brake Nastagio mazed stoode
Perplexed sore, and greatly in a doubte,
Beholding howe the dogges athwarte the wood,
Did chace the wench, and how the wrathful knight
With gastly looke pursewde this sillie wight.
So long he gazde, that pitie grew in fine,
And swelling yre incenst his manly brest,
Pricking him on, and making him repine,
To see a sillie dame so sore distresse:
So as vnlesse he rescued her from foes,
She was assurde eftsoone her life to lose.
And swelling yre incenst his manly brest,
Pricking him on, and making him repine,
To see a sillie dame so sore distresse:
So as vnlesse he rescued her from foes,
She was assurde eftsoone her life to lose.
But bootlesse twas to meane to help the mayde,
Not hauing weapons fit, nor sworde, nor launce,
But yet, bicause the case required ayde,
He caught a truncheon from a Pyne by chaunce,
And therewithall against the armed knight
And both his curres he made with all his might.
Not hauing weapons fit, nor sworde, nor launce,
But yet, bicause the case required ayde,
He caught a truncheon from a Pyne by chaunce,
And therewithall against the armed knight
And both his curres he made with all his might.
The horseman when he sawe Nastagio bent
For her supplie, whom he would reaue of life:
Exclamde alowde, withstande not mine intent
Nastagio, stinte and breede no further stryfe,
Forgoe thy force, let mastiues haue their will,
Sith they and I this monster meane to kill.
For her supplie, whom he would reaue of life:
Exclamde alowde, withstande not mine intent
Nastagio, stinte and breede no further stryfe,
18
Sith they and I this monster meane to kill.
He scarsly spake the worde, but by and by
The egre curres vnto her flankes they flewe,
And with her bloud that ran abundantly,
Their monstrous mouths they hastned to imbrewe:
Withall the knight dismounted from his steede,
And in he ranne his hungrie dogges to feede.
The egre curres vnto her flankes they flewe,
And with her bloud that ran abundantly,
Their monstrous mouths they hastned to imbrewe:
Withall the knight dismounted from his steede,
And in he ranne his hungrie dogges to feede.
Nastagio seeing this approcht the knight,
I muse (quoth he) how thou shouldst know my name
Who neuer earst, eche ether sawe with sight,
But this assure thy selfe, it is a shame,
A man at armes his honour to distaine,
With conquest of a mayde so fowly slaine.
I muse (quoth he) how thou shouldst know my name
Who neuer earst, eche ether sawe with sight,
But this assure thy selfe, it is a shame,
A man at armes his honour to distaine,
With conquest of a mayde so fowly slaine.
A blouddie facte, a simple wenche to kill
With cruell sworde, whose force consistes in flight,
A beastly parte, such mastiues mawes to fill,
With giltlesse bloud, a villaines nature right.
Thou dealste with her, as though she were a beaste
In forest bredde, not tasting womens breast.
With cruell sworde, whose force consistes in flight,
A beastly parte, such mastiues mawes to fill,
With giltlesse bloud, a villaines nature right.
Thou dealste with her, as though she were a beaste
In forest bredde, not tasting womens breast.
Assure thy selfe as much as lyeth in me,
I meane to garde her, maugre all thy might,
I compte her cleare without offence to be,
She is vnlike to be a guiltie wight:
I may not brooke such wrong in any wise,
Against my kinde and honour sore it lies.
I meane to garde her, maugre all thy might,
I compte her cleare without offence to be,
She is vnlike to be a guiltie wight:
I may not brooke such wrong in any wise,
Against my kinde and honour sore it lies.
Wherto the knight to this effect replyde:
Nastagio would thou wist and knewst it well,
That I to thee am verie neere allyde,
Both borne and bred where thou & thyne do dwell:
My first descent I tooke of noble race,
Thou knowst my stocke. Now listen to my case.
Nastagio would thou wist and knewst it well,
[18]
Both borne and bred where thou & thyne do dwell:
My first descent I tooke of noble race,
Thou knowst my stocke. Now listen to my case.
I lyued, when thou wert but of tender age,
A mortall man, and hight sir Guye by name,
My lucke was such as fansie made me rage,
And fall in liking with this stately dame,
Whom here thou seest, my loue was nothing lesse
Than that which doth thy yeelding heart possesse.
A mortall man, and hight sir Guye by name,
My lucke was such as fansie made me rage,
And fall in liking with this stately dame,
Whom here thou seest, my loue was nothing lesse
Than that which doth thy yeelding heart possesse.
I likte her well, I helde her verie deare:
But cruell she, so tygrelyke requites
My great good will with such a skornfull cheare,
As lacke of tuche berefte me my delightes:
Despaire so grewe within my haplesse brest,
As on a time to compasse greater rest,
But cruell she, so tygrelyke requites
My great good will with such a skornfull cheare,
As lacke of tuche berefte me my delightes:
Despaire so grewe within my haplesse brest,
As on a time to compasse greater rest,
This fauchion fell, in deepe despite I drewe,
To stinte my woes which neuer would aslake,
And with the same my sefe I fowly flewe,
In hope thereby an ende of hale to make:
Which wicked deede the Gods detested so,
As I was iudgde to hollow hell to go.
To stinte my woes which neuer would aslake,
And with the same my sefe I fowly flewe,
In hope thereby an ende of hale to make:
Which wicked deede the Gods detested so,
As I was iudgde to hollow hell to go.
And there assignde by rightfull doome diuine,
For shortning of my life to liue in payne,
Where lingring griefes should make my ghost to pine,
For life mispent the fittest hire & gayne:
With Pluto thus it was my lot to stay,
Woe worth the time that I my selfe did staye.
For shortning of my life to liue in payne,
Where lingring griefes should make my ghost to pine,
For life mispent the fittest hire & gayne:
With Pluto thus it was my lot to stay,
Woe worth the time that I my selfe did staye.
19
But listen on within a little space,
This haughtie dame that hastned on my death,
For yeelding me such slender hire and grace,
Who thought it none offence to stoppe my breath,
Likewise did dye, whome mightie Ioue and iuste,
For her desarte, among the furies thrust.
This haughtie dame that hastned on my death,
For yeelding me such slender hire and grace,
Who thought it none offence to stoppe my breath,
Likewise did dye, whome mightie Ioue and iuste,
For her desarte, among the furies thrust.
To quit her shame, in hell she had a share,
With diuelish impes, that whilom wanted grace:
And after that she had remayned thare,
And plungde her limmes in frozen pittes a space,
She was aduaunste vp to the earth againe,
And I with her to breede eche others payne.
With diuelish impes, that whilom wanted grace:
And after that she had remayned thare,
And plungde her limmes in frozen pittes a space,
She was aduaunste vp to the earth againe,
And I with her to breede eche others payne.
Loe thus the Gods did will it for to bee,
Whose sentence may at no time be vndone.
That she in poaste (as thou thy selfe doest see)
All bare of roabes before these dogs should ronne,
And I on horsebacke after her should goe,
Not as a friende, but like a mortall foe.
Whose sentence may at no time be vndone.
That she in poaste (as thou thy selfe doest see)
All bare of roabes before these dogs should ronne,
And I on horsebacke after her should goe,
Not as a friende, but like a mortall foe.
And looke howe ofte I reachte her on the way,
So oft I should dismember all her corse,
With selfe same sworde that did his maister slay,
She giuing cause, though I did vse the force:
And butcherlike to rippe her downe the raynes,
Who for good will, allowde me bitter paines.
So oft I should dismember all her corse,
With selfe same sworde that did his maister slay,
She giuing cause, though I did vse the force:
And butcherlike to rippe her downe the raynes,
Who for good will, allowde me bitter paines.
And hauing cut her carkasse quite in twayne,
That I should crushe the heart as colde as stone,
Not sparing to dispoyle eche little vayne,
Eche tender corde and string that grewe theron:
And take those other inwarde partes, to feede
My hungrie dogs, to serue their present neede.
That I should crushe the heart as colde as stone,
Not sparing to dispoyle eche little vayne,
Eche tender corde and string that grewe theron:
[19]
My hungrie dogs, to serue their present neede.
This heauie doome was by the Gods assignde
The cruell dame, for wanting dewe regarde:
She is assurde no greater ease to finde,
This torment is for her outrage preparde:
These curres and I in order as you see,
Appoynted are her daily scourge to be.
The cruell dame, for wanting dewe regarde:
She is assurde no greater ease to finde,
This torment is for her outrage preparde:
These curres and I in order as you see,
Appoynted are her daily scourge to be.
And in this selfe same groue where now we goe,
Eache Friday neere about this tyme of day,
This wicked wenche bewayles her wretched woe,
And I with helpe of curres my part do play.
The mastiues they doe chace her thwarte the wood,
And I imbrewe my weapon with her blood.
Eache Friday neere about this tyme of day,
This wicked wenche bewayles her wretched woe,
And I with helpe of curres my part do play.
The mastiues they doe chace her thwarte the wood,
And I imbrewe my weapon with her blood.
Ech place where she hath wroth my wo ere this,
And yelded griefe in guerdon of good will,
Unto her plague that place appointed is,
There must I her with bloudie weapon kill:
And marke how many monthes I spent in loue,
So many yeeres must she this penance proue.
And yelded griefe in guerdon of good will,
Unto her plague that place appointed is,
There must I her with bloudie weapon kill:
And marke how many monthes I spent in loue,
So many yeeres must she this penance proue.
Wherefore doe let me put the same in vre,
Which she deserues, and Ioue did giue in charge,
Let her for former pride such paines endure,
As she may smarte, and I my selfe discharge:
In any wise take not her cause in hande.
In vaine it were for man with God to stande.
Which she deserues, and Ioue did giue in charge,
Let her for former pride such paines endure,
As she may smarte, and I my selfe discharge:
In any wise take not her cause in hande.
In vaine it were for man with God to stande.
Nastagio hauing heard the tale he tolde,
And waying well the earnest words he spake,
Although he were a ventrous wight and bolde,
Yet gan his trembling limmes with fear to quake:
He had not tho a haire but stoode vpright,
Wherwith he starte abacke, as one afright.
And waying well the earnest words he spake,
20
Yet gan his trembling limmes with fear to quake:
He had not tho a haire but stoode vpright,
Wherwith he starte abacke, as one afright.
And gazde vpon the girle in woful case,
Marking the rigour that the knight would vse
And practise thereupon the wench in place,
Who was to bide his force, and might not chuse:
His harte it bled within his breast, to vewe,
Howe tho the knight to diuelish choler grewe.
Marking the rigour that the knight would vse
And practise thereupon the wench in place,
Who was to bide his force, and might not chuse:
His harte it bled within his breast, to vewe,
Howe tho the knight to diuelish choler grewe.
For when he had his tedious processe donne,
Full like a bedlam beast in forrest bred,
He gan vpon the silly wretche to ronne,
Who to escape, before the mastiues fled:
With naked sworde he preast to do the deed,
And came behinde, full cowardlyke to speede.
Full like a bedlam beast in forrest bred,
He gan vpon the silly wretche to ronne,
Who to escape, before the mastiues fled:
With naked sworde he preast to do the deed,
And came behinde, full cowardlyke to speede.
Bootlesse it was for her away to flye:
The Ienate was too good for her of foote,
And more than that, the tyrant was so nye,
As to appeale for pitie was no boote:
Wherfore with faint, for feebled as she was,
With bowing knee she fell vpon the grasse.
The Ienate was too good for her of foote,
And more than that, the tyrant was so nye,
As to appeale for pitie was no boote:
Wherfore with faint, for feebled as she was,
With bowing knee she fell vpon the grasse.
The greedie houndes estsoone began to bite,
Seazing vpon her carkas with their iawes:
With that comes in the gastly sweating knight,
Who thrust her through, & made no longer pawse:
Streight down she went, wt bloudy brest to ground
Unable to sustayne so great a wounde.
Seazing vpon her carkas with their iawes:
With that comes in the gastly sweating knight,
Who thrust her through, & made no longer pawse:
Streight down she went, wt bloudy brest to ground
Unable to sustayne so great a wounde.
[20]
Then backe he put his hand behinde his hippes,
And drewe a shoulder knife of purpose made,
Wherwith the beast the brisket bone vnrippes,
As is the bluddie butchers common trade:
And out he hewde the liuely leaping hearte,
Whereof eche wayting mastiue had a parte.
And drewe a shoulder knife of purpose made,
Wherwith the beast the brisket bone vnrippes,
As is the bluddie butchers common trade:
And out he hewde the liuely leaping hearte,
Whereof eche wayting mastiue had a parte.
They quickly chopte it vp, and made dispatche,
As carrion curres and rauening whelpes do vse,
That euery filthy morsell lightly snatche,
And being nipt with famine, nought refuse:
As soone as this was doone, the virgin rose,
And was on foote, and to the seawarde goes.
As carrion curres and rauening whelpes do vse,
That euery filthy morsell lightly snatche,
And being nipt with famine, nought refuse:
As soone as this was doone, the virgin rose,
And was on foote, and to the seawarde goes.
As though there had bene no such matter past,
And by her side the mastiues raune a mayne,
The knight he mounted on his horse in haste,
Not sparing spurres, and out he drew agayne
The dreadfull sworde, as he had done of yore:
Within a while Nastagio sawe no more.
And by her side the mastiues raune a mayne,
The knight he mounted on his horse in haste,
Not sparing spurres, and out he drew agayne
The dreadfull sworde, as he had done of yore:
Within a while Nastagio sawe no more.
They vanisht soone as those that went apace,
On neither side was slacknesse to be founde,
The mayde she mounted, being had in chace,
Life made her leape, euen as the Hare doth bound:
The hungry dogs, that hunger starued weare,
Layde on as fast her fleshye flankes to teare.
On neither side was slacknesse to be founde,
The mayde she mounted, being had in chace,
Life made her leape, euen as the Hare doth bound:
The hungry dogs, that hunger starued weare,
Layde on as fast her fleshye flankes to teare.
The rustie knight he gaue his horse the rayne,
And followde harde, as men for wager ronne,
Upon desire to plague the wenche againe,
Who earst to him so great a wrong had donne:
Thus famine, feare, and fell reuenging minde,
Made mastiues, maid, & knight their legs to finde.
And followde harde, as men for wager ronne,
Upon desire to plague the wenche againe,
Who earst to him so great a wrong had donne:
21
Made mastiues, maid, & knight their legs to finde.
Nastagio hauing seene this pageant plaide,
Stoode still in part to pittie movd withall,
In part with strangenesse of the sight dismaide,
Began to ponder with himselfe, and call
To minde afresh, how that the knight had told,
Ech fryday that he might the like behold.
Stoode still in part to pittie movd withall,
In part with strangenesse of the sight dismaide,
Began to ponder with himselfe, and call
To minde afresh, how that the knight had told,
Ech fryday that he might the like behold.
Which fitted well he thought for his intent.
It might perhaps turne him in time to good:
Wherefore he markt the place, and home he went,
Leauing a signe vndoubted where he stood,
Till time he were dispozde to put in vre,
That newe deuise, his quiet to procure.
It might perhaps turne him in time to good:
Wherefore he markt the place, and home he went,
Leauing a signe vndoubted where he stood,
Till time he were dispozde to put in vre,
That newe deuise, his quiet to procure.
Retirde vnto his tent, his man he sends
Unto Rauenna, out of hand to will
His nearest kin, and best beloued friends
To visite him in proofe of their good will:
Who being bid, came posting streight away,
To whom Nastagio thus began to say:
Mine auncient friends, you counseld me of yore
To shun the shamefull loue, that whylom I
Bestowde on her, that me tormented sore,
And plagude me so as I was like to die:
You warned mee to flie my pleasant foe,
Within whose brest no tender ruth might grow.
Unto Rauenna, out of hand to will
His nearest kin, and best beloued friends
To visite him in proofe of their good will:
Who being bid, came posting streight away,
To whom Nastagio thus began to say:
Mine auncient friends, you counseld me of yore
To shun the shamefull loue, that whylom I
Bestowde on her, that me tormented sore,
And plagude me so as I was like to die:
You warned mee to flie my pleasant foe,
Within whose brest no tender ruth might grow.
And more than that, you friendly did aduise
That I should part my countrey, to auoide
My monstrous charge, that dailie did arise
And mount so hie as I was much anoyde,
Now friendes, the wished time is come, for I
Am readie here vnto your best to plie.
That I should part my countrey, to auoide
[21]
And mount so hie as I was much anoyde,
Now friendes, the wished time is come, for I
Am readie here vnto your best to plie.
I yeeld you heartie thanks in humble sort,
In great good part your holsome reade I take:
I craue no more, but that you will resort
Unto my lodge on Friday next, to make
Good cheere, bring Paule Trauersar then along,
And eke his wife, or els you do me wrong,
In great good part your holsome reade I take:
I craue no more, but that you will resort
Unto my lodge on Friday next, to make
Good cheere, bring Paule Trauersar then along,
And eke his wife, or els you do me wrong,
In any wise let not the Matron leaue
That daintie peace her daughter deare behind,
I meane in friendly manner to receiue
My friendes as then: such fare as you shall ffind,
Accept in gree, faile not to come, I pray,
And bring with you these parties at the day.
That daintie peace her daughter deare behind,
I meane in friendly manner to receiue
My friendes as then: such fare as you shall ffind,
Accept in gree, faile not to come, I pray,
And bring with you these parties at the day.
So many as were present there in view,
Both gaue him thankes, and promist not to faile,
Themselues to come, and bid the residue,
Which they performde, the sute did soone preuaile
With all the guestes, saue with that rockie maide,
Who scornd his feast, and gladly would haue staid.
Both gaue him thankes, and promist not to faile,
Themselues to come, and bid the residue,
Which they performde, the sute did soone preuaile
With all the guestes, saue with that rockie maide,
Who scornd his feast, and gladly would haue staid.
But yet at length with much ado she went,
The presence of her parents led her on,
Who being come vnto Nastagios tent,
With courtly grace he greeted euerie one,
Reioycing there to see so braue a traine,
But her chiefe, that bred him all his paine.
The presence of her parents led her on,
Who being come vnto Nastagios tent,
With courtly grace he greeted euerie one,
Reioycing there to see so braue a traine,
But her chiefe, that bred him all his paine.
22
Iust vnderneath a very statelie Pine,
That shadowed all the troupe in compasse round,
The table stood, where all these states should dine:
To tell you truth, it was the selfe same grounde,
Where earst the knight had had the maid in chace:
The feaster prayde eche one to take his place.
That shadowed all the troupe in compasse round,
The table stood, where all these states should dine:
To tell you truth, it was the selfe same grounde,
Where earst the knight had had the maid in chace:
The feaster prayde eche one to take his place.
And so they did, regarding their estate
That worthie were the highest reeme to holde:
The fourme was fraught, vpon the bench there sat
Euphymia, so as shee must needes behold
From first to last all thinges that fortunde tho,
There was no shift, Nastagio meant it so.
That worthie were the highest reeme to holde:
The fourme was fraught, vpon the bench there sat
Euphymia, so as shee must needes behold
From first to last all thinges that fortunde tho,
There was no shift, Nastagio meant it so.
I leaue to descant of their daintie fare,
(Set bankets made by Courtiers lacke no cates.)
We may presume the seruice there was rare.
Because the board was virond round with states:
So much the more because his mistresse came,
Whom hee had found so coy and queint a dame.
(Set bankets made by Courtiers lacke no cates.)
We may presume the seruice there was rare.
Because the board was virond round with states:
So much the more because his mistresse came,
Whom hee had found so coy and queint a dame.
When second course was servde in order rowne,
Euen then the blooddie Tragedie began:
The Sewer set the meate no sooner downe,
But by and by was heard of euery man,
A yelling noise that Echode in the skies,
The wofulst sound that man might well deuise.
Euen then the blooddie Tragedie began:
The Sewer set the meate no sooner downe,
But by and by was heard of euery man,
A yelling noise that Echode in the skies,
The wofulst sound that man might well deuise.
Whereat ech one that sate at meate did muze,
Demaunding who that wretched wight should bee,
And asaing what should meane that sodain newes,
They heard a voyce, but coulde no creature see:
They vaunst themselues; & stood mee bolt vpright,
Because they would the sooner haue the sight.
Demaunding who that wretched wight should bee,
And asaing what should meane that sodain newes,
They heard a voyce, but coulde no creature see:
[22]
Because they would the sooner haue the sight.
Within a while, ech one might plainly viewe
A naked Nymph with mastiues by her side,
And eke an vgly knight that did pursue,
And posting on a Croyden Ienate ride:
It was not long before they proched neere
The place, where as was held this royall cheere.
A naked Nymph with mastiues by her side,
And eke an vgly knight that did pursue,
And posting on a Croyden Ienate ride:
It was not long before they proched neere
The place, where as was held this royall cheere.
Wherein among the gazing guests she flewe,
Exclaiming therefor each with open armes:
with that regrete and tender pitie grew
within their breastes, to rescue her from harmes:
To whom the knight cryde, let alone the maid,
Reciting that which he before had said.
Exclaiming therefor each with open armes:
with that regrete and tender pitie grew
within their breastes, to rescue her from harmes:
To whom the knight cryde, let alone the maid,
Reciting that which he before had said.
He shewde at large, both who the partie was,
And did vnfold the cause of all her woe,
And why the sentence of the Gods did passe
In cruell sort vpon the mayden so:
which pocesse made them muze and marueile much,
So as none durst the knight or curres to touch.
And did vnfold the cause of all her woe,
And why the sentence of the Gods did passe
In cruell sort vpon the mayden so:
which pocesse made them muze and marueile much,
So as none durst the knight or curres to touch.
Then he behavde him as he did of yore,
Slashing the Lady with his fauchion fell.
The dogs receivde their pittance as before:
who fed vpon the heart, and likte it well:
As many men and women as did view
This wofull sight, and both the parties knew.
Slashing the Lady with his fauchion fell.
The dogs receivde their pittance as before:
who fed vpon the heart, and likte it well:
As many men and women as did view
This wofull sight, and both the parties knew.
And eke the houses whence they did descende,
And wist the cause of all this cursed case,
But now sir Guye for faithfull loue was shend,
And how the cruell maiden wanted grace:
with one consenting minde lamented so,
As out brast teares in witnesse of their woe.
And wist the cause of all this cursed case,
23
And how the cruell maiden wanted grace:
with one consenting minde lamented so,
As out brast teares in witnesse of their woe.
When that the knight had vsde the matter thus
In blooddie sort, as you haue heard it told:
Amongst themselues the feasters gan discusse,
And diuersly debate from young to old,
From first to last, what lately hapned there,
Toucht all with dread, but most that dame did fear
In blooddie sort, as you haue heard it told:
Amongst themselues the feasters gan discusse,
And diuersly debate from young to old,
From first to last, what lately hapned there,
Toucht all with dread, but most that dame did fear
Whom good Nastagio loude, and tendred much
Because she thought within her guiltie minde,
That her in chiefe this tragedie did touch,
For foule disdaine and being so vnkinde
To him who for good will deserued ruth,
And could atchieue but scorne for all his truth.
Because she thought within her guiltie minde,
That her in chiefe this tragedie did touch,
For foule disdaine and being so vnkinde
To him who for good will deserued ruth,
And could atchieue but scorne for all his truth.
Then first of all resorted to her thought,
what rockie heart and brasen breast she bare
The courteous Knight, her loue that dearly bought,
And who for her had langsluisht long in care:
And hereupon as there shee sate in place,
Shee thought herself the wench that was in chase.
what rockie heart and brasen breast she bare
The courteous Knight, her loue that dearly bought,
And who for her had langsluisht long in care:
And hereupon as there shee sate in place,
Shee thought herself the wench that was in chase.
Full sore she feard her flanks, & thought shee sawe
Her friende pursue her on his fretting steed,
And how he did his wrathful weapon draw
To take reuenge of that her cursed deed:
And meant besides his hungrie hounds to fill
with flesh of her, for want of due good will,
Her friende pursue her on his fretting steed,
And how he did his wrathful weapon draw
To take reuenge of that her cursed deed:
And meant besides his hungrie hounds to fill
with flesh of her, for want of due good will,
[23]
So passing was her dread, as then there grewe
A deepe desire within her mellow breast,
Her louing friend in gentle wise to rewe:
Whereby her selfe might purchace quiet rest,
And scape the scourge and penance for her pride
Bestowde on him, who deepe in fansie fride.
A deepe desire within her mellow breast,
Her louing friend in gentle wise to rewe:
Whereby her selfe might purchace quiet rest,
And scape the scourge and penance for her pride
Bestowde on him, who deepe in fansie fride.
When finisht was this feast and royall cheare,
And euery guest returned backe again
Unto her home, Euphymia did appeare
Tormented sore, and vext with monstrous paine,
The sodaine feare of what shee saw of late,
Had planted in Loue, in place of former hate.
And euery guest returned backe again
Unto her home, Euphymia did appeare
Tormented sore, and vext with monstrous paine,
The sodaine feare of what shee saw of late,
Had planted in Loue, in place of former hate.
The silent time that others doe bestowe
From heauie cares and troubles of the day
To quiet sleepe did breed this Ladies woe,
Who might not chase those deepe conceites away:
No wished winke could enter in her eye,
Unto her pillow fansie sate so nie.
From heauie cares and troubles of the day
To quiet sleepe did breed this Ladies woe,
Who might not chase those deepe conceites away:
No wished winke could enter in her eye,
Unto her pillow fansie sate so nie.
When day drew on, and Phœbus with his waine
Had cleard the pole, and darknesse put to flight,
She felt a fresh supply of pleasant paine,
And wept the dayes as shee had watcht the night:
Nastagio stacke so firmely in her breast,
As for her life shee could not compasse rest.
Had cleard the pole, and darknesse put to flight,
She felt a fresh supply of pleasant paine,
And wept the dayes as shee had watcht the night:
Nastagio stacke so firmely in her breast,
As for her life shee could not compasse rest.
Wherefore shee calles a chamber maid of trust,
(A wittie wench, and one that knew her good)
And told her that in all the hast she must
Unto Nastagios tent in Classy wood:
To let him wit, that if he would vouchsaue
Her honest loue, he might his purpose haue,
(A wittie wench, and one that knew her good)
And told her that in all the hast she must
Unto Nastagios tent in Classy wood:
24
Her honest loue, he might his purpose haue,
For shee was fully bent without delay
To stoupe vnto his will, if so it were
His pleasure, then with speed to come away.
The maid departs, and being entred where
Nastagio was, shee told her mistresse minde
From point to point, as dutie did her binde.
To stoupe vnto his will, if so it were
His pleasure, then with speed to come away.
The maid departs, and being entred where
Nastagio was, shee told her mistresse minde
From point to point, as dutie did her binde.
All haile (good sir) quoth shee, in luckie houre
And blessed time I viewe thy louely face:
Mine vnexpected comming to thy boure,
And preassing here thus ouerbold in place,
Is by my ioyfull newes to wright thy case,
Whose noble minde in loue hath melted long,
As to thy pains, so to thy open wrong.
And blessed time I viewe thy louely face:
Mine vnexpected comming to thy boure,
And preassing here thus ouerbold in place,
Is by my ioyfull newes to wright thy case,
Whose noble minde in loue hath melted long,
As to thy pains, so to thy open wrong.
Sufficeth now thy sad and solemne cheare,
Discharge those cankred cares that fret thy mynde,
Lay sorrow quite aside, which thou too deare
Hast bought, by means my Mistresse was vnkinde
Plucke vp thy spirites, hencefoorth be sure to finde,
As great good liking at my Ladies hand,
As thou wouldst wish, she means thy frend to stand.
And for a proofe of what I vtter now,
Loe the lines that flatly do vnfolde
Her yelding necke, that to thy yoke doth bowe,
With such good will as may not well be tolde,
So faire a frend is worth her weight in gold.
Thus much by mouth my mistresse wild me say,
The rest (I iudge) this paper will bewray.
Discharge those cankred cares that fret thy mynde,
Lay sorrow quite aside, which thou too deare
Hast bought, by means my Mistresse was vnkinde
Plucke vp thy spirites, hencefoorth be sure to finde,
As great good liking at my Ladies hand,
As thou wouldst wish, she means thy frend to stand.
And for a proofe of what I vtter now,
Loe the lines that flatly do vnfolde
Her yelding necke, that to thy yoke doth bowe,
With such good will as may not well be tolde,
So faire a frend is worth her weight in gold.
Thus much by mouth my mistresse wild me say,
The rest (I iudge) this paper will bewray.
| Tragicall Tales translated by Tvrbervile | |