Aryan invasions

The title has a link to a site that eulogizes Alexander the Great. Alexander represents the Western Ideal of beauty within a certain racial type and a civilization based on that. This is the sort of thing that underlies the Hindu Dharma and caste system. That system puts Dalits on the bottom due to physical appearance.

But Aishwarya Rai, an Indian actress, is said by many to be the most beautiful woman in the world. She is shudra, a Dalit and therefore considered untouchable. But that is not the opinion of the Brahmins where she is concerned. It is not because they are egalitarian. From Dalit Nation -

http://dalitnation.wordpress.com/2007/12/14/aishwarya-rai-a-victim-of-brahmin-conspiracy/


"...they did not leave Aishwarya alone. They hatched a conspiracy in UP and got the manuwadi Amar Singh to get Aishwarya married to Abhishek Bachan, a half upper caste sikh and brahmin. They even made Aishwarya marry a banana plant before this marriage. How these evil people oppress us there is no end. Aishwarya now no longer identifies with her Dalit brethren. She has been swallowed up by this upper caste conspiracy."


Notice that Aishwarya does not look like most Dalit women.


The male dominance for selfish reasons is apparent in the whole cloth of the caste and complete Hindu system.


The last racial prejudice that will disappear from the human race will be that of "beauty" especially where women are concerned.


Doesn't God look at the beauty of the soul?


I am not arguing against all physical beauty of women or their making themselves up to be attractive, but shouldn't the beauty of the soul come first in everything? Wouldn't that be truly civilized? I think so.


Beyond that is the question of justice.


This shows the Dalits.



Notice how left wing and upper class both exploit Dalits with violence.

Info: http://www.idsn.org/

日本の音楽

Nippon no ongaku


Traditional Japanese Music



Classical




Koto and Shakuhachi

ओप्पाना - डांस ऑफ़ केरला मुस्लिम वूमेन

ओप्पाना - डांस ऑफ़ केरला मुस्लिम वूमेन

Oppana - Dance of Kerala Muslim Women

Kalinka!

Fantasia de Mallorca

The beauty of the dreaminess of Spanish classical Guitar is you can write your own lyrics to the melody.

That way she comes to you in your dreams without hesitation and then low and behold in reality!

Or he comes to you in your dreams without hesitation and then low and behold in reality!

Depending of course upon your point of view, from the man’s or the woman’s.

Then two together.

Fantasia de Mallorca

I spent the nights with your memories,


The moonlights talks to me about you,


Tere bin main yun kaise jiya

How have I lived without you?

Late Roman empire. Giovanni Boccaccio Mediaeval Italy

I present this as artistic and literary history of Italia.



Lucilla - The most amazing home videos are here

Stephen Boyd and Sophia Loren in Late Roman empire.

Giovanni Boccaccio

Decameron

English Translation below.

Tenth Day Ninth Novell

Novella Nona

[Voice: author]
[001] Il Saladino in forma di mercatante è onorato da messer Torello; fassi il passaggio; messer Torello dà un termine alla donna sua a rimaritarsi; è preso e per acconciare uccelli viene in notizia del soldano, il quale, riconosciutolo e sé fatto riconoscere, sommamente l'onora; messer Torello inferma e per arte magica in una notte n'è recato a Pavia; e alle nozze che della rimaritata sua moglie si facevano da lei riconosciuto con lei a casa sua se ne torna.

[Voice: author]
[002] Aveva alle sue parole già Filomena fatta fine, e la magnifica gratitudine di Tito da tutti parimente era stata commendata molto, quando il re, il deretano luogo riserbando a Dioneo, cosí cominciò a parlare:

[Voice: panfilo]
[003] Vaghe donne, senza alcun fallo Filomena, in ciò che del l'amistà dice, racconta il vero e con ragione nel fine delle sue parole si dolfe lei oggi cosí poco da' mortali esser gradita. [004] E se noi qui per dover correggere i difetti mondani o pur per riprendergli fossimo, io seguiterei con diffuso sermone le sue parole; ma per ciò che altro è il nostro fine, a me è caduto nel animo di dimostrarvi, forse con una istoria assai lunga ma piacevol per tutto, una delle magnificenzie del Saladino, acciò che per le cose che nella mia novella udirete, se pienamente l'amicizia d'alcuno non si può per li nostri vizii acquistare, almeno diletto prendiamo del servire, sperando che quando che sia di ciò merito ci debba seguire.

[Voice: panfilo]
[005] Dico adunque che, secondo che alcuni affermano, al tempo dello imperador Federigo primo a racquistar la Terra Santa si fece per li cristiani un general passaggio. La qual cosa il Saladino, valentissimo signore e allora soldano di Babilonia, alquanto dinanzi sentendo, seco propose di voler personalmente vedere gli parecchiamenti de' signori cristiani a quel passaggio, per meglio poter provedersi. [006] E ordinato in Egitto ogni suo fatto, sembiante faccendo d'andare in pellegrinaggio, con due de' suoi maggiori e piú savi uomini e con tre famigliari solamente, in forma di mercatante si mise in cammino. [007] E avendo cerche molte provincie cristiane e per Lombardia cavalcando per passare oltre a' monti, avvenne che, andando da Melano a Pavia e essendo già vespro, si scontrarono in un gentile uomo, il cui nome era messer Torello di Stra da Pavia: il quale con suoi famigliari e con cani e con falconi se n'andava a dimorare a un suo bel luogo il quale sopra 'l Tesino aveva.

[Voice: panfilo]
[008] Li quali come messer Torel vide, avvisò che gentili uomini e stranier fossero e disiderò d'onorargli; per che, domandando il Saladino un de' suoi famigliari quanto ancora avesse di quivi a Pavia e se a ora giugner potesse d'entrarvi, non lasciò rispondere al famigliar ma rispose egli: "Signori, voi non potrete a Pavia pervenire a ora che dentro possiate entrare".

[Voice: panfilo]
[009] "Adunque,"disse il Saladino"piacciavi d'insegnarne, per ciò che stranier siamo, dove noi possiamo meglio albergare".

[Voice: panfilo]
[010] Messer Torello disse: "Questo farò io volentieri; io era testé in pensiero di mandare un di questi miei infin vicin di Pavia per alcuna cosa: io nel manderò con voi, e egli vi conducerà in parte dove voi albergherete assai convenevolmente".

[Voice: panfilo]
[011] E al piú discreto de' suoi accostatosi, gl'impose quello che egli avesse a fare e mandol con loro; e egli al suo luogo andatosene, prestamente, come si poté il meglio, fece ordinare una bella cena e metter le tavole in un suo giardino; e questo fatto, sopra la porta se ne venne a aspettargli. Il famigliare, ragionando co' gentili uomini di diverse cose, per certe strade gli trasviò e al luogo del suo signore, senza che essi se n'accorgessero, condotti gli ebbe.

[Voice: panfilo]
[012] Li quali come messer Torel vide, tutto a piè fattosiloro incontro ridendo disse: "Signori, voi siate i molto ben venuti".

[Voice: panfilo]
[013] Il Saladino, il quale accortissimo era, s'avide che questo cavaliere aveva dubitato che essi non avesser tenuto lo 'nvito se, quando gli trovò, invitati gli avesse; per ciò, acciò che negar non potessero d'esser la sera con lui, con ingegno a casa sua gli aveva condotti; e risposto al suo saluto, disse: "Messere, se de' cortesi uomini l'uom si potesse ramaricare, noi ci dorremmo di voi il quale, lasciamo stare del nostro cammino che impedito alquanto avete ma senza altro essere stata da noi la vostra benivolenzia meritata che d'un sol saluto, a prender sí alta cortesia, come la vostra è, n'avete quasi costretti".

[Voice: panfilo]
[014] Il cavalier, savio e ben parlante, disse: "Signori, questa che voi ricevete da me, a rispetto di quella che vi si converrebbe, per quello che io ne' vostri aspetti comprenda, fia povera cortesia; ma nel vero fuor di Pavia voi non potreste essere stati in luogo alcun che buon fosse, e per ciò non vi sia grave l'avere alquanto la via traversata per un poco meno disagio avere". [015] E cosí dicendo, la sua famiglia venuta da torno a costoro, come smontati furono, i cavalli adagiarono; e messer Torello i tre gentili uomini menò alle camere per loro apparecchiate, dove gli fece scalzare e rinfrescare alquanto con freschissimi vini e in ragionamenti piacevoli infino all'ora di poter cenare gli ritenne.

[Voice: panfilo]
[016] Il Saladino e' compagni e' famigliari tutti sapevan latino, per che molto bene intendevano e erano intesi, e pareva a ciascun di loro che questo cavalier fosse il piú piacevole e 'l piú costumato uomo e quegli che meglio ragionasse che alcuno altro che ancora n'avesser veduto. [017] A messer Torello d'altra parte pareva che costoro fossero magnifichi uomini e da molto piú che avanti stimato non avea, per che seco stesso si dolea che di compagnia e di piú solenne convito quella sera non gli poteva onorare; laonde egli pensò di volere la seguente mattina ristorare, e informato un de' suoi famigli di ciò che far volea, alla sua donna, che savissima era e di grandissimo animo, nel mandò a Pavia, assai quivi vicina e dove porta alcuna non si serrava.

[Voice: panfilo]
[018] E appresso questo menati i gentili uomini nel giardino, cortesemente gli domandò chi e' fossero; al quale il Saladino rispose: "Noi siamo mercatanti cipriani e di Cipri vegniamo e per nostre bisogne andiamo a Parigi".

[Voice: panfilo]
Allora disse messer Torello: "Piacesse a Dio che questa nostra contrada producesse cosí fatti gentili uomini, chenti io veggio che Cipri fa mercatanti!"

[Voice: panfilo]
[019] E di questi ragionamenti in altri stati alquanto, fu di cenar tempo: per che a loro l'onorarsi alla tavola commise, e quivi, secondo cena sproveduta, furono assai bene e ordinatamente serviti. Né guari, dopo le tavole levate, stettero che, avvisandosi messer Torello loro essere stanchi, in bellissimi letti gli mise a riposare, e esso similmente poco appresso s'andò a dormire.

[Voice: panfilo]
[020] Il famigliar mandato a Pavia fé l'ambasciata alla donna, la quale non con feminile animo ma con reale, fatti prestamente chiamar degli amici e de' servidori di messer Torello assai, ogni cosa oportuna a grandissimo convito fece apparecchiare e a lume di torchio molti de' piú nobili cittadini fece al convito invitare, e fé torre panni e drappi e vai e compiutamente mettere in ordine ciò che dal marito l'era stato mandato a dire.

[Voice: panfilo]
[021] Venuto il giorno, i gentili uomini si levarono, co' quali messer Torello montato a cavallo e fatti venire i suoi falconi, a un guazzo vicin gli menò e mostrò loro come essi volassero; ma dimandando il Saladino d'alcuno che a Pavia e al migliore albergo gli conducesse, disse messer Torello: "Io sarò desso, per ciò che esser mi vi conviene". [022] Costoro credendolsi furon contenti e insieme con lui entrarono in cammino; e essendo già terza e essi alla città pervenuti, avvisando d'essere al migliore albergo inviati, con messer Torello alle sue case pervennero, dove già ben cinquanta de' maggior cittadini eran venuti per ricevere i gentili uomini, a' quali subitamente furon dintorno a' freni e alle staffe.

[Voice: panfilo]
[023] La qual cosa il Saladino e' compagni veggendo, troppo ben s'avisaron ciò che era e dissono: "Messer Torello, questo non è ciò che noi v'avam domandato: assai n'avete questa notte passata fatto e troppo piú che noi non vagliamo, per che acconciamente ne potavate lasciare andare al cammin nostro".

[Voice: panfilo]
[024] A' quali messer Torello rispose: "Signori, di ciò che iersera vi fu fatto, so io grado alla fortuna piú che a voi, la quale a ora vi colse in cammino che bisogno vi fu di venire alla mia piccola casa: di questo di stamattina sarò io tenuto a voi, e con meco insieme tutti questi gentili uomini che dintorno vi sono, a' quali se cortesia vi par fare il negar di voler con lor desinare, far lo potete, se voi volete".

[Voice: panfilo]
[025] Il Saladino e' compagni vinti smontarono, e ricevuti da' gentili uomini lietamente furono alle camere menati, le quali ricchissimamente per loro erano apparecchiate; e posti giú gli arnesi da camminare e rinfrescatisi alquanto, nella sala, dove splendidamente era apparecchiato, vennero; e data l'acqua alle mani e a tavola messi con grandissimo ordine e bello, di molte vivande magnificamente furon serviti, in tanto che, se lo 'mperadore venuto vi fosse, non si sarebbe piú potuto fargli d'onore. [026] E quantunque il Saladino e' compagni fossero gran signori e usi di veder grandissime cose, nondimeno si maravigliarono essi molto di questa, e lor pareva delle maggiori, avendo rispetto alla qualità del cavaliere il qual sapevano che era cittadino e non signore.

[Voice: panfilo]
[027] Finito il mangiare e le tavole levate, avendo alquanto d'alte cose parlato, essendo il caldo grande, come a messer Torel piacque, i gentili uomini di Pavia tutti s'andarono a riposare; e esso con li suoi tre rimase, e con loro in una camera entratosene, acciò che niuna sua cara cosa rimanesse che essi veduta non avessero, quivi si fece la sua valente donna chiamare. [028] La quale, essendo bellissima e grande della persona e di ricchi vestimenti ornata, in mezzo di due suoi figlioletti, che parevan due agnoli, se ne venne davanti a costoro e piacevolmente gli salutò. Essi vedendola si levarono in piè e con reverenzia la ricevettero, e fattala sedere fra loro gran festa fecero de' due belli suoi figlioletti. [029] Ma poi che con loro in piacevoli ragionamenti entrata fu, essendosi alquanto partito messer Torello, essa piacevolmente donde fossero e dove andassero gli domandò; alla quale i gentili uomini cosí risposero come a messer Torello avevan fatto.

[Voice: panfilo]
[030] Allora la donna con lieto viso disse: "Adunque veggo che il mio feminile avviso sarà utile, e per ciò vi priego che di spezial grazia mi facciate di non rifiutare né avere a vile quel piccioletto dono il quale io vi farò venire, ma considerando che le donne secondo il lor picciol cuore piccole cose danno, piú al buono animo di chi dà riguardando che alla quantità del don, riguardiate". [031] E fattesi venire per ciascuno due paia di robe, l'un foderato di drappo e l'altro di vaio, non miga cittadine né da mercatanti ma da signore, e tre giubbe di zendado e pannilini, disse: "Prendete queste: io ho delle robe il mio signore vestito con voi: l'altre cose, considerando che voi siate alle vostre donne lontani e la lunghezza del cammin fatto e quella di quel che è a fare e che i mercatanti son netti e dilicati uomini, ancor che elle vaglian poco, vi potranno esser care".

[Voice: panfilo]
[032] I gentili uomini si maravigliarono e apertamente conobber messer Torello niuna parte di cortesia voler lasciare a far loro, e dubitarono, veggendo la nobilità delle robe non mercatantesche, di non essere da messer Torel conosciuti: ma pure alla donna rispose l'un di loro: "Queste son, madonna, grandissime cose e da non dover di leggier pigliare, se i vostri prieghi a ciò non ci strignessero, alli quali dir di no non si puote".

[Voice: panfilo]
[033] Questo fatto, essendo già messer Torel ritornato, la donna, accomandatigli a Dio, da lor si partí, e di simili cose di ciò, quali a loro si convenieno, fece provedere a' famigliari. Messer Torello con molti prieghi impetrò da loro che tutto quel dí dimorasson con lui; per che, poi che dormito ebbero, vestitisi le robe loro, con messer Torello alquanto cavalcar per la città, e l'ora della cena venuta, con molti onorevoli compagni magnificamente cenarono.

[Voice: panfilo]
[034] E quando tempo fu, andatisi a riposare, come il giorno venne sú si levarono e trovarono in luogo de' loro ronzini stanchi tre grossi pallafreni e buoni, e similmente nuovi cavalli e forti alli lor famigliari; la qual cosa veggendo il Saladino, rivolto a' suoi compagni disse: [035] "Io giuro a Dio che piú compiuto uomo né piú cortese né piú avveduto di costui non fu mai; e se li re cristiani son cosí fatti re verso di sé chente costui è cavaliere, al soldano di Babilonia non ha luogo l'aspettarne pure un, non che tanti, per addosso andargliene, veggiam che s'apparecchiano!"; ma sappiendo che il rinunziargli non avrebbe luogo, assai cortesemente ringraziandolne montarono a cavallo.

[Voice: panfilo]
[036] Messer Torello con molti compagni gran pezza di via gli accompagnarono fuori della città, e quantunque al Saladino il partirsi da messer Torello gravasse, tanto già innamorato se n'era, pure, strignendolo l'andata, il pregò che indietro se ne tornasse; il quale, quantunque duro gli fosse il partirsi da loro, disse: [037] "Signori, io il farò poi che vi piace, ma cosí vi vo' dire: io non so chi voi vi siete, né di saperlo piú che vi piaccia addomando; ma chi che voi vi siate, che voi siate mercatanti non lascerete voi per credenza a me questa volta: e a Dio vi comando".

[Voice: panfilo]
[038] Il Saladino, avendo già da tutti i compagni di messer Torello preso commiato, gli rispose dicendo: "Messere, egli potrà ancora avvenire che noi vi farem vedere di nostra mercatantia, per la quale noi la vostra credenza raffermeremo: e andatevi con Dio".

[Voice: panfilo]
[039] Partissi adunque il Saladino e' compagni con grandissimo animo, se vita gli durasse e la guerra la quale aspettava nol disfacesse, di fare ancora non minore onore a messer Torello che egli a lui fatto avesse; e molto e di lui e della sua donna e di tutte le sue cose e atti e fatti ragionò co' compagni, ogni cosa piú commendando. [040] Ma poi che tutto il Ponente non senza gran fatica ebbe cercato, entrato in mare, co' suoi compagni se ne tornò in Alessandra, e pienamente informato si dispose alla difesa. Messer Torello se ne tornò in Pavia, e in lungo pensier fu chi questi tre esser potessero, né mai al vero non aggiunse né s'appressò.

[Voice: panfilo]
[041] Venuto il tempo del passaggio e faccendosi l'apparecchiamento grande per tutto, messer Torello, non obstanti i prieghi della sua donna e le lagrime, si dispose a andarvi del tutto: e avendo ogni appresto fatto e essendo per cavalcare, disse alla sua donna, la quale egli sommamente amava: [042] "Donna, come tu vedi, io vado in questo passaggio sí per onor del corpo e sí per salute dell'anima: io ti raccomando le nostre cose e 'l nostro onore; e per ciò che io sono dell'andar certo e del tornare, per mille casi che posson sopravenire, niuna certezza ho, voglio io che tu mi facci una grazia: che che di me s'avegna, ove tu non abbi certa novella della mia vita, che tu m'aspetti uno anno e un mese e un dí senza rimaritarti, incominciando da questo dí che io mi parto".

[Voice: panfilo]
[043] La donna, che forte piagneva, rispose: "Messer Torello, io non so come io mi comporterò il dolore nel qual, partendovi, voi mi lasciate; ma dove la mia vita sia piú forte di lui e altro di voi avvenisse, vivete e morite sicuro che io viverò e morrò moglie di messer Torello e della sua memoria".

[Voice: panfilo]
[044] Alla qual messer Torel disse: "Donna, certissimo sono che, quanto in te sarà, che questo che tu mi prometti avverrà; ma tu se' giovane donna e se' bella e se' di gran parentado, e la tua vertú è molta e è conosciuta per tutto. [045] Per la qual cosa io non dubito che molti grandi e gentili uomini, se niente di me si suspicherà, non ti domandino a' tuoi fratelli e parenti, dagli stimoli de' quali, quantunque tu vogli, non ti potrai difendere e per forza ti converrà compiacere a' voler loro e questa è la cagion per la quale io questo termine e non maggior ti domando".

[Voice: panfilo]
[046] La donna disse: "Io farò ciò che io potrò di quello che detto v'ho; e quando pure altro far mi convenisse, io v'ubidirò di questo che m'imponete certamente. Priego io Idio che a cosí fatti termini né voi né me rechi a questi tempi!"

[Voice: panfilo]
[047] Finite le parole, la donna piagnendo abbracciò messer Torello e trattosi di dito uno anello gliele diede dicendo: "Se egli avviene che io muoia prima che io vi rivega, ricordivi di me quando il vedrete".

[Voice: panfilo]
[048] E egli presolo montò a cavallo e, detto a ogn'uomo adio, andò a suo viaggio: e pervenuto a Genova con sua compagnia, montato in galea andò via, e in poco tempo pervenne a Acri e con l'altro essercito di cristian si congiunse. [049] Nel quale quasi a mano a man cominciò una grandissima infermeria e mortalità, la qual durante, qual che si fosse l'arte o la fortuna del Saladino, quasi tutto il rimaso degli scampati cristiani da lui a man salva fur presi, e per molte città divisi e impregionati. [050] Fra' quali presi messer Torello fu uno, e in Alessandria menato in prigione: dove non essendo conosciuto, e temendo esso di farsi conoscere, da necessità costretto si diede a conciare uccelli, di che egli era grandissimo maestro. E per questo a notizia venne del Saladino: laonde egli di prigione il trasse e ritennelo per suo falconiere. [051] Messer Torello, che per altro nome che il cristiano dal Saladino non era chiamato, il quale egli non riconosceva né il soldan lui, solamente in Pavia l'animo avea e piú volte di fuggirsi aveva tentato né gli era venuto fatto; [052] per che esso, venuti certi genovesi per ambasciadori al Saladino per la ricompera di certi lor cittadini e dovendosi partire, pensò di scrivere alla donna sua come egli era vivo e a lei come piú tosto potesse tornerebbe e che ella l'attendesse, e cosí fece; e caramente pregò un degli ambasciadori, che conoscea, che facesse che quelle alle mani dell' abate di San Piero in Ciel d'Oro, il quale suo zio era, pervenissero.

[Voice: panfilo]
[053] E in questi termini stando messer Torello, avvenne un giorno che, ragionando con lui il Saladino di suoi uccelli, messer Torello cominciò a sorridere e fece uno atto con la bocca il quale il Saladino, essendo a casa sua a Pavia, aveva molto notato; per lo quale atto al Saladino tornò alla mente messer Torello, e cominciò fiso a riguardallo e parvegli desso: per che, lasciato il primo ragionamento, disse: "Dimmi, cristiano, di che paese se' tu di Ponente?"

[Voice: panfilo]
[054] "Signor mio,"disse messer Torello"io son lombardo, d'una città chiamata Pavia, povero uomo e di bassa condizione".

[Voice: panfilo]
[055] Come il Saladino udí questo, quasi certo di quello che dubitava, fra sé lieto disse: "Dato m'ha Idio tempo di mostrare a costui quanto mi fosse a grado la sua cortesia": e senza altro dire, fattisi tutti i suoi vestimenti in una camera acconciare, nel menò dentro e disse: "Guarda, cristiano, se tra queste robe n'è alcuna che tu vedessi già mai".

[Voice: panfilo]
[056] Messer Torello cominciò a guardare e vide quelle che al Saladino aveva la sua donna donate ma non estimò dover potere essere che desse fossero; ma tuttavia rispose: "Signor mio, niuna ce ne conosco; è ben vero che quelle due somiglian robe di che io già con tre mercatanti, che a casa mia capitarono, vestito ne fui".

[Voice: panfilo]
[057] Allora il Saladino, piú non potendo tenersi, teneramente l'abbracciò dicendo: "Voi siete messer Torel di Stra e io son l'uno de' tre mercatanti a' quali la donna vostra donò queste robe; e ora è venuto il tempo di far certa la vostra credenza qual sia la mia mercatantia, come nel partirmi da voi dissi che potrebbe avvenire".

[Voice: panfilo]
[058] Messer Torello, questo udendo, cominciò a esser lietissimo e a vergognarsi: a esser lieto d'avere avuto cosí fatto oste, a vergognarsi che poveramente gliele pareva aver ricevuto; a cui il Saladin disse: "Messer Torello, poi che Idio qui mandato mi v'ha, pensate che non io oramai, ma voi qui siate il signore".

[Voice: panfilo]
[059] E fattasi la festa insieme grande, di reali vestimenti il fé vestire; e nel cospetto menatolo di tutti i suoi maggior baroni e molte cose in laude del suo valor dette, comandò che da ciascun, che la sua grazia avesse cara, cosí onorato fosse come la sua persona. Il che da quindi innanzi ciascun fece ma molto piú che gli altri i due signori li quali compagni erano stati del Saladino in casa sua. [060] L'altezza della subita gloria, nella quale messer Torel si vide, alquanto le cose di Lombardia gli trassero della mente e massimamente per ciò che sperava fermamente le sue lettere dovere essere al zio pervenute.

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[061] Era nel campo o vero essercito de' cristiani, il dí che dal Saladin furon presi, morto e sepellito un cavalier provenzale di piccol valore, il cui nome era messer Torel di Dignes; per la qual cosa, essendo messer Torel di Stra per la sua nobiltà per lo essercito conosciuto, chiunque udí dire: "Messer Torello è morto"credette di messer Torel di Stra e non di quel di Dignes; e il caso, che sopravenne, della presura non lasciò sgannar gl'ingannati; [062] per che molti italici tornarono con questa novella, tra' quali furon de' sí presuntuosi che ardiron di dire sé averlo veduto morto e essere stati alla sepoltura. [063] La qual cosa saputa dalla donna e da' parenti di lui fu di grandissima e inestimabile doglia cagione non solamente a loro, ma a ciascuno che conosciuto l'avea.

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[064] Lungo sarebbe a mostrare qual fosse e quanto il dolore e la tristizia e 'l pianto della sua donna; la quale dopo alquanti mesi che con tribulazion continua doluta s'era e a men dolersi avea cominciato, essendo ella da' maggiori uomini di Lombardia domandata, da' fratelli e dagli altri suoi parenti fu cominciata a sollicitar di maritarsi. Il che ella molte volte e con grandissimo pianto avendo negato, costretta alla fine le convenne far quello che vollero i suoi parenti, con questa condizione, che ella dovesse stare senza a marito andarne tanto quanto ella aveva promesso a messer Torello.

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[065] Mentre in Pavia eran le cose della donna in questi termini e già forse otto dí al termine del doverne ella andare a marito eran vicini, avvenne che messer Torello in Alessandria vide un dí uno il quale veduto avea con gli ambasciador genovesi montar sopra la galea che a Genova ne venia; per che, fattolsi chiamare, il domandò che viaggio avuto avessero e quando a Genova fosser giunti. [066] Al quale costui disse: "Signor mio, malvagio viaggio fece la galea, sí come in Creti senti', là dove io rimasi; per ciò che, essendo ella vicina di Cicilia, si levò una tramontana pericolosa che nelle secche di Barbaria la percosse, né ne scampò testa, e intra gli altri due miei fratelli vi perirono".

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[067] Messer Torello, dando alle parole di costui fede, ch'eran verissime, e ricordandosiche il termine ivi a pochi dí finiva da lui domandato alla donna e avvisando niuna cosa di suo stato doversi sapere a Pavia, ebbe per constante la donna dovere essere rimaritata; di che egli in tanto dolor cadde, che, perdutone il mangiare e a giacer postosi, diliberò di morire. [068] La qual cosa come il Saladin sentí, che sommamente l'amava, venne da lui. Dopo molti prieghi e grandi fattigli, saputa la cagion del suo dolore e della sua infermità, il biasimò molto che avanti non gliele aveva detto e appresso il pregò che si confortasse, affermandogli che, dove questo facesse, egli adopererebbe sí, che egli sarebbe in Pavia al termine dato; e dissegli come. [069] Messer Torello, dando fede alle parole del Saladino e avendo molte volte udito dire che ciò era possibile e fatto s'era assai volte, s'incominciò a confortare e a sollecitare il Saladino che di ciò si diliberasse. [070] Il Saladino a un suo nigromante, la cui arte già espermentata aveva, impose che egli vedesse via come messer Torello sopra un letto in una notte fosse portato a Pavia; a cui il nigromante rispose che ciò saria fatto, ma che egli per ben di lui il facesse dormire.

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[071] Ordinato questo, tornò il Saladino a messer Torello: e trovandol del tutto disposto a voler pure essere in Pavia al termine dato, se esser potesse, e se non potesse, a voler morire, gli disse cosí: [072] "Messer Torello, se voi affettuosamente amate la donna vostra e che ella d'altrui non divegna dubitate, sallo Idio che io in parte alcuna non ve ne so riprendere, per ciò che di quante donne mi parve veder mai ella è colei li cui costumi, le cui maniere e il cui abito, lasciamo star la bellezza che è fior caduco, piú mi paion da commendare e da aver care. [073] Sarebbemi stato carissimo, poi che la fortuna qui v'aveva mandato, che quel tempo, che voi e io viver dobbiamo, nel governo del regno che io tengo parimente signori vivuti fossimo insieme: [074] e se questo pur non mi dovea esser conceduto da Dio, dovendovi questo cader nell'animo o di morire o di ritrovarvi al termine posto in Pavia, sommamente avrei disiderato d'averlo saputo a tempo che io con quello onore, con quella grandezza, con quella compagnia che la vostra vertú merita v'avessi fatto porre a casa vostra; il che poi che conceduto non è e voi pur disiderate d'esser là di presente, come io posso, nella forma che detto v'ho, ve ne manderò".

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[075] Al quale messer Torel disse: "Signor mio, senza le vostre parole m'hanno gli effetti assai dimostrata della vostra benivolenzia, la quale mai da me in sí suppremo grado non fu meritata, e di ciò che voi dite, eziandio non dicendolo, vivo e morrò certissimo; ma poi che cosí preso ho per partito, io vi priego che quello che mi dite di fare si faccia tosto, per ciò che domane è l'ultimo dí che io debbo essere aspettato".

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[076] Il Saladino disse che ciò senza fallo era fornito: e il seguente dí, attendendo di mandarlo via la vegnente notte, fece il Saladin fare in una gran sala un bellissimo e ricco letto di materassi tutti, secondo la loro usanza, tutti di velluti e di drappi a oro, e fecevi por suso una coltre lavorata a certi compassi di perle grossissime e di carissime pietre preziose, la qual fu poi di qua stimata infinito tesoro, e due guanciali quali a cosí fatto letto si richiedeano; [077] e questo fatto, comandò che a messer Torello, il quale era già forte, fosse messa indosso una roba alla guisa saracinesca, la piú ricca e la piú bella cosa che mai fosse stata veduta per alcuno, e in testa alla lor guisa una delle sue lunghissime bende ravolgere. [078] E essendo già l'ora tarda, il Saladino con molti de' suoi baroni nella camera là dove messer Torello era se n'andò, e postoglisi a sedere allato, quasi lagrimando a dir cominciò: [079] "Messer Torello, l'ora che da voi divider mi dee s'appressa, e per ciò che io non posso né accompagnarvi né farvi accompagnare per la qualità del cammino che a fare avete, che nol sostiene, qui in camera da voi mi conviene prender commiato, al qual prendere venuto sono. [080] E per ciò, prima che io a Dio vi comandi, vi priego per quello amore e per quella amistà la quale è tra noi, che di me vi ricordi; e, se possibile è, anzi che i nostri tempi finiscano, che voi, avendo in ordine poste le vostre cose di Lombardia, una volta almeno a veder mi vegniate, acciò che io possa in quella, essendomi d'avervi veduto rallegrato, quel diletto supplire che ora per la vostra fretta mi convien commettere; [081] e infino che questo avvenga non vi sia grave visitarmi con lettere e di quelle cose che vi piaceranno richiedermi, ché piú volentier per voi che per alcuno uom che viva le farò certamente".

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[082] Messer Torello non poté le lagrime ritenere: e per ciò da quelle impedito con poche parole rispose impossibil che mai i suoi benefici e il suo valore di mente gli uscissero e che senza fallo quello che egli gli comandava farebbe, dove tempo gli fosse prestato. [083] Per che il Saladino, teneramente abbracciatolo e basciatolo, con molte lagrime gli disse "Andate con Dio"e della camera s'uscí; e gli altri baroni appresso tutti da lui s'acommiatarono e col Saladino in quella sala ne vennero là dove egli avea fatto il letto acconciare.

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[084] Ma essendo già tardi e il nigromante aspettando lo spaccio e affrettandolo, venne un medico con un beveraggio e, fattogli vedere che per fortificamento di lui gliele dava, gliel fece bere; né stette guari che adormentato fu. [085] E cosí dormendo, fu portato per comandamento del Saladino in su il bel letto, sopra il quale esso una grande e bella corona pose di gran valore e sí la segnò, che apertamente fu poi compreso quella dal Saladino alla donna di messer Torello esser mandata. [086] Appresso mise in dito a messer Torello uno anello nel quale era legato un carbunculo tanto lucente, che un torchio acceso pareva, il valor del quale appena si poteva stimare; quindi gli fece una spada cignere il cui guernimento non si saria di leggieri apprezzato; e oltre a questo un fermaglio gli fé davanti appiccare nel qual erano perle mai simili non vedute con altre care pietre assai; e poi da ciascun de' lati di lui due grandissimi bacin d'oro pieni di doble fé porre, e molte reti di perle e anella e cinture e altre cose, le quali lungo sarebbe a raccontare, gli fece metter da torno. [087] E questo fatto, da capo basciò messer Torello e al nigromante disse che si spedisse; per che incontanente in presenzia del Saladino il letto con tutto messer Torello fu tolto via, e il Saladino co' suoi baroni di lui ragionando si rimase.

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[088] Era già nella chiesa di San Piero in Ciel d'Oro di Pavia, sí come dimandato avea, stato posato messer Torello con tutti i sopradetti gioielli e ornamenti, e ancor si dormiva, quando sonato già il matutino il sagrestano nella chiesa entrò con un lume in mano, e occorsegli subitamente di vedere il ricco letto. Non solamente si maravigliò ma avuta grandissima paura indietro fuggendo si tornò. Il quale l'abate e' monaci veggendo fuggire si maravigliarono e domandaron della cagione. Il monaco la disse.

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[089] "Oh!"disse l'abate"e sí non se' tu oggimai fanciullo né se' in questa chiesa nuovo, che tu cosí leggiermente spaventar ti debbi: ora andiam noi, veggiamo chi t'ha fatto baco".

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[090] Accesi adunque piú lumi, l'abate con tutti i suoi monaci nella chiesa entrati videro questo letto cosí maraviglioso e ricco e sopra quello il cavalier che dormiva; e mentre dubitosi e timidi, senza punto al letto accostarsi, le nobili gioie riguardavano, avvenne che, essendo la vertú del beveraggio consumata, che messer Torel destatosi gittò un gran sospiro. [091] Li monaci come questo videro, e l'abate con loro, spaventati e gridando "Domine aiutaci"tutti fuggirono. [092] Messer Torello, aperti gli occhi e da torno guardatosi, conobbe manifestamente sé essere là dove al Saladino domandato avea, di che forte fu seco contento: per che, a seder levatosi e partitamente guardando ciò che da torno avea, quantunque prima avesse la magnificenzia del Saladin conosciuta, ora gli parve maggiore e piú la conobbe. [093] Non per tanto, senza altramenti mutarsi, sentendo i monaci fuggire e avvisatosi il perché, cominciò per nome a chiamar l'abate e a pregarlo che egli non dubitasse, per ciò che egli era Torel suo nepote. [094] L'abate, udendo questo, divenne piú pauroso, come colui che per morto l'avea dimolti mesi innanzi; ma dopo alquanto, da veri argomenti rassicurato, sentendosi pur chiamare, fattosi il segno della santa croce andò a lui.

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[095] Al quale messer Torel disse: "O padre mio, di che dubitate voi? Io son vivo, la Dio mercé, e qui d'oltremar ritornato".

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[096] L'abate, con tutto che egli avesse la barba grande e in abito arabesco fosse, pure dopo alquanto il raffigurò: e rassicuratosi tutto il prese per la mano e disse: "Figliuol mio, tu sii il ben tornato"e seguitò: "Tu non ti dei maravigliare della nostra paura, per ciò che in questa terra non ha uomo che non creda fermamente che tu morto sii, tanto che io ti so dire che madonna Adalieta tua moglie, vinta da' prieghi e dalle minacce de' parenti suoi e contra suo volere, è rimaritata; e questa mattina ne dee ire al nuovo marito, e le nozze e ciò che a festa bisogno fa è apparecchiato".

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[097] Messer Torello, levatosi di 'n su il ricco letto e fatta all' abate e a' monaci maravigliosa festa, ognun pregò che di questa sua tornata con alcun non parlasse infino a tanto che egli non avesse una sua bisogna fornita. Appresso questo, fatto le ricche gioie porre in salvo, ciò che avvenuto gli fosse infino a quel punto raccontò all'abate. [098] L'abate, lieto delle sue fortune, con lui insieme rendé grazie a Dio. Appresso questo domandò messer Torel l'abate chi fosse il nuovo marito della sua donna. L'abate gliele disse.

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[99] A cui messer Torel disse: "Avanti che di mia tornata si sappia, io intendo di veder che contenenza fia quella di mia mogliere in queste nozze; e per ciò, quantunque usanza non sia le persone religiose andare a cosí fatti conviti, io voglio che per amor di me voi ordiniate che noi v'andiamo".

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[100] L'abate rispose che volentieri; e come giorno fu fatto mandò al nuovo sposo dicendo che con un compagno voleva essere alle sue nozze; a cui il gentile uom rispose che molto gli piacea. [101] Venuta dunque l'ora del mangiare, messer Torello in quello abito che era con l'abate se n'andò alla casa del novello sposo, con maraviglia guatato da chiunque il vedeva ma riconosciuto da nullo; e l'abate a tutti diceva lui essere un saracino mandato dal soldano al re di Francia ambasciadore. [102] Fu adunque messer Torello messo a una tavola appunto rimpetto alla donna sua, la quale egli con grandissimo piacer riguardava, e nel viso gli pareva turbata di queste nozze. Ella similmente alcuna volta guardava lui non già per riconoscenza alcuna che ella n'avesse, ché la barba grande e lo strano abito e la ferma credenza che aveva che egli fosse morto gliele toglievano. [103] Ma poi che tempo parve a messer Torello di volerla tentare se di lui si ricordasse, recatosi in mano l'anello che dalla donna nella sua partita gli era stato donato, si fece chiamare un giovinetto che davanti a lei serviva e dissegli: [104] "Dí da mia parte alla nuova sposa che nelle mie contrade s'usa, quando alcun forestier, come io son qui, mangia al convito d'alcuna sposa nuova, come ella è, in segno d'aver caro che egli venuto vi sia a mangiare ella la coppa con la quale bee gli manda piena di vino; con la qual poi che il forestiere ha bevuto quello che gli piace, ricoperchiata la coppa, la sposa bee il rimanente".

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[105] Il giovinetto fé l'ambasciata alla donna, la quale, sí come costumata e savia, credendo costui essere un gran barbassoro, per mostrare d'avere a grado la sua venuta, una gran coppa dorata la qual davanti avea comandò che lavata fosse e empiuta di vino e portata al gentile uomo; e cosí fu fatto. [106] Messer Torello, avendosi l'anello di lei messo in bocca, sí fece che bevendo il lasciò cader nella coppa, senza avvedersene alcuno, e poco vino lasciatovi quella ricoperchiò e mandò alla donna. [107] La quale presala, acciò che l'usanza da lui compiesse, scoperchiatala, se la mise a bocca e vide l'anello e senza dire alcuna cosa alquanto il riguardò: e riconosciuto che egli era quello che dato avea nel suo partire a messer Torello, presolo e fiso guardato colui il qual forestier credeva e già conoscendolo, quasi furiosa divenuta fosse gittata in terra la tavola che davanti aveva, gridò: "Questi è il mio signore, questi veramente è messer Torello!"[108] E corsa alla tavola alla quale esso sedeva, senza avere riguardo a' suoi drappi o a cosa che sopra la tavola fosse, gittatasi oltre quanto poté, l'abracciò strettamente, né mai dal suo collo fu potuta, per detto o per fatto d'alcuno che quivi fosse, levare infino a tanto che per messer Torello non le fu detto che alquanto sopra sé stesse, per ciò che tempo da abracciarlo le sarebbe ancora prestato assai.

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[109] Allora ella dirizzatasi, essendo già le nozze tutte turbate e in parte piú liete che mai per lo racquisto d'un cosí fatto cavaliere, pregandone egli, ogn'uomo stette cheto; per che messer Torello dal dí della sua partita infino a quel punto ciò che avvenuto gli era a tutti narrò, conchiudendo che al gentile uomo, il quale, lui morto credendo, aveva la sua donna per moglie presa, se egli essendo vivo la si ritoglieva, non doveva spiacere. [110] Il nuovo sposo, quantunque alquanto scornato fosse, liberamente e come amico rispose che delle sue cose era nel suo volere quel farne che piú le piacesse. [111] La donna e l'anella e la corona avute dal nuovo sposo quivi lasciò e quello che della coppa aveva tratto si mise e similmente la corona mandatale dal soldano: e usciti della casa dove erano, con tutta la pompa delle nozze infino alla casa di messer Torel se n'andarono; e quivi gli sconsolati amici e parenti e tutti i cittadini, che quasi per un miracolo il riguardavano, con lunga e lieta festa racconsolarono.

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[112] Messer Torello, fatta delle sue care gioie parte a colui che avute avea le spese delle nozze e all' abate e a molti altri, e per piú d'un messo significata la sua felice repatriazione al Saladino, suo amico e suo servidor ritenendosi, piú anni con la sua valente donna poi visse, piú cortesia usando che mai.

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[113] Cotale adunque fu il fin delle noie di messer Torello e di quelle della sua cara donna e il guiderdone delle lor liete e preste cortesie; le quali molti si sforzan di fare che, benché abbian di che, sí mal far le sanno, che prima le fanno assai piú comperar che non vagliono, che fatte l'abbiano: per che, se loro merito non ne segue, né essi né altri maravigliar se ne dee.




Declaring What An Honourable Vertue Courtesie Is, In Them That Truely Know How To Use Them.

Saladine, the great Soldan of Babylon, in the habite of a Merchant, was honourably received and welcommed, into the house of Signior Thorello d'Istria. Who travelling to the Holy Land, prefixed a certaine time to his Wife, for his returne back to her againe, wherein, if he failed, it was lawfull for her to take another Husband. By clouding himselfe in the disguise of a Faulkner, the Soldan tooke notice of him, and did him many great honours. Afterward, Thorello falling sicke, by Magicall Art, he was conveighed in one night to Pavia, when his Wife was to be married on the morrow: where making himselfe knowne to her, all was disappointed, and shee went home with him to his owne house.


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Adam Philomena having concluded her discourse, and the rare acknowledgement, which Titus made of his esteemed friend Gisippus, extolled justly as it deserved by all the Company: the King, reserving the last office to Dioneus (as it was at the first granted him) began to speake thus. Without all question to the contrary (worthy Ladies) nothing can be more truely said, then what Madame Philomena, hath delivered, concerning Amity, and her complaint in the conclusion of her Novell, is not without great reason, to see it so slenderly reverenced and respected (now a dayes) among all men. But if we had met here in duty onely for correcting the abuses of iniquity, and the malevolent courses of this preposterous age; I could proceed further in this just cause of complaint. But because our end aimeth at matters of other nature, it commeth to my memory to tel you of a History, which (perhaps) may seeme somewhat long, but altogether pleasant, concerning a magnificent act of great Saladine: to the end, that by observing those things which you shall heare in my Novell, if we cannot (by reason of our manifold imperfections) intirely compasse the amity of any one; yet (at least) we may take delight, in stretching our kindnesse (in good deeds) so farre as we are able, in hope one day after, some worthy reward will ensue thereon, as thereto justly appertaining.

Let me tell you then, that (as it is afermed by many) in the time of the Emperour Frederick, first of that name, the Christians, for the better recovery of the holy land, resolved to make a generall voyage over the Seas. Which being understood by Saladine, a very worthy Prince, and then Soldan of Babylon: he concluded with himselfe, that he would (in person) goe see, what preparation the Christian Potentates made for this Warre, that hee might the better provide for himselfe. Having setled all things orderly in Aegypt for the busines, and making an outward appearance, as if he purposed a pilgrimage to Mecha: he set onward on his journey, habited like a Merchant, attended onely with two of his most Noble and wisest Baschaes, and three waiting servants.

When he had visited many Christian Provinces, and was riding thorow Lombardle, to passe the mountaines; it fortuned, in his journeying from Millaine to Pavia, and the day being very farre spent, so that night hastened speedily on him: he met with a Gentleman, named Signior Thorella d'Istria, but dwelling at Pavia, who with his men, Hawkes and Hounds, went to a house of his, seated in a singular place, and on the River of Ticinum. Signior Thorello seeing such men making towardes him, presently imagined, that they were some Gentle-strangers, and such hee desired to respect with honor.

Wherefore, Saladine demanding of one of Thorelloes men, how farre (as then) it was to Pavia, and whether they might reach thither by such an houre, as would admit their entrance into the Citty: Thorello would not suffer his servant to returne the answer, but replyed thus himselfe. Sir (quoth he) you cannot reach Pavia, but night will abridge you of any entraunce there. I beseech you then Sir, answered Saladine, favour us so much (because we are all strangers in these parts) as to tell us where we may be well lodged. That shal I Sir, said Thorello, and very gladly too.

Even at the instant Sir, as we met with you, I had determined in my mind, to send one of my servants somewhat neere to Pavia, about a businesse concerning my selfe: he shall go along with you, and conduct you to a place, where you will be very well entertayned. So, stepping to him, who was of best discretion amongst his men, he gave order to him what should bee done, and sent him with them. Himselfe, making hast by a farre neerer way, caused Supper to be prepared in worthy manner, and the Tables to be covered in his Garden; and all things being in good readinesse, he sate downe at his doore, to attend the comming of his guests. The Servingman, discoursing with the Gentlemen on divers occasions, guided them by such unusuall passages, as (before they could discerne it) he brought them to his Masters house; where so soone as Thorello saw them arrived, he went forth to meet them, assuring them all of most hearty welcome.

Saladine, who was a man of accute understanding, did well perceive, that this Knight Thorello misdoubted his going with him, if (when he met him) hee should have invited him; and therefore, because he would not be denied, of entertaining him into his house; he made choise of this kinde and honourable course, which caused him to returne this answer. Gentle Sir, if courtesie in one man to another, do deserve condemning, then may we justly complaine of you, who meeting us upon the way, which you have shortened by your kindnesse, and which we are no way able to deserve, wee are constrained to accept, taking you to bee the mirrour of courtesie. Thorello being a Knight of ingenious apprehension, and wel languaged, replyed thus.

Gentlemen; this courtesie (seeing you terme it so) which you receive of me, in regard of that justly belonging to you, as your faces do sufficiently informe mee, is matter of very slender account. But assuredly out of Pavia, you could not have any lodging, deserving to be termed good. And therefore let it not bee displeasing to you, if you have a little gone forth of the common rode way, to have your entertainment somewhat bettered, as many travaylers are easily induced to do.

Having thus spoken, all the people of the house shewed themselves, in serviceable manner to the Gentlemen, taking their horses as they dismounted, and Thorello himselfe, conducted the three Gentlemen, into three severall faire Chambers, which in costly maner were prepared for them, where their boots were pluckt off, faire Napkins with Manchets lay ready, and delicate Wines to refresh their wearied spirits, much prety conference being entercoursed, til Supper time invited them thence.

Saladine, and they that were with him, spake the Latine tongue very readily, by which meanes they were the better understoode; and Thorello seemed (in their judgement) to bee the most gracious, compleate, and best spoken Gentleman, as ever they met with in all their journey. It appeared also (on the other side) to Signiour Thorello, that his guests were men of great merit, and worthy of much more esteeme, then there he could use towards them: wherefore, it did highly distast him, that he had no more friends there this night to keepe them company, or himselfe better provided for their entertainment, which hee intended (on the morrow) to recompence with larger amends at dinner.

Heereupon, having instructed one of his men with what hee intended, he sent him to Pavia, which was not farre off (and where he kept no doore shut) to his Wife, named Madam Adialetta; a Woman singularly wise, and of a Noble spirit, needing little or no direction, especially when she knew her husbands minde. As they were walking in the Garden, Thorello desired to understand, of whence, and what they were? Whereto Saladine thus answered. Sir, wee are Cyprian Marchants, comming now from Cyprus, and are travalling to Paris, about affaires of importance. Now trust me Syr, replyed Thorello, I could heartily wish, that this Countrey of ours would yeeld such Gentlemen, as your Cyprus affordeth Marchants. So, falling from one discourse unto another, Supper was served in; and looke howe best themselves pleased, so they sate at the Table, where (we need make no doubt) they were respected in honourable order.

So soone as the Tables were withdrawne, Thorello knowing they might be weary, brought them againe to their Chambers, where committing them to their good rest, himselfe went to bed soone after. The Servant sent to Pavia, delivered the message to his Lady; who, not like a woman of ordinary disposition, but rather truely Royall, sent Thorelloes servants into the City, to make preparation for a Feast indeed, and with lighted Torches (because it was somewhat late) they invited the very greatest and noblest persons of the Citie, all the roomes being hanged with the richest Arras, Clothes and Golde worke, Velvets, Silkes, and all other rich adornments, in such manner as her husband had commanded, and answerable to her owne worthy mind, being no way to learne, in what manner to entertaine strangers.

On the morrow morning, the Gentlemen arose, and mounting on horsebacke with Signior Thorello, he called for his Hawkes and Hounds, brought them to the River, where he shewed two or three faire flights: but Saladine desiring to know, which was the fayrest Hostery in all Pavia, Thorello answered. Gentlemen, I wil shew you that my selfe, in regard I have occasion to ride thither. Which they beleeving, were the better contented, and rode on directly unto Pavia; arriving there about nine of the clocke, and thinking he guided them to the best Inne, he brought them to his owne house; where, above fifty of the worthiest Citizens, stood ready to welcome the Gentlemen, imbracing them as they lighted from their Horsses. Which Saladine, and his associates perceiving, they guessed as it was indeede, and Saladine sayd. Beleeve me worthy Thorello, this is not answerable to my demand; you did too much yester night, and much more then we could desire or deserve: Wherefore, you might wel be the sooner discharged of us, and let us travaile on our journey.

Noble Gentlemen, replyed Thorello (for in mine eye you seeme no lesse) that courtesie which you met with yester-night, I am to thanke Fortune for, more then you, because you were then straited by such necessity, as urged your acceptance of my poore Country house. But now this morning, I shall account my selfe much beholding to you (as the like will all these worthy Gentlemen here about you) if you do but answer kindnes with kindnes, and not refuse to take a homely dinner with them.

Saladine and his friends, being conquerd with such potent perswasions, and already dismounted from their horses, saw that all deniall was meerly in vaine: and therefore thankfully condiscending (after some few ceremonious complements were over-past) the Gentlemen conducted them to their Chambers, which were most sumptuously prepared for them, and having laid aside their riding garments, being a little re reshed with Cakes and choice Wines; they descended into the dining Hall, the pompe whereof I am not able to report.

When they had washed, and were seated at the Tables, dinner was served in most magnificent sort; so that if the Emperor himself had bin there, he could not have bin more sumptuously served. And although Saladine and his Baschaes were very Noble Lords, and wonted to see matters of admiration: yet could they do no lesse now, but rather exceeded in marvaile, considering the qualitie of the Knight, whom they knew to bee a Citizen, and no Prince or great Lord. Dinner being ended, and divers familiar conferences passing amongst them: because it was exceeding hot, the Gentlemen of Pavia (as it pleased Thorello to appoint) went to repose themselves awhile, and he keeping company with his three guests, brought them into a goodly Chamber, where, because he would not faile in the least scruple of courtesie, or conceale from them the richest jewell which he had; he sent for his Lady and wife, because (as yet) they had not seene her.

She was a Lady of extraordinary beauty, tall stature, very sumptuously attired, and having two sweet Sonnes (resembling Angels) she came with them waiting before her, and graciously saluted her guests.

At her comming, they arose, and having received hir with great reverence, they seated her in the midst, kindly cherishing the two Children. After some gracious Language past on eyther side, she demanded of whence, and what they were, which they answered in the same kind as they had done before to her husband. Afterward, with a modest smiling countenance, she sayd. Worthy Gentlemen, let not my weake Womanish discretion appeare distastable, in desiring to crave one especiall favour from you, namely, not to refuse or disdaine a small gift, wherewith I purpose to present you. But considering first, that women (according to their simple faculty) are able to bestow but silly gifts: so you would be pleased, to respect more the person that is the giver, then the quality or quantity of the gift.

Then causing to be brought (for each of them) two goodly gowns or Robes (made after the Persian manner) the one lyned thorough with cloth of Gold, and the other with the costlyest Fur; not after such fashion as Citizens or Marchants use to weare, but rather beseeming Lords of greatest account, and three light under-wearing Cassocks or Mandillions, of Carnatian Sattin, richly Imbroidred with Gold and Pearles, and lined thorow with White Taffata, presenting these gifts to him, she sayd. I desire you Gentlemen to receive these meane trifies, such as you see my Husband weares the like, and these other beside, considering you are so far from your Wives, having travailed a long way already, and many miles more yet to overtake; also Marchants (being excellent men) affect to be comely and handsome in their habits; although these are of slender value, yet (in necessity) they may do you service.

Now was Saladine and his Baschaes halfe astonyed with admiration, at the magnificent minde of Signiour Thorello, who would not forget the least part of courtesie towardes them, and greatly doubted (seeing the beauty and riches of the Garments) least they were discovered by Thorello. Neverthelesse, one of them thus answered the Lady. Beleeve me Madame, these are rich guiftes, not lightly either to be given, rich or receyved: but in regard of your strict imposition, we are not able to deny them. This being done, with most gracious and courteous demeanour, she departed from them, leaving her Husband to keepe them still companie; who furnished their servants also, with divers worthy necessaries fitting for their journey.

Afterward, Thorello (by very much importunitie) wonne them to stay with him all the rest of the day; wherefore, when they had rested themselves awhile, being attyred in their newly given robes; they rode on Horsebacke thorow the Citty. When supper time came, they supt in most honourable and worthy company, beeing afterwards Lodged in most faire and sumptuous Chambers, and being risen in the morning, in exchange of their horses (over-wearied with Travaile) they found three other very richly furnished, and their men also in like manner provided. Which when Saladine had perceyved, he tooke his Baschaes aside, and spake in this manner.

By our greatest Gods, I never met with any man, more compleat in all noble perfections, more courteous and kinde then Thorello is. If all the Christian Kings, in the true and heroicall nature of Kings, do deale as honourably as I see this Knight doeth, the Soldane of Babylon is not able to endure the comming of one of them, much lesse so many, as wee see preparing to make head against us. But beholding, that both refusall and acceptation, was all one in the minde of Thorello: after much kinde Language had bin intercoursed betweene them, Saladine (with his Attendants) mounted on horsebacke.

Signiour Thorello, with a number of his honourable Friends (to the number of an hundred Horsse) accompanied them a great distance from the Citie, and although it greeved Saladine exceedingly, to leave the company of Thorello, so dearely he was affected to him: but necessity (which controlleth the power of all lawes whatsoever) must needs divide them: yet requesting his returne agayne that way, if possibly it might be granted; which Saladine promised but did not performe. Well Gentlemen (quoth Thorello at parting) I know not what you are, neither (against your will) do I desire it: but whether you be Marchants or no remember me in your kindnesse, and so to the heavenly powers I commend you. Saladine, having taken his leave of all them that were with Thorello, returned him this answer. Sir, it may one day hereafter so happen, as we shal let you see some of our Marchandises, for the better confirmation of your beleefe, and our profession.

Thus parted Signior Thorello and his friends, from Saladine and his company, who verily determined in the heighth of his minde, if he should be spared with life, and the warre (which he expected) concluded: to requite Thorello with no lesse courtesie, then hee had already declared to him; conferring a long while after with his Baschaes, both of him and his beauteous Lady, not forgetting any of their courteous actions, but gracing them all with deserved commendation. But after they had (with very laborious paines) surveyed most of the Westerne parts, they all tooke Shipping, and returned into Alexandria: sufficiently informed, what preparation was to be made for their owne defence. And Signior Thorello being come backe againe to Pavia, consulted with his privat thoughts (many times after) what these three travailers should be, but came farre short of knowing the truth, till (by experience) hee became better informed.

When the time was come, that the Christians were to make their passage, and wonderfull great preparations, in all places performed: Signiour Thorello, notwithstanding the teares and intreaties of his Wife, determined to be one in so woorthy and honourable a voyage: and having made his provision ready, nothing wanting but mounting on Horsebacke, to go where he should take shipping; to his Wife (whom he most intirely affected) thus hee spake. Madame, I goe as thou seest in this famous Voyage, as well for mine Honour, as also the benefite of my soule; all our goodes and possessions, I commit to thy vertuous care. And because I am not certaine of my returning backe againe, in regard of a thousand accidents which may happen, in such a Countrey as I goe unto: I desire onely but one favour of thee, whatsoever daunger shall befall mee; Namely, when any certaine tydings shall be brought you of my death; to stay no longer before thy second marriage, but one yeare, one month, and one day; to begin on this day of my departing from thee.

The Lady, who wept exceedingly, thus answered. Alas Sir: I know not how to carry my selfe, in such extremity of greefe, as now you leave me; but if my life surmount the fortitude of sorrow, and whatsoever shall happen to you for certainty, either life or death: I will live and dye the Wife of Signiour Thorello, and make my obsequies in his memory onely. so Madame (replyed her Husband) not so; Be not overrash in promising any thing, albeit I am well assured, that so much as consisteth in thy strength, I make no question of thy performance. But consider withall (deare heart) thou art a yong woman, beautifull, of great parentage, and no way thereto inferior in the blessings of Fortune.

Thy Vertues are many, and universally both divulged and knowen, in which respect, I make no doubt; but divers and sundrie great Lords and Gentlemen (if but the least rumor of my death be noysed) will make sulte for thee to thy parents and brethren, from whose violent solicitings, wouldst thou never so resolutely make resistance, yet thou canst not be able to defend thy selfe; but whether thou wilt or no, thou must yeeld to please them; and this is the only reason, why I would tie thee to this limited time, and not one day or minute longer.

Adalietta, sweetly hugging him in her armes, and melting her selfe in kisses, sighes, and teares on his face, said. Well Sir, I will do so much as I am able, in this your most kinde and loving imposition: and when I shall bee compelled to the contrary: yet rest thus constantly assured, that I will not breake this your charge, so much as in thought. Praying ever heartily to the heavenly powers, that they will direct your course home againe to me, before your prefixed date, or else I shall live in continual languishing. In the knitting up of this woful parting, embracing and kissing either infinit times, the Lady tooke a Ring from off her finger, and giving it to her husband, said. If I chaunce to die before I see you againe, remember me when you looke on this. He receiving the Ring, and bidding all the rest of his Friends farewell, mounted on horsebacke, and rode away wel attended.

Being come unto Geneway, he and his company boorded a Galley, and (in few dayes after) arrived at Acres, where they joyned themselves with the Christian Army, wherein there happened a verie dangerous mortality: During which time of so sharpe visitation (the cause unknowne whence it proceeded) whether thorough the industrie, or rather the good Fortune of Saladine, well-neere all the rest of the Christians (which escaped death) were surprized his prisoner (without a blow strucken) and sundred and imprisoned in divers Townes and Citties. Amongest the which number of prisoners, it was Signior Thorelloes chaunce to be one, and walked in bonds to Alexandria, where being unknowne, and fearing least he should be discovered: constrained thereto meerly by necessity, hee shewed himselfe in the condition of a Faulconer; wherein he was very excellently experienced, and by which means his profession was made knowne to Saladine, hee delivered out of prison, and created the Soldans Faulconer.

Thorello (whom the Soldane called by no other name, then the Christian, neyther of them knowing the other) sadly now remembred his departure from Pavia, devising and practising many times, how he might escape thence, but could not compasse it by any possible meanes. Wherefore, certaine Ambassadours beeing sent by the Genewayes, to redeeme divers Cittizens of theirs, there detained as prisoners, and being ready to returne home againe: he purposed to write to his Wife, that he was living, and wold repaire to her so soone as he could, desiring the still continued rememberance of her limited time. By close and cunning meanes hee wrote the Letter, earnestly intreating one of the Ambassadors (who knew him perfectly, but made no outward apparance thereof) to deale in such sort for him, that the Letter might be delivered to the handes of the Abbot Di San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, who was (indeede) his Unckle.

While Thorello remayned in this his Faulconers condition, it fortuned uppon a day, that Saladine, conversing with him about his Hawkes: Thorello chanced to smile, and used such a kinde of gesture or motion with his Lippes, which Saladine (when he was in his house at Pavia) had heedfully observed, and by this note, instantly he remembred Signior Thorello, and began to eye him very respectively, perswading himselfe that he was the same man. And therefore falling from their former kinde of discoursing: Tell me: Christian (quoth Saladine) what Country-man art thou of the West? Sir, answered Signiour Thorello, I am by Country a Lombard, borne in a Citty called Pavia, a poore man, and of as poore condition.

So soone as Saladine had heard these Words; becomming assured in that which (but now) he doubted, he saide within himselfe. Now the Gods have given me time, wherein I may make knowne to this man, how thankefully I accepted his kinde courtesie, and cannot easily forget it. Then, without saying any thing else, causing his Guard-robe to be set open, he tooke him with him thither, and sayde. Christian, observe well all these Garments, and quicken thy remembrance, in telling mee truly, whether thou hast seene any of them before now, or no. Signiour Thorello looked on them all advisedly, and espyed those two especiall Garments, which his Wife had given one of the strange Merchants; yet he durst not credit it, or that possibly it could be the same, neverthelesse he said. Sir, I doe not know any of them, but true it is, that these two doe resemble two such Robes, as I was wont to weare my selfe, and these (or the like) were given to three Merchants, that happened to visite my poore house.

Now could Saladine containe no longer, but embracing him joyfully in his armes, he said. You are Signior Thorello d'Istria, and I am one of those three Merchants to whom your Wife gave these Roabes: and now the time is come to give you credible intelligence of my Merchandise, as I promised at my departing from you, for such a time (I told you) would come at length. Thorello, was both glad, and bashfull together: glad, that he had entertained such a Guest, and bashfully ashamed, that his welcome had not exceeded in more bountifull manner. Thorello, replyed Saladine, seeing the Gods have sent you so happily to me: account your selfe to be soly Lord here, for I am now no more then a private man.

I am not able to expresse their counterchanges of courtesie, Saladine commanding him to be cloathed in Royall garments, and brought into the presence of his very greatest Lords, where having spoken liberally in his due commendation, he commanded them to honour him as himselfe, if they expected any grace or favour from him, which every one did immediatly, but (above all the rest) those two Baschaes, which accompanied Saladine at his house. The greatnesse of this pompe and glory, so suddenly throwne on Signior Thorello, made him halfe forget all matters of Lomberdie; and so much the rather, because he had no doubt at all, but that his letters, were safely come to the hands of his Uncle.

Here I am to tell you, that in the Campe or Army of the Christians, on the day when Saladine made his surprizal, there was a Provinciall Gentleman dead and buried, who was Signior Thorello de Dignes, a man of very honourable and great esteeme, in which respect (Signior Thorello d'Istria, knowne throughout the Army, by his Nobility and valour) whosoever heard that Signior Thorello was dead: beleeved it to be Thorello d'Istria, and not he of Dignes, so that Thorello d'Istriaes unknowne surprizall and thraldome, made it also to passe for an assured truth.

Beside, many Italians returning home, and carrying this report for credible; some were so audaciously presumptuous, as they avouched upon their oathes, that not onely they saw him dead, but were present at his buriall likewise. Which rumour comming to the eare of his Wife, and likewise to his kinred and hers: procured a great and grievous mourning among them, and all that happened to heare thereof.

Over-tedious time it would require, to relate at large, the publique griefe and sorrow, with the continuall lamentations of his Wife, who (within some few moneths after) became tormented with new marriage solicitings, before she had halfe sighed for the first: the very greatest persons of Lomberdie making the motion, being daily followed and furthered by her owne brothers and friends. Still (drowned in teares) she returned denyall, till in the end, when no contradiction could prevaile, to satisfie her parents, and the importunate pursuers: she was constrained to reveale, the charge imposed on her by her Husband, which shee had vowed infallibly to keepe, and till that very time, she would in no wise consent.

While wooing for a second wedding with Adalietta, proceeded in this manner at Pavia, it chanced on a day, that Signior Thorello had espied a man in Alexandria whom he saw with the Geneway Ambassadours, when they set thence towards Geneway with their Gallies. And causing him to be sent for, he demaunded of him, the successe of the voyage, and when the Gallies arrived at Geneway; whereto he returned him this answere. My Lord, our Gallies made a very fatall voyage, as it is (already) too well knowne in Creete, where my dwelling is. For when we drew neere Sicilie, there suddenly arose a very dangerous North-West-winde, which drove us on the quicke-Sands of Barbarie, where not any man escaped with life, onely my selfe excepted, but (in the wracke) two of my brethren perished.

Signior Thorello, giving credit to the mans words, because they were most true indeed, and remembring also, that the time limitted to his Wife, drew neere expiring within very few dayes, and no newes now possibly to be sent thither of his life, his Wife would questionlesse be marryed againe: he fell into such a deepe conceited melancholly, as food and sleepe forsooke him, whereupon, he kept his bed, setting downe his peremptory resolution for death. When Saladine (who dearely loved him) heard thereof, he came in all haste to see him, and having (by many earnest perswasions and entreaties) understood the cause of his melancholly and sickenesse: he very severely reproved him, because he could no sooner acquaint him therewith. Many kind and comfortable speeches, he gave him, with constant assurance, that (if he were so minded) he would so order the businesse for him; as he should be at Pavia, by the same time as he had appointed to his Wife, and revealed to him also the manner how.

Thorello verily beleeved the Soldanes promise, because he had often heard the possibility of performance, and others had effected as much, divers times else-where: whereupon he began to comfort himselfe, soliciting the Soldan earnestly that it might be accomplished. Saladine sent for one of his Sorcerers (of whose skill he had formerly made experience) to take a direct course, how Signior Thorello should be carryed (in one night) to Pavia, and being in his bed. The Magitian undertooke to doe it, but, for the Gentlemans more ease, he must first be possessed with an entraunced dead sleep. Saladine being thus assured of the deeds full effecting, he came againe to Thorello, and finding him to be setled for Pavia (if possibly it might be accomplished by the determined time, or else no other expectation but death) he said unto him as followeth.

Signior Thorello, if with true affection you love your Wife, and misdoubt her marriage to some other man: I protest unto you, by the supreme powers, that you deserve no reprehension in any manner whatsoever. For, of all the Ladyes that ever I have seene, she is the onely woman, whose carriage, vertues, and civile speaking (setting aside beauty, which is but a fading flowre) deserveth most graciously to be respected, much more to be affected in the highest degree. It were to me no meane favour of our Gods, (seeing Fortune directed your course so happily hither) that for the short or long time we have to live, we might reigne equally together in these Kingdomes under my subjection. But if such grace may not be granted me, yet, seeing it stands mainly upon the perill of your life, to be at Pavia againe by your own limitted time, it is my chiefest comfort, that I am therewith acquainted, because I intended to have you conveighed thither, yea, even into your owne house, in such honourable order as your vertues doe justly merit, which in regard it cannot be so conveniently performed, but as I have already informed you, and as the necessity of the case urgently commandeth; accept it as it may be best accomplished.

Great Saladine (answered Thorella) effects (without words) have already sufficiently warranted your Gracious disposition towards me, farre beyond any requitall remayning in me; your word onely being enough for my comfort in this case, either dying or living. But in regard you have taken such order for my departure hence, I desire to have it done with all possible expedition, because to morrow is the very last day, that I am to be absent. Saladine protested that it should be done, and the same evening in the great Hall of his Pallace, commanded a rich and costly Bedde to be set up, the mattras formed after the Alexandrian manner, of Velvet and cloth Gold, the Quilts, counterpoints and coverings, sumptuously imbroydered with Orient Pearles and Precious Stones, supposed to be of inestimable value, and two rarely wrought Pillowes, such as best beseemed so stately a Bedde, the Curtaines and Vallans every way equall to the other pompe.

Which being done, he commanded that Thorello (who was indifferently recovered) should be attyred in one of his owne sumptuous Saracine Roabes, the very fairest and richest that ever was seene, and on his head a Majesticall Turbant, after the manner of his owne wearing, and the houre appearing to be somewhat late, he with many of his best Baschaes, went to the Chamber where Thorello was, and sitting downe a while by him, in teares thus he spake. Signior Thorello, the houre for sundering you and me, is now very neere, and because I cannot beare you company, in regard of the businesse you goe about, and which by no meanes will admit it: I am to take my leave of you in this Chamber, and therefore am purposely come to doe it. But before I bid you farewell, let me entreat you, by the love and friendship confirmed betweene us, to be mindfull of me, and to take such order (your affaires being fully finished in Lombardie) that I may once more enjoy the sight of you here, for a mutuall solace and satisfaction of our mindes, which are now divided by this urgent hast. Till which may be granted, let me want no visitation of your kind letters, commanding thereby of me, whatsoever here can possibly be done for you: assuring your selfe, no man living can command me as you doe.

Signior Thorello could not forbeare weeping, but being much hindred therby, answered in few words. That he could not possibly forget, his Gracious favours and extraordinary benefits used towards him, but would accomplish whatsoever hee commaunded, according as heaven did enable him.

Hereupon, Saladine embracing him, and kissing his forehead, said. All my Gods goe with you, and guard you from any perill, departing so out of the Chamber weeping, and his Baschaes (having likewise taken their leave of Thorello) followed Saladine into the Hall, whereas the Bedde stood readily prepared? Because it waxed very late, and the Magitian also there attending for his dispatch: the Phisitian went with the potion to Thorello, and perswading him, in the way of friendship, that it was onely to strengthen him after his great weaknes: he drank it off, being thereby immediately entraunced, and so presently sleeping, was (by Saladines command,) laid on the sumptuous and costly Bed, whereon stood an Imperiall Crowne of infinite value, appearing (by a description engraven on it) that Saladine sent it to Madame Adalietta, the wife of Thorello. On his finger also hee put a Ring, wherein was enchased an admirable Carbuncle, which seemed like a flaming Torche, the value thereof not to bee estimated. By him likewise hee laid a rich sword, with the girdle, hangers, and other furniture, such as seldome can be seene the like. Then hee laid a jewell on the Pillow by him, so sumptuouslie embelished with Pearles and precious Stones, as might have beseemed the greatest Monarch in the World to weare. Last of all, on either side of them, hee set two great Basons of pure Gold, full of double ducates, many cords of Orient Pearles, Rings, Girdles, and other costly jewells (over-tedious to bee recounted) and kissing him once more as hee lay in the bedde, commanded the Magitian to dispatch and be gone.

Instantly, the bedde and Thorello in it, in the presence of Saladine, was invisibly carried thence, and while he sate conferring with his Baschaes, the bed, Signior Thorello, and all the rich Jewells about him, was transported and set in the Church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Ore in Pavia, according to his own request, and soundly sleeping, being placed directly before the high Altar. Afterward, when the bells rung to Mattines, the Sexton entring the Church with a light in his hand (where hee beheld a light of greater splendor) and suddenly espied the sumptuous bedde there standing: not only was he smitten into admiration, but hee ranne away also very fearefully. When the Abbot and the Monkes mette him thus running into the Cloyster, they became amazed, and demanded the reason why he ranne in such haste, which the Sexton told them. How? quoth the Abbot, thou art no childe, or a new-come hither, to be so easilie affrighted in our holy Church, where Spirits can have no power to walke, God and Saint Peter (wee hope) are stronger for us then so: wherefore turne backe with us, and let us see the cause of thy feare.

Having lighted many Torches, the Abbot and his Monkes entred with the Sexton into the Church, where they beheld the wonderful riche bedde, and the Knight lying fast asleepe in it. While they stood all in amazement, not daring to approach neere the bedde, whereon lay such costly jewells: it chanced that Signior Thorello awaked, and breathed forth a vehement sigh. The Monkes and the Abbot seeing him to stirre, ranne all away in feare, crying aloud, God and S. Peter defend us.

By this time Thorello had opened his eyes, and looking round about him, perceived that hee was in the place of Saladines promise, whereof hee was not a little joyfull. Wherefore, sitting up in the bedde, and particularly observing all the things about him: albeit he knew sufficiently the magnificence of Saladine, yet now it appeared far greater to him, and imagined more largely thereof, then hee could doe before. But yet, without any other ceremony, seeing the flight of the Monkes, hearing their cry, and perceiving the reason; he called the Abbot by his name, desiring him not to be afraid, for he was his Nephew Thorello, and no other.

When the Abbot heard this, hee was ten times worse affrighted then before, because (by publique fame) hee had beene so many moneths dead and buried; but receiving (by true arguments) better assurance of him, and hearing him still call him by his name: blessing himselfe with the signe of the Crosse, hee went somewhat neerer to the bed, when Thorello said. My loving Uncle, and religious holy Father, wherof are you afraid? I am your loving Nephew, newly returned from beyond the Seas. The Abbot, seeing his beard to be grown long, and his habit after the Arabian fashion, did yet collect some resemblance of his former countenance; and being better perswaded of him, tooke him by the hand, saying:

Sonne thou art happily returned, yet there is not any man in our Citie, but doth verily beleeve thee to bee dead, and therefore doe not much wonder at our feare. Moreover, I dare assure thee, that thy Wife Adalietta, being conquered by the controuling command, and threatnings of her kinred (but much against her owne minde) is this very morning to be married to a new husband, and the marriage feast is solemnly prepared, in honour of this second nuptialls.

Thorello arising out of the bedde, gave gracious salutations to the Abbot and his Monkes, intreating earnestly of them all, that no word might be spoken of his returne, untill he had compleated an important businesse. Afterward, having safely secured the bedde, and all the rich Jewells, he fully acquainted the Abbot with all his passed fortunes, whereof he was immeasurably joyfull, and having satisfied him, concerning the new elected husband, Thorello said unto the Abbot. Unckle, before any rumour of my returne, I would gladly see my wives behavior at this new briding feast, and although men of religion are seldome seene at such joviall meetings: yet (for my sake) doe you so order the matter, that I (as an Arabian stranger) may be a guest under your protection; wherto the Abbot very gladly condescended.

In the morning, he sent to the Bridegroom, and advertised him, that he (with a stranger newly arrived) intended to dine with him, which the Gentleman accepted in thankefull manner. And when dinner time came, Thorello in his strange disguise went with the Abbot to the Bridegroomes house, where he was lookt on with admiration of all the guests, but not knowne or suspected by any one; because the Abbot reported him to be a Sarracine, and sent by the Soldane (in Ambassage) to the King of France. Thorello was seated at a by-table, but directly opposite to the new Bride, whom hee much delighted to looke on, and easily collected by her sad countenance, that shee was scarcely well pleased with this new nuptialls. She likewise beheld him very often, not in regard of any knowlege she took of him: for the bushiness of his beard, strangeness of habit, (but most of all) firm beleefe of his death, was the maine prevention.

At such time as Thorello thought it convenient, to approve how farre he was falne out of her remembrance; he took the ring which she gave him at his departure, and calling a young Page that waited on none but the Bride, said to him in Italian: Faire youth, goe to the Bride, and saluting her from me, tell her, it is a custome observed in my Country, that when any Stranger (as I am heere) sitteth before a new married Bride, as now shee is, in signe that hee is welcome to her feast, she sendeth the same Cup (wherein she drinketh her selfe) full of the best wine, and when the stranger hath drunke so much as him pleaseth, the Bride then pledgeth him with all the rest. The Page delivered the message to the Bride, who, being a woman of honourable disposition, and reputing him to be a Noble Gentleman, to testifie that his presence there was very acceptable to her, shee commanded a faire Cuppe of gold (which stood directlie before her) to bee neately washed, and when it was filled with excellent Wine, caused it to bee carried to the stranger, and so it was done.

Thorello having drunke a heartie draught to the Bride, conveyed the Ring into the Cuppe, before any person could perceive it, and having left but small store of Wine in it, covered the Cuppe, and sent it againe to the Bride, who received it very gracioasly, and to honour the Stranger in his Countries custome, dranke up the rest of the Wine, and espying the Ring, shee tooke it forth undescried by any: Knowing it to be the same Ring which shee gave Signior Thorello at his parting from her; she fixed her eyes often on it, and as often on him, whom she thought to be a stranger, the cheerfull bloud mounting up into her cheeks, and returning againe with remembrance to her heart, that (howsoever thus disguised) he only was her husband.

Like one of Bacchus Froes, up furiously she started, and throwing downe the Table before her, cried out aloud: This is my Lord and Husband, this truely is my Lord Thorello. So running to the Table where he sate, without regard of all the riches thereon, down she threw it likewise, and clasping her armes about his necke, hung so mainly on him (weeping, sobbing, and kissing him) as she could not be taken off by any of the company, nor shewed any moderation in this excesse of passion, till Thorello spake, and entreated her to be more patient, because this extremity was over-dangerous for her. Thus was the solemnitic much troubled, but every one there very glad and joyfull for the recovery of such a famous and worthy Knight, who intreated them all to vouchsafe him silence, and so related all his fortunes to them, from the time of his departure, to the instant houre. Concluding withall, that hee was no way offended with the new Bridegroome, who upon the so constant report of his death, deserved no blame in making election of his wife.

The Bridegroome, albeit his countenance was somewhat cloudie, to see his hope thus disappointed: yet granted freely, that Adalietto was Thorello's wife in equitie, and bee could not justly lay any claime to her. She also resigned the Crown and Rings which she had so lately received of her new Spouse, and put that on her finger which she found in the Cup, and that Crowne was set upon her head, in honor sent her from great Saladine. In which triumphant manner, she left the new Bridegrooms abiding, and repayred home to Thorello's house, with such pompe and magnificence as never had the like been seene in Pavia before, all the Citizens esteeming it as a miracle, that they had so happily recovered Signior Thorello againe.

Some part of the Jewells he gave to him, who had beene at cost with marriage feasting, and some to his the Abbot, beside a bountie bestowed on Monkes. Then he sent a messenger to Saladine, with Letters of his whole successe, and confessing himselfe (for ever) his obliged servant: living many yeeres (after) with his wife Adalietta, and using greater curtesies to strangers, then ever before he had done.

In this manner ended the troubles of Signior Thorello, and the afflictions of his dearely affected Lady, with due recompence to their honest and ready courtesies. Many strive (in outward shew) to doe the like, who although they are sufficiently able, doe performe it so basely, as i: rather redoundeth to their shame, then honour. And therefore if no merit ensue thereon, but onely such disgrace as justly should follow; let them lay the blame upon themselves.

Mother Teresa

India and Islam

India and Islam. I want to thank all of my fellow blog writers here for being able to post with you on Culture. Culture is a subject and a reality that has been trampled underfoot by blasphemers and every form of base and crude defilement of women and responsibility of men to protect us and the children we bare them. When men don't honor women, then the family falls into ruin. When that happens then Culture is shorn of every viable goodness and horrible events take place in the world.


I want to start small, not really that small. Mother Teresa and children. She was loved by all because she loved all and those in the poorest circumstances most of all.


Muslims and Hindus and Catholics and all loved her.






The Taj Mahal (Hindi ताज महल, Persian-Urdu تاج محل ) is a very famous monument built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan (Urdu شاه ‌جہاں ). It is his eternal love to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is in Agra, India. He honored her in every way.

Abortion is Murder

Ex:20:13:
13 Thou shalt not kill. (DRV)
Dt:18:9, 10:
9 ¶ When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee, beware lest thou have a mind to imitate the abominations of those nations.
10 Neither let there be found among you any one that shall expiate his son or daughter, making them to pass through the fire: or that consulteth soothsayers, or observeth dreams and omens, neither let there be any wizard, (DRV)
Dt:18:10 "... expiate his son or daughter, making them to pass through the fire..." Refers to the practice of murdering a live infant by fire to the pagan goddess Moloch. Today the same thing, murder by burning, is saline abortion. There is also murder by sucking the brains out of the live infant, this is referred to as partial birth abortion. There is also murder by abortafacient at or very close to the moment of conception, this is referred to as “the pill” or a patch or whatever method of ingesting the abortafacient. There hasn’t been a “pill” that doesn’t do this for 40 years.
ALL ABORTION IS OBVIOUSLY MURDER MOST EVIL


The Didache
TEACHING of the TWELVE APOSTLES

Chap. II.

1. And the second commandment of the Teaching is:
2. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not corrupt boys; thou shalt not commit fornication. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not use witchcraft; thou shalt not practice sorcery. Thou shalt not procure abortion, nor shalt thou kill the new-born child. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.
3. Thou shalt not forswear thyself (swear falsely). Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt not speak evil; thou shalt not bear malice.
4. Thou shalt not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for duplicity of tongue is a snare of death.
5. Thy speech shall not be false, nor vain, but fulfilled by deed.
6. Thou shalt not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor malignant, nor haughty. Thou shalt not take evil counsel against thy neighbor.
7. Thou shalt not hate any one, but some thou shalt rebuke and for some thou shalt pray, and some thou shalt love above thine own soul (or, life).


Matthew 18

1 ¶ At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus, calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them.
3 And said: amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.
6 But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 ¶ Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh.
8 And if thy hand, or thy foot, scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10 See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 What think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them should go astray: doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the mountains, and goeth to seek that which is gone astray?
13 And if it so be that he find it: Amen I say to you, he rejoiceth more for that, than for the ninety-nine that went not astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father, who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
(DRV)

From Mary Meehan’s "The Road to Abortion" Copyright © 1998, 1999 & 2002 by Mary Meehan. In 1966 Dr. Alan Guttmacher, apparently trying to be witty, wrote from Africa to a U.S. colleague: "My trip has been great. I believe I converted the Jews in Israel and now I am working on the pigmented savages." This private comment from Guttmacher (who was Jewish, but not observant) came soon after his Planned Parenthood group gave an award to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.(32)
32. William H. Draper, Jr., to P. A. Gorman, [8 or 11] Sept. 1967, Guttmacher Papers; Alan F. Guttmacher to Frank Notestein, 13 June 1966, PPFA (II), box 125; and Congressional Record (10 May 1966), vol. 112, part 8, 10164-10165. In his statement accepting the Margaret Sanger Award, Dr. King praised Sanger and family planning and spoke of "the modern plague of overpopulation." Unfortunately, he seemed unaware of the eugenics connections of Sanger and of population control in general. Ibid.

Also see: http://www.angelfire.com/mo/baha/king.html
Dr. King did in fact receive the Margaret Sanger Award in 1966. But it is also a fact that in 1966, Planned Parenthood was still (at least publicly) anti-abortion.

Alan Guttmacher Institute Mission: "The Institute's mission is to protect the reproductive choices of all women and men in the United States and throughout the world. It is to support their ability to obtain the information and services needed to achieve their full human rights, safeguard their health and exercise their individual responsibilities in regard to sexual behavior and relationships, reproduction and family formation."

Alan Guttmacher (1898-1974) did more to cause the widespread use of abortion to murder babies, especially gentile babies, than anyone else, including Margaret Sanger.

One who followed in the footsteps of Guttmacher, Dr. Bernard Nathanson (born 1926). Dr. Nathanson repented of his genocide against babies.

CONFESSION OF AN EX-ABORTIONIST
By Dr. Bernard Nathanson

I am personally responsible for 75,000 abortions. This legitimises my credentials to speak to you with some authority on the issue. I was one of the founders of the National Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Laws (NARAL) in the U.S. in 1968. A truthful poll of opinion then would have found that most Americans were against permissive abortion. Yet within five years we had convinced the U.S. Supreme Court to issue the decision which legalised abortion throughout America in 1973 and produced virtual abortion on demand up to birth. How did we do this? It is important to understand the tactics involved because these tactics have been used throughout the western world with one permutation or another, in order to change abortion law.

THE FIRST KEY TACTIC WAS TO CAPTURE THE MEDIA

We persuaded the media that the cause of permissive abortion was a liberal enlightened, sophisticated one. Knowing that if a true poll were taken, we would be soundly defeated, we simply fabricated the results of fictional polls. We announced to the media that we had taken polls and that 60% of Americans were in favour of permissive abortion. This is the tactic of the self-fulfilling lie. Few people care to be in the minority. We aroused enough sympathy to sell our program of permissive abortion by fabricating the number of illegal abortions done annually in the U.S. The actual figure was approaching 100,000 but the figure we gave to the media repeatedly was 1,000,000. Repeating the big lie often enough convinces the public. The number of women dying from illegal abortions was around 200-250 annually. The figure we constantly fed to the media was 10,000. These false figures took root in the consciousness of Americans convincing many that we needed to crack the abortion law. Another myth we fed to the public through the media was that legalising abortion would only mean that the abortions taking place illegally would then be done legally. In fact, of course, abortion is now being used as a primary method of birth control in the U.S. and the annual number of abortions has increased by 1500% since legalisation.

THE SECOND KEY TACTIC WAS TO PLAY THE CATHOLIC CARD

We systematically vilified the Catholic Church and its "socially backward ideas" and picked on the Catholic hierarchy as the villain in opposing abortion. This theme was played endlessly. We fed the media such lies as "we all know that opposition to abortion comes from the hierarchy and not from most Catholics" and "Polls prove time and again that most Catholics want abortion law reform". And the media drum-fired all this into the American people, persuading them that anyone opposing permissive abortion must be under the influence of the Catholic hierarchy and that Catholics in favour of abortion are enlightened and forward-looking. An inference of this tactic was that there were no non-Catholic groups opposing abortion. The fact that other Christian as well as non-Christian religions were {and still are) monolithically opposed to abortion was constantly suppressed, along with pro-life atheists' opinions.

THE THIRD KEY TACTIC WAS THE DENIGRATION AND SUPPRESSION OF ALL SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE THAT LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION

I am often asked what made me change my mind. How did I change from prominent abortionist to pro-life advocate? In 1973, I became director of obstetrics of a large hospital in New York City and had to set up a prenatal research unit, just at the start of a great new technology which we now use every day to study the foetus in the womb. A favourite pro- abortion tactic is to insist that the definition of when life begins is impossible; that the question is a theological or moral or philosophical one, anything but a scientific one. Foetology makes it undeniably evident that life begins at conception and requires all the protection and safeguards that any of us enjoy. Why, you may well ask, do some American doctors who are privy to the findings of foetology, discredit themselves by carrying out abortions? Simple arithmetic at $300 a time, 1.55 million abortions means an industry generating $500,000,000 annually, of which most goes into the pocket of the physician doing the abortion. It is clear that permissive abortion is purposeful destruction of what is undeniably human life. It is an impermissible act of deadly violence. One must concede that unplanned pregnancy is a wrenchingly difficult dilemma, but to look for its solution in a deliberate act of destruction is to trash the vast resourcefulness of human ingenuity, and to surrender the public weal to the classic utilitarian answer to social problems.

AS A SCIENTIST I KNOW, NOT BELIEVE, KNOW THAT HUMAN LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION

Although I am not a formal religionist, I believe with all my heart that there is a divinity of existence which commands us to declare a final and irreversible halt to this infinitely sad and shameful crime against humanity.


Dr. Bernard Nathanson's film Silent Scream, real abortion, the real truth, watch it.





Dr. Nathanson’s videos at: The Silent Scream



Those who follow in the footsteps of Guttmacher and do NOT repent:

IOF cold blooded murder of Mothers and Childen