Boccaccio:
E venuto il dí che alle nozze predetto avea, Gualtieri in su la mezza terza montò a cavallo, e ciascuno altro che a onorarlo era venuto; e ogni cosa opportuna avendo disposta, disse: "Signori, tempo è d'andare per la novella sposa"; e messosi in via con tutta la compagnia sua, pervennero alla villetta.
The day that he had appointed for the wedding being come, about half tierce he got him to horse with as many as had come to do him honour, and having made all needful dispositions: "Gentlemen," quoth he, "'tis time to go bring home the bride." And so away he rode with his company to the village;
Petrarch:
Tum Valterius, adventanti velut sponse obviam profecturus, domo egreditur, prosequente virorum et matronarum nobilium caterva.
Then Walter came out of the castle, as if he were setting out to meet his approaching bride, and a throng of noble men and matrons followed in his train.
Chaucer:
This roial markys, richely arrayed,
Lordes and ladyes in his compaignye,
The whiche that to the feeste weren yprayed,
And of his retenue the bachelrye,
With many a soun of sondry melodye
Unto the village, of the which I tolde,
In this array the righte wey han holde.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 30
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Venerat expectatus dies, et cum nullus sponse rumor audiretur, admiratio omnium vehementer excreverat. Hora iam prandii aderat, iamque apparatu ingenti domus tota fervebat.
The longed-for day had come, and since not a word about the bride was to be heard, the universal bewilderment had risen very high. The hour of the feast arrived; and already, the whole house was in a great ferment of preparation.
Chaucer:
The time of undren of the same day
Approcheth, that this weddyng sholde be;
And al the paleys put was in array,
Bothe halle and chambres, ech in his degree;
Houses of office stuffed with plentee
Ther maystow seen, of deyntevous vitaille,
That may be founde as fer as last Ytaille.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Venerat expectatus dies, et cum nullus sponse rumor audiretur, admiratio omnium vehementer excreverat. Hora iam prandii aderat, iamque apparatu ingenti domus tota fervebat.
The longed-for day had come, and since not a word about the bride was to be heard, the universal bewilderment had risen very high. The hour of the feast arrived; and already, the whole house was in a great ferment of preparation.
Chaucer:
The time of undren of the same day
Approcheth, that this weddyng sholde be;
And al the paleys put was in array,
Bothe halle and chambres, ech in his degree;
Houses of office stuffed with plentee
Ther maystow seen, of deyntevous vitaille,
That may be founde as fer as last Ytaille.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 29
Boccaccio:
[note: this passage occurs after Gualtieri has made his speech to his retainers about abiding by his choice.]
Egli fece preparar le nozze grandissime e belle e invitarvi molti suoi amici e parenti e gran gentili uomini e altri da torno; e oltre a questo fece tagliare e far piú robe belle e ricche al dosso d'una giovane la quale della persona gli pareva che la giovinetta la quale avea proposto di sposare; e oltre a questo apparecchiò cinture e anella e una ricca e bella corona e tutto ciò che a novella sposa si richiedea.
He arranged for a wedding most stately and fair, and bade thereto a goodly number of his friends and kinsfolk, and great gentlemen, and others, of the neighbourhood; and therewithal he caused many a fine and costly robe to be cut and fashioned to the figure of a girl who seemed to him of the like proportions as the girl that he purposed to wed; and laid in store, besides, of girdles and rings, with a costly and beautiful crown, and all the other paraphernalia of a bride.
Petrarch:
Ipse interim et anulos aureos et coronas et baltheos conquirebat, vestes autem preciosas et calceos et eius generis necessaria omnia ad mensuram puelle alterius, que stature sue persimilis erat, preparari faciebat.
Walter himself, in the meanwhile, was buying golden rings and coronets and girdles, and was having rich garments and shoes and all necessities of this kind made to the measure of another girl, who was very like Griselda in stature.
Chaucer:
But nathelees this markys hath doon make
O gemmes set in gold and in asure
Brooches and rynges, for Grisildis sake,
And of hir clothyng took he the mesure,
By a mayde lyk to hir stature,
And eek of othere aornementes alle
That unto swich a weddyng sholde falle.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
[note: this passage occurs after Gualtieri has made his speech to his retainers about abiding by his choice.]
Egli fece preparar le nozze grandissime e belle e invitarvi molti suoi amici e parenti e gran gentili uomini e altri da torno; e oltre a questo fece tagliare e far piú robe belle e ricche al dosso d'una giovane la quale della persona gli pareva che la giovinetta la quale avea proposto di sposare; e oltre a questo apparecchiò cinture e anella e una ricca e bella corona e tutto ciò che a novella sposa si richiedea.
He arranged for a wedding most stately and fair, and bade thereto a goodly number of his friends and kinsfolk, and great gentlemen, and others, of the neighbourhood; and therewithal he caused many a fine and costly robe to be cut and fashioned to the figure of a girl who seemed to him of the like proportions as the girl that he purposed to wed; and laid in store, besides, of girdles and rings, with a costly and beautiful crown, and all the other paraphernalia of a bride.
Petrarch:
Ipse interim et anulos aureos et coronas et baltheos conquirebat, vestes autem preciosas et calceos et eius generis necessaria omnia ad mensuram puelle alterius, que stature sue persimilis erat, preparari faciebat.
Walter himself, in the meanwhile, was buying golden rings and coronets and girdles, and was having rich garments and shoes and all necessities of this kind made to the measure of another girl, who was very like Griselda in stature.
Chaucer:
But nathelees this markys hath doon make
O gemmes set in gold and in asure
Brooches and rynges, for Grisildis sake,
And of hir clothyng took he the mesure,
By a mayde lyk to hir stature,
And eek of othere aornementes alle
That unto swich a weddyng sholde falle.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 28
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Instabat nuptiarum dies; unde autem ventura sponsa esset, nemo noverat, nemo non mirabatur.
The day of the nuptials drew on, but no one knew whence the bride should come, and there was no one who did not wonder.
Chaucer:
The day of weddyng cam, but no wight kan
Telle what womman that it sholde be,
For which merveille wondred many a man,
And seyden, whan that they were in privetee,
"Wol nat oure lord yet leve his vanytee?
Wol he nat wedde? Allas, allas, the while!
Why wole he thus hymself and us bigile?"
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Instabat nuptiarum dies; unde autem ventura sponsa esset, nemo noverat, nemo non mirabatur.
The day of the nuptials drew on, but no one knew whence the bride should come, and there was no one who did not wonder.
Chaucer:
The day of weddyng cam, but no wight kan
Telle what womman that it sholde be,
For which merveille wondred many a man,
And seyden, whan that they were in privetee,
"Wol nat oure lord yet leve his vanytee?
Wol he nat wedde? Allas, allas, the while!
Why wole he thus hymself and us bigile?"
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 27
Boccaccio:
Erano a Gualtieri buona pezza piaciuti i costumi d'una povera giovinetta che d'una villa vicina a casa sua era, e parendogli bella assai estimò che con costei dovesse potere aver vita assai consolata. E per ciò, senza piú avanti cercare, costei propose di volere sposare;
And Gualtieri, who had long noted with approval the mien of a poor girl that dwelt on a farm hard by his house, and found her fair enough, deemed that with her he might pass a tolerably happy life. Wherefore he sought no further, but forthwith resolved to marry her;
Petrarch:
et virtutem eximiam supra sexum supraque etatem, quam vulgi oculis conditionis obscuritas abscondebat, acri penetrarat intuitu. Unde effectum ut et uxorem habere, quod nunquam ante voluerat, et simul hanc unam nullamque aliam habere disponeret.
and his swift intuition had perceived in her a virtue, beyond her sex and age, which the obscurity of her condition concealed from the eyes of the common throng. Hence it came about that he decided, at one and the same time, to take a wife – which he had never before wished to do – and to have this woman and no other.
Chaucer:
Commendynge in his herte hir wommanhede
And eek hir vertu, passynge any wight
Of so yong age, as wel in chiere as dede.
For thogh the peple hadde no greet insight
In vertu, he considered ful right
Hir bountee, and disposed that he wolde
Wedde hir oonly, if evere he wedde sholde.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Erano a Gualtieri buona pezza piaciuti i costumi d'una povera giovinetta che d'una villa vicina a casa sua era, e parendogli bella assai estimò che con costei dovesse potere aver vita assai consolata. E per ciò, senza piú avanti cercare, costei propose di volere sposare;
And Gualtieri, who had long noted with approval the mien of a poor girl that dwelt on a farm hard by his house, and found her fair enough, deemed that with her he might pass a tolerably happy life. Wherefore he sought no further, but forthwith resolved to marry her;
Petrarch:
et virtutem eximiam supra sexum supraque etatem, quam vulgi oculis conditionis obscuritas abscondebat, acri penetrarat intuitu. Unde effectum ut et uxorem habere, quod nunquam ante voluerat, et simul hanc unam nullamque aliam habere disponeret.
and his swift intuition had perceived in her a virtue, beyond her sex and age, which the obscurity of her condition concealed from the eyes of the common throng. Hence it came about that he decided, at one and the same time, to take a wife – which he had never before wished to do – and to have this woman and no other.
Chaucer:
Commendynge in his herte hir wommanhede
And eek hir vertu, passynge any wight
Of so yong age, as wel in chiere as dede.
For thogh the peple hadde no greet insight
In vertu, he considered ful right
Hir bountee, and disposed that he wolde
Wedde hir oonly, if evere he wedde sholde.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 26
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
In hanc virgunculam Valterius, sepe illac transiens, quandoque oculos non iuvenili lascivia sed senili gravitate defixerat,
Walter, passing often by that way, had sometimes cast his eyes upon this little maid, not with the lust of youth, but with the sober thoughts of an older man;
Chaucer:
Upon Grisilde, this povre creature,
Ful ofte sithe this markys caste his ye,
As he on huntyng rood paraventure.
And whan it fil that he myghte hire espye,
He noght with wantowne lookyng of folye
His eyen caste on hir, but in sad wyse,
Upon hir chiere he wolde hym ofte avyse,
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
In hanc virgunculam Valterius, sepe illac transiens, quandoque oculos non iuvenili lascivia sed senili gravitate defixerat,
Walter, passing often by that way, had sometimes cast his eyes upon this little maid, not with the lust of youth, but with the sober thoughts of an older man;
Chaucer:
Upon Grisilde, this povre creature,
Ful ofte sithe this markys caste his ye,
As he on huntyng rood paraventure.
And whan it fil that he myghte hire espye,
He noght with wantowne lookyng of folye
His eyen caste on hir, but in sad wyse,
Upon hir chiere he wolde hym ofte avyse,
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 25
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
vicissimque domum rediens, oluscula et dapes fortune congruas preparabat, durumque cubiculum sternebat, et ad summam angusto in spatio totum filialis obedientie ac pietatis officium explicabat.
Then, returning home, she would prepare the little herbs and victuals suited to their fortune and make ready the rude bedchamber. In her narrow station, in fine, she discharged all the offices of filial obedience and affection.
Chaucer:
And whan she homward cam, she wolde brynge
Wortes, or othere herbes tymes ofte,
The whiche she shredde and seeth for hir lyvynge,
And made hir bed ful harde and no thyng softe;
And ay she kepte hir fadres lyf on lofte
With everich obeisaunce and diligence
That child may doon to fadres reverence.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
vicissimque domum rediens, oluscula et dapes fortune congruas preparabat, durumque cubiculum sternebat, et ad summam angusto in spatio totum filialis obedientie ac pietatis officium explicabat.
Then, returning home, she would prepare the little herbs and victuals suited to their fortune and make ready the rude bedchamber. In her narrow station, in fine, she discharged all the offices of filial obedience and affection.
Chaucer:
And whan she homward cam, she wolde brynge
Wortes, or othere herbes tymes ofte,
The whiche she shredde and seeth for hir lyvynge,
And made hir bed ful harde and no thyng softe;
And ay she kepte hir fadres lyf on lofte
With everich obeisaunce and diligence
That child may doon to fadres reverence.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 24
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
nil molle nil tenerum cogitare didicerat, sed virilis senilisque animus virgineo latebat in pectore. Patris senium inextimabili refovens caritate, et pauculas eius oves pascebat, et colo interim digitos atterebat;
but the vigor of manhood and the wisdom of age lay hidden in her maiden bosom. Cherishing her father's age with ineffable love, she tended his few sheep, and as she did it, wore her fingers away on the distaff.
Chaucer:
But thogh this mayde tendre were of age,
Yet in the brest of hire virginitee
Ther was enclosed rype and sad corage;
And in greet reverence and charitee
Hir olde povre fader fostred shee.
A fewe sheepe, spynnynge on feeld she kepte,
She wolde noght been ydel, til she slepte.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
nil molle nil tenerum cogitare didicerat, sed virilis senilisque animus virgineo latebat in pectore. Patris senium inextimabili refovens caritate, et pauculas eius oves pascebat, et colo interim digitos atterebat;
but the vigor of manhood and the wisdom of age lay hidden in her maiden bosom. Cherishing her father's age with ineffable love, she tended his few sheep, and as she did it, wore her fingers away on the distaff.
Chaucer:
But thogh this mayde tendre were of age,
Yet in the brest of hire virginitee
Ther was enclosed rype and sad corage;
And in greet reverence and charitee
Hir olde povre fader fostred shee.
A fewe sheepe, spynnynge on feeld she kepte,
She wolde noght been ydel, til she slepte.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 23
Boccaccio:
Erano a Gualtieri buona pezza piaciuti i costumi d'una povera giovinetta che d'una villa vicina a casa sua era, e parendogli bella assai estimò che con costei dovesse potere aver vita assai consolata.
And Gualtieri, who had long noted with approval the mien of a poor girl that dwelt on a farm hard by his house, and found her fair enough, deemed that with her he might pass a tolerably happy life.
Petrarch:
sed ut pauperum quoque tuguria nonnunquam gratia celestis invisit, unica illi nata contigerat Griseldis nomine, forma corporis satis egregia, sed pulcritudine morum atque animi adeo speciosa ut nichil supra. Hec parco victu, in summa semper inopia educata, omnis inscia voluptatis, nil molle nil tenerum cogitare didicerat, sed virilis senilisque animus virgineo latebat in pectore.
But as the grace of Heaven sometimes visits the hovels of the poor, it chanced that he had an only daughter, by name Griselda, remarkable for the beauty of her body, but of so beautiful a character and spirit that no one excelled her. Reared in a frugal way of living and always in the direst poverty, unconscious of any want, she had learned to cherish no soft, no childish thoughts; but the vigor of manhood and the wisdom of age lay hidden in her maiden bosom.
Chaucer:
But for to speke of vertuous beautee,
Thanne was she oon the faireste under sonne,
For povreliche yfostred up was she,
No likerous lust was thurgh hir herte yronne.
Wel ofter of the welle than of the tonne
She drank, and for she wolde vertu plese
She knew wel labour but noon ydel ese.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Erano a Gualtieri buona pezza piaciuti i costumi d'una povera giovinetta che d'una villa vicina a casa sua era, e parendogli bella assai estimò che con costei dovesse potere aver vita assai consolata.
And Gualtieri, who had long noted with approval the mien of a poor girl that dwelt on a farm hard by his house, and found her fair enough, deemed that with her he might pass a tolerably happy life.
Petrarch:
sed ut pauperum quoque tuguria nonnunquam gratia celestis invisit, unica illi nata contigerat Griseldis nomine, forma corporis satis egregia, sed pulcritudine morum atque animi adeo speciosa ut nichil supra. Hec parco victu, in summa semper inopia educata, omnis inscia voluptatis, nil molle nil tenerum cogitare didicerat, sed virilis senilisque animus virgineo latebat in pectore.
But as the grace of Heaven sometimes visits the hovels of the poor, it chanced that he had an only daughter, by name Griselda, remarkable for the beauty of her body, but of so beautiful a character and spirit that no one excelled her. Reared in a frugal way of living and always in the direst poverty, unconscious of any want, she had learned to cherish no soft, no childish thoughts; but the vigor of manhood and the wisdom of age lay hidden in her maiden bosom.
Chaucer:
But for to speke of vertuous beautee,
Thanne was she oon the faireste under sonne,
For povreliche yfostred up was she,
No likerous lust was thurgh hir herte yronne.
Wel ofter of the welle than of the tonne
She drank, and for she wolde vertu plese
She knew wel labour but noon ydel ese.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 22
Boccaccio:
Erano a Gualtieri buona pezza piaciuti i costumi d'una povera giovinetta che d'una villa vicina a casa sua era, e parendogli bella assai estimò che con costei dovesse potere aver vita assai consolata.
And Gualtieri, who had long noted with approval the mien of a poor girl that dwelt on a farm hard by his house, and found her fair enough, deemed that with her he might pass a tolerably happy life.
Petrarch:
Fuit haud procul a palatio villula paucorum atque inopum incolarum, quorum uni omnium pauperrimo Ianicole nomen erat; sed ut pauperum quoque tuguria nonnunquam gratia celestis invisit, unica illi nata contigerat Griseldis nomine, forma corporis satis egregia, sed pulcritudine morum atque animi adeo speciosa ut nichil supra.
Not far from the palace, there was a village, of few and needy inhabitants, one of whom, the poorest of all, was named Janicola. But as the grace of Heaven sometimes visits the hovels of the poor, it chanced that he had an only daughter, by name Griselda, remarkable for the beauty of her body, but of so beautiful a character and spirit that no one excelled her.
Chaucer:
Amonges thise povre folk ther dwelte a man
Which that was holden povrest of hem alle;
But hye God somtyme senden kan
His grace into a litel oxes stalle
Janicula men of that throop hym calle.
A doghter hadde he, fair ynogh to sighte,
And Grisildis this yonge mayden highte.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Erano a Gualtieri buona pezza piaciuti i costumi d'una povera giovinetta che d'una villa vicina a casa sua era, e parendogli bella assai estimò che con costei dovesse potere aver vita assai consolata.
And Gualtieri, who had long noted with approval the mien of a poor girl that dwelt on a farm hard by his house, and found her fair enough, deemed that with her he might pass a tolerably happy life.
Petrarch:
Fuit haud procul a palatio villula paucorum atque inopum incolarum, quorum uni omnium pauperrimo Ianicole nomen erat; sed ut pauperum quoque tuguria nonnunquam gratia celestis invisit, unica illi nata contigerat Griseldis nomine, forma corporis satis egregia, sed pulcritudine morum atque animi adeo speciosa ut nichil supra.
Not far from the palace, there was a village, of few and needy inhabitants, one of whom, the poorest of all, was named Janicola. But as the grace of Heaven sometimes visits the hovels of the poor, it chanced that he had an only daughter, by name Griselda, remarkable for the beauty of her body, but of so beautiful a character and spirit that no one excelled her.
Chaucer:
Amonges thise povre folk ther dwelte a man
Which that was holden povrest of hem alle;
But hye God somtyme senden kan
His grace into a litel oxes stalle
Janicula men of that throop hym calle.
A doghter hadde he, fair ynogh to sighte,
And Grisildis this yonge mayden highte.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 21
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Fuit haud procul a palatio villula paucorum atque inopum incolarum,
Not far from the palace, there was a village, of few and needy inhabitants,
Chaucer:
Noght fer fro thilke paleys honurable
Ther as this markys shoop his mariage,
Ther stood a throop, of site delitable,
In which that povre folk of that village
Hadden hir beestes and hir herbergage,
And of hir lobour tooke hir sustenance,
After that the erthe yaf hem habundance.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Fuit haud procul a palatio villula paucorum atque inopum incolarum,
Not far from the palace, there was a village, of few and needy inhabitants,
Chaucer:
Noght fer fro thilke paleys honurable
Ther as this markys shoop his mariage,
Ther stood a throop, of site delitable,
In which that povre folk of that village
Hadden hir beestes and hir herbergage,
And of hir lobour tooke hir sustenance,
After that the erthe yaf hem habundance.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 20
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
et ipse nichilominus eam ipsam nuptiarum curam domesticis suis imposuit, edixitque diem.
and the marquis, on his part, laid care upon his servants for the nuptials and gave public notice of the day.
Chaucer:
And heerupon he to hise officeres
Comaundeth for the feste to purveye,
And to hise privee knyghtes and squieres
Swich charge yaf, as hym liste on hem leye.
And they to his comandement obeye,
And ech of hem dooth al his diligence
To doon unto the feeste reverence.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
et ipse nichilominus eam ipsam nuptiarum curam domesticis suis imposuit, edixitque diem.
and the marquis, on his part, laid care upon his servants for the nuptials and gave public notice of the day.
Chaucer:
And heerupon he to hise officeres
Comaundeth for the feste to purveye,
And to hise privee knyghtes and squieres
Swich charge yaf, as hym liste on hem leye.
And they to his comandement obeye,
And ech of hem dooth al his diligence
To doon unto the feeste reverence.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 19
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Ita e colloquio discessum est,
So they withdrew from conference;
Chaucer:
He graunted hem a day, swich as hym leste,
On which he wolde be wedded sikerly,
And seyde he dide al this at hir requeste;
And they with humble entente, buxomly,
Knelynge upon hir knees ful reverently
Hym thonken alle, and thus they han an ende
Of hir entente, and hoom agayn they wende.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Ita e colloquio discessum est,
So they withdrew from conference;
Chaucer:
He graunted hem a day, swich as hym leste,
On which he wolde be wedded sikerly,
And seyde he dide al this at hir requeste;
And they with humble entente, buxomly,
Knelynge upon hir knees ful reverently
Hym thonken alle, and thus they han an ende
Of hir entente, and hoom agayn they wende.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 18
Boccaccio:
I valenti uomini risposon ch'eran contenti, sol che esso si recasse a prender moglie.
The worthy men replied that they were well content, so only he would marry without more ado.
Petrarch:
Promittunt unanimiter ac lete nichil defuturum, ut quibus vix possibile videretur optatum diem cernere nuptiarum, de quibus in diem certum magnificentissime apparandis domini iubentis edictum alacres suscepere.
Like men who thought it hardly possible that they should see the wished-for day of the nuptials, they promised with one accord and gladly that they should be found in nothing wanting; and with eager alacrity they received the edict from their master, directing that the most magnificent preparations be made for a certain day.
Chaucer:
With hertely wyl they sworen and assenten
To al this thyng, ther seyde no wight nay,
Bisekynge hym of grace er that they wenten,
That he wolde graunten hem a certein day
Of his spousaille, as soone as evere he may,
For yet alwey the peple somwhat dredde
Lest that this markys no wyf wolde wedde.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
I valenti uomini risposon ch'eran contenti, sol che esso si recasse a prender moglie.
The worthy men replied that they were well content, so only he would marry without more ado.
Petrarch:
Promittunt unanimiter ac lete nichil defuturum, ut quibus vix possibile videretur optatum diem cernere nuptiarum, de quibus in diem certum magnificentissime apparandis domini iubentis edictum alacres suscepere.
Like men who thought it hardly possible that they should see the wished-for day of the nuptials, they promised with one accord and gladly that they should be found in nothing wanting; and with eager alacrity they received the edict from their master, directing that the most magnificent preparations be made for a certain day.
Chaucer:
With hertely wyl they sworen and assenten
To al this thyng, ther seyde no wight nay,
Bisekynge hym of grace er that they wenten,
That he wolde graunten hem a certein day
Of his spousaille, as soone as evere he may,
For yet alwey the peple somwhat dredde
Lest that this markys no wyf wolde wedde.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 17
Boccaccio:
affermandovi che, cui che io mi tolga, se da voi non fia come donna onorata, voi proverete con gran vostro danno quanto grave mi sia l'aver contra mia voglia presa mogliere a' vostri prieghi".
but of this rest assured, that, no matter whom I choose, if she receive not from you the honour due to a lady, you shall prove to your great cost, how sorely I resent being thus constrained by your importunity to take a wife against my will."
Petrarch:
nec sit ullus inter vos qui de meo unquam iudicio aut litiget aut queratur. Vestrum fuerit me omnium quos novissem liberrimum iugo subiecisse coniugii; mea sit iugi ipsius electio;
and let there be none among you who ever shall dispute or complain of my decision. Yours it was that I, the freest of all men that you have known, have submitted to the yoke of marriage; let it be mine to choose that yoke;
Chaucer:
And forthermoore, this shal ye swere, that ye
Agayn my choys shul neither grucche ne stryve,
For sith I shal forgoon my libertee
At youre requeste, as evere moot I thryve,
Ther as myn herte is set, ther wol I wyve!
And but ye wole assente in this manere,
I prey yow, speketh namoore of this matere."
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
affermandovi che, cui che io mi tolga, se da voi non fia come donna onorata, voi proverete con gran vostro danno quanto grave mi sia l'aver contra mia voglia presa mogliere a' vostri prieghi".
but of this rest assured, that, no matter whom I choose, if she receive not from you the honour due to a lady, you shall prove to your great cost, how sorely I resent being thus constrained by your importunity to take a wife against my will."
Petrarch:
nec sit ullus inter vos qui de meo unquam iudicio aut litiget aut queratur. Vestrum fuerit me omnium quos novissem liberrimum iugo subiecisse coniugii; mea sit iugi ipsius electio;
and let there be none among you who ever shall dispute or complain of my decision. Yours it was that I, the freest of all men that you have known, have submitted to the yoke of marriage; let it be mine to choose that yoke;
Chaucer:
And forthermoore, this shal ye swere, that ye
Agayn my choys shul neither grucche ne stryve,
For sith I shal forgoon my libertee
At youre requeste, as evere moot I thryve,
Ther as myn herte is set, ther wol I wyve!
And but ye wole assente in this manere,
I prey yow, speketh namoore of this matere."
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 16
Boccaccio:
affermandovi che, cui che io mi tolga, se da voi non fia come donna onorata, voi proverete con gran vostro danno quanto grave mi sia l'aver contra mia voglia presa mogliere a' vostri prieghi". I valenti uomini risposon ch'eran contenti, sol che esso si recasse a prender moglie.
but of this rest assured, that, no matter whom I choose, if she receive not from you the honour due to a lady, you shall prove to your great cost, how sorely I resent being thus constrained by your importunity to take a wife against my will."
Petrarch:
Itaque quando vobis ita placitum est, uxorem ducam: id vobis bona fide polliceor, vestrumque desiderium nec frustrabor equidem nec morabor. Unum vos michi versa vice promittite ac servate: ut quamcunque coniugem ipse delegero, eam vos summo honore ac veneratione prosequamini, . . . quecunque uxor mea erit, illa, ceu Romani principis filia, domina vestra sit».
"And so, since you are resolved that I should take a wife, so much, in all good faith, I promise you; and for my part, I will neither frustrate nor delay your wishes. One promise, in your turn, you must make and keep: that whosoever the wife may be whom I shall choose, you will yield her the highest honor and veneration; . . . and whoever my wife may be, let her be your mistress, as if she were the daughter of a prince of Rome."
Chaucer:
Lat me allone in chesynge of my wyf,
That charge upon my bak I wole endure;
But I yow preye, and charge upon youre lyf
What wyf that I take, ye me assure
To worshipe hir, whil that hir lyf may dure,
In word and werk, bothe heere and everywheere,
As she an emperoures doghter weere.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
affermandovi che, cui che io mi tolga, se da voi non fia come donna onorata, voi proverete con gran vostro danno quanto grave mi sia l'aver contra mia voglia presa mogliere a' vostri prieghi". I valenti uomini risposon ch'eran contenti, sol che esso si recasse a prender moglie.
but of this rest assured, that, no matter whom I choose, if she receive not from you the honour due to a lady, you shall prove to your great cost, how sorely I resent being thus constrained by your importunity to take a wife against my will."
Petrarch:
Itaque quando vobis ita placitum est, uxorem ducam: id vobis bona fide polliceor, vestrumque desiderium nec frustrabor equidem nec morabor. Unum vos michi versa vice promittite ac servate: ut quamcunque coniugem ipse delegero, eam vos summo honore ac veneratione prosequamini, . . . quecunque uxor mea erit, illa, ceu Romani principis filia, domina vestra sit».
"And so, since you are resolved that I should take a wife, so much, in all good faith, I promise you; and for my part, I will neither frustrate nor delay your wishes. One promise, in your turn, you must make and keep: that whosoever the wife may be whom I shall choose, you will yield her the highest honor and veneration; . . . and whoever my wife may be, let her be your mistress, as if she were the daughter of a prince of Rome."
Chaucer:
Lat me allone in chesynge of my wyf,
That charge upon my bak I wole endure;
But I yow preye, and charge upon youre lyf
What wyf that I take, ye me assure
To worshipe hir, whil that hir lyf may dure,
In word and werk, bothe heere and everywheere,
As she an emperoures doghter weere.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 15
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Quid unius enim claritas confert alteri? Sepe filii dissimillimi sunt parentum. Quicquid in homine boni est, non ab alio quam a Deo est. Illi ego et status et matrimonii mei sortes, sperans de sua solita pietate, commiserim; ipse michi inveniet quod quieti mee sit expediens ac saluti.
For what benefit can the distinction of one confer upon another? Right often, children are all unlike their parents. Whatever is good in a man comes not from another, but from God. As I trust to Him all my welfare, so would I entrust to Him the outcome of my marriage, hoping for His accustomed mercy. He will find for me that which shall be expedient for my peace and safety.
Chaucer:
For God it woot, that children ofte been
Unlyk hir worthy eldres hem bifore.
Bountee comth al of God, nat of the streen,
Of which they been engendred and ybore.
I truste in Goddes bountee; and therfore
My mariage, and myn estaat and reste,
I hym bitake, he may doon as hym leste.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
Quid unius enim claritas confert alteri? Sepe filii dissimillimi sunt parentum. Quicquid in homine boni est, non ab alio quam a Deo est. Illi ego et status et matrimonii mei sortes, sperans de sua solita pietate, commiserim; ipse michi inveniet quod quieti mee sit expediens ac saluti.
For what benefit can the distinction of one confer upon another? Right often, children are all unlike their parents. Whatever is good in a man comes not from another, but from God. As I trust to Him all my welfare, so would I entrust to Him the outcome of my marriage, hoping for His accustomed mercy. He will find for me that which shall be expedient for my peace and safety.
Chaucer:
For God it woot, that children ofte been
Unlyk hir worthy eldres hem bifore.
Bountee comth al of God, nat of the streen,
Of which they been engendred and ybore.
I truste in Goddes bountee; and therfore
My mariage, and myn estaat and reste,
I hym bitake, he may doon as hym leste.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 14
Boccaccio:
e acciò che io non abbia da dolermi d'altrui che di me, se mal venisse fatto, io stesso ne voglio essere il trovatore,
and that I may have no cause to reproach any but myself, should it turn out ill, I am resolved that my wife shall be of my own choosing;
Petrarch:
Illam vobis quam offertis querende curam coniugis remitto, eamque humeris meis ipse subeo.
But I release you from the task, which you have offered to assume, of finding me a wife. That task I lay on my own shoulders.
Chaucer:
But nathelees I se youre trewe entente,
And truste upon youre wit, and have doon at;
Wherfore of my free wyl I wole assente
To wedde me, as soone as evere I may.
But ther as ye han profred me to-day
To chese me a wyf, I yow relesse
That choys, and prey yow of that profre cesse.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
e acciò che io non abbia da dolermi d'altrui che di me, se mal venisse fatto, io stesso ne voglio essere il trovatore,
and that I may have no cause to reproach any but myself, should it turn out ill, I am resolved that my wife shall be of my own choosing;
Petrarch:
Illam vobis quam offertis querende curam coniugis remitto, eamque humeris meis ipse subeo.
But I release you from the task, which you have offered to assume, of finding me a wife. That task I lay on my own shoulders.
Chaucer:
But nathelees I se youre trewe entente,
And truste upon youre wit, and have doon at;
Wherfore of my free wyl I wole assente
To wedde me, as soone as evere I may.
But ther as ye han profred me to-day
To chese me a wyf, I yow relesse
That choys, and prey yow of that profre cesse.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 13
Boccaccio:
A' quali Gualtieri rispose: "Amici miei, voi mi strignete a quello che io del tutto aveva disposto di non far mai, considerando quanto grave cosa sia a poter trovare chi co' suoi costumi ben si convenga e quanto del contrario sia grande la copia, e come dura vitasia quella di colui che a donna non bene a sé conveniente s'abbatte. E il dire che voi vi crediate a' costumi de' padri e delle madri le figliuole conoscere, donde argomentate di darlami tal che mi piacerà, è una sciocchezza; con ciò sia cosa che io non sappia dove i padri possiate conoscere né come i segreti delle madri di quelle: quantunque, pur conoscendogli, sieno spesse volte le figliuole a' padri e alle madri dissimili. Ma poi che pure in queste catene vi piace d'annodarmi, e io voglio esser contento;
To whom: "My friends," replied Gualtieri, "you enforce me to that which I had resolved never to do, seeing how hard it is to find a wife, whose ways accord well with one's own, and how plentiful is the supply of such as run counter thereto, and how grievous a life he leads who chances upon a lady that matches ill with him. [007] And to say that you think to know the daughters by the qualities of their fathers and mothers, and thereby--so you would argue--to provide me with a wife to my liking, is but folly; for I wot not how you may penetrate the secrets of their mothers so as to know their fathers; and granted that you do know them, daughters oftentimes resemble neither of their parents. [008] However, as you are minded to rivet these fetters upon me, I am content that so it be;
Petrarch:
Moverunt pie preces animum viri, et «Cogitis» inquit «me, amici, ad id quod michi in animum nunquam venit; delectabar omnimoda libertate, que in coniugio rara est. Ceterum subiectorum michi voluntatibus me sponte subicio, et prudentie vestre fisus et fidei.
Their loyal entreaties touched the man's heart, and he made answer: "My friends, you constrain me to that which never entered my thoughts. I have had pleasure in complete liberty, a thing which is rare in marriage. Nevertheless I, willingly submit to the wishes of my subjects, trusting in your prudence and your devotion.
Chaucer:
Hir meeke preyere and hir pitous cheere
Made the markys herte han pitee.
"Ye wol," quod he, "myn owene peple deere,
To that I nevere erst thoughte, streyne me.
145 I me rejoysed of my liberte,
That seelde tyme is founde in mariage.
Ther I was free, I moot been in servage.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
A' quali Gualtieri rispose: "Amici miei, voi mi strignete a quello che io del tutto aveva disposto di non far mai, considerando quanto grave cosa sia a poter trovare chi co' suoi costumi ben si convenga e quanto del contrario sia grande la copia, e come dura vitasia quella di colui che a donna non bene a sé conveniente s'abbatte. E il dire che voi vi crediate a' costumi de' padri e delle madri le figliuole conoscere, donde argomentate di darlami tal che mi piacerà, è una sciocchezza; con ciò sia cosa che io non sappia dove i padri possiate conoscere né come i segreti delle madri di quelle: quantunque, pur conoscendogli, sieno spesse volte le figliuole a' padri e alle madri dissimili. Ma poi che pure in queste catene vi piace d'annodarmi, e io voglio esser contento;
To whom: "My friends," replied Gualtieri, "you enforce me to that which I had resolved never to do, seeing how hard it is to find a wife, whose ways accord well with one's own, and how plentiful is the supply of such as run counter thereto, and how grievous a life he leads who chances upon a lady that matches ill with him. [007] And to say that you think to know the daughters by the qualities of their fathers and mothers, and thereby--so you would argue--to provide me with a wife to my liking, is but folly; for I wot not how you may penetrate the secrets of their mothers so as to know their fathers; and granted that you do know them, daughters oftentimes resemble neither of their parents. [008] However, as you are minded to rivet these fetters upon me, I am content that so it be;
Petrarch:
Moverunt pie preces animum viri, et «Cogitis» inquit «me, amici, ad id quod michi in animum nunquam venit; delectabar omnimoda libertate, que in coniugio rara est. Ceterum subiectorum michi voluntatibus me sponte subicio, et prudentie vestre fisus et fidei.
Their loyal entreaties touched the man's heart, and he made answer: "My friends, you constrain me to that which never entered my thoughts. I have had pleasure in complete liberty, a thing which is rare in marriage. Nevertheless I, willingly submit to the wishes of my subjects, trusting in your prudence and your devotion.
Chaucer:
Hir meeke preyere and hir pitous cheere
Made the markys herte han pitee.
"Ye wol," quod he, "myn owene peple deere,
To that I nevere erst thoughte, streyne me.
145 I me rejoysed of my liberte,
That seelde tyme is founde in mariage.
Ther I was free, I moot been in servage.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
stanza 12
Boccaccio:
acciò che egli senza erede né essi senza signor rimanessero,
that he might not die without an heir, and they be left without a lord;
Petrarch:
Libera tuos omnes molesta solicitudine, quesumus, ne siquid humanitus tibi forsan accideret, tu sine tuo successore abeas, ipsi sine votivo rectore remaneant».
Free all your subjects, we beseech you, of the grievous apprehension that if anything incident to our mortal lot should happen to you, you would go leaving no successor to yourself, and they would remain deprived of a leader such as their hearts crave."
Chaucer:
Delivere us out of al this bisy drede,
And taak a wyf for hye Goddes sake,
For if it so bifelle, as God forbede,
That thurgh your deeth your lyne sholde slake,
And that a straunge successour sholde take
Youre heritage, o wo were us alyve!
Wherfore we pray you hastily to wyve."
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
acciò che egli senza erede né essi senza signor rimanessero,
that he might not die without an heir, and they be left without a lord;
Petrarch:
Libera tuos omnes molesta solicitudine, quesumus, ne siquid humanitus tibi forsan accideret, tu sine tuo successore abeas, ipsi sine votivo rectore remaneant».
Free all your subjects, we beseech you, of the grievous apprehension that if anything incident to our mortal lot should happen to you, you would go leaving no successor to yourself, and they would remain deprived of a leader such as their hearts crave."
Chaucer:
Delivere us out of al this bisy drede,
And taak a wyf for hye Goddes sake,
For if it so bifelle, as God forbede,
That thurgh your deeth your lyne sholde slake,
And that a straunge successour sholde take
Youre heritage, o wo were us alyve!
Wherfore we pray you hastily to wyve."
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 11
Boccaccio:
offerendosi di trovargliel tale e di sí fatto padre e madre discesa, che buona speranza se ne potrebbe avere e esso contentarsene molto.
offering to find him one of such a pattern, and of such parentage, that he might marry with good hope, and be well content with the sequel.
Petrarch:
Suscipe igitur, oramus, eorum preces qui nullum tuum imperium recusarent. Querende autem coniugis studium nobis linque, talem enim tibi procurabimus que te merito digna sit, et tam claris orta parentibus ut de ea spes optima sit habenda.
"Give ear, therefore, we pray you, to the entreaties of those who have never refused to do your bidding. You may leave the selection of a wife to our care, for we shall procure you such an one as shall be truly worthy of you, and sprung of so high a lineage that you may have the best hope of her.
Chaucer:
Accepteth thanne of us the trewe entente
That nevere yet refuseden thyn heeste;
And we wol, lord, if that ye wole assente,
Chese yow a wyf in short tyme atte leeste,
Born of the gentilleste and of the meeste
Of al this land, so that it oghte seme
Honour to God, and yow, as we kan deeme.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
offerendosi di trovargliel tale e di sí fatto padre e madre discesa, che buona speranza se ne potrebbe avere e esso contentarsene molto.
offering to find him one of such a pattern, and of such parentage, that he might marry with good hope, and be well content with the sequel.
Petrarch:
Suscipe igitur, oramus, eorum preces qui nullum tuum imperium recusarent. Querende autem coniugis studium nobis linque, talem enim tibi procurabimus que te merito digna sit, et tam claris orta parentibus ut de ea spes optima sit habenda.
"Give ear, therefore, we pray you, to the entreaties of those who have never refused to do your bidding. You may leave the selection of a wife to our care, for we shall procure you such an one as shall be truly worthy of you, and sprung of so high a lineage that you may have the best hope of her.
Chaucer:
Accepteth thanne of us the trewe entente
That nevere yet refuseden thyn heeste;
And we wol, lord, if that ye wole assente,
Chese yow a wyf in short tyme atte leeste,
Born of the gentilleste and of the meeste
Of al this land, so that it oghte seme
Honour to God, and yow, as we kan deeme.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 10
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
et quanquam florida sis etate, continue tamen hunc florem tacita senectus insequitur, morsque ipsa omni proxima est etati. Nulli muneris huius immunitas datur, eque omnibus moriendum est: utque id certum, sic illud ambiguum quando eveniat.
and although you are in the flower of your youth, nevertheless silent old age follows hard upon that flower, and death itself is very near to any age. To none is immunity against this tribute given, and all alike must die; and just as that is certain, so is it uncertain when it will come to pass.
Chaucer:
And thogh youre grene youthe floure as yit,
In crepeth age alwey, as stille as stoon,
And deeth manaceth every age, and smyt
In ech estaat, for ther escapeth noon;
And al so certein as we knowe echoon
That we shul deye, as uncerteyn we alle
Been of that day, whan deeth shal on us falle.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
et quanquam florida sis etate, continue tamen hunc florem tacita senectus insequitur, morsque ipsa omni proxima est etati. Nulli muneris huius immunitas datur, eque omnibus moriendum est: utque id certum, sic illud ambiguum quando eveniat.
and although you are in the flower of your youth, nevertheless silent old age follows hard upon that flower, and death itself is very near to any age. To none is immunity against this tribute given, and all alike must die; and just as that is certain, so is it uncertain when it will come to pass.
Chaucer:
And thogh youre grene youthe floure as yit,
In crepeth age alwey, as stille as stoon,
And deeth manaceth every age, and smyt
In ech estaat, for ther escapeth noon;
And al so certein as we knowe echoon
That we shul deye, as uncerteyn we alle
Been of that day, whan deeth shal on us falle.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 9
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
collumque non liberum modo sed imperiosum legitimo subicias iugo, idque quam primum facias. Volant enim dies rapidi,
and bow your neck, free and imperious though it be, to the lawful yoke; and that you should do this as soon as possible. For the swift days fly by,
Chaucer:
Boweth youre nekke under that blisful yok
Of soveraynetee, noght of servyse,
115 Which that men clepeth spousaille or wedlock;
And thenketh, lord, among youre thoghtes wyse
How that oure dayes passe in sondry wyse,
For thogh we slepe, or wake, or rome, or ryde,
Ay fleeth the tyme, it nyl no man abyde.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
collumque non liberum modo sed imperiosum legitimo subicias iugo, idque quam primum facias. Volant enim dies rapidi,
and bow your neck, free and imperious though it be, to the lawful yoke; and that you should do this as soon as possible. For the swift days fly by,
Chaucer:
Boweth youre nekke under that blisful yok
Of soveraynetee, noght of servyse,
115 Which that men clepeth spousaille or wedlock;
And thenketh, lord, among youre thoghtes wyse
How that oure dayes passe in sondry wyse,
For thogh we slepe, or wake, or rome, or ryde,
Ay fleeth the tyme, it nyl no man abyde.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 8
Boccaccio:
La qual cosa a' suoi uomini non piaccendo, piú volte il pregaron che moglie prendesse,
but his vassals, brooking it ill, did oftentimes entreat him to take a wife,
Petrarch:
Cum merito igitur tua nobis omnia placeant, semperque placuerint, ut felices nos tali domino iudicemus. Unum est, quod si a te impetrari sinis teque nobis exorabilem prebes, plane felicissimi finitimorum omnium futuri simus: ut coniugio scilicet animum applices,
Although all your ways, then, justly give us pleasure and always have, so that we count ourselves happy in such an overlord, there is one thing in which we should assuredly be the happiest of all men round about, if you would consent to it and show yourself susceptible to our entreaties; and that is, that you should take thought of marriage
Chaucer:
For certes, lord, so wel us liketh yow
And al youre werk, and evere han doon that we
Ne koude nat us-self devysen how
We myghte lyven in moore felicitee,
Save o thyng, lord, if it youre wille be,
That for to been a wedded man yow leste,
Thanne were youre peple in sovereyn hertes reste.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
La qual cosa a' suoi uomini non piaccendo, piú volte il pregaron che moglie prendesse,
but his vassals, brooking it ill, did oftentimes entreat him to take a wife,
Petrarch:
Cum merito igitur tua nobis omnia placeant, semperque placuerint, ut felices nos tali domino iudicemus. Unum est, quod si a te impetrari sinis teque nobis exorabilem prebes, plane felicissimi finitimorum omnium futuri simus: ut coniugio scilicet animum applices,
Although all your ways, then, justly give us pleasure and always have, so that we count ourselves happy in such an overlord, there is one thing in which we should assuredly be the happiest of all men round about, if you would consent to it and show yourself susceptible to our entreaties; and that is, that you should take thought of marriage
Chaucer:
For certes, lord, so wel us liketh yow
And al youre werk, and evere han doon that we
Ne koude nat us-self devysen how
We myghte lyven in moore felicitee,
Save o thyng, lord, if it youre wille be,
That for to been a wedded man yow leste,
Thanne were youre peple in sovereyn hertes reste.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 7
Boccaccio:
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
non quod singulare aliquid habeam ad hanc rem, nisi quod tu me inter alios carum tibi multis indiciis comprobasti.
not because I have any especial privilege, unless it be that you have shown by many signs that you hold me dear among the others.
Chaucer:
Al have I noght to doone in this mateere
Moore than another man hath in this place;
Yet for as muche as ye, my lord so deere,
Han alwey shewed me favour and grace,
I dar the bettre aske of yow a space
Of audience to shewen oure requeste,
And ye, my lord, to doon right as yow leste.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
(no analogue)
Petrarch:
non quod singulare aliquid habeam ad hanc rem, nisi quod tu me inter alios carum tibi multis indiciis comprobasti.
not because I have any especial privilege, unless it be that you have shown by many signs that you hold me dear among the others.
Chaucer:
Al have I noght to doone in this mateere
Moore than another man hath in this place;
Yet for as muche as ye, my lord so deere,
Han alwey shewed me favour and grace,
I dar the bettre aske of yow a space
Of audience to shewen oure requeste,
And ye, my lord, to doon right as yow leste.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 6
Boccaccio:
La qual cosa a' suoi uomini non piaccendo, piú volte il pregaron che moglie prendesse
but his vassals, brooking it ill, did oftentimes entreat him to take a wife
Petrarch:
«Tua» inquit «humanitas, optime marchio, hanc nobis prestat audaciam, ut et tecum singuli quotiens res exposcit devota fidutia colloquamur, et nunc omnium tacitas voluntates mea vox tuis auribus invehat,
"Noble Marquis, your kindness gives us such boldness that we come separately to talk with you, with devoted trust, as often as occasion demands, and that now my voice conveys to your ears the silent wishes of us all;
Chaucer:
"O noble Markys, youre humanitee
Asseureth us, and yeveth us hardinesse,
As ofte as tyme is of necessitee
That we to yow mowe telle oure hevynesse.
Accepteth, lord, now for youre gentillesse
That we with pitous herte unto yow pleyne,
And lat youre eres nat my voys desdeyne.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
La qual cosa a' suoi uomini non piaccendo, piú volte il pregaron che moglie prendesse
but his vassals, brooking it ill, did oftentimes entreat him to take a wife
Petrarch:
«Tua» inquit «humanitas, optime marchio, hanc nobis prestat audaciam, ut et tecum singuli quotiens res exposcit devota fidutia colloquamur, et nunc omnium tacitas voluntates mea vox tuis auribus invehat,
"Noble Marquis, your kindness gives us such boldness that we come separately to talk with you, with devoted trust, as often as occasion demands, and that now my voice conveys to your ears the silent wishes of us all;
Chaucer:
"O noble Markys, youre humanitee
Asseureth us, and yeveth us hardinesse,
As ofte as tyme is of necessitee
That we to yow mowe telle oure hevynesse.
Accepteth, lord, now for youre gentillesse
That we with pitous herte unto yow pleyne,
And lat youre eres nat my voys desdeyne.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 5
Boccaccio:
La qual cosa a' suoi uomini non piaccendo, piú volte il pregaron che moglie prendesse,
but his vassals, brooking it ill, did oftentimes entreat him to take a wife
Petrarch:
Id aliquandiu taciti cum tulissent, tandem catervatim illum adeunt quorum unus cui vel autoritas maior erat vel facundia maiorque cum suo duce familiaritas,
When they had borne this for some time in silence, at length they came to him in a company; and one of their number, who had authority and eloquence above the rest and was on more familiar terms with his overlord, said to him,
Chaucer:
Oonly that point his peple bar so soore,
That flokmeele on a day they to hym wente,
And oon of hem, that wisest was of loore -
Or elles that the lord best wolde assente,
That he sholde telle hym what his peple mente,
Or elles koude he shewe wel swich mateere -
He to the markys seyde as ye shul heere:
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
La qual cosa a' suoi uomini non piaccendo, piú volte il pregaron che moglie prendesse,
but his vassals, brooking it ill, did oftentimes entreat him to take a wife
Petrarch:
Id aliquandiu taciti cum tulissent, tandem catervatim illum adeunt quorum unus cui vel autoritas maior erat vel facundia maiorque cum suo duce familiaritas,
When they had borne this for some time in silence, at length they came to him in a company; and one of their number, who had authority and eloquence above the rest and was on more familiar terms with his overlord, said to him,
Chaucer:
Oonly that point his peple bar so soore,
That flokmeele on a day they to hym wente,
And oon of hem, that wisest was of loore -
Or elles that the lord best wolde assente,
That he sholde telle hym what his peple mente,
Or elles koude he shewe wel swich mateere -
He to the markys seyde as ye shul heere:
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
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