Boccaccio:
Che si potrà dir qui? se non che anche nelle povere case piovono dal cielo de' divini spiriti, come nelle reali di quegli che sarien piú degni di guardar porci che d'avere sopra uomini signoria. Chi avrebbe, altri che Griselda, potuto col viso non solamente asciutto ma lieto sofferir le rigide e mai piú non udite prove da Gualtier fatte? Al quale non sarebbe forse stato male investito d'essersi abbattuto a una che quando, fuor di casa, l'avesse in camiscia cacciata, s'avesse sí a un altro fatto scuotere il pilliccione che riuscito ne fosse una bella roba.
Now what shall we say in this case but that even into the cots of the poor the heavens let fall at times spirits divine, as into the palaces of kings souls that are fitter to tend hogs than to exercise lordship over men? Who but Griselda had been able, with a countenance not only tearless, but cheerful, to endure the hard and unheard-of trials to which Gualtieri subjected her? Who perhaps might have deemed himself to have made no bad investment, had he chanced upon one, who, having been turned out of his house in her shift, had found means so to dust the pelisse of another as to get herself thereby a fine robe.
Petrarch:
et sepe nos multis ac gravibus flagellis exerceri sinit, non ut animum nostrum sciat, quem scivit ante quam crearemur, sed ut nobis nostra fragilitas notis ac domesticis indiciis innotescat. Abunde ego constantibus viris ascripserim, quisquis is fuerit, qui pro Deo suo sine murmure patiatur quod pro suo mortali coniuge rusticana hec muliercula passa est.
Chaucer:
And suffreth us, as for oure excercise,
With sharpe scourges of adversitee
Ful ofte to be bete in sondry wise,
Nat for to knowe oure wyl, for certes he
Er we were born knew al oure freletee,
And for oure beste is al his governaunce.
Lat us thanne lyve in vertuous suffraunce.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 157
Boccaccio:
Che si potrà dir qui? se non che anche nelle povere case piovono dal cielo de' divini spiriti, come nelle reali di quegli che sarien piú degni di guardar porci che d'avere sopra uomini signoria. Chi avrebbe, altri che Griselda, potuto col viso non solamente asciutto ma lieto sofferir le rigide e mai piú non udite prove da Gualtier fatte? Al quale non sarebbe forse stato male investito d'essersi abbattuto a una che quando, fuor di casa, l'avesse in camiscia cacciata, s'avesse sí a un altro fatto scuotere il pilliccione che riuscito ne fosse una bella roba.
Now what shall we say in this case but that even into the cots of the poor the heavens let fall at times spirits divine, as into the palaces of kings souls that are fitter to tend hogs than to exercise lordship over men? Who but Griselda had been able, with a countenance not only tearless, but cheerful, to endure the hard and unheard-of trials to which Gualtieri subjected her? Who perhaps might have deemed himself to have made no bad investment, had he chanced upon one, who, having been turned out of his house in her shift, had found means so to dust the pelisse of another as to get herself thereby a fine robe.
Petrarch:
ut quod hec viro suo prestitit, hoc prestare Deo nostro audeant, qui licet (ut Iacobus ait Apostolus) intentator sit malorum, et ipse neminem temptet. Probat tamen
Chaucer:
For sith a womman was so pacient
Unto a mortal man, wel moore us oghte
Receyven al in gree that God us sent.
For greet skile is, he preeve that he wroghte.
But he ne tempteth no man that he boghte,
As seith Seint Jame, if ye his pistel rede;
He preeveth folk al day, it is no drede,
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Che si potrà dir qui? se non che anche nelle povere case piovono dal cielo de' divini spiriti, come nelle reali di quegli che sarien piú degni di guardar porci che d'avere sopra uomini signoria. Chi avrebbe, altri che Griselda, potuto col viso non solamente asciutto ma lieto sofferir le rigide e mai piú non udite prove da Gualtier fatte? Al quale non sarebbe forse stato male investito d'essersi abbattuto a una che quando, fuor di casa, l'avesse in camiscia cacciata, s'avesse sí a un altro fatto scuotere il pilliccione che riuscito ne fosse una bella roba.
Now what shall we say in this case but that even into the cots of the poor the heavens let fall at times spirits divine, as into the palaces of kings souls that are fitter to tend hogs than to exercise lordship over men? Who but Griselda had been able, with a countenance not only tearless, but cheerful, to endure the hard and unheard-of trials to which Gualtieri subjected her? Who perhaps might have deemed himself to have made no bad investment, had he chanced upon one, who, having been turned out of his house in her shift, had found means so to dust the pelisse of another as to get herself thereby a fine robe.
Petrarch:
ut quod hec viro suo prestitit, hoc prestare Deo nostro audeant, qui licet (ut Iacobus ait Apostolus) intentator sit malorum, et ipse neminem temptet. Probat tamen
Chaucer:
For sith a womman was so pacient
Unto a mortal man, wel moore us oghte
Receyven al in gree that God us sent.
For greet skile is, he preeve that he wroghte.
But he ne tempteth no man that he boghte,
As seith Seint Jame, if ye his pistel rede;
He preeveth folk al day, it is no drede,
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 156
Boccaccio:
Che si potrà dir qui? se non che anche nelle povere case piovono dal cielo de' divini spiriti, come nelle reali di quegli che sarien piú degni di guardar porci che d'avere sopra uomini signoria. Chi avrebbe, altri che Griselda, potuto col viso non solamente asciutto ma lieto sofferir le rigide e mai piú non udite prove da Gualtier fatte? Al quale non sarebbe forse stato male investito d'essersi abbattuto a una che quando, fuor di casa, l'avesse in camiscia cacciata, s'avesse sí a un altro fatto scuotere il pilliccione che riuscito ne fosse una bella roba.
Now what shall we say in this case but that even into the cots of the poor the heavens let fall at times spirits divine, as into the palaces of kings souls that are fitter to tend hogs than to exercise lordship over men? Who but Griselda had been able, with a countenance not only tearless, but cheerful, to endure the hard and unheard-of trials to which Gualtieri subjected her? Who perhaps might have deemed himself to have made no bad investment, had he chanced upon one, who, having been turned out of his house in her shift, had found means so to dust the pelisse of another as to get herself thereby a fine robe.
Petrarch:
Hanc historiam stilo nunc alio retexere visum fuit, non tam ideo, ut matronas nostri temporis ad imitandam huius uxoris patientiam, que michi vix imitabilis videtur, quam ut legentes ad imitandam saltem femine constantiam excitarem,
Chaucer:
This storie is seyd, nat for that wyves sholde
Folwen Grisilde as in humylitee,
For it were inportable, though they wolde,
But for that every wight in his degree
Sholde be constant in adversitee
As was Grisilde. Therfore Petrark writeth
This storie, which with heigh stile he enditeth.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Che si potrà dir qui? se non che anche nelle povere case piovono dal cielo de' divini spiriti, come nelle reali di quegli che sarien piú degni di guardar porci che d'avere sopra uomini signoria. Chi avrebbe, altri che Griselda, potuto col viso non solamente asciutto ma lieto sofferir le rigide e mai piú non udite prove da Gualtier fatte? Al quale non sarebbe forse stato male investito d'essersi abbattuto a una che quando, fuor di casa, l'avesse in camiscia cacciata, s'avesse sí a un altro fatto scuotere il pilliccione che riuscito ne fosse una bella roba.
Now what shall we say in this case but that even into the cots of the poor the heavens let fall at times spirits divine, as into the palaces of kings souls that are fitter to tend hogs than to exercise lordship over men? Who but Griselda had been able, with a countenance not only tearless, but cheerful, to endure the hard and unheard-of trials to which Gualtieri subjected her? Who perhaps might have deemed himself to have made no bad investment, had he chanced upon one, who, having been turned out of his house in her shift, had found means so to dust the pelisse of another as to get herself thereby a fine robe.
Petrarch:
Hanc historiam stilo nunc alio retexere visum fuit, non tam ideo, ut matronas nostri temporis ad imitandam huius uxoris patientiam, que michi vix imitabilis videtur, quam ut legentes ad imitandam saltem femine constantiam excitarem,
Chaucer:
This storie is seyd, nat for that wyves sholde
Folwen Grisilde as in humylitee,
For it were inportable, though they wolde,
But for that every wight in his degree
Sholde be constant in adversitee
As was Grisilde. Therfore Petrark writeth
This storie, which with heigh stile he enditeth.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 155
Boccaccio:
Il conte da Panago si tornò dopo alquanti dí a Bologna; e Gualtieri, tolto Giannucolo dal suo lavorio, come suocero il pose in istato, che egli onoratamente e con gran consolazione visse e finí la sua vecchiezza. E egli appresso, maritata altamente la sua figliuola, con Griselda, onorandola sempre quanto piú si potea, lungamente e consolato visse.
Some days after, the Count of Panago returned to Bologna, and Gualtieri took Giannucolo from his husbandry, and established him in honour as his father-in-law, wherein to his great solace he lived for the rest of his days. Gualtieri himself, having mated his daughter with a husband of high degree, lived long and happily thereafter with Griselda, to whom he ever paid all honour.
Petrarch:
Multosque post per annos ingenti pace concordiaque vixere; et Valterius inopem socerum, quem hactenus neglexisse visus erat, nequando concepte animo obstaret experientie, suam in domum translatum in honore habuit, filiam suam magnificis atque honestis nuptiis collocavit, filiumque sui dominii successorem liquit, et coniugio letus et sobole.
Many years thereafter they lived in great peace and concord; and Walter, who had appeared to neglect his father-in-law, lest he should stand in the way of the experiment he had conceived, had the old man move into his palace and held him in honor. His own daughter he gave in noble and honorable marriage, and his son he left behind him as his heir, happy in his wife and in his offspring.
Chaucer:
His sone succedeth in his heritage
In reste and pees, after his fader day,
And fortunat was eek in mariage-
Al putte he nat his wyf in greet assay;
This world is nat so strong, it is no nay,
As it hath been of olde tymes yoore.
And herkneth what this auctour seith therfore.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Il conte da Panago si tornò dopo alquanti dí a Bologna; e Gualtieri, tolto Giannucolo dal suo lavorio, come suocero il pose in istato, che egli onoratamente e con gran consolazione visse e finí la sua vecchiezza. E egli appresso, maritata altamente la sua figliuola, con Griselda, onorandola sempre quanto piú si potea, lungamente e consolato visse.
Some days after, the Count of Panago returned to Bologna, and Gualtieri took Giannucolo from his husbandry, and established him in honour as his father-in-law, wherein to his great solace he lived for the rest of his days. Gualtieri himself, having mated his daughter with a husband of high degree, lived long and happily thereafter with Griselda, to whom he ever paid all honour.
Petrarch:
Multosque post per annos ingenti pace concordiaque vixere; et Valterius inopem socerum, quem hactenus neglexisse visus erat, nequando concepte animo obstaret experientie, suam in domum translatum in honore habuit, filiam suam magnificis atque honestis nuptiis collocavit, filiumque sui dominii successorem liquit, et coniugio letus et sobole.
Many years thereafter they lived in great peace and concord; and Walter, who had appeared to neglect his father-in-law, lest he should stand in the way of the experiment he had conceived, had the old man move into his palace and held him in honor. His own daughter he gave in noble and honorable marriage, and his son he left behind him as his heir, happy in his wife and in his offspring.
Chaucer:
His sone succedeth in his heritage
In reste and pees, after his fader day,
And fortunat was eek in mariage-
Al putte he nat his wyf in greet assay;
This world is nat so strong, it is no nay,
As it hath been of olde tymes yoore.
And herkneth what this auctour seith therfore.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 154
Boccaccio:
Il conte da Panago si tornò dopo alquanti dí a Bologna; e Gualtieri, tolto Giannucolo dal suo lavorio, come suocero il pose in istato, che egli onoratamente e con gran consolazione visse e finí la sua vecchiezza. E egli appresso, maritata altamente la sua figliuola, con Griselda, onorandola sempre quanto piú si potea, lungamente e consolato visse.
Some days after, the Count of Panago returned to Bologna, and Gualtieri took Giannucolo from his husbandry, and established him in honour as his father-in-law, wherein to his great solace he lived for the rest of his days. Gualtieri himself, having mated his daughter with a husband of high degree, lived long and happily thereafter with Griselda, to whom he ever paid all honour.
Petrarch:
Multosque post per annos ingenti pace concordiaque vixere; et Valterius inopem socerum, quem hactenus neglexisse visus erat, nequando concepte animo obstaret experientie, suam in domum translatum in honore habuit, filiam suam magnificis atque honestis nuptiis collocavit, filiumque sui dominii successorem liquit, et coniugio letus et sobole.
Many years thereafter they lived in great peace and concord; and Walter, who had appeared to neglect his father-in-law, lest he should stand in the way of the experiment he had conceived, had the old man move into his palace and held him in honor. His own daughter he gave in noble and honorable marriage, and his son he left behind him as his heir, happy in his wife and in his offspring.
Chaucer:
Ful many a yeer in heigh prosperitee
Lyven thise two in concord and in reste.
And richely his doghter maryed he
Unto a lord, oon of the worthieste
Of al Ytaille, and thanne in pees and reste
His wyves fader in his court he kepeth,
Til that the soule out of his body crepeth.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Il conte da Panago si tornò dopo alquanti dí a Bologna; e Gualtieri, tolto Giannucolo dal suo lavorio, come suocero il pose in istato, che egli onoratamente e con gran consolazione visse e finí la sua vecchiezza. E egli appresso, maritata altamente la sua figliuola, con Griselda, onorandola sempre quanto piú si potea, lungamente e consolato visse.
Some days after, the Count of Panago returned to Bologna, and Gualtieri took Giannucolo from his husbandry, and established him in honour as his father-in-law, wherein to his great solace he lived for the rest of his days. Gualtieri himself, having mated his daughter with a husband of high degree, lived long and happily thereafter with Griselda, to whom he ever paid all honour.
Petrarch:
Multosque post per annos ingenti pace concordiaque vixere; et Valterius inopem socerum, quem hactenus neglexisse visus erat, nequando concepte animo obstaret experientie, suam in domum translatum in honore habuit, filiam suam magnificis atque honestis nuptiis collocavit, filiumque sui dominii successorem liquit, et coniugio letus et sobole.
Many years thereafter they lived in great peace and concord; and Walter, who had appeared to neglect his father-in-law, lest he should stand in the way of the experiment he had conceived, had the old man move into his palace and held him in honor. His own daughter he gave in noble and honorable marriage, and his son he left behind him as his heir, happy in his wife and in his offspring.
Chaucer:
Ful many a yeer in heigh prosperitee
Lyven thise two in concord and in reste.
And richely his doghter maryed he
Unto a lord, oon of the worthieste
Of al Ytaille, and thanne in pees and reste
His wyves fader in his court he kepeth,
Til that the soule out of his body crepeth.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 153
Boccaccio:
E quivi fattasi co' figliuoli maravigliosa festa, essendo ogni uomo lietissimo di questa cosa, il sollazzo e 'l festeggiar multiplicarono e in piú giorni tirarono; e savissimo reputaron Gualtieri, come che troppo reputassero agre e intollerabili l'esperienze prese della sua donna, e sopra tutti savissima tenner Griselda.
Wondrous was the cheer which there they made with the children; and, all overjoyed at the event, they revelled and made merry amain, and prolonged the festivities for several days; and very discreet they pronounced Gualtieri, albeit they censured as intolerably harsh the probation to which he had subjected Griselda, and most discreet beyond all compare they accounted Griselda.
Petrarch:
plaususque letissimus et fausta omnium verba circumsonant, multoque cum gaudio et fletu ille dies celeberrimus fuit, celebrior quoque quam dies fuerat nuptiarum.
The most joyous plaudits and auspicious words from all the throng resounded all about; and the day was the most renowned that ever was for its great joy and sorrow, – more renowned, even, than the day of her nuptials had been.
Chaucer:
Thus hath this pitous day a blisful ende,
For every man and womman dooth his myght
This day in murthe and revel to dispende,
Til on the welkne shoon the sterres lyght.
For moore solempne in every mannes syght
This feste was, and gretter of costage,
Than was the revel of hire mariage.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
E quivi fattasi co' figliuoli maravigliosa festa, essendo ogni uomo lietissimo di questa cosa, il sollazzo e 'l festeggiar multiplicarono e in piú giorni tirarono; e savissimo reputaron Gualtieri, come che troppo reputassero agre e intollerabili l'esperienze prese della sua donna, e sopra tutti savissima tenner Griselda.
Wondrous was the cheer which there they made with the children; and, all overjoyed at the event, they revelled and made merry amain, and prolonged the festivities for several days; and very discreet they pronounced Gualtieri, albeit they censured as intolerably harsh the probation to which he had subjected Griselda, and most discreet beyond all compare they accounted Griselda.
Petrarch:
plaususque letissimus et fausta omnium verba circumsonant, multoque cum gaudio et fletu ille dies celeberrimus fuit, celebrior quoque quam dies fuerat nuptiarum.
The most joyous plaudits and auspicious words from all the throng resounded all about; and the day was the most renowned that ever was for its great joy and sorrow, – more renowned, even, than the day of her nuptials had been.
Chaucer:
Thus hath this pitous day a blisful ende,
For every man and womman dooth his myght
This day in murthe and revel to dispende,
Til on the welkne shoon the sterres lyght.
For moore solempne in every mannes syght
This feste was, and gretter of costage,
Than was the revel of hire mariage.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 152
Boccaccio:
Le donne lietissime, levate dalle tavole, con Griselda n'andarono in camera e con migliore agurio trattile i suoi pannicelli d'una nobile roba delle sue la rivestirono; e come donna, la quale ella eziandio negli stracci pareva, nella sala la rimenarono.
Whereat the ladies, transported with delight, rose from table and betook them with Griselda to a chamber, and, with better omen, divested her of her sorry garb, and arrayed her in one of her own robes of state; and so, in guise of a lady (howbeit in her rags she had shewed as no less) they led her back into the hall.
Petrarch:
Raptimque matrone alacres ac faventes circumfuse, vilibus exutam suis, solitis vestibus induunt exornantque;
And straightway the ladies gathered about her with alacrity and affection; and when her vile apparel had been stripped off her, they clothed her in her accustomed garments and adorned her.
Chaucer:
Thise ladyes, whan that they hir tyme say,
Han taken hir and into chambre gon,
And strepen hire out of hir rude array
And in a clooth of gold that brighte shoon,
With a coroune of many a riche stoon
Upon hir heed, they into halle hir broghte,
And ther she was honured as hire oghte.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Le donne lietissime, levate dalle tavole, con Griselda n'andarono in camera e con migliore agurio trattile i suoi pannicelli d'una nobile roba delle sue la rivestirono; e come donna, la quale ella eziandio negli stracci pareva, nella sala la rimenarono.
Whereat the ladies, transported with delight, rose from table and betook them with Griselda to a chamber, and, with better omen, divested her of her sorry garb, and arrayed her in one of her own robes of state; and so, in guise of a lady (howbeit in her rags she had shewed as no less) they led her back into the hall.
Petrarch:
Raptimque matrone alacres ac faventes circumfuse, vilibus exutam suis, solitis vestibus induunt exornantque;
And straightway the ladies gathered about her with alacrity and affection; and when her vile apparel had been stripped off her, they clothed her in her accustomed garments and adorned her.
Chaucer:
Thise ladyes, whan that they hir tyme say,
Han taken hir and into chambre gon,
And strepen hire out of hir rude array
And in a clooth of gold that brighte shoon,
With a coroune of many a riche stoon
Upon hir heed, they into halle hir broghte,
And ther she was honured as hire oghte.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 147
Boccaccio:
E cosí detto l'abbracciò e basciò: e con lei insieme, la qual d'allegrezza piagnea, levatosi n'andarono là dove la figliuola tutta stupefatta queste cose ascoltando sedea e, abbracciatala teneramente e il fratello altressí, lei e molti altri che quivi erano sgannarono. [
Which said, he embraced and kissed her; and then, while she wept for joy, they rose and hied them there where sate the daughter, all astonied to hear the news, whom, as also her brother, they tenderly embraced, and explained to them, and many others that stood by, the whole mystery.
Petrarch:
Hec illa audiens, pene gaudio exanimis et pietate amens iocundissimisque cum lacrimis, suorum pignorum in amplexus ruit, fatigatque osculis, pioque gemitu madefacit.
Almost out of her wits for joy and beside herself with maternal love, on hearing these words, Griselda rushed into her children's arms, shedding the most joyous tears. She wearied them with kisses and bedewed them with her loving tears.
Chaucer:
Whan she this herde, aswowne doun she falleth
For pitous joye, and after hir swownynge
She bothe hir yonge children unto hir calleth,
And in hir armes pitously wepynge
Embraceth hem, and tendrely kissynge
Ful lyk a mooder, with hir salte teeres
She bathed bothe hir visage and hir heeres.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
E cosí detto l'abbracciò e basciò: e con lei insieme, la qual d'allegrezza piagnea, levatosi n'andarono là dove la figliuola tutta stupefatta queste cose ascoltando sedea e, abbracciatala teneramente e il fratello altressí, lei e molti altri che quivi erano sgannarono. [
Which said, he embraced and kissed her; and then, while she wept for joy, they rose and hied them there where sate the daughter, all astonied to hear the news, whom, as also her brother, they tenderly embraced, and explained to them, and many others that stood by, the whole mystery.
Petrarch:
Hec illa audiens, pene gaudio exanimis et pietate amens iocundissimisque cum lacrimis, suorum pignorum in amplexus ruit, fatigatque osculis, pioque gemitu madefacit.
Almost out of her wits for joy and beside herself with maternal love, on hearing these words, Griselda rushed into her children's arms, shedding the most joyous tears. She wearied them with kisses and bedewed them with her loving tears.
Chaucer:
Whan she this herde, aswowne doun she falleth
For pitous joye, and after hir swownynge
She bothe hir yonge children unto hir calleth,
And in hir armes pitously wepynge
Embraceth hem, and tendrely kissynge
Ful lyk a mooder, with hir salte teeres
She bathed bothe hir visage and hir heeres.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 146
Boccaccio:
e che coloro li quali me hanno reputato crudele e iniquo e bestiale conoscano che ciò che io faceva a antiveduto fine operava, vogliendoti insegnar d'esser moglie e a loro di saperla tenere, e a me partorire perpetua quiete mentre teco a vivere avessi: il che, quando venni a prender moglie, gran paura ebbi che non m'intervenisse, e per ciò, per prova pigliarne, in quanti modi tu sai ti punsi e trafissi.
and that those, who have deemed me cruel and unjust and insensate, should know that what I did was done of purpose aforethought, for that I was minded to give both thee and them a lesson, that thou mightst learn to be a wife, and they in like manner might learn how to take and keep a wife, and that I might beget me perpetual peace with thee for the rest of my life; whereof being in great fear, when I came to take a wife, lest I should be disappointed, I therefore, to put the matter to the proof, did, and how sorely thou knowest, harass and afflict thee.
Petrarch:
Sciant qui contrarium crediderunt me curiosum atque experientem esse, non impium; probasse coniugem, non damnasse; occultasse filios, non mactasse».
Let all know, who thought the contrary, that I am curious and given to experiments, but am not impious: I have tested my wife, not condemned her; I have hidden my children, not destroyed them."
Chaucer:
And folk that ootherweys han seyd of me,
I warne hem wel that I have doon this deede
For no malice, ne for no crueltee,
But for t'assaye in thee thy wommanheede,
And not to sleen my children - God forbeede! -
But for to kepe hem pryvely and stille,
Til I thy purpos knewe and al thy wille."
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
e che coloro li quali me hanno reputato crudele e iniquo e bestiale conoscano che ciò che io faceva a antiveduto fine operava, vogliendoti insegnar d'esser moglie e a loro di saperla tenere, e a me partorire perpetua quiete mentre teco a vivere avessi: il che, quando venni a prender moglie, gran paura ebbi che non m'intervenisse, e per ciò, per prova pigliarne, in quanti modi tu sai ti punsi e trafissi.
and that those, who have deemed me cruel and unjust and insensate, should know that what I did was done of purpose aforethought, for that I was minded to give both thee and them a lesson, that thou mightst learn to be a wife, and they in like manner might learn how to take and keep a wife, and that I might beget me perpetual peace with thee for the rest of my life; whereof being in great fear, when I came to take a wife, lest I should be disappointed, I therefore, to put the matter to the proof, did, and how sorely thou knowest, harass and afflict thee.
Petrarch:
Sciant qui contrarium crediderunt me curiosum atque experientem esse, non impium; probasse coniugem, non damnasse; occultasse filios, non mactasse».
Let all know, who thought the contrary, that I am curious and given to experiments, but am not impious: I have tested my wife, not condemned her; I have hidden my children, not destroyed them."
Chaucer:
And folk that ootherweys han seyd of me,
I warne hem wel that I have doon this deede
For no malice, ne for no crueltee,
But for t'assaye in thee thy wommanheede,
And not to sleen my children - God forbeede! -
But for to kepe hem pryvely and stille,
Til I thy purpos knewe and al thy wille."
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Stanza 145
Boccaccio:
E però che io mai non mi sono accorto che in parola né in fatto dal mio piacere partita ti sii, parendo a me aver di te quella consolazione che io disiderava, intendo di rendere a te a un'ora ciò che io tra molte ti tolsi e con somma dolcezza le punture ristorare che io ti diedi. E per ciò con lieto animo prendi questa che tu mia sposa credi, e il suo fratello, per tuoi e miei figliuoli: essi sono quegli li quali e tu e molti altri lungamente stimato avete che io crudelmente uccider facessi; e io sono il tuo marito, il quale sopra ogni altra cosa t'amo, credendomi poter dar vanto che niuno altro sia che, sí com'io, si possa di sua moglier contentare.
And since I never knew thee either by deed or by word to deviate from my will, I now, deeming myself to have of thee that assurance of happiness which I desired, am minded to restore to thee at once all that, step by step, I took from thee, and by extremity of joy to compensate the tribulations that I inflicted on thee. Receive, then, this girl, whom thou supposest to be my bride, and her brother, with glad heart, as thy children and mine. These are they, whom by thee and many another it has long been supposed that I did ruthlessly to death, and I am thy husband, that loves thee more dearly than aught else, deeming that other there is none that has the like good cause to be well content with his wife."
Petrarch:
Ista autem quam tu sponsam meam reris, filia tua est; hic qui cognatus meus credebatur, tuus est filius: que divisim perdita videbantur, simul omnia recepisti.
This maiden, whom you think to be my bride, is your daughter; and he, who is thought to be my kinsman, is your son. They whom you believed you had lost, each in turn, you get back both together.
Chaucer:
This is thy doghter which thou hast supposed
To be my wyf; that oother feithfully
Shal be myn heir, as I have ay purposed;
Thou bare hym in thy body trewely.
At Boloigne have I kept hem prively.
Taak hem agayn, for now maystow nat seye
That thou hast lorn noon of thy children tweye.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
E però che io mai non mi sono accorto che in parola né in fatto dal mio piacere partita ti sii, parendo a me aver di te quella consolazione che io disiderava, intendo di rendere a te a un'ora ciò che io tra molte ti tolsi e con somma dolcezza le punture ristorare che io ti diedi. E per ciò con lieto animo prendi questa che tu mia sposa credi, e il suo fratello, per tuoi e miei figliuoli: essi sono quegli li quali e tu e molti altri lungamente stimato avete che io crudelmente uccider facessi; e io sono il tuo marito, il quale sopra ogni altra cosa t'amo, credendomi poter dar vanto che niuno altro sia che, sí com'io, si possa di sua moglier contentare.
And since I never knew thee either by deed or by word to deviate from my will, I now, deeming myself to have of thee that assurance of happiness which I desired, am minded to restore to thee at once all that, step by step, I took from thee, and by extremity of joy to compensate the tribulations that I inflicted on thee. Receive, then, this girl, whom thou supposest to be my bride, and her brother, with glad heart, as thy children and mine. These are they, whom by thee and many another it has long been supposed that I did ruthlessly to death, and I am thy husband, that loves thee more dearly than aught else, deeming that other there is none that has the like good cause to be well content with his wife."
Petrarch:
Ista autem quam tu sponsam meam reris, filia tua est; hic qui cognatus meus credebatur, tuus est filius: que divisim perdita videbantur, simul omnia recepisti.
This maiden, whom you think to be my bride, is your daughter; and he, who is thought to be my kinsman, is your son. They whom you believed you had lost, each in turn, you get back both together.
Chaucer:
This is thy doghter which thou hast supposed
To be my wyf; that oother feithfully
Shal be myn heir, as I have ay purposed;
Thou bare hym in thy body trewely.
At Boloigne have I kept hem prively.
Taak hem agayn, for now maystow nat seye
That thou hast lorn noon of thy children tweye.
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Stanza 144
Boccaccio:
No Analogue
Petrarch:
stupore perfusam et velut e somno turbido experrectam, cupidis ulnis amplectitur et «Tu» ait «tu sola uxor mea es; aliam nec habui, nec habebo.
who stood all overcome with stupor and as if waking from a troubled sleep. "And you," he said, "are my only wife. I have no other, nor ever shall have.
Chaucer:
And she for wonder took of it no keep.
She herde nat, what thyng he to hir seyde.
She ferde as she had stert out of a sleep,
Til she out of hire mazednesse abreyde.
"Grisilde," quod he, "by God that for us deyde,
Thou art my wyf, ne noon oother I have,
Ne nevere hadde, as God my soule save.
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No Analogue
Petrarch:
stupore perfusam et velut e somno turbido experrectam, cupidis ulnis amplectitur et «Tu» ait «tu sola uxor mea es; aliam nec habui, nec habebo.
who stood all overcome with stupor and as if waking from a troubled sleep. "And you," he said, "are my only wife. I have no other, nor ever shall have.
Chaucer:
And she for wonder took of it no keep.
She herde nat, what thyng he to hir seyde.
She ferde as she had stert out of a sleep,
Til she out of hire mazednesse abreyde.
"Grisilde," quod he, "by God that for us deyde,
Thou art my wyf, ne noon oother I have,
Ne nevere hadde, as God my soule save.
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Stanza 143
Boccaccio:
Griselda, tempo è omai che tu senta frutto della tua lunga pazienzia,
"Griselda," said he, "'tis now time that thou see the reward of thy long patience,
Petrarch:
ac ferre diutius non valens, «Satis» inquit «mea Griseldis, cognita et spectata michi fides est tua, nec sub celo aliquem esse puto qui tanta coniugalis amoris experimenta perceperit». Simul hec dicens, caram coniugem leto
Able to bear it no longer, he cried out, "It is enough, my Griselda! Your fidelity to me is made known and proved; nor do I think that under heaven there is another woman who has undergone such trials of her conjugal love." And saying this, with eager arms he embraced his dear wife,
Chaucer:
"This is ynogh Grisilde myn," quod he,
"Be now namoore agast, ne yvele apayed.
I have thy feith and thy benyngnytee
As wel as evere womman was, assayed
In greet estaat, and povreliche arrayed;
Now knowe I, goode wyf, thy stedfastnesse!"
And hire in armes took, and gan hir kesse.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Griselda, tempo è omai che tu senta frutto della tua lunga pazienzia,
"Griselda," said he, "'tis now time that thou see the reward of thy long patience,
Petrarch:
ac ferre diutius non valens, «Satis» inquit «mea Griseldis, cognita et spectata michi fides est tua, nec sub celo aliquem esse puto qui tanta coniugalis amoris experimenta perceperit». Simul hec dicens, caram coniugem leto
Able to bear it no longer, he cried out, "It is enough, my Griselda! Your fidelity to me is made known and proved; nor do I think that under heaven there is another woman who has undergone such trials of her conjugal love." And saying this, with eager arms he embraced his dear wife,
Chaucer:
"This is ynogh Grisilde myn," quod he,
"Be now namoore agast, ne yvele apayed.
I have thy feith and thy benyngnytee
As wel as evere womman was, assayed
In greet estaat, and povreliche arrayed;
Now knowe I, goode wyf, thy stedfastnesse!"
And hire in armes took, and gan hir kesse.
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Stanza 142
Boccaccio:
Gualtieri, veggendo che ella fermamente credeva costei dovere esser sua moglie, né per ciò in alcuna cosa men che ben parlava, la si fece sedere allato e disse:
Marking that she made no doubt but that the girl was to be his wife, and yet spoke never a whit the less sweetly, Gualtieri caused her to sit down beside him, and:
Petrarch:
Talia dicentis alacritatem intuens, atque constantiam totiens tamque acriter offense mulieris examinans, et indignam sortem non sic merite miseratus,
Walter, seeing the cheerfulness with which she spoke, and turning over in his mind the steadfastness of the woman, who had been so often and so bitterly injured, took pity on the unworthy fate that had befallen her so unjustly.
Chaucer:
And whan this Walter saugh hir pacience,
Hir glade chiere, and no malice at al,
And he so ofte had doon to hir offence
And she ay sad and constant as a wal,
Continuynge evere hir innocence overal,
This sturdy markys gan his herte dresse
To rewen upon hir wyfly stedfastnesse.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Gualtieri, veggendo che ella fermamente credeva costei dovere esser sua moglie, né per ciò in alcuna cosa men che ben parlava, la si fece sedere allato e disse:
Marking that she made no doubt but that the girl was to be his wife, and yet spoke never a whit the less sweetly, Gualtieri caused her to sit down beside him, and:
Petrarch:
Talia dicentis alacritatem intuens, atque constantiam totiens tamque acriter offense mulieris examinans, et indignam sortem non sic merite miseratus,
Walter, seeing the cheerfulness with which she spoke, and turning over in his mind the steadfastness of the woman, who had been so often and so bitterly injured, took pity on the unworthy fate that had befallen her so unjustly.
Chaucer:
And whan this Walter saugh hir pacience,
Hir glade chiere, and no malice at al,
And he so ofte had doon to hir offence
And she ay sad and constant as a wal,
Continuynge evere hir innocence overal,
This sturdy markys gan his herte dresse
To rewen upon hir wyfly stedfastnesse.
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Stanza 141
Boccaccio:
ma quanto posso vi priego che quelle punture, le quali all'altra, che vostra fu, già deste, non diate a questa, ché appena che io creda che ella le potesse sostenere, sí perché piú giovane è e sí ancora perché in dilicatezze è allevata, ove colei in continue fatiche da piccolina era stata".
but with all earnestness I entreat you, that you spare her those tribulations which you did once inflict upon another that was yours, for I scarce think she would be able to bear them, as well because she is younger, as for that she has been delicately nurtured, whereas that other had known no respite of hardship since she was but a little child."
Petrarch:
Unum bona fide te precor ac moneo: ne hanc illis aculeis agites quibus alteram agitasti, nam quod et iunior et delicatius enutrita est, pati quantum ego auguror non valeret».
One thing, in all good faith, I beg of you, one warning I give you: not to drive her with the goads with which you have driven another woman. For since she is younger and more delicately nurtured, I predict she would not be strong enough to bear so much."
Chaucer:
O thyng biseke I yow, and warne also
That ye ne prikke with no tormentynge
This tendre mayden, as ye han doon mo;
For she is fostred in hir norissynge
Moore tendrely, and to my supposynge
She koude nat adversitee endure,
As koude a povre fostred creature."
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ma quanto posso vi priego che quelle punture, le quali all'altra, che vostra fu, già deste, non diate a questa, ché appena che io creda che ella le potesse sostenere, sí perché piú giovane è e sí ancora perché in dilicatezze è allevata, ove colei in continue fatiche da piccolina era stata".
but with all earnestness I entreat you, that you spare her those tribulations which you did once inflict upon another that was yours, for I scarce think she would be able to bear them, as well because she is younger, as for that she has been delicately nurtured, whereas that other had known no respite of hardship since she was but a little child."
Petrarch:
Unum bona fide te precor ac moneo: ne hanc illis aculeis agites quibus alteram agitasti, nam quod et iunior et delicatius enutrita est, pati quantum ego auguror non valeret».
One thing, in all good faith, I beg of you, one warning I give you: not to drive her with the goads with which you have driven another woman. For since she is younger and more delicately nurtured, I predict she would not be strong enough to bear so much."
Chaucer:
O thyng biseke I yow, and warne also
That ye ne prikke with no tormentynge
This tendre mayden, as ye han doon mo;
For she is fostred in hir norissynge
Moore tendrely, and to my supposynge
She koude nat adversitee endure,
As koude a povre fostred creature."
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Stanza 140
Boccaccio:
in presenzia d'ogn'uomo sorridendo le disse: "Che ti par della nostra sposa?" "Signor mio,"rispose Griselda"a me ne par molto bene; e se cosí è savia come ella è bella, che 'l credo, io non dubito punto che voi non dobbiate con lei vivere il piú consolato signor del mondo;
he said with a smile: "And what thinkst thou of our bride?" "My lord," replied Griselda, "I think mighty well of her; and if she be but as discreet as she is fair--and so I deem her--I make no doubt but you may reckon to lead with her a life of incomparable felicity;
Petrarch:
clara voce coram omnibus, quasi illudens, «Quid tibi videtur» inquit «de hac mea sponsa? Satis pulcra atque honesta est?». «Plane» ait illa «nec pulcrior ulla nec honestior inveniri potest. Aut cum nulla unquam, aut cum hac tranquillam agere poteris ac felicem vitam; utque ita sit cupio et spero.
and said before them all, as if he were making game of her, "What think you, Griselda, of this bride of mine? Is she pretty and worthy enough?" "Surely," said she, "no prettier or worthier could be found. Either with her or with no one, can you lead a life of tranquillity and happiness; and that you may find happiness is my desire and my hope.
Chaucer:
"Grisilde," quod he, as it were in his pley,
"How liketh thee my wyf and hir beautee?"
"Right wel," quod she, "my lord, for in good fey
A fairer saugh I nevere noon than she.
I prey to God yeve hir prosperitee,
And so hope I that he wol to yow sende
Plesance ynogh unto youre lyves ende.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
in presenzia d'ogn'uomo sorridendo le disse: "Che ti par della nostra sposa?" "Signor mio,"rispose Griselda"a me ne par molto bene; e se cosí è savia come ella è bella, che 'l credo, io non dubito punto che voi non dobbiate con lei vivere il piú consolato signor del mondo;
he said with a smile: "And what thinkst thou of our bride?" "My lord," replied Griselda, "I think mighty well of her; and if she be but as discreet as she is fair--and so I deem her--I make no doubt but you may reckon to lead with her a life of incomparable felicity;
Petrarch:
clara voce coram omnibus, quasi illudens, «Quid tibi videtur» inquit «de hac mea sponsa? Satis pulcra atque honesta est?». «Plane» ait illa «nec pulcrior ulla nec honestior inveniri potest. Aut cum nulla unquam, aut cum hac tranquillam agere poteris ac felicem vitam; utque ita sit cupio et spero.
and said before them all, as if he were making game of her, "What think you, Griselda, of this bride of mine? Is she pretty and worthy enough?" "Surely," said she, "no prettier or worthier could be found. Either with her or with no one, can you lead a life of tranquillity and happiness; and that you may find happiness is my desire and my hope.
Chaucer:
"Grisilde," quod he, as it were in his pley,
"How liketh thee my wyf and hir beautee?"
"Right wel," quod she, "my lord, for in good fey
A fairer saugh I nevere noon than she.
I prey to God yeve hir prosperitee,
And so hope I that he wol to yow sende
Plesance ynogh unto youre lyves ende.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 139
Boccaccio:
ma intra gli altri Griselda la lodava molto, e lei e il suo fratellino. Gualtieri, al qual pareva pienamente aver veduto quantunque disiderava della pazienza della sua donna, veggendo che di niente la novità delle cose la cambiava e essendo certo ciò per mentecattaggine non avvenire, per ciò che savia molto la conoscea, gli parve tempo di doverla trarre dell'amaritudine la quale estimava che ella sotto il forte viso nascosa tenesse; per che, fattalasi venire,
and Griselda joined with the rest in greatly commending her, and also her little brother. And now Gualtieri, sated at last with all that he had seen of his wife's patience, marking that this new and strange turn made not the least alteration in her demeanour, and being well assured that 'twas not due to apathy, for he knew her to be of excellent understanding, deemed it time to relieve her of the suffering which he judged her to dissemble under a resolute front; and so, having called her to him in presence of them all,
Petrarch:
atque ipsa in primis puelle pariter atque infantis laudibus satiari nullo modo posset, sed vicissim modo virgineam, modo infantilem elegantiam predicaret. Valterius, eo ipso in tempore quo assidendum mensis erat in eam versus,
She, in her turn, could not grow weary of praising the maiden and the boy: now she extolled the maiden's beauty, now the boy's. Just as they were to sit down at the tables, Walter turned toward her
Chaucer:
In al this meenewhile she ne stente
This mayde and eek hir brother to commende
With al hir herte, in ful benyngne entente,
So wel that no man koude hir pris amende
But atte laste, whan that thise lordes wende
To sitten doun to mete, he gan to calle
Grisilde, as she was bisy in his halle.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
ma intra gli altri Griselda la lodava molto, e lei e il suo fratellino. Gualtieri, al qual pareva pienamente aver veduto quantunque disiderava della pazienza della sua donna, veggendo che di niente la novità delle cose la cambiava e essendo certo ciò per mentecattaggine non avvenire, per ciò che savia molto la conoscea, gli parve tempo di doverla trarre dell'amaritudine la quale estimava che ella sotto il forte viso nascosa tenesse; per che, fattalasi venire,
and Griselda joined with the rest in greatly commending her, and also her little brother. And now Gualtieri, sated at last with all that he had seen of his wife's patience, marking that this new and strange turn made not the least alteration in her demeanour, and being well assured that 'twas not due to apathy, for he knew her to be of excellent understanding, deemed it time to relieve her of the suffering which he judged her to dissemble under a resolute front; and so, having called her to him in presence of them all,
Petrarch:
atque ipsa in primis puelle pariter atque infantis laudibus satiari nullo modo posset, sed vicissim modo virgineam, modo infantilem elegantiam predicaret. Valterius, eo ipso in tempore quo assidendum mensis erat in eam versus,
She, in her turn, could not grow weary of praising the maiden and the boy: now she extolled the maiden's beauty, now the boy's. Just as they were to sit down at the tables, Walter turned toward her
Chaucer:
In al this meenewhile she ne stente
This mayde and eek hir brother to commende
With al hir herte, in ful benyngne entente,
So wel that no man koude hir pris amende
But atte laste, whan that thise lordes wende
To sitten doun to mete, he gan to calle
Grisilde, as she was bisy in his halle.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 138
Boccaccio:
dicendo: "Ben venga la mia donna". Le donne, che molto avevano, ma invano, pregato Gualtieri che o facesse che la Griselda si stesse in una camera o che egli alcuna delle robe che sue erano state le prestasse, acciò che cosí non andasse davanti a' suoi forestieri, furon messe a tavola e cominciate a servire.
saying with hearty cheer: "Welcome, my lady." So the ladies, who had with much instance, but in vain, besought Gualtieri, either to let Griselda keep in another room, or at any rate to furnish her with one of the robes that had been hers, that she might not present herself in such a sorry guise before the strangers, sate down to table; and the service being begun,
Petrarch:
«Bene venerit domina mea» inquit. Dehinc ceteros dum convivas leta facie et verborum mira suavitate susciperet, et immensam domum multa arte disponeret, ita ut omnes et presertim advene unde ea maiestas morum atque ea prudentia sub tali habitu vehementissime mirarentur,
Bending the knee before her, after the manner of servants, with eyes cast reverently and humbly down, she said, "Welcome, my lady." Then she greeted others of the guests with cheerful face and marvelous sweetness in her words, and she managed the vast household with great skill; so that everyone greatly wondered – especially the newcomers – whence came that dignity of manner and that discretion beneath such a dress.
Chaucer:
With so glad chiere hise gestes she receyveth,
And konnyngly everich in his degree,
That no defaute no man aperceyveth,
But ay they wondren what she myghte bee
That in so povre array was for to see,
And koude swich honour and reverence;
And worthily they preisen hire prudence.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
dicendo: "Ben venga la mia donna". Le donne, che molto avevano, ma invano, pregato Gualtieri che o facesse che la Griselda si stesse in una camera o che egli alcuna delle robe che sue erano state le prestasse, acciò che cosí non andasse davanti a' suoi forestieri, furon messe a tavola e cominciate a servire.
saying with hearty cheer: "Welcome, my lady." So the ladies, who had with much instance, but in vain, besought Gualtieri, either to let Griselda keep in another room, or at any rate to furnish her with one of the robes that had been hers, that she might not present herself in such a sorry guise before the strangers, sate down to table; and the service being begun,
Petrarch:
«Bene venerit domina mea» inquit. Dehinc ceteros dum convivas leta facie et verborum mira suavitate susciperet, et immensam domum multa arte disponeret, ita ut omnes et presertim advene unde ea maiestas morum atque ea prudentia sub tali habitu vehementissime mirarentur,
Bending the knee before her, after the manner of servants, with eyes cast reverently and humbly down, she said, "Welcome, my lady." Then she greeted others of the guests with cheerful face and marvelous sweetness in her words, and she managed the vast household with great skill; so that everyone greatly wondered – especially the newcomers – whence came that dignity of manner and that discretion beneath such a dress.
Chaucer:
With so glad chiere hise gestes she receyveth,
And konnyngly everich in his degree,
That no defaute no man aperceyveth,
But ay they wondren what she myghte bee
That in so povre array was for to see,
And koude swich honour and reverence;
And worthily they preisen hire prudence.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
Stanza 137
Boccaccio:
La quale dalle donne ricevuta e nella sala dove erano messe le tavole venuta, Griselda, cosí come era, le si fece lietamente incontro
Who, being received by the ladies, was no sooner come into the hall, where the tables were set, than Griselda advanced to meet her,
Petrarch:
Sic fervente convivii apparatu, ubique presens omniumque solicita Griseldis, nec tanto casu deiecta animo nec obsolete vestis pudore confusa, sed sereno vultu intranti obvia puelle,
So, while the preparations for the feast went feverishly on, Griselda, who had been present everywhere and solicitous of all – not cast down by so grievous a lot nor confused with shame for her old-fashioned clothing, but serene of countenance – came to meet the maiden as she entered.
Chaucer:
Ful bisy was Grisilde in every thyng
That to the feeste was apertinent.
Right noght was she abayst of hir clothyng,
Thogh it were rude and somdeel eek torent,
But with glad cheere to the yate is went
With oother folk to greete the markysesse,
And after that dooth forth hir bisynesse.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
La quale dalle donne ricevuta e nella sala dove erano messe le tavole venuta, Griselda, cosí come era, le si fece lietamente incontro
Who, being received by the ladies, was no sooner come into the hall, where the tables were set, than Griselda advanced to meet her,
Petrarch:
Sic fervente convivii apparatu, ubique presens omniumque solicita Griseldis, nec tanto casu deiecta animo nec obsolete vestis pudore confusa, sed sereno vultu intranti obvia puelle,
So, while the preparations for the feast went feverishly on, Griselda, who had been present everywhere and solicitous of all – not cast down by so grievous a lot nor confused with shame for her old-fashioned clothing, but serene of countenance – came to meet the maiden as she entered.
Chaucer:
Ful bisy was Grisilde in every thyng
That to the feeste was apertinent.
Right noght was she abayst of hir clothyng,
Thogh it were rude and somdeel eek torent,
But with glad cheere to the yate is went
With oother folk to greete the markysesse,
And after that dooth forth hir bisynesse.
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Stanza 134
Boccaccio:
No Analogue
Petrarch:
quod et sponsa hec tenerior esset et nobilior, et cognatus tam speciosus accederet.
since this bride was more delicate and of nobler breeding, and had so fine a kinsman into the bargain.
Chaucer:
"For she is fairer," as they deemen alle,
"Than is Grisilde, and moore tendre of age,
And fairer fruyt bitwene hem sholde falle,
And moore plesant for hir heigh lynage."
Hir brother eek so faire was of visage,
That hem to seen the peple hath caught plesaunce,
Commendynge now the markys governaunce.
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No Analogue
Petrarch:
quod et sponsa hec tenerior esset et nobilior, et cognatus tam speciosus accederet.
since this bride was more delicate and of nobler breeding, and had so fine a kinsman into the bargain.
Chaucer:
"For she is fairer," as they deemen alle,
"Than is Grisilde, and moore tendre of age,
And fairer fruyt bitwene hem sholde falle,
And moore plesant for hir heigh lynage."
Hir brother eek so faire was of visage,
That hem to seen the peple hath caught plesaunce,
Commendynge now the markys governaunce.
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Stanza 133
Boccaccio:
La fanciulla era guardata da ogn'uomo, e ciascun diceva che Gualtieri aveva fatto buon cambio;
the eyes of all were set on the girl, and every one said that Gualtieri had made a good exchange,
Petrarch:
Proxime lucis hora tertia, comes supervenerat; certatimque omnes et puelle et germani infantis mores ac pulcritudinem mirabantur. Erantque qui dicerent prudenter Valterium ac feliciter permutasse,
At the third hour of the next day, the count arrived; and all the people vied in commending the manners and the beauty of the maiden and her youthful brother. There were those who said that Walter had been fortunate and prudent in the change he made,
Chaucer:
Abouten undren gan this Erl alighte,
That with hym broghte thise noble children tweye,
For which the peple ran to seen the sighte
Of hire array, so richely biseye;
And thanne at erst amonges hem they seye,
That Walter was no fool, thogh that hym leste
To chaunge his wyf, for it was for the beste.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
La fanciulla era guardata da ogn'uomo, e ciascun diceva che Gualtieri aveva fatto buon cambio;
the eyes of all were set on the girl, and every one said that Gualtieri had made a good exchange,
Petrarch:
Proxime lucis hora tertia, comes supervenerat; certatimque omnes et puelle et germani infantis mores ac pulcritudinem mirabantur. Erantque qui dicerent prudenter Valterium ac feliciter permutasse,
At the third hour of the next day, the count arrived; and all the people vied in commending the manners and the beauty of the maiden and her youthful brother. There were those who said that Walter had been fortunate and prudent in the change he made,
Chaucer:
Abouten undren gan this Erl alighte,
That with hym broghte thise noble children tweye,
For which the peple ran to seen the sighte
Of hire array, so richely biseye;
And thanne at erst amonges hem they seye,
That Walter was no fool, thogh that hym leste
To chaunge his wyf, for it was for the beste.
(close this window to return to the Clerk's Tale.)
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