| Miguel de Cervantes Saaveddra |
La señora Cornelia | The Lady Cornelia |
| Don Antonio de Isunza y don Juan de Gamboa, caballeros principales, de una edad,(1) muy discretos y grandes amigos, siendo estudiantes en Salamanca, determinaron de dejar sus estudios por irse a Flandes, llevados del hervor de la sangre moza y del deseo, como decirse suele, de ver mundo, y por parecerles que el ejercicio de las armas, aunque arma y dice bien a todos, principalmente asienta y dice mejor en los bien nacidos y de ilustre sangre. | Don Antonio de Isunza and Don Juan de Gamboa, gentlemen of high birth and excellent sense, both of the same age, and very intimate friends, being students together at Salamanca, determined to abandon their studies and proceed to Flanders. To this resolution they were incited by the fervour of youth, their desire to see the world, and their conviction that the profession of arms, so becoming to all, is more particularly suitable to men of illustrious race. |
| Llegaron, pues, a Flandes a tiempo que estaban las cosas en paz, o en conciertos y tratos de tenerla presto. Recibieron en Amberes cartas de sus padres, donde les escribieron el grande enojo que habían recebido por haber dejado sus estudios sin avisárselo, para que hubieran venido con la comodidad que pedía el ser quien eran. Finalmente, conociendo la pesadumbre de sus padres, acordaron de volverse a España, pues no había qué hacer en Flandes; pero, antes de volverse, quisieron ver todas las más famosas ciudades de Italia; y, habiéndolas visto todas, pararon en Bolonia, y, admirados de los estudios de aquella insigne universidad,(2) quisieron en ella proseguir los suyos. Dieron noticia de su intento a sus padres, de que se holgaron infinito, y lo mostraron con proveerles magníficamente y de modo que mostrasen en su tratamiento quién eran y qué padres tenían; y, desde el primero día que salieron a las escuelas,(3) fueron conocidos de todos por caballeros, galanes, discretos y bien criados. | But they did not reach Flanders until peace was restored, or at least on the point of being concluded; and at Antwerp they received letters from their parents, wherein the latter expressed the great displeasure caused them by their sons having left their studies without informing them of their intention, which if they had done, the proper measures might have been taken for their making the journey in a manner befitting their birth and station. Unwilling to give further dissatisfaction to their parents, the young men resolved to return to Spain, the rather as there was now nothing to be done in Flanders. But before doing so they determined to visit all the most renowned cities of Italy; and having seen the greater part of them, they were so much attracted by the noble university of Bologna, that they resolved to remain there and complete the studies abandoned at Salamanca. They imparted their intentions to their parents, who testified their entire approbation by the magnificence with which they provided their sons with every thing proper to their rank, to the end that, in their manner of living, they might show who they were, and of what house they were born. From the first day, therefore, that the young men visited the schools, all perceived them to be gallant, sensible, and well-bred gentlemen. |
| Tendría don Antonio hasta veinte y cuatro años, y don Juan no pasaba de veinte y seis. Y adornaban esta buena edad con ser muy gentileshombres, músicos, poetas, diestros y valientes: partes que los hacían amables y bien queridos de cuantos los comunicaban. | Don Antonio was at this time in his twenty-fourth year, and Don Juan had not passed his twenty-sixth. This fair period of life they adorned by various good qualities; they were handsome, brave, of good address, and well versed in music and poetry; in a word, they were endowed with such advantages as caused them to be much sought and greatly beloved by all who knew them. |
| Tuvieron luego muchos amigos, así estudiantes españoles, de los muchos que en aquella universidad cursaban, como de los mismos de la ciudad y de los estranjeros. Mostrábanse con todos liberales y comedidos, y muy ajenos de la arrogancia que dicen que suelen tener los españoles.(4) Y, como eran mozos y alegres, no se desgustaban de tener noticia de las hermosas de la ciudad; y, aunque había muchas señoras, doncellas y casadas, con gran fama de ser honestas y hermosas, a todas se aventajaba la señora Cornelia Bentibolli, de la antigua y generosa familia de los Bentibollis,(5) que un tiempo fueron señores de Bolonia. | They soon had numerous friends, not only among the many Spaniards belonging to the university,[1] but also among people of the city, and of other nations, to all of whom they proved themselves courteous, liberal, and wholly free from that arrogance which is said to be too often exhibited by Spaniards. Being young, and of joyous temperament, Don Juan and Don Antonio did not fail to give their attention to the beauties of the city. Many there were indeed in Bologna, both married and unmarried, remarkable as well for their virtues as their charms; but among them all there was none who surpassed the Signora Cornelia Bentivoglia, of that old and illustrious family of the Bentivogli, who were at one time lords of Bologna. |
| Era Cornelia hermosísima en estremo, y estaba debajo de la guarda y amparo de Lorenzo Bentibolli, su hermano, honradísimo y valiente caballero, huérfanos de padre y madre; que, aunque los dejaron solos, los dejaron ricos, y la riqueza es grande alivio de orfanidad.(6) | Cornelia was beautiful to a marvel; she had been left under the guardianship of her brother Lorenzo Bentivoglio, a brave and honourable gentleman. They were orphans, but inheritors of considerable wealth—and wealth is a great alleviation of the evils of the orphan state. |
| Era el recato de Cornelia tanto, y la solicitud de su hermano tanta en guardarla, que ni ella se dejaba ver ni su hermano consentía que la viesen. Esta fama traían(7) deseosos a don Juan y a don Antonio de verla, aunque fuera en la iglesia; pero el trabajo que en ello pusieron fue en balde, y el deseo, por la imposibilidad, cuchillo de la esperanza, fue menguando. Y así, con sólo el amor de sus estudios y el entretenimiento de algunas honestas moc[e]dades, pasaban una vida tan alegre como honrada. Pocas veces salían de noche, y si salían, iban juntos y bien armados. | Cornelia lived in complete seclusion, and her brother guarded her with unwearied solicitude. The lady neither showed herself on any occasion, nor would her brother consent that any one should see her; but this very fact inspired Don Juan and Don Antonio with the most lively desire to behold her face, were it only at church. Yet all the pains they took for that purpose proved vain, and the wishes they had felt on the subject gradually diminished, as the attempt appeared more and more hopeless. Thus, devoted to their studies, and varying these with such amusements as are permitted to their age, the young men passed a life as cheerful as it was honourable, rarely going out at night, but when they did so, it was always together and well armed. |
| Sucedió, pues, que, habiendo de salir una noche, dijo don Antonio a don Juan que él se quería quedar a rezar ciertas devociones; que se fuese, que luego le seguiría. | One evening, however, when Don Juan was preparing to go out, Don Antonio expressed his desire to remain at home for a short time, to repeat certain orisons: but he requested Don Juan to go without him, and promised to follow him. |
| No hay para qué dijo don Juan, que yo os aguardaré, y si no saliéremos esta noche, importa poco. | "Why should I go out to wait for you?" said Don Juan. "I will stay; if you do not go out at all to-night, it will be of very little consequence." |
| No, por vida vuestra replicó don Antonio: salid a coger el aire, que yo seré luego con vos, si es que vais por donde solemos ir. | "By no means shall you stay," returned Don Antonio: "go and take the air; I will be with you almost immediately, if you take the usual way." |
| Haced vuestro gusto dijo don Juan: quedaos en buena hora; y si saliéredes, las mismas estaciones andaré(8) esta noche que las pasadas. | "Well, do as you please," said Don Juan: "if you come you will find me on our usual beat." With these words Don Juan left the house. |
| Fuese don Juan y quedóse don Antonio. Era la noche entre escura,(9) y la hora, las once; y, habiendo andado dos o tres calles, y viéndose solo y que no tenía con quién hablar, determinó volverse a casa; y, poniéndolo en efeto, al pasar por una calle que tenía portales sustentados en mármoles oyó que de una puerta le ceceaban.(10) La escuridad de la noche y la que causaban los portales no le dejaban atinar al ceceo. Detúvose un poco, estuvo atento, y vio entreabrir una puerta; llegóse a ella y oyó una voz baja que dijo: | The night was dark, and the hour about eleven. Don Juan passed through two or three streets, but finding himself alone, and with no one to speak to, he determined to return home. He began to retrace his steps accordingly; and was passing through a street, the houses of which had marble porticoes, when he heard some one call out, "Hist! hist!" from one of the doors. The darkness of the night, and the shadow cast by the colonnade, did not permit him to see the whisperer; but he stopped at once, and listened attentively. He saw a door partially opened, approached it, and heard these words uttered in a low voice, |
| ¿Sois por ventura Fabio? | "Is it you, Fabio?" |
| Don Juan, por sí o por no,(11) respondió: | Don Juan, on the spur of the moment, replied, |
| Sí. | "Yes!" |
| Pues tomad respondieron de dentro; y ponedlo en cobro(12) y volved luego, que importa. | "Take it, then," returned the voice, "take it, and place it in security; but return instantly, for the matter presses." |
| Alargó la mano don Juan, y topó un bulto, y queriéndolo tomar, vió que era menester las dos manos, y asi le hubo de asir con entrambas; y, apenas se le dejáron en ellas, cuando le cerráron la puerta, y él se halló cargado en la calle y sin saber de que. Pero casi luego comenzó á llorar una criatura, al parecer recien nacida, a cuyo lloro quedó don Juan confuso y suspenso, sin saber que hacerse ni que corte dar en aquel caso; porque, en volver á llamar á la puerta, le pareció que podia correr peligro aquella cuya era la criatura, y en dejarla allí, la criatura misma; pues el llevarla á su casa, no tenia en ella quien la remediase, ni él conocía en toda la ciudad persona adonde poder llevarla: pero, viendo que le habian dicho que la pusiese en cobro, y que volviese luego, determinó de traerla á su casa, y dejarla en poder de una ama que les servía, y volver luego á ver si era menester su favor en alguna cosa, puesto que bien habia visto que le habian tenido por otro, y que habia sido error darle á él la criatura. | Don Juan put out his hand in the dark, and encountered a packet. Proceeding to take hold of it, he found that it required both hands; instinctively he extended the second, but had scarcely done so before the portal was closed, and he found himself again alone in the street, loaded with, he knew not what. Presently the cry of an infant, and, as it seemed, but newly born, smote his ears, filling him with confusion and amazement, for he knew not what next to do, or how to proceed in so strange a case. If he knocked at the door he was almost certain to endanger the mother of the infant; and if he left his burthen there, he must imperil the life of the babe itself. But if he took it home he should as little know what to do with it, nor was he acquainted with any one in the city to whom he could entrust the care of the child; yet remembering that he had been required to come back quickly, after placing his charge in safety, he determined to take the infant home, leave it in the hands of his old housekeeper, and return to see if his aid was needed in any way, since he perceived clearly that the person who had been expected to come for the child had not arrived, and the latter had been given to himself in mistake. With this determination, |
| Finalmente sin hacer mas discursos se vino á casa con ella á tiempo que ya don Antonio no estaba en ella: entróse en un aposento, y llamó al ama, descubrió la criatura, y vió que era la mas hermosa, que jamas hubiese visto: los paños en que venia envuelta, mostraban ser de ricos padres nacida, desenvolvióla el ama, y halláron que era varón. | Don Juan soon reached his home; but found that Antonio had already left it. He then went to his chamber, and calling the housekeeper, uncovered the infant, which was one of the most beautiful ever seen; whilst, as the good woman remarked, the elegance of the clothes in which the little creature was wrapped, proved him—for it was a boy—to be the son of rich parents. |
| -Menester es -dijo don Juan- dar de mamar a este niño, y ha de ser desta manera: que vos, ama, le habéis de quitar estas ricas mantillas y ponerle otras más humildes, y, sin decir que yo le he traído, la habéis de llevar en casa de una partera, que las tales siempre suelen dar recado y remedio a semejantes necesidades. Llevaréis dineros con que la dejéis satisfecha y daréisle los padres que quisiéredes, para encubrir la verdad de haberlo yo traído. | "You must, now," said Don Juan to his housekeeper, "find some one to nurse this infant; but first of all take away these rich coverings, and put on him others of the plainest kind. Having done that, you must carry the babe, without a moment′s delay, to the house of a midwife, for there it is that you will be most likely to find all that is requisite in such a case. Take money to pay what may be needful, and give the child such parents as you please, for I desire to hide the truth, and not let the manner in which I became possessed of it be known." |
| Respondió el ama que así lo haría, y don Juan, con la priesa que pudo, volvió a ver si le ceceaban otra vez; pero, un poco antes que llegase a la casa adonde le habían llamado, oyó gran ruido de espadas, como de mucha gente que se acuchillaba. Estuvo atento y no sintió palabra alguna; la herrería era a la sorda, y, a la luz de las centellas que las piedras heridas de las espadas levantaban, casi pudo ver que eran muchos los que a uno solo acometían, y confirmóse en esta verdad oyendo decir: | The woman promised that she would obey him in every point; and Don Juan returned in all haste to the street, to see whether he should receive another mysterious call. But just before he arrived at the house whence the infant had been delivered to him, the clash of swords struck his ear, the sound being as that of several persons engaged in strife. He listened carefully, but could hear no word; the combat was carried on in total silence; but the sparks cast up by the swords as they struck against the stones, enabled him to perceive that one man was defending himself against several assailants; and he was confirmed in this belief by an exclamation which proceeded at length from the last person attacked. |
| -¡Ah traidores, que sois muchos, y yo solo! Pero con todo eso no os ha de valer vuestra superchería. | "Ah, traitors! you are many and I am but one, yet your baseness shall not avail you." |
| Oyendo y viendo lo cual don Juan, llevado de su valeroso corazón, en dos brincos se puso al lado, y, metiendo mano a la espada y a un broquel que llevaba, dijo al que defendía, en lengua italiana, por no ser conocido por español: | Hearing and seeing this, Don Juan, listening only to the impulses of his brave heart, sprang to the side of the person assailed, and opposing the buckler he carried on his arm to the swords of the adversaries, drew his own, and speaking in Italian that he might not be known as a Spaniard, he said: |
| -No temáis, que socorro os ha venido que no os faltará hasta perder la vida; menead los puños, que traidores pueden poco, aunque sean muchos. | "Fear not, Signor, help has arrived that will not fail you while life holds; lay on well, for traitors are worth but little however many there may be." |
| A estas razones respondió uno de los contrarios: | To this, one of the assailants made answer— |
| -Mientes, que aquí no hay ningún traidor; que el querer cobrar la honra perdida, a toda demasía da licencia. | "You lie; there are no traitors here. He who seeks to recover his lost honour is no traitor, and is permitted to avail himself of every advantage." |
| No le habló más palabras, porque no les daba lugar a ello la priesa que se daban a herirse los enemigos, que al parecer de don Juan debían de ser seis. Apretaron tanto a su compañero, que de dos estocadas que le dieron a un tiempo en los pechos dieron con él en tierra. Don Juan creyó que le habían muerto, y, con ligereza y valor estraño, se puso delante de todos y los hizo arredrar a fuerza de una lluvia de cuchilladas y estocadas. Pero no fuera bastante su diligencia para ofender y defenderse, si no le ayudara la buena suerte con hacer que los vecinos de la calle sacasen lumbres a las ventanas y a grandes voces llamasen a la justicia: lo cual visto por los contrarios, dejaron la calle, y, a espaldas vueltas, se ausentaron. | No more was said on either side, for the impetuosity of the assailants, who, as Don Juan thought, amounted to not less than six, left no opportunity for further words. They pressed his companion, meanwhile, very closely; and two of them giving him each a thrust at the same time with the point of their swords, he fell to the earth. Don Juan believed they had killed him; he threw himself upon the adversaries, nevertheless, and with a shower of cuts and thrusts, dealt with extraordinary rapidity, caused them to give way for several paces. But all his efforts must needs have been vain for the defence of the fallen man, had not Fortune aided him, by making the neighbours come with lights to their windows and shout for the watch, whereupon the assailants ran off and left the street clear. |
| Ya en esto, se había levantado el caído, porque las estocadas hallaron un peto como de diamante en que toparon. Habíasele caído a don Juan el sombrero en la refriega, y buscándole, halló otro que se puso acaso, sin mirar si era el suyo o no. | The fallen man was meanwhile beginning to move; for the strokes he had received, having encountered a breastplate as hard as adamant, had only stunned, but not wounded him. Now, Don Juan′s hat had been knocked off in the fray, and thinking he had picked it up, he had in fact put on that of another person, without perceiving it to be other than his own. |
| El caído se llegó a él y le dijo: | The gentleman whom he had assisted now approached Don Juan, and accosted him as follows:— |
| -Señor caballero, quienquiera que seáis, yo confieso que os debo la vida que tengo, la cual, con lo que valgo y puedo, gastaré a vuestro servicio. Hacedme merced de decirme quién sois y vuestro nombre, para que yo sepa a quién tengo de mostrarme agradecido. A lo cual respondió don Juan: | "Signor Cavalier, whoever you may be, I confess that I owe you my life, and I am bound to employ it, with all I have or can command, in your service: do me the favour to tell me who you are, that I may know to whom my gratitude is due." |
| -No quiero ser descortés, ya que soy desinteresado. Por hacer, señor, lo que me pedís, y por daros gusto solamente, os digo que soy un caballero español y estudiante en esta ciudad; si el nombre os importara saberlo, os le dijera; mas, por si acaso os quisiéredes servir de mí en otra cosa, sabed que me llamo don Juan de Gamboa. | "Signor," replied Don Juan, "that I may not seem discourteous, and in compliance with your request, although I am wholly disinterested in what I have done, you shall know that I am a Spanish gentleman, and a student in this city; if you desire to hear my name I will tell you, rather lest you should have some future occasion for my services than for any other motive, that I am called Don Juan de Gamboa." |
| -Mucha merced me habéis hecho -respondió el caído-; pero yo, señor don Juan de Gamboa, no quiero deciros quién soy ni mi nombre, porque he de gustar mucho de que lo sepáis de otro que de mí, y yo tendré cuidado de que os hagan sabidor dello. | "You have done me a singular service, Signor Don Juan de Gamboa," replied the gentleman who had fallen, "but I will not tell you who I am, nor my name, which I desire that you should learn from others rather than from myself; yet I will take care that you be soon informed respecting these things." |
| Habíale preguntado primero don Juan si estaba herido, porque le había visto dar dos grandes estocadas, y habíale respondido que un famoso peto que traía puesto, después de Dios, le había defendido; pero que, con todo eso, sus enemigos le acabaran si él no se hallara a su lado. En esto, vieron venir hacia ellos un bulto de gente, y don Juan dijo: | Don Juan then inquired of the stranger if he were wounded, observing, that he had seen him receive two furious lunges in the breast; but the other replied that he was unhurt; adding, that next to God, a famous plastron that he wore had defended him against the blows he had received, though his enemies would certainly have finished him had Don Juan not come to his aid. While thus discoursing, they beheld a body of men advancing towards them; and Don Juan exclaimed— |
| -Si éstos son los enemigos que vuelven, apercebíos, señor, y haced como quien sois. | "If these are enemies, Signor, let us hasten to put ourselves on our guard, and use our hands as men of our condition should do." |
| -A lo que yo creo, no son enemigos, sino amigos los que aquí vienen. | "They are not enemies, so far as I can judge," replied the stranger. "The men who are now coming towards us are friends." |
| Y así fue la verdad, porque los que llegaron, que fueron ocho hombres, rodearon al caído y hablaron con él pocas palabras, pero tan calladas y secretas que don Juan no las pudo oír. Volvió luego el defendido a don Juan y díjole: | And this was the truth; the persons approaching, of whom there were eight, surrounded the unknown cavalier, with whom they exchanged a few words, but in so low a tone that Don Juan could not hear the purport. The gentleman then turned to Don Juan and said— |
| -A no haber venido estos amigos, en ninguna manera, señor don Juan, os dejara hasta que acabárades de ponerme en salvo; pero ahora os suplico con todo encarecimiento que os vais y me dejéis, que me importa. | "If these friends had not arrived I should certainly not have left your company, Signor Don Juan, until you had seen me in some place of safety; but as things are, I beg you now, with all kindness, to retire and leave me in this place, where it is of great importance that I should remain." |
| Hablando esto, se tentó la cabeza y vio que estaba sin sombrero, y, volviéndose a los que habían venido, pidió que le diesen un sombrero, que se le había caído el suyo. Apenas lo hubo dicho, cuando don Juan le puso el que había hallado en la cabeza. Tentóle el caído y, volviéndosele a don Juan, dijo: | Speaking thus, the stranger carried his hand to his head, but finding that he was without a hat, he turned towards the persons who had joined him, desiring them to give him one, and saying that his own had fallen. He had no sooner spoken than Don Juan presented him with that which he had himself just picked up, and which he had discovered to be not his own. The stranger having felt the hat, returned it to Don Juan, saying that it was not his, and adding, |
| -Este sombrero no es mío; por vida del señor don Juan, que se le lleve por trofeo desta refriega; y guárdele, que creo que es conocido. | "On your life, Signor Don Juan, keep this hat as a trophy of this affray, for I believe it to be one that is not unknown." |
| Diéronle otro sombrero al defendido, y don Juan, por cumplir lo que le había pedido, pasando otros algunos, aunque breves, comedimientos, le dejó sin saber quién era, y se vino a su casa, sin querer llegar a la puerta donde le habían dado la criatura, por parecerle que todo el barrio estaba despierto y alborotado con la pendencia. | The persons around then gave the stranger another hat, and Don Juan, after exchanging a few brief compliments with his companion, left him, in compliance with his desire, without knowing who he was: he then returned home, not daring at that moment to approach the door whence he had received the newly-born infant, because the whole neighbourhood had been aroused, and was in movement. |
| Sucedió, pues, que, volviéndose a su posada, en la mitad del camino encontró con don Antonio de Isunza, su camarada; y, conociéndose, dijo don Antonio: | Now it chanced that as Don Juan was returning to his abode, he met his comrade Don Antonio de Isunza; and the latter no sooner recognised him in the darkness, than he exclaimed, |
| -Volved conmigo, don Juan, hasta aquí arriba, y en el camino os contaré un estraño cuento que me ha sucedido, que no le habréis oído tal en toda vuestra vida. | "Turn about, Don Juan, and walk with me to the end of the street; I have something to tell you, and as we go along will relate a story such as you have never heard before in your life." |
| -Como esos cuentos os podré contar yo -respondió don Juan-; pero vamos donde queréis y contadme el vuestro. | "I also have one of the same kind to tell you," returned Don Juan, "but let us go up the street as you say, and do you first relate your story." |
| Guió don Antonio y dijo: | Don Antonio thereupon walked forward, and began as follows:— |
| -«Habéis de saber que, poco más de una hora después que salistes de casa, salí a buscaros, y no treinta pasos de aquí vi venir, casi a encontrarme, un bulto negro de persona, que venía muy aguijando; y, llegándose cerca, conocí ser mujer en el hábito largo, la cual, con voz interrumpida de sollozos y de suspiros, me dijo: ¿Por ventura, señor, sois estranjero o de la ciudad? Estranjero soy y español, respondí yo. Y ella: Gracias al cielo, que no quiere que muera sin sacramentos. ¿Venís herida, señora -repliqué yo-, o traéis algún mal de muerte?. Podría ser que el que traigo lo fuese, si presto no se me da remedio; por la cortesía que siempre suele reinar en los de vuestra nación, os suplico, señor español, que me saquéis destas calles y me llevéis a vuestra posada con la mayor priesa que pudiéredes; que allá, si gustáredes dello, sabréis el mal que llevo y quién soy, aunque sea a costa de mi crédito. | "You must know that in little less than an hour after you had left the house, I left it also, to go in search of you, but I had not gone thirty paces from this place when I saw before me a black mass, which I soon perceived to be a person advancing in great haste. As the figure approached nearer, I perceived it to be that of a woman, wrapped in a very wide mantle, and who, in a voice interrupted by sobs and sighs, addressed me thus, ′Are you, sir, a stranger, or one of the city?′ ′I am a stranger,′ I replied, ′and a Spaniard.′ ′Thanks be to God!′ she exclaimed, ′he will not have me die without the sacraments.′ ′Are you then wounded, madam?′ continued I, ′or attacked by some mortal malady?′ ′It may well happen that the malady from which I suffer may prove mortal, if I do not soon receive aid,′ returned the lady, ′wherefore, by the courtesy which is ever found among those of your nation, I entreat you, Signor Spaniard, take me from these streets, and lead me to your dwelling with all the speed you may; there, if you wish it, you shall know the cause of my sufferings, and who I am, even though it should cost me my reputation to make myself known.′ |
| Oyendo lo cual, pareciéndome que tenía necesidad de lo que pedía, sin replicarla más, la así de la mano y por calles desviadas la llevé a la posada. Abrióme Santisteban el paje, hícele que se retirase, y sin que él la viese la llevé a mi estancia, y ella en entrando se arrojó encima de mi lecho desmayada. Lleguéme a ella y descubríla el rostro, que con el manto traía cubierto, y descubrí en él la mayor belleza que humanos ojos han visto; será a mi parecer de edad de diez y ocho años, antes menos que más. Quedé suspenso de ver tal estremo de belleza; acudí a echarle un poco de agua en el rostro, con que volvió en sí suspirando tiernamente, y lo primero que me dijo fue: ¿Conocéisme, señor? No -respondí yo-, ni es bien que yo haya tenido ventura de haber conocido tanta hermosura. Desdichada de aquella -respondió ella- a quien se la da el cielo para mayor desgracia suya; pero, señor, no es tiempo éste de alabar hermosuras, sino de remediar desdichas. Por quien sois, que me dejéis aquí encerrada y no permitáis que ninguno me vea, y volved luego al mismo lugar que me topastes y mirad si riñe alguna gente, y no favorezcáis a ninguno de los que riñeren, sino poned paz, que cualquier daño de las partes ha de resultar en acrecentar el mío. Déjola encerrada y vengo a poner en paz esta pendencia.» | "Hearing this," continued Don Antonio, "and seeing that the lady was in a strait which permitted no delay, I said nothing more, but offering her my hand, I conducted her by the by-streets to our house. Our page, Santisteban, opened the door, but, commanding him to retire, I led the lady in without permitting him to see her, and took her into my room, where she had no sooner entered than she fell fainting on my bed. Approaching to assist her, I removed the mantle which had hitherto concealed her face, and discovered the most astonishing loveliness that human eyes ever beheld. She may be about eighteen years old, as I should suppose, but rather less than more. Bewildered for a moment at the sight of so much beauty, I remained as one stupified, but recollecting myself, I hastened to throw water on her face, and, with a pitiable sigh, she recovered consciousness. 2 "The first word she uttered was the question, ′Do you know me, Signor?′ I replied, ′No, lady! I have not been so fortunate as ever before to have seen so much beauty.′ ′Unhappy is she,′ returned the lady, ′to whom heaven has given it for her misfortune. But, Signor, this is not the time to praise my beauty, but to mourn my distress. By all that you most revere, I entreat you to leave me shut up here, and let no one behold me, while you return in all haste to the place where you found me, and see if there be any persons fighting there. Yet do not take part either with one side or the other. Only separate the combatants, for whatever injury may happen to either, must needs be to the increase of my own misfortunes.′ I then left her as she desired," continued Don Antonio, "and am now going to put an end to any quarrel which may arise, as the lady has commanded me." |
| -¿Tenéis más que decir, don Antonio? -preguntó don Juan. | "Have you anything more to say?" inquired Don Juan. |
| -¿Pues no os parece que he dicho harto? -respondió don Antonio-. Pues he dicho que tengo debajo de llave y en mi aposento la mayor belleza que humanos ojos han visto. | "Do you think I have not said enough," answered Don Antonio, "since I have told you that I have now in my chamber, and hold under my key, the most wonderful beauty that human eyes have ever beheld." |
| -El caso es estraño, sin duda -dijo don Juan-, pero oíd el mío. | "The adventure is a strange one, without doubt," replied Don Juan, "but listen to mine;" |
| Y luego le contó todo lo que le había sucedido, y cómo la criatura que le habían dado estaba en casa en poder de su ama, y la orden que le había dejado de mudarle las ricas mantillas en pobres y de llevarle adonde le criasen o a lo menos socorriesen la presente necesidad. Y dijo más: que la pendencia que él venía a buscar ya era acabada y puesta en paz, que él se había hallado en ella; y que, a lo que él imaginaba, todos los de la riña debían de ser gentes de prendas y de gran valor. | and he instantly related to his friend all that had happened to him. He told how the newly-born infant was then in their house, and in the care of their housekeeper, with the orders he had given as to changing its rich habits for others less remarkable, and for procuring a nurse from the nearest midwife, to meet the present necessity. "As to the combat you come in quest of," he added, "that is already ended, and peace is made." Don Juan further related that he had himself taken part in the strife; and concluded by remarking, that he believed those whom he had found engaged were all persons of high quality, as well as great courage. |
| Quedaron entrambos admirados del suceso de cada uno y con priesa se volvieron a la posada, por ver lo que había menester la encerrada. En el camino dijo don Antonio a don Juan que él había prometido a aquella señora que no la dejaría ver de nadie, ni entraría en aquel aposento sino él solo, en tanto que ella no gustase de otra cosa. | Each of the Spaniards was much surprised at the adventure of the other, and they instantly returned to the house to see what the lady shut up there might require. On the way, Don Antonio told Don Juan that he had promised the unknown not to suffer any one to see her; assuring her that he only would enter the room, until she should herself permit the approach of others. |
| -No importa nada -respondió don Juan-, que no faltará orden para verla, que ya lo deseo en estremo, según me la habéis alabado de hermosa. | "I shall nevertheless do my best to see her," replied Don Juan; "after what you have said of her beauty, I cannot but desire to do so, and shall contrive some means for effecting it." |
| Llegaron en esto, y, a la luz que sacó uno de tres pajes que tenían, alzó los ojos don Antonio al sombrero que don Juan traía, y viole resplandeciente de diamantes; quitósele, y vio que las luces salían de muchos que en un cintillo riquísimo traía. Miráronle y remiráronle entrambos, y concluyeron que, si todos eran finos, como parecían, valía más de doce mil ducados. Aquí acabaron de conocer ser gente principal la de la pendencia, especialmente el socorrido de don Juan, de quien se acordó haberle dicho que trujese el sombrero y le guardase, porque era conocido. Mandaron retirar los pajes y don Antonio abrió su aposento, y halló a la señora sentada en la cama, con la mano en la mejilla, derramando tiernas lágrimas. Don Juan, con el deseo que tenía de verla, se asomó a la puerta tanto cuanto pudo entrar la cabeza, y al punto la lumbre de los diamantes dio en los ojos de la que lloraba, y, alzándolos, dijo: | Saying this they arrived at their house, when one of their three pages, bringing lights, Don Antonio cast his eyes on the hat worn by Don Juan, and perceived that it was glittering with diamonds. Don Juan took it off, and then saw that the lustre of which his companion spoke, proceeded from a very rich band formed of large brilliants. In great surprise, the friends examined the ornament, and concluded that if all the diamonds were as precious as they appeared to be, the hat must be worth more than two thousand ducats. They thus became confirmed in the conviction entertained by Don Juan, that the persons engaged in the combat were of high quality, especially the gentleman whose part he had taken, and who, as he now recollected, when bidding him take the hat, and keep it, had remarked that it was not unknown. The young men then commanded their pages to retire, and Don Antonio, opening the door of his room, found the lady seated on his bed, leaning her cheek on her hand, and weeping piteously. Don Juan also having approached the door, the splendour of the diamonds caught the eye of the weeping lady, and she exclaimed, |
| -Entrad, señor duque, entrad; ¿para qué me queréis dar con tanta escaseza el bien de vuestra vista? | "Enter, my lord duke, enter! Why afford me in such scanty measure the happiness of seeing you; enter at once, I beseech you." |
| A esto dijo don Antonio: -Aquí, señora, no hay ningún duque que se escuse de veros. | "Signora," replied Don Antonio, "there is no duke here who is declining to see you." |
| -¿Cómo no? -replicó ella-. El que allí se asomó ahora es el duque de Ferrara, que mal le puede encubrir la riqueza de su sombrero. | "How, no duke!" she exclaimed. "He whom I have just seen is the Duke of Ferrara; the rich decoration of his hat does not permit him to conceal himself." |
| -En verdad, señora, que el sombrero que vistes no le trae ningún duque; y si queréis desengañaros con ver quién le trae, dadle licencia que entre. | "Of a truth, Signora, he who wears the hat you speak of is no duke; and if you please to undeceive yourself by seeing that person, you have but to give your permission, and he shall enter." |
| -Entre enhorabuena -dijo ella-, aunque si no fuese el duque, mis desdichas serían mayores. | "Let him do so," said the lady; "although, if he be not the duke, my misfortune will be all the greater." |
| Todas estas razones había oído don Juan, y, viendo que tenía licencia de entrar, con el sombrero en la mano entró en el aposento, y, así como se le puso delante y ella conoció no ser quien decía el del rico sombrero, con voz turbada y lengua presurosa, dijo: | Don Juan had heard all this, and now finding that he was invited to enter, he walked into the apartment with his hat in his hand; but he had no sooner placed himself before the lady than she, seeing he was not the person she had supposed, began to exclaim, in a troubled voice and with broken words, |
| -¡Ay, desdichada de mí! Señor mío, decidme luego, sin tenerme más suspensa: ¿conocéis el dueño dese sombrero? ¿Dónde le dejastes o cómo vino a vuestro poder? ¿Es vivo por ventura, o son ésas las nuevas que me envía de su muerte? ¡Ay, bien mío!, ¿qué sucesos son éstos? ¡Aquí veo tus prendas, aquí me veo sin ti encerrada y en poder que, a no saber que es de gentileshombres españoles, el temor de perder mi honestidad me hubiera quitado la vida! | "Ah! miserable creature that I am, tell me, Signor—tell me at once, without keeping me in suspense, what do you know of him who owned that sombrero? How is it that he no longer has it, and how did it come into your possession? Does he still live, or is this the token that he sends me of his death? Oh! my beloved, what misery is this! I see the jewels that were thine. I see myself shut up here without the light of thy presence. I am in the power of strangers; and if I did not know that they were Spaniards and gentlemen, the fear of that disgrace by which I am threatened would already have finished my life." |
| -Sosegaos señora -dijo don Juan-, que ni el dueño deste sombrero es muerto ni estáis en parte donde se os ha de hacer agravio alguno, sino serviros con cuanto las fuerzas nuestras alcanzaren, hasta poner las vidas por defenderos y ampararos; que no es bien que os salga vana la fe que tenéis de la bondad de los españoles; y, pues nosotros lo somos y principales (que aquí viene bien ésta que parece arrogancia), estad segura que se os guardará el decoro que vuestra presencia merece. | "Calm yourself, madam," replied Don Juan, "for the master of this sombrero is not dead, nor are you in a place where any increase to your misfortunes is to be dreaded. We think only of serving you, so far as our means will permit, even to the exposing our lives for your defence and succour. It would ill become us to suffer that the trust you have in the faith of Spaniards should be vain; and since we are Spaniards, and of good quality—for here that assertion, which might otherwise appear arrogant, becomes needful—be assured that you will receive all the respect which is your due." |
| -Así lo creo yo -respondió ella-; pero con todo eso, decidme, señor: ¿cómo vino a vuestro poder ese rico sombrero, o adónde está su dueño, que, por lo menos, es Alfonso de Este, duque de Ferrara? | "I believe you," replied the lady; "but, nevertheless, tell me, I pray you, how this rich sombrero came into your possession, and where is its owner? who is no less a personage than Alfonso d′Este, Duke of Ferrara." |
| Entonces don Juan, por no tenerla más suspensa, le contó cómo le había hallado en una pendencia, y en ella había favorecido y ayudado a un caballero que, por lo que ella decía, sin duda debía de ser el duque de Ferrara, y que en la pendencia había perdido el sombrero y hallado aquél, y que aquel caballero le había dicho que le guardase, que era conocido, y que la refriega se había concluido sin quedar herido el caballero ni él tampoco; y que, después de acabada, había llegado gente que al parecer debían de ser criados o amigos del que él pensaba ser el duque, el cual le había pedido le dejase y se viniese, mostrándose muy agradecido al favor que yo le había dado. | Then Don Juan, that he might not keep the lady longer in suspense, related to her how he had found the hat in the midst of a combat, in which he had taken the part of a gentleman, who, from what she had said, he could not now doubt to be the Duke of Ferrara. He further told her how, having lost his own hat in the strife, the gentleman had bidden him keep the one he had picked up, and which belonged, as he said, to a person not unknown; that neither the cavalier nor himself had received any wound; and that, finally, certain friends or servants of the former had arrived, when he who was now believed to be the duke had requested Don Juan to leave him in that place, where he desired for certain reasons to remain. |
| -De manera, señora mía, que este rico sombrero vino a mi poder por la manera que os he dicho, y su dueño, si es el duque, como vos decís, no ha una hora que le dejé bueno, sano y salvo; sea esta verdad parte para vuestro consuelo, si es que le tendréis con saber del buen estado del duque. | "This, madam," concluded Don Juan, "is the whole history of the manner in which the hat came into my possession; and for its master, whom you suppose to be the Duke of Ferrara, it is not an hour since I left him in perfect safety. Let this true narration suffice to console you, since you are anxious to be assured that the Duke is unhurt." |
| -Para que sepáis, señores, si tengo razón y causa para preguntar por él, estadme atentos y escuchad la, no sé si diga, mi desdichada historia. | To this the lady made answer, "That you, gentlemen, may know how much reason I have to inquire for the duke, and whether I need be anxious for his safety, listen in your turn with attention, and I will relate what I know not yet if I must call my unhappy history." |
| Todo el tiempo en que esto pasó le entretuvo el ama en paladear al niño con miel y en mudarle las mantillas de ricas en pobres; y, ya que lo tuvo todo aderezado, quiso llevarla en casa de una partera, como don Juan se lo dejó ordenado, y, al pasar con ella por junto a la estancia donde estaba la que quería comenzar su historia, lloró la criatura de modo que lo sintió la señora; y, levantándose en pie, púsose atentamente a escuchar, y oyó más distintamente el llanto de la criatura y dijo: | While these things were passing, the housekeeper of Don Antonio and Don Juan was occupied with the infant, whose mouth she had moistened with honey, and whose rich habits she was changing for clothes of a very humble character. When that was done, she was about to carry the babe to the house of the midwife, as Don Juan had recommended, but as she was passing with it before the door of the room wherein the lady was about to commence her history, the little creature began to cry aloud, insomuch that the lady heard it. She instantly rose to her feet, and set herself to listen, when the plaints of the infant arrived more distinctly to her ear. |
| -Señores míos, ¿qué criatura es aquella, que parece recién nacida? | "What child is this, gentlemen?" said she, "for it appears to be but just born." |
| Don Juan respondió: -Es un niño que esta noche nos han echado a la puerta de casa y va el ama a buscar quién le dé de mamar. | Don Juan replied, "It is a little fellow who has been laid at the door of our house to-night, and our servant is about to seek some one who will nurse it." |
| -Tráiganmele aquí, por amor de Dios -dijo la señora-, que yo haré esa caridad a los hijos ajenos, pues no quiere el cielo que la haga con los propios. | "Let them bring it to me, for the love of God!" exclaimed the lady, "for I will offer that charity to the child of others, since it has not pleased Heaven that I should be permitted to nourish my own." |
| Llamó don Juan al ama y tomóle el niño, y entrósele a la que le pedía y púsosele en los brazos, diciendo: | Don Juan then called the housekeeper, and taking the infant from her arms he placed it in those of the lady, saying, |
| -Veis aquí, señora, el presente que nos han hecho esta noche; y no ha sido éste el primero, que pocos meses se pasan que no hallamos a los quicios de nuestras puertas semejantes hallazgos. | "Behold, madam, this is the present that has been made to us to-night, and it is not the first of the kind that we have received, since but few months pass wherein we do not find such God-sends hooked on to the hinges of our doors." |
| Tomóle ella en los brazos y miróle atentamente, así el rostro como los pobres aunque limpios paños en que venía envuelto, y luego, sin poder tener las lágrimas, se echó la toca de la cabeza encima de los pechos, para poder dar con honestidad de mamar a la criatura, y, aplicándosela a ellos, juntó su rostro con el suyo, y con la leche le sustentaba y con las lágrimas le bañaba el rostro; y desta manera estuvo sin levantar el suyo tanto espacio cuanto el niño no quiso dejar el pecho. En este espacio guardaban todos cuatro silencio; el niño mamaba, pero no era ansí, porque las recién paridas no pueden dar el pecho; y así, cayendo en la cuenta la que se lo daba, se le volvió a don Juan, diciendo: | The lady had meanwhile taken the infant into her arms, and looked attentively at its face, but remarking the poverty of its clothing, which was, nevertheless, extremely clean, she could not restrain her tears. She cast the kerchief which she had worn around her head over her bosom, that she might succour the infant with decency, and bending her face over that of the child, she remained long without raising her head, while her eyes rained torrents of tears on the little creature she was nursing. The babe was eager to be fed, but finding that it could not obtain the nourishment it sought, the lady returned the babe to Don Juan, saying, |
| -En balde me he mostrado caritativa: bien parezco nueva en estos casos. Haced, señor, que a este niño le paladeen con un poco de miel, y no consintáis que a estas horas le lleven por las calles. Dejad llegar el día, y antes que le lleven vuélvanmele a traer, que me consuelo en verle. | "I have vainly desired to be charitable to this deserted infant, and have but shown that I am new to such matters. Let your servants put a little honey on the lips of the child, but do not suffer them to carry it through the streets at such an hour; bid them wait until the day breaks, and let the babe be once more brought to me before they take it away, for I find a great consolation in the sight of it." |
| Volvió el niño don Juan al ama y ordenóle le entretuviese hasta el día, y que le pusiese las ricas mantillas con que le había traído, y que no le llevase sin primero decírselo. Y volviendo a entrar, y estando los tres solos, la hermosa dijo: | Don Juan then restored the infant to the housekeeper, bidding her take the best care she could of it until daybreak, commanding that the rich clothes it had first worn should be put on it again, and directing her not to take it from the house until he had seen it once more. That done, he returned to the room; and the two friends being again alone with the beautiful lady, she said, |
| -Si queréis que hable, dadme primero algo que coma, que me desmayo, y tengo bastante ocasión para ello. | "If you desire that I should relate my story, you must first give me something that may restore my strength, for I feel in much need of it." |
| Acudió prestamente don Antonio a un escritorio y sacó dél muchas conservas, y de algunas comió la desmayada, y bebió un vidrio de agua fría, con que volvió en sí; y, algo sosegada, dijo: | Don Antonio flew to the beaufet for some conserves, of which the lady ate a little; and having drunk a glass of water, and feeling somewhat refreshed, she said, |
| -Sentaos, señores, y escuchadme. | "Sit down, Signors, and listen to my story." |
| Hiciéronlo ansí, y ella, recogiéndose encima del lecho y abrigándose bien con las faldas del vestido, dejó descolgar por las espaldas un velo que en la cabeza traía, dejando el rostro esento y descubierto, mostrando en él el mismo de la luna, o, por mejor decir, del mismo sol, cuando más hermoso y más claro se muestra. Llovíanle líquidas perlas de los ojos, y limpiábaselas con un lienzo blanquísimo y con unas manos tales, que entre ellas y el lienzo fuera de buen juicio el que supiera diferenciar la blancura. Finalmente, después de haber dado muchos suspiros y después de haber procurado sosegar algún tanto el pecho, con voz algo doliente y turbada, dijo: | The gentlemen seated themselves accordingly, and she, arranging herself on the bed, and covering her person with the folds of her mantle, suffered the veil which she had kept about her head to fall on her shoulders, thus giving her face to view, and exhibiting in it a lustre equal to that of the moon, rather of the sun itself, when displayed in all its splendour. Liquid pearls fell from her eyes, which she endeavoured to dry with a kerchief of extraordinary delicacy, and with hands so white that he must have had much judgment in colour who could have found a difference between them and the cambric. Finally, after many a sigh and many an effort to calm herself, with a feeble and trembling voice, she said— |
| -«Yo, señores, soy aquella que muchas veces habréis, sin duda alguna, oído nombrar por ahí, porque la fama de mi belleza, tal cual ella es, pocas lenguas hay que no la publiquen. Soy, en efeto, Cornelia Bentibolli, hermana de Lorenzo Bentibolli, que con deciros esto quizá habré dicho dos verdades: la una, de mi nobleza; la otra, de mi hermosura. De pequeña edad quedé huérfana de padre y madre, en poder de mi hermano, el cual desde niña puso en mi guarda al recato mismo, puesto que más confiaba de mi honrada condición que de la solicitud que ponía en guardarme. | "I, Signors, am she of whom you have doubtless heard mention in this city, since, such as it is, there are few tongues that do not publish the fame of my beauty. I am Cornelia Bentivoglio, sister of Lorenzo Bentivoglio; and, in saying this, I have perhaps affirmed two acknowledged truths,—the one my nobility, and the other my beauty. At a very early age I was left an orphan to the care of my brother, who was most sedulous in watching over me, even from my childhood, although he reposed more confidence in my sentiments of honour than in the guards he had placed around me. |
| »Finalmente, entre paredes y entre soledades, acompañadas no más que de mis criadas, fui creciendo, y juntamente conmigo crecía la fama de mi gentileza, sacada en público de los criados y de aquellos que en secreto me trataban y de un retrato que mi hermano mandó hacer a un famoso pintor, para que, como él decía, no quedase sin mí el mundo, ya que el cielo a mejor vida me llevase. Pero todo esto fuera poca parte para apresurar mi perdición si no sucediera venir el duque de Ferrara a ser padrino de unas bodas de una prima mía, donde me llevó mi hermano con sana intención y por honra de mi parienta. Allí miré y fui vista; allí, según creo, rendí corazones, avasallé voluntades: allí sentí que daban gusto las alabanzas, aunque fuesen dadas por lisonjeras lenguas; allí, finalmente, vi al duque y él me vio a mí, de cuya vista ha resultado verme ahora como me veo. | In short, kept thus between walls and in perfect solitude, having no other company than that of my attendants, I grew to womanhood, and with me grew the reputation of my loveliness, bruited abroad by the servants of my house, and by such as had been admitted to my privacy, as also by a portrait which my brother had caused to be taken by a famous painter, to the end, as he said, that the world might not be wholly deprived of my features, in the event of my being early summoned by Heaven to a better life. "All this might have ended well, had it not chanced that the Duke of Ferrara consented to act as sponsor at the nuptials of one of my cousins; when my brother permitted me to be present at the ceremony, that we might do the greater honour to our kinswoman. There I saw and was seen; there, as I believe, hearts were subjugated, and the will of the beholders rendered subservient; there I felt the pleasure received from praise, even when bestowed by flattering tongues; and, finally, I there beheld the duke, and was seen by him; in a word, it is in consequence of this meeting that you see me here. |
| No os quiero decir, señores, porque sería proceder en infinito, los términos, las trazas, y los modos por donde el duque y yo venimos a conseguir, al cabo de dos años, los deseos que en aquellas bodas nacieron, porque ni guardas, ni recatos, ni honrosas amonestaciones, ni otra humana diligencia fue bastante para estorbar el juntarnos: que en fin hubo de ser debajo de la palabra que él me dio de ser mi esposo, porque sin ella fuera imposible rendir la roca de la valerosa y honrada presunción mía. Mil veces le dije que públicamente me pidiese a mi hermano, pues no era posible que me negase; y que no había que dar disculpas al vulgo de la culpa que le pondrían de la desigualdad de nuestro casamiento, pues no desmentía en nada la nobleza del linaje Bentibolli a la suya Estense. A esto me respondió con escusas, que yo las tuve por bastantes y necesarias, y, confiada como rendida, creí como enamorada y entreguéme de toda mi voluntad a la suya por intercesión de una criada mía, más blanda a las dádivas y promesas del duque que lo que debía a la confianza que de su fidelidad mi hermano hacía. | "I will not relate to you, Signors (for that would needlessly protract my story), the various stratagems and contrivances by which the duke and myself, at the end of two years, were at length enabled to bring about that union, our desire for which had received birth at those nuptials. Neither guards, nor seclusion, nor remonstrances, nor human diligence of any kind, sufficed to prevent it, and we were finally made one; for without the sanction due to my honour, Alfonso would certainly not have prevailed. I would fain have had him publicly demand my hand from my brother, who would not have refused it; nor would the duke have had to excuse himself before the world as to any inequality in our marriage, since the race of the Bentivogli is in no manner inferior to that of Este; but the reasons which he gave for not doing as I wished appeared to me sufficient, and I suffered them to prevail. "The visits of the duke were made through the intervention of a servant, over whom his gifts had more influence than was consistent with the confidence reposed in her by my brother. |
| »En resolución, a cabo de pocos días, me sentí preñada; y, antes que mis vestidos manifestasen mis libertades, por no darles otro nombre, me fingí enferma y melancólica, y hice con mi hermano me trujese en casa de aquella mi prima de quien había sido padrino el duque. Allí le hice saber en el término en que estaba, y el peligro que me amenazaba y la poca seguridad que tenía de mi vida, por tener barruntos de que mi hermano sospechaba mi desenvoltura. Quedó de acuerdo entre los dos que en entrando en el mes mayor se lo avisase: que él vendría por mí con otros amigos suyos y me llevaría a Ferrara, donde en la sazón que esperaba se casaría públicamente conmigo. | After a time I perceived that I was about to become a mother, and feigning illness and low spirits, I prevailed on Lorenzo to permit me to visit the cousin at whose marriage it was that I first saw the duke; I then apprised the latter of my situation, letting him also know the danger in which my life was placed from that suspicion of the truth which I could not but fear that Lorenzo must eventually entertain. "It was then agreed between us, that when the time for my travail drew near, the duke should come, with certain of his friends, and take me to Ferrara, where our marriage should be publicly celebrated. |
| »Esta noche en que estamos fue la del concierto de su venida, y esta misma noche, estándole esperando, sentí pasar a mi hermano con otros muchos hombres, al parecer armados, según les crujían las armas, de cuyo sobresalto de improviso me sobrevino el parto, y en un instante parí un hermoso niño. Aquella criada mía, sabidora y medianera de mis hechos, que estaba ya prevenida para el caso, envolvió la criatura en otros paños que no los que tiene la que a vuestra puerta echaron; y, saliendo a la puerta de la calle, la dio, a lo que ella dijo, a un criado del duque. Yo, desde allí a un poco, acomodándome lo mejor que pude, según la presente necesidad, salí de la casa, creyendo que estaba en la calle el duque, y no lo debiera hacer hasta que él llegara a la puerta; mas el miedo que me había puesto la cuadrilla armada de mi hermano, creyendo que ya esgrimía su espada sobre mi cuello, no me dejó hacer otro mejor discurso; y así, desatentada y loca, salí donde me sucedió lo que habéis visto; y, aunque me veo sin hijo y sin esposo y con temor de peores sucesos, doy gracias al cielo, que me ha traído a vuestro poder, de quien me prometo todo aquello que de la cortesía española puedo prometerme, y más de la vuestra, que la sabréis realzar por ser tan nobles como parecéis.» | This was the night on which I was to have departed, and I was waiting the arrival of Alfonso, when I heard my brother pass the door with several other persons, all armed, as I could hear, by the noise of their weapons. The terror caused by this event was such as to occasion the premature birth of my infant, a son, whom the waiting-woman, my confidant, who had made all ready for his reception, wrapped at once in the clothes we had provided, and gave at the street-door, as she told me, to a servant of the duke. Soon afterwards, taking such measures as I could under circumstances so pressing, and hastened by the fear of my brother, I also left the house, hoping to find the duke awaiting me in the street. I ought not to have gone forth until he had come to the door; but the armed band of my brother, whose sword I felt at my throat, had caused me such terror that I was not in a state to reflect. Almost out of my senses I came forth, as you behold me; and what has since happened you know. I am here, it is true, without my husband, and without my son; yet I return thanks to Heaven which has led me into your hands—for from you I promise myself all that may be expected from Spanish courtesy, reinforced, as it cannot but be in your persons, by the nobility of your race." |
| Diciendo esto, se dejó caer del todo encima del lecho, y, acudiendo los dos a ver si se desmayaba, vieron que no, sino que amargamente lloraba, y díjole don Juan: | Having said this, the lady fell back on the bed, and the two friends hastened to her assistance, fearing she had again fainted. But they found this not to be the case; she was only weeping bitterly. Wherefore Don Juan said to her, |
| -Si hasta aquí, hermosa señora, yo y don Antonio, mi camarada, os teníamos compasión y lástima por ser mujer, ahora, que sabemos vuestra calidad, la lástima y compasión pasa a ser obligación precisa de serviros. Cobrad ánimo y no desmayéis; y, aunque no acostumbrada a semejantes casos, tanto más mostraréis quién sois cuanto más con paciencia supiéredes llevarlos. Creed, señora, que imagino que estos tan estraños sucesos han de tener un felice fin: que no han de permitir los cielos que tanta belleza se goce mal y tan honestos pensamientos se malogren. Acostaos, señora, y curad de vuestra persona, que lo habéis menester; que aquí entrará una criada nuestra que os sirva, de quien podéis hacer la misma confianza que de nuestras personas: tan bien sabrá tener en silencio vuestras desgracias como acudir a vuestras necesidades. | "If up to the present moment, beautiful lady, my companion Don Antonio, and I, have felt pity and regret for you as being a woman, still more shall we now do so, knowing your quality; since compassion and grief are changed into the positive obligation and duty of serving and aiding you. Take courage, and do not be dismayed; for little as you are formed to endure such trials, so much the more will you prove yourself to be the exalted person you are, as your patience and fortitude enable you to rise above your sorrows. Believe me, Signora, I am persuaded that these extraordinary events are about to have a fortunate conclusion; for Heaven can never permit so much beauty to endure permanent sorrow, nor suffer your chaste purposes to be frustrated. Go now to bed, Signora, and take that care of your health of which you have so much need; there shall presently come to wait on you a servant of ours, in whom you may confide as in ourselves, for she will maintain silence respecting your misfortunes with no less discretion than she will attend to all your necessities." |
| -Tal es la que tengo, que a cosas más dificultosas me obliga -res-pondió ella-. Entre, señor, quien vos quisiéredes, que, encaminada por vuestra parte, no puedo dejar de tenerla muy buena en la que menester hubiere; pero, con todo eso, os suplico que no me vean más que vuestra criada. | "The condition in which I find myself," replied the lady, "might compel me to the adoption of more difficult measures than those you advise. Let this woman come, Signors; presented to me by you, she cannot fail to be good and serviceable; but I beseech you let no other living being see me." |
| -Así será -respondió don Antonio. | "So shall it be," replied Don Antonio; |
| Y dejándola sola se salieron, y don Juan dijo al ama que entrase dentro y llevase la criatura con los ricos paños, si se los había puesto. El ama dijo que sí, y que ya estaba de la misma manera que él la había traído. Entró el ama, advertida de lo que había de responder a lo que acerca de aquella criatura la señora que hallaría allí dentro le preguntase. | and the two friends withdrew, leaving Cornelia alone. Don Juan then commanded the housekeeper to enter the room, taking with her the infant, whose rich habits she had already replaced. The woman did as she was ordered, having been previously told what she should reply to the questions of the Signora respecting the infant she bore in her arms Seeing her come in, |
| En viéndola Cornelia, le dijo: | Cornelia instantly said, |
| -Vengáis en buen hora, amiga mía; dadme esa criatura y llegadme aquí esa vela. | "You come in good time, my friend; give me that infant, and place the light near me." |
| Hízolo así el ama, y, tomando el niño Cornelia en sus brazos, se turbó toda y le miró ahincadamente, y dijo al ama: | The servant obeyed; and, taking the babe in her arms, Cornelia instantly began to tremble, gazed at him intently, and cried out in haste, |
| -Decidme, señora, ¿este niño y el que me trajistes o me trujeron poco ha es todo uno? | "Tell me, good woman, is this child the same that you brought me a short time since?" |
| -Sí señora -respondió el ama. | "It is the same, Signora," replied the woman. |
| -Pues ¿cómo trae tan trocadas las mantillas? -replicó Cornelia-. En verdad, amiga, que me parece o que éstas son otras mantillas, o que ésta no es la misma criatura. | "How is it, then, that his clothing is so different? Certainly, dame housekeeper, either these are other wrappings, or the infant is not the same." |
| -Todo podía ser -respondió el ama. | "It may all be as you say," began the old woman. |
| -Pecadora de mí -dijo Cornelia-, ¿cómo todo podía ser? ¿Cómo es esto, ama mía?; que el corazón me revienta en el pecho hasta saber este trueco. Decídmelo, amiga, por todo aquello que bien queréis. Digo que me digáis de dónde habéis habido estas tan ricas mantillas, porque os hago saber que son mías, si la vista no me miente o la memoria no se acuerda. Con estas mismas o otras semejantes entregué yo a mi doncella la prenda querida de mi alma: ¿quién se las quitó? ¡Ay, desdichada! Y ¿quién las trujo aquí? ¡Ay, sin ventura! | "All as I say!" interrupted Cornelia, "how and what is this? I conjure you, friend, by all you most value, to tell me whence you received these rich clothes; for my heart seems to be bursting in my bosom! Tell me the cause of this change; for you must know that these things belong to me, if my sight do not deceive me, and my memory have not failed. In these robes, or some like them, I entrusted to a servant of mine the treasured jewel of my soul! Who has taken them from him? Ah, miserable creature that I am! who has brought these things here? Oh, unhappy and woeful day!" |
| Don Juan y don Antonio, que todas estas quejas escuchaban, no quisieron que más adelante pasase en ellas, ni permitieron que el engaño de las trocadas mantillas más la tuviese en pena; y así, entraron, y don Juan le dijo: | Don Juan and Don Antonio, who were listening to all this, could not suffer the matter to go further, nor would they permit the exchange of the infant′s dress to trouble the poor lady any longer. They therefore entered the room, and Don Juan said, |
| -Esas mantillas y ese niño son cosa vuestra, señora Cornelia. | "This infant and its wrappings are yours, Signora;" |
| Y luego le contó punto por punto cómo él había sido la persona a quien su doncella había dado el niño, y de cómo le había traído a casa, con la orden que había dado al ama del trueco de las mantillas y la ocasión por que lo había hecho; aunque, después que le contó su parto, siempre tuvo por cierto que aquél era su hijo, y que si no se lo había dicho, había sido porque, tras el sobresalto del estar en duda de conocerle, sobreviniese la alegría de haberle conocido. | and immediately he related from point to point how the matter had happened. He told Cornelia that he was himself the person to whom the waiting woman had given the child, and how he had brought it home, with the orders he had given to the housekeeper respecting its change of clothes, and his motives for doing so. He added that, from the moment when she had spoken of her own infant, he had felt certain that this was no other than her son; and if he had not told her so at once, that was because he feared the effects of too much gladness, coming immediately after the heavy grief which her trials had caused her. |
| Allí fueron infinitas las lágrimas de alegría de Cornelia, infinitos los besos que dio a su hijo, infinitas las gracias que rindió a sus favorecedores, llamándolos ángeles humanos de su guarda y otros títulos que de su agradecimiento daban notoria muestra. Dejáronla con el ama, encomendándola mirase por ella y la sirviese cuanto fuese posible, advirtiéndola en el término en que estaba, para que acudiese a su remedio, pues ella, por ser mujer, sabía más de aquel menester que no ellos. | The tears of joy then shed by Cornelia were many and long-continued; infinite were the acknowledgments she offered to Heaven, innumerable the kisses she lavished on her son, and profuse the thanks which she offered from her heart to the two friends, whom she called her guardian angels on earth, with other names, which gave abundant proof of her gratitude. They soon afterwards left the lady with their housekeeper, whom they enjoined to attend her well, and do her all the service possible—having made known to the woman the position in which Cornelia found herself, to the end that she might take all necessary precautions, the nature of which, she, being a woman, would know much better than they could do. |
| Con esto, se fueron a reposar lo que faltaba de la noche, con intención de no entrar en el aposento de Cornelia si no fuese o que ella los llamase o a necesidad precisa. Vino el día y el ama trujo a quien secretamente y a escuras diese de mamar al niño, y ellos preguntaron por Cornelia. Dijo el ama que reposaba un poco. Fuéronse a las escuelas, y pasaron por la calle de la pendencia y por la casa de donde había salido Cornelia, por ver si era ya pública su falta o si se hacían corrillos della; pero en ningún modo sintieron ni oyeron cosa ni de la riña ni de la ausencia de Cornelia. Con esto, oídas sus lecciones, se volvieron a su posada. | They then went to rest for the little that remained of the night, intending to enter Cornelia′s apartment no more, unless summoned by herself, or called thither by some pressing need. The day having dawned, the housekeeper went to fetch a woman, who agreed to nurse the infant in silence and secrecy. Some hours later the friends inquired for Cornelia, and their servant told them that she had rested a little. Don Juan and Don Antonio then went to the Schools. As they passed by the street where the combat had taken place, and near the house whence Cornelia had fled, they took care to observe whether any signs of disorder were apparent, and whether the matter seemed to be talked of in the neighbourhood: but they could hear not a word respecting the affray of the previous night, or the absence of Cornelia. So, having duly attended the various lectures, they returned to their dwelling. |
| Llamólos Cornelia con el ama, a quien respondieron que tenían determinado de no poner los pies en su aposento, para que con más decoro se guardase el que a su honestidad se debía; pero ella replicó con lágrimas y con ruegos que entrasen a verla, que aquél era el decoro más conveniente, si no para su remedio, a lo menos para su consuelo. Hiciéronlo así, y ella los recibió con rostro alegre y con mucha cortesía; pidióles le hiciesen merced de salir por la ciudad y ver si oían algunas nuevas de su atrevimiento. Respondiéronle que ya estaba hecha aquella diligencia con toda curiosidad, pero que no se decía nada. | The lady then caused them to be summoned to her chamber; but finding that, from respect to her presence, they hesitated to appear, she replied to the message they sent her, with tears in her eyes, begging them to come and see her, which she declared to be now the best proof of their respect as well as interest; since, if they could not remedy, they might at least console her misfortunes. Thus exhorted, the gentlemen obeyed, and Cornelia received them with a smiling face and great cordiality. She then entreated that they would do her the kindness to walk about the city, and ascertain if anything had transpired concerning her affairs. They replied, that they had already done so, with all possible care, but that not a word had been said reacting the matter. |
| En esto, llegó un paje, de tres que tenían, a la puerta del aposento, y desde fuera dijo: -A la puerta está un caballero con dos criados que dice se llama Lorenzo Bentibolli, y busca a mi señor don Juan de Gamboa. | At this moment, one of the three pages who served the gentlemen approached the door of the room telling his masters from without, that there was then at the street door, attended by two servants, a gentleman, who called himself Lorenzo Bentivoglio, and inquired for the Signor Don Juan de Gamboa. |
| A este recado cerró Cornelia ambos puños y se los puso en la boca, y por entre ellos salió la voz baja y temerosa, y dijo: | Hearing this message, Cornelia clasped her hands, and placing them on her mouth, she exclaimed, in a low and trembling voice, while her words came with difficulty through those clenched fingers, |
| -¡Mi hermano, señores; mi hermano es ése! Sin duda debe de haber sabido que estoy aquí, y viene a quitarme la vida. ¡Socorro, señores, y amparo! | "It is my brother, Signors! it is my brother! Without doubt he has learned that I am here, and has come to take my life. Help and aid, Signors! help and aid!" |
| -Sosegaos, señora -le dijo don Antonio-, que en parte estáis y en poder de quien no os dejará hacer el menor agravio del mundo. Acudid vos, señor don Juan, y mirad lo que quiere ese caballero, y yo me quedaré aquí a defender, si menester fuere, a Cornelia. | "Calm yourself, lady," replied Don Antonio; "you are in a place of safety, and with people who will not suffer the smallest injury to be offered you. The Signor Don Juan will go to inquire what this gentleman demands, and I will remain to defend you, if need be, from all disturbance." |
| Don Juan, sin mudar semblante, bajó abajo, y luego don Antonio hizo traer dos pistoletes armados, y mandó a los pajes que tomasen sus espadas y estuviesen apercebidos. | Don Juan prepared to descend accordingly, and Don Antonio, taking his loaded pistols, bade the pages belt on their swords, and hold themselves in readiness for whatever might happen. |
| El ama, viendo aquellas prevenciones, temblaba; Cornelia, temerosa de algún mal suceso, tremía; solos don Antonio y don Juan estaban en sí y muy bien puestos en lo que habían de hacer. En la puerta de la calle halló don Juan a don Lorenzo, el cual, en viendo a don Juan, le dijo: | The housekeeper, seeing these preparations began to tremble,—Cornelia, dreading some fearful result was in grievous terror,—Don Juan and Don Antonio alone preserved their coolness. Arrived at the door of the house, Don Juan found Don Lorenzo, who, coming towards him, said, |
| -Suplico a V. S. -que ésta es la merced de Italia- me haga merced de venirse conmigo a aquella iglesia que está allí frontero, que tengo un negocio que comunicar con V. S. en que me va la vida y la honra. | "I entreat your Lordship"—for such is the form of address among Italians—"I entreat your Lordship to do me the kindness to accompany me to the neighbouring church; I have to speak to you respecting an affair which concerns my life and honour." |
| -De muy buena gana -respondió don Juan-: vamos, señor, donde quisiéredes. | "Very willingly," replied Don Juan. "Let us go, Signor, wherever you please." |
| Dicho esto, mano a mano se fueron a la iglesia; y, sentándose en un escaño y en parte donde no pudiesen ser oídos, Lorenzo habló primero y dijo: | They walked side by side to the church, where they seated themselves on a retired bench, so as not to be overheard. Don Lorenzo was the first to break silence. |
| -«Yo, señor español, soy Lorenzo Bentibolli, si no de los más ricos, de los más principales desta ciudad. Ser esta verdad tan notoria servirá de disculpa del alabarme yo propio. Quedé huérfano algunos años ha, y quedó en mi poder una mi hermana: tan hermosa, que a no tocarme tanto quizá os la alabara de manera que me faltaran encarecimientos por no poder ningunos corresponder del todo a su belleza. Ser yo honrado y ella muchacha y hermosa me hacían andar solícito en guardarla; pero todas mis prevenciones y diligencias las ha defraudado la voluntad arrojada de mi hermana Cornelia, que éste es su nombre. | "Signor Spaniard," he said, "I am Lorenzo Bentivoglio; if not of the richest, yet of one of the most important families belonging to this city; and if this seem like boasting of myself, the notoriety of the fact may serve as my excuse for naming it. I was left an orphan many years since, and to my guardianship was left a sister, so beautiful, that if she were not nearly connected with me, I might perhaps describe her in terms that, while they might seem exaggerated, would yet not by any means do justice to her attractions. My honour being very dear to me, and she being very young, as well as beautiful, I took all possible care to guard her at all points; but my best precautions have proved vain; the self-will of Cornelia, for that is her name, has rendered all useless. |
| »Finalmente, por acortar, por no cansaros, éste que pudiera ser cuento largo, digo que el duque de Ferrara, Alfonso de Este, con ojos de lince venció a los de Argos, derribó y triunfo de mi industria venciendo a mi hermana, y anoche me la llevó y sacó de casa de una parienta nuestra, y aun dicen que recién parida. Anoche lo supe y anoche le salí a buscar, y creo que le hallé y acuchillé; pero fue socorrido de algún ángel, que no consintió que con su sangre sacase la mancha de mi agravio. Hame dicho mi parienta, que es la que todo esto me ha dicho, que el duque engañó a mi hermana, debajo de palabra de recebirla por mujer. Esto yo no lo creo, por ser desigual el matrimonio en cuanto a los bienes de fortuna, que en los de naturaleza el mundo sabe la calidad de los Bentibollis de Bolonia. Lo que creo es que él se atuvo a lo que se atienen los poderosos que quieren atropellar una doncella temerosa y recatada, poniéndole a la vista el dulce nombre de esposo, haciéndola creer que por ciertos respectos no se desposa luego: mentiras aparentes de verdades, pero falsas y malintencionadas.» | In a word, and not to weary you—for this story might become a long one,—I will but tell you, that the Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d′Este, vanquishing the eyes of Argus by those of a lynx, has rendered all my cares vain, by carrying off my sister last night from the house of one of our kindred; and it is even said that she has already become a mother. "The misfortune of our house was made known to me last night, and I instantly placed myself on the watch; nay, I met and even attacked Alfonso, sword in hand; but he was succoured in good time by some angel, who would not permit me to efface in his blood the stain he has put upon me. My relation has told me, (and it is from her I have heard all,) that the duke deluded my sister, under a promise to make her his wife; but this I do not believe, for, in respect to present station and wealth, the marriage would not be equal, although, in point of blood, all the world knows how noble are the Bentivogli of Bologna. What I fear is, that the duke has done, what is but too easy when a great and powerful Prince desires to win a timid and retiring girl: he has merely called her by the tender name of wife, and made her believe that certain considerations have prevented him from marrying her at once,—a plausible pretence, but false and perfidious. |
| Pero sea lo que fuere, yo me veo sin hermana y sin honra, puesto que todo esto hasta agora por mi parte lo tengo puesto debajo de la llave del silencio, y no he querido contar a nadie este agravio hasta ver si le puedo remediar y satisfacer en alguna manera; que las infamias mejor es que se presuman y sospechen que no que se sepan de cierto y distintamente, que entre el sí y el no de la duda, cada uno puede inclinarse a la parte que más quisiere, y cada una tendrá sus valedores. Finalmente, yo tengo determinado de ir a Ferrara y pedir al mismo duque la satisfación de mi ofensa, y si la negare, desafiarle sobre el caso; y esto no ha de ser con escuadrones de gente, pues no los puedo ni formar ni sustentar, sino de persona a persona, para lo cual querría el ayuda de la vuestra y que me acompañásedes en este camino, confiado en que lo haréis por ser español y caballero, como ya estoy informado; y por no dar cuenta a ningún pariente ni amigo mío, de quien no espero sino consejos y disuasiones, y de vos puedo esperar los que sean buenos y honrosos, aunque rompan por cualquier peligro. Vos, señor, me habéis de hacer merced de venir conmigo, que, llevando un español a mi lado, y tal como vos me parecéis, haré cuenta que llevo en mi guarda los ejércitos de Jerjes. Mucho os pido, pero a más obliga la deuda de responder a lo que la fama de vuestra nación pregona. | "Be that as it may, I see myself at once deprived of my sister and my honour. Up to this moment I have kept the matter secret, purposing not to make known the outrage to any one, until I see whether there may not be some remedy, or means of satisfaction to be obtained. It is better that a disgrace of this kind be supposed and suspected, than certainly and distinctly known—seeing that between the yes and the no of a doubt, each inclines to the opinion that most attracts him, and both sides of the question find defenders. Considering all these things, I have determined to repair to Ferrara, and there demand satisfaction from the duke himself. If he refuse it, I will then offer him defiance. Yet my defiance cannot be made with armed bands, for I could neither get them together nor maintain them but as from man to man. For this it is, then, that I desire your aid. I hope you will accompany me in the journey; nay, I am confident that you will do so, being a Spaniard and a gentleman, as I am told you are. "I cannot entrust my purpose to any relation or friend of my family, knowing well that from them I should have nothing more than objections and remonstrances, while from you I may hope for sensible and honourable counsels, even though there should be peril in pursuing them. You must do me the favour to go with me, Signor. Having a Spaniard, and such as you appear to be, at my side, I shall account myself to have the armies of Xerxes. I am asking much at your hands; but the duty of answering worthily to what fame publishes of your nation, would oblige you to do still more than I ask." |
| -No más, señor Lorenzo -dijo a esta sazón don Juan (que hasta allí, sin interrumpirle palabra, le había estado escuchando)-, no más, que desde aquí me constituyo por vuestro defensor y consejero, y tomo a mi cargo la satisfación o venganza de vuestro agravio; y esto no sólo por ser español, sino por ser caballero y serlo vos tan principal como habéis dicho, y como yo sé y como todo el mundo sabe. Mirad cuándo queréis que sea nuestra partida; y sería mejor que fuese luego, porque el hierro se ha de labrar mientras estuviere encendido, y el ardor de la cólera acrecienta el ánimo, y la injuria reciente despierta la venganza. | "No more, Signor Lorenzo," exclaimed Don Juan, who had not before interrupted the brother of Cornelia; "no more. From this moment I accept the office you propose to me, and will be your defender and counsellor. I take upon myself the satisfaction of your honour, or due vengeance for the affront you have received, not only because I am a Spaniard, but because I am a gentleman, and you another, so noble, as you have said, as I know you to be, and as, indeed, all the world reputes you. When shall we set out? It would be better that we did so immediately, for a man does ever well to strike while the iron is hot. The warmth of anger increases courage, and a recent affront more effectually awakens vengeance." |
| Levantóse Lorenzo y abrazó apretadamente a don Juan, y dijo: | Hearing this, Don Lorenzo rose and embraced Don Juan, saying to him, |
| -A tan generoso pecho como el vuestro, señor don Juan, no es menester moverle con ponerle otro interés delante que el de la honra que ha de ganar en este hecho, la cual desde aquí os la doy si salimos felicemente deste caso, y por añadidura os ofrezco cuanto tengo, puedo y valgo. La ida quiero que sea mañana, porque hoy pueda prevenir lo necesario para ella. | "A person so generous as yourself, Signor Don Juan, needs no other incentive than that of the honour to be gained in such a cause: this honour you have assured to yourself to-day, if we come out happily from our adventure; but I offer you in addition all I can do, or am worth. Our departure I would have to be to-morrow, since I can provide all things needful to-day." |
| -Bien me parece -dijo don Juan-; y dadme licencia, señor Lorenzo, que yo pueda dar cuenta deste hecho a un caballero, camarada mía, de cuyo valor y silencio os podéis prometer harto más que del mío. | "This appears to me well decided," replied Don Juan, "but I must beg you, Signor Don Lorenzo, to permit me to make all known to a gentleman who is my friend, and of whose honour and silence I can assure you even more certainly than of my own, if that were possible." |
| -Pues vos, señor don Juan, según decís, habéis tomado mi honra a vuestro cargo, disponed della como quisiéredes, y decid della lo que quisiéredes y a quien quisiéredes, cuanto más que camarada vuestra, ¿quién puede ser que muy bueno no sea? | "Since you, Signor Don Juan," replied Lorenzo, "have taken charge, as you say, of my honour, dispose of this matter as you please; and make it known to whom and in what manner it shall seem best to you; how much more, then, to a companion of your own, for what can he be but everything that is best." |
| Con esto se abrazaron y despidieron, quedando que otro día por la mañana le enviaría a llamar para que fuera de la ciudad se pusiesen a caballo y siguiesen disfrazados su jornada. | This said, the gentlemen embraced each other and took leave, after having agreed that on the following morning Lorenzo should send to summon Don Juan at an hour fixed on when they should mount their horses and pursue their journey in the disguise that Don Lorenzo had selected. |
| Volvió don Juan, y dio cuenta a don Antonio y a Cornelia de lo que con Lorenzo había pasado y el concierto que quedaba hecho. | Don Juan then returned, and gave an account of all that had passed to Don Antonio and Cornelia, not omitting the engagement into which he had entered for the morrow. |
| -¡Válame Dios! -dijo Cornelia-; grande es, señor, vuestra cortesía y grande vuestra confianza. ¿Cómo, y tan presto os habéis arrojado a emprender una hazaña llena de inconvenientes? ¿Y qué sabéis vos, señor, si os lleva mi hermano a Ferrara o a otra parte? Pero dondequiera que os llevare, bien podéis hacer cuenta que va con vos la fidelidad misma, aunque yo, como desdichada, en los átomos del sol tropiezo, de cualquier sombra temo; y ¿no queréis que tema, si está puesta en la respuesta del duque mi vida o mi muerte, y qué sé yo si responderá tan atentadamente que la cólera de mi hermano se contenga en los límites de su discreción? Y, cuando salga, ¿paréceos que tiene flaco enemigo? Y ¿no os parece que los días que tardáredes he de quedar colgada, temerosa y suspensa, esperando las dulces o amargas nuevas del suceso? ¿Quiero yo tan poco al duque o a mi hermano que de cualquiera de los dos no tema las desgracias y las sienta en el alma? | "Good heavens, Signor!" exclaimed Cornelia; "what courtesy! what confidence! to think of your committing yourself without hesitation to an undertaking so replete with difficulties! How can you know whether Lorenzo will take you to Ferrara, or to what place indeed he may conduct you? But go with him whither you may, be certain that the very soul of honour and good faith will stand beside you. For myself, unhappy creature that I am, I shall be terrified at the very atoms that dance in the sunbeams, and tremble at every shadow; but how can it be otherwise, since on the answer of Duke Alfonso depends my life or death. How do I know that he will reply with sufficient courtesy to prevent the anger of my brother from passing the limits of discretion? and if Lorenzo should draw the sword, think ye he will have a despicable enemy to encounter? Must not I remain through all the days of your absence in a state of mortal suspense and terror, awaiting the favourable or grievous intelligence that you shall bring me! Do I love either my brother or the duke so little as not to tremble for both, and not feel the injury of either to my soul?" |
| -Mucho discurrís y mucho teméis, señora Cornelia -dijo don Juan-; pero dad lugar entre tantos miedos a la esperanza y fiad en Dios, en mi industria y buen deseo, que habéis de ver con toda felicidad cumplido el vuestro. La ida de Ferrara no se escusa, ni el dejar de ayudar yo a vuestro hermano tampoco. Hasta agora no sabemos la intención del duque, ni tampoco si él sabe vuestra falta; y todo esto se ha de saber de su boca, y nadie se lo podrá preguntar como yo. Y entended, señora Cornelia, que la salud y contento de vuestro hermano y el del duque llevo puestos en las niñas de mis ojos: yo miraré por ellos como por ellas. | "Your fears affect your judgment, Signora Cornelia," replied Don Juan; "and they go too far. Amidst so many terrors, you should give some place to hope, and trust in God. Put some faith also in my care, and in the earnest desire I feel to see your affairs attain to a happy conclusion. Your brother cannot avoid making this journey to Ferrara, nor can I excuse myself from accompanying him thither. For the present we do not know the intentions of the duke, nor even whether he be or be not acquainted with your elopement. All this we must learn from his own mouth; and there is no one who can better make the inquiry than myself. Be certain, Signora, that the welfare and satisfaction of both your brother and the Signor Duke are to me as the apples of my eyes, and that I will care for the safety of the one as of the other." |
| -Si así os da el cielo, señor don Juan -respondió Cornelia-, poder para remediar como gracia para consolar, en medio destos mis trabajos me cuento por bien afortunada. Ya querría veros ir y volver, por más que el temor me aflija en vuestra ausencia o la esperanza me suspenda. | "Ah Signor Don Juan," replied Cornelia, "if Heaven grant you as much power to remedy, as grace to console misfortune, I must consider myself exceedingly fortunate in the midst of my sorrows; and now would I fain see you gone and returned; for the whole time of your absence I must pass suspended between hope and fear." |
| Don Antonio aprobó la determinación de don Juan y le alabó la buena correspondencia que en él había hallado la confianza de Lorenzo Bentibolli. Díjole más: que él quería ir a acompañarlos, por lo que podía suceder. | The determination of Don Juan was approved by Don Antonio, who commended him for the justification which he had thereby given to the confidence of Lorenzo Bentivoglio. He furthermore told his friend that he would gladly accompany him, to be ready for whatever might happen, but Don Juan replied— |
| -Eso no -dijo don Juan-: así porque no será bien que la señora Cornelia quede sola, como porque no piense el señor Lorenzo que me quiero valer de esfuerzos ajenos. | "Not so; first, because you must remain for the better security of the lady Cornelia, whom it will not be well to leave alone; and secondly, because I would not have Signor Lorenzo suppose that I desire to avail myself of the arm of another." " |
| -El mío es el vuestro mismo -replicó don Antonio-; y así, aunque sea desconocido y desde lejos, os tengo de seguir, que la señora Cornelia sé que gustará dello, y no queda tan sola que le falte quien la sirva, la guarde y acompañe. | But my arm is your own," returned Don Antonio, "wherefore, if I must even disguise myself, and can but follow you at a distance, I will go with you; and as to Signora Cornelia, I know well that she will prefer to have me accompany you, seeing that she will not here want people who can serve and guard her." |
| A lo cual Cornelia dijo: -Gran consuelo será para mí, señores, si sé que vais juntos, o a lo menos de modo que os favorezcáis el uno al otro si el caso lo pidiere; y, pues al que vais a mí se me semeja ser de peligro, hacedme merced, señores, de llevar estas reliquias con vosotros. | "Indeed," said Cornelia, "it will be a great consolation to me to know that you are together, Signors, or at least so near as to be able to assist each other in case of necessity; and since the undertaking you are going on appears to be dangerous, do me the favour, gentlemen, to take these Relics with you." |
| Y, diciendo esto, sacó del seno una cruz de diamantes de inestimable valor y un agnus de oro tan rico como la cruz. Miraron los dos las ricas joyas, y apreciáronlas aún más que lo que habían apreciado el cintillo; pero volviéronselas, no queriendo tomarlas en ninguna manera, diciendo que ellos llevarían reliquias consigo, si no tan bien adornadas, a lo menos en su calidad tan buenas. Pesóle a Cornelia el no aceptarlas, pero al fin hubo de estar a lo que ellos querían. | Saying this, Cornelia drew from her bosom a diamond cross, of great value, with an Agnus of gold equally rich and costly. The two gentlemen looked at the magnificent jewels, which they esteemed to be of still greater value than the decoration of the hat; but they returned them to the lady, each saying that he carried Relics of his own, which, though less richly decorated, were at least equally efficacious. Cornelia regretted much that they would not accept those she offered, but she was compelled to submit. |
| El ama tenía gran cuidado de regalar a Cornelia, y, sabiendo la partida de sus amos (de que le dieron cuenta, pero no a lo que iban ni adónde iban), se encargó de mirar por la señora, cuyo nombre aún no sabía, de manera que sus mercedes no hiciesen falta. Otro día, bien de mañana, ya estaba Lorenzo a la puerta, y don Juan de camino con el sombrero del cintillo, a quien adornó de plumas negras y amarillas, y cubrió el cintillo con una toquilla negra. Despidióse de Cornelia, la cual, imaginando que tenía a su hermano tan cerca, estaba tan temerosa que no acertó a decir palabra a los dos, que della se despidieron. | The housekeeper was now informed of the departure of her masters, though not of their destination, or of the purpose for which they went. She promised to take the utmost care of the lady, whose name she did not know, and assured her masters that she would be so watchful as to prevent her suffering in any manner from their absence. 2 Early the following morning Lorenzo was at the door, where he found Don Juan ready. The latter had assumed a travelling dress, with the rich sombrero presented by the duke, and which he had adorned with black and yellow plumes, placing a black covering over the band of brilliants. He went to take leave of Cornelia, who, knowing that her brother was near, fell into an agony of terror, and could not say one word to the two friends who were bidding her adieu. |
| Salió primero don Juan, y con Lorenzo se fue fuera de la ciudad, y en una huerta algo desviada hallaron dos muy buenos caballos, con dos mozos que de diestro los tenían. Subieron en ellos y, los mozos delante, por sendas y caminos desusados caminaron a Ferrara. Don Antonio sobre un cuartago suyo, y otro vestido y disimulado, los seguía, pero parecióle que se recataban dél, especialmente Lorenzo; y así, acordó de seguir el camino derecho de Ferrara, con seguridad que allí los encontraría. | Don Juan went out the first, and accompanied Lorenzo beyond the walls of the city, where they found their servants waiting with the horses in a retired garden. They mounted, rode on before, and the servants guided their masters in the direction of Ferrara by ways but little known. Don Antonio followed on a low pony, and with such a change of apparel as sufficed to disguise him; but fancying that they regarded him with suspicion, especially Lorenzo, he determined to pursue the highway, and rejoin his friend in Ferrara, where he was certain to find him with but little difficulty. |
| Apenas hubieron salido de la ciudad, cuando Cornelia dio cuenta al ama de todos sus sucesos, y de cómo aquel niño era suyo y del duque de Ferrara, con todos los puntos que hasta aquí se han contado tocantes a su historia, no encubriéndole cómo el viaje que llevaban sus señores era a Ferrara, acompañando a su hermano, que iba a desafiar al duque Alfonso. Oyendo lo cual el ama (como si el demonio se lo mandara, para intricar, estorbar o dilatar el remedio de Cornelia), dijo: | The Spaniards had scarcely got clear of the city before Cornelia had confided her whole history to the housekeeper, informing her that the infant belonged to herself and to the Duke of Ferrara, and making her acquainted with all that has been related, not concealing from her that the journey made by her masters was to Ferrara, or that they went accompanied by her brother, who was going to challenge the Duke Alfonso. Hearing all this, the housekeeper, as though the devil had sent her to complicate the difficulties and defer the restoration of Cornelia, began to exclaim— |
| -¡Ay señora de mi alma! ¿Y todas esas cosas han pasado por vos y estáisos aquí descuidada y a pierna tendida? O no tenéis alma, o tenéisla tan desmazalada que no siente. ¿Cómo, y pensáis vos por ventura que vuestro hermano va a Ferrara? No lo penséis, sino pensad y creed que ha querido llevar a mis amos de aquí y ausentarlos desta casa para volver a ella y quitaros la vida, que lo podrá hacer como quien bebe un jarro de agua. Mirá debajo de qué guarda y amparo quedamos, sino en la de tres pajes, que harto tienen ellos que hacer en rascarse la sarna de que están llenos que en meterse en dibujos; a lo menos, de mí sé decir que no tendré ánimo para esperar el suceso y ruina que a esta casa amenaza. ¡El señor Lorenzo, italiano, y que se fíe de españoles, y les pida favor y ayuda; para mi ojo si tal crea! -y diose ella misma una higa-; si vos, hija mía, quisiésedes tomar mi consejo, yo os le daría tal que os luciese. | "Alas! lady of my soul! all these things have happened to you, and you remain carelessly there with your limbs stretched out, and doing nothing! Either you have no soul at all, or you have one so poor and weak that you do not feel it! And do you really suppose that your brother has gone to Ferrara? Believe nothing of the kind, but rather be sure that he has carried off my masters, and wiled them from the house, that he may return and take your life, for he can now do it as one would drink a cup of water. Consider only under what kind of guard and protection we are left—that of three pages, who have enough to do with their own pranks, and are little likely to put their hands to any thing good. I, for my part, shall certainly not have courage to await what must follow, and the destruction that cannot but come upon this house. The Signor Lorenzo, an Italian, to put his trust in Spaniards, and ask help and favour from them! By the light of my eyes. I will believe none of that!" So saying, she made a fig[2] at herself. "But if you, my daughter, will take good advice, I will give you such as shall truly enlighten your way." |
| Pasmada, atónita y confusa estaba Cornelia oyendo las razones del ama, que las decía con tanto ahínco y con tantas muestras de temor, que le pareció ser todo verdad lo que le decía, y quizá estaban muertos don Juan y don Antonio, y que su hermano entraba por aquellas puertas y la cosía a puñaladas; y así, le dijo: | Cornelia was thrown into a pitiable state of alarm and confusion by these declarations of file housekeeper, who spoke with so much heat, and gave so many evidences of terror, that all she said appeared to be the very truth. The lady pictured to herself Don Antonio and Don Juan as perhaps already dead; she fancied her brother even then coming in at the door, and felt herself already pierced by the blows of his poniard. She therefore replied, |
| -¿Y qué consejo me daríades vos, amiga, que fuese saludable y que previniese la sobrestante desventura? | "What advice do you then give me, good friend, that may prevent the catastrophe which threatens us?" |
| -Y cómo que le daré, tal y tan bueno que no pueda mejorarse -dijo el ama-. Yo, señora, he servido a un piovano; a un cura, digo, de una aldea que está dos millas de Ferrara; es una persona santa y buena, y que hará por mí todo lo que yo le pidiere, porque me tiene obligación más que de amo. Vámonos allá, que yo buscaré quien nos lleve luego, y la que viene a dar de mamar al niño es mujer pobre y se irá con nosotras al cabo del mundo. Y ya, señora, que presupongamos que has de ser hallada, mejor será que te hallen en casa de un sacerdote de misa, viejo y honrado, que en poder de dos estudiantes, mozos y españoles; que los tales, como yo soy buen testigo, no desechan ripio. Y agora, señora, como estás mala, te han guardado respecto; pero si sanas y convaleces en su poder, Dios lo podrá remediar, porque en verdad que si a mí no me hubieran guardado mis repulsas, desdenes y enterezas, ya hubieran dado conmigo y con mi honra al traste; porque no es todo oro lo que en ellos reluce: uno dicen y otro piensan; pero hanlo habido conmigo, que soy taimada y sé dó me aprieta el zapato; y sobre todo soy bien nacida, que soy de los Cribelos de Milán, y tengo el punto de la honra diez millas más allá de las nubes. Y en esto se podrá echar de ver, señora mía, las calamidades que por mí han pasado, pues con ser quien soy, he venido a ser masara de españoles, a quien ellos llaman ama; aunque a la verdad no tengo de qué quejarme de mis amos, porque son unos benditos, como no estén enojados, y en esto parecen vizcaínos, como ellos dicen que lo son. Pero quizá para consigo serán gallegos, que es otra nación, según es fama, algo menos puntual y bien mirada que la vizcaína. | "I will give you counsel so good," rejoined the housekeeper, "that better could not be. I, Signora, was formerly in the service of a priest, who has his abode in a village not more than two miles from Ferrara. He is a good and holy man, who will do whatever I require from him, since he is under more obligations to me than merely those of a master to a faithful servant. Let us go to him. I will seek some one who shall conduct us thither instantly; and the woman who comes to nurse the infant is a poor creature, who will go with us to the end of the world. And, now make ready, Signora; for supposing you are to be discovered, it would be much better that you should be found under the care of a good priest, old and respected, than in the hands of two young students, bachelors and Spaniards, who, as I can myself bear witness, are but little disposed to lose occasions for amusing themselves. Now that you are unwell, they treat you with respect; but if you get well and remain in their clutches, Heaven alone will be able to help you; for truly, if my cold disdain and repulses had not been my safeguard, they would long since have torn my honour to rags. All is not gold that glitters. Men say one thing, but think another: happily, it is with me that they have to do; and I am not to be deceived, but know well when the shoe pinches my foot. Above all, I am well born, for I belong to the Crivellis of Milan, and I carry the point of honour ten thousand feet above the clouds; by this you may judge, Signora, through what troubles I have had to pass, since, being what I am, I have been brought to serve as the housekeeper of Spaniards, or as, what they call, their gouvernante. Not that I have, in truth, any complaint to make of my masters, who are a couple of half-saints[3] when they are not put into a rage. And, in this respect, they would seem to be Biscayans, as, indeed, they say they are. But, after all, they may be Galicians, which is another nation, and much less exact than the Biscayans; neither are they so much to be depended on as the people of the Bay." |
| En efeto, tantas y tales razones le dijo, que la pobre Cornelia se dispuso a seguir su parecer; y así, en menos de cuatro horas, disponiéndolo el ama y consintiéndolo ella, se vieron dentro de una carroza las dos y la ama del niño, y, sin ser sentidas de los pajes, se pusieron en camino para la aldea del cura; y todo esto se hizo a persuasión del ama y con sus dineros, porque había poco que la habían pagado sus señores un año de su sueldo, y así no fue menester empeñar una joya que Cornelia le daba. Y, como habían oído decir a don Juan que él y su hermano no habían de seguir el camino derecho de Ferrara, sino por sendas apartadas, quisieron ellas seguir el derecho, y poco a poco, por no encontrarse con ellos; y el dueño de la carroza se acomodó al paso de la voluntad de ellas porque le pagaron al gusto de la suya. | By all this verbiage, and more beside, the bewildered lady was induced to follow the advice of the old woman, insomuch that, in less than four hours after the departure of the friends, their housekeeper making all arrangements, and Cornelia consenting, the latter was seated in a carriage with the nurse of the babe, and without being heard by the pages they set off on their way to the curate′s village. All this was done not only by the advice of the housekeeper, but also with her money; for her masters had just before paid her a year′s wages, and therefore it was not needful that she should take a jewel which Cornelia had offered her for the purposes of their journey. Having heard Don Juan say that her brother and himself would not follow the highway to Ferrara, but proceed thither by retired paths, Cornelia thought it best to take the high road. She bade the driver, go slowly, that they might not overtake the gentlemen in any case; and the master of the carriage was well content to do as they liked, since they had paid him as he liked. |
| Dejémoslas ir, que ellas van tan atrevidas como bien encaminadas, y sepamos qué les sucedió a don Juan de Gamboa y al señor Lorenzo Bentibolli; de los cuales se dice que en el camino supieron que el duque no estaba en Ferrara, sino en Bolonia. Y así, dejando el rodeo que llevaban, se vinieron al camino real, o a la estrada maestra, como allá se dice, considerando que aquélla había de traer el duque cuando de Bolonia volviese. Y, a poco espacio que en ella habían entrado, habiendo tendido la vista hacia Bolonia por ver si por él alguno venía, vieron un tropel de gente de a caballo; y entonces dijo don Juan a Lorenzo que se desviase del camino, porque si acaso entre aquella gente viniese el duque, le quería hablar allí antes que se encerrase en Ferrara, que estaba poco distante. Hízolo así Lorenzo, y aprobó el parecer de don Juan. | We will leave them on their way, which they take with as much boldness as good direction, and let us see what happened to Don Juan de Gamboa and Signor Lorenzo Bentivoglio. On their way they heard that the duke had not gone to Ferrara, but was still at Bologna, wherefore, abandoning the round they were making, they regained the high road, considering that it was by this the duke would travel on his return to Ferrara. Nor had they long entered thereon before they perceived a troop of men on horseback coming as it seemed from Bologna. Don Juan then begged Lorenzo to withdraw to a little distance, since, if the duke should chance to be of the company approaching, it would be desirable that he should speak to him before he could enter Ferrara, which was but a short distance from them. |
| Así como se apartó Lorenzo, quitó don Juan la toquilla que encubría el rico cintillo, y esto no sin falta de discreto discurso, como él después lo dijo. En esto, llegó la tropa de los caminantes, y entre ellos venía una mujer sobre una pía, vestida de camino y el rostro cubierto con una mascarilla, o por mejor encubrirse, o por guardarse del sol y del aire. Paró el caballo don Juan en medio del camino, y estuvo con el rostro descubierto a que llegasen los caminantes; y, en llegando cerca, el talle, el brío, el poderoso caballo, la bizarría del vestido y las luces de los diamantes llevaron tras sí los ojos de cuantos allí venían: especialmente los del duque de Ferrara, que era uno dellos, el cual, como puso los ojos en el cintillo, luego se dio a entender que el que le traía era don Juan de Gamboa, el que le había librado en la pendencia; y tan de veras aprehendió esta verdad que, sin hacer otro discurso, arremetió su caballo hacia don Juan diciendo: | Lorenzo complied, and as soon as he had withdrawn, Don Juan removed the covering by which he had concealed the rich ornament of his hat; but this was not done without some little indiscretion, as he was himself the first to admit some time after. Meanwhile the travellers approached; among them came a woman on a pied-horse, dressed in a travelling habit, and her face covered with a silk mask, either to conceal her features, or to shelter them from the effects of the sun and air. Don Juan pulled up his horse in the middle of the road, and remained with his face uncovered, awaiting the arrival of the cavalcade. As they approached him, the height, good looks, and spirited attitude of the Spaniard, the beauty of his horse, his peculiar dress, and, above all, the lustre of the diamonds on his hat, attracted the eyes of the whole party but especially those of the Duke of Ferrara, the principal personage of the group, who no sooner beheld the band of brilliants than he understood the cavalier before him to be Don Juan de Gamboa, his deliverer in the combat frequently alluded to. So well convinced did he feel of this, that, without further question, he rode up to Don Juan, saying, |
| -No creo que me engañaré en nada, señor caballero, si os llamo don Juan de Gamboa, que vuestra gallarda disposición y el adorno dese capelo me lo están diciendo. | "I shall certainly not deceive myself, Signor Cavalier, if I call you Don Juan de Gamboa, for your spirited looks, and the decoration you wear on your hat, alike assure me of the fact." |
| -Así es la verdad -respondió don Juan-, porque jamás supe ni quise encubrir mi nombre; pero decidme, señor, quién sois, por que yo no caiga en alguna descortesía. | "It is true that I am the person you say," replied Don Juan. "I have never yet desired to conceal my name; but tell me, Signor, who you are yourself, that I may not be surprised into any discourtesy." |
| -Eso será imposible -respondió el duque-, que para mí tengo que no podéis ser descortés en ningún caso. Con todo eso os digo, señor don Juan, que yo soy el duque de Ferrara y el que está obligado a serviros todos los días de su vida, pues no ha cuatro noches que vos se la distes. | "Discourtesy from you, Signor, would be impossible," rejoined the duke. "I feel sure that you could not be discourteous in any case; but I hasten to tell you, nevertheless, that I am the Duke of Ferrara, and a man who will be bound to do you service all the days of his life, since it is but a few nights since you gave him that life which must else have been lost." |
| No acabó de decir esto el duque cuando don Juan, con estraña ligereza, saltó del caballo y acudió a besar los pies del duque; pero, por presto que llegó, ya el duque estaba fuera de la silla, de modo que le acabó de apear en brazos don Juan. El señor Lorenzo, que desde algo lejos miraba estas ceremonias, no pensando que lo eran de cortesía, sino de cólera, arremetió su caballo; pero en la mitad del repelón le detuvo, porque vio abrazados muy estrechamente al duque y a don Juan, que ya había conocido al duque. El duque, por cima de los hombros de don Juan, miró a Lorenzo y conocióle, de cuyo conocimiento algún tanto se sobresaltó, y así como estaba abrazado preguntó a don Juan si Lorenzo Bentibolli, que allí estaba, venía con él o no. A lo cual don Juan respondió: | Alfonzo had not finished speaking, when Don Juan, springing lightly from his horse, hastened to kiss the feet of the duke; but, with all his agility, the latter was already out of the saddle, and alighted in the arms of the Spaniard. Seeing this, Signor Lorenzo, who could but observe these ceremonies from a distance, believed that what he beheld was the effect of anger rather than courtesy; he therefore put his horse to its speed, but pulled up midway on perceiving that the duke and Don Juan were of a verity clasped in each other′s arms. It then chanced that Alfonso, looking over the shoulders of Don Juan, perceived Lorenzo, whom he instantly recognised; and somewhat disconcerted at his appearance, while still holding Don Juan embraced, he inquired if Lorenzo Bentivoglio, whom he there beheld, had come with him or not. Don Juan replied, |
| -Apartémonos algo de aquí y contaréle a Vuestra Excelencia grandes cosas. | "Let us move somewhat apart from this place, and I will relate to your excellency some very singular circumstances." |
| Hízolo así el duque y don Juan le dijo: | The duke having done as he was requested, Don Juan said to him, |
| -Señor, Lorenzo Bentibolli, que allí veis, tiene una queja de vos no pequeña: dice que habrá cuatro noches que le sacastes a su hermana, la señora Cornelia, de casa de una prima suya, y que la habéis engañado y deshonrado, y quiere saber de vos qué satisfación le pensáis hacer, para que él vea lo que le conviene. Pidióme que fuese su valedor y medianero; yo se lo ofrecí, porque, por los barruntos que él me dio de la pendencia, conocí que vos, señor, érades el dueño deste cintillo, que por liberalidad y cortesía vuestra quisistes que fuese mío; y, viendo que ninguno podía hacer vuestras partes mejor que yo, como ya he dicho, le ofrecí mi ayuda. Querría yo agora, señor, me dijésedes lo que sabéis acerca deste caso y si es verdad lo que Lorenzo dice. | "My Lord Duke, I must tell you that Lorenzo Bentivoglio, whom you there see, has a cause of complaint against you, and not a light one; he avers that some nights since you took his sister, the Lady Cornelia, from the house of a lady, her cousin, and that you have deceived her, and dishonoured his house; he desires therefore to know what satisfaction you propose to make for this, that he may then see what it behoves him to do. He has begged me to be his aid and mediator in the matter, and I have consented with a good will, since, from certain indications which he gave me, I perceived that the person of whom of complained, and yourself, to whose liberal courtesy I owe this rich ornament, were one and the same. Thus, seeing that none could more effectually mediate between you than myself, I offered to undertake that office willingly, as I have said; and now I would have you tell me, Signor, if you know aught of this matter, and whether what Lorenzo has told me be true." |
| -¡Ay amigo! -respondió el duque-, es tan verdad que no me atrevería a negarla aunque quisiese; yo no he engañado ni sacado a Cornelia, aunque sé que falta de la casa que dice; no la he engañado, porque la tengo por mi esposa; no la he sacado, porque no sé della; si públicamente no celebré mis desposorios, fue porque aguardaba que mi madre (que está ya en lo último) pasase désta a mejor vida, que tiene deseo que sea mi esposa la señora Livia, hija del duque de Mantua, y por otros inconvenientes quizá más eficaces que los dichos, y no conviene que ahora se digan. Lo que pasa es que la noche que me socorristes la había de traer a Ferrara, porque estaba ya en el mes de dar a luz la prenda que ordenó el cielo que en ella depositase; o ya fuese por la riña, o ya por mi descuido, cuando llegué a su casa hallé que salía della la secretaria de nuestros conciertos. Preguntéle por Cornelia, díjome que ya había salido, y que aquella noche había parido un niño, el más bello del mundo, y que se le había dado a un Fabio, mi criado. La doncella es aquella que allí viene; el Fabio está aquí, y el niño y Cornelia no parecen. Yo he estado estos dos días en Bolonia, esperando y escudriñando oír algunas nuevas de Cornelia, pero no he sentido nada. | "Alas, my friend, it is so true," replied the duke, "that I durst not deny it, even if I would. Yet I have not deceived or carried off Cornelia, although I know that she has disappeared from the house of which you speak. I have not deceived her, because I have taken her for my wife; and I have not carried her off, since I do not know what has become of her. If I have not publicly celebrated my nuptials with her, it is because I waited until my mother, who is now at the last extremity, should have passed to another life, she desiring greatly that I should espouse the Signora Livia, daughter of the Duke of Mantua. There are, besides, other reasons, even more important than this, but which it is not convenient that I should now make known. "What has in fact happened is this:—on the night when you came to my assistance, I was to have taken Cornelia to Ferrara, she being then in the last month of her pregnancy, and about to present me with that pledge of our love with which it has pleased God to bless us; but whether she was alarmed by our combat or by my delay, I know not; all I can tell you is, that when I arrived at the house, I met the confidante of our affection just coming out. From her I learned that her mistress had that moment left the house, after having given birth to a son, the most beautiful that ever had been seen, and whom she had given to one Fabio, my servant. The woman is she whom you see here. Fabio is also in this company; but of Cornelia and her child I can learn nothing. These two days I have passed at Bologna, in ceaseless endeavours to discover her, or to obtain some clue to her retreat, but I have not been able to learn anything." |
| -Dese modo, señor -dijo don Juan-, cuando Cornelia y vuestro hijo pareciesen, ¿no negaréis ser vuestra esposa y él vuestro hijo? | "In that case," interrupted Don Juan, "if Cornelia and her child were now to appear, you would not refuse to admit that the first is your wife, and the second your son?" |
| -No, por cierto; porque, aunque me precio de caballero, más me precio de cristiano; y más, que Cornelia es tal que merece ser señora de un reino. Pareciese ella, y viva o muera mi madre, que el mundo sabrá que si supe ser amante, supe la fe que di en secreto guardarla en público. | "Certainly not," replied the duke; "for if I value myself on being a gentleman, still more highly do I prize the title of Christian. Cornelia, besides, is one who well deserves to be mistress of a kingdom. Let her but come, and whether my mother live or die, the world shall know that I maintain my faith, and that my word, given in private, shall be publicly redeemed." |
| -Luego, ¿bien diréis -dijo don Juan- lo que a mí me habéis dicho a vuestro hermano el señor Lorenzo? | "And what you have now said to me you are willing to repeat to your brother, Signor Lorenzo?" inquired Don Juan. |
| -Antes me pesa -respondió el duque- de que tarde tanto en saberlo. | "My only regret is," exclaimed the duke, "that he has not long before been acquainted with the truth." |
| Al instante hizo don Juan de señas a Lorenzo, que se apease y viniese donde ellos estaban, como lo hizo, bien ajeno de pensar la buena nueva que le esperaba. Adelantóse el duque a recebirle con los brazos abiertos, y la primera palabra que le dijo fue llamarle hermano. | Hearing this, Don Juan made sign to Lorenzo that he should join them, which he did, alighting from his horse and proceeding towards the place where his friends stood, but far from hoping for the good news that awaited him. The duke advanced to receive him with open arms, and the first word he uttered was to call him brother. |
| Apenas supo Lorenzo responder a salutación tan amorosa ni a tan cortés recibimiento; y, estando así suspenso, antes que hablase palabra, don Juan le dijo: | Lorenzo scarcely knew how to reply to a reception so courteous and a salutation so affectionate. He stood amazed, and before he could utter a word, Don Juan said to him, |
| -El duque, señor Lorenzo, confiesa la conversación secreta que ha tenido con vuestra hermana, la señora Cornelia. Confiesa asimismo que es su legítima esposa, y que, como lo dice aquí, lo dirá públicamente cuando se ofreciere. Concede, asimismo, que fue ha cuatro noches a sacarla de casa de su prima para traerla a Ferrara y aguardar coyuntura de celebrar sus bodas, que las ha dilatado por justísimas causas que me ha dicho. Dice, asimismo, la pendencia que con vos tuvo, y que cuando fue por Cornelia encontró con Sulpicia, su doncella, que es aquella mujer que allí viene, de quien supo que Cornelia no había una hora que había parido, y que ella dio la criatura a un criado del duque, y que luego Cornelia, creyendo que estaba allí el duque, había salido de casa medrosa, porque imaginaba que ya vos, señor Lorenzo, sabíades sus tratos. Sulpicia no dio el niño al criado del duque, sino a otro en su cambio. Cornelia no parece, él se culpa de todo, y dice que, cada y cuando que la señora Cornelia parezca, la recebirá como a su verdadera esposa. Mirad, señor Lorenzo, si hay más que decir ni más que desear si no es el hallazgo de las dos tan ricas como desgraciadas prendas. | "The duke, Signor Lorenzo, is but too happy to admit his affection for your sister, the Lady Cornelia; and, at the same time, he assures you, that she is his legitimate consort. This, as he now says it to you, he will affirm publicly before all the world, when the moment for doing so has arrived. He confesses, moreover, that he did propose to remove her from the house of her cousin some nights since, intending to take her to Ferrara, there to await the proper time for their public espousals, which he has only delayed for just causes, which he has declared to me. He describes the conflict he had to maintain against yourself; and adds, that when he went to seek Cornelia, he found only her waiting-woman, Sulpicia, who is the woman you see yonder: from her he has learned that her lady had just given birth to a son, whom she entrusted to a servant of the duke, and then left the house in terror, because she feared that you, Signor Lorenzo, had been made aware of her secret marriage: the lady hoped, moreover, to find the duke awaiting her in the street. But it seems that Sulpicia did not give the babe to Fabio, but to some other person instead of him, and the child does not appear, neither is the Lady Cornelia to be found, in spite of the duke′s researches. He admits, that all these things have happened by his fault; but declares, that whenever your sister shall appear, he is ready to receive her as his legitimate wife. Judge, then, Signor Lorenzo, if there be any more to say or to desire beyond the discovery of those two dear but unfortunate ones—the lady and her infant." |
| A esto respondió el señor Lorenzo, arrojándose a los pies del duque, que porfiaba por levantarlo: | To this Lorenzo replied by throwing himself at the feet of the duke, who raised him instantly. |
| -De vuestra cristiandad y grandeza, serenísimo señor y hermano mío, no podíamos mi hermana y yo esperar menor bien del que a entrambos nos hacéis: a ella, en igualarla con vos, y a mí, en ponerme en el número de vuestro. | "From your greatness and Christian uprightness, most noble lord and dear brother," said Lorenzo, "my sister and I had certainly nothing less than this high honour to expect." |
| Ya en esto se le arrasaban los ojos de lágrimas, y al duque lo mismo, enternecidos, el uno, con la pérdida de su esposa, y el otro, con el hallazgo de tan buen cuñado; pero consideraron que parecía flaqueza dar muestras con lágrimas de tanto sentimiento, las reprimieron y volvieron a encerrar en los ojos, y los de don Juan, alegres, casi les pedían las albricias de haber parecido Cornelia y su hijo, pues los dejaba en su misma casa. | Saying this, tears came to his eyes, and the duke felt his own becoming moist, for both were equally affected,—the one with the fear of having lost his wife, the other by the generous candour of his brother-in-law; but at once perceiving the weakness of thus displaying their feelings, they both restrained themselves, and drove back those witnesses to their source; while the eyes of Don Juan, shining with gladness, seemed almost to demand from them the albricias[4] of good news, seeing that he believed himself to have both Cornelia and her son in his own house. |
| En esto estaban, cuando se descubrió don Antonio de Isunza, que fue conocido de don Juan en el cuartago desde algo lejos; pero cuando llegó cerca se paró y vio los caballos de don Juan y de Lorenzo, que los mozos tenían de diestro y acullá desviados. Conoció a don Juan y a Lorenzo, pero no al duque, y no sabía qué hacerse, si llegaría o no adonde don Juan estaba. Llegándose a los criados del duque, les preguntó si conocían aquel caballero que con los otros dos estaba, señalando al duque. Fuele respondido ser el duque de Ferrara, con que quedó más confuso y menos sin saber qué hacerse, pero sacóle de su perplejidad don Juan, llamándole por su nombre. Apeóse don Antonio, viendo que todos estaban a pie, y llegóse a ellos; recibióle el duque con mucha cortesía, porque don Juan le dijo que era su camarada. Finalmente, don Juan contó a don Antonio todo lo que con el duque le había sucedido hasta que él llego. Alegróse en estremo don Antonio, y dijo a don Juan: | Things were at this point when Don Antonio de Isunza, whom Don Juan recognised at a considerable distance by his horse, was perceived approaching. He also recognised Don Juan and Lorenzo, but not the duke, and did not know what he was to do, or whether he ought to rejoin his friend or not. He therefore inquired of the duke′s servants who the gentleman was, then standing with Lorenzo and Don Juan. They replied that it was the Duke of Ferrara; and Don Antonio, knowing less than ever what it was best for him to do, remained in some confusion, until he was relieved from it by Don Juan, who called him by his name. Seeing that all were on foot, Don Antonio also dismounted, and, approaching the group, was received with infinite courtesy by the duke, to whom Don Juan had already named him as his friend; finally, Don Antonio was made acquainted with all that had taken place before his arrival. Rejoicing greatly at what he heard, Don Antonio then said to his comrade, |
| -¿Por qué, señor don Juan, no acabáis de poner la alegría y el contento destos señores en su punto, pidiendo las albricias del hallazgo de la señora Cornelia y de su hijo? | "Why, Signor Don Juan, do you not finish your work, and raise the joy of these Signors to its acmè, by requiring from them the albricias for discovering the Lady Cornelia and her son?" |
| -Si vos no llegárades, señor don Antonio, yo las pidiera; pero pedidlas vos, que yo seguro que os las den de muy buena gana. | "Had you not arrived, I might have taken those albricias you speak of," replied Don Juan; "but now they are yours, Don Antonio, for I am certain that the duke and Signor Lorenzo will give them to you most joyfully." |
| Como el duque y Lorenzo oyeron tratar del hallazgo de Cornelia y de albricias, preguntaron qué era aquello. | The duke and Lorenzo hearing of Cornelia being found, and of albricias, inquired the meaning of those words. |
| -¿Qué ha de ser -respondió don Antonio- sino que yo quiero hacer un personaje en esta trágica comedia, y ha de ser el que pide las albricias del hallazgo de la señora Cornelia y de su hijo, que quedan en mi casa? | "What can it be," replied Don Antonio, "if not that I also design to become one of the personages in this happily terminating drama, being he who is to demand the albricias for the discovery of the Lady Cornelia and her son, who are both in my house." |
| Y luego les contó punto por punto todo lo que hasta aquí se ha dicho, de lo cual el duque y el señor Lorenzo recibieron tanto placer y gusto, que don Lorenzo se abrazó con don Juan y el duque con don Antonio. El duque prometió todo su estado en albricias, y el señor Lorenzo su hacienda, su vida y su alma. Llamaron a la doncella que entregó a don Juan la criatura, la cual, habiendo conocido a Lorenzo, estaba temblando. Preguntáronle si conocería al hombre a quien había dado el niño; dijo que no, sino que ella le había preguntado si era Fabio, y él había respondido que sí, y con esta buena fe se le había entregado. | He then at once related to the brothers, point by point, what has been already told, intelligence which gave the duke and Lorenzo so much pleasure, that each embraced one of the friends with all his heart, Lorenzo throwing himself into the arms of Don Juan, and the duke into those of Don Antonio—the latter promising his whole dukedom for albricias, and Lorenzo his life, soul, and estates. They then called the woman who had given the child to Don Juan, and she having perceived her master, Lorenzo Bentivoglio, came forward, trembling. Being asked if she could recognise the man to whom she had given the infant, she replied that she could not; but that when she had asked if he were Fabio, he had answered "yes," and that she had entrusted the babe to his care in the faith of that reply. |
| -Así es la verdad -respondió don Juan-; y vos, señora, cerrastes la puerta luego, y me dijistes que la pusiese en cobro y diese luego la vuelta. | "All this is true," returned Don Juan; "and you furthermore bade me deposit the child in a place of security, and instantly return." |
| -Así es, señor -respondió la doncella llorando. | "I did so," replied the waiting-woman, weeping. |
| Y el duque dijo: | But the duke exclaimed, |
| -Ya no son menester lágrimas aquí, sino júbilos y fiestas. El caso es que yo no tengo de entrar en Ferrara, sino dar la vuelta luego a Bolonia, porque todos estos contentos son en sombra hasta que los haga verdaderos la vista de Cornelia. | "We will have no more tears; all is gladness and joy. I will not now enter Ferrara, but return at once to Bologna; for this happiness is but in shadow until made perfect by the sight of Cornelia herself." |
| Y sin más decir, de común consentimiento, dieron la vuelta a Bolonia. | Then, without more words, the whole company wheeled round, and took their way to Bologna. |
| Adelantóse don Antonio para apercebir a Cornelia, por no sobresaltarla con la improvisa llegada del duque y de su hermano; pero, como no la halló ni los pajes le supieron decir nuevas della, quedó el más triste y confuso hombre del mundo; y, como vio que faltaba el ama, imaginó que por su industria faltaba Cornelia. Los pajes le dijeron que faltó el ama el mismo día que ellos habían faltado, y que la Cornelia por quien preguntaba nunca ellos la vieron. Fuera de sí quedó don Antonio con el no pensado caso, temiendo que quizá el duque los tendría por mentirosos o embusteros, o quizá imaginaría otras peores cosas que redundasen en perjuicio de su honra y del buen crédito de Cornelia. En esta imaginación estaba, cuando entraron el duque, y don Juan y Lorenzo, que por calles desusadas y encubiertas, dejando la demás gente fuera de la ciudad, llegaron a la casa de don Juan, y hallaron a don Antonio sentado en una silla, con la mano en la mejilla y con una color de muerto. | Don Antonio now rode forward to prepare the Lady Cornelia, lest the sudden appearance of her brother and the duke might cause too violent a revulsion; but not finding her as he expected, and the pages being unable to give him any intelligence respecting her, he suddenly found himself the saddest and most embarrassed man in the world. Learning that the gouvernante had departed, he was not long in conjecturing that the lady had disappeared by her means. The pages informed him that the housekeeper had gone on the same day with himself and Don Juan, but as to that Lady Cornelia, respecting whom he inquired, they had never seen her. Don Antonio was almost out of his senses at this unexpected occurrence, which, he feared, must make the duke consider himself and Don Juan to be mere liars and boasters. He was plunged in these sad thoughts when Alfonso entered with Lorenzo and Don Juan, who had spurred on before the attendants by retired and unfrequented streets. They found Don Antonio seated with his head on his hand, and as pale as a man who has been long dead, |
| Preguntóle don Juan qué mal tenía y adónde estaba Cornelia. | and when Don Juan inquired what ailed him, and where was the Lady Cornelia, |
| Respondió don Antonio: -¿Qué mal queréis que no tenga? Pues Cornelia no parece, que con el ama que le dejamos para su compañía, el mismo día que de aquí faltamos, faltó ella. | he replied, "Rather ask me what do I not ail, since the Lady Cornelia is not to be found. She quitted the house, on the same day as ourselves, with the gouvernante we left to keep her company." |
| Poco le faltó al duque para espirar, y a Lorenzo para desesperarse, oyendo tales nuevas. Finalmente, todos quedaron turbados, suspensos e imaginativos. En esto, se llegó un paje a don Antonio y al oído le dijo: | This sad news seemed as though it would deprive the duke of life, and Lorenzo of his senses. The whole party remained in the utmost consternation and dismay; when one of the pages said to Don Antonio in a whisper, |
| -Señor, Santisteban, el paje del señor don Juan, desde el día que vuesas mercedes se fueron, tiene una mujer muy bonita encerrada en su aposento, y yo creo que se llama Cornelia, que así la he oído llamar. | "Signor, Santisteban, Signor Don Juan′s page, has had locked up in his chamber, from the day when your worships left, a very pretty woman, whose name is certainly Cornelia, for I have heard him call her so." |
| Alborotóse de nuevo don Antonio, y más quisiera que no hubiera parecido Cornelia, que sin duda pensó que era la que el paje tenía escondida, que no que la hallaran en tal lugar. Con todo eso no dijo nada, sino callando se fue al aposento del paje, y halló cerrada la puerta y que el paje no estaba en casa. Llegóse a la puerta y dijo con voz baja: | Plunged into a new embarrassment, Don Antonio would rather not have found the lady at all—for he could not but suppose it was she whom the page had shut up in his room—than have discovered her in such a place. Nevertheless, without saying a word, he ascended to the page′s chamber, but found the door fast, for the young man had gone out, and taken away the key. Don Antonio therefore put his lips to the keyhole, and said in a low voice, |
| -Abrid, señora Cornelia, y salid a recebir a vuestro hermano y al duque vuestro esposo, que vienen a buscaros. | "Open the door, Signora Cornelia, and come down to receive your brother, and the duke, your husband, who are waiting to take you hence." |
| Respondiéronle de dentro: -¿Hacen burla de mí? Pues en verdad que no soy tan fea ni tan desechada que no podían buscarme duques y condes, y eso se merece la presona que trata con pajes. | A voice from within replied, "Are you making fun of me? It is certain that I am neither so ugly nor so old but that dukes and counts may very well be looking for me: but this comes of condescending to visit pages." |
| Por las cuales palabra entendió don Antonio que no era Cornelia la que respondía. Estando en esto, vino Santisteban el paje, y acudió luego a su aposento, y, hallando allí a don Antonio, que pedía que le trujesen las llaves que había en casa, por ver si alguna hacía a la puerta, el paje, hincado de rodillas y con la llave en la mano, le dijo: | These words quite satisfied Don Antonio that it was not the Lady Cornelia who had replied. At that moment Santisteban returned and went up to his chamber, where he found Don Antonio, who had just commanded that all the keys of the house should be brought, to see if any one of them would open the door. The page fell on his knees, and held up the key, exclaiming, |
| -El ausencia de vuesas mercedes, y mi bellaquería, por mejor decir, me hizo traer una mujer estas tres noches a estar conmigo. Suplico a vuesa merced, señor don Antonio de Isunza, así oiga buenas nuevas de España, que si no lo sabe mi señor don Juan de Gamboa que no se lo diga, que yo la echaré al momento. | "Have mercy on me, your worship: your absence, or rather my own villainy, made me bring this woman to my room; but I entreat your grace, Don Antonio, as you would have good news from Spain, that you suffer the fault I have committed to remain unknown to my master, Don Juan, if he be not yet informed of it; I will turn her out this instant." |
| -Y ¿cómo se llama la tal mujer? -preguntó don Antonio. | "What is the name of this woman?" inquired Don Antonio. |
| -Llámase Cornelia -respondió el paje. | "Cornelia," replied Santisteban. |
| El paje que había descubierto la celada, que no era muy amigo de Santisteban, ni se sabe si simplemente o con malicia, bajó donde estaban el duque, don Juan y Lorenzo, diciendo: | Down stairs at once went the page who had discovered the hidden woman, and who was not much of a friend to Santisteban, and entered the room where sat the duke, Don Juan, and Lorenzo, and, either from simplicity or malice, began to talk to himself, saying, |
| -Tómame el paje, por Dios, que le han hecho gormar a la señora Cornelia; escondidita la tenía; a buen seguro que no quisiera él que hubieran venido los señores para alargar más el gaudeamus tres o cuatro días más. | "Well caught, brother page! by Heaven they have made you give up your Lady Cornelia! She was well hidden, to be sure; and no doubt my gentleman would have liked to see the masters remain away that he might enjoy himself some three or four days longer." |
| Oyó esto Lorenzo y preguntóle: -¿Qué es lo que decís, gentilhombre? ¿Dónde está Cornelia? | "What is that you are saying?" cried Lorenzo, who had caught a part of these words. "Where is the Lady Cornelia?" |
| -Arriba -respondió el paje. | "She is above," replied the page; |
| Apenas oyó esto el duque, cuando como un rayo subió la escalera arriba a ver a Cornelia, que imaginó que había parecido, y dio luego con el aposento donde estaba don Antonio, y, entrando, dijo: | and the duke, who supposed that his consort had just made her appearance, had scarcely heard the words before he rushed from the apartment like a flash of lightning, and, ascending the staircase at a bound, gained the chamber into which Don Antonio was entering. |
| -¿Dónde está Cornelia, adónde está la vida de la vida mía? | "Where is Cornelia? where is the life of my life?" he exclaimed, as he hurried into the room. |
| -Aquí está Cornelia -respondió una mujer que estaba envuelta en una sábana de la cama y cubierto el rostro, y prosiguió diciendo-: ¡Válamos Dios! ¿Es éste algún buey de hurto? ¿Es cosa nueva dormir una mujer con un paje, para hacer tantos milagrones? | "Cornelia is here," replied a woman who was wrapped in a quilt taken from the bed with which she had concealed her face. "Lord bless us!" she continued, "one would think an ox had been stolen! Is it a new thing for a woman to visit a page, that you make such a fuss about it?" |
| Lorenzo, que estaba presente, con despecho y cólera tiró de un cabo de la sábana y descubrió una mujer moza y no de mal parecer, la cual, de vergÜenza, se puso las manos delante del rostro y acudió a tomar sus vestidos, que le servían de almohada, porque la cama no la tenía, y en ellos vieron que debía de ser alguna pícara de las perdidas del mundo. | Lorenzo, who had now entered the room, angrily snatched off the sheet and exposed to view a woman still young and not ill-looking, who hid her face in her hands for shame, while her dress, which served her instead of a pillow, sufficiently proved her to be some poor castaway. |
| Preguntóle el duque que si era verdad que se llamaba Cornelia; respondió que sí y que tenía muy honrados parientes en la ciudad, y que nadie dijese "desta agua no beberé". | The duke asked her, was it true her name was Cornelia? It was, she replied—adding, that she had very decent parents in the city, but that no one could venture to say, "Of this water I will never drink." |
| Quedó tan corrido el duque, que casi estuvo por pensar si hacían los españoles burla dél; pero, por no dar lugar a tan mala sospecha, volvió las espaldas, y, sin hablar palabra, siguiéndole Lorenzo, subieron en sus caballos y se fueron, dejando a don Juan y a don Antonio harto más corridos que ellos iban; y determinaron de hacer las diligencias posibles y aun imposibles en buscar a Cornelia, y satisfacer al duque de su verdad y buen deseo. Despidieron a Santisteban por atrevido, y echaron a la pícara Cornelia, y en aquel punto se les vino a la memoria que se les había olvidado de decir al duque las joyas del agnus y la cruz de diamantes que Cornelia les había ofrecido, pues con estas señas creería que Cornelia había estado en su poder y que si faltaba, no había estado en su mano. Salieron a decirle esto, pero no le hallaron en casa de Lorenzo, donde creyeron que estaría. A Lorenzo sí, el cual les dijo que, sin detenerse un punto, se había vuelto a Ferrara, dejándole orden de buscar a su hermana. | The duke was so confounded by all he beheld, that he was almost inclined to think the Spaniards were making a fool of him; but, not to encourage so grievous a suspicion, he turned away without saying a word. Lorenzo followed him; they mounted their horses and rode off, leaving Don Juan and Don Antonio even more astonished and dismayed than himself. The two friends now determined to leave no means untried, possible or impossible, to discover the retreat of the Lady Cornelia, and convince the duke of their sincerity and uprightness. They dismissed Santisteban for his misconduct, and turned the worthless Cornelia out of the house. Don Juan then remembered that they had neglected to describe to the duke those rich jewels wherein Cornelia carried her relics, with the agnus she had offered to them; and they went out proposing to mention that circumstance, so as to prove to Alfonso that the lady had, indeed, been in their care, and that if she had now disappeared, it was not by any fault of theirs. They expected to find the duke in Lorenzo′s house; but the latter informed them that Alfonso had been compelled to leave Bologna, and had returned to Ferrara, having committed the search for Cornelia to his care. |
| Dijéronle lo que iban a decirle, pero Lorenzo les dijo que el duque iba muy satisfecho de su buen proceder, y que entrambos habían echado la falta de Cornelia a su mucho miedo, y que Dios sería servido de que pareciese, pues no había de haber tragado la tierra al niño y al ama y a ella. Con esto se consolaron todos y no quisieron hacer la inquisición de buscalla por bandos públicos, sino por diligencias secretas, pues de nadie sino de su prima se sabía su falta; y entre los que no sabían la intención del duque correría riesgo el crédito de su hermana si la pregonasen, y ser gran trabajo andar satisfaciendo a cada uno de las sospechas que una vehemente presumpción les infunde. | The friends having told him what had brought them, Lorenzo assured them that the duke was perfectly convinced of their rectitude in the matter, adding, that they both attributed the flight of Cornelia to her great fear, but hoped, and did not doubt, that Heaven would permit her re-appearance before long, since it was certain that the earth had not swallowed the housekeeper, the child, and herself. With these considerations they all consoled themselves, determining not to make search by any public announcement, but secretly, since, with the exception of her cousin, no person was yet acquainted with the disappearance of Cornelia; and Lorenzo judged that a public search might prove injurious to his sister′s name among such as did not know the whole circumstances of the case, since the labour of effacing such suspicions as might arise would be infinite, and by no means certain of success. |
| Siguió su viaje el duque, y la buena suerte, que iba disponiendo su ventura, hizo que llegase a la aldea del cura, donde ya estaban Cornelia, el niño y su ama y la consejera; y ellas le habían dado cuenta de su vida y pedídole consejo de lo que harían. | The duke meanwhile continued his journey to Ferrara, and favouring Fortune, which was now preparing his happiness, led him to the village where dwelt that priest in whose house Cornelia, her infant, and the housekeeper, were concealed. |
| Era el cura grande amigo del duque, en cuya casa, acomodada a lo de clérigo rico y curioso, solía el duque venirse desde Ferrara muchas veces, y desde allí salía a caza, porque gustaba mucho, así de la curiosidad del cura como de su donaire, que le tenía en cuanto decía y hacía. No se alborotó por ver al duque en su casa, porque, como se ha dicho, no era la vez primera; pero descontentóle verle venir triste, porque luego echó de ver que con alguna pasión traía ocupado el ánimo. | The good Father was acquainted with the whole history, and Cornelia had begged his advice as to what it would be best for her to do. Now this priest had been the preceptor of the duke; and to his dwelling, which was furnished in a manner befitting that of a rich and learned clerk, the duke was in the habit of occasionally repairing from Ferrara, and would thence go to the chase, or amuse himself with the pleasant conversation of his host, and with the knowledge and excellence of which the good priest gave evidence in all he did or said. The priest was not surprised to receive a visit from the duke, because, as we have said, it was not the first by many; but he was grieved to see him sad and dejected, and instantly perceived that his whole soul was absorbed in some painful thought. |
| Entreoyó Cornelia que el duque de Ferrara estaba allí y turbóse en estremo, por no saber con qué intención venía; torcíase las manos y andaba de una parte a otra, como persona fuera de sentido. Quisiera hablar Cornelia al cura, pero estaba entreteniendo al duque y no tenía lugar de hablarle. | As to Cornelia, having been told that the duke was there, she was seized with renewed terror, not knowing how her misfortunes were to terminate. She wrung her hands, and hurried from one side of her apartment to the other, like a person who had lost her senses. Fain would the troubled lady have spoken to the priest, but he was in conversation with the Duke, and could not be approached. |
| El duque le dijo: -Yo vengo, padre mío, tristísimo, y no quiero hoy entrar en Ferrara, sino ser vuestro huésped; decid a los que vienen conmigo que pasen a Ferrara y que sólo se quede Fabio. | Alfonso was meanwhile saying to him, "I come to you, my father, full of sadness, and will not go to Ferrara to-day, but remain your guest; give orders for all my attendants to proceed to the city, and let none remain with me but Fabio." |
| Hízolo así el buen cura, y luego fue a dar orden cómo regalar y servir al duque; y con esta ocasión le pudo hablar Cornelia, la cual, tomándole de las manos, le dijo: | The priest went to give directions accordingly, as also to see that his own servants made due preparations; and Cornelia then found an opportunity for speaking to him. She took his two hands and said, |
| -¡Ay, padre y señor mío! Y ¿qué es lo que quiere el duque? Por amor de Dios, señor, que le dé algún toque en mi negocio, y procure descubrir y tomar algún indicio de su intención; en efeto, guíelo como mejor le pareciere y su mucha discreción le aconsejare. | "Ah, my father, and dear sir, what has the duke come for? for the love of God see what can be done to save me! I pray you, seek to discover what he proposes. As a friend, do for me whatever shall seem best to your prudence and great wisdom." |
| A esto le respondió el cura: | The priest replied, |
| -El duque viene triste; hasta agora no me ha dicha la causa. Lo que se ha de hacer es que luego se aderece ese niño muy bien, y ponedle, señora, las joyas todas que tuviéredes, principalmente las que os hubiere dado el duque, y dejadme hacer, que yo espero en el cielo que hemos de tener hoy un buen día. | "Duke Alfonso has come to me in deep sadness, but up to this moment he has not told me the cause. What I would have you now do is to dress this infant with great care, put on it all the jewels you have with you, more especially such as you may have received from the duke himself; leave the rest to me, and I have hope that Heaven is about to grant us a happy day." |
| Abrazóle Cornelia y besóle la mano, y retiróse a aderezar y componer el niño. El cura salió a entretener al duque en tanto que se hacía hora de comer, y en el discurso de su plática preguntó el cura al duque si era posible saberse la causa de su melancolía, porque sin duda de una legua se echaba de ver que estaba triste. | Cornelia embraced the good man, and kissed his hand, and then retired to dress and adorn the babe, as he had desired. The priest, meanwhile, returned to entertain the duke with conversation while his people were preparing their meal; and in the course of their colloquy he inquired if he might venture to ask him the cause of his grief, since it was easy to see at the distance of a league that, something gave him sorrow. |
| -Padre -respondió el duque-, claro está que las tristezas del corazón salen al rostro; en los ojos se lee la relación de lo que está en el alma, y lo que peor es, que por ahora no puedo comunicar mi tristeza con nadie. | "Father," replied the duke, "it is true that the sadness of the heart rises to the face, and in the eyes may be read the history of that which passes in the soul; but for the present I cannot confide the cause of my sorrow to any one." |
| -Pues en verdad, señor -respondió el cura-, que si estuviérades para ver cosas de gusto, que os enseñara yo una, que tengo para mí que os le causara y grande. | "Then we will not speak of it further, my lord duke," replied the priest; "but if you were in a condition permitting you to examine a curious and beautiful thing, I have one to show you which I cannot but think would afford you great pleasure." |
| -Simple sería -respondió el duque- aquél que, ofreciéndole el alivio de su mal, no quisiese recebirle. Por vida mía, padre, que me mostréis eso que decís, que debe de ser alguna de vuestras curiosidades, que para mí son todas de grandísimo gusto. | "He would be very unwise," returned Alfonso, "who, when offered a solace for his suffering, refuses to accept it. Wherefore show me what you speak of, father; the object is doubtless an addition to one of your curious collections, and they have all great interest in my eyes." |
| Levantóse el cura y fue donde estaba Cornelia, que ya tenía adornado a su hijo y puéstole las ricas joyas de la cruz y del agnus, con otras tres piezas preciosísimas, todas dadas del duque a Cornelia; y, tomando al niño entre sus brazos, salió adonde el duque estaba, y, diciéndole que se levantase y se llegase a la claridad de una ventana, quitó al niño de sus brazos y le puso en los del duque, el cual, cuando miró y reconoció las joyas y vio que eran las mismas que él había dado a Cornelia, quedó atónito; y, mirando ahincadamente al niño, le pareció que miraba su mismo retrato, y lleno de admiración preguntó al cura cúya era aquella criatura, que en su adorno y aderezo parecía hijo de algún príncipe. | The priest then rose, and repaired to the apartment where Cornelia was awaiting him with her son, whom she had adorned as he had suggested, having placed on him the relics and agnus, with other rich jewels, all gifts of the duke to the babe′s mother. Taking the infant from her hands, the good priest then went to the duke, and telling him that he must rise and come to the light of the window, he transferred the babe from his own arms into those of Alfonso, who could not but instantly remark the jewels; and perceiving that they were those which he had himself given to Cornelia, he remained in great surprise. Looking earnestly at the infant, meanwhile, he fancied he beheld his own portrait; and full of admiration, he asked the priest to whom the child belonged, remarking, that from its decorations and appearance one might take it to be the son of some princess. |
| -No sé -respondió el cura-; sólo sé que habrá no sé cuántas noches que aquí me le trujo un caballero de Bolonia, y me encargó mirase por él y le criase, que era hijo de un valeroso padre y de una principal y hermosísima madre. También vino con el caballero una mujer para dar leche al niño, a quien he yo preguntado si sabe algo de los padres desta criatura, y responde que no sabe palabra; y en verdad que si la madre es tan hermosa como el ama, que debe de ser la más hermosa mujer de Italia. | "I do not know," replied the priest, "to whom it belongs; all I can tell you is, that it was brought to me some nights since by a cavalier of Bologna, who charged me to take good care of the babe and bring it up heedfully, since it was the son of a noble and valiant father, and of a mother highly born as well as beautiful. With the cavalier there came also a woman to suckle the infant, and of her I have inquired if she knew anything of the parents, but she tells me that she knows nothing whatever; yet of a truth, if the mother possess but half the beauty of the nurse, she must be the most lovely woman in Italy." |
| -¿No la veríamos? -preguntó el duque. | "Could I not see her?" asked the Duke. |
| -Sí, por cierto -respondió el cura-; veníos, señor, conmigo, que si os suspende el adorno y la belleza desa criatura, como creo que os ha suspendido, el mismo efeto entiendo que ha de hacer la vista de su ama. | "Yes, certainly you may see her," returned the priest. "You have only to come with me; and if the beauty and decorations of the child surprise you, I think the sight of the nurse cannot fail to produce an equal effect." |
| Quísole tomar la criatura el cura al duque, pero él no la quiso dejar, antes la apretó en sus brazos y le dio muchos besos. Adelantóse el cura un poco, y dijo a Cornelia que saliese sin turbación alguna a recebir al duque. Hízolo así Cornelia, y con el sobresalto le salieron tales colores al rostro, que sobre el modo mortal la hermosearon. Pasmóse el duque cuando la vio, y ella, arrojándose a sus pies, se los quiso besar. El duque, sin hablar palabra, dio el niño al cura, y, volviendo las espaldas, se salió con gran priesa del aposento. Lo cual visto por Cornelia, volviéndose al cura, dijo: | The priest would then have taken the infant from the duke, but Alfonso would not let it go; he pressed it in his arms, and gave it repeated kisses; the good father, meanwhile, hastened forward, and bade Cornelia approach to receive the duke. The lady obeyed; her emotion giving so rich a colour to her face that the beauty she displayed seemed something more than human. The duke, on seeing her, remained as if struck by a thunderbolt, while she, throwing herself at his feet, sought to kiss them. The duke said not a word, but gave the infant to the priest, and hurried out of the apartment. Shocked at this, Cornelia said to the priest, |
| -¡Ay señor mío! ¿Si se ha espantado el duque de verme? ¿Si me tiene aborrecida? ¿Si le he parecido fea? ¿Si se le han olvidado las obligaciones que me tiene? ¿No me hablará siquiera una palabra? ¿Tanto le cansaba ya su hijo que así le arrojó de sus brazos? | "Alas, dear father, have I terrified the duke with the sight of my face? am I become hateful to him? Has he forgot the ties by which he has bound himself to me? Will he not speak one word to me? Was his child such a burden to him that he has thus rejected him from his arm′s?" |
| A todo lo cual no respondía palabra el cura, admirado de la huida del duque, que así le pareció, que fuese huida antes que otra cosa; y no fue sino que salió a llamar a Fabio y decirle: | To all these questions the good priest could give no reply, for he too was utterly confounded by the duke′s hasty departure, which seemed more like a flight than anything else. |
| -Corre, Fabio amigo, y a toda diligencia vuelve a Bolonia y di que al momento Lorenzo Bentibolli y los dos caballeros españoles, don Juan de Gamboa y don Antonio de Isunza, sin poner escusa alguna, vengan luego a esta aldea. Mira, amigo, que vueles y no te vengas sin ellos, que me importa la vida el verlos. | Meanwhile Alfonso had but gone out to summon Fabio. "Ride Fabio, my friend," he cried, "ride for your life to Bologna, and tell Lorenzo Bentivoglio that he must come with all speed to this place; let him make no excuse, and bid him bring with him the two Spanish gentlemen, Don Juan de Gamboa and Don Antonio de Isunza. Return instantly, Fabio, but not without them, for it concerns my life to see them here." |
| No fue perezoso Fabio, que luego puso en efeto el mandamiento de su señor. | Fabio required no further pressing, but instantly carried his master′s commands into effect. |
| El duque volvió luego a donde Cornelia estaba derramando hermosas lágrimas. Cogióla el duque en sus brazos, y, añadiendo lágrimas a lágrimas, mil veces le bebió el aliento de la boca, teniéndoles el contento atadas las lenguas. Y así, en silencio honesto y amoroso, se gozaban los dos felices amantes y esposos verdaderos. El ama del niño y la Cribela, por lo menos como ella decía, que por entre las puertas de otro aposento habían estado mirando lo que entre el duque y Cornelia pasaba, de gozo se daban de calabazadas por las paredes, que no parecía sino que habían perdido el juicio. El cura daba mil besos al niño, que tenía en sus brazos, y, con la mano derecha, que desocupó, no se hartaba de echar bendiciones a los dos abrazados señores. El ama del cura, que no se había hallado presente al grave caso por estar ocupada aderezando la comida, cuando la tuvo en su punto, entró a llamarlos que se sentasen a la mesa. | The duke returned at once to Cornelia, caught her in his arms, mingled his tears with hers, and kissed her a thousand times; and long did the fond pair remain thus silently locked in each other′s embrace, both speechless from excess of joy. The nurse of the infant and the dame, who proclaimed herself a Crivella, beheld all this from the door of the adjoining apartment, and fell into such ecstasies of delight that they knocked their heads against the wall, and seemed all at once to have gone out of their wits. The priest bestowed a thousand kisses on the infant, whom he held on one arm, while with his right hand he showered no end of benedictions on the noble pair. At length his reverence′s housekeeper, who had been occupied with her culinary preparations, and knew nothing of what had occurred, entered to notify to her master that dinner was on the table, and so put an end to this scene of rapture. |
| Esto apartó los estrechos abrazos, y el duque desembarazó al cura del niño y le tomó en sus brazos, y en ellos le tuvo todo el tiempo que duró la limpia y bien sazonada, más que sumptuosa comida; y, en tanto que comían, dio cuenta Cornelia de todo lo que le había sucedido hasta venir a aquella casa por consejo de la ama de los dos caballeros españoles, que la habían servido, amparado y guardado con el más honesto y puntual decoro que pudiera imaginarse. El duque le contó asimismo a ella todo lo que por él había pasado hasta aquel punto. Halláronse presentes las dos amas, y hallaron en el duque grandes ofrecimientos y promesas. En todos se renovó el gusto con el felice fin del suceso, y sólo esperaban a colmarle y a ponerle en el estado mejor que acertara a desearse con la venida de Lorenzo, de don Juan y don Antonio, los cuales de allí a tres días vinieron desalados y deseosos por saber si alguna nueva sabía el duque de Cornelia; que Fabio, que los fue a llamar, no les pudo decir ninguna cosa de su hallazgo, pues no la sabía. | The duke then took his babe from the arms of the priest, and kept it in his own during the repast, which was more remarkable for neatness and good taste than for splendour. While they were at table, Cornelia related to the duke all that had occurred until she had taken refuge with the priest, by the advice of the housekeeper of those two Spanish gentlemen, who had protected and guarded her with such assiduous and respectful kindness. In return the duke related to her all that had befallen himself during the same interval; and the two housekeepers, who were present, received from him the most encouraging promises. All was joy and satisfaction, and nothing more was required for the general happiness, save the arrival of Lorenzo, Don Antonio, and Don Juan. They came on the third day, all intensely anxious to know if the duke had received intelligence of Cornelia, seeing that Fabio, who did not know what had happened, could tell them nothing on that subject. |
| Saliólos a recebir el duque una sala antes de donde estaba Cornelia, y esto sin muestras de contento alguno, de que los recién venidos se entristecieron. Hízolos sentar el duque, y él se sentó con ellos, y, encaminando su plática a Lorenzo, le dijo: | The duke received them alone in the antechamber, but gave no sign of gladness in his face, to their great grief and disappointment. Bidding them be seated, Alfonso himself sat down, and thus addressed Lorenzo:— |
| -Bien sabéis, señor Lorenzo Bentibolli, que yo jamás engañé a vuestra hermana, de lo que es buen testigo el cielo y mi conciencia. Sabéis asimismo la diligencia con que la he buscado y el deseo que he tenido de hallarla para casarme con ella, como se lo tengo prometido. Ella no parece y mi palabra no ha de ser eterna. Yo soy mozo, y no tan experto en las cosas del mundo, que no me deje llevar de las que me ofrece el deleite a cada paso. La misma afición que me hizo prometer ser esposo de Cornelia me llevó también a dar antes que a ella palabra de matrimonio a una labradora desta aldea, a quien pensaba dejar burlada por acudir al valor de Cornelia, aunque no acudiera a lo que la conciencia me pedía, que no fuera pequeña muestra de amor. Pero, pues nadie se casa con mujer que no parece, ni es cosa puesta en razón que nadie busque la mujer que le deja, por no hallar la prenda que le aborrece, digo que veáis, señor Lorenzo, qué satisfación puedo daros del agravio que no os hice, pues jamás tuve intención de hacérosle, y luego quiero que me deis licencia para cumplir mi primera palabra y desposarme con la labradora, que ya está dentro desta casa. | "You well know, Signor Lorenzo Bentivoglio, that I never deceived your sister, as my conscience and Heaven itself can bear witness; you know also the diligence with which I have sought her, and the wish I have felt to have my marriage with her celebrated publicly. But she is not to be found, and my word cannot so considered eternally engaged to a shadow. I am a young man, and am not so blasé as to leave ungathered such pleasures as I find on my path. Before I had ever seen Cornelia I had given my promise to a peasant girl of this village, but whom I was tempted to abandon by the superior charms of Cornelia, giving therein a great proof of my love for the latter, in defiance of the voice of my conscience. Now, therefore, since no one can marry a woman who does not appear, and it is not reasonable that a man should eternally run after a wife who deserts him, lest he should take to his arms one who abhors him, I would have you consider, Signor Lorenzo, whether I can give you any further satisfaction for an affront which was never intended to be one; and further, I would have you give me your permission to accomplish my first promise, and solemnise my marriage with the peasant girl, who is now in this house." |
| En tanto que el duque esto decía, el rostro de Lorenzo se iba mudando de mil colores, y no acertaba a estar sentado de una manera en la silla: señales claras que la cólera le iba tomando posesión de todos sus sentidos. Lo mismo pasaba por don Juan y por don Antonio, que luego propusieron de no dejar salir al duque con su intención aunque le quitasen la vida. Leyendo, pues, el duque en sus rostros sus intenciones, dijo: | While the duke spoke this, Lorenzo′s frequent change of colour, and the difficulty with which he forced himself to retain his seat, gave manifest proof that anger was taking possession of all his senses. The same feelings agitated Don Antonio and Don Juan, who were resolved not to permit the duke to fulfil his intention, even should they be compelled to prevent it by depriving him of life. Alfonso, reading these resolves in their faces, resumed: |
| -Sosegaos, señor Lorenzo, que, antes que me respondáis palabra, quiero que la hermosura que veréis en la que quiero recebir por mi esposa os obligue a darme la licencia que os pido; porque es tal y tan estremada, que de mayores yerros será disculpa. | "Endeavour to calm yourself, Signor Lorenzo; and before you answer me one word, I will have you see the beauty of her whom I desire to take to wife, for it is such that you cannot refuse your consent, and it might suffice, as you will acknowledge, to excuse a graver error than mine." |
| Esto dicho, se levantó y entró donde Cornelia estaba riquísimamente adornada, con todas la joyas que el niño tenía y muchas más. Cuando el duque volvió las espaldas, se levantó don Juan, y, puestas ambas manos en los dos brazos de la silla donde estaba sentado Lorenzo, al oído le dijo: | So saying, the duke rose, and repaired to the apartment where Cornelia was awaiting him in all the splendour of her beauty and rich decorations. No sooner was he gone than Don Juan also rose, and laying both hands on the arms of Lorenzo′s chair, he said to him, |
| -Por Santiago de Galicia, señor Lorenzo, y por la fe de cristiano y de caballero que tengo, que así deje yo salir con su intención al duque como volverme moro. ¡Aquí, aquí y en mis manos ha de dejar la vida, o ha de cumplir la palabra que a la señora Cornelia, vuestra hermana, tiene dada, o a lo menos nos ha de dar tiempo de buscarla, y hasta que de cierto se sepa que es muerta, él no ha de casarse! | "By St. James of Galicia, by the true faith of a Christian, and by my honour as a gentleman, Signor Lorenzo, I will as readily allow the duke to fulfil his project as I will become a worshipper of Mahomed. Here, in this spot, he shall yield up his life at my hands, or he shall redeem the promise given to your sister, the lady Cornelia. At the least, he shall give us time to seek her; and until we know to a certainty that she is dead, he shall not marry." |
| -Yo estoy dese parecer mismo -respondió Lorenzo. | "That is exactly my own view," replied Lorenzo. |
| -Pues del mismo estará mi camarada don Antonio -replicó don Juan. | "And I am sure," rejoined Don Juan, "that it will be the determination of my comrade, Don Antonio, likewise." |
| En esto, entró por la sala adelante Cornelia, en medio del cura y del duque, que la traía de la mano, detrás de los cuales venían Sulpicia, la doncella de Cornelia, que el duque había enviado por ella a Ferrara, y las dos amas, del niño y la de los caballeros. | While they were thus speaking, Cornelia appeared at the door between the duke and the priest, each of whom led her by one hand. Behind them came Sulpicia, her waiting woman, whom the duke had summoned from Ferrara to attend her lady, with the infant′s nurse, and the Spaniards′ housekeeper. |
| Cuando Lorenzo vio a su hermana, y la acabó de rafigurar y conocer, que al principio la imposibilidad, a su parecer, de tal suceso no le dejaba enterar en la verdad, tropezando en sus mismos pies, fue a arrojarse a los del duque, que le levantó y le puso en los brazos de su hermana; quiero decir que su hermana le abrazó con las muestras de alegría posibles. Don Juan y don Antonio dijeron al duque que había sido la más discreta y más sabrosa burla del mundo. El duque tomó al niño, que Sulpicia traía, y dándosele a Lorenzo le dijo: | When Lorenzo saw his sister, and had assured himself it was indeed Cornelia,—for at first the apparently impossible character of the occurrence had forbidden his belief,—he staggered on his feet, and cast himself at those of the duke, who, raising him, placed him in the arms of his delighted sister, whilst Don Juan and Don Antonio hastily applauded the duke for the clever trick he had played upon them all. Alfonso then took the infant from Sulpicia, and, presenting it to Lorenzo, he said, |
| -Recebid, señor hermano, a vuestro sobrino y mi hijo, y ved si queréis darme licencia que me case con esta labradora, que es la primera a quien he dado palabra de casamiento. | "Signor and brother, receive your nephew, my son, and see whether it please you to give permission for the public solemnisation of my marriage with this peasant girl—the only one to whom I have ever been betrothed." |
| Sería nunca acabar contar lo que respondió Lorenzo, lo que preguntó don Juan, lo que sintió don Antonio, el regocijo del cura, la alegría del Sulpicia, el contento de la consejera, el júbilo del ama, la admiración de Fabio y, finalmente, el general contento de todos. | To repeat the replies of Lorenzo would be never to make an end, and the rather if to these we added the questions of Don Juan, the remarks of Don Antonio, the expressions of delight uttered by the priest, the rejoicing of Sulpicia, the satisfaction of the housekeeper who had made herself the counsellor of Cornelia, the exclamations of the nurse, and the astonishment of Fabio, with the general happiness of all. |
| Luego el cura los desposó, siendo su padrino don Juan de Gamboa; y entre todos se dio traza que aquellos desposorios estuviesen secretos, hasta ver en qué paraba la enfermedad que tenía muy al cabo a la duquesa su madre, y que en tanto la señora Cornelia se volviese a Bolonia con su hermano. Todo se hizo así; la duquesa murió, Cornelia entró en Ferrara, alegrando al mundo con su vista, los lutos se volvieron en galas, las amas quedaron ricas, Sulpicia por mujer de Fabio, don Antonio y don Juan contentísimos de haber servido en algo al duque, el cual les ofreció dos primas suyas por mujeres con riquísima dote. Ellos dijeron que los caballeros de la nación vizcaína por la mayor parte se casaban en su patria; y que no por menosprecio, pues no era posible, sino por cumplir su loable costumbre y la voluntad de sus padres, que ya los debían de tener casados, no aceptaban tan ilustre ofrecimiento. | The marriage ceremony was performed by the good priest, and Don Juan de Gamboa gave away the bride; but it was agreed among the parties that this marriage also should be kept secret, until he knew the result of the malady under which the duchess-dowager was labouring; for the present, therefore, it was determined that Cornelia should return to Bologna with her brother. All was done as thus agreed on; and when the duchess-dowager died, Cornelia made her entrance into Ferrara, rejoicing the eyes of all who beheld her: the mourning weeds were exchanged for festive robes, the two housekeepers were enriched, and Sulpicia was married to Fabio. For Don Antonio and Don Juan, they were sufficiently rewarded by the services they had rendered to the duke, who offered them two of his cousins in marriage, with rich dowries. But they replied, that the gentlemen of the Biscayan nation married for the most part in their own country; wherefore, not because they despised so honourable a proffer, which was not possible, but that they might not depart from a custom so laudable, they were compelled to decline that illustrious alliance, and the rather as they were still subject to the will of their parents, who had, most probably, already affianced them. |
| El duque admitió su disculpa, y, por modos honestos y honrosos, y buscando ocasiones lícitas, les envió muchos presentes a Bolonia, y algunos tan ricos y enviados a tan buena sazón y coyuntura, que, aunque pudieran no admitirse, por no parecer que recebían paga, el tiempo en que llegaban lo facilitaba todo: especialmente los que les envió al tiempo de su partida para España, y los que les dio cuando fueron a Ferrara a despedirse dél; ya hallaron a Cornelia con otras dos criaturas hembras, y al duque más enamorado que nunca. La duquesa dio la cruz de diamantes a don Juan y el agnus a don Antonio, que, sin ser poderosos a hacer otra cosa, las recibieron. | The duke admitted the validity of their excuses, but, availing himself of occasions warranted by custom and courtesy, he found means to load the two friends with rich gifts, which he sent from time to time to their house in Bologna. Many of these were of such value, that although they might have been refused for fear of seeming to receive a payment, yet the appropriate manner in which they were presented, and the particular periods at which Alfonso took care that they should arrive, caused their acceptance to be easy, not to say inevitable; such, for example, were those despatched by him at the moment of their departure for their own country, and those which he gave them when they came to Ferrara to take their leave of him. |
| Llegaron a España y a su tierra, adonde se casaron con ricas, principales y hermosas mujeres, y siempre tuvieron correspondencia con el duque y la duquesa y con el señor Lorenzo Bentibolli, con grandísimo gusto de todos. | At this period, the Spanish gentlemen found Cornelia the mother of two little girls, and the duke more enamoured of his wife than ever. The duchess gave the diamond cross to Don Juan, and the gold agnus to Don Antonio, both of whom had now no choice but to accept them. They finally arrived without accident in their native Spain, where they married rich, noble, and beautiful ladies; and they never ceased to maintain a friendly correspondence with the duke and duchess of Ferrara, and with Lorenzo Bentivoglio, to the great satisfaction of all parties. |
FIN | End of The Lady Cornelia
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