First Part
FIRST PART
ARGUMENT
Here beginneth the first part of the book called Filostrato, of the amorous labors of Troilus, in which is recorded how Troilus became enamored of Cressida, and the amorous sighs and the tears that were his for her sake before he discovered to anyone his secret love. And in the first place the invocation of the author .
1.
Some are wont in their pious openings to invoke the favor of Jove; others call upon the might of Apollo. I was wont in my need to implore the muses of Parnassus, but Love hath recently caused me to change my long-accustomed habit, since I became enamored of thee, my lady.
2.
Thou, lady, art the clear and beautiful light under whose guidance I live in this world of shadows; thou art the lodestar which I follow to come to port; anchor of safety, thou art she who art all my weal and all my comfort; thou to me art Jove, thou to me art Apollo, thou art my muse; I have proved it and know it.
3.
Therefore in undertaking because of thy departure — more grievous to me than death and more distressing — to write what was the sorrowful life of Troilus after the amorous Cressida had departed from Troy, and how, previous to that, she had been gracious to him, it is fitting that I come to thee for grace, if I am to finish my
enterprise.
4.
Therefore, O fair lady, to whom I have been and ever shall be faithful and subject, O lovely light of those fair eyes in which Love hath set my whole delight, O sole hope of him who loveth thee more than himself, with perfect love, guide my hand, direct my invention in the work I am about to write.
5.
Thou art imaged in my sad breast with such strength that thou hast more power there than I. Drive forth from it my disconsolate voice in such manner that my sorrow may appear in another's woe, and make it so pleasing that he who heareth it may be moved to pity. Thine be the honor and mine be the labor, if these words shall acquire any praise.
6.
And ye lovers, I pray that ye hearken to what my tearful verse will say. And if it chance that ye feel any spirit of pity stir in your hearts, I beseech you that ye pray for me to Love, on whose account, like sorrowful Troilus, I live far from the sweetest pleasure that any creature ever cherished.
7.
The Greek kings were round about Troy, strong in arms, and each one, so far as in him lay, showed himself daring, proud, valiant, and gallant, and with their troops they ever pressed it more from day to day, all of accord in like desire to avenge the outrage and the rape committed by Paris on the person of Helen the queen.
8.
At this time Calchas, whose high science had already won the right to understand every secret of the great Apollo, wishing to hear the truth regarding the future, whether the long endurance of the Trojans or the great daring of the Greeks should prevail, discerned and saw, after a long war, the Trojans slain and their land destroyed.
9.
He therefore in his foresight and wisdom planned secretly to depart. And having chosen time and place to flee, he took his way toward the Greek host; whence he saw many come to meet him, who received him with joyful mien, hoping for most excellent counsel from him in every hap or danger.
10.
Great noise arose when it became known throughout the city generally that Calchas had fled therefrom. And comment was passed upon it diversely, but adversely by all, and it was agreed that he had done amiss and acted as a traitor wickedly. And the greater portion of the people barely refrained from going with fire to his house.
11.
In this evil plight, without informing her of his intentions, Calchas had left a daughter of his, a widow, who was so fair and so angelic to behold that she seemed not a mortal, Cressida by name, as amiable I am advised, as wise, as modest, and as well-mannered as any other lady born in Troy.
12.
Hearing the grievous outcry caused by her father's flight and much dismayed at the threatening tumult that surrounded her, in mourning habit and with eyes full of tears she threw herself on her knees at the feet of Hector, and with very pitiful voice and visage, excusing herself and accusing her father, ended her speech by imploring mercy.
13.
Hector was by nature full of pity. Therefore, hearing the lament of this lady, fairer than other creature, he comforted her somewhat with gentle words, saying: " Let thy father, who hath so greatly offended us, go forth with ill luck, and do thou remain with us in Troy as long as it pleaseth thee, safe, happy, and free from annoyance.
14.
" Be assured that thou shalt ever have, as if Calchas were here, the favor and honor that thou mayest desire from all of us. May the gods render him his merited deserts! " For this she thanked him greatly, and would have thanked him more, but was not permitted. Thereupon she arose, and returned to her house, and there remained quiet.
15.
There she dwelt, while she was in Troy, with what household it befitted her dignity to maintain, singularly modest in habits and in life. Nor need she, as one who had never been able to have any, concern herself for son or daughter. And by everyone who knew her she was loved and honored.
16.
Things went on between the Trojans and the Greeks ever and anon as in time of war. At times the Trojans came forth from their city doughtily against the Greeks and oftentimes, if the story erreth not, the Greeks advanced valiantly even to the moats, pillaging on every side, firing and destroying castles and towns.
17.
Yet although the Trojans were hard pressed by their Greek enemies, it did not on that account come to pass that the divine sacrifices were ever remitted, but the accustomed rites were observed in every temple. To Pallas, however, they paid in every way honor greater and more solemn than to any other divinity and had regard to her more than to other.
18.
Therefore when was come the lovely season which revesteth the fields with herbs and flowers, and when every animal waxeth lusty and showeth its love in diverse acts, the Trojan fathers bade prepare the accustomed honors to the fateful Palladium. To this festival ladies and cavaliers repaired alike and all willingly.
19.
Among them was the daughter of Calchas, Cressida, appareled in black. And as much as the rose outdoeth the violet in beauty, so much fairer was she than other ladies, and she alone more than others made bright the great festival, standing in the temple, very near to the portal, dignified, gracious, and amiable.
20.
Troilus loitered about, as young men are wont to do, gazing now here, now there around the great temple, and took his station with his companions first in this spot then in that and began to praise now this lady and now that, and in like fashion to disparage them, as one to whom none was more pleasing than another, and took delight in his freedom.
21.
Nay, at times, while strolling about in this manner, upon catching sight of someone who gazed intently upon a certain lady and sighed to himself, he would laughingly point him out to his companions, saying: " Yonder wretched man hath parted with his liberty, so greatly did it burden him, and hath handed it over to that lady. Mark well how vain are his cares.
22.
" Why bestow love upon any woman? As the leaf turneth to the wind, so change their hearts a thousand times a day, nor care they for the anguish that a lover feeleth for them, nor doth any lady know what she wanteth. O happy that man who is not captured by their charm, and who knoweth how to abstain therefrom!
23.
" I once experienced by my own great folly what is this accursed fire. And if I said that love did not show me courtesy and give me gladness and joy, I should certainly lie; but all this pleasure that I took was but as little or nothing compared to my sufferings, since love I would, and to my woeful sighs.
24.
" Now I am out of it, thanks be to him who hath been more merciful to me than I myself, Jove, I mean, the true god, from whom cometh every favor, and I live my life in peace. And though it be to my advantage to watch others, I take care not to retrace the path I have trodden and gladly laugh at those who are ensnared, I know not whether to call them lovers or forgetful of the snare. "
25.
O blindness of mundane minds! How often follow effects all contrary to our intentions! Troilus now raileth at the weaknesses and anxious loves of other people without a thought of what heaven hasteneth to bring upon him, whom Love transfixed more than any other before he left the temple.
26.
While Troilus was thus strolling about, making mock now at one now at another, and oft gazing intently now upon this lady again upon that, it chanced that his wandering eyes, glancing amongst the crowd, lighted where stood the charming Cressida, under white veil in black habit, among the other ladies at this so solemn festival.
27.
She was tall and all her limbs were well proportioned to her height; her face was adorned with beauty celestial, and in her whole appearance she showed a womanly dignity. With her arm she had removed her mantle from before her face, making room for herself and pushing the crowd a little aside.
28.
As she recovered her composure, that act of hers — somewhat disdainful, as if she were to say " one may not stand here " — proved pleasing to Troilus. And he continued to gaze upon her face, which seemeth to him worthier of great praise than any other, and he took the utmost delight in gazing fixedly 'twixt man and man at her bright eyes and upon her angelic countenance.
29.
Nor did he who was so wise shortly before in finding fault with others, perceive that Love with his darts dwelt within the rays of those lovely eyes, nor yet did he remember the outrageous words he had previously uttered before his servants, nor notice the arrow that sped to his heart, until it stung him in very truth.
30.
Since this lady beneath the dark mantle was above all others pleasing to Troilus, without saying what kept him there so long, he secretly gazed from afar upon the object of his high desire, discovering naught to anyone, and looked upon her so long as the honors to Pallas lasted. Then with his companions he left the temple.
31.
But he went not thence such as he had entered, free and light-hearted, but departed thoughtful and enamored beyond his belief, keeping his desire well hidden, in order that the abusive remarks about others to which he had formerly given utterance, might not be turned against him, if perchance the passion into which he had fallen were to become known.
32.
When Cressida had departed from the stately temple, Troilus returned with his companions to his palace and there in mirthful living long tarried with them. And in order the better to hide his amorous wound, he continued to mock at those that love. Then feigning that other matters constrained him, he bade each one go whither he listed.
33.
And after everyone had left, he went all alone into his chamber, and there sat down sighing at the foot of his couch. And he began to go over again in his mind the pleasure he had felt that morning at the sight of Cressida, enumerating the true beauties of her face and praising them one by one.
34.
Much he praised her movements and her stateliness and from her manners and carriage judged her a lady of very noble nature, and thought it would be a great good fortune to love such a lady, and a better still if by long attention he might bring it to pass that nearly as much as he loved her he might by her be loved, or at least not be rejected as suitor.
35.
Little foreseeing his future woes, the light-hearted youth thought in his imagination that neither labor nor sighs could be lost for such a lady, and that his desire, if ever known by any, must needs be greatly praised, and hence his anguish, if discovered, less blamed.
36.
Therefore being minded to pursue this love, he made up his mind to try to act with discretion, first proposing to hide the ardor conceived in his amorous mind from every friend and attendant, unless it were necessary, concluding that love disclosed to many bringeth vexation in its train and not joy.
37.
And beyond these he took thought upon many other matters, how to discover himself to the lady, and how to attract to himself her attention, and then he began joyfully to sing, high in hope and all-disposed to love Cressida alone, naught esteeming any other lady he might see or who had ever pleased him.
38.
And to Love at times he said with reverential words: " Lord, thine henceforth is the soul which used to be mine. This pleaseth me, for thou hast given me to serve I know not whether to say a lady or a goddess, for never was there under white veil in dark habit a lady so beautiful as this one appeareth to me.
39.
" Thou takest thy station in her eyes, true lord, as in a place worthy of thy power. Therefore if my service at all pleaseth thee, I beseech thee obtain from them the healing of my soul, which lieth prostrate at thy feet, so wounded it the sharp arrows which thou didst hurl at it when thou didst show me the lovely face of this lady. "
40.
The fiery flames of love spared not the royal blood, nor heeded they the strength or greatness of soul or the bodily power that was in Troilus or his prowess. But as flame kindleth in suitable substance, or dry or half-dry, so in the new lover did the members take fire, one and all.
41.
So much the more from day to day by thought and the pleasure he took therein, did he prepare dry tinder within his proud heart, and imagined he would draw from her fair eyes water soothing to his intense ardor. Therefore he made cunning attempt to see them often, nor did he perceive that by them the fire was kindled the more.
42.
Now whether he went hither or thither, walking or sitting, alone or in company, as he would, eating or drinking, night or day, wherever he might be, ever of Cressida were his thoughts, and he declared her worth and delicate features to be such that she surpassed Polyxena in every beauty and likewise Helen.
43.
Nor did an hour of the day pass that he did not say to himself a thousand times: " O clear light which filleth my heart with love, O fair Cressida, may the gods grant that thy worth, which maketh my face to pale, might move thee to pity me a little! None beside thee can make me joyful; thou alone art she who canst help me. "
44.
Every other thought, both of the great war and of his welfare, had fled and in his breast he gave sole audience to that which spake of the high virtue of his lady. By this burdened, he was anxious only to cure his amorous wounds, and to the task he now devoted his every thought and in it found his delight.
45.
The sharp battles and the woeful affrays of Hector and his brothers, followed by the Trojans, turned him little or naught from his amorous thoughts, although often in the most perilous encounters they saw him, before all others, work wonders in arms. So said they who stood watching him.
46.
Nor did hatred of the Greeks move him to this, nor the longing that he had for victory to liberate Troy, which he saw straitened by siege, but desire of glory, the more to please, effected all this. And for Love's sake, if the tale speaketh truth, he became so fierce and strong in arms that the Greeks feared him as death.
47.
Already had Love taken from him his sleep, and diminished his food, and so increased his anxiety that now in his face pallor bore witness thereof, although much he concealed it with feigned smile and ingenuous speech, and whoever noticed it thought that it happened on account of the distress he felt because of the war.
48.
And how this was is not quite evident to us, whether Cressida was not sensible of his condition, because of the secrecy of his actions, or whether she feigned not to know of it. But this is sufficiently clear and manifest, that in no respect did she seem to care for Troilus and for the love that he bore her, but remained unmoved as one not loved.
49.
On this account Troilus felt such grief as could not be told, fearing at times that Cressida might be in love with another, and, despising him on this account, would not receive him as suitor. And he rehearsed to himself a thousand devices as to how he might in a proper manner find a way to make her sensible of his burning desire.
50.
Therefore when he had a moment of leisure, he went apart and complained of Love, saying to himself, " Troilus, now caught art thou who used to mock at others. No one was ever so consumed as thou art for ill-knowing how to guard thyself against Love; now art thou taken in the snare, a misadventure which thou hast so much blamed in others and hast not kept from thyself.
51.
" What will be said of thee among other lovers, if this thy love should become known? They will all make mock at thee, saying among themselves: " Behold now the well-guarded one, who used to rail at our sighs and our amorous plaints, hath even now come where we are. Praise be to Love, who now hath brought him to such a pass!"
52.
" What will be said of thee among the excellent kings and lords, if this become known? Well may they say, in ill-conceit thereat: " Behold now how this man hath taken leave of his senses to be thus recently ensnared by Love in this time of sorrow and distress. Whereas he ought to be doughty in battle, his thoughts are consumed in loving."
53.
" And now, O sorrowful Troilus, since it hath been decreed that thou shouldst love, would that thou wert caught by one sensible of just a little love, whence thou mightest derive consolation! But she for whom thou weepest feeleth naught any more than a stone, and remaineth as cold as ice which hardens beneath a clear sky, and I waste away like snow before the fire.
54.
" And were I now at last arrived at the port to which my misfortune thus leadeth me, this would be a mercy and great comfort to me, for by dying I should escape all pain. For if my trouble, of which no one is yet aware, be discovered, my life will be filled with a thousand insults each day and above all men shall I be called fool.
55.
" Succor me, Love. And thou for whom I weep, caught more than other ever was, ah, have a little pity for him who loveth thee much more than his own life. Moved by him who on thine account, lady, holdeth me in these woes, turn now toward him thy lovely countenance. Ah, I beseech thee, do not deny me this favor.
56.
" If thou, lady, doest this, I shall revive as a flower in the fresh meadow in spring time. Nor will waiting then be irksome to me, nor seeing thee disdainful and haughty. And if it be grievous to thee, call out at least, in thy cruelty, to me, who am ready at thy every pleasure, " Kill thyself," for in truth I shall do it, thinking to please thee by that act. "
57.
And then he spake many other words and wept and sighed and called upon her name, as he is wont to do who loveth to excess and findeth no compassion for his complaints. For they were all idle words lost in the wind and none did come to her. Thence his torment increased a hundredfold each day.
ARGUMENT
Here beginneth the first part of the book called Filostrato, of the amorous labors of Troilus, in which is recorded how Troilus became enamored of Cressida, and the amorous sighs and the tears that were his for her sake before he discovered to anyone his secret love. And in the first place the invocation of the author .
1.
Some are wont in their pious openings to invoke the favor of Jove; others call upon the might of Apollo. I was wont in my need to implore the muses of Parnassus, but Love hath recently caused me to change my long-accustomed habit, since I became enamored of thee, my lady.
2.
Thou, lady, art the clear and beautiful light under whose guidance I live in this world of shadows; thou art the lodestar which I follow to come to port; anchor of safety, thou art she who art all my weal and all my comfort; thou to me art Jove, thou to me art Apollo, thou art my muse; I have proved it and know it.
3.
Therefore in undertaking because of thy departure — more grievous to me than death and more distressing — to write what was the sorrowful life of Troilus after the amorous Cressida had departed from Troy, and how, previous to that, she had been gracious to him, it is fitting that I come to thee for grace, if I am to finish my
enterprise.
4.
Therefore, O fair lady, to whom I have been and ever shall be faithful and subject, O lovely light of those fair eyes in which Love hath set my whole delight, O sole hope of him who loveth thee more than himself, with perfect love, guide my hand, direct my invention in the work I am about to write.
5.
Thou art imaged in my sad breast with such strength that thou hast more power there than I. Drive forth from it my disconsolate voice in such manner that my sorrow may appear in another's woe, and make it so pleasing that he who heareth it may be moved to pity. Thine be the honor and mine be the labor, if these words shall acquire any praise.
6.
And ye lovers, I pray that ye hearken to what my tearful verse will say. And if it chance that ye feel any spirit of pity stir in your hearts, I beseech you that ye pray for me to Love, on whose account, like sorrowful Troilus, I live far from the sweetest pleasure that any creature ever cherished.
7.
The Greek kings were round about Troy, strong in arms, and each one, so far as in him lay, showed himself daring, proud, valiant, and gallant, and with their troops they ever pressed it more from day to day, all of accord in like desire to avenge the outrage and the rape committed by Paris on the person of Helen the queen.
8.
At this time Calchas, whose high science had already won the right to understand every secret of the great Apollo, wishing to hear the truth regarding the future, whether the long endurance of the Trojans or the great daring of the Greeks should prevail, discerned and saw, after a long war, the Trojans slain and their land destroyed.
9.
He therefore in his foresight and wisdom planned secretly to depart. And having chosen time and place to flee, he took his way toward the Greek host; whence he saw many come to meet him, who received him with joyful mien, hoping for most excellent counsel from him in every hap or danger.
10.
Great noise arose when it became known throughout the city generally that Calchas had fled therefrom. And comment was passed upon it diversely, but adversely by all, and it was agreed that he had done amiss and acted as a traitor wickedly. And the greater portion of the people barely refrained from going with fire to his house.
11.
In this evil plight, without informing her of his intentions, Calchas had left a daughter of his, a widow, who was so fair and so angelic to behold that she seemed not a mortal, Cressida by name, as amiable I am advised, as wise, as modest, and as well-mannered as any other lady born in Troy.
12.
Hearing the grievous outcry caused by her father's flight and much dismayed at the threatening tumult that surrounded her, in mourning habit and with eyes full of tears she threw herself on her knees at the feet of Hector, and with very pitiful voice and visage, excusing herself and accusing her father, ended her speech by imploring mercy.
13.
Hector was by nature full of pity. Therefore, hearing the lament of this lady, fairer than other creature, he comforted her somewhat with gentle words, saying: " Let thy father, who hath so greatly offended us, go forth with ill luck, and do thou remain with us in Troy as long as it pleaseth thee, safe, happy, and free from annoyance.
14.
" Be assured that thou shalt ever have, as if Calchas were here, the favor and honor that thou mayest desire from all of us. May the gods render him his merited deserts! " For this she thanked him greatly, and would have thanked him more, but was not permitted. Thereupon she arose, and returned to her house, and there remained quiet.
15.
There she dwelt, while she was in Troy, with what household it befitted her dignity to maintain, singularly modest in habits and in life. Nor need she, as one who had never been able to have any, concern herself for son or daughter. And by everyone who knew her she was loved and honored.
16.
Things went on between the Trojans and the Greeks ever and anon as in time of war. At times the Trojans came forth from their city doughtily against the Greeks and oftentimes, if the story erreth not, the Greeks advanced valiantly even to the moats, pillaging on every side, firing and destroying castles and towns.
17.
Yet although the Trojans were hard pressed by their Greek enemies, it did not on that account come to pass that the divine sacrifices were ever remitted, but the accustomed rites were observed in every temple. To Pallas, however, they paid in every way honor greater and more solemn than to any other divinity and had regard to her more than to other.
18.
Therefore when was come the lovely season which revesteth the fields with herbs and flowers, and when every animal waxeth lusty and showeth its love in diverse acts, the Trojan fathers bade prepare the accustomed honors to the fateful Palladium. To this festival ladies and cavaliers repaired alike and all willingly.
19.
Among them was the daughter of Calchas, Cressida, appareled in black. And as much as the rose outdoeth the violet in beauty, so much fairer was she than other ladies, and she alone more than others made bright the great festival, standing in the temple, very near to the portal, dignified, gracious, and amiable.
20.
Troilus loitered about, as young men are wont to do, gazing now here, now there around the great temple, and took his station with his companions first in this spot then in that and began to praise now this lady and now that, and in like fashion to disparage them, as one to whom none was more pleasing than another, and took delight in his freedom.
21.
Nay, at times, while strolling about in this manner, upon catching sight of someone who gazed intently upon a certain lady and sighed to himself, he would laughingly point him out to his companions, saying: " Yonder wretched man hath parted with his liberty, so greatly did it burden him, and hath handed it over to that lady. Mark well how vain are his cares.
22.
" Why bestow love upon any woman? As the leaf turneth to the wind, so change their hearts a thousand times a day, nor care they for the anguish that a lover feeleth for them, nor doth any lady know what she wanteth. O happy that man who is not captured by their charm, and who knoweth how to abstain therefrom!
23.
" I once experienced by my own great folly what is this accursed fire. And if I said that love did not show me courtesy and give me gladness and joy, I should certainly lie; but all this pleasure that I took was but as little or nothing compared to my sufferings, since love I would, and to my woeful sighs.
24.
" Now I am out of it, thanks be to him who hath been more merciful to me than I myself, Jove, I mean, the true god, from whom cometh every favor, and I live my life in peace. And though it be to my advantage to watch others, I take care not to retrace the path I have trodden and gladly laugh at those who are ensnared, I know not whether to call them lovers or forgetful of the snare. "
25.
O blindness of mundane minds! How often follow effects all contrary to our intentions! Troilus now raileth at the weaknesses and anxious loves of other people without a thought of what heaven hasteneth to bring upon him, whom Love transfixed more than any other before he left the temple.
26.
While Troilus was thus strolling about, making mock now at one now at another, and oft gazing intently now upon this lady again upon that, it chanced that his wandering eyes, glancing amongst the crowd, lighted where stood the charming Cressida, under white veil in black habit, among the other ladies at this so solemn festival.
27.
She was tall and all her limbs were well proportioned to her height; her face was adorned with beauty celestial, and in her whole appearance she showed a womanly dignity. With her arm she had removed her mantle from before her face, making room for herself and pushing the crowd a little aside.
28.
As she recovered her composure, that act of hers — somewhat disdainful, as if she were to say " one may not stand here " — proved pleasing to Troilus. And he continued to gaze upon her face, which seemeth to him worthier of great praise than any other, and he took the utmost delight in gazing fixedly 'twixt man and man at her bright eyes and upon her angelic countenance.
29.
Nor did he who was so wise shortly before in finding fault with others, perceive that Love with his darts dwelt within the rays of those lovely eyes, nor yet did he remember the outrageous words he had previously uttered before his servants, nor notice the arrow that sped to his heart, until it stung him in very truth.
30.
Since this lady beneath the dark mantle was above all others pleasing to Troilus, without saying what kept him there so long, he secretly gazed from afar upon the object of his high desire, discovering naught to anyone, and looked upon her so long as the honors to Pallas lasted. Then with his companions he left the temple.
31.
But he went not thence such as he had entered, free and light-hearted, but departed thoughtful and enamored beyond his belief, keeping his desire well hidden, in order that the abusive remarks about others to which he had formerly given utterance, might not be turned against him, if perchance the passion into which he had fallen were to become known.
32.
When Cressida had departed from the stately temple, Troilus returned with his companions to his palace and there in mirthful living long tarried with them. And in order the better to hide his amorous wound, he continued to mock at those that love. Then feigning that other matters constrained him, he bade each one go whither he listed.
33.
And after everyone had left, he went all alone into his chamber, and there sat down sighing at the foot of his couch. And he began to go over again in his mind the pleasure he had felt that morning at the sight of Cressida, enumerating the true beauties of her face and praising them one by one.
34.
Much he praised her movements and her stateliness and from her manners and carriage judged her a lady of very noble nature, and thought it would be a great good fortune to love such a lady, and a better still if by long attention he might bring it to pass that nearly as much as he loved her he might by her be loved, or at least not be rejected as suitor.
35.
Little foreseeing his future woes, the light-hearted youth thought in his imagination that neither labor nor sighs could be lost for such a lady, and that his desire, if ever known by any, must needs be greatly praised, and hence his anguish, if discovered, less blamed.
36.
Therefore being minded to pursue this love, he made up his mind to try to act with discretion, first proposing to hide the ardor conceived in his amorous mind from every friend and attendant, unless it were necessary, concluding that love disclosed to many bringeth vexation in its train and not joy.
37.
And beyond these he took thought upon many other matters, how to discover himself to the lady, and how to attract to himself her attention, and then he began joyfully to sing, high in hope and all-disposed to love Cressida alone, naught esteeming any other lady he might see or who had ever pleased him.
38.
And to Love at times he said with reverential words: " Lord, thine henceforth is the soul which used to be mine. This pleaseth me, for thou hast given me to serve I know not whether to say a lady or a goddess, for never was there under white veil in dark habit a lady so beautiful as this one appeareth to me.
39.
" Thou takest thy station in her eyes, true lord, as in a place worthy of thy power. Therefore if my service at all pleaseth thee, I beseech thee obtain from them the healing of my soul, which lieth prostrate at thy feet, so wounded it the sharp arrows which thou didst hurl at it when thou didst show me the lovely face of this lady. "
40.
The fiery flames of love spared not the royal blood, nor heeded they the strength or greatness of soul or the bodily power that was in Troilus or his prowess. But as flame kindleth in suitable substance, or dry or half-dry, so in the new lover did the members take fire, one and all.
41.
So much the more from day to day by thought and the pleasure he took therein, did he prepare dry tinder within his proud heart, and imagined he would draw from her fair eyes water soothing to his intense ardor. Therefore he made cunning attempt to see them often, nor did he perceive that by them the fire was kindled the more.
42.
Now whether he went hither or thither, walking or sitting, alone or in company, as he would, eating or drinking, night or day, wherever he might be, ever of Cressida were his thoughts, and he declared her worth and delicate features to be such that she surpassed Polyxena in every beauty and likewise Helen.
43.
Nor did an hour of the day pass that he did not say to himself a thousand times: " O clear light which filleth my heart with love, O fair Cressida, may the gods grant that thy worth, which maketh my face to pale, might move thee to pity me a little! None beside thee can make me joyful; thou alone art she who canst help me. "
44.
Every other thought, both of the great war and of his welfare, had fled and in his breast he gave sole audience to that which spake of the high virtue of his lady. By this burdened, he was anxious only to cure his amorous wounds, and to the task he now devoted his every thought and in it found his delight.
45.
The sharp battles and the woeful affrays of Hector and his brothers, followed by the Trojans, turned him little or naught from his amorous thoughts, although often in the most perilous encounters they saw him, before all others, work wonders in arms. So said they who stood watching him.
46.
Nor did hatred of the Greeks move him to this, nor the longing that he had for victory to liberate Troy, which he saw straitened by siege, but desire of glory, the more to please, effected all this. And for Love's sake, if the tale speaketh truth, he became so fierce and strong in arms that the Greeks feared him as death.
47.
Already had Love taken from him his sleep, and diminished his food, and so increased his anxiety that now in his face pallor bore witness thereof, although much he concealed it with feigned smile and ingenuous speech, and whoever noticed it thought that it happened on account of the distress he felt because of the war.
48.
And how this was is not quite evident to us, whether Cressida was not sensible of his condition, because of the secrecy of his actions, or whether she feigned not to know of it. But this is sufficiently clear and manifest, that in no respect did she seem to care for Troilus and for the love that he bore her, but remained unmoved as one not loved.
49.
On this account Troilus felt such grief as could not be told, fearing at times that Cressida might be in love with another, and, despising him on this account, would not receive him as suitor. And he rehearsed to himself a thousand devices as to how he might in a proper manner find a way to make her sensible of his burning desire.
50.
Therefore when he had a moment of leisure, he went apart and complained of Love, saying to himself, " Troilus, now caught art thou who used to mock at others. No one was ever so consumed as thou art for ill-knowing how to guard thyself against Love; now art thou taken in the snare, a misadventure which thou hast so much blamed in others and hast not kept from thyself.
51.
" What will be said of thee among other lovers, if this thy love should become known? They will all make mock at thee, saying among themselves: " Behold now the well-guarded one, who used to rail at our sighs and our amorous plaints, hath even now come where we are. Praise be to Love, who now hath brought him to such a pass!"
52.
" What will be said of thee among the excellent kings and lords, if this become known? Well may they say, in ill-conceit thereat: " Behold now how this man hath taken leave of his senses to be thus recently ensnared by Love in this time of sorrow and distress. Whereas he ought to be doughty in battle, his thoughts are consumed in loving."
53.
" And now, O sorrowful Troilus, since it hath been decreed that thou shouldst love, would that thou wert caught by one sensible of just a little love, whence thou mightest derive consolation! But she for whom thou weepest feeleth naught any more than a stone, and remaineth as cold as ice which hardens beneath a clear sky, and I waste away like snow before the fire.
54.
" And were I now at last arrived at the port to which my misfortune thus leadeth me, this would be a mercy and great comfort to me, for by dying I should escape all pain. For if my trouble, of which no one is yet aware, be discovered, my life will be filled with a thousand insults each day and above all men shall I be called fool.
55.
" Succor me, Love. And thou for whom I weep, caught more than other ever was, ah, have a little pity for him who loveth thee much more than his own life. Moved by him who on thine account, lady, holdeth me in these woes, turn now toward him thy lovely countenance. Ah, I beseech thee, do not deny me this favor.
56.
" If thou, lady, doest this, I shall revive as a flower in the fresh meadow in spring time. Nor will waiting then be irksome to me, nor seeing thee disdainful and haughty. And if it be grievous to thee, call out at least, in thy cruelty, to me, who am ready at thy every pleasure, " Kill thyself," for in truth I shall do it, thinking to please thee by that act. "
57.
And then he spake many other words and wept and sighed and called upon her name, as he is wont to do who loveth to excess and findeth no compassion for his complaints. For they were all idle words lost in the wind and none did come to her. Thence his torment increased a hundredfold each day.
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