Third Part
THIRD PART
ARGUMENT
Here beginneth the third part of the Filostrato, in which, after the invocation, Pandarus and Troilus speak together of the need of keeping secret that which toucheth Cressida. Troilus goeth thither secretly and taketh delight and speaketh with Cressida. He departeth and returneth. And after returning he abideth in joy and in song. And in the first place the invocation of the author .
1.
O shining light, whose rays have thus far guided me, as through the halls of Love I took my winged way, now is it fitting that thy redoubled radiance guide my invocation and make it such that the benefits of the sweet reign of Love may in every particular appear set forth by me.
2.
To that kingdom cometh he who with discretion and with virtue can suffer faithfully the passion of Love to the full. By other method rarely may he ever come thither. Therefore, O fair lady, favor my desire. Grant an abundance of the grace that I ask and I will continue to sing thy praises.
3.
Although Troilus still suffered much from the ardor of Love, yet it seemed that all was well with him, wholly intent upon pleasing Cressida, and bearing in mind that she had replied humbly to all his letters and had moreover, whenever he had seen her, looked at him with a glance so sweet that it seemed that he experienced the utmost delight.
4.
Pandarus, as I have said above, had departed from the lady with inward satisfaction and joyful in mind and in face went in search of Troilus, whom, when he had gone from him, he had left torn between cheerful hope and sad plaints. And he went looking for him in this place and in that until he found him in a temple lost in thought.
5.
As soon as he reached him, he drew him aside and began to say: " My friend, when lately I saw thee languish so bitterly for Love, so much did it affect me that for thy sake mine own heart bore a great part of thy suffering. Therefore, to give thee comfort, I have never rested until I found her.
6.
" I have for thy sake become a go-between; for thy sake have I cast mine honor to the ground; for thy sake have I corrupted the wholesome breast of my sister, and put thy love in her heart. Nor will long time pass ere thou shalt see her with more relish than this speech of mine can afford thee, when thou shalt have lovely Cressida in thine arms.
7.
" But as the gods who behold everything, know, and as thou knowest, not hope of reward but only fealty, which I bear thee as a friend, hath brought me to this and led me to act so that thou mayest find recompense. Therefore I pray thee, an the desired weal be not reft from thee by dire fortune, act as becometh a prudent man.
8.
" Thou knowest her reputation is sound among the people nor hath aught else than all good been said of her by anyone. It hath now happened that thou hast it in thy hands and canst take it away from her, if thou dost what thou shouldst not, though this can never happen without great shame to me, who am her kinsman and guardian as well.
9.
" Therefore I pray thee as earnestly as I know how, that this matter be kept secret between us. I have removed from Cressida's heart every shyness and every thought that was against thee, and have so plied her with talk of thy sincere love that she loveth thee and is disposed to do what thou shalt wish to command.
10.
" Nor to this outcome is there lacking aught but opportunity, and when it cometh, I will put thee in her arms to take delight therein. But by the gods, see that this business be conducted secretly nor in any case issue forth from thy breast, O dear my friend, nor be displeased if many times I make to thee this entreaty. Thou seest that my prayer is honorable. "
11.
Who could tell fully the joy that the soul of Troilus felt when he heard Pandarus? For the more he spake, the more his sorrow diminished. The sighs that he heaved in great abundance ceased, and his wretched sorrow departed, and his tearful face, now that his hopes were fair, became joyful.
12.
And just as the fresh spring suddenly reclotheth with leaves and with flowerets the shrubs that were bare in the severe season, and maketh them beautiful, revesteth the meadows and hills and every river bank with grass and with beautiful fresh flowers, just so did Troilus, full at once of new joy, smile with calm visage.
13.
And after a little sigh he looked Pandarus in the face and said: " Thou shouldst bear in mind how and when thou didst of yore find me weeping in the bitter time I was wont to have in my loving and still had when thy words sought to discover what was the occasion of my woe.
14.
" Thou knowest how much I hesitated to disclose it to thee, who art my one and only friend. Nor on this account was there any danger in telling it to thee, although for this reason it was not a modest act. Think then how I should ever be able to consent to it, who, while I tell thee of it, tremble lest someone hear it. May the gods avert such a disaster!
15.
" Nevertheless I swear to thee by the gods, who hold equal control over the heaven and the earth, that, an I hope not to fall into the hands of the strong Agamemnon, if my life were eternal as it is mortal, thou canst rest assured that in so far as in me lieth, this secret will repose within my breast and that in every act will be safeguarded the honor of that lady who hath wounded my heart.
16.
" How much thou hast said and done for me I well know and plainly see. Nor should I ever in any act be able to reward thee for it. For thou hast, I may say, drawn me from hell and worse to heaven. But I beg thee by our friendship that thou no more apply that ugly name to thyself, where it is a question of coming to the relief of a friend.
17.
" Leave it to the wretched misers whom gold prompteth to such service. Thou hast done it to draw me from the bitter lamentations which were mine and from the sore conflict which I had with distressful thoughts — disturbers of every sweet memory — as should be done for a friend when the friend seeth him suffer.
18.
" And that thou mayest know how much complete good will is borne thee by me, I have my sister Polyxena, more praised for beauty than any other lady, and also there is with her that loveliest Helen, who is my kinswoman. Open thy heart, if either of them please thee; then let me arrange matters with which one it be.
19.
" But since thou hast done so much — so much more than I would have asked thee — , bring my desire to pass when opportunity presenteth itself to thee. To thee do I turn and from thee alone do I await my high pleasure, and my comfort, my joy, and my well-being, and my solace, and my delight. Nor shall I act except as thou shalt say. Mine will be the pleasure and thou shalt have the gratification of it. "
20.
Pandarus was pleased with Troilus and each went about his affairs. But although with that lady as prize every day seemed an hundred to Troilus, he endured meekly and with high argument controlled within himself his amorous impulses, giving the night to thoughts of love and the day to strenuous warfare with his followers.
21.
In the meantime the opportunity desired by the two lovers arrived. Thereupon Pandarus had Cressida summoned and explained everything to her. But Pandarus was anxious about Troilus, who the day before had gone with certain companions some little distance on important business of the war, although he was expected to return presently.
22.
This he told her and she was much distressed to hear it. But notwithstanding, Pandarus, as a diligent friend, at once sent after him a nimble servant, who, without taking any rest, was in short time in the presence of Troilus, who, after hearing what he came for, in joyful mood made ready to return.
23.
After reaching Pandarus he heard from him in full what he had to do. Thereupon he very impatiently awaited the night, which seemed to him to flee, and then quietly alone with Pandarus took his way whither Cressida was staying, who alone and in fear awaited him.
24.
The night was dark and cloudy, as Troilus wished, and he advanced watching each object attentively that there might be no unnecessary disturbance, little or great, to his amorous desire, which he hoped would free him from his severe torment. And by a secret approach he made his entrance alone into the house, which was already quiet.
25.
And in a certain dark and remote spot, as ordered, he awaited the lady. Nor did he find the awaiting arduous or difficult or the obscurity of his whereabouts. But with a sense of courage and security he often said to himself: " My gentle lady will soon come and I shall be joyful, more than if I were the sole lord of the universe. "
26.
Cressida had plainly heard him come, because, as had been agreed, she had coughed to make him hear. And that he might not be sorry that he had come, she kept speaking every little while in a clear voice. And she provided that everyone should go at once to sleep, saying that she was so sleepy that she could no longer keep awake.
27.
When everyone had gone to sleep and the house had become all quiet, Cressida thought it time to go at once where Troilus was in the hidden spot. When he heard her come, he stood up and with joyful countenance went to meet her, waiting in silence to be ready at her every command.
28.
The lady had in hand a lighted torch and descended the stairs all alone and beheld Troilus waiting for her in suspense. She greeted him and then said as well as she could: " My lord, if I have given offense by keeping thy royal splendor confined in such a spot as this, I pray thee by the gods, forgive me, my sweet desire. "
29.
To her Troilus said: " Fair lady, sole hope and weal of my mind, ever have I had before me the star of thy fair visage in all its radiant splendor and of a truth more dear to me hath been this little corner than my palace. This is not a matter that requireth the asking of pardon. " Then he took her in his arms and they kissed one another on the mouth.
30.
They did not leave that place before they had with sweet joy and ardent dalliance embraced one another a thousand times. And as many times more did they kiss one another, as those who burned with equal fire and were very dear to one another. But when the welcome ended, they mounted the stairs and went into a chamber.
31.
Long would it be to recount the joy and impossible to tell the delight they took together when they came there. They stripped themselves and got into bed. There the lady, still keeping on her last garment, said to him: " Mirror mine, the newly wed are bashful the first night. "
32.
To her Troilus said: " Soul of me, I pray thee remove it, so that I may have thee naked in my arms, as my heart desireth. " And she replied: " Behold, I rid myself of it. " And after casting off her shift, she quickly wrapped herself in his arms, and clasping one another fervently they experienced the last delight of love.
33.
O sweet and much-desired night, what wert thou to the two joyful lovers! If the knowledge that all the poets once possessed were given me, I should be unable to describe it. Let him who was ever before so much favored by Love as they, take thought of it, and he will know in part their delight.
34.
They did not leave one another's arms all night. While they held one another embraced, they thought they were separated, the one from the other, and that it was not true that they were locked together, one with another, as they were, but they believed they were dreaming of being in one another's arms. And the one often asked the other: " Have I thee in my arms? Do I dream or art thou thyself? "
35.
And they beheld one another with so great desire that the one did not remove his eyes from the other, and the one said to the other: " My love, can it be that I am with thee? " " Yes, soul of my life, thanks be to the gods, " replied the other. And they exchanged sweet kisses together, ever and anon clasping one another tightly the while.
36.
Troilus often kissed the lovely amorous eyes of Cressida, saying: " You thrust into my heart darts of love so fiery that I am all inflamed by them. You seized me and I did not hide myself in flight, as is wont to do he who is in doubt. You hold me and ever will hold me in Love's net, bright eyes of mine. "
37.
Then he kissed them and kissed them yet again and Cressida kissed his in return. Then he kissed all her face and her bosom, and not an hour passed without a thousand sighs — not those grievous ones by which one loseth color but those devoted ones, by which was shown the affection that lay in their breasts and which resulted in the renewal of their delight.
38.
Let now these wretched misers, who blame whoever hath fallen in love and who hath not, as they, devoted himself entirely in some way to the making of money, take thought and consider whether, when holding it full dear, as much pleasure was ever furnished by it as Love doth provide in a single moment to him to whom by good chance he is joined.
39.
They will say " Yes " but they will lie. With laughter and with jests will they call this love grievous folly, without perceiving that in a single hour they will lose themselves and their money, without having known in all their lives what joy is May the gods make them sad and give their gains to lovers.
40.
Reassured in their union the two lovers began to talk together and to recount to one another their laments of the past, their anguish, and their sighs. And all this talk they often interrupted with fervent kissing and abandoning their past suffering, shared delicious joy.
41.
No talk was there of sleeping but they desired by keeping wide-awake to prevent the night from growing shorter. They could not have enough of one another, however much they might do or say what they believed to belong to that act. And without letting the hours run on in vain they used them all that night.
42.
But when near day they heard the cocks crow by reason of the rising dawn, the desire of embracing grew warm again, not unattended by sorrow on account of the hour which was to separate them and cast them into new torment, which no one had yet felt, because of their being separated, since they were inflamed more than ever with love.
43.
When Cressida heard them crow she said in sorrow: " O my love, now is it time to arise, if we wish to conceal our desire. But I wish to embrace thee a little, my love, before thou arisest, that I may feel less grief at thy departure. Do thou embrace me, my sweet life. "
44.
Troilus well-nigh in tears embraced her and clasping her tightly, kissed her, cursing the approaching day, which so quickly separated them. Then he began saying to her: " The parting grieveth me beyond measure. How am I ever to part from thee, since the happiness I feel, thou, lady, givest me?
45.
" I know not why I do not die when I consider that I must go away against my will and that I have already received banishment from life, and death hath much power over me. Nor know I how or when I shall return. O fortune, why dost thou take me afar from such pleasure, which pleaseth me more than aught else? Why dost thou take from me my consolation and my peace?
46.
" Alas what shall I do if at the first step the desire to return here so constraineth me that life may not bear it, wretched one that I am? Ah why, pitiless day, comest thou so soon to separate us? When wilt thou dip beneath the horizon that I may see thee bring us together again? Alas, I do not know. " Then he turned to Cressida and kissed her fresh visage,
47.
Saying: " If I believed, my fair lady, that I should remain continually in thy mind, as I keep thee in mine, more dear would this be to me than the realm of Troy, and I would be patient at this parting, since I come to it against my will, and would hope to return here at time and place appointed to quench, as now, our fire. "
48.
Cressida answered him in sighs, whilst she held him tight in her arms: " Soul of mine, I heard in conversation some time ago, if I remember correctly, that Love is a jealous spirit, and when he seizeth aught, he holdeth it so firmly bound and pressed in his claws that to free it, advice is given in vain.
49.
" He hath gripped me in such wise for thee, my dear weal, that if I wished to return now to what I was at first, take it not into thy head that I could do so. Thou art ever, morn and eve, locked in my mind. If I thought I were so in thine, I should esteem myself happier than I could ask.
50.
" Therefore live certain of my love, which is greater than I have ever felt for another. If thou desirest to return here, I desire it much more than thou. Nor when opportunity shall be given me, wilt thou return here sooner than I. Heart of my body, to thee I commend myself. " After she said this she sighed and kissed him.
51.
Troilus arose against his will when he had kissed her an hundred times. But realizing what had to be done, he got all dressed and then after many words said: " I do thy will; I go away. See that what thou hast promised be not left unfulfilled. I commend thee to the gods and leave my soul with thee. "
52.
Voice did not come to her for reply, so great sorrow constrained her at his departure. But Troilus set out thence with hasty steps toward his palace. He feeleth that Love vexeth him more than he did at first, when he longed for him, of so much more worth had he found Cressida than he had at first supposed.
53.
After Troilus had returned to the royal palace he went thence silently to bed, to sleep a little, if he could, for ease. But sleep could not enter his breast, so much did fresh anxieties disturb him, as he called to mind his past delight and thought with himself how much more worthy was fair Cressida than he had believed.
54.
He kept turning over each act in his thoughts, and the sensible talk they had had together, and often again repeated to himself their sweet and pleasing speech. He was constantly aware of far greater love for her than in his imaginings. And with such thoughts he burned the more violently in love and was not aware of it.
55.
Cressida on her part did likewise, speaking of Troilus in her heart. Inwardly happy because of such a lover she gave boundless thanks to Love. And it seemeth to her fully a thousand years before her sweet lover will return to her and she will hold him in her arms and kiss him often, as she had done the night just passed.
56.
It was morning. Pandarus came to Troilus, who was risen, and saluted him. And Troilus returned the salutation and threw himself upon his neck with eagerness. " Thou art welcome, my Pandarus, " and kissed him lovingly on the forehead. " Thou hast, my friend, taken me from hell to usher me into paradise, as sure as I do live.
57.
" I would never be able to do for thee as much as an atom of what I clearly know is thy due, if I should die for thee a thousand times a day. Thou hast placed me in joy from bitter plaint. " And he kissed him over again and said: " My sweet delight, how happy thou makest me! When will it be that I shall ever hold thee again in my arms?
58.
" The sun, which beholdeth the entire world, beholdeth not so fair a lady nor so pleasing, if my words deserve any belief, so well-mannered, lovely, and attractive as she, to whose tender mercies more than to aught else is it owing that I live truly happy. Praised be Love, who hath made me hers, and likewise thy good services.
59.
" Therefore thou hast not given me a little thing nor hast thou given me to a little thing. My life will ever be indebted to thee and thou shalt ever have it whenever it please thee. Thou hast raised it from death to life. " Here he ceased speaking, more joyful than ever. Pandarus heard him, waited a little while, and then replied in high spirits to his words as follows:
60.
" If I have, fair sweet friend, done a thing that is pleasing to thee, I am very glad and it is highly gratifying to me. But nevertheless I remind thee more than ever to curb thy amorous desire and be wise, that now that thou hast driven away thy torment with delicious joy, thou mayest not by too much talk return to thy misery. "
61.
" I shall do so to thy satisfaction, " replied Troilus to his dear friend. Then he related to him in great gladness the joyful things that had happened to him and added: " I tell thee truly that I have never been enmeshed in the net of Love as I am at present and much more than formerly do I burn with the fire that I have caught from the fair eyes of Cressida and from her visage.
62.
" I burn more than ever, but this new fire that I feel is of another quality than what I felt before. Now the game refresheth me since there ever cometh to me in my heart thoughts of the beauty that is the occasion of it. But true it is that it maketh my wishes to return to her amorous arms and to kiss her delicate face a little more eager than they were wont to be. "
63.
The young man could not exhaust his desire to talk with Pandarus of the happiness he had felt and of the delight and comfort given his woes and of the perfect love that he bore Cressida, in whom alone he had placed his hope. And he forgot every other matter and every other great desire.
64.
Within a short time the good fortune of Troilus afforded opportunity for his amours. When the night had grown dark he issued forth alone from his palace, without beholding any star in the sky, entered to his pleasure stealthily by the path he had used before, and quietly and secretly took his station in the accustomed spot.
65.
Just as Cressida had come before, so in good season came she this time and followed altogether the practice she had used before. And after they had exchanged gentle and pleasing greetings as much as they saw fit, hand in hand they entered her room with great delight and lay down together without any delay.
66.
When Cressida had Troilus in her arms, she began joyfully as follows: " What lady ever was there or could there be who could experience such delicious sensations as I do now? Alas, who would shrink from meeting death immediately, if it could not be otherwise, in order to taste a bare morsel of so great pleasure? "
67.
Then he began: " My dear love, I do not know what to say nor should I ever be able to declare the sweet feelings and the fiery desires that thou hast placed in my breast, where I would wish always to have thee entire, as I have thine image, nor would I ask more of Jove, if he should grant me this, than that he should keep me ever as I am now.
68.
" I do not believe that he will ever temper this fire, as I believed he would, after we had been a number of times together. But I thought not well. Thou hast thrown upon it water such as blacksmiths use, so that it burneth more than it did. Wherefore I never loved thee as much as I love thee now; day and night I desire and long for thee. "
69.
Troilus spake to her much as above, as they both held one another in close embrace, and falling into playful speech they used in their talk all those words which are customarily spoken between one lover and another to express such delights, kissing one another's mouths, eyes, and breasts, giving to one another the salutations which when they wrote to each other had been unexpressed.
70.
But the unfriendly day drew nigh, as was clearly perceived by signs, which each of them cursed angrily; for it seemed to them to come sooner than usual, which indeed grieved each of them. But since it could not be helped, each of them arose without delay.
71.
The one took leave of the other in the usual manner, after many sighs. And they planned in the future to pass to their desires without delay, so that they might by being together temper their amorous sufferings and spend the joyful season of youth, while it lasted, in such happiness.
72.
Troilus was light-hearted and led a life of song and gaiety. The high beauty and alluring looks of any other lady — save only his Cressida — holdeth he in none esteem and believeth that as compared with himself all other men live in sad distress, so grateful and pleasing to him was his good fortune.
73.
Many a time he took Pandarus by the hand and went off with him into a garden and first spake with him of Cressida, of her worth and courtesy, then joyfully, with him as auditor, began, wholly free from sadness, to sing in joyful strains in such fashion as is here set forth without any alteration.
74.
" O light eterne, whose cheerful radiance maketh fair the third heaven, whence descendeth upon me pleasure, delight, pity, and love, friend of the sun and daughter of Jove, kindly mistress of every gentle heart, certain source of the strength which prompteth me to my health's sweet sighs, forever praised be thy power.
75.
" The heavens, the earth, the sea, and the lower regions, each one feeleth in itself thy power, O clear light, and if I discern truly, plants, seeds, grass as well, birds, beasts, and fish feel thee with eternal vapor in the pleasing season, and men and gods; nor hath creature in the world without thee strength or endurance.
76.
" Thou first, O fair goddess, didst gently move Jove to the high effects whereby all things have life and existence and often dost incline him to pity the sorry actions of us mortals and dost turn the lamentations that we deserve into gentle and delicious rejoicings, and in a thousand forms didst of yore send him down here when thou didst beseech him now for one thing and now for another.
77.
" Thou makest, when thou wilt, the haughty Mars benign and humble and drivest forth every angry passion. Thou expellest villainy and fillest with high disdain him who sigheth for thee, O goddess. Thou makest each one according to his desires worthy and deserving of high sovereignty. Thou makest each one who is in any degree inflamed with thy fire courteous and well-mannered.
78.
" Thou, fair goddess, holdest houses and cities, kingdoms, provinces, and the entire world at one. Thou art the unfailing cause of friendships and their precious fruit. Thou alone knowest the hidden properties of things, out of which thou bringest such order that thou makest marvel whoever knoweth not how to regard thy power.
79.
" Thou, O goddess, imposest laws on the universe, whereby it is held together, nor is anyone opposed to thy son but repenteth of it, if he persist therein. And I, who formerly opposed him in my talk, now, as is fitting, find myself so much in love that I should never be able to express the full sum of it.
80.
" For if anyone blameth me, little the less do I care, for he speaketh without knowledge. Let the strong Hercules in this be my strong defense, for he could not shield himself from Love, for which every wise man commendeth him. And he who doth not wish to involve himself in falsehood shall never say that what was once becoming to Hercules is unseemly for me.
81.
" Therefore I love and amongst thy grand effects this most pleaseth and gratifieth me. This I follow, in which, more than in anything else, if my mind heedeth justly, all delights are completed and perfected. In the presence of this everything else loseth quality. This causeth me to follow that lady who in worthiness beyond other holdeth sovereignty.
82.
" This induceth me now to rejoice and shall ever do so, if only I am prudent. This induceth me, O goddess, to glory so much in thy lucent and invigorating ray, because of which I rejoice that no arms defended me from thy radiant visage, in which I beheld thy virtues depicted and thy power bright and clear.
83.
" And I bless the season, the year, the month, and the day, the hour and the very moment that one so virtuous, fair, graceful, and courteous first appeared to mine eyes. And I bless the boy who by his power kindleth me with love for her virtue and who hath made me a true servant to her, placing my peace in her eyes.
84.
" And I bless the fervent sighs which I have already heaved from my breast on her account, and I bless the plaints and tortures which perfect love hath caused me to suffer, and I bless the fiery desires drawn from her aspect, fairer than all else, because they have been the price of a creature so exalted and so gracious.
85.
" But before all I bless the gods, who gave so dear a lady to the world and who in this deep dungeon put so much light in my discernment that I burned because of her rather than any other desire and in her did take delight, so that the thanks that ought to be rendered, never can be rendered by man.
86.
" If there were an hundred tongues in my mouth and each were vocal, and if I had the cunning of every poet in my breast, I should never be able to express her true virtues, her lofty gentleness, and her abundant courtesy. Therefore I devoutly pray her who hath the power, to keep her long mine and to make me grateful for it.
87.
" For thou art she, O goddess, who canst do this if only thou wilt, and I pray thee earnestly to do it. Who could then be called happier, if thou convert the time which is destined to be spent with me wholly to my pleasure and to hers? Do so, O goddess, since I have found myself again in thine arms, which I had left, not knowing well thy true virtue.
88.
" Let him who will, pursue power and wealth, arms, horses, wild beasts, dogs, birds, the studies of Pallas and the feats of Mars, for I wish to spend all my time contemplating the fair eyes of my lady and her true beauties, which, when I gaze at her, exalt me above Jove, so much is my heart enamored of her.
89.
" I have not the graces which should be rendered thee by me, O fair eternal light, and rather would I keep silent than not render them completely. Wilt thou none the less, clear light, come to the relief of my necessities? Prolong, conceal, correct, and govern my ardor and that of her to whom I am dedicated, and grant that she never belong to another. "
90.
In the tasks belonging to their war he was always the first in arms, for he issued forth from the city upon the Greeks so full of spirits and so strong and so brave that each one was afraid of him, if the story erreth not. And Love, of whom he was faithful servant, granted him this courage, so much more dauntless than usual.
91.
In times of truces he went fowling, holding falcons, gerfalcons, and eagles. And sometimes he hunted with dogs, pursuing bears, boars, and great lions. All small prey he disdained. And whenever he beheld Cressida, he put on a fair pleasing countenance, like an unhooded falcon.
92.
All his talk was of love or of gentle behavior, and full of courtesy. He delighted much to honor the valiant and likewise to cast forth the cowards. It ever pleased him to behold honors bestowed upon youths of modest grace. And he considered lost every one without love, of whatsoever station he might be.
93.
And though he was of royal blood and could, had he wished, have enjoyed much power, he made himself agreeable to all equally, although many a time a man did not deserve it. So wished Love, which is all-powerful, that he should act so as to please others. Pride, envy, and avarice he held in hatred and deferreth to everyone.
94.
But for a short time lasted this happiness, thanks to envious fortune, which in this world remaineth not stable. It turned toward him its bitter face, by a new chance, as it happeneth, and turning everything upside down, took from him the sweet fruits of Cressida, and changed his happy love into woeful mourning.
ARGUMENT
Here beginneth the third part of the Filostrato, in which, after the invocation, Pandarus and Troilus speak together of the need of keeping secret that which toucheth Cressida. Troilus goeth thither secretly and taketh delight and speaketh with Cressida. He departeth and returneth. And after returning he abideth in joy and in song. And in the first place the invocation of the author .
1.
O shining light, whose rays have thus far guided me, as through the halls of Love I took my winged way, now is it fitting that thy redoubled radiance guide my invocation and make it such that the benefits of the sweet reign of Love may in every particular appear set forth by me.
2.
To that kingdom cometh he who with discretion and with virtue can suffer faithfully the passion of Love to the full. By other method rarely may he ever come thither. Therefore, O fair lady, favor my desire. Grant an abundance of the grace that I ask and I will continue to sing thy praises.
3.
Although Troilus still suffered much from the ardor of Love, yet it seemed that all was well with him, wholly intent upon pleasing Cressida, and bearing in mind that she had replied humbly to all his letters and had moreover, whenever he had seen her, looked at him with a glance so sweet that it seemed that he experienced the utmost delight.
4.
Pandarus, as I have said above, had departed from the lady with inward satisfaction and joyful in mind and in face went in search of Troilus, whom, when he had gone from him, he had left torn between cheerful hope and sad plaints. And he went looking for him in this place and in that until he found him in a temple lost in thought.
5.
As soon as he reached him, he drew him aside and began to say: " My friend, when lately I saw thee languish so bitterly for Love, so much did it affect me that for thy sake mine own heart bore a great part of thy suffering. Therefore, to give thee comfort, I have never rested until I found her.
6.
" I have for thy sake become a go-between; for thy sake have I cast mine honor to the ground; for thy sake have I corrupted the wholesome breast of my sister, and put thy love in her heart. Nor will long time pass ere thou shalt see her with more relish than this speech of mine can afford thee, when thou shalt have lovely Cressida in thine arms.
7.
" But as the gods who behold everything, know, and as thou knowest, not hope of reward but only fealty, which I bear thee as a friend, hath brought me to this and led me to act so that thou mayest find recompense. Therefore I pray thee, an the desired weal be not reft from thee by dire fortune, act as becometh a prudent man.
8.
" Thou knowest her reputation is sound among the people nor hath aught else than all good been said of her by anyone. It hath now happened that thou hast it in thy hands and canst take it away from her, if thou dost what thou shouldst not, though this can never happen without great shame to me, who am her kinsman and guardian as well.
9.
" Therefore I pray thee as earnestly as I know how, that this matter be kept secret between us. I have removed from Cressida's heart every shyness and every thought that was against thee, and have so plied her with talk of thy sincere love that she loveth thee and is disposed to do what thou shalt wish to command.
10.
" Nor to this outcome is there lacking aught but opportunity, and when it cometh, I will put thee in her arms to take delight therein. But by the gods, see that this business be conducted secretly nor in any case issue forth from thy breast, O dear my friend, nor be displeased if many times I make to thee this entreaty. Thou seest that my prayer is honorable. "
11.
Who could tell fully the joy that the soul of Troilus felt when he heard Pandarus? For the more he spake, the more his sorrow diminished. The sighs that he heaved in great abundance ceased, and his wretched sorrow departed, and his tearful face, now that his hopes were fair, became joyful.
12.
And just as the fresh spring suddenly reclotheth with leaves and with flowerets the shrubs that were bare in the severe season, and maketh them beautiful, revesteth the meadows and hills and every river bank with grass and with beautiful fresh flowers, just so did Troilus, full at once of new joy, smile with calm visage.
13.
And after a little sigh he looked Pandarus in the face and said: " Thou shouldst bear in mind how and when thou didst of yore find me weeping in the bitter time I was wont to have in my loving and still had when thy words sought to discover what was the occasion of my woe.
14.
" Thou knowest how much I hesitated to disclose it to thee, who art my one and only friend. Nor on this account was there any danger in telling it to thee, although for this reason it was not a modest act. Think then how I should ever be able to consent to it, who, while I tell thee of it, tremble lest someone hear it. May the gods avert such a disaster!
15.
" Nevertheless I swear to thee by the gods, who hold equal control over the heaven and the earth, that, an I hope not to fall into the hands of the strong Agamemnon, if my life were eternal as it is mortal, thou canst rest assured that in so far as in me lieth, this secret will repose within my breast and that in every act will be safeguarded the honor of that lady who hath wounded my heart.
16.
" How much thou hast said and done for me I well know and plainly see. Nor should I ever in any act be able to reward thee for it. For thou hast, I may say, drawn me from hell and worse to heaven. But I beg thee by our friendship that thou no more apply that ugly name to thyself, where it is a question of coming to the relief of a friend.
17.
" Leave it to the wretched misers whom gold prompteth to such service. Thou hast done it to draw me from the bitter lamentations which were mine and from the sore conflict which I had with distressful thoughts — disturbers of every sweet memory — as should be done for a friend when the friend seeth him suffer.
18.
" And that thou mayest know how much complete good will is borne thee by me, I have my sister Polyxena, more praised for beauty than any other lady, and also there is with her that loveliest Helen, who is my kinswoman. Open thy heart, if either of them please thee; then let me arrange matters with which one it be.
19.
" But since thou hast done so much — so much more than I would have asked thee — , bring my desire to pass when opportunity presenteth itself to thee. To thee do I turn and from thee alone do I await my high pleasure, and my comfort, my joy, and my well-being, and my solace, and my delight. Nor shall I act except as thou shalt say. Mine will be the pleasure and thou shalt have the gratification of it. "
20.
Pandarus was pleased with Troilus and each went about his affairs. But although with that lady as prize every day seemed an hundred to Troilus, he endured meekly and with high argument controlled within himself his amorous impulses, giving the night to thoughts of love and the day to strenuous warfare with his followers.
21.
In the meantime the opportunity desired by the two lovers arrived. Thereupon Pandarus had Cressida summoned and explained everything to her. But Pandarus was anxious about Troilus, who the day before had gone with certain companions some little distance on important business of the war, although he was expected to return presently.
22.
This he told her and she was much distressed to hear it. But notwithstanding, Pandarus, as a diligent friend, at once sent after him a nimble servant, who, without taking any rest, was in short time in the presence of Troilus, who, after hearing what he came for, in joyful mood made ready to return.
23.
After reaching Pandarus he heard from him in full what he had to do. Thereupon he very impatiently awaited the night, which seemed to him to flee, and then quietly alone with Pandarus took his way whither Cressida was staying, who alone and in fear awaited him.
24.
The night was dark and cloudy, as Troilus wished, and he advanced watching each object attentively that there might be no unnecessary disturbance, little or great, to his amorous desire, which he hoped would free him from his severe torment. And by a secret approach he made his entrance alone into the house, which was already quiet.
25.
And in a certain dark and remote spot, as ordered, he awaited the lady. Nor did he find the awaiting arduous or difficult or the obscurity of his whereabouts. But with a sense of courage and security he often said to himself: " My gentle lady will soon come and I shall be joyful, more than if I were the sole lord of the universe. "
26.
Cressida had plainly heard him come, because, as had been agreed, she had coughed to make him hear. And that he might not be sorry that he had come, she kept speaking every little while in a clear voice. And she provided that everyone should go at once to sleep, saying that she was so sleepy that she could no longer keep awake.
27.
When everyone had gone to sleep and the house had become all quiet, Cressida thought it time to go at once where Troilus was in the hidden spot. When he heard her come, he stood up and with joyful countenance went to meet her, waiting in silence to be ready at her every command.
28.
The lady had in hand a lighted torch and descended the stairs all alone and beheld Troilus waiting for her in suspense. She greeted him and then said as well as she could: " My lord, if I have given offense by keeping thy royal splendor confined in such a spot as this, I pray thee by the gods, forgive me, my sweet desire. "
29.
To her Troilus said: " Fair lady, sole hope and weal of my mind, ever have I had before me the star of thy fair visage in all its radiant splendor and of a truth more dear to me hath been this little corner than my palace. This is not a matter that requireth the asking of pardon. " Then he took her in his arms and they kissed one another on the mouth.
30.
They did not leave that place before they had with sweet joy and ardent dalliance embraced one another a thousand times. And as many times more did they kiss one another, as those who burned with equal fire and were very dear to one another. But when the welcome ended, they mounted the stairs and went into a chamber.
31.
Long would it be to recount the joy and impossible to tell the delight they took together when they came there. They stripped themselves and got into bed. There the lady, still keeping on her last garment, said to him: " Mirror mine, the newly wed are bashful the first night. "
32.
To her Troilus said: " Soul of me, I pray thee remove it, so that I may have thee naked in my arms, as my heart desireth. " And she replied: " Behold, I rid myself of it. " And after casting off her shift, she quickly wrapped herself in his arms, and clasping one another fervently they experienced the last delight of love.
33.
O sweet and much-desired night, what wert thou to the two joyful lovers! If the knowledge that all the poets once possessed were given me, I should be unable to describe it. Let him who was ever before so much favored by Love as they, take thought of it, and he will know in part their delight.
34.
They did not leave one another's arms all night. While they held one another embraced, they thought they were separated, the one from the other, and that it was not true that they were locked together, one with another, as they were, but they believed they were dreaming of being in one another's arms. And the one often asked the other: " Have I thee in my arms? Do I dream or art thou thyself? "
35.
And they beheld one another with so great desire that the one did not remove his eyes from the other, and the one said to the other: " My love, can it be that I am with thee? " " Yes, soul of my life, thanks be to the gods, " replied the other. And they exchanged sweet kisses together, ever and anon clasping one another tightly the while.
36.
Troilus often kissed the lovely amorous eyes of Cressida, saying: " You thrust into my heart darts of love so fiery that I am all inflamed by them. You seized me and I did not hide myself in flight, as is wont to do he who is in doubt. You hold me and ever will hold me in Love's net, bright eyes of mine. "
37.
Then he kissed them and kissed them yet again and Cressida kissed his in return. Then he kissed all her face and her bosom, and not an hour passed without a thousand sighs — not those grievous ones by which one loseth color but those devoted ones, by which was shown the affection that lay in their breasts and which resulted in the renewal of their delight.
38.
Let now these wretched misers, who blame whoever hath fallen in love and who hath not, as they, devoted himself entirely in some way to the making of money, take thought and consider whether, when holding it full dear, as much pleasure was ever furnished by it as Love doth provide in a single moment to him to whom by good chance he is joined.
39.
They will say " Yes " but they will lie. With laughter and with jests will they call this love grievous folly, without perceiving that in a single hour they will lose themselves and their money, without having known in all their lives what joy is May the gods make them sad and give their gains to lovers.
40.
Reassured in their union the two lovers began to talk together and to recount to one another their laments of the past, their anguish, and their sighs. And all this talk they often interrupted with fervent kissing and abandoning their past suffering, shared delicious joy.
41.
No talk was there of sleeping but they desired by keeping wide-awake to prevent the night from growing shorter. They could not have enough of one another, however much they might do or say what they believed to belong to that act. And without letting the hours run on in vain they used them all that night.
42.
But when near day they heard the cocks crow by reason of the rising dawn, the desire of embracing grew warm again, not unattended by sorrow on account of the hour which was to separate them and cast them into new torment, which no one had yet felt, because of their being separated, since they were inflamed more than ever with love.
43.
When Cressida heard them crow she said in sorrow: " O my love, now is it time to arise, if we wish to conceal our desire. But I wish to embrace thee a little, my love, before thou arisest, that I may feel less grief at thy departure. Do thou embrace me, my sweet life. "
44.
Troilus well-nigh in tears embraced her and clasping her tightly, kissed her, cursing the approaching day, which so quickly separated them. Then he began saying to her: " The parting grieveth me beyond measure. How am I ever to part from thee, since the happiness I feel, thou, lady, givest me?
45.
" I know not why I do not die when I consider that I must go away against my will and that I have already received banishment from life, and death hath much power over me. Nor know I how or when I shall return. O fortune, why dost thou take me afar from such pleasure, which pleaseth me more than aught else? Why dost thou take from me my consolation and my peace?
46.
" Alas what shall I do if at the first step the desire to return here so constraineth me that life may not bear it, wretched one that I am? Ah why, pitiless day, comest thou so soon to separate us? When wilt thou dip beneath the horizon that I may see thee bring us together again? Alas, I do not know. " Then he turned to Cressida and kissed her fresh visage,
47.
Saying: " If I believed, my fair lady, that I should remain continually in thy mind, as I keep thee in mine, more dear would this be to me than the realm of Troy, and I would be patient at this parting, since I come to it against my will, and would hope to return here at time and place appointed to quench, as now, our fire. "
48.
Cressida answered him in sighs, whilst she held him tight in her arms: " Soul of mine, I heard in conversation some time ago, if I remember correctly, that Love is a jealous spirit, and when he seizeth aught, he holdeth it so firmly bound and pressed in his claws that to free it, advice is given in vain.
49.
" He hath gripped me in such wise for thee, my dear weal, that if I wished to return now to what I was at first, take it not into thy head that I could do so. Thou art ever, morn and eve, locked in my mind. If I thought I were so in thine, I should esteem myself happier than I could ask.
50.
" Therefore live certain of my love, which is greater than I have ever felt for another. If thou desirest to return here, I desire it much more than thou. Nor when opportunity shall be given me, wilt thou return here sooner than I. Heart of my body, to thee I commend myself. " After she said this she sighed and kissed him.
51.
Troilus arose against his will when he had kissed her an hundred times. But realizing what had to be done, he got all dressed and then after many words said: " I do thy will; I go away. See that what thou hast promised be not left unfulfilled. I commend thee to the gods and leave my soul with thee. "
52.
Voice did not come to her for reply, so great sorrow constrained her at his departure. But Troilus set out thence with hasty steps toward his palace. He feeleth that Love vexeth him more than he did at first, when he longed for him, of so much more worth had he found Cressida than he had at first supposed.
53.
After Troilus had returned to the royal palace he went thence silently to bed, to sleep a little, if he could, for ease. But sleep could not enter his breast, so much did fresh anxieties disturb him, as he called to mind his past delight and thought with himself how much more worthy was fair Cressida than he had believed.
54.
He kept turning over each act in his thoughts, and the sensible talk they had had together, and often again repeated to himself their sweet and pleasing speech. He was constantly aware of far greater love for her than in his imaginings. And with such thoughts he burned the more violently in love and was not aware of it.
55.
Cressida on her part did likewise, speaking of Troilus in her heart. Inwardly happy because of such a lover she gave boundless thanks to Love. And it seemeth to her fully a thousand years before her sweet lover will return to her and she will hold him in her arms and kiss him often, as she had done the night just passed.
56.
It was morning. Pandarus came to Troilus, who was risen, and saluted him. And Troilus returned the salutation and threw himself upon his neck with eagerness. " Thou art welcome, my Pandarus, " and kissed him lovingly on the forehead. " Thou hast, my friend, taken me from hell to usher me into paradise, as sure as I do live.
57.
" I would never be able to do for thee as much as an atom of what I clearly know is thy due, if I should die for thee a thousand times a day. Thou hast placed me in joy from bitter plaint. " And he kissed him over again and said: " My sweet delight, how happy thou makest me! When will it be that I shall ever hold thee again in my arms?
58.
" The sun, which beholdeth the entire world, beholdeth not so fair a lady nor so pleasing, if my words deserve any belief, so well-mannered, lovely, and attractive as she, to whose tender mercies more than to aught else is it owing that I live truly happy. Praised be Love, who hath made me hers, and likewise thy good services.
59.
" Therefore thou hast not given me a little thing nor hast thou given me to a little thing. My life will ever be indebted to thee and thou shalt ever have it whenever it please thee. Thou hast raised it from death to life. " Here he ceased speaking, more joyful than ever. Pandarus heard him, waited a little while, and then replied in high spirits to his words as follows:
60.
" If I have, fair sweet friend, done a thing that is pleasing to thee, I am very glad and it is highly gratifying to me. But nevertheless I remind thee more than ever to curb thy amorous desire and be wise, that now that thou hast driven away thy torment with delicious joy, thou mayest not by too much talk return to thy misery. "
61.
" I shall do so to thy satisfaction, " replied Troilus to his dear friend. Then he related to him in great gladness the joyful things that had happened to him and added: " I tell thee truly that I have never been enmeshed in the net of Love as I am at present and much more than formerly do I burn with the fire that I have caught from the fair eyes of Cressida and from her visage.
62.
" I burn more than ever, but this new fire that I feel is of another quality than what I felt before. Now the game refresheth me since there ever cometh to me in my heart thoughts of the beauty that is the occasion of it. But true it is that it maketh my wishes to return to her amorous arms and to kiss her delicate face a little more eager than they were wont to be. "
63.
The young man could not exhaust his desire to talk with Pandarus of the happiness he had felt and of the delight and comfort given his woes and of the perfect love that he bore Cressida, in whom alone he had placed his hope. And he forgot every other matter and every other great desire.
64.
Within a short time the good fortune of Troilus afforded opportunity for his amours. When the night had grown dark he issued forth alone from his palace, without beholding any star in the sky, entered to his pleasure stealthily by the path he had used before, and quietly and secretly took his station in the accustomed spot.
65.
Just as Cressida had come before, so in good season came she this time and followed altogether the practice she had used before. And after they had exchanged gentle and pleasing greetings as much as they saw fit, hand in hand they entered her room with great delight and lay down together without any delay.
66.
When Cressida had Troilus in her arms, she began joyfully as follows: " What lady ever was there or could there be who could experience such delicious sensations as I do now? Alas, who would shrink from meeting death immediately, if it could not be otherwise, in order to taste a bare morsel of so great pleasure? "
67.
Then he began: " My dear love, I do not know what to say nor should I ever be able to declare the sweet feelings and the fiery desires that thou hast placed in my breast, where I would wish always to have thee entire, as I have thine image, nor would I ask more of Jove, if he should grant me this, than that he should keep me ever as I am now.
68.
" I do not believe that he will ever temper this fire, as I believed he would, after we had been a number of times together. But I thought not well. Thou hast thrown upon it water such as blacksmiths use, so that it burneth more than it did. Wherefore I never loved thee as much as I love thee now; day and night I desire and long for thee. "
69.
Troilus spake to her much as above, as they both held one another in close embrace, and falling into playful speech they used in their talk all those words which are customarily spoken between one lover and another to express such delights, kissing one another's mouths, eyes, and breasts, giving to one another the salutations which when they wrote to each other had been unexpressed.
70.
But the unfriendly day drew nigh, as was clearly perceived by signs, which each of them cursed angrily; for it seemed to them to come sooner than usual, which indeed grieved each of them. But since it could not be helped, each of them arose without delay.
71.
The one took leave of the other in the usual manner, after many sighs. And they planned in the future to pass to their desires without delay, so that they might by being together temper their amorous sufferings and spend the joyful season of youth, while it lasted, in such happiness.
72.
Troilus was light-hearted and led a life of song and gaiety. The high beauty and alluring looks of any other lady — save only his Cressida — holdeth he in none esteem and believeth that as compared with himself all other men live in sad distress, so grateful and pleasing to him was his good fortune.
73.
Many a time he took Pandarus by the hand and went off with him into a garden and first spake with him of Cressida, of her worth and courtesy, then joyfully, with him as auditor, began, wholly free from sadness, to sing in joyful strains in such fashion as is here set forth without any alteration.
74.
" O light eterne, whose cheerful radiance maketh fair the third heaven, whence descendeth upon me pleasure, delight, pity, and love, friend of the sun and daughter of Jove, kindly mistress of every gentle heart, certain source of the strength which prompteth me to my health's sweet sighs, forever praised be thy power.
75.
" The heavens, the earth, the sea, and the lower regions, each one feeleth in itself thy power, O clear light, and if I discern truly, plants, seeds, grass as well, birds, beasts, and fish feel thee with eternal vapor in the pleasing season, and men and gods; nor hath creature in the world without thee strength or endurance.
76.
" Thou first, O fair goddess, didst gently move Jove to the high effects whereby all things have life and existence and often dost incline him to pity the sorry actions of us mortals and dost turn the lamentations that we deserve into gentle and delicious rejoicings, and in a thousand forms didst of yore send him down here when thou didst beseech him now for one thing and now for another.
77.
" Thou makest, when thou wilt, the haughty Mars benign and humble and drivest forth every angry passion. Thou expellest villainy and fillest with high disdain him who sigheth for thee, O goddess. Thou makest each one according to his desires worthy and deserving of high sovereignty. Thou makest each one who is in any degree inflamed with thy fire courteous and well-mannered.
78.
" Thou, fair goddess, holdest houses and cities, kingdoms, provinces, and the entire world at one. Thou art the unfailing cause of friendships and their precious fruit. Thou alone knowest the hidden properties of things, out of which thou bringest such order that thou makest marvel whoever knoweth not how to regard thy power.
79.
" Thou, O goddess, imposest laws on the universe, whereby it is held together, nor is anyone opposed to thy son but repenteth of it, if he persist therein. And I, who formerly opposed him in my talk, now, as is fitting, find myself so much in love that I should never be able to express the full sum of it.
80.
" For if anyone blameth me, little the less do I care, for he speaketh without knowledge. Let the strong Hercules in this be my strong defense, for he could not shield himself from Love, for which every wise man commendeth him. And he who doth not wish to involve himself in falsehood shall never say that what was once becoming to Hercules is unseemly for me.
81.
" Therefore I love and amongst thy grand effects this most pleaseth and gratifieth me. This I follow, in which, more than in anything else, if my mind heedeth justly, all delights are completed and perfected. In the presence of this everything else loseth quality. This causeth me to follow that lady who in worthiness beyond other holdeth sovereignty.
82.
" This induceth me now to rejoice and shall ever do so, if only I am prudent. This induceth me, O goddess, to glory so much in thy lucent and invigorating ray, because of which I rejoice that no arms defended me from thy radiant visage, in which I beheld thy virtues depicted and thy power bright and clear.
83.
" And I bless the season, the year, the month, and the day, the hour and the very moment that one so virtuous, fair, graceful, and courteous first appeared to mine eyes. And I bless the boy who by his power kindleth me with love for her virtue and who hath made me a true servant to her, placing my peace in her eyes.
84.
" And I bless the fervent sighs which I have already heaved from my breast on her account, and I bless the plaints and tortures which perfect love hath caused me to suffer, and I bless the fiery desires drawn from her aspect, fairer than all else, because they have been the price of a creature so exalted and so gracious.
85.
" But before all I bless the gods, who gave so dear a lady to the world and who in this deep dungeon put so much light in my discernment that I burned because of her rather than any other desire and in her did take delight, so that the thanks that ought to be rendered, never can be rendered by man.
86.
" If there were an hundred tongues in my mouth and each were vocal, and if I had the cunning of every poet in my breast, I should never be able to express her true virtues, her lofty gentleness, and her abundant courtesy. Therefore I devoutly pray her who hath the power, to keep her long mine and to make me grateful for it.
87.
" For thou art she, O goddess, who canst do this if only thou wilt, and I pray thee earnestly to do it. Who could then be called happier, if thou convert the time which is destined to be spent with me wholly to my pleasure and to hers? Do so, O goddess, since I have found myself again in thine arms, which I had left, not knowing well thy true virtue.
88.
" Let him who will, pursue power and wealth, arms, horses, wild beasts, dogs, birds, the studies of Pallas and the feats of Mars, for I wish to spend all my time contemplating the fair eyes of my lady and her true beauties, which, when I gaze at her, exalt me above Jove, so much is my heart enamored of her.
89.
" I have not the graces which should be rendered thee by me, O fair eternal light, and rather would I keep silent than not render them completely. Wilt thou none the less, clear light, come to the relief of my necessities? Prolong, conceal, correct, and govern my ardor and that of her to whom I am dedicated, and grant that she never belong to another. "
90.
In the tasks belonging to their war he was always the first in arms, for he issued forth from the city upon the Greeks so full of spirits and so strong and so brave that each one was afraid of him, if the story erreth not. And Love, of whom he was faithful servant, granted him this courage, so much more dauntless than usual.
91.
In times of truces he went fowling, holding falcons, gerfalcons, and eagles. And sometimes he hunted with dogs, pursuing bears, boars, and great lions. All small prey he disdained. And whenever he beheld Cressida, he put on a fair pleasing countenance, like an unhooded falcon.
92.
All his talk was of love or of gentle behavior, and full of courtesy. He delighted much to honor the valiant and likewise to cast forth the cowards. It ever pleased him to behold honors bestowed upon youths of modest grace. And he considered lost every one without love, of whatsoever station he might be.
93.
And though he was of royal blood and could, had he wished, have enjoyed much power, he made himself agreeable to all equally, although many a time a man did not deserve it. So wished Love, which is all-powerful, that he should act so as to please others. Pride, envy, and avarice he held in hatred and deferreth to everyone.
94.
But for a short time lasted this happiness, thanks to envious fortune, which in this world remaineth not stable. It turned toward him its bitter face, by a new chance, as it happeneth, and turning everything upside down, took from him the sweet fruits of Cressida, and changed his happy love into woeful mourning.
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