Did I know a viler executioner than myself, I would
entreat him to put your traitorous lover to death. O Love! I have
offended thee from not having known how to love, and therefore thou wilt
not succour me as thou didst succour her who kept all thy laws. 'Tis not
right that I should die after so honourable a manner; but 'tis well that
I should die by mine own hand. I have washed your face, sweet, with my
tears, and with my tongue have craved your forgiveness; and now it only
remains for my hand to make my body like unto yours, and send my soul
whither yours will go, in the knowledge that a virtuous and honourable
love can never end, whether in this world or in the next."
Rising up from the body he then, like a frenzied man beside himself,
drew his dagger and with great violence stabbed himself to the heart.
Then he again took his sweetheart in his arms, kissing her with such
passion that it seemed as though he were seized rather with love than
with death.
The damsel, seeing him deal himself the blow, ran to the door and called
for help. The Duke, on hearing the outcry, suspected misfortune to those
he loved, and was the first to enter the closet, where he beheld the
piteous pair.
Pages:
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208