The Tales of the Heptameron, Vol. 5 (of 5)Marguerite, Queen, consort of Henry II, King of Navarre
General
The Tales of the Heptameron, Vol. 5 (of 5)
Marguerite, Queen, consort of Henry II, King of Navarre
Love stories, French -- Translations into English; Tales -- France -- Translations into English
Afterwards she pretended that she could no longer take food, whereupon
the extreme unction was brought by the priest and received by her with
many pious signs; for (as they thought) she was scarcely able to speak.
She continued thus for a great while, and it seemed as though she were
gradually losing her sight, hearing and other senses, whereat there came
from all a cry of “Jesus!” As night was at hand and the ladies were far
from home, they all withdrew; and just as they were leaving the house it
was told them that she was dead, whereupon, saying their _De profundis_
for her, they returned to their houses.
The priest asked the chanter where he would have her buried, and the
other replied that she had desired to be buried in the cemetery,
and that it would be well to bring her there at night. So the poor
unfortunate was shrouded by a serving-woman, who was careful not to hurt
her, and then by brave torchlight she was carried to the grave that the
chanter had caused to be made.
When the body passed in front of the houses of those who had been
present when she received the extreme unction, they all came forth
and followed her to the tomb; and there she was soon left by women and
priests alike. The chanter, however, did not go away, but, as soon as he
saw the company some distance off, he and the serving-woman opened the
grave wherein was his sweetheart more alive than ever, and he sent her
secretly to his house, where for a long time he kept her concealed.
The husband, who was in pursuit of her, came as far as Blois to demand
justice, when he found that she was dead and buried according to the
testimony of all the ladies of Blois. They told him, too, what a good
end she had made, and the worthy man was rejoiced to think that his
wife’s soul was in Paradise, and himself rid of her wicked body.
In this wise well content, he betook himself back to Paris, where he
married a beautiful and virtuous young woman, and a good housewife, by
whom he had several children, and with whom he lived for fourteen or
fifteen years. But at last rumour, which can keep nothing hid, advised
him that his wife was not dead, but was still dwelling with the wicked
chanter. The poor man concealed the matter as well as he was able,
pretending to know nothing about it, and hoping that it was a lie. But
his wife, who was a discreet woman, was told of it, and such was her
anguish at the tidings that she was like to die of grief. Had it been
possible without offence to her conscience, she would gladly have
concealed her misfortune, but it was not possible. The Church
immediately took the affair in hand, and first of all separated them
from each other until the truth of the matter should be known.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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