Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical settingVaeth, Joseph Anthony
History
Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical setting
Vaeth, Joseph Anthony
Martorell, Joanot, -1468. Tirant lo Blanch
At the close of these festivities the emperor gave his answer to the
ambassadors in regard to the ransom of the royal prisoners and the
marriage of the princess to the sultan, the proposal of the truce
having been accepted immediately after the Turkish representatives had
announced their mission. He bade them tell the sultan that the emperor
of Constantinople would not liberate the Grand Caramany and the King
of Upper India until the empire had been wholly restored; and that he
would not give his daughter in marriage to a man who was not of the
Christian faith, for that would be against the precepts of the Holy
Catholic Church. (Chaps. 207-208)
While the truce was in effect, Tirant remained in the imperial city.
He pretended to be occupied with military matters, but, in reality,
his mind was centered upon Carmesina. His one dominant purpose was to
obtain from the princess the “compliment de amor.” He made strong and
repeated efforts to attain his end, but she was firm. She loved him
with all her heart, but she would not sacrifice her honor. Tirant had
helpful allies in Plaer de mi Vida, Stephania, and Hypolite, but their
arguments, plans, and schemes availed him naught. Carmesina was young
and in love with him whom she considered the only person that could
save the empire. She was human and could not force herself to forbid
him to approach her. The temptations to fall were strong, but her
religious training and her moral courage sustained her in the hour of
need. (Chaps. 208-215)
Viuda Reposada, whose affectionate and passionate advances to Tirant
had always been met with scorn, was burning with unrequited love and
jealousy. She determined to make a desperate effort to sever the bond
of love that existed between Tirant and the princess. To accomplish
this she told Carmesina base lies about her lover, and advised her
gradually to avoid meeting him. As a result the heart of the princess
was filled with fear and torment. (Chap. 215)
A short time before the termination of the truce Diaphebus, Constable
and Earl of Sent Angel, was married to Stephania. The wedding was
celebrated with great splendor. To add to the importance of the
occasion, he was appointed Duke of Macedonia. And Tirant and his
friends kissed the foot and the hand of the emperor, and gave him
infinite thanks for the great favor he had shown them by giving his
niece to their companion. (Chaps. 219-222)
But while Diaphebus and Stephania were happy, and all were making
merry, the princess and Tirant were downcast and wretched. Carmesina
was following the advice of Viuda Reposada. She avoided Tirant. He
became aware of this, and it tormented him. (Chap. 224)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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