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The Divided Horsecloth part 3

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Bernier

(12th or 13th Century, a.d.)

Nothing is known of the author of this story except his name, which is signed on the MS. The Divided Horsecloth is one of the best examples of a type that flourished in France during the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries: the Fabliau is a short story in verse differing principally from the Lay and the Pious or Devotional Tale by its simple style and its appeal, which is directed rather to the middle classes than the nobility. This particular story has been very popular with later writers, among whom both Montaigne and Browning have made use of it.

The present version is translated by Eugene Mason, in the volume Aucassin and Mcolette and Other Medieval Romances and Legends. Published in Everyman`s Library, J. M. Dent and Sons, by whose permission it is here reprinted.

The Divided Horsecloth

Each owes it to his fellows to tell as best he may, or, better still, to write with fair enticing words, such deeds and adventures as are good and profitable for us to know. For as men come and go about their business in the world, many things are told them which it is seemly to keep in remembrance.

Therefore, it becomes those who say and relate, diligently and with fair intent to keep such matters in thought and study, even as did our fathers before us. Theirs is the school to which we all should pass, and he who would prove an apt scholar, and live beyond his day, must not be idle at his task. But the world dims our fine gold: the minstrel is slothful, and singers forget to sing, because of the pain and travail which go to the finding of their songs. So without waiting for any to-morrow, I will bring before you a certain adventure which chanced, even as it was told to me.

Some seven years ago it befell that a rich burgess of Abbeville departed from the town, together with his wife, his only son, and all his wealth, his goods and plenishing. This he did like a prudent man, since he found himself at enmity with men who were stronger and of more substance than he. So, fearing lest a worse thing should bechance him, from Abbeville he went up to Paris.

There he sought a shop and dwell¬ing, and paying his service, made himself vassal and burgess of the King. The merchant was diligent and courteous, his wife smiling and gracious, and their son was not given over to folly, but went soberly, even as his parents taught him. Much were they praised of their neigh¬bors, and those who lived in the same street often set foot in their dwell¬ing.

Read More about Miss Tempy`s Watchers part 1

Communist Bulgaria Tour

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Communist Bulgaria Tour Day 1 Sofia – Pravets – Varshets

Start for private tours Bulgariaa. For Communist Bulgaria Tour the guide will meet you at the airport in Sofia. Then you will leave for the town of Pravets as it is the first place to visit on communist Bulgaria tour. Pravets is the birthplace of Bulgaria`s longtime communist leader Todor Zhivkov. It is also the hometown of Pravets computers.

Varshets – the oldest spa resort in Bulgaria is founded around a mineral spring. It is famous for its mineral springs, mild mountain climate, beautiful scenery and a large well-kept park.

Overnight in Varshets.

Communist Bulgaria Tour Day 2 Varshets – Yablanitsa – Kozloduy – Pleven

In the morning we will leave for the small town of Yablanitsa. Bulgarians know the place as the centre for traditional production of confectionery, halva and Turkish delight, lokum.

Then comes Kozloduy. It is not a big town situated on the Danube River. It is best known for the Nuclear Power Plant built in the 1970s. A visit to the plant.

Next, our journey will proceed to the town of Pleven where we will visit the “Pleven Epopee 1877” Panorama Museum. It is the only monument of the kind on the Balkan Peninsula. It depicts the events of the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–78 and it stands on the actual battlefield.

The article above has been taken from www.enmarbg.com. To learn extra, please click on the next hyperlink communist Bulgaria tour.

Read More about Treasures of Varna

Private Bulgaria tours Pirin

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Bulgaria can easily be called a mountainous country. Almost half of its territory is home to different in size, height, character and origin mountainous formations. Mountains in Bulgaria are so various. They are small and big, with or without flora, round and steep, high and low… However, one thing is definite – they are accessible during the four seasons and offer a lot of opportunities for sport, tourism, private Bulgaria tours, and holidays.

On the territory of Bulgaria there are 37 mountains. 36 of them are in the southern part of the country. There are biggest and highest, most beautiful and alpine mountains.

Pirin is considered to be the most beautiful of all. Hearing the legend, though, one would think it’s a bit ‘cold’ beauty. But beauty.

Legendary Private Bulgaria tours Pirin

People used to praise Bulgarian mountains in the old songs. Mountains were always people who later turned into rocks. That was the story of Pirin as well. Pirin and Rila Mountain had always been close. In fact, they were husband and wife. The beautiful girl, Rilka, fell for the also handsome man – Pirin. They got married and soon they became parents of two children – a son and a daughter, Iskar and Mesta. As usually boys are, Iskar used to be a naughty child. While his sister, Mesta was calmer and better-behaved.

Pirin, the father, was usually out hunting and finding food for his family. Rila, the mother, stayed at home with the children. She had difficulties with them as they fought all the time. Although Rila asked Pirin many times to help her with their children, he refused. One day Iskar and Mesta had a big argument. They said bad words to each other. Their mother, Rila was so angry. She put her hands up to stop them and in her sorrow she cursed her children. Actually, she put a curse on the whole family. Private Bulgaria tours put a spell only on you.

The Mountain

Rila wished for her children never to be together; never to be able to meet and to always scare people. She also wished for them to live with frogs and make friends with them. Curse, though was for Rila and the husband, Pirin as well. Rila wanted to become a rock. What’s more, she wanted to not be able to speak. She didn’t want to call her children. She also wanted to feel no love and mercy for the cildren she gave birth to.

As soon as she said this, the curse became reality. Iskar and Mesta never again saw each other. Rila could only see her chidren for some time and then she lost them. As for Pirin, he could never see his son. That’s why one part of Pirin Mountain always looks grim and scary.

It is sad and beautiful. Pirin Mountain is home to a great nature. It is home to many and different species. It has lovely lakes worth being visited during private Bulgaria tours. The mountaian tells stories of times long gone.

Pirin, the story teller – Private Bulgaria tours

Pirin Mountain offers memorable private Bulgaria tours for it’s a place where nature and history make the right blend for tourists to enjoy every single moment. On the territory of Pirin National Park and 3,5 km away southwards from Bansko, is located an ancient fortress. It is Sitan Kale (Sitan Fortress). The fortress used to be one of the most important in the region. Built to protect the road that goes through Pirin Mountain, it was also one of the biggest fortresses along the Mesta River. According to Kedrin, a Byzantine chronicler, ‘Sitan is an impressive city…’

The article above is available on wwwenmarbg.com. If you are looking for more information, please visit private Bulgaria tours.

Read More about Alexius Part 35

The Cavalier of Toledo part 5

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I have heard the whole of your generous conduct from the lips of the Count, and if nobility of mind and the best qualities of the heart may entitle you to the lady`s love, you not only deserve her, but the very highest and richest princess in the state. But she is beautiful, she loves you, and you are at liberty, when you so please, to take her for your wife.” The Count then likewise came forward, and confirming everything the king had said, tenderly embraced the cavalier, considering himself honored in possessing such a son-in-law.

Equally surprised and rejoiced at the unexpected turn of affairs in his favor, the Castilian, with singular modesty, replied, “Although I am aware that the high authority of your majesty and the noble qualities of the Count are sufficient to exalt me to any degree of rank, I am at the same time too sensible of the inequality of my own birth and fortunes to venture upon such a step as you have generously proposed. Permit me to be near your majesty, and to serve you to the utmost of my ability, as I have hitherto done; but let your majesty and the Count both take it again into consideration how far the subject of your favor may be worthy of so high an honor.”

Fair daughter of the Count

But the generous monarch persisted in his intentions, and in order to bring the affair to a speedy and happy termination, he commanded that a sumptuous festival should be held the ensuing day in his palace, which took place in the most gay and magnificent style. Proud trains of lords and cavaliers and gay bevies of ladies, with music, dance, and song, gave life and spirit to the scene. In the midst of these proceedings, the fair daughter of the Count, who had remained ignorant of all the previous explanations, was led forward, arrayed in her bridal ornaments; at the same moment, Messer Aries, the Castilian cavalier, was proclaimed by the heralds without to the applauding people, captain-general of the king`s armies, and immediately afterwards the monarch presented the young bride at the altar, where the noble cavalier received her hand.

The most rapturous surprise and joy beamed in the eyes of the lovers and the guests as this novel and happy ceremony was announced through the assembly. The feast and the dance revived with double spirit. Congratulations, commendations, and inquiries poured in on all sides upon the happy parties, until their union became the favorite topic no less of the court than of the people. Murmurs of applause ran through the rooms as the cavalier led forth his beautiful and happy bride to reap, at her father`s castle, the fruits of his virtue and his valor.

Read More about The Tell-Tale Heart Part 4

The Cavalier of Toledo part 4

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Having despatched his answer by the same discreet little mesenger, he awaited in much fear and anxiety the result of the strange circumstances in which he was so deeply engaged. The page instantly ran to his master with the above reply, whose previous sorrow and indignation were much diminished on perusing the noble sentiments entertained by the cavalier, and such was his admiration and regard, that he even became gentle and loving as before to his beautiful but weak and unhappy girl.

Monarch expressed

Under these feelings, without saying a word to his daughter, he hastened into the presence of his sovereign, to whom in no slight agitation he recounted the whole of the affair; and after unfolding his own feelings and sentiments on the subject, he entreated that the king would graciously deign to offer his advice. Gifted with great natural sagacity and prudence, the monarch expressed himself by no means surprised at the weak conduct shown by the young lady, being nothing, he declared, very strange or unusual; but he could scarcely prevail upon himself to believe the extraordinary resolution and constancy displayed by the cavalier. However high he had estimated his worth, he had never imagined him capable of such true greatness of soul, in thus sacrificing both ambition and love at the shrine of duty and fidelity.

The king then advised, or rather commanded, him to adopt the most generous resolution in his power; and sending forthwith for the noble Castilian, he closed the door on his attendants, and seizing him affect-ionately by the hand, he exclaimed, “I have long been sensible, Aries, of your high worth, evinced in all your actions, since you first joined my armies under the patronage of the Count.

There has been nothing wanting to complete the excellence of your character, save an occasion to display the hidden force and rectitude of your principles, in the trial of which you have acquitted yourself so nobly, so honorably, and respected the persons whom you loved. I am rejoiced to think that your virtues in peace are equal to the courage and skill you so well displayed in war. We are truly indebted to you, and must endeavor to find such a reward as you may like, such as may evince our gratitude for your good deeds, and commemorate your virtue to later times.

Read More about Guzman and my Lord Cardinal part 2

The Cavalier of Toledo part 3

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Unable longer to contend with the variety of emotions which shook her bosom and hourly preyed upon her life, she resolved, with the impulse of despair, to upbraid him for his cruelty, to unfold her love, and to die. And, half blinded with streaming tears, she committed her unhappy secret to paper, filled with the very soul of wretched passion, an appeal which no heart of marble, much less that of a fond lover, could have withstood. The conclusion was, that she had resolved to die rather than to survive the weakness of betraying her unhappy love. The young page to whom she confided the letter, conceiving from her manner that it contained something of high importance, and fearful of the result, bore it immediately to the Count, his master.

Young Castilian

It is impossible to express her father`s surprise and grief on learning the extravagance and folly of which this, his only daughter, had been guilty; but every noble spirit shunning infamy and disgrace beyond death itself, may form some idea of his sensations. In this afflicting circumstance he adopted and rejected a thousand various plans of punishing his unworthy child; but as he felt that it on sdit to be something proportionate to the intolerable pain which she had thus inflicted upon him, he first determined to try the worth and firmness of the young Castilian, and took his measures accordingly. Having carefully wrapped and sealed the letter, he returned it to the boy with orders to deliver it to Messer Aries, and having waited for a reply, to bring it immediately back to him.

These orders being promptly complied with, the young cavalier received it with a throb of ecstasy as he caught the name of his beloved; yet having already prepared his mind by strict discipline and self-control, he persevered in braving the fascinating danger. Armed strong in rectitude, he replied with all the delicacy and honor of a true knight to the lady`s letter, beseeching her in conclusion rather to inflict any kind of punishment upon him, even unto death, than tempt him either in thought or word to presume on what might offend the honor and dignity of the Count, her father.

Dreading, nevertheless, to hurt the feel- irgs of her he loved, and aware of the fatal consequences of scorned or disappointed affections in a woman`s soul, he implied the high honor and gratification he should have experienced in indulging such lofty hopes. “Would you venture,” he continued, “to throw yourself upon your father`s confidence, revealing to him every feeling of your breast (fully sensible as I am of the inequality of our lot), and were it possible that should smile upon our loves, then, only then, might we pronounce ourselves blest; but otherwise forget me—hate me; for when I dwell on the obligations I owe to your father, neither beauty nor ambition, nor any charms or treasures upon earth, shall lead me to sully, in any manner or degree, the brightness of his name.”

Read More about Turks Franks Cumans and Manichaeans part 22

The Cavalier of Toledo part 2

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The campaign being concluded with great honor and advantage on the part of the French, with the aid of the young and enterprising Castilian, both armies were compelled by the severity of the season to retire into winter quarters, and, with the chief part of the general officers and cavaliers, our noble adventurer sought the gaieties of Paris.

In order to celebrate his successes in the most popular way, the king sent an invitation to all his chief lords and barons to be present with their ladies at an appointed festival, along with their followers and companions-in-arms. First in the train of favorite nobles, magnificently arrayed in the honors he had won, appeared the Count d`Armagnac, accompanied by his lovely and only daughter, whose charms attracted every eye.

Count`s fair daughter

The joyous and splendid feast began, and was celebrated throughout many happy days with all the pleasures which love, and mirth, and music could afford; and still the star whose brightness eclipsed the beauties of the rest was the eye of the Count`s fair daughter. And as if to show that her taste was in no way inferior to her beauty and accomplishments, having glanced her eye through the ranks of youth and chivalry marshalled around her, it ever returned and rested on the fine features of the Spanish cavalier, the music of whose fame and virtues had already sounded sweet in her ears.

Too incautiously dwelling on these, the idea took her fancy captive, until she at last became so deeply interested in him, that whenever she passed the day without seeing or conversing with him she felt her existence a burden to her. Possessing no one in whom she could confide, in spite of all her struggles, her feelings, when in his presence, half betrayed the secret which preyed upon her heart: her eyes, her voice, and her very motions, when in his presence, or addressing him, all expressed far deeper and softer emotions than language dared to reveal.

Nor was the object of them either so cold or so inexperienced as not to be sensible of the impression he had made. But although he thought her the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, the numerous favors he had received from the Count, her father, were so great as to banish every idea of his own gratification in attaching her affections to himself. With this virtuous resolve, he affected to misunderstand the nature of her impassioned feelings, assuming an apparent calmness in his manners, and a coldness, which struck a pang to the unhappy lady`s heart.

Read More about The Christmas Tree and the Wedding part 7

The Cavalier of Toledo part 1

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Masuccio (Guardato) (Flourished latter half of 15th Century)

Masuccio was born at Salerno, of noble parentage. He was a resident at the Court of Naples, in the capacity of secretary, for the greater part of his life. His fifty tales, collected in a volume called the Novellino, are vivid pictures both of the peasants and lower burgher classes, and of the nobility. The Cavalier of Toledo is furnished with a contemporary background and reveals the writer`s skill in relating a romantic episode with skill and sympathy. Masuccio has the distinction of having written one of the earliest stories in the series that gave Shakespeare his Romeo and Juliet.

The present version is translated by Thomas Roscoe and reprinted from his Italian Novelists, London, no date. The story has no title in the original.

The Cavalier of Toledo

The last in my collection of those noble and virtuous actions which I have always been desirous of commemorating, is one related to me by a distinguished foreigner, which, as being strictly true, it is with equal pride and pleasure I proceed to detail. There resided some time ago in the famous city of Toledo a cavalier named Messer Piero Lopez d`Aiala, of high and ancient lineage, whose only son, a fine and spirited youth of the name of Aries, had the misfortune to engage in a. nocturnal brawl. Both parties, in one of which was the king`s particular favorite, drawing their swords, Messer Aries, engaging with the latter, passed his weapon through his body on the: spot.

On discovering the rank of his adversary, aware of the royal favor enjoyed by him, and dreading the indignation of his monarch, the youth resolved to take flight, and being furnished by his father with horses and attendants, he set out to try his fortunes in another land. And hearing of the sanguinary war then waging between the English and the French in the tern- tories of the latter, he resorted without delay to the scene of action, burning with the hope of signalizing himself during the campaign. Arriving in the French army, he had the good fortune to alight at the quarters of the Count d`Armagnac, captain-general of the king`s forces, and related to the royal house of France.

With his permission, the young Castilian employed the remains of his small resources in equipping himself for battle, in which he so greatly signalized himself, both by his courage and his conduct, as well in open field as in the siege, that he became at once admired and celebrated by his own party and dreaded by his adversaries. In the course of time he rose so high in the esteem of his commander, no less than of the French monarch, that he was entrusted and honored above any other favorites of the court, being in a little while promoted to the rank of campo-major, and acquitting himself in such a manner that he was consulted in almost every action.

Read More about Miss Tempy`s Watchers part 7

The Divided Horsecloth part 8

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“Fair, sweet son, my heart trembles within me, so greatly do I dread the cold. Give me, then, the cloth you spread upon your horse, so that I come to no evil.”

So he, seeing that he might not rid himself of his father save by the granting of a gift, and being desirous above all that he should part, bade his son to fetch this horsecloth. When the lad heard his father`s call he sprang to him, saying:

“Father, what is your pleasure?”

“Fair son,” said he, “get you to the stable, and if you find it open give my father the covering that is upon my horse. Give him the best cloth in the stable, so that he may make himself a mantle or a habit, or any other sort of cloak that pleases him.”

Then the lad, who was thoughtful beyond his years, made answer: “Grandsire, come now with me.”

So the merchant went with him to the stable, exceedingly heavy and wrathful. The lad chose the best horsecloth he might find in the stable, the newest, the largest, and the most fair; this he folded in two, and drawing forth his knife, divided the cloth in two portions. Then he bestowed on his grandfather one half of the sundered horsecloth.

“Fair child,” said the old man, “what have you done? Why have you cut the cloth that your father has given me? Very cruelly have you treated me, for you were bidden to give me the horsecloth whole. I shall return and complain to my son thereof.”

“Go where you will,” replied the boy, “for certainly you shall have nothing more from me.”

The merchant went forth from the stable.

“Son,” said he, “chastise now thy child, since he counts thy word as nothing but an idle tale, and fears not to disobey thy commandment. Dost thou not see that he keeps one half of the horsecloth?”

“Plague take thee!” cried the father; “give him all the cloth.” “Certes,” replied the boy, “that will I never do, for how then shall you be paid? Rather will I keep the half until I am grown a man, and then give it to you. For just as you have chased him from your house, so I will put you from my door.

Even as he has bestowed on you all his wealth, so, in my turn, will I require of you all your substance. Naught from me shall you carry away, save that only which you have granted to him. If you leave him to die in his misery, I wait my day, and surely will leave you to perish in yours.”

The father listened to these words, and at the end sighed heavily. He repented him of the evil that he purposed, and from the parable that his child had spoken took heed and warning. Turning himself about towards the merchant, he said:

Sin and the Enemy

“Father, return to my house. Sin and the Enemy thought to have caught me in the snare, but, please God, I have escaped from the fowler. You are master and lord, and I render all that I have received into your hands. If my wife cannot live with you in quiet, then you shall be served and cherished elsewhere. Chimney corner, and carpet, pillow and bed of feathers, at your ease you shall have pleasure in them all.

I take St. Martin to witness that never will I drink stoup of wine, never carve morsel from dish, but that yours shall be the richer portion. Henceforth you shall live softly in the ceiled chamber, near by a blazing fire, clad warmly in your furred robe, even as I. And all this is not of charity, but of your right, for, fair, sweet father, if I am rich it is because of your substance.”

Thus th% brave witness and the open remonstrance of a child freed his father from the bad thoughts that he harbored. And deeply should this adventure be considered of those who are about to marry their children. Let them not strip themselves so bare as to have nothing left. For he who gives all, and depends upon the charity of others, prepares a rod for his own back.

Read More about Miss Tempy`s Watchers part 4

The Divided Horsecloth part 7

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“Ah, fair, sweet son, what is this thou sayest to me! For the love of God turn me not from thy door. I lie so close that thou canst not want my room. I require of thee neither seat in the chimney corner, nor soft bed of feathers, no, nor carpet on the floor; but only the attic, where I may bide on a little straw. Throw me not from thy house because I eat of thy bread, but feed me without grudging for the short while I have to live. In the eyes of God this charity will cover all thy sins better than if thou went in haircloth next the flesh.”

Preach me no preachings

“Fair father,” replied the bachelor, “preach me no preachings, but get you forth at once, for reason that my wife would have you gone.” “Fair son, where then shall I go, who am esteemed of nothing worth?”

“Get you gone to the town, for amongst ten thousand others very easily you may light on good fortune. Very unlucky you will be if there you cannot find a way to live. Seek your fortune bravely. Perchance some of your friends and acquaintances will receive you into their houses.”

“Son, how then shall men take me to their lodging, when you turn me from the house which I have given you? Why should the stranger welcome that guest whom the son chases from his door? Why should I be received gladly by him to whom I have given naught, when I am evilly entreated of the rich man for whose sake I go naked?”

“Father,” said he, “right or wrong, I take the blame upon my own head; but go you must because it is according to my will.”

Then the father grieved so bitterly that for a little his very heart would have broken. Weak as he was, he raised himself to his feet and went forth from the house, weeping.

“Son,” said he, “I commend thee to God; but since thou wilt that I go, for the love of Him give me at least a portion of packing cloth to shelter me against the wind. I am asking no great matter; nothing but a little cloth to wrap about me, because I am but lightly clad, and fear to die for reason of the cold.”

Then he who shrank from any grace of charity made reply: “Father, I have no cloth, so neither can I bestow, nor have it taken from me.”

Read More about Miss Tempy`s Watchers part 3

Alexius Part 22

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Harran School of Thought

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