惊婚记 英文版 Quentin Durward
瓦尔特.司各特 Sir Walter Scott
CHAPTER XIII: THE JOURNEY
Talk not of kings -- I scorn the poor comparison;I am a sage and can command the elements --At least men think I can; and on that thoughtI found unbounded empire.
ALBUMAZAR
Occupation and adventure might be said to crowd upon the youngScottishman with the force of a spring tide; for he was speedilysummoned to the apartment of his Captain, the Lord Crawford, where,to his astonishment, he again beheld the King. After a few wordsrespecting the honour and trust which were about to be reposedin him, which made Quentin internally afraid that they were againabout to propose to him such a watch as he had kept upon the Countof Crevecoeur, or perhaps some duty still more repugnant to hisfeelings, he was not relieved merely, but delighted, with hearingthat he was selected, with the assistance of four others under hiscommand, one of whom was a guide, to escort the Ladies of Croye tothe little Court of their relative, the Bishop of Liege, in thesafest and most commodious, and, at the same time, in the mostsecret manner possible. A scroll was given him, in which were setdown directions for his guidance, for the places of halt (generallychosen in obscure villages, solitary monasteries, and situationsremote from towns), and for the general precautions which he wasto attend to, especially on approaching the frontier of Burgundy.He was sufficiently supplied with instructions what he ought to sayand do to sustain the personage of the Maitre d'Hotel of two Englishladies of rank, who had been on a pilgrimage to Saint Martin of Tours,and were about to visit the holy city of Cologne, and worship therelics of the sage Eastern Monarchs, who came to adore the nativityof Bethlehem (the relics of the three kings, or Magi, were placedin the Cathedral of Cologne in 1162); for under that character theLadies of Croye were to journey.
Without having any defined notions of the cause of his delight,Quentin Durward's heart leapt for joy at the idea of approachingthus nearly to the person of the Beauty of the Turret, and in asituation which entitled him to her confidence, since her protectionwas in so great a degree intrusted to his conduct and courage.He felt no doubt in his own mind that he should be her successfulguide through the hazards of her pilgrimage. Youth seldom thinksof dangers, and bred up free, and fearless, and self confiding,Quentin, in particular, only thought of them to defy them. He longedto be exempted from the restraint of the Royal presence, that hemight indulge the secret glee with which such unexpected tidingsfilled him, and which prompted him to bursts of delight which wouldhave been totally unfitting for that society.
But Louis had not yet done with him. That cautious monarch had toconsult a counsellor of a different stamp from Oliver le Diable,who was supposed to derive his skill from the superior and astralintelligences, as men, judging from their fruits, were apt to thinkthe counsels of Oliver sprang from the Devil himself.
Louis therefore led the way, followed by the impatient Quentin, toa separate tower of the castle of Plessis, in which was installed,in no small ease and splendour; the celebrated astrologer, poet, andphilosopher, Galeotti Marti, or Martius, or Martivalle, a nativeof Narni, in Italy, the author of the famous Treatise De VulgoIncognitis (concerning things unknown to the generality of mankind.S.), and the subject of his age's admiration, and of the panegyricsof Paulus Jovius (an Italian historian of the sixteenth century wholived at the Pope's court). He had long flourished at the court ofthe celebrated Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary, from whom hewas in some measure decoyed by Louis, who grudged the Hungarianmonarch the society and the counsels of a sage accounted so skilfulin reading the decrees of Heaven.
King,"but success to the wishes of the sender. -- Runs.
(Martius Galeotti . . . was secretary to Matthias Carvinus, King ofHungary. He left Hungary in 1477, and was made prisoner at Veniceon a charge of having propagated heterodox opinions. . . . He mighthave suffered seriously but for the protection of Sixtus IV, thenPope, who had been one of his scholars. . . . He attached himselfto Louis XI, and died in his service. S.)
Martivalle was none of those ascetic, withered, pale professorsof mystic learning of those days, who bleared their eyes over themidnight furnace, and macerated their bodies by out watching thePolar Bear. He indulged in all courtly pleasures, and until hegrew corpulent, had excelled in all martial sports and gymnasticexercises, as well as in the use of arms; insomuch, that JanusPannonius (a Hungarian poet of the fifteenth century) has left aLatin epigram upon a wrestling match betwixt Galeotti and a renownedchampion of that art, in the presence of the Hungarian King andCourt, in which the Astrologer was completely victorious.
The apartments of this courtly and martial sage were far moresplendidly furnished than any which Quentin had yet seen in the royalpalace; and the carving and ornamented woodwork of his library, aswell as the magnificence displayed in the tapestries, showed theelegant taste of the learned Italian. Out of his study one dooropened to his sleeping apartment, another led to the turret whichserved as his observatory. A large open table, in the midst ofthe chamber, was covered with a rich Turkey carpet, the spoils ofthe tent of a Pacha, after the great battle of Jaiza, where theAstrologer had fought abreast with the valiant champion of Christendom,Matthias Corvinus. On the table lay a variety of mathematical andastrological instruments, all of the most rich materials and curiousworkmanship. His astrolabe of silver was the gift of the Emperorof Germany, and his Jacob's staff of ebony (a divining rod made ofa hazel fork), jointed with gold and curiously inlaid, was a markof esteem from the reigning Pope.
There were various other miscellaneous articles disposed on thetable, or hanging around the walls; amongst others, two completesuits of armour, one of mail, the other of plate, both of which,from their great size, seemed to call the gigantic Astrologer theirowner; a Spanish toledo, a Scottish broadsword, a Turkish scymetar,with bows, quivers, and other warlike weapons; musical instrumentsof several different kinds; a silver crucifix, a sepulchral antiquevase, and several of the little brazen Penates of the ancientheathens, with other curious nondescript articles, some of which,in the superstitious opinions of that period, seemed to be designedfor magical purposes. The library of this singular character was ofthe same miscellaneous description with its other effects. Curiousmanuscripts of classical antiquity lay mingled with the voluminouslabours of Christian divines, and of those painstaking sages whoprofessed the chemical science, and proffered to guide their studentsinto the most secret recesses of nature, by means of the HermeticalPhilosophy (a system of philosophy ascribed to the Egyptian Hermes(Thoth) who was reputed to have written certain sacred bookstreating of religion and the natural sciences). Some were writtenin the Eastern character, and others concealed their sense ornonsense under the veil of hieroglyphics and cabalistic characters.The whole apartment and its furniture of every kind, formed a scenevery impressive on the fancy, considering the general belief thenindisputably entertained concerning the truth of the occult sciences;and that effect was increased by the manners and appearance ofthe individual himself, who, seated in a huge chair, was employedin curiously examining a specimen, just issued from the Frankfortpress, of the newly invented art of printing.
Galeotti Martivalle was a tall, bulky, yet stately man, considerablypast his prime, and whose youthful habits of exercise, thoughstill occasionally resumed, had not been able to contend with hisnatural tendency to corpulence, increased by sedentary study, andindulgence in the pleasures of the table. His features, thoughrather overgrown, were dignified and noble, and a Santon might haveenvied the dark and downward sweep of his long descending beard.His dress was a chamber robe of the richest Genoa velvet, withample sleeves, clasped with frogs of gold, and lined with sables.It was fastened round his middle by a broad belt of virgin parchment,round which were represented, in crimson characters, the signs ofthe Zodiac. He rose and bowed to the King, yet with the air of oneto whom such exalted society was familiar, and who was not at alllikely, even in the royal presence, to compromise the dignity thenespecially affected by the pursuers of science.
"You are engaged, father," said the King, "and, as I think, withthis new fashioned art of multiplying manuscripts by the interventionof machinery. Can things of such mechanical and terrestrial importinterest the thoughts of one before whom Heaven has unrolled herown celestial volumes?"
"My brother," replied Martivalle. "for so the tenant of this cellmust term even the King of France, when he deigns to visit him asa disciple -- believe me that in considering the consequences ofthis invention, I read with as certain augury as by any combinationof the heavenly bodies, the most awful and portentous changes.When I reflect with what slow and limited supplies the stream ofscience hath hitherto descended to us, how difficult to be obtainedby those most ardent in its search, how certain to be neglected byall who regard their ease; how liable to be diverted, altogetherdried up, by the invasions of barbarism; can I look forward withoutwonder and astonishment to the lot of a succeeding generationon whom knowledge will descend like the first and second rain,uninterrupted, unabated, unbounded; fertilizing some grounds,and overflowing others; changing the whole form of social life;establishing and overthrowing religions; erecting and destroyingkingdoms"
gaveway to very different feelings from those which seemed to animatehim during the royal presence., in legal phrase, added.
"Hold, Galeotti," said Louis, "shall these changes come in ourtime?"
"No, my royal brother," replied Martivalle; "this invention maybe likened to a young tree, which is now newly planted, but shall,in succeeding generations, bear fruit as fatal, yet as precious,as that of the Garden of Eden; the knowledge, namely, of good andevil."
Louis answered, after a moment's pause, "Let futurity look to whatconcerns them -- we are men of this age, and to this age we willconfine our care. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
"Tell me, hast thou proceeded farther in the horoscope Which I sentto thee, and of which you made me some report? I have brought theparty hither, that you may use palmistry, or chiromancy if such isyour pleasure. The matter is pressing."
The bulky sage arose from his seat, and, approaching the youngsoldier, fixed on him his keen large dark eyes as if he were inthe act of internally spelling and dissecting every lineament andfeature.
Blushing and borne down by this close examination on the part ofone whose expression was so reverend at once and commanding, Quentinbent his eyes on the ground, and did not again raise them, till inthe act of obeying the sonorous command of the Astrologer, "Lookup and be not afraid, but hold forth thy hand."
When Martivalle had inspected his palm, according to the form of themystic arts which he practised, he led the King some steps aside.
"My royal brother," he said, "the physiognomy of this youth, togetherwith the lines impressed on his hand, confirm, in a wonderfuldegree, the report which I founded on his horoscope, as well asthat judgment which your own proficiency in our sublime arts inducedyou at once to form of him. All promises that this youth will bebrave and fortunate."
"And faithful?" said the King; "for valour and fortune square notalways with fidelity."
"And faithful also," said the Astrologer; "for there is manlyfirmness in look and eye, and his linea vitae (the line of life, aterm used in palmistry) is deeply marked and clear, which indicatesa true and upright adherence to those who do benefit or lodge trustin him. But yet --"
"But what?" said the King; "Father Galeotti, wherefore do you nowpause?"
"The ears of Kings," said the sage, "are like the palates of thosedainty patients which are unable to endure the bitterness of thedrugs necessary for their recovery."
"Then plainly, Sire," replied Galeotti, "if you have aught inyour purposed commission which -- which, in short, may startle ascrupulous conscience -- intrust it not to this youth, at least,not till a few years' exercise in your service has made him asunscrupulous as others."
"And is this what you hesitated to speak, my good Galeotti? anddidst thou think thy speaking it would offend me?" said the King."Alack, I know that thou art well sensible that the path of royal policycannot be always squared (as that of private life ought invariablyto be) by the abstract maxims of religion and of morality. Whereforedo we, the Princes of the earth, found churches and monasteries,make pilgrimages, undergo penances, and perform devotions withwhich others may dispense, unless it be because the benefit of thepublic, and the welfare of our kingdoms, force us upon measureswhich grieve our consciences as Christians? But Heaven has mercy,the Church, an unbounded stock of merits and the intercession ofOur Lady of Embrun and the blessed saints, is urgent, everlasting,and omnipotent."
He laid his hat on the table, and devoutly kneeling before theimages stuck into the hat band, repeated in an earnest tone, "SancteHuberte, Sancte Juliane, Sancte Martine, Sancta Rosalia, Sanctiquotquot adestis, orate pro me peccatore!" (St. Hubert, St. Julian,St. Martin, St. Rosalia, all ye saints who hear me, pray for me,a sinner.) He then smote his breast, arose, reassumed his hat, andcontinued: "Be assured, good father, that whatever there may be inour commission of the nature at which you have hinted, the executionshall not be intrusted to this youth, nor shall he be privy to suchpart of our purpose."
"In this," said the Astrologer, "you, my royal brother, will walkwisely. -- Something may be apprehended likewise from the rashnessof this your young commissioner, a failing inherent in those ofsanguine complexion. But I hold that, by the rules of art, thischance is not to be weighed against the other properties discoveredfrom his horoscope and otherwise."
"Will this next midnight be a propitious hour in which to commencea perilous journey?" said the King. "See, here is your Ephemerides-- you see the position of the moon in regard to Saturn, and theascendence of Jupiter. -- That should argue, methinks, in submissionto your better art, success to him who sends forth the expeditionat such an hour."
"To him who sends forth the expedition," said the Astrologer,after a pause, "this conjunction doth indeed promise success; but,methinks, that Saturn, being combust, threatens danger and infortuneto the party sent; whence I infer that the errand may be perilous,or even fatal to those who are to journey. Violence and captivity,methinks, are intimated in that adverse conjunction."
"Violence and captivity to those who are sent," answered the King,"but success to the wishes of the sender. -- Runs it not thus, mylearned father?"
"Even so," replied the Astrologer.
The King paused, without giving any farther indication how farthis presaging speech (probably hazarded by the Astrologer from hisconjecture that the commission related to some dangerous purpose)squared with his real object, which, as the reader is aware, wasto betray the Countess Isabelle of Croye into the hands of Williamde la Marck, a nobleman indeed of high birth, but degraded by hiscrimes into a leader of banditti, distinguished for his turbulentdisposition and ferocious bravery.
something, the while, to enlargeyour curious library."chiromancy if such .
The King then pulled forth a paper from his pocket, and, ere hegave it to Martivalle, said, in a tone which resembled that of anapology, "Learned Galeotti, be not surprised that, possessing inyou an oracular treasure, superior to that lodged in the breastof any now alive, not excepting the great Nostradamus himself (aFrench astrologer of the sixteenth century, author of a book ofprophecies, which was condemned by the papal court in 1781), I amdesirous frequently to avail myself of your skill in those doubtsand difficulties which beset every Prince who hath to contend withrebellion within his land, and with external enemies, both powerfuland inveterate."
"When I was honoured with your request, Sire," said the philosopher,"and abandoned the Court of Buda for that of Plessis, it was withthe resolution to place at the command of my royal patron whatevermy art had, that might be of service to him."
"Enough, good Martivalle -- I pray thee attend to the import ofthis question."
He proceeded to read from the paper in his hand: "A person havingon hand a weighty controversy, which is like to draw to debateeither by law or by force of arms, is desirous, for the present,to seek accommodation by a personal interview with his antagonist.He desires to know what day will be propitious for the executionof such a purpose; also what is likely to be the success of sucha negotiation, and whether his adversary will be moved to answerthe confidence thus reposed in him, with gratitude and kindness, ormay rather be likely to abuse the opportunity and advantage whichsuch meeting may afford him."
to those who are sent," answered the King,"but success to the wishes of the sender. -- Runs it not thus, mylearned !
"It is an important question," said Martivalle, when the King haddone reading, "and requires that I should set a planetary figure(to prepare a diagram which would represent the heavens at thatparticular moment), and give it instant and deep consideration."
"Let it be so, my good father in the sciences, and thou shalt knowwhat it is to oblige a King of France. We are determined, if theconstellations forbid not -- and our own humble art leads us tothink that they approve our purpose -- to hazard something, evenin our own person, to stop these anti-Christian wars."
"May the Saints forward your Majesty's pious intent," said theAstrologer, "and guard your sacred person."
"Thanks, learned father. Here is something, the while, to enlargeyour curious library."
He placed under one of the volumes a small purse of gold; for,economical even in his superstitions, Louis conceived the Astrologersufficiently bound to his service by the pensions he had assignedhim, and thought himself entitled to the use of his skill at amoderate rate, even upon great exigencies.
Louis, having thus, in legal phrase, added a refreshing fee to hisgeneral retainer, turned from him to address Durward.
"Follow me," he said, "my bonny Scot, as one chosen by Destiny anda Monarch to accomplish a bold adventure. All must be got ready,that thou mayest put foot in stirrup the very instant the bell ofSaint Martin's tolls twelve. One minute sooner, one minute later,were to forfeit the favourable aspect of the constellations whichsmile on your adventure."
Thus saying, the King left the apartment, followed by his youngguardsman; and no sooner were they gone than the Astrologer gaveway to very different feelings from those which seemed to animatehim during the royal presence.
"The niggardly slave!" he said, weighing the purse in his hand-- for, being a man of unbounded expense, he had almost constantoccasion for money -- "The base, sordid scullion! A coxswain's wifewould give more to know that her husband had crossed the narrowseas in safety. He acquire any tincture of humane letters! -- yes,when prowling foxes and yelling wolves become musicians. He readthe glorious blazoning of the firmament! -- ay, when sordid molesshall become lynxes. Post tot promissa -- after so many promisesmade, to entice me from the Court of the magnificent Matthias, whereHun and Turk, Christian and Infidel, the Czar of Muscovia and theCham of Tartary themselves, contended to load me with gifts --doth he think I am to abide in this old castle like a bullfinch ina cage, fain to sing as oft as he chooses to whistle, and all forseed and water? Not so -- aut inveniam viam, aut faciam -- I willdiscover or contrive a remedy. The Cardinal Balue is politic andliberal -- this query shall to him, and it shall be his Eminence'sown fault if the stars speak not as he would have them."
He again took the despised guerdon, and weighed it in his hand."It may be," he said, "there is some jewel, or pearl of price,concealed in this paltry case -- I have heard he can be liberaleven to lavishness, when it suits his caprice or interest."
He emptied the purse, which contained neither more nor less thanten gold pieces. The indignation of the Astrologer was extreme.
"Thinks he that for such paltry rate of hire I will practise thatcelestial science which I have studied with the Armenian Abbot ofIstrahoff, who had not seen the sun for forty years -- with theGreek Dubravius, who is said to have raised the dead -- and have evenvisited the Sheik Ebn Hali in his cave in the deserts of Thebais?No, by Heaven! -- he that contemns art shall perish through hisown ignorance. Ten pieces! -- a pittance which I am half ashamedto offer to Toinette, to buy her new breast laces."
So saying, the indignant Sage nevertheless plunged the contemnedpieces of gold into a large pouch which he wore at his girdle,which Toinette, and other abettors of lavish expense, generallycontrived to empty fully faster than the philosopher, with all hisart, could find the means of filling.