And, miracle of miracles, she was arrayed
exactly as I had seen her in my vision.
Her supple maiden body was sheathed in a gown of cloth of silver; her brown
hair was dressed into two plaits interlaced with gold threads and set with
tiny gems, and these plaits hung one on either breast. Upon the low, white
brow a single jewel gleamed--a brilliant of the very whitest fire.
Her long blue eyes were raised to look at me as I entered, and their glance
grew startled when it encountered mine, the delicate colour faded gradually
from her cheeks, and her eyes fell at last as she moved forward to bid me
welcome to Pagliano in her own name.
They must have perceived her emotion as they perceived mine. But they gave
no sign. We got to the round table--myself upon Cavalcanti's left,
Galeotto in the place of honour, and Bianca facing her father so that I was
on her right.
The seneschal bestirred himself, and the silken ministering pages fluttered
round us. My Lord of Pagliano was one who kept a table as luxurious as all
else in his splendid palace. First came a broth of veal in silver basins,
then a stew of cocks' combs and capons' breasts, then the ham of a roasted
boar, the flesh very lusciously saturated with the flavour of rosemary; and
there was venison that was as soft as velvet, and other things that I no
longer call to mind.
Pages:
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320