Page:The Pentamerone, or The Story of Stories.djvu/345

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE RAVEN.
313

Liviella, who was full of curiosity, not to belie the nature of her sex, replied, "If my father indeed were not out, he would have given me some money."

Nay, you can come all the better if he is out," replied Jennariello; "for perhaps he might not allow you the pleasure; and I'll promise to show you such splendid things as will make you rave—such necklaces and earrings, such bracelets and sashes, such workmanship in paper—in short I will perfectly astound you."

When Liviella heard of all this display of finery, she called a gossip of hers to accompany her, and went to the ship. But no sooner had she embarked, than Jennariello, whilst keeping her enchanted with the sight of all the beautiful things he had brought, craftily ordered the anchor to be weighed and the sails to be set; so that before Liviella raised her eyes from the wares and saw that she had left the land, they had already gone many miles. When at length she perceived the trick, she began to act Olympia[1] the reverse way; for whereas Olympia bewailed being left upon a rock, Liviella lamented leaving the rocks. But when Jennariello told her who he was, whither he was carrying her, and the good fortune that awaited her, and pictured to her moreover Milluccio's beauty, his valour, his virtues, and lastly the love with which he would receive her, he

  1. Orlando Furioso, x. 19, &c.