DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.32874#0120
LIFE OF BENVENUTO CELLINI [BK. i
'Twas he the cruel captain of the thieves,
The greatest villain of a robber-crew.
Yet softly let me speak, lest all should know.
If ever famished bailiffs ye have seen
Storm a poor fellow's house and seize his goods,
Hurling to earth the Holy Images,
So on a day in August did they come
To lead me to a tomb more hideous still;
Yet in November cursed, scatter'd shall ye be!
Then in mine ears a trumpet did resound
That told me all, as all I told to them,
Mindful of nought save to assuage my woe.
And, with intent to kill me, they at last
Pounded a diamond to dust that this,
Mixed with my food should surely work my death.
Yet when the villain brought the food to me
I made him taste the victuals hrst. Quoth 1:
" My foe, Durante/ ne'er intended this."
But first to God above my thoughts I turned,
Praying to Him for pardon for my sin,
And as I wept, exclaimed.
When my great anguish had been somewhat soothed,
Unto God's care I freely gave my soul,
Content to know a better realm, another state.
An angel out of Heav'n I saw descend,
With glorious palm in hand, who joyously
Promised that longer life should yet be mine.
And said: "First God shall rid thee of all foes
By waging on them grievous war, yet thou
Being set free, shalt be most glad of heart,
Bless'd by our Holy Father in Heav'n and Earth."
i Durante Duranti of Brescia, who, as we have heard in the
narrative above, supplied the diamond used for the purpose of
poisoning him.
'Twas he the cruel captain of the thieves,
The greatest villain of a robber-crew.
Yet softly let me speak, lest all should know.
If ever famished bailiffs ye have seen
Storm a poor fellow's house and seize his goods,
Hurling to earth the Holy Images,
So on a day in August did they come
To lead me to a tomb more hideous still;
Yet in November cursed, scatter'd shall ye be!
Then in mine ears a trumpet did resound
That told me all, as all I told to them,
Mindful of nought save to assuage my woe.
And, with intent to kill me, they at last
Pounded a diamond to dust that this,
Mixed with my food should surely work my death.
Yet when the villain brought the food to me
I made him taste the victuals hrst. Quoth 1:
" My foe, Durante/ ne'er intended this."
But first to God above my thoughts I turned,
Praying to Him for pardon for my sin,
And as I wept, exclaimed.
When my great anguish had been somewhat soothed,
Unto God's care I freely gave my soul,
Content to know a better realm, another state.
An angel out of Heav'n I saw descend,
With glorious palm in hand, who joyously
Promised that longer life should yet be mine.
And said: "First God shall rid thee of all foes
By waging on them grievous war, yet thou
Being set free, shalt be most glad of heart,
Bless'd by our Holy Father in Heav'n and Earth."
i Durante Duranti of Brescia, who, as we have heard in the
narrative above, supplied the diamond used for the purpose of
poisoning him.