Excerpt from Stories From Old Italian Romance
Before very long a rumour reached the King's ears of evil report which cast doubt on his right to the throne. It was suggested that he was not really the son Of the late sovereign, and he was keenly desirous to ascertain the truth. Once again he had the learned Greek prisoner brought into his presence, and announced to him, Master, I hold you in high esteem as a man of great penetration. Your answers to my questions have given me much satis faction, and I have to-day a more important one still to ask. Whose son am I? The Greek, greatly astonished, replied, Sire, how strange a question! You are well aware you are the son of your honoured predecessor on the throne. But the King, doubtful and displeased, said, Do not dare to evade my question. Unless you tell me the truth, readily and completely, you shall be put to death as a traitor. Then, sire, replied the prisoner, I must reveal to you that you are the son Of a baker.
The King, in fear and anger, sent for the Queen-mother, and questioned her closely under threats of severe punish ment if anything were concealed; and she at length con fessed that he was not the son of the late King. The royal infant having died just after birth, another baby, the son Of a baker, was put in his place to allay anxiety and maintain the succession. Once again he sent for the Greek, and addressed him thus: Master, you have given me many striking proofs of your wisdom, and now I ask you to tell me how you obtained the knowledge each time. Then the Greek replied, Sire, I will inform you willingly. With respect to the horse, I knew he had been nourished on asses' milk because he hung his ears, which is not natural to a horse. As to the precious stone, I felt that it was warm and as for a stone to be warm is con trary to nature, I knew that some living animal must be within. The King sat pondering, and then said, But how did you discover that I was the son of a baker? That, said the Greek, I suspected from the first. For when I told you the strange circumstance about the horse you re warded me with half a loaf a day; then, when I discovered the worm, you ordered me a whole loaf. This convinced me; for if you had really been a king's son you would have given me a city, as my wisdom deserved. But in your gifts your origin betrayed itself, and you were con tent to give me a loaf a day, as your father would have done.
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book presents a captivating collection of ancient tales from the rich tapestry of Italian literature. Dating back to the 13th century, these stories were carefully compiled by an anonymous author who sought to preserve a heritage of folklore and historical anecdotes. The collection encompasses a wide range of themes, from the daring adventures of knights and merchants to the clever wit and wisdom of everyday people. The tales are a blend of fantasy, romance, and social commentary, offering a glimpse into the beliefs, values, and aspirations of medieval Italy. They feature larger-than-life characters grappling with love, loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature. The author skillfully weaves together elements of history, mythology, and popular culture, creating a vibrant and engaging narrative that transports readers back in time. Through these tales, this book provides valuable insights into the social and cultural landscape of medieval Italy. It explores the role of chivalry, the power of storytelling, and the enduring human desire for love, adventure, and redemption. The stories are not mere historical relics; they resonate with universal themes that continue to captivate and inspire readers today, making this book a timeless treasure for lovers of literature and history alike. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781333364977_0
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781333364977
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781333364977
Quantity: 15 available