Kitabı oku: «The Marvellous Adventures and Rare Conceits of Master Tyll Owlglass», sayfa 11
The Sixty and Seventh Adventure
Touching the faults of the which our noble Master Owlglas had a few; for he was human, and in all human things is imperfection
My worthy masters, truly must ye have seen how virtuous, how wise, how kind, how excellent a man was our noble Master Owlglass; so that as a mirror of honesty and simplicity ye mote admire him. But, alas! this present chronicler hath, with grief and sorrow, to confess, that even in this great man was there error; and it behoveth a true historian justly to set forth the imperfections of men as much as their marvellous excellencies. And thus, with scrupulous care, say I now, that Master Owlglass had, with his many noble qualities, the error of a short memory. Most strange is this defect in so great a person: yet is it true, that if he received money to pay to another, he forgat it; if he owed money to another, he forgat it; and in eating and drinking most of all was his memory treacherous and failing.
He sate at meat once in a noble house, where the folk were making excellent cheer, and where, for more than six hours, sate they eating and drinking; and Owlglass was with them, for he marked not the time. Yet, at last, it was meet they should rise up from the table, and depart each to his home. Then departed Owlglass also; and as he went, he passed by a house where they sate at supper, and the master of that house entreated him, that he should enter in unto them and eat. And so did he; for he had forgotten altogether, that for six hours he had dined. Then most excellently played he the guest at the table; and one that knew he had come from the feast spake unto him, saying: “Lo! my beloved Master Owlglass, how cometh it that ye eat so well now, having lately at the banquet so lustily eaten?” And Owlglass answered: “Did I so? That have I forgotten; for I have the misfortune to carry with me a belly that lacketh memory in every wise.”
The Sixty and Eighth Adventure
How that Owlglass at Dresden became a carpenter, and for his pains earned little thanks
Soon departed Owlglass, and came unto Dresden, near unto the Bohemian forest, upon the Elbe water, and there proclaimed that he was a carpenter. And it fortuned, that a master carpenter in the town heard of him, and hired him to be his journeyman; for his man had departed from him, and he lacked some one to be man unto him. And as in this world of ours, my masters, there be pleasure and gadding about and weddings as well as woe and buryings, so fortuned it, that at that time there was in the town such a wedding, and thereunto was the master carpenter bidden. And he spake unto Owlglass, saying: “Good fellow of mine, unto this wedding must I go, and to-day shall I not return home again. Do thou, therefore, labour diligently, and bind me these four table boards most cunningly together with glue.” And Owlglass answered, and said unto him: “Yea; but which of these belong together?” Then laid the master the table boards together as he would have them joined, and gat him forth with his wife unto the wedding.
Then did our Owlglass, that pious man, diligently go to work, and, after his manner of doing all things wrong, took the four table boards, and bored holes in them, and laid them one upon the other. Then set he the glue-pot on the fire, and heated it, and with the brush glued all the boards together, and carried them up stairs unto the top of the house, and put them forth out of the window to dry, and then kept he holiday all the eventide. And at night cometh the master home, and well had he drunken at the festival. Then spake he unto Owlglass, and said unto him: “How hast thou laboured during the day?” And Owlglass answered, and said: “Lo! my good master, verily have I done that which thou didst bid me to do, and joined the boards together with glue, and then made I an early holiday at eventide.” And therewith was his master right well pleased and content; and he said unto his wife: “In good sooth is this a most excellent serving-man, and he doth with great diligence fulfil that which I have commanded him. Therefore must we hold him in great honour and esteem.” These words spoken, he gat him to bed.
And when that it was day he arose, and so did also Owlglass; and the master bade Owlglass that he should bring unto him the table that he had made. Then went Owlglass unto the loft, and brought down the boards all glued together and marred. And when that the master saw how the work was spoiled, he said unto Owlglass: “Where didst thou learn the art of carpenter’s work?” And Owlglass answered, and said: “Wherefore ask ye me this thing?” Then said the master: “Forasmuch as thou hast marred me much costly wood in thy labour.” When that Owlglass heard this he was greatly moved, and said: “Nay; but, master, I did only that which ye commanded, and if that I marred the wood, it is thy fault, not mine.” Then was the master right wroth, and said unto him: “Thou knave, get ye forth from my house, and be gone from my workshop; for of thy work have I no profit.” Thus departed Owlglass, and very little thanks earned he for his labour.
The Sixty and Ninth Adventure
How that Owlglass did hire himself unto the master of a saw mill
As Owlglass journeyed on from place to place, it fortuned that he passed hard by a saw-mill, at a time when the men were diverting themselves, and eating their suppers, the which a maiden servant had brought unto them. Owlglass then conferred with the men, and told them of his many marvellous adventures, the which he was not unmindful of extolling. Thereat came the master, and listened with an attentive ear. Now, it happened, that the manners of Owlglass pleased the master of the saw-mills much, and he took great delight in his merry jests. Then Owlglass told him he was a carpenter, and had also worked in saw-pits, which caused the master to move him to tarry, for he might have as much work there as it pleased him to do. Thereat did Owlglass consent unto him; and in order that the bargain might at once be shewn of effect, he sate himself down, and did eat of the supper; nor did he seem after that in any wise strange at that house, but did eat with so much appetite, that in truth it appeared unto all as if he had eaten of that fare all his life.
Thereafter did they depart unto their work again, and Owlglass had to carry heavy oaken stems up unto the saw-mill, the which did not agree with him in the wise that meat and drink always did. Soon, therefore, was he aweary of this labour, and he cast about in his mind how cunningly he might become quit thereof. So when it came to pass that his work-fellows set a huge block of oak over the pit, and began to saw it, drawing the saw each way, Owlglass spake unto them, saying: “What is that I see ye do? Wherefore pull ye the saw so as if each would have it alone. In my country, every man hath his own labour; but ye labour not to do any good purpose in pulling away the saw each from the other. But I will shew unto you a simple way by which ye can profitably labour.” Therewith took he the axe in his hand and brake the saw in two pieces, and said unto them: “Now can ye each labour in comfort without getting into anger.” Then ran the workmen unto the master to tell him how Owlglass brake the saws; and when the master came to demand money for his saws, had Owlglass departed thence.
The Seventieth Adventure
How that Owlglass became a maker of spectacles, and perceived that trade was very bad
Angry and contentious were the monarchs and electors, and there was no Roman Cæsar or king all this while. And it came to pass, that the Count of Supplenburg was chosen to be Roman king; yet were there others who with might desired to enter into the empire. Therefore was it, that the newly chosen Roman king had to sit down before Frankfort with a large army for the space of six months, and there lie in wait for some one to beat him off. And as with him abode there much folk, both foot and horse, Owlglass bethought him within himself: “Lo! now among the king’s people shall thy affairs be most profitably advanced; and now will I get me up, and among the many strange lords which be there, will I make happy fortune; for of money will these gentles bestow not a little upon me.” Then did he according to his words, and gat him up, and departed on his way. And all the great folk of all countries came together there. And in the Wetterau by Friedberg it came to pass, that the Bishop of Trier, with his folk, encountered our noble Master Owlglass by the way, as he journeyed on toward Frankfort. Now Owlglass was curiously apparelled; and the bishop—who, like unto most meddling priests, delighted much in prying into all matters—asked of Owlglass what manner of man he was, and in what way he earned his living.
Then opened Owlglass his mouth, and spake unto the bishop, and said unto him: “Most reverend lord and father, a maker of spectacles am I, and from Brabant do I fare. And in that country do people so clearly see, that I can by my trade win nothing. Therefore do I journey in search of work, the which I might do because trade is bad.” Then said the bishop: “Of a truth believe I not that which thou sayest unto me. For thy trade should wax greater and greater every day, for as much as people now grow more shortsighted, and see less and less that which is before them. Thus do folk require many spectacles.” To him replied our noble master after this wise: “Yea, my noble lord; but there is one thing that destroyeth our handicraft, and that would I tell you, but that you would with great scorn reject my saying, and with anger visit me.”
And the bishop answered, saying: “Nay, to the crying out of the people are we well used. Say freely on that which thou wouldst say.” Then said Owlglass: “Noble and reverend lord, one thing is there the which doth mar our handicraft altogether, and I fear me greatly, that, with all obeisance unto thee, it will utterly ruin and destroy it. For that ye and other great lords, popes, cardinals, bishops, Cæsars, kings, princes, counsellors, governors, and judges, now look rather through your fingers, than after any other wise. And thus think ye your sight long and true, and therefore buy ye not of such poor artizans as we be. And of old time read we, that men which are reputed learned did with much diligence read, study, and explore the mysteries of wisdom, so that their eyes grew faint and weak, in order that thereby no evil might arise unto the people; and at that time was our trade yet good. In the like manner did the parsons most carefully read and study; but now is every one so learned, that, without looking upon any book, doth he know everything, and by his inward wisdom perceiveth he all that he would know. Thus is our trade marred. Now run I from one land unto another, and nowhere can I find any work; for even hath this reached so far into the hearts of men, that the very boors do ape and imitate their betters, and would be so wondrous wise.” Without gloss perceived the bishop good Master Owlglass his text, and spake unto him fair words, and said: “Behold now, come thou with us unto Frankfort, and there will we mend thy trade, and recompence thee richly for thy pains, and to thee shall be given our dress and arms; for truly art thou worthy to be with us.”
Thus did the bishop reward Owlglass, and chose the vagabond for his fellow, and in right fellowship were they the twain; and from the Church, the which Owlglass despised, gat he at last great comfort. For that which now with great contempt we put away, may anon be of great worth and advantage. So he abode with the bishop until the count was confirmed emperor, and then departed again into Saxony.
The Seventy and First Adventure
How that Owlglass of a boor at the fair of Gerau took leather
In the town of Gerau was there a fair, and from all the country side and parts both far and near, came folk in great multitude exceeding many, to buy and to sell and to chaffer. All manner of ware might ye behold there; but (O good fortune!) in especial was there no lack of leather, and almost every boor which came unto that place bought of leather a roll or twain. But the crowd of folk pushing hither and thither, each contending and striving with each, was so great, that it was hard to tell which owned any special roll of the good leather they had bought.
And among the good folk which came unto that place was our worthy and trusty Master Owlglass, and he came with the crowd, and was greatly contented therewith. And, behold, there came before him a boor with a roll of leather; and Owlglass perceived what an excellent knavery could be practised. So took he a needle and thread with speed, and deftly sewed a corner of the leathern roll unto his own doublet. In no short space of time did he with his hands pluck by force the piece of leather from the boor, and turned him about, and departed another way among the folk. Thereat marvelled the boor with great marvel, and stood still; but in a little while thereafter departed he after Owlglass, and took him, and said: “Thou knave, thou hast from me stolen my leather.” But Owlglass answered, and said unto him gently: “Nay, friend, thou art unjust towards me. Seest thou not that the leather is mine, for it is sewed unto my coat, so that none may steal it. And hadst thou done so likewise, then couldst thou not have lost thy leather.” And the boor believed the words of Owlglass, and departed elsewhere to seek the leather he had lost.
The Seventy and Second Adventure
How that at Hildesheim Owlglass did hire himself unto merchant to be his cook, and what tricks he played unto him
As thou goest down that street at Hildesheim which leadeth from the Haymarket, dwelt, on a time, a rich merchant, and he did come forth unto the gate, and would have entered into his garden. And he passed along, and behold, he found Owlglass lying in a green field, and he greeted him and spake unto him, and would have known of him what manner of man he was, and in what wise he earned his bread. Then with hidden knavery answered Owlglass unto him, and said: “I am a cook, yet have I now no service.” And the merchant said unto him: “If that thou would be pious and diligent, would I myself hire thee, and give unto thee new clothes; for my wife doth every day most bitterly cry out touching the cooking.” Then did Owlglass, with great sincerity, promise and vow unto him obedience. Thereafter hired him the merchant, and asked him what his name might be? And Owlglass answered, and said: “Pan-cra-ti-us.” The merchant said: “Of a truth is this name very long; behold, one cannot with brief time speak it. Thy name shall be Crazy.” And Owlglass answered: “Yea, most excellent master, so mote it be, for it is all one to me, what I am called.” Then did the merchant approve him, and said to him: “Behold, thou art a servant in whom I can have pleasure. Follow me, therefore, and we will get unto my garden before the town, and there gather herbs, and carry home with us young chickens, for on the next Sunday have I guests coming, and I would fain give unto them good cheer.” Owlglass followed him unto the garden, and there cut they rosemary, to make a stuffing for the chickens, after the Italian mode; and they took of onions, and of other herbs good store, and thereto of eggs, and departed, and came home again.
And when the good wife looked upon the strangely apparelled Owlglass, she said unto her husband, and asked him: “What manner of man have ye here? Would ye waste our bread on such a fellow?” And the merchant straightway answered and said: “Be content good wife; to thee shall he be obedient. Lo! he is a good cook.” And the wife replied unto him: “Yea, good man, I am content, and goodly messes shall he cook for us.” Then said the merchant: “To-morrow shall ye see how bravely he can cook.” And he called Owlglass, and said unto him: “Crazy!” Then spake Owlglass: “Master!” “Go thou and take the meat sack, and follow me unto the shambles, for I would buy meat for the dinner.” Then followed Owlglass his master, and the meat was bought accordingly. Then the merchant enjoined Owlglass, and said unto him: “Behold, take thou the meat and set it me down where it may slowly become cooked, in a cool place, so that it be not burned. And the other meat set me down likewise.” Owlglass answered: “Yea,” and rose up early the next morning, and some of the meat put he unto the fire to roast; but the other put he upon the spit, and laid it in the cellar between two butts of Einbeck beer, so that it could not be burned.
And when the friends of the merchant entered, among them was the town clerk, and many other worthy folk; and the merchant went unto Owlglass, and said unto him: “How doth the meat fare? Hast thou done as I told thee.” “Yea,” said Owlglass, “that have I. For no cooler place in all thy house could I find than the cellar, and there lieth the meat upon a spit between two casks of Einbeck beer.” “But is it not ready then?” asked the merchant. “Nay,” said Owlglass, “I wist not that ye would have it.”
And then came the guests, and the merchant told them how Owlglass had put the meat in the cellar; and thereat laughed they greatly at the merry jest, and so was Owlglass excused. But the good wife was not content therewith by reason of the guests, and besought her husband that he would let him go, for well saw she that he was a knave. Then said the merchant: “Dear wife, behold! I fain would have his services to assist me when that I go unto the town of Goslar; be patient, and when that I return thence will I bid him depart in God’s name.” And they sate and made good cheer, and drank good wine, and had much comfort; and at eventide the merchant called for Owlglass, and said unto him: “Toll, prepare thou the coach and smear it right well, for to-morrow will we depart unto Goslar, and with us doth ride that good priest, Master Henry Hamenstede, for there abideth he, and will go with us.” Then said Owlglass unto his master: “Yea, he would do his bidding.” And he inquired of him, saying: “What manner of unction shall I use to smear the coach withal?” The merchant cast down a shilling for him to take, and said unto him: “Go ye straightway and buy ye cart grease, and that unction will serve thee as well as any other.” And the obedient Owlglass did, therefore, according unto the words of his master.
When that all men had gat them to bed, stood our Master Owlglass and smeared the coach within and without with the cart grease the which he had bought, and on that spot where his master sate smeared he the most. In the morning arose his master, and came with the priest unto the coach, and commanded that he should put the horses unto the coach; and that also did Owlglass. And then departed they in the coach; and as they went forward, the grease with the which Owlglass had greased the seat began to smell with no sweet savour, and the priest opened his mouth, and spake unto the merchant, saying: “Lo! what is this? There is a savour in this coach which savoureth not of a goodly savour. And when that I would hold me unto the sides of the coach, for as much as it jolteth and jarreth me, then are my hands covered over with grease, the which love I not.” Then commanded they Owlglass that he should stop, and then told they him that of a truth were they smeared all over with grease, and with grievous anger visited they our good master.
Then cometh by a peasant with a load of straw, going unto the market; of him bought they sundry bundles, and they wiped the coach, and all their clothes, and again gat them in. And the merchant spake with great anger unto Owlglass, and said unto him: “Thou evil and most beguiling knave, what is this thing which thou hast done? Get ye unto the town gallows with all speed.” And Owlglass did as he was commanded, and when that he came unto the gallows tree, he stayed the coach, and unharnessed the horses thereof. Then cried the merchant unto Owlglass, with a loud voice: “What is this other thing which thou hast done, thou knave?” And Owlglass said: “Of a truth bid ye me drive unto the town gallows, and there stand we. I thought that here would ye rest.” Then looked the merchant and perceived the place where they stood, and the gallows thereby. What could these worthy men do? Was it not the best to laugh thereat as they might. So laughed they; but the merchant said unto Owlglass: “Now do thou drive straight forward, and look not round in any wise.” Then drew Owlglass the pole from out of the carriage, and drave the horses forward.
And it came to pass, when that they had driven some small distance, that the fore-part of the coach was from the hinder part loosened, and the merchant and the priest sate within, and abode standing on the road. They cried aloud unto Owlglass, but he would not look round, but departed with the fore-part of the coach and the horse, and cast not his eyes behind to see what had happened. And though they pursued him, was it a long time ere they came up with him. Then would the merchant have killed him, but the priest would not have this done. And when that the journey was ended, said the merchant’s wife unto him: “What manner of voyage hast thou had?” And the merchant answered unto her: “Marvellous strange hath it been; yet have we returned back again with safety.” Then called he Owlglass, and said unto him: “Hear me what I say, fellow voyager. This night mayest thou yet remain here with me, and thou mayest also bravely eat and drink. To-morrow morn do thou rise up and clear me the house that I may be quit of thee and of thy company. For a knave art thou wheresoever thou wert born.” Then said the poor and worthy Master Owlglass: “Dear heart of me! all that is required of me that do I, but no one giveth me thanks therefor. Yet my service contenteth me not, then according as thou commandest will I in the morning clear the house and get me hence.” “Yea, so do thou,” said the merchant.
The next day arose the merchant, and said unto Owlglass: “Do thou eat and drink until thy stomach is contented, and then get forth from this house, so that I look not upon thy face again, when that I come from the church.” But Owlglass held his peace. And when that the merchant had departed from the house, he began to clear the house, and stools, benches, tables, and all that he could drag forth took he and cast it in the street. The wares of the merchant likewise cast he forth, and the neighbours marvelled greatly what it should signify that all the goods were thus brought out from the house. And one that was a friend of the merchant departed and told him, so with great wrath ran he unto his house, and sware more than in the church he had prayed. And then said he unto Owlglass: “How cometh it that yet ye are here? Did I not command thee to go hence?” “Yea, master,” quoth honest Master Owlglass, “I would fain only have fulfilled your command, for ye enjoined me that I should clear the house, the which am I not performing? And truly am I glad ye are returned, for some matters are too heavy for me, and I would crave your help.” “Let all things lie,” said the master, “I have been at more charges for them than that they should be cast into the mire. And thou, get thee unto the evil one, and let me not see thee more.” And Owlglass lamented and said: “Alas! is it not a marvellous strange thing that everywhere do I what I am told; yet am I ever chidden for my pains? In an unfortunate hour must I have come into the world.” Then departed he, and left the merchant to carry back into his house his chattels and merchandise. Thereat laughed the neighbours with great content.
