Witness Testimony recorded by Lucien
VILLAGE OF CASTÈLNÒU D’ARRI
Jacotina: meretrix publica; age forty-six;
residing outside the city walls
ou want to talk to me? Talking’s not usually what they have in mind when they come here.
Oc, I’ll talk with you. Come to my place, where we can talk more privately.
Take a seat. Make yourself at home.
You’re young for this, aren’t you? Not too young. Your beard wants to grow faster than you can shave it, and so does the hair on your head. That’s a fine head of hair you’d have, if you’d let it grow. Stay with me a few days, if you like, and let it.
It’s hard work, preaching the word. A man’s got to have some release. Just like he needs food and water and sleep. He needs other things. That’s why I’m here. Isn’t that why you’re here? Oh, now. Don’t fret. There’s no shame. No shame at all. The tales I could tell you—but of course I never tell tales. Let’s just say that men of the cloth are some of my best customers.
Well enough. If we must talk first, we’ll talk. Have some wine. Wine helps with talking.
When was this?
A young girl?
Oh, I see. Too old for you, am I? Just how old do you think I am?
Don’t be fooled by youth. You’re old enough to know what experience is good for.
All right! I hear you. Not that kind of young girl. A young girl just passing through? Traveling alone? Why would she have passed my way?
What would make her wish to avoid the town?
Isn’t that a curious thing? A young girl without a mother, an aunt, or a companion, fleeing through the countryside. Traveling by night? She must be trying to die. What has she done to make you want so badly to find her? Is she your mistress? Your dainty young enamoratz?
Never mind. Don’t take on so; it’s a fair question. Many a holy brother like you has a concubine.
Tell me this. When you’ve found her—this person—what will you do with her? Is she to be restored to her family?
Of course it’s none of my affair. I’m curious. You haven’t told me all, that’s plain. But your business is yours to keep. I can’t help you. I have not seen a young gentlewoman come passing through by night and all alone. You’ve wasted my time and cost me tomorrow’s dinner.
You don’t mean that.
You do mean it.
Monster! You knew what I was when you came here.
You would threaten me with this, a poor woman, all weak and alone? I don’t do any harm to anyone. There’s not a judge nor a priest in the city who doesn’t know I’m here.
I have told the truth. Upon my honor, I have.
Please, good sir, forget you met me here. Are you hungry? I have caçolet in my pot.
I only meant to help.
Help you. That’s what I mean. Help you. Not help her. How could I help her if I never even saw her?
If all you say is true, she’s probably already long past helping now.