10
‘You stymied yourself and got off on the wrong foot! I should have agreed to Celestina’s requests when she was here yesterday and wanted to speak on behalf of that gentleman the sight of who thrilled me so. I should have made him happy and indulged myself, rather than admitting to my grief after he’d lost interest, given up on me and cast his loving eyes on someone else! I should have agreed on the spot when asked rather than force myself on him now! My loyal Lucrecia, what will you think? What will you think’s happening to my brain when you hear me say publicly what I refused to tell you? You’ll be so shocked that I’ve broken with the self-respect and modesty I always cherished as the maiden locked away indoors! I don’t know if you’ve guessed the source of my sorrows. I wished you’d get here with the woman who’s the key to my well-being! I implore you, sovereign God, sought after by the afflicted, the love-stricken and the ailing, obeyed by the heavens, the sea and earth and pits of hell, you who subjected all things to men, I humbly beg you to give my wounded heart the patience and strength to hide my desolation. Don’t tarnish the leaf of chastity I’ve pinned over my amorous desire, and make it clear it’s something else, not this that tortures me. But how can I, when I’m so seized by the poison the sight of that gentleman injects? We females are so fearful and fragile! Why can’t we reveal our passionate, ardent love as men can? Then Calisto wouldn’t be suffering and I’d not be tormented,’ wailed Melibea while she waited.
‘Auntie, just wait by this door. I’ll go in and see whom my lady is talking to. Come in, come in, she’s only talking to herself.’
‘Lucrecia, draw that curtain to. Welcome, honourable old lady! How my happiness and wheel of fortune have changed! I’m in need of your knowledge so you can pay me in similar coin to the favours you asked of me for the gentleman you cured with my cord.’
‘What sickness is that, my lady? I can see the fever raging in the bright colour of your cheeks.’
‘Mother, snakes are eating my heart out.’
‘Good, just what I wanted. You are going to pay, young madam, for your bad-tempered outbursts,’ threatened Celestina under her breath.
‘What did you say? When you looked at me, could you see any reason why I might be sick?’
‘You haven’t told me, my lady, how bad your illness is, and now you want to me to guess at the cause? All I can say is I’m very sorry to see your lovely face looking so drawn.’
‘Dear old lady, find me some relief. You know so much, you must be able to help.’
‘Lady, God is the only one who really knows. But as some skill at finding medicines was scattered around to help cure people of their illnesses, and some came from experience, some from ability, and the rest from natural instinct, a small scrap fell to this poor old woman, so perhaps I can now give you some relief.’
‘I’m delighted to hear that! A visitor’s cheery face always gives a patient a lift. I think I already see your hands round my fragmented heart. If you’re inclined, you could quickly try applying the virtues of your tongue, like Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia, when he dreamed of the health-restoring plant in a dragon’s mouth that he used to cure his servant Ptolemy from a snakebite. So, for the love of God, take your cloak off, attend to my sickness and find me that cure.’
‘The first step to restore your health is for you to want to get better, so I think your disease is already less threatening than it was. But if I am to find the right medicine for you, with God’s help, I need to know three things. Firstly, which part of your body is in most pain? Secondly, whether you’ve only just felt the pain, because sickness is more quickly cured when nipped in the bud than when it’s well established. It’s easier to tame young animals at an early age to buckle under the yoke than when their hide has toughened. Plants transplanted young and tender grow better than those moved when they’re already bearing fruit. It’s much easier to see off a new sin than one we commit every day. Thirdly, whether it springs from a shaft of thought that cruelly lodged in your mind. Once I know all this, you’ll soon feel the first effects of my remedy. Anyway, you know you must tell your doctor the whole truth, just as you would your confessor.’
‘Dear Celestina, such a wise woman and great teacher, you’ve found the way to get me to open up and tell you my symptoms. You do behave like a woman who is expert at curing this kind of disease. Firstly, mine lies in the heart, it resides in my left breast and is now spreading its tentacles everywhere. Secondly, it’s newly born in my body because I never imagined pain could hit the brain like this. It makes me frown, takes my appetite away, and I can’t sleep or tolerate any kind of laughter. I can’t pinpoint any cause or thought that was the last thing you asked about. There’s been no death of a relative or loss of earthly goods or horrible vision or nightmare or anything else I can think of, only the distress you brought on when you asked me for a prayer at the request, I imagine, of that gentleman Calisto.’
‘What, my lady? Is he such a bad character? Is his name so evil that the mere sound of it distils poison? I don’t think that can be behind what you’re feeling. I’d like to suggest it’s something else. And as that’s the case, with your permission, I’ll tell you now.’
‘Celestina, what’s this new permission you now ask? Do you need my say-so to restore me to good health? What doctor ever asked for such a go-ahead to cure a patient? Speak, speak your mind, you’ve my permission at all times, provided what you say doesn’t damage my reputation.’
‘On the one hand, my lady, you complain of the pain, and on the other, you’re afraid of the medicine. Your fear frightens me, fear induces silence and silence creates a barrier between your ailment and my medicine, and that simply means your pain will continue and my presence here is quite pointless.’
‘The longer you delay the cure, the more you stoke my suffering. Either your medicines blend powder of infamy with liquor of corruption, manufactured with harsher pain than what your patient’s already feeling, or your knowledge is nil. Because if none of this is so, you’d give me a cure and not hold back, because all I’m asking is for you to spell it out, while safeguarding my reputation.’
‘My lady, it wouldn’t be the first time a patient has suffered more from caustic pine oils and rough stitches that pull at the wound and double the pain than from the original injury that scored her flesh. If you want good health, then boldly face the point of my fine needle, bandage your hands and feet in a swathe of calm, fill your eyes with pity, put a bridle of silence on your tongue, plug your ears with cotton balls of patience, and you’ll see this aged maestro get to work on your sores.’
‘Your delays will be the death of me! For heaven’s sake, say what you must, do what you know how to. No cure can hurt as much as this smouldering torment. Destroy my honour, damage my reputation, hurt my body, break my flesh, extract my bleeding heart, if you have to, and I promise you’ll be safe, and if relief comes, you’ll be well rewarded.’
‘My lady’s out of her mind. Things couldn’t be worse: this dabbler in magic has taken her prisoner,’ muttered Lucrecia.
‘I’ve always got some evil genie on my back. God helped me see off Pármeno, and now Lucrecia crosses my path,’ Celestina murmured in turn.
‘What’s that, my beloved mistress? What was my servant saying?’
‘I didn’t hear what she said, but whatever it was, I can tell you nothing’s more off-putting for an enthusiastic surgeon embarking on a great operation than a flagging soul whose irksome words and overbearing gestures put fear into the patient, make her worry about her health, and anger and harass the doctor whose hand shakes and needle falters. You must understand it’s very important for your health that nobody else is here. Tell her to go now. I’m sorry, my dear Lucrecia.’
‘Leave at once!’
‘All is lost!’ thought Lucrecia before she answered, ‘I’m off this minute, my lady.’
‘Your suffering compels boldness to be my friend, as does the fact that even when you were so suspicious you’d already swallowed part of my remedy. But I still need to bring you stronger medicine and healthier relief from the house of that gentleman Calisto.’
‘Hush, for God’s sake, mother, don’t bring me anything from his house. Don’t even mention his name.’
‘Fight the pain, my lady, that’s the first and most important lesson. Don’t weaken, or else all our endeavours will be lost. Your wound runs deep and needs tough treatment. “Hit hard” is the best motto. Wise men say the doctor’s cure that hurts most is best, and only danger can defeat danger. Take things calmly, because it’s unusual for real hurt to be relieved without further pain. It takes one nail to remove another, and one pain to oust another. Don’t be hateful or unloving and don’t let your lips speak ill of a man with Calisto’s virtues, who, if it were known . . .’
‘For God’s sake, you’ll be the death of me! Didn’t I tell you not to praise that man or name him, whether for good or evil?’
‘My lady, this is my second point. If your pain won’t let me get started, my being here will be of no help at all. However, if, as you promised, you let me go ahead, you’ll be healthy and free of debt, and Calisto will have no complaints and will be well paid. I told you about my cure and the invisible needle you’ll feel, when it comes to my lips, although it won’t even touch you.’
‘You name that gentleman so much that neither my promise to you nor the confidences I placed in you allow me to ignore what you’ve just said. What must I repay Calisto? What do I owe him? Am I under some obligation to him? What’s he done for me? Why does my illness need him? I’d rather you tore my flesh and cut my heart out than bring such words into this house.’
‘Love didn’t need to tear your clothes to enter your heart and I won’t tear your flesh to cure you.’
‘What would you call the pain that has taken possession of the best part of my body?’
‘Sweet love.’
‘You’re right. I’m so happy to hear you say that.’
‘It’s a hidden fire, a delicious poison, a sweet bitterness, a delectable pain, a happy torment, a sweet, deep wound and a gentle death.’
‘It’s hopeless! If what you say is true, I’m never going to get my health back. These descriptions of yours are so contradictory. While one half will help, the other will only add to my pain.’
‘My lady, my noble maiden, you mustn’t worry about your health. When God the Almighty strikes and wounds, he immediately sends a cure. And I know one flower in this world that has blossomed and can set you free.’
‘And what might that be?’
‘I daren’t say.’
‘Go on, don’t be afraid.’
‘Calisto. Oh my God, Melibea, my lady, are you so weak? So infirm? I’ve said the wrong thing, lift your head up! You sad old woman, are all your efforts to this end? If she dies, they’ll kill me. If she lives, I’ll live to regret it, because there’ll be no more talk of her illness and my cure. Lady Melibea, my angel, what happened? Why did your delightful chatter stop? Where’s the colour in your cheeks? Open those bright eyes! Lucrecia! Lucrecia! Come quickly! Your mistress has fainted on me. Bring a jug of water! Quick!’
‘Hush, hush, I’m coming round. Don’t disturb the household, ’ said Melibea softly.
‘Oh, I’m so sorry! Don’t swoon, my lady. Speak to me as you would normally.’
‘I’m better if I’m still. Hush, don’t tire me out.’
‘Well, what am I to do, my precious pearl? What feeling suddenly struck you. Are my stitches fraying?’
‘My reputation’s shattered, my restraint’s gone, my modesty’s ruined. They had served me well, being good servants, and couldn’t leave without a struggle and for a time my energy, my tongue and most of my senses went with them. Come now, my new mistress, my faithful confidante, there’s no point my trying to cover up what you know only too well. That noble young gentleman spoke to me of his love many, many days ago. His words provoked my anger, but when you mentioned his name again, they brought only joy. Your stitches have closed my wound. Ask for whatever you want. You took my freedom captive in my cord. His throbbing tooth was my greatest torment. I felt his pain more than he did. I can only praise your unlimited patience, canny boldness, unselfish graft, faithful footsteps, solicitous manner, pleasant talk, great knowledge, excess of concern and fruitful daring. That gentleman owes you a lot, and I owe you even more. My reproaches never sapped your efforts and my suspicious attitude never put you off your scheming. Like a loyal servant, the greater the insults, the harder you toiled. The greater my frostiness, the more effort you expended. The nastier my response, the more cheerful you looked. The angrier I got, the more muted your reactions.
You put all my fear to one side and extracted from my heart what I never intended revealing to you or anyone.’
‘My friend and my lady, these emotional outbursts give me the strength of mind to deal with the harsh words and devious scruples of maidens who are locked up like you. It’s true I had my doubts on my way here and in your house, before I decided to tell you what I wanted. I know how powerful your father is, and I was afraid. I beheld handsome Calisto, and dared. I saw your diffidence, and was wary. I considered your kindness and humanity, and worked hard. I was scared, and then felt quite safe. And now, my lady, after revealing the greatest favour you could ever have granted, tell me what you want, pour out your secrets into my bosom. Count on me to turn discord into concord. I will set to work and very soon your desire and Calisto’s will be fulfilled. ’
‘Calisto, my master, my gentle, sweet joy! If your heart feels what mine feels now, I wonder how my absence allows you to live. My mother and mistress, act quickly so I can see him soon, if you want me to live!’
‘See and talk.’
‘Talk? That’s impossible.’
‘Nothing’s impossible, if you set your mind on it.’
‘Tell me how.’
‘I’ve thought how. And will tell you: by the entrance to your house.’
‘When?’
‘Tonight.’
‘What bliss if you can arrange this. What time?’
‘At twelve.’
‘Go then, my lady and loyal friend, and talk to the gentleman. Get him to come quietly and we’ll accord him his wish at the time you said.’
‘Goodbye, your mother has just got back.’
‘Dear Lucrecia, my loyal friend and faithful confidante, you’ve seen how it was out of my control. That gentleman’s love has taken me captive. I beg you for God’s sake to keep this under a seal of secrecy so I can enjoy his gentle love. I’ll reward you to the extent your faithful service merits,’ begged Melibea.
‘My lady, I felt your pain long ago and I had the measure of your desire. Your suffering sorely tried me. The more you struggled to conceal it, the more evident its flames became in the colour of your cheeks, your restlessness, shaking limbs, loss of appetite and lack of sleep. The signs of sorrow were obvious. But when wilfulness or extravagant appetites rule our masters, we servants have to obey, act diligently and not give contrived advice. I suffered in silence, loyally covered up for you, although harsh words of advice would have been better than bland accord. But as your lady has no other option but to love or die, it made more sense to choose as best what really is best.’
‘Neighbour, are we getting daily visits now?’ enquired Melibea’s mother of the departing Celestina.
‘My lady, I didn’t quite have enough thread yesterday and came back today to bring what I’d promised, and now I’ll be off. God be with you.’
‘And may He go with you. Daughter Melibea, what was the old woman after?’
‘She wanted to sell me a drop of mercury.’
‘I believe that more than what the crone told me. She thought I’d be upset, so she lied. Take care, daughter. She’s treacherous like the clever thief who’s always visiting the houses of the rich. She uses her treachery and false goods to influence chaste minds and damage reputations. She arouses suspicion whenever she enters a house for a third time.’
‘My mistress has taken her time to see that,’ thought Lucrecia.
‘Daughter, swear by my love for you that if she comes back and I’m not here to see her, that you won’t welcome her in or treat her favourably. Think of your reputation when you reply to her and she’ll never return. Real virtue is feared more than the sword.’
‘Is she really like that? Never again. I’ll take your advice to heart, my lady. Now I know what I must guard against.’
