Page:Matteo Bandello - twelve stories (IA cu31924102029083).pdf/145



ALENCIA, in Spain, is deemed a most noble and pleasant city, where, as Genoese merchants have often told me, beautiful and gracious women abound, who by their charms have such power to captivate men that in all Catalonia no more voluptuous city exists. Indeed, if by chance they should happen upon some inexperienced youth, they give him such a trimming that, as cunning barbers, not the Sicilians themselves can beat them. Here, in this city, was the home of the Centigli, a house long famed for its many noble and opulent scions. One of these, Didaco by name, lived there not many years ago. He was twenty-three years of age, and very wealthy. He ranked as the most liberal and courteous of all the knights of Valencia, and it was he who at bull-fights, tourneys, and other festivals made the bravest show. Meeting one day a damsel of