Page:Matteo Bandello - twelve stories (IA cu31924102029083).pdf/271



HERE lived once in Rimini a wealthy young man of noble birth named Pandolfo del Nero, who was so passionately in love with a lady of that city that he could hardly remain a single hour without seeing her. Her name was Francesca, and she was the wife of a rich gentleman somewhat older in years than she altogether desired. Pandolfo never ceased to importune her with letters and messages, until at last she began to listen to him, and, as the good-looking young man pleased her much, it was not long before she contrived, with her nurse's aid, to meet him. If he loved her before, Pandolfo now burned hotly for his darling Francesca, while she, in like fashion, found life impossible without him, and heaped a thousand curses upon the hour which had given her as bride to so decrepit a