Page:The Decameron of the West (1839).djvu/173

 the friend of clergyman nor layman. He played his mischievous tricks upon all indiscriminately, and I was his wicked coadjutor. On one occasion, a holy pilgrim arrived at the castle; over his shoulder he bore a heavy cross, probably as a penance; and feelings of devotion seemed to have dictated the imprinting the marks of five nails on his hands, feet, and side. These nails had lacerated his flesh. He appeared to have come from afar, and begged a little water to wash his feet, and a morsel of bread. At first he was hospitably received by my master, as was his wont. He then ordered me to prepare a warm bath for the stranger; and, when his senses were somewhat overpowered after remaining long in the bath, he told me to perform my usual operations of shaving face and head completely. This I did, and, on being dismissed from the house blackguard boys scoffed at him, calling him Baldhead, as their fellows did the prophet of old. Count Hartmann sat at the window, that he might enjoy this cruel sport.

“The holy man, on crossing the threshold, pronounced this curse upon me: ‘Profane wretch,’ said he, ‘thus to insult a pilgrim of the cross; know that thy own spirit shall never rest until another stranger, unsolicited, shall do the same action for