Above, I told you how Marfisa had left her companions to pursue Pandracon, whose real name we now know to be Lyrcanius. The matter is over between the two of them, so we return to Medulfa and Madalgarius as they search in vain for their companion in the woods: the latter with much anxiety, the former with much less.
With little to do in the middle of the night, they found a safe place and lay down next to each other to rest.
Medulfa did not know what to do. Should she take advantage of Marfisa's absence? Madalgarius' thoughts were with Marfisa: he tossed and turned on the grass, but found no peace. Should she remind him that she was there? Give him comfort, only to have it stolen by Marfisa? Make him forget Marfisa at the cost of evil and honour? Now she was the one who tossed and turned on the grass without rest.
“I will not live, not without him who alone is all my good and comfort. If I lived a thousand times, I should die a thousand times a day. O cruel fate, why do you make war on me without cause? What have I done that I should always find and always lose what makes me happy? What will you do to me then, cruel, without shame? Until death ends your tyranny.”
Thus, they said in unison without realising the other's words, because they heard a third person make the same speech.
So, they heard a third person crying so loudly that he would have broken a stone out of pity. They both felt a great sorrow, as if they saw themselves again in a mirror. And they got up to look for the source of the grief. They both recognised Dragontina, whose tears flowed down a nearby stream.
"What are you doing here? Haven't you done enough harm?" said the nymph, anger replacing sorrow in her eyes.
“I lived in a splendid palace where treasures abounded. I held in my hands so much silver and gold that there was no greater treasure under the moon, and no greater was seen under the sun; and I was the guardian of so much good.
But as the gods will, one can never foresee what is most desired in the world. I had no need of anyone, I was rich in possessions and in knowledge, and this caused me much trouble, as I will tell you in detail, so that you may understand from what happened to me that no one is happy before death, nor will you be.
The fame of my wealth and ancient knowledge had spread far and wide, as had the fame of my beautiful face. I cannot tell you how or when, but one day these rumours reached the ear of that false Lycomans who dwells in Hyrcania.
Ah, foolish I was to trust him, whose name means 'soothsayer of wolves' and who comes from a place that means 'land of wolves'.
He came to me, noble in appearance, dress and courtship, and asked to meet me because of my great fame. Surprised that he had managed to overcome the enchantments that make my palace invisible to the human eye, I agreed that he should be my guest for the evening.
In truth, I thought that I could give my wishes a happy ending and get rid of him with cunning once he had annoyed me, but I deceived myself.
As they say in the old proverbs: 'He who delights in trouble, let him wait for trouble. I have learnt this to my cost, and I regret having discovered what love is. I discovered what I didn't think I hadn't, and what I didn't know I wanted.
For, feigning a curious face and eyes as interested as I could, with that speech that resembles honey, I fell on my knees before him (for he was a catizus) and said to him: "Lord, if I am indeed the one whom you love, and you are willing to do everything, as lovers are said to do, do not deny me a gift. For I do not intend to have a husband until I have been given proof of his everlasting love. Let it be sworn before the gods that the giver will then take me as his wife, but also that if he does not, he will renounce me, or rather pay a pledge".
This request of mine was cruel and harsh, or so I thought, for I was asking him to give me something I desired and did not already possess. What could be given to one who already had everything? And what I didn't have, I couldn't buy with art or money?
I remember how I laughed when I saw him go. Well, in appearance he was gentle and handsome, as only a catizus can be, but it took more than that to win my heart, as he intended to do.
Imagine who a maiden's amorous desires are directed towards. I was young and handsome, and he was as tall as my hips.
In fact, it didn't take me a few days to put him out of my mind. I was already thinking that I would never see him again, or that he had given up the idea, when, on my way to the market one day, I heard a voice coming from behind the crowd.
Curious, I made my way through the crowd, and when I was in the middle of it, I saw a small catizus holding a small object that fascinated people: a golden apple, but it was no ordinary apple.
It was made of the sweet metal that drives all men mad, and on its skin was the inscription 'To the Fairest', and by virtue of my innate beauty I felt that I should win this contest. Even the other women stepped back and realised that I deserved the title and the throne of the most beautiful of all.
But the little catizus refused. Yet I did not give up, for that metal is so beautiful to the eye (shining and bright as it was) that I found it very hard not to want to hold it in my hands, for myself alone and without sharing it with others.
And when I insisted, he said to me: "Do you really desire this apple? You who already seem to have everything? Wealth, youth and health. Do you desire to be recognised as the fairest and to have this token to prove it to all this kingdom?
"Yes, I do..." I replied, "...for if my beauty is not acknowledged by others, it is of little value to me to be beautiful. It would be a beauty without purpose or use, for there is no one who can be blessed by its grace".
"Then I grant it to you, that you may have of me what you desire and do not possess," and so saying, he took off his hood and revealed himself as a Lycan, under a false name and appearance. You can imagine my surprise at how he had outwitted me.
All the people around, who knew of our challenge, cried out: "The fox has used great malice and conquered the hive of the fair lady."
Now you can imagine, if I did not blaspheme, that I was burning with rage inside; but it disappeared when he spoke in a kind and friendly tone. He allowed me to give him another challenge, to show me that he wanted to win me over with love.
If he is a fox, I thought, I would teach him that all foxes meet in the fur shop. Unfortunately, if I had given up, I would never have discovered that a wolf was hiding under that fox mask, but by then I was fascinated by this catizus.”
"I am sorry for your suffering," said Madalgarius. Medulfa said nothing and bowed her head.
"Don't be sorry..." said Dragontina, "...just accept the truth: when you hear stories of two young people falling in love, don't believe them and don't even ask for proof: for there are so many couples in the world, different and strange, who shamelessly say they love each other, but betray each other when it doesn't work out.
I brought Lycomans to my dwelling and sheltered him, while within these walls I pondered other and new trials. But Lycomans made a mockery of them, overcoming them with cunning and valour, until my heart began to beat; strong, stronger and stronger, until I made him share the Master's room.
There we stood, full of every joy, and like masters of a mansion, we passed the days and nights in mutual amusement, until the Lycomans took an interest in my library and would not learn the secrets I held.
I felt very honoured that he wanted to be with me and my books instead of with the gold and silver of my coffers, and so I began to teach him arcane and mysterious things.
He ignored my treasures, and I had no other thought but to tell him all my secrets at once.
So, we spent the whole day studying, while at night we indulged in other pleasures: he would hold my hand and whisper sweet words to me, and at dawn he would be the first thing my eyes rested on.
It was in the spring, when lovers behave like doves or pigeons, that Lycomans put his plan into action. He secretly offered me a potion that turned me into a doe, then threw a love potion at me so that he could laugh and steal all my treasures while fiery stags assaulted me.”
So, she spoke. Her face grew calm, like the sky after a storm. The anger vanished from her eyes and what remained was the look of a weeping child.
Medulfa and Madalgarius did not know what to say, or if saying anything was the right thing to do. They only felt pain.
But a sweetness filled the heart of Madalgarius, who said "A long time ago I met a girl who was as beautiful as she was extraordinary. I spent a wonderful time with her, walking under the stars and chatting in the avenues; so, I can tell you how much love can give happiness, and why you wanted to spend your whole life with Lycomans. That is why I tell you not to give up love because of this bad experience, and here I swear to you by all the gods that if you ever meet Lycomans, I will take revenge and justice for you.”
The nymph made no reply, but the anger returned to her eyes and she looked away with disdain.
"Dragontina!" said Medulfa, also taking a step forward. "Is it really so hard for you to believe that someone wants to help you?"
Dragontina closed her eyes, then spread her wings and flew away.
So, they lay down on the grass, full of sadness, and waited for the morning.
Unable to find Marfisa, they returned to Margiana to find that the battle was over. There were four pavilions arranged around a table where Zamasphes, Lyrcanius, Oridans and Oliverius sat, with soldiers from each army around them. At least Rogerius and Astulfus could be made out near the table, though it was likely that the others were there as well.
"Listen, Madalgarius. When you said you had met a woman with Dragontina, you meant Marfisa," said Medulfa, but it was too late to ask, for Madalgarius had already spurred the horse towards the pavilions. Medulfa followed in silence.
They were stopped by the soldiers, but were allowed to pass by Rogerius as the four kings trembled with anxiety for news of Marfisa, though unfortunately there had been no news since Lyrcanius had last seen her.
The four kings went back to talking among themselves, discussing treaties and agreements, and postponing any decision about Marfisa.
Meanwhile, Medulfa's eyes kept rolling. Right and left, up and down, but never falling on Madalgarius, then she said: "So you like Marfisa."
"...?"
"And in your heart, there is no possibility for another person?"
"...?"
Medulfa's feet began to flap like a dove as her heart beat faster and faster. She no longer wanted Fate to show her beautiful things, only to take them away. She did not want to miss the chance to be happy. Chance has a long forelock in front and a short one behind. You must catch it as it passes, and Medulfa would have taken it. She put her hand on Madalgarius' chest and kissed him on the lips.
“...?”
Medulfa's lips left those of Madalgarius who, confused, did not know what to say. Marfisa, however, knew what to say, and no less astonished than Madalgarius, she was overcome with rage.
"Damned snake!" said Marfisa. "I knew I should have ended this business with you in Rome, at Lake Orpheus, or between the Baths of Titian and Trajan."
"And indeed, you should have done so!" replied Medulfa. "For I no longer intend to let Fortune, wicked and rebellious, be the tyrant of my happiness!"
"Then I will be the one to give you the misfortune that traitors so richly deserve. Come and taste my blade," said Marfisa, but her arms were blocked by those of her brother Rogerius, just as Madalgarius blocked Medulfa, who was also trembling to strike.
"Yes, that is indeed Marfisa," said Oridans, triggering laughter from the kings, before drawing Marfisa's angry gaze.
"...!" (Lyrcanius).
"...!" (Oliverius).
"...!" (Oridans).
"...!" (Zamasphes).
And yes, that really is my little girl. Although I haven't the faintest idea where she got that impulsiveness. Certainly not from her father. Maybe from me, but when I was young, I wasn't so impulsive either. What can I say. Sometimes apples fall far from the tree...especially the golden ones. But back to our Marfisa and Medulfa who are under everyone's attention whether they like it or not.
Oh, what muse will give me voice and words and a solemn and grave diction to tell of such a battle? Never was a wilder thing seen under the sun, but I will do my best to show it to you, for the other battles were roses and violets in comparison.
Each woman was so angry that she frightened the spectators, for many kept their distance and few approached.
Aesara commented: "Shouldn't we stop them? If they go on like this, not only will they burn, but the whole region will be on fire".
"I think it's best to let them vent..." said Astufus, "...history teaches that it's better to stay as far away from two angry women as from a dragon whose treasure has been stolen. But if you really want to stop them, I won't stop you."
What times! When I was young, the males were the ones fighting for the attention of the beloved female. Who knows what would happen if Madalgarius said he didn't want either of them? What am I saying? Do I want to jinx our two lovers?
They took their time talking, showing that they were not looking for an advantage, but finally Marfisa drew her sword and shouted: "Now we shall see the proof, if on earth there is found another equal to my prowess, who is so superior!"
"I agree! It's time to see how much fire there is after all the smoke," said Medulfa.
The clash was not gentle and calm. Medulfa was hit, but she did not stand idly by: she took the mace in both hands, lunged at Marfisa, and struck a terrible and fierce blow as only she could. If it had hit the ground, it would have left a huge crater with a thousand splinters and a thousand pieces of debris. Rest assured, she would have lifted tonnes of earth, but her target was now Marfisa, who continued to dodge.
"Oh, you show it to the air, but I think you want to hit my pretty face..." said Marfisa, finding Medulfa exposed and hitting her on the hauberk, "...but if you really don't want to hit me, I will," and she delivered a blow that knocked her off balance.
Medulfa rolled to the ground and immediately went on the defensive. Right, from there came a lunge, then a slash as Medulfa scampered away like a trapped mouse until she carried herself far.
Right or left? In front or behind? There was no telling where the next attack would come from, though for the moment Marfisa stood motionless with a grin on her face. Medulfa only knew that her hand was shaking. She put one hand on top of the other, trying to calm its movement, but Marfisa attacked. Medulfa could not stay calm. She felt a hand squeeze her heart, her breathing quickened, and finally she could no longer think.
An escape, there must be a way out, said Medulfa to herself, but from above a bold Marfisa descended, forcing her to jump aside. What shall I do? what shall I do? what shall I do? thought Medulfa, who was beginning to feel tired under the weight of her armour.
She tried to calm her breathing, but there was little she could do.
Marfisa said, "I know I will take Madalgarius with me, and he will have forgotten you in three days," and then snapped to deal her the final blow.
I cannot tell you, my lords, why and how, but at that moment Medulfa found a way out of her panic.
Perhaps it was because another fear had taken over: the fear of being alone, the fear of never finding anyone like Madalgarius again, the fear. She struck a blow and said: "Rascal! Bad luck has brought you here, for you will be dead if you insist, and humiliated if you flee, but you will not see a shadow of victory."
With these words she picked up the mace with both hands and struck Marfisa so hard that she flew away. Marfisa fell down, struck by this great, boundless blow. She raised her hand to her forehead, and I need not tell you how surprised she was by this reaction.
There is no dragon or serpent that can contain as much venom as Marfisa now had: for her heart and face were like fire. She pointed her sword in the direction of Medulfa's voice and made a few slashes that, to her surprise, cut through the void.
Medulfa had become looser in her movements and it was harder to hit her.
"Oh, you showed it in the air..." said Medulfa, "...but it would be me you should hit." She threw a blow, but it crashed into Marfisa's cloak, which absorbed the impact.
"Not in such a hurry..." said Marfisa, "...that today you have found those who hold it against you! Confess all your atonement: that you are a slut not only by reputation, but also by trade."
"You think you have touched a sore point..." said Medulfa, "...but here I am, a disciple of Aesculapius of good deeds; but of what do you wish to accuse me? You have always boasted that you were a padlock that any key could open; and now you pretend to be the faithful little wife in love!"
"What are you bragging about, slut? That you are only desirable when you are paid? It is false, as they say, that you are the illegitimate daughter of Genamus of Magantiacus, and therefore the half-sister of that traitor Galeon. You are the whore of both!"
"Ah! You like to slander, hoping that anger will distract me, but who comes to consult you for your science? People want me around as a physician, but if anyone wants to talk to you, it is only to admire your beautiful figure."
"Ah! What do I hear? Admire my beautiful figure? Do I hear a touch of jealousy, for do they come to me because I am beautiful and to you because you are easy? Go back to your clients, you can always make more money than I can".
With such insults, they outraged each other until they noticed the male presence listening with a little too much interest (except for Aesara, who stood aside, averting her eyes and blushing).
"Oh no! Don't mind us, go ahead and talk..." said Oridans, "...in fact, if you could add some more juicy details, we'd be really grateful." To which the two women replied in unison, "We'll deal with you men later".
They said no more and went back to fighting, but the fight didn't last long as both had to retire exhausted.
And in the middle of it all was poor Aesara, who did not know what to do. She was also here for our Madalgarius, but if Medulfa and Marfisa were two stormy winds, she was a gentle breeze, wishing happiness for all.
Little Aesara, such a gentle soul, was ashamed of the feelings she also had for Madalgarius. She was so kind that she would sacrifice herself for one of them, but there was no way to help one without hurting the other.
This was Aesara's feeling when she noticed that the last ray of sunlight had set, and in the distance, among the stars, she saw Madalgarius.
Both Marfisa and Medulfa were out of breath, and they fought like children before Madalgarius, whom the four kings had reached. One by one, they put their hands on Madalgarius' shoulders and said: "Our condolences," to which Madalgarius could only reply, "Huh?"
Madalgarius turned back to the two women, who looked at each other, then away, then resumed their argument.
Marfisa said: "You can be thankful that the day is over, that it has saved you from death, and I am sorry for that."
"Never mind," said Medulfa, "that I am beaten in words; but in fact, you already have no hope. Nor do you believe, as long as I live, that you will ever have it; for if I have held back so far, it is because I am not in a hurry, nor am I afraid of you."
"You are showing your true nature..." replied Marfisa, "...for coward that you are, only by fighting in the dark, hiding in the woods, can you hope to defeat me. If I leave here, it is because I want to fight you in broad daylight, where no one can say I was disloyal, nor can you seek shelter, escape or defence".
Medulfa said: "Now I understand why you are called the Swan of Lugdunum. A barking dog never bites, and you are very good at barking.
That was all they said to each other. Astufus and Aesara led them away until they were too far apart to talk, while Madalgarius stood in the middle, unsure of the situation he had created.
