Ladies liuyng in pleasure and in the middest of delightes would so prodigally aduenture your self neither fearing mishapps nor misliking to take suche paines as I knowe you haue not been accustomed vnto O liberalitie neuer heard of before O facte that can neuer be sufficiently rewarded O true Loue most pure and vnfained Here with all sendyng for the most artificiall woorkmen he prouided for her sondrie sutes of sumpteous Apparell and the Marriage daie appointed whiche was celebrated with greate triumphe through the whole Citie of Constantinople euery one praising the noblenesse of the Duke but so many as did behold the excellent beautie of Silla gaue her the praise aboue all the rest of the Ladies in the troupe The matter seemed so wonderfull and straunge that the brute was spreade throughout all the partes of Grecia in so muche that it came to the hearyng of Siluio who as you haue heard remained in those partes to enquire of his sister he being the gladdest man in the worlde hasted to Constantinople where commyng to his Sister he was ioyfully receiued and moste louingly welcomed and entertained of the Duke his brother in Lawe After he had remained there two or three dayes the Duke reuealed vnto Siluio the whole discourse how it happened betwéene his sister and the Ladie Iulina and how his sister was chalenged for gettyng a woman with childe Siluio blushyng with these wordes was striken with great remorse to make Iulina amendes vnderstandyng her to be a noble Ladie and was left defamed to the worlde through his deâ—ault he therefore bewraied the whole circumstaunce to the Duke whereof y e Duke being very ioyful immediatly repaired with Siluio to the house of Iulina whom thei founde in her Chamber in greate lamentation and mournyng To whom the Duke saied take courage Madame for beholde here a Gentleman that will not sticke both to father your child and to take you for his wife no inferiour person but the sonne and heire of a noble Duke worthie of your estate and dignitie Iulina seing Siluio in place did know very well that he was the father of her childe and was for rauished with ioye that she knewe not whether she were awake or in some dreame Siluio imbracyng her in his armes crauyng forgiuenesse of all that past concluded with her the mariage daie which was presently accomplished with greate ioye and contentation to al parties And thus Siluio hauyng attained a noble wife and Silla his sister her desired housbande thei passed the residue of their daies with suche delight as those that haue accomplished the perfection of their felicities FINIS Of Nicander and Lucilla The Argument of the third Historie ¶ Lucilla a yong maiden endued with singuler beautie for want of a conuent dowrie was restrained from mariyng her beloued Nicander in the ende through the greate magnificence of the courteous yong prince Don Hercules the onely sonne and heire of Alfonso duke of Ferrara she was releeued with the somme of 2000 Crounes the whiche money beyng receiued by the father of Nicander the mariage was performed to the greate contentation of the noble yong prince but especially to the twoo yong louers Nicander and Lucilla IN the tyme that Alfonso firste 〈◊〉 that name and third Duke of Ferrara goutâ—â—ed that state there was in the Citee of Ferrara a gentle yong gentlewoman named Lucilla borne of a noble Familie but by the frowardnesse of blind Fortune reduced to great pouertie then her vertues did deserue whose beautie appeared to bee suche in the prime and flower of her yeres as it filled with meruaile all those that caste their eyes vpon her Of this Gentlewoman was feruently enamoured a gallant yong Gentleman whose name was Nicander and in like sort borne of noble blood And desired nothyng more then to bee ioyned with her in Matrimonie But she beyng as it is saied poore though of noble Parentage and endued with singular vertues The Father of the yong Gentleman disdained her who as for the moste part we see old men naturally enclined to coueâ—ise regarding rather the wealth that their daughters in lawe are to bring into their families then either birthe vertue or giftes of the minde could in no wise bee perswaded or intreated to content his sonne in that behalf and to suffer him to enioye his Loue by takyng her to wife alledgyng that the first thing that was to be considered in mariage was the dowrie and the woman For that the vertues of the women dooe not enriche the houses wherein thei came saied he but the qualitie of goodes and wealthe that thei brought with them The coueteous disposition of the father of Nicander was cause that these two yong folke languished in miserable loue For although their flames were of equall force and heaâ—e yet the yong gentlewoman beyng of a verie honest minde nor the yong gentleman neuer thinking vpoÌ„ any other meanâ—â— then honestly to enioye his desire without touche or breache of her honor and the obstinate wilfulnesse of the old man beyng cast as a barre or blocke betweene the vnitie and concorde of their twoo mindes thei liued in greate tormente eche consumyng and as it wer melting awaie with desire for loue of eche other Whilest their mutuall loue continued in this sorte eche daie with lesse hope then other through the obstinacie of the â—ldâ—tarle it happened that Don Hercules the Dukes onely sonne and heire beyng then in the freshest time of his youth passing by the streate where this gentlewoman dwelt sawe her standing in her doore apparailed in White whiche kinde of attire encreased greatly her naturall beautie And considering somwhat curioustie the comelinesse and excellencie of her personage together with her perfectioÌ„ of beautie he receiued with suche force into his imagination the firste impression of them bothe that from thence forward her liuely Image semed continuallie to bee before his eyes by the consideration whereof he grewe by degrees to conceiue so vehement a desire to enioye the singularitie whiche he sawe in her that he thought it impossible for him to liue if he did not attaine it And ofte times discoursyng to himself thereof he would saie what iniurie hath Fortune dooen vnto this faire Gentlewoman that as Nature hath been liberall in bestowyng of beautie vpon her meete for any greate Princes she hath not likewise caused her to be borne of some king or mightie prince whiche if she were I would neuer cease till I had founde the meanes to gett her to bee my wife and so enioye her as myne owne with the safetie of her honour and with the satisfaction and contentment of my Father But in the ende although he sawe her degree to bee farre vnequall to his to wishe or to procure any suche matche Yet ceased he not by all the meanes he could to win her good will and now by one deuise and now by an other to induce her to loue him and to yeeld to his feruent desire But all in vaine For where
extreame Maladie which he cured himself with medicines of his own prouiding Aramanthus hauyng heard how matters were sorted out beganne to teare hymself saiyng Ah most wicked and vnnaturall wretche what Furies haue saued thee that thou wart not drouned with the rest but that thou must bee preserued as an Instrument to worke thy Parentes wracke Come come you Hellishe Hagges and shewe your force on hym that hath worthely deserued it But what hath Tantalus offended that he should continually bee sterued Or how hath Sisiphus that rowles the restlesse Stone Or what trespasse hath been committed by Prometheus Ixyon Titias or Danaus sillie daughters drawyng water at the Well that maie bee compared to that whiche I haue doen is it possible theÌ„ that I should escape vnpunished Or that the sacred Gods will bee vnreuenged of my fact no no I haue deserued to be plagued and haue merited more worthely to be tormented then any of these afore rehearsed Florella ouer hearyng these desperate speeches fell doune in a sowne for greefe to see her Aramanthus so disquieted The Turke after his daughter was come againe to her self forrowed to see the heauinesse of Aramanthus caused the Kyng his father with the Duke of Caria presently to be sent for out of prison And takyng Isabell on the one of his hands and Aramanthus on the other he saied to the Kyng Receiue here noble Prince a moste louyng and faithfull wife and a moste valiaunt and worthie sonne And my self from an enemie for euer after this to become thy most assured and trustie freende The Kyng was wonderfully amazed to heare these speeches did thinke hymself to be in some dreame till in the ende he heard the whole discourse how euery thyng had happened and beyng rauished with gladnesse he saied O happie euill whiche bryngeth in the ende so greate a good and welcome bee that sorrowe whereby is sprong a ioye muche more surmountyng then euer was any heauinesse and with many like speeches he still embraced his sonne Aramanthus in his armes and although he 〈…〉 it was the Quéene his wife whiche so louin◠〈…〉 hym when he was readie to haue 〈…〉 want of meate yet he could not 〈…〉 any countenance considergâ—◠〈…〉 her by y e information 〈…〉 whiche being 〈…〉 forgiuenesse he 〈…〉 the beginnyng 〈…〉 sory and 〈…〉 so vertue 〈…〉 so 〈…〉 had Well quoth her father then see you â—ame your 〈…〉 like well of my likyng I haue promised you to Phylotus in mariage and Phylotus is he that shall be your housband and 〈◊〉 â—â—â—lotus and Emelia 〈…〉 viij Historie 〈…〉 Citizen of Rome falleth in loue 〈…〉 beautifull virgin 〈…〉 the wonderâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 his daughâ—â—◠〈…〉 as pretely 〈…〉 who 〈…〉 seen their owne errour and there withall haue confessed their abuse yet their haue not bin able to refraine them selues from prosecuting their follie to the ende and all be it reason proffereth vs sondrie sufficient causes why we ought to refraine the appetite of our own desires yet fancie then is he that striketh suche a stroke that reasons rules can naught at all preuaile and like as those whom loue hath once intangled the more thei striue the farther thei bee tied so it is vnpossible that loue should be constrained where affection breedes not likyng nor fancy is not fed but where these two hath once ioyned in election all other affects be so dimme and blinded that euery vice seemeth to vs a vertue whereof springeth this Prouerbe In loue there is no lacke so that in deede to saie the truth if there be any pietie to be imputed to this ragyng loue it is in that it is not parciall nor hath it any respect of persons but bee thei frendes be thei foes be thei riche be thei poore be thei young be thei olde bee thei wise bee thei foolishe loue is still indifferent and respecteth all a like but if any man will thinke that in respect of beautie wee esteeme not all the rest I am able to saie it is not true consideryng how many haue forsaken the better likyng and haue chosen the worse so that for my parte the more I consider of it the more I am 〈◊〉 and therefore will beate 〈◊〉 that I would goe about to contrarie the crediâ—bbornly would refuse what soeuer you would think conuenient for my behoofe and although you shall finde in me suche duetie as is meete for a daughter and al obedience that is fit for a childe yet sir consider the harte whiche can not bee compelled neither by feare neither by force nor is not otherwise to be lured then onely by fancies free consent and as you haue bestowed on me this fraile and transitorie life so my bodie shall be at your disposition as it shal please you to appoint it and will conclude with this humble petition desiryng you not to bestowe me of any that is not agreeable to my fancie and good likyng Well quoth her father then see you frame your liking to like well of my likyng I haue promised you to Phylotus in mariage and Phylotus is he that shall be your housband and looke you goe not aboute to contende against that I haue determined if you doe neuer accompt me for father nor freende and thus he departed Emelia hearyng this cruell conclusion of her father was wonderfully abashed and beeyng by her self in her Chamber she beganne to consider of her fathers wordes and for feare to incurre any farther displeasure she deused how she might frame her self to the likyng of her louer and with a yong womans minde she first beganne to consider of his wealth of his callyng of the reuerence wherewith he was vsed in the Citie and that likewise in beyng his wife she should also bee had in estimation and bee preferred before other women of meaner credite and to desire superioritie it is commonly euery womans sicknesse and therefore this could not choose but please her very well then she remembred how commodious it were to marrie one so wealthie as Phylotus whereby she should not neede to beate her braines aboute the practising of housewiferie but should haue seruauntes at commaundment to supplie that tourne this likewise pleased her very well but because she would well perswade her self she beganne to coniecture how she should spende the tyme to her contentment and therefore she beganne to thinke what a pleasure it was to bee well furnished with sondrie sutes of apparell that in the mornyng when she should rise she might call for what she list to put on accordyng as the tyme and the fasshion did require and her fancie serued best for thus Phylotus was well able to keepe his wife and this pleased her likewise very well then when she were vp she might breake her fast with a cuppe of Malmsie or Muskadine next her harte It was very good for ill Ayres in a mornyng and this she thought was but an easie matter and likewise pleased her very well when she had broken her fast then she might
whiche he had deliuered her yet could he neuer by any perswasion or entreatie winne her to fulfill his desire or bryng her to make breache of her faithe and honestie By whiche reporte the Lorde knewe very well that in an honest woman the regarde and respect of her honour and chastitie doth farre exceede any other passion for any miserie be it neuer so great And commendyng highly the loue and constancie of the woman towarde her housebande and praisyng the pollicie of Alonso he tourned hymself vnto Gonsales and saied vnto hym Full euill hast thou deserued to haue so good and so verteous a Gentlewoman to thy wife and in reason she ought now rather to be Alonso his wife then thine Neither wert thou worthie of lesse then that punishment whiche the Lawe hath condempned thee vnto though she be yet aliue since thou asmuch as in thee laie hast doen to bereue her of her life But I am content that her vertue and goodnesse shall so much be auaileable vnto thee that thou shalt haue thy life spared vnto thee for this tyme not for thy owne sake because thou deseruese it not but for hers and not to giue her that sorrowe and greefe whiche I knowe she would feele if thou shouldest dye in that sorte But I sware vnto thee that if euer I maie vnderstande that thou doest vse her hencefoorth otherwise then louingly and kindly I wil make thee to thy greeuous paine proue how seuerely I can punishe suche beastly and heinous factes to the example of all others Gonsales imputyng his former offence to want of witte and Iudgement made promise vnto the Lorde that he would alwaies doe as he had commaunded hym And accordyngly hauyng forsaken cleane that baggage Strumpet that he had wedded He liued all the rest of his daies in good loue and peace with Agatha his wife whose chaste and constant mind caused Alonso wher before he loued her for her excertor beautie euer after to reuerence her and in maner to worshipp her as a diuine creature for the excelleÌ„cie of her vertue Resoluyng with hymself that a more constant faith and honest disposition could not bee founde in any mortall woman FINIS Of Aramanthus borne a Leper The Argument of the vij Historie ¶ Armanthus sonne to Rodericke Kyng of Tolosia beyng borne a Leper was sent by his Father to the Ile of Candy for remedie and by a Tempest at the Sea the Shipp was driuen into Turkie where she was cast awaie and no man saued but the childe whiche was taken vp by a poore Fisherman and fostered as his owne sonne and afterwards seruing the Turke in his warres shewed himself so politique that the Turke by his onely aduise incroched muche vpon the Christians and in fine by his meane the Citie of Tolosia was taken his father put in prison and how in the ende he was knowne to be the sonne of Rodericke I Shall not neede by any long circumstaunce to describe how many troubles tumultes broyles Brabbles Murthers Treasons how kingdomes haue béen disturbed How many Countries laied waste How many Cities haue been sacked How many Tounes haue beene rased and how many mischeefes haue euer happened sithence the first creation of the worlde vntill this present daie by that monsterous vice Ambition Considering that euery Historie maketh mention euery Chronicle beareth recorde and euery age tyme and season haue seen with their eyes and this our tale that followeth shall some thyng make more euident There was sometyme remainyng in the famous Citie of Tolosia a worthie Kyng whose name was Rodericke who was likewise espoused to a moste vertuous Queene called Isabell and truely a happie Courte it might be called whiche thei held as well for the loue that was betweene the King and Queene as for the vertue and clemencie wherewith bothe the one and the other were accompanied There was remainyng in the Court the Duke of Caâ—ia who was the onely brother of Rodericke Kyng of Tolosia This Duke beyng a greate deale more vicious then his â—â—ether was verteous practised no other thing but how he might come by the Kingdome of Tolosia Knowing that there were no more betweene hym and it but the Kyng who loued hym more dearely by a greate deale then he deserued But it fell out the Queene Isabell was knowne to bee with childe the Duke very lothe that any other heires should steppe in betwene hym and home deuised to poyson the Queene so had thought to haue doen by as many as the Kyng should haue taken to wife if at any tyme thei proued to be with childe but by the prouidence of God this poison tooke no great effect in the Queene sauyng that when she was deliuered of a sonne the child was found to be in a notable Leprosie and the Kyng hauing intelligence of an excellent Phisition but especially for the curyng of that desease was remainyng in the Ile of Candy prepared a Shipp presently to sende the child which by the extreamitie of a contrary winde was driuen into Turkie and the Shippe cast awaie vppon the maine and all the men drouned exceptyng the childe whiche beeyng in a Cradle was carried to the Shore as it laie Where a Fisherman founde it with suche sumptuous furnitures aboute it with a very riche Iewell hangyng about the necke He tooke it vp in his armes and carriyng it home with Bathes and homely Oyntmentes of his owne deuising within a very little space the childe was restored to perfecte health whom he called Aramanthus and brought hym vp as his owne Soonne the childe knowyng no other in deede but that the Fisherman had been his father and as Aramanthus grewe in yeares so he proued of a very comely personage but of a most excellent and perfecte witte although he had no other trainyng vp but vsed to goe to the Sea with his father a fishyng Now it fell out that the Turke was leauiyng a mightie Armie to set vpon the Christians the cause was tâ—is he had twoo children a sonne and a daughter the daughter her name was Florella whose beautie was very excellent and mindyng to match his daughter with some noble Prince he pretended that suche Countries Cities Townes Castelles Fortes or what so euer he could by conquest get from the Christians to giue them all for his daughters dowrie Aramanthus hearyng of this preparation to the Warres would needes become a Souldiour where at his father the Fisherman was greatly displeased and beganne to preache vnto his sonne of the incommodities of warre and with how many miseries Souldiers are besieged Aramanthus whose basenesse of his bringyng vp could not conceale the nobilitie of his birth would in no wise be perswaded but goe he would and beyng pressed for an ordinarie Souldiour when he came to the place of seruice shewed hymself so valiaunt and in very shorte space became to be so expert that that Captaine vnder whose Ensigne he serued bare awaie the credite from all the rest and in the ende was hymself
to bryng his daughter with the old Fisherman the supposed Father of Aramanthus to this Citie of Tolosia where he minded to performe that he had determined Now it fell out that the miserable Queene Isabell whom you haue heard was lefte with child remainyng with certaine Outlawes was deliuered of a Daughter whiche she her self nursed in the Caue where she had remained and hearyng that the Turke had taken the Citee of Tolosia would needes goe see what was become of the kyng her housebande her daughter whiche was not yet fullie a yere olde she committed to the Outlawes to bee fostered with suche homelie Iunkettes as their could prouide wo seeyng her determination promised to drie Nurse the child so well as thei could till she should make retourne Thus preparyng her self in a verie simple attire with a bondle of Broomes on her hedde she came to the Citee of Tolosia where romyng vp and doune the streates to sell her Broomes she learned all that had happened to the Kyng and how he was ready to perishe for want of foode and sustenance wherefore myndyng to giue suche succours as her habilitie would serue She deuised in the maner of a poore seruaunt to gette into the seruice of the Turke who was the Iailer and had the custodie of the Kyng where euery Night as oportunitie would serue she conueighed to hym through a grate suche fragmentes as she spared out of her owne bealie whiche were verie shorte and there withall muche more homelie but somthyng the better to amende his cheare She would leane her self cloase to the grate and thrustyng in her Teate betweene the Irons the king learned againe to sucke and thus she dieted him a long season Neither wiste the kyng what she was that bestowed on hym so greate grace and goodnesse yet he blessed her more then a thousande tymes a daie And although there were many of his companie that died for wante of sustenaunce yet he again with these banquettes recouered himself and beganne to waxe strong Whereat the Turke beganne to suspecte some parcialitie in the Iailer and caused a priuie watche to bee kept but Isabell suspectyng nothyng according to her accustomed maner at night when it was darke came to her Nurseriâ— where her order that she so long vsed was espied and beeyng apprehended by the watche the nexte daie she was presented to the Turke and in what maner thei had founde her whereat the Turke wonderfullie agreeued Sware by Mahounde hym self that she should presently bee tortured with the greatest tormentes that might be deuised And in the middest of his furie woorde was brought hym that his Daughter Florella with the Fisherman that was Father to Aramanthus were arriued and readie to present them selues before hym whereat the Turke wonderfullie reioysed and caâ—lyng Aramanthus caused them to bee brought in Florella gaue that reuerence to the Turke whiche bothe appertained to the duetie of a Childe and also as belonged to his estate Aramanthus likewise although he were the greateste Counsailour appertinent to the Turke yet vsed that dutifull reuerence to the Fisherman his Father as is to bee required in a Childe The Turke imbracyng his Daughter Florella tolde her the cause that he had sent for her was to espouse her to Aramanthus who although the Destinies had denaied to make Noble by place of birthe yet through his Vertues Valiaunce and worthie exploites he had gained the title of true Nobilitie in despite of Fortunes teeth Florella hauing heard of the Fame and worthinesse of Aramanthus was the beste pleased woman in the worlde And the Turke turnyng hym towardes the Fisherman saied And a thousande times happie art thou old Father that hast liued to see thy self so highly exalted in thy ofspryng The poore Fisherman kneelyng doune saied Moste mightie and magnificente Prince not mindyng longer to conceale the thyng whiche might redounde so greatly to the contentation of suche worthie personages seeyng then that Aramanthus who onely through his own valiancie hath aspired to so great dignitie and honour How greatly were I then to be blamed and how worthely might I bee condemned If I should take vpon me to be the sire of hym who by all likelihood is descended of Roiall and Princely race for better testimonie behold this riche Mantell and these other costly furnitures wherein I founde Aramanthus wrapped and by seemyng saued by his Cradell whiche brought hym a Shoore from some Shippe that was wracked where I founde hym by the Sea side as I saie wrapped in these sumptuous Furnitures with this riche and precious Iewell about his necke beyng but an Infaunte by coniecture not aboue the age of a quarter of a yere where takyng hym vp in my armes I brought hym home to my house called hym by the name of Aramanthus and thus fostered hym vp as my owne child vntil the daie that he came to serue your Maiestie in the Warres The Queene Isabell whiche stoode by and heard this discourse and seing the furnitures and the Iewelles wherewith she had decked her childe assuryng her self that Aramanthus was her sonne could no longer staie her speeche but said And doe I then beholde my sonne with my vnhappie eyes is he liuyng here in presence whom I deemed to be dead Oh moste gracious Gods I yeelde you humble thankes and would to God my sonne thy commyng had been but halfe so happie as thy presence is ioyfull to me thy wretched mother What newes be these ê™ the Turke whiche I heard I thinke the woman be out of her wits but what art thou that wouldest chalenge Aramanthus for thy sonne whose parentes now I well perceiue are no beggers like thy self Yes surely quoth the Queene and muche more miserable then those that goe from doore to doore and although his father sometyme swaied the sword of gouernement and satt in place and seate of Princely Throne Dispatche then at once ê™ the Turke and tell me who is his father and what is the miserie wherwith he is perplexed wherein if thou canst perswade me with a truth assure thee that onely for Aramanthus sake I am the man that will minister release Behold then ê™ the Queene Kyng Rodericke is his Father whom thy self keepest here in prison in this miserable maner and I whom thou seest here am his mother the wife of the Kyng and sometyme the Queene of this wretched Citie of Tolosia who beeyng deliuered of a sonne whiche by the pleasure of GOD was visited in my wombe and borne in an extreame Leprosie for helpe whereof he was sent by his Father by Shippyng to the Ile of Candy and till this present daie there was neuer tidynges heard either of the Shippe or of any one man that was in her And now behold I see with myne eyes the furnitures wherein I wrapped my childe and the Iewell which I put about his neck with my owne handes at his departure the Fisherman verifying this tale to be true saied in deede that he founde hym in an
his leaue and badd his Ladie and spouse hartely farewell leauyng with her Phylene her deare daughter Thus hymself with Aurelianus his little sonne 〈…〉 from Tariffa towards the famous Citie of Cayre and 〈…〉 passed through a Wildernesse hauyng lost their waie â—â—â—dering two or three daies without any maner of foode sauing Hippes Hawes and Slowes suche as thei could gather in the Desert the poore childe being ouer come with faintnesse not longer able to trauaile beganne to complaine to his afflicted Father desiryng hym to sitte downe to rest hym self a tyme the wofull Father tormented in his mynde to see his poore distressed childe sat hym doune vnder a Tree where after a while recountyng to hymself his sonderie misfortunes beyng oppressed and wearied with trauaile he fell into a souÌ„d sleepe the Childe after he had a while rested hymself leauyng his Father a sleepe beganne to seeke about for somethyng to sâ—ake his hunger and as he was straiyng thus about the wooâ—â—des it fortuned the Duke of Vasconia hauyng lost his comâ—panie in the pursute of a Stag where he had been a huntyâ—â— and as he was crossyng the nexte waie to goe to the Citie 〈◊〉 Messyna where he helde his Courte hauyng in his compâ—â—◠〈◊〉 the Lorde of Sura with three or fower seruing men he fortuned to espie the childe runnyng in the bushes all alone and callyng the childe vnto hym he saied alas my little boy what makest thou in this place art thou here alone or how camest thou hether I praie thee tell me Forsothe Godfather ê™ the childe I came hether with my Father who lyes a sleepe here by and I was seekyng somethyng to eate for by my trothe I am so a hongered that I could eate worse meate then a peece of a rosted Pigge and that with all my harte The Duke greatly pleasuryng to heare the pretie aunswere of the childe replied in this wise How saiest thou my little knaue wilt thou bee my boye and dwell with me and I will giue thee good meate thy belly full how saiest thou wilt thou goe with me Yea forsooth Godfather ê™ the Childe on that condition you will giue me rost meate enough I will goe with you for I thinke I did not eate my bellie full of roste meate this moneth and more 〈◊〉 The Duke then commaunded one of his men to take vp the Childe whom he caried awaie with hym and now perceiuyng it to be bothe well fauoured quicke witted and very apt to learning he brought it vp at Schoole where he proued not onely wise and learned but also in many other exercises conuenient and fitt for Gentlemen he commonly excelled euery other man and thus leauyng him at Schoole I will conuert my tale to his wofull Father who when he was awaked and missed his pretie sonne beganne to prie about in euery bushe seekyng and callyng what Aurelianus Aurelianus where be you Aurelianus But in the end when he could no where finde hym thinkyng assuredly that he had beene deuoured by some wild Beast beganne with pitifull exclamation to crie out O Fortune Fortune more then fickle who in a moment hoiste a man vp to the highest degree and by and by in lesse space then in the twincklyng of an eye she throweth hym doune againe 〈◊〉 lowe as more miserie is prepared for hym in one daie then â—he aduaunced hym in an hundred yeres whiche I now proue â—nd haue experience in my self so muche the more the greater is my greef who haue been nourished delicately amongâ—â— my freends maintained stil in most prosperous estate hoping for the full perfection of my felicities by Marriyng a Noble Dame with whom I pretended to spende the residue of my life accordyng to the scope and lott appointed by the almightie God but now beholde all my enterprizes be quite pluckt backe and my purposes tourned cleane topse torue in suche wise that from honourable estate I am driuen to wander like a Vacabonde driuen from Poste to Piller from Countrie to Countrie froÌ„ Region to Region to sequestrate my self from amongest my freendes without any assured place where to make my abode Oh frowarde fate how canst thou bee so hard harted and voyde of pitie still to prosecute thy cruell pursute first to depriue me of my honourable dignities then to banish me from amongest my louyng freendes thirdly to seperate me from Messilina my well beloued wife more deare vnto me then the balles of my vnhappie eyes and not yet contented but now to bereue me of my sweete Infant my onely hope of comforte in my olde age O Death Death the 〈…〉 â—â—rowes and the beginner of felicities now make sharpe thy Darte and giue no longer delaie of life dispatche dispatch at once the most infortunate man that liues this day on earth for what auailes my life if in the gulfe af sorrowe and greefe I droune the pleasures of the same But ah I see right well thou preseruest the same of purpose but to delight in my gréeues and to triumph ouer my aduersities And here withall the brinishe teares so streamed doune his chéekes that he was not farther able to speake one woorde but runnyng vp and doune the Woodes sighing and sobbing in great anguish of mynd and his bodie muche infeebled for want of foode and sustenaunce He fortuned to meete certain labouryng men that dwelt in a poore Village not farre from the place who perceiuing by his geasture that he was passionated in his thoughts thei beganne with suche courtesie as thei had learned in the Countrie to demaunde the occasion of his greefe But he knowing very well how farre thei were vnable tâ— minister releefe to the least of his afflictions could render 〈◊〉 other aunswere then piteous sighes and sobbes but the poore Pesaunts when thei had better behelde the talnesse of his stature the seemelinesse of his countenance and the comelinesse of his personage were greatly mooued with compassion towardes hym and with suche badde eloquence as their skill would permit beganne to perswade hym to walke with them to their Cabbins where he might refresh hymself with suche homely Iunckettes as was prouided for their owne suppers The Duke contented to yeelde to their requestes walked along with them where he remained all the night very pensiue and heauie in his harte and beganne to thinke with hymself that there was no more hope left for him to heare of his sonne and therefore beganne to imagine how he might render some reléef to his poore wife and daughter whom he had left as you before haue heard Now there was dwellyng hard by the place a noble man that was Lorde of the Village who hauyng intelligence of this distressed Straunger caused hym to bee sent for before whom when the Duke was presented after many questions debated betweene them the Noble man demaunded of the Duke what Countrey man he was and how he had béen trained vp then if he could be contented to plaie the Seruyngman and would bee carefull and
my predestinate euill luck I moste humblie beseeche you to mitigate your rage and to conceiue no sinister opinion of this your worthie daughter whose smallest greef is my double paine as for my self I am well pleased with my misfortune contented to Sacrifice my life onelie to receiue your cleare acquitaunce for my offence and will make satisfaction with the price of my blood The Duke of Vasconia bending his browes aunswered No Traitour no it is not thy life that shall appease my furie but I will so coole the Whorishe heate of your Minion for whom you seeme so muche to pleade that I will make her an example to all others for dooyng of an acte so detestable But what abuse haue thei committed vnder the title of Marriage thinkyng without remorse of conscience by that meanes to continue their mischeef and their promise and faithe that was made vnder a Bushe muste serue for a cloake and Visarde for their moste filthie Whoredome But what if their Marriage were concluded and confirmed by God hymself Is Siluanus a manne worthie to be alied or mingled with the roiall blood of the house of Vasconia no no I vowe I will neuer take sounde nor restfull sleepe vntill I haue dispatched that infamous facte from our blood and that villaine Whoremonger with his trull be vsed accordyng to their desertes Valeria now knowyng how matters were sorted out and hearyng this cruell Sentence pronounced by her Father fel doune vpon her knees and bitterly criyng out she saied My deare father moste humblie I beseche yon sith no other thing maie appease your ire then the life of the offender let not this Gentleman abide the penaunce of that whiche he neuer committed be reuenged on me by whom the faulte if a womans faithe to her housebande maie be termed a fault is doen. And let this infortunate Gentleman depart who God knowes is innocente of any other crime then what he was brought into onely by my prouocation And as she was aboute to haue proceded farther in her talke her Father interrupted her saiyng Haue you founde your tongue now pretiepeate then wee must haue an Almon for Parrat how durst thou Strompette chalenge me to bee thy Father That without regard either of my renowme or of the honour of my house thou art content to bee abandoned from this noble Estate and to become a Fugitiue and a straunger to followe a Roge vp and doune the Countrey no Minion no thinke not that any Feminine â—latterie shall stay me from doyng thee to death nor your darlyng that standes by you shall escape with his life verelie beleeuyng that in tyme it shall bee knowne what profite the worlde shall gaine by purgyng the same of suche an infecteâ— plague and I do hope besides this that in tyme to come men shall praise this deede of myne who for preseruyng the honor of my house haue chosen rather to do to death twoo offenders then to leaue the one of them aliue as lesse faultie or giltlesse then the other Valeria once againe fallyng frustrate before her Father saied I moste humblie beseche you for that all other comfort is denaied me that I maie craue this onely grace at your handes for the laste good that euer I hope to receiue whiche is that you beeyng thus greeuouslie offended with me doe vengeaunce at your pleasure vpon her who willinglie yeeldeth her self to the Death with the effusion of her blood to satisfie your ire graunt onely that Siluanus who is innocent and free from fault maie goe quite But her father no longer able for anger to heare her speak crieth out to the Duke to hasten the execution the Duke of Mantona whose harte did bleede in his beallie for sorrowe perceiuyng it follie to delaye longer tyme gaue Sentence of death and present execution to be made although he tooke so greate sorrowe for theim as if his Daughter Philene should haue borne them companie but he was not able to help it the lawes and ordinaunces of the Countrie would not otherwise permitt And thinking to take his laste farewell of Siluanus he saied O Siluanus the glorie and honor of all yong Gentlemen that euer wer that be now or shalbe hereafter this whose vertue valliaunce and worthie exploites doe glister emongst the multitude as the Sunne beames doe vpon the cirquet of the Yearth Oh that thy hard Fortune should conduct thee to suche distresse that onelie by thine owne valiaunce and prowesse haste escaped so many daungers emongst thy thronged enemies and now thy ruine and ouerthrowe should bee thus wrought amiddest thy assured freendes that knowes not how to helpe it What heapes of cares hath besieged me on euerie side To thinke that I should craue thy companie whereby thou art brought into the middest of so great mischeef whiche otherwise mightest haue escaped this mishappe and thou Valeria would God thy vnfortunate hoste whiche departed from thee thinking to doe thy housebande pleasure had remained with thee a poore Sexten still till this present daie The rest of the companie that stoode by hearyng the duke to make so greate lamentation was likewise striken into a meruailous greef and sorowe in so muche that euery one that durste speake cried to the Duke of Vasconia for pardon and that he would remitt the offence and what pitie it were if he should seeke the death of so noble a Gentleman as Siluanus had shewed hym self to be But the Duke perseueryng still in one minde asked theÌ„ with what face thei could make request for a verlet of no reputation whom he had found in the wooddes and brought hym vp to that estate he was come to not knowyng who was his Father but by seemyng some poore Countrie Cloune and forgettyng himself from whence he sprong neglecting so many benefites which he had bestowed vpon hym would enter into those thinges so farre vnseemely and exceading his degree The Duke of Mantona giuing good eare to this tale remembring his Sonne Aurelianus whom he had luste in the Woodes aboute those partes questioned with the Duke of the time and what apparell the childe had on at that present who in all thinges shewed a trothe as it was He demaunded farther how he knewe his name to be Siluanus or whether he had any other name yes quoth the Duke of Vasconia his name he saied was Aurelianus whiche my self changed to Siluanus because I founde him in the Woodes Herewithall without any farther staie the Duke of Mantona running hastely vpon Siluanus imbrasyng him in his armes criyng O my sonne my sonne and with this sodain ioy the teares trickling doune his cheekes so faste that he was not farther able to speake one worde The Duke of Vasconia muche amazed to see this sight but a greate deale more gladde that Siluanus had founde out suche a father and now nothing at al offended with his daughters choice came likewise with chearfull countenaunce and imbrased Siluanus desiring dothe the Duke his Father and hymself to forgiue what was past
of her in whose courtesie she had reposed all her hope and confidence This yong Prince vnderstanding the honest desire of Lucilla first praised her greatly to hymself for the chastnes of her minde and being moued with the magnanimitie of his noble minde though he were pricked with the sharpest darte of the blind boyes quiuer and that his ardent appetite did still stirre hym to the accomplishment of his desire yet conquering hym self with reason he turned al the loue whiche erst he bare vntâ— this young Ladie into compassion of her estate and thus he saied vnto her The vertue and honestie of thy mynde faire Damsell doe require that I should make no lesse accompt of thine honour then if I were come hether to no other entent then to defende it against any other that should goe aboute to staine or spot it Therefore not onely thou needest not to feare any violence at my handes but also maiest hope that I will not faile to further this thy chast purpose so that thou maiest enioye that yong Gentleman whiche thou hast chosen for thy housbande with al the honour and satisfaction that appertaineth to the honestie of thy minde And therefore 〈◊〉 nothing els doeth let thee from the gettyng of him but the pouertie of thy state whereunto thy frowarde Fortune hath vnworthilie brought thee I will my self supplie in that behalf that wherein she hath failed and correcte with my liberalitie the iniurie that she hath doen thee And hauyng so saied he hymself opened the doore and called her mother who had gotten her self into a Chamber and there sate bewailyng the miserie of her state wherein she had bin driuen in suche sorte to prepare a dowrie for her daughter She beyng come he saied vnto her Gentlewoman if erst I came hether as a louer vnto your daughter now I will departe and leaue her as if I were her brother leauyng her honour no lesse safe and vntouched then I founde it for so deserueth her vertue that I should deale with her And for asmuch as I perceiue she is in loue with a yong Gentleman whom I well knowe and is in my opinion very worthie of it and that 〈◊〉 in like sorte is in loue with her and that onely the want of a reasonable dowrie is the cause that she can not become his wife as she desireth I am content to bestowe vpon her for her contentment that summe for her dowrie whiche I had purposed to haue giuen her in recompence of my coÌ„tentation to the ende that this her honest desire maie haue that effect whiche is moste conuenient to so greate and well grounded an affection that her great honestie and vertue doe deserue Therefore sende you this daie vnto my Treasorer and he shall forth with disburse vnto you 2000. pounde whiche shalbe the dowrie of this your gentle and honest daughter And turnyng himself towarde the young Gentlewoman he said vnto her And as for you faire Damsell ê™ he I craue nothing els now at your handes but that you keepe this faith of yours wherwith you are lincked vnto your louer inuiolate and vnspotted euen as I doe leaue you inuiolate and vnspotted in your mothers handes How greate the ioye of the mother was when she sawe the honestie of her daughter as it were resaued out of this yong Princes handes by the force of her owne vertue maie better he imagined then expressed with wordes But aboue all ioyes the ioye of Lucilla exceeded all other when she vnderstoode that through the magnificence and liberalitie of the noble yong Prince she was to haue her Nicander for her housbande And tournyng her eyes full of modestie towardes him she saied I could not Sir haue had any more certaine and infallible token of your loue towarde me then that whiche now of your greate courtesie and bountie you haue shewed me whiche I acknowledge to bee so greate that I am bounde to yeeld your excellencie my most humble and infinite thankes But for asmuche as wordes doe faile me wherewith I might doe it I must beseeche you that it maie reste in your discrete Iudgement to consider how muche I confesse my self to bee your debter when woordes doe faile me to yeelde you at the least thankes for so greate a benefite This onely will I saie vnto your Grace that the remembraunce of so noble an acte shall neuer weare out of my minde and that I will so long as I liue praie vnto almightie GOD so to preserue and maintaine your noble persone as you of your goodnesse haue saued myne honestie And so to graunt you the accomplishment of all your noble desires as you haue offered me to make me coÌ„tent of myne by hauyng my Nicander to bee my housbande Vnto whom aswell because I haue euer been so disposed as for that it hath pleased your excellencie to commaunde me I will alwaies keepe sounde and vnstained that faithe whiche through your courtesie shall ioyne me to him in mariage The Damsell seemed vnto the Prince at that instaunt to bee in maner greater then she was in deede when she once stoode assured of the sauegarde of her honestie and delighting no lesse in the excellencie of her mynd then he had before doen in the beautie of her bodie he departed from her And hauyng caused the two thousande pounde to be paied vnto her mother as he had promised he went vnto the Duke his father and tolde hym all that had passed betweene Lucilla and hym the maner whereof liked so well the Duke that he concluded with hymself that all the vertues that euer had been before that tyme in his progenitours would bee most excellently ioyned in hym This yong Prince required his father to sende for Nicanders father and to perswade hym to agree that his Sonne might match with Lucilla since that she was prouided and furnished with so reasonable a dowrie whiche thyng the Duke did with a very good will for that he knewe that if his sonne should haue taken in hande to perswade the olde man to any suche matter it might haue stirred some suspition in his head why the Prince should so doe And hauing sent for hym accordyngly when he was come the Duke after some familiare speeches of course and courtesie tolde hym he was desirous that his sonne Nicander should take Lucilla to bee his wife who aswell for her birthe as for the rare giftes of her mynde as he had learned was worthie to be wife to any great Lord. The olde Gentleman aunswered that although she had those vertues and giftes whiche he spake of and were very well â—orne yet had she not any dowrie conuenient or agreeable to his wealthe whereby she might deserue to bee matched with his sonne Yes Marie saied the Duke for I my self because I would not haue so greate vertue as is in her to bee oppressed by Fortunes spight haue bestowed vppon her two thousande pounde to serue for her dowrie The olde man hearyng of suche a somme was
Marchauntes hauing dispatched their businesse departed thence and by them Fineo wrote letters to his Father and to his brother certifiyng them of his beyng at Tunise and how that Fiamma was with him and that he desired to deliuer hymself 〈◊〉 of bondage and her with hym Whiche thyng he thought he might easily bryng to passe if his brother would come thither and withall described vnto them a plot whiche he had caste for the execution of his intent and desire Thei beyng retourned safe vnto Sauona deliuered the letters vnto the father and brother of Fineo who with the rest of of his freendes and in effecte all the whole Citee were verie glad that his Fortune had not been altogether so froward toward hym as thei had supposed And his brother accordyng to his instructions prepared a verie pretie Fregate verie well appoincted and furnished with Marchaundize emong whiche there were many trifles and thynges of price meete for Ladies and Gentlewomen And beyng arriued therewith a a Tunise Fineo brought them vnto the Kyng whom thei presented with some thynges of small price whiche were verie gratefull and acceptable vnto him and emong other speeches thei saied that thei had aborde many pretie thinges for Dames and Ladiee which thing the kyng vnderstandyng commaunded Fineo that the cheefest of them might be brought into the Cube to shewe suche thinges as thei had vnto his Concubines by whiche occasion he gatte that oportunitie which he looked for to confer and deale more priuately with them without suspition and to giue the better order for the accomplishement of asmuche as he had deuised Fineo and his brother therefore beyng come into the Cube shewed forthe emong those women suche wares as thei had brought to please their fancies and gaue vnto them all some one trifle or an other as a gentle present to the firste and the brother of Fineo presented Fiamma emong the rest with a verie faire Purse richelie embrodered with Golde and Pearle in the whiche there was enclosed a letter written by Fineo by the conrentes whereof she might vnderstande at large al that whiche he did wishe and would haue her to doe to make their escape together and to ridd themselues out of that thraldome and captiuitie Assone as the twoo brethren had doen that thei came for and were departed Fiamm by their maner gatheryng that the gifte of that Purse contained some Misterie withdrewe her self into a secret place and hauyng opened it she found therin the letter whiche when she had read she thanked Almightie God that of his goodnesse had shewed her the waie to deliuer her self out of Captiuitie and from becommyng dishonestly the Concubine of an Infidell kyng And when this appointed daie for the performyng of their purpose was come Fiamma in the night when all was silent and others slept came to a windowe barred with Iron where Fineo and his brother were attendyng for her Who with certaine instrumentes whiche thei had brought for that purpose brake and wrested the Grate of the windowe and takyng her awaie with them thei gott her into their Barque and hoissed saile and directed their course with a merrie Winde toward the coaste of Italie whiche serued theim verie faire all that night long the moste part of the next daie In the mornyng Fiamma beyng missed and Fineo likewise the kyng was aduertised of their escape who perceiuyng the Marchauntes to bee gone also rested assured that it was a set matche made for the stealyng Fiamma awaie And beeyng full of rage and despight towardes them all caused certaine Galleis and other light vesselles to be armed in all haste and to be sent after thē giuyng straight charge and Commission to his Captaines that either thei should bryng Fineo and the Damsell with the cheefe of the Marchauntes aliue vnto hym because he would cause them all three to bee buried aliue or that thei could not get them aliue thei should bring their thre heddes for that he would haue them bee set ouer the Cube for an example and a terrour to all others But before those Galleis and other vesselles could be in a readinesse to depart Fortune not hauyng yet her fill of persecutyng and afflictyng these twoo poore Louers caused a contrarie winde with an extreame storme and tempest to arise by force whereof the vessell wherein thei were was not without greate daunger driuen backe again to Tunise with so muche greef and sorrowe of all them that were in it as thei maie imagine that knowe the crueltie and barbarousnesse of that people But in the beginnyng of the storme the brother of Fineo dispairyng of his life as he that was assured either to be drouned by rage of the winde and seas or els to die in torment if he returned into the handes of those Infidelles gat hymself into his Cockboate and therein hazarded his life and after muche adoe and a thousande perilles of present death recouered the coaste of Italie at the laste and retourned home to Sauona ful of woe with heauie tidynges declaryng vnto his father that either the Fregate would bee loste or els driuen backe again to Tunise where he was well assured that bothe his brother and the yong Damsell his Louer should bee murthered in moste cruell maner At whiche dolefull newes the father as if he had seen his sonne lye dedde before him began to weepe and lament complaining of his hard Destinie that caused him to liue so long or reserued him to see those cruell and bitter daies Fineo seyng himself brought to so hard an exigent for that their vessell was now driuen backe nere vnto Tunise and knowyng that he should feele the smarte of his faulte and the kynges anger in sharpest maner and sorte beyng determined to liue no longer and to preuent the crueltie of the kyng drew out his sworde and would there with haue stroken him selfe to death But Fiamam catchyng hym by the arme Alas Fenio quoth she what shall become of me if you bee dead Shall I remaine behinde to endure the cruell tormentes that I know this Infidell hath prepared for me Yet rather since that death must needes deliuer vs of our misfortunes before you execut vppon your selfe this your determination ride me out of the worlde and deliuer me from the paines whiche alreadie I feele in my imaginacion wherewith I assure my self thei wil bryng me to a shamefull death And with these woordes offeryng her breast vnto him she requested him to strike her with his Sworde But Fineo bad her bee of good comfort for your beautie my Fiamma saied he beeyng so singulare as it is I knowe will saue you and therefore you neede not feare and I alone should be the man that thei would plague and torment to death for vs bothe and therefore my deare suffer me to dye before and content thy self to liue and vouchsafe sometyme to remember thy vnfortunate Fineo when he is dedde Whilest thei were thus talkyng and debatyng whiche should firste dye the
people whiche the Kyng had sent out to apprehende them came and boorden their Fregate and tooke theim bothe whom thei bounde in Chaines and brought on lande to the presence of the kyng Who as sone as he behelde the beautie of Fiamma felt his former wrath and crueltie entended to relente and in muche milder maner then the twoo Captiues hoped or looked for he saied vnto her tell me what moued you I praie you faire Damsell to run awaie and flie from me at whose handes you had no cause to looke for any other entreatie then louing and freendly Fiamma who in that yere and a halfe that she had been in the Cube had learned the language indifferently well made aunswere vnto him That no cause or meanyng to flie from hym but her earnest desire to enioye Fineo whom she had loued and chosen for her housband many yeres before had forced her to doe that whiche she had doen And herewith she told hym the beginnyng of their acquaintance and loue and how many perilles and daungers thei had run through still hopyng one daie to come vnto that happie hower wherin their troubles should haue an ende and that thei might bee honestly vnited and enioye one an other And finallie castyng her self doune at his feete with aboundaunce of teares she besought hym with all humilitie to pardone her if she had offended him and withall to forgiue Fineo since that long and faithfull loue had made them to procure the accomplishement of their desires The teares of Fiamma and the onely name of Loue were of suche force and vertue in the harte of the kyng though he were barbarous and cruell of Nature that the Ire and hatered whiche he had conceiued against theim before was then conuerted and chaunged into pitie and compassion of their misfortunes and where before he had appointed a cruell death to bee their punishementes he now determined to ouercome with his courtesie the frowardnesse of their peruerse Fortune and to make theim after so many perilles and daungers contented and happie and to see an ende at laste of their miseries by makyng theim to enioye their longe hoped for desires Wherfore hauing caused thē to be bothe forthwith vnbound he tooke from his owne finger a meruailous faire and precious Rubie and giuyng it vnto Fineo he saied vnto him since your Fortune hath been suche that after so many straunge aduentures and through suche daungers you are fallen into my handes I for my parte will not bee he that will extinguishe or quenche the flames of so feruent and constaunt Loue or vnloose or dissolue the bandes wherewith your hartes be bounde and knitt together And therefore Fineo I doe not onely pardon you bothe but also I will haue thee before thou departe hence to wedde this Damsell with this Ring and to cake her for thy wife and that she henceforthe enioye thee for euer as her housebande It is not to be demaunded whether the twoo Louers who looked for none other of the kynges courtesies then death were glad to heare hym vse those speeches yea or no. But bothe beeyng fallen on their knees and in humblest maner hauyng yeelded their thankes vnto his Maiestie Fineo in his presence Wedded Fiamma and tooke her for his wife to the vnspeakable ioye and contentation of bothe their hartes and mindes And the kyng to honour their Mariage caused a sumptuous feast to bee prepared with no lesse charge and aboundaunce of all thynges then if he had Married a Daughter of his owne to some greate Lorde or cheef manne of that Countrey And after certaine daies the twoo yong Maried Louers beyng desirous to returne into their owne Countrey he gaue theim verie riche and costlie presentes and sent theim honourablie accompanied home to Sauona Whose arriuall was no lesse meruailous then ioyfull to the Father and Brother of Fineo and to all the Citee thei hauyng been assuredlie esteemed and accoumpted as dedde Afterwardes thei sent to Genoua to Fiammas Father and Brother certifiyng of all that had happened who then perswadyng themselues that God Nature had created those twoo yong folke to be matched and ioyned together in Wedlocke were wel contented with that whiche thei sawe was Gods will should bee And beyng gone bothe to Sauona the Father embraced and accepted Fineo for his Sonne in Lawe and the Brother for his Brother in law And the twoo yong Louers liued euer after in greate happinesse and felicitie giuyng by this successe of their hard Fortune an assured argumente and a notable example whereby we maie learne that though froward Fortune doe for a while crosse and molest the desires and trauailes of menne yet in the ende she can not let but that of necessitie those thynges must come to passe whiche GOD by his Diuine prouidence wherewith he ruleth the whole worlde hath appoincted shall take effecte FINIS Of twoo Bretheren and their wiues The Argument of the fift Historie ¶ Twoo brothers making choise of their wiues the one choose for beautie the other for riches it happened vnto them after thei were married the one of their wiues proued to bee of light disposition the other a common scolde in what maner thei liued with their housbandes and how in the ende the first became to liue orderly and well but the other could be brought by no deuise to any reason or good maner GEntlewomen before I will proceade any farther in this Historie I muste desire you to arme your selues with pacience in readyng hereof that if you finde any thyng that might breede offence to your modeste myndes take it in this sorte that I haue written it onely to make you merrie and not to sette you a snarryng or grudgyng against me for although I meane to present you with a Chapter of Knauerie yet it shall be passable and suche as you maie verie well permit and the matter that I mynde to write is vpon this question whither a man were better to be maried to a wise Harlot or to a foolishe ouerthwarte and brauiyng woman this question I knowe will seme very doubtfull vnto some and yet in my opinion verie easie to be answered and to speake my minde without dissimulation of bothe those euills I thinke the first is least and therefore is to bee chosen and herein I could alledge for my better proofe an example of the auncient Romaines who in al their gouernmentes were moste wise and politique emongst whom the infirmitie of the first was borne withall because it proceeded of the frailtie of the fleshe but the courage of the second was euer condemned for that it did abound frō a wicked and mischeuous mynde And in common reason it is not lesse noysome for a man to liue accompanied with a wife who although she will some tyme flie out can so wisely dissemble with her housbande that he shall neuer so muche as suspecte her whereby he shall receiue no discontentment in his minde then to be bedfellowe with Xantippa a cōmon scold who
and as he continued this determinatioÌ„ behold a contrary winde hath driuen vs on these parts where hearyng of the Fame of this Noble Citee of Tolosia he hath sent me vnto your grace desiryng nothing but your saffe conducte for hymself and certaine of his cheef Lordes and Counsailors that be about hym that in this noble Citee thei might be Baptized and receiue the Christian faithe promising hereafter not onely to ioyne in league and perfect amitie with the Christians but also to lincke with them in Religion hymself his Countries Kyngdomes and Prouinces This tale was not so smoothly told but there was greate doubte and suspition had in the matter in the ende thinkyng thei could receiue no preiudice by receiuing of so smal a nomber gaue safe condite for the Turke hymself and for fiue hundred of his companie suche as it pleased himself to appoincte The next daie the Turke was brought into the Citee on mennes shulders with his appointed companie where he was worthely receiued by the king himself with the rest of his lordes and brought into a Pallace of purpose very richely furnished where beyng laied doune vpon a bedde as though he had been able neither to stande nor sit and giuyng the King with the rest of his companie great thankes for his entertainment he desired him with the Duke his brother according to the custome to be his Godfathers when he should be Christened to whiche request thei bothe willyngly agreed the next daie the Turke hymself was the first that receiued Christendome and then all the rest of his noble men that wer with him the which beyng finished many godlie exhortations were preached vnto theim by learned menue The Turke seemed in verie gratefull maner to take this curtesie wherewith the King had vsed him and thus taking his leaue himself with all his companie departed againe aborde the shippes the Turke himself beyng caried vpon mennes backes making showe as though he had been so feeble and weake that he had not been able to haue moued or stirred any one ioynte without helpe fainyng that he would haue departed with his companie into Turkie The King of Tolosia with all his people and Citezens seyng with what deuotion the Turke with the reste of his companie had receiued Christendome began to thinke assuredly that onely by the Diuine prouidence of God the Turke was so conuerted and doubted nothyng of the tale whiche Aramanthus before had told them whiche tourned in the ende to their vtter subuersion For the nexte daie Aramanthus commyng againe to the Kyng brought woorde of the death of the Turke and with a piteous discourse vttered with a nomber of fained sighes saied that about twelue a clocke of the night past the Turke deceased and desired at the houre of his death that as in this worthie Citee he had receiued the true and Catholike faithe so likewise that he might bee entoumbed and receiue Christian buriall in the Cathedrall Churche to the whiche he had giuen by his will fourtie thousande Frankes more to the common Treasure of the Citee an hundred thousande Frankes to the King himself as a president of his good will a riche Iewell whiche hymself did weare of greate estimation to the Duke his brother his owne Armour and furniture Item to the releef of the poore within the Citee tenne thousande Frankes Many other thinges ê™ Aramanthus he hath bequeathed that I haue not spoken of the whiche God willyng shalbe performed to the vttermoste The king semed greatly to lament the death of the Turke and began to coniecture assuredly that it was the will of God but to preserue his life till he had receiued Christendome but the time of his buriall was deferred for certain daies til thinges might be prouided and more readie for the pompe and solemnising of his Funerall and wonderfull cost was bestowed by Aramanthus who had the onely ordering of the matter hoping in the ende to receiue the whole commoditie and also to be rewarded with a large and bountifull intrest The daie of buriall beyng at hande Aramanthus desired the king that for so muche as the Turke had finished his daies in the middest of his armie emongst his Souldiers that he might likewise bee buried like a noble captain and according to the maner of the feeld he might be brought to his graue with certaine bandes trailing their weapons as the custome of souldiers is to burie their dedde This request seemed to bee verie conuenient and therefore was the readilier graunted but what should I stand with long circumstance to discipher all the Ceremonies that wer vsed in this treason The daie was come that this practise must be put in vre and an emptie coffin solempnly brought to the citee vnder shewe of greate sorrowe when thei were al filled with greate ioye and gladnesse to se what happie successe was like to followe of that thei had premeditated and accordyng as Aramanthus had giuen order 5000. of their chose men were appoincted to marche the one halfe before and the other half after the Coffin trailyng their Ensignes and weapons and in this maner thei entred the Citee where the king with his nobles and principalles of the Citee were readie in mournyng weedes to accompanie the Corse When AramaÌ„nthus sawe his tyme the Alarum was giuen and he hymself was the first that laied handes of the king his Father the rest of his nobles were so enclosed that there could not one of theÌ„ escape Defence there was none to bee made for the one side were in Armes killyng and murtheryng of as many as thei could see stirryng in the streates The other side vnprouided glad to hide theim selues for the sauegard of their liues The reste of the fleete were likewise in a readinesse and commyng a lande entred the Citee where there was no man to repulse them And thus the famous Citee of Tolosia was taken by the Turkes euen in a moment without any maner of resistance the churches and prisons were filled full of Christians where thei were whipped racked and tormented to the death vnlesse thei would forsake their Faithe The kyng hymself with his brother and all the Lordes were committed to prison there to bee fedde with breade and water and yet to be scantled with suche short allowaunce as it was not able to suffice Nature and so to be dieted vnlesse thei would forsake their Faithe Now the Turke who onely by the meanes of Aramanthus had coÌ„quered from the Christians so many citees and tounes for the loue he bare vnto hym and in respect of his seruice determined to make Aramanthus his sonne in lawe and to giue hym his daughter Florella for his wife and for her dowrie all suche partes as he had taken from the Christians by conquest and vnderstandyng that the father of Aramanthus was but a poore Fisherman he pretended likewise to make hym a duke and to giue hym liuyng to maintaine his estate The Turke therfore with allpossible speede hasted messengers with shippyng
at home Yea sir ê™ the seruaunte your daughter Emelia is euen now departed into the Citee in the habite of a man But whiche waies she wente I could not for my life deuise for after she gat once forthe of the place where she shifter her I could neuer more set eye of her Is Emelia gone quoth her louer Philotus Oh God what euill newes bee these that I heare And without any further staie bothe the Father and the Louer gat them out at the doores together and aboute the streates thei runne like a couple of madde men Now it fell out that Philerno the Sonne of Alberto and Brother to Emella whom you haue heard before was lefte at Naples beeyng an Infante and had remained there till this tyme at Schoole and at this verie instaunte was come from Naples to Rome to visite his Father and Mother of whom he had no maner of knowledge otherwise then by their names And it fortuned that Alberto and Philotus happened to meete with Philerno in the streates who was so like his sister Emelia that bothe Alberto and Philotus assured themselues that it could bee no other but she Wherefore Alberto commyng to hym saied staie staie moste shamelesse and vngraciâ—us Girle doest thou thinke that by thy disguising of thy self in this maner thou canst escape vnknowne to me who am thy Father Ah vile strumpet that thou art what punishement is sufficient for the filthinesse of thy facte And with this he seemed as though he would haue fline vpon her in the streate to haue beate her but Phllotus thruste in betweene them and desired his neighbour to staie hymself and then imbracyng Philerno in his armes he saied Ah Emelia my sweete and louing wenche how canste thou so vnkindelie forsake thy Philotus whose tender loue towardes thee is suche that as I will not let to make thee soueraigne of my self so thou shalt be Dame and Mistresse of all that euer I haue assuryng thee that thou shalt neuer want for Golde Gemmes Iewelles suche as bee fit and conuenient for thy degree Philerno seeyng a couple of old dotyng foole thus clusteryng aboute hym not knowyng what thei were had thought at the first thei had been out of their wittes but in the ende by their woordes perceiuyng a farther circumstance in the matter he deuised some thyng for his owne disporte to feede them a little with their owne follie saied Pardon me I beseeche you this my greeuous offence wherein I knowe I haue too farre straied from the limites and boundes of modestie protestyng hereafter so to gouerne my self that there shall bee no sufficient cause whereby to accuse me of suche vnmaiden like partes and will euer remaine with suche duetie and obedieÌ„ce as I trust shall not deserue but to be liked duryng life Philotus hauyng heard this pitifull reconciliation made by his Emelia verie gently entreated her father in her behalf well ê™ her father seeyng you will needes haue me to forgiue this her leudnesse at your requeste I am contented to pardon her and then speakyng to Philerno he saied How saie you houswife is your stomacke yet come doune are you contented to take Philotus for your Housebande yea my good Father ê™ Philerno and that with all my harte Oh happie newes ê™ Philotus and here withall he began to sette his cappe on the one side and to turne vp his muschatoes and fell to wipyng of his mouthe as though he would haue falne a kissyng of her by and by in the streates but remeÌ„bryng hym self where he was he brought Alberto with Philerno into a freendes house that was of his familiare acquaintaunce and there the Marriage betweene theim was throughlie concluced and all parties seemyng to giue their full consentes Philotus desired his father in Lawe that he might haue the custodie of Emelia swearing by his old honestie that he would not otherwise vse her then his owne Daughter Brisilla vntill the daie of his Nuptials and then to vse her as his wife to which request Alberto seemed verie willynglie to giue consent but then because Philotus would not carrie his beloued through the streates in her mannes apparell he desired his Father in Lawe to goe home and sende some sute of her apparell wherwith to shift her before he would carrie her to his owne house Alberto seyng matters so throughly concluded toke his leaue of theim bothe and goyng his waies home he caused all his Daughters apparell to be looked together and to bee sent to the place where Philotus was remaining with Philerno who taking forthe suche as should serue the tourne for that present Philerno so well as he could arraied hymself in one of his sisters sutes of apparell and thus departed with Philotus to his owne house where Philotus callyng his daughter Brisilla he saied vnto her beholde here the partie whom I haue chosen to bee your Mother chargyng you of my blessyng that you honour reuerence and obeie her and with all diligence that you be attendaunt vpon her and readie at an ynche to prouide her of any thing that she shall either want or call for And you my deare and louyng Emelia I dooe here ordaine and appoincte you to bee Mistresse of this house and of all that is in it desiryng you to accepte of this my Daughter to doe you seruice in the daie time and in the night to vouchsafe her for your bedfellowe vntill our daie of Marriage bee prefixed and then my self will supplie the rome Philerno seyng the excellent beautie of Brisilla was nothyng sorie to haue suche a bedfellowe but thought euery hower a daie till night was come whiche beyng approched to bedde thei went where Philerno did not thinke it his readiest waie to giue any sodaine attempte but therefore he brake into this discourse followyng My Brisilla were it not but that wee bee founde parciall in the causes of our frendes but especially where the causes doe touche our parentes our iudgementes be so blinded by affection that we can neither see nor well confesse a manifest truth but if matters might be considered on without respect of persones with indifference and accordyng to the truthe and equitie of the cause I durst then put my self in your arbitremente my Brisilla and to abide your sentence whereto I doubte not but you would confesse the preiudice I sustaine it is muche intollerable and almoste impossible for a yong maide to endure and the rather if you would measure my condition by your owne estate who beeyng as you see a yong maiden like your self and should be thus constrained by my freendes to the mariyng of your father whom I doe confesse to bee worthie of a better wife then my self But consideryng the inequalitie of our yeres I can not for my life frame my self to loue him and yet I am forced against my will to Marrie hym and am appointed to be your mother that am more meete to be your coÌ„panion and plaie fellowe But that affiaunce whiche I haue
continued in good liking for the space of one moneth at whiche time an other newe fashion was then come vp aswell in the attiryng of their heddes as also in the makyng of their Gounes Kirtelles and Stomachers Mistresse Mildred being now quite out of conceipt for that she had neuer a Goune to put on her backe but of a stale cut and the fashion at the least of a monethe olde who would blame the Gentlewoman though she tooke it verie greeuouslie alas her mind was so farre out of quiet that her meate almoste did her no maner of good Whiche sodaine alteration beeyng perceiued by her houseband he began to intreate her to shewe hym the cause of her conceiued greef the which wheÌ„ she had reueiled the good honest deuill her housband said well my deare wife although 〈◊〉 I satisfied your laste demaunde my conditions were 〈◊〉 you should neuer trouble me with any further requestes 〈◊〉 once againe to recomforte you aske of me what you will 〈…〉 graunt your desire but to cut you of all hope that hereâ—◠〈◊〉 his I will neuer bee troubled againe with newe fashion◠〈…〉 your self that this is the laste requeste that euer I 〈…〉 to graunt you Mistres Mildred giuyng hym twentie kisses for his kindâ—esse went again to her mother with these ioyfull newes and â—oncludyng as before thei brought the Deuill an Inuentorie 〈◊〉 newe fashions beginning with Cappes Caules Quaiues Ruffes Partlettes Sleeues Gounes â—irtelles Peticotes and there was no Stitche no Cutte no Lace no Garde nor no fashion that was then in vse but in this Inuentorie it was to bee founde and as before this bill was no soner presented but all thinges were in readinesse so well fitted and fashioned as if the moste cunningest woorkemen in Englande had been at the makyng But what should I saie Before an other moneth was expired there was a newe inuention for then came vp newe fashions in their Caps in their Hats in their Caules newe fashioned Shadowes then came vp Periwigges Frezelyng and Curlyng then came vp Dublettes Bombasting and Bolstering newe fashions in their Gounes â—irtells and Peticotes then thei beganne to weare Crimsm Carnation Greene and Yeallowe Stockynges To bee short there was suche alteration in womens apparell from the topp to the toe in a moneth that Mistres Mildred though her self now again to be cleane out of fashion the remembrance whereof brought her likewise to be quite out of countenaunce but when she remembred how she was prohibited from makyng any further demaundes it did so gaule her at the harte that now she beganne to froune lumpe and lowre at her housebande whiche when he perceiued he saied vnto her why how now my good Mildred I feare me thy hedde is troubled againe with newe fashions from whence commeth these sodaine fittes what is the matter that â—eedeth suche alteration in thy maners tell me I praie thee what is it that doeth offende thee The poore Gentlewoman not able to speake one worde for weepyng at the last burstyng out into these tearmes if quoth she I had made my choise of a housbande worthie of my self I should neuer haue giuen hym cause thus to wonder at me nor my self haue had occasion to complaine for suche a trifle for that I might haue doen as other women doe and haue followed euery fashion and euery newe deuise without 〈◊〉 grudgyng or restraint of my desire I should not their haâ—â— bin enioyued to such a kind of silence but I might haue made my housbande priuie to my wantes I should not then haue bin kept like Ione of the Countrie in a tyre of the old fashion deuised a moneth agoe While Mistres Mildred was proceeding in these speeches or suche other like the Deuill her housbande was stroke in suche a dumpe that not able any longer to indure her talke he not onely auoided hymself from her presence but also deuised with speede to flie the Countrie and commyng to Douer thinkyng to crosse the Seas findyng no shippyng readie he altered his course and gat hym into Scotlande neuer staiyng till he came to Edenbrough where the Kyng kept his Court and now forgettyng all humanitie whiche he had learned before in Englande he began againe a freshe to plaie the Deuil and so possessed the King of Scots himself with such strange and vnaquainted passions that by the coÌ„iecture of Phisitions and other learned men that were then assembled together to iudge the Kynges diseases thei all concluded that it must needes bee some Feende of Hell that so disturbde their Prince Wherevpon Proclimations were presently sent forthe that who soeuer could giue releef should haue a thousand crounes by the yere so long as he did liue The desire of these crounes caused many to attempt the matter but the furie of the Deuill was suche that no man could preuaile Now it fortuned that Persinus the father of Mistres Mildred at this present to bee at Edenbrough who by constraint of some extremitie was now compelled to practise Phisicke wherein he had some pretie sight but there with all so good successe that who but Persinus the Englishe Phisition had al the name through the whole Realme of Scotlande The fame of this Phisition came to the hearyng of the Kyng who sendyng for Persinus began to debate with hym of the straungâ—esse of his fittes profferyng large sommes of money if he could finde a remedie To whom Persinus aunswered that it 〈◊〉 farre his skill the Kyng notwithstandyng would not 〈◊〉 ouer but intreated Persinus to take in hande the cure 〈◊〉 when he still denaied did thinke it rather proceeded of stubbornesse then for want of experience wherefore he began to threaten hym swearyng that if he would not accomplishe his request it should cost hym his life Persinus seyng hymself so hardly besteade was contented to crie some parte of his cunnyng and the next daie when the Kyng was in his fitt he was brought in to see the maner how it helde hym Whom the Deuill perceiuing to come in at the doore speakyng to Persinus he saied in this maner My father Persinus I am glad I see you here but what winde hath driuen you hether to this place Why what arte thou quoth Persinus that callest me thy father Marie quoth the Deuill I am Balthaser that was once maried to your Daughter in deede a Deuill of Hell though you neuer knewe it before whom your Daughter weried so muche with her new fashions as I had rather be in Hell then maried to suche a wife And art thou then Balthaser quoth Persinus why then I praie thee good sonne departe the Kyng of Scots for he hath threatned me for thy cause to take awaie my life Marie quoth Balthaser euen so I would haue it it were some parte of aquitaunce for your Daughters kindnesse towardes me Persinus seeyng the disposition of the Deuill thought it not good to deale any farther with hym at that present but afterward when the Kyng was come to hymself he requested of hym but respete for one Moneth and against the daie that he should then take hym in hand again he deuised with the King that all the Ordnaunce in the Towne might be shot of all the 〈…〉 FINIS