in it in the presence of Saladine was inuisibly carried thence and while he sate conferring with his Baschaes the bed Signior Thorello and all the rich Iewells about him was transported and set in the Church of San Pietro in Ciel d' Ore in Pauia according to his own request and soundly sleeping being placed directly before the high Altar Afterward when the bells rung to Mattines the Sexton entring the Church with a light in his hand where hee beheld a light of greater splendor and suddenly espied the sumptuous bedde there standing not only was he smitten into admiration but hee ranne away also very fearefully When the Abbot and the Monkes mette him thus running into the Cloyster they became amazed and demanded the reason why he ranne in such haste which the Sexton told them How quoth the Abbot thou art no childe or a new-come hither to be so easilie affrighted in our holy Church where Spirits can haue no power to walke God and Saint Peter wee hope are stronger for vs then so wherefore turne backe with vs and let vs see the cause of thy feare Hauing lighted many Torches the Abbot and his Monkes entred with the Sexton into the Church where they beheld the wonderfull riche bedde and the Knight lying fast a-sleepe in it While they stood all in amazement not daring to approach neere the bedde whereon lay such costly Iewells it chanced that Signior Thorello awaked and breathed forth a vehement sigh The Monkes and the Abbot seeing him to stirre ranne all away in feare crying aloud God and S. Peter defend vs. By this time Thorello had opened his eyes and looking round about him perceiued that hee was in the place of Saladines promise whereof hee was not a little ioyfull Wherefore sitting vp in the bedde and particularly obseruing all the things about him albeit he knew sufficiently the magnificence of Saladine yet now it appeared far greater to him and imagined more largely thereof then hee could doe before But yet without any other ceremony seeing the flight of the Monkes hearing their cry and perceiuing the reason he called the Abbot by his name desiring him not to be afraid for he was his Nephew Thorello and no other When the Abbot heard this hee was ten times worse affrighted then before because by publique fame hee had beene so many moneths dead and buried but receiuing by true arguments better assurance of him and hearing him still call him by his name blessing himselfe with the signe of the Crosse hee went somewhat neerer to the bed when Thorello said My louing Vncle and religious holy Father wherof are you afraid I am your louing Nephew newly returned from beyond the Seas The Abbot seeing his beard to be grown long and his habit after the Arabian fashion did yet collect some resemblance of his former countenance and being better perswaded of him tooke him by the hand saying Sonne thou art happily returned yet there is not any man in our Citie but doth verily beleeue thee to bee dead and therefore doe not much wonder at our feare Moreouer I dare assure thee that thy Wife Adalietta being conquered by the controuling command and threatnings of her kinred but much against her owne minde is this very morning to be married to a new husband and the marriage feast is solemnly prepared in honour of this second nuptialls Thorello arising out of the bedde gaue gracious salutations to the Abbot and his Monkes intreating earnestly of them all that no word might be spoken of his returne vntill he had compleated an important businesse Afterward hauing safely secured the bedde and all the rich Iewells he fully acquainted the Abbot with all his passed fortunes whereof he was immeasurably ioyfully hauing satisfied him concerning the new elected husband Thorello said vnto the Abbot Vnckle before any rumour of my returne I would gladly see my wiues behauior at this new briding feast although men of religion are seldome seene at such Iouiall meetings yet for my sake doe you so order the matter that I as an Arabian strange◠may be a guest vnder your prorection wherto the Abbot very gladly condescended In the morning he sent to the Bridegroom and aduertised him that he with a stranger newly arriued intented to dine with him which the Gentleman accepted in thankefull manner And when dinner time came Thorello in his strange disguise went with the Abbot to the Bridegroomes house where he was lookt on with admiration of all the guests but not knowne or suspected by any one because the Abbot reported him to be a Sarracine and sent by the Soldane in Ambassage to the King of France Thorello was seated at a by-table but directly opposite to the new Bride whom hee much delighted to looke on and easily collected by her sad countenance that shee was scarcely well pleased with this new nuptialls She likewise beheld him very often not in regard of any knowlege she took of him for the bushiness of his beard strangeness of habit but most of all firm beleefe of his death was the maine preuentiō At such time as Thorello thought it conuenient to approue how farre he was falne out of her remembrance he took the ring which she gaue him at his departure and calling a young Page that waited on none but the Bride said to him in Italian Faire youth goe to the Bride and saluting her from me tell her it is a custome obserued in my Country that when any Stranger as I am heere sitteth before a new married Bride as now shee is in signe that hee is welcome to her feast she sendeth the same Cup wherein she drinketh her selfe full of the best wine and when the stranger hath drunke so much as him pleaseth the Bride then pledgeth him with all the rest The Page deliuered the message to the Bride who being a woman of honourable disposition and reputing him to be a Noble Gentleman to testifie that his presence there was very acceptable to her shee commanded a faire Cuppe of gold which stood directlie before her to bee neately washed and when it was filled with excellent Wine caused it to bee carried to the stranger and so it was done Thorello hauing drunke a heartie draught to the Bride conueyed the Ring into the Cuppe before any person could perceiue it and hauing left but small store of Wine in it couered the Cuppe and sent it againe to the Bride who receiued it very graciously and to honour the Stranger in his Countries custome dranke vp the rest of the Wine and espying the Ring shee tooke it forth vndescried by any Knowing it to be the same Ring which shee gaue Signior Thorello at his parting from her she fixed her eyes often on it as often on him whom she thought to be a stranger the cheerfull bloud mounting vp into her cheeks and returning againe with remembrance to her heart that howsoeuer thus disguised he only was her husband Like one o◠Bacchus Froes vp furiously
both returned to great estate and credite 7. Nouell THe Soldane of Babylon sent one of his Daughters to be ioyned in marriage with the King of Cholcos who by diuers accidents in the space of foure yeares happened into the custodie of nine men and in sundry places At length being restored backe to her Father she went to the said king of Cholcos as a Maide and as at first she was intended to be his Wife 8. Nouell COunt D'Angiers being falsely accused was banished out of France and left his two children in England in diuers places Returning afterward vnknowne thorough Scotland hee found them aduanced vnto great dignity Then repairing in the habit of a Seruitor into the King of Fraunce his army and his innocency made publikely knowen he was reseated in his former honorable degree 9. Nouell BErnardo a Merchant of Geneway being deceiued by another Merchant named Ambrosio lost a great part of his goods and commanding his innocent wife to be murthered she escaped and in the habit of a man became seruant to the Soldan The deceiuer being found at last she coÌ„passed such means that her husband Bernardo came into Alexandria and there after due punishment inflicted on the false deceiuer she resumed the garments againe of a woman and returned home with her Husband to Geneway 10. Nouell PAgamino da Monaco a rouing Pyrate on the feas caried away the faire Wife of Signieur Ricciardo di Chiâ—zica who vnderstanding where shee was went thâ—ther and falling into friendship with Pagamino demanded his wife of him wherto be yeelded prouided that she would willingly go away with him shee denied to part thence with her husband and 〈◊〉 Ricciardo dying shee became the wife of Pagamino The third day gouerned by Madame Neiphila 1. Nouell MAssetto di Lamporechio by counterfetting himselfe dumbe became a Gardiner in a Monastery of Nuns where he had familiar conuersation with them all 2. Nouell A Querry of the stable belonging to Agilulffo K of the Lombards found the meanes of accesse to the Queenes bedde without any knowledge or consent in her This beeing secretly discouered by the King and the party knowne hee gaue him a marke by shearing the haire of his head Whereuppon hee that was so shorne sheared likewise the heads of all his fellowes in the lodging and so escaped the punishment intended towards him 3. Nouell VNder colour of confession and of a most pure coÌ„science a faire yong Gentlewoman being amorously affected to an honest man induced a deuout and solemne religious Friar to aduise her in the meanes without his suspition or perceiuing how to enioy the benefit of her friend and bring her desires to their full effect 4. Nouell A Yong scholler named Felice enstructed Puccio di Rinieri how to become rich in a very short time While Puccio made experience of the instructions taught him Felice obtained the fauour of his daughter 5. Nouell RIcciardo surnamed the Magnifico gaue a horse to signior Francesco Vergillisi vpon condition that by his leaue and license he might speak to his wife in his presence which he did and she not returning him any answer made answer to himself on her behalfe and according to his answer so the effect followed 6. Nouell RIcciardo Minutolo fel in loue with the Wife of Philippello Fighinolfi and knowing her to bee very iealous of her husband gaue her to vnderstand that he was greatly enamored of his Wife and had appointed to meete her priuatly in a bathing house on the next day following where shee hoping to take him tardy with his close compacted Mistresse found her selfe to be deceiued by the said Ricciardo 7. Nouelâ— THebaldo Elisei hauing receiued an vnkinde repulse by his beloued departed from Florence returning thither againe a long while after in the habit of a pilgrime hee spake with her and made his wrongs knowne vnto her Hee deliuered her husband from the danger of death because it was proued that he had slaine Thebaldo he made peace with his brethren and in the end wisely enioyed his hearts desire 8. Nouell FErando by drinking a certaine kind of pouder was buried for dead by the Abbot who was enamored of his wife was taken out of his graue and put into a darke prison where they made him beleeue that he was in purgatory afterward wheÌ„ time came that he should be raised to life againe he was made to keepe a childe which the Abbot had got by his wife 9. Nouell IVliet of Narbona cured the King of France of a dangerous Fistula in recompence wherof she requested to enioy as her husband in mariage Bertrand the Count of Roussilion He hauing maried her against his wil as vtterly despising her went to Florence where he made loue to a yong Gentlewoman Iuliet by a queint and cunning policy compassed the meanes insted of his chosen friend to lye with her owne husband by whom shee had two sonnes which being afterward made knowne vnto the Count hee accepted her into his fauor againe and loued her as his loyall and honourable wife 10. Nouell THe wonderfull and chaste resolued continencie of faire Serictha daughter to Siwalde King of Denmarke who beeing sought and sued vnto by many worthy persons that did affect her dearely would not looke any man in the face vntill such time as she was maried The Fourth Day gouerned by Philostratus 1. Nouell TAncrede Prince of Salern caused the amorous friend of his daughter to be slaine and sent her his heart in a cup of Golde which afterward she steeped in an impoysoned water then drinking it so dyed 2. Nouell FRiar Albert made a yong Venetian Gentlewoman beleeue that God Cupid was falne in loue with her and he resorted oftentimes vnto her in disguise of the same God afterward being frighted by the Gentlewomans kindred and friends hee cast himselfe out of her chamber window and was hidden in a poore mans house On the day following in the shape of a wilde or sauage man he was brought vpon the Rialto of S. Mark being ther publikely knowne by the Brethren of his Order he was committed to prison 3. Nouell THree yong Gentlemen affecting three Sisters fled with them into Canâ—â—e The eldest of them through iealousie becommeth the death of her Louer The second by consenting to the Duke of 〈◊〉 request is the meanes of sauing her life Afterward her owne friend killeth her thence flyeth away with the elder sister The third couple both man and woman are charged with her death and being committed to prison they coÌ„fesse the fact and fearing death by corruption of money they preuaile with their â—eepers escaping froÌ„ thence to Rhodes where they died in great pouerty 4. Nouell GErbino contrarie to the former plighted faith of his Grandfather King Gulielmo foughte with a ship at sea belonging to the King of Thunis to take away hi daughter who was then in the same ship She being slaine by them that had the possession of her he likewise slew
very least mitigation And being vtterly vnable to relinquish his loue diuers times he resolued on some desperate conclusion which might yet giue the world an euident testimony that he dyed for the loue he bare to the Queene And vpon this determination hee grounded the successe of his future fortune to dye in compassing some part of his desire without either speaking to the Queene or sending any missiue of his loue for to speake or write were meerely in vaine and drew on a worser consequence then death which he could bestow on himselfe more easily and when he listed No other course now beleagers his braines but onely for secret accesse to the Queenes bed and how he might get entrance into her Chamber vnder colour of the King who as he knew very well slept manie nights together from the Queene Wherefore to see in what manner what the vsuall habit was of the King when he came to keepe companie vvith his Queene he hid himselfe diuers nights in a Gallery which was betweene both their lodging Chambers At length he saw the King come forth of his Chamber himselfe all alone with a faire night-mantle wrapt about him carrying a lighted Taper in the one hand and a small white Wand in the other so went he on to the Queenes lodging and knocking at the doore once or twice with the wand and not vsing any word the doore opened the light was left without and he entered the Chamber where he stayed not long before his returning backe againe which likewise very diligently he obserued So familiar was he in the Wardrobe by often fetching and returning the King and Queenes furnitures that the fellowe to the same Mantle which the King wore when he went to the Queene very secretly he conueighed away thence with him being prouided of a Light and the verie like Wand Now bestowes he costly bathings on his body that the least sent of the Stable might not be felt about him and finding a time sutable to his desire when he knew the King to be at rest in his owne Lodging and all else sleeping in their beds closely he steals into the Gallery where alighting his Taper with Tinder purposely brought thither the Mantle folded about him and the Wand in his hand valiantly he aduentures vpon his liues perill Twice hee knockt softly at the doore which a wayting woman immediately opened and receyuing the Light went forth into the Gallery while the supposed King was conuersing vvith the Queene Alas good Queene heere is sinne committed without any guiltie thought in thee as within a while after it plainely appeared For the Querry hauing compassed what he most couered and fearing to forfeite his life by delay when his amorous desire was indifferently satisfied returned backe as he came the sleepy waiting woman not so much as looking on him but rather glad that she might get her to rest againe Scarcely was the Querrie stept into his bed vnheard or discerned by any of his fellowes diuers of them lodging both in that and the next Chamber but it pleased the King to visite the Queene according to his wonted manner to the no little meruaile of the drowsie wayting woman who was neuer twice troubled in a night before The King being in bed whereas alwayes till then his resort to the Queene was altogether in sadnesse and melancholly both comming and departing without speaking one word now his Maiestie was become more pleasantly disposed whereat the Queene began not a little to meruaile Now trust mee Sir quoth shee this hath been a long wished and now most welcome alteration vouch-safing twice in a night to visite me and both within the compasse of one houre for it cannot be much more since your being here and now comming againe The King hearing these words sodainly presumed that by some counterfeit person or other the Queene had been this night beguiled wherefore very aduisedly hee considered that in regard the party was vnknowne to her and all the women about her to make no outward appearance of knowing it but rather concealed it to himselfe Farre from the indiscretion of some hare-braind men who presently would haue answered and sworne I came not hither this night till now Whereupon many dangers might ensue to the dishonor and preiudice of the Queene beside hir error being discouered to hir might afterward be an occasion to vrge a wandring in her appetite and to couet after change againe But by this silence no shame redounded to him or her whereas prating must needes be the publisher of open infamie yet was hee much vexed in his minde which neither by lookes or words hee would discouer but pleasantly said to the Queene Why Madame although I was once heere before to night I hope you mislike not my second seeing you nor if I should please to come againe No truely Sir quoth she I onely desire you to haue care of your health Well said the King I will follow your counsaile and now returne to mine owne lodging againe committing my Queene to her good rest His blood boyling with rage and distemper by such a monstrous iniurie offered him he wrapt his night-mantle about him and leauing his Chamber imagining that whatsoeuer he was needes he must be one of his owne house he tooke a light in his hand and conuayed it into a little Lanthorne purposing to be resolued in his suspition No guests or strangers were now in his Court but onely such as belonged to his houshold who lodged altogether about the Escurie and Stables being there appointed to diuers beds Now this was his conceite that whosoeuer had beene so lately familiar with the Queene his heart and pulse could as yet be hardly at rest but rather would be troubled with apparant agitation as discouering the guilt of so great an offender Many Chambers had hee passed thorow where all were soundly sleeping and yet he felt both their brests and pulses At last he came to the lodging of the man indeede that had so impudently vsurped his place who could not as yet sleepe for ioy of his atchieued aduenture When he espied the King come in knowing well the occasion of his search he began to waxe very doubtfull so that his heart and pulse beating extremely he felt a further addition of feare as being confidently perswaded that there was now no other way but death especially if the King discouered his agony And although many considerations were in his braine yet because he saw that the King was vnarmed his best refuge was to make shew of sleepe in expectation what the King intended to doe Among them all he had sought yet could not find any likelihood wherby to gather a grounded probability vntill he came to this Querry whose heart and pulses laboured so sternely that he said to himselfe yea mary this is the man that did the deede Neuerthelesse purposing to make no apparance of his further intention he did nothing else to him but drawing foorth a paire of
began to speake Who shall tell any Tale heereafter to carry any hope or expectation of a King hauing heard the rare and wittie discourse of Madame Lauretta Beleeue me it was verie aduantageable to vs all that she was not this dayes first beginner because few or none would haue had any courage to follow after her therefore the rest yet remaining are the more to be feared and suspected Neuerthelesse to auoid the breach of order and to claime no priuiledge by my place of not performing what I ought to do proue as it may a Tale you must haue and thus I proceed There liued sometime in the kingdom of France a Gentleman named Isnarde being the Count of Roussillion who because hee was continually weake crazie and sickly kept a Physitian daily in his house who was called Master Gerard of Narbona Count Isnarde had one onely Sonne very young in yeares yet of towardly hope faire comely and of pleasing person named Bertrand with whom many other children of his age had their education and among them a daughter of the fore-named Physitian called Iuliet who euen in these tender yeares fixed her affection vpon yong Bertrand with such an earnest and intimate resolution as was most admirable in so yong a maiden and more then many times is noted in yeares of greater discretion Old Count Isnard dying yong Bertrand fell as a Ward to the King and being sent to Paris remained there vnder his royall custodie and protection to the no little discomfort of yong Iuliet who became greeuously afflicted in minde because shee had lost the company of Bertrand Within some few yeeres after the Physitian her Father also dyed and then her desires grew wholly addicted to visite Paris her selfe in person onely because she would see the yong Count awaiting but time opportunitie to fit her stolne iourney thither But her kindred and friends to whose care and trust she was committed in regard of her rich dowrie and being left as a fatherlesse Orphane were so circumspect of her walks and daily behauiour as she could not compasse any meanes of â—scaping Her yeeres made her now almost fit for marriage which so much more encreased her loue to the Count making refusall of many woorthie husbands and laboured by the motions of her friends and kindred yet all denyed they not knowing any reason for her refusalles By this time the Count was become a gallant goodly Gentleman and able to make election of a wife wherby her affections were the more violently enflâ—med as fearing least some other should be preferred before her so her hopes be vtterly disappointed It was noysed abroad by common report that the King of France was in a very dangerous condition by reason of a strange swelling on his stomacke which failing of apt and conuenient curing became a Fistula afflicting him daily with extraordinary paine and anguish no Chirurgeon or Physitian being found that could minister any hope of healing but rather encreased the greefe and droue it to more vehement extreamitie compelling the King as dispairing vtterly of all helpe to giue ouer any further counsell or aduice Heereof faire Iuliet was wondrously ioyful as hoping that this accident would proue the meanes not only of hir iourney to Paris but if the disease were no more then shee imagined shee could easily cure it and thereby compasse Count Bertrand to be her husband Heereupon quickning vp her wits with remembrance of those rules of Art which by long practise and experience she had learned of her skilfull Father shee compounded certaine hearbes together such as she knew fitting for that kinde of infirmity and hauing reduced hit compound into a powder away she rode forthwith to Paris Being there arriued all other serious matters set aside first shee must needs haue a sight of Count Bertrand as being the onely Saint that caused her pilgrimage Next she made meanes for her accesse to the King humbly entreating his Maiesty to vouchsafe her the sight of his Fistula When the King saw her her modest lookes did plainly deliuer that she was a faire comely and discreete young Gentlewoman wherefore hee would no longer hide it but layed it open to her view When shee had seene and felt it presently she put the King in comfort affirming that she knew her selfe able to cure his Fistula saying Sir if your Highnesse will referre the matter to me without any perill of life or any the least paine to your person I hope by the helpe of heauen to make you whole and sound within eight dayes space The King hearing her words beganne merrily to smile at her saying How is it possible for thee being a yong Maiden to do that which the best Physitians in Europe are not able to performe I commend thy kindnesse and will not remaine vnthankefull for thy forward willingnesse but I am fully determined to vse no more counsell or to make any further triall of Physicke or Chirurgery Wherto faire Iuliet thus replied Great King let not my skill and experience be despised because I am young and a Maiden for my profession is not Physicke neither do I vndertake the ministering thereof as depending on mine owne knowledge but by the gracious assistance of heauen some rules of skilfull obseruation which I learned of reuerend Gerard of Narbona who was my worthy Father and a Physitian of no meane fame all the while he liued At the hearing of these words the King began somewhat to admire at her gracious carriage and saide within himselfe What know I whether this virgin is sent to me by the direction of heauen or no Why should I disdaine to make proofe of her skill Her promise is to cure mee in a small times compasse and without any paine or affliction to me she shall not come so farre to returne againe with the losse of her labour I am resolued to try her cunning and thereon saide Faire Virgin if you cause me to breake my setled determination and faile of curing mee what can you expect to follow thereon Whatsoeuer great King quoth she shall please you Let me bee strongly guarded yet not hindred when I am to prosecute the businesse and then if I doe not perfectly heale you vvithin eight daies let a good fire be made and therein consume my bodie vnto ashes But if I accomplish the cure and set your Highnesse free from all further greeuance what recompence then shal remaine to me Much did the King commend the confident perswasion which she had of her owne power and presently replyed Faire beauty quoth he in regard that thou art a Maide and vnmarried if thou keepe promise and I finde my selfe to be fully cured I wil match thee with some such Gentleman in marriage as shal be of honourable and worthy reputation with a sufficient dowry beside My gracious Soueraigne saide she willing am I and most heartily thankful withall that your Highnesse shal bestow me in marriage but I desire then to haue such
one who not by any accident hapning lifted vp her head to look about her neither intended euer to doe Now it came to passe that as the boate was driuen to the shore a poore woman stood at the Sea side washing certaine Fishermens Nets and seeing the boate comming towards her vnder saile without any person appearing in it she wondred thereat not a little It being close at the shore and she thinking the Fishermen to be asleepe therein stept boldly and looked into the boate where she saw not any body but onely the poore distressed Damosell whose sorowes hauing broght her now into a sound sleepe the woman gaue many cals before she could awake her which at the length she did and looked very strangely about her The poore woman perceyuing by her habite that she was a Christian demanded of her in speaking Latine how it was possible for her beeing all alone in the boate to arriue there in this manner When Constance heard her speake the Latine tongue she began to doubt least some contrary wiâ—de had turned her backe to Liparis againe and starting vp sodainly to looke with better aduice about her shee saw her selfe at Land and not knowing the Countrey demanded of the poore woman where she was Daughter quoth she you are heere hard by Susa in Barbarie Which Constance hearing and plainly perceyuing that death had denied to end her miseries fearing least she should receiue some dishonour in such a barbarous vnkinde Country and not knowing what shold now become of her she sate downe by the boates side wringing her hands weeping bitterly The good Woman did greatly compassionate her case and preuailed so well by gentle speeches that shee conducted her into her owne poore habitation where at length she vnderstoode by what meanes shee hapned thither so strangely And perceyuing her to be fasting shee set such homely bread as she had before her a few small Fishes and a Crewse of Water praying her for to accept of that poore entertainement which meere necessity compelled her to do and shewed her selfe very thankefull for it Constance hearing that she spake the Latine language so well desired to know what she was Whereto the olde woman thus answered Gentlewoman quoth she I am of Trapanum named Carapresa and am a seruant in this Countrey to certaine Christian Fishermen The yong Maiden albeit she was very full of sorow hearing her name to be Carapresa conceiued it as a good augury to her selfe that she had heard the name before although shee knew not what occasion should moue her thus to do Now began her hopes to quicken againe and yet shee could not tell vpon what ground nor was she so desirous of death as before but made more precious estimation of her life and without any further declaration of her selfe or countrey she entreated the good woman euen for charities sake to take pitty on her youth and help her with such good aduice to preuent all iniuries which might happen to her in such a solitary wofull condition Carapresa hauing heard her request like a good woman as shee was left Constance in her poore Cottage and went hastily to leaue her nets in safety which being done she returned backe againe and couering Constance with her Mantle led her on to Susa with her where being arriued the good woman began in this manner Constance I will bring thee to the house of a very worthy Sarazin Lady to whome I haue done manie honest seruices according as she pleased to command me She is an ancient woman full of charity and to her I will commend thee as best I may for I am well assured that shee will gladly entertaine thee and vse thee as if thou wert her owne daughter Now let it be thy part during thy time of remaining with her to employ thy vtmost diligence in pleasing her by deseruing and gaining her grace till heauen shall blesse thee with better fortune And as she promised so she performed The Sarazine Lady being well stept into yeares vpon the commendable speeches deliuered by Carapresa did the more seriously fasten her eye on Constance and compassion prouoking her to teares she tooke her by the hand and in louing manner kissed her fore-head So she led her further into her house where dwelt diuers other women but not one man all exercising themselues in seuerall labours as working in all sorts of silke with Imbroideries of Gold and Siluer and sundry other excellent Arts beside which in short time were verie familiar to Constance and so pleasing grew her behauiour to the old Lady and all the rest beside that they loued and delighted in her wonderfully and by little and little she attained to the speaking of their language although it were verie harsh and difficult Constance continuing thus in the old Ladies seruice at Susa thought to be dead or lost in her owne Fathers house it fortuned that one reigning then as King of Thunis who named himselfe Mariabdela there was a young Lord of great birth and very powerfull who liued as then in Granada and pleaded that the Kingdome of Thunis belonged to him In which respect he mustred together a mighty Army and came to assault the King as hoping to expell him These newes comming to the eare of Martuccio Gomito who spake the Barbarian Language perfectly and hearing it reported that the King of Thunis made no meane preparation for his owne defence he conferred with one of his keepers who had the custody of him and the rest taken with him saying If quoth hee I could haue meanes to speake with the King and he were pleased to allow of my counsell I can enstruct him in such a course as shall assure him to win the honor of the field The Guard reported these speeches to his master who presently acquainted the King therewith and Martuccio being sent for he was commanded to speake his minde Whereupon he began in this manner My gracious Lord during the time that I haue frequented your countrey I haue heedfully obserued that the Militarie Discipline vsed in your fights and battailes dependeth more vpon your Archers then any other men imployed in your warre And therefore if it could bee so ordered that this kinde of Artillery might fayle in your enemies Campe yours be sufficiently furnished therewith you neede make no doubt of winning the battaile whereto the King thus replyed Doubtlesse if such an acte were possible to be done it would giue great hope of successefull preuailing Sir said Martuccio if you please it may bee done and I can quickly resolue you how Let the strings of your Archers Bowes bee made more soft and gentle then those which heretofore they haue formerly vsed and next let the nockes of the Arrowes be so prouided as not to receiue any other then those pliant gentle strings But this must be done so secretly that your enemies may haue no knowledge therof least they should prouide themselues in the â—ame manner Now the reason
THE Decameron CONTAINING An hundred pleasant Nouels Wittily discoursed betweene seauen Honourable Ladies and three Noble Gentlemen London printed by Isaac Iaggard 1620. TO THE RIGHT HOnourable Sir PHILLIP HERBERT Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of our Soueraigne Lord King Iames Lord Baron of Sherland Earle of Montgomery and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter c. * ⎠* THE Philosopher Zeno Right Honourable and my most worthily esteemed Lord being demaunded on a time by what meanes a man might attaine to happinesse made answere By resorting to the dead and hauing familiar conuersation with them Intimating thereby The reading of ancient and moderne Histories and endeauouring to learne such good instructions as haue bene obserued in our Predecessors A Question also was mooued by great King Ptolomy to one of the learned wise Interpreters In what occasions a King should exercise himselfe whereto thus hee replyed To know those things which formerly haue bin done And to read Bookes of those matters which offer themselues dayly or are fittest for our instant affaires And lastly in seeking those things whatsoeuer that make for a Kingdomes preseruation and the correction of euill manners or examples Vpon these good and warrantable grounds most Noble Lord beside many more of the same Nature which I omit to auoide prolixity I dare boldly affirme that such as are exercised in the reading of Histories although they seeme to be but yong in yeares and slenderly instructed in worldly matters yet grauity and gray-headed age speaketh maturely in them to the no meane admiration of common and vulgar iudgement As contrariwise such as are ignorant of things done and past before themselues had any being continue still in the estate of children able to speake or behaue themselues no otherwise and euen within the bounds of their Natiue Countries in respect of knowledge or manly capacity they are no more then well-seeming dumbe Images In due consideration of the precedent allegations and vppon the command as also most Noble encouragement of your Honour from time to time this volume of singular and exquisite Histories varied into so many and exact natures appeareth in the worlds view vnder your Noble patronage and defence to be safely sheelded from foule mouthed slander and detraction which is too easily throwne vpon the very best deseruing labours I know most worthy Lord that many of them haue long since bene published before as stolne from the first originall Author and yet not beautified with his sweete stile and elocution of phrases neither sauouring of his singular morall applications For as it was his full scope and ayme by discouering all vices in their vgly deformities to make their mortall enemies the sacred Vertues to shine the clearer being set downe by them and compared with them so euery true and vpright iudgement in obseruing the course of these well-carried Nouels shall plainly perceiue that there is no spare made of reproofe in any degree whatsoeuer where sin is embraced and grace neglected but the iust deseruing shame and punishment thereon inflticted that others may be warned by their example In imitation of witty Aesope who reciteth not a Fable but graceth it with a iudicious morall application as many other worthy Writers haue done the like For instance let me heere insert one A poore man hauing a pike staffe on his shoulder and trauailing thorow a Countrey Village a great Mastiue Curre ran mainly at him so that hardly he could defend himselfe from him At the length it was his chance to kill the Dogge for which the Owner immediately apprehending him and bringing him before the Iudge alledged that he had slaine his seruant which defended his life house and goods and therefore challenged satisfaction The Iudge leaning more in fauour to the Plaintiffe as being his friend neighbor and familiar then to the iustice and equity of the cause reprooued the poore fellow somwhat sharpely and peremptorily commanded him to make satisfaction or els he would commit him to prison That were iniustice replyed the poore man because I kilde the dogge in defence of mine owne life which deserueth much better respect then a million of such Curres Sirra sirra saide the Iudge then you should haue turned the other end of your staffe and not the pike so the dogges life had beene saued and your owne in no danger True Sir quoth the fellow if the dog would haue turn'd his taile and bit mee with that and not his teeth then we both had parted quietly I know your Honor to be so truly iudicious that your selfe can make the morall allusion both in defence of my poore paines and acceptation of the same into your protection with most humble submission of my selfe and all my vttermost endeauours to bee alwayes ready at your seruice The Authors Prologue to the Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen IT is a matter of humanity to take compassion on the afflicted and although it be fitting towards all in generall yet to such as are most tied by bond of duty who hauing already stood in neede of comfort do therfore most needfully deserue to enioy it Among whom if euer any were in necessity found it most precious and therby receiued no small contentment I am one of them because from my verie yongest yeeres euen vntill this instant mine affections becam extraordinarily enflamed in a place high and Noble more perhaps then beseemed my humble condition albeit no way distasted in the iudgement of such as were discreete when it came truly to their knowledge and vnderstanding Yet indeed it was very painfull for me to endure not in regard of her cruelty whom I so deerely loued as for want of better gouernment in mine owne carriage being altogether swayed by rash and peeuish passions which made my afflictions more offensiue to mee then either wisedome allowed or suited with my priuate particular But as counsell in misery is no meane comfort so the good aduice of a worthy friend by many sound and singular perswasions wrought such a deliberate alteration as not onely preserued my life which was before in extreame perill but also gaue conclusion ro my inconsiderate loue which in my precedent refractarie carriage no deliberation counsell euident shame or whatsoeuer perill should ensue thereon could in any manner contradict beganne to asswage of it selfe in time bestowing not onely on me my former freedome but deliuering me likewise from infinite perplexities And because the acknowledgement of good turnes or courtesies receiued in my poore opinion is a vertue among all other highly to bee commended and the contrary also to be condemned to shewe my selfe not ingratefull I determined so soone as I saw my selfe in absolute liberty in exchange of so great a benefit bestowne on mee to minister some mitigation I will not say to such as releeued me because their owne better vnderstanding or blessednesse in Fortune may defend them from any such necessity but rather to them which truly stand in need And although
that my comfort may some way or other auaile the common needie yet methinkes where greefe is greatest and calamity most insulteth there ought to be our paines soundly imployed and our grauest instructions and aduise wholly administred And who can deny but that it is much more conuenient to commisserate the distresse of Ladies and Gentlewomen then the more able condition of men They as being naturally bashfull and timorous haue their soft and gentle soules often enflamed with amorous afflictions which lie there closely concealed as they can best relate the power of them that haue bin subiect to the greatest proofe Moreouer they being restrained from their wils and desires by the seuerity of Fathers Mothers Bretheren and Husbands are shut vp most part of their time in their Chambers where constrainedly sitting idle diuersity of straunge cogitations wheele vp and downe their braines forging as many seuerall imaginations which cannot be alwayes pleasant and contenting If melancholly incited by some amorous or louely apprehension oppresse their weake and vnresisting hearts they must be glad to beare it patiently til by better Fortune such occasions happen as may ouercome so proud an vsurpation Moreouer we cannot but confesse that they are lesse able then men to support such oppressions for if men grow affectionate wee plainely perceiue when any melancholly troublesome thoughts or what greefes else can any way concerne them their soules are not subiect to the like sufferings But admit they should fall into such necessity they can come and go whither they will heare and see many singular sights hawk hunt fish fowle ride or saile on the Seas all which exercises haue a particular power in themselues to withdraw amorous passions and appropriate the will to the pleasing appetite either by alteration of ayre distance of place or protraction of time to kill sorrow and quicken delight Wherefore somewhat to amend this error in humane condition and where least strength is as we see to bee in you most gracious Ladies and Gentlewomen further off then men from all fraile felicities for such as feele the weighty insultations of proud and imprious loue and therby are most in neede of comfort and not they that can handle the Needle Wheele and Distaffe I haue prouided an hundred Nouelles Tales Fables or Histories with iudicious moralles belonging to them for your more delight and queinter exercise In a faire and worthy assembly of seuen Honourable Ladies and three Noble Gentlemen they were recounted within the compasse of ten dayes during the wofull time of our so late dangerous sicknesse with apt Sonnets or Canzons for the conclusion of each seuerall day In which pleasing Nouels may be obserued many strange accidents of Loue and other notable aduentures happening as well in our times as those of grauer antiquity by reading whereof you may receyue both pleasure and profitable counsell because in them you shal perceiue both the sin to be shunned and the vertue to be embraced which as I wholly hate the one so I do and euer will honor the others aduancement The Table The First Day Gouerned by Madam Pampinea  MEssire Chappelet du Prat by making a false confession beguiled an holy religious man and after dyed And hauing during his life time bene a very bad man at his death was reputed to be a Saint and called S. Chappelet 2. Nouell ABraham a Iew beeing admonished or aduised by a friend of his named Iehannot de Cheuigny trauailed from Paris vnto Rome And beholding there the wicked behauiour of men in the Church returned to Paris againe where neuerthelesse he became a Christian 3. Nouell MElchisedech a Iewe by recounting a tale of three Rings to the great Soldan named Saladine preuented a great danger which was prepared for him 4. Nouell A Monke hauing committed an offence deseruing to be very greeuously punished freed himselfe from the paine to be inflicted on him by wittily reprehending his Abbot with the very same fault 5. Nouell LAdy Marquesse of Montferrat with a Banket of Hens and diuers other gracious speeches beside repressed the fond loue of the King of France 6. Nouell AN honest plaine meaning man simply conscionably reprehended the malignity hypocrisie and misdemeanor of many religious persons 7. Nouell BErgamino by telling a Tale of a skilfull man named Primasso and of an Abbot of Clugni honestly checked a new kinde of couetousnesse in Master Can de la Scala 8. Nouell GVillaume Boursieur with a few quaint familiar word checkt the miserable couetousnesse of Signior Herminio de Grimaldi 9. Nouell HOw the King of Cyprus was wittily reprehended by the words of a Gentlewoman of Gascoignie and became vertuously altered from his vicious disposition 10. Nouell MAster Albert of Bullen honestly made a Lady to blush that thought to haue done asmuch to him because she perceiued him to be amorously affected towardes her The second Day gouerned by Madam Philomena 1. Nouell MArtellino counterfetting to bee lame of his members caused himselfe to bee set on the body of Saint Arriguo where hee made shew of his sodaine recouery 〈◊〉 but when his dissiâ—ulation was discouered he was well beaten being afterward taken prisoner and in great 〈◊〉 of being hanged and strangled by the necke and yet escaped in the end 2. Nouell RInaldo de Este after he was rolled by theeues arriued at Chasteau 〈◊〉 where he was friendly lodged by a faire Widow and recompenced likewise for all his losses returning afterward safe and well home vnto his owne house 3. Nouell OF three yong Gentlemen being Brethren and hauing spent all their Landes and possessionâ— vainly became poore A Nephew of theirs falling almost into as desperate a condition became acquainted with an Abbot whom hee afterward found to be the King of Englands Daughter and made him her Husband in marriage recompencing all his Vnckles losses and seating them again in good estate 4. Nouell LAndolpho Ruffolo falling into pouerty became a Pirate on the Seas and beeing taken by the Genewayes hardly escaped drowning Which yet neuerthelesse he did vpon a little chest or coffer full of very rich Iewels beeing carried thereon to Corfu where he was well entertained by a good woman and afterward returned richly home to his owne house 5. Nouell ANdrea de Piero trauelling from Perouse vnto Naples to buy Horses was in the space of one night surprized by three admirable accidents out of all which he fortunately escaped and with a rich Ring returned home to his owne house 6. Nouell MAdame Beritola Caracalla was found in an Island with two Goates hauing lost her two sons and thence trauailed into Lunigianaâ— where one of her Sonnes became seruant to the Lord therof and was â—ound some-what ouer-familiar with his Maisters daughter who therefore caused him to be imprisoned Afterward when the Country of Sicily rebelled against King Charles the aforesaid Sonne chanced to be known by his Mother was married to his Masters daughter And his brother being found likewise they
and religious anger against such deformity this Gentleman Master Guillaume Boursier was willingly seene and gladly welcommed by all the best men in Geneway Hauing remayned some few dayes in the City among other matters heard much talke of the miserable couetousnes of master Herminio he grew verie desirous to haue a sight of him Master Herminio had already vnderstood that this Gentleman Master Guillaume Boursier was vertuously disposed and how couetously soeuer he was inclined hauing in him some sparkes of noble nature gaue him very good words and gracious entertainement discoursing with him on diuers occasions In company of other Genewayes with him hâ— brought him to a new erected house of his a building of great cost and beauty where after he had shewen him all the variable rarities he beganne thus Master Guillaume no doubt but you haue heard and seene many things and you can instruct me in some quaint conceit or deuise to be fairely figured in painting at the entrance into the great Hall of my House Master Guillaume hearing him speake so simply returned him this answere Sir I cannot aduise you in any thing so rare or vnseen as you talke of but how to sneeze after a new manner vpon a full and ouercloyed stomacke to auoide base humours that stupifie the braine or other matters of the like quality But if you would be taught a good one indeede and had a disposition to see it fairely effected I could instruct you in an excellent Embleme wherwith as yet you neuer came acquainted Master Herminio hearing him say so and expecting no such answere as he had saide Good Master Guillaume tell me what it is and on my faith I will haue it fairely painted Whereto Master Guillaume suddenly replied Doe nothing but this Sir Paint ouer the Portall at your Halles entrance the liuely picture of Liberality to bid all your friends better welcome then hitherto they haue beene When Master Herminio heard these words he became possessed with such a sudden shame that his complexion changed from the former palenesse and answered thus Master Guillaume I will haue your aduice so truly figured ouer my gate and shee shall giue so good welcome to all my guests that both you and all these Gentlemen shall say I haue both seene her and am become reasonably acquainted with her From that time forward the words of Master Guillaume were so effectuall with Signior Herminio that he became the most bountifull and best house-keeper which liued in his time in Geneway no man more honouring and friendly welcoming both strangers and Citizens then he continually vsed to doe The King of Cyprus was wittily reprehended by the words of a Gentlewoman of Gascoignie and became vertuously altered from his vicious disposition The ninth Nouell Giuing all men to vnderstand that Iustice is necessary in a King aboue all things else whatsoeuer THe last command of the Queene remained vpon Madam Elissa or Eliza who without any delaying thus beganne Young Ladies it hath often beene seene that much paine hath beene bestowed and many reprehensions spent in vaine till a word happening at aduenture and perhaps not purposely determined hath effectually done the deede as appeareth by the Tale of Madam Lauretta and another of mine owne wherewith I intend briefly to acquaint you approuing that when good words are discreetly obserued they are of soueraigne power and vertue In the dayes of the first King of Cyprus after the Conquest made in the holy Land by Godfrey of Bullen it fortuned that a Gentlewoman of Gascoignie trauelling in pilgrimage to visit the sacred Sepulcher in Ierusalem returning home againe arriued at Cyprus where shee was villanously abused by certaine base wretches Complaining thereof without any comfort or redresse shee intended to make her moane to the King of the Countrey Whereupon it was tolde her that therein shee should but loose her labour because hee was so womanish and faint-hearted that not onely he refused to punish with iustice the offences of others but also suffered shamefull iniuries done to himselfe And therefore such as were displeased by his negligence might easily discharge their spleene against him and doe him what dishonour they would When the Gentlewoman heard this despairing of any consolation or reuenge for her wrongs shee resolued to checke the Kings deniall of iustice and comming before him weeping spake in this manner Sir I presume not into your presence as hoping to haue redresse by you for diuers dishonourable iniuries done vnto me but as a full satisfaction for them doe but teach me how you suffer such vile abuses as daily are offered to your selfe To the ende that being therein instructed by you I may the more patiently beare mine owne which as God knoweth I would bestow on you very gladly because you know so well how to endure them The King who till then had beene very bad dull and slothfull euen as sleeping out his time of gouernement beganne to reuenge the wrongs done to this Gentlewoman very seuerely and thence forward became a most sharpe Iusticer for the least offence offered against the honour of his Crowne or to any of his subiects beside Master Albert of Bullen honestly made a Lady to blush that thought to haue done as much to him because shee perceiued him to be amorously affected towards her The tenth Nouell Wherein is declared that honest loue agreeth with people of all ages AFter that Madam Eliza sate silent the last charge and labour of the like employment remained to the Queene her selfe whereupon shee beganne thus to speake Honest and vertuous young Ladies like as the Staâ—res when the Ayre is faire and cleere are the adorning and beauty of Heauen and flowres while the Spring time lasteth doe graciously embellish the Meadowes euen so sweete speeches and pleasing conferences to passe the time with commendable discourses are the best habit of the minde and an outward beauty to the body which ornament of words when they appeare to be short and sweete are much more seemely in women then in men because long and tedious talking when it may be done in lesser time is a greater blemish in women then in men Among vs women this day I thinke few or none haue therein offended but as readily haue vnderstood short and pithy speeches as they haue beene quicke and quaintly deliuered But when answering suteth not with vnderstanding it is generally a shame in vs and all such as liue because our moderne times haue conuerted that vertue which was within them who liued before vs into garments of the bodie and shew whose habites were noted to bee most gaudie fullest of imbroyderies and fantastick fashions she was reputed to haue most matter in her and therefore to be more honoured and esteemed Neuer considering that whosoeuer loadeth the backe of an Asse or puts vpon him the richest brauerie he becommeth not thereby a iote the wiser or merriteth any more honour then an Asse should haue I am ashamed to speake it because
there to death with colde The Chamber-maide being much moued to compassion returned to her Lady and tolde her all she likewise pittying his distresse and remembring shee had the key of that doore whereby the Marquesse both entred and returned when he intended not to be seene of any said to her Maide Goe and open the doore softly for him we haue a good supper and none to helpe to eate it and if he be a man likely we can allow him one nights lodging too The Chamber-maide commending her Lady for this charitable kindnesse opened the doore and seeing hee appeared as halfe frozen shee said vnto him Make hast good man get thee into this Bath which yet is good and warme for my Lady her selfe came but newly out of it Whereto very gladly he condiscended as not tarrying to be bidden twise finding himselfe so singularly comforted with the heare thereof euen as if hee had beene restored from death to life Then the Lady sent him garments which lately were her deceased husbands and fitted him so aptly in all respects as if purposely they had beene made for him Attending in further expectation to know what else the Lady would commaund him hee began to remember God and Saint Iulian hartily thanking her for deliuering him from so bad a night as was threatned towards him and bringing him to so good entertainement After all this the Lady causing a faire fire to be made in the neerest Chamber beneath went and sate by it her selfe demaunding how the honest man fared Madame answered the Chamber-maide now that he is in your deceased Lords garments he appeareth to be a very goodly Gentleman and questionlesse is of respectiue birth and breeding well deseruing this gracious fauour which you haue afforded him Goe then quoth the Lady and conduct him hither to sit by this fire and sup here with mee for I feare he hath had but a sorrie supper When Rinaldo was entred into the Chamber and beheld her to be such a beautifull Lady accounting his fortune to exceede all comparison hee did her most humble reuerence expressing so much thankefulnesse as possibly hee could for this her extraordinary grace and fauour The Lady fixing a stedfast eye vpon him well liking his gentle language and behauiour perceiuing also how fitly her deceased husbands apparell was formed to his person and resembling him in all familiar respects he appeared in her iudgement farre beyond the Chambermaides commendations of him so praying him to sit downe by her before the fire shee questioned with him concerning this vnhappy nights accident befalne him wherein he fully resolued her and shee was the more perswaded by reason of his seruants comming into the Towne before night assuring him that he should be found for him early in the morning Supper being serued in to the Table and hee seated according as the Lady commanded shee began to obserue him very considerately for he was a goodly man compleate in all perfections of person a delicate pleasing countenance a quicke alluring eye fixed and constant not wantonly gadding in the iouiall youthfulnesse of his time and truest temper for amorous apprehension all these were as battering ensignes against a Bulwarke of no strong resistance and wrought strangely vpon her flexible affections And though hee fed heartily as occasion constrained yet her thoughts had entertained a new kinde of diet digested onely by the eye yet so cunningly concealed that no motiue to immodesty could be discerned Her mercy thus extended to him in misery drew on by Table discourse his birth education parents friends and alies his wealthy possessions by Merchandize aud a sound stability in his estate but aboue all and best of all the single and sole condition of a batchâ—ler an apt and easie steele to strike fire especially vpon such quicke taking tinder and in a time fauoured by Fortune No imbarment remained but remembrance of the Marquesse and that being summond to her more aduised consideration her youth and beauty stood vp as conscious accusers for blemishing her honour and faire repute with lewd and luxurious life farre vnfit for a Lady of her degree and well worthy of generall condemnation What should I further say vpon a short conference with her Chambermaide repentance for sinne past and solemne promise of a constant conuersion thus shee deliuered her minde to Rinaldo Sir as you haue related your fortunes to me by this your casuall happening hither if you can like the motion so well as shee that makes it my deceased Lord and husband liuing so perfectly in your person this house and all mine is yours and of a widow I will become your wife except vnmanly you denie me Rinaldo hearing these words and proceeding from a Lady of such absolute perfections presuming vpon so proud an offer and condemning himselfe of folly if he should refuse it thus replied Madam considering that I stand bound for euer hereafter to confesse that you are the gracious preseruer of my life and I no way able to returne requitall if you please so to shadow mine insufficiency and to accept me and my fairest fortunes to doe you seruice let me die before a thought of deniall or any way to yeeld you the least discontentment Here wanted but a Priest to ioyne their hands as mutuall affection already had done their hearts which being sealed with infinite kisses the Chamber-maide called vp Friar Roger her Confessor and wedding and bedding were both effected before the bright morning In briefe the Marquesse hauing heard of the marriage did not mislike it but confirmed it by great and honourable gifts and hauing sent for his dishonest seruant he dispatched him after sound reprehension to Ferrara with Letters to Rinaldoes Father and friends of all the accidents that had befalne him Moreouer the very same morning the three theeues that had robbed and so ill entreated Rinaldo for another facte by them the same night committed were taken and brought to the Towne of Chasteau Guillaume where they were hanged for their offences and Rinaldo with his wife rode to Ferrara Three young Gentlemen being brethren and hauing spent all their Lands and possessions vainely became poore A Nephew of theirs falling almost into as desperate a condition became acquainted with an Abbot whom he afterward found to be the King of Englands Daughter and made him her Husband in marriage recompencing all his Vncles losses and seating them againe in good estate The third Nouell Wherein is declared the dangers of Prodigalitie and the manifold mutabilities of Fortune THe fortunes of Rinaldo de Este being heard by the Ladies and Gentlemen they admired his happinesse and commended his deuotion to Saint Iâ—lian who in such extreame necessity sent him so good succour Nor was the Lady to be blamed for leauing base liberty and conuerting to the chaste embraces of the marriage bed the dignity of womens honour and eternall disgrace liuing otherwise While thus they descanted on the happy night betweene her and Rinaldo Madam Pampinea
sitting next to Philostratus considering that her discourse must follow in order and thinking on what shee was to say the Queene had no sooner sent out her command but shee being no lesse faire then forward beganne in this manner Ladies of great respect the more we conferre on the accidents of Fortune so much the more remaineth to consider on her mutabilities wherein there is no need of wonder if discreetly we obserue that all such things as we fondly tearme to be our owne are in her power and so consequently change from one to another without any stay or arrest according to her concealed iudgement or setled order at least that can bee knowne to vs. Now although these things appeare thus daily to vs euen apparantly in all occasions and as hath beene discerned by some of our precedent discourses yet notwithstanding seeing it pleaseth the Queene that our arguments should ayme at these ends I will adde to the former tales another of my owne perhaps not vnprofitable for the hearers nor vnpleasing in obseruation Sometime heeretofore there dwelt in our Citie a Knight named Signior Thebaldo who according as some report issued from the Family of Lamberti but others deriue him of the Agolanti guiding perhaps their opinion heerein more from the traine of children belonging to the saide Thebaldo euermore equall to that of the Agolanti then any other matter else But setting aside from which of these two houses he came I say that in his time he was a very welthy Knight had three Sonnes the first being named Lamberto the second Thebaldo the third Agolanto all goodly and gracefull youths howbeit the eldest had not compleated eighteene yeares when Signior Thebaldo the father deceased who left them all his goods and inheritances And they seeing them selues rich in readâ—e monies and reuennewes without any other gouernment then their owne voluntary disposition kept no restraint vpon their expences but maintained many seruants and store of vnvalewable horses beside Hawkes and Hounds with open house for all commers and not onely all delights else fit for Gentlemen but what vanities beside best agreed with their wanton and youthfull appetites Not long had they run on this race but the treasures lefte them by their Father began greatly to diminish and their reuennewes suffised not to support such lauish expences as they had begun but they fell to engaging and pawning their inheritances selling one to day and another to morrow so that they saw themselues quickly come to nothing and then pouerty opened their eyes which prodigality had before closed vp Heereupon Lamberto on a day calling his Brethren to him shewed them what the honors of their Father had beene to what height his wealth amounted and now to what an ebbe of pouerty it was falne onely thorow their inordinate expences Wherefore hee counselled them as best he could before further misery insulted ouer them to make sale of the small remainder that was left and then to betake themselues vnto some other abiding where fairer Fortune might chance to shine vppon them This aduice preuailed with them and so without taking leaue of any body or other solemnity then closest secrecy they departed from Florence not tarrying in any place vntill they were arriued in England Comming to the City of London and taking there a small house vpon yearly rent liuing on so little charge as possible might be they began to lend out money at vse wherein Fortune was so fauourable to them that in few yeares they had gathered a great summe of mony by means whereof it came to passe that one while one of them and afterward another returned backe againe to Florence where with those summes a great part of their inheritances were redeemed and many other bought beside Linking themselues in marriage and yet continuing their vsances in England they sent a Nephew of theirs thither named Alessandro a yong man and of faire demeanor to maintaine their stocke in employment while they three remained still at Florence and growing forgetful of their former misery fell againe into as vnreasonable expences as euer neuer respecting their houshold charges because they had good credite among the Merchants and the monies still sent from Alessandro supported their expences diuers yeares The dealings of Alessandro in England grew very great for hee lent out much money to many Gentlemen Lords and Barons of the Land vpon engagement of their Manours Castles and other reuennues from whence he deriued immeasurable benefite While the three Brethren held on in their lauish expences borrowing moneys when they wanted vntill their supplyes came from England whereon indeede was their onely dependance it fortuned that contrary to the opinion of al men warre happened betweene the King of England and one of his sonnes which occasioned much trouble in the whole Countrey by taking part on either side some with the Sonne and other with the Father In regard whereof those Castles and places pawned to Alessandro were sodainely seized from him nothing then remaining that returned him any profit But liuing in hope day by day that peace would be concluded betweene the Father and the Sonne he neuer doubted but all things then should be restored to him both the principall and interest therfore he would not depart out of the Country The three Brethren at Florence bounding within no limites their disordered spending borrowed daily more and more And after some few yeares the Creditors seeing no effect of their hopes to com from them all credit being lost with them and no repayment of promised dues they were imprisoned their landes and all they had not suffising to pay the moity of debts but their bodies remained in prison for the rest theyr Wiues and yong children being sent thence some to one village some to another so that nothing now was to be expected but pouerty misery of life for euer As for honest Alessandro who had awaited long time for peace in England perceyuing there was no likelyhood of it and considering also that beside his tarrying there in vaine to recouer his dues he was in danger of his life without any further deferring hee set away for Italy It came to passe that as he issued foorth of Bruges hee saw a yong Abbot also iourneying thence being cloathed in white accompanied with diuers Monkes and a great traine before conducting the needefull carriage Two ancient Knights Kinsmen to the King followed after with whom Alessandro acquainted himselfe as hauing formerly known them and was kindly accepted into their company Alessandro riding along with them courteously requested to know what those Monks were that rode before and such a traine attending on them Whereto one of the Knights thus answered He that rideth before is a yong Gentleman and our Kinsman who is newly elected Abbot of one of the best Abbeyes in England because he is more yong in yeares then the decrees for such a dignity doe allow we trauaile with him to Rome to entreat
checkt back his hounds they preuailed so much by earnest intreaties to know what she was and the reason of her liuing there that she intirely related her quality vnfortunate accidents and strange determination for liuing there Which when the Gentleman had heard who very well knew her husband compassion forced teares from his eyes and earnestly he laboured by kinde perswasions to alter so cruel a deliberation making an honourable offer for conducting her home to his owne dwelling where shee should remaine with him in noble respect as if she were his owne sister without parting from him till Fortune should smile as fairely on her as euer she had done before When these gentle offers could not preuaile with her the Gentleman left his wife in her company saying that he would go fetch some foode for her and because her garments were all rent and torne hee woulde bring her other of his wiues not doubting but to winne her thence with them His wife abode there with Beritola very much bemoaning her great disasters and when both viands and garments were brought by extremity of intercession they caused her to put them on and also to feede with them albeit she protested that shee would not part thence into any place where any knowledge should be taken of her In the end they perswaded her to go with them into Lunigiana carrying also with her the two yong Goats and their damme which were then in the Caue altogether prettily playing before Beritola to the great admiration of Conrado and his wife as also the seruants attending on them When the windes and weather grew fauourable for them Madam Beritola went aboard with Conrado and his wife being followed by the two young Goates and his Damme and because her name should bee knowne to none but Conrado and his wife onely shee would be stiled no otherwise but the Goatherdesse Merrily yet gently blew the gale which brought them to enter the Riuer of Macra where going on shore and into their owne Castell Beritola kept company with the wife of Conrado but in a mourning habite and a wayting Gentlewoman of hers honest humble and very dutifull the Goates alwayes familiarly keeping them company Returne wee now to the Pyrates which at Ponzo seized on the small Barke wherein Madam Beritola was brought thither and carried thence away without any sight or knowledge of her With such other spoiles as they had taken they shaped their course for Geneway and there by consent of the Patrones of the Galley made a diuision of their booties It came to passe that among other things the Nurse that attended on Beritola and the two with her Children fell to the share of one Messer Gasparino d'Oria who sent them together to his owne House there to be employed in seruice as seruants The Nurse weeping beyond measure for the losse of her Lady and bemoaning her owne miserable fortune whereinto shee was now fallen with the two young Laddes after long lamenting which shee found vtterly fruitlesse and to none effect though she was vsed as a seruant with them and being but a very poore woman yet was shee wise and discreetly aduised Wherefore comforting both her selfe and them so well as she could and considering the depth of their disaster shee conceited thus that if the Children should be knowne it might redounde to their greater danger and shee be no way aduantaged thereby Hereupon hoping that Fortune early or late would alter her stearne malice and that they might if they liued regaine once more their former condition shee would not disclose them to any one whatsoeuer till shee should see the time aptly disposed for it Being thus determined to all such as questioned her concerning them she answered that they were her owne Children naming the eldest not Geoffrey but Iehannot de Procida As for the youngest shee cared not greatly for changing his name and therefore wisely enformed Geoffrey vpon what reason shee had altered his name and what danger be might fall into if he should otherwise be discouered being not satisfied with thus telling him once but remembring him thereof very often which the gentle youth being so well instructed by the wise and carefull Nurse did very warily obserue The two young Laddes very poorely garmented but much worse hosed and shodde continued thus in the house of Gasparino where both they and the Nurse were long time imployed about very base and drudging Offices which yet they endured with admirable patience But Iehannot aged already about sixteene yeeres hauing a loftier spirit then belonged to a slauish seruant despising the basenesse of his seruile condition departed from the drudgery of Messer Gasparino and going aboard the Gallies which were bound for Alexandria fortuned into many places yet none of them affoording him any aduancement In the ende about three or foure houres after his departure from Gasparino being now a braue young man and of very goodly forme he vnderstood that his Father whom he supposed to be dead was as yet liuing but in captiuity and prisoner to King Charles Wherefore despairing of any successefull fortune hee wandred here and there till he came to Lunigiana and there by strange accident he became seruant to Messer Conrado Malespina where the seruice proued well liking to them both Very sildome times hee had a sight of his Mother because shee alwayes kept company with Conradoes wife and yet when they came within view of each other shee knew not him nor he her so much yeeres had altered them both from what they were wont to be and when they saw each other last Iehannot being thus in the seruice of Messer Conrado it fortuned that a daughter of his named Spina being the Widdow of one Messer Nicolas Grignan returned home to her Fathers House Very beautifull and amiable shee was young likewise aged but little aboue sixteene growing wonderously amorous of Iehannot and he of her in extraordinary and most feruent manner which loue was not long without full effect continuing many moâ—eths before any person could perceiue it which making them to build on the more assurance they began to carrie their meanes with lesse discretion then is required in such nice cases and which cannot be too prouidently managed Vpon a day he and shee walking to a goodly wood plentifully furnished with spreading Trees hauing out-gone the rest of their company they made choise of a pleasant place very daintily shaded and beautified with all sorts of floures There they spent sometime in amorous discourse beside some other sweete embraces which though it seemed ouer-short to them yet was it so vnaduisedly prolonged that they were on a sudden surprized first by the Mother and next by Messer Conrado himselfe who greeuing beyond measure to be thus trecherously dealt withall caused them to be apprehended by three of his seruants and without telling them any reason why ledde bound to another Castle of his and fretting with extremity of rage concluded in his minde that they
Emperor of Constantinople sent his Sonne Constantine attended on by his Nephew Emanuell with troopes of faire and towardly horse who were most honourably welcommed and entertained by the Duke but much more by the Dutchesse because she was their sister in law Military prouision thus proceeding on daily more and more the Dutches making choise of a fit and conuenient houre took these two Princes with her to a with-drawing Chamber and there in flouds of teares flowing from her eyes wringing her hands and sighing incessantly shee recounted the whole History occasion of the warre and how dishonourably the Duke had dealt with her about this strange woman whom he purposed to keepe in despight of her as thinking that she knew nothing therof and complaining very earnestly vnto them entreated that for the Dukes honour and her comfort they would giue their best assistance in this case The two young Lords knew all this matter before shee thus reported it to them and therefore without staying to listen her any longer but comforting her so wel as they could with promise of their best employed paines being informed by her in what place the Lady was so closely kept they tooke their leaue and parted from her Often they had heard the Lady much commended and her incomparable beauty highly extolled yea euen by the Duke himselfe which made them the more desirous to see her wherefore earnestly they solicited him to let them haue a sight of her and he forgetting what happened to the Prince by shewing her so vnaduisedly to him made them promise to grant their request Causing a magnificent dinner to be prepared in a goodly garden at the Castle where the Lady was kept on the morrow morning attended on by a smal train away they rode to dine with her Constantine being seated at the Table he began as one confounded with admiration to obserue her iudiciously affirming secretly to his soule that he had neuer seene so compleat a woman before and allowing it for iustice that the Duke or any other whosoeuer if to enioy so rare a beauty they had committed treason or any mischiefe else beside yet in reason they ought to be held excused Nor did he bestow so many lookes vpon her but his prayses infinitely surpassed them as thinking that he could not sufficiently commend her following the Duke step by step in affection for being now growne amorous of her and remembrance of the intended warre vtterly abandoned no other thoughts could come neerer him but how to bereaue the Duke of her yet concealing his loue and not imparting it to any one While his fancies were thus amorously set on fire the time came that they must make head against the Prince who already was marching within the Dukes Dominions wherfore the Duke Constantine and all the rest according to a counsell held among them went to defend certaine of the frontiers to the end that the Prince might passe no further Remaining there diuers dayes together Constantine who could thinke on nothing else but the beautiful Lady considered with himselfe that while the Duke was not so far off from her it was an easie matter to compasse his intent hereupon the better to colour his present returne to Athens he seemed to be surprized with a sudden extreame sicknesse in regard whereof by the Dukes free lisence and leauing all his power to his Cousen Emanuel forthwith he iourneyed backe to Athens After some conference bad with his sister concerning her dishonorable wrongs endured at his hands only by the Lady he solemnly protested that if shee were so pleased he would aide her powerfully in the matter by taking her from the place where she was and neuer more afterward to be seene in that Countrey any more The Dutchesse being faithfully perswaded that he would doe this onely for her sake and not in any affection he bare to the Lady made answer that it highly pleased her alwayes prouided that it might be performed in such sort as the Duke her Husband should neuer vnderstand that euer shee gaue any consent thereto which Constantine sware vnto her by many deep oathes whereby she referred all to his owne disposition Constanstine hereupon secretly prepared in readinesse a subtill Barke sending it in an euening neere to the garden where the Lady resorted hauing first informed the people which were in it fully in the businesse that was to be done Afterward accompanied with some other of his attendants hee went to the Palace to the Lady where he was gladly entertained not only by such as waited on her but also by the Lady her selfe Leading her along by the arme towards the Garden attended on by two of her seruants and two of his owne seeming as if he was sent from the Duke to conferre with her they walked alone to a Port opening on the Sea which standing ready open vpon a signe giuen by him to one of his complices the Barke was brought close to the shore and the Lady being suddenly seized on was immediately conueyed into it and he returning backe to her people with his sword drawne in his hand saide Let no man stirâ—e or speake a word except he be willing to loose his life for I intend not to rob the Duke of his faire friend but to expel the shame and dishonour which he hath offered to my Sister no one being so hardy as to returne him any answer Aboard went Constantine with his consorts and sitting neer to the Lady who wrung her hands and wept bitterly he commanded the Marriners to launch forth flying away on the wings of the wind till about the breake of day following they arriued at Melasso There they tooke landing and reposed on shore for some few dayes Constantine labouring to comfort the Lady euen as if shee had been his owne Sister shee hauing good cause to curse her infortunate beauty Going aboard the Barke againe within few dayes they came to Setalia and there fearing the reprehension of his Father and least the Ladie should be taken from him it pleased Constantine to make his stay as in a place of no meane security And as before after much kinde behauiour vsed towards the Lady without any meanes in her selfe to redresse the least of all these great extremities shee became more milde and affable for discontentment did not a iot quaile her While occurrences passed on in this manner it fortuned that Osbech the King of Turky who was in continuall war with the Emperour came by accident to Laiazzo and hearing there how lasciuiously Constantine spent his time in Setalia with a Lady which he had stolne being but weake and slenderly guarded in the night with certaine well prouided ships his men he entred the Towne surprized many people in their beds before they knew of their enemies coÌ„ming killing such as stood vpon their defence against them among whom was Constantine and burning the whole Towne brought their booty and prisoners aboard their ships wherewith they returned backe to
knowing otherwise but that shee was his wife indeede Now it fortuned that there arriued also at the same Baffa about some especiall occasions of his a Gentleman whose name was Antigonus well stept into yeares and better stored with wisedome then wealth because by medling in many matters while hee followed the seruice of the King of Cyprus Fortune had beene very aduerse to him This ancient Gentleman passing on a day by the house where the Lady lay and the Merchant being gone about his businesse into Armenia hee chanced to see the Lady at a window of the house and because shee was very beautifull he obserued her the more aduisedly recollecting his sences together that doubtlesse he had seene her before but in what place hee could not remember The Lady her selfe likewise who had so long time beene Fortunes tennis ball and the terme of her many miseries drawing now neere ending began to conceiue vpon the very first sight of Antigonus that she had formerly seene him in Alexandria seruing her Father in place of great degree Hereupon a suddaine hope perswaded her that by the aduice and furtherance of this Gentleman she should recouer her wonted Royall condition and opportunity now aptly fitting her by the absence of her pretended Merchant husband she sent for him requesting to haue a few words with him When he was come into the house she bashfully demanded of him if he was not named Antigonus of Famagosta because shee knew one like him so called Hee answered that he was so named saying moreouer Madame me thinkes that I should know you but I cannot remember where I haue seene you wherefore I would entreate if it might stand with your good liking that my memory might be quickned with better knowledge of you The Lady perceiuing him to be the man indeede weeping incessantly she threw her armes about his necke and soone after asked Antigonus who stood as one confounded with meruaile if hee had neuer seene her in Alexandria Vpon these words Antigonus knew her immediately to be Alathiella daughter to the great Soldane who was supposed long since to be drowned in the Sea and offering to doe her such reuerence as became him she would not permit him but desired that he would be assistant to her and willed him also to sit downe a while by her A goodly Chaire being brought him in very humble manner he demanded of her what had become of her in so long a time because it was verily beleeued throughout all Egypt that shee was drowned in the Sea I would it had bin so answered the Lady rather then to leade such a life as I haue done and I thinke my Father himselfe would wish it so if euer he should come to the knowledge thereof With these words the teares rained downe her faire cheekes wherefore Antigonus thus spake vnto her Madame discomfort not your selfe before you haue occasion but if you be so pleased relate your passed accidents to mee and what the course of your life hath bene perhaps I shall giue you such friendly aduice as may stand you in sted and no way be iniurious to you Fetching a sigh euen as if her heart would haue split in sunder thus she replyed Ah Antigonus me thinkes when I looke on thee I seeme to behold my royall Father and therefore mooued with the like religious zeale and charitable loue as in duty I owe vnto him I will make knowne to thee what I rather ought to conceale and hide from any person liuing I know thee to bee honourable discreete and truely wise though I am a fraile simple and weake woman therefore I dare discouer to thee rather then any other that I know by what straunge and vnexpected misfortunes I haue liued so long obscurely in the world And if in thy great and graue iudgement after the hearing of my many miseries thou canst any way restore me to my former estate I pray thee do it but if thou perceiue it impossible to bee done as earnestly likewise I entreate thee neuer to reueale to any liuing person that either thou hast seene me or heard any speech of me After these words the teares still streaming from her faire eyes shee recounted the whole passage of her rare mishaps euen from her shipwracke in the Sea of Maiorica vntil that very instant houre speaking them in such harsh manner as they hapned and not sparing any iot of them Antigonus being mooued to much compassion declared how hee pitied her by his teares and hauing bene silent an indifferent while as considering in this case what was best to be done thus he began Madam seeing you haue past through such a multitude of misfortunes yet vndiscouered what and who you are I will render you as blamelesse to your Father and estate you as fairely in his loue as at the hour when you parted from him and afterward make you wife to the King of Cholcos She demanding of him by what meanes possibly this could be accomplished breefely he made it knowne to her how and in what manner hee would performe it To cut off futther tedious circumstances forthwith he returned to Famagosta and going before the King of the country thus he spake to him Sir you may if so you will be pleased in an instant do me an exceeding honor who haue bene impouerished by your seruice and also a deed of great renowne to your selfe without any much matter of expence and cost The King demanding how Antigonus thus answered The fayre daughter of the Soldane so generally reported to be drowned is arriued at Baffa and to preserue her honour from blemishing hath suffered many crosses and calamities being at this instant in very poore estate yet desirous to re-visite her father If you please to send her home vnder my conduct it will be great honour to you and no meane benefite to mee which kindnesse will for euer be thankfully remembred by the Soldan The King in royall magnificence replied sodainly that he was highly pleased with these good tydings hauing sent honourably for her from Baffa with great pompe she was conducted to Famagosta and there most graciously welcommed both by the King and Queene with solemne triumphes bankets and reuelling performed in most Maiesticke manner Being questioned by the King and Queene concerning so large a time of strange misfortunes according as Antigonus had formerly enstructed her so did she shape the forme of her answers and satisfied with honor all their demands So within few dayes after vpon her earnest instant request with an honourable traine of Lords and Ladies shee was sent thence and conducted all the way by Antigonus vntill she came vnto the Soldans Court. After some few dayes of her reposing there the Soldan was desirous to vnderstand how she could possibly liue so long in any Kingdome or Prouince whatsoeuer and yet no knowledge to bee taken of her The Lady who perfectly retained by heart and had all her lessons at her fingers ends by the warie
instructions which Antigonus had giuen her answered her father in this manner Sir about the twentith day after my departure from you a verie terrible and dreadfull tempest ouer-tooke vs so that in dead time of the night our ship being split in sunder vpon the sands neere to a place called Varna what became of all the men that were aboord I neither know or euer heard of Onely I remember then when death appeared and I being recouered from death to life certaine pezants of the countrey comming to get what they could finde in the ship so wrackt I was first with two of my women brought and set safely on the shore No sooner were we there but certaine rude shagge-haird villaines set vpon vs carrying away from me both my women then haling me along by the haire of my head neither teares or intercessions could draw any pitty from them As thus they dragd me into a spacious Woodd foure horsemen on a sodaine came riding by who seeing how dishonourably the villaines vsed me rescued me from them and forced them to flight But the foure horsemen seeming in my iudgement to bee persons of power and authority letting them go came to mee vrging sundry questions to me which neither I vnderstood or they mine answers After many deliberations held among themselues setting me vpon one of their horses they brought me to a Monastery of religious women according to the custome of their law and there whatsoeuer they did or sayde I know not but I was most benignely welcommed thither and honoured of them extraordinarily where with them in deuotion I dedicated my selfe to the Goddesse of chastity who is highly reuerenced and regarded among the women of that Countrey and to her religious seruice they are wholly addicted After I had continued some time among them and learned a little of their language they asked me of whence and what I was Reason gaue me so much vnderstanding to be fearfull of telling them the trueth for feare of expulsion from among them as an enemy to their Law and Religion wherefore I answered according as necessity vrged that I was daughter to a Gentleman of Cyprus who sent me to bee married in Candie but our fortunes meaning such as had the charge of mee fell out quite contrary to our expectation by losses Shipwracke and other mischances adding many matters more beside onely in regard of feare yeelding obediently to obserue their customes At length she that was in cheefest preheminence among these Women whom they termed by the name of their Lady Abbesse demaunded of me whither I was willing to abide in that condition of life or to returne home againe into Cyprus I answerd that I desired nothing more But she being very carefull of mine honour would neuer repose confidence in any that came for Cyprus till two honest Gentlemen of France who hapned thither about two moneths since accompanied with their wiues one of them being a neere kinswoman to the Lady Abbesse And she well knowing that they trauelled in pilgrimage to Ierusalem to visit the holy Sepulcher where as they beleeue that he whom they held for their God was buried after the Iewes had put him to death recommended me to their louing trust with especial charge for deliuering me to my Father in Cyprus What honourable loue and respect I found in the company of those Gentlemen and their wiues during our voyage backe to Cyprus the history would be ouer-tedious in reporting neither is it much materiall to our purpose because your demand is to another end Sayling on prosperously in our Ship it was not long before wee arriued at Baffa where being landed and not knowing any person neither what I should say to the Gentlemen who onely were carefull for deliuering me to my Father according as they were charged by the reuerend Abbesse it was the will of heauen doubtlesse in pitty and compassion of my passed disasters that I was no sooner come on shore at Baffa but I should there haply meete with Antigonus whome I called vnto in our countrey Language because I would not be vnderstood by the Gentlemen nor their wiues requesting him to acknowledge me as his Daughter Quickly he apprehended mine intention accomplishing what I requested and according to his poore power most bounteously feasted the Gentlemen and their wiues conducting me to the K. of Cyprus who receiued me royally and sent me home to you with so much honour as I am no way able to relate What else remaineth to be said Antigonus who hath oft heard the whole story of my fortunes at better leisure wil report Antigonus then turning to the Soldan said My Lord as shee hath often told me and by relation both of the Gentlemen and their wiues she hath deliuered nothing but trueth Onely shee hath forgotten somewhat worth the speaking as thinking it not fit for her to vtter because indeede it is not so conuenient for her Namely how much the Gentlemen and their wiues with whom she came commended the rare honesty and integrity of life as also the vnspotted vertue wherein she liued among those chaste Religious women as they constantly both with teares and solemne protestations auouched to me when kindly they resigned their charge to mee Of all which matters and many more beside if I should make discourse to your Excellencie this whole day the night ensuing and the next dayes full extendure are not sufficient to acquaint you withall Let it suffice then that I haue said so much as both by the reports and mine owne vnderstanding may giue you faithfull assurance to make your Royall vaunt of hauing the fayrest most vertuous and honest Lady to your Daughter of any King or Prince whatsoeuer The Soldane was ioyfull beyond all measure welcomming both him and the rest in most stately manner oftentimes entreating the Gods very heartily that he might liue to requite them with equall recompence who had so graciously honoured his daughter but aboue all the rest the King of Cyprus who sent her home so maiestically And hauing bestowne great gifts on Antigonus within a few dayes after hee gaue him leaue to returne to Cyprus with thankfull fauours to the King as well by Letters as also by Ambassadours expresly sent both from himselfe and his daughter When as this businesse was fully finished the Soldane desiring to accomplish what formerly was intended and begun namely that shee might be wife to the King of Cholcos he gaue him intelligence of all that had happened writing moreouer to him that if he were so pleased hee would yet send her in Royall manner to him The King of Cholcos was exceeding ioyfull of these glad tydings and dispatching a worthy trayne to fetch her she was conuayed thither very pompously and she who had beene embraced by so many was receiued by him as an honest virgine liuing long time after with him in much ioy and felicity And therefore it hath beene said as a common Prouerbe The mouth well kist comes
reuealed her whole intent to Gianetta and finding her constancie beyond common comparison acquainted her Lord with all she had done and both consented though much against their mindes to let him enioy her in honourable marriage accounting it better for preseruation of their onely sons life to match him farre inferiour to his degree then by denying his desire to let him pine away and die for her loue After great consultation with kindred and friendes the match was agreed vpon to the no little ioy of Gianetta who deuoutly returned infinite thankes to heauen for so mercifully respecting her deiected poore estate after the bitter passage of so many miseries and neuer tearming her selfe any otherwise but the daughter of a poore Piccard Soone was the yong Gentleman recouered and married no man aliue so well contented as he and setting downe an absolute determination to lead a louing life with his Gianetta Let vs now conuert our lookes to Wales to Perotto being lefte there with the other Lord Marshall who was the President of that Countrey On he grew in yeares choisely respected by his Lord because hee vvas most comely of person and addicted to all valiant attempts so that in Tourneyes Iustes and other actions of Armes his like was not to bee found in all the Island being named onely Perotto the valiant Piccard and so was he famed farre and neere As God had not forgotten his Sister so in mercy he became as mindefull of him for a contagious mortalitie hapning in the Country the greater part of the people perished thereby the rest flying thence into other partes of the Land whereby the whole Prouince became dispeopled and desolate In the time of this plague and dreadful visitation the Lord President his Lady Sonnes Daughters Brothers Nephewes and Kindred dyed none remaining aliue but one onely Daughter marriageable a few of the houshold seruants beside Perotto whom after the sicknesse was more mildly asswaged with counsaile and consent of the Country people the young Lady accepted to be her husband because hee was a man so worthy and valiant and of all the inheritance left by her deceased Father she made him Lord and sole commaunder Within no long while after the King of England vnderstanding that his President of Wales was dead and fame liberally relating the vertues valour and good parts of Perotto the Piccard hee created him to be his President there and to supply the place of his deceased Lord. These faire fortunes within the compasse of so short a time fell to the two innocent children of the Count D'Angiers after they were left by him as lost and forlorne Eighteene yeares were now fully ouer-past since the Count D'Angiers fled from Paris hauing suffered in miserable soâ—t many hard and lamentable aduersities and seeing himselfe now to be growne aged hee was desirous to leaue Ireland and to know if hee might what was become of both his children Hereupon perceiuing his wonted forme to be so altered that such as formerly had conuersed most with him could now not take any knowledge of him feeling his body through long labour and exercise endured in seruice more lusty then in his idle youthfull yeares especially when he left the Court of France hee purposed to proceede in his determination Being very poore and simple in apparell hee departed from the Irish Eare his Maister with whom hee had continued long in seruice to no aduantage or aduancement and crossing ouer into England trauailed to the place in Wales where he left Perotto and where hee found him to be Lord Marshall and President of the Country lusty and in good health a man of goodly feature and most honourably respected and reuerenced of the people Well may you imagine that this was no small comfort to the poore aged Countes heart yet would he not make himselfe knowne to him or any other about him but referred his ioy to a further enlarging or diminishing by sight of the other limme of his life his dearely affected daughter Gianetta denying rest to his body in any place vntill such time as he came to London Making there secret enquiry concerning the Lady with whom he had left his daughter hee vnderstoode that a young Gentlewoman named Gianetta was married to that Ladies onely Son which made a second addition of ioy to his soule accounting all his passed aduersities of no value both his children being liuing and in so high honour Hauing found her dwelling and like a kinde Father being earnestly desirous to see her he dayly resorted neere to the house where Sir Roger Mandauill for so was Gianettaes husband named chauncing to see him being moued to compassion because he was both poore and aged commaunded one of his men to take him into the house and to giue him some foode for Gods sake which accordingly the seruant performed Gianetta had diuers children by her husband the eldest of them being but eight yeares olde yet all of them so faire and comely as could be As the olde Count sate eating his meate in the Hall the children came all about him embracing hugging and making much of him euen as if Nature had truly instructed them that this was their aged though poore Graundfather and hee as louingly receiuing these kinde relations from them wisely and silently kept all to himselfe with sighes teares and ioyes entermixed together So that the children would not part from him though their Tutour and Maister called them often which being tolde to their Mother shee came foorth of the neere adioyning Parlour and threatned to beate them if they would not doe what their Maister commanded them Then the children began to cry saying that they would tarie still by the good olde man because he loued them better then their Maister did whereat both the Lady and the Count began to smile The Count like a poore beggar and not as father to so great a Lady arose and did her humble reuerence because shee was now a Noble woman conceiuing wonderfull ioy in his soule to see her so faire and goodly a creature yet could she take no knowledge of him age want and misery had so mightily altred him his head all white his beard without any comely forme his garments so poore and his face so wrinkled leane and meager that hee seemed rather some Carter then a Count. And Gianetta perceiuing that when her children were fetcht away they returned againe to the olde man and would not leaue him desired their Maister to let them alone While thus the children continued making much of the good olde man Lord Andrew Mandeuile Father to Sir Roger came into the Hall as being so willed to doe by the Childrens Schoolemaister He being a hastie minded man and one that euer despised Gianetta before but much more since her mariage to his sonne angerly said Let them alone with a mischiefe and so befall them their best company ought to be with beggers for so are they bred and borne by the Mothers side and
sheares which purposely he brought thither with him he clipped away a part of his lockes which in those times they vsed to weare very long to the end that he might the better know him the next morning and so returned backe to his lodging againe The Querry who partly saw but felt what was done to him perceiued plainely being a subtill ingenious fellow for what intent he was thus marked Wherefore without any longer dallying vp he rose and taking a paire of sheares wherewith they vsed to trim their Horses softly he went from bed to bed where they all lay yet soundly sleeping and clipt away each mans locke from his right eare in the selfe same manner as the King had done his and being not perceiued by any one of them quietly he laide him downe againe In the morning when the King was risen he gaue command that before the Pallace gates were opened all his whole Family should come before him as instantly his will was fulfilled Standing all vncouered in his presence he began to consider with himselfe which of them was the man that he had marked And seeing the most part of them to haue their lockes cut all after one and the selfe same manner maruailing greatly he saide to himselfe The man whom I seeke for though he be but of meane and base condition yet it plainely appeareth that he is of no deiect or common vnderstanding And seeing that without further clamour and noyse he could not find out the party he looked for he concluded not to win eternall shame by compassing a poore reuenge but rather by way of admonition to let the offender know in a word that he was both noted and obserued So turning to them all he saide He that hath done it let him be silent and doe so no more and now depart about your businesse Some other turbulent spirited man no imprisonments tortures examinations and interrogatories could haue serued his turne by which course of proceeding he makes the shame to be publikely knowne which reason requireth to keepe concealed But admit that condigne vengeance were taken it diminisheth not one title of the shame neither qualifieth the peoples bad affections who will lash out as liberally in scandall and vpon the very least babling rumor Such therefore as heard the Kings words few though they were yet truly wise maruelled much at them and by long examinations among themselues questioned but came far short of his meaning the man onely excepted whom indeede they concerned and by whom they were neuer discouered so long as the King liued neither did he dare at any time after to hazard his life in the like action vnder the frownes or fauour of Fortune Vnder colour of Confession and of a most pure conscience a faire young Gentlewoman being amourously affected to an honest man induced a deuoute and solemne religious Friar to aduise her in the meanes without his suspition or perceiuing how to enioy the benefit of her friend and bring her desires to their full effect The third Nouell Declaring that the leude and naughty qualities of some persons doe oftentimes misguide good people into very great and greeuous errors WHen Madam Pampinea sate silent and the Querries boldnesse equalled with his crafty cunning and great wisedome in the King had passed among them with generall applause the Queene her selfe to Madam Philomena appointed her to follow next in order and to hold rancke with her discourse as the rest had done before her whereupon Philomena graciously began in this manner It is my purpose to acquaint you with a notable mockery which was performed not in iest but earnest by a faire Gentlewoman to a graue and deuoute religious Friar which will yeelde so much the more pleasure and recreation to euery secular vnderstander if but diligently he or shee doe obserue how commonly those religious persons at least the most part of them like notorious fooles are the inuenters of new courses and customes as thinking themselues more wise and skilful in all things then any other yet proue to be of no worth or validity addicting the very best of all their deuises to expresse their owne vilenesse of minde and fatten themselues in their sties like to pampered Swine And assure your selues worthy Ladies that I doe not tell this Tale onely to follow the order enioyned me but also to informe you that such Saint-like holy Sirs of whom we are too opinatiue and credulous may be yea and are diuers times cunningly met withall in their craftinesse not onely by men but likewise some of our owne sexe as I shall make it apparant to you In our owne City more full of craft and deceit then loue or faithfull dealing there liued not many yeeres since a Gentlewoman of good spirit highly minded endued with beauty and all commendable qualities as any other woman by nature could be Her name or any others concerned in this Nouell I meane not to make manifest albeit I know them because some are yet liuing and thereby may be scandalized and therefore it shall suffice to passe them ouer with a smile This Gentlewoman seeing her selfe to be descended of very great parentage and by chance married to an Artezen a Clothier or Drapier that liued by the making and selling of Cloth shee could not because he was a Trades-man take downe the height of her minde conceiuing that no man of meane condition how rich soeuer was worthy to enioy a Gentlewoman in marriage Obseruing moreouer that with all his wealth and treasure he vnderstood nothing better then to open skeines of yarne fill shuttles lay webbes in Loomes or dispute with his Spinsters about their businesse Being thus ouer-swayed with her proud opinion shee would no longer be embraced or regarded by him in any manner and onely because she could not refuse him but would find some other for her better satisfaction who might seeme more worthy of her respect then the Drapier her Husband did Hereupon shee fell so deepe in loue with a very honest man of our City also and of indifferent yeeres as what day shee saw him not shee could take no rest the night ensuing The man himselfe knew nothing hereof and therefore was the more neglect and carelesse and she being curious nice yet wisely considerate durst not let him vnderstand it neither by any womans close conueyed message nor yet by Letters as fearing the perils which happen in such cases But her eye obseruing his daily walkes and resorts gaue her notice of his often conuersing with a religious Friar who albeit he was a fat and corpulent man yet notwithstanding because he seemed to leade a sanctimonious life and was reported to be a most honest man she perswaded her selfe that he might be the best meanes betweene her and her friend Hauing considered with her selfe what course was best to be obserued in this case vpon a day apt and conuenient shee went to the Conuent where he kept and hauing caused him to be called shee
enough in Purgatory wherefore the better to countenance all passed inconueniences it was now thought high time that Ferando should be sent to the world againe and set free from the paines of Purgatory as hauing payed for his iealousie dearely to teach him better wisedome hereafter Late in the dead time of the night the Abbot himselfe entred into the darke dungeon and in an hollow counterfeited voyce called to Ferando saying Comfort thy selfe Ferando for the Fates are now pleased that thou shalt bee released out of Purgatory and sent to liue in the world againe Thou didst leaue thy wife newly conceiued with childe and this very morning she is deliuered of a goodly Sonne whom thou shalt cause to be named Bennet because by the incessant prayers of the holy Abbot thine owne louing wife and for sweet Saint Bennets sake this grace and fauour is afforded thee Ferando hearing this was exceeding ioyfull and returned this answere For euer honoured be the Fates the holy Lord Abbot blessed Saint Bennet and my most dearely beloued wife whom I will faithfully loue for euer and neuer more offend her by any iealousie in me When the next foode was sent to Ferando so much of the powder was mingled with the wine as would serue onely for foure houres entrauncing in which time they clothed him in his owne wearing apparell againe the Abbot himselfe in person and his honest trusty Monke of Bologna conueying and laying him in the same vault vnder the Tombe where at the first they gaue him buriall The next morning following about the breake of day Ferando recouered his sences and thorow diuers chinkes and crannies of the Tombe descried day-light which hee had not seene in tenne moneths space before Perceiuing then plainely that he was aliue he cried out aloude saying Open open and let mee forth of Purgatory for I haue beene heere long enough in conscience Thrusting vp his head against the couer of the Tombe which was not of any great strength neither well closed together hee put it quite off the Tombe and so got forth vpon his feete at which instant time the Monks hauing ended their morning Mattins and hearing the noyse ran in hast thither and knowing the voyce of Ferando saw that he was come forth of the Monument Some of them were ancient Signiors of the house and yet but meere Nouices as all the rest were in these cunning and politique stratagems of the Lord Abbot when hee intended to punish any one in Purgatory and therefore being affrighted and amazed at this rare accident they fled away from him running to the Abbot who making a shew to them as if he were but new come forth of his Oratory in a kinde of pacifying speeches saide Peace my deare Sonnes bee not affraide but fetch the Crosse and Holy-water hither then follow me and I will shew you what miracle the Fates haue pleased to shew in our Conuent therefore be silent and make no more noise all which was performed according to his command Ferando looking leane and pale as one that in so long time hadde not seene the light of heauen and endured such strict discipline twice euerie day stood in a gastly amazement by the Tombes side as not daring to aduenture any further or knowing perfectly whether he was as yet truly aliue or no. But when he saw the Monkes and Abbot comming with their lighted Torches and singing in a solemne manner of Procession he humbled himselfe at the Abbots feere saying Holy Father by your zealous prayers as hath bin miraculously reuealed to me and the prayers of blessed S. Bennet as also of my honest deare and louing Wife I haue bin deliuered from the paines of Purgatory and brought againe to liue in this world for which vnspeakable grace and fauor most humbly I thank the well-pleased Fates S. Bennet your Father-hood and my kinde Wife and will remember all your loues to me for euer Blessed be the Fates answered the Abbot for working so great a wonder heere in our Monastery Go then my good Son seeing the Fates haue bin so gracious to thee Go I say home to thine owne house and comfort thy kind wife who euer since thy departure out of this life hath liued in continual mourning loue cherish and make much of her neuer afflicting her henceforth with causlesse iealousie No I warrant you good Father replyed Ferando I haue bin well whipt in Purgatory for such folly and therefore I might be called a starke foole if I should that way offend any more either my louing wife or any other The Abbot causing Miserere to be deuoutly sung sprinkling Ferando well with Holy-water and placing a lighted Taper in his hand sent him home so to his owne dwelling Village where when the Neighbours beheld him as people halfe frighted out of their wits they fledde away from him so scared and terrified as if they had seene some dreadfull sight or gastly apparition his wife being as fearfull of him as any of the rest He called to them kindly by their seuerall names telling them that hee was newly risen out of his graue and was a man as he had bin before Then they began to touch and feele him growing into more certaine assurance of him perceiuing him to be a liuing man indeede whereupon they demanded many questions of him and he as if he were become farre wiser then before tolde them tydings from their long deceased Kindred and Friends as if he had met with them all in Purgatory reporting a thousand lyes and fables to them which neuerthelesse they beleeued Then he told them what the miraculous voice had said vnto him concerning the birth of another young Sonne whom according as he was commanded he caused to be named Bennet Ferando Thus his returne to life againe and the daily wonders reported by him caused no meane admiration in the people with much commendation of the Abbots Holynesse and Ferandoes happy curing of his iealousie Iuliet of Narbona cured the King of France of a daungerous Fistula in recompence whereof she requested to enioy as her husband in marriage Bertrand the Count of Roussilion Hee hauing married her against his will as vtterly despising her went to Florence where he made loue to a young Gentle woman Iuliet by a queint and cunning policy compassed the meanes insted of his chosen new friend to lye with her owne husband by whom shee conceiued and had two Sonnes which being afterward made knowne vnto Count Bertrand he accepted her into his fauour again and loued her as his loyall and honourable wife The Ninth Nouell Commending the good iudgement and vnderstanding in Ladies or Gentlewomen that are of a quicke and apprehensiue spirit NOw there remained no more to preserue the priuiledge granted to Dioneus vninfringed but the Queene onely to declare her Nouell Wherefore when the discourse of Madam Lauretta was ended without attending any motion to bee made for her next succeeding with a gracious and pleasing disposition thus she
a husband as I shal desire or demand by your gracious fauour without presuming to craue any of your Sonnes Kindred or Alliance or appertaining vnto your Royall blood Whereto the King gladly granted Young Iuliet began to minister her Physicke and within fewer dayes then her limited time the King was sound and perfectly cured which when he perceyued hee sayd vnto her Trust me vertuous Mayde most woorthily hast thou wonne a Husband name him and thou shalt haue him Royall King quoth she then haue I won the Count Bertrand of Roussillion whom I haue most entirely loued from mine Infancy and cannot in my soule affect any other Very loath was the King to grant her the young Count but in regard of his solemne passed promise and his royal word engaged which he would not by any meanes breake he commanded that the Count should be sent for and spake thus to him Noble Count it is not vnknowne to vs that you are a Gentleman of great honour and it is our royall pleasure to discharge your wardship that you may repaire home to your owne House there to settle your affaires in such order as you may be the readier to enioy a Wife which we intend to bestow vpon you The Count returned his Highnesse most humble thankes desiring to know of whence and what shee was It is this Gentlewoman answered the King who by the helpe of Heauen hath beene the meanes to saue my life Well did the Count know her as hauing very often before seene her and although shee was very faire and amiable yet in regard of her meane birth which he held as a disparagement to his Nobility in bloud he made a scorne of her and spake thus to the King Would your Highnesse giue me a Quacksaluer to my Wife one that deales in drugges and Physicarie I hope I am able to bestow my selfe much better then so Why quoth the King wouldst thou haue vs breake our faith which for the recouery of our health wee haue giuen to this vertuous virgin and shee will haue no other reward but onely Count Bertrand to be her husband Sir replied the Count you may dispossesse me of all that is mine because I am your Ward and Subiect and any where else you may bestow me but pardon me to tell you that this marriage cannot be made with any liking or allowance of mine neither will I euer giue consent thereto Sir saide the King it is our will that it shall be so vertuous she is faire and wise she loueth thee most affectionately and with her mayest thou leade a more Noble life then with the greatest Lady in our Kingdome Silent and discontented stoode the Count but the King commaunded preparation for the marriage and when the appointed time was come the Count albeit against his will receiued his wife at the Kings hand she louing him deerely as her owne life When all was done the Count requested of the King that what else remained for further solemnization of the marriage it might be performed in his owne Countrey reseruing to himselfe what else he intended Being mounted on horseback and humbly taking their leaue of the King the Count would not ride home to his owne dwelling but into Tuscany where he heard of a warre betweene the Florentines and the Senesi purposing to take part with the Florentines to whom he was willingly and honourably welcommed being created Captain of a worthy Company and continuing there a long while in seruice The poore forsaken new married Countesse could scarsely be pleased with such dishonourable vnkindnes yet gouerning her impatience with no meane discretion and hoping by her vertuous carriage to compasse the meanes of his recall home she rode to Roussillion where all the people receiued her very louingly Now by reason of the Counts so long absence all things were there farre out of order mutinies quarrels and ciuill dissentions hauing procured many dissolute irruptions to the expence of much blood in many places But shee like a iolly stirring Lady very wise and prouident in such disturbances reduced all occasions to such ciuility againe that the people admired her rare behauiour and condemned the Count for his vnkindnesse towards her After that the whole countrey of Roussillion by the policy and wisedome of this worthy Lady was fully re-established in their ancient liberties she made choise of two discreet knights whom she sent to the Count her husband to let him vnderstand that if in displeasure to her hee was thus become a stranger to his owne countrey vpon the return of his answer to giue him contentment shee would depart thence and by no meanes disturbe him Roughly and churlishly he replied Let her doe as she list for I haue no determination to dwel with her or neere where she is Tell her from me when she shall haue this Ring which you behold heere on my finger and a sonne in her armes begotten by me then will I come liue with her and be her loue The Ring he made most precious and deere account of and neuer tooke it off from his finger in regard of an especial vertue and property which he well knew to be remaining in it And these two Knights hearing the impossibility of these two strict conditions with no other fauour else to be deriued from him sorrowfully returned backe to their Ladie and acquainted her with this vnkinde answer as also his vnalterable determination which wel you may conceiue must needs be verie vnwelcome to her After she had an indifferent while considered with her selfe her resolution became so vndauntable that she would aduenture to practise such meanes whereby to compasse those two apparant impossibilities and so to enioy the loue of her husband Hauing absolutely concluded what was to be done she assembled all the cheefest men of the country reuealing vnto them in mournfull manner what an attempt she had made already in hope of recouering her husbands fauour and what a rude answer was thereon returned In the end she told them that it did not sute with her vnworthinesse to make the Count liue as an exile from his owne inheritance vpon no other inducement but only in regard of her wherefore she had determined betweene heauen and her soule to spend the remainder of her dayes in Pilgrimages and prayers for preseruation of the Counts soule and her owne earnestly desiring them to vndertake the charge and gouernment of the Countrey and signifying vnto the Count how she had forsaken his house and purposed to wander so far thence that neuer would she visite Roussillion any more In the deliuerie of these words the Lords and gentlemen wept and sighed extraordinarily vsing many earnest imprecations to alter this resolue in her but all was in vaine Hauing taken her sad and sorrowfull farewell of them all accompanied onely with her Maide and one of her Kinsmen away she went attired in a Pilgrims habite yet well furnished with money and precious Iewels to auoide all wants which might befall
not at this time only but at many other meetings beside gaue the Countesse free possession of her husbands pleasures yet alwayes in such darke and concealed secrecie as it was neuer suspected nor knowne by any but themselues the Count lying with his owne wife and disappointed of her whom he more deerely loued Alwayes at his vprising in the mornings which vsually was before the breake of day for for preuenting the least scruple of suspition many familiar conferences passed betweene them with the gifts of diuers faire and costly Iewels all which the Countesse carefully kept and perceiuing assuredly that shee was conceiued with childe she would no longer bee troublesome to the good old Lady but calling her aside spake thus to her Madam I must needs giue thankes to heauen and you because my desires are amply accomplished and both time and your deserts doe iustly challenge that I should accordingly quite you before my departure It remaineth nowe in your owne power to make what demand you please of me which yet I will not giue you by way of reward because that would seeme to bee base and mercenary but onely whatsoeuer you shall receiue of me is in honourable recompence of faire vertuous deseruings such as any honest and well-minded Lady in the like distresse may with good credit allow and yet no preiudice to her reputation Although pouerty might well haue tutored the Ladies tongue to demand a liberall recompence for her paines yet she requested but an 100 pounds as a friendly helpe towards her daughters marriage and that with a bashfull blushing was vttered too yet the Countesse gaue hir fiue hundred pounds beside so many rich and costly Iewels as amounted to a farre greater summe So she returned to her wonted lodging at the aged widdowes house where first she was entertained at her comming to Florence and the good old Lady to auoide the Counts repairing to her house any more departed thence sodainly with her daughter to diuers friends of hers that dwelt in the Country whereat the Count was much discontented albeit afterward he did neuer heare any more tidings of hir or her daughter who was worthily married to her Mothers great comfort Not long after Count Bertrand was re-called home by his people and he hauing heard of his wiues absence went to Roussillion so much the more willingly And the Countesse knowing her husbands departure from Florence as also his safe arriuall at his owne dwelling remained still in Florence vntill the time of her deliuerance which was of two goodly Sonnes liuely resembling the lookes of their Father and all the perfect lineaments of his body Perswade your selues she was not a little carefull of their nursing and when she saw the time answerable to her determination she tooke her iourney vnknowne to any and arriued with them at Montpellier where shee rested her selfe for diuers dayes after so long and wearisome a iourney Vpon the day of all Saints the Count kept a solemne Festiuall for the assembly of his Lords Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen vppon which Iouiall day of generall reioycing the Countesse attired in her wonted Pilgrimes weed repaired thither entering into the great Hall where the Tables were readily couered for dinner Preassing thorough the throng of people with her two children in her armes she presumed vnto the place where the Count sate falling on her knees before him the teares trickling abundantly downe her checkes thus she spake Worthy Lord I am thy poor despised and vnfortunate wife who that thou mightst returne home and not bee an exile from thine owne abiding haue thus long gone begging through the world Yet now at length I hope thou wilt be so honourably-minded as to performe thine own too strict imposed conditions made to the two Knights which I sent vnto thee and which by thy command I was enioyned to do Behold here in mine armes not onely one Sonne by thee begotten but two Twins and thy Ring beside High time is it now if men of honor respect their promises that after so long and redious trauell I should at last bee welcommed as thy true wife The Counte hearing this stoode as confounded with admiration for full well he knew the Ring and both the children were so perfectly like him as he was confirmed to be their Father by generall iudgement Vpon his vrging by what possible meanes this could be broght to passe the Countesse in presence of the whole assembly and vnto her eternall commendation related the whole history euen in such manner as you haue formerly heard it Moreouer she reported the priuate speeches in bed vttered betweene himselfe and her being witnessed more apparantly by the costly Iewels there openly shewn All which infallible proofes proclaiming his shame and her most noble carriage to her husband hee confessed that she had told nothing but the truth in euery point which she had reported Commending her admirable constancy excellency of wit sprightly courage in making such a bold aduenture hee kissed the two sweete boyes and to keepe his promise whereto he was earnestly importuned by all his best esteemed friends there present especially the honourable Ladies who would haue no deniall but by forgetting his former harsh and vnciuill carriage towardes her to accept her for euer as his lawfull wife folding her in his armes and sweetly kissing her diuers times together he bad her welcome to him as his vertuous loyall most louing wife and so for euer after he would acknowledge her Well knew he that she had store of better beseeming garments in the house and therefore requested the Ladies to walke with her to her Chamber to vncase her of those pilgrimes weeds and cloath her in her owne more sumptuous garments euen those which she wore on her wedding day because that was not the day of his contentment but onely this for now he confessed her to be his wife indeede and now he would giue the King thanks for her and now was Count Bertrand truly married to the faire Iuliet of Narbona The wonderfull and chaste resolued continency of faire Serictha daughter to Siwalde King of Denmark who being sought and sued vnto by many worthy persons that did affect her dearly would not looke any man in the face vntill such time as she was married The tenth Nouell A very singular and worthy president for all yong Ladies and Gentlewomen not rashly to bestow themselues in mariage without the knowledge and consent of their Parents and Friends DIoneus hauing diligently listened to the Queens singular discourse so soone as she had concluded and none now remaining but himselfe to giue a full period vnto that dayes pleasure without longer trifling the time or expecting any command from the Queene thus he began Gracious Ladies I know that you do â—ow expect from me some such queint Tale as shall be suteable to my merry disposition rather sauouring of wantonnesse then any discreet and sober wisedom and such a purpose indeed I once had
as loath to continue so long in his aâ—mes but rather euident signes of hearty contentment yet in very bashfull and modest manner willing enough to accept his louing kindnesse yet not wandring from her wonted chaste carriage He being fauourably excused for the outward expression of his amourous behauiour to her and certified withall that since the time of freeing her from the wretch who sought the violating of her chastity shee had entirely respected him albeit to shun suspition of lightnesse and to win more assurance of what shee credited sufficiently already shee continued her stiffe opinion against him yet alwayes this resolution was set downe in her soule neuer with her will to haue any other Husband but Ocharus who aboue all other had best deserued her by his generosity vertue manly courage and valiancy whereof he might the better assure himselfe because of her owne voâ—untary disposition shee followed to find him out not for any other occasion but to reuenge her selfe by this honest Office for all that he had done or vndertaken to winne the grace and loue of the King of Denmarkes Daughter to whom he presented such dutifull seruice Ocharus who would not loose this happinesse to be made King of all the Northerne Ilands with more then a thankfull heart accepted all her gracious excuses And being desirous to waste no longer time in vaine lest Fortune should raise some new stragatem against him to dispossesse him of so faire a felicity left off his counterfet intended marriage and effected this in good earnest and was wedded to his most esteemed Serictha Not long had these louers liued in the lawfull and sacred rites of marriage but King Siwalde was aduertised that his Daughter had giuen her consent to Ocharus and receiued him as her noble Husband The party was not a iot displeasing to him hee thought him to be a worthy Son in Law and the condition did sufficiently excuse the match onely herein lay the errour and offence that the marriage was sollemnized without his knowledge and consent he being not called thereto or so much as acquainting him therewith which made him condemne Ocharus of ouerbold arrogancy he being such a great and powerfull King to be so lightly respected by his Subiect and especially in the marriage of his Daughter But Serictha who was now metamorphosed from a maide to a wife and had lyen a few nights by the side of a Soldiour was become much more valiant and aduenturous then she was before She took the matter in hand went to her Father who welcommed her most louingly and so pleasing were her speeches carried with such wit and womanly discretion that nothing wanted to approue what she had done Matters which he had neuer knowne or so much as heard of were now openly reuealed how Ocharus had deliuered her from the rauisher what worthie respect he then vsed towards her and what honour he extended to her in the deserts where she tended her flocke as a Shephearddesse with manie other honourable actions beside that the Kings anger became mildely qualified and so farre he entred into affection that he would not do any thing thence-forward without the counsell and aduise of his Sonne in Law whom so highly he esteemed and liked so respectiuely of him and his race that his Queene dying hee married with the Sister to Ocharus going hand in hand with the gentle and modest Princesse Serictha This Nouell of Dioneus was commended by all the company and so much the rather because it was free from all folly and obscoennesse And the Queene perceiuing that as the Tale was ended so her dignitie must now be expired she tooke the Crowne of Laurell from off her head graciously placed it on the head of Philostratus saying The worthy Discourse of Dioncus being out of his wonted wanton element causeth mee at the resignation of mine Authority to make choise of him as our next Commander who is best able to order and enstruct vs all and so I yeeld both my place and honour to Philostratus I hope with the good liking of all our assistants as plainly appeareth by their instant carriage towards him with all their heartiest loue and sufferages Whereupon Philostratus beginning to consider on the charge committed to his care called the Maister of the houshold to knowe in what estate all matters were because where any defect appeared euerie thing might be the sooner remedied for the better satisfaction of the company during the time of his authority Then returning backe to the assembly thus he began Louely Ladies I would haue you to knowe that since the time of ability in me to distinguish betweene good and euill I haue alwayes bene subiect perhaps by the meanes of some beautie heere among vs to the proud and imperious dominion of loue with expression of all duty humility and most intimate desire to please yet all hath prooued to no purpose but still I haue bin reiected for some other wherby my condition hath falne from ill to worse and so still it is likely euen to the houre of my death In which respect it best pleaseth me that our conferences to morrow shal extend to no other argument but only such casesas are most conformable to my calamity namely of such whose loue hath had vnhappy ending because I await no other issue of mine nor willingly would I be called by any other name but onely the miserable and vnfortunate Louer Hauing thus spoken he arose againe granting leaue to the rest to recreate themselues till supper time The Garden was very faire and spacious affoording large limits for their seuerall walkes the Sun being already so low descended that it could not be offensiue to any one the Connies Kids and young Hindes skipping euery where about them to their no meane pleasure and contentment Dioneus Fiammetta sate singiâ—g together of Messire Guiglielmo and the Lady of Vertue Philomena and Pamphilus playing at the Chesse all sporting themselues as best they pleased But the houre of Supper being come and the Tables couered about the faire fountaine they sate downe and supt in most louing manner Then Philostratus not to swerue from the course which had beene obserued by the Queenes before him so soone as the Tables were taken away gaue command that Madam Lauretta should beginne the dance and likewise to sing a Song My gracious Lord quoth shee I can skill of no other Songs but onely a peece of mine owne which I haue already learned by heart may well beseeme this faire assembly if you please to allow of that I am ready to performe it with all obedience Lady replyed the King you your selfe being so faire and louely so needs must be whatsoeuer commeth from you therefore let vs heare such as you haue Madam Lauretta giuing enstruction to the Chorus prepared and began in this manner The Song NO soule so comfortlesse Hath more cause to expresse Like woe and heauinesse As I poore amorous Maide He that did forme
my selfe with those exercises which Guido Caualconti and Dante Alighieri already aged as also Messer Cino de Pistoia older then either of them both held to be their chiefest honour And were it not a wandering too farre from our present argument I would alledge Histories to approoue my words full of very ancient and famous men who in the ripest maturity of all their time were carefully studious for the contenting of women albeit these cock-braines neither know the way how to do it nor are so wise as to learne it Now for my dwelling at Parnassus with the Muses I confesse their counsell to be very good but wee cannot alwayes continue with them nor they with vs. And yet neuerthelesse when any man departeth from them they delighting themselues to see such things as may bee thought like them do not therein deserue to be blamed Wee finde it recorded that the Muses were women and albeit women cannot equall the performance of the Muses yet in their very prime aspect they haue a liuely resemblance with the Muses so that if women were pleasing for nothing else yet they ought to be generally pleasing in that respect Beside all this women haue bin the occasion of my composing a thousand Verses whereas the Muses neuer caused me to make so much as one Verie true it is that they gaue me good assistance and taught me how I shold compose them yea and directed me in writing of these Nouels And how basely soeuer they iudge of my studies yet haue the Muses neuer scorned to dwell with me perhaps for the respectiue seruice and honourable resemblance of those Ladies with themselues whose vertues I haue not spared to commend by them Wherefore in the composition of these varieties I haue not strayed so farre from Parnassus nor the Muses as in their silly coniectures they imagine But what shall I say to them who take so great compassion on my pouertie as they aduise me to get something whereon to make my liuing Assuredly I know not what to say in this case except by due consideration made with my selfe how they would answer mee if necessitie should driue me to craue kindnesse of them questionles they would then say Goe seeke comfort among thy fables and follies Yet I would haue them know that poore Poets haue alwayes found more among their fables fictions then many rich men euer could do by ransacking all their bags of treasure Beside many other might be spoken of who made their age and times to flourish meerely by their inuentions and fables whereas on the contrary a great number of other busier braines seeking to gaine more then would serue them to liue on haue vtterly runne vppon their owne ruine and ouerthrowne themselues for euer What should I say more To such men as are either so suspitious of their owne charitie or of my necessity whensoeuer it shall happen I can answere I thanke my God for it with the Apostle I know how to abouâ—d how to abate yea how to endure both prosperity and want and therefore let no man be more carefull of me then I am of my selfe For them that are so inquisitiue into my discourses to haue a further construction of them then agrees with my meaning or their own good manners taxing me with writing one thing but intending another I could wish that their wisedom would extend so farre as but to compare them with their originals to finde them a iot discordant from my writing and then I would freely confesse that they had some reason to reprehend me and I should endeuour to make them amends But vntill they can touch me with any thing else but words onely I must let them wander in their owne giddy opinions and followe the course proiected to my selfe saying of them as they do of me Thus holding them all sufficiently answered for this time I say most worthy Ladies that by heauens assistance and yours whereto I onely leane I will proceede on armed with patience and turning my backe against these impetuous windes let them breath till they burst because I see nothing can happen to harme me but onely the venting of their malice For the roughest blastes do but raise the smallest dust from off the ground driuing it from one place to another or carrying it vp to the aire many times it falleth downe againe on mens heads yea vpon the Crownes of Emperors and Kings and sometimes on the highest Palaces and tops of Towers from whence if it chance to descend again by contrarie blasts it can light no lower then whence it came at the first And therefore if euer I stroue to please you with my vttermost abilities in any thing surely I must now contend to expresse it more then euer For I know right well that no man can say with reason except some such as my selfe who loue and honour you that we do any otherwise then as nature hath commanded vs and to resist her lawes requires a greater and more powerfull strength then ours and the contenders against her supreame priuiledges haue either laboured meerely in vaine or else incurred their owne bane Which strength I freely confesse my selfe not to haue neither couet to be possessed of it in this case but if I had it I wold rather lend it to some other then any way to vse it on mine own behalfe Wherefore I would aduise them that thus checke and controule mee to giue ouer and be silent and if their cold humors cannot learne to loue let them liue still in their frostie complexion delighting theÌ„selues in their corrupted appetites suffering me to enioy mine owne for the litle while I haue to liue and this is all the kindnesse I require of them But now it is time bright beauties to returne whence we parted and to follow our former order begun because it may seeme we haue wandered too farre By this time the Sun had chased the Starre-light from the heauens and the shadie moisture from the ground when Philostratus the King being risen all the company arose likewise When being come into the goodly Garden they spent the time in varietie of sports dining where they had supt the night before And after that the Sun was at his highest and they had refreshed their spirits with a little slumbering they sate downe according to custome about the faire Fountaine And then the King commanded Madam Fiammeta that she should giue beginning to the dayes Nouels when she without any longer delaying be gan in this gracious manner Tancrede Prince of Salerne caused the amorous friend of his daughter to be slaine and sent her his heart in a cup of Gold which afterward she steeped in an impoysoned water and then drinking it so dyed The first Nouell Wherein is declared the power of Loue and their cruelty iustly reprehended who imagine to make the vigour thereof cease by abusing or killing one of the Louers OVR King most Noble and vertuous Ladies hath this day giuen vs a
subiect very rough and stearne to discourse on and so much the rather if we consider that we are come hither to be merry pleasant where sad Tragicall reports are no way suteable especially by reuiuing the teares of others to bedew our owne checkes withall Nor can any such argument be spoken of without mouing compassion both in the reporters and hearers But perhaps it was his highnesse pleasure to moderate the delights which we haue already had Or whatsoeuer else hath prouoked him thereto seeing it is not lawfull for mee to alter or contradict his appointment I will recount an accident very pittifull or rather most vnfortunate and well worthy to bee graced with our teares Tancrede Prince of Salerne which City before the Consulles of Rome held dominion in that part of Italy stoode free and thence perchance tooke the moderne title of a Principality was a very humane Lord and of ingenious nature if in his elder yeares he had not soiled his hands in the blood of Louers especially one of them being both neere and deere vnto him So it fortuned that during the whole life time of this Prince he had but one onely daughter albeit it had bene much better if he had had none at all whom he so choisely loued and esteemed as neuer was any childe more deerely affected of a Father and so farre extended his ouer-curious respect of her as he would sildome admit her to be foorth of his sight neither would he suffer her to marry although she had out-stept by diuers yeares the age meete for marriage Neuerthelesse at length he matched her with the Sonne to the Duke of Capua who liued no long while with her but left her in a widdowed estate and then shee returned home to her father againe This Lady had all the most absolute perfections both of fauour and feature as could be wished in any woman yong queintly disposed and of admirable vnderstanding more perhappes then was requisite in so weake a bodie Continuing thus in Court with the King her Father who loued her beyond all his future hopes like a Lady of great and glorious magnificence she liued in all delights pleasure She well perceiuing that her Father thus exceeding in his affection to her had no mind at all of re-marrying her and holding it most immodest in her to solicite him with any such suite concluded in her mindes priuate consultations to make choise of some one especiall friend or fauorite if Fortune would proue so furtherous to her whom she might acquaint secretly with her sober honest and familiar purposes Her Fathers Court beeing much frequented with plentifull accesse of braue Gentlemen and others of inferiour quality as commonly the Courts of Kings Princes are whose carriage and demeanor she very heedfully obserued There was a yong Gentleman among all the rest a seruant to her Father and named Guiscardo a man not deriued from any great descent by bloode yet much more Noble by vertue and commendable behauiour then appeared in any of the other none pleased her opinion like as he did so that by often noting his parts and perfections her affection being but a glowing sparke at the first grewe like a Bauin to take flame yet kept so closely as possibly she could as Ladies are warie enough in their loue The yong Gentleman though poore being neither blocke nor dullard perceiued what he made no outward shew of and vnderstood himselfe so sufficiently that holding it no meane happinesse to bee affected by her he thought it very base and cowardly in him if he should not expresse the like to her againe So louing mutually yet secretly in this maner and shee coueting nothing more then to haue priuate conference with him yet not daring to trust any one with so important a matter at length she deuised a new cunning stratageme to compasse her longing desire and acquaint him with her priuate purpose which proued to bee in this manner Shee wrote a Letter concerning what was the next day to be done for their secret meeting together and conueying it within the ioynt of an hollow Cane in iesting maner threw it to Guiscardo saying Let your man make vse of this insted of a paire of bellowes when he meaneth to make fire in your chamber Guiscardo taking vp the Cane and considering with himselfe that neither was it giuen or the wordes thus spoken but doubtlesse on some important occasion went vnto his lodging with the Cane where viewing it respectiuely he found it to be cleft and opening it with his knife found there the written Letter enclosed After he had reade it and well considered on the seruice therein concerned he was the most ioyfull man of the world and began to contriue his aptest meanes for meeting with his gracious Mistresse and according as she had giuen him direction In a corner of the Kings Palace it being seated on a rising hill a caue had long beene made in the body of the same hill which receiued no light into it but by a small spiracle or vent-loope made our ingeniously on the hils side And because it hadde not in long time bene frequented by the accesse of any body that ventlight was ouer-growne with briars and bushes which almost engirt it round about No one could descend into this caue or vault but only by a secret paire of staires answering to a lower Chamber of the Palace and very neere to the Princesses lodging as beeing altogether at her command by meanes of a strong barred and defensible doore whereby to mount or descend at her pleasure And both the caue it selfe as also the degrees conducting downe into it were now so quite worne out of memory in regard it had not bene visited by any one in long time before as no man remembred that there was any such thing But Loue from whose bright discerning eies nothing can be so closely concealed but at the length it commeth to light had made this amorous Lady mindefull thereof and because she would not bee discouered in her intention many dayes together her soule became perplexed by what meanes that strong doore might best be opened before shee could compasse to performe it But after that she had found out the way and gone downe her selfe alone into the caue obseruing the loope-light had made it commodious for her purpose shee gaue knowledge thereof to Guiscardo to haue him deuise an apt course for his descent acquainting him truly with the height and how farre it was distant from the ground within After he had found the souspirall in the hils side and giuen it a larger entrance for his safer passage he prouided a Ladder of cords with steppes sufficient for his descending and ascending as also a wearing sute made of leather to keepe his skinne vnscratched of the thornes and to auoide all suspition of his resorting thither In this manner went he to the saide loope-hole the night following and hauing fastened the one end of his corded
ladder to the strong stumpe of a tree being closely by it by meanes of the saide ladder he descended downe into the caue and there attended the comming of his Lady She on the morrow morning pretending to her waiting woman that she was scarsly well and therefore would not be diseased the most part of that day commanded them to leaue her alone in her Chamber and not to returne vntill she called for them locking the doore her selfe for better security Then opened she the doore of the caue and going downe the staires found there her amorous friend Guiscardo whom she saluting with a chaste and modest kisse caused him to ascend vp the stayres with her into her chamber This long desired and now obtained meeting caused the two deerely affecting Louers in kinde discourse of amorous argument without inciuill or rude demeanor to spend there the most part of that day to their hearts ioy and mutuall contentment And hauing concluded on their often meeting there in this cunning concealed sort Guiscardo went downe into the caue againe the Princesse making the doore fast after him and then went forth among her Women So in the night season Guiscardo ascended vppe againe by his Ladder of cords and couering the loope-hole with brambles and bushes returned vnseene of any to his owne lodging the caue being afterward guilty of their often meeting there in this manner But Fortune who hath alwayes bin a fatall enemy to louers stolne felicities became enuious of their thus secret meeting and ouerthrew in an instant all their poore happinesse by an accident most spightfull and malicious The King had vsed diuers dayes before after dinner time to resort all alone to his daughters Chamber there conuersing with her in most louing manner One vnhappy day amongst the rest when the Princesse being named Ghismonda was sporting in her priuat Garden among her Ladies the King at his wonted time went to his daughters Chamber being neither heard or seene by any Nor would he haue his daughter called from her pleasure but finding the windowes fast shut and the Curtaines close drawne about the bed he sate downe in a chaire behind it and leaning his head vpon the bed his body being couered with the curtaine as if he hid himselfe purposely hee mused on so many matters vntill at last he sell fast asleepe It hath bin obserued as an ancient Adage that when disasters are ordained to any one commonly they proue to be ineuitable as poore Ghismonda could witnesse too well For while the King thus slept shee hauing vnluckily appointed another meeting with Guiscardo left hir Gentlewomen in the Garden and stealing softly into her Chamber hauing made all fast and sure for being descried by any person opened the doore to Guiscardo who stood there ready on the staire-head awaiting his entrance and they sitting downe on the bed side according as they were wont to do began their vsuall kinde conference againe with sighes and louing kisses mingled among them It chanced that the King awaked both hearing and seeing this familiarity of Guiscardo with his Daughter he became extreamly confounded with greefe therat Once he intended to cry out for helpe to haue them both there apprehended but he helde it a part of greater wisedome to sit silent still and if hee could to keepe himselfe so closely concealed to the end that he might the more secretly and with far lesse disgrace to himselfe performe what hee had rashly intended to do The poore discouered Louers hauing ended their amorous interparlance without suspition of the Kings being so neer in person or any els to betray their ouer-confident trust Guiscardo descended againe into the Caue and she leauing the Chamber returned to her women in the Garden all which Tancrede too well obserued and in a rapture of fury departed vnseene into his owne lodging The same night about the houre of mens first sleepe and according as he had giuen order Guiscardo was apprehended euen as he was comming forth of the loope-hole in his homely leather habite Very closely was he brought before the King whose heart was swolne so great with greefe as hardly was hee able to speake notwithstanding at the last he began thus Guiscardo the loue respect I haue vsed towards thee hath not deserued the shameful wrong which thou hast requited me withall and as I haue seene with mine owne eyes this day Whereto Guiscardo could answer nothing else but onely this Alas my Lord Loue is able to do much more then either you or I. Whereupon Tancrede commanded that he should bee secretly well guarded in a neere adioyning Chamber and on the next day Ghismonda hauing as yet heard nothing heereof the Kings braine being infinitely busied and troubled after dinner and as he often had vsed to do he went to his daughters chamber where calling for her and shutting the doores closely to them the teares trickling downe his aged white beard thus he spake to her Ghismonda I was once grounded in a setled perswasion that I truely knew thy vertue and honest integrity of life and this beleefe could neuer haue bene altred in mee by any sinister reports whatsoeuer had not mine eyes seene and mine eares heard the contrary Nor did I so much as conceiue a thought either of thine affection or priuate conuersing with any man but onely he that was to be thy husband But now I my selfe being able to auouch thy folly imagine what an heart-breake this will be to me so long as life remaineth in this poore weak and aged body Yet if needs thou must haue yeelded to this wanton weakenesse I would thou hadst made choise of a man answerable to thy birth Nobility whereas on the contrary among so many worthy spirits as resort to my Court thou likest best to conuerse with that silly yong man Guiscardo one of very meane and base descent and by mee euen for Gods sake from his very youngest yeares brought vppe to this instant in my Court wherein thou hast giuen me much affliction of minde and so ouerthrowne my senses as I cannot wel imagine how I should deale with thee For him whom I haue this night caused to be surprized euen as he came forth of your close contriued conueyance and detaine as my prisoner I haue resolued how to proceed with him but concerning thy selfe mine oppressions are so many and violent as I know not what to say of thee One way thou hast meerly murthered the vnfeigned affection I bare thee as neuer any father could expresse more to his child and then againe thou hast kindled a most iust indignation in me by thine immodest and wilfull folly and whereas Nature pleadeth pardon for the one yet iustice standeth vp against the other and vrgeth cruell seuerity against thee neuerthelesse before I will determine vpon any resolution I come purposely first to heare thee speake and what thou canst say for thy selfe in a bad case so desperate and dangerous Hauing thus spoken he
in capitulating ouer and ouer againe his manifold and heroycall perfections meere speech made her extreamely amorous of him nor willingly would she lend an eare to any other discourse but that which tended to his honour and aduancement On the other side the fame of her incomparable beauty with addition of her other infinite singularities beside as the World had giuen â—are to in numberlesse places so Sicilie came at length acquainted therewith in such flowing manner as was truly answerable to her merit Nor seemed this as a bare babling rumour in the Princely hearing of royall Gerbino but was embraced with such a reall apprehension and the entire probation of a true vnderstanding that he was no lesse enflamed with noble affection towards her then she expressed the like in vertuous opinion of him Wherefore awaiting such conuenient opportunity when he might entreate license of his Grandfather for his owne going to Thunis vnder colour of some honourable occasion for the earnest desire hee had to see her he gaue charge to some to his especiall friends whose affaires required their presence in those parts to let the Princesse vnderstand in such secret manner as best they could deuise what noble affection he bare vnto her deuoting himselfe onely to her seruice One of his chosen friends thus put in trust being a Ieweller a man of singular discretion and often resorting to Ladies for sight of his Iewelles winning like admittance to the Princesse related at large vnto her the honourable affection of Gerbino with full tender of his person to her seruice and that she onely was to dispose of him Both the message and the messenger were most graciously welcome to her and flaming in the self-same affection towards him as a testimony thereof one of the very choisest Iewels which she bought of him shee sent by him to the Prince Gerbino it being receiued by him with such ioy and contentment as nothing in the world could be more pleasing to him So that afterward by the trusty carriage of this Ieweller many Letters and Loue-tokens passed betweene them each being as highly pleased with this poore yet happy kinde of entercourse as if they had seene conuersed with one another Matters proceeding on in this manner and continuing longer then their loue-sicke passions easily could permit yet neither being able to find out any other meanes of helpe it fortuned that the King of Thunis promised his daughter in marriage to the King of Granada whereat she grew exceeding sorrowfull perceyuing that not onely she should be sent further off by a large distance of way from her friend but also bee depriued vtterly of all hope euer to enioy him And if she could haue deuised any meanes either by secret flight from her Father or any way els to further her intention she would haue aduentured it for the Princes sake Gerbino in like maner hearing of this purposed mariage liued in a hel of torments consulting oftentimes with his soule how he might bee possessed of her by power when she should be sent by Sea to her husband or priuate stealing her away from her Fathers Court before with these and infinite other thoughts was he incessantly afflicted both day and night By some vnhappy accident or other the King of Thunis heard of this their secret loue as also of Gerbinoes purposed policy to surprize her and how likely he was to effect it in regard of his manly valour and store of stout friends to assist him Hereupon when the time was come that hee would conuey his daughter thence to her marriage and fearing to be preuented by Gerbino he sent to the King of Sicily to let him vnderstand his determination crauing safe conduct from him without impeachment of Gerbino or any one else vntill such time as his intent was accomplished King Gulielmo being aged and neuer acquainted with the affectionat proceedings of Gerbino nor any doubtfull reason to vrge this securitie from him in a case conuenient to be granted yeelded the sooner thereto right willingly and as a signale of his honourable meaning he sent him his royall Gloue with a full confirmation for his safe conduct No sooner were these Princely assurances receiued but a goodly ship was prepared in the Port of Carthagena well furnished with all thinges thereto belonging for the sending his daughter to the King of Granada writing for nothing else but best fauouring windes The yong Princesse who vnderstood and saw all this great preparation secretly sent a seruant of hers to Palermo giuing him especiall charge on her behalfe to salute the Prince Gerbino and to tell him withall that within few dayes shee must be transported to Granada And now opportunity gaue fayre and free meane to let the world know whether hee were a man of that magnanimous spirit or no as generall opinion had formerly conceyued of him and whether he affected her so firmely as by many close messages he had assured her He who had the charge of this embassie effectually performed it and then returned backe to Thunis The Prince Gerbino hauing heard this message from his diuine Mistresse and knowing also that the King his Grandfather had past his safe conduct to the King of Thunis for peaceable passage thorough his Seas was at his wits end in this vrgent necessitie what might best bee done Notwithstanding moued by the setled constancie of his plighted Loue and the speeches deliuered to him by the messenger from the Princesse to shew himselfe a man endued with courage he departed thence vnto Messina where he made readie two speedie gallies and fitting them with men of valiant disposition set away to Sardignia as making full account that the Ship which carried the Princesse must come along that Coast Nor was his expectation therein deceiued for within few dayes after the Ship not ouer-swiftly winded came sailing neere to the place where they attended for her arriuall whereof Gerbino had no sooner gotten a sight but to animate the resolutes which were in his company thus he spake Gentlemen if you be those men of valour as heeretofore you haue beene reputed I am perswaded that there are some among you who either formerly haue or now instantly do feele the all-commanding power of Loue without which as I thinke there is not any mortall man that can haue any goodnesse or vertue dwelling in him Wherefore if euer you haue bene amorously affected or presently haue any apprehension thereof you shall the more easily iudge of what I now aime at True it is that I do loue and loue hath guided me to be comforted and manfully assisted by you because in yonder Ship which you see commeth on so gently vnder saile euen as if she offered her selfe to be our prize not onely is the Iewell which I most esteeme but also mighty and vnvalewable treasure to be wonne without any difficult labour or hazard of a dangerous fight you being men of such vndauntable courage In the honour of which victory I couet
proued very pleasing to the Ladies the Queene commanded Madam Pampinea that shee should prepare to take her turne next whereto willingly obeying thus shee began Many and mighty Gracious Ladies are the preuailing powers of loue conducting amorous soules into infinite trauels with inconueniences no way auoidable and not easily to be foreseene or preuented As partly already hath beene obserued by diuers of our former Nouels related and some no doubt to ensue hereafter for one of them comming now to my memory I shall acquaint you withall in so good tearmes as I can Ischia is an Iland very neere to Naples wherein not long since liued a faire and louely Gentlewoman named Restituta Daughter to a Gentleman of the same Isle whose name was Marino Bolgaro A proper youth called Guion dwelling also in a neere neighbouring Isle called Procida did loue her as dearely as his owne life and she was as intimately affected towards him Now because the sight of her was his onely comfort as occasion gaue him leaue he resorted to Ischia very often in the day time and as often also in the night season when any Barque passed from Procida to Ischia if to see nothing else yet to behold the walles that enclosed his Mistresse thus While this loue continued in equall feruency it chanced vpon a faire Summers day that Restituta walked alone vpon the Sea-shoare going from Rocke to Rocke hauing a naked knife in her hand wherewith shee opened such Oysters as shee found among the stones seeking for small pearles enclosed in their shelles Her walke was very solitary and shady with a faire Spring or well adioyning to it and thither at that very instant time certaine Sicilian young Gentlemen which came from Naples had made their retreate They perceiuing the Gentlewoman to be very beautifull shee as yet not hauing any sight of them and in such a silent place alone by her selfe concluded together to make a purchase of her and carry her thence away with them as indeed they did notwithstanding all her out-cryes and exclaimes bearing her perforce aboard their Barque Setting sayle thence they arriued in Calabria and then there grew a great contention betweene them to which of them this booty of beauty should belong because each of them pleaded a title to her But when they could not grow to any agreement but doubted greater disaster would ensue thereon by breaking their former league of friendship by an equall conformity in consent they resolued to bestow her as a rich present on Frederigo King of Sicilie who was then young iouiall and could not be pleased with a better gift wherefore they were no sooner landed at Palermo but they did according as they had determined The King did commend her beauty extraordinarily and liked her farre beyond all his other Loues but being at that time empaired in his health and his body much distempered by ill dyet he gaue command that vntill he should be in more able disposition shee must be kept in a goodly house of his owne erected in a beautifull Garden called the Cube where shee was attended in most pompeous manner Now grew the noyse and rumor great in Ischia about this rape or stealing away of Restituta but the chiefest greeuance of all was that it could not be knowne how by whom or by what meanes But Guion di Procida whom this iniury concerned much more then any other stood not in expectation of better tydings from Ischia but hearing what course the Barke had taken made ready another to follow after with all possible speede Flying thus on the winged minds through the Seas euen from Minerua vnto the Scalea in Calabria searching for his lost Loue in euery angle at length it was tolde him at the Scaleâ— that shee was carried away by certaine Sicillian Marriners to Palermo whither Guion set sayle immediately After some diligent search made there he vnderstood that she was deliuered to the King and he had giuen strict command for keeping her in his place of pleasure called the Cube which newes were not a little greeuous to him for now he was almost quite out of hope not onely of euer enioying her but also of seeing her Neuerthelesse Loue would not let him vtterly despaire whereupon he sent away his Barque and perceiuing himselfe to be vnk owne of any he continued for some time in Palermo walking many times by that goodly place of pleasure It chanced on a day that keeping his walke as he vsed to doe Fortune was so fauourable to him as to let him haue a sight of her at her window from whence also she had a full view of him to their exceeding comfort and contentment And Guion obseruing that the Cube was seated in a place of small resort approached so neere as possibly he durst to haue some conference with Restituta As Loue sets a keene edge on the dullest spirit and by a small aduantage makes a man the more aduenturous so this little time of vnseene talke inspired him with courage and her with witty aduice by what meanes his accesse might be much neerer to her and their communication concealed from any discouery the scituation of the place and benefit of time duly considered Night must be the cloud to their amorous conclusion and therefore so much thereof being spent as was thought conuenient he returned thither againe prouided of such grappling-yrons as is required when men will clamber made fast vnto his hands and knees by their helpe he attained to the top of the wall whence discending downe into the Garden there he found the maine yard of a ship whereof before shee had giuen him instruction and rearing it vp against her chamber window made that his meanes for ascending thereto shee hauing left it open for his easier entrance You cannot denie faire Ladies but here was a very hopefull beginning and likely to haue as happy an ending were it not true Loues fatall misery euen in the very height of promised assurance to be thwarted by vnkind preuention and in such manner as I will tell you This night intended for our Louers meeting proued disastrous and dreadfull to them both for the King who at the first sight of Restituta was highly pleased with her excelling beauty gaue order to his Eunuches and other women that a costly bathe should be prepared for her and therein to let her weare away that night because the next day he intended to visit her Restituta being royally conducted from her Chamber to the Bathe attended on with Torch-light as if shee had been a Queene none remained there behind but such women as waited on her and the Guards without which watched the Chamber No sooner was poore Guian aloft at the window calling softly to his Mistresse as if she had beene there but he was ouer-heard by the women in the darke and immediately apprehended by the Guard who forthwith brought him before the Lord Marshall where being examined and he auouching that Restituta was his elected
me diuers beames of the Starre that appeared to the three Kings in the East Also a Violl of Saint Michaels sweate when he combatted with the diuell And the iaw-bone of dead Lazarus with many other precious things beside And because I was liberall to him giuing him two of the Plaines of Monte Morello in the Vulgare Edition and some of the Chapters del Caprezio which he had long laboured in search of he bestowed on me some of his Reliques First he gaue me one of the eye-teeth of Santa Crux and a litle Violl filled with some part of the sound of those Belles which hung in the sumptuous Temple of Salomon Next he gaue mee the Feather of the Phoenix which was with Noah in the Arke as before I told you And one of the Woodden Pattens which the good Saint Gerrard de Magnavilla vsed to weare in his trauailes and which I gaue not long since to Gerrardo di Bousy at Florence where it is respected with much deuotion Moreouer he gaue me a few of those Coales wherwith the Phoenix of Noah was roasted all which things I brought away thence with me Now most true it is that my Superiour would neuer suffer mee to shew them any where vntill he was faithfully cerâ—ified whether they were the same precious Reliques or no. But perceyuing by sundrie Myracles which they haue wrought and Letters of sufficient credence receyued from the reuerend Patriarch that all is true he hath graunted me permission to shew them and because I wold not trust any one with matters of such moment I my selfe brought them hither with me Now I must tell you that the Feather of the same Phoenix I conueyed into a small Cabinet or Casket because it should not be bent or broken And the Coales where with the said Phoenix was roasted I put into another Casket in all respects so like to the former that many times I haue takeÌ„ one for another As now at this instant it hath bin my fortune for imagining that I brought the Casket with the feather I mistooke my self brought the other with the coales Wherein doubtles I haue not offended because I am certaine that we of our Order do not any thing but it is ordred by diuine direction and our blessed Patron the Lorde Baron Saint Anthony And so much the rather because about a senight hence the Feast of Saint Anthony is to bee solemnized against the preparation whereof and to kindle your zeale with the greater feruencie he put the Casket with the Coales into my hand meaning to let you see the Feather at some more fitting season And therefore my blessed Sonnes and Daughters put off your Bonnets and come hither with deuotion to looke vpon them But first let me tell you whosoeuer is marked by any of these Coales with the signe of the Crosse he or she shal liue all this yeare happily and no fire whatsoeuer shall come neere to touch or hurt them So singing a solemne Antheme in the praise of S. Anthony he vnveyled the Casket and shewed the Coales openly The simple multitude hauing with great admiration and reuerence a long while beheld them they thronged in crouds to Fryar Onyon giuing him farre greater offerings then before they had and enteating him to marke them each after other Whereupon he taking the coales in his hand began to marke their garments of white and the veyles on the Womens heads with Crosses of no meane extendure affirming to them that the more the Coales wasted with making those great crosses the more they still encreased in the Casket as often before hee had made triall In this manner hauing crossed all the Certaldanes to his great benefit and their abuse he smiled at his sodaine and dexterious deuise in mockery of them who thought to haue made a scorne of him by dispossessing him of the Feather For Bragoniero and Pizzino being present at his Learned predication and hauing heard what a cunning shift he found to come off cleanly without the least detection and all deliuered with such admirable protestations they were faine to forsake the Church least they should haue burst with laughing But when all the people were parted and gone they met Friar Onyon at his Inne where closely they discouered to him what they had done deliuering him his Feather againe which the yeare following did yeeld him as much money as now the Coales had done THis Nouell affoorded equall pleasing to the whole companie Friar Onyons Sermon being much commended but especially his long Pilgrimage and the Reliques he had both seene and brought home with him Afterward the Queene perceiuing that her reigne had now the full expiration graciously she arose and taking the Crowne from off her owne head placed on the head of Dioneus saying It is high time Dioneus that you should taste part of the charge paine which poore women haue felt and vndergone in their soueraigntie and gouernment wherefore be you our King and rule vs with such awefull authority that the ending of your dominion may yeelde vs all contentment Dioneus being thus inuested with the Crowne returned this answer I make no doubt bright Beauties but you many times haue seene as good or a better King among the Chesse-men then I am But yet of a certainty if you would be obedient to me as you ought in dutie vnto a true King I should grant you a liberall freedome of that wherein you take the most delight and without which our choisest desires can neuer be compleate Neuerthelesse I meane that my gouernment shal be according to mine owne minde So causing the Master of the Houshold to be called for as all the rest were wont to do for conference with him he gaue him direction for al things fitting the time of his Regiment and then turning to the Ladies thus he proceeded Honest Ladies we haue alreadie discoursed of variable deuises and so many seuerall manners of humane industry concerning the busines wherewith Licisca came to acquaint vs that her very words haue ministred me matter sufficient for our morrowes conference or else I stand in doubt that I could not haue deuised a more conuenient Theame for vs to talke on She as you haue all heard saide that shee had not anie neighbour who came a true Virgin to her Husband and added moreouer that she knew some others who had beguiled their Husbandes in very cunning and crafty manner But setting aside the first part concerning the proofe of children I conceiue the second to bee more apte for our intended argument In which respect my will is seeing Licisca hath giuen vs so good an occasion that our discoursing to morow may onely concerne such slye cunning and deceits as women haue heeretofore vsed for satisfying their owne appetites and beguiling their Husbands without their knowledge or suspition and cleanly escaping with them or no. This argument seemed not very pleasing to the Ladies and therefore they vrged an alteration thereof to some matter better
suting with the day and their discoursing whereto thus he answered Ladies I know as well as your selues why you would haue this instant argument altered but to change me from it you haue no power considering the season is such as shielding all both men and women from medling with any dishonest action it is lawfull for vs to speake of what wee please And know you not that through the sad occasion of the time which now ouer-ruleth vs the Iudges haue forsaken their venerable benches the Lawes both diuine and humane ceasing granting ample license to euery one to do what best agreeth with the conseruation of life Therefore if your honesties doe straine themselues a little both in thinking and speaking not for prosecution of any immodest deede but onely for familiar and blamelesse entercourse I cannot deuise a more conuenient ground at least that carrieth apparant reason for reproofe of perils to ensue by any of you Moreouer your company which hath bin most honest since the first day of our meeting to this instant appeareth not any iot to be disgraced by any thing either said or done neither shal be I hope in the meanest degree And what is he knowing your choise and vertuous dispositions so powerfull in their owne preuailing that wanton words cannot misguide your wayes no nor the terror of death it selfe that dare insinuate a distempred thought But admit that some slight or shallow iudgements hearing you perhaps sometimes talk of such amorous follies should therefore suspitiously imagine you to be faulty or else you would bee more sparing of speech Their wit and censure are both alike sauouring rather of their owne vile nature who would brand others with their basebred imperfections Yet ther is another consideration beside of som great iniury offered to mine honor and whereof I know not how you can acquit yourselues I that haue bin obedient to you all and borne the heauy load of your businesse hauing now with full consent created mee your King you would wrest the law out of my hands and dispose of my authoritie as you please Forbeare gentle Ladies all friuolous suspitions more fit for them that are full of bad thoughts then you who haue true Vertue shining in your eyes and therefore let euery one freely speake their minde according as their humors best pleaseth them When the Ladies heard this they made answer that all should bee answerable to his minde Whereupon the King gaue them all leaue to dispose of themselues till supper time And because the Sun was yet very high in regard all the re-counted Nouels had bin so short Dioneus went to play at the Tables with another of the yong Gentlemen Madame Eliza hauing withdrawne the Ladies aside thus spake vnto them During the time of our being heere I haue often bene desirous to let you see a place somwhat neere at hand and which I suppose you haue neuer seene it being called The Valley of Ladies Till now I could not finde any conuenient time to bring you thither the Sunne continuing still aloft which fitteth you with the apter leysure and the sight I am sure can no way discontent you The Ladies replyed that they were all ready to walk with her thither and calling one of their women to attend on them they set on without speaking a word to any of the men And within the distance of halfe a mile they arriued at the Valley of Ladies wherinto they entred by a strait passage at the one side from whence there issued forth a cleare running Riuer And they found the saide Valley to bee so goodly and pleasant especially in that season which was the hottest of all the yeare as all the world was no where able to yeeld the like And as one of the said Ladies since then related to mee there was a plaine in the Valley fo directly round as if it had beene formed by a compasse yet rather it resembled the Workmanship of Nature then to be made by the hand of man containing in circuite somewhat more then the quarter of a mile enuironed with sixe small hils of no great height and on each of them stood a little Palace shaped in the fashion of Castles The ground-plots descending from those hils or mountaines grew lesse and lesse by variable degrees as wee obserue at entering into our Theaters from the highest part to the lowest succinctly to narrow the circle by order Now concerning these ground-plottes or little Meadowes those which the Sun Southward looked on were full of Vines Oliue-trees Almond-trees Cherry-trees and Figge-trees with diuers other Trees beside so plentifully bearing fruites as you could not discerne a hands bredth of losse The other Mountaines whereon the Northerne windes blow were curiously couered with small Thickets or Woods of Oakes Ashes and other Trees so greene and straite as it was impossible to behold fairer The goodly plaine it selfe not hauing any other entrance but where the Ladies came in was planted with Trees of Firre Cipresse Laurell and Pines so singularly growing in formall order as if some artificiall or cunning hand had planted them the Sun hardly piercing through their branches from the top to the bottome euen at his highest or any part of his course All the whole field was richly spred with grasse and such variety of delicate Flowers as Nature yeilded out of her plenteous Store-house But that which gaue no lesse delight then any of the rest was a smal running Brooke descending from one of the Vallies that diuided two of the little hils nd fell through a Veine of the intire Rocke it selfe that the fall and murmure thereof was most delightfull to heare seeming all the way in the descent like Quicke-siluer weauing it selfe into artificiall workes and arriuing in the plaine beneath it was there receyued into a small Channell swiftly running through the midst of the plaine to a place where it stayed and shaped it selfe into a Lake or Pond such as our Citizens haue in their Orchards or Gardens when they please to make vse of such a commodity This Pond was no deeper then to reach the breast of a man and hauing no mud or soyle in it the bottome thereof shewed like small beaten grauell with prety pibble stones intermixed which some that had nothing else to do would sit downe and count them as they lay as very easily they might And not onely was the bottome thus apparantly seene but also such plenty of Fishes swimming euery way as the mind was neuer to be wearied in looking on them Nor was this water bounded in with any bankes but onely the sides of the plain Medow which made it appeare the more sightly as it arose in swelling plenty And alwayes as it super-abounded in his course least it should â—uerflow disorderly it fell into another Channell which conueying it along the lower Valley ran forth to water other needfull places When the Ladies were arriued in this goodly valley and vpon aduised viewing it had
sufficiently commended it in regard the heat of the day was great the place tempting and the Pond free from sight of any they resolued there to bathe themselues Wherefore they sent the waiting Gentlewoman to haue a diligent eye on the way where they entered least any one should chance to steale vpon them All seuen of them being stript naked into the water they went which hid their delicate white bodies like as a cleare Glasse concealeth a Damask Rose within it So they being in the Pond and the water nothing troubled by their being there they found much prety pastime together running after the Fishes to catch them with their hands but they were ouer-quicke and cunning for them After they had delighted themselues there to their owne contentment and were cloathed with their garments as before thinking it fit time for their returning backe againe least their ouerlong stay might giue offence they departed thence in an easie pace dooing nothing else all the way as they went but extolling the Valley of Ladies beyond all comparison At the Palace they arriued in a due houre finding the three Gentlemen at play as they left them to whom Madame Pampinea pleasantly thus spake Now trust me Gallants this day wee haue very cunningly beguiled you How now answered Dioneus begin you first to act before you speake Yes truly Sir replyed Madame Pampinea Relating to him at large from whence they came vvhat they had done there the beautie of the place and the distance thence The King vpon hir excellent report being very desirous to see it sodainely commaunded Supper to be serued in which vvas no sooner ended but they and their three seruants leauing the Ladies walked on to the Valley which when they had considered no one of them hauing euer bin there before they thought it to be the Paradise of the World They bathed themselues there likewise as the Ladies formerlie had done and being re-uested returned backe to their Lodgings because darke night drew on apace but they found the Ladies dauncing to a Song which Madame Fiammetta sung When the dance was ended they entertained the time with no other discourse but onely concerning the Valley of Ladies vvhereof they all spake liberally in commendations Whereupon the King called the Master of the Houshold giuing him command that on the morrow dinner should be readie betimes and bedding to be thence carried if any desired rest at mid-mid-time of the day All this being done variety of pleasing Wines were brought Banquetting stuffe and other dainties after which they fell to Dauncing And Pamphilus hauing receyued command to begin an especial dance the King turned himselfe vnto Madame Eliza speaking thus Faire Lady you haue done me so much honour this day as to deliuer mee the Crowne in regard wherof be you this night the Mistresse of the song and let it be such as best may please your selfe Whereunto Madam Eliza with a modest blush arising in her face replyed That his will should be fulfilled and then with a delicate voyce she beganne in this manner The Song The CHORVS sung by all LOVE if I can scape free from forth thy holde Beleeue it for a truth Neuer more shall thy falshoode me enfolde WHen I was yong I entred first thy fights Supposing there to finde a solemne peace I threw off all my Armes and with delights Fed my poore-hopes as still they did encrease But like a Tyrant full of rancorous hate Thou tookst aduantage And I sought refuge but it was too late Loue if I can scape free c But being thus surprized in thy snares To my misfortune thou madst me her slaue Was onely borne to feede me with despaires And keepe me dying in a liuing graue For I saw nothing dayly fore mine eyes But rackes and tortures From which I could not get in any wise Loue if I can scape free c. My sighes and teares I vented to the winde For none would heare or pittie my complaints My torments still encreased in this kinde And more and more I felt these sharpe restraints Release me now at last from forth this hell Asswage thy rigour Delight not thus in cruelty to dwell Loue if I can scape free c. If this thou wilt not grant be yet so kinde Release me from those worse then seruile bands Which new vaine hopes haue bred wherein I finde Such violent feares as comfort quite withstands be now at length a little moou'd to pittie Be it nere so little Or in my death listen my Swan-like Dittie Loue if I can scape free from forth thy holde Beleeue it for a truth Neuer more shall thy falshood me enfolde After that Madame Eliza had made an end of her Song which shee sealed vp with an heart-breaking sigh they all sate amazedly wandering at her moanes not one among them being able to coniecture what should be the reason of her singing in this manner But the King being in a good and pleasing temper calling Tindaro commaunded him to bring his Bagge-pipe by the sound whereof they danced diuers daunces And a great part of the night being spent in this manner they all gaue ouer and departed to their Chambers The End of the Sixth Day The Seuenth Day When the Assembly being met together and vnder the Regiment of Dioneus the Discourses are directed for the discouerie of such policies and deceites as women haue vsed for beguiling of their Husbandes either in respect of their loue or for the preuention of some blame or scandall escaping without sight knowledge or otherwise The Induction to the Dayes Discourses ALL the Starres were departed out of the East but onely that which we commonly cal bright Lucifer or the Day-Star gracing the morning very gloriously when the Master of the household being risen went with all the prouision to the Valley of Ladies to make euerie thing in due and decent readines according as his Lord ouer-night had commanded him After which departure of his it was not long before the King arose beeing awaked with the noise which the carriages made and when he was vp the other two Gentlemen and the Ladies were quickly readie soone after On they set towards the Valley euen as the Sunne was rising and all the way as they went neuer before had they heard so many sweete Nightingales and other pretty Birds melodiously singing as they did this morning which keeping them company thoroughout the iourney they arriued at the Valley of Ladies where it seemed to them that infinit Quires of delicate Nightingales and other Birds had purposely made a meeting euen as it were to giue them a glad welcome thither Diuers times they walked about the Valley neuer satisfied with viewing it from one end to the other because it appeared farre more pleasing vnto them then it had done the precedent day and because the dayes splendour was much more conforme to the beauty thereof After they had broken their fast with excellent Wines and Banquetting stuffe they began to tune
their instruments and sing because therein the sweet Birds should not excell them the Valley with delicate Echoes answering all their notes When dinner time drew neere the Tables were couered vnder the spreading trees and by the goodly Ponds side where they sate downe orderly by the Kings direction and all dinner while they saw the Fishes swimme by huge shoales in the Pond which sometimes gaue them occasion to talke as well as gaze on them When dinner was ended and the Tables withdrawne in as iocond manner as before they renewed againe their hermonious singing In diuers places of this pleasant Valley were goodly field-Beds readily furnished according as the Master of the Houshold gaue enstruction enclosed with Pauillions of costly stuffes such as are sometimes brought out of France Such as were so disposed were licensed by the King to take their rest and they that would not he permitted them to their wonted pastimes each according to their minds But when they were risen from sleepe and the rest from their other exercises it seemed to be more then high time that they should prepare for talke and conference So sitting downe on Turky Carpets which were spred abroad on the green grasse and close by the place where they had dined the King gaue command that Madam Aemillia should first begin whereto she willingly yeelding obedience and expecting such silent attention as formerly had bin obserued thus she began Iohn of Lorraine heard one knocke at his doore in the night time whereuppon he awaked his Wife Monna Tessa She made him beleeue that it was a Spirit which knocked at the doore and so they arose going both together to coniure the Spirit with a prayer and afterwardes they heard no more knocking The First Nouell Reprehending the simplicity of some sottish Husbands And discouering the wanton subtilties of some women to compasse their vnlawfull desires MY Gracious Lord quoth Madame Aemillia it had bene a matter highly pleasing to mee that any other rather then my selfe should haue begun to speake of this argument which it hath pleased you to apoint But seeing it is your Highnesse pleasure that I must make a passage of assurance for all the rest I will not be irregular because obedience is our cheefe Article I shall therefore Gracious Ladies striue to speake something which may bee aduantageable to you heereafter in regard that if other women bee as fearfull as we especially of Spirits of which all our sexe haue generally bin timorous although vpon my credite I know not what they are nor euer could meete with any to tell me what they be you may by the diligent obseruation of my Nouell learne a wholsome and holy prayer very auaileable and of precious power to coniure and driue them away whensoeuer they shall presume to assault you in any place There dwelt sometime in Florence and in the street of Saint Brancazio a woollen Weauer named Iohn of Lorrayne a man more happy in his Art then wise in any thing else beside because sauouring somewhat of the Gregorie and in very deede little lesse then an Ideot Hee was many times made Captain of the Woollen-Weauers in the quarters belonging to Santa Maria Nouella and his house was the Schoole or receptacle for all their meetings and assemblies He had diuers other petty Offices beside by the dignity and authority whereof hee supposed himselfe much exalted or eleuated aboue the common pitch of other men And this humour became the more tractable to him because he addicted himselfe oftentimes as being a man of an easie inclination to be a benefactor to the holy Fathers of Santa Maria Nouella giuing beside his other charitable Almes to some one a paire of Breeches to another a Hood and to another a whole habit In reward whereof they taught him by heart many wholsome prayers as the Pater noster in the vulgar tongue the Song of Saint Alexis the Lamentations of Saint Bernard the Hymne of Madame Matilda and many other such like matters which he kept charily and repeated vsually as tending to the saluation of his soule This man had a very faire and louely wife named Monna Tessa the daughter of Manuccio della Cuculia wise and well aduised who knowing the simplicity of her Husband and affecting Frederigo di Neri Pegolotti who was a comely yong Gentleman fresh and in the floure of his time euen as she was therefore they agreed the better together By meanes of her Chamber-maid Frederigo and shee met often together at a Countrie Farme of Iohn of Lorraynes which hee had neere to Florence and where she vsed to lodge all the Summer time called Camerata whether Iohn resorted somtimes to Supper and lodge for a night returning home againe to his City house the next morning yet often he would stay there longer with his owne companions Frederigo who was no meane man in his Mistresses fauor and therefore these priuate meetings the more welcome to him receiued a summons or assignation from her to be there on such a night when hir husband had no intent of comming thither There they supped merrily together and no doubt did other things nothing appertaining to our purpose she both acquainting and well instructing him in a dozen at the least of her Husbands deuout prayers Nor did shee make any account or Frederigo either that this should be the last time of their meeting because indeede it was not the first and therfore they set down an order and conclusion together because the Chambermaide must be no longer the messenger in such manner as you shall heare Frederigo was to obserue especially that alwayes when hee went or came from his owne house which stood much higher then Iohn of Lorraynes did to looke vpon a Vine closely adioyning to her house where stood the scull of an Asses head aduanced vpon an high pole when the face thereof looked towards Florence he might safely come it being an assured signe that Iohn kept at home And if he found the doore fast shut he should softly knocke three seuerall times and thereon bee admitted entrance But if the face stood towards Fiesola then he might not come for it was the signe of Iohns being there and then there might be no medling at all Hauing thus agreed vpon this conclusion and had many merry meetings together one night aboue the rest where Frederigo was appointed to suppe with Monna Tessa who had made ready two fat Capons drest in most dainty and delicate manner it fell out so vnfortunately that Iohn whose Kue was not to come that night came thither very late yet before Frederigo wherewith she being not a little offended gaue Iohn a slight supper of Lard Bacon and such like coarse prouision because the other was kept for a better guest In the meane time and while Iohn was at supper the Maide by her Mistresses direction had conueighed the two Capons with boyled Egges Bread and a Bottle of Wine all folded vp in a faire cleane table
still persisting therin thus she spake I neither can nor will longer endure this base Villanie of thine to the mercy of heauen I commit my soul and stand there my wheele a witnesse against so hard-hearted a murtherer No sooner had she thus spoke but the night being so extreamly dark as they could not discerne one another Cheta went to the Well where finding a verie great stone which lay loose vpon the brim of the Well euen as if it had beene layde there on purpose shee cried out aloud saying Forgiue me faire heauens and so threw the stone downe into the Well The night being very still silent the fal of the great stone made such a dreadfull noise in the Well that he hearing it at the Windowe thought verily she had drowned her selfe indeede Whereupon running downe hastily and taking a Bucket fastened to a strong Cord he left the doore wide open intending speedily to helpe her But she standing close at the doores entrance before he could get to the Wels fide she was within the house softly made the doore fast on the inside and then went vp to the Window where Tofano before had stood talking to her While he was thus dragging with his Bucket in the Well crying and calling Cheta take hold good Cheta and saue thy life she stood laughing in the Window saying Water should bee put into Wine before a man drinkes it and not when he hath drunke too much already Tofano hearing his Wife thus to flout him out of his Window went back to the doore and finding it made fast against him he willed hir to grant him entrance But she forgetting all gentle Language which formerly she had vsed to him in meere mockery and derision yet intermixed with some sighes and teares which women are saide to haue at command out aloud because the Neighbours should heare her thus she replyed Beastly drunken Knaue as thou art this night thou shalt not come within these doores I am no longer able to endure thy base behauour it is more then high time that thy course of life should bee publiquely known and at what drunken houres thou returnest home to thy house Tofano being a man of very impatient Nature was as bitter vnto her in words on the other side which the Neighbours about them both men and Women hearing looked forth of their Windowes and demaunding a reason for this their disquietnesse Cheta seeming as if she wept sayde Alas my good Neighbours you see at what vnfitting houres this bad man comes home to his house after hee hath lyen in a Tauerne all day drunke sleeping and snorting like a Swine You are my honest witnesses how long I haue suffered this beastlinesse in him yet neyther your good counsell nor my too often louing admonitions can worke that good which wee haue expected Wherefore to try if shame can procure any amendment I haue shut him out of doores vntil his drunken fit be ouer-past and so he shall stand to coole his feet Tofano but in very vnciuill maner told her being abroad that night and how she had vsed him But the Neighbours seeing her to be within the house and beleeuing her rather then him in regard of his too well knowne ill qualities very sharpely reproued him gaue him grosse speeches pittying that any honest Woman should be so continually abused Now my good Neighbours quoth she you see what manner of man he is What would you thinke of me if I should walk the streets thus in the night time or be so late out of mine owne house as this dayly Drunkard is I was affraid least you would haue giuen credit to his dissembling speeches when he told you that I was at the Welles side and threw something into the Well but that I know your better opinion of me and how sildome I am to be seene out of doores although he would induce your sharper iudgement of me and lay that shame vpon me wherein he hath sinned himselfe The Neighbours both men and Women were all very seuerely incensed against Tofano condemning him for his great fault that night committed and auouching his wife to be vertuous and honest Within a little while the noise passing from Neighbour to Neighbour at the length it came to the eares of her Kindred who forthwith resorted thither and hearing how sharpely the Neighbours reprehended Tofano they tooke him soundly bastanadoed him and hardly left any bone of him vnbruised Afterward they went into the house tooke all such things thence as belonged to hir taking hir also with them to their dwelling and threatning Tofano with further infliction of punishment both for his drunkennesse and causlesse iealousie Tofano perceyuing how curstly they had handled him and what crooked meanes might further be vsed against him in regard her Kindred Friends were very mightie thought it much better patiently to suffer the wrong alreadie done him then by obstinate contending to proceed further and fare worse He became a suter to her Kindred that al might be forgotten and forgiuen in recompence whereof he would not onely refraine from drunkennesse but also neuer more be ielous of his wife This being faithfully promised and Cheta reconciled to her Husband all strife was ended she enioyed her friends fauour as occasion serued but yet with such discretion as it was not noted Thus the Coxcombe foole was faine to purchase his peace after a notorious wrong sustained and further iniuries to bee offered A Iealous man clouded with the habite of a Priest became the Confessâ—ur to his owne Wife who made him beleeue that she was deepely in loue with a Priest which came euery night and lay with her By meanes of which confession while her iealous Husband watched the doore of his house to surprize the Priest when he came she that neuer meant to do amisse had the company of a secret Friend who came ouer the toppe of the house to visite her while her foolish Husband kept the doore The Fift Nouell In iust scorne and mockery of such iealous Husbands that will be so idle headed vpon no occasion And yet when they haue good reason for it do least of all suspect any such iniury MAdam Lauretta hauing ended her Nouell and euery one commended the Woman for fitting Tofano in his kinde and as his iealousie and drunkennesse iustly deserued the King to preuent all losse of time turned to Madame Fiammetta commaunding her to follow next whereuppon very graciously shee beganne in this manner Noble Ladies the precedent Nouell deliuered by Madame Lauretta maketh me willing to speake of another iealous man as being halfe perswaded that whatsoeuer is done to them by their Wiues and especially vpon no occasion giuen they doe no more then well becommeth them And if those graue heads which were the first instituters of lawes had diligently obserued all things I am of the minde that they would haue ordained no other penalty for Women then they appointed against such as in their owne defence
Ladies which had dined there spake in this mander Ill should I take reuenge on a King that had offended me if I had not so much heart as to wreake my spleene on a paltry Hawke Vnderstand then worthy Lords and Ladies that this Faulcone hath long time robbed me of those delights which men in meere equitie ought to haue with their wiues because continually so soone as breake of day hath appeared my Husband starting out of bed makes himselfe readie presently to Horsse and with this Faulcon on his Fist rides abroad to his recreation in the Fields And I in such forsaken sort as you see am left all alone in my bed discontented and despised often vowing to my selfe to bee thus reuenged as now I am being with-held from it by no other occasion but onely want of a fit and apt time to do it in the presence of such persons as might bee iust Iudges of my wrongs and as I conceiue you all to be The Lords and Ladies hearing these words and beleeuing this deed of hers to be done no otherwise but out of her entire affection to Nicostratus according as her speeches sounded compassionately turning towards him who was exceedingly displeased and all smiling said Now in good sadnesse Sir Madame Lydia hath done well in acting her iust reuenge vpon the Hawke that bereft her of her Husbands kinde companie then which nothing is more precious to a louing wife and a hell it is to liue without it And Lydia being sodainly withdrawne into her chamber with much other friendly and familiar talke they conuerted the anger of Nicostratus into mirth and smiling Pyrrhus who had diligently obserued the whole cariage of this businesse saide to himselfe My Ladie hath begun well and proceeding on with no worse successe will no doubt bring her loue to an happy conclusion As for the Lady her selfe she hauing thus kild the Hawke it was no long while after but being in the Chamber with her husband and they conuersing familiarly together she began to iest with him hee in the like manner with her tickling and toying each the other till at the length she played with his beard and now she found occasion aptly seruing to effect the second taske imposed by Pyrrhus So taking fast hold on a small tuft of his beard she gaue a sodaine snatch and plucked it away quite from his chin Whereat Nicostratus beeing angerly moued she to appease his distaste pleasantly thus spake How now my Lord Why do you looke so frowningly What Are you angry for a few loose haires of your beard How then should I take it when you plucke mee by the haire of my head and yet I am not a iot discontented because I know you do it but in iesting manner These friendly speeches cut off all further contention and she kepte charily the tuft of her Husbands beard which the verie selfe-same day shee sent to Pyrrhus her hearts chosen friend But now concerning the third matter to be aduentured it droue her to a much more serious consideration then those two which shee had already so well and exactly performed Notwithstanding like a Ladie of vnconquerable spirit and in whom Loue enlarged his power more and more she sodainly conceited what course was best to bee kept in this case forming her attempt in this manner Vpon Nicostratus wayted two young Gentlemen as Pages of his Chamber whose Fathers had giuen them to his seruice to learne the manners of honourable Courtship and those qualities necessarily required in Gentlemen One of them when Nicostratus sate downe to dinner or supper stood in Office of his Caruer deliuering him all the meats whereon he fed The other as Taster attended on his Cup and he dranke no other drinke but what hee brought him and they both were highly pleasing vnto him On a day Lydia called these two youths aside and among some other speeches which serued but as an induction to her intended policy she perswaded them that their mouths yeelded an vnsauoury il-pleasing smell whereof their Lord seemed to take dislike Wherefore she aduised them that at such times as they attended on him in their seuerall places they should so much as possibly they could withdraw their heads aside from him because their breath might not be noyous vnto him But withall to haue an especiall care of not disclosing to any one what she had told them because out of meere loue she had acquainted them therewith which very constantly they beleeued and followed the same direction as she had aduised being loath to displease where seruice bound them to obey Choosing a time fitting for her purpose when Nicostratus was in priuate conference with her thus she began Sir you obserue not the behauiour of your two Pages when they wait on you at the Table Yes but I do wife quoth he how squemishly they turn their heads aside from me and it hath often bin in my minde to vnderstand a reason why they do so Seating her selfe by him as if shee had some weighty matter to tell him she proceeded in this manner Alas my Lord you shall not need to question them because I can sufficiently resolue you therein which neuerthelesse I haue long concealed because I would not be offensiue to you But in regard it is now manifestly apparant that others haue tasted what I immagined none but my selfe did I will no longer hide it from you Assuredly Sir there is a most strange and vnwonted ill-sauour continually issuing from your mouth smelling most noysomely and I wonder what should be tbe occasion In former times I neuer felt any such foule breathing to come from you and you who do daily conuerse with so many worthy persons should seeke meanes to be rid of so great an annoyance You say verie true wife answered Nicostratus and I protest to you on my Credite I feele no such ill smell neither know what should cause it except I haue som corrupted tooth in my mouth Perhaps Sir quoth she it may be so and yet you feele not the sauour which others do yea very offensiuely So walking with her to a Window he opened wide his mouth the which nicely shee surueyed on either side and turning her head from him as seeming vnable to endure the sauour starting and shrieking out alowd she said Santa Maria What a sight is this Alas my good Lord How could you abide this and for so long a while Heere is a tooth on this side which so farre as I can pereeiue is not onely hollow and corrupted but also wholly putrified and rotten and if it continue still in your head beleeue it for a truth that it will infect and spoile all the rest neere it I would therefore counsell you to let it be pluckt out before it breede your further danger I like your counsell well Lydia replyed Nicostratus and presently intend to follow it Let therefore my Barber be sent for and vvithout any longer delay he shall plucke it forth instantly
rest following after them deuising talking and answering to diuers demands both what that day was to be don as also concerning the proposed imposition After they had walked an indifferent space of time and found the rayes of the Sunne to be ouer-piercing for them they returned backe againe to the Pallace as fearing to haue their blood immoderately heated Then rinsing their Glasses in the coole cleare running current each tooke their mornings draught then walked into the milde shades about the Garden vntill they should bee summoned to dinner Which was no sooner ouer-past and such as slept returned waking they mette together againe in their wonted place according as the King had appointed where he gaue command vnto Madame Neiphila that shee should for that day begin the first Nouell which she humbly accepting thus began A Florentine knight named Signior Rogiero de Figiouanni became a seruant to Alphonso King of Spaine who in his owne opinion seemed but sleightly to respect and reward him In regard whereof by a notable experiment the King gaue him a manifest testimony that it was not through any defect in him but onely occasioned by the Knights ill fortune most bountifully recompencing him afterward The First Nouell Wherin may euidently be discerned that Seruants to Princes and great Lords are many times recompenced rather by their good fortune then in vny regard of their dutifull seruices I Doe accept it Worthy Ladies as no mean fauour that the King hath giuen me the first place to speake of such an honourable Argument as Bounty and Magnificence is which precious Iewell euen as the Sunne is the beauty or ornament and bright glory of al heauen so is bounty and magnificence the Crowne of all vertues I shall then recount to you a short Nouell sufficiently pleasing in mine owne opinion and I hope so much I dare rely on your iudgements both profitable and worthy to be remembred You are to know then that among other valiant Knights which of long haue liued in our City one of them and perhappes of as great merit as any was one named Signior Rogiero d'Figiouanni He being rich of great courage and perceiuing that in due consideration the quality belonging to life and the customes obserued among our Tuscanes were not answerable to his expectation nor agreed with the disposition of his valour determined to leaue his natiue Countrey and belong in seruice for some time to Alfonso King of Spaine whose fame was generally noised in all places for excelling all other Princes in those times for respect of mens well deseruings and bountifull requitall of their paines Being prouided in honorable order both of Horses Armes a competent train he trauelled to Spaine where he was worthily entertained Signior Rogiero continuing there liuing in honorable maner and performing many admirable actions of arms in short time he made himselfe sufficiently knowne for a very valiant and famous man And hauing remained there an indifferent long while obseruing diuers behauiours in the king he saw how he enclined himselfe first to one man then to another bestowing on one a Castle a Towne on another and Baronnies on diuers som-what indiscreetly as giuing away bountifully to men of no merit And restraining all his fauors from him as seeming close fisted and parting with nothing he took it as a diminishing of his former reputation and a great â—mpayring of his fame wherefore he resolued on his departure thence made his suit to the king that he might obtaine it The king did grant it bestowing on him one of the very best Mules and the goodliest that euer was backt a gift most highly pleasing to Rogiero in regarde of the long iourny he intended to ride Which being deliuerd the king gaue charge to one of his Gentlemen to compasse such conuenient meanes as to ride thorow the country and in the company of Signior Rogiero yet in such manner as he should not perceiue that the King had purposely sent him so to do Respectiuely he should obserue whatsoeuer he said concerning the king his gesture smiles and other behauior shaping his answers accordingly and on the nexte morning to commaud his returne backe with him to the King Nor was the Gentleman slacke in this command but noting Rogieroes departing forth of the city he mounted on horseback likewise aud immediatly after came into his company making him beleeue that he iournied towards Italy Rogiero rode on the Mule which the king had giuen him with diuersity of speeches passing between theÌ„ About three of the clocke in the afternoone the Gentleman said It were not amisse Sir hauing such fit opportunitie to Stable our horses for a while till the heate be a little more ouerpast So taking an Inne and the horses being in the stable they all staled except the Mule Being mounted againe and riding on further the Gentleman duely obserued whatsoeuer Rogiero spake and comming to the passage of a small Riuer or Blooke the rest of the beasts dranke and not the Mule but staled in the Riuer which Signior Rogiero seeing clapping his hands on the Mules mane hee said What a wicked beast art thou thou art iust like thy Master that gaue thee to mee The Gentleman committed the words to memory as he did many other passing from Rogiero riding along the rest of the day yet none in disparagement of the King but rather highly in his commendation And being the next morning mounted on horseback seeming to hold on still the way for Tuscane the Gentleman fulfilled the Kings command causing Signior Rogiero to turne back againe with him which willingly he yeelded to doe When they were come to the Court and the King made acquainted with the words which Rogiero spake to his Mule he was called into the presence where the King shewed him a gracious countenance demanded of him why he had compared him to his Mule Signior Rogiero nothing daunted but with a bold and constant spirit thus answered Sir I madâ— the comparison because like as you giue where there is no conueniency and bestow nothing where reason requireth euen so the Mule would not stale where she should haue done but where was water too much before there she did it Beleeue me Signior Rogiero replyed the King if I haue not giuen you such gifts as perhaps I haue done to diuers other farre inferiour to you in honour and merit this happened not thorough any ignorance in me as not knowing you to be a most valiant Knight and well-worthy of speciall respect but rather through your owne ill fortune which would not suffer me to doe it whereof she is guilty and not I as the truth thereof shall make it selfe apparant to you Sir answered Rogiero I complaine not because I haue receiued no gift from you as desiring thereby couetously to become the richer but in regard you haue not as yet any way acknowledged what vertue is remaining in me Neuerthelesse I allow your excuse for good and reasonable and am
fauor Ghinotto di Tacco my Physitian because among all the vertuous men deseruing to haue especial account made of them I neuer met wi-h any equall to him both in honour and honesty Whatsoeuer iniury he did to me I impute it as a greater in-fortune then any way he deserueth to be charged withall Which wretched condition of his if you were pleased to alter and bestow on him some better meanes of maintenance to liue like a worthy man as he is no lesse I make no doubt but in very short time hee will appeare as pleasing to your holinesse as in my best iudgement I thinke him to be The Pope who was of a magnanimious spirit and one that highly affected men of vertue hearing the commendable motion made by the Abbot returned answere that he was as willing to grant it as the other desired it sending Letters of safe conduct for his comming thither Ghinotto receiuing such assurance from the Court of Rome came thither immediatly to the great ioy of the Lord Abbot and the Pope finding him to be a man of valor and worth vpon reconciliation remitted all former errors creating him knight and Lord Prior of the very chiefest Hospitall in Rome In which Office he liued long time after as a loyall seruant to the Church and an honest thankefull friend to the Lord Abbot of Clugny Mithridanes enuying the life and liberality of Nathan and trauelling thither with a setled resolution to kill him chaunceth to conferre with Nathan vnknowne And being instructed by him in vvhat manner he might best performe the bloody deede according as hee gaue direction hee meeteth with him in a small Thicket or Woode where knowing him to be the same man that taught him how to take away his life Confounded with shame hee acknowledgeth his horrible intention and becommeth his loyall friend The third Nouell Shewing in an excellent and liuely demonstration that any especiall honourable vertue perseuering and dwelling in a truly noble soule cannot be violenced or confounded by the most politicke attemptes of malice and enuy IT appeared to the whole assembly that they had heard a matter of meruaile for a Lord Abbot to performe any magnificent action but their admiration ceasing in silence the King commanded Philostratus to follow next who forthwith thus began Honourable Ladies the bounty and magnificense of Alphonso King of Spaine was great indeede and that done by the Lord Abbot of Clugny a thing perhaps neuer heard of in any other But it will seeme no lesse meruailous to you when you heare how one man in expression of great liberality to another man that earnestly desired to kill him should bee secretly disposed to giue him his life which had bin lost if the other would haue taken it as I purpose to acquaint you withall in a short Nouell Most certaine it is at least if Faith may bee giuen to the report of certaine Genewayes and other men resorting to those remote parts that in the Country of Cathaya there liued somtime a Gentleman rich beyond comparison and named Nathan He hauing his liuing adioyning to a great common rode-way whereby men trauayled from the East to the West as they did the like from the West vnto the East as hauing no other means of passage and being of a bountifull and chearfull disposition which he was willing to make knowen by experience he summoned together many Master Masons and Carpenters and there erected in a short time one of the greatest goodliest and most beautifull houses in manner of a Princes Pallace that euer was seene in all those quarters With mouables and all kinde of furnishment befitting a house of such outward apparance hee caused it to be plentifully stored onely to receiue entertaine and honor all Gentlemen or other Trauailers whatsoener as had occasion to passe that way being not vnprouided also of such a number of seruants as might continuallie giue attendance on all commers and goers Two and fifty seuerall gates standing alway wide open ouer each of them in great golden carracters was written Welcome welcome and gaue free admission to all commers whatsoeuer In this honourable order obserued as his estated custom he perseuered so long a while as not onely the East parts but also those in the west were euery where acquainted with his fame renown Being already well stept into yeares but yet not wearie therefore of his great charge and liberality it fortuned that the rumor of his noble Hospitality came to the eare of another gallant Gentleman named Mithridanes liuing in a Countrey not farre off from the other This Gentleman knowing himself no lesse wealthy then Nathan and enuiously repining at his vertue and liberality determined in his mind to dim and obscure the others bright splendor by making himselfe farre more famous And hauing built a Palace answerable to that of Nathans with like windings of gates and welcom inscriptions he beganne to extend immeasurable courtesies vnto all such as were dispoted to visite him so that in a short while hee grew very famous in infinite places It chanced on a day as Mithridanes sate all alone within the goodly Court of his Pallace a poore woman entred at one of the gates crauing an almes of him which she had and returned in againe at a second gate comming also to him and had a second almes continuing sostill a dozen times but at the thirteenth returning Mithridanes saide to her Good Woman you goe and come very often and still you are serued vvith almes When the old Woman heard these words she said O the liberality of Nathan How honourable and wonderfull is that I haue past through two and thirty gates of his Palace euen such as are here and at euery one I receyued an almes without any knowledgement taken of me either by him or any of his followers and heere I haue past but through thirteene gates and am there both acknowledged and taken Farewell to this house for I neuer meane to visit it any more with which words shee departed thence and neuer after came thither againe When Mithridanes had a while pondered on her speeches hee waxed much discontented as taking the words of the olde woman to extoll the renowne of Nathan and darken or ecclipse his glorie whereupon he said to himselfe Wretched man as I am when shall I attaine to the height of liberality and performe such wonders as Nathan doth In seeking to surmount him I cannot come neere him in the very meanest Vndoubtedly I spend all my endeauour but in vaine except I rid the world of him which seeing his age will not make an end of him I must needs do with my own hands In which furious and bloody determination without reuealing his intent to any one he mounted on horse-backe with few attendants in his company and after three dayes iourney arriued where Nathan dwelt He gaue order to his men to make no shew of beeing his seruants or any way to acknowledge him but to
it constantly that there is no man liuing whom I loue and honour as I do thee considering the greatnesse of thy minde which consisteth not in the heaping vp of money as wretched and miserable Worldlings make it their onely felicity but contending in bounty to spend what is thine didst hold it for no shame to kil me thereby to make thy selfe so much the more worthily famous Nor is it any matter to be wondred at in regard that Emperors and the greatest Kings hadde neuer made such extendure of their Dominions and consequently of their renowne by any other Art then killing yet not one man onely as thou wouldst haue done but infinite numbers burning whole Countries and making desolate huge Townes and Cities onely to enlarge their dominion and further spreading of their fame Wherfore if for the increasing of thine owne renowne thou wast desirous of my death it is no matter of nouelty and therefore deseruing the lesse meruaile seeing men are slaine daily and all for one purpose or other Mithridanes excusing no further his maleuolent deliberation but rather commending the honest defence which Nathan made on his behalfe proceeded so farre in after discoursing as to tel him plainely that it did wondrously amaze him how he durst come to the fatall appointed place himselfe hauing so exactly plotted and contriued his owne death whereunto Nathan returned this aunswere I would not haue thee Mithridanes to wonder at my counsel or determination because since age hath made mee Maister of mine owne will and I resolued to doe that wherein thou hast begun to follow me neuer came any man to mee whom I did not content if I could in any thing he demanded of me It was thy fortune to come for my life which when I saw thee so desirous to haue it I resolued immediately to bestow it on thee and so much the rather because thou shouldst not be the onely man that euer departed hence without enioying whatsoeuer hee demanded And to the end thou mightst the more assuredly haue it I gaue thee that aduice least by not enioying mine thou shouldest chance to loose thine owne I haue had the vse of it full fourescore yeares with the consummation of all my delights and pleasures and well I know that according to the course of Nature as it fares with other men and generally all things else it cannot bee long before it must leaue mee Wherefore I hold it much better for me to giue it away freely as I haue alwayes done my goods and treasure then bee curious in keeping it and suffer it to be taken from me whether I will or no by Nature A small gift it is if time make me vp the full summe of an hundred yeares how miserable is it then to stand beholding but for foure or fiue and all of them vexation too Take it then I intreate thee if thou wilt haue it for I neuer met with any man before but thy selfe that did desire it nor perhaps shall finde any other to request it for the longer I keepe it the worse it wil be esteemed and before it grow contemptible take it I pray thee Mithridanes being exceedingly confounded with shame bashfully sayde Fortune fore-fend that I should take away a thing so precious as your life is or once to haue so vile a thought of it as lately I had but rather then I would diminish one day thereof I could wish that my time might more amply enlarge it Forthwith aunswered Nathan saying Wouldst thou if thou couldst shorten thine owne dayes onely to lengthen mine Why then thou wouldest haue me to do that to thee which as yet I neuer did vnto any man namely robbe thee to enrich my selfe I will enstruct thee in a much better course if thou wilt be aduised by mee Lusty and young as now thou art thou shalt dwell heere in my house and be called by the name of Nathan Aged and spent with yeares as thou seest I am I will goe liue in thy house and bee called by the name of Mithridanes So both the name and place shall illustrate thy Glorie and I liue contentedly without the very least thought of enuie Deare Father answered Mithridanes if I knew so well howe to direct mine owne actions as you doe and alwayes haue done I would gladly accept your most liberall offer but because I plainlie perceiue that my very best endeauours must remayne darkened by the bright renowne of Nathan I will neuer seeke to impayre that in another which I cannot by any means increase in my selfe but as you haue worthily taught me liue contented with my owne condition After these and many more like louing speeches had passed between them according as Nathan very instantly requested Mithridanes returned back with him to the Pallace where many dayes he highly honored respected him comforting counselling him to perseuer alwayes in his honourable determination But in the end when Mithridanes could abide there no longer because necessary occasions called him home he departed thence with his men hauing found by good experience that hee could neuer goe beyond Nathan in liberality Signior Gentile de Carisendi being come from Modena took a Gentlewoman named Madam Catharina forth of a graue wherin she was buried for dead which act he did in regard of his former honest affection to the said Gentlewoman Madame Catharina remaining afterward and deliuered of a goodly Sonne was by Signior there Gentile deliuered to her owne Husband named Signior Nicoluccio Caccianimico and the yong infant with her The Fourth Nouell Wherein is shewne That true loue hath alwayes bin and so still is the occasion of many great and worthy courtesies BY iudgment of all the honorable assembly it was reputed wonderfull that a man should be so bountifull as to giue away his owne life and to his hatefull enemy In which respect it passed with generall affirmation that Nathan in the vertue of liberallity had exceeded Alphonso King of Spain but especially the Abbot of Clugny So after euery one had deliuered their opinion the King turning himselfe to Madame Lauretta gaue her such a signe as well instructed her vnderstanding that she should be the next in order whereto she gladly yeelding began in this manner Youthfull Ladies the discourses already past haue been so worthy and magnificent yea reaching to such a height of glorious splendour as me thinkes there remaineth no more matter for vs that are yet to speake whereby to enlarge so famous an Argument and in such manner as it ought to be except we lay hold on the actions of loue wherein is neuer any want of subiect it is so faire and spacious a field to walke in Wherefore as well in behalfe of the one as aduancement of the other whereto our instant age is most of all inclined I purpose to acquaint you with a generous and magnificent act of an amourous Gentleman which when it shall be duely considered on perhaps will appeare equall to any of the rest
and by vertue of his command am ready for once onely to fulfill your pleasure but far from any will or consent in my selfe If Signior Ansaldo were abashed at the first hee began now to be more confounded with admiration when he heard the Lady speake in such strange manner being much moued with the liberall command of her husband he began to alter his inflamed heate into most honourable respect and compassion returning her this answer Most noble Lady the Gods forbid if it be so as you haue sayd that I should Villain-like soile the honour of him that takes such vnvsuall compassion of my vnchaste appetite And therefore you may remaine heere so long as you please in no other condition but as mine owne naturall borne Sister and likewise you may depart freely when you will conditionally that on my behalfe you render such thankes to your husband as you thinke conuenient for his great bounty towards me accounting me for euer heereafter as his loyall Brother and faithfull seruant Dianora hauing well obserued his answer her heart being ready to mount out at her mouth vvith ioy said All the world could neuer make mee beleeue considering your honourable minde and honesty that it would happen otherwise to me then now it hath done for which noble courtesie I will continually remaine obliged to you So taking her leaue she returned home honorably attended to her husband and relating to him what had happened it proued the occasion of begetting intire loue and friendship betweene himselfe and the Noble Lord Ansaldo Now concerning the skilfull Magitian to whom Ansaldo meant to giue the bountifull recompence agreed on betweene them hee hauing seene the strange liberality which the husband expressed to Signior Ansaldo and that of Ansaldo to the Lady hee presently saide Great Iupiter strike me dead with thunder hauing my selfe seene a husband so liberall of his honour and you Sir of true noble kindnesse if I should not be the like of my recompence for perceiuing it to be so worthily imployed I am well contented that you shal keepe it The Noble Lord was modestly ashamed and stroue so much as in him lay that he should take all or the greater part thereof but seeing he laboured meerly in vaine after the third day was past and the Magitian had destroyed the Garden againe hee gaue him free liberty to depart quite controlling all fond and vnchaste affection in himselfe either towards Dianora or any Lady else and liuing euer after as best becommeth any Nobleman to do What say you now Ladies Shal wee make any account of the woman wel-neere dead and the kindnesse growne cold in Signiour Gentile by losse of his former hopes comparing them with the liberality of Signior Ansaldo affecting more feruently then euer the other did And being beyond hope possessed of the booty which aboue all things else in the world he most desired to haue to part with it meerly in fond compassion I protest in my iudgement the one is no way comparable to the other that of Gentile with this last of Signior Ansaldo Victorious King Charles sirnamed the Aged and first of that Name fell in loue with a yong Maiden named Geneuera daughter to an ancient Knight called Signior Neri degli Vberti And waxing ashamed of his amorous folly caused both Geneuera and her fayre Sister Isotta to be ioyned in marriage with two Noble Gentlemen the one named Signior Maffeo da Palizzi and the other Signior Gulielmo della Magna The Sixt Nouell Sufficiently declaring that how mighty soeuer the power of Loue is yet a magnanimous and truly generous heart it can by no meanes fully conquer WHo is able to expresse ingeniously the diuersity of opinions which hapned among the Ladies in censuring on the act of Madame Dianora and which of them was most liberall either Signior Gilberto the Husband Lord Ansaldo the importunate suiter or the Magitian expecting to bee bountifully rewarded Surely it is a matter beyond my capacity but after the King had permitted their disputation a long while looking on Madam Fiammetta he commanded that she should report her Nouel to make an end of their controuersie and she without any further delaying thus began I did alwaies Noble Ladies hold it fit and decent that in such an assembly as this of ours is euery one ought to speake so succinctly and plainly that the obscure vnderstanding concerning the matters spoken of should haue no cause of disputation For disputes do much better become the Colledges of Schollers then to be among vs who hardly can manage our Distaues or Samplers And therefore I doe intend to relate something which peraduenture might appeare doubtfull will forbeare seeing you in such a difference for that which hath bin spoken alreadie to vse any difficult discourse but will speake of one a man of no meane ranke or quality being both a valiant and vertuous King and what he did without any impeach or blemish to his honor I make no doubt but you haue often heard report of king Charls the Aged and first of that name by reason of his magnificent enterprises as also his most glorious victory which he obtaind against King Manfred when the Ghibellines were expulsed foorth of Florence and the Guelphes returned thither againe By which occasion an ancient knight named Signior Neri degli Vberti forsaking then the City with all his family and great store of wealth woulde liue vnder any other obedience then the awful power or command of King Charles And coueting to be in some solitary place where he might finish the remainder of his dayes in peace he went to Castello da Mare where about a Bow shoote distance from all other dwelling houses hee bought a parcel of ground plentifully stored with variety of Trees bearing Oliues Chesnuts Orenges Lemons Pomcitrons and other excellent frutages wherewith the Countrey flourisheth abundantly There he built a very faire and commodious house and planted close by it a pleasant Garden in the middst whereof because he had great plenty of water according as other men vse to do being in the like case so wel prouided he made a very goodly Pond which forthwith had all kinde of Fish swimming in it it being his daily care and endeuour to tend his Garden and encrease his Fish-pond It fortuned that King Charles in the Summer time for his pleasure and recreation went to repose himselfe for some certayne dayes at Castello de Mare where hauing heard report of the beautie and singularitie of Signiour Neries Garden hee grew very desirous to see it But when he vnderstoode to whome it belonged then he entred into consideration with himselfe that hee was an ancient Knight maintaining a contrarie faction to his wherefore he thought it fit to goe in some familiar manner and with no trayne attending on him Wherupon he sent him word that he wold come to visit him with foure Gentlemen onely in his companie meaning to sup with him in his Garden the next
night ensuing The newes was very welcome to Signior Neri who took order in costly maner for all things to bee done entertaining the King most ioyfully into his beautifull Garden When the King had suruayed all and the house likewise he commended it beyond all other comparison and the Tables being placed by the Ponds side he washed his hands therin then sat down at the table commanding the Count Sir Guy de Montforte who was one of them which came in his company to sitte downe by him and Signior Neri on his other side As for the other three of the traine hee commaunded them to attend on his seruice as Signior Neri had giuen order There wanted no exquisite Viandes and excellent Wines all performed in most decent manner and without the least noise or disturbance wherein the King tooke no little delight Feeding thus in this contented manner and facying the solitude of the place sodainly entred into the garden two yong Damosels each aged about some fifteene yeares their haire resembling wyars of Gold and curiously curled hauing Chaplets made like prouinciall Crownes on their heades and their delicate faces expressing them to be rather Angels then mortall creatures such was the appearance of their admired beauty Their vnder-garments were of costly Silke yet white as the finest snow framed from the girdle vpward close to their bodies but spreading largely downward like the extendure of a Pauillion and so descending to the feet She that first came in sight caried on her shoulder a couple of fishing Netts which she held fast with her left-hand and in the right she carryed a long staffe The other following her had on her left shoulder a Frying-pan and vnder the same arme a small Faggot of woodde with a Treuit in her hand and in the other hand a pot of Oyle as also a brand of fire flaming No sooner did the King behold them but he greatly wondered what they should be and without vttering one word attended to listen what they wold say Both the yong damosels when they were come before the King with modest and bashfull gesture they performed very humble reuerence to him and going to the place of entrance into the Pond she who held the Treuit set it downe on the ground with the other things also and taking the staffe which the other Damosell carried they both went into the Pond the water whereof reached so high as to their bosomes One of the Seruants to Signior Neri presently kindled the fire setting the Treuit ouer it and putting Oyle into the Frying-panne held it vppon the Treuit awaiting vntill the Damosels should cast him vppe Fish One of them did beate a place with the staffe where she was assured of the Fishes resort and the other hadde lodged the Nets so conueniently as they quickly caught great store of Fish to the Kings high contentment who obserued their behauiour very respectiuely As the Fishes were throwne vp to the seruant aliue as they were he tooke the best and fairest of them and brought them to the Table where they skipt and mounted before the King Count Guy de Montfort and the Father some leaping from the Table into the Pond againe and others the King in a pleasing humour voluntarily threw backe to the Damosels Iesting and sporting in this manner till the seruant had drest diuers of them in exquisite order and serued them to the Table according as Signior Neri had ordained When the Damosels saw the Fishes seruice performed and perceiued that they had fished sufficiently they came forth of the water their garments then being wet hanging close about them euen as if they hid no part of their bodies Each hauing taken those things againe which at first they brought with them and saluting the king in like humility as they did before returned home to the mansion house The King and Count likewise as also the other attending Gentlemen hauing duely considered the behauior of the Damosels commended extraordinarily their beauty and faire feature with those other perfections of Nature so gloriously shining in them But beyond all the rest the King was boundlesse in his praises giuen of them hauing obserued their going into the water the equall carriage there of them both their comming forth and gracious demeanor at their departing yet neither knowing of whence or what they were he felt his affection very violently flamed and grew into such an amourous desire to them both not knowing which of them pleased him most they so choisely resembled one another in all things But after he had dwelt long enough vpon these thoughts he turned him selfe to Signior Neri and demanded of him what Damosels they were Sir answered Neri they are my Daughters both brought into the world at one birth and Twinnes the one being named Geneuera the faire and the other Isotta the amiable The King began againe to commend them both and gaue him aduise to get them both married wherein he excused himselfe alleadging that he wanted power to doe it At the same time instant no other seruice remaining to be brought to the table except Fruit and Cheese the two Damosels returned againe attyred in goodly Roabes of Carnation Sattin formed after the Turkish fashion carrying two fayre Siluer dishes in their hands filled with diuers delicate Fruies such as the season then afforded setting them on the Table before the King Which being done they retyred a little backeward and with sweet melodious voyces sung a ditty beginning in this manner Where Loue presumeth into place Let no one sing in Loues disgrace So sweet and pleasing seemed the Song to the King who tooke no small delight both to heare and behold the Damosels euen as if all the Hirarchies of Angels were descended from the Heauens to sing before him No sooner was the Song ended but humbly on their knees they craued fauour of the King for their departing Now although their departure was greatly grieuing to him yet in outward appearance he seemed willing to grant it When Supper was concluded and the King and his Company remounted on horsebacke thankefully departing from Signior Neri the King returned to his lodging concealing there closely his affection to himselfe and whatsoeuer important affaires happened yet he could not forget the beauty gracious behauiour of Geneuera the faire for whose sake he loued her Sister likewise but became so linked to her in vehement maner as he had no power to think on any thing else Pretending other vrgent occasions he fell into great familiarity with Signior Neri visiting very often his goodly Garden onely to see his faire Daughter Geneuera the Adamant which drew him thither When he felt his amourous assaults to exceed all power of longer sufferance he resolued determinately with himselfe being vnprouided of any better meanes to take her away from her Father and not onely she but her Sister also discouering both his loue and intent to Count Guy de Montforte who being a very worthy and vertuous
Lord and meet to be a Counseller for a King deliuered his mind in this manner Gracious Lord I wonder not a little at your speeches and so much the greater is my admiratioÌ„ because no maÌ„ els can be subiect to the like in regard I haue knowne you from the time of your infancy euen to this instant houre and alwayes your carriage to bee one and the same I could neuer perceiue in your youthfull dayes when loue should haue the greatest meanes to assaile you any such oppressing passions which is now the more nouell and strange to me to heare it but said that you being old and called the Aged should be growne amorous surely to me it seemeth a miracle And if it appertained to me to reprehend you in this case I know well enough what I could say Considering you haue yet your Armour on your backe in a Kiugdome newly conquered among a Nation not knowne to you full of falsehoods breaches and treasons all which are no meane motiues to care and needfull respect But hauing now wone a little leisure to rest your selfe a while from such serious affaires can you giue way to the idle suggestions of Loue Beleeue me Sir it is no act becomming a magnanimious King but rather the giddy folly of a young braine Moreouer you say which most of all I mislike that you intend to take the two Virgines from the Knight who hath giuen you entertainment in his house beyond his ability and to testifie how much he honoured you he suffered you to haue a sight of them meerely almost in a naked manner witnessing thereby what constant faith he reposed in you beleeuing verily that you were a iust King and not a rauenous Woolfe Haue you so soone forgot that the rapes and violent actions done by King Manfred to harmelesse Ladies made your onely way of entrance into this Kingdome What treason was euer committed more worthy of eternall punishment then this will be in you to take away from him who hath so highly honoured you his chiefest hope and consolation What will be said by all men if you doe it Peraduenture you thinke it will be a sufficient excuse for you to say I did it in regard hee was a Ghihelline Can you imagine this to be iustice in a King that such as get into their possession in this manner whatsoeuer it be ought to vse it in this sort Let me tell you Sir it was a most worthy victory for you to conquer King Manfred but it is farre more famous victory for a man to conâ—uer himselfe You therfore who are ordained to correct vices in 〈◊〉 men learne first to subdue them in your selfe and by brideling this inordinate appetite set not a foule blemish on so faire a fame as will be honour to you to preserue spotlesse These words pierced the heart of the King deepely and so much the more afflicted him because he knew them to be most true wherefore after he had ventred a very vehement sigh thus he replyed Beleeue me noble Count there is not any enemy how strong soeuer he be but I hold him weake and easie to be vanquished by him who is skilfull in the warre where a man may learne to conquere his owne appetite But because he shall find it a laborious taske requiring inestimable strength and courage your words haue so toucht me to the quicke that it becommeth me to let you effectually perceiue and within the compasse of few dayes that as I haue learned to conquer others so I am not ignorant in expressing the like power vpon my selfe Hauing thus spoken within some few dayes after the King being returned to Naples he determined as well to free himself from any the like ensuing follie as also to recompence Signior Neri for the great kindnesse he had shewne to him although it was a difficult thing to let another enioy what he rather desired for himselfe to haue the two Damosels married not as the Daughters of Signior Neri but euen as if they were his owne And by consent of the Father he gaue Geneuera the faire to Signior Maffeo da Palizzi and Isotta the amiable to Signior Gulielmo della Magna two Noble Knights and honourable Barons After he had thus giuen them in marriage in sad mourning he departed thence into Apuglia where by following worthy and honourable actions he so well ouercame all inordinate appetites that shaking off the enthralling fetters of loue he liued free from all passions the rest of his life time and dyed as an honourable King Some perhaps will say it was a small matter for a King to giue away two Damosels in marriage and I confesse it but I maintaine it to be great and more then great if we say that a King being so earnestly enamoured as this King was should giue her away to another whom he so dearely affected himsefe without receiuing in recompence of his affection so much as a leaffe flowre or the least fruit of loue Yet such was the vertue of this magnificent King expressed in so highly recompencing the noble Knights courtesie honouring the two daughters so royally and conquering his owne affections so vertuously Lisana the Daughter of a Florentine Apothecary named Bernardo Puccino being at Palermo and seeing Piero King of Aragon run at the Tilt fell so affectionately enamored of him that she languishâ—â— in an extreame and long sickenesse By her owne deuise and means of a Song sung in the hearing of the King he vouchsafed to visite her and giuing her a kisse terming himselfe also to bee her Knight for euer after hee honourably bestowed her in marriage on a young Gentleman who was called Perdicano and gaue him liberall endowments with her The Seuenth Nouell Wherein is couertly giuen to vnderstand that howsoeuer a Prince may make vse of his absolute power and authority towards Maides or Wiues that are his Subiects yet he ought to deny and reiect all things as shall make him forgetfull of himselfe and his true honour MAdame Fiammetta being come to the end of her Nouell and the great magnificence of King Charles much commended howbeit some of the Company affecting the Ghibelline faction were otherwise minded Madame Pampinea by order giuen from the King began in this manner There is no man of good vnderstanding honourable Ladies but will maintaine what you haue said of victorious Charles except such as cannot wish well to any But because my memory hath instantly informed me of an action perhaps no lesse commendable then this done by an enemy of the said King Charles and to a yong Maiden of our City I am the more willing to relate it vpon your gentle attention vouchsafed as hitherto it hath been courteously granted At such time as the French were driuen out of Sicilie there dwelt at Palermo a Florentine Apothecary named Bernardo Puccino a man of good wealth and reputation who had by his Wife one onely Daughter of marriageable yeares and very beautifull Piero King of
Arragon being then become Lord of that Kingdom he made an admirable Feast Royall at Palermo accompanyed with his Lords and Barons In honour of which publique Feast the King kept a triumphall day of Iusts and Turnament at Catalana and whereat it chanced that the Daughter of Bernardo named Lisana was present Being in a window accompanied with other Gentlewomen she saw the King runne at the Tilt who seemed so goodly a person in her eye that being neuer satisfied with beholding him she grew enamoured and fell into extremity of affection towards him When the Feastiuall was ended she dwelling in the house of her Father it was impossible for her to thinke on any thing else but onely the loue which she had fixed on a person of such height And that which most tormented her in this case was the knowledge of her owne condition being but meane and humble in degree whereby she confessed that she could not hope for any successefull issue of her proud loue Neuerthelesse she would not refraine from affecting the King who taking no note of this kindnesse in her by any perceiuable meanes must needs be the more regardles which procured by wary obseruation her afflictions to be the greater and intollerable Whereon it came to passe that this earnest loue encreasing in her more and more and one melancholly conceit taking hold on another the faire Maide when she could beare the burden of her griefe no longer fell into a languishing sickenesse consuming away daily by euident appearance euen as the Snow melteth by the warme beames of the Sunne The Father and Mother much dismayed and displeased at this haplesse accident applying her with continuall comforts Phisicke and the best skill remayning in all the Phisitions sought all possible meanes wayes to giue her succour but all proued to no effect because in regard of her choyce which could sort to none other then a desper ate end she was desirous to liue no longer Now it fortuned that her parents offering her whatsoeuer remained in their power to performe a sudden apprehension entred her minde to wit that if it might possible be done before she dyed she would first haue the King to know in what manner she stood affected to him Wherefore one day she entreated her Father that a Gentleman named Manutio de Arezza might be permitted to come see her This Manutio was in those times held to be a most excellent Musitian both for his voyce in singing and exquisite skill in playing on Instruments for which he was highly in fauour with King Piero who made almost daily vse of him to heare him both sing and play Her tender and louing father conceiued immediately that shee was desirous to heare his playing and singing both being comfortable to a body in a languishing sickenesse whereupon he sent presently for the Gentleman who came accordingly and after he had comforted Lisana with kind and courteous speeches he played dexteriously on his Lute which purposely hee had brought with him and likewise he sung diuers excellent Ditties which insted of his intended consolation to the Maid did nothing else but encrease her fire and flame Afterward she requested to haue some conference with Manutio alone and euery one being gone forth of the Chamber she spake vnto him in this manner Manutio I haue made choyce of thee to be the faithfull Guardian of an especial secret hoping first of al that thou wilt neuer reueale it to any liuing body but onely to him whom I shall bid thee And nâ—xt to helpe me so much as possibly thou canst because my onely hope relyeth in thee Know then my dearest friend Manutio that on the solemne festiuall day when our Soueraigne Lord the King honoured his exaltation with the noble exercises of Tilt and Turney his braue behauiour kindled such a sparke in my soule as since brake forth into a violent flame and brought me to this weake condition as now thou seest But knowing and confessing how farre vnbeseeming my loue is to aime so ambitiously at a King and being vnable to controule it or in the least manner to diminish it I haue made choyce of the onely and best remedy of all namely to dye and so I am most willing to doe True it is that I shall trauaile in this my latest iourney with endlesse torment and affliction of soule except he haue some vnderstanding thereof before and not knowing by whom to giue him intelligence in so oft and conuenient order as by thee I doe therefore commit this last office of a friend to thy trust desiring thee not to refuse me in the performance thereof And when thou hast done it to let me vnderstand what he saith that I may dye the more contentedly and disburdened of so heauy an oppression the onely comfort to a parting spirit and so she ceased her teares flowing forth abundantly Manutio did not a little wonder at the Maides great spirit and her desperate resolution which moued him to exceeding commiseration and suddenly he conceiued that honectly he might discharge this duty for her whereupon he returned her this answer Lisana here I engage my faith to thee that thou shalt find me firme and constant and die I will rather then deceiue thee Greatly I doe commend thy high attempt in fixing thy affection on so Potent a King wherein I offer thee my vtmost assistance and I make no doubt if thou wouldest be of good comfort to deale in such sort as before three dayes are fully past to bring such newes as will content thee and because I am loath to loose the least time I will goe about it presently Lisana the yong Maiden once againe entreated his care and diligence promising to comfort her selfe so well as she could commending him to his good fortune When Manutio was gone from her hee went to a Gentleman named Mico de Sienna one of the best Poets in the composing of verses as all those parts yeelded not the like At his request Mico made for him this ensuing Dittie The Song sung in the hearing of King Piero on the behalfe of Loue-sicke Lisana Goe Loue and tell the torments I endure Say to my Soueraigne Lord that I must die Except he come some comfort to procure For tell I may not what I feele and why WIth heaued hands Great Loue I call to thee Goe see my Soueraigne where he doth abide And say to him in what extremity Thou hast for him my firm affection tryed To die for him it is my sole desire For liue with him I may not nor a spire To haue my fortunes thereby dignified Onely his sight would lend me life a while Grant it great loue mine anguish to beguile Goe loue and tell the torments c. Since the first houre that loue enthralled me I neuer had the heart to tell my griefe My thoughts did speake for thoughts be alwayes free Yet hopefull thoughts doe find but poore reliefe When Gnats will mount to Eagles in the ayre Alas
feete gaue them all the apt names for those parts belonging to a Mule nothing else remaining but onely the forming of the taile which when Pietro perceiued how Iohn was preparing to fasten it on hauing no way misliked all his former proceeding he called to him saying Forbeare Gossippe Iohn my Mule shal haue no taile at all I am contented to haue her without a taile How now Gossip Pietro answered Iohn What hast thou done Thou hast mard all by this vnaduised speaking euen when the worke was almost fully finished It is no matter Gossip answered Pietro I can like my Mule better without a taile then to see it set on in such manner The fond yong woman more couetously addicted to gayne and commodity then looking into the knauish intention of her Gossip Iohn began to grow greatly offended Beast as thou art quoth she to her Husband why hast thou ouerthrowne both thine own good Fortune and mine Diddest thou euer see a Mule without a taile Wouldst thou haue had him made me a monster Thou art wretchedly poore and when we might haue bin enriched for euer by a secret knowne to none but our selues thou art the Asse that hast defeated all and made thy friend to become thine enemy Gossippe Iohn began to pacifie the woman with solemne protestations of his still continuing friendship albeit afterwards there was no further desiring of any more Mule-making but Gossip Pietro fel to his former Trading onely with his Asse as he was no lesse himselfe and hee went no more with Gossip Iohn to the Faires in Apuglia neyther did he euer request to haue the like peece of seruice done for him ALthough there was much laughing at this Nouell the Ladies vnderstanding it better then Dioneus intended that they should haue done yet himselfe scarsely smiled But the Nouels being all ended and the Sunne beginning to loose his heate the Queene also knowing that the full period of her gouernment was come dispossessing herselfe of the Crowne shee placed it on the head of Pamphilus who was the last of all to be honoured with this dignity wherefore with a gracious smile thus she spake to him Sir it is no meane charge which you are to vndergo in making amends perhaps for all the faults committed by my selfe and the rest who haue gone before you in the same authority and may it proue as prosperous vnto you as I was willing to create you our King Pamphilus hauing receiued the Honor with a chearfull mind thus answered Madam your sacred vertues and those beside remaining in my other Subiects will no doubt worke so effectually for me that as the rest haue done I shall deserue your generall good opinion And hauing giuen order to the Master of the Houshold as all his predecessors had formerly done for euery necessary occasion he turned to the Ladies who expected his gracious fauour and said Bright Beauties it was the discretion of your late Soueraigne Queene in regard of ease and recreation vnto your tyred spirits to grant you free liberty for discoursing on whatsoeuer your selues best pleased wherefore hauing enioyed such a time of rest I am of opinion that it is best to returne once more to our wonted Law in which respect I would haue euery one to speake in this manner to morrow Namely of those men or women who haue done any thing bountifully or magnificently either in matter of amity or otherwise The relation of such worthy arguments will doubtlesse giue an addition to our very best desires for a free and forward inclination to good actions whereby our liues how short soeuer they bee may perpetuate an euer-liuing renowne and fame after our mortall bodies are conuerted into dust which otherwise are no better then those of bruite beasts reason onely distinguishing this difference that as they liue to perish vtterly so we respire to reigne in eternity The Theame was exceedingly pleasing to the whole Company who being all risen by permission of the new King euery one fel to their wonted recreations as best agreed with their owne disposition vntill the houre for Supper came wherein they were serued very sumptuously But being risen from the Table they began their dances among which many sweet Sonnets were enterlaced with such delicate Tunes as moued admiration Then the King commanded Madam Neiphila to sing a song in his name or how her selfe stood best affected And immediatly with a cleare and rare voice thus she began THE SONG The Chorus sung by all the Companie IN the Spring season Maides haue best reason To dance and sing With Chaplets of Flowers To decke vp their Bowers And all in honour of the Spring I Heard a Nimph that sate alone By a Fountaines side Much her hard Fortune to bemone For still she cride Ah! Who will pitty her distresse That findes no foe like ficklenesse For truth liues not in men Poore soule why liue I then In the Spring season c. Oh How can mighty Loue permit Such a faithlesse deed And not in iustice punish it As treasons meed I am vndone through periury Although I loued constantly But truth liues not in men Poore soule why liue I then In the Spring season c. When I did follow Dyans traine As a loyall Maide I neuer felt oppressing paine Nor was dismaide But when I listened Loues alluring Then I wandred from assuring For truth liues not in men Poore soule why liue I then In the Spring season c. Adiew to all my former ioyes When I liued at case And welcome now those sad annoies Which do most displease And let none pitty her distresse That fell not but by ficklenesse For truth liues not in men Alas why liue I then IN the Spring season Maides haue best reason To dance and sing With Chaplets of Flowers To decke vp their Bowers And all in honour of the Spring This Song most sweetly sung by Madame Neiphila was especially commended both by the King all the rest of the Ladies Which being fully finished the King gaue order that euerie one should repaire to their Chambers because a great part of the night was already spent The end of the Ninth Day THE Tenth and last Day Whereon vnder the Gouernment of Pamphilus the seuerall Arguments do concerne such persons as either by way of Liberality or in Magnificent manner performed any worthy action for loue fauour friendship or any other honourable occasion The Induction ALready began certaine small Clouds in the West to blush with a Vermillion tincture when those in the East hauing reached to their full heighth looked like bright burnished Gold by splendour of the Sun beames drawing neere vnto them when Pamphilus being risen caused the Ladies and the rest of his honourable companions to be called When they were all assembled and had concluded together on the place whither they should walke for their mornings recreation the King ledde on the way before accompanied with the two Noble Ladies Philomena and Fiammetta all the
being admitted into their company they expressed themselues very gracious to her Soone after the King and the Queene cald Lisana and the King spake in this manner to her Faire Virgin the extraordinary loue which you bare to vs calleth for as great honour from vs to you in which respect it is our Royall desire by one meanes or other to requite your kinde Loue. In our opinion the chiest honour we can extend to you is that being of sufficient yeares for marriage you would grace vs so much as to accept him for your Husband whom we intend to bestow on you Beside this further grant from vs that nowithstanding whatsoeuer else you shall call vs your Knight without coueting any thing else from you for so great fauour but only one kisse and thinke not to bestow it nicely on a King but grant it the rather because he begges it Lisana whose lookes were dyed with a vermillian tincture or rather conuerted into a pure maiden blush reputing the Kings desire to be her owne in a low and humbled voyce thus answered My Lord most certaine am I that if it had beene publikely knowne how none but your highnes might serue for me to fixe my loue on I should haue been termed the foole of all fooles they perhaps beleeuing that I was forgetfull of my selfe in being ignorant of mine owne condition and much lesse of yours But the Gods are my witnesses because they know the secrets of all hearts that euen in the very instant when Loues fire tooke hold on my yeelding affection I knew you to be a King and my selfe the daughter of poore Bernardo the Apothecary likewise how farre vnfitting it was for me to be so ambitious in my loues presuming But I am sure your Maiestie doth know much better then I am able to expresse that no one becommeth amourous according to the duty of election but as the appetite shapeth his course against whose lawes my strength made many resistances which not preuailing I presumed to loue did and so for euer shall doe your Maiestie Now Royall Soueraigne I must needes confesse that so soone as I felt my selfe thus wholly conquered by louing you I resolued for euer after to make your will mine owne and therefore am not onely willing to accept him for my Husband whom you shall please to appoint befitting my honor and degree but if you will haue me to liue in a flaming fire my obedience shall sacrifice it selfe to your will with the absolute conformity of mine owne To stile you by the name of my Knight whom I know to be my lawfull King and Soueraigne you are not ignorant how farre vnfitting a word that were for me to vse As also the kisse which you request in requitall of my loue to you to these two I wil neuer giue consent without the Queenes most gracious fauour and license first granted Neuerthelesse for such admirable benignity vsed to me both by your Royall selfe and your vertuous Queene heauen shower downe all boundlesse graces on you both for it exceedeth all merit in me and so she ceased speaking in most dutifull manner The answer of Lisana pleased the Queene exceedingly in finding her to be so wise and faire as the King himself had before informed her who instantly called for her Father and Mother and knowing they would be well pleased with whatsoeuer he did he called for a proper yong Gentleman but somewhat poore being named Perdicano and putting certaine Rings into his hand which he refused not to receiue caused him there to espouse Lisana To whome the King gaue immediately besides Chaines and Iewels of inestimable valew deliuered by the Queene to the Bride Ceffala and Calatabelotta two great territories abounding in diuers wealthy possessions saying to Perdicano These wee giue thee as a dowry in marriage with this beautifull Maid and greater gifts we will bestow on thee hereafter as we shal perceiue thy loue and kindnesse to her When he had ended these words hee turned to Lisana saying Heere doe I freely giue ouer all further fruits of your affection towards me thanking you for your former loue so taking her head betweene his hands he kissed her faire forhead which was the vsuall custome in those times Perdicano the Father and Mother of Lisana and she her selfe likewise extraordinarily ioyfull for this so fortunate a marriage returned humble and hearty thankes both to the King and Queene and as many credible Authors doe affirme the King kept his promise made to Lisana because so long as he liued he alwaies termed himselfe by the name of her Knight and in al actions of Chiualry by him vndertaken he neuer carried any other deuise but such as he receiued still from her By this and diuers other like worthy deeds not onely did he win the hearts of his subiects but gaue occasion to the whole world beside to renowne his fame to all succeeding posterity Whereto in these more wretched times of ours few or none bend the sway of their vnderstanding but rather how to bee cruell and tyrranous Lords and thereby win the hatred of their people Sophronia thinking her selfe to be the maried wife of Gisippus was indeed the wife of Titus Quintus Fuluius departed thence with him to Rome Within a while after Gisippus also came thither in very poore condition and thinking that he was despised by Titus grew weary of his life and confessed that he had murdred a man with ful intent to die for the fact But Titus taking knowledge of him and desiring to saue the life of Gisippus charged himself to haue done the bloody deed Which the murderer himself standing then among the multitude seeing truly confessed the deed By meanes whereof all three were deliuered by the Emperor Octauius and Titus gaue his Sister in mariage to Gisippus giuing them also the most part of his goods inheritances The eight Nouell Declaring that notwithstanding the frownes of Fortune diuersity of occurrences and contrary accidents happening yet loue and frendship ought to be preciously preserued among men BY this time Madam Philomena at command of the King Madam Pampinea ceasing prepared to follow next in order whereupon thus she began What is it Gracious Ladies that Kings cannot do if they list in matters of greatest importance and especially vnto such as most they should declare their magnificence He then that performeâ—h what he ought to do when it is within his owne power doth well But it is not so much to bee admired neither deserueth halfe the commendations as when one man doth good to another when least it is expected as being out of his power and yet performed In which respect because you haue so extolled king Piero as appearing not meanly meritorious in your iudgements I make no doubt but you will be much more pleased when the actions of our equals are duly considered and shal paralell any of the greatest Kings Wherefore I purpose to tell you a Nouel concerning an honorable curtesie
of two worthy friends At such time as Octauius Caesar not as yet named Augustus but only in the office called Triumueri gouerned the Romane Empire there dwelt in Rome a Gentleman named Publius Quintus Fuluius a man of singular vnderstanding who hauing one son called Titus Quintus Fuluius of towardly yeares and apprehension sent him to Athens to learne Philosophy but with letters of familiar commendations to a Noble Athenian Gentleman named Chremes being his ancient friend of long acquaintance This Gentleman lodged Titus in his owne house as companion to his son named Gisippus both of them studying together vnder the tutoring of a Philosopher called Aristippus These two yong Gentlemen liuing thus in one Citty House and Schoole it bred betweene them such a brother-hoode and amity as they could not be seuered from one another but only by the accident of death nor could either of them enioy any content but when they were both together in company Being each of them endued with gentle spirits and hauing begun their studies together they arose by degrees to the glorious height of Philosophy to their much admired fame and commendation In this manner they liued to the no meane comfort of Chremes hardly distinguishing the one from the other for his Son thus the Schollers continued the space of three yeares At the ending wherof as it hapneth in al things else Chremes died whereat both the young Gentlemen conceiued such hearty griefe as if he had bin their common father nor could the kinred of Chremes discerne which of the two had most need of comfort the losse touched them so equally It chanced within some few months after that the kinred of Gisippus came to â—ee him and before Titus auised him to marriage and with a yong Gentlewoman of singular beauty deriued from a most noble house in Athens and she named Sophronia aged about fifteen years This mariage drawing neere Gisippus on a day intreated Titus to walk along with him thither because as yet he had not seene her Comming to the house and she sitting in the midst betweene them Titus making himselfe a considerator of beauty especially on his friends behalfe began to obserue her very iudicially euery part of her seemed so pleasing in his eie that giuing them al a priuat praise yet answerable to their due deseruing he becam so enflamed with affection to her as neuer any louer could bee more violentlie surprized so sodainly doth beauty beguile our best senses After they had sate an indifferent while with her they returned home to their lodging where Titus being alone in his chamber began to bethink himselfe on her whose perfections had so powerfully pleased him and the more he entred into this consideration the fiercer he felt his desires enflamed which being vnable to quench by any reasonable perswasions after hee had vented foorth infinite sighes thus he questioned with himselfe Most vnhappie Titus as thou art whether doost thou transport thine vnderstanding loue and hope Dooest thou not know as well by the honourable fauours which thou hast receiued of Chremes and his house as also the intire amity betweene thee and Gisippus vnto whom faire Sophronia is the affianced friend that thou shouldst holde her in the like reuerent respect as if shee were thy true borne Sister Darest thou presume to fancie her Whether shall beguiling Loue allure thee and vaine immaging hopes carrie thee Open the eyes of thy better vnderstanding and acknowledge thy selfe to bee a most miserable man Giue way to reason bridle thine in temperate appetites reforme all irregulare desires and guide thy fancy to a place of better direction Resist thy wanton and lasciuioâ—s will in the beginning and be master of thy selfe while thou hast opportunity for that which thou aimest at is neyther reasonable nor honest And if thou wert assured to preuaile vpon this pursuite yet thou oughtst to auoide it if thou hast any regard of true friendship and the duty therein iustly required What wilt thou do then Titus Fly from this inordinate affection if thou wilt be reputed to be a man of sensible iudgement After he had thus discoursed with himselfe remembring Sophronia and conuerting his former allegations into a quite contrarie sense in vtter detestation of them and guided by his idle appetite thus he began againe The lawes of loue are of greater force then any other whatsoeuer they not only breake the bands of friendship but euen those also of more diuine consequence How many times hath it bin noted the father to affect his own daughter the brother his sister and the step mother her son in law matters far more monstrous then to see one friend loue the wife of another a case happening continually Moreouer I am yong and youth is wholly subiected to the passions of Loue is it reasonable then that those should be bard from me which are fitting and pleasing to Loue Honest things belong to men of more years and maturity then I am troubled withall and I can couet none but onely those wherein Loue is directer The beauty of Sophronia is worthy of generall loue and if I that am a yongman do loue her what man liuing can iustly reproue me for it Shold not I loue her because she is affianced to Gisippus That is no matter to me I ought to loue her because she is a womaÌ„ and women were created for no other occasion but to bee Loued Fortune had sinned in this case and not I in directing my frends affection to her rather then any other and if she ought to be loued as her perfections do challenge Gisippus vnderstanding that I affect her may be the better contented that it is I rather then any other With these and the like crosse entercourses he often mockt himselfe falling into the contrary and then to this againe and from the contrary into another kind of alteration wasting and consuming himselfe not only this day and the night following but many more afterward til he lost both his feeding sleepe so that through debility of body he was constrained to keepe his bed Gisippus who had diuers dayes noted his melancholly disposition and now his falling into extreamitie of sicknesse was very sorry to behold it and with all meanes and inuentions he could deuise to vse hee both questioned the cause of this straunge alteration and essayed euerie way how hee might best comfort him neuer ceassing to demaunde a reason why he should become thus sad and sickely But Titus after infinite importuning which still he answered with idle and friuolous excuses farre from the truth indeede and to the no meane affliction of his friend when he was able to vse no more contradictions at length in sighes and teares thus he replyed Gisippus were the Gods so wel pleased I could more gladly yeild to dye then continue any longer in this wretched life considering that Fortune hath brought mee to such an extremity as proofe is now to be made of