late for the safety of my life Titus on the other side said Noble Praetor this man as thou seest is a stranger heere and was found without any weapon fast asleepe by the dead body thou mayst then easily perceiue that meerely the miserable condition wherein he is hath made him desperate and he would make mine offence the occasion of his death Absolue him and send me to the Crosse for none but I haue deserued to die for this fact Varro was amazed to obserue with what earnest instance each of them stroue to excuse the other which halfe perswaded him in his soule that they were both guiltlesse And as he was starting vp with full intent to acquaint them a yong man who had stood there all this while and obserued the hard pleading on either side he crowded into the Barre being named Publius Ambustus a fellow of lewd life and vtterly out of hopes as being debauched in all his fortunes and knowne among the Romaines to be a notorious theefe who verily had committed the murder Well knew his conscience that none of them were guilty of the crime wherewith each so wilfully charged himselfe being therefore truely toucht with remorse he stept before Marcus Varro saying Honourable Praetor mine owne horrid and abominable actions haue induced me thus to intrude my selfe for clearing the strict contention betweene these two persons And questionlesse some God or greater power hath tormented my wretched soule and so compunctually solicited me as I cannot chuse but make open confession of my sinne Here therefore I doe apparantly publish that neither of these men is guilty of the offence wherewith so wilfully each chargeth himselfe I am the villaine who this morning murdered the man in the Caue one of no greater honesty then my selfe and seeing this poore man lie there sleeping while we were diuiding the stolne booties betweene vs I slew my Companyon because I would be the sole possessor As for Noble Lord Titus he had no reason thus to accuse himselfe because is a man of no such base quality let them both then be deliuered and inflict the sentence of death on me Octauius Caesar to whom tydings was brought of this rare accident commanding them al three to be brought before him would needs vnderstand the whole History in euery particular as all had happened which was substantially related to him Whereupon Octauius pleased them all three the two noble friendes because they were innocent and the third for openly reuealing the very truth Titus tooke home with him his friend Gisippus and after he had sharpely reproued him for his distrust and cold credence of his friendship he brought him to Sophronia who welcomed him as louingly as if he had bin her naturall borne brother bemoaning his hard and disastrous fortune and taking especiall care to conuert all passed distresses into as happy and comfortable a change fitting him with garments and attendants beseeming his degree both in Nobility and vertue Titus out of his honourable bounty imparted halfe his lands and rich possessions to him and afterward gaue him in marriage his owne Sister a most beautifull Lady named Fuluia saying to him beside My deare friend Gisippus it remaineth now in thine owne election whether thou wilt liue liue here still with me or returne backe to Athens with all the wealth which I haue bestowed on thee But Gisippus being one way constrayned by the sentence of banishment from his natiue City then againe in regard of the constant loue which he bare to so true and thankefull friend as Titus was concluded to liue there as a loyall Roman where he with his Fuluia and Titus with his faire Sophronia liued long after together in one and the same house augmenting daily if possible it might be their amity beyond all other equalizing A most sacred thing therefore is cordiall amity worthy not onely of singuler reuerence but also to be honoured with eternall commendation as being the onely wise Mother of all magnificence and honesty the Sister of Charity and Gratitude the enemy to hatred and auarice and which is alwayes ready without attending to be requested to extend all vertuous actions to others which she would haue done to her selfe Her rare and diuine effects in these contrary times of ours are not to be found between two such persons which is a mighty fault and greatly checketh the miserable couetousnesse of men who respecting nothing but onely their particular benefit haue banished true Amity to the vtmost confines of the whole earth and sent her into perpetuall exile What loue what wealth or affinity of kindred could haue made Gisippus feele euen in the intyrest part of his soule the feruent compassion the teares the sighes of Titus and with such efficacy as plainely appeared to make him consent that his faire elected Spouse by him so dearely esteemed should become the wife of his Companion but onely the precious league of Amity What Lawes what threatnings what feares could cause the yong armes of Gisippus to abstaine embraces betaking himselfe to solitary walkes and obscure places when in his owne bedde he might haue enioyed so matchlesse a beauty who perhaps desired it so much as himselfe but onely the gracious title of Amity What greatnesse what merits or precedence could cause Gisippus not to care for the losse of his kindred those of Sophronia yea of Sophronia her selfe not respecting the dishonest murmurings of base minded people their vile and contemptible language scornes and mockeries and all to content and satisfie a friend but onely Diuine Amity Come now likewise to the other side What occasions could compell Noble Titus so promptly and deliberatly to procure his owne death to rescue his friend from the crosse and inflict the pain and shame vpon himselfe pretending not see or know Gisippus at all had it not bin wrought by powerfull Amity What cause else could make Titus so liberall in diuiding with such willingnesse the larger part of his patrimony to Gisippus when Fortune had dispossest him of his owne but onely heauen-borne Amity What else could haue procured Titus without any further dilation feare or suspition to giue his Sister Fuluia in marriage to Gisippus when he saw him reduced to such extreame pouerty disgrace and miâ—ery but onely infinite Amity To what end doe men care then to couet and procure great multitudes of kinred store of brethren numbers of children and to encrease with their owne monyes plenty of seruants when by the least losse and dammage happening they forget all duty to Father Brother or Master Amity and true friendship is of a quite contrary nature satisfying in that sacred bond the obligation due to all degrees both of parentage and all alliences else Saladine the great Soldan of Babylon in the habite of a Merchant was houourably receiued and welcommed into the house of Signior Thorello d'Istria Who trauelling to the Holy Land prefixed a certaine time to his Wife for his returne backe to her againe wherein
solemne earnest they made answer that they were all heartily ready to doe them any seruice And without any further delaying before they parted thence tooke order for their aptest furnishing withall conuenient necessaries and sent word to the place of their first appointment On the morrow being Wednesday about breake of day the Ladies with certaine of their attending Gentlewomen and the three Gentlemen hauing three seruants to waite on them left the City to beginne their iourney and hauing trauelled about a leagues distance arriued at the place of their first purpose of stay which was seated on a little hill distant on all sides from any high way plentifully stored with faire spreading Trees affoording no meane delight to the eye On the top of all stood a stately Pallace hauing a large and spacious Court in the middest round engirt with galleries hals and chambers euery one separate alone by themselues and beautified with pictures of admirable cunning Nor was there any want of Gardens Meadowes and other pleasant walkes with welles and springs of faire running waters all encompassed with branching vines fitter for curious and quaffing bibbers then women sober and singularly modest This Pallace the company found fully fitted and prepared the beddes in the Chambers made and daintily ordered thickly strewed with variety of flowres which could not but giue them the greater contentment Dioneus who aboue the other was a pleasant young gallant and full of infinite witty conceits saide Your wit faire Ladies hath better guided vs hither then our prouidence I know not how you haue determined to dispose of your cares as for mine owne I left them at the City gate when I came thence with you and therefore let your resolution be to spend the time here in smiles and singing I meane as may fittest agree with your dignity or else giue me leaue to goe seeke my sorrowes againe and so to remaine discontented in our desolate City Madam Pampinea hauing in like manner shaken off her sorrowes deliuering a modest and bashfull smile replied in this manner Dioneus well haue you spoken it is fit to liue merrily and no other occasion made vs forsake the sicke and sad Citie But because such things as are without meane or measure are subiect to no long continuance I who began the motion whereby this society is thus assembled and ayme at the long lasting thereof doe hold it very conuenient that wee should all agree to haue one chiefe commaunder among vs in whom the care and prouidence should consist for direction of our merriment performing honour and obedience to the party as to our Patrone and sole Gouernour And because euery one may feele the burthen of sollicitude as also the pleasure of commaunding and consequently haue a sensible taste of both whereby no enuie may arise on any side I could wish that each one of vs for a day onely should feele both the burthen and honour and the person so to be aduanced shall receiue it from the election of vs all As for such as are to succeede after him or her that hath had the dayes of dominion the party thought fit for succession must be named so soone as night approacheth And being in this eminencie according as he or she shall please hee may order and dispose how long the time of his rule shall last as also of the place and manner where best we may continue our delight These words were highly pleasing to them all and by generall voyce Madame Pampinea was chosen Queene for the first day Whereupon Madame Philomena ranne presently to a Bay-tree because she had often heard what honour belonged to those branches and how worthy of honour they were that rightfully were crowned with them plucking off diuers branches she made of them an apparant and honourable Chaplet placing it by generall consent vpon her head and this so long as their company continued manifested to all the rest the signall of dominion and Royall greatnesse After that Madame Pampinea was thus made Queene she commanded publique silence and causing the Gentlemens three seruants and the waiting women also being foure in number to be brought before her thus shee began Because I am to giue the first example to you all whereby proceeding on from good to better our company may liue in order and pleasure acceptable to all and without shame to any I create Parmeno seruant to Dioneus Maister of the Houshold hee taking the care and charge of all our tâ—ayne and for whatsoeuer appertaineth to our Hall seruice I appoint also that Silisco seruant to Pamphilus shall be our Dispencer and Treasurer performing that which Parmeno shall commaund him And that Tindaro serue as Groome of the Chamber to Philostratus his Maister and the other two when his fellowes impeached by their offices cannot be present Misia my Chambermaid and Licisca belonging to Philomena shall serue continually in the Kitchin and diligently make ready such vyands as shall be deliuered them by Parmeno Chimera wayting-woman to Lauretta and Stratilia appertaining to Fiammetta shall haue the charge and gouernement of the Ladies Chambers and preparing all places where we shall be present Moreouer we will and commaund euery one of them as they desire to deserue our grace that wheresoeuer they goe or come or whatsoeuer they heare or see they especially respect to bring vs tydings of them After shee had summarily deliuered them these orders very much commended of euery one shee arose fearefully saying Heere wee haue Gardens Orchards Meadowes and other places of sufficient pleasure where euery one may sport recreate themselues but so soone as the ninth houre striketh then all to meete here againe to dine in the coole shade This iocund company hauing receiued licence from their Queene to disport themselues the Gentlemen walked with the Ladies into a goodly Garden making Chaplets and Nosegayes of diuers flowers and singing silently to themselues When they had spent the time limitted by the Queene they returned into the house where they found that Parmeno had effectually executed his office For when they entred into the Hall they saw the Tables couered with delicate white naperie and the Glasses looking like siluer they were so transparantly cleare all the roome beside streamed with flames of Iuniper When the Queene and all the rest had washed according as Parmeno gaue order so euery one was seated at the Table the vyands delicately drest were serued in and excellent wines plentifully deliuered none attending but the three seruants and little or no loud table-talke passing among them Dinner being ended and the tables withdrawne all the Ladies and the Gentlemen likewise being skilfull both in singing and dauncing and playing on instruments artificially the Queene commaunded that diuers instruments should be brought and as she gaue charge Dioneus tooke a Lute and Fiammetta a Violl de gamba and began to play an excellent daunce Whereupon the Queene with the rest of the Ladies and the other two young Gentlemen hauing sent
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
on foote out of the vally When he came to his Maister and had deliuered him her garments he assured him that he had not onely accomplished his commaund but also was most secure from any discouery because he had no sooner done the deede but foure or fiue very rauenous Wolfes came presently running to the dead body and gaue it buriall in their bellies Bernardo soone after returning to Geneway was much blamed for such vnkinde cruelty to his wife but his constant auouching of her treason to him according then to the Countries custome did cleare him from all pursuite of law Poore Geneura was left thus alone and disconsolate and night stealing fast vpon her shee went to a silly village neere adioyning where by the meanes of a good olde woman she got such prouision as the place afforded making the doublet fit to her body and conuerting her petticote to a paire of breeches according to the Mariners fashion then cutting her haire and queintly disguised like to a Sayler shee went to the Sea coast By good fortune she met there with a Gentleman of Cathalogna whose name was Signior Enchararcho who came on land from his Ship which lay hulling there about Albagia to refresh himselfe at a pleasant Spring Enchararcho taking her to be a man as shee appeared no otherwise by her habite vpon some conference passing betweene them shee was entertained into his seruice and being brought aboord the Ship she went vnder the name of Sicurano da Finale There shee had better apparell bestowne on her by the Gentleman and her seruice proued so pleasing and acceptable to him that hee liked her care and diligence beyond all comparison It came to passe within a short while after that this Gentleman of Cathalogna sayled with some charge of his into Alexandria carying thither câ—rtaine peregrine Faulcons which hee presented to the Soldane who oftentimes welcommed this Gentleman to his table where hee obserued the behauiour of Sicurano attending on his Maisters treâ—cher and therewith was so highly pleased that he requested to haue him from the Gentleman who for his more aduancement willingly parted with his so lately entertained seruant Sicurano was so ready and discreete in his dayly seruices that he grew in as great grace with the Soldane as before he had done with Enchararcho At a certaine season in the yeare as customarie order there obserued had formerly beene in the Citie of Acres which was vnder the Soldanes subiection there yearely met a great assembly of Merchants as Christians Moores Iewes Sarrazines and many other Nations beside as at a common Mart or Fayre And to the end that the Merchants for the better sale of their goods might be there in the safer assurance the Soldane vsed to send thither some of his ordinarie Officers and a strong guard of Souldiers beside to defend them from all iniuries and molestation because he reaped thereby no meane benefit And who should be now sent about this businesse but his new elected fauourite Sicurano because she was skilfull and perfect in the languages Sicurano being come to Acres as Lord and Captaine of the Guard for the Merchants and for the safety of their Merchandizes she discharged her office most commendably walking with her traine through euery part of the Fayre where shee obserued a worthy company of Merchants Sicilians Pisanes Genewayes Venetians and other Italians whom the more willingly shee noted in remembrance of her natiue Countrey At one especiall time among other chancing into a Shop or Boothe belonging to the Venetians she espied hanging vp with other costly wares a Purse and a Girdle which suddainly shee remembred to be sometime her owne whereat she was not a little abashed in her mind But without making any such outward shew courteously she requested to know whose they were and whether they should be sold or no. Ambroginolo of Placentia was likewise come thither and great store of Merchandizes hee had brought with him in a Carrack appertaining to the Venetians and hee hearing the Captaine of the Guard demaund whose they were stepped foorth before him and smiling answered That they wâ—re his but not to be solde yet if hee liked them gladly hee would bestowe them on him Sicurano seeing him smile suspected least himselfe had by some vnfitting behauiour beene the occasion thereof and therefore with a more setled countenance hee said Perhaps thou smilest because I that am a man professing Armes should question after such womanish toyes Ambroginolo replied My Lord pardon me Ismile not at you or your demaund but at the manner how I came by these things Sicurano vpon this answere was ten times more desirous then before and said If Fortune fauoured thee in friendly manner by the obtaining of these things if it may be spoken tell me how thou hadst them My Lord answered Ambroginolo these things with many more beside were giuen me by a Gentlewoman of Geneway named Madame Geneura the wife to one Bernardo Lomellino in recompence of one nights lodging with her and she desired me to keepe them for her sake Now the maine reason of my smiling was the remembrance of her husbands folly in waging fiue thousand Duckets of golde against one thousand of mine that I should not obtaine my will of his wife which I did and thereby wone the wager But hee who better deserued to be punished for his folly then shee who was but sicke of all womens disease returning from Paris to Geneway caused her to be slaine as afterward it was reported by himselfe When Sicurano heard this horrible lye immediatly shee conceiued that this was the occasion of her husbands hatred to her and all the hard haps which she had since suffered whereupon shee reputed it for more then a mortall sinne if such a villaine should passe without due punishment Sicurano seemed to like well this report and grew into such familiarity with Ambroginolo that by her perswasions when the Fayre was ended she tooke him higher with her into Alexandria and all his Wares along with him furnishing him with a fit and conuenient Shop where he made great benefit of his Merchandizes trusting all his monies in the Captaines custody because it was the safest course for him and so he continued there with no meane contentment Much did shee pitty her Husbands perplexity deuising by what good and warrantable meanes she might make knowne her innocency to him wherein her place and authority did greatly sted her and shee wrought with diuers gallant Merchants of Geneway that then remained in Alexandria and by vertue of the Soldans friendly Letters beside to bring him thither vpon an especiall occasion Come he did albeit in poore and meane order which soone was better altered by her appointment and he very honourably though in priuate entertained by diuers of her worthy friends till time did fauour what shee further intended In the expectation of Bernardoes arriuall shee had so preuailed with Ambroginolo that the same tale which he
it is a day of fasting in honor of the ensuing Sabath wheron no labor may be done but the obseruation of holy exercises By that which hath bin saide you may easily conceiue that the course which we haue hitherto continued cannot bee prosecuted in one and the same manner wherfore I would aduice and do hold it an action wel performed by vs to cease for these few dayes from recounting any other Nouels And because we haue remained here foure daies already except we would allow the enlarging of our company with some other friends that may resort vnto vs I think it necessary to remoue from hence take our pleasure in another place which is already by me determined When we shal be there assembled and haue slept on the discourses formerly deliuered let our next argument be stil the mutabilities of Fortune but especially to concerne such persons as by their wit and ingenuity industriously haue attained to some matter earnestly desired or else recouered againe after the losse Heereon let vs seuerally study and premeditate that the hearers may receiue benefit thereby with the comfortable maintenance of our harmlesse recreations the priuiledge of Dioneus alwayes reserued to himselfe Euery one cōmended the Queens deliberation concluding that it shold be accordingly prosecuted and therupon the master of the houshold was called to giue him order for that euenings Table seruice and what else concerned the time of the Queenes Royalty wherein he was sufficiently instructed which being done the company arose licensing euery one to doe what they listed The Ladies and Gentlemen walked to the Garden and hauing sported themselues there a while when the houre of supper came they sate downe and fared very daintily Being risen from the Table according to the Queenes command Madam Aemilia led the dance and the ditty following was sung by Madam Pampinea being answered by all the rest as a Chorus The Song And if not I what Lady else can sing Of those delights which kind contentment bring Come come sweet Loue the cause of my chiefe good Of all my hopes the firme and full effect Sing we together but in no sad moode Of sighes or teares which ioy doth counterchecke Stolne pleasures are delightfull in the taste But yet Loues fire is often times too fierce Consuming comfort with ore-speedy haste Which into gentle hearts too far doth pierce And if not I c. The first day that I felt this fiery heate So sweete a passion did possesse my soule That though I found the torment sharpe and great Yet still me thought t' was but a sweete controule Nor could I count it rude or rigorous Taking my wound from such a piercing eye As made the paine most pleasing gracious That I desire in such assaults to die And if not I c. Grant then great God of Loue that I may still Enioy the benefit of my desire And honour her with all my deepest skill That first enflamde my heart with holy fire To her my bondage is free liberty My sicknesse health my tortures sweet repose Say shee the word in full felicity All my extreames ioyne in an happy close Then if not I what Louer else can sing Of those delights which kind contentment bring After this Song was ended they sung diuers other beside and hauing great variety of instruments they parted to them as many pleasing dances But the Queene considering that the meete houre for rest was come with their lighted Torches before them they all repaired to their Chambers sparing the other dayes next succeeding for those reasons by the Queene alleaged and spending the Sunday in solemne deuotion The ende of the second Day The Third Day Vpon which Day all matters to be discoursed on doe passe vnder the regiment of Madam Neiphila concerning such persons as by their wit and industry haue attained to their long wished desires or recouered something supposed to be lost The Induction to the ensuing Discourses THE morning put on a vermillion countenance and made the Sunne to rise blushing red when the Queene and all the faire company were come abroade forth of their Chambers the Seneshall or great Master of the Houshold hauing long before sent all things necessary to the place of their next intended meeting And the people which prepared there euery needfull matter suddainely when they saw the Queen was setting forward charged all the rest of their followers as if it had been preparation for a Campe to make hast away with the carriages the rest of the Familie remaining behind to attend vpon the Ladies and Gentlemen With a milde maiesticke and gentle peace the Queen rode on being followed by the other Ladies and the three young Gentlemen taking their way towards the West conducted by the musicall notes of sweete singing Nightingales and infinite other pretty Birds beside riding in a tract not much frequented but richly abounding with faire hearbes and floures which by reason of the Sunnes high mounting beganne to open their bosome and fill the fresh Ayre with their odorifferous perfumes Before they had trauelled two small miles distance all of them pleasantly conuersing together they arriued at another goodly Palace which being somewhat mounted aboue the plaine was seated on the side of a little rising hill When they were entred there into and had seene the great Hall the Parlors and beautifull Chambers euery one stupendiously furnished with all conuenient commodities to them belonging and nothing wanting that could be desired they highly commended it reputing the Lord thereof for a most worthy man that had adorned it in such Princely manner Afterward being descended lower and noting the most spacious and pleasant Court the Sellars stored with the choysest Wines and delicate Springs of water euery where running their prayses then exceeded more and more And being weary with beholding such variety of pleasures they sate downe in a faire Gallery which took the view of the whole Court it being round engirt with trees and floures whereof the season then yeelded great plenty And then came the discreete Master of the Houshold with diuers seruants attending on him presenting with Comfits and other Banquetting as also very singular Wines to serue in sted of a breakefast Hauing thus reposed themselues a while a Garden gate was set open to them coasting on one side of the Pallace and round inclosed with high mounted walles Whereinto when they were entred they found it to be a most beautiful Garden stored with all varieties that possibly could be deuised and therefore they obserued it the more respectiuley The walkes and allyes were long and spacious yet directly straite as an arrow enuironed with spreading vines wheron the grapes hung in copious clusters which being come to their ful ripenesse gaue so rare a smel throughout the Garden with other sweete sauours intermixed among that they supposed to feele the fresh spiceries of the East It would require large length of time to describe all the rarities of this place deseruing much
be knit in vnity of soule the like he did by marrying them sollemnly together and bestowing many rich gifts and presents on them sent them honourably attented home to Ischia where they were with much ioy and comfort receiued and liued long after in great felicity Theodoro falling in loue with Violenta the Daughter to his Master named Amarigo and shee conceiuing with childe by him was condemned to be hanged As they were leading him to the Gallowes beating and misusing him all the way he happened to be knowne by his owne Father whereupon hee was released and afterward enioyed Violenta in marriage The seuenth Nouell Wherein is declared the sundry trauels and perillous accidents occasioned by those two powerfull Commanders Loue and Fortune the insulting Tyrants ouer humaine life GReatly were the Ladies minds perplexed when they heard that the two poore Louers were in danger to be burned but hearing afterward of their happy deliuerance for which they were as ioyfull againe vpon the concluding of the Nouell the Queene looked on Madam Lauretta enioyning her to tell the next Tale which willingly she vndertooke to doe and thus began Faire Ladies at such time as the good King William reigned in Sicily there liued within the same Dominions a young Gentleman named Signior Amarigo Abbot of Trapani who among his other worldly blessings commonly termed the goods of Fortune was not vnfurnished of children and therefore hauing neede of seruants he made his prouision of them as best he might At that time certaine Gallies of Geneway Pyrates comming from the Easterne parts which coasting along Armenia had taken diuers children he bought some of them thinking that they were Turkes They all resembling clownish Peazants yet there was one among them who seemed to be of more tractable and gentle nature yea and of a more affable countenance then any of the rest being named Theodoro who growing on in yeeres albeit he liued in the condition of a seruant was educated among Amarigoes Children and as enstructed rather by nature then accident his conditions were very much commended as also the feature of his body which proued so highly pleasing to his Master Amarigo that he made him a free man and imagining him to be a Turke caused him to be baptized and named Pedro creating him superintendent of all his affaires and reposing his chiefest trust in him As the other Children of Signior Amarigo grew in yeeres and stature so did a Daughter of his named Violenta a very goodly and beautifull Damosell somewhat ouer-long kept from marriage by her Fathers couetousnesse and casting an eye of good liking on poore Pedro. Now albeit shee loued him very dearely and all his behauiour was most pleasing to her yet maiden modesty forbad her to reueale it till Loue too long concealed must needes disclose it selfe Which Pedro at the length tooke notice of and grew so forward towards her in equality of affection as the very sight of her was his onely happinesse Yet very fearefull he was least it should be noted either by any of the House or the Maiden her selfe who yet well obserued it and to her no meane contentment as it appeared no lesse on the other side to honest Pedro. While thus they loued together meerely in dumbe shewes not daring to speake to each other though nothing more desired to find some ease in this their oppressing passions Fortune euen as if shee pittied their so long languishing enstructed them how to find out a way whereby they might both better releeue themselues Signior Amarigo about some two or three miles distance from Trapani had a Countrey-House or Farme whereto his Wife with her Daughter and some other women vsed oftentimes to make their resort as it were in sportfull recreation Pedro alwayes being diligent to man them thither One time among the rest it came to passe as often it falleth out in the Summer season that the faire Skie became suddenly ouer-clouded euen as they were returning home towards Trapani threatning a storme of raine to ouertake them except they made the speedier haste Pedro who was young and likewise Violenta went farre more lightly then her Mother and her company as much perhaps prouoked by loue as feare of the sudden raine falling and paced on so fast before them that they were wholly out of sight After many flashes of lightning and a few dreadfull clappes of thunder there fell such a tempestuous shower of hayle as compelled the Mother and her traine to shelter themselues in a poore Countrey-mans Cottage Pedro and Violenta hauing no other refuge ranne likewise into a poore Sheepe-coate so ouer ruined as it was in danger to fall on their heads for no body dwelt in it neither stood any other house neere it and it was scarcely any shelter for them howbeit necessity enforceth to make shift with the meanest The storme encreasing more more and they coueting to auoide it so well as they could sighes and drie hemmes were often inter-uented as dumbly before they were wont to doe when willingly they could affoord another kind of speaking At last Pedro tooke heart and saide I would this shower would neuer cease that I might be alwayes where I am The like could I wish answered Violenta so we were in a better place of safety These wishes drew on other gentle language with modest kisses and embraces the onely ease to poore Louers soules so that the raine ceased not till they had taken order for their oftner conuersing and absolute plighting of their faithes together By this time the storme was fairely ouer blowne and they attending on the way till the Mother and the rest were come with whom they returned to Trapani where by wise and prouident meanes they often conferred in priuate together and enioyed the benefit of their amorous desires yet free from any ill surmise or suspition But as Louers felicities are sildome permanent without one encountring crosse or other so these stolne pleasures of Pedro and Violenta met with as sowre a sauce in the farewell For shee proued to be conceiued with childe then which could befall them no heauier affliction and Pedro fearing to loose his life therefore determined immediate flight and reuealed his purpose to Violenta Which when she heard she told him plainly that if he fled forth-with shee would kill her selfe Alas deare Loue quoth Pedro with what reason can you wish my tarrying here This conception of yours doth discouer our offence which a Fathers pity may easily pardon in you but I being his seruant and vassall shall be punished both for your sinne and mine because he will haue no mercy on me Content thy selfe Pedro replyed Violenta I will take such order for mine owne offence by the discreete counsell of my louing Mother that no blame shall any way be laide on thee or so much as a surmise except thou wilt fondly betray thy selfe If you can doe so answered Pedro and constantly maintaine your promise I will not depart but see that you
and courtesie to make them an offer of tasting his white wine But hauing respect to his own meane degree and the condition of Messer Geri hee thought it farre vnfitting for him to be so forward in such presumption but rather entred into consideration of some such meanes whereby Messer Geri might bee the inuiter of himselfe to taste his Wine And hauing put on him a trusse or thin doublet of very white and fine Linnen cloath as also breeches and an apron of the same and a white cap vpon his head so that he seemed rather to be a Miller then a Baker at such times as Messer Geri and the Ambassadors should daily passe by hee set before his doore a new Bucket of faire water and another small vessell of Bologna earth as new and sightly as the other full of his best and choisest white Wine with two small Glasses looking like siluer they were so cleare Downe he sate with all this prouision before him and emptying his stomacke twice or thrice of some clotted flegmes which seemed to offend it euen as the Gentlemen were passing by he dranke one or two roufes of his Wine so heartily and with such a pleasing appetite as might haue moued a longing almost in a dead man Messer Geri well noting his behauiour and obseruing the verie same course in him two mornings together on the third day as he was drinking he said vnto him Well done Cistio what is it good or no Cistio starting vp forwith replyed Yes Sir the wine is good indeed but how can I make you to beleeue me except you taste of it Messer Geri eyther in regard of the times quality or by reason of his paines taken perhaps more then ordinary or else because hee saw Cistio had drunke so sprightly was very desirous to taste of the Wine and turning vnto the Ambassadors in merriment he saide My Lords me thinks it were not much amisse if we tooke a taste of this honest mans Wine perhaps it is so good that we shall not neede to repent our labour Heereupon he went with them to Cistio who had caused an handsome seate to be fetched forth of his house whereon he requested them to sit downe and hauing commanded his men to wash cleane the Glasses he saide Fellowes now get you gone and leaue me to the performance of this seruice for I am no worse a skinker then a Baker and tarry you neuer so long you shall not drinke a drop Hauing thus spoken himselfe washed foure or fiue small glasses faire and new and causing a Viall of his best wine to be brought him hee diligently filled it out to Messer Geri and the Ambassadours to whom it seemed the very best Wine that they had drunke of in a long while before And hauing giuen Cistio most hearty thankes for his kindnesse and the Wine his due commendation many dayes afterwardes so long as they continued there they found the like courteous entertainment and with the good liking of honest Cistio But when the affayres were fully concluded for which they wer thus sent to Florence and their parting preparation in due readinesse Messer Geri made a very sumptuous Feast for them inuiting thereto the most part of the honourablest Citizens and Cistio to be one amongst them who by no meanes would bee seene in an assembly of such State and pompe albeit he was thereto by the saide Messer Geri most earnestly entreated In regard of which deniall Messer Geri commaunded one of his seruants to take a small Bottle and request Cistio to fill it with his good Wine then afterward to serue it in such sparing manner to the Table that each Gentleman might be allowed halfe a glasse-full at their down-sitting The Seruing-man who had heard great report of the Wine and was halfe offended because he could neuer taste thereof tooke a great Flaggon Bottle containing foure or fiue Gallons at the least and comming there-with vnto Cistio saide vnto him Cistio because my Master cannot haue your companie among his friends he prayes you to Il this Bottle with your best Wine Cistio looking vppon the huge Flaggon replyed thus Honest Fellow Messer Geri neuer sent thee with such a Message to me which although the Seruingman very stoutly maintained yet getting no other answer he returned backe therwith to his Master Messer Geri returned the Seruant backe againe vnto Cistio saying Goe and assure Cistio that I sent thee to him and if hee make thee any more such answeres then demaund of him to what place else I should send thee Being come againe to Cistio hee auouched that his Maister had sent him but Cistio affirming that hee did not the Seruant asked to what place else hee should send him Marrie quoth Cistio vnto the Riuer of Arno which runneth by Florence there thou mayest be sure to fill thy Flaggon When the Seruant had reported this answer to Messer Geri the eyes of his vnderstanding beganne to open and calling to see what Bottle hee had carried with him no sooner looked he on the huge Flaggon but seuerely reprouing the sawcinesse of his Seruant hee sayde Now trust mee Cistio told thee nothing but trueth for neither did I send thee with any such dishonest message nor had the reason to yeeld or grant it Then he sent him with a bottle of more reasonable competencie which so soone as Cistio saw Yea mary my friend quoth he now I am sure that thy Master sent thee to me and he shall haue his desire with all my hâ—rt So commaunding the Bottle to be filled he sent it away by the Seruant and presently following after him when he came vnto Messer Geri he spake vnto him after this maner Sir I would not haue you to imagine that the huge flaggon which first came did any iotte dismay mee but rather I conceyued that the small Viall whereof you tasted euery morning yet filled many mannerly Glasses together was fallen quite out of your remembrance it plainer tearmes it beeing no Wine for Groomes or Peazants as your selfe affirmed yesterday And because I meane to bee a Skinker no longer by keeping Wine to please any other pallate but mine owne I haue sent you halfe my store and heereafter thinke of mee as you shall please Messer Geri tooke both his guifte and speeches in most thankefull manner accepting him alwayes after as his intimate Friend because he had so graced him before the Ambassadours Madame Nonna de Pulci by a sodaine answere did put to silence a Byshop of Florence and the Lord Marshall hauing moued a question to the said Lady whiâ—h seemed to come short of honesty The Third Nouell Wâ—erein is declared that mockers do sometimes meete with their matches in mockery and to their owne shame WHen Madame Pampinea had ended her Discourse and by the whole company the answere and bounty of Cistio had past with deserued commendation is pleased the Queene that Madame Lauretta should next succeed whereupon verie chearefully thus she beganne Faire
is this traiterous villaine Heereupon I stept somewhat stoutly to my Chamber doore and as hee offered to enter with a womans courage I resisted him which made him so much enraged against mee that when hee saw mee to debarre his entrance after many terrible and vile oathes and vowes hee ranne downe the stayres againe in such like manner as you chaunced to meete him Now trust mee deare wife said Beltramo you behaued your selfe very well and worthily for it would haue beene a most notorious scandall to vs if a man should bee slaine in your bed-chamber and Signior Lambertuccio carryed himselfe most dishonestly to pursue any man so outragiously hauing taken my Castle as his Sanctuary But alas wife what is become of the poore affrighted Gentleman Introth Sir quoth she I know not but somewhere or other heereabout hee is hidden Where art thou honest friend said plaine meaning Beltramo Come forth and feare not for thine enemy is gone Lionello who had heard all the fore-passed discourse which shee had deliuered to her Husband Beitramo came creeping forth amazedly as one now very fearefully affrighted indeede from vnder the further side of the bedde and Beltramo saide to him What a quarrell was this between thee and furious Lambertuccio Not any at all Sir replyed Lionello to my knowledge which verily perswadeth me that either he is not well in his wits or else he mistaketh me for some other because so soone as he saw me on the way somewhat neere to this your Castle he drew forth his Sword and swearing an horrible oath said Traitor thou art a dead man Vpon these rough words I stayed not to question the occasion of mine offending him but fled from him so fast as possibly I could but confesse my selfe indeede ouer-bold by presuming into your Ladies bed chamber which yet equalled with her mercie hath bin the onely meanes at this time of sauing my life She hath done like a good Lady answered Beltramo and I do verie much commend her for it But recollect thy dismayed spirite together for I will see thee safely secured hence afterward looke to thy selfe so well as thou canst Dinner being immediately made ready and they hauing merrily feasted together he bestowed a good Gelding on Lionello and rode along with him to Florence where he left him quietly in his owne lodging The selfe-same Euening according as Isabella had giuen enstruction Lionello conferred with Lambertuccio and such an agreement passed betweene them that though some rough speeches were noised abroad to set the better colour on the businesse yet al matters were so cleanly carried that Beltramo neuer knew this queint deceitfull policy of his Wife Lodouico discouered to his Mistresse Madame Beatrix how amorously he was affected to her She cunningly sent Egano her Husband into his garden in all respects disguised like her selfe while friendly Lodouico conferred with her in the meane while Afterward Lodouico pretending a lasciuious allurement of his Mistresse thereby to wrong his honest Master insted of her beateth Egano soundly in the Garden The Seuenth Nouell Whereby is declared that such as keepe many honest seeming seruants may sometime finde a knaue among them and one that proues to be ouer-sawcy with his Master THis so sodaine dexterity of wit in Isabella related in verie modest manner by Madame Pampinea was not onely admired by all the company but likewise passed with as generall approbation But yet Madam Philomena whom the King had commanded next to succeede peremptorily sayde Worthy Ladies if I am not deceiued I intend to tell you another Tale presently as much to be commended as the last You are to vnderstand then that it is no long while since when there dwelt in Paris a Florentine Gentleman who falling into decay of his estate by ouer-bountifull expences vndertooke the degree of a Merchant and thriued so well by his trading that he grew to great wealth hauing one onely sonne by his wife named Lodouico This Sonne partaking somewhat in his Fathers former height of minde and no way inclineable to deale in Merchandize had no meaning to be a Shop-man and therefore accompanied the Gentlemen of France in sundry seruices for the King among whom by his singular good carriage and qualites he happened to be not meanly esteemed While thus he continued in the Court it chanced that certaine Knights returning from Ierusalem hauing there visited the holy Sepulcher and comming into company where Lodouico was much familiar discourse passed amongst them concerning the faire women of France England and other parts of the world where they had bin and what delicate beauties they had seene One in the company constantly auouched that of all the Women by them so generally obserued there was not any comparable to the Wife of Egano de Galluzzi dwelling in Bologna and her name Madam Beatrix reputed to be the onely faire woman of the world Many of the rest maintained as much hauing bin at Bologna and likewise seene her Lodouico hearing the woman to be so highly commended and neuer as yet feeling any thought of amorous inclination became sodainely toucht with an earnest desire of seeing her and his minde could entertaine no other matter but onely of trauailing thither to see her yea and to continue there if occasion so serued The reason for his iourney vrged to his Father was to visit Ierusalem and the holy Sepulcher which with much difficulty at length he obtained his leaue Being on his iourney towards Bologna by the name of Anichino and not of Lodouico and being there arriued vpon the day following and hauing vnderstood the place of her abiding it was his good happe to see the Lady at her Window she appearing in his eye farre more faire then all reports had made her to be Heereupon his affection became so enflamed to her as he vowed neuer to depart from Bologna vntill he had obtained her loue And deuising by what meanes he might effect his hopes he grew perswaded setting all other attempts aside that if he could be entertained into her Husbands seruice and vndergo some businesse in the house time might tutor him to obtaine his desire Hauing giuen his attendants sufficient allowance to spare his company and take no knowledge of him selling his Horses also and other notices which might discouer him he grew into acquaintance with the Hoste of the house where he lay reuealing an earnest desire in himselfe to serue som Lord or worthy Gentleman if any were willing to giue him entertainment Now beleeue me Sir answered the Hoste you seeme worthy to haue a good seruice indeede and I know a Noble Gentleman of this Cittie who is named Egano he will without all question accept your offer for hee keepeth many men of verie good deseruing and you shall haue my furtherance therein so much as may be As he promised so he performed and taking Anichino with him vnto Egano so farre he preuailed by his friendly protestations and good opinion of the young Gentleman that
ready a bottel of very excellent Hypocrasse which he sent the next day according to his promise and Bruno hauing bought the Capons with other iunkets sit for the turne the Phisitian and his merry Companions fed on them hartely for the giuers sake As for Calandrino he liked his dyet drinke excellently well quaffing a large Glassefull off three mornings together afterward Master Doctor and the rest came to see him and hauing felt his pulse the Phisition said Calandrino thou art now as sound in health as any man in all Florence can be thou needest not to keepe within doores any longer but walke abroad boldly for all is well and the childe gone Calandrino arose like a ioyfull man and walked daily through the streets in the performance of such affaires as belonged to him and euery acquaintance he met withall he told the condition of his sudden sickenesse and what a rare cure Master Doctor Simon had wrought on him deliuering him in three dayes space of a childe and without the feeling of any paine Bruno Buffalmaco and Nello were not a little iocond for meeting so well with couetous Calandrino but how the Wife liked the folly of her Husband I leaue to the iudgement of all good Women Francesco Fortarigo played away all that he had at Buonconuento and likewise the money of Francesco Aniolliero being his Master Then running after him in his shirt and auouching that hee had robbed him he caused him to be taken by Pezants of the Country clothed himselfe in his Masters wearing garments and mounted on his horse rode thence to Sienna leauing Aniolliero in his shirt and walked bare-footed The fourth Nouell Seruing as an admonition to all men for taking Gamesters and Drunkards into their seruice THe ridiculous words giuen by Calandrino to his Wife all all the whole company hartily laughed at but Philostratus ceassing Madame Neiphila as it pleased the Queene to appoint began to speake thus Vertuous Ladies if it were not more hard and vneasie for men to make good their vnderstanding and vertue then apparant publicarion of their disgrace and folly many would not labour in vaine to curbe in their idle speeches with a bridle as you haue manifestly obserued by the weake wit of Calandrino Who needed no such fantastick circumstance to cure the strange disease which he imagined by sottish perswasions to haue had hee not been so lauish of his tongue and accused his Wife of ouer-mastering him Which maketh me remember a Nouell quite contrary to this last related namely how one man may striue to surmount another in malice yet he to sustaine the greater harme that had at the first the most aduantage of his enemy as I will presently declare vnto you There dwelt in Sienna and not many yeeres since two young men of equall age both of them bearing the name of Francesco but the one was descended of the Aniollieri and the other likewise of the Fortarigi so that they were commonly called Aniolliero and Fortarigo both Gentlemen and well deriued Now although in many other matters their complexions did differ very much Yet notwithstanding they varied not in one bad qualitie namely too great neglect of their Fathers which caused their more frequent conuersation as very familiar and respectiue friends But Aniolliero being a very goodly and faire conditioned young Gentleman apparently perceiuing that he could not maintaine himselfe at Sienna in such estate as he liked and vpon the pension allowed him by his Father hearing also that at the Marquisate of Ancona there liued the Popes Legate a worthy Cardinall his much indeared good Lord and friend he intended to goe visite him as hoping to aduance his fortunes by him Hauing acquainted his Father with this determination he concluded with him to haue that from him in a moment which might supply his wants for many moneths because he would be clothed gallantly and mounted honourably And seeking for a seruant necessary to attend on him it chanced that Fortarigo hearing thereof came presently to Aniolliero intreating him in the best manner he could to let him waite on him as his seruing man promising both dutiful and diligent attendance yet not to demaund any other wages but onely payment of his ordinary expences Aniolliero made him answere that he durst not giue him entertainment not in regard of his insufficiency and vnaptnesse for seruice but because he was a great Gamester and diuers times would be beastly drunke whereto Fortarigo replyed that hee would refraine from both those foule vices and addict all his endeauor wholly to please him without iust taxation of any grosse errour making such solemne vowes and protestations beside as conquered Aniolliero and won his consent Being entred vpon his iourney and arriuing in a morning at Buonconuento there Aniolliero determined to dine and afterward finding the heate to be vnfit for trauaile he caused a bed to be prepared wherein being laid to rest by the helpe of Fortarigo he gaue him charge that after the heates violence was ouerpast hee should not faile to call and awake him While Aniolliero slept thus in his bed Fortarigo neuer remembring his solemne vowes and promises went to the Tauerne where hauing drunke indifferently and finding company fit for the purpose he fell to play at the dice with them In a very short while he had not onely lost his money but all the cloathes on his backe likewise and coueting to recouer his losses againe naked in his shirt he went to Aniollieros Chamber where finding him yet soundly sleeping he tooke all the money he had in his purse and then returned backe to play speeding in the same manner as hee did before not hauing one poore penny left him Aniolliero chancing to awake arose and made him ready without any seruant to helpe him then calling for Fortarigo and not hearing any tydings of him he began immediately to imagine that he was become drunke and so had falne asleepe in one place or other as very often he was wont to doe Wherefore determining so to leaue him he caused the male and Saddle to be set on his horse so to furnish himselfe with a more honest seruant at Corsignano But when hee came to pay his hoste hee found not any penny left him whereupon as well he might he grew greatly offended and raised much trouble in the house charged the hoasts people to haue robde him and threatening to haue them sent as prisoners to Sienna Suddenly entred Fortarigo in his shirt with intent to haue stolne Aniollieroes garments as formerly hee did the money out of his purse and seeing him ready to mount on horsebacke hee saide How now Aniolliero What shall we goe away so soone I pray you Sir tarry a little while for an honest man is comming hither who hath my Doublet engaged for eight and thirty shillings and I am sure that he will restore it me back for fiue and thirty if I could presently pay him downe the money During the speeches an
but she was as carefully respected euen as if she had been his owne Wife Secretly he repaired to Modena where hauing giuen direction for his place of authority he returned back againe to Bologna and there made preparation for a great and solemne feast appointing who should be his inuited guests the very chiefest persons in Bologna and among them Signior Nicoluccio Caccianimico the especiall man After he was dismounted from horsebacke and found so good company attending for him the Lady also more faire and healthful then euer and the Infant liuely disposed he sate downe at the Table with his guests causing them to be serued in most magnificent manner with plenty of all delicates that could be deuised and neuer before was there such a Iouiall feast About the ending of dinner closely he made the Lady acquainted with his further intention and likewise in what order euery thing should be done which being effected he returned to his company vsed these speeches Honourable friends I remember a discourse sometime made vnto me concerning the Countrey of Persia and a kind of custome there obserued not to be misliked in mine opinion When any one intended to honour his friend in effectuall manner he inuited him home to his house and there would shew him the thing which with greatest loue he did respect were it Wife Friend Sonne Daughter or any thing else whatsoeuer wherewithall hee spared not to affirme that as he shewed him those choyce delights the like view he should haue of his heart if with any possibility it could be done and the very same custome I meane now to obserue here in our City You haue vouchsafed to honour me with your presence at this poore homely dinner of mine and I will welcome you after the Persian manner in shewing you the Iewell which aboue all things else in the world I euer haue most respectiuely esteemed But before I doe it I craue your fauourable opinions in a doubt which I will plainely declare vnto you If any man hauing in his house a good and faithfull seruant who falling into extremity of sickenesse shall be throwne forth into the open street without any care or pitty taken on him A stranger chanceth to passe by and moued with compassion of his weakenesse carryeth him home to his owne house where vsing all charitable diligence and not sparing any cost he recouereth the sicke person to his former health I now desire to know if keeping the said restored person and imploying him about his owne businesse the first Master by pretending his first right may lawfully complaine of the second and yeeld him backe againe to the first master albeit he doe make challenge of him All the Gentlemen after many opinions passing among them agreed altogether in one sentence and gaue charge to Signior Nicoluccio Caccianimico because he was an excellent and elegant speaker to giue answere for them all First he commended the custome obserued in Persia saying he iumpt in opinion with all the rest that the first Master had no right at all to the seruant hauing not onely in such necessity forsaken him but also cast him forth into the comfortlesse street But for the benefits and mercy extended to him it was more then manifest that the recouered person was become iustly seruant to the second Master and in detayning him from the first hee did not offer him any iniury at all The whole Company sitting at the Table being all very wise worthy men gaue their verdict likewise with the confession of Signior Nicoluccio Caccianimico Which answere did not a little please the Knight and so much the rather because Nicoluccio had pronounced it affirming himselfe to be of the same minde So sitting in a pretended musing a while at length he said My honourable guests it is now more then high time that I should doe you such honour as you haue most iustly deserued by performing the promise made vnto you Then calling two of his seruants he sent them to Madame Catharina whom he had caused to adorne her self in excellent manner entreating her that she would be pleased to grace his guests with her presence Catharina hauing deckt her child in costly habiliments layed it in her armes and came with the seruauts into the dyning Hall and sate down as the Knight had appointed at the vpper end of the Table and then Signior Gentile spake thus Behold worthy Gentlemen this is the Iewell which I haue most affected and intend to loue none other in the world be you my Iudges whether I haue iust occasion to doe so or no The Gentlemen saluting her with respectiue reuerence said to the Knight that he had great reason to affect her And viewing her aduisedly many of them thought her to be the very same woman as indeed she was but that they beleeued her to be dead But aboue all the rest Nicoluccio Caccianimico could neuer be satisfied with beholding her and enflamed with earnest desire to know what she was could not refraine seeing the Knight was gone out of the roome but demaunded of her whether she were of Bologna or a stranger when the Lady heard her selfe to be thus questioned and by her Husband it seemed painefull to her to containe from answering Neuerthelesse to perfect the Kinghts intended purpose she sate silent Others demaunded of her whether the sweet Boy were hers or no and some questioned if she were Gentiles Wife or no or else his Knisewoman to all which demaunds she returned not any answere But when the Knight came to them againe some of them said to him Sir this woman is a goodly creature but she appeareth to be dumbe which were great pitty if it should be so Gentlemen quoth he it is no small argument of her vertue to sit still and silent at this instant Tell vs then said they of whence and what she is Therein quoth he I will quickely resolue you vpon your conditionall promise that none of you do remoue from his place whatsoeuer shall be said or done vntill I haue fully deliuered my minde Euery one bound himselfe by solemne promise to perform what he had appointed and the Tables being voided as also the Carpets laid then the Knight sitting downe by the Lady thus began Worthy Gentlemen this Lady is that true and faithfull seruant wherof I moued the question to you whom I tooke out of the cold street where her parents kindred and friends making no account at all of her threw her forth as a thing vile and vnprofitable Neuerthelesse such hath been my care and cost that I haue rescued her out of deaths griping power and in a meere charitable disposition which honest affection caused me to beare her of a body full of terror affrighting as then she was I haue caused her to become thus louely as you see But because you may more apparantly discerne in what manner this occasion happened I will lay it open to you in more familiar manner Then he began