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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Palace of Pleasure, by William Painter
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Palace of Pleasure
+       Volume 3
+
+Author: William Painter
+
+Editor: Joseph Haslewood
+        Joseph Jacobs
+
+Release Date: January 3, 2011 [EBook #34840]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PALACE OF PLEASURE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Meredith Bach, Louise Hope, Chris Curnow, Carlo
+Traverso and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian
+Libraries)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note:
+
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+
+Text originally printed in blackletter ("Gothic") type is shown between
+*asterisks*. The original book (printed in 1890) used long "s" ([s])
+throughout. This has been retained only for title pages and similar
+decorative text.
+
+Missing spaces, punctuation--chiefly quotation marks--and single letters
+are shown in {braces}. Other typographic errors are listed at the end of
+the e-text, but are unchanged in the body text. Word-initial "u" and
+medial "v" are in the original. Square brackets [] in the body text
+are in the original.
+
+Volumes I and II of this work are available from Project Gutenberg as
+e-texts 20241 and 34053.]
+
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+             *       *       *       *
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+                        THE
+
+                 PALACE OF PLEASURE
+
+                     VOL. III.
+
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+                 *Ballantyne Press*
+             Ballantyne, Hanson and Co.
+                Edinburgh and London
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+                        The
+
+                *PALACE OF PLEASURE*
+
+_Elizabethan Versions of Italian and French Novels_
+  _from Boccaccio, Bandello, Cinthio, Straparola,_
+            _Queen Margaret of Navarre,_
+                    _and Others_
+
+
+                 Done Into English
+
+                By WILLIAM PAINTER
+
+
+       _Now Again Edited For The Fourth Time_
+
+                  By JOSEPH JACOBS
+
+
+                     VOL. III.
+
+        [Illustration (Publisher's Device):
+                 IN NUCE LIBELLUS]
+
+  _London: Published by David Nutt in the Strand_
+
+                      MDCCCXC
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS.
+
+VOLUME III.
+
+TOME II.--_Continued._
+
+                                                 Page
+
+          Title Page (Edition 1580)                 1
+   Novel
+   XXIII. Duchess of Malfy                          3
+    XXIV. Countess of Celant                       44
+     XXV. Romeo and Juliet                         80
+    XXVI. Ladies of Venice                        125
+   XXVII. Lord of Virle                           157
+  XXVIII. Lady of Bohemia                         195
+    XXIX. Diego and Ginevra                       222
+     XXX. Salimbene and Angelica                  288
+    XXXI. Helena of Florence                      329
+   XXXII. Camiola and Roland                      354
+  XXXIII. Lords of Nocera                         363
+   XXXIV. Sultan Solyman                          395
+    XXXV. King of Morocco                         416
+          Conclusion                              431
+
+
+
+
+  The [S]econd Tome
+  of the Palace of Plea[s]ure,
+  *conteyning store of goodly Hi[s]tories,*
+  Tragicall matters, and other Mo-
+  *rall argument, very re-*
+  _qui[s]ite for delighte_
+  *and profit.*
+
+  _Cho[s]en and selected out of
+  diuers good and commen-
+  dable Authors:_
+
+  and now once agayn corrected and
+  encrea[s]ed
+
+  By William Painter, Clerke of the
+  Ordinance and Armarie.
+
+  Imprinted at London, in
+  Fleat [S]trete, by Thomas
+  Mar[s]he.
+
+
+
+
+*The Palace of Pleasure.*
+
+
+
+
+THE TWENTY-THIRD NOUELL.
+
+  _The infortunate mariage of a Gentleman, called Antonio
+  Bologna, wyth the Duchesse of Malfi, and the pitifull death
+  of them both._
+
+
+The great Honor and authority men haue in thys World, and the
+greater their estimation is, the more sensible and notorious are
+the faultes by theim committed, and the greater is their
+slaunder. In lyke manner more difficult it is for that man to
+tolerate and sustayne Fortune, which al the dayes of his life
+hath lyued at his ease, if by chaunce he fall into any great
+necessity than for hym whych neuer felt but woe, mishap, and
+aduersity. Dyonisius the Tyraunt of Scicilia, felt greater payne
+when hee was expelled his Kyngdome, than Milo did, beinge
+banished from Rome: for so mutch as the one was a Soueraygne
+Lorde, the sonne of a Kynge, a Iusticiary on Earth, and the
+other but a simple Citizen of a Citty, wherein the People had
+Lawes, and the Lawes of Magistrates were had in reuerence.
+So lykewyse the fall of a high and lofty Tree, maketh greater
+noyse, than that whych is low and little. Hygh Towers, and
+stately Palaces of Prynces bee seene further of, than the poore
+Cabans, and homely Sheepeheardes Sheepecotes: the Walles of
+lofty Cittyes more a loofe doe Salute the Viewers of the same,
+than the simple Caues, which the Poore doe digge belowe the
+Mountayne Rockes. Wherefore it behooueth the Noble, and sutch as
+haue charge of Common wealth, to lyue an honest Lyfe, and beare
+their port vpright, that none haue cause to discourse vppon
+their wicked deedes and naughty life. And aboue all modesty
+ought to be kept by Women, whom as their race, Noble birth,
+aucthority and name, maketh them more famous, euen so their
+vertue, honesty, chastity, and continencie more prayse worthy.
+And behoueful it is, that like as they wishe to be honoured
+aboue all other, so their life do make them worthy of that
+honour, without disgracing their name by deed or worde, or
+blemishing that brightnesse which may commend the same.
+I greatly feare that all the Princely factes, the exploytes and
+conquests done by the Babylonian Queene Semyramis, neuer was
+recommended wyth sutch prayse, as hir vice had shame in records
+by those which left remembrance of auncient acts. Thus I say,
+because a woman being as it were the Image of sweetnesse,
+curtesie and shamefastnesse, so soone as she steppeth out of the
+right tract, and abandoneth the sweete smel of hir duety and
+modesty, besides the denigration of hir honour, thrusteth her
+selfe into infinite Troubles, causeth ruine os sutch whych
+should bee honoured and praysed, if Womens Allurementes
+solicited theym not to Folly. I wyll not heere Indeuour my selfe
+to seeke for examples of Samson, Salomon or other, which suffred
+themselues fondly to be abused by Women: and who by meane of
+them be tumbled into great faults, and haue incurred greater
+perils: contentinge my selfe to recyte a ryght pitifull History
+done almost in our tyme, when the French vnder leadinge of that
+notable Capitayne Gaston de Foix, vanquished the force of Spayne
+and Naples at the Iourney of Rauenna in the time of the French
+Kynge called Lewes the twelfth, who married the Lady Mary,
+Daughter to Kynge Henry the seuenth, and Sister to the
+Victorious Prynce of worthy memory kynge Henry the eyght, Wyfe
+(after the death of the sayd Lewes) to the puissaunt Gentleman
+Charles, late Duke of Suffolke. In the very tyme then lyued a
+Gentleman of Naples called Antonio Bologna, who hauing bin
+master of Household to Fredericke of Aragon, somtime king of
+Naples, after the French had expelled those of Aragon out of
+that Citty, the sayde Bologna retyred into Fraunce, and thereby
+recouered the goods, which hee possessed in his countrey. The
+Gentleman besides that he was valiant of his persone, a good man
+of Warre, and wel esteemed amongs the best, had a passing numbre
+of good graces, which made him to be loued and cherished of
+euery wight: and for riding and managing of greate horse, he had
+not his fellow in Italy: he could also play exceedynge well and
+trim vpon the Lute, whose fayning voyce so wel agreed therevnto,
+that the moste melancholike persons would forget their
+heauinesse, vpon hearing of his heauenly noyse: and besides
+these qualyties, he was of personage comely, and of good
+proportion. To be short: nature hauing trauayled and dispoyled
+hir Treasure House for inriching of him, he had by Arte gotten
+that, which made him most happy and worthy of prayse, which was,
+the knowledge of good letters, wherein he was so well trayned,
+as by talke and dispute thereof, he made those to blush that
+were of that state and profession. Antonio Bologna hauing left
+Fredericke of Aragon in Fraunce, who expulsed out of Naples was
+retired to king Lewes, went home to his house to lyue at rest
+and to auoyd trouble, forgetting the delicates of Courtes and
+houses of great men, to bee the only husband of his owne
+reueneue. But what? it is impossible to eschue that which the
+heauens haue determined vpon vs: or to shunne the vnhappe which
+seemeth to follow vs, as it were naturally proceeding from our
+mother's Wombe: in sutch wyse as many times, he which seemeth
+the wisest man, guided by misfortune, hasteth himself with
+stouping head to fall headlonge into hys death and ruine. Euen
+so it chaunced to this Neapolitane Gentleman: for in the very
+same place where he attained his aduauncement, he receiued also
+his diminution and decay, and by that house which preferred hym
+to what he had, he was depryued, both of his estate and life:
+the discourse whereof you shall vnderstande. I haue tolde you
+already, that this Gentleman was Mayster of the kinge of Naples
+household, and beyng a gentle person, a good Courtier, wel
+trained vp, and wyse for gouernment of himself in the Courte and
+in the seruice of Princes, the Duchesse of Malfi thought to
+intreate him that he would serue hir, in that office which he
+serued the King. This Duchesse was of the house of Aragon, and
+sister to the Cardinall of Aragon, which then was a rych and
+puissant personage. Being resolued, and persuaded, that Bologna
+was deuoutly affected to the house of Aragon, as one brought vp
+there from a Chylde: shee sent for him home to his House, and
+vpon hys repaire vsed vnto him these, or like Woordes: "Mayster
+Bologna, sith your ill fortune, nay rather the vnhap of our
+whole House is sutch, as your good Lord and Mayster hath forgon
+his state and dignity, and that you therwithall haue lost a good
+Maister, without other recompence but the prayse which euery man
+giueth you for your good seruice, I haue thought good to intreat
+you to doe me the honor, as to take charge of the gouernment of
+my House, and to vse the same, as you did that of the King your
+maister. I know well that the office is to vnworthy for your
+calling; notwithstanding you be not ignorant what I am, and how
+neare to him in bloud, to whom you haue bene a Seruaunte so
+faythfull and Louing; and albeit that I am no Queene, endued
+with greatest reuenue, yet with that little portyon I haue,
+I beare a Pryncely heart: and sutch as you by experience do
+knowe what I haue done, and dayly do to those which depart my
+seruice, recompensing them according to theyr paine and
+trauaile: magnificence is obserued as well in the Courts of
+poore Princes, as in the stately Palaces of great Kings and
+monarches. I do remembre that I haue read of a certain noble
+gentleman, a Persian borne, called Ariobarzanes, who vsed great
+examples of curtesie and stoutnesse towards King Artaxerxes,
+wherewith the king wondred at his magnificence, and confessed
+himself to be vanquished: you shal take aduise of this request,
+and in the meane time do think you will not refuse the same,
+aswell for that my demaund is iust, as also being assured, that
+our House and race is so well imprinted in your heart, as it is
+impossible that the memory thereof can be defaced." The
+gentleman hearynge that curteous demaund of the Duchesse,
+knowing himselfe how deepely bound he was to the name of Aragon,
+and led by some vnknowen prouocation to his great il luck,
+answered hir in this wise: "I would to God, Madame, that with so
+good reason and equity I were able to make denyall of your
+commaundment, as iustly you maye require the same: wherfore for
+the bounden duety which I owe to the name and memorie of the
+house of Aragon, I make promise that I shall not only sustaine
+the trauell, but also the daunger of my Lyfe, dayly to be offred
+for your seruice: but I feele in mynde I know not what, which
+commaundeth me to withdraw my selfe to lyue alone at home within
+my lyttle house, and to be content with that I haue, forgoing
+the sumptuous charge of Prynces houses, which Lyfe would be wel
+liked of my self, were it not for the feare that you Madame
+should be discontented with my refusall, and that you should
+conceiue, that I disdained your offred charge, or contempne your
+Court for respect of the great Office I bare in the Courte of
+the Kyng, my Lord and Mayster: for I cannot receiue more honour,
+than to serue hir, which is the paragon of that stock and royal
+race. Therfore at all aduentures I am resolued to obey your
+will, and humbly to satisfy the duety of the charge wherein it
+pleaseth you to imploy me, more to pleasure you for auoiding of
+displeasure, then for desire I haue to lyue an honorable lyfe in
+the greatest Princes house of the world, sith I am discharged
+from him in whose name resteth my comfort and only stay,
+thinking to haue liued a solitarye life, and to passe my yeres
+in rest, except it were in the pore abilitye of my seruice to
+that house, wherunto I am bound continually to be a faithfull
+seruaunt. Thus Madame, you see me to be the readiest man of the
+world, to fulfil the request, and accomplishe sutch other
+seruice wherein it shall please you to imploy me." The Duchesse
+thanked him very heartily, and gaue him charge of all hir
+housholde traine, commaunding ech person to do him sutch
+reuerence as to hir self, and to obey him as the chief of al hir
+family. This Lady was a widow, but a passing faire Gentlewoman,
+fine and very yong, hauing a yong sonne vnder hir guard and
+keping, left by the deceased Duke hir husband, togither with the
+Duchy, the inheritaunce of hir child. Now consider hir personage
+being sutch, her easy life and delycate bringing vp, and hir
+daily view of the youthly trade and manner of Courtiers lyfe,
+whether she felt hir self pryckt wyth any desire, which burned
+hir heart the more incessantly, as the flames were hidden and
+couert: from the outward shew whereof shee stayed hir self so
+well as shee coulde. But shee followinge beste aduice, rather
+esteemed the proofe of Maryage, than to burne wyth so lyttle
+fire, or to incurre the exchange of louers, as many vnshamefaste
+strumpets do, which be rather giuen ouer, than satisfied with
+pleasure of loue. And to say the truthe, they be not guided by
+wisedom's lore, which suffer a maiden ripe for mariage to be
+long vnwedded, or yong wife long to liue in widowe's state, what
+assurance so euer they make of their chaste and stayed lyfe. For
+bookes be to full of sutch enterpryses, and houses stored with
+examples of sutch stolne and secrete practises, as there neede
+no further proofe for assurance of our cause, the daily
+experience maketh plaine and manifest. And a great folly it is
+to build the fantasies of chastitye amid the follies of worldly
+pleasures. I will not goe about to make those matters
+impossible, ne yet will iudge at large, but that there be som
+maydens and Wyues, which wiselye can conteine themselues amongs
+the troupe of amorous suters. But what? the experience is very
+hard, and the proofe no lesse daungerous, and perchaunce in a
+moment the mind of some peruerted, which all their lyuyinge
+dayes haue closed theyr Eares from the Sute of those that haue
+made offer of louyng seruice. And hereof we neede not run to
+forrayne Hystories, ne yet to seeke records that be auncient,
+sith wee may see the daily effects of the lyke, practised in
+Noble houses, and Courtes of Kyngs and Prynces. That this is
+true, example of this fayre Duchesse, who was moued wyth that
+desyre which pricketh others that be of Flesh and Bone. Thys
+Lady waxed very weary of lying alone, and gryeued hir Hearte to
+be wythoute a match, specially in the Nyght, when the secrete
+silence and darkenesse of the same presented beefore the eyes of
+hir mind, the Image of the pleasure which she felt in the lyfe
+tyme of hir deceased Lord and Husband, whereof now feelyng hir
+selfe despoyled, she felt a contynuall Combat, and durst not
+attempte that which she desyred most, but eschued the thyng
+wherof hir Mind lyked best. "Alas (sayd shee) is it possyble
+after the taste of the Value of honest obedyence whych the Wyfe
+oweth vnto hir Husband, that I should desyre to suffer the Heat
+whych burneth and altereth the martyred mynds of those that
+subdue themselues to loue? Can sutch attempt pierce the heart of
+me to become amorous by forgetting and straying from the
+limmetts of honest life? But what desire is this? I haue a
+certayne vnacquaynted lust, and yet very well know not what it
+is that moueth me, and to whom I shall vow the spoyle thereof.
+I am truely more fond and foolyshe than euer Narcissus was, for
+there is neyther shadow nor voyce, vpon which I can well stay my
+sight, nor yet simple Imagination of any worldly man, whereuppon
+I can arrest the conceypt of my vnstayed heart, and the desires
+which prouoke my mynde. Pygmalion loued once a Marble Piller,
+and I haue but one desire, the colour whereof is more pale than
+death. There is nothyng which can geue the same so mutch as one
+spot of vermilion rud. If I doe discouer these appetites to any
+wight, perhaps they will mock me for my labor, and for all the
+beauty and Noble byrth that is in me, they will make no
+conscience to deeme me for their iesting stock, and to solace
+themselues with rehersall of my fond conceits. But sith there is
+no enemy in the field, and that but simple suspicion doth
+assayle me, why breake I not the same, and deface the entier
+remembraunce of the lightnesse of my brayne? It appertayneth
+vnto mee to shewe my selfe, as issued from the Noble house of
+Aragon: to me it doeth belonge to take heede how I erre or
+degenerate from the royall bloud whereof I came." In this sort
+that fayre Wydow and young Princesse fantasied in the night
+vppon the discourse of hir appetites. But when the day was come,
+seeing the great multitude of the Neapolitan Lords and Gentlemen
+that marched vp and downe the Citty, eyinge and beholdinge their
+best beloued, or vsing talke of loue with them whose seruaunts
+they were, all that which she thought vpon in the night,
+vanished so sone as the flame of burned Straw, or the Pouder of
+Cannon shot, and purposed for any respect to liue no longer in
+that sort, but promised the conquest of some frend that was
+lusty and discreete. But the difficulty rested in that she knew
+not vpon whom to fixe hir loue, fearing to bee slaundered, and
+also that the light disposition and maner of most part of youth
+were to be suspected, in sutch wise as giuing ouer al them which
+vauted vpon their Gennets, Turkey Palfreis, and other Coursers
+alonge the Citty of Naples, shee purposed to take repast of
+other Venison, than of that fond and wanton troupe. So hir
+mishap began already to spin the threede which choked the Ayre
+and Breath of hir vnhappy life. Yee haue heard before that
+Mayster Bologna was one of the wisest and most perfect Gentlemen
+that the land of Naples that tyme brought forth, and for his
+Beauty, Proportion, Galantnesse, Valiaunce, and good grace,
+without comparison. His fauour was so sweete and pleasant, as
+they which kept him company, had somwhat to do to abstayne their
+affection. Who then could blame thys fayre Princesse, if
+(pressed wyth desire of match, to remoue the ticklish
+instigations of her wanton flesh, and hauing in hir presence a
+man so wise) shee did set hir minde on hym, or fantasy to mary
+him? Would not that party for calming of his thirst and hunger,
+being set at a table before sundry sorts of delicate viands,
+ease his hunger? Me thinke the person doth greatly forget
+himselfe, which hauing handfast vpon occasion, suffreth the same
+to vanish and fly away, sith it is wel known that she being bald
+behinde, hath no place to sease vpon when desire moueth vs to
+lay hold vpon hir. Which was the cause that the Duchesse became
+extremely in loue with the mayster of hir house. In sutch wyse
+as before al men, she spared not to prayse the great perfections
+of him whom she desired to be altogether hirs. And so she was
+inamored, that it was as possible to see the night to be voide
+of darknesse, as the Duchesse without the presence of hir
+Bologna, or els by talke of words to set forth his prayse,
+the continuall remembrance of who (for that shee loued him as
+hirselfe) was hir onely minde's repast. The Gentleman that was
+full wyse, and had at other times felt the great force of the
+passion which proceedeth from extreeme loue, immediatly did mark
+the countenaunce of the Duchesse, and perceyued the same so
+neere, as vnfaynedly hee knew that very ardently the Lady was in
+loue with him: and albeit he sawe the inequality and difference
+betweene them both, she being sorted out of the royall bloud,
+and himself of meaner calling, yet knowing loue to haue no
+respect to state or dignity, determined to folow his fortune,
+and to serue hir which so louingly shewed hir selfe to him. Then
+sodaynely reprouing his fonde conceit, he sayd vnto himself:
+"What folly is that I enterprise, to the preiudice and peril of
+mine honor and life? Ought the wisedome of a Gentleman to stray
+and wandre through the assaults of an appetite rising of
+sensuality, and that reason gieue place to that which doeth
+participate with brute beasts depriued of all reason by
+subduinge the minde to the affections of the body? No, no,
+a vertuous man ought to let shine in him selfe the force of the
+generosity of his minde. This is not to liue according to the
+spirite, when pleasure shall make vs forget our duty and
+sauegard of our Conscience. The reputation of a wise Gentleman
+resteth not only to be valiant, and skilfull in feates of armes,
+or in seruice of the Noble: but needefull it is for him by
+discreation to make himselfe prayse worthy, and by vanquishinge
+of himselfe to open the gate to fame, whereby he may
+euerlastingly make himselfe glorious to all posterity. Loue
+pricketh and prouoketh the spirite to do well, I do confesse,
+but that affection ought to be addressed to some vertuous end,
+tending to mariage, for otherwise that vnspotted Image shall be
+soyled wyth the villany of Beastly pleasure. Alas," sayd he,
+"how easie it is to dispute, when the thyng is absent, which can
+both force and violently assayle the Bulwarks of most constant
+hearts. I full well doe see the troth, and doe feele the thing
+that is good, and knowe what behoueth mee to follow: but when I
+view the pereles beauty of my Lady, hir graces, wisedome,
+behauiour and curtesie, when I see hir to cast so louinge an eye
+vpon me, that she vseth so great familiarity, that she
+forgetteth the greatnesse of hir house to abase hirselfe for my
+respect: how is it possible that I should be so foolish to
+dispise a duety so rare and precious, and to set light by that
+which the Noblest would pursue wyth all reuerence and deuoyre?
+Shall I be so voyde of wisdome to suffer the yonge Princesse to
+see hirselfe contempned of mee, thereby to conuert hir loue to
+teares, by setting hir mynde upon an other, that shall seek mine
+ouerthrow? Who knoweth not the fury of a woman: specially the
+Noble dame, by seeing hirselfe despised? No, no, she loueth me,
+and I will be hir seruaunt, and vse the fortune proffred. Shal I
+be the first simple Gentleman that hath married or loued a
+Princesse? Is it not more honourable for mee to settle my mind
+vpon a place so high, than vppon some simple wench by whom I
+shall neyther attayne profit, or aduancement? Baldouine of
+Flaunders, did not he a Noble enterprise when he carried away
+Iudith the daughter of the French kynge, as she was passing vpon
+the Seas into England, to be married to the kynge of that
+Countrey? I am neither Pirat nor Aduenturer, for the Lady loueth
+me. What wrong doe I then to any person by rendringe loue
+agayne? Is not she at liberty? To whom ought shee to make
+accoumpt of hir deedes and doinges, but to God alone and to hir
+owne Conscience? I wyll loue hir, and cary lyke affection for
+the loue which I know and see that she beareth vnto me, beinge
+assured that the same is directed to good ende, and that a Woman
+so wyse as she is, will not hazard the bleamish of hir honor."
+Thus Bologna framed the plot for intertaynment of the Duchesse
+(albeit hir loue already was fully bent vpon him) and fortified
+hym selfe agaynst all perillous myshap and chaunce that might
+succeede, as ordinarily you see that Louers conceyue all things
+for their aduauntage, and fantasie dreames agreeable to their
+most desire, resemblinge the Mad and Bedlem persons which haue
+before their eyes, the figured Fansies whych cause the conceipt
+of their fury, and stay themselues vpon the vision of that which
+most troubleth their offended Brayne. On the other side, the
+Duchesse was in no lesse care of hir Louer, the will of whom was
+hid and secret, whych more did vexe and torment hir, than the
+fire of loue that burned hir feruently. She could not tell what
+way to hold, to do him vnderstand hir heart and affection. She
+feared to discouer the same vnto hym, doubtinge eyther that some
+fond and rigorous aunswere, or the reueylinge of hir mynde to
+hym, whose presence pleased hir more than all of the men of the
+World. "Alas," sayd shee, "am I happed into so straunge misery,
+that with mine owne mouth I must make request to him, which with
+all humility ought to offer mee hys service? Shall a Lady of
+sutch bloud as I am, be constrayned to sue, where all other be
+required by importunate instance of their Suters? Ah loue, loue,
+what so euer he was that clothed thee wyth sutch puissaunce,
+I dare say he was the cruell ennimy of man's freedom. It is
+impossible that thou hadst thy being in heauen, sith the
+clemency and curteous influence of the same, inuesteth man with
+better benefits, than to suffer hir nourse children to be
+intreated with sutch rigor. He lieth which sayth that Venus is
+thy mother, for the swetenes and good grace that resteth in that
+pitifull Goddesse, who taketh no pleasure to see louers perced
+with so egre trauayles as that which afflicteth my heart. It was
+some fierce cogitation of Saturne, that brought thee forth, and
+sent thee into the worlde to breake the ease of them which liue
+at rest without any passion or griefe. Pardon me Loue, if I
+blaspheme thy maiesty, for the stresse and endlesse grief
+wherein I am plunged, maketh me thus to roue at large, and the
+doubts, which I conceyue, do take away the health and soundnesse
+of my mynde, the little experience in thy schole causeth this
+amaze in me, to be solicited with desire that countersayeth the
+duty, honor, and reputation of my state: the party whom I loue,
+is a Gentleman, vertuous, valiant, sage, and of good grace. In
+this there is no cause to blame Loue of blindnesse, for all the
+inequality of our houses, apparant vpon the first sight and shew
+of the same. But from whence Issue Monarchs, Prynces and great
+Lords, but from the naturall and common Masse of Earth, whereof
+other men do come? what maketh these differences betwene those
+that loue ech other, if not the sottish opinion which we
+conceiue of greatnesse, and preheminence: as though naturall
+affections bee like to that ordayned by the fantasie of men in
+their lawes extreme. And what greater right haue Princes to
+ioyne wyth a simple Gentlewoman, than the Princesse to mary a
+Gentleman, and sutch as Anthonio Bologna is, in whom Heauen and
+Nature haue forgotten nothinge to make him equall with them
+which march amongs the greatest. I thinke we be the dayly slaues
+of the fond and cruell fantasie of those Tyraunts, which say
+they haue puissance ouer vs: and that straininge our will to
+their tiranny, we be still bound to the chaine like the Galley
+slaue. No, no, Bologna shall be my Husband, for of a freend I
+purpose to make my loyall and lawful Husband, meaning therby not
+to offend God and men together, and pretend to liue without
+offence of conscience, wherby my soule shal not be hindred for
+any thyng I do, by marying him whom I so straungely loue. I am
+sure not to be deceyued in loue. He loueth me so mutch or more
+as I do him, but he dareth not disclose the same, fearing to be
+refused and cast of with shame. Thus 2 vnited wils, and 2 hearts
+tied togethers with equal knot cannot chose but bryng forth
+fruites worthy of sutch society. Let men say what they list,
+I will doe none otherwyse than my heade and mynd haue already
+framed. Semblably I neede not make accompt to any persone for my
+fact, my body, and reputation beynge in full liberty and
+freedome. The bond of mariage made, shall couer the faulte whych
+men woulde fynde, and leauyng myne estate, I shall do no wrong
+but to the greatnesse of my house, which maketh me amongs men
+right honorable. But these honors be nothyng worth, where the
+Mynd is voyd of contentation, and wher the hearte pryckte
+forwarde by desire leaueth the Bodye and Mynde restlesse wythout
+quiet." Thus the Duchesse founded hir enterpryse, determining to
+mary hir houshold Mayster, seeking for occasion and time, meete
+for disclosing of the same, and albeit that a certaine naturall
+shamefastnesse, which of custome accompanieth Ladies, did close
+hir mouth, and made hir to deferre (for a certain time) the
+effect of hir resolued minde: yet in the ende vanquished with
+loue and impacience, she was forced to breake of silence, and to
+assure hir self in him, reiecting feare conceiued of shame, to
+make hir waye to pleasure, which she lusted more than mariage,
+the same seruyng hir, but for a Maske and couerture to hide hir
+follies and shamelesse lusts, for which she did the penaunce
+that hir folly deserued. For no colorable dede or deceytful
+trompery can serue the excuse of any notable wyckednesse. She
+then throughly persuaded in her intent, dreamyng and thinking of
+nought else, but vpon the imbracement of hir Bologna, ended and
+determined hir conceits and pretended follies: and vpon a time
+sent for him vp into hir chamber, as commonly she did for the
+affaires and matters of hir house, and taking him a side vnto a
+window, hauing prospect into a garden, she knew not how to begin
+hir talk: (for the heart being seased, the mind troubled, and
+the witts out of course, the tongue fayled to do his office,) in
+sutch wise, as of long time she was vnable to speake one onely
+woord. He surprised with like affection, was more astonied by
+seeing the alteration of his Ladie. So the two Louers stoode
+still like Images beholding one another, without any mouing at
+all, vntill the Lady the hardiest of them bothe, as feelinge the
+most vehement and greatest gryef, tooke Bologna by the hand, and
+dissembling what she thought, vsed this or sutch language: "If
+any other besides your selfe (Gentleman) should vnderstand the
+secret which now I purpose to dysclose, I doubt what speeach
+were necessary to colour, what I shall speake: but being assured
+of your discretion and wisdom, and with what perfection nature
+hath indued you, and Arte, hauing accomplished that in you,
+which nature did begin to worke, as one bred and brought vp in
+the royal court of the seconde Alphonse, of Ferdinando, and
+Frederick of Aragon my cousins, I wil make no doubt at all to
+manifest to you the hidden secretes of my heart, being well
+persuaded that when you shall both heare and sauor my reasons,
+and tast the light which I bring forth for me, easily you may
+iudge that mine aduice cannot be other than iust and reasonable.
+But if your conceits shall straye from that whych I determine,
+I shal he forced to thinke and saye that they which esteeme you
+wise and sage, and to be a man of good and ready wytte, be
+maruelously deceiued. Notwithstanding my heart foretelleth that
+it is impossible for mayster Bologna, to wandre so farre from
+equitie, but that by and by he wil enter the lystes and dyscerne
+the White from Blacke, and the Wronge fro that whych is Iust and
+Ryghte: for so mutch as hitherto I neuer saw thinge done by you,
+which Preposterated or peruerted the good iudgement that all the
+world esteemeth to shine in you, the same well manifested and
+declared by your tongue, the right iudge of the Mynde, you knowe
+and see how I am a Wydow through the Death of that Noble
+Gentleman of good remembrance, the Duke my Lord and husbande:
+you be not ignoraunt also, that I haue lyued and gouerned my
+self in sutch wise in my Widow state, as there is no man so hard
+and seuere of iudgement, that can blason reproch of mee in that
+whych appertayneth to the honestye and reputation of sutch a
+Lady as I am, bearyng my port so righte, as my conscience
+yeldeth no remorse, supposinge that no Man hathe wherewith to
+byte and accuse me. Touchyng the order of the goods of the Duke
+my Sonne, I have vsed them with diligence and discretion, as
+besides the Dettes, whych I haue dyscharged sithens the death of
+my Lord: I haue purchased a goodly Manor in Calabria, and haue
+annexed the same to the Dukedome of his heire: and at this day
+doe not owe one peny to any creditor that lent money to the
+Duke, which he toke vp to furnish the charges in the warres,
+which he sustayned in the seruice of the Kinges our soueraine
+Lords in the late warres for the Kyngdome of Naples. I haue as I
+suppose by this meanes stopped the slaunderous mouth and giuen
+cause vnto my sonne, during his life to accompt himself bound
+vnto his mother: now hauing till thys time liued for other,
+and made my selfe subiect more than nature could beare, I am
+entended to chaunge both my lyfe and condition. I haue tyll thys
+time run, trauayled, and remoued to the Castels and Lordeships
+of the Dukedome, to Naples and other places, being in mind to
+tary as I am a widow. But what new affayres and new councel hath
+possest my mynd? I haue trauayled and payned my self inoughe:
+I haue to long abidden a widowe's lyfe: I am determined
+therefore to prouyde a Husbande, who by louing me, shall honor
+and cherysh me according to the loue which I shall beare hym,
+and my desert. For to loue a man without mariage, God defend my
+hearte should euer think, and shal rather dye a hundred thousand
+deathes, than a desire so wicked should soyle my conscience,
+knowyng well that a woman which setteth hir honor to sale, is
+lesse than nothing, and deserueth not the common ayre should
+breathe vpon hir, for all the reuerence that men do beare vnto
+them. I accuse no person, albeit that many noble women haue
+their forheds marked, with the blame of dishonest lyfe, and
+being honored of some, bee neuerthelesse the common Fable of the
+Worlde. To the intente then that sutch myshappe happen not to
+me, and perceyuyng my selfe vnable styll thus to lyue, beyng
+younge as I am, and (God bee thanked) neyther deformed nor yet
+paynted, I had rather bee the louyng Wyfe of a symple feere,
+than the Concubyne of a kynge or greate Prynce. And what? is the
+myghty Monarche able to washe away the faulte of hys Wyfe whych
+hath abandoned him contrary to the duety and honesty whych the
+vndefyled bed requyreth? no lesse then Pryncesses that whilom
+trespassed with those whych were of baser stuffe than
+themselues. Messalina with hir imperiall robe could not so wel
+couer hir faults, but that the Historians, do defame hir with
+the name and title of a common woman. Faustina the Wyfe of the
+sage Monarch Marcus Aurelius, gayned lyke reporte by rendringe
+hir selfe to others pleasure, bysides hir lawfull Spouse. To
+mary my selfe to one that is myne equall, it is impossible, for
+so mutch as there is no Lorde in all this Countrey meete for my
+degree, but is to olde of age, the rest being dead in these
+later Warres. To mary a husband that yet is but a childe, is
+folly extreeme, for the inconueniences which daily chaunce
+thereby, and the euil intreaty that Ladies do receyue when they
+come to age, when their nature waxeth cold, by reason whereof,
+imbracements be not so fauourable, and their husbandes glutted
+with ordinary meate, vse to run in exchange: wherefore I am
+resolued without respite or delay, to choose some well qualified
+and renoumed Gentleman, that hath more vertue than richesse,
+that is of better Fame and brute, then of wealth and reuenue, to
+the entent I may make him my Lord, Espouse, and Husbande. For I
+cannot imploy my loue vpon treasure, which may bee taken away
+from him, in whom richesse of the minde doth fayle, and shall
+bee better content to see an honest Gentleman with little
+liuing, to be praysed and commended of ech Degree for his good
+Deedes, than a rich Carle curssed and detested of all the World.
+Thus mutch I say, and it is the summe of all my secretes,
+wherein I pray your councel and aduice. I know that some wil be
+offended with my choise, and the Lords my Brothers, specially
+the Cardinall will thincke it straunge, and receyue the same
+with ill Digesture, that mutch a do shall I haue to bee agreed
+with them and to remoue the griefe they shall conceyue against
+mee for this myne attempt: wherefore I would the same should
+secretly be kept, until without peril and daunger eyther of my
+self or him, whome I pretende to marry, I may publish and
+manyfest, not my loue but the mariage which I hope in God shall
+soone bee consummate and accomplished wyth one, whome I doe loue
+better than my self, and who as I ful well do know, doeth loue
+me better than his owne propre lyfe." Mayster Bologna, which
+tyll then hearkned to the oration of the Duchesse without
+mouing, feeling himselfe touched so neare, and hearinge that his
+Lady had made hir approche for mariage, stode still astonnied,
+hys tongue not able to frame one word, onely fantasied a
+thousand chimeraes in the Ayre, and formed like number of
+imaginations in his minde, not able to coniecture what hee was,
+to whom the duchesse had vowed hir loue, and the possession of
+hir beauty. He could not thinke that this ioy was prepared for
+hymselfe, for that his Lady spake no word of him, and he lesse
+durst open his mouth, and yet was wel assured that she loued him
+beyond measure. Notwithstanding knowing the ficklenesse and
+vnstable heart of women, he sayd vnto himselfe that she would
+change hir mynde, for seeing him to be so great a Coward, as not
+to offer his seruice to a Lady by whom hee saw himselfe so many
+times both wantonly looked vppon, and intertayned wyth some
+secresie more than familiar. The Duchesse which was a fine and
+subtile dame, seeinge hir friend rapt with the passion, and
+standing still vnmooueable through feare, pale and amazed, as if
+hee had bene accused and condempned to dy, knew by that
+Countenaunce and astonishment of Bologna, that she was perfectly
+beloued of him: and so meaning not to suffer him any longer to
+contynue in that amaze, ne yet to further feare hym, wyth
+dissembled and fayned mariage of any other but wyth hym, she
+tooke hym by the hand, and beholdinge him with a wanton and
+luring eye, (in sutch sort as the curious Philosophers
+themselues would awake, if sutch a Lampe and Torche did burne
+wythin theyr studies,) she sayde thus vnto hym: "Seignor
+Anthonio, I pray you be of good cheere, and torment not your
+selfe for any thing that I haue sayd: I know well, and of long
+time haue perceyued what good and faythful lone you beare mee,
+and with what affection you haue serued me, sithens you first
+came into my company. Thinke me not to bee so ignorant, but that
+I know ful wel by outward signes, what secret thoughts be hid in
+the inner heart: and that coniectures many times do geue me true
+and certayne knowledge of concealed things: and am not so
+foolish to thinke you to be so vndiscrete but that you haue
+marked my Countenaunce and maner, and thereby haue knowen that I
+haue bene more affectioned to you, than to any other: for that
+cause (sayde shee, strayninge hym by the hand very louingly, and
+wyth cheerefull colour in hir face) I sware vnto you, and doe
+promise that if you thinke meete, it shalbe none other but your
+self whom I wil haue, and desire to take to husband and lawful
+spouse, beynge assured so much of you, as the loue which so
+longe time hath ben hidden and couered in our hartes, shall
+appeare by so euident proofe, as onely death shal end and vndo
+the same." The Gentleman hearing sutch sodain talke, and the
+assurance of that which he most wished for, albeit he saw the
+daunger extreme wherunto he launched himself by espousing this
+great Ladie, and the ennimies he should get by entring sutch
+aliaunce: notwythstandynge building vpon vaine hope, and
+thinking at length that the choler of the Aragon brother would
+passe away if they vnderstoode the maryage, determined to pursue
+the purpose, and not to refuse that greate preferment, being so
+prodigally offred: for which cause hee answered his Lady in this
+manner: "If it were in my power madame, to bryng to passe that,
+which I desire for your seruice by acknowledging the benefits
+and fauors which you depart vnto me, as my mind presenteth
+thanks for the same, I would think my self the happyest
+Gentleman that lyueth, and you the beste serued Pryncesse of the
+world. For one beter beloued (I dare presume to say, and so long
+as I liue wil affirme) is not to be found. If tyll thys time I
+delayed to open that which now I discouer vnto you, I beseeche
+you madame to impute it to the greatnesse of your estate, and to
+the duty of my calling and office in your house, being not
+seemelye for a seruaunte to talk of sutch secrets with his Lady
+and Mistresse. And truely the payne which I haue indured to hold
+my peace, and to hyde my grief, hath ben more noysom to me than
+one hundred thousand like sorrowes together, although it had
+bene lawfull to haue reuealed them to some trusty friend: I doe
+not denye madame, but of long time you did perceiue my follie
+and presumption, by addressing my minde so high, as to the
+Aragon bloud, and to sutch a princesse as you be. And who can
+beguile the Eye of a louer, specially of hir, whose Paragon for
+good minde, wisedome and gentlenesse is not? And I confesse to
+you besides, that I haue most euidentlye perceiued how a certain
+loue hath lodged in your gracious hearte, wherwith you bare me
+greater affection, than you dyd to anye other within the
+compasse of your family. But what? great Ladyes heartes be
+fraught with secretes and conceites of other effects than the
+Minds of Symple Women, which caused me to hope for none other
+guerdon of my loyal and faithful affection, than Deathe, and the
+same very short, and sith that little hope accompanyed wyth
+great, nay, rather extreme passion, is not able to giue
+sufficient force, both to suffer and to stablish my heart with
+constancye. Nowe for so mutch as of your motion, grace, curtesie
+and liberality the same is offred, and that it pleaseth you to
+accept me for yours, I humblye beseche you to dispose of me not
+as husband, but of one whych is, and shalbe your Seruaunt for
+euer, and sutch as is more ready to obey, than you to commaund.
+It resteth now Madame, to consyder how, and in what wise our
+affayres are to be directed, that thynges being in assurance,
+you may so liue without perill and bruite of slaunderous
+tongues, as your good fame and honest report may continue
+without spot or blemish." Beholde the first Acte of this
+Tragedy, and the prouision of the fare which afterwardes sent
+them bothe to their graue, who immediatly gaue their mutual
+faith: and the houre was assigned the next day, that the faire
+Princesse should be in hir chamber alone, attended vpon with one
+onely Gentlewoman which had ben brought vp with her from the
+cradle, and was made priuy to the heauy mariage of those two
+louers which was consummate in hir presence. And for the present
+time they passed the same in words: for ratification whereof
+they went to bed togither: but the pain in the end was greater
+than the pleasure, and had ben better for them bothe, yea and
+also for the third, that they had shewed themselues so wyse in
+the deede, as discrete in keeping silence of that which was don:
+for albeit theyr mariage was secrete, and therby politikely
+gouerned themselues in their stelthes and robberyes of Loue, and
+that Bologna more ofte helde the state of the Stewarde of the
+House by Daye, than of Lorde of the same, and by Nyghte supplyed
+that Place, yet in the ende, the thynge was perceyued whych they
+desyred to bee closely kepte. And as it is impossyble to tyll
+and culture a fertyle Grounde, but that the same muste yelde
+some Fruycte, euen so the Duchesse after many pleasures (being
+ripe and plentiful) became with childe, which at the firste
+astonned the maried couple: neuerthelesse the same so well was
+prouided for, as the first Childbed was kept secret, and none
+did know thereof: the Childe was nourced in the Towne, and the
+father desired to haue him named Frederick, for remembraunce of
+the parents of hys Wyfe. Nowe fortune whych lieth in dayly wayte
+and ambushment, and lyketh not that men should longe Loyter in
+Pleasure, and Passetime, being enuious of sutch prosperity,
+cramped so the Legges of our two Louers, as they must needes
+chaunge their Game, and learne some other practise: for so mutch
+as the Duchesse beinge great with Childe agayne, and deliuered
+of a Girle, the businesse of the same was not so secretly done,
+but that it was discouered. And it sufficed not that the brute
+was noysed through Naples, but that the sound flew further of:
+As eche man doth know that Rumor hath many mouthes, who wyth the
+multitude of hys Tongues, and Trumps, Proclaymeth in diuers and
+sundry places, the things which chaunce in al the Regions of the
+Earth: euen so that bablinge foole, caried the newes of that
+second Childbed to the eares of the Cardinall of Aragon the
+Duchesse brother, being then at Rome. Think what Ioy, and
+Pleasure the Aragon brothers had, by hearinge the report of
+their Sister's fact: I dare presume to say, that albeit they
+were extremely wroth wyth this happened Slaunder, and wyth that
+dishonest fame which the Duchesse had gotten throughout Italy,
+yet farre greater was their sorrow and griefe for that they did
+not know what hee was, that so curteously was allied to their
+house, and in their loue had increased their Ligneage: and
+therefore swelling wyth despite, and rapt with fury to see
+themselues so defamed by one of their Bloude, they purposed by
+all meanes whatsoeuer it cost them, to know the lucky Louer that
+had so wel tilled the Duchesse their Sister's field. Thus
+desirous to remoue that shame from before their eyes, and to bee
+reuenged of a wrong so notable, they sent Espials round about,
+and scouts to Naples, to view and spy the behauiour and talke of
+the Duchesse, to settle some certayne Iudgement of him, which
+stealingly was become their Brother in lawe. The Duchesse Courte
+beinge in thys trouble, she dyd contynually perceiue in hir
+house, hir brothers men to marke hir countenance, and to note
+those that came thither to visite hir, and to whom she vsed
+greatest familiaritie, bicause it is impossible but that the
+fire, although it be raked vnder the ashes, must giue some heat:
+and albeit the two Louers vsed eche others company, without
+shewing any Sygne of their affection, yet they purposed to
+chaung theyr estate for a tyme, by yelding truce to their
+pleasures: yea, and although Bologna was a wise and prouident
+personage, fearing to be surprised vpon the facte, or that the
+Gentlewoman of the chamber corrupted with money, or forced by
+feare, should pronounce any matter to his hinderance or
+disaduantage, determined to absent himself from Naples, yet not
+so sodainly but that he made the Duchesse his faithfull Lady and
+companion priuy of his intent: and as they were secretly in
+their chamber together, he vsed these or sutch like words:
+"Madame, albeit the right good intent and vnstained conscience,
+is free from faulte, yet the iudgement of men hath further
+relation to the exterior apparance, than to vertue's force and
+innocence it self, as ignoraunt of the secrets of the thought:
+and so in things that be well done, wee must of necessity fall
+into the sentence of those, whom beastly affection rauisheth
+more, than ruled reason. You see the solempne watch and guarde
+whych the Seruaunts of the Lordes your Brothers do within your
+house, and the suspition which they haue conceiued by reason of
+your second Childbed, and by what meanes they labor truely to
+know how your affayres procede, and things do passe. I feare not
+death where your seruice may be aduaunced, but ys herein the
+Maiden of your Cbamber be not secrete, if she bee corrupted, and
+if she keepe not close that which shee ought to doe, it is not
+ignoraunt to you that it is the losse of my lyfe, and shall dye
+suspected to bee a Whoremonger and varlot, euen I, (I say) shal
+incurre that Peryll, whych am your true and Lawfull Husband.
+Thys separation chaunceth not by iustyce or desert, sith the
+cause is to ryghteous for vs: but rather your brethren will
+procure my death, when I shall thinke the same in greatest
+assurance. If I had to do but wyth one or two, I would not
+chaunge the place, ne march one step from Naples, but be
+assured, that a great band, and the same well armed will set
+vppon me: I pray you, madame, suffer me to retire for a time,
+for I am assured that when I am absent, they will neuer soile
+their hands or imbrue their sweardes in your Bloud. If I doubted
+any thing at all of Peryll touchyng your owne person, I had
+rather a hundred hundred tymes die in your Company, than lyue to
+see you no more: but out of doubt I am, that if our affaires
+were discouered, and they knew you to be begotten with Chyld by
+me, your safety would be prouided for wher I should sustain the
+penaunce of the fact, committed without fault or sinne: and
+therfore I am determined to goe from Naples, to order mine
+affaires, and to cause my Reuenue to be brought to the place of
+mine abode, and from thence to Ancona, vntyl it pleaseth God to
+mitigate the rage of your brethren, and recouer their good wills
+for consent to our mariage. But I meane not to do or conclude
+any thing without your aduise, and if thys intente doe not like
+you, gyue me Councell Madame, what I were beste to doe, that
+both in Lyfe and Death you may knowe your faythfull seruaunt and
+louing Husband is ready to obey and please you." This good Lady
+hearing hir husband's discourse, vncertayne what to do, wept
+bitterly, as well for grief to lose his presence, as for that
+she felt her self with child the third time: the sighes and
+teares, the sobbes and heauy lookes, which she threwe forth
+vppon hir sorrowful husband, gaue sufficient witnesse of hir
+payne and Gryef: and if none had hard hir, I thynke her playntes
+would haue well expressed hir inwarde smarte of mynde. But like
+a wise Ladye seing the alleaged reasons of hir husbande,
+licensed him although agaynste hir minde, not wythout vtterance
+of these fewe Words, before hee went out of hir Chamber: "Deare
+husbande, if I were so well assured of the affectyon of my
+Brethren, as I am of my mayde's fidelity, I would entreat you
+not to leaue me alone: specially in the case I am, beynge wyth
+Chylde: but knowyng that to be iust and true whych you haue
+sayde, I am content to force my wyll for a certayne tyme, that
+hereafter we may lyue at rest together, ioyning our selues in
+the companye of our Chyldren and Famylye, voyde of those
+troubles, whych greate Courts ordinarily beare within the
+compasse of their Palaces. Of one thing I must intreat you, that
+so often as you can by trusty messenger, you send me word and
+intelligence of your health and state, bicause the same shall
+bring vnto me greater pleasure and contentation, than the
+welfare of mine owne: and bicause also, vpon sutch occurrentes
+as shall chaunce, I may prouyde for myne owne affaires, the
+surety of my self, and of our Children." In saying so, she
+embraced him very amorously, and he kissed hir with so greate
+sorrow and grief of heart, as the soule was ready out of his
+Body to take hir flight, sorowful beyond measure so to leaue hir
+whome he loued, for the great curtesies and honor which hee had
+receiued at hir hands. In the end, fearing that the Aragon
+espials woulde come and discrie them in those priuities, Bologna
+tooke his leaue, and bad his Lady and spouse Farewell. And this
+was the second Acte of this Tragicall Historie, to see a
+fugitife husband, secretly to mary, especially hir, vpon whome
+hee ought not so mutch as to loke but with feare and reuerence.
+Behold here (O ye folish louers) a Glasse of your lightnesse,
+and yee Women, the course of your fond behauyor. It behoueth not
+the wise sodainly to execute their first motions and desyres of
+their heart for so mutch as they may be assured that pleasure is
+pursued so neare with a repentaunce so sharp to be suffred,
+and hard to be digested, as their voluptuousnesse shall vtterly
+discontent them. True it is, that mariages be don in heauen and
+performed in earth, but that saying may not be applied to
+fooles, which gouerne them selues by carnall desires, whose
+scope is but pleasure, and the reward many times equall to their
+follie. Shall I be of opinion that a houshold seruaunt oughte to
+sollicite, nay rather suborne the Daughter of his Lorde without
+punyshment, or that a vyle and abiect person dare to mount vpon
+a Prynces Bed? No, no, pollicye requyreth order in all, and eche
+wight ought to bee matched according to theyr qualytye, wythout
+makynge a Pastyme of it to couer theyr Follyes, and knowe not of
+what Force Loue and Desteny be, except the same be resysted.
+A goodly thinge it is to Loue, but where reason looseth Place,
+Loue is wythoute his effecte, and the sequele rage and Madnesse:
+leaue we to discourse of those which beleue that they be
+constrayned to folowe the Force of theyr Mynde, and may easilye
+subdue themselues to the Lawes of Vertue and Honesty, lyke one
+that thrusteth hys Heade into a Sack, and thynkes he can not get
+out: sutch people do please themselues in theyr losse, and
+thinke all well that is noysome to their Health, daily folowyng
+theyr owne delyghtes. Come wee againe then to sir Bologna, who
+after he had left hys Wyfe in hir Castell, went to Naples, and
+hauing sessed a rent vpon hir lands, and leuyed a good summe of
+Money, he repayred to Ancona a city of the patrimonye of the
+Romane church, whither hee caryed the two Chyldren, which he
+had of the Duchesse, causyng them to be brought vp with suche
+Dyligence and care, as it is to be thought a Father well
+affectyoned to hys Wyfe would doe, and who delyghted to see a
+Braunch of the Tree, that to hym was the best beloued Fruyct of
+the World. There he hyred a house for hys trayne, and for those
+that wayted vppon hys Wyfe, who in the meane tyme was in great
+care, and could not tell of what Woode to make hir arrowes,
+perceyuing that hir Belly began to swell, and grow to the tyme
+of hir deliuery, seeing that from Day to Day, hir Brothers
+seruaunts were at hir back, voide of Counsel and aduise, if one
+euenyng she had not spoken to the Gentlewoman of her chamber,
+touchyng the doubts and peryl wherein she was, not knowing how
+she might be deliuered from the same. That maiden was gentle and
+of a good mind and stomake, and loued hir mistresse very derely,
+and seeing hir so amazed and tormenting hir self to death,
+mindyng to fray hir no further, ne to reproue hir of hir fault
+which could not be amended, but rather to prouyde for the
+daunger wherunto she had hedlong cast hir selfe, gaue hir this
+aduyse: "How now, Madame" (sayd shee,) "is that wysdom whych
+from your Chyldhode hath ben so famyliar in you, dislodged from
+your brest in time when it ought chiefly to rest for incountryng
+of those mishaps that are comming vpon vs? think you to auoid
+the dangers, by thus tormentyng your self, except you set your
+hands to the work therby to gyue the repulse to aduerse fortune?
+I haue heard you many tymes speake of the Constancye and Force
+of Mynde, whych ought to shine in the deedes of Princesses, more
+clerely than amongs those dames of baser house, and whych ought
+to make them appeare like the sunne and the little starres: and
+yet I see you nowe astonned, as though you had neuer forseene,
+that aduersity chaunceth so wel to catch the great within his
+clouches, as the base and simple sort. It is but now that you
+haue called to remembraunce that which might insue your mariage
+with sir Bologna? Did hys onely presence assure you against the
+waits of fortune, and was it the thought of paines, feares and
+frights, which now turmoileth your dolorous mind? Ought you thus
+to vexe your selfe, when nede it is to thinke how to saue both
+your honor, and the fruicte wythin your intrailes? If your
+sorrow be so great ouer sir Bologna, and if you feare your
+childbed wil be descried, why seeke you not meanes to attempt
+some voyage, for couering of the fact, to beguile the eyes of
+them whych so diligently do watch you? Doth your hearte faile
+you in that matter? whereof do you dreame? why sweat and freat
+you before you make me answer?" "Ah sweete hearte," (answered
+the Duchesse,) "if thou feltest the payne which I do suffer, thy
+tongue would not be so mutch at wyll, as thou shewest it now to
+bee for reproofe of my small Constancie. I do sorrow specially
+for the causes which thou alleagest, and aboue all, for that I
+know well, that if my Brethren had neuer so litle intelligence
+of my beynge with Chyld, I were vndone and my Lyfe at an end,
+and peraduenture poore Wench, thou shouldest beare the penaunce
+for my sinne. But what way can I take, that stil these Candels
+may not giue light, and I voided of the Trayne whych ought to
+wayghte vpon my Brethren? I thinke if I should descend into
+Hell, they would know, whither any shadowe there were in loue
+with me. Now gesse if I should trauayle the Realme, or retire to
+any other place, whither they would let me liue in peace?
+Nothing lesse, for suspect they would, that the cause of my
+departure proceeded of desyre to liue at liberty, to dallye wyth
+hym, whom they Iudge to be other than my lawfull husbande: and
+it may so be, that as they bee Wicked and suspicious, so will
+they doubte of my beynge wyth Chylde and thereby shall I bee
+farre more infortunate by trauaylyng, than here in miserie
+amidde myne anguishe: and you the reste that be keepers of my
+Councell, fall into greater Daunger, vppon whome no doubte they
+will bee reuenged: and fleshe themselues for your vnhappy
+waiting and attendance vpon vs." "Madame," sayd the bolde
+Maiden, "be not afraide, and followe mine aduise, for I hope
+that it shall be the meanes both to see your spouse, and to rid
+those troublesome verlets out of your house, and in like maner
+safely to deliuer you into good assuraunce." "Say your mind,"
+quod the Ladye, "for it may bee, that I wyll gouerne my self
+according to the same." "Mine aduise is then," sayd the
+Gentlewoman, "to let your houshold vnderstand, that you made a
+Vowe to visite the Holy Temple of our Lady of Loretto, (a Famous
+Pilgrimage in Italy) and that you commaund your Trayn to make
+themselues ready to wayt vpon you for accomplyshment of your
+deuotion, and from thence you shall take your Iourney to
+soiourne at Ancona, whither before you goe hence, you shall send
+your Moueables and Plate, wyth sutch Moneye as you thynke
+necessarye for furnyshing of your Charges: and afterwards God
+will performe the rest, and through his holy mercy will guyde
+and direct al your affaires." The Duchesse hearing the mayden
+speake her good aduise and amazed of her sodayne inuention,
+could not forbear to imbrace and kysse hir, blessing the houre
+wherein she was borne, and that euer she chaunced into hir
+Companye, to whome afterwards shee sayd: "My Wenche, I had well
+determined to gyue ouer myne estate and Noble porte, ioyfully to
+lyue a simple Gentlewoman with my deare and welbeloued Husband,
+but I could not deuyse how I should conuenyently departe thys
+countrey without suspition of some folly: and sith that thou
+hast so well instructed mee for brynging that same to passe,
+I promyse thee that so diligentlye thy counsel shal be
+performed, as I see the same to be right good and necessary:
+for rather had I see my husband, beynge alone without title of
+Duchesse or great Lady, than to liue without him beautified with
+the graces and Names of Honor and preheminence." This deuised
+plot was no soner grounded, but she gaue order for execution of
+the same, and brought it to passe with sutch dexterity as the
+Ladye in lesse than VIII. Dayes had conueyed and sente
+the most part of hir Moueables, and specially the chyefest and
+beste to Ancona, taking in the meane time hir way towards
+Loretto after she had bruted hir solempne vow made for that
+Pilgrimage. It was not sufficient for this folysh Woman to take
+a Husband more to glut hir libidinous appetite, than for other
+occasion, except shee added to hir sinne another excreable
+impietie, making holy places and dueties of deuotion, to be as
+it were the shadowes of hir folly. But let vs consider the force
+of Louers rage, which so soone as it hath seased vpon the minds
+of men, we see how maruellous be the effects thereof, and with
+what straint and puissaunce that madnesse subdueth the wise and
+strongest worldlings: who woulde thinke that a great Lady
+besides the abandoning hir estate, hir goodes and Chyld, would
+haue misprysed hir honor and reputation, to follow like a
+vagabond, a pore and simple Gentleman, and him besides that was
+the household seruaunt of hir Courte? and yet you see this great
+and mighty Duchesse trot and run after the Male, like a female
+Wolfe or Lionesse (when they goe to sault,) and forget the Noble
+bloud of Aragon whereof she was descended, to couple hir self
+almost with the simplest person of all the trimmest Gentlemen of
+Naples. But turne we not the example of follies to be a matter
+of consequence: for if one or two become bankrupt of theyr
+honor, it followeth not, good Ladyes, that theyr fact should
+serue for a matche to your deserts, and mutch lesse a patron for
+you to folow. These Hystories be not wryten to trayne and trap
+you to pursue the thousand thousand slippery sleightes of Loue's
+gallantise, but rather carefully to warne you to behold the
+semblable faultes, and to serue for a drugge to dyscharge the
+Poyson which gnaweth and fretteth the integrytie and soundnesse
+of the soule. The wyse and skilfull Apothecary or compositor of
+drugges, dresseth Vipers flesh to purge the patyent from hote
+corrupted bloud which conceyueth and engendreth Leprosie within
+hys Body. In lyke manner, the fonde loue and wycked rybauldry of
+Semiramis, Pasiphae, Messalina, Faustina, and Romilda is shewed
+in wryt, that euery of you maye feare to be numbred and recorded
+amongs sutch common and dishonourable women. You Princes and
+great Lords read the follies of Paris, the adulteries of
+Hercules, the dainty and effeminate life of Sardanapalus, the
+tiranny of Phalaris, Busiris, or Dyonisius of Sicile, and see
+the history of Tiberius, Nero, Caligula, Domitian, and
+Heliogabalus, and spare not to recompte them amongs our wanton
+youthes which soile themselues villaines more filthily than the
+swine do in the durt: al this intendeth it an instruction for
+your youth to follow the infection and whoredome of those
+Monsters? Better it were all those bokes were drenched in
+bottomlesse depth of seas, than Christian life by their meanes
+should be corrupted: but the example of the wicked is induced
+for to eschue and auoid them, as the life of the good and honest
+is remembred to frame and addresse our behauior in this world to
+be praise worthy and commended: otherwyse the holinesse of
+sacred writ should serue for an argument to the vnthrifty and
+luxurious to confirm and approue their beastly and licencious
+wickednesse. Come we againe then to our purpose: the good
+Pilgrime of Loretto went forth hir voyage to atchieue hir
+deuotions, by visiting the Saint for whose Reliques she was
+departed the country of the Duke hir Sonne: when she had done
+hir suffrages at Loretto, hir people thought hir voiage to be at
+an end, and that she would haue returned again into hir
+Countrey: but she said vnto them, that forsomutch as she was so
+neare Ancona, being but XV. myles of, she would not
+retyre but she had seen that auncient and goodlye city, which
+diuers Hystories do greatly recommend, as wel for the
+antiquitie, as for the pleasant seat therof. Al were of hir
+aduise, and went forward to see the antiquities of Ancona, and
+she to renue the pleasures whych she had before begon with hir
+Bologna, who was aduertised of all hir determination, restyng
+now like a God, possessed with the Iewels and rychesse of the
+Duchesse, and had taken a fayre palace in the great Streat of
+the City, by the gate wherof the traine of hys Lady must passe.
+The Harbinger of the Duchesse posted before to take vp lodging
+for the train, but Bologna offred vnto hym hys Palace for the
+Ladye. So Bologna whych was already welbeloued in Ancona, and
+newely entred Amytye and greate Aquayntaunce wyth the Gentlemen
+of the Cytye, wyth a goodlye troupe of them, wente forthe to
+meete hys Wyfe, to whom he presented his house, and besought hir
+that shee and hir trayne would vouchsafe to lodge there. She
+receiued the same very thankfully, and withdrew hir selfe vnto
+his house, who conducted hir thither, not as a husband, but like
+him that was hir humble and affectionate seruaunte. But what
+needeth greate dyscourse of Woordes? The duchesse knowing that
+it was impossible but eche man must be priuy to hir facte, and
+know what secretes hath passed betweene hir and hir Husband,
+to the ende that no other opynyon of hir Childebed should be
+conceyued, but that whych was good and Honest, and done synce
+the accomplyshment of the Maryage, the morrow after hir arryuall
+to Ancona, assembled all her Trayne in the Hall, of purpose no
+longer to keepe cloase that sir Bologna was hir Husbande, and
+that alreadye shee had had two Chyldren by him, and agayne was
+great with childe, with a third. And when they were come
+togither after dynner, in that presence of hir husbande, shee
+vsed vnto them these woordes: "Gentlemen, and al ye my trusty
+and louyng seruaunts, hyghe tyme it is to manyfest to euery of
+you, the thing which hath ben done before the Face, and in the
+presence of hym who knoweth the most obscure and hydden secrets
+of our thoughts. And needefull it is not to keepe silente that
+which is neyther euyll done ne hurtfull to any person: If things
+myght be kept secrete and styl remaine vnknowen, except they
+were declared by the doers of them, yet would not I commit the
+wrong in concealyng that, which to dyscouer vnto you doth
+greatly delite me, and deliuereth my mind from exceeding grief,
+in sutch wise as if the flames of my desire could break out with
+sutch violence, as the fire hath taken heate within my mind, ye
+should see the smoke mount vp with greater smoulder than that
+which the mount Gibel doeth vomit forth at certayne seasons of
+the yeare. And to the intent I may not keepe you long in this
+suspect, this secret fire wythin my Heart, and that which I shal
+cause to flame in open ayre, is a certain opinion which I
+conceiue for a mariage by me made certain yeares past, at what
+time I chose and wedded a husband to my fantasie and liking,
+desirous no longer to liue in Widow state, being vnwilling to do
+the thing that should preiudice and hurt my conscience. The same
+is done, and yet in one thing I haue offended, which is by long
+keepyng secrete the performed mariage: for the wycked brute
+dispearsed through the realme by reason of my childbed, one
+yeare paste, hath displeased some: howbeit my conscience
+receiueth comforte, for that the same is free from fault or
+blot. Now shall ye know therefore what he is, whom I acknowledg
+for my Lord and spouse, and who it is that lawfully hath me
+espoused in the presence of this Gentlewoman here present, which
+is the witnesse of our Nuptials and accorde of mariage. This
+gentleman also Antonio Bologna, is he to whom I haue sworn and
+giuen my faith, and hee againe to mee hath ingaged his. He it is
+whom I accompt for my spouse and husband, (and with whome
+henceforth) I meane to rest and contynue. In consideration
+whereof, if there be any heere amongs you all, that shal mislike
+of my choyse, and is willing to wayt vppon my sonne the Duke,
+I meane not to let them of their intent, prayinge them
+faithfully to serue him, and to be careful of his person, and to
+be vnto him so honest and loyall, as they haue bene to me so
+longe as I was their mistresse. But if any of you desire stil to
+make your abode wyth me, to be partakers of my Wealth and woe,
+I will so entertayne them as they shall haue good cause to be
+contented, if not let them departe hence to Malfi, and the
+steward shal prouide for them according to their degre: for
+touching my self I do mind no more to be termed an infamous
+Duchesse: rather would I be honored wyth the Tytle of a symple
+Gentlewoman, or wyth that estate whych shee can haue that hath
+an honest husband, and wyth whom she holdeth faithfull and
+loyall company, than reuerenced with the glory of a Pryncesse,
+subiect to the despite of slaunderous tongues. Ye know" (said
+she to Bologna) "what hath passed betwene vs, and God is the
+witnesse of the integrity of my Conscyence, wherfore I pray you
+bryng forth our Chyldren, that eche Man may beholde the Fruyctes
+raysed of our allyance." Hauynge spoken those Woordes, and the
+Chyldren broughte forthe into the Hall, all the companye stoode
+styll so astonned wyth that newe successe and tale, as though
+hornes sodainly had started forth their heads, and rested
+vnmoueable and amazed, like the great marble piller of Rome
+called Pasquile, for so mutch as they neuer thought, ne
+coniectured that Bologna was the successor of the duke of Malfi
+in his mariage bed. This was the preparatiue of the catastrophe
+and bloudy end of this tragedie. For of all the Duchesse
+seruaunts, there was not one that was willing to continue wyth
+theyr auncient mistresse, who with the faithfull maiden of hir
+chamber remained at Ancona, enioying the ioyful embracements of
+hir Husbande, in all sutch Pleasure and Delyghts as they doe,
+whych hauyng lyued in fear, be set at liberty, and out of al
+suspition, plunged in a sea of ioy, and fleting in the quiet
+calme of al passetime, where Bologna had none other care, but
+how to please his best beloued, and she studied nothing else but
+how to loue and obey him, as the wyfe ought to doe hir husband.
+But thys fayre Weather lasted not long, for as the ioyes of men
+do not long endure but wast in lyttle time, so bee the delights
+of louers lesse firme and stedefast and passe away almost in one
+moment of an houre. Now the seruaunts of the Duchesse which wer
+retired, and durst tary no longer with hir, fearing the fury of
+the cardinal of Aragon brother to the Lady, the verye Day they
+departed from Ancona, deuised amongs themselues that one of them
+should ride in post to Rome, to aduertise the cardinal of the
+ladye's maryage, to the intente that the Aragon brethren myght
+conceiue no cause to seke reuenge of theyr disloyalty. That
+determination spedily was accomplished, one posting towardes
+Rome, and the rest galloping to the countrey Castles of the
+duke. These newes reported to the Cardinal and his brother, it
+may be coniectured how gryeuously they toke the same, and that
+they were not able to digest them wyth modestye, the yongest of
+the brethren, yalped forth a Thousand Cursses and despytes,
+agaynste the symple sexe of womankind. "Ha," said the Prince
+(transported with choler, and driuen into deadly furie) "what
+law is able to punish or restrayne the folysh indiscretion of a
+Woman, that yeldeth hir self to hir own desires? What shame is
+able to brydle and withdrawe a Woman from hir mind and madnesse?
+Or with what fear is it possible to snaffle them from execution
+of theyr filthinesse? Ther is no beast be he neuer so wilde,
+but man sometime may tame, and bring to his lure and order. The
+force and diligence of Man is able to Make mylde the stronge and
+Proude, and to ouertake the swyftest Beaste and Foule, or
+otherwyse to attayne the hyghest and deepest things of the
+world: but this incarnate diuelish beaste the Woman, no force
+can subdue hir, no swiftnesse can approch hir mobylity, no good
+mind is able to preuent hir sleightes and deceites, they seem to
+be procreated and borne againste all order of Nature, and to
+liue withoute Lawe, whych gouerneth al other things indued with
+some reason and vnderstanding. But howe great abhomination is
+this, that a Gentlewoman of sutch a house as ours is, hath
+forgotten hir estate, and the greatnesse of hir deceased
+husband, with the hope of the toward youthe of the Duke hir
+sonne and our Nephew. Ah, false and vile bytch, I sweare by the
+Almighty God and by his blessed wounds, that if I can catch
+thee, and that wicked knaue thy chosen mate, I wil pype ye both
+sutch a wofull galiard, as in your imbracements ye neuer felt
+like ioy and mirthe. I wil make ye daunce sutch a bloudy
+bargenet, as your whorish heate for euer shall be cooled. What
+abuse haue they committed vnder title of mariage, whych was so
+secretly don, as their children do witnesse their lecherous
+loue, but theyr promise of faith was made in open aire, and
+serueth for a cloke and visarde of their moste filthy whoredom.
+And what if mariage was concluded, be we of so little respect,
+as the carion beast could not vouchsafe to aduertise vs of hir
+entent? Or is Bologna a man worthy to be allied or mingled with
+the roial bloud of Aragon and Castille? No, no, be he neuer so
+good a gentleman, his race agreeth not with kingly state. But I
+make to God a vow, that neuer wyll I take one sound and restful
+slepe, vntill I haue dispatched that infamous fact from our
+bloud, and that the caitif whoremonger be vsed according to his
+desert." The cardinal also was out of quiet, grinding his teeth
+togither, chattering forth of his Spanish mosel Jack an Apes
+Pater-noster, promising no better vsage to their Bologna than
+hys yonger brother did. And the better to intrap them both
+(without further sturre for that time) they sent to the Lord
+Gismondo Gonsago the Cardinal of Mantua, than Legate for pope
+Iulius the second at Ancona, at whose hands they enioyed sutch
+friendship, as Bologna and all his family were commaunded
+spedily to auoid the city. But for al that the Legat was able to
+do, of long time he could not preuail, Bologna had so greate
+intelligence wythin Ancona. Neuerthelesse whiles hee differred
+his departure, he caused the most part of his trayne, his
+Children and goods to be conueyed to Siena, an auncient Citty of
+Thoscane, which for the state and liberties, had long time bin
+at warres with the Florentines, in sutch wyse as the very same
+day that newes came to Bologna that hee should depart the Citty
+within XV. daies, hee was ready, and mounted on horseback to
+take hys flight to Siena, whych brake for sorrow the hearts of
+the Aragon brethren, seeinge that they were deceiued, and
+frustrate of their intent, bicause they purposed by the way to
+apprehend Bologna, and to cut him in peeces. But what? The tyme
+of his hard lucke was not yet expired, and so the marche from
+Ancona, serued not for the Theatre of those two infortunate
+louers ouerthrow, who certaine moneths liued in peace in
+Thoscane. The Cardinall night nor day did sleepe, and his
+brother still did wayt to performe hys othe of reuenge. And
+seeinge their ennimy out of feare, they dispatched a post to
+Alfonso Castruccio, the cardinall of Siena, to entreat the lord
+Borgliese, cheyfe of the Seigniory there, that their Syster, and
+Bologna should be banished the Countrey, and limits of that
+Citty, which wyth small suite was brought to passe. These two
+infortunate, Husband and Wyfe, were chasid from all places, and
+so vnlucky as whilom Achastus was when he was accursed, or
+Oedipus, after his father's death, and incestious mariage wyth
+his mother, vncertayne to what Sainct to vow themselues, and to
+what place to take their flight. In the ende they determined to
+goe to Venice, but first to Ramagna, there to imbarke themselues
+for to retyre in saulfty to the citty enuironned wyth the Sea
+Adriaticum, the richest in Europa. But the poore soules made
+their reconinge there wythout their hoaste, faylinge halfe the
+price of their banket. For being vppon the territory of Forly,
+one of the trayne a farre of, did see a troupe of horsemen
+galloping towardes their company, which by their countenaunce
+shewed no signe of peace or amity at all, which made them
+consider that it was some ambush of theyr Enimyes. The
+Neapolitan gentleman seeing the onset bendinge vppon them, began
+to feare death, not for that hee cared at al for his mishap, and
+ruine, but his heart began to cleaue for heauinesse to see his
+Wyfe and little Children ready to be murdered, and serue for the
+passetime of the Aragon Brethren's eyes, for whose sakes he knew
+himselfe already predestinate to dy, and that for despite of
+him, and to accelerate his death by the ouerthrow of hys Wyfe
+and Children, he was assured that they would dispatch them all
+before his face and presence. But what is there to be done,
+where counsell and meanes to escape do fayle? Full of teares
+therefore, astonishment and feare, he expected death so cruell
+as man could deuise, and was already determined to suffer the
+same with good courage, for any thing that the Duchesse could
+say vnto him. He might well haue saued himself and his eldest
+sonne by flight, being both wel mounted vpon two good Turkey
+horsses, whiche ran so fast, as the quarrel out of a Crosbow.
+But he loued to mutch his wife and children, and woulde kepe
+them company both in lyfe and death. In th'ende the good Lady
+sayd vnto him: "Sir, for all the ioyes and pleasures which you
+can do me, for God's sake saue your selfe and the litle infant
+next you, who can well indure the galloping of the horse. For
+sure I am, that you being out of our company, we shall not neede
+to feare any hurt: but if you do tary, you wil be the cause of
+the ruine and ouerthrow of vs all, and we shal receiue thereby
+no profit or aduauntage: take this purse therefore, and saue
+yourself, attending better fortune in time to come." The poore
+Gentleman Bologna knowing that his wife had pronounced reason,
+and fearing that it was impossible from that time forth that she
+or hir Traine could escape their hands, taking leaue of hir, and
+kissing his chyldren not forgetting the money which she offred
+vnto him, willed his seruants to saue themselues by sutch meanes
+as they thought best. So gieuing spurs vnto his horse, he began
+to fly amayne, and his eldest sonne seeing his father gone,
+began to followe in like sorte: and so for that time they two
+were saued by breaking of the intended ill luck lyke to light
+vpon them. And where he thought to rescue himselfe at Venice, he
+turned another way, and by great Iourneys arriued at Millan. In
+the meane time the horsemen were approched neere the Duchesse,
+who seeing that Bologna had saued himselfe, very courteously
+began to speake vnto the lady, were it that the Aragon brethren
+had geuen theym that charge, or feared that the Lady would
+trouble them with hir importunate Cries, and Lamentations. One
+therefore amongs the Troupe sayde thus vnto hir: "Madam, we be
+commaunded by the Lordes your brethren, to conduct you home vnto
+your house, that you may receiue agayne the Gouernment of the
+Duchy, and the order of the Duke your sonne, and do maruell very
+mutch at your folly, for giuing your selfe thus to wander the
+Countrey after a man of so smal reputation as Bologna is, who
+when he had glutted his lusting lecherrous minde with the
+comelines of your noble Personage, wil despoyle you of your
+goods and honour, and then take his Legs into som straung
+countrey." The simple Lady, albeit greeuous it was vnto hir to
+heare sutch speech of hir husband, yet helde hir peace and
+dissembled what she thought, glad and wel contented with the
+curtesy done vnto hir, fearinge before that they came to kyll
+hir and thought hirselfe already discharged, hopinge vppon their
+courteous Dealinges, that shee, and hir Chyldren from that tyme
+forth should lyue in good assuraunce. But she was greatly
+deceyued, and knew within shorte space after, the good will that
+hir Brethren bare hir: for so soone as these Gallants had
+conducted hir into the kyngdome of Naples, to one of the Castels
+of hir sonne, she was committed to pryson wyth hir chyldren, and
+she also that was the secretary of hir infortunate mariage. Til
+this time Fortune was contented to proceede with indifferent
+quiet against those Louers, but henceforth yee shall heare the
+Issue of theyr little prosperous loue, and how pleasure hauing
+blinded them, neuer forsooke them vntil it had giuen them the
+ouerthrow. It booteth not heere to recite any Fables or
+Hystories, contenting my self that Ladies do reade wythout to
+many weping teares, the pitifull end of that myserable
+princesse, who seeing hir selfe a Prisoner in the company of hir
+litle chyldren and welbeloued Mayden, paciently liued in hope to
+see hir Brethren appaysed, comforting hir selfe for the escape
+of hir husband out of the hands of his mortal foes. But hir
+assurance was changed into an horrible feare and hir hope to no
+expectation of surety, when certayne dayes after hir
+imprisonment, hir gaoler came in, and sayde vnto hir: "Madame,
+I do aduise you henceforth to consider and examine your
+Conscience, for so mutch as I suppose that euen thys very day
+your Lyfe shall be taken from you." I leaue for you to thinke
+what horrour, and traunce assayled the feeble heart of this
+poore Lady, and wyth what eares she receyued that cruell
+message, but hir cryes, and moanes together with hir sighes and
+lamentations declared with what chere she receyued the
+aduertisement. "Alas" (sayd she) "is it possible that my
+brethren should so far forget themselues, as for a fact nothing
+preiudicial vnto them, cruelly to put to death their innocent
+Sister, and to imbrue the memory of their fact, in the bloud of
+one which neuer did offend them? Must I against al right and
+equity be put to death before the Iudge or Maiestrate haue made
+triall of my lyfe, and knowne the righteousnesse of my cause? Ah
+God, most rightfull and bountifull father, beholde the mallice
+of my Brethren, and the Tyrannous cruelty of those which
+wrongfully doe seeke my bloud. Is it a sinne to marry? Is it a
+fault to fly, and auoide the sinne of Whoredome? What Lawes be
+these, where marriage bed, and ioyned matrimony is pursued wyth
+lyke seuerity, that Murder, Theft, and Aduoutry are? And what
+Christianity in a Cardinall, to shed the bloud which hee ought
+to defend? What profession is thys, to assayle the innocent by
+the hygh way side, and to reue them of lyfe in place to punish
+Theeues and Murderers? O Lord God thou art iust, and dost al
+things in equity, I see wel that I haue trespassed against thy
+maiesty in some more notoryous crime than in marriage: I most
+humbly therefore beseech thee to haue compassion on mee, and to
+pardon myne offences, accepting the confession, and repentaunce
+of mee thine humble seruaunt for satisfaction of my sinnes,
+which it pleased thee to washe away in the precious bloud of thy
+sonne our Sauiour, that being so purified, I may appeare at the
+holy banket in thy glorious kingdome." When shee had thus
+finished hir prayer, two or three of the ministers which had
+taken hir besides Forly, came in, and said vnto hir: "Now Madame
+make ready your selfe to goe to God, for beholde your houre is
+come." "Praysed be that God" (sayd she) "for the wealth and woe
+that it pleaseth hym to send vs. But I beseech you my friendes
+to haue pitty vppon these lyttle Babes and innocent creatures:
+let them not feele the smarte whych I am assured my Brethren
+beare agaynste their Poore vnhappy Father." "Well well, madame,"
+sayd they, "we wil conuey them to sutch place as they shal not
+want." "I also recommend vnto you" (quod she) "this pore
+imprisoned mayden, and entreate hir well, in consideration of
+hir good service done to the infortunate Duchesse of Malfi." As
+she had ended those words, the two Ruffians did put a coarde
+about her neck, and strangled hir. The mayden seeing the pitious
+Tragedy commensed vpon hir maystresse, cried out a maine,
+cursing the cruell malice of those tormenters, and besought God
+to be witnesse of the same, and crying out vpon his diuine
+Maiesty, she humbly praied unto him to bend hys iudgement
+agaynst them which causelesse (being no Magistrates,) had killed
+so innocent creatures. "Reason it is" (sayd one of the Tyrants)
+"that thou be partaker of thy maystresse innocency, sith thou
+hast bene so faythfull a Minister, and messenger of hir fleshly
+follies." And sodaynly caught hir by the hayre of the head, and
+in steade of a Carcanet placed a roape about her necke. "How
+nowe" (quoth shee,) "is this the promised fayth you made vnto my
+lady?" But those words flew into the Ayre wyth hir Soule, in
+company of the myserable Duchesse. And now hearken the most
+sorowfull scene of all the Tragedy. The little Chyldren which
+had seene all this furious game executed vpon their mother and
+hir mayde, as nature prouoked them, or as some presage of their
+myshap might leade them thereunto, kneeled vpon their knees
+before those Tyrants, and embracinge their Legges, wayled in
+sutch wyse, as I thinke that any other, except a pitilesse heart
+spoyled of all humanity, would haue had compassion. And
+impossible it was for them, to vnfolde the embracementes of
+those innocent creatures, whych seemed to foreiudge their death
+by Sauage lookes and Countenaunce of those Roysters: whereby I
+think that needes it must be confessed, that nature hath in hir
+selfe, and in vs imprinted some signe of diuination, and
+specially at the Houre and tyme of death, so as the very beastes
+doe feele some forewarninges, although they see neyther Sworde,
+nor Staffe, and indeuoure to auoyde the cruell Passage of a
+thynge so Fearefull, as the separation of two thynges so neerely
+vnyted, euen the Body, and Soule, which for the motion that
+chaunceth at the very instant, sheweth how narure is constrained
+in that monstrous diuision, and more than horrible ouerthrow.
+But who can appease a heart determined to worke mischief, and
+hath sworne the death of another forced thereunto by some
+special commaundment? The Aragon brethren ment hereby nothing
+else, but to roote out the whole name and race of Bologna. And
+therfore the two ministers of iniquity did like murder and
+slaughter vpon those two tender babes, as they had done before
+vpon their mother not without some motion of horror, for an act
+so detestable. Behold here how far the cruelty of man extendeth,
+when it coueteth nothing else but vengeance, and marke what
+excessyue choler the mind of them produceth, whych suffer
+themselues to be forced and ouerwhelmed with fury. Leaue we
+apart the cruelty of Euchrates, the Sonne of the kinge of
+Bactria, and of Phraates the Sonne of the Persian Prynce, of
+Timon of Athenes, and of an infinit number of those which were
+rulers and gouernors of the Empyre of Rome: and let vs match
+with these Aragon brethren, one Vitoldus Duke of Lituania, the
+cruelty of whom, constrained his own subiects to hang themselues
+for feare leaste they should fall into his furious and bloudy
+hands. We may confesse also these brutall brethren to be more
+butcherly than euer Otho Erle of Monferrato, and prince of Vrbin
+was, who caused a yeoman of his chamber to be wrapped in a
+sheete poudred with sulpher and brimstone, and afterwards
+kindled with a Candle, was scalded and consumed to death,
+bicause he waked not at an hour by him appointed: let vs not
+excuse them also from some affinity with Manfredus the sonne of
+Henry the second emperor, who smoldered hys own father, being an
+old man, between two Couerlets. These former furies might haue
+some excuse to couer their cruelty, but these had no other color
+but a certain beastly madnesse which moued them to kil those
+litle Children their nephews, who by no means could preiudice or
+anoy the Duke of Malfi or his title, in the succession of his
+Duchie, the mother hauing withdrawen hir goods, and had her
+dowrie assigned hir: but a wicked hart wrapt in malice must
+nedes bring forth semblable workes. In the time of these murders
+the infortunate Louer kept himself at Millan with his sonne
+Frederick, and vowed himself to the Lord Siluio Sauello, who
+that tyme besieged the Castell of Millan, in the behalf of
+Maximilian Sforcia, which in the end he conquered and recouered
+by composition wyth the French within. But that charge being
+atchieued, the general Sauello marched from thence to Cremona
+with hys Campe, whyther Bologna durst not folow, but repayred to
+the Marquize of Britone, in whych tyme the Aragon brethren so
+wroughte as hys goods were confiscate at Naples, and he dryuen
+to hys shiftes to vse the Golden Duckates which the Duchesse
+gaue him to relieue himselfe at Millan, whose Death althoughe it
+were aduertised by many, yet hee could not be persuaded to
+beleue the same, for that diuers which went about to betray him,
+and feared he shoulde flie from Millan, kept his beake vnder the
+water, (as the Prouerb is,) and assured him both of the Lyfe and
+welfare of his Spouse, and that shortly his Brethren in law
+would be reconciled because many Noble men fauored hym well, and
+desired his returne home to hys countrey. Fed and filled with
+that vaine hope, he remayned more than a yeare at Millan,
+frequentyng good company, who was well entertayned of the
+rychest marchaunts and best Gentlemen of the Cytye: and aboue
+all other, he had famyliar accesse to the house of the Ladye
+Hippolita Bentiuoglia, where vppon a Daye after Dynner, takyng
+hys lute in hand, whereon he could exceedyngly well play, he
+began to sing a sonnet, whych he had composed vppon the
+discourse of hys mysfortune, the tenor whereof insueth.
+
+
+_The Song of Antonio Bologna, the husband of the Duchesse of
+Malfi._
+
+  If loue, the death, or tract of tyme, haue measured my distresse,
+  Or if my beatinge sorrowes may my languor well expresse:
+  Then loue come soone to visit me, which most my heart desires,
+  And so my dolor findes some ease, through flames of fansies fires.
+  The time runnes out his rollinge course, for to prolong myne ease,
+  To th' end I shall enioy my loue, and heart himselfe appease,
+  A cruell darte brings happy death, my soule then rest shall find:
+  And sleepinge body vnder Toumbe, shall dreame time out of mynde,
+  And yet the Loue, the Time, nor Death, lookes not how I decreace:
+  Nor geueth eare to any thinge, of this my wofull peace.
+  Full farre I am from my good hap, or halfe the ioye I craue,
+  Whereby I chaung my state wyth teares, and draw full neere my graue.
+  The courteous Gods that giues me lyfe, now mooues the Planets all:
+  For to arrest my groning ghost, and hence my sprite to call.
+  Yet from them still I am separd, by thinges vnequall heere,
+  Not ment the Gods may be vniust, that breedes my chaunging cheere.
+  For they prouide by their foresight, that none shall doe me harme:
+  But she whose blasing beauty bright, hath brought me in a charme.
+  My mistresse hath the powre alone, to rid me from this woe:
+  Whose thrall I am, for whom I die, to whom my sprite shall goe.
+  Away my soule, goe from the griefs, that thee oppresseth still,
+  And let thy dolor witnesse beare, how mutch I want my will.
+  For since that loue and death himselfe, delights in guiltlesse bloud,
+  Let time transport my troubled sprite, where destny seemeth good.
+
+This song ended, the poor Gentleman could not forbeare from
+pouring forth his luke warme Tears, which abundantly ran downe
+his heauy Face, and his pantinge Sighes truly discouered the
+alteration of his mynde, whych mooued ech wight of that assembly
+to pitty his mournful State: and one specially of no
+acquaintance, and yet knew the deuises that the Aragon Brethren
+had trayned and contriued against hym: that vnacquaynted
+gentleman his name was Delio, one very well learned, and of trim
+inuention, who very excellently hath endited in the Italian
+vulgar tongue. This Delio knowing the Gentleman to be husband to
+the deceased Duchesse of Malfi, came vnto him, and taking him
+aside, said: "Sir, albeit I haue no great acquaintance with you,
+this being the first time that euer I saw you, to my
+remembrance, so it is, that vertue hath sutch force, and maketh
+gentle myndes so amorous of their like, as when they doe beholde
+ech other, they feele themselues coupled as it were in a bande
+of mindes, that impossible it is to diuide the same: now
+knowinge what you be, and the good and commendable qualities in
+you, I coumpt it my duty to reueale that which may chaunce to
+breede you damage. Know you then, that I of late was in company
+with a Noble man of Naples, whych is in this Citty, banded with
+a certaine company of horsemen, who tolde mee that he had a
+speciall charge to kill you, and therefore prayed me (as it
+seemed) to require you not to come in his sight, to the intent
+he might not be constrayned to doe that which should offend his
+Conscience, and grieue the same all the dayes of his life:
+moreouer I haue worse Tidinges to tell you: the Duchesse your
+Wyfe deade by violent hand in prison, and the most part of them
+that were in hir company: besides this assure your selfe, that
+if you doe not take heede to that which this Neapolitane
+Capitnyne hath differred, other wyll doe and execute the same.
+This mutch I haue thought good to tell you, bicause it would
+very mutch grieue me, that a Gentleman so excellent as you be,
+should be murdered in that myserable wyse, and I should deeme my
+selfe vnworthy of lyfe, if knowing these practises I should
+dissemble the same." Whereunto Bologna aunswered: "Syr Delio,
+I am greatly bound vnto you, and geue you hearty thankes for the
+good will you beare me. But in the conspiracy of the brethren of
+Aragon, and of the death of my lady, you be deceyued, and some
+haue giuen you wrong intelligence: for within these two dayes I
+receyued letters from Naples, wherein I am aduertised, that the
+right honorable and reuerend Cardinal and his Brother be almost
+appeased, and that my goods shall bee rendred agayne, and my
+dear Wyfe restored." "Ah syr," sayde Delio, "how you be beguiled
+and Fedde wyth Follyes, and nourished with sleights of Court:
+assure your selfe that they which write these trifles, make
+sutch shamefull sale of your lyfe, as the Butcher doth of his
+flesh in the Shambles, and so wickedly betray you, as impossible
+it is to inuent a treason more detestable: but bethinke you well
+thereof." When he had sayd so, he tooke hys leaue, and ioyned
+hymselfe in company of fine and pregnaunt Wyttes, there
+assembled together. In the meane tyme, the cruell Spirite of the
+Aragon Brethren were not yet appeased with the former murders,
+but needes must finish the last act of Bologna hys Tragedy by
+losse of hys Lyfe, to keepe hys Wyfe and Chyldren company, so
+well in an other Worlde as he was vnited with them in Loue in
+this frayle and transitory passage. The Neapolitan gentleman
+before spoken of by Delio, whych had taken this enterprise to
+satissie the barbarous Cardinall to berieue his Countreyman of
+lyfe, hauinge chaunged his mynde, and differring from day to day
+to sorte the same to effect, it chaunced that a Lombarde of
+larger Conscience than the other, inueigled with Couetousnesse,
+and hired for ready Money, practised the death of the Duchesse
+poore husband: this bloudy beaste was called Daniel de Bozola
+that had charge of a certayne bande of footemen in Millan. Thys
+newe Iudas and pestilent manqueller, who wythin certayne dayes
+after knowinge that Bologna oftentymes Repayred to heare Seruice
+at the Church and conuent of S. Fraunces, secretly conueyed
+himself in ambush, hard besides the church of S. Iames, (being
+accompanied wyth a certayne troupe of Souldiers) to assayle
+infortunate Bologna, who was sooner slayne than hee was able to
+thinke vpon defence, and whose mishap was sutch, as hee whych
+kylled hym had good leysure to saue himselfe by reason of the
+little pursuite made after hym. Beholde heere the Noble fact of
+a Cardinall, and what sauer it hath of Christian purity, to
+commit a slaughter for a fact done many yeares past vpon a poore
+Gentleman which neuer thought him hurt. Is thys the sweete
+obseruation of the Apostles, of whom they vaunt themselues to be
+the Successours and followers? And yet we cannot finde nor
+reade, that the Apostles, or those that stept in their trade of
+lyfe, hyred Ruffians, and Murderers to cut the Throates of them
+which did them hurt. But what? it was in the tyme of Iulius the
+second, who was more martiall than Christian, and loued better
+to shed bloud than giue blessing to the people. Sutch ende had
+the infortunate mariage of him, whych ought to haue contented
+himselfe wyth that degree and honor that he had acquired by the
+deedes and glory of his vertues, so mutch by ech wight
+recommended: we ought neuer to climb higher than our force
+permitteth, ne yet surmount the bounds of duty, and lesse suffer
+our selues to be haled fondly forth with desire of brutal
+sensuality. Which sinne is of sutch nature, that he neuer giueth
+ouer the party whom he maystereth, vntil he hath brought him to
+the shame of some Notable Folly. You see the miserable discourse
+of a Princesse loue, that was not very wyse, and of a Gentleman
+that had forgotten his estate, which ought to serue for a
+lookinge Glasse to them which bee ouer hardy in makinge
+Enterprises, and doe not measure their Ability wyth the
+greatnesse of their Attemptes: where they ought to mayntayne
+themselues in reputation, and beare the title of well aduised:
+foreseeing their ruine to be example for all posterity, as may
+bee seene by the death of Bologna, and by all them which sprang
+of him, and of his infortunate Spouse his Lady and Maistresse.
+But we haue discoursed inough hereof, sith diuersity of other
+hystories do call vs to bring the same in place, which were not
+mutch more happy than the bloudy end of those, whose Hystory ye
+haue already heard.
+
+
+
+
+THE TWENTY-FOURTH NOUELL.
+
+  _The disordered Lyfe of the Countesse of Celant, and how shee
+  (causinge the County of Masino to be murdered,) was beheaded
+  at Millan._
+
+
+Not wythout good cause of long tyme haue the wyse, and discrete,
+Prudently gouerned their Children, and taken great heede ouer
+their Daughters, and those also whom they haue chosen to bee
+their Wyues, not in vsing them lyke Bondwomen, and Slaues, to
+beereiue them of all Liberty, but rather to auoyde the murmur,
+and secrete slaunderous Speach of the common people, and
+occasions offred for infection, and marrying of Youth, specially
+circumspect of the assaultes bent agaynst Maydens, being yet in
+the firste flames of fire, kindled by nature in the hearts, yea
+of those that be the wysest, and best brought vp. Some doe deeme
+it very straunge, that solempne Guard bee obserued ouer those
+which ought to lyue at lyberty, and doe consider how lyberty and
+the bridle of Lycence let slip vnto Youth, they breede vnto the
+same most strong and tedious Bondage, that better it had bene
+for youth to haue beene chayned, and closed in obscure Pryson,
+than marked wyth those blottes of infamy, which Sutch Lycence
+and Lyberty doe conduce. If England doe not by experience see
+Maydens of Noble Houses Infamed through to mutch vnbrideled,
+and frank maner of Lyfe, and their Parents desolate for sutch
+villanyes, and the name of their houses become Fabulous and
+Ridiculous to the people: surely that manner of Espiall and
+watch ouer Children, may be noted in Nations not very farre
+conuening from vs, where men be Ielous of the very Fantasie of
+them, whom they think to be indued with great vertues, and of
+those that dare with their very Lookes geue attaynt, to behold
+their Daughters: but where examples be euident, where all the
+World is assured of that which they see by daily experience,
+that the fruicts of the disordered, breake out into light,
+it behooueth no more to attend the daungerous customes of
+Countreyes, to condescend to the sottish Opinions of those,
+whych say that youth to narrowly looked vnto, is trayned vp in
+sutch grosenesse, and blockishnesse of spyrite, as impossible it
+is afterwardes the same shoulde do any thinge prayse worthy.
+The Romayne maydens whilom were Cloystered within their Fathers
+Pallaces, still at their Mothers Elbowes, and notwithstanding
+were so wel brought vp, that those of best ciuility and finest
+trained vp in our age, shall not be the seconde to one of the
+least perfect in the Citty. But who can learne ciuility and
+vertue in these our dayes? our Daughters nousled in companies,
+whose mouthes run ouer with Whorish and filthy talke, wyth
+behauiour full of Ribauldry, and many fraughted wyth facts lesse
+honest than Speach is able to expresse. I doe not pretend
+heereby to depriue that sexe of honest and seemely talke, and
+company, and leste of exercise amonges the Noble Gentlemen of
+our Englyshe Soyle, ne yet of the Liberty receyued from our
+Auncestours, only (me thyncke) that requisite it were to
+contemplate the manners and inclination of wils, and refrayne
+those that be prone to wantonnesse, and by lyke meanes to
+reioyce the mindes of them that be bent to heauinesse, deuided
+from curtefie and Ciuility, by attendinge of whych choyse, and
+considering of that difference, impossible it is but vertue must
+shyne more bright in Noble houses than homelynesse in Cabanes of
+Pesauntes, and Countrey Carles: who oftentymes better obserue
+the Discipline of our Predecessours in education of their
+Chyldren, than they which presume to prayse themselues for good
+skil in vse and gouernment of that age, more troublesome and
+payneful to rule, than any other wythin the compasse of man's
+lyfe. Therefore the good and wise Emperour Marcus Aurelius would
+not haue his Daughters to be trayned vp in Courts. "For
+(quod he) what profit shall the Nurse receyue by learning hir
+mayden honesty and vertue, when our workes intice them to
+daliaunce and vice, apprehending the folly of those that bee
+amorous?" I make this discourse, not that I am so rigorous a
+Iudge for our maydens of England, but that I wish them so
+reformed, as to see and be seene should be forbidden, as assured
+that vertue in what place so euer she be, cannot but open things
+that shall fauor of hir excellency. And now to talke of an
+Italian Dame, who so long as hir first husband (knowing hir
+inclination) kept hir subiect, liued in reputation of a modest
+and sober wyfe. Nothing was seene in hir that could defame hir
+renoume. But so soone as the shadow of that free captiuity was
+made free by the death of hir husband, God knoweth what pageant
+she played, and how shee soyled both hir owne reputation, and
+the honour of hir second Mate, as yee shall vnderstande if with
+pacience yee vouchsafe to reade the discourse of thys present
+Hystory. Casal, (as it is not vnknowen) is a Citty of Piedmont,
+and subiect to the Marquize of Montferrato, where dwelled one
+that was very rich, although of base birth, named Giachomo
+Scappardone, who being growne wealthy, more by wicked art, and
+vsury, to mutch manifest, than by his owne diligence, toke to
+Wife a yong Greeke mayden, which the Marchiones of Montferrato
+mother of Marquize Guglielmo, had brought home wyth hir from the
+voyage that shee made into Grætia wyth hir husbande, when the
+Turkes ouerran the countrey of Macedonia, and seased vpon the
+Citty of Modena which is in Morea. Of that mayden Scapperdone
+had a Daughter indifferent fayre, and of behauiour liuely and
+pleasaunt, called Bianca Maria. The Father dyed wythin a while
+after hir birth, as one that was of good yeares, and had bin
+greatly turmoyled in getting of riches, whose value amounted
+about one Hundred Thousand Crownes. Bianca Maria arriued to the
+age of sixteene, or seuenteene yeares, was required of many,
+aswell for hir Beauty, Gentlenes, and good grace, as for her
+goods, and riches. In the ende she was maried to the Vicecount
+Hermes, the Sonne of one of the chiefest Houses in Millan, who
+incontinently after the mariage, conueyed hir home to hys house,
+leauing his Greeke mother to gouerne the vsuries gotten by hir
+dead husband. The Gentleman which amongs two greene, knew one
+that was ripe, hauing for a certayne tyme well knowen, and
+learned the maners of hys Wyfe, saw that it behooued hym rather
+to deale wyth the Bit and brydle than the spur, for that she was
+wanton, full of desire, and coueted nothing so mutch as fond and
+disordered liberty, and therefore without cruell dealing,
+disquiet, or trouble, hee vsed by little and little to keepe hir
+in, and cherished hir more than his nature willingly would
+suffer, of purpose to holde hir wythin the boundes of duty. And
+although the Millan Dames haue almost like lyberties that ours
+haue, yet the Lord Hermes kept hir wythin Dores, and suffred hir
+to frequent none other house and company, but the Lady Hippolita
+Sforcia, who vppon a day demaunded of him wherefore hee kept in
+his wyfe so short, and persuaded hym to geue her somewhat more
+the Brydle, bicause diuers already murmured of this order, as to
+strayte and Frowarde, esteeming hym eyther to be to mutch fond
+ouer hir, or else to Jealous. "Madame," sayde the Millanoise,
+"they whych at pleasure so speake of me, know not yet the nature
+of my Wyfe, who I had rather should be somewhat restrayned, than
+run at Rouers to hir dishonour, and my shame. I remember wel
+madame the proper saying of Paulus Emilius that notable Romane:
+who being demauned wherefore he had put away his Wyfe being a
+Gentlewoman so fayre and beautifull. 'O,' quod he and lifted vp
+his leg {(}whereupon was a new payre of Buskins) 'yee see this
+fayre Buskin, meete and seemely for this Leg to outward
+apparance not greeuous or noysome, but in what place it hurteth
+me, or where it wringeth yee doe neyther see nor yet feele.{'}
+So I, madame, do feele in what place my Hoase doeth hurt and
+wring my Legge. I know madame what it is to graunt to so wanton
+a dame as my Wyfe is, hir will, and how farre I ought to slip
+the rayne: iealous I am not vpon the fayth I beare vnto God,
+but I feare what may chaunce vnto me. And by my trouth, madame,
+I geeue her Lycence to repayre to you both Day and Nyght,
+at whatsoeuer hour you please, being assured of the vertuous
+company that haunteth your house: otherwyse my Pallace shall
+suffyce hir pleasure for the common ioy of vs both, and
+therefore I wish no more talk hereof, least too importunate
+suites do offend my nature, and make me thinke that to be true
+whych of good will I am loth to suspect, contenting my selfe
+with hir Chastity, for feare least to mutch liberty do corrupt
+hir." These words were not spoken wythout cause, for the wyse
+husband saw wel that sutch beasts, albeit rudely they ought not
+to be vsed, yet stifly to be holden short, and not suffred too
+mutch to wander at will. And verily his prophecy was to true for
+respect of that which followed: who had not bene maried full
+VI. yeares, but the Vicecount Hermes departed thys
+World, whereof she was very sory bycause she loued him derely,
+hauing as yet not tasted the licorous baites of sutch liberty,
+as afterwards she drank in gluttonous draughts, when after hir
+husband's obsequies, she retired to Montferrato, and then to
+Casal to hir Father's house, hir mother being also dead, and she
+a lone woman to ioy at pleasure the fruict of hir desires,
+bendinge hir only study to gay and trimme Apparell, and imployed
+the mornings with the vermilion rud to colour hir cheekes by
+greater curiosity than the most shamelesse Curtisan of Rome,
+fixing hir eyes vppon ech man, gyring, and laughing with open
+mouth, and pleasantly disposed to talk and reason with euery
+Gentleman that passed by the streate. This was the way to
+attayne the glorious feast of hir triumphant filthines, who wan
+the prise aboue the most famous women whych in hir tyme made
+profession of those armes, wherewith Venus once dispoyled Mars,
+and toke from him the strongest and best steeled armure of all
+his furniture. Thinck not fayre maydes, that talk and clattering
+with youth is of small regarde. For a Citty is halfe won when
+they within demaunde for parle, as loth to indure the Canon
+shot. So when the eare of yong Wyfe or mayde is pliant to
+lasciuious talk, and deliteth in wanton words, albeit hir
+chastity receyue no damage, yet occasion of speach is ministred
+to the people, and perchaunce wyth sutch disaduantage, as neuer
+after hir good name is recouered. Wherefore needefull it is,
+not only to auoyde the effect of euill, but also the least
+suspition: for good fame is requisite for the Woman, as honest
+lyfe. The great Captain Iulius Cæsar, (which first of al reduced
+the common wealth of Rome in fourme of monarchie) beinge once
+demaunded wherefore hee hadde refused hys Wyfe before it was
+proued that she had offended with Clodius, the night of the
+sacrifices done to the Goddesse Bona, answered so wysely as
+truely, that the house of Cæsar ought not onely to be voyde of
+whordome but of suspition therof. Behold therfore what I haue
+sayd, and yet doe say againe, that ye oughte to take greate
+heede to youre selues, and to laugh in tyme, not reclinyng your
+eares to vncomely talke, but rather to follow the nature of the
+Serpent, that stoppeth his eare with his tayle, to auoide the
+charms and sorceries of the Enchaunter. Now this Bianca Maria
+was sued vnto, and pursued of many at Casall that desired hir to
+Wyfe, and amonges the rest two did profer themselues, which were
+the Lord Gismondo Gonzaga, the neere kinsman of the Duke of
+Mantua, and the Counte of Celant, a great Baron of Sauoy, whose
+landes lie in the vale of Agosta. A great pastyme it was to thys
+fyne Gentlewoman to feede hir self wyth the Orations of those
+two Lordes and a ioye it was to hir, to vse her owne discourse
+and aunswers expressinge with right good grace sundry amorous
+countenances, intermingling therwithall sighes, sobbes, and
+alteration of cheere, that full well it might haue bene sayde,
+of loue trickes that shee was the only dame and mistresse. The
+Marchyonesse of Montferrato desirous to gratify the Lord of
+Mantua his sonne in law, endeuored to induce this wanton Lady to
+take for spouse Gismondo Gonzaga, and the sute so well
+proceeded, as almost the mariage had bene concluded if the Sauoy
+Earle had not come betwixte, and shewed forth his Noblenesse of
+minde, when he vnderstode how things did passe, and that another
+was ready to beare away the pryse, and recouer his mistresse.
+For that cause he came to visit the Lady, who intertayned him
+wel, as of custom she did al other. And for that he would not
+employe hys tyme in vayne, when he founde hir alone and at
+conuenyent leysure, began to preache vnto hir in thys wyse with
+sutch countenaunce, as she perceyued the Counte to be far in
+loue with hir.
+
+
+_The Oration of the Counte of Celant to his Ladye._
+
+"I am in doubt Madame, of whome chiefly I ought to make
+complaynt, whether of you, or of my selfe, or rather of fortune
+which guideth and bryngeth us together. I see wel that you
+receiue some wrong, and that my cause is not very iust, you
+taking no regarde vnto my passion which is outragious, and lesse
+hearkeninge vnto my request that so many times I haue giuen you
+to vnderstand onely grounded vpon the Honest loue I beare you.
+But I am besides this more to be accused for suffering an other
+to marche so far over my game and soyle, as I haue almost lost
+the tracte of the pray after which I most desire, and specially
+doe condemne my Fortune, for that I am in daunger to lose the
+thyng which I deserue, and you in peryll to passe into that
+place where your captiuity shalbe worse than the slaues by the
+Portugales condemned to the mines of India. Doeth it not suffise
+you that the Lord Hermes closed you vp the space of V.
+or VI. yeares in his Chamber, but wil you nedes attempt
+the rest of your youthly daies amid the Mantuanes, whose
+suspicious heads are ful of hammers working in the same? Better
+it were madame, that we approchynge neerer the gallante guise of
+Fraunce, should live after the lyberty of that Countrey, than
+bee captiue to an Italian house, whych wyll restrain you with
+like bondage, as at other tymes you have felt the experience.
+Moreover ye see what opinion is like to be conceiued of you,
+when it shalbe bruted that for the Marquize feare, you haue
+maried the Mantuan Lord. And I know well that you like not to be
+esteemed as a pupil, your nature cannot abyde compulsion, you be
+free from hir authority, it were no reason you should be
+constrained. And not to stay in framing of orations, or stand
+vpon discourse of Words, I humbly beseche you to behold the
+constant loue I beare you, and being a Gentleman so Wealthy as I
+am, none other cause induceth me to make this sute, but your
+good grace and bryngynge vp, whych force me to loue you aboue
+any other Gentlewoman that liueth. And althoughe I myghte
+alleage other reasons to proue my saying, yet referre I my self
+to the experience and bounty of youre mynd, and to the equity of
+your Iudgement. If my passion were not vehement, and my torment
+without comparison, I would wish my fained griefs to be laughed
+to scorne, and my dissembled payne rewarded with flouts. But my
+loue being sincere and pure, my trauail continuall, and my
+griefs endlesse, for pity sake I beseche you madame to consider
+my faithfull deserts with your duetiful curtesie, and then shall
+you see how mutch I ought to be preferred before them, which
+vnder the shadow of other mens puissance, do seke to purchase
+power to commaund you: where I do faithfully bynd and tye my
+word and deede continually to loue and serue you, wyth promyse
+al the dayes of my Lyfe to accomplish your commaundements.
+Beholde if it please you what I am, and with what affection I
+make mine humble playnt, regard the Messanger, loue it is
+himself that holdeth me within your snares, and maketh mee
+captyue to your beauty and gallant graces, which haue no piere.
+But if you refuse my sute, and cause me breath my words into the
+aire, you shalbe accused of cruelty, ye shall see the entier
+defaict of a gentleman which loueth you better than loue
+himselfe is able to yelde flame and fire to force any wight to
+loue mortal creature. But, verily, I beleue the heauens haue
+departed in me sutch aboundance, to the intent in louyng you
+with vehemence so greate, you may also thinke that it is I which
+ought to be the Friend and spouse of that gentle and curteous
+Lady Bianca Maria, which alone may cal her self the mistresse of
+my Heart." The Ladye whych before was mocked and flouted wyth
+the Counte his demaunds, hearing thys laste discourse, and
+remembring his first mariage, and the natural iealosie of
+Italyans, half wonne, without making other countenance, answered
+the Counte in thys manner: "Syr counte, albeyt that I am
+obedyente to the wyll and commaundemente of madame the
+Marchyonesse, and am loth to dysplease hir, yet wil I not so
+farre gage my lybertye, but still reserue one poynt to saye what
+reasteth in my thoughte. And what shoulde lette me to chose
+sutch one, to whome I shalbe both his life and death? And
+whereof beinge once possed, it is impossyble to be rid and
+acquited? I assure you, if I feared not the speach and suspition
+of malycious mindes, and the venime of slaunderous Tongues,
+neuer husband should bryng me more to bondage. And if I thought
+that he whom I pretend to chose, would be so cruel to me, as
+others whom I know, I would presently refuse mariage for euer.
+I thanke you neuerthelesse, both of your aduertisements giuen
+me, and of the honor you doe me, your self desiryng to
+accomplish that honor by maryage to be celebrated betweene vs.
+For the fidelity of which your talke, and the little
+dissimulation I see to be in you, I promise you that there is no
+gentleman in this countrey to whom I giue more puissance ouer
+me, than to you, if I chaunce to mary, and thereof make you so
+good assurance, as if it were already done." The Counte seeing
+so good an entry would not suffer the tyme to slip, but beating
+the Bushes vntill the praye was ready to spryng, replyed: "And
+sith you know (madame) what thing is profitable, and what is
+hurtfull, and that the benefite of lyberty is so mutch
+recommended, why doe you not performe the thinge that may
+redounde to your honor? Assure mee then of your word, and
+promise me the faith and loyaltie of maryage, then let me alone
+to deale wyth the rest, for I hope to attayn the effect without
+offense and displeasure of any." And seeing hir to remaine in a
+muse without speaking word, he toke hir by the hand and kissing
+the same a million of tymes, added these Words: "How now,
+madame, be you appalled for so pleasaunt an assault, wherin your
+aduersary confesseth himselfe to be vanquished? Courage, madame,
+I say courage, and beholde him heere which humbly praieth you to
+receiue him for your lawfull husband, and who sweareth vnto you
+all sutch amitye and reuerence that husband oweth to hys loyall
+spouse." "Ah, syr Counte," sayd she, "and what wyll the Marquize
+say, vnto whom I haue wholly referred my self for mariage? shal
+not she haue iust occasion to frowne vppon mee, and frowardly to
+vse me for little respect I beare vnto hir? God be my witnesse
+if I would not that Gonzaga had neuer come into this countrey:
+for although I loue him not, yet I haue almost made him a
+promyse, which I can not kepe." "And sith there is nothing don,"
+(said the Sauoy Lord) "what nede you to torment your selfe? wyl
+the Marquize wrecke hir tyrannie ouer the will of hir subiectes,
+and force Ladyes of hir Lande to marie againste their luste?
+I thinke that so wyse a princesse, and so well nurtured, will
+not so far forget hir self, as to straine that which God hath
+left at lyberty to euerye wight: promise me onely maryage and
+leaue me to deale wyth the rest: other thynges shalbe wel
+prouided for." Bianca Maria vanquished with that importunity,
+and fearing againe to fal into seruytude, hoping that the Counte
+would mainteine sutch liberty as he had assured, agreed vnto hym
+and plyghted vnto him her faithe, and for the tyme vsed mutuall
+promises by wordes respectiuely one to another: and the better
+to confirme the fact, and to let the knotte from breakyng, they
+bedded themselues togethers. The Counte very ioyfull for that
+encountre, yelded sutch good beginning by his countenance, and
+by Famyliar and continuall haunte with Bianca Maria, as shortly
+after the matter was knowen and came to the Marquesse eares,
+that the Daughter of Scappardone had maryed the Counte of
+Celant. The good lady albeit that shee was wroth beyond measure,
+and willingly would haue ben reuenged vpon the bride, yet hauing
+respect to the Counte, which was a noble man of great authority,
+swallowed down that pille wythout chewing, and prayed the Lord
+Gonzaga not to be offended, who seing the light behauiour of the
+Ladie, laughed at the matter, and praysed God for that the thing
+was so wel broken off: and he did foresee already what issue
+that Comedye would haue, beynge very famylyar for certayne Dayes
+in the House of Bianca Maria. Thys maryage then was publyshed,
+and the solempnity of the Nuptyals were done very pryncely,
+accordyng to the Nobylity of hym whych had maryed hir: but the
+augurie and presage was heauy, and the melancholike face of the
+season (which was obscured and darkened about the time they
+should go to church) declared that the mirth and ioy should not
+long continue in the house of the counte, according to the
+common saying: _He that loketh not before he leapeth, may
+chaunce to stumble before he sleepeth_. For the lord of Celant
+being retird home to his valeys of the Sauoy mountains, began to
+loke about his businesse, and perceiued that his wife surpassed
+al others in light behauiour and vnbrideled desires, whereuppon
+hee resolued to take order and stop hir passage before she had
+won the field, and that frankly she should goe seke hir ventures
+where shee list, if she would not be ruled by his aduise. The
+foolish Countesse seeing that hir husband well espied hir fond
+and foolysh behauior, and that wisely he went about to remedy
+the same, was no whit astonied, or regarded his aduise, but
+rather by forging complaints did cast him in the teeth sometymes
+with hir riches that she brought him, sometime with those whom
+she had refused for his sake, and with whom farre of she liued
+lyke a sauage creature amid the mountaine deserts and baren
+dales of Sauoy, and tolde him that by no meanes she minded to be
+closed and shut vp like a tamelesse beast. The Counte which was
+wyse, and would not breake the Ele vppon his knee, prouidently
+admonished hir in what wise a Ladye ought to esteeme hir honor,
+and how the lightest faults of Noble sorts appeare mortal sinnes
+before the world: and that it was not sufficient for a
+Gentlewoman to haue hir body chast, if hir speach were not
+according, and the minde correspondent to that outward
+semblance, and the conseruation agreable to the secret
+conceiptes of Mynd: "And I shall be ful sory swete Wife" (sayd
+the Counte) "to giue you cause of discontent: for wher you
+shalbe vexed and molested, I shall receiue no ioy or pleasure,
+you being [such one as ought to be the second my self,
+determining] by God's grace to keepe my promise, and vse you
+like a wyfe, if so be you regard me with duety semblable: for
+reason will not that the head obey the members, if they shew not
+themselues to be sutch as depend vpon the health and life of it.
+The husband being the Wyue's chiefe, ought to be obeyd in that
+which reason forbiddeth: and shee referring hir selfe to the
+pleasure of hir head, forceth him to whom she is adioyned, to do
+and assay all trauayle and payne for hir sake. Of one thinge I
+must needes accuse you, which is, that for trifles you frame
+complaynt: for the mynde occupied in folly, lusteth for nothinge
+more than vayne things, and those that be of little profite,
+specially where the pleasure of the Bodye is onely considered:
+where if it follow reason, it dissembleth his griefes with
+wordes of wysedome, and in knowing mutch, fayneth
+notwithstanding a subtile and honest ignoraunce: but I may bee
+mutch deceyued herein, by thinking that a Woman fraught with
+fickle Opinions may recline her eares to what so euer thing,
+except to that whych deliteth hir mynde, and pleaseth the
+desires framed wyth in hir foolyshe fantasie. Let not thys
+speach be straunge vnto you, for your woordes vttered without
+discretion, make me vse thys language: finally (good madame) you
+shall shew your selfe a Wyse and louing wyfe, if by takinge
+heede to my requests, you faythfully follow the advise thereof."
+The Countesse whych was so fine and malicious as the Earle was
+good and wyse, dissembling her griefe, and coueringe the venome
+hidden in hir mynde, began so well to play the hypocrite before
+hir husbande, and to counterfayte the simple Dame, as albeit he
+was right politike, yet he was within hir Snare intrapt, who
+flattered him wyth so fayre Wordes, as she won him to goe to
+Casal, to visite the lands of hir Inheritaunce. We see whereunto
+the intent of this false Woman tended, and what checkmate she
+ment to geue both to hir husband, and hir honour: whereby we
+know that when a woman is disposed to giue hir selfe to
+wickednesse, hir mynde is voyd of no malyce or inuention to sort
+to ende any daunger or perill offered vnto hir. The factes of
+one Medea (if credite may be gieuen to Poets) and of Phædra, the
+Woman of Theseus, wel declare with what beastly zeale they began
+and finished their attempts: the eagles flight is not so high,
+as the Foolyshe desires, and Conceiptes of a Woman that trusteth
+in hir owne opinion, and treadeth out of the tract of duety, and
+way of Wysedome. Pardon me, good Ladies, if I speake so largely,
+and yet think not that I mean to display any other but sutch, as
+forget the degree wherin their Auncestours haue placed them,
+and whych digresse from the true path of those that haue
+immortalized the memory of themselues, of their husbands, and of
+the houses also whereof they came. I am very lothe to take vppon
+mee the office of a slaunderer, and no lesse do mean to flatter
+those, whom I see to their great shame, offende openly in the
+sight of the worlde: but why should I dyssemble that which I
+know your selues would not conceyle, yf in conscyence yee were
+requyred? It were extreame follye to decke and clothe vice wyth
+the holy garment of Vertue, and to call that Curtesie and
+Ciuylity, whych is manyfest whoredom and Trechery: let vs terme
+ech thyng by his due Name, and not deface that whych of it selfe
+is faire and pure: let vs not also staine the renoume of those,
+whom their own Vertue do recommende. This gentle Countesse
+beeing at Casal, making mutch of hir husbande, and kissing him
+with the kisse of treason, and of him being vnfainedly beloued
+and cherished, not able to forget his sermons, and mutch lesse
+hir own filthy lyfe, seeyng that with hir Counte it was
+impossyble for hir to liue and glut her lecherous lust,
+determined to runne away and seeke hir aduenture: for the
+brynging to passe wherof she had already taken order for money,
+the interest wherof growing to hir daily profite at Millan:
+and hauynge leuied a good summe of Ducates in hande, vntyll hir
+other rents were ready, she fled away in the night in companye
+of certayne of hir men which were priuie to her doeings. Hir
+retire was to Pauie, a City subiecte to the state and Duchy of
+Millan, where she hired a pryncely pallace, and apparelled the
+same according to hir estate and Trayne of hir husband, and as
+her owne reuenue was able to beare. I leaue for you to thinke
+what buzzings entred the Counte's head, by the sodayne flight of
+his wife, who would haue sent and gone him selfe after to seke
+hir out, and bryng hir home againe, had he not well considered
+and wayed his owne profite and aduantage, who knowing that hir
+absence would rid out of his head a fardell of suspitions which
+he before conceiued, was in the ende resolued to lette hir
+alone, and suffer hir remaine in what place so euer she was
+retired, and whence hee neuer minded to cal hir home agayne.
+"I were a very foole," (said he) "to keepe in my House so
+pernicious and fearfull an enimy, as that arrant whore is, who
+one day before I beware will cause some of hir ruffians to cut
+my throte, besides the Vyolatyon of hir holye Maryage Bed: God
+defende that sutch a Strumpet by hir presence should any longer
+profane the house of the Lord of Celant, who is well rewarded
+and punished for the exessiue loue whych he bare hir: let hir
+goe whether shee list, and lyue a God's name at hir ease, I do
+content my self in knowing what Women be able to do, wythout
+further attempt of fortune or other proofe of hir wycked Lyfe."
+He added further, that the honor of so Noble a personage as he
+was, depended not upon a woman's mischief: and assure your selfe
+the whole race of woman kind was not spared by the Counte,
+against whom he then inueyed more through rage than reason,
+he considered not the honest sort of women, which deface the
+vyllany of those that giue themselues ouer to theyr own lusts,
+wythout regarde of modesty and shame, which oughte to be
+Famylyar, as it were by a certain Naturall inclynatyon in all
+degrees of Women and Maydens. But come we again to Bianca Maria,
+holding now hir Courte and open house at Pauie, wher she got so
+holy a fame, as mistresse Lais of Corinth did, whose trumprie
+was neuer more common in Asia than that of this fayre dame,
+almost in euery corner of Italy, and whose conuersation was
+sutch as hir frank liberty and famyliar demeanor to ech wyghte,
+well witnessed hir horryble Lyfe. True it was that her
+reputatyon ther was very smal, and she hired not hir selfe,
+ne yet toke pains by setting hir body to sale, but for some
+resonable gayne and earnest pain: howbeit she (of whom somtimes
+the famous Greke orator would not buy repentaunce for so high a
+pryce) was more excessiue in Sale of hir Merchaundyse, but not
+more wanton: for she no sooner espyed a comely Gentleman that
+was youthly, and well made, but would presently shew him so good
+countenance, as he had ben a very foole, that knewe not what
+prouender this Colt did neigh: whose shamelesse Gesture
+Massalina the Romane princesse dyd neuer surmount, except it
+were in that shee visited and haunted common houses: and this
+dame vsed hir disports wythin hir owne, the other also receiued
+indyfferently Carters, Galleye slaues, and Porters: and thys
+halfe Greeke did hir pastyme wyth Noble Men that were braue and
+lustye: but in one thing shee well resembled hir, whych was,
+that Messalina was soner wearye with trauayle, than she
+satisfied with pleasure and the filthy vse of hir body, like
+vnto a sink that receyueth al filth, wythout disgorgyng any
+throwne into the same: this was the chaste lyfe which that good
+Lady led, after she had taken flight from hir husband. Marke now
+whether the Milanois that was hir first husbande, were a grosse
+headed person or a foole, and whither hee were not learned and
+skilful in the science of Phisiognomy, and time for him to make
+ready the rods to make hir know hir duety, therwith to correct
+hir wanton youth, and to cut of the lusty twigs and proud
+sciences that soked the moisture and hart of the stock and
+braunches. It chaunced whiles she liued at Pauie, in this good
+and honorable port, the Counte of Massino called Ardizzino
+Valperga came to the Emperour's service, and therby made hys
+abode at Pauie with one of his brothers: the Counte being a
+goodly Gentleman young and gallant in apparel, giuen to many
+good quallities had but one onely fault, which was a mayme in
+one of his legges, by reason of a certain aduenture and blow
+receiued in the warres, although the same toke away no part of
+his comelinesse and fyne behauyor. The Counte I say, remaining
+certayne days at Pauie beheld the beauty and singularity of the
+Countesse of Celant, and stayed with sutch deuotion to view and
+gaze vpon hir, as manye times he romed vp and down the streate
+wherein she dwelt to find meanes to speak vnto hir. His first
+talke was but a _Bon iour_: and simple salutation, sutch as
+gentlemen commonly vse in company of Ladies, and at the firste
+brunte Valperga coulde settle none other iudgement vpon that
+Goddesse, but that she was a wise and honest dame, and yet sutch
+one as needed not the Emperor's camp to force the place, which
+as he thought was not so well flanked and rampired but that a
+good man of Armes myght easily winne, and the breache so liuely
+and sautable, as any souldier might passe the same: he became so
+famyliar with the Lady, and talked with hir so secretly, as vpon
+a day being with hir alone, hee courted in this wise: "Were not
+I of all men moste blame worthy, and of greatest folly to be
+reproued, so long time to be acquainted with a Lady so faire and
+curteous as you be, and not to offre my seruice life and goodes
+to be disposed where you pleased? I speake not thys, Madame, for
+any euil and sinister iudgement that I conceyue of you, for that
+I prayse and esteeme you aboue any Gentlewoman that euer I knew
+til this day, but rather for that I am so wonderfully attached
+with your good graces, as wrong I should doe vnto your honor and
+my loyal seruice towards you, if I continued dumbe, and did
+conceyle that whych incessantly would consume my heart with
+infynyte numbre of ardent desyres, and wast myne intrailes for
+the extreame and burning loue I beare you. I do require you to
+put no credite in me, if I refuse what it shall please you to
+commaund me: wherfore Madame, I humbly besech you to accepte me
+for your owne, and to fauor me as sutch one, whych with all
+fidelity hopeth to passe hys time in your company." The
+Countesse although she knew ful wel that the fire was not so
+liuely kindled in the stomacke of the Counte as hee wente aboute
+to make hir beleue, and that his wordes were to eloquent, and
+countenance to ioyfull for so earnest a louer as hee semed to
+be, at thys first incountry: yet for that he was a valiant
+Gentleman, yong, lusty, and strongly made, minded to retaine
+him, and for a tyme to staye hir stomacke by appeasying hir
+gluttonous appetite in matters of loue, with a morsell so
+dainty, as was thys Mynion and lustye young Lorde: and when the
+Courage of hym began to coole, another shoulde enter the listes.
+And therefore she aunswered hym in thys wise: "Although I
+(knowying the vse and manners of men, and with what Baits they
+Hoke for Ladies, if they take not heede, hauing proued their
+malice and little loue,) determined neuer to loue other than
+mine affection, ne yet to fauoure Man excepte it bee by shewyng
+some Familiar manner to heare theyr talke, and for pastime to
+hearken the braue requests of those which say they burne for
+loue, in the mids of some delyghtsome brooke. And albeit I think
+you no better than other bee, ne more fayhfully, more
+affectyonate, or otherwyse moued than the rest, yet I am
+contente for respecte of youre honoure, somewhat to beeleue you
+and to accepte you for myne owne, sith your dyscretyon is sutch
+(I truste) as so Noble a Gentleman as you bee, wyll hym selfe
+declare in those Affayres, and when I see the effecte of my hope
+succeede, I cannot be so vnkynde, but wyth all honesty shall
+assaye to satisfy that your loue." The Countee seeing hir alone,
+and receyuing the Ladie's language for his aduantage, and that
+hir countenance by alteration of hir minde did ad a certayne
+beauty to hir face, and perceyuing a desire in hir that he
+should not vse delay, or be to squeimish, she demaunding naught
+else but execucion, tooke the present offred time, forgetting
+all ceremonies, and reuerence, he embraced hir and kissed hir a
+Hundred Thousande tymes. And albeit shee made a certayne simple
+and prouoking resistance, yet the louer notinge them to be but
+preparatiues for the sport of loue, he strayed from the bounds
+of honesty, and threw her vppon a fielde Bed wythin the Chambre,
+where hee solaced hymselfe wyth hys long desired suite. And
+finding hir worthy to be beloued, and she him a curteous
+gentleman, consulted together for continuaunce of their amity,
+in sutch wise as the Lorde Ardizzino spake no more but by the
+mouth of Bianca Maria, and dyd nothynge but what she commaunded,
+being so bewrapped wyth the heauy Mantell of hir Beastly Loue,
+as hee still abode nyght and day in the house of his beloued:
+whereby the brute was noysed throughout the Citty, and the
+songes of their Loue more common in ech Citizen's mouth, than
+Stanze or Sonnettes of Petrarch, Played and Fayned vpon the
+Gittrone, Lute, or Lyra, more fine and witty than those vnsauery
+Ballets that be tuned and chaunted in the mouthes of the common
+sort. Beholde an Earle well serued, and dressed by enioying so
+false a Woman, which had already falsified the fayth betrouthed
+to hir husband, who was more honest, milde, and vertuous than
+she deserued. Beholde also, yee Noble Gentlemen, the simplicity
+of this good Earle, how it was deceyued by a false and filthy
+strumpet, whose stincking lyfe and common vse of body woulde
+haue withdrawen ech simple creature from mixture of their owne
+wyth sutch a Carrion. A lesson to learne al youth to refrayne
+the Whoorishe lookes of lighte conditioned Dames, a number (the
+more to be pittied) shewinge foorth themselues to the Portsale
+of euery Cheapener, that list demaunde the pryce, the grozenes
+whereof before considered, were worthy to be defied and loathed.
+This Ladye seeinge her Louer nousled in hir lust, dandled him
+with a thousand trumperyes, and made hym holde the Mule, while
+other enioyed the secrete sporte which earst hee vsed hymself.
+This acquayntance was so dangerous to the Counte, as she hir
+selfe was shamelesse to the Counte of Celant: for the one bare
+the armes of Cornwall, and became a seconde Acteon, and the
+other wickedly led his lyfe, and lost the chiefest of that hee
+loked for by the seruice of great Princes, throughe the treason
+of an arrante common queane. Whiles this Loue contynued in al
+Pleasure and lyke contentation of either parts: fortune that was
+ready to mounte the stage, and shew in sight that her mobylytye
+was no more stable than a woman's wyll: for vnder sutch habite
+and sexe Painters and Poets describe hir) made Ardizzino
+suspecte what desire she had of chaunge: and within a while
+after, sawe himselfe so farre misliked of his Lady, as though he
+had neuer bene acquainted. The cause of which recoile was, for
+that the Countesse was not contented with one kind of fare,
+whose Eyes were more greedy than hir stomake able to digest, and
+aboue al desired chaunge, not seking meanes to finde him that
+was worthy to be beloued and intertayned of so great a Lady, as
+she esteemed hir selfe to be, and as sutch of their owne opinion
+thinke themselues, who counterfaicte more grauitie and
+reputation than they doe, whome Nature and vertue for theyr
+maiesty and holynes of lyfe make Noble and praise worthy. That
+desire deceiued hir nothing at all, for a certaine time after
+that Ardizzino possessed the forte of this fayre Countesse,
+there came to Pauia, one Roberto Sanseuerino earle of Gaiazzo,
+a yong and valiaunte gentleman, whose Countreye lyeth on this
+side the Mountaines, and was verye famylyar with the Earle of
+Massino. This vnfaythful Alcina and cruel Medea had no soner
+cast hir Eye vppon Signor di Gaiazzo, but was pierced with loue
+in sutch wise, as if forthwith shee had not attayned hir
+desyres, she would haue run mad, bycause that Gentleman bare a
+certayne statelye representatyon in hys Face, and promysed sutch
+dexteritie in hys deedes, as sodaynly she thought him to be the
+man that was able to staunch hir filthy thurst. And therfore so
+gently as she could, gave ouer hir Ardizzino, with whom she
+vtterly refused to speake, and shunned hys company when she saw
+him, and by shutting the gates agaynst him: the Noble man was
+notable to forbeare from throwing forth some words of choler,
+wherby she tooke occasion both to expell him, and also to beare
+hym sutch displeasure, as then she conspired his death, as
+afterwards you shall perceyue. This greate hatred was the cause
+that she fell in loue as you haue harde wyth the Counte of
+Gaiazzo, who shewed vnto him all signe of Amitye, and seeing
+that hee made no greate sute vnto hir, she wrote vnto him in
+this manner.
+
+
+  _The Letter of Bianca Marie, to the Counte of Gaiazzo._
+
+Sir, I doubt not by knowing the state of my degree, but that ye
+blush to see the violence of my mynd, which passing the limites
+of modesty, that ought to guard sutch a Lady as I am, forceth me
+(vncertayn of the cause) to doe you vnderstand the gryef that
+doeth torment me, which is of sutch constraynt, as if of
+curtesie ye do not vouchsafe to come vnto me, you shall commyt
+two faults, the one leauing the thing worthy for you to loue and
+regard, and which deserueth not to be cast of, the other in
+causing the Death of hir, that for Loue of you, is bereft of
+rest: wherby loue hath uery little in me to sease vpon, either
+of heart or liberty. The ease of which gryef proceedeth from
+your only grace, which is able to vanquyshe hir, whose
+victorious hap hath conquered all other, and who attending your
+resolut aunswer, shal rest vnder the mercifull refuge of hope,
+whych deceiuing hir, shal se by that very meanes the wretched
+end of hir that is al your owne.
+
+    Bianca Maria Countesse of Celant.
+
+The yong Lorde mutch maruelled at this message, were it for that
+already hee was in loue with hir, and that for loue of his
+friend Ardizzino, durst not be known therof, or for that he
+feared she wold be straught of wits, if she were despised, he
+determined to goe vnto hir, and yet stayed thinking it not to be
+the part of a faythfull companyon to deceiue his Friend: but in
+the end pleasure surmounting reason, and the beauty ioyned wyth
+the good grace of the Lady hauing blinded him, and bewitched his
+wits so wel as Ardizzino, he toke his way towards hir house,
+who waited for him wyth good deuotion, whither being arriued, he
+failed not to vse like spech that Valperga did, either of them
+(after certain reuerences and other fewe words) minding and
+desyringe one kinde of intertaynement. This practize dured
+certayn months, and the Countesse was so farre rapt with her new
+louer, as she only employed hir self to please him, and he
+shewed himself so affected as therby she thought to rule and
+gouerne him in all things: wherof she was afterwards deceiued as
+you shall vnderstand the maner. Ardizzino seing himself wholly
+abandoned the presence and loue of his Lady, knowing that she
+railed vpon him in al places where she came, departed Pauia
+halfe out of his wittes for Anger, and so strayed from comely
+ordyr by reason of his rage, as hee displayed the Countesse thre
+times more liuely in hir colours, than she could be paynted,
+and reproued hir wyth the termes of the vilest and moste common
+strumpet that euer ran at rouers, or shot at random. Bianca
+Maria vnderstode hereof, and was aduertised of the vile report
+that Ardizzino spread of hir, throughout Lombardie, which
+chaffed hir in sutch wyse as she fared like the Bedlem fury,
+ceasing night nor day to playne the vnkindnes and folly of hir
+reiected louer: somtimes saying, that she had iust cause so to
+do, then flattering hir selfe, alledged, that men were made of
+purpose to suffer sutch follyes as were wroughte by hir, and
+where they termed themselues to bee Women's Seruauntes, they
+ought at theyr Mystresse Handes to endure what pleased them.
+In the end, not able any longer to restrayne hir choler, ne
+vanquish the appetite of reuenge, purposed at all aduenture to
+prouide for the death of her auncient Enimy, and that by meanes
+of him whom she had now tangled in her Nettes. See the
+vnshamefastnesse of this mastife bitche, and the rage of that
+Female Tiger, howe shee goeth about to arme one friend against
+an other, and was not content onely to abuse the Counte Gaiazzo,
+but deuised how to make him the manqueller. And as one night
+they were in the middest of their embracements, she began
+pitifully to weepe and sigh, in sutch wise as a man would haue
+thought (by the vexation of hir hearte) that the soule and body
+would haue parted. The younge Lorde louingly enquired the cause
+of hir heauinesse: and sayd vnto hir, that if any had done hir
+displeasure, hee would reuenge hir cause to hir contentment.
+She hearing him say so, (then in studie vpon the deuice of hir
+Enimie's death) spake to the Counte in this manner: "You know
+sir, that the thing whych moste tormenteth the Gentle heart and
+minde that can abide no wronge, is defamation of honoure and
+infamous reporte. Thus mutch I say for that the Lord of Massino,
+(who to say the trouth, was fauoured of me in like sorte as you
+be now) hath not been ashamed to publishe open slaunders agaynst
+me, as thoughe I were the arrantest Whore that euer had giuen
+her self ouer to the Galley slaues alongs the shore of Scicile.
+If he had vaunted the fauour which I haue done him but to
+certayne of his privat Friendes, I had incurred no slaunder at
+all, mutch lesse any lyttle suspition, but hearyng the common
+reportes, the wrongfull Woordes and wycked brutes that he hath
+raysed on me: I beseech you syr, to do me reason that he may
+feele his offence and the smart for his committed fault against
+hir that is al yours." The Lord Sanseuerino hearyng this
+discourse, promised hir to do hys best, and to teache Valperga
+to talke more soberly of hir, whom he was not worthy for to
+serue, but in thought. Notwithstandyng, he sayde more than he
+ment to do, for he knew Ardizzino to be so honest, sage and
+curteous a personage, as hee would neyther doe nor say any thing
+without good cause, and that Ardizzino had iuster quarell
+agaynst him, by takyng that from hym whych hee loued (althoughe
+it was after his discontinuance from that place, and vpon the
+onely request of hir.) Thus he concluded in mind styl to remayne
+the fryend of Ardizzino, and yet to spend his time with the
+Countesse, which he did the space of certayn months without
+quarelling with Valperga, that was retired to Pauie, with whom
+he was conuersant, and liued familiarly, and most commonly vsed
+one table and bed togither. Bianca Maria seeing that the Lord of
+Gaiazzo cared not mutch for hir, but onely for his pleasure,
+determined to vse like practise against him, as she did to hir
+former louer, and to banish him from hir House. So that when he
+came to see hir, either she was sicke, or hir affaires were
+sutch, as she could not kepe hym company: or else hir gate was
+shut vpon him. In the end (playing double or quit) she prayed
+the sayd Lord to shewe hir sutch pleasure and friendship, as to
+come no more vnto hir, bicause she was in termes to goe home to
+hir husband the Counte of Celant, who had sent for hir, and
+feared least his seruaunts shoulde finde her house ful of
+suters, alleaging that she had liued long inoughe in that most
+sinful life, the lighest faultes whereof were to heynous for
+dames of hir port and calling, concluding that so long as she
+lyued she would beare him good affection for the Honest Company
+and conuersation had betwene them, and for hys curtesie towards
+hir. The yong Earle, were it that he gaue creadit vnto hir tale
+or not, made as though he did beleue the same, and without
+longer dyscourse, forbare approche vnto hir house, and droue out
+of his heade al the Amorous affection which he caried to the
+Piedmont Circes. And to the ende he might haue no cause to
+thinke vpon hir, or that his presence should make hym slaue
+againe to hir that first pursued him, he retired in good time to
+Millan: by which retire hee avoided that mishap, wherwith at
+length this Pestilent women would haue cut him ouer the shinnes,
+euen when his mind was least theron. Such was the malice and
+mischief of hir heart, who ceasing to play the whore, applied
+hir whole pastime to murder. Gaiazzo being departed from Pauie,
+thys Venus once agayne assayed the embracements of hir
+Ardizzino, and knew not wel how to recouer hym agayne, bycause
+she feared that the other had discouered the Enterpryse of his
+Murder. But what dare not shee attempte whose mynde is slaue to
+sinne? The first assayes be harde, and the minde doubtfull, and
+conscience gnaweth vpon the worme of repentaunce, but the same
+once nousled in vice, and rooted in the heart, it is more
+pleasaunte, and gladsome for the wicked to execute, than vertue
+is familiar to those that follow hir: So that shame separate
+from before the eyes of youth, riper age noursed in impudency,
+their sight is so daseled, as they can see nothing that eyther
+shame or feare can make them blush, which was the cause that
+this Lady, continuinge still in hir mischiefe, so mutch
+practised the freendes of hym whom she desired to kill, and made
+sutch fit excuse by hir Ambassades, as hee was content to speake
+to hir, and to here hir Iustifications, whych were easy inough
+to doe, the Iudge being not very guilty. Shee promised and swore
+that if the fault were proued not to be in him, neuer man should
+see Bianca Maria, (so long as she lyued) to be other than a
+friend and slaue to the Lord Ardizzino, wholly submitting
+hirselfe vnto his will and pleasure. See how peace was
+capitulated betweene the two reconciled Louers, and what were
+the articles of the same, the Lorde of Massino entringe
+Possession agayne of the fort that was reuolted, and was long
+tyme in the power of another. But when he was seazed agayne, the
+Lady saw full wel, that hir recouered friend was not so hard to
+please, as the other was, and that wyth him she liued at greater
+liberty. Continuing then their amorous Daunce, and Ardizzino
+hauing no more care but to reioyce himselfe, nor hys Lady, but
+to cherishe and make mutch of hir friend, beholde eftsoones the
+desire of Bloud and wyll of murder, newly reuiued in that new
+Megera, who incited (I knowe not with what rage,) fansied to
+haue him slayne, whych refused to kill hym, whom at this present
+shee loued as hirselfe. And he that had inquired the cause
+thereof, I thyncke none other reason coulde he rendred, but that
+a braynelesse heade and reasonlesse minde, doe thincke most
+notable murders, and myschiefe be easie to be brought to passe,
+who so strangely proceeded in disordred Lustes, which in fine
+caused their myserable shame, and ruine, wyth the death of
+hirselfe and hym, whom she had stirred to the fact, boldeninge
+him by persuasion, to make him beleue Vyce to bee Vertue, and
+Gloriously commended hym in hys follies, whych you shall heare
+by readinge at lengthe the discourse of thys Hystory. Bianca
+Maria, seeing hirselfe in full possession of hir Ardizzino,
+purposed to make hym chiefe executioner of the murder, by hir
+intended, vpon Gaiazzo, for the doing whereof one night holdinge
+hym betwene hir armes, after shee had long time dalyed with hym,
+like a cunninge Maistresse of hir Art, in the ende weauinge and
+trayning hir treason at large, she sayd thus vnto him: "Syr, of
+long time I haue bene desirous to require a good turne at your
+hands, but fearing to trouble you, and thereupon to be denied,
+I thought not to be importunate: and albeit the matter toucheth
+you, yet did I rather holde my peace then to here refusall of a
+thinge, which your selfe ought to profer, the same concerning
+you." "Madame," sayd hir Louer, "you know the matter neede to be
+haynous and of great importaunce, that I should deny you,
+specially if it concerne the bleamish of your honor. But you say
+the same doth touch mee somewhat neerely, and therefore if
+ability be in me, spare not to vtter it, and I wyll assay your
+satisfaction to the vttermost of my power." "Syr," sayd she,
+"is the Counte of Gaiazzo one of your very frends?" "I thinke"
+(aunswered Valperga) "that he is one of the surest freends I
+haue, and in respect of whose frendship, I will hazarde my selfe
+for him no lesse than for my Brother, being certaine that if I
+have neede of him, he will not fayle to do the like for me. But
+wherefore doe you aske me that question?" "I will then tel you,"
+sayd the Traytresse (kissing him so sweetely as euer he felt the
+like of any Woman,) "for somutch as you be so deceyued of your
+opinion in him who is wicked in dissembling of that, which
+maliciously lieth hidden in hys heart. And briefly to say the
+effect: assure your selfe hee is the greatest and most mortall
+Ennimy that you haue in the Worlde. And to the intent that you
+do not think this to be some forged Tale, of light inuention, or
+that I heard the report of some not worthy of credit, I will say
+nothinge but that whych hymselfe did tell me, when in your
+absence he vsed my company. He sware vnto me, without
+declaration of the cause, that hee coulde neuer bee mery, nor
+hys mynde in rest, before hee saw you cut in pieces, and shortly
+woulde giue you sutch assaulte, as al the dayes of our lyfe,
+you shoulde neuer haue lust or mynde on Ladies loue. And albeit
+then, I was in choler agaynst you, and that you had ministred
+some cause, and reason of hatred, yet our first loue had taken
+sutch force in my hart, and I besought him not to do that
+enterprise so long as I was in place where you did remayne,
+because I cannot abide (wythout present death) to see your
+finger ake, mutch lesse your lyfe berieued from you. Vnto which
+my sute his Eare was deafe, swearing still and protesting that
+either he would be slayne himselfe, or else dispatch the Countee
+Ardizzino. I durst not" (quod she) "ne wel could as then
+aduertise you thereof, for the smal accesse that my seruants had
+vnto your lodging, but now I pray you to take good heede by
+preuenting his diuelishe purpose: For better it were for you to
+take his lyfe, than he to kill and murder you, or otherwyse work
+you mischiefe, and you shal be esteemed the wiser man, and he
+pronounced a traytor to seeke the death of him, that bare him
+sutch good will. Doe then accordinge to myne aduice, and before
+he begin, doe you kill hym, by the which you shall saue your
+selfe, and doe the part of a valyaunt knight, bisides, the
+satisfying of the mynde of hir that aboue al pleasures of the
+World doth chiefly desire the same. Experience now will let me
+proue whether you loue me or not, and what you will do for hir
+that loueth you so dearly, who openeth this conspired murder,
+aswell for your safety, as for lengthening of the lyfe of hir,
+which wythout yours cannot endure: graunt this my sute (O friend
+most deare) and suffer me not in sorrowfull plight to be
+despoyled of thy presence: and wilt thou suffer that I shoulde
+dy, and that yonder Proude, Trayterous, and vnfaythfull varlet
+should liue to laugh mee to scorne?" If the Lady had not added
+those last words to hir foolish sermon, perchaunce she might
+haue prouoked Ardizzino to folow hir Counsell: but seeing hir so
+obstinately continue hir request, and to prosecute the same with
+sutch violence, concluding vpon hir owne quarrel, his conscience
+throbbed, and his minde measured the malice of that Woman, with
+the honesty of him, against whom that tale was told, who knew
+his frend to be so sound and trusty, as willingly he would not
+do the thinge that should offend him, and therefore would geue
+no credit to false report without good, and apparant proofe:
+for which cause hee was persuaded that it was a malicious tale
+deuised by some that went about to sowe debate betweene those
+two friendly earles. Notwithstanding, vpon further pause, and
+not to make hir chafe, or force hir into rage, he promised the
+execution of hir cursed wil, thanking hir for hir aduertisement,
+and that he would prouide for hys defence and surety: and to the
+intent that shee might thyncke he went about to performe his
+promise, he tooke his leaue of hir to goe to Millan, which hee
+did, not to follow the abhominable will of that rauenous
+Mastife, but to reueale the matter to his companion, and direct
+the same as it deserued. Being arriued at Millan, the chiefe
+Citty of Lombardy, he imparted to Gaiazzo from poynct to poynct
+the discourse of the Countesse, and the peticion shee made vnto
+hym, vppon the conclusion of hir Tale: "O God" (sayd the lord
+Sanseuerino,) "who can beware the traps of Whoores, if by thy
+grace our hands be not forbidden, and our hearts and thoughts
+guided by thy goodnes? Is it possible that the Earth can breede
+a Monster more pernicious than this most Pestilent Beast? Thys
+is truely the grift of hir Father's vsury, and the stench of all
+hir Predecessours villanyes: it is impossible of a Kyte or
+Cormerant to make a good Sparhauk, or Tercle gentle. This carion
+no doubt is the Daughter of a Vilayne, sprong of the basest race
+amongs the common people, whose mother was more fine than
+chaste, more subtile than sober: this minion hath forsaken hir
+husband, to erect bloudy Skaffoldes of murder amid the Nobles of
+Italy: and were it not for the dishonour which I should get to
+soyle my hands in the bloude of a Beast so corrupt, I woulde
+teare hir with my Teeth in a hundreth Thousand peeces: how many
+times hath she entreated mee before: in how many sundry sortes
+with ioyned handes hath she besought mee to kill the Lorde
+Ardizzino? Ah, my Companion, and right well beloued Freende, can
+you thincke mee to bee so Trayterous, and Cowarde a Knaue, as
+that I dare not tell to them to whome I beare displeasure what
+mallice lurketh in my heart?" "By the fayth of a Gentleman,"
+(sayd Ardizzino,) "I would be sory my mynd should seaze on sutch
+Folly, but I am come to reueale thys vnto you, that the Song
+might sound no more wythin myne eares. It behoueth vs then, sith
+God hath kept vs hytherto, to avoyde the ayre of that infection,
+that our braynes be not putrified, and from henceforth to fly
+those Bloudsuckers, the Schollers of Venus: and truely great
+dishonour would redound to vs, to kill one an other for the
+onely pastime and sottish fansie of that mynion: I haue repented
+me an hundred times when she first mooued mee of the deuice to
+kill you, that I did not geeue a hundred Poignaladoes wyth my
+Dagger, to stop the way by that example for all other to attempt
+sutch Butcheries: for I am well assured that the mallyce whych
+shee beareth you, proceedeth but of the delay you made for
+satisfaction of hir murderous desire, whereof I thancke you, and
+yelde my selfe in all causes to imploy my lyfe, and that I haue,
+to do you seruice." "Leaue we of that talk" (sayd Gaiazzo) "for
+I haue done but my duety, and that which ech Noble heart ought
+to euery wight, doing wrong to none, but prone to help, and doe
+good to all: whych is the true marke and Badge of Nobility.
+Touching that malignant Strumpet, hir owne lyfe shall reuenge
+the wrongs which she hath gone about to venge on vs. In meane
+while let vs reioyce, and thincke the goods, and richesse shee
+hath gotten of vs, wil not cause hir Bagges mutch to Strout and
+Swel. To be short, she hath nothing whereby she may greatly
+laugh vs to scorne, except our good entertainment of hir night
+and day do prouoke hir: let other coyne the pence henceforth to
+fill her Coafers, for of vs (so farre as I see) she is
+deceyued." Thus the two Lordes passed forth their tyme, and in
+all Companies where they came, they spent their Talke, and
+Communication of the disordered lyfe of the Countesse of Celant.
+The whole Citty also rang of the sleights and meanes she vsed to
+trappe the Noblemen, and of her pollicies to be rid of them when
+her thirst was stanched, or diet grew lothesome for want of
+chaunge. And that whych greued hir most, an Italyan Epigram
+blased forth hir prowes to hir great dishonour, whereof the Copy
+I cannot get, and some say that Ardizzino was the author: for it
+was composed, when he was dispossessed of pacience: and if shee
+coulde haue wreked hir will on the knights, I beleeue in hir
+rage she would haue made an Anathomy of their Bones. Of whych
+hir two enimies, Ardizzino was the greatest, agaynst whom hir
+displeasure was the more, for that he was the first with whom
+she entred skirmish. Nothing was more frequent in Pauy, than
+villanous Iests, and Playes vppon the filthy Behauiour of the
+Countesse, which made hir ashamed to goe out of hir Gates. In
+the ende shee purposed to chaunge the Ayre and place, hoping by
+that alteration to stay the Infamous Brute, and Slaunder: so she
+came to Millan, where first she was inuested wyth state of
+honour, in honest Fame of Chaste lyfe so longe as Vicount Hermes
+liued, and then was not pursued to staunch the thirst of those
+that did ordinarily draw at hir Fountayne. About the tyme that
+she departed from Pauy, Dom Pietro de Cardone a Scicilian, the
+Bastard Brother of the Counte of Colisano, whose Lieuetenaunt he
+was, and their father slayn at the Battayle of Bicocca wyth a
+band of horsemen arriued at Milan. This Scicilian was about the
+age of one or two and twenty yeres, somwhat black of face,
+but well made and sterne of countenance: whiles the Countesse
+soiorned at Milan, this gentleman fell in loue with hir, and
+searched all meanes he coulde to make hir hys friende, and to
+enioy hir: who perceyuing him to be young, and a Nouice in
+Skirmishes of Loue, lyke a Pigeon of the first coate, determined
+to lure him, and to serue hir turne in that which shee purposed
+to doe on those agaynst whom shee was outragiously offended. Now
+the better to entice thys younge Lorde vnto her Fantasye, and to
+catch hym wyth hir bayte, when hee passed through the Streate,
+and saluted hir, and when he Syghed after the manner of the
+Spaniard, rominge before hys Lady, shee shewed him an
+indifferent mery Countenaunce, and sodaynely restrayned that
+Cheere, to make hym taste the pleasure mingled with the soure of
+one desire, which he could not tel how to accomplish: and the
+more faynt was his hardines for that he was neuer practised in
+the daliance and seruice of Lady of noble house or calling,
+who thincking that the Gentlewoman was one of the Principall of
+Millan, he was straungely vexed, and tormented for hir loue, in
+sutch wyse as in the night he could not rest for fantasing, and
+thynking vpon hir, and in the Day passed up and downe before the
+Doore of her lodging. One eueninge for his disport hee went
+forth to walke in company of another Gentleman, which well could
+play vppon the Lute, and desired him to gieue awake vnto hys
+Lady, that then for iealousie was harkeninge at hir window, both
+of the sounde of the Instrument, and the Ditty of hir amorous
+Knight, where the Gentleman song thys Sonet.
+
+  The death with trenchant dart, doth brede in brest sutch il,
+  As I cannot forget the smart, that thereby riseth stil.
+  Yet neerthelesse I am, the ill it selfe in deede,
+  That death with daily dolours deepe, within my breast doth breede.
+
+  I am my Mistresse thrall, and yet I doe not kno,
+  If she beare me good will at all, or if she loue or no.
+  My wound is made so large, with bitter wo in brest,
+  That still my heart prepares a place to lodge a carefull guest.
+
+  O dame that hath my lyfe and death at thy desire.
+  Come ease my mind, wher fancies flames doth burne like Ethna fire,
+  For wanting thee my life is death and doleful cheere,
+  And finding fauor in thy sight, my dayes are happy heere.
+
+Then he began to sigh so terribly, as if already she had geuen
+sentence, and difinitiue Iudgement of his farewell, and disputed
+with his fellow in sutch sort, and wyth Opinion so assured of
+hys contempt, as if he had bene in loue with some one of the
+Infants of Spayne: for which cause he began very pitifully to
+sing these verses.
+
+  That God that made my soule, and knows what I haue felt,
+  Who causeth sighes and sorows oft, the sely soule to swelt,
+  Doth see my torments now, and what I suffer still,
+  And vnderstands I tast mo griefs, than I can shew by skill.
+
+  Hee doth consent I wot, to my ill hap and woe,
+  And hath accorded with the dame that is my pleasaunt foe,
+  To make my boyling brest abound in bitter blisse,
+  And so bereue me of my rest, when heart his hope shall misse.
+
+  O what are not the songs, and sighs that louers haue,
+  When night and day with sweete desires, they draw vnto their graue,
+  Their grief by frendship growes, where ruth nor pity raynes,
+  And so like snow against the Sun, they melt away with pains.
+
+  My dayes must finish so, my destny hath it set,
+  And as the candle out I goe, before hir grace I get.
+  Before my sute be heard, my seruice throughly knowne,
+  I shalbe layd in Toumbe ful low, so colde as Marble stone.
+
+  To thee fayre Dame I cry, that makes my senses arre,
+  And plantest peace within my brest and then makes sodain war:
+  Yet at thy pleasure still, thou must my sowre make sweete,
+  In graunting me the fauour due, for faythfull Louers meete.
+
+  Which fauor geue me now, and to thy Noble mynde,
+  I doe remayne a Galley slaue, as thou by proofe shall finde.
+  And so thou shalt release my heart from cruell bandes,
+  And haue his fredome at thy wil that yelds into thy handes.
+
+  So rendring all to thee, the gods may ioyne vs both
+  Within one lawe and league of loue, through force of constant troth.
+  Then shalt thou mistresse be, of lyfe, of Limme and all,
+  My goods, my golde, and honour, loe! shall so be at thy call.
+
+Thys gentle order of loue greatly pleased the Lady, and
+therefore opened hir gate to let the Scicilian lorde, who seeing
+hymselfe fauoured (beyond all hope) of his Lady, and cheerefully
+intertayned, and welcommed with great curtesie stoode so still
+astonnied, as if hee had beene fallen from the Cloudes: but she
+which coulde teache hym good manner, to make hym the minister of
+hir myschiefe, takynge hym by the hande, made hym sit downe vpon
+a greene Bed besydes hir, and seeing that he was not yet
+imboldened, for all hee was a Souldiour, shee shewed hir selfe
+more hardy than hee, and firste assayled hym wyth talke,
+sayinge: "Syr, I praye you thinke it not straunge, if at thys
+houre of the nyght, I am bolde to cause you enter my house,
+beinge of no great acquayntaunce wyth you, but by hearinge your
+curteous salutations: and wee of thys Countrey bee somewhat more
+at liberty than they in those partes from whence you come:
+besides it lyketh mee well (as I am able) to honour straunge
+gentlemen, and to retayne theym with right good willinge heart,
+sith it pleaseth theym to honour mee wyth repayre vnto my house:
+so shall you be welcome styll when you please to knocke at my
+Gate, whych at all tymes I wyll to be opened for you, wyth no
+lesse good wyll than if yee were my naturall Brother, the same
+wyth all the thinges therein, it may please you to dispose as if
+they were your own." Dom Pietro of Cardonne well satisfied, and
+contented wyth thys vnlooked for kyndnesse, thanked her very
+Curteously, humbly praying hir besides to dayne it in good
+parte, if he were so bolde to make requeste of loue, and that it
+was the onelye thynge which hee aboue all other desyred moste,
+so that if shee would receiue him for hir friende and Seruaunt,
+shee shoulde vnderstande him to be a Gentleman, which lightly
+woulde promise nothing excepte the accomplishment did followe:
+she that sawe a greater onset than she loked for, answered hym
+smilyng with a very good grace: "Sir, I haue knowne very many
+that haue vouched slipperie promyses, and proffered lordly
+seruices vnto Ladies, the effect wherof if I myght once see,
+I would not thinke that they coulde vanishe so soone, and
+consume like smoake." "Madame" (sayde the Scicilian) "yf I fayle
+in any thing which you commaunde mee, I praye to God neuer to
+receiue any fauor or grace of those Curtesies whych I craue."
+"If then" (quod shee) "you wyl promise to employ your selfe
+aboute a businesse that I haue to do when I make request, I wyll
+also to accept you for a friende, and graunt sutch secrecie as a
+faithful louer can desyre of his Lady." Dom Pietro which would
+have offred hym selfe in Sacrifice for hir, not knowyng hir
+demaunde, tooke an othe, and promysed hir so lyghtly as madly
+afterwardes he did put the same in proofe. Beholde the
+preparatiues of the obsequies of their first loue, and the
+guages of a bloudie Bed: the one was prodigall of hir honoure,
+the other the tormente of his reputation, and neglected the
+duety and honor of his state, which the house wherof he came,
+commaunded hym to kepe. Thus all the nyght he remained with
+Bianca Maria, who made him so wel to like hir good entertaynment
+and imbracementes, as he neuer was out of her Company. And the
+warie Circes fayned her self so fare in loue wyth hym, and vsed
+so many toyes and gametricks of her filthy science, as he not
+onelye esteemed hym selfe the happiest Gentleman of Scicilia,
+but the most fortunate wight of all the Worlde, and by bibbing
+of hir Wyne was so straungely charmed with the Pleasures of his
+fayre Mystresse, as for hir sake he would haue taken vpon him
+the whole ouerthrowe of Milan, so well as Blose of Cumes to
+sette the Cittye of Rome on fire, if Tyberius Gracchus the
+sedicious, woulde haue giuen it him in charge. Sutch is the
+manner of wilde and foolish youth, whych suffreth it selfe to be
+caried beyonde the boundes of reason. The same in time past did
+ouerthrow many Realmes, and caused the chaunge of diuers
+Monarchies: and truely vnseemely it is for a man to be subdued
+to the will of a common strumpet. And as it is vncomly to submit
+him selfe to sutch one, so not requisite to an honest and
+vertuous Dame, his maried Wyfe. Which vnmanly deedes, be
+occasions that diuers Foolishe Women commit sutch filthy factes,
+with their inspekable trumperies begiling the simple man, and
+perchance through to mutch losing the Bridle raynes to the
+lawfull Wyfe, the poore man is strangely deceyued by some
+adulterous varlet, whych at the Wyue's commaundment, when she
+seeth oportunity, wil not shrinke to hazarde the honour of them
+both, in sutch wise as they serue for an example vppon a common
+Scaffold to a whole generation and Posterity. I wyll not seeke
+farre of for examples, being satisfied with the folly of the
+Bastard Cardonne, to please the cruelty and malice of that
+infernall fury the Countesse, who hauinge lulled, flattered,
+and bewitched with hir louetricks (and peraduenture with some
+charmed drinke) her new Pigeon, seeinge it time to solicite his
+promise, to be reuenged of those, whych thought no more of hir
+conspiracies and trayterous deuises, and also when the time was
+come for punishinge of hir whoredome, and chastising of the
+breach of fayth made to hir husbande, and of hir intended
+murders, and some of them put in execution, she I say, desirous
+to see the ende of that, which in thought she had contryued,
+vppon a day tooke Dom Pietro aside, and secretly began this
+Oration: "I take God to witnes (sir) that the request which I
+pretend presently to make, proceedeth of desire rather that the
+Worlde may know how iustly I seeke meanes to mayntayne myne
+honour, than for desire of reuenge, knowinge very well, that
+there is nothing so precious, and deere vnto a woman, as the
+preseruation of that inestimable Iewell, specially in a Lady of
+that honourable degre whych I mayntayne amonge the best. And to
+the intent I seeme not tedious with prolixity of words, or vse
+other than direct circumstances before him that hath offred iust
+reuenge for the wrongs I haue receyued: knowe you sir, that for
+a certain tyme I continued at Pauie, kepynge a house and Trayne
+so honest, as the best Lords were contented wyth myne ordinarye.
+It chaunced that two honest Gentlemen of Noble House haunted my
+Palace in lyke sort, and with the same intertainment whych as
+you see, I doe receiue ech Gentleman, who beyng well intreated
+and honoured of me, in the ende forgat themselues so farre, as
+without respect of my state and callinge, wythout regard of the
+race and family wherof they come, haue attempted the slaunder of
+my good name, and vtter subuersion of my renoume: and sufficient
+it was not for them thus to deale with mee poore Gentlewoman,
+without desert (excepte it were for admyttyng them to haue
+accesse vnto my house) but also to continue their Blasphemies,
+to myne extreame reproach and shame: and howe true the same is,
+they that know me can well declare, by reason whereof, the
+vulgar people prone and ready to wycked reportes, haue conceiued
+sutch opynion of me, as for that they see me braue and fine in
+Apparell, and specyally throughe the slaunderous speache of
+those gallantes, do deeme and repute me for a common Whoore,
+wherof I craue none other wytnesse than your selfe and my
+conscience. And I sweare vnto you, that sith I came to Milan, it
+is you alone that hath vanquished, and made the Triumphe of my
+Chastytye: and yf you were absent from this Citye, I assure you
+on my fayth that I would not tarry heere XXIIII. houres. These
+infamous ruffians I say, these persecuters and termagantes of my
+good name, haue chased mee out of all good Cityes, and made me
+to be abhorred of ech honest company, that weary I am of my
+lyfe, and lothe to lyue any longer except spedye redresse bee
+had for reuengement of thys wronge: wherefore except I finde
+some Noble Champion and Valyaunte Personage to requyte these
+Vyllains for their spitefull Speach blased on me in euerye
+Corner of Towne and Countreye, and to paye them theyr rewarde
+and hire that I may lyue at Lybertye and quyet, Sorrowe wyll
+eyther consume mee or myne owne handes shall hasten spedye
+Death." And in speakyng those Woordes, shee beganne to weepe
+with sutch abundance of teares streaming downe hir Cheekes and
+Necke of Alabaster hewe, as the Scicilian whych almost had none
+other God but the Countesse, sayd vnto hir: "And what is he,
+that dare molest and slaunder hir that hath in hir puissaunce so
+many Souldiers and men of Warre? I make a vow to God, that if I
+know the names of those two arrant villaynes, the which haue so
+defamed my Mystresse name, the whole worlde shall not saue their
+liues, whose carrion Bodies I will hew into so many gobbets, as
+they haue members vpon the same: wherefore Madame" (sayd he,
+imbracing her) "I pray you to grieue your selfe no more, commit
+your wronges to me, only tell me the names of those Gallaunts,
+and afterwards you shall vnderstande what difference I make of
+woorde and deede, and if I doe not trimme and dresse theym so
+finely, as hereafter they shall haue no neede of Barber, neuer
+trust me any more." Shee, as reuiued from death to lyfe, kyssed
+and embraced him a thousand tymes, thankinge hym for his good
+will, and offering him all that she had. In the ende she tolde
+him that hir enimies were the counties of Massino and Gaiazzo,
+which but by theyr deaths alone were not able to amend and
+repayre hir honour. "Care not you" (sayde hee) "for before that
+the Sunne shall spreade his Beames twice 24 houres vpon the
+earth, you shall heare newes, and know what I am able to do for
+the chastisement of those deuils." As he promised, hee fayled
+not to do: for wythin a whyle after as Ardizzino was goinge to
+supper into the Citty, he was espyed by hym, that had in company
+attendaunt vppon hym fyue and twenty men of Armes, which waited
+for Ardizzino, in a Lane on the left hand of the Streate called
+Merauegli, leading towards the church of Sainct Iames, through
+which the Countee must needes passe. Who as he was going very
+pleasantly disposed with his brother, and 5 or 6 of his men, was
+immediately assayled on euery side, and not knowinge what it
+ment, would haue fled, but the Wayes, and Passages were stopped
+rounde aboute: to defende himselfe it auayled not hauing but
+their single Swords, and amid the troupe of sutch a bande that
+were throughly armed, which in a moment had murdred, and cut in
+peeces all that company. And although it was late, yet the
+Countie Ardizzino many times named Dom Pietro, which caused hym
+to be taken, and imprisoned by the Duke of Bourbon, that was
+fled out of Fraunce, and then was Lieutenaunt for the Emperour
+Charles the fifth in Milan. Whosoeuer was astonned and amazed
+with that Imprisonment, it is to bee thoughte that the Scicilan
+was not greatly at his ease and quiet, who needed no torments to
+force him confesse the fact, for of his owne accorde voluntarily
+he dysclosed the same, but he sayde he was prouoked thervnto by
+the persuasion of Bianca Maria telling the whole discourse as
+you haue heard before. She had already intelligence of this
+chaunce, and might haue fled and saued hir selfe before the fact
+(by the confession of Dom Pietro) had ben discouered, and
+attended in some secrete place till that stormie time had bene
+calmed and appeased. But God which is a rightfull iudge woulde
+not suffer hir wickednesse stretch any further, sith she hauing
+found out sutch a nimble and wilful executioner, the Countee of
+Gaiazzo could not long haue remained aliue, who then in good
+time and happy houre was absent out of the City. So soone as Dom
+Pietro had accused the Countesse, the Lord of Bourbon sente her
+to pryson, and being examined, confessed the whole matter,
+trustinge that hir infinite numbre of Crownes woulde haue
+corrupted the Duke, or those that represented his person. But
+hir Crownes and Lyfe passed all one way. For the day after hir
+imprisonment shee was condempned to lose hir heade: and in the
+meane time Dom Pietro was saued, by the diligence and suite of
+the Captaynes, and was employed in other Warres, to whom the
+Duke gaue him, for that he was lothe to lose so notable a
+Souldiour, the very right hand of his Brother the Countee of
+Colisano. The Countesse hauing sentence pronounced vppon hir,
+but trusting for pardon, would not prepare hir selfe to dy, ne
+yet by any meanes craue forgiuenes of hir faults at the hands of
+God, vntil she was conueyed out of the Castell, and ledde to the
+common place of execution, where a Scaffolde was prepared for
+hir to play the last Acte of thys Tragedy. Then the miserable
+Lady began to know hirselfe, and to confesse hir faults before
+the people, deuoutly praying God, not to haue regard to hir
+demerites, ne yet to determine his wrath agaynst hir, or enter
+with hir in iudgement, for so mutch as if the same were decreed
+accordinge to hir iniquity, no saluation was to be looked for.
+She besought the people to pray for hir, and the countee of
+Gaiazzo that was absent, to pardon hir malice, and treason which
+she had deuised agaynst him. Thus miserably and repentantly dyed
+the Countesse, which in hir lyfe refused not to imbrace and
+follow any wickednes, no mischiefe shee accompted euill done, so
+the same were imployed for hir pleasure and pastime. A goodly
+example truely for the youth of our present time, sith the most
+part indifferently do launch into the gulfe of disordred lyfe,
+suffring themselues to bee plunged in the puddles of their owne
+vayne conceiptes, without consideration of the mischieues that
+may ensue. If the Lord of Cardonne had not bene beloued of his
+generall, into what calamity had he fallen for yeldinge himselfe
+a pray to that bloudy Woman who had more regarde to the light,
+and wilfull fansie of hir, whom he serued like a slaue, than to
+his duety and estimation? And truely all sutch be voyde of their
+right wits, which thincke themselues beloued of a Whoore. For
+their amity endureth no longer than they sucke from their
+pursses and bodies any profit or pleasure. And because almost
+euery day semblable examples be seene, I will leaue of this
+discourse, to take me to a matter, not farre more pleasaunt than
+this, although founded vpon better grounde, and stablished upon
+loue, the first onset of lawfull mariage, the successe whereof
+chaunced to murderous ende, and yet the same intended by neyther
+of the beloued: as you shall be iudge by the continuance of
+reading of the history ensuing. Beare with me good Ladyes (for
+of you alone I craue this pardon) for introducing the Whoorish
+lyfe of the Countesse, and hir bloudy enterprise: bicause I know
+right wel, that recitall of murders, and bloudy facts wearieth
+the mindes of those that loue to lyue at rest, and wish for
+fayre weather after the troublesome stormes of raging Seas, no
+lesse than the Pilote and wise Mariner, hauing long time endured
+and cut the perillous straicts of the Ocean Sea. And albeit the
+corruption of our nature be so great, as follies delighte vs
+more than ernest matters fraught wyth reason and wisedome, yet I
+thinke not that our mindes be so peruerted and diuided from
+trouth, but sometimes wee care and seeke to speake more grauely
+than the countrey Hynde, or more soberly than they, whose lyues
+do beare the marke of infamy, and be to euery wight notorious
+for the onely name of their vocation. Suffiseth vs that an
+Hystory, be it neuer so full of sporte and pleasure, do bring
+with it instruction of our lyfe, and amendement of our maners.
+And wee ought not to be so curious or scrupulous, to reiect
+merry and pleasant deuises that be voide of harmeful talke, or
+wythout sutch glee as may hynder the education of Youth
+procliue, and ready to choose that is corrupt, and naught. The
+very bookes of holy scriptures doe describe vnto vs persons that
+bee vicious, and so detestable as nothing more, whose factes
+vnto the simple may seeme vnseemely, vpon the least recitall of
+the same. And shall wee therefore reiect the readinge, and
+eschue those holy bookes? God forbid, but with diligence to
+beware, that we do not resemble those that be remembred there
+for example, forsomutch as speedely after sinne, ensueth
+grieuous, and as sodayne punishment. For which cause I haue
+selected these Historyes, of purpose to aduertise Youth, how
+they that follow the way of damnable iniquity, fayle not shortly
+after their great offences, and execution of their outragious
+vices, to feele the iust and mighty hand of God, who guerdoneth
+the good for their good works and deedes, and rewardeth the euil
+for their wickednes and mischiefe. Now turne we then to the
+Hystory of two, the rarest Louers that euer were, the
+performaunce, and finishinge whereof, had it bene so prosperous
+as the beginning, they had ioyed ioyfully the Fruicts of their
+intent, and two noble houses of one City reconciled to
+perpetuall frendship.
+
+
+
+
+THE TWENTY-FIFTH NOUELL.
+
+  _The goodly Hystory of the true, and constant Loue between
+  Rhomeo and Ivlietta, the one of whom died of Poyson, and the
+  other of sorrow, and heuinesse: wherein be comprysed many
+  aduentures of Loue, and other deuises touchinge the same._
+
+
+I am sure that they which measure the Greatnesse of Goddes
+worked accordinge to the capacity of their Rude, and simple
+vnderstandinge, wyll not lightly adhibite credite vnto thys
+History, so wel for the variety of straunge Accidents which be
+therein described, as for the nouelty of so rare, and perfect
+amity. But they that haue read Plinie, Valerius Maximus,
+Plutarche, and diuers other Writers, do finde, that in olde time
+a great number of Men and Women haue died, some of excessiue
+ioy, some of ouermutch sorrow, and some of other passions: and
+amongs the same, Loue is not the least, whych when it seazeth
+vppon any kynde and gentle subiect, and findeth no resistaunce
+to serue for a rampart to stay the violence of his course, by
+little and little vndermineth, melteth and consumeth the vertues
+of naturall powers in sutch wyse as the spyrite yealdinge to the
+burden, abandoneth the place of lyfe: which is verified by the
+pitifull, and infortunate death of two Louers that surrendered
+their last Breath in one Toumbe at Verona a Citty of Italy,
+wherein repose yet to thys day (with great maruell) the Bones,
+and remnauntes of their late louing bodies: an hystory no lesse
+wonderfull than true. If then perticular affection which of good
+right euery man ought to beare to the place where he was borne,
+doe not deceyue those that trauayle, I thincke they will
+confesse wyth me, that few Citties in Italy, can surpasse the
+sayd Citty of Verona, aswell for the Nauigable riuer called
+Adissa, which passeth almost through the midst of the same, and
+thereby a great trafique into Almayne, as also for the prospect
+towards the Fertile Mountaynes, and pleasant valeys whych do
+enuiron the same, with a great number of very clere and lyuely
+fountaynes, that serue for the ease and commodity of the place.
+Omittinge (bisides many other singularities) foure Bridges,
+and an infinite number of other honourable Antiquities dayly
+apparaunt vnto those, that be to curious to viewe and looke vpon
+them. Which places I haue somewhat touched, bicause thys most
+true History which I purpose hereafter to recite, dependeth
+thereupon, the memory whereof to thys day is so wel known at
+Verona, as vnneths their blubbred Eyes be yet dry, that saw and
+beheld that lamentable sight. When the Senior Escala was Lord of
+Verona, there were two families in the Citty, of farre greater
+fame than the rest, aswell for riches as Nobility: the one
+called the Montesches, and the other the Capellets: but lyke as
+most commonly there is discorde amongs theym which be of
+semblable degree in honour, euen so there hapned a certayne
+enmity betweene them: and for so mutch as the beginning thereof
+was vnlawfull, and of ill foundation, so lykewyse in processe of
+time it kindled to sutch flame, as by diuers and sundry deuyses
+practised on both sides, many lost their lyues. The Lord
+Bartholmew of Escala, (of whom we haue already spoken) being
+Lord of Verona, and seeing sutch disorder in his common weale,
+assayed diuers and sundry waies to reconcile those two houses,
+but all in vayne: for their hatred had taken sutch roote, as the
+same could not be moderated by any wyse counsell or good aduice:
+betweene whom no other thing could be accorded, but geuing ouer
+Armour, and Weapon for the time, attending some other season
+more conuenient, and wyth better leysure to appease the rest.
+In the time that these thinges were adoing, one of the family of
+Montesches called Rhomeo, of the age of 20 or 21. yeares, the
+comliest and best conditioned Gentleman that was amonges the
+Veronian youth, fell in loue with a yong Gentlewoman of Verona,
+and in few dayes was attached with hir Beauty, and good
+behauiour, as he abandoned all other affaires and busines, to
+serue and honour hir: and after many Letters, Ambassades, and
+presents, he determined in the ende to speake vnto hir, and to
+disclose hys passions, which he did without any other practise.
+But she which was vertuously brought vp, knew how to make him so
+good answer to cut of his amorous affections, as he had no lust
+after that time to returne any more, and shewed hir self so
+austere, and sharpe of Speach, as she vouchsafed not with one
+looke to behold him. But how mutch the young Gentleman saw hir
+whist, and silent, the more he was inflamed: and after he had
+continued certayne months in that seruice wythout remedy of his
+griefe, he determined in the ende to depart Verona, for proofe
+if by chaunge of the place he might alter his affection, saying
+to himselfe: "What do I meane to loue one that is so vnkinde,
+and thus doth disdayn me: I am all hir owne, and yet she flieth
+from me. I can no longer liue, except hir presence I doe enioy:
+and she hath no contented mynde, but when she is furthest from
+me: I will then from henceforth Estraunge my selfe from hir, for
+it may so come to passe by not beholding hir, that thys fire in
+me which taketh increase and nourishment by hir fayre Eyes,
+by little and little may dy and quench." But minding to put in
+proose what he thought, at one instant hee was reduced to the
+contrary, who not knowing whereupon to resolue, passed dayes and
+nights in marueilous Playnts, and Lamentations: for Loue vexed
+him so neare, and had so well fixed the Gentlewoman's Beauty
+within the Bowels of his heart, and mynde, as not able to
+resist, hee faynted with the charge, and consumed by little and
+little as the Snow agaynst the Sunne: whereof hys parenttes,
+and kinred did maruayle greatly, bewaylinge hys misfortune, but
+aboue all other one of hys Companyons of riper Age, and Counsell
+than hee, began sharpely to rebuke him: for the loue that he
+bare him was so great as hee felt hys Martirdome, and was
+pertaker of hys passion: which caused him by ofte viewyng his
+friend's disquietnesse in amorous panges, to say thus vnto him:
+"Rhomeo, I maruell mutch that thou spendest the best time of
+thine age, in pursute of a thing, from which thou seest thy self
+despised and banished, wythout respecte either to thy prodigall
+dispense, to thine honor, to thy teares, or to thy myserable
+lyfe, which be able to moue the most constant to pity: wherefore
+I pray thee for the Loue of our auncient amity, and for thyne
+health sake, that thou wilt learn to be thine owne man, and not
+to alyenat thy lyberty to any so ingrate as she is: for so farre
+as I coniecture by things that are passed betwene you, either
+she is in loue wyth some other, or else determineth neuer to
+loue any. Thou arte yong, rich in goods and fortune, and more
+excellent in beauty than any Gentleman in thys Cyty: thou art
+well learned, and the onely sonne of the house wherof thou
+commest: what gryef would it bee to thy poore olde Father and
+other thy parentes, to see the so drowned in this dongeon of
+Vyce, specially at that age wherein thou oughtest rather to put
+them in some Hope of thy Vertue? begyn then from henceforth to
+acknowledge thyne error, wherein thou hast hitherto lyued, doe
+away that amorous vaile or couerture whych blyndeth thyne Eyes
+and letteth thee to folow the ryghte path, wherein thine
+auncestors haue walked: or else if thou do feele thy self so
+subiect to thyne owne wyll, yelde thy hearte to some other
+place, and chose some Mistresse accordyng to thy worthynesse,
+and henceforth doe not sow thy Paynes in a Soyle so barrayne
+whereof thou reapest no Fruycte: the tyme approcheth when al the
+Dames of the Cyty shal assemble, where thou mayst behold sutch
+one as shall make thee forget thy former gryefs." Thys younge
+Gentleman attentyuely hearyng all the persuadyng reasons of hys
+fryend, began somewhat to moderate that heate and to acknowledge
+all the exhortatyons which hee had made to be directed to good
+purpose: and then determined to put them in proofe, and to be
+present indifferently at al the feasts and assemblies of the
+City, without bearing affection more to one Woman than to an
+other: and continued in thys manner of Lyfe, II. or III.
+monthes, thinking by that meanes to quench the sparks of
+auncient flames. It chaunced then within few dayes after, about
+the feast of Chrystmasse, when feasts and bankets most commonly
+be vsed, and maskes accordinge to the custome frequented, that
+Anthonie Capellet being the Chief of that Familye, and one of
+the principall Lords of the City too, made a banket, and for the
+better Solempnization thereof, inuited all the Noble men and
+dames, to which Feast resorted the most part of the youth of
+Verona. The family of the Capellets (as we haue declared in the
+beginninge of thys Hystory) was at variance with the Montesches,
+which was the cause that none of that family repaired to that
+Banket, but onelye the yong Gentleman Rhomeo, who came in a
+maske after supper with certaine other yong Gentlemen: and after
+they had remained a certayne space with their visards on, at
+length they did put of the same, and Rhomeo very shamefast,
+withdrew himself into a Corner of the Hall: but by reason of the
+light of the Torches which burned very bright, he was by and by
+knowen and loked vpon of the whole Company, but specially of the
+Ladies, for besides his Natiue Beauty wherewyth Nature had
+adorned him, they maruelled at his audacity how hee durst
+presume to enter so secretly into the House of that Famyllye
+which had litle cause to do him any good. Notwithstanding, the
+Capellets dissembling their mallice, either for the honor of the
+company, or else for respect of his Age, did not misuse him
+eyther in Worde or Deede: by meanes whereof wyth free liberty he
+behelde and viewed the Ladies at hys Pleasure, which hee dyd so
+well, and wyth grace so good, as there was none but did very
+well lyke the presence of his person: and after he had
+particularly giuen Iudgement vppon the excellency of each one,
+according to his affection, hee sawe one Gentlewoman amonges the
+reste of surpassinge Beautye who (althoughe hee had neuer seene
+hir tofore) pleased him aboue the rest, and attributed vnto hir
+in heart the Chyefest place for all perfection in Beautye: and
+feastyng hir incessantlye with piteous lookes, the Loue whych
+hee bare to his first Gentlewoman, was ouercomen with this newe
+fire, that toke sutch norishment and vigor in his hart, as he
+was not able neuer to quench the same but by Death onely: as you
+may vnderstande by one of the strangest discourses, that euer
+any mortal man deuised. The yong Rhomeo then felying himselfe
+thus tossed wyth thys newe Tempest, could not tell what
+countenaunce to vse, but was so surprised and chaunged with
+these last flames, as he had almost forgotten himselfe, in sutch
+wise as he had not audacity to enquyre what she was, and wholly
+bente himself to feede hys Eyes with hir sighte, wherewyth he
+moystened the sweete amorous venome, which dyd so empoyson him,
+as hee ended hys Dayes with a kinde of most cruell death. The
+Gentlewoman that dydde put Rhomeo to sutch payne was called
+Iulietta, and was the Daughter of Capellet, the mayster of the
+house wher that assembly was, who as hir Eyes did rolle and
+wander too and fro, by chaunce espied Rhomeo, which vnto hir
+seemed to be the goodliest personage that euer shee sawe: and
+Loue (which lay in wayte neuer vntill that time,) assayling the
+tender heart of that yong Gentlewoman, touched hir so at the
+quicke, as for any resistance she coulde make, was not able to
+defende his forces, and then began to set at naught the
+royalties of the feast, and felt no pleasure in hir heart, but
+when she had a glimpse by throwing or receiuing some sight or
+looke of Rhomeo. And after they had contented eche others
+troubled heart with millions of amorous lookes which oftentimes
+interchangeably encountred and met together, the burning Beames
+gaue sufficient testimony of loue's priuy onsettes. Loue hauing
+made the heartes breache of those two louers, as they two sought
+meanes to speake together, Fortune offered them a very meete and
+apt occasion. A certayne Lord of that troupe and companye tooke
+Iulietta by the Hande to Daunce, wherein shee behaued hir selfe
+so well, and wyth so excellent grace, as shee wanne that Daye
+the prise of Honour from all the Damosels of Verona. Rhomeo
+hauynge foreseene the place wherevnto shee mynded to retire,
+approched the same, and so dyscretelye vsed the matter, as hee
+founde the meanes at hir returne to sit beside hir: Iulietta
+when the daunce was finished, returned to the very place where
+she was set before, and was placed betwene Rhomeo and an other
+gentleman called Mercutio, which was a courtlyke Gentleman, very
+well be loued of all men, and by reason of his pleasaunt and
+curteous behauior was in euery company wel intertayned. Mercutio
+that was of audacity among Maydens, as a Lyon is among Lambes,
+seazed incontynently vpon the hande of Iulietta, whose hands
+wontedly were so cold both in Wynter and Sommer as the Mountayne
+yce, although the fire's heat did warm the same. Rhomeo whych
+sat vppon the left side of Iulietta, seynge that Mercutio held
+hir by the right hand, toke hir by the other that he myght not
+be deceiued of his purpose, and strayning the same a little, he
+felt himself so prest wyth that newe fauor, as he remayned mute,
+not able to aunswer: but she perceyuyng by his chaunge of color,
+that the fault proceded of the vehemence of loue, desyryng to
+speake vnto hym, turned hir selfe towards hym, and wyth
+tremblyng voyce ioyned with virginal shamefastnesse, intermedled
+with a certayn bashfulnesse, sayd to hym: "Blessed be the houre
+of your neare approche:" but mynding to procede in further
+talke, loue had so closed vp hir mouth, as she was not able to
+end hir Tale. Wherunto the yong Gentleman all rauished with ioy
+and contentation, sighing, asked hir what was the cause of that
+ryght fortunate blessing: Iulietta, somwhat more emboldened with
+pytyful loke and smyling countenance, said vnto him: "Syr, do
+not maruell yf I do blesse your comminge hither, bicause sir
+Mercutio a good tyme wyth frosty hand hath wholly frosen mine,
+and you of your curtesy haue warmed the same agayne." Wherunto
+immediatly Rhomeo replyed: "Madame, if the heauens haue ben so
+fauorable to employe me to do you some agreeable seruice, being
+repaired hither by chance amongs other Gentlemen, I esteeme the
+same well bestowed, crauying no greater benefite for
+satisfaction of all my contentations receiued in this World,
+than to serue obey and honor you so long as my lyfe doth last,
+as experience shall yeld more ample proofe when it shall please
+you to geue further assaye: moreouer, if you haue receiued any
+Heat by touche of my Hand, you may be well assured that those
+flames be dead in respect of the lyuely Sparkes and violent fire
+which sorteth from you fayre Eyes, which fire hath so fiercely
+inflamed all the most sensible parts of my body, as if I be not
+succored by the fauoure of your good graces, I do attend the
+time to be consumed to dust." Scarse had he made an ende of
+those last words but the daunce of the Torche was at an end:
+whereby Iulietta, which wholly burnt in loue, straightly
+claspyng her Hand with hys, had no leysure to make other
+aunswer, but softly thus to say: "My deare frend, I know not
+what other assured wytnesse you desire of loue, but that I let
+you vnderstand that you be no more your own, than I am yours,
+beying ready and dysposed to obey you so farre as honour shal
+permyt, beseechying you for the present tyme to content your
+selfe wyth thys aunswere, vntyll some other season meeter to
+Commvnicate more secretly of our affaires." Rhomeo seeing
+himselfe pressed to part of the Company, and for that hee knew
+not by what meanes he myght see hir agayne that was hys Life and
+Death, demaunded of one of his friends what shee was, who made
+aunswer that she was the Daughter of Capellet, the Lord of the
+house, and Mayster of that daye's feast (who wroth beyonde
+measure that Fortune had sent him to so daungerous a place,
+thought it impossible to bring to end his enterprise begon.)
+Iulietta couetous on the other side, to know what yong Gentleman
+he was which had so curteously intertayned hir that Nyght, and
+of whome shee felt the new wound in hir heart, called an olde
+Gentlewoman of honor which had nursed hir and brought her vp,
+vnto whom she sayd leaning vpon hir shoulder: "Mother, what two
+young Gentlemen be they which first goe forth with the two
+Torches before them." Vnto whome the old Gentlewoman told the
+name of the houses wherof they came. Then she asked hir againe,
+what young gentleman that was which holdeth the visarde in his
+hand, wyth the damaske cloke about him. "It is" (quod she)
+"Romeo Montesche, the sonne of youre Father's capytall Enimye
+and deadly foe to all your kinne." But the Mayden at the onely
+Name of Montesche was altogyther amazed, despayrynge for euer to
+attayne to husband hir great affectyoned fryend Rhomeo, for the
+auncyent hatreds betweene those two Families. Neuerthelesse she
+knewe so well how to dissemble hir grief and discontented Minde,
+as the olde Gentlewoman perceiued nothing, who then began to
+persuade hir to retire into hir Chamber: whom she obeyed, and
+being in bed, thinking to take hir wonted rest, a great tempest
+of diuers thoughtes began to enuiron and trouble hir Mynde, in
+sutch wyse as shee was not able to close hir Eyes, but turninge
+heere and there, fantasied diuers things in hir thought,
+sometimes purposed to cut of the whole attempte of that amorous
+practise, sometimes to continue the same. Thus was the poor
+pucell vexed with two contraries, the one comforted hir to
+pursue hir intent, the other proposed the immynente Perill
+wherevnto vndyscretly she headlong threwe hir self: and after
+she had wandred of long time in this amorous Laberinth, she knew
+not whereuppon to resolue, but wept incessantly, and accused hir
+selfe, saying: "Ah, Caitife and myserable Creature, from whence
+do rise these vnaccustomed Trauayles which I feele in Mynde,
+prouokynge mee to loose my reste: but infortunate wretch, what
+doe I know if that yong Gentleman doe loue mee as hee sayeth.
+It may be vnder the vaile of sugred woordes he goeth about to
+steale away mine honore, to be reuenged of my Parentes whych
+haue offended his, and by that meanes to my euerlastinge
+reproche to make me the fable of the Verona people." Afterwardes
+sodainly as she condempned that which she suspected in the
+beginning, sayd: "Is it possible that vnder sutch beautye and
+rare comelynesse, dysloyaltye and treason may haue theyr Syedge
+and Lodgynge? If it bee true that the Face is the faythfull
+Messanger of the Mynde's Conceypte, I may bee assured that hee
+doeth loue mee: for I marked so many chaunged Colours in his
+Face in time of his talke with me, and sawe him so transported
+and besides himselfe, as I cannot wyshe any other more certayne
+lucke of Loue, wherein I wyll persyst immutable to the laste
+gaspe of Lyfe, to the intente I may haue hym to bee my husband:
+for it maye so come to passe, as this newe aliaunce shall
+engender a perpetuall peace and Amity betweene hys House and
+mine." Arrestinge then vppon this determynation styll, as she
+saw Rhomeo passinge before hir Father's Gate, she shewed hir
+selfe with merry countenance, and followed him so with loke of
+Eye, vntill she had lost his sight. And continuing this manner
+of Lyfe for certaine Dayes, Rhomeo not able to content himself
+with lookes, daily did behold and marke the situation of the
+house, and one day amongs others hee espied Iulietta at hir
+Chamber Window, bounding vpon a narrow Lane, ryght ouer against
+which Chamber he had a Gardein which was the cause that Rhomeo
+fearing discouery of their loue, began the day time to passe no
+more before the Gate, but so soone as the Night with his browne
+Mantell had couered the Earth, hee walked alone vp and downe
+that little streat: and after he had bene there many times,
+missing the chiefest cause of his comming, Iulietta impacient of
+hir euill, one night repaired to hir window, and perceiued
+throughe the bryghtnesse of the Moone hir friend Rhomeo vnder
+hir window, no lesse attended for, than hee hymselfe was
+waighting. Then she secretly with Teares in hir Eyes, and wyth
+voyce interrupted by sighes, sayd: "Signior Rhomeo, me thinke
+that you hazarde your person to mutch, and commyt the same into
+great Daunger at thys time of the Nyght, to protrude your self
+to the Mercy of them which meane you little good. Who yf they
+had taken would haue cut you in pieces, and mine honor (which I
+esteme dearer than my lyfe,) hindred and suspected for euer"
+"Madame" aunswered Rhomeo, "my Lyfe is in the Hand of God, who
+only can dispose the same: howbeyt yf any Man had soughte menes
+to beryeue mee of my Lyfe, I should (in the presence of you)
+haue made him knowen what mine ability had ben to defend the
+same. Notwythstandyng Lyfe is not so deare, and of sutch
+estimation wyth me, but that I coulde vouchsafe to sacryfice the
+same for your sake: and althoughe my myshappe had bene so
+greate, as to bee dyspatched in that Place, yet had I no cause
+to be sorrye therefore, excepte it had bene by losynge the
+meanes, and way how to make you vnderstande the good wyll and
+duety which I beare you, desyrynge not to conserue the same for
+anye commodytye that I hope to haue thereby, nor for anye other
+respecte, but onelye to Loue, Serue, and Honor you, so long as
+breath shal remaine in me." So soone as he had made an end of
+his talke, loue and pity began to seaze vpon the heart of
+Iulietta, and leaning hir head vpon hir hand, hauing hir face
+all besprent wyth teares, she said vnto Rhomeo: "Syr Rhomeo,
+I pray you not to renue that grief agayne: for the onely Memory
+of sutch inconuenyence, maketh me to counterpoyse betwene death
+and Lyfe, my heart being so vnited with yours, as you cannot
+receyue the least Iniury in this world, wherein I shall not be
+so great a Partaker as your self: beseechyng you for conclusion,
+that if you desire your owne health and mine, to declare vnto me
+in fewe Wordes what youre determynation is to attaine: for if
+you couetany other secrete thing at my Handes, more than myne
+Honoure can well allowe, you are maruelously deceiued: but if
+your desire be godly, and that the frendship which you protest
+to beare mee, be founded vppon Vertue, and to bee concluded by
+Maryage, receiuing me for your wyfe and lawfull Spouse, you
+shall haue sutch part in me, as whereof without any regard to
+the obedience and reuerence that I owe to my Parentes, or to the
+auncient Enimity of oure Famylyes, I wyll make you the onely
+Lord and Mayster [ouer me], and of all the thyngys that I
+possesse, being prest and ready in all poyntes to folow your
+commaundement: but if your intent be otherwyse, and thinke to
+reape the Fruycte of my Virginity, vnder pretense of wanton
+Amity, you be greatly deceiued, and doe pray you to auoide and
+suffer me from henceforth to lyue and rest amongs myne equals."
+Rhomeo whych looked for none other thyng, holding vp his Handes
+to the Heauens, wyth incredible ioy and contentation, aunswered:
+"Madame, for so mutch as it hath pleased you to doe me that
+honour to accepte me for sutch a one, I accorde and consent to
+your request, and doe offer vnto you the best part of my heart,
+which shall remayn with you for guage and sure testimony of my
+saying, vntill sutch tyme as God shall giue me leaue to make you
+the entier owner and possessor of the same. And to the intent I
+may begyn myn enterpryse, to morrow I will to the Frier Laurence
+for counsell in the same, who besides that he is my ghostly
+father is accustomed to giue me instruction in al my other
+secret affaires, and fayle not (if you please) to meete me
+agayne in this place at this very hour, to the intent I may giue
+you to vnderstand the deuice betwene him and me." Which she
+lyked very well, and ended their talke for that time. Rhomeo
+receyuing none other fauour at hir hands for that night, but
+only Wordes. Thys Fryer Laurence, of whom hereafter wee shall
+make more ample mention, was an auncient Doctor of Diuinity, of
+the order of the Fryers Minors, who besides the happy profession
+which he had made in study of holy writ, was very skilful in
+Philosophy, and a great searcher of nature's Secrets, and
+exceeding famous in Magike knowledge, and other hidden and
+secret sciences, which nothing diminished his reputation,
+bicause hee did not abuse the same. And this Frier through his
+vertue and piety, had so well won the citizens hearts of Verona,
+as he was almost the Confessor to them all, and of all men
+generally reuerenced and beloued: and many tymes for his great
+prudence was called by the lords of the Citty, to the hearing of
+their weighty causes. And amonges other he was greatly fauored
+by the Lorde of Escale, that tyme the principall gouernor of
+Verona, and of all the Family of Montesches, and of the
+Capellets, and of many other. The young Rhomeo (as we haue
+already declared) from his tender age, bare a certayne
+particuler amity to Frier Laurence, and departed to him his
+secrets, by meanes whereof so soone as he was gone from
+Iulietta, went strayght to the Fryers Franciscians, where from
+poinct to poinct he discoursed the successe of his loue to that
+good father, and the conclusion of mariage betwene him and
+Iulietta, adding vpon the ende of talke, that hee woulde rather
+choose shamefull death, than to fayle hir of his promise. To
+whom the good Frier after he had debated diuers matters, and
+proposed al the inconueniences of that secret mariage, exhorted
+hym to more mature deliberation of the same: notwithstandinge,
+all the alleged persuasions were not able to reuoke his promyse.
+Wherefore the Frier vanquished with his stubbornesse, and also
+forecasting in his mynde that the mariage might be some meanes
+of reconciliation of those two houses, in th'end agreed to his
+request, intreating him, that he myght haue one dayes respit for
+leysure to excogitate what was best to be done. But if Rhomeo
+for his part was carefull to prouide for his affayres, Iulietta
+lykewise did her indeuour. For seeing that shee had none about
+her to whom she might discouer her passions, shee deuised to
+impart the whole to hir Nurse which lay in her Chamber,
+appoyncted to wayte vppon hir, to whom she committed the intier
+secrets of the loue between Rhomeo and hir. And although the
+olde Woman in the beginninge resisted Iulietta hir intent, yet
+in the ende she knew so wel how to persuade and win hir, that
+she promised in all that she was able to do, to be at hir
+commaundement. And then she sent hir with all diligence to
+speake to Rhomeo, and to know of him by what meanes they might
+be maried, and that he would do hir to vnderstand the
+determination betwene Fryer Laurence and him. Whom Rhomeo
+aunswered, how the first day wherein he had informed Fryer
+Laurence of the matter, the sayde Fryer deferred aunswere vntil
+the next, which was the very same, and that it was not past one
+houre sithens he returned with finall resolution, and that Frier
+Laurence and he had deuised, that she the Saterday following,
+should craue leaue of hir mother to go to confession, and to
+repayre to the Church of Saynct Francis, where in a certayne
+Chappell secretly they should be maried, praying hir in any wyse
+not to fayle to be there. Which thinge she brought to passe with
+sutch discretion, as hir mother agreed to hir request: and
+accompanied onely wyth hir gouernesse, and a young mayden, she
+repayred thither at the determined day and tyme. And so soone as
+she was entred the Church, she called for the good Doctor Fryer
+Laurence, vnto whom answere was made that he was in the shriuing
+Chappell, and forthwith aduertisement was gieuen him of hir
+comming. So soone as Fryer Laurence was certified of Iulietta,
+hee went into the body of the Church, and willed the olde Woman
+and yong mayden to go heare seruice, and that when hee had heard
+the confession of Iulietta, he would send for them agayn.
+Iulietta beinge entred a little Cell wyth Frier Laurence, he
+shut fast the dore as he was wont to do, where Rhomeo and he had
+bin together shut fast in, the space of one whole hour before.
+Then Frier Laurence after that he had shriued them, sayd to
+Iulietta: "Daughter, as Rhomeo here present hath certified me,
+you be agreed, and contented to take him to husband, and he
+likewise you for his Espouse and Wyfe. Do you now still persist
+and continue in that mynde?" The Louers aunswered that they
+desired none other thing. The Fryer seeing theyr conformed and
+agreeable willes, after he had discoursed somewhat vppon the
+commendation of mariage dignity, pronounced the vsuall woordes
+of the Church, and she hauing receyued the Ring from Rhomeo,
+they rose vp before the Fryer, who sayd vnto them: "If you haue
+any other thing to conferre together, do the same wyth speede:
+for I purpose that Rhomeo shall goe from hence so secretly as he
+can." Rhomeo sory to goe from Iulietta sayde secretly vnto hir,
+that shee should send vnto hym after diner the old Woman, and
+that he would cause to be made a corded Ladder the same euening,
+thereby to climbe vp to her Chamber window, where at more
+leisure they would deuise of their affaires. Things determined
+betwene them, either of them retyred to their house with
+incredible contentation, attendinge the happy houre for
+consummation of their mariage. When Rhomeo was come home to his
+house, he declared wholly what had passed betwen him and
+Iulietta, vnto a Seruaunt of his called Pietro, whose fidelity
+he had so greatly tryed, as he durst haue trusted him with hys
+life, and commaunded hym wyth expedition to prouide a Ladder of
+Cordes wyth 2 strong Hookes of Iron fastned to both endes, which
+he easily did, because they were mutch vsed in Italy. Iulietta
+did not forget in the Euening about fiue of the Clocke, to send
+the olde Woman to Rhomeo, who hauing prepared all things
+necessary, caused the Ladder to be deliuered vnto her, and
+prayed hir to require Iulietta the same euening not to fayle to
+bee at the accustomed place. But if this Iorney seemed long to
+these two passioned Louers, let other Iudge, that haue at other
+tymes assayed the lyke: for euery minute of an houre seemed to
+them a Thousande yeares, so that if they had power to commaund
+the Heauens (as Iosua did the Sunne) the Earth had incontinently
+bene shadowed wyth darkest Cloudes. The apoyncted houre come,
+Rhomeo put on the most sumptuous apparell hee had, and conducted
+by good fortune neere to the place where his heart tooke lyfe,
+was so fully determined of hys purpose, as easily hee clymed vp
+the Garden wall. Beinge arriued hard to the wyndow, he perceyued
+Iulietta, who had already so well fastned the Ladder to draw him
+vp, as without any daunger at all, he entred hir chambre, which
+was so clere as the day, by reason of the Tapers of virgin Wax,
+which Iulietta had caused to be lighted, that she might the
+better beholde hir Rhomeo. Iulietta for hir part, was but in hir
+night kerchief: who so soon as she perceyued him colled him
+about the Neck, and after shee had kissed and rekissed hym a
+million of times, began to imbrace hym betwene hir armes, hauing
+no power to speake vnto him, but by Sighes onely, holding hir
+mouth close against his, and being in this traunce beheld him
+with pitifull eye, which made him to liue and die together.
+And afterwards somewhat come to hir selfe, she sayd with sighes
+deepely fetched from the bottom of hir heart. "Ah Rhomeo, the
+exampler of al vertue and gentlenes, most hartely welcome to
+this place, wherein for your lacke, and absence, and for feare
+of your person, I haue gushed forth so many Teares as the spring
+is almost dry: but now that I hold you betwen my armes, let
+death and fortune doe what they list. For I count my selfe more
+than satisfied of all my sorrowes past, by the fauour alone of
+your presence." Whom Rhomeo with weeping eye, giuing ouer
+silence aunswered: "Madame, for somutch as I neuer receyued so
+mutch of fortune's grace, as to make you feele by liuely
+experience what power you had ouer me, and the torment euery
+minute of the day sustained for your occasion, I do assure you
+the least grief that vexeth me for your absence, is a thousand
+times more paynefull than death, which long time or this had cut
+of the threede of my lyfe, if the hope of this happy Iourney had
+not bene, which paying mee now the iust Tribute of my weepings
+past, maketh me better content, and more glad, than if the whole
+Worlde were at my commaundement, beseeching you (without further
+memory of auncient griefe) to take aduice in tyme to come how we
+may content our passionate hearts, and to sort our affayres with
+sutch Wysedome and discretion, as our enimies without aduantage
+may let vs continue the remnant of our dayes in rest and quiet."
+And as Iulietta was about to make answere, the Olde woman came
+in the meane time, and sayd vnto them: "He that wasteth time in
+talke, recouereth the same to late. But for so mutch as eyther
+of you hath endured sutch mutuall paynes, behold (quoth shee)
+a campe which I haue made ready:" (shewing them the Fielde bed
+which shee had prepared and furnished,) whereunto they easily
+agreed, and being then betwene the Sheets in priuy bed, after
+they had gladded and cherished themselues with al kinde of
+delicate embracements which loue was able to deuise, Rhomeo
+vnloosing the holy lines of virginity, tooke possession of the
+place, which was not yet besieged with sutch ioy and
+contentation as they can iudge which haue assayed like delites.
+Their marriage thus consummate, Rhomeo perceyuing the morning
+make to hasty approch, tooke his leaue, making promise that he
+would not fayle wythin a day or two to resort agayne to the
+place by lyke meanes, and semblable time, vntil Fortune had
+prouided sure occasion vnfearfully to manyfest their marriage to
+the whole Worlde. And thus a month or twayne, they continued
+their ioyful mindes to their incredible satisfaction, vntil lady
+Fortune enuious of their prosperity, turned hir Wheele to tumble
+them into such a bottomlesse pit, as they payed hir vsury for
+their pleasures past, by a certaine most cruell and pitifull
+death, as you shal vnderstand hereafter by the discourse that
+followeth. Now as we haue before declared, the Capellets and the
+Montesches were not so well reconciled by the Lord of Verona,
+but that there rested in them sutch sparks of auncient
+displeasures, as either partes waited but for some light
+occasion to draw togethers, which they did in the Easter holy
+dayes, (as bloudy men commonly be most willingly disposed after
+a good time to commit some nefarious deede) besides the Gate of
+Boursarie leading to the olde castel of Verona, a troupe of
+Capellets rencountred with certayne of the Montesches, and
+without other woordes began to set vpon them. And the Capellets
+had for Chiefe of their glorious enterprise one called Thibault,
+cosin Germayne to Iulietta, a yong man strongly made, and of
+good experience of armes, who exhorted his Companions with stout
+Stomakes to represse the boldnes of the Montesches, that ther
+might from that time forth no memory of them be left at all. The
+rumoure of this fray was disperssed throughout al the corners of
+Verona, that succour might come from all partes of the Citty to
+depart the same. Whereof Rhomeo aduertized, who walked alonges
+the Citty with certayne of his Companions, hasted him speadily
+to the place where the slaughter of his Parents and alies were
+committed: and after he had well aduised and beholden many
+wounded and hurt on both sides, he sayd to hys Companions:
+"My frends let vs part them, for they be so flesht one vpon an
+other, as will all be hewed to pieces before the game be done."
+And saying so, he thrust himselfe amids the troupe, and did no
+more but part the blowes on eyther side, crying vpon them aloud:
+"My freends, no more, it is time henceforth that our quarel
+cease. For besides the prouocation of God's iust wrath, our two
+families be slaunderous to the whole World, and are the cause
+that this common wealth doth grow vnto disorder." But they were
+so egre and furious one agaynst the other, as they gaue no
+audience to Rhomeo his councel, and bent theymselues too kyll,
+dysmember and teare eche other in pieces. And the fyght was so
+cruell and outragious betweene them as they which looked on,
+were amased to see theym endure those blowes, for the grounde
+was all couered with armes, legges, thighes, and bloude, wherein
+no signe of cowardnes appeared, and mayntayned their feyghte so
+longe, that none was able to iudge who hadde the better, vntill
+that Thibault Cousin to Iulietta inflamed with ire and rage,
+turned towardes Rhomeo thinkinge with a pricke to runne him
+through. But he was so wel armed and defended with a priuye coat
+whiche he wore ordinarily for the doubt he had of the Capellets,
+as the pricke rebounded: vnto whom Rhomeo made answeare:
+"Thibault thou maiest know by the pacience which I haue had
+vntill this present tyme, that I came not hether to fyght with
+thee or thyne, but to seeke peace and attonemente betweene vs,
+and if thou thinkest that for defaulte of courage I haue fayled
+myne endeuor, thou doest greate wronge to my reputacion. And
+impute thys my suffrance to some other perticular respecte,
+rather than to wante of stomacke. Wherfore abuse mee not but be
+content with this greate effusion of Bloude and murders already
+committed. And prouoke mee not I beseeche thee to passe the
+boundes of my good will and mynde." "Ah Traitor," sayd
+Thibaulte, "thou thinkeste to saue thy selfe by the plotte of
+thy pleasaunt tounge, but see that thou defende thy selfe, els
+presently I will make thee feele that thy tounge shal not gard
+thy corps, nor yet be the Buckler to defende the same from
+present death." And saying so, he gaue him a blow with such
+furye, as hadde not other warded the same hee had cutte of his
+heade from his shoulders, and the one was no readyer to lende,
+but the other incontinentlye was able to paye agayne, for hee
+being not onelye wroth with the blowe that hee had receiued,
+but offended with the iniury which the other had don, began to
+pursue his ennemy with suche courage and viuacity, as at the
+third blowe with his swerd hee caused him to fall backewarde
+starke deade vppon the grounde with a pricke vehementlye thruste
+into his throte, whiche hee followed till hys Sworde appeared
+throughe the hynder parte of the same, by reason wherof the
+conflicte ceassed. For besides that Thibault was the chiefe of
+his companye he was also borne of one of the Noblest houses
+within the Cittye, which caused the Potestate to assemble his
+Souldiers with diligence for the apprehension and imprisonment
+of Rhomeo, who seyeng yl fortune at hande, in secrete wise
+conuayed him selfe to Fryer Laurence at the Friers Franciscanes.
+And the Fryer vnderstandinge of his facte, kepte him in a
+certayne secrete place of his couente vntil fortune did
+otherwyse prouyde for his safe goinge abroade. The bruite spred
+throughout the citty, of this chaunce don vpon the Lorde
+Thibault, the Capellets in mourning weedes caused the deade
+bodye to be caryed before the sygnory of Verona, so well to moue
+them to pytty, as to demaunde iustice for the murder: before
+whom came also the Montesches, declaryng the innocencye of
+Rhomeo, and the wilfull assault of the other. The councell
+assembled and witnesses heard on both partes a straight
+commaundemente was geuen by the Lorde of the Cittye to geeue
+ouer theire weapons, and touchinge the offence of Rhomeo,
+because he hadde killed the other in his owne defence, he was
+banished Verona for euer. This common misfortune published
+throughout the Citty, was generally sorowed and lamented. Som
+complayneth the death of the Lorde Thibault, so well for his
+dexteritye in armes as for the hope of his great good seruice in
+time to come, if hee hadde not bene preuented by sutch cruell
+Death. Other bewailed (specially the Ladies and Gentlewomen) the
+ouerthrow of yong Rhomeo, who besides his beauty and good grace
+wherwith he was enriched, had a certayne naturall allurement, by
+vertue whereof he drew vnto him the hearts of eche man, like as
+the stony Adamante doth the cancred iron, in sutch wise as the
+whole nation and people of Verona lamented his mischaunce: but
+aboue all infortunate Iulietta, who aduertised both of the death
+of hir cosin Thibault, and of the banishment of hir husband,
+made the Ayre sound with infinite number of mornefull playnts
+and miserable lamentations. Then feeling hirselfe to mutch
+outraged with extreeme passion, she went into hir chamber, and
+ouercome with sorrowe threwe hir selfe vpon hir bed, where she
+began to reinforce hir dolor after so straunge fashion, as the
+most constant would haue bene moued to pitty. Then like one out
+of hir wits, she gazed heere and there, and by fortune beholding
+the Window whereat Rhomeo was wont to enter into hir chamber,
+cried out: "Oh vnhappy Windowe, oh entry most vnlucky, wherein
+were wouen the bitter toyle of my former mishaps, if by thy
+meanes I haue receyued at other tymes some light pleasure or
+transitory contentation, thou now makest me pay a tribute so
+rigorous and paynefull, as my tender body not able any longer to
+support the same, shall henceforth open the Gate to that lyfe
+where the ghost discharged from this mortal burden, shal seeke
+in some place els more assured rest. Ah Rhomeo, Rhomeo, when
+acquayntaunce first began betweene vs, and reclined myne eares
+vnto thy suborned promisses, confirmed with so many othes,
+I would neuer haue beleeued that in place of our continued
+amyty, and in appeasing of the hatred of our houses, thou
+wouldest haue sought occasion to breake the same by an acte so
+shamefull, whereby thy fame shall be spotted for euer, and I
+miserable wretch desolate of Spouse and Companion. But if thou
+haddest beene so gready after the Cappelletts bloud, wherefore
+didst thou spare the deare bloud of mine owne heart when so many
+tymes, and in sutch secret place the same was at the mercy of
+thy cruell handes? The victory which thou shouldest haue gotten
+ouer me, had it not bene glorious inough for thine ambitious
+minde, but for more triumphant solempnity to bee crowned wyth
+the bloude of my dearest kinsman? Now get thee hence therefore
+into some other place to deceiue some other, so vnhappy as my
+selfe. Neuer come agayne in place where I am, for no excuse
+shall heereafter take holde to asswage mine offended minde: in
+the meane tyme I shall lament the rest of my heauy lyfe, with
+sutch store of teares, as my body dried vp from all humidity,
+shall shortly search reliefe in Earth." And hauing made an ende
+of those hir wordes, hir heart was so grieuously strayned, as
+shee coulde neyther weepe nor speake, and stoode so immoueable,
+as if she had bene in a traunce. Then being somewhat come agayne
+vnto hirselfe, with feeble voyce shee sayd: "Ah, murderous
+tongue of other men's honor, how darest thou so infamously to
+speake of him whom his very enimies doe commend and prayse?
+How presumest thou to impute the blame vpon Rhomeo, whose
+vnguiltines and innocent deede euery man alloweth? Where from
+henceforth shall be hys refuge, sith she which ought to bee the
+onely Bulwarke, and assured rampire of his distresse, doth
+pursue and defame him? Receyue, receyue then Rhomeo the
+satisfaction of mine ingratitude by the sacrifice which I shal
+make of my proper lyfe, and so the faulte which I haue committed
+agaynste thy loyaltye, shall bee made open to the Worlde, thou
+being reuenged and my selfe punished." And thinking to vse some
+further talke, all the powers of hir body fayled hir wyth signes
+of present death. But the good olde Woman whych could not
+imagine the cause of Iulietta hir longe absence, doubted very
+mutch that she suffred some passion, and sought hir vp and downe
+in euery place wythin hir Father's Pallace, vntill at length
+shee founde hir lyinge a long vpon hir Bed, all the outwarde
+parts of hir body so colde as Marble. But the goode Old woman
+which thought hir to bee deade, began to cry like one out of hir
+Wittes, saying: "Ah deare Daughter, and Noursechylde, howe mutch
+doeth thy death now grieue mee at the very heart?" And as she
+was feeling all the partes of hir body, shee perceyued some
+sparke of Lyfe to bee yet within the same, whych caused hir to
+call hir many tymes by her name, til at length she brought her
+oute of her sounde, then sayde vnto her: "Why Iulietta, myne
+owne deare darelyng, what meane you by this tormoylinge of your
+selfe? I cannot tel from whence this youre behauiour and that
+immoderate heauines doe proceede, but wel I wot that within this
+houre I thought to haue accompanied you to the graue." "Alas
+good mother" (aunswered woful Iulietta) "do you not most
+euidently perceiue and see what iust cause I haue too sorrow and
+complayne, loosyng at one instante two persons of the world
+which wer vnto mee most deare?" "Methinke," aunsweared the good
+woman, "that it is not seemely for a gentlewoman of your degree
+to fall into such extremetye: for in tyme of tribulation
+wysedome should most preuaile. And if the lord Thibault be deade
+do you thinke to get him agayn by teares? What is he that doth
+not accuse his ouermutch presumption: woulde you that Rhomeo
+hadd done that wronge to him, and hys house, to suffer himselfe
+outraged and assayled by one to whom in manhoode and prowesse he
+is not inferioure? Sufficeth you that Rhomeo is alyue, and his
+affayres in sutche estate whoe in tyme may be called home agayne
+from banishmente, for he is a greate lorde, and as you know well
+allied and fauored of all men, wherefore arme your selfe from
+henceforth with pacyence: for albeit that Fortune doth estraunge
+him from you for a tyme, yet sure I am, that hereafter shee will
+restore him vnto you agayne wyth greater ioye and Contentatyon
+than before. And to the Ende that wee bee better assured in
+what state he is, yf you wyll promyse me to gyue ouer your
+heauynesse, I wyll to Daye knowe of Fryer Laurence whether he is
+gone." To which request Iulietta agreed, and then the good woman
+repayred to S. Frauncis, wher shee founde Fryer Laurence who
+tolde her that the same nyghte Rhomeo would not fayle at hys
+accustomed houre to visite Iulietta, and there to do hir to
+vnderstande what he purposed to doe in tyme to come. This iorney
+then fared like the voiages of mariners, who after they haue ben
+tost by greate and troublous tempest seeyng some Sunne beame
+pearce the heauens to lyghten the lande, assure themselues
+agayne, and thinkinge to haue auoyded shipwracke, and sodaynlye
+the seas begynne to swell, the waues do roare with sutch
+vehemence and noyse, as if they were fallen agayne into greater
+danger than before. The assigned hour come, Rhomeo fayled not
+accordinge to hys promise to bee in his Garden, where he founde
+his furniture prest to mount the Chamber of Iulietta, who with
+displayed armes, began so strayghtly to imbrace hym, as it
+seemed that the soule would haue abandoned hir body. And they
+two more than a large quarter of an hour were in sutch agony, as
+they were not able to pronounce one word, and wetting ech others
+Face fast closed together, the teares trickeled downe in sutch
+abundance as they seemed to be throughly bathed therein, which
+Rhomeo perceyuing, thinking to stay those immoderate teares,
+sayd vnto hir: "Myne owne dearest freend Iulietta, I am not now
+determined to recite the particulars of the straung happes of
+frayle and inconstaunte Fortune, who in a moment hoisteth a man
+vp to the hyghest degree of hir wheele, and by and by, in lesse
+space than in the twynckeling of an eye, she throweth hym downe
+agayne so lowe, as more misery is prepared for him in one day,
+than fauour in one hundred yeares: whych I now proue, and haue
+experience in my selfe, which haue bene nourished delicately
+amonges my frends, and maynteyned in sutch prosperous state,
+as you doe little know, (hoping for the full perfection of my
+felicity) by meanes of our mariage to haue reconciled our
+Parents, and frends, and to conduct the residue of my lyfe,
+according to the scope and lot determined by Almighty God: and
+neuerthelesse all myne enterprises be put backe, and my purposes
+tourned cleane contrary, in sutch wise as from henceforth I must
+wander lyke a vagabonde through diuers Prouinces, and
+sequestrate my selfe from my Frends, wythout assured place of
+myne abode, whych I desire to let you weete, to the intent you
+may be exhorted in tyme to come, paciently to beare so well myne
+absence, as that whych it shal please God to appoint." But
+Iulietta, al affrighted wyth teares and mortal agonies, would
+not suffer hym to passe any further, but interruptinge his
+purpose, sayd vnto hym: "Rhomeo, how canst thou be so harde
+hearted and voyde of all pity, to leaue mee heere lone, besieged
+with so manye deadlye myseries? There is neyther houre nor
+Minute, wherein death doth not appeare a thousand tymes before
+mee, and yet my missehappe is sutch, as I can not dye, and
+therefore doe manyfestlye perceyue, that the same death
+preserueth my lyfe, of purpose to delight in my gryefes, and
+tryumphe ouer my euyls. And thou lyke the mynister and tyrante
+of hir cruelty, doest make no conscience (for ought that I can
+see) hauing atchieued the Summe of thy desyres and pleasures on
+me, to abandon and forsake me: whereby I well perceyue, that all
+the lawes of Amity are deade and vtterly extinguyshed,
+forsomutch as he in whom I had greatest hope and confidence, and
+for whose sake I am become an enimy to my self, doth disdayne
+and contemne me. No, no Rhomeo, thou must fully resolue thy
+selfe vppon one of these II. points, either to see me
+incontinently throwen down headlong from this high Window after
+thee: or else to suffer me to accompany thee into that Countrey
+or Place whither Fortune shall guide thee: for my heart is so
+mutch transformed into thine, that so soone as I shall
+vnderstande of thy departure, presently my lyfe will depart this
+wofull body: the continuance whereof I doe not desire for any
+other purpose, but only to delight my selfe in thy presence,
+to bee pertaker of thy misfortunes: and therefore if euer there
+lodged any pity in the heart of gentleman, I beseeche the Rhomeo
+with al humility, that it may now finde place in thee, and that
+thou wilt vouchsafe to receyue me for thy seruaunt, and the
+faithful companion of thy mishaps: and if thou thinke that thou
+canst not conueniently receyue me in the estate and habite of a
+Wyfe, who shall let me to chaunge myne apparell? Shall I be the
+first that haue vsed like shiftes to escape the tyranny of
+parentes? Doste thou doubt that my seruice will not bee so good
+vnto thee as that of Petre thy seruaunte? Wyll my loyaltye and
+fidelity be lesse than his? My beauty which at other tymes thou
+hast so greatly commended, it is not esteemed of thee? my
+teares, my loue, and the aunciente pleasures and delights that
+you haue taken in mee shal they be in obliuyon?" Rhomeo seing
+hir in these alterations, fearing that worsse inconuenience
+would chaunce, tooke hir agayne betweene hys armes, and kissing
+her amorously, sayd: {"}Iulietta, the onely mistresse of my
+heart, I pray thee in the Name of God, and for the feruent Loue
+whych thou bearest vnto me, to doe away those vayne cogitations,
+excepte thou meane to seeke and hazard the destruction of vs
+both: for if thou perseuer in this purpose, there is no remedye
+but wee muste both perish: for so soone as thyne absence shalbe
+knowen, thy Father will make sutch earnest pursute after vs,
+that we cannot choose but be discried and taken, and in the ende
+cruelly punished, I as a theefe and stealer of thee, and thou as
+a dysobedyent Daughter to thy Father: and so in stead of
+pleasaunt and quiet Lyfe, our Dayes shalbe abridged by most
+shamefull Death. But if thou wylt recline thy self to reason,
+(the ryght rule of humane Lyfe,) and for the tyme abandon our
+mutuall delyghts, I will take sutch order in the time of my
+banishment, as within three or foure Months wythoute any delay,
+I shalbe reuoked home agayne: but if it fall out otherwyse (as I
+trust not,) howsoeuer it happen, I wyll come agayne vnto thee,
+and with the helpe of my Fryendes wyll fetch the from Verona by
+strong Hand, not in Counterfeit Apparell as a straunger, but
+lyke my spouse and perpetuall companion: in the meane tyme quyet
+your selfe, and be sure that nothing else but death shall deuide
+and put vs a sunder." The reasons of Rhomeo so mutch preuailed
+with Iulietta, as shee made hym thys aunswere: "My deare fryend,
+I wyll doe nothing contrary to your wyll and pleasure: and to
+what place so euer you repayre, my hearte shall bee your owne,
+in like sorte as you haue giuen yours to be mine: in the meane
+while I pray you not to faile oftentimes to aduertise me by
+Frier Laurence, in what state your affaires be, and specially of
+the place of your abode." Thus these two pore louers passed the
+Night togither, vntil the day began to appeare which did dyuyde
+them, to their extreame sorrow and gryef. Rhomeo hauiuge taken
+leaue of Iulietta, went to S. Fraunces, and after he hadde
+aduertysed Frier Laurence of his affaires, departed from Verona
+in the habit of a Marchaunt straunger, and vsed sutch
+expedytyon, as without hurt he arriued at Mantuona, (accompanied
+onely wyth Petre his Seruaunt, whome hee hastily sente backe
+agayne to Verona, to serue his Father) where he tooke a house:
+and lyuying in honorable companye, assayed certayne Monthes to
+put away the gryefe whych so tormented him. But duryng the tyme
+of his absence, miserable Iulietta could not so cloke hir
+sorrow, but that through the euyll colour of hir face, hir
+inwarde passion was discryed: by reason whereof hir Mother,
+who heard hir oftentimes sighing, and incessantly complayning,
+coulde not forbeare to say vnto hir: "Daughter, if you continue
+long after thys sort, you wyll hasten the Death of your good
+Father and me, who loue you so dearely as our owne lyues:
+wherefore henceforth moderate your heauinesse, and endeuor your
+self to be mery: think no more vpon the Death of your cosin
+Thibault, whome (sith it pleased God to cal away) do you thinke
+to reuoke wyth Teares, and so withstande his Almightye will?"
+But the pore Gentlewoman not able to dyssemble hir griefe, sayd
+vnto hir: "Madame, long time it is sithens the last Teares for
+Thibault were poured forth, and I beleue that the fountayne is
+so well soked and dried vp, as no more will spryng in that
+place." The mother which could not tell to what effect those
+Woords were spoken held hir peace, for feare she should trouble
+hir Daughter: and certayne Dayes after seeing hir to continue in
+heauinesse and continuall griefs, assaied by al meanes possible
+to know, aswell of hir, as of other the housholde Seruauntes,
+the occasion of their sorrow, but al in vayne: wherwith the pore
+mother vexed beyonde measure, purposed to let the Lord Antonio
+hir Husband to vnderstand the case of hir Daughter: and vppon a
+day seeing him at conuenient leisure, she sayd vnto him: "My
+Lord, if you haue marked the countenaunce of our daughter, and
+hir kinde of behauior sithens the Death of the Lord Thibault hir
+Cosyn, you shall perceiue so straunge mutation in hir, as it
+will make you to maruell, for she is not onely contented to
+forgoe meate, drinke and slepe, but she spendeth hir tyme in
+nothinge else then in Weeping and Lamentatyon, delighting to
+kepe hir self solytarye wythin hir Chamber, where she tormenteth
+hir self so outragiously as yf wee take not heede, hir Lyfe is
+to be doubted, and not able to knowe the Oryginall of hir Payne,
+the more difficulte shall be the remedye: for albeit that I haue
+sought meanes by all extremity, yet cannot I learne the cause of
+hir sicknesse: and where I thought in the beginning, that it
+proceded vpon the Death of hir Cosin, now I doe manifestly
+perceiue the contrary, specially when she hir self did assure me
+that she had already wept and shed the last teares for him that
+she was mynded to doe: and vncertayne whereuppon to resolue,
+I do thinke verily that she mourneth for some despite, to see
+the most part of theyr companions maried, and she yet
+vnprouyded, persuading with hir selfe (it may be) that wee hir
+Parents do not care for hir: wherefore deare Husband, I heartely
+beseech you for our rest and hir quiet, that hereafter ye be
+carefull to prouyde for hir some maryage worthy of our state."
+Whereunto the Lord Antonio, willingly agreed, saying vnto hir:
+"Wyfe, I haue many times thought vppon that whereof you speake,
+notwythstandyng sith as yet shee is not attayned to the age of
+XVIII. yeares, I thought to prouide a husband at leysure:
+neuerthelesse things beinge come to these Termes, and knowing
+the Virgins chastity is a dangerous Treasure, I wyll be mindfull
+of the same to your contentation, and she matched in sutch wyse,
+as she shall thynke the tyme hitherto well delayed. In the meane
+while marke dylygently whyther she bee in loue wyth any, to the
+end that we haue not so greate regarde to goodes, or the
+Nobylity of the house wherein we meane to bestow hir, as to the
+Lyfe and Health of our Daughter who is to me so deare as I had
+rather die a Begger without Landes or goods, than to bestow hir
+vpon one which shall vse and intreat hir il." Certayne dayes
+after that the Lorde Antonio had bruted the maryage of his
+daughter, many Gentlemen were suters, so wel for the excellency
+of hir Beauty, as for hir great Rychesse and reuenue. But aboue
+all others the alyaunce of a young Earle named Paris, the Counte
+of Lodronne, lyked the Lord Antonio: vnto whom lyberally he gaue
+his consent, and told his Wyfe the party vppon whom he dyd mean
+to bestow his Daughter. The mother very ioyful that they had
+found so honest a Gentleman for theyr Daughter, caused hir
+secretly to be called before hir, doyng hir to vnderstande what
+things had passed betwen hir father and the Counte Paris,
+discoursing vnto hir the beauty and good grace of the yong
+Counte, the vertues for which he was commended of al men,
+ioyning therevnto for conclusion the great richesse and fauor
+which he had in the goods of fortune, by means whereof she and
+hir Fryends should liue in eternal honor: but Iulietta which had
+rather to haue ben torne in pieces than to agree to that
+maryage, answered hir mother with a more than accustomed
+stoutnesse: "Madame, I mutch maruel, and therewithal am astonned
+that you being a Ladye discrete and honorable, wil be so liberal
+ouer your Daughter as to commit hir to the pleasure and wil of
+an other, before you do know how hir mind is bent: you may do as
+it pleaseth you, but of one thing I do wel assure you, that if
+you bring it to passe, it shal be against my wil: and touching
+the regard and estimation of Counte Paris, I shal first lose my
+Lyfe before he shal haue power to touch any part of my body:
+which being done, it is you that shal be counted the murderer,
+by deliueryng me into the handes of him, whome I neyther can,
+wil, or know whiche way to loue: wherefore I praye you to suffer
+me henceforth thus to lyue, wythout taking any further care of
+me, for so mutche as my cruell fortune hath otherwyse disposed
+of me." The dolorous Mother which knewe not what Iudgement to
+fixe vpon hir daughter's aunswere, lyke a woman confused and
+besides hir selfe went to seeke the Lord Antonio, vnto whom
+without conceyling any part of hir Daughter's aunswer, she dyd
+him vnderstand the whole. The good olde man offended beyond
+measure, commaunded her incontinently by Force to be brought
+before him, if of hir own good will she would not come: so soone
+as she came before hir Father, hir eyes full of teares, fel down
+at his fete, which she bathed with the luke warme drops that
+distilled from hir Eyes in great abundance, and thynkyng to open
+hir mouth to crye him mercy, the sobbes and sighes many tymes
+stopt hir speach, that shee remained dumbe not able to frame a
+Woorde. But the olde man nothing moued with his Daughter's
+Teares, sayd vnto hir in great rage: "Come hither thou vnkynd
+and dysobedient Daughter, hast thou forgotten how many tymes
+thou hast hearde spoken at the Table, of the puissance and
+authoryty our auncyente Romane Fathers had ouer their chyldren?
+vnto whom it was not onelye lawfull to sell, guage, and
+otherwyse dispose them (in theyr necessity) at their pleasure,
+but also which is more, they had absolute power ouer their Death
+and Lyfe? With what yrons, with what torments, with what racks
+would those good Fathers chasten and correct thee if they were a
+liue againe, to see that ingratitude, misbehauior and
+disobedience which thou vsest towards thy Father, who with many
+prayers and requestes hath prouided one of the greatest Lords of
+this prouince to be thy husband, a Gentleman of best renoume,
+and indued wyth all kynde of Vertues, of whom thou and I be
+vnworthy, both for the notable masse of goods and substance
+wherewith he is enriched, as also for the Honoure and
+generositie of the house whereof hee is discended, and yet thou
+playest the parte of an obstinate and rebellyous Chyld agaynst
+thy Father's will. I take the omnipotency of that Almightye God
+to witnesse, which hath vouchsafed to bryng the forth into this
+world, that if vpon Tuesday nexte thou failest to prepare thy
+selfe to be at my Castell of Villafranco, where the Counte Paris
+purposeth to meete vs, and there giue thy consent to that whych
+thy Mother and I haue agreed vppon, I will not onely depriue
+thee of my worldly goodes, but also will make the espouse and
+marie a pryson so straight and sharpe, as a thousande times thou
+shalt curse the Day and tyme wherein thou wast borne: wherfore
+from henceforth take aduisement what thou doest, for excepte the
+promise be kept which I haue made to the counte Paris, I will
+make the feele how greate the iust choler of an offended Father
+is against a Chylde vnkynde." And without staying for other
+answer of his Daughter, the olde man departed the Chamber, and
+lefte hir vppon hir knees. Iulietta knowing the fury of hir
+Father, fearing to incurre his indignation, or to prouoke his
+further wrath, retired for the day into hir Chamber, and
+contriued that whole Nyght more in weeping then slepyng. And the
+next Morning fayning to goe heare seruice, she went forth with
+the woman of hir Chamber to the Fryers, where she caused father
+Laurence to be called vnto hir, and prayed him to heare hir
+confession: and when she was vpon hir knees before hym, shee
+began hir Confession wyth Teares, tellinge him the greate
+mischyefe that was prepared for hir, by the maryage accorded
+betweene hir Father and the Counte Paris: and for conclusion
+sayd vnto him: "Sir, for so mutch as you know that I cannot by
+God's law bee maried twice, and that I haue but one God, one
+husband and one faith, I am determined when I am from hence,
+with these two hands which you see ioyned before you, this Day
+to ende my sorowful lyfe, that my soule may beare wytnesse in
+the Heauens, and my bloude vppon the Earth of my faith and
+loyalty preserued." Then hauyng ended hir talke, shee looked
+about hir, and seemed by hir wylde countenaunce, as though she
+had deuised some sinister purpose: wherefore Frier Laurence,
+astonned beyonde measure, fearyng least she would haue executed
+that which she was determyned, sayd vnto hir: "Mistresse
+Iulietta, I pray you in the name of God by little and little to
+moderate youre conceiued griefe, and to content your self whilst
+you bee heere, vntill I haue prouided what is best for you to
+doe, for before you part from hence, I will giue you sutch
+consolation and remedy for your afflictions, as you shall
+remaine satysfied and contented." And resolued vppon thys good
+minde, he speedily wente out of the Churche vnto his chamber,
+where he began to consider of many things, his conscience beyng
+moued to hinder the marriage betwene the Counte Paris and hir,
+knowing by his meanes she had espoused an other, and callynge to
+remembraunce what a daungerous enterprise he had begonne by
+committyng hymself to the mercy of a symple damosell, and that
+if shee fayled to bee wyse and secrete, all theyr doyngs should
+be discried, he defamed, and Rhomeo hir spouse punished. Hee
+then after he had well debated vpon infinite numbre of deuises,
+was in the end ouercome with pity, and determined rather to
+hazarde his honour, than to suffer the Adultery of the Counte
+Paris with Iulietta: and being determined herevpon, opened his
+closet, and takynge a vyall in his Hande, retourned agayne to
+Iulietta, whom he found lyke one that was in a Traunce,
+wayghtinge for newes, eyther of Lyfe or Death: of whome the good
+olde Father demaunded vpon what Day hir maryage was appoynted.
+"The firste daye of that appoyntment (quod shee) is vppon
+Wednesdaye, whych is the Daye ordeyned for my Consente of
+Maryage accorded betweene my father and Counte Paris, but the
+Nuptiall solemnitye is not before the X. day of September." "Wel
+then" (quod the religious father) "be of good cheere daughter,
+for our Lord God hathe opened a way vnto me both to deliuer you
+and Rhomeo from the prepared thraldom. I haue knowne your
+husband from his cradle, and hee hath daily committed vnto me
+the greatest secretes of hys Conscience, and I haue so dearely
+loued him agayne, as if hee had ben mine owne sonne: wherefore
+my heart can not abide that anye man should do him wrong in that
+specially wherein my Counsell may stande him in stede. And
+forsomutch as you are his wyfe, I ought lykewyse to loue you,
+and seke meanes to delyuer you from the martyrdome and Anguish
+wherewyth I see your heart besieged: vnderstande then (good
+Daughter) of a secrete which I purpose to manifest vnto you, and
+take heede aboue all thinges that you declare it to no liuing
+creature, for therein consisteth your life and Death. Ye be not
+ignorant by the common report of the Cityzens of this City, and
+by the same published of me, that I haue trauailed throughe all
+the Prouinces of the habytable Earthe, wherby duryng the
+continuall tyme of XX. yeres, I haue soughte no rest for my
+wearied body, but rather haue many times protruded the same to
+the mercy of brute beasts in the Wyldernesse, and many times
+also to the mercilesse Waues of the Seas, and to the pity of
+common Pirates together with a thousand other Daungers and
+shipwracks vppon Sea and Land. So it is good Daughter that all
+my wandring Voyages haue not bene altogethers vnprofitable. For
+besides the incredible contentation receiued ordinarily in mind,
+I haue gathered some particular fruyct, whereof by the grace of
+God you shall shortly feele some experience. I haue proued the
+secrete properties of Stones, of Plants, Metals, and other
+thinges hydden within the Bowels of the Earth, wherewith I am
+able to helpe my selfe againste the common Lawe of Men, when
+necessity doth serue: specyally in thynges wherein I know mine
+eternal God to be least offended. For as thou knowest I beynge
+approched as it were, euen to the Brymme of my Graue, and that
+the Tyme draweth neare for yeldynge of myne Accompte before the
+Audytor of all Audytors, I oughte therefore to haue some deepe
+knowledge and apprehension of God's iudgement more than I had
+when the heat of inconsidered youth did boyle within my lusty
+body. Know you therefore good daughter, that with those graces,
+and fauours which the heauens prodigally haue bestowed vpon me,
+I haue learned and proued of long time the composition of a
+certayne Paaste, which I make of diuers soporiferous simples,
+which beaten afterwards to Pouder, and dronke wyth a quantyty of
+Water, within a quarter of an houre after, bringeth the receiuer
+into sutch a sleepe, and burieth so deepely the senses and other
+sprites of life, that the cunningest Phisitian will iudge the
+party dead: and besides that it hath a more marueillous effect,
+for the person which vseth the same feeleth no kinde of griefe,
+and according to the quantity of the dough, the pacient
+remayneth in a sweete sleepe, but when the operation is wrought
+and done, hee returneth into his first estate. Now then Iulietta
+receiue myne instruction, put of all Feminine affection by
+taking vppon you a manly stomacke for by the only courage of
+your minde consisteth the hap or mishap of your affayres.
+Beholde here I geue you a Vyale which you shall keepe as your
+owne propre heart, and the night before your mariage, or in the
+morninge before day, you shall fil the same vp with water, and
+drink so mutch as is contayned therein. And then you shall feele
+a certayne kynde of pleasaunt sleepe, which incrochinge by litle
+and litle all the partes of your body, wil constrayne them in
+sutch wyse, as vnmoueable they shal remayne: and by not doing
+their accustomed dueties, shall loose their naturall feelinges,
+and you abide in sutch extasie the space of 40 houres at the
+least, without any beating of poulse or other perceptible
+motion, which shall so astonne them that come to see you, as
+they will iudge you to be deade, and according to the custome of
+our Citty, you shal be caried to the Churchyarde hard by our
+Church, where you shall be intoumbed in the common monument of
+the Capellets your auncestors, and in the meane tyme we will
+send word to lord Rhomeo by a speciall messanger of the effect
+of our deuice, who now abideth at Mantua. And the night
+following I am sure he will not fayle to be heere, then he and I
+together will open the graue, and lift vp your body, and after
+the operation of the Pouder is past, hee shall conuey you
+secretly to Mantua, vnknowen to all your Parents and frends.
+Afterwards (it may be) Tyme, the mother of Truth, shall cause
+concord betwene the offended City of Verona, and Rhomeo. At
+which time your common cause may be made open to the general
+contentacion of all your frends." The words of the good father
+ended, new ioy surprised the heart of Iulietta, who was so
+attentiue to his talke as she forgat no one poynct of hir
+lesson. Then she sayd vnto him: "Father, doubt not at all that
+my heart shall fayle in performaunce of your commaundement: for
+were it the strongest Poyson, or most pestiferous Venome, rather
+would I thrust it into my body, than to consent to fall in the
+hands of him, whom I vtterly mislike: with a right strong reason
+then may I fortifie my selfe, and offer my body to any kinde of
+mortall daunger to approch and draw neare to him, vpon whom
+wholly dependeth my Life and all the solace I haue in this
+World." "Go your wayes then my daughter" (quod the Frier) "the
+mighty hand of God keepe you, and hys surpassing power defende
+you, and confirme that will and good mynde of yours, for the
+accomplishment of this worke." Iulietta departed from frier
+Laurence, and returned home to hir father's Pallace about II. of
+the clock, where she found hir mother at the Gate attending for
+hir: And in good deuotion demaunded if shee continued still in
+hir former follies? But Iulietta with more gladsome cheere than
+she was wont to vse, not suffering hir mother to aske agayne,
+sayd vnto hir: "Madame I come from S. Frauncis Church, where I
+haue taried longer peraduenture than my duety requireth: how be
+it not without fruict and great rest to my afflicted conscience,
+by reason of the godly persuasions of our ghostly Father Frier
+Laurence, vnto whom I haue made a large declaration of my life.
+And chiefly haue communicated vnto him in confession, that which
+hath past betwene my Lord my father and you, vpon the mariage of
+Countee Paris and me. But the good man hath reconciled me by his
+holy words, and commendable exhortations, that where I had minde
+neuer to mary, now I am well disposed to obey your pleasure and
+commaundement. Wherfore, madame, I beseech you to recouer the
+fauor and good wyl of my father, aske pardon in my behalfe, and
+say vnto him (if it please you) that by obeying his Fatherly
+request, I am ready to meete the Countee Paris at Villafranco,
+and there in your presence to accept him for my Lorde and
+husband: In assuraunce whereof, by your pacience, I meane to
+repayre into my Closet, to make choise of my most pretious
+Iewels, that I being richly adorned, and decked, may appeare
+before him more agreeable to his mynde, and pleasure.{"} The
+good mother rapt with exceeding great ioy, was not able to
+aunswere a word, but rather made speede to seeke out hir husband
+the Lord Antonio, vnto whom she reported the good will of hir
+daughter, and how by meanes of Frier Laurence hir minde was
+chaunged. Whereof the good olde man maruellous ioyfull, praysed
+God in heart, saying: "Wife this is not the firste good turne
+which we haue receiued of that holy man, vnto whom euery
+Cittizen of this Common wealth is dearely bounde. I would to God
+that I had redeemed 20 of his yeares with the third parte of my
+goods, so grieuous is to me his extreme old age.' The selfe same
+houre the Lord Antonio went to seeke the Countee Paris, whom hee
+thought to perswade to goe to Villafranco. But the countee told
+him agayne, that the charge would be to great, and that better
+it were to reserue that cost to the mariage day, for the better
+celebration of the same. Notwithstanding if it were his
+pleasure, he would himselfe goe visite Iulietta: and so they
+went together. The Mother aduertised of his comming, caused hir
+daughter to make hir selfe ready, and to spare no costly Iewels
+for adorning of hir beauty agaynst the Countee's comming, which
+she bestowed so well for garnishing of hir Personage, that
+before the Countee parted from the house, shee had so stolne
+away his heart, as he liued not from that time forth, but vpon
+meditation of hir beauty, and slacked no time for acceleration
+of the mariage day, ceasing not to be importunate vpon father
+and mother for th'ende and consummation thereof. And thus with
+ioy inough passed forth this day and many others vntil the day
+before the mariage, against which time the mother of Iulietta
+did so well prouide, that there wanted nothing to set forth the
+magnificence and nobility of their house. Villafranco whereof we
+haue made mention, was a place of pleasure, where the Lord
+Antonio was wont many tymes to recreate himselfe a mile or two
+from Verona, there the dynner was prepared, for so mutch as the
+ordinary solemnity of necessity muste be done at Verona.
+Iulietta perceyuing hir time to approache dyssembled the matter
+so well as shee coulde: and when tyme forced hir to retire to
+hir Chamber, hir Woman would have waited vppon hir, and haue
+lyen in hir Chambre, as hir custome was: but Iulietta sayd vnto
+hir: "Good and faithfull mother, you know that to morrow is my
+maryage Day, and for that I would spend the most parte of the
+Nyght in prayer, I pray you for this time to let me alone, and
+to morrow in the Mornyng about VI. of the clocke come to me
+agayne to helpe make mee readie." The good olde woman willing to
+follow hir minde, suffred hir alone, and doubted nothyng of that
+which she did meane to do. Iulietta beinge within hir Chambre
+hauing an eawer ful of Water standing vppon the Table filled the
+viole which the Frier gaue her: and after she had made the
+mixture, she set it by hir bed side, and went to Bed. And being
+layde, new thoughtes began to assaile hir, with a conceipt of
+grieuous Death, which brought hir into sutch case as she could
+not tell what to doe, but playning incessantly sayd: "Am not I
+the most vnhappy and desperat creature, that euer was borne of
+Woman? For mee there is nothyng left in this wretched worlde but
+mishap, misery, and mortall woe, my distresse hath brought me to
+sutch extremity, as to saue mine honor and conscience, I am
+forced to deuoure the drynke whereof I know not the vertue: but
+what know I (sayd she) whether the Operatyon of thys Pouder will
+be to soone or to late, or not correspondent to the due tyme,
+and that my fault being discouered, I shall remayne a Fable to
+the People? What know I moreouer, if the Serpents and other
+venomous and crauling Wormes, whych commonly frequent the Graues
+and pittes of the Earth wyll hurt me, thynkyng that I am deade.
+But howe shall I indure the stynche of so many carions and Bones
+of myne auncestors whych rest in the Graue, yf by fortune I do
+awake before Rhomeo and Fryer Laurence doe come to help mee?"
+And as shee was thus plunged in the deepe contemplatyon of
+thynges, she thought that she saw a certayn vision or fansie of
+hir Cousin Thibault, in the very same sort as shee sawe him
+wounded and imbrued wyth Bloud, and musing how that she must be
+buried quick amongs so many dead Carcases and deadly naked
+bones, hir tender and delycate body began to shake and tremble,
+and hir yelowe lockes to stare for feare, in sutch wyse as
+fryghtned with terroure, a cold sweate beganne to pierce hir
+heart and bedewe the reste of al hir membres, in sutch wise as
+she thought that an hundred thousand Deathes did stande about
+hir, haling hir on euery side, and plucking hir in pieces, and
+feelyng that hir forces diminyshed by lyttle and lyttle, fearing
+that through to great debilyty she was not able to do hir
+enterpryse, like a furious and insensate Woman, with out further
+care, gulped vp the Water wythin the Voyal, then crossing hir
+armes vpon hir stomacke, she lost at that instante all the
+powers of hir Body, restyng in a Traunce. And when the morning
+lyght began to thrust his head out of his Oryent, hir Chaumber
+Woman which had lockte hir in with the Key, did open the doore,
+and thynkyng to awake hir, called hir many tymes, and sayd vnto
+hir: "Mistresse, you sleepe to long, the Counte Paris will come
+to raise you." The poore olde Woman spake vnto the wall, and
+sange a song vnto the deafe. For if all the horrible and
+tempestuous soundes of the world had bene cannoned forth out of
+the greatest bombardes and sounded through hir delycate Eares,
+hir spyrites of Lyfe were so fast bounde and stopt, as she by no
+meanes coulde awake, wherewith the pore olde Woman amazed, began
+to shake hir by the armes and Handes, whych she found so colde
+as marble stone. Then puttyng Hande vnto hir Mouthe, sodainely
+perceyued that she was dead, for shee perceyued no breath in
+hir. Wherefore lyke a Woman out of hir Wyttes, shee ranne to
+tell hir mother, who so madde as a Tigre, berefte of hir Faunes
+hied hir selfe into hir Daughter's Chaumber, and in that pitiful
+state beholdynge hir Daughter, thinkyng hir to be deade, cried
+out: "Ah cruell Death, which hast ended all my ioye and Blysse,
+vse the last scourge of thy wrathfull ire agaynst me, least by
+sufferyng mee to liue the rest of my woefull Dayes, my Torment
+doe increase." Then she began to fetch sutch strayning sighes,
+as hir heart did seeme to cleaue in pieces. And as hir cries
+began to encrease, behold the Father, the County Paris, and a
+great troupe of Gentlemen and Ladies, which were come to honour
+the feaste, hearing no sooner tell of that which chaunced, were
+stroke into sutch sorrowfull dumpes as he which had beheld their
+Faces would easily haue iudged that the same had ben a day of
+ire and pity, specially the Lord Antonio, whose heart was
+frapped with sutch surpassing woe, as neither teare nor word
+could issue forth, and knowing not what to doe, straight way
+sent to seeke the most expert Phisitians of the towne, who after
+they had inquired of the life past of Iulietta, deemed by common
+reporte, that melancoly was the cause of that sodayne death, and
+then their sorows began to renue a fresh. And if euer day was
+Lamentable, Piteous, Vnhappy, and Fatall, truly it was that
+wherein Iulietta hir death was published in Verona: for shee was
+so bewayled of great and small, that by the common playnts, the
+Common wealth seemed to be in daunger, and not without cause:
+for besides hir naturall beauty (accompanied with many vertues
+wherewith nature had enriched hir) she was else so humble, wise,
+and debonaire, as for that humility and curtesie she had stollen
+away the hearts of euery wight, and there was none but did
+lament hir Misfortune. And whilest these thinges were in this
+lamented state, Frier Laurence with diligence dispatched a Frier
+of his Couent, named Frier Anselme, whom he trusted as himselfe,
+and deliuered him a Letter written with hys owne hande,
+commaunding him expressely not to giue the same to any other but
+to Rhomeo, wherein was conteyned the chaunce which had passed
+betwene him and Iulietta, specially the vertue of the Pouder,
+and commaunded him the nexte ensuinge Nighte to speede himselfe
+to Verona, for that the operation of the Pouder that time would
+take ende, and that he should cary wyth him back agayne to
+Mantua his beloued Iulietta, in dissembled apparell, vntill
+Fortune had otherwise prouided for them. The frier made sutch
+hast as (too late) hee arriued at Mantua, within a while after.
+And bicause the maner of Italy is, that the Frier trauayling
+abroade ought to take a companion of his couent to doe his
+affaires wythin the City, the Fryer went into his couent, and
+for that he was within, it was not lawfull for him to come oute
+againe that Day, bicause that certain dayes before, one
+relygious of that couent as it was sayd, dyd dye of the plague:
+wherefore the Magistrates appoynted for the health and
+visitation of the sick, commaunded the Warden of the House that
+no Friers should wander abrode the city, or talke with any
+Citizen, vntil they were licensed by the officers in that
+behalfe appoynted, which was the cause of the great mishap which
+you shal heare hereafter. The Friar being in this perplexitye,
+not able to goe forth, and not knowyng what was contayned in the
+Letter, deferred hys Jorney for that Day. Whilst things were in
+thys plyght, preparation was made at Verona, to doe the
+obsequies of Iulietta. There is a custome also (which is common
+in Italy,) to laye all the best of one lignage and Familye in
+one Tombe, wherevppon Iulietta was intoumbed, in the ordinary
+Graue of the Capellettes, in a Churcheyarde, hard by the Churche
+of the Fryers, where also the Lord Thibault was interred, whose
+Obsequies honorably done, euery man returned: whereunto Pietro,
+the seruaunt of Rhomeo, gaue hys assystance: for as we haue
+before declared, hys mayster sente hym backe agayne from Mantua
+to Verona, to do his father seruice, and to aduertise him of
+that which should chaunce in his absence there: who seeyng the
+Body of Iulietta, inclosed in Toumbe, thinkyng with the reste
+that shee had bene dead in deede, incontinently tooke poste
+horse, and with dylygence rode to Mantua, where he founde his
+Mayster in his wonted house, to whom he sayde, wyth hys Eyes
+full of Teares: "Syr, there is chaunced vnto you so straunge a
+matter as if so be you do not arme your selfe with Constancye,
+I am afrayed that I shall be the cruell minyster of your Death:
+be it known vnto you sir, that yesterday morning my mistresse
+Iulietta left hir Lyfe in thys Worlde to seeke rest in an other:
+and wyth these Eyes I saw her buryed in the Churchyarde of S.
+Frauncis." At the sounde of whych heauye message, Rhomeo begann
+woefullye to Lamente, as though hys spyrites gryeued wyth the
+Tormente of his Passion at that instant would haue abandoned his
+Bodye. But stronge Loue which woulde not permytte him to faynt
+vntyl the extremity, framed a thoughte in hys fantesie, that if
+it were possyble for him to dye besides hir his Death should be
+more gloryous, and shee (as he thought) better contented: by
+reason whereof, after he had washed his face for feare to
+discouer his sorrowe, hee wente out of his Chamber, and
+commaunded hys man to tarry behynd him, that he myght walke
+through out all the Corners of the Citye, to finde propre
+remedye (if it were possyble) for hys gryefe. And amonges
+others, beholdynge an Apoticarye's shop of lyttle furnyture and
+lesse store of Boxes and other thinges requisite for that
+scyence, thought that the verye pouerty of the mayster
+Apothecarye would make hym wyllingle yeld to that which he
+pretended to demaunde: and after he had taken hym aside,
+secretly sayde vnto him: "Syr, if you be the Mayster of the
+House, as I thynk you be, beholde here Fifty Ducates, whych I
+gyue you to the intent you delyuer me some strong and vyolente
+Poyson that within a quarter of an houre is able to procure
+Death vnto hym that shall vse it." The couetous Apothecarye
+entysed by gayne, agreed to his request, and faynying to gyue
+hym some other medycine before the People's Face, he speedily
+made ready a strong and cruell Poyson, afterwardes he sayd unto
+him softly: "Syr, I guye you more than is needefull, for the one
+halfe is able to destroy the strongest manne of the world:" who
+after he hadde receyued the poyfon, retourned home, where he
+commaunded his man to departe with diligence to Verona, and that
+he should make prouision of candels, a tynder Boxe, and other
+Instrumentes meete for the opening of the graue of Iulietta, and
+that aboue all things hee shoulde not fayle to attende his
+commynge besides the Churchyarde of S. Frauncis, and vppon Payne
+of Life to keepe hys intente in silence. Which Pietro obeied in
+order as hys maister had requyred, and made therin sutch
+expedityon, as he arriued in good time to Verona, taking order
+for al things that wer commaunded him. Rhomeo in the meane while
+being solycyted wyth mortall thoughtes caused incke and paper to
+be broughte vnto hym, and in few words put in wryting all the
+discourse of his loue, the mariage of him and Iulietta, the
+meane obserued for consummation of the same, the helpe that he
+had of Frier Laurence, the buying of his Poyson, and last of all
+his death. Afterwardes hauing finished his heauy tragedy, hee
+closed the letters, and sealed the same with his seale, and
+directed the Superscription thereof to hys Father: and puttyng
+the letters into his pursse, he mounted on horsebacke, and vsed
+sutch dylygence, as he arriued vppon darke Nyght at the Citye of
+Verona, before the gates were shut, where he founde his
+seruaunte tarying for him with a Lanterne and instrumentes as is
+before sayd, meete for the opening of the graue, vnto whome hee
+said: "Pietro, helpe mee to open this Tombe, and so soone as it
+is open I commaunde thee vppon payne of thy life, not to come
+neere mee, nor to stay me from the thing I purpose to doe.
+Beholde, there is a letter which thou shalt present to morrow in
+the mornyng to my Father at his vprysing, which peraduenture
+shall please him better than thou thinkest." Pietro, not able to
+imagine what was his maister's intent, stode somewhat aloofe to
+beholde his maister's gestes and Countenance. And when they had
+opened the Vaulte, Rhomeo descended downe two steppes, holdyng
+the candel in his hand and began to behold wyth pityfull Eye,
+the body of hir, which was the organ of his Eyes, and kyst it
+tenderly, holdyng it harde betwen his armes, and not able to
+satisfie him selfe with hir sight, put hys fearefull handes
+vppon the colde stomacke of Iulietta. And after he had touched
+hir in many places, and not able to feele anye certayne
+Iudgemente of Lyfe, he drewe the Poyson out of hys boxe, and
+swallowyng downe a great quantytye of the same, cryed out: "O
+Iulietta, of whome the Worlde was vnworthye, what Death is it
+possyble my Hearte coulde choose oute more agreeable than that
+whych yt suffereth harde by thee? what Graue more Gloryous, than
+to bee buried in thy Toumbe? what more woorthy or excellent
+Epytaphe can bee vowed for Memorye, than the mutuall and
+pytyfull Sacryfice of our lyues?" And thinkinge to renue his
+sorrowe, his hearte began to frette through the vyolence of the
+Poyson, whiche by lyttle and lyttle assailed the same, and
+lookyng about hym, espied the Bodye of the Lorde Thibault, lying
+nexte vnto Iulietta, whych as yet was not al together putrified,
+and speakyng to the bodye as though it hadde bene alyue, sayde:
+"In what place so euer thou arte (O Cousyn Thibault) I most
+heartely do crye the mercye for the offence whych I haue done by
+depryuing of thy Lyfe: and yf thy Ghost doe wyshe and crye out
+for Vengeaunce vppon mee, what greater or more cruell
+satysfaction canste thou desyre to haue, or henceforth hope for,
+than to see him whych murdered thee, to bee empoysoned with his
+owne handes, and buryed by thy side?" Then endynge hys talke,
+felyng by lyttle and lyttle that his lyfe began to fayle,
+falling prostrate vppon his knees, wyth feeble voyce hee softely
+sayd: "O my Lord God, which to redeeme me didest discend from
+the bosom of thy Father, and tookest humane fleshe in the Wombe
+of the Vyrgine, I acknowledge and confesse, that this body of
+myne is nothing else but Earth and Dust." Then seazed vppon wyth
+desperate sorrow, he fell downe vppon the Body of Iulietta with
+sutch vehemence, as the heart faint and attenuated with too
+great torments, not able to beare so hard a vyolence, was
+abandoned of all his sense and Naturall powers, in sutch sorte
+as the siege of hys soule fayled him at that instant, and his
+members stretched forthe, remayned stiffe and colde. Fryer
+Laurence whych knew the certayne tyme of the pouder's operation,
+maruelled that he had no answere of the Letter which he sent to
+Rhomeo by his fellowe Fryer Anselme, departed from S. Frauncis
+and with Instruments for the purpose, determined to open the
+Graue to let in aire to Iulietta, whych was ready to wake: and
+approchyng the place, hee espied a lyght within, which made him
+afraide vntyll that Pietro whych was hard by, had certyfied hym
+that Rhomeo was with in, and had not ceased there to Lamente and
+Complayne the space of halfe an Houre: and when they two were
+entred the Graue and finding Rhomeo without Lyfe, made sutch
+sorrowe as they can well coneyue whych Loue their deare Fryende
+wyth lyke perfection. And as they were making theyr complaints,
+Iulietta rising out of hir traunce, and beholding light within
+the Toumbe, vncertayne wheather it were a dreame or fantasie
+that appeared before his eyes, comming agayne to hir selfe, knew
+Frier Laurence, vnto whom she said: "Father, I pray thee in the
+name of God to perfourme thy promise, for I am almost deade."
+And then frier Laurence concealing nothing from hir, (bycause he
+feared to be taken through his too long abode in that place)
+faithfully rehearsed vnto hir, how he had sent frier Anselme to
+Rhomeo at Mantua, from whom as yet hee had receiued no aunswere.
+Notwithstanding he found Rhomeo dead in the graue, whose body he
+poyncted vnto, lyinge hard by hir, praying hir sith it was so,
+paciently to beare that sodayne misfortune, and that if it
+pleased hir, he would conuey hir into some monastery of women
+where she might in time moderate hir sorrow, and giue rest vnto
+hir minde. Iulietta had no sooner cast eye vppon the deade corps
+of Rhomeo, but began to breake the fountayne pipes of gushing
+teares, which ran forth in sutch aboundance, as not able to
+support the furor of hir griefe, she breathed without ceasing
+vpon his mouth, and then throwen hir selfe vppon his body, and
+embracing it very hard, seemed that by force of sighes and sobs,
+she would haue reuiued, and brought him againe to life, and
+after she had kissed and rekissed hym a million of times, she
+cried out: "Ah the sweete reste of my cares, and the onely port
+of all my pleasures and pastimes, hadst thou so sure a hearte to
+choose thy Churchyarde in this place betwene the armes of thy
+perfect Louer, and to ende the course of thy life for my sake in
+the floure of thy Youth when lyfe to thee should have bene most
+deare and delectable? how had this tender body power to resist
+the furious Coumbat of death, very death it selfe here present?
+how coulde thy tender and delicate youth willingly permit that
+thou shouldest approch into this filthy and infected place,
+where from henceforth thou shalt be the pasture of Worms
+vnworthy of thee? Alas, alas, by what meanes shall I now renue
+my playnts, which time and long pacience ought to haue buried
+and clearely quenched? Ah I, miserable and Caitife wretch,
+thinking to finde remedy for my griefs, haue sharpned the Knife
+that hath gieuen me this cruell blow, whereof I receiue the
+cause of mortall wound. Ah, happy and fortunate graue which
+shalt serue in world to come for witnesse of the most perfect
+aliaunce that euer was betwene two most infortunate louers,
+receyue now the last sobbing sighes, and intertayment of the
+most cruell of all the cruell subiects of ire and death." And as
+she thought to continue hir complaynts, Pietro aduertised Frier
+Laurence that he heard a noyse besides the citadell, wherewyth
+being afrayd, they speadily departed, fearing to be taken: and
+then Iulietta seeing hir selfe alone, and in full Liberty, tooke
+agayne Rhomeo betweene hir armes, kissing him with sutch
+affection, as she seemed to be more attaynted with loue than
+death, and drawing out the Dagger which Rhomeo ware by his side,
+she pricked hir selfe with many blowes against the heart,
+sayinge with feeble and pitiful voice: "Ah death the end of
+sorrow, and beginning of felicity, thou art most hartely
+welcome: feare not at this time to sharpen thy dart: giue no
+longer delay of life, for feare that my sprite trauayle not to
+finde Rhomeo's ghost amongs sutch number of carion corpses: and
+thou my deare Lord and loyall husband Rhomeo, if there rest in
+thee any knowledge, receyue hir whom thou hast so faythfully
+loued, the onely cause of thy violent death, which frankely
+offreth vp hir soule that none but thou shalt ioy the loue
+whereof thou hast made so lawfull conquest, and that our soules
+passing from this light, may eternally liue together in the
+place of euerlasting ioy." And when she had ended those wordes
+shee yelded vp hir ghost. While these thinges thus were done,
+the garde and watch of the Citty by chaunce passed by, and
+seeing light within the graue, suspected straight that there
+were some Necromancers which had opened the Toumbe to abuse the
+deade bodies for ayde of their arte: and desirous to knowe what
+it ment, went downe into the vaut, where they found Rhomeo and
+Iulietta, with their armes imbracing ech other's neck, as though
+there had bene some token of lyfe. And after they had well
+viewed them at leysure, they perceyued in what case they were:
+and then all amazed they sought for the theeues which (as they
+thought) had done the murther, and in the ende founde the good
+father Fryer Laurence, and Pietro the seruaunte of deade Rhomeo
+(whych had hid themselues under a stall) whom they caryed to
+Pryson, and aduertysed the Lord of Escala, and the magistrates
+of Verona of that horrible murder, which by and by was published
+throughoute the City. Then flocked together al the Citizens,
+women and children leauyng their houses, to loke vppon that
+pityful sighte, and to the Ende that in presence of the whole
+Cytie, the murder should be knowne, the Magistrates ordayned
+that the two deade Bodies should he erected vppon a stage to the
+view and sight of the whole World, in sutch sorte and manner as
+they were found withyn the Graue, and that Pietro and frier
+Laurence should publikely bee examyned, that afterwardes there
+myght be no murmure or other pretended cause of ignoraunce. And
+thys good olde Frier beyinge vppon the Scaffold, hauinge a whyte
+Bearde all wet and bathed with Teares, the Iudges commaunded him
+to declare vnto them who were the Authors of that Murder, sith
+at vntimely houre hee was apprehended with certayne Irons
+besides the Graue. Fryer Laurence, a rounde and franke Man of
+talke, nothyng moued with that accusation, answered them with
+stoute and bolde voyce: "My maisters, there is none of you all
+(if you haue respect vnto my forepassed Life, and to my aged
+Yeres, and therewithall haue consideration of this heauy
+spectacle, whereunto vnhappy fortune hathe presently brought me)
+but doeth greatly maruell of so sodaine mutation and change
+vnlooked for so mutch as these three score and Ten or twelue
+Yeares sithens I came into this Worlde, and began to proue the
+vanities thereof, I was neuer suspected, touched, or found
+guilty of any crime which was able to make me blushe, or hide my
+face, although (before God) I doe confesse my self to be the
+greatest and most abhominable sinner of al the redeemed flocke
+of Christ. So it is notwythstanding, that sith I am prest and
+ready to render mine accompte, and that Death, the Graue and
+wormes do dailye summon this wretched corps of myne to appeare
+before the Iustyce seate of God, still wayghtyng and attending
+to be carried to my hoped graue, this is the houre I say, as you
+likewise may thinke wherein I am fallen to the greatest damage
+and preiudice of my Lyfe and honest porte, and that which hath
+ingendred thys synyster opynyon of mee, may peraduenture bee
+these greate Teares which in abundaunce tryckle downe my Face as
+though the holy scriptures do not witnesse, that Jesus Christ
+moued with humayne pitty, and compassion, did weepe, and poure
+forth teares, and that many times teares be the faythfull
+messengers of a man's innocency. Or else the most likely
+euidence, and presumption, is the suspected hour, which (as the
+magistrate doth say) doth make mee culpable of the murder, as
+though all houres were not indifferently made equall by God
+their Creator, who in his owne person declareth vnto vs that
+there be twelue houres in the Day, shewing thereby that there is
+no exception of houres nor of minutes, but that one may doe
+eyther good or ill at all times indifferently, as the party is
+guided or forsaken by the sprite of God: touching the Irons
+which were founde about me, needefull it is not now to let you
+vnderstand for what vse Iron was first made, and that of it
+selfe it is not able to increase in man eyther good or euill, if
+not by the mischieuous minde of hym which doth abuse it. Thus
+mutch I haue thought good to tell you, to the intent that
+neyther teares nor Iron, ne yet suspected houre, are able to
+make me guilty of the murder, or make me otherwyse than I am,
+but only the witnesse of mine owne conscience, which alone if I
+were guilty should be the accuser, the witnesse, and the
+hangman, whych, by reason of mine age and the reputation I haue
+had amonges you, and the little time that I haue to liue in this
+World shoulde more torment me within, than all the mortall
+paynes that could be deuised: but (thankes be to myne eternall
+God) I feele no worme that gnaweth, nor any remorse that
+pricketh me touching that fact, for which I see you all troubled
+and amazed: and to set your harts at rest, and to remoue the
+doubts which hereafter may torment your consciences, I sweare
+vnto you by all the heauenly parts wherein I hope to be, that
+forthwith I will disclose from first to last the entire
+discourse of this pitifull tragedy, whych peraduenture shall
+driue you into no lesse wondre and amaze, than those two poore
+passionate Louers were strong and pacient, to expone themselues
+to the mercy of death, for the feruent and indissoluble loue
+betwene then." Then the Fatherly Frier began to repeate the
+beginning of the loue betwene Iulietta, and Rhomeo, which by
+certayne space of time confirmed, was prosecuted by wordes at
+the first, then by mutual promise of mariage, vnknown to the
+world. And as within few dayes after, the two Louers feelinge
+themselues sharpned and incited with stronger onset, repaired
+vnto him vnder colour of confession, protesting by othe that
+they were both maried, and that if he woulde not solempnize that
+mariage in the face of the Church, they should be constrayned to
+offend God to liue in disordred lust: in consideration whereof,
+and specially seeing their alliaunce to be good, and comfortable
+in dignity, richesse and Nobility on both sides, hoping by that
+meanes perchaunce to reconcile the Montesches, and Capellets,
+and that by doing sutch an acceptable worke to God, he gaue them
+the Churches blessingin a certayne Chappel of the friers church
+whereof the night following they did consummate the mariage
+fruicts in the Pallace of the Capellets. For testimony of which
+copulation, the woman of Iuliettae's Chamber was able to depose:
+Adding moreouer, the murder of Thibault, which was Cousin to
+Iulietta: by reason whereof the banishment of Rhomeo did
+followe, and howe in the absence of the sayd Rhomeo, the mariage
+being kept secret betwene them, a new Matrimony was intreated
+wyth the Countee Paris, which misliked by Iulietta, she fell
+prostrate at his feete in a Chappell of S. Frauncis church, with
+full determination to haue killed hirself with hir owne hands,
+if he gaue hir not councell how she should auoyde the mariage
+agreed betwene hir father and the Countee Paris. For conclusion,
+he sayd, that although he was resolued by reason of his age, and
+nearenesse of death to abhorre all secrete Sciences, wherein in
+his younger yeares he had delight, notwithstanding, pressed with
+importunity, and moued with pitty, fearing least Iulietta should
+do some cruelty agaynst hirselfe, he strayned his conscience,
+and chose rather with some little fault to grieue his minde,
+than to suffer the young gentlewoman to destroy hir body, and
+hazarde the daunger of hir soule: and therefore he opened some
+part of his auncient cunning, and gaue her a certayne Pouder to
+make hir sleepe, by meanes whereof she was thought to be deade.
+Then he tolde them how he had sent Frier Anselme to cary letters
+to Rhomeo of their enterprise, whereof hitherto he had no
+aunswere. Then briefly he concluded how he found Rhomeo dead
+within the graue, who as it is most likely did impoyson
+himselfe, or was otherwise smothered or suffocated with sorow by
+findinge Iulietta in that state, thinking shee had bene dead.
+Then he tolde them how Iulietta did kill hirselfe with the
+Dagger of Rhomeo to beare him company after his death, and how
+it was impossible for them to saue hir for the noyse of the
+watch which forced theym to flee from thence. And for more ample
+approbation of his saying, he humbly besought the Lord of Verona
+and the Magistrats to send to Mantua for Frier Anselme to know
+the cause of his slack returne, that the content of the letter
+sent to Rhomeo might be seene: to examine the Woman of the
+Chamber of Iulietta, and Pietro the seruaunt of Rhomeo, who not
+attending for further request, sayd vnto them: "My Lordes, when
+Rhomeo entred the graue, he gaue me this Pacquet, written as I
+suppose with his owne hand, who gaue me expresse commaundement
+to deliuer it to his father." The pacquet opened, they found the
+whole effect of this story, specially the Apothecarie's name,
+which sold him the Poyson, the price, and the cause wherefore he
+vsed it, and all appeared to be so cleare and euident, as there
+rested nothing for further verification of the same, but their
+presence at the doing of the particulers thereof, for the whole
+was so well declared in order, as they were out of doubt that
+the same was true: and then the Lord Bartholomew of Escala,
+after he had debated with the Magistrates of these euents,
+decreed that the Woman of Iulietta hir chamber should bee
+banished, because shee did conceale that priuy mariage from the
+Father of Rhomeo, which if it had beene knowne in tyme, had bred
+to the whole Citty an vniuersall benefit. Pietro because he
+obeyed hys mayster's commaundement, and kept close hys lawfull
+secrets, according to the well conditioned nature of a trusty
+seruaunt, was set at liberty. The Poticary taken, rackt, and
+founde guilty, was hanged. The good olde man Frier Laurence, as
+well for respect of his auncient seruice which he had done to
+the common wealth of Verona, as also for his vertuous life (for
+the which hee was specially recommended) was let goe in peace,
+without any note of Infamy. Notwithstanding by reason of his
+age, he voluntarily gaue ouer the World, and closed himselfe in
+an Hermitage, two miles from Verona, where he liued 5 or 6
+yeares, and spent hys tyme in continuall prayer, vntil he was
+called out of this transitory worlde, into the blisful state of
+euerlasting ioy. And for the compassion of so straunge an
+infortune, the Montesches, and Capellets poured forth sutch
+abundaunce of teares, as with the same they did euacuate their
+auncient grudge and choler, whereby they were then reconciled:
+and they which coulde not bee brought to attonement by any
+wisedome or humayne councell, were in the ende vanquished and
+made frends by pity: and to immortalizate the memory of so
+intier and perfect amity, the Lord of Verona ordayned, that the
+two bodies of those miraculous Louers should be fast intoumbed
+in the graue where they ended their lyues, in which place was
+erected a high marble Piller, honoured with an infinite number
+of excellent Epytaphes, which to this day be apparaunt, with
+sutch noble memory, as amongs all the rare excellencies,
+wherewith that City is furnished, there is none more Famous than
+the Monument of Rhomeo and Iulietta.
+
+
+
+
+THE TWENTY-SIXTH NOUELL.
+
+  _Two gentlemen of Venice were honourably deceiued of their
+  Wyues, whose notable practises, and secret conference for
+  atchieuinge their desire, occasioned diuers accidentes, and
+  ingendred double benefit: wherein also is recited an eloquent
+  oration, made by one of them, pronounced before the Duke
+  and state of that Cittye: with other chaunces and actes
+  concerninge the same._
+
+
+Heere haue I thought good to summon 2 Gentlewomen of Venice to
+appeare in Place, and to mount on Stage amongs other Italian
+Dames to shew cause of their bolde incountrey agaynst the Folly
+of their two Husbands, that vncharitably without respect of
+neyghbourhoode, went about to assayle the honesty of eyther's
+wyfe, and weening they had enioyed others felicity, by the
+womens prudence, foresight and ware gouernment, were both
+deceiued, and yet attayned the chiefest benefit that mariage
+state doth looke for: so that if search bee made amonges
+antiquities, it is to be doubted wheather greater chastity, and
+better pollicy could be founde for accomplishment of an intended
+purpose. Many deedes haue ben done by women for sauegard of
+their Husbandes lyues, as that of the Minyæ, a sort of Women
+whose husbandes were imprisoned at Lacedæmon, and for treason
+condemned, who to saue their liues, entred into prison the night
+before they should dy, and by exchange of apparell, deliuered
+them, and remayned there to suffer for them. Of Hipsicratea also
+the Queene and Wyfe of Mithridates king of Pontus, who spared
+not hir Noble beauty and golden lockes to manure hir selfe in
+the vse of armes, to keepe hir husband company in perils and
+daungers: and being ouercome by Pompeius, and flying away, neuer
+left him vnaccompanied, ne forsooke sutch trauayle as he
+himselfe sustayned. The like also of Æmilia, Turia, Sulpitia,
+Portia, and other Romane Dames. But that sutch haue preuented
+their husband's folly, seldome we reade, sauing of Queene Marie,
+the Wife of Don Pietro king of Arragon, who marking the
+insolency of hir husband, and sory for his disordred life,
+honest iealousie opening hir continent eyes, forced hir to seeke
+meanes to remoue his wanton acts, or at leastwise by pollicy and
+wise foresight to make him husbande and culture his own soyle,
+that for want of seasonable tillage was barren and voyde of
+fruicte. Wherefore consulting with the Lord chamberlayne, who of
+custome brought whom the king liked best, was in place of his
+woman bestowed in his Bed, and of her that night begat the yong
+Prynce Giacomo, that afterwardes proued a valiaunte, and wise
+king. These passing good pollicies of women many times abolish
+the frantik lecherous fits of husbands gieuen to superfluous
+lusts, when first by their chast behauiour and womanly patience
+they contayne that which they be loth to see or heare of, and
+then demaunding counsell of sobriety and wisedome, excogitate
+sleights to shun folly, and expell discurtesie, by husbande's
+carelesse vse. Sutch practises, and deuises, these two
+Gentlewomen whom I now bringe forth, disclose in this discourse
+ensuing. In the Citty of Venice, (which for riches and fayre
+Women excelleth all other within the region of Italy) in the
+time that Francesco Foscari, a very wyse Prynce, did gouerne the
+state, there were two young Gentlemen, the one called Girolamo
+Bembo, and the other Anselmo Barbadico, betwene whom as many
+times chaunceth amongs other, grew sutch great hatred and cruel
+hostility, as ech of them by secret and all possible meanes
+deuised to doe other shame and displeasure, which kindled to
+sutch outrage, as it was thought impossible to be pacified. It
+chaunced that at one tyme both of them did mary two noble young
+Gentlewomen, excellent and fayre, both brought vp vnder one
+Nurse, and loued ech other lyke two Sisters, and as though they
+had been both borne of one body. The Wyfe of Anselmo, called
+Isotta, was the Daughter of Messer Marco Gradenigo, a man of
+great estimation in that Citty, one of the procuratours of San
+Marco, whereof there were not so great number in those dayes as
+there bee now, because the Wysest men, and best Approued of Lyfe
+were chosen to that great and Noble dignity, none allotted
+thereunto by Bribes or Ambition. The Wyfe of Girolamo Bembo was
+called Lucia, the Daughter of Messer Gian Francesco Valerio
+Caualiere, a Gentleman very well learned, and many times sent by
+the State, Ambassador into diuers Countreys, and after he had
+bene Orator wyth the Pope, for his wisedome in the execution of
+the same was in great estimation wyth the whole Citty. The two
+Gentlewomen after they were maried, and heard of the hatred
+betwene their Husbandes, were very sorrowfull and pensiue,
+because they thought the Freendshyp and Loue betwene them
+twayne, continued from their tender yeares, could not bee, but
+with greate difficulty kept, or else altogither dissolued and
+broken. Notwithstanding beyng discrete and wyse, for auoyding
+occasion of eche Husbande's offence, determined to cease their
+accustomed conuersation and louinge Familiarity, and not to
+frequent others company, but at Places and Tymes conuenient. To
+whom Fortune was so fauourable, as not onely theyr Houses were
+neere together but also adioyninge, in the Backsides whereof
+theyr Gardeyns also Confined, seperated onely wyth a lyttle
+Hedge, that euery day they myght see one another, and many tymes
+talke together: moreouer the Seruauntes, and People of eyther
+houses were freendly, and familiar, whych didde greately content
+the two Louynge Gentlewomen, bicause they also in the absence of
+theyr Husbandes, myghte at pleasure in their Gardens disport
+themselues. And continuing this order the space of three yeares
+neyther of them within that terme were with chylde. In which
+space Anselmo many times viewing and casting his eyes vpon
+Madonna Lucia, fell earnestly in loue with hir, and was not that
+day well at ease, wherein he had not beholden hir excellent
+beauty. She that was of Spirite, and Wit subtle, marked the
+lookes and maner of Anselmo, who neyther for loue, ne other
+cause did render like lookes on him, but to see to what ende his
+louing cheere and Countenaunce would tend. Notwithstanding she
+seemed rather desirous to behold him, than elswhere to imploye
+hir lookes. On the other side the good behauiour, the wise order
+and pleasaunt beauty of Madonna Isotta was so excellent and
+plausible in the sight of mayster Girolamo, as no Louer in the
+World was better pleased with his beloued than he with hir: who
+not able to liue wythout the sweete sight of Isotta (that was a
+crafty and wily Wench) was by hir quickly perceiued. She being
+right honest and wise, and louing hir husband very dearely, did
+beare that countenaunce to Girolamo, that she generally did to
+any of the Citty, or to other straunger that she neuer saw
+before. But hir husband more and more inflamed, hauing lost the
+liberty of himselfe, wounded and pierced with the amorous arowes
+of Loue, coulde not conuert his minde to any other but to
+mistresse Lucia. These two women wonted to heare seruice euery
+day ordinarily at the church of Sanfantino, bicause they lay
+long a bed in the mornings, and commonly seruice in that church
+was sayd somewhat late: their pewes also somwhat distant one
+from an other. Whether their 2 amorous husbands continually vsed
+to follow them a loofe of, and to place themselues where eyther
+of them might best view his beloued: by which custome they
+seemed to the common people to be iealous ouer their Wyues.
+But they prosecuted the matter in sutch wyse, as eyther of them
+without shipping, sought to send other into Cornouale. It came
+to passe then, that these 2 beloued gentlewomen one knowing
+nothing of another's intent, determined to consider better of
+this loue, because the great good will long time borne, should
+not be interrupted. Vppon a certayne day when their husbands
+were abrode, resorting together to talk at their Garden hedge
+according to theyr wonted manner, they began to be pleasaunte
+and merry: and after louynge salutations, Mistresse Lucia spake
+these Woordes vnto hir Companyon: "Isotta my deare beloued
+sister, I haue a tale to tell you of your husband, that
+perchaunce will seeme straunger than anye newes that euer you
+heard." "And I" (answered mistresse Isotta) "I have a story to
+tel you that wil make you no lesse to wonder than I at that
+which you haue to say, and it may be will put you into some
+choler and chafe." "What is that?" quod the one and other.
+In the ende eyther of them told what practizes and loue their
+husbands went about. Whereat although they were in great rage
+for theyr husbandes follye, yet for the time they laughed out
+the matter, and thought that they were sufficient (as in very
+deede they were, a thing not to be doubted) and able to satisfie
+their husbands hunger and therewithall began to blame them and
+to say that they deserued to learn to play of the Cornets, if
+they had no greater feare of God, and care of honesty than their
+husbands had. Then after mutch talke of this matter, concluded
+that they should do wel to expect what their husbands would
+demaund. Hauing taken order as they thought meete, they agreed
+dailye to espye what shoulde chaunce, and purposed first with
+sweete and pleasaunte lookes to bayte and lure eche other feere,
+to put them in hope therby that they should satisfie their
+desires, which done for that tyme they departed. And when at the
+Church at Sanfantino or other place in Venice, they chanced to
+meete their louers, they shewed vnto them cheareful and mery
+Countenaunce: whych the Louers well notyng, were the gladdest
+Men of the Worlde: and seeing that it was impossible in Speache
+to vtter their Myndes, they purposed by Letters to signify the
+same. And hauing found Purciuants to goe betwene parties
+(whereof this City was wont to be ful) either of them wrote an
+Amorous Letter, to his beloued, the content whereof was, that
+they were verye desyrous secretly to talke with them, thereby to
+expresse the burnynge affectyons that inwardly they bare them,
+whych without declaration and vtterance by Mouthe in theyr owne
+presence, woulde breede them Torments more bytter than Deathe.
+And wythin fewe Dayes after (no greate difference of Tyme
+betweene,) they wrote their Letters. But Girolamo Bembo hauing a
+pregnant Wit, who coulde well Endite both in prose, and Rime,
+wrote an excellent sonnet in the prayse of his Darling in
+Italian Meeter, and wyth hys Letter sent the same vnto hir,
+the effect whereof doth follow.
+
+  A liuely face and pearcing beauty bright
+  Hath linkt in loue my sely sences all:
+  A comely porte, a goodly shaped wight
+  Hath made me slide that neuer thought to fall:
+  Hir eyes, hir grace, hir deedes and maners milde,
+  So straines my heart that loue hath Wit begilde.
+
+  But not one dart of Cupide did me wounde,
+  A hundred shaftes lights all on me at ones:
+  As though dame kind some new deuise had founde,
+  To teare my flesh, and crash a two my bones:
+  And yet I feele sutch ioy in these my woes
+  That as I die my sprite to pleasure goes.
+
+  These new found fits sutch change in me doe breede,
+  I hate the day and draw to darknesse, lo!
+  Yet by the Lampe of beauty doe I feede
+  In dimmest dayes and darkest nights also,
+  Thus altring State and changing Diet still,
+  I feele and know the force of Venus will.
+
+  The best I finde, is that I doe confesse,
+  I loue you Dame whose beauty doth excell:
+  But yet a toy doth breede me some distresse,
+  For that I dread you will not loue me well,
+  Than loue yee wot shall rest in me alone:
+  And fleshly brest, shall beare a heart of stone.
+
+  O goddesse mine, yet heare my voyce of ruthe,
+  And pitie him that heart presents to thee:
+  And if thou want a witnesse for my truth
+  Let sighes and teares my iudge and record be,
+  Vnto the ende a day may come in hast,
+  To make me thinke I spend no time in waste.
+
+  For nought preuayles in loue to serue and sue
+  If full effect ioyne not with words at neede,
+  What is desire or any fansies newe
+  More than the winde? that spreades abroade in deede,
+  My words and works, shall both in one agree,
+  To pleasure hir, whose Seruaunt would I bee.
+
+The subtill Dames receiuing those amorous letters and song,
+disdanfully at the first seemed to take them at the bringers
+hands, as they had determined, yet afterwardes they shewed
+better countenaunce. These letters were tossed from one to an
+other, whereat they made great pastime, and thought that the
+same would come to very good successe, eyther of theym keepinge
+styll their Husbande's Letter, and agreed without iniury done
+one to an other trimly to deceyue their husbands. The maner how
+you shall perceyue anone. They deuised to send word to their
+Louers, that they were ready at al times to satisfie their
+sutes, if the same might be secretly done, and safely might make
+repayre vnto their houses, when their Husbands were absent,
+which in any wise they sayde, must be done in the night, for
+feare least in the day tyme they were discried. Agayne these
+prouident and subtill Women had taken order wyth their Maydes,
+whom they made priuy to their practyse that through their
+Gardens they should enter into other's house, and bee shut in
+their Chambers without Lyght, there to tary for their Husbands,
+and by any meanes not to bee seene or knowne. This order
+prescribed and giuen, Mistresse Lucia first did hir louer to
+vnderstand, that the night insuing at foure of the Clock at the
+Posterne dore, which should be left open, he should come into
+hir house, where hir mayde should be ready to bring him vp to
+hir Chaumbre, because hir husband Maister Girolamo woulde that
+Night imbarke himselfe to goe to Padua. The like Mistresse
+Isotta did to Maister Girolamo, appointing him at fiue of the
+clock, whych she sayd was a very conuenient time, bicause
+mayster Anselmo that night would sup and lye with certayne of
+his Fryends at Murano, a place besides Venice. Vpon these newes,
+the 2 Louers thought them selues the most valiaunt and fortunate
+of the World, no Enterprise now there was but seemed easie for
+them to bring to passe, yea if it were to expell the Saracens
+out of Hierusalem, or to depriue the great Turke of his Kingdome
+of Constantinople. Their ioy was sutch, as they coulde not tell
+where they were, thinking euery houre a whole day till night.
+At length the tyme was come so long desired, and the Husbandes
+accordingly gaue diligent attendaunce, and let their Wyues to
+vnderstande, (or at least wyse beleeued they had) that they
+could not come home that night for matters of great importaunce.
+The Women that were very wise, seeing their ship sayle wyth so
+prosperous wynde, fayned themselues to credite all that they
+offered. These young men tooke eyther of them his Gondola (or as
+we tearm it theyr Barge) to disport themselues, and hauing
+supped abroade, rowed in the Canali, which is the Water that
+passeth through diuers Streates of the Citty, expecting their
+appoyncted houre. The Women ready at three of the Clocke,
+repayred into their Gardens, and after they had Talked, and
+Laughed together a prety whyle, went one into an other's house,
+and were by the maydes brought vp to the Chaumbers. There eyther
+of them the Candle being light, began diligently to view the
+order and situation of the Place, and by little and little
+marked the chiefest things they looked for, committing the same
+to memory. Afterwards they put out the Candle, and both in
+trembling maner expected the comming of their Husbandes. And
+iust at four of the Clocke the Mayden of Madonna Lucia stoode at
+the dore to wayte for the comminge of Maister Anselmo, who
+within a while after came, and gladly was let in by the mayde,
+and by hir conducted vp to hir Bed side. The place there, was so
+dark as Hel, and impossible for him to know his Wyfe. The two
+Wyues were so like of bignesse and Speach as by darke wythout
+great difficulty they could be known: when Anselmo had put of
+his clothes, he was of his Wyfe amorously intertayned, thinking
+the Wyfe of Girolamo had receyued him betwene hir armes, who
+aboue a Thousande times kissed hir very sweetely, and she for
+hir parte sweetely rendred agayne to hym so many: what followed
+it were Folly to describe. Girolamo lykewise at 5 of the clocke
+appeared, and was by the mayde conueied vp to the Chamber, where
+he lay with his own Wife, to their great contentations. Now
+these 2 husbands thinking they had ben imbraced by their beloued
+Ladies, to seeme braue, and valiaunt men of Warre, made greater
+proofe of their Manhoode, than they were wont to do. At what
+time their Wyues (as it pleased God to manifest by their
+deliuery) were begotten with child of 2 fayre Sons, and they the
+best contented Women of the World. This practise continued
+betwene them many times, fewe weekes passing but in this sort
+they lay together. Neither of them for all this perceiued
+themselues to be deluded, or conceyued any suspition of
+collusion for that the chamber was still without light, and in
+the day the Women commonly fayled not to be together. The time
+was not longe but their Bellies began to swell, whereat their
+Husbandes were exceeding ioyfull, beleeuing verily that eyther
+of them had fixed Hornes vpon the other's head. Howbeit the
+poore men for all their false Beliefe had bestowed theyr Laboure
+vppon their owne Soyle, watred onely with the course of their
+proper Fountayne. These two Iolly Wenches seeyng themselues by
+thys amorous practize to be with Childe, beganne to deuise howe
+they might break of the same, douting least some slaunder and
+ill talke should rise: and thereby the hatred and malice betwene
+theyr husbandes increase to greater fury. And as they were
+aboute thys deuise, an occasion chaunced vtterly to dissolue
+theyr accustomed meetynges, but not in that sorte as they woulde
+haue had it. For the Women determined as merily they had begon
+so iocundlye to ende: but Fortune the guide of Humane Lyfe,
+disposeth all enterpryses after hir owne pleasure, who lyke a
+puissant Lady caryeth with hir the successe of eche attempte.
+The beginning she offereth freely to him that list, the Ende she
+calleth for, as a ransome or trybute payable vnto hir. In the
+same streate, or as they call it Rio, and Canale, not farre from
+theyr Houses, there dwelled a young Woman very fayre and comely,
+not fully twenty yeares of age, which then was a Widow, and a
+lyttle before the wife of M. Niccolo Delphino, and the Daughter
+of M. Giuoanni Moro, called Gismonda: she besides hir Father's
+Dowrye (which was more than a Thousand Pound) had left hir by
+hir Husband, a great Porcyon of Money, Iewels, Plate, and
+houshold Furnitures. Wyth hir fell in Loue Aloisio Foscari, the
+Nephewe of the Duke, who making greate sute to haue hir to Wyfe,
+consumed the time in beholding his Ladye, and at length had
+brought the matter to so good passe, as one Nighte she was
+contented, at one of the Wyndowes of hir House directly ouer
+agaynste a little lane, to heare him speake. Aloisio maruellous
+glad of those desired Newes, at the appoynted Nyght, about fyue
+or sixe of the Clocke, with a Ladder made of Roapes (bicause the
+Window was very high) went thyther alone. Beyng at the place and
+making a signe concluded vppon betweene them, attended when the
+gentlewoman should throw down hir cord to draw vp the Ladder
+accordingly as was appointed, which not longe after was done.
+Gismonda when shee had receiued the ende of the Ladder, tied it
+fast to the iawme of the wyndow, and gaue a token to hir Louer
+to mount. He by force of loue being very venturous, liuely and
+lustely scaled the Wyndow: and when he was vppon the Top of the
+same, desirous to caste himselfe in, to embrace his Lady, and
+shee not readye to receiue him, or else vppon other occasion, he
+fel downe backewarde, thinking as he fell to haue saued himselfe
+twice or thryce by catchyng holde vppon the Ladder, but it would
+not be. Notwithstanding, as God would haue it, the poise of his
+Body fell not vppon the pauement of the streate fully, but was
+stayed by some lets in the fall, whych had it not bene so, no
+doubt he had bene slayne out of hande, but yet his bones were
+sore brused and his heade deepely wounded. The infortunate Louer
+seeing himselfe sore hurt wyth that pityfull fall, albeyt hee
+thought that hee had receiued his Death's Wounde, and impossyble
+to liue any longer, yet the loue that he bare to the Widow,
+did so far surmount hys payne and the gryefe of hys Body sore
+crushed and broken, that so well as he could, hee rose vp, and
+with his hands stayed the Bloud that ranne from hys Heade, to
+the intente yt myghte not rayse some slaunder vppon the Widow
+whom hee loued so wel: and went alonges the streate towarde the
+houses of Girolamo and Anselmo aforesaid. Being come thither
+wyth greate difficulty not able to goe anye further for verye
+payne and gryefe, hee faynted and fell downe as deade, where the
+Bloude issued in sutch aboundaunce, as the Grounde therewyth was
+greatly imbrued, and euery one that saw him thought him to be
+voide of Lyfe. Mistresse Gismonda exceeding sorrowful for this
+mischaunce, doubted that he had broken his Necke, but when she
+saw hym depart, she comforted him so well as she could, and
+drewe vp the Ladder into hir Chamber. Sutch Chaunces happen to
+earnest Louers, who when they think they haue scaled the top of
+theyr Felicity, sodaynly tomble downe into the Pit of extreme
+despayre, that better it had ben for them leysurely to expect
+the grace of their Ladyes at conuenient place and houre, than
+hardily without prouidence to aduenture lyke desperat souldiers
+to clym the top of the vamure, without measurying the height of
+the Wals, or viewynge the substaunce of theyr Ladders, do
+receyue in the ende cruell repulse, and fal down headlonge
+either by present Death or mortall Wounde, to receyue
+euerlastyng reproche and shame. But turne we agayne now to this
+disgraced Louer, who lay gasping betwene Lyfe and Death. And as
+he was in this sorrowful state, one of the Captaynes, a Noble
+man appointed to see orders obserued in the Nighte, wyth hys
+bande (which they call Zaffi) came thither: and finding hym
+lying vpon the ground, knew that it was Aloisio Foscari, and
+causing him to be taken vp from the place wher he lay, (thinking
+he had ben dead) commanded that he should be conueyed into the
+Church adioyning whych immediately was done. And when he had wel
+considered the place where hee was founde, hee doubted that
+eyther Girolamo Bembo or Anselmo Barbadico, before whose Dores
+hee thought the murder committed, had kylled him, which
+afterwards he beleued to be true, bycause he heard a certayne
+noyse of mennes Feete at one of their Doores: wherefore he
+deuided his company, placyng some on the one side of their
+houses, and some on the other, besieging the same so well as he
+coulde. And as Fortune woulde he founde by Neglygence of the
+mayds, the dores of the II. houses open. It chaunced
+also that Nyght that the two Louers one in other's House were
+gone to lye with their Ladyes, who hearynge the hurly burly, and
+sturre made in the house by the Sergeants, sodaynely the Women
+lept out of their Beds, and bearyng their apparell vppon theyr
+shoulders, went home to their houses throughe their Gardeins
+vnseene of any, and in fearefull wyse did attende what should be
+the End of the same. Girolamo, and Anselmo not knowing what
+rumor and noise that was, although they made hast in the Darke
+to cloth themselues, were by the Offycers without any field
+fought, apprehended in ech other's Chamber, and remained
+Prysoners at theyr mercy: whereat the Captayne and hys Band did
+greatly maruell, knowyng the Hatred betweene them. But when
+Torches and Lyghts were brought, and the two Gentlemen caried
+out of Doores, the wonder was the greater for that they
+perceyued them almoste Naked, and prysoners taken in eche
+other's House. And besydes thys admiratyon, sutch murmur and
+slaunder was bruted, as the quality of euerye Vulgar Heade
+coulde secretlye deuyse or Imagyne, but specyally of the
+innocente Women, who howe faultlesse they were, euery Man by
+what is sayde before maye conceyue, and yet the cancred
+Stomackes of that Troupe bare sutch Malyce agaynste them, as
+they iarred and brawled agaynst them lyke curryshe Curres at
+straunge Dogges whom they neuer sawe before. The Gentlemen
+immediately were caried to pryson, ignorant vppon what occasion:
+afterwards vnderstandinge that they were committed for the
+murder of Aloisio Foscari, and imprysoned like theeues, albeit
+they knew themselues guiltlesse of murder or Theft, yet their
+gryef and sorrowe was very greate, beynge certayne that all
+Venice should vnderstande howe they betweene whome had ben
+mortall hatred, were nowe become copartners of that whych none
+but the true possessours ought to enioy: and althoughe they
+coulde not abyde to speake together, lyke those that deadely dyd
+hate one another, yet both theyr myndes were fyxed vppon one
+thought. In the ende, conceyuing Fury and despite agaynste theyr
+Wyues, the place being so darke that no Lyght or Sunne coulde
+pierce into the same, whereby wythout shame or disdayne one of
+them began to speake to another, and with terrible Othes they
+gaue theyr fayth to disclose the troth in what sort eyther of
+them was taken in other's Chamber, and frankely told the way and
+meane howe eche of them enioyed hys Pleasure of other's Wyfe:
+whereupon the whole matter (according to their knowledge) was
+altogether by little and little manifest and knowne. Then they
+accompted theyr Wiues to be the most arrant strumpets within the
+whole City, by dispraysing of whom theyr olde rancor was
+forgotten, and they agreed together like two Fryends, who
+thought that for shame they should neuer be able to looke Men in
+the face, ne yet to shew themselues openlye within the Citye,
+for sorrow whereof they deemed Death the greatest good turne and
+best Benefit that could chance vnto them. To be short, seeing no
+meanes or occasion to comfort and relieue theyr pensyue and
+heauy states, they fell into extreeme despayre, who ashamed to
+lyue any longer, deuised way to rid them selues of Lyfe,
+concludyng to make themselues guilty of the murder of Aloiso
+Foscari: and after mutch talke betweene them of that cruell
+determination, styll approuing the same to be theyr best refuge,
+they expected nothyng else, but when they should be examined
+before the Magistrates. Foscari as is before declared was
+carryed into the Churche for Deade, and the Pryest straightly
+charged wyth the keepynge of hym, who caused hym to be conueyed
+into the myddes of the Church, setting II. Torches a
+Light, the one at his heade, and the other at his feete, and
+when the Company was gone, he determined to goe to bed the
+remnant of the Nyght to take his rest: but before he went,
+seeing the Torches were but short, and could not last paste two
+or three houres, he lighted two other, and set them in the
+others place, for that it should seeme to his frends, if any
+chaunced to come what care and worship he bestowed vpon him.
+The Priest ready to depart, perceiued the Body somewhat to moue,
+with that looking vppon his Face, espyed his eyes a little to
+begin to open. Wherewithall somewhat afraide, he crying out, ran
+awaye: notwithstanding his Courage began to come to him again,
+and laying his hand vpon his breast, perceiued his heart to
+beate, and then twas out of doubt that he was not dead, although
+by reason of losse of his bloud he thought little life to
+remaine in him: wherefore he with one of his fellow priests
+which was a bed, and the Clerck of the Parish, caried maister
+Foscari so tenderly as they could into the Priests Chamber,
+which adioined next the Church. Then he sente for a surgeon that
+dwelt hard by, and required him diligently to search the Wounde,
+who so well as he could purged the same from the corrupt Bloud,
+and perceiuyng it not to be mortall, so dressed it wyth Oyles
+and other precious ointments, as Aloisio came agayn to hymselfe:
+and when he had anoynted that recouered body wyth certayne
+Precious and comfortable Oyles, he suffred him to take his rest:
+the Priest also went to bed and slepte till it was Daye, who so
+soone as he was vp, went to seeke the Captayne to tel him that
+Maister Aloisio was recouered. The Captaine at that tyme was
+gone to the pallace at San. Marco, to giue the Duke
+aduertisement of thys Chaunce, after whom the Priest went and
+was let in to the Duke's Chamber: to whom he declared what he
+had done to Aloisio. The Duke very glad to heare tell of his
+Nephewe's lyfe, although then very pensiue for the newes
+broughte vnto him by the Captayne, intreated one of the Signor
+de notte, to take with him two of the best surgions, and to call
+him that had already dressed his Nephew, to goe to visite the
+wounded Gentleman, that hee might be certified of the truth of
+that Chaunce. All which together repaired to the Pryeste's
+Chaumber, where fyndinge hym not a sleepe, and the Wounde fayre
+inoughe to heale, dyd therevnto what their cunning thoughte
+meete: and then they began to inquire of hym, that was not yet
+full recouered to perfecte speache, howe that chaunce happened,
+telling hym that he might frankelye confesse vnto them the
+trouthe. The more dilygent they were in this demaunde, bicause
+the Surgeon that dressed him fyrst, alleaged, that the Wounde
+was not made with Sworde, but receiued by some greate fall or
+blowe with Mace or Clubbe, or rather seemed to come of some high
+fall from a Wyndowe, by reason his Head was so gryevously
+brused. Aloisio hearynge the Surgeons sodayne demaunde,
+presentlye aunswered, that he fell downe from a Wyndowe, and
+named also the House. And he had no sooner spoken those Woordes,
+but he was very angry wyth him selfe and sorrye: and
+wherewithall his dismayde Spyrites began to reuyue in sutch
+wyse, as sodainlye he choyse rather to dye than to speake any
+thynge to the dyshonoure of mystresse Gismonda. Then the Signior
+di notte, asked hym what he dyd there aboute that Tyme of the
+Nyght, and wherfore hee dyd clymb vp to the Wyndowe, beynge so
+hyghe: whych hee coulde not keepe secrete, consyderyng the
+Authorytye of the Magystrate that demaunded the questyon, albeyt
+hee thoughte that yf his Tongue hadde runne at large, and
+commytted a Faulte by rashe speakynge, hys Bodye should
+therefore suffer the smart: wherefore before hee woulde in any
+wyse gyue occasion to slaunder hir, whome hee loued better than
+hys owne Lyfe, determined to hazarde hys Lyfe and Honoure, to
+the mercye of Iustice, and sayde: "I declared euen nowe, whych I
+cannot denye, that I fell downe from the wyndowe of Mystresse
+Gismonda Mora. The cause thereof (beeynge now at state, wherein
+I knowe not whether I shall Lyue or Dye) I will truelye
+dysclose: Mystresse Gismonda beynge a Wydowe and a younge Woman,
+wythoute anye Man in hir House, bycause by reporte shee is very
+rych of Iewels and Money, I purposed to robbe and dyspoyle:
+wherefore I deuysed a ladder to clymbe vp to hir Wyndowe, with
+Mynde full bent to kill all those that should resiste me: but my
+mishappe was sutch as the Ladder being not well fastened fell
+downe, and I my selfe therwithall, and thinking to recouer home
+to my lodging with my corded Ladder, my Spirites beganne to
+fayle, and tombled downe I wotte not where." The Signor de
+notte, whose name was Domenico Mariperto hearing him say so,
+maruelled greatly, and was very sorie, that all they in the
+Chamber, which were a great number, (as at sutch chaunces
+commonly be) dyd heare those Woordes: and bicause they were
+spoken so openly, he was forced to saye vnto hym: "Aloisio,
+it doth not a little grieue me that thou hast committed sutch
+follye, but for so mutch as sorrowe now will not serue to
+remedye the Trespasse, I muste needes shew my selfe both
+faithfull to my countrey, and also carefull of mine honor,
+withoute respect of persons: wherefore thou shalte remaine here
+in sutch safe custody as I shal appoint, and when thou art
+better amended, thou must according to desert be referred to the
+Gaole." Leauing him there vnder sure keeping, he went to the
+counsell of the Dieci, (which magistrates in that City be of
+greatest authority) and finding the Lords in Counsell, he opened
+the whole matter vnto them: the presidentes of the Counsell
+which had hearde a great numbre of complaynts of many Theftes
+don in the Nyght wythin the Citye, tooke order that one of the
+Captaynes that were appoynted to the dilygente Watche and
+keepyng of Aloisio, remayning in the Pryeste's House, should
+cause him to be examined, and with tormentes forced to tell the
+truth, for that they did verely beleeue that hee had committed
+many Robberies besides, or at the least was priuy and accessarie
+to the same, and knew where the Theues were become. Afterwardes
+the sayd Counsell did sitte vppon the matter of Girolamo Bembo
+and Anselmo Barbadico, found at myde Night naked in eche other's
+Chambre, and commytted to Pryson as is before remembred: and
+bicause they had many matters besides of greater importaunce, to
+consult vppon, amongs which the warres betwene them and Philippo
+Maria Visconte, Duke of Milane, the aforesayde causes were
+deferred tyll an other tyme, notwythstandyng in the meane while
+they were examyned. The Duke himselfe that tyme being in
+Counsell, spake most seuerely against his Nephew: neuerthelesse
+he did hardly beleeue that his Nephew being very rich, and
+indued with great honesty, would abase himselfe to a vice so
+vile and abhominable as theft is, wherevppon he began to
+consider of many thinges, and in the ende talked with hys Nephew
+secretly alone, and by that meanes learned the trouth of the
+whole matter. In like maner Anselmo and Girolamo were Examined
+by Commissioners appoyncted by the state, what one of them did
+in an other's chamber, at that houre of the night, who confessed
+that many tymes they had seene Aloisio Foscari, to passe vp and
+down before their houses at times inconuenient, and that night
+by chaunce one of them not knowing of another, espied Aloisio,
+thinking that he lingered about their houses to abuse one of
+their Wyues, for which cause they went out, and with their
+Weapons sodenly killed him: which confession they openly
+declared accordingly, as whereupon before they were agreed.
+Afterwardes with further circumstaunce being examined vpon the
+Article of being one in another's Chaumber, it appeared that
+their first tale was vtterly vntrue: of all which contradictions
+the Duke was aduertised, and was driuen into extreeme
+admiration, for that the truth of those disorders coulde not be
+to the full vnderstanded and knowne. Whereuppon the Dieci, and
+the assistauntes were agayne assembled in councell accordinge to
+the maner, at what time after all things throughly were debated
+and ended, the Duke being a very graue man, of excellent Witte,
+aduaunced to the Dukedome by the consent of the whole State, as
+euery of theym were about to rise vp, hee sayde vnto them:
+"My Lordes, there resteth one thinge yet to be moued, which
+peraduenture hitherto hath not bene thought vpon: there are
+before vs two complaynts, the effect whereof in my iudgement is
+not throughly conceyed in the Opinions of diuers. Anselmo
+Barbadico, and Girolamo Bembo, betwene whom there hath bene euer
+continuall hatred, left vnto them as a man may say euen by
+Fathers Inheritance both of them in eyther of their Chaumbers,
+were apprehended in a manner naked by our Sergeaunts, and
+without Torments, or for feare to bee racked vpon the onely
+interrogatories of oure ministers, they haue voluntarily
+confessed that before their houses they killed Aloisio our
+Nephew: and albeit that our sayde Nephew yet liueth, and was not
+striken by them or any other as should appeare, yet they
+confesse themselues guilty of murder. What shall be sayd then to
+the matter, doth it not seeme doubtfull? Our Nephew again hath
+declared, that in going about to rob the house of Mistresse
+Gismonda Mora, whom he ment to haue slayne, he fel downe to the
+Ground from the top of a window, wherefore by reason so many
+robberies haue bene discouered within the Citty, it may be
+presumed that hee was the theefe and malefactor, who ought to be
+put to the torments, that the truth may be knowne, and being
+found guilty, to feele the seuere punishment that he hath
+deserued. Moreouer when he was found lying vpon the ground, he
+had neither Ladder nor Weapon, whereupon may bee thought that
+the fact was otherwise done, than hitherto is confessed. And
+because amongs morall vertues, temperance is the chiefest and
+worthy of greatest commendation, and that iustice not
+righteously executed, is iniustice and wronge, it is meete and
+conuenient for vs in these straunge accidents, rather to vse
+temperaunce than the rigor of iustice: and that it may appeare
+that I do not speake these words without good grounde, marke
+what I shall saye vnto you. These two most mortall enimies doe
+confesse that which is impossible to be true, for that our
+Nephew (as is before declared) is a liue, and his wounde was not
+made by Sworde, as hee himselfe hath confessed. Now who can tell
+or say the contrary, but that shame for being taken in their
+seuerall Chambers, and the dishonesty of both their Wyues, hath
+caused them to despise life, and to desire death? we shall finde
+if the matter be diligently inquired and searched, that it will
+fall out otherwise than is already supposed by common opinion.
+For the contrariety of examinations, vnlikelihoode of
+circumstances, and the impossibility of the cause, rendreth the
+matter doubtfull: wherefore it is very needeful diligently to
+examine these attempts, and thereof to vse more aduised
+consideration. On the other side, our Nephew accuseth himselfe
+to be a theefe and which is more, that hee ment to kill
+Mistresse Mora when hee brake into hir house. Vnder this Grasse,
+my Lords, as I suppose, some other Serpent lieth hiden, that is
+not yet thought of. The Gentleman yee know before this time was
+neuer defamed of sutch outrage, ne suspected of the least
+offence that may be obiected: besides that, all yee doe know,
+(thanks therefore be geuen to almighty God) that he is a man of
+great richesse, and possessions, and hath no neede to rob: for
+what necessity should driue him to rob a widowe, that hath of
+his owne liberally to bestow vpon the succour of Widowes? Were
+there none els of substance in the Citty for him to geue attempt
+but to a Wyddowe, a comfortlesse creature, contented with quiet
+lyfe to lyue amonges hir family within the boundes of hir owne
+house? What if hir richesse, Iewels and plate be great, hath not
+Aloisio of his owne to redouble the same? but truly this Robbery
+was done after some other manner than hee hath confessed: to vs
+then my Lords it appertayneth, if it so stande with your
+pleasures, to make further inquiry of the same, promisinge vnto
+you vppon our Fayth, that wee shall imploy our whole diligence
+in the true examination of thys matter, and hope to bring the
+same to sutch good ende, as none shall haue cause to blame vs,
+the finall sentence whereof shall bee reserued to youre
+iudgement." Thys graue request and wise talke of the Duke
+pleased greatly the Lordes of the Counsayle, who referred not
+onely the examination, but also the finall sentence vnto hym.
+Whereuppon the wyse Prynce beinge fully enformed of the chaunce
+happened to his Nephewe, attended onely to make search, if he
+could vnderstand the occasion why Bembo and Barbadico so
+foolishly had accused themselues of that which they neuer did.
+And so after mutch counsayle, and great tyme contriued in their
+seueral examinations, his Nephew then was well recouered, and
+able to goe abroade, being set at liberty. The Duke then hauinge
+bestowed hys trauayle with the other two prisoners, communicated
+to the Lords of the aforesayd councel called Dieci the whole
+trouth of the matter. Then he caused with great discretion,
+proclamation to be made throughout Venice, that Anselmo and
+Girolamo shold be beheded betwene the two Pyllers, and Aloisio
+hanged, whereby he thought to know what sute the women would
+make, eyther with or against their Husbandes, and what euidence
+mistresse Gismonda woulde geue against Aloisio. The brute hereof
+dispersed, diuers talke thereuppon was raysed, and no
+communication of any thing els in open streats, and priuate
+houses, but of the putting to death of those men. And bicause
+all three were of honorable houses, their kinsmen, and Friendes
+made sute by all possible meanes for theyr pardon. But their
+Confessions published, the rumor was made worse, (as it dayly
+chaunceth in like cases) than the matter was in deede, and the
+same was noysed how Foscari had confessed so many theftes done
+by him at diuers tymes, as none of his freends or Kin durst
+speake for him. Mistresse Gismonda which bitterly lamented the
+mischaunce of hir Louer, after she vnderstoode the confession
+hee had made, and euidently knew that because hee woulde not
+bleamish hir honour, he had rather willingly forgo his owne, and
+therewithall his lyfe, felt hir selfe so oppressed with feruent
+loue, as shee was ready presently to surrender hir ghost.
+Wherefore shee sent him woorde that he should comfort himselfe,
+because shee was determined to manifest the very trouth of the
+matter, and hoped vppon hir declaration of true euidence,
+sentence shoulde bee reuoked, for testimony whereof, shee had
+his louinge letters yet to shewe, written to hir with his owne
+handes, and would bring forth in the iudgement place, the corded
+ladder, which she had kept stil in her chamber. Aloisio hearinge
+these louing newes, and of the euidence which his Lady woulde
+giue for his defence, was the gladdest man of the worlde, and
+caused infinite thankes to be rendred vnto hir, wyth promise
+that if hee might bee rid and discharged out of prison, he
+woulde take hir for his louing spouse and wyfe. Whereof the
+gentlewoman conceyued singuler solace, louing hir deere freende
+with more entier affection than hir owne soule. Mistresse Lucia,
+and mistresse Isotta, hearing the dispercled voyce of the death
+of their husbands, and vnderstanding the case of mistresse
+Gismonda by an other woman, layd their heads together likwise to
+deuise meanes for sauing their husbandes liues: and entring into
+their Barge, or Gondola, wente to seeke mistresse Gismonda and
+when they had debated vppon the trouthe of these euents,
+concluded with one assent to prouide for the safegarde and
+deliuerye of theyr husbandes, wherein they shewed themselues
+both wise and honest. For what state is more honorable and of
+greater Comforte than the marryed Lyfe, if in deede they that
+haue yoaked themselues therein be conformable to those
+Delightes, and contentation which the same conduceth? Wealth and
+Riches maketh the true vnyted couple to reioyce in the Benefits
+of Fortune, graunted by the sender of the same, either of them
+prouiding for disposing thereof, against the decripite time of
+olde age, and for the bestowing of the same vppon the Fruicte
+accrued of theyr Bodies. Pouerty in any wise dothe not offend
+them, both of them glad to laboure and trauaile like one Body,
+to sustaine theyr poore and neady Lyfe, eyther of them
+Comfortably doth Minyster comforte in the cruell tyme of
+Aduersity, rendring humble thankes to God for hys sharp Rodde
+and Punyshment enflicted vppon them for their manyfolde sinnes
+commytted againste hys maiestye, trauailinge by night and Daye
+by sweatinge Browes to get browne Breade, and drynke ful thin to
+cease the Cryes and pytifull crauinges of their tender Babes,
+wrapt in Cradle and instant on their mother to fill their hungry
+mouthes. Aduerse fortune maketh not one to forsake the other.
+The louing Wyfe ceaseth not by paynfull sute to trot and go by
+Night and day in heate and colde to relieue the miserye of hir
+husband. He likewise spareth not his payne to get and gayne the
+liuyng of them both. He abrode and at home according to his
+called state, she at home to saue the Lucre of that Labor, and
+to doe sutch necessary trauayle incident to the married kinde.
+He carefull for to get, she heedeful for to saue, he by trafique
+and Arte, shee by diligence and housholde toile. O the happy
+state of married folke: O surpassing delights of mariage
+bed: which maketh these II. poore Gentlewomen, that by
+honorable pollicy saued the honor of themselues and honesty of
+theyr husbandes, to make humble sute for their preseruation, who
+were like to be berieued of their greatest comforts. But come we
+again to declare the last act of this Comical discourse. These
+maried Women, after this chaunce befell, vpon their husbandes
+imprysonment, began to be abhorred of their Friendes and
+Parentes, for that they were suspected to be dishoneste, by
+reason whereof dolefully lamenting their Misfortune,
+notwithstandynge their owne conscience voyde of faulte, dyd byd
+them to be of good cheere and comfort. And when the daye of
+execution came, they dyd theyr Friends and Parents to vnderstand
+that their conceiued opinyon was vntrue, and prayed them to
+forbeare their disdain and malice, till the truth should be
+throughly manifested, assuring them that in the End their owne
+innocencie and the guiltlesse cryme of their Husbands should
+openly be reuealed to the Worlde. In the meane time they made
+request vnto their Friendes, that one of the Lordes called
+Auogadori might be admitted to vnderstande their case, the rest
+to be referred to themselues, wherein they had no neede either
+of Proctor or Aduocate. This request seemed verye straunge to
+their friends, deeming their case to be shameful and
+abhominable: neuertheles diligently they accomplyshed their
+request and vnderstandyng that the Counsell of the Dieci had
+commytted the matter wholy to the Duke, they made a supplicatyon
+vnto hym in the name of the three Gentlewomen, wherein they
+craued nothing else but theyr matter might be hearde. The Duke
+perceiuying hys aduise like to take effect, assigned them a Day,
+commaundinge them at that tyme before hym and the Lords of the
+Councell and all the College of the estate to appeare. The Day
+being come, all the Lordes assembled, desirous to see to what
+issue this matter would grow. On the morning the three
+Gentlewomen honestly accompanied with other Dames, went to the
+Palace, and goynge along the streate of San Marco the people
+began to vtter many raylyng words against them: some cried out
+(as we see by vnstable order the vulgare people in like cases
+vse to do) and doinge a certain curtisy by way of disdain and
+mockery: "Behold the honest women, that without sending their
+husbands out of Venice, haue placed them in the Castell of
+Cornetto, and yet the arrante Whoores bee not ashamed to shewe
+them selues abrode, as thoughe they hadde done a thynge that
+were Honeste and prayse worthye." Other shot forth theyr Boltes,
+and wyth theyr Prouerbes proceedyng from their malicious Mouthes
+thwited the pore Women at their pleasure. Other also seeyng
+Mystresse Gismonda in their Company, thought that she went to
+declame against maister Aloisio Foscari, and none of them all
+hapned on the trouth. Arryued at the pallace, ascending the
+marble staires or steps of the same, they were brought into the
+great hal, wher the Duke appointed the matter to be heard.
+Thither repaired the friends and those of nearest kin to the
+three Gentlewomen, and before the matter did begin, the Duke
+caused also the thre prisoners to be brought thither. Thither
+also came many other Gentlemen, with great desire to see the end
+of those euents. Silence being made the Duke turning his face to
+the women, sayd vnto them: "Ye Gentlewomen haue made requeste by
+supplycatyon to graunt you publike audyence accordyng to
+Iustice, for that you do alleage that Law and order doth so
+require, and that euery wel ordred common wealth condemneth no
+subiecte withoute due answere by order of lawe. Beholde
+therefore, that we desirous to do Iustice, bee ready in Place to
+heare what ye can say." The two husbands were very angrie and
+wrathfull against their wiues, and the more their stomackes did
+fret with choler and disdayne, by how mutch they saw their
+impudente and shamelesse wiues wyth sutch audacity to appeare
+before the maiesty of a counsel so honourable and dreadfull,
+as though they had ben the most honeste and chast Women of the
+World. The two honeste wiues perceyued the anger and displeasure
+of their husbands, and for all that were not afrayde ne yet
+dismayde, but smyling to themselues and somewhat mouing their
+heads in decente wyse seemed vnto them as though they had mocked
+them. Anselmo more angry and impacient then Girolamo, brake out
+into sutch furie, as had it not ben for the maiesty of the
+place, and the Companye of People to haue stayed him, woulde
+haue kylled them: and seyng he was not able to hurt them, he
+began to vtter the vylest Woords, that he possibly could deuise
+agaynst them. Mistresse Isotta hearing hir husband so spytefully
+to spit forth his poyson in the presence of that honourable
+assemblye, conceiued courage, and crauinge licence of the Duke
+to speake, with merrye countenance and good vttrance began thus
+to say her mind: "Most excellent Prince, and yee right
+honourable Lordes, I doe perceyue how my deare husbande vncomely
+and very dishonestly doth vse himselfe agaynst me in this noble
+company, thincking also that mayster Girolamo Bembo is affected
+with like rage and minde agaynst this Gentlewoman mystresse
+Lucia hys wyfe, although more temperate in words, he do not
+expresse the same. Agaynst whom if no reply be made, it may
+seeme that he doth well and hath spoken a truth, and that we by
+silence do condemne our selues to be those most wicked women
+whom hee alleageth vs to be. Wherefore by your gratious pardon
+and licence (most honourable) in the behalfe of mistresse Lucia
+and my selfe, for our defence I purpose to declare the effect of
+my mynde, although my purpose be cleane altered from that I had
+thought to say, being now iustly prouoked by the vnkinde
+behauiour of him whom I loue better than my selfe, and whose
+disloyalty, had hee beene silent and not so rashly runne to the
+ouerthrow of me and my good name, coulde I haue concealed,
+and onely touched that which had concerned the Purgation and
+sauegard of them both, which was the onely intent and meaning of
+vs, by making our humble supplication to your Maiesties.
+Neuerthelesse, so farre as my feeble force shall stretch, I will
+assay to do both the one and the other, although it be not
+appropriate to our kinde in publike place to declayme, nor yet
+to open sutch bold attempts, but that necessity of matter and
+oportunity of time, and place dothe bolden vs to enter into
+these termes, whereof we craue a thousand pardons for our
+vnkindely dealings, and render double thanks to your honours,
+for admitting vs to speake. Be it knowne therefore vnto you,
+that our husbands agaynst duety of loue, lawes of mariage, and
+against all reason, do make their heauy complaynts, which by and
+by I will make playne and euident. I am right well assured, that
+their extreme rage and bitter hearts sorrow do proceede of 2
+occasions: The one, of the murder whereof they haue falsely
+accused theymselues: the other of iealousie, which grieuously
+doth gnawe their hearts, thinking vs to be vile, and abhominable
+Women, because they were surprised in ech other's Chaumber.
+Concerning the murder, if they haue soyled their handes therein,
+it appertayneth vnto you my Lords to render their desert. But
+how can the same be layd to our charge, for somutch as they
+(if it were done by them) committed the same without our
+knowledge, our help and counsel? And truly I see no cause why
+any of vs ought to be burdened with the outrage, and mutch lesse
+cause haue they to laye the same to our charge: for meete it is
+that he that doth any vnlawful act, or is accessary to the same,
+should suffer the due penalty and seuere chastisement
+accordingly as the sacred lawes do prescribe, to be an example
+for other to abstayne from wicked facts. But hereof what neede I
+to dispute, wherein the blind may see to bee none offence,
+because (thankes bee to GOD) Mayster Aloisio liueth, which
+declareth the fonde Confession of our vngentil husbandes to bee
+contrary to trouth? And if so be our husbands in deede had done
+sutch an abhominable enterprise, reason and duety had moued vs
+to sorrowe and lament them, because they be borne of noble
+bloud, and be gentlemen of this noble Citty, which like a pure
+virgin inuiolably doth conserue hir lawes and customes. Great
+cause I say, had we to lament them, if lyke homicides, and
+murderers they had spotted their bloud with sutch fowle bleamish
+thereby deseruing death, to leaue vs yong Women Widowes in
+wofull plight. Nowe it behoueth me to speake of the Iealousie
+they haue conceyued of vs, for that they were in ech other's
+Chamber, which truly is the doubtfull knot and scruple that
+forceth all their disdaine and griefe. This I knowe well is the
+Nayle that pierceth their heart: other cause of offence they
+haue not: who like men not well aduised, without examination of
+vs and our demeanour, bee fallen into despayre, and like men
+desperate, haue wrongfully accused themselues: but because I may
+not consume words in vayne, to stay you by my long discourse
+from matters of greater importaunce, I humbly beseech you (right
+excellent prince) to commaunde them to tell what thing it is,
+which so bitterly doth torment them." Then the Duke caused one
+of the noble men assistaunt there, to demaund of them the
+question: Who aunswered that the chiefest occasion was, bicause
+they knew their Wyues to be Harlots, whom they supposed to be
+very honest: and forsomutch as they knew them to be sutch, they
+conceyued sorrow and griefe, which with sutch extremity did
+gripe them at the heart, as not able to sustayne that great
+Infamy, ashamed to be sene of men, were induced through desire
+of death to confesse that they neuer did. Mistresse Isotta
+hearing them say so, began to speak agayne, turning hir selfe
+vnto them: "Were you offended then at a thynge which yee thought
+inconuenient and not meete to be done? Wee then haue greatest
+cause to complayne. Why then sweete Husband went you to the
+Chaumber of mistresse Lucia at that time of the night? What had
+you to do there? What thing thought you to finde there more than
+was in your own house? And you Mayster Girolamo, what
+constrayned you to forsake your Wyue's Bed to come to my
+Husband's, where no man euer had, or at this present hath to do
+but himselfe? Were not the Sheetes of the one so white, so fine,
+neate, and sweete as the other? I am (most noble Prince) sory to
+declare my Husbande's folly, and ashamed that hee should forsake
+my Bed to go to an other, that did accompt myselfe so well
+worthy to entertayne hym in myne owne, as the best Wyfe in
+Venice, and now through his abuse, I abstayne to shewe my selse
+amonges the Beautifull, and noble Dames of this Citty. The lyke
+misliking of hirselfe is in mistresse Lucia, who (as you see)
+may be numbred amongs the fayrest. Eyther of you ought to haue
+bene contented with your Wyues, and not (as wickedly you haue
+done) to forsake them, to seeke for better breade than is made
+of Wheate, or for purer Golde than whereof the Angell is made:
+O worthy deede of yours, that haue the Face to leaue your owne
+Wyues, that be comely, fayre, and honest, to seeke after
+straunge Carrion. O beastly order of Men that cannot conteyne
+their lust within the boundes of their owne House, but must goe
+hunt after other Women as Beastes do after the nexte of their
+kinde that they chaunce vppon. What vile affection possessed
+your hearts to lust after others Wyfe? You make complaynte of
+vs, but wee with you haue right good cause to be offended,
+you ought to bee grieued with your owne disorder, and not with
+others offence, and thys your affliction patiently to beare,
+bycause you went about to beguile one an other's Loue, lyke them
+that be weary, and Glutted with their owne fare, seekinge after
+other daynties more delicate if they were to be founde. But
+praysed be GOD and our prouident discretion, if any hurt or
+shame hath chaunced, the same doth light on you. Moreouer I know
+no cause why men should haue more liberty to doe euill than we
+Women haue: albeit through the weaknes and cowardise of our
+Sexe, yee men will doe what ye list. But ye be now no Lords,
+nor we Seruaunts, and husbands we do you call, bicause the holy
+Lawes of Matrimony (which was the first Sacrament giuen by GOD
+to Men after the creation of the Worlde) doe require equall
+fayth, and so well is the husband bound to the Wyfe as she vnto
+him. Go to then and make your complaynt: the next Asse or Beast
+ye meete take hir to be your Wyfe. Why do yee not know that the
+balance of iustice is equall, and wayeth downe no more of one
+side than of other? But let vs nowe leaue of to reason of this
+matter, and come to that for which we be come hither. Two things
+(most ryghteous Prynce) haue moued vs to come before your
+maiesty, and all this honourable assembly, which had they not
+bene, we would haue bene ashamed to shewe our Faces, and lesse
+presumed to speake or once to open our Lippes in this Noble
+audience, which is a place only meete for them that be most
+Expert, and eloquent Orators, and not for vs, to whom the
+Needle, and Distaffe be more requisite. The first cause that
+forced vs to come forth of our owne house, was to let you
+understand that our Husbands be no murderers, as is supposed,
+neyther of this Gentleman present maister Aloisio, ne yet of any
+man els: and thereof we haue sufficient and worthy testimony.
+But herein we neede not to trauaile mutch, or to vse many
+wordes: for neyther maister Alosio is slayne, ne any other
+murdred that is known or manifest hitherto. One thyng resteth,
+which is that Madonna Lucia and I do humbly beseech youre
+excellente Maiestye, that youre grace and the authoritye of the
+right honourable Lords here present, will vouchsafe to reconcile
+vs to our husbands, that we may obtayne pardon and fauor at
+their handes, bicause we haue so manifestly made their acts to
+appeare, and for that we be the offence, and they the
+Offendours, and yet by their owne occasions, we haue committed
+the Error (if it may be so termed.) And now to come to the
+conclusion, I doe remember, sithens I was a Chylde, that I haue
+heard the Gentlewoman my mother saye (whose soule God pardon)
+many times vnto me, and other my sisters, and to mistresse
+Lucia, that was brought vp with vs, being by hir instructed in
+diuers good and vertuous Lessons, that all the honor a woman can
+doe vnto hir husband, whereby she beautifieth him and his whole
+race and family, consisteth in hir honest, chast, and vertuous
+lyfe, without which, she oughte rather to die than liue. And
+that a Gentleman's Wyfe when she hath giuen hir body to the vse
+of an other man, is the common marke for euery man to point at
+in the streate where she goeth, hir husband therby incurring
+reproche and shame, whych no doubt is the greatest iniury and
+scorne that an honest Gentleman can receiue, and the moste
+shamefull reproche that can deface his house. Which Lesson we so
+well remembryng, desirous not to suffer the carelesse and
+vnbrideled appetites of our husbandes to be vnrained, and runne
+at large to some dishonest Ende, by a faithfull and commendable
+pollicy, did prouide for the mischyefe that myghte ensue.
+I neede not heere rehearse the enimytye and debate that manye
+yeares did raigne betweene our husbandes Fathers, bicause it is
+knowne to the whole City. Wee too therefore here presente, the
+Wiues of those noble Gentlemen, brought vp together from oure
+Cradle, perceiuing the malyce betwene our husbandes, made a
+vertue of Necessity, deemynge it better for vs to lose our
+sweete and auncient conuersation, than to mynister cause of
+disquietnesse. But the nearenesse of our houses would not that
+naturall hatred shoulde defraude and take away olde ingrafted
+amity. Wherefore many times when our Husbands were gone forth,
+we met together, and talked in our Gardens, betwene whych there
+is but a slender hedge beset with Primme and Roses, which
+commoditye in their absence we did discretly vse. And as
+sometimes for pleasure we walked with oure husbandes there, ye
+(shee turninge vnto them) did cast your eyes vpon ech other's
+wyfe, and were strayghte way in loue, or else perchance you
+fained your selues to bee, whych espied by vs, many times
+betwene our selues did deuise vppon the same, and red your
+amorous letters, and sonnet sent vnto vs. For which disloyalty
+and treason toward vs your Wyues, we sought no dishonour to
+youre persons, wee were content to suffer you to bee abused with
+your fond loue, we blabbed it not abroade to our Gossips, as
+many leude and fantasticall women bee wont to doe, thereby to
+rayse slaunder to our husbands, and to sturre vp ill reporte
+vpon them, whose infirmities it becommeth vs to conceale and
+hide. We deuised meanes by some other way to let you understand
+your fault, and did cast vpon you many times right louinge
+lookes. Which although it were agaynste our owne desire, yet the
+cause, and full conclusion of the same, was to practise, if it
+were possible, to make you frendes: But consideringe that this
+loue, and allurementes of eyther parts, could not tend to other
+end, as wee coniectured, but to increase displeasure, and to put
+the swords into your handes, we therefore consulted, and
+vniformely in one minde agreed for the appeasinge, and
+satisfaction of all partes, at sutch nightes as ye fayned to go
+into diuers places about earnest affayres as yee alleaged,
+Mistresse Lucia with the help of Cassandra my mayde, through the
+Gardeine came into my chamber, and I by meanes of Iane hir maide
+by like way repayred vnto hirs. And yee poore men guided by our
+maydes were brought vnto your chambers where ye lay with your
+owne Wyues, and so by tilth of others land in straunge soyle
+(as yee beleeued) yee lost no labour. And bicause your
+embracements then, were like to those atchieued by amorous
+Gentlemen, vsinge vs with more earnest desire than you were wont
+to do, both wee were begotten with childe: which ought to be
+very gladsome, and gratefull vnto you, if yee were so fayne to
+haue children as yee shewed your selues to bee. If then none
+other offence doth grieue you, if remorse of Conscience for
+other cause doeth not offend you, if none other sorrowe doeth
+displease you: gieue ouer your griefe. Remit your displeasure.
+Be glad, and ioyfull. Thanke vs for our pollicy and pleasaunt
+disport that wee made you. If hitherto yee haue ben enimies,
+henceforth be frends, put of that auncient mallice so long
+continued, mitigate your hatefull moode, and liue yee from
+henceforth like friendly Gentlemen, yelde vp your rancor into
+the lap of your Countrey, that shee may put him in exile for
+euer, who like a pitifull, and louing mother woulde gladly see
+all hir children of one accorde and minde. Which if yee doe,
+(ye shall do singulare pleasure to your friendes), ye shall doe
+great discomfort to your foes, yee shall do singular good to the
+commonwealth, yee shall doe greatest benefit to your selues, ye
+shall make vs humble Wyues, yee shall encrease your posterity,
+yee shall be praysed of all men, and finally shall depart the
+best contented that euer the World brought forth. And now
+because yee shall not thinke that wee haue picked out thys Tale
+at our fingers ends, thereby to seeke your sauegard and our owne
+Fame, and prayse, beholde the letters which you sent vs, beholde
+you owne handes subscribed to the same, beholde your seales
+assigned thereunto, which shall render true testimony of that
+which vnfaynedly we haue affirmed." Then both deliuered their
+letters, which viewed and seene, were well knowne to be their
+owne husbandes handes, and the same so well approued hir tale,
+as their husbands were the gladdest men of the world and the
+Duke and Seignory maruaylously satisfied and contented. In so
+mutch as the whole assembly with one voyce, cried out for their
+husbands deliueraunce. And so with the consent of the Duke and
+the whole seignory they were clearely discharged. The Parents,
+Cosins, and Friends of the husbands and wyues were wonderfully
+amazed to heere this long hystory, and greatly praysed the maner
+of their deliuery, accoumpting the women to be very wise, and
+mistresse Isotta to be an eloquent gentlewoman, for that shee
+had so well defended the cause of their husbands and of
+themselues. Anselmo and Girolamo openly in the presence of all
+the people embraced, and kissed their Wyues with great
+reioysing. And then the husbands shaked one an other by the
+hands, betwene whom began a Brotherly accorde, and from that
+time forth liued in perfect amity, and Friendship, exchaunging
+the wanton loue that eyther of them bare to other's wyfe into
+Brotherly Friendship, to the great delight of the whole Citty.
+When the multitude assembled, to heare this matter throughly was
+satisfied, the Duke with cheerefull Countenaunce lookinge toward
+Gismonda, sayde thus vnto hir: "And you fayre Gentlewoman, what
+haue you to say: Bee bolde to vtter your minde, and wee wil
+gladly heare you." Mistresse Gismonda bashfull to speake, began
+wonderfully to blush, into whose cheekes entred an orient rud,
+intermixed with an alabaster white, which made her countenaunce
+more amiable than it was wont to be. After she had stode still a
+while with hir eyes declined towards the ground, in comly wise
+lifting them vp againe with shamefast audacity she began thus to
+speake: "If I most Noble Prince, in open audience should attempt
+to discourse of Loue, whereof I neuer had experience, or knew
+what thing it was, I should be doubtfull what to say thereof,
+and peraduenture durst not open my mouth at al. But hearing my
+father (of worthy memory) many times to tel that your maiesty in
+the time of your youth disdained not to open your heart to
+receiue the amorous flames of loue, and being assured that there
+is none but that doth loue little or mutch, I do not doubt but
+for the words which I shal speake, to obtaine both pity and
+pardon. To come then to the matter: God I thanke him of his
+goodnesse, hath not permitted me to bee one of those women, that
+like hipocrites do mumble their Paternoster to saincts:
+appearing outwardly to be devout and holy and in Fruict doe
+bring forth Deuils, and al kinds of vices, specially
+ingratitude, which is a vice that doth suck and dry vp the
+fountain of godly Piety. Life is deare to mee (as naturally it
+is to all) next which I esteeme myne honor, which is to be
+preferred before life, bicause without honor life is of no
+regard. And where man and woman do liue in shame notorious to
+the world, the same may be termed a liuing death rather than a
+life. But the loue that I beare to mine onely beloued Aloisio
+here present, I do esteeme aboue al the Iewels and treasures of
+the world, whose personage I do regard more than mine owne Lyfe.
+The reason that moueth me thereto is very great, for before that
+I loued him or euer ment to fixe my mind that way, he dearely
+regarded me, continually deuising which way he might win and
+obtain my loue, sparing no trauel by Night and Day to seeke the
+same. For which tender affection should I shew myself vnkind and
+froward? God forbid. And to be playn with your honors, he is
+more deare and acceptable vnto me, than the balles of mine own
+eyes, being the chiefest things that appertain to the furniture
+of the body of man, without which no earthly thing can be
+gladsome and ioyful to the sense, and feelinge. Last of all his
+amorous, and affectionate demonstration of his loue towards me,
+by declaringe himselfe to be carefull of mine honor, rather more
+willinge to bestow his owne, than to suffer the same to be
+touched with the least suspicion of dishonesty, I can not
+choose, but so faythfully imbrace, as I am ready to guage my
+life for his sake, rather than his finger shoulde ake for
+offence. And where hath there bene euer found sutch liberality
+in any louer? What is he that hath bene euer so prodigall,
+to employ his life (the most speciall pledge in this worlde,)
+rather than hee would suffer his beloued to incurre dishonoure?
+Many hystoryes haue I red, and Chronicles of our time, and yet I
+haue found few or none comparable vnto thys Gentleman, the like
+of whom be so rare and seldome as white Crowes, or Swannes of
+colour blacke. O singuler liberality, never hearde of before.
+O fact that can neuer be sufficiently praysed. O true loue most
+vnfayned. Maister Aloisio rather than he would haue my fame any
+one iote to be impayred, or to suffer any shadow of suspition to
+bleamish the same, frankly hath confessed himselfe to be a
+theefe, and murdrer, regardinge mee and mine honor more than
+himselfe, and life. And albeit that he might a thousand wayes
+haue saued himselfe without the imprisonment and aduersity which
+he hath sustained: neuerthelesse after he had sayd, beinge then
+past remembrance through the fall, that he fell downe from my
+window, and perceyued how mutch that confession would preiudice
+and hurt my good name, and hurt the known honesty of the same,
+of his good wyll did chose to dye rather than to speake any
+words that might breede yll opinion of mee, or the least thinge
+of the worlde that might ingender infamy and slaunder. And
+therefore not able to revoke the words hee had spoken of the
+fall, nor by any meanes coulde coloure the same, hee thought to
+saue the good name of another by his owne hurt. If he then thus
+redily and liberally hath protruded his life into manifest
+daunger for my benefit and saueguard, preferring mine honour
+aboue the care of himselfe, shall not I abandon all that I haue,
+yea and therewithall hazard mine honor for his saluation? But
+what? Shall I disdayne bountifully to imploy my selfe and all
+the endeuor of my Frendes for his deliuery? No, no (my Lords) if
+I had a thousand liues, and so many honors at my commaundement,
+I woulde giue them al for his releyse and comfort, yea if it
+were possible for me to recouer a fresh X.C.M. lyues,
+I woulde so frankly bestow them all, as euer I desired to liue,
+that I might enioy mine owne Aloisio. But I am sorry, and euer
+shal be sorry, for that it is not lawful for me to do more for
+him, than that which my power and possibility is able. For if he
+should die, truely my life could not endure: if he were depriued
+of life, what pleasure should I haue to liue in this world after
+him: whereby (moste honorable and righteous iudge,) I beleeue
+before the honest, not to loose any one iote of myne honor,
+bicause I being (as you may see) a younge Woman and a Widow
+desirous to marry againe, it is lawful for me to loue and to bee
+beloued, for none other intent (whereof God is the onely iudge)
+but to attaine a husbande according to my degre. But if I should
+lose my reputation and honor, why should not I aduenture the
+same for hym, that hath not spared hys own for me? Now to come
+to the effect of the matter, I do say wyth al dutifull
+reuerence, that it is an accusation altogither false and vntrue,
+that euer mayster Alolsio came to my house as a Theefe against
+my wil. For what neede he to be a thefe, or what nede had he of
+my goodes, that is a Lorde and owner of twenty times so mutch as
+I haue? Alas good Gentleman, I dare depose and guage my lyfe,
+that he neuer thoughte mutch lesse dyd any robbery or thing
+vnlawful, wherewith iustly he may be charged, but he repayred to
+my house with my consent, as a louing and affectionate Louer,
+the circumstance whereof, if it be duly marked, must aduouch the
+same to be of trouth infallible. For if I had not giuen him
+licence to come, how was it possible for him to conuey his
+ladder so high, that was made but of Ropes, and to fasten the
+same to the iaume of the window, if none within did helpe hym?
+Againe, howe could the Window of the Chaumber be open at that
+time of the night, which is still kept shut, if it had not bene
+by my consent? But I with the helpe of my mayde threwe downe to
+him a little Rope, whereunto he tyed his Ladder and drewe the
+same vp, and making it so fast, as it could not vndo, gaue a
+signe for him to Mounte. But as both our ill Fortune would haue
+it, before I could catch any hold of him, to mine inestimable
+griefe and hart's sorrow he fell downe to the ground. Wherefore
+(my Lords) I beseech your honours to reuoke the confession
+wherein he hath made hymselfe to be a theefe. And you maister
+Aloisio declare the trouth as it was, sith I am not ashamed in
+this honourable assemble to tel the same. Beholde the letters
+(my Lordes) which so many tymes he wrote vnto me, wherein hee
+made suite to come to my speache, and continually in the same
+doth call me Wyfe. Beholde the Ladder, which till nowe, did
+still remayne in my chaumber. Beholde my maide, whych in all
+mine affayres, is as it were myne owne hande and helper."
+Aloisio being hereupon demaunded by the Lordes of the articles,
+which she in hir tale had recited, confessed them al to be true:
+who also at the same instant was discharged. The Duke greatly
+commended them both, hir for hir stoute audacity, in defence of
+an innocent Gentleman, and him for his honour, and modesty, by
+seeking to preserue the Fame and good reporte of a vertuouse
+Gentlewoman. Whych done, the Counsell disassembled and brake up.
+And the friendes of both the parties accompanied them home to
+the house of mistresse Gismonda, where to the great reioyce, and
+pleasure of all men, they were solemnely maried in sumptuous and
+honourable wise, and Aloisio with hys Wyfe lyued in great
+prosperity long time after. Mistresse Lucia, and mistresse
+Isotta, at the expyred tyme were deliuered of two goodly sonnes,
+in whom the Fathers tooke great Ioy, and delight. Who wyth their
+Wyues after that tyme liued very quietly, and well, one louing
+an other like naturall Brethren, many times sporting among
+themselues discretely at the deceipts of their Wyues. The
+wisedome of the Duke also was wonderfully extolled and commended
+of all men, the fame whereof was increased and bruted throughout
+the Region of Italy. And not without cause. For by hys prudence
+and aduise, the Dominion of the State, and Common wealth was
+amplified and dilated. And yet in th'ende being old and
+impotent, they vnkindly deposed him from his Dukedom.
+
+
+
+
+THE TWENTY-SEVENTH NOUELL.
+
+  _The Lorde of Virle, by the commaundement of a fayre younge
+  Wydow called Zilia, for hys promise made, the better to
+  attaine hir loue, was contented to remayne dumbe the space of
+  three yeares, and by what meanes he was reuenged, and obtayned
+  hys suite._
+
+
+They that haue spent their youth in humayne follies, and haue
+followed the Vanities of loue, not addicted to the contemplation
+of high secrets, nor haue made entry here on Earth, to inlarge
+and amplyfy the boundes of their honor and Estimation. Those
+Worldlings (I say) and embracers of transitory pleasures, shall
+witnesse with me, and confirme, this olde and auncient Theme and
+proposition to be true which is: that the Beauty, and comely
+grace of a Woman, is the very true and naturall adamant (for the
+attractiue power, and agreeable quality there inclosed,) to draw
+vnto it the hearts, and affections of men: which hath made man
+beleue, that the same onely essence, was sent downe from aboue
+to serue both for ioy and torment together. For the amplyfyinge
+of which proposition, I will not bring forth, the immoderate
+loue of Paris by forsaking his owne Natiue country of Troy, to
+visite fayre Helena in Greece, nor yet tell how Hercules gaue
+ouer his mace to handle the Distaffe, vpon the commaundement of
+Omphale, nor yet how Sampson and Salomon were sotted in the
+slaueries of Dalida and other concubines. But my discourse here
+folowing shall ring out a loud Peale, of a meane Gentlewoman,
+of Piedmount, that shewed no fauor or Curtesy at all to her
+suppliant, a Gentleman not inferior to Paris for his actiuity
+and prowesse: which for her seruice and atchyeues of her loue,
+refused not to bee dombe the space of many yeares, and to giue
+ouer the best porcion of his sences wherewith the Almighty, made
+Man differente from brute and sauage Beastes. If this thing
+declare not sufficiently the force and power of that attractiue
+and drawing power in woman, no other example is worthy to be
+preferred. Those aforesayd and many other haue voluntarily
+yoaked themselues in the chains of loue's obedience, rendreth
+the masse of their mirye corps to the slauery thereof, but that
+any haue franckely tyed vp their Tongue, the chiefest Instrument
+of the bodies furniture: in honorable assembly or where
+dexterity of seruice shoulde make him glorious, the like of that
+subiection was neuer seene or founde. And yet our fathers dayes
+did see this miracle wrought by a Woman, vpon a Gentleman very
+wise, and well trained vp in all good exercyse. This example,
+and what this Malapert Dame did gaine, by the penance of this
+louing knight, shal in this discourse be manifestly pronounced.
+The City of Thurin (as is well knowne to them that haue
+trauelled Piedmont) is the ornament and bulwark of al the
+Countrey, so well for the natural site of the place, as for the
+artificial and industrious worke of man's hande, which hath
+instaured and furnished with great magnificence, that which
+nature had indifferently enryched, for the rudenesse and litle
+knowledg of the time past. Now besides this stately and strong
+city, there standeth a litle towne named Montcall, a place no
+lesse strong, and of good defence, than wel planted in a faire
+and rich soyle. In this Towne there dwelt a Gentlewoman a widow
+called Zilia, beautiful amongs the most excellent fayre
+Gentlewomen of the countrey, which country (besides other happy
+and heauenly influences) seemeth to be specially fauored, for
+hauing the most fairest and curteous Gentlewomen, aboue any
+other within the compasse of Europa. Notwithstanding this faire
+Silia, degenerating from the nature of hir climate was so
+haggard and cruel, as it might haue ben thought, she had ben
+rather nourished and brought vp amid the most desert mountaines
+of Sauoy, than in the pleasant and rich Champian Countreye,
+watred and moystened with Eridanus, the father of Riuers, at
+this Day called the Pau, the largenesse whereof doth make men to
+maruel, and the fertility allureth ech man to be desirous to
+inhabit vpon the same. This fayre rebellious Widow, albeit,
+that she was not aboue XXIV. or XXV. yeres of age, yet
+protested neuer more to be subiect to man, by mariage, or
+otherwise, thinking her selfe wel able to liue in single life:
+a Minde truly very holy and commendable, if the pricks of the
+flesh do obey the first motions and adhortations of the spirit,
+but where youth, pleasure, and multitude of suters do addresse
+their endeuour against that chastity (which is lightly
+enterprysed) the Apostels counsel oughte to be followed, who
+willeth yong widows to marry in Christ, to auoid the temptations
+of the flesh, and to flye offensiue slaunder and dishonour
+before men. This mistresse Zilia (hir husband being dead) only
+bent hir selfe to enrich hir house, and to amplify the
+possession of a little infant which she had by hir late departed
+Husband. After whose death she became so couetous, as hauing
+remoued, and almost cut of quite the wonted port she vsed in hir
+husband's dayes, imployed hir maids in houshold affaires,
+thinking nothing to be wel don that passed not through hir owne
+Handes. A thinge truely more prayse worthy, than to see a sorte
+of effeminate, fine and daynty fyngred Dames, that thinke their
+honor diminished yf they holde but their Nose ouer theyr
+Housholde Matters, where theyr Hande and Dylygence were more
+requisite, for so mutch as the mystresse of a House is not
+placed the Cheyfe to heare onely the reasons of them that Labor,
+but thereunto to put hir hands, for hir presente eye seemeth to
+giue a certyn perfection to the worke that the Seruauntes doe by
+hir commaundement. Which caused the Hystoryans in tymes past, to
+describe vnto the Posterity a Gentlewoman called Lucretia,
+not babbling amongs young girles, or running to feastes and
+Maigames, or Masking in the night, withoute any regard of the
+honor and dygnitye of hir race and house, but in hir Chaumber
+Sowing, Spinning and Carding, amids the Troup of hir Mayden
+Seruaunts: wherein our mistresse Zilia passed the moste part of
+hir time, spending no minute of the day, without some honest
+exercise, for that she the rather did for that she liked not to
+be seene at Feasts, or Bankets, or to be gadding vp and downe
+the streetes, wandring to Gardeyns or places of pleasure,
+although to sutch places youth sometimes may haue their honest
+repayre to refresh their wearied bodies with vertuous
+recreation, and thereby reioyce the heauinesse of their mynde.
+But this Gentlewoman was so seuere in following the rigorous,
+and constrayned maners of our auncients, as impossible it was,
+to see hir abroade: except it were when she went to the Church
+to heare deuine seruice. This Gentlewoman seemed to haue studied
+the diuinity of the Ægyptians which paynt Venus holding a key
+before hir mouth, and setting hir Fote vpon a Tortus, signifying
+vnto us thereby the duety of a chaste Woman, whose tongue ought
+to bee locked, that shee speak not but in tyme and place, and
+her feete not straying or wandering, but to keepe hir selfe
+within the limits of hir owne house, except it be to serue God,
+and sometimes to render bounden duety to them which brought them
+into light. Moreouer Zilia was so religious (I will not say
+superstitious) and rigorous to obserue customes, as she made it
+very squeimish and straung to kisse a Gentleman that met hir,
+a ciuility which of long time hath bene obserued, and yet
+remayneth in the greatest parte of the Worlde, that Gentlewomen
+do welcome straungers and Guests into their houses with an
+honest and chaste kisse. Notwithstandinge the institution and
+profession of this Wyddow had wiped away this poyncte of hir
+youth: whether it were for that she esteemed hirselfe so fayre
+as all men were vnworthy to touch the vtter partes of so rare
+and pretious a vessell, or that hir great, and inimitable
+chastity made hir so straunge, to refuse that which hir duety
+and honour woulde haue permitted hir to graunt. There chaunced
+about this time that a Gentleman of the Countrey, called Sir
+Philiberto of Virle, esteemed to be one of the most valiaunt
+gentlemen in those parts, repayred vpon an holy day to Montcall,
+(whose house was not very farre of the Towne) and being at
+diuine seruice, in place of occupying his Sence and Mynde in
+heauenly things, and attending the holy words of a Preacher,
+which that day declared the worde of God vnto the people, hee
+gaue himselfe to contemplate the excellent beauty of Zilia, who
+had put of for a while hir mourninge vayle, that she might the
+better beholde the good father that preached, and receyue a
+little ayre, because the day was extreme hot. The Gentleman at
+the first blushe, when hee sawe that sweete temptation before
+his eyes, thought himselfe rapt aboue the thirde heauen, and not
+able to withdraw his looke, he fed himselfe with the Venome
+which by little, and little, so seased vpon the soundest parts
+of hys mynde, as afterwards being rooted in heart, he was in
+daunger still to remayne there for a Guage, wythout any hope of
+ease or comforte, as more amply this followinge discourse, shall
+giue you to vnderstande. Thus all the morning hee behelde the
+Gentlewoman, who made no more accoumpt of theym, that wyth great
+admiration did behold hir, than they themselues did of their
+life, by committing the same to the handes of a Woman so cruell.
+This Gentleman being come home to his lodging enquired what
+fayre Wyddow that was, of what calling, and behauiour, but hee
+heard tell of more truely than he would of good will haue known
+or desired to haue ben in hir, whom he did presently chose to be
+the only mistresse of his most secret thoughts. Now
+vnderstandynge well the stubburne Nature, and vnciuile Manner of
+that Wyddowe, hee coulde not tell what parte to take, nor to
+what Sainct to vow his Deuotion, to make suite vnto hir hee
+thought it tyme lost, to bee hir Seruaunt, it was not in his
+power, hauing already inguaged his Lyberty into the handes of
+that beauty, whych once holding captiue the hearte of men, will
+not infraunchise them so soone as Thought and Wyll desire.
+Wherefore baytinge hymself with hope, and tickled wyth loue, he
+determined whatsoeuer chaunced, to loue hir, and to assay if by
+long seruice he could lenifie that harde hearte, and make tender
+that vnpliaunt wyll, to haue pitty vppon the payne which shee
+saw him to endure, and to recompence hys laboursome Trauayles,
+which hee thought were vertuously imployed for gayning of hir
+good grace. And vpon this settled deliberation, he retired
+agayne to Virle (so was his house named) where disposinge hys
+thinges in order, he retorned agayne to Montcall to make his
+long resiaunce there, to put in readines his furniture, and to
+welde his artillary with sutch industry, as in the ende he might
+make a reasonable breach to force and take the place: for
+surprising whereof, hee hazarded great daungers, the rather that
+himselfe might first be taken. And where his assaults and
+pollicies could not preuayle, hee minded to content his Fancy
+wyth the pleasure and pastyme that hee was to receyue in the
+contemplation of a thing so fayre, and of an image so excellent.
+The memory of whom rather increased his paine than yelded
+comfort, did rather minister corrosiue poyson, than giue remedy
+of ease, a cause of more cruell and sodayne death, than of
+prolonged lyfe. Philiberto then being become a citizen of
+Montcal, vsed to frequent the Church more than hee was wont to
+doe, or his deuotion serued hym, and that bycause he was not
+able elsewhere to enioy the presence of hys Saynct, but in
+places and Temples of Deuotion: which no doubt was a very holy
+and worthy Disposition, but yet not meete or requisite to
+obserue sutch holy places for those intentes, which ought not to
+bee prophaned in things so fonde and foolishe, and Actes so
+contrary to the Institution, and mynde of those, whych in tymes
+past were the firste Founders and Erectoures of Temples.
+Seignior Philiberto then mooued wyth that Religious
+Superstition, made no Conscience at al to speake vnto hir wythin
+the Church. And true it is, when she went out of the same, he
+(mooued wyth a certayne familiar curtesie, naturall to eche
+Gentleman of good bringing vp) many tymes conducted hir home to
+hir house, not able for all that (what so euer hee sayd) to win
+the thing that was able to ingender any little solace, which
+greeued him very much: for the cruell woman fained as though she
+vnderstoode nothing of that he sayde, and turnyng the Wayne
+agaynst the Oxen, by contrary talke shee began to tell hym a
+tale of a Tubbe, of matters of hir Householde, whereunto hee
+gaue so good heede, as shee did to the hearing of his
+complaynts. Thus these two, of diuers Affections, and mooued
+wyth contrary thoughtes, spake one to another, without apt
+aunswere to eyther's talke. Whereby the Gentleman conceyued an
+assured argument of hys Ruine, who voyde of all hope, and
+meanes, practised with certayne Dames of the Citty, that had
+familiar accesse vnto hyr house, and vsed frequent conuersation
+wyth hys rebellious Lady Zilia. To one of them, then hee
+determined to communicate hys secrets, and to doe hir to
+vnderstand in deede the only cause that made him to soiorne at
+Montcall, and the griefe which he suffered, for that he was not
+able to discouer his torment vnto hir, that had giuen him the
+wounde. Thys Gentleman therefore, repayred to one of his
+neyghbours, a Woman of good corage, which at other tymes had
+experimented what meates they feede on that sit at Venus Table,
+and what bitternesse is intermingled amid those drinckes that
+Cupido quaffeth vnto hys Guestes. Vnto whom (hauing before
+coniured hir to keepe close that whych hee woulde declare) he
+discouered the secrets of hys mynde, expressinge hys loue
+wythout naming hys Lady before he heard the aunswere of hys
+Neyghbour, who vnderstanding almost to what purpose the
+affections of the Pacient were directed, sayd vnto hym: "Sir,
+needful it is not to vse longe orations, the loue that I beare
+you for the honest qualities whych hytherto I haue knowne to be
+in you, shall make me to keepe silent, that whereof as yet I do
+not know the matter, and the assuraunce you haue, not to bee
+abused by mee, constrayneth me to warrant you, that I wyll not
+spare to do you all the pleasure and honest seruice I can."
+"Ah mistresse," (aunswered sir Philiberto) "so long as I lyue,
+I will not fayle to acknowledge the Liberality of your endeuour
+by offeringe your selfe paciently to heare, and secretly, to
+keepe the Words I speake accordingly as they deserue: and that
+(whych is more than I require) you doe assure me that I shall
+finde sutch one of you as wil not spare to gieue your ayde.
+Alas, I resemble the good and wyse Captayne, who to take a forte
+doeth not only ayde himselfe with the forwardnesse, and
+valiaunce of his Souldiers, but to spare them, and to auoyde
+slaughter for makinge of way, planteth his cannon, and battereth
+the Walle of the fort, which hee would assaile, to the intent
+that both the Souldier, and the ordinaunce may perfourme and
+suffise the perfection of the plat, which hee hath framed and
+deuised within his pollitike heade. I haue already encouraged my
+souldiers, and haue lost the better part truely in the skirmish
+which hath deliuered vnto mee my sweete cruell Ennimy. Now I am
+driuen to make ready the fire, which resteth in the kindled
+match of your conceiptes, to batter the fort hitherto
+inexpugnable, for any assault that I can make." "I vnderstand
+not" (sayd she smilyng) "these labyrynths of your complaynts,
+except you speake more playn. I neuer haunted the Warres, ne
+knewe what thynge it is to handle weapons, improper and not
+seemely for myne estate and kynde." "The Warre" (quod he)
+{"}whereof I speake, is so naturall and common, as I doubt not,
+but you haue sometymes assayed, with what sleightes and
+camisados men vse to surpryse their enimies, howe they plant
+their ambushes, and what meanes both the assaylant and defendant
+ought to vse." "So far as I see" (sayd shee) "there resteth
+nothing for vs, but the assurance of the field, sith wee bee
+ready to enter in combat: and doe thinke that the fort shall not
+bee harde to winne, by reason of the Walles, dikes, rampers,
+bulwarks, platformes, counterforts, curtines, vamewres and
+engins which you haue prepared, besides a numbre of false brayes
+and flanks, placed in good order, and the whole defended from
+the thundringe Cannons and Bombardes, which do amaze the
+wandring enemy in the field. But I pray you leauing these
+warlike Tumults, to speak more boldly without these
+extrauagantes and digressions, for I take pitye to see you thus
+troubled: ready to exceede the boundes of your modesty and
+wonted wysedome." "Do not maruell at all mistresse" (quod he)
+"sith accordynge to new occurrentes and alterations, the
+purpose, talke, and counsel ordinarily do change I am become the
+seruaunt of one which maketh me altogither lyke vnto those that
+bee madde, and bound in Chaines, not able to speake or say any
+thing, but what the spyrites that be in them, do force them to
+vtter. For neither will I thynke, or speake any thing, but that
+which the Enchaunter Loue doth commaunde and suffer to expresse,
+who so rygorously doth vexe my hearte, as in place wher
+bouldenesse is most requysite, hee depriueth me of force, and
+leaueth mee without any Countenance. And being alone, God
+knoweth how frankly I doe wander in the place, where myne enemy
+may commaunde, and with what hardinesse I do inuade hir
+prouince. Alas, is it not pity then to see these diuersities in
+one selfe matter, and vpon one very thing? Truely I would endure
+wyllingly all these trauailes, if I wyst in the end, my seruice
+woulde be accepted, and hoped that my Martirdome shoulde fynde
+releefe: but liuing in this vncertainty, I must needes norysh
+the hunger and solace of the vnhappy, which are wishes and vaine
+hopes, trusting that some God wyll gayne me a faythful friend
+that will assaye to rid me from the hell, into the which I am
+throwne, or else to shorten thys Miserable lyfe, whych is a
+hundred tymes more paynfull than Death." In sayinge so, he began
+to sighe so straungely as a man would haue thought that two
+Smithes sledges working at the forge, had gyuen two blowes at
+his stomake, so vehement was the inclosed winde within his
+heart, that made him to fetche forth those terrible sighes,
+the Eyes not forgetting to yeld forth a Riuer of Teares, which
+gushynge forthe at the centre of hys Hearte, mounted into his
+Braynes, at lengthe to make issue through the Spoute, proper to
+the Chanell of sutch a Fountayne. Which the Gentlewoman seyng,
+moued with compassion, coulde not contain also from Weepyng,
+and therewythall sayde vnto him: "Although mine estate and
+reputation, which to this day I have kept vnspotted, defend the
+vse of my good wyl in al things that may defame mine honor, yet
+sir, seing the extremity which you suffer to be vnfained, I wil
+somwhat stretch my conscience, and assay to succor you with so
+good heart, as frankely you trust me with the secrets of your
+thought. It resteth then now for me to know what she is, to
+whome your deuocions be inclined whose heart and mind I wil so
+relief with the taste of your good wil, as I dare giue warrant,
+her appetit shal accept your profred seruice, and truly that
+woman may count her self happy that shal intertain the offer of
+a gentleman that is so honest and curteous, who meaneth with al
+fidelity to aduance and honor, not onely the superficial
+ornament of hir beauty, but the inward vertues of hir constant
+mind. And truly the earth seldom yeldeth those frutes in the
+harts of men in these our barren days, they being ouer growen
+with the shrubbes of disloialty the same choke vp the plantes of
+true Fidelity, the sedes whereof are sowen and replanted in the
+soyle of womens hartes, who not able to depart and vse the force
+and effects thereof will put vpon them conditions that bee
+cruell, to punish the Foolysh indiscreation of tryfling Louers,
+who disguised with the vizard of fained friendship, and paynted
+with coloured Amity, languishing in sighes and sorrowes, goe
+aboute to assay to deceiue the flexible Nature of them that
+prodigally employ theyr honor into the hands of sutch cruel,
+inconstante and foolysh suters." "Ah Mistresse" answered the
+Gentleman: "howe may I bee able to recompence that onely
+benefite which you promyse me now? But be sure that you see
+heere a Souldier and Gentleman presente which shall no lesse bee
+prodigall of hys Lyfe to doe you seruyce, than you bee lyberall
+of your reputation, to ease his Paines. Now sith it pleaseth you
+to shew sutch fauour to offer me your helpe and support in that
+which payneth me, I require no more at your hands, but to beare
+a letter which I shall wryte to mystresse Zilia, with whome I am
+so farre in loue, as if I do receiue no solace of my griefe,
+I know not howe I shall auoyde the cuttyng of the Threede, whych
+the spynning systers haue twisted to prolonge my lyfe, that
+henceforth can receiue no succor if by your meanes I do not
+atchieue the thing that holdeth me in bondage." The Gentlewoman
+was very sorrowful, when she vnderstoode that Seignior
+Philiberto had bent his Loue vpon sutch one, as would not
+consente to that requeste, and mutch lesse would render rest
+vnto hys myseryes, and therefore enforced hir selfe to moue that
+Foolyshe Fantasye out of his head. But he beyng already resolued
+in thys myshappe, and the same perceyued by her in the ende she
+sayde: "To the intente sir that you may not thynke that I doe
+meane to excuse the Satysfactyon of my promyse, make youre
+Letters, and of my Fayth I wil delyuer them. And albeyt I knowe
+verye well what bee the Honoures and Glorye of that Pylgryme,
+yet I wyll render to you agayne the true aunswere of hir speache
+whereby you maye consider the gayne you are lyke to make, by
+pursuing a Woman (although faire) of so small desert." The
+Gentleman fayled not to gyue her heartye Thankes, prayinge hir
+to tarry vntyll hee had written his letters: whereunto she most
+willingly obeyed. He then in his chaumber, began to fantasie a
+hundred hundred matters to write vnto his Mistresse, and after
+he had fixed theym in minde tooke Incke and Paper writing as
+followeth.
+
+  _The Letters of Seignior Philiberto of Virle, to Mistresse
+  Zelia of Montcall._
+
+"The passion extreeme which I endure, (Madame) through the
+feruent loue I beare you, is sutch, as besides that I am assured
+of the little affection that resteth in you towards me agayne,
+in respect of that incredible seruitude which my desire is ready
+to employ, I haue no power to commaunde my force, ne yet to rid
+my selfe from my vowed deuotion and will to your incomparable
+beauty, although euen from the beginning I felt the pricks of
+the mortall shot which now torments my mynde. Alas, I do not
+know vnder what influence I am borne, nor what Fate doth guide
+my yeares, sith I doe perceyue that heauen, and loue, and hir
+whom alone I honor, doe confirme themselues with one assent to
+seeke myne ouerthrow. Alas, I thinke that all the powers aboue
+conspired together, to make me be the faythfull man, and
+perpetuall seruaunt of you my mistresse deare, to whom alone,
+I yelde my heart afflicted as it is, and the ioy of hidden
+thoughts noursed in my minde, by the contemplation and
+remembraunce of your excellent and perfect graces, whereof, if I
+be not fauored, I waight for death, from whych euen now I fly:
+not for feare of that whych she can doe, or of the vgly shape
+which I conceyue to be in hir, but rather to confirme my life,
+this Body for instrument to exercise the myndes conceypts for
+doinge your Commaundements, which Body I greatly feare shall
+proue the vnworthy cruelty, both of your gentle nouriture, and
+of those graces which Dame Nature most aboundantly hath powred
+in you. Be sure Madame that you shall shortlye see the Ende of
+him, which attendeth yet to beare so mutch as in him doeth lye,
+the vehement loue into an other world, which maketh me to pray
+you to haue pity on him, who (attending the rest and final
+sentence of his Death or Lyfe) doth humbly kisse your white and
+delicate handes, beseeching God to giue to you like ioy as his
+is, who desireth to be,
+
+  Wholy yours or not to be at all
+    Philiberto of Virle.{"}
+
+The Letter written, closed and sealed, he deliuered to his
+neighbour, who promysed hym agayne to bryng him answere at
+Night. Thus this Messenger went hir way, leauing this pore
+languishyng Gentlemen hoping against hope, and fayning by and by
+some ioy and pleasure, wherein he bained himself with great
+contented minde. Then sodaynly he called againe vnto
+remembraunce, the cruelty and inciuility of Zilia, which shewed
+before his eyes so many kindes of Death, as tymes he thought
+vpon the same, thinking that he saw the choler wherewith his
+little curteous mistresse furiously did intertaine the
+messenger, who findinge Zilia comming forth of a garden
+adioining to her house, and hauing saluted her, and receiued
+like curteous salutation would haue framed hir talke, by honest
+excuse in the vnsemely charge and message: to hir vnto whom she
+was sent, and for some ease to the pore gentleman which
+approched nearer death than life. But Zilia break of hir talke
+saying: "I maruell mutch Gentle neighbor to see you heere at
+this time of the day, knowing your honest custome is to let
+passe no minute of the tyme, except it be emploied in some
+vertuous exercise." "Mistresse" answered the messanger, "I thank
+you for the good opinion you haue of me, and doe pray you to
+continue the same. For I do assure you that nothinge vayne or of
+lyttle effect hath made me slacke my businesse at this time,
+which me think I do not forslow, when I inforce my selfe to take
+pitye and mercy vpon the afflicted and the substaunce thereof I
+woulde disclose, if I feared not to offend you, and break the
+loue which of long tyme betweene vs two hath ben frequented."
+"I know not" (said Zilia) "whereunto your words do tend,
+althoughe my Hearte doth throbbe, and minde doth moue to make
+mee thinke your purposed talke to bee of none other effecte,
+than to say a thing which may redound to the preiudice of myne
+honour. Wherefore I pray you do not disclose what shall be
+contrary, (be it neuer so little) to the duety of Dames of our
+Degree." "Mystresse" sayd the Neighboure, "I suppose that the
+lyttle Lykelihoode touchyng in you the thinge for the helpe
+whereof I come, hath made you feele some passion, contrary to
+the greefe of him that indures so mutch for your sake. Vnto
+whome without feare of your dyspleasure, I gaue my Faithe in
+Pledge to beare this Letter." In saying so, she drewe the same
+out of hir Bosome, and presentyng it to cruell Silia, shee
+sayde: "I beseeche you to thynke that I am not ignoraunt of the
+evyll wherewyth the Lorde of Virle is affected, who wrote these
+letters. I promysed him the duety of a Messanger towards you:
+and so constrayned by promyse I could doe no lesse, than to
+delyuer you that which hee doeth sende, with Seruyce sutch as
+shall endure for euer, or yf it shall please you to accept him
+for sutch a one as hee desireth to be. For my parte I onelye
+praye you to reade the Contentes, and accordynglye to gyue mee
+Aunswere: for my Fayth is no further bounde, but trustelye to
+report to hym the thinge whereuppon you shall bee resolued."
+Zilia which was not wonte to receyue very ofte sutch Ambassades,
+at the firste was in mind to breake the Letters, and to retourne
+the Messanger wythout aunswere to hir shame. But in the Ende
+takyng Heart, and chaunging hir affectyon, she red the Letters
+not without shewing some very great alteration outwardely, which
+declared the meanynge of hir thought that diuersly did stryue
+wythin hir mynde: for sodaynly shee chaunged her Coloure twyce
+or thryce, nowe waxing pale lyke the increasynge Moone Eclypsed
+by the Sunne, when shee feeleth a certayne darkenynge of hir
+borowed Lyghte, then the Vermylyon and coloured Taynte came into
+hir Face agayne, wyth no lesse hewe than the blomed Rose newelye
+budded forthe, whych Encreased halfe so mutch agayne, the
+excellencye of that wherewyth Nature had indued hir. And then
+she paused a whyle. Notwythstandynge, after that shee had red,
+and red agayne hir Louer's letter, not able to dissemble hir
+foolishe anger which vexed hir heart, shee sayde vnto the
+mistresse messanger: "I would not haue thought that you, being a
+woman of good fame would (by abusinge your duety,) haue bene the
+ambassador of a thing so vncomely for your Estate, and the house
+where of you come, and towards me which neuer was sutch one
+(ne yet pretend to be.) And trust me it is the loue I beare you,
+which shall for this tyme make me dissemble what I thincke,
+reseruinge in silence, that whych (had it come from an other)
+I would haue published to the great dishonour of hir that maketh
+so little accoumpt of my chastity. Let it suffice therefore in
+tyme to come for you to thinke and beleue, that I am chaste and
+honest: and to aduertise the Lord of Virle to proceede no
+further in his sute: for rather will I dy, than agree to the
+least poynct of that which hee desires of mee. And that he may
+knowe the same, be well assured that hee shall take his leaue of
+that priuate talke which sometimes I vsed with him to my great
+dishonor, as far as I can see. Get you home therefore, and if
+you loue your credit so mutch, as you see me curious of my
+chastity, I beseech you vse no further talke of hym, whom I hate
+so mutch, as his folly is excessiue, for I do little esteeme the
+amorous Toyes and fayned passions, whereunto sutch louinge
+fooles doe suffer themselues to be caried headlong." The
+messenger ashamed to heare hir selfe thus pinched to the quicke,
+aunswered hir very quietly without mouing of hir pacience:
+"I pray to God (mistresse) that he may recouer the different
+disease al most incurable in eyther of you twayne, the same
+being so vehement, as altered into a phrenesie, maketh you in
+this wyse, incapable of reason." Finishing these wordes she
+tooke hir leaue of Zilia, and arriued to the Louer's house,
+she founde him lying vpon his bed, rather dead than a liue: who
+seeing his neyghbor returned backe agayne, with Face so sadde,
+not tarying for the aunswere which she was about to make, he
+began to say: "Ah infortunate Gentleman, thou payest wel the
+vsury of thy pleasures past when thou diddest lyue at lyberty,
+free from those trauayles which now do put thee to death,
+without suffering thee to dy. Oh happy, and more than happy had
+I ben, if inconstant Fortune had not deuised this treason,
+wherein I am surprised and caught, and yet no raunsome can
+redeeme from prison, but the most miserable death that euer
+poore louer suffred. Ah Mistresse, I knowe well that Zilia
+esteemeth not my Letters, ne yet regardeth my loue, I confesse
+that I haue done you wrong by thus abusing your honest amity,
+for the solace of my payne. Ah fickle loue, what foole is hee
+which doth commit hymselfe to the rage and fury of the Waues of
+thy foming and tempestuous Seas? Alas I am entred in, with
+great, and gladsome cheere, through the glistering shew before
+myne eyes of the faynt shining Sunne beames, whereunto as soone
+as I made sayle, the same denied me light of purpose to thrust
+me forth into a thousand winds, tempests, and raging stormes of
+Rayne. By meanes whereof I see no meane at all to hope for end
+of my mishaps: and mutche lesse the shipwracke that sodainely
+may rid me from this daunger more intollerable, than if I were
+ouerwhelmed wythin the bottomlesse depth of the mayne Ocean. Ah
+deceyuer and wily Souldiour, why hast thou made me enterprise
+the voyage farre of from thy solitudes and Wildernesse, to geue
+me ouer in the middest of my necessity? Is this thy maner
+towards them which franckly followe thy tract, and pleasauntly
+subdue themselues to thy trayterous follies? At least wyse if I
+sawe some hope of health would indure without complaynt thereof:
+yea, and it were a more daungerous tempest. But O good God, what
+is he of whom I speake? Of whom do I attend for solace and
+releefe? Of him truely which is borne for the ouerthrow of men.
+Of whom hope I for health? Of the most noysom poyson that euer
+was mingled with the subtilest druggs that euer were. Whom shall
+I take to be my Patron? He which is in ambush traiterously to
+catch me, that he may martir me worsse than he hath done before.
+Ah cruell Dame, that measurest so euill, the good will of him
+that neuer purposed to trespasse the least of thy
+commaundements. Ah, that thy beauty should finde a Subiect so
+stubborne in thee, to torment them that loue and honor thee.
+O maigre and vnkinde recompence, to expell good seruaunts that
+be affectionate to a seruice so iust and honest. Ah Basiliske,
+coloured ouer with pleasure and swetnesse, how hath thy sight
+dispersed his poyson throughout mine heart? At least wise if I
+had some drugge to repell thy force, I should liue at ease, and
+that without this sute and trouble. But I feele and proue that
+this sentence is more than true:
+
+  No physicke hearbes the griefe of loue can cure,
+  Ne yet no drugge that payne can well assure.
+
+Alas, the seare cloath will not serue, to tent the wound the
+time shall be but lost, to launch the sore, and to salue the
+same it breeds myne ouerthrow. To be short, any dressing can not
+auayle, except the hand of hir alone which gaue the wounde.
+I woulde to God shee sawe the bottome of my heart, and viewed
+the Closet of my mynde, that shee might iudge of my firme fayth
+and know the wrong she doth me by hir rigor and froward will.
+But O vnhappy man, I feele that she is so resolued in obstinate
+mynde, as hir rest seemeth only to depend vpon my payne, hir
+ease vpon my griefe, and hir ioy vpon my sadnesse." And saying
+so, began straungly to weepe, and sighing betwene, lamented,
+in so mutch as, the mistresse messaunger not able to abide the
+griefe and paynefull trauayle wherein shee saw the poore
+gentleman wrapped, went home to hir house: notwithstanding she
+told afterward the whole successe of his loue to a Gentleman,
+the friend of Philiberto. Now this Gentleman was a companion in
+armes to the Lorde of Virle, and a very familyar Freend of his,
+that went about by all meanes to put away those foolishe, and
+Franticke conceypts out of his fansie, but hee profited as mutch
+by his endeuour, as the passionate gayned by his heauines: who
+determining to dye, yelded so mutch to care and grief, as he
+fell into a greeuous sicknes, which both hindred him from
+sleepe, and also his Appetite to eate and drinke, geuing
+himselfe to muse vppon his follies, and fansied dreames, without
+hearing or admitting any man to speake vnto hym. And if
+perchaunce hee hearkened to the persuasions of his frends, he
+ceassed not his complaynt, bewayling the cruelty of one, whom he
+named not. The Phisitians round about were sought for, and they
+coulde geue no iudgement of his malady (neyther for all the
+Signes they saw, or any inspection of his Vrine, or touching of
+his pulse) but sayd that it was melancholie humor distilling
+from the Brayne, that caused the alteration of his sense:
+howbeit their Arte and knowledge were void of skil to evacuate
+the grosse Bloud that was congeled of his disease. And therefore
+dispayryng of his health, with hands full of Money, they gaue
+him ouer. Which his friend and Companion perceiuing, maruellous
+sorry for his affliction he ceased not to practise all that he
+could by Letters, gifts, promises and complaynts to procure
+Zilia to visite her pacient. For hee was assured that her onely
+presence was able to recouer him. But the cruell woman excused
+hir self that she was a Widow and that it shoulde bee vnseemely
+for one of hir degree (of intente) to visite a Gentleman, whose
+Parentage and Alliance she knew not. The soliciter of the Lord
+of Virle his health, seeing how lyttle hys prayers auailed to
+his implacable gryefe could not tell to what Sainct he might vow
+himself for Counsell, in the ende resolued to sollicite hir
+again that hadde done the first Message, that she myght eftsons
+deuise some meanes to bryng them to speake togither. And fynding
+hir for hys purpose, thus he sayed vnto hir: "Mystresse I
+maruell mutch that you make so little accompt of the pore lorde
+of Virle who lyeth in his Bedde attending for Death. Alas, if
+euer pitty had place in Woman's heart, I beseech you to gyue
+your ayde to help him, the meane of whose recouery, is not
+ignoraunt vnto you." "God is my witnesse" (quod she) "what
+trauaile my heart is willing to vndertake to helpe that
+Gentleman, but in things impossible, it is not in man to
+determine, or rest assured iudgement. I wil go vnto him and
+comfort hym so well as I can, that peraduenture my Promyses may
+ease some part of his payne: and afterward we wil at leysure
+better consider, what is best for vs to do." Herevppon they
+wente together to see the Pacient, that beganne to looke more
+chearefull than he dyd before: who seeing the Gentlewoman, said
+vnto hir: "Ah mistres, I would to God I had neuer proued your
+fidelity, then had I not felt the passing cruell Heart of hir,
+that esteemeth more hir honour to practise rigour and tyranny
+than with gentlenesse to maintaine the Lyfe of a pore feeble
+knight." "Sir," (said she,) "be of good cheare, doe not thus
+torment your selfe: for I trust to gyue you remedy betwene thys
+and to morrowe, and wyll doe myne endeuor to cause you to speake
+with hir, vppon whome wrongfully perchaunce you doe complayne,
+and who dare not come vnto you, least ill speakers conceiue
+occasion of suspicion, who wil make the report more slaunderous,
+then remedie for the cause of your disease." "Ah" (sayd the
+pacient) "howe ioyefull and pleasaunt is your talke? I see wel
+that you desire my health, and for that purpose would haue me
+drinke those liquors, which superficiallay appeare to bee
+sweete, which afterwardes may make my lyfe a hundred tymes more
+faint and feeble than now it is." "Be you there," sayed she?
+"And I sweare vnto you by my faith not to faile to keepe my
+promyse, to cause you speake alone with mistresse Zilia." "Alas,
+mistresse" sayd the louer, "I aske no more at your haudes, that
+I may heare with myne own eares the last sentence of hope or
+defiance." "Well put your trust in me," sayd she, "and take no
+thought but for your health. For I am assured ere it be longe,
+to cause hir to come vnto you, and then you shall see whether,
+my diligence shall aunswere the effect of myne attempt." "Me
+thinke already" (quod he) "that sicknesse is not able to stay me
+from going to hir that is the cause, sith her onely remembraunce
+hath no lesse force in mee, than the clearnesse of the Sun
+beames to euaporate the thicknesse of the morning mistes." With
+that the Gentlewoman tooke her leaue of hym, and went home
+attendynge oportunity to speake to Zilia, whome two or three
+Dayes after she mette at Church, and they two beyng alone
+togither in a Chapell, she sayd vnto hir with fayned Teares,
+forced from her Eyes, and sending forth a Cloude of sighes,
+these woordes: "Madame, I nothing doubt at al, but the last
+Letters which I brought you, made you conceiue some il opinion
+of me, which I do guesse by the frownyng countenance that euer
+sithens you haue borne me. But when you shall knowe the hurte
+which it hath done, I thinke you wyll not be so harde, and voyde
+of pitye, but with pacyence hearken that whych I shall saye, and
+therewythall bee moued to pitye the state of a pore Gentleman,
+who by your meanes is in the pangs of death." Zilia, which til
+then neuer regarded the payne and sicknesse of the pacient,
+began to sorrow, with sutch passion, as not to graunt him
+further fauor than he had already receiued, but to finde some
+means to ease him of hys gryefe, and then to gyue hym ouer for
+euer. And therefore she sayd vnto hir neyghbor: "My good frend,
+I thought that all these sutes had beene forgotten, vntill the
+other day a certen Gentleman praied me to go see the Lord of
+Virle, who told me as you do now, that he was in great daunger.
+And now vnderstanding by you that he waxeth worsse, and worsse,
+I will be ruled, being well assured of your honesty and vertue,
+and that you will not aduise me to any thing that shall be
+hurtfull to myne honour. And when you haue done what you can,
+you shal winne of me so mutch as nothinge, and geeue no ease to
+him at all that wrongfully playneth of my cruelty. For I purpose
+not to do any priuate fact with him, but that which shall be
+meete for an honest Gentlewoman, and sutch as a faythfull tutor
+of hir chastity, may graunt to an honest and vertuous
+Gentleman." "His desire is none other" (sayd the gentlewoman)
+"for he craueth but your presence, to let you wit by word, that
+he is ready to do the thing you shall commaund him." "Alas"
+sayde Zilia, "it is impossible for me to go to hym without
+suspition, which the common people will lightly conceiue of
+sutch light and familiar Behauiour. And rather would I dy than
+aduenture mine honor hitherto conserued wyth great seuerity and
+diligence. And yet sith you say, that he is in extremes of
+death, for your sake, I wil not stick to heare him speake."
+"I thanke you" (sayd the Messanger) "for the good wil you beare
+me and for the help you promise vnto the poore passionate
+Gentleman, whom these newes wil bring on foote againe, and who
+al the dayes of his life wil do you honor for that good turne."
+"Sith it is so (sayd Zilia) to morrow at noone let him come vnto
+my house, wherein a low chamber, he shall haue leysure to say to
+mee his mind. But I purpose by God's help, to suffer him no
+further than that which I haue already graunted." "As it shall
+please you" (sayd hir neighbour) "for I craue no more of you but
+that only fauour, which as a Messanger of good Newes, I go to
+shew hym, recommending my selfe in the meane tyme to your
+commaunde." And then she went vnto the pacient, whom she found
+walkinge vp and downe the Chaumber, indifferent lusty of his
+person, and of colour meetely freshe for the tyme hee left his
+Bed." Now when sir Philiberto saw the Messanger, hee sayde vnto
+hir: "And how now mystresse, what Newes? Is Zilia so stubborne
+as shee was wont to be?" "You may see hir" (sayd she) "if to
+morrowe at Noone you haue the heart to aduenture to goe vnto hir
+house." "Is it possible" (sayd hee embracing hir) "that you haue
+procured my delyueraunce from the misery, wherewith I haue so
+long tyme beene affected? Ah trusty and assured frende, all the
+dayes of my lyfe I wil remember that pleasure, and benefite,
+and by acknowledging of the same, shall be ready to render like,
+when you please to commaunde, or els let me be counted the most
+vncurteous Gentleman that euer made profession of loue: I will
+go by God's help to see mistresse Zilia, with intent to endure
+all vexation, wherewith Dame Fortune shall afflict me,
+protesting to vex my selfe no more, although I see my wished hap
+otherwise to ende than my desert requireth. But yet agaynst
+Fortune to contend, is to warre agaynst my selfe, whereof the
+Victory can be but daungerous." Thus he passed all the day,
+which seemed to last a thousand years to hym, that thought to
+receyue some good intertaynment of hys Lady, in whose Bonds hee
+was catched before he thought that Woman's malice could so farre
+exceede, or display hir venomous Sting. And truly that man is
+voyde of Sense, whych suffreth hym selfe so fondly to bee
+charmed, sith the pearill of others before time abused, ought to
+serue hym for exaumple. Women be vnto mankinde a greate
+confusion, and vnwares for want of hys due foresight, it doth
+suffer it selfe to bee bounde and taken captiue by the very
+thing which hath no being to worke effect, but by free will.
+Which Inchauntment of woman's beauty, being to men a pleasaunt
+displeasure, I thinke to bee decked with that drawinge vertue,
+and allurement, for chastising of their sinnes who once fed and
+bayted with their fading fauour and poysoned sweetnesse, forget
+their owne perfection, and nousled in their foolishe Fansies,
+they seeke Felicity, and soueraygne delight, in the matter
+wherein doth lie the summe of their vnhaps. Semblaly the
+vertuous and shamefaste dames, haue not the eyes of their minde
+so blindfolde, but that they see whereunto those francke
+seruices, those disloyal Faythes and Vyces coloured and stuffed
+with exterior vertue, doe tende: Who doubt not also but sutch
+louers do imitate the Scorpion, whose Venome lieth in his Tayle,
+the ende of which is loue beinge the ruine of good Renoume, and
+the Decay of former vertues. For which cause the heauens, the
+Frende of their sexe, haue giuen them a prouidence, which those
+Gentle, vnfauoured louers terme to be rigor, thereby to proue
+the deserts of Suters, aswell for their great contentation and
+prayse, as for the rest of them that do them seruice. Howbeit
+this iust and modest prouidence, that cruel Gentlewoman
+practised not in hir louer, the Lord of Virle, who was so humble
+a seruaunt of his vnkinde mistresse, as his obedience redounded
+to his great mishap, and folly, as manifestly may appeare by
+that whych followeth. Sir Philiberto then thinking to haue
+gayned mutch by hauing made promise, liberally to speake to his
+Lady, went vnto hir at the appoyncted hour, so well contented
+truely of that grace, as all the vnkindnesse past was quite
+forgot. Now being come to the Lodging of Mistresse Zilia, he
+found hir in the deuised place with one of hir maydes attending
+vpon hir. When she saw him, after a little cold entertaynment,
+she began to say vnto him with fayned ioy, that neuer mooued hir
+heart, these woordes: "Now sir, I see that your late sicknesse
+was not so straunge as I was geeuen to vnderstand, for the good
+state wherein I see you presently to be, which from henceforth
+shall make mee beleue, that the passions of Men endure so long
+as the cause of their affections continue within their fansies,
+mutch like vnto looking Glasses, which albeit they make the
+equality or excesse of things represented to appeare, yet when
+the thing seene doth passe, and vanishe away, the formes also do
+voyde out of remembraunce, resembling the wynde that lightly
+whorleth to and fro through the plane of some deepe valley."
+"Ah madame" aunswered he, "how easie a matter it is for the
+griefelesse person to counterfayt both ioy and dissimulation in
+one very thing, which not onely may forget the conceipt that
+mooueth his affections, but the obiect must continually remayne
+in him, as paynted, and grauen in his minde. Which truely as you
+say is a looking Glasse, not sutch one for all that, as the
+counterfayted apparaunce of represented formes hath like vigor
+in it, that the first and true idees and shapes can so soone
+vanish without leauiug most perfect impression of sutch formes
+within the minde of him, that liueth vpon their onely
+remembraunce. In this mirror then (which by reason of the hidden
+force I may well say to bee ardent and burning) haue I looked so
+well as I can, thereby to form the sustentation of my good hap.
+But the imagined Shape not able to support sutch perfection,
+hath made the rest of the body to fayle (weakned through the
+mindes passions) in sutch wise as if the hope to recouer this
+better parte halfe lost, had not cured both, the whole decay of
+the one had followed, by thinking to giue some accomplishment in
+the other. And if you see me Madame, attayne to some good state,
+impute the same I beseech you, to the good will and fauor which
+I receiue by seeing you in a priuate place, wherein I conceyue
+greater ioy than euer I did, to say vnto you the thing which you
+would not beleeue, by woords at other times proceeding from my
+mouth, ne yet by aduertisement signified in my written letters.
+Notwithstanding I think that my Martirdome is known to bee sutch
+as euery man may perceyue that the Summe of my desire is onely
+to serue and obey you, for so mutch as I can receyue no greater
+comforte, than to be commaunded to make repayre to you, to let
+you know that I am whole (although giuen ouer by Phisitians)
+when you vouchsafe to employ me in your seruice, and thinke my
+selfe raysed vp agayne from one hundred thousand deathes at
+once, when it shall please you to haue pitty vpon the griefe and
+passion, that I endure. Alas, what causeth my mishap, that the
+heauenly beauty of yours should make proofe of a cruelty so
+great? Haue you decreed Madame thus to torment mee poore
+Gentleman that am ready to sacrifice myselfe in your seruice,
+when you shall impart some fauour of your good grace? Do you
+thinke that my passions be dissembled? Alacke, alacke, the
+teares which I haue shed, the losse of lust to eate and drinke,
+the weary passed nights, the longe contriued sleepelesse tyme
+the restlesse turmoyle of my consumed corps may wel assure that
+my loyall heart is of better merite than you esteeme." Then
+seeing hir to fixe hir eyes vpon the ground, and thinkinge that
+hee had already wonne hir, he reinforced his humble Speache, and
+Sighing at fits betwene, not sparinge the Teares, whych trickled
+downe alongs hys Face, he prosecuted his Tale as followeth: "Ah
+fayre amongs the fayrest, woulde you blot that surpassing Beauty
+with a cruelty so furious, as to cause the death of him which
+loueth you better than himselfe? Ah my withered eyes, which
+hitherto haue bene serued with two liuely springs to expresse
+the hidden griefs within the heart, if your vnhap be sutch that
+the only Mistresse of your contemplations, and cause of your
+driery teares, doe force the Humor to encrease, which hitherto
+in sutch wise hath emptied my Brayne, as there is no more in mee
+to moisten your drouth, I am content to endure al extremity,
+vntil my heart shal feele the last Pangue, that depriueth yee of
+nourishment, and me of mine affected Ioy." The Gentlewoman,
+whether shee was weary of that Oration, or rather doubted that
+in the end hir chastity would receue some assault through the
+dismeasured passion which she saw to continue in him, answered
+with rigorous words: "You haue talked, and written inough,
+you haue indifferently well solicited hir, whych is throughly
+resolued in former minde, to keepe hir honor in that worthy
+reputation of degree, wherein she maynetayneth the same amongs
+the best. I haue hitherto suffered you to abuse my patience,
+and haue shewed that familiarity which they deserue not that go
+about leudly to assayle the chastity of those Women that
+patiently gieue them eare, for the opinion they haue conceiued
+of the shadowing vertues of like foolishe Suters. I now doe see
+that all your woordes doe tend to beguile mee, and to depriue
+mee of that you cannot giue mee: Which shall bee a warning for
+me henceforth, more wisely to looke about my businesse, and more
+warely to shunne the Charmes of sutch as you bee, to the ende
+that I by bending mine open eares, be not surprised, and
+ouercome wyth your enchaunted Speaches. I pray you then for
+conclusion, that I heare no more hereof, neyther from you, nor
+yet from the Ambassadour that commeth from you. For I neyther
+will, ne yet pretend to depart to you any other fauour than that
+which I haue enlarged for your comfort: but rather doe protest,
+that so longe as you abide in this Countrey, I will neyther goe
+forth in streate, nor suffer any Gentleman to haue accesse into
+this place except he be my neare Kinsman. Thus for your
+importunat sute, I will chastise my light consent, for
+harkeninge vnto you in those requests, which duty and Womanhoode
+ought not to suffre. And if you do proceede in these your
+follies, I will seeke redresse according to your desert, which
+till now I haue deferred, thinking that time would haue put out
+the ardent heate of your rash, and wanton youth." The
+infortunate Lord of Virle, hearing this sharpe sentence,
+remayned long time without speach, so astonned as if he had bene
+falne from the Clouds. In the ende for al his despayre he
+replyed to Zilia with Countenaunce indifferent merry: "Sith it
+is so madame, that you take from mee all hope to be your
+perpetuall Seruaunt, and that without other comfort or
+contentation I must nedes depart your presence, neuer
+(perchaunce) hereafter to speake vnto you againe, be not yet so
+squeimish of your beauty, and so cruell towards your languishing
+louer, as to deny him a kisse for pledge of his last farewell.
+I demaund nothing here in secret, but that honestly you may
+openly performe. It is al that I doe craue at your handes in
+recompence of the trauayles, paynes, and afflictions suffred for
+your sake." The malitious dame full of rancor, and spitefull
+rage sayd vnto him: "I shall see by and by sir, if the loue
+which you vaunt to beare mee, be so vehement as you seeme to
+make it." "Ah Madame" (sayd the vnaduised Louer) "commaunde
+only, and you shal see with what deuotion I will performe your
+will, were it that it should cost me the price of my proper
+life." "You shall haue" (quod she) "the kisse which you require
+of me if you will make promise, and sweare by the fayth of a
+Gentleman, to do the thinge that I shall commaund, without
+fraude, couin or other delay." "Madame" (sayd the ouer wilful
+louer) "I take God to witnesse that of the thing which you shall
+commaunde I will not leaue one iote vndone, but it shall bee
+executed to the vttermost of your request and will." She hearing
+him sweare with so good affection, sayd vnto him smiling: "Now
+then vpon your oth which I beleue, and being assured of your
+Vertue and Noble nature, I will also performe and keepe my
+promise." And saying so, shee Embraced and kissed him very
+louingly. The poore Gentleman not knowing how dearely hee had
+bought that disfauorable curtesie, and bitter sweetenesse, helde
+hir a while betwene his armes, doubling kisse vppon kisse, with
+sutch Pleasure, as his soule thought to fly vp to the heauens
+being inspired with that impoysoned Baulme which hee sucked in
+the sweete and sugred breath of his cruel mistresse: who vndoing
+hir selfe out of his armes, sayde vnto him: "Sith that I haue
+made the first disclosure both of the promise and of the effect,
+it behooueth that you performe the rest, for the full
+accomplyshment of the same." "Come on hardily" (sayeth hee) "and
+God knoweth how spedily you shal be obeyed." "I wil then" (quod
+shee) "and commaund you vpon your promysed faith that from this
+present time, vntyl the space of three yeres be expyred, you
+speake to no lyuing person for any thing that shall happen vnto
+you, nor yet expresse by tonge, by sound of word or speache what
+thing you wante or els desyre, whych requeste if you do breake,
+I will neuer truste liuing man for youre sake, but wil publyshe
+your fame to bee villanous, and your person periured, and a
+promyse breaker." I leaue for you to think whether this vnhappy
+louer were amazed or not, to heare a Commaundment so vniust, and
+therewithall the difficulty for the performance. Notwithstanding
+he was so stoute of hearte, and so religious an obseruer of his
+Othe as euen at that very instant he began to do the part which
+she had commaunded, playing at Mumchaunce, and vsing other
+signes, for doing of his duetye, accordynge to hir demaund. Thus
+after his ryghte humble reuerence made vnto hir, he went home,
+where faining that hee had lost his speach by meanes of a
+Catarre or reume which distilled from his brayne, he determined
+to forsake his Countrey vntill his tyme of penance was rune out.
+Wherfore setting staye in hys affayres, and prouydyng for his
+trayne, he made him ready to depart. Notwithstanding, he wrot a
+Letter vnto Zilia, before he toke hys iovrney into Fraunce, that
+in olde tyme hadde ben the Solace and refuge of the miserable,
+as wel for the pleasantnes and temperature of the ayre, the
+great wealth and the aboundance of al thynges, as for the
+curtesye, gentlenes and familyarity of the people: wherein that
+region may compare with any other nation vpon the earth. Now the
+Letter of Philiberto, fell into the hands of lady Zilia, by
+meanes of hys Page instructed for that purpose: who aduertised
+hir of the departure of his mayster, and of the despaire wherein
+hee was. Whereof shee was somewhat sory, and offended: But yet
+puttinge on hir Aunciente seuerytye, tooke the Letters, and
+breakinge the Seale, found that which followeth.
+
+  The very euill that causeth mine anoy
+  The matter is that breedes to me my ioy,
+  Which doth my wofull heart full sore displease,
+  And yet my hap and hard yll lucke doth ease.
+  I hope one day when I am franke and free,
+  To make thee do the thing that pleaseth mee,
+  Whereby gayne I shall, some pleasaunt gladnesse,
+  To supply mine vndeserued sadnesse,
+  The like whereof no mortall Dame can giue
+  To louing man that heere on earth doth lyue.
+  This great good turne which I on thee pretende,
+  Of my Conceites the full desired ende,
+  Proceedes from thee (O cruell mystresse myne)
+  Whose froward heart hath made mee to resigne
+  The full effect of all my liberty,
+  (To please and ease thy fonde fickle fansy)
+  My vse of speache in silence to remayne:
+  To euery wight a double hellishe payne.
+  Whose fayth hadst thou not wickedly abusde
+  No stresse of payne for thee had bene refusde,
+  Who was to thee a trusty seruaunt sure,
+  And for thy sake all daungers would endure.
+  For which thou hast defaced thy good name,
+  And thereunto procurde eternall shame.
+  ¶ That roaring tempest huge which thou hast made me felt,
+  The raging stormes whereof, well neere my heart hath swelt
+  By paineful pangs: whose waltering waues by troubled Skies,
+  And thousand blasts of winde that in those Seas do ryse
+  Do promise shipwracke sure of that thy sayling Barke,
+  When after weather cleare doth rise some Tempest darke.
+  For eyther I or thou which art of Tyger's kinde,
+  In that great raging gulfe some daunger sure shalt finde,
+  Of that thy nature rude the dest'nies en'mies bee,
+  And thy great ouerthrow full well they do foresee.
+  The heauens vnto my estate no doubt great friendship shoe,
+  And do seeke wayes to ende, and finish all my woe.
+  This penaunce which I beare by yelding to thy hest
+  Great store of ioyes shall heape, and bring my mynde to rest.
+  And when I am at ease amids my pleasaunt happes,
+  Then shall I see thee fall, and snarld in Fortune's trappes.
+  Then shall I see thee ban and cursse the wicked time,
+  Wherin thou madest me gulp such draught of poysoned wine.
+  Of which thy mortall cup, I am the offerd wight,
+  A vowed sacrifice to that thy cruell spight.
+  Wherefore my hoping heart doth hope to see the day,
+  That thou for silence now to me shalt be the pray.
+  ¶ O Blessed God most iust, whose worthy laude and prayse
+  With vttered speach in Skies a loft I dare not once to rayse,
+  And may not well pronounce and speak what suffrance I sustain,
+  Ne yet what death I do indure, whiles I in lyfe remayne,
+  Take vengeance on that traytresse rude, afflict hir corps with woe
+  Thy holy arme redresse hir fault, that she no more do soe:
+  My reason hath not so farre strayed but I may hope and trust
+  To see hir for hir wickednes, be whipt with plague most iust.
+  In the meane while great heauines my sence and soule doth bite,
+  And shaking feuer vex my corps for griefe of hir despite.
+  My mynde now set at liberty from thee (O cruell Dame)
+  Doth giue defiaunce to thy wrath, and to thy cursed name,
+  Proclayming mortal warre on thee vntill my tongue vntide,
+  Shall ioy to speak to Zilia fast weping by my side.
+  The heauens forbid that causlesse wrong abroad shold make his vaunt,
+  Or that an vndeserued death forgetfull tombe should haunt:
+  But that in written booke and verse their names shold euer liue
+  And eke their wicked deedes shold dy, and vertues stil reuiue.
+  So shall the pride and glory both, of hir be punisht right,
+  By length of yeares, and tract of time. And I by vertues might,
+  Full recompence thereby shal haue and stand still in good Fame,
+  And she like caitif wretch shall liue, to hir long lasting shame.
+  Whose fond regard of beautie's grace, contemned hath the force
+  Of my true loue full fixt in hir: hir heart voide of remorse,
+  Esteemed it selfe right foolishly and me abused still,
+  Vsurping my good honest fayth and credite at hir will.
+  Whose loyall faith doth rest in soule, and therein stil shal bide,
+  Vntill in filthy stincking graue the earth my corps shall hide.
+  Then shal that soule fraught with that faith, to heuens make
+      his repaire
+  And rest among the heuenly rout, bedect with sacred aire.
+  And thou for thy great cruelty, as God aboue doth know,
+  With ruful voice shalt wepe and wayle for thy gret ouerthrow,
+  And when thou woldst fayn purge thy self for that thy wretched dede
+  No kindnes shal to the be done, extreme shal be thy mede:
+  And where my tongue doth want his wil, thy mischiefe to display,
+  My hand and penne supplies the place, and shall do so alway.
+  For so thou hast constraynd the same by force of thy behest:
+  In silence still my tongue to keepe, t'accomplishe thy request.
+  Adieu, farewell my tormenter, thy frend that is full mute,
+  Doth bid thee farewell once agayne, and so hee ends his sute.
+
+    He that liueth only to be reuenged of thy cruelty,
+
+      PHILIBERTO OF VIRLE.
+
+Zilia lyke a disdaynefull Dame, made but a Iest at theese
+Letters and Complayntes of the infortunate Louer, saying that
+she was very well content with his Seruice: and that when he
+should perfourme the tyme of his probation, shee shoulde see if
+he were worthy to bee admitted into the Felowship of theym which
+had made sufficient proofe of the Order, and Rule of Loue. In
+the meane tyme Philiberto rode by great Iourneys (as we haue
+sayde before) towardes the goodly, and pleasaunte countrey of
+Fraunce, wherein Charles the Seuenth that tyme did raygne, who
+miraculously (But gieue the Frencheman leaue to flatter, and
+speake well of hys owne Countrey, accordinge to the flatteringe,
+and vauntinge Nature of that Nation) chased the Englishemen out
+of hys Landes, and Auncient Patrimony in the yeare of our Lord
+1451. This Kynge had hys Campe then Warrefaringe in Gascoine,
+whose Lucke was so Fortunate as hee expelled hys Ennymies, and
+left no Place for theym to Fortyfy there, whych Incouraged the
+Kynge to followe that good Occasion, and by Prosecutinge hys
+Victoryous Fortune, to Profligate out of Normandie, and to
+dispatch himselfe of that Ennemy, into whose Handes, and
+seruitude the Countrey of Guyene was ryghtly delyuered, and
+Victoryously wonne, and gotten by the Englishmen. The kynge then
+beeinge in hys Campe in Normandie, the Piedmount Gentleman the
+Lorde of Virle aforesayde, Repayred thereunto to Serue hym in
+hys Person, where hee was well knowne of some Captaynes whych
+had seene hym at other tymes, and in place where worthy
+Gentlemen are wonte to Frequente, and in the Duke of Sauoyes
+Courte, whych the Frenchemen dyd very mutch Haunte, because the
+Earle of Piedmont that then was Duke of Sauoy had Marryed
+Iolanta, the seconde daughter of Charles the Seuenth. Theese
+Gentlemen of Fraunce were very mutch sory for the Mysfortune of
+the Lord of Virle, and knowinge hym to be one of the Brauest,
+and Lustyest Men of Armes that was in his tyme within the
+Country of Piedmont, presented him before the King, commending
+vnto hys grace the vertue, gentlenesse, and valiaunce of the man
+of Warre: who after hee had done his reuerence accordinge to hys
+duety, whych hee knew ful wel to doe, declared vnto him by
+signes that he was come for none other intent, but in those
+Warres to serue hys Maiestye: whom the King heard and
+thankefully receyued assuryng himself and promising very mutch
+of the dumbe Gentleman for respect of his personage which was
+comely and wel proportioned, and therefore represented some
+Force and greate Dexterity: and that whych made the king the
+better to fantasie the Gentleman, was the reporte of so many
+worthy men which extolled euen to the heauens the prowesse of
+the Piedmont knight. Whereof he gaue assured testimony in the
+assault which the king made to deliuer Roane, the Chyefe Citye
+and defence of all Normandie, in the year of our Lord 1451.
+where Philiberto behaued himself so valiantly as he was the
+first that mounted upon the Wals, and by his Dexterity and
+inuincyble force, made way to the souldiers in the breche,
+whereby a little while after they entred and sacked the Enemies,
+dryuing them out of the Citye, and wherein not long before, that
+is to say 1430. the duke of Somerset caused Ioane the Pucelle to
+be burnt. The king aduertised of the Seruice of the Dumbe
+Gentleman, to recompence him according to his desert, and
+bycause hee knewe hym to bee of a good house, he made him a
+Gentleman of his Chambre, and gaue him a good pension, promysing
+him moreouer to continue hys liberality, when he should see him
+prosecute in time to come, the towardnesse of seruice which he
+had so haply begon. The dumbe Gentleman thanking the King very
+humbly, both for the present pryncely reward, and for promise in
+time to come, lifted vp his hand to heauen as taking God to
+witnesse of the faith, which inuiolable he promysed to keepe
+vnto his Prynce: which he did so earnestly, as hardely he had
+promysed, as well appeared in a Skirmishe betweene the Frrench,
+and their auncient Enimies the Englysh-Men, on whose side was
+the valiaunt and hardy Captayne the Lord Talbot, who hath
+eternized his memory in the victories obtained vpon that People,
+which sometimes made Europa and Asia to tremble, and appalled
+the monstruous and Warlike Countrey of Affrica. In this
+conflycte the Piedmont Knighte combated with the Lorde Talbot,
+agaynste whome he had so happy successe, as vpon the shock and
+incountre he ouerthrewe both man and Horse, which caused the
+discomfiture of the Englishe Men: who after they had horsed
+agayne their Captain fled amaine, leauing the field bespred with
+dead Bodyes and bludshed of their Companions. This victory
+recouered sutch corage and boldnes to the French, as from that
+tyme forth the Englishmen began with their places and forts to
+lose also theyr hartes to defend themselues. The king excedingly
+wel contented wyth the prowesse and valiance of the dumbe
+Gentleman, gaue him for seruice past the Charge of V.C.
+men of armes, and indued him with some possessions, attending
+better fortune to make him vnderstand howe mutch the vertue of
+valiance ought to be rewarded and cheryshed by Prynces that be
+aided in their Necessity with the Dylygence of sutch a vertuous
+and noble Gentleman. In lyke manner when a Prynce hath something
+good in himself, he can do no lesse but loue and fauor that
+which resembleth himself by Pryncely Conditions, sith the Vertue
+in what soeuer place it taketh roote, can not chose but produce
+good fruicte, the vse whereof far surmounts them all which
+approche the place, where these first seedes of Nobility were
+throwen. Certaine dayes after the kinge desirous to reioyce his
+Knights and Captaines that were in his trayne, and desirous to
+extinguish quite the woefull time which so long space held
+Fraunce in fearefull silence, caused a triumph of Turney to bee
+proclaimed within the City of Roane, wherein the Lord of Virle
+was deemed and esteemed one of the best, whych further did
+increase in him the good wyl of the kyng, in sutch wyse as he
+determined to procure his health, and to make him haue his
+speache againe. For he was verye sorry that a Gentleman so
+valiant was not able to expresse his minde, which if it might be
+had in counsel it would serve the state of a commonwealth, so
+wel as the force and valor of his body had til then serued for
+defence and recovery of his country. And for that purpose he
+made Proclamation by sound of Trumpet throughout the prouinces
+as wel within his own kingdome, as the regions adioyning vpon
+the same, that who so euer could heale that dumb Gentleman,
+shoulde haue ten thousand Frankes for recompence. A Man myght
+then haue seene thousands of Physitians assemble in fielde, not
+to skirmish with the Englysh men, but to combat for reward in
+recouery of the pacient's speache, who begon to make sutch Warre
+against those ten thousand Frankes, as the kyng was afrayde that
+the cure of that disease could take no effect: and for that
+cause ordained furthermore, that whosoeuer would take in hand to
+heale the dumbe, and did not keepe promyse within a certaine
+prefixed time, should pay the sayd summe, or for default thereof
+should pledge his head in gage. A Man myght then haue seene
+those Phisicke Maysters, aswell beyonde the Mountaynes, as in
+Fraunce it selfe, retire home againe, bleeding at the Nose,
+cursing with great impiety their Patrones, Galen, Hypocrates,
+and Auicen, and blamed with more than reprochful Woordes, the
+Arte wherewith they fished for honor and richesse. This brute
+was spred so far, and babblyng Fame had already by mouth of her
+Trump publyshed the same throughout the most part of the
+Prouinces, Townes, and Cities neare and farre off to Fraunce, in
+sutch wyse as a Man woulde haue thought that the two young men
+(which once in the tyme of the Macedonian Warres brought Tydings
+to Varinius that the king of Macedon was taken by the Consul
+Paulus Emilius) had ben vagarant and wandering abrode to carry
+Newes of the king's edicte for the healing of the Lord of Virle.
+Which caused that not only the brute of the Proclamation, but
+also the Credyte and reputatyon wherein the sayd Lord was with
+the French king arriued euen at Montcal and passed from mouth to
+mouth, til at length Zilia the principal cause thereof
+vnderstode the newes, which reioyced hir very mutch, seing the
+firme Amitie of the dumbe Lord, and the syncere faith of hym in
+a promise vnworthy to be kept, for so mutch as where Fraude and
+feare doe rule in Heartes of Men, relygyon of promise, specially
+the Place of the gyuen Fayth, surrendreth hys force and
+reuolteth, and is no more bound but to that which by good wyll
+he woulde obserue. Nowe thoughte shee, thoughte? nay rather shee
+assured hir selfe, that the Gentleman for all hys wrytten Letter
+was stil so surprysed wyth hir Loue, and kindled wyth her fire
+in so ample wyse, as when hee was at Montcall: and therefore
+determyned to goe to Paris, not for desire shee had to see hir
+pacient and penetenciarie, but rather for couetise of the ten
+thousand Francks, wherof already shee thought hir self assured,
+making good accompt that the dumbe Gentleman when hee should see
+himself discharged of his promise, for gratifying of hir, would
+make no stay to speak to the intent she myght beare away both
+the prayse and Money, whereof all others had failed tyll that
+tyme. Thus you see that she, whome honest Amitye and long
+service could lytle induce to compassion and desire to giue some
+ease vnto hir moste earnest louer, yelded hir selfe to couetous
+gaine and greadinesse for to encrease hir Rychesse. O cursed
+hunger of Money, how long wilt thou thus blinde the reason and
+Sprytes of men? Ah perillous gulfe, how many hast thou
+ouerwhelmed within thy bottomlesse Throte, whose glory, had it
+not bene for thee, had surpassed the Clouds, and bene equall
+with the bryghtnesse of the Sunne, where now they bee obscured
+wyth the thicknesse of thy fogges and Palpable darknesse. Alas,
+the fruicts whych thou bryngest forth for all thine outewarde
+apparance, conduce no felycity to them that bee thy possessors,
+for the dropsey that is hydden in their Mynde, whych maketh them
+so mutch the more drye, as they drynke ofte in that thirsty
+Fountaine, is cause of their alteration: and moste miserable is
+that insaciable desire the Couetous haue to glut their appetite,
+whych can receiue no contentment. Thys onely Couetousnesse
+sometimes procured the Death of the great and rych Romane
+Crassus who through GOD's punyshment fell into the Handes of the
+Persians, for violating and sacking the Temple of God that was
+in Ierusalem. Sextimuleus burnyng with Avarice and greedynesse
+of money, dyd once cut of the head of hys Patron and defender
+Caius Gracchus the Tribune of the People, incyted by the Tirant,
+which tormenteth the hearts of the couetous. I wil not speake of
+a good number of other Examples of people of all kyndes, and
+divers nations, to come again to Zilia. Who forgetting hir
+virtue, the first ornament and shining quality of hir honest
+behauiour, feared not the wearines and trauaile of way, to
+commit her selfe to that danger of losse of honor, and to yeld
+to the mercy of one, vnto whom she had don so great iniury, as
+hir conscyence (if shee hadde not lost hir ryghte sence) oughte
+to haue made hir thinke that hee was not without desire to
+reuenge the wrong vniustly don vnto him, and specially being in
+place where she was not known, and he greatly honoured and
+esteemed, for whose loue that Proclamation and search of
+Physicke was made and ordained. Zilia then hauing put in order
+hir affaires at home departed from Montcall, and passing the
+Mounts, arrived at Paris, in that time when greatest despayre
+was of the dumbe Knight's recouery. Beynge arryued, wythin fewe
+Dayes after she inquyred for them that had the charge to
+entertayne sutch as came, for the cure of the pacient. "For
+(sayd she) if ther be any in the world, by whom the knigt may
+recouer his health, I hope in God that I am she that shal haue
+the prayse." Heereof the Commissaries deputed hereunto, were
+aduertysed, who caused the fayre Physitian to come before them,
+and asked her if it were she, that would take vppon hir to cure
+this dumbe Gentleman. To whom shee aunsweared. "My maysters it
+hath pleased God to reueale vnto me a certayne secrete very
+proper and meete for the healyng of hys Malady, wherewithal if
+the pacyent wyll, I hope to make hym speake so well, as he dyd
+these two yeares past and more." "I suppose, sayd one of the
+Commissaries, that you be not ignoraunte of the Circumstances of
+the Kynges Proclamation." "I knowe ful wel" (quod she) "the
+Effecte therefore, and therefore doe say vnto you, that I wyll
+loose my life yf I doe not accomplysh that which I doe promyse
+so that I may haue Lycence, to tarry wyth hym alone, bycause it
+is of no lesse importaunce than hys Health." "It is no maruell,"
+sayde the Commissary, "consideryng your Beauty, which is
+sufficient to frame a Newe Tongue in the moste dumbe Person that
+is vnder the Heauens. And therefore doe your Endeuor, assuring
+you that you shall doe a great pleasure vnto the King, and
+besides the prayse you shall gette the good wyll of the dumbe
+Gentleman, which is the most excellent man of the World and
+therefore so well recompensed as you shall haue good cause to be
+contented wyth the kynges Lyberalitye. But (to the intente you
+be not deceyued) the meanynge of the Edicte is, that within
+fiftene dayes after you begin the cure, you muste make hym
+whole, or else to satisfie the Paynes ordayned in the same."
+Whereunto she submitted hir selfe, blinded by Auarice and
+presumption, thinking that she had like power nowe ouer the Lord
+of Virle, as when she gaue him that sharpe and cruel penance.
+These Conditions promysed, the Commissaries went to aduertise
+the Knight, how a gentlewoman of Piedmont was of purpose come
+into Fraunce to helpe him: whereof he was maruelously astonned.
+Now he would neuer haue thoughte that Zilia had borne hym so
+great good wil, as by abasing the pryde of hir Corage, would
+haue come so farre to ease the griefe of him, whome by sutch
+greate torments she had so wonderfully persecuted. He thought
+againe that it was the Gentlewoman his Neighboure, whych
+sometymes had done hir endeuor to helpe him, and that nowe she
+had prouoked Zilia to absolue him of his faith, and requite him
+of hys promise. Musing vpon the diuersitie of these things,
+and not knowing wherevpon to settle hys iudgment, the deputies
+commaunded that the Woman Physitian should be admitted to speake
+with the patient. Which was done and brought in place, the
+Commissaries presently withdrew themselues. The Lord of Virle
+seeinge hys Ennemye come before him, whom sometimes hee loued
+very dearely, iudged by and by the cause wherefore she came,
+that onely Auaryce and greedy desire of gaine had rather
+procured hir to passe the mountayns trauaile, than due and
+honest Amitye, wherewith she was double bound through his
+perseuerance and humble seruice, with whose sight hee was so
+appalled, as he fared like a shadowe and Image of a deade man.
+Wherefore callyng to mynd the rigour of his lady, hir inciuility
+and fonde Commaundement, so longe time to forbidde hys Speach,
+the Loue which once hee bare hir, with vehement desire to obey
+hir, sodainly was so cooled and qualyfyed, that loue was turned
+into hatred, and will to serue hir, into an appetite of reuenge:
+whereupon he determined to vse that presente Fortune, and to
+playe his parte wyth hir, vpon whom hee had so foolyshly doted,
+and to pay hir with that Money wherewyth she made him feele the
+Fruicts of vnspeakable crueltye, to giue example to fonde and
+presumptuous dames, how they abuse Gentlemen of sutch Degree
+whereof the Knyghte was, and that by hauing regarde to the
+merite of sutch personages, they be not so prodigall of
+themselues, as to set their honour in sale for vyle reward and
+filthy mucke: whych was so constantly conserued and defended by
+this Gentlewoman, agaynst the assaultes of the good grace,
+beauty, valour, and gentlenesse, of that vertuous and honest
+suter. And notwithstanding, in these dayes wee see some to
+resiste the amity of those that loue, for an opynyon of a
+certayne vertue, which they thinke to be hydden within the corps
+of excellent beauty, who afterwards do set themselues to sale to
+hym that giueth most, and offreth greatest reward. Sutch do not
+deserue to be placed in rank of chast Gentlewomen, of whome they
+haue no smacke at al, but amongs the throng of strumpets kynde,
+that haue some sparke and outward shew of loue: for she which
+loueth money and hunteth after gayne, wyl make no bones, by
+treason's trap to betray that vnhappy man, which shall yelde
+himselfe to hir: hir loue tending to vnsensible things, and
+sutch in dede, as make the wisest sorte to falsifie their fayth,
+and sel the ryghte and Equity of their Iudgment. The Lorde of
+Virle, seeing Zilia then in his company, and almost at his
+commaundement, fayned as though hee knew hir not, by reason of
+his small regard and lesse intertaynment shewed vnto hir at hir
+first comming. Which greatly made the poore Gentlewoman to muse.
+Neuerthelesse she making a vertue of necessity, and seeing hir
+selfe to bee in that place, from whence shee could not depart,
+without the losse of hir honor and Lyfe, purposed to proue
+Fortune, and to committe hir selfe vnto his mercy, for all the
+mobilytie whych the auncients attribute vnto Fortune. Wherefore
+shutting fast the doore, shee went vnto the Knight, to whom she
+spake these words: "And what is the matter (sir knight) that now
+you make so little accompte of your owne Zilia, who in times
+past you sayd, had great power and Authorytye ouer you? what is
+the cause that moueth you hereunto? haue you so soone forgotten
+hir? Beholde me better, and you shal see hir before you that is
+able to acquyte you of youre promyse, and therefore prayeth you
+to pardon hir committed faultes done in tymes past by abusing so
+cruelly the honest and firme loue which you bare hir. I am she,
+which through follye and temeritie did stoppe your mouth, and
+tyed vp your Tongue. Giue me leaue, I beseeche you, to open the
+same agayne, and to breake the Lyne, whych letteth the liberty
+of your Speache." She seeying that the dumbe Gentleman would
+make no aunswere at all, but mumme, and shewed by signes, that
+he was not able to vndoe his Tongue, weepyng began to kysse hym,
+imbrace hym and make mutch of hym, in sutch wyse, as he whych
+once studyed to make Eloquent Orations before hys Ladye, to
+induce hir to pity, forgat then those Ceremonyes, and spared his
+talke, to shewe hymselfe to be sutch one as shee had made at hir
+Commaundement, mused and deuysed altogether vpon the executyon
+of that, which sometyme hee hadde so paynefully pursued, both by
+Woords and contynuall Seruyce, and coulde profite nothing. Thus
+waked agayne by hir, whych once had Mortyfyed hys Mynde, assayed
+to renue in hir that, whych long tyme before seemed to be a
+sleepe. She more for feare of losse of Lyfe, and the pryce of
+the rewarde, than for any true or earnest loue suffred hym to
+receyue that of hir, whych the long Suter desireth to obtaine of
+his mistresse. They liued in this ioy and Pleasure the space of
+fiftene Dayes ordained for the assigned Terme of his Cure,
+wherein the poore Gentlewoman was not able to conuert hir
+offended Fryende to speake, although she humbly prayed him to
+shewe so mutch favour as at least she might goe free, from
+either losse: telling hym howe lyttle regard shee hadde to hir
+honour, to come so farre to doe him pleasure, and to discharge
+him of his promise. Mutch other gay and lowlye talke shee hadde.
+But the knyghte nothing moued with what she sayde determined to
+brynge hir in sutch feare, as he had bene vexed with heauinesse,
+which came to passe at the expyred tyme. For the Commissaries
+seeing that their pacyent spake not at all, summoned the
+Gentlewoman to pay the Penaltye pronounced in the Edict, or else
+to loose hyr lyfe. Alas, howe bytter seemed thys drynke to thys
+poore gentlewoman who not able to dissemble the gryef that prest
+on euery syde, beganne to saye: "Ah, I Wretched and Caytyfe
+Woman, by thinking to deceiue an other, haue sharpened the
+Sworde to finish myne owne lyfe. Was it not enough for me to vse
+sutch crueltye towardes this myne Enemye, which most cruelly in
+double wyse taketh Reuenge, but I must come to bee thus tangled
+in his Snares, and in the Handes of him, who inioying the
+Spoyles of myne Honour, will with my Lyfe, depryue me of my
+Fame, by making mee a Common Fable, to all Posterity in tyme to
+come? O what hap had I, that I was not rather deuoured by some
+Furious and cruell beast, when I passed the mountaines, or else
+that I brake not my Necke, downe some steepe and headlong hil,
+of those high and hideous mountains, rather than to bee set
+heare in stage, a Pageant to the whole Citye to gaze vppon, for
+enterprysing a thing so vayne, done of purpose by him, whome I
+haue offended. Ah, Signior Philiberto, what Euill rewardest thou
+for pleasures receiued, and fauors felt in hir whom thou didst
+loue so much, as to make hir dye sutch shameful, and dreadfull
+death. But O GOD, I know that it is for worthy guerdon of my
+folysh and wycked Lyfe. Ah disloyaltye and fickle trust, is it
+possible that thou be harbored in the hearte of hym which hadde
+the Brute to bee the most Loyall and Curteous Gentleman of hys
+Countrey? Alas, I see well nowe that I must die through myne
+onelye simplicity, and that I muste sacrifice mine Honoure to
+the rygour of hym, which with two aduauntages, taketh ouer
+cruell reuenge of the lyttle wrong, wherewith my chastity
+touched him before." As she thus had finished hir complainte,
+one came in to carrye hir to Pryson, whether willinglye shee
+wente for that she was already resolued in desire, to lyue no
+longer in that miserie. The Gentleman contented wyth that payne,
+and not able for to dissemble the gryefe, which hee conceyued
+for the passion whych hee sawe hys Welbeloued to endure, the
+enioyinge of whome renued the heate of the flames forepast,
+repayred to the Kyng, vnto whome to the great pleasure of the
+Standers by, and exceding reioyce of hys Maiestye (to heare hym
+speake) he told the whole discourse of the Loue betweene hym and
+cruell Zilia, the cause of the losse of his speach, and the
+somme of hys reuenge." By the fayth of a Gentleman (sayed the
+king) but here is so straunge an hystorye as euer I heard: and
+verely your fayth and loyaltye is no lesse to be praised and
+commended than the cruelty and couetousnes of the Woman worthy
+of reproch and blame, which truly deserueth some greeuous and
+notable iustice, if so be she were not able to render some
+apparant cause for the couerture and hiding of hir folly." "Alas
+sir," (sayd the Gentleman) "pleaseth your maiesty to deliuer hir
+(although she be worthy of punishment) and discharge the rest
+that be in prison for not recouery of my speach, sith my onely
+help did rest, eyther at hir Commaundemente whych had bounde me
+to that wrong, or else in the expired time, for whych I had
+pleadged my fayth." To which request, the Kinge very willingly
+agreed, greatly praysing the Wisedome, Curtesie, and aboue all
+the fidelity of the Lord of Virle, who causing his penitenciary
+to be set at liberty, kept hir company certayne dayes, as well
+to Feaste, and banket hir, in those Landes and Possessions which
+the kinges maiesty had liberally bestowed vpon him, as to
+saciate his Appetite with some fruictes whereof he had sauoured
+his taste when he was voluntaryly Dumbe. Zilia founde that
+fauour so pleasaunt, as in maner shee counted hir imprisonment
+happy, and hir trauell rest, by reason that distresse made hir
+then feele more liuely the force and pleasure of Liberty, which
+shee had not founde to bee so delicate, had she not receyued the
+experience and payne thereof. Marke heere how Fortune dealeth
+with them which trustinge in their force, despise (in respect of
+that which they doe themselues) the little portion that they
+iudge to bee in others. If the Vayneglory, and arrogante
+Presumption of a Chastity Impregnable had not deceiued this
+Gentlewoman, if the sacred hunger of gold had not blinded hir,
+it could not haue bene knowne, wherein hir incontinency
+consisted, not in the Mynion delights, and alluring Toyes of a
+passionate Louer, but in the couetous desire of filling hir
+Purse, and Hypocriticall glory of praise among men. And
+notwithstanding yee see hir gaine to serue hir turne nothing at
+all but to the perpetuall reproch of hir name, and the slaunder
+sutch as ill speakers and enimies of womankinde, do burden the
+Sexe withall. But the fault of one Woman, which by hir owne
+presumption deceyued hir selfe, ought not to obscure the glory
+of so many vertuous, Fayre, and Honest dames, who by their
+Chastity, Liberality, and Curtesy, be able to deface the blot of
+Folly, Couetousnes and cruelty of this Gentlewoman heere, and of
+all other that do resemble hir. Who taking leaue of hir Louer,
+went home agayne to Piedmount, not without an ordinary griefe of
+heart, which serued hir for a spur to hir Conscience, and
+continually forced hir to thinke, that the force of man is lesse
+than nothing, where God worketh not by his grace, which fayling
+in vs, oure worckes can fauor but of the stench and corruption
+of our nature, wherein it tumbleth and tosseth lyke the Sow that
+walloweth in the puddle of filth and dirt. And because yee shall
+not thincke in generall termes of Woman's chastity, and
+discretion, that I am not able to vouche some particular example
+of later years, I meane to tell you of one, that is not onely to
+bee praysed for hir Chastity in the absence of hir husband,
+but also of hir Courage and Pollicy in chastisinge the vaunting
+natures of two Hungarian Lords that made their braggs they would
+win hir to their Willes, and not only hir, but all other,
+whatsoeuer they were of Womankynde.
+
+
+
+
+THE TWENTY-EIGHTH NOUELL.
+
+  _Two Barons of Hvngarie assuring themselues to obtayne their
+  sute to a fayre Lady of Boeme, receyued of hir a straung and
+  maruelous repulse, to their great shame and Infamy, cursinge
+  the tyme that euer they aduentured an Enterprise so foolish._
+
+
+Penelope, the woful Wife of absent Vlisses, in hir tedious
+longing for the home retourne of that hir aduenturous knight,
+assayled wyth Carefull heart amid the troupe of amorous Suters,
+and within the Bowels of hir royall Pallace, deserued no greater
+fame for hir valiaunt encountries and stoute defence of the
+inuincible, and Adamant fort of hir chastity than this Boeme
+Lady doth by resisting two mighty Barrons, that canoned the
+Walles, and well mured rampart of hir pudicity. For being
+threatned in his Princes Court, whether al the well trayned crew
+of eche science and profession, dyd make repayre, beyng menaced
+by Venus' band, which not onely summoned hir fort and gaue hir a
+camisado by thick _Al' Armes_, but also forced the place by
+fierce assault, she lyke a couragious and politike captayne,
+gaue those braue and lusty Souldiers, a fowle repulse, and in
+end taking them captiues, vrged them for their victuals to fall
+to woman's toyle, more shamefull than shamelesse Sardanapalus
+amid hys amorous troupe. I neede not amplifie by length of
+preamble, the fame of this Boeme Lady, nor yet briefly recompt
+the Triumph of hir Victory: vayne it were also by glorious
+hymnes to chaunte the wisedome of hir beleuing maake, who not
+carelesse of hir Lyfe, employed hys care to serue hys Prynce,
+and by seruice atchieued the cause that draue him to a
+souldier's state. But yet for trustlesse faith in the pryme
+conference of his future porte, hee consulted wyth a Pollaco,
+for a compounded drugge, to ease his suspect mind, whych
+medicine so eased his maladie, as it not onely preserued hym
+from the infected humour, but also made hir happy for euer.
+Sutch fall the euents of valiaunt mindes, though many tymes
+mother iealosie that cancred Wytch steppeth in hir foote to anoy
+the well disposed heart. For had he ioyned to his valyaunce
+credite of his louynge wife, without the blynde aduyse of sutch
+as professe that blacke and lying scyence, double glorye hee had
+gayned: once for endeuoryng by seruice to seeke honour: the
+seconde, for absolute truste in hir, that neuer ment to beguyle
+him, as by hir firste aunswere to his first motion appeareth.
+But what is to be obiected against the Barons? Let them answere
+for their fault, in this discourse ensuing: whych so lessoneth
+all Noble Myndes, as warely they ought to beware how they
+aduenture upon the honour of Ladies, who bee not altogither of
+one selfe and yelding trampe, but wel forged and steeled in the
+shamefast shoppe of Loyaltie, which armure defendeth them
+against the fond skirmishes and vnconsidred conflicts of Venus'
+wanton band. The maiesties also of the king and Queene, are to
+be aduaunced aboue the starres for their wise dissuasion of
+those Noblemen from their hot and hedlesse enterpryse, and then
+their Iustice for due execution of their forfait, the
+particularity of whych discourse in this wyse doth begynne.
+Mathie Coruine, sometime king of Hungarie, aboute the yeare of
+oure Lorde 1458, was a valiaunt man of Warre, and of goodly
+personage. Hee was the first that was Famous, or feared of the
+Turks, of any Prynce that gouerned that kingdome. And amongs
+other his vertues, so well in Armes and Letters, as in
+Lyberallyty and Curtesie he excelled al the Prynces that raygned
+in his time. He had to Wyfe Queene Beatrice of Arragon, the
+Daughter of olde Ferdinando kyng of Naples, and sister to the
+mother of Alphonsus, Duke of Ferrara, who in learnyng, good
+conditions, and all other vertues generally dispersed in hir,
+was a surpassing princesse, and shewed hirself not onely a
+curteous and Liberall Gentlewoman to king Mathie hir husband,
+but to all other, that for vertue seemed worthy of honour and
+reward: in sutch wise as to the Court of these two noble
+Princes, repayred the most notable Men of al Nations that were
+giuen to any kind of good exercise, and euery of them according
+to theyr desert and degree welcomed and entertained. It chaunced
+in this time, that a knight of Boeme the vasall of Kinge Mathie,
+for that he was likewyse kyng of that countrey, born of a noble
+house, very valiant and wel exercised in armes, fell in loue
+with a passing faire Gentlewoman of like nobility, and reputed
+to be the fairest of al the country, and had a brother that was
+but a pore Gentleman, not lucky to the goods of fortune. This
+Boemian knight was also not very rich, hauing onely a Castle,
+wyth certain reuenues thervnto, which was scarce able to yeld
+vnto him any great maintenance of liuing. Fallyng in loue then
+with this faire Gentlewoman, he demaunded hir in mariage of hir
+brother, and with hir had but a very little dowrie. And this
+knight not wel forseeing his poore estate, brought his wyfe home
+to his house, and there, at more leisure considering the same,
+began to fele his lacke and penury, and how hardly and scant his
+reuenues were able to maintein his port. He was a very honest
+and gentle person, and one that delighted not by any meanes to
+burden and fine his tenants, contenting himself with that
+reuenue which his ancesters left him, the same amounting to no
+great yerely rent. When this gentleman perceiued that he stode
+in neede of extraordinary relyefe, after many and diuers
+consyderations with himself, he purposed to folow the Court, and
+to serue king Mathie his souerain lord and master, there by his
+diligence and experience, to seke meanes for ability to sustaine
+his wife and himself. But so great and feruent was the loue that
+he bare vnto his Lady, as he thought it impossible for him to
+liue one houre without hir, and yet iudged it not best to haue
+hir with him to the court, for auoidinge of further Charges
+incydente to Courtyng Ladyes, whose Delight and Pleasure resteth
+in the toyes and trycks of the same, that cannot be wel auoyded
+in poore Gentlemen, without theyr Names in the Mercer's or
+Draper's Iornals, a heauy thyng for them to consyder if for
+their disport they lyke to walke the stretes. The daily thynkyng
+thereupon, brought the poore Gentleman to great sorrow and
+heauinesse. The Lady that was young, wise and discrete, marking
+the maner of hir husband, feared that he had some misliking of
+hir. Wherefore vpon a day she thus sayd vnto hym: "Dere husband,
+willingly would I desire a good turne at your hand, if I wist I
+should not displease you." "Demaund what you will," (said the
+knighte) "if I can, I shall gladly performe it, bicause I do
+esteeme your satisfaction, as I do mine owne lyfe." Then the
+Lady very sobrely praied him, that he would open vnto hir the
+cause of that discontentment, which hee shewed outwardly to
+haue, for that his mynd and behauiour seemed to bee contrary to
+ordinary Custome, and contriued Daye and Nyghte in sighes,
+auoydinge the Company of them that were wont specially to
+delyght him. The Knight hearing his Ladyes request, paused a
+whyle, and then sayd vnto hir: "My wel beloued Wyfe, for so
+mutch as you desyre to vnderstand my thoughte and mynde, and
+whereof it commeth that I am sad and pensife, I wyll tell you:
+all the Heauinesse wherewith you see me to be affected, doth
+tend to this end. Fayne would I deuyse that you and I may in
+honour lyue together, accordyng to our calling. For in respect
+of our Parentage, our Liuelode is very slender, the occasion
+whereof were our Parents, who morgaged their Lands, and consumed
+a great part of their goods that our Auncestors lefte them.
+I dayly thynking hereupon, and conceiuyng in my head dyuers
+Imaginations, can deuise no meanes but one, that in my fansie
+seemeth best, which is, that I go to the Court of our soueraine
+lord Mathie who at this present is inferring Warres vpon the
+Turk, at whose hands I do not mistrust to receyue good
+intertainment, beynge a most Lyberal Prynce, and one that
+esteemeth al sutch as be valiant and actiue. And I for my parte
+wyll so gouerne my selfe (by God's grace) that by deserte I wyll
+procure sutch lyuing and fauour as hereafter we may lyue in oure
+Olde Dayes a quyet Lyfe to oure great stay and comforte: For
+althoughe Fortune hitherto hath not fauored that state of
+Parentage, whereof we be, I doubt not wyth Noble Courage to win
+that in despyte of Fortune's Teeth, which obstinately hitherto
+she hath denyed. And the more assured am I of thys
+determination, bycause at other tymes, I haue serued vnder the
+Vaiuoda in Transiluania, agaynst the Turke, where many tymes I
+haue bene requyred to serue also in the Courte, by that
+honourable Gentleman, the Counte of Cilia. But when I dyd
+consider the beloued Company of you (deare Wyfe) the swetest
+Companyon that euer Wyght possessed, I thought it vnpossible for
+me to forbeare your presence, whych yf I should doe, I were
+worthy to sustayne that dishonour, which a great number of
+carelesse Gentlemen doe, who following their pryuate gayne and
+Wyll, abandon theyr young and fayre Wyues, neglectinge the fyre
+which Nature hath instilled to the delycate bodies of sutch
+tender Creatures. Fearing therewythall, that so soone as I
+shoulde depart the lusty yong Barons and Gentlemen of the
+Countrey would pursue the gaine of that loue, the pryce whereof
+I do esteeme aboue the crowne of the greatest Emperour in all
+the World, and woulde not forgoe for all the Riches and Precious
+Iewels in the fertyle Soyle of Arabie, who no doubte would
+swarme togyther in greater heapes then euer dyd the wowers of
+Penelope, within the famous graunge of Ithaca, the house of
+Wandering Vlisses. Whych pursute if they dyd attayne, I shoulde
+for euer hereafter be ashamed to shewe my face before those that
+be of valour and regard. And this is the whole effect of the
+scruple (sweete wyfe) that hyndreth me, to seeke for our better
+estate and fortune." When he had spoken these words, he held his
+peace. The Gentlewoman which was wyse and stout, perceyuing the
+great loue that her husband bare hir, when hee had stayed
+himselfe from talke, with good and merry Countenance answered
+hym in thys wyse: "Sir Vlrico," (which was the name of the
+Gentleman) "I in lyke manner as you haue done, haue deuysed and
+thoughte vpon the Nobilitye and Byrth of our Auncestors, from
+whose state and port (and that wythout oure fault and cryme) we
+be far wyde and deuyded. Notwythstanding I determined to set a
+good face vpon the matter, and to make so mutch of our paynted
+sheath as I could. In deede I confesse my selfe to be a Woman,
+and you Men doe say that Womens heartes be faynt and feeble: but
+to bee playne wyth you, the contrary is in me, my hearte is so
+stoute and ambitious as peraduenture not meete and consonant to
+power and ability, although we Women will finde no lacke if our
+Hartes haue pith and strength inough to beare it out. And faine
+woulde I support the state wherein my mother maintayned me. Howe
+be it for mine owne part (to God I yeld the thanks) I can so
+moderate and stay my little great heart, that contented and
+satisfied I can be, with that which your abilitye can beare, and
+pleasure commaund. But to come to the point, I say that debating
+with my selfe of our state as you full wisely do, I do verily
+think that you being a yong Gentleman, lusty and valiaunt, no
+better remedy or deuyse can be found than for you to aspyre and
+seeke the Kyng's fauor and seruice. And it must needes ryse and
+redounde to your gaine and preferment, for that I heare you say
+the King's Maiestye doth already knowe you. Wherefore I do
+suppose that hys grace (a skilfull Gentleman to way and esteeme
+the vertue and valor of ech man) cannot chose but reward and
+recompence the well doer to his singular contentation and
+comfort. Of this myne Opinion I durst not before thys time vtter
+Word or signe for feare of your displeasure. But nowe sith your
+selfe hath opened the way and meanes, I haue presumed to
+discouer the same, do what shal seeme best vnto your good
+pleasure. And I for my parte, although that I am a woman
+(accordingly as I saied euen now) that by Nature am desirous of
+honor, and to shew my selfe abrode more rich and sumptuous than
+other, yet in respect of our fortune, I shal be contented so
+long as I lyue to continue with you in this our Castell, where
+by the grace of God I will not fayle to serue, loue and obey
+you, and to keepe your House in that moderate sorte, as the
+reuenues shall be able to maintayne the same. And no doubt but
+that poore liuing we haue orderly vsed, shal be sufficient to
+finde vs two, and fiue or sixe seruaunts with a couple of
+horsse, and so to lyue a quyet and merry Lyfe. If God doe send
+vs any Children, tyl they come to lawfull age, we will with our
+poore liuing bryng them vp so well as wee can and then to prefer
+them to some Noble mens seruices, with whome by God's grace they
+may acquire honoure and lyuing, to keepe them in their aged
+dayes. And I doe trust that wee two shall vse sutch mutuall loue
+and reioyce, that so long as our Lyfe doth last in wealth and
+woe, our contented mindes shall rest satisfied. But I waying the
+stoutnesse of your minde, doe know that you esteeme more an
+Ounce of honor, than all the Golde that is in the world. For as
+your birth is Noble, so is your heart and stomacke. And
+therefore many tymes seeing your great heauinesse, and manyfolde
+muses and studies, I haue wondred with my selfe whereof they
+should proceede, and amongs other my conceipts, I thought that
+either my behauior and order of dealyng, or my personage did not
+lyke you: or else that your wonted gentle minde and disposition
+had ben altered and transformed into some other Nature: many
+times also I was contente to thynke that the cause of your
+disquiet mynde, dyd ryse vppon the disuse of Armes, wherein you
+were wonte dailye to accustome youre selfe amonges the Troupes
+of the honourable, a company in dede most worthy of your
+presence. Reuoluing many times these and sutch lyke cogitations,
+I haue sought meanes by sutch alurementes as I could deuyse, to
+ease and mitigate your troubled minde, and to wythdraw the great
+vnquiet and care wherewith I sawe you to be affected. Bycause I
+do esteeme you aboue all the Worlde deemyng your onely gryefe to
+be my double Payne, your aking Fynger, a feruent Feuer fit, and
+the least Woe you can sustayne moste bytter Death to me, that
+loueth you more dearelye than my selfe. And for that I doe
+perceyue you are determyned to serue our Noble King, the sorrowe
+which without doubte wyll assayle mee by reason of your absence,
+I wyll sweeten and lenifie wyth Contentatyon, to see your
+Commendable desyre appeased and quiet. And the pleasaunt Memory
+of your valyaunt facts beguyle my pensife thoughts, hopyng our
+nexte meetyng shall bee more ioyfull than thys our dysiunctyon
+and departure heauy. And where you doubt of the Confluence and
+repayre of the dyshoneste whych shall attempt the wynnyng and
+subduing of myne heart and vnspotted bodye, hytherto inuyolably
+kepte from the touch of any person, cast from you that feare,
+expel from your minde that fonde conceipt: for death shall
+sooner close these mortall Eyes, than my Chastitye shall bee
+defyled. For pledge whereof I haue none other thyng to gyue but
+my true and symple fayth, whych if you dare trust it shal
+hereafter appeare so firme and inuiolable as no sparke of
+suspition shal enter your careful minde, which I may wel terme
+to be carefull, bicause some care before hand doth rise of my
+behauior in your absence. The tryall wherefore shall yelde sure
+euidence and testimony, by passing my careful life which I may
+with better cause so terme in your absence, that God knoweth wil
+be right pensife and carefull vnto mee, who ioyeth in nothinge
+else but in your welfare. Neuerthelesse all meanes and wayes
+shall bee agreeable vnto my minde for your assurance, and shall
+breede in me a wonderful contentation, which lusteth after
+nothing but your satisfaction. And if you list to close me vp in
+one of the Castell towers til your return, right glad I am there
+to continue an Ankresse life: so that the same may ease your
+desired mind." The knight with great delyght gaue ear to the
+aunswere of his Wife, and when she had ended hir talke, he began
+to reply vnto hir: "My welbeloued, I doe lyke wel and greatly
+commended the stoutnesse of your heart, it pleaseth me greatly
+to see the same agreeable vnto mine. You haue lightned the same
+from inestimable woe by vnderstanding your conceiued purpose and
+determination to gard and preserue your honor, praying you
+therein to perseuere, still remembring that when a Woman hath
+lost hir honor, shee hath forgone the chiefest Iewel she hath in
+this Life, and deserueth no longer to be called woman. And
+touching my talke proposed vnto you although it be of great
+importaunce, yet I meane not to depart so soone. But if it do
+come to effect I assure thee Wife, I will leaue thee Lady and
+mistresse of all that I haue. In the meane time I will consider
+better of my businesse, and consult with my fryendes and
+kinsmen, and then determine what is best to be done. Til when
+let vs lyue and spend our tyme so merely as we can." To bee
+shorte there was nothing that so mutch molested the knight, as
+the doubt he had of his wife, for that she was a very fine and
+faire yong Gentlewoman: And therefore he stil deuised and
+imagined what assurance he myght finde of hir behauior in his
+absence. And resting in this imagination, not long after it cam
+to passe that the knight being in company of diuers Gentleman,
+and talking of sundry matters, a tale was tolde what chaunced to
+a gentleman of the Countrey whych had obtained the fauoure and
+good wyll of a Woman, by meanes of an olde man called Pollacco,
+which had the name to be a famous enchaunter and Physitian,
+dwelling at Cutiano a Citie of Boeme, where plenty of siluer
+mines and other metals is. The knight whose Castle was not far
+from Cutiano, had occasion to repaire vnto that Citye, and
+according to his desire found out this Pollacco, which was a
+very old man, and talking with him of diuers things, perceiued
+him to be of great skil. In end he entreated him, that for so
+mutch as he had don pleasure to many for apprehension of their
+loue, he wold also instruct him, how he might be assured that
+hys wife did keepe hir self honest all the time of his absence,
+and that by certaine signes hee might have sure knowledge
+whether she brake hir faith, by sending his honesty into
+Cornwall. Sutch vaine trust this knight reposed in the lying
+Science of Sorcery, whych although to many other is found
+deceitful, yet to him serued for sure euidence of his wiue's
+fidelity. This Pollacco which was a very cunning enchaunter as
+you haue heard sayd vnto him: "Sir you demaund a very straunge
+matter, sutch as wherwyth neuer hitherto I haue bene acquainted,
+ne yet searched the depthe of those hydden secrets, a thyng not
+commonly sued for, ne yet practized by me. For who is able to
+make assurance of a woman's chastity, or tel by signes except he
+were at the deede doing, that she had don amisse? Or who can
+gaine by proctors wryt, to summon or sue at spiritual Courte,
+peremptorily to affirme by neuer so good euydence or testimony,
+that a woman hath hazarded hir honesty, except he sweare Rem to
+be in Re, which the greatest Ciuilian that ever Padua bred neuer
+sawe by processe duely tried? Shall I then warrante you the
+honesty of such slippery Catell, prone and ready to lust, easy
+to be vanquished by the suites of earnest pursuers? But
+blameworthy surely I am, thus generally to speake: for some I
+know, although not many, for whose poore honesties I dare
+aduenture mine owne. And yet that number how small so euer it
+be, is worthy all due Reuerence and Honoure. Notwythstandyng
+(bycause you seeme to bee an Honeste Gentleman) of that
+Knowledge which I haue, I will not bee greatelye squeimyshe,
+a certayne secrete experiment in deede I haue, wherewith
+perchaunce I may satisfy your demaund. And this is it: I can by
+mine Arte in smal time, by certaine compositions, frame a
+Woman's Image, which you continually in a lyttle Boxe may carry
+about you, and so ofte as you list behold the same. If the wife
+doe not breake hir maryage faith, you shall still see the same
+so fayre and wel coloured as it was at the first making, and
+seeme as though it newly came from the painter's shop, but if
+perchaunce she meane to abuse hir honesty the same wil waxe
+pale, and in deede committing that filthy Fact, sodainly the
+colour will bee blacke, as arayed with Cole or other filth, and
+the smel thereof wyl not be very pleasaunt, but at al times when
+she is attempted or pursued, the colour will be so yealow as
+Gold." This maruellous secrete deuyse greatly pleased the Knyght
+verely beleuing the same to be true, specially mutch moued and
+assured by the same bruted abrode of his science, whereof the
+Cytyzens of Cutiano, tolde very straunge and incredyble things.
+When the pryce was paied for this precious Iewel, hee receiued
+the Image, and ioyfully returned home to his Castell, where
+tarryinge certain dayes, he determined to repayre to the Court
+of the glorious king Mathie, making his wife priuy of hys
+intent. Afterwards when he had disposed his household matters in
+order, he committed the gouernment therof to his Wife, and
+hauinge prepared all Necessaries for his voyage, to the great
+sorrow and grief of his beloued, he departed and arryued at Alba
+Regale, where that time the king lay with Beattrix his Wife, of
+whom hee was ioyfully receiued and entertayned. He had not long
+continued in the Court, but he had obtained and won the fauor
+and good wyll of all men. The king which knew him full well very
+honorably placed him in his Courte, and by him accomplished
+diuers and many waighty affairs, which very wisely and trustely
+he brought to passe according to the king's mind and pleasure.
+Afterwards he was made Colonell of a certain number of footmen
+sent by the king against the Turks to defende a holde which the
+enimies of God began to assaile vnder the conduct of Mustapha
+Basca, which conduct he so wel directed and therin stoutly
+behaued himself, as he chased al the infidels oute of those
+coasts, winning therby the name of a most valiaunt soldier and
+prudent Captaine, whereby he merueylously gayned the fauor and
+grace of the king, who (ouer and besides his dayly
+intertaynment) gaue vnto him a Castle, and the Reuenue in fee
+farme for euer. Sutch rewards deserue all valiaunt men, which
+for the honour of theyr Prince and countrey do willingly imploy
+their seruice, worthy no doubt of great regard and chearishinge,
+vpon their home returne, because they hate idlenes to win Glory,
+deuisinge rather to spende whole dayes in fielde, than houres in
+Courte, which this worthy knight deserued, who not able to
+sustayne his poore Estate, by politick wisdome and prowesse of
+armes endeuored to serue his Lord and countrey, wherein surely
+hee made a very good choyse{.} Then he deuoutly praysed God, for
+that he put into his minde sutch a noble enterprise, trusting
+dayly to atchieue greater Fame and Glory: but the greater was
+his ioy and contentation, bicause the Image of hys Wyfe inclosed
+wythin a Boxe, whych still hee caried about him in hys pursse,
+continued freshe of coloure without alteration. It was noysed in
+the Court how thys valiaunt Knight Vlrico, had in Boeme the
+fayrest and goodliest Lady to his Wife that liued eyther in
+Boeme, or Hungary. It chaunced as a certaine company of young
+Gentlemen in the Courte were together (amongs whom was this
+Knight) that a Hungarian Baron sayd vnto him: "How is it
+possible, syr Vlrico, being a yeare and a halfe since you
+departed out of Boeme, that you haue no minde to returne to see
+your Wife, who, as the common fame reporteth, is one of the
+goodliest Women of all the Countrey: truely it seemeth to me,
+that you care not for hir, which were great pitty if hir beauty
+be correspondent to hir Fame." "Syr," (quod Vlrico) "what hir
+beauty is I referre vnto the World, but how so euer you esteeme
+me to care of hir, you shall vnderstand that I doe loue hir, and
+wil do so duringe my lyfe. And the cause why I haue not visited
+hir of long time, is no little proofe of the great assurance I
+haue of her vertue and honest lyfe. The argument of hir vertue I
+proue, for that she is contented that I should serue my Lord and
+king, and sufficient it is for me to giue hir intelligence of my
+state and welfare, whych many tymes by Letters at opportunity I
+fayle not to do: The proofe of my Fayth is euydent by reason of
+my bounden duety to our Soueraigne Lord of whom I haue receyued
+so great, and ample Benefites, and the Warrefare which I vse in
+his grace's seruice vpon the Frontiers of his Realme agaynst the
+enimies of Christe, whereunto I bear more good will than I doe
+to Wedlocke Loue, preferring duety to Prince before mariage:
+albeit my Wiue's fayth, and constancy is sutch, as freely I may
+spend my lyfe without care of hir deuoyr, being assured that
+besides hir Beauty shee is wise, vertuous and honest, and loueth
+me aboue al worldly things, tendring me so dearely as she doth
+the Balles of hir owne eyes." "You haue stoutly sayd," (answered
+the Baron) "in defence of your Wiue's chastity, whereof she can
+make vnto hir selfe no great warrantice, because a woman some
+tymes will bee in minde not to be mooued at the requests, and
+gifts offred by the greatest Prince of the World who afterwards
+within a day vpon the onely sight, and view of some lusty youth,
+at one simple worde vttered with a few Teares, and shorter
+suite, yeldeth to his request. And what is she then that can
+conceyue sutch assuraunce in hir selfe? What is hee that knoweth
+the secretes of heartes which be impenetrable? Surely none as I
+suppose, except God him selfe. A Woman of hir owne nature is
+mooueable and plyant, and is the moste ambitious creature of the
+Worlde. And (by God) no Woman doe I know but that she lusteth
+and desireth to be beloued, required, sued vnto, honored and
+cherished? And oftentimes it commeth to passe that the most
+crafty Dames which thincke with fayned Lookes to feede their
+diuers Louers, be the first that thrust their heads into the
+amorous Nets, and lyke little Birdes in hard distresse of
+weather be caught in Louer's Limetwigges. Whereby, sir Vlrico,
+I do not see that your Wyfe (aboue all other Women compact of
+flesh and bone) hath sutch priuiledge from God, but that she may
+be soone entised and corrupted." "Well sir," (sayd the Boeme
+Knight) "I am persuaded of that which I haue spoken, and verely
+doe beleue the effect of my beliefe most true. Euery man knoweth
+his owne affayres, and the Foole knoweth better what hee hath,
+than hys neighbors, do, be they neuer so wise. Beleue you what
+you thincke for good. I meane not to disgresse from that which I
+conceyue. And suffer me (I pray you) to beleue what I list, sith
+beliefe cannot hurt me, nor yet your discredite can hinder my
+beliefe, being free for ech man in semblable chaunces to thinke,
+and belieue what his mynde lusteth and liketh." There were many
+other Lordes and Gentlemen of the court present at there talke,
+and as we commonly see (at sutch like meetinges) euery man
+vttereth his minde: whereupon sundry opinions were produced
+touching that question. And because diuers men be of diuers
+natures, and many presuminge vpon the pregnancy of their wise
+heads there rose some stur about that talke, each man obstinate
+in hys alledged reason, more froward peraduenture than reason,
+more rightly required: the communication grew so hot and talke
+brake forth so loude, as the same was reported to the Queene.
+The good Lady sory to heare tell of sutch strife within hir
+Court, abhorring naturally all controuersie and contention, sent
+for the parties, and required theym from poynct to poynct to
+make recitall of the beginning, and circumstaunce of their
+reasons, and arguments. And when she vnderstoode the effect of
+al their talke, she sayd, that euery man at his owne pleasure
+might beleeue what he list, affirming it to be presumptuous and
+extreme folly, to iudge all women to be of one disposition, in
+like sort as it were a great errour to say that all men bee of
+one quality and condicion: the contrary by dayly experience
+manifestly appearing. For both in men and women, there is so
+great difference and variety of natures, as there bee heades,
+and wits. And how it is commonly seene that two Brothers, and
+Sisters, borne at one Byrth, bee yet of contrary Natures and
+Complexions, of Manners, and Conditions so diuers, as the thinge
+which shall please the one, is altogeather displeasaunt to the
+other. Wherevppon the Queene concluded, that the Boeme knight
+had good reason to continue that good and honest credit of his
+Wyfe, as hauing proued hir fidelity of long time, wherein she
+shewed hirself to be very wise and discret. Now because (as many
+times we see) the natures and appetites of diuers men be
+insaciable, and one man sometimes more foolish hardy than
+another, euen so (to say the troth) were those two Hungarian
+Barons, who seeming wise in their owne conceiptes, one of them
+sayd to the Queene in this manner: "Madame, your grace doth wel
+maintaine the sexe of womankinde, because you be a Woman. For by
+nature it is gieuen to that kinde, stoutly to stand in defence
+of themselues, because their imbecillity, and weakenes otherwise
+would bewray them: and although good reasons might be alledged
+to open the causes of their debility, and why they be not able
+to attayne the hault excellency of man, yet for this tyme I doe
+not meane to be tedious vnto your grace, least the little heart
+of Woman should ryse and display that conceit which is wrapt
+within that little Moulde. But to retourne to this chaste Lady,
+through whom our talke began, is we might craue licence of your
+Maiesty, and saulfe Conduct of thys Gentleman to knowe hir
+dwelling place, and haue leaue to speake to hir, we doubt not
+but to breake with our batteringe talke the Adamant Walles of
+hir Chastity that is so famous, and cary away that Spoile which
+victoriously we shall atchieue." "I know not," aunswered the
+Boeme Knight, "what yee can, or will doe, but sure I am, that
+hitherto I am not deceyued." Many things were spoken there,
+and sundry opinions of eyther partes alledged, in ende the two
+Hungarian Barons persuaded them selues, and made their vaunts
+that they were able to climbe the Skyes, and both would attempt
+and also bring to passe any enterprise were it neuer so great,
+affirming their former offer by othe, and offering to Guage all
+the Landes, and goods they had, that within the space of 5
+moneths they woulde eyther of them obtayne the Gentlewoman's
+good will to do what they list, so that the knight were bound,
+neyther to returne home, ne yet to aduertise hir of their
+determination. The Queene, and all the standers by, laughed
+heartely at this their offer, mocking and iesting at their
+foolish, and youthly conceites. Whych the Barons perceiuiug,
+sayde: "You thinke Madame that we speake triflingly, and be not
+able to accomplish this our proposed enterprise, but Madame, may
+it please you to gieue vs leaue, wee meane by earnest attempt to
+gieue proofe thereof." And as they were thus in reasoninge and
+debating the matter, the kinge (hearinge tell of this large
+offer made by the Barons) came into the place where the queene
+was, at such time as she was about to dissuade them from the
+frantik deuise. Before whom he being entred the chamber, the two
+Barons fell downe vpon their Knees, and humbly besought his
+Grace, that the compact made betwene sir Vlrico and them might
+proceede, disclosing vnto him in few wordes the effect of all
+their talke, which franckly was graunted by the king. But the
+Barons added a Prouisio, that when they had won their Wager, the
+Knight by no meanes shoulde hurt his Wyfe, and from that tyme
+forth should gieue ouer hys false Opinion, that women were not
+naturally gieuen to the sutes and requests of amorous persons.
+The Boeme Knight, who was assured of hys Wyue's great Honesty,
+and Loyall fayth, beleeued so true as the Gospell, the
+proportion and quality of the Image, who in all the tyme that
+hee was farre of, neuer perceyued the same to bee eyther Pale or
+Black, but at that tyme lookinge vpon the Image, hee perceiued a
+certayne Yealow colour to rise, as hee thought his Wyfe was by
+some loue pursued, but yet sodeynly it returned agayne to his
+naturall hewe, which boldned him to say these words to the
+Hungarian Barons: "Yee be a couple of pleasaunt, and vnbeleeuing
+Gentlemen, and haue conceyued so fantasticall opinion, as euer
+men of your calling did: but sith you proceede in your obstinate
+folly, and wil needes guage all the Lands, and goods you haue,
+that you bee able to vanquishe my Wyue's Honest, and Chaste
+heart, I am contented, for the singuler credite which I repose
+in hir, to ioyne with you, and will pledge the poore lyuinge I
+haue for proofe of mine Opinion, and shall accomplishe al other
+your requestes made here, before the maiesties of the Kinge and
+Queene. And therefore may it please your highnesse, sith this
+fond deuice can not be beaten out of their heads, to gieue
+Licence vnto those Noblemen, the Lords Vladislao and Alberto,
+(so were they called) to put in proofe the mery conceipt of
+their disposed mindes (whereof they do so greatly bragge) and I
+by your good grace and fauoure, am content to agree to their
+demaundes: and wee, answered the Hungarians, do once agayne
+affirme the same which wee haue spoken." The king willing to
+haue them gyue ouer that strife, was intreated to the contrary
+by the Barons: whereupon the kinge perceyuinge their Follies,
+caused a decree of the bargayne to be put in writing, eyther
+Parties interchaungeably subscribiug the same. Which done, they
+tooke their leaues. Afterwards, the two Hungarians began to put
+their enterprise in order and agreed betweene themselues,
+Alberto to bee the firste that should aduenture vppon the Lady.
+And that within sixe Weekes after vpon his returne, the lord
+Vladislao should proceede. These things concluded, and all
+Furnitures for their seuerall Iorneys disposed, the lord Alberto
+departed in good order, with two seruaunts directly trauayling
+to the castle of the Boeme Knight, where being arriued, hee
+lighted at an Inne of the towne adioyning to the Castle, and
+demaunding of the hoste, the Conditions of the lady, hee
+vnderstoode that shee was a very fayre Woman, and that hir
+honesty, and loue towards hir husbande farre excelled hir
+beauty. Which wordes nothing dismayede the Amorous Baron, but
+when hee had pulled of his Bootes, and richely arayed hymselfe,
+he repayred to the Castle, and knockinge at the Gates, gaue the
+Lady to vnderstand that he was come to see hir. She which was a
+curteous Gentlewoman, caused him to be brought in, and gently
+gaue him honourable intertaynment. The Baron greatly mused vppon
+the beauty, and goodlinesse of the Lady, singularly commending
+hir honest order and Behauiour. And beinge set down, the young
+Gentleman sayd vnto hir: "Madame, mooued with the fame of your
+surpassing Beauty, which now I see to bee more excellent than
+Fame with hir swiftest Wyngs is able to cary: I am come from the
+Court to view and see if that were true, or whether lyinge
+Brutes had scattered their Vulgar talke in vayne: but finding
+the same farre more fine and pure than erst I did expect,
+I craue Lycence of your Ladyship, to conceyue none offence of
+this my boulde, and rude attempt." And herewithall hee began to
+ioyne many trifling and vayne words, whych dalyinge Suters by
+heate of Lusty bloude bee wont to shoote forth, to declare theym
+selues not to be Speachlesse, or Tongue tied. Which the Lady
+well espying speedily imagined into what Porte hys rotten Barke
+would arriue: wherefore in the ende when shee sawe his Shippe at
+Roade, began to enter in prety louinge talke, by little, and
+little to incourage his fond attempt. The Baron thinkinge hee
+had caught the Ele by the Tayle, not well practised in Cicero
+his schoole, ceased not fondly to contriue the time, by making
+hir beleeue, that he was farre in loue. The Lady weary (God
+wote) of his fonde behauiour, and amorous reasons, and yet not
+to seeme scornfull, made him good countenaunce, in sutch wyse as
+the Hungarian two or three dayes did nothing else but proceede
+in vayne Pursute, Shee perceyuing him to bee but a Hauke of the
+first Coate, deuysed to recompence hys Follies with sutch
+entertaynement, as during his life, he shoulde keepe the same in
+good remembraunce. Wherefore not long after, fayning as though
+his great wisedome, vttered by eloquent Talke, had subdued hir,
+shee sayd thus vnto him: "My Lord, the reasons you produce, and
+your pleasaunt gesture in my house, haue so inchaunted mee, that
+impossible it is, but I must needes agree vnto your wyll: for
+where I neuer thought during lyfe, to stayne the purity of
+mariage Bed, and determined continually to preserue my selfe
+inuiolably for my Husbande: your noble grace, and curteous
+behauiour, haue (I say) so bewitched mee, that ready I am to bee
+at your commaundement, humbly beseeching your honour to beware,
+that knowledge hereof may not come vnto myne Husband's eares,
+who is so fierce and cruell, and loueth me so dearely, as no
+doubt he will without further triall eyther him selfe kill me,
+or otherwise procure my death: and to the intent none of my
+house may suspect our doings, I shall desire you to morrow in
+the morninge about nyne of the Clock, which is the accustomed
+time of your repayre hither, to come vnto my Castle, wherein
+when you be entred, speedily to mount vp to the Chaumber of the
+highest Tower, ouer the doore whereof, yee shall finde the armes
+of my Husband, entayled in Marble: and when you be entred in,
+to shut the Doore fast after you, and in the meane time I will
+wayte and prouyde, that none shall molest and trouble vs, and
+then we shall bestowe our selues for accomplishement of that
+which your loue desireth." Nowe in very deede this Chaumber was
+a very strong Pryson ordayned in auncient time by the
+Progenitours of that Territory, to Impryson, and punishe the
+Vassals, and Tenants of the same, for offences, and Crimes
+committed. The Baron hearynge this Lyberall offer of the Ladye,
+thinking that he had obteined the summe of al his ioy, so glad
+as if he had conquered a whole kingdome, the best contented man
+aliue, thanking the Lady for hir curteous answere, departed and
+retourned to his Inne. God knoweth vppon howe merry a Pinne the
+hearte of this young Baron was sette, and after he had liberally
+banketted his hoste and hostesse, pleasantly disposing himselfe
+to myrth and recreation, he wente to bed, where ioy so lightned
+his merry head, as no slepe at all could close his eyes, sutch
+be the sauage pangs of those that aspyre to like delyghts as the
+best reclaimer of the wildest hauk could neuer take more payne
+or deuise mo shiftes to Man the same for the better atchieuing
+of hir pray than dyd this braue Baron for brynging hys
+Enterprise to effect. The nexte day early in the morning hee
+rose, dressing himselfe with the sweete Perfumes, and puttinge
+on hys finest suite of Apparell, at the appoincted houre hee
+went to the Castell, and so secretly as he could, accordinge to
+the Ladies instruction, hee conueyed himselfe vp into the
+Chaumber which hee founde open, and when he was entred, hee shut
+the same, the maner of the Doore was sutch, as none within
+coulde open it without a Key, and besides the strong Locke, it
+hadde both barre and Bolt on the outside, wyth sutch fasteninge
+as the Deuill himselfe being locked within, could not breake
+forth. The Lady whych wayted hard by for his comming, so soone
+as she perceyued that the Doore was shut, stept vnto the same,
+and both double Locked the Doore, and also without she barred,
+and fast Bolted the same, caryng the Key away with hir. This
+Chamber was in the hyghest Tower of the House (as is before
+sayd) wherein was placed a Bedde wyth good Furniture, the Wyndow
+whereof was so high, that none coulde looke out wythout a
+Ladder. The other partes thereof were in good, and conuenient
+order, apt and meete for an honest Pryson. When the Lorde
+Alberto was within, hee sat downe, wayting (as the Iewes do for
+Messias) when the Lady according to hir appoynctment shoulde
+come. And as he was in this expectation building castles in the
+Ayre, and deuising a thousand Chimeras in his braine, behold he
+heard one to open a little wicket that was in the doore of that
+Chamber, which was as straight, as scarcely able to receiue a
+loafe of bread, or cruse of Wyne, vsed to be sent to the
+prysoners. He thinking that it had ben the Lady, rose vp, and
+hearde the noyse of a lyttle girle, who looking in at the hole,
+thus sayd vnto him: "My Lord Alberto, the Lady Barbara my
+mistresse (for that was hir name) hath sent me thus to say vnto
+you: 'That for as much as you be come into this place, by
+countenaunce of Loue, to dispoyle hir of hir honour, shee hath
+imprysoned you like a theefe, accordinge to your deserte, and
+purposeth to make you suffer penance, equall to the measure of
+your offence. Wherefore so long as you shal remain in thys
+place, she mindeth to force you to gaine your bread and drinke
+with the arte of spinning, as poore Women doe for gayne of theyr
+lyuinge, meanynge thereby to coole the heate of your lusty
+youth, and to make you tast the sorrow of sauce meete for them
+to assay, that go about to robbe Ladyes of theyr honour: she bad
+me lykewise to tell you, that the more yarne you spin, the
+greater shall be the abundance and delycacie of your fare, the
+greater payne you take to earne your foode, the more lyberall
+she will be in dystrybutyng of the same, otherwise (she sayeth)
+that you shall faste wyth Breade and Water.' Which determinate
+sentence she hath decreed not to be infringed and broken for any
+kinde of sute or intreaty that you be able to make." When the
+maiden had spoken these Wordes, she shut the lyttle dore, and
+returned to hir Ladye, the Baron which thought that he had ben
+commen to a mariage, did eate nothing al the mornyng before,
+bycause he thought to be enterteyned with better and daintier
+store of viandes, who nowe at those newes fared like one out of
+his wittes and stoode still so amazed, as though his leggs would
+haue fayled him, and in one moment his Spyrites began to vanysh
+and hys force and breath forsoke hym, and fel downe vpon the
+Chamber flore, in sutch wise as hee that had beheld hym would
+haue thought him rather dead than liuyng. In this state he was a
+great tyme, and afterwardes somewhat commynge to himselfe, he
+could not tel whether hee dreamed, or else that the Words were
+true, which the maiden had sayde vnto hym: In the end seeing,
+and beynge verely assured, that he was in a Pryson so sure as
+Bird in Cage, through disdayne and rage was like to dye or else
+to lose his wits, faring with himselfe of long time lyke a madde
+Man, and not knowing what to do, passed the rest of the Day in
+walking vppe and downe the Chaumber, rauing, stamping, staring,
+Cursynge and vsing Words of greatest Villanie, lamenting and
+bewailinge the time and day, that so like a beast and Brutysh
+man, he gave the attempt to dispoyle the honesty of an other
+man's Wyfe. Then came to his mind the losse of all his Lands and
+Goods, which by the king's authority were put in comprimise,
+then the shame, the scorne, and rebuke whych hee should receiue
+at other mens handes, beyonde measure vexed him: and reporte
+bruted in the Courte (for that it was impossible but the whole
+Worlde should knowe it) so gryeued hym, as his heart seemed to
+be strained with two sharp and bityng Nailes: the Paynes
+whereof, forced hym to loose hys wyttes and vnderstandynge. In
+the myddes of whych Pangs furiously vauntyng vp and downe the
+Chaumber, hee espied by chaunce in a Corner, a Dystaffe
+furnyshed with good store of flaxe, and a spyndle hangyng
+thereuppon: and ouercome wyth Choler and rage, hee was aboute to
+spoyle and break the same in pieces: but remembryng what a harde
+Weapon Necessitye is, hee stayed his wysedome, and albeyt he
+hadde rather to haue contryued hys leysure in Noble and
+Gentlemanlyke pastyme, yet rather than he would be idle he
+thought to reserue that Instrument to auoyde the tedious lacke
+of honest and Familiar Company. When supper time was come, the
+mayden retourned agayne, who opening the Portall dore, saluted
+the Baron, and sayde: "My Lord, my mistresse hath sent mee to
+vysite your good Lordshyp, and to receiue at youre good Handes
+the effecte of your laboure, who hopeth that you haue sponne
+some substanciall store of threede for earning of your Supper,
+whych beynge done, shall be readily brought vnto you." The Baron
+full of Rage, Furie, and felonious moode, if before he were
+fallen into choler, now by protestation of these words, seemed
+to transgresse the bounds of reason, and began to raile at the
+poore wench, scolding and chiding hir like a strumpet of the
+stews, faring as though he would haue beaten hir, or don hir
+some other mischiefe: but his moode was stayed from doyng any
+hurt. The poore Wench lessoned by her mistresse, in laughing
+wise sayd vnto him: "Why (my Lord) do you chase and rage
+againste mee? Me thinks, you do me wrong to vse sutch reprochful
+words, which am but a seruaunt, and bounde to the commaundement
+of my mistresse: Why sir, do you not know that a pursiuaunt or
+messanger suffreth no paine or blame? The greatest Kyng or
+Emperour of the Worlde, receiuing defiaunce from a meaner
+Prynce, neuer vseth his ambassador with scolding Wordes, ne yet
+by villany or rebuke abuseth his person. Is it wisdome then for
+you, being a present prysoner, at the mercy of your kepers, in
+thys dishonorable sorte to reuile me with disordred talke? But
+sir, leaue of your rages, and quiet your selfe for this present
+tyme, for my mistresse maruelleth much why you durst come (for
+al your Noble state) to giue attemptes to violate hir good name,
+which message shee requyred me to tell you, ouer and besides a
+desire shee hath to know whether by the Scyence of Spynning, you
+haue gained your meat for you seeme to kicke against the wynd,
+and beat Water in a morter, if you think from hence to goe
+before you haue earned a recompense for the meat which shal be
+giuen you. Wherefore it is your lot paciently to suffer the
+penance of your fond attempt, which I pray you gently to
+sustaine, and think no scorn thereof hardely, for desperate men
+and hard aduentures must needes suffer the daungers thereunto
+belonging. This is the determinate sentence of my mistresse
+mynd, who fourdeth you no better fare than Bread and Water, if
+you can not shewe some prety Spyndle full of yarne for signe of
+your good wyll at this present pynch of your distresse." The
+Mayden seeying that hee was not dysposed to shewe some part of
+wylling mind to gaine his lyuing by that prefixed scyence shut
+the portall Doore, and went her way. The unhappy Baron (arryued
+thether in very yll tyme) that Nyght had Neyther Breade nor
+Broth, and therefore he fared accordynge to the Prouerbe: He
+that goeth to bed supperlesse, lyeth in his Bed restlesse, for
+during the whole night, no sleepe could fasten hys Eyes. Now as
+this Baron was closed in pryson faste, so the Ladye tooke order,
+that secretly wyth great cheare hys Seruauntes should be
+interteyned, and his Horsse wyth sweete haye and good prouender
+well mainteined, all his furnitures, sumpture horse and caryages
+conueyed within the Castle, where wanted nothyng for the state
+of sutch a personage but onely Lyberty, makyng the host of the
+Inne beleue (wher the Lord harbored before) that he was returned
+into Hungarie. But now turne we to the Boeme knight, who
+knowynge that one of the two Hungarian Competitors, were
+departed the Court and ridden into Boeme, dyd still behold the
+quality of the inchaunted Image, wherein by the space of thre or
+foure Dayes, in whych time, the Baron made his greatest sute to
+his Ladie: he marked a certaine alteration of Coloure in the
+same, but afterwards returned to his Natiue forme: and seeing no
+greater transformation, he was wel assured, that the Hungarian
+Baron was repulsed, and imployed his Labor in vaine. Whereof the
+Boeme knight was excedingly pleased and contented, bycause he
+was well assured, that his Wyfe had kept hir selfe ryghte pure
+and honest. Notwithstandyng hys Mynde was not wel settled, ne
+yet hys heart at rest, doubting that the lord Vladislao, which
+as yet was not departed the courte, would obtayne the thing,
+and acquite the faulte, which his Companion had committed. The
+imprysoned Baron which all this tyme had neither eaten nor
+dronken, nor in the night could sleepe, in the mornyng, after he
+had considred his misaduenture, and well perceyued no remedy for
+him to goe forth, except hee obeyed the Ladie's hest, made of
+Necessity a Vertue, and applyed himselfe to learne to Spynne by
+force, which freedome and honour could neuer haue made him to
+do. Whereuppon he toke the distaffe and beganne to Spynne.
+And albeyt that hee neuer Sponne in al hys Lyfe before, yet
+instructed by Necessity, so well as he could, he drewe out his
+Threede, now small and then greate, and manye times of the
+meanest sort, but verye often broade, yl fauored, yll closed,
+and worse twisted, all oute of fourme and fashyon, that sundry
+tymes very heartely he laughed to himselfe, to see his cunning,
+but would haue made a cunning Woman spinner burst into Ten
+Thousand laughters, if she had ben there. Thus all the morning
+he spent in spynning, and when dynner came, his accustomed
+messenger, the mayden, repayred vnto him againe, and opening the
+wyndow demaunded of the Baron how his worke went foreward, and
+whether he were disposed to manifest the cause of hys comming
+into Boeme? Hee well beaten in the schoole of shame, vttered
+vnto the Maide the whole compact and bargayne made betweene him
+and his Companion, and the Boeme knyghte hir mayster, and
+afterwards shewed vnto hir his Spyndle ful of threde. The young
+Wenche smylyng at hys Woorke, sayd: "By Sainct Marie this is
+well done, you are worthy of victual for your hire: for now I
+well perceiue that Hunger forceth the Woulf oute of hir Denne.
+I conne you thanck, that like a Lord you can so puissantly gayne
+your lyuing. Wherefore proceeding in that which you haue
+begonne, I doubt not but shortely you will proue sutche a
+workeman, as my mistresse shall not neede to put oute hir flax
+to spinne (to hir great charge and coste) for making of hir
+smockes, but that the same may wel be don within hir own house,
+yea althoughe the same doe serue but for Kitchen Cloathes, for
+dresser bordes, or cleanynge of hir Vessell before they bee
+serued forth. And as your good deserts doe merite thankes for
+this your arte, now well begonne, euen so your new told tale of
+comming hyther, requyreth no lesse, for that you haue dysclosed
+the trouth." When she had spoken these Woords, she reached hym
+some store of meates for hys dynner, and bade hym fare well.
+When shee was returned vnto hir Lady, shee shewed vnto hir the
+Spyndle full of threde, and told hir therewythall the whole
+story of the compact betwene the knight Vlrico, and the two
+Hungarian barons. Whereof the Lady sore astonned, for the snares
+layd to entrappe hir, was notwithstanding wel contented, for
+that shee had so well forseene the same: but most of all
+reioysed, that hir husband had so good opinion of hir honest
+lyfe. And before she would aduertise hym of those euents, she
+purposed to attend the commyng of the lord Vladislao to whome
+she ment to do like penance for his carelesse bargayne and
+dishonest opinion, accordyngly as he deserued, maruelling very
+mutch that both the Barons, were so rash and presumptuous,
+daungerously (not knowing what kind of Woman she was) to put
+their Landes and goodes in hazard. But considering the Nature of
+diuers brainsick men, which passe not how carelesly they
+aduenture their gained goods, and inherited Lands, so they may
+atchieue the pray, after which they vainely hunt, for the
+preiudice and hurt of other, she made no accompt of these
+attemptes, sith honest Matrones force not vppon the sutes, or
+vayne consumed time of lyght brained Cockscombs, that care not
+what fond cost or ill imployed houres they waste to anoy the
+good renoume and honest brutes of Women. But not to discourse
+from point to point the particulers of this intended iorney,
+this poore deceiued Baron in short time proued a very good
+Spinner, by exercise whereof, he felt sutch solace, as not onely
+the same was a comfortable sporte for his captiue time, but also
+for want of better recreation, it seemed so ioyfull, as if he
+had bene pluming and feding his Hawke, or doing other sports
+belongyng to the honourable state of a Lord. Which his wel
+attriued labour, the Maiden recompensed with abundance of good
+and delycate meates. And although the Lady was many times
+requyred to visite the Baron, yet she would neuer to that
+request consent. In whych tyme the knyght Vlrico ceased not
+continually to viewe and reuewe the state of his Image, which
+appeared styll to bee of one well coloured sorte, and although
+thys vse of hys was diuers times marked and seene of many, yet
+being earnestly demaunded the cause thereof hee would neuer
+disclose the same. Many coniectures thereof were made, but none
+could attayne the trouthe. And who would haue thought that a
+knight so wyse and prudente had worne within his pursse any
+inchaunted thyng? And albeyt the Kyng and Queene had
+intelligence of thys frequent practyse of the knight, yet they
+thought not mete for the priuate and secrete Mystery, to demaund
+the cause. One moneth and a halfe was passed now that the Lorde
+Alberto was departed the Court, and become a Castle knyghte and
+cunning Spynster: which made the Lord Vladislao to muse, for
+that the promise made betweene them was broken, and hearde
+neyther by Letter or messenger what successe he had receiued.
+After diuers thoughts imagyned in his mynde, he conceyued that
+his companion had happily enioyed the ende of his desired ioy,
+and had gathered the wyshed fruicts of the Lady, and drowned in
+the mayne Sea of his owne pleasures, was ouerwhelmed in the
+bottome of Obliuion: wherefore he determined to set forward on
+his iourney to giue onset of his desired fortune: who without
+long delay for execution of his purpose, prepared all
+necessaries for that voyage, and mounted on horsebacke with two
+of his men, he iourneyed towards Boeme, and within a few daies
+after arryued at the Castle of the fayre and most honest Lady.
+And when hee was entred the Inne where the Lord Alberto was
+first lodged, he dilygently enquyred of him, and heard tell that
+he was returned into Hungarie many dayes before, whereof mutch
+maruelling, could not tel what to say or think. In the end
+purposing to put in prose the cause wherefore he was departed
+out of Hungarie, after dilygent searche of the maners of the
+Lady, he vnderstoode by general voyce, that she was without
+comparison the honestest, wisest, gentlest, and comelyest Lady
+within the whole Countrey of Boeme. Incontinently the Lady was
+aduertised of the arriual of this Baron, and knowing his
+message, she determyned to paye him also wyth that Money whych
+she had already coyned for the other. The next Day the Baron
+went vnto the Castle, and knocking at the Gate, sent in woord
+how that he was come from the Court of king Mathie, to visite
+and salute the Lady of that Castle: and as she did entertayne
+the first Baron in curteous guise, and with louing Countenaunce,
+euen so she dyd the second, who thought thereby that he had
+attayned by that pleasaunt entertaynment, the game which he
+hunted. And discoursing vppon dyuers matters, the lady shewed
+hir selfe a pleasaunt and Familyar Gentlewoman, whych made the
+Baron to thynk that in short tyme he should wyn the pryce for
+which he came. Notwithstanding, at the fyrste brunt he would not
+by any meanes descend to any particularity of his purpose, but
+hys Words ran general, which were, that hearynge tell of the
+fame of hir Beauty, good grace and comelinesse, by hauing
+occasion to repayre into Boeme to doe certayne his affaires, he
+thought it labor wel spent to ride some portion of his iourney,
+though it were besides the way, to dygresse to do reuerence vnto
+hir, whom fame aduaunced aboue the Skyes: and thus passing his
+first visitation he returned againe to his lodging. The lady
+when the Baron was gone from hir Castle, was rapt into a rage,
+greatlye offended that those two Hungarian Lordes so
+presumptuously had bended themselues lyke common Theeues to
+wander and roue the Countreys, not onely to robbe and spoyle hir
+of hir honour, but also to bryng hir in displeasure of hir
+husband, and thereby into the Daunger and Peryll of Death. By
+reason of which rage (not without cause conceived) she caused an
+other Chamber to be made ready, next Wall to the other Baron
+that was become sutch a notable Spynster, and vpon the nexte
+returne of the Lord Vladislao, she receiued him with no lesse
+good entertainement than before, and when Nyght came, caused him
+to be lodged in hir owne house in the Chamber prepared as
+before, where he slept not very soundly all that Night, through
+the continuall remembraunce of hys Ladies beauty. Next morning
+he perceiued himself to be locked fast in a Pryson. And when he
+had made him readye, thinking to descend to bid the Lady good
+Morrow, seeking meanes to vnlock the Doore, and perceiuing that
+he could not, he stoode styll in a dumpe. And as hee was thus
+standyng, maruelling the cause of his shuttyng in so fast, the
+maiden repaired to the hole of the dore, giuing his honor an
+vnaccustomed salutation, which was that hir mistresse commaunded
+hir to giue him to vnderstand, that if hee had any lust or
+appetyte to his breakfast, or if he minded from thenceforth to
+ease his hunger or conteine Lyfe, that he should giue him selfe
+to learne to reele yarne. And for that purpose she willed him to
+looke in sutch a corner of the Chamber, and he should find
+certaine spindles of thred, and an instrument to winde his yarn
+vpon. "Wherefore" (quod she) "apply your self thereunto, and
+loose no time." He that had that tyme beholden the Baron in the
+Face, would haue thought that hee had seene rather a Marble
+stone, than the figure of a man. But conuerting his could
+conceyued moode, into mad anger, he fell into ten times more
+displeasure with himselfe, than is before described by the other
+Baron. But seeinge that his mad behauiour, and beastly vsage was
+bestowed in vayne, the next day he began to Reele. The Lady
+afterwardes when shee had intelligence of the good, and
+gaynefull Spinning of the Lord Alberto, and the wel disposed,
+and towardly Reeling of the Lord Vladislao, greatly reioyced for
+makinge of sutch two Notable Workemen, whose workemanship
+exceeded the labours of them that had been Apprentyzes to the
+Occupation seuen Yeares togeather. Sutch bee the apt and ready
+Wyts of the Souldiers of Loue: wherein I would wishe all Cupides
+Dearlings to be nousled and applied in their youthly time: then
+no doubt their passions woulde appease, and rages assuage, and
+would giue ouer bolde attempts, for which they haue no thancke
+of the chaste and honest. And to thys goodly sight the Lady
+brought the Seruaunts of these noblemen, willing them to marke
+and beholde the diligence of their Maysters, and to imitate the
+industry of their gallant exercise, who neuer attayned meate
+before by labour they had gayned the same. Which done, shee made
+them take their Horse, and Furnitures of their Lords, and to
+depart: otherwise if by violence they resisted, she would cause
+their choller to be caulmed with sutch like seruice as they saw
+their Lordes doe before their Eyes. The Seruaunts seeing no
+remedy, but must needes depart, tooke their leaue. Afterwards
+she sent one of hir Seruaunts in poast to the Courte, to
+aduertise hir husband of all that which chaunced. The Boeme
+knight receyuing these good newes, declared the same vnto the
+King and Queene, and recited the whole story of the two
+Hungarian Barons, accordingly as the tenor of his Wyues letters
+did purport. The Princes stoode still in great admiration, and
+highly commended the wisedome of the Lady, esteeming hir for a
+very sage and polliticke woman. Afterwards the knight Vlrico
+humbly besought the king for execution of his decree and
+performaunce of the Bargayne. Whereupon the king assembled his
+counsell, and required euery of them to saye their minde. Vpon
+the deliberation whereof, the Lord Chauncellor of the Kingdome,
+with two Counsellers, were sent to the Castle of the Boeme
+knight, to enquire, and learne the processe and doinges of the
+two Lordes, who diligently accomplished the kinge's
+commaundement. And hauinge examined the Lady and hir mayden with
+other of the house, and the barons also, whom a little before
+the arriuall of these Commissioners, the Lady had caused to be
+put together, that by Spinning and Reeling they might comfort
+one another. When the Lord Chauncellor had framed and digested
+in order the whole discourse of this history, returned to the
+Court where the king and Queene, with the Pieres and Noblemen of
+his kingdome, caused the acts of the same to be diuulged and
+bruted abroade, and after mutch talk, and discourse of the
+performaunce of this compact, pro, and contra, the Queene taking
+the Ladie's part, and fauoring the knight, the kinge gaue
+sentence that sir Vlrico should wholly possesse the landes and
+goods of the two Barons to him, and to his Heyres for euer, and
+that the Barons should be banished the kingdomes of Hungary and
+Boeme, neuer to returne vpon payne of death. This sentence was
+put in execution, and the vnfortunat Barons exiled, which
+specially to those that were of their consanguinity and bloud,
+seemed to seuere, and rigorous. Neuerthelesse the couenaunt
+being most playne and euident to most men, the same seemed to
+bee pronounced with greate Iustice and equity, for example in
+time to come, to lesson rash wits how they iudge and deeme so
+indifferently of Womens behaviours, amongs whom no doubt there
+bee both good and bad as there bee of men. Afterwards the 2
+princes sent for the Lady to the Court, who there was
+courteously intertayned, and for this hir wise and polliticke
+fact had in great admiration. The Queene then appoynted hir to
+be one of hir women of honor, and esteemed hir very deerely.
+The knight also daily grew to great promotion well beloued and
+fauored of the king, who with his lady long time liued in greate
+ioy and felicity, not forgetting the cunning Pollacco, that made
+him the image and likenes of his wife: whose frendship and labor
+he rewarded with money, and other Benefits very liberally.
+
+
+
+
+THE TWENTY-NINTH NOUELL.
+
+  _Dom Diego a Gentleman of Spayne fell in loue with fayre
+  Gineura, and she with him: their loue by meanes of one that
+  enuied Dom Diego his happy choyse, was by default of light
+  credit on hir part interrupted. He constant of mynde, fell
+  into despayre, and abandoninge all his frends and liuing,
+  repayred to the Pyrene Mountaynes, where he led a sauage lyfe
+  for certayne moneths, and afterwardes knowne by one of hys
+  freendes, was (by marueylous Circumstaunce) reconciled to hys
+  froward mistresse, and maryed._
+
+
+Mens mischaunces occurring on the brunts of dyuers Tragicall
+fortunes, albeit vpon their first taste of bitternesse, they
+sauor of a certayne kinde of lothsome relish, yet vnder the
+Rynde of that vnsauerouse Sap, doth lurke a sweeter honnye, than
+sweetenesse it selfe, for the fruit that the Posterity may
+gather, and learne by others hurts, how they may loathe, and
+shun the like. But bicause all thinges haue their seasons,
+and euery thynge is not conuenient for all Times, and Places,
+I purpose now to shew a notable example of a vayne and
+superstitious Louer, that abandoned his liuing and friendes, to
+become a Sauage Desert man. Which History resembleth in a maner
+a Tragical Comedy, comprehending the very same matter and
+Argument, wherewyth the greatest part of the sottishe sorte Arme
+themselues to couer and defend their Follies. It is red and
+seene to often by common custome, and therefore needelesse heere
+to display what rage doth gouerne, and headlong hale fonde and
+licentious youth (conducted by the pangue of loue, if the same
+be not moderated by reason, and cooled with sacred Lessons) euen
+from the cradle to more murture and riper age. For the Tiranny
+of Loue amonges all the deadly Foes that vexe and afflict our
+mindes, glorieth of his force, vaunting hymselfe able to chaunge
+the proper nature of things, be they neuer so sounde and
+perfect: who to make them like his lustes, transformeth himselfe
+into a substaunce qualified diuersly, the better to intrap sutch
+as be giuen to his vanities. But hauing auouched so many
+examples before, I am content for this present to tell the
+discourse of two persons, chaunced not long sithens in
+Catheloigne. Of a Gentleman that for his constancy declared two
+extremities in himselfe of loue and folly. And of a Gentlewoman
+so fickle and inconstant, as loue and they which wayted on him,
+be disordered, for the trustlesse grounde whereupon sutch
+foundation of seruice is layed, which yee shall easely conceiue
+by well viewing the difference of these twayne: whom I meane to
+summon to the lists, by the blast of this sounding trump. And
+thus the same beginneth. Not long after that the victorious and
+Noble Prynce, younge Ferdinandus, the Sonne of Alphonsus Kynge
+of Aragon was deade, Lewes the Twelfth, that tyme being Frenche
+king, vpon, the Marches of Catheloigne, betwene Barcelona, and
+the Mountaynes, there was a good Lady then a Wyddow, which had
+bene the Wyfe of an excellant and Noble knight of the Countrey,
+by whom she hadde left one only Daughter, which was so carefully
+brought vp by the mother as nothinge was to deare or hard to bee
+brought to passe for hir desire, thinking that a creature so
+Noble and perfect, could not be trayned vp to delicately. Now
+besides hir incomparable furniture of beauty, this Gentlewoman
+was adorned with Hayre so fayre, curle, and Yealow, as the new
+fined golde was not matchable to the shining locks of this
+tender Infant, who therefore was commonly called Gineura la
+Blonde. Halfe adaye's iorney from the house of this Wyddow, lay
+the lands of another Lady a Wydow also, that was very rich, and
+so wel allied as any in all the Land. This Lady had a Sonne,
+whom she caused to be trayned vp so well in Armes and good
+letters, as in other honest Exercises proper and mete for a
+Gentleman and great Lorde, for which respect shee had sent him
+to Barcelona the chyefe Citty of all the Countrey of
+Catheloigne. Senior Dom Diego, (for so was the Sonne of that
+Wydow called) profited so well in all thynges, that when hee was
+18 yeares of age, there was no Gentleman of his degree, that did
+excell him, ne yet was able to approche vnto his Perfections and
+commendable Behauiour. A thing that did so well content the good
+Lady his mother as she could not tell what countenaunce to keepe
+to couer hir ioy. A vice very common to fond and foolish
+mothers, who flatter themselues with a shadowed hope of the
+future goodnesse of their children, which many times doth more
+hurt to that wanton and wilfull age, than profit or
+aduauncement. The persuasion also of sutch towardnesse, full oft
+doth blinde the Spirites of Youth, as the Faults which follow
+the same bee farre more vile than before they were: whereby the
+first Table (made in his first coloures) of that imagined
+vertue, can take no force or perfection, and so by incurring
+sundry mishaps the Parent and Chylde commonly escape not without
+equall blame. To come agayne therefore to our discourse: It
+chaunced in that tyme that (the Catholike Kyng deceased)
+Phillippe of Austrich which Succeeded him as Heyre, passing
+through Fraunce came into Spayne to bee Inuested, and take
+Possession of all hys Seigniories, and Kyngdomes: which knowen
+to the Cittyzens of Barcelona, they determined to receiue hym
+with sutch Pompe, Magnificence, and Honor, as duely appertaineth
+to the greatnes and maiesty of so great a Prince, as is the
+sonne of the Romane Emperour. And amonges other thinges they
+prepared a Triumphe at the Tilt, where none was suffred to enter
+the lists, but yong Gentlemen, sutch as neuer yet had followed
+armes. Amongs whom Don Diego as the Noblest person was chosen
+chiefe of one part. The Archduke then come to Barcelona after
+the receyued honors and Ceremonies, accustomed for sutch
+entertaynment, to gratifie his Subiects, and to see the brauery
+of the yong Spanish Nobility in armes, would place himselfe vpon
+the scaffolde to iudge the courses and valiaunce of the runners.
+In that magnifique and Princely conflict, all mens eyes were
+bent vpon Dom Diego, who course by course made hys aduersaries
+to feele the force of his armes, his manhoode, and dexterity, on
+horsebacke, and caused them to muse vpon his toward valiance in
+time to come, whose noble Ghests then acquired the victory of
+the Campe on his side. Which mooued King Phillip to say, that in
+all his life he neuer saw triumph better handled, and that the
+same seemed rather a battell of strong and hardy men, than an
+exercise of yong Gentlemen neuer wonted to support the deedes of
+armes, and trauayle of warfare. For which cause calling Dom
+Diego before him he sayd: "God graunt (yong Gentleman) that your
+ende agree with your good beginnings and hardy shock of proofe
+done this day. In memory whereof I will this night that ye do
+your watch, for I meane to morrow (by God's assistance) to dub
+you Knight." The yong Gentleman blushing for shame, vpon his
+knees kissed the Prince's hands, thanking him most humbly of the
+honor and fauor which it pleased his maiesty to do to him,
+vowing and promising to do so wel in time to come, as no man
+should be deceyued of their conceyued opinion, nor the king
+frustrate of his seruice, which was one of his most obedient
+Vassals and subiects. So the next day he was made knight, and
+receyued the coller of the order at the hands of king Phillip,
+who after the departure of his prince which tooke his iorney
+into Castille, retired to his owne landes and house more to see
+his mother, whom long time before he had not seene, than for
+desire of pleasure that be in fieldes, which notwithstanding he
+exercised so wel as in end he perceyued refiaunce in townes and
+Citties, to be an imprisonment in respect of that he felt in
+Countrey. As the Poets whilome fayned Loue to shoote his Arrowes
+amid the Woods, Forrests, fertile Fields, Sea coasts, Shores of
+great Ryuers, and Fountayne brinkes, and also vppon the tops of
+Huge, and hygh Mountaynes at the pursute of the sundry sorted
+Nymphes, and fieldish Dimigods, deeming the same to bee a meane
+of liberty to follow Loue's tract without suspition, voyde of
+company and lothsome cries of Citties, where Iealousie, Enuy,
+false report, and ill Opinion of all things, haue pitched their
+Camp, and raysed their Tents. And contrariwise franckly and
+wythout dissimulation in the fieldes, the Freende discouering
+his passion to his Mistresse, they enioy the pleasure of
+hunting, the naturall musicke of Byrds and sometimes in
+pleasaunt Herbers compassed with the murmur of some running
+Brookes, they communicate their Thoughts, beautifie the accorde
+and vnity of Louers, and make the place famous for the first
+witnesse of their amorous acquaintaunce. In like manner thrice,
+and foure times blest be they there, who leeuing the vnquiet
+toyle that ordinarily doth chaunce to them that abyde in
+Citties, doe render duety of their studies to the Muses
+wherevnto they be most Addicted. Now Dom Diego at his owne house
+loued and cherished of his mother, reuerenced and obeyed of hys
+Subiects after he had imployed some time at his study, had none
+other ordinary pleasure but in rousing the Deere, hunting the
+wylde Bore, run the Hare, sometimes to fly at the Hearon, or
+fearful Partrich alongs the fields, Forests, Ponds, and steepe
+Mountaynes. It came to passe one day, as he Hunted the wylde
+Mountayne Goate, which he had dislodged vpon the Hill top, he
+espied an olde Hart that his Dogges had found, who so ioyfull as
+was possible of that good lucke, followed the course of that
+swift, and fearefull beast. But (sutch was his Fortune) the
+Dogges lost the foote of that pray, and he his men: for being
+horssed of purpose, vpon a fayre Iennet, could not be followed,
+and in ende loosinge the sight of the Deere, was so farre
+seuered from company, as he was vtterly ignoraunt which way to
+take. And that which grieued him moste was his Horse out of
+Breath scarce able to goe a false Gallop. For which cause he put
+his horne to his mouth, and blew so loude as he could: but his
+men were so farre of, as they could not here him. The young
+Gentleman being in this distresse, could not tell what to doe,
+but to returne backe, wherein he was more deceyued than before,
+for thinkinge to take the way home to hys Castle, wandred still
+further of from the same. And trotting thus a long tyme, he
+spied a Castle Situated vppon a little Hill, whereby he knew
+himselfe far from his owne house. Neuerthelesse hearing a
+certayne noyse of Hunters, thinking they had bene his People,
+resorted to the same, who in deede were the Seruaunts of the
+Mother of Gineura with the golden Locks, which in company of
+their Mistresse had hunted the Hare. Dom Diego, when he drue
+neere to the cry of the Hounds, saw right well that hee was
+deceyued. At what tyme Night approched, and the Shadowes
+darkening the Earth, by reason of the Sunnes departure, began to
+Cloth the Heauens with a Browne and misty Mantell. When the
+Mother of Gineura saw the knight which Rode a soft pace, for
+that his Horsse was tired, and could trauayle no longer, and
+knowing by his outward apperance that he was some great Lord,
+and ridden out of his way, sent one of hir men to knowe what he
+was, who returned agayne with sutch aunswere as shee desired.
+The Lady ioyfull to entertayne a Gentleman so excellent and
+famous, one of hir next neighbors, went forwarde to bid hym
+welcome, which she did with so great curtesy as the Knight sayd
+vnto hir: "Madame, I thinke that fortune hath done me this
+fauour, by setting me out of the way, to proue your curtesie and
+gentle entertaynment, and to receyue this ioy by visiting your
+house, whereof I trust in time to come to be so perfect a frend,
+as my predecessors heretofore haue hene." "Sir," sayd the Lady,
+"if happinesse may be attributed to them, that most doe gayne,
+I thincke my selfe better fauored than you, for that it is my
+chaunce to lodge and entertayne him, that is the worthiest
+person and best beloued in all Catheloigne." The Gentleman
+blushing at that prayse, sayd nothing els, but that affection
+forced men so to speake of his vertues, notwithstandinge sutch
+as hee was, he vowed from thenceforth his seruice to hir and all
+hir Houshold. Gineura desirous not to bee slacke in curtesie,
+sayd that he should not so do, except she were partaker of some
+part of that, which the knight so liberally had offered to the
+whole Family of hir Mother. The Gentleman which till that time
+tooke no heede to the deuine Beauty of the Gentlewoman,
+beholding hir at his pleasure, was so astoonned, as hee could
+not tell what to aunswere, his eyes were so fixed vpon hir,
+spendinge his lookes in contemplation of that freshe hew,
+stayned with a red Vermilion, vppon the Alabaster and fayre
+colour of hir cleare and beautifull face. And for the
+imbelishing of that naturall perfection, the attire vppon hir
+head was so couenable and proper, as it seemed the same day shee
+had Looked for the comming of him, that afterwardes indured so
+mutch for hir sake. For hir head was Adorned with a Garlande of
+Floures, interlaced wyth hir Golden, and Enamiled hayre, which
+gorgeously couered some part of hir Shoulders, disparcled,
+and hanging down some tyme ouer hir passing fayre Foreheade,
+somewhyles vpon hir ruddy Cheekes, as the Sweete, and Pleasaunt
+windy Breath dyd mooue them to, and fro: Yee should haue seene
+hir wauering and crisped tresses disposed with so good grace,
+and comelynesse, as a man would haue thought that Loue and the
+three Graces coulde not tell els where to harbor themselues, but
+in that riche and delectable place of pleasure, in gorgeous wise
+laced and imbraudred. Vpon hir Eares did hang two Sumptuous and
+Riche orientall Pearles, which to the artificiall order of hir
+hayre added a certen splendent brightnes. And he that had
+beholden the shining and large Forehead of that Nimph which
+Gallantly was beset with a Diamonde of inestimable price and
+value, chased with a tresse of Golde made in form of little
+Starres, would haue thought that he had seene a Rancke of the
+twinckeling Planettes, fixed in the Firmament in the hottest
+time of Sommer, when that fayre season discouereth the order of
+his glittering Cloudes. In lyke maner the sparkeling eyes of the
+fayre Gentlewoman, adorned with a stately vaulte with two
+Archers, equally by euen spaces distinct, and deuided, stayned
+with the Ebene Indian tree, did so well set forth their
+Brightnesse, as the eyes of them that stayed their lookes at
+Noone daye's directly vpon the Sunne, could no more be dazeled
+and offended, than those were that did contemplate those two
+flaminge Starres, which were in force able throughly to pierce
+euen the Bottome of the inward partes. The Nose well fourmed,
+iustly placed in the Amiable valley of the Vysage, by equall
+conformity Distinguished the two Cheekes, stayned wyth a pure
+Carnation, resemblinge two lyttle Apples that were arryued to
+the due time of their maturity and ripenesse. And then hir
+Coralline mouth, through which breathing, issued out a breath
+more soote and sauorous than Ambre, Muske, or other Aromaticall
+Parfume, that euer the sweete Soyle of Arabie brought forth. She
+sometime vnclosing the doore of hir Lips, discouered two rancke
+of Pearles, so finely blanched, as the purest Orient would
+blushe, if it were compared with the Beauty of thys incomparable
+whitenesse. But hee that will take vppon hym to speake of all
+hir inspeakable Beauty, may make his vaunte that he hath seene
+all the greatest perfections that euer dame Nature wrought. Now
+to come a little lower, on this freshe Diana appeared a Neck,
+that surmounted the Blaunch colour of Mylke, were it neuer so
+excellent white, and hir Stomacke somewhat mounting by the two
+Pomels, and firme Teates of hir Breasts separated in equal
+distaunce, was couered wyth a vayle, so lose, and fine, as those
+two little prety Mountaynes might easily be Discried, to moue,
+and remooue, according to the affection that rose in the centre
+of that modest, and sober Pucelle's mynde: who ouer, and besides
+all thys, had sutch a pleasaunt Countenaunce, and ioyefull
+cheere, as hir Beauty more than wonderfull, rendred hir not so
+woorthy to be serued, and loued, as hir natural goodnesse,
+and disposed curtesie appearing in hir Face, and hir excellent
+entertaynement and comely Grace to all indifferently. This was
+not to imitate the maner of the most parte of our fayre Ladies,
+and Gentlewomen, who (mooued wyth what Opinion I know not) be so
+disdaynefull, as almost theyr name causeth discontentment, and
+breedeth in them great imperfection. And who by thinking to
+appeare more braue, and fine, by to mutch squeymishe dealing,
+doe offuscate and darken with folly their exterior Beauty,
+blotting, and defacing that which beauty maketh amiable, and
+worthy of honor. I leaue you now to consider wheather Dom Deigo
+had occasion to Forgo his Speach, and to bee bereft of Sense,
+being liuely assayled with one so well armed as Gineura was with
+hir Graces and Honesty: who no lesse abashed with the Port,
+Countenaunce, sweete talk, and stately Behauiour of the knight,
+which she vewed to be in him by stealing lookes, felt a motion
+(not wonted or accustomed) in hir tender heart, that made hir to
+chaunge color, and by like occasion speachlesse: an ordinary
+custome in them that be surprised with the malady of loue to
+lose the vse of speach where the same is most needefull to gieue
+the intier charge in the heart, which not able to support and
+beare the burden of so many passions, departeth some portion to
+the eyes, as to the faythful messengers of the mynde's secret
+conceipts, which tormented beyond measure, and burninge with
+affection, causeth sometimes the Humor to gushe out in that
+parte that discouered the first assault, and bred the cause of
+that Feuer, which frighted the hearts of those two yong persons,
+not knowing well what the same might be. When they were come to
+the Castle, and dismounted from their Horsses, many Welcomes and
+Gratulations were made to the knight, which yelded more wood to
+the fire, and liuely touched the yong Gentleman, who was so
+outraged with loue, as almost he had no minde of himselfe, and
+rapt by litle, and little, was so intoxicated with an Amorous
+passion, as all other thoughtes were lothsome, and Ioye
+displeasaunt in respect of the fauourable Martirdome which hee
+suffered by thinking of his fayre and gentle Gineura. Thus the
+knight which in the morning disposed him selfe to pursue the
+Hart, was in heart so attached, as at euening he was become a
+Seruaunt, yea and sutch a Slaue, as that voluntary seruitude
+wholly dispossessed him from his former Freedome. These be the
+fruictes also of Folly, inuegling the lookes of men, that launch
+themselues with eyes shut into the Gulfe of despayre which in
+ende doth cause the ruin and ouerthrow of him, that yeldeth
+thereunto. Loue proceedeth neuer but of opinion: so likewise the
+ill order of those that bee afflicted with that Passion, ryseth
+not elswhere, but by the fond persuasion which they conceiyue,
+to bee Blamed, Despised, and deceyued of the thing beloued:
+where if they measured that passion according to his valor, they
+would make no more accoumpt of that which doth torment them,
+than they do of their health, honor, and life, which loue for
+their great seruice and labor deludeth them, and recompenseth
+another with that for which the foolish Louer imployeth thys
+trauel, which at length doth haste despaire, and ende more than
+desperate, when an other enioy that, for which hee hath so longe
+time beate the Bushes. During the time that supper was
+preparyng, the Lady sente hir men to seeke the huntesmen of Dom
+Diego, to gyue them knowledge where he was become, and thereof
+to certify his mother, who when she heard tell that her sonne
+was lodged there, was very glad beyng a ryght good fryend and
+very familiar Neighbor with the Lady, the hostesse of Dom Diego.
+The Gentleman at supper after he had tasted the feruent heate
+that broyled in his Minde, coulde eate little meate, beinge
+satisfied with the feeding diete of his Amorous eyes, which
+without any maner of Iealousie, distributed their nourishment to
+the heart, who sat very soberly, priuily throwing his secretly
+Prickes, with louely, and wanton lookes, vppon the heart of the
+fayre Lady, which for hir part spared not to render vsury of
+rolling regardes, whereof he was so sparing, as almost he durst
+not lift vp his eyes for dazeling of them. After Supper, the
+knight bidding the mother and Daughter good night, went to Bed,
+where in steede of sleepe, he fell to sighinge and imageninge a
+thousande diuers deuises, fantasiyng like number of follies,
+sutch as they doe whose Braynes be fraught loue. "Alas," (sayde
+hee) "what meaneth it, that alwayes I haue lyued in so great
+liberty, and nowe doe feele my self attached with sutch bondage
+as I cannot expresse whose effects neuerthelesse be fastned in
+me? Haue I hunted to be taken? Came I from my house in liberty,
+to be shut vp in Pryson, and do not know wheather I shall be
+receyued, or being receyued haue intertaynment, according to
+desert? Ah Gineura, I would to God, that thy Beauty did pricke
+mee no worsse, than the tree whereof thou takest thy name, is
+sharp in touching, and bitter to them that taste it. Truely I
+esteeme my comming hither happy (for all the Passion that I
+indure) sith the purchase of a griefe so lucky doth qualify the
+ioy, that made me to wander thus ouer frankly. Ah Fayre amonges
+the Fayrest, truely the fearefull Beast which with the bloudy
+Hare Houndes was torne in pieces, is not more Martired, than my
+heart deuided in Opinions vppon thyne Affection. And what doe I
+know if thou louest an other more worthy to bee Fauoured of thee
+than thy poore Dom Diego. But it is impossible that any can
+approche the sincerity that I feele in my heart, determining
+rather to indure death, than to serue other but fayre and golden
+Gineura: therefore my loyalty receyuing no comparison, cannot
+bee matched in man sufficient (for respect of the same) to be
+called seruaunt of thine excellency. Now come what shal, by
+meanes of this, I am assured that so long as Dom Diego liueth,
+his heart shal receyue none other impression or desire, but that
+which inciteth him to loue, serue, and honor the fairest
+creature at thys day within the compasse of Spayne." Resolued
+hereupon, sweating, laboring, and trauelling upon the framing of
+his loue, he founde nothing more expedient than to tel hir his
+passion, and let hir vnderstand the good wil that he had to do
+hir seruice, and to pray hir to accept hym for sutch, as from
+that time forth would execute nothing but under the title of hir
+good name. On th'otherside Gineura could not close hir eyes,
+and knew not the cause almost that so impeched hir of sleepe,
+wherefore now tossing on th'one side, and then turning to the
+other, in hir rich and goodly Bed, fantasied no fewer deuises
+than passionated Dom Diego did. In th'end she concluded, that if
+the knight shewed hir any euident signe, or opened by word of
+mouth any Speach of loue and seruice, she would not refuse to do
+the like to him. Thus passed the night in thoughts, sighes, and
+wishes betwene these 2 apprentises of the thing, whereof they
+that be learners, shal soone attayne the experience, and they
+that follow the occupation throughly, in short time be their
+crafts maisters. The next day the knight would depart so soone
+as he was vp: but the good widow, imbracing the personage and
+good order of the knight in hir heart, more than any other that
+she had seene of long time, intreated him so earnestly to tarry
+as he which loued better to obey hir request then to depart,
+although fayned the contrary, in the end appeared to be
+vanquished vpon the great importunity of the Lady. Al that
+morning the Mother and the Daughter passed the time with Dom
+Deigo in great talke of common matters. But he was then more
+astonned and inamored than the night before, in sutch wise as
+many times he aunswered so vnaptly to their demaunds, as it was
+easily perceiued that his minde was mutch disquieted with some
+thing, that only did possesse the force and vehemence of the
+same: notwithstanding the Lady imputed that to the
+shamefastnesse of the Gentleman, and to his simplicity, which
+had not greatly frequented the company of Ladies. When dinner
+time was come, they were serued with sutch great fare and sundry
+delicates accordingly as with hir hart she wyshed to intertain
+the young Lord, to the intent from that time forth, he might
+more willinglye make repaire to hir house. After dinner he
+rendred thanks to his hostesse for his good cheare and
+intertainment that he had receiued, assuring hir, that all the
+dayes of his Life he would imploy himselfe to recompence hir
+curtesy, and with all duety and indeuor to acknowledge that
+fauor. And hauing taken his leaue of the mother, he went to the
+Damosell, to hir I say, that had so sore wounded his hearte who
+already was so deeply grauen in his mind, as the marke remained
+there for euer, taking leaue of hir, kissed hir handes, and
+thinking verily to expresse that whereuppon hee imagined all the
+Nyghte, his Tongue and Wits were so tyed and rapt, as the
+Gentlewoman perfectly perceiued this alteration, whereat she was
+no whit discontented and therefore all blushyng, sayde vnto him:
+"I pray to God sir, to ease and comfort your gryefe, as you
+leaue vs desirous and glad, long to enioy your company." "Truely
+Gentlewoman," (aunswered the Knyght) "I think my selfe more than
+happy, to heare that wysh proceede from sutch a one as you be,
+and specially for the desire whych you say you haue of my
+presence, whych shall be euer readye to doe that whych it shall
+please you to commaunde." The Gentlewoman bashfull for that
+offer, thanked hym verye heartilye praying him wyth sweete and
+smilinge Countenance, not to forget the waye to come to visite
+them, beyng wel assured, that hir mother would be very glad
+thereof. "And for mine owne part," (quod she) "I shall thinke my
+self happy to be partaker of the pleasure and great amity that
+is betwene our two houses." After great reuerence and leaue
+taken between them, Dom Diego returned home, where he tolde his
+mother of the good interteynment made him, and of the great
+honesty of the Lady hys hostesse: "Wherfore madam," (quod he to
+hys Mother) "I am desyrous (if it be your pleasure) to let them
+know how much their bountifull hospitality hath tied me to them,
+and what desire I haue to recompence the same. I am therefore
+wyllyng to bydde them hyther, and to make them so good cheare,
+as wyth all theyr Hearte they made me when I was wyth them."
+The Lady whych was the assured fryende of the Mother of Gineura,
+lyked well the aduyse of hir sonne, and tolde him that they
+should bee welcome, for the aunciente amity of long time betwene
+them, who was wont many times to visit one an other. Dom Diego
+vpon his mother's words, sent to intreat the Lady and fayr
+Gineura, that it woulde please them to do him the honour to come
+into his house: to which request she so willingly yelded, as he
+was desirous to bid them. At the appointed day Dom Diego sought
+al meanes possible honourably to receyue them: In meates whereof
+there was no want, in Instruments of all sortes, Mummeries,
+Morescoes, and a thousand other pastymes, whereby he declared
+his good bringing vp, the gentlenesse of his Spyryte, and the
+desire that he had to appeare sutch one as he was, before hir,
+which had already the full possession of his liberty. And
+bicause he would not faile to accomplyshe the perfection of his
+intent, hee inuyted all the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen that were
+his neighbours. I will not here describe the moste part of the
+prouision for that feast, nor the diuersity of Meates, or the
+delycate kyndes of Wines. It shall suffise mee to tell that
+after dynner they daunced, where the knight tooke his mistresse
+by the hand who was so glad to see hir selfe so aduanced, as he
+was content to be so neare hir, that was the sweete torment and
+vnspeakable passion of his mynd, whych hee began to discouer
+vnto hir in this wyse: "Mistresse Gineura I have ben alwayes of
+this Minde, that Musike hath a certeine secrete hydden vertue
+(which wel can not be expressed) to reuiue the thoughts and
+cogitations of man, be he neuer so mornfull and pensiue, forcing
+him to vtter some outward reioyse: I speake it by my self, for
+that I liue in extreme anguish and payne, that al the ioy of the
+World seemeth vnto mee displeasaunt, care, and disquyetnesse:
+and neuerthelesse my passion, agreeing with the plaintife voice
+of the Instrument, doth reioyce and conceiue comforte, as well
+to heare insensible thinges conformable to my desires as also to
+see my self so neere vnto hir, that hath the salue to ease my
+payne, to discharge my disease, and to depryue my Mynd from all
+gryefs. In like maner reason it is, that she hir selfe do remedy
+my disease, of whom I receiued the prycke, and which is the
+first foundation of all mine euil." "I can not tell" (sayd the
+Gentlewoman) {"}what disease it is you speak of, for I shoulde
+bee very vnkinde to gieue him occasion of griefe, that doth make
+vs this great cheere." "Ah Lady myne," (sayd the knight,
+fetching a sigh from the bottome of his heart,) "the
+intertaynement that I receyue by the continuall contemplation of
+your diuine Beauties, and the vnspeakeable brightnesse of those
+two Beames, which twinkle in your Face, bee they that happily
+doe vex me, and make me drink this Cup of bitternesse, wherein
+notwithstanding I finde sutch sweetenesse as al the Heauenly
+Drincke called Ambrosia, fayned by the Poets, is but Gall in
+respect of that which I taste in mynde, feeling my deuotion so
+bent to do you seruice, as onely Death shall vnty the knot
+wherewith voluntarily I Knyt my selfe to be your Seruaunt for
+euer, and if it so please vou, your Faythfull, and Loyall
+Freende, and Husbande." The yonge Damosell not wonted for to
+heare sutch Songs, did chaunge hir coloure at least three or
+foure times, and neuerthelesse fayned a little angre of that
+which did content hir most: and yet not so sharpe, but that the
+Gentleman perceyued well enough, that shee was touched at the
+quicke, and also that he was accepted into hir good Grace and
+Fauoure. And therefore hee continued styll hys talke, all that
+time after dinner, vntill the Mayden made hym thys aunswere:
+"Sir, I will nowe confesse that griefe may couer alteration of
+affections proceeding of Loue. For although I had determined to
+dissemble that which I thinke, yet there is a thinge in my Mynde
+(which I can not name) that gouerneth mee so farre from my
+proper Deuises, and Conceyptes, as I am constrayned to doe that
+which this second Inspiration leadeth mee vnto, and forceth my
+Mynde to receyue an Impression: but what will be the ende
+thereof, as yet I knowe not. Notwythstandinge, reposinge mee in
+youre Vertue, and Honesty, and acknowledgynge youre merite,
+I thincke my selfe happy to haue sutch one for my Freende, that
+is so Fayre and comely a knight, and for sutch I doe accept you
+vntill you haue obtayned of the Lady, my Mother, the second
+poynct, which may accomplish that which is moste desyred of
+them, that for vertue's sake do loue. And but for that you shall
+bee none otherwyse fauoured of me, than hytherto you haue ben."
+"Tyll now haue I attended for thys ryght happye day of Ioy and
+Blysse (sayd the Knyght) in token whereof, I doe kysse your
+whyte and delycate Hands, and for acknowledging the fauour that
+presently I do receiue, I make my vaunt to be the seruaunt of
+hir that is the fayrest, and most curteous Gentlewoman, on thys
+side the Mountaynes." As hee had fynished those words they came
+to couer for Supper, where they were serued so honourably, as yf
+they had ben in the Court of the Monarch of Spayne. After Supper
+they went to walke abroade alongs the Riuer side, besette wyth
+Wyllow Trees, where both the Beauty of the time, the runnyng
+Ryuer, the Charme of the Natural musicke of birds, and the
+pleasaunt Murmure of the tremblyng Leaues, at the whistelyng of
+the swete Westerne Wynd, moued them agayne to renew theyr
+Pastyme after Dynner. For some dyd gyue themselues to talke,
+and to deuyse of delectable matter: some framed Nosegayes,
+Garlandes, and other prety posyes for theyr Fryendes; other some
+did leape, runne, and throwe the Barre. In the end a great Lord,
+neighbor to Dom Diego, whose name was Dom Roderico, knowyng by
+his Fryend's Countenaunce to what saynt hee was vowed, and
+perceyuing for whose loue the feaste was celebrate, tooke by the
+hand a Gentlewoman that sate nexte to fayre Gineura, and prayed
+hir to daunce after a Song, whereunto shee beeynge pleasaunt and
+wyse, made no great refusall. Dom Diego fayled not to ioyne wyth
+hys mystresse, after whome folowed the rest of that noble
+trayne, euery of them as they thought best. Now the Gentlewoman,
+that was ledde into daunce, song thys song so apt for the
+purpose, as if shee had entred the heart of the Ennimy and
+Mystresse of Dom Diego, or of purpose had made the same in the
+Name of hir, whom the matter touched aboue the rest.
+
+  Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
+  Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
+                The yong and tender feeblenesse
+                Of myne vnskilfull age,
+                Whereof also the tendernesse
+                Doth feeble heart assuage:
+                Whom Beautye's force hath made to frame
+                Vnto a Louer's hest,
+                So soone as first the kindled flame
+                Of louinge Toyes increst.
+  Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
+  Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
+                I haue assayed out to put
+                The fier thus begoone,
+                And haue attempted of to cut,
+                The threede which loue hath spoone:
+                And new alliance fayne would flee
+                Of him whom I loue best,
+                But that the Gods haue willed me
+                To yeld to his request.
+  Who may better sing and daunce among vs Ladies all,
+  Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
+                So amiable is his grace,
+                Not like among vs all:
+                So passing fayre is his Face,
+                Whose hue doth stayne us all:
+                And as the shining sunny day
+                Doth eu'ry man delight,
+                So he alone doth beare the sway,
+                Amongs eche louing wight.
+  Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all
+  Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
+                Why should not then, the fayrest dame,
+                Apply her gentle minde,
+                And honor giue vnto his name,
+                Wyth humble heart and kinde?
+                Sith he is full of curtesie,
+                Indewd with noble grace,
+                And brest replete with honesty,
+                Well knowne in euery place.
+  Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
+  Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
+                If I should loue, and serue him than,
+                May it be counted vice?
+                If I retayne that worthy man,
+                Shall I be deemde vnwise?
+                I will be gentle to him sure,
+                And render him myne ayde:
+                And loue that wight with heart full pure,
+                That neuer loue assayde.
+  Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
+  Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
+                Thus the most sacred vnity,
+                That doth our hearts combine:
+                Is voyde of wicked flattery,
+                The same for to vntwine.
+                No hardned rigor is our guide,
+                Nor folly doth vs lead:
+                No Fortune can vs twayne deuide,
+                Vntill we both be deade.
+  Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
+  Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
+                And thus assured certaynely,
+                That this our loue shall dure,
+                And with good lucke hope verely,
+                The same to put in vre
+                The sowen seedes of amity,
+                Begon betwixt vs twayne,
+                Shall in most perfect vnity,
+                For euermore remayne.
+  Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
+  Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
+
+Thys Song delighted the Myndes of many in that company, and
+principally Dom Deigo, and Gineura, who felt themselues tickled
+without laughing: And the mayden reioysed to heare hir selfe so
+greatly praysed in so noble a company, and specially in the
+presence of hir friende who had no lesse pleasure by hearing the
+praises of his beloued, than if he had bin made Lord of all
+Aragon. She for all hir dissembled Countenaunce could not hide
+the alteration of hir Mynde, without sending forth a sodayne
+chaunge of colour, that forced a fayre and goodly taynt in hir
+Face. Dom Diego seeing that mutation, was so ioyful as was
+possible, for thereby he knew and Iudged himselfe assured of the
+good grace of hys Mistresse, and therefore wringing hir finely
+by the hands, sayd vnto her very soberly Smiling: "What greater
+pleasure my louinge Wench can there happen vnto your Seruaunt,
+than to see the accomplishment of this Propheticall Song?
+I assure you that in all my life I neuer heard musicke, that
+delighted me so mutch as this, and thereby doe vnderstand the
+good will of the Gentlewoman, which so curteously hath
+discouered yours towards me, and the faythfull seruice whereof
+you shall see me from henceforth so liberall, as neyther goods
+nor life shalbe spared for your sake." Ginuera who loued him
+with all hir heart, thanked him very humbly, and prayed him to
+beleeue that the Song was truely soonge, and that without any
+fayle, she that soonge, had thereby manyfested all the secrets
+of hir mynde. The daunce ended, they sat theym downe rounde
+about a cleare Fountayne, which by silent discourse, issued from
+an high and moysty rock, enuironned with an infinite number of
+Maple trees, Poplars, and Ashes. To which place a Page brought a
+Lute to Dom Diego, whereupon hee could play very well, and made
+it more pleasauntly to sound for that hee accorded hys Fayninge
+Voyce to the Instrument, Singing this song that followeth.
+
+  That I should loue and serue also, good reason doth require,
+  What though I suffre loathsome grief, my life in woe to wrap?
+  The same be th'only instruments of my good lucke and hap,
+  The foode and pray for hungry corps, of rest th'assured hire.
+
+  By thought wherof (O heauy man) gush forth of teares great store
+  And by and by reioyst agayne, my driery teares do cease:
+  Which guerdon shall mine honor sure in that triumphant peace,
+  The summe wherof I offer now, were it of price mutch more.
+
+  Which I do make withall my heart, vnto that blessed wight,
+  My proper Goddesse here on earth, and only mistresse deere:
+  My goods and life, my brething ghost within this carcase here,
+  I vow vnto that maiesty, that heauenly starre most bright.
+
+  Now sith my willing vow is made, I humbly pray hir grace,
+  To end th'accord betwene vs pight, no longer time to tracte:
+  Whych if it be by sured band, so haply brought to passe,
+  I must my self thrice happy count, for that most heauenly fact.
+
+Thys Song made the company to muse, who commended the trim
+inuention of the Knight, and aboue all Gineura praysed him more
+than before, and could not so well refrayne hir lookes from him,
+and he with counterchaunge rendring alike agayne, but that the
+two wydowes their Mothers tooke great heede thereof, reioysing
+greatly to see the same, desirous in time to couple them
+togeather. For at that present they deferred the same, in
+consideration they were both very young. Notwithstanding it had
+bene better that the same Coniunction had ben made, before
+Fortune had turned the Wheele of hir vnstablenes. And truely
+delay and prolongation of time sometimes bryngeth sutch and so
+great missehappe that one hundred times men cursse their
+fortune, and little aduyse in foresight of their infortunate
+chaunces that commonly do come to passe. As it chaunced to those
+Wydowes, one of them thinking to loose hir son by the vaine
+behauior of the other's daughter, who wythout the help of GOD,
+or care vnto his wil, disparaged hir honor, and prepared a
+poyson so daungerous for his Mother's age, as the foode thereof
+hastened the way to the good Ladye's Graue. Now whiles this loue
+in thys manner increased and that the desire of these two
+Louers, flamed forth ordinarily in fire and flames more violent,
+Dom Diego all chaunged and transformed into a new man, receiued
+no delyght, but in the sight of his Gineura. And she thought
+that there could be no greater Felicity or more to be wyshed
+for, than to haue a Fryend so perfect, and so well accomplyshed
+wyth all thyngs requisite for the ornament and full furniture of
+a Gentleman. This was the occasion that the young Knyght let no
+Weeke to passe without visiting his mystresse twice or thryce at
+the least, and she did vnto hym the greatest curtesy and best
+Entertaynment, that vertue could suffer a Mayden to doe, whych
+was the diligent Treasurer and careful tutor of hir honor. And
+this she dyd by consent of hir Mother. In lyk maner, honestie
+doth not permyt chaste Maydens to vse long talk or immoderate
+speach, with the fyrst that be suters vnto them, and mutch lesse
+seemely it is for them to be ouer squeimysh Nice, wyth that man
+whych seeketh (by way of marryage) to wynne power and tytle of
+the Body, beyng in very deede, or ought to be the moiety of
+theyr soule. Sutch was the desyres of these two Louers, which
+notwithstanding was impeeched by meanes, as hereafter you shal
+heare. For duryng the rebounding ioy of those faire couple of
+Loyall Louers, it chaunced that the Daughter of a Nobleman of
+the Countrey, named Ferrando de la Serre, whych was fayre, very
+Comely, Wise, and of good behauiour, by keepynge daily Company
+with Gineura, fell extreamely in loue with Dom Diego, and
+assayed by all meanes to do him to vnderstand what the puissance
+was of hir Loue which willingly shee meant to bestowe vpon him,
+if it woold please hym to honor hir so mutch, as to loue hir
+with like sincerity. But the knight which was no more his own
+Man, beyng possessed of another, had with hys Lybertye lost his
+Wyts and Mynd to marke the affectyon of this Gentlewoman, of
+whom he made no accompt. The Maiden neuerthelesse ceased not to
+loue him, and to proue all possible wayes to make him hir owne.
+And knowing how mutch Dom Diego loued Hawking, she bought a
+hauke the best in all the countrey, and sent the same to Dom
+Diego, who wyth all his heart receiued the same, and
+affectuously gaue hir thanks for that desired gyft, praying the
+messanger to recommend him to the good grace of his mistresse,
+and to assure hir self of his faythfull seruice, and that for
+hir sake he would kepe the Hauke so tenderly as the Balles of
+his eyes. Thys Hauke was the cause of the ill fortune that
+afterwards chaunced to this poore Louer. For going many times to
+see Gienura with the hauke on his fist and bearing with him the
+tokens of the goodnesse of his Hauke, it escaped his mouth to
+say, that the same was one of the things that in all the World
+he loued best. Truely this Word was taken at the first bound
+contrary to his meaning, wherewith the matter so fell out, as
+afterwards by despayre he was like to lose his Lyfe. Certaine
+dayes after, as in the absence of the knight, talk rose of his
+vertue and honest conditions, one praysing his prowesse and
+valyance, another his great Beauty and Curtesy, another passing
+further, extolling the sincere affectyon and constancy which
+appeared in him touching matters of Loue, one enuious person
+named Gracian spake his mind of hym in this wyse: "I will not
+deny but that Dom Diego is one of the most excellent most honest
+and brauest knyghtes of Catheloigne, but in matters of Loue he
+seemeth to me so walteryng and inconstant, as in euery place
+where he commeth, by and by he falleth in loue, and maketh as
+though he were sicke and would dy for the same." Gineura
+maruelling at those words said vnto him: "I pray you my frend to
+vse better talk of the Lord Dom Diego. For I do thynk the Loue
+whych the Knight doth beare to a Gentlewoman of thys countrey,
+is so firme and assured, as none other can remoue the same out
+of the siege of hys mind?" "Lo howe you be deceiued Gentlewoman"
+(quod Gracian) "for vnder coloure of dissymulate seruice, he and
+sutch as he is doe abuse the simplicity of young Gentlewomen.
+And to proue my sayinge true, I am assured that he is extremely
+enamored wyth the Daughter of Dom Ferrando de la Serre, of whom
+he receyued an Hauke, that he loueth aboue all other things."
+Gineura remembrying the words which certayn dayes before Dom
+Diego spake touching his hauke, began to suspect and beleue that
+which Gracian alleaged, and not able to support the choler,
+whych cold Iealosy bred in hir stomack, went into hir Chaumber
+full of so greate gryefe and heauynesse as she was many tymes
+lyke to kyll hir selfe. In the end, hopyng to be reuenged of the
+wrong whych shee beleued to receyue of Dom Diego, determyned to
+endure hir fortune paciently. In the meane tyme she conceyued in
+hir Mynd a despyte and hatred so great and extreame agaynst the
+poore Gentleman that thought lyttle hereof, as the former loue
+was nothing in respecte of the reuenge by death which she then
+desired vpon hym. Who the next day after his wonted maner came
+to see hir, hauing (to hys great damage) the hauke on his fiste,
+which was the onely cause of all her Iealosie. Nowe as the
+knyght was in talke with the Mother, seeynge that his beloued
+came not at al (accordyng to hir custome) to salute him and bid
+him welcome, inquired how she dyd. One that loued hym more than
+the rest, sayd vnto him: "Syr, so soone as she knewe of your
+comming, immedyately she wythdrew hir self into hir Chaumber."
+He that was wyse and well trayned vp dissembled what he thought,
+imagining that it was for some lyttle fantasie, whereunto Women
+wyllingly be subiecte. And therfore when he thought time to
+depart he toke leaue of the wydow, and as he was goyng down the
+staires of the great Chamber, he met one of the maides of
+Gineura, whom he prayed to commend him to hir mistresse. Gineura
+duryng al this time tooke no reste, deuising howe shee myghte
+cutte of cleane hir loue entertained in Dom Diego, after she
+knewe that hee carryed the hawke on his fyst: beyng the onely
+instrument of her frensie. And therefore thynkyng hir selfe both
+despysed and mocked of hir Knyght, and that he had done it in
+despyte of hir, she entred into so great rage and Choler as she
+was like to fall mad. She being then in this trouble of Mynde,
+behold hir Gentlewoman came vnto hir, and dyd the knyght's
+message. Who hearing but the symple name of hir supposed Ennimy,
+began to sighe so straungely, as a Man would haue thought hir
+soule presently would haue departed hir Body. Afterwards when
+she had vanquished hir raging fit whych stayed hir speach, she
+gan very tenderly to weepe, saying: "Ah traytor and vnfaithful
+Louer, is thys the recompence of the honest, and firme Amity
+whych I haue borne thee, so wyckedly to deceiue me vnder the
+colour of so faint and detestable a Fryendship? Ah rashe and
+arrant Theefe, is it I vppon whom thou oughtest to bend thy
+wycked Trumperies? Doste thou thinke that I am no better worth
+but that thou prodigally shouldest waste myne honor to bear the
+spoyles thereof to hir, that is in nothing comparable vnto me?
+Wherein haue I deserued thys discurtesy, if not by louyng thee
+more than thy beauty and fained loue deserue? Diddest thou dare
+to aduenture vppon me, hauyng thy conscyence wounded wyth sutch
+an abhominable and deadly Treason? Durste thou to offer thy
+Mouth to kysse my Hand, by the mouth of another, to whome thou
+haddest before dedicated thy lying Lyppes in thine owne person?
+I most humbly thancke Almighty God that it pleased him to let me
+see the Poison by thee prepared for the ruine of my lyfe and
+honor. Ha foole, hope not to take me in thy Trap, nor yet to
+deceyue me through thy sugred and deceitfull Words. For I sweare
+by the Almyghty God, that so long as I shall liue, I will
+accompte thee none other, but the most cruell and mortall Ennimy
+that I haue in this world." Then to accomplish the rest of hir
+carefull Minde she wrote a Letter to giue hir farewell to hir
+olde Friend Dom Diego. And for that purpose instructed hir Page
+with this Lesson, that when the knyght should come, he should be
+ready before hir lodging and say vnto him in the behalfe of hir,
+that before he passed any further, hee shoulde reade the Letter,
+and not to fayle to doe the Contents: the Page which was
+malicious, and il affectioned to Dom Diego, knowyng the
+appointed day of hys comming, wayted for hym a quarter of a mile
+from the Castle, where he had not long taryed, but the innocent
+louer came, agaynst whome the page went, bearyng about him more
+hurtfull and noysome weapons than al the Theeues and robbers had
+in all the Countrey of Catheloigne. In this manner presenting
+his mystresse letters, he said vnto him: "My Lord, madame
+Gineura my mistresse hath sent me vnto you: and bicause she
+knoweth how feareful you be to dysplease hir, prayeth you not to
+fayle to reade this Letter before you passe anye further, and
+there wyth al to accomplysh the effecte thereof." The knyght
+abashed wyth that sodayne message, aunswered the Page: "God
+forbid my fryend," (quod he) "that I should disobey hir by anye
+meanes, vnto whom I haue gyuen a full authority and puissaunce
+over myne affectyons." So receyuing the letters, he kissed them
+thre or four times, and openyng them, found that he loked not
+for, and red that whych he thought not off. The contents were
+these.
+
+
+_The letters of faire Ginuera, to the Knight Dom Diego._
+
+There shall passe no day of my Lyfe, from makyng complaynts of
+the disloyall and periured Louer, who being more esteemed and
+better beloued than thou dydst deserue, hast made so small
+accompte of mee, whereof I wyll be reuenged vpon my selfe,
+for that I so lyghtly beleued thy wordes so full of crafte and
+guyle. I am in mynd that thou henceforth shalt flye to buzze and
+beat the Bushes, where thou suspectest to catch the pray: for
+heere thou art lyke to be deceiued. Goe varlet, (goe I say,) to
+deceyue hir whych holdeth thee in hir nets and snares, and whose
+Presentes (althoughe of small Value) moued thee more than the
+Honeste, Vertuous and Chaste Loue, that Vertue hir selfe began
+to knytte betweene vs. And sith a Carrion Kyte hath made the fly
+further off, than the Wynde of the Ayre was able to bear thee,
+God desende that Gineura should goe aboute to hynder thy
+follyes, and mutch lesse to suffer hir selfe to bee beguyled
+throughe thine Excuses. Nay rather God defend (except thou
+desirest to se me dy) that thou shouldest euer bee in place
+where I am, assuryng thee of thys my mynde, neuer to be chaunged
+so long as my soule shall rest wythin my body: which giuing
+breath vnto my panting breast, shal neuer be other, but a
+mortall enimy to Dom Diego: and sutch one as euen to the Death
+wyl not fayle to prosecute the default of the most traiterous
+and vnfaythfull Knyght that euer was gyrte in girdle, or armed
+with Sword. And behold the last fauour that thou canst, or
+oughtest to hope of me, who lyueth not but onelye to martir and
+crucify thee, and neuer shal be{ }other but
+
+    The greatest Enimy, that euer thou haddest, or
+        shalt haue, Gineura the fayre.
+
+The myserable louer had no sooner red the Letter, but lifting vp
+his eyes to the heauens, he sayd: "Alas, my God thou knowest
+well if euer I haue offended, that I ought to be banyshed from
+the place, where my contentation is chyefly fixed, and from
+whence my heart{ }shall neuer departe, chaunce what myssehappe
+and Fortune so euer shall." Then tournyng himself towards the
+Page, hee sayd: "Sir Page my fryend, say vnto my Ladye, most
+humblye commending me vnto hir, that for this present time I
+wyll not see hir, but hereafter she shall heare some newes from
+me." The page well lessoned for the purpose, made hym aunswere,
+saying: "Sir, she hath wylled me to say thus mutch by mouth,
+that ye cannot do hir greater pleasure, than neuer to come in
+place where shee is: for so mutch as the Daughter of Dom
+Ferrando de la Serre hath so catched you in hir nettes, that
+loth she is your faithfull heart shoulde hange in ballance, and
+expect the vncertaine Loue of two Ladyes at once." Dom Diego
+hearing the truth of hys missehap, and the occasion of the same,
+made Lyghte of the matter for that tyme, till at length the
+Choler of his Mistresse were abated, that thereby shee might
+know vpon how bryttle Ground she hadde planted a suspition of
+hir most faythfull and louing Seruaunt, and so retiring to his
+House, altogither vexed and yll contented, he wente into hys
+Chaumber where with his Dagger he paunched the gorge of the
+poore birde, the cause of hys Ladies Anger, saying: "Ha vyle
+carraine kite, I sweare by the bloud of him, that thou shalt
+neuer be the cause agayne, to make hir fret for sutch a triflyng
+thing as thou art: I beleue that what so euer fury is hidden
+within the Body of this curssed Kite, to engender a Plague,
+the same now is seased on me, but I hope to doe my Mystresse
+vnderstande what Sacrifice I haue made of the thyng that was
+sent me, ready to do the lyke vppon mine owne flesh, where it
+shall please her to commaund." So taking Inke and Paper, he made
+aunswere to Gineura as foloweth.
+
+
+_The Letters of Dom Diego, to Gineura the faire._
+
+But who would euer thynck (my Lady deare) that a Lyght Opinion
+could so soone haue deuided your good iudgement, to condempn
+your Knight before you had heard what he was able to say, for
+himself? truely I thought no more to offend you, than the man
+which you neuer knew, although you haue bene deceiued by colored
+words, vttered by those that be enuious of my happe, and Enimies
+of your ioy, who haue filled your minde full of false report.
+I swere vnto you (by God, my good Lady) that neuer thinge entred
+into my fantasie more, than a desire to serue you alone and to
+auoide the acquaintance of all other, to preserue for you a pure
+and entire heart. Whereof longe agone I made you an offer. In
+wytnesse whereof I humbly beseech you to beleue, that so soone
+as you see this Birde (the cause of your anger and occasion of
+my mishap) torne and pluckte in pieces, that my heart feeleth no
+lesse alteration or torment: for so long as I shall vnderstand
+your displeasure to endure against mee, assure your selfe my
+Life shall abide in no lesse paine than my ioye was great when I
+franckly possessed your presence. Be it sufficient (Madame) for
+you to know, that I neuer thought to offend you. Be contented I
+beseech you, with this sacrifice which I send you, if not that I
+doe the like vpon myne owne body, which without your good will
+and grace can no longer liue. For my lyfe depending vppon that
+only benefit, you ought not to be astonned if the same fayling
+his nourishment doth pearish, as frustrate of that foode,
+propre, and apt for his Appetite: and by like meanes my sayd
+life shall reuiue, if it may please you to spread your beames
+ouer mine obscure and base personage, and to receiue thys
+satisfaction for a fault not committed. And so wayting a gentle
+aunswere from your great curtesie, I humbly kisse your white and
+delicate handes, with all humility, praying God sweete Lady,
+to let you see how mutch I suffer without desert, and what
+puissaunce you haue ouer him that is all your
+
+    Faythfull and euer servaunt
+        most obedient, Dom Diego.
+
+The letter closed, and sealed, he deliuered to one of his
+faythfull and secret Seruaunts, to beare (with the deade Hauke)
+vnto Gineura, charging him diligently to take heede to hir
+countenaunce, and aboue all, that faithfully he should beare
+away what she dyd say vnto him for aunswere. His man fayled not
+to speede himselfe with diligence: and being come before
+Gineura, he presented that which his maister had sent hir. She
+full of wrath and indignation, would not once vouchsafe to reade
+the letter, and mutch lesse to accept the present which was a
+witnesse of the contrary of that shee did beleue, and turninge
+vnto the messenger, she sayde: "My Frende, thou mayest goe get
+thee backe agayne, wyth the selfe same charge which thou hast
+brought, and say vnto thy mayster, that I haue nothing to doe
+with his Letters, his Excuses, or any other thing that commeth
+from his handes, as one hauing good experience of his sleyghts
+and deceipts. Tell him also, that I prayse God, in good time I
+haue taken heede to the little fayth and trust that is in him
+for a countergarde, lightly neuer hereafter to bee deceiued."
+The seruyng man would fayne haue framed an Oration to purge his
+maister, but the fierce Gentlewoman brake of his talke, saying
+vnto hym, that she was wel resolued vpon hir intent, whych was
+that Dom Diego should neuer recouer place in hir minde: and that
+shee hated hym as mutch at that time as euer shee loued him
+before. Vppon whych aunswere the Messanger returned, so
+sorrowfull for the Misfortune of his Mayster (knowing hym to bee
+very innocent) as he knew full well into what despayre his
+Mayster would fall, when he vnderstode those pitifull and heavy
+newes: notwithstanding needes he must knowe them, and therefore
+when he was come before Dom Diego, he recyted vnto hym from
+poynt to poynt his ambassage, and deliuered hym agayne his
+Letters. Whereof the infortunate Gentleman was so sore astonned,
+as he was like to haue fallen downe dead at that instant.
+"Alas," (sayd he) "what yll lucke is this, that when I thought
+to enioye the benefite of my attempte, Fortune hath reuolted to
+bryng me to the extremity of the moste desparate man that ever
+lyued? Is it possible that my good seruice should bee the cause
+of my approached ouerthrow? Alas, what may true and faithfull
+louers henceforth hope for, if not the losse of theyr tyme, when
+after long deuoire and duetye, an Enuious fool shall come to
+depryue them of theyr ioy and gladnesse, and they feelyng the
+bytternesse of theyr abandoned farewell, one that loueth lesse
+shall beare away the sweete fruicte of sutch hope, and shall
+possesse withoute deserte the glory due to a good and faythfull
+suter. Ah fayre Gineura, that thou seest not the griefe whych I
+do feele, and the affection wherewith I serue thee, and how
+mutch I would suffer to gayne and recouer thy good grace and
+fauor. Ha vayne hope, which vntill now hast fylled me, with
+mirth and gladnesse, altogether spent and ouerwhelmed in the
+gaulle of thy bytter sauour, and in the tast of thy corrupted
+lycour: better it had ben for me at the begining to haue refused
+thee, than afterwards receiued, cherished, and sincerely
+beloued, to be banished for so light occasion, as I am ful sore
+ashamed to conceyue the same within remembrance: but fortune
+shal not haue hir wil ouer me: for so long as I shall liue I
+wyll contynue the seruaunt of Gineura, and my lyfe I wyll
+preserue, to lette her vnderstand the force of Loue: by
+continuaunce whereof, I wyll not sticke to sette my selfe on
+fyre with the liuely flames of my passions, and then withdrawe
+the fyrebrandes of my ioy, by the rigour and frowardnesse that
+shall proceede from hir." When he had fynished his talke, he
+began to sigh and lament so strangely, as his man was about to
+go cal the lady his mother. In whom dyd appeare sutch signes, as
+if death had ben at hand, or els that he had ben attached wyth
+the Spirite of phrensie. But when hee sawe hym aboute to come
+agayne to himselfe, he sayed thus vnto him: "How now, syr, wyl
+you cast your selfe away for the foolyshe toy of an vndiscrete
+girle, yll mannered and taught, and who perchaunce doth al this
+to proue how constant you would be? No, no sir, you must turne
+ouer an other Leafe, and sith you bee determyned to loue hir,
+you must perseuere in your pursute. For at length it is
+impossible, but that this Diamont hardnesse, must needes bee
+mollified, if she be not a Diuell incarnate, more furious than
+the wildest beasts, whych haunt the deserts of Lybia." Dom Diego
+was comforted with that admonition, and purposed to persist in
+hys affection, and therefore sent many messages, giftes,
+letters, and excuses to hys angry mistresse Gineura. But she
+made yet lesse accompt of them than of the first, charging the
+messangers not to trouble themselues about those trifles, for
+shee had rather dye than see hym, or to receyue any thyng from
+him, whom she deadly hated. When newes hereof came to the
+knyght, he was altogether impacient, and seeing the small
+profite which he did gaine by pursuing his folysh opinion, and
+not able to bestow his loue elsewhere, he determined to die:
+and yet vnwilling to imbrue his hands with his owne bloud, he
+purposed to wander as a vacabond into some deserte, to perfourme
+the course of his vnhappye and sorrowfull dayes, hoping by that
+meanes to quench the heat of that amorous rage, either by length
+of tyme, or by death, the last refuge of the myserable. For
+which purpose then, he caused to be made two pylgrims wedes,
+the one for himselfe, and the other for his man, and prepared al
+their necessaries for his voiage. Then writing a Letter to his
+Gineura, he called one of his men, to whom he said: "I am going
+about certayne of myne affayres, whereof I will haue no man to
+knowe, and therefore when I am gone, thou shalt tell my Lady
+Mother what I say to thee, and that within twenty dayes (God
+willing) I meane to retourne: moreouer I require thee, that
+foure dayes after my departure, and not before, thou beare
+theese letters to mistresse Gineura, and if so be she refuse to
+receyue them, fayle not to deliuer them vnto hir mother. Take
+heede therefore if thou loue me, to do all that which I haue
+geuen thee in charge." Afterwards he called his seruaunt vnto
+hym, which had done the first message vnto Gineura, which was a
+wise, and gentle fellow, in whom the knight reposed great
+affiaunce, to him he declared all his enterprise, and th'ende
+whereunto his fierce determination did extend. The good Seruaunt
+whych loued his mayster, hearing his intent so vnreasonable,
+sayde vnto him: "Is it not enough for you sir, to yelde your
+selfe a pray to the most fierce, and cruell woman that lyueth,
+but thus to augment hir glory, by seeing hir selfe so victorious
+over you? Are you ignoraunt what the mallice of Women is, and
+how mutch they triumph in tormenting the poore blynded soules
+that become their Seruaunts, and what prayse they attribute vnto
+themselues, if by some misfortune they driue them to dispaire?
+Was it without cause that the Sage in times past did so greatly
+hate that Sexe, and Kinde, as the common Ruine, and ouerthrow of
+men? What mooued the Greeke Poet to sing theese verses against
+all sorts of Women?
+
+  A common woe though silly woman be to man,
+  Yet double ioy againe she doth vnto him bring:
+  The wedding night is one, as wedded folk tell can,
+  The other when the knill for hir poore soule doth ring.
+
+If not for that he knew the happinesse of man consisted more in
+auoyding the acquaintaunce of that fury, than by imbracinge, and
+chearishing of the same, sith hir nature is altogether like vnto
+Æsop's Serpent, which being deliuered from pearill and daunger
+of death by the shepeheard, for recompence thereof, infected his
+whole house with his venomous hissing, and rammish Breath.
+O howe happy is hee that can mayster his owne affections, and
+like a free man from that passion, can reioyce in liberty,
+fleeing the sweete euill which (as I well perceyue) is the cause
+of your despayre. But sir, your wisedome ought to vanquish those
+light conceipts, by setting so light of that your rebellious
+Gentlewoman, as shee is vnworthy to be fauoured by so great a
+Lord as you be, who deserueth a better personage than hir's is,
+and a frendlier entertainment than a farewell so fondly giuen."
+Dom Diego, although that he tooke pleasure to heare those
+discourses of his faythfull seruaunt, yet he shewed so sower a
+Countenaunce vnto him, as the other with theese fewe wordes
+helde his peace: "Sith then it is so syr, that you be resolued
+in your mishap, it may please you to accept mee to wayte vpon
+you, whither you are determined to goe: for I meane not to liue
+at mine ease, and suffer my mayster, in payne, and griefe.
+I will be partaker of that which Fortune shall prepare, vntill
+the heauens doe mitigate their rage vpon you, and your
+predestinate mishap." Dom Diego, who desired no better company,
+imbraced him very louingly, thankinge him for the good will that
+hee bare him, and sayd: "This present Night about midnight, we
+wil take our Iourney, euen that way wheather our Lot and also
+Fortune shall Guide vs, attendinge eyther the ende of my
+Passion, or the whole ouerthrow of my selfe." Their intent they
+did put in proofe: for at Midnight the Moone being cleere when
+all thinges were at rest, and the Crickets chirpinge through the
+Creauises of the Earth, they tooke their way vnseene of any. And
+so soone as Aurora began to garnish hir Mantle with colors of
+red and white, and the morning Starre of the Goddesse of
+stealing loue, appeared, Dom Diego began to sigh, saying: "Ah
+yee freshe and dewy Morninges, that my hap is farre from the
+quiet of others, who after they haue rested vpon the Cogitation
+of their Ease, and ioye, doe awake by the pleasaunte Tunes of
+the Byrdes, to perfourme by effect that which the Shadowe and
+Fantasie of their Minde, did present by dreaming in the Night,
+where I am constrayned to separate by great distaunce exceeding
+vehement continuation of my Torments, to followe wilde Beasts,
+wandring from thence where the greatest number of men doe
+quietly sleepe and take their rest. Ah Venus, whose Starre now
+conducteth me, and whose beames long agoe did glow and kindle my
+louing heart, how chaunceth it that I am not intreated according
+to the desert of my constant minde and meaning most sincere?
+Alas, I looke not to expect any thyng certayne from thee, sith
+thou hast thy course amongs the wandring starres. Must the
+Influence of one Starre that ruleth ouer mee, deface that which
+the Heauens would to bee accomplished, and that my cruel
+mistresse, deluding my languors and griefs, triumpheth ouer mine
+infirmity, and ouerwhelmeth me with care and sorow, that I liue
+pyning away, amongs the sauage beasts in the Wildernesse? For
+somutch as without the grace of my Lady, all company shalbe so
+tedious and lothsom vnto me, that the only thought of a true
+reconciliation with hir, that hath my heart, shal serue for the
+comfort and true remedy of all my troubles." Whiles he had with
+these pangs forgotten himselfe, hee sawe that the day began to
+waxe cleere, the Sun already spreading his golden beames vpon
+the earth and therefore hastely he set himself forthwards, vsing
+Bywayes, and far from common vsed trades, so neere as he could,
+that hee might not by any meanes be knowne. Thus they rode forth
+till Noone: but seeing their horsse to be weary and faynt, they
+lighted at a village, farre from the high way: where they
+refreshed themselues, and bayted their horsse vntill it was
+late. In this sort by the space of three daies they trauersed
+the Countrey vntill they arriued to the foote of a mountayne,
+not frequented almost but by Wilde and sauage Beasts. The
+countrey round about was very fayre, pleasaunt, and fit for the
+solitarines of the Knight: for if shadow pleased him, hee might
+be delighted with the couert of an infinite number of fruictfull
+trees, wherewith only nature had furnished those hideous and
+Sauage Desertes. Next to the high and wel timbred Forrests,
+there were groues and bushes for exercise of hunting. A man
+could desire no kinde of Veneson, but it was to be had in that
+Wildernesse: there might be seene also a certain sharpe and rude
+situation of craggy, and vnfruictful rocks, which
+notwithstanding yelded some pleasure to the Eyes, to see theym
+tapissed with a pale moasie greene, which disposed into a
+frizeled guise, made the place pleasaunt and the rock soft,
+according to the fashion of a couerture. There was also a very
+fayre and wide Caue, which liked him well compassed round about
+with Firre trees, Pine apples, Cipres, and Trees distilling a
+certayne Rosen or Gumme, towards the bottom whereof, in the way
+downe to the valley, a man might haue viewed a passing company
+of Ewe trees, Poplers of all sortes, and Maple trees, the Leaues
+whereof fell into a Lake or Pond, which came by certayne smal
+gutters into a fresh and very cleare fountayne right agaynst
+that Caue. The knight viewing the auncienty and excellency of
+the place, deliberated by and by to plant there the siege of his
+abode, for performing of his penaunce and life. And therefore
+sayd unto his seruaunt: "My friend, I am aduised that this place
+shall be the Monastery, for the voluntary profession of our
+religion, and where we will accomplish the Voyage of our
+Deuotion. Thou seest both the beauty and solitarinesse, which do
+rather commaund vs here to rest, than any other place nere at
+hand." The Seruaunt yelded to the pleasure of his mayster, and
+so lightinge from their horsse, they disfurnished them of their
+Saddles, and Bridles, gieuing to them the liberty of the fields,
+of whom afterwards they neuer heard more newes. The saddles they
+placed within the Caue and leauing their ordinary apparell,
+clothed themselues in Pilgrimes weedes, fortifying the mouth of
+the caue, that wilde beasts should not hurt them when they were
+a sleepe. There the seruaunt began to play the Vpholster, and to
+make 2 little beds of mosse, whose spindle and wheele were of
+wood, so well pollished and trimmed, as if he had bin a
+carpenter wel expert in that Science. They liued of nothing els,
+but of the fruicts of those wilde trees, sometimes of herbs,
+vntill they had deuised to make a crosbow of wood, wherewith
+they killed now and then a Hare, a Cony, a Kid, and many times
+some stronger beast remayned with them for gage: whose bloude
+they pressed out betwene two pieces of wood and rosted them
+against the Sunne, seruing the same in, as if it had bene a
+right good Dishe for their first course of their sober and
+vndelicate Table, whereat the pure water of the fountayne, next
+vnto their hollow and deepe house, serued in steade of the good
+Wynes, and delicious Drinks that abounded in the house of Dom
+Diego. Who liuing in this poore state, ceased night nor day to
+complayne of his hard fortune and curssed plight, going many
+times through the Desertes all alone, the better to muse and
+study thereupon, or (peraduenture) desirous that some hungry
+Beare should descend from the mountayne, to finishe his life and
+paynefull griefes. But the good Seruaunt knowing his Mayster's
+sorow and mishap, would neuer go out of his sight but rather
+exhorted him to retourne home againe to his goods and
+possessions, and to forget that order of lyfe, vnworthy for
+sutch a personage as he was, and vncomely for him that ought to
+be indued with reason and iudgement. But the desperate Gentleman
+wilfull in his former deliberation, would not heare him speake
+of sutch retrayt. So that if it escaped the seruaunt to be
+earnest and sharpe agaynst the rudenesse and sottish cruelty of
+Gineura, it was a pastime to see Dom Diego mount in choller
+against him, saying: "Art thou so hardy to speak il of the
+gentlewoman, which is the most vertuous personage vnder the
+coape of heauen? Thou maist thancke the loue I beare thee,
+otherwise I would make thee feele how mutch the slaunder of hir
+toucheth mee at the heart, which hath right to punishe me thus
+for mine indiscretion, and that it is I that commit the wronge
+in complayning of hir seuerity." "Now sir," sayd the seruaunt,
+"I do indeede perceyue what maner of thing the contagion of loue
+is. For they which once doe feele the corruption of that Ayre,
+think nothing good or sauory, but the filthy smel of that
+pestiferous meat. Wherefore I humbly beseech you a little to set
+apart, and remoue from minde, that feare and presumptuous dame
+Gineura, and by forgetting hir beauty, to measure hir Desert and
+your griefe, you shall know then (being guided by reason's lore)
+that you are the simplest and weakest man in the worlde, to
+torment your selfe in this wise, and that shee is the fondest
+Girle, wholly straught of wits, so to abuse a Noble man that
+meriteth the good grace and sweete embracement of one more
+fayre, wise and modest, than she sheweth hirselfe to be." The
+knight hearing these words thought to abandon pacience, but yet
+replied vnto him: "I sweare vnto thee by God, that if euer thou
+haue any sutch talke agayne, eyther I will dye, or thou shalt
+depart out of my company, for I cannot abide by any meanes to
+suffer one to despise hir whom I do loue and honor, and shal so
+do during life." The seruaunt loth to offend his mayster held
+his peace, heauy for all that in heart, to remember how the
+poore gentleman was resolued to finish there, (in a desert
+unknowen to his Freendes) all the remnaunt of his life. And who
+aswell for the euill order, and not accustome nourture, as for
+assiduall playnts and weepings, was become so pale and leane,
+as he better resembled a dry Chip, than a man, hauing feeling or
+lyfe. His eyes were sonke into his Head, his Beard vnkempt, his
+hayre staring, his skin ful of filth, altogether more like a
+wilde and Sauage creature (sutch one as is depainted in brutal
+forme) than faire Dom Diego, so mutch commended, and esteemed
+throughout the kingdome of Spayne. Now leaue we this Amorous
+Hermit to passionate and playne his misfortune, to see to what
+ende the Letters came that he wrote to his cruel Mistresse. The
+day prefixed for deliuery of his Letters, his seruaunt did his
+charge, and being come to the house of Gineura, founde hir in
+the hall with hir mother, where kissing his Mayster's Letters,
+hee presented them with very great reuerence to the Gentlewoman.
+Who so soone as shee knew that they came from Dom Diego, all
+chaunged into raging colour, and foolishe choller, threwe theym
+incontinently vppon the grounde, sayinge: "Sufficeth it not thy
+Mayster, that already twice I haue done him to vnderstand, that
+I haue nothing to doe with his Letters nor Ambassades, and yet
+goeth he about by sutch assaultes to encrease my displeasure and
+agony, by the only remembraunce of his folly?" The Mother seeing
+that vnciuile order, although shee vnderstoode the cause, and
+knowinge that there was some discorde betweene the two Louers,
+yet thought it to bee but light, sithe the Comike Poet sayeth:
+
+  The Louers often falling out,
+  And prety warling rage:
+  Of pleasaunt loue it is no doubt,
+  The sure renewing gage.
+
+She went vnto hir Daughter, and sayd vnto hir: "What great rage
+is this: let me see that Letter that I may reade it: for I haue
+no feare that Dom Diego can deceyue me with the sweetenes of his
+honny words. And truly Daughter you neede not fear to touch
+theym, for if there were any Poyson in theym, it proceeded from
+your beauty that hath bitten and stong the knight, whereof if he
+assay to make you a partaker, I see no cause why he ought to be
+thus rigorously reiected, deseruing by his honesty a better
+entertaynement at your hands." In the meane time one of the
+seruing men toke vp the Letters, and gaue them to the Lady,
+who reading them, found written as followeth.
+
+
+  _The letters of Dom Diego, to mistresse Gineura._
+
+My dearest and most wel beloued Lady, sith that mine innocency
+can finde no resting place within your tender Corpse, what
+honest excuse or true reason so euer I do alledge, and sith your
+heart declareth itself to be Implacable, and not pleased with
+hym that neuer offended you, except it were for ouermutch loue,
+which for guerdon of the rare and incomparable amity, I perceyue
+my selfe to be hated deadly of you and in sutch wise contemned,
+as the only record of my name causeth in you an insupportable
+griefe and displeasure vnspeakeable. To auoide I say your
+indignation, and by my mishap to render vnto you some ease and
+contentment, I haue meant to dislodge my self so far from this
+Countrey, as neyther you nor any other, shal euer heare by fame
+or true report, the place of my abode, nor the graue wherein my
+bones shall rest. And although it be an inexplicable heart's
+sorrow and torment, which by way of pen can not be declared, to
+be thus misprised of you, whom alone I do loue and shal, so long
+as mine afflicted soule shall hang vpon the feeble and brittle
+threede of life: yet for all that, this griefe falling vpon me,
+is not irkesome, as the punishment is grieuous, by imagining the
+passion of your minde when it is disquieted with disdayne and
+wrath agaynst me, who liueth not, but to wander vpon the
+thoughts of your perfections. And forsomutch as I doe feele for
+the debility that is in me, that I am not able any longer to
+beare the sowre shockes of my bitter torments and martyrdome
+that I presently doe suffer, yet before my life doe fayle, and
+death doe sease vpon my senses, I haue written vnto you this
+present letter for a testimoniall of your rigour, which is the
+marke that iustifieth my vnguiltynesse. And although I doe
+complayne of mine vnhappy fortune, yet I meane not to accuse
+you, onely contented that eche man doe know, that firme
+affection and eternall thraldome do deserue other recompence
+than a farewell so cruell. And I am wel assured, that when I am
+deade, you will pitty my torment, knowing then, although to
+late, that my loyalty was so sincere, as the report of those was
+false, that made you beleeue, that I was very far in loue with
+the Daughter of Dom Ferrande de la Serre. Alas, shall a Noble
+gentleman that hath bene well trayned vp, be forbidden to
+receiue the gifts that come from a vertuous Gentlewoman? Ought
+you to be so incapable and voyde of humanity, that the sacrifice
+which I haue made of the poore Birde, the cause of your
+disdayne, my repentaunce, my lawfull excuses, are not able to
+let you see the contrary of your persuasion? Ah, ah, I see that
+the dark and obscure vayle of uniust disdayne and immoderate
+anger, hath so blindfold your eyes, and inuegled your mynde, as
+you can not iudge the truth of my cause and the vnrightousnes of
+your quarell. I will render vnto you none other certificate of
+myne innocency, but my languishinge heart, which you clepe
+betweene your hands, feling sutch rude intertaynment there, of
+whom he loaked for reioyse of his trauayles. But forsomutch then
+as you do hate me, what resteth for me to do, but to procure
+destruction to my self? And sith your pleasure consisteth in
+mine ouerthrow, reason willeth that I obey you, and by deth to
+sacrifice my life in like maner as by life you were the only
+mistresse of my heart. One only thing cheereth vp my heart
+agayne, and maketh my death more myserable, which is, that in
+dying so innocent as I am, you shall remayne guilty, and the
+onely cause of my ruine. My Lyfe will depart like a Puffe, and
+Soule shall vanish like a sweete Sommer's blast: whereby you
+shall be euer deemed for a cruell Woman and bloudy Murderer of
+your deuout and faythfull Seruaunt. I pray to God mine owne
+sweete Lady, to giue you sutch Contentation, Ioye, Pleasure, and
+Gladnesse, as you do cause through your Rigor, Discontentment,
+Griefe, and Displeasure to the poore languishing Creature, and
+who for euermore shall bee
+
+  Your most obedient and affected
+  seruaunt Dom Diego.
+
+The good Lady hauing red the Letter, was so astonned, as hir
+words for a long space staied within hir mouth; hir heart
+panted, and spirite was full of confusion, hir minde was filled
+with sorrow to consider the anguishes of the poore vagabound,
+and foster Hermit. In the ende before the houshold dissembling
+hir passion which mooued hir sense, she tooke her Daughter a
+side, whom very sharply she rebuked, for that she was the cause
+of the losse of so notable and perfect a Knight as Dom Diego
+was. Then she red the Letter vnto hir, and as all hir eloquence
+was not able to moue that cruel damsell, more venemous than a
+Serpent agaynst the knight, who (as she thought) had not indured
+the one halfe of that which his inconstancy and lightnesse had
+wel deserued, whose obstinate minde the mother perceyuinge,
+sayde vnto hir: "I pray to God (deare daughter) that for your
+frowardnesse, you bee not blinded in your beauty, and for
+refusall of so great a benefit as is the alliaunce of Dom Diego,
+you be not abused with sutch a one as shall dimme the light of
+your renoume and glory, which hitherto you haue gayned amongs
+the sobrest and modest maydens." Hauing sayd so, the wyse and
+sage widow, went to the seruaunt of Dom Diego, of whom she
+demaunded what day his mayster departed, which she knowing,
+and not ignoraunt of the occasion, was more wroth than before:
+notwithstanding she dissembled what she thought, and sending
+backe his seruant, she required him to do hir hearty
+commendations to the Lady his mistresse, which he did. The good
+Lady was ioyfull of them not knowing the contents of her sonne's
+letters, but looked rather that he had sent word vnto his lady
+of the iust hour of his returne. Howbeit when she saw that in
+the space of 20 dayes, nor yet within a moneth he came not, shee
+could not tell what to thinke, so dolorous was she for the
+absence of hir sonne. The time passinge without hearing any
+newes from him she began to torment hirselfe, and be so pensiue,
+as if she had heard certayne newes of his death. "Alas," (quod
+she) "and wherefore haue the heauens giuen me the possession of
+sutch an exquisite fruict, to depriue mee thereof before I do
+partake the goodnesse, and swetenes therof, and before I do
+enioy the grifts proceding from so goodly a stock. Ah God,
+I fear that my immoderate loue is the occasion of the losse of
+my sonne, and the whole ruine of the mother, with the demolition
+and wast of al our goods. And I would that it had pleased God
+(my Son) the hunter's game had neuer bene so deere, for thinking
+to catch that pray thou thy selfe wast taken and thou wandring
+for thy better disport, missing the right way, so strangely
+didst straggle, that hard it is to reduce thee into the right
+track agayne. At least wise if I knew the place, whereunto thou
+arte repaired to finde againe thy losse, I would trauell thither
+to beare the company, rather than to lyue heere voyde of a
+Husbande, betrayed by them whom I best trusted and bereft from
+the presence of the my Sonne, the Staffe and onely comfort of
+myne olde age, and the certayne hope of all our House and
+Family." Now if the Mother vexed hir selfe, the Sonne was eased
+with no great reioyce, being now a free cittizen with the
+Beasts, and Foules of the Forrests, Dennes, and Caues, leauing
+not the Profundity of the Woods, the Craggednes of the Rocks, or
+beauty of the Valley, without some signe or token of his griefe.
+Sometime with a Puncheon wel sharpned, seruing him in steede of
+a Penknife, he graued the successe of his loue vpon an hard
+stone. Other times the softe Bark of some tender and new growen
+spray serued him in steede of Paper, or Parchment. For there he
+carued in Cyphres properly combined with a Knot (not easily to
+be knowne) the name of his Lady, interlaced so properly with his
+owne, that the finest heads might bee deceyued, to Disciphre the
+righte interpretation. Vpon a day then, as he passed his time
+(accordinge to his custome) to muse vpon Myssehaps, and to frame
+his successe of loue in the Ayre, hee Ingraued these Verses vpon
+a Stone by a Fountayne side, adioyning to his rude and Sauage
+house.
+
+  If any Forrest Pan, doth haunt here in this place,
+  Or wandring Nymphe, hath hard my wofull playnt:
+  The one may well beholde, and view what drop of grace,
+  I haue deseru'de, and eke what griefes my heart do taynt,
+  The other lend to me some broke, or showre of rayne
+  To moyst myne heart and eyes, the gutters of my brayne.
+
+Somewhat further of many times at the rising of the Sunne,
+he mounted the Top of an high and greene Mountayne to solace
+himselfe vpon the freshe and greene grasse, where four Pillers
+were erected, (eyther naturally done by dame Nature, or wrought
+by the industry of man,) which bore a stone in forme four
+square, well hewed, made and trimmed in maner of an Aulter, vpon
+which Aulter he dedicated these verses to the Posterity.
+
+  Vpon this holy squared stone, which Aulter men doe call,
+  To some one of the Gods aboue that consecrated is,
+  This dolefull verse I do ingraue, in token of my thrall,
+  And deadly griefes that do my silly heart oppresse,
+  And vex with endelesse paynes, which neuer quiet is,
+  This wofull verse (I say) as surest gage of my distresse,
+  I fixe on Aulter stone for euer to remayne,
+  To shew the heart of truest wight, that euer liued in payne.
+
+And vpon the brims of that Table, he carued these Wordes:
+
+  This Mason worke erected here, shall not so long abide,
+  As shall the common name of two, that now vncoupled bee,
+  Who after froward fortune past, knit eche in one degree,
+  Shall render for right earnest loue, reward on either side.
+
+And before his Lodging in that wilde and stony Forrest vpon the
+Barke of a lofty Beeche Tree, feeling in himselfe an
+unaccustomed lustinesse, thus he wrote:
+
+  Th'encreasing beauty of thy shape, extending far thy name,
+  By like increase I hope to see, so stretched forth my fame.
+
+His man seeing him to begin to be merily disposed, one day said
+vnto him: "And wherefore sir serueth the Lute, which I brought
+amongs our Males, if you do not assay thereby to recreate youre
+selfe, and sing thereupon the prayses of hir whom you loue so
+wel: yea and if I may so say, by worshipping hir, you do commit
+idolatry in your minde. Is it not your pleasure that I fetche
+the same vnto you, that by immitation of Orpheus, you may mooue
+the Trees, Rocks, and wylde Beastes to bewayle your misfortune,
+and witnesse the penaunce that you doe for hir sake, without
+cause of so haynous punishment:" "I see well," (quod the knight)
+"that thou wouldest I should be mery, but mirth is so far from
+me, as I am estraunged from hir that holdeth me in this misery.
+Notwithstanding I will performe thy request, and will awake that
+instrument in this desert place, wherewith sometime I witnessed
+the greatest part of my passions." Then the knight receyuing the
+Lute sounded thereupon this song ensuing.
+
+  The waues and troubled scum, that mooues the Seas alofte,
+  Which runs and roares against the rocks, and threatneth daungers oft
+          Resembleth lo the fits of loue,
+          That dayly do my fansie moue.
+
+  My heart it is the ship, that driues on salt Sea fome,
+  And reason sayles with senselesse wit, and neuer loketh home,
+          For loue is guide, and leades the daunce,
+          That brings good hap, or breedes mischaunce.
+
+  The furious flames of loue, that neuer ceaseth sure,
+  Are loe the busie sailes and oares, that would my rest procure,
+          And as in Skies, great windes do blo,
+          My swift desires runnes, fleeting so.
+
+  As sweete Zephyrus breath, in spring time feedes the floures,
+  My mistresse voice would ioye my wits, by hir most heauenly powers,
+          And would exchaunge my state I say,
+          As Sommer chaungeth Winter's day.
+
+  She is the Artique starre, the gratious Goddesse to,
+  She hath the might to make and marre, to helpe or els vndo,
+          Both death and life she hath at call,
+          My warre, my peace, my ruine and all.
+
+  She makes me liue in woe, and guides my sighs and lookes,
+  She holds my fredome by a lace, as fish is held with hookes,
+          Thus by despayre in this conceite,
+          I swallow vp both hooke and baite.
+
+  And in the deserts loe I liue, among the sauage kinde,
+  And spend my time in wofull sighs, rays'd vp by care of minde,
+          All hopelesse to in paynes I pyne,
+          And ioyes for euer doe resigne.
+
+  I dread but Charon's boat if she no mercy giue,
+  In darknesse then my soule shall dwell, in Pluto's raygne to liue,
+          But I beleue she hath no care,
+          On him that caught is in hir snare.
+
+  If she release my woe, a thousand thankes therefore,
+  I shall hir giue, and make the world to honor hir the more,
+          The Gods in Skies will prayse the same,
+          And recorde beare of hir good name.
+
+  O happy is that life, that after torment straunge,
+  And earthly sorows on this mould, for better life shal chaunge
+          And liue amongs the Gods on high,
+          Where loue and Louers neuer die.
+
+  O lyfe that here I leade, I freely giue thee now,
+  Vnto the fayre where ere she rests, and loke thou shew hir how
+          I linger forth my yeares and dayes,
+          To win of hir a crowne of prayse.
+
+  And thou my pleasaunt Lute, cease not my songs to sound,
+  And shew the torments of my minde, that I through loue haue found,
+          And alwayes tell my Mistresse still,
+          Hir worthy vertues rules my will.
+
+    The Foster Louer.
+
+The Foster louer singing this song, sighing sundry tymes
+betwene, the tricling teares ranne downe his Face: which thereby
+was so disfigured, as scarse could any man haue knowne him, that
+al the dayes of their lyfe had frequented his company. Sutch was
+the state of this myserable yong gentleman, who dronke with hys
+owne Wyne, balanced himselfe downe to despayre rather than to
+the hope of that which he durst not looke for. Howbeit like as
+the mischiefs of men be not alwayes durable, and that all
+thinges haue their proper season, euen so Fortune repentinge hir
+euill intreaty which wrongfully shee had caused this poore
+penetenciary of Gineura to endure, prepared a meanes to
+readuaunce him aloft vppon hir Wheele, euen when he thought
+least of it. And certes, herein appeared the mercy of God, who
+causeth things difficult and almost impossible, to be so easy,
+as those that ordinarily be brought to passe. How may this
+example show how they which be plunged in the bottome of
+defiaunce, deeming their life vtterly forlorne, be soone exalted
+euen to the top of all glory, and felicity? Hath not our age
+seene a man whych was by aucthority of his Enimy iudged to dye,
+ready to bee caried forth to the Scaffolde miraculously
+deliuered from that daunger, and (wherein the works of God are
+to be marueyled) the same man to be called to the dignity of a
+Prynce, and preferred aboue all the rest of the people? Now Dom
+Diego attending his fieldish Philosophy in the solitary valeys
+of the riche Mountayne Pyrene, was rescowed with an helpe
+vnlooked for as you shall heare. You haue hard how hee had a
+Neyghbour and singuler Frend a Noble Gentleman named Dom
+Roderico. Thys Gentleman amongs all his faithfull Companions did
+most lament the harde fortune of Dom Diego. It came to passe
+that 22 moneths after that the poore Wilde penitent person was
+gonne on Pilgrimage, Dom Roderico tooke his Iourney into
+Gascoyne for diuers his vrgent Affayres, which after hee had
+dispatched, were it that hee was gon out of his way, or that GOD
+(as it is most likely) did driue him thither, he approched
+towarde that Coaste of the Pyrene Mountaynes, where that tyme
+his good Frende Dom Diego did Inhabite, who dayly grew so Weake
+and Feeble, as if God had not sent him sodayne succour hee had
+gotten that hee most desired, which was death that should haue
+bene the ende of his trauayles and Afflictions. The trayne of
+Dom Roderico being then a bowe shot of from the sauage Caben of
+Dom Diego, espyed the tractes of mens Feete newly troden, and
+beganne to maruayle what hee should bee that dwelled there,
+considering the Solitude, and Infertility of the Place, and also
+that the same was farre of from Towne or House. And as they
+deuised hereupon, they saw a man going into a Caue, which was
+Dom Diego, comming from making his complayntes vppon the Rock
+spoken of before. From which hauinge turned his face toward that
+parte of the worlde where he thought the lodging was of that
+Saynct, whereunto he addressed his deuotions, Dom Diego hearinge
+the Noyse of the horsse, was retired because hee woulde not bee
+seene. The knight which rode that way, seeing that, and knowing
+how far he was oute of the way, commaunded one of his men to
+Gallop towardes the Rocke, to learne what people they were that
+dwelled within, and to demaund how they might coaste to the high
+way that led to Barcelona. The Seruaunt approching neare the
+Caue, perceiued the same so well Empaled and Fortified with
+Beasts skins before, fearing also that they were Theeues and
+Robbers that dwelled there, durst not approche, and lesse
+enquire the way, and therefore returned towards his mayster,
+to whom hee tolde what hee saw. The knight of another maner of
+Metall and hardinesse than that Rascall and coward seruaunt,
+like a stout, Couragious, and valiaunt Man, poasted to the Caue,
+and demaundinge who was within, he saw a man come forth so
+disfigured, horrible to looke vppon, pale with staring hayre
+vpright, as pitifull it was to behold him, which was the seruant
+of the foster Hermit. Of him Roderico demaunded what he was, and
+which was the way to Barcelone. "Syr," aunswered that disguised
+person: "I know not how to aunswere your demaund, and mutch
+lesse I know the country where we now presently be. But sir,
+(sayde he sighing) true it is that we be two poore companions
+whom Fortune hath sent hither, by what il aduenture I know not,
+to do penaunce for our Trespasses, and Offences." Roderico
+hearing him say so, began to call to his remembraunce his
+Freende Dom Diego, although he neuer before that tyme suspected
+the place of his abode. He lighted then from his horsse,
+desirous to see the singularities of the Rocke, and the
+magnificence of the Cauish lodging, where hee entred and sawe
+him whom he sought for, and yet for all that did not know him:
+He commoned with him a long tyme of the pleasure of the solitary
+life in respect of theym that liued intangled with the
+combersome Follies of this World. "For somutch" (quod he) as the
+spirite distracted and withdrawen from Worldly troubles is
+eleuate to the contemplation of heauenly thinges, and sooner
+attendeth to the knowledge and reuerence of his God, than those
+that bee conuersaunt amongs men, and to conclude, the
+complaynts, the delights, ambitions, couetousnesse, vanities,
+and superfluities that abounde in the confused Maze of Worldely
+troupe, doe cause a misknowledge of our selues, a forgetfulnesse
+of our Creator, and many times a negligence of piety and
+purenesse of Religion. Whiles the vnknowne Hermit, and the
+knight Roderico talked of these thinges, the Seruauntes of
+Roderico visiting all the Corners of the deepe, and Stony Cell
+of those Penitents, by Fortune espied two Saddles, one of theym
+rychely wroughte and Armed wyth Plates of Steele, that had bene
+made for some goodly Ienet. And vppon the Plate well Wroughte,
+Grauen and Enameled, the Golde for all the Rust cankering the
+Plate, did yet appear. For whych Purpose one of theym sayde to
+the seruaunt of Dom Diego: "Good Father hitherto I see neyther
+Mule, nor Horsse, for whom these Saddles can serue, I pray thee
+to sell them vnto vs, for they will doe vs more pleasure, than
+presently they do you." "Maisters (quod the Hermit,) if they
+like you, they be at your commaundement." In the meane time
+Roderico hauing ended his talke with the other Hermit, without
+knowing of any thinge that he desired, sayd vnto his men: "Now
+sirs to horse, and leaue wee theese poore people to rest in
+peace, and let vs goe seeke for the right way which we so well
+as they haue lost." "Syr," (quod one of his men,) "there be two
+Saddles, and one of them is so exceeding fayre, so well
+garnished and wrought as euer you saw." The knight feeling in
+himselfe an vnaccustomed motion, caused them to be brought
+before him, and as he viewed and marked the riche Harnesse,
+and Trappings of the same, he stayeth to looke vppon the Hinder
+parte minionly wrought, and in the middest of the engrauing he
+red this deuise in the Spanish Tongue.
+
+  _Que brantare la fe, es causa muy fea._
+
+  That is,
+  To violate or breake fayth, is a thing detestable.
+
+That only inscription made him to pause a while. For it was the
+Poesie that Dom Diego bore ordinarily in his armes, which moued
+him to think that without doubt one of those Pilgrimes was the
+very same man to whom that Saddle did appertayne. And therefore
+he bent himselfe very attentiuely afterwardes to behold first
+the one, and then the other of those desert Citizens. But they
+were so altered, as hee was not able to know them agayne. Dom
+Diego seeing his Freende so neare him, and the desire that he
+had to knowe hym, chafed very mutch in hys mynde, and the more
+his Rage began to waxe, when hee saw Roderico approch neare vnto
+hym more aduisedly to looke vpon hym, for hee had not his own
+Affections so mutch at commaundement, but hys Bloude mooued hys
+Entrailes, and mounting into the most knowen place, caused
+outwardly the alteration which hee endured, to appeare. Roderico
+seeing hym to chaunge colour, was assured of that which before
+hee durst not suspect: and that which made him the sooner
+beleeue that he was not deceived, was a lyttle tuft of haire, so
+yelow as Gold, which Dom Diego had vpon his Necke, whereof Dom
+Roderico takyng heede, gaue ouer all suspition, and was well
+assured of that he doubted. And therefore displaying himselfe
+with hys armes opened vpon the necke of his friend, and
+imbracing him very louingly, his face bedewed with tears, sayd
+vnto him: "Alas, my Lord Dom Diego, what euill lucke from Heauen
+hath departed you from the good company of them which dye for
+sorrow, to see themselues berieued of the Beauty, lyght and
+ornament of their felowship? What are they that haue giuen you
+occasion thus to Eclipse the bryghtnesse of your name, when it
+oughte most clearely to shyne, both for theyr present pleasure,
+and for the honour of your age? Is it from me sir, that you
+oughte thus to hide yourselfe? Do you think me so to be blynd,
+that I know not ryght well, that you are Dom Diego, that is so
+renoumed for vertue and prowesse? I would not haue tarried here
+so longe, but to carry away a power to reioyce two persons, you
+being the one, by withdrawing your selfe from this heauy and
+vnseemely Wyldernesse, and my selfe the other, to enioy your
+Company, and by bearyng newes to your fryends, who sith your
+departure, do bewaile and lament the same." Dom Diego seeing
+that he was not able to conceyle the truth of that which was
+euidently seene, and the louing imbracements of his best
+Friende, began to feele a certayne tendernesse of heart lyke
+vnto that whych the Mother conceyueth, when she recouereth hir
+Sonne that is long absent, or the chaste wyfe, the presence of
+hir deare Husband, when she clepeth him betwene hir armes, and
+frankely culleth and cherisheth hym at hir pleasure. For whych
+cause not able to refrain any longer for ioy and sorrow
+together, weping and sighing began to imbrace him wyth so good
+and hearty affection, as with good wyl the other had sought and
+longed to knowe where he was. And being come againe to himself,
+he sayd to his faithfull and most louinge friend: "Oh God, how
+vneasy and difficult be thy iudgments to comprehend? I had
+thought to liue here miserably, vnknowen to al the world, and
+behold, I am here discouered, when I thought least of it. I am
+indeede" (quod he to Roderico) "that wretched and vnfortunate
+Dom Diego, euen that thy very great and louing fryend, who weary
+of his lyfe, afflycted wyth his vnhap, and tormented by fortune,
+is retyred into these desertes to accomplysh the ouerplus of the
+rest of his il luck. Now sith that I haue satisfied you herein,
+I beseech you that being content wyth my sighte, yee wyll get
+you hence and leaue me heere to performe that lyttle remnant
+whych I haue to lyue, without telling to any person that I am
+aliue, or yet to manifeste the place of my abode." "What is that
+you say sir," (sayd Roderico) "are you so farre straught from
+your ryght wits, to haue a minde to continue this brutal Lyfe,
+to depryue al your friends from the ioy whych they receiue by
+inioying your company? Think I pray you that God hath caused vs
+to be born noble men, and hauing power and authority not to lyue
+in Corners, or be buryed amid the slauery of the popular sort,
+or remain idle within great palaces or secrete Corners, but
+rather to illustrat and giue lyght with the example of our
+vertue to those that shal apply themselues to our dexterity of
+good behauior, and do lyue as depending vpon our edicts and
+commaundments: I appeale to your faith, what good shall succede
+to your subiects, who haue both heard and also knowne the
+benefit bestowed vppon them by God, for that hee gaue them a
+Lord so modest and vertuous, and before they haue experimented
+the effect of his goodnesse and Vertue, depriued of him, that is
+adorned and garnished with sutch perfections? What comfort,
+contentation and ioy shall the Lady your mother receiue, by
+feelyng your losse to be so sodaine, after your good and
+delycate bryngyng up, instructed with sutch great diligence and
+vtterly berieued of the fruict of that education? It is you sir,
+that may commaund obedience to Parents, succor to the afflicted,
+and do iustice to them that craue it: Alas, they be your poore
+subiectes that make complaints, euen of you, for denying them
+your due presence. It is you of whom my good madame doth
+complayne, as of him that hath broken and violated his faith,
+for not comming home at the promised day." Now as he was about
+to continue his oration, Dom Diego vnwilling to heare him, brake
+of his talk saying: "Ah sir, and my great Friend: It is an easy
+matter for you to iudge of mine affayres, and to blame myne
+absence, not knowing peraduenture the cause thereof. But I
+esteeme you a man of so good iudgement, and so great a fryend of
+thinges that be honeste, and a Gentleman of great fidelity, as
+by vnderstanding my hard luck, when you be aduertised of the
+cause of my withdrawing into this solitarie place, you wyll
+rightly confesse, and playnely see that the wisest and most
+constant haue committed more vaine follies than those don by
+mee, forced with like spirite that now moueth and tormenteth
+me." Hauing sayd, he tooke aside Roderico, where he dyd tell
+vnto hym the whole discourse both of his Loue, and also of the
+rigor of hys Lady, not without weepyng, in sutch abundaunce and
+with sutch frequent sighes and sobs interruptyng so hys speach,
+as Roderico was constrained to keepe him company, by remembryng
+the obstinacie of hir that was the Mistresse of his heart, and
+thinkynge that already he had seene the effect of lyke missehap
+to fal vpon his owne head, or neare vnto the lyke, or greater
+distresse than that which he sawe his deare and perfect Fryend
+to endure. Notwythstanding he assayed to remoue him from that
+desperate minde and opinion of continuance in the desert. But
+the froward penitente swore vnto him, that so long as he liued
+(without place recouered in the good graces of his Gineura,) he
+would not returne home to his house, but rather change his
+being, to seke more sauage abode, and lesse frequented than that
+was. "For" (quod hee) "to what purpose shall my retourne serue
+where continuinge mine affection, I shall fele lyke cruelty that
+I dyd in time past, which wil bee more painful and heauy for me
+to beare than voluntary exile and banyshment, or bring me to
+that end wherein presently I am." "Contente your self I beseech
+you, and suffer me to be but once vnhappy, and do not perswade
+mee to proue a second affliction, worsse than the first."
+Roderico hearing his reasons so liuely and wel applied would not
+reply, onely content that he would make him promyse to tarry
+there two monthes, and in that time attempt to reioyse himselfe
+so wel as he could. And for hys owne part, he swore vnto him,
+that he would bee a meanes to reconcile Gineura, and brynge them
+to talke together. Moreouer, he gaue him assurance by othe, that
+hee shoulde not bee discouered by hym, nor by any in his
+Company. Wherewith the knyght somewhat recomforted, thanked him
+very affectuously. And so leauyng wyth him a fielde bed, two
+seruaunts, and Money for his Necessities, Roderico tooke hys
+leaue, tellyng hym that shortely he would visite him againe, to
+his great contentation, as euer he was left and forsaken with
+gryefe and sorrow, himselfe makyng great mone for the vnseemely
+state and myserable plyght of Dom Diego. And God knoweth whether
+by the way, he detested the cruelty of pitilesse Gineura,
+blasphemyng a million of times the whole sexe of Womankynd,
+peraduenture not without iust cause. For there lieth hydden
+(I know not what) in the brests of Women, which at times like
+the Wane and increase of the Moone, doth chaunge and alter,
+whereof a man can not tell on what foote to stand to conceiue
+the reasons of the same: whych fickle fragility of theirs
+(I dare not say mobility) is sutch, as the subtillest wench of
+them al best skilled in Turner's Art, can not (I say deface) or
+so mutch as hide or colour that naturall imperfection. Roderico
+arriued at his house, frequented many times the lodging of
+Gineura, to espy hir fashions, and to see if any other had
+conquered that place, that was so well assayled and besieged by
+Dom Diego. And this wyse and sage knyght vsed the matter so
+well, that he fell in acquaintance wyth one of the Gentlewoman's
+Pages, in whom she had so great trust, as she conceyled from him
+very few of hir greatest secretes, not well obseruing the
+preceipte of the wyse man, who councelleth vs not to tell the
+secretes of the mynde to those, whose iudgement is but weake,
+and tongue very lauish and frank of speach. The Knyght then
+familiar with this Page, dandled him so with faire words, as by
+lyttle and lytle he wrong the Wormes out of his Nose, and
+vnderstode that when Gineura began once to take Pepper in snuffe
+against Dom Diego, she fell in loue wyth a Gentleman of Biskaye,
+very poore, but Beautyfull, young and lustye, whych was the
+Stewarde of the house: and the Page added further that hee was
+not then there, but woulde returne wythin three Dayes, as he had
+sent Woorde to hys mystresse, and that two other Gentlemen
+woulde accompany him to cary away Gineura into Biskaye, for that
+was their last conclusion: "And I hope" (quod he) "that she will
+take me with hir, bicause I am made priuy to their whole
+intent." Roderico hearing the treason of this flight and
+departure of the vnfaithful daughter, was at the first brunt
+astonned, but desirous that the Page should not marke his
+altered Countenaunce, said vnto him: "In very deede meete it is,
+that the Gentlewoman should make hir owne choice of husband,
+sith hir mother so little careth to prouide for hir. And albeit
+that the Gentleman be not so riche and Noble as hir estate
+deserueth, hir affection in that behalfe ought to suffise and
+the honesty of his person: for the rest Gineura hath (thanks be
+to God) wherewith to intertaine the state of them both." These
+wordes he spake, farre from the thought of his hearte. For being
+alone by himself, thus he said: "O blessed God, how blinde is
+that loue, which is vnruled, and out of order: and what dispayre
+to recline to them, which (voide of reason) doe feede so
+foolishly of vayne thoughts and fond desires, in sutch wise as
+two commodities, presented vnto them, by what ill lucke I know
+not, they forsake the beste, and make choise of the worst. Ah
+Gineura, the fairest Lady in all this Countrey, and the moste
+vnfaithfull Woman of oure time, where be thine eyes and
+iudgement? Whither is thy mynde straied and wandred, to acquite
+thyselfe from a great Lord, faire, rich, noble, and vertuous,
+to be giuen to one that is poore, whose parents be vnknowne, his
+prowesse obscure, and birth of no aparant reputation. Behold,
+what maketh me beleue, that loue (so wel as Fortune) is not
+onely blynd, but also dazeleth the sight of them that hee
+imbraceth and captiuateth vnder his power and bondage. But I
+make a vowe (false woman) that it shal neuer come to passe and
+that this Biskaye gentleman shall neuer enioy the spoyles whych
+iustely bee due vnto the Trauaile and faithfull seruice of the
+valyaunt and vertuous knyght Dom Diego. It shal be hee, or else
+I wil dye for it, whych shall haue the recompense of his
+troubles, and shall feele the caulme of that tempest, whych
+presently holdeth hym at Anker, amyd the most daungerous rockes
+that euer were." By this meanes Roderico knew the way how to
+keepe promise wyth his friende, which liued in expectation of
+the same. The two dayes past, whereof the Page had spoken, the
+beloued of Gineura, fayled not to come, and with him two
+Gallants of Biskaye, valiaunt Gentlemen, and well exercysed in
+Armes. That Nighte Roderico wente to see the olde Wydowe Lady,
+the Mother of the Mayden, and fyndyng oportunity to speak to the
+Page, hee said vnto hym: "I see my Friend, accordingly as thou
+diddest tell mee, that ye are vppon departing, the steward of
+the house beeing now retourned. I pray the tel mee, if thou haue
+neade of mee, or of any thyng that I am able doe for thee,
+assuring thee that thou shalt obtaine and haue what so euer thou
+requirest. And therewithall I haue thought good to tel thee, and
+giue the warning (for thine owne sake specially) that thou keepe
+all thynges close and secrete, that no slaunder or dishonour do
+followe, to blot and deface the Same and prayse of thy
+Mistresse. And for my selfe I had rather dye, than once to open
+my mouth, to discouer the least intent of this enterpryse. But
+tell mee, I praye thee, when do ye depart?" "Sir" (quod the
+Page) "as my Mistresse saieth, to morow about ten or eleuen of
+the Clocke in the Euening, when the Lady hir Mother shall bee in
+the sound of hir first sleepe." The knight hearyng that, and
+desirous of no better time, tooke hys leaue of the Page, and
+went home, where he caused to bee sente for tenne or twelue
+Gentlemen, his Neighbours and Tenaunts, whom he made priuy of
+his secretes, and partakers of that he went about, to deliuer
+out of Captiuity and miserie the chiefest of all his Friends.
+The Nighte of those two Louers departure being come, Dom
+Roderico, which knewe the way where they should passe, bestowed
+him selfe and his Company in Ambush, in a little Groue, almost
+three Miles of the Lodging of this fugitiue Gentlewoman: where
+they hadde not long tarried but they hearde the tramplinge of
+Horsse, and a certaine whispring noise of People riding before
+them. Nowe the Nighte was somwhat cleare, which was the cause,
+that the Knighte amonges the thronge, knew the Gentlewoman,
+besides whome rode the Miserable Wretche that hadde stolne hir
+awaye. Whome so soone as Roderico perceyued full of despyte,
+moued wyth extreme passion, welding his launce into his rest,
+brake in the nearest way vpon the infortunate louer, with sutch
+vehemency, as neither coate of Maile or Placard was able to saue
+his lyfe, or warraunt him to keepe company wyth that troupe
+which banded vnder loue's Enseigne, was miserably slayne, by the
+guide of a blynd, naked, and thieuish litle boy. And when he saw
+he had done that he came for, he sayd to the rest of the
+Company: "My Friends, thys man was carelesse to make inuasion
+vpon other mens ground." These poore Biskayes surprysed vpon the
+sodayne, and seeyng the ambushment to multiply, put spurres to
+theyr horsse to the best aduantage they could for expedition,
+leauing their Conduct or guid gaping for breath and geuing a
+signe that he was dead. Whiles the other were making themselues
+ready to runne away, two of Roderico his men, couered with
+Skarfes, armed, and vnknowne, came to sease vppon sorrowfull
+Gineura, who beholdyng her fryende deade, began to weepe and
+crye so straungely, as it was maruell that hir breath fayled
+not. "Ah trayterous Theeues," (said she) "and bloudy Murderers,
+why do ye not addresse your selues to execute cruelty vppon the
+rest, sith you haue done to death hym, that is of greater value
+than you all? Ah my deare Fryend, what crooked and grieuous
+Fortune haue I, to see thee grouelyng dead on ground and I
+abyding in life, to be the pray of murderous Theeues and thou so
+cowardly beryued of lyfe." Roderico wyth his face couered, drew
+neare vnto her, and sayde: "I beseech you Gentlewoman, to forget
+these straunge fashions of complaynt, sith by them ye bee not
+able to reuiue the dead, ne yet make your ende of gryefes." The
+maiden knowing the voyce of hym, that had slayne hir fryende,
+began to cry out more fiercely than before. For whych cause one
+of the gentlemen in company with Roderico, hauing a blacke
+counterfait beard with two lunets, in manner of spectacles, very
+large and great, that couered the moste part of his Face,
+approched neare the bashful maiden, and with bigge voice and
+terrible talk, holding his dagger vpon hir white and delicate
+breast, said vnto hir: "I sweare by the Almighty God, if I heare
+thee speake one word more, I wil sacrifice thee vnto the ghost
+of that varlet, for whome thou makest thy mone, who deserued to
+end his daies vpon a gallow tree rather than by the hands of a
+gentleman. Holde thy peace therefore thou foolysh girle, for
+greater honour and more ample Benefite is meant to thee, than
+thou hast deserued. Ingratitude onely hath so ouerwhelmed thy
+good Nature, as thou art not able to iudge who be thy friends."
+The gentlewoman fearing death, whych as she thought was present,
+held hir peace, downe alonges whose Eyes a ryuer of Teares dyd
+run, and the passion of whose heart appeared by assiduall
+sighes, and neuer ceassing sobbes, whych in end so quallifyed
+hir cheare, that the exteriour sadnesse was wholy inclosed
+wythin the mynd and thought of the afflicted Gentlewoman. Then
+Roderico caused the body of the dead to be buryed in a lyttle
+Countrey Chappell, not farre out of theyr way. Thus they
+trauayled two dayes before Gineura knew any of them, that had
+taken hir away from hir louer: who permytted none to speake vnto
+hir nor she to any of hir company, beyng but a waiting maid, and
+the page that hadde dyscouered al the secretes to Dom Roderico.
+A notable example surely for stolne and secrete mariages,
+whereby the honour of the contracted partes, is most commonly
+blemyshed, and the Commaundement of GOD violated, whose word
+enioyneth obedience to Parents in all ryghtfull causes, who if
+for any lyght offence, they haue power to take from vs the
+inheritance whych otherwyse naturall law would giue vs, what
+ought they of duety to doe, where rebellyous Chyldren abusing
+theyr goodnesse, do consume without feare of Liberty, the thynge
+that is in theyr free wyll and gouernement. In like maner diuers
+vndiscrete and folysh mothers are to be accused, which suffer
+their daughters of tender and chyldysh age to be enamored of
+theyr seruants, not remembryng how weake the flesh is, how prone
+and ready men be to do euyl, and how the seducyng spirite
+wayting stil vpon us, is procliue and prone to surpryse and
+catch vs wythin his Snares, to the intent he may reioyce in the
+ruine of soules washed and redeemed wyth the bloud of the Son of
+God. This troupe drawing neare to the caue of Dom Diego,
+Roderico sent one of his men to aduertise him of their comming,
+who in the absence of his fryende, fylled and susteined with
+hope, shortely to see the onely Lady of hys hearte, accompanyed
+wyth a merry and ioyfull Trayne, so soone as hee had somewhat
+chaunged his wilde maner of Lyfe, he also by lyttle and lyttle
+gayned a good part of hys lusty and fresh coloure, and almost
+had recouered that beauty, which he had when he firste became a
+Citizen of those desertes. Now hauiug vnderstanded the message
+sent vnto him by Roderico, God knoweth if with that pleasaunt
+tydings he felt a motion of Bloud, sutch as made all his members
+to leape and daunce, whych rendred hys Mynde astonned, for the
+onely memorye of the thynge that poysed hys mynd vp and downe,
+not able to be wayed in equall Balaunce whereof rather he ought
+to haue made reioyse than complayne, being assured to see hir,
+of whome he demaunded onely grace and pardon, but for recouery
+of hir, he durst not repose any certayne Iudgement. In the Ende
+hoystyng vp hys head lyke one rysen from a long and sound
+sleepe, hee sayd: "Praise be to God, who yet before I dye, hath
+done me great pleasure, to suffer me to haue a syght of hir,
+that by causing my Matirdome, continueth hir stubburne manner of
+Lyfe, whych shall procure in like sort myne vtter ruine and
+decay. Vpon the approch of whom I shall goe more ioyfull,
+charged with incomparable loue, to vysit the ghosts beneath, in
+the presence of that cruel swete, that now tormenteth me with
+the ticklysh tentation, and who sometimes hath made me tast a
+kind of Hony sugred with bytter Gal, more daungerous than the
+suck of Poyson and vnder the vermyllion rudde of a new sprouted
+Rose diuiuely blowen forth, hath hydden secrete Thornes the
+pryckes whereof hath me so lyuely touched, as my Wound cannot
+well bee cured, by any Baulme that may be thereunto applyed,
+without enioying of that myne owne missehappe, moste happy or
+wythout that remedy, whych almost I feele restyng in death, that
+so long and oftentymes I haue desired as the true remedy of all
+my paynes and gryefe." In the meane whyle Dom Roderico, whych
+tyll that tyme was not knowen vnto Gineura, drew neare vnto hir
+by the way as he rode, and talked wyth hir in this sorte:
+"I doubt not (Gentlewoman) but that you think your self not wel
+contented to se me in this place, in sutch company and for
+occasion so vnseemely for my degre, and state, and moreouer
+knowying what iniury I seeme to do vnto you, that euer was, and
+am so affectionate and friendly to the whole stocke of your race
+and Lynage, and am not ignoraunte that vppon the firste brunte
+you may iudge my cause vniust to carry you away from the handes
+of your fryend, to bring you into these desertes, wylde, and
+solitary places. But if ye considred the force of that true
+amity, which by vertue sheweth the common Bondes of hearts and
+myndes of Men, and shall measure to what end this acte is done,
+without to mutch staying vpon the lyght apprehension of Choler,
+for a beginnynge somewhat troublesom, I am assured then (that if
+you be not wholly depryued of reason) you shall perceiue that I
+am not altogether worthy blame nor your selfe vtterly voyde of
+fault. And bycause we draw neare vnto the place, whether (by the
+help of God) I meane to conduct you, I beseech you to consider,
+that the true Seruaunt whych by all seruice and duety studieth
+to execute the commaundementes of him that hath puissance ouer
+him, doth not deserue to bee beaten or driuen away from the
+house of his maister, but to be fauored and cherished, and ought
+to receyue equal recompense for his seruice. I speake not this
+for my selfe, my deuotion beinge vowed elsewhere, but for that
+honest affection which I beare to all vertuous and chaste
+persons. The effect whereof I will not deny to tell you in tyme
+and place, where I shall use sutch modesty towards you, as is
+meete for a maiden of your age and state. For the greatnesse of
+Noble Men and puisant, doth most appeare and shew forth it self,
+when they vse Mildenesse and Gentlenesse vnto those, to whom by
+reason of their Authority they mighte execute cruelty and
+malice. Now to the end that I do not make you doubtfull long, al
+that which I haue done and yet meane to doe, is for none other
+purpose but to ease the grieuous paines of that moste faithful
+louer that loueth at thys Daye vnder the Circle of the Moone. It
+is for the good Knighte Dom Diego, that loueth you so dearely
+and still worshippeth your Noble fame, who bicause he wil not
+shew himself disobedient, liueth miserably amonge bruite beasts,
+amid the craggy rocks and mountaines, and in the deepe solitudes
+of comfortlesse dales and valleis. It is to him I say that I do
+bryng you, protesting vnto you by othe (Gentlewoman) that the
+misery wherein I saw him, little more than VI. Wekes
+past, toucheth me so neare the heart, as if the Sacrifice of my
+lyfe sufficed alone, (and without letting you to feele this
+painfull voyage) for the solace of his martirdome I would spare
+it no more, than I do mine owne endeuor and honor, besides the
+hazarding of the losse of your good grace and fauour. And albeit
+I wel perceiue, that I do grieue you, by causing you to enter
+this painfull iourney, yet I besech you that the whole
+displeasure of this fact may bee imputed vnto my charge, and
+that it would please you louingly to deale with him, who for
+your sake vseth so great violence against himself." Gineura as a
+woman half in despayre for the death of hir friend, behaued hir
+selfe like a mad woman void of wit and sense, and the simple
+remembraunce of Dom Diego his name so astonned her, (which name
+she hated far more than the pangs of death) that she staied a
+long time, hir mouth not able to shape one word to speake. In
+the ende vanquished with impacience, burning with choler, and
+trembling for sorrow, loked vpon Dom Roderico with an Eye no
+lesse furious, than a Tigresse caught within the Net, and seeth
+before hir face hir young Fawnes murdered, wringing hir hands
+and beating hir delicate brest, she vsed these or sutch like
+woordes: "Ah bloudy traitor and no more Knight, is it of thee
+that I oughte to looke for so detestable a villany and treason?
+How darest thou be so hardy to entreat me for an other, that
+hast in myne owne presence killed him, whose death I will pursue
+vpon thee, so longe as I haue life within this body? Is it to
+thee false theefe and murderer, that I ought to render accompte
+of that which I meant to doe? Who hath appointed thee to be
+arbitrator, or who gaue thee commission to capitulate the
+Articles of my mariage? Is it by force then, that thou wouldest
+I should loue that vnfaithfull Knighte, for whom thou hast
+committed and done this acte, that so longe as thou liuest shal
+blot and blemish thy renoume, and shal be so wel fixed in my
+mind, and the wounds shal cleaue so neare my heart, vntill at my
+pleasure I be reuenged of this wrong? No, no, I assure thee no
+force done vnto mee, shall neuer make mee otherwyse dysposed,
+than a mortall Enimy both to thee which art a Theefe and
+rauisher of an other man's wife, and also to thy desperate frend
+Dom Diego, which is the cause of this my losse: and now not
+satisfied with the former wrong done vnto me, thou goest about
+to deceiue me vnder the Colour of good and pure Friendship. But
+sith wicked Fortune hath made me thy Prysoner, doe with me what
+thou wylt, and yet before I suffer and endure that that Traytor
+Dom Diego doe enioy my Virginity, I will offer vp my lyfe to the
+shadowes and Ghostes of my faythful fryend and husband, whome
+thou hast so trayterously murdred. And therefore (if honestlye I
+may or ought entreate mine Enimy) I pray thee that by doynge thy
+duety, thou suffer vs in peace, and gyue lycence to mee, thys
+Page, and my two pore Maydens to depart whether we lyst."
+"God forbid" (quod Roderico) "that I should doe a Trespasse so
+shamefull, as to depryue my dearest fryend of his ioy and
+contentation, and by falsifiing my faith be an occasion of hys
+death, and of your losse, by leauing you without company,
+wandring amids this wildernesse." And thus he continued his
+former discourse and talk, to reclaime thys cruell Damosell to
+haue pity vpon hir poore penytent, but he gained as mutch
+thereby, as if he had gone aboute to number the Sands alongs the
+Sea Coastes of the maine Ocean. Thus deuising from one talke to
+an other, they arryued neare the Caue, which was the stately
+house of Dom Diego: where Gineura lyghted, and saw the pore
+amorous Knight, humbly falling downe at hir feete, all forworne,
+pale, and disfigured, who weeping with warme teares, said vnto
+hir: "Alas, my deare Lady, the alone and onely mistresse of my
+heart, do you not thinke that my penaunce is long inoughe for
+the sinne which ignorauntly I haue committed, if euer I haue don
+any fault at al? Behold [I beseech you (good ladie deare) what
+ioy] I haue conceiued in your absence, what pleasures haue
+nursed mine hope, and what consolation hath entertained my life:
+which truely had it not bene for the continual remembraunce of
+your diuine Beauty, I had of long time abreuiated the pains
+which do renew in me so many times the pangs of death: as
+oftentimes I think vpon the vnkindnes shewed vnto me by making
+so litle accompt of my fidelity: whych can nor shal receiue the
+same in good part, wer it so perfect as any assuraunce were able
+to make it." Gineura swelling with sorrow and full of feminine
+rage, blushing with fury, hir eyes sparcklinge forth hir
+chollerick conceypts, vouchsafed not so mutch as to giue him one
+word for aunswere, and bicause she would not looke vppon him,
+she turned hir face on the other side. The poore and afflicted
+Louer, seeing the great cruelty of his felonous Mystresse, still
+kneeling vpon his knees, redoubling his armes, fetching Sighes
+with a voyce that seemed to bee drawne by force from the bottome
+of his heart, proceeded in these wordes: "Syth the sincerity of
+my fayth, and my long seruice madame Gineura, cannot persuade
+you that I haue beene most Obedient, Faythfull, and very Loyall
+seruaunt towards you, as euer any that hath serued Lady or
+Gentlewoman, and that without your fauour and grace it is
+vnpossible for mee any longer to liue, yet I doe very humbly
+beseech you, for that all other comfort is denied me, if there
+bee any gentlenesse and curtesie in you, that I may receyue this
+onely grace at your hands for the last that euer I hope to
+craue: which is, that you being thus greeuously offended with
+me, would do iustice vpon that vnfortunate man, that vpon his
+Knees doth instantly craue the same. Graunt (cruell mistresse)
+this my request, doe vengeaunce at your pleasure vpon him, which
+willingly yeldeth himselfe to death with the effusion of his
+poore innocent bloud to satisfy you, and verily farre more
+expedient it is for him thus to die, by appeasing your wrath,
+than to rest or liue to your discontentment or anoiaunce. Alas,
+shal I be so vnfortunate, that both life and death should bee
+denied me by one person of the world, whom I hoped to content
+and please by any sort or meanes what so euer restinge in mine
+humble obedience? Alas gentlewoman rid mee from this Torment,
+and dispatch your selfe from the griefe you haue to see this
+vnhappy Knight, who would say and esteeme himselfe most happy
+(his life being lothsome vnto you) if he may content you, by
+death done by your owne handes, sith other fauour he cannot
+expect or hope for." The Mayden hardned in hir Opinion, stoode
+still immoueable mutch like vnto a Rocke in the midst of the
+Sea, disquieted with a tempest of billowes, and fomy Waues in
+sutch wise as one word could not be procured from hir mouth.
+Which vnlucky Dom Diego perceyuing, attached with the feare of
+present death, and faylinge his Naturall force fell downe to the
+Grounde, and faintyng saied: "Ah, what a recompence doe I
+receiue for this so faythfull Loue?" Roderico bebolding that
+rufull sight, whilest the others went about to relieue Dom
+Diego, repaired to Gineura, and full of heauinesse mingled with
+fury, said vnto hir: "By God (false fiendish woman) if so be
+that I doe chaunge my mind, I will make thee feele the smarte,
+no lesse than thou shewest thy selfe dishonourable to them that
+doe thee honour: Art thou so carelesse of so greate a Lord as
+this is, that humbleth himselfe so lowe to sutch a strumpet as
+thou art: who without regarde either to hys renoume, or the
+honour of his House, is content to bee abandoned from his noble
+state, to become a fugitiue and straunger? What cruelty is this
+for thee to mispryse the greatest humility that man can Imagin?
+What greater amends canst thou wysh to haue, yea though the
+offence which thou presupposest had ben true? Now (if thou be
+wyse) chaunge thy Opinion, except thou wouldest haue mee doe
+into so many pieces, thy cruel corpse and vnfaithful heart, as
+once this poore Knight did in parts the vnhappy hauke, which
+through thy folly did breede vnto him this distresse, and to thy
+self the name of the most cruell and disloyall Woman that euer
+lyued. But what greater benefite can happen vnto thee, than to
+see thys Gentleman vtterly to forget the fault, to conceiue no
+sinister suspition of thy running away, crauing pardon at thy
+Hands, and is contented to sacrifice him self vnto thine Anger,
+to appease and mytigate thy rage? Now to speake no more hereof,
+but to proceede in that which I began to say, I offer vnto thee
+then both death and Loue, choose whether thou lyst. For I sweare
+againe by hym that seeth and heareth all thinges, that if thou
+play the foole, that thou shalt feele and proue me to be the
+cruellest Ennimy that euer thou hadst: and sutch a one as shall
+not feare to imbrue his hands wyth the bloud of hir that is the
+death of the greatest friend I haue, and truest knight that euer
+bare armes." Gineura hearing that resolute aunswere, shewed hir
+selfe to be nothing afrayde nor declared any token of feare, but
+rather seemed to haue encouraged Roderico, in braue and mannish
+sort, farre diuers from the simplicity of a young and tender
+Mayden, as a Man would say, sutch a one as had neuer felt the
+assaultes and troubles of adverse fortune. Wherefore frouncyng
+her Browes, and grating hir Teeth wyth closed fists, and
+Countenaunce very bold, she made him answere: "Ah thou Knight,
+whych once gauest assault to commit a villany and Treason
+thinkest thou now without remorse of conscyence to continue thy
+mischyefe: I speak it to thee Villayne, whych hauing shed the
+Bloud of an honester Man than thou art, fearest not now to make
+me a Companion of hys Death. Which thyng spare not hardily to
+accomplysh, to the intent that I liuinge, may not be sutch a one
+as thou falsly iudgest me to be: for neuer Man hitherto vaunted,
+and never shall, that hath had the spoyle of my dearest Iewell:
+from the Fruict whereof, like an arrant Thiefe, thou hast
+depryued my loyall Spouse. Now doe what you lyste: for I am
+farre better content to suffer death, be it as cruel as thou art
+mischieuous, and borne for the disquieting and vexation of
+honest Maidens then yelde vnto thy furies: notwithstanding I
+humbly beseech Almyghty God, to gyue thee so mutch pleasure,
+contentation and ioy in thy loue, as thou hast done to me, by
+hastening the death of my deare Husband. O GOD, if thou be a
+iust GOD, sutch a one, as from whom we thy poore Creatures do
+beleue al iustice to proceede, thou I say which art the Rampire
+and refuge of al iustice, poure downe thy vengeance and plague
+vpon these pestiferous Thieues and murderers, which prepared a
+worldely plague vpon me thine innocent damsel. Ah wycked
+Roderico, think not that death can be so fearful vnto me, but
+that with good heart, I am able to accept the same, trusting
+verily that one day it shal be the cause of thy ruine, and the
+ouerthrowe of him for whom thou takest al these paines." Dom
+Roderico maruelously rapte in sense imagined the Woman to be
+fully bente against hym, who then had puissance (as he thought,)
+ouer hir own heart: and thinking, that he sawe hir moued with
+like rage against him, as she was against Dom Diego, stode stil
+so perplexed and voyde of ryghte minde, as he was constrained to
+sitte downe, so feeble he felt him self for the onely
+remembraunce of hir euyll demeanor. And whilest this Pageant was
+a doing, the handmayd of Gineura, and hir page, inforced to
+persuade their mystresse to haue compassion vpon the Knight that
+had suffred so mutch for hir sake, and that she would consent to
+the honest requests and good counsell of Roderico. But she which
+was stubbornely bent in hir fonde persuasions, made them
+aunsere: "What fooles? are you so mutch bewitched, eyther with
+the fayned teares of this disloyall Knight, whych colorably thus
+doth torment himselfe, or els are yee inchaunted with the
+venomous honny and tirannicall brauery of the Theefe which
+murdered my husbande, and your mayster? Ah vnhappy caytife
+mayden, is it my chaunce to endure the assault of sutch Fortune,
+when I thought to liue at my best ease, and thus cruelly to
+tomble into the handes of him, whom I hate so mutch as he
+fayneth loue vnto me? And moreouer my vnlucky fate is not
+herewith content, but redoubleth my sorrowe, euen by those that
+be of my trayne, who ought rather to incourage mee to dy, than
+consent to so vnreasonable requests. Ah loue, loue, how euill be
+they recompenced which faythfully doe Homage vnto thee? And why
+should not I forget all Affection, neuer hereafter to haue mynde
+on man to proue beginning of a pleasure, which tasted and felt
+bringeth more displeasure than euer ioy engendreth delight.
+Alas, I neuer knewe what was the fruicte of that which so
+straungely did attach me, and thou O trayterous and theeuishe
+Loue, haste ordayned a banket serued with sutch bitter dishes,
+as forced I am perforce to taste of their egre sweetes: Auaunt
+sweete folly, auaunt, I doe henceforth for euer let thee slip,
+to imbrace the death, wherein I hope to find my greatest rest,
+for in thee I finde noughte else but heapes of strayninge
+Passions. Auoyde from me all mishap, flee from me ye furious
+ghostes and Fayries most vnkinde, whose gaudes and toyes dame
+loue hath wrought to keepe occupied my louing minde, and suffer
+me to take ende in thee, that I may liue in an other life
+without thee, being now charged with cup of griefe, which I
+shall quaffe in venomous drincke soaked in the Sops of
+bitternesse. Sharpen thou thy selfe, (O death vnkinde) prepare
+thy Darte, to strike the Corpse of hir, that she may voyde the
+Quarelles shotte agaynst hir by hir Aduersary. Ah poore hearte,
+strip thy selfe from hope, and qualifie thy desires. Cease
+henceforth to wishe thy Lyfe, seeing, and feelinge the
+appoyncted sight of loue and Life, combattyng within my minde,
+els where to seeke my peace in an other world, with him to ioy,
+whych for my sake was sacrificed to the treason of varlets
+handes, who for the perfite hoorde of his desires, noughte else
+dyd seeke but to soile his bloudy fists with the purest bloude
+of my loyall friend. And I this floud of Teares do shead to
+saciate his felonous moode that is the iust shortening of my
+dolefull Dayes." When she had thus complayned, she began
+horribly to torment hir selfe that the cruellest of the company
+were moued with compassion, to see hir thus strangely straught
+of hir wits: neuertheles they did not discontinue by duety to
+solicite hir to haue regard to that which poore fayntyng Dom
+Diego dyd endure: who so soone as wyth freshe Fountayn water hee
+was reuiued, seeing still the heauinesse of his Lady, and hir
+increased disdaine and choler againste hym vanished in diuers
+soundings: which moued Roderico from studye deepe, wherein he
+was, to ryse, whereunto the rage of Gineura had cast him downe,
+bicause forgetting all imaginarie affection of his Lady, and
+proposing his duety before his eyes, whych ech Gentleman oweth
+to Gentle Damsels [and womenkind], styll beholding with
+honorable aspect the gryefe of the martyred wyldernesse Knyght,
+sighing yet in former gryefes, he sayd vnto Gineura, "Alas,
+is it possyble, that in the heart of so young and delicate a
+maiden, there may bee harboured so straunge fury and
+vnreasonable rage? O God, the effect of the cruelty resting in
+this Woman, painting it selfe in the imaginatiue force of my
+mind, hath made me feare the like myssehappe to come to the
+cruell state of this disaduenturous gentleman? Notwithstanding
+(O thou cruell beast) thinke not that thys thy fury shall stay
+me from doing thee to death, to rid thee from follye and
+disdayne, and this vnfortunate louer from despayre and trouble,
+verily beleuing, that in tyme it shalbe knowne what profit the
+World shall gayne by purgyng the same of sutch an infected
+plague as is an vnkynd and arrogante hearte: and it shall feele
+what vtility ryseth by thyne ouerthrowe. And I doe hope besydes
+in tyme to come, that Men shall prayse this deede of myne, who
+for preseruynge the Honoure of one House, hath chosen rather to
+doe to death two offenders, than to leaue one of them aliue, to
+obscure the glory and brightnesse of the other. And therefore"
+(sayd he, tourning his face to those of his traine,) "cut the
+throte of this stubborne and froward beast, and doe the like to
+them that be come with hir, shewe no more fauor vnto them all,
+than that curssed strumpet doth mercy to the life of that
+miserable Gentleman, who lieth a dying there for loue of hir."
+The Mayden hearing the cruel sentence of hir death, cryed out so
+loud as she coulde, thinking reskue woulde haue come, but the
+poore Wench was deceiued: for the desert knew none other, but
+those that were abiding in that troupe. The Page and the woman
+seruaunt exclamed vpon Roderico for mercy, but he made as though
+he heard them not, and rather made signe to his men to do what
+he commaunded. When Gineura sawe that their deathe was purposed
+in deede, confirmed in opinion rather to dy, than to obey, she
+said vnto the executioners: "My friends, I beseech you let not
+these innocentes abide the penaunce of that which they neuer
+committed. And you, Dom Roderico, be reuenged on me, by whome
+the fault, (if a woman's faith to hir husband may be termed a
+faulte) is don. And let these infortunate depart, that bee God
+knoweth guiltles of any cryme. And thou my friend, which liuest
+amonges the shadowes of faythfull louers, if thou haue any
+feelinge, as in deede thou prouest being in another world,
+behold the purenesse of mine heart and fidelity of my loue: who
+to keep the same inuiolable, do offer my self voluntarily to the
+death, which this cruell tyrant prepareth for me. And thou
+hangman the executioner of my ioyes, and murderer of the
+immortall pleasures of my loue (sayd she to Roderico) glut thy
+vnsaciable desire of bloud, make dronke thy mind with murder,
+and boast of thy litle triumph, which for all thy threates or
+persuasible words, thou canst not get from the heart of a simple
+maiden, ne cary away the victory for all the battred breach made
+into the rampare of hir honour." When she had so said, a Man
+would haue thought that the memory of death had cooled hir
+heate, but the same serued hir as an assured solace of hir
+paynes. Dom Diego being come to himself and seing the discourse
+of that tragedy, being now addressed to the last act and end of
+that life and stage of faire and golden locked Gineura, making a
+vertue of necessity, recouered a lyttle corage to saue, (if it
+were possible) the life of hir, that had put hys owne in hazard
+miserably to end. Hauing stayed them that held the maiden, he
+repayred to Dom Roderico, to whom he spake in this wise: "I see
+wel my good Lord and great Friende, that the good will you beare
+me, causeth you to vse this honest order for my behalf, whereof
+I doubt if I should lyue a whole hundred yeares, I shall not be
+able to satisfy the least of the bondes wherein I am bound, the
+same surpassing all mine ability and power. Yet for al that
+(deare friend) sith you see the fault of this missehap to arise
+of my predestinate ill lucke, and that man cannot auoyde things
+once ordained, I beseech you do me yet this good pleasure (for
+all the benefits that euer I haue receiued) to send back again
+this gentlewoman with hir trayne, to the place from whence you
+toke hir, wyth like assurance and conduct, as if shee were your
+sister. For I am pleased with your endeuor, and contented with
+my misfortune, assuring you sir besides, that the trouble which
+she endureth, doth far more gryeue my heart than al the paine
+which for hir sake I suffer. That hir sorrow then may decrease
+and mine may renue againe, that she may lyue in peace, and I in
+Warre for hir cruel beauty sake, I wyll wayt vppon Clotho, the
+Spynner of the threden life of man vntil she breake the twysted
+lace that holdeth the fatall course of my dolefull yeares. And
+you Gentlewoman lyue in rest, as your poore suppliant, wretched
+Dom Diego, shalbe citizen of wyld places, and vaunt you hardely
+that yee were the best beloued maiden that euer liued."
+Maruellous truly be the forces of loue, when they discouer their
+perfection, for by their meanes thinges otherwise impossible be
+reduced to sutch facility, as a man would iudge that they had
+neuer bene so hard to obtaine, and so painefull to pursue: As
+appeared by this damsel, in whome the wrath of fortune, the
+pynche of iealosie, the intollerable rage of hir fryendes losse,
+had ingendred a contempte of Dom Diego, an extreame desire to be
+reuenged on Dom Roderico, and a tediousnesse of longer Lyfe.
+And now putting of the vaile of blynde appetite, for the
+esclarishing of hir vnderstandyng Eyes, and breakyng the Adamant
+Rocke planted in the middes of hir breast, she beheld in open
+sight the stedfastnesse, pacience and perseueration of hir great
+fryend. For that supplycation of the Knight had greater force in
+Gineura, than all hys former seruyces. And full wel she shewed
+the same, when throwyng hir selfe vppon the Necke of the
+desperate Gentleman, and imbracyng hym very louyngly she sayd
+vnto him: "Ah sir, that your felicity is the begynnyng of my
+great ioy of Mynd, whych sauoreth now of sweetnes in the very
+same, in whom I imagyned to be the welsprynge of bytternesse.
+The diminutyon of one gryefe is, and shall bee the increase of a
+bonde, sutch as for euer I wyll call my selfe the moste humble
+slaue of your honor, lowly beseechyng you neuerthelesse to
+pardon my follyes, wherewyth full fondely I haue abused youre
+pacience. Consider a whyle sir, I beseech you, the Nature and
+secrecye of loue. For those that be blinded in that passion,
+thynke them selues to be perfecte Seers, and yet be the first
+that commit most filthy faultes. I doe not denie any committed
+wrong and trespasse, and doe not refuse therefore the honest and
+gentle Correction that you shall appointe mee, for expiation of
+myne offence." "Ah my Noble Lady," (aunswered the knight, all
+rapt wyth pleasure, and halfeway out of his wyts for ioy)
+"I humbly beseech you inflyct vppon my poore wretched body no
+further panges of Death, by remembryng the glory of my thought,
+sith the recitall bryngeth with it a tast of the trauailes which
+you haue suffred for my ioy and contentation." "It is
+therefore," (quod she) "that I think my self happy: for by that
+meanes I haue knowne the perfect qualyties that be in you, and
+haue proued two extremities of vertue. One consisting in your
+constancy and loyalty wherby you may vaunt yourself aboue hym
+that sacrificed his Lyfe vpon the bloudy body of his Ladye who
+for dying so, finished his Trauailes. Where you haue chosen a
+life worse than death, no lesse paynefull a hundred times a Day,
+than very death it self. The other in the clemency wherwyth you
+calme and appease the rage of your greatest aduersaries. As my
+self which before hated you to death, vanquished by your
+courtesie do confesse that I am double bound vnto you, both for
+my lyfe and honor: and hearty thankes do I render to the Lord
+Roderico for the violence he dyd vnto me, by which meanes I was
+induced to acknowledge my wrong, and the right whych you had to
+complayne of my beastly resistance." "Al is wel," sayd Roderico,
+"sith without peril of honor we may returne home to our houses:
+I intend therefore (sayd he) to send word before to the Ladies
+your mothers of your returne, for I know how so wel to couer and
+excuse this our enterpryse and secrete iorneis, as by God's
+assistance no blame or displeasure shall ensue thereof. And like
+as (said he smiling) I haue builded the fortresse whych shot
+into your campe, and made you flie, euen so I hope (Gentlewoman)
+that I shalbe the occasion of your victorye, when you combat in
+close campe, with your sweete cruel Ennimy." Thus they passed
+the iorney in pleasaunt talk, recompensing the 2 Louers with al
+honest and vertuous intertainment for their griefs and troubles
+past. In the meane while they sent one of their Seruaunts to the
+two widow Ladies, which were in greate care for their Children,
+to aduertise them that Gineura was gone to visit Dom Diego, then
+being in one of the castles of Roderico, where they were
+determined if it were their good pleasure, to consumate their
+mariage, hauing giuen faith and affiance one to the other. The
+mother of Gineura could not heare tel of more pleasant newes:
+for she had vnderstanded of the foolysh flyght and escape of hir
+daughter, with the steward of hir house, wherof she was very
+sorrowful, and for grief was like to die, but assured and
+recomforted with those newes she failed not to mete the mother
+of Dom Diego, at the appointed place whether the 2 louers were
+arriued two daies before. Ther the mariage of that fair couple
+(so long desired) was solempnised with sutch magnificence as was
+requisite for the state of those two noble houses. Thus the
+torment indured, made the ioye to sauour of some other taste
+than they do feele, which without paine in the exercise of
+loue's pursute, attaine the top of theyr desires: and truly
+their pleasure was altogether like to him that nourished in
+superfluous delicacy of meates cannot aptly so wel iudge of
+pleasure as he which sometimes lacketh the abundance. And verily
+loue wythout bitternesse, is almost a cause without effects, for
+he that shall take away gryefs and troubled fansies from Louers,
+depryueth them of the prayse of their stedfastnesse, and maketh
+vayne the glory of their perseuerence: For{ }hee is vnworthy to
+beare away the price and Garland of triumph in the Conflict,
+that behaueth himselfe like a coward, and doth not obserue the
+lawes of armes and manlike dueties incident to a combat. This
+History then is a Mirrour for Loyall Louers and Chaste Suters,
+and maketh them detest the vnshamefastnesse of those, which vpon
+the first view do followe with might and mayne, the Gentlewoman
+or Lady that gieueth them good Face, or Countenaunce whereof any
+gentle heart, or mynde, noursed in the Schoolehouse of vertuous
+education, will not bee squeymishe to those that shall by chaste
+salutation or other incountry, doe their curteous reuerence.
+This History also yeldeth contempt of them, which in their
+affection forget themselues abasing the Generosity of their
+Courages to be reputed of fooles the true champions of loue,
+whose like are they that desire such regarde. For the perfection
+of a true Louer consisteth in passions, in sorrows, griefes,
+martirdomes, or cares, and mutch lesse arriueth he to his
+desire, by sighes, exclamations, Weapings, and childishe
+playnts: For so mutch as vertue ought to be the bande of that
+indissoluble amity, which maketh the vnion of the two seuered
+bodies of that Woman man, which Plato describeth, and causeth
+man to trauell for hys whole accomplishment in the true pursute
+of chaste loue. In which labour truly, fondly walked Dom Diego,
+thinking to finde the same by his dispayre amiddest the sharpe
+solitary Deserts of those Pyrene Mountaynes. And truely the
+duety of his perfect friende, did more liuely disclose the same
+(what fault so euer he did) than all his Countenaunces, eloquent
+letters or amorous Messages. In like manner a man doth not know
+what a treasure a true Friende is, vntill hee hath proued his
+excellency, specially where necessity maketh him to taste the
+swetenes of sutch delicate meate. For a frend being a seconde
+himselfe, agreeth by a certayne naturall Sympathie and
+attonement to th'affections of him whom he loueth both to
+particpate his ioyes and pleasures, and to sorrowe his
+aduersity, where Fortune shall vse by some misaduentures,
+to shewe hir accustomed mobility.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRTIETH NOUELL.
+
+  _A Gentleman of Siena, called Anselmo Salimbene, curteously
+  and gently deliuereth his enemy from death. The condemned
+  party seeing the kinde parte of Salimbene, rendreth into his
+  hands his sister Angelica, with whom he was in loue, which
+  gratitude and curtesie, Salimbene well markinge, moued in
+  Conscience, woulde not abuse hir, but for recompence tooke hir
+  to his wyfe._
+
+
+Wee do not meane here to discouer the Sumptuosity and
+Magnificence of Palaces, stately, and wonderfully to the view of
+men, ne yet to reduce to memory the maruellous effectes of man's
+Industry to builde and lay Foundations in the deepest Chanel of
+the mayne sea, ne to describe their ingenious Industry, in
+breaking the Craggy Mountaynes, and hardest Rocks, to ease the
+crooked Passages of weary waies, for Armies to marche through in
+accessible places. Onely now do we pretend to shewe the effects
+of loue, which surmount all Opinion of common thinges, and
+appeare so miraculous as the founding, and erecting of the
+Collissæi, Collossæi, Theatres, Amphitheatres, Pyramides, and
+other workes wonderfull to the world, for that the hard indured
+path of hatred and displeasure long time begoon, and obstinately
+pursued wyth straunge cruelty, was conuerted into loue, by
+th'effect of concord, sutch as I know none, but is so mutch
+astonned, as hee maye haue good cause to wonder, consyderyng the
+stately foundations vppon which Kinges and greate Monarches haue
+employed the chyefest reuenues of their prouinces. Now lyke as
+ingratitude is a vice of greatest blame and discommendation
+amongs men, euen so Gentlenesse and Kindnesse ought to beare the
+title of a most commendable vertue. And as the Thebans were
+accused of that crime, for their great Captaynes Epaminondas and
+Pelopidas. So the Plateens (contrarywise) are praised for their
+solempne obseruation of the Grekes benefits, which deliuered
+them oute of the Persians bondage. And the Sicyonians beare away
+the pryse of eternall prayse, for acknowledgyng the good turnes
+receiued of Aratus, that delyuered them from the cruelty of the
+tyrants. And if Philippo Maria, duke of Milan, deserued eternal
+reproch for his ingratitude to his wife Beatrix, for the secrete
+killing of hir, he being enryched with hir goodes and treasures:
+a barbarous Turke borne in Arabia, shal carry the praise, who
+being vanquished in Arabia, by Baldouine, kyng of Hierusalem,
+and he and his Wife taken prysoners, and his treasures fallen
+into the hands of that good king, issued of the Loraine bloud,
+who neuerthelesse seeing that the Chrystian had deliuered him,
+and restored againe his wife would not be vanquished in
+magnificence and liberalitye, and mutch lesse beare the name of
+an vnkind prince, but rather when Baldouine was ouercome of the
+infidels, and being retyred within a certaine city, the Admiral
+of Arabie, came to him in the night, and tellyng him the deuice
+of his companions, conueyed hym out of the City, and was hys
+guide vntill he sawe hym free from peril. I haue alleaged the
+premysses, bycause the History whych I purpose to recyte,
+aduoucheth two examples not Vulgare or Common, the one of very
+great Loue, and the other of sutch acceptation and knowledgyng
+thereof, as I thought it pity the same should lurk from the
+Acquayntaunce of vs Englysh Men. And that they alone should haue
+the Benefite thereof whych vnderstand the Italian tongue,
+supposing that it shall bryng some fruyct and commodity to this
+our Englishe Soyle, that ech Wyghte may frame their lyfe on
+those whych in straung Countries far from vs, haue lyued
+vertuously wythout reproch that might soyle or spotte theyr
+name. In Siena then (an auncient, and very noble Citty of
+Toscane, which no longe time past was gouerned by hir
+Magistrates, and liued in hir own lawes and liberties, as the
+Lucquois, Pisans, and Florentines do) were two families very
+rich, noble, and the chiefe of the Citty called the Salimbenes,
+and Montanines, of the Race and Stock whereof, excellent men in
+their Common wealth haue descended, very good and expert
+Souldiers for conducte of Armies. Those two houses in the
+beginning were so great freendes, and frequented sutch loue and
+familiarity, as it seemed they had bene but one house and
+bloude, dayly vsinge eche others company, and banketting one
+another. But Italy in all times being as it were a Store house
+of troubles, and a very marte of sedition, bandes, and
+parcialities, specially of ciuill warres in euery Citty, it
+coulde not be that Siena shoulde alone enioy hir liberty in
+peace, and accorde of Cittizens, and vaunt hir selfe to bee free
+from knowledge of particular debate. For of warres shee had good
+experience against the Florentines, who by long remembraunce
+haue don what they coulde to make hir subiect vnto them. Nowe
+the cause of that discorde rose euen by them which kept the
+Cittizens in vnity and concord, and was occasioned by those 2
+houses the noblest, and most puissant of their common wealth.
+It is not vnknowne to any man, that antiquity ordayned it to be
+peculiar for nobility, to trayne vp there children in huntinge,
+aswell to bolden and Nosell theym in daungers, as to make them
+stronge, and accustomed in trauayle, and to force them shun the
+delicate lyfe and great Idlenes which accompany honorable
+houses, and those of gentle bloud, forsomutch as by the pursuite
+of Beastes, sleyghts of warre bee obserued: the Hounds be the
+square battell, the Greyhoundes be the flanquarts and Wynges to
+follow the enimy, the horseman serueth to gieue the Chace, when
+the Game speedeth to couert, the Hornes be the Trumpets to
+sounde the Chase and Retire, and for incouragement of the Dogges
+to run. To be short, it seemeth a very Campe in battayle,
+ordayned for the pleasure and passetyme of noble youth.
+Neuerthelesse, by hunting diuers missefortunes doe arise, and
+sundry daungers haue happened by the same. Meleager lost his
+Lyfe for the victory of the wyld Bore of Callydonia, Cephalus
+was slaine for kylling his deare beloued Pocris, and Acastus was
+accursed for murdering the King's sonne of whome he was the
+Tutour. William Rufus, one of our Englysh Kings, the son of the
+Conquerour, was killed with an Arrow in the New Forrest by a
+French Gentleman called Walter Tyrel, as he was pursuing the
+Harte. Other histories reporte dyuers peryls chaunced in
+hunting, but yet the same worthy to be cheryshed, frequented and
+vsed by good aduise and moderate pastyme. So the huntinge of the
+wylde Bore defyled the City of Siena, with the bloud of hir owne
+Citizens, when the Salimbenes and Montanines vppon a daye in an
+assembled company, incountring vpon a greate and fierce Bore,
+toke hym by force of men and Beastes. When they had don, as they
+were banketting and communing of the nimblenesse of their dogs,
+ech man praising his owne, as hauing done beste, there rose
+greate debate amongs them [vpon that matter], and proceeded so
+farre, as fondly they began to reuile one another with words,
+and from taunting termes to earnest blowes, wherewith diuers in
+that skirmish were hurt on both sides: In the end the Salimbenes
+had the worsse, and one of the principall slayne in the place,
+which appalled the rest, not that they were discoraged, but
+attending time and season of reuenge. This hatred so strangely
+kindled betwene both partes, that by lyttle and lyttle, after
+many combats and ouerthrowes of eyther side, the losse lyghted
+vpon the Montanines, who with their wealth and rychesse were
+almost brought to nothing, and thereby the rygour and Choler of
+the Salimbenes appeased, none being able to resist them, and in
+space of time forgot all iniuries. The Montanines also that
+remayned at Siena, liued in quyet, wythoute chalenge or quarell
+of their aduersaries, howbeit mutuall talke and haunt of others
+company vtterly surceased. And to say the truth, there were
+almost none to quarell wythall, for the whole Bloude and Name of
+the Montanines rested in one alone, called Charles the Sonne of
+Thomas Montanine, a young man so honest and well brought vp as
+any then in Siena, who had a syster, that for beauty, grace,
+curtesy and honesty, was comparable with the best in all
+Thoscane. This poore young Gentleman had no great reuenue, for
+that the patrimonie of his predecessors was wasted in charges
+for entertainement of Souldiers in the time of the hurly burly
+and debates aforesaid. A good parte also was confiscate to the
+Chamber of Siena for trespasses and forfaitures committed: with
+the remayne he sustained his family, and indifferently
+maintained hys porte soberly within his owne house, keping his
+sister in decent and moderate order. The Maiden was called
+Angelica, a Name of trouth, without offence to other, due to
+hir. For in very deede in hir were harbored the vertue of
+Curtesy and Gentlenesse, and was so wel instructed and nobly
+brought vp, as they which loued not the Name or race of hir,
+could not forbeare to commend hir, and wyshe theyr owne
+daughters to be hir lyke. In sutch wise as one of hir chiefest
+foes was so sharpely beset with hir vertue and beauty, as he
+lost his quiet sleepe, and lust to eate and drinke. His name was
+Anselmo Salimbene, who woulde wyllinglye haue made sute to marry
+hir, but the discord past, quite mortified his desire, so soone
+as he had deuised the plot wythin his brayne and fansie.
+Notwithstanding it was impossible that the louer so lyuely
+grauen and roted in his mind, could easily be defaced. For if
+once in a day he had not seene hir, his heart did fele the
+torments of tosting flames, and wished that the hunting of the
+Bore, had neuer decaied a family so excellent, to the intent he
+myght haue matched himself with hir, whome none other could
+displace out of his remembraunce, that was one of the rychest
+Gentlemen and of greatest power in Siena. Now for that he durst
+not discouer his amorous griefe to any person, was the chiefest
+cause that martired most his hearte, and for the auncient
+festred malice of those two families, he despayred for euer, to
+gather either floure or fruict of that affection, presupposing
+that Angelica would neuer fixe hir Loue on him, for that his
+Parents were the cause of the defaite and ouerthrow of the
+Montanine house. But what? There is nothing durable vnder the
+heauens. Both good and euyll haue theyr reuolution in the
+gouernment of humane affayres. The amityes and hatredes of
+Kynges and Prynces, be they so hardened, as commonly in a Moment
+hee is not seene to be a hearty Friende, that lately was a
+cruell Foe, and spyred naught else but the ruine of his
+Aduersary? Wee see the variety of Humayne chaunces, and then doe
+iudge at eye what great simplicity it is to stay and settle
+certayne, and infallible iudgement vppon man's vnstayed doings.
+He that erst gouerned a king, and made all things to tremble at
+his word, is sodaynely throwne downe, and dyeth a shamefull
+death. In like sorte, another whych looketh for his owne
+vndoinge, seeth himselfe aduaunced to hys estate agayne, by
+reuenge ouer his Enimies. Calir Bassa gouerned whilom the great
+Mahomet, that wan the Empire of Constantinople, who attempted
+nothing without the aduice of that Bassa. But vpon the sodayne
+he saw him selfe reiected, and the next day strangled by
+commaundement of him, which so greatly honoured him, and without
+iust cause did him to a death so cruell. Contrarywise Aragon the
+Tartarian entring Armes against his Vncle Tangodor Caui, when
+hee was vpon the Poynct to lose his Lyfe for his rebellion, and
+was conueyed into Armenia to be executed there, was rescued by
+certayne Tartarians the houshold seruaunts of his dead vncle,
+and afterwards Proclaymed King of Tartary about the year 1285.
+The example of the Empresse Adaleda is of no lesse credit than
+the former, who being fallen into the hands of Beranger the
+Vsurper of the Empyre escaped his fury and cruelty by flight,
+and in the ende maried to Otho the firste, sawe hir wrong
+reuenged vpon Beranger and all his Race by hir Sonne Otho the
+second. I aduouch these Hystories to proue the mobility of
+fortune, and the chaunge of worldly chaunces, to th'ende you may
+see that the very same misery which followed Charles Montanine
+hoysted him aloft agayne, and when he looked for least succour,
+he saw deliueraunce at hand. Now to prosecute our Hystory: know
+yee that while Salimbene by little and little pined for loue of
+Angelica, whereof shee was ignoraunt and carelesse, and albeit
+shee curteously rendred health to him, when sometimes in his
+amorous fit he beheld hir at a Window, yet for al that shee
+neuer so mutch as guessed the thoughts of hir louing enimy.
+During these haps it chaunced that a rich Cittizen of Siena,
+hauing a ferme adioyning to the Lands of Montanine, desirous to
+encrease his Patrimony, and annexe the same vnto his owne, and
+knowing that the yong Gentleman wanted many thinges, moued him
+to sel his inheritaunce, offring hym for it in ready money,
+a M. Ducates, Charles which of al the wealth and substaunce left
+him by his auncester, had no more remaynyng but that countrey
+Ferme, and a Palace in the City (so the rich Italians of ech
+City, terme their houses,) and with that lytle lyued honestly,
+and maintained his sister so wel as he could, refused flatly to
+dispossesse himselfe of the portion, that renewed vnto him the
+happy memory of those that had ben the chiefe of all the Common
+Wealth. The couetous wretch seeing himselfe frustrate of his
+pray, conceiued sutch rancor against Montanine, as he purposed
+by right or wrong to make him not only to forfait the same, but
+also to lose his lyfe, following the wicked desire of tirannous
+Iesabell, that made Naboth to be stonned to death to extort and
+wrongfully get his vineyard. About that time for the quarels and
+common dyscordes raigning throughout Italy, the Nobility were
+not assured of safety in their Countreis, but rather the common
+sort and rascall number, were the chief rulers and gouerners of
+the common wealth, whereby the greatest part of the Nobility or
+those of beste authority being banished, the villanous band, and
+grosest kind of common people made a law (like to the Athenians
+in the time of Solon) that all persons of what degree and
+condition so euer they were, which practized by himselfe or
+other meanes the restablyshing or reuocation of sutch as were
+banished out of their Citye, should lose and forfaite the
+summe of M. Florens, and hauing not wherewith to pay the
+condempnation, their head should remaine for gage. A law no
+doubt very iust and righteous, scenting rather of the barbarous
+cruelty of the Gothes and Vandales, than of true christians,
+stopping the retire of innocents exiled for particular quarels
+of Citizens incited one against another, and rigorously
+rewarding mercy and curtesy, with execution of cruelty
+incomparable. This Citizen then purposed to accuse Montanine
+for offending against the law, bicause otherwise he could not
+purchase his entent, and the same was easy inough for him to
+compasse, by reason of his authority and estimation in the
+Citye: for the Endytemente and plea was no sooner red and giuen,
+but a number of post knightes appeared to depose against the
+poore Gentleman, to beare witnesse that he had trespassed the
+Lawes of the Countrey, and had sought meanes to introduce the
+banished, with intent to kyll the gouerners, and to place in
+state those factious, that were the cause of the Italian
+troubles. The myserable Gentleman knewe not what to do, ne how
+to defend himself. There were against him the Moone and the VII.
+starres, the state of the City, the Proctor and Iudge of the
+Courte, the wytnesses that gaue euidence, and the law whych
+condempned him. He was sent to Pryson, sentence was pronounced
+against him with sutch expedition, as he had no leysure to
+consider his affayres. There was no man, for feare to incurre
+the displeasures of the Magistrates, that durst open hys mouth
+to speake or make sute for hys delyueraunce. Like as the most
+part of fryendes in these dayes resembling the crow, that flyeth
+not but after carrian to gorge his rauenous Crop, and sutch
+friends doe visite the house of the fryend but for profit,
+reuerencyng him so long as he is in prosperitye, accordyng to
+the Poet's complaynt.
+
+  Like as the purest gold in fieri flames is tried,
+  Euen so is fayth of fryends in hard estate descried.
+  If hard missehap doth thee affray,
+  Ech of thy friends do flie away,
+  And he which erst full friendly semde to thee,
+  A friend no more to thy poor state is hee.
+
+And simple Wyghtes ought not to bee afrayde, and thynke amyss if
+Fryendes doe flee away, sith Prynces and great Lords incurre
+sutch hap and Fortune. The great leader of the Romayne Armies,
+Pompeius, the honor of the people and Senate of Rome, what
+companion had he to flee with hym? Whych of his auncient friends
+toke paine to rescue and delyuer him from his Enimyes hands
+which did pursue him? A king of Ægipt which had known and found
+this good Romane Prynce a kind and gentle fryend, was he that
+killed him, and sent his head to his Victor and unsatible greedy
+gutte Iulius Cæsar, falsifying his promised fayth, and
+forgetting his receiued pleasures. Amongs all the comforts which
+this pore Siena Gentleman found, although but a curssed Traitor,
+was thys vnfaithfull and pestiferous Camæleon, who came and
+offred him al the pleasure and kindnesse he was able to do.
+But the varlet attended conuenient tyme to make him taste his
+poyson, and to let him see by effect, how dangerous a thing it
+is to be il neighbored, hoping after the condempnation of
+Montanine he should at pleasure purchase the Lordshippe, after
+whych with so open mouth he gaped. Ouer whom he had hys wyll:
+for two or three dayes after the recitall of the endytement
+and giuing of the euydence, Charles was condempned, and his
+fine sessed at M. Florins to be payed within XV. dayes,
+vntyl whych time to remaine in Pryson. And for default of
+sutch payment to loose his heade, bicause he had infringed the
+Lawes, and broken the Statutes of the Senate. This sentence was
+very difficult for poor Montanine to digest, who saw all his
+goodes like to be dispoyled and confiscate, complayning
+specially the fortune of fayre Angelica his sister, whych all
+the tyme of the imprysonment of hir deare brother, neuer went
+out of the house, ne ceased to weepe and lamente the hard
+fortune whereinto their family was lyke to fall by that new
+mischaunce: "Alas," said the fayre curteous damsel, "will the
+heauens never be appeased but continually extend their wrathe
+vpon our deplored family, and shal our missehaps neuer cease?
+Had it not bene more tollerable for our consumed bloude, that
+the dissentions past, had been tried by dent of sword, than to
+see the present innocency of the young Gentleman my brother in
+daunger to be innocently accused and put to death, through the
+vniustice of those, which beare mortal malice to noble bloud,
+and glory in depryuation of the whole remembrance of the same?
+O dampnable state that muste hale the guiltlesse to the gibet
+and irreuocable sentence of those iudges remaining in a city,
+which men cal free, albeit a confused multitude hath the vpper
+hande, and may so bee, that Nature hath produced them to treade
+vnder foote noble Wightes for their Offences. Ah dear Brother,
+I see well what is the cause. If thou hadst not that lytle
+lordshyp in the Countrey, and Pryncely House in the City, no man
+would haue enuied thine estate, or could haue charged thee with
+any Crime, which I would to God, thou hadst not onely
+enterprysed, but also broughte to passe, to the intent thou
+mightest haue ben reuenged of the wrong which these cankred
+Carles ordinarily do vnto my Noble bloud. But what reason is it
+that marchants and artificers, or the sonnes of villaines should
+rule a common Wealth? O happy Countreis where kings giue Lawes,
+and Princes see by proued sight, those persons which resemble
+them, and in their places beare the sway. And O unhappy wee,
+that be the slaues of a waiwarde state, peruerted by corruption.
+Why dyd our predecessors minde to stablysh any lyberty at al, to
+thrust the same into the confused gouernment of the commons of
+our Countrey? We haue stil the Frenchman at our tayle, or the
+people of our highest Bishop, or else those crafty Florentines,
+we be the common pray of al those that list to follow the haunt,
+and that which is our extreamest misery, we make oure selues the
+very slaues of them that of right ought to be reputed the vilest
+amongs us al. Ah deare Brother, that thy wretched tyme is come,
+the onely hope of our decayed family. Thou hadest neuer bene
+committed to Warde, had not thy false assured foes bene assure
+of witnesse to condempne thee. Ah that my life mighte raunsome
+thine, and redeme agayn thyne estate and succor, thou shouldest
+be sure that forthwith Angelica would prepare hirself to bee the
+pray of those hungry rauenyng Wolues, which bleat and bellow
+after thy Lands and Lyfe." Whyle this fayre Damsell of Siena in
+this sort dyd torment hir self, poore Montanine, seeinge that he
+was brought to the last extremity of his desired hope, as eche
+man naturally doth seke meanes to prolong his lyfe, knowing that
+all other help fayled for hys delyueraunce except he sold his
+land, aswel to satisfy the fine, as to preuayle in the rest of
+his Affaires, sent one of the gailers to that worshipfull usurer
+the cause of hys Calamity, to offer him his Land for the pryce
+and sum of a M. Ducates. The pernicious and trayterous
+villain, seeing that Montanine was at his mercy, and stode in
+the water up to the very throte, and knew no more what to do,
+as if already he had tryumphed of hys life and Land so greatly
+coueted, answered him in this manner: "My friend thou shalt say
+to Charles Montanine, that not long ago I would willingly haue
+giuen him a good Summe of Money for his Ferme, but sithens that
+tyme I haue imployed my Money to some better profit: and albeit
+I was in minde to buy it, I would be loth to give aboue 7. C.
+Florins, being assured that it cannot be so commodious, as my
+Money is able to bring yearely Gayne into my Purse." See how
+Auarice is the Pickpurse of secret and hidden gayne, and the
+very Whirlepoole of Honesty, and Conscience, couetinge nought
+els but by vnrighteous Pray of other mens goods, to accumulate
+and heape together. The aboundance whereof bringeth no greater
+good hap vnto the gluttonous Owner, but rather the minde of
+sutch is more miserable, and carryeth therewithall more decrease
+of quiet, than increase of filthy muck. The couetous man beareth
+no loue but to his Treasure, nor exerciseth charity but vpon his
+Coafers, who, than he would be dispossessed thereof, had rather
+sell the life of his naturall Father. This detestable Villayne
+hauing sometimes offered M. Ducates to Charles for his
+Enherytaunce, will now doe so no more, aspiring the totall Ruine
+of the Montanine Family. Charles aduertised of his minde, and
+amazed for the Counsels decree, well saw that all thinges
+contraried hys hope and expectation, and that he must needes dye
+to satisfie the excessiue and couetous Lust of the Cormerant,
+whose malice hee knew to bee so vehement, as none durst offer
+him Money, by reason of the vnhappy desire of this neuer
+contented Varlet: For which consideration throughly resolved to
+dye, rather than to leaue hys poore Sister helplesse, and
+without reliefe, and rather than he would agree to the bargayne
+tending to his so great losse and disadvauntage, and to the
+Tirannous dealing of the wicked Tormentor of hys Lyfe, seeing
+also that all meanes to purge and auerre his innocency, was
+taken from him, the finall decree of the Iudges being already
+passed, he began to dispose himselfe to repentaunce and
+saluation of his Soule, making complaynte of his Mishaps in thys
+manner.
+
+  To what hath not the heauens hatefull bin,
+  Since for the ease of man they weaue sutch woe?
+  By diuers toyles they lap our crosses in
+  With cares and griefes, whereon our mischiefes groe:
+  The bloudy hands and Sword of mortall foe,
+  Doe search mine euill, and would destroy me quite,
+  Through heynous hate and hatefull heaped spite.
+
+  Wherefore come not the fatall sisters three,
+  That draw the line of life and death by right?
+  Com furies all, and make an ende of mee,
+  For from the world, my sprite would take his flight.
+  Why comes not nowe fowle Gorgon full in sight,
+  And Typhon's head, that deepe in hell remaynes,
+  For to torment the silly soules in paynes?
+
+  It better were for mee to feele your force,
+  Than this missehap of murdring enuy'es rage,
+  By curssed meanes and fall vpon my corse,
+  And worke my ruine amid my flouring age:
+  For if I were dispatch'de in this desire,
+  The feare were gone, of blacke infernall fire.
+
+  O Gods of Seas, and cause of blustring winde,
+  Thou Æolus and Neptune to I say,
+  Why did you let my Barke sutch fortune finde,
+  That safe to shore I came by any way?
+  Why brake yee not, agaynst some Rocke or Bay,
+  The keele, the sterne, or els blew downe the Mast,
+  By whose large sayles through surging seas I past?
+
+  Had these things hapt, I had not seene this houre,
+  The house of dole where wofull sprites complayne,
+  Nor vserers on me had vsde sutch power,
+  Nor I had seene depaynted in disdayne,
+  The God of care, with whom dead Ghosts remayne.
+  Who howles and Skrekes in hollow trees and holes,
+  Where Charon raygnes among condemned soules.
+
+  Ah, ah, since hap will worke my wretched end,
+  And that my ruine by iudgement is decreed:
+  Why doth not happe sutch happy fortune send,
+  That I may lead with me the man in deede,
+  That staynd his fayth, and faylde me at my neede,
+  For gayne of golde, as vsurers do God knowes,
+  Who cannot spare the dropping of their nose?
+
+  I should haue slayne the slaue that seru'd me so,
+  O God forbid my hands were brued in blood,
+  Should I desire the harme of friend or foe?
+  Nay better were to wishe mine en'my good:
+  For if my death I throughly vnderstood,
+  I should make short the course I haue to run,
+  Since rest is got when worldly toyle is done.
+
+  Alas, alas, my chiefest way is this,
+  A guiltlesse death to suffer as I can,
+  So shall my soule be sure of heauen's blisse,
+  And good renoume shall rest behinde me than,
+  And body shall take end where it began,
+  And fame shall fly before me, ere I flit
+  Vnto the Gods, where Ioue in throne doth sit.
+
+  O God conuert, from vyce to vertue now,
+  The heart of him that falseth fayth wyth me,
+  And chaunge his minde and mend his maners throw,
+  That he his fault and fowle offence may see,
+  For death shall make my fame immortall bee:
+  And whiles the Sunne which in the heauens doth shine,
+  The shame is his, and honor shall be mine.
+
+  Alas, I mourne not for my selfe alone,
+  Nor for the fame of my Forefathers olde,
+  'Tys Angelike, that causeth me to mone,
+  'Tys she that filles my brest with fansies colde,
+  'Tys shee more worth, than was the fliece of golde,
+  That mooues my minde and breedes sutch passions straunge,
+  As in my selfe I feele a wonderous chaunge.
+
+  Haue pitty Lord of hir and mee this day,
+  Since destny thus hath sundred vs in spite,
+  O suffer not hir vertues to decay,
+  But let hir take in friendship sutch delite,
+  That from hir brest all vice be banisht quite:
+  And let hir like as did hir noble race,
+  When I poore man am deade, and out of place.
+
+  Alas my hand would write these wofull lines,
+  That feeble sprite denyes for want of might,
+  Wherefore my heart in brest consumes and pines,
+  With deepe desires, that far is from man's sight,
+  But God he sees myne innocencie and right,
+  And knowes the cause of myne Accuser still,
+  Who seekes my bloud to haue on mee his will.
+
+When Charles thus complayned himself, and throughly was
+determined to dy, great pitty it was to see how fayre Angelica
+did rent hir Face, and teare hir golden Locks, when she saw how
+impossible it was to saue hir obstinate brother from the cruel
+sentence pronounced vpon him, for whom she had imployed all hir
+wits and fayre speach, to perswade the neerest of hir Kin to
+make sute. Thus rested she alone ful of sutch heauinesse and
+vexation as they can think which see themselues depriued of
+things that they esteeme most dere. But of one thing I can wel
+assure you, that if ill fortune had permitted that Charles
+should haue bin put to death, the gentle damsel also had
+breathed forth the final gasp of hir sorowful life, yeldinge
+therewithall the last end of the Montanine race and family. What
+booteth it to hold processe of long discourse? Beholde the last
+day is come deferred by the Iudges, whereupon he must eyther
+satisfie the fine, or dye the next day after like a rebel and
+Traytor against the state, without any of his kin making sute or
+meane for his deliueraunce: albeit they visited the fayre
+mayden, and comforted hir in that hir wretched state,
+instructing hir how shee should gouerne hir selfe patiently to
+suffer things remedilesse. Angelica accompanied with hir kin,
+and the maidens dwelling by, that were hir companions, made the
+ayre to sound with outcries and waymentings, and she hir selfe
+exclaymed like a woman destraught of Wits, whose plaints the
+multitude assisted with like eiulations and outcries, wayling
+the fortune of the yong gentleman, and sorowfull to see the
+mayden in daunger to fal into some mishap. As these things were
+thus bewayled, it chaunced about nine of the clocke at night,
+that Anselmo Salimbene, he whom we haue sayd to be surprised
+with the loue of Angelica, returning out of the Countrey, where
+he had remayned for a certayne time, and passing before the
+house of his Lady, according to his custome, heard the voyce of
+women and maydens which mourned for Montanine, and therewithall
+stayd: the chiefest cause of his stay was, for that he saw go
+forth out of the Pallace of hys Angelica, diuers Women making
+Moane, and Lamentation: wherefore he demaunded of the neyghbors
+what noyse that was, and whether any in those Quarters were dead
+or no. To whom they declared at length, al that which yee haue
+heard before. Salimbene hearing this story, went home to his
+house, and being secretly entred into his chamber, began
+discourse with himselfe vpon that accident, and fantasying a
+thousand things in his heade, in the ende thought that Charles
+should not so be cast away, were he iustly or innocently
+condempned, and for the only respect of his sister, that she
+might not bee left destitute of the Goods, and Inheritaunce.
+Thus discoursing diuers things, at length he sayd: "I were a
+very simple person nowe to rest in doubt, sith Fortune is more
+curious of my felicity than I could wishe, and seeketh the
+effect of my desires, when least of all I though vpon them. For
+behold, Montanine alone is left of all the mortall enimies of
+our house, whych to morrow openly shall lose his head like a
+rebell and seditious person, vpon whose Auncesters, in him shall
+I be reuenged, and the quarell betweene our two Families, shall
+take ende, hauinge no more cause to feare renuing of discorde,
+by any that can descend from him. And who shall let mee then
+from inioying hir, whom I doe loue, hir brother being dead,
+and his goods confiscate to the Seigniory, and she without all
+Maynetenaunce, and Reliefe, except the ayde of hir onely beauty
+and curtesie? What maynetenaunce shall she haue, if not by the
+loue of some honest Gentleman, that for hys pleasure may support
+hir, and haue pitty vppon the losse of so excellent beauty? Ah
+Salimbene, what hast thou sayd? Hast thou already forgotten that
+a Gentleman for that only cause is esteemed aboue al other,
+whose glorious facts ought to shine before the brightnesse of
+those that force theymselues to followe vertue? Art not thou a
+Gentleman borne, and Bred in noble house, Issued from the Loyns
+of gentle and noble Parentes? Is it ignoraunt vnto thee, that it
+pertayneth vnto a noble and gentle heart, to reuenge receyued
+Iniuries himselfe, without seeking ayde of other or else to
+pardon them by vsing clemency and princely curtesie, burying all
+desire of vengeaunce vnder the Toumbe of eternall obliuion?
+And what greater glory can man acquire, than by vanquishing
+himselfe, and chastising his affections and rage, to bynde him
+which neuer thought to receyue pleasure or benefit at his hand?
+It is a thing which exceedeth the common order of nature, and so
+is it meete and requisite, that the most excellent doe make the
+effects of their excellency appeare, and seeke meanes for the
+immortality of their remembraunce. The great Dictator Cæsar was
+more praysed for pardoning hys enimies, and for shewing himselfe
+curteous and easie to be spoken to, than for subduinge the braue
+and valiaunt Galles and Britons, or vanquishing the mighty
+Pompee. Dom Roderico Viuario, the Spaniard, although he might
+haue bene reuenged vpon Dom Pietro, king of Aragon, for his
+infidelity, bicause he went about to hinder his voyage agaynst
+the Saracens at Grenado, yet woulde not Punishe or Raunsome him,
+but taking him Prysoner in the Warres, suffred him to goe
+without any Tribute, or any exaction of him and his Realme. The
+more I followe the example of mighty Personages in thinges that
+be good, the more notorious and wonderful shall I make my selfe
+in their rare and noble deedes. And not willing to forget a
+wrong done vnto me, whereof may I complayne of Montanine? What
+thinge hath hee euer done agaynst me or mine? And albeit his
+Predecessors were enimies to our Family, they haue therefore
+borne the penaunce, more harde than the sinne deserued. And
+truly I should be afrayde, that God would suffer me to tumble
+into some mishap, if seeing one afflicted, I should reioyce in
+his affliction, and take by his decay an argument of ioy and
+pleasure. No, no, Salimbene is not of minde that sutch fond
+Imagination should Bereue good will to make hymselfe a Freende,
+and to gayne by liberality and curtesie hir, which for hir only
+vertue deserueth a greater lord than I. Being assured, that
+there is no man (except he were dispoyled of all good nature and
+humanity) specially bearing the loue to Angelica, that I do, but
+he would be sory to see hir in sutch heauinesse and despayre,
+and would attempt to deliuer hir from sutch dolorous griefe.
+For if I loue hir as I do in deede, must not I likewise loue all
+that which she earnestly loueth, as him that is nowe in daunger
+of death for a simple fine of a thousand Florens? That my heart
+doe make appeere what the loue is, which maketh me Tributary and
+Subiect to fayre Angelica, and that eche man may knowe, that
+furious loue hath vanquisht kings and great monarches, it
+behoueth not me to be abashed, if I which am a man and subiect
+to passions, so well as other, doe submit my selfe to the
+seruice of hir, who I am assured is so vertuous as euen very
+necessity cannot force hir to forget the house, whereof she
+tooke hir originall. Vaunt thy selfe then O Angelica, to haue
+forced a heart of it selfe impregnable, and giuen him a wound
+which the stoutest Lads might sooner haue depriued of lyfe, than
+put him out of the way of his gentle kinde: and thou, Montanine,
+thinke, that if thou wilt thy selfe, thou winnest to day so
+hearty a frende, as only death shall separate the vnion of vs
+twayne, and of all our posterity. It is I, nay it is I my selfe,
+that shall excell thee in duety, poynting the way for the
+wisest, to get honor, and violently compel the mooued myndes of
+those that be our aduersaries, desiring rather vainely to forgo
+myne own life, than to giue ouer the vertuous conceipts, which
+be already grifted in my minde." After this long discourse
+seeing the tyme required dilligence, hee tooke a thousand
+Ducats, and went to the Treasurer of the fines, deputed by the
+state, whom he founde in his office, and sayde vnto him: "I haue
+brought you sir, the Thousande Ducates, which Charles Montanine
+is bounde to pay for his deliueraunce. Tell them, and gieue him
+an acquittaunce, that presently hee may come forth." The
+Treasorer woulde haue giuen him the rest, that exceeded the
+Summe of a Thousand Florens: but Salimbene refused the same,
+and receyuing a letter for his discharge, he sent one of his
+Seruaunts therewithal to the chiefe Gayler, who seeing that the
+Summe of his condemnation was payd, immediately deliuered
+Montanine out of the Prison where he was fast shut, and fettered
+with great, and weyghty Giues. Charles thinckinge that some
+Frier had bin come to confesse him, and that they had shewed him
+some mercy to doe hym to death in Prison, that abroade in open
+shame of the world he might not deface the Noble house whereof
+he came, was at the first sight astonned, but hauing prepared
+himselfe to die, praysed God, and besought him to vouchsafe not
+to forget him in the sorrowful passage, wherein the stoutest and
+coragious many times be faynt and inconstaunt. He recommended
+his Soule, he prayed forgieuenesse of his sinnes: and aboue all,
+he humbly besought the goodnesse of God, that it would please
+him to haue pitty vpon his Sister, and to deliuer hir from all
+Infamy and dishonor. When he was caried out of Pryson, and
+brought before the Chiefe Gayler, sodaynely his Giues were
+discharged from his Legges, and euery of the standers by looked
+merily vppon hym, without speakinge any Woorde that might affray
+hym. That Curtesie vnlooked for, made hym attende some better
+thynge, and assured hym of that whych before by any meanes hee
+durste not thyncke. And hys expectation was not deceiued. For
+the Gayler sayde vnto hym: "Bee of good Cheare Sir, for beholde
+the letters of your discharge, wherefore you may goe at liberty
+whether you list." In saying so, he opened the Pryson, and
+licenced Montanine to departe, praying him not to take in ill
+part his intreaty and hard imprysonment, for that hee durst doe
+none other, the State of the City hauing so enioyned hym. May
+not ech Wyght now behold how that the euents of loue be diuers
+from other passions of the mind? How could Salimbene haue so
+charitably deliuered Montanine, the hatred beyng so long tyme
+rooted between the two houses, if some greate occasion whych
+hath no name in Loue, had not altred his Nature, and
+extinguished hys affection? It is meritoryous to succour them
+whome we neuer saw before, sith nature moueth vs to doe well to
+them that be lyke our selues. But faith surmounteth there, where
+the very naturall inclynation feeleth it self constrayned and
+seeth that to be broken, whych obstynately was purposed to be
+kept in mynde. The graces, gentlenesse, Beauty, mild behauior
+and allurement of Angelica, had greater force ouer Salimbene,
+than the humility of hir Brother, although he had kneeled a
+hundred tymes before him. But what heart is so brute, but may be
+made tractable and Mylde, by the Contemplation of a thyng so
+rare, as the excellent Beauty of that Siena Mayden, and woulde
+not humble it selfe to acquyre the good graces of so perfect a
+Damsel? I wyll neuer accuse man for beyng in Loue wyth a fayre
+and vertuous Woman, nor esteeme hym a slaue, whych painefully
+serueth a sobre Mayden, whose heart is fraught wyth honeste
+affections, and Mynd wyth desyre tending to good ende. Well
+worthy of blame is he to be deemed whych is in loue wyth the
+outeward hew, and prayseth the Tree onely layden with floures,
+without regard to the fruict, whych maketh it worthye of
+commendation. The young maiden must needes resemble the floure
+of the Spryng time, vntill by hir constancy, modesty, and
+chastity she hath vanquished the concupiscence of the flesh,
+and brought forth the hoped fruicte of a Vertue and Chastity not
+Common. Otherwyse, shee shall bee lyke the inrolled Souldyer,
+whose valyance hys only mind doth wytnes, and the offer whych he
+maketh to hym that doth register his name in the muster bookes.
+But when the effect of seruyce is ioyned wyth his attempt, and
+proofe belyeth not hys promyse, then the Captain imbraceth him,
+and aduaunceth him, as a glasse for his affaires from that time
+forth. The lyke of Dames hauing passed the assaults and resisted
+the attempts of theyr assaylants which be honest, not by force
+being not requyred, but inclyned by ther owne nature, and the
+dyligence of theyr chast and inuincyble heart. But turne we
+againe vnto our purpose, Montanine, when he was delyuered,
+forthwyth wente home to hys house, to comfort hir, whom he was
+more than sure to be in great distresse and heauinesse for his
+sake, and whych had so mutch neede of comfort as he had, to take
+his rest. He came to the gate of his Pallace (where beyng knowne
+that it was Montanine) his sister by any meanes coulde not bee
+made to beleue the same: so impossible seeme thynges vnto vs,
+which we most desyre. They were all in doubte, lyke as wee reade
+that they were when S. Peter escaped Herod's Pryson by the
+Angel's meanes. When Angelica was assured that it was hir
+Brother, sobbes wer layde aside, sighes were cast away, and
+heauy weepings conuerted into teares of ioy, she went to imbrace
+and kisse hir Brother, praising GOD for hys delyuerance, and
+making accompt that he had ben raised from death to lyfe,
+considering his stoutnes of minde rather bent to dye than to
+forgo his Land, for so smal a pryce. The Dames that wer kin vnto
+hym, and tarried there in Company of the maiden half in
+dispayre, least by dispayre and fury shee might fall into
+outrage therby to put hir lyfe in peril, with all expedition
+aduertised their husbands of Montanine's Lyberty, not looked
+for, who repayred thither, as wel to reioyce with him in his ioy
+and good fortune, as to make their excuse, for that they had not
+trauayled to ryd him from that misery. Charles whych cared
+nothing at al for those mouth blessings, dissembled what he
+thought, thanking them neuerthelesse for their visitation and
+good remembrance they had of hym, for visiting and comforting
+his sister which honor, he estemed no lesse than if they had
+imployed the same vpon his owne person. Their friends and
+kinsfolk being departed, and assured that none of them had payde
+his ransome, hee was wonderfully astonned and the greater was
+his gryef for that he could not tell what hee was, whych
+withoute requeste, had made so gentle a proofe of his
+lyberality: if he knew nothing, farre more ignoraunte was his
+sister, forsomutch as she dyd thinke, that he had changed his
+mind, and that the horrour of death had made him sel his
+countrey inheritance, to hym whych made the first offer to buy
+the same: but either of them deceyued of their thought went to
+bed. Montanine rested not all the Nyght, hauyng still before his
+eyes, the vnknowne image of hym that had delyuered him. His bed
+serued his turne to none other purpose, but as a large field or
+some long alley within a Wood, for walkes to make discourse of
+hys mynde's conceipts, sometimes remembryng one, sometimes
+another, without hitting the blanke and namyng of him that was
+his deliuerer, vnto whome he confessed him selfe to owe hys
+seruice and duety so long as hee lyued. And when hee saw the day
+begyn to appeare and that the Mornyng, the Vauntcurrour of the
+day, summoned Apollo to harnesse hys Horsse to begynne his
+course in our Hemisphere, he rose and went to the Chamberlaine
+or Treasurer, sutch as was deputed for receypt of the Fines,
+sessed by the State, whom he saluted, and receyuing lyke
+salutation, he prayed hym to shewe hym so mutch pleasure as to
+tell hym the parties name, that was so Lyberall to satysfie his
+fine due in the Eschequer of the State. To whome the other
+aunswered: "None other hath caused thy delyueraunce
+(O Montanine) but a certain person of the World, whose Name thou
+mayst easily gesse, to whome I gaue an acquittance of thyne
+imprysonmente, but not of the iuste summe, bycause hee gaue me a
+Thousand Ducates for a Thousand Florens, and woulde not receyue
+the ouerplus of the debte, whych I am readye to delyuer thee
+wyth thyne acquyttaunce." "I haue not to doe wyth the Money"
+(sayd Charles) "onely I pray you to tell me the name of him that
+hath don me thys great curtesy, that hereafter I may acknowledge
+him to be my Friend." "It is" (sayd the Chamberlayne) "Anselmo
+Salimbene, who is to bee commended and praysed aboue all thy
+parents and kinne, and came hither very late to bryng the Money,
+the surplusage whereof, beholde here it is." "God forbid" (sayd
+Montaine) "that I should take awaye that, whych so happily was
+brought hither to rid me out of payne." And so went away wyth
+his acquittance, his mind charged with a numbre of fansies for
+the fact don by Salimbene. Being at home at his house, he was
+long time stayed in a deepe consideration, desirous to know the
+cause of that gentle parte, proceeding from him whose Parents
+and Auncesters were the capitall Enimies of his race. In the end
+lyke one risyng from a sound sleepe, he called to mynd, that
+very many times he had seene Anselmo with attentiue eye and
+fixed looke to behold Angelica, and in eying hir uery louyngly,
+he passed euery day (before theyr gate) not shewing other
+countenaunce, but of good wyll, and wyth fryendly gesture,
+rather than any Ennimies Face, saluting Angelica at all tymes
+when he met hir. Wherefore Montanine was assured, that the onely
+loue of Salimbene towards his sister caused that delyueraunce,
+concluding that when the passion doth proceede of good loue,
+seazed in gentle heart and of noble enterpryse, it is impossible
+but it muste bryng forth the maruellous effects of vertue's
+gallantize, of honesty and curtesy, and that the spyrite wel
+borne, can not so mutch hide hys gentle nourtoure, but the fyre
+must flame abroade, and that whych seemeth dyfficult to bee
+brought to passe, is facilitye, and made possible by the
+conceiptes and indeuors so wel imployed: wherefore in the Ende
+not to bee surmounted in Honesty, ne yet to beare the marke of
+one, that vnthankefully accepteth good turnes, he determyned to
+vse a great prodigality vppon him, that vnder the name of foe,
+had shewed himselfe a more faythful friend, then those that bare
+good face, and at neede wer furthest off from afflicted
+Montanine, who not knowing what present to make to Salimbene,
+but of himselfe and hys syster, purposed to impart his minde to
+Angelica, and then vpon knowledge of hir wil to performe his
+intent. For which cause vnderstanding that his gracious enimy
+was gone into the Countrey, he thoughte well to consyder of his
+determynatyon, and to breake wyth hir in hys absence, the better
+to Execute the same, vppon his nexte retourne to the Citye. He
+called Angelica asyde, and beynge bothe alone together, hee vsed
+these or sutch lyke Woordes: "You knowe, deare Sister, that the
+higher the fall is, the more daungerous and greater gryefe he
+feeleth that doth fall from highe than hee that tumbleth downe
+from place more low and of lesser steepenes. I speak this,
+bicause I cal to mind the condition, nobility, and excellency of
+our ancesters, the glorie of our race, and riches of all our
+house, which constraineth me many tymes to sigh, and sheade a
+streame of teares, when I see the sumptuous palaces that were
+the homes and resting places of our Fathers, and grand fathers,
+when I see on al parts of this City, the Armes, and Scutcheons
+painted and imbossed, bearyng the mark of the Antiquity of our
+house, and when I beholde the stately marble tombes and brasen
+Monuments, in dyuers our Temples erected for perpetuall Memorye
+of many knyghtes and generalles of warres, that sorted forth of
+the Montanine race: and chyefly I neuer enter thys great Palace,
+the remnant of our inheritaunce and patrimony, but the
+remembraunce of our auncesters, so glaunceth ouer mine Hearte,
+as an hundred hundred tymes, I wysh for death, to thynke that I
+am the Post alone of the mysery and decay fallen vppon the name
+and famous familye of the Montanines, whych maketh me thinke our
+life to be vnhappy, being downe fallen from sutch felicity,
+to feele a mysery most extreame. But one thing alone ought to
+content vs, that amid so great pouerty, yl luck, ruine and
+abasement, none is able to lay vnto our charge any thing
+vnworthy of the nobility and the house, whereof we be descended,
+our lyfe being conformable to the generositie of our
+predecessors: whereby it chanceth, that although our poore
+estate be generally knowne, yet none can affirme, that we haue
+forligned the vertue of them, which vertuously haue lyued before
+vs. If so bee wee haue receiued pleasure or benefit of any man,
+neuer disdained I with al duety to acknowledge a good turne,
+stil shunning the vyce of ingratytude, to soyle the reputation
+wherein hitherto I haue passed my lyfe. Is there anye blot which
+more spotteth the renoume of man, than not confessing receiued
+benefites and pleasures perfourmed in our necessity? You know in
+what peril of death I was, these few daies past, through their
+false surmise which neuer loued me, and how almost miraculously
+I was redemed out of the hangman's hands, and the cruel sentence
+of the vnryghteous Magistrate, not one of our kin offrynge
+themselues in deede or word for my defense, which forceth mee to
+say, that I haue felt of my Kin, which I neuer thought, and haue
+tasted sutch commodity at his hands, of whome I neuer durst
+expect or hope for pleasure, relief, aide or any comfort.
+I attended my delyueraunce by sute of those whome I counted for
+Kin and fryends, but the same so soon vanished, as the Necessity
+and peryll were present. So pressed with woe, and forsaken of
+fryends, I was affrayde that our aduersaries (to remoue all
+feare and suspition in tyme to come) would haue purchased my
+totall ruine, and procured the ouerthrowe of the Montanines
+name, by my Death, and approched end. But good God, from the
+place whereof I feared the danger, the calme arose, which hath
+brought my Barke to the hauen of health, and at his hands where
+I attended ruine, I haue tasted affiance and sustentation of
+myne honor and lyfe. And playnely to procede, it is Anselmo
+Salimbene, the son of our auncient and capital enimies, that
+hath shewed himself the very loyall and faithful fryend of our
+family, and hath deliuered your brother by payment to the State,
+the summe of a Thousand Ducats to raunsome the life of him, who
+thought him to be his moste cruel aduersary. O Gentleman's heart
+in dede and gentle mind, whose rare vertues do surpasse all
+humaine vnderstanding. Friends vnited together in band of
+Amitye, amaze the World by the effects not vulgar in things
+whych they do one for an other. But thys surmounteth all,
+a mortall Ennimy, not reconcyled or requyred, without demaund of
+assuraunce for the pleasure which he doth, payeth the debts of
+his aduersarie: which facte exceedeth all consideration in them,
+that discouer the factes of men. I can not tel what name to
+attribute to the deede of Salimbene, and what I ought to call
+that his curtesy, but this must I needes protest, that the
+example of his honestie and gentlenes is of sutch force, and so
+mutch hath vanquished me, as whether I shal dye in payne or lyue
+at ease, neuer am I able to exceede his lyberality. Now my life
+being ingaged for that which he hath don to mee, and hee hauynge
+delyuered the same from infamous Death, it is in your handes
+(deare sister) to practize the deuyse imagined in my mind, to
+the intente that I may be onely bound to you for satisfying the
+liberalitye of Salimbene, by meanes whereof, you which wepte the
+death and wayled the lost liberty of your Brother, doe see me
+free and in safety hauyng none other care but to be acquited of
+hym, to whome both you and I be dearely bound." Angelica hearyng
+hir brother speak those words, and knowing that Salimbene was
+he, that had surpassed all their kinne in amity and comforte of
+theyr familye, answered her brother, sayinge: "I woulde neuer
+haue thought (good Brother) that your deliuerance had come to
+passe by him whose name euen now you tolde, and that our
+Ennimyes breaking al remembraunce of auncient quarels, had care
+of the health and conseruation of the Montanines. Wherefore if
+it were in my power I would satisfy the curtesy and gentlenesse
+of Anselmo, but I know not which way to begin the same. I being
+a maid that knoweth not how to recompense a good turne, but by
+acknowledging the same in heart: and to go to render thanks, it
+is neither lawfull or comely for me, and mutch lesse to offer
+him any thynge for the lyttle accesse I haue to his house, and
+the small familiarity I haue with the Gentlewomen of his kinne.
+Notwythstanding, Brother, consider you wherein my power resteth
+to ayde and helpe you, and be assured (myne honor saued) I wyll
+spare nothynge for your contentment." "Sister" (sayd Montanine)
+"I haue of long time debated with my self what is to be done,
+and deuised what myghte be the occasion that moued this young
+Gentleman to vse so greate kindnesse toward mee, and hauing
+diligently pondred and waied what I haue seene and knowne,
+at length I founde that it was the onely force of Loue, which
+constrained his affection, and altered the auncient hatred that
+he bare vs, into new loue, that by no meanes can be quenched.
+It is the couert fire which Loue hathe kindled in his intrailes,
+it is loue whych hath raysed the true effects of gentlenesse,
+and hath consumed the conceipts of displeased mind. O the great
+force of that amorous alteration, which vppon the sodain
+exchaung, seemeth impossible to receiue any more chaung or
+mutation. The onely Beauty and good grace of you Syster, hath
+induced our gracious Enimy, the seruaunt of your perfections, to
+delyuer the poore Gentleman forlorn of all good fortune. It is
+the honest lyfe and commendable behauiour of Angelica Montanine,
+that hath incyted Anselmo to doe an acte so praise worthy, and a
+deede so kinde, to procure the deliuerance of one, which looked
+not for a chaunce of so great consequence. Ah gentle younge
+gentleman: Ah pryncely minde, and heart noble and magnanimous.
+Alas how shall it be possyble that euer I can approche the
+honest liberalitye wherwyth thou hast bound me for euer? My lyfe
+is thine, myne honour dependeth of thee, my goodes be tyed to
+thee. What resteth then, if not that you (sister) voyde of
+cruelty do vse no vnkyndnesse to hym that loueth you, and who
+for love of you hathe prodygally offred hys owne goodes to ryd
+me from payne and dyshonor? If so be, my lyfe and sauegarde haue
+ben acceptable vnto thee, and the sight of me dyscharged from
+Pryson was ioyful unto thee, if thou gauest thy willing consent
+that I should sel my patrimony, graunt presently that I may wyth
+a great, rare, and precious present, requyte the Goodnesse,
+Pleasure and curtesye that Salimbene hath done for your sake:
+And syth I am not able with goodes of Fortune to satisfie his
+bountye, it is your person which may supply that default, to the
+intent that you and I may be quytted of the oblygation, wherein
+we stand bound vnto him. It behoueth that for the offer and
+reward of Money whych he hath imployed, we make present of your
+Beautye, not selling the pryce of your chastity, but delyueryng
+the same in exchaunge of curtesye, beyng assured for hys
+gentlenesse and good Nourtoure sake, hee wyll vse you none
+otherwyse, or vsurpe any greater authority ouer you, than Vertue
+permitteth in ech gentle and Noble hearte. I haue none other
+means of satisfaction, ne larger raumsome to render free my head
+from the Tribute whych Salimbene hathe gyuen for my Lyfe and
+Liberty. Thynke (deare Sister) what determinate aunswere you
+wyll make me, and consider if my request be meete to be denyed.
+It is in your choise and pleasure to deny or consent to my
+demaund. If so be that I be denyed and loose the meanes by your
+refuse to be acquitted of my defender, I had rather forsake my
+Citye and Countrey, than to lyue heere wyth the title of
+ingratitude, for not acknowledging so greate a pleasure. But
+alas, with what Eye, shall I dare behold the Nobility of Siena,
+if by greate vnkyndnesse I passe vnder silence the rarest
+friendship that euer was deuised? What heartes sorrow shall I
+conceyue to bee pointed at wyth the finger, like one that hath
+forgotten in acknowledging by effecte, the receiued pleasure of
+my delyueraunce? No (sister) eyther you must bee the quyet of my
+Minde, and the acquittance of vs bothe, or else must I dye, or
+wander lyke a vagabond into straunge Countries, and neuer put
+foote agayne into Italy." At those words Angelica stode so
+astonned and confused, and so besides hir selfe, like as wee see
+one distraught of sense that feeleth himself attached with some
+amaze of the Palsey. In the end recouering hir sprytes, and bee
+blubbered al with teares, hir stomacke panting like the Bellowes
+of a forge, she answeared hir brother in thys manner: "I knowe
+not louyng Brother by reason of my troubled minde howe to
+aunswere your demaund, which seemeth to be both ryght, and
+wronge, right for respect of the bond, not so, in consideration
+of the request. But how I proue the same, and what reason I can
+alleadge and discouer for that proofe, hearken me so paciently,
+as I haue reason to complayne and dispute vpon this chaunce more
+hard and difficulte to auoyde, than by reply able to be
+defended, sith that Lyfe and the hazarding thereof is nothing,
+in regarde of that which you wyll haue me to present with too
+exceeding prodigall Liberality, and I would to God that Life
+mighte satisfie the same, than be sure it should so soone be
+imployed, as the promise made thereof. Alas, good God, I thought
+that when I sawe my brother out of Pryson, the neare distresse
+of death, whereunto vniustly he was thrown, I thought (I say)
+and firmely did beleue, that fortune the Enimy of our ioy, had
+vomitted al hir poison, and being despoyled of hir fury and
+crabbed Nature had broken the bloudy and Venemous Arrowes,
+wherewyth so longe tyme she hath plagued our family, and that by
+resting of hir selfe, shee had gyuen some rest to the Montanine
+house of al theyr troubles and misaduentures. But I (O miserable
+wight) do see and feele how far I am deuided from my hope, and
+deceiued of mine opinion, sith the furious stepdame, appeareth
+before me with a face more fierce and threatning, then euer she
+did, sharpening hir selfe against my youth in other sort, then
+euer against any of our race. If euer she persecuted our
+auncesters, if she brought them to ruine and decay, she now doth
+purpose wholly to subuerte the same, and throw vs headelong into
+the bottomlesse pit of all misery, exterminating for all
+tegether, the remnaunte of our consumed house. Be it either by
+losse of thee (good brother) or the vyolent death of me which
+cannot hazarde my Chastity for the pryce of myne vnhappy life:
+Ah, good God, into what anguish is my mynde exponed, and how doe
+I feele the force and Vyolence of froward Fortune? But what
+speak I of fortune? How doth hard lucke insue, that is
+predestinated by the heauens vppon our familly? Must I at so
+tender yeares, and of so feeble kinde make choyse of a thing,
+which would put the wysest vpon Earth into their shifts? My
+heart doth fayle me, reason wanteth and Iudgement hangeth in
+ballaunce by continuall agitations, to see how I am dryuen to
+the extremity of two daungerous straits, and enuironned with
+fearefull ieoperdies, forcibly compelled either to bee deuided
+and separated from thee (my Brother,) whome I loue aboue mine
+owne life, and in whome next after God I haue fyxed and put my
+hope and trust, hauing none other solace, Comfort and helpe, but
+thee, or else by keping thee, am forced to giue vnto an other,
+and know not how, the precious treasure which beyng once lost,
+cannot be recouered by any meanes, and for the gard and
+conseruation whereof, euery woman of good iudgement that loueth
+vertue, ought a thousand times to offer hir selfe to death
+(if so many wayes she could) rather than to blot or soyle that
+inestimable Iewell of chastity, wherewith our lyfe is a true
+lyfe: contrarywyse shee which fondly suffreth hir self to be
+disseazed and spoyled of the same, and looseth it without honest
+title, albeit she be a lyue, yet is she buryed in the most
+obscure caue of death, hauing lost the honour which maketh
+Maydens march with head vpryght. But what goodnesse hath a
+Ladye, Gentlewoman, Maiden, or Wyfe, wherein she can glory, hir
+honour being in doubt, and reputatyon darkened with infamie?
+Whereto serued the imperyall house of Augustus, in those Ladyes
+that were intituled the Emperour's Daughters, when for their
+villany, theyr were vnworthy of the title of chaste and
+vertuous? What profited Faustina the Emperiall Crowne vpon hir
+head, hir chastity through hir abhominable Life, being rapt and
+despoyled? What wronge hath bene done to many symple Women, for
+being buryed in the Tombe of dark obliuion, which for their
+vertue and pudique Lyfe, meryted Eternall prayse? Ah Charles,
+my Brother deare, where hast thou bestowrd the Eye of thy
+foreseeing mynde, that without prouidence and care of the fame
+due to honest Dames, and chast Damosels of our Family, hauyng
+lost the goodes and Fathers inheritance, wilt haue me in like
+sort forgoe my Chastity, whych hytherto I haue kept with
+heedeful dilygence. Wilte thou deare Brother, by the pryce of my
+virginity, that Anselmo shall haue greater victorye ouer vs,
+than he hath gotten by fight of Sword vpon the allied remnaunt
+of our house? Art thou ignorant that the woundes and diseases of
+the Mynd, be more vehement than those which afflict the Body? Ah
+I vnhappy mayden, and what ill lucke is reserued for me, what
+destiny hath kept me till this day to be presented for Venus'
+Sacrifice, to satisfy a young manne's lust, which coueteth
+(peraduenture) but the spoile of mine honor? O happy the Romain
+maide, slayne by the proper hands of hir woeful Father
+Virginius, that she myght not{ }be soyled with infamy, by the
+Lecherous embracements of rauenous Appius, which desired hir
+acquaintaunce. Alas, that my brother doe not so, rather I woulde
+to God of his owne accord he be the infamous minister of my life
+ready to be violated, if God by his grace take not my cause in
+hand? Alas death, why dost thou not throwe against my hearte thy
+most pearcing dart, that I may goe waite vpon the shadowes of my
+thryce happy Parents, who knowing this my gryefe, wyll not be
+voide of passion to helpe me wayle my woefull state. O God, why
+was not I choaked and strangled, so soone as I was taken forth
+the secret imbracements of my mother's Wombe, rather than to
+arriue into this mishap, that either must I lose the thing I
+deeme moste deare, or die with the violence of my proper hands?
+Come death, come and cut the vnhappy threede of my woefull Lyfe:
+stope the pace of teares with thy trenchant Darte that streame
+outragiously downe my face, and close the breathing wind of
+sighes, which hynder thee from doing thine office vpon my heart,
+by suffocation of my lyfe and it." When she had ended those
+Words, hir speache dyd faile, and waxing pale and faint,
+(sitting vppon hir stoole) she fared as though that very death
+had sitten in hir place. Charles thynking that his sister had
+bene deade, mated with sorrowe, and desirous to lyue no longer
+after hir, seeing he was the cause of that sownyng, fell downe
+dead vpon the Ground, mouing neither hand nor foote, as though
+the soule had ben departed from the bodye. At the noyse which
+Montanine made by reason of hys fall, Angelica reuiued out of
+hir sowne, and seeinge hir Brother in so pytifull plyght, and
+supposing he had bene dead for care of hys request, for beyng
+berieued of hir Brother, was so moued, as a lyttle thynge would
+haue made hir do, as Thisbe dyd, when she viewed Pyramus to be
+slayne. But conceyuing hope, she threw hir selfe vppon hir
+Brother, cursing hir Fortune, bannyng the Starres of cruelty,
+and hir lauish speach, and hir self for hir little loue to hir
+brother, who made no refusall to dye to saue his Lande for
+reliefe of hir: wher she denyed to yeld hir selfe to him that
+loued hir with so good affection. In the end she applied so many
+remedies vnto hir brother, sometimes casting cold water vpon his
+face, sometimes pinching and rubbing the temples and pulses of
+his armes and his mouth with vineger, that she made hym to come
+agayne: and seeing that his eyes were open, beholding hir
+intentiuely with the countenance of a man half in despayre, she
+saied vnto him: "For so mutch brother as I see fortune to be so
+froward, that by no meanes thou canst auoide the cruel lot,
+which launceth me into the bottome of mortall misery, and that I
+must aduenture to folowe the indeuors of thy minde, and obey thy
+will, which is more gentle and Noble, than fraught with reason,
+I am content to satisfy the same and the loue which hitherto
+thou hast born me. Be of good cheere, and doe wyth mee and my
+body what thou list, giue and presente the same to whom thou
+pleasest. Wel be thou sure, that so sone as I shal bee out of
+thy hands and power, I wyl be called or esteemed thine no more,
+and thou shalt haue lesse authority to stay me from doing the
+deuises of my fantasie, swearing and protesting by the Almighty
+God, that neuer man shall touch Angelica, except it be in
+mariage, and that if he assay to passe any further, I haue a
+heart that shall incourage my hands to sacrifice my Life to the
+Chastitye of Noble Dames whych had rather dye than liue in
+slaunder of dyshonesty. I wyll die a body without defame, and
+the Mynde voyde of consent, shall receiue no shame or filth that
+can soyle or spot the same." In saying so, she began againe to
+weepe in sutch aboundance, as the humour of hir brayne ranne
+downe by the issue of bothe hir Eyes. Montanine albeit sorrowful
+beyond measure to see his gentle and chast sister in sutch
+vexation and heauinesse, reioysed yet in his mind, that she had
+agreed to his request, which presaged the good lucke that
+afterwardes chaunced vnto him, for hys Lyberal offer.
+"Wherefore" (said he to Angelica,) "I was neuer in my Lyfe so
+desirous to liue, but that I rather choose to dye, than procure
+a thinge that should turne thee to displeasure and griefe, or to
+hazarde thine honor and reputation in daunger or peryll of
+damage, which thou hast euer knowne, and shouldest haue still
+perceyued by effect, or more properly to speak, touched with thy
+finger if that incomparable and rare curtesy and Lyberality of
+Salimbene had not prouoked me to requyre that, which honestly
+thou canst not gyue, nor I demaunde without wronge to thee, and
+preiudice to mine owne estimation and honoure. But what? the
+feare I haue to be deemed ingrate, hath made me forget thee, and
+the great honesty of Anselmo maketh me hope, yea and stedfastly
+beleue, that thou shalt receiue none other displeasure, but to
+be presented vnto him whome at other times we haue thought to be
+our mortal enimy. And I thinke it impossible that he wil vse any
+villany to hir whome he so feruently loueth, for whose sake he
+feareth not the hatred of his friends, and disdained not to save
+him whome he hated, and on whome he myght haue bene reuenged.
+And forsomutch sister, as the face commonly sheweth the signe
+and token of the hearte's affection, I pray thee by any meanes
+declare no sad countenaunce in the presence of Salimbene, but
+rather cheere vp thy face, dry vp the aboundance of thy teares,
+that he by seeing thee Ioyfull and mery, may be moued to
+continue his curtesy and use thee honestly, being satisfied with
+thy liberality, and the offer that I shall make of our seruice."
+Here may be seene the extremitie of two dyuers thinges, duety
+combatting with shame, reason being in contention with himself.
+Angelica knew and confessed that hir brother did but his duetye,
+and that she was bound by the same very bond. On the other side,
+hir estate and virginall chastity, brake the endeuours of hir
+duety, and denyed to doe that which she esteemed ryght.
+Neuerthelesse shee prepared hir self to follow both the one and
+the other: and by acquitting the duety to hir brother, she
+ordayned the meane, to discharge him of that which he was bound
+to his benefactor, determinynge neuerthelesse rather to dye,
+than shamefully to suffer hir selfe to be abused, or to make hir
+lose the floure, which made hir glyster amongs the maidens of
+the city, and to deface hir good fame by an acte so vyllanous.
+But that speciall rare vertue was more singular in hir, than was
+that continency of Cyrus the Persian King, who fearing to be
+forced by the allurements of the excellent beauty of chast
+Panthea, would not suffer hir to be brought into his presence,
+for feare that hee being surmounted with folysh lustes, should
+force hir, that by other meanes could not be persuaded to breake
+the holy lawes of Mariage, and promised faith to hir husband.
+For Salimbene hauing in his presence, and at his commaundement
+hir whome aboue al thyngs he loued would by no meanes abuse his
+power, but declared his gentle nature to bee of other force and
+effect, than that of the aforesaid king as by reading the
+successe of this historie you shal perceiue. After that
+Montanine and his sister had vttered many other words vpon their
+determination, and that the fayre maiden was appeased of hir
+sorrow, attending the issue of that which they went about to
+begin: Anselmo was come home out of the Countrey, whereof
+Charles hauing intelligence, about the second houre of the
+night, he caused his sister to make hir ready, and in company of
+one of their seruants that caried light before them, they came
+to the lodginge of Salimbene, whose seruaunt seeing Montanine so
+accompanied to knocke at the Gate, if hee did maruel I leaue for
+you to think, by reason of the displeasure and hatred which he
+knew to bee betweene the two families, not knowing that which
+had already passed for the heginning of a final peace of so many
+controuersies: for which cause so astonned as he was, he went to
+tel his maister that Montanine was at the gate, desirous
+secretly to talk vnto him. Salimbene knowing what company
+Charles had with him, was not vnwilling to goe downe, and
+causing two Torches to be lighted, came to his gate to
+entertaine them, and to welcome the brother and the sister, wyth
+so great curtesie and friendship as he was surprysed with loue,
+seeing before his eyes the sight of hir that burned hys heart
+incessantly, not discoueryng as yet the secrets of his thought
+by making hir to vnderstand the good wyl he bare hir, and how
+mutch he was hir seruant. He could not tel wel whether he was
+incharmed or his eyes daselled, or not wel wakened from sleepe
+when he saw Angelica, so amazed was he with the straungenesse of
+the fact, and arriuall of the maiden to his house. Charles
+seeing hym so confused, and knowing that the great affection he
+bare vnto his sister, made him so perplexed and besides himself,
+said vnto him: "Sir, we would gladly speake with you in one of
+your Chambers, that there myght be none other witnesse of our
+dyscourse, but we three together." Salimbene which was wrapt
+wyth ioy, was able to make none other aunsweare, but: "Goe we
+whether you please." So taking his Angelica by the hand, they
+went into the Hall, and from thence into his chamber, whych was
+furnyshed accordinge to the state and riches of a Lord, he being
+one of the welthiest and chiefe of the City of Siena. When they
+were set downe, and al the seruants gone forth, Charles began to
+say to Salimbene, these words: "You may not thinke it straunge
+(sir Salimbene) if against the Lawes and customes of our Common
+Wealthe, I at thys tyme of the Nyght doe call you vp, for
+knowyng the Bande wherewyth I am bound vnto you, I must for euer
+confesse and count my selfe to be your slaue and bondman, you
+hauing don a thing in my behalf that deserueth the name of Lord
+and maister. But what vngrateful man is he that wil forget so
+greate a benefit, as that which I haue receyued of you, holding
+of you, life, goods, honor, and this mine own sister that
+enioyeth by your meanes the presence of hir brother and hir rest
+of mind, not losing our noble reputation by the losse prepared
+for me through vnrighteous iudgement, you hauing staied the
+ruine both of hir and me, and the rest of our house and kin.
+I am ryghte glad sir, that this my duety and seruice is bounden
+to so vertuous a Gentleman as you be, but exceeding sorry, that
+fortune is so froward and contrary vnto me, that I am not able
+to accomplishe my good will, and if ingratitude may lodge in
+mind of a neady Gentleman, who hath no helpe but of himselfe,
+and in the wyll of hys chast sister, and minde vnited in two
+persons onely saued by you, duety doeth requyre to present the
+rest, and to submit al that is left to be disposed at your good
+pleasure. And bicause that I am well assured, that it is
+Angelica alone which hath kindled the flame of desire, and hath
+caused you to loue that which your predecessours haue deadly
+hated, that same sparke of knowledge, whych our misery could not
+quench with all his force, hath made the way and shewed the path
+whereby we shall auoide the name of ingrate and forgetfull
+persons, and that same which hath made you lyberall towards me,
+shalbe bountifully bestowed vpon you. It is Angelica sir, which
+you see present heere, who to discharge my band, hath willingly
+rendred to be your owne, submittinge hir selfe to your good
+wyll, for euer to be youres. And I which am hir brother, and
+haue receiued that great good wyll of hir, as in my power to
+haue hir wyl, do present the same, and leaue hir in your hands,
+to vse as you would your owne, praying you to accept the same,
+and to consider whose is the gift, and from whence it commeth,
+and how it ought to be regarded." When he had sayd so, Montanine
+rose vp, and without further talke, went home vnto his house. If
+Anselmo were abashed at the Montanines arriuall, and astonned at
+the Oration of Charles, his sodain departure was more to be
+maruelled at, and therwithal to see the effect of a thing which
+he neuer hoped, nor thought vpon. He was exceding glad and
+ioyfull to see himself in the company of hir, whome he desired
+aboue al things of the world, but sory to see hir heauy and
+sorrowful for sutch chaunce. He supposed hir being ther, to
+procede rather of the yong man's good and gentle Nature, than of
+the Maiden's will and lykynge. For whych cause taking hir by the
+hand, and holding hir betwene hys armes, he vsed these or sutch
+lyke words: "Gentlewoman, if euer I had felt and knowne with
+what Wing the variety and lyghtnesse of worldly thynges do flye,
+and the gaynes of inconstant fortune, at this present I haue
+seen one of the most manifest profes which seemeth to me so
+straunge, as almost I dare not beeleue that I see before myne
+Eyes. I know well that it is for you, and for the seruice that I
+beare you, that I haue broken the effect of that hatred, whych
+by inheritaunce I haue receiued against your House, and for that
+deuotion haue deliuered your Brother. But I see that Fortune
+wyll not let mee to haue the vpper hand, to bee the Conquerer of
+hir sodaine pangs. But you your self shall see, and euery man
+shall know that my heart is none other than noble, and my
+deuises tend, but to the exploit of all vertue and Gentlenesse:
+wherefore I pray you (sayd he, kissing hir louingly) be not sad,
+and doubt not that your seruaunt is any other now, hauing you in
+his power, than he was when he durst not dyscouer the ardent
+Loue that vexed him, and held him in feeble state, ful of desire
+and thought: you also may bee sure, that he hath not had the
+better hande ouer me, ne yet for his curtesy hath obteined
+victory, nor you for obeying him. For sith that you be myne, and
+for sutch yelded and giuen to me, I wyl keepe you, as hir whome
+I loue and esteme aboue al things of the World, makyng you my
+Companion and the onely mistresse of my goodes heart, and wyll.
+Thinke not that I am the Fryend of Fortune, and practise
+pleasure alone without vertue. It is modesty which commaundeth
+me, and honesty is the guide of my conceipts. Assure you then,
+and repose your comfort on mee: for none other than Angelica
+Montanine shall be the wyfe of Anselmo Salimbene: and during my
+life, I wyll bee the Fryend, the defender and supporter of your
+house." At these good Newes, the drousie and wandryng Spirite of
+the fayre Siena mayd awaked, who endyng hir teares and appeasing
+hir sorrow, rose vp, and made a very lowe reuerence vnto hir
+curteous fryend, thanking hym for hys greate and incomparable
+liberalitye, promising all seruice, duetie, and Amitye, that a
+Gentlewoman ought to beare vnto him, whom God hath reserued for
+hir Spouse and husband. After an infinite number of honest
+imbracements and pleasaunte kisses giuen and receiued on both
+partes, Anselmo called vnto him one of his Auntes that dwelled
+within him, to whome he deliuered his new Conquest to keepe,
+and spedily without delay he sent for the next of his Kinne and
+dearest friends: and being come, he intreated them to kepe him
+company, in a very vrgent and weighty businesse he had to do,
+wherein if they shewed themselues dilygent in his request,
+doubtful it is not, but he addressed speede for accomplishment
+of his Enterpryse. Then causyng hys Aunte and welbeloued
+Angelica to come forth, he carryed them (not without their great
+admiration) to the pallace of Montanine, whither being arryued:
+he and hys Companie were well intertayned of the sayd Montanine,
+the Brother of fayre Angelica. When they were in the Hall,
+Salimbene sayd to hys Brother in law that should be: "Senio
+Montanine, it is not long sithens, that you in company of my
+faire Gentlewoman heere, came home to speake wyth mee, desirous
+to haue no man priuy to the effect of your conference. But I am
+come to you with this troupe to disclose my minde before you al,
+and to manifeste what I purpose to doe, to the intente the whole
+World may know your good and honest Nature, and vnderstand how I
+can be requited on them, which indeuor to gratifie me in any
+thing." Hauing said so, and euery man being set down he turned
+his talk to the rest of the company in thys wise: "I doubt not
+my friends and Noble Dames, but that ye mutch muse and maruell
+to see me in this house so late, and in your company, and am
+sure, that a great desire moueth your minds to know for what
+purpose, the cause, and why I haue gathered this assemblie in a
+time vnlooked for, and in place where none of our race and kinne
+of long time did enter, and lesse did meane to make hither their
+repaire. But when you doe consider what vertue and goodnesse
+resteth in the heartes of those men, that shunne and auoide the
+brutyshnesse of Minde, to followe the reasonable part, and which
+proprely is called Spirituall, you shall thereby perceiue, that
+when Gentle kynde and Noble Heart, by the great mistresse dame
+Nature be gryfted in the myndes of Men, they cease not to make
+appeare the effect of their doings, sometyme producing one
+vertue, sometimes another, which cease not to cause the fruicte
+of sutch industry both to blome and beare: In sutch wyse, as the
+more those vertuous actes and commendable workes, do appeare
+abroade, the greater dyligence is imployed to searche the matter
+wherein she can cause to appeare the force of vertue and
+excellency, conceiuing singular delyghte in that hir good and
+holy delyuery, which bryngeth forth a fruict worthy of sutch a
+stocke. And that force of mind and Generosity of Noble Heart is
+so firme and sure in operation, as although humane thinges be
+vnstable and subiect to chaung, yet they cannot be seuered or
+disparcled. And although it be the Butte and white, whereat
+fortune dischargeth al hir dartes and shaftes, threatning
+shooting and assayling the same round, yet it continueth stable
+and firme like a Rocke and Clyffe beaten wyth the vyolent fury
+of waues rising by wind or tempest. Whereby it chaunceth, that
+riches and dignity can no more aduaunce the heart of a slaue and
+villaine, than pouerty make vile and abase the greatnesse of
+courage in them that be procreated of other stuffe than of
+common sorte, whych daily keepe the maiesty of their oryginall,
+and lyve after the instincte of good and Noble Bloude, wherewith
+their auncesters were made Noble, and sucked the same vertue
+oute of the Teates of Noursses Breasses, who in the myddes of
+troublesome trauayles of Fortune that doe assayle them, and
+depresse theyr modesty, their face and Countenaunce, and theyr
+factes full well declare theyr condition, and to doe to
+vnderstande, that vnder sutch a Misery, a Mynde is hydde which
+deserueth greater Guerdon than the eigre taste of Calamitye. In
+that dyd glowe and shyne the Youthe of the Persian and Median
+Monarch, beynge nourssed amonges the stalles and Stables of hys
+Grandfather, and the gentle kind of the founder of stately Rome
+sockeled in the Shepecoates of Prynces sheepehierds. Thus mutch
+haue I sayd, my good lords and dames, in consideration of the
+noble corage and gentle minde of Charles Montanine, and of his
+sister, who without preiudice to any other I dare to say, is the
+paragon and mirrour of all chast and curteous maidens, well
+trayned vp, amonges the whole Troupe of those that lyue thys day
+in Siena, who beeyng brought to the ende and last poynt of their
+ruine, as euery of you doth knowe, and theyr race so sore
+decayed as there remayneth but the onely Name of Montanine:
+notwythstanding they neuer lost the heart, desire, ne yet the
+effect of the curtesy, and naturall bounty, whych euer doth
+accompany the mynd of those that be Noble in deede. Whych is the
+cause that I am constrayned to accuse our Auncesters, of to
+mutch cruelty, and of the lyttle respecte whych for a
+controuersye occured by chaunce, haue pursued them with sutch
+mortall reuenge, as without ceasing, with all their force, they
+haue assayed to ruinate, abolyshe, and for euer adnichilate that
+a ryghte Noble and illustre race of the Montanines, amongs whome
+if neuer any goodnesse appeared to the Worlde, but the Honesty,
+Gentlenesse, Curtesy and vertuous maners of these twayne here
+presente, the Brother and sister, yet they ought to be accompted
+amonges the ranke of the Noblest and chiefest of our City, to
+the intent in time to come it may not be reported, that wee haue
+esteemed and chearyshed Riches and drossie mucke, more than
+vertue and modesty. But imitating those excellent gouerners of
+Italy, whych held the Romane Empire, let vs rather reuerence the
+Vertuous Poore, than prayse or pryse the Rich, gyuen to vice and
+wickednesse. And for so mutch as I do see you all to be desirous
+to knowe the cause and argument, whych maketh me to vse this
+talke, and forceth mee to prayse the curtesy and goodnesse of
+the Montanines, pleaseth you to stay a lyttle with pacience,
+and not think the tyme tedyous, I meane to declare the same.
+Playnely to confesse vnto you (for that it is no cryme of Death,
+or heinous offence) the gyfts of nature, the Beauty and
+comelynesse of fayre Angelica heere present, haue so captiuate
+my Mind, and depriued my heart of Lyberty, as Night and Day
+trauailing how I might discouer vnto hir my martirdom, I did
+consume in sutch wyse, as losing lust of slepe and meate,
+I feared ere long to be either dead of sorrow or estranged of my
+right wits, seing no meanes how I might auoide the same, bicause
+our two houses and Families were at contynuall debate: and
+albeit conflicts were ceased, and quarelles forgotten, yet there
+rested (as I thought) a certaine desire both in the one and the
+other of offence, when time and occasion did serue. And yet mine
+affection for all that was not decreased, but rather more
+tormented, and my gryefe increased, hopelesse of help, which now
+is chaunced to me as you shall heare. You do know, and so do all
+men, howe wythin these fewe dayes past, the Lord Montanine here
+present, was accused before the Seniorie, for trespasses against
+the statutes and Edicts of the same, and being Prysoner, hauing
+not wherewith to satisfie the condempnation, the Law affirmed
+that his life should recompence and supply default of Money.
+I not able to suffer the want of hym, which is the brother of
+the dearest thing I esteeme in the Worlde, and hauing not hir in
+possession, nor lyke without him to attayne hir, payed that
+Summe, and delyuered hym. He, by what meanes I know not, or how
+he coniectured the beneuolence of my deede, thynking that it
+proceeded of the honest Loue and affection which I bare to
+gracious and amiable Angelica, wel consideryng of my curtesy,
+hath ouercome me in prodigalitye, he this Nyght came vnto mee,
+with his sister my mistresse, yelding hir my slaue and
+Bondwoman, leauyng hir with me, to doe with hir as I would with
+any thing I had. Behold my good Lordes, and yee Noble Ladies and
+cosins, and consider how I may recompence this Benefit, and be
+able to satisfie a present so precious, and of sutch Value and
+regard as both of them be, sutch as a right puissant prince and
+Lord may be contented wyth, a duety so Liberall and Iewell
+inestymable of two offered thynges." The assistants that were
+there, could not tell what to say, the discourse had so mutch
+drawne their myndes into dyuers fantasies and contrary opinions,
+seing that the same requyred by deliberation to be considered,
+before lightly they vttred their mindes. But they knew not the
+intent of him, which had called them thither, more to testify
+his fact, than to iudge of the thing he went about, or able to
+hinder and let the same. True it is, that the ladies viewing and
+marking the amiable countenance of the Montanine Damsell, woulde
+haue iudged for hir, if they feared not to bee refused of hym,
+whome the thing did touche most neere. Who without longer staye,
+opened to them al, what he was purposed to do, saying: "Sith ye
+do spende time so long vpon a matter already meant and
+determyned, I wyll ye to knowe, that hauing regard of mine
+honour, and desirous to satisfie the honesty of the Brother and
+sister, I mynde to take Angelica to my wyfe and lawfull spouse,
+vniting that whych so long tyme hath bene deuyded, and making
+into two bodyes, whilom not well accorded and agreed, one like
+and vniforme wyll, praying you ech one, ioyfully to ioy with me,
+and your selues to reioyse in that alliaunce, whych seemeth
+rather a worke from Heauen, than a deede concluded by the
+Counsell and industrie of Men. So lykewyse all wedded feeres in
+holy Wedlocke (by reason of the effect and the Author of the
+same, euen God himselfe, whych dyd ordayne it firste) bee
+wrytten in the infallible booke of hys owne prescience, to the
+intent that nothing may decay, whych is sustayned wyth the
+mighty hand of that Almyghty God, the God of wonders, which
+verily hee hath displayed ouer thee (deare Brother) by makynge
+thee to fall into distresse and daunger of death, that myne
+Angelica, beeing the meane of thy delyueraunce, myght also bee
+cause of the attonement which I doe hope henceforth shall bee,
+betwene so Noble houses as ours be." Thys finall decree reueled
+in open audience, as it was, against their expectation, and the
+ende that the kindred of Anselmo looked for, so was the same no
+lesse straunge and bashfull, as ioyful and pleasaunt, feeling a
+sodain ioy, not accustomed in theyr mynde, for that vnion and
+allyaunce. And albeit that their ryches was vnequall, and the
+dowry of Angelica nothyng neare the great wealth of Salimbene,
+yet all Men dyd deeme him happy, that hee had chaunced vpon so
+vertuous a maiden, the onely Modestie and Integritie of whome,
+deserued to bee coupled wyth the most honourable. For when a man
+hath respecte onely to the beauty or Riches of hir, whome he
+meaneth to take to Wyfe, hee moste commonly doth incurre the
+Mischiefe, that the Spyrite of dyssention intermeddleth amyd
+theyr household, whereby Pleasuere vanishing wyth Age, maketh
+the riueled Face (beset wyth a Thousand wrynkeled furrowes) to
+growe pale and drye. The Wyfe lykewyse when she seeth her goodes
+to surmount the substance of hir wedded Husband, she aduaunceth
+hir hearte, she swelleth wyth pryde, indeuoryng the vpper hand
+and souerainty in all thyngs, whereupon it riseth, that of two
+frayle and transitorie things, the building which hath so fyckle
+foundation, can not indure, man being borne to commaund, and can
+not abyde a mayster ouer hym, beyng the chyefe and Lord of hys
+Wyfe. Now Salimbene, to perfourme the effect of hys curtesie,
+gaue his fayre Wife the moytie of his Lands and goods, in
+fauoure of the Mariage, adopting by that meanes, Montanine to
+bee his Brother, appointing hym to be heyre of all hys goodes in
+case he deceased wythout heyres of his Body. And if GOD did send
+hym Children, he instituted him to bee the heyre of the other
+halfe, which rested by hys donation to Angelica his new espouse:
+Whom he maried solempnely the Sunday folowing, to the great
+contentation and maruell of the whole City, which long time was
+afflicted by the ciuile dissentions of those two houses. But
+what? Sutch be the varieties of worldly successe, and sutch is
+the mischiefe amongs men, that the same which honesty hath no
+power to winne, is surmounted by the disgrace and misfortune of
+wretched time. I neede not to alleage here those amongs the
+Romanes, which from great hatred and malice were reconciled with
+the indissoluble knot of Amity; forsomutch as the dignyties and
+Honoures of theyr Citty prouoked one to flatter and fawne vpon
+an other for particular profit, and not one of them attained to
+sutch excellencie and renoume, as the foresayd did, one of whome
+was vanquyshed with the fire of an amorous passion, whych
+forcyng nature hir selfe, brought that to passe, which could
+neuer haue bene thoughte or imagyned. And yet Men wyll accuse
+loue, and painte hir in the Colours of foolysh Furye and raging
+Madnesse. No, no, Loue in a gentle heart is the true subiect and
+substance of Vertue, Curtesy, and Modest Manners, expellynge all
+Cruelty and Vengeance, and nourishyng peace amongs men. But if
+any do violate and prophane the holy Lawes of Loue, and peruert
+that which is Vertuous, the faulte is not in that holye Saincte
+but in hym whych foloweth it wythout skyll, and knoweth not the
+perfection. As hapneth in euery operation, that of it selfe is
+honest, although defamed by those, who thinking to vse it, doe
+filthily abuse the same, and cause the grosse and ignoraunte to
+condempne that is good, for the folye of sutch inconstant
+fooles: In the other is painted a heart so voyde of the blody
+and abhominable sinne of Ingratitude, as if death had ben the
+true remedy and meane to satisfie his band and duety, he would
+haue made no conscience to offer himselfe frankly and freely to
+the dreadful passage of the same. You see what is the force of a
+gentle heart wel trained vp, that would not be vanquished in
+curtesye and Lyberality. I make you to be iudges, (I meane you)
+that be conuersant in loue's causes, and that with a Iudgement
+passionlesse, voide of parciality doe dyscourse vppon the factes
+and occurrentes that chaunce to men. I make you (I saye) iudges
+to gyue sentence, whether of three caried away the pryse, and
+most bound his companion by lyberall acte, and curtesie not
+forced. You see a mortall enimy sorrow for the misery of his
+aduersary, but solycited therunto by the ineuitable force of
+Loue. The other marcheth with the glory of a present so rare and
+exquisite, as a great Monarch would haue accompted it for
+singuler fauor and prodigality. The maiden steppeth forth to
+make the third in ranke, wyth a loue so stayed and charity
+wonderfull towards hir brother, as being nothynge assured
+whether he to whome she offered hir selfe were so Moderate, as
+Curteous, she yeldeth hir selfe to the losse of hir chastity.
+The first assayeth to make himselfe a conquerour by mariage, but
+she diminishyng no iote of hir Noble mind, he must seeke else
+where hys pryse of victory. To hir a desyre to kyll hir selfe
+(if thinges succeeded contrary to hir minde) myght haue stopped
+the way to hir great glory, had she not regarded hir virginity,
+more than hir own Lyfe. The second seemeth to go half
+constrained, and by maner of acquitall, and had hys affectyon
+bene to render hymselfe Slaue to hys Foe, hys Patron and
+preseruer, it would haue diminished his prayse. But sithens
+inough wee haue hereof dyscoursed, and bene large in treatie of
+Tragicomicall matters, intermyxed and suaged (in some parte)
+wyth the Enteruiewes of dolor, modesty, and indifferente good
+hap, and in some wholly imparted the dreadfull endes like to
+terrible beginnings, I meane for a reliefe, and after sutch
+sowre sweete bankets, to interlarde a licorous refection for
+sweeting the mouthes of the delicate: And do purpose in this
+Nouell insuing, to manifest a pleasaunt disport betweene a Wydow
+and a Scholler, a passing Practise of a crafty Dame, not well
+schooled in the discipline of Academicall rules, a surmountinge
+science to trade the nouices of that forme, by ware foresight,
+to incountre those that by laborsome trauayle and nightly watch,
+haue studied the rare knowledge of Mathematicalles, and other
+hidden and secrete Artes. Wishing them so well to beware, as I
+am desirous to let them know by this rudiment, the successe of
+sutch attemptes.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRTY-FIRST NOUELL.
+
+  _A Wydow called Mistresse Helena, wyth whom a Scholler was in
+  loue, (shee louing an other) made the same Scholler to stande
+  a whole Wynter's night in the Snow to wayte for hir, who
+  afterwardes by a sleyght and pollicie, caused hir in Iuly, to
+  stand vppon a Tower starke naked amongs Flies and Gnats, and
+  in the Sunne._
+
+
+Diuert we now a little from these sundry haps, to solace our
+selues wyth a merry deuice, and pleasaunt circumstaunce of a
+Scholler's loue, and of the wily guily Subtilties of an amorous
+Wydow of Florence. A Scholler returned from Paris to practise
+hys knowledge at home in his owne Countrey, learneth a more
+cunning Lecture of Mistresse Helena, than he did of the
+subtillest Sorbone Doctor, or other Mathematicall from whence he
+came. The Scholler as playnely hee had applied his booke, and
+earnestly harkned his readings, so he simply meant to be a
+faythfull Louer and deuout requirant to this Iolly dame, that
+had vowed his Deuotion and promised Pilgrimage to an other
+Saynct. The Scholler vpon the first view of the Wydowe's
+wandring Lookes, forgetting Ouide's Lessons of Loue's guiles,
+pursued his conceipt to the vttermost. The Scholler neuer
+remembred how many valiaunt, wise and learned men, wanton Women
+had seduced and deceyued. Hee had forgot how Catullus was
+beguiled by Lesbia, Tibullus by Delia, Propertius by Cynthia,
+Naso by Corinna, Demetrius by Lamia, Timotheus by Phryne, Philip
+by a Greeke mayden, Alexander by Thays, Hanniball by Campania,
+Cæsar by Cleopatra, Pompeius by Flora, Pericles by Aspaga,
+Psammiticus the king of Ægypt by Rhodope, and diuers other very
+famous by Women of that stampe. Hee had not ben wel trayned in
+holy writ, or heard of Samson's Dalida, or of Salomon's
+Concubins, but like a playne dealinge man, beleued what she
+promised, followed what she bad him, waited whiles she mocked
+him, attended till shee laughed him to scorne. And yet for all
+these Iolly pastimes inuented by this Widdow, to deceyue the
+poore Scholler, she scaped not free from his Logike rules,
+not saife from his Philosophy. He was forced to turne ouer
+Aristotle, to reuolue his Porphyrie, and to gather his Wits
+about hym to requite this louing Peate, that had so charitably
+delt with him. He willingly serched ouer Ptolome, perused
+Albumazar, made haste to Haly, yea and for a shift besturred him
+in Erra Pater, for matching two contrary Elements. For colde in
+Christmasse holy dayes, and Frost at Twelftide, shewed no more
+force on this poore learned Scholler, than the Sunne's heate in
+the Feries of Iuly, Gnats, Flyes, and Waspes, at Noone dayes in
+Sommer vpon the naked tender Corpse of this fayre Wyddow. The
+Scholler stoode belowe in a Court, benoommed for colde, the
+Wyddowe preached a lofte in the top of a Tower, and fayne would
+haue had water to coole hir extreme heate. The Scholler in his
+Shyrt bedecked wyth his demissaries. The Wyddow so Naked as hir
+Graundmother Eue, wythout vesture to shroud hir. The Wyddow by
+magike arte what so euer it cost, would fayne haue recouered hir
+lost Louer. The Scholler well espying his aduantage when hee was
+asked councell, so Incharmed hir with his Sillogismes, as he
+made hir to mount a Tower, to cursse the time that euer she knew
+him or hir Louer. So the Wydow not well beaten in causes of
+Schoole, was whipt with the Rod, wherewith shee scourged other.
+Alas good Woman, had she known that olde malice had not bene
+forgotten, she woulde not haue trusted, and lesse committed hir
+selfe to the Circle of his Enchauntments. If women wist what
+dealings are wyth men of great reading, they would amongs one
+hundred other, not deale wyth one of thee meanest of those that
+be Bookish. One Girolamo Ruscelli, a learned Italyan making
+prety notes for the better elucidation of the Italyan Decamerone
+of Boccaccio, iudgeth Boccaccio himselfe to be this scholler,
+whom by an other name he termeth to be Rinieri. But whatsoeuer
+that Scholler was, he was truely to extreme in reueng, and
+therein could vse no meane. For hee neuer left the poore feeble
+soule, for all hir curteous Words and gentle Supplication,
+vntill the Skin of hir flesh was Parched with the scalding Sunne
+beames. And not contented with that, delt his Almose also to hir
+Mayde, by sending hir to help hir Mistresse, where also she
+brake hir Legge. Yet Phileno was more pityfull ouer the 3
+nymphes and fayre Goddesses of Bologna, whose Hystory you may
+reade in the 49 Nouell of my former Tome. He fared not so
+roughly with those, as Rinieri did with thys, that sought but to
+gayne what she had lost. Well, how so euer it was, and what
+differency betweene eyther of theym, this Hystory ensuinge, more
+aptly shall gieue to vnderstande. Not long sithens, there was in
+Florence, a young Gentlewoman of worshipfull parentage, fayre
+and comely of personage, of courage stout, and abounding in
+goods of Fortune (called Helena,) who being a widow, determined
+not to mary agayne, bicause she was in loue with a yong man that
+was not voyde of Nature's good gifts, whom for hir owne Tooth,
+aboue other shee had specially chosen. In whom (setting aside
+all other care) many tymes (by meanes of one of hir maydes which
+she trusted best) she had great pleasure and delight. It
+chaunced about the same time that a yong Gentleman of that Citty
+called Rinieri, hauinge a great time studied at Paris, returned
+to Florence, not to sell his Science by retayle, as many doe,
+but to knowe the reasons of things, and the causes thereof,
+which is a speciall good exercise for a Gentleman. And being
+there honoured and greatly esteemed of all men, aswell for his
+curteous behauiour, as also for his knowledge, he liued like a
+good Cittizen. But it is commonly seene, they which haue best
+vnderstandinge and knowledge, are soonest tangled in Loue: euen
+so it hapned with this Rinieri, who repayringe one day for his
+passetime to a Feaste, this Madame Helena clothed al in blacke,
+(after the manner of Widowes) was there also, and seemed in his
+eyes so beautifull and well fauored, as any woman euer he saw,
+and thought that hee might bee accoumpted happy, to whom God did
+shewe so mutch fauoure, as to suffer him to be cleped betweene
+hir Armes: and beholdinge her diuers tymes and knowing that the
+greatest and dearest things cannot be gotten with out labour, he
+determined to use all his endeuour and care in pleasing of hir,
+that thereby he might obtayne hir loue, and so enioy hir. The
+yong Gentlewoman not very bashfull, conceyuing greater opinion
+of hir selfe, than was needefull, not castinge hir Eyes towards
+the Ground, but rolling them artificially on euery side, and by
+and by perceyuing mutch gazing to be vpon hir, espied Rinieri
+earnestly beholding hir, and sayd, smiling to hir selfe:
+"I thinke that I haue not this day lost my time in comming
+hither, for if I bee not deceyued, I shall catch a Pigeon by the
+Nose." And beginning certayne times stedfastly to looke vpon
+him, she forced hir selfe so mutch as she could, to seeme very
+ernestly to beholde him. And on the other part thinking, that
+the more pleasaunt and amorous she shewed hirselfe to be,
+the more hir beauty should be esteemed, chiefly of him whom
+specially shee was disposed to loue. The wise Scholler giuing
+ouer his Philosophy, bent all his endeuour here vnto, and
+thinking to be hir seruaunt, learned where she dwelt, and began
+to passe before hir house under pretence of some other occasion:
+whereat the Gentlewoman reioysed for the causes beforesayde,
+fayning an earnest desire to looke vpon him. Wherefore the
+Scholler hauing found a certayne meane to be acquaynted wyth hir
+Mayde discouered his loue: Praying her to deale so with hir
+mistresse, as he might haue hir fauor. The maide promised him
+very louingly incontinently reporting the same to hir mistresse,
+who with the greatest Scoffes in the Worlde, gaue ear thereunto
+and sayd: "Seest thou not from whence this Goodfellowe is come
+to lose al his knowledge and doctrine that he hath brought vs
+from Paris. Now let vs deuise therefore how he may bee handled
+for going about to seeke that, which he is not like to obtaine.
+Thou shalt say vnto him, when he speaketh to thee agayne, that I
+loue him better than he loueth me, but it behooueth me to saue
+mine honoure, and to keepe my good name and estimation amongs
+other Women." Whych thinge, if he be so wise (as hee seemeth)
+hee ought to Esteeme and Regarde. "Ah, poore Wench, she knoweth
+not wel, what it is to mingle Huswiuery with learning, or to
+intermeddle distaues with bookes.{"} Now the mayde when she had
+founde the Scholler, tolde him as hir mistresse had commaunded:
+whereof the Scholler was so glad, as he with greater endeuor
+proceded in his enterprise, and began to write Letters to the
+Gentlewoman, which were not refused, although he could receyue
+no aunsweres that pleased him, but sutch as were done openly.
+And in this sorte the Gentlewoman long time fed him with
+delayes. In the ende she discouered all this new loue vnto hir
+frend, who was attached with sutch an Aking Disease in his
+heade, as the same was Fraught with the Reume of Iealousie:
+wherefore she to shewe hir selfe to be suspected without cause
+(very carefull for the Scholler) sent hir mayde to tell him,
+that she had no conuenient time to doe the thinge that should
+please him, sithens he was first assured of hir loue, but hoped
+the next Christmasse holly dayes to be at his commaundement:
+wherefore if he would vouchsafe to come the night following the
+first holly day, into the Court of hir house, she would wayte
+there for his comminge. The Scholler the best contented man in
+the Worlde fayled not at the time appoyncted, to go to the
+Gentlewoman's house: where being placed by the Mayde in a base
+Court, and shut fast within the same, he attended for hir, who
+Suppinge with hir friende that night, very pleasauntly recited
+vnto him all that she had determined then to doe, saying: "Thou
+mayst see now what loue I do beare vnto him, of whom thou hast
+foolishly conceyued thys Iealousie. To which woordes hir Freende
+gaue eare with great delectation, desiringe to see the effect of
+that, whereof she gaue him to vnderstand by wordes." Now as it
+chaunced the day before the Snowe fell downe so thicke from
+aboue, as it couered the Earth, by which meanes the Scholler
+within a very little space after his arriuall, began to be very
+colde: howbeit hopinge to receyue recompence, he suffred it
+paciently. The Gentlewoman a little whyle after, sayd vnto hir
+Freende: "I pray thee let vs goe into my chuamber, where at a
+little Window we may looke out, and see what he doth that maketh
+thee so Iealous, and herken what aunswere he will make to my
+Mayde, whom of purpose I wyll send forth to speake vnto him."
+When she had so sayde, they went to the Window, where they
+seeing the Scholler (they not seene of hym,) heard the Mayde
+speake these wordes: "Rinieri, my Mystresse is the angriest
+Woman in the World, for that as yet she cannot come vnto thee.
+But the cause is, that one of hir Brethren is come to visite hir
+this Euening, and hath made a long discourse of talke vnto hir,
+and afterwardes bad himselfe to Supper, and as yet is not
+departed, but I thinke hee will not tary longe, and then
+immediately she will come. In the meane tyme she prayeth thee to
+take a little payne." The Scholler beleeuing this to be true,
+sayde vnto hir: "Require your Mistresse to take no care for mee
+till hir leasure may serue: But yet entreat hir to make so mutch
+hast as she can." The Mayde returned and went to Bed, and the
+Dame of the house sayd then vnto hir frend: "Now sir, what say
+you to this? Doe you thincke that if I loued him, as you
+mystrust, that I would suffer him to tarry beneath in this
+greate colde to coole himselfe?" And hauing sayd so, she went to
+Bed with hir frende, who then was partly satisfied, and all the
+night they continued in greate pleasure and solace, laughing,
+and mocking the miserable Scholler that walked vp and downe the
+Court to chafe himselfe, not knowing where to sit, or which way
+to auoyde the colde, and curssed the long taryinge, of his
+mistresse Brother, hoping at euery noyse he heard, that she had
+come to open the dore to let him in, but his hope was in vayne.
+Now she hauinge sported hir selfe almost till midnight, sayd
+vnto hir frend: "How think you (sir) by our Scholler, whether
+iudge you is greater, his Wysedome, or the loue that I beare
+vnto him? The colde that I make him to suffer, will extinguish
+the heate of suspition whych yee conceyued of my wordes the
+other day." "Yee say true," (sayd hir frend,) "and I do assure
+you, that like as you are my delight, my rest, my comfort, and
+all my hope, euen so I am yours, and shalbe during life." For
+the confirmation of which renewed amity, they spared no delights
+which the louing Goddesse doeth vse to serue and imploy vpon her
+seruaunts and suters. And after they had talked a certayne time,
+she sayd vnto him: "For God's sake (sir) let vs rise a little,
+to see if the glowing fire which this my new louer hath dayly
+written vnto me, to burn in him, bee quenched or not." And
+rysing out of their Beds, they went to a little Window and
+looking downe into the Courte, they saw the Scholler dauncing
+vpon the Snow, whereunto his shiuering teeth were so good
+Instruments, as he seemed the trimmest Dauncer that euer trode a
+Cinquepace after sutch Musicke, being forced thereunto through
+the great colde which he suffered. And then she sayde vnto him:
+"What say you to this my frende, do you not see how cunninge I
+am to make men daunce without Taber, or Pipe?" "Yes in deede,"
+(sayd hir Louer) "yee be an excellent Musitian." "Then" (quod
+shee) "let vs go downe to the dore, and I will speake vnto him,
+but in any Wise say you nothing, and we shal heare what reasons
+and arguments he will frame to mooue me to compassion, and
+perchaunce shall haue no little pastime to behold him."
+Whereupon they went downe softly to the dore, and there without
+opening the same, shee with a softe voyce out at a little whole,
+called the Scholler vnto hir. Which hee hearinge, began to
+prayse God and thancke hym a thousande times, beleeuing veryly
+that he should then be let in, and approching the dore, said:
+"I am heere mine (owne sweete heart) open the dore for God's
+sake, for I am like to die for Cold." Whom in mocking wise she
+answered: "Can you make me beleue (M. Scholler) that you are so
+tender, or that the colde is so great as you affirme, for a
+little Snow newly falne downe? There be at Paris farre greater
+Snowes than these be, but to tell you the troth, you cannot come
+in yet, for my Brother (the deuell take him) came yesternight to
+supper, and is not yet departed, but by and by hee wyll be gon,
+and then you shall obtayne the effect of your desire, assuring
+you, that with mutch a doe I haue stolne away from hym, to come
+hither for your comfort, praying you not to thincke it longe."
+"Madame" sayd the Scholler, "I beseech you for God's sake to
+open the dore, that I may stand in couert from the Snow, which
+within this houre hath fallen in great aboundaunce, and doth yet
+continue: and there I will attend your pleasure." "Alas sweet
+Friend" (sayd she) "the dore maketh sutch a noyse when it is
+opened, that it will easily be heard of my brother, but I will
+pray him to depart, that I may quickely returne agayne to open
+the same." "Goe your way then" (sayd the Scholler) "and I pray
+you cause a great fire to be made, that I may warme mee when I
+come in, for I can scarce feele my selfe for colde." "Why, it is
+not possible" (quod the Woman) "if it be true that you wholly
+burne in loue for me, as by your sundry Letters written, it
+appeareth, but now I perceyue that you mocke me, and therefore
+tary there still on God's name." Hir frende which heard all
+this, and tooke pleasure in those wordes, went agayne to Bed
+with hir, into whose eyes no slepe that night coulde enter for
+the pleasure and sport they had with the poore Scholler. The
+vnhappy wretched Scholler whose teeth chattered for colde,
+faring like a Storke in colde nights, perceyuing himselfe to be
+mocked, assayed to open the dore, or if he might goe out by some
+other way: and seeing it impossible, stalking vp and downe like
+a Lyon, curssed the nature of the time, the wickednesse of the
+woman, the length of the Night, and the Folly and simplicity of
+himselfe: and conceyuing great rage, and despight agaynst hir,
+turned sodaynely the long and feruent loue that he bare hir,
+into despight and cruell hatred, deuising many and diuers meanes
+to bee reuenged, whych he then farre more desired, than hee did
+in the beginninge to lye with his Widow. After that longe and
+tedious night, day approched, and the dawning thereof began to
+appeare: wherefore the mayde instructed by hir mistresse, went
+downe into the court, and seemyng to haue pity uppon the
+Scholler, sayd vnto hym: "The Diuell take hym that euer he came
+hyther this nyghte, for hee hath bothe let vs of sleepe, and
+hath made you to be frozen for colde, but take it paciently for
+this tyme, some other Nyght must be appointed. For I know well
+that neuer thyng coulde chaunce more displeasantly to my
+Mistresse than this." But the Scholler full of dysdayne, lyke a
+wyse man which knew well that threats and menacyng words, were
+weapons without hands to the threatned, retayned in hys Stomacke
+that whych intemporate wyll would haue broken forth, and wyth so
+quiet Woordes as hee coulde, not shewynge hymselfe to bee angry,
+sayd: "In deede I haue suffred the worste Nyghte that euer I
+dyd, but I knowe the same was not throughe your mistresse fault,
+bicause shee hauing pitye vppon me, and as you say, that which
+cannot be to Night, may be done another time, commend me then
+vnto hir, and farewell." And thus the poore Scholler stiffe for
+colde, so well as hee coulde, retourned home to his house, where
+for the extremitye of the tyme and lacke of sleepe beyng almost
+deade, he threwe hymselfe vppon his bed, and when he awaked,
+his Armes and Legges had no feeling. Wherefore he sent for
+Physitions and tolde them of the colde he had taken, who
+incontinently prouided for his health: and yet for al their best
+and spedy remedies, they could scarce recouer his Iointes and
+Sinewes, wherein they did what they could: and had it not bene
+that he was yong, and the Sommer approching, it had ben to mutch
+for him to haue endured. But after he was come to Healthe, and
+grewe to be lusty, secrete Malyce still resting in his breaste,
+hee thought vpon reuenge. And it chaunced in a lytle tyme after,
+that Fortune prepared a new accident to the scholer to satisfy
+his desire, bycause the young man which was beloued of the
+Gentlewoman, not caring any longer for hir, fel in loue with an
+other, and gaue ouer the solace and pleasure he was wont to doe
+to mistresse Helena, for which despite she consumed herself in
+wepings and lamentations. But hir maid hauing pity vpon hir
+mistresse sorrowes, knowing no meanes to remoue the melancoly
+which she conceiued for the losse of hir friend, and seing the
+scholler daily passe by accordinge to his common Custome,
+conceiued a foolishe beliefe that hir mistresse friend might be
+brought to loue hir agayne, and wholly recouered, by some charme
+or other sleight of Necromancy, to bee wrought and brought to
+passe by the Scholler. Which deuise she tolde vnto hir
+mistresse, and she vndiscretely (and without due consideration
+that if the scholler had any knowledge in that science, he would
+helpe himselfe) gaue credite to the words of hir mayde, and by
+and by sayd vnto hir, that shee was able to bring it to passe,
+if he would take it in hande, and therewithall promised
+assuredly, that for recompense he should vse hir at his
+pleasure. The mayde diligently tolde the Scholler hereof,
+who very ioyfull for those newes, sayd vnto himselfe: "O God,
+praysed be thy name, for now the time is come, that by thy helpe
+I shall requite the iniuries done vnto me by this wicked Woman,
+and be recompensed of the great loue that I bare vnto hir:" And
+aunswered the mayd: "Go tell thy mistresse that for this matter
+she neede to take no care, for if hir frend were in India, I can
+presently force him to come hither, and aske hir forgiuenesse of
+the fault he hath committed agaynst hir. And the maner, and way
+how to vse hir selfe in this behalfe, I will gieue hir to
+vnderstand when it shal please hir to appoinct me: and fayle not
+to tell hir what I say, comforting hir in my behalfe." The mayde
+caried the aunswere, and it was concluded, that they should
+talke more hereof at the Church of S. Lucie, whither being come,
+and reasoning together alone, not remembring that she had
+brought the Scholler almost to the poynct of death, she reueyled
+vnto him all the whole matter, and the thing which he desired,
+praying him instantly to helpe hir, to whome the scholler sayd:
+"True it is lady, that amongs other things which I learned at
+Paris, the arte of Necromancie, (whereof I haue very great
+skill,) is one: But bycause it is mutch displeasaunt to God,
+I haue made an othe neuer to vse it, eyther for my selfe, or for
+any other: howbeit the loue which I beare you, is of sutch
+force, as I cannot deny you any request, yea and if I should be
+damned amongs all the deuils in hell, I am ready to performe
+your pleasure. But I tell you before, that it is a harder matter
+to be done, than paraduenture you belieue, and specially where a
+Woman shall prouoke a Man to loue, or a Man the Woman, bycause
+it can not be done by the propre Person, whome it doth touche,
+and therefore it is meete, whatsoeuer is done, in any wyse not
+to be affrayde, for that the coniuration must bee made in the
+Nyght, and in a solytarie place wythout Companye: which thing I
+know not how you shal bee disposed to doe." To whom the Woman
+more amorous than wise, aunswered: "Loue prycketh mee in sutch
+wise, as there is nothyng but I dare attempt, to haue him
+againe, that causelesse hath forsaken me. But tel me I beseech
+you wherein it behoueth that I be so bold and hardy." The
+Scholer (subtil inough) said: "I muste of necessity make an
+image of brasse, in the name of him that you desire to haue,
+which being sent vnto you you must, when the Mone is at hir ful,
+bath your self stark naked in a running riuer at the first houre
+of sleepe VII. times with the same image: and afterwards beyng
+stil naked, you must go vp into some tree or house vnhabited,
+and turning your selfe towardes the North side thereof wyth the
+image in your hand you shal say VII. times certain words, that I
+wil giue you in writing, which when you haue done, two damsels
+shal come vnto you, the fairest that euer you saw, and they
+shall salute you, humbly demaundyng what your pleasure is to
+commaund them: to whome you shal willingly declare in good order
+what you desire: and take hede aboue al things, that you name
+not one for an other: and when they begonne, you may descend
+downe to the place where you left your Apparel, and array your
+selfe agayne, and afterwardes retourne home vnto your house, and
+assure your self, that before the mid of the nexte Nyghte
+folowing, your Fryend shall come vnto you weepyng, and crying
+Mercye and forgyuenesse at youre Handes. And know yee, that from
+that tyme forth, he wil neuer forsake you for any other." The
+gentlewoman hearing those words, gaue great credyte thervnto:
+and thought that already she helde hir fryend betweene hir
+Armes, and very ioyfull sayd: "Doubt not sir, but I wyll
+accomplysh al that you haue inioyned me: and I haue the meetest
+place in the World to doe it: for vppon the valley of Arno, very
+neare the Ryuer syde I haue a Manor house, secretly to woorke
+any attempt that I list: and now it is the moneth of Iuly, in
+which tyme bathing is most pleasaunt. And also I remembre that
+not far from the Ryuer, there is a lyttle Toure vnhabited, into
+which one can scarce get vp, but by a certain Ladder made of
+chesnut tree, which is already there, whereuppon the shephierds
+do sometime ascende to the turrasse of the same Toure, to looke
+for their cattell when they be gone astray: and the place is
+very solitarie out of the way. Into that Toure wyll I goe vp,
+and trust to execute what you haue requyred me." The Scholler
+which knew very well both the village whereof she spake, and
+also the Toure, right glad for that he was assured of his
+purpose, sayde: "Madame, I was neuer there, ne yet do knowe the
+village, nor the Toure, but if it bee as you saye, it is not
+possible to finde anye better place in the Worlde: wherefore
+when the tyme is come, I wyll send you the Image, and the
+prayer. But I heartily beseech you, when you haue obtained your
+desire, and do perceyue that I haue well serued your turne, to
+haue me in remembraunce, and to keepe your promyse." Which the
+Gentlewoman assured hym to doe withoute fayle, and taking hir
+leaue of him, she retired home to hir house. The Scholer ioyfull
+for that his deuise should in deede come to passe, caused an
+image to be made with certaine Characters, and wrote a tale of a
+Tubbe in stede of the prayer. And when hee sawe tyme he sent
+them to the Gentlewoman, aduertising hir that the Nyght
+folowyng, she must doe the thing he had appoynted hir. Then to
+procede in his enterprise, he and his man went secretly to one
+of his fryends houses that dwelte harde by the towne. The Woman
+on the other side, and hir Mayde repaired to hir place: where
+when it was nyght, makyng as though she would go slepe, she sent
+hir Mayde to Bed: afterwards about ten of the Clocke she
+conueyed hirself very softly out of hir lodgyng, and repayred
+neare to the Towne vpon the riuer of Arno, and lookyng aboute
+hir, not seeing or perceiuing any man, she vnclothed hir selfe,
+and hidde hir apparell vnder a bush of Thornes, and then bathed
+hir selfe VII. tymes with the Image, and afterwardes starke
+naked, holding the same in her hand, she went towardes the
+Toure. The Scholler at the beginning of the Nyghte beying hydden
+wyth hys seruaunt amongs the willowes and other trees neere the
+Toure, saw all the aforesayde thinges, and hir also passing
+naked by him, (the whitenesse of whose body surpassed as he
+thought, the darknesse of the night, so farre as blacke
+exceedeth white) who afterwardes behelde hir Stomack, and the
+other partes of hir body, which seemed unto him to be very
+delectable. And remembringe what would shortly come to passe, he
+had some pitty vppon hir, on the other side, the temptation of
+the Flesh sodaynely assayled hym, prouoking him to issue forth
+of the secret corner, to Surprise hir, and to take his pleasure
+vpon hir. But calling to hys rememberaunce what shee was, and
+what great wrong hee had sustayned, his mallice began to kindle
+agayne, and did remoue his pitty, and lust, continuing still
+stedfast in his determination, suffring her to passe hir Iorney.
+The Wydow being vppon the Toure, and turning hir face towards
+the North, began to say the wordes which the Scholler had giuen
+hir. Within a while after the Scholler entred in very softly,
+and tooke away the ladder whereupon she got vp, and stoode still
+to heare what she did say and doe. Who hauing VII. times recited
+hir prayer, attended the comming of the two damsels: for whom
+she wayted so long in vayne, and therewithall began to be
+extreemely colde, and perceyued the dawning of the day appeare.
+Wherefore taking great displeasure that it came not to passe as
+the Scholler had tolde hir, she spake theese wordes to hir
+selfe: "I doubt mutch least this Scholler will rewarde mee with
+sutch another night, as wherein once I made him to wayte: but if
+he haue done it for that respect, he is not well reuenged, for
+the nights now want the third part of the length of those, then,
+besides the colde that he indured, which was of greater
+extremity." And that the day might not discouer hir, she woulde
+haue gone downe from the Toure, but she found the Ladder to be
+taken away. Then as thou the Worlde had molten vnder hir Feete,
+hir heart began to fayle, and Fayntinge, fell downe vppon the
+tarrasse of the toure, and when hir force reuiued agayne, she
+began pitifully to weepe and complayne. And knowing well that
+the Scholler had done that deede for reuenge, she grew to be
+angry wyth hir selfe, for that shee hadde Offended another, and
+to mutch trusted hym whom she ought (by good reason) to haue
+accoumpted hir enimy. And after she had remayned a great while
+in this plight, then looking if there were any way for hir to
+goe downe, and perceyuinge none, she renued hir weeping, whose
+minde great care and sorrow did pierce saying thus to hir selfe:
+"O vnhappy wretch, what will thy brethren say, thy Parents, thy
+Neyghbors, and generally all they of Florence, when they shall
+vnderstande that thou hast bene found heere naked? Thy honesty
+which hitherto hath bene neuer stayned, shall now bee blotted
+with the stayne of shame, yea, and if thou were able to finde
+(for reamedy hereof) any matter of excuse (sutch as might be
+founde) the wicked Scholler (who knoweth all thy doings) will
+not suffer thee to ly: ah miserable wretch, that in one houre's
+space, thou hast lost both thy freende and thyne honour. What
+shall become of thee? Who is able to couer thy shame?" When she
+had thus complayned hirselfe, hir sorrowe was not so great as
+shee was like to cast hirselfe headlong downe from the Toure:
+but the Sunne being already risen, she approched neare one of
+the corners of the Walle, espying if she coulde see any Boy
+keeping of cattell, that she might send him for hir Mayde. And
+it chaunced that the Scholler which lay and slept in couert,
+awaked, one espying the other, the Scholler saluted hir thus:
+"Good morow, Lady, be the Damsels yet come?" The Woman seeing,
+and hearing him, began agayne bitterly to weepe, and prayed him
+to come vp to the Toure, that she might speake with him. The
+Scholler was thereunto very agreable, and she lying on hir belly
+vpon the terrasse of the Touer, discouering nothing but hir head
+ouer the side of the same, sayd vnto him weeping: "Rinieri,
+truly, if euer I caused thee to endure an ill Night, thou art
+now well reuenged on me; for although it be the moneth of Iuly,
+I thought (because I was naked) that I should haue frosen to
+death this night for cold, besides my great, and continuall
+Teares for the offence which I haue done thee, and of my Folly
+for beleeuing thee, that maruell it is mine eyes do remayne
+within my head: And therefore I pray thee, not for the loue of
+me, whom thou oughtest not to loue, but for thine owne sake
+which art a gentleman, that the shame and payne which I haue
+sustayned, may satisfy the offence and wrong I haue committed
+agaynst thee: and cause mine apparell I beseech thee to be
+brought vnto me, that I may goe downe from hence, and doe not
+robbe mee of that, which afterwardes thou art not able to
+restore, which is, myne honor: for if I haue deceyued thee of
+one night, I can at all times when it shall please thee, render
+vnto thee for that one, many. Let it suffice thee then with
+this, and like an honest man content thy selfe by being a little
+reuenged on me, by making me to know now what it is to hurt
+another. Do not, I pray thee, practise thy power against a
+woman: for the Egle hath no fame for conquering of the Doue.
+Then for the loue of God, and for thine honor sake, haue pitty
+and remorse vpon me." The Scholler with a cruel heart remembring
+the iniury that he hath receyued, and seeing hir so to weepe and
+pray, conceyued at one instant both pleasure and griefe in his
+minde: pleasure of the reuenge which he aboue all things
+desired, and griefe mooued his manhoode to haue compassion vpon
+the myserable woman. Notwithstanding, pitty not able to ouercome
+the fury of his reuenge, he aunswered: "Mistresse Helena, if my
+praiers (which in dede I could not moysten with teares, ne yet
+sweeten them with sugred woordes, as you doe yours nowe) might
+haue obtained that night wherein I thought I should haue died
+for colde in the Court full of snowe, to haue bene conueyed by
+you into some couert place, an easie matter it had beene for mee
+at this instant to heare your suite. But if now more than in
+times past your honor do waxe warme, and that it greeueth you to
+stand starke naked, make your prayers to him, betweene whose
+Armes you ware not offended to be naked that night, wherein you
+hearde me trot vp and downe your Courte, my Teeth chattering for
+cold and marching vpon the Snow: And at his handes seeke
+releefe, and pray him to bring your Clothes, and fetch a Ladder
+that you may come downe: Force your selfe to set your honor's
+care on him for whom both then, and now besides many other
+times, you haue not feared to put the same in perill, Why doe
+you not cal for him to come and help you? And to whom doth your
+help better appertayne than vnto him? You are his owne, and what
+things will he not prouyde in this distresse of yours? Or else
+what person will hee seeke to succour, if not to helpe and
+succour you? Call him (O foolish woman) and proue if the loue
+which thou bearest him, and thy wit together with his, be able
+to deliuer thee from my Folly, where (when both you were
+togethers) you tooke your Pleasure. And now thou haste
+Experience wheather my Folly or the Loue which thou diddest
+beare vnto him, is greatest. And be not now so Lyberall, and
+Curteous of that which I go not about to seeke: reserue thy good
+Nights to thy beloued freende, if thou chaunce to escape from
+hence aliue: for from my selfe I cleerely discharge you both.
+And truly I haue had to mutch of one: and sufficient it is for
+mee to bee mocked once. Moreouer by thy crafty talke vttered by
+subtill speache, and by thyne vntimely prayse, thou thinkest to
+force the getting of my good will, and thou callest me
+Gentleman, valiaunt man, thinkinge thereby to withdrawe my
+valyaunte minde from punishing of thy wretched body: but thy
+flatteries shall not yet bleare mine vnderstanding eyes, as once
+wyth thy vnfathyfull promises thou diddest beguile my
+ouerweeninge wit. I now to well do know, and thereof thee well
+assure, that all the time I was a Scholler in Paris, I neuer
+learned so mutch as thou in one night diddest teach mee. But put
+the Case that I were a valiaunt man, yet thou art none of them
+vpon whom valiaunce ought to shewe his effects: and for the end
+of sutch tormenting and passing cruell beasts, as thou art, only
+death is fittest rewarde: for if a Woman made but halfe these
+playnts, there is no man, but woulde asswage his reuenge. But
+yet as I am no Eagle, and thou no Doue, but a most venomous
+Serpent, I intend so well as I can to persecute thee mine
+auncient enimy, wyth the greatest mallice I can deuise, which I
+cannot so properly cal reuenge, as I may terme it Correction:
+for that the reuenge of a matter ought to surmount the Offence,
+and I will bestow no reuenge on thee: for if I were disposed to
+apply my mynde therevnto, for respect of thy displeasure done to
+me, thy Lyfe should not suffise, nor one hundred more like vnto
+thine: which if I tooke away, I should but rid the Worlde of a
+most vile, and wicked woman. And to say the truth, what other
+art thou then a Deuill accept a little beauty in thy Face, which
+within few yeares will vanishe and consume: for thou tookest no
+care to kill, and destroy an honest man (as thou euen now
+diddest terme me) whose Life, may in tyme to come bee more
+profitable to the Worlde, than an hundred thousand sutch as
+thyne, so long as the World indureth. I wil teach thee then by
+the paine thou suffrest, what is it to mock sutch Men as bee of
+skyll, and what maner of thyng it is to delude and Scorne poore
+schollers, gyuing thee warning hereby, that thou never fall into
+sutch folly, if thou escapest this. But if thou haue so great a
+will to come downe as thou sayest thou hast, why doest thou not
+throwe downe thy selfe headlonge, that by breaking of thy Necke
+(if it please God) at one instante thou rid thy selfe of the
+payne, wherein thou sayest thou art, and make mee the best
+contented man of the Worlde. For this tyme I will say no more to
+thee, but that I haue done inough to make thee clime so high.
+Learne then now so wel how thou maist get down, as thou didst
+know how to mock and deceyue me." While the Scholler had
+preached vnto hir these words, the wretched woman wepte
+continually, and the time stil did passe away, the Sunne
+increasing more and more: but when the Scholler held his peace,
+she replyed: "O cruell man, if that curssed nyght was grieuous
+vnto thee, and my fault appeared great, cannot my youth and
+Beauty, my Teares and humble Prayers bee able to mitigate thy
+wrath and to moue thee to pitty: do at least that thou mayst be
+moued and thy cruell minde appeased for that onely act, let me
+once again be trusted of thee, and sith I haue manifested al my
+desire, pardon me for this tyme, sith thou hast sufficiently
+made me feele the penance of my sinne. For, if I had not reposed
+my trust in thee, thou hadst not now reuenged thy self on me,
+which with desire most spytefull thou doest full well declare.
+Gyue ouer then thine anger, and pardon me henceforth: for I am
+determined if thou wilt forgeue mee, and cause me to come downe
+out of this place, to forsake for ever that vnfaithfull Louer,
+and to receive thee for my only friend and Lord. Moreouer where
+thou greatly blamest my beauty, esteeming it to be short, and of
+smal accompt, sutch as it is, and the like of other women I
+know, not be regarded for other cause but for pastime and
+plesure of youthly Men, and therefore not to be contemned: and
+thou thy self truly art not very old; and albeit that cruelly I
+am intreated of thee, yet can I not beleue that thou wouldest
+haue me so miserably to die, as to cast my selfe down headlong,
+like one desperate, before thine eyes, whome (except thou were a
+lier as thou seemest to be now) in time past I did wel please
+and like. Haue pitye then upon me, for God's sake, for the Sunne
+begins to grow exceding hot, and as the extreame and bitter cold
+did hurt me the last Night euen so the heat beginneth to molest
+me." Whereunto the Scholler which kept hir there for the nonce,
+and for his pleasure, answered: "Mistresse you did not now
+commit your faith to me for any loue you bare, but to get that
+again which you had lost, wherfore that deserueth no good turne,
+but greater pain: and fondlye thou thinkest this to be the onely
+meanes, whereby I am able to take desired reuenge. For I haue a
+thousand other wayes and a thousand Trappes haue I layed to
+tangle thy feete, in makynge thee beleue that I dyd loue thee:
+in sutch wyse as thou shouldest haue gone no where at any tyme,
+is thys had not chanced but thou shouldest haue fallen into one
+of them: and surely thou couldest haue falne into none of them,
+but would haue bred thee more anoyaunce and shame than this
+(which I chose not for thyne ease, but for my greater pleasure.)
+And besides if all these meanes had fayled me, the pen should
+not, wherewyth I would haue displayed thee in sutch Colours, as
+when the simple brute thereof hadde come to thyne eares, thou
+wouldest haue desired a thousand times a Day, that thou hadst
+neuer bene born. For the forces of the pen be farre more
+vehement, than they can esteeme that haue not proued them by
+experience. I swear vnto thee by God, that I doe reioyse, and so
+wil to the ende, for this reuenge I take of thee, and so haue I
+done from the beginning: but if I had with pen painted thy
+maners to the Worlde, thou shouldest not haue ben so mutch
+ashamed of other, as of thy selfe, that rather than thou
+wouldest haue loked mee in the Face agayne, thou wouldest haue
+plucked thyne Eyes oute of thy head: and therefore reproue no
+more the Sea, for beeing increased wyth a lyttle Brooke. For thy
+loue, or for that thou wilt be mine own, I care not, as I haue
+already told thee, and loue him again if thou canst, so mutch as
+thou wilt, to whome for the hatred that I haue borne,
+I presently bear so mutch good wyll agayne, and for the pleasure
+that he hath don thee now. You be amorous and couet the loue of
+young men, bicause you see theyr Colour somewhat fresh, their
+beard more black, their bodies well shaped to daunce and runne
+at Tylt and Ryng, but al these qualities haue they had, that be
+growne to elder yeares, and they by good experience know what
+other are yet to learn. Moreouer you deeme them the better
+horssemen, bicause they can iourney more myles a day than those
+that be of farther yeares. Truely I confesse, that with great
+paynes they please sutch Venerial Gentlewomen as you be, who doe
+not perceyue (like sauage Beastes) what heapes of euill doe
+lurke vnder the forme of fayre apparance. Younge men be not
+content with one Louer, but so many as they behold, they do
+desire, and of so many they think themselues worthy: wherefore
+their loue cannot be stable. And that this is true, thou mayest
+now be thine owne wytnesse. And yong men thynkyng themselues
+worthy to be honoured and cherished of theyr Ladies, haue none
+other glory but to vaunt themselues of those whome they have
+enioyed: whych fault maketh many to yeld themselues to those
+that be discrete and wise, and to sutch as be no blabbes or
+Teltales. And where thou sayest that thy loue is knowne to none,
+but to thy mayde and me, thou art deceiued, if thou beleue the
+same, for al the inhabitants of the streete wherein thy Louer
+dwelleth, and the streete also wherein thy house doth stand,
+talke of nothynge more than of your Loue. But many times in
+sutch cases, the party whome sutch Brute doth touch, is the last
+that knoweth it. Moreouer, young men do robbe thee, where they
+of elder yeares do gyue thee. Thou then (which hast made sutch
+choyse), remayne to him whome thou hast chosen, and me (whom
+thou floutest) gyue leaue to apply to an other: for I haue found
+a Woman to bee my fryend, which is of an other discretion than
+thou art, and knoweth me better than thou dost. And that thou
+mayst in an other world be more certaine of myne Eyes desire,
+than thou hitherto art, throwe thy selfe downe so soone as thou
+canst, that thy soule already (as I suppose) receiued betwene
+the armes of the diuel hym selfe may se if mine eyes be troubled
+or not, to view thee breake thy Necke. But bicause I think thou
+wilt not do me that good turne, I say if the Sunne begin to
+warme thee, remember the cold thou madest me suffer, which if
+thou canst mingle with that heat, no doubt thou shalt feele the
+same more temperate." The comfortlesse Woman seeing that the
+Scholler's words tended but to cruell end, began to weepe and
+said: "Now then sith nothing can moue thee to take pity for my
+sake, at lest wise for the loue of hir, whom thou saiest to be
+of better discretion than I, take some compassion: for hir sake
+(I say) whom thou callest thy friend, pardon mee and bryng
+hither my clothes that I may put them on, and cause me if it
+please thee to come down from hence." Then the Scholler began to
+laugh, and seing that it was a good while past III. of the
+clocke, he answered: "Well go to, for that woman's sake I cannot
+wel say nay, or refuse thy request, tel me where thy garments
+be, and I wyll go seke them, and cause thee to come downe." She
+beleuing hym, was some what comforted, and told hym the place
+where she had bestowed them. And the Scholler going out of the
+Toure, commaunded his seruaunt to tarry there, and to take heede
+that none went in vntil he came againe. Then he departed to one
+of hys friends houses, where he wel refreshed himselfe, and
+afterwards when he thought time, he layd him downe to slepe. Al
+that space mistresse Helena whych was styll vpon the Toure, and
+recomforted with a lyttle foolish hope, sorrowful beyonde
+measure, began to sit downe, seeking some shadowed place to
+bestow hir selfe, and with bitter thoughts and heauy cheare in
+good deuotion, wayted for his comming, now musing, now wepyng,
+then hopyng, and sodaynely dispayring the Scholler's retourne
+wyth hir Clothes: and chaunging from one thought to another,
+like one that was weary of trauel, and had taken no rest al the
+Nyght, she fel into a litle slumbre. But the Sun whych was
+passing hote, being aboute noone, glaunced his burning beames
+vpon hir tender body and bare head, with sutch force, as not
+only it singed the flesh in sight, but also did chip and parch
+the same with sutch rosting heat, as she which soundly slepte,
+was constrayned to wake: and feling that raging warmth, desirous
+somewhat to remoue hir self, she thought in turning that all hir
+tosted flesh had opened and broken, like vnto a skyn of
+parchement holden against the fire: besides with payne extreame,
+hir head began to ake, with sutch vehemence, as it seemed to be
+knocked in pieces: and no maruel, for the pament of the Toure
+was so passing hotte, as neither vpon hir feete, or by other
+remedy, shee could find place of rest. Wherefore without power
+to abide in one place, she stil remoued to and fro wepying
+bitterly. And moreouer, for that no Wynd did blow, the Toure was
+haunted wyth sutch a swarme of Flies, and Gnats, as they
+lighting vppon hir parched flesh, did so cruelly byte and stinge
+hir, that euery of them seemed worsse than the prycke of a
+Nedle, which made hir to bestirre hir hands, incessantly to
+beate them off cursing still hir selfe, hir Lyfe, hir friend and
+Scholler. And being thus and with sutch pain bitten and
+afflicted with the vehement heat of the Sun, with the Flies and
+gnats, hungry, and mutch more thyrsty, assailed with a thousand
+grieuous thoughts, she arose vp, and began to loke about hir if
+she could heare or see any person, purposing whatsoeuer came of
+it to call for helpe. But hir ill fortune had taken way al this
+hoped meanes of hir reliefe: for the Husbandmen and other
+Laborers were al gone out of the fields to shrowd themselues
+from the heate of the day, sparing their trauail abrode, to
+thresh their corn and doe other things at home, by reason
+whereof she neither saw nor hearde any thing, except
+Butterflies, humble bees, crickets, and the riuer of Arno, which
+making hir lust to drink of the water quenched hir thirst
+nothing at al, but rather did augment the same. She sawe besides
+in many places, woodes, shadows and houses, which lykewyse did
+breede hir double grief, for desire she had vnto the same. But
+what shal we speak any more of this vnhappy woman? The Sunne
+aboue, and the hot Toure paiment below, wyth the bitings of the
+flies and gnats, had on euery part so dressed hir tender corps,
+that where before the whitenesse of hir body did passe the
+darkenesse of the Night, the same was become red, al arayed and
+spotted wyth gore bloud, that to the beholder and viewer of hir
+state, she seemed the most yll sauored thyng of the Worlde: and
+remayning in thys plyght without hope or councel, she loked
+rather for death than other comfort. The Scholler after the
+Clocke had rounded three in the afternoon, awaked, and
+remembring his lady, went to the Toure to see what was become of
+hir, and sent his man to dinner, that had eaten nothing all that
+day. The Gentlewoman hearing the Scholler, repayred so feeble
+and tormented as shee was, vnto the trap doore, and sitting
+vppon the same, pityfully weeping began to say: "Rinieri, thou
+art beyonde measure reuenged on me, for if I made thee freese
+all night in mine open Court, thou haste tosted me to day vppon
+this Toure, nay rather burnt with heate, consumed me: and
+besides that, to dye and sterue for hunger, and thirst.
+Wherefore I pray thee for God's sake to come vp, and sith my
+heart is faynt to kill my selfe, I pray thee heartely speedily
+to do it. For aboue all things I desire to dy, so great and
+bitter is the torment which I endure. And if thou wilt not shewe
+me that fauor, yet cause a glasse of Water to be brought vnto
+me, that I may moysten my mouth, sith my teares bee not able to
+coole the same, so great is the drouth and heate I haue within."
+Wel knew the Scholler by hir voyce, hir weake estate, and sawe
+besides the most part of hir body all tosted with the Sunne: by
+the viewe whereof, and humble sute of hir, he conceiued a little
+pitty. Notwythstanding he aunsweared hir in this wise: "Wicked
+woman thou shalt not dye with my hands, but of thine owne, if
+thou desire the same, and so mutch water shalt thou haue of me
+for coolinge of thine heate, as dampned Diues had in hell at
+Lazarus handes, when he lifted up his cry to Abraham, holdinge
+that saued wighte within his blessed bosome, or as I had fire of
+thee for easing of my colde. The greater is my griefe that the
+vehemence of my colde must be cured with the heate of sutch a
+stincking carion beast, and thy heate healed with the coldnesse
+of most Soote and sauerous Water distilled from the orient Rose.
+And where I was in daunger to loose my Limmes, and life, thou
+wilt renew thy Beauty like the Serpent that casteth his Skin
+once a yeare." "Oh myserable wretch" (sayd the woman) "God gieue
+him sutch Beauty gotten in this sorte, that wisheth me sutch
+euill. But (thou more cruell than any other beast) what heart
+haste thou, thus like a Tyraunte to deale with me? What more
+grieuous payne coulde I endure of thee, or of any other, than I
+do, if I had killed, and done to death thy parents or whole race
+of thy stocke and kin with most cruel torments? Truely I know
+not what greater tyranny coulde be vsed agaynst a Trayter that
+had sacced or put a whole Citty to the sword, than that thou
+haste done to me, to make my flesh to bee the foode and rost
+meate of the Sunne, and the baite for licorous flies, not
+vouchsafing to reach hither a simple glasse of Water whych would
+haue bene graunted to the condempned Theefe, and Manqueller,
+when they be haled forth to hanging, yea wine most commonly, if
+they aske the same. Now for that I see thee still remayne in
+obstinate mind, and that my passion can nothinge mooue thee,
+I wyll prepare paciently to receiue my death, that GOD may haue
+mercy on my soule, whom I humbly beseech with his righteous eyes
+to beholde that cruell act of thyne." And with those woords, she
+approched with payne to the middle of the terrasse, despayring
+to escape that burning heate, and not onely once, but a
+thousande times, (besides hir other sorowes) she thought to
+sowne for thirst, and bitterly wept without ceasing, complayning
+hir mishap. But being almost night, the Scholler thought hee had
+done inough, wherefore he tooke hir clothes, and wrapping the
+same within his seruaunt's cloke, he went home to the
+Gentlewoman's house where he founde before the gate, hir mayde
+sitting al sad and heauy, of whom he asked where hir mistresse
+was. "Syr," (sayd she) "I cannot tell, I thought this morning to
+finde hir a Bed, where I left hir yester night, but I cannot
+finde hir there, nor in any other place, ne yet can tell
+wheather to goe seeke hir, which maketh my hearte to throb some
+misfortune chaunced vnto hir. But (sir quod she) cannot you tell
+where she is?" The Scholler aunswered: "I would thou haddest
+bene with hir in the place where I left hir, that I might haue
+bene reuenged on thee so well, as I am of hir. But beleue
+assuredly, that thou shalt not escape my handes vntill I pay
+thee thy desert, to the intent hereafter in mocking other, thou
+mayst haue cause to remember me." When hee had sayde so, hee
+willed his man to gieue the mayde hir Mistresse Clothes, and
+then did bidde hir seeke hir out if shee would. The Seruaunte
+did his Mayster's commaundment, and the Mayde hauinge receyued
+them, knewe them by and by, and markinge well the scholler's
+wordes, she doubted least hee had slayne hir Mistresse, and
+mutch adoe she had to refrayne from crying out. And the Scholler
+being gone, she tooke hir Mistresse Garments, and ran vnto the
+Toure. That day by hap, one of the Gentlewoman's labouring Men
+had two of his hogges runne a stray, and as he went to seeke
+them (a little while after the Scholler's departure) he
+approched neare the Toure looking round about if he might see
+them. In the busie searche of whom hee heard the miserable
+playnt that the vnhappy Woman made, wherefore so loude as he
+coulde, be cried out: "Who weepeth there aboue?" The Woman knew
+the voice of hir man, and calling him by his name, shee sayde
+vnto him: "Goe home I pray thee to call my mayde and cause her
+to come vp hither vnto me." The fellow knowing his mistresse
+voice sayd vnto hir: "What Dame, who hath borne you vp so hygh?
+Your mayde hath sought you al this day, and who would haue
+thought to finde you there?" He then taking the staues of the
+Ladder, did set it vp against the Toure as it ought to be, and
+bounde the steppes that were wanting, with fastenings of Wyllowe
+twigges, and sutch like pliant stuffe as he could finde. And at
+that instant the mayde came thither, who so soone as she was
+entred the Toure, not able to forbeare hir voyce, beating hir
+hands, shee began to crye: "Alas sweete Mistresse where be you?"
+She hearing the voyce of hir Mayde aunswered so well as shee
+could: "Ah (sweete Wench) I am heere aboue, cry no more, but
+bring me hither my clothes." When the mayde heard hir speake, by
+and by for ioy, in haste she mounted vp the Ladder, which the
+Labourer had made ready, and with his helpe gat vp to the
+Terrasse of the Toure, and seeing hir Mystresse resembling not a
+humayne body but rather a wodden Faggot halfe consumed with
+fire, all weary and whithered, lying a long starke naked vppon
+the Grounde, she began with hir Nayles to wreke the griefe vpon
+hir Face, and wept ouer hir with sutch vehemency as if she had
+beene deade. But hir Dame prayed hir for God's sake to holde hir
+peace, and to help hir to make hir ready: and vnderstanding by
+hir, that no man knewe where she was become, except they which
+caried home hir clothes, and the Labourer that was present
+there, shee was somewhat recomforted, and prayed them for God's
+sake to say nothing of that chaunce to any person. The Laborer
+after mutch talke, and request to his Mistresse, to be of good
+cheere, when shee was rysen vp, caried hir downe vpon his Necke,
+for that she was not able to goe so farre, as out of the Toure.
+The poore Mayde which came behinde, in goinge downe the Ladder
+without takinge heede, hir foote fayled, and fallinge downe to
+the Grounde, shee brake hir Thigh, for griefe whereof she
+roared, and cryed out lyke a Lyon. Wherefore the Labourer hauing
+placed his Dame vpon a greene banke, went to see what hurt the
+Mayde had taken, and perceyued that she had broken hir Thigh, he
+caried hir likewise vnto that banke, and placed hir besides hir
+mistresse, who seeing one mischiefe vppon another to chaunce,
+and that she of whom she hoped for greater help, than of any
+other, had broken hir Thigh, sorrowfull beyonde measure, renewed
+hir cry so miserably, as not onely the Labourer was not able to
+comforte hir, but he himself began to weepe for company. The
+Sunne hauinge trauayled into hys Westerne course, and taking his
+farewell by settling himselfe to rest, was at the poynct of
+goinge downe. And the poore desolate woman vnwilling to be
+benighted, went home to the Labourer's house, where taking two
+of his Brothers, and his Wyfe, returned to fetch the Mayde, and
+caried hir home in a Chayre. Then cheering vp hys Dame with a
+little fresh water, and many fayre Wordes, he caried hir vpon
+his Necke into a Chaumber, afterwardes his Wyfe made hir warm
+Drinks and Meates, and putting of hir clothes, layd hir in hir
+Bed, and tooke order that the mistresse and maide that night
+were caried to Florence, where the Mistresse ful of lies,
+deuised a Tale all out of order of that which chaunced to hir,
+and hir Mayde, making hir Brethren, hir Sisters, and other hir
+neighbours beleeue, that by flush of lightning, and euill
+Sprites, hir face and body were Blistered, and the Mayde stroken
+vnder the Arse bone with a Thunderbolt. Then Physitians were
+sent for, who not without greate griefe, and payne to the Woman
+(which many tymes left hir Skin sticking to the Sheets) cured
+hir cruell Feuer, and other hir diseases, and lykewise the mayde
+of hir Thigh: which caused the Gentlewoman to forget hir Louer,
+and from that time forth wisely did beware and take heede whom
+she did mocke, and where she did bestow hir loue. And the
+Scholler knowing that the Mayde had broken hir Thigh, thought
+himselfe sufficiently reuenged, ioyfully passing by them both
+many times in silence. Beholde the reward of a foolish wanton
+widow for hir Mockes and Flouts, thinking that no greate care or
+more prouident heede ought to be taken in iesting with a
+Scholler, than with any other common person, nor well remembring
+how they doe know (not all, I say, but the greatest parte) where
+the Diuell holdeth his Tayle: and therefore take heede good
+Wyues, and Wydowes, how you giue your selues to mockes and
+daliaunce, specially of Schollers. But nowe turne we to another
+Wyddow that was no amorous Dame but a sober Matrone, a motherly
+Gentlewoman, that by pitty, and Money Redeemed, and Raunsomed a
+King's Sonne out of myserable Captiuity, that was vtterly
+abandoned of all his Friendes. The manner and meanes how the
+Nouell ensuing shall shewe.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRTY-SECOND NOUELL.
+
+  _A Gentlewoman and Wydow called Camiola of hir owne minde
+  Raunsomed Roland the Kyng's Sonne of Sicilia, of purpose to
+  haue him to hir Husband, who when he was redeemed unkindly
+  denied hir, agaynst whom very Eloquently she Inueyed, and
+  although the Law proued him to be hir Husband, yet for his
+  vnkindnes, shee vtterly refused him._
+
+
+Bvsa a Gentlewoman of Apulia, maynetayned ten Thousande Romayne
+souldiers within the walles of Cannas, that were the remnaunte
+of the army after the ouerthrow there: and yet hir State of
+Rychesse was saulfe and nothynge dimynished, and left therby a
+worthy Testimony of Lyberality as Valerius Maximus affirmeth. If
+this worthy woman Busa for Liberality is commended by auncient
+Authors: if she deserue a Monument amongs famous Wryters for
+that splendent vertue which so brightly blasoneth the Heroicall
+natures of Noble dames, then may I bee so bolde amonges these
+Nouels to bring in (as it were by the hand) a Wyddow of Messina,
+that was a Gentlewoman borne, adorned with passing beauty and
+vertues. Amongs the rancke of which hir comely Qualities, the
+vertue of Liberality glistered lyke the morninge Starre after
+the Night hath cast of his darke and Cloudy Mantell. This
+Gentlewoman remayning in Wyddowes state, and hearing tell that
+one of the Sonnes of Federicke, and Brother to Peter that was
+then King of the sayd Ilande called Rolande, was caried Prysoner
+to Naples, and there kept in miserable Captiuity, and not like
+to bee redeemed by his Brother for a displeasure conceyued, nor
+by any other, pittying the state of the young Gentleman, and
+mooued by hir gentle, and couragious disposition, and specially
+with the vertue of liberality, raunsomed the sayd Rolande, and
+craued no other interest or vsury for the same, but him to
+husband, that ought upon his knees to haue made sute to be hir
+slaue and seruaunte for respect of his miserable state of
+Imprisonment. An affiaunce betweene them was concluded, and he
+redeemed, and when hee was returned, hee falsed his former
+fayth, and cared not for hir: for which vnkinde part, she before
+his Frends inueyeth agaynst that ingratitude, and vtterly
+forsaketh him, when (sore ashamed) he would very fayne haue
+recouered hir good wil. But she like a wise gentlewoman well
+waying his inconstant mynde before mariage, lusted not to taste
+or put in proofe the fruicts and successe thereof. The intire
+Discourse of whom you shall briefly and presently vnderstand.
+Camiola a widow of the City of Siena, the Daughter of a gentle
+Knight called Signor Lorenzo Toringo, was a Woman of great
+renoume and fame for hir beauty liberality and shamefastnesse,
+and led a life in Massina, (an auncient Citty of Sicile) no
+lesse commendable than famous, in the company of hir parentes,
+contenting hirself wyth one only Husbande, while she liued,
+which was in the tyme when Federick the thirde was Kyng of that
+Isle: And after their death she was an heyre of very great
+wealth and ritchesse, which were alwayes by hir conserued and
+kept in maruellous honest sort. Nowe it chaunced that after the
+death of Federick, Peter succeedinge by his Commaundement,
+a great Army by Sea was equipped from Messina, vnder the conduct
+of Iohn Countee of Chiaramonte, (the most Renoumed in those
+dayes in Feats of Warre,) for to ayde the people of Lippary,
+which were so strongly and earnestly besieged, as they were
+almost all dead and consumed for hunger. In this Army, ouer and
+besides those that were in pay, many Barons and Gentlemen
+willingly went vpon their own proper costes, and charges, as
+well by Sea as Lande, onely for fame, and to be renoumed in
+armes. This Castell of Lippari was assaulted by Godefrey of
+Squilatio a valiaunt Man, and at that time Admiral to Robert
+Kyng of Ierusalem and Sicile: Which Godefrey by long siege and
+assault, had so famished the people within, as dayly he hoped
+they would surrender. But hauing aduertisement (by certayne
+Brigandens which he had sent abroade to scour the Seas) that the
+Enimies Army (which was farre greater than his) was at hand,
+after that he had assembled all his Nauy togeather in one sure
+place, he expected the euent of Fortune. The Enimies so soone as
+they were seased and possessed of the place, without any
+resistaunce of the places abandoned by Godefrey, caried into the
+Citty at their pleasure all their victualles. which they brought
+wyth them, for which good happe and chaunce the sayde Countee
+Iohn being very mutch encouraged and puffed vp wyth pryde,
+offred Battell to Godefrey. Wherefore he not refusing the same,
+being a man of great corage, in the Night time fortified his
+Army with Boordes, Timber, and other Rampiers, and hauing put
+his Nauy in good order, he encouraged his Men to fight, and to
+doe valiauntly the next day, which done, hee caused the Ankers
+to bee wayed, and gieuing the signe, tourned the prowees of hys
+Shyppes agaynst the Sicilians Army, but Countee Iohn who thought
+that Godefrey would not fight, and durst not once looke vpon the
+great army of the Sicilians, did not put his Fleete in order to
+fight, but rather in readinesse to pursue the enimies. But
+seeing the Courage, and the approch of theym that came agaynste
+him, began to feare, his heart almost fayling him, and repented
+him that he had required his Enimy to that which he thought
+neuer to haue obtayned. In sutch wise as mistrusting the
+Battayle with troubled minde, changing the order giuen, and
+notwithstanding not to seeme altogither fearefull, incontinently
+caused his Ships to be put into order after the best maner he
+could for so little tyme, himselfe gieuing the signe of battell.
+In the meane while their enimies being approched neere vnto
+them, and making a very great noyse with Cryes and Shoutes,
+furiously entred the Sicilians, which came slowly forth, and
+hauing first throwne their Hookes and Grapples to stay them,
+they began the fight with Dartes, Crosse-bowes, and other Shot,
+in sutch sort as the Sicilians being amazed for the sodayne
+mutation of Councell, and all enuironned with feare, and the
+Souldiers of Godefrey perceyuing the same, entred their enimies
+Ships, and comming to blowes, even in a moment all was filled
+with bloud, by reason whereof the Sicilians, then despayring of
+themselues, and they that feared turning the prowes fled away:
+But neuerthelesse the Victorye reclininge towardes Godefrey,
+many of their Ships were drowned, many taken, and diuers
+Pinnasses by force of their Oares escaped. In that fight died
+fewe people, but many were hurt, and Ihon the Captayne Generall
+taken Prysoner, and with him almost all the Barons, which of
+their own accordes repayred to those Warres, and besides a great
+number of Souldiers, many Ensignes as well of the field, as of
+the Galleyes, and specially the mayne Standerd was taken. And in
+the ende, the Castell being rendred after long Voyages, and
+great Fortunes by Sea, they were al chayned, caried to Naples
+and there imprisoned. Amongs those Prisoners, there was a
+certayne Gentleman named Rowlande, the Naturall Sonne of King
+Federick deceased, a yong prince very comely and valyaunt. Who
+not being redeemed, taried alone in prison very sorrowfull to
+see all others discharged after they had payd their Raunsome and
+himselfe not to have wherewith to furnish the same. For king
+Pietro (to whom the care of him appertayned by reason he was his
+Brother), for that his warres had no better successe, and done
+contrary to his commaundement, conceyued displeasure so wel
+agaynst him, as all others which were at that battell. Nowe hee
+then being prisoner without hope of any liberty, by meanes of
+the dampishe prison, and his feete clogged with yrons, grewe to
+bee sicke and feeble. It chaunced by fortune, that Camiola
+remembred him, and seeing him forsaken of his brethren, had
+compassyon vppon his missehappe in sutch wise, as she purposed
+(if honestly she might doe the same) to set hym at liberty. For
+the accomplishment whereof without preiudice of hir honour, she
+sawe none other wayes but take him to husband. Wherefore shee
+sent diuers vnto him secretely, to conferre if he would come
+forth vpon that condition, whereunto he wilingly agreed. And
+performing ech due ceremonie, vnder promised faith, vpon the
+gift of a ring willingly by a deputy espoused Camiola, who with
+so mutch diligence as she could, payed two thousand Crownes for
+his ransome, and by that meanes he was deliuerd. When he was
+retourned to Messina, he repayred not to his Wyfe, but fared as
+though there had neuer bene any sutch talke beetwene theym:
+whereof at the begynninge Camiola very mutch maruelled, and
+afterwardes knowinge his vnkindenesse was greatly offended in
+hir heart against him. Notwithstanding to the intent she might
+not seeme to be grieued without reason, before she proceded any
+further, caused him louingly to be talked withal, and to be
+exhorted by folowing his promyse to consummate the mariage: and
+seeing that he denied euer any sutch Contract to be made, she
+caused him to be summoned before the Ecclesiastical Iudge, by
+whome sentence was giuen that hee was hir husband euidence of
+his owne letters, and by witnesse of certayne other personages
+of good reputation, which afterwards he himself confessed,
+his face blushyng for shame, for that he had forgotten sutch a
+manifest benefit and good turne. When the kynde part of Camiola
+done vnto him was throughly known, he was by hys Brethren
+reproued and checked for hys villany, whereupon by their
+instigation, and the persuasion of his frends, he was contented
+by humble request to desire Camiola to perform the Nuptials. But
+that gentlewoman which was of great corage in the presence of
+diuers that were wyth him, when he required hir thereunto,
+answered him in this maner: "Rowland I haue great cause to
+render thankes to almyghty God, for that it pleased him to
+declare vnto me the proofe of thine vnfaythfulnesse, before thou
+didst by any meanes contaminate (vnder colour of mariage) the
+purity of my body, and that through his fauour, by whose most
+holy name thou wentest about to abuse me by false and periured
+Oth, I haue foreseene thy Trumpery and deceypt, wherein I
+beleeue that I have gayned more than I shoulde haue done by thee
+in mariage. I suppose that when thou were in pryson, thou didst
+meane no lesse, than now, by effect thou shewest, and diddest
+thinke that I, forgetting of what house I was, presumptuously
+desired a Husband of the Royal bloud, and therefore wholly
+inflamed with thy love, did purpose to beguile mee by denying
+the Trouth, when thou haddest recouered lyberty thorough my
+Money, and thereby to reserue thy selfe for some other of more
+famous Aliaunce, being restored to thy former degree. And
+thereby thou hast gieuen proofe of thy will, and what minde thou
+haddest so to do if thyne ability had bene correspondent. But
+God, who from the lofty Skyes doth beholde the humble and low,
+and who forsaketh none that hopeth in him, knowing the sincerity
+of my Conscience, hath gieuen mee the grace by little trauayle,
+to breake the bands of thy deceipts, to discouer thine
+ingratitude, and make manifest thine infidelity, which I haue
+not done only to display the wrong towardes me, but that thy
+Brethren and other thy friends might from henceforth know what
+thou art, what affiaunce they ought to repose in thy fayth,
+and thereby what thy frends ought to looke for, and what thine
+enimies ought to feare. I have lost my Money, thou thy good
+name: I haue lost the hope which I had of thee, thou the fauour
+of the Kinge, and of thy brethren: I the expectation of my
+mariage, thou a true and constant Wife: I the fruits of charity,
+thou the gayne of amity: I an vnfaythful husband, thou a most
+pure and loyall Wyfe. Now the Gentlewomen of Sicilia doe
+maruayle at my Magnificence, and Beauty, and by prayses aduaunce
+the same vp into the heauens: and contrarywise euery of theym
+doe mock thee, and deeme thee to be Infamous. The Renoumed
+Wryters of ech Countrey will place me amongs the ranke of the
+noblest Dames, where thou shalt be depressed, and throwne downe
+amonges the Heapes of moste vnkynde. True it is, that I am
+somewhat deceyued by deliuering out of Pryson, a yong man of
+Royal, and noble race, in steede of whom I have redeemed a
+Rascall, a Lier, a Falsifier of his faith, and a cruell Beast:
+and take heede hardily how thou do greatly esteme thyselfe, and
+I wish thee not to think that I was moued to draw thee out of
+Pryson, and take thee to Husbande for the good qualities that
+were in thee, but for the memory of auncient benefits which my
+father receyued of thine (if Federick, a king of most sacred
+remembraunce were thy father, for I can scarsly beleeue, that a
+sonne so dishonest should proceede from so noble a Gentleman as
+was that famous Prince.) I know well thou thinkest that it was
+an vnworthy thing, that a Widow not being of the Royal bloud
+should have to husband, the sonne of a Kinge, so strong and of
+so goodly personage, which I willingly confesse: but I would
+haue thee a little to make me aunswere (at the least wise if
+thou canst by reason) when I payd so great a sum of money to
+deliuer thee from bondage and captiuity, where was then the
+nobility of thy Royall race? Where was thy force of Youth? And
+where thy Beauty? If not that they were closed up in a terrible
+Pryson, where thou wast detayned in bitter griefe, and sorrowe,
+and there with those naturall qualities, couered also in obscure
+darknesse, that compassed thee round about. The ill fauoured
+noyse and iangling of thy chaines, the deformity of thy Face
+forced for lack of light, and the stench of the infected Prison
+that prouoked sicknesse, and the forsaking of thy Frends, had
+quite debased al these perfections wherewith now thou seemest to
+be so lusty. Thou thoughtest me then to be worthy, not onely of
+a yong man of a royall bloud, but of a God, if it were possible
+to haue him, and so soon as thou (contrary to all hope) didst
+once visite thy natural Countrey, like a most pestilent person
+without any difficulty, haste chaunged thy mynde, and neuer
+since thou wast deliuered, once did call into thy remembraunce
+how I was that Camiola, that I was shee (alone) that did
+remembre thee: that I was shee (alone) that had compassion on
+thy mishap, and that I was onely shee, who for thy health did
+imploy all the goods I had. I am, I am (I say) that Camiola,
+who by hir Money raunsomed thee out of the hands of the Capitall
+enimies of thine Auncesters, from Fetters, from Pryson: and
+finally deliuered thee from Misery extreme, before thou were
+altogether settled in dispayre. I reduced thee agayne to hope,
+I haue reuoked thee into thy Countrey, I haue brought thee into
+the Royal Pallace, and restored thee into thy former Estate, and
+of a Prisoner weake, and ill fauoured, haue made the a younge
+Prynce, strong, and of fayre aspect. But wherefore haue I
+remembred these things, whereof thou oughtest to bee very
+mindefull thy selfe, and which thou art not able to deny? Sith
+that for so great benefits thou hast rendred me sutch thanks,
+as being my husband in deede, thou haddest the Face to deny me
+mariage, already contracted by the deposition of honest
+Witnesses, and approued by Lettres, Signed with thine owne hand.
+Wherefore diddest thou despise me that hath delyuered thee? Yea
+and if thou couldest haue stayned the Name of hir with Infamy,
+that was thine onely Refuge, and Defender, thou wouldest gladly
+haue giuen cause to the common people, to thinke lesse than
+Honesty of hir. Art thou ashamed (thou Man of little Iudgement)
+to haue to Wyfe a Wyddowe, the Daughter of a Knight? O how farre
+better had it ben for thee to haue bene ashamed to breake thy
+promised fayth, to haue dispised the holy and dreadfull name of
+God, and to haue declared by thy curssed vnkindnes, how full
+fraught thou art with Vice. I doe confesse in deede that I am
+not of the Royall bloud: notwithstanding from the Cradle, being
+Trayned, and brought vp in the Company of kinges Wyues, and
+Daughters, no great maruayle it is, if I haue indued and put on
+a Royall heart and manners, that is able to get, and purchase
+royall Nobility: but wherefore doe I multiply so many wordes?
+No, no, I will be very facile, and easie in that wherein thou
+haste ben to me so difficult and hard by resisting the same with
+all thy power. Thou haste refused heretofore to be mine, and
+hauing vanquished thee, to be sutch, franckly of myne owne
+accorde, I doe graunt that thou art not. Abide (on God's name)
+with thy royall Nobility, neuerthelesse defiled with the spot of
+Infidelity. Make mutch of thy youthly lustinesse, and of thy
+transitory beauty, and I shal be contented with my Wyddow
+apparell, and shall leaue the riches which God hath geuen me to
+Heyres more honest than those that might haue come of thee.
+Auaunt thou wycked yong man, and sith thou art coumpted to be
+vnworthy of me, learne with thine own experience, by what
+subtilty and guiles thou maiest betray other dames, suffiseth it
+for me to be once deceyued. And I for my parte fully determine
+neuer to tary longer with thee, but rather chastly to lyue
+without husband, which lyfe I deeme farre more excellent than
+with thy match continually to be coupled." After shee had spoken
+these words, shee departed from him, and from that time forth,
+it was impossible eyther by prayers, or Admonitions to cause hir
+chaunge hir holy intent. But Rowland al confused, repenting
+himself to late of hys Ingratitude, blamed of ech man, his eyes
+fixed vpon the grounde, auoyding not onely the presence of his
+brethren, but of all sorts of people, dayly led from that time
+forth, a most miserable life, and neuer durst by reason to
+demaunde hir againe to Wife, whom he had by disloyalty refused.
+The King and the other Barons, marueyling of the noble heart of
+the Lady, singularly commended hir, and exalted hir prayses vp
+into the Skyes, vncertayne neuerthelesse wherein shee was most
+worthy of prayse, eyther for that (contrary to the couetous
+nature of Women) she had raunsomed a yong man with so great a
+Summe of Money, or else after she had deliuered him, and
+sentence gieuen that he was hir Husbande, she so couragiously
+refused him, as an vnkinde man, vnworthy of hir company. But
+leaue we for a tyme, to talke of Wydowes, and let vs see what
+the Captayne, and Lieutenaunt of Nocera can alledge vpon the
+discourse of his cruelties, which although an ouer cruell
+Hystory, yet depaynteth the successe of those that apply their
+myndes to the Sportes of Loue, sutch Loue I meane, as is
+wantonly placed, and directed to no good purpose, but for
+glutting of the Bodye's delight, which both corrupteth nature,
+maketh feeble the body, lewdly spendeth the time, and specially
+offendeth him who maketh proclamation, that Whooremongers and
+adultrers shal neuer Inherite his Kyngdome.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRTY-THIRD NOUELL.
+
+  _Great cruelties chaunced to the Lords of Nocera, for adultry
+  by one of them committed with the Captayne's wyfe of the forte
+  of that Citty, with an enterprise moued by the Captaine to the
+  Cittyzens of the same for Rebellion, and the good and dutyfull
+  aunswere of them: with other pityfull euents rysing of that
+  notable and outragious vyce of whoredom._
+
+
+The furious rage of a Husband offended for the chastity violated
+in his Wyfe, surpasseth all other, and ingendreth mallice
+agaynst the doer whatsoeuer he be. For if a Gentleman, or one of
+good nature, cannot abyde an other to doe him any kinde of
+displeasure, and mutch lesse to hurt him in hys Body, how is he
+able to endure to haue his honour touched, specially in that
+part which is so neere vnto him as his owne Soule? Man, and Wyfe
+being as it were one body and one will, wherein Men of good
+Judgement cannot well like the Opinion of those which say that
+the honour of a lusty and couragious person dependeth not vpon
+the fault of a foolish woman: for if that wer true which they so
+lightly vaunt, I would demaund why they be so animated and angry
+against them which adorne their head with braunched Hornes, the
+Ensignes of a Cuckolde: and truely nature hath so well prouided
+in that behalfe, as the very sauage Beastes doe fight, and
+suffer death for sutch honest Jealousie. Yet will I not prayse,
+but rather accuse aboue al faulty men, those that be so fondly
+Jealous, as eche thinge troubling their mindes, be afrayde of
+the Flyes very shadowe that buzze about their Faces. For by
+payning and molestinge theymselues with a thinge that so little
+doth please and content them, vntill manifest, and euident
+proofe appeare, they display the folly of their minde's
+imperfection, and the weakenesse of their Fantasy. But where the
+fault is knowne, and the Vyce discouered, where the husbande
+seeth himselfe to receyue Damage in the soundest part of his
+moueable goods, reason it is that he therein be aduised by
+timely deliberation and sage foresight, rather than with
+headlong fury, and raging rashnesse to hazard the losse of his
+honour, and the ruine of his life and goods. And lyke as the
+fayth and fidelity of the vndefiled Bed hath in all times
+worthely ben commended and rewarded: euen so he that polluteth
+it by Infamy, beareth the penaunce of the same. Portia the
+Daughter of Cato, and wife of Brutus shall be praysed for euer,
+for the honest and inuiolable loue which she bare vnto hir
+beloued husband, almost like to lose hir life when she heard
+tell of his certayne death. The pudicity of Paulina the wife of
+Seneca appeared also, when she assayed to dy by the same kinde
+of death wherewith hir Husband violently was tormented by the
+vniust commaundement of the most cruel and horrible Emperoure
+Nero. But Whores and Harlottes, having honest Husbands, and well
+allied in Kin, and Ligneage by abandoning their bodyes, doe
+prodigally consume their good Renoume: yea but if they escape
+the Magistrates, or auoyde the wrath of offended husbandes for
+the wrong done vnto them, yet they leaue an immortall slaunder
+of their wicked life, and youth thereby may take example aswell
+to shun sutch shamelesse Women, as to followe those Dames that
+be Chaste, and Vertuous. Now of this contempt whych the Wyfe
+beareth to hir Husband, do rise very many times notorious
+slaunders, and sutch as are accompanied with passinge cruelties:
+wherein the Husbande ought to moderate his heate, and calme his
+choler, and soberly to chastise the fault, for so mutch as
+excessiue wrath, and anger, doe Eclipse in man the light of
+reason, and sutch rages doe make them to be semblable vnto
+Brute, and reasonlesse Beastes: meete it is to be angry for
+thinges done contrary to Right, and Equity, but Temperaunce,
+and Modesty is necessary in al occurrentes, bee they wyth vs, or
+against vs. But if to resist anger in those matters, it be hard
+and difficulte, yet the greater impossibility there is in the
+operation, and effect of any good thinge, the greater is the
+glory that vanquisheth the affection and mastereth the first
+motion of the minde which is not so impossible to gouerne, and
+subdue to reason, as many do esteeme. A wise man then cannot so
+farre forget his duety, as to exceede the Boundes, and Limits of
+reason, and to suffer his mynde to wander from the siege of
+Temperaunce, which if he doe after hee hath well mingled Water
+in his Wyne, hee may chaunce to finde cause of Repentaunce, and
+by desire to repayre his Offense augment his fault, sinne being
+so prompt and ready in man, as the crime which might bee couered
+with certayne Iustice, and coloured by some lawe or righteous
+cause, maketh him many tymes to fall into detestable Vice and
+Synne, so contrary to mildnesse and modesty, as the very
+Tyraunts themselues woulde abhorre sutch wickednesse. And to the
+ende that I do not trouble you with Allegation of infinite
+numbres of examples, seruing to this purpose, ne render occasion
+of tediousnes for you to reuolue so many bookes, I am contented
+for this present, to bring in place an Hystory so ouer cruell,
+as the cause was not mutch vnreasonable, if duty in the one had
+bene considered, and rage in the other bridled and foreseene,
+who madly murthered and offended those that were nothing guilty
+of the Facte, that touched him so neare. And although that these
+be matters of loue, yet the Reader ought not to bee grieued nor
+take in evill parte, that we bee still in that Argument. For we
+doe not hereby goe about to erect a Schoolehouse of Loue, or to
+teache Youth the wanton Toyes of the same. But rather bryng
+forth these Examples to withdraw the plyant, and tender Age of
+this our time, from the pursuite of like Follies, which may
+(were they not in this sort warned) ingender lyke effects that
+these our Hystoryes do recoumpt, and whereof you shall bee
+Partakers by reading the discourse that followeth. Yee must than
+vnderstand, that in the time that Braccio Montone, and Sforza
+Attendulo florished in Italy, and were the chiefest of the
+Italian men of warre, there were three Lords and brethren which
+held vnder their authority and Puissaunce Foligno, Nocera, and
+Treuio, parcell of the Dukedome of Spoleto, who gouerned so
+louingly their Landes together, as without diuision, they
+maynetayned themselues in great Estate, and lyued in Brotherly
+concorde. The name of the Eldest of these three Lordes was
+Nicholas, the second Cæsar, the yongest Conrade, gentle
+Personages, wise and wel beloued so well of the Noble men their
+Neyghbours, as also of the Cittyzens that were vnder their
+Obeysaunce, who in the ende, shewed greater loyalty towards
+them, than those that had sworne their fayth, and had giuen
+Pleadges for confirmation, as yee shal perceyue by reading what
+insueth. It chaunced that the eldest oftentimes repayring from
+Foligno to Nocera, and lodging still in the Castell, behelde
+with a little to mutch wanton Eye, the Wyfe of his Lieutenaunt
+whych was placed there with a good number of dead payes, to
+Guard the Fort, and keepe vnder the Cittizens, if by chaunce
+(as it happeneth vpon the new erection of Estates) they attemped
+some new enterprise agaynst their Soueraygne Lordes. Nowe this
+Gentlewoman was very fayre, singularly delighting to be looked
+vpon: which occasioned the Lord Nicholas, by perceyuing the
+wantonesse and good wyll of the Mystresse of the Castell, not to
+refuse so good occasion, determining to prosecute the inioying
+of hir, that was the Bird after which he hunted, whose Beauty
+and good grace had deepely wounded his Mind, wherin if he forgot
+his duety, I leaue for al men of good iudgement to consider. For
+me thinke that this young Lorde ought rather singularly to loue
+and cherysh his liuetenaunt that faithfullye and trustily had
+kept his Castell and Forte, than to prepare agaynst him so
+Trayterous an Attempt, and Ambushe. And if so bee hys sayd
+Lieutenaunt had bene accused of felony, misprison, or Treason
+(yet to speake the trouth) hee might haue deliuered the charge
+of his Castell vnto an other, rather then to suborne his Wyfe to
+folly. And ought likewise to haue considered that the
+Lieuetenaunt by puttinge his trust in him, had iust cause to
+complayne for Rauishing hys Honoure from hym in the Person of
+hys Wyfe, whom hee ought to haue loued wythout any affection to
+Infrindge the Holy Lawe of Amitye, the breakinge whereof
+dissolueth the duety of ech Seruaunt towardes his Soueraygne
+Lord and mayster. To be short, this blinded Louer yelding no
+resistaunce to loue, and the foolish conceipt which altereth the
+iudgements of the wisest, suffred his fansie to roue so farre
+vnto hys Appetites, as on a daye when the Lieuetenaunte was
+walked abroade into the Castel to view the Souldiours and deade
+payes (to pleasure him that sought the meanes of his
+displeasure) hee spake to the Gentlewoman his Wyfe in this
+manner: "Gentlewoman, you being wise and curteous as ech man
+knoweth, needefull it is not to vse long or Rethoricall
+Orations, for so mutch as you without further supply of talk do
+clearely perceyue by my Looks, Sighes, and earnest Viewes,
+the loue that I beare you, which without comparison nippeth my
+Hearte so neare as none can feele the parching paynes, that the
+same poore portion of me doth suffer. Wherefore hauing no great
+leysure to let you further vnderstand my mynde, it may please
+you to shewe me so mutch Fauour as I may be receyued for him,
+who hauing the better right of your good grace, may therewithall
+enioy that secret Acquayntance, which sutch a one as I am
+deserueth: of whom yee shall haue better experience if you
+please to accept him for your owne." This mistresse Lieutenaunt
+which compted hir selfe happy to be beloued of hir Lorde, and
+who tooke great pleasure in that aduenture, albeit that shee
+desyred to lette hym knowe the good will that she bare vnto him,
+yet dissembled the matter a little, by aunswering him in this
+wise: "Your disease Sir is sodayne, if in so little time you
+haue felt sutch excesse of malady: but perchance it is your
+heart that being ouer tender, hath lightly receyued the pricke,
+which no doubt will so soone vanish, as it hath made so ready
+entry. I am very glade (Sir) that your heart is so merily
+disposed to daliaunce, and can finde some matter to contriue the
+superfluitie of tyme, the same altering the diuersity of man's
+complexion, accordingly as the condition of the hourely Planet
+guideth the nature of euery wight." "It is altogither otherwise
+(aunswered hee) for being come hither as a master and Lord, I am
+become a seruaunt and slaue: and briefly to speake my minde, if
+you haue not pitty vpon me, the disease which you call sodayne,
+not only will take increase, but procure the death and finall
+ruine of my heart." "Ah sir," (sayd the Gentlewoman) "your
+griefe is not so deepely rooted, and death so present to
+succeede as you affirme, ne yet so ready to gieue ouer the
+place, as you protest, but I see what is the matter, you desire
+to laugh mee to scorne, and your heart craueth something to
+solace it selfe which cannot be idle, but must imploy the vacant
+tyme vpon some pleasaunt Toyes." "You haue touched the pricke
+(aunswered the Louer) for it is you in deede wherevpon my hearte
+doth ioy, and you are the cause of my Laughter and passetime,
+for otherwise all my delights were displeasures, and you also by
+denying me to be your seruaunt, shall abbreuiate, and shorten my
+liuing dayes, who only reioyseth for choyse of sutch a
+mystresse." "And how (replied she) can I be assured of that you
+say? The disloyalty, and infidelity of man being in these dayes
+so faste vnited, so hastely following one another, as the Shadow
+doth the Body, wheresoeuer it goeth." "Onely experience"
+(sayed he) "shall make you know what I am, and shall teach you
+wheather my heart is any thing different from my wordes, and I
+dare bee bolde to say, that if you vouchsafe to do mee the
+pleasure to receyue mee for your owne, you may make your vaunt
+to haue a Gentleman so faythfull for your frend, as I esteeme
+you to be discrete, and as I desire to let you taste the effect
+of mine affection, by sutch some honest order as may be
+deuised." "Sir" (sayd she) "it is well and aduisedly spoken of
+you, but yet I thincke it straunge for sutch a Gentleman as you
+be, to debase your honor to so poore a Gentlewoman, and to goe
+about both to dishonor me, and to put my life in pearill." "God
+forbid" (aunswered the Lord Nicholas) "that I be cause of any
+slaunder, and rather had I dye my selfe than minister one simple
+occasion whereby your fame should be brought in question. Only I
+doe pray you to have pitty vpon me, and by vsing your curtesie,
+to satisfie that which my seruice and faythfull friendship doth
+constrayne, and binde you for the comfort of him that loueth you
+better than himselfe." "We will talke more thereof hereafter"
+(aunswered the lieuetenaunt's Wyfe) "and than will I tell you
+mine aduise, and what resolution shall follow the summe of your
+demaunde." "How now Gentlewoman" (sayd he) "haue you the heart
+to leaue me voyde of hope, to make me languish for the
+prorogation of a thing so doubtful as the delayes bee which loue
+deferreth? I humbly pray you to tell me whereunto I shall trust:
+to the intent that by punishing my heart for proofe of this
+enterprise, I may chastise all mine Eyes by reuing from them the
+meanes for euer more to see that which contenteth me best, and
+wherein resteth my solace, leauing my minde full of desires, and
+my heart without final stay, vppon the greatest Pleasure that
+euer man coulde choose." The Gentlewoman would not loose a Noble
+man so good and perfect: whose presence already pleased hir
+aboue all other thinges, and, who voluntarily had agreed to hys
+request, by the onely signe of hir Gests, and Lookes, sayde vnto
+him smilinge with a very good grace: "Doe not accuse my heart of
+lightnesse, nor my minde of infidelity and treason, if to please
+and obey you, I forget my duty, and abuse the promise made unto
+my Husband, for I sweare vnto you (sir) by God, that I haue more
+forced my thought, and of long time haue constrayned mine
+appetites in dissembling the loue that I beare you, than I haue
+receiued pleasure, by knowing my selfe to be beloued by one
+agreeable to mine affection. For which cause you shall finde me
+(being but a poore Gentlewoman) more ready to do your pleasure,
+and to be at your commaundement, than any other that liueth be
+shee of greater Port, and regarde than I am. And who to satisfie
+your request, shal one day sacrifice that fidelity to the
+iealous fury of hir husband." "God defend" (sayd the young Lord)
+"for we shal be so discrete in our doings, and so seldome
+communicate, and talke togeather, as impossible for any man to
+discry the same. But if mishap will haue it so, and that some
+ill lucke doe discouer our dealinges, I haue shift of wayes to
+coloure it, and power to stop the mouthes of them that dare
+presume to clatter and haue to do with our priuate conference."
+"All that I know wel inough sir" (sayd she) "but it is great
+simplicity in sutch thinges for a man to trust to his authority,
+the forced inhibition whereof shall prouoke more babble, than
+rumor is able to spreade for all his tattling talk of our secret
+follies. Moreouer I would be very glad to do what pleaseth you,
+so the same may be without slaunder. For I had rather dy, than
+any should take vs in our priuities and familier pastimes: let
+vs be contented with the pleasure that the ease of our ioy may
+graunt, and not with sutch contentation as shal offend vs, by
+blotting the clerenesse of our good name." Concluding then the
+time of their new acquayntaunce, which was the next day at
+noone, when the Lieutenaunt did walke into the Citty, they
+ceased their talke for feare of his enteruiew. Who (upon his
+retourne) doing reuerence vnto his Lord, tolde him that hee
+knewe where a wilde Boare did haunte, if it pleased him to see
+the pastime. Whereunto the Lord Nicholas fayned louingly to
+gieue eare (although agaynst his will) for so mutch as hee
+thought the same Huntinge should be a delay for certayne dayes
+to the enioying, (pretended and assured) of his beloued. But she
+that was so mutch or more esprysed with the raging and
+intollerable fire of loue, speedily found meanes to satisfie hir
+louer's sute, but not in sutch manner as was desired of eyther
+partes, wherefore they were constrayned to defer the rest vntill
+an other time. This pleasaunt beginning so allured the Lord of
+Nocera, as vnder the pretence of huntinge, there was no weeke
+that passed, but hee came to visite the Warrener of hys
+Lieutenaunt. And this order continuing without any one little
+suspition of their loue, they gouerned theymselues wisely in
+pursute thereof. And the Lord Nicholas vsed the game and sporte
+of Hunting, and an infinite number of other exercises, as the
+running of the Ring, and Tennis, not so mutch thereby to finde
+meanes to enioy his Lady, as to auoyde occasion of Iealosie in
+hir Husband, being a very familiar vice in all Italians, the
+Cloake whereof is very heauy to beare, and the disease
+troublesome to sustayne. But what? Like as it is hard to beguile
+an Vsurer in the accoumpt of his money, for his continuall watch
+ouer the same, and slumbring sleepes vpon the Bookes of his
+recknings and accoumpts, so difficult it is to deceyue the heart
+of a iealous man, and specially when he is assured of the griefe
+which his head conceyueth. Argus was neuer so cleere eyed for
+all his hundred Eyes ouer Iupiter's Lemman, as those Louers be,
+whose opinions be ill affected ouer the chastity of their Wyues.
+Moreouer what Foole, or Asse is hee, who seeing sutch vndiscrete
+familiarity of two Louers, the priuy gestures and demeanors
+without witnesse, theyr stolne walkes at vntymely houres, and
+sometimes theyr embracements to, strayght and common before
+seruants, that would not doubt of that whych most secretly did
+passe? True it is that in England (where liberty is so honestly
+obserued as being alone or secrete conuersation gyueth no cause
+of suspition) the same mighte haue bene borne withall. But in
+Italy, where the Parents themselues be for the most part
+suspected, (if there had bene no facte in deede committed) that
+familiarity of the Lord Nicholas, with hys Lieutenaunte's Wyfe
+was not suffrable, but exceded the Bounds of reason, for so
+mutch as the Commoditie which they had chosen for possessing of
+theyr loue, (albeit the same not suspitions) animated them
+afterwards to frequent their familiarity and dysporte to
+frankly, and wythout discretion: which was the cause that
+fortune (who neuer leaueth the ioyes of men wythout giuing
+thereunto some great alarme,) being enuious of the mutuall
+delightes of those two louers, made the husband to doubt of that
+which hee would haue dissembled, if honor could so easily be
+loste wythoute reproch, as bloud is shed without peryll of Lyfe,
+but the matter being so cleare, as the fault was euident,
+specyally in the party which touched him so neare as hymselfe,
+the Lieuetenaunt before he would enterpryse any thing, and
+declare what he thought desired throughly to bee resolued of
+that whych hee sawe as it were but in a Cloude, and by reason of
+hys conceyued Opynion hee dealt so warely and wisely in those
+affaires, and was so subtil an espiall, as one day when the
+louers were at theyr game, and in their most straite and secrete
+embracements, he viewed them coupled with other leash, than he
+would haue wished, and colled with straighter bands then reason
+or honesty did permit. He saw with out beeing seene, wherein he
+felt a certaine ease and contentment, for being assured of that
+he doubted, and purposed to ordeyne a sowre refection after
+their delightsome banket, the simple louers ignoraunt by signe
+or coniecture, that their enterpryses were dyscouered. And
+truely it had ben more tollerable and lesse hurteful for the
+Lieuetenaunte, if euen then hee had perpetrated his vengeaunce,
+and punyshed them for theyr wyckednesse, than to vse the Cruelty
+wherewith afterwardes he blotted his renoume, and soyled his
+hands by Bedlem rage in the innocent bloud of those that were
+not priuye to the folly, and lesse guilty of the wronge don vnto
+him. Now the Captain of the Castel for al his dissimulation in
+couering of his griefe, and his fellony and Treason intended
+against his soueraigne Lord, which he desired not yet manifestly
+to appeare, was not able any more from that time forth to speake
+so louingly vnto him, nor with sutch respect and reuerence as he
+did before, which caused his Wife thus to say vnto hir Louer:
+"My Lord I doubt very mutch least my husband doth perceiue these
+our common practizes, and secrete familiar dealings, and that he
+hath some Hammer working in his heade, by reason of the
+Countenaunce,{ }and vncheareful entertaynement which he sheweth
+to your Lordship, wherefore myne aduyse is, that you retire for
+a certaine tyme to Foligno. In the meane space I wil marke and
+espye if that his alteration be conceiued for any matter against
+vs, and wherefore his wonted lookes haue put on this new
+alteration and chaunge. All which when I haue (by my espial and
+secret practize sounded) I will spedily aduertise you, to the
+end that you may provide for the sauegard of your faithfull and
+louing seruaunt." The young Lord, who loued the Gentlewoman wyth
+al his heart, was attached with so great gryefe, and dryuen into
+sutch rage by hearyng those wycked Newes, as euen presently he
+woulde haue knowne of hys Lieuetenaunt, the cause of his
+dyswonted cheare. But weighing the good aduyse whych his woman
+had giuen him, paused vppon the same, and promysed hir to doe
+what she thought best. By reason whereof, gyuynge warnyng to his
+Seruantes for hys departure, he caused the Lyeuetenaunte to be
+called before him, vnto whome hee sayd: "Captayne, I had
+thoughte for certayne Dayes to sporte and passe my tyme, but
+hearing tell that the Duke of Camarino commeth to Foligno, to
+debate with vs of matters of importaunce, I am constrained to
+departe, and do pray you in the meane time to haue good regard
+vnto our affaires, and if any newes doe chaunce to aduertise the
+same wyth all Expedytion." "Sir" (sayd the Captayne) "I am
+sorrye that now when our passetime of hunting myght yelde some
+good recreation vnto your honour, that you doe thus forsake vs,
+notwithstanding sith it is your good pleasure, we will cease the
+chase of the wylde Bore till your retourne. In the meane time,
+I will make ready the Coardes and Tramelles, that vppon your
+comming, nothing want for the Furniture of our sport." The Lord
+Nicholas, seeing his Lieuetenaunt so pleasauntly disposed, and
+so litle bent to Choller, or iealous fantasie, was persuaded,
+that some other toy had rather occupyed his Minde, than any
+suspition betweene his Wife and hym. But the subtyll Husband
+searched other meanes to be reuenged, than by kylling him alone,
+of whom he receyued that dishonour, and was more craftie to
+enterpryse, and more hardie to execute, than the Louers were
+wyse or well aduised to preuent and wythstande his sleightes and
+pollicies. And albeit that the Wyfe (after the departure of hir
+Fryend) assayed to drawe from him the cause of his altered
+cheare yet coulde shee neuer learne, that hir husband had any
+ill opinion of theyr Loue. For so many tymes as talke was moued
+of the Lord Nicholas, hee exalted his prayse vp into the
+Heauens, and commended hym aboue all his Brethren. All whych hee
+dyd to beguyle the pollycies of hir, whome he saw to blush, and
+many times chaunge Colour, when she heard him spoken of, to whom
+she bare better affection than to hir Husband, vnto whom
+(in very dede) she did owe the faith and integritie of hir body.
+This was the very toile which he had laid to intrap those
+amorous persons and purposed to rid the world of them by that
+meanes, to remoue from before his eyes, the shame of a
+Cuckolde's title, and to reuenge the iniurie don to his
+reputation. The mistresse of the Castel seeynge that hir husband
+(as shee thought) by no meanes did vnderstande hir follies,
+desired to continue the pleasure, which either of them desired,
+and which made the third to die of phrenesie, wrote to the Lord
+Nicholas, the letter that followeth.
+
+"My Lord, the feare I had, that my husband should perceyue our
+loue, caused me to intreat you certaine dayes past, to
+discontinue for a time, the frequentation of your owne house,
+whereby I am not little agrieued, that contrary to my wil, I am
+defrauded of your presence, which is far more pleasaunt vnto me,
+than my husband's flatteries, who ceaseth not contynually to
+talke of the honest behauiour, and commendable qualyties that be
+in you, and is sorry for your departure, bicause he feareth that
+you mislyke youre entertainement, whych should be (sayth he) so
+gryeuous and noysome vnto him, as death it selfe. Wherefore,
+I pray you sir, if it be possible, and that your affayres doe
+suffer you, to come hither to the ende I may enioy your amayable
+presence, and vse the Liberty that our good hap hath prepared,
+through the litle iealousie of my husband your Lieuetenaunt:
+who I suppose before it be long wil intreat you, so great is his
+desire to make you passetime of hunting within your owne Land
+and territory. Fayle not then to come I beseech you, and we wyll
+so well consider the gouernment of our affaires, as the best
+sighted shall not once discry the least suspicion thereof,
+recommending my selfe most humbly (after the best maner I can)
+to your good Lordship."
+
+This Letter was deliuered to a Lackey to beare to the Lord
+Nicholas, and not so priuily done, but the Lieutenaunt
+immediately espied the deceipt which the sooner was disciphred,
+for so mutch as he dayely lay in wayte to find the meanes to
+reuenge the wrong done vnto him, of purpose to beate the iron so
+long as it was hotte, and to execute hys purpose before his Wife
+tooke heede, and felte the endeuor of his Enterpryse. And
+bicause that shee had assayed by diuers wayes to sound his
+heart, and fele whether he had conceiued displeasure against the
+Lord hir louer, the Day after wherein she had written to hir
+friend, hee sent one of his Men in poste to the three Lordes,
+to requyre them to come the nexte Day to see the pastime of the
+fayrest and greatest wild Bore, that long tyme was bred in the
+Forrests adioyning vnto Nocera, Albeit that the Countrey was
+fayre for coursinge, and that dyuers tymes many fayre Bores haue
+ben encountred there. But it was not for this, that he had
+framed his errand, but to trap in one toyle and snare the thre
+brethren, whom he determined to sacrifice to the aulter of his
+vengeance, for the expiation of theyr elder brother's trespasse,
+and for soyling the Nuptial bed of his seruaunt. He was the
+wylde Bore whome he meant to strike, hee was the pray of his
+vnsaciable and cruell Appetite. If the fault had ben generall of
+all three togethers, he had had some reason to make them passe
+the bracke of one equall fortune, and to tangle them within one
+net, both to preuent thereby (as he thought) his further hurt,
+and to chastise their leude behauiour. For many tymes
+(as lamentable experience teacheth) Noble men for the onely
+respecte of their Nobility, make no Conscience to doe wrong to
+the honor of them, whose reputation and honesty, they ought so
+wel to regard as their owne. Herein offended the good Prynce of
+the Iewes Dauid, when to vse his Bersabe without suspition, he
+caused innocent Vrias to bee slayne, in lieu of recompence for
+his good seruice, and diligent execution of his behests. The
+children of the proud Romane king Tarquinius, did herein greatly
+abuse them selues, when they violated that noble Gentlewoman
+Lucrece, whom al histories do so mutch remembre, and whose
+chastity, al famous writers do commend. Vppon sutch as they be,
+vengeance ought to be don, and not to defile the hands in the
+bloud of innocents, as the Parents and Kinsemen of deade Lucrece
+did at Rome, and this Lieutenaunt at Nocera, vppon the brethren
+of him that had sent him into Cornwal, without passing ouer the
+Seas. But what? Anger proceding of sutch wronge, surmounteth al
+phrenesie, and exceedeth al the bounds of reason, and man is so
+deuoyd of Wyts, by seeing the blot of defamation, to lyght vpon
+him, as he seeketh al meanes to hurt and displease him that
+polluteth his renoume. Al the race of the Tarquines for like
+fact were banyshed Rome, for the onely brute whereof, the
+husband of the faire rauished wife, was constrayned to auoid the
+Place of his natiuity. Paris alone violated the body of
+Menelaus, the Lacedemonian kyng, but for reuenge of the rauyshed
+Greeke, not onely the glory and Rychesse of stately Troy, but
+also the most parte of Asia and Europa, was ouertourned and
+defaced, if credyte may be gyuen to the recordes of the
+Auncyent. So in this fact of the Lieutenaunt, the Lord Nicholas
+alone, had polluted his bed, but the reuenge of the cruel man
+extended further, and his fury raged so farre, as the guiltlesse
+were in greate Daunger to beare the penaunce, which shall be
+well perceiued by the discourse that foloweth. The Captaine then
+hauing sent his message, and beyng sure of his intent (no lesse
+than is he already had the brethren within his hold, vpon the
+point to couple them together with his wife, to send them all in
+pilgrimage to visite the faithfull forte, that blason their
+loues in an other worlde, with Dydo, Phyllis, and sutch like,
+that more for dispayre than loue, bee passed the straictes of
+death) caused to be called before him in a secrete place, al the
+souldiers of the Fort, and sutch as with whome he was sure to
+preuayle, to whom not without sheading forth some teares, in
+heauie Countenaunce, he spake in this maner: "My Companions and
+Fryends, I doubt not but yee bee abashed to see me wrapt in so
+heauy plyght, and appeare in this forme before you (that is to
+say) bewept, heauy, panting with sighes, and all contrary to my
+custome, in other state and maner, than my courage and degree
+requyre. But when ye shall vnderstand the cause I am assured
+that the case whych seemeth straunge to you, shall be thought
+just and ryght and so will perfourme the thing wherein I shall
+employe you. Ye knowe that the first point that a Gentleman
+ought to regarde, consisteth not onely in repelling the iniury
+done vnto the body, but rather it behoueth that the fight begin
+for the defense of his honor, which is a thinge that proceedeth
+from the Minde, and resorteth to the Body, as the Instrument to
+worke that which the spyryte appointeth. Now it is honour, for
+conseruation whereof, an honest man and one of good Courage
+feareth not to put hymselfe in all perill and daunger of death
+and losse of goodes, referring himselfe also to the guarde of
+that whych toucheth as it were oure owne reputation. In sutch
+wyse as if a good Captaine do suffer hys souldier to be a wycked
+man, a Robber, a Murderer, and an exacter, he beareth the note
+of dyshonor albeit in all his doings he gouerneth his estate
+after the rule of honesty, and doth nothing that is vnworthy his
+vocation. But what? he being a head vnited to sutch members, if
+the partes of that vnited thing be corrupt and naught, the head
+must needes bear the blot of the fault before referred to the
+whole Body. Alas (sayd he sighing) what parte is more neare, and
+dearer to Man, than that which is giuen vnto him for a Pledge
+and Comfort duryng his Life, and which is conioyned to be bone
+of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, to breath forth one Mynde,
+and to think with one heart and equall wil. It is of the Wyfe
+that I speake, who being the moytie of hir husband, ye ought not
+to muse if I say, that the honoure of the one is the rest of the
+other, and the one infamous and wycked, the other feeleth the
+troubles of sutch mischiefe, and the Wife being carelesse of hir
+honour, the husband's reputation is defiled, and is not worthy
+of prayse, if he suffer sutch shame vnreuenged: I must
+(Companions and good friends) here dyscouer that whych my heart
+would faine kepe secrete, if it were possible, and must rehearse
+a thing vnto you, which so sone as my Mouth would faine kepe
+close, the Minde assayeth to force the ouerture. And loth I am
+to do it, were it not that I make so good accompt of you, as ye
+being tied to me with an vnseparable Amity, will yeld me your
+comfort and Ayde against him that hath done mee this Villany,
+sutch as if I be not reuenged vpon, needes must I be the
+Executioner of that vengeance vppon my selfe, that I am loth to
+lyue in this dishonor, whych all the dayes of my life (without
+due vltion) like a Worme wyll torment and gnaw my conscyence.
+Wherefore before I goe any further, I woulde knowe whether I
+myght so well trust your aide and succour in this my businesse,
+as in all others I am assured you would not leaue mee so long as
+any breath of life remained in you. For without sutch assurance,
+I do not purpose to let you know the pricking naile that
+pierceth my heart, nor the gryefe that grieueth me so neare,
+as by vttering it without hope of help I shall open the Gate to
+death, and dye without reliefe of my desire, by punishing him,
+of whome I haue receyued an iniury more bloudy than any man can
+doe." The Souldiers whych loued the Captaine as theyr owne Lyfe,
+were sorry to see him in sutch estate, and greater was theyr
+dolour to heare wordes that tended to nothing else but to fury,
+vengeaunce, and murder of hymselfe. Wherefore all wyth one
+accorde promysed theyr helpe and mayne force towardes and
+against all men for the bryngyng to passe of that whych hee dyd
+meane to requyre. The Lieutenaunt assured of his Men conceyued
+heart and Courage, and continuing his Oration and purpose,
+determyned the slaughter and ouerthrowe of thre Trinicien
+Brethren, (for that was the surname of the Lordes of Foligno,)
+who pursued his Oration in this maner: "Know ye then
+(my Companions and good Friends) that it is my Wife, by whome I
+haue indured the hurt and losse of myne honour, and she is the
+party touched, and I am he that am most offended. And to the
+ende that I do not hold you longer in suspence, and the party be
+concealed from you, whych hath don me thys Outrage: ye shall
+vnderstand that Nicholas Trinicio, the elder of the three Lordes
+of Folingno and Nocera, is he, that against all ryght and equity
+hath suborned the Wife of his Lieuetenaunt, and soyled the Bed
+of him, whereof he ought to haue ben the defender and the very
+bulwarke of his reputation. It is of hym my good Fryends, and of
+his that I meane to take sutch Vengeaunce, as eternall memory
+shall display the same to all posterity: and neuer Lord shal
+dare to doe a like wrong to mine, without remembraunce what his
+duety is, which shall teach hym how to abuse the honest seruice
+of a Gentleman that is one of his owne trayne. It resteth in you
+both to holde vp your hand, and keepe your promise, to the end
+that the Lord Nicholas, deceiuyng and mocking me, may not trust
+and put affiance in your force, vnto whych I heartily do
+recommend my selfe." The Souldiers moued and incited with the
+wickednesse of theyr Lord and with the wrong done to him, of
+whom they receyued wages, swore agayne to serue his turne in any
+exploit he went about, and requyred him to be assured, that the,
+Trinicien Brethren should be ouerthrowne, and suffer deserued
+penaunce, if they might lay hands vpon them, and therefore
+willed him to seke meanes to allure them thither, that they
+might be dispatched. The Lieuetenaunt at these words renuing a
+chearefull Countenaunce, and shewing himself very ioyfull for
+sutch successe after he had thanked his Souldyers, and very
+louingly imbraced the chiefest of them, reuealed hys deuised
+pollicy, and hoped shortly to haue them at his commaundement
+within the Fort, alleaging that he had dispatched two Messengers
+vnto them, and that his wife also priuily had sent hir page:
+vnto whome he purposed to gyue so good a recompense, as neuer
+more she should plant his hornes so hygh, vnder a colour of
+gentle entertaynement of hir ribauld and Friend. They were
+scarce resolued vpon this intent, but newes were brought him,
+that the next day morning, the three lords accompanied with
+other nobility would come to Nocera, to hunt that huge wylde
+Bore, whereof the Lieutenaunt had made so greate auant. These
+newes did not greatly please the Captaine, for so mutch as he
+feared, that his purpose could not (conueniently) be brought to
+passe, if the company were so great. But when he considered that
+the Lords alone, should lodge within the Fort, he was of good
+cheare again, and staied vpon his first intent. The Triniciens
+the next day after came very late, bicause the Lord Berardo of
+Verano duke of Camerino, desired to be one, and also the two
+brethren taried for Conrade, who was at a mariage, and could not
+assist the Tragedie that was played at Nocera, to his great hap
+and profit. So this troupe came to Nocera late, and hauing
+supped in the City, the Lord Nicholas, and the Duke of Camerino
+went to Bed in the Fort, Cæsar the brother of Trinicio tarying
+behind with the Trayne, to lodge in the city. Stay here a while
+(ye Gentlemen) ye I say, that pursue the secrete stelths of
+loue, neuer put any great trust in fortune, which seldome kepeth
+hir promise with you. Ye had neede therfore to take goode heede,
+least ye be surprysed in the place, wher priuily you giue the
+assault, and in the acte wherein ye desire the assistance of
+none. See the barbarous cruelty of a Lieutenant, which loued
+rather to kill his corriual in his cold bloud, than otherwise to
+be reuenged, when he saw him a bed with his Wife, purposely that
+the example of his fury myght be the better knowne, and the
+secret sclander more euident, from the roote whereof did spryng
+an infinite number of Murders and mischiefs. About midnight
+then, when all thinges were at rest vnder the darke silence of
+the nyght, the Lieutenant came to the Chamber of the Lord
+Nicholas, accompanied with the most part of the Watch, and
+hauyng stopt vp the yeoman of hys Chaumber, hee so dressed the
+Companion of hys Bedde, as for the first proofe of his
+courtesie, he caused hys Membres and priuy partes to be cut of,
+saying vnto him with cruell disdayne: "Thou shalt not henceforth
+(wycked wretch) weld this launce into the rest, thereby to
+batter the honour of an honester man than thy self." Then
+lanching his stomacke with a piercing blade, he tare the heart
+out of his belly, saying: "Is this the trayterous Heart that
+hath framed the plot and deuysed the enterprise of my shame,
+to make this infamous villaine without Life, and his renoume
+without prayse?" And not content with this Cruelty, he wreakt
+the like vpon the remnaunt of his body, that sometimes the
+runnagate Medea did vpon hir innocent brother, to saue the Lyfe
+of hir selfe, and of hir friend Iason. For she cut him into an
+hundred thousand pieces, gyuing to euery Membre of the poore
+murdred soule hir word of mockery and contempt. Was it not
+sufficient for a tirannous husband to be reuenged of hys shame,
+and to kill the party which had defamed him, without vsing so
+furious Anotamie vpon a dead body, and wherein there was no
+longer feeling? But what? Ire beyng wythout measure, and anger
+wythout Brydle or reason, it is not to be wondred, if in al his
+actes the Captayne ouerpassed the iust measure of vengeance.
+Many would thinke the committed murder vppon Nicholas, to be
+good and iust: but the Iustice of an offense, ought not so longe
+time to be conceyled, but rather to make him feele the smart at
+the very tyme the deed is done, to the ende that the nypping
+gryefe of pestilent treason wrought against the betrayed party,
+be not obscured and hydden by sodayne rage and lacke of reason
+rising in the mindes first motions, and thereby also the faulte
+of the guilty, by hys indiscretion couered: otherwyse there is
+nothyng that can colour sutch vice. For the law indifferently
+doth punish euery man, that without the Magistrates order taketh
+authority to venge his own wrong. But come we againe vnto our
+purpose. The Captayne all imbrued in bloude, entred the Chaumber
+of the Duke of Camerino, whom with al the rest of the strangers
+that were wythin the Castle, hee lodged (without speakynge any
+worde) in a deepe and obscure pryson. Beholde, what reste they
+tooke that nyghte, whych were come to hunt the Wylde Boare. For
+wythout trauaylyng farre, they were intrapped in the subtill
+engines and Nettes of the furious Lieuetenaunte, who when the
+morning bedecked with hir vermilion cleare began to shewe hir
+selfe, when all the Hunters dyd put them selues in readynesse,
+and coupled vp theyr Dogges to marche into the Fielde, beholde,
+one of the Captayne's cruell Ministers wente into the City,
+to cause the Lord Cæsar to come and speake with hys brother
+Nicholas, and intreated him not to tarry, for that he and the
+Duke were dysposed to shewe hym some disport. Cæsar whych neuer
+suspected the least of these chaunced murders, desired not to be
+prayed agayne, but made haste to the Butcherie like a lamb, and
+in the company of the Wolues themselues that were in readynesse
+to kyll hym. He was no sooner in the Court of the Castle, but
+seuen or eyght Varlets apprehended hym and hys Men, and carryed
+hym into the Chaumber (bound lyke a thefe) wherin the Membres of
+hys Myserable Brother were cut of and dispersed, whose corpse
+was pitifully gored and arrayed in Bloud. If Cæsar were abashed
+to see himselfe bound and taken prysoner he was more astonned
+when he perceyued a body so dysmembred, and which as yet he
+knewe not. "Alas," (sayd he) "what sighte is this? Is thys the
+bore whych thou hast caused vs to come hyther to hunt within our
+very Fort?" The Captayne rising vp, al imbrued wyth bloud, whose
+face and voyce promised nothing but Murder to the miserable
+young Gentleman sayd: "See Cæsar, the Body of thine adulterous
+brother Nicholas, that infamous whoremonger, and marke if this
+be not his head: I woulde to God that Conrade were here also
+that ye might all three be placed at this sumptuous Banket,
+which I haue prepared for you. I sweare vnto thee then, that
+this should be the last day of all the Trinicien race, and the
+end of your Tirannies and wicked Life. But sith I cannot get the
+effect of that whych my heart desireth, my minde shal take
+repast in the triumph which Fortune hath ordeined. Curssed be
+the mariage and Wedding at Trevio, that hath hyndred me of an
+occasion so apte, and of the meanes to dispatch a matter of
+sutch importance as is the ouerthrow of so many tirants." Cæsar
+at this sentence stode so stil, as whilom dyd the wyfe of Loth,
+by seing the City on fire, and consume into ashes: by the sight
+whereof she was conuerted into a stone of Salt. For when he sawe
+that bloudy Pageant, and knew that it was his brother Nicholas,
+pity and feare so stopt the pipes of his speach, as without
+complayning himself or framing one word, he suffred his throte
+to be cut by the barbarous captaine, who threw him halfe dead
+vpon the corps of his brother, that the bloud of either of them
+might cry vp to the heauens for so loud vengeance as that of
+Abel dyd, being slain by the treason of his nearest brother.
+Beholde the dreadful begynnings of a heart rapt in fury, and of
+the mind of him that not resisting his fond affections, executed
+the terrible practizes of his owne braine, and preferring his
+fantasie aboue reason, deuised sutch ruine and decay, as by
+these Examples the Posteritye shall haue good cause to wonder.
+The lyke Cruelty vsed Tiphon towards his brother Osyris by
+chopping his body in xxvi. gobbets, whereby ensued the decay of
+him and his, by Orus whome some doe surname Appollo. And troweth
+the Captayne to loke for lesse mercy of the Brother of the other
+twayne that were murdered and of the Dukes kindred whome he kept
+Prysoner? But he was so blynded with Fury, and it may be, led by
+ambition and desyre to be made Lord of Nocera, that he was not
+contented to venge his shame on hym whych had offended, but
+assayed to murder and extinguysh all the Trinicien bloud: the
+enheritaunce only remaining in them. And to come to the end of
+his Enterprise, this Italyan Nero, not content wyth these so
+many slaughters, but thereunto adioyned a new Treason assaying
+to win the Citizens of Nocera to moue rebellion agaynst their
+Lord, causing them to assemble before the Forte, vnto whome
+vppon the Walles, he vsed this or like Oration: "I haue hitherto
+(my Maisters) dissembled the lyttle pleasure that my heart hath
+felt to see so many true and faithful Citizens, subiecte vnder
+the wyll and unbrydeled lustes of two or three Tyraunts: who
+hauing gotten Power and authority ouer vs, more through our owne
+folly and cowardyse, than by valiance, vertue and iustice,
+either in them or those which haue dispoyled this countrey of
+their auncient liberty. I will not deny but pryncipalities of
+longe entraunce and Foundation deryued by succession of
+inherytaunce, haue had some spyce and kynde of Equity, and that
+Lordes of good lyfe and conuersation ought to be obeyed,
+defended and honored. But where inuasion and seasure is against
+ryght, where the people is spoyled and Lawes violated, it is no
+conscience to disobey and abolish sutch monsters of nature. The
+Romanes in the prime age of their Common Wealth ful wel declared
+the same, when they banished out of their City that proud race
+of the Tirant Tarquine, and when they went about to exterminate
+al the rootes of cruelty and tyrannical power. Our Neighbors the
+Sicillians once dyd the like vnder the conduct of Dion, against
+the disruled fury and wilful cruelty of Denis the tyrant of
+Syracusa, and the Atheniens against the Chyldren of Pisistratus.
+And ye that be sorted from the stocke of those Samnites, which
+in times past so long heald vp their Heades against the Romane
+force, will ye be so very cowardes and weake hearted for respect
+of the title of your seigniorie as ye dare not with me to
+attempt a valiant enterprise for reducing your selues into
+libertye, and to expell that vermyne broode of Tyraunts which
+swarme through out the whole regyon of Italy. Wyll yee bee so
+mated and dumped, as the shadow alone of a fond and inconstant
+young man, shall holde your Nose to the Grindstone, and drawe
+you at his lust lyke an Oxe into the stall? I feare that if ye
+saw your Wiues and Daughters haled to the passetyme and pleasure
+of these Tirauntes, to glutte the whoredome of those styncking
+Goate Bucks, more Lecherous and filthy than the senseles
+sparrowes: I feare (I say) that ye durst not make one Sygne for
+demonstratyon of your Wrath and dyspleasure. No, no (my maysters
+of Nocera,) it is hyghe tyme to cutte of the Hydra hys heads,
+and to strangle hym wythin hys Caue. The tyme is come (I say)
+wherein it behoueth you to shewe your selues lyke Men, and no
+longer to dissemble the case that toucheth you so neare.
+Consyder whether it bee good to follow myne aduyse, to repossede
+agayne the thyng whych is your owne, (that is) the Freedome
+wherein your Auncesters gloryfied so mutch, and for which they
+feared not to hazarde theyr Goodes and Lyues. It wyll come good
+cheape, if you be ruled by me, it wyll redound to your treble
+Fame, if lyke Men ye follow my aduyse, whych I hope to let you
+shortely see wythout any great peryll or losse of your Citizens
+Bloud. I haue felt the effect of the Trinicien Tirannye, and the
+rigor of their vnrighteous gouernment, which hauing begonne in
+me, they will not faile, if they be not chastised in time, to
+extend on you also, whome they deeme to be their slaues. In lyke
+manner I haue first begon to represse their boldnesse, and to
+wythstande their leud behauior: yea and if you Mynde to
+vnderstande ryght from wrong, an easy matter it will be to
+perfourme the rest, the time beinge so commodious, and the
+discouery of the thinge whereof I haue made you so priuy, so
+conuenient. And know ye, that for the exploit of mine intent,
+and to bryng you agayne altogether in Liberty, I haue taken the
+two Lords Nicholas and Cæsar prysonners, attending till fortune
+do bryng to me the third, to pay him with like money and equals
+guerdon, that not onely you may bee free and setled in your
+auncient priuiledge, but my heart also satisfied of the wrong
+which I haue receiued by their iniustice. Beleue (Maisters) that
+the thing whych I haue done: was not wythoute open iniury
+receiued, as by keepyng it close I burst, and by telling the
+same I am ashamed. I wil kepe it secrete, notwithstanding, and
+shal pray you to take heede vnto your selues, that by vniuersal
+consent, the mischiefe may be preuented. Deuise what answer you
+wyll make me, to the intent that I by following your aduise, may
+also be resolued vpon that I haue to do, without Preiudice but
+to them to whome the case doth chyefly appertayne." Duryng al
+this discourse, the wycked Captayne kept close the Murder which
+hee had committed, to drawe the Worme out of the Nocerines Nose,
+and to see of what Mynde they were, that vppon the intellygence
+thereof, he myght woorke and follow the tyme accordyngly. Hee
+that had seene the Cytizens of Nocera after that sedytious
+Oration, would haue thought that he had heard a murmure of Bees,
+when issuing forth their Hyues, they light amidst a pleasaunt
+Herber, adorned and beautyfied with diuers coloured floures. For
+the people flocked and assembled togythers, and began to grudge
+at the imprysonment of ther Lord, and the treason committed by
+the Lieuetenaunte, thynking it very straunge that he which was a
+houshold seruaunt durst be so bold to sease on those to whome he
+dyd owe all honour and Reuerence. And do assure you that if he
+had ben below, as he was vpon the rampire of the Walles, they
+had torne him into so many pieces, as he had made Gobbets of the
+Lord Nicholas body. But seing that they could not take him, they
+went about to seeke the deliueraunce of them, whome they thought
+to be yet aliue: and one of the chyef of the City in the Name of
+them all shortly and bryefly, aunswered him thus: "If malice did
+not well discouer it selfe in the sugred and Traiterous
+composition of thy woordes (O Captayne) it were easy inough for
+an inconstant People (bent to chaunge, and desirous of
+innouations,) to heare and do that, which sutch a traitor and
+flatterer as thou art dost propose: but we hauing til now
+indured nothing of the Triniciens that sauoreth of Tiranny,
+cruelty, or excesse, we were no lesse to be accused of felony,
+than thou art guilty of Rebels cryme, by seasyng vpon the
+Persons of thy Lords, if we shoulde yelde credyt to thy Serpents
+hissing, or lend aide to thy traiterous practise, thou goest
+about against them who innoblyng thee are trayterously berieued
+of that which concerned their reputation and greatnesse. We be
+an honest People and faithfull Subiects. We wyll not be both
+Wicked and vnhappy at once, and without cause expell our heads
+out of our common Wealth. No though they should perpetrate the
+mischiefes whych thou hast alleadged. Vppon sutch Nouelties and
+straunge facts we shall take newe aduise and Councell. To be
+short, thou shalt pleasure vs to set our Lordes at Lyberty, and
+thou like a wyse man shalt doe thy duety, and satisfy a People
+which easily can not endure that a subiecte do wrong to those to
+whome he oweth obedience. And feare not to receiue anye euill of
+them, nor yet to feele anoyaunce, for wee wyll take vppon vs by
+honest meanes to craue pardon for thy fault how haynous so euer
+it be. But if thou continue thine offence, be sure that the Lord
+Conrade shall be aduertised, and with all our power we shall
+succour him by force, to let thee feele the Nature of Treason,
+and what reward is incydent to the practizers of the same." The
+Captaine albeit he was abashed with that aunswere, and saw that
+it would not be wel wyth him if he did not prouid spedy remedy
+and order for his affayres, aswell for the comming of the Lord
+Conrade, as of the brother of the Duke Camerino, told the
+Citizens that within three or foure dayes he would giue them a
+resolute aunswer, and so it might be, yelde vnto theyr wylles,
+and delyuer them whom he had in holde. Thys gentle aunswere dyd
+nothyng stay the Citizens for the accomplyshment of that which
+they thought best to do, knowing also that the gallant had not
+commenced that Tragedy, but for other toyes whych his vngracious
+head had framed for a further intended Myschiefe, for which
+cause they assembled their Councell, and concluded that one
+should ryde in poste to the Lord Conrade, (the third and
+remnaunt of the Brethren,) that hee myghte come to take order
+for the delyueraunce of Nicholas and Cæsar whome they thought he
+had reserued still alyue in Captiuity. The Nocerines shewed this
+curtesie (not but that they woulde gladly haue bene at lyberty,
+if the way had bene better troden,) aswell for the lyttle trust
+they reposed in the Captayne, who they thoughte would be no more
+gentle and faithfull, than he shewed himselfe to be loyall to
+his Maisters, and for that Conrade was well beloued of the
+Lordes his Neighbors, and specially of the imprysoned Duke and
+his Brother Braccio Montone, who had the Italian men of Warre at
+his pleasure, and that the Noble men woulde assiste him wyth all
+their power. Wherefore they considered that theyr fairest and
+best way, for auoiding of factions, was to kepe themselues
+trusty and true, and by not hearkening to a Traitor, to bynd
+their soueraigne Lord with sutch duety and obedience, as the
+vnkindest man of the world would confesse and acknowledg for the
+consequence of a matter of sutch importance. The seditious
+captaine on the other side, void of hope, and in greater rage
+than hee was before, persisted in hys folly, not without
+foreseeyng howe hee myghte saue himselfe, which hee had
+pollitikely brought to passe, if God had not shortened his waye,
+by payment of Vsury for hys Wyckednesse, and by very dilygence
+of them in whome hee reposed his truste, the manner and howe,
+immedyately doeth follow. So soone as he had gyuen ouer the
+Councell of the Citizens and a lyttle bethought him what he had
+to do, he called before him two yong Men, whom aboue al others
+he trusted best. To these yong men he deliuered all his Gold,
+Syluer and Iewels, that they mighte conuey the same out of the
+iurisdiction of his Lords, to the intente that when he saw
+hymself in daunger, he myght retire to the place where those
+gallants had before carryed his furniture, and mountinge them
+vpon two good steedes, he let them forth at the Posterne gate,
+praying them so soone as they could to retourne aduertysement of
+their abode, and that spedily he would send after them hys
+Chyldren and the rest of his moueables, tellyng them that he
+specially committed his Lyfe and goodes into their hands, and
+that in time and place he would acknowledg the Benefite don vnto
+him in that distresse. The two that were thus put in trust for
+sauegard of hys thyngs, promised vnto him Golden Hilles and
+Miracles: but so soone as they had lost the sight of theyr
+maister, they deuised another complotte and determined to breake
+faith to him, which was forsworne, and who made no conscience
+not onely to reuolt, but also cruelly to kill his soueraigne
+Lordes. They thought it better to ryde to Treuio, to tell the
+Lord Conrade the pitifull end of his brethren, and the
+imprysonment of the Duke of Camerino, than to seeke rest for
+him, whome God permitted not to be saued, for his heinous sinne
+already committed, and for that which he mente to do vppon hys
+Wyfe. For all the dyligence that the Nocerines had made, yet
+were the Lieuetenaunte's Men at Treuio before them, and hauyng
+filled the Eares of Conrade with those heauy Newes, and hys Eyes
+with Teares, his Mynde with sorrow, and Spyrite with desyre to
+be reuenged, and as Conrade was about to mount on horse backe
+wyth the Trayne hee had, the Citizens were arryued to disclose
+the Imprysonment of his brethren. To whome Conrade made
+aunswere: "I would to GOD (my friends) that the tirant had ben
+contented with the litle cruelty wherof you speake, for then I
+would find the meanes to agree the parties vpon the knowledge of
+their variance. But (alas) his malice hath passed further, and
+hath beastly slain my brethren: but I swear by the almighty God,
+that if he giue me life, I wil take sutch, and so cruell
+vengeaunce on him, as he shall be a Glasse to all his lyke, for
+punishment of a fault so horrible. Depart my frends, depart and
+get you home, dispose your watch and gard about the Castell,
+that the traiter do not escape: and assure your selues that this
+your loue shall neuer be forgotten, and you shall haue of me not
+a Tirant as he maliciously hath protested, but rather sutch a
+Lord, and better also, than hytherto ye haue me proued." If
+Conrade had not ben pressed with heauinesse, he had chaunted
+goodly Songes against the Treason of the Lieuetenaunt, and would
+haue accused his Brother of indiscretion, for trusting him,
+whose wyfe hee had abused, and wel did know that he espyed the
+same. But what? The businesse requyred other things than Words:
+and extreame folly it is to nippe the Dead with taunts, or with
+vayne words to abuse the absent, speciall where vltion and
+reuenge is easy, and the meanes manifest to chastise the
+temerity of sutch, and to be acquited of the wrong done vnto him
+that cannot do it hymselfe. Conrade then toke his way to
+Tuderto, where then remained the Lord Braccio, and thereof was
+Lord and Gouernour, and had also vnder his gouernement Perugia,
+and many other Cityes of the Romane Church, and who wyth the
+dignity of the great Constable of Naples, was also Prynce of
+Capua, to him the Trinicien Brother, all be sprent wyth Teares
+and transported wyth choller and griefe, came to demaunde succor
+for reuenge of the Lieuetenaunt's trespasse, saying: "For what
+assurance (my Lord) can Prynces and great Lordes hope
+henceforth, when their very seruaunts shall ryse, and by
+constraining their Maisters, make assay to vsurp their
+seigniories wherein they haue no title or interest? Is this a
+reuenge of wrong, in steede of one to kill twaine, and yet to
+wishe for the third to dispatch the World of our race? Is this
+to pursue his ennimy, to seeke to catch hym in trappe, whych
+knoweth nothing of the quarell, and to make hym to suffer the
+payne? My two Brethren be dead, our Cosin Germaine the Duke is
+in pryson, I am heere comfortlesse, all sad and pensife before
+you, whome lykewyse this matter toucheth, although not so near
+as it doeth me, but yet with lyke dishonor. Let vs go (my Lorde)
+let vs goe I beseech you to visite our good hoste that so rudely
+intreateth his Ghests which come to visite him, and let vs beare
+him a reward, that he may taste of our comming, let vs goe
+before hee saue himselfe, that with little trauayle and lesse
+harme to an other the ribauld may be punished, who by his
+example if he longer liue, may increase courage both in
+Seruaunts to disobey, and in Subiects to rebell, without
+conscience, agaynst their heads, and gouerners? It is a case of
+very great importaunce, and which ought to be followed with all
+rigor and cruelty. And he ought neuer to bee supported,
+comforted or fauored, which shall by any meanes attempt to
+reuolt or arme himselfe agaynst his Prince, or shall constrayne
+him or hir that is his Soueraygne Lord, or Mistresse. Is not a
+Prynce constituted of GOD to be obeyed, loued, and cherished of
+his Subiects? Is it not in him to make and ordaine lawes, sutch
+as shalbe thought needefull and necessary for Common wealth?
+Ought not he then to be obeyed of his subiectes and vassals?
+Ought they then to teach the head, and commaund the chiefest
+Member of their body? I do remember a tale (my Lord) recited by
+Menenius Agrippa that wyse, and Notable Romayne, who going about
+to reconcile the commons with the Senate, alleaged a fit and
+conuenable example. In time past (quod he) when the partes of
+Mankinde were at variaunce, and euery member would be a Lord
+generally conspiring, grudging and alleaging how by their great
+trauayle, paynes, and carefull ministery, they prouided all
+furniture, and mayntenaunce for the belly, and that he like a
+sluggish Beast stoode still, and enioyed sutch pleasures as were
+geuen him, in this murmure and mutine, al they agreed that the
+hands should not minister, the Mouth should not feede, the Teeth
+should not make it seruiceable, the Feete should not trauayle,
+nor Heade deuise to get the same: and whylest euery of them did
+forsake their seruice and obedience, the belly grew so thin, and
+the Members so weake and feeble, as the whole body was brought
+to extreme decay, and ruine, whereby (sayd Agrippa) it appeareth
+that the seruice due vnto the Belly (as the chiefe portion of
+man) by the other Members is most necessary, the obeying and
+nurssing of whom doth instil force and vigor into the other
+parts through which we doe liue, and bee refreshed, and the same
+disgested and dispearsed into the vaynes, and vitall powers
+ingendreth mature and fine bloud, and mayntaineth the whole
+state of the body, in comely forme and order. By which trim
+comparison, applyed to ciuile warre was deflected and mollified
+the stout corage and attempts of the multitude. Euen so agreing
+with Agrippa, if the Members grudge, and disobey against their
+chiefe, the state must grow to ruine. To be short, in certaine
+haps a Trayter may be chearished, and that hath falsified his
+first fayth: but treason and periury euermore be detested as
+vices execrable. In this deede neyther the thing, nor yet the
+doer hath any colour of excuse, the trespasse and cause for
+which it is don being considered. Suffiseth it Sir, for so mutch
+as there is neyther time nor cause of further discourse, what
+neede we to decide the matter, whych of it selfe is euident?
+Beholde mee heere a poore Trinician Brother without brethren,
+ioylesse without a Fort at Nocera. On the other part confider
+the Duke of Camerino in great distresse and daunger, to passe
+that strait of death my Brethren did. Let vs goe (I pray you) to
+deliuer the Captiue, and by reuenging these offenses and
+murders, to settle my Citty in former State, and freedome, which
+the villayne goeth about to take from me, by encouraginge my
+Subiects to reuolt and enter armes, thereby to expel our house
+from the Title of the same." As Conrade spake these woords, and
+wyth great grauity, and constancy pronouncing sundry tokens of
+sorrow, the Conestable of Naples, wroth beyond measure for these
+vnpleasant newes, and full of griefe and choller against the
+trayterous Lieutenaunt, swore in the hearing of them all, that
+he would neuer rest one good sleepe vntill that quarell were
+auenged, and had quited the outrage done to the Lord Conrade,
+and the wrong which he felt in him for the imprisonment of the
+Duke of Camerino. So he concluded, and the Souldiours were
+assembled thorough out all the parts of the Conestable's Lands,
+vpon the ende of the weeke to march against the Fort of Nocera,
+the Cittizens whereof had layd diligent Scout, and watch for the
+escape of the Captayne, who without bashfulnesse determined with
+his men to defend the same and to proue fortune, making himselfe
+beleeue that his quarell was good, and cause iust to withstand
+them that shoulde haue the heart to come to assayle him. The
+Constable in the mean time sent a Trumpet to Nocera to summon
+the Captaine to surrender, and to tell the cause of his reuolt,
+and at whose prouocation hee had committed so detestable a
+Treason. The Captaine well assured and boldned in his
+Wyckednesse, aunswered that he was not so well fortified to make
+a surrender so good cheape, and for so small a pryce to forgo
+his honor and reputation: and furthermore, that his wit was not
+so slender, but hee durst deuise and attempt sutch a matter
+without the councel of any other, and that all the deedes and
+deuises passed till that time, were of his owne inuention. And
+to be enen with the wrong done to his honor by the Lord Nicholas
+Trinicio, for the violation of his Wiue's Chastity, he had
+committed the Murders (tolde to Braccio) beyng angry, that all
+the Tirannous race was not in his hand to spyll, to the end he
+mighte deliuer his Countrey, and put the Citizens in Liberty,
+albeit that fondly they bad refused the same as vnworthy of
+sutch a Benefite, and well deserued that the Tyrants should taxe
+them at theyr pleasure, and make them also theyr common slaues
+and Drudges. The Trumpet warned hym also to render to hym the
+Duke, bicause he was guiltlesse of the facte, whych the Captayne
+regarded so little as he did the first demaundes, whych was the
+cause (the Company being arriued at Nocera, and the Constable
+vnderstandyng the litle accompte the Castell Gentleman made of
+his summons) that the battry the very day of theyr arriuall was
+laid and shotte against the place with sutch thunder and
+dreadfull thumpes of Canon shot, as the hardiest of the
+Mortpayes within, began to faint. But the corage and litle feare
+of theyr chyefe, retired theyr hearts into theyr bellyes. The
+breach being made againe, the Constable who feared to lose the
+Duke in the Captaine's Fury, caused the Trumpet to summon them
+wythin to fall to Composition, that Bloudshed might not stirre
+theyr Souldioures to further cruelty. But so mutch gayned this
+second warnyng as the first, for which cause the nexte day after
+the assault was gyuen, where if the assaulte was valiant, the
+resistaunce was no lesse than bolde and venturous. But what can
+Thirtie or Fortie Men doe agaynste the Force of a whole
+Countrey, and where the Generall was one of the most valiaunte,
+and wisest Captaynes of hys tyme and who was accompanied with
+the floure of the Neapolitane Fotemen. The assault continued
+four or fiue Houres, but in the end the Dead payes not able to
+sustayne the force of the assaylants, forsooke the Breache, and
+assaying to saue themselues, the Lieuetenaunt retired to the
+Kipe of the Fort, where his Wife continued prisoner, from the
+time that the two brethren were slaine. Whiles they without,
+ruffled in together in heapes amonges the defendauntes, the Duke
+of Camerino, with his Men, found meanes to escape out of Pryson,
+and therewithal began furiously to chastise the ministers of the
+disloyal Captaine, which in little tyme were cut al to pieces.
+Conrade being within found the Captayn's Father, vppon whom he
+was reuenged, and killed him with his owne hands. And not
+content with that, caried into further rage, and fury, he
+slashed him into gobbets, and threwe them to the dogs. Truly a
+straunge maner of reuenge, if the Captain's cruelty had not
+attempted like inhumanity. To bee shorte, horrible it is to
+repeate the murders done in that sturre, and hurly burly. For
+they that were of the Captayne's part, and taken, receyued all
+the straungest and cruellest punishment that man could deuise.
+And were it not that I haue a desire in nothing to beely the
+Author, and lesse will to leaue that which he had wrytten vpon
+the miserable end of those that were the ministers and seruaunts
+to the barbarous tirrany of the Captayne, I would passe no
+further, but conceale that which doth not deserue remembraunce,
+except to auoide the example, which is not straunge, the Cruelty
+of reuenging heart in the nature of Man, in al times growinge to
+sutch audacity, as the torments which seeme incredyble, be
+lyable to credite as wel for those we reade in auncient
+Historyes, as those we heare tell of by heare say, and chauncyng
+in our tyme. Hee that had the vpper hand of his Enimy, not
+content to kyll, but to eate with his rauenous teeth the heart
+disentraylde from his aduersary, was hee lesse furious than
+Conrade, by makinge Anatomy of the Captayn's Father? And he that
+thrust Galleazze Fogase in to the mouth of a Canon, tying his
+Head vnto his Knees and causing him to be caried by the violent
+force of Gunpouder into the City from whence he came, to bribe
+and corrupt certayne of hys enemies army, did he shew himselfe
+to be more curteous than one of these? Leaue we a part those
+that be past, to touch the miserable ende wherewith Conrade
+caused the last tribute of the Captain's souldyers to bee payd.
+Now amongs these some were tied to the Tayles of wilde Horses,
+and trayned ouer Hedges, and Bushes, and downe the stiepnes of
+high Rocks, some were haled in pieces, and afterwards burnt with
+great Martyrdome, some were deuyded and parted aliue in four
+quarters, other sowed naked wythin an Oxe Hyde, and so buried in
+Earth, vp to the Chin, by whych torments they finished their
+Liues with fearful gronings. Will ye say that the Bull of
+Perillus, or Diomedes Horsses, were afflictions more cruell than
+these? I know not what ye cal cruelty, if these acts may beare
+the title of modesty. But all thys, proceeded of wrath and
+disdayne of eyther partes. The one dysdayned that the seruaunt
+should be his head, and the other was offended, that his
+soueraygne Lord should assay to take that from him, which his
+duty commaunded him to keepe. Conrade toke in ill part the
+treason of the Captayn, who beyond measure was angry, that the
+Lord Nicholas had made him a brother of Vulcan's order, and
+regestred him in the booke of husbands, which know that they
+dare not speake. In summe, the one had right, and the other was
+not without some reason, and notwithstanding both surmounted the
+boundes of man's milde nature. The one ought to content hymselfe
+(as I haue sayd) for being reuenged on him that had offended
+him, and the other of the murder done, duringe the assault
+without shewing so bloudy tokens of cruelty and so apparent
+euidence of tiranny, vpon the ministers of the brutall and
+bloudy Captayne, who seeing his father put to death with sutch
+Martirdome, and his men so straungely tormented, was vanquished
+with choller, dispayre and impacyence. And albeit the Captayne
+had no greate desire to hurt his Wyfe, yet was he surmounted
+with sutch rage, as apprehending hir, and binding hir hands and
+feete, she styl crying him mercy, and crauing pardon for hir
+faultes at the hands of God and him, he threw hir downe from the
+highest Toure of the Kipe vpon the pauement of the Castle
+courte, not without teares and abashment of al, which saw that
+monstrous and dreadful sight, which the Souldiers viewing, they
+fired the Toure, and with fire and smoke forced the Captaine to
+come forth, and by lyke meanes made him, his Brother and
+Chyldren to tread the daunce that his Wyfe before had don.
+Conrade by and by caused those bodies to be throwne forth for
+Foode to the Wolues, and other raueninge Beasts, and Byrdes
+liuing vpon the pray of Carrion, causing also his Brethren
+honourably to bee buryed, and the Gentlewoman that had home the
+penaunce worthy for hir fault. Sutch was the end of the most
+myserable, and worst gouerned loue, that I thinke man hath euer
+red in wryting, and which doth clearely witnesse, that there is
+no pleasure so great but Fortune by chaunging and turning hir
+Wheele maketh a hundred times more bitter than desire of sutch
+ioy doth yelde delyght. And farre better it were (besides the
+offence done to God) neuer to cast Eye on Woman, than to bord or
+proue them, to rayse sutch Sclaunders and Facts which cannot be
+recounted but with the horrour of the Hearers, nor wrytten but
+to the great griefe of those that muse and study vpon the same:
+Notwithstanding for instruction of our life, both good and bad
+Examples bee introduced and offred to the view of ech degree,
+and state. To the end that Whoredome may bee auoyded, and bodily
+Pleasure eschued, as most Mortal and pernicious Plagues that doe
+infect as well the Body and Reputation of man, as the integrity
+of the Minde. Besides that ech man ought to possesse his own
+Vessel, and not to couet that is none of hys, vnseemely also it
+is to solicite the Neyghbor's Wyfe, to procure thereby the
+disiunction and defaite of the whole bond of mariage, which is a
+Treasure so deare and precious, and carieth so greate griefe to
+him that seeth it defaced, as our Lord (to declare the grauity
+of the Fact) maketh a comparison of his Wrath agaynste them
+which run after straunge GODS, and applyeth the honour due vnto
+him to others that doe not deserue the same, with the iust
+disdayne, and ryghtfull Choller of a Iealous Husbande, Fraught
+wyth despyght to see himselfe dispoyled of the Seasure, and
+Possession onely giuen to him, and not subiect to any other,
+whatsoeuer he be. Learne here also (O yee husbands) not to fly
+with so nimble Wing, as by your owne authority yee seeke reueng
+without fearing the follies and sclaunders that may insue. Your
+sorrow is iust, but it behoueth that reason doe guide your
+fantasies, and bridle your ouer sodayne passions, to the intent
+that yee come not after to sing the doleful Song of repentaunce,
+like vnto this foolish man, who hauing done more than he ought,
+and not able to retire without his ouerthrow, threw himselfe
+into the bottomlesse gulfe of perdition. And let vs all fixe
+fast in memory, that neuer vnruled rage, and wilful choller
+bringeth other benefit than the ruine of him that suffereth
+himselfe to runne headlonge into the same, and who thinketh that
+all that is naturall in vs, is also reasonable, as though Nature
+were so perfect a worckwoman, as in man's corruption she could
+make vs Aungels, or halfe Gods. Nature following the instinct of
+that which is naturall in vs, doth not greatly stray from
+perfection, but that is giuen to few, and those whom God doth
+loue and choose. And Vertue is so seldome founde, as it is
+almost impossible to imitate that perfection. And briefly to
+say, I will conclude with the Author of this present Hystory.
+
+  Angre is a fury short,
+  To him that can the same excell:
+  But it is no laughing sport
+  In whom that senselesse rage doth dwell.
+  That pang confoundeth ech man's wits
+  And shameth him with open shame,
+  His honour fades in frantike fits,
+  And blemisheth his good name.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRTY-FOURTH NOUELL.
+
+  _The horrible and cruell murder of Soltan Solyman, late the
+  Emperor of the Turkes and father of Selym that now raigneth,
+  done vpon his eldest Sonne Mvstapha, by the procurement,
+  and meanes of Rosa his mother in lawe, and by the speciall
+  instigation of one of his noble men called Rvstanvs: where
+  also is remembred the wilful death of one of his Sons named
+  Giangir, for the griefe he conceiued to see Mvstapha so
+  miserably strangled._
+
+
+Twenty two yeares past or thereabouts I translated this present
+Hystory out of the Latine tongue. And for the rarenes of the
+Fact, and the disnaturall part of that late Furiose Enemy of
+God, and his Sonne Christ: I dedicated the same to the right
+honorable, my speciall good Lord, with al vertues, and nobility,
+fully accomplyshed, the Lord Cobbam Lorde Warden of the cinque
+Portes, by the name of Sir VVilliam Cobham Knyght. And bycause I
+would haue it continue in man's remembraunce thereby to renue
+the auncient detestation, which we haue, and our Progenitors had
+against that horrible Termagant, and Persecutor of Christyans,
+I haue insinuated the same amongs the rest of these Nouels. For
+of one thing I dare make warrantise, that auncient Writers haue
+not remembred, nor old Poets reported a more notorious or
+horyble Tragedy or fact executed against nature, then that
+vnnaturall murder done by the sayd enemy of Christianity,
+the late Soltan Solyman, otherwyse called the great Turke.
+I remember the description of Nero's Parricide vppon his louynge
+Mother, of purpose to behold the place of his byrth. I call to
+memory also the wycked Murther of Orestes, on hys Mother
+Clytemnestra. I also consider the vnfatherly part of Tantalus,
+who wyth the flesh of his owne sonne Pelops, feasted the Gods.
+All which are not farre dyfferent from this pestiferous Fury,
+and may wyth the same, and the lyke bee comparable by any Man
+heeretofore committed. This Hellysh Champyon hys owne Sonne, of
+hys owne Seede, Naturally conceaued wythin hys mother's Wombe,
+vnnaturally in his owne presence moste Myserably did kill.
+O pityfull case, But alas, voyde of pitty to a pyttylesse man.
+O cruell fact, but not ouer cruell to him that liued a cruell
+Man. What Beast be he neuer so woode, or Sauage, can suffer his
+Yonglings to take harme, mutch lesse to doe them hurte himselfe?
+What fierce Lyonesse can infeste hir owne Whelpe, which with
+Naturall paines brought it into light? But what doe I stand vpon
+Lamentation of the case and leaue the brutenesse of this Madman
+far bruter then Lyons vnconsidered? The brutenesse of this fury
+so farre ecceedeth Beasts, as Reasonable passeth Vnreasonable.
+The fury of the Deuill, whom he serueth, so raged in his
+tirannous life, as loe, he slue his owne Sonne. The care of God,
+and Christe was so farre out of his Sighte as hee subuerted
+Nature. The libidonous lustes os this Lecherous Infidell, so
+surmounted the bounds of reason, as the fire thereof consumed
+his owne flesh. This Enemy of Christe was so bewytched as the
+dotage of his infidelity consented to murder. And as tiranny
+like a Lord possessed his Brayne in huntinge after the bloud of
+Christians, so Tiranny like an Enchaunter with the Sorcery of
+Feminine adulation shed the bloud of his owne begotten. Thus as
+tiranny was the Regent of his life most wicked, so Tiranny was
+the Plague of his owne generation. For as the Wryter of this
+Hystory reporteth, it was thoughte that the same was done by
+Diuyne Prouydence. And lyke as this vnhappy Father was a deadly
+Enemy vnto Chryst and hys Church, so this yonge Whelpe was no
+lesse a sheder of Christian Bloud. No doubt a very froward Impe,
+and a towarde Champion for the diuel's Theatre: and as it is
+sayd hereafter, so goodly a yong man in Stature and other
+externe qualities of the body, as Nature could not frame a
+better. So excellent, and couragious in Feates of armes as
+Bellona hirselfe could not procreate a lustier. This History in
+the Latin tongue is written by Nicholas Moffan a Burgonian
+borne, a man so well in the warfare of good learning (as it
+appeareth) as in the seruice of the warres well expert. Who
+being a Souldiour in Hercules warres (the old Champyon of
+Christendome, and Pagan Enimy, Charles the fifte) was sore
+wounded and taken Prysoner in Bulgaria, in the yeare of our Lord
+1552, and continued Captiue till September, 1555, almost three
+yeares. Whose Misery, Trouble, Famine, Colde, and other Torments
+by him sustayned, during the sayd time if it should bee
+declared, perhaps woulde seeme incredible. But when the Turke
+had kept him in miserable bandes two yeares, and saw he could
+not obtayne the Raunsome, whych he immesurably requyred, at
+length sent him to the Castell of Strigon, where for a certayne
+time he remayned hampered with double chaynes vpon his Necke,
+Handes, and Feete. And within sometime after hys comming thither
+he was made to toile in the day, like a common slaue, to hew and
+carry Woode, keepe Horse, sweepe Houses, and sutch other
+busines. Which Drudgery, he was glad to doe aswell for exercyse
+of his Members, which with colde yrons were benommed, as also to
+get Breade to relieue his hunger. For when hee had done his
+stinte, his Maister gaue him Bread, Onions, Garlicke, Cheese,
+and sutch other fare: and at Night he was sent agayne to Pryson,
+where he was matched with a Mate, that for Debte was condempned
+to perpetual Pryson, of whom he learned many things, aswel of
+their Lawes, Religion, warlike Affayres, and other maners of the
+Turkes, as also of the order of this horrible Fact don by
+Solyman. And by the report of his sayd Companion in pryson, he
+digested the same into the forme of this history. And after this
+man had payed hys Raunsome, and was set at lyberty, he arriued
+into the partes of Chrystedome. The Verity of whych is sutch, as
+it is not onely credyble bycause thys Man dyd wryte it, who was
+three Yeares there resiaunt, and in manner aforesaid, heard the
+truth thereof, but also is warranted, by sundry Marchant Men,
+Trauellers into farre Countreyes, faythfully verifiing the same
+to bee true. And before I drawe to the dyscourse of the Story,
+I will set downe some of the manners of Solyman's greatest
+states and fauorites, and the pryncipal offices and honors of
+that hellish Monarchy. As Mustapha, Machomet, Baiasith, Selim,
+Gianger, Chrustam, and Hibrahim. This Hibrahim was so dearely
+beloued with the Emperour Solyman as he exercysed the Office of
+Vesiri, whych is nexte to the Emperour, the chyefest in degree
+of honor. Who by increase of that Office, became more wealthy in
+Treasure then Solyman himselfe, whych when he perceyued, without
+any respect of the honorable office, or the honor of the party,
+neglecting in respect of richesse (according to the natural
+desire of Auarice, wherewith the greedy Appetites of the stocke
+are endued) all religion, honour, Parents, countrey, friends or
+amity, he caused in his own presence, his head to be striken of,
+adding the treasures of the said Hibrahim to his owne Coafers,
+and placed one Rustanus to succeede in his office. Besides which
+honorable places ther be diuers degrees of honor, as Mutchty,
+which is of that honor with them as the chief bishop or Pope in
+other Countreies, and of sutch authority with the Emperour, that
+aswel in time of Peace, as also in Warres, he determineth vppon
+nothing without the counsel of Muchti. Bascha (which we commonly
+call VVascha) is the Lieuetenaunt of a Prouince. But forsomutch
+as all other offices and dignities, depend only vpon the
+Emperor, and are bestowed as he listeth, none of them hauing any
+thing proper that he may call his owne: the sayd Baschas in all
+Prouinces, euery three yeare are chaunged after the disposition
+of the Emperour, and continue no longer Gouernors, than the sayd
+terme, without his special decree, and commaundement. And this
+chaunge and seueral mutation, is done for two causes. First that
+notwithstanding the sayd Offices are bestowed by turnes, yet
+they which are most excellente in prowes of Armes, and
+Valiaunce, are best in fauour, and are placed in the most
+fertile Countreyes. But the maner in the disposition of the same
+Office is now degenerated, for where in tyme paste the same were
+bestowed vppon the best Captaynes and Souldyers, in these Days,
+are through Fauoure and Money, throughly corrupted. So that now
+amonges them all thynges for Money are venalia, ready to be
+solde, and yet the same vnknowen to the Emperour him selfe. The
+other cause, of the alteration and chaunge of the sayd Baschæ,
+and the Chyefest cause, as I haue learned is, least through
+theyr longe abode in the sayd Prouinces so to them assigned, by
+some incydent occasion they myght entre familiarilie wyth the
+Christians, and in successe of tyme be conuerted. The Turkes
+haue also amonges them certayne Noble Men which in theyr
+Language they call Spahy, and it is the first degree of honour,
+but it hath no discent or succession to the Posterity, and they
+only deserue the tytle thereof, whych in Warrelyke Affayres
+behaue them selues moste Manfully, and who at length are
+preferred to another degree of honour, and are called Subasche,
+which worde so farre as I can vnderstande, may be referred to
+the Title of Baron. Next to the same Subaschæ here is another
+called Begg. But here is meete to be knowne howe that woorde is
+taken amonges them two wayes, for generally all they which
+excell other in any promotion are called Beggi. That is to say
+Lordes or Maysters: but if it be meant singularly or properly,
+then it signifieth not simply a Captaine (for they call a
+Captaine Aga) but also an Earle. And if the sayd Begg chaunce to
+be endued by the Emperour with the order of Knyghthoode, then
+hee is called Sanggakbegg. And they likewise are accustomed to
+bee transposed from County to county, as the Baschæ are, and the
+same do not descend to the heires, but when the Earle is deade.
+And then both the promotion and county, are by the Emperour
+giuen to another. And hereby it appeareth that no man hath any
+thynge proper or his own, and therfore they cal themselues,
+Padiscahumcullari. That is to say, the Emperour's bondmen. Here
+also I ought to entreat of the manners of the Turkes in theyr
+Warres, and the sundry offices therein. In what sorte they leuy,
+and muster their Souldiers, the order of their marching, the
+order in putting the same in array, and by what diligence they
+vse their Skouts, and Wardes, all which had bene necessary to
+haue bene spoken of, but that I might not be tedious. And yet of
+one thing for a conclusion I entend to speake of, which is of
+the Ianischari. The sayd Ianischari are the whole strength of
+the Turkes battell, who neuer obtayne victory, but the same is
+astributed to their valiaunce. They bee very expert, and
+skilfull in the vse of small shot, and great Ordinaunce, and in
+that kinde of defence and munition, they chiefly excell. And as
+I haue red, the Turke hath continually in wages thirty
+M. of the sayd Ianischari. They haue aboue other many
+singuler Pryuiledges, in so mutch as the name of a Ianischarus
+is in sutch reuerence amongs them, that notwithstanding any
+offence, or crime, done by them worthy capitall death, they in
+no wise shalbe punished, except before the committing of the
+offence, they be depriued of their estate by their Captaynes.
+Thys Priuiledge also they haue aboue others, that vnlesse they
+lye in Campe, they bee neuer compelled to watch nor warde,
+without great necessity do force them. And for this they be
+hatefull and odious to other Souldiours. It is sayd, that all
+they be Christian men's children. And in those countreyes which
+he vanquisheth, he chooseth out the Boyes of the same, sutch as
+he thinketh meete, and carrieth them away, and bringeth them vp
+in his owne trade, and lawes, with exercise of feates in armes,
+and being growen to ripe yeares, and man's state, they be
+alloted amongs the number of Ianischari. And thus mutch touching
+the maners, dignities, and offices of that Turkish broode: Now
+to the Hystory. Bee it knowne therefore, that Solyman had of a
+certayne bonde Woman this Mustapha, to whom from his Youth hee
+gaue in charge the Countrey of Amasia. Who with his Mother
+continually resiaunt in the sayd countrey, became so forwards in
+Feates of armes, as it was supposed of all men, that hee was
+gieuen vnto their countrey by some heauenly prouidence. This
+Mustapha, with his Mother being placed in the said Countrey,
+it chaunced that the Kynge his Father was beyonde measure wrapt
+with the beauty of another of his Concubins called Rosa, of whom
+hee begat foure sonnes, and one daughter. The eldest of the
+Sonnes was called Machomet, to whom the Prouince of Caramania
+was assigned. The second, Baiasith, who enioyed the countrey of
+Magnesia. The third called Selymus, to whom after the death of
+Machomet the eldest, the sayd Countrey of Caramania was
+appoincted. The fourth Iangir, whose surname, by reason hee was
+croke backed, notwithstanding his pregnant wit, was Gibbus. And
+the daughter he bestowed in mariage vppon Rustanus Bascha, who
+when Hibrahim was put to death, exercised the office of Vesiri
+as is aforesayd (which office we vse to call the President of
+the Counsayle) and according to his natural disposition to
+couetousnesse, abusing the sayd office, altered and chaunged all
+maner of thinges belonging to the same. He diminished the
+Souldiours wages, being by them called Ianischari. He abated the
+stipends of the Captayns, whom they nominate Saniachi. Hee also
+seassed vpon the Prouinces yearely Taxes and Tributs. And
+herewith being not satisfied, he ordayned a stint vpon the
+charges of the kings houshold, wherby he sought, but to
+accumulate vnto himselfe, infinite treasures, gotten by
+deceiptfull extortion, through occasion whereof, he was supposed
+to be faythfull, and diligent Seruaunte, and thereby greatly
+insinuated himselfe into the king's fauour, little regardinge
+the hatred and displeasure of others. In the meane time, this
+Rosa of whom mencion is made before, perceyuing hir selfe before
+others to be beloued of the Kinge, vnder the Cloake of devotion
+declared vnto Muchty (which is the chiefe Bishop of Machomet's
+religion) that she was affected with a Godly zeale to builde a
+Temple, and Hospitall for straungers, to the chiefe God, and
+honor of Machomet: but she was not minded to attempt the same
+without his aduice. And therefore shee asked whether the same
+would bee acceptable to God, and profitable for the health of
+her soule. Whereunto Muchty aunswered: that the worke to God was
+acceptable, although to hir soule it was nothing auaileable.
+Adding further, that not onely all hir Substance was at the
+Kinge's disposition, but hir Life also, being a Bondwoman. And
+therefore that worke woulde be more profitable to the Kinge.
+With which aunswere the woman in hir mind dayly being troubled,
+became very pensiffe, like one that was voyde of all comfort.
+The King being aduertised of hir sorrow very gently began to
+comfort hir, affirming that shortely he would finde sutch
+meanes, as she should enioy the effect of hir desire. And
+forthwith manumised hir and made hir free, a writing and
+instrument made in that behalfe, according to their custome,
+to the intent she might not be at commaundement any more to be
+yoked in bondage. Hauinge in this sorte obtayned this fauoure,
+the sayd Rosa, with a great Masse of Money determined to
+proceede in hir entended purpose. In the meane season, the Kyng
+wythout measure being incensed with the desire of the sayd Rosa,
+as is aforesayd, sent for hir by a messenger, willing hir to
+repayre to the Court. But the crafty Woman, vnskilful of no
+pollicy, returned the Messenger with subtile aunswere, which
+was, that he should admonish the King hir Lord and Soueraygne,
+to call to his remembraunce aswell the lawe of honesty, as also
+the precepts of his owne lawes, and to remembre she was no more
+a Bondwoman and yet she could not deny but hir life remained at
+the disposition of his maiesty, but touching Carnall copulation
+to be had agayne with his person, that could in no wise be done,
+without committing of sinne most heynous. And to the intent he
+should not thinke the same to be fayned or deuised of hir selfe,
+she referred it to the iudgement of Muchty. Which aunswere of
+repulse, so excited the inflamed affections of the Kyng, as
+setting all other businesse a part, he caused the Muchty to be
+sent for. And giuing him liberty to aunswere, he demaunded
+whether his Bondwomen being once manumised, could not be knowen
+carnally without violation of the lawes? Whereunto Muchty
+aunswered: that in no wise it was lawfull, vnlesse before he
+should with hir contract matrimony. The difficulty of which Lawe
+in sutch sorte augmented the Kyng's desires, as being beyond
+measure blinded with Concupiscence, at length agreed to the
+marriage of the sayd manumysed woman, and after the Nuptial
+writinges according to the custome were ratified, and that he
+had giuen vnto hir for a Dowry 5000 Soltan Ducats, the marriage
+was concluded, not without great admiration of all men,
+especially for that it was done contrary to the vse of the
+Ottomane Ligneage. For to eschew Society in gouernment, they
+marry no free or lawfull Wyues, but in their steades to satisfy
+theyr owne pleasures, and libidinous Appetites (wherein most
+vily, and filthely aboue any other Nation they chiefly excell)
+they chose out of diuers Regions of the World the most
+Beautifull, and fayrest Wenches, whom after a Kyngly sorte very
+honourably they bring vp in a place of their Courte, which they
+call Sarai: and instruct them in honest, and ciuile maners, with
+whom also they vse to accompany by turnes, as theyr pleasure
+most lyketh. But if any of them do conceyue, and bring forth
+childe, then she aboue all other is honoured, and had in
+reuerence, and is called the Soltanes most worthy. And sutch
+after they haue brought forth childe, are bestowed in marriage
+vppon the Pieres and Nobility, called Baschæ, and Sangacæ.
+But now to returne to our purpose. This manumised Woman being
+aduaunced through Fortune's benefit, was esteemed for the chiefe
+Lady of Asia, not without great happinesse succeeding in al hir
+affayres. And for the satisfiyng of hir ambicious entents, there
+wanted but only a meane and occasion, that after the death of
+Solyman, one of hir own children might obtayne the Empire. Where
+vnto the generosity and good behauiour of Mustapha was a great
+hinderaunce, who in deede was a yong man of great magnanimity,
+and of Wit most excellent, whose Stomach was no lesse
+couragious, than he was manly in person, and force. For which
+qualities he was meruaylously beloued of the Souldiours and Men
+of warre, and for his wisedome and iustice very acceptable to
+the people. All which things this subtile woman considering,
+she priuely vsed the counsayle of Rustanus for the better
+accomplishing of hir purpose, knowing that he would rather seeke
+th'aduauncement of his kinsman and the brother of his owne Wyfe
+as reason was, then the preferment of Mustapha, with whom she
+certaynely knew that Rustanus was in displeasure. For in the
+beginning, as he sought meanes to extenuate the liuings of all
+other (as is aforesayd) so also he went about (but in vayne) to
+plucke somewhat from Mustapha. Whereby he thought that if he
+should once obtayne the gouernment, he would skarce forget sutch
+an iniury, and thereby not only in hazarde of his Office, and
+dignity, but also in daunger of losse of his heade. All which
+thinges, this wicked woman pondering in hir vngratious Stomacke
+went about to insert into the King's mynde, no small suspitions
+of Mustapha, saying that he was ambitiouse and bolde vpon the
+Fauour and good wil of all men (wherewith in deede he was
+greatly endued) and reioysing in his force, let no other thing
+to be expected, then oportunity of time to aspire to the
+Kingdome, and to attempt the slaughter of his Father. And for
+the better cloaking of the matter, she caused Rustanus at
+conuenient tyme, more at large to amplifie and set forwards hir
+mallice, who alwayes had in charge all principall and weyghty
+affayres. In whom also was no lacke of matter to accelerate the
+accusation and death of the yong man. Moreouer to sutch as were
+appoyncted to the administration of the countrey of Syria, he
+priuely declared, that Mustapha was greatly suspected of his
+Father, commaunding euery of them dilligently to take heede to
+his estate, and of all sutch things as they eyther saw or
+perceyued in him, with all expedition to send aduertisement,
+affirming that the more spightfully they wrote of him, the more
+acceptable it should be to the Kinge. Wherefore diuers time
+Rustanus being certified of the kingly Estimation, Magnanimity,
+Wysedome, and Fortitude of Mustapha, and of his beneuolence and
+liberality towards all men, wherewith he greatly conciled their
+fauour, and how the ardent desires of the People, were inclined
+to hys election: he therefore durst not take vppon him to be the
+first that should sow the seede of that wicked conspiracy, but
+deliuering his Letters to the vngratious Woman, left the rest to
+the deuise of his vnhappy brayne: But Rosa espying oportunity of
+time to succeede hir vnhappy desyre, ceased not to corrupt the
+Kyng's mynde, sometimes with promise of the vse of other Women,
+and sometimes with sundry other adulations. So that if mention
+was made of Mustapha at any time, she woulde take sutch occasion
+to open the Letters, as might serue most apt for hir purpose.
+And she was not deceyued of hir expectation. For taking a
+conuenient time not without teares (which Women neuer want in
+cloaked matter) she admonished the Kinge of the pearill wherein
+he stoode, remembring amongs other thinges, how his Father
+Selymus, by sutch meanes depryued his owne Father both from his
+kingdome, and Life, instantly requiringe him by that example to
+beware. But these Arguments of suspition, at the first brunt
+seemed not probable to the Kyng, and therefore by this meanes
+the deuilishe Woman could little preuayle, which when hir
+enuious Stomacke perceyued, she began to direct hir mischieuous
+mynde to other deuises, seeking meanes with poyson to destroy
+the yonge man. And there wanted not also, gracelesse persons,
+prompt and ready to accomplish that mischieuous fact, had not
+diuine prouidence resisted the same. For Rosa sent vnto Mustapha
+a sute of Apparell in the name of his Father, which by
+marueylous craft was enuenimed with Poyson. But Mustapha in no
+wyse would weare the sayd apparell before one of his slaues had
+assayed the same, whereby he preuented the Mischiefe of his
+vngratious Stepmother, opening to all men the deceipt of the
+poyson. And yet this pestilent Woman ceased not to attempt other
+Enterprises. She went about to purchase vnto hir the good will
+and familiarity of the Kyng in sutch sort as the like neuer
+obtayned in the Courte of Ottoman, (for she vsed certayne
+Sorceries through the helpe of a Woman a Jewe borne, which was a
+famous Enchauntresse, to wyn the loue of the Kyng, and thereby
+perswaded hir selfe to procure greater things at his hands) in
+so mutch as she obtayned that hir Children by course should be
+resiant in their Father's Courte, that by theyr continuall
+presence and assiduall flattering, they might get the loue of
+their Father. So that if Mustapha did at any time come to the
+Court, by that meane she might haue a better meanes to rid him
+of his life, if not, to tary a time, wherein he should be
+dispatched by the help of others. But Mustapha not repayring to
+the Courte (for the Kyng's chyldren do not vse to go out of
+their Countreys assigned vnto them, without their Father's
+knowledge, nor to repayre to Constantinople with any number of
+men of Warre, to receyue their Inheritance till their Father be
+deade) she deuised another mischiefe. For enioying hir former
+request, she recouered another, also hauing brought to passe
+that not onely in the Citty, but also in the countrey, hir
+children should attend vppon theyr Father. Yea, and Giangir the
+crokebacked should alwayes attend on his father in his Warres.
+But the Stepmother's deuise for certayne yeares hanging as it
+were in ballance, at length Fortune throughly fauoured hir
+wicked endeuours. For the Bascha which had the protection of
+Mustapha, and the gouernment of the Prouince of Amasia, (For
+euery one of the Kyng's chyldren haue one Bascha, that is to say
+a Liutenaunt, which doe aunswere the people according to the
+lawes and gieue orders for the administration of the Warres, and
+also euery one of them haue a learned Man to Instruct them in
+good dyscipline, and Pryncely qualities) the sayd Bascha I say
+deuised Letters wherein was contayned a certayne treatise of
+Marriage, betwene Mustapha and the Kyng's Daughter of Persia,
+and how he had referred the matter to the Ministers of the
+Temple, to the intent that if it had not good successe, he
+should be free from all suspition, and sent the same Letters to
+Rustanus who greatly reioysed for that he hoped to bring his
+desyred purpose to good effect. And fearing the matter no
+longer, incontinently he vttered the same to Rosa, who both
+togethers, forthwith went into the Pallace, and discouered the
+whole matter to the King. And to the intent they might throughly
+incense the Kyng's mynde with suspicions, that before was
+doubtefull, and deliberatiue in the matter, to put him out of
+all doubt, they affyrmed that Mustapha like an ambitiouse man,
+sought meanes to conspyre his death being incensed like a Madman
+to the gouernment of his large Empyre, contrary to nature, and
+Law diuine. And to the intent better creadit might be gieuen to
+their subtile Suggestions, they alleaged the Treaty of Marriage
+betwene Mustapha and the Kyng of Persia, the deadly and auncient
+enimy of the Ottoman Ligneage. For respect whereof, he ought
+diligently to take heede least by conioyning the power of the
+Persians with the Sangachi, and Ianischari, which are the
+Captayns, and Souldiours, whose good willes he had with his
+lyberality already tyed to his fauour, in short time, would go
+about to depriue him of his Kyngdome and Lyfe. With these
+accusations and sutch lyke they had so farre sturred the king,
+as he himselfe sought the Death of his owne Sonne, in manner as
+foloweth. Therefore in the yere of our Lord 1552, he caused to
+be published with al expedition throughout his prouinces, that
+the Persians had made their vauntes how they woulde inuade the
+Countrey of Syria, win the Cityes there, and carry away the
+Captiues, and also would destroy euery place with fier and
+Sword, in sutch sort as no man should withstand them. Wherefore
+to prouide against the sayd proude and haultie Bragges, hee was
+forced to send Rustanus thyther with an Armie. The Souldiours
+being leuied, hee pryvily commaunded Rustanus in as secret
+manner as hee could and without any Tumulte to lay handes vpon
+Mustapha, and to bryng hym bound to Canstantinople. But if he
+could not conueniently bryng that to passe, then to dispatch hym
+of hys Lyfe by sutch meanes as he could. Rustanus receyuyng thys
+wycked and cruell Commaundement, marched towardes Syria wyth a
+power. Wher when he arryued Mustapha, hauing knowledge thereof
+setting all other businesse a parte, beying accompanyed with the
+Lustyest and best appoynted Men of Warre in al Turkey to the
+Numbre of seuen Thousande, hee directed his Iorney also towardes
+Syria. Whereof when Rustanus had vnderstandynge, and perceyued
+hee could not well accomplysh the wycked desire of the Kyng,
+immedyately retourned backe agayne to Constantinople in sutch
+haste that hee durste not abyde the sight of the Duste rered
+into the Ayre by Mustaphae's Horse Men, and mutch lesse hys
+commyng. When the Souldyers were retired Rustanus declared to
+all Men that the Countrey was in good quyet, and pryuely
+repayred to the Kynge, and vttered to hym the cause of hys
+retourne, addynge further, that as farre as hee could see by
+manyfeste Sygnes, and Coniectures, the good Wylles of all the
+Armye were inclyned to Mustapha, and for that cause in so
+daungerous an Enterpryse, hee durste not aduenture with open
+Warres, but lefte all to the consideration of hys Maiesty. This
+reporte bred to the cruell Father (who nothynge degenerated from
+the Naturall Tirannye of hys Auncestors) greater Suspicions: for
+reuengement whereof he most wickedly toke further aduise. The
+yeare folowyng he commaunded an huge Army to be leuied once
+againe makyng Proclamation that the Persians with a greater
+Power would inuade Syria, and therefore thought it mete that he
+himself for the Common sauegarde of them all, ought personally
+to repayre thyther with a power to withstande the indeuors of
+his Ennimies. The Army being assembled, and al furnitures
+prouyded in that behalfe, they marched forwardes, and within
+fewe dayes after the cruell Father folowed. Who beynge come into
+Syria, addressed a messenger to Mustapha, to commaund him
+forthwith to repayre vnto him, then being encamped at Alepes.
+And yet Solymane could not keepe secret the mortall hatred he
+bare to hys Sonne from others, although he imployed dilygent
+care for that purpose, but that the knowledge thereof came to
+the Eares of one of the Baschæ, and others of Honour. Emonges
+whome Achmet Bascha pryuily sent Woorde to Mustapha, to the
+intent he myght take the better heede to hymself. And it seemed
+not without Wonder to Mustapha, that his Father, wythout
+necessary cause, shoulde arryue in those partes wyth so great a
+Number. Who notwithstanding, knowing hymselfe innocente,
+althoughe in extreame sorrow and pensifenes of mynd determyned
+to obey hys Father's Commaundement although he shoulde stand in
+Daunger of hys Lyfe. For hee esteemed it a more honest and
+laudable part to incurre the Peryll of death in Obedience to hys
+Father, than to lyue in contumelye by disobedyence. Therefore in
+that great anxietye and care of Mynde, debatyng many thinges
+wyth hymselfe: At length he demaunded of a learned Man whych
+contynually was conuersaunt wyth hym in his House (as is
+aforesayde,) whether the Empyre of the whole World or a vertuous
+Lyfe ought rather to be wyshed for. To whom this Learned Man
+most Godly aunswered. That hee which dilygently weyed the
+Gouernement of this Worlde, shall perceiue no other Felycitye
+therein then a vayne and foolysh apparence of goodnesse. "For
+there is nothyng" (quod he) "more frayle or vnsure then the
+Worlde's prosperity. And it bryngeth none other Fruicts but
+Feare, sorrow, troubles, suspicions, murders, Wickednesse,
+vnrighteousnes, spoyle, Pouerty, Captiuity, and sutch lyke whych
+to a man that affecteth a blessed Lyfe, are in no wyse to be
+wyshed for. For whose sake who so list to enioy them, leaseth
+the happines of that Lyfe. But to whome it is gyuen from aboue
+to way and consider the frayltye and shortnes of thys state
+(which the Common People deemeth to be a Lyfe) and to resist the
+vanityes of the World, at length to embrace vertue, to them
+truely in heauen there is a Place assigned and prepared of the
+highest GOD, where hee shall inherite perpetuall Ioyes, and
+Felicity of the Lyfe to come." Wyth whych aunswer Mustapha beyng
+somwhat prycked in conscience wonderfully was satisfied, as
+being tolde of him which seemed by a certaine Prophecy to
+pronosticate his end. And tarrying vppon no longer disputation,
+immedyately dyrected his Iourney towards his cruell Father. And
+vsing that expedition he could, arriued at the place where his
+Father encamped, and not farre from the same he pitched his
+pauilion. But this expedite arriuall of Mustapha did inculcat a
+greater suspicion in the wycked Father. And Rustanus was not
+behynde wyth lyes, and other subtill informacions to set
+forwardes the same. And after he had called together the common
+Souldiours and the chiefe men of Warre in the Army, hee sente
+them to meete wyth Mustapha, who without any tarrying most
+readily obeyed his commaundement, to put themselues in readines.
+In the mean time this crafty Verlet, shewing by outward
+countenance the hid enuy that lay secrete in his heart,
+forthwith repaired into the Kynge's Pauilion, and without shame
+or honesty told the King, howe almost euery one of the
+principall Souldiours of their owne accorde went to meete
+Mustapha. Then the King being troubled in mind, went forth of
+his tent, and persuaded with himself that Rustanus Wordes were
+true. Now Mustapha lacked not sondry tokens of his vnhappy fate:
+For not thre daies before he should take his iorney about the
+breake of day in the morning being in slepe, he dreamed that he
+saw Machomet clad in gorgious apparel, to take him by the hand,
+and lead him into a most pleasant place beutified with sundry
+turrets and sumptuous buildinge hauing in it a most delectable
+gardein, who shewing him al those things with his finger, spake
+these wordes: "Here" (quod he) "doe they rest for euer, which in
+the World haue lyued a Godly and iust Life, and haue bene
+Aduauncers of Law and Iustice, and contempners of vice." And
+turning his face to the other syde, he saw two swifte and broad
+Riuers, the one of them boiled more blacke then Pitch. And in
+the sayd Riuers many were drowned, whereof some appeared aboue
+Water crying with horrible voices, Mercy, Mercy. "And there"
+(quod he) "are tormented all sutch, which in the World most
+wyckedly haue committed Mischiefe." And the chiefe of them he
+sayed were Prynces, Kinges, Emperours, and other great Men. With
+that Mustapha awaked and callyng the saied learned Man vnto him,
+vttered his dreame. And pausyng a lyttle whyle (for the
+supersticious Machometistes attribute mutch Credite to dotage of
+dreames) being ful of sorrow and pensifnesse, at length answered
+That the vision was very dreadful, for that it pronosticated
+extreame peril of his life. Therefore he required him to haue
+diligent respect thereunto. But Mustapha beynge of great
+valiaunce and fortitude, hauing no regard to the aunswer
+aforesaid, couragiously replied with these wordes: "Shall I
+suffer my self to be vanquished with vaine and childish feare?
+Nay I wil rather take a good heart, and make hast to my Father.
+For I am assured that alwayes from time to time I haue honored
+his maiesty accordyng to my duety, in so mutch as neyther Fote
+trauelled, nor Eye looked, mutch lesse heart thought agaynst his
+will to desyre or couet to raigne, except it had pleased the
+highe GOD to haue called hys Maiesty from thys Lyfe to a better.
+And besydes that my Mynde was neuer bente after hys Death to
+beare rule, excepte Generall Electyon of all the Army, to the
+intent I myghte entre the Imperiall Seate wythout slaughter,
+Bloudshed, or any other cruell fact, and thereby preserue the
+friendship of my Brethren inuiolat, and free from any spot of
+hatred. For I alwayes determyned, and chose rather (since my
+Father's pleasure is so) to end my Life like an obedyent Child,
+than continually to raigne, and be counted of al men, obstinate
+and disobedient, especially of mine enimies." When he had spoken
+those wordes, he made hast to his father. And at his arriual to
+the Campe, so sone as he had pitched his Tent he apparelled
+himself al in white, and putting certain letters into his
+bosome, which the Turkes vse to do, when they go to any place
+(for in supersticions they vse maruailous dotage) he proceded
+towards his father, entending wyth reuerence (as the manner is)
+to kisse his hand. But when hee was come to the entry of the
+tent, he rememberd himself of his Dagger which he wore about
+him, and therefore vngirding himself he put it of for auoiding
+of al suspicion. Which don, when he was entred the Tent, he was
+very curteously (with sutch reuerence as behoued) welcomed of
+his father's Eunuches. And when he saw no man else, but the seat
+royal, where his father was wont to sitte readye furnished, with
+a sorrowful heart stode stil, and at length demaunded where his
+Father was. Who answered that forthwith hee would come in
+presence. In the meane season he saw seuen dombe men (which the
+Turke vseth as Instruments to kepe his secrets, and priuily to
+do sutch murthers as he commaundeth) and therewith immediately
+was wonderfully mased saying: "Beholde my present Death." And
+therewith stepped aside to auoide them, but it was in vaine, For
+being apprehended of the Eunuches and garde, was by force drawen
+to the place appointed for him to loose hys Lyfe, and sodainly
+the domb Men fastened a Bowstryng about his Necke. But Mustapha,
+some what striuing, requyred to speak but two Wordes with his
+Father. Which when the wicked parricide his Father hearde,
+beholding the Cruell Spectacle on the other side of the Tente,
+rebuked the dombe Men, saying: "Wil you neuer execute my
+Commaundement, and doe as I bid you? Wyll you not kyll the
+Traitor, which these ten years space would not suffer me to
+slepe one quyet Night?" Who when they harde him speake those
+cruell Woordes, the Eunuches and dombe Men threw him prostrate
+vpon the ground, and cording the string with a double knot most
+pitifully strangled him. Which wycked and cruell facte being
+done, the Bascha that was Lieuetenaunt of Amasia was also
+apprehended by the Kynge's Commaundement, and likewyse beheaded
+in hys owne Presence. This Facte also commytted, he caused to be
+called before hym Gianger the Crokebacke, who was Ignoraunte of
+that was done, and Iestynge wyth hym as though hee had done a
+thynge worthie commendation, bad him to go and meete his Brother
+Mustapha: who with a ioyful cheere made hast to meete him. But
+when he came to the place and saw his infortunate Brother ly
+strangled and dead vpon the earth, it is impossible to tell with
+what sorrow he was affected. And he was scasce come to the
+place, but his wicked Father sent Messengers after him, to tell
+him that the Kyng had giuen him all Mustapha, his Treasures,
+Horsemen, Bondmen, Pauilions, Apparell: Yea, and moreouer the
+Prouince of Amasia. But Giangir conceyuing extreme sorrow for
+the cruell murder of his deere brother, with lamentable teares
+spake these words. "Oh cruell and wicked Dogge: yea, and if I
+may so call my father, Oh Traytor most pestilent, do thou enioy
+Mustapha, his Treasures, his Horses, Furnitures, and the sayd
+Countrey to. Is thy heart so vnnaturall, cruell, and wicked,
+to kill a yongue man so notable as Mustapha was, so good a
+Warriour, and so worthy a Gentleman as the Ottoman house neuer
+had or shall haue the like, without any respect of Humanity or
+Zeale naturall? By Saynct Mary I neede to take heede least
+hereafter in like maner thou as impudently do triumph of my
+death, being but a crokebacke and deformed man." When hee had
+spoken theese wordes, plucking out his Dagger, he slew himselfe.
+Whereof when the Emperor had aduertisement, he conceyued
+inspeakable sorrow. But for al that, his sorrowfull heart
+vanquished not his couetouse minde. For he commaunded all
+Mustaphe's Treasure, and other Furnitures to bee brought into
+his Tent. And the Souldiours thincking the same should be gieuen
+amongs them made as mutch haste to dispatche his commaundement.
+In the meane tyme Mustaphe's Souldiours (not knowing what was
+become of their Mayster) seeing sutch a number runne in heapes
+without order came forth of their Camp to withstande their
+foolishe tumult, who very manfully, not without mutch slaughter
+withstoode the same. And when the Fame of that Tragicall tumult
+was bruted amongs the King's souldiers, (who perceyuing the same
+more and more to waxe hot,) they went forth to succour their
+fellowes, but the Onset being gieuen on all sides, the fight on
+both parts was so fierce, as in short space there were slayne
+very neere the number of two thousande men besides the hurt and
+wounded, whereof the number was greater. Howbeit this Broyle had
+not bene thus ended, had not Achmat Bascha, a graue and wise
+man, and for his experimentes in the Warres of great aucthority
+amongs the souldiers driuen them back, and repressed their fury.
+Who turning himself towards Mustaphe's souldiers with smiling
+countenaunce and milde words appeasing their furious stomacks
+spake these wordes: "Why my deere brethren and freends wil yee
+now degenerate from your olde accustomed wisedome, sufficiently
+tried in you these many yeares past, and will now resist the
+commaundment of the great Soltan the lord and soueraigne of vs
+all? I cannot chuse (as God shal help me) but meruayle what
+should mooue you whom hitherto I haue proued to be so notable
+and valiant men, and in this ciuile conflict, you should bende
+your force vpon your own frends, and raise vp sutch a spectacle
+to the Ottoman enemy, against whom heretofore you haue very
+prosperously and manfully fought, and therewith by mutuall
+slaughter to make them reioyse whom heretofore with the like,
+you haue made heauy and pensive. Therefore my fellowes as you
+tender your own valiaunce and Magnanimity, take heede, that by
+your own folly you do not lese the estimation of your wonted
+fortitude and wisedome, wherein hitherto you haue excelled all
+men. And reserue your force, which you now more than inough haue
+vsed amongs your owne Fellowes till you come against your
+Enemies, where you shall haue a more laudable, and better
+occasion to vse it." With these woordes and the like spoken by
+Achamat Basca, the Souldiours were somewhat appeased, and all
+thinges were franckely suffered to bee carried out of Mustapha
+hys Pavylion to the Kynge's. But when the death of Mustapha came
+to the knowledge of the Ianischari, and the rest of the Army,
+forthwith began another sedition. And after the Trumpets had
+blowen the onset, there was sutch a Tumult and styrre amongs the
+Souldiours, mixte wyth sundry Lamentations, and Teares, that
+like Madmen with great violence, they ran into the Courte, with
+theyr Swords naked in theyr hands ready bent to strike. And this
+renued and sudden styrre so terrified the Kyng, that hee wiste
+not what to do who for all the dampes would needes haue fled.
+But being persuaded of his Counselloures to tarry, hauing
+throughe Necessity, gotten occasion to attempt that whych in the
+tyme of hys most security he durst scarce haue enterprysed, went
+forth, and with sterne Countenaunce, spake to hys Souldyers in
+this manner. "What rumors, what tumultes, and what mad partes
+are these, wherewith so proudely in this sort ye disquiet me?
+What meane these enflamed countenances? What signify these
+haulty gestures, these proude and angry lokes? Doe you not
+remembre that I am your King that hath Power and Authority to
+gouerne and rule you? Are you determyned in this sort to spot
+your Auncyent and inuincible valiaunce, and the notable
+Warrefare of your predecessours, with the bloud of your
+Emperour?" And while the King was speaking these Words, the
+souldiers boldly answered, how they confessed him to be the
+same, whome many yeares ago they chose to be their Kinge, and
+for that hee alleaged how they had with their good seruice in
+the Warres acquired vnto him many great conquests and had
+diligently kepte the same: all that they did of purpose that he
+should vse towards them againe a godly Authority and iust
+Gouernment, and not vnaduisedly should lay his bloudy handes
+vppon euery iuste Man, and so to staine and defile himselfe with
+the Bloud of Innocents. And againe, where he laide to their
+charge, that they were issued from their Cabanes armed with
+Weapon, they affirmed the same to be done in a iust quarell,
+euen to reuenge the slaughter of innocent Mustapha, and for that
+they ought not to haue sutch a Kynge as should worke his anger
+vppon them that had not deserued it. Further they required that
+they might cleare themselues openly of the offence of Treason,
+whereof falsly they were accused by Mustapha, his Enimies, and
+to haue their accuser to be brought forth in open presence. And
+sayde more that before he personally did appeare before the
+Indgement Seat Face to Face to giue euidence, _sub talionis
+poena_, accordinge to the Law, they would not vnarme nor yet
+disasemble themselues. [And whiles these things were debated
+betwene the emperor and the souldiers, the cruelty of the fact,
+so moued] all men to teares, that the Kyng him selfe seemed to
+take great repentaunce for his horrible deede, and promysed the
+Souldiours that they should haue their requests, and went about
+with fayre perswasions to mittigate (as mutch as lay in him)
+their furious stomakes. Howbeit the Souldiours gaue diligent
+heede to their watch and warde euery man in his place appoynted,
+that the king might not secretly conuey himselfe away, and so
+deceyue theym of his promisses, and the expectation of their
+requests. In the meane time the Kyng depriued Rustanus of all
+his offices, and promotions, and tooke away from him the priuy
+Signet whereof he had the keeping, and deliuered it to Achmat
+Bascha. Rustanus amased with the terror and feare of the
+Souldiours, thinking himselfe scarce in good security amongs his
+owne men, secretly conueyed himselfe to Achmat Bascha his
+Pauilyon, and asked counsell of him what was best to be done in
+so doubtfull, and daungerous a case. Who aduised him therein to
+haue the kyng's aduice, and as he commaunded him so in any wyse
+to doe. Which counsayle marueylously satisfied the mynde of
+Rustanus. And without any longer delay by certaine Messengers
+which were his faythfull, and familier Freends required the
+King's aduise. Whereunto the King aunswered that forthwith
+without longer tariaunce he should auoyde his syght, and absent
+himselfe from his Campe. Who replied that without Money and
+other furnitures, he could not conueniently execute hys
+commaundement. But the King had hym to do what hee list, for he
+woulde in no wise gieue hym leaue to haue any longer time or
+space to deliberate the matter. At length Rustanus without
+further stay, as guilty of his cursed deuises, accompanied with
+eyght of his trustiest Frends directed his Iorney to
+Constantinople, and vsing mutch expedition (as feare in
+fearefull matters putteth spurres to the horse) came to
+Constantinople: and there with Rosa and other the Conspiratours
+expected the euents of Fortune not without daunger of their
+liues. Moreouer it was sayd that Solyman, whose Conscience
+bewrayed the beastlynes of his abhominable facte, being pricked
+with a supersticious repentance, determined to trauel on
+pilgrimage to Mecha, and proceding in his voiage, he was driuen
+by meanes of the Persians force to go to Hierusalem there to
+offer sacrifice for the death of his Sonne, which they call
+Corba. But now to conclude, and somewhat to speake of Mustapha
+or rather by way of admonition this one thing to say of him,
+that the sayde Mustapha was so acceptable and well beloued of
+all men for his warlike experience, and for his redinesse to
+sheade Christian bloud, that they supposed the like would neuer
+be in the Ottoman house more towards to enlarge, and amplyfie
+their Empyre, or promysed greatter thinges for the perfourmance
+thereof. In so mutch as then they dispayred so of their
+Enterprises, as this Prouerbe rose vp amongs them, Gietti Soltan
+Mustapha, which signifieth an vtter dispayre in thinges which
+they thought before to goe about. Therefore we haue good cause
+to reioyce for the death of thys cruell enimy that should haue
+raygned, and to thinck the slaughter of him not to be done
+without God's speciall prouidence, who in this sorte hath
+prouided for vs. And at length to be wise, and abstayne from
+ciuile Warre and dissencions. And with common Force to set vppon
+this wicked Tarmegant, considering that he is not only a
+generall Ennimy to our Countrey and Lyfe, but also to our
+Soules. Which thing if we do, it will not be so hard a matter to
+withstand the force of this enemy of Christendome, as if we doe
+not, it wyll be daungerous through our continuall discorde to
+gieue him occasion to inuade the rest of Europe, and so with his
+tiranny bring the same to vtter destruction, which God that is
+omnipotent forbid, who bring vs to vnity through his Sonne Iesus
+Christe, Amen.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRTY-FIFTH NOUELL.
+
+  _The great curtesie of the Kyng of Marocco, (a Citty in
+  Barbarie) toward a poore Fisherman, one of his subiects, that
+  had lodged the Kyng, being strayed from his Company in
+  hunting._
+
+
+For somutch as the more than beastly cruelty recounted in the
+former Hystory, doth yelde some sowre taste to the minds of
+those that be curteous, gentle and well conditioned by nature,
+and as the Stomacke of him that dayly vseth one kinde of meate,
+be it neuer so delycate and daynty, doth at length lothe, and
+disdayne the same, and vtterly refuseth it: I now chaunge the
+Diet, leauing murders, slaughters, despayres, and tragicall
+accidents, and turne my stile to a more pleasaunt thing, that
+may so well serue for instruction of the noble to follow vertue,
+as that which I haue already written, may rise to their profit,
+warely to take heede they fal not into sutch deformed and filthy
+faults, as the name and prayse of man be defaced, and his
+reputation decayed: if then the contraries be knowne by that
+which is of diuers natures, the villany of great cruelty shalbe
+conuerted into the gentlenesse of milde curtesie, and rigor
+shalbe condempned, when with sweetenesse and generosity, the
+noble shall assaye to wyn the heart, seruice, and affected
+deuotion of the basest sorte: So the greatnesse and nobility of
+man placed in dignity, and who hath puissaunce ouer other,
+consisteth not to shew himselfe hard, and terrible, for that is
+the manner of Tyraunts, bicause he that is feared, is
+consequently hated, euyll beloued, and in the ende forsaken, of
+the whole World, which hath bene the cause that in times past
+Prynces aspiring to great Conquests, haue made their way more
+easie by gentlenesse and Curtesie, than by fury of armes,
+stablishing the foundations of their dominions more firme and
+durable by those meanes, than they which by rigor and cruelty
+haue sacked townes, ouerthrowne Cities, depopulated Prouinces,
+and fatted Landes with the bodies of those, whose liues they
+haue depriued by dent of sword, sith the gouernement and
+authority ouer other, caryeth greater subiection, than
+puissance. Wherefore Antigonus, one of the successors of great
+Alexander (that made all the Earth to tremble vppon the recitall
+of hys name) seeing that hys Sonne behaued himselfe arrogantly,
+and wythout modesty to one of hys Subiects, reproued and checked
+hym, and amongs many wordes of chastisement and admonition, sayd
+vnto him: "Knowest thou not my Sonne, that the estate of a Kyng
+is a noble and honourable seruitude?" Royall wordes (in deede)
+and meete for Kyng: For albeit that eche man doth reuerence to a
+Kyng, and that he be honoured, and obeyed of all, yet is hee for
+all that, the Seruaunt, and publike Mynister, who ought no lesse
+to defend hys Subiect, than the Subiect to do him honour and
+Homage. And the more the Prynce doth humble himselfe, the
+greater increase hath his glory, and the more wonderfull he is
+to euery Wyght. What aduaunced the Glory of Iulius Cæsar, who
+first depressed the Senatorie State of gouernment at Rome? Where
+his Victoryes atchieued ouer the Galles and Britons, and
+afterwardes ouer Rome it selfe, when he had vanquished Pompee?
+All those serued his tourne, but his greatest fame rose of his
+Clemency and Curtesie: By the whych Vertues hee shewed himselfe
+to be gentle, and fauorable euen to those, whom hee knewe not to
+loue him, otherwise than if hee had beene their mortall Enimy.
+His Successors as Augustus, Vespasianus, Titus, Marcus Aurelius,
+and Flauius were worthily noted for clemency: Notwithstanding I
+see not one drawe neere to the great Courage, and Gentlenesse,
+ioyned wyth the singuler Curtesie of Dom Roderigo Viuario the
+Spanyarde Surnamed Cid, towarde Kyng Pietro of Aragon that
+hindred his expedityon agaynst the Mores at Grenadoe. For hauing
+vanquyshed the sayde King, and taken hym in Battell, not onely
+remitted the reuenge of his wrong, but also suffered hym to go
+wythout raunsome, and tooke not from him so mutch as one Forte,
+esteemyng it to bee a better exploite to winne sutch a King with
+curtesie, than beare the name of cruell in putting him to Death,
+or seasing vpon his land. But bicause acknowledging of the
+poore, and enriching the smal, is commendable in a Prynce, than
+when he sheweth himselfe gentle to his lyke, I haue collected
+this discourse and facte of Kynge Mansor of Marocco, whose
+Chyldren (by subtile and fained religion) Cherif succeded, the
+Sonne of whom at this day inioyeth the kingdomes of Su, Marocco,
+and the most part of the isles confinynge vpon Æthiopia. This
+history was told by an Italian called Nicholoso Baciadonne,
+who vppon this accydent was in Affrica, and in trafike of
+Marchandyse in the Land of Oran, situated vppon the coast of the
+South seas, and where the Geneuois and Spanyards vse great
+entercourse, bicause the countrey is faire, wel peopled, and
+wher the inhabitants (although the soyle be barbarous) lyue
+indifferent ciuilly, vsing great curtesie to Straungers, and
+largely departing their goodes to the poore, towards whom they
+be so earnestly bente, and louing, as for theyr Lyberality and
+pytiful almesse, they shame vs Christians. They meinteine a
+grest numbre of Hospitalles, to receiue and intertaine the poore
+and neady, wherein they shew themselues more deuout than they
+that be bounde by the law of Iesus Christe, to vse Charity
+towardes theyr brethren, with more curtesie and greater
+myldnesse. These Oraniens delight also to record in wryting the
+successe of thinges that chaunce in their time and carefully
+reserue the same in Memorie, whych was the cause that hauyng
+registred in theyr Chronicles, (wrytten in Arabie letters, as
+the most part of those Countreyes do vse) this present history,
+they imparted the same to the Geneuois marchants of whom the
+Italian author confesseth to haue receyued the copie. The cause
+why the Geneuois marchant was so diligent to make the enquirie,
+was by reason of a City of that prouince, builte through the
+chaunce of thys Historye, and which was called in theyr Tongue,
+Cæsar Elcabir, so mutch to say as, A great Pallace. And bycause
+I am assured, that curteous Myndes will delyght in deedes of
+Curtesie, I haue amonges other the Nouelles of Bandello, chosen
+by Francois de Belleforest and my self, discoursed thys, albeit
+the matter be not of great importance. For greater thynges and
+more notorious curtesies haue bene done by our own Kinges and
+Prynces. As that of Henry the eight a Prynce of notable memorye
+in hys Progresse into the North the XXXIII. yeare of
+his raigne, when he dysdayned not a pore Miller's house being
+stragled from his trayne, busily pursuing the Hart, and ther
+vnknowne of the Miller, was welcomed with homely cheare, as hys
+mealy house was able for the time to minister, and afterwardes
+for acknowledging his willing Mynde, recompenced him wyth
+daynties of the Courte, and a Pryncely rewarde. Of Edwarde the
+thyrde, whose royall Nature was not displeased pleasauntly to
+vse a Waifaring Tanner, when deuyded from his Company, he mette
+hym by the way not far from Tomworth in Staffordshire, and by
+cheapening of his welfare steede (for stedinesse sure and able
+to carry him so farre as the stable dore) grewe to a price, and
+for exchaunge the Tanner craued fiue shillings to boote betwene
+the Kings and his. And when the King satisfied with disport,
+desired to shew himself by sounding his warning blaste,
+assembled all hys Traine, and to the great amaze of the poore
+Tanner, (when he was guarded with that Troupe) he well guerdoned
+his good Pastime and familiar dealing, with the order of
+Knighthoode and reasonable reuenue for the maintenaunce of the
+same. The lyke Examples our Chronicles, memory, and reporte
+plentifully doe auouche and witnesse. But what? this Hystory is
+the more rare and worthy of notyng, for respect of the People
+and Countrey, where seldome or neuer Curtesie haunteth or
+findeth harborough, and where Nature doth bryng forth greater
+store of monsters, than thinges worthy of praise. This great
+King Mansor then was not onely the Temporall Lord of the
+Countrey of Oran and Marocco, but also (as is saide of Prete
+Iean,) Byshop of his Law and the Mahomet Priest, as he is at
+thys Day that raighneth in Feze, Sus, and Marocco. Now thys
+Prynce aboue all other pleasure, loued the game of Hunting. And
+he so mutch delighted in that passetime, as sometime he would
+cause his Tentes in the myd of the desertes to be erected, to
+lye there all Nyght, to the end, that the next day he might
+renew his game, and defraud his men of idlenesse, and the Wild
+beasts of rest. And this manner of Life he vsed still, after he
+had done Iustice and hearkened the complaintes for which his
+Subiectes came to disclose thereby theyr griefes. Wherein also
+he toke so great pleasure, as some of our magistrates do seeke
+their profite, whereof they be so squeymishe, as they be
+desirous to satisfy the place whereunto they be called, and
+render all men their righte due vnto them. For wyth theyr
+Bribery and Sacred Golden Hunger, Kings and Prynces in these
+dayes be ill serued, the people wronged, and the wycked out of
+feare. There is none offence almost how villanous so euer it be,
+but is washed in the Water of Bribery, and clensed in the holly
+drop, wherewith the Poets faine Iupiter to corrupt the daughter
+of Acrifius fast closed within the brasen Toure. And who is able
+to resist that, which hath subdued the highest powers? Now
+returne we from our wanderings: This greate Kynge Mansor on a
+day assembled his People to hunt in the marish and fenny
+Countrey, that in elder age was not farre of from the City of
+Alela, which the Portugalles holde at this present, to make the
+way more free into the Isles of Molucca, of the most part wherof
+their King is Lord. As he was attentife in folowing a Beare, and
+his pastime at the best, the Elements began to darke and a great
+tempest rose, such as with the storme and violent Winde,
+scattered the trayne far of from the King, who not knowing what
+way to take, nor into what place he might retire, to auoid the
+tempest, the greatest that he felt in al his life, would with a
+good wil haue ben accompanied as the Troiane Æneas was, when
+being in like pastime and fear he was constrayned to enter into
+a Caue wyth his Queene Dido, where he perfourmed the Ioyes of
+hys vnhappy Maryage. But Mansor beeynge without Companye, and
+wythout any Caue at Hande, wandered alonges the Champayne so
+carefull of hys Lyfe for feare of Wylde Beastes, whych flocke
+together in those desertes as the Courtiers were pensiue, for
+that they knew not whether theyr Prynce was gone. And that which
+chiefly grieued Mansor was hys being alone without guide: And
+for all he was well mounted, he durst passe no further for fear
+of drownyng, and to be destroyed amiddes those Marshes, whereof
+all the Countrey was very ful. On the one side he was fryghted
+with Thunderclaps, which rumbled in the ayre very thicke and
+terryble: On the other side the lightning continually flashed on
+his face, the roring of the Beastes apalled him, the ignoraunce
+of the way so astonned him, as he was affraide to fall into the
+running Brokes, which the outragious raignes had caused to swell
+and ryse. It is not to be doubted, that orisons and prayers vnto
+hys greate prophet Mahomet were forgotten, and doubtfull it is
+whether he were more deuout when he went on Pilgrimage to the
+Idolatrous Temple of Mosqua. Hee complayned of ill lucke,
+accusing Fortune, but chiefly hys owne folly, for giuing
+himselfe so mutch to hunting, for the desire whereof, hee was
+thus straggled into vnknowen Countreyes. Sometimes he raued and
+vomytted his Gall agaynst his Gentlemen and houshold seruaunts,
+and threatned death vnto his guarde. But afterwards, when reason
+ouershadowed his sense, he saw that the tyme, and not their
+neglygence or little care caused that disgrace. He thoughte that
+his Prophet had poured downe that tempest for some Notable
+sinne, and had brought him into such and so dangerous extremity
+for his faults. For which cause he lifted vp his Eyes, and made
+a thousand Mahomet mowes, and Apish mocks (according to theyr
+manner.) And as he fixed his eyes aloft vp to the heauens,
+a flash of lightning glaunced on his Face so violently, as it
+made him to holde downe his head, lyke a lyttle Chyld reproued
+of his maister. But he was further daunted and amazed, when he
+saw the night approche, which with the darkenes of his cloudy
+Mantell, stayed hys pace from going any further, and brought him
+into such perplexitye, as willingly he would haue forsaken both
+his hunting and company of his Seruants to be quit of that
+Daunger. But God carefull of good Myndes (with what law so euer
+they be trayned vp,) and who maketh the Sunne to shine vpon the
+iust and and vniuste, prepared a meanes for his sauegarde, as
+you shal heare. The Affricane King beyng in his traunce, and
+naked of all hope, necessity (which is the clearest loking
+glasse that may be found,) made him diligently to loke about,
+whether he could see any persone by whome he might attayne some
+securitie. And as he thus bent himselfe to discry all the partes
+of the Countrey, he saw not far of from him, the glimpse of a
+light which glimmered out at a little Window, whereunto he
+addressed himselfe, and perceiued that it was a simple Cabane
+situate in the middest of the Fennes, to which he approached for
+his succor and defense in the time of that tempest. He reioysed
+as you may think, and whither his heart lept for ioy, I leaue
+for them to iudge which haue assayed like daungers, how be it I
+dare beleue, that the saylers on the seas feele no greater ioy
+when they arriue to harborough, than the king of Marocco dyd:
+or when after a Tempest, or other peril, they discrye vppon the
+prowe of their shyppe, the bryghtnesse of some clyffe, or other
+land. And thys king hauing felt the tempest of Wind, raine,
+haile, lyghtenyng, and Thunder claps, compassed round aboute
+with Marshes and violent streames of little Riuers that ran
+along his way, thought he had found Paradise by chauncing vpon
+that rusticall lodge. Now that Cotage was the refuge place of a
+pore Fisher man, who lived and susteined his Wife and children
+with Eeles which he toke alongs the ditches of those deepe and
+huge Marshes. Mansor when he was arrived at the dore of that
+great pallace couered and thacked with Reede, called to them
+wythin, who at the first would make no answer to the Prynce that
+taried there comming at the Gate. Then he knocked againe, and
+with louder voyce than before, which caused this fisher man,
+thinkynge that he had bene some rippier (to whom he was wont to
+sell hys ware, or else some straunger strayed out of his way,)
+spedily went out, and seeinge the Kinge well mounted and richlye
+clothed, and albeit he tooke him not to be his soueraigne LORD,
+yet he thought he was some one of his Courtly Gentlemen.
+Wherefore hee sayde: "What Fortune hath dryuen you (sir) into
+these so deserte and solytarye Places, and sutch as I maruell
+that you were not drowned a hundred tymes, in these streames,
+and bogges whereof this Marrish and fenny Countrey are full?"
+"It is the great God" (aunswered Mansor) "which hath had some
+care of me, and will not suffer me to perysh without doynge
+greater good turnes and better deedes than hitherto I haue don."
+The King's comming thither, seemed to Prognosticate that whych
+after chaunced, and that God poured downe the Tempest for the
+Wealth of the Fisher man, and commodity of the Country. And the
+straying of the Kyng was a thyng appoynted to make voyde those
+Marshes, and to purge and clense the Countrey: Semblable
+chaunces haue happened to other Prynces, as to Constantine the
+great, besides his City called New Rome, when he caused certayne
+Marshes and Ditches to be filled vp and dryed, to build a fayre
+and sumptuous Temple, in the Honor and Memory of the blessed
+Virgin that brought forth the Sauior of the World. "But tel me
+good man" (replyed Mansor) {"}canst thou not shew me the way to
+the Court, and whether the King is gone, for gladly (if it were
+possible) would I ride thither." "Verily" (sayd the Fisher Man)
+"it will be almost day before ye can come there, the same beinge
+ten leagues from hence.{"} "Forsomutch as thou knowest the way"
+(aunswered Mansor) "doe me so great pleasure to brynge me
+thither, and be assured that besides the good turne, for which I
+shall be bound vnto thee, I will curteously content thee for thy
+paynes." "Sir" (sayd the poore man) "you seeme to be an honest
+Gentleman, wherfore I pray you to lyght, and to tarry heere this
+Night, for that it is so late, and the way to the City very
+euyll and combersome for you to passe." "No, no," (sayd the
+King) "if it be possible, I must repayre to the place whither
+the King is gone, wherefore doe so mutch for me as to bee my
+guide, and thou shalt see whether I be vnthankfull to them that
+imploy their paynes for mee." "If Kyng Mansor" (sayd the Fisher
+man) "were heere hymselfe in Person and made the lyke request,
+I would not be so very a foole, nor so presumptuous, (at this
+time of the Nyght) to take vppon me without Daunger to bryng hym
+to his Palace." "Wherefore?" (sayed the Kyng) "Wherefore? (quod
+you), bicause the Marshes bee so daungerous, as in the Day tyme,
+if one know not wel the way, the Horse, (be hee neuer so stronge
+and Lusty,) may chaunce to sticke fast, and tarry behynd for
+gage. And I would be sorry if the King were heere, that he
+should fall into Peryl, or suffer any anoyance and therewythall
+would deeme my selfe vnhappy if I did let hym to incur sutch
+euyll or incombrance." Mansor that delighted in the
+communication of this good man, and desirous to know the cause
+that moued him to speak with sutch affection, said vnto him:
+"And why carest thou for the Life, health, or preseruation of
+the Kynge? What hast thou to doe wyth him that wouldest be so
+sorry for hys state, and carefull of his safety." "Ho, ho," said
+the good man, "doe you say that I am carefull for my Prince?
+Verily I loue him a hundred tymes better than I do my selfe, my
+Wife or children whych God hath sent me: and what sir, do not
+you loue our Prince?" "Yes that I doe" (replyed the Kyng,) "for
+I haue better cause than thou, for that I am many times in his
+company, and liue vpon his charge and am entertayned with his
+wages. But what nedest thou to care for hym? Thou knowest him
+not, hee neuer did thee anye good turne or pleasure: nor yet
+thou nedest not hope henceforth to haue any pleasure at his
+hands." "What?" (said the Fisher man) "must a Prince be loued
+for gaine and good turnes, rather than for hys Iustice and
+curtesie? I see wel that amongs you maister Courtiers, the
+benefits of kings be more regarded, and their gifts better liked
+than their vertue and nobility, which maketh them wonderful vnto
+vs: and ye do more esteme the gold, honor and estates that they
+bestow vpon you, than their health and sauegard, which are the
+more to be considered, for that the King is our head, and GOD
+hath made him sutch one to kepe vs in Peace, and to be carefull
+of our states. Pardon me if I speake so boldly in your
+presence." The kyng (which toke singular delight in this
+Countrey Philosopher,) answered him: "I am not offended bicause
+thy words approche so neare the troth: but tel me what benefit
+hast thou receiued of that King Mansor, of whome thou makest
+sutch accompt and louest so wel? For I cannot thinke that euer
+he dyd thee good, or shewed thee pleasure, by reason of thy
+pouerty, and the little Furnyture within thy house in respect of
+that which they possesse whome hee loueth and fauoreth, and vnto
+whome he sheweth so great familyaritye and Benefite." "Doe tell
+me sir" (replyed the good man) "for so mutch as you so greatly
+regard the fauoures which Subiects receiue at theyr Prynces
+handes, as in deede they ought to doe, What greater goodnesse,
+richesse, or Benefite ought I to hope for, or can receyue of my
+King (being sutch one as I am,) but the profite and vtility that
+all we whych be his vassalles do apprehend from day to day in
+the Iustyce that he rendereth to euery Wyghte, by not suffering
+the puissant and Rich to suppresse and ouertread the feeble and
+weake, and him that is deuoid of Fortune's goods, that
+indifferency be maintayned by the Officers, to whom he
+committeth the gouernement of his Prouinces, and the care which
+he hath that his people be not deuoured by exactions, and
+intolerable tributes. I do esteeme more his goodnesse, clemency
+and Loue, that he beareth to his subiects, than I doe all your
+delycates and ease in following the Court. I most humbly honor
+and reuerence my king in that he being farre from vs, doeth
+neuerthelesse so vse his gouernment as we feele his presence
+like the Image of God, for the peace and vnion wherein we
+through him do lyue and enioy, without disturbaunce, that lytle
+whych GOD and Fortune haue gyuen vs. Who (if not the king) is he
+that doeth preserue vs, and defend vs from the incursions and
+pillages of those Theues and Pirates of Arabie, which inuade and
+make warre with their neighbours? and there is no friend they
+haue but they would displease if the King wysely did not forbyd
+and preuent their villanies. That great Lord which kepeth his
+Court at Constantinople and maketh himself to be adored of his
+people like a God, brideleth not so mutch the Arabians, as our
+king doth, vnder the Protection and sauegard of whome, I that am
+a poore Fisher man, do ioy my pouerty in peace, and without fear
+of theeues do norish my litle family, applying my selfe to the
+fishing of Eeles that be in these ditches and fenny places,
+which I carry to the market townes, and sell for the sustenance
+and feeding of my wife and children, and esteeme my self right
+happy, that returning to my cabane, and homely lodge at my
+pleasure, in whatsoeuer place I do abide, bicause (albeit far of
+from Neighboures,) by the benefite and dilygence of my Prince,
+none staye my iourney, or offendeth me by any meanes, whych is
+the cause (sayd he lifting vp his hands and eyes aloft,) that I
+pray vnto God and his great Prophet Mahomet, that it may please
+them to preserue our King in health, and to gyue him so great
+happe and contentation, as he is vertuous and debonaire, and
+that ouer hys Ennimies (flying before him,) he may euermore be
+victorious, for noryshing his people in peace, and his children
+in ioy and Nobility." The King seeing that deuout affectyon of
+the paisaunte, and knowyng it to be without guile or Hypocrisie,
+would gladly haue discouered himself, but yet willyng to reserue
+the same for better opportunity, he sayd vnto him: "Forsomutch
+as thou louest the king so well, it is not impossible but those
+of his house be welcome vnto thee, and that for thy Mansor's
+sake, thou wilt helpe and do seruice to his Gentlemen." "Let it
+suffise you" (replyed he) "that my heart is more inclined to the
+King, than to the willes of those that serue him for hope of
+preferment. Now being so affectionate to the king as I am,
+thynke whyther hys householde Seruauntes haue power to commaund
+me, and whither my willing mynde be prest to doe them good or
+not. But mee thynke ye neede not to stay heere at the gate in
+talke, being so wet as you be: Wherefore vouchsafe to come into
+my house, which is youre owne, to take sutch simple lodging as I
+haue, where I wyl entreat you, (not according to your merite)
+but with the little that God and his Prophet haue departed to my
+pouerty: And to morrow morning I will conduct you to the City,
+euen to the royall Palace of my Prynce." "Truly" (answered the
+King) "albeit necessity did not prouoke me, yet thine honesty
+deserueth well other reputation than a simple Countrey man, and
+I do thinke that I haue profited more in hearing thee speake
+than by hearkenyng to the flattering and babbling tales of
+Courting triflers, which dayly employ themselues to corrupte the
+eares of Prynces." "What sir?" (sayd the Paysant) "thynke you
+that thys poore Coate and simple lodging be not able to
+apprehend the Preceptes of Vertue? I haue sometimes heard tell,
+that the wise auoyding Cityes and Troupes of Men, haue
+wythdrawne themselues into the desertes, for leysure to
+contemplate heauenly thynges." "Your skyll is greate," replyed
+Mansor: "Goe we then, sith you please to doe me that Curtesie as
+this night to be myne hoste." So the king went into the Rustical
+Lodge, where insteede of Tapistery and Turkey hangings, he sawe
+the house stately hanged with fisher Nets and Cordes, and in
+place of rich seeling of Noble mens houses, he beheld Canes and
+Reedes whych serued both for the seeling and couering. The
+Fisher man's Wife continued in the kitchen, whilest Mansor
+hymself both walked and dressed his owne horse, to which horse
+the Fisher man durste not once come neare for his Corage and
+stately trappour, wyth one thing he was abundantly refreshed,
+and that the moste needefull thing which was fire, whereof there
+was no spare, no more then there was of Fishe. But the king
+which had been dayntely fed, and did not well taste and lyke
+that kynde of meat, demaunded if hys hunger could not be
+supplyed with a lytle Flesh, for that his stomacke was anoyed
+with the onely sauoure of the Eeles. The poore man, (as ye haue
+somewhat perceiued by the former discourse) was a pleasaunt
+fellow, and delighted rather to prouoke laughter than to prepare
+more dainty meat, said vnto the king: "It is no maruell, though
+our kinges do furnishe themselues with Countrey men, to serue
+them in their Warres, for the delicate bringing vp and litle
+force in fine Courtiers. Wee, albeit the Raine doth fal vppon
+our heads, and the Winde assaile euery part of our bodies all
+durtie and Wet, doe not care either for fire or Bed, wee feede
+vpon any kinde of meate that is set before vs, withoute seeking
+Sauce for increasing of our appetite: and we (beholde) are
+nimble, healthy, lusty, and neuer sicke, nor our mouth out of
+tast, where ye do feele sutch distemperaunce of stomacke, as
+pity it is to see, and more ado there is to bring the same into
+his right order and taste, than to ordeine and dresse a supper
+for a whole armie." The king who laughed (with displayed
+throte,) hearing his hoste so merily disposed, could haue been
+contented to haue heard him still had not his appetite prouoked
+him, and the time of the Night very late. Wherefore he said vnto
+him: "I do agree to what you alleage, but performe I pray thee
+my request, and then wee will satisfie ourselues with further
+talke." "Well sir" (replied the king's Hoste,) "I see well that
+a hungry Belly hath no luste to heare a merry song, whereof were
+you not so egre and sharpe set, I could sing a hundred. But I
+haue a lytle Kidde which as yet is not weaned, the same wil I
+cause to bee made ready, for I think it cannot be better
+bestowed." The supper by reason of the hoste's curtesie, was
+passed forth in a thousand pleasant passetimes, whych the
+Fisherman of purpose vttered to recreate hys Guest, bicause he
+sawe hym to delight in those deuyses. And vppon the end of
+Supper, he sayd vnto the King: "Now sir, how like you this
+banket? It is not so sumptuous as those that be ordinarily made
+at our Prynce's Court, yet I thynke that you shal slepe wyth no
+lesse appetyte than you haue eaten with a god stomack, as
+appeareth by the few Woords you have vttered in the tyme of your
+repast. But whereunto booteh it to employ tyme, ordeyned for
+eating, in expense of talke, whych serueth not but to passe the
+tyme, and to shorten, the day? And meats ought rather to be
+taken for sustentation of Nature then for prouocation or motion
+of thys feeble and Transitorye Fleshe?" "Verily" (sayd the King)
+"your reason is good, and I doe meane to ryse from the Table, to
+passe the remnant of the Nyght in rest, therewyth to satisfie my
+selfe so well as I haue wyth eatyng, and do thanke you heartily
+for your good aduertysement." So the King went to Bed, and it
+was not long ere hee fell a sleepe, and contynued tyll the
+Mornynge. And when the Sunne dyd ryse, the Fisherman came to
+wake hym, tellyng hym that it was tyme to rise, and that hee was
+ready to bryng him to the Court. All this whyle the Gentlemen of
+the kinge's Traine were searching round aboute the Countrey to
+fynde his Maiesty, makyng Cryes and Hues, that he myghte heare
+them. The kyng knowyng their voices, and the noyes they made,
+went forth to meete them, and if his People were gladde when
+they founde him, the Fisherman was no lesse amazed to see the
+honor the Courtyers did vnto his Guest. Which the curteous king
+perceiuing, sayd vnto him: "My Friend, thou seest here, that
+Mansor, of whome yesternight thou madest so great accompt, and
+whome thou saidst, that thou didst loue so well. Bee assured,
+that for the Curtisie thou hast done him, before it bee longe,
+the same shall be so well acquyted, as for euer thou shalte haue
+good cause to remembre it." The good man was already vpon his
+marybones beseeching the King that it would please him pardon
+hys rude entertainement and his ouermutch familiarity whych hee
+had vsed vnto him. But Mansor causing him to rise vp, willed hym
+to depart, and sayed that within few dayes after he shoulde
+heare further Newes. Now in these Fennish and marrysh groundes,
+the Kyng had already builded diuers Castles and lodges for the
+pleasure and solace of hunting. Wherefore he purposed there to
+erect a goodly City, causing the waters to be voyded with greate
+expedition, whych City he builded immediately, and compassyng
+the circuite of the appoynted place, with strong Walles and depe
+Ditches, he gaue many immunities and Pryuiledges to those, that
+would repayre to people the same, by meanes whereof, in litle
+tyme, was reduced to the state of a beautifull and wealthy City,
+whych is the very same that before we sayd to be Cæsar Elcabir,
+as mutch to say: "The great Palace." This goodly worke beinge
+thus performed Mansor sent for his host, to whome hee sayde: "To
+the end from henceforth thou mayest more honourably entertaine
+Kyngs into thy House, and mayest intreate them wyth greater
+sumptuositie, for the better solacyng of them wyth thy curtesy
+and pleasaunt talke, beholde the City that I haue buylded, which
+I doe gyue vnto thee and thyne for euer, reseruing nothyng but
+an acknowledgement of good wil, to the end thou mayst know that
+a Gentleman's mind nousled in villany, is discouered, when
+forgetting a good turne, he incurreth the vice of Ingratitude."
+The good man seeing so liberall an offer and present worthy of
+sutch a king fell downe vppon his knees, and kyssing his foote
+with al humility, sayd vnto him: "Sir if your Liberality did not
+supply the imperfection of my Meryte, and perfourmed not what
+wanted in me, to attayne so great estate, I would excuse my
+selfe of the charge whych it pleaseth you to gyue mee, and
+whereunto for lacke of trayning vp, and vse of sutch a Dignity,
+I am altogether vnfit. But sith that the graces of GOD, and the
+gyftes of Kynges ought neuer to bee reiected, by acceptynge thys
+Benefite wyth humble thankes for the clemencye of your royall
+Maiestye, I rest the Seruaunt and slaue of you and yours." The
+king hearing hym speake so wisely, took hym vp, and imbraced
+him, saying: "Would to God and his great Prophete, that all they
+which rule Cityes, and gouerne Prouinces, had so good a Nature
+as thine then I durst be bolde to say, that the People shoulde
+lyue better at theyr ease, and Monarches without charge of
+conscience, for the ill behauyors of theyr Officers. Lyue good
+man, lyue at thine ease, maynteine thy people, obserue our
+lawes, and increase the Beauty of the City, whereof from this
+time forth wee doe make the possesser.{"} And truly the present
+was not to bee contempned, for that the same at this day is one
+of the fairest that is in Affrica, and is the Land of the blacke
+People, sutch as the Spaniards call Negroes. It is very full of
+Gardeins, furnished with aboundance of Spyces brought from the
+Moluccas, bicause of the martes and faires ordeined there. To be
+short, Mansor shewed by this gift what is the force of a gentle
+heart, which can not abyde to bee vanquished in curtesie, and
+lesse suffer that vnder forgetfulnesse the memorye of a receyued
+good turne be lost. King Darius whilome, for a little garment,
+receiued in gift by Silofon the Samien, recompenced him wyth the
+gaine and royall dignity of that City, and made him soueraine
+Lord thereof, and of the Isle of Samos. And what greater vertue
+can illustrate the name of a noble man, than to acknowledge and
+preferre them, which for Natural shame and bashfulnesse, dare
+not beholde the Maiesty of their greatnesse? God sometymes with
+a more curteous Eye doth loke vpon the presents of a poore man,
+than the fat and rych offerings of him that is great and
+wealthy? Euen so a benefite, from what hand soeuer it procedeth,
+cannot chose but bryng forth the fruicts of his Liberality that
+giueth the same, who by vsing largesse, feleth also the like in
+him to whom it is employed. That magnificence no long time past
+vsed the Seigniorie of Venice, to Francesco Dandulo, who after
+he had dured the great displeasures of the Pope, in the name of
+the whole City, vpon his returne to Venice, for acknowledgment
+of his pacyence, and for abolishmente of that Shame, was wyth
+happye and vniforme Acclamatyon of the whole state elected, and
+made Prince, and Duke of that Common wealth. Worthy of prayse
+truly is he, that by some pleasure bindeth another to his
+curtesie: but when a Noble man acknowledgeth for a benefit, that
+which a Subiect is bounde to gieue him by duty and seruice,
+there the proofe of prayse carryeth no Fame at all. For which
+cause I determined to display the Hystory of the barbarous King
+Mansor, to the intent that our Gentlemen, noryshed and trained
+vp in great ciuilytie, may assay by their mildenesse and good
+education, to surmount the curtesie of that Prynce, of whom for
+this time wee purpose to take our Farewell.
+
+
+
+
+  The
+
+  CONCLUSION,
+
+  with
+
+  AN ADUERTISEMENT TO THE READER.
+
+
+What thou hast gained for thy better instruction, or what
+conceiued for recreation by reading these thirty fiue Nouells,
+I am no Iudge, although (by deeming) in reading and perusing,
+thou mayst (at thy pleasure) gather both. But howsoeuer profite,
+or delight, can satisfy mine apoyntment, wherefore they were
+preferred into thy hands, contented am I that thou doe vouchsafe
+them Good lessons how to shun the Darts, and Prickes of
+insolency thou findest in the same. The vertuous noble may sauor
+the fruits and taste the licour that stilleth from the gums or
+buds of Vertue. The contrary may see the blossoms fall, that
+blome from the shrubs of disloialty and degenerat kinde. Yong
+Gentlemen, and Ladies do view a plot founded on sured grounde,
+and what the foundation is, planted in shattring Soyle, with a
+fashion of attire to garnish their inward parts, so well as
+(sparelesse) they imploy vpon the vanishing pompe. Euery sort
+and sexe that warfare in the fielde of humayne life, may set
+here the sauourous fruict (to outwarde lyking) that fansied the
+sensuall taste of Adam's Wyfe. They see also what griefts sutch
+fading fruicts produce vnto posterity: what likewise the lusty
+growth and spring of vertue's plant, and what delicates it
+brauncheth to those that carefully keepe the slips thereof,
+within the Orchard of their mindes. Diuers Tragical shewes by
+the pennes description haue bene disclosed in greatest number of
+these Hystories, the same also I haue mollified and sweetened
+with the course of pleasaunt matters, of purpose not to dampe
+the deynty mindes of those that shrinke and feare at such
+rehearsall. And bicause sodaynly (contrary to expectation) this
+Volume is risen to greater heape of leaues, I doe omit for this
+present time sundry Nouels of mery deuise, reseruing the same to
+be ioyned with the rest of an other part, wherein shall succeede
+the remnaunt of Bandello, specially sutch (suffrable) as the
+learned French man François de Belleforrest hath selected, and
+the choysest done in the Italian. Some also out of Erizzo, Ser
+Giouani Florentino, Parabosco, Cynthio, Straparole, Sansouino,
+and the best liked out of the Queene of Nauarre, and other
+Authors. Take these in so good part with those that haue and
+shall come forth, as I do offre them with good will curteously
+correcting sutch Faults, and Errors, as shall present
+themselues, eyther burying them in the Bosome of Fauor, or
+pretermitting them with the beck of Curtesie.
+
+
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+BALLANTYNE PRESS: EDINBURGH AND LONDON.
+
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+             *       *       *       *
+
+
+Errors and Inconsistencies:
+
+The printed book did not include an Errata list. It is therefore
+impossible to tell whether irregularities of spelling, punctuation and
+typography in the primary text are unique to the Jacobs edition (1890),
+or whether they were deliberately carried over from Haslewood (1813)
+and/or Painter (1566 and later).
+
+As noted above, missing spaces, punctuation--chiefly quotation
+marks--and single letters are shown in {braces} without further
+annotation.
+
+Other possible errors, including superfluous punctuation, are listed
+here.
+
+
+Novel 23
+
+  causeth ruine os sutch whych should bee honoured and praysed
+    [_error for "ruine of"_]
+  sheweth how narure is constrained in that monstrous diuision
+    [_error for "nature"_]
+  whych had taken this enterprise to satissie the barbarous Cardinall
+    [_error for "satisfie"_]
+
+Novel 24
+
+  deuided from curtefie and Ciuility  [_error for "curtesie"_]
+  no more stable than a woman's wyll: for vnder sutch habite
+    and sexe Painters and Poets describe hir)
+    [_mismatched punctuation unchanged_]
+
+Novel 25
+
+  But minding to put in proose what he thought  [_error for "proofe"_]
+  which hath vouchsafed to bryng the forth into this world
+    [_spelling "the" for "thee" occurs frequently_]
+  so grieuous is to me his extreme old age.'
+    [_text at page-end has single quote for expected double_]
+  a dreame or fantasie that appeared before his eyes
+    [_error for "hir eyes"_]
+  the two deade Bodies should he erected vppon a stage
+    [_error for "should be"_]
+
+Novel 26
+
+  I abstayne to shewe my selse amonges the Beautifull
+    [_error for "my selfe"_]
+  for neyther maister Alosio is slayne  [_error for "Aloisio"_]
+  beholde you owne handes subscribed to the same
+    [_error for "your owne"_]
+
+Novel 27
+
+  "I aske no more at your haudes  [_error for "handes"_]
+  and of colour meetely freshe for the tyme hee left his Bed."
+    [_superfluous close quote_]
+  tooke the Letters, and breakinge the Seale
+    [_error for "Letter" (singular)_]
+  and the somme of hys reuenge."
+    [_misplaced close quote for open quote_]
+
+Novel 28
+
+  "Why (my Lord) do you chase and rage againste mee?
+    [_error for "chafe"_]
+
+Novel 29
+  _The name "Diego" occurs often enough to establish consistency.
+  In three places it is printed "Deigo"._
+
+  For going many times to see Gienura with the hauke on his fist
+    [_error for "Gineura"_]
+  God desende that Gineura should goe aboute to hynder thy follyes
+    [_error for "defende"_]
+  and which was the way to Barcelone.  [_error for "Barcelona"_]
+  "For somutch" (quod he)  [_no space_]
+  a new sprouted Rose diuiuely blowen forth  [_error for "diuinely"_]
+
+Novel 30
+
+  his Victor and unsatible greedy gutte Iulius Cæsar
+    [_spelling "unsatible" unchanged_]
+  "God forbid" (sayd Montaine)  [_error for "Montanine"_]
+  theyr were vnworthy of the title of chaste and vertuous
+    [_error for "they"_]
+  where hast thou bestowrd the Eye of thy foreseeing mynde
+    [_error for "bestowed"_]
+
+Novel 32
+
+  The intire Discourse of whom you shall briefly and presently
+  vnderstand. Camiola a widow of the City of Siena
+    [_handwritten ¶ sign at sentence break_]
+  caried into the Citty at their pleasure all their victualles.
+    which they brought wyth them  [_. for ,_]
+  and Ihon the Captayne Generall taken Prysoner
+    [_spelling "Ihon" may be an error, but occurs in other texts of
+    similar age_]
+
+Novel 33
+
+  to loue and cherysh his liuetenaunt that faithfullye and trustily
+  had kept his Castell and Forte
+    [_spelling "liuetenaunt" occurs twice, "lieuetenaunt" once_]
+  The lyke Cruelty vsed Tiphon towards his brother Osyris by chopping
+  his body in xxvi. gobbets
+    [_anomalous lower-case numeral unchanged_]
+
+Novel 34
+
+  And he was scasce come to the place  [_error for "scarce"_]
+
+Novel 35
+
+  seeing that hys Sonne behaued himselfe arrogantly
+    [_i in "seeing" invisible_]
+  to shine vpon the iust and and vniuste
+    [_word repetition at mid-line in original_]
+
+
+
+
+
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