CENTRE
for
REFORMATION
and
RENAISSANCE
STUDIES
VICTORIA
UNIVERSIT¥
/i
T O R O N T O
PALACE
THE
OF PLEASURE
VOL. Il.
THE
ELIZABETHAN VERSIONS OF ITAL[AN AND FRENCH NOVELS
FROM BOCCACCIO, BANDELLO, CINTHIO, STRAPAROLA,
UEEN MARGARET OF NA VARRE,
AND OTHERS
DONE INTO ENGLISH
v WILLIAM PAINTER
2voir ,4a41.v EDITED FOR TItE FOURTH TI, IIE
BV JOSEPH JACOBS
VOL. I I.
LONDON: PUBLISHED BY DA VID NUTT IN THE STRAND
MDCCCXC
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
VOLUME ll.
XLVII.
XLIX.
L.
LIV.
LV.
LVI.
LIX.
LX.
LXI.
LXIV.
LXV.
TOME I.--Conlinued.
GALGANO AND MADONNA MINOCCIA
DUKE OF VENICE AND RICCIARDO.
FILENIO SISTERNO
MULETEERS WIFE.
KING OF NAPLES .
FRINCESS OF FLANDERS
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA
DUKE OF FLORENCE
FRANCIS I. AND COUNT GUILLAUME
LADY OF PAMPELUNA
STRANGE PUNISHMENT OF ADULTERY
PRESIDENT OF GRENOBLE
GENTLEMAN OF PERCHE
GENTLEMAN THAT DIED OF LOVE
LADV OF THE FRENCH COURT
ROLANDINE
THE PRUDENT LADY
LADY OF TOURS
DOCTOR OF LAVS .
TOME II.
TITLE
DEDICATION
CONTENTS .
AUOEHORITIES
I. AMAZONS
PAGE
3
8
18
29
32
38
45
75
$i
84
97
IOI
IO 4
IO7
II 3
I16
39
I42
I49
I54
158
I59
ri
NOëL
YIo
YII.
YII[.
IX.
XL
XII.
X[IIo
XVII.
XVIII.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
CONTENTS.
ALEXANDER AND SISIGAMBI$ .
TIMOCLIA OF THEBE$
ARIOBARZAIqES
ARISTOTEMUS THE TYRANT
TANAQUIL
$OPHONISBA .
PORIS AND THEOXENA .
LADY OF HIDRUSA
EMPRESS FAUSTINA
TWO MAIDS OF CARTHAGE
LETTERS OF TRAJAN
LAMIA FLORA AND LAIS
ZENOBIA
EUPHEMIA AND ACHARISTO
MARCHIONESS OF MONFERRATO
ANSALDO AND DIANORA
MITHRIDANES AND NATH,AIq
KATHARINE OF BOLOGNA
THORELLO AND SALADIN
ANNE OF HUNGARY
ALEXANDER DE MEDlCI
PAG
THE PALACE OF
Pleafim lectuted
vvith pleafaunt Hiffories and
Eftfones perufed correé-ted
and augmented
I575
IMPRINTED AT LONDON
by Thomas Maye.
VOL. II. A
THE FORTY-SEUENTH NOUELL.
A gentleman called Gaano, long rime nzade lute fo Madonna
]linoccia : her htoE.and sir Stricca (hot knou, ing the famel di»ers
rimes p,'aife« ana commende« Ga«gano, l'g r«afon u'h«r«of, in th«
alfence of her hu.[l, and, Jhe sent for him, and gelded hejèlf vnto
him, tellinge him u.hat u,ordes her hufl'ande had fpoken q" him,
ana for ,'ecompence he ,.¢,(«a fo ai/ont her.
N the Citie of Siena in ltalie there was a rich yong Gentleman
called Galgano, borne of noble birth, actiue, and wel trained
in al kinde of exercife, valiaullt, braue, floute and curteous, in the
maners and orders of ail countries verve tkilfull. This Galgano
loued a Gentlewoman of Siena named iMadonna iMinoccia, the
wyfe of tir Stricca a comely knight, and wore in his appareil the
colour and deuifes of his Lady, bearing the faine vppon his helmet
and armour, in all Iuftes, Tourneyes and triumphes, obferuing
noble feaftes and banquettes for ber fake. But for ail thofe coflly,
fumptuous and noble pra&ifes, this Lady iMinoccia in no wvfe
would giue eare vnto his futes. .Vherfore Galgano at his wittes
ende, was vovde of aduife what to do or faye, feing the great
crueltie and rigor raigning in ber brefle, vnto whom hee davle
prayed for better fucceffe and fortune than to himfelfe. There
was no feafl, banquet» triumph, or mariage, but Galgano was
there, to do her humble feruice, and that daye his minde was not
pleafed and contented, wherein he had not feene ber that had his
louing harte in full poffeffion. Very many times (like a Prince
4 GALGANO AND
that coueted peace) he fente Ambaffadours vnto her, wyth prefentes
and meffages, but fhe (a proude and fcornefull Princeffe) davned
neither to heare them or receiue them. And in this ffate ffode
this paflîonate Louer a longe time, tormented with the exceeding
hote Loue and fealtie that he bare her. And manv rimes making his
reuerent complaints to loue, did fav : "Ah Loue, my deare and foue-
raigneLorde, how cruell and hard harted art thou,how vnmercifullv
dealeff thou with me, rather hoxv deaf be thine eares, that canff hOt
recline the faine to my nightly complaintes, and dailye afflictions ;
How chaunceth it that I do in this maner confume my ioyfull dayes
with pining plaintes ? SVhv doeff thou fuffer me to I.oue, and hot
to be beloued ?" And thus oftentimes remembringe the crueltie of
loue, and his ladies tyrrany, hee began to dye in maner like a wight
replete with defpaire. But in fine, he determined paciently to abide
the good rime and pleafure of Loue, ffill hoping to finde mercie :
and daily gaue himfelfe to prac-tife and frequent thofe thinges that
might be acceptable and pleafant to his Lady, but fhee fill per-
fiffed inexorable. It chaunced that tir Stricca and his fayre wyfe,
for their folace and recreati,,n, repaired to one of their houfes
hard by Siena: and upon a time, Galgano paflîng by with
a Sparhauke on his fifte, made as though he went on Hauk-
ing, but of purpofe onely to fee his ladv. And as he was going
by the houfe, tir Stricca efpied him, and went forth to meete him,
and familiarlv taking him by the hand, prayed him to take parte
of his fupper with his wvfe and him: for which curtefie Galgano
gaue him thanckes, and faid: "' Sir, I do thancke vou for your
curteous requeffe, but for this time I pray you to hold me excufed,
becaufe I ara going about certaine affayres very requifite and ne-
ceffary to be done." Then fayde tir Stricca: "" At leaff wife drincke
with mee before vou depart." But giuing him thankes he bad him
farewell. Maiffer Stricca feing that hee could hOt caufe him to tary,
toke his leaue, and retourned into his houfe. Galgano gone
from maiffre Stricca, fayd to himfelfe: "'Ah, beaff that I ara,
why did I hot accept his offer? x, Vhy fhould fhamefaffnefs
let me from the fight of her, whom I loue better than all
the world befides." And as he was thus penfife in coin-
plaintes his fpaniells fprong a Partrich, wherat he let flee his
MADONNA MINOCCIA.
5
Hauke, and the Partrich flying into tir Stricca his garden, his
Hauke purfued and feaffed vppon the fame. Mailler Stricca and
his Ladve hearinge that pafime, ranne to the garden windov, to fee
the killing of the Partrich: and beholding the valiante fkirmifhe
betweene the foule and the hauke, the lady afked whofe hauke it
was: her hufband ruade aunfwere that he knew vell inoughe the
owner, by the goodneffe and hardines of the fame. "" For the
owner of this hauke (quoth hee) is the trimmet and mot valiaunt
gentleman in all Siena, and one indued with befe qualities." The
lady demaunded what he was ? " Mailler Galgano (faid her hus-
band,) who euen nov paffed bv the gate, and I prayed him verv
earnefHy to fupper, but hee woulde not be intreated. And trulv
wyfe, he is the comlief gentleman, and mofe vertuous perfonage,
that euer I knewe in my life." ,Vith thofe wordes they wente from
the windove to fupper : and Galgano, when he had lured his Hauke,
departed awaye. The Lady marked thofe words and fixed them in
minde. It fortuned within a while after, that tir Stricca was bv
the fate of Siena fent in ambaffage to Perugia, bv reafon wher-
of, his Lady at home alone, fo fone as ber hufband had taken his
iourney, fent ber mof fecrete and truçtie maide, to intreat mailler
Galgano, to corne and fpeake with her. ,Vhen the meffage was
done to Galgano, (if his heart were on a merie pinne, or whether
his fpirits dulled with continuall forrowe were againe reuiued, thev
knowe that mof haue felte the painefull pangues of Loue, and
they alfo whofe flefh haue beene pearced wyth the amorous arrowes
of the little boy Cupide :) he made aunfwere that hee would wil-
lingly come, rendringe thanckes both to the maifreffe and maide,
the one for her paine, and the other for her good remembraunce.
Galgano vnderfanding that tir Stricca was gone to Perua, in
the eueninge at conuenient time, repaired to the houfe of her whofe
fight he loued better than his owne eyes. _And being come be-
fore his Lady, with great fubmiflion and reuerence hee faluted her,
(like thofe whofe hartes do throbe, as foretellinge the poffeflïon
of good tournes and benefites, after which with longe fute and tra-
uaile they haue afpired) wherewith the Lady delighted, very plea-
fantly took him by the hande, and imbracing him, faid : "'Wel-
corne mine owne fveet Galgano, a hundred times I fay wel-
6 GALGANO AND
corne." And for the time with kiffes, makinge truce with their
affetcti«»ns, the lady ealled for corail&es and wvne. And when they
had dronke and refrefl,ed themfelues, the lady toke him by the
hande and faid: " Mv fweete Galgano, night beginneth to paffe
awaye, and the time of fleepe is corne» therefore let vs veld out
felues to the feruice and commaund,nent of our very good Ladye,
madame Cytherea, for whofe fake I intreated you to corne hither."
Galgano aunfwered, that he was verv wel contented. Being
within the chamber, after much pleafaunte talke and louing dis-
courre bctweene them, the Lady did put of her clothes, and went
to bed. Galgano being fonewhat bafhftdl, was perceyued of the
Lady, vnto whom fhe faid : " ble thincke, Galgano, that you be
fearful Lnd lhamefaft. \Vhat do vou lacke ? Do I hOt pleafe you ?
Doth not my perfonage content you? Haue you not the thing
which you defire ?" « Yes madame," faidGalgano : « God him-
felf could not do me a greater pleafure, than to fuffer me to be
cleped within your armes." And reafoning in this fort, he put
of his clothes alfo, and laide himfelfe by ber, whom he had couet-
ed and defired of long time. ]3eing in the bed, he faid: "Madame,
I befeech yot graunt ne one refquefU' "\Vhat is that, Galgano?"
(quoth fhe.) " It is this, madame," faid Galgano: "' I do mueh
maruell, why this night aboue ail other, you haue lent t%r mee:
confidering how long I haue bin a futer vnto you, and although
I haue profecuted my fute, by great expence and trauaile, yet you
would never yelde before nov : what hath moued you now thus to
do?" The Lady anfwered : "" I wil tell you tir : true it is, that
hOt many daves agoe, paflïng by this houfe, with vour Hauke
on your file, mv hufband told me that fo fone as he fawe you,
he wente oute to meete )'ou, of purpofe to intreate you to fupper, but
vou would hot tarrie : then vour Hauke purfued a Partrieh, euen
into my garden, and I feing the Hauke fo egerly feafing vpon
the fame, demaunded of my hufband whofe Hauke it was. He
toId me that the Hauke did belong to the mort exeellent yong
man of ail Siena : and that he neuer in ail his life knewe a gentle-
man better accomplifhed with ail vertues and good qualities, and
therewithall gaue vnto you finguler prayfe and commendacion.
\Vhereuppon hearing him in fuch wife to prayfe yot b and knowing
MADONNA MINOCCIA.
righte well your affe&ionate rninde and difpofition towards mee, my
hart attaehed with loue, foreed me to fende for you that I rnighte
hereafter auoyde difdaine and other feornefull demeaner, to im-
peache or hinder your loue: and this briefely is the caufe." " Is
this true ?" faid Galgano. "Mof certaine and true," aunfweared
the Lady." "'Vas there no other oecafion ?" "No, verely:"
faid the lady. "God defend," (quoth Galgano,) "that I fhould re-
compenee the eurtefie and good will of fo noble a gentleman (as
vour hufband is) with reproeh and villany, fs it rneete that good
turnes fhould be requited with vnkindnes ? If euer man had eaufe
to defende the honor of his vnknowen frend, eaufe haue I right
good and apte. For now knowinge fueh a frende, that would bv
vertuous reportes haue aduauneed me to higher rnatters, than
wherof I arn in poffeflïon, fhould I reward with pollueion of
his ffoeke and wife ? No, no, lady ! rny raginge lute by loue, is by
verrue quenehed. Vertue onely hath ftaunehed the flames of vile
affe&ions. Seeke another frende, to glut your leeherous rninde.
Finde out forne other eornpanion, to eoole thy difordinate loue.
Shal I be difloyal to hirn, that hath been faithfull vnto me?
Shall I be traytor to him, that frendly hath eommended me?
What can be more required of humane hearte, or more defired of
manlike mind, but wilfull bente, and fixed to do hirn good, that
neuer erff by iufe defert deferued the fame." ,Vith whieh wordes
fodenly hee lept out of the bed, and vhen he had furnifhed him-
felfe againe with his appareil, hee alfo put vppon him vertuous
friendfhip, and takinge his leaue of the Lady, neuer after that rime
he gaue himfelf to matters of Loue. And maiffer Strieca he eonti-
nually obferued both with finguler loue and dutifull friendfhip:
whereby it is vneertaine whether was moff finguler in hirn, his
contineney at the very infante bv refrayning that vehernent heate
of loue, whieh fo long time with great trauaile and coke
he had purfued, or his regard of frendfhip to tir Strieea
vppon wordes of eommendaeion fpoken behinde his
baeke. Both no doubte be finguler vertues
rneete for all men to be obferued : but the
fubduing of his affe&ions furmount-.
ed and paffed.
A DUKE OF VENICE
THE FORTY-EIGHTH NOUELL.
Bmdo a notable lrchite(t, and his forme Ricciardo, with ail his
familie, from Florence went to dwell dt l, renice, u,here being rnade
Citizens for diuers v2omments
ordinate expences were forced to robbe the Treafure houle. Bin-
do beinge flaine l,y a pollicie deif«d l, the Duke and .tiare,
Æic«iaTdo bu.fine fubtelties deliuereth himfelfe from foure daun-
g«rs. Mfterwards the Duke (l,y his owne confe.ffion) vnder.fland-
inge the fleightes, giueth him his pardon and his doughter in ma-
riage.
1 the goodly citie of Venice there was once a duke, that was a
noble gentleman and of greate experience and wifedolne, called
Valeriano di melTer Vannozzo Accettani. In the chiefeft Churche
of which Citie called Sdn Marco, there was a fteple, very
faire and fumptuous, and of greatef faine of anv thinge dt that
time that was in Venice, which fteeple was like to fall downe
by reafon of certaine faultes and decaves in the foundacion.
Wherfore the Duke caufed to be fearched thorow out ail Italie,
fome cunning workeman that would take in hand the reparacion
and amendmente of the fame: with promife of fo much monev
as he would demaund for doing thereof. XVhereuppon an ex-
cellent Archite& of Florence, named Bindo, hearing tel of this
offer, determined to go to Venice for the accomplifhmente of
that worke, and for that purpofé v¢ith his onelve forme and wyfe,
hee departed Florence. And when he had feene and furueyed the
fteeple, he went fraight to the Duke, and told him that he was
corne thither to offer his feruice for repayringe of the faine, whom
the Duke curteouflv intertayned and prayed him, that he would
fo fone as he coulde begin that worke. ,Vhereunto Bindo ac-
corded, and v¢yth great diligence and fmall rime he finifhed the
lame, in better forme and furety than it was at the firf: which
greatly pleafed the Duke, and gaue Bindo fo much money as he
demaunded, making him befides a Citizen of Venice, for the main-
tenaunce of v¢hofe fate, hee allotted him a fufficient ftipend:
AND RICCIARDO. 9
afterwards the Duke called him vnto him, and declared that he
would haue a Treafure houle made, wherein fhould be difpofed
and layde vp ail the Treafure and common ornamentes for the
furniture of the whole Citie, which Bindo by and by toke vppon
him to do, and made it of fuch finguler beautie, as it excelled
ail the monuments of the Citie, wherein ail the laid Treafure was
beftowed. In which worke hee had framed a ftone bv cunninge,
that mighte be remoued at pleafure, and no man perceiue it:
rneaning thereby to goe into the Chamber when he lire : where-
unto none in ail the world was priuie but himfelfe. Vhen this
Palace and Treafure houle was done, he caufed ail the furnitures
of Silkes, hanginges, wrought with Golde, Canapees, clothes of
ftate, riche Chayres, Plate, and other Ornaments of Golde and
Siluer to be caried thither, whiche he called La Turpea de| Doge,
and was kept vnder fiue keyes: whereof foure were deliuered to
foure of the chiefe Citizens, deputed to that office, which were
called Chamberlaynes of the Treafure houle, and the fift keye the
Duke himfelfe did keepe, fo that the Chamber coulde not bee
opened excepte they were ail fiue prefente. Nowe Bindo and his
famelie dwelling at Venice, and beinge a citizen there, beganne
to fpende liberallye and to liue a riche and wealthye lire, and hvs
fonne Ricciardo confumed difordinatelye, whereby in fpace of
rime, they wanted Garmentes to furnifhe their bodies, whiche
they were not able to maintaine for their inordinate expences:
wherefore the father vpon a night calling his fonne vnto him,
got a ladder and a certaine vron inftrumente made for the purpofe,
and taking alfo with him a litle lime, went to the hole, which
]3indo artificially had made, who taking out the ftone, crept
in, and toke out a faire cup of gold, which was in a clofet,
and afterward he wente out, cowching the ltone againe in
due place. And when they were eome home, they brake the
eup and eaufed it to be folde by peeee meale, in certaine Cities
of Lombardie. And in this forte, they maintayned their dis-
ordinate life begonne. It ehauneed not long after, that a Cardinall
arriued at Veniee, about affayres with the Duke, and the Rate,
who the more honorablie to reeeiue him, opened the Treature
houle to take oute certaine furnitures within, as plate, elothes
IO
A DUKE OF VENICE
of flate, and other thinges. When the dore vas opened, and
had taken out the faide neceffaries, thev founde a cuppe leffe
than oughte to be, wherewith the Chamberlaines contended amonge
themfelues, and wente to the Duke, telling him that there wanted
a cuppe: whereat the Duke marueiled, and faid that amonges
them it mufl needes be gone. And after many denialls, and much
talke, he willed them to faye nothing, till the Cardinali was
departed. ,Vhen the Cardinall was corne, he was receyued with
honorable interteignemente, and beinge departed, the Duke fente
for the foure Chamberlaines, to confult about the loffe of the
cup, commaunding them not to departe the Palace belote the
faine was found, faying that amongs them it mufle needes be
flolen. Thefe four perlons being together, and debating how
and by what meanes the cup fhould be taken away, were at their
wittes ende. At length one of them faide: "Let vs confider
whether ther bee anye comminge into the Chamber befides the
doore." And viewinge it they coulde not perceiue anye entrie at
ail. And to proue the lame more effe&uallye, they ftrawed
the chamber aboute with fyne fifted chaffe, fetting the fame on fier,
which done, they fhutte fafl the windowes and doores, that
the fmoke and fmoulder might not goe out. The force of which
fmoke was futche as it iffued throu«h the hole that Bindo ruade,
whereby they perceiued the way howe the robbery was committed,
and went to the Duke to tell him what they had done. The
duke vnderflanding the fa&, wvlled them to faye nothing, for
that he woulde deuife a pollicie how to take the theefe : who caufed
to be brought into the chamber a caldron of pitche, and placed
it dire&ly vnder the hole, commaunding that a fyre fhould be
kept daye and night vnder the caldron, that the faine might
continually boyle. It corne to paffe that when the money was
fpent which the father and fonne had receiued for the cup,
one night they went agayne to the hole, and remouing the flone,
the father went in as he did before, and fell into the caldron of
pitche (which continually was boyling there) vp to the wafle, and
not able to liue any longer, he called his fonne vnto him, and
favde: " Ricciardo myrte owne fweete fonne, death hath taken
me pryfoner, for halfe my body is dead, and my breath alfo is
AND RICCIARDO. I I
ready to departe. Take mv head with thee, and burie it in
fome place that it be hOt knowen, whieh done, eommend me to
thy mother, whome I pray thee to eherifhe and eomforte, and
in any wyfe take hede that warely and eireumfpe&lye thou doe
departe from henee : and if anv man do afke for me» far that I am
gone to Florenee about certaine bufineffe. » The forme lamenta-
bly began to lament his father's fortune» faying: " Oh deare
father, what wieked furie hath thus eruelly deuifed fodaine death."
«' Content thy felfe, my forme," thyd the father, « and be quiet,
better it is that one fhould dye, than twoo, therefore doe what
I haue roide thee, and rare well?' The fonne tooke vp his
father's head, and went his waye» the relie of his bodye
remayned in the ealdron, like a bloek without forme. Vhen
Riceiardo was eome home, he buried his father's head fo well
as he eould, and afterwardes roide his mother what was become
of his father, who vnderftanding the marier of his death» began
piteoufly to ery out» to whom ber fonne holding up his hands, fayd :
«Good mother holde your peaee» and geue ouer your weeping : for
our life is in great perill and daunger, if your outerie be heard.
Therefore good mother, quiet yourfelfe, for better it were for vs to
liue in poore effare, than to die with infamie, to the vtter reproche
and fhame of all our familie." With whiehe woordes he appeafed
her. In the morning the bodye was founde and earied to the
Duke, who maruelled at it, and could not deuife what he fhould
be, but fayd: "Surely there be two that eommitted this robberie,
one of them we haue, let vs imagine how we may take the
other." Then one of the foure Chamberlaines çayd: " I haue
round ont a trap to catehe the other, if it will pleafe you to heare
mine aduife, hieh is this: Impottible it is, but this theefe
that is dead, bath either wife, ehildren or fome kinfman in the
eitie, and therfore let vs caufe the bodie to be drawen through-
out the ftreates, and geue diligent hede whether anye perfone doe
eomplaine or lament his death: and if any fueh be round, let
him be taken and examined: whieh is the next wav as I fup-
pole, to finde out his eompanion." Whieh being eoneluded,
they departed. The body was drawen throughout the eitie
with a guard of men attending vpon the fame: as the execu-
12
A DUKE OF VENICE
tioners paffed by the houle of Bindo, whofe carcaffe laye vppon
the hurdle, his wyfe ftode at the wyndowe, and feing the body
of her hutband fo vfed, ruade a great outcrie. At whiche noyfe
the fonne fpake to his mother and farde: " #,las, mother, what
do you ?" And beholding his father's corps vpon the hurdle, he
toke a knife and made a great galbe into his hande, that the
bloud aboundantly iffued out. The guarde hearing the noyfe
that the woman made, ran into the houfe, and atked her what
fhe lacked. The fonne anfvered: "I was caruing a peece
of ftone with this knife, and by chaunce I hurt my hande, which
my mother feeyng cryed out, thynking that I had hurt myfelfe
more than I haue." The guarde feeing his hande ail bloudy and
cut, did belieue it to be true, and from thence went round about the
liberties of the Citie, finding none that feemed to lament or bewavle
that chaunce. _And returning to the Duke, thev tolde him howe
ail that labour was imployed
them to hang vp the dead
fecret atche in like maner, to
would corne to complaine or
in vayne, whereupon he appointed
body in the market-place, with
efpie if any perfon by day or night,
be forrowefuii for him. Which
body was by the feete hanged vp there, and a continuall watche
appointed to kepe the faine. The rumor hereof was bruted
throughott the Citie, and euery man reforted thither to fee it.
The woman hearing tell that ber hutbandes carcaffe fhould be
hanged vp in the market-place, faide diuerfe times to her fonne,
that it was a very great fhame for him to fuffer his father's body
in that fhamefull fort to be vfed. To whom ber forme made
anfwere, faying: "Good mother, for God's fake be contented, for
that whiche they do is for none other purpofe, but to proue me:
wherefore be pacient a while, till this chaunce be pari." The mother
hot able to abide it any longer, brake out many times into thefe
words: " If I were a man as I am a woman» it fhould not be
vndone now : and if thou wilt not aduenture thv felfe, I will one
night giue the attempt." The yong man feing the froward
nature of his mother, determined to take away the body bv this
policie. He borrowed twel,e friers frockes or cowles, and in the
euening went downe to the hauen, and hired twelue mariners, and
placed them in a backe houfe, geuing them fo much meate and
AND RICCIARDO. 1 3
drinke as they woulde eate. And when they had well whitled and
tippled themfelues, he put vpon them thofe friers eowles, with
vifards vppon their faces, and gaue euery of them in their hands a
burning torch, making them to feme as thoug.h they had ben Diuels
of hel : and he himfelf rode vpon a horfe al eouered with blacke,
befet rounde about with monffrous and vglie faces, euerye of them
hauinge a burnyng eandle in his mouthe, and riding before with a
vifarde of horrible fhape vpon his head, favde vnto them: '" Doe
as I doe :" and then marched forward to the market-place. ,Vhen
they came thether they ran vp and downe with roring voyees erying
out like Deuils being then paff midnight and very darke. ,Vhen
the watche fawe that ffraunge fight they were affrayde, thinking
that they had bene Deuils indeede, and that he on horfebaeke in
that forme had ben the great Deuill Lucifer himfelfe. And feing
him runne towardes the gibet, the watehe toke their legges and ran
awav. The yong man in the fhape of the great Deuill toke downe
the body and layd it before him on horfebaeke, who ealling his
eompanie away, roode before in poffe. \Vhen they were eome
home, he gaue them their money, and vneafing them of their eowles
lent them away, and afterwardes buried the bodv fo fecretly as he
eould. In the morning newes came to the Duke that the bodye
was taken awaye, who lent for the guarde to knowe what was
beeome thereof. To whome they çayde thefe wordes: " Pleafeth
your grace, about midnight laff paff there came into the market-
place a eompanie of Deuils, among whom we fawe the great deuil
Lueifer himfelfe, who as wee fuppofe did eate vp the bodye, whieh
terrible fight and vifion ruade vs to take our legges." The Duke bv
thofe wordes pereeiued euidently that the lame was but a pra&ife
to deeeiue them of their purpofe, notwithffanding he determined
once again to deuife fome meanes in the ende to knowe the truthe,
and deereed a eonffitucion that for the fpaee of xx dayes no frefh
meate fhoulde be folde in Veniee: at whieh deeree all the eitie
marueiled. Afterwardes he caufed a verie faire fatte ealfe to be
folde, feffing the priee of euery pounde at a fiorino, whieh
amounteth to a Freneh erowne or thereaboutes, and willed hym
that folde it to note and marke them that bought it: thinking with
himfelfe, that he whieh is a theefe is licorous of mouth delicate
14
A DUKE OF VENICE
in rare and would not ftick to geue a good price, although it cof
him a Freneh crown for euery pound : making proclamation, that
he whieh would buye any frefh meate flaould refort to the market-
place where was to bee folde.. Ail the Marehaunts and Gentlemen
repaired to buye fome of the veale, and vnderftanding that euerv
pound would not be folde under a Frenehe erowne, they bought
none at all. This ealfe and the priee vas bruted in all places, and
came to the knowledge of the mother of this yong man, who faid
vnto her fonne : "' I haue a minde to eate fome of the veale, nov
folde in the market." Rieeiardo aunfwered: "Mother make no
hafte to buye it, firft let it be cheapened b- other, and at length I
will deuife a meane that vou flall have it: for it is hOt wvfedome
for vs to be the firfte that flaall defire it." The mother like an
ignoraunt and vnfkilfull woman, was importunate to haue it. The
fonne fearing that his mother would fende for fome of the veale, by
other, eaufed a Pie to be made, and prepared a flagon full of wyne,
hoth which were intermixed with thinges to caufe fleepe, and taking
bread, the fayd Pie, and the flagon of wyne, when it vas night, put-
ring on a eounterfait beard, and eloke, went to the fall vhere that
veale was to bee folde, whieh as ver was whole and vnbought.
_And when he had knocked at the/hop dore, one of the guard afked
who vas there. To whom Riceiardo faid: " Can you tel me
wher one Ventura doth kepe hls flaop ?" Of whom one of them
demaunded what Ventura ? " I know hot his furname," fayde Rie-
eiardo, "that I would he had bene hanged, when I came firlt to
dwell with him." "XVhy who lent thee?" faid one of the guarde.
"His wvfe (quod Rieeiardo) vho bade me eary him this meate and
vyne for his fupper: but I pray you (fayde Rieeiardo,) let me leaue
the fame with you, tili I goe home to knov better where he kepeth
his fall. And maruell not, mv maifters, though I know not where
his/hop is, for it is hot long fithens I came to dwell in this Citie."
And fo leauing behind him the Pie, and the bread with the flagon
of wyne, he ruade hafte to departe, and roide them that he vold
eome againe by and by. x, Vhen he vas gone, one of them toke
the flagon and draneke, and afterwardes gaue it to his companion,
and laid : "Drlnke, for thou neuer diddef taft of better vyne in
ail thy lire." His eompanion dranke, and merily communing of
AND RICCIARDO. 1 5
this matter, they fel a fleepe. Ricciardo loking in at a hole of
the dore, feing them a flepe, went in, and toke the calfe, and caried
it home whole as it was, and laide to his mother : "' Hold, mother,
there is vour lute, cut it out:" and by and by fhe cut out a great
pece. The duke fo fone as he heard that the calfe was /olen,
and the maner howe, did wonder very muehe, purpofing yet to
knowe what hee was : and caufed a hundred poore people to corne
before him, whofe names being written, he faid vnto them: Get
ye to ail the houfes in Venice, vnder colour to begge aimes.
And marke if you fee in any houfe flefhe dreffed, or any pece in
making ready to be eaten at the fier, vhieh if you doe, ve mul be
importunate in begging, till they giue you either flefh or broth.
And he among ail you that fhal bring me the firfl newes, l wil
giue him xx crownes." Thefe beggers difperfed themfelues into
euery corner of the Citie, crauing their aimes, amongs whom
one of them afked his aimes at the houfe of Ricciardo, and
approching nere, efpied openly flefhe at the fpit, and befought a
lnorfell thereof for God's fake: to whom the vndifcrete woman
feeing that fhe had plentye, gaue a litle pece. The poore man
thanked the good wife, and prayed God to faue her life. And
as hee was going down the fteps of the dore, Ricciardo met
him with the flefh in his hand. Vherewithall aftonned, he willed
him to retourne, and fayde he would giue him more. The begger
glad of that, went in againe, whome Ricciardo caried into his
chamber, and when he was within, he ftrake ruche a full blowe
vpon his head with an axe, as he kil|ed hym, and threwe him
into a iakes, fhutting the doore after him. In the euening, thefe
poore men retourned to the duke, according to their promife,
and fayde they coulde finde nothing. The Duke called them by
their names, and compting the number founde one leffe than he
had lent, whereat he maruelled. And after he had well aduifed with
himfelfe, what fhould become of him that lacked, he fayde:
'" Certainely the poore man is Slayne." Then caufing the councell
to be affembled, he declared what he had done: and yet fayde
that it were meete the party were knowen. Vhereunto one of
the Senatours fayde: Your grace hath duely marie fearch by the
belly and mouth, to finde out this verlet: I thinke it nowe neces-
A DUKE OF VENICE
farie that triall be ruade by lechery, whiche commonly accom-
panieth licorous mouthes." Then it was concluded that the more
riotous and lecherous yong men, ruche as the Duke had in greateft
fufpicion, to the number of xxv. fhould be warned to appeare
before him: whiche accordingly was donc, amonges whome was
this Ricciardo. Tbese yonge roiflers affembled in the palace,
euery of them maruelled wherefore the Duke had caufed them
to corne thether. Afterwarde the Duke commaunded xxv. beddes
to be ruade in one of his great chambers, to lodge euery of the
fard xxv. perfons bv hymfelf, and in the middes of the chamber
he commaunded a riche bed of efiate to be fer vp and furnifhed,
wher was appointed to ly his own daughter, which was an excead-
ing faire creature. And in the night when thefe yong men were
larde in their beddes, manye gentlewomen attendant vpon the
Lady, came in to bryng her to her lodging : and ber father de]iuered
to her a fawcer full of black die, or flayning, and laide vnto her :
"If any of thefe yong men that doe lie here by thee, doe offer
to corne to thv bedde, looke that thou marke him in the face with
this aining colour, that he may be knowen." At which wordes
all the yong men maruelled and therefore durfle not attempt
to goe vnto ber, but laid one to another: "'Surelv this com-
maundement of the Duke bath fome fecrete mifterie in it."
Notwithftanding Ricciardo determined about midnight to go to
ber bedde : and when the candle was out being a wake of purpofe,
he rofe .vp and went to the gentlewoman's bedde and began
to imbrace and kiffe ber. The maiden when fhe felt him,
fodainlv dipped ber fïnger in the co|our and flained his face,
hOt perceiued of him. \Vhen he had accomplifhed the thing
he came for, hec retourned to his place: and then began to
imagin vpon the Duke's wordes, and for what policie he fpake
them. And lying a litle while ftill mufing vpon the faine, he
went againe to the gentlewoman's bedde, hauing throughly difpofed
himfelf to the pleafures of this paradife lambe: and perceiuing
ber to dippe her finger in the fawcer and rubbe his face, Ric-
ciardo toke away the fawcer from the bedde's flde, and round
about beftowed the co|our vpon the faces of his felowes, who
were fo faf{e a fleepe that they did hot fe]e him. Some he marked
AND RICCIARDO. 1 7
with two fpottes, fome with fix and fome with x. himfelfe he
painted but with foure befides thofe wherewith alreadv he was
berayed hy the gentlewoman : whiche done he fet the faucer agayne
by the bedde's ride, and when he had bidden her farewell, faire
and foftly lle returned againe to his bedde. In the morni,g be-
times, the damofels of the chamber came in to helpe the ladye to
make ber readye, which done they wavted vpon ber to the duke,
who afked her how the matter ftode. She aunfwered well, for fhe
had done his commaundement: and tolde him howe one came
vnto her three times, and euery time fhe gaue him a tainte in his
face. The duke by and bv fent for them that were of his counfell.
To whome he faid: "Sirs, I haue founde out this good fellow,
and therfore I haue fent for you, that we altogether roay goe to
fee him." They went ail into the chamber, and viewing them
round about, they perceiued ail their faces coloured, whereat
they fell into a great laughter : then one of them farde to another :
"' Suerly this fellowe bath the fubtilefl head that euer was knowen : »
and concluded that one of the company had fer that colour in
their l'aces. The yong men beholding one another paynted in that
forte, brake into great fporte and paflime. _Afterwardes the
duke examined euerv of them, and feeing that he was hOt able bv
any meanes to vnderflande by whome it was done, he determined
to knowe the man before he departed, and promifed to him that
fhould confeffe the truthe, to giue his daughter to him in mariage,
and with ber a very great dowrie, and a generall pardon. "Vhere-
fore Ricciardo vnderanding the duke's minde, toke him afyde,
and tolde hym the whole matter particularly from the beginning to
the etade. The duke imbraced hym, and gaue him his pardon, and
with great ioye and triumphe he folemlized the mariage betwene
hym and his daughter. "Vherewithall Ricciardo encouraged,
proued a verv Route and valiaunt man in fuche wvfe almofte as
the affaires of the whole ftate paffed through his handes.
_And liued a long time after, with the loue and
good wyll of the whole cominaltie of
Venice.
VOL. II. B
i8
PHILENIO SISTERNO.
THE FORTY-NINTH NOUELL.
Philenio Si.flerno, a Scholler of Bologna, being rnocked of three
faire Gentlewomen, at a banket rnade off et purpofe he u'as re-
uenged on them all.
Pxa" Bologna, whiche is the nobleft citie of Lombardie, the mother
of fudies» and accomplifhed with al things nedefull and requifite
for futch a florifhlng flate, there was a yong fcholler, a Gentleman
of the countrie of Crete named Philenio Siflerno, of very good grace
and behauiour. It chanced that in his rime» there was a great
feafl ruade in the citle, wherunto were bidden the favreft dames»
and befle of reputation there : there was likewyfe manv Gentlemen
and Schollers ofBologna, amonges whom was this Philenio Sifterno :
who foilowyng the manner of young men, dallying fometime with
one, fometime with another, and perceiuing them for his purpofe
determined to dauncewlth one ofthem : and commingto onewhiche
was called Emerentiana, the wyfe of tir Lamberto Bentiuoglia» hee
prayed her to daunce: wh% beyng verie gentle and of no lefs
audacitie than beautiful, refufed hot. Then Philenio leading forth
the daunce very foftly, fometymes wrynging her by the hand, fpake
fomewhat fecretly vnto her thefe wordes : "" Madame, your beautie
is fo great, that without doubt it furmounteth all that ever I fawe,
and there is no woman in the world to whome I beare fo great af-
fecCtion, as to your perfone, whiche if it were correfpondent to me
in Loue, I would thinke myfelf the bel'te contented man in the world,
otherwyfe I fhall in fhorte tvme bee depriued of life, and then you
fhall be the caufe of my death : and louing you (Madame} as I doe,
and as my dutie requireth, you ought to take me for your feruaunt,
vfing me and thofe l itle goodes whiche I haue as your owne: and I doe
affure you, that it is impoffible for me to receiue greater fauour from
heauen, then to fee myfelfe fubiecCte to futch a gentlewoman,.as ),ou
be, whiche hath taken nie in a nette lyke a byrde." Nowe Emerenti-
ana, whiche earneftly had marked thofe fweet and pleafaunt woordes,
like a wyfe gentlewoman,femed to geue no eare thereunto, and ruade
him no aunfwere at all. The daunce ended, and Emerentiana being
PHILENIO SISTERNO.
I9
fer down in her place, this young fcholler xvent to take another gen-
tlewoman by the hand, and began to daunce with ber : whiche was
hOt fo fone begonne, but thus he faid vnto ber: "" It nedeth hot
Madame, that by woordes I doe expreffe the feruant Loue which I
beare you, and will fo doe, fo long as my poore fpirite (hall
gouerne and rule my members : and if I could obtaine you for my
Maiftreffe and finguler Ladye, I would thinke myfelf the happieft
man aliue. Then ]ouing you as I do, and being who]ly yours, as
you may eafely vnderfiand, refufe me hOt I befech you for your
humble feruaunt, fithe that my life and all that I haue dependeth vp-
on you alone." The yonggent]ewoman, whof naine was Panthemia,
perceiuing his meaning, did hot aunfvere him any thing at that
tme: but honefl- proceded in her daunce: and the daunce
ended, fmyling a litle, fhe fat downe with the other dames. This
done, amorous Philenio refted hot vntil he had taken the thirde
by the hand, (who was the gent]eft, fairef, and trimmeft dame in
ail Bologna,) and began to daunce with ber, romyng abrode, to
(hewe his cunning before them that came to behold him. _And
belote the daunce was finiflied, he laide thus vnto ber : « Madame, it
may fo be, as I fhall feme vnto you very malapert to manifeft
the fecret Loue that I haue and doe beare you at this inftant, for
which you ought hot to blame me but 'our beautie, which
rendreth )'ou excellent aboue al the reft, and maketh me your flaue
and pryfoner. I fpeake hOt of your commendalole behauiour, of
your excellent and marue]lous verrues, which be fuch and of fo
great effe&, as they would make the gods defcend to con-
template the faine. If then your excellent beautie and (hape, fo
well fauoured by nature, and hOt by art, may feeme to content the
immortall Gods, you ought hot to be offended, if the faine do con-
ftraine me to loue you, and to inclofe you in the priuie cabane of
my barre : I befeeche you then, gentle ladame (the onelv comfort
of my life) to haue pitie vpon him that dieth a thoufand times a
daye for vou. In fo doing, my lire (hall be prolonged by you, com-
mending me humbly vnto your good grace." This faire gent]ewo-
man called Simphorofia, vnderftanding the fweete and pleafaunt
woordes vttered from the very harte of Philenio, could hOt dis-
retable ber fighes but waying ber honor, becaufe (he was maried,
2O
PI-IILENIO SISTERNO.
gaue him no anfwere at ali. And the daunce ended, the retourned
to ber place. Nowe it chaunced, as thefe three ladies did fit toge-
ther iocundly difpofed to debate of fundrie mery talke, behold
Emerentiana, the wife of Seignior Lamberto, not for any euill,
but in fporting wife laid wto her companions: "Gentlewomen,
I baue to tell you a pleafaunt matter xvhich happened to this
day." "Vhat is that?" faid her companions. " I haue gotten
this night, (faid flae) in dauncing, a curteous louer, a very faire
Gentleman, and of fo good behauiour as any in the worlde: who
faid that he was fo inflamed with my beauty that he tooke no reft
day nor night :" and from point to point, rehearfed vnto them, all
that he had laid. Which Panthemia and Simphorofia vnder-
ffanding, anfwered that the like had chaunced vnto them, and
they departed hot from the feafte belote eche of theim knewe hirn
that was their louer: whereby they perceiued that his woordes
proceded hOt of faithfull Loue, but rather of follie and diflïmulation,
in fuche wife as they gaue fo lyghte credite thereunto, as of cus-
tome is geuen to the woordes of thofe that bee ficke. And
they departed hot from thence vntill ail three with one accorde, had
confpired euery one to giue him mocke. Philenio continuing
thus in Loue, fometime with one, fometime with another, and
perceiuing that euery of them feemed to Loue him, hee deter-
mined with himfelfe, if it were poflïble to gather of them the laft
frute of his Loue. But he was greatly deceyued in his defire,
for that ail his enterprife was broken: and that done, Emeren-
tiana whiche could hot any longer diffemble the loue of the foolifhe
fcholer called one of her maydes, which was of a fayre cmnplexion
and a ioly wenche, charging her that fhe fhould deuife meanes
to fpeake with Philenio, to geue him to vnderftande the loue
which her maiftreffe bare vnto him : and xvhen it were his pleafure
fhe willingly would one night haue him at home at her houfe.
x.Vhich newes when Philenio heard, he greatly reioyced, and faid
to the maid: " Returne to your lkIaiflreffe, faire maide, and
commend me vnto ber, telling ber in my behaif, that I doe praye
her to loke for me this euening, if her hutband be hot at home."
During which time, Emerentiana caufed a certaine number of
ragots of flmrpe thornes to be ruade, and to be layd vnder ber bedde
PIIILENIO SISTERNO.
2I
fill wayting for her minion. Vhen night was tome, Philenio
toke his fworde, and went to the houle of his enerny, and call-
ing at the dore with the watchworde the farne incontinently was
opened: and after that they had talked a litle while together»
and banketted after the beft maner, they withdrew themfelues into
the chamber to take their refte. Philenio had no foner put of
his clothes to goe to bedde, but Seignior Larnberto her hufoand
carne home: which the Maiflreffe of the houfe perceiuing, ruade
as though fhe had bene at ber wittes ende, and could hot tell
whether to conuey her minion, but prayed him to bide himfelf
vnder the bedde. Philenio feeing the daunger, wherein both he
and the wife were, hot taking with him any other garrnentes, but
only his fhirte, crept vnder the bed xvhere he was fo cruelly prickt
and fcratched with the thornes, as there was no parte of his
body (fron the toppe of his head to the fole of his foote)free
from bloud, and the more he fought to defende hirnfelfe in that
darke place, the more fharpely and piteoufly he was tormented,
and durft not crie for feare leaft Seig,fior Larnberto would kill
him. 1 will leaue to your confideration in what plight this poore
wretche was in, who by reafon of his miferable being, as he xvas
brecheleffe in that terrible purgatorie, even fo was he fpeachleffe
and durft not fpeake for his life. In the morning when Segnior
Larnberto was gone forth, the poore fcholler put on his clothes fo
vell as he could, and all bloudy as he was, returning to hls lodging,
was like to die: but being deligently cured by phificians, in flort
rime he recouered his former health. Shortly after, Philenio
began to purfue again his loue towardes the other tvo, that is to
say, Panthernia and Simphorofia, and found conuenient time one
euening to fpeake to Panthernia, to whorn he rehearfed his griefes
and continuall torrnentes, praying her to haue pitie vpon hirn.
The fubtile and xvife wenche Panthernia, fayning to haue compas-
tion vppon hirn, excufed her felfe by lacke of meanes to content
his defire, but in thend vanquifhed vith faire fupplications and
maruellous fighes, fhee rnade hirn to corne home to ber houfe, and
being vnready, difpoyled of al his appareil to go to bed with his
Lady fhe required hym to go with her into a litle clofet, xvher ail
ber fvete frnels and perfumes were» to the intent he rnight be well
22
PHILENIO SISTERNO.
perfumed before he went to bedde. The yong dolt not doubting
the fubtiltie of this wicked woman, entred the clofet and fetting
his foote vpon a borde vnnnavled from the ioyr, fell fo depe into
a flore houle where marchauntes vfe to lay there cottons and
wolles, as he thought he had broken his necke and his legges,
notwithranding as fortune would he had no hurt. This poore
fcholler being in that darke place, began to feke for fome dore or
ladder to go out, and finding nothing for his purpofe he curfed
the houre and rime that euer he knew Panthemia. SVhen the
dauning of the day began to appeare, the fimple fot difcried in
one place of the riorehoufe certain ventes in the wall, which gaue
fome light, becaufe thev wer old and couered ouer with moffe,
in fuch wife, as he began with maruelous force, to pluck out
the riones in the morie decaied place of the wall, and ruade fo
great a hole, as he went out. And being in a lane hard by the
great flreate, barefoote and bare legged, and in his fhirt, he went
home to his lodging vnknowen of any. A litle whyle after
Simphorofia vnderflanding of the deceits whiche the other twoo
had donc to Philenio, attempted to geue hym the thirde, whiche
was hot inferior to the other twavne. And for that purpofe, fhe
began a farre of to carie her anaorous lokes vpon him, letting hym
to knowe that fhee was in great dirreffe for his Loue. This poore
foule hauing alreadv forgotten his fortune parie, began to walke
vp and downe before her houfe, like a man altogether tormented
and pained xvith Loue. Then Simphorofia, feing him to be farre
in loue with ber, lent hvm a letter by an old woman, whereby flac
aduertifed hym, that his beautie and good behauior, fo puiffantly
did gouerne her affe6tions as fhe could take no reri night nor day,
for the earneri loue that the bare him : wherefore fhe praied him
if it were his pleafi, re to corne and fpeake with her. Philenio
receiuing that letter, and perufing the contentes, not confidering
the deceite prepared for him, ne yet any longer remembring the
iniuries pari, was more iovfull and glad then euer he was before:
who taking pen and paper, aunfwered her againe, that he for
his parte fuffered no leffe tormentes for her fake, yea and in re-
fpecCt of vnfayned Loue, that he loued her farre better than fhe did
hym, and at al tymes when fhee pleafed» hec woulde be at her
PHILENIO SISTERNO.
23
commaundement to doe her feruice : the aunfwere read, and opor-
tunitie round, Simphorofia eaufed him to eome home to her houle,
and after many faire fighes, fhe laide vnto him: "My deare frend
Philenio, I knowe none other in ail the world, that hath brought
me into this tate and plighte wherein prefently I am, but you,
beeaufe your beautie, good graee and pleafaunt talke, haue fo
lette my harte on lyre as I feele it to kindle and burne like drve
woode." Vhieh talke Maiter fcholler hearing, thought affuredly
that fhe confumed for loue of him: this poore Nodgecoek, con-
triuing the rime in fweete and pleafaunt woordes, with his dareling
Simphorofia, the rime approehed that he fhould go to bed with
his faire lady, who laid vnto him: "My fwete frend Phi-
lenio, abide a whyle, and let vs make fome banket and collation :."
who taking him by the hande, earied him into her clofet adiovn-
ing, wher was a table ready furnil'hed with exquifit eonficts and
wynes of the betL This gentlewoman had made a eompofition
in the wyne, to eaufe this yong gallant to fleepe for a certain
rime. Philenio thinking no hurte, toke the eup and filled it with
the wyne, and dranke it vp at one draught. His fpirits reuiued
-,vith this refrefhing, after he had bene very well perfumed and
wal'hed in fwete waters, he went to bedde and within a while
after this drinke began to woorke, and hee flepte fo foundly, as
cal,on l'hot, or the greatet gonnes of the worlde were not able
to wake hym.- then Simphorofia pereeiuing the drinke beginne
to woorke, ealled one of her turdy maides that wel was infirucCted
in the game of this pageant: both whiche carying this poore
fleepy feholler by the feete and armes, and opening the dore very
foftlye, they fayre and well betowed hym in the middefie of the
ttreete, a good ftone's cate of from the houle, where he lay ail
the nighte. But when the dawning of the daye dyd appeare, or an
houre before, the drynke 1ot his vertue, and the poore foule began
to awake, and thinking that he had bene a bedde with the gentlewo-
man he perceiued hymfelf brecheleffe and in his l'hirt more dead
then aliue, through the eolde that he had endured, by lying tarke
naked vppon the earth. The poore wretehe was not able to help
himfelfe fo mueh as with his armes and legges, ne yet to tande
vppon his feete without great paine: notwithanding, through
24
IIIILENIO SISTERNO.
creping and fprawling, hee got home to his houfe, vnfeene of anye,
and prouided fo well as hee could for recouery of his health:
and had it not been for his youth, which did helpe him at that
infant, his finewes had been benommed for euer. In the ende»
hauing atteined his former fate of health he fill remembred the
iniuries pal, and without fhewing any figne of anger or difplea-
fure, ruade as though he loued them all three better then euer he
did before, and fometime feemed to be in loue with the one, and
fometime with an other: they againe for their part nothing mif-
trufling the malice of Philenio, let a good face on the matter,
vfinge amorous cheere and countenance towards him, but when his
baeke was tourned, with mockes and floutes they toke their plea-
lute. He bearing in his breft feerete defpite, was ftill defirous
with his hand to marke them in the face, but like a wife man»
waying the natures of women, he thought it woulde redounde to
his greate fhame and reproche, if hee did them any hurt: and
therefore reftrayning the heate of his choler vfed pacience. And
yet by deuifing and pradtifing, how he might be euen with
them and reuenged, hee was in great perplexitie. Very fhortly
after it chaunced that the fcholler had inuented a meane, eafely to
fatiffie his defire, and fo fone as hee had fully refolued what to do,
fortune therunto was fauorable : who hvred in the citie of Bologna
a verv faire houfe which had a large hall, and comodious cham-
bers: and purpofed to make a greate and fumptuous feaft, and
to inuite manv Ladies and Gentlewomen to the lame: amongs
whom thefe three were the firft that fhould be bidden: xvhich
accordingly xas done: and when the feaft dav was come the
three gentlewomen that were hot very wife at that inftante, re-
paired thither nothing fufpeêting the fcholler's malice. In the
end a litle to recreate the Gentlewomen and to get them a ftomacke,
attendinge for fupper time, the Scholler toke thefe his three louers
bv the hand, and led them friendlv into a chamber, fomewhat to
refrefh them. Vhen thefe three innocent women xvere corne
into the Scholler's Chamber, hee fhut faf the doore, and going to-
wards them, he farde : " Beholde faire ladies, now the time is come
for me to be reuenged vpon you and to make you fuffer the pen-
aunce of the torment wherwith ve punifhed me for my great Loue."
PHILENIO SISTERNO.
25
The Geutlewomeu heariug thofe eruell woordes» rather dead theu
aliue, began to repent that euer they had offended him, and befides
that, they curfed themfelues, for giuinge credit vnto him whom
they o,ight to haue abhorre& The Scholler with tïerce and angry
eountenaunee commatmded them vpon paine of their liues to
frippe themfelues naked: which fentence when thefe three god-
deffes heard, they began to loke one vppon another, weeping and
praying hinb that although he woulde not for their fakes, yet in re-
fpec'--t of his owne eurtefie and naturrall humanitie, that hec woulde
faue their honor aboue all thinges. This gallant reioyfing at their
humble and pitifull requefes was thus curteous vnto them, that he
would hOt once fuffer them to ftand with their garmentes on in his
prefence : the women cafting themfelues downe at his feete wept
bitterly, befeeching him that he woulde haue pitie vpon them, and
hot to be the oceafion of a flaunder fo great and infamous. But
he whofe hart was hardened as the Diamonde, faid vnto them, that
this fac'--te was ,ot worthy of blame but rather of ret, enge. The
women difpoyled of their apparel (and ftanding before him, fo free
from couering as euer was Eue before Adam) appeared as beau-"
tifull in this their innocent ftate of nakednes, as they did in their
brauerie: in fo much that the yong fcholler viewing from toppe
to toc» thofe fayre and tender creatures, whofe whiteneffe furpaffed
the ftxow, begau to haue pitie vppon them: but calling to his
remembraunce the injuries paf and the datmger of death where-
in he was, he reieed all pitie and continued his harde and ob-
ffinate determination. Then he toke all their appareil, and
other furnitures that they did weare, and beftowed it in a little
chamber, and with threatning words commatnded ail three to
lie in one bed. The women altogether aftonned, began to fay
to themfelues: "" Alas, what fooles be we ? what wil our hufbands
and our frendes fay, when they flal vnderftand that we be found
naked and miferablie flaine in this bed ? It had been better for
vs to hate died in our cradels, than apprehended and found dead
in this fate and plight." The Scholler feeing them beftowed one
bv another in the bed, like hufband and wyfe, couered them
with a very white and large fleete, that no part of their bo-
dies might be feene ad knowen, and fhutting the Chamber
PHILENIO SISTERNO.
doore after him Philenio went to feeke their hufbands, which
were dauncing in the hall: and the daunce ended, he intreated
them to take the paines to goe with him : who was their guide
into the Chamber where the three Mufes lay in their bedde, faying
vnto them: "Sirs, I haue broughte you into this place to/hewe
you fome paftime and to let you fee the fayreft thinges that euer
you faw in your liues. Then approching neere the bed, and hold-
ing a torch in his hand, he began fayre and foftly to lift vp the
/hete at the bed's feete, difcouering thefe fayre ladies euen to the
knees. Ye fhould haue feen then, how the hufbands did be-
hold their white legges and their wel proporcioned feete, which
don he difclofed them euen to the ftomack, and fhewed their
legges and thighes farre whiter than alablafter, which feemed like
two pillers of fine marble, with a rounde body fo xvel formed as
nothing could be better: confequently he tourned vp the/heete a
litle further, and their ftomackes appeared fomewhat round and
plumme, hauing two rounde breaIts fo firme and feate, as they
would haue conftrayned the great God Iupiter to imbrace and
kiffe them. Vhereat the hufbandes toke fo great pleafure and
contentmente, as coulde be deuifed : I omitte for you to thincke
in what plighte thefe poore naked vomen weare, hearinge theyr
hufbandes to mocke them : all this while they laye very quiet, and
durft hot fo much as to hem or coughe, for feare to be knowen :
the hufbands were earneft with the Scholler to difcouer their faces,
but hee wifer in other mennes huttes than in his owne, would
by no meanes confent vnto it. Not contented with this, the
yong fcholler fl,ewed their apparel to their hu/bands, who feing
the faine were aftonned, and in viewing it with great admiration,
they faid one to another: « Is hot this the gowne that I once
ruade for my wife ? Is hOt this the coyfe that I bought ber ? Is
hot this the pendant that /he weareth about her necke? be hOt
these the rings that fer out and garnifht her fingers?" Being
gone out of the chamber for feare to trouble the feaft, he would
hOt fuffer them to depart, but caufed them to tarie fupper. The
Scholler vnderftandinge that fupper was ready, and that the maifter
of the houfe had difpofed all thinges in order, he caufed the geaftes
to fit downe. And whiles they were remouing and placing the
PHILEIIO SISTERIO.
fooles and chayres, he returned into the chamber, wher the three
dames ]ay, and vncouering them, he fayd vnto them: "'Bongi-
orno, faire Ladies : did you heare your hufbandes ? They be here
by, and do earnettly tarie for you at fupper. What do ye meane
to do ? Vp and rire ye dormoufes, rubbe your eyes and gape no
more, difpatche and make you ready, it is time for you now to
repayre into the hall, where the other gentlewomen do tarie for
you." Behold now how this Scholer was reuenged by interteign-
ing them after this maner : then the poore defolate women, fearing
leaP¢ their cale would forte to fore pitiful fueceffe, difpayring of
their health, troubled and difcomforted, rofe vp expec'ting rather
death than a»v other thing : and tourning them toward the feholler
the, faid vnto him: "'Maifter Philenio, you haue had fuffieient
reueng vpon vs : the beft for you to do now, is to take your fword,
and to bereue us of oure lire, which is more lothfome vnto vs than
pleafaunt: and if you will not do vs that good tourne, fuffer vs
to go home to our houfes vnknowe», that our honours may be
faued." Then Philenio thinking that he had at pleafure vfed their
perlons, deliuered them their apparel, and fo fone as they were
ready, he let them out at a litle dote, very feeretlye vnknowen of
anye, and fo they went home to their houles. So fone as they
had put of their fayre furnitures, they folded them vp, and lard
them in their chettes: whieh done, they went about their h0ufhold
butines, till their hufbands came home, who being retourned they
founde their wives fowing by the tire ride in their chambers: and
becaufe of their appareil, their ringes and iewels, which they had
feene in the Scholler's Chamber, it ruade them to fufpe& their
wiues, euery of them demaunding his feuerall wife, where fhe
had bln that nighte, and where their appareil was. They well
affured of themfelues, aunfwered boldly, that they were hot out
of their houle ail the euening, and taking the keyes of their cofers
fhewed them their aparell, their ringes and other things, which
their hufbandes had ruade them. ,Vhieh when their hufbandes
faw, they could not tell what to fay, and forthwith reie¢:ted ail
fufpicion, which they had conceiued: telling them from point
to point, what they had feen that night. The women vnder-
fianding thofe woordes, ruade as though they knew nothing and
28
PIIILENIO SISTERqO.
after a ]itt]e fport and ]aughter betweene them, they went to
bed. Many rimes Philenio met his Gentlewomen in the flreates
and farde vnto them : " XVhich of vou was mol afraide or worle
intreated ? " But they holding downe their heads, paffed forth
hot fpeaking a word : in this maner the Scholler was
requited fo well as he could of the de-
ceites done againl him, by the
three Gentlewomen
aforefaid.
A CHASTE DEATH.
THE FIFTYETH NOUELL.
The piteous and chafle death of one of the rnuleters u'iues of the
Queene of Nauarre.
IN the citie of Amboife, there xvas a muleter that ferued the O.ueene
of Nauarre, fiiter to king Fraunces the firite of that naine, which
was broughte a bedde of a forme at Blois: to which towne the
laid muleter was gone to be paide his quarter's wages : whofe wyfe
dwelled at Amboife beyond the bridges. It chaunced that of long
time one of her hutband's feruauntes did fo difordinately loue her,
as vppon a certaine day he could not forbeare but he muite vtter
the effec'-t of his loue borne vnto her. Howbeit flee being a right
honeft woman, tooke ber man's lute in very ill part, threatning
to make her hufband to beat him, and to put him away, and vfed
hiln in ruche wyfe, that after that rime he durit hOt fpeake thereof
any more, ne yet to make figne or femblance: keeping yet that
fier couered within his breit, vntill his Maiiter was ridden out
of the towne, and that his Maiitreffe was at euenfong at Saint
Florentine's, a Church of the Caitle, farre from her houle: who
now being alone in the houle, began to imagine how he might
attempt that thinge by force, which before by no fupplication
or feruice he was able to attaine. For which purpofe, hee brake
vp a borde betweene his Maiitreffe chamber and his: but becaufe
the curteins of his maiiter and maiitreffe bed, and of the feruauntes
of the other ride couered and hid the walles betweene, it could
not be perceyued, nor )'et his malice difcried vntill ruche tlme as
his blaiitreffe was gone to bed, with a litle wenche of xii. veares
of age: and fo fone as the poore woman was fallen into her
firft fleepe, this varlet entred in at a hole which he had broken,
and conueyed himfelf into her bed in his thirt, with a naked
fworde in his hande: who fo fone as fhe felt him laved downe
by her, lepte out of her bed, perfwading him bv ail poffible
meanes meete for an honeit woman to do: and he indued with
beaflly loue, rather acquainted with the language of his mulets
30
A CHASTE DEATH.
than with her honefi reafons, fhewed himfelte more beafily then
the beaffs with whom he had of long time bin eonuerfant: for
feing her fo oft to runne about the table that he eould hOt
catch her, and alfo that fhe was fo firong, that twife fhe ouer-
came him, in difpaire that he fhould neuer enioy her aliue, hee
gaue her a great blow with his fword ouer the raines of the
back, thinking that if feare and fi»ree eould hOt make her to
yeld, paine and fmart fhould eaufe her. Howbeit, the contrarie
ehauneed : for like as a good man of armes when he feeth his
owne bloud, is more fer on fier to be reuenged vpon his enemies
to aequire honor: euen fo the chafie hart of this woman, did
reenforce and fortefie her courage in double wife, to auoyde
and efeape the hands of this wicked varlet, deuifing by all
meanes poflible by fayre words to make him acknowledge his
fault: but he was fo inflamed with furie, there was no place
in him to reeeiue good eounfell. And eftfones with his fword,
he gafhed her tender bodye with diuers and fondry firokes, for
the auoyding wherof, fo fafi as her legges eould beare her, fhe
ran vp and downe the ehamber: and when through want of
bloud fhe perceiued death approch, lifting vp her eyes vnto
heaven, and ioyning her hands together, gaue thanckes vnto
God, whom fhe termed to be her force, her vertue, her paeienee
and ehaffitie, humblie befeeehing him to take in good part the
bloude whiehe by his eommandemente was fheade in honor of
that preeious bloude, which from his owne fonne did iffue vppon
the Croffe, whereby fhee did beleeue, firmelve and ffedfafflye
that all her finnes were wiped awave and defaeed from the
memorye of his wrathe and anger, and in fayinge: " Lorde
reeeiue my foule whieh was dearely bought and redeemed with
thy bounty and goodnes:" fhee fell downe to the ground vpon
her face where the wyeked villaine infli&ed her bodye with
manifold wounds: and after fhe had loff her fpeaehe and the
force of her body, thys mofi wicked and abhominable varlet
toke her by force, whiche had no more ffrength and power to
defende herfelfe: and when he had fatiffied his eurfed defire, he
fled away in fuch hafi, as afterwards for all the purfute made
after him he eould not be found. The yong weneh whieh lay
A CHASTE DEATH.
with her, for feare hid herfelfe vnder the bed. But when fhe
pereeyued the villaine departed, fhee came vnto her Maiffreffe and
finding her fpeaehleffe and without mouing, fhe eryed out at
the window vnto the nexte neighbours to eome to fueeour
her: and they whieh loued her and efieemed her fo wel as any
woman in the towne, came prefently vnto her, and brought
diuers furgeons v¢ith them, v¢ho findinge vpoa ber body xxv.
mortall woundes, they did fo mueh as in them laye to helpe her :
but it was impoflible. Howbeit fhee laye one houre without
fpeaehe, makinge fignes with hir eyes and hands, deelaring
that flae had not loti her vnderffanding: being demaunded by the
prieff, of the fayth wherin fhe died, and of ber faluaeion, fhe
aunf, vered by fueh euident fignes, as ber liuely fpeaeh and eom-
munieatioa eoulde not haue deelared it better, howe that ber trufi
and confidence was in the death of Iefus Chriff, whom fhe hoped to
fee in the Celefiiall eitie, and fo with a iovfull eountenaunee, her
eves ere&ed vp to the heauens, fhe rendred her ehaft bodv
to the earth, and her foule to her Creator: and when fhee was
fhrouded readv to the buriall, as her neighbours were attending
to followe her to the Church, her poore hu/bande'eame home, and
the firft fight he fat'e, was the body of his dead wife before
his doore» wherof before that inftant hee had no newes. _And
vhen he vnderftode the order of her death he then doubled his
forrowe in fuch wyfe that he was alfo like to die. In this fort was
this marter of chaftitie buried in the church of S. Florentine» where
all the honeft dames and wiues of the citie endeuoured themfelues
to accompany her, and to honour ber with ruche reuerence as they
were able to do : accomptinge themfelues mort happle to dwell in
that towne, where a woman of fuch vertuous behauiour did
dwell. The foolifla and wanton feing the honour done
to that deade bodye, determined frorn that time
forth to renue their former lire, and to chaunge
the lame into a better.
.32
A KING OF NAPLES.
THE FIFTY-FIRST NOUELL.
.,4 king of Naples, al,ujïng a Gentleman's u,ife, in the end did weore
the bornes himfelfe.
Ix the citie of Naples when klng Alphonfus raigned, in whofe
rime wautonueffe bare chiefe9t fway, there was a Gentleman fo
honef, beautifull and comely, as for his good conditions and wel
knowen behauiour an old Gentleman gaue to him his daughter in
mariage, whieh in beautie and good grace was paffingly well
beloued and comfortable to ber hufband. The Loue was great
betwene them, till it chauneed vpon a fhrouetide that the king
went a mafking into the citie, vhere euery nala endeuoured to
intertaine him the beft he eould. And when he came to this
Gentleman's houle, he was beft receyued of any place in ail the
towne, afwell for banquetilag, as for muficall longes, and the
Gentlevoman, the favre9t that the king fawe in al| the citie to hls
contentacion. And vpon the end of the batket, fhe fang a fong
with her hufbande, with a graee fo good as it greatly augmented
her beautie. The king feeing fo many perfe6ions in one body,
conceyued not fo great pleafure in the f«eete accords of her
hufband and ber, as he did hove to deuife to interrupt and
breake them: and the diflïcultie for bringinge that to paffe,
was the great amitie that hee fawe betweeue them, vherefore
he bare in his hart that paffion fo couert, as he poflïbly could.
But partly for his owne folace and comforte, and partly for good
will of ail, hee feafed all the Lords and Ladres of Naples, where
the Gentleman and his wife were not forgotten. And becaufe
man willingly beleeueth that he doth fee, he thought that the
Iokes of that gentlewoman promifed vnto him fome graee in time
to corne, if the prefence of her hufband were no let therunto.
_And to proue vhether his coniecture vere true, he lent her huf-
bande in commiffion to Rome, for the fpaee of xv. dayes or I.
wekes. _And fi fone as he was gone, his wyfe which hitherto had
not felt any long abfence from ber hufband, made great forrow
A KING OF NAPLES.
33
for the lame, whereof fhe recomforted by the king, many times
by fweete perfwafions and by prefents and gifts, in fuch fort,
that fhe was not onely comforted, but contented with her huf-
bande's abfence. And before the three weekes were expired of his
returne, fhe was fo amorous of the king as fhe was no leffe forow-
ful of his comming home, then fl, e was before for his departure.
And to the intent the king's prefence might hOt be lotie, they
agreed together, that when her huIband was gone to his poffes-
fions in the countrie, fhe fhould rend word to the king, that he
might haue fafe repair vnto her, and fo fecretly that his honour,
(which he feared more then he did the fa&) might not be impaire&
Vpon this hope, this Ladie's hart was let on a merle pin : and when
her hufband was corne home, fhee weleomed him fo wel, that
albeit he knewe how the king made much of her in his abfence,
yet he would not beleeue that he fo did for any difhoneti fa&.
Howbeit by eontinuance of rime, this fier that eould not be
eouered, by litle and litle began to kindle, in fueh wife as the
hufband doubted much of the truth, and watched the matter fo
neere, as he was almoti oute of doubt. But for feare, leaff the
partie which did the wrong, fhould do him greater hurt, if he
feemed to know it, he determined to diffemble the matter: for
he thought it better to liue with fome griefe, then to hazard his
lire for a woman that did hOt loue him : notwithtianding, for this
difpleafure, he thought to be euen with the king if it were
poffible. And knowinge that many times defpite maketh a
woman to do that which Loue cannot bring to paffe, fpecially
thofe that haue honourable harts and tioute fiomacks, was fo
bold without blufhing, vpon a day in fpeaking to the O.ueene, to
fay unto her, that he had pitie vpon her, for that fhee xvas no
better beioued of the king her hufband. The O.ueene which heard
tell of the loue betxvene the king and his wife : " I cannot (quoth
fhe) both enioy honour and pleafure together: I knowe well that
honor I haue, whereof one receiueth the pleafure, and as fhe
hath the pleafure» fo hath not fhe the honor." He which knewe
wel by whom thofe words were fpoken, laid vnto her : "Madame,
honor hath waited vpon you [euen from your birth, for )'ou be of
fo good a houle, as to be a queene or Empreffe, you cannot
VOL. II. C
34
A KING OF NAPLES.
augment your nobilitie, but your beautie, graee, and honefiie,
hath deferued fo much pleafure, as fhe that depriueth you of
that which is incident to your degree, doth more wrong to her
felf then to your perfon. For fhe for a glorie that hath turned
her to fhame, hath therewithali loti fo mueh pleafure, as your
graee or any Lady in the realme may haue. And I may faye
vnto you (Madame) that if the kinge were no king as he is, I
thincke that he eould not excel me in pleafing of a woman : being
fure that to fatiffie fueh a vertuous perfonage as you be, he might
exehaunge his complexion with mine." The /ueene fmiling,
anfvered him: "" Aithough the king be of more delieate and
weaker complexion than you be, yet the loue that he beareth mee,
doth fo mueh content mec, as I efeeme the faine aboue ail
thinges in the worid." The gentleman faid vnto her: "Madame,
if it were fo, I woulde take no pitie vpon you, for I know wel
that the honeft loue of your hart, would yeld vnto you great eon-
tentment, if the like were to be found in the king : but God hath
forefeene and preuented the faine, leaft enioyinge your owne
defire, you would make him your God vppon earth." "" I eon-
fefïe vnto )'ou (laide the Oueene) that the Loue I beare him,
is fo great, as the like place he could hOt find in no xvoman's
hart, as he doth in mine." "Pardon me, madame (faide tbe Gen-
tleman) if I fpeake more francklye, your grace hath hOt founded
the depth of ech man's harte. For I date be bold to fay vnto you,
that I do know one that doth loue you» and whofe loue is fo great,
as your loue in refpe:te of his is nothing. _And for fo much as
he feeth the kinge's loue to faile in you his doth grow and in-
creafe, in fuch fort, that if vour loue were agreable vnto his, you
fhould be recompenfed of ail your lofïes." The Queene afwel by
his words as by his countenaunce, began to perceiue, that the
talke proceded from the bottom of his hart» and cailed to her
remembraunce that long time he had endeuored to do her fervice,
with fuch affecCtion, as for loue he xvas growen to be melancolike,
which fhe thought before, to rire tbrough his wiue's occafion,
but now fhe affurediv beleued that it was for her fake. _And
thus the force of Loue, which is well difcryed when it is not
fayned, made her fure of that, which was vnknowen to ail the
A KING OF NAPLES.
35
world. And beholding the gentleman which was more amiable
than her hufband, and feing that he was forfaken of his wife,
as fhe of the king, preffed with defpite and ialoufie of her hufband,
and prouoked with loue of the gentleman, began to fay with
finger in eye, and fighing fobbs: "0 mv God, mur vengeaunce
get and win that at my hand, which Loue cannot doe ?" The
gentleman well vnderftanding her meaning, aunfweared: "Ma-
dame, vengeance is fweete vnto him which in place of killinge
an ennemye, giueth lire to a perfete freide. I thincke it time
that trouth doe remoue from you the foolifhe loue, that you
beare to him which loueth you hot : and that iu and reafonable
loue fhould expell from you the feare, which out not remaine in
a noble and vertuous hart. But noxv madame, omittinge to
fpeake of the greatneffe of your eftate, let vs confider that we
be both man and woman, the mof deceiued of the world, and
betrayed of them which we haue mof dearely loued. Let vs
now be reuenged (madame) not onely to tender vnto them,
what they deferue, but to fatiffie the loue which for my part I
ean no longer beare, except I fhould die. And I thincke, that if
your harte be not harder than flinte, or Diamont, it is i.npoftible
bat you mu perceiue fore fparke of fier, which iacreafeth more
than I am able to diffemble: and if pitie of me which dieth for
your loue, doth hot moue you to loue me, at leaf wyfe let loue
of your felf confraine you, which (being fo perle& a creature
as you be)doth deferae to enioy the hartes of the nobleft and
mof vertuous of the world. Surfer I fay, the contempt and
forfaking of him, [toi moue you, for whom you haue difdayed
al other perlons." The Ctueene hearing thofe wordes, was fo
rauifhed, as for feare to declare by her countenaunce the trouble
of her fpirite, leaning vppon the Gentleman's arme, went into a
garden hard by her Chamber, where fhe walked a long time hot
able to fpeake a woord. But the Gentleman feeing her halle
'onne, when he was at the ende of the Alley where none could
fee them, hec certified her by effe&, the loue which fo long time
he kept fecrete from her. And both with one confent reioyced
in reuenge, whereof the paffion was importable. And there deter-
mined, that fo oft as hec went into the Country and the king
3 6
A KING OF NAPLES.
from his Caftell into the Citie, he (hould retourne to the Cartel
to fee the O.uene. Thus deceyuing the deceyuers, ail foure were
partakers of the pleafure, which two alone thougbt to enioy. The
accord made, they departed, the Lady to her Chamber, and the
Gentleman to bis houfe, with fuch contentacion» as they had
quite forgotten al theyr troubles pari. And the feare which either
of them had of the affemblv of the king and of the Gentlewoman,
was tourned to defire, which made the Gentleman to go more oft
then he was wonte to doe into the countrye, being hOt par halle
a mile of. And fo fone as the king knew therof, he fayled hot to
vifite bis Lady, and the gentleman the night following went to the
Caffie to falute the Queene, to do the office of the kinge's Lieute-
naunt, fo fecretly as no man did perceiue it. This voyage en-
dured long time, but the king becaufe he was a publike perfon,
could not fo well diffemble his Loue, but ail the worlde did vnder-
ftand it, and all men pitied the gentleman's ftate. For diuers
light perfons behinde his backe would make hornes vnto him,
in figne of mockerie, which he right well perceyued. But this
mockerie pleafed him fo wel, as he eleemed his hornes better
then the kins Crowne. The king and the Gentleman's wife one
da3" , could hot refraine (beholding a Stagge's head fet vp in the
Gentleman's houfe)from breaking into a laughter before his face»
faying, how that head became the houfe very well. The gentle-
man that had fo good a hart as he, wrote ouer that head thefe
words,
Thefe hornes I weare and l.eare for euer!t nan to view,
But yet I u,eare them hot in token the!t l.e trew.
The king retourning againe to the Gentleman's houfe, finding this
title newlye ,vritten, demaunded of the gentleman the fignification
of them.
"Who faid vnto him:
"lfprinceflèfecret things, l'e from the horned hart concealed,
lI'hy jhould like things of horned beqfles, to Princes be revealed.
But content your felfe : all they that weare hornes be pardoned to
weare their capps vpon their heads: for they be fo fweete and
pleafaunt, as they vncappe no man, and they weare them fo light,
as they thincke they haue none at all." The king knew well by
A KING OF NAPLES.
37
his wordes that he fmelled fomething of his doings, but he neuer
fufpe&ed the loue betwene the Queene and him. For the Queene
was better eontented wyth her hutbande's lire, and with greater
eafe diffembled ber griefe, x.Vherefore eyther parts lived long
rime in this loue, til| age had taken order for diffolueion thereof.
"' Behold Ladyes (quoth Saffredante) this Hifiorye whieh for
example I have willinglye recited to thintente that when
your hutbands do make you bornes as big as a Goate,
you maye render unto him the monfirous heade
of a Stagge." " Peace (quoth Emarfuite
fmyling) no more wordes, leaft you
reuiue fome fleeping fveet foule,
xvhich xvithout flurxvould hot
awake; with any whis-
prmg.
38
A PRINCESSE OF FLAUNDERS.
THE FIFTY-SECOND NOUELL.
The raj'he enterprife of a Gentlernan agai!fi a Princeffe of Flaun-
ders» and of theJhame that he 'ece/ued thereof.
THEIE was in Flaunders a Lady of an honorable houle, which had
two huibands, by whom fhee had no children that were then
liuinge. Duringe the time of her widowhoode fhee dwelte within
one of ber brothers, that loued her very we]l, whieh was a noble
man, and had maried a king's doughter. This yong Prince was
touche giuen to pleafure, louinge huntinge, paRime, and the
eompany [of fayre Ladyes, accordingly as youth requireth. He
had a wyfe that was curR and troublefome, whom the delec°ca -
tions of her huiband in no wyfe did contente and pleafe : where-
fore this noble man caufed his tirer daily to keepe company with
his wyfe. This Gentlewoman his tirer was of pleafaunt eonuerfa-
tion, and therewithal very honeR and wyfe. There was in the
houfe of this noble man, a Gentleman whofe worfhip, beautye and
graee did furpalTe all the reR of his eompanions. This Gentleman
pereeyuing the tirer of his Lorde and MaiRer tobe pleafaunte and
of ioyful] eountenaunee, thoughte to proue if the attempt of an
honeft frende would be vouehfaued, but he founde her aunfwere
to be eontrary to ber eountenaunee: and a]beit that her aun-
fwere was fucb as was meete for a Prineeffe and right honeft
Gentlewoman, yet beeaufe fhe pereeyued him to be a goodly
perfonage, and eurteous, fhe eafily pardoned his bold attempt»
and feemed that fhe toke it not in ill part when he fpake vnto
her. Neuertheleffe fhee warned him, after that time» to moue no
fueh matter, whieh he promifed, beeaufe he would not lofe his
p]eafure, and the honour that hee eoneeyued to entertaine her.
NotwithRandinge, by proeeffe of time his affecCtion inereafed fo
mueh as he forgot the promife whieh he had ruade her, wherefore
be thoughte good hot to hazarde his enterprife bv wordes, for
that hec had to long againfi his wyll experimented her wyfe and
difcrete aunfweares: and therewithall he thought if he eould
A PRINCESSE OF FLAUNDERS.
39
finde her in fome conueient place (becaufe fhe was a yong
widow, of luçty yeares and good complexion) it were poffible fhee
woulde take pitie vppon him, and of herfelf. And that he might
bring his purpofe to effe&e, he laid to his Maiçter that he had
befides his owne houle very goodlie gaine, and that if it pleafed
him to kill three or foure Stagges in the moneth of May, he flaould
fee very good paftime. The Lord afwell for the loue hee bare to
the Gentleman, as for the pleafure he had in hunting, graunted
his requeçt: and went to his houle, whieh was fo faire and well
furnifhed, as the beft Gentleman in all the eountrev had no better.
The gentleman lodged his Lord and Lady in one ride of the houle,
and in the other dire&ly againfi it her whome he loued better
than himfelfe. The Chamber where his maifres laye, was fo well
hanged with tapifirie, and fo trimely matted, as it was impoffible
to perceiue a falling dore, harde by the bed's ride, defeending
to his mother's chamber, whieh was an old Lady, mueh troubled
with the Catarre and Ruine. And beeaufe fhe had a eough, fear-
ing to difeafe the Prineeffe whieh laye aboue her, fhe ehaunged
ber ehamber with her forme. And euery night the olde Gentle-
woman brought eomfi&s to the Lady for her reereation, vpon
whom the Gentleman wayted, who (for that he was well beloued
and very familier with her brother)was not refufed to be pre-
lent at her rifing and going to bedde. Wherebv he daily toke
oecafion to inereafe his loue and affe&ion: in ruche forte as one
night, after he had eaufed the Ladye to fit vp late, (fhe being fur-
prifed with fleepe) he was foreed to depart the ehamber, and to
repaire to his own. Wher when he had put on the mort braueçt
perfumed fhirt that he had, and his cap for the night fo trimmely
dreffed, as there wanted nothing, he thought in beholding him-
felf, that there was ho.Lady in the world that would refufe his
beautie and comlineffe. Wherefore promifing himfelfe a happie
fucceffe in his enterprife, hee went to his bed where he purpofed
hOt long to abide, for the defire that he had to enter into
another, whiche fhould be more honourable and pleafaunt vnto
him. And after he had fent his men away, he rofe to fhut the
dote after them, and hearkened a good while, whether he could
heare any noyfe in the Ladie's chamber aboue. And when he was
4 °
PRINCESSE OF FLAUNDERS.
fure that euery man was at relU, he began to take his pleafaunt
iourney, and by litle and litle opened the falling dore, whiche
xvas fo well trimmed with cloth, that it made no noyfe at ail,
and vent vp to the Ladie's bed ride, which then xvas in her rira
fleepe, and without refpee of the bonde and promife that he
made vnto her, or the honorable houfe wherof fhe came, without
leaue or reuerence, he laid himfelfe down befides her, who felt
him betwene her armes before flae perceiued his comming. But
fhe which was fomewhat ftrong, vnfolded her felf out of his handes,
and in afking him what he was, began to rike, to bite and
fcratche, in fuche wyfe, as he was conrained (for feare lea/ /he
fhould crye out) to oppe her mouth with the couerlet, which
was impoffible for him to do. For when fhe fawe him to preffe
with ail his force to defpoyle her of her honor, fhe fpared no part
of her might to defende and kepe ber felfe, and called (fo loude as
fhe could) her woman of honor, that laye in her chamber, whlche
was a very auncient and fober gentlewoman, who in her fmock,
ran raight to her maifreffe. _And when the Gentleman perceiued
that hee was difcouered, hee was fo fearfull to be knoxven of the
Ladye, as fone as he could hee fhifted himfelf down by his trapdore.
And where before he conceiued hope and affuraunce to be welcome,
now he was brought in defpaire for retourning iii fo vnhappy ate.
,Vhen he xvas in his chamber, he found his glaffe and candle vpon
the table, and beholding his face all bloudy with the fcratchings
and bitinges, whiche flaee had beowed vpon him, the bloud
wherof ran down his fayre fhyrt, better bloudied then gilted, he
began to make his moone in this wife: "O beautie, thou art
nowe payed thy defert, for vppon thy vayne promife haue I ad-
uentured a thing impoflïble. And that which might haue bene
the augmenting of my delight is nowe the redoubling of my forowe.
Being affured that if fhe knewe howe contrary to my promife I
haue enterprifed this fooliflae fa&, I fhould vtterly forgoe the
hone and common conuerfation whiche I haue with her aboue
al other. That which my eimation, beautie and good behauiour
doe deferue, I ought not to hyde in darkeneffe. To gaine her
loue, I ought not to haue affayed her chae bodye by force, but
rather by ferulce and humble pacience, to wayte and attend till
A PRINCESSE OF FLAUNDERS.
41
loue did vanquiflae. For without loue all the vertue and puiffance
of man is of no power and force." Euen thus he paffed the night
in fueh teares, griefes and plaintes, as ean not be well reported
and vttered. In the morning, when he beheld his bloudy face
ail mangled and torne, he fained to be very tieke, and that he
Eould abide no light, til the eompany were gone from his houfe.
The Ladye whiehe thus remained vié-torious, knowing that there
was no man in all her brother's Court, that durit attempt a deede
fo wicked, but her hoite which was fo bolde to deelare his loue
vnto her, knew well that it was he. And when fhe and her woman
of honour had fearehed ail the eorners of the ehamber to knowe
what he was, and eould not finde hym, fhe fayd vnto her woman
in great rage: "Affure your felfe it ean be none other, but the
Gentleman of the houle, whofe villanous order I wvll reueale to
my brother in the morning, in fueh forte, as his head fhalbe a
witneffe and testimony of my ehaititie." Her woman feing her in
that furie, fayd vnto her; "Madame, I am right glad to fee the
loue and affccCtion which you beare to your honor, for the inereafe
wherof you doe not fpare the life of one» which bath aduentured
himfelfe fo touche for the loue that hee beareth vnto you. But
many rimes fueh one thinketh by thofe meanes to inereafe loue,
whieh altogether he doth diminifhe. .Vherefore (Madame) I
humbly befeche you to tell me the truthe of this fac'-te." And
when the Ladie had reeompted the fame at lengthe, the woman of
honour fayd vnto her : "Your graee doth fay that he got no other
thyng of you, but feratehes and blowes with your fifres." "No,
I affure you (quod the Ladie) and I am certaine if hee gette hym
not a good Surgeon, the markes will be feene to morowe." "Wel
Madame (quod the gentlewoman) fithens it is fo, me thinketh you
haue greater oeeafion to prayfe GOD, then to mufe vpon reuenge:
For you may beleue, that fithens he had the courage to enterprife
fo great an exploit, and that defpite hath failed him of his purpofe,
you ean deuife no greater death for him to fuffer, then the faine.
If you detire to be reuenged, let Loue and fhame alone bring that
to paffe, who knowe better whieh way to tormente him than your
felfe, and with greater honor to your perfone. Take heede
dame from falling into fueh ineonuenienee as he is in, for in
42
A PRINCESSE OF FLAUNDEKS.
place of great pleafure whiche he thought to haue gayned, he hath
receiued the extremeft anoyance, that any gentleman ean fuffer.
And you Madame, by thinking to augment your honor, you may
deereafe and diminifh the faine. And by making eomplaint, you
fhal taule that to be knowen, which no man knoweth. For of
his part (you may he affured) there fhail neuer be anything re-
uealed. And when my Lorde your brother at your requefte, fhall
execute the iuftice which you defire, and that the poore Gentleman
fhal be ready to die, the brute will runne that he hath had his
pleafure vpon you. And the greateft numbre will fay, that it is
very diffieult for a Gentleman to doe fuehe an enterprife, except
the Lady minifter fome great oeeafion. Your graee is faire and
yong, frequenting your life in pleafant company, there is none in
ail the Court, but feeth and marketh the good eountenaunee you
beare to that Gentleman, whereof your felfe hath fome fufpicion :
which will make euery man fuppofe that ifhe hath donc this enter-
prife, it was not without fome confent from you. And your honor
which hetherto hath borne your port a loft, fhall be difputed vpon
in ail places where this hifforie fhall be remembred." The Prin-
eeffe well waying the good reafons and aduife of her gentlewoman,
knewe that fhe fpake the truthe: and that by moffe iuft caufe fhe
fhould be blamed: confidering the familiaritie and good coun-
tenaunce which dayly fhe bare vnto the Gentleman. ,Vherefore
fhe inquired of her woman of honour, what was beffe to bec donc.
,Vho aunfwered her thus. "Madame, fith it pleafeth you to re-
eeiue mine aduife, by waying the affe&ion whereof it proeedeth,
me thinke you ought in your hart to reioyce, that the goodlief,
and mofte eurteous Gentleman that liueth» could neither by loue,
or force, defpoile you of your greate vertue and ehaftitie. For
which (Madame) you are bounde to humble your felfe before God,
acknowledging that it is not donc by your vertue, bicaufe many
women walking in a more paineful and more vnpleafaunt trade
then you do, haue humiliated and brought low by men farre more
vnworthy of loue, then he which loueth you. And ye ought now
to feare more than euer you did, to vfe any femblance and take of
amitie, bicaufe there haue bene many that haue fallen the feeond
time into daungers and perils, which they haue auoyded at the
A PRINCESSE OF FLAUNDERS.
43
firt. Remember (Madame) that loue is blind, who blafeth mens
eyes in fueh fort, as where a man thinketh the waye mote fure,
ther his mofi readie to fal. And I fuppofe Madame, that you
ought not to feme to be priuie of this ehaunee, neither to him, ne
ver to any eis, and wheu he remembreth anye thing to you, doe
make as though you did not vnderfiande his meaning, to auoyde
twoo daungers. The one of vaine glorie for the vi6torie you haue
had, the other to take pleafure in remembring thîngs, that be fo
pleafaunt to the fieffé» whieh the mot ehafie haue had mueh a do
to defend theimfelues from feling fome fparkes, although they feke
meanes to fhunne and auoyde them with ail their poffible power.
Moreouer, Madame, to thende that hethinke not by fuehe hazardand
enterprife to haue done a thing agreable to your minde, mv eoun-
fell is, that by litle and litle, you doe make vour felfe firaunge, and
vfe no more your wonted graee vnto him, that he may know how
mueh you defpife his folly and eonfider how great your goodneffe
is, by eontenting your felf with the vidory which God bath geuen
you, xx'ithout feeking any further vltion or reuengement. And God
graunt you graee (Madame) to continue that honefiie which hec
hath planted in your hart, and by acknowledging that ail goodneffe
proeedeth from him, you may loue him and ferue him, better than
euer ye did." The Prineeffe determined to eredite the eounfayle of
her geutlewoman, flepte with fo great ioye as the poore geutleman
waked with forrow. On the morrow the noble man readv to de-
part, alked for his hofie» vnto whom anf,vere was ruade that he
was fo fieke» as he eould not abide the light, or endure to heare
one fpeake. Vherof the Prince was fore abafhed, and would haue
vifited him, but that it was told him he was a flepe, and was very
loth to wake him. Vherefore without bidding him farewell, he
departed, taking with him his wife and fifier, xvho hearing the
exeufe of the Gentleman that would not fee the Prince, nor yet
his eompanie» at their departure, was perfuaded that it was he,
that had done her al that torment, and durfi not fhew the markes
whieh fhe had figned in his face. And although his BIaifier did
fende oftimes for him yet came he not to the Court, vntill he was
healed of his woundes, exeept that whiehe loue and defpite had
marie in his harte. .Vhen he came to the Courte and appeared be-
44
A PRINCESSE OF FLAUNDERS.
fore his vi&orious enemie, he blued for ame of his ouer throwe.
And he which was the foutef of ail the company was fo afonned
as many rimes being in ber prefence, hee could not tell which wav
to Ioke or tourne his face. Vherfore fhe was affured that ber
fufpicion was certain and true, by litle and litle efraunging her
felf from him, but it was not done fo fleightly or politikely
but that he perceiued well enough, and yet he durf
make no femblaunce, for feare of worfe aduenture.
Notwithfanding he conferued both loue in his
hart, and pacience in his minde, for the
loffe of his Ladie's fauour, which he
had right well deferued.
AIADOUR AND FLORINDA.
45
THE FIFTY-THIRD NOUELL.
The loue of Amadour and Florinda : wherein be conteined rnani
fleightes and diflimulations, together with the renowmed chqflitie
of the faid Florinda.
IN the Countie of _Arande, in _Aragon, a region in Spalne, there
was a Ladie whiche in the bett time of ber youth, continued the
widow of the Earle of_Arande, with one fonne, and one daughter,
called Florinda. The fayde Lady brought vp ber children in ail
vertue and honettie, meete and conuenable for Lordes and Gentle-
men, in fuch forte, as her houle was renowmed to be one of the
mort honorable in all the Region of Spaine. Many times the re-
paired to Tolledo, where the kinge of Spaine helde his Court, and
when the came to Sarragofa, which was harde adioyning to the
court, the continued long with the Oueene, and in the Courte,
where the was had in fo good eflimation as any Lady might be.
Vpon a time going towardes the king, according to ber cuttome,
which was at Sarragofa, in his caille of Iafferie, this Lady paffed
bv a village that belonged to the Viceroy of Catalongne, who flill
continued vppon the frontiers of Parpignon, for the great warres
that were betwene the Frenche king and him. Howebeit, at that
time peace being concluded, the Viceroy with all his captaines
were corne to do reuerence to the king. The Viceroy knowing
that the Counteffe of Arrande did paffe through his countrie, went
to mete ber, as well for auncient amitie, as for the honor he bare
vnto ber being allied to the kyng. Nowe this Viceroy had in his
companye diuers honett Gentlemen, whiche through the frequen-
tation and continuance of the long warres, had gotten ruche
honour and faine, as euery man that might fee them and behold
them did accompt them felues happy. But amonges all other,
there was one called Amadour, who although he was but xvIII.
or XlX. yeares of age, )'et he had fuch an affured grace and witte
fo excellent, as he was demed amongs a thoufand perfones wor-
thy to haue the gouernement of a common wealth, whiche good
witte was coupled with maruellous naturall beautie, fo that there
46
A.XIADOUR AND FLORINDA.
was no eye, but did content it felf eftfones to beholde hvm.
And this beautie fo exquifite, was affoeiated with wonderfull
eloquence, as doubtfull to fay, whether merited greateK honor,
either his graee and beautie, or his excellent tongue. But that
whieh brought him into beft reputation, was his great hardineffe,
whereof the eommon reporte and brute was nothing impeaehed
or Kaied for ail his youth. For in fo many places he fhewed his
ehiualrie, as not only Spain but Fraunee and Italie, did fingularly
commend and fet forth his vertue: bieaufe in all the warres
wherin he was prefent, he neuer fpared him felf for any daunger.
And when his eountrie was in peace and quiet, he fought to ferue
in Kraunge places, being loued and efiemed both of his frendes
and enemies. This Gentleman for the loue of his Captaine was
eome into that eountrey, where was arriued the Counteffe of
Arande, and in beholding the beautie and good graee of her
daughter, whieh was not then paK xrr. yeres of age, he thought
that fhe was the faireK and moK vertuous perfonage that euer he
fawe : and that if he eould obtaine her good will, he fllould be fo
well fatiffied as if he had gained ail the goods and pleafures of the
worlde. And after he had a good whyle viewed her, for ail the
impoflibilitie that reafon eould deuife to the eontrary, he deter-
mined to loue her, although fome oeeafion of that impoffibilitie
might ryfe through the greatneffe of the houfe vherof fhe came,
and for want of age whieh was not able as yet to vnderfiande the
paflïons of loue. But againfi the feare thereof he was armed
with good hope, perfuading himfelfe, that time and patience
would bring happie ende to his trauavle: and from that rime
gentle Loue whiehe without any other oceafion than by his own
force was entred the harte of Amadour, promifed him fauour and
helpe by ail meanes poflïble to attaine the faine. And to prouide
for the greateK diffieultie, whieh was the farre difiance of the
countrie wher he dwelt, and the fmall oceafion that he had there-
by any more to fee Florinda, he thought to marry againK his
determination ruade with the ladies of Barfelone and Parpignon,
amonges whom he was fo eonuerfant by reafon of the warres, as
he femed rather to be a Cathelan, than a Cafillan, although
he wer borne by Tollede, of a riche and honourable houle, yet
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
47
bicaufe he was a yonger brother, he inioyed no great patrlmonie
or reuenue. Notwithfanding, loue and fortune feing him forfaken
of his parentes, determined to aeeomplifhe fome notable exployt
in him, and gaue him (by meanes of his vertue) that whieh the
lawes of his eountrey refufed to geue. [te had good experienee
in fa&es of warre, and was fo well beloued of al Princes and
Rulers, as he refufed many times their goodes, being refolued
not to eare or efeme the benefites of Fortune. The Counteffe
of whome I fpake, arriued thus at Saragoffa, was very well inter-
tained of the king, and of his whole Court. The Gouernour of
Catalogne, many rimes came thither to vifite her, whom Amadour
neuer failed to aeeompany, for the onely pleafure he had to talke
with Florinda: and to make himfelfe to be knowen in the
eompany, hee went to Auenturade, whiehe was the daughter of an
old knight that dwelt hard by the houle, whiche from ber youth
was brought vp with Florinda, in fueh familiar forte, as fhe knewe
ail the feerets of her harte. Amadour, as well for the honelie
that he round in her, as for the liuing of iI.., dueates by the
veare whieh fhe fhould haue with her in mariage, determined to
geue her fueh intertaignement, as one that was difpofed to marry
her. ,Vherunto the gentlewoman did willingly reeline ber eare:
and bieaufe he was poore, and the father of the damofell rieh,
fhe thought that her father would neuer accorde to the mariage,
exeept it were by meanes of the Counteffe of Arande. Wherupon
fhe went to madame Florinda, and faide vnto her: "Madame,
you fee this Caffillan gentleman, whieh fo oftentimes talketh with
me, I doe beleue that his pretenee is to marry me: you do know
what a father I haue, who will neuer geue his eonfent, if he be not
perfuaded therunto by my Lady your mother and you." FIorinda
which loued the damofell as her felfe, affured her that fhee would
take vpon her to bring that matter to paffe, with fo earnef tra-
uaile as if the eafe were her own. Then Anenturade brought
Amadour before Florinda, who after he had faluted her, was like
to fall in a fowne for ioy, and although he were eompted the mofe
eloquent perfone of Spaine, yet was he now beeome mute and
dumb before Florinda, wherat fhe maruelled much ". for albeit fhe
was but xx. yeares of age, yet fhe vnderftode that there was no
48
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
man in Spaine that had a better tongue, or a more conuenable
grace than he. And feing that he laid nothing vnto her, fhe
fpake vnto him in this wife: "The faine which is bruted of you
(tir Amadour) throughout the whole countrie of Spaine, is fuch as
it maketh you knowen and eflemed in this company, and giueth
defire and occafion to thofe that know ),ou, to imploy them-
felues to do you pleafure : wherefore if there be any thing wherin
I may gratifie you, vfe me I befech you." Amadour that gafed
vpon the beautie of that lady, was rapt and furprifed, hOt well able
to render thankes vnto her. And although Florinda maruelled to
fee him without aunfwere, yet tire imputed it rather to baflffulneffe
than to any force of loue, and departed without further talke.
Amadour knowing the vertue which in fo tender yeares began to
appeare in Florinda, laide vnto her whome he purpofed to marry :
« Doe not maruell, though my fpeaehe do fayle before Madame
Florinda, for the vertues and difcretion, hidden in that yonge
perfonage, did fo amafe mee, as I wife not what to lave : but I
praye you .Auenturade (quod he) who knoweth all ber feeretes, to
tell me, if it be otherwvfe poflible, but that fl, e hath the harte of
ail the Lordes and Gentlemen of the Court : for thev which know
her and doe not loue her, be ftones, or beafes." .Auenturade
whiche then Ioued .Amadour more than all the men in the worlde,
and would eoneealernothing from him, laid vnto him : that Ma-
dame Florinda was generally beloued: but for the euftome of
the eountrie, fewe men did fpeake unto her. ".And (quod fhe)
as yet I le none that make any femblanee of loue vnto her,
but two young Princes of Spaine, which defire to marry her,
whereof the one is the fonne of the Infant Fortune, and the
other of the Duke of Cadouee." "I praye you then (quod .Ama-
dour) to tell me which of them as you think, doth loue her beR."
"Sbe is fo wife" laid .Auenturade, "that flaewill eonfeffe or
graunt her loue to none, but to fueh as her mother pleafeth. But
yet fo far as we ean iudge fhe fauoureth touche better the fonne
of the Infant Fortune, than the Duke of Cadouee : and for that I
take you to be a man of good iudgment, this day you fhall haue
oeeafion to confider the truth : for the fonne of the Infant Fortune
is brought vp in Court," and is one of the goodliet and perfec"tef
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
49
yong Gentlemen in al chriftendome : and if the mariage do pro-
cede, according to our opinion, which be ber xvomen, he fhalbe
affured to haue Madame Florinda: and then fhalbe ioyned
together the goodlieft couple in the world. _And you muft vnder-
fland, that although they be both very yong, fl, e of x,i. yeares
of age, and he of xv. yet is there three yeares pari rince their loue
firft began: and if you be difpofed aboue other to obtain her
fauour, mine aduife is, that ye become friend and feruaunt vnto
him." Amadour was very ioyfull to heare tell that his Lady
loued fome man, trufting that in tyme he fllould wvnne the
place, hOt of hufbande, but of feruaunt: for he feared nothing
at ail of her vertue, but a laeke of difpofition to loue. _And after
this communication, Amadour bent himfeife to haunt the foeietie
of the forme of the Infant Fortune, whofe good wiil he forte
reeouered, for ail the paflimes whiehe the yong Prince Ioued,
Amadour eould doe right well: and aboue other, he was very
eunning in riding of horffes, and in handling al kindes of armes
and weapons, and in ail other paflimes and gaines meete for a yong
Gentleman. ,Varres began in Languedoe, and _Amadour was
foreed to retire with the Gouernour, to his great forrowe and grief,
for he had there no meane to returne to the place xvhere he
might le Florinda. For whieh eaufe he fpake to his oxvne bro-
ther, xvhiehe xvas Steward of the king of Spaine's houflold, and
deelared vnto him what eourterie he had found in the houfe of the
Counteffe of Ararde, and of the damofel _Auemurade: praying
him that in his abfenee he would do his indeuour, that the mariage
rnight proeeede, and that he would obtaiue for him the eredit and
good opinion of the king and C/ueene, and of al his friendes. The
Gentleman whieh Ioued his brother, as well by nature's inftigation,
as for his great vertues, promifed him his trauaile and induftrie
to the vttermofte, x.Vhieh he did in fueh wife as the old man her
father, nove forgetting other naturall refpe&, began to marke
and beholde the vertues of _Amadour, whieh the Counteffe of
Arande, and fpeeially faire Florinda, painted and let foorth
vnto him, and likewyfe the Yong earl of _Arande whiehe inereafed
in yeares, and therewithall in loue of thofe that xvere vertuous,
and geuen to honeft exereife. _And when the mariage was agreed
tL. II. D
50
AIADOUR AND FLORINDA.
betweene the parentes, the faid Steward fent for his brother whilet
the truce endured betwene the two kings. About this rime, the
king o[ Spain retired to Madric, to auoyd the euil aire that was in
many places, where by the aduife of diuers o[ his eounfell,
and at the reque of the Counteffe of Arande, he ruade a
mariage betwene the yong Dueheffe the heire of ledina Celi, and
the yong Earle of Arande, as wel for the vnion of their
houfe, as alfo for the loue he bare tq the faid Counteffe. And
this mariage was celebrated in the Caell of Madrie, where-
unto repaired Amadour, who fo well obtained his fuite, as he
maried ber, of whom he was muche better beloued, than his fmal
loue toward her deferued, fauing that it was a eouerture and
meanes for him to [requent the place where his minde and delight
inceffantly remained: a[ter he was maried, he became well ae-
quainted and familiar in the houfe o[ the Counteffe, fo that he was
fo eonuerfaunt amonges the Ladies, as if he had bene a woman :
and ahhough hee was then but -Xll. yeares of age, he was fo
wife and graue, as the Counteffe imparted vnto him ail her affaires,
commaunding her fonne and daughter to intertayne him, and to
credite all thinges wherein hee gaue eounfell. Hauing wonne
this great eftimation, he behaued him fel[e fo wvfe and politike,
that euen the partie whiehe he loued knewe no parte of his affec-
tion: but by reafon of the loue that Florinda bare to the wife of
Amadour, whome fhee loued more than anv other woman, fhe was
fo familiar with him, as fhee diffembled no part of her thotght,
declaring vnto him ail the loue that fhe bare the fonne of the
Infant Fortune : and he that defired nothing more than throughly
to winne ber, eeaffed not from continuanee of talke, not earing
whereof he fpake, fo that he might hold her with long difeourfe :
Amadour had not a[ter his mariage continued a moneth in that
companie, but was eonrained to retire to the warres, where hee
eontinued more than twoo yeares, without retourne to fee his wife,
who ftill abode in the place where fhe was brought vp. During
the rime, Amadour wrote many letters vnto his wi[e, but the
ehiefett fubitanee thero[ confied in eommendations to Florinda,
who for her part [ailed not to render like vnto him, many times
writing fome pretie worde or pofie with her own hand, in the
AADOUR AND FLORINDA.
51
letter of Auenturade. SVhich made her hufband Amadour
diligent many times to write again vnto her, but in ai this doing
Florinda conceiued nothing, but that he loued her with fuch iike
loue as the brother oweth to the fif[er. Many times Amadour
went and came, but in the fpace of fiue yeares he neuer fawe
Florinda twoo monethes together: notwithf[anding, Loue in des-
pite of their diftaunce and long abfence, ceaffed hot to increafe :
and it chaunced that hee ruade a voyage home to fee his wyfe,
and founde the Counteffe farre from the court, bicaufe the kyng
of Spain was done to Vandeioufie, and had taken with him the
yong Earle of Arande, whiche then began to bere armes. The
Counteffe was retired to a houfe of pleafure, which flaee had vpon
the frontiers of Arragon and Nauarre, and was right ioyfuli when
fhee fee Amadour, who aimote three yeares had bene abfent.
He was very weil recieued of euery man, and the counteffe com-
maunded that he fhould be vfed and entreated as her howne forme.
During the time that he foiourned with her, fhe communicated
vnto him ali the affaires of her houfe, and committed the greateft
truf[ thereof to his difcretion, who wan fuch credite in the houle
as in ail places where he lif[e, the dores were opened vnto him :
whofe wyfedome and good behauiour made him to be ef[emed
li ke a Sain& or Aungeil. Florinda, for the loue and good wyll fhe
bare unto his wyfe and him, ruade touche of him in ail places where
fhe fawe him : and therfore tooke no hede vnto his countenaunce,
for that her hart as yet felt no paffion, but a certen contentation
in her felfe, when fhe was in the prefence of Amadour, and of
any other thing fhe thought not. Amadour to auoyde the iudge-
ment of them that haue proued the difference of Louers counte-
naunces, was very ware and circumfpe& : for when Florinda came
to fpeake vnto hym fecretly (like one that thought no hurt) the
fier hydden in his bref[e, burned fo fore, as he could not f[aye
the blufhyng colour of his face, nor the fparkes whiche flewe
out of his eyes: and to the intent, that through long frequen-
ration, none might efpie the lame, he intertaigned a very
fayre Ladye cailed Paulina, a woman in his tyme accompted fo
fayre, as fewe men whiche beheide her, coulde efcape her. bondes,
This Ladye Paulina vnderf[anding howe Amadour vfed his Loue
5 2
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
at Barl'elone and Parpignon, and hoxv he was beloued of the fayret
Ladies of the Countrie, and aboue ail of the Counteffe of Palamons,
whiche in beautie was pryfed to be the favreff in ail Spayne, and
of many other, farde vnto hym: "That fl,ee had great pitie of
hym, for that after fo manye good Fortunes, he had maried a wyfe
fo foule and deformed." Amadour vnderffanding xvell by thofe
woordes, that fhe had defyre to remedy her owne neceflïtie, vfed
the beff maner he coulde deuife, to the intent that in makyng her
beleue a lye, he fhould hyde from her the truthe. But fhee
fubtile and well experimented in Loue, was not contente with talke,
but perceyuing xvell that his harte was hot fatiffied with ber Loue,
doubted that hec coulde not ferue his Ladv in feerete wife, and
therefore marked hym fo nere, as daylye tZe had a refpe&e and
watche vnto hys eyes, 'hiche hee coulde fo well diffemhle, as fhe
was able to iudge nothyng, but by darke fufpieion, not without
great payne and diffieultie to the Gentleman, to whome Florinda
(ignoratmt of ail their malice) dyd reforte many tymes in prefenee
of Paulina, whofe demeaner then was fo familiar, as he with mar-
uellous payne refrayned his lookes againtt his harte and defire:
and to auoyde that no ineonuenienee fhould enfue, one daye
fpeaking to Florinda, as they were both leaning at a wyndow, fayd
thefe words: "Madame, I befeche you to tell mec whether it is
better to fpeake or to die." Whereunto Florinda anfwered
readily, faying! " I ,'ill euer geue eouneell to mv frendes to
fpeake and not to dye: for there be fewe wordes fpoken but that
they may be amended, but the lire loft eannot be reeouered."
" Promife me then" laid Amadour, "that not onely ye will aeeept
thofe wordes whieh I will fay, but alfo not to be aftonned or
abafhed, till ye haue heard the end of mv tale." To whom
fhe aunfwered: " Say what it pleafe you, for if you do affray
me none other fhall affure me." Then he began to raye vnto
her: "Madame, I haue not yet bene defirous to difelofe vnto
you the great affe&ion whieh I beare you, for twoo eaufes: the
one, bieaufe I attend bv my long feruiee, to flaewe you the ex-
perienee thereof: the other, for that I doubted you wou]d thinke
a great prefumption in me (whieh ara but a poore gentleman) to
infinuate my felfe in place vhereof I am not worthy : and although
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
I were a Prince as you be, the Ioyaltie yet of your harte, will not
permitte any other, but him which hath already taken poffeflïon
(the forme I meane of the Infant Fortune) to vfe in talke any
matter of loue: but Madame, like as neceffitie in time of great
warr conriraineth men to make hauoke of their owne goodes, and
to confume the greene corne, that the enemy take no profit and
reliefe thereof, euen fo doe I hazard to aduaunce the frute, which
in time I hope to gather, that vour enemies and mine may inioye
thereof none aduauntage. Knoxve ye Madame, that from the rime
of your tender yeares, I haue in fuch wyfe dedicated my felfe to
your feruice as I ceaffe not riili to afpire the meanes to achieue
vour grace and fauour: and for that occafion, I did marry her
whome I thought you did loue be: and knowing the loue
you beare to the fonne of the Infant Fortune, I haue indeuoured
to ferue him as you haue fene: and that wherein I thought you
dyd delighte, I haue accomplifhed to the vttermorie of my power.
You doe fee that I haue gotten the good wil of the Counteffe your
mother, of the Earle vour brother, and of ail thofe that doe beare
",'ou good wyll : in futche forte as in this houle I ara eflemed, hot
iike a feruaunt, but as a fonne: and ali the labour whiche I haue
furiavned thefe fiue yeares pari, was for none other eaufe, but to
lyue all the daies of my life with vou : and vnderriand ",'ou wel
that I ara none of thofe whiehe by thefe lneanes doe pretende to re-
ceiue of you anye profite or pleafure, other than that whieh is good
and vertuous : I do know that I ean nener marrie you, and if I eould
I would not for letting the loue that you beare vnto him, whom
I defire to be your hufbande, likewife to loue you in vieious forte,
like them that hope to reeompenee their feruiee with diflaonour
of their Ladies, I ara fo farre of from that affecCtion, as I had rather
be dead than to fee you by defert worthv of leffe loue, and that
your vertue flaoulde by any meanes be diminifhed for any pleafure
that might happen vnto mee. I do pretend and eraue for the ende
and reeompenee of my ferviee, but one thing : whieh is, that )'ou
will continue my Ioyail and faithfuil mairireffe, neuer to with-
drawe from me your wonted grace and fauour, and that you will
maintaine mee in that eriate wherein I ara. Repofinge your trugc
and fidelitie in me more than in any other, making your felfe fo
54
AIIADOUR AND FLORINDA.
affured of me, as if for your honor or any caufe touching your
perron, you ltand in neede of the life of a Gentleman, the fame
fhal right willingly be employed at your commaundement : in like
maner all thinges vertuous and honelt which euer I/hal attempt
I befeech you to thinke to be donc onely for the loue of vou : and
if I haue donc for Ladies of leffe reputacion than you he, auy thing
worthy of regard, be affured that for fuch a maiftreffe as you he,
my enterprifes fhal increafe in fuch fort, as the things which I
round difficult and impoffible,/hall he eafelie for me to accom-
pli/he: but if you do not accept mec to be wholy yours, I deter-
mine to giue ouer armes, and to renounce valiaunce, becaufe it
hath not fuccoured me in neceffitie: wherfore, Madame, I
humblie befeech you that my iufi requef may hOt be refufed, fith
with your honour and confcience vou cannot well denie the fame."
The yong Lady hearing this vnaccultomed lute, began to chaunge
her colour, and to caffe downe her eyes like an amafed woman,
notwithffandinge, being wyfe and difcrete/he faid vnto him : "" If
(Amadour) your requeft vnto me be none other than you pretende,
wherefore have you difcourfed this long Oratiou ? I am afraid lef
vnder this honeffe pretence there lurketh fome hidden malice to
deceiue the ignoraunce of my youth, wherby I am wrapt in great
perplexitie how to make you aunfwere: for to refufe the honeft
amitie which you haue offered, I/hall doe contrary to that I haue
donc hitherto, for I haue repofed in you more trult than in any
liuing creature: mv confcience or mine honour cannot gainefay
your demaunde, nor the loue that I beare to the fonne of the Infant
Fortune, which is grounded vpon fayth of mariage : x'here you
fay that you pretende nothinge but that is good and vertuous, I
cannot tell what thing /hould let me to make you aunfwere ac-
cording to your requeft, but a feare that I conceiue in hart,
founded vpon the fmall occafion that you haue to vfe that fpeache,
for if you haue alreadye what you demaunde, what doth confraine
you to fpeake fo affe&uouflie ?" Amadour that was not without
an amffweare, laid vnto her: "" Madame, you fpeake very
wifely, and you do me fo much honour, for the confidence and
truffe whieh aceording to your fayinge you do repofe in me, as if
I doe not content my felfe with fuch a benefite» I were the vn-
AMADOUR AND PLORINDA.
worthief[ man aliue: but vnderftande Madame, that he which
goeth about to builde a perpetual manfion, ought to haue regard
to a fure and firme foundaeion: wherfore I whieh defire perpe-
tually to remaine your feruaunte, doe feeke not onely the meanes
to kepe my felfe neare about you, but a!fo to forefee that none
doe vnderftand the great affeêtion that I do beare vou: for al-
though my mind be fo vertuous and honeft, as the lame may
difelofe it felfe before the whole worlde, yet there bee fome fo
ignorant and vnfkilfull of louers harts, as martre rimes will iudge
eontrary to trouth, wherof proeeedeth fo ill brute and report, as if
the effeêtes were wieked : the eaufe whieh hath made me fo bold
to fay and deelare vnto vou thus mueh, is the fufpieion that
Paulina hath eoneeyued, for that I eannot loue her: who doth
nothing els but marke and efpie my eountenaunee in euerye place,
and when vou vfe vour familiar talke with me before her, I am fo
afraide to fhewe any figne wherebv fhee mare grounde or verifie
her iudgemente, that I fall into that ineonuenienee, whieh I would
willingly auoyde: wherefore I haue thought good to befeech you
(before her and thofe whieh you do know to be fo malieious)to
refraine from talkinge with mee fo fodainlye, for I had rather dye,
than anye liuinge ereature fhould haue miftruft thereof: and were
it not for the loue whieh I beare vnto your honour, I had hOt yet
deelared the lame vnto you, for I do hold my felfe fuffieiente happy
and content of the onely loue and affiaunee that you put in me,
erauing nought els butt the eontinuanee of the faine." Florinda
wel fatiffyed with this aunfwere, began to feele in harte a further
thing to growe than euer fhe did before: and hearing the honeft
reafons alleaged by him, laid, that her honeftie and vertue thoulde
make aunfweare for her, and therewithall affented to his demaunde :
whereof whether Amadour were ioyful, Louers neede hOt doubt :
but Florinda eredited more his eounfell, than he would haue had
her. For fhee being fearefull and timerous, not onely before
Paulina, but in all other places, vfed farre other eountenaunee
than fhe was wont to do: and in this alienation of her former
familiarity, fhe mifliked the eonuerfation that Amadour had with
Paulina, whofe beautv was fueh, that fhe eould not otherwife
beleeue, but that hee loued her: and Florinda to paffe ouer her
56
AMADOUR AIqD FLORINDA.
heauineffe, daily vfed the company of Auenturade, that began
marueloufly to be ialous betweene her hu/bande and Paulina,
whereof fhee ruade complaint manv times to Florinda. who eom-
forted her fo well as /hee coulde, like one attached with the lame
difeafe : Amadour conieuringe by the countenaunce of Florinda,
that not onely/hee ,.vas efraunged from hym through his former
aduertifement, but alfo that there was fome other difpleafure con-
eevued, comming vpon a time, from euenfong out of the Monas-
telle, he favd vnto her: "'Madame, vhat countenaunce do you
make me ? " "' Such as I thincke doth pleafe you bef," anfwered
Florinda. Then _Amadour fufpe&ing a matter, to knov whether
it were true, began to faye: "'Madame, I haue fo vfed Paulina,
as/he beginneth to give ouer her opinion of you." She anfwered
him: "Ye cannot do a better thing either for your felfe or for
me: for in doing your felfe a pleafure, you do honour vnto me."
_Amadour iudged by thefe words that/he thought he toke pleafure
to talke of Paulina, wherewith he became fo defperate, as hee
could not forbeare to far vnto her in anger : "Madame, you begin
very fone to torment your feruante : there was neuer paine more
greeuous vnto mee, than to be forced to fpeake to her whom I
loue not: and fithens al that vhich I do for your feruice is taken
in iii part, I wil neuer fpeake againe vnto her, whatfoeuer happen :
and to diffemble mine anger and contentacion, I wil addreffe my
felfe to fome place hereby, till your fancie be ouer paft: but I
hope I /hall receiue newes from my captaine, to retourne to the
warres, where I will fo longe continue, as vou /hall well knowe,
that nothing els but vou alone doth force me to tarrie here." And
i1 faying ri», without attending for her aunfwere, hee incontinently
departed, and /hee remavned fo lad and penfive as any woman
coulde be: and loue began to/hewe his greate force in fuch wvfe
as/hee knowing ber vrong inceffantly, wrote to Amadour praying
him to retourne home, which he did within a few dayes after that
his choler xas paft, and to tell you what bufineffe there was, to
interrupte and breake the ialoufie conceiued, it were fuperfluous :
but in the ende, he vanne the field, fo that flae promifed him, not
onely to beleeue that he loued not Paulina, but alfo helde her felfe
affured that it /hould be to him a martirdome intollerable, to
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
57
fpeake vnto ber or any other, except it were to do ber feruice:
after that loue had vanquifhed this prefente fufpicion, and that
the two Iouers began to take more pleafure in their mutuall talke
than euer they did belote: newes came that the king of Spaine
was about to addres his Armie to Saulfe, vherfore he that was
wont to be there with the tirft, was hot like now to fayle to aug-
ment his honour: but true it is, that his griefe was prefently more
greate, than at other times before, afwell for ]otinge the pleafure
which he enioyed, as for feare to tinde fome mutacion and chaunge
at his returne, becaufe he faw Florinda purfued by great Princes
and Lords, and alreadye come to the age of xv. yeares, and thought
that if flae were maried in his abfence, he flaould neuer haue oc-
cation to fee ber againe, except the Countefçe of Arande would
appointe his wyfe to waite vppon ber: for accomp]iflament wherof
he ruade fuch frends, as the Counteffe and Florinda promifed him,
that into what foeuer place flae were maried his wyfe Auenturade
flaould attende vpon her: and although it was in quefion that
Florinda flaould be maried into Portugall, yet determined that hii
wyfe flou|d neuer forfake ber: and vpporl this affuraunce, hot
without vnfpeakeable forow, Amadour departed and ]eft his wife
with the Counteffe. \Vhen FIorinda was alone, her feruaunt de-
parted, flaee gaue her felfe to all vertuous life, hopinge thereby to
atteine the fame of a mort perfee Lady, and to be counted worthie
the interteiguemente of fuch a feruaunt. _Amadour arriued at
Barfalone, was banqueted and intertayned of the Ladies after the
old maner, but they tinding him fo altered and chaunged, thought
that lXiariage cou|d neuer haue had fuch power vppon man, as
it had ouer him: for he feemed then to difdaine, what fomtime
he greatly defired, and fpecially the Counteffe of Palamons, whom
he derely ]oued, could deuife by no meanes to make him go alone
home to his Iodging: &madour tarried at Barfalone fo little while
as hee coulde, becaufe hee might hot corne |are to the place where
hee purpofed to winne and atchiue honour: and being arriued at
Saulfe, great and cruell warres were comenced betwene the two
kinges, which I purpofe hot to recite, ne yet the noble enterprifes
done bv _Amadour, whofe fame was bruted aboue the reft of his
companions. The duke of lqagyers arriuinge at Parpignon, had
58
AI:ADOIJR AND FLORINDA.
charge of two thoufand men, and prayed Amadour to be his
Lieuetenaunte, who with that hand ferued fo well, as no crie was
hard in al the fkirmifhes, other than of Nagyers. It eha,nced
that the king of Thunis, whieh of long time had warre with the
Spaniards, vnderftandinge howe the kinges oi r Spaine and Fraunce
were together by the eares at Parpignon and Iqarbonne, thought
that in better rime he could not anove the king oir Spaine : where-
fore he fent a great nomber oir Foifs and other veffels, to robbe
and fpoile thofe frontiers which were ill guarded and kept: thev
oir Barfalone feing a nomber oir Shippes paffe beirore the Towne,
aduertifed the king that was at Saulfe, who immediatlv fent the
Duke oir Nagyers to Palamons : and when the fhippes difcried that
the place was well guarded, they made as though they would paffe
irurther: but about midnight they retourned, and landed fo many
rnen, that the Duke oir Nagyers was taken prifoner. Amadour
which was very vigilant, hearing allarrne, prefently affembled fo
manv rneu as he could, and defended him felir fo wel, as the irorce
of his enemies a long time could not hurt him: but in thende
knowing that the Duke oir Nagyers vas taken prifoner, and that
the Turks were determined to burn the Citie oir Palamons, and
then to fier the houfe which he frongly had irorced againfe them,
hee thought it better to render himfelir than to be caufe oir the
loffe of fo manve good fouldiors as were vnder his gouernmente, and
alfo by putting himfelfe to raunfome, he hoped in time to corne
to fee Florinda: then he fubmitted himfelfe to a Turke called
Derlyn, the gouernor of the king oir Thunis who conueyed him
home to his rnaifer, where he vas well entertaigned, and better
kept: iror they thought that hauing him in their hands, they had
gotten the onlv Achilles oir Spaine. In this fort Amadour con-
tinued almof the fpaee oir two yeares, in the feruice oir the
king oir Thunis: newes came into Spaine oir this ouerthrow,
xvheroir the frends oir the Duke oir Nagyers, vere verv forovirull :
but they that loued the honor oir their countrie, thoughte Ama-
dour to bee the greatef loffe, the brute wheroir was noyfed in
the houfe oir the Counteffe oir Arande, wher at that rime the
poore gentlewoman Auenturade lay very fore ficke. The
Counteffe fufpe&ing very mueh the affe&ion that Amadour
AIADOUR AND FLORINDA.
59
bare vnto her daughter, which he fuffered and diffembled for
his vertue's fake, called her daughter aride, and told her the
pitious newes. Florinda whieh could well diffemble laid unto
her, that it was a great loffe for al their houfe, but fpecially
fhe pitied the fiate of his poore wife, beeaufe at that time fhe
was fo fore ficke. But feing her mother weepe fo bitterly,
let fal fome teares to keepe her eompany, leafi through to much
diflîmulaeion her loue might be difeouered. _After that time,
the Counteffe fpake to her many times, but file cou|d neuer
perceiue by ber countenance, any caufe of certaine fufpicion.
I will leaue to fpeake of the voyages, the prayers, the fuppli-
cations and fatings, which Florinda did ordinarily make for
the fafegard and profperitie of Amadour, who incontinentlv fo
fone as he was ariued at Thunis, fent newes to his frends and
by a fure meffenger aduertized Florinda, that he was in good
health and hope to retourne. Vhich newes was to the poore
Lady, the only meanes to releue and eafe her forow. And doubt
ye not, but the meanes of writing, was vtterly debarred from
Amadour, vvherof Florinda acquited herfelf fo diligently, as hy her
letters and epifles, he receiued great confolation and comfort.
The Counteffe of Arande receiued commaundement from the
king to repaire to Saragofa, where hee that rime vvas arriued.
And there fhe found the yong Duke of Cardonne making fute
to the king and Queene, for mariage of her daughter. The Coun-
teffe vnwilling to difobey the king, agreed, thinkinge that her
daughter being very yonge, had none other affe&ion, but that
which already had taken fure impreffion. Vhen the accorde was
concluded, fhee fayde vnto her daughter, that fhe had chofen that
matche, as bef ,vorthy to ioyne with her perfon. Her daughter
confidering howe in a thing already done it was to late to take
counfell, faid vnto her, that God was to be praifed in ail things.
_And feing ber mother [o far alienated from her intent, fhe
thought it better to fhew her felfe obedient, than to take pitie
vpon herfelfe. _And to comfort her in that forowe, fle vnder-
fode that the infant Fortune was at the point of death. But
before ber mother or any other perfon» fhe fhewed not fo much
as one figne or token therof, frayning her grief fo much as
6o
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
the teares by force retiringe to her harte, did caufe the bloud
to iffue forth at her Nofe, in fuch abundanee, as her lire was in
prefent daunger. _And to reeouer her of that difeafe, fhee was
maried vnto him, for whofe fake fhee had rather haue chaunged
her life for prefent death. _After the mariage, Florinda went
wyth her hufbande into the Duchy of Cardonne, and in her
company Auenturade, to whom fhe feeretly made eomplaint,
as wel of her mother's rigor, as alfo of the foroxv fhe conceyued
for the loffe of the forme of the Infant Fortune. But of her
griefe for _Amadour, fhe fpake no xvorde, but bv xvay of eomforting
her. This yong lady then determined to haue God and the
refpe& of her honoure before her eies, and fo wel to diffemble
her griefes, as none at any time fhould pereeiue that fhee mis-
liked her hufband. In this fort FIorinda paffed long time,
in a life no leffe pleafaunt than death. The report whereof fhe
fent to her good feruaunt _Amadour, xvho vnderftanding her
great loue, and wel difpofed hart, and the loue fhee bare to the
Infant Fortune, thought that it was impoffible fhe eould liue
long, and lamented her ftate more than his owne. This griefe
augmented his pairie of imprifonmente, wiflfinge to haue re-
mayned a flaue all the days of his life, fo that Florinda had
had a hufbande refpondent to her defire, forgettinge his owne
griefe bv feeling that his frende did fuffer. _And beeaufe he
vnderftode bv a fecret friend whieh he had gotten in the Court
of the king of Thunis, that the king xvas minded to offer him
the gibbet, or els to make him renounce his fayth, for the defire
hec had to retaine him ftill, and to make him a good Turke,
he behaued himfelf fo well, wvth him that toke hitn prifoner,
that he gaue him leaue to depart vpon his fayth, taxing him at
fo greate raunfome, as he thought a man of fo finall fubftanee
xvas neuer able to pay. And fo without fpeaking to the king his
maifter, hee let him go vpon his fayth. After he had fhewed
himfelfe at the Court of the king of Spaine, he departed ineon-
tinently to his frends to get his raunfome, and went fraight to
Barfalone, whether the yong Duke of Cardonne, his mother, and
Florinda, xvas gone aboute certaine affaires. Auenturade fo fone
as fhe heard tell that her hufband was corne, deelared the faine
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
6I
to Florinda, who feemed for her fake greatly to reioyce therat.
But fearing that the defire fhe had to fee him would make
her chaunge countenaunce, and that they which knew hOt the
caufe therof, would conceiue fome ill opinion, fhe ftode ftill at a
window to fee him corne a far of: and fo forte as fhe efpied
him, fhee went downe a paire of darke ftaires that none mighte
perceiue ber chaunge of colour. When fhe had imbraced Ama-
dour, fhee led him into her chamber, and from thence to her
mother in law, which had neuer feene him before. He had not
continued there two dayes, but he was fo well beloued, as he
was before in the houfe of the Counteffe of _Arande. I will
omitte the words and taike betwene Fiorinda and Amadour,
and the complaintes whieh he ruade vnto her of his ill aduenture,
that hee had fufavned in his abfence. And after manye teares
vttered by her, for the heauines fhe had taken, afwel for the
mariage agaiul her wil, as for the loffe of him that fhe loued
fo dearely, and for him whom fhe thoughte neuer to fee againe,
fhee determined to take her confolation in the loue and fidelitie
that fhe bare to Amadour, which notwithlanding fhe dur9c hOt
open and declare: but he that much doubted therof, lol no
occafion and time to let her know and vnderlande the great
loue he bare her. And euen vppon the point that fhe was ready
to receiue him, hot as a feruaunt, but for ber affured and per-
fer frend, there chaunced a maruellous fortune: for the king,
for certaine matters of importance, incontinently fent fortin
Amadour, wherof his wyfe conceyued fuch forrow, as hearing
thofe newes, fhe founed and fell from the ftayres where
fode, wherewith fhe hurte herfelf'e fo fore, as neuer after fhe
reuiued. Florinda (that by the death of ber had loft ail comfort)
ruade f-ch forrow, as one that was detiitute of good frends
and kinffolke, but Amadour toke the faine in worft part: for
he had not onely loft one of the mort honef women that euer
was, but alfo the meanes that he fhould neuer after that rime haue
occafion to vifit Florinda. For which caufe he fell into fuch
ficknes, as he was like to haue died fodainly. The old Ducheffe
of Cardonne, inceffantlv did vifite him, and alledged many phi-
lofophical reafons to make him paciently to receue death, bu
62
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
it auavled nothing: for if death of thone ride did torment
him, loue on the other did augment his martirdome. -Amadour
feing that his wyfe was buried, and that the king had lent for
him, (hauing no occafion of longer abode there) he entred into
fuch difpaire, as hee feemed to be oute of his wittes. Florinda
which in comforting him was almoft defolate, remayned by him
one whole afternone, vfinge verv honeft and difcrete talke vnto
him, thinking therebv to diminifhe the greatneffe of his forrowe»
and affured him that fhee would deuife wayes how he might
vifite ber more oft than he did thinke for. And becaufe he muft
depart the next morning, and was fo feeble and xveake that he
could not rire from his bed, he intreated her to corne and le him
at night after euery man was retired to bed: which fhe pro-
mifed to doe, not knowing that loue's extremety was voyd of
reafon. _And he that faw no hope euer after that time to fee her
againe, whom fo long time he had ferued : and of whom he had
neuer receyued other interteignment than that you haue heard»
was fo beaten and ouercom with loue long diffembled, and of the
defpaire he conceiued, that (ail meanes to vfe her company
taken away) he purpofed to play double or quit, either to lofe her,
or to win her fauour for euer, and to pay himfelf at one inftant
the rewarde which he thought he had right wel deferued. "Vher-
fore he caufed the curtaines of his bed to be drawen, that they
which came into the chamber mighte not fee him, complayning
of ficknes more than he was wont to d% wherby thev of the
houfe thought he would not haue liued xxlv. houres. After euerv
one of the houfe had vifited him at night, Florinda (at the fpecial
requeft of her hufband) came to fee him, thinking for his comfort
to vtter vnto him her affe&ion, and how aboue all other fhe
would loue him, fo far as her honor did permit: and fitting
downe in a chavre at the bed's head, fhe began to comfort him,
and therwithal powred out manv teares. Amadour feing her
forowful and penfife, thought that in her great torment he might
eafely attaine the effe& of his intent, and lifted himfelf vp in his
bed, which Florinda perceyuing, fhe would haue ftaied him,
becaufe fhe thought that through weakenes he was hOt able to
moue: and kneeling vpon his knees, he laid vnto her:
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
63
I for euermore forgo your tlght mine owne deare Lady ?" And in
faying fo he fl downe betwene her armes like one that fainted
for lack of Rrength. Then poore Florinda imbraeed him, and
of long rime held him vp, doing all that was poflïble for his coin-
fort. But the medecine fhe gaue him to eafe his forow» did
rather increafe the fame more trong: for in fayning himfelf
hall dead, without fpeaking any word he attempted that which
the honor of womanhode doth defend. When Florinda perceiued
his iii intent, fhe could fcarce beleue the fame, confidering his
honet requets ruade before time, and therfore afked him what
it was that he detlred. But Amadour fearing to heare her aun-
fwere which he knew well could be none other but chatte and
vertuous, without further talke, purfued his purpofe fo earnefily
as he eould, wherwith Florinda beinge atonned did fufpecCt he
had bin out of his wittes rather than beleue that he wente about
her difhonor. Wherefore with loude volte fhe ealled a gentleman
that was in the çhamber. Vhieh Amadour hearing, vtterly in
difpaire, threw himfelf fo fodenlv into his bed, as the gentleman
thought he had beene dead. Florinda rifing out of the chaire,
faid vnto him: «' Goe quiekly and feteh fome good vineger."
Which the gentleman did. Then Florlnda began to fay vnto him:
"'Amadour, what follie hath inchaunted your wifedome? And
what is that which you would haue done unto me ? " Amadour
that through the force of loue had 1ot al reafon, faid vnto her:
«Doth my long feruiee merite a recompenee of fueh eruelty? »
"" And wher is the honeRy then' faid Florinda, "which fo many
rimes vou haue preached vnto me ?" "Ah, madame !" faid Ama-
dour: "I beleue it is impoflible your felfe more faithfully to
loue your owne honour than I do. For when you were vnmaried,
I could fo wel fubdue my harte and affecCtion, as you did neuer
vndertand mv will and defire. And now that you be lnaried,
to the intente your honour may rete in couerte, what wrong
do I to afke that which is mine owne, for by force of loue I
haue won you? He that firt enioyed your harte, hath fo iii
followed the vicCtorie of your bodye, as hee hath well deferued
to lofe altogether. He that poffeffeth your body, is not worthy
to haue your hart» wherefore your body is none of his, ne yet he
64
AIADOUR AND FLORINDA.
hath no title in the fame. But I Madame, thefe fiue or fixe yeares
haue fuevned fuche paynes and trauaile for your fake, as you
are hOt ignoraunt but to me appertayneth both your body and
harte, for whofe fake I haue vtterlve forgotten mine owne.
_And if you can finde in your hart to defende mee from my right,
doubt ye not but they which haue proued the forces of loue,
wil lav the blame on you, which hath in this fort robbed me from
my libertie, and with your heauenly graces hath obfcured my
fences, that not knowing hereafter what to do, I am conrayned
to go without hope for euer to fee vou againe. Notwithanding
warrante your felfe, that in what place fo euer I am, you flmll
ill poffeffe my harte, which fhall continue vour's for euer,
be I vppon the lande or water, or betweene the hands of my
moe cruell enemies. But if I could recouer before my depar-
ture, that furetv of vou which the greatneffe of mv loue de-
ferueth, I thall be flrong enough paciently to beare the griefes of
mv long abfence. _And if it pleafe vou not to graunt me this
reque, you fhal flortly heare tell that your rigor hath rendred
vnto me a mo vnhappy and cruel death." Florinda no leffe
aitonned than forie, to heare fuch words proceede from him, of
whom fhe neuer had any fuch fufpicion, weepinge faide unto
him: "_Alas, _Amadour, is this the meaning of thofe vertuous
words which fithens the beginning of my youth ve haue vttered
vnto me ? Is this the honor of the confcience, which you haue
many times perfwaded me rather to die than lofe the faine?
Haue you forgotten the good examples recited vnto me of ver-
tuous dames that haue refiited foolifh loue ? _And is this the maner
of your contempt of Ladies that were foolifh and vaine, whofe
light behauiour you diffembled fo much to abhorre? I cannot
beleeue _Amadour that you are driuen into fuch madnes and furie,
as the feare of GOD, your owne confcience, and the eftimacion
of mine honor, fhould be ahogether out of your minde and
memorie. But if it fo be as you fay, I do praife the goodnes
of God, which hath preuented the mifhap that nowe I am
fallen into, in fhewing me by your words, the hart which I did not
know. For hauing loft the fonne of the Infant Fortune, who hOt
onely is maried into another place, but alfo loued another, and
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
65
I now maried to him, which I cannot loue, I thought and deter-
mined wholly, with all mine hart and affe&ion to loue you,
founding the fame vpon that verrue vhieh I knew to be in you,
xvhieh loue by your meanes onelye I haue eoneeiued, and therfore
did more efteeme my honor and confeienee, than the priee of
mine owne lire. Vppon affuranee of this ftone of honeftie, I am
eome hither thinking to build a moft fure foundaeion. But
(Amadour) in one moment thou hafte deelared, how in place
of a pure foundaeion, thy buildinge is reared vpon a light fand,
and vneonftant ground, or els vpon a filthy and foul quamire.
And where I began to ere& a good part of the lodgings of this
building vpon the ground of the fidelitie, hoping to dwel there
fi»r euer, fodenly thou haft ouerthrowen the whole plot. Vher-
ri»re, you muft immediately breake in fonder the hope and eredit
that euermore you haue round in me, and determine that in
what place foeuer I be, not to purfue me either bv worde or
eountenaunee. And do not thinke, that I ean or will at anye
time hereafter ehaunge this mine opinion, reeiting this my laft
adieu with great forrow and griefe. But if I had ruade an othe
of this perle& amitie and loue, I knov mine harte would haue
died vpota this breaeh, although the aftonifhment lu that I ara
deeeiued, is fo great, as I am vel afl'ured it xvill make my lire
ither fhort or forowfull: and therefore I bid you farewel and
that for euer." I purpofe not to tel you the foroxv whieh Ama-
dour felt by hearing thofe words, beeaufe it is impoffible not
only to write them, but alfo to thineke them, exeept it be of
fueh as haue had experienee of the like. And feing that vppon
this cruel eonelufion fhe would haue gone away, he eaught her by
the arme, knowing well that if he did hOt remoue that iii opinion,
whieh by his owne oeeafion fhe had eoneeyued, hee fhould lofe
her for euer. Wherfore he faid vnto her with a verv faint ehere :
"Madame, al the dayes of my lire I haue defired to loue a woman
endued with honeftie and verrue: and beeaufe I haue found fo
fexv, I would fain haue tried whether your perfon had bin worthy
of eftimaeion and loue, wherof now I am wel affured, and humblie
do praife God therefore, beeaufe mine hart is addreffed to
fueh perfe&ion: befeehing you to pardon this fond and bold
VOL. II. E
66
AIIADOUR AND FLORINDA.
attempt, fith you fee that the end doth redound to your
owne honor and eontentacion." Florinda, which began to
know by him the malice of other men, like as fhe was hard to
beleue the euill wher it was, euen fo fhe was more diflïcile
to credite the good where it was not, and laid vnto him : « I pray
to God your words be true: yet am I hot fo ignorant but that
the Rate of mariage wherein I ara, hath ruade me euidently to
know the Rrong paflîon of blind loue which hath forced you vnto
this follie : for if God had Iofed my hande, I am wel affured you
would hOt haue plueked baek the bridle: they that attempt to
feeke al:ter verrue, do hOt take the way that you do tread: but
this is fuflïcie,t if I haue lightly beleeued any honeRie in you,
it is rime for me now to know the truth, that I mav rid mv felf
from vou." And in faying fo, Florinda went out of the chamber,
and all the nighte long, the neuer left weeping, feeling fueh great
griefe in that alteraeion, as her hart had much to do, to fuRaine
the affaults of forroxv that loue had made: for although reafon
thoughte neuer to loue him againe, yet the hart whieh is hot lub-
ie& to our rancie, would not accord to that erueltie : for whieh
confideraeion, fhe loued him no leffe than the was wont to do,
and knowing that loue was the eaufe of that fault, fhe purpofed
for fatiffac-tion of loue, to Loue him with all her hart, and vet for
the obedience and fealtie due to her honor, fhe thought neuer to
make anv femblance. In the morning Amadour departed in this
fort, troubled as you haue hearde, neuertheleffe his couragious
heart centred not in difpaire, but renued a frefh hope once againe
to fee Florinda, and to win her fauour: then he toke his iourney
towards the Court of Spaine (which was at Tolledo) taking his way
bv the Counteffe of Arande, wher late in an euening he arriued,
and found the Counteffe verye ficke for the abfence of her
daughter FIorinda : when fhee faw Amadour, fhee kiffed and im-
braced him, as if he had beene her oxvne child, afwel for the loue
fhe bare vnto him, as for the like which fhe doubted that he bare
to Florinda, of whom very earneRly fhe inquired for newes, who
tolde her the bel that he could deuife, but not the whole truth,
and confeffed vnto her the loue betweene Florinda and him,
(which Florinda had Rill conceiled and kept fecrete) praying her
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
67
ayde to bring him againe into ber fauour : and fo the next morn-
ing he departed. And after he had done his bufineffe with the
O.ueeue, he repayred to the warres, fo fadde and chaunged in all
his condiclons, as the Ladies, Captaynes and all they that were
wonte to keepe him companie, did hOt know him. His apparell was
a]l b]acke, mourning for the death of hls wife, wherby he couered
the forrow which was hid in his hart. In this wyfe Amadour paffed
three or 4 yeres before he returned to the Court. And the Coun-
teffe of Arande which heard tell that Florinda was fo much al-
tered, as it vould haue moued anv hart to behold her, fent for her,
hoplng that fhe vould haue come, but her expe&acion was frufirate,
for when Florinda vnderfiode that Amadour had told ber mother
the good will betweene them, and that ber mother being fo wife
and vertuous giuing credite to Amadour, did beleue his report,
fhe was in marueilous perplexitie, becaufe of the one ride fhe
faw that her mother did efieeme him fo well, and on the other
ride if fhe declared vnto her the truth, Amadour woulde conceiue
difpleafure : which thing fhe had rather die than to do : wherefore
fhe thought herfelfe firong inough to chafiife him of his folly,
without helpe of frends. Againe, fhe perceyued that by diffem-
bling the euil which fhe knew by him, fhe fhould be confirained
by her mother and her frends, to fpeake and beare him good coun-
tenaunce, wherby fhe feared he would be the more encoraged:
but feing that he was far of, fhe paffed the leffe of the matter:
and when the Counteffe her mother did commaunde her, fhe vrote
letters vnto him, but they were fuch as he might wel gather that
they vere written rather vpon obedience, than of good wil, the
reading wherof bred forrow vnto him in place of that ioye he was
vonte to conceiue in her former wrytings. Vithin the terme of
two or three yeres, after he had done fo many noble enterprifes as
al the paper of Spaine could hOt contalne them, he deuifed a new
inuention, not to wynne and recouer the harte of Florinda (for
he demed the fame quite loti) but to haue the vi&orie ouer his
enemy, fithens fhe had vfed him in that forte, and reiecCting al
reafon and fpecially feare of death, into the hazarde wherof he
hafied himfelfe, he concluded and determined his enterprife in
fich forte, as for his behauiour towardes the Gouernour, hee was
68
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
deputed and fent by him to treate with the king of certaine ex-
ploytes to be done at Locates, fparing not to impart his meffage
to the Counteffe of Aranda, before he told the fame to the king,
to vfe her good aduife therein : and fo came in porte ftraight into
the Countie of Aranda, where he had intelligence in vhat place
Florinda remained, and fecretly fent to the Counteffe one of his
frendes to tell her of his comming, and to pray her to keepe it
clofe, and that he might fpeake with her that night in fecrete wife
that no man might perceiue : the Counteffe very ioyfull of his com-
ming, tolde it to Florinda, and fent her into her hufbande's
chamber, that fhe might be ready when fhe fhould fend for her
after eche man vas gone to bed. Florinda vhiche vas not vet
well boldened by reafon of her former feare, making a good face
of the matter to her mother, withdrewe her felfe into an oratorie
or chappell, to recommend her felfe to God, praying him to defend
her hart from al wicked affeion» and therwithal confidered how
often Amadour had prayfed her beautie, which vas hot impaired
or diminifhed, although flae had bene ficke of longe time before :
wherefore thinking it better to doe injurie to her beautie by defac-
ing it, than to fuffer the harte of fo honeft a perfonage by meanes
thereof wickedly to be inflamed, fhee tooke vp a fone vhich was
within the Chappell, and gaueher felfe fo great a blowe on the face
that her mouthe, eyes and nofe, vere altogether deformed: and
to thintent no man might fufpe& what fhe had done, vhen the
Counteffe fent for her in going out of the Chappell, fhe fell downe
vppon a great fone, and therewithall cried out fo loude, as the
Counteffe came in and founde her in pitious ftate, who inconti-
nently drefiîng her face, and binding it vp with clothes, conueyed
her into her chamber, and prayed her to goe into her clofet to enter-
taigne Amadour, tyll flae were veary of his companie: vhiche fhe
did, thinking that there had bene fomebody with hym : but finding
him alone, and the doore fhut vpon her, Amadour vas not fo well
pleafed as fhe was difcontented : vho nove thoughte eyther vith
loue or force to get that, whiche hee had fo long tyme defyred :
and after he had fpoken a fewe woordes vnto her, and found her in
that mynde hee lefte her, and that to dye for it fhee voulde not
chaunge her opinion» defperatly he fayde vnto her: "By God
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
69
madame, the fruite of my labour /hall not be thus taken from
me for fcruples and doubtes: and fithe that Loue, pacience, and
humble defires, cannot preuayle, I will not fpare by force to get
that, which except I haue it xvill be the meanes of mine over-
throwe." When Florinda fawe his face and eyes fo altered, and
that the faireft die and colour of the world, was become fo red as
fier, with his mof pleafaunt and amiable loke tranfformed into
horrible hew and fitrious, and therewithall difcried the very hote
burning fier, to fparkle within his harte and face : and how in that
fury with one of his ftrong fifres he griped her delicate and tender
hands: and on the other ride flaee feeing all her defences to fayle
her, and that her feete and handes were catght in ruche captiuitie
as flae could neither run awav nor yet defend her felfe: knewe
none other remedie, but to proue if he had yet remaining in him
any griftes of the former loue, that for the honour therof he might
forget his crueltie. XVherefore fhe fayd vnto him : "Amadour, if
now you doe accompt me for an enemy, I befech you for the
honeftie of the loue xvhich at other times I haue found planted in
your harte, to geue me leaue to fpeake before you doe torment
me." And when flaee faw him recline his eare, flae purfued ber
talk in this wyfe: « Alas, Amadour, what caufe haue you to feke
after the thing wherof you fhall receiue no contentation, inflicCting
vppon me fuch difpleafure as there can be no greater ? you haue
many times proued my wil and affecCtion in the time of my youth-
full dayes, and of my beautie farre more excellent than it is nox 5
at what tyme your paffion might better be borne with and excufed,
than nowe: in fuch wyfe as I am nowe amafed to fee that you
haue the harte to torment me at that age and great debilitie
xvherewith I am affecCted: I am aflhred that you doubt not but
that my wyl and mind is fuch as it was wont to be: wherefore
you can not obtayne your demaunde but by force: and if vou
fawe howe my face is arrayed, you would forget the pleafure
whiche once you conceiued in me, and by no meanes would for-
cibly approche nere vnto me : and if there be lefte in you yet any
rernnantes of loue, it is impoffible but that pitie may vanquiflae
your furie: and to that pitie and honeftie whereof once I had
experience in you, I do make my plaint, and of the faine I do
7o
AI:ADOUR AND FLORINDA.
demaund grace and pardon, to thintent that according to theffec't
of your wonted perfvarion and good aduife you may fuffer me to
liue in that peace and honellie, which I haue determined and
vowed during life: and if the loue which you haue borne me be
conuerted into hatred, and that more for reuengement than affec-
tion, you doe purpofe to make me the molle unhappy of the
world, I affure you, you/hall hot be able to bryng your intent to
paffe, befides that you fhall conllrayne me againtt my determi-
nation, to vtter and reueale vour villany and difordinate appetite
towardes ber which did repofe in you an incredible affiance: by
difcouering whereof, thinke verely that your Ivfe cannot continue
without perill." Amadour breaking her talke farde vnto her : " If
I die for it, I will prefently be acquieted of mv torment: but the
deformitie of your face (whiche I thinke was done by you of fet
purpofe)/hall not let me to accomplifhe my will : for rince I can
get nothing of you but the bones and carcafe, I will holde them
fo far as I can." And when Florinda fawe that prayers, reafon,
nor teares could not auayle, but that with crueltie he woulde nedes
followe his viilanous derire, which fhe had hetherto ttill auoided
by force of refillence, fle did helpe her felfe fo long, till fhe feared
the loffe of her breath, and with a heauy and piteous voice fhe
called ber mother fo loud as thee could crie, who hearing her
daughter crie and cal vith rufull voyce, began greatly to feare the
thing that was true: wherfore fhe rata fo fait as fhe could into
the warderobe. Amadour hot being fo nere death as he faide he
was, left of his holde in fuche good time, as the Ladye opening her
clofet, founde him at the dote, and Florînda farre enough from
him. The Counteffe demaunded of him, faying : "Amadour what
is the matter ? tell me the truthe." Who like one that was neuer
vnprouided of excufe, with his pale face and wanne, and his breath
almofle fpent, fayde vnto her: "Alas, madame, in what plight
is my lady Florinda? I was neuer in ail my life in that amafe
wherin I am now: for as I fayd vnto you, I had thought that
I had inioyed part of her good will, but nowe I know right
well that I haue none at ail: I thinke madame, that rithe the
time fhe was brought vp xvith you, fhee xvas neuer leffe xvife
and vertuous than fhee is nowe, but farre more daungerous
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
and fqueimifhe in fpeaking and talking then behoueth, and
euen nowe I would haue loked vpon her, but fhe would not
fuffer rne : and when I viewed her countenaunce, thinking that it
had bene fome dreame or vifion, I defired to kiffe her hande, ac-
cording to the fafhion of the countrey, which fhee vtterly refufed.
True it is Madame, I haue offended her, wherof I craue pardon of
you, but it chaunced only for that I toke her by the hand, which I
did in a maner by force, and kiffed the fame demaunding of her
no other pleafure: but fhe like one (as I fuppofe) that hath
fworne my death, ruade an outcry for you (as you haue hearde)
for what caufe I know not, except that fhee were afraide I would
haue forced fome other thing : notwithtianding Madame, whatfo-
euer the matter be, I proteti vnto you the wrong is myne, and
albeit that fhe ought to loue al your honeti feruaunts, yet fortune
fo willeth as I alone, the motie affe&ioned of them ail, is clerely
exempt out of her fauour: and yet I purpofe tiill to continue to-
wardes you and her, the faine man I came hither, befeching the
continuance of your good grace and fauour, fithens that without
defert I haue lotie hers." The Counteffe which partely beleued,
and partelye mitirutied his talke, went vnto her daughter, and de-
maunded wherfore fhe cried out fo loud. Florinda anfwered that
fhe was afrayde: and albeit the Counteffe fubtilly afked her of
many things, yet Florinda would neuer make other anfwere, for
that hauing efcaped the handes of her enemy, fhe thought it
punifhement enough for him to lofe his labour: after that the
Counteffe had of long tyme communed with Amadour, fhe lefte
him yet once againe to enter in talke with Florinda before her, to
fee what countenaunce fhee would make him. To whom he fpake
fewe wordes except they were thankes for that fhe had not con-
feffed the truthe to her mother, praying her at leati wife that feing
he was difpoffeffed out of her hart, fhe would fuffer none other to
receiue his place : but fhe anfwering his former talke, faide : "If
I had had any other meanes to defend my felfe from you than by
crying out, fhe fhould neuer haue heard xne, and of me you fhall
neuer heare worfe, except you doe contiravne me as you haue
done, and for louing any other man, you fhall not neede to feare :
for fithe I haue not found in your harte (which I etiemed the moft
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
vertuous in ail the world) the good fucceffe that I defired, I wyll
neuer beleue hereafter that vertue is planted in anv man. And this
outrage fhall make me free from ail parlions that Loue can force. '»
And in faying fo fhe tooke her leaue. The mother which behelde
her countenaunce, could fufpe&e nothing, and after that tyme,
fhee-was perfuaded that her daughter bare no more affeeCtion to
&madour, and thought afçuredly that fhe was voyde of reafon,
becaufe fhe hated al thofe things which fhe was wont to loue:
and from that time forth there was fuch warre betwene the mother
and the daughter, as the mother for the fpace of vil. veares would
not fpeake vnto her, except it were in anger: which fhe did at
the requeft of Amadour: during which rime, Florinda conuerted
the mifliking of her hufband, into mere and conftant loue, to
auoyde the rigour and checkes of her mother.: howbeit, feing that
nothing could preuayle, fhe purpofed to beguile Amadour» and
leauing for a day or two her fraunge countenance towards him,
fhe counfelled Amadour to loue a woman, whiche as fhe fayd
did commonlv difpute and talke of their loue. This lady dwelt
with the Cueene of Spaine» and was called Lorette, who was very
ioyfull and glad to get fuch a feruant: and Florinda founde
meanes to caufe a brute of this newe loue to he fpred in euery
place, and fpecially the Countefçe of Arande (being at the Court)
perceiued the faine, who afterwards was not fo difpleafed with
Florinda, as fhe was wont to be: Florinda vpon a tyme heard tel
that a Captain the hutband of Loret, began to be ialous ouer his
wife, determining by fome meanes or other, he cared not howe, to
kill Amadour. Florinda notwithfanding her difçembled court-
tenante, could not fuffer any hurt to be done to Amadour, and
therefore incontinently gaue him aduertifement thereof: but he
retourning againe to his former follies, anfwered, that if it would
pleafe her to intertaigne him euery dav three houres, he would
neuer fpeake againe to Lorette, whereunto by no meanes fhee
would confent. Then Amadour faide vnto her : " If you will not
haue me to liue, wherefore go ye about to defend me from death ?
except ye purpofe to torment me aliue with greater extremitie
then a thoufand deathes can do: but for fo much as death doth
file from me, I will neuer leaue to feeke him out, by whofe ap-
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
73
proche only I fhall haue refU' Vhilefi they were in thefe
tearmes, newes came that the kyng of Granado was about to
enter into great warres againf the king of Spain : in ruche wyfe
as the king lent againf hvm the Prince his forme, and with hym
the confable of Caffile, and the Duke of AIbe, twoo auncient and
rage Lordes. The duke of Cardonne and the counte of Arande hOt
willing to tarie behinde, befought the kyng to geue eyther of
them a charge : whiche hee did according to the dignitie of their
houles, appointing Amadour to be their guide: who during that
warre, did futche valiaunt fa&es as they feemed rather to be des-
perately than hardily enterpryfed." and to corne to the effe& of
this difcourfe, his great valiaunee was trved euen to the death:
for the Moores making a bragge as though they would geue
battayle, when they fawe the army of the Chrifiians, eounterfaited
a retire, whome the Spaniardes purfued, but the olde Confable
and the duke of Albe doubting their pollicie, food fiill, againf
the will of the Prince of Spaine, not fuffering him to paffe ouer the
Ryuer, but the eounte of Arande and the Duke of Cardonne, (al-
though they were countremanded) did followe the chafe, and when
the Moores fawe that they were purfued with fo fmall a number,
they returned, and at one recountrie kylled the Duke of Cardonne,
and the Counte of Arande was fo fore hurte as hee was lefte for
dead in the place. Amadour arriuing vpon this ouerthrowe, in-
uaded the battayle of the Moores with futche rage and furie, as hee
refcued the twoo bodyes of the Duke and Countie, and caufed them
to be eonueyed to the Prince's campe, who fo lamented their
chaunce, as if they had bene his owne brethren : but in fearching
their woundes, the Countie of Arande was founde to be aliue, and
was lent home to his own houle in a horfelitter, where of long
time he was ficke, and likewife was eonueied to Cardonne the
dead bodie of the yong Duke. Amadour in refcuing thofe two
bodies, tooke tb little heede to him felfe, as he was inclofed with
a great number of the Moores, and becaufe he would bee no more
taken, as well to verifie his faith towardes God, as alfo his vowe
made to his Lady, and alfo confidering that if he were pryfoner to
the kyng of Granado, either hee fhould cruelly be put to death, or
els forced to renounce his faith» he determined hot to make his
74
AMADOUR AND FLORINDA.
death or taking glorious to his enemies: wherefore kiflïng the
croffe of his fworde, and rendring his bodv and foule to the
bandes of almighty God, he fiabbed him felfe into the body with
futche a blow, as there neded no fecond wound to rid him of his
lire: in this forte died poore Amadour, fo touche lamented as his
vertues did deferue. The newes hereof was bruted throughout
Spaine, and came to Florinda who then was at Barfelone, where
her hufbande in his life tyme ordeined the place of his buriall :
and after fhee had done his honourable obfequies, without making
ber own mother, or mother in law priuie, fhe furrendred ber felfe
into the monafierie of Iefus, there to liue a religious lire, receiu-
ing him for ber hufband and friende, whiche had deliuered ber
from the vehement loue of Amadour, and from a difpleafaunt hfe
fo great and vnquiet as was the company of her hufband.
In this wife fhe conuerted all ber affeions, to pietie
and the perfit loue of God, who after fhe had long
time liued a religious lire, fhee yelded vp ber
foule in fuch iove as the Bridegrom doth
when he goeth to vifite his fpowes.
A DUKE OF FLORENCE.
THE FIFTY-FOURTH NOUELL.
The incontinencie of a duke and of his impudencie fo attaine his
purpofe, with the iufl puni./bernent which he receiued for the fame.
IN the Citie of Florence (the chiefef of all Thufeane) there was
a Duke that maried the Lady Margaret the battarde daughter of
the Emperour Charles the fift. And bieaufe fhee was very young,
it was not lawfull for him to lye with her, but taryng till fhe
was of riper yeres, he interteigned an vfed her like a noble gen-
tleman. And who to fpare his vife, was amorous of certaine
other Gentlewomen of the eitie. Amonges xvhom he was in loue
with a very fayre and wyfe Gentlewoman, that was fitter to a
Gentleman, a feruaunt of his, whome the Duke loued fo well as
himfelfe, to whome he gaue fo touche authoritie in his houfe, as
his word was fo wel obeied and feared as the Duke's him felf, and
there was no feerete thing in the Duke's minde, but he deelared
the fame vnto him, who might fui wel haue bene ealled a feeond
himfelf. The duke feing his fitter to be a woman of great hon-
ettie, had no wayes or meanes to vtter vnto her the loue that he
bare ber (after he had inuented all oeeafions poffible)at length
he came to this Gentleman whieh he loued fo well, and faid vnto
him: "My friend, if there were anv thing in all the world,
wherein I were able to pleafure thee, and woulde not doe it at thy
requett, I fhould be afraid to fay my fantafie, and mueh afhamed
to eraue your help and affifanee: but the loue is fueh whieh I
bare thee, as if I had a wife, mother, or daughter, that were able
to faue thy life, I would rather imploy them, than to fuffer thee
to die in torment : and if thou doe beare vnto me that affe&ion
whieh am thy maitter, thinke verely that I doe beare vnto thee
the like. Wherefore I will difelofe vnto thee fuehe a feerete and
priuie marrer, as the filenee thereof hath brought me into futehe
plight as thou feett, whereof I doe loke for none amendement but
by death or by the feruiee whiehe thou maiett doe me, in a eer-
tayne marrer whieh I purpofe to tell thee." The Gentleman
hearing the reafons of his maiiter, and feing his face not fayned,
7 6
A DUKE OF FLORENCE.
but all befprent with teares, tooke great eompaflïon vpon him
and fayd : "My Lorde, I ara your humble feruaunt : all the goodes
and worfhip that I haue doth eome from you. You may lave
vnto me as to your motte approued frende. Affure your felf,
that ail vhich refeth in my power and abilitie, is already at your
eommaundement." Then the Duke began to tell him of the loue
that hee bare vnto his fifer, whieh was of futche force, as if bv
his meanes he did not enioye her, his lire iould not long iontinue.
For he faide, that he knew right well that intreatie and prefentes
were with her of no regard. XVherfore he praied him, that if he
loued his lire, fo well as he did his, to finde meanes for him to
receiue that benefite, which without him he was in defpaire neuer
to reeouer. The brother which Ioued his fifer and honor of his
kindred, more than the Duke's pleafure, ruade a certain reuerence
vnto him, humbly befeeching him to vfe his trauaill and pain in
ail other eaufes fauing in that, bicaufe it was a fute fo flaunderous
and infamous, as it would purchafe difhonor to his whole familie,
adding firther, that neither his hart nor his honor eould ferue
him, to eonfent to do that feruice. The Duke inflamed with vn-
fpeakeable furie, put his finger betwene his teeth, and biting of
the nayle, faid unto him in great rage : "Well then fithe I finde
in thee no frendfhip, I know what I haue to doe." The Gentleman
knowing the crueltie of his Mailler, being fore afraide, replied:
"My Lorde» for fo much as your defire is vehement and earnef, I
will fpeake vnto her and brynge you aunfivere of her mynde."
And as he was departing, the Duke fayde vnto him: "See that
thou tender my life as thou wylt that I fhall doe thyne." The
Gentleman vnderfanding well what that woorde did meane, ab-
fented him felfe a dav or twaine to aduife what were bef to be
done. And amonges diuers his cogitations, there came to his re-
membraunce the bounden dutie which he dvd owe to his Mailler,
and the goodes and honours which he had receyued at his bandes,
on the other fyde, hee confidered the honour of his houle, the good
life and chafitie of his fyfer, who (he knewe well) would neuer
confent to that wickedneffe, if by fubtiltie fhee were not furprifed,
or otherwyfe forced, and that it were a thing very fraunge and
rare, that he fhould goe about to defame hymfelfe and the whole
A DUKE OF FLORENCE.
77
focke of his progenie. ,Vherefore hee concluded, that better it
were for hym to die, than to commit a mifchief fo great vnto his
fifter, whiche was one of the honefteft women in ail Italie. And
therewithali confidered how he might deliuer his countrie from
futch a tyrant, which by force would blemifhe and fpot the whole
race of his auncient ftock and famille. For he knew right wel
that except the duke were taken away, the life of him and his af-
finitie could not be in fecuritie and fafegarde: wherfore without
motion made to his fifter of that matter, he deuifed how to faue
his lire and the reproche that fhould follow. Vpon the fecond daye
he came vnto the duke, and tolde hym in what forte he had prac-
tifed with his tifter, and that although the fame in the beginning
was harde and diftïcult, yet in the ende he made her to confent,
vpon condicion that hee would keepe the lame fo fecrete as none
but hymfelfe and he myght knowe of it. The duke defirous and
glad of thofe newes, dvd fone belieue hym, and imbracing the
meffanger, promifed to geue him whatfoeuer he would demaunde,
praying hym with all fpeede that hee might inioye his defyred
purpofe. XVhereupon they appointed a tyme: and to demaunde
whether the duke were glad and ioyfull of the lame, it were fuper-
fluous. And when the defired night was come, wherin he hoped
to haue the vi-torie of her whom he thought inuincible, he and
the gentleman alone withdrewe themfelues together, hot for-
getting his perfumed coif and fwete fhirte wrought and trimmed
after the be marier. And when eche wight was gone to bed,
both they repayred to the appointed lodging of his Lady, where
being arriued they founde a chamber it decem and comly order.
The gentleman taking of the Duke's nlght gowne, placed hym in
the bedde, and fayde vnto hym: "My Lorde, I wil nowe goe
feeke her, whieh ean not enter into this ehamber without blufhing,
howbeit I trufte before to morrowe morning fhe wyll be very glad
of you." Whieh done, he left the Duke, and went into his own
chamber, where he founde one of his feruantes alone, to whome
he fayde : "Haft thou the harte to followe me into a place where
I fhall be reuenged vpon the greateft enemie that I haue in the
worlde ?" " Yea tir," aunfwered his man. ,Vhereupon the Gentle-
man toke him with him fo fodainly, as he had no leafure to arme him
78
A DUKE OF FLORENCE.
felfe with other weapon but xvith his onely dagger. And when
the Duke heard him eome againe, thinking he had brought her
with hym that he loued fo derely, hee drexve the curteine, and
opened his eyes to behold and receiue that ioye which he had fo
long loked for, but in place of feeing her which he hoped fhould be
the conferuation of his life, he fawe the acceleration of his death,
xvhich was a naked fworde that the Gentleman ha.d drawen, who
therwithall did flrike the Duke, which was in his flfirte voyde of
weapon, although well armed with courage, and fitting vp in his
bedde grafped the Gentleman about the body, and fayde : "" ls this
thy promife whiche thou hait kept ? " And feeing that he had no
other weapon but his teeth and nayles, he bitte the gentleman in the
arme, and by force of his owne itrengthe he fo defended himfelfe,
as they bothe fell downe into the flower. The gentleman fearing
the match, called for hys manne, who finding the Duke and his
maiiter fait together, that he wyit not whether to take, he drexve
them both by the feete into the middeit of the chamber, and with
his dagger affavde to cut the Duke's throte. The duke who de-
fended himfelfe, till fuche time as the loffe of his bloud made him
fo weake and feeble that he was not able to contende any longer.
Then the Gentleman and his man laide him againe into his bed,
where they accomplifhed the effecCt of that murther. Afterwardes
drawing the curteine, they departed and locked the dead body in
the chamber. And when he faw that he had gotten the viccCtorie
of his enemy, bv whofe death he thought to fet at libertie the
common wealth, he fuppofed his faête to be vnperfecCt if he did
not the like to fiue or fixe of them which were nereit to the Duke,
and beit beloued of him. And to attaine the perfe6tion of that
enterpryfe, he bad his man to doe the like vnto them one after
another, that hee had done to the Duke. But the feruaunt being
nothing hardie or coragious, faid vnto his maiiter : '" Me thinke,
tir, that for this time ye haue done enough, and that it were better
for you now to deuife waye howe to faue vour owne life, than to
feeke meanes to murder any more. For if we do confume fo long
fpace of time to kill euery of them, as we haue done in murdering
of the Duke, the day light will difcouer our enterprife before we
haue ruade an ende, yea although wee finde them naked and
A DUKE OF FLORENCE.
79
without defence." The gentleman whofe euill confcience ruade
him fearfull, did beleue his feruaunt, and taking him alone with
him, went to the bifhop that had in charge the gares of the citie,
and the vfe of the Poltes, to whom he fayd : "This euening (my
Lord) newes came vnto me that mine owne brother lieth at the
point of death, and crauing licence of the Duke to goe fe him he
hath giuen me leaue. Wherefore I befeche vou commaunde the
Pofies to deliuer me two good horfe, and that you will rende worde
to the porter that the gates may be opened." The bifhop which
efiemed no leffe his requeft than the commaundement of the Duke
his mailter, incontinently gauehim a billet, by verrue wherof
both the gates were opened, and the horfe ruade ready according
to his demaunde. And vnder colour and pretence of vifiting his
brother, he rode to Venice, where after he had cured himfelfe of
the duke's bitinges faltened in his flefhe, he trauailed into Turkev.
In the morning the duke's feruauntes feing the time fo late before
their mailter retourned, fufpe&ed that he was gone forth in vifiting
of fome Ladye, but when they fawe he taried fo long, they began
to feke for him in euery place. The poore Ducheffe into whofe
harte the loue of her hufbande ltrongly did inuade, vnderltanding
that he could hOt be founde, was very penfife and forowfull. But
when the Gentleman which he fo dearely loued, was not likewyfe
feene abroade, fearche x'as ruade in his ehamber, where finding
bloud at the chamber dore, they entred in, but no man was there
to tell them any newes, and following the trac"t of the bloud the
poore feruantes of the Duke went to the chamber dore, where he
was, which dore they found raff Iocked, who incontinently brake
open the fame: and feing the place ail bloudy, drew the curteine,
and found the wretched carcaffe of the Duke lying in the bedde,
fleeping his endleffe fleepe. The forrow and lamentation marie by
the duke's feruauntes, carying-the dead bodve into his palace, is
carie to be coniec"tured. Wherof when the Bifhop was aduertifed,
he repaired thether, and tolde how the Gentleman was gone awaye
in the night in great halte, vnder pretence to goe to fee his brother :
whereupon it was euidently knowen that it was he that had com-
mitted the murder. And it was proued that his poore titrer was
neuer priuie to the fa&e, who although fhe was affonned with the
8o
A DUKE OF FLORENCE.
fodaynes of the deede, yet her loue tovardes her brother was farre
more increafed, bicaufe he had deliuered her from a Prince fo cruell,
the enemv of her honeftie : for doing whereof he did not fticke to
hazard his owne life. Whereupon flae perfeuered more and more
in vertue, and although flae vas poore, by reafon her houfe was
confifcate, yet both her fifter and flaee matched with
fo honeft and riche hufbandes as were to be
founde in Italie: and afterwardes they
both liued in good and
great reputation.
FRAUNCIS THE FRENCHE KING.
81
THE FIFTY-FIFTH NOUELL.
One of the Frenche kinge's called Frauncis the.flrdTe of that naine,
declared his gentle nature to Counte Guillaume, that u,ould haue
killed him.
Ir Digeon a town of Burgundie, there came to the feruice of
king Frauncis, (whiche was father to Henry the fecond of that
naine, whiche Henry was kylled by lounfier Mongomerie, in a
triumphe at the Tilt, and graundfather to Charles the x. that now
raigneth in Fraunce) an Earle of Allemaigne called Guillaume, of
the houfe of Saxon, whereunto the houle of Sauoie is fo greatly
allied, as in old time they were but one. This Counte for fo
much as he was efemed to be fo comely and hardy a Gentleman
as any was in Almaigne, was in futche good fauour with the
king, as he tooke him hOt onely into feruice, but vfed him fo
nere his perfone, as he made him of his priuy chamber. Vpon a
day the Gouernour of Burgundie, the Lorde Trimouille (an auncient
knight and loyall feruaunt of the kyng)like one fufpicious and
fearfull of the euill and hutte of his vlaifer, had davlie efpies
ouer his enemies, vfing his affaires fo wyfely, as very fewe thinges
were concea|ed from hym. _Among other aduertifementes, one
of his friendes wrote vnto him that the Cotmte Guillaume had
receiued certain fommes of money, with promife of more, if by
any meanes he could deuife which wave to kill the king. The
Lorde of Trimouile hearing of this, failed hOt to corne to the
kyng to giue him knowledge thereof, and difclofed it lykewyfe
to Madame Lovfe of Sauoye his mother, who forgetting her
amitie and aliaunce with the Almaigne Earle, befought the king
forthwith to put hym awaye. The kyng prayed his mother to
fpeake no more thereof, and fayde, that it was impoffible that fo
hone a Gentleman would attempt to doe a deede fo wicked.
,Vithin a while after, there came other newes of that marrer,
confirming the firf: whereof the Gouernour for the intire loue
he bare to his Nlaier, craued licence either to expel him the
countrie, or to put him in warde. But the king gaue fpeciall
VOL. II. F
82
FRAUNCIS THE FRENCHE KING.
commaundement that he fhould not make any femblaunce of
difpleafure, for that hee purpofed by fome other meanes to knowe
the truthe. Vpon a time when he went a hunting he girded
about him the beft fworde that hee had, to ferue for all armes
and affayes, and toke with hym the Counte Guillaume, whome
he commaunded to wayte vpon him, the firfte and chiefeft next
his owne perfone. And after he had followed the hart a certayne
tyme, the kyng feing that his traynes was farre from hym, and
no man neare him fauing the Counte, tourned hym felfe rounde
about, and when hee fauve that hee was alone, in the mydde
of the foref, hee drew out his fworde, and fayd to the Counte :
"How faye you, (tir eounte) is not this a fayre and good
fwoorde ?" The eounte feling it at the point, and well viewyng
the fame, aunfwered that he neuer fawe a better in ail his lire.
" You haue reafon," fayde the kyng, "and I beleue that if a
Gentleman were determined to kvll mee, and did knoxve the force
of mvne armes, and the goodneffe of mvne harte aeeompanied
with this fword, he xvould bee twyfe well aduifed before hee
attempted that enterprife, lXlotwithftanding I would accompt
him but a cowarde, xvee being alone withoute witneffes, if he
did hOt attempt that, which he were difpofed to do." The Counte
Guillaume with bafhfull and aftonned countenaunce aunfveared :
"Sir, the wickedneflè of the enterprife were very great, but
the folly in the execution were no leffe." The king with thofe
wordes fell in a laughter, and put the fword in the tkaberd
againe: and hearing that the chafe drewe neare him, he ruade
to the faine fo fafte as he coulde. "Vhen he was corne thether,
he laid nothing of that which had paffed betweene theim, and
verelve thoughte that the Counte Guillaume although that he
was a ftronge and l'toute gentleman, yet he was no man to do
fo great an enterprife. But the Counte Guillaume, fearing to
be bewrayed or fufpe&ed of the far-t, next day morning repayred
to Robertet the Secretarie of the kinge's reuenues, and laide
that hee had well wayed the giftes and annuities which the
kinge would giue him to tarrie, but he perceiued that they were
not fufficlent to interteigne him for halfe a yeare, and that if it
pleafed not the king to double the lame, hee fhould be forced to
FRAUNCIS THE FRENCHE KING.
83
departe, praying the fayde Robertet to know his grace's pleafure
fo forte as he coulde, who fayd vnto him, that he himfelfe could
without further commiffion difburffe no more vnto him, but gladly
without further delay he would repaire to the king: which he
did more willingly, becaufe he had feene the aduertifements of the
Gouernor aforefaid. And fo forte as the kinge was awake, he
declared the matter vnto him in the prefence of Monfier Trimo-
uille and Monfier Bouinet, h,rd admirall, who were vtterly igno-
rant of that which the king had doue. To whom the kinge faid:
" Loe, ye haue bene mifcontented for that I would not put away
the Counte Guillaume, but now ye fee he putteth awav himfelfe.
"Vherefore Robertet (quoth the king) tell him, that if he be hot
content vith the tiare which he receiued at his firfi entrie into mv
feruice, whereof many gentlemen of good houles xvould thinke
themfelues happie, it is meete that he feeke his better fortune,
and tell him that I would be lothe to hinder him, but wilbe verv
weli contented, that he feeke where he mav liue better, accordingly
as he deferueth." Robertet was fo diligent to beare this aun-
fweare to the Cunte, as he was to prefent his fute to the kinge.
The counte faid that with his licence he wotdd gladly go forthwith :
and as one whom feare forced to depart, he n-as hot able to beare
his abode 24 houres. And as the king was fitting downe to
dinner, fayning to he forye for his departure, but that neeeffitie
eompelled him to lofe his prefenee, hee toke his leaue. He went
likewife to take leaue of the king's mother, which fhe gaue him
with fo great ioy, as the did reeeiue him, being ber nere kinfman
and freind. Then he went into his eountrie : and the king feing
his mother and feruantes aftonned at his fodaine departure,
deelared vnto them the Al Arme, which he had giuen him,
faying, that although he was innocent of the matter
fifpecCted, foe was his feare greate ynoughe, to
departe from a maifier wyth whofe eondi-
eions hitherto he was not ae-
quainted.
84
OF A GENTLEWOMAN
THE FIFTY-SIXTH NOUELL.
,ri pleafaunt dlfcours of a great Lord to enioy a Gentleu, ornan oJ
Pampelunce.
TnE was in the time of king Lewes the xL of that naine, a
young Lord, ealled the lorde of Auannes foune to the Lorde Ale-
bret, and brother to king John of Nauarre, with whom the faid
Lord of Auannes ordinarely remayned. Now this yong Lorde was
of the age of xv. yeares, fo eomely a perfonage, and full of eurtefie
and good behauiour, as he feemed to be ereated for none other
purpofe, but to be beloued and regarded : and tb he was in deede
of al thofe that did wel behold and note his eommendable graee
and eondicion, but ehiefly of a woman, dwelling iu the eitie of
Pampelunoe in Nauarre, the wife of a rieh man, with whom fhe
liued honefHy: and although rite was but OE3 yeres of age, and
her hufband very nere fiftie, yet her behauior was fo modelé, as
fhe feemed rather a widow than a maried wyfe, who vfed not to
frequent and haunte any mariages, banquets, or eommon affem-
blies without the eompany of her hufbande, the verrue and good-
ries of whom the fo greatly efieemed, as the preferred the faine
before the beautie of al others. The hufband, hauing experience
of her wifedome, put fuch truft in her, as he committed al thaf-
faires of his houle to her difcretion: vpon a day this rich man
with his wife, were inuited to a mariage of one that was nere kinne
vnto him : to which place (for the greater honor of the mariage)
repaired the yong Lord of Auannes, who naturally was giuen to
dauncing, and for his excellencie in dauncing there was hot his
like to be found in his time: after dinner when they prepared to
daunce, the Lord of Auannes was intreated tbereunto bv the rich
man: the faid lord afked him with what gentlewoman hee flaould
lead the daunce. He aunfweared him : " Mv Lord if there were
any one more beautifull, or more at my commaundement then
my wyfe, I would prefent ber vnto you, befeeching you to do mee
fo much honour as to take ber bv the hande." \Vhich the yong
Lorde did, and by reafon of his youthfull courage he toke more
OF PAMPELUN,. 8.
pleafure in vaultinge and dauncinge, then in beholding the beautie
of the Ladies : and fhe whom he ledde bv the hand, contrarywyfe
regarded more the grace and beautie of the faid yong Lord, then
the daunce wherin fhe was, albeit for her great wifedome fhe ruade
therof no femblance at al. Vhen fupper time xvas corne, the
Lord of Auannes badde the companie farewell and went home to
the carie: whether the riche man accompanied him vppon his
moile: and riding homewards together, hee faide vnto him:
"1My Lord, this day you haue done fo great honor vnto my kinfe-
men and mee, that it were great ingratitude if I fhould not offer
my felfe with all the goods I haue to do you feruice: I knowe tir
that fich Lordes as you be which haue ncre and couetous fathers,
many times do lacke money which we by keeping of final hous-
hold, and vfing good hufbandrie do heape and gather together.
1Wow thus it is tir, that God hauing giuen mee a wife accordinge
to my defire he would not in this world altogether indue mee with
heauenly pleafures, but hath left me voyde of one ioy which is
the iove that fathers haue of children. I know tir that it is hot my
dutie, and belongeth hot to mv ftate to adopt you for fuch a one,
but if it maye pleafe you to receiue mee for vour feruaunt, and to
declare vnto me your finall aff-aire, fo farre as a hundred thoufande
Crownes fhall extende, I will not fticke to helpe your necef/ities."
The yong Lorde of Auannes was very ioyfull of this offer, for he
had fuche a father as the other had defcribed vnto him : and after
he had giuen him hartie thanckes, he called him his friendlye
father. From that rime forth the fayd riche man conceiued fuch
loue in the yong Lord, as daily he ceafed not to inquire of his
lacke and want, and hid not from his wyfe the deuocion which he
bare to the faid Lorde of Auannes, for which flae rendred vnto him
double thanckes. And after that time the faid yong Lord lacked
not what he defired, and many times reforted to that rich man's
to drincke and eate with him, and finding him hot at home, his
wyfe rewarded him with his demaunde: whoe admonifhed her by
wvfe and difcrete talke to be vertuous, becaufe he feared and
loued her aboue ail the women of the worlde. She which had God
and her honor before ber eyes, was contente with his fight and
talke, wherin confifted the fatiffacCtion of his honeftie and vertuous
86
OF A GENTLEWOMAN
loue:in fuch wife as fhe neuer ruade anv figne or femblaunce,
wherbv he might thinke and iudge that fhee had anve affe&ion
vnto him, but that which was both brotherlie and chriflian.
During this couerte amitie, the Lord of Auannes through the fore-
faid ayde, was ,erv gorgious and trimme, and approching the
age of XVl. yeares, began to frequent the company of Gentle-
women more theu he was wont to do: and although he had a
more willing defire, to loue that wvfe and difcrete dame aboue
other, yet the feare which he had to lofe her loue (if fhee mifliked
her lute) ruade him to hold his peace, and to feeke els wher: and
gaue himfclf to the loue of a Gentlewoman dwelling hard by
Pampelunoe, which had to hufband a yong gentleman, that aboue
ail thinges loued and delighted in dogges, horffe, and Hawkes.
This noble Gentleman began (for her fake) to deuife a thoufand
paflimes, as Torneyes, running at the Tilt, Mommeries, Mafkes,
feafles and other gaines, at all which this yong dame was prefent :
but becaufe that her hulband vas very fantaflicall, and faw his
wyfe to be faire and wanton, hee was ialous of her honour, and
kepte her in fo ftraite, as the fayde Lord of Auannes colde get
nothing at her hands but words, fhortly fpoken, in fome daunce,
aibeit in |it|e time and leffe fpeache, the favde Lorde perceyued
that there wanted nothing for full perfe(tion of their loue, but
rime and place: wherfore he came to his new adopted father the
rich man, and laid vnto him that he was minded with great deuo-
cion to vifite our Lady of 1Montferrat, intreating him to fuffer his
lioufhoulde traine to remaine with him, becaufe he was difpofed
to go thither alone. \Vhereunto he willingly agreed : but his wyfe
whofe hart the great prophet loue had infpired, incontinently fus-
peCCted the true caufe of that voyage, and cold hot forbeare to
f:tve vnto the Lord of Auaunes thefe woords: "My Lord, my
Lorde, the pilgrimage of the Lady whom you worfhippe, is not
farre vithout the walles of the Citie, wherefore I befeech you
aboue ail thinges to haue regarde vnto your health." Hee which
feared her, and loued her, blufl»ed at her words, and without talke
by his countenaunce he feemde to confeffe the trothe: where-
upou he departed, and when he had bought a couple of faire
Genets of Spaine he clothed himfelf like a horfekeeper and fo dis-
OF PAIiPELUNE. 8 7
guifed his face as no man knew him. The Gentleman which had
maried that fonde and wanton gentlewoman, louinge aboue all
thinges (as is fayde before) fayre horfes, efpyed thofe two Genets
whieh the lord of _Auannes did lead, and ineontinently came to
buy them : and after he had bought them, hec beheld the horfe-
keeper whieh rode and handled them paffing well, and afked him
if he were willing to ferue him : the Lord of Auannes anfweared
yea, and added further how he was a poore horfe-keeper vnfkilfull
of other feienee but of keepinge of horfe, xvhieh praetize hec eould
do ri» well, as he doubted not but he fhould content and pleafe
him : the Gentleman very glad thereof, gaue him charge of all his
horfe, and called forth his wyfe vnto him, vnto whom he recom-
mended his horfe and horfekeper, and told her that he himfelf
was difpofed to go to the cartel: the gentlewoman fo xvell to
pleafe her htffband as for her owne delight and paftime, wente to
loke vpon her horfe and to behold ber new horfkeper, who feemed
to be a man of good bringing vp, notwithftanding fhe knewe him
not. He feing that fhe had no knowledge of him, came to do re-
uerence -nto her after the maner of Spaine, and taking her bv the
hand kiffed the fame, and by kiffing of her hand, he difclofed
himfelf fo much as fhe knew him : for in dauncing with her many
times he vfed the like curtetie : and then fhe ceafed not to deuife
place wher fhe might fpeake to him a part: which fhe did the
very lame euening : for being bidden to a feaft wherunto her hus-
band would faine haue had her to go, fhe fayned herfelfe to be
ticke and not able: and her hufband loth to faile his frends re-
queft, faid vnto her: " For fo much (my good wyfe) as you be
not difpofed to go with me, I pray you to haue regard to mv
dogges and horfe that they mav lack nothing." The Gentlewoman
was very wel contented with that comiffion: howbeit without
chaung of countenance fhe made him anfwere that fith in better
things he would not imploie her, fhe would not refufe the leaft, to
fatiffie his defire : and her hufband was no foner out of the gates,
but fhe went down into the fiable» where fhe founde faulte
wyth diuers things: for prouifion whereof fhe colnmitted fuch
feueral butines to her men on euery ride, that fhee remayned
alone with the mafer horfkeper: and for feare leaft any fhould
88
OF A GENTLEWOMAN
corne vpon them vnwares, fhe faid vnto him: "Go into my
garden and tarie my eomming in the litle houfe at the ende of the
alley." x, Vhieh he did fo diligently as hee had no leafure to
thaneke her, andafter that fhe had giuen order to the yeomen ofthe
fiable, fhee went to fçe the dogges, eounterfaiting like eare and
diligence to haue them wel intreated : in fueh wife as fhe feemed
rather a mayde of the ehamber then a maiftreffe of the houle:
whieh done fhee returned into her ehamber, where fhe made her
felf to be fo werie, as fhe went to bed» faying that fhe was dif-
pofed to fleepe. AIl her women left her alone exeept one in whom
fhe repofed her greateft truft, and vnto whom fhe laid : "Go downe
into the garden, and eaufe him whom you fhall finde at the end of
the alley, to corne hither." The mavde wente downe and founde
the iXlailter horlkeeper there, whom forthwith fhee brought vnto
her mailtreffe: and then the gentlewoman eaufed her mavd to
go forth to wateh when her hufbande came home. The lord of
Auannes feing that he was alone with his maiftres, put of his
horfekeeper's apparrel, plueked from his face his faire nofe and
beard, and not as a feareful horfekeeper, but like fueh a Lord as he
was» without atking leaue of the Gentlewoman» boldly laied him
downe befide her : where hee was of that foolifhe woman reeeiued
fo ioy'full)3 as his errate and goodly perfonage did require, eon-
tinuing with her vntil the retorne of her hufband : at whofe com-
ming putting vpon him againe Iris counterfaite attire, left the plea-
fure which by policie and malice he had vfurped. The gentleman
when hec was within, hearde tell of the dilligence which his wife had
vfed vppon his commaundemente, and thanked her very hartelie.
"Hufband (faid the gentlewoman) I do but my dutie, and do affure
vou that if there be no ouerfeer to checke and commaunde your negli-
gent feruaunts, you flal haue neyther dogge nor horfe well kept
and ordred : forafinuche as I knowe their flouth, and your good
wil, you fhalbe better ferued then you haue bin heretofore." The
gentleman x'ho thought that he had gotten the beft horfekeeper
of the worlde, alked her how fhe liked him. "I allure you tir
(quoth fhe) he doth his butines fo well as any feruaunt, howbeit
he had neede to be called vppon, for you know feruaunts in thefe
dayes without an ouerfeer, wilbe be flow and careleffe." Thus of
OF PAMPELUiW2E. 8 9
long time continued the hufbande and wyfe in greater amitie and
loue then before, and gaue ouer ail the fufpicion and ialoufie
which hee had conceyued, becaufe before time his xvyfe louinge
feaftes, daunces and companies, xvas become intentife and diligente
about her houfehold: and perceiued that nov many times fhe
was contented in homely garmentes to go vp and downe the houfe
wher before fhe was accuftomed to be 4 houres in trimming of
herfelfe: whereof fliee was commended of her hufbande, and of
euery man that knew not how the greater deuill had chafed awaye
the leffe. Thus liued this yonge dame vnder the hypocrifie and
habite of an hone woman, in ruche flefhlye pleafure as reafon,
confcience, order and meafure, had no longer refting place in
her : which infaciat luft the yong Lord of delicate complexion was
no longer able to fufeine, but began to xvaxe fo pale and feeble,
as he needed no vifarde for diflîguring of himfelfe. Notwithftand-
ing the folith loue which he bare to that woman fo dulled his
fence, as he prefumed vppon that force which favled in the
monftruous giant Hercules, xvhereby in the ende conftrayned with
ficknes and councelled by his maiftreffe, xvhich loued not the
ficke fo xvell as the hole, demaunded leaue of his maifter to go
home to his frends: who to his great griefe graunted him the
fame : and caufed him to make promife that vhen he xvas recouer-
ed hee fhould returne againe to his feruice. Thus xvent the Lord
of Auannes on foote away from his maifter, for he had not parte
the lenght of one ftreate to trauaile. _And when he xvas come to
the rich man's houfe his new father, he found none at home but
his xvyfe, whofe vertuous loue thee bare him was nothing dimi-
nifhed for al his voyage : but xvhen fhe faxv him fo leane and pale,
fhe could not forbeare to fay vnto him: "Sir, I knowe not in
what fraye your confcience is, but your body is litle amended by
this pilgrimage, and I am in doubte that the xvay vherein you
traueiled in the night, did wearie and pairie vou more, then that
vppon the daye: for if you had gone to Hierufalem on foote,
you mighte perhappes haue returned more Sunne burned, but more
leane and weake it had bin impoflible. Now make accompt of
your pilgrlmage here, and ferue no more fuch Sain&es, for in
place of rayfinge the deade from life, they do to death thofe that
9o
OF A GENTLEWOMAN
be on liue: moreouer I fhall faye vnto you, that if your bodye
were neuer fo finfull, I fee well it hath fuffred fuch penaunce, as
I haue pitie to renewe anye former payne." XVhen the Lorde of
Auannes had hearde all ber talke he was no leffe angrie with him-
felfe then afhamed, and laide vnto her: "" Madame, I haue fome-
times heard tell that repentaunce infueth firme, and now I haue
proued the lame to my col}, praying you to excufe my youth that
could hot be corre6ted but by experience of that euill, which before
it would hot beleeue." The Gentlewoman chaunging ber talke,
caufed him to lve downe vppon a fayre bedde, where he lay the
fpace of xv. dayes, feedinge onely vppon reftoratiues: and the
hufband and wyfe kept him fo good companye, as one of theim
neuer departed from him : and albeit that he had committed thofe
follies, (ruche as you haue heard) againft the minde and aduife
of that wyfe and difcrete dame, yet fhee neuer diminifhed the
vertuous loue which fhee bare him, for fhee ftill hoped that after
he had fpent his yonger dayes in youthly follies, he would retire
at length when age aud experience fhould force him to vfe honeft
loue, and bv that meanes would be altogether her owne. _And
during thofe fifteene dayes that he was cherifhed in her houle,
fhe vfed vnto him womanly and commendable talke, onely tending
to the loue of vertue, xvhich caryed fuch effe as he began to
abhorre the follie that he committed: and beholding the gentle-
xvoman which in beautie paffed the other wanton, xvith xvhom he
had delt before, he imprinted in minde more and more the graces
and verrues that were in her, and was not able to keepe in harte
the fecrete conceipt of the fame, but abandoning all feare, he fard
vnto her: «Madame» I fee no better means, to be fuch one»
and fo vertuous as you by xvordes defire me for to be, but to fettle
my harte, and giue mv felfe to be holie in loue xvith vertue, and
the qualities therunto appertinent. I humblie befeech you ther-
fore (good madame) to tel me if your felfe xvil not vouchfafe to
giue me al your ayde and fauor that you poflîblie can, for thob-
teyning of the fame." The maiftreffe very ioyful to heare him vfe
that language, made him aunfwere: "'_And I do promife you tir,
that if you,xvilbe in loue with verrue as it behoueth fo noble a ftate
as you be» I xvil do you the feruice that I tan to bring you there-
OF PAM PELUN,tE.
91
unto with fuch power and abilitie as God hath planted in mee."
"' XVell madame," faide the Lorde of Auannes, "remember then
your promife, and vnderftande that God vnknowen of the Chris-
tian but by fayth, bath davned to take flefh, like to that our finful
which ve heare about vs, to thend that by drawing our flefh into
the loue of his humanity, he may drav alfo our minde to the loue
of his diuinitie, and requireth to be ferued by thinges vifible to
make vs loue by fayth that diuinity which is inuifible: in like
maner the vertue vhich I defire to imbraee all the dayes of mv
lire, is a thing inuifible and not to be feen but by outvard effe&s.
\Vherfore needeful it is, that fhe now do put vpon her fome body
or fhape to let herfelfe be knowen amonges men: which in deede
fhe hath don by induing herfelf with your form and fhape, as the
moft perfecCt that fhe is able to find amonges liuing ereatures.
\Vherfore I do acknowledge and eonfeffe you to be not onely a
vertuous creature, but euen very vertue it felf. And I which fee
the fame to fhine vnder the glimfing vaile of the moft perfecCt
that euer vas: I vill honor and ferue the fame during my life,
forfaking (for the fame) all other vaine and vicious loue." The
gentlewoman no leffe content then marueling to here thofe
words diffembled fo wel her contented minde as fhe faid vnto
him : "' bly Lord, I take not vpon me to aunf,vere your diuinity,
but like her that is more fearefull of euill then beleful of good, do
humblie befeech you to eeafe to fpeake to me thofe words of
prayfe, that is not worthy of the leaft of them. I know right wel
that I am a woman, not onely as another is, but fo imperfecCt, as
vertue might do a better a6te to tranfforme me into ber, then fhe
to take my forme, except it be when fhe defires to be vnknowen
to the world : for vnder fuch habite as mine is, vertue cannot be
knowen, aceording to her worthines : fo it is tir, that for mine im-
perfecCtion, I wil not eeafe to bere you fueh affetCtion, as a womal,
ought or maye do that feareth God, and hath refpeeCt to her
honour: but that affetCtion fhal not appere, vntill your harte be
able to receiue the pacience which vertuous loue eommaundeth.
_And now tir I know vhat kinde of fpeach to vfe, and thincke
that you do not loue fo well, your owne goodes, purfe or honour,
as I doe with all my hart tender and imbraee the fame." The
9 2 OF A GENTLEWOMAN
lord of Auannes fearefull with teares in eyes, befought her ear-
neftly that for her woordes affuraunce, fhee voulde vouchfafe to
kiffe him : .hich fhe refufed, faying that for him, fhe would hOt
breake the countrie's cuftome : and vppon this debate the hufband
came in, to whom the Lord of Auannes laid : "lIy father, I knowe
my felfe fo much bounde to you and to vour wife, as I befech you
for euer to repute me for your forme." XVhich the good man
willingly did. C'And for furety of that amitie, I pray you," laid
Monfier D'Auannes, "that I may kiffe vou." XVhiche he did.
After he faid vnto him : "If it vere hot for feare to offend the
Law, I would do the like to mv mother your vvfe." The bus-
bande hearinge him lave fo, commaunded his wyfe to kiffe him,
which fhe did although flae ruade it ftraunge, either for the Lord's
defire or for hufband's requett to do the lame: then the fier
(which words had begunne to kindle in the harte of the poore
Lorde) beganne to augmente by that defired kiiçe, fo ftrongly fued
for, and fo crueily refufed : which done the favde Lord of Auan-
ries repayred to the Caçteli to the kinge his brother, vhere he
told many goodly tales of his voyage to 1Montferrat, and vnder-
ftode there, that the kinge his brother was determined to remoue
to Olly and Taffares, atd thinking that the iorney woulde be
longe, conceiued great hcauines, which ruade him to mufe how
he mighte affave before his departure, whether the xvife Gentle-
woman bare him fuch good will, as fhee ruade him beleeue fhee
did: and therefore hee toke a houfe in the ftreate where fhe
dweit, which was old and ill fauoured and built of Tituber : which
houle about midnight of purpofe he let on fier, wherof the erre
xvas fo great throughout the Citie as it was hard within the rich
man's houle. .Vho demaunding at his window wher the fier
was, vnderftode it to be at the Lord of Auannes, xvherunto he in-
continentlye repayred with ali the people of his houle, and found
the yonge Lord in his fhirt in the middeft of the Rreat, whom for
pitie he toke betweene his armes, and couering him with his
nighte Gowne, caried him home to his houfe with ai poflîble
fpeede, and laide vnto his wife which was a bed: '" \Vile, I giue
you to kepe this prifoner, vfe him as mv feife." So fone as he
was departed the fard Lord of 2kuannes, who had good wil to be
OF PAMPELUNE. 93
interteigned for her hufband, quicklie lept into the bed, hoping
that the occafion and place xvould make that wife woman to
chaunge her minde, which he founde to be contrary : for fo fone
as he lept into the bed of thone ride, fhee fpeedelie went out of
the other, and putting on her night Gowne fhe repaired to the
bed's head, and faid vnto him: "" Ho,v now tir, do you thincke
that occafions can chaunge a chafe harte? beleeue and thincke
that as gold is proued in the Fornace» euen fo an vnfpotted hart
in the middef of temptacion : xvherein many times an honef hart
fheweth it felfe to be more frong and vertuous, then els where,
and the more it is affailed by his contrary, the coulder be the
defires of the faine: wherefore be you affured that if I had bin
affeed with other minde then that xvhich many times I haue dis-
clofed vnto you, I would not haue fayled to finde meanes to haue
fatiffyed the faine : praying you that if you will haue me to con-
tinue the affection which I beare you, to remoue from your minde
for euer not onely the will but the thoughte alfo, for any thinge
you be able to doe to make me other then I am. » As fhe xvas
fpeaking of thefe words ber women came into the chamber,
whom fhe commaunded to bring in a colacion of ail fortes of
comfis and other delicats: but that time hee had no appetite
either to eate or drincke» hee was fallen into ruche difpaire for
fayling of his enterprife: fearing that the demonfracion of his
defire, would haue caufed ber to giue ouer the fecrete familiaritie
betweene them. The hufhande hauinge ceafed the fier, retorned
and intreated the Lord of Auannes that night to lodge in his
houle, who paffed that night in fuch nomber of cogitacions
as his eyes vere more exercifed xvith weeping then fleeping, and
early in the morninge he bad them fare,vell in their bedde, where
by kiflîng the Gentlewoman hee well perceiued that fhe had more
pitie upon his offence, then euill will againf his perfon, which
xvas a cole to make the fier of loue to kindle more fiercely. After
dinner he rode ,vith the king of Taffares, but before his departure
he ,vent to take his leaue of his newe alied father and of his
wyfe: xvhoe after the fur commaundement of ber hufoand»
made no more diflïcultie to kiffe him then if he had bin her
owne fonue. But be affured the more that verrue f¢ayed her
94
OF A GEIqTLE'¥OMAIq
eye and countenaunce to fhew the hidden flame the more it did
augment and beeome intollerable, in fueh wyfe as not able to
indure the warres whieh honour and loue had rayfed within her
hart, (who notwithffanding was determined neuer to fhewe it,
hauing loff the confolacion of her fight, and forgeuen the talke
with him for whom fhe liued)a eontinuall feuer began to take
ber, caufed by a Melancholicke and eouert ht, mor, in fueh vyfe
as the extrerne partes of ber body waxed eold, and thofe within
burnt inceffantly. The Phifitions (in the hands of whom rnan's
life doth not depend) began greatly to miffruff health by reafon of
a certaine opilaeion which ruade ber rnelaneholicke: who coun-
eeiled the hufbande to aduertife his wife to confider her eon-
feienee, and that fhe was in the handes of God (as thoughe they
whieh be in health were hot in his prote&ion): the hufbande
which intirelv loued his wyfe, was wyth their woordes rnade fo
heauve and penfife, as for his confort he wrote to the Lord of
Auannes, befeeehinge him to take the paynes to vifite them,
hoping that his fight would greatly eafe and relieue the difeafe
of his wife. Vhich requeff the Lord of Auannes irnmediatlv
vppon the reeepte of thofe letters flaeked hOt, but by poffe arriued
at his father's houfe: at the entrye whereof hee founde the fer-
uauntes and wolnen rnakinge great forrowe and larnentaeion ae-
cordinglie as the goodnes of their lnaiffreffe d«ferued : wherewith
the fayde Lorde was so affonned as he ffoode ffil at the doore like
one in a traunce, vntil he fawe his good father: who imbraeing
hirn beganne fo bitterlie to weepe, that he was hot able to fpeake
a worde. And fo conueied the fayd Lorde ofAuannes vp into the
Chamber of his poore fieke wyfe: who eaffing vp her languifhing
eyes looked vppon him: and reaehing his hand vnto her, fhe
tirayned the fame with all her feeble force, and irnbracinge and
kiflïnge the farne rnade a rnaruevlous plainte, and fayd vnto hirn.
" 0 my Lord, the houre is corne that ail diflimulacion rnuff eeafe,
and needes I muff eonfeflè vnto you the troth, which I to my
greate paine haue eoneealed from you: which is, that if you haue
borne vnto me greate affe&ion, beleeue that mine rendred vnto
you, hath bin no leffe: but my forrow hath farre furpaffed your
griefe, the frnarte whereof I do feele ow againff myrte hart and
will : wherefore» rny lord, yee fhall vnderffand, that Go and mine
OF PAMPELUN,E. 95
honour would not fuffer mee to difelofe the lame vnto you,
fearing to inereafe in you that whieh I defired tobe diminifhed :
but knowe yee, my Lorde, that the xvoordes whieh fo many tymes
vou haue vttered vnto mee, haue bred in me fueh griefe, as the
lame be the InRrumentes and xvoorkers of mv death, wheresvyth
I ara contente fith Go» did giue mee the graee hOt to fuffer the
violence of my Loue, to blotte the puritye of mv eonfeienee and
renowne: for leffe tire then is wythin the kindled harte of mine,
bath ruinated and coufumed moR famous and atelv buildinges.
Nowe my hart is well at eafe, fithe before I dye, I haue had
power to declare mvne affe&ion, xvhich is equali vnto yours,
fauing that the honor of men and women be hOt a like : befeech-
inge you, my Lorde, from henceforth hot to feare to addreffe your
felfe to the greatef and more vertuous Ladies that you can finde :
for in fuch noble hartes do dwell the frongef paflïons, and there
the lame be more wifely gouerned: and God graunt that the
grace, beautie and honefie, which be in you, do not fuffer your
loue to trauell wythout fruite: haue in remembrance good, my
Lord, the fabilitie of mv confiante minde, and do hot attribute
that to crueltie which ourht to be imputed to honor» confcience
and verrue: xvhich are thinges a thoufande times more accep-
table, then the expence and loffe of tranfitorie lire. Nowe, fare-
well, my Lorde, recommendinge vnto your honour the fate of my
hufband your good father, to whom I pray you to reherfe the
troth of that vhich you doe know by mee, to the intent that he
may be certefied how dearely I haue loued God and him: for
whofe fake I betech you to abfente your felfe out of my fight :
for from henceforth I do meane holye to giue mv felfe to the
contemplacion of thofe promifes which God hath louingly de-
creed, before the conftitucion of the world." In faying fo fhee
kiffed him, and imbraced him wyth all the force of her feeble
armes. The fayde Lorde, whofe hart was dead for compaflion, as
her's was in dying through griefe and forrow, without power
to fpeake one onely worde, withdrew himfelfe out of her fight
and lave downe vpon a bed within an inner chamber: where he
fainted many rimes. Then the gentlewoman called for ber hus-
bande, and after fhe had giuen him many goodly leffons, fhee
recommended him to the Lord of _Auannes, affuringe him that
96
OF A GENTLEWOMAN OF PAMPELUN3E.
nexte to his parfon, of all the men in the worlde fhee had him in
greatefe efimacion: and foc kiffinge ber hufbande fhee badde
him farewell. And then was brought vnto ber the holye Sacra-
mente, which fhee receyued with fuch ioye, as one certaine and
fure of ber Saluaeion, and perceyuinge ber fighte begynne to
fayle, and ber firength diminifhe fhe pronounced aloude: In
raanus tuas, &c. At which crie the Lorde of Auannes rofe vp from
the bedde, and piteoufly beholding her, he viewed ber with a
fwete fighe, to rendre her glorioufe ghoR to him which had re-
demed it. And when he perceiued that fhee was dead, hec ran
to the dead bodie, which liuing he durft not approche for feare,
and imbraced and kiffed the lame in fuch wife, as muche a doe
there x'as to remoue her corps out of his armes: wherof the
hufband was very much abaflaed, for that he neuer thought that
he had borne his wife fuch affe&ion. And in faying vnto him :
"Mv Lord, you haue donc enough : » they withdrew them felues
together. _And after long lamentation, the one for his wife, and
the other for his Lady : the Lord of Auannes told him the whole
difcourfe of his Loue, and howe vntill her death fhe neuer graunted
him not fo muche as one figne or token of loue, but in place
therof a rebellious minde to his importunate lutes: at the reher-
rail whereof, the hufbande conceiued greater pleafure and con-
tentment than euer he did before: which augmented or rather
doubled his forrow and griefe for lollè of fuch a wife. _And all his
lire time after, in al feruices and duties he obeyed the Lord of
_Auannes, that then was not aboue eightene yeres of age, who
retourned to the Courte, and continued there many yeares with-
out will to fee or fpeake to any woman, for the forrow which he
had taken for his Lady, and more then two yeres he wore blacke
for mourning appareil. Beholde here the difference betweene a
wife and difcrete woman, and one that was wanton and foolifh,
both which fortes expreffed different effe&es of loue: whereof
the one receiued a glorious and commendable death and the
other liued to long to ber great fhame and infamie. The one
by fmall lute fone won and obteyned, the other by earneR re-
quefies and great payne purfued and followed. _And till
death had taken order, to ridde ber from that purfute,
fhe euer continued confiant.
A STRAUNGE PUNISHMENT OF ADULTERIE. 97
THE FIFTY-SEUENTH NOUELL.
.,,1 puniathment more 'igorous than death, of a htoE, and towarde his
wife that had committed adulterie.
KI,xç_, Charles of Fraunee, the eight of that naine, fent into Ger-
many a gent]eman ca]]ed Bernage, lorde of Cyure befides Amboife :
who to make fpeede, fpared neither dave nor nighte for execution
of his Prinee's eommaundement. In futch wvfe as very ]are in
an euening he arriued at the Ca]e of a Gent]eman, to demaunde
lodglng, which very hardly he obtained. Howbeit, when the gen-
tleman vnderftode that he was the feruaunt of fuch a kyng, he
prayed him hot to take it in ill parte the rudineffe of his feruantes
beeaufe vppon occafion of certain his wiue's frends which ]oued him
hot, he was forced to kepe his houle fo ftraight. Then Bernage
tolde him the caufe of his iourney, wherein the Gentleman offered
to doe to the king his maifler all feruice poffible. Leading him
into his houle where he was feafed and lodged very honorab]y.
Vhen fupper was ready, the Gentleman conueyed him into a
parler wel hanged with fayre Tapifrie. And the meate being fer
vpon the table, and he required to fit down, he perceiued a
woman comming forth behind the hanging, which vas fo beauti-
full as might be feene, fauing that ber head was all flaauen, and
apparelled in A]maine b]acke. After bothe the Gent]emen had
waflaed, water was brought to the Gentlewoman, who when (he had
waflaed (he fat down alfo, without fpeaking to any, or any word
fpoken vnto her againe. The Lorde Bernage beholding her well,
thought her to be one of the favref Ladies that euer he fawe, if
her face had hot bene fo pale and her countenaunce fo fadde. After
flae had eaten a lit]e, (he ca]]ed for drinke, which one of the fer-
uauntes brought vnto her in a fraunge cup: for it was the head
of a dead man trimmed with filuer, wherof (he drancke twiee or
thriee. XVhen (he had fupped and wa(hed ber handes, making a
reuerence to the Lord of the houle, (hee retourned backe againe
that way flaee came, without fpeaking to any. Bernage was fo
much amafed at that fraunge fighte, as he waxed very heauie and
VOL. II. G
98
A STRAUNGE PUNISHMENT
fadde. The gentleman who marked hym, fayde vnto hym: "I
fee well that vou be aftonned at that you faw at the table, but
feyng your honeft demeanour, I wyll not keepe it fecrete from
you, becaufe you flaal not note that crueltie to be donewithout greate
occafion. This gentlewoman whiche you fee, is my wyfe, whom
I loued better than was poflible for any man to loue his wyfe.
In fuch forte as to marry her I forçat all feare of friendes, and
brought ber hither in defpite of her parentes. She likewvfe flaewed
vnto me ruche fignes of loue, as I attempted a thoufande wayes
to place her here for her ioye and myne, where wee lyued a long
tyme in fuche relie and contentation, as I thought my felf the
happiefi Gentleman in Chrifiendome. But in a iourney whiche I
ruade, the attempt whereof myne honour forced me, thee forgot
bothe ber felfe, her confcience, and the loue whiche thee bare
towardes mec» and fell in loue with a Gentleman that I brought vp
in this houle, whiche her loue vpon my retourne I perceiued to be
truc. Notwithfianding the loue that I bare ber, was fo great
as I had no mifirufi in her» tyll fitch tyme as experience did
open mvne eyes, and fawe the thynge that I feared more than
death. For whiche caufe my loue was tourned into furie and dis-
payre» fo greate, as I watched her fo nere, that vppon a daye fayn-
ing my felfe to goe abroade, I hydde my felfe in the chamber
where now thee remayneth. Into the whiche forte after my
departure thee repayred, and caufed the Gentleman to corne the-
ther. Whome I did beholde to doe that thinge, which was alto-
gether vnmeete for any man to doe to ber, but my felfe. But when
I fawe hlm mounte vppon the bed after her, I fiepped forth and
tooke him betwene her armes, and with my dagger immediatly
did kill him. And becaufe the offence of my wife femed fo great
as the doing of her to death was hot fufficient to punith her, I
deuifed a torment which in mine opinion is worfe vnto ber than
death. For thus I vfe her, I doe locke her vp in the chamber
wherein the accufiomed to vfe her delightes, and in the companie
of hym that the loued farre better than me. In the clofet of which
chamber I haue placed the Anatomie of her friend, referuing the
faine as a precious Iewell. And to the ende fhee may hot forget
him at recales, at the table before my face, fhe vfeth his lkulle in
OF ADULTERIE. 99
fteade of a cup to drinke in, to the intent flae may behold him
(aliue) in the prefence of hym whom through ber owne fault fhe
hath ruade her mortal enemy, and him dead and flain for her fake,
whofe loue fhe preferred before mine. And fo beholdeth thofe
twoo thinges at dinner and fupper which ought to difpleafe her
morte, her enemie liuing, and her friend dead and al through her
own wickedneffe howbeit I doe vfe her no worfe than my felf,
although fhee goeth thus fhauen: for the ornament of the heare
doth not appertaine to an adultreffe, nor the vayle or other fur-
niture of the head to an unchaft woman. Vherefore fhe goeth
fo fhauen, in token fhe hath loti her honefiie. If it pleafe you,
tir, to take the payne to fee her, I wil bring you to her." Vrhere -
unto Bernage willingly affented. And defcending into her cham-
ber whiche was very richely furnifhed, they founde her fitting alone
at the fier. _And the Gentleman drawing a Curteine, whiche was
before the Clofet, he fawe the Anatomie of the dead man hanging.
Beruage had a great defire to fpeake vnto the Ladye, but for feare
of her hufband he durft not. The Gentleman perceiuin the fame,
faid vnto him : "" If it pleafe you to fpeake vnto her, you fhal vn-
derftand her order of talke." Therwithall Bernage fayde vnto her :
"" Madame, if your pacience be correfpondent to this torment, I
deme you to be the happieft woman of the worlde." The lady
ith teares tricke|ing down ber eyes with a grace fo good and
humble as was poflïble, fpake thus vnto him : "' Sir, I doe confeffe
mv fault to be fo great, as ail the afflic'-tions and torment that the
Lorde of this place (for I an not worthy to call him hufbande) can
doe vnto me, be nothing comparable to the forrove I haue con-
ceiued of myne offence." And in fayinge fo, fhe began pitifully to
weepe. Therewithall the Gentleman toke Bernage by the hande,
and led him forth. The next day morning he departed about the
bufineffe vhich the king had fent him. Notwithftanding, in bid-
ding the Gentleman fare well, he fayde vnto hym : "" Sir, the loue
whiche I beare vnto you, and the honor and fecretes wherewith you
haue made me priui% doth force me to faye vnto you howe I doe
thinke good (feing the great repentance of the poore Gentlewoman
your wife) that you doe fhewe her mercie. And bicaufe you be
yong and haue no children, it were a verie great loffe and detriment
IOO A STRAUNGE PUNIHMENT OF ADULTERIE.
to lofe fuch a houfe and ligneage as yours is. And it may fo corne
to paffe, that your enemies thereby in rime to corne may be your
heires, and inioye the goodes and patrimonie whiche you doe leaue
behinde you." The Genteman which neuer thought to fpeake
vnto his wife, with thofe wordes paufed a great while, and in thend
confeffed his faying to be true, promifing him that if the would
continue in that humilitie, he woud in time thew pittie vppon her,
with xvhiche promife Bernage departed. And when he was re-
tourned towardes the king his maifter, hee recompted vnto him
the fucceffe of his iourneyes. And amonges other thinges he tolde
him of the beautie of this Ladie, who fent his Painter called Iohn
er Paris, to bring him her counterfai&e: which with the confent
of her hufband, he did. Who after that long penaunce, for
a defire he had to haue children, and for the pitie
hee bare to his wyfe which with great hum-
bleneffe receiued that affli&ion, tooke ber
vnto hvm agayne, and afterwardes
begat of her many
children.
A PRESIDENT OF GRENOBLE.
IOI
THE FIFTY-EIGHTH NOUELL.
.el Prejïdent of Grenoble aduertifed of the iii gouernement of his
wife, took fuch order, that his honeflie was hot diminified, and yet
reuenged the fac'te.
IN Grenoble (the chiefe citie of a Countrie in Fraunce ealled
Daulphine, vhich citie otherwife is named Gratianapolis)there
was a Prefident that had a verv fayre wyfe, who perceiuing her
hufbande beginne to waxe olde, fell in loue xvith a yong man
that was her hufband's Clark, a very propre and handfone felowe.
Srpon a rime when her hufband in a morning was gone to the
Palace, the clarke entred his chamber and tooke his lklaifter's
place, whiche thing one of the prefidente's men, that faithfully
had ferued him the fpace of xxx. yeres like a truflie feruant
perceiuing, could not keepe it fecret, but tolde his blaifter. The
Prefident whiche was a xvife man, would not beleue it vpon his
light report, but fayde that he did it of purpofe to fer difcord
betwene him and his wife, notwithftanding if the thiag vere true
as he had reported, he might let him fee the thing it felfe, x'hiche
if he did not, he had good caufe to thinke that he had deuifed a
lye to breake and diffolue the loue betvene them. The feruaunt
did affure him that he would caufe him to fee the thing wherof
he had tolde him. _And one morning fo fone as the Prefident was
gone to the Court, and the Clarked entred into his chamber, the
feruaunt fent one of his companions to tel his maifler that he
might tome in good rime, to fee the thing that he had declared
vnto him, he himfelf ftanding flil at the doore to watch that the
partie might not goe out. The Prefident fo fone as he fauve the
figne that one of his men ruade vnto him, fayning that he was not
wel at eafe, left the audience, and fpedely vent home to his houfe,
vhere he founde his olde feruaunt watchiag at the chamber dore,
affuring him for truth that the Clarke was wlthin, and that he
flaould with fpede to goe in. The Prefident fard to his feruant:
" Do not tarrie at the dote, for thou knoweft ther is no other
going out or comming in but onely this, except a litle clofet
102
A PRESIDENT OF GRENOBLE.
herof I alone do beare the keye." The prefident entred the
ehamber, and found his vife and the Clarke a bed together, who
in his fhirt feli dovne at the prefident's feete, crauing par-
don, and his vife much afraid began to veepe. To vhome the
Prefident fayde: "" For fo touche as the thing which thou hall
donc is fuch, as thou maill veli confider, that I tan not abyde
my houle (for thee) in this fort to be difhonored, and the
daughters vhich I haue had by thee to be difauaunced and abafed :
therfore leaue of thy veeping, and marke vhat I fhall doe.
And thou Nicolas (for that vas his Clarke's naine) bide thy felfe
here in my clofet, and in any vife make no noyfe." ,Vhen he
had fo done, he opened the dore and cailed in his olde feruaunt,
and fayde vnto him: "Diddell not thou varrant and affure me
that thou wouldell let me fee my Clarke and vyfe in bedde to-
gether ? And vppon thy words I am corne hether, thinking to
haue killed my wife, and doe finde nothing to be true of that
which thou diddell teli me. For I haue fearched the chamber in
euery place as I vili fheve thee." And with that he caufed his
feruant to looke vnder the beddes, and in euery corner. _And
vhen the feruant founde him not, throughly allonned, he fayde
to his mailler: " Sir, I fauve him goe into the chamber, and out
he is not gone at the dore: and fo farre as I can fee he is not
here: therefore I thinke the Diuel mull nedes carrie him awaye."
Then his mailler rebuked him in thefe vords: " Thou art a
villayn, to fet fuch diuilion betvene my vife and me, where-
fore I doe difcharge thee from my feruice, and for that which
thou hall donc me, I wili paye the thy dutie, with the aduaun-
tage: therefore get thee hence» and take hede that thou doell
not tarrie in this tovn aboue xxiiii, houres." The Prefident for
that he knew him to be an honell and faithfull feruaunt, gaue
him fi,e or fixe yeares vages, and purpofed otherwife to preferre
him. When the feruaunt (with iii will and veping teares) was
departed, the Prefident caufed his Ciark to corne out of his Ciofet :
and after he had declared to his wife and him, what hec thought
of their iii behauiour, he forbad them to fhewe no iikelyhode
of any fuch matter, and commaunded his vyfe to attire and
dreffe her felfe in more gorgeous appareil, than fhe vas vont
A PRESIDENT OF GRENOBLE.
10 3
to weare, and to haunt and refort to company and feafces, will-
ing the Clarke to make a better countenaunce on the matter
then hee did before, but whenfoeuer he rounded him in the
eare and bad him depart, he charged him after that commaunde-
ment not to tarry foure houres in the towne. And when he had
thus done, he retourned to the palace Courte, as though there
hadde no futche thing chaunced. And the fpace of fiftene dayes
(contrary to his cuftome) he feafted his frendes and neighbours,
and after euery thofe bankettes, he caufed the minfcrels to play,
t. make the Gentlewomen daunce. One daye he feing his wife
hot to daunce, he commaunded his Clarke to take her by the
hande, and to leade her forth to daunce, who thinking the Pre-
rident had forgotten the trefpaffe paft, very ioyfully daunced
with her. But when the daunce was ended, the Pretident fain-
ing as though he would haue commaunded him to doe fome
thing in his houfe, bad him in his eare to get him awav and
neuer to retourne. Now was the Clark very forowfull to leaue
his Ladye, but yet no leffe ioyfull he was that his life was faued.
Afterwardes when the Prefident had ruade all his frendes and
kinffolkes, and all the countrey, beleue what great loue he bare
to his wife, vppon a faire day in the moneth of lXlay, he went
to gather a fallade in his garden, the herbes whereof after fhe
had eaten, fhe liued hOt aboue xxiiii, houres after, whereof he
counterfaited fache forrowe, as no man could fufpecCt the oc-
cation of her death. And bv that meanes he was reuen-
ged of his enemy, and faued the honour of his houfe.
"C I will hOt by this Nouell (faid Emarfuitte) prayfe the con-
fcience of the Pretident, but herein I haue declared the light
behauiour of a woman, and the great pacience and prudence
of a man: Praying you good Ladies all, not to be offended at
the trtthe." " If ail women (quo Parlamente) that loue their
Clarkes or feruauntes, were forced to eate fuch fallades, I beleue
they wottld not loue their gardens fo well as they doe, but woulde
teare and l,lucke vp all the herbes bothe roote and rinde, to auoyde
thofe thinges that by death might aduaunce the honor of their
ttock and ligneage." " If fallades be fo cofly (quod Hircan)
and fo daungerous in May, I will prouoke appetite with other
fawces, or els hunger fhall be my chiefeft."
OF A IALOUSE GENTLEMAN.
THE FIFTY-NINTH NOUELL.
.zl gentleman of Perche fufpet9ing iniurie done vnto him l,y his
friend, prouoked him fo ezecute and put in proufe the taule of his
fufpicion.
]3ESDES the eountrie of Perche, there were two Gentlemen,
whieh from the tvme of theyr youthe lyued in futehe great and
perfecCt amitie, as there was betwene them but one harte, one bed,
one houfe, one table, and one purfe. Long time eontinued this
perfecCt frendfhip : betwene whom there was but one will and one
woorde, no differenee in either of them: in fo muche as they not
onely femed to be two brethren, but alfo they appeared in al fem-
blances to be but one man. One of them chauneed to mary : not-
'ithftanding they gaue not ouer their frendfhip, but perfeuered
in their vfual amitie as they were wont to doe: and whan they
happened to be ftrained to ftraight lodging, the maried gentleman
would not ftiek to fuffer his friend to lie with him and his wife.
But yet you ought for frendflfip fake to eonfider that the maried
man lay in the mids. Their goodes were eommon betwene them,
and the mariage did yelde no eaufe to hinder their affured amitie.
But in proeetçe of time, the felieitie of this worlde (whiehe
carieth with it a certaine mutabitie) eould hot continue in the
houfe, whieh was before right pleafaunt and happy: for the
maried man forgetting the faithfull fidelitie of his friend, without
any eaufe eonceiued a greate fufpieion betwene hym and his wyfe,
from .hom he eould not diffemble the cafe, but flaarpely tolde
her his mynde. She therewithall was wonderfully amazed: how-
beit, he eommaunded her to doe all thinges (one thing excepted)
and to make fo touche of his companion as of himfelfe. Neuer-
theleffe he forbade her to fpeake vnto hym exeept it were in the
prefenee of many. AI1 which flae gaue her hufbande's eompanion
to vnderftande, who would hOt beleue her, knowyng that hee
had neither by thought or deede done anye thing whereof his
companion had eaufe to be offended. And likewife becaufe he
ufed to kepe nothing feerete from hym» he tolde him what he
OF A IALOUSE GENTLEMAN.
o5
had fayde, praying hym to tell him the truthe of the matter,
beeaufe he purpofed neither in that, ne yet in any other thing, to
geue oeeafion of breaeh of that amitie whieh of long time they
had imbraeed. The maried Gentleman affured him that he neuer
thought it, and how thev whieh had fowen that rumor, had wiek-
edly belied him. Vhereunto his eompanion replied: "I knowe
wel enough that Ieloufie is a paffion fo intollerable as loue it
felfe. _And when you fhall eoneeiue that opinion of Ialoufie, yea
and it were of my felfe, I fhould do you no wrong, for vour felfe
were hot able to kepe it. But of one thing whieh is in your power,
I haue good matter whereof to eomplayne, and that is beeaufe
you will eoneele from me your maladie, fith there was no paffion
or opinion whieh you eoneeiued, that before this time you kept
feeret from me. Likewife for mv owne parte if I were amorous of
vour wife, you ought hot to impute it as a fault vnto me, beeaufe
it is a fier whieh I bare not in my handes, to vfe at my pleafure.
But if I kepe it to mv felfe from you, and indeuour to make youre
wife knowe it by demonftration of my loue, I might then be
aeeompted that vntruftief friend that euer liued: and for me I
doe affure you that fhee is a right honef and a good woman,
and one that my fanfie doth left fauour (although fhe were hot
your wife)of all them that euer I fawe. But now fithens there
is no eaufe, I do require you that if you pereeiue any fufpieion,
be it neuer fo litle, to tell me of it, beeaufe I would fo vfe myfelf,
as out frendfhip whieh hath indured fo long tyme, might not bee
broken for a woman : and if I did loue her aboue any thing in the
worlde, yet furely I would neuer fpeake worde vnto her, bieaufe
I doe efteme our frendfhip better then the greatef treafure."
His eompanion fwore vnto him very great othes that he neuer
thought it, praying him to vfe his houfe as he had done before.
XVhereunto he aunfwered: «'Sithe you will haue me fo to doe»
I am content: but I praye you if hereafter you doe eoneeiue
any finiftre opinion in me, not to diffemble the fame, whieh
if you doe I will neuer continue longer in your eompanie."
In proeeffe of time, liuing together aeeording to their euftome,
the maried Gentleman entred againe into greater Ieloufie than
euer he did, commaunding his wife to beare no more that eounte-
o6
OF A IALOUSE GENTLEMAN.
naunce towards him that fhe was xvont to doe. SVhiche com-
maundement fhe tolde her hufbande's companion, praying him
after that time to forbeare to fpeake vnto her, for that fhe was
forbidden to doe the like to him. The gentleman vnderftanding
by wordes and certaine countenaunces, that his companion had
not kept promife, he fayd vnto him in great choler: "To be Ia-
lous (my companion) is a thing naturall: but bicaufe thou diddeft
fweare vnto me by othes not to diffemble, I can by no meanes
forbeare any longer: for I did euer thinke that betwene thyne
harte and mine, there could be no let and interruption: but to
my great griefe and xvithout anve fault on my part, I doe fee the
contrarie. For as touche as thou art hot only very Ialous betwene
thy wife and mec, but alfo thou wouldefi diflïmulate and couer
the faine, fo that in the ende thy maladie and difeafe continuing
fo long, is altered into mere malice, and lyke as oure loue hath
bene the greatefte that hathe bene feene in oure tym% euen fo
out difpleafure and hatred is nowe mofie morta|l. I haue done fo
mutche as lveth in mee, to auoyde "this inconuenience, but fithe
thou hafi fufpeed me to be an ill man, and I haue fiill fhewed
my felfe to be the contrar)5 I doe fweare, and therwithai affure
thee, by my faith, that I ara the faine thou thinkefi me to be, and
therefore from heneeforth take hede of.me: for rince fufpicion
hath feparated the from my loue and amitie, defpite fhall deuide
me from thine." And a|beit that his eompanion would haue ruade
him beleue the contrarie, and that hee mifirufied hym nothing at
ail, yet he withdreve his part of his moueables and goodes that
before were common betweene them, fo that then both their
hartes and goodes were fo farre feparated as before they were
vnited and ioyned together. In fueh wyfe as the vnmaried
Gentleman neuer eeaffed till he had ruade his eom-
panion eoekolde, aeeording to his
promife.
OF A GENTLEMAN THAT DIED OF LOUE.
THE SIXTIETH NOUELL.
The piteous death of an ./Imoroufe Gentleman, for the .flacke
comfort geuen him to late, l.y his beloued.
]3ETWErE Daulphine and Prouence, there was a gentleman,
more riche and better furniflaed with beautie, vertue, and good
eondieions, then with the goodes of fortune: who fill in loue
with a gentlewoman that for this time fhall want a naine, for res-
peé-te of her parentes that are eome of honorable houfes, and the
Gentleman's name alfo fhalbe vntolde, for like refpeé-te, although
altogether not fo honorably allied, as the Gentlewoman that he
loued, and yet the hiforie very eerten and true. And bieaufe his
degree was not fo high as hers, hee durf not difeouer his affec-
tion : for the loue whieh he bare her, was fo good and perfeé-t, as
rather would he haue bene tormented with the panges of death,
then couet the leaff aduauntage that might redounde to her dis-
honor. _And feing his fate to bafe in refpe6te of hers, had no
hope to marry her. Vherefore he grounded his loue vpon none
other foundation and intent, but to lotie her with ail his power fo
perfe&lye as was poffible, whieh in the ende came vnto her
knowledge. _And the Gentlewoman knowing and feing the honef
alnitie whieh he bare her, to be fui of vertue, ioyned with ehaf
and eomly talke, felt her felfe right happie to be beloued and
had in prife, of a perfonage fo well eondieioned, pra6tifing dayly
eherefull eountinaunee towardes him (whiehe was the bef re-
warde he pretended to haue) whereof he eoneeiued great eafe and
eontentment. But malice the eanered enemy of ail refe and
quiet, eould not long abide this honef and happie life. For
fome frowning at his good happe, (as malice euer aeeompanieth
a well difpofed mynde) tolde the mother of the mayden, howe
they marueiled that the Gentleman flmuld bee fo familiar in her
houfe, inferring therewithall that the beautie of her daughter was
the only eaufe, with wholn they fawe him many rimes to vfe
fecrete and priuat fpeach. The mother which by no meaues
doubted the honefie of the Gentleman, no more then fhee did
o8
OF A GENTLEMAN
of her own children, vas very forie to vnderfiand that fome
fhold be offended at that their familiarity. She thought therfore to
fhunne the taule of their offence. And at length, (fearing that
flaunder might be raifed of malice) fhe required the Gentleman
for a tvme to haunt no more her houle, as he was wont to doe.
A thing to him of harde digefiion, knowing his own innocencie,
and leffe defert to be efiranged from the houle, for refpe& of the
honef talke he vfed to the yonge gentlewoman. Notwlthfiand-
ing, to fioppe the rage of maliçious tongues» he withdrew himfelf,
till he thought the brute was ceafed, and then retourned after his
wonted maner: whofe abfençe nothing abridged his aunçient
good will. And he began no foner to be familiar there again,
but he vnderfiode that the mayden fhould be maried to a Gentle-
man, that was not fo ritche and noble (as femed to hym)and
therfore he thought he fhould receiue great wrong, if fhe were
befiowed vpon that Gentleman» and not on hym, that had bene
fo long a futor. And thereupon coneeiued corage to preferre
hym felfe in playne tunes, if çhovfe were geuen to the maiden.
Howebeit, the mother and other of her kynne, follieitedand chofe
the other gentleman becaufe (in dede) he was more welthie.
.Vhereat the poore gentleman fretted with difpleafure, feing that
his Ladie fhould for worldly mueke be defrauded of her greatef
ioye, by little and little without other maladie» began to languifhe,
and in litle tyme ,vas fo altered» as in his face appeared the virage
of death. Neuertheleffe he could not forbeare the houle of his
beloued, but çontinually from rime to rime made his repaire thether
to fede himfelfe with the baulme of that beautie, which he thought
would prolong his dayes, but it was the onely abridgement. In
thend the poyfon he fucked by the viewe of that beautie, con-
fumed his firength, and force failing him, was confrained to
kepe his bedde. .Vhereof he would not aduertife her whome he
loued, for greuing her, knowing well that fhe would bee tor-
mented with the newes. And fo fuffring him felfe to runne the
race of paf[ recourye, loti alfo his appetite to eate or drinck,
and therewithall his flepe and refi fayled, in filche plight as
within fhort fpace he was confumed in virage and face, as it
grewe to be vglie and cleane out of knowledge. Brought to
THAT DIED OF LOUE.
IO9
this Iowe errate, one of his frends certified the mother of his mis-
tres, that was a very charitable and kinde Gentlewoman, and
loued fo well the man, as if all their parentes and kinne had bene
of her's and the mayden's opinion they would haue preferred the
honeffie of him, before the great fubfance of the other. But
the frendes of the father's ride by no meanes would confent vnto
it. Yet the good Gentlewoman and ber daughter (for all the
other's frowardnes) vouchfafed to vifit the poor gentleman whom
they founde, rather declining towards death, then in hope of
life. And knowing his ende to approche, he was fhriuen and
reeeiued the holy Saerament, purpofing of prefent paffage by
panges of death, neuer to fee any of his frendes againe. Being
in this eafe and yet feing her, whome he eounted to be his life
and fauftie, felte fuche foudden reeouerie, as hec threwe hym
felfe alofte lais bedde and fpake thefe wordes vnto ber: "What
eaufe hath drieuen vou hither (mifres myne) bv takyng paines
to vifite him, who bath one of his feet alreadie within the graue,
the other ffepping after with eonuenient fpeede, for exeeution
whereof you bec the onely Infrument." "Howe fo, tir ." farde
the mother. "Is it pofiïble that hec, whom we fo derely loue,
ean reeeiue death by our offences? I pray you tir to tell me,
what reafon leadeth you to fpeake thefe wordes." "Madame,"
fayde he, «fo long as I eould, I diffembled the loue that I
bare to my deare mitres your daughter : fo it is that my parentes
and frendes fpeaking of a mariage betwene her and me, haue
elattred thereof moe nedeles woordes then I defired, by waying
the mifhap that might infue, and nowe doth happe paf ail hope
not for my particular pleafure, but bieaufe I knowe wlth none
other fhe fhalbe fo well intreated nor beloued as fhe fhould haue
bene with me. The benefit which I fee fhe hath loti, is the moff
perfecCt frende the ber affecCted feruaunt that euer fhee had in this
worlde, the loffe wherof fummoneth death to arreft the earcafe,
that fhould haue bene imployed for ber feruiee, which intierly
was eonferued and fnould haue bene for ber fake: but fithe nowe
it can ferue her to no purpofe, the fimple lotie fhall redounde
to greateft gaine. I meane my felfe (good Ladies bothe) that
lieth bewrapped in death before your faces, whofe withered
II0
OF A GENTLEMAN
clammes hath catched the faine g'ithin her reach, and hath warued
the cloeke to toile the dolefull bell for his poor lovyng ghoffe,
nowe ftretchynge out for the winding fhete to fllrowde his maigre
corps, all forworne with the watche and toile, that fuch poore men
(affe&ed with like tare) do feele. It is my felfe, that erff was
rouing amid the troupe of Courtlie knightes decked with comely
face, whofe hewe dame Nature ffayned with the colours of her
golden art. It is I that of late was loued of that Nymphe, and
earthie Goddeffe, who with courtinge countenaunce imbraced the
place where I did fraude, and kiffed the ffeps wherein I trode.
It is my felfe I faye, that whilom in painefull bliffe, did bath my
felfe, and fedde mine eves with the happie viewe of the heauen-
liel creature that euer God did make. And by forgoing of thofe
ioyes by to to much mifhap, and facred famine of curfed mucke,
I ara thus pined as ,ce fee, and wrapte in hopeles tiare." The
mother and doughter hearinge this complainte, did their indeuour
to cheere him vp, and the mother fayde unto him : "Be of good
courage tir, and I promife you my fayth, that if God giue vou
health, my doughter fhal haue none other hufband but you, and
behold ber here, whom I commaunde to make you prefent pro-
mire." The mayden weeping with a virginall fhamefathaes, eon-
fented to her mother's heft. But kno'ing when he was recouered,
that he fhould hot haue ber, and that the mother was fo liberal of
her fayre words, to recomfort him and affave if fhe might reftore
him: he laid vnto them, that if thofe words had bin pronounced
three monethes part, he had bin the lutieft and mort happie gen-
tleman of Fraunce : but helpe offred fo late, was paft beliefe and
hope. But when he faw, that they went about to force him to
beleeue it, he laid vnto them: «Now that I fee ye go about to
promife the good tourne which can neuer chaunce vnto lnee
yea although confent ioyned with vnfayned promife defires the
effe&, for refpe& of the feeble Rate wherein I am: yet let me
craue one thing at your hands, farre leffe then that ye offer,
which hitherto I neuer durft be fo bolde to afke." x, Vhereunto
they both affented and fwore to performe it, intreating him not to
he aflaamed to requyre it. "I humbly befeech ye (quoth hee) to
deliuer ber into mine armes whom ye haue promifed to be my
THAT DIED OF LOUE.
III
wife, and commaunde her to imbrace and kiffe me." The mayden
not vfed to fuch priuie futes, ne yet acquainted with fuch fecrete
fa&s» made fome difficultie but her mother gaue her expreffe
commaundement to doe it, perceyuing in him no likelihode or
force of a man to liue. The maiden then vpon that commaunde-
ment» aduaunced herfelfe uppon the bedde of the poore pacient,
faying vnto him: " Sir» I bëfeech you to be of good cheere."
The languifhing creature» fo hard as he could for his extreeme
debilitie» fretched forth his faint confumed armes, and with al the
force of his body imbraced the caufe of his death, and kiflînge
her with his colde and wanne mouth, held her fo long as he could»
and then fpake vnto the mayden : '" The loue which I haue borne
you hath bin fo great, and the good will fo honef, as neuer
(mariage excepted) I wifhed anye other thinge of you, but that
which I prefentlye haue, throughe the wante whereof and with
the faine I will ioyfully render my fpirite to God, who is the par-
fai&e Loue, and truef Charitie, whoe knoweth the greatnes of my
loue and the honefie of my defire : humblie befeeehing him, (that
nowe I hauing my defire betweene mine armes,)to interteigne
my ghoff withitt his bleffed bofome." And in faying fo he
eaught her againe betweene his armes with fuch vehemeneie, as
the feeble hart not able to abide that affauh, was abandoned of
all powers and mouinges: for the infiant love fo dilated and
fretehed forth the faine, as the fiege of the foule gaue ouer, mak-
ing his repaire and flighte to his Creator : and becaufe the fente-
les bodye refed withoute life, it gaue ouer his holde. Howbeit
the loue, whieh the Damofell had fiill kept fecrete, at that time
fhewed it felf fo firong and mightie, as the mother and feruauntes
of the dead Gentleman had mueh a do to feparate that vnion, but
by force they haled away the liuing, almof deade with the deade.
After the funerall was done with honourable exequies: but the
greatefi triumph was fpent in teares, weepinges and cryes, fpeeial-
ly by the gentlewoman, whieh fo much more were manifefte
after his death, as before in his life time they were diffembled,
befiowinge them as an expiaeion or facrifice, to fatiffie the wrong
fhe had done vnto him. And afterwards (as I haue heard tell) fhe
was maried to one, for mitigaeion of her forow, that neuer was par-
II2
OF A GENTLEMAN THAT DIED OF LOUE.
taker of the ioye of ber harte. See here good Ladies an Image of
perle& loue, that fo touche had feazed vpon thaffe&ions of this
amorous Gentleman, as the pange neuer gaue ouer, till death (the
ref of ail troubles) had diuided life from the body. Yet fome
perchaunce for the defperate part of this hopeles louer, will terme
him to be a fonde louing foole: and fay that it is not meete that
they fhould negle&e theyr liues for womens fakes, which were
hOt created but for their helpe and comforte. And that being
true as verifyed and auouched by Scriptures, there is no caufe of
feare to demaunde that of them, which God bath enioyned them
to giue vs. In deede a fensuall loue, and fuch as is grounded to
fatiffve beaftly lufte, is a thinge horrible to Nature, and abhomi-
nable in the fight of him that made both thofe creatures, whom he
fraughted with reafon and knowledge for the refufall of thofe vices,
which are onelv to be applied to beaftes vovde of reafon. But
loue founded in the foyle of Vertue, for auoyding carnall luit exer-
cized in the ftate of XVedlocke, or firft begonne and praized for
that ende, is verv ciuil and to be honoured. And if that loue
attaine not equall fucceffe, through parents default or vnkindnes
of frendes or other humane accidents, if that loue fo perce the
hart, or otherwyfe affti& the pacient with difpaire of helpe, and to
occafioneth death, it is not to be termed follie or dotage, but to be
celebrated with honourable titles. The honeft amitie then of this
gentleman, borne long rime to this gentlewoman, meriteth euer-
lafting praife : for to finde fuch great chaftitie in an amorous hart,
is rather a thing deuine then humaine. A mocion moued
aboue amongs the heauenly route, and not an ac
wrought in the grofenes of man's
infirmitie.
OF A GENTLEWOMAN OF THE COURTE.
113
THE SIXTY-FIRST NOUELL.
.,4 Gentlewoman of the Courte, very pleafauntlg recompenced the
f«ruic« of a kind« f«ruaunt« of ber's, that purfu«d ber u,ith f«ruic«
of loue.
In the Courte of king Fraunces, the fir9c of that name, not longe
fithens Frenehe king, the graunde father of Henry the 3 of
that name now raigning : there was a Gentlewoman of good graee
and interteignment, wanting not both minde and witte, fueh as
the like of her fexe, are not to feeke, vnder what elimate foeuer
they be borne and bred, whofe eomly demeaner, eurteous behaui-
our and eloquent fpeaehe, was agreeable to her other qualities of
nature's giftes: whereby fhe gayned the hartes and good minds of
nombers of feruauntes, with xvhom fhee was eunning ynough to
fpend her time, (hauing refpeé--t to the fauftie and faufgard of her
honor, which fhe preferred before all other folace) by fuch delec-
table confumption of time, as they that could not tell howe els
to imploie their leafure, thoughte themfelues moff bleffed, if
they might attaine the delightfull prefence of this well nourter-
ed Dame. For they that ruade greatef affuraunce of her ride-
litle, were in difpayre, and the mof defperat were yet in fome
hope to winne her. Howbelt in deeeyuing the mof nomber, flae
eould not forbeare intirely to loue one, who for his part was not
able to plaie the eounterfait, to eolour the fubfanee of his longe
purfute : but as nothing is fure and fable, their loue tourned to
difpleafure, and by frequent renewing of what was well knowen
the hole Court was not ignoraunt, what deuoeion thone did beare
to thother. One day the Gentlewoman, afwell to let him know
that his affe&ion was not befowed in vaine as to make him to
feele fome fmart and paine for his louing feruiee, the more
louingly to forde him on, with preety morfells of her diffembling
concept, ruade fhow vnto him of greater fauour, then euer fhe
did before : for whieh eaufe he that was faultles either in deedes
of armes, or in proweffe of loue, began liuely and valiantly to
folow her, to whom long belote with gentlenes and humilitie he
VOL, II, H
OF A GENTLEWOMAN
had many times bin a fuppliante. Who fayning that fhe was not
able any longer to reft obftinate, ruade femblance of a womanly
pitie and accorded to his demaund. Telling him that for refpe& of
his tediom trauaile, fhe wa now difpofed to go to her chamber,
(which was in a Gallerie of the Caftell where that time the kinge
did lie) where flaee knew was none that could hinder what they
two intended : willing him hOt to faile but fo fone as he fav her
depart the place fhe was in, to folow after to her chamber, where
he fhould tirade her alone, tarying for him vith good deuocion.
The gentleman beleeuinge her appointmente, was readie to leape
out of his tkinne for ioye: and therewithall began to dalye and
fport with other Ladies, attending the time of her departure. She
wanting hot the pra&ize of any fine fleight or fubtile pollicie,
moft pregnaunte in birds of her Ayrie, called two of the greateff
Ladies to the prefent chamber window and faid vnto them : " If
it may pleafe you good Ladies, I will difcouer vnto you the pretieft
paftime of the world." They whicb, hard the grief of melancho-
lie, befoughte her to tell what it was. "Thus it is" (quoth fhee)
« fuch a gentleman, whom you knov very well, to be both honeff
and vertuous, hath longe time (as partlie you haue by to much
experience feene,) gone about diuers wayes to winne that, which
he fhall neuer get : for when I began to applie my rancie towards
him, he (vnconffant) ceafed not to couet and folow other Ladie
with like purfute hee did me: whereat I conceyued fuch more
then fpitefull hatred, as notwithfianding my outwarde femblaunce,
I coueted reuenge. Nowe therefore maifreffe, Occafion hath
lente me a portion of oportunitie, to be requited of his vaine and
fickle fute: which is, that hauinge appointed him to tome to my
chamber, whither he meaneth prefently to follow me, it maye
pleafe you to giue heedefull eye and watch : and that when hee
hath paffed alonge the Galerie, and is gone vp the ftayers, that
both of you wil recline your heads out of this window to helpe me
finge the holding of the Caroll, that I meane to chaunte vnto him.
And then fhall you fee the raging choler of this Gentleman, that
at other times prefumed to be a quiet Suter: wherat perhaps
through his malapert boldnes, it cannot dafh his blufhles face»
but yet if he do not deale vnto me like fpiteful reproch in open
OF THE COURTE.
hearing, I know full well in hart he will wifhe me x. lf. mifchifes."
This conclufion was not fpoken without treble laughter: for
there was no gentlemen in ail the Courte, that had warred fo much
with the woman kind as hec, and yet welbeloued and efieemed
of euerv one, that lified hOt to be intrapped within his daunger.
Therfore thefe Ladies thinking to carie awaye fome part of the
glorie, which one alone hoped to atchieue vpon this gentleman,
were contente to affent to the other's liking. So fone then as
they faw her depart, that purpofed this enterprife, they began to
efpie the countenaunce of the betraved partie, who paufed not
long before he exchaunged the place: and when he was oute of
the chamber, the Ladies trawaed after, to lofe no part of the fport,
and went the fafier that he might hot be out of theyr fight. And
he that doubted hot the fucceffe, threve his cape about his necke
to hide his face, and went dovne the fiaiers out into the Court,
and afterwards mounted vp agaiue : but pereeyuing fome approche
whieh he was loth fhould be a witnes, he went downe againe, re-
turning another way on the other ride. All whieh the Ladies fawe,
vnknowen to him. But when he came to the fiavers where he
beleeued verely, that he might furely enter into his Maiffres cham-
ber, the two Ladies put they heads out of the window, and ineon-
tinently pereeyued the gentlewoman alofte, erying out a lowde,
« A theefe, a theefe :" wherunto they two below aunfwered with
fo vehement voyee, doubling the other's outcrie, as ail the eaftell
ronge of it. I leaue for you to eonfider in what defpite this
gentleman fled to his lodginge, but hot fo elofely, btt that he was
ouertaken by thofe that knew this miterie: who afterwards often-
rimes reproehed this fa& vnto him, fpeeiall fhe that had deuifed
the reuenge: but hee had armed himfelfe with [aunfvers and
defenees fo readely, as he told them that he foreknew their deuife,
and mente nothing by his pilgrimage but to folaee his beloued.
For of her loue long time before he was out of all hope, as hauing
reafonable proofe by his longe purfute and feruiee. Howbeit
the Ladyes would hot hold his exeufe for a veritie, whieh
euen to this day hangeth in fufpenee.
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
THE SIXTY'-SECOND NOUELL.
a gentleman that u,as bafe borne, and howe a Queene did irnpeche
and let their mariage, u, ith the u, ife aunfwere of the rnayde fo the
Ttav.lV. was in Fraunce a O.ueene, who in her company and traine
broughte vp rnany maydens, that were iffued of great and honour-
able progenie : amonges other that ferued this O.ueene there was
one named Rolandine, whieh was nere kinne to the O.ueene. But
fhe for a certaine difpleafure eoneeyued againft her father, bare
vnto the yonge gentlewoman no greate good will. This Maiden,
although fhee was none of the fayreft, yet fo wyfe and vertuous
as many great Lords and perfonages made ff, te to her for mariage,
to whom fhe rendred for earneft futes, eold aunfweares: beeaufe
fhee knew her father to be more bent to keeping of money, then
to thaduauneement of his ehildren: and her Maiftreffe (as is
before faid) bare vnto her fo little fauour as they whieh efteemed
the Queene's good graee, woulde neuer make anye ri, te vnto her.
Thus by father's negligenee and Maiftres difdaine, the poore gentle-
woman remavned long time vnmaried. _And as fhee that foreibly
was payned, not fo mueh for griefe of mariage, as for that fhee was
not required or fued vnto, beeame fo werie of worldly life, as
deuoutly fhe bent herfelfe to GOD, and by forfakinge the toyes
and brauerie of the Courte, paffed her time in prayer, or els in
other vertuous exercife: and bv withdrawing herfelfe to this
kinde of life, fhe fpent her youth fo foberlie and deuoutly as was
poflïble for a woman to do. XVhen fhe approehed nere the
age of xxx. yeares, there was a gentleman a baftarde borne, of right
honorable houfe, a uery eurteous and honeft perfonage, whofe
every riches and beautie was fueh, as no Lady or gentlwoman for
pleafure would haue ehofen him to huçoand. This poore gentleman
was roide of frends for maintenaunee of lyuing, and vnhappie in
mariage lutes, although he purfued many, till at length he borded
this poore Gentlewoman Rolandine: for their Fortunes, eom-
OF ROLANDINE THE CASTE,
x7
plexions and conditions were very like, and by vfe of feuerall
complaints ruade one to another, ech of them fell in ernel loue
with the other: and beiug hoth thrall vnto mifhap, they fought
defired eomforte hy vertuous and honel talke: and by that vfe
and frequentaclon greater loue increafed and grew hetwene them.
Thofe which had feene the maiden fo fraungly retired from
wonted demeanor, as fhe would fpeake to none, now marking her
cottinuallie to interteigne the hafiard gentleman, incoutinently
eoneeiued ill opinion of ber, and told the mother of the Gtueene's
maids (ealled Modela) that fle ought not to fuffer fueh familia-
ritie betweene them. Whieh report Modefa reuealed to Rolan-
dine, fayinge that diuers perlons did fpeake euill of ber, for that
fhe vfed to talke with the hafiard, that neither was of fufficieut
abilitie for her to marie, ne yet of beautie worthie to be heloued.
Rolandine whieh daily was more rehuked for her aufieritie of
life, then for worldly toyes, fayd vnto Modefia her gouernefïe:
«Alas, mother, you fee that I eannot haue a hufband aeeording
to the worthines of my bloud, and that dailye I haue auoyded
thofe whieh be beautifull and yonge : for feare to ineurre the in-
eonuenienee wherinto I haue feene other to fall: and now hauing
ehofen this wife and vertuous gentleman, who preaeheth vnto me
words that he good and godly, what wrong do they to me that
make this report, tïth in this honeK order I doe reeeiue eonfolaeion
of my griefes ?" The good old Lady who Ioued the maiden (which
fhe ealled maifirefïe)as herfelfe, laid vnto her: "I fee well, that
vou are worfe delt withall at your father and maifres handes then
you deferue. Howbeit fith fueh reporte is ruade of your honor,
you ought to refufe to fpeake vnto him, although he were vour
naturall brother." Rolandine weeping laide vnto her: «Mother,
for fo mueh as you aduife me therunto, I will performe your re-
queK, although it be very firaunge that without flaunder, a woman
ean haue no eomfort or feeke freedome without mifreport." The
bafiard gent|eman, as he was before aeeufiomed, came to vifite
her, but fhe tolde him (a farre of) thofe words whieh her gouer-
neffe had laid vnto her: and with teares prayed him to refraine
for a tilne to fpeake vnto her, vntill the brute and rumor were
fomewhat appaifed: which thing he did at ber requeK. But
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
during this long rime, either of them hauing lofe their confola-
cion, began to feele fuch torment within themfelues, as fhee for
her part neuer felte the like. She ceafed not from praying vnto
God, from goinge on pilgrimage, and faffing : for this vnacquainted
loue brought ber to fich difquiet as fhe could hot ref the fpace
of one houre, x, Vherewith the noble bafard was no leffe tor-
mented: but he which had alreadie minded in hart to loue ber
and purfue ber till mariage, and hauing refpe&e (for loue fake)
to the honor he fhould acquire by the faine, thought to finde
meanes to declare his minde vnto her, and aboue al things to get
the good wil of her gouerneffe: which he did, declaring vnto her
the miferie wherein ber poore maiftreffe remayned, which was
voide of al comfort and other frendfhip. Then the poore old Lady
Modefa, gaue hin thankes for the honefi affe&ion that hee bare
to her maiftreffe: and deuifed meanes how the two louers might
impart their minds together. Rolandire fayned herfdfe to he
ficke of a Mygrim and pairie in her heade, the brute of whofe
maladie was feared to be greater then it was, and fo concluded
betwene them that when ber companion were gone into the
chamber, they two fhould remaine together alone to fatiffie ech
other with mutuall talke. The baffard gentleman was very glad,
and ruled himfelfe holy by the councell of the Gouerneffe, in fuch
fort as when he lifte, he fpake vnto his louer and vertuous Lady :
but this contencaion did hOt indure : for the O.ueene who loued her
but a little, inquired what Rolandine did fo long in ber Chamber,
and one made aunfwere that it was by reafon ofher ficknes. Albeit
there was another which knewe to well the caufe of her abfence,
fayde vnto her, that the iove which Rolandine had to fpeake vnto
the bafard was able to eafe her Mygrim. The O.ueene which found
out the veniall firmes of other, by mortall offences in herfelfe, fent
for her, and forbad ber in any wyfe hot to fpeake vnto the bafiard,
except it were in the hall or within her owne Chamber. The Gen-
tlewoman made as though fhe vnderfiode her not, but mildlie
aunfwered that, if fhee knew any talke betweene them might
offend her maieftie, Re would neuer fpeake vuto him agairte.
Not'ithffanding fhe determined to finde out fome other fecret
meanes that the O.ueene fhould hot know of their meeting : which
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
119
was this. The Wednefday, Fridaye, and Saturday, the gentle-
woman vfed to fa/t, and for that purpofe kept her Chamber with her
Gouerneffe Modefia, where fhe had leyfure to talke (whilefi the
refie did fuppe) with him whom fhe began fo earnefilie to loue:
and as confirainte of time did force their talke to be fhorte, the
greater was their affecCtion in vtteraunce of the lame: becaufe for
the doing therof they tole time, as the theefe doth his defired
praye. This order of their contentacion could hot proceede fo
fecretely, but that a certaine varlet a yeoman of the Chamber,
chaunced to fee him refort vnto her vpon a fafiing day, and told
it in fuch place wher of fome hearer, it was difclofed to the
Cueene herfelf, who was fo fore offended as neuer after that time
the poore bafiard gentleman durte once attempt to go into the
maiden's chamber againe. And to thintent that he might not lofe
the commodity of talke with ber, whom he fo derely loued, often-
times he fayned himfelfe to go on pilgrimage, and in the euening
returned to the Church and chapell of the Cartel, in the habite of
a frier, or Iacobin (fo wel difguifed and altered, as no creature
could know him) and thither repaired the gentlewoman Rolan-
dine, with her Gouerneffe to enterteigne him. He marking the
great loue that fhe bare him, feared not to fay vnto ber ; "Madame,
you fee the daungerwhich I hafard for your feruice, and the warnings
that the O.ueene bath giuen for out talke. You fee on thother ride
what a father you haue, who careth not after what fort he befiow
you in mariage : and you hauinge refufed fo many greate fiates and
noble men, I know not one, either farre or neare, that is minded to
haue you. I confeffe my felfe to be but poore, and that you may
marie diuers gentlemen of greater reputacion and richeffe, then I
ara: but if loue and good wil were deemed treafure and richeffe,
then woulde I prefume to be the richet gentleman of the world.
God hath indowed you with great plentie of goodes, and yoa are
yet in choife to haue more: and if I were fo happie as you would
vouchfafe to chofe me for your hufband, I v¢ould accompt my
felfe to be vnto you both hufband, frend and feruaunt, all the
dayes of my life: and againe, if you fhould take one equall to
your nobilitie (a thinge very harde to finde) he would rule and
gouerne ouer you» and haue more refpee to your goodes» then to
120
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
your perron, to your beautie then to your vertue : and in triumph-
inge with difpence of that you haue, hee maye chaunce to intreate
you other,ife then you deferue. The defire of this contentacion,
and the feare that I haue, leaft you fhould graunte it to fome
other, do force me to befeech you, that by one only meanes you
would make me happie and your felfe the mort contented and bef
intreated woman that euer was." Rolandine giuing eare to that
communication which fhee herfelfe ment to haue pronounced»
aunfwered him with ftoute courage: " I am very glad and wel
pleafed that you haue begunne the fute your felf» which I of
long time haue determined to breake vnto you: for which caufe
thefe two yeres part as you know» I haue not ceafed to thincke
and deuife all the reafons and arguments for and againft you, that
I could inuent : but in thend for fo much as I do.meane to take
vpon me the ftate of Matrimonie, it is time that I begin to chofe
fuch hufbande, with whom I fhall in my confcience like to liue
at reft and quiet all the daves of my life: and amidde ail the
troupe of my thoughts in choife» I cannot finde anye one, were he
neuer fo faire, riche or noble, with whom my hart and minde can
fo well agree and match as with you. I know that by marying of
you I fhall hot offende God» but rather do the thinge that hee
commaundeth. And touching my Lord my father, he hath had fo
litle confideracion of my perferment, and fo often refufed iL as
the law now will fuffice» that I giue my felfe in mariage withoute
his confent, and therefore cannot difenherite me, or worthely
thincke ill of me : and by hauing a hufband (a thing appertinent
to women kinde) fuch as you be» I fhall efteeme my felfe the
richeft woman of the worlde. As for the Queene my maiftreffe,
I oughte not to take any care or remorfe of confcience by dis-
pleafing her, to obey God: for fhe hath not ceafed to hinder that
aduauncement» which in my youth I mighte haue had» and by
paine and diligence tovards her did well deferue: but to thend
vou mav vnderftand, that the loue and good will which I beare
you, is founded vppon vertue and honor, you fhall promife me,
that if I doe accorde this mariage» you fhall neuer purchafe or re-
quire the confummacion thereof, Vntill my father be deade» or els
do finde fome meanes to make him confente hereunto." Vhich
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
I2I
the bavard gentleman willingly did graunt : and vppon thefe pro-
mlles and termes, either of them gaue eche other a ringe in the
naine of mariage, and did kiffe together in the Church before
God, whom they toke to witnes of their affurance, and neuer after
betwene them was any other priuie fa& committed, but only
kiffing. This litle eafement of mind did greatly fatiffie the harts
of thefe two perfecCt louers: and were a great while without feing
ech other, liuing only by this affurance. There was no place
where honour mighte be gotten, but thereunto the baarde ruade
his repaire with fo great delight, as he thought he could neuer be
poore for refpecCt of that riche wife which God had prouided for
him. SVhich wyfe in his abfence, did euer continue her abfolute
amitie towards that gentleman: and although many made fute
vet they receyued none other aunfwere from her but deniall, and
for that fhe had remayned fo long time vnmaried, fhe was minded
neuer to take vppon her that tate. This her aunfwere was fo
generall as the (ueene heard of it, and afked her for what occafion
fhee was fo determined. Rolandine laide vnto her, that it was
to obey her: for that fhee knew fhee would neuer fuffer her to
marie, becaufe in time and place where fhe might haue bin
honorablie matched to her well liking, fhe denied the fame, and
that the vertue of pacience had taught her to contente herfelfe
with the fiate wherein fhe was. _And till as fhe was fued for
in mariage, fhe rendred like aunfwere. Vhen the warres were
ended, and the baarde returned to the Courte, fhee neuer fpake
vnto him in open prefence, but wente alwayes into fome Church
to interteigne him vnder colour of Confeffion : for the (ueene had
forbidden both him and her, that they fhould hot talke together,
vnleffe it were before companye vpon paine of loffe of their
liues. But hone loue, which feareth no defence, was more pre
to find meanes, for their mutuall talke, then their enemies were
ready to feparate the fame : and vnder the habite or colour of all
the religions they could deuife, they continued that honefi
amitie, vntil the king remoued into a houfe of pleafure, hOt fo
nere as the Ladies were able to go on foote to that Church, as they
were to the Church of the Catell, which was hot fituate in fuch
conueniente wyfe for their purpofe, as they could fecretely re-
I22
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
paire (vnder colour of confeflïon) to talke together: notwith-
fianding if on the one ride occafion fayled, loue round out another
for their contentment: for there arriued a Lady to the Court, to
whom the baftard was very nere kin. This Lady with her fonne
were lodged in the kins houle, and the chamber of this yong
prince was far beyond the body of the lodging, where the king
himfelfe did lie: but fo nere vnto Rolandine's Chamber as he
might both fee and fpeake vnto her, for their windowes were pro-
perlie and direcCtly placed at either corner of the houfe: in which
chamber (being ouer the hall) were lodged al the Ladies of honor,
the companions of Rolandine. .Vho beholding many rimes the
yong king at that window, caufed the baftard to be aduertized
therof by her gouerneffe: xvho after he had well beholden the
place, ruade as though he had great dellghte to read vpon a booke
of the Knightes of the Round Table, that lay in the chamber
window of the yong king : and xvhen euery man vas gone to dinner,
he prayed the yeoman to fuffer him to make an end of the hiftorie,
and to thut him within the chamber. The other which knew him
to be the kinfman of his maifires, and an affured man, fuffred him
to read fo long as he lifte. On thother ride Rolandine came
vnto her windov, who to find oeeafion to tarrie there the longer,
fayned to haue a paine in her leg, and dined and fupped in fo good
rime, as fhe went no more to the ordinarie of the Ladies: wher
fhe began to fer herfelfe a worke about the making of a bed of
Crimfon fi]ke, placing her worke vpon the window, as defirous to
be alone. _And when fhe faw no man to be there, fhee interteign-
ed her hufband, to whom fhe might fpeake in fecret wife, fo as
none was able to vnderftande them: and when any perfon came
nere, fhe coughed and ruade a figne that the baftard might with-
draw himfelfe. They that were appointed to watche them,
thought vndoubtedlie that their loue was pari and ended, becaufe
fhe went not out of the Chamber, wher fafely he coulde not fee
ber, for that hee was forbidden the faine. Vppon a day the
mother of the yong Prince being in hir fonni's Chamber, repayred
to the windoxve xvhere that great booke did lie, and fhee had not
ftaied therc long, but one of Rolandine's fellowes which was
within ber Chamber faluted her. The lady afked her how Rolan-
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
dine did, who fayd that fhee might very wel fee her, if it were
her pleafure: and caufed her to come to the window wyth her
night geare vppon her head. And after they had taiked a while
of her ficknes they withdrew themfelues. The other ladie efpying
the great booke of the Round Table fayde to her yeoman of the
Chamber : "I do marueille much why yong men do imploie them-
felues to read fich foilies." The yeoman ruade aunfweare that
he marueled much more, why men of good yeres, counted and
efeemed wife and difcrete, fhould haue greater delight in reading
of fuch trifles then thofe that were yong. And to iuftifie that
maruel hee told her how her cofin the baftard did fpend 4 or 5
houres in a day to read vppon the faine. Vpon which words by
and by fhe conceyued the caufe of his deepe ludie, and charged
him to hide himfelfe in fome place to mark what he did. Vhich
commaundement the yeoman performed, and perceiued that the
booke which the balard read vpon, was the window out of which
Rolandine talked with him: and therewithal called to remem-
brance many wordes of the loue which they thought to keepe
very fecreete. The next day he reherfed the faine vnto his mail-
feue, who lent for her cofin the balard, and after many tales
told him, fhe forbad him to refort thither any more, and at night
fhe gaue like warning to Rolandine, threatninge her that if fhe
continued in her fond and foolifh loue fhe woulde tell the O, ueene
the whole circumlaunce of her lighte demeaner. Rolandine
(nothing alonied with thofe woords)did fweare that fith the time
fhe was forbidden by her mailree the queene's maieffy, fhe neuer
fpake vnto hitn: the troth whereof fhee might iearne afwel of
the gentlewomen her companions, as of other feruauntes of the
houle: and touching the window whereof fhe fpake, fhe boldly
aduouched that fhe neuer talked with the Balard there. Who
(poore gentleman) fearing that his affayres would be reuealed,
kept himfelfe farre out from daunger, and longe time after did
not retourne to the Courte. Howbeit, he wrote many times to
Rolandine by fuch fecret meanes as for all the efpiall that the
O, ueene had put, there paed no weeke but twife at leaK fhee
hearde newes from him: and when one meanes did fayle hym,
hee deuifed another, and many tymes fent a litle Page clothed
24
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
in colours (fo often altered and chaunged as he was fent)who
faying at the gates when the Ladies paffed by, de|yuered his
letters priuelye in the middef of the preafe. Vpon a rime as the
C/ueene for ber pleafure walked into the fieldes, one which knew
the Page and had charge to take hede vnto thofe doings, ranne
after him : but the Page which was a fine boye, doubtinge leafe
hee fhould be fearched, conueyed hym felfe into a poore woman's
houfe, where fpedelie he burnt his letters in the fier, ouer whiche
a potte was boyling with meate for ber poore famille. The gen-
tleman that followed him fripped him naked and fearched his
clothes, but when he fawe that he could finale nothing, he let him
goe: and when he was departed, the olde woman af]ced him
wherefore he fearched the boye: who aunfwered: "'to finde
letters which he thought he had about him." "'Tufh," (quod
fhe) "ferch no more, for he bath hidden them very well." '" I
pray thee te|l m%" (quod the Gent|eman) "" In what place :" hop-
ing to haue recouered the lame. But when hee vnderfode that
they were throwen into the tire, he well perceiued that thê boye
was craftier then him felfe. &ll whiche incontinently hee tolde
the C/ueene, notwithfanding froln that rime forthe, the bafard
vfed no longer the Page, but lent one other of his o|de feruauntes,
whom he faithfully trufed, and he (forgetting feare of death
which hee knewe well the C/ueene threatned on them that had
to doe in thofe affaires) tooke vpon him to carie his mailler'8
letters to Rolandine. _A_nd when hee was entred the Cafell, hee
wayted at a certen doore placed at the foote of a paire of faiers,
by whiche the ladies paffed to and fro: where he had not taried
long, but a yeoman which at other rimes had fene him, knewe
him and thereof told the mailler of the C/ueene's houle, who foud-
dainly ruade fearche to apprehende him. The fellowe which
was wife and politique, felng that diuers loked vpon him a farre
of, retourned towardes the wall (as though he would haue ruade his
water) tearing his letters in fo many fmall peces as he could doe
for his life, and threw them behinde an old gare : who had no lofer
done the fae, but hee was apprehended and throughly fearched,
and when they could finde nothing about him, they ruade him
weare whether he had brought any letters or not, vfing him
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
25
partly by rigor, and fomewhat by faire perfwafion to make him
confeffe the truthe: but neither through promifc or threate,
they could get any thing at his handes. Report hereofwas brought
to the O.ueene, and one of the companie gaue aduife that fearche
thould be ruade behind the gate, where he was taken : in which
place they founde nothing but litle peces of letters. Then they
caufed the kinge's Confeffor to he lent for, who recouering the
peces layd them vpon a table, and red the lettre throughout,
where the veritle of the mariage (fo much diffembled) was through-
ly difcifered, for the bafard in thofe letters called her nothing
els but xvife. The Queene not meaning to conceale the fault of
ber klnfwoman, (which the ought to haue done) fil into a great
rage and forme, commaunding that the poore man by al meanes
poffihle thould be forced to confeffe the true tenor of that letter,
to thintent that the lame by his affirmacion might not be denied :
but doe what they could, they were not able to make him alter
his former tale. They which had commiffion to examine him,
brought him to the Riuer ride and did put him into a fack, faying
that he did lie before God and the Queene, and againf ail ap-
proued trothe. He that had rather lofe his life than accule his
maiPter, prayed them to fuffer him to haue a ghofily father that
like a Chrifilan he might ende his lire, and fo entre the ioyes
prepared for ail repentant finners, and after that he had clered his
confcience, he laid vnto them: ««Maifiers, tell my Lorde and
maifer the ]3afarde» that I recommend vnto him the poore efate
of my poore wife and children, trufiing his honour will haue
confideration of them for my fake, for fo mutch as with good and
loyall harte, I doe implo),e my life for his honor and furetie : and
with me doe what you lift, for you get nothing at my bandes
that thall redounde to his hurt and preiudice." Then to put him
in greater feare» they bounde hin within the facke and threwe
him into the water, crying unto him, if thou wilt tell the trouth
thou fhalt be faued : but they feing that he would make no aun-
fwer drew him out againe, making reporte to the O.ueene of his
falth and conancie. XVho then fayd, that neither the king
nor he were fo happy in feruauntes as the Bafiarde was, that had
hot wherewith to recompence fuch fidelitie. The uene did
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
vhat fhe coulde to get him from his feruice, but the poore
fellowe would in no wife forfake his mailler. Notwithfanding in
thende by his faid maifer's leaue, he was put into the Queene's
feruiee, where he liued many happy daves. The Queene after fhe
vnderfode by the bafarde's letters the trouth of the mariage, lent
for Rolandine, and in great rage, called her caitife and miferable
wretche, in fede of cofin, reeiting vnto her the difparagement of
her noble houle, and the villanie fhe had committed againft the
honorable race whereof fhe came, and againf the will of her
whieh was her O.ueene, kinfwoman and maifres, by eontra&ing
mariage without the licence of the king and her. Rolandine
whiehe of long time knewe the fmall devoeion that her maifres
bare vnto her, vfed her with like affe&ion : and bieaufe fhe was
werie of the O.uene's difpleafure, thinking that her corre&ion vt-
tered in prefence of many proceded not of loue, but rather to
make her afhamed, abandoned feare, and eoneeiuing courage,
when fhe fawe the O.ueene in her chiefef rage, with gladfome and
firme countenaunee anfxvered her in this wife: "lladame, if
you cannot coneeiue the malice of vour owne harte, I will fer
before your eyes the raneour and difpleafure of the faine, whieh
malice of long time vou haue borne towardes the Lorde my father
and me: whereof madame, I doe fele the fmarte, to my great
loffe and grief: for if it had pleafed you to haue borne vnto me
that good wil whieh you do to thofe that are not fo nere about
you as I am, I had before this tyme been plaeed and preferred in
mariage as well to the likyng of your honour as to my greate
fatiffa&ion: but you haue regarded mee as one forgotten, and
cleane out of fauour, in fueh wyfe as all the noblemen, with
whome I might haue been matehed, haue contempned me, as well
through the negligence of my Lorde my father, as for the like
efimation and aceompt that you haue rnade of me: by meanes
whereof I fell into that difpaire whieh if my health eould haue
fufeined the order and Rate of religion, I would willingly haue
taken it vpon me, to haue feuered my felfe from the continuall
hatred and enuy whieh your grace fui rigoroufly hath fhowen vnto
me." and being in this difpaire, I chaunced to finde out him, that
is proeeded of fo noble a houfe as my felfe. If the loue of twoo
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
I2 7
perfones is to be regarded, that meane to accomplifhe the holy
flate of wedloek .- for you knowe that his father in nobilitie farre
exeelled myne. He hath of long time loued me, and ruade great
fute vnto me, but vou madame, whiehe neuer pardoned me for
any fmall offenee, ne yet prayfed anye good a&e of myne (although
you know hy experience that I haue not vfed to talke of matters
of loue or other worldlie affaires, and that I minded aboue ail
thinges to leade a more religious life then any other)doe make
it an hainous matter that I fhould talke with a Gentleman (fo
infortunate as my felfe), by whofe loue, I thought or fought for
nothing els but the eafe and eomfort of my minde. And feing
my felfe voyde and frufirate of mine expe&ation, I fhall imploie
indeuour fo well to feeke my ref and quiet, as you haue gone
about to difpoyle me of the faine: and thea will celehrate the
mariage whieh is already affured by promifes and hy a ring.
Wherefore, madame, I thinke that you doe me great wrong by
termihg me to be a xvicked woman, fithe that in fo great and per-
fe& amitie I might haue founde oeeafion (if I would) to haue eom-
mitted euills : but there was neuer betxvene him and me any priuie
fa&, other then that is honef, hoping that God wil fhewe me
fuch fauour, as hefore the mariage be confumat, I fhall ohtaine
the fauour and good xvill of my Lorde my father: wherby I do
neither offende God, nor my eonfcience, for I haue taried till the
age of xxx. yeares, to fee what you and my father would doe for
me. I haue kept my felfe fo char and honef, as no man liuing
is able to laye the contrarie to my charge. And with that reafon
wherewith God hath indued me, being olde and voyde of hope,
to finde a hufbande agreahle to my nobilitie, I ara determined to
marie futehe a one as I like befe, hot for the pleafure or fatiffae-
tion of the eye (for you know he is not faire) nor for luf of the
flefh (for there hath bene no earnall fa& eommitted) ne yet for
pryde and eouetoufnes (for he is but poore and of litle effimation)
but I haue a fineere refpe&e and pure regarde to his verrue,
honeffie and good grace, for whiche the worlde doth geue him
praife, and the great loue alfo that he beareth me, maketh me
hope to finde with him great refi and quiet. And after I had
deuifed and confidered the good and euill that might infue by
I28
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
this my choife, I ffill perfified in that mind, and haue well wayed
and pondered the lame thefe twoo yeares pari, being throughly
refolued to wafie and fpende the refi of mv dayes with him whieh
I meane fiill firmely to kepe in defpite of ail the tormentes and
eruelties, that the greatei enemies I haue, be able to make my
poore bodie fuffreç no not death it felfe /hall force me to refufe
hym. .Vherefore Madame» I befeeeh you to aeeept this my
reafonable exeufe, whereunto your felf is nowe made priuie, and
fuffer me to liue in that peaee, whiche ! hope for euer through
him, in thefe mine elder to finde." The Cueene wel marking
her fiout wordes and eountenaunee, and knowing the lame to
be very true, was not able to aunfivere her againe with reafon:
but eontinuing, her rebukes and taunting eheckes began to
wafie, and at length fell out into this rage: "_Ah, prefumptuous
drabbe, and caitife wreteh, in fiede of humbling thy felfe and
repenting thine offenee, thou earpefi boldly without dropping or
/heading anv teare, whereby thou doeft manifeftly deelare that
fubbornes and hardnes of thy harte: but if the king, and thy
father, would follow mine aduife, they /hould put thee into a
place, where force /hould make thee to vfe other language."
"Madame," laid Rolandine» "beeaufe you haue aeeufed me of
bolde talke and prefumptous fpeaehe, I meane from heneeforth
to hold my peaee, exeept you geue me leaue to make mine
aunfwere." And when /he was commaunded to tell forth her
mynde, fhe faid: '" It is not my part, Madame, boldly or without
duetifull reuerence to fpeake before your maiefiie (whiche is my
maiftreffe, and the greatefi Princeffe in Chrifiendome). The
wordes which I haue laid, be not fpoken (Madame) of prefump-
tion» but to declare that I haue none other aduocate to pleade for
me, but the trouth of my caufe. And therefore am bolde without
blufhing feare to difclofe the faine, hoping that if your grace did
knowe the fecret concept of my poore faithfull harte, you woulde
not iudge mee to be that woman which you terme me to be.
I doe not doubt that any mortall creature vnderfianding my
behauiour in thofe matters wherwith I am charged, would blame
me, for my liberall fpeache, fithe I am fure that God and myne
honor in no point I haue offended. The caufe which maketh me
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
thus without feare to fave my minde is, becaufe I ara affured
that he whiehe feeth my harte, is the geuer of my life alfo, and
remaineth with me. If then fueh a Iudge and Guide doe order
and difpofe my lire, why fhould I be afravd of them that be
fubieet vnto his iudgement? And why then Madame, fhould I
wayle or wepe, fithe mine honor and eonfcienee without remorfe
or grudge do wel like of thefe my doings, which if they were
newly to begin, I would hot repente me to doe the faine againe.
But it is you (Madame) that hath good eaufe to wepe, as well for
the great difpleafure, euer borne me from my youthfull dayes, as
for the wrong you doe me nowe by reprehending me before the
face of ail the worlde for a faulte, whiche ought rather to be
imputed vnto vou then vnto me. For if I had offended God, the
king, or you, my parentes, or my eonfcienee, I were well worthy
to be eounted very obffinate, if with great repentaunee I did hOt
lainent the faine, but for a dede that is right good and vertuous,
I ought hOt to wepe, whereof there was neuer other rumor fpred
but verie honorable, exeept the flaunder whieh your felfe hath
raifed, whereby your defire to increafe my fhame and difhonor
appeareth to be greater then the refpeeCte you haue to eonferue
the nobilitie of your houfe, or klndred xx'herof vou corne. But
beeaufe it pleafeth you, Madame, fo to vfe me, I purpofe hOt to
withfland you. For when you fhall ordeine that punifhment for
me, whieh vou like befl, I fhal reioyfe no leffe to fuffer the faine
without defert, then you be willing to beflowe it vpon me with-
out eaufe. Vherefore Madame, eommaunde my Lorde my father
to put me to what tormente vou will, for the exeeution wherof
VOtl fhall hOt finde him vnwilling. And I fhall hOt be altogether
without ioy, to fee him pref and redie to obey your wilfull mynde.
But I haue a father in heauen, who (I am fure) will geue me
ruche paeienee, as I fhall be able to ahide and indure, what afflic-
tion foeuer you prepare for me, in whom only is al my hope and
trufU' The O.ueene, fo angrie as fhe eould be, eommaunded ber
out of her fight, and to be fhutte into a ehamber alone, that none
might fpeake vnto her. In whieh imprifonment fhee was hOt
depriued from the eompanie of her gouerneffe, by whofe meanes
fhe let the Bafarde vnderande ail her fortune, and fhe likewife
VOL. II. I
3o
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
vnderttode what he thought ber for her to doe. Who thinking
that the feruice which he had done to the king, would Rand
him in fome ttede, came vnto the Court with all fpede, and founde
the king in the fieldes, to whome hee rehearfed the trouth of the
fa&e, befeching his maieltie that vnto him (who was a poore
gentleman) he would fhewe fuch fauour and grace as the rigor
of the O.ueene's maieltie might be appeafed, and the mariage fully
confilmat and ended. The king ruade him none other aunfwere,
but laide : "Is it true that thou halt maried her ?" "Yea tir,"
faide the Baltarde: "bv wordes only as yet: but il" it pleafe your
maieltie, the faine mav be throughly ruade perfit." The king
nodded his hed, and for that time geuing him none other aun-
fwere, hee retourned ffraite to the Caltell, and when he was almott
there, he called the Captaine of his Guarde, and commaunded him
to apprehend the Baltarde. lXTotwithltanding one oi r his frendes
which knewe the kinge's countenaunce, willed him to abfent
himfelfe, and to retire to one of his houfes, and il" the king made
ferche ai'ter him (as he fufpe&ed) he would incontinently aduer-
tife him thero[, that he might auoyde the realme: and when
the king's difpleafure was pacified, he would rende him worde.
The Baltarde beleued him, and vfed fuch diligence as the Captain
oi r the Guarde could not finde him. The king and the Oueene
councelled together what they might doe with this poore damfell,
whiche was their kinfwoman, and by the Oueene's aduife it
was coneluded, that file fhould be fent home to her [ather, with
the truc aduertifement of the whole matter. But be[ore fhe
was fent, diuerfe Diuines and learned men of the Clergie, were
demaunded their opinions oi r the priuat mariage, and the Coun-
fell alfo did fit vpon the faine, who concluded that for so muche
as the mariage was hOt ce!ebrated but by wordes, it might
eafely be vndone, vntill one oi r them had acquited the other.
\Vhich the king commaunded to be performed for the honor of
the houle wherof fhe came. But fhe made them aunfwere, that
in ail thinges fhe was redie to obey the king, except it were in
matter againlt her confcience, fayinge, that thofe whome God
had coupled together by heauenly aduife, could not bee feparated
by man's decree, praying them hOt to attempt a thing fo vn-
OF ROLANDIR'E THE CHASTE.
131
reafonable: for if loue and good will founded vpon the feare of
God, xvere the true and fure knot of mariage, thert file was fo wel
bounde and tied, as neither iron, fier, or xvater coulde breake
that band, but death alone. ,Vherunto, and to none other con-
fiitution, fhe was determined to rendre ber ring and othe, pray-
ing them not to fpeake, do, or proceede, to any thing that were
contrarie vnto that: wherin fhe was fo fiedfafily refolued, as fhe
had rather die by keping her faith, then liue to denie the faine.
The Commiflïoners retorned to the king and Queene the confiant
anfwere of the Gentlexvoman, and when they faxve no remedie
could be found to make her renounce her hufband, they conueyed
her home to her father, in fuch pitifull forte, as by the way file
paffed, eche man and woman lamented ber fortune. And albeit
fhee had offended, yet the punifhement and affliction fhe fuffred
was fo great and her confiancie fo firmelv bent, as fhe ruade her
fault to be efiemed a vertue. The father receiuing thofe pitifull
uewes, would hOt fee her, but fent ber to his caftell that ftoode in a
forefi, xvhich he had before time builded for an occafion, worthy
to be reherfed hereafter, and there kept her in prifon a long
rime, fending worde vnto her, that if fhee would forfake her hus-
band, he would take her for his doughter, and fet her at libertie.
x, Vho for ail that off`er was firme'and confiant, and loued her
prifon the better by obferuing the bond of mariage, then al the
libertie of the world, without the hauing of her hutband. And it
femed by her countenaunce, that al the paynes fhe had indured
were mofi pleafaunt pafiimes, for that fhe fuffred the faine for his
fake, whome fhe loued befi. x, Vhat fhould I fpeake of men?
This Bafiarde at length became vnmindeful of her, and fled into
Alemaine, where he had many frendes, x, Vhofe inconfiancie af-
terwardes appeared fo manifefi, as the vertue of true and perfit
loue outwardly feming to remain in him, xvas conuerted into
the vice of odible ingratitude, whereby it was euidertt, that the
caufes that ruade him fo hotte a Suter, were the vglie monfiers of
Auarice and Ambition, where he fill in loue with an Almaine
Ladie, he forgetting to vifite her with ietters, that for his fake had
fufieined fo great and manifold tribulations. For what rigor or
affli&ion foeuer Fortune offred coulde neuer before that tyme put
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
awaye the meanes from writing one to an other, but onely the
vices before named, and the foolifh and wicked loue wherin he
fuffred him felfe to fall. Whieh fudden and newe loue fo pereed
the hart of Rolandine, and fo fiereely affailed the lame, as
fhe eould no more content and reft her felf. Afterwards vpon the
viewe of his wrytinges and letters, feing him to be fo ehaunged
and altered from his aeeuflomed fille, what tormentes then fhe
fuffred, they doe knowe that haue felte and tafted the bitter eup of
like parlions. And yet her perfe&e loue would not fuffer her to
fixe certaine iudgement vpon this aduertifement, and therefore
deuifed feeretly to fende one of her feruaunts whome fhee trufted
beft, to efpie, and priuely make ferehe whether the lame were
true or not. Whiehe her feruaunt being retourned, hee truely
tolde her, howe the Bafarde Gentleman was in loue with a Ladie
of A]maine, and howe the brute was that he marie great fute vnto
her for mariage, beeaufe fhee was very ritehe. Thefe newes
brought futehe extreme forrowe and grief to the harte of poore
Rolandine, as being not able to abide the bruntes thereof, fhe
fill very ficke. Thofe whiehe vnderfode the originall of her
difeafe, fayde vnto her (in the behalfe of her father) that for fo
muche as nowe fhe knewe the great villanie of the Baftarde, fhee
might iufHy forfake hym: perfuading her thereunto s'ith the
greateft reafons they eould deuife. But for ail thofe perfuafions,
no remedie eould be founde to make her chaunge opinion: in
whiehe her lafte tentaeion fhee deelared the great eonftaneie
wherewith fhe was affe&ed : for like as loue was deereafed in him :
fo the fame augmented in her, whiehe remained and perfifted in
defpite of ail the malice of the worlde. For that loue, whiehe
fayled, and was ftedde from him, tourned and retired into her. And
when fhe pereeiued her felfe alone fully poffeffed with that
whiehe before was deuided betwene them bothe, fhee determined
to obferue the lame vntill death had made an ende of her fatall
daves. Wherefore the goodnes of God (whieh is perle& eha-
ritie and true loue) had pitie vpon her forrowe, and regarded her
paeienee in fueh wife, as within few daies after the Baftarde died
in the purfute of the other ladie's Loue. ,Vherof Rolandine being
dauertifed by thofe whieh faw him buried, prayed them to trauell
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
133
with her father by humble fute, that he vould vouchfafe to giue
ber leaue to fpeake vnto him. XVho at their requer, (ahhough
he neuer fpake vnto ber belote, during the tyme of ber imprifon-
ment) incontinently was pleafed fo to doe. And after that he had
herde the difcourfe of ber iure reafons, in place of rebukes, and
his promife made to kill ber (which many times he threatened by
woordes) he cleped ber betweene his armes, and bitterly weping,
fayde vnto her: "Daughter, I xvel perceiue your vertue and
contant mynde, whieh farre furmounteth any thing that is good
in mee, for if there be any faulte or lacke of confideration of your
erate, I am the principal oeeafion thereof: but fith the goodnes
of God hath thus ordeined it, I wil make fatiffa6tion for mine
offenee pari." And afterwardes he feut her home to his houfe,
where he vfed and interteigned her like his derer and elder
daughter. In the ende fhe was demaunded in mariage by a Gen-
tleman of name and armes, to her erate and bloud not inferior.
Vho was bothe wife and vertuous, and fo louingly regarded
Rolandine (whome he many times vifited) as he attributed vnto
her the prife of prayfe for that, whieh others aeeompted worthy
of rebuke, knowing that her intent of former loue was grounded
vpon the foundation of vertue. The mariage was well liked of her
father, was acceptable to Rolandine, and was forthwith eoneluded.
True it is that a brother fhe had, the only inheritour of her fa-
ther's landes, who would not agree that fhe fhould reeeiue her
childe's poreion, obiecting that fhe had difobeied her father. And
after the death of the good old man (her father) her brother vfed
ber very rigoroufly and cruelly. For her hufbande was but a
yonger brother, and had wherewithal fearce able to liue: for
whieh want, God bountifully prouided : for the brother whofe gre-
die minde did craue in one daie to be poffeffor of al, by fodain
death was depriued, as well of his firer's poreion as of al the
rer. By whofe death fhe remained the whole inheritor of that
honorable houle: and afterwardes liued an honorable and rately
life, in great wealth and pleafure, and was welbeloued and dueti-
fully intreated of her hufband. Finally hauing by her hufband
two goodly fonnes, fhe very vertuoufly brought them vp, and
finifhing her aged dayes, fhe ioyfully rendred her foule vnto him,
I34
OF ROLANDINE THE CHASTE.
in whom of long time fhe had repofed her onely truR and confi-
dence, lXTow good ladies let them corne forth that be the common
difplaiers of women's inconRancie, and let them bring forth in
prefence» fo good and perfecCt a hufband as this was a good and
conttant woman, indued with femblable faith and vertue. I ara
fure to bring this to paffe the matter wilbe very difficult: and
therfore I had rather difcharge them of this my chalenge, then
put them to payne to trauell and feeke for fuch a one. "Vhofe
vertuous loue and godlye continuance of the lame, is worthye to
bee founded by Trompe of fame to the extreame partes of the Earth.
And yet I vould aduife yonge Ladies and gentlewomen to beware
how they be inamoured, and purfue the trade of loue, contrarie to
the wi|l of parentes, who ought in rime of infancie to be their
guide, and alfo in riper yeares to procure them mariage
according to their worthines: which they may the
better and foner do, if by vertuous education
they arme and intirue-t their tender and
youthly age.
THE WISE GOUERNEMENT OF A GENTLEWOMAN. 1 3 5
THE SIXTY-THIRD NOUELL.
hand, u,herwith he was tormented.
MAN¢ yeares are hot yet expired fithens there was a Gentle-
woman of noble houfe (whofe name I may not difclofe), fo wife
and vertuous as fhee was wel beloued and elteemed of her neigh-
bours: her hufband (uot without good caufe)trul}ed her in al
his affaires, which fhe ordred and gouerned fo wifely, as her
houle by her meanes grew to be one of the richeft and beft ap-
parelled, that was in the countrie wherein fhe dwelled. Liuing
thus a long time xvith ber huoEande, by xvhom flee had many
goodly ehildren, their happie ftate and felieitie (after which daily
ilffue their contraries) began to decaie, becaufe that he, defatigat-
ed xvith to much quiet, abandoned refffull life, to feeke after trou-
blefom trauell: and had gotteu a cuftome when his wife xvas a
fleepe to rife from her ride, and not to returne vntill it was very
nere morning. The gentlexvoman mifliking this maner of life,
beeame very ielous of her huçoand, and vet ruade as though fhe
miftrulted nothing: but that fpitefull paflion entred her ftomacke
fo farre, as in thende fhee forgot thaffayres of her houle, the
diligence of her perron, and good gouernmeut of her familie, like
vnto one that verely fuppofed that (do xvhat fhee could) fhe had
loft the fruite of her paine and labour, xvhich was the great loue
of her huoEand, for eontinuanee whereof fhee fpared no trauaile
or toile : but lofinge aitogethe as fhee manifeftly perceiued, fhee
grew to be fo eareleffe of her houfholde ftate and houfwiferie, as
fpeedelie appeared the fruites of flouth aud negligenee: for her
hufband for his part fpent xvithout order, and fhe flaied her trauell
from matters of houfhold: in fueh wife as the fame was growen
to fo great penurle, as the high and ltately voodes vere felled
downe to the ftubbe, and the goodly maners deliuered into the
handes of tir Mathewe Morgage. One of the gentlewoman's
frendes and kinfemen which knew her difeafe, tolde her of her
fault, and rebuked her for that eareleffe life: fayinge, that if loue
136
THE WlSE GOUERNEMENT
of hufband eou|d not make her to haue refpec"te of houfholde
profite : zeale and regarde of poore children's ftate ought to moue
her thereunto. This good couucell of her frende touched her
very nere, and the pitie of ber children at lengthe ruade her to
recouer ber fpirits, and to affaie hy ail meanes potïïble to svvnne
againe her hufbande's loue. See here the nature of honeflie, and
condicion of well difpofed life: this gentlewoman was infec"ted
with the plague of Ieloufie (an ordinarie difeafe in women,) and
not without iuft caufe: for what Grifilde could fuffre her wedded
hufband, affcmhled in hedde, in depthe of flepe, to rire and runne
a flraie like a wylde horfe, neying after the flraied feinale kinde of
that forte? This good Gentlewoman, I faye, almofte befides ber
wittes for alienation of her deferued loue, now growen careles of
worldly thinges, as you haue heard, is vpon the louing admoniclon
of her nereft frend, pricked with naturall regarde of Infantes:
launching forth that feftred fore of Ialoufie, ferched meanes by
policie to wynne that which Ialoufie could not get, whiche was
her hufbande's loue, whom with curteoufe wiuely fhame not before
affemblie of neighhours, or ftraungers audience, by huy and crye
as many doe, but in domeicall honndes, within the compas of
houfholde, and within the circuit of fecret chambre, fhee made
him hlufhe from former lire, and to detefte ail filthie and beaftly
fa&es in future time. Suche be the frutes of a right matrone's life.
Suche he the gaines of the milde and quiet wife. Such a wife, I
fay, is the honor of ber hufband's naine, the onely vpholder and
refloratife of his renowme and fame. But turne we againe to the
experienced wifedome of this Gentlewoman. The next dav fhe
diligently watched hy faire flepe, the rime of his vprifing from
her : and when he was gone, fhee rofe likewyfe, putting her night
gowne about ber, caufing the bedde to bee ruade, and fay'ing her
prayers, fhe waited the retourne of her hufband, who heing
retired into his chambre, fhe came belote him to kiffe hym,
and hrought him a bafen xvith water to wafhe his handes: and
mufing at the vnaccuftomed order of his wife, he tolde ber that
he was corne but from the priuie, and therfore neded hot to
wafhe. X, Vhereunto fhe anfwered, that a|though it were no great
matter, y'et cleanly and honeft, to wafhe the handes, heing corne
OF A GENTLEWOMAN.
I37
from an vncleane and tinking place, by which wordes fhe was
defirous to let him vnderflande his follie thereby to hate his dis-
honefl and filthie life. But for all that wyfe and pretie taunte
hec amended nothing at ail : Howbeit fhe continued that ordre the
fpace of one yere. And when fhe fawe, that her diligence could
not reforme his vfuall trade of lyfe, on a tyme wayting for her
hufband, which taried longer then he was wont to doe, fhee was
defirous to feeke hym out, and went from chamber to chamber,
till at lengthe fhee founde hym a bedde in a back chambre and a
fleepe with the mofle ill fauoured, foule and filthiefl Slutte of her
houfe, fuch a homely pece and durty beafte, as the lyke was not
tobe founde in a countrie. The gentlewoman beholdilg this
manerly fight, thought to teache him a leffon howe to remembre
the difference betwene the fweete and pleafaunt lodging, with a
fayre and duetifull wife, and the vncleanly couching with a ftink-
ing and lothfome O.ueane. SVherupon fhe caufed a burden of
Strawe and worne rufhes to be brought vnto her, fetting the faine
on fier in the middes of the chamber, but when fhe fawe her hus-
band almofle choked with the great fmother, fhe waked hym, and
plucked him out of the bed by the armes, crying: " fier, fier."
If the hufbande were afhamed, and offended with him felfe to be
founde in a bedde with fuch an vncleanly matche, by his faire and
honeft wife, I referre the iudgement to ail indifferent men, that be
coupled with like wiues. Then his wyfe faid vnto him: " Sir I
haue affaied the fpace of one whole yeare, to withdrawe you from
this vile and wicked lire, by gentlenes and pacience, and fhewed
example by wafhing you without, that you might alfo clenfe
your felfe within. But when I fawe myne endeuour could take no
place, I attempted to helpe my felfe with the element that fhall
ende and confirme vs all : affuring you, tir, that if this doe not
amende you, I cannot tell if the feconde time, I be able likewife
to ridde vou from the daunger that may happen. I praye you tir
to thinke and confider that there is no greater difpayre or difpite,
then that whiche is conceiued of loue: and had I not fer before
mine eyes the feare of God, I could not haue pracCtifed fuche pa-
cience, as I haue donc." The hufband very glad, that he had
efcaped that miffortune, promifed her neuer to geue occafion,
I 8 THE WISE GOUERNEMENT OF A GEITLEWOMAN.
that fhee fhould take like payne to bring him to order. Whiche
promife the Gentlewoman very willingly beleued, and with her
hufbande's eonfent, fhe expelled out of her houfe, that whieh did
difpleafe her mofie : and from that time forth, they louingly liued
together, and the former fauhes of this reformed life, was an in-
creafe of ioyful and mutuall delightes. I befeehe you Gentle-
women (if there be anv in the place where this nouell is redde) if
God doe geue you fuch hufbandes to beware of difpaire, vntill ye
haue affaved all poffible meanes to reduee them to good ordre.
For there be in the daye -xiii. houres, in euery of whiehe
houres a man lnay ehaunge opinion : and a woman ought to ae-
eompt her felfe mofle happie, if by paeienee and long fuffraunee
fhe wynne her hufbande, excepte fortune and frendes haue pro-
eured one that is alreadie perfe&e. This example therefore mare
ferue al fortes of maried women. Let her take example that
lift (quod Dame Partelot) for it is impoffible for me to vfe ruche
long paeienee. But let Dame Partelot fpeake ber pleafure,
I wouhl aduife all hufbandes to lvue honefllv with
their honeft wiues, and doe praie to God to plant
mo futch wiues to flore the barren worlde
that neuer or feldome bryngeth forth fueh
inereafe.
THE POLICIE OF A GOOD WIFE.
I39
THE SIXTY-FOURTH NOUELL.
The notable charitie of a woman of Tours towards her hu/bande.
ANOTHER hvttorie of like example I thincke meete to bee annex-
ed: whieh telleth howe in the Cittie of Tours in Fraunee, there
was a fayre and honef wyfe whieh for her vertues was hot onelye
beloued, but alfo feared and efeemed of her hufband. So it was
that he followinge the fragilitie of thofe men, whieh be wearie of
delieate fare, fill in loue with a woman of the Countrye that kepte
his houfe there, and many times departed from Tours to vifite his
countrie woman, where he commonlye taried ii. or IIx. dayes
before his retorne: and when he came home againe to Tours, he
ordinarely did take cold, whereof his good wife had much to do to
recouer him. _/nd fo fone as he was hole, hee failed not to re-
turne to the place, where pleafure ruade him forget ail his former
griefe and ficknes. His wife which aboue all thinges loued his
lire and tendred his health, feinge him commonly broughte into fo
poore efLate, went into the Countrye, where fhe founde out the
yong woman that her hufband loued. Vnto whom (not in eholer
but with fmilinge eheere and eountenaunee) fhee fayd: "How
fhe knew wel| that oftentimes her hufband repaired thither to
vifite her, and that fhe was hOt well content that fhe vfed him
no more earefully, for when he came home from her he toke fo
great eold as long rime after fhe had much a doe to reeouer him."
The poore woman as wel for the reuerenee of the Dame, as for the
trouth of the matter, eou]d hOt denie the faCe, and therefore
fallinge downe vppon her knees, afked her forgiuenes. The mais-
treffe required to fee the bedde and ehamber, where her hufband
laie, whieh fhe pereeiued to be fo eold, ill fauoured, and out of
order, as fhe pitied and lamented the cale: wherefore ineonti-
nently fhe fent for a good bedde furnifhed with fheetes, blanquets
and Couerlet, aeeordingly as fhe knew her hufband loued, eaufing
the chamber to be repaired, hanged, and dreffed vp, after the
bef maner: fhe gaue her alfo plate and veffell to ferue her hus-
hand at meales, together with a punehion of wyne, fpiee, and other
14o
THE POLICIE OF A GOOD WIFE.
confe&ions: and then prayed the voman to rende home her hus-
bande, no more fo ficke, but to interteigne and cherifhe him after
the mort delicate and carefull maner fhe could. The hufband
taried hot long at home, but after his olde cuftome wente againe
into the countrie to vifit his woman, and marueiled much to finde
her poore Iodging fo trimlye garnifhed, but much more he wondred
when calling for drincke he fawe her to bringe him a filuer porte,
afking her where fhe had gotten all thofe goodes. The poore
woman fayde vnto him weeping, that it was his wife, which
hauing fo great pitie vppon his ill intreatie, had furnifhed her
houle, and had committed vnto her the charge and regard of
his health. Hee feing the greate humilitie aud goodnes of
his wyfe, and that fhee for the vnkindnes he fhewed vnto her,
had requited him with that curtefie and Iouing kindnes, well
pondering and regarding his owne frailtie, and the honefte de-
meanor of his wyfe, afterwards rewarded the poore woman with
money, and perfwaded her from that rime foorth to liue an honef
life. And then returned home to his wyfe, confefling vnto her the
negligence of his dutie, and that excepte fhe had vfed that kinde
of curtefie and goodnes towards him, it had bin impoffible for him
to forfake and giue ouer his vngodlye life : and afterwardes vtterly
abandoning his behauiour part» they liued together in great reft
and quiemes. Belieue me if ye lift (to you good wiues I fpeake)
that there be verye few ill hufbands, whom the pacience and loue
of the wyfe, is able at lengthe to vinne, or els they be more harde
then ftones, which the fort and feble water by continuance of
time, is able to weare and make holow : for when the wiue's lenitie
/hall enter his careleffe ftomacke, and her pacient fuffraunce
renew remembraunce of dutie, then doth confcience bite, and
gnaw the cancred cord that tyeth vp the good confideracion of his
office» and regarde to maried life : then doth age abhorre the lewd-
nes of former life, and commeth home to cherifh the holfome
Nourice of his pleafant ftate. Thett regardeth he the bande
wherewith matrimonie hath bound him, and both at bedde
and borde obferueth the ful perfe&ions of the lame.
IIIR.CLE AT LIONS.
14I
THE SIXTY-FIFTH NOUELL.
The fimplicitie of an olde woman, that offered a burning candle to S.
Iohn of Lions.
l,x the Church of S. Iohn at Lions, there was a very darke Chap-
pe||, and within the faine a Tombe made of fione, ereoeted for great
perfonages» with piêtures liuely wroughte, and about the fame
Tombe there doe lie manye worthie knightes of great fame and
valiaunce. Vpon a hote Sommer's daye, a fouldiour walking vp
and downe the Church had great delight to fleape, and beholding
that darcke chappell which was colde and frefh of ayre, thoughte
to refie vpon the Tombe as other did, befides whom he layde him
downe to fleepe. It chaunced that a good old woman very de-
uoute, came thether when the fouldior was in the depth of his
fleepe. And after flaee had fard her deuocions, wvth a wax
eandle in her hande, fhe would haue fafened the faine vpon the
Tombe, and repayring nere the place where the fouldiour lay,
defirous to fficke it vppon his forehead, thinking it had been the
fione, the waxe would take no hold. The old woman, whieh
thought the eaufe that her eandle wou]d not eleaue was the eold-
neffe of the Image, the warmed the fouldior's forehead with the
flame of the eandle, to ffieke it rafle. But the Image whieh was
hot infenfible, beganne to ery oute, whereat the poore woman
was fo afraide, as like one fraught of her wittes, fhe brake into
exelamaeion erying : "A miracle ! A miracle !" Thev within the
Chureh hearing an outery of a miracle, tanne in heapes as though
they had been madde, fome to ring the belles, and fome to fee the
miracle : whom the good woman broughte to fee the Image, whieh
then was remoued : whereat many began to laughe. But diuers
priefes not willing fo to give ouer fo great a Miracle, deter-
mined afterwards to vfe that tombe in reuerenee, therby
to get money.
A DOCTOR OF THE LAWES.
THE SIXTY-SIXTH NOUELL.
./1 Dotqor of the Lau, es boughte a cup, who by the fubtiltie of two
falfe varlets, loti both his money and the cuppe.
To eonelude out nomber of Nouels, I haue thought good (gentle
reader) to bringe in place a Dotour and his wyfe, to giue thee
a merye farewell: beeaufe thou halte hitherto fo frendly and
pacientlye fuffred thv felfe to be ftayed in reading of the relie:
wherefore xvith a pleafaunt Adieu in a/hort and tuerie tale, xvhieh
difclofeth the fubtiltie of two falfe knaues to beguile a poore
Door and his wyfe, I meane to end. And therfore do faye, that
in the Citie of Bologna in Italie, there was a wor/hipful Door of
the Lawes, ealled Maifter Florien, which in other thiges fauing
his profefiîon xvas but a fiouen, and of fo iii behauiour as none of
his faeultie the like: who by fauing of many eruftes, had laved
vp fo good ftore of Crownes, as he eaufed to be made a very great
and eofily Cup of filuer, for payment of whieh Cup he xvent to
the Goldfinithe's houfe, and hauinge payed for the filuer, the guilt,
and for the fa/Mon, being without his Clarke to carie it home,
he prayed the Goldfmith to lend him his man. By ehaunee there
were newly eome to the Citie, two yonge men that xvere Romaynes,
which ranged vp and doxvne the ftreates with eares vpright, to
view and marke euery thinge done in the fame, bearing about
them eounterfait Ievels and lingots, guilt of S. Martine's touche,
to deeeiue him that would playe the foole to buy them. One of
them vas ealled Liello and the other Dietiquo. Thefe txvo Mar-
chantes being at good leafure to wander the ftreates, beholding
the paffangers to and fro, bv fortune efpied the Goldfmithe's man,
who (to fer forth the workeman[hip and making of the eup) earied
the faine open. Thefe gallants bearing a fpite to the eup, more
for the filuer than for other malice, purpofed to inuent fome fleight
to get the Cuppe, and a farre of with flie pafe, followed the
Goldfmithe's man, of whom they eraftelie inquired of the owner
of the Cul» , and where hee had left maifter Florien. Vhen they
had eoneluded vppon their enterprife, Liello (the finef boye of
A DOCTOR OF THE LAWES.
I43
them both) went ffraight to huv a Lamprey of great price, and
hiding the faine vnder his cloake, repayred dire&ly to Mailler
DocCtour's houle, where 6nding his wife of femblable wit and
behauiour that ber hufband was, with vnfhamefaff face and like
grace, faid vnto ber: "'Maiffreffe, i%Iaifer Florien your hufbande
bath lent you a fifhe, and prayeth you to dreffe it and to make
dinner readie, becaufe he bringeth a company of other DocCtoures
with him: in the meane rime he requireth you, to retorne vnto
him the Cuppe againe, whiche hec lent you this morning by the
Goldfmithe's man, becaufe he had forgotten to fampe his armes
vppon it." The woman receyuinge the fifhe, franckly de|iuered
him the Cup, and went about to prepare dinner. Liello (which
hunted after gaine but better caught his prey)hied him a pace
and conueyed himfelfe with fpeede to the houle of one of his
Countriemen, and there reiovced with his companion, attending
for the comming of the Royfer Dietiquo, who taried in the Towne,
wayting and viewing what purfute was ruade after his fellowe.
Sorte after maifer Florien retourned to his houfe and finding his
dinner more delicate than it was wont to be, marueyled, and afked
his wyfe who was at ail that cofe. His wyfe very fcornefullv
aunfwered : "' x, Vhy tir, haue you forgotten that you fente me word
this morning that you woulde bring home with you diuers Gen-
tlemen to dinner ?" "" x, Vhat" (quoth the DocCtour) "" I thincke
you be a foole." "I am not" (fayd fhee) '" and for better witneffe
vou fent mee thls fifhe, that I would you had been better aduifed
before you had beftowed fuch cofe." "" I affure thee :" quoth hee,
"'I fent thee no fifhe, but belike it was fome folifhe knaue that
had forgotten his arrant and mifaken the houle: Iut howfoeuer
it was wyfe, we at this rime will be content to fare well, at other
mennes charge." "x, Vhy tir (fayd his wyfe) call your felfe to
better rememlraunce, for hec that brought the Lampry, came to me
for vour C-,p, by this token that you would haue your armes en-
grauen vppon the faine." &t thofe words the poore DocCtour, after
he had difcharged three or foure Canons laden with haile fhot of
fcolding words wente out into the freate, running hither and
thither demaunding of al them he met, if they faw none carrie
a Lampry home to his houle. And you would haue faid if you
I44
A DOCTOR OF THE LAWES.
had feen the Do&our wyth his hode hanging at one ride, that he
had been out of his wittes. Dietiquo ftode ftill in a corner, and
beheld the Do6tour's frantike order, and albeit that he was fure
the ftealinge of the Cuppe by Liello his companion was inpoffible
to be knowen, yet being forye that the Lampry coft fo much,
determined alfo to play his part, aud feinge the do&our ftayed
from making firther complaintes and purfute, he went home to
the Do&our's houfe, where fmiling with a good grace and bould
countenaunce faide vnto his wvfe: "Maiftreffe Do&our, good
newes, the Cup is founde, one whom you know caufed the faine
to be donc in fport to bring your hufband Maifter Florien in
a choler, who now is amonges diuers of his frendes iefting at
the pleafuant deceipt, and hath lent me hither to fetch their
dinner, wherein they praye you to remember the Lamprey, and to
corne your felfe to take part of the faine, bicaufe they purpofe to
be merv." The woman ioyful of thofe newes, began fome what
to complaine of the griefe which flac had taken for loffe of the
cup, and deliuered to Dietiquo the rofted Lamprey with the faufe,
betwene two platters who incontinently hid the faine vnder his
cloke, and wyth fo much fpeede as he could, went to feeke out his
companion Lido, and their countrimen, which ail that while had
taried for him: and God knoweth whether thofe good fellowes
did laugh and mocke the poore DotCtour, and his wife or not, and
when fhe had ruade herfelf gay and trimme to go eate part of the
Lamprey, as fhe was going out fhe met Maifter Florien lookinge
lovringlie vppon the matter, to whom fhe laid (fmiling like a fru-
menty pot) " How now, tir, corne they hither to dinner? I haue
fent you that Lamprey ready dreffed." Then Maifter Do&or after
faire talke, beganne to difcharge his double Cannons, callinge his
wyfe ,Vhore, bitch, and beale, and vnderftandinge that he was
twice begiled and could not tell by whom, for fpite and defpayre
he tare of his beard, and the heare of his head, which bruted
and knowen in the Citie, the Iefters and pleafaunt felowes
bent themfelues to laugh, and deuife paftime at the
poore begiled Do&our and his wyfe.
FINIS.
VOL. II. K
fecondTome
of the Palace of Pleafure,
Imprînted at London, in
To the Right IVor.[hipful Sir George Hou'ard Knight,
_Mater of the Quene's _laie.flie's Armarffe.
VERY science hauing his peculier commodity, and conduc-
inge to the trauayler and dilligent feareher, a due deferued
benefyte (befydes the exereife and fhunninge the peflilent monfter
Idlenes) difelofeth the miraculous effe& of the Diuinity, and the
excelleney of his Creature : who breathing life into that feneeleffe
worke, framed within the mould of humayn Conception, foreeth
in him by nature and timely inftitution fuch capacitye of Science,
as not onelye by that knowledge hec glorifyeth his Creator, but
alfo befydes himfelfe, helpeth and doth good to other. For profe
whereof the Science of that furpaffing and delightfome parure of
Theologie, is profitable to teache, argue, reproue, and inftru&»
that by pacience and confolation, we may conceiue hope of
Eternitye. The knowledge of Philofophie cureth the blynde,
auovdeth childifh care, expelleth feare, and fhunneth fond defyres.
0 Philofophye, the guide of life, (exclameth Tullie) the inquifitor
of Vertue and expeller of vice. Rethorike (affirmeth he) caufeth
vs to learne that we know not and that we know to teach to
other: by the lame we exhort, with that we perfwade, with that
we eomfort the afflic2ed, by it we encourage the aftonned, and
appeafe the outragious. Mufike, eafeth the troubled mynde,
lenifyeth forrowe, eomforteth the heauye harted, and ereð a
contemplatyon of heauenlye thinges. _Aflronomye, reuealeth the
nature of the Starres and Planets, prefageth dayes and rimes for
the helpe and maintenaunee of life. Poefie teacheth amendment
of manners, direð what things be mete for imitation, and with
what detriment wantonnes anoyeth the bodye of man. By
meanes of it (Sain& Auguftine faith,) he learned many good leffons
5o
THE EPISTLE.
to profite himfelfe and do good to other. To be flort euery
fcienee is fo neeeffary, as the fame taken away, reafon is depriued
and the Lire of Man (of due order and gouernment) defrauded.
Thinke (fayth a Greke Oratour) the knowledge of many thinges
to bee more precious and excellent, then a Cheft heaped vp with
abundanee of money : for the one quiekly fayleth, and the other
for euer lafteth. For Scientia (affirmeth hee) is the onelye im-
mortali ftorehoufe of ail poffeflîons. Amonges whieh troupe of
Sciences, the knowledge and feareh of Hiftories deferueth a place
in the ehefeft rank, and is for example of humaine affayres, a
Chriftal iight to fhew the pathes of out Aunceltors. The faine
difplaieth the eounfels, aduifes, pollieies, a&es, fueeeffe, and endes
of Kinges, Princes and great men, with the order and difeription
of time and place. And like a liuely image reprefenteth before
our eies the beginning, end and eircumftaunee of ech attempt.
The faine (like a Miftreffe of our life) by probable examples
fiirreth vp our fluggifh mindes, to afpyre the eterna| glorie of
praife and lame, and terrifveth the defperate and aduenturous,
from enterprife of things vnfeemely. The faine is a paffing
pi&ure of verity, and an abfolute paterne framinge the matter
greatter nor leffe then it is. And beeaufe I ara hOt ignorant what
Encomia innumerable Authors in rime part, and wryters of our
tvme do attribute vnto that feienee, and with what titles the
Prince of them ail decketh the praife of Hifiorieall knowledge, I
only refer the worthines to the pra&ifers, and the fyngularitye of
Hiftories trauel and delight, to eeh wiiling minde that impioye
their ieafure and tyme therin. And I for my parte do confeffe
(that by reading of Hiories) I fynd the faying whieh Tullie ad-
uoucheth of Publius Seipio to bee true: that he was neuer leffe
idle, then when he was idle, and neuer leffe alone, then when he
was alone, meaning therby, that when he was at be leifure, he
was neuer idle, nor when he was alone vnoeeupied. For when
labor refteth him feife in me, and leifure refrefheth other affaires
nothing delights more that vacant tyme, than readinge of Hiftories
in fueh vulgar fpeaehe, wherein my fmall knowledge taketh re-
part. And for that my priuat reading might not delyte and
THE EPISTLE. 1 5 1
p|eafure me a|one, to auoid the nature of that cankred churle
and foc of humain companye, Timon of Athens, that liued but
for him felfe, I haue (after my fkill) culled fome floures and
fruites from that pleafaunt fore of thofe my readinges to impart
for vniverfal gayne and benefite, chofynge rather hereby to fol-
Iowe the liberalitve of Cimon a gentleman of that Cittye, who
knowynge hymfelfe to bec borne to profite other and for the en-
riching of his Couutry, hOt only atchiued maruailous matters for
furtherance of Comon weahh, but lefte his Gardens and Orchards
open for all men to participate the Frui&es of his pleafure and
trauell, x, Vherby fo wel as I can I follow the tra& and pra&ice
of other, by whofe meanes, fo manifold fciences in our known
toung and tranflation of Hiftories be frequent and rire amonge
vs. A1 whieh be done after our commodity, pleafure, folace,
preferuation and comfort, and vithout the which we cannot long
be fuftavned in this miferable lyfe, but fhal beeome not much
vnlyke the barbarous, ne diferepant from the fauage fo.rte. The
inuefdgatours and bringers to light, vherof dire& their eves and
meaning to none other end but for the benefvte of vs and our
pofteritye, and that our faces be hot taynted vith the blufhing
coloure to fe the paffing diligence of other Countryes by curious
imbelifhinge of their Rates with the troublous trauaile of their
brayne, and labourfom courfe of penne. \Vho altogeather imploi
thofe paynes, that no Science lurke in Corner, that no Knovledge
be fhut vp in cloyfters, that no Hiftory remaine vnder the mafke
and vnknowne attyre of other tongues. Among whlch crev (I
fay) I craue an inferiour place and haue vndertaken the vnfold-
ing of fundry Hiftories from the couerture of foren language for
none other purpofe and intent but to vniuerfal benefyte. Part
whereof, two yeares par (almoft) were ruade commune in a
former boke, now fuccedeth a fecond, furlfifhed vithlike orna-
ments that the other was. The firft (by duties chalenge) was
addreffed to the right honorable the Earle of ,Varwik, for refpe&
of his honour, and my calling. This the fecond by lyke band,
your worfhip may iufdy clayme as a iuft tribute now this moneth
of Nouember, payable. Or if your curtefye would not deale fo
1 5 2 THE EPISTLE.
roughly with youre bounden creditoure, yet for duty fake I mur
aequite and content that whieh hath fo long ben due. The faine
I offer now not with fueh vfurv and gayne as vour beneuolenee
and 'ngtllar bounty, by long f'orbearing hath deferued, but with
fueh affec-ted will and defvre of reeompenee, as any man alyue
ean owe to fo rare a friend. Your xvorfhip I haue ehofen for
the firfie perron of this boke, and the prote&or of the faine (the
matter motte fpeeially therin eomprifed, treating of courtly
fafhions and maners, and of the eufiomes of loue's gallantife» and
the good or yll fueeeffe therof,) beeaufe you be an auneient
Courtier, and one of the eldefi Trayne, and fuela as laatla bene
imployed by fundry our Princes, in their affavres of greatePt
x-ayght and importance, and for that your felfe in your lufiiefi
tvme (euer bred and brought vp in Court,) haue not ben vnae-
quainted xith thofe oeeurrants. If I fhoulde fiand partieularlye
to toueh the originall of vour noble Auneefiry, the fueeeffion of
that renowmed line, their fidelity for graue aduife and eounfel,
vour honowrable edueation, the mariage of a mighty kyng with
one of vour fiters, the valiant exploites of vour parents againfie
the Frenche and Seottes, the xvorthve feruiee of your felfe in
fielde, wherby you deferuedly wanne the order of Knighthode» the
truft which ber maieftie repofeth in you, by difpofing vnder vour
charge the tore of her Armure, and vour worthy preferment to
be Maiter of ber Armary generall. If I fhould make reeitall of
your eareful indufiry and painful trauel fuflayned, for aunfwear-
ing ber Maietye's expe&ation, your noble eherifhing of the fkil-
t'ul in that feienee, your good aduaneemente of the befi to
fupply the vacant romes» your refufall of the vnworthy: and
finally of your modeft and eurteous dealings in that office, I feare
lacke of ability (and hOt ot" matter) would want graee and order
by filrther eireumfiaunee to adde fuffieient prayfe: vea although
mv felfe do fay nothinge, (but referue the lame in filenee to auoyd
fufpe&e of adulation) the verv armure and their furnitures do
fpeake» vniuerfal tetimony doth wonder, and the Readines of the
faine for tyme of feruiee doth aduoueh. .Vhieh eare of things
continually refting in your breaft, hath atehyued fueh a tymely
THE EPISTLE. 1 5 3
diligence, and fucceffe, as when her Maiefye's aduerfary fhal be
readye to molef, fhe fhal be pref (by God's affifance) to defend
and match. But hot to hold your worfl, ip long hy length of
preamhle, or to difcourfe svhat I might further raye, either in
fauour of this boke, or commendation of youre felfe, I meane
(for this infant) to leaue the one to general iudgment, and the
other to the particular fentence of ech of your acquaintance.
Humblye makiug this onlye fute that my good wil may fupplye
the imperfe&ion of myrte abilitye. And fo with mv harty prayer
for your preferuation to him that is the au&or of life and
health, I take my leaue.
From my porc houle befides the Tower of London,
the iiij. of Nouember,
567.
Your moft bounden
rlLLIAM PAINTER.
TO THE READER.
S fheved curtefie deferueth grateful acquital and frendly fauour
forceth mutual merit. So for gentle acceptation of my other
boke, I tender to thy de|ire and profit a fecond Tome, for which
I craue but like report: a|beit» neither xvorthy of any: or other
then the rude artificer gayneth by trval of his art. XVho hauing
committed to his fkil and workmanfhip, fome fubfance of gold,
or other precious marrer, fafhioneth the lame with fuch
bungled fhape and ortier, as (befydes difprayfe) it carieth the
vnablenes of the workman. Howfoeuer (then) the ablenes or
perfe&ion herof vniuerfally fhal content or particularly dis-
pleafe: the boke craueth mild conftru&ion, for imploied paines.
_And yet the faine (liking or lothing the lieorous diet, and curious
expe&ation of fom) fhal beare regarde with thofe that more
delite in holfom viandes (voyd of variety) than in the confufed
mixture of foren drugges fetched farr of. XVho no doubt will
fupply with fauorable brute, default of ablenes and riper fkil in
the Hiftories of forren fpech. XVhich is the guerdon (befides
publike benefyte) after which I gaze, and the beft ftipend that eeh
wel willinge mind (as I fuppofe) afpireth for their trauel, and
briefly to touch what comodity thou fhalt reape of thefe fucced-
ing Hiftories, I deme it not vnapt for thine inftru6tion, to vnfold
what pith and fubftance, refteth vnder the context of their dis-
courfe.
In the lXoue| of the AiMAZONES, is difplayed a ftraunge or
miraculous port, (to our prefent fkill) of womens gouernment,
what ttate thev fubdued, what increafe of Kingdome, what com-
bats and conflies they durft attempt contrary to the nature of
that fexe.
In ALEXAlXIDER the greate, what ought to bec the gratitude
and curtefye in a puiffant Prince, toward his flaue and captiue,
and to what perilous plunge he flippeth by exchange of vice for
vertue.
z55
In TIMOCLIA and THEOXENA the foutneffe of two noble
Dames to auoyde the beaftly lut and raging fury of Tyrantes.
ARIOBARZANES telleth the duty of a fubiec'-t to his Prince :
and how he ought hot to contende with his fouerayn in matters
of curtefy, at length alfo the condition of courting flatterers : and
the poifon of the monfer Enuy.
ARISTOTIMVS difgarboyleth the intralles of Tiranny, des-
cribing the end whereunto Tirants do attein and how that vice
plagueth their pofierity.
The two Romayne O.UEENS do point (as it wer)with their
fyngers, the natures of Ambition and cruelty, and the gredy iuft
(hidden in that feeble fexe) of fouerainty.
SOPHONISBA reporteth the force of beauty, and what poy-
fort diffilleth from that licourous fappe to inuenim the hartes of
valiant gentlemen.
The gentlewomen of HYDRVSA the ficlenes of Fortune.
The Empreffe FAUSTINA, and the counteffe of CELANT,
what bloffoms blome of whorifla life, and v,'hat frui&es therof be
euIIed.
The letters of the Emperour TRAIANE, do paynt a right
flaape of verrue, a good t'tare of gouernment, and the eomly form
of obedienee.
Three Amorous Dames reueale the fleights of loue the redines of
Nobles to be baited with the amorous hoke, and what defire fueh
infamous firumpets haue to be honored.
O.ueene ZENOBIA, what the noble Gentlewomen (whom the
fates ordayne to rule) ought to do, how farre their magnanimity
ought to freteh, and in what boundes to eonteine their fouerainty.
EVPHIMIA a king's daughter of Corinth, and the vnfortunate
Dueheffe of MaIfi, what match of mariage Ladies of renowne, and
Dames of Prineelye houles ought to ehofe.
Mifireffe DIANORA, MITHRIDANES and I'qATHAN,
KATHERINE of Bologna, and SALADINE, the mutual eurtefies
of noble and gentle Perfonages, and for what refpe&es.
Quene ANNE of Hungarie, the good nature and liberalitye of a
Quene: and with what indufry Gentlewomen of priuy ehamber
ought to preferre the lutes of the valiant, and of fuch as haue
wel ferued the common welth.
ALEXANDRE de hledices, Duke of Florence, the iuflice of a
Prince, and gouernour to the wronged party, what vertues ought
to flaine in Courtiers, and with what temperance their infolence is
tobe repreffed.
IVLIETTA and RHOhEO difclofe the harty aiTecCtions oftwo
incomparable louers, vhat fecret fleights of loue, what danger
either fort incurre which mary without the aduife of Parentes.
Two Gentlewomen of VENICE, the wifedom and pollicy of
\Viues to chaflice and reftrain the follies of hufbands, and the
fioutnes they ought to vfe in their defenfe.
The Lord of VIRLE, and the widow ZILIA, geue leffons to
Louers, to auovde the immoderate panges of loue, they prognofii-
cate the indifcretion of promifed penance, they varne to beware
al vnfeemly hefies, left the penaltyes of couetife and vayn glory
be incurred.
The Lady of BOEME, fchooleth two noble Barons that with
great boafi affured themfelues to impair her honor.
DOM DIEGO and GINEVRA, record the cruelty of women
bent to hate and the voluntarye vow performed by a paflionate
Knight, with the parfe& fricndfhip of a true frend in redreffe of a
frend's mifhap.
SALIMBENE and ANGELICA, the kindnes of a gentleman
in deliuerie of his ennemy, and the confiant mynd of a ehaft and
and vertuous mavden.
Miftreffe HELENA of Florenee difeouereth what lothfom
lufes do lurk vnder the bark of fading loeauty, what fteneh of
filthy affe&ion fumeth from the fmoldring gulfe of difhoneft Loue
what prankes fueh dames do play for deeeit of other, and fhame
of themfelves.
CAMIOLA reproueth the mobility of youth fueh ehiefly as
for noble auneeftry regarded ritehes more than vertue, fhe lyke a
miftreffe of eonfaneye leffoneth her equalles from vauering
myndes, and not to aduenture vpon vnfedie contraCs : vith thofe
that eare not (vnder what pretenee) they eom by riches.
The lords of NOCERA fortel the hazardes of vhordomj the
rage o[ Ieloufy, the difference o[ duty betwene Prince and
lubie&, the [ruites of a Rebell, the endes o[ Traitery and Tiranny,
and what monfiruous fueeeffe fueh vices do attain.
The king of MAROCCO deferibeth the good nature o[ the
homely and loial lubie&, the maruaylous loue of a true and fymple
Countryman towarde his liege and foueraygne Lorde, and the
bounty of a curteous Prince, vpon thofe that vnder rude attyre,
be garnifht with the floures of vertue.
To be fhort, the contentes of thefe Nouels from degre of
highefi Emperour, from fiate of greattefi Quene and Lady, to the
homelye Cuntry peafant and rudeff vilage gifle, may conduce
profite for infiruion, and pleafure for delight. They offer rules
for auoiding of vice and imitation of vertue to al efiates. This
boke is a very Court and Palace for al fortes to fixe their eies
therein, to vew the deuoyres of the Noblefi, the vertues of the
gentlefi, and the dutyes of the meanefi. Yt is a fiage and Theatre
for fhew of true obilitye, for profe of pafling loialty and for
tryal of their contraries. \Vherfore as in this I haue
continued what erfi I partelye promifed in the firfi
fo vppon intelligence of the fecond figne of
thy good wil, a third (by Gods aflifiance)
fhal corne forth.
Farewell.
4uthorities from u'hence thefe Nouelles be colleted : and in the
lame auouched.
Strabo.
Plinie.
O.uintus Curtius.
Plutarehe.
Titus Liuius.
Dionyfius Haliearnaffoeus.
Appianus Alexandrinus.
Ouide.
Horaee.
Propertius.
Cieero.
Valerius 1Max.
Trebelius Pollio.
Xenophon.
Homere.
Virgilius.
Baptifla Campofulgofus.
Bandello.
Boeaeeio.
Gyraldi Cynthio.
Belleforrefl.
Boufuau.
Petro di Seuiglia.
Antonlo di Gueuarra.
THE FIRST NOUELL.
The hardineffe and conquefls of diuers flout, and aduenturous wo-
nen, called .Amazones, the beginninge, and continuance of their
Beigne, and of the great iourneyof one oJ: their Queenes called Tha-
leflris to vij'ït .Alexander the great : with the caufe of ber trauaile.
HERE the firfle booke beegan with a Combate fought, and
tried betweene two mighty Citties, for Principality, and
Gouernement, the one hight Rome after called the head of the,Vorld
(as fome thinke by reafon ofa man's head found in the place where
the Capitole did fiand) the otherAlba. To whieh Combat rixe Gen-
tlemen of eyther city were appoyn6ted, and the victory chaunced
to the Romavne ride: In this fecond parte, in the Forefront, and
firft Nouell of the faine, is defcribed the beginninge, continuaunee
and ende of a Voman's Common xvealth(an Hifloryrare and firaunge
to the vnlearned, ignorant of the world's fickle ruled ftay) which
contented vith the mighty Princes and puiffant Potentates for de-
fenee of their kingdome, no leffe than the Carthaginians and Ro-
maynes did for theirs. But as it is no wonder to the fkilful that a
whole Monarche, and kingdome fhould be intierly peopled with that
Sexe : fo to the not well trained in Hiories, this may feeme miracu-
lous. Wherefore hot to fraye thee from the difcourfe of thofe
firaungeandAduenturous women, diuersbe ofdiuers opinions for the
Etimologie of the word : whereof amonges the Groetians be diuers
iudgementes. Thefe Amazones were mof excellent warriers, very
valiaunt, and without man's aduiee did conquer mighty Coun-
! 60 THE AI%AZONES.
treyes, famous Cities, and notable Kingdomes, continuinge of
longe time in one Seigniory, and gouernment. Thefe people occu-
pied and enioyed a great part of Afia. Soin writers deuide them
into two Prouinces, one in Scythia in the North part of Afia : other
by the hill Imaus, which at this day is called the Tartarian Scythia,
different from that which is in Europa : the other fort of the Ama-
zones were in Libia a prouince of Africa. But becaufe the com-
mon fort of Authors doe vnderffand the Amazones tobe thofe of
Afia, I meane to leaue of the diffcrence. The Scythians were a
warlike people, and at the beginninge of their kingdome had two
kinges, by whom they were gouerned. Notwithffandinge the na-
ture of dominion beinge of it felfe ambicious, cannot abide any
companion or equail: which caufed thefe two kinges to be at
variaunce, and afterwards the matter grev to ciuill warres, wherein
the one beinge Vi:tor, two of the principal and chiefe of the con-
trary faetion, called Plinius and Scolopithos, were banifhed with
a great number of their adherentes, al which did withdraw them-
felues to the limits of Cappadocia in the leffer Afia, and in defpite
of the Countrey Pefantes, dwelled alonges the riuer of Thermodon,
which e,treth into the Sea Euxinum, otherwife called Pontus.
And they beinge ruade Lordes of the countrey, and of the places
adioyninge, raygned for certayle yeares, wtili the Peafantes and
their confederates ruade a confpiracy agaynff them: and affem-
blinge by Pollicy, ouercame and fleewe theym ail. The newes of
theyr death knowen to their ,Vyues dxvellinge in thevr countrey,
caufed them to conceiue great heauineffe, and dolr extreme:
and although they were women, )'et did they put on manly cou-
rage, and determined to reuenge the death of their hufbandes, by
puttinge theyr hands to weapons wherewithal they did exercife
themfelues very ofte : and that they might all be equall, and their
forrow common, they murdred certaine of their hufbandes which
remavned there, after the other were banifhed. Afterward beinge
altogether, thev made a great army, and forfooke their dwellinge
places, refufinge the mariage of many futers: atd arriuinge in the
lande of their enemies (that ruade fmall accoumpt thereof, although
foretolde of their approche) they fodaynly came vpon them vnpro-
uided, and put them all to the fword. This beinge done, the
THE AMAZONES. I6I
women tooke the gouernment of the Countrey, inhabitinge at the
beginninge alonge the Riuer of Thermodon, where their hufbandes
were flayne. And although many Authors do differ in the fitua-
tion of the place where the Amazones did dwell, vet the truth is,
that the beginning of their kingdome and of their Habitation was
vppon that Riuer. But of their manvfolde eonqueftes, be engen-
dred diuers opinions deelared bv Strabo, and others. They forti-
fied themfelues in thofe places, and wan other eountreys adiovn-
rage, ehoofinge amonge them two Queenes, the one named Mar-
tefia, and the other Lampedo. Thefe two louingely deuided the
armv and men of ,Varre in two partes, evther of them defendinge
(with great hardineffc)the Landes which they had eonquered: and
to make themfelues more dreadfull (futeh was the eredite and va-
nity of men that time) they fayned to be the daughters of Mars.
Afterward thefe miraeulous women liuing after this maner in peaee
and iugdee, eonfidered that by fueeeffion of time, for want of
daughters that might fueeeede, varres, and time, would extinguifh
their race. For thys caufe they treated maryage with their neygh-
hors named Gargarians (as Plinie fayeth) with condition, that
vpon eertayne tvmes of the yeare, their hufbandes thould aflmble
together in fome appoineoEed place, and vfe them for eertalne
dayes vntvll they were with ehylde, whvch beinge donc and
knowen, they fliotld returne home agayne to their own houfes.
If they brought forth daughters, they nori|hed and trayned them
vp in armes, and other manlik exereifes, and to ride great Horfe:
they taught them to run at Bafe, and to followe the Chaee. Ifthev
were deliuered of males, they fent them to their fathers, and if bv
chaunee thev kept any baeke, they murdred them, or elfe brake
their armes and legs in futeh vife as they had no power to beare
weapons, and ferued for nothynge eife but to fpin, twit, and to
doe other ferninine labour. And for as muteh as thefe Amazones
defended themfelues fo valiantly in the XVarres with Bowe, and
Arrowes, and perceyued that their breates did very mueh impeeh
the vfe of that weapon, and other exereifes of armes, they feared
vp the right breafts of their yonge daughters, for whieh eaufe
they were named Amazones, whieh fignifieth in the Greeke
tongue, wythout breaffs, although fome other do geeue vnto that
VOL, II, L
162 TIIE AMAZOIES.
naine any other meaninge. Afterwards, increafing by couffe of
rime in number and force, they ruade greate preparation of Wea-
pons and other Engins for the ,Varres, and leauing their eountrey
(vhich they thought was very fmall) in the keepinge of fome,
whom they fpecially tru/[ed, the ref marehed abroade, eonquer-
inge and fubduinge ali thofe which they found rebellious. And
hauing paffed the river of Tanais, they entred Europa, where
they vanquifhed many eountreys, direeCting their way towardes
Thraeia, from vhence they returned a while after, with great
fpoyle and vi&ory, and comminge agayne iuto Afia, they brought
many prouinees vnder their fubieeCtion, proeeedinge euen to
Mare Cafpium. They Edified, and peopled an infinite number of
good eitties, amongs which, aceording to the opiniot, of diuers,
was the famous Cittv of Ephefus, the faine beeinge the ehiefe
of al their Empire, and the principal place that foode vpon Ther-
modon. They defended themfelues in \Varres with certayne Ter-
gats, ruade in fafhion of a halfe Moone, and entring into bat-
talle vfed a certaine kinde of Fiutes to geue the people eorage to
fight, as the Laeedemonians were wont to do. In this wife in-
creafed more and more the lame of thofe women, and fo eontinued
vntill the tyme that Hercules, Thefeus, and many other valiaunt
men liued in Groeeia. The fayd Hereules, kinge Eurifteus of
Athenes commaunded, to proeeede with great force of people
againf the Amazones, and that hee fhould bringe vnto him the
armures of the two C/ueenes, whieh then were two fifers, that is
to fav Antiopa and Oritia. At this eommaundement Hereules
incoraged with defire of honor and glory, aecompanied with The-
feus, and other his frends, fayled alongf Pontus, and arriued in
moft eonuenient place vpon the fhoare of Thermodon, where he
landed in futch fecret manner and with futeh oportunity of tyme,
as Oritia, one of the two Queenes was gone out of the eouutrey
with the greateft part of her -omen, to make \Varre, and con-
quer new Countreyes, in fo mntch that he found Antiopa,
which doubted nothinge, ne yet knewe of his eomminge. Vppon
whieh oceafion, Hereules and his people furprifinge the Amazones
vnwares, and although they entred into Fielde and did put them-
fçlues in defenee with futch diligence as they eould, yet they
THE AMAZONES. 163
were ouercome, and put theym to flight, and many of them flayne
and the rett taken: amongft whom were the two rifters of the
Clueene, the one named Menalipe whyeh was Hercules pryfoner,
and the other Hipolita, the pryfoner of Thefeus. Certane Hiftori-
ans do fay that they were fubdued in a pitched field, and appoynted
battle. And that afterwards the two fifterswere vanquifhed in ringu-
ler Combat. The Ctueene Antiopa then feeinge this ouerthrow, and
the takinge of her fiflers, came to compofition ith Hereules, to
whom fhee gaue her armure to cary to Eurifleus, vpon charge that
he fhoulde render vnto her, ber fifler Mena[ipe. But Thefeus t'or
no offer that fhe eoulde make, woulde deliuer tIipolita, with whom
he was fo farre in loue, that he caried her home with him, and
at'terward toke her to wyfe, of whom hee had a forme called Hi-
politus. Hereules fatifefied of his purpofe, returned very ioyful
of his vic'-tory. Oritia certified of thefe news, beinge then out of
ber countrey, eoneeyued no leffe flmme than forrow, who fearing
greater damage, returned fpeedily with her women, the greater
part whereof beinge of ber opinion, perfwaded Antiopa to be re-
uenged vpon the Grekes. For which purpofe they ruade great
preparation of warre. Afterwards leuyinge fo great a number of
the Amazones as they could, they fent to Sigilus king of Scythia
for fueeour: who fent them his fonne Pifagoras, with a great
number of horfemen, by whofe helpe the Amazones paffing into
Europa, and Countrey about Athenes, they greatly annoyed their
ennemy : but Pifagoras entred in quarel agaynft the Ctueene and
her women, by meanes whereof, the Seythians eould not fight, but
withdrew themfelues aride, whereby the Amazones (hOt able to
fupport the force of the Greekes,) were ouercome, and the greatefl
part of them eut in peeees. Thofe which did efcape, ran to the
Seythians Campe, of whom they were defended : afterward being
returned into their eountrey, they liued in leffe force, and furety
than before. In proeeffe of rime the Greekes paffed into Afia,
and ruade a famous conquefl of the Citty of Troy, when Penthe-
rilea xvas Queene of the Amazones, who remembringe the inju-
ries reeeyued by the Greekes, went with a great army to helpe the
Troians : where the Queene did thinges worthy of remembraunce,
but the Troianes vanquifhed, in many Skirmifhes al the Amazones
1 6 4 TtIE AMAZONES.
were almofi flavne. And Penthefilea amonges other, was killed
by the hand of Achilles. Vherefore thofe that remained, returned
into their countrey with fo litle power (in refpecCt of that they
had before) as with great difficulty thev fuffeyned, and defended
their old poffefons, and fo continued till the time that Alexander
the great went into Afia, to make warre againfi the Hircanians.
In which time one of their Queenes named Thaleffris aecompanied
with a great number of the Amazones, went out of hir eountrey
with great defire to fee and know Alexander. And approchinge
the place where hee was, fliee fent her Ambaffadour vnto him to
the ende that fhee might obtayne fafe conduc°t to fee him, mak-
inge him to vnderffand how mutch the Renoume of hls perfonage
had inflamed hir heart to fee hiln. x.Vhereof Alexander beeinge
tolde, graunted hir hvs fafe conducCt. By meanes whereof, after
fhe had chofen out fome of hir principall vomen, leauinge the
reff in a eertavne place in very good order, fhe went towardes
Alexander, of whom fhe was curteoufly entertayned, and then with
very good countenaunce, fhee offered vnto him the effecCt of al ber
ability. XVho prayed hir to tell him, if he were able to do her
pleafure, and promifed that hir requeft fhould be accomplifhed.
She aunfwered that hir comminge was not to demaund either
landes or dominions, (xvhereof file had fufficient) but rather to
knowe and be acquainted with futch a famous Prince as hee was,
of whom fhe had heard maruellous and tiraunge report. But the
chiefeft caufe of hir comminge was, to pray him of carnal eopu-
lation, that fhe might be conceiued with chiide, and haue an heire
begotten of fo excellent a Prince, telling him that fhe was corne
of noble kinde, and of high parentage, and that he ought not to
difdaine hir vfe. Promifinge hvm that if it pleafed the Gods,
that fhe flaould haue a daughter, fhe would nourifhe it her felfe,
and make it her vniuerfali Heire, and if it were a Sonne, fhe would
rend it vnto him. &lexander afked her if fhee woulde go with
hvm to the warres, which if fhe would, he promifed hir his com-
pany. But fhe excufinge hir felfe, aunfwered that fhe eould not
goe with hvm without great fhame, befides the hazardinge the
h»ffe of her kingdome. XVherefore fhe prayed him agayne to
fatiffie hir requef. Finally fhe kept eompany with Alexander by
THE AMAZO1N'E$. 1 6 5
the fpace of xIIi daves in publike and fecret fort, which beinge
expired, fhe tooke hir leaue, and returned home to hir prouinee.
But as itis the property of tyme to eonfume all thinges : euen fo
the kingdome and power of the Amazones grew to vtter deeay, no
one futeh nation at this day tobe round. For what monfruous
Sexe was this that durf not onely by many armies eneountre with
puiffant nations, but alfo by fingle Combate, to fight with that
terrible perfonage Hereules, whofe vnfpeakable and ineredible
labours and vi&ories, are by antiquity reported to be futeh, as none
but he, durf euer aduenture the like. XVhat nation euer com-
parable to the Greekes, or the Athenian Citty ? and yet thefe man-
kinde women for reuenge fhronke not to peeree their Prouinee.
l,Vhat like befieged tovne as that of Troy was? and yet Penthe-
filea one of their O.ueenes with hir mayny, indeuoured to ravfe the
Greekes, that fo many yeares had lien before the fame. What
Queene (nay what Stalant) durPt rue for eompany of meanef man ?
any yet one of thefe prefumed to begge the matehe of the migh-
tiePt Monareh that euer ruled the world. The maners and qualities
of whieh nation, byeaufe they were XVomen of no eommon fpirite
and boldneffe, bee thought good in the front of this feeond Vo-
lume to be deferibed : bycaufe of dyuers \Vomens liues plentifull
variety is offered in the fequele. And for that fome mention
bath bin ruade of the great Alexander : and in what wife
from vertue hee feli to vice, the feeonde Nouell enfu-
inge fhall geue further aduer-
tifement.
i66
LEX NDER THE GREAT.
THE SECOND NOUELL.
The great pitie and continencie of .Alexander thegreat and his loui»ge
entertaynment of Sifigambis the wyfe of the great ,nonarch Darivs
af ter he u,as vanquijTied.
GREAa" Monarches and Princes be the Gods, and only Rulers vpon
Erth, and as thcy be placed by God's only prouydencc and difpo-
fition, to conquere and rule the faine, euen fo in vi&orious bat-
tayles and honorable Exploytes, they ought to rule and order their
conqueftes like Gods : that is to raye, to vfe moderate behauiour
to their Captiues and flaues, fpccially to the weaker fort and fcmi-
nine kynde, whom like Tyrauntes and barbarous, thcy ought hot to
corrupt and abufe, but like Chriftians and vcrtuous vi&ors, to che-
rifh and prefcrue their honour. For what can bec fafe to a woman
(fayde Lucrece, when fhe was rauifhed bv the Romayn Tarquine)
her chafiitv beinge dcfiled ? Or what can be fafe to a man, that
geueth himfelfe to incontinencv ? For when he hath dcfpoyled the
virgin, robbcd the wyfe, or abufed the XVydow of their honor and
good naine, they protrude themfelues into many Myferies, they bec
impudent, Vnfhamefafte, Aducnturous, and Careleffe howe many
myfchiefes they doe. And whcn a Prince or Gouerner doth geue
himfclf to licentious life, what mifchieues, what rapes, what
murders doth hec comlnit ? No frende, no Foc, no lubie&, no ene-
my doth he fpare or defcnde. Contrarywife, the mercifull and
continent captayne, by fubduinge hys affe&ions recouereth im-
mortall fame, which this Hiftory of kinge Alexander full well de-
clareth. And becaufe before we fpake of that great conqueror in
the Nouell of the Amazones, and of the repayre of Queene Tha-
leftris for vfe of his body, at what tvme (as Curtius fayth) he fell
from vertue to vice : we purpofe in thys, to declare the great con-
tynencie and mercy that hec vfed to Sifigambis, the wife of the
Perfian prince Darius, and briefly to touch the time of his abufed
life, which in this maner doth begin. Alexander the great hauing
vanquifhed Darius and his infinite army, and retiringe wyth hys
hoaft from the purfute and flaughter of the Perfians, entred into
ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
I67
their campe to recreate himfelfe. And beinge with his familiers
in the mids of his banket, they fodaynly heard a pitifull cry,
with Rraung howlinge and cryinge out, which did very mutch
aPon them. The Wyfe and Mother of Darius, with the other
noble women newly taken Prifoners, were the occafion of that
prefent noyfe, by lamentinge of Darius, whom they beleeued to
be flayne, and which opinion they conceyued through one of the
Eunuches, which Pandinge before Their tent doore, çaw a Souldier
beare a peece of Darius Diademe. For which taule Alexander,
pityinge their mifery, lent a noble man called Leonatus to fignifie
vnto them that they were deceyued, for that Darius was liuing.
Repayring towards the Tent where the women were with certavne
armed men, he lent word before, that he was comminge to them
with meffage from the kinge. But when futche as Roode at the
tent doore fav armed men, they thought they had bene lent to
murder the Ladies: for which caufe they ran in to them, cryinge
that their laR houre was come, for the fouldiers were at hande to
kille them. Vhen Leonatus was entred the Pauilion, the Mother
and wife of Darius fell downe at hys feete, intreatinge him that
before they were flayne, he would fuffer them to bury Darius, ac-
cordinge to the order and maner ot his Countrey, after the perfor-
mance ot which obfequies, they were content (they fayd) willingl.v
to fuffer death. Leonatus affured them, that both Darius was
aliue, and that there was no harme ment towardes them, but fhould
remayne in the lame Rate thev were in before. When Sifigambis
heard thofe wordes, fhe fuffered ber felfe to bec lifted vp from the
grounde, and to receyue fome comforte. The next day, Alexander
with great diligence buried the bodies of futch of his owne men
as coulde be founde, and willed the fame to be donc to the noble
men of the Perfians geuinge licence to Darius mother to Bury fo
many as fhe lire, after the cuRome of her Countrey. She per-
formed the lame to a fev that were next of her kin, accordinge
to the hability of their prefente fortune, for if fhee fhould haue
vfed the Perfians Pompe therein, the Macedonians might haue
enuied it, whych beinge vicCtors, vfed no great curiofity in the
matter. When the due was performed to the dead, Alexander
fignified to the women prifoners, that hec himfelfe would corne to
ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
vifite them, and eaufinge fuch as came with him to tarv without,
he onelv with Epheffion entred in amongs them. The faine Ephe-
filon o(all men was beff beloued of Alexander, brought vp in his
eompany from his youth, and moft priuy with him in ail thinges.
There was llOlle that had futeh liberty to fpeke his mvnde playnly
to the kinge as hec had, whveh hec vfed after futch forte, that he
feemed to d«e it bv no authority, but bv fufferaunce. And as he
was of like veres vnto him, fo in fhape and perfonage he did fom-
what exeell him. "Vherefore the "Vomen thinkinge Epheffion to
be the kinge, did fall down and worfhip him (as their Countrev
maner was to do to kinges) till futch time as one of the Eunuches
that was taken prifoner, flewed whieh of them was Alexander.
Then Sifigambis fell down at his feete, requiringe pardon of her
Ignorance, forfomutch as fhe did neuer fee him before. The kinge
tooke her vp by the hande, and fard : "Mother vou be hOt deeeiued :
for this is Alexander aifo." Then he behaued himfelfe after futeh
a maner, that hec exeeeded i eontineney and eompaffion, ail the
kinges that had bin before his time. He entertayned the two
Queenes with thofe virgins that were of excellent beauty, fo reue-
rently, as if they had bin his fi|ers. He hot onelv abfe'ned from
al violation of Darius wyfe, xvhich in beautv exeelled ail the vomen
of hir time, but aifo tooke great eare and diligence, that none other
thouid procure her an)" difhonour. .And to ail the women he
eommaunded their ornaments, and appareil to be refored : fo that
they wanted notbinge of the nagnificence of their former errate,
fauinge only the affured trut that creatures want in mifery : which
thinges confidered bv Sifigambis, fhe laid vnto the kinge: " Sir,
your goodnes towards vs, doth deferue that we fhould make the
lame prayer for you, that whilome we did for Darius: and we
perceive you worthy to paffc fo great a king as he xvas» in felicitv
and good fortune» that abound fo in iuftice and clemencv. It
pleafeth }'ou to terme me by the naine lIother and Queene : but I
confeffe mv felfe to bec vour handmayde. For both I conceiue
the greatneffe of my ftate pari, and feele that I can bear this
prefent feruitude. It lieth only in your hands hov we fhal be
delt withall, and whether }'ou will make vs notable to the worlde
through your c]emency or cruelty." The king comforted them al
ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
I69
that he mlght, and willinge them to be ofgood cheere tooke Darius
fonne in his armes. Thereat the ehilde was nothing afraid, hauing
neuer feene him before, but toke and imbraeed him about the
necke. He was fo moued with the conancy of the childe, as he
beheld Ephefiion, and fayde, "Oh, I would that Darius had had
fome part ofthis childe's gentleneflè." Which mercy, continency,
humility and confiancy of minde in Alexander, if hee had ftill kept
to his latter daies, might haue bin accoumpted mutch more fortu-
nate than he was, when hauinge fubdued ail Afia from Hellefpont
to the ocean Sea, he did counterfayte the Trlumphes of Bacchus.
Or if anaonges the refidue of his conquefis, hee xvould haue tra-
uayled to ouercome his pride and»wrath, beinge vices inuincible.
Or in his dronkennes abftavned from the flaughter of his Nobility,
and not to haue put to death thofe excellent men of xarre with-
out iudgement, which helped him to conquer fo many Nations:
but at this time the greatnes of his fortune had not yet altered his
nature, although afterwards he could not beare his vic2ories with
that Vertue, wherewith he wan them : for xvhen he gaue himfelf to
feafting and banquettinge» he vfed the company of Harlots:
amonges whom there was one Thais, who vpon a day in hir dron-
kenneflè, affirmed to Alexander, that he fhould wonderfully win
the fauour of the Greeks, if hee commaunded the Palace of Perfe-
polis to be fer on tire. The deftruc'-tion whereof (flae fayd) they
greatly defired, for fo mutch as the fame was the chiefe feat of the
kings of Perfia, which in times pari had deflroyed fo many great
Citties. Vhen the dronken harlot had giuen her fentence, there
were other prefent, who being likewife dronkeu, confirmed hir
xvordes. Alexander then that had in him more inclination of
heat than of pacience, fayd : "Vhy do we not then recouer the
fauour of the Greekes by fettinge this Citty on fier ?" They were
ail chafed with drinkinge, and rofe immediately vpon thofe words
to burne that city in their dronkenneflè, which the men of warre
had fpared in their fury. The kinge himfelfe firfi, and after his
guerres, his feruauntes and his Concubines, let fier in the Pallace,
which beinge builded for the mofi part of Ceder trees, became fo-
denly in a flame, x.Vhen the army that was encamped neere vnto
the City, fawe the fire which they thought had ben kindled by
170 ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
fome cafua|ty, they came runninge to quenche the faine againe.
But when they fawe the kynge there prefente increafynge the lyre,
they poured downe the water whych they broughte, and helped
]ykewyfe the marrer forwardes. Thus the Pa|]ace that was the
heade of the whole Orient, from whence fo many nations belote
had fetched their ]awes to ]iue vnder, the Seat of fo manv kynges,
the one]y Terror fometime of Greece, the lame that had bin the
fender forth of 9000 Ships, and of the armes that ouerflowed al|
Europa, that ruade Brydges ouer the Sea, and vndermined moun-
taynes where the Sea hath now his courre, was confumed and had
his ende, and neuer rofe againe in all the age that did enfue : for
the kyges of Macedon vfed other Citties which be now in the
Perfians handes. The deltruc'-tion of this citty was futch, that the
[oundation thereofat thys day could hot be round, but that riuer of
Araxes doth fhew where it ltoode, which was diftant from Perle-
poils xx. fur]onges, as the Inhabitants rather doe be]eue than know.
The Macedonians were afhamed that [o noble a Citty was deftroyed
by their kinge in his dtonkennes : ver at length it was turned into
an earnelt matter, and were content to thincke it expedient that the
Citty fhould haue ben deltroyed after that maner. But it is cer-
tayne, that when _A]exander had taken his reft, and was become
better aduiçed, hee repented him of his doige: and a[ter he had
kept compan.v with Tha]eftris aforefayde, which was Queene of the
Amazones, hee tourned his continency and moderation (beige the
mort excellent verrues appearinge in ay kind of etate) into
pride and vo]uptuoufnes, not eteeminge his countrey,cuftomes,
uor the holfome temperance that was in the vfages, and difcip]ine
of kynges of Macedon. For he iudged their ciuill vfage and
maner, to be ouer bafe for his greatneffe, but did counterfaite the
height ad pompe of the kings of Perfia, reprefentinge the great-
neffe o| the Gods. Hee was content to fuffre men there to rail
downe fiat vppon the grounde and worfhip him, and accutomed
the vic'-tors of fo many nacions, by ]itle and ride to feruile oflïces,
couetige to make them ]ike vnto his Captiues. He ware vpon
his head a Diademe of Purp]e interpa]ed with white, like as Darius
was accuf[omed: and fafhioned his apare|l after the maner of
the Perfians, without fcrupulofity of any euil token that is figni-
ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
fied, for the vi&orer to change his habite into the fafhion of him
whom he had vanquifhed : and although he vaunted, that he ware
the fpoyles of his enemies, yet with thofe fpoiles he put vpon him
their euil maners, and the infolencv of the mynde followed the
pride of the appareil. Befides he fealed futch Letters as he fent
into Europa, with his accuftomed feale, but all the Letters he font
abroade into Afia, were fealed with Darius Ringe. So it appeared
that one minde eould hot beare the greatneffe that appertayned
to two. He apparelled alfo his frends, his Captayns, and his
horfemen in Perfian appareil, xvhereat though they grudged in
their mindes, yet they durft not refufe it, for feare of his dis-
pleafure. His courte was replenifhed with Concubins, for he
ftill mainteined three hundred, and threefcore that belonged to
Darius, and amonge them were floeks of Eunuches accufiomed to
performe the vfe of women. The olde Souldiours of Philip natu-
rally abhorringe futch thinges, manyfeftly withftoode to be
infe&ed with futch voluptuousnes, and ftrange cul'ornes: where-
vpon there rofe a general talke and opinion throughout the
campe, that they had lof more by the vi&ory, than thev xvon bv
the wars. For when they fawe themfelues ouercome in futch
exceffe, and forayne cuftomes fo to preuayle, they iudged it a
fimple guerdon of their longe beeinge abroade, to returne home in
prifoners maner. They began to be afhamed of their kinge, that
was more like to futch as were fubducd, than to them that
were vi&orious: and that of a kinge of Macedon, was become a
Prince of Perfia, and one of Darius Courtiers. Thus this noble
Prince from continency and mercy fell into ail kynde of dis-
order, the originall whereof, hee tooke by delite in
Vomen, which beinge vfed in fort lawfull, be great
comfortes and delightes, otherwife, the very
fpringe of ail cruelty and mifchife.
TIMOCLIA OF THEBES.
THE THIRD NOUELL.
Timoclia, a gentleu,oman of Thebes, vnder.flandinge the couetous
defire of a Thracian knight, that had al.ufed hir, and promi.fed ber
mariage, rather for ber goods than loue, well acquited hir felfe
from his falJfioode.
Qvta'us CuRwxus, that notable Hiftoriographer, remembringe
the/out fa& of thvs Thebane gentlewoman, amonges other the
Ge/es and Fa&s of AIexander the great, I haue deemed not alto-
geather vnfit for this place, to reueale the fine and notable pollicy
deuifed by ber, to rid hir felfe from a couetous caitife of the Thra-
clan kinde, who for lucre rather than loue, for gayne than grati-
tude, promyfed golden I]ylles to tbvs dyfireffed poore Gentle-
woman. But fhee in the ende payinge hvm hys well deferued
hyre, was liked and prayfed of AIexander for hir aduenturous fa&e,
beinge hot one of the lea9t vertues that fhined in him, before hec
grewe to exceffi'ue abufe: but bycaufe Plutarch in hys Treatyfe
De claris rnulieril.us, more at large recounteth this Hy/or.v, I haue
thought good almo9t (verbatim) to follow him. Theagenes a Gen-
tleman of Thebes, ioyninge himfelfe wyth Epaminondas, and Pe-
lopidas, and with other noble men, for preferuation of their coun-
trey of Greece, was flavne in the chace of his enemyes, as he pur-
fued one of the chvefe of hvs aduerfaries, the fame cryinge oute
vnto him : "Vhether doe9t thou purfue vs, Theagenes ? " "Euen
to Macedonia :" aunfwered hec. Thys Gentleman thus flayne had
a fi9ter, whofe vertue and neereneffe of kin by noble deedes, flac
well witneffed, although file was hot well able to manifef ber
vertue, for the aduerfity of the t.vme, but by pacient fufferance of
the common calamityes. For after Alexander had won the Citty
of Thebes, the Souldiours greedy of Spoyle runninge vp and downe
the Citty, euery of them chauncinge vppon futch Booty as Fortune
offred them, it hapned that a Captayne of the Thraeian horfmen,
a barbarous, and wyeked wreteh, came to the houfe of Timoclia,
who fomewhat neere the kynge both in naine, and Kyn, in
manners, and conditions, was greatly different from him: hee
TIMOCLIA OF THEBES.
I73
neyther regardynge the noble houfe, ne yet the chaftity of hir
forepaffed lire, vpon a tyme after fupper, glutted and f,villed wyth
abundance of wine, caufed Timoclia forciblv to be haled to his
dronken Couch: and not contented with the forced vronge, as
they were in talke together, diligently demaunded of her, if fhe
had in no place hidden any Golde or Siluer, and partly by threates,
and partely by promife to keepe her as his wyfe, endeuoured to get
that he defired : but fhee being of ready wit, takinge that offered
occafion of her aduerfary : " I would to God," (fayd fhee) "that it
had beene my lucke to haue died before thys night, rather then to
liue: for hitherto haue I kept my body pure and vntouched from
all defpite, and villany, vntill vnlucky rate forced mee to velde to
thy difordlnate lufl: but fith my hap is futch, whv fhould I con-
ceale thofe thyngs that bee thine owne, thou beinge mine onely
tutor, lord and hufoand (as thou fayfl) when the Gods fhal pleafe
to bringe the faine to paffe" for bv thv will and pleafure mufl I
vnhappy Thebane "Vench be ruled and gouerned. Ech vanquifhed
wight mufl fubdue their ,vvl and minde to their lord and vidtor:
I beinge thv flaue and prifoner, mufl needes bv humble meanes
velde vp mv felfe to the vnfaciate hefl of thy puiffant heart : what
fhall let me to difclofe the pray that thou defirefl, that we both,
if thy minde be futch, may rather ioye the fame, than the foyly
filth of ftinkinge Karth, flmuld deuoure futch fpoyle, which for
feare, and hope of future fortune, I buried in the bowels of the
faine. Then marke mv words, beare them well in mynde, fith
lot had wrought me this mifhap. I hauinge plenty of coyned
filuer, and of fvned gold no little flore befvdes futch Iewels as
belonge to the fettinge forth of the grace of woman's beauty, of
valure and price ineflimable: when I faw this Citt" brought to
ftatch diflreffe as vnpofiïble to be faued from takinge, all the faine
I threv away, or more truely to fay, I vhelmed altogether in a
drye Ditche voyde of water, which my fa& feve or none did knowe.
The Pit is couered with a little couer aboue, and thickly round
about befet with bufhes and thornes. Thofe goods will make thee
a welthy perfonage, none in all the Campe to be compared to thee,
the riches and value whereof, wyl witnes our former fortune, and
the ftate of our gorgeous, and flately houfe: ail thofe doe I be-
I74
TIMOCLIA OF THEBES.
queathe to thee, as on whom I thinke them well beftowed." This
greedy Lecher, laughinge to him felfe for this fodaine pray, and
thinking thkt his lady fart holden within his barbarous armes had
tolde him truth, routed in his filthy Couch till the day had dis-
couered the morning light, theu gapinge for his hoped gaine, he
rofe and prayed ber to tell the place, that he might recouer the
faine. She then brought him into ber Garden, the doore whereof
fle commaunded to be flaut, that none miCa enter. He in lais
Hofe and Doublet, went downe to the bottome of the Pit: when
Timoclia perceiued him down, flae beckned for certaine of her
maids, and rolled downe diuers great fiones vith ber own hands,
whieh of purpofe fhe had eaufed to be placed there, and eom-
anaunded hir maides to tumble downe the like. Bv xvhich meanes
fhe killed that leeherous and couetous vilayne, that rather earked
to fatiffie his defire, than eoueted to obferue hys promifd faith.
XVhich afterwardes beinge knowen to the Macedonians, they haled
lais bodv out of the Pit: for &lexander had ruade proclamation,
that none flaould dare to kill any Thebane, and therefore appre-
hendinge Timoelia, they brought her to the kinge, aeeufinge ber
for doinge that murder: who by her countenaunee, and Rature
of body, and by her behauiour and grauity of maners, beheld in
her the very image of gentle kinde. And firft of al, he afked her
xvhat flae was: to whom boldly with eonftant eheere, fhe ftoutely
anfvered: "Theagenes was my brother (laid flae)vho beinge a
valiaunt Captaine, and fightinge againft you for the eommon fafe-
gard of the Greeks, was flaine at Choeronea, that we together
might not fuftaine, and proue the tuileries, wherevith we be now
oppreffed : but I rather than to fuffer violence vnworthy of our
race and ftocke, ara in vour maieftie's prefenee brought ready to
refufe no death: for better it were for mee to dye, than feele
futeh another night, exeept thou eommaunde the eontrary."
Thefe wordes were vttered in futch rufull plight, as the flanders
by eould not forbeare to weepe. But &lexander fayinge, that hee
not onely pitied the woman endewed with fo noble wit, but muteh
more wondred at her vertue and wifedome, eommaunded the
Princes of his army, to forefee no wronge or violence to be done
to the Gentlewoman. He gaue order alfo, that Timoelia and al
TIMOCLIA OF THEBES.
I75
her kin, fhould be garded and defended from flaughter or other
wronges. "Vhat fay yee (good Ladies) to the heart of this gen-
tlewoman that durt be fo bolde to tone this Caytife wretch
to death, and for wronge done to her bodie til that tyme vntouched,
to wronge the corps of him that fauoured of no gentle kinde : who
rather for earthly mucke, than for loue of fuche a pleafaunt pri-
foner, exchaunged Loue for Gold ? but note hereby what force the
puritie of mynde vnwilling of beafilye lut doth carye in it felfe :
a fimple woman voyde of helpe, not backed with defence of hus-
bande's ayde, doth bring a mighty Captayne, a ftrong and lofty
lubber to enter into a Caue, and vhen fhee faw her bet aduaun-
tage, thacked him with tones, vntil he groaned foorth his
grieflye ghotL Such is the might and proweffe of chas-
titie : no charge to burdennous or veightye for ruche
a vertue, no enterprife too harde for a mvnde
fo pure and cleane.
76 ARIOBARZANES.
THE FOURTH NOUELL.
Ariobarzanes great fleu'ard to Artaxcrxes king of Per.Ça, goeth
about to exceede his foueraigne tord and maijter in curte.fie : u'here
in be conteyned mamj notable and pleafaunt chaunces, beJïdes the
great patience and loaltie naturall planted in the fad .,.lriobar-
anes.
A O.UESTION is mooued manve rimes among iearned men and Gen-
tlemen addiêted to the feruiee of the Court, whether eommendable
deede, or eurteous and gentle fa& done by the Gentleman or Cour-
tier towardes his foueraine Lord, ought to be ealled Liberalitie and
Curtefie, or rather Band and Dotie. x.Vhieh queflion is hOt propon-
ed with out greate reafon. For fo touche as eeh man doth know,
that a feruaunt do what he can for his Mayfter, or lette him imploy
the vttermofl of his endeuour, al the labor a:ad trauayle he beflow-
eth, ail trouble and daunger which he fuftayneth, is to iittle, yea
and the faine his very bounden dutv. Haue ee not red of many,
and knowne the lvke that to gratifye their prince and mayfler, haue
into a thoufande daungers and like number of deaths, aduentured
their o,vn propre iiues? Marcus Antonius that notable oratour
beying aeeufed of ineeft, and broughte to the iudgement feate, his
aeeufers required that his feruante fhould be ealled, for beeaufe
he bare the eandei before his maifier, when hee went to do the
deede, who feyng his mavfler's lire and death to depend vpon his
euidenee, vtterly denved the faête: and notwithftanding.that he
was xvhipped, racked, and fuffered other cruel tormentes would
rather haue lotie his lyre than aeeufe and betray his mayfler. I
eould alleage and bring forth in place, the example of Myeithus,
the feruaunt of one Anaxilaus Meffenius, the fidelitve of the fer-
uauntes of Plotinus Planeus, the favthfui may«len ealled Pythias,
that waited vpon O&auia, the char Empreffe and wife of that
monfier Nero, with diuers other : but that I thinke they be to the
learned wel knowen, and of the vnlearned the verrue of feruauntes
fidelitve is greatly iiked and eommended: but if the faythful fer-
uaunt know that his defertes do gayne the graee and fauoure of
ARIOBARZANES. I 77
his mayfter, what trauayles, what payns ought he to fuffer to
mayntayne his reputation and to encreafe the fauour obtavned ?
for as the common prouerbe and wife fayinge reporteth, that the
vertve is no ]effe to conferue Frendflfip gotten, than the wifedome
was great to get and win the faine. Other there be which do
contrarily eontend, and with very fronge argumentes do force to
proue that al which the feruant doth befydes his duetye and beyond
the obligation, wherein he is bound to his mayfter, is and ought
to be termed, Liberality, which is a matter to prouoke his patrone
and mayfler to deuvfe new benefytes for his fçruaunte: and that
at al tymes when a man doth his duty and feruice appoynted by
his mayfler, executing the faine with all diligence and induflrv
requifite therunto, that then he deferueth to be rewarded. ,Vhich
is not to be difcommended. For no true and honefl feruant will
refufe an)" trauayle for commodity of lais mayfier, ne )'et difcrete
and wyfe mavfler will ieaue the faine vnrewarded according to
that portion of ability wherewith he is poffeffed: but leauinge
quefiions and difputacion aride procede we to that which this
Nouel purpofeth. I fav then that there was in the kyngdome of
Perfia, a kyng called Artaxerxes, a man of mofl noble mynde,
and of great proweffe in armes. This was he that firlte beynge a
priuate man of armes, hot hauing as yet obtavned any degree in
the fielde, kylled Artabanus the lafi kinge of the Arfacides, whofe
fouldiour hê was, and recouered thê Perfian kingdome, which
was then in the Macedonians fubie&ion (by the death of Darius,
which was vanquifhed by Alexander the great) the fpace of 538
vearês. This noble gentleman hauing dêliuêred ail Perfia, and
created king, kept a princely court, wherin were many magnificent
fac'-tes and vertuous deêdes exêrcifed and done, and hêe himfelfê
morte noble in all affayres, befvdes the tytles which hee worthelye
wanne in many bloudy battels, was efiemed throughout the eafl
part of the worlde, to be the mofl liberal and magnanimous prince
that in anv age euer raigned: in fealtes and bankets he was an
other Lucullus, royally entertaining firangers that repayred to
court. This king had a Senefcall or fleward, named Ariobarzanes,
whofe office was, that when the king ruade any pompous or pub-
likê feaft, to mount vpon a whytê Courfer with a Mace of gold in
VOL. II. II
I 78 ARIOBARZANES.
his hand, and to ride before the efquiers and Sewers for the king's
own mouth, and thofe alfo that bare the king's meat in veffel of
gold couered with fine napery, wr.ought and purled vith mof
beautiful workemanflaip of filke and gold. This office of Senefeall
was hi«hlv eflemed and eommonlv wont to be geuen to one of the
chiefef Barons of the Realm. \Vherfore this Ariobarzanes befydes
noble Linage and incomparable ritehes was the mof curtious and
liberal knight that frequented the court whofe immoderate ex-
penee was fuch, as leuing the mean, wherin al vertu confifleth,
by reafon of outrage xxhich manv times he vfed he fel into the
vice of prodigality, wherbv he femed not only in eurtious dedes
to compare with the king, but alfo eontended to exeel him. One
dav the king for his reereation called for the cheffebord, requiring
Ariobarzanes to kepe him company, which game in thofe dais
among the Perfians was in greate vfe, in fuch wife as a player at
the Cheftes was no les commended then amonge vs in thefe dais
an excelent Oratour or famous learned man: yea and the verve
faine game in common vfe in the Court, and noble mens houles of
oure time, no doubt very commendable and meete to be pra&ifed
bv all ftates and degrees. The king and Ariobarzanes being fette
downe at a table in the greate Hall of the Pallace, one right againft
another, accompanicd with a great number of noble perfonages
and Gentlemen lookinge vpon them, and marking their playe with
greate filence, they began to counter one another with the Cheffe-
men. Ariobarzanes, whether it was that he played better than
the kin«e,= or whether the kin«e= took no heede to his game, or
what fo euer the occafion was, hee courfed the king to fuch a narow
liraight, as he could hot auoid, but within two or three draughtes,
he ntutt be forced to receiue the Checkemate: which the king
perceiuing, and confidering the daunger of the Mate, bv and bv
there grew a greater colour in his face than was wont to bee, and
imagininge how hee mighte auovde the mate, befides his blufhing
he flaaked his head, and fetched out diuers fighes, whereby the
lianders by that marked the game, perceiued that hee was drvuen
to his fhiftes. The Senefcall efpyinge the kinge's demeanour, and
feeing the honeft fhamefafleneffe of the king, would not fuffer him
to receiue fuch a foyle, but made a draught by remouing his
ARIOBARZANES. 179
knighte backe, to open a way for the King to parle, as not onelv
hee deliuered him from the daunger of the Mate, but alfo loft one
of his Rockes for lacke of taking hede : whereupon the gaine refted
equall. The King (who knew the good nature and noble mynde
of his feruaunt, by experience of the fame in other caufes) fayning
that hee had ouerfeene the takinge of hvs rocke, gaue ouer the
game, and ryfing vp, fayd: "No more Ariobarzanes, the gaine
is yours, and I confeffe mv felfe ouercome." The king thought
that Ariobarzanes did hOt the faine fo much for curtefie» as to
bynde his foueraigne lorde and king by benefit to recompence his
fubiecCte's like behauiour, which he did hot very well like, and
therfore would play no more. Notwithftanding the king neither
bv figne or deede, ne yet in talke, fhewed anv token of difplefure
for that curtefie done. How be it, he would that Ariobarzanes
in femblable aé?t, fhoulde abftayne to fheve himfelfe curteous or
liberal, except it were to his inferiours and equalles, becaufe it is
not conuenient for a feruant to contend with his mail'ter in thofe
qualityes. Not long after the kinge beyng at Perfepolis (the
principal citve of Perfia,) ordavned a notable dav of hunting of
diuers beaftes of that countrey breede: and when ail thinges vere
iu a readineffe he with the mot part of his Court repayred to the
paftyme. "Vhen they were corne into the place, the king com-
maunded a woodde to be let about with nettes and toiles, aud
appointed eche man where he flould ftand in mort conuenient place,
and he birnfelfe attended with the dogs and hornes to caufe the
bëaftes to iffue forth oute of their Caues. And beholde, thëy rayfed
a wyld beafl, which with greate fwyftneffe leapte ouer the nettes
and ranne awave with greate f0ede. The King feyug that ftrange
beaft, purpofed to purfue him to death: and makinge a figne to
certavne of his noble men vhich hee defired to keepe hirn compa-
nve hee gaue the ravne and fpurre to his horfe, and followinge the
chace Ariobarzanes was one of thofe noble men vhich purfued the
game. It chaunced that day the kinge rode vpon a horfe, that
was the fwifteft runner in his ftable, which hee efleemed better
then a thoufande other, as wel for his velocity, as for his readl-
neffe lu fa&es of armes. Thus following with bridle at will, the
flying rather then running beaft, they wer deuided far from their
I O ARIOBARZANE.
company, and by reafon of the kinge's fpedines, none was able to
followe him but _Ariobarzanes, and behind him one of his feruants
vpon a good horfe which alwaies he vfed in hunting matters,
which horfe was counted the belle in ail the court. _And thus
following the chace with gaiioping fpede _Ariobarzanes at length
efpyed the horfe of his foueraigne lord had loti his fhooes before,
and that the fiones had furbated his hoofes, wherupon the kyng
was driven either to geue ouer the chace or elfe to marre his horfe :
and neyther of thefe two neceffities but would haue greatly dis-
pleafed the kinge, that pereeiued hot his horfe to be vnfhod. The
Senefcall did no fooner efpye the faine but fodainlv difmounted
from his owne, caufed his man to deliuer vnto him a hammer and
nailes (which for fuch like chaunces he always caried aboute him)
and toke of two fhoes from the horfe feete of his good horfe, to
fct vpon the kynge's hot caring for his own rather then the king
fhould forgoe his pleafure: wherfore hallowing the kinge which
was earneftlv bent x'ppon the chace, tolde him of the daunger
wherein his horfe was for lacke of fhoes. The kinge hearinge that
lighted from his horfe, and feyng two fhooes in _Ariobarzanes
manne's hand, thinking that _Ariobarzanes had brought them
with him, or that they were the fhoes which feil from his owne,
taried ftil vntil his horfe was fhod. But when he faw the notable
horfe of his fenefcall vnfhod before, then he thought that to be
the curtefie of _Ariobarzanes, and fo did let the matter paffe,
rudying by Ivke meanes to requite him with Curtefie, which
forced himfelfe to furmount in the faine: and when his horfe was
fhod, he gaue the faine to Ariobarzanes in rewarde. And fo the
king chofe rather to lofe his pleafure of hunting, then to fuffer
himfelfe by his man to be excelled in curtefie, wel noting the
lloutneffe of Ariobarzanes mvnde which femed to haue a will to
contend with his prince in facCtes renoumed and liberal. The
fenefcall thought it hot conuenient to refufe the gyft of his liege
lord» but accepted the faine with like good will as before he fhod
his horfe, riii expecCtinge occafion how he mlght furpas his marier
in curtefie and fo to bind him to requite the tame againe. They
had not taried there long, but many of thofe that foilowed did
ouertake them. And then the king got vp vpon a fpare horfe and
ARIOBARZAIqES. 1 8 1
returned to the city with all his company. ,Vithin few daies
after the king by proclamation fommoned a folemne and pompous
iu/ and tryumph at the tilt, to be done vpon the kalends of May
next enfuing. The reward appointed the vi&or and bett Doer in
the lame was a eouragious and goodly eurfer with a brydle and
bvt ot" fine gold rychly wrought, a faddle eorrefpondent of pat'ring
great pryee, the furniture and trappers for the brvdle and faddle of
like eot and workmanfhip, the rayns wer twoo ehaynes of golde
very artifieially ruade, the barbe and eouerture of the horfe of
eloth of golde fringed round about with like gold, ouer which
horfe was plaeed a fine fword the hiltes an chape wherof together
with the feabard wer eurioufly befet with Pearles and Preeious
tones of Inetimable value. On the other fvde was placed a very
beautiful and tronge Maee, verye eunninglye wrought with
damal'kin. The Horfe was plaeed in forme of triumæh , and befydes
the faine ail the Armours and weapons meete for a Combatante
Knyghte, riche and favre without eomparifon. The Plaeart was
maruevlous, and fironge, the Launce was guilte and bvr,e. , as none
greatter in ail the troupe of the ehalengers and defendauntes.
And ail thofe furnitures were appoynted to be geuen to him that
flaould do bet that day. A greate affemblye of ftraungers re-
payred to that folemne feat, as wel to doe deedes of Armes, as to
looke vpon that pompous tryumph. Of the kynge's Subie&es
there was neither knyghte nor baron, but in ryehe and fumptuous
appareil appeared that day, amonges whom, of ehiefet faine the
kynge's eldefi fonue was the fyrfi that gaue his naine, a Gentle-
manne very valorous, and in deedes of armes of paflïng valour
brought vp from his very youth, and trayned in the fielde and
other warlyke exereifes. The Senefcall alfo eaufed hls naine to be
inrolled : the like didde other knyghtes as wel Perfians as other
traungers: for that the proclamation was general, with fafeeon-
du&e for ail forrayners, noble men or other that flaould make
their repayre. The king had ele&ed three auneient Barons to be
.ludges and Arbitratours of their deedes, futeh as in their tyme for
their owne perfonages had bene very valiant, and in manv enter-
prifes well exereifed, men of great diferetion and iudgement.
Their fiage was placed in the middes of the Liftes, to viewe and
1 = ARIOBARZANES.
marke the Counterbuffes and blowes of the Combatants. \Ve nede
hot to remember, ne ought to forger the number of ladies and
gentlewomen affembled out of al partes to behold and view this
triumphe, and peraduenture eche knight that tan that day was not
without his amorous lady to note and behold his actiuity and
proweffe, euerv of them wearing his ladie's fleeue, gloue, or other
token, according to the common cuftome in fuch lyke cafes.
At the day and houre appoynted appeared ail the Combatantes in
greate Tryumphe and Pompe, with rych furnitures as wel vpon
them felues as vpon their horfe. The triumphe begon and many
Launces broken in good order, on either rides Iudgement was
geuen generaIly that the Senefcall Ariobarzanes had wonne the
prife, and next vnto him the kinge's fonne did paffe them ail,
for that none of al the combatantes hadde broken part v. ftaues,
and the çavd yong Gentleman had in the face of his aduerfary
broken in pieces IX. at the leaft. The Senefcall brought for the
eleuen launces, which were couragioufly and houourably broken,
by breaking of the laft ftaffe which was the twelfth he was iudged
mort worthy, q'he condition wherof was, that euery combatant
fhould runne twelue courfes with twelue launces, and he whiche
fhould firft breake the faine fl,ould without doubt or further con-
trouerfie obtayne the reward. \Vhat pleafure and delight the king
did conceiue to fee his forme behaue him felfe fo valiantly that
day, I referre to the iudgemcnt of fathers, that haue children en-
dued with like actiuity. Btt yet it greued him that the Senefca]l
had the greater aduantage, and yet being a matter fo xvel knowen
and difcerned by the ludges, like a wyfe man he difcembled his
countenaunce. On the other fyde, the yong Gentleman which did
colnbate before his amorous ladye was very forrowful for that he
was voyde of hope of the chlefeft honour. So that betxvene the
father and the forme, xvas one very thought and defire: but the
vertue and valor of the Senefcall did cut of eythers greefe. Noxv
the tvme was corne that the Senefcall flould runne with his laft
flaffe mounted vppon the horfe which the king gaue him when he
was an huntyng, who knowing wel that the king vas very defirous
that his fon fhould excell ail men, perceyued likewyfe the inflamed
mynd of the yonge gentleman for the prefence of his lady to
ARIOBARZANES. 18 3
afpyre the honour, purpofed to geue ouer the honour atchieued by
himfe]fe, to leaue it to the fonne and heir of his lorde and mavfer :
and yet hee knewe fui wel that thofe hls curtefies pleafed not the
king, neuertheleffe he was determined to perfeuer in his opinion,
not to bereue the king of his glory, but onely to acquire faine and
honour for him felfe. But fully mvnded that the honour of the
tryumphe /hould be geuen to the kynge's fonne, he welded the
fiaffe within his refie, and when he was ready to encounter (becaufe
it vas he that/hold corne agaynlt him,) he let fal his launce out
of his handes, and faid : " Farewel this curtefie of myne, fith it is
no better taken." The kinge's fonne gaue a gentle counterbuffe
vpon the Placarde of the Senefcall, and brake his affe in many
pieces, which was the x. courfe. Manv heard the wordes that
the fenefcall fpake when his flaffe fell out of his handcs, and the
flanders by well perceiued that he was hot minded to geue the
lafle blowe, bicaufe the king's fonne might haue the honor of the
triumph, which he defvred fo much. Then Ariobarzanes departed
the liltes: and the Prince withoute any great refilance wan the
prife and vi&ory. And fo with founde of diuerfe inftruments the
prife borne before him, he was throughout the citie honor-
ably conueyed, and among other, the fenefcall flill xvaited vpon
him with mery countenance, greatly praifing and exalting the
valiance of the yong Prince. The king which was a very wife man,
and many times hauing experience of the chiualrv of his Senefcall
at other Tourneis, Iufles, Barriers, and Battels, and alvays fiudiug
him to be prudent, politike, and for his perron very valiant,
knewe to well that the rail of his launce was not by ehaunee but
of purpofe, eontinued his opinion of his Senefcall's liberalitye and
courage. And to fay the trouth, fueh was his exeeding eurtefie,
as fewe may be found to imitate the fame. X.Ve daily le that many
be liberall of Fortune's goods inueflinge fome with promotion,
fome with apparel, Gold and Siluer, Iewels and other things of
great value. "Ve fee alfo noble men, bountifull to thevr fer-
uaunts, not onely of mouable thiugs, but alfo of Calels, Lands, and
Cities: xvhat fhal we fpeake of them, whieh will not flicke to
fheade their owne bloud, and many tymes to fpende theire lyre to
do their frendes good ? Of thofe and fuch like examples, ail re-
18 4 ARIOBARZAES.
cordes be full : but a man that contemneth fame and glorye or is
of his owne honour liberal, is neuer founde. The vi&orious Cap-
tavne after the bloudy battayle, giueth the fpoyle of his ennemies
to his fouldiours, rewardeth them with prifoners, departeth vnto
them the whole praye, but the glory and honor of the battel he
referueth vnto himfelfe. And as diuinelv the father of Romaine
eloquenee doth fay, how that philofophers by recording the glo-
rious geftes and dedes of others, do fcke after glory themfelues.
The king vas difpleafed with thefe noble dedes and curtefie of his
Senefeall, beeaufe he thought it not mete or deeente that a Sub-
ie&e and feruant flould compare with his lord and mayt2er: and
therfore did not bare him that louing and ehereful eountenanee
which hee was wont to doe. And in the ende, purpofed to let
him know, that he fpent his brayns in very great errour, if he
thought to force his mavt2er to be bound or beneficial vnto him,
as herafter you fhal pereeiue. There was an auncient and approued
eu9tome in Perfia, that the kinges yerely did folemnize an Anniuer-
farve of theyr Coronation with great feat2 and tryumph, vpon
whieh day all the Barons of the kyngdome vere bounde to repayre
to the courte where the king by the fpaee of viii. dayes with
fumptuous bankets and other feat2es kept open houfe. Vpon the
Anniuerfary day of Artaxerxes' eoronation, when ai thinges were
difpofed in order, the king defirous to aeeomplifh a certayne
eoneeiued determination eommaunded one of his favthful eham-
berlavnes fpedely to feeke out Ariobarzanes, which he did, and
telling him the kinge's meffage, fayde : "Mv lorde Ariobarzanes»
the king bath willed me to fay vnto you, that his pleafure is,
that you in your own perfon euen forthwith flml eary your white
leede and Courfer, the maee of gold, and other enfignes due to
the office of Senefeal vnto Darius, your mortal enemy, and in his
maiet2ve's behalfe to fav vnto him, that the kynge hath geuen him
that office, and bath elerely difpoffeffed you thereof." Ariobar-
zanes hearing thofe heauy newes, was like to dye for forrowe, and
the greatter was his grief, beeaufe it was geuen to his greate9t
enemy. Iqotwith9tanding lvke a gentleman of noble t2omaeke,
would not in open appearaunee fignifie the difpleafure whieh hec
eoneeiued within, but with merv eheare and louing eountenaunee
ARIOBARZANES. 1 8 5
anfwered the chamberlayne: "Do my right humble commenda-
tions vnto the kins maiefty, and far vnto him, that like as he is
foueraine lord of ail this land, and I his faythful fubiee, euen fo
mine office, my lyfe, landes aud goods, be at his difpofition, and
that willinglye I wil performe his heft." x.Vhen he had fpoken
thofe woordes hee rendred vp his office to Darius, who at diner
ferued in the faine. And when the king was let, Ariobarzanes
with comly countenance rate doxvne among the reft of the Iords,
which fodenlye depofition and depriuation, did maruelouflv amaze
the whole affembly, euery man fecretly fpeking their mind either
in praife or difpraife of the fa&. The king all the dinner rime,
did marke and note the countenance of Ariobarzanes, which was
p]eafaunt and tuerie as it was wont to be, whereat the kinge did
greately maruell: and to attaine the ende of his purpofe, hee
began with fharpe wordes in prefence of the nobilitie to difclofe
his difcontented minde, and the grudge which he bare to Ariobar-
zanes: on the other fyde the king fuborned diuers perlons dili-
gently to efpy x-hat he laide and did. Ariobarzanes hearing the
king's fharpe wordes of rebuke, and ftimulated by the perfuafion
of diuers flatterers, which were hired for that purpofe, after he
perceiued that his declared pacience, that his modeft talke and
his long and faithful feruice, which he had done to the king,
his loffe and hinderance fufained, the perill of his lire, g.hich fo
many tymes he had fuffred preuayled nothing, at length vanquifhed
with difdavne he brake the bridle of pacience, and forted out
of the boundes of his wonted nature, for that in place of honoure
he receiued rebuke, and in ftede of reward was depryued of his
office, began in a rage to complayne on the king, terminge him to
bee an vnkynd prince, which among the Perfians was eftemed a
worde of great offence to the maieftv: wherefore faine he would
haue departed the court, and retired home to his countrey, which
he could hOt doe without fpeciall licence from the king, and yet
to craue the lame at his handes, his heart would hOt ferue him.
AI thefe murmures and complaintes which he fecretly ruade, were
tolde the king, and therefore the king commaunded him one da),,
to be called beefore him, vnto whome he fayd: '«Ariobarzanes,
youre grudging complaintes and enuious quarels, whyche you
186 ARIOBARZANES.
brute behinde my backe throughout my Courte, and vour conti-
nuall rages outragioufly pronouneed, through the very SVindowes
of mv Palaee haue piereed mine eares, whereby I vnderftand that
thing whieh hardly I would haue beleued: but vet being a Prince as-
well inelined to fauoure and quiet hearinge of ail eaufes, as to ere-
dite of light reportes, would faine know of you theeaufe of voureom-
plaints, and what bath moued yott therevnto: for )'ou be not ignorant,
that to murmure at the Perfian king, or to terme him to be vnkinde,
is no leffe offenee than to blafpheme the Gods immorta|l, bieaufe by
auneient Lawes and Deerees they be honored and worflfipped as
Gods. And among ail thepenaltyeseonteyned in ourlawes, the vyee
of Ingratitude is mofie bytter|ye correed. But leauing to fpeake
of the threates and daungers of out lawes, I pray you to tell me
wherin I haue offended vou : for albeit that I am a king, yet reafon
perfuadeth me, hot to giue offence to anve man, which if I fhould
doe (and the Gods forbid the faine) I ought rather to be termed a
tyran te than a Kinge." riobarzanes hearing the king fpeake fo rea-
fonab]y, was aba(hed, but vet with floute countenatmce he feared
hot particularly to remember the woordes which he had fpoken of
the king, and the caufe wherefore he fpake them. "'Vel (faid the
king) I perceiue that you bluff, not at the words, ne vet feare to re-
herfe the lame vnto my face, wherby I do perceiue and note il you
a certayne kind of fioutenes which naturally procedeth from the
greatnes of your mynd. But yet wifdome would that vou flaould
confider the reafon and caufe why I haue depryued you from
your office. Do you hot know that it appertaineth vnto me in ail
myrte affaires and deedes to be liberal, curtious, magnificent, and
bounteous? Be not thofe the virtues that make the faine of a
Prince to glifler among his fubiecCtes, as the Sunne beames doe
vpon the circuit of the world ? Who oughte to rewarde wel doers
and recompence ech wight whiche for anv trauell haue al the dayes
of their lyre, or els in fome perticuler feruice vfed their endeuor,
or aduentured the peril of thelr life, but I alone being your foue-
raygne Lord and Prince? To the vertuous and obedient, to the Cap-
tayne and the Souldiour, to the pollityke and to the iearned and
graue, finally, to ech wel deferuing wight, I know how to vfe the
noble princely vertues of curtefie and liberalitv. They be the
ARIOBARZANE$. 1 8 7
comly enfignes of a kynge. They be the onely ornaments of a
prince. They be my perticular vertues. And will you Ariobar-
zanes, being a valiaunt Souldioure, a graue counfayler, and a polli-
tvke perfonage, goe about to difpoffeffe me of that which is mvne ?
\Vil you whiche are my feruaunte and SubiecCte of whome I make
greatette accompt and haue in dearett ettimation, vpon whom I
did betow the greatett dignity within the compas of my whole
Monarchie, grate benefite at my bandes, by abufinge thofe vertues
whiche I aboue other do principally regard ? You do much abufe
the credite which I repofe in youre greate wlfedome. For hee in
whome I thought to fynde mott gratte aduife, and deemed to bee
a receptacle of al good counfel, doth feeke to take vppon him the
perfonage of his Prince, and to vfurpe the kinglye qualitie which
belongeth only vnto him. Shal I be tyed by your defertes, or
bound by curteous deedes» or els be forced to rendre recompence ?
No, no, fo longas this imperiail crowne fhal rett on royal head, no
fubiec°t by any curteous deede of his, fhal ttraine vnwilling mynde,
which mente it not before. Tel me I befeech you what reward
and gift, what honour and preferment haue I euer hettowed vpon
you, fithens mv firtt arriual to this vic°torious raigne, that euer vou
by due defert did bynde me thereunto ? \Vhich if you did, then
liberal I cannot be termed, but a flauifh Prince bound to do the
fame, by fuhiecCts merite. High and mlghtie kinges doe rewarde
and aduaunce their men, hauing refpec°t that their gift or benefite
fhal exceede deferte, otherwife that preferment cannot bee termed
liberal. The great conquerour Alexander Magnus watt a great
and notable Citie for wealth and fpoyle. For the principalitie and
gouernment wherof diuers of his noble men made fute, alleaging
their paynful feruice and bloudy woundes about the getting of the
fame. But what did that worthy king? was he moued with the
bloudfhead of his captaynes? was he ttvrred with the valiaunce
of his men of warre ? was he prouoked with their earnet futes ?
No trulve : But calling vnto him a poore man, whome bv chaunce
he round there» to him he gaue that riche and wealthy citie, and
the gouernmente thereof, that his magnificence and his liberalitie
to a perfon fo pore and bafe, might receiue greatter fame and es-
timation: and to declare that the conferred benefyte didde not
18 8 ARIOBARZANE.
proceede of deferte or dutie, but of mere liberalitie, very curtefie,
true munitïcenee and noble difpofition, deriued from prineely
heart and kinglye nature. Howbeit I fpeake not this that a fayth-
ful feruaunt fhould be vnrewarded (a thing very requifite) but to
inferre and proue that reward fhould excell the merite and feruice
of the reeeiuer. Now then I fay, that vou going about by large de-
fert and manifold eurtefie to biude mee to reeompenee the faine,
you feeke thv next wave to eut of the meane wherebv I fhould
be liberall. Do not you fee that through your vnaduvfed eurtefie
I am preuented, and letted from myrte accufomed liberalitye,
wherewith dayly I xas wont to reward mv kynde, louing and
loyal feruauntes, to whom if thev deferued one talent of golde, my
manner xvas to geue them two or three : if a thoufand erownes by
the yeare, to geue them v. Do you not know that when they
loked for moff rewarde or preferment, the foner did I honour and
aduaunce them ? Take heede then from heneeforth Ariobarzanes,
that vou liue with fueh prouidence and eireumfpeoetion as you may
bee knowen to be a fertant, and I reputed (as I am) for your fo-
ueravne Lord and mavffer. All Princes in mvne opinion requyre
two thinges of theire feruantes, that is to fay, fidelitv and loue,
which being hadd thev tare for no more. Therefore he that liff to
eontende with me in iurtefie, fhal fvnde in the ende that I make
finale aceompte of him. And he that is my truffy and faithful
feruant, diligente to exeeute and do mv eommaundementes, fayth-
ful in my feeret affayres, and duetyfull in his vocation, fhal truely
witte and moff certavnlve feele that I am both eurteous and libe-
rail. x.Vhich thou thv felfe fhal wel perceiue, and be foreed to
eonfeffe that I ara the faine manne in dede, for curtefie and libe-
ralitye whom thou indeuoref to furmount." Then the king held
his peace. Ariobarzanes very reuerentlve ruade anf,vear in this
manner: " Moff noble and vi¢:corious Prince, wel vnderffanding
the eonceiued grief of vour inuiueible mind pleafeth youre facred
maieffy to geue mee leaue to anfwer for my felf, hOt to aggrauate
or heap your wrath and difpleafure (which the Gods forbid) but to
difclofe my humble exeufe before your maiefiy that the lame
poized with the equall balance of youre rightful mind, my former
attempts may nether feme prefumptuous, ne yet my wel meaning
ARIOBARZANES. 18 9
mind, weii meafured with iuftice, ouerbold or malapert. Mort
humbly then, proftrate vpon my knees I fay that I neuer went
about, or elle did think in mind to excede or compare with vour
intïnite and incomprehenfible bounty, but indeuored by ai poflible
means to let your grace perceiue, and the whole worid to know that
there is nothing in the world ,vhich I regard fo much as your good
grace and fauour. _And mighty Ioue graunt that I do neuer fal
into fo great errour to prefume for to contend with the greatnes of
your mynde: which fond defire if my beaftly mynd thould appre-
hend, I myghte be iick,ed to the man that goeth aboute to be-
rieue and take away the clereneffe of the Sun, or brightneffe of
the fplendant fiars. But euer I did thinke it to be my bounden
duety hot onlv of thofe fortmes goods ,vhich by your princely
meanes I do inioy to bee a diftributer and large giuer» but alfo
bound for the profite and aduauncement of your regal crowne and
dignitye» and defenee of your mofi noble perron» of mine owne
life and bloud to be both liberall and prodigall. And where your
maiefty thinketh that I haue iaboured to compare in curtious dede
or other liberall behauiour» no deede that euer I did» or fac"t was
euer enterprifed by me for other refpec°c» but for to get and conti-
nue your more ample fauour and daiiv to encreafe your loue for
that it is the feruant's part with all his force and might to afpyre
the grace and fauoure of his foueraygne lorde. How beit (mort
noble prince) before this tvme I did neuer beleue, nor hard youre
grace confeffe» that magnanimity gentlenes and curtefie, were
verrues worthy of blame and correction, as yotr maiefty hath very
manifely done me to vnderftande by wordes feuere, ad taunting
eheckes» vnworthve for practife of fuch rare and noble vertues.
But how fo euer it bee, whether lyfe or death fhal depend vpon
this prayfe worthy and honourable purpofe» I meane hereafter to
yeld my dutve to my fouerayne lord» and then it may pleafe him
to terme mv dedes courteous or liberal or to thinke on my beha-
uiour» what his owne princely mynde (bal deme and iudge. '» The
king vpon thofe wordes rofe vp and favd : « Ariobarzanes» now it is
no tyme to continue in further difputation of this argument, com-
mittig the determination and iudgement herof, to the graue deli-
beration of my eounfel who at eonuenient leafure aduifedly (bal
19 ° ARIOBARZANES.
according to the Perfian lawes and cuftomes conclud the lame.
And for this prefent rime I fay vnto thee that I ara difpofed to ac-
compt the accufation made agaynfte thee to be true, and confeffed
by thy felf. In the mean tyme thou flaalt repayre into the coun-
try and corne no more to the court til I commaund thee." Ariobar-
zanes receiuinge this anfweare of his foueravne lorde departed, and
to his great contentation, went home into his countreye merye,
for that he flaould be abfent out of the daylye fight of his enemies,
ver hOt wel pleafed for that the king had remitted his caufe to his
Councell. Neuertheleffe minded to abvde and fuflèr al Fortune,
he gaue him felfe to the paftime of huntinge of Deere, runninge
of the wylde Bore, and flying of the Hauke. This noble Gentle-
man had two onlve daughters of his wife that was deceafed, the
mort bcautiful Gentlewomen of the countrey, the eldel of which
two was peereleffe and without comparifon, older than the other
bv one yeare. The beautv of thofe favre ladies was bruted
throughout the whole Re,=.ion of Perfia, to whome the greateft
Lordes and Barons of the countrey were great and importunate
futers. He was hot in his countrey refiant the fpace of fower
monethes, which for falubritie of avre was mort holfome and plea-
faunt, full of lordlike liberties and Gentlemanlike paftimes, afwel
to bee done bv the hound as f, lowed by the fpauiell, but one of the
kinge's [laraulds fente from the Court, appeared before him with
meffage to this eflèe, fa.ring vnto him : "Mv lord, -Ariobarzanes,
the kinge my foueravne Lord hath commaunded you to fend with
me to the Court the fayreft of your two daughters, for that the
reporte of their famous beautie hath made him hardlie to beleeue
them tobe fuch, as common bruite would fayne doe him to vnder-
land." Ariobarzanes not well able to conceiue the meaning of
the king's commaundiment, reuolued in his mvnde diuers thinges
touching that demaund, and concludinge vpon one which fel to
his remembrance, determined to fend his younger daughter,
which (as we haue fayde before) was not in beautie comparable
to her elder fier, whereupon hee caufed the mayden to be fent
for, and farde vnto ber thefe wordes: "Daughter, the king mv
mail'ter and thv foueraigne Lord, hath by his meffanger com-
maunded me to fende vnto him the fayrel of my daughters, but
ARIOBARZANES. 191
for a certaine reafonable refpe& which at thys time I purpofe
not to difclofe, mv mynde is that thou thalt goe, praying thee
hot to fay but that thou thvfelfe art of the twavne the fayref,
the concealinge of whiehe mine aduife wil breede wato thee (no
doubt) thy great aduauneement, befides the profite and promo-
tion that thal aeeriue by that thy filence : and the difelofing of the
lame may hap to engendre to thy deere father his etterlatting hin-
drance, and perchaunee the depriuation of his lyfe: but if fo be
the Kinge doe beget the with ehilde, in anye wife keepe clore the
faine : and when thou feef thy belly begin to fwell, that no longer
it cal be clofely kept, then in conuenient time, when thou feef
the kinge merily difpofed, thou thalt tell the king that thy fyfer
is far more beautifull than thyfelfe, and that thou art the yonger
filmer." The wife maiden well vnderfanding ber father's minde,
and eoneeiuing the futaine of his intent, promifed to performe lais
charge, and fo with the Haraulde and honorable traine, he caufed
his daughter to be conueyed to the Court. .AI carie matter it was
to deceiue the king in the beauty of that maiden : for although the
elder daughter was the fairef, yet this Gentlevoman feemed
peereleflWin the Courte, that without comparifon the was the mort
beautifull that was to be found either in Courte or countrey: the
behauiour and femblance of whiche two daughters were fo like,
that hard it was to iudge ,«'hether of them was the eldeft: for
their father had fo kept them in, that feldome they were feene
xx'ithiu his houfe, or at no time marked when they walked abroade.
The wife of the king was dead the fpace of one yeere before,
for which taule he deterlnined to mary the daughter of _Ario-
barzanes, who although file was not of the royall bloud, yet
of birth the was right noble. XVhen the kinge fawe this Gen-
tlewoman, he iudged hir to be the fairef that euer he faw or heard
of by report, whom in the prefence of his noblemen he folemnly
did marry, and lent vnto her father to appoynet the Dowry of his
married Daughter out of bande, and to returne the faine by that
meflCger. XVhen _Ariobarzanes hearde tell of thys vnhoped
mariage, right ioyfull for that fucceffe, lent vnto his Daughter the
Dovry which he had promifed to geue to both his Daughters.
lXlanv of the Court did maruell, that the kynge beinge in aged
192 ARIOBARZANES.
veares woulde mary fo yongue a rnayden, fpecially the daughter
ofhis SubiecCt, whom he had banifhed from the Courte. Sorne prays-
ed the kinge's Difpofition for taking hir whom he fanfied: ech
rnan fpeakynge his feuerall rnvnde accordynge to the dyuers eus-
tomes of rnen. Notwythfandinge there were diuers that moued
the kinge to that mariage, thereby to force hirn to confeffe, that
by takinge of the goods of Ariobarzanes, he might be called Cour-
teous and Liberall. The rnariage being folemnized in very fump-
tuous and prince|y guife, Ariobarzanes fent to the kinge the like
Dowry which before he had lent him for rnariage of his daughter,
with meffage to this effeêt : That for fo mutch as hee had Affign-
ed to his Daughters two eertavne Dowries to rnary them to their
equal feeres, and feeinge that hee which vas without exception,
was the hufbande of the one, his duety was to befow vpon his
grace a rnore greater gift, than to any other whieh fhould haue
bene his forme in law: but the king would hOt receiue the in-
crease of his dovry, deeming himfelfe wel fatiffied with the beauty
and good condicions of his new fpoufe, whom he entertayned and
honored as Queene. In the meane time fhe was with childe with
a Sonne (as afterwardes in the birth it appeered) which fo wel as
fhe coulde fhe kept clore and fecret, but aftervardes perceiuinge
her Belly to wax bigge, the greatnefl'e whereof fhe was not able
to hide, beinge vppon a rime vith the kinge and in familiar dis-
porte, fhe like a wife and fobre lady induced rnatter of diuers ar-
gument, amonges which as occafion ferued, fhe difclofed to the
king, that fhe was hOt the fayref of hir father's daughters, but hir
elder fifter rnore beautifull than fhe. The king hearing that, was
greatly offended with Ariobarzanes, for that he had not accom-
plifhed his commaundement: and albeit hee loued well his wife,
yet to attaine the effeét of his defire, he called his Haraulde vnto
him, whom he had firf lent to make requef for his wyfe, and with
him returned agayne his new maried fpoufe vnto her father, com-
maunding him to fay thefe wordes: "That for fo rnutch as he
knev himfelfe to be vanquifhed and ouercorne by the king's
humanity, his grace did rnaruell, that in place of curtefie, he
wou|d ufe fuch conturnacy and difobedience, by fending vnto
him, not the faireft of his daughters, whieh he required, but futch
ARIOBARZANES. 19 3
as he himfelfe liked to rende: a matter no doubt xvorthy to be
fharpely punifhed and reuenged : for which caufe the kinge beinge
not a litle offended, had fent home his daughter agayne, and willed
hym to fende his eldef daughter, and that he had returned the
Dowry which he gaue with his yonger." Ariobarzanes receyued
his daughter and the dowry with willinge minde, and fard theefe
words to the Harauld : «' Mine other daughter which the king my
Soueraygne Lord requireth, is not able prefently to go xvith thee,
bycaufe in hir bed fhe lieth ficke, as thou mayft manifeftly per-
ceiue if thou corne into hir chamber : but fay vnto the king, that
vppon my fayth and allegiaunce fo foone as fhe is recouered, I
will fende hir to the court." The Haraulde feeing the mayden
lye ficke ou her bed, weake and Impotent, not able to trauel, re-
turned to the king, and told him of the fickneffe of the eldeft
Daughter ofAriobarzanes, wherewithall beinge fatiffied, he attended
the fucceffe of his defired fute : the Gentlewoman no fooncr beinge
recouered, but the tvme of the other's childbirth was corne» which
hrouffht forth a goodly Boy : both the Mother falfely brought to
Bed, and the childe frong and luRy. \Vhych greatly contented
and pleafed Ariobarzanes, and the greater grew his ioy thereof,
for that hee fawe the Childe to be like vnto the kinge his father :
and by that time the yong Gentlewoman was rvfen from her
childbed, the fifter was perfe&ly whole, and had recouered ber
former hiewe and beauty, both which beinge richely apparelled,
Ariobarzanes with an honourable trayne, fent vnto the kinge,
inftru&inge them firft what they ought to fay and do. When they
were arriued at the courte, one of the pryuy chamber aduertifed
the king that Ariobarzanes had not onely fent one of his daughters,
but both of them. The kynge hearige and feeinge the liberalyty
of Ariobarzanes, accepted the fame in gracious part, and deter-
mined for that curtefie, to vfe him with futch princely liberality,
as he thould be forced to confeffe himfelfe ouercome. And before
the meffanger which had brought the yong geutlewoman did
departe, he caufed to be called before him his only forme called
Cyrus, vnto whom he fard: "Bycaufe Cyrus the time of thy
yeares bee futch, as meete they be to match the in Mariage, for
hope I haue to fee fome Progeny proceede of thee before I die»
VOL. IIo N
94 ARIOBARZANES.
my minde is that thou fhalt mary this goodly Gentlewoman here,
the fyfter of mv Vyfe. To which hys father's heft, the yong
gentleman willingly affented. Then the kyng toke agayn his
owne, and ordavned a rovall feaft, for the mariage of his Sonne,
which was celebrated and done with great triumph and folemnity,
continuinge the fpace of 8 daves. _Ariobarzanes hearinge thefe
good newes, vould hot yet acknowledge himfelfe to be ouercome,
and feeinge that his purpofe was nowe brought to an extremity,
determined to fend the little childe, a little before begotten of hvs
daughter, to the kinge, which fo refembled the kinge's face and
Countenaunce as was pofllble: and therefore caufed a cradle to
bce ruade of the faireft Iuory that vas to be gotten, emboffed and
garnifhed with pure Golde, adorned and fet vyth mort precious
Stones and Iewels, vherein he caufed the childe to be placed, and
couered wvth rich clothes of fvneff gold and filke, and together
with the Nourice, accompanied vith a pompous trayne of Gentle-
men, he lent him to the kinge, the verv time that the folemne
mariage fhould be celebrated: and the kinge beinge in his great
Hall, which was hatged with maruellous rich and coffly _Arras, at-
tended vpon with a great numbre of his Barons and noble men,
hee that had the charge of the condu&ion of the child, vpon his
knees prefented the fame before him, lyinge in the Cradle. The
king and the Noblemen, meruelling what that did meane expe&ed
what the Meffenger would fay, who holding the Cradle bv one of
the Pomels, fayd thefe wordes: "'Mort renoumed and vi&orious
Prince, in the behalfe of_Ariobarzanes, my Lorde and your Subie&,
mort humblv I prefent vnto vour maieffy, vith al Submiffion and
reuerence, this gift : and my fayd Lord doth rendre intïnite thankes
vnto vour highneffe, for the great curtefie it hath pleafed you to
vfe, bv vouchfatïnge to entertayne him into your alliaunce: for
which not to feeme vnmindfull, this prefent (and therewithall he
opened the Cradle) by mee hee hath fent vnto your maieffy."
,Vhen the Cradle was difcouered, there apeared a goodly yong
Chylde, Snilinge and Laughing vpon his father, the ioyfulleff fight
that euer his father fawe, and fo like vnto him, as the halfe Moone
is lyke the proportion of the reft. Then euery of the Standers by
began to fay his minde touchinge the refemblaunce of the Chylde
ARIOBARZANES. 19 5
to hys Father, hardily proteffing the lame without doubt to be his
owne. The kyng eould not be fatiffied with the fight of his ehild,
by reafon of the great delight he had to looke vpon him, and of the
generall opinion whych all men auouched touchinge his lykeneffe.
The Chylde agayne vpon the common reioyce made vp6n hym, but
fpecially of hys Father, wyth preaty motions and fweete laughinges,
reprefentinge two fmilinge pyttes in his ruddy Cheekes, crowed
many tymes vpon his father, toyinge vp and downe hvs tender
handes: afterwardes the kynge behelde the workmanfhip of that
fumptuous cradle, and demaunded whereof the fubfaunce was.
Vnto whom the Meffenger difcribed the Hyfory and whole content
of that incomparable lewel: who hearinge that difcourfe, caufed
the C/ueene to be called forth, and by her was further certified of
her father's noble difpofition, wvth exceeding contentation, and
wonderfull reioyce, he reeeyued the little Chylde, and confeffed
hym felfe in maner vanquifhed: notwythffandinge feeming to be
thus furmounted, he thought if he did not furpaffe this curtefy,
his noble and princely minde fhould be dioEraeed: wherefore he
determined to vfe a kind of magnanimity, thereby evther to ouer-
corne Ariobarzanes, or elle hauinge apparant occafion altogether
to fall out and to coneeyue a mortall malice agaynf hym. The
Kynge had a Daughter of the age of 21 yeares, a very fayre and
eomely Lady (accordinge as her Royall education and princely
bringinge vp required) whom as yet he had not matched in
mariage, meaninge to beflowe her vppon some kynge or great
Monarch with a dowry of Ten hundred thoufaud Crownes, hefides
the pryncely and great eofily Apparell and Iewells whych her
owne mother l)'inge vppon her death Bed did bequeathe her. The
kynge then purpofinge to excell Ariobarzanes, mynded by coupl-
ynge hvm wyth hys Daughter, to make hym his fonne in lawe:
whych to a Ladv of Royall Linage, appeareth fome debacinge of
her noble bloud, to be matched with a man of inferiour byrth:
the lyke to a Man how honourable fo euer he be eannot chaunce,
if he take a Wvfe of Degree neuer fo Bafe : for if hee bee borne
of Noble and Gentle kynde, hee doth illufirate and aduaunce the
SVoman whom he taketh, ail be it fhee were of the meanef trampe
of the popular forte, and the Chyldren whych be borne of them
196 ARIOBARZANES-
by the Father's meanes, fhalbe Noble and of a gentle kynd : but a
woman, although fhee be mort Noble, if fhee bee married to hir
inferiour, and that hir hufbande bee hot fo Noble, the chyldren
that fhall be borne of them fhall hot receiue the honour of the
mother's ftock, but the ftate of the father's lotte, and fo fhall be
vnnoble. Sutch is the Reuerence and Authoritie of the Sexe of
man, wherevpon doeth ryfe the comparyfon of the wyfe, which
d.th refemble the man vnto the Sunne, and the \Voman to the
Moone. For wee fee that the lIoone of hir felfe doth hot giue
light, ne vet can yelde anv brightneffe to the darkneffe of the
Night, if fhe did not pertake fome [hining of" the Sun, who with
his liuelv flames at times and places doth brighten the ftarres,
and maketh the moone to fhine: euen fo the woman dependeth
of the man, and of hym doth take hir nobility. The kyng there-
fore thought the match not meete for Ariobarzanes to marrv his
Daughter, and feared he fhould incurre fome blemifl of his houle :
but for ail refpêcoE and feare of fhame, the êmulation whyche hee
had to be victorious of his forced curtefie did furpaffe. Wherefore
he fent for Ariobarzanes to corne vnto the Court : who vpon that
commaundement came : and fo foone as hee was entered the palace,
he repayred to do his reuerence vnto the kinge, of xvhom he was
welcomed with glad and ioyfull entertavnement: and after they
had a whvle debated of diuers matters, the kyng fard VlltO him :
"Ariobarzanes, for fo mutch as thou art without a wyfe, we minde
to beftowe vpon thee a Gentlewoman, which hOt onely wee well
like and loue, but alfo is futch a one, as thou thv felfe fhalt be well
contented to take." Ariobarzanes aunf,vered : That he xvas at his
commaundement: and that futch chovfe as pleafed his maicfty,
fhould verv well content and fatifefie him. Then the kyng caufed
his daughter, in riche veftures fumptuoufly attired to corne before
him, and there openly in prefence of the whole Court commaunded
that Ariobarzanes flould marrv her: which with feemely cere-
monies being confummate, Ariobarzanes fhewed little ioy of the
parentage, and in apparance ruade as though he cared not for his
wyfe. The Nobles and Gentlemen of the Courte wondred to fee
the ftraunge behauiour of the bridegroome, confideringe the great
hulnanity of their Prince towardes his Subje&, by takinge him for
ARIOBARZANES. 1 9 7
his Father, and Sonne in lawe: and greatly murmured to fee the
obfinacy and rudeneffe of Ariobarzanes, towards the kynge and
the Favre newe maried Spoufe, muteh blaminge and rebukinge hvs
vnkinde demeanour. Ariobarzanes that day fared as though hee
were befides himfelfe, vovde of ioy and mirth, xvhere ail the ref
ofthe Courte fpent the tyme in fport and Triumph, the Ladies and
Noble women together with the kynge and Queene themfelues.
dauneinge and mafkinge, vntil the time of night did force ech
XVyghte to Retyre to their Chaumbers. Notwithftandinge the kynge
did marke the Gefture and Countenaunee of Ariobarzanes, and
after the Banket the Kynge in Solempne guife and great Pompe
caufed hys Daughter to bec aecompanyed wyth a great Travne to
the Lodginge of Ariobarzanes, and to be caried x,ith hir, hir
Pryncely Dowry, where Ariobarzanes very Honourablv receyued
hys XVyfe, and at that Intant, in the prefence of ail the lX'oblemen
and Barons that wayted vpon the Bride, hec doubled the Dowrv
receyued, and the lame wyth the Ten hundred thoufand Crownes
geuen hym by the kynge, hec lent back aga.vne. This vnmea-
fured Liberality feemed paff)'nge Straunge vnto the kynge, and
bredde in him futch difdayne, as doubtful he was whether to
yelde, or to condemne him to perpetuall Banifhment. The kynge
thought that the greatneffe of Ariobarzanes mynde was Inuincible,
and was hot able paciently to fuffer, that a fubiecCt in matters of
curtefie and liberality, fhould till compare wyth his king and
maifier : herewithal the king conceiuing malice, could hot tell what
to fav or do. _An eafy matter it was to perceiue the rage and furie
of the king, who was fo fore difpleafed, as he bare good looke and
countenaunce to no man : and bicaufe in thofe daves the Perfian
kings were honored and reuerenced as Gods, there was a lawe that
when the king was driuen into a furie, or had conceiued a iut dis-
pleafure, he fhoulde manifefi vnto his Counfellers, the caufe of his
anger, who afterwardes by mature diligence hauing examined the
caufe and finding the kit, ge to be vniufily difpleafed fllould feke
meanes of his appeafing: but if they round his anger and difplea-
fure to be it, fily grounded, the caufe of the lame, according to
the quality of the offence, little or great, they fhould punifh,
eyther by banifhment or capital death: the fentence of whom
98 ,RIOBARZANES.
fhould parle and be pronounced without appeale. Howbeit Lawfull
it was for the Kynge to mitigate the pronounced fentence, eyther
in al, or in part, and to diminifla the payne, or clearely to affovle
the party : whereby it euidently appeared, that the Counfellers Sen-
tence once determined, was very iuftice, and the kynge's wvll if he
pardoned, vas meere grace and mercv. The kyng was conftravned
bv the fatutes of his kyngdome to difclofe vnto his Counfell the
caufe of his difpleafure, which particularly he recited : the Coun-
fellers when they heard the reafons of the kynge, lent for Ario-
barzanes, of whom by due examination thev gathered, that in
diuers caufes he had prouoked the kynge's dyfpleafure. After-
wards the Lords of the Counfell, vpon the propofed queftion began
to'argue, by inueftigation and fearch whereof, in the ende they
iudged Ariobarzanes worthy to loofe hys head : for that he would
hot onely compare, but alfo go about to ouertoppe him in thinges
vndecent, and to fhewe himfelfe difcontented with the mariage of
his daughter, and vnthankfull of the benefites fo curteoufly be-
ftowed vpon him. A cuftome was obferued amonge the Per-
fians, that in euerv aête or enterprife, wherein the feruaunt en-
deuored to furpaffe and vanquith his lord and maifter (albeit
the attempt were commendable and prayfeworthy) for refpe&
of want of duety, or contempt to the royall maiefiy, he flould
lofe his bel iovnt: and for better confirmation of their iudge-
ment, the Counfe]lers a]]eaged a eertayne diffinitiue fentenee, re-
geftred in their Cbronieles, whilom done by the kyngs of Perfia.
The eaufe was this: one of the.kyngs of that Region difpofed to
difporte with eertayne of his noble men abrode in the Fields,
went a Hauking, and with a Faucon to fly at diuers gaine. XVithin
a while they fprang a Hearon, and the Kynge eommaunded that
one of the fauleons whieh was a notable fwift and foaring
Hauke, fhould be eaft of to the Hearon : whieh done, the hearon
began to mount and the faucon fpeedely purfued, and as the
Hauke after many batings and intereourfes, was about to seaze vpon
the hearon, he efpied an Ele: the Route Hauke feeing the Egle,
gaue ouer the fearfull Hearon, and with fwift flight flewe to-
wardes the hardy Egle, and fiereely attempted to feaze vpon her:
but the Egle very ftoutly defended her felfe, that the Hauke was
ARIOBARZAN ES. 199
forced to let goe hir holde. In the ende the good Hauke, with her
fharpe talendes, agayne feazed vpon the Eg}e's neck, and wyth her
beake ftrake her farke dead, wherewithall fhe fel do ne amid the
company that wavted vpon the king. A! the Barons and Gentle-
men high}y commended and prayfed the Hauke, afSrminge that a
better was not in the worlde, attributing vnto the faine futeh prayfe,
as thev thought meete. The king for all the acclamations and
fhoutes of the troupe, fpake not a worde, but ftoode mufing with
himfclfe, and did neyther prayfe nor b}ame the Hauke. It was very
late in the eueninge, when the Faucon killed the Egle, and therefore
the kinge commaunded eeh man to depart to the Citty. The next
day the king caufed a Goldfinith to make an exeeeding fayre
crowne o1: golde, apt and meete for the Faleon's head. A[terwards
when he faw time conuenient, he ordavned that in the market p}aee
of the Citty, a Pearche fhou}d be ereeCted, and adorned with Tapes-
try, Arras, and other coft}y furnitures, futch as Prynces Palaees are
bedeeked withall. Thither with found of Trumpets hee eaufed
the Faucon to be conueyed, xvhere the kinge commaunded one of
his noble men to place the Crowne vpon his head, for priee of the
excellent pray atehieued vpon the Egle. Then he eaufed the bang-
man or common executioner ofthe Citty, to take the Crowne from
the Faucon's head, and with the trenehant fword to eut it of.
Vppon thefe contrary effe&es the beholders of this fight were
amazed, and began diuerfly to talk thereof. The king whieh at a
window ftoode to behold this fa&, eaufed filenee to be kept, and
fo opened his princely voiee, as he was wel heard fpeaking thefe
words : "There ought (good people) none of )'ou all to Murmur
and grudge at the prefent fa& exeeuted upon the Faucon, byeauçe
the faine is donc vppon good reafon and iuft caufe as by proeeffe
of my difeourfe vou fhall well pereeiue. I ara perfuaded that it
is the of See and duety of euery magnanimous prince, to know the
valor and differenee betweene vertue and vice, that all vertuous
a6tes and worthv attempts may be honoured, and the eontrarv
chaftifed and punifhed, otherwife he is not worthy of the naine of
a Kyng and Prynee, but of a crue} and travterous Tyrant : for as
the prince beareth the ride by principality and chiefe, fo ought his
}ire chieflv to excell other, whom he gouerneth and ruleth. The
200 ARIOBARZANES.
hare title and dignity is hot fufficient, if his conditions and mode°
ration be hot to that fupreme fiate equiualent. Full well I knew
and did eonfider to be in this dead Faucon a eertayne generofity and
fioutnetTe of minde, ioyned wyth a certayne tierce a&iuity and
nimblenetTe, for which I Crowned and rewarded hir wyth thys
golden Garland, hvcaufe of the fioute flaughter which fhe ruade
vpon that myghty Egle, vorthv for that folemne guife. But when
I confidered how boldly and raoiely Oie atTayled and killed the
Egle, which is hir Queene and /klayfiretTe, I thought it a part of
Iufiice, that for hir bolde and vncomely a&, Oie Oioulde fuffer the
payne due to hir deferte : for vnlawful it is for the feruaunte, and
vnduetiful for the fubiecCt, to imbrue his handes in the hloud of his
Soueraygne Lord. The Faulcon then hauinge fla'ne hir Gtueene,
and of ail other I3irdes the Soueraygne, who can with reafon blame
me for cuttinge of the Faucon's head ? DoubtletTe none, that
hath refpecCt to the quiet fiate betweene the Prince and SubiecCt. ''
This example the I udges alleaged againfi Ariobarzanes when thev
pronounced fentence: and applyinge the lame to him, ordeyned
that firfi Ariobarzanes, for his lagnaninity and liheral curtefie
flaouid be Crowned wvth a Laurell Garland, for the generofity of
his minde and exceedinge curtefie, but for his great emulation,
earnefi endeuour, and continuall dvuice to contende wyth hvs
Prynce, aud in Liberalitv to oiew him felfe fuperior, bvfides the
mutteringe fpeech vttered agaynfi hym, his head ought to be
l}riken of. Ariobarzanes beinge aduertifed of thvs feuere con-
demnation, hee purpofed to fuflavne the Venemous Darte of For-
tune, as hee had endured other bruntes of that Enuious incon-
fiant Lady, and in futch maner behaued and direcoEed his Gefies,
and Countenaunce, as no Sygne of Choler or Dyfpayre appeared in
him, onelv Pronouncinge thys Sentence with ioyfull Cheare in the
prefence of many : "Glad I am that at length there refieth in me
fo mutch to be liberall, as I employ my life and bloud, to declare
the lame to my Soueraygne Lorde, which right willingly I meane
to do, that the World may know, how I had rather lofe my lyfe,
than to faynt and geue ouer in mine accufiomed liberality."
Then callinge a Notary vnto him, he made his ,Vyll (for fo it was
lawfuli by the Perfian lawes) and to his Wyfe, and Daughters hec
ARIOBARZANES. 201
inereafed their Dowries, and to his kinffolke and freendes he
bequeathed diuers rich and bountifull Legacies. To the kyng
he gaue a great number of moff precious Iewels. To Cyrus the
king's forme, and his bv mariage (befides a great maffe of money)
he bequeathed ail his Armure, and \Veapons, with ail his inttru-
ments for the warres, and his whole fiable of horffe. Lait of all
he ordayned, that if (perhaps) his wyfe fhould be found with
chylde, and brought to Bed of a Sonne hee fhould be his vniuerfall
heyre : but if a \Voman chylde, to haue the dowrv that his other
daughters had. The refi of his goods and cattel he gaue indif-
ferently to al iii. equally to be deuided. He prouided alfo, that
all his feruantes accordinge to their degree, fliould be rewarded.
The day before he fhould be put to death (according to the cufiome
of Perfia) his prayfes and valiaunt faetes, as wel by Epitaphes
fixed vpon poafis, as by proclamation, were generally founded
throughout the Realme, in fuch wife as ech wight iudged him to
be the mofi liberall and noble perfonage that ,vas in all the
Countrey, and in the borders confininge vpon the lame. _And if
there had hOt bene fome enuious perlons nere the kyng, which
fiudied and prac'tifed his ouerthrow, al other would haue deemed
him vnworthy of death. Sutch is enuy of the maliciouflv dis-
pofed, that rather than they would fee their equals to be in better
efiimation with the prynce than themfelues, ttudy and deuife ail
pollicy eyther by flattery or falfe furmife to bringe them in dis-
credite, or to prac'tife by falfe accuttion, their vtter fubuerfion by
Death or Banifl, ement. But whiles Ariobarzanes was difpofinge
his thinges in order, his \Vyfe and Daughters with his Friends and
Coufins, were affec'ted with great forrow day and night, complayn-
ing for the heauy fiate of that noble Gentleman. The eight day
being corne (for the lawe allowed that fpace to the condemned,
for difpofition of their thynges) a Skaffolde was ruade by com-
maundement of the king, in the middeIt of the iMarket place, al
couered with black cloth, and an other right ouer againfi the faine
with Purple and Silk, where the kyng (if he lifi) in othe raids of
the Iudges fhould fit and the inditement redde, iudgement (by
the kynge's owne mouth declared) fhould be executed, or if it
pleafed him, difcharge and affoyle the condemned. And the
202 ARIOBARZANES.
kynge vnwillinge to be prefent, gaue to one of the eldeft iudges
hys full power and authoritv. But vet forrowful that a Gentle-
man fo noble and valiaunt, his father and forme in lawe, fhould
finifh his lire with a death fo horrible, would needes that morn-
inge be prefent himfelfe at that execution, as wel to fee the
continent and ftoute ende of Ariobarzanes, as alfo to take order
for his delitery. .Vhen the rime was corne, Ariobarzanes bv
the Sergeante and Garde was brought vnto the Skaffolde, and
there Aparelled in rich Veftures, the Laurel Crowne was fer on
his head, and fo continuinge for a certavne fpace, the garment and
Crowne was taken of agayne together with his other Appareil.
The executioner attendinge for commaundement to do his office,
and lifting vp his fvorde to do the fac"t, the king defired to fee the
countenaunce of Ariobarzanes, who neuer chaunged coloure for
ail that terrour of death. The king feeing the great conftancy and
inuincible mind of Ariobarzanes, fpake aloud that ail men might
heare hym, thefe wordes : '" Thou knoweft Ariobarzanes, that it is
not I, which haue wroughte thv condemnation, ne vet by enuious
defyre haue fought thv bloude, to brynge thee to thys extrelnity,
but it hath bene thy ill difordred life, and the ftatutes of this Realme,
which haue found thee guilty, and thereupon fentenceand death pro-
nomaced, and execution now readv to be donc, and the minitter ready
to aduaunce his arme, to play the laft aête of this Tragedy: and vet for
that our holy lawes doe geue liberty that I may affoyle and deh'uer
whom I lift, and them reftore to their former ftate, if nowe thou
wilt acknowledge thv felfe vanquiflaed and ouercome, and accepte
thv h'fe in gratefull part, I will pardon thee, and reflore thee to
thyne offvces and promotions." Ariobarzanes, hearying thefe
vordes, kneeled downe wyth hys heade decl.vned, and expec2ing
the blow of the Sworde, h'fted vp himfelfe, and turnynge his face
to the kinge, perceyuing his malice not fo fore bent againft hvm
as the enuy and malice of his ennemies defired, he determined to
proue and vfe the pitiful liberality and fauour of his Soueraigne
Lorde, that his Foes by his death might not Triumph, ne ",'et at-
tayne the thinge, for which fo long they afpired. XVherefore in
reuerent wyfe kneelinge before his maiefty, vith a ftout and per-
fe& voyce fard thefe words: "Mort vyctorious and mercifull So-
ARIOBARZANES. =0 3
ueraygne Lord, in equaii worfhip and honour to the ilnlnortali Gods,
fith of thy abundant grace and mercv it bath pleafed thee to
graunt me lyre, I do mort humbiv accept the lame, which if I wyft
fhould be prolonged in thy dirace and wrath, could hot be plea-
faunt vnto me, and therefore do confettè lny felfe in curtefie and
liberality altogether furmounted and ouercome. I mort humbly
then do geue thee thankes for preferuation of my lyfe, hopiuge
hereafter to employ the vttermol of myne endeuour for the bene-
rite and honour of thy Crowne and dignity, as readyly and without
fupplication made in mv behalfe, thou haft vouchefafed to re-
ftore the faine: and fith thy clemency hath reuiued me thvne
humble vatt'all, I befeech thv maieftv to giue me leaue to fay mv
minde, trutinge therebv to do thee to vnderftand the effe& and
caufe of that my former prefumption." The kinge ruade fignes
that he fhouid arife and boldly fpeake the futaine of his defire.
XVhen he ftoode up, filence was proclaymed, who then began to
fpeake thefe wordes: "Two things there be, (mol facred Prince)
which doubtleffe do Refemble the raging XVaues of furginge Seas,
and the mutability of vnftable windes, and yet great is the folly
of an infinite numbre, which imploy their whole care and dili-
geuce to the purfute thereof. Thefe two thinges xvhereof I fpeake,
and be fo deerely beioued of flattering Courtiers, are the grace
and fauour of their foueraygne lord, and the luringe loue of Amo-
rous Dames : whych two do fo often beguyle the courtly gentle-
man» that in ende, they engender nought elle but repentance : and
to begin xvith the loue of Ladies, they, as by comnon experience is
proued, mort COlnlnonly do recline to their Inferiours. It is dayly
feene by to mutch vnhappy proofe, that a yongue Gentleman by
Byrth noble, and otherwyfe riche, vertuous, and indued x'ith many
goodly gyfts, fhall choofe and worlhip one for his foueraigne
Lady and maiftrettè, and her fhall ferue and honour with no leflè
fayth and fidelity then is due to the immortall Gods, and flaal hot
fticke to employ for ber loue and feruice ail the poflïble poxver
and trauell he is able to do, and yet fhe in difpite of ail his humble
endeuour, fhall ilnbrace an other roide of ail vertue, makynge him
pottèttbr of that benefite, after xvhich the other feeketh, and fhee
hot longe conftant in that minde, afterwards wil attend to the
204 . ARIOBARZANES.
firff Suter, but in futch mouable and difdaynfull fort, as the
wandring ftarres (through their natural inftability) be moued to
and fro, and him in the ende will fuffre to fall headlong into the
bottomleffe pit of difpayre: and to him that atketh hir the reafon
of this variety, fhe maketh none other aunfwere but that her
pleafure is fttch, and wilfull will to dally with ber futors: fo that
feldome times a true and perfit louer tan faften his foote on cer-
tavne holde, but that his life is toffed vp and downe like the
whirling blaçtes ofinconftant windes. The like fuccedeth in the
Courtes of Kings and Princes, he whieh is in fauoure with his
fi»ueralgne Lord in al mens eyes, fo great and neare, as it feemeth
the Prince is difpofed to refolue vpon nothing without his aduife
and counfell, when fuch fauored perfon fhall employe his whole
tare and induftrie to maintaine and encreafe the commeneed grace
of his foueraigne Lord, behold, vpon the fodaine the minde and
vaine of his Lord is ehanged, and an other without defert, whieh
neuer carked to win good will, is taken in place, cherifhed as
though hee had ferued him an hundred yearesbefore: and he that
was the firft minion of the Courte in greateft grace and eflimation,
is in a moment difpyfed, and oute ofall regarde : an other within
fewe dayes after, fhall fupplie the place of the other twaine, verve
diligent and careful to ferue a man trained vp in courtly exereife,
whofe mindfull mind fhall bee fo caring ouer his lord's affayers,
as vpon the fafegard and preferuation of his owne life: but all his
labour is employed in vavne: and when the aged daves of his ex-
pired life approch, for the leaft difpleafure he fhalbe thruft out
without reward for former trauel, that right aptly the Common
Prouerb may be applied: the common Courtier's life is like a
golden mifery, and the faithfull feruant an Affe perpetuall. I
haue feene my felfe the right wel learned man to fterue in Court
for want of meate, and a blockifl beaft vovde of vertue, for luft,
and for merite, aduaunced and ruade a Gentleman: but this may
chaunce bicaufe hvs Lord is not difpofed to vertue, nought efteem-
inge thofe that be affe&ed with good feiences, and that onely
for lacke of carefull trayninge vp in youthfull dayes, or elfe for that
his minde cannot frame with gentle fpyrits, the clofets of whofe
breafs be eharged and fraught with infinite loades of learninge,
ARIOBARZANES. 205
and haue not bin nofeled in trade of Courtes, ne yet tan vfe due
courtly fpeech, or with vnblufhinge face can fhuffle themfelues in
prefence of their betters, or commen with Ladies of dame Venus
toyes : or race of birth not mingled with the noble or gentle Sire :
for thefe caufes perhaps that vertuous wighte cannot attain the hap
of fortune's gifles, x, Vhich perron thoughe in Court he be hOt
et'{eemed, yet in fchoolehoufe of good arte he is deemed famoufe,
and for his worthy fkill right worthy to be preferred aboue the
heauens. In femblable wife, how oftentimes and commonly is it
feene that the man perchance which neuer thou faweff before, fo
fone as he is feene of the, fodaynly he is deteffed lyke a plague,
and the more earneff he is to do the feruice and pleafure, the greater
is thy wrath bent towards him ? Contrarywife, fom other vpon the
firff view fhal fo content and p]eafe the, as if he require the beffow-
ing of thy life, thou haff no power to denie him, thou arte iii loue
with him, and let him thwart thy mind and wil neuer fo much,
thou careff hOt for it, ail is well he doth : but that thefe varieties
do proceede from fome certavn temprement of bloud within the
body conformed and moued by fom inxvard celeftial power, who
doubteth ? And furely the foundation of thefe Courtly mutations,
is the pricking venomous Goade of peftiferous Euuye, whvch conti-
nually holdeth the fauour of Prynces in ballaunce, and in a mo-
ment hoifieth vp him which was below, and poizeth downe agayne
him that was exalted : fo that no plague or poifon is more peftifer-
ous in Courts, than the hurtfull difeafe of Enuy: ail other vices
with little paine and leffe labour may eafily be cured, and fo pacified
as they fhall not hurt thee: but rooted Enuy by any meanes is
difcharged, with no pollicye is expelled, ne yet by any Drugge or
medicine purged. Veryly wythout great daunger, I know hot
which way the poynaunt bittes of Enuy can be auoyded: the
proude man in Courte, the arrogant and ambitious, the lofty
minded Foole, more eleuate and luftie than Pride it felfe, if rever-
ence bec donc to him, if he be honoured, if place be giuen to him,
if hec be prayfed and glorified aboue the heauens, if thou humble
thy felfe to him, by and by he will take thee to be his frend, and
wyll deeme thee to bec a curteous and gentle companion. Let
the lacyuious and wanton perfon giuen to the pleafures and luff
O6 ^RIOAr.AIES.
of women, fixing his mind on nothing elfe but vpon fugitiue plea-
fures, if his loue bee not impeached, ne yet his wanton toves
reproued, if he be prayfed before his Ladie, he will euer be thy
friend : the couetous and gloutonous carle, if firis thou make hvm
quaffe a Medicine, and afterwardes bvd hvm to thv table, the one
and other difeafe is fpeedily cured: but for the enuious perron,
what Phificke can he fought to purge his peisiferous humour ?
which if thou go about to heale and cure, rather mutte thou
remedye the faine bv wafin the lire of him that is fo poffeffed,
than find caufes of recouerie. And who knoweth hot (moiS facred
Prince) that in vour Courte there be fome attached with that
poifoned plague, who feeing me vour maieiSie's humble vaffall in
greater fauoure xxith your grace than they, my feruiee more
acceptable than theirs, my proweffe and exercife in armes more
worthy than theirs, mv diligence more indufrious than theirs,
mv advife and counfell more aua,;leable than theirs, all mine
other deedes and doings in better Eftimation than theirs: they I
fay, dallied in the lap of the cancred witch dame Enuy, by what
meanes are thev to be rccouered ? by what meanes their infe&ion
purged ? bv what meanes their mallice cured ? If not to fee me
depriued of vour grace, expelled from vour Court, and catt head-
longe into the gulfe of death extreme? If I /hould bribe them
with great rewardes, if I/hould honour them with humble reuer-
ence, if I/hould exalt them aboue the Skyes, if I/hould employ
the vttermoiS of my power, to do them feruice, all fruiSrate and
cai awav: they wil hot ceafe to bring me into perill, they
will not fpare to reduce me to mifery, they will not fticke to
ymagin all deuvfes for mvne anoyance, when thev fee al other
remdves impotent and vnable: this is the poifoned plague which
enuenometh all Princes courtes" this is the mifchiefe which de-
froyeth all kyngdomes: this is the moniSer that deuoureth all
vertuous enterpryfes and offendeth eche gentle fpirite : this is the
dim vale which fo ouer/hadoweth the clerenes of the eyes as the
bright beams of verity cannot be fene, and fo obfcureth the equity
of iuiSice, as right from fal/hode cannot be difcerned : this is the
manifeiS caufe that breadeth a thoufand errors in the workes of
men: and to draw nere to the effe&e of this mv tedious talke,
AR][OBARZANES. O 7
briefly, there is no vice in the worlde that more outragioufly cor-
rupteth Princes courtes, that more vnfrendly vntwineth frendfhip's
hand, that more vnhappely fubuerteth noble houles, then the
poyfone of Enuy: for he that enelineth his eares to the enuious
perron, he that attendeth to his malignant deuifes, vnpoflïble it is
for him to do anv dede that is eyther good or vertuous: but to
finifhe and end for auoyding of wearines and not to fay your
maiefy from vour waighty affayres, I fay that the enuyous man
reioieeth not fo mueh in his ovn good turnes nor gladdeth him-
felf fo greatlye with his owne eommodityes, as hee doth infulte,
and laugh at the difeommoditves and hinderanee of others, at
whofe profite and gain he foro'eth and lamenteth: and to put
out both the eves of his eompanion, the enuious man eareth not to
plueke out one of his own. Thefe wordes (mof inuineible prince)
I purpofed to fpeake in the prefenee of your maiefty, before your
gard and eourtlyke train, and in the vniuerfal hearing of ali the
people that eeh wighte mav underftand how I hot of vour maies-
tie's pretended malice, or mine owne eommitted fauhe, but through
the venemous tongues of the enuious fel into the lapfe of your
difpleafure." This mofe true oration of Ariobarzanes greatly
pleafed the noble Prince, and although he felt himfelf fomwhat
touehed therxith, and knowing it to bee eertavn and truc and
that in tvme to eome the faine mighte profite ail fortes of people,
hee greatlye praifed and exalted him in the prefenee of ail the
affembly. AVherefore Ariobarzanes having reeouered his lyre
eonfeffed himfelfe to bee vanquifhed and ouereome by the king,
who knowing the valoure and fealty of that noble Gentleman, and
louing him ith hartv affecCtion, eaufed him to eome down from
the mourning Seaffolde, and to affend the place where he vas him-
felfe, whom he imbraeed and kiffed, in token that al difpleafure
was remitted : ail his auneient offices were reftored to him agayne :
and for his further aduaneement, he gaue him the Cittye of
Paffagarda where was the olde monument of kinge Cyrus, and
ruade him lieuetenaunt generall of his reaimes and dominions,
commaundinge euery of his fubiec°cs to obty him as himfelfe. And
fo the kyng refted the honourable father in law to Ariobarzanes,
and his louinge forme by mariage eratfing ftil in al his enter-
208 ARIOBARZANES.
pryfes, his graue aduvfe and counfell: and there was neuer thing
of any importance done, but his liking or difliking was firfte
demaunded: _Ariobarzanes then returned into greater grace and
fauour of his foueravne lord than before, and for his fingular
verrue hauing difperced and broken the aimes and malyce of ail
his enimies, if before he were curteous and liberal after thefe fo
ftoute aduentures, he became more then princely in his dedes, and
if fometvmes he had done one curteous a& now he doubled the
fame. But futch was his 1Magnanimitye, fo noble were his in-
deuors, tempred with fuch meafure and equanimity, as the whole
worlde clerely might deferne, that hOt to contend with his foue-
rayne lorde but to honour and ferue him, therby to expreffe the
maieft-e of his Prince, he employed his goodes and liuing al which
the kinge and fortune had bountifuIly beftowed vppon him : who
vntil his dying dav famoufly mavntavned himfelfe in the good
grace and fauour of his prince, in fuch wyfe as the kyng more
clerely then the fhining Sunnebeames, knew Ariobarzanes to bee
framed of nature for a chriffalline mirrour of curtefie and libera-
litye, and that more eafie it was to bereiue the f're of heate, and
the Sonne of lighte then defpoyle Ariobarzanes of his glorlous
dedes. XVherfore he ceaffed not continuallv to honour, exalt
and enrych him, that hee might vfe the greater liberality, and
to fav the treuth, althoughe thefe two verrues of curtefie and
Liberality be commendable in ail perfons, without the which a man
truely is hOt he whereof hee beareth the naine vet very fitting
and meete for euerye ryche and welthie lubie&, to beware
how he doth compare in thofe noble vertues with
Princes and great men, which beyng ryght
noble and pereles vppon yearth canne
abyde no Comparifons.
ARISTOTIMUS THE TYKANT.
2o9
THE FIFTH NOUELL.
Lvcivs one of the garde fo .,4riflotimvs the Trant of the cittçe of
Eli, fell in loue with a fajre maçden called 3Iicca, the daughter
o/ one Philodemvs, and his crueltj done vpon her. The jTout.
neffe «lfo of a noble marron ,am«d Mç,iJona in «ef«nc« of hir
huJ'bande and the common wealth from the t!/ranm J of the laid
AriJtotimvs : and of other acqes done b!t the fubiecqes vppon that
T!trant.
You haue heard, or as it were in a manner, you haue beeholden
the right images and eourteous conditions of two well eonditioned
perfons mutually ech towards other obferued : in the one a Prinee-
ly mind towards a Noble Gentleman his lubie&e: in the other
a duetieflfl obedience of a louing vafFal to his foueraigne Lord and
MaiKer : in both of them the truc figure of Liberality in liuely orient
eolours deferibed. Now a eontrary plotte, grounded vpon ex-
treame tiranny, is offred to the vieve, donc by one Ariftotimus
and his elawbaeks againfte his humble fubie&s of the City of
Elis, ffandyng in Peloponeffus, a country of Aehaia (whieh at
this tyme we cal Morea.) This Arifotimus of nature was fieree
and paflïng eruell, who by fauour of king Antigonus was ruade
Tyran of that City: and like a Tyran gouerned his countrve by
abufe of his au&hority with newe wronges, and ffraunge erueltyes
vexing and affti&ing the poore Cityzens and ail hys people:
'hich ehaunced hot fo mueh for that of himfelf he was cruel and
tyrannous, as for that his eounfellours and ehiefe aboute him were
barbarous and vieious men, to whom he committed the charge of
his kyngdome and the guarde of his perfon: but amonges ail his
mifehiefes wrongfully donc by him whieh were innumerable, one
eommitted agaynff Philodemus (the faine which afterwarde was
the caufe of the depriuation of his lyfe and kingdome) is fpeeially
remembred. This Philodemus had a daughter called Micea, that
hot onely for hir chaff qualityes and good eondieions whiehe ver-
tuouOy flourifhed in hir but for her extreame and goodly beautye,
was in that eitty of paffing faine and admiration. Vith this
fayre maiden one of the Tyrant's guarde ealled Lueius fel in loue,
VOL. II. 0
210
ARISTOTIMUS THE TYRANT.
if it deferue tobe called loue, and hot the rather, as the end fui wel
dcclared, a moft filthy and beaftly luft : this Lucius was deerly belo-
ued of Ariftotemus, for the fiendilh refemblance and wicked nere-
neffe of his vile and abhominable condicions: and therfore feared and
obcied as the Tyrante's owne perfon : for which caufe this Lucius
fent one of the yeomen of the kinge's chamber to commaunde
Philodemus at an appoynted hour, al excufes fet apart, to bring his
daughter vnto him. The parentes of the mayden hearing this
fodayne and fearful mefuage, conflrayned by Tyrante's forfe and
fatal neceffity, after manv tears and pittious fighes, began to per-
fwade their daughter to be contented to goe with him, declarlnge
vnto her the rigour of the magiftrate that had fente for hir the
extremety that vould be executed, and that ther was no other
remedv but to obay. _A_las, how fore agaynft their willes, with
what trembling gefture, with what horror the good parentes of
this tender pufiil were affeted, to confider the purpofe of that
dreadefull meflàge, ail dere fathers and naturall mothers can tell.
But this gentle mayden Micca which was of nature ftoute, and
vet vertuot,fly leflbned with fundry good and holfome inftrutions
from hir Infante's Age was Determined rather to Dye, then to
fuffer her tlfe to be Defloured. This vertuous Mayden fell downe
Prot[rate at ber Father's Feet, and elafping him fafi about the
Knees, louingly did pray hiln, and l'itifullv befought him, not to
fuffer hir to bee haled to fo filthy and vile an office, but rather with
the piereing blade of a two edged fword to kill her, that therby fhe
might be rid from the violation of thofe flefhly and libidinous varlets,
lkying, that if ber virginity were taken from hir, fl,e ould liue in
eternal reproch and thame. As the father and daughter were in
thefe termes, Lucius for the long tarianee and de]aye, dronke with
the \Vine of leehery, ruade impaeient and furious, with eurfed
fpeede poffed to the houfe of Philodemus, and finding the maiden
proftrate at her father's feete weeping, her head in his lappe with
taunting voiee and threatning woordes eommaunded prefently
without longer delav fhe flould ryfe and go with him: She re-
fufing his haffv requeft, and erying out for Father's help, who
(God wot) durft not refift, ftoode ftill and would not goe: Lueius
feeing hir refufal fui of furie and proude difdaine, began furioufly
ARISTOTIMUS THE TYRANT.
2II
to hale hir by the garments, vpon whofe truggling he tare hir
kirtle and furnitures of hir head and flaoulders, that hir alablafer
necke and bofome appeared naked, and without compaflîon tare
and whipte hir flefla on euery ride» as the bloud tanne downe, bea-
ring that tendre flefla of hirs v¢ith manifold and greuous blowes.
O vile tirant» more wood and fauage than the defert beat or
mountaine Tigre : could cruelty be fo deepely rooted in the hart
of man which by nature is affe&ed with reafon's intinc, as without
pity to lay handes» and violently to hurt the tendre body of a harm-
leffe Maidee? Can fueh inhumanity harbor in anv that beareth
aboute him the flaape of man? But what did this martvred maiden
for all this force? Did flae yeld to violence, or rendre hir felf to the
difpofition of this mercileffe man ? No furely. But with fo great
ftoutneffe of mind, flae fuffred thofe impreffed wounds, that no
one word founding of forrow, or womanly flriech was heard to
found frGm hir delicate mouth: howbeit the pore father and
miferable mother at that rueful and lamentable fight, moued with
inward grief and natural pity, cried out aloude. But when they
fawe that neyther playnt nor favre fpeech coulde deliuer their
Daughter out of the hands of that cruell monter they began with
open cryes and horrible exclamation to implore helpe and fuceour
at the handes of the immortall Gods, thinking that they were vn-
worthely plaged and tormented. Then the proud and moft bar-
barous wretch, moued and difquieted by cholers rage and fume of
chafinge "Wyne, fodavnlv catched the moft contant virgin by the
hayre of the head, and in her father's Lap did eut her white and
tender throte. O deteftable fa&, right worthy iut reuenge. But
what did this vnfaythfull and cruell Tyrant Aritotimus, when by
the blufering bruit of people's rage he heard of this vengeable
murder» hOt only he fleved himfelfe contented wyth the face, but
had him in greater regard than before, and towards them which
ruade complaint hereof, greater cruelty and mifehvefe was done
and executed. For in open treat, lyke beaPces in the Shambles,
they were eut and hewed in peeees, whieh feemed to murmur at
thvs bloudy and vnlawfull at: the ret were banifled and ex-
pelled the cytty. Eight hundred of thefe exiled perlons fled into
Etolia (a prouiuce adioyninge to Epirus, whieh now is ealled
212
ARISTOTIMUS THE TVRANT.
Albania.) Thofe people fo banifhed out of theyr country, made
inftant lute to Ariftotimus to fuffer ,Vyues and chyldren to repayre
to them : but theyr fuite xvas in vayne, their peticions and fup-
plycations feemed to be made to the deafe, and difperfed into the
wvndes: notwithftandinge, xvithin few dayes after, he caufed by
found of trumpet to be openly proclaymed, that it fhould be lawful
for the wyues and chyldren of the banifhed to parle wyth their
baggage and furniture to theyr hufbands in 2Etolia. This Pro-
clamation xvas exceeding iovfull to al the women whofe hufbands
were exiled, which at the leaft by common report were the numbre
of 6 hundreds: and for more credite of that Proclamation, the
wicked Tvrant did ordayne, that al the company fhould depart
vpon a prefixed day. In the meane time, the ioyful Wyues glad
to vifit their poore hufbands, prepared horfe and wagon, to
cary theyr prouifions. The appoynted day of their departure out
of that City being come, all of them affembled at a certayne gate
affygned for their repayre, who].that time together reforted xvith
their little children in their hands bearing vpon theyr heads theyr
garments and furnitures, fome on horfeback, and fome beftowed in
the wagons according as ech of theyr ftates required: when al
things wer in a readineffe to depart, and the gate of the Citv
opened, thev began to iffue forth. Thev wer no foner gone out of
the City walles, and had left behind them the foile of thevr nati-
uity, but the Tvrants guard and Sergeants brake vpon thém, and
before they were approched they cried out to ftay and go no
further vpon pain of thevr liues. So the porc amazed women,
contrarry to the promife ofthe Tyrant, wer forced to retire. Vhich
fodain countremaund was forowful and woful vnto the affli&ed
flock: but there was no remedy, for procede they could not.
Then thofe Termagants and villains caught theyr horfe by the
bridles, and droue back again theyr wagons, pricking the porc
oxen and beafis with thevr, fpeares and Iauelins, that horrible it is
to report the tyrany vfed towards man and beft, in fuch wvfe as the
porc miferable women (God wot) contrary to their def)res, were
forced in difpyte of thevr teeth to retourn. Som alack fell of
theyr horfe wyth theyr little babes in theyr lappes, and xvere
miferably troden vnder the horfefeete, and ouerrun with the
ARISTOTIIUS THE TYRANT.
2I 3
wheles of the wagons theyr brains and guts gufhing out through
the weight and eomberanee of the eariage, and (whieh was mof
pitiful) one of them hOt able to help an other, and mueh leffe to
refcue thevr yong and tendre fueking babes, the vyle fergeants
forcing eeh wight with theyr Raues and weapons maugre thevr
defirous mindes to reenter the City. Many died by the eonftrained
meanes out of hand, many were troden vnder the horfefeete, and
many gafping hetwene life and death: but the greatef foart of
the litle infants were flaine out of hand, and erufht in pyeces:
thofe whyeh remavned alyue, were eommytted to Pryfon, and the
goods which they caryed wyth them altogyther feafed vpon by
the tyrant. Thys wyeked and eruell fa&e was mof intollerable
and greeuous vnto the Cytyzens of Elis, wherevppon the holy dames
confecrated to the God Bacchus, adorned and garnyfhed wyth
theyr pryeRly Garments, and bearyng in thevr Handes the faered
m)'Reryes of theyr God, as Ariftotimus was paffyng through the
Streete garded with hys Souldyers and Men of XVarre, wente in
proceffyon to fynde hym oute. The Sergeauntes for the reuerenee
of thofe religious women difclofed, and gaue them place to enter
in before the Tyrant. He feing thofe XVomen apparelled in that
guife, and bearing in their hands the faered ]3achanal myReries,
Roode Ril, and with filenee heard what they could fay: but when
he knew the eaufe of their approch, and that they wer eome to
make lute for the poore imprifoned women, fodainlv poffeffed
with a diuelifh rage, with horrible hurly burly, bitterly reprehended
his garrifon for fuffering thofe women to corne fo neare him.
Then hec commaunded that they fhould be expelled from that
place without refpe&, a»d condemned euery of them (for their
prefuming to intreat for fueh caitiue prifoners in . Talents a
pieee. After thefe mifchiefs eommitted by the tyrant, Hellanieus
one of the pryncipal and ber efteemed perfons of the City, although
that he was decrepite, and for age very weake and feeble, eared
hOt yet to aduenture any attempt what foeuer, fo it might extend
to the deliuery of his countrey from the vnfpeakable tyranny of
moft cruel AriRotimus. To this gray haired perfon, bicaufe he
was of aged yeares, void of ehildren whieh were dead, this Tyrant
gaue no great hede ne vet emploied any eare, thinking that he
2I 4
ARISTOTIMUS THE TYRAT.
was hot able to raire any mutine or tumult in the City. In the
mean fpace, the Citizens, which as I haue fayd be[ore, were banithed
into Etolia, pra&yfed amongs them felves to proue their Fortune,
and to feeke al meanes for recouery of their countrey, and the
death of .A_riftotimus : wherfore hauing leuied and affembled cer-
taine bands of Souldiers, they marched forth from their bannithed
feat, and neuer refted till they had gotten a place hard adioyn-
ing to their City, where they might fafely lodge, and with great
commodity and aduantage befige the lame, and expel the tyrant
.A_riftotimus. As the bannithed were incamped in that place,
many citizens of Elis daily fled forth, and ioyned with them, by
reafon of which auxiliaries and daily affemblies they grew to the
fui numbre of an army: .A_riftotimus certified hereof by his efpials
was brought into a great chafe and fury, and euen now began to
prefage his fall and ruine: but yet meaning to forefee hys beft
aduantage, went vnto the pryfon where the Vyues of the banithed
were faft inclofed, and bicaufe he was of a troublefome and tyran-
nical nature, he concluded with him felf rather to vfe and intreat
thofe wiues with feare and threates, than with humanity and
fayre wordes: being entred the pryfon, hee tharpely and wyth
great fierceneffe commaunded them to write vnto their hufbands
that befieged him without, earneftly to perfuade them to giue
ouer theyr attempted warres : "" Otherwyfe (fayd he) if ye do not
follow the effe& of my commaundement, in your own prefence I
wil firft eaufe eruelly to be flayne al your little Children, tearyng
them by piece meale in pieces, and afterwardes I wyll caufe you
to be whipped and fcourged, and fo to dye a moft cruel and
thamefull death." At which tierce and tyrannycal newes, there
was no one woman amongs them that opened theyr mouthes to
anfwer him: the moft wycked and vile tyrant feing them to be
in fuch filence, charged them vpon theyr liues to anfwer what
they were difpofed to doe: but although they durf not fpeake a
word, yet with filence one beholding eche other in the face, fared
as though they cared not for hys threats, more ready rather to dye
than to obey his comaundement. Megiftona then, whieh was the
wife ofTimolion, a matrone aswell for hir hufband's nobility as hir
ov¢ne vertue, in great regard and efdmation, and the ehief amongs
ARISTOTIMUS THE TrRANT.
ail the Women, who at his comming in would not rife» but kept
her place, nor vouchfafing to doe any reuerence or honor vnto
hym, and the like fhe bad the refi: in this wyfe fitting vpon the
ground with vnlofed tongue and liberty of fpeach, fioutly fhe
anfwered the tyrant's demaund in this manner : "If there xvere in
thee, Arifiotimus, any manly prudence» wifedome, or good dis-
cretion, truly thou xvouldefi not commaund vs poore imprifoned
women to write vnto our hufbands, but rather fuffer vs to goe
vnto them, and vfe more moderate wordes and mvld behauiour,
than wherewith of late thou diddel entertaine vs, by fcoffing,
mocking, and cruelly dealyng with vs, and oure pore children:
and if now thou being voyd of all hope, doel feeke to perfuade
by our meanes likewife to deceiue our hufbands, that be come
hither to put theyr Lyues in Peryll for our deliverauuce, I affure
the thou vainly begilefi thy felfe, for wee henceforth do purpofe
neuer to bee deceyued of the: wee require thee alfo to thinke
and fiedfafily beleeue, that our hufbands heades bee not fo mutch
bewitched with Folly, as defpyfing their "Wyves and Chyldrcn,
Negle&ing their duetyes towards them, wyll, being in this for-
wardneffe, abandon their preferuation and geeve ouer the Liberty
of theyr countrey: think alfo that they little efteme or wev the
regard of vs, and theyr children, in refpeé-t of the great contenta-
tion they fhal attaine by vnyoking the liberty of theyr countrey
from thy pride and intollerable bondage, and which is worl of
al, from that tyranny xvhich neuer people felt the like : for if thou
were a king as thou art a tyrant, if thou xvere a Gentleman borne
of noble kind as thou arte a flaue, proceding from the deuil, thou
xvouldefi neuer execute thy curfed cruelty againfi a feble kind,
fuch as women be, and werefi thou alone iovned in fingular com-
bat with my valyant and dere beloued hufband, thou durfi hot
hand to hand to fhew thy face: for commonlv it is feen% that
the Courtly Ruffyan backed on wyth fuch mates as he is himfelf,
careth not xvhat attempt he taketh in hand, and fiares with havre
vpright, loking as though he would kil the deuyl], but when he is
preafi to feruyce of the field, and in order to encountre with
Prynce's foe, vpon the fmall fway by fhocke or pufh that chaunceth
in the fight, he is the firl that taketh flyght, and lafe that
ARISTOTIMUS THE TVRANT.
Itandeth to the face of hys ennimy. Such kind of man art thou,
for fo long as our hufbands wer farre of, abfent fro theyr Country,
not able to rid vs from thy thral, thou wroughtet thy malyce
then againit theyr wyues at home, doyng the greateft cruelty
toxvardes them and theyr fuckyng babes, that euer deuyl could do
vpon the damned fort, and now thou feet them arriued here vnder
our country xvalles, thou flyeit and feekeit help at women's hands,
whofe power if it ferued them according to their willes, would
make thee tait the fruit of thy commytted fmart." And as fhe
would haue proceded further in hir liberal talk, the Cavtife tyrant
not able to abyde any further fpeach, troubled beyond meafure,
prefently commaunded the litle child of hir to be brought before
him, as though immediatly he would haue killed him, and as his
feruants fought him out, the mother efpied him playing amongs
other children, not knowinge for his fmall itature and leffe yeres,
wher he was becom, and calling him by his name, laid vnto him :
"bly boy, come hither, that firft of al thou mayt lofe thy llfe,
to feele the proufe and haue experience of the cruel tyranny
wherin we be, for more grieuous it is to me to fee the ferue
againft the nobility of thy bloud, than difmembred and torn in
pieces before my face." As Megiitona toutly and vnfearfully
had fpoken thofe words, the furious and angry tyrant drew forth
his gliitring blade out of the theath, purpofing to have flaine
the gentlewoman, had not one Cilon the familiar freend of Aris-
timus ftayd his hand, forbidding him to commit an a& fo cruel.
This Cilon was a favned and counterfayt frend of the tyrant, very
conuerfant with other his familiar frends, but hated him with deadly
hatred, and was one of them that with Hcllanicus had confpired
againit the tyrant. This gentleman then feeinge Ariitotimus wyth
fo great fury to waxe wood agaynit Megiitona, imbraced him, and
fayd, that it was not the part of a gentleman proceeding from a
Race righte honourable, by any meanes to imbrue hys Handes in
X, Voman's bloud, but rather the ligne and token of a cowardly
knyght, wherfore he befought him to tay his hands. /kritotimus
perfuaded by Cilon, appeafed his rage, and departed from the
imprifoned women. Not long after, a great prodige and wonder
appoared in this fort : before fupper the tyrant and his wyfe with-
ARISTOTIMUS THE TYRANT.
drue themfelues into their chamber, and being there, an Egle was
feene to foare ouer the tyrante's palace, and being aloft, by little
and little to defcend, and letting fal from her tallands a huge and
great ftone vpon the top of that chamber, with clapping wings and
flying noyfe foared vp againe, fo far as flae was cleane out of fight
from them that did behold hir. With the rumor and fhouts of
thofe that faw this fight, Arifotimus was appalled, and vnder-
ttanding the circumltance of the chaunce, hee lent for his diuine
to declare the fignification of this Augurye, v«hich greatly troubled
his minde. The Southfaver bad him to be of good chere, for that
it did portend the great fauour and loue which Iupiter bare vnto
him. But the prophet of the City whom the Cvtizens had wel
tryed and proued to De faithfull and trufty, mauifefted vnto
them the great daunger that hong ouer the tvrant's head, futch as
the lyke neuer before. The confederats which had confpired
wyth Hellanicus, made great fpeede to profecute theyr enterprife,
and the next night to kil the tvrant. The very lame night Hella-
nicus dreamed that he faw his dead forme to fpeak vnto hila thefe
woords: «3,Vhat meane you father this long tyme to fleepe, I
ara one of your fonnes whom Aristotimus bath flayne, know you
hot that the fame day you attempt your enterpryfe, you flaalbe cap-
taine and prince of your country ?" 13y this vifion Hellanicus
confirmed, he rofe bytimes in the mornlnge, and exhorted the con-
fpirators that day to execute the benefit of their country. That
time Arittotimus was certified how Craterus the Tyrant of another
Citty, with a great army, was comming to his ayde agaynlt the
Raniflaed people of Elis, and that hee was arriued at Olympia, a
Citty betweene the mount Offa, and the mountayne Olympus.
3,Vith whych newes _A_rifotimus beinge incouraged, thought al-
ready that he had put to flight and taken the banifhed perfons,
which made him to aduenture hymfelfe abroade wythout Guard
or garrifon, accornpanied only vyth Cilon and one or two of
familiar frendes, the very faine time that the confpiratours were
affembled to do the facCte. I-Iellanicus feeing the time fo conue-
nient to deliuer his beloued countrey by the death of the traiterous
tirant, not attending any figne to be geuen to his companions
(although the fame was concluded vpon) the lufv old man liftinge
ARISTOTIMUS THE TYRANT.
vp his handes and eyes vnto the heauens, with cleare and open
voyce cried out to his companions and fayd: "Why flay yee, 0
mv Cityzens and louinge countrymen, in the face of your Citty to
finifh this good and commendable ac"t ?" At whych words, Cilon
was the firf which with his brandifhing blade killed one of thofe
that wayted vpon the Tirant. Thrafibulus then and Lampidus
affavled Aritotimus, vpon whofe fodayne approche, he fled into
the Temple of Iupiter, where hee was murdred with a thoufand
wounds vpon his body, accordingly as he deferued. He beinge
thus deferuedly flayne, his body was drawen vp and down the
treetes, and proclamation of libertv founded vnto the people:
whereunto ech X.Vyght affembled, amonges whom the imprifoned
Vomen alfo brake forth, and reioyfed with their countrey deli-
uerers of that egregious enterprife, by rires and bankets outwardly
difclofinge their exceedinge great ioy wythin, and in raid of their
mirth the people in great thronges and companies ranne to the
Tvrant's Palace, whofe Vyfe hearinge the people's noyfe, and
certified of her hufband's death, inclofed her felfe in a chamber
with her two daughters, and knowinge how hatefull fhe was vnto
the Citizens, with a fafned cord vpon a beame fhe hong hir felfe.
The chamber dores being broke open, the people viewed the horri-
ble fight of the firangled Lady» wherewithall hot mooued they
tooke the two tremblinge Daughters of the Tyrant, and caryed
them awa.v, purpofinge to Rauith and Violate the faine, firte to
faciate thelr luf[ with the fpoy]e of theire virginitye, and after-
wardes to ky]l them (thofe gent]ewomen were very beautifu] and
mariageable) and as they were about to do that fhamefull deede,
Megifona was to]d thereof, who accompanied with other Matrons
fharpelye rebuked theire furye fayinge: that vncolne]y it were
for them which fought to ef[ablifle a cluill f[ate, to do fuch a
fhame]es a as tyrant's rage wou]d fcarce permit. Vpon that
noble matron's auoritye and interception, they ceaffed from their
filthv facCt: and then the woman tooke the virgins out of the
people's handes, and brought them into the chamber where there
frang]ed mother was. And vnder ftanding howe it was decreede
that none of the tyrante's bloude fhould ref[ a ]iue : fhee turned her
face to the two yonge gentlewomen and fayde: "The chiefef
ARISTOTIMUS THE T3FRANT.
pleafure which I can do vnto you, refteth in this choyfe, that it
fhall be lauful for eyther of )'ou to chofe what kind of death vou
lift, by knyfe or halter, if you wil to difpatch your llues from the
headles peoples greatter fury, vppon whofe two whvte and tender
bodyes if they do feaze the goddes do knowe and we do feare the
cruelty and great abufe which they do mean to vfe» I thinke hot
for defpyte of you, but for the iuft reuenge of your moft cruell
father's aes, for the tyrannous life of whom the goddes do thun-
der downe the boites of their difpleafure, afflic'ing his nearefi
blood and beftbeloued xvyfe and ehildren, with vengeance poured
from heauens." Vppon the fentenee of this the fatall ende, the
elder mayden of the twayne vnlofed a gyrdle from her middle,
and began to tye the faine to hang hir felfe, exhorting her yonger
fifter to do the Ivke: and in any wife to beware by fparing of her
life, to ineur the beatily rage of the montiruous people, which
eared hot to do eeh vile and fihhy a&, vnworthv thevr eftate.
The yonger fifter at thofe wordes, lard handes vpon the fatiened
corde, and befought hir right earnefily firft of al to fuffer hir to die.
Wherevnto the elder aunfxvered: "So long as it was lawfull for
me to liue, and whiles we led our prineely time iu our father's
courte, and both were free from enimie's danger, ail things betwene
vs txo were eommon and indifferent, wherefore the gods forbid
(that noxv the gares of death be opened for vs to enter, xvhen
with the Ghoftes of our deere Parentes our foules amids the infer-
nall fieldes be predefiined to raunge and wander) that I fhoulde
make denyall of thy requeft. Therfore goe to good fitier mine,
and fhrink hOt when thou feeft the vgly face of her, that muft
eonfume vs ail: but yet (dere fitier) the deadly fight of thee
before mv felfe, will breede to me the woe and fmart of double
death." ,Vhen fhe had fo fayd, fhe yelded the coller to her fifter,
and eounfelled hir to place the lame fo neere the neeke bone as
fhee eould, that the fooner the haltcr's force might fiop her breath.
,Vhen the vnfearefull yonger fitier was dead, the trembling hands
of the dredleffe elder maid vntied the girdle from her neek, eouer-
ing in eomely wife her fenfeleffe corps. Then turning hir felf to
Megiftona, fhe humbly prayd hir not to fuffer their two bodies to
be feene naked, but fo forte as fhe eould, to bury them both in one
220
ARISTOTIMUS THE TANT.
Earthly graue, referring the frutes of their virginity to the mould
wherof they came. .Vhen fhe had fpoken thefe wordes, without
any fay or feare at all, with the felfe faine corde fhe trangled
herfelfe and fo finifhed her fatal dayes. The guiltleffe death of
which two tender maydes there was none of the citizens of Elis
(as I fuppofe) fo tonve hearted and voyde of Nature's force, ne
yette fo wrothe agaynf the tvrant father, but did lament, as wel
for the con/ant foutenes and manner of their death, as for their
maydenlyke behauiour and right honef petitions ruade to that
noble matrone Megithona, who afterwardes caufed the other
dames to burv thofe tvo bodyes in one graue. 0 how
happy and famous had thefe two fiters bene, ff they
had not bene the daughters of fo wicked and
cruell a father. But parentes offence or
childrens trefpas ought not to deface
the vertuous dedes of their
poterity.
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
22I
THE SIXTH NOUELL.
The maruaylous courage and ambition of a gentlewoman called
Tanaqvil, the Queene and u, ife of Tarqvinivs Prifcvs the 3çfi
Roman king, with his perfuqfions and pollicy fo hir hl./bande for
his aduauncement to the kingdom, ber lgke encouragement of
Servivs Tvtlivs, u,herein al.fo is doE«ibed the ambition of one of
the ii. daughters of Serz,ivs Tvllivs the./ioet Roman king, and her
cruelty towards her owne natural father : with other accidents
chaunced in the new eretqed common weltl of Rome, fpecially of
the la fl Romane king Tarqvinivs Svperbz,s, who with murder at-
teined the kingdome, with rnurder maynteined if, and l'IWthe rnur-
der and infolent l!/fe of his fonne was with al his progen!/ banij'hed.
ANcus MARCIUS beynge the fourthe king (after Romulus the firf
builder of that Cittye) there came to dwell in Rome one Lucumo,
a iufty gentleman, ryche and defirous of honour, who determined
to continue his habitation there. The fame Lucumo vas the fon
of one Demaratus, a Corinthian, that for fedition fled his owne
countrye, and dwelt in Hetruria amonge the ftocke of the Tar-
quines: and after he was maried he begat IX. fons, one of them
vas this Lucumo, and the other was called Aruns. Lucumo vas
heire to his father, for that Aruns died before leauing his wife
gret with child, the father not knowing that his daughter in law
xvas with child, gaue nothing in his wil to his nephew : for xvhich
caufe the child xvas called Aruns Egerius Lucumo being the fole
heire of his father, maried a uoble woman named Tanaquil, and
bicaufe the Thufcans could not abide to fee a flraunger groxv to
abundance of welth and authoritie, fhee defpifed hir owne coun-
trey rather than fhe xvould fuffer her hufbaud in any xvife to be
difhonoured. Wherfore fhe deuyfed to forfake the Tarquinians and
to dxvel at Rome, where flae thoughte among that honourable forte
and new ere&ed flate that her hufband beyng flout and valiant
fhould attayne fome place of refiaunce. For fhe fhall be called to
remembrance that Tatius the Sabine, Numa borne of the ftocke
of Curetes and Ancus, broughte forthe by a Sabine voman
222
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
all ftraungers, did rayne and became noble and mightye. Thus
ambition and defire of honoure eafily doth perfwade any de-
uvfe: wherfore carying with them all their fibflanee they
repaired to Rome. It chaunced when they came to Ianiculum,
as he and his wife were fitting in a Wagon, an Eagle hooueringe
hir wings ouer Lucumo, fodenly toke away his Cappe, which don
fhe foared ouer the Wagon with great force, then fhe retourned
againe, as though he had bene eommaunded by fome Celefiyall
prouidence, axd aptly placed his eappe againe vpon his head, and
then foared away vp into the element. Tanaquil eonceiuing this
a& to be fome Augurie or Prophecie, beixg eunning in that knov-
ledg (as eommonly all the people of Hetruria be) imbraced hir
hufband and willed him to be of good cheere and to expe& great
honour. And as they were ymagining and confulting vpon thefe
eueltes, they entred the City, and when they had gotten a houle
for him and his family, he was eailed Tarquinius Prifcus. His
riches and great welth made him a noble man amonges the Ro-
manes, and through his gentle entertainment and curteous beha-
uioure, he wanne the good wiiles of many, in fo much as his fame
and good reporte was bruted through out the pallace. At length
be grew in acquaintance with the king him felfe, who feeing his
liberall demeanor and duetifull feruice, efleemed him as one of
his familiar and nere frends, and both in his warres and alfo at
home he imparted to him the fecrets of his eounfell, and hauing
good experience of his wifedom, by his lafie will and teflament
appointed him to be tutor of his ehildren. Aneus raigned XXll.
.veres, a man in peaee and .Varre, in pollicy and valiance with any of
his predeceffours comparable : his ehildrel were very yong, and for
that taule Tarquinius was more inant to fummon a parliament
for creation of a kyng. Vhen the dav was corne he fente the
young children abroade a huntyng, and then ambicioufly pre-
fumed to demaunde the kyngdome, beinge the firfl that euer at-
tempted the like. For the better conciliation and obteynyng of the
peoples good vill, hee vttered his oration : "I do not prefume to
require a ftraunge or newe thynge: that was neuer before put in
prac'-tyfe, nor yet am the firft, but the third flranger and foraine
borne that affeeCted and afpired this gouernment: for which con-
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
fideratlon there is no caufe why any man ought to mule or mar-
uell more than behoueth. It is euidently knowen that Tatius» not
onely being a franger but alfo an ennemy was made king. uma
alfo was ruade king, being altogether a Forraine and Stranger borne,
not through his owne requef, but rather voluntarily accited and
ealled thereunto by the Romaynes.- but for my parte, after I was
able to gouerne my felfe, I repayred to dwell at Rome with my
Vyfe, my Children, and ail my fubftance, where I haue fpent the
chiefef portion of my lyfe, fpecially after it was mature and able
to exeeute eiuile magifery, which I ehofe rather to befowe at
Rome than at home in myne owne country. I haue learned the
Romane rites and lawes, afwell futch as be meete to ferue abroade
in the warres, as alfo neceffary tobe pracCtifed at hoame, at the
handes of mine olde maifter Ancus Martius your late king, a
mayfer right worthy and famous in ail poyn&es to bee followed :
I fhewed myfelfe an humble and obedient fubiecoE to the kyng
and in frendfhip and familiarity toward others, I contended with
the kyng himfelfe." ,Vhen he had fpoken thofe woordes, which
in deede were very true, wyth the whole confent of the people
he was faluted kynge: and as ail thynges fucceeded his Noble
requeR, euen fo after hee was fettled iu hys kyngdome, hee gaue
himfelfe to amplifie the common wealth: he chofe an hundred
graue perlons, whych he ealled the Fathers of the leffer Countryes.
He warred firf with the Latines, and wan the Citty of Appiolas,
who bryngyng from thenee a greater fpoyle and booty than vas
looked for, ordayned ficher and more gorgeous Plaves than any
of hys predeceffours." hee buylded certayne Galleries and other
places of affembly aboute the Forum, hee walled the City round
about wvth Stone ." and as he was doing thefe things, the Sabines
interuented him vpon the fodayne, in fo much as they were paffed
the Ryuer of Anienes before the Romane horde was in a ready-
neffe: whych was an occafion of great feare and yrre at Rome.
In the ende after the battayles were ioyned betweene them both,
a eruell and blouddy flaughter was eommytted, the vi&orye falling
to neyther parte. Then the lomanes fought meanes to renue
theyr force, by addyng to theyr armye a further bande of horfe-
men. Wherefore Tarquinius fent to the Rammenfes, Titienfes,
224
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
Luceres : to the bandes that Romulus had confcribed, hee added
other new troupes of horfemen» purpofing that the lame [hould
eontynue in memorye of him after hvs death : and bieaufe Romu-
lus dvd the lame without aduyfe of the Southfayers, one Aeeius
Nauius, the notablet Prophecier in thofe Dayes, wythtode that
eonftitutyon, affyrmyng that it was not lawfull for him evther
to appoynt a newe order or to airer the olde, exeept the byrdes
and auguries did affent thereunto: wherewith the kynge was dis-
pleafed and deluding that Seyenee» laid: "Go to M. Southfayer :
tell me now" (quod he) "is it poffible to bring that to paffe
whieh I haue now eoneeiued in my mynd ?" "Yea," quod the
Southfayer, "if vou tel me what it is." "Then " quod Tarquinius,
« I haue deuifed that thou fhalte pare thine owne tkin with a
rafer : therfore take thys knyfe and doe as thy byrdes doe portend
and fignifie?' And as it was reported he pared his owne Skin in
deede: in memory whereof an Image of Aeeius was erecCted, with
his Head eouered : after that tyme there was nothing attempted
without thofe auguries. Notwithftandyng, Tarquinius proceeded
in hys eontytutyon, and added to the Centurias an other number,
for that i8oo horfemen wer eontevned in the three Centurioe:
the latter addytion was ealled alfo by the faine naine, whyeh
afterward were doubled into vt. Centurias. ,Vhen hys Numbre
was thus inereafed, once again he ioyned battell wvth the Sabines,
who bv a aotable polliey reeouered a great vicCtory: and bieaufe
the Sabines doubled a frefh onfet without any order of battell
or good aduyfement, they were ouerthrowen, and then con-
ftrained to make petition for peaee: the City of Collatia, and
the Country eonfining vpon the lame, was taken from the Sa-
bines. The Sabine warres beinge in this forte ended, Tarqui-
nius in tryumphaunt maner retourned to Rome. At that rime
a prodyge and myraeulous wonder ehauneed to bee feene in the
Palaee. The head of a Chyld whofe name was Seruius Tullius
lying a flepe in the palaee, was feene to burn. The kyng was
brought to fee that myracle: and as one of his feruaunts was
going to feteh water to quench the tire, he was ftayed by the
Queene, who eommaunded that the ehild fhould not once be
touehed vntvll he awaked of hymfelfe: and fo foone as hee rofe
TWO ROIANE QUEENES.
from fleepe, the tire vanyfhed: then fhe tooke hir hufbande aride,
and fayd : "Doe you fee this Chyld whom we haue very bafelv and
negligently brought vp ? I affure you rit (fayd fhe) he wil be the
onely fafeguard and defender of this out doubtfull Rate, and will be
the preferuer of our houfehold when it is affly&ed : wherefore let vs
make much of him, that is ]vke to be the ornament and a worthy
ttay to ail our famyly." After that they had accompted him
amongs the Number of theyr Chyldren, and traded him vp in thofe
Arts, which excyte all good difpofitions to afpyre vnto houour, the
pleafure of the Gods appeared in fhorte tyme : for the child grew
to a royall behauior, in fo much as among ail the Romane youth
there was none more mete to mary the daughter of Tarquinius.
This Seruius Tullius, was the fonne of one Seruius Tuilius that
was a Captaine of a towne called Corniculum, at the apprehenfion
whereof, it chaunced that the fayd Tullius the father was flayne,
leauing his wife great with child : the mother being a captiue and
bondwoman was delyuered of hir Child at Rome, in the houle of
Prifcus Tarquinlus. After Tarquinius had raigned 3 8 yeres, the
yong man began to grow to great honor and eflimation, afwell
with the kinge himfelfe, as alfo with the Fathers. Then the Ro-
manes conceiued a hateful indignation againtt the king, for that
he being put in trutt to be the tutor and gouernour of Ancus
children, difplaced them from thevr ryght inheritance, and fpe-
cially for that he himfelf was a ttranger, fearyng alfo that the
kingdome fhould hot return again to the eleion of themfelues,
but degenerat and grow into feruile bondage. Thev alfo caled to
remembrance, that the city continued one hundred yeres after the
fublation of Romulus, an intier kingdome xvithin one city, and
that it was a fhame for them to fuffer a bondeman, borne of feruile
kint, to poffeffe the faine, and would redounde to their perpetuall
ignominie, hauing the progenie of Ancus aliue, to fuffer the faine
to be open to firangers, and bondmen : wherefore they determined
to defend the griefe of that iniury, and to be reuenged rather
vpon Tarquinius, than upon Seruius. In fine, they committed the
execution of that faet to two fhepherds chofen out for that pur-
pole: who deuifed this pollicy : before the entrv into the Palace
they fell togyther by the eares, vpon whych fray al the kinge's
VOL. II. P
2_-,6
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
oflïcers affembled and repaired thither to know the caufe of theyr
falling out, when they were parted, they appealed to the king,
with fuch exclamation as they were heard to the Palace: beyng
called before the king, both of them fell to brauling, and one of
them ftriued of purpofe to hinder the talc of the other. The king's
fergeant rebuked them, commaunding them to tel thevr tales in
order: when thev were a lyttle quieted, one of them beginneth
to difcourtWthe tale. And as the king was attentife to heare the
plaintif, the other tooke vp a hatchet and threw it at the kyng,
and leauin thee weapon fiickinge in the ,ound, thev conueyed
thevmfelues out of the dores. Thofe that wavted vpon the kynge,
ruade hafi to releeue him, and the Sergeantes followed to appre-
hend the malefa&ors. XVyth that a hurlv burly rofe amongs the
people, euery man maruellinge what the marrer/houlde be. Tana-
quil commaunded the Palace Gates to be/hut, and feeketh remedy
to cure her hufband, as though fome hope favled of his recouery,
fhe ealled Seruius before her (whyeh maried her daughter) and
fhewed vnto him her dead hutband, holdinge him far bv the right
bande,/hee intreated hym that he would not fuffer the death of
his father in the law to be vnreuenged, to the intent he might not
be ridiculous to the traytours, faying to him further thefe wordes :
"' If thou bee a man of thy handes (O Seruius) the kyngdome is
thvne and hOt theirs, which thus cruelly by the handes of other
h tue committed thys abhominable fa&: wherefore put forth thy
fi:lf, and the Gods be thy guide: for they did portend this noble
head to be the gouernour of this city, at fueh tvme as they circum-
fufed the lame with a tire defeending from aboue. Let that hea-
uenlv flame excite thy courage : be throughly awaked : we beyng
ftraungers fometimes haue raigned. Thinke and confider what
thou art, an d hot from wh ence thou eamefi: if the ftrangeneffe of the
cale do affrav the, mv eounfel from time to time/hall relieue thee."
The cry and ftirre of the people being vnmefurable, that one
eould fcarfe heare an other, Tanaquil opened the windowes that
had their profpe& to the new way (for the king dwelt at the
temple of Iupitor Stator) and then fpake to them in thvs xvyfe :
"Be of good eheere (good people) the king is but amazed with
the fodaineffe of the flroke, the vound is hOt very deepe, for euen
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
nowe he is corne agayne to hym felfe, and the wounde being
opened and dreffed there is good hope of life : I truf within thefe
fewe dayes you fhall fee hym: in the meane time, I pray you
to fhewe your obedyence to Seruius Tullius, who is appointed to
execute the lawes, and to doe all other affayres in the abfence of
my hufbande." Seruius occupyinge the ftate and authoritve of
the kyng, executed the lawes in fome cafes, and in other fome
ruade the people beleue that he would confult with the king him
felfe. The death of the king was concealed and kept clofe a cer-
taine fpace til fuch tyme as Seruius had gathered his force about
him. After the death of the kynge was difclofed, Seruius beinge
garded with a firong garrifon, toke vpon him to be king, not by
the confente of the people, but by the wiil of the Fathers. The
children of Ancus vnderftanding that the kyng was aliue, and
that Serulus power and force was greate, conveyed themfelues in
exile to Sueffa Pometia: and leafte the children of Tarquinius
fhould attempte lyke enterpryfe againf him, as the chiidren of
&.ncus did agaynf Tarquinius, hec maryed I1. of his daughters to
Lucius and &runs the chvldren of Tarquinius. But yet the deuife
of man could not breake the neceflity of rate and conftellatyon,
for the hatred conceiued in defire of ambicious gouernment, ruade
ail thyngs vnfable and vnfaythfull amongs domefical frends:
but yet to quyet and pacyfye the prefent tyme, warre was renued
with the Veientes» and other Cytyes of Hetruria : wherein the For-
tune and valiance of Tullius excelled : for when he had given an
ouerthrow to the ennimy, leaf the people's and fathers good wil
fhould be withdrawne, he retourned to Rome : who then attempted
and broughte to paffe a notable worke in the common wealth. He
infituted a certaine yerely taxe and reuenew, to fatiffie and dit2
charge ail charges fufteined in the time of peace and warre, with
fundrv other notable lawes and deuifes for the defenee of the pub-
lique Rate. &fter that he had muftered the whole numbre of the
Citizens in the field ealled Martins, the faine amounted to i.xxx.lt.
and as Fabius Pi&or faith, there were fo many that were able to
beare armure. Then the hilles çuirinalis, Viminalis and Exquilie,
were added to the Citye. He eompaffed the town round about wyth
a vamure, enuironyng the faine with a double treuch. He deuvded
228
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
the Romanes into v. bandes called Claffes, and into Centurias,
whveh bec bandes of an hundred men. He alfo builded a temple
to Diana, with the helpe and affifianee of the Latine people.
Amongs the Sabines there ehauneed an Oxe in the Houle of an
Hufbande Man to bec broughte forth, of an huge bigneffe and
maruellous flape (the hornes whereof were plaeed at the porche of
Diana's temple for a monument long time after.) The South-
favers propheeie that where the faine Oxe fhoulde be firfi faerifieed
to Diana, there the Chyefe empire and prineipall gouernement
fhould remaine: whieh propheeie came to the knowledge of the
Chyefe minifter of Diana hir Temple. One of the Sabin's expe6t-
ing for a day mete to be employed in that faerifiee, brought the
fayde Oxe to Rome to the Temple of Diana, placing the faine
before the altar. The ehiefe Minifier ealling to remembranee the
oracle, and faw that the greatneffe of that faerifiee fhould be
famous, fpake to the Sabine thefe wordes: "What dol thou
meane (thou impure Straunger) to prepare faerifiee to Diana,
before thou hec purified and elenfed in the lyuelye Riuer of Tiber ?
Here belowe in this valley the fayde riuer doth runne: go get
the henee and vath the." The Sabine attaehed with a religious
feare, goeth doxvne to the Riuer, and while he is xvafhing himfelfe
a Romane doth offer the Sacrifice, which xvas right acceptable
both to the kyng and his country. The king althoughe that
of longe tvme he had raigned, yet vnderftoode that the elder
Tarquinius which was maried to one of his daughters, did bragg
and report eftfones that his father in laxv obteined the gouernment
and kingdom without the confent of the people : wherfore the king
through his lyberalyty by dyuyding the conqueft atchyeued of the
Ennymye amongs the common people, conciliated theyr fauor and
good xvils: in fo much as he affirmed that he would raign in des-
pite ofthem all,and that there was no king at any tyme that ralgned
xvith a more generall confent : ail xvhych did nothing diminifh the
hope and defire of Tarquinius. He had a Brother whofe name was
Aruns, being of a quiet and gentle difpofition. Both they mar-
ried two of the king's daughters, which were of manners and con-
ditions very vnlike. The yonger daughter being the wife of Aruns,
the fharper fhrewe, and fiercer of nature, feeing that hir hufbande
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
was nothing giuen or plyant to match vith hir vngracious deuice
or ambicious ftomack, attempteà hir brother, whofe conàicion was
correfpondent to hirs, and fayd vnto him, that he was a Man in
àeede, and one worthy to be accompted to be borne and proceede
of the bloud Royall. Then fhe began to contemne hir fifier, for
that fhe hauing fuch a man to hir hufbande, vould fuffer him to
negled't fo meete and iuf occafion for recouery of the kingdom.
Their natures being of one àifpofition, as commonly one myfchyefe
procureth an other, al things began to be difquieted throughe the
attempt of that vngracious woman. To be florte they two de-
uyfed meanes, that Aruns hys Brother, and the Elder Tu|lia hir
fifler were flain: which donc, they txvo maried together. The
wicked woman ceafed not àaylye to animate and prouoke hir
hufbande from one parricide to an other. And amongs ail hir
wickeà talke and cruel intqigations, file vfed thefe words : "If th«)u
be that man vnto whom I thinke I am maryed, then I wil call the
both hufband and king : but if thou bec not hec, then the alteratyon
is chaunged to the worfe, and crueltv is matched with cowardife.
But why doeft thou hot put thy le|le in a readineffe? Whv thou
commef{ not nowe from Corinthe, or from the Hetrurian Tar-
quines, to atchieue and conquere nexve kingdoms as thy father did.
The fami|iar Gods and the Gods of thy countrey, the nobility of
thy father, and thy royal bloud, thy ftately feate within thine oxvn
houfe, and thy naine Tarquinius, do create and make kyng. But
if in al thefe occafions thou dort wante ftomacke, why dort thou
make the xvhole Citye conceyue a faire opinion of thee? Why
dofl thou hot fhewe thyfelfe to be the forme of a king ? Auoide
hence I fay, and go to the Tarquinians, or to Corinth, retire again
to thv tïrfte lynage: thou dort rather refemble thy brother's efl-
minate hart, than the valiant ftomacke of thv father." XVith
thefe wordes and futch like, fhe pricked forward hir hufbande, and
fhe hir felf could in no wife bec quiet. Then Tarquinius went
forth to the fathers of the leffer countries, and called to thevr
remembraunce the benetïtes vnto them by hys father extended
defiring the like to bec flexveà and rendered vnto hym, he allured
the ).onger fort of the Citv by giftes and other lvberall rewardes
promifing them if he atteined his purpofe, more frankly to recoin-
'3o
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
pence them. By this meanes the king became odious and offen-
fiue to the people. Tarquinius feeing his rime, guarded with a
bande of Men, entred the market place, wherewith the eommon
people were greatly abafhed, then he mounted into the palaee,
and plaeed himfelfe in the royal feate of the lame, eaufinge the
Fathers to be eited before hym by the haraulde, vnto whom he
repeted the petigree of Seruius, and his firfi entranee into the
kingdom. As he was fpeaking thefe wordes, Seruius in great
haRe repayred to the Palaee, and findyng Tarquinius fitting in
his place, fayd to him thefe wordes: "\Vhy ? what is the matter
Tarquinius (quod he ?) Howe dareR thou be fo bolde fo long as
I am liuing to eall the Fathers, or yet prefume to fit in my feat ?"
Wherunto Tarquinius fiereely replyed: "That hee poffeffed but
the roume of his father, xvhieh was more mete for a king's fonne
and heyre, than for ruche a bondeman as hee was, and that hee
had long enough abufed his lordes and maiRers." XVherwithal a
great hurly burly and tumult began to rire by the fautors of both
parts, fo that he was like to attaine the Garland, x'hieh ber eould
daunee for it. Tarquinius foreed to giue the laRe aduenture,
beynge more luRy and fironger than the other, tooke Seruius by
the myddle, and earyinge hym oute of the Courte, threwe hvm
downe the Staires, whyche done, hee eaufed the Senate to retourne
into the Palace. Then the kynge wyth ail hys trayne of Offycers,
and other hvs feruaunts ranne away, and as they were flying, hee
was flayne by thofe that Tarquinius lent after to purfue hym, in
the freete called Cyprius. Tullia vnderfandyng that Seruius hyr
father was flayne, fhe bafhed hOt in hir Wagon to corne into the
market place before ail the affemblye there, called hir hufband out
of the Court, and boldly was the firft that called him king. But
being rebuked and commaunded by him to auoid out of that greate
throng of people, fhe retired home agayn, and when fhe was pafe
the vpper ende of the laid ftrete called Cyprius, the wagoner dry-
uing toward the right hand to the Hill called Exquilie, hee ftayed
the X.Vagon, and fhewed his Ladye the bodye of hyr Father, lyinge
farke dead in the freete. In memory of which fhamefull and
vnnatural fa&, long tyme after ther contynued a Monument : for
the lame frete was called Vicus Sceleratus. Some report that
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
23I
fhe caufed the wagon to be dryuen ouer the dead corps of hir
father, wyth the bloud of whom and hir hufband, hir wagon being
contaminated, fhe prefented the fame to hir Gods: after xvhich
abhominable beginnings, like end enfued. This Seruius Tullius
raigned xI.I, yeres. Then Tarquinius began to raigne, vnto
whom Superbus was added for his furname : this wicked fonne in
law would not fuffer the dead bodv of Seruius to be buried. His
confcience being pricked with the abhominable gaine of hys
kyngdom, fearying alfo leaft other might conceiue like example,
he guarded his perfon with a band of armed men, executing ail
thinges wyth force and tyranny, contrary to the aduyfe and con-
fents of the Senate and people. He caufed the fautors and frendes
of Seruius to be put to death, whereby the numbre of the Fathers
was diminifhed, whofe places he fuffred none other to fupply,
of purpofe to bring that honourable order to contempt. He go-
uerned the common welth by his own domeftical and priuate
Counfel: ,Var, peace, truce, focietv of the Cvties adioining, he
vfed as he lift, without any further affent. The Latines he fpe-
cially regarded, to the intent that through forreine aide hec might
raign in more furety at home, with the chief of which country he
ioyned affinity. One Octauius Manilius, a Tufculan born, was
the prince and chief ruler of that country, defcending from the
Rock of Vliffes, and the Goddeffe Circes, if the fame be truc, vnto
whom Tarquinius gaue his daughter in mariage : by reafon wherof
he conciliated great alliance and frendes. Tarquinius beinge of
great authority among the Latines, appointed them vppon a day
to affemble at a woode called Ferentina, there to intreat of mat-
ters concerninge both the ffates. To which place the Latines
repaired vpon the breake of the day, but Tarquinius came not
thither till the Sunne xvas fet. During whvch time many things
were in talke. There was one amonges them called Turnus Her-
donius, whych in Tarquinius abfence had inueyed vehemently
agaynft hym, affirminge that it was no maruell though he was
called Superbus by the Romanes. For what prouder mock could
be inforced to the Latines» than to make them wayt a whole day
for his pleafure. "Dyuers Princes and Noblemen (quod he) that
dwel far of» be corne according to the appointment, and he which
3 2
TWO ROMANE QUEEIqES.
firR allotted the day, is not prefent. Heereby it moR euidently
appeareth in what fort he will vfe vs if he myghte once attavne
the foueraynty. And who doubteth in thys so mauyfeft appa-
rance, but that he went about to affe& the Dominion of the Latines ?
If the Romanes haue had iuR caufe to beleeue him, and if their
Kyngdome had heu but gotten and hot violently rapt and Rolne by
parricide, then the Latines mighte alfo beleeue hym, who being
but a traunger to them, had no great caufe to beleeue hym.
I-/ys owne fubie&s do repent the rime that euer he bare rule : For
fome be flavne and heaped vpon the dead bodies of other, fome be
banifhed, fome haue loft their goods : what other frutes than thefe
mare the Latine people expe&e and look for ? Therefore if they
would be ruled, he required euery man to returne home to his own
houfe, and geue no more attendaunce for the day of Counfel, than
he doth which firft appoin&ed the lame. '» Thefe wordes and futch
like, this fedicious and defperat man declared : Vhofe talke Tarqui-
nius internented, and vpon his comming euery man conuerted him
felfe to falute him. Then Tarquinius began to excufe his long ta-
riaunce, for that he was appoynted an arbitrator betwene the father
and the fonne, for whofe reconciliation he was forced to 6av that
longe fpace, and to fpend the time of that dax-. XVherefore he ap-
poynted the next day. The conceit of which excufe Tu rnus could hot
kepe fecret» but fayd: that a marrer betwene the fatherandthe forme
mlght be ended in few wordes : for if the childe would hOt be obe-
dient to hls father, fome mifchvef mur needes lyght vppon him.
Tarquinius vnderRanding thefe inue&ions ruade againRe hym by
Turnus, immediatl, deuvfeth meanes to kll him, to the intent he
myght inculcate like terror to the Latines, that he did to his owne
fubie&s. And bicaufe he was not able to fort his purpofe to effe&
bv fecrete malice, he attempted to accule him of Treafon, and
fborned (by means of diuers of the Cittv of Aricia) his owne man
whom with gold he had corrupted to bring in a forged accufation,
whvch was that his maiRer had prepared in one night a number
of men with BIunition and veapon to difiroy the Nobility of the
Latines, of purpofe to recouer the principalitye of the lame. This
matter began to be fufpicious, by reafon of the Tumult made the
dav beefore againf Tarquinlus, and therefore the people the foner
TWO ROI%ANE QUEENES.
did credit the cafe. In fine, Turnus was condempned, and therefore
a new kind of death deuifed for him. \Vho being laide vpon a
Hurdle his face vpward, was throwen into the water of Ferrentina.
This execution being donc Tarquinius reuoked the Latines to
Counfel, wherein he praifed them for their Iuftiee extended vpon
Turnus, and then fpake thefe wordes : "' I may by an old order and
eonftitution iuftlye fay thus mutch vnto you. The whole nation of
the Latines defcending from the City of Alba are bounde to obferue
that truce whlch the Albanes wyth ail their colonies annexing
themfelues to the Romane F.mpyre in the tyme of Tu]lius Hofti-
lius, were firmely ob]iged to accomplifhe. The renouation where-
of wi]l nowe conduce more aduauntage and vty]ity to them al, than
euer it did beefore. For throughe this Truce the Latines fhall
poffede and participate parte of the profperous fucceffe of the
Romane peop]e. Better it were in this fort to ioyne themfelues
togither, than to fee DeftrucCtion of either Cities, Depopulacions and
fpoiles of their countries, whych in the time of Ancus (my father
then raygnyng) he fuffered. The like alfo (if you do forfake this
offer) ye may ftyll expefte and fuffer." The Latines herevnto were
foone perfwaded, a Day ,vas appointed when the luftieft forte of
theyr Countrie fhould be ready armed at the wood called Ferren-
tina. Being ioyned in order of battel, they marched towardes the
Volfciens, and wanne the Citve of Sueffa Pometia, the fpoile wher-
of Tarquinius folde for x,.. Talents, imploying the faine vpon the
Temple of Iupiter. Afterwards he affaulted the Ga5inians, and
when he faw he coulde not by force obteyne the faine, he furmifed
a pollicy. \Vho feeming to Oend him felf wholy vpon the build-
ing of the Capitole and to fet aride the affaires of his warres, de-
uifed with his forme Sextus, which ,vas the youngett of the three,
that he fhould runne to the Gabinians, and complayne of his fa-
ther's intollerable crueltye, whvch accordingly he did. Vho fhew-
inge hymfelfe as a voluntarye exyle, favd that hys father had con-
uerted hys tyrannye from other, and began to execute the faine
vpon his owne freendes, and that he was alfo wearv of the prefence
of his owne chyldren going about to remoue hvs domefiicall con-
uerfants oute of hys houfe, as he had donc the like out of the
Court, to the intent hec would leaue no offpring or heyre behinde
34
TWO ROMANE QUEENES.
him to poffeffe his kingdome : adding further, that he was efcaped
euen through the midde of his father's weapons and fury, thincking
no place better for his fafegarde and refuge, than to feeke fuccour
amongs his ennimies. "And bicaufe (quod he) ye thall not be de-
ceiued, he is euen no,v preparing of warres againli you, and pur-
pofeth vpon the fodaine to fer vpon you. Now if there be no
place of abode for me your humble fuppliant amongs you, I muf
needes wander through Italy, and firli I will attempt the Volfcians,
after,vardes the JEquians and Hernicians, tyll futch tyme as I
finde fome Nation willing to defend the poore Chylde from the cru-
ell and wicked furye of the Father : and perchaunce (quod he) ye
flaall wynue hym that may bee an Inttrumeut and courage vnto
you all, to repreffe that proude kyng and cruell Natyon." The
Gabinians delyberating xvhat was belt to be done ila this cafe,
the young man feemed as though he ,vere offended, and would in
al hali depart, and feeke refuge of others, then they curteouflv
interteined him: thys yong man was had in great ettimation
amongs them, throughe craftye and vaine perfuafions, lnakyng
them belieue that he would condu& thelr army cuen vnder the
walles of Rome, with fundry other fained inliigations to brynge
him felf the more in credit. _A_t length he xvas chofen captain of
theyr xvarres, and recouered fundry vi&ories for the Gabinians:
whereby the fooliflae Nation both of the loxver and chiefeli fort,
beleeued that their captayne was fent vnto them by the proui-
dence of the Gods. He futteined perill and payne in like fort as
the common Souldicr did, liberally deuidinge his fpoiles and boo-
ries amongs them. He xvas fo xvell beloued, that hys father Tar-
quinius at Rome xvas of no greater authority than hee was among
the Gabinians. Vhen he thought that he had recouered force
enough to anfwer his father's expe&ation, he fent a poli to Rome
to knoxv his father's pleafure, although the gods had giuen him fuf-
ficient authority amongs the Gabinians. And bycaufe Tarquinius
was doubtful of the truli and fidelity of the meffenger, hee would
aunf, ver nothing by worde of mouth but carying the meffenger
into a garden, hard adioyning his houfe, xvith a wand which he
caried in his hand, he cut of the heads of the higheli Poppies that
grev in the garden, meanyng therby that he flaoulde difpatche the
TVO ROMANE QUEENES.
35
heads of the chiefeft and principal in the City. Whervpon the
meffanger without anfwere by mouth returned. But by declaryng
thofe/ignes and circumanees whieh his father vfed in the gar-
den Sextus eoneeiued his meaning. Then like a naturall fonne,
following the eppes of his father, he eut of the heads of the Ga-
binian nobility, wherupon fom tan away, vpon whofe departure the
goods as wel of them as of other that were put to death were de-
uided. The ftte of the Gabinians heing in this doubtful cafe, void
of al eounfell and fueeour, at length vas furrendred to the Romanes.
Then Tarquinius eoneluded peace with the Aquians, and renued
a truee with the Thufeanes and wholly bent him felf to the af-
fayres of the City. This Tarquinius was the father of him that ra-
uifhed the noble Lady Lueretia : the lamentable hiory whereof, is
reeited in my former Tome, by the end of whieh Rock, remembred
in that hiory, and begining of the fame defcribed in this Nouell,
may he gathered, what fruy&es Ambytyon and lothfome lufte bryng
forth. For Tarquinius Prifcus repairing out of Hetruria, to dwell
at Rome, by the ambyeyous wyll of h's wyfe afpired and at-
ehyeued the kyngdome, whyeh vas by the fundry deuyce of Tullia,
the daughter of Seruius Tullius mainteyned, and by the libidinous
defire of Sextus Tarquinius, the fonne of Superbus the 6 Romane
kynge ended, and the whole race expelled and euerlaftingly ban-
ifhed out of that Citty. So meete an example for thofe that breath,
and longe after the Rightes, titles, and Kyngdomes of other, as
may bee read in any Author. For although the Springe appeare
very frefla and luy, of fome degenerate grifft planted vpon fome
auneient oek, yet the fruyc'-t mort eommonly in tare eateth
fomwhat fower, and the Relliflae in mouth not altoge-
ther fo pleafaunt, as that whyeh both in
foyle and ftocke, is dudy
planted.
3 6 SOPHONISBA.
THE SEUENTH NOUELL.
ueene Soptonifl'a his u,yfe.
If men would haue afore confideration of theyr owne doings,
before they do attempt the faine, or els premeditate and iudy the
fcope and fucceffe thereof, I do verely beleeue that a numbre
would not caf themfelues headlong into fo many gulfs of miferyes
and calamityes as they do, fpecially Noblemen, and Prynces, who
oftentymes doe exceede in temerlty and rafhneffe, by lettynge
the Raynes of theyr own Lufies, to farre to raunge at large, v«here-
in they deepely Plunge thymfelues to theyr great Preiudice and
Difhonour, as teacheth thvs goodly hyfiorie enfuinge, whych
declareth that there was a Prynce called Maflïniflà» the Sonne of
Gala kynge of Maffoezali, (a people of Numidia) : who warfaring
with the Carthaginians in Spaine agaynf the Romaynes, hauinge
firf fought honourably agaynf kynge Syphax in Numidia, it
chaunced that Gala hvs Father dyed, vppon whofe death hvs Kyng-
dome was inuaded and occupied by other, wherefore fufayninge
foutly the furges of aduerfity combatinge wyth hys Enemyes,
fometymes getting part of hys Kyngdome, and fometvmes lofinge,
and many tymes molefinge both Syphax and the Carthaginians,
was in dyuers Confli&s lvke to be taken or flayne. %Vvth thefe
hvs trauels, impatient of no payne and trouble, he hecame very
Famous and Renoumed, that amonges the people of Affrica, he ac-
quired the naine and title of a valiant and puiffant Souldier, and
of a pollitique and prouident Captain : aftervards he was gene-
rally welbeloued of the Souldiers, bicaufe not like the king's fonne
or a prince, but as a priuate fouldier and companion, his conuer-
fation and vfuall trade of life was amongs them, calling euery man
by his propre naine, cherifhing and efeeming them according to
their defert, obferuing neuertheleffe a certaine comelineffe of a
Superiour. This Maflïniffa by meanes of one Syllanus being in
Spayne, priuely entred acquaintance and familiarity with that
Scipio which afterwardes was furnamed Affricanus, and who in
SOPHONISBA. 2 3 7
thofe dayes with the authoritie of Proconful in that prouince,
vi&orioufly fubdued the Carthaginians: the faine Maflïniffa
entred league with the Romanes and inuiolablv fo long as he
liued obferued amity with the Romane people, and lefte the lame
to his children and pofteritie as an inheritance. %Vhen the Ro-
manes began warres in Affrica, fpedily with that power he was
able to make, he repaired to his old friend Scipio : within a whvle
after Syphax beyng ouerthrowen in battell and taken, Maffiniffa
and Loelius were lent to furprife the chief city of that kingdom,
which fometimes were king Syphax owne called Cirta. In that
city remayned Sophonifoa, the wyfe of Syphax and daughter to
Hafdrubal of Gifcon, who had alyenated hir hufband from the
Romanes, being in league with them, and by hir perfuafions went
to aide and defend the Carthaginians. Sophonifba perceiuing that
the ennimies were entred the City of Cirta: and that Maffiniffa
was going towardes the palace, determined to meete him, to proue
his gentleneffe and curtefie, whereupon in the middes of his
Souldiers thronge, vhych were already entred the Palace, fhe
fioutly thrut, and bouldlve looked round aboute, to proue if
fhe could efpye by fome fignes and tokens the perfonage of Mas-
finiffa. She amongs that preafe perceeiued one for whofe ap-
parel, armure and reuerence don vnto him, femed vnto hir that
vithout doubt the faine was the king : and therefore incontinentlv
kneeled downe before him, and pitioufly hegan to fpeake in this
manner : " For fo mutch (0 puiffante prince) as felicity and good
fortune, but fpecially the fauour of the Gods immortall haue per-
mitted, that thou fhouldeft recouer thine auncient kingdome des-
cended vnto the by righte and lawfull inheritaunce, and therewithall
hat takenand vanquifhed thine ennimy, and now hat me at thy wyll
and pleafure to faue or fpyll, I poore wretched mvferable woman
brought into bondage from O.ueenelyke ftate, whilom leading a
delycate life in Princely Courte, accompa,tyed with a royall traine
of beautifull dames, and nowe at thy mercifu|! difpofition, doe
humbly appeale to thy mercye and goodneffe, whofe Princely
maiefty and comfortable afpeeq, chereth vp lnv woefull heart to
loke for grace, and theretbre ara bold thus to prefume with mofc
humble voice to implore and crie out, befeechyng thee to reach me
3 8 SOPHONISBA.
hither thy vicCtorious handes to kiffe and falute." This Lady was
a paf'ring fayre gentlewoman, of flourifhing age and comely beha-
uiour, none comparable vnto ber within the ,vhole region of
_A_ffrica: and fo much the more as hvr pleafant grace bv amiable
gefture of complaint did increafe, fo much the heart of Mafliniffa
was delyted, who being lufty and of youthly age (according to
the nature of the Numides,),vas eafily intrapped and tangled in
the nettes o[ Loue : whofe glutting eyes were neuer lui, nor tiery
hart was fatiffied in beholding and ,vondring at hir mort excel-
lent beauty : hOt forefeeing therefore» or taking heede of the daun-
gerous effe of heautie's fnares, his heart heing fo fiercely kindled
with the fwingyng flames of loue, who caufing hir to rife, exorted
hir to profecute hir fupplication: then fhe began to procede as
folo,veth : "If it may be lawfull for me thy pryfoner and bond-
woman (0 mv foueraign lord) to make requeft, I humblv do
befeech thee, by thv royal maiefty, wherein no long time par
mv hufband and I were magnificently placed in fo kynglike guife
as thou art now, and bv that Numidicall name, common vnto thee
and mv hufbande Syphax, and bv the fauinge Gods and Patrons
of this City, who with better fortune and more ioyfull fucceffe do
recevue thee into the faine, that expelled Syphax out from thence :
it may pleafe thv facred ftate, to haue pity on me. I require no
hard and difficult thinge at thy handes, vfe thine imperiall
gouernement ouer me, futch as lav of armes and reafon of "Varre
require : caufe me if thou wilt, to pyne in cruel pryfon, or do me
to futch death with torments, as thou liit to vfe, the fharp» tierce
and cruel death that anv wight can fuffre, or Perillus Bull fhall
hOt be dreadfull vnto me» but more deare and acceptable than
wonted lire in pleafures led : for no death fhal bec refufed of mec,
rather than to be rendred into the proud handes of the mort
crue]l Romanes. Rather had I taft the truft of a natiue Numidie,
borne with me in Affrike foyle, than the faith of ftraungers kinde :
I know full well that thou dort knowe what curtefv a Carthagi-
nian and daughter of Hafdruba|, fha| furely looke for at the
manes hauds: whofe mind is fearfull of nothing more than of
thevr pride and g]ory intollerable: if" thou (my lord) haddeft
fifers of thine own, or daughters of thy royal b|oud hrought forth
SOPHONISBA. 39
think that they may chaunce (if fortune frown) to flide into the
Pit ofaduerfe lucke» fo well as I am nowe : of that forme Fortune's
wheele is ruade, whych we dayly fee to be vnfable, ttrninge and
dyuers, that now peace and now warre it promifeth, now euill it
threatneth, now mirth, now forrow it brlngeth, now aduauncinge
aloft, now tumhling downe the clymhers up. Let Syphax bee
cleare and ]iue]y Example to thee, whych coulde neuer finde any
edfafi ftav vnder the Moones Globe. He was the mightiefi and
the richeft kinge that raigned in Africa, and now is the mofi
miferabte and vnlucky wight that |iueth on Land. The Gods graunt
that I bee no Prophet or Diuiner of future eui]l, whofe omnipotency
I deuout]y befeech to fuffer thee and thy pofierity in Numidie
]and and mo happyly to raygne. Vouchfafe then to de]iuer me
t'rom the Romanes thraldome, which if thon bee hot able fafely to
bryng to paffe, caufe death (the eafe of al woe) to he iuflied vpon
me. » In fpeaking thofe words, Ibe tooke the kynge's right hande
and lnany times fweet]y kiffed the faine. And then her teares
turned to pleafant cheare, in futch wife as not onely the mynde
Ç,f the armed and viorious Prynce 'as mooued to mercy, but
raunge]y wrapped in the amorous Nets of the Lady» whereby the
viour was fubdued by the vanquyfhed, and the Lord furpryfed
of his Captiue, whom with tremblinge vovce thus he aunfwered :
"Make an end, O Sophonifba, of thy large compla.vnt, abandon
thy concevued feare, for I wil ot onely ridde the from the Ro-
mavne handes» but alfo take thee to my lawful] vyfe (if thou there-
wyth fhalt be content) whereby thou fha]te not leade a prifoner's
lire, but paffe thy youthfull daves and hoarye age (if gods doe
graunt thy lire fo long) as G[uene VlltO a king, and vife vnto a
Romane frend." \Vhen he had fayd fo with weeping teares» he
kiffed and imbraced hir. She by the countenaunce» Sygnes, Geltes»
and interrupted ,Voordes, comprehendyng the Minde of theNumide
king to be kindled with feruent loue: the more to inflame the
faine beemoned her felf with fuch heauineffe, as the beaf[Iv
heartes of the Hircane Tygres would haue bene ruade gentle and
difpoiled of al fierceneffe, yf they had beheld ber : and againe fhe
fel downe at hvs feete» kiffinge the armed Sabbatons vppon the
faine» and bedewinge them with hir warme teares. After manv
2 4 ° SOPHONISBA.
fobbes and infinite fighes, comforted by him,/he fayd: "0 the
the glorie and honor of all the kynges that euer were, bee or
/hall bee hereafter: O the fafelt aide of Carthage mine vnhappy
countrey without defert, and now the prefent and molt terrible
altoni/hment : if my hard fortune and diftreffe after fo great ruine
might haue bene relieued» what greater fauour, what thing in all
my life, coulde chaunce more fortunate, vnto me, than to bee
called wife of thee ? O, I bleffed aboue ail other women to haue
a man fo noble alad famous to hufband. O mine aduenturous
and molt happy ruine. O my molle fortunate mifery, that fuch
a glorious and incomparable mariage was prepared for me: but
bicaufe the Gods be fo contrary vnto me, and the due ende of my
life approcheth (my deare foueraygne lorde)to kindle againe in
me, my hope half dead, or rather confumed and fpent, bicaufe I
fee myfelf vrapped in a ltate, that in vayne againlt the pleafures
of the Gods, I go about to moleft thee: a greate gift (and to fay
truthe) a right great good turne, I make accompte to haue receiued
of thee, if mine owne death I /hould procure by thee, that dyinge
by thy means or with thy handes, (whych were more acceptable,)
I/houlde efcape the feare of the Romaynes thral and fubiecCtion,
and this foule deliuered of the lame, /hould ftreight paffe into
the Elyfian fieldes. The final fcope of this my humble plaint,
is to rvd me from the hands of the Romanes, whose thraldom
to fuffer I had rather die. The other benefit xvhich thou dort
frankly offer to me pore wretch, I dare not defire, mutch leffe re-
quire the fame, bicaufe the prefent tiare of my mi/hap dareth not
prefume fo high. But for this thy pity and compaffion ioined
with louing regard and mind toward me, mightye loue with al the
other Gods reward and bleffe thy gotten kingdom in long raign»
enlarging the faine with more ample bounds to thine eternal re-
noum and praife : and I do hot only render humble thanks for this
thy kynd and louing enterteinment, but alfo yeld my felf thine
own, fo long as lvfe gouerneth this caitif corps of mine." Thefe
vords wer pronounced with fuch effecCt, as lX, lafliniffa was hot able
for pity to hold his teares, which watred fo his comely form, as
the dew therof foaked into his tender heart, and not able a long
time to fpeake, at lat thus hee fayd : "Gyue ouer (0 my quene)
SOPHON ISBA. 2 I
thefe tares and thoughts, dry vp thy cries and plaints, make an
end of all thefe dolorous futes, and reioyce, that frowarde Fortune
hath changed hir mind : the Gods no doubt with better fucceffe,
wil perfourm the retS of thy liuing dais. Thou 0aalt henceforth
remain my C/uene and wife, for pledg whereof the facred Godheads
I cal to witneffe. But if perchaunce (which the thundring mighty
God aboue forbid) that I 0aalbe forced to render thee the Romanes
prifoner, be well affured, that on liue they fhall not poffeffe the."
For credit and accomplithment of this promiffe, and in figne of his
atred faith, he reached his right hand to Sophonifba, and led hir
into the inner lodging of the king's Palace, wher afterward Maflï-
niffa with himfelf confidering how he might perform hvs promifed
faith, vexed and troubled with a thoufand cogitations, feing in a
maner his manifeft ouerthrow and ruine at hand, prouoked wlth
mad and temerarious loue, the very faine day in open prefence he
toke hir to wife, folemnizing that mariage, which afterwardes bred
vnto hym great vexation and trouble, meanynge by the faine
to haue dyfcharged Sophonifba from the Romanes rule and
order. But when Loelius was corne and hearde tell thereof,
hec fretted and chafed, and wyth threamynge \Vordes commaund-
ed Maffiniffa to fend his new maried wife (as the booty and
pray of the Iomanes) together wyth Syphax, to their eaptaine
Seipio. NotwithtSanding, vanquifled with the fupplieations and
teares of Maflïniffa, referring the matter wholy to the iudgement
of Seipio, he difpatched Syphax with the other prifoners and
bootie, to the Romane campe, and he himfelf remained with Mas-
finiffa for the recouerie of other places of the kingdome, minding
not to returne before the whole prouince were brought vnder the
Romane fubie&ion. In the meane time Loelius gaue intelligence
vnto Scipio, of the fucceffe of Maffiniffa his mariage: who
knowing the faine to be fo hatSilye eelebrated, was maruelloufl'e
offended and troubled in blinde, mutche maruellynge that blaflï-
niffa woulde make futch potShatS before the eomming of Loelius.
Yea and vpon the very tïrf day of his entrie into Cirta, that hee
would confummate that vnaduifed wedding: and the greater was
Scipio his difpleafure towards Maflïniffa, for that the loue which
he had eoneeiued of that woman, was vnfemelv and diflonef,
VOL.. II.
242 SOPHONISBA.
vondering nota little that he could not find out fome Lady wlthin
the region of Spain of femblable beauty and comlineffe, to pleafe
and content his honelt and commendable intent: wherfore he
iudged Mafliniffa his fa& to be done out of rime, to the preiudice
and great decay of his honor and eftimation. Howbeit like a
wife and prudent perfonage he diffembled his conceiued gryefe,
expe&ing occafion for remedye of the faine. Now the time was
corne that Lrelius and Maffiniffa vere lent for to the Campe.
But to declare the teares and lamentable talke, the great mone
and fighes vttered betwene this new maried couple, time xvould
want, and tedioufneffe xvould ouercome the Reader. He had fcarce
lven with his beloued two or thre Nyghts, but Loelius (to their
great grief and forow) clavmed hir to bee hvs pryfoner, xVher-
fore verye forowfull and penfiue hee departed, and retourned to the
Campe. Scipio in honourable wyfe accepted him, and openly
before his Captaines and men of warre, gaue thanks to Loelius and
him, for thevr proxveffe and notable exploites. Afterxvards fend-
ing for him vnto his Tent, he faid vnto him : "I do fuppofe (my
dere frend Maffiniffa) that the vertue and beneuolence vhich you
faw in me did firft of ail prouoke you, to tranffrete the ftraits, to
vifite me in Spaine, wherein the good will of mv valiaunt frend
Svllanus did not a little auaile, to follicite and procure amity
betwene vs. _And the faine afterwards inducing your confiant
minde, to retire into Affrica, committed both your felfe and ail
vour goods into my hands and keeping. But I well pondering the
quality of that vertue whych moued )'ou thereunto, )'ou beinge of
Affrica, and I of Europa, you a Numidian borne, and I a Latine
and Romane, of diuers cuftomes and language different, thought
that the temperance and abftinence from venerial pleafures which
you haue fene to bee in me, and experience therof wel tried and
proued, (|br the which I render vnto the immortal Gods mort
hnmble thankes) vould or ought to haue moued you to follow
mine example, being verrues which aboue ail other I doe mof
efteme and cherifh. For he that well marketh the rare giftes and
excellent benefits vhervith dame Nature hath arraied you, would
thinke that ther fhould be no lacke of diligence and trauell to
fubdue and ouercome the carnall appetytes of temporal beauty :
SOPHONISBA. 243
which had it bene applied to the rare giftes of nature planted in
you, had marie you a perfonage to the poferity very famous
and renoumed. Confider wel mv prefent time of youth, full of
courage and youthly lufi, whieh eontrary to that naturall race I
ftay and prohibite. P delieate beauty, no voluptuous deleeta -
tion, no feminine flattery, eau intiee my youth and tiare to the
perils and daungers whereunto that heedeleffe age is mof prone
and lubie&. By whieh prohibition of amorot*s partions, tempe-
ratly raigned and gouerned, the ramer and fubduer of thofe pas-
fions, clofiug his breafi from lafciuious imaginations, and top-
ping his eares from the Syrenes, and Marmaydes, of that fexe
and kinde, getteth greater glorye and lame, than wee haue got-
ten bv our vi&ory agaynfi Syphax. Hanniball the greatef{
ennimy that euer we Romanes felt, the l$outel$ gentleman and
captain without peere, through the delites and imbracements of
women effeminated, is no more the manlike and notable emperor
that hee was wout tobe. The great exploits and enterprifes which
valyantly you haue done in Numidia, when I was farre from you,
your care, readineffe, animofity, your lSrength and valor, your
expedition and bold attemptes, with all the refie of your noble
verrues worthy of immortal praife, I might and could perticulerly
recite, but to commend and extol them my heart and minde fhall
neuer be fatiffied, by renouacion wherof I fhould rather giue occa-
tion of blufhing, than mv felfe could be contented to let them
fleepe in filence. Syphax as you kuow is takeu prifoner by the
valvance of our men of warre, by reafon whereof, him felfe, his
wife, his kingdome, hys campe, landes, cities, and inhabitants, and
briefly ail that which was king Syphax, is the pray and fpoile to
the Romane people, and the king and his wife, albeit fhe was no
Citizen of Carthage, and hir father, although no captayn of our en-
nimies, yet we mutée fend them to Rome, there to leaue them at
the pleafure and difpofition of the Romane Senate and people.
Doe you not know that Sophonifba with her toves and flatteries
did alienat and withdraw king Syphax from our amitie and friend-
fhip, and made hvm to enter force of armes againl$ vs ? Be vou
ignoraunt that fhe, full of rancor and malice aganyfi the Romane
people, endeuoured to let al Affrica againt$ vs, and now by ber
44 SOPHONISBA.
fayre inticementes hath gayned and wonne you, hOt I fay our
ennemy, but an ennymy fo farre as fhee tan, with her cruell
Inchauntments ? .Vhat Damage and hurt haue lyghted vppon dv-
uers Monarches and Prynces through fugred Lippes and Venemous
.Voordes, I wyll not fpend tyme to recite. .Vith that prouoca-
tions and coniured charmes fhee hath alreadv bewitched your
good nature, I wyl hot now imagine, but referre the faine to the
deepe confideration of youre wifdome. .Vherefore Maffiniffa,
as you haue bene a Conquerer ouer great nations and prouinces,
be now a eonquerer of your own mind and appetites, the vi&orie
whereof deferueth greater prayfe than the conquet of the whole
world. Take heede I fay, that you blot not your good qualities
and conditions, with the fpots of difhonor and pufillanimitye.
Obfcure not that faine which hitherto is aduaunced aboue the
Regyon of the glytterynge Starres. Let not thys vyce of Femynine
Flatterye fpoyle the defertes of Noble Chyualrye, and vtterlv deface
thofe mervtes with greater ignomynie than the caufe of that
offence is worthye of difprayfe." Mafliniffa hearynge thefe egree
and fharpe rebukes, not onely blufhed for Shame, but bvtterlv
"Veepinge, fayde: that hvs poore prifoner and wvfe was at the
commaundement of Scipio. Notwithtanding, fo intantly as
Teares coulde fuffer hym to fpeak, he befoughte hym, that if it
were poflîble, hee woulde gyue him leaue to obferue hvs favthe
foolifhlye aflhred, bieaufe hee had made an othe to Sophonitba that
with lire fhee fhoulde hot bee delyuered to the Handes of the lo-
manes. And after other talke betweene them, Maffiniffa retired
to hys pauylyon, where alone wyth manifolde fighes, and mot
bytter teares and plaintes, vttered wyth futch houlinges and out-
cryes, as they were hearde by thofe xs'hvch ftoode neare hande, hee
refted al the daye bewailynge hys prefente tate: the mot part of
the nyghte alfo hee fpent with lyke heauyneffe, and debating in hvs
mind vpon diuers thoughts and deuifes, more confufed and amazed
thart before, hee could by no meanes take refi : fomtimes he thought
to flee and paffe the ftraights eommonly called the Piliers of Her-
cules, from thence to faile to the Fortunate Iflandes with his wife :
then agayne hec thoughte with hir to efeape to Carthage, and in avde
of that City to ferue agaynfi the Romanes, fomtimes hee propofed
SOPHONISBA. 4
by fworde, poyfon, halter, or fore fueh meanes to end his lire and
fini/h his dolorous days. Many rimes hee was at pointe by prepared
knife and fworde to pieree his heart, and yet fiayed the lame, hot
for feare of death, but for preferuation of his lame and honor.
Thus thys wretehed and miferable louer burned and eonfumed in
loue : toflïng and tumbling him felfe vppon his bedde, hot able to
find eomfort to eafe his payne, thus began to fay : "O Sophonifba,
my deare beloued wyfe, O the lire and eomfort of my lire, O the
deynty repafi of my ioy and quiet, what/hall become of vs ? Alas
and out alas I erye, that I /hall fee no more thine incomparable
beauty, thy furpaffyng eomely face, thofe golden loekes, thofe glis-
tering eyes whieh a thoufand times haue darkned and obfeured
the rayes and beames of the Sunne it felf: Alas I fay, that I ean
no longer be fuffred to heare the pleafaunt harmonye of thy voiee
whofe fweeteneffe is able to force Iupiter himfelfe to mitigate his
rage when with lightning Thunderbolts and formie elaps in his
greatefc furie he meaneth to plague the earth. Ah that it is
hot lawfull any more for me to throw thefe vnhappy armes about
thy tender neek, whofe whiteneffe of face entermingled ,vith
femely rudds, exeelleth the Morning Rofes, which by fweete nightly
dewes doe fproute and budde. The Gods graunt that I doe hot
long remaine on liue without thy fweete haunt and eompany, whieh
ean no longer draw forth this breathing ghofe of myrte, than ean a
Bodye lyuewythoute like Breathe in it. Graunt (OMyghty Iupiter)
that one graue may clore vs twaine to liue among the ghofies and
/hadowes that be already pari this world for like right Iouing
fitts, if intent of lire be ment to mee without thy fellowfhip and
dele&able prefenee. And who (O good Goal)/hal be more blis-
fui anongs the Elyfian fields, xvandryng amids the fpirites and
ghoftes of departed foules, than I, if there we two may lette and
ftalke amonge the flmdowed friths and forefts huge, befette with
Mirtle trees, odoriferous and fweete ? that there we mav at large
reeount and ring the fweete and fower pangs of thofe out paffed
loues without anye ftay or let at all: that there I fa)" we may re-
membre things already done, reioycing for delights and fighing
for the paines. There /hall no harde hearted Seipio bee found,
there/hal no marble minded captain refl, which haue hot had re-
246 SOPHONISBA.
gard of Loue's toyes, ne yet haue pitied bitter payns, by hauing no
experienee what is tbe force of loue. He then with ouer eruell
wordes fhall hot goe aboute to perfuade me to forfake thee, or to
deliuer thee into the Iomanes handes, to incurre miferable and
mof cruell houdage : he fhal there neuer checke me for the feruent
loue I beare thee: we fhal there abide witbout fufpition of him
or any other : they can hOt feperate vs, they be hOt able to deuide
our fveetef companye. I would the Gods aboue had graunted me
the benefite, that hec had neuer arriued into Affrica, but had ftill
remayned in Sicilia, in Italy or Spayne. But vhat fand I vpon
thefe termes, O I fole and beaf ? what meanes my droufie head to
dreame futch faufies? if he hadde hot paffed ouer into &ffrica,
and ruade war againft kinge Syphax, how fhould I baue euer feene
mv faire SophonioEa, wbofe beauty farre furmounteth eche other
wight, whofe comelines is vithoute peere, wbofe grace infpeakable,
whofe maners rare and incomparable, and whofe other qualities
generally difparcled throughoute dame Nature's mould by fpeach
of matx can hOt bec defcribed ? If Scipio had uot tramfraited tbe
feas to arriue in Affrike foile, how fhould I, (O onely hope and
laf refuge of my defires) haue knowen thee, neither fhould 1 haue
bene thy feere, ne yet my wife thou fhouldePc haue ben, but great
had ben tby gaine and loffe not much, neuer fhouldef thou haue
felt tbe prefent painfull ttate, wherein thou art, thy life (whereof
mort wortby no doubt tbou art) fhoulde hot haue lien in ballance
poize, or refed in doubtfull plight, whicb now in choyfe of chi-
mies thrall thou maif prolong, or elle in Romanes handes a praye
or fpoile by captiue ftate. But I hefeech the gods to preuent the
choyce to be a Romane pryfoner. &nd who can thinke that Sci-
pio euer ment to gratmt me the life of one, and goetb about to
fpoile me of the faine ? Did hOt he giue me the pardon of one, when
he lent me to befiege the City of Cirta, where I found fayre Sopho-
nifba which is my Life ? A ftraunge kinde of pardon, by giuing me
a pardon to difpoffeffe me of the lame. Who euer hard tel of
fuch a pardon ? So much as if he laid to me, tbus: ' Mafiïniffa,
go take the paine to caufe the city yeld, and ranfack it by force,
and I wil pardon thee thy lyfe. &nd hot wyth the onely benefit,
but with Crefus goods I wi] inrich thee, and make thee owner of
SOPHONISBA. 247
the happy foyle of Arrabia, and when I haue fo done and rafed
the walles by myne indeuor, wherein myne onely lyfe and iov did
reft, at my retourne for guerdone of that Noble fa&, in feede of
lyfe hee choppeth of my head, and for fayre promyfe of golden
mountes, hee frips me naked, and makes mee a Romane flaue:
accordynge to whych cafe and ftate he deales wyth me. For what
auailes my Lyfe, if in gryefe and forrowes gulffe I drown the
pleafures of the faine? Doth not he berieue mv life and bredcs
my death by diuiding me from my favre Sophonifoa ? Ah Caitife
wrctch, what lucke haue I, that neither ftorme nor whirle XVvnde
could fende him home to Italian fhore, or fer him packing to
Sicile land ? what ment cruell Scipio, when fo fone as Syphax
was taken, he did not ftreight way difpatch him to Home, to
prefent the glorious fight of the Numidian king to the Romane
people. If Scipio had hot beene here, thou Sophonifba frankly
hadft bene mine: for at Lelias hands I could haue found fome
grace: but furely if Scipio did once fee Sophonlfba, and reclined
his eyes to viewe hir pereleffe beauty, I doubt not but he would be
moued to haue compaflïon vpon hir and me, and would iudge hir
worthy not onelye to be queene of lXTumidia but of all the prouince
befides. But what, do I make this good accompt? The common
prouerbe fayth, that he which counteth before his hofte, muft
recken twice: and fo perhaps mav be my lot: for what know I
if Scipio did wel viexv hir, whether himfelfe would be inamored
of hir or not, and fo utterly depriue me of that Iexvel ? He is a
man no doubt as others be, and it is impoflïble me think, but that
the hardneffe of his heart mur bow to the view of fuch a noble
beauty. But (beaft as I ara) what mean thefe wordes? what foIlies
doe I vaunt by finging to the deafe, and teachyng of the blvnd ?
O xvretch, wretch, nay more than myferable %Vretch. l%[arke the
words of Scipio, he demaundeth Sophonifba, as a thing belonging
vnto him, for which caufe he faveth that fhe is the pray and part
of the Romane fpoile: but what fhall I do? fhal I gyue hir vnto
hym? He wyll haue hir, hee conftraynes me, he exhortes mee,
hee prayes mee, but I knoxv full well xvherevnto thofe intreaties
tend, and vnder the Graflè what lurking Serpent lieth. Shal I
then put into his hands mine own Sophonifba? But before I fo
5 ° SOPHONISB.
elfe commit her to prefent flaughter, beinge affured that fhe had
rather make choife to dy, than fall into the Laps of the eruell
Romans." ,Vhereupon he determined to fend hir the poyfon,
and for very forrow fell downe vpon the ground like a man halfe
deade. Afterwards being eome agayne to him felfe, he eurfed the
Earth, the Ayre, the Fyre, Heauen, Hell, and all the Gods of the
faine, and exelaming in lamentable wyfe he ealled vnto him one
of his mof faithfull feruants, who aeeording to the eufome of
thofe dayes, alwaies kept poyfon in fore, and fayde vnto him:
"' Reeeyue thvs Cuppe of Golde, and deliuer the faine with the
poyfon, to Queene Sophonitba now abiding within the City of
Cirta, and tel hlr that I with greatef good will would fayne haue
kept the mariage knot, and the firfe fayth whyeh I plighted vnto
hir, but the Lorde of the Fielde, in whofe power I ara, hath vtterly
forbidden the faine. I haue aflïayed ail poflïble meanes to preferue
hir my Vyfe and Queene at liberty, but he whieh eommaundeth
me, hath pronouneed fueh hard and eruell fentenee, as I am
forced to offend my felf, and to be the minifer of mine own mis-
ehief. Thvs poyfon I rend hir with fo dolefull Meffage, as my
poore hearte (God knoweth) doth only fele the fmart, being the
mof forowfull prefent that euer was offred to anv fayre Lady.
This is the way aloue to faue hir from the Romaues haudes. Pray
hir to eonfider the worthines of hir father, the dygnity of hir eouu-
trey, and the royal maiefv of the I. kings hir hutbands, and to
do as hir mynd and wil fhall faufie bef. Get the henee with
all poflïble fpede, and lofe no tyme to do thys Meffage: for thou
fhalt earv the bane and prefent death of the fairef Ladye that euer
Nature framed wvthin hir favref mould." The feruaunt with
this eommauudment did departe, and Maffiniffa lyke a Chylde
beaten with the rodde, wept and eried. The meffenger being
eome to the O.ueene, and giuing hir the eup with the poyfon,
declared his cruell ambaffage. The O.ueene took the poyfoned
Cuppe, and fayd vnto the meffenger: "Geeue the king thy
mayfer myrte humble thankes, and fay vnto hym, that I recevue
and Drynke thys Poyfon wyth a wyll fo good, as if hee had com-
maunded me to enter in Tryumph wyth Laurel Garlande ouer
rnyne ennymyes.: for a better gifte a hufbande can hOt gyue to wyfe,
SOPHONISBA. 2 51
than accomplyfhment of affured fayth the funeralles whereof fhall
bee done wyth prefent obfequie." And fayinge nothynge elfe
vnto the meffenger, fhee tooke the Cuppe, and mynglynge well
together the poyfon wythin, fhee vnfearfully quafft it vp: and
when fhe had dronke it fhee delyuered the meffenger hvs Cuppe
agayne, and layed hir felfe vpon hir bed, commaunding hir gentle-
women in comely vyfe to-couer hir vyth Clothes, anti vithoute
lamentation or Sygne of femiuiue minde, fhee ftoutly waighted for
approehing death. The Gentlewomen whieh wayted vpou hir,
bewayled the rufull ftate of their Mayftreffe, whofe plaints and
feriches were heard throughout the palaee, whereof the brute and
rumor was great. But the good O.ueene vanquifhed with the ftrong
force of the poyfon, eontinued hot long before flne died. The
meffanger returned thefe heauie newes vnto Maflîniffa, who fo fo-
rowfully eomplained the loffe of his beloued wife, in fueh wife as
many tymes hee was lyke to kyll hymfelfe, that hys Soule might
haue aeeompanied the ghoft of hir, whych was beloued ofhym aboue
ail the dearef things of theVorlde. Thevalvant and vyfecapitayne
Seipio vnderftanding the newes hereof, to the intente Maffiniffa
fhoulde not commit any eruelty agaynft hymfelfe, or perpetrate
other vneomely deede, ealled hym beefore him, and eomforted hym
wyth the fweeteft wordes he eould deuife, and frendly reproued
him. The next day in the prefenee of al the army hee highly com-
mended him, and rewarded him wyth the kyngdome of Numidia,
geuing hym many ryeh Iewels and treafures, and brought hym in
great Eftimation amonges the Romaynes: whveh the Senate and
people of Rome very well approued and eonfirmed with mort
ample Priuileges, attributinge vnto hvm the title of kynge
of Numidia, and freende of the Romaynes. Suteh was
the ende of the vnhappy loue of kynge Maffiniffa,
and of the fayre and luckleffe Oueene
Sophonifba.
PORIS AND THEOXENA.
THE EIGHTH NOUELL.
The cruelt of a Ange of :acedone who forced a gentlewornan
called Theoxena, to perfuade hir children fo kill and poyfon thern-
feh, es : after which fat9,./he and hir hufl'and Poris ended their
l!/fe l'lWdrowninge.
Bv'r noxv xve haue beegon to treate of the toutneffe of certavne
noble Queenes, I wyll not let alfo to recite the Hyt%ry of a lvke
vnfearfull dame of Theffalian land, called Theoxena, of right
noble Race, the Daughter of Herodicus Prynce of that Countrey in
the tvme that Phillip the Sonne of Demetrius was kynge of Mace-
done, tolde alfo bv Titus Liuius, as two of the former be. Thvs
Lady Theoxena, firft was a notable example of piety and vertue
and afterwardes of rigorous crueltv: for the fard kyng Philip,
hauinge through his wickedneffe firft murdred Herodicus, and bv
fuccefiïon of rime crueIly done to death alfo the hufoands of
Theoxena and of Archo hir naturall fifler, vnto evther of them
being Vvdowes remayninge a Sonne: afterwardes Archo being
marved agayne to one of the principall of their Countrey named
Poris, of him fhe had manv children. But when fhe was dead,
the fard Lady Theoxena hir fifter, who was of heart more conftant
and ftout than the other, flill rcfufed the fecond mariage, although
fued vnto bv many great Lordes and Princes: at length pityinge
her nephewes ftate, for fere they fhould rail into the handes of
fome cruell Stepdame, or that theyr father would not bryng them
vp with futch diligence, as tvll that tvme they were, vas con-
tented to bee efpoufed agayne to Poris, (no lawe that rime knowen
to defend the faine) to the intente fhe might travne vp hir fiter's
ehildren as ber owne. That done fhe began (as if thev were hir
owne) to intreate and vfe them louingly, with great eare and in-
duftrie: wherby it manifeftly appeared that fhe was hot maried
againe to Poris for hir owne eommoditv and pleafure, but rather
for the wealth and gouernement of thofe hir fifter's ehildren.
Afterwards Philip king of Maeedone, an vnquiet Prince, deter-
mininge to make newe warres vpon the Romanes (then through-
PORIS AND THEOXENA.
53
out the worlde ramons and renouned for theyr good fortune) ex-
iled not onely the ehiefe and noble men, but almof al the auncient
inhabitants of the Cities along the fea eoafte of Theffalia, and theyr
v¢hole and entier familles into Poeonia afterwards ealled Emathia,
a Countrey farre diftant from the fea, giuing their voided Cities
for the Thracians to inhabite, as mort propre and faithful for the
Romains warres, whieh he intended to make: and hearinge alfo
the curffes and maledicCtions pronouneed againft him by the ban-
ifhed people, and vniuerfally by al other, thought he was in no
good furety, if he eaufed not likewyfe all the formes of them, whom
a litle before he had flayne to be put to Death. Wherefore he
commaunded them to be taken and holden vnder good gard in
prifon, hOt to do them al to be flain at once, but at times now
one and then au other, as occafion ferued. Theoxena vnderftand-
ing the edi&e of this wieked and eruell king, and wel remembring
the death of hir hufband, and of him that was hufband to hir fifter,
knew wel that hir forme and nephew iucontinently fhould be
demaunded, and greatly fearinge the kins wrath, and the rigour
of his guard, if once they fell into theyr hands, to defend them from
fhame and eruelty, fodainlv applied hir minde vnto a ftraunge de-
uiee: for fhee durft to faye vnto hir hufband their father's face,
that foner fhe would kil them with hir owne handes, if otherwife
fhe eoulde not warraunt them, then fuffer them to bee at the will
and power of kinge Philip. By reafon wherof Poris abhorring fo
exeerable eruelty, to eomfort his wife and to fane hvs Chyldren,
promyfed hyr fecretelye to tranfporte them from thence, and earved
them himfelfe toeertayneof hys faythfull Fryendes atAthens, whyeh
done wythoute longe delaye, hee ruade as thoughe hee woulde goe
from Theffalonica to Aenias, to bee at the Solemnytye of eertayne
Sacrifices, which yearelye at an appoynted tyme was done wvth
greate eeremonies to the honour of_,Enëas the founder of that Citty,
where fpendinge the time amonges other in folemne bankets, the
thrirde wateh of the night when euery man was a fleepe, as though
he would haue returned home to his eountrey with his wyfe and
ehildren, priuely embarked himfelfe and them, in a fhip hired of
purpofe to paffe into Euboea, and hot to retourne to Theffalonica.
But his intent was eleane altered and ehaunged, for his fhip was no
fooner vnder faile, but at that inftant a eontrary winde and tempeft
254
PORIS AND THEOXENA.
rofe, that brought him back againe, in defpite of their labour, and
ail the endeuour they were able to doe. And when daye lighte
appeared, the king's garrifon defcried that fhippe, and manned out
a boate, to bring in the fame, which fecret|v they thoughte was
about to efcape away, giuing them ftraight charge, that by no
meanes they fhould returne without hir. ,Vhen the boate drew
neare the fhippe, Poris bent him felf to encourage the mariners to
hoyfe vp faile agai,ae, and to make way vith their oares into the
Sea, if it were poflïb|e, to auoide the imminent a,ad prefent daunger,
to faue the lire of hi,n felfe, his vife and children : then hee lyfted
hvs handes vp vnto the heaue,as to implore the helpe and fuccor of
the Gods, xvhlch the t'toute Gentlewoman Theoxena perceiuing, and
manifefHy feei,g the Daunger wherein they vere, callinge to hir
minde hir former determinate vengeance which fhe ment to d%
and beholding Poris in his prayers, fhe profecuted hir intente,
preparing a poyfoned drink in a cuppe, and made readye naked
fwordes : al x'hich bringing forth before the Childrens face, fhe
fpake thefe words: "Death alone muft bee the reuenge of your
fiely liues, wherunto there be two wayes, poifon or the fworde.
Euery of you choofe which ye lift to haue : or of whether of them
your heart/hall make the frankef choice. The king's cruelty and
pride you muft auoid. %Vherfore deare children be of good chere,
raife vp your noble courage: ye the elder aged boyes, fhew now
your felues like men, and take the fword into your handes to pierce
vour tender hearts : but if the bloudy fmart of that moft dreadfull
death fhal feare and fright your greene and vnripe age, then take
the venomed cup, and gulpe by fundry draghtes this poifoned drinke.
Be franke and lufy in this your defened Death, tlth the violence
of Fortune, by Sea, doeth let the length,aing of your life. I craue
this requefte of choyfe, and let not the fame rebound with fearfull
refufe of thvs mv craued heft. Your mother afterwardes fhal pafs
that frayght, xvhereof fhe prayeth hir babes to bee the poafes:
ye the vaunt currours, and fhee, with your louing tire,/hall end
and 6nifhe Philip's rage bent agaynf vs." When fhee had fpoken
thefe woordes and fawe the enimies at hand, this couragious dame,
the deuifer of the death, egged and prouoked thefe yong trembling
children (not yet wel refolued what to do) with her encharmed
woords in futch wyfe, as in the ende, fome dranke the poyfon, and
PORIS AND THEOXENA.
55
other firake them felues into the body and by hir commaundement
vere throwen ouer boord, hot altogether dead, and fo fhe fer them
at liberty by death whom tenderly fhe had brought vp. Then fhe
imbracing hir hufband the companion of hir death, both did vo-
luntarily throw themfelues alfo into the fea: -And when the kinge's
efpials were come aborde the fhip, they round the fame abandon-
ed of theyr praye. The cruelty of which fa& did fo moue the
common people to detefiatyon and hatred of the kinge, as a gene-
rail curffe was pronounced againft him and his childretb which
heard of the Gods aboue was afterwardes terribly reuenged vpon his
fiocke and poKerity. Thys was the end of good Poris and his
fiout wyfe Theoxena, who rather then fhe vould fall into the lapfe
of the king's furie, as hir father Herodicus, and hir other hufbande
did, chofe violently to dye with hir own hands, and to caufe hir
hufband's children and hir owne, to berieue them felues of Lyfe,
whych although agaynK the louinge order of naturall courre, aud
therefore that kinde of violence to bec abhorred, as horrible in it
felf, yet a declaration of a fiout mind, if otherwife flae had ben able
to reuenge the faine. _And what coward heart is that, that date
not vpon fuch extremity, when it feeth the mercileffe ennimy
at ha,ad, with fhining blade ready bett, to ttryke the blowe, that
withoute remedye muK ridde the fame of breath, fpecially when it
beholdeth the tremblyng babe, naturally begotten by hys owne
kinde and nature, before the face imploryng father's refcue, what
dafarde heart date hot to offer himfelfe, by fingular fight (thoughe
one to twentye) either by defperate hardineffe to at,oyd the lame,
or other anoyance, aduenture what he can ? which in Chrittians is
admitted as a comely fight, rather than wyth that Pagane Dame to
do the death it felfe. But now returne wee to defcribe a fa& that
paffeth al other forced deedes. For Theoxena was compelled in a
maner thus to do of meere conKraint to efchue the greater torments
of a tyrant's rage and thought it better by chofen death to chaunge
hir lyfe, than bv violent hands of bloudy Butchers to be haled to the
flaughter. But thvs Hidrufian dame was weary of hir owne lire, hot
for that fhe feared loffe of lyre, but defperate to think of Fortune's
fickle Kaye : whvch if fortune's darlings would regarde in
time, they would forefee theyr flippery holde.
256
A GENTLEWOMAN
THE NYNTH NOUELL.
.,4 flraunge and rnaruellous tre, which in old rime was obferued in
Hidrzfa, where if was laufull, with the licence of a rnagiflrate or-
dagned for that purpofe, for euer9 man, and woman that lift, fo
kill them felues.
BAIDELLO amonges the companyof hys Nouels, tel]eth thls hittory:
and in his own perfon fpeaketh thefe words. If I fhou]d begin
to tell thofe things which I faw in the tyme that I fayled alongs
the Leuant feas, very tedious it would be for you to heare, and I in
reporting could not tell which way to ende, bicaufe I faw and
heard thynges ryght worthy to bee remembred, lotwythttandinge,
for fatiffaCCtion of dvuers that be my frendes, I will not tticke to
reherfe fome of them. But firlt of ail one ttraunge cuttome,
whych in the Romayes tyme was vfed in one of the Ilandes of the
fea 2Egeum, called Hidrufa, in thefe daves by the trauaylers called
Cea or Zea, and is one of the Ilandes named Ciclades, whilome
full of Populous and goodly Cities, as the ruins therof at this day
do declare. There vas in olde time in that Iland a yery ftraunge
lawe and ordynaunce, which many hundred yeares was verye well
and perfec'-tly kept and obferved. The Law was, that euery perfon
inhabitant within the fard Ifle, of what fexe and condition fo euer,
being throughe age, infirmity, or other accidents, weary of their
lyfe, might choofe what kind of death that liked them belt : how-
beit it was prouyded that the partye, before the dooing of the faine,
fhould manifeft the caufe that moued him therevnto, before the
Magiltrate elec'-ted by the people for that fpeciall purpofe, which
they conltituted becaufe they fawe that diuers perfons had vo]un-
tarily killed themfelues vpon trifling occafions and matters of
little importance: according to whiche lawe very many Men and
.Vomen, hardily with fo merry chere went to theyr Death, as if they
had gone to fome bankette or mariage. It chaunced that Pom-
peius Magnus the dreadfull Romane, betwene whom and Iulius
Coefar were fought the greatett battailes for fuperiority that euer
were, failing by the Se JEgeum, arriued at Hidrufa, and there
goynge a land vnderfioode of the inhabitantes the maner of that law
and how the faine dav a woman of great worfhip had ohteined li-
cence of the Magiflrate to poyfon hir fel[e. Pompeius hearing tell
hereof, w as driuen into great admiration, and thoughtit very flraunge,
that a woman whieh al the dayes of hir lire had liued in great ho-
nour and eftimation, flaoulde vpon light eaufe or oeeafion poyfon
her felfe fith it was naturally giuen to eeh hreathyng wyght to
prolong theyr liuing dayes with the longer threede that Atropos
eould draw out of dame Nature's webbe. Vherrpon he eom-
maunded the laid matrone to he hrought before hym, whofe Death
for hir vertue was generallye lamented hy the whole Countrye.
When the gentlewoman was hefore hym, and had vnderflanding
that flae was fully refolued and determined to dye, hee hegan by
greate perfuafions to exhort hir, that fhe flaould hot wilfully
eafi hir felfe away, vpon eontîderation that fhe was oflufiy yeares,
riche and welheloued of the whole countrey : and how greate pitye
it were but flaee flaoulde tenue hir Mynde and gyue hir felfe ftill to
lyue and remayne, till Natural couffe dyd ende and finvfla hir lire :
howbeit his graue and earnelt perfuafion eould not diuert hir from
hir intended purpofe. But Pompeius loth to haue hir dye, eeaffed
hot fiyll to profeeute hvs former talke with newe reafons and
ttronger arguments. All whieh flaee paeiently heard with fixed
eountenaunee, til at lengthe with eleare voyee and fmiling eheere
fhe anfwered him in this maner: " You be greatly deeevued (my
lord Pompeius) if you do heleeue that I wythout very great proui-
denee and mature aduife goe about to ende my dayes: for I do
know and am fully perfuaded, that eehe ereature naturally eraueth
the prolongation and lengthninge of lyre, and fo muteh ahhoreth to
die, as the defirous to lyue detelteth the poyfon whveh I haue
prepared for eonfumation of my lyre. XVhereupon as I haue di-
uers rimes thought, eonfidered and difeourfed with my felfe, and
amongs may eonfiderations oftentimes debated in my minde»
there came into the faine the inftahility and fickle change of For-
tune, whofe whirling wheele neuer eeaffeth, ne yet remayneth
ltedfaf. It is dayly feene how flae doth exalte and aduaunee
fome man from the loweff and bottomleffe Pit, euen to the top of
high Heauens, endowinge him with fo muteh Suhffauuce as he ean
VOL. II. R
A GENTLEWOBIA.N
defirc. An other that was mot happy, honoured in thls world
lyke a God, vnto vhom no goods and welfare were wantlnge, who
might xvel haue bene ealled in his lyfe, a three times happy and
bleffed wyght, fodaynly from his honour and tate depriued and
ruade a very poore man and begger. Some man alfo, that is both
riche and luty, aeeompanied with a fayre wyfe and goodly Chil-
dren, lyuinge in great mirth and ioylity, this wicked Lady Fortune,
the deuourer of all our eontentations, depriueth from the ineti-
tuable treafure of health, eaufeth the fayre X.Vvfe to loue an other
better than hir hufbande, and with hir venomous Tooth biteth the
ehildren» that in fhort fpaee myferable death cateheth them al
within his dreadfull Clouches whereby he is defrauded of thofe
ehi|dren, whom after his death he purpofed to leaue for hys Heyres.
But what meane I to confume tvme and words in deelaration of
Fortune's vnfeady fay, which is more eleare than the beams of
the Sunne, of whom dayly a Thoufande thoufande examples be
manifeff: all hiffories be full of theym. The mighty countrey of
Groeeia doth render ample witneffe wherein fo many excellent
men were bred and brought vp : who defirous with their finger to
toueh the higheff heauen, were in a moment throwen downe:
and fo many famous Cities, which gouerned numbers of people,
now at this prefent day we fee to he thrall and ohedient to thy
City of Rome. Of thefe hurtfull and perillous mutations (O noble
Pompeius) thy Romane City may be a moff cleare glaffe and Spec-
tacle, and a multitude of thy noble Citizens in tyme paff and pre-
fent, may geeue plentifull xvitneffe. But to corne to the caufe of
this my death, I fay, that fyndyng myfelf to haue liued thefe
many yeares (by what ehaunce I can not tell) in very great pros-
perity, in al which tyme I neuer did fuffer any one myffehappe,
but ftyll from good to better, haue paffed my time vntil thvs daye :
nowe fearyng the frownynge of Ladye Fortune's face, and that fhe
will repente hir long continued fauour, I feare, I fay, leat the
faine Fortune fhould chaung hir tile, and begynne in the middef
of my pleafaunt life to fprinckle hir poyfoned hitterneffe, and
make mee the Reeeptacle and Quiuer of hir fharpe and noyfome
arroves. "Vherefore I ara nove determined by good aduyfe» to
rid my felfe from the captivity of hir force, from all hir miffortunes,
OF HIDRUSA. 9
and from the noyfom and grieuous infirmities, which miferably
be incident to vs mortall Creatures: and beleeue me (Pompeius)
that many lu theyr aged dayes haue le't their lire xvith little ho-
nour, who had they bene gone in their youth, had dved Famous for
euer. Vherefore (my lord Pompeius) that ! may hot be tedious
vnto thee, or hinder thyne affayres by long difeourfe, I befeeh thee
to geeue me leaue to foliow my deliberate difpofition, that 'ranke-
ly and freely I may be vnburdened of all daunger : for the longer
the lire doth grow, to the greater annoyfaunce and daunger it is
lubie&." When fhe had fo fayd, to the great admiration and
eompaffion of all thofe whieh were prefent, with tremblinge
handes and fearefull eheare, fhe quaffed a great Cup of poyfoued
drynke, the whieh fhe brought *vith hir for that purpofe, and ithin
a while ai'ter dyed. This was the ftraunge vfe, and order obferued
in Hidrufa. XVhieh good counfel of the Dame had the noble
and valiaunt captayne followed» no doubt he would haue bin eon-
tented to haue bin brought to order : and then he had hot loti that
bloudy battel atehieued agaynf hvm by Iulius Coefar at Pharfalia
in ASgypt. Then hee had not fufayued fo many ouerthro,ves as
he did, then had hee not ben forfaken of his frendes, and in the
ende eudured a death fo miferable. And for fo muteh as for the
mof part hitherto we haue intreated ofmany Tragieall and bloudy
ehaunces, refpyring now from thofe, let vs a little toueh fome
medicinable remedies for loue, fome leffons for gouernment
nd obedience, fome treaties ofamorous Dames, and hauty
Gefes of Prynees, O.ueenes and other perfons, to
variate the ehaungeable diet, wherewyth dyuers
bee affe&ed, rellithinge their Stomackes
wyth fome more pleafaunt Digefions
than they haue tafed.
6o
FAUSTINA TItE EMPRESSE.
THE TENTH NOUELL.
The diJhonefl Loue of Favflina the Empreffe, and with what remedy
the fame loue was remoued and tahen away.
TRUE and mort holy is the fentence, that the Lady, Gentlewoman,
or other wygbt of Female kinde, of vhat degree or condition foeuer
fhe be, be fhe fayre, fowle, or ylfauoured, cannot be endued with
a more precious Pearle or Iewell, than is the neate and pure
vertue of honefty : which is of futch valour, that it alone without
other vertue, is able to render her that gliffereth in her attire, moff
famous and excellent. Be fhe more beautiful than Helena, be fhe
mightier than the Amazon, better learned than Sappho, rycher
than Flora, more louinge than Queene Dido, or more noble than
the beft Empreffe and Queene of the worlde, or be fhe full of any
other vertue, if fhe want the name of chaff, fhee is not worthv fo
mutch as to beare the title of honour, nor to be entertavned in
honeff company. Yee fhall perufe hereafter an hiffory of a Coun-
teffe of Celant, that vas a pafling fayre Dame, fingularly adorned
with Nature's gifts. She was fayre, pleafaunt, amiable, comely,
and perchaunce not altogether barrayne of good erudition and
lcarninge : fhe could play vpon thc inftruments, ring, daunce, make
and compofe witty, and amorous Sonets, and the more her company
was frequented, the more amiable and gracious the faine vas
effeemed. But bicaufe fhe was unfhamfaft and leffe chatte, fhe
was voyde of honet regarde. Sutch as bee difhoneft, do hot
onely hurt themfelues, but gieue caufe to the common people to
mutter and grudge at their parentes education, at their hufbands
gouernment and inftitution of their Children, caufing them mort
commonlv to leade a difcontented and heauv lyfe. Thinke you
that Augufus Coefar (albeit he was a vitCtorious Emperour, and
led a triumphant raygne) liued a contented lire when he faw the
two Iulie, one of them his daughter, the other his Niece, to vfe
them felues like common ftrumpets, conftrained through their
fhameful a&s to pin, and clore vp himfelfe, fhunning the conuer-
ration of men, and once in minde to cut his Daughter's Vaynes
FAUSTINA THE EMPRE$$
to let out hir Lufty bloud ? Was not he wont (the teares trickling
downe his Prineely Face) to fay, that better it was neuer to haue
ehildren and to be deade without them, than to haue a fruteful
wife and children fo difordred ? He termed his Daughter to be a
Carrion lumpe of flefhe, full of ffenehe and filthineffe. But if I
lift to fpeake of women of this age, from noble to vnnoble, from
an Emperor's Daughter to a Ploughman's modder, whofe liues
do frame after Iulla hir lore, my pen to the fumpes would weare,
and my hande be wearied with writing. And fo likewife it would
of numbres no doubt in thefe daves that folow the trace of Lu-
creee line, that hufwifely and chaftly contriue the day and nightes
in pure and Godly exereife. But of the naughty forte to fpeake,
(leauing to voyde offenee, futeh as do flourifh in our time) I will
not eonceale the Empreffe Meffalina, that was \Vyfe to the empe-
rour Claudius, hot only vnworthy of Empreffe degree, but of the
title of XVoman: who being abufed by many, at length arriued
to futeh abhominable luft, as not eontented with dayly adulterous
life, would refort to the common ftewes, where the ruffians and
publike harlots haunted, for little hire, and there for vileft priee
with eehe flaue did humble herfelfe: and at night hot fatiffied,
but weared, returned home to hir Palaee, not afhamed to difelofe
hir felfe to any that lift to looke vpon hir: and for viS'tory of that
beaftly gaine, eontended with her lyke. But hOt to fav fo muteh
of hir as I finde in Plinie his naturall hiftory, in Suetonius, and
Cornelius Taçitus, I leaue hir to hir felfe, byeaufe I haue ruade
promife to remember the difhoneft loue for example fake, whieh
I read of Fauftina, whofe beauty of al \Vriters is vouehed to be
moft excellent, if excellency of good life had thereunto ben coup!ed.
She xvas the daughter and wyfe of two holy and vertuous Empe-
rours, the one ealled Antonius Plus, the other Mareus Antonius.
This M. Antonius in ail vertuous workes was perfe?t and Godly,
and fingtllerly loued his wife Fauftina, and although fhe was
infamous to the world, and a Fable to the people, yet he eared not
for the fame, futeh was the pafl]ng loue hee bare vnto hir. Leaue
we to fpeake of hir beaftly behauiour amongs the noble fort,
without regard vnto hir moft noble hufbande, and come wee to
treate of a certaine fauage kind of luft fhe had to one of the
FAUSTINA THE EMPRESSE.
Gladiatores, x,'hych v,'ere a certaine fort of Gamfiers in Rome,
whieh we terme to be Maifers of defenee. She ,vas fo far in
loue with this Gladiator, as fhe could hOt eat, drink, or flepe, ne
take any refL This Fauffina x,.as fo vnfhamefafi, as hOt regard-
ing hir fmte, being as I fayde belote the daughter and wife of
two mof xvorthy Emperors, dyfdayned hot to fubmitte her Body
to the Bafeneffe of one of the vilef fort, a Rafeal Fencer, and
manv times would goe to Caieta, a Citie and hauen of Campania,
to ioyne hir felfe with the galye flaues there. Hir hufbande
whieh Ioued her dearely, comfortying his feble loulng wyl:e fo well
as he eoulde, eaufed the bef Phvfieians he eould finde, to eome
vnto hir for reeouery of hir health. But all the deuvfed phyfike
of the world was not able to cure her, fhe was fo louefieke. In
the end knowing by long experienee the fauour and loue hir hus-
band bare vnto hir, and knoxving that nothing eould x,ithdraxv
his continued minde, flae tolde him, that al the torment and payne
fhee fufained, was for the loue of a gladiator, towards xvhom hii
loue was fo miferably bent, that exeept fhe had his company,
death was the next medieine for hir difeafe. The good hufband
whveh beyond meafure loued his wife, eomforted hir with fo
louing vordes as he could, and bad hir to bee of good eheare,
promifinge hee xvould prouide remedy. Afterwards eonfulting
with a wife man a Chaldee born, opened vnto him the effe& of
his wiue's difeafe, and how fhe was louefieke with futch a perron
one of the Gamtters of the City, æçomifing great rewardes if he
eould by his feeretes ferehe out redreffe to faue hir life. The
Chaldee eould tel him none other remedy, but that he muft eaufe
the Gladiator to be flaine, and with the bloud of him to anoint the
bodv of the Empreffe, hOt telling vnto hir xvhat the ointment was:
xvhieh don, that he muft goe to naked bed to hir, and do the a&
of matrimony. Some Hiforiographers do write, that the Chaldee
gaue him eounfell, that Fauftina fhould drinke the bloud of the
Gladiator, but the mof part, that hir body xvas bathed in the lame.
But how fo euer it was, it xvould haue cooled the hotteft Gentle-
xvoman's ttomack in the xvorld, to be anoynted with like Salue.
To eonclud the Gladiator was flayne and the medieine ruade and
applied to the Paeient, and the Emperour lay with the Empreffe,
FAUSTINA THE EMPRESSE.
263
and begat hir with childe. And immediatly flae forgot the Gla-
diator, neuer after that tyme remembring him. If this medieine
were applied to our earnall louinge dames (which God defend)
they would not onely follow Faufina in forgetfulnes, but alfo
would miflike hir Phifike: and not greatly regard the eounfell
of futeh do&ours. By meanes of this medieine and copulation
was the Emperour Commodus borne, who rather refembled
the Gladiator than his Father: in whofe breaf refed
a torehoufe of mifehyefe and vyee, as Hero-
dian and other ,Vryters plentifully do
wryte.
64 TWO ^DS
THE ELEUENTH NOUELL.
Chera hid a treafitre : Elifa going about to bang her felfe, and tyi.g
the halter about a beame found that treafure, and in place thereof
left the halter. Philene the daughter of Chera goingfor that
treafi«re, and l, ufily fearching for the faine, round the halter,
wherewithal for difpayreJ'he would haue haned hir felfe, but for-
bidd«n l,y Elifa, who l,y chaun« «fpi«d hir, J'he was reflor«d fo
part of hir loffe, leading afterwards a happy and »rofperous lyfe.
FORTUNE, the Lady Regent and Gouerneffe of man's lyfe, fo altreth
and chaungeth the ftate thereof, as many times we fee the noble
borne from that great mighty port, wherein they be, debafed fo
farre, as either infamoufly their lyre is fpent in the hungry lap of
Dame Penury, or elle contriued in the vgly lothfom houfe of
Vantonneffe, the ftepdame of all honefty and vertue. Some-
times we marke the vnnoble ladde that was noofeled in the home-
ly countrey caban, or rude ciuile fhoppe, attaine to that whych
the onely honorable and gentle do afpire: and he agayne that is
ambicious in climbing vp the turning wheele, throxven down
beneth the brink of aduerfe luck, whelmed in the ditch and pit
of black defpaire. Ve note alfo fometimes that the careleffe
wyght of Fortune's gifles, hath (vnlooked for) his mouth and
throte crammed full of promotion and worlde's delights. Such is
the maner of hir fickle ftay : whereof this Hiftory enfuing, gyueth
fome intelligence by remembring the deftenied luck of pore
fory girles that were left deflitute of defired things, both like to
fal into defpaire, and vet both holpen with that they mol defired :
which in this fort beginneth. In the time that Scipio Affricanus
had befieged the City of Carthage, Chera that was a widow
(dwellinge there) feeinge the daunger at hand wherein the Citty
ftoode, and doubtynge the loffe and ouerthrowe of the faine, and that
the honor of the dames and womankinde, coulde vneths be fafe and
harmeleffe, dctermined not to abide the vttermoft: and hauinge a
good quantity of Gold and precious ftones, fhe beftowed the lame
in a cafquet, and hid it vpon one of the beames of hir houle,
OF CARTHAGE. 26S
purpofinge when the flir and daunger was pari, to retourne to hir
houle agayne for thofe hir hidden things. ,Vhich done, in the
habite of a poore woman with ber onely daughter in hir hand that
was about 5 or 6 yeares of age, fhe went out of Carthage, and
paffed ouer the Seas into Scicilia, where falling fieke, after fhe had
bene there three or foure yeares, at length died. But before fhee
departed, fhee ealled her Daughter before hir, then about Ten yeares
olde, and told hir the place where fhe had layed hir Cafket. And
by reafon of the vicCtorv gotten by Scipio, the eity was maruel-
loufly chaunged, and amongs other things, the houle of Chera was
giuen to a Romane Souldiour that was fo enriched with Nobilyty
of Mynd, as hee was poore of Fortune's Goods. x, Vhych Chera
vnderftandyng, was forowfull, and doubted of hir thynges fecret-
lye beftowed vppon the beame, x.Vherevpon fhe fayd vnto hir
daughter, that for fo much as their houfe was in the poffeffion of
an other, fhe ought to be wife and cireumfpecet in the recouerye
of hir hidden goods: and that hir death was the more greuous
vnto hir, becaufe fhe muft leaue hir (fo yong a maiden) vnprouided
of frendes for hir good gouernement. But )'et fhe incouraged hir
againe and fayd: that fith neceffity approched, fhe muçt
childyfhe age, put on a graue and auncent minde, and beware
howe fhee bewrayed that cafket to any perfon, for that of purpofe
fhee referued the knowledge thereof, to hir felf, that it might
ferue for hir preferment, and procure hir a hufoand worthy of hir
felfe. And the maiden demaundinge the value of the lame, flee
told hir that it was worth ce. Talentes, and gaue hir in wiiting
the particulars inclofed within the Catkette, and that the Ivke bill
fhee fhould find within the lame, written wyth hir owne Hande.
And fo the good woman within a while after dyed, leauyng be-
hynde hir the yong mayden hir daughter, that maruelloufly la-
mented the death of hir mother, accordingly as nature taught hir,
and ech other reafonable wyght depriued from their deareft friends.
The maiden for hir yeres was very wife, and would difelofe to
none what her mother had fayd, keeping the writing very care-
fullv. Not long after Philene (whyeh was the maiden's naine)
fell in loue with a Gentleman of Seicilia of greate reputation and
authority, who al bee it he faw hir to be very faire and comely,
66 "rwo MAIDENS
yet eared not for hir loue in refpe& of Maryage, for that hee
knewe hir to bee poore, and withoute dowrie mete for a Gentleman,
ieRyng and mocking to fee hir fixe hir minde on him, for defyre
to haue him to hir huCoande, that was a perfonage fo noble and
rich: which refufall pierced the hearte of the tender maiden,
bicaufe fhe faw hir felfe forfaken for nothynge elfe, but for want
of goods: whych made hir to think and eonfider, howe fl, ee
myght recouer the riches that hir mother had layed vp in Car-
thage. It chaunced as flac x'as in this meditation, the daughter
of him to whome the Houfe of Chera was giuen, called Elifa,
was likewife enamoured of a noble yong gentleman in Carthage,
who bicaufe Elifa was the daughter of a Souldiour, and hOt very
rich, in like manner laughed and iefied at hir loue, no leffe than
the other did at Philene. Notwithfianding Elifa attempted al
meanes poflïble to induce the yong man to loue hir, but hir prac-
tife and attemptes tended to none effecCt. And laR of ail, defirous
to haue a refolute anfwere, and thereby vnderRode, that he would
rather dye than take hir to \Vyfe, fhe fell into defpayre and curffed
fortune, and hir fate, that fhe was hOt borne riche enough to
match wvth hir chofen Gentleman, and that flae being poore, mur
fall in loue wyth futch a perfonage: whereupon fhe miferably
tormented hir felfe, ftill bewaylinge hir vnhappy lucke, that fhee
could hot win him to be hir hufband, for whych only intent and
purpofe fhe loued him. And this amorous palïion incrediblv
growing in hir the rootes whereof be planted in the reftleffe hu-
mor of melancholy, and wanting all hope and comforte to t2ay
that Ranke and Rammifhe weede, it fo increafed in her, as fhee
franticke in raging loue gaue hir felfe ouer to the fpoyle of her-
felf: and to rid her from the griefe, flae determined to kill hir
felfe, imagining whvch wty flae might do the faine. At length
fhe was refolued, with hir father's fvord to peerce hir body:
but hir heart hot feruing hir thereunto, deuifed by the halter to
end her lyre» faying thus to herfelfe: "Thys death yet fhal do
me good, that the cruel man mav know that for his fake I haue
done this lacet : and if his heart be not ruade of Iron or fteele, he
can not chofe but forrowe and lament, that a poore mayde whych
loued him better than hir owne lyre, hath ruade futch wretched
OF CARTHAGE. 6 7
eude ouely for his erueltv." Elifa eoneludinge vpou this iuteut,
prepared a Halter : and being alone in her houle, in the ehamber
where the Catket lay vpon the beame, plaeed a ttoole vnder the
faine, and began to tye the halter about the beame: in doinge
whereof, flae efpied the eafket, and reaehed the lame vuto hir,
who feeling it to be heauy and weighty, immediatlv did open it,
and founde the Byll within, whieh Chera had written with hir owne
hand, agreable to that whieh flae had deliuered to hir daughter,
wherein were partieularly remembred the Iewels and other riches
fait elofed within the eafket. \Vho difclofing the bagges whereln
the gold and Iewels were bound vp, and feeing the great value of
the faine, wondred thereat, and ioyfull for that fortune, laid the rope
whieh flae had prepared for hir death, in the place where flac found
the ealket, and with great gladneffe and mirth went vuto hir
father, and thewed him xvhat flae had found, whereat the father
reioyced no leffe, then his daughter Elifa did. bieaufe he fawe
himfelfe thereby to be difcharged of his former poore lire, and like
to proue a man of ineftimable wealth and fubitanee: and fa,v
likewife that the poore weneh his daughter, by the addieion of
thofe riches, was like to attayue the party whom flaee loued.
Vhen he had taken forth thofe bagges and well furueved the
value, to the intent no man might fufpe& the fodayne mutation
of his fiate, tooke his daughter with him, and v,'ent to Rome,
where after he had remayued eertayne monethes, hec returned to
Carthage, and began very galantly to appareil himfelfe, and to
keepe a bountifull and liberall houfe. His table and port was
very delieate and Sumptuous, and hys Stable fiored wvth many
favre Horffe, in all poyn&es flaeewinge himfelfe very lX,-oble and
rieh : by whieh fodavne ehaunge of ttate, the whole Citty beleeued
that he had brought that wealth from Rome. And bieaufe it
is the common opinion of the vulgar fort, that where there is no
riches, there is no nobility, and that they alone make men noble
and gentle (a foolvfhe Opinion in deede proceedinge from heads
that be rafla and light) the people markynge that porte and charge
kept by the Souldiour, eoneeyued that he was of fome noble
houfe. And throughout the whole Citty great and folemne honour
was donc vnto him : ,vhereupon the young Gentleman, with ,vhom
=68 TWO IIAIDENS
Elifa was in loue, began to bee afhamed of himfelfe, that he had
difdayned the mavden. Whyeh mayden feeing hir Father's houle
tobe in futeh reputation, made lute to her father, that he would
procure the Gentleman to bee hir hu/band. But hir father wylled
hir in any wvfe to keepe feeret hir defire, and hot to feeme her
felfe to bee in loue, and wyfely tolde hir, that more meete it
was that fhe fhould bee folieited by him, than fhee to make
lute or requefi for mariage: alleaginge that the leffe defirous
the gentleman had bene of hir, the more deare and better beloued
fhee fhoulde be to hym. And many tymes when hvs Daughter
was demaunded to \Vyfe, he ruade aunfwere that matrimonv was a
tiare of no litle importance, as enduring the vhole courre of Lyfe,
and therefore ought well to bee eonfidered and wayed, before any
eonelufion were ruade. But for all thefe demaundes and aunfwers,
and all thefe fiops and ttayes, the mayden was indowed with an
honeft dowry, and in the end her louer and fhe were maried,
with fo great pleafure and fatiffa&ion of them both, as they
deemed themfelues happy. In the meane time ,,'hile thefe things
were done at Carthage, Philene in Seicilia toke thought how fhe
might reeouer her goods geuen to her by her mother, defirous
by their meanes alfo to fort hir earnefi and ardent loue to happy
fueeeffe. And debatinge with ber felfe (as we haue fard before)
howe fhe might obtayne them, beeaufe the houle was in poffef-
tion of an other, thought it to bee aga.vnfi reafon and order,
that although file had loti hir houle, yet hir goods ought to be
refiored vnto hir, whieh were hir onely mavntenance and reputa-
tion, and the fittefi infirument that fhould eondu& her loue to
happy ende. And hearinge tell that the Father of Elifa the pof-
feffor of hir mother's houle liued at Carthage in great royalty
and magnificence, thought that if by fome fleight and pollicie fhe
founde hOt meanes to enter the houle without fufpieion, hir
attempt would be in vavne: determined therefore to goe to Car-
thage, and to feeke feruiee in that houle, eounterfaytinge the kvnde
and habite of a Page. For fhe eonfidered, that if fhe went thither
in order and appareli of a mayden, fhe fhould incur the perill of
her virginity, and fall into the lapfe of diuers other daungers,
purpofed then to go thyther in maner of a Page and lacky. And
OF CARTHAGE. 6 9
when fhe had in that fort furnifhed hirfelfe, fhe paffed the Seas,
and arriued at Carthage. And feekinge feruice about the City
at length chaunced tobe retayned in a houle that was next
neyghbour to the Souldier, and bicaufe this wench was gentle
and of a good difpofition, was wel beloued of her maifter, who
being the frend of Elifa, hir Father many ri.ries lent vnto him
diuers prefents and gifts by Philene, wherevppon fhe began
to be acquainted and familiar with the feruantes of the houle,
and by her oft repayre thyther viewed and marked euery corner,
and vpon a time entred the chamber wherein hir 1Mother Chera
olde hir, that fhee had beflowed hir goods, and lookinge vpont
the Beames efpied by certayne Signes and tokens, one of
them tobe the faine where the Cafket lay : and therewithal wel
fatiffied and contented, verily fuppofed that the cafket ftill re-
mayned there, and without further bufineffe for that time, expecCt-
ed fome other feafon for recouery of the faine. In the ende, the
good behauiour and diligence of Philene, was fo liked of Elifa,
as hir father and fhe ruade lute to hir maifler to giue hir leaue to
ferue them who bycaufe they were his friends, preferred Philene
wto them, and became a page of that houle. And one day
fecretly repayrynge into the chamlSer, vhere the treafure lay
mounted vppon a floole, and fought the beame for the cafket:
xhere fhe round no cafket, but in place where that lay, the haher,
wherwithal Elifa woulde haue flrangled hir felf. And fearching all
the parts of the Chamber and the beames, and finding nothing elle
but the halter, fhe was furprifed with futch incredible forrowe, as
fhe feemed like a flock, without fpiryte, voice or lire. Afterwardes,
being corne againe to hir felfe, fhee began pitifully to lament and
complayn in this marier: ".Ah wretched Philene, vnder xvhat
vnluckie figne and planer xvas thou begotten and borne? xvyth
what offence were the heauens wroth, xvhen they forced thee to
pierce thy mother's wombe ? Could I poore creature when I xvas
framed xvithin the moulde of nature, and fed of rny mother's fub-
fiance within hir wombe, and afterxvards in due time brought
forth to light, commit fucb crime, as to prouoke the celefliall im-
preflions to confpire agaynfl my Natiuity, to brynge mine in-
creafed age into fuch wretched Rate and plighte wherein it is nox
0 TXVO IIAIDEBIS
wrapped ? No, no, my faulte xvas nothing, it was parent's offenee,
if any were at ail: for many times we fee the innocent babe
affliceted for the father's guilt. .The Gods do punifh the poterity,
for fim faerilege or notorious crime eommitted by progenitors:
theyr manner is not to fuffer heynous faultes vnreuenged : their
iuffiee eannot abide fueh mifehief vncorreéced for example fake:
fo fareth it by me. Firt my father died, after wardes my Mother
a widow was driuen to abandon natiue foyle, and feeke reliefe in
forrain land : and leauing that wherwith we were poffeffed in eni-
mies keping, were foreed a fimple life to leade among fraungers.
And my mother, yelding forth hir ghof, ruade lne beleue that fhee
had hidden great treafures here: and I vnhappy weneh thinking
to obteine the pra.v, haue wandred in eounterfeit kind, and fetche-
ed many a bitter figh, vntil I came into this place : and the thing
I hoped for, whieh myght haue bene the meanes and ende of all
my eare, is turned to nothyng : a eatket tranfformed into a halter :
gold and Iewels into a pieee of rope ? ls this the mariage dowry
(Philene) thou art like to haue to match with him whom thou fo
derely loueR? ls this the knot that fhall conioyne you both in
voke of man and wife ? Ah wreteh and miferable eaitife, the goods
thy mother layd vp for thee, for maintenance of thy retS, and
fafegarde of thine honour, and for the reputation of thy noble
houfe, wherof thou carafe, is now berieued from thee: they that
kepe this tately houle, and beare their lofty port amid the beR,
haue defpoiled thee pore weneh of that after which thou didf
vainly trauayle. But what remedve now ? fith thy wieked lot
doth thus fall out, fith thy cruel rate is loth thou fhouldet at-
teine the thing on whyeh thy miud is bente, and fith thy painfull
lyfe ean take no ende, make fpede to rid thy felfe from mifery by
that meanes whieh he hath prepared for thee that hath found thy
goods: who feeing his good aduenture to be thy bane, his happy
pray to bee thy fpoyle, hath left in lieu of treafure, a halter, that
therwith thou mightef difpateh thy felfe from ail thy griefes, and in
their vnhappye eompanye to eeafe thy lire, that the lothfom, length-
ning of the faine might not inereafe thy further plaints» forowes,
anguifh and affliccion. And in the place where infortunate Philene
toke hir bginning, ther the Miferable wretche mul finifhe that,
OF CARTHAGE. 2I
which without hir defired gaine no longer can be maynteined.
Peraduenture it may eome to paffe as when thy foule is lofed
from this mortall charge, it fhall ftalke by hvm, by whom it
liueth, and by him alfo whom fhe thought to ioy in greateft eon-
tentation that euer mortall voman did." And thus plaininge and
fighing hir il fortune, when fhe had ended thofe words fhe tyed
the haher about the beame, where fometimes hir Treafure lay,
whieh beyng done fhee put the fame about hir neeke, fayinge:
"0 erooked Lady Fortune,that haft thus vnfrendly dealt with thine
humble elyent : Ah difpayre, thou vgly wreteh and eompanion of
the diftreffed that is vnwillinge to leaue my haunte vntyll thou
playe the ttangman. Ah Dyuell incarnate that goeft aboute to
hale and plucke the innocent into thy hellifh eaue. Out vppon
the thou deformed hellifh dogge, that waiteft at the fiery gate to
lette them in, ,vhich faine would paffe an other porte." And as
fhee was powrying forth thefe fpitefull wordes, redy to remove the
ioole to feteh hir f,vynge, the Gods ,vhieh would hot giue eonfent,
that the innocent ,vench flould enter that vile and opprobrious
death, moued the heart of Elifa, to paffe by the place where
fhe vas in workynge on her felfe that defperate end : who hearing
thofe moneful plaints vttred after fuch terrible manner, opened
the Chamber doore, and faw that myferable fight : and ignorant of
the oeeafion, moued with pity, ranne and ftaved hir from the fa&,
faying thus vnto hir : "Ah Philene," (whyeh was the name that
fhe had giuen to hir felfe) '" what folie hath bewitehed thv mind ?
What phrenfie hath incharmed thy braine ? What harde aduenture
hath moued thee in this miferable ,vile, to ende thy life ? " ".Ah"
(fayd Philene) "' fuffer me Elifa, to finifh my tormentes : giue me
liberty to vnburden mvfelfe from the bande of eares that do alFaile
me on euery ride : lette thefe Helhoundes that ftande heare rounde
about mee, haue theyr praye for whieh they gape. Thou moued
by eompafllon, arte corne hither to ftay mee from the Haher : but
in doyng fo, thou doeft mee greater wrong, than doeth defpayre
whyeh eggeth me therunto. Surfer I fay, that mine affli&ions
may take fome end, fith cruel fortune willeth it to be fo, or rather
vnhappy rate: for fowre death is f,veeter in my coneeit, than
bitter life contriued in fharper fauee than gall or wormwood."
Elifa hearing her fpeake thefe wordes, fayd: « For fo much as
thv myfhap is fuch, as onely death is the neareff renledy to de-
priue thy payne, what wicked chaunce bath induced thee, in this
houfe to finifh thofe thv tuileries? XVhat hath prouoked the
to futch augury to this out mort happy and iovfull family?"
"Forced is the partye" (fayd Philene) "fo to doe when defte-
nve hath fo appointed." "What defteny is that ?" demaunded
Elifa. "Tell mec I befeech thee, perchaunce thou mayft pre-
uent the faine by other remedy than that whereabout thou
goeft." "No," (anfwered Philene) "that is impoffible, but to
fatiffie thv requeft which fo infiar.tly thou craueft of me, I wil tel
thee the fumme of al mv miferie." In faying fo the teares gufhed
forth hir eyes, and hir volte brake oute into complaints, and thus
began to far: "Ah Elifa, why fhould I feke to prolong my
wretched life in this raie of wretchedneffe, wherein I haue ben fo
miferablv aficoEed ? my mother pitieng mine ef(ate and feeynge
me vovde of frends, and a fatherleffe child vpon hir death bed,
difclofed vnto me a treafure which fhe had hidden vpon this
beam whervnto this halter (the befi remedv of my mifery) is tied :
and I making ferch for the lame, in place of that treafure
round this halter, ordeined as I fuppofe (by what miffortune I
knove hOt) for mv death : and where I thought among the happy
to be the mof happy, I fee my felfe amongs al vnluckv women
to be the mofl vnfortunate." Elifa hearing hir fay fo, greatly
maruelled and fayd: "'Vhy then I perceiue thou art a woman
and not a man." "Yea, truly," anfwered the vnhappy mavden:
"A finguler example of extreme mifery to ail fortes of women."
"And whv fo?" demaunded Elifa. "Bicaufe" (anfwered Phi-
lene) "that the pefiilent planet vnder whieh I was borne, will
haue it to be fo." And then fhe told hir al that which had ehaun-
ced from the time of hir mother's departure out of Carthage, and
how fhe went into Scieilia and reeounted vnto hir the loue that fhe
bare to a Scicilian Gentleman» and howe that he difdayning hir for
hir pouerty, refufed to be hir hufband : whervpon to atchieue hir
defire as loth to forgoe him, was eome in maner of a page to Car-
thage, to reeouer the riches whieh hir Mother had hidden there, to
the intente fhe might obtaine (if not by other meanes) with fore
OF CARTHAGE. 273
rich dowrie, the yong Gentleman to hufband whom fhe fo dearely
loued. And then reenforeing hir complaint, fhe laid: That fith
Fortune had defpoiled hir of that whieh might haue aceomplifhed
hir defire, refling no caufe why /he fhould any longer liue, the
halter was prepared for hir to end her daies, and to rid hir life
from troubles. And therefore fhe praied hir to be contented, that
fhe might make that end whieh hir mifaduenture and wicked for-
tune had predeflinate. I doubt hot but there be many, whieh
vnderftanding that the treafure did belong to Philene, if they had
found the like as Elifa did, would not onely not haue forbidden
hir the Death, but alfo by fpeedy meanes haue haflened the faine,
for fo mutch as by that oceafion the hidden treafure fhould haue
ben out of firife and contention : fo greate is the force of couetous-
neffe in the minde of man. But good Elifa knew ful wel the
mutability of Fortune in humaine thinges, for fo muteh as fhe by
feeking death, had fonde the thinge xvhieh hot onely deliuered hir
from the faine, but ruade hir the befi contented woman of the
,vorlde. And Philene feekiuge hir contentation, in place thereof,
and by like oeeafion, round the thinge that would haue ben the
infirument of hir death, and moued with very great eompaflïon of
the mayden, defired to haue better aduertifement howe that trea-
fure could belong to her. Then Philene fhewing forth hir mother's
writing, whieh partieularly remembred the pareels within the
cafket, and Elifa feeinge the faine to be agreeable to the hand
vherewith the other was ,vritten that vas founde in the cafket,
was affured that ail the gold and Iewels whieh fhe had round, did
belong vnto Philene, and fayd vnto hirfelfe : "'The Gods defend
that I fhould prepare the halter for the death of this innocent
,Vench, ,vhofe fubfiaunee hath yelded vnto mec my hart's defire."
And comforting the mayden, in the ende fhe fayd : "" Be eontented
Philene, and giue ouer this thy defperate determination, for both
thy lyre fhaibe prolonged, and thy difcontented minde appeafed,
hoping thou fl,alt reeeyue the eomforte thou defirefl." And with
thofe words fhe lofed the haiter from hir neck, and takinge hir bv
the hand, brought hir to the place where hir Father and hufband
vere, and did them to vnderfiand the force and terms whereunto
the fier of loue and defperation had brought that amorous mayden :
VOL. II. S
tellinge them that ail the treafure and Iewels which fhe had
round (where fhe left the halter, and wherewith Philene was
minded to hang hir felfe) did bv good right and reafon belonge
to hir: then fhe did let them fe the counterpayne of that bill
which was in the cafket, in all points agreeable thereunto, decla-
ringe moreouer that verye lyke and reafonable yt vere, like cur-
tefie fhould bee vfed vnto her, as by vhom they hadde receyued
fo greate honoure and delyghte. Her huçoand which was a
Carthagian borne, very churlifhe and couetous, albeit by confer-
ring the vritings together he kneve the matter to be true, and
that Philene ought to be the poffeffor thereof, yet by no meanes
would agree vnto hys vyue's requeft, but fell into a rage, callinge
hir Foole and Ideot» and fayinge that hee had rather that fhee had
bene a Thoufande tvmes hanged, than he would giue hir one
peny: and although fhe had faued hir life, yet fhe ought to be
banifhed the Citty, for fo mutch as the fame and all the propertie
thereof was brought into the Romane's handes» and amongs the
lame hir mother's houfe» and al hir goods in poffeflîon of the
vicCtors, and euery part, at their difpofition and pleafure. _nd
moreouer, for fo mutch as hir mother and fhee had departed
Carthage, and would not abide the hazarde and extremity of their
country as other Citizens did, and hauing concealed and hidden
thofe riches xvhich ought to haue ben brought forth for the com-
mon defence of their countrey, and gone out of the Citty as though
fhe had ben a poore fimple Woman, poorely therefore fhe ought
to lyue in Scicilia, vhvther fhe was fled. ,Vherefore he was of
opinion that fhe in this maner beinge departed when the Citty
had greateft neede of hir helpe, was diffranchifed of all the righte-
and cufiomes of the countrey» and that like as a ftraunger can
recouer nothinge in that Citty, except he haue the priuiledge and
Freedome of the fame, euen fo Philene (for the confiderations
before recited)ought to be compted for a ftraunger, and hot to
participate any thinge within the City, accordingly as the lawes
forbid. When he had fo fayd, he was like by force to expell the
forrowfull mayden out of the houfe. Thefe wordes greatly grieued
Philene, who doubted leaft his father in law would haue ioyned
with him, and agree vnto hys alleaged reafon$, whych feemed to
OF CARTHAGE. 275
be of great importaunce and effec'-t : and therefore thought newly
to returne to the Halter for remedy of hir griefes; but it other-
wife chaunced, for the Father of Elifa, which was a 1Romane
borne, and affec'-ted xvith a Romane minde, and therefore of a
Gentle and well difpofed nature, knew ful wel, that although the
houle was giuen vnto him by the confent of Scipio, and other
the Captaynes, yet he knexv that their pleafure was hot to beftoxve
on him the treafure hidden i the faine, and therefore ought to
be reftored to the true owner, or elle confiçeate and properly due
to the Romane Efchequer, or eommon treafure houle of the faine :
and a|beit that it xvas true that hir blother went out of Carthage,
in the time of the Siege, and therefore had fori'avted the faine, yet
he determined to fhewe fome curtefie vnto the younge mayden, and
tobe thankfull to fortune, for the benefite which bv hir meanes
he had receyued, thinkinge that fhe would be difpleafed with
him, if he with vngratefull minde or difhonourable intent fhould
receyue hir giftes. For in thofe dayes the Romans highly reuer-
enced Lady Fortune, and in hir honour had Ereoeted Temp|es, and
Dedicated Aultars, and in profperous tyme and happy aduentures,
they confecrated vowes, and facrifices vnto hir, thinkinge (although
fuperfticioufly) that iike as from God there proceeded none euii,
euen fo from him ail goodneffe was deriued: that all felicity
and other good happes, whych chaunced vppon the Romane
Common wealth, proceeded from Fortune, as the Fountavne and
moft Principall Occafion, and that they which xvould hot confeffe
hir force, and be thanckful vnto hir Godheade, incurred in the
ende hir Difpleafure and Daungers very great and haynous. This
Romane then hauing this opinion, beinge (as I fayd bêfore) of
a gentle Difpofition woulde at one inftant both render thankes
to Fortune, and vfe eurtefie vnto that mayden, by whofe riches
and goods from lowe degree he was aduanced to honourable
ftate. Vherefore turning his Face vnto hir, with louing eounte-
naunee he fpake thefe wordes: "Right gentle damofel, albeit bv
the reafons alleged by my forme in law, none of the treafure
hldden by thy mother, and founde by mv Daughter in thvs houle,
of right doth appertayne to thee, yet I will that thou fhalte
vnder9¢ande my eurtefie, and that thou fee how the Romanes
doe more efeeme the nobility of their minde, than all the riches
of the vorld. There[ore that thou mayft enioy thy loue, I re-
ferre vnto thee and to thy difpotition ail the goods and Iewels
that xvere in the Cafket, and eontavned in thy writinge. Beholde
therefore (caufing the eafket to be brought vnto him) all the
Iewels and other pareels that xvere in the faine when thev were
founde, take fo mutch thereof as thou wilt, and if fo bee thou
defire the whole, villingly I render the faine vnto thee, fithens
by means of thofe riches, and the indutry of my trafique, I haue
gayned fo mutch, as hauinge gyuen a eonuenient dowry vnto my
daughter, [ honorablv liue xvithout it." Philene feeing the cur-
tefie of this valiaunt gentleman, gaue him infinite thanks, and
then fard vnto him: "Sir, I for mv part dare afke nothinge,
well knowinge that if vou geue me nothinge, there is no eaufe
whv I fhoulde complayne of you, but of mv hard and wicked
fortune, whych hath offered and giuen that to you, vhich ought
to haue bin mine. ,Vherefore, fith your curtefie is futch, as you
refer the whole to mec, I purpofe to take nothing, but will that
the vhole fhall bee in your difpofition, and giue mee vhat you
lit, and that fo-gieuen of your liberality, I fhal more thank[ullv
receiue, than if debt or dutv did conttrayne it: and if it flall
pleafe you to giue me nothing, mv heart fhal bee fo wel] appeafed,
for that vour curtefie, as rather woulde I chofe to liue in the
poore efate wherein I ara, than be rvch with vour difpleafure."
Howbeit, the Romavne intreated Philene to take thereof vhat
fhee thought good: and Philene craued no more than it pleafed
hvm to gyue. Evther of them taudinge vpon thefe termes Elifa,
brake the ftrife, who knowinge the force of loue, and the griefes
incident to his clients, bv hir own harmes, moued to haue com-
pafiion vpon the ati&ed, turned towardes hir father and fard vnto
him : "" Right louinge father, the contention betweene Philene and
.vou, is rifen of a matter which came by me. The treafure for
which you ftriue, and committed to the will of Philene, was
round bv me, whereof if it pleafe you both, I wyll take futch
order, as oth vou fhalbe fatiffied." "I am contented," favd
hir father: «And I likewife," aunfwered Philene. Then fard
F.liza: "You father hitherto haue had but one Daughter, which
OF CARTHAGE. 2
am I, vnto whom like a chylde and louinge daughter I haue hene
obedient, and flaalbe all the dayes of my lyre: and I agayne haue
receiued from you futch fatherly education, as your ahility and
fate required. This treafure I round and gaue to you for eafe
and comfort of vs hoth : to me it yelded the only dele&ation of
my heart in choyfe of hufband : to you honour and efimation
within thys Cittv. Wherefore, fith the principal came from me,
and the right refeth in this careful maiden, my defire is, that
where hefore you had but one daughter, you will adopt this mav-
den for another, and thinke that vou bave twaine, and that vou
will intreate Philene in like fort as if ihee were my filmer: and
where this Inheritance and reuenue wherewith now you be pof-
feffed, and this cafket alfo ought to be onelv mvne after your
deceafe, for that you haue no formes, nor other Iffue, my defire is
that you geue vnto her the halfe, and that you accept hir for your
daughter, as I doe lneane to take hir for my filmer: and accord-
ingely to vf'e hir duringe lyfe." \Vith thefe wordes Elifa im-
braced Philene, and louingly dvd kiffe hir, fayinge vnto hir:
«For mv fifter I entertawl thee hilene." And then flee tooke
hir by the hand and gaue hir vnto hir father with thefe wordes:
"Beholde father, ybur new daughter, vhom I hefeech vou fo har-
tily to loue as you do Elifa your naturall chylde." The father
prayfed the curtefie of Elifa, and receiued Philene for his daugh-
ter and was contented wvth the Arhitrament of hls Daughter.
But Elifa perceyuing hir hufband to be fomewhat offended there-
wyth, fpecially for that the faine flaould be deuided into two
partes, which was like to haue bene hys wholly hefore, perfuaded
hvm hy gentle meanes to he content wyth that agreement: and
although at the firf he could not well brooke the liberality of his
wyfe, yet at length viewinge the good behauiour and gentle dif-
pofition of Philene, and the contented minde of his father in lav,
together with the noble nature of his w.vfe, and hir wife aduer-
tlfement of Fortune's fickle affurance, yelded, and acknowledged
Philene for hys kinfwoman. And fo Philene put in poffflïon
of the halle of thofe goods, whereof fhe xas altogether out of
hope, was well fatiffied, and had the Romane for hir father, Elifa
for hir fifter, and hir hufband for hir kinfinan. That valyant
78
TWO MAIDENS OF CARTtIAGE.
Roman was fo careful ouer Philene, as if fhe had ben his owne
daughter, and fo indeuored, as he brought to parle that fhe ob-
teined hir beloued Scicilian to hufbande : who alfo fent for hvm
to Carthage, where he continued with hls wife in the Romane's
houfe, and Ioved them both fo dearely as though he had ben
father to the one, and father in lawe to the other. In this maner
thefe two poore wenches attained their two hufbands, for hauing
of whom, theyr onely care was for Ryches, and for lacke thereof
were dryuen to defpayre: and in the ende both (though diuertly,
and the one more fortunat than the other) recouered riches, and
with the faine theyr hufbandes, to their heartes fingular ioye and
contentation. Vv'hich lucke I wyfhe to ail other poore Girles (but
not hangyng rype, or louynge in defpayre) that bend their mindes
on lariage, and feeke to people by that etate, their countrey
common wealth. But leauinge for a rime thefe Tragicall Nouels
and heauy chaunces, wee purpofe to remember fome morall matters
right worthy of remembraunce: Letters they bee from a godly
Pagane clerk, the famous Philofopher Plutarch, Schoolemaifier to
an Emperour of no leffe vertue, than hys mayfier's Schoole and
mynde was fraught with diuine Precepts. ,Vherefore proceede
(good Reader)to continue the paynes vpon the readinge of
thefe, fo well as thou haft vouchfafed to employ thy
time before. They fhal no leffe delite thee, ifvertue
brooke thee, they fhal no leffe content thee
if duty pleafe thee, than any delight-
fome thing, whereupon (at any tyme)
thou haf employed thy va-
caunte tyme.
THE TWELFTH NOUELLE.
LETTERS OF THE EMPEROUR TRAIANE.
Letters of the Philofopher Plntarch fo the noble and refluons Em-
perour Traiane, and from the fayd Emperour fo Plutarch : the
lyke alfo from the fayd Erniverour to the Senate of Rome. In all
which be conteyned godly rnles for gouernment of Princes, obe-
dience of Subieé2s, and their duties to common wealth.
BICAtrSE thefe Letters enfuinge (proceeding from the infallible
Schoole of SVifedome, and pra&ifed by an apt Scholler of the fame,
by a noble Emperor that xvas xvell trained vp by a famous Philofo-
pher) in mvne opinion deferue a place of Recorde amonge our
Englifhe Volumes, and for the wholfome errudition, ought to
Englifhmen in englifh fhape to bee defcribed, I haue thought
good in this place to introduce the fame. And although to fome
it fhal not peraduenture feelne fit and conuenient to mingle holy
with prophane, (accordinge to the prouerbe) to intermedle amongs
pleafaunt hitories, ernet epitles, amid amorous Nouels, learned
Letters, yet not to care for report or thought of futch findefauhs,
I indge them not vnfeemely, the courfe of thofe hiftories. For
amid the diuine works of Philofophers and Oratours, amongs the
pleafaunt paynes of auncient Poets, and the lX,-ouell writers of our
time, merry verfes fo xvell as morall matters be mingled, wanton
bankets fo wel as vife difputations celebrated, tauntinge and
iocund Orations fo well as effe&uall declamations and perfuafions
pronounced. Thefe letters contavne many graue and wholefom
documents, fundrv vertuous and chofen Intitutions for Prynces
and Noble men, yea and for fttch as beare offyce and preferment
in commonweahh from highef title to meanet degree. Theefe
letters do vouch the reioyce of a Schoolemavter for bringinge vp
a Scholler of capacity and aptneffe, to imbrace and Fix
mory futch leffons as he taught him. Thefe Letters do gratulate
and remembre the ioy of the difciple for hauinge futch a mail'ter.
Thefe letters do pronounce the minde of a vertuous Prince toxvardes
20 LETTERS.
hvs fubie&s for choyfe of him to the empire, and for that they
had refpec rather to the vertue and condition, than to the nobility
or other extreme accident. To be fhort, thefe letters fpeake and
pronounce the very humbleneffe and fealty that ought to ref in
fubiectes' hearts: with a thoufand other excellent fentences of
duties. So that if the Emperour Iqerua had bin a|iue agayne to
perufe thefe letters and Epifiles of congratulation betweene the
Schoolemayfier and Scholler, he would no leffe haue reioyfed in
Plutarch than king Philip of Macedon did of Ariffotle, when hee
affirmed himfelf to be happy, not fo much for hauinge futch a
forme as Alexander was, as for that he was borne in futch a time,
as had brought Ariffotle to be his maiffer. That good Emperor
Nerua, fhewed a patern to his fucceffor by his good vertuous lyfe
and godly gouernment, which ruade a fucceffor and a people of
no |effe confequence than they were trayned, accordingly as
Herodian voucheth, that for the moff part the people be wont to
imitate the Lire of their Prince and foueraygne Lord. If Philip
deemed hvmfelfe happy and bleffed for hauing futch a fonne and
mayfier, then might Nerua terme himfelfe threefolde more happy
for futch a Nephew and futch a notable Schoolemayffer as Plu-
tarch was, who uot only by docCtrine but by pracCtife proued a paf-
ring good Scholler. Alexander was a good Scholer and for the
time wel pra&ifed his maifier's Leffons, but afterwards as glory
and good hap accompanied his noble difpofition, fo did he dege-
nerate from former lire, and had quite forgotten what he had
learned, as the fecond Nouell of this Booke more at large declareth.
But Traiane of a toward Scholler, proued futch an Emperour and
vicCtor ouer himfelfe, as fchoolinge and rulinge were in him mira-
culous, and furmounting Paragon of piety and vertue : vhere-
fore hot to ffay thee from the perufinge of thofe Letters,
the right image of himfelfe: thus beginneth
Plutarch to write vnto his famous
Scholler Traiane.
LETTERS. 281
.4 Letter of the Philofopher Plutarch to the Emperor Traiane,
wherein is touched how Gouerners off Common u,ealths ought to
be prodigal in deedes and fpare in words.
MY mort dread foueraygne Lorde, albeit of longe tyme I haue
known the modefty of your mynde, yet neyther I nor other liuing
man did euer know that you afpired to that, which many men de-
tire, which is to be Emperour of Rome. That man flould with-
drawe himfelfe from honour, it were cleane without the boundes of
wyfedome: but hOt to lycence the heart to defire the fame, that
truely is a worke diuine, and not proceedinge of humayne nature.
For he doeth indifferently well, that repreffeth the works which
his handes be able to do, without ftaying upon his owne defires,
and for good contideration wee may terme thine Empire to be
very happy, fith thou hall fo nobly demeaned thy felfe to deferue
the fame without fearch and feekinge induftrious pollicy to at-
tayne thereunto. I haue known within the citv of Rome many
great perfonages, which were not fo mutch honored for the offices
whvch they bare, as they were for the meanes and deuifes wherebv
they fought to be aduaunced to the fame. lIay it pleafe you to
vnderfand (mol[ excellent Prince) that the honor of a vertuous
man doth not confil1 in the office which he prefcntly hath, but
rather in the merites that preferred him thereunto: In fuch wife,
as it is the office that honoreth the partye, and to the officer there
refteth but a painful charge. By meanes 'herof, when I remem-
ber that I was your gouerner from your youth, and iuftru&ed vour
vertuous mind in letters, I can not chofe but very much reioyce,
fo well for your foueraigne vertue, as for your maieftie's good for-
tune, deming it to be a great happineffe vnto me that in my
time Rome bath inioved him to be their fouraigne lord, whom
I had in tymes pat1 to be my fcholler. The principalities of
kyngdomes fome winne by force, and maintayne them by armes,
which ought hOt fo to be in you, nor yet conceiue opinion of your
felfe, but rather to thinke that the empire whieh you gouerne by
vniuerfall eonfent, yee ought to entertayne and rule with general
iufiiee. _And therfore if you loue and reuerence the Gods, if you
22 LETTERS.
bee pacient in trauels, warie in daungers, curteous to your people,
gentle to fcraungers, and hot couetous of treafure, nor louer of
your owne defires: you fhall make your faine immortall, and go-
uern the common wealth in foueraign peace" that you be not a
louer of your own defires, I fpeake it hot withoute caufe, for
there is no worfe gouernement than that which is ruled by felfe
wyll and priuate opinion. For as he that gouerneth a common
wealth ought to lvue in feare of al men, cuen fo mutch more in
feare of him fclfe, in fo mutch as he may commit greater errour
by doine that vhich his owne luire commaundeth, than if he xvere
ruled bv the counfell of other. Affure vou tir, that you can hot
hurt your felfe, and mutch leffe preiudice vs your lubie&s, if you
do cotte& your felfe belote you chafife others, eieemyng that to
bee a ryght good gouernment when you be prodisal in workes,
and fpare of fpeache. Affav then to be fuch a one now, that vou
do comnaunde, as vou were when you were commaunded. For
otherwife it would lyttle auaile to do thins for deferuing of the
empyre, if afterwards your dedes be contrary to former deferts.
To coin to honour it is a humane worke, but to conferue honour
it is a thing diuie. Take hede then (moi excellent Traiane) that
you do remembre and fill reuolue in minde, that as vou be a
Prince fupreme, fo to apply your felf to be a pafllng ruler. For
there is no atthoritv amongs men fo high, but that the Gods aboue
be iudges of their thoughts, and men beneth beholders of their
deedes. Vherfore fith prefentlye you are a mighty Prince, your
duety is the greater to be good. and leifure leffe to be wycked,
than when you were a pryuate Man. For hauing gotten autho-
rity to commaund, your lyberty is the leffe to bee idle : fo that if
you bee hot futch a one as the common people haue opinion of
you, and fuch againe as your maiier Plutarch defireth, you fhall
put your felfe in greate Daunger, and myrte Ennymyes wyll
feeke meanes to bee reuenged on mee, knowynge wel that for the
Scholler's faulte the Mayfer Da)'ly fuffreth wronge by flaunder-
ous checke imputed vnto hym (although withoute caufe.) And
for fo much as I haue ben thy maiier, and thou my fcholer, thou
mui indeuour hy v,ell doyng, to tender me fome honour. And
lykewyfe if thou do euyll, great infamy.fhall:.lyght on me» euen as
LETTERS. 83
it did to Seneca for Nero his caufe, whofe cruelties don in Rome
were imputed to his mavffer Seneca. The like wronge was done
to the Philofopher Chilo, by beyng burdened with the neg|ygent
nouriture of his Scholler Leander. They truely were famous per-
fonages and greate learned men, in whom the gouernemente of
myghty Princes was repofed : notwithisandyng, for hot corre&ing
them in their youth, nor teachying them with carefull dylygence,
they blotted for euermore theyr renoume, as the caufe of the
deisru&ion of many common wealthes. And forfomuch as my
pen fpared none in times paise, bee well affured Traiane, that the
faine will pardon neither thee or mee in tyme to corne : for as wee
bee confederate in the fault, euen fo we fhal be heires of the pain.
Thou knoweft vell xvhat leffons I haue taught thee in thv youth,
what counfell I haue gyuen thee, beeying corne to the ffate of
man, and what I haue vritten to thee, fithens thou haiS ben Prince,
and thou thv felfe art recorde of the wordes which I haue fpoken
to thee in fecrcte : in all vhych I neuer perfuaded thyng but that
intended to the feruice of the gods, profite of the common wealthe
and increafe of thy renoume : wherfore, I ara right fure, that for
anye thing which I haue written, fayd, or perfuaded there is no
caufe I fhould feare the punifhment of the gods, and much leffe
the reprochful fhame of men, verily beleuing that al which I
coulde fay in fecrete, might without reproch be openly publifhed
in Rome. lX,'owe before I toke my pen in hand to write thls
Letter, I examined my lyre, to know, if (during the time that I
had charge of thee) I dyd or fayd in thy prefence any thing that
might prouoke thee to euill example. And truely (vnmete for me
to far it) vpon that fearche of mv forepaffed life, I neuer found
my fclfe guilty of fa&e vnmeete a Roman Cytyzen, nor euer fpoke
woorde vnfeemelye for a Phylofoper: by meanes whereof I doe
ryght heartely wyfhe, thou wouldeft remember the good educa-
tyon and inffru&yon whyeh thou dyddeiS learne of mee. I fpeake
not thys, that thou fhouldeft gratifie me againe vith any ]3enefite,
but to the ende thou myghteft ferue thy felfe, eiSeemynge that no
greater pleafure there is that ean redounde to me, than to heare a
good report of thee. Be then wel| affured that if an Empyre bee
beiSowed vpon thee, it was not for that thou wer a Citizen of
Rome or a eouragious perron defcended of noble houle, rich and
mighty, but only bieaufe verrues did plentifully abounde .in thee.
I dedieated vnto thee certaine bookes of old and auneient common
wealth, whieh if it pleafe thee to vfe, and as at other times I haue
fayd vnto thee, thou fhalte finde mee to be a proelaimer of thy
famous workes, and a ehronieler of all thy noble fa&s of armes:
but if perchaunee thou follow thine owne aduife, and ehaunge thy
felfe to bee other than hitherto thou hafi ben, prefently I inuocate
and ery out vpon the immortall Gods, and this Letter fhall be
wytneffe, that if any hurt do chaunce to thee, or to thine Èmpire,
it is hot through the eounfell or meanes of thy maifier Plu-
tareh. And fo farewell mofi Noble Prynce.
The aunfwere of the Emperour Traiane to hys matfler Plutarch.
COCCEIUS Traiane Emperour of Rome, to the Philofopher Plutarch,
fometimes my mavfier: falutation and eonfolation in the Gods of
eomfort. In _A_grippina was deliuered vnto me a letter from thee,
whych fo foone as I opened, I knew to be written wyth thine
owne hand» and endited with thy wyfedom. So flowing was the
faine with goodly woordes and aeeompanied with graue fentenees,
an oeeafion that ruade mee reade the faine twiee or thriee, thinking
that I çaw thee write and heard thee fpeak, and fo weleome was
the fame to me, as at that very infiant I eaufed it to be red at my
table, yea and made the faine to be fixed at my bed's heade, that
thy well meanyng vnto lne migbt be generally knowen, how
muteh I am bound vnto thee. I efieemed for a good prefage the
eongratu]ation that the Conful Rutu]us did vnto me froln thee»
touehinge my eommyng to the empire: I hope through thy
merites, that I thall be a good Emperoure. Thou favefi in thy
letter, that thou eanfle hy no meanes beleue that I haue giuen
bribes, and vfed meanes to buye myne Empire, as other haue done.
For aunfwere thereunto I fay» that as a man I haue defired it, but
neuer bv folieitation or other meanes attempted it: for I neuer
faw wythin the City of Iome any man to bribe for honour, but
for the faine, fome notable infamy ehauneed vnto hym, as for
LETTERS. 285
example wee may learne of the Good old man Menander, my
friende and thy neyghbour, vho to be Conful, proeured the fame
by vnlawful meanes, and therfore in the end xvas banifhed and
died defperately. The greate Caius Coefar, and Tiberius, Caligula,
Cladius, Nero, Galba, Otho Vitelius, and Domitian, fome for
ufurpyng the Empire, fome for tyranny, fome for gettyng it by
bribes, and fome by other meanes proeuryng the faine, loR (by
the fufferanee of the righteous gods) hOt onely their honour and
goodes, but alfo thev died miferably. "Vhen thou dydR reade in
thy fchole, and I that rime an hearer of thy docCtrine, many times
I hearde thee fay, that xve ought to trauel to deferue honour,
rather than procure the faine, eReemynge it vnlawfull to get
honour by meanes vnlawfull. He that is without eredite, ought
to affay to procure eredite. Hee that is xvith out honour, ought
to feeke honour. But the vertuous man hathe no neede of noble-
neffe, ne hee himfelfe, l'e yet any other perfon can berieue him of
due honour. Thou knowefi xvel Plutarch, that the vere paR, the
office of Conful was gyuen to Torquatus, and the DicCtator/hip to
Fabritius, xvho were fo vertuous and fo little ambitious as hOt
defyrous to receyue ri, ch charges, abfented themfelues, although
that in Rome, they might bave hen in great efiimation» bv reafon
of thofe offices» and vet neuertheleffe without them they bee pre-
fently eReemed, loued and honoured: and therefore I conceiue
greater delight in Quintius Lincinatus, in Scipio Affricanus, and
good [arcus Portius, for contemning of thevr offices» than for
the vicCtories which they atchieued : for vicCtories many times con-
tir in fortune, and the hot caryng for honorable charge in oneh"
xvifedome. Semblably, thou thv felfe art witneffe that when mvn
vncle Cocceius Nerua was exiled to Capua, he was more vifited,
and better ferued, than when he xvas at Rome : wherebv may bee
inferred, that a vertuous man may bee exyled or bani/hed, but
honour he /hall neuer want. The Emperour Domitian (if you
do remember) at the departure of NTerua, ruade me many offers,
and thee many fayre promifes to entertain thee in his houfe,
and to rend mee into Almayne, which thou couldeR not abyde,
and rnuch leffe confent» deeming it to be greater honour with
Nerua to be exiled, than of Domitian to be fauored. I fweare by
86 LETTER$.
the Gods immortall, that when the good olde man Nerua fent me
the enlîgne of the Empyre, I was vtterly ignorant thereof, and
voyd of hope to attevne the faine: for I was aduertifed from the
Senate, that Fuluius fued for it, and that Pamphilius went about
to buv it. I knew alfo that the Conful Dolobella attempted to
enioy it: then fith the gods did permit, that I fhould be Empe-
rotlr, and that myrte vnele Nerua did eommaund the faine, the
Senate approued it, and the eommon wea]th would haue it to be
fo : and fith it was the generall eonfent of all men, and fpeeially
your aduyfe, I haue greate hope that the Gods will be fauorable
vnto me, and Fortune no ennimie at all : affuring you, that like ioy
whveh vou do faye you had by teaehyng me, and feing me now to
be Emperour, the lvke I haue to thynke that I was vour Seholler :
and fith that vou wvll hOt eall mee from heneeforth any other but
Soueraygne Lord, I wyll terme you by none other name, than
Louyng father. And alheit that I haue ben vifited and eounfclled
by many meu tinee my eommyng to the Empyre, and by thee
aboue the reft, whom before all other I wyll beleue, eonfideryng
that the intent of thofe whieh eounfell lne, is to draw my mvnd to
theyrs, your letters purportyng nothyng elfe but mine aduaun-
tage. I doe remember amongs other woordes, whieh once you
fpake to Maxentius the Seeretary of Domitian, this faying: that
they which doe preftJme to gyue counfell vnto Prynees, oughte to
bee free from all parlions and affe&ions: for in eounfcll, where
the wvll is mofte enclined, the mvnde is more prompte and ready :
that a Prince in all thyngs doe his wvll I prayfe not : that he take
aduife and eounfell of euerv man I leffe allowe. That whieh he
otght to doe (as me thiuke) is to doe by eounfel, forfeeing for al
that to what eounfel he applieth his mynd : for eounfel ought hot
to be taken of hvm whom I doe well loue, but of hym of whom I
ara well beloued. Ail this I bave wrytten (my mayfter Plutareh)
to aduertife you that from heneeforthe I defire nothyng elfe at
your handes, but to be holpen wyth your aduife in myrte affayres,
and that you tell me of my eommitted faults: for if Rome do
thinke me to be a defender of their common wealth I make ae-
compte of you to bee an ouerfeer of my life : and theret'ore if you
thinke that I ara not thankfull ynough for the good aduyfe, and
LETTERS. 237
holfom warenings that you gyue me : I am to intreate you (myne
owne good mayfter) hot to take it in i|l part, for in fuch cales, the
griefe that I coneeiue, is hot for the good leffons you gyue me,
but for the fhame that I fayle in followyng them. The bryngyng
of me vp in thy houle, the hearyng of thv ]e6-tures, the folow)'ng
of thy doryne, and liuing vnder thy difciplyne, haue ben truly
the pryncipa] eaufes that I ara eommen to this Empyre. This
mutch I fay (mayfter) for that it were an vnnatural parte in thee
hOt to affift me to beare that thing, which thou halte holpen me
to gayne and winne: and although that Vefpafian vas of nature
a very good man, yet his greateft profite redounded to him by
entertayning of the Philofopher Appolonius. For truelve it is a
greater felicity for a Prince to chaunce vpon a good and favthful]
man, to be neare about him, than to atchieue a large realme and
kingdome. Thou fayeft (Plutarch)that thou fhalt receiue great
contentation, from henceforth, if I be fuch a one now as I was
belote, or at leftwife il: I be no worfe. I belieue that which thou
doei fay, bicaufe the Emperour lero, was the firft fiue yeares of
hys empyre good, and the other nine veares exceedyng euill, in
futch wyfe as he grew to be greater in wlckedueffe, than in dygnity.
Notwithftanding, if thou thinke that as it chaunced vnto Nero,
fo may happen vnto Traiane, I befech the immortall Gods rather
to depriue me of lire, than to fuffer me to raigne in Rome: for
tyrantes bee they, whych procure dygnytyes and promotyons, to
vfe them for delighte and filthye ]ufte : and good Rulers bee they
which feeke them for profite of Common wealthe: and therfore
to them whych belote they came to thofe degrees were good, and
afterwardes waxed Vycked, greater pity than enuye ought to be
attributed, eonfideryng fpecyally, that Fortune did hOt aduaunce
them to honour, but to fhame and villany: be]eue me then (good
maifter) that fith hitherto I haue ben reputed vertuous, I wyl
affay by God's affiftance to af pire to be better, rather
than to be worffe. And fo the Gods preferue thee.
288 LETTERS.
The Letter ?f the Emperour Traiane fo the Senate of Rome» u.herein
is conteined, that honour ought rather to be deferued than pro-
cur«d.
CoccEus Traiane Emperour of the Romanes, euer Augutus, to
out faered Senate health and eonfolation in the gods of eomfort.
l, Ve beinge aduertifed here at Agrippina of the Deathe of the
Emperour Nerua, your foueraigne Lord and my predeeeffour, and
knowing it to be true that )'ou haue xvept and bewailed the lotie
of a Prince fo noble and ryghteous, we likewife haue felt like
forow, for the death of fo notable a father, lVhen ehildren lofe
a good father and fubiecCts a good Prynee, eyther they lnute dye
xvyth them, or elfe bv teares they muft rayfe them vp agaln, for
fo mueh as a good Prince in a eommon wealth is fo rare» as the
Phoenix in Arabia. My lord Nerua broughte me out of Spayne
to Rome, nourifhed me vp in youth» eaufed mee to bee trained
in letters and adopted me for his fonne in mine olde age: which
graees and benefits truly I ean not forget, knowyng that the in-
grate man prouoketh the Gods to anger, and men to hatred. The
death of a vertuous man is to be lamented of all men, but the
death of a good Prince, ought to be extremely mourned: for if a
eommon perfon die, there is but one dead, but if a god Prynee
dye, together with him dieth a whole Realme. I fpeake this (O
ve Fathers) for the rare vertues abounding in mvne vnele Nerua :
for if the gods were difpofed to fell vs the liues of good Prynees
already departed, it were but a fmall ranfome to redeeme them
with teares: for what gold or fvluer may be fuffieient to buie the
lyfe of a vertuous man. Truely there woulde be a greate matie
of money gyuen bv the Greekes for Alexander, by the Laeedemo-
nians for Lyeurgus, by the Romanes for Augufus, and by the
Carthaginians for Annibal. But as you knewe the gods hauing
ruade all thynges mortall, fo haue they referued onely themfelues
to bee immortall. How eminent and paffing the vertue of the
good is,. and xvhat priuiledge the godly haue, it may eafily bee
knowne: for fo muteh» as honour is earried euen to the very
graues of the dead, but fo it is hot to the greate Palaees of the
LETTERS. 289
wycked. The good and vertuous man, without fighte or know-
ledge we loue, ferue, and aunfver for him: wherein the wyeked
we eannot beleue what he fayeth, and leffe accepte in good part
the thyng whveh he doeth for vs. Touchynge the ele¢:-tvon of
the Èmpyre, it was done by Nerua, it was demaunded by the
people, approued by vou, and aecepted bv me. VCherefore I
prayt the immortall Goddes that it mav bee lvked of theyr god-
heades: for to finall purpofe auayleth the elecCtion of Prynees, if
the gods doe hot eonfvrme it: and therefore a man maye knowe
hvm whych is chofen by the Gods, from him that is elec°ted bv
men, for the one fhal declyne and fal, the other fhalbe vpholden
and preferued : the ehoyfe of man fo vaynely exalted doth bove
and abafe, but that whieh is planted by the gods, although it bee
toffed to and fro wyth feuerall Vynds, and reeeiueth greate ad-
uerfitye, and boweth a lyttle, yet the faine fhall neuer fal. Ye
know right wel (mofi honorable Fathers) that I neuer demaunded
the Èmpyre of Nerua my Soueraigne Lorde, although he broughte
me vp and was his Nephew, hauing heard and wel remembring of
mv Mayfier Plutareh, that honour ought rather to bee deferued
than proeured. Notwithtanding I wvil hot deny but iovfull I
vas when my Lord Nerua fent me the enfigne of that greate and
hygh dignity: and yet I wvll eonfeffe that hauing begon to tati
the trauailes and eares whieh that imperiall flate bringeth, I did
repent more then a Thoufand rimes for taking vppon mee a charge
fo great: for Empire and gouernement is of futch quality that
although the honor be mighty, yet the gouernour fuflaineth ma-
nifold paines and miferable trauailes. O how greatly doth he
bind himfelf, which by gouernment bindeth other! for if hee bee
iufte they call hvm eruell, if hee bee Pitifull, he is eontempned, if
liberall, he is efteemed Prodigall, if he keepe or gather together
he is counted couetous, if hee be peaeeable and quiet, they deeme
him for a eoward, if he be eouragious, he is reputed a quareller,
if graue, they will fay he is proude, if he be eafie to be fpoken to,
hee is thought to be iight or fimple, if folitary, they vill efleeme
him to be an hypocrite, and if he be ioyfill, they will terme hym
diffolute: In futch wife as thev wil be contented, and vfe better
termes to al others vhat fo euer, than towardes him, which gouer-
VOL, II. T
290 LETTERS.
neth a common wealth : for to futch a one they recken the morfds
which he eateth, they meafure his pafes, they note his words, thev
take heede to his companics, and iudge of his works (many rimes
wrongfully,) they examine and murmure of his paftimes, and at-
tempt to Conie&ure hvs Thoughtes: confider then the trauayles
which bee in gouernement, and the enuv which many rimes thev
beare vnto him that ruleth. ,Ve mav fay, that there is no Rate
more fure than that which is furthet[ of from Enuv. And ifa
man canuot but wyth great payne gouerne the wyfe which hee
hath chofen, the children which he bath begotten, nor the fer-
uaunt which he bath brought vp, hauing them altogether in one
houfe: how is it pottïble that he tan ftiil confertte in peace a
whole commonwealth? I praye vou tell mee, in whom fhall a
poore Prince repofe his truft, fvth that many rimes hee is mort
flaundered bv thevm whom he fauoureth ber ? Prvnces and great
Lordes cannot eate without a Garde, cannot fleepe without a watch,
cannot fpeake without efpiall, nor walke without fome faufety,
in futch wife as thev being Lords of al, thev be as it were, Prifo-
ners of their owne people. And if we wil beholde f,,mewhat
neerely, and confider the feruitude of Princes, and the liberty of
Subie&es, we fhall finde that he which hath mort to doe in the
Realme, or beareth greateft fwinge, is mot[ fubie& to Thraldome.
So that if t'rvnces haue authoritv to geue liberty, they haue
no meanes to le free themfelues: the gods haue created vs fo fre,
and euerv man defireth to haue hvs libertv fo mutch at wyll, that
a man be he neuer fo familiar a freende, or fo neare of kin, we
rather haue him to be our fubiec°t, than our Lorde and mayfter:
one man alone commandeth ail, and yet it feemeth to him but
little : ought we then to marueile, if manv be weary to obey one ?
,Vee loue and efleeme our felues fo mutch, as I neuer faxv any
which of his owne good wil would be fubie&, ne ver agaynft his
will was made a Lord, a Principle by dayly experience proued very
true: for the quarrcls and warres that be amongs men, are hOt fo
mutch for obedience fake, as for rule and commaundment. I fay
moreouer, that in drinking, eating, clothing, fpeaking, and louing,
ai men be of diuers qualities : but to get lyberty, they be ail con-
formable. I haue fpoken thus mutch (O Fathers confcript) vpon
LETTERS. 291
occafion of mine owne Empire, which I haue taken with good
ill, albeit afterwards I was fory for the great charge. For the
waltering Seas and troublefome gournement be two things agree-
able to beholde, and daungerous to proue. Notwithftanding fith
it bath pleafed the Gods that I lhould be youre Lord, and vou mv
lubie&s, I befeech you hartely to vfe your obediencc, as to vour
foueraygne lord, in that which lhali be right and iuft, and to ad-
uertife me like a father, in things that lhall feeme vnreafonable.
The Conful Rutulus bath fayed mutch vnto mee in vour behalfe,
and bath faluted me for the people, hee himfclfe fhall bring
aunfwëre and ihal falute vou al in mv naine. The Allobrogians
and the inhabitaunts about the riuer Rhene, be at controuerfie for
the limittes of their countrey, and haue prayeà me to be their Ar-
bitrator, which will ffav me a little there. I require that this
letter mav be red within the Senate houle, and manifeff-
ed to the whole people. The Gods pre-
ferue you.
An other Letter of the Emperour Traian to the Romayne ,q_enate,
contayning ho u, gou ern er of Com m on u,ea lth s ough t t o bee friendes
rather to th«fe u'hych t,Jé traff;cke, than to them that gather and
heape together.
COCCEIUS TRAIANE Emperour of the Romavnes to our holy fe-
nate health and confolation in the Gods of comfort. The affayres
be fo manyfolde, and bufineflè fo graue and weighty, which we
haue to doe with diuers Countries, that fcarce we haue tyme to
eate, and fpace to take anve relU, the Romane Prvnces hauing fill
by auncient cul, orne both lacke of tyme, and commonlv want of
money. And bicaufe that thev which haue charge of common
wealths, to the vttermoft of their power ought tobe frvends to tra-
ficke of marchandife, and enimyes of heapynge treafure together,
Prvnces haue fo many people to pleafe, and fo greate numbre nf
crauers, that if thev keepe anv thing for them, the faine thall
rather feeme a fpice of theft than of prouidence. To take away
an other man's goodes, trulv is a wvcked part : but if it bee per-
292 LETTERS.
mitted to take Treafure, better it were to take it out of the Temples,
than to defraude the people: for the one is confecrated to the
immortall Gods, and the other to the pore commons. I fpeake
this (right honorable fathers) to put you in remembraunce, and
alfo to aduife you, that you take good heede to the goodes of the
common wealth, howe they bee dyfpended, howe gathered toge-
ther, howe they bee kepte, and howe they be employed. For ye
ought to vnderftand, that the goodes of the Common wealth be
committed to you in truft, hot to the ende yee thoulde eniov
tbem, but rather by good gouernemelt to vfe them. 'Ve do heare
that the 'Valles be readv to fal, tbe Towers be in decay, and the
Temples in great ruine, wherof we be hot a lvttle offended, and
vou ought alfo to be athamed, for fo mutch as the damages and
detrvments of the Common wealth, we ought evther to remedy, or
elle to lainent. Ye haue wrytten vnto mee to know my pleafure,
whether the cenfors, pretors, and ediles flould be yearely chofen,
and hot perpetuall, as hitherto tbey haue bene : and fpecyally you
fay, that the ftate of the Dietators (which is the greateft ad
highefl dignity in Rome) is onely but for fixe moneths. To that I
aulffwer, that we are wel contented wvth that aduyfe : for hot wvth-
out caufe and iutt reafon our predeceffours dvd abolvthe the fvrt[
kynges of Rome, and ordayned, that the Confuls thould yearely be
chofen in the Common wealthe. \Vhvch was done, in confydera-
tion that hee whvch had perpetuall gouernement, manv tymes
became iffolente and proude. And therefore that the charges and
offices of the Senate, thould be yearely, to auoyde danger, which if
they thould be perpetual there myght enfue great hurt and damage
to the common wealth : for if the Oflïcers beyng yerely chofen,
be good, they may be continued : and if they bee euyll, they mav
be chaunged. And truely the oflïcer, whych knoweth that vpon
the end of euery yeare he muft be chaunged and examined of his
charge, he wyll take good heede to that whych he fpeaketh, and
firf of all wil confider what he taketh in hand. The good Marcus
Portius was the firft that caufed the Oflïcers of the Romane Com-
mon Wealthe to bee thus vifited and correcCted. And bycaufe
that thefe Almayne ,Varres doe ftvll increafe, by reafon that
kyng Deceball wyll hot as yet bee brought to obedience of the
LETTERS. 293
Romanes, but rather goeth about to occupy and winne the King-
domes of Daeia and Polonia, I fhall be foreed through the bufi-
neffe of the wars, (fo long eontinuing) to deuvfe and eonfult here
vppon the affayres touchyng the gouernement of the eommort
wealth of IRome. For a leffe euvli it is for a Prynee to be neg-
iygent in matters of .Varre, than in the gouernement of the Con,-
mon Vealth. A Prvnce alfo o,ght to think, that he is ehofen,
hot to make wars, but to gouerne, hOt to kyll the Enimies, but to
roote out vices, hOt that he goe in perron to i,uade or defend his
foes, but that he refide and be in the Common .Veath, and hot to
take away other men's goodes, but to do iuftice in euerv man, for
fo muteh as the Prvnee in the warres ean fight but for one, and
in the pubyke weath he eommitteth faults againfi a numbre.
Truly it liketh me wei, that from the degree of eaptai,es men be
aduauneed to bee emperors, but I think it hot good, that empe-
rours do defeende to be eaptains, confidering that, that reahn fhal
neuer be in quyet, where the Prince is to gret a warrior. This
haue I fpoken (fathers eonfeript) to the intent ye may beleue,
that I for my parte if thefe warres of Almavne were to begin, I
being at Rome, it wer impoflible that I fhouid be brought vnto
the faine, for that my principal intent, is to be efiemed rather a
good gouerner of a eommon wealth, than a forward captain in the
field: nowe then principally I commend vnto vou the veneration
of the temples, and honor of the gods, bicaufe kings neuer liue in
hrety, if the gods be not honored, and the temp]es ferued. The
iafi words which my good lord Nerua wrot vnto me were thefe :
"Honour the Temples, feare the gods, maimein Iufiiee in thv eom-
momvealth and defend the pore: in fo doing thou fhalt hot be
forgotten of thy friend, nor vanquifhed by thv foc." I do greatly
reeommend vnto you the verrues of amity and fraternity, for that
you know how in great eommon wealthes, more hurt and damage
do eiuile and neighborly wars bryng vnto the faine, than thofe
attempted by the enimies. If parents againfi parents, and neigh-
bours againfi neighbours had hOt begon mutuali hatred and con-
tendon, neuer had Demetrius ouerthrowen tbe Rhodes, neuer had
Aiexander eonquered Thyr, Marcellus Syraeufa, Seipio Numantia.
I recommend vnto vou aifo the poore people, loue the orphanes
294 LETTERS.
and fatherleffe children, fupport and help the widowes, beware of
quarrels and debates amongs you, and the caufes of the helpleffe
le that ve maintaine and defende: bicaufe the Gods dvd neuer
wreake more cruell vengeance vpon any, than vpon thofe which
dvd ill intreate and vfe the poore and neadv : and manv times I
haue heard mv Lord Nerua fay, that the gods neuer fhewed them-
felue. fo rygorous, as agaynR a mercileffe and vnpitifull people.
Semb]ably, we pray you to be modeR of woords, pacient to fuffer,
and ware in your forme of lyre. For a great fault it is, and no
leffe fhame to a Gouerner, that he prayfe the people of his coin-
mon wealth, and gyue them occation to fpeake euill of him:
and therefore thev which haue charge of the common xvealth,
ought rather to repofe truf in their workes, than in theyr woords,
for fo mutch as the Citizens or common people, do rather fixe
theyr iudgement vpon that which thev fee, than on that wbich
thev heare. I would vvfh that (touching the affavres appertinent
to the Senate) they might hot kno in you anv fparke ofambicion,
malice, deceipte, or enuy, to the intent that the iuf inen might
not fo mttch com plain of the commaunding of the common wealth,
as vpon the entertainment and profite of the faine. The Empire
o the Greeks putting thevr felicitv in eloquence, and we in well
doing. I fpeake this (ryght honorable Fathers) to Counfell and
Exhorte ye, that when ve be affembled in Senate, ye do not con-
frime tvme in dyfputing and holding opinions for the verification
of anv thynge. For if vou will iudge wythout parciality and
affection without great difputation, ye mas, come to reafon. I
do remember that being at a leffon of Appolonius Thianeus, 1
heard him far that it was not fo expedient that Senators and
Emperors fhould be fkilful and wyfe, as if thev fuffred them-
felues to bee gouerned by thofe that were of great experience
and knowledg: and verely he laid truth: for by that meanes he
prohibited and forbad them, hOt to arreft and ftand vpon their
owne opinion, whereof thev ought to be manv times fufpicious.
Lvkewvfe we recommend vnto vou the cenfores, who haue charge
of Iudgement, and the Tribunes, whofe office is to attende the
affraves of Common XVealthe, that they bee wvfe and learned in
the Lawes, expert in the Cufiomes, prouident in ludgementes, and
LETTERS. 295
ware in thevr trade of lvfe : fi»r I far vnto you, that a wvfe man is
more availeable in gouernement of a common wealth, than a man
of ouermutch Ikvll and experyence. The forme then whvch ve
flaal obferue in matters of Iudgement flall be thus: that in ciuile
proceflè vou keepe the law, and in criminall caufes to moderate
the faine, bicaufe haynous, cruell, and rigorous lawes be rather
ruade to amaze and feare, than to be obferued and kept. When
vou giue anv fentence, ve ought to confider the age of the offen-
daunt, when, how, wherefore, with whome, in whofe prefence,
in what time, and how louge ago, forfomutch as euerv of thefe
thyngs may evther excufe or condempne: whych vou ought to
beare and vfe towards them in lvke fort as the gods towards vs,
ho giue vs better helpe aud fuccoure aud correc'-t vs leffe than we
deferue. That confideration the ludges ought to haue, bvcaufe
the offenders doe rather trefpaffe the Gods than men : if then they
be forgiuen of the gods for offences whvch thev commit, reafon it
is that we pardon faultes don by thofe rather then bv our fçlues.
In like maner we commaund you, that if your enimies do yot any
anoiance or iniury, hot iucontinently to take reuenge, but rather
to diffemble the faine, bicanfe manv wrongs be don in the
world, which were better to be diffembled than reuenged. XVher-
in ye flal haue like regard, touching offices in the Senate and
Common Wealth, that they be hot giuen to ambicious or couetous
perfons: for there is no Beafle in the Vorld fo pefliferous and
Venomous, to the Common Wealth, as theAmbiciousin commaund-
ing, and the couetous in gathering togither. Other things we
let paffe for this tyme, vntil we haue intelligence howe thefe our
commaundements be fulfilled. This Lettcr fhal be red in the
chyefef place xithin the Senate, and afterwards pronounced
to the people, that they may both know what vee com-
maunde, and fee alfo what ye doe. The Gods keepe
you, whome we pray to preferue our mother
the Citv of Rome, and to rend vs good
l'ucceffe in thcfe our ,Varres.
296 LETTERS.
.,4 notable Letter lent from the Romane Senate fo the Emperour
Traiane, where in is declared how fometimes the region of Spayne
did furni[h Rorne wflh golde frorn their Iffines, and now do
adorne and garni[h the faine u, ith Emperours to gouerne their
Common wealth.
THE facred Romane Senate, to thee the great Cocceius Traiane
new Emperour Augufius, health in thy gods and ours, graces euer-
lafyng xvee tender to the immortall Gods, for that thou art in
health, which wee defvre and pray mav be perpetual. X, Ve figni-
fied vnto thv maiefy the death of Nerua Cocceius, out foueraigne
Lord, and thy predeceffor, a man of fincere lyre, a fryetd of his
Common XVealth, and a zealous louer of Iuffice, wherein alfo we
aduertifed, that like as Rome did weepe for the cruell lyre of
Domitian, fo mutch the more bitterly doth the bewavle the death
of thine vncle 1X'erua» whofe counce (athough hee was verv olde
and difeafed) which he gaue vs lyinge on his Bedde» we loued
better, and imbraced with greater comforte, than al| the enter-
pryfes and deedes don by his predeceffors, when thev were in
health and lufiy: and befides the ordinary mourning vfed to bee
done in Rome for Prynces, wee haue caufed all recreation and
pafime to ceafe, fo wel in the common wealth as with euery
of vs particulady. We haue thut vp the Temples and ruade the
Senate vnderIand, how difpleafantly we accept the death of g,»od
men. The good old gentleman Nerua dved in hys houle, and
was buried in the fielde of Mars : he died in debte, and we haue
payd hvs debtes : he dved callyng vppon the Gods, and we haue
canonized him amongs thevr numbre, and that which is mo[ to
be noted, hee died commending vnto vs the common wealth, and
the Common wealth recommending it felf vnto him : and a little
before his latter gafpe, to the pritcipall of the holv Senate, and
manv other of the people, fanding about his bedfide, he farde:
"O ye fathers, I committe vnto vou the common wealth and my
felfe alfo vnto the Gods: vnto whom I tender infinite thankes,
bicaufe they haue taken from me mv children, to bee mine heires
and haue lefte mee Traiane to fuccede." You do remembre (more
LETTERS. 297
dread foueraign lord) that the good Empereour Nerua had other
fucceffours than your maieffy, of nearer alyance, of greater frend-
flaip more bound by feruice, and of greater proofe in warfare:
notwithftandyng amongs other noble perfonages, vpon you alone
he cal his eyes, repofinge in vou fuch opinyon and confidence,
as to reuiue the prowes and valvaunt fat°fs of the good Emperor
Augu|tus, he fuppreffed in oblivion the infolent fa¢?ts of Domi-
tian. "SVhen Nerua came vnto the Crowne, he found the treafure
pilled, the Senate in diffentyon, the people in commotion, luffice
hot obferued, and the Common wealth ouerthrowen : which you
likewyfe prefentlye fhall finde, although otherwvfe quiet and
wholy reformed: wherfore we fhalbe right glad, that vou con-
ferue the Comnon wealth in the ftate wherin your vncle Nerua
left it, confideryng fpecially that new Prvnces wder colour to in-
troduce new cuftoms, do ouerthrow their common Vv'ealths : four-
tene Prvnces your predeceffours in the Enpyre were naturaily
borne in Rome, and you are the firfe ltraunger Prvnce. Vsrhere -
fore we pray the immortall Gods, (fith that the ffocke of out aun-
cient Coefars is dead) to rend thee good Fortune. Out of the
countrey of Spaine was wont to come to this our Romane city
great abundanee of gold, filuer, fteele, ieade, and tinne, from theyr
mines: but now in place thereof, fhe giueth vs Eperours to
gouern out eommon wealths: fith then that thou eommeft of fo
good a eountrey as Spayne is, from fo good a Prouince as is Van-
dolofia, and from fo excellent a citty as Cales is, of fo noble and
fortunate a Linage as is Coeceius, and aduauneed to fo noble an
Epire, it is to be fuppofed that thou wilt proue good and not euil :
for the Gods immortall manv rimes do take away their graees from
vngratefull men: moreouer (mof excellent prince) fith you wrote
vnto vs the maner and order what we ought to doe: reafon it is
that we write to you agayne what you ought to forefee : and fith
you haue to]de vs, and taught vs to obey you, meete it is that we
may know what your pleafure is to eommaunde: for that (it may
eome to paffe) that as you haue bene brought vp in Spayne, and
of longe time bene abfent from Rome, through followinge the
Varres, that not knowing the lawes whereunto we are fworn, and
the cuffomes whieh we haue in lqome, yee eommaunde fome thinge
298 LETTERS.
that may redound to our damage, and to vour difhonor: and
therefore we accoumpt it reafon that vour Maieftv bee aduertifed
hereof, and the lame preuented, for fo much as Princes often-
times be negligent of mauy things, not for that thev wil hOt fore-
fee the lame, but rather for want of one that dare tell them what
thev ought to doe: and therefore we humblv bcfeech your mort
excellent maiefty, to extende and fhewe forth vour wifedome
and prudence, for that the Romanes hearts bene drawen and ruade
pliant rather by fauourable diligence, than bv prouoked force.
Touchinge the vertue, lutiice, mav it pleafe vou to remembre the
fame : for vour olde vncle 1Nerua was wont to fa3' , that a Prince for
all his magnanimity, vahaunce, and felicity, if he do hOt vfe and
maintavne Iuftice, ought not for any other merite to be prayfed
and commended. Semblablv we make our humble Petition, that
thofe commaundements which vou fhal rend and require to be
put in execution, be thoroughly eftabliflled and obferued : for the
goodneflè of the lawe doth hot confift in the ordinaunce, but in
the fulfilling and acomplifhement of the lame: wee will not
alfo omit to fay vnto you (moft famous Prince) that you muft
haue pacience to fuffer the importunate, and to diffemble with the
offenders: for that it is the deede of a Prince to chaftife and
punifhe the wrongs done in a common wealth, and to pardon the
difobedience done vnto him. You fend vs word by your letters
that yot wil hot corne to Rome, vntyll you haue finifhed the
Germaine XVarres : whvch feemeth vnto vs to be the determina-
tion of a vertuous and right noble Emperour, for fo mutch as good
Princes fuch as vou be, oughte not to defire and chofe places of
delite and recreation, but rather to feke and win renowne and
fame. You c.mmaunde vs alfo to haue regarde to the venera-
tion of the Temples, and to the fcruice of the Gods : whvch re-
queft is iufte, but very iutte it were and meete that vour felfe
fhould doe the fame: for our feruice would little preuaile, if you
fhould difpleafe them. You wil vs alfo oue to loue an other,
whvch is the counfel of a holy and peaceable Prince : but know
ve that wee fhal not be able to doe the faine, if you wil hot loue
and intreat vs all in equall and indifferent forte: fir Prynces
chearyflfinge and louing fome aboue the reft, do raire flanders
LETTERS. 99
and grudges amongs the people: you likewife recommend vnto
vs, the poore and the widowes: wherin we thinke that vou ought
to commaund the Colle&ers of your Tributes, that they do not
grieue, when they gather vour ryghtes and cuftomes: for greater
finne it is to fpoyle and pill the needv fort, than meritorious to
fuccour and relieue them. Likewife you do perfuade vs to be
quiet and circumfpe6t in our affayres, which is a perfuafion r-
fembling the nature of a worthve Prvnce and alfo of a pitifull
father. In femblable maner vou require vs hot to be opiniona-
tiue and wilfull in the Senate, ne affetionate to felf wil whych
fhal be done accordin.ly as you commaund, and accept it as you
fay : but therwithall vou ought to think that in graue and wayghty
matters, the more depely things be debated, the better thev fha|l
be prouided and decreed : you bid vs alfo to beware, the Cenfores
be honeff of ivfe and rightful in doing iuftice: to that xxe aun-
fwere, that in the lame we wi|l haue good refpe&, but it is expe-
dient that you take hede to them whom vou flaal naine and ap-
point to thofe offices : for if vou do chofe flch as they ought to
be, no caufe fhal rife to reprehend them. Item xvher you fay,
that we ought to take hede, that our children committe no offences
to the people, wherein the aduife of the fenate is, that you do
draw them awaye from vs, and cal them to the Almavne warres,
for as vou do knowe (right fouerain prince) that when the puh-
like welth is exempt, and voyd of enimies, then the lame wil
begin to bee replenyfhed wvth vouthftfil vices. Notwithftanding
when the warres bee farre of from Rome, then the faine to them
is profitable, bicaufe there is nothing which better cleanfeth coin-
mon wealths from wicked people» than warres in ffraunge Coun-
tries. Concernyng other things which you write vnto vs nedefull
it is hOt now to recite them, but onely to fee them kept : for truely
they feeme rather to be the lawes of God Apollo him felfe,
than counfels of a Mortall man. The gods preferue your
Maiefy, and graunt you good fucceffe in thofe
your varres.
Thefe Letters and Epiftles, althoogh befides the Seope and Nature
of a Noueli, yet fo worthy to be read and pra&yfed, as no Hiftory
or other mortall Precepte more: expreflïng the great care of a mais-
300 LETTERS.
ter towards his fcholler, that he fhould proue no worfe belng
an emperor, than he fhewed hvmfelfe diligent when he was a
Scholer: fearing that if he flould gouerne contrary to his ex-
pe&ation, or degenerate from the good inflitution, whvch in hys
yong yeares hec imbraced, that the blame and flaunder fhould ref
in hymfelfe: that was his tutor and bringer vp. O careful Plu-
tarch, O mof happy maifer, as well for thine owne indufry, as
for the good fucceffe of fuch a Scholer: and O moft fortunate
and vertuous Èmperor, that could fo wel brooke and digett the
blitçed perfuafions of futch a maifter, whofe mind wyth the blaf
of promotion, w-as hot fo fs'olne and puffed, but that it vouchfafed
to cal him father and maifter, fiil crauing for in infigation
of reproofe, when he flid or flypped from the path of
reaf.n and duetv. And happy Coulfel and Senate
that could ri» wel like and praêtyfe the docu-
ments of fuch an Emperour.
OF TtIREE AMOROUS DAMES.
3OI
THE THIRTEENTH NOUELL.
notable HiJtor!l of three amorous Gentlewomen, called Lamia,
Flora, and Lais : conteyning the fittes of noble Princes and other
great Perfonages ruade vnto them, with their anfweres to diuers
demaundes : and the manner of their death and funerals.
LAt3,rG. now our morall difcourfe of a carcfull Mayfter, of a
prouydent Scholer, of a vertuous Emperoure, of a facred Senate,
and vniforme magiftery, returne we to the fetting forth and
fcription of three arrant honeft XVolnen, which for levdneffe wer
famous, and for vicked Lyre worthy to be noted with a blacke coale,
or rather their memory raked in the Duft and Cinders of their
Corpfes vnpure. But as ail hiftories be fui of leffons of vertue and
vice, as Bookes, facred and prophane, defcribe the liues of good
and bad for example fake, to yelde meanes to the pofterity, to en-
rue the one and efchue the other, fo haue I thought to intermingle
amongeft thefe Nouels the feuerall fortes of either, that ech Sexe
and Kinde mav pike out like the Bee, of ech Floure, Honny, to
flore and furnifhe with delightes their well difpofed mvndes. I
purpofe, then, to vnlace the diffolute lvues of three Amoroufe
Dames, that with their graces allured the greateft Princes that
euer were: enticed the noble men, and fometimes procured the
wifeft and beft learned to craue their acquaintance, as by the fe-
quele hereof fhall well appeare. Thefe three famous Vomen, (as
Vriters do witneffe) were furnifhed with many goodly graces and
gifles of nature : that is to fay, great beautye of face, goodly pro-
porcion of body, large and high foreheades, theyr breaftes placed in
comely order, final wafted, fayre handes of paflîng cunning to play
vpon Inftruments, a heauenly voice to favne and ring: briefly,
their qualifies and beauty were more famous than euer any that
were born within the Countries of-Afia and Europa. They were
neuer beloued of Prince that did forfake them, nor yet they ruade
requeft of any thing which was denied them : they neuer mocked or
flowted man (a thing rare in women of thevr condition) ne yet were
mocked of any: but theyr fpecyal propreties wer to allure lnen to
302 or THREE
loue them : Lamia wyth hir pleafaunt loke and eye, Flora with hir
eloquett tongue, and Lais wyth the grace and fveeteneffe of hir
finging voyce : a lraunge thinge that he which once was furpryfed
wvth the hme of any of thofe three, evther to late or neuer was
delvuered of the faine. They were the richeft courtizans that euer
iyued iu the worlde, tb long as thevr life did lal, and after thevr
deceaf% great monumentes were ere¢-ted for thevr remembraunce,
in place where thev died. The mol[ auncient of thefe three Amor-
c.us dames was Lamia, who was in the tvme of King Autigonus,
that warfared in the feruice of Alexander the Great, a valvant gen-
tleman, aithough hot fauored by Fortune. Thvs kyngeAntigonus
Icft behynde hvm a foune and hevre called Demetrius, who was
leffe valyauut, but more fortunate than his father, and had bene a
Prvnce of greate eltimation, if iu hys youthe hee had acquyred
frendes, and kept the faine, and in hvs age had hot ben gyuen to
fo manv vices. Thys King Demetrius was in loue with Lamia,
and prefented hir wvth rich giftes and rewardes, and Ioued hir
fo affe&ionately, and in futch fort, as in the loue of his Lamia he
femed rather a tble than a true louer: ri»r, forgettiug the grauity
and authoritve of his perfou, hee dvd hot onelve gyue hir ail fuch
things as the demaunded, but befides that hee vfed no more the
company of his wvfe Euxonia. On a tvme Kytg Demetrius afk-
ing Lamia what was the thing wherewvth a woman was fonel
WOUlle ? « There is nothiug," anfwered thee, "whvch fooner ouer-
commeth a ,Voman, than when fhe feeth a man to loue hir with al
hys hart, and to fufteyue for hir fake greate paynes and paff.vons
wvth long continuance and entier affection, fi)r to love men by
collufion, caufeth afterwards that they be mocked." Agayn, Deme-
trius alked hir further : «' Tell me, Lamia, whv doe diuerfe Women
rather hate than loue ruera?" W hereunto t]ae anfwered: "The
greatel caufe why a Woman doth hate a man, is, when the man
doth vaunt and boat himfelfe of that xxhich he doth not, and per-
formeth hot the thing which he promifeth." Demetrius de-
maunded of her: "Teli me, Lamia, what is the thing wherewith
rnen doe content you befi?"" When wee fee him," farde fhe,
"to be dvfcrete in wordes, and fecrete in his dedes." Demetrius
alked hir further: "Tell me, Lamia, how chaunceth it that men
AMOROUS DAMES.
303
be iii matched ? " "" Bycaufe,'" aufwered Lamia, '" it is impoffible
that they be weli maryed, when the wife is in neede, and the bus-
bande vndiferete." Demetrius atked hir what was the eaufe that
amitye betwene iwo louers was br«ken ? "There is nothing,"
aufwered fhe, "that foner maketh eolde the loue betwene two
Iouers, than when one of them doth ftrave in loue, and the Voman
louer to imp«,rtunate to eraue." He demauuded furtber: "Tell
me, Lamia, what is the thinge that molle tormenteth the Iouing
man ?" "Not to attavne the thing which he defireth," aufwered
fhe, '" and thinketh to h,fe the thing whvch he hopeth to eniov."
Demetrius yet once agayne atked hir thys queiiion: " What is
that, Lamia, which mort troubleth a Voman's hart ? " "" There is
nothing," anfwered Lamia, "' wherwith a woman is more grieued,
and maketh hir more lad, than to be ealled iii fauored, or that lhe
hath no good graee, or to vuderland that lhe is diffolute of lyfe."
This lady Lamia was of it*dgement delieate and fubtyli, although
il imployed in hir, and thereby ruade al the world in loue with hir,
and drew al mea to hir through hir favre fpeaeh. Now, belote
fhe Ioft the heart of Kyng Demetrius, lhee hauuted of long time
the vniuerfities of Atheues, where lhe gayned great ftore of money,
and brougbt to del[ru6tyon manv young men. Plutareh, in the
lyfe of Demetrius, faith, That the Atheuiens hauing prefented
vnto him Xtl. c. talents of monev f«,r a fubfidie to pay his men
of warre, he gaue al that futaine to his woman Lamia : bv meanes
whereof the Atheniens grudged, and were offended wvth the kyng,
hot for the loffe of their gift, but for that it was fo euil employed.
,Vhen the King Demetrius would affure any tbynge by oth, hee
fwore not bv his gods, ne yet by his predeceffors, but in this f,)rt :
"" As I may be ftyll in the grace of nlv lady Lamia, and as hir Ivfe
and mine mav ende together, tb true is this which I tv and do, in
this and thvs fort." One vere and two lX, loneths before the Death
of King Demetrius, his frend Lamia died, who foroxxed fo mutch
hir death, as tbr the abfenee and death of hir, he eaufed the Phv-
lofophers of Athens to entre in this Difputation, X, Vhether the
teares and forow hiche he fhed and toke for her fake, were more
to be el[emed than the riches whieh he (pent in her obthquies and
funerall pompes. This Amorous gentlewoman Lamia, was borne
304 OF THREE
in Argos, a City of Peloponnefus, befides Athenes, of bafe parent-
age, who in hir firft yeares haunted the countrey of Afia Major,
of very wyld and diffolute lyfe, and in the ende came into Phoe-
nicia. And when the Kyng Demetrius had caufed hir tobe buried
beefore hvs chamber-window, hys chiefef frendes afked him, where-
fore hee had entoomed hir in that place ? his aunfvere was this:
" I loued hir fo wel, and fhe likewyfe me fo hartyly, as I know
not which way to fatiffie the loue which fhe bare me, and the
duety I haue to loue her agayne, if not to put hir in fuch place
as myne eyes mare wepe euery day and mine hart ffill lament."
Truely this loue was fraung, which fo mighty a Monarch as De-
metrius was did beare vnto fueh a notable eurtizan, a woman
vtterly void of graee, barrert of good workes, and without arty zeale
or fpark of vertue, as it fhould appeare. But fith we read and
know that rtone are more giuen or bertt to vnreafouable loue, thart
mighty Princes, what fhould it bee demed fraung and maruellous,
if Demetrius amongs the ter do eome in place for the lote of that
moff famous woman, if Faine mav Rreteh to eyther forts, both
good and euill ? But let vs eome to the feeond infamous gentle-
woman, ealled Lais. She was of the ifle of Bithritos, whieh is in
the confines of Groeeia, and was the daughter of the great Saeri-
ficer of Apollo his temple at Delphos, a man greatly experieneed
in the magike art, wherby he propheeyed the perdition of his
daughter. Now this amorous Lias was in triumph in the time of
the renowmed King Pyrrhus, a Prince very anbitious to aequire
honor, but hot very happy to keepe it, who being yonge of fix-
teene or feuenteene yeares, came into Italy to make warres againft
the Romains: he was the firf (as fome fay) that aranged a camp
in ordre, and ruade the Phalanx, the mayne fquare and battell:
for before hvs time, when they came to entre battell, they affailed
eonfufedlv and out of array gaue the onfet. This amorous Lias
eontinued long time in the campe of Kynge Pyrrhus, and went
wvth hym into Italy, and wyth him retourned from warre agayne
and yet hir nature was futeh, as fhee woulde neuer bee mainteined
wyth one man alone. The fame Lias was fo anorous in her eon-
uerfatyon, fo excellent fayre, and of fo eomely graee, that if fhee
would haue kept hir felfe faythfull to one Lorde or gentleman, there
AMOROUS DAMES.
305
was no prynce in the world but if he would haue velded himfelfe and
ail that he had at hir eommaundement. Lias, from hir retourne
out of haly into Greeee, repayred to the citye of Corinth, to make
}air abode there, where fhe was purfued by many kings, lordes, and
prynces. Aulus Gellius faith (whieh I haue recited in my former
part of the Pailace of pleafure, the fiftenth Noeuiil,) that the good
Philofopher, Dem.fthenes, went from Athens to Corinth, in dif-
guifed appareil, to fee Lais, and to haue hir company, But befi»re
the dore was opened, fhe fent one to demaunde .xtt. C. Seftereios of
filuer: whereumo Demofthenes anfwered : " I buy hOt repentance
fo deere." And I beleue that Demofthenes fpake thofe wordes by
folowyng the femence of Diogenes, who fayeth, that euery beaft after
fuch aoete is heauy and fad. Soin wryters affirme of this Amor-
ous Lais, that thing whvch I neuer reade or hearde of XVoman :
whych is, that fhee neuer flaewed figne or token of loue to that
man whych was defyrous to doe her feruice: nor was neuer hated
of man that knew her. Whereby we mav comprehend the happe
and fortune of that amorousWoman. Shee neuer Ihewed femblance
of great loue to any perfon, and yet fhee was beloued of all. If
the amorous Lamia had a good Spirite and mynde, Lais truely had
no leffe. For in the art of loue fhe exceeded ail other women of
hir deteftable Arte and Scyence, as well in Knowledge of Lotie as
to profite in the fame. Vppon a Daye a Younge Man of Corinth
demaundying of hir, what hee fhoulde fay to aXVoman whome hee
long tyme had loued, and ruade fo greate lute, that thereby he was
iike to fal mto difpayre. "Thou fhalt I:ay," (fayd Lais) "vnto hir,
that fith fhe vyl hot graunt thy requeft, yet at leaf wyfe it myght
pleafe hir to fuffer thee to bee hir feruant, and that fhee would
take in good parte the Seruice that thou fhah doe vnto hir. Whyeh
requefte if fhee doe graunte, then hope to attayne the ende of thy
attempte, bycaufe wee Women bee of fuch nature, as opening out
mouthes to gyue fome mylde and pleafant anfwere to the amorous
perron, it is to bee thoughte that wee haue gyuen out heart vnto
hym." An other Daye, iii the prefence of Lias, one prayfed the
Phylofophers of Athens, faying, that they were very honeft per-
fonages, and of great learnynge. Whereunto Lais aunfvered:
"I can not tell what great knowledg they haue, nor what fcience
VOL. II. U
306 OF THREE
they fludye, ne vet what bookes youre Philofophers doe reade, but
thvs I ara lute, that to me beynge a woman and neuer was at
Athenes, 1 fee them repayre, and of Philofophers beeeome amorous
perlons." A Theban kuighte demaunded of Lais, what he might
doe to eniov a ladre wvth whofe loue hee fl,ould bee fi, rprifed:
Shee aunfwered thus. "" A man that is defirous of a woman, mufl
folow his lute, ferue hir, and fuffer hir and fomtvmes to feeme as
though he had forgotten hir. For after that a womans heart is
moued to loue, fhe regardeth more the forgetfulneffe and negli-
geuce vfed towards hir, than fhe doth the feruice done before."
Au other Gentleman of Achaia atkcd hir what he thoulde doe to a
woman, whom he fufpe&ed that lhe had falfified hir favth Lais
aunfwered, '" make hir beleue that thou thiukel fhe is ver)' favth-
fui and take from hir the occafions wherby fhee hath good caufe
to be vnfaythful : For if file do perceiue that thou knowefl it, and
diffemblefl the matter, lhe wvll fooner dve than amende." A
gentleman of Paleltine at another rime inquired of hir what hee
thould doe to a Woman whych he ferued, and did hOt efleeme the
feruyce done vnto hir, ne yet gaue him thankes for the loue which
hee bare hir. Lais faved vnto him : "' If thou be difpofed to ferue
hir no longer, let hir not perceiue that thou hafl gyuen hir ouer.
For naturally 'e women be tendre in loue, and hard in hatred."
Beyng demaunded by one of hir Neyghbours what fhee fhoulde
doe to make hir Daughter very wyfe. "Shee" (fayde Lais) "' that
xxyll haue hir Daughter to bee good and honefl, mufl from her
vouth learne hir to feare, and in going abrode to haunte litle
compauy, and that fle be fhamefaft and moderate in hir talke."
An otber of hir neighbors inquyryng of hir what fhee myght doe
to hir daughter whvch began to haue delyght to rome in the
fieldes and wander abroade. "The remedy" (fayde Lais)"that
I finde for your daughter difpofed to that condition, is, not to
fuffcr hir to be ydle, ne vet to be braue and fumptuous iii apparel."
This amorous gentlewomaii Lais, dved in the Citve of Corinth,
of the age of .IxxII. Yeares, whofe death was of many matrones
defired and of a great numbre of amorous perfones lamented.
The thvrd amorous gentlewoman was called Flora, which was
hot fo auncient, ne yet of fo greate renoume as Lamia and Lais
AMOROIJS DAMES.
307
,ere, whofe country alfo was hot fo famous, For fhe was of Italy,
and the other two of Grecia, and although that Lamia and Lais
exceded Flora in antiquity, yet Flora furmounted them in lineage
and generofitie. For Flora was of noble houle, although in lire
leffe than chaft. She was of the country of Nola in Campania,
iffued of certayne Romans, Knights very famous in facCts of _Armes
and of great induflrie and gouernement in the common wealth.
XVhen the Father and mother of this FIora deceafed, fhe was of the
age of xv. yeares, indued with great riches and fingular beauty, and
the very orphane of ail hir kvnne. For fhee had nevther brother lefte
wyth whom fhee myght foiourne, ne yet vncle to gyue ber good
counfell. In fuch wvfe that lvke as this young maiftres FIora had
youthe, riches, lyberty and beauty, eueu fo there wanted nevther
baudes uor Pandores to entyce hir to fal, and allure hir to folly.
FIora feeing hir felf hefet in this wife, fhe deternfined to goe
into the Affrick warres, where fhe hazarded both in hir perfon
and hir honor. This dame florifhed and tryumphed in the tvme
of the firfte Punique warres, when the Conful Mamillus was lent
to Carthage, who difpended more Money vpon the loue of Flora,
than hee did vpon the chafe and purfute of his enimies. This
amorous lady FIora had a writyng and tvtle fixed vpon hir gate,
the effecCt wherof was this : Ixïng, Prince, Ditqator, Conful, Cenfor,
high Bi/hop, and Que/or ma?/knocke and corne in. In that writ-
yng FIora named neither emperor nor Cefar bvcaufe thofe two
mort Noble names were long tyme after created bv the Romanes.
Thvs Amorous FIora woulde neuer abandon hir Perron, but wvth
Geutlemen of Noble Houle» or of greate Dygnitye and Rvches.
For fhee was wonte to fav that a XVoman of pattïnge Beauty
fhoulde be fo rnutch efteemed as fhee doth efteeme and lette by hir
felfe. Lias and Flora were of contrary maners and conditions. For
Lias would firft bee payde, before fhee yelded the vfe of hir bodve :
but Flora wvthout anv femblance of defire eyther of golde or
filuer vas contented to bee ruled bv thofe with whom fhee com-
mitted the facCte. XVherof vppon a dav being demaunded the
queftion, fhe anfwered: "'I g.vue my body to prynces and noble
Barons, that they may deale with mee lyke Gentlemen. For I
308 OF TIIREE
fweare vnto you bv the Goddeffe Venus, that ueuer man gaue
me fo little, but that I had more than I looked for, and the
double of that which I could demaund." This Amorous lady
Flora was wont manv rimes to raye, that a wife woman (or more
aptly to terme her a ft, btvll Vench) o,,ghte hOt to demaund re-
ward of her louer for the acceptable pleafure which the doth
hvln bt, t rather for the loue whych the beareth him, bycaufe
that al thinges in the world haue a certavn pryce, except loue,
which cannot bee payde or recompenced but wyth loue. Ail the
Ambaffadors of the worlde, whvch had acceffe into Italy, made fo
greate reporte of the Beauty and Generofitie of FIora, as they dvd
of the Romane common wealth, bvcaufe it feemed to bee a blon-
iirous thynge to fee the Ryches of hir houfe, hir trayne, hir beauty
the princes and great Iordes by whom fhe was required, and the
prefents and giftes that were gyuen vnto hir. This Amorous FIora
had a continual regard to the noble houle whereof thee came
touchvn« the manvficence and ftate ofher feruvce. For albeit that
the was but a common woman, yet the was terued and honored
Ivke a great lady. That day wherein the rode about the city of
Rome, the gaue occafion to be fpoken of a whole month after, one
inquirynge of an other what great Romaine |ords they were that
kepte her company? .Vhofe men they were that waighted vpon
ber ? And whofe liuery they ware. Vhat Ladies they wer that
rode in her trayne. The brauerv of hir appareil, hir great beautv
and port, and the wordes fpoken bv the amorous gentlemen in that
troupe were hot vnremembred. .Vhen this maittres Flora waxed
old, a yong and beautifull gentleman of Corinth, demaunded ber
to vyfe, to vhom the anfwered : "" I know well that thou wilt hot
marie, the three fcore yeares whvch Flora bath, but rather thou
defireft to haue the twelue hundred thoufand Seftercios which fhe
bath in hir Coffres. Content thy felfe therefore, mv frende, and
get thee home agayne to Corinth from whence thou comeft. For
to futch as be of mvne age great honor is borne, and reuerence
done for the riches and v«ealth they haue, rather than for mariage."
There was neuer in the Romane Empyre, the lyke amorous woman
that FIora was, indued wyth fo many graces and Queenelyke
AMOROUS DAMES.
309
qualities, for fhee was of noble houfe, of finguler beauty, of comely
perfonage, diferete in hir affayres, and befides al other eomlv
qualyties, very lyberall. This maillres Flora fpent the moll part
of hir vouth in Affriea, Almavne and Gailia Tranfalpina. And
albeit that fhe would hot fuffre anve other but great lords to haue
poffeffion of hir body, yet /he applyed hir felfe to the fpoile of
thofe that were in place, and to the praye of thofe that came
from the warres. This amorous Flora died when /he was of the
age of xxv. veares. She left for the principal heire of ail hir
goods and Iueils. the Romain people, whieh was eftemed fuffieient
and able to make newe the Valles of Rome, and to raunfome and
redeme the eommon Wealth of the faine. And bveaufe that fhee
was a Romaine, and had ruade the llate therefore hir heyre, the
Romaines builded in hir honor a fumptuous Temple, whveh in
memorve of Fora was ealled Florianum : and euery yeare in the
memorve of hir, they eelebrated hir feall vppon the day of hir
death : Suetonius Tranquillus fayeth, that the firft fealle whieh the
Emperour Galba the feeond eelebrated wyth in Rome, was the
feaft of the amorous Flora, vpon whveh dave it was lawful for
men and women, to doe xvhat kvnd of di/honettv thev eould
deuife. And fhe waseftemed to be the greater faint which that dav
/hewed ber felfe molle diffolute and wanton. And bieaufe that the
temple Florianum, was dedyeated to amorous Flora, the Romanes
had an opinion, that al xvomen whieh vpon the lame dav repayred
to the Temple in whorifh appareil,/hould haue the graces and
giftes that Flora had. Thefe were the fond opinions and maners
of the auneient, whieh after their owne makinge and deuifes
framed Gods and Goddeffes, and bveaufe /he proued vnfhamefall
and rieh, a Temple rnull bee ereé-ted, and Sacrifices ordayned for
hir ,Vhorifh triumphes. But that noble men and Kings haue
bene rapt and tranfported with the lurements of fiteh notorious
ltrumpets, is and hath bene eommon in ail ages. And eommonly
futeh infamous women be indewed with greatell gifts and graees,
the rather to noofell and dandle their fauorers in the laps of their
fadinge pleafures. But euery of them a moll fpeeiall graee, aboue
the relt. As of a Kyng hOt long agoe we reade, that kept
3IO
OF THREE AMOROUS DAMES.
three, one the holief, another the craftief, and the third the
meriefL Two of which propertles meete for honePt "Vomen:
although the third fo incident to that kinde as heat to a liuinge
body. Ceafe wee then of this kynde, and let vs ep forth to be
acquaynted with a lady and a C/ueene the Godlvef
and foutef, that is remembred in any
auncient 1Monument or
Hvforv.
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
.3Il
THE FOURTEENTH NOUELL.
The lgfe and giftes of the rno./t Famous Queene Zenobia u.ith the
letters of the Emperour Avrelianvs fo the fayde Queene, and ber
.floute aulwere thereunto.
ZErOB Queene of Pahnyres, was a right famous Gentlewoman,
as diuerfe Hyforiographers largely do report and write. XVho al-
though fhee was no Chriflian Lady, yet fo worthv of Imitation,
as fhe was for hir vertues and herovcall lac-fs of Immortall prayfe.
Bv hir wyfedome and fioutneffe fhe fubdued ail the empire of the
Orient, and refifed the inuincible Romans. And for that it is
meete and requifite to alleage and aduouch reafotas by veight,
and words by meafure, I wil orderlv begin to recite the Hifiorv
of that mol{ famous Queene. V'herefore I fay, that about
the .284 . Olimpiade, no long tyme after the death of the vn-
happy Emperour Decius, Valerirn was chofen Emperour by the
Senate, and (as Trebellius Pollio his Hvforian doth defcribe) he
was a well learned prince, indued with manvfold vertues, that
hi fpeciali prayfe, thefe wordes be recorded of him. If ail the
IVorld had bene affembled fo chofe a good Prince, they u,ould hot haue
chofen any other bat good F'alerian. It is alib vritten of hym, that
in liberality he was noble, in words true, in talke wary, in promife
confiant, to his frends familiar, and to his enemies feuere, and
xvhich is more to be efeemed» he could not forget feruice, nor }'et
reuenge wronge. It came to parle that in the xv. veare of his
raygne» there rofe futch cruell Warres in Afia, that forced he was
to go thither in his owne perron, to refift Sapor king of the Per-
fians, a very valyaunt man of XVarre and fortunate in his enter-
prifes, which happineffe of hvs hot long time after the arrvuall of
Valerian into Afia, bee manifefted and fhewed.. For beeyng be-
twene them fuch hot and cruell varres, in a tkyrmifh, throughe
the greate faulte of the General, (which had the conduêt of the
armye) the Emperour Valerian was taken, and brought into the
puiffance of King Sapor hys ennimy, whych curfed tvrant
wickedlye vfed that vi&ory, as hee woulde by no meanes put the
312
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
Emperour to raunfome, towards'whom hee vfed fuch cruelty, that
fo oft and fo manv tymes, as hee was difpofed to gette vp on
horfebacke hee vfed the bodv of olde Valerian to ferue hym
for aduauntage, fetting his feete vppon the throate of that aged
gentleman. In that mvferable office and vnhappy captiuity ferued
and dved the good Emperour Valerian, not wvth oute the greate
fi»rrowe of them that knew him, and the rueful compaftion of
thofe that fawe him, which the Romans confidering, and that
neither bv offre of gold, or filuer, or other meanes, they were able
to redeeme Valerim, the' determined to choofe fi»r Emperour his
owne fi»nne called Galienus: which thev did more for refpeé-t of
the father, than for anv minde or corage they knew to bee in the
Ibnne. Who tfterwardes lhewed himfelfe to bee farre different
from the conditions «»f his father Valerian, being in his enterprifes
a cowarde, in his promiffes a lyer, in corre&ion cruell, towards
them that ferued him vnthanckfull, (and which is worfe,) hee
gaue himfelfe to his defires, and veaided place to fenfualit'. Bv
meanes wherof, in his tyme the Romain Empyre more than in
anv others raygne, Ic»ft mort prouinces and receiued greateft lhame.
In fa&es of warre he was a cowarde, and in gouernement of com-
mon wealth, a verv weake and feeble man. Galienus not caryng
for the tiare of the Empire, became fo mvferable as the Gouernors
of the fame gaue ouer their obedience, and in the tyme of hys
rtygne, there rofe vp thvrtv tyrants, whvch vfurped the faine.
x.Vhofe names doe followe, Cyriades, Pofthumus the yonger,
Lollius, Vi&orinus, Marius, Ingenuus, Regillianus, Aureolus, Ma-
crianus, Machianus the youuger, Ouietus, Odenatus, Herodes»
Moenius Ballifta, Valens, Pifo Emilitnus Staturnius, Tetricus,
Etricus the younger, Trebelianus, Heremianus, Timolaus» Celfus,
Titus, Cenforinus, Claudius, Aurelius, and Ouintillus, of whom
xvI b were captaynes and feruiters vnder the good Emperour
Valerian. Sutch delight had the Romanes, in that auncient
world, to haue good Captaynes, as were able to bee preferred to be
Emperours. Nowe in that tvme the Romanes had for their Cap-
tavne generall, a knight called Odenatus, the Prynce of Palme-
rines, a man truely of great vertue, and of paftinge indutry and
hardineffe in fa&s of warre. This Captayne Odenatus maried a
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
3t3
woman that defcended of the auncient linage of the Ptolomes,
ometvmes Kinges of 2Egypt, named Zenohia, 'hich (if the hifto-
rians do hot deceiue vs) was one of the mof famous ,Vomen of the
Vorlde. Shee had the heart of Alexander the great, fhee poffeffed
the riches of Croefus, the diligence of Pyrrhus, the trauel of Hani-
hall, the warie forefighte of Marcellus, and the Iutiice of Traiane.
Vhen Zenobia was married to Odenatus, fhe had by hir other hus-
band, a forme called Herodes, and hv Odenatus fhee had two
other, 'hereof the one was called Hyeronianus, and the other Pto-
iemus. And when the Emperour Valerian was vanquyfhed and
taken, Odenatus was hot then in the Campe. For as ail men
thotght, if he had ben there, thev had not recevued fo greate an
ouerthro,« So fone as good Odenatus was aduertized of the de-
lai& of Valerian, in great hatie he marched to the Roman Campe,
that then was in great diforder. ,Vhvch with greate diligence hee
reaffembled, and reduced the faine to order, and (holpen by good
Fortune,) ythin x. Daves after hee recouered ail that whvch
Valerian had lotie, makvne the Perfian kvn- to flee, bv meanes
whereof, and for that Odenatus had taken charge of the army, hee
wanne amonges the Romanes great reputation, and truely hOt
with out çaufe : For if in that good time he had hot recevued the
charge the name and glory of the Romanes had taken ende in Afia.
Duryng ail thvs tyme Galienus, Ivued in hvs delyghtes at Myilan,
wvthout care or thoughte of the Common wealth, confumynge in
his vylfull vices, the 3lonev that was ieuied for the men of war.
Vh'ch was the caufe that the gouernours of the prouinces, and
Captens general, feing him to be fo vicious and neglygent, vfurped
the prouinces and armies which thev had in charge. Galienus
vovde of ail obedience fauing of the ltalians and Lobards, the
firti that rofe vp againft him were Potihumus in Fraunce, Lollians
in Spayne, Vi&orinus in Affrica, Marius in Britane, Ingenuus in
Germanie, Regillianus in Denmark, Aureolus in Hungarie, Ma-
crianus in Mefopotamia, and Odenatus, in Svria. Before Odena-
tus rofe againft Valerian, Macrianus enioied Mefopotamia and
the greateft part of Syria, whereof Odenatus hauing intelligence,
he marched with his power agaynti him and killed hm, and dis-
comfited ail his armv. The death of the Tyran Macriau being
34
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
knowen, and that Galienus was fo vicious, the artnles in Afia
affembled and ehofe Odenatus Emperour : which Eieion although
the Senate publickly durft not agree vpon, yet fecretlv they al-
lowed it, bvcaufe thev receyued dayly newes, of the great Ex-
ploytes and deedes of armes done by Odenatus, and faw on the
other ride the great continued follies of Galienus. Almoft three
veares and a halfe was Odenatus Emperour and Lord of all the
Orient, duringe which time he recouered all the Lands and Pro-
uinces lof bv Galienus, and payde the Romane armv all the
arrerages of their wages due vnto them. But Fortune fui of in-
confancy, fuffred hot this good Prvnce very long to raygne. For
hauing in hys houfe a kinfinan of lys, named Meonit.s, to whom
he bare great good will, for that he fawe him to be a valiant man
of 'arre, although Ignorant of his Enuy and couetoufneffe: it
chaunced vpon a dav as they two rode on huntinge, and gallopinge
after the purfute of a wylde Bore, with the very faine Bore Speare
which Meonius caried to ftrike the beaK, he killed by treafon his
good Coufin Odenatus. But that murder was not long time vn-
reue.aged. For the Borefpeare wherewith he had fo cruellv killed
the Emperour his Coufin, was incontinentlv known bv the hunters
which folowed Odenatus: whervpon that dav the head of Meo-
nius was flriken of. And Galienius vnderfandinge the death of
Odenatus, gaue great rewardes and prefents to them that brought
him the newes, beinge fo ioyfull as the Romans wer angry to vn-
derfand thofe pitiful tydings, bycaufe through the good ordre
which Odenatus vfed in Afia, they had great tranquillity and peace
throughout Europa. l'qov after the death of thys good Emperour
Odenatus, the Armies chofe one of his two Sonnes to be Emperour
of the Orient : But for that he was younge, they chofe Zenobia to
be Proteor of hir fonne, and gouerner ouer the fard Orient
Empyre. Vho feeing that vpon the deceafe of Odenatus cer-
tayne of the Eaf Countries began to reuolt, fhee determined to
open hir Treafure, reffemble hir men of \Varre, and in hir owne
perfon to match into the fielde: where fhe did futch notable en-
terprifes, as fhee appalled hir enemies, and made the whole world
to wonder. About the age of.xxxv, yeares Zenobia was widow,
beinge the Tutrix of hir children, Regent of an Empyre, and Cap-
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
35
tayne generall of the army. In which weighty charge fhe vfed hir
felfe fo wifely and weil, as fhee acquired no leffe noble name in
Afia, than Queene Semiramis did in lndia. Zenobia was contant
in that whych fhe tooke in hand, true in words, liberall, myide,
and feuere where fhe ought to be, difcrete, graue, and fecrete in
her enterprifes, albeit fhe was ambicious. For, not content with
hir title of Gouerneffe, or Regent, fhe wrote and caufed her felfe
to be called Empreffe, fhe ioued not to ride vpon a Mule, or in a
littor, but greatly efteemed to haue great horfe in hir fiable and
to learne to handle and rvde them. ,Vhen Zenobia vent forth of
hir Tent to fee the order and gouernment of hir Campe, fhe con-
tinually did put on ber Armure, and was well guarded with a hand
of men, fo that of a woman, fhe cared but onely for the name, and
in the facCts of Armes fhee craued the title of valiaunt. The Cap-
taynes of hir Army, neuer gaue batteil, or ruade affauit, thev neuer
fkyrmifhed or did other enterprife of warre, but-fhe was prefent
in ber owne perron, and attempted to fhewe hirfelfe more hardv
than any of ail the troupe, a thinge aimoft incredible in that
weake and feeble kinde. The fard noble .)ueene was of ffaturc,
bigge and well proporcioned, ber eyes black and quicke, hir fore-
head large, hir ftomak and Breafes fayre and vpright, ber Face
white, and ruddy, a iittle mouth, hir Teeth lb whyte, as they feemed
like a rancke of white pearles, but aboue all things fhe was of futch
excellent Spirit and courage, as fhee was feared for hir foutneffe,
and beloued for ber beauty. And aithough Zenobia was indued
with fo great beauty, iiberality, riches, and puiffaunce, yet fhe
was neuer fiayned with the blemifh of vnchafe lyfe, or wyth
other vanitv : and as hir hufband Odenatus was wont to fay, that
after fhee felt hir felfe wyth chylde, fhee neuer fuffred hvm to
corne neare ber, (futch was hir great Chafity) fayinge that Women
ought to marry rather for children than for pleafure. She was alfo
exceilently well iearned in the Greke and Latine tongue. Shee did
neuer eate but one iMeale a Day. Hir talke as verve lyttle and
rare. The lleate which fhee vfed for hir repafie, was either the
hanch of a XVylde Bore, or elle the fyde of a Deere. Shee couid
drinke no XVyne, nor abvde the lent thereof. But fhee was fo
curyous in good and perfecCt Waters, as fhee would gyue fo great
36
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
a Prvce for that, as is ordinaryly gyuen for XVyne bee it neuer fo
excellent. So foone as the Kinges of ASgypte of Perfia, and the
Greekes, were aduertized of the death of Odenatus, thev fent thevr
Ambaffadours to Zenohia, afwell to vifite and comfort hir, as to
bec ber confederats and frendes. So much was fhe feared and re-
doubted for ber rare vertues. The affavres of Zenobia beinge in
futeh eflate in ,fia, the Emperor Galienus died in Lombardie, and
the Romanes chofe Aurelianus to bec Emperour, who although he
was of a bafe and obfeure lineage, )'et hec was of a great valianee
in fa6'es of Armes. \Vhen Aurelianus was ehofen Emperour, he
,nade great preparaci,,n into Afia, to inferre varres vpon ueene
Zenobia, and in ail hvs tvme hee neuer attempted greater enter-
prife for the Romanes. When hec was arryued in Afia, the Empe-
rour proceded aga.vnft the Queene, and /hee as valiautlv defended
hir felfe, continuallv beiug betwene them great Alarams and lkir-
mifhes. But as Zenobia and hir people were of leffe trauell and of
better lkvl in knowledge of the Country, fo thev did greater harme
and more anoiance vnto theyr Enim.v, and thereof reeeiued leffer
damage. The Emperour feing that hec/hould haue muteh adoe to
vanquifhe Zenobia bv armes, determined to ouercome hir by gen-
tle wordes and favre promiffes : for which caufe he wrote vnto hir
a letter, the tenor whereof enfileth.
Aurelianus Emperour of Rome and Lord of al Afia, to the right
honorable Zenobia fendeth greetyng. Although to fich rebellyous
V¢omen as thou art, it fhould feeme vncomely and hot decente to
nake requeft, )'et if thou wvlt feeke ayde ofmy mercy, and rendre
thv felfe vnder myne obedience, bec affured that I wyll doe thee
honour, and geue pardon to thv people. The Golde, Siluer, and
other riches, within thv Pallaee I am content thou fhalt enioy,
together with the kingdome of Pahnyres, which thou maveft keepe
duringe thv life, and leaue atter thy death to whom thou fhalt think
good, vpon condieionnotwithftandinge, that thou abandone ail thine
other Reahnes and Countrves 'hich thou halte in Afia, and acknow-
ledge Rome to be thv fuperior. Of thy vaffalls, and fubiecCtes of
Palmyres, we demaund none other obedience, but to be confederates
and frendes, fo that thou breake vp thy Campe, wherewvth thou
makeft warre in Afia, and difobeveft the citv of Rome, wee will
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
37
fiffer thee to haue a certayne number of men of warre, fo wel for
the tuicion of thy perfon, as for the defence of thy kingdome, and
thy two Children which thou haddett by thv hufoande Odenatus.
_And he whom thou louett ber fhal remayne with thee lu Afia, and
the other I will carry with me to Rome, not as prifoner, but as
holage and pleadge from thee. The prifoners which thou hal of
ours, fhalbe rendred in exchange for thofe which we haue of thine,
without raunfome of evther parts _And by thefe meanes thou fhalt
remavne honored in Afia, aud I contented, will retourne to Rome.
The Gods be thv defence, and preferue our mother the city of
Rome from ail vnhappy fortune.
The Queene Zenobia hauiuge reade the letter of the Emperour
_Aurelianus, without feare of the contents, incontinently ruade futch
aunfwere as folh)weth.
Zenobia Queene of Palmyres, and Lady of ail Afia, and the king-
domes thereof, to thee Aurelianus the Emperour, health, and con-
folation, &c. That thou do intitle thy felfe xxith the Emperour of
the R.omanes I doe agree, but to prefume to naine thv felfe lord of
the Eaf kingdomes, I fav therein thou doef offcnd. For thou
knowe6 wel, that I alone ara Lady Regent of all the Orient, and
the only dame and mayfreffe of the faine. Th'one part whereof
defeended vnto me bv lawful Inheritaunce from my predeeeffors,
and the other part, I haue won by my proweffe and deedes of
armes. Thou faveR that if I rendre obedienee vnto thee, thou
wilt do me great honor: To that I aunfwere, that it were a dis-
honef part of me, and a deede mof vniult, that the Gods hauing
ereated Zenobia to eommaund ail _Afia, fhe fhould now begyn
to bee flaue and thral vuto the eity of Rome. Semblably, thou
faief that thou wylt gyue aud leaue me al the golde, filuer, and
other ryehes whyeh I haue: \Vhereunto I aunfwer, that it is a
wyeked, and fond requeR, to difpofe the goodes of another as they
were thine owne. But thine eyes fhall neuer fee it, ne yet thv
bandes fhal touche it, but rather I hope in the Gods aboue to
befow and erye a larges of that whieh thou hae at Rome, belote
thou finger that whveh I haue and poffeffe in Afia. Truelv _Au-
relianus, the warres whieh thou makef agaynçt me, and thy quar-
ell, bee mof vniu6e beefore the fupernall Gods, and verv vnrea-
38
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
fonable before men, and I for my part if I haue entred or doe
take armes, it is but to defend mv felf and mvne. Thy comming
then into Afia is for none other purpofe, but to fpoile and make
hauocke of that which an other bath. And think not that I am
greatly afravde of the naine of Romane Prynce, nor )'et the power
«,f thvne huge army. For if it bee in thy bandes to gyue battell,
it belongeth onely to the gods to gyue eyther to thee or me the
vi&ory. That I remaine in fielde it is to me greate lame, but
thou to fight x'ith a vviddove, oughteft truelve to hee afhamed.
There be corne vnto mvne avde and Campe the Perfians, the
o
Medes, the A«amennonians, the Irenees, and the Syrians, and
x'ith them ail the Gods immortall, who be wont to chaftice futch
proude princes as thou art, and to helpe poore Vidowes as I am.
And if it fo corne to paffe, that the Gods doe permit and fuffre my
lucke to be futch, as thou do bereue me of lvfe and difpoyle
me of goods, )'et it will be bruted at Rome, and publifhed in Afia,
that the wofull wight Zenobia, vas ouerthrowne and flayne, in
defence of hir Patrimony, and for the conferuation of hir hus-
hande's honor. Labor no more then Aurelianus, to flatter and
pray me, nor vet to threaten me : requere me no more to veelde
and become thy prifoner, nor yet to furrender that which I haue :
for bv doinge that I can, I accomplifh that I ought. For it will
he fard and noyfed through the world, (may it fo corne to paffe
as Fortune do not fauor mee) that if the Empreffe Zenobia be cap-
tiue, fhe was not vet vanquifhed. Now touchinge mv fon which
thou demaundeft to carv with thee to Rome, truelv that requeft I
cannot abide, and mutch leffe do meane to graunt, knowing full
well that thy houfe is ftored fuli of manvfolde vices, where mvne
is garnifhed with manv notable Philofophers: whereby if I leaue
vnto mv Children no great heapes of goods, yet they fhalbe wel
taught and inftru&ed : For the one half of the dav they fpend in
Learninge, and the other halfe in exercife of Armes. For conclu-
tion of thy demaund, and finall aunfwere, thereunto, I pray thee
trauayle no more bv letters to write vnto mee, ne yet by ambaffage
to fpende any furder talke, but attend vntill out controuerfie bee
decided rather bv force of Armes than bv vttered wordes. The
Gods preferue thee.
ZENOBIA QUEENE OF PALMYRES.
39
Itis fard that Aurelianus, receiuing that aunfwere did reioyce,
but when he had red it, he was greatly offeuded, which iuconti-
nently hee ruade to bee known, by gathering together his Camp,
and befieginge the Cittv wherein Zenobia was. And Aurelianus,
wroth and outraged with that aunfwere, although his armv was
weary and halfe in difpayre (by reafon of the longe XVarres,) yet
he vfed futch diligence and expedition in the fiege of that place,
as the Queene was taken and the city rafed : which done, the Em-
perour Aurelianus retourned to Rome, caryinge with him Zenobia,
not to doe hir to death, but to tryumph ouer lier. At what tyme
to fee thatNoble Lady goe on foote, aud marche belote the tryumph-
inge Chariot bare footed, charged with the burden of heauv
chaynes, and hir two children by hir ride: truly it ruade the Ro-
mane Marrons to conceyue great pity, being wel knowen to ai
the Romans, that ueither in valorous deedes nor vet in vertue or
chaftity, any man or woman of hir time did excell hir. The daves
of the triumph beingdone, ail the noble Ladies of Rome affembled
and repayred to Zenobia, and vfed vnto her great and honorable
entertaynement, giuing hir many goodly prefentes and rewards.
And Zenobia iiued in the company of thofe noble Matrous the
fpace of .x. yeares before fhe dyed, in eftimation like a Lucrecia,
and in honour like a Cornelia. And if Fortune had acompauied
hir perfonage, fo well as vertue and magnanimity, Rome had felt
the egreneffe of hir difpleafure, and the whole vorid tafed the
fweetneffe of hir Regiment. But nowe leaue we of, anv longer to
fpeak of Zenobia, that wee may dire& our courfe to the hard fate
of a King's daughter, that for loue maried a rimple perron bred in
hir father's houle, who in bafe parentage, and churlifhe kvnde
eoulde uot be aitered : but fhewed the fruie'ts of brutifhnefl:e :
tyll Lady Fortune pityinge the Ladie's cale: prouided
for her better dayes, and chaftized her vnkinde
companion with deferts condigne for futch
a matche.
32o
EUPHIMIA OF CORINTH.
THE FIFTEENTH NOUELL.
Evphimia the Kyng of Corinth's daughter fell in love with Acha-
ri[to, the feruaunt of her father, and bejïdes others which required
hir in mariage, he difdayed Philon the King of Peloponefi.s,
that loued hir very Jëruently. .dcharilto confpiring again.lt the
Kyng, was difcouered, tormented, and pu! in prifon, an« t' vm«an«s or Evphimia deliuered. The King promifed his daughter and
kingdome to him that prefented the head of lchariflo, Evphimia
fo wrought, as hee was prefented to the King. The King gaue
him his daughter fo wyfe and u'hen he died rnade him his heyre.
M«hariflo began to hate his u,.t/Jè, and condemned hir fo death as
an adulteree. Philon deliuered hir : and vpon the titre of hir
fubies, flhe is contented to mariA him, and therbyhe is rnade
hnge of Corinth :
COXSa'AICS" in honefi loue (being a perfe& vertue, and a precious
ornament to the beloued, induinge eyther, befides ioy and conten-
tacion, with immortall fame and Glory,) hath in it felfe thefe onelv
marks and properties to be knowen by, Chaftity, and toleratlon of
aduertitv : For as the mynde is confiant in loue, not variable, or
geuen to chaunge, fo is the body continent, comely, honef and
pacient of Fortunes plages. A truc confiant minde is moued with
uo fugred perfuafions of frendes, is diuerted with no eloquenee,
terrified with no threats, is quiet in ail motions. The bluftering
blatts of parents wrath, eannot remoue the eonftant mayde from
that whieh fhe bath peeuliarly ehofen to hir felfe. The rigorous
rage of frelldes, doth hot difmay the Iouing man from the em-
braeement of hir whom he hath amongs the refi feleête for his
vnehanged feere. _A goodly example of eonftant and noble loue
this hifiorv enfuing deferibeth, although not like in both, yet in
both a femblable eonfaney. For Euphimia, a kings daughter,
abandoneth the great loue borne vnto hir by Philon, a yong prince,
to loue a fervant of hir father's, with whom fhe perfeuered in great
confiancy, tbr ail his falfe and ingratefull dealings towards hir.
Pnilon feeing his loue dcfpifed neuer maried vntill he maried hir,
EUPHIMIA OF CORINTH.
vhom afterwards he deliuered from the falfe furmifed treafon of
hir cancred and malicious hufoand. Euphimia fondly maried
agaynf hir father's will, and therefore deferuedly afterwards bare
the penaunce of hir fault : and albeit fhe deelared hir felfe to be
eonfrant, yet dutv to louinge Father ought to haue withdrawen
hir rafh and heady loue. XVhat daungers do enfue futch like
cales, examples be rife, and experience teacheth. A great dis-
honour it is for the Lady and Gentlewoman to difparage hir
noble houle with mariage of hir inferior : .vea and great griefe to
the parents to fee their children obffinate and wilfull in careleffe
loue. And albeit the Poet Propertius defcribeth the vehement
loue of thofe that be noble, and haue vherewith in loue to be
liberail, in thefe verres :
Great is the fayth of Loue,
the cogitant mnde doth mutch auale :
And hee that is well fraught with u'ealth,
in Loue doth znutch preuayle.
Yet the tender Damofell or Iouing ehilde, be they neuer fo noble
or rieh, ought to attend the father's twne and ehoyfe, and natur-
ally encline to parent's will and likinge, otherwife great harme
and detriment enfue : for when the Parentes fee the difobedienee
or rather rebellious mynde of theyr ehilde, their eoneeiued forrow
for the faine, fo gnaweth the rooted plante of naturall loue, as
either it haflneth their vntimely death, or elle ingendreth a heape
of melaneholie humors: whveh force them to proclaime defianee
and bvtter eurffe againfl their propre fruit, vpon whom (if by due
regard they had bene ruled) they would haue pronouneed the
fweete bleffyng that Ifaae gaue to Iaeob, the mother's beft be-
loued Boye: yea and that difpleafure mav ehaunee to difpoffeffe
them of that, whveh fbould haue bene the onely eomfort and ttav
of the future age. So that neglygenee of parent's hett, and eare-
leffe heede of Youthfull head, breedeth double woe, but fpeeially
in the hot aduifed Chylde: who tumbleth himfelfe firtt into the
breaeh of diuine lawes, to the eurffes of the faine, to parent's wrath,
to orphan's flate, to begger's lyfe, and into a fea of manifold mire-
ries. In whom had obedvence ruled, and reafon taken place, the
hearte myght haue bene fatiffied, the parent wel pleafed : the life
VOL. II. X
322
EUPHIMIA OF CORINTH
ioyfully fpent, and the pofteritie fucceflïvely taft the fruits that
elders haue prepared. XVhat care and forrow, nav what extre-
metie the forefayde Noble Gentlewoman fufteined, for not yeld-
ing to hir father's minde, the fequele flmll at large declare. There
was fi»metimes in Corinth, a Citty of Grecia, a Kinge, which had
a daughter called Euphimia, very tenderie beloued of hir fatber,
and being arriued at the age of mariage, many Noble men of
Grecia ruade fute to haue hir to wife. But amongs al, Philon
the young king of Peloponefus, fo fiercely fell in love wyth hir, as
he thought he could no longer liue, if he were maried to anve
othcr : for which caufe hcr father knowing him to be a King, and
of fingular beautye, and that he was far in loue wyth his Daughter,
would gladly haue chofen him to be his forme in lawe, perfimding
hir that the flmuld liue vith him a lvfe fo happy as was pofF.vble
for anv noble lady matched wvth a Gentleman, were he neuer fo
honorable. But the daughter bv no meanes vould confent vnto
hir father's wyll, alleaging vnto him diuers and fundrv confidera-
cions wherbv hir nature by no meanes would agree, nor heart con-
fente to ioyne wvth Philon. The king aboue ail worldlv thynges
loued his favre daughter: and albeit hee would favne haue broughte
to parle, that fhe fl,ould haue taken him to hulband, yet he would
hot vfe the father's authoritie, but defired that Loue rather than
force flmuld mach his daughter, and therfore for that tyme was
contented to a,z_ree vnto hir wyll. There was in the Court a young
man borne of hir Father's bondman, whvch hyght Achario, and
was manumifed by the kinge, who made him one of the Efquiers
f«»r hys body, and vfed his feruvce in fundrye enterpryfes of the
warres, and bicaufe hee was in thofe affavres verv tkilfull, of bolde
perfonage, in confli&s and battavles very hardy, the king did verv
much fauor him, afwell for that he had defended him from mani-
fold daungers, as alfo bycaufe he had deliuered him from the trea-
fon pretended againft him by the kyng of the Lacedemonians:
whofe helpe and valyance, the king vfed for the murder and de-
fruc°cion of the farde Lacedemonian king. For whych valiant
enterpryfe, he bountifully recompenced him wyth honorable pre-
fermentes and flately reuenues. Vpon this yong man Euphimia
fixed hir amorous eyes, and fell fo farre in loue, as vpon him alone
EI3PHEMIA OF CORINTH.
33
fhe bent hir thoughtes, and ail hir Iouing cogitations. .Vhereof
Aeharifio being certified, and well efpying and marking hir amor-
ous lookes, nourv/hed with lyke flames the tire wherewvth /he
burned. Notwythftanding his loue was not fo feruentlv bent vpon
hir perfonage, as his defire was ambieious for that (he/houlde be
hir father's onely heyre, and therfore thought that he /hould be
a mort happy man, aboue al other of mortall kynde, if he myght
poffeffe that inheritanee. The king perceiuing that loue, told his
daughter, that /he had plaeed ber minde in place fo firaunge, as
hee had thought hir wx'fdome would haue more warely forefeen,
and better waved hir efiate and birth, as coin of a prineely race,
and would haue demed futch loue, farre vnworthv hir degree:
requiringe hir wvth fatherly words, to withdraw hir fettled mynde
and to ioyne with him in ehoyfe of hutbande, for that he had
none other worldly heire but hir, and tolde hir how he ment to
befiow hir vppon fi, tch a perfonage, as a mofi happy life (he fhould
leade, fo long as the defienies were difpofed to weaue the .Vebbe
of ber Predefiined life: and therefore was refolved to Efpoufe hir
vnto that noble gentleman Philon. Euphimia hearkned to this
vnliked raie, and with vnliked words refufed hir father's hefi, pro-
tefing vnto him futeh reafons to like effeêt as (hee did belote,
therbv to draw him from his conceiued purpofe, wherunto the
wife king hauing ruade repl.ve, eontinuing his intended mynde,
at length in ragyng wordes, and fiorlned mind, he fayd wato
Euphimia: " How muteh the fweter is the wyne, the (harper is
tte egred fawee thereof. I fpeake this Parahle, for that thou
hOt knowing or greatlye regarding the gentle difpofition of thv
father's »ature, in the ende mayfi fo abufe the fame, as where
hitherto he hath bene eurteous and benigne, he may beeome
through thy difordred deedes, ryghte fowre and /harpe:" and
without vtterance of further talke, departed. .Vho refiing euill
content wyth that fonde fyxed Loue, thoughte that the next way
to remedy the faine, was to tell Acharifo how greuoufly he toke
his prefumed fault, and in what heinous parte he eoneeiued his
ingratitude, and how for the benefits whieh liberally he had
betowed vpon him, he had broughte and entieed hvs daughter
to loue him, that xas farre vngreeable her eftate. And therfore
324
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
he called hym before hym, and vith reafons firfte declared the
duetye of a faythfull feruaunt to his Soueraigne lord, and after-
wards hec fayd: That if the receyued benefits were hot able to
lette him know what were conuenient and feemely for hvs degree,
but vould perfeuere in that which he had begon, he would make
him feele the iuft difpleafure of a difpleafed Prince, whereby hee
fhoulde repent the tvme that euer hec was borne of %Voman's
wombe. Thefe woordes of the Kyng feemed greeuous to Aeha-
rifto, and not to moue hym to further anger hec feemed as though
that (being fearfull of the Kyng's difpleafure) he did not loue
his dat, ghter at ail, but fard vnto hym, that he deferued hOt to
bee fo rebuked, for that it iav not in his power to wvthfand hir
loue, the f.ame procedyng of hir own good wyll and lyberty: and
that hec for his part neuer requyred loue : if fhee did bend hir mynd
to loue hym, hec could hOt remedve that affection, for that the
freewvll of futch vnbrydled appetite refted hOt in hvm to reforme.
Notwythftandyng, bycaufe he vnderftoode hvs w,wyllyng mind,
he from that tyme forth would fo endeuor hvmfelfe as he fhoulde
v,,ell perceyue that the vnftavde myude of the young gentlewoman
Euphimia, was hOt incenfed by hym, but voluntarily conceyued
of hir felfe. "' You fhall doe well" (fayde the kyng) "if the
effe&e procede accordinge to the promife: and the more accep
table ff, ail the lame bee vnto mee, for that I defyre it fhoulde fo
corne to parle." The king liked wel thefe words ahhough that
Acharifto had conceiued within the plat of his entended mind,
fore other treafon. For albeit that he affirmed before the kyng's
owne face, that hee would not loue his daughter, yet knowing the
affured wil of the louyng gentlewoman, hee praifcd the ma-
riage, and like an vnkind and wretched man, deuifed conuenient
twne to kil him: and fully bent to execute that cruel enterpryfe,
he attempted to corrupt the chiefef men about him, promifing
promocions vnto fome, to fome he affured reftitucion of reuenewes,
which bv father's fault they had lof{ beefore, and to other golden
hilles, fo that hee mighte attayne by flaughter of the king, to
wvnne a kingly f{ate and kingdome: which the fooner he per-
uaded himfelf to acquire, if in fecrete filence, they coulde put
vp that hich by generall voice they had agreed. And although
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTtI.
325
they thought themfelues in good affurance, that theyr enterpryfe
could take no ill fucceffe, by reafon of their founde and good
difcourfe debated amonges themfelues for the accompliement
thereof, yet it fortuned that one of the confpiracy (as commonlve
in futch ]vke trayterous attemptes it chaunceth) beeynge wvth hvs
be]oued Ladye, and ee makyng mone that ]itt]e Commodytye
fucceeded of hir Loue for hir Aduauncement, brake out into theçe
wordes : "Ho]d thy peace" (fayde hee :) "for the tvme wv]] hot
bee longe before thou fha]t bee one of the chiefeft Ladies of this
land." "Howe can that bee ?" (fayde hys XVoman.) "No more
adoe ?" (quod the Gentleman :) «' Ceafe from further queflions,
and bee merrve : for wee fhall eniove together, a verye Honourable
and a quyete Lyre." ,Vheti hir Louer was departed, the gentle-
woman went to an other of hir gotfips very iocunde, and to]de hir
what hir Louer had fayd : and flaee then not able to keepe Coun-
fell, wente and to]de an other: in fuch wvfe as in the ende it
came to the eares of the King's fleward's wyfe, and fhe imparted
the faine vnto hir hufband, who tnarking thofe words, like a man
of great wifedome and experience, did verily beleue that the faine
touched the daunger of the king's perfon : and as a faythfull feruant
to his lorde and maifter, diligently harkned to the mutteringe
talke murmured in the Court, by him which had to]de the faine to
his beloued Lady : and knowinge that it proceeded from Acharifo,
which was an obftinate and fedicious vadet, and that he with
three or four other his fami]iars, kept fecret company in corners,
iuged that which he firft conletoEured, to be mort certayne and
true: wherefore determined to moue the king thereof, and vpon
a day finding him a]one, he fayd vnto him, that the fide]ity and
good wi]l wherewith he ferued him, and the defire which he had
to fee hym lyue in longe and profperous Eftate, ruade hym to
attend to the falfegard of hys perfon, and to hearken vnto futch
as fhould attempt to daunger the faine: for which caufe, marking
and efpying the doings of certavne of his chamber (whofe common
affemblies and priuy whifperings miflyking) he feared leat they
eonfpiring with Acharifio, fhoulde worcke treafon, for berieuinge
of his life : and to th' intent their endeuours might be preuented,
and his fafety forefeene, he thought good to reueale the fame to
36
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
hys Maieftv. Then he tolde the King the words that were fpoken
bv the firft Gentlewoman, to one or two of her companions, and
difclofed the prefumptions which he had feene and perceyued
touchinge the lame. Amongs the iii conditions of men, there is
nothinge more common than Poyfon, Confpiracies, and Treafon
of Prynces and great Lordes : and therefore euery little fufpieion
prefuming futch perill, is a great demonfration of lvke myfehiefe :
which ruade the Kyng to geue credit to the Voords of hvs Steward,
hauing for hvs long experience knowen him to be faythfull, and
trufv. _And fodavnlv he thought that Acharifto attempted the
lame, that after hvs death, by mariage of Euphimia, he might be
the Inheritour of hvs Kyngdome: the beliefe whereof, and the
fingular eredite which he repofed in hys Steward, befides other
thinges, caufed hym to commaund the eaptayne of hvs Guard to
apprehend thofe 4 of whom hvs Steward told hym, and Aeharifo,
committinge them to feuerall Prifons. Then he fent hys Oflïcers
to examvne them, and tbund vpon their confeffions, the accufa-
tion o[ his fteward to be truc : but Aeharifto, although the Whole
effeé-te of the Treafon was confeffed by thofe foure eonfpirators
that were apprehended, and aduouched to his Face, and for all the
Tormentes wherewith he was racked and cruciated, )'et ftill denied,
that evther he was authour of the enterprife, or partaker of a treafon
fo wicked : then the king ineontinently eaufed the foure Gentlemen
of hvs Chamber to be rewarded accordinge to the worthineffe of
their offence, and were put to death, and Acharifto to be repryued
in fharpe and cruell prifon, vntill with torments he fhould be
firced to confeffe that which he knev to be mort certavne and
truc bv the euidence of thofe that were donc to death. Euphimia
fi»r the imprifonment of _A_charifto, conceiued incredible forrow,
and vneths could be perfuaded, that hec would imagine, mutch
leffe confpyre, that abhominable fa&, afwell for the loue which
Acharifto feemed to beare vnto hir as for the great good wvl
wherewith he was affured that fhe bare vnto hym, and therefore
the death of the kyng to be no leffe griefe vnto him, than the
lame woulde be to hir felfe, the Kyng being hir naturall and louing
father: Acharifto thought on the other ride, that if hec might
fpeake with Euphimia, a way would be founde eyther for hys
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
327
efcape, or elle for hvs delyuery. ,Vhereupon Achariflo heiuge
in this deliberation, found meanes to talke vvth the Iavlor's v.vfe,
and intreated hir to thewe hvm fo mutch fauour, as to procure
Euphimia to corne vnto him: fhe accordingly brought to paffe,
that the yong Gentlewoman in fecrete wife came to fpeake wvth
thys travterous varlct, who fo fi»one as he fawe hir, fhedinge from
hys eves flore of teares, pitifully complayninge, fayd vnto hir:
"" I know Euphimia, that the kinge your father doth not inclofe
me in this cruell prifon, ne )'et afflicteth me wvth thefe miferable
torments, for anv fufpicion he concevueth of mefor anv intended
fac'-t, but onlv for the loue which I beare .vou, and fi»r the likc,
(for whych I render humble thanks) that you do beare to me: and
becaufe that I ana wery of this wretched flate, and know that
nothing elle can rid me from this paynefull Lyre, but onelv death,
I am determined wyth mvne owne propre hands to cut the threed
of life wherewith the deflinies hitherto hat, e prolonged the faine,
that thys my breathinge Ghoafl, which breatheth forth thefe
dolefttl playntes, may flee into the Skyes, to refl it felfe amonges
the reflfull flfirites aboue, or wandre into the pleafauute hellifh
fieldes, amongs the fhadows of Creufa, Aeneas wyfe, or elle wvth
the ghofl of eomplayning Dido. But ere I did the faine, I ruade
myne humble prayer to the maieflv diuine, that hee would voueh-
fafe to fhew me fo mueh graee, as befire I dye, I myghte fulfil
my couetous eves with fight of you, whofe ymage flill appeareth
before thofe greedy Gates, and fanfie reprefenteth vnto mv mvnd-
full heart. Whieh great defired thiug, fith God aboue bath
graunted, I yeld him infinit thankes, and fith my defleny is futch,
that futeh mur be the end of loue, I doe reiovee that I mufle dye
for your fake, whieh only is the eaufe that the King your father fo
laboureth for my death : I neede uot to molefl )'ou vyth the falfe
euidenee giuen againfl me, bv thofe malieious villaines, that be
already dead, whieh onelv bath thus ineenfed the Kinge's \Vrathe
and heauy rage agaynfl mee: whereof I ara fo free, as worthilve
they bee exeeuted for the faine: for if it were fo, then true it is,
(and as lyghtly you m.vght beleue) that I neuer knew what Loue
you beare mee, and vou lykewyfe did neuer knowe, the loue I
bare to you: and therefore vou mav thinke that fo impoflible is the
328
EUPHEMIA OF COP, INTH.
one, as I dvd euer meane, thinke, or ymagine any harme or pervll
to your father's perron. To be fhorr, I humblv do befech you to
beleue, that fo favthfullv as man is able to loue a woman, fo haue
I loued vou : and that it may pleafe you to bee fo mvndfull of me
in thvs fadyng Lyfe, as I fhal be of vou in that life to corne."
in fayinge fo, wvth face ail bathed in teares, he clypped hir about
the myddle, and faf imbracing hir laid: "Thus takinge mv laft
farewell of vou (myne onelv life and ioy) I commende vou to
the gouernement of the fupernall God, and mv felfe to death, to
be dyfpofed as pleafeth him." Euphimia, which before was not
perfuaded that &charifo was gttylty of that deuifed Treafon, nowe
gaue full bcl'efe and credite to his wordes, and XVeepingwyth him
for company, comforted him fo wel as fhe could, and bidding hin
to bee of good chere, file fa.vde, that fhe would feeke fuch meanes
as for hir fake and loue he fliould not dye: and that before longe
rime did paffe, fhee would help him out of prifon. &charifo,
although he x'ttered bv ruful voice that lamentable talke, for re-
medye to ridde himfelfe from pryfon, )'et he did but favne all that
he fpake, addyng further : "&las, Euphimia, do not incurre your
Father's wrath to pleafe my minde : fuffer me quietly to take that
death, which fiuifer Fortune and cruell fate bath prouided to
abridge my daves." Ettphimia, vanquifhed with infpeakable
griefe and burning paflïon of loue, laid: "'&h, Acharifto, the
onely ioy and comfort of mv lyfe, do not pierce my heart with
fuch difpleafant wordes: for hat fhould I do in this wretched
world, yf you for mv fake fhould fuffre death ? Vherfore put away
that cruel thought, and be content to faue your Lyfe, that here-
after in iove and m'rth you may fpend the faine : trufing that yf
meanes mav be founde for your difpatche from hence, we fhal
liue the refe of out prolonged Lyfe together, in fweete and happy
daves: for my Father is hot ruade of Rone flint, nor yet was
nourced of Hircan Tigre: he is not fo malicious but that in tvme
to corne hee may be ruade to know the true difcourfe of thine inno-
cent life, and hope thou fhalt atteyne his fauour tnore than euer
thou didf before, the care whereof onely leaue to me, and take no
thought thv felfe: for I make promife vpon myne affured faith
to brynge the faine to paffe: wherefore giue ouer thy conceyued
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
3.9
gryefe, and bende thy felfe to Ivue fo tuerie a lire, as euer gentleman
did, trained vp in court as thou hafi bene." "" I ara coutent," faid
Acharifto, "'thus to doe. The Gods forbid that I fhould declvne
mv hearte and mvnde from thy beheft, who of thy wonted grace
doeft feeke continuance of my Lyre, but rather, fweete Euphimia,
than thou flouldefi fuffre any daunger to perfi»rme thy pr,mJifc, I
make requeft (for thecommon loue betwene vs both) to leaue me in
this prefent dangerous ftate : rather would I lofe mv Ivfe than thou
fl,ouldeft hazard the leafi heare of thv heade for mv releefe."
"' Wee fhall be both falfe ynough, (amfwered Euphimia) for mv
deuice proceedinge from a woman's heade, bath alreadv drawen
the plot of thy deliueraunce." And with thofe wordes thev both
did eud their talke, whofe trickling tearcs did rathcr finifhe the
faine, than willing mvnds: and evther of them geeuing a kvffe
vnto tbe Tower ,Valle, wherein Acharifto was fait fl, utte, Euphimia
departed turmovled wyth a Thoufande anaorous Pr.vckes, and ceafed
rtot but firfie of all to corrupt and winne the Iavler's Wyfe, whofe
hufband was lent forth on bufinefle of the kins: the con-
clufion of which praife was, that when fl,ee caried meate to
Acharifto, according to the order appoynted, fhe fl,ould fayne hir-
feife to be violently difpoyled of the Prvfon Kev by Acharifto, who
taking the faine from hir : fhould tiret hir in the Prifon and efcapc,
and when hir hufband did returne, fhee lhould make complaynt of
the violence done vnto hir: accordinge to xvhich deuife, the
pra&yfe was accomplifl,ed: And when hir hufbande returned
home, hearing his wvfe crie out within the Tower, was maruavl-
loufly anazed, and vnderlandinge that Acharifto was fled, (igno-
raunt of the pollicy betweue his ,Vyfe and Euphimia,) hee fell into
great rage, and fpeedely repayred to the Kynge, and tolde him
what had chaunced. The Kinge thinking that the breach of
Prifon was rather through the woman's fimplicity than purpofed
malice, did mitigate his difpleafure, howbeit forthwith he fent out
fcouts to fpy, and watch into what place Acharifto was gone, whofe
fecret flight, ruade ail their trauayle to be in vavne. Then the
Kinge w'hen hee faw that he could hot be found, ruade Proclama-
tiort'throughout his realme, that who fo would bringue vnto him the
head of Acharif% flaould haue to X, Vvfe hvs onely Daughter, and
33o
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
after hvs deceafe fhoulde pofl2.ffe his Kingdome for Dowrv of that
mariage. Many knightes did put themfelues in redineffe to at-
chieue that enterprife, and aboue al, Philon was the chiefe, hOt for
gredineffe of the kingdome, but for loue which hee bare vnto the
Gentlewoman. XVhereof Acharifo hauinge intelligence, and per-
ceyuinge that in no place of Europa hee could bee fafe and fure
from daunger, for the multitude of them which purfued him vnto
death, caufed Ephimia to vnderfand the miferable Eate wherein
hee was. Euphimia which bent hir minde, and employed hir ftudy
for his fafegarde, imparted hir loue which flee bare to Acharifo,
to an aged Gentlewoman, which was hir nurfe and gouerneffe, and
befought hir that fle would intreat hir forme called Sinapus, (one
very well beloued of the king) to reach his help vnto hir defire,
that Achariffo might retourne to the court agayn. The Nourfe
like a wvfe woman lefte no perfuafion vnfpoken, nor counfell
vnremembred, which fhe thought was able to diffuade the yong
gentlewoman from hir conceiued loue: but the wound was fo
deepely ruade, and hir hearte fo greuoufly wounded with the three
forked arrows of the little blinde archer Cupide, that defpifing ail
the reaf,»ns of hir beloued nurfe, flee fayde, how fle was firmely
bent eyther to runne from hir father, and to feke out Acharifto, to
fufaine wvth him one equall fortune, or elfe with hir owne hands
to procure death, if fome remedy were not found to recouer the
king's good grace for the returne of Acharifo. The Nurfe van-
quifhed with pity of the yong mayden, fearinge both the one and
the other daunger that myght enfue, fent for Sinapus, and vppon
their talke together, Ephimia and hee concluded, that Acharifo
hould bee brought agayne vnto the Courte, and that fhe hir felfe
fhould prefent him to the King: wherein fhould want no kinde
of diligence vntill the Kyng did entertavne him agayne for his
favthfull feruaunt, as he was wont to do. Vpon which refolutio»,
Achariffo was fent for, and being corne, Sinapus and Euphimia
together with the nurfe tolde hvm in what fort thev three had con-
cluded touchinge his health and fafegarde: which of him being
well lyked, did giue them humble thankes: and then Sinapus
went vnto the kyng, and told him, that there was one newlv
arriued at Corinth, to make a prefent vnto his grace of the head of
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
33
Acharifto. At which newes the kynge fhewed hymfelfe fo ioy-
full, as if hee had gotten an other Kingdome: and beinge placed
vnder his ch»ath of fate, with his Counfell and Princelv trayne
about hym, tellinge them the caufe of that affembly, commaunded
hym that brought thofe news. to bring the party forth newey
corne vnto the Citv to prefent the head of Acharif}o before the
prefence of the King, who uo fooner Iooked vpon him, but fell into
futch a rage, as the tire feelned to flame out of his angry eyes,
and cornrnaunded him prefently to be taken and put to death.
But Acharif}o falling downe vpon hys knees, hurnbly befought his
rnaiety to geeue hirn leaue to fpeake: but the kiuge not fuffering
hirn to vtter one word comrnaunded hvm awav. Then the Coun-
fellours and other Lords of the Court, intreated his grace to heare
him: at whofe reqtef}es and fuppications he feemed to be con-
tent. Then Acharifto began to fay: '" Moti facrcd Prynce, and
redoubted fouerayne Lord, the caufe of this nlv prefurnptuous re-
paire before your maiefy, is not to fhew mv felfe guity of thv
late deuifed confpiracy, ne vet to craue pardon for the farne, but
to fatiffie vour iVlaiefty, wyth that contented defire, whvch by
Proclamation ve haue pronounced through your highueffe Realmes
and dominions: which is, to offer this heade for reuenge of the
faulte vniuftlye laved vnto my charge bv thofe foure, which
worthilv haue taf}ed the deferued payne of thevr offenfe. XVher-
fore I arn corne hither of myrte owne accord, to fl,ew the loue and
greate defyre, whych euer I had to ferue and pleafe your Maief}v :
and for that I would hot confurne mv life in vour difpleafure, I
make offer of the faine to your merciful wvll and dyfpofition,
chofynge rather to die, and leaue your maief}y fatiffied and con-
tented, than to lyue in happy tate, your princely minde difpleafed :
but defyrous that vour maief}y fhould know rnvne innocence, I
humblve befech your grace to heare what I can fay, that mv
fidelity maye bee throughly vnderf}anded, and the wickedneffe of
the Varlets, mine accufers wel wayed and confidered." Then he
began to rehearfe all the things done by hym for the feruvce of his
crowne and maiefye, and finally into what daunger he did put
himfelf, when he kvlled the Lacedemonian king, that went about
by treafon to murder him : whvch enterpryfe rnight appeare vnto
332
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
him to bee a fure and euident tefiimony, that hee ment nothinge
hurtfull or preiudiciall to his highneffe: and that hee efieemed
uot his lire, when hee adueutured for his feruice and fauegard to
employ the faine : and after thefe alleaged caufes, he added briefly,
that the loue which his maiefiv knew to be betweene him and
Euphimia his Daughter, ought to haue perfuaded him, that he had
rather haue fuffered death himfelfe, than commit a thing difplea-
fant to Euphimia. And knowing that a more offenfive thynge
coulde not chaunce to hir, thata the vilent death of ber tather, hee
myghte well thyncke that hee woulde haue deuyfed the death of a
Thoufande other, rather than that horible and abhominable deede,
futch as hvs greatefi Ennemv woulde neuer haue done, mutch leffe
hee whvch was bounde vnto hvm bv fo manv Recevued Benefittt%
for whofe feruice and preferuaciou he had dedicated and vowed hvs
Lyre and Soule: but if fo be his maiefiie's rancor and difpleafure
could hot be mitigated, but by doinge him to death, hee defired
that none of his alleaged reafons fhould bee accepted, and there-
fore was there readv to facrifice his life at his inaiefiie's dlfp«,fition
and pleafure. Acharifio bv nature could tel his tale excedingly
well, and the more his tongue fiode him in feruice, the greater
appeared his eioquence: whvch fo pierced the minde of the king
and perfuaded the Counfeilers, and other of the Court, as he was
dented giltleffe of thc treafon : and the matter was fo debated, and
the Kilg intreated to graunt him pardon, as he was accompted
mort worthv of his fauour. Then the k.vng, by the aduife of hvs
Counfcll, was perfwaded, that by force of hys proclamation, hys
daughter fhould be giuen to Acharifio in mariage, and his kinge-
dome for a dowrie, bicaufe hee had offered his owne heade, accord-
yng to the effet-te of the faine. So the kinge repentinge him-
felfe that he had offended Acharifo, in the end agreed to the
aduife of his Counfell, a,d gaue him his daughter to wife : whereof
Euphimia was fo ioyful, as they bee that attevne the filmme of their
heart's defire. The father lit,ed one whole yeare after this mariage,
and Euphimia fo pleafant a lire for a certaine rime, as was poflïble
for anv Gentlewoman. Hir father was no fooner dead, but the
vnkinde mati, nav rather brute beafie, had forgotten ail the benefits
receyued of his kinde and louing wife: and hauing bv hir onelve
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
333
meanes got a Kingdome, began to hate hir fo firaungely, as he
could hot abide hir fight, (futch is the property of cancred obliuion,
which after it crepeth iuto ambicious heads, neuer hath minde of
paffed amitie, ne regardeth former benefite, but like a monfier and
deadly ennimy to humaine nature, ouerwhelmeth in his bottomleffe
gulfe ail pietie and kindneffe) and determined in the ende for
recompence of fttch great good turnes, to dfp«yle hir of hir Lvfe.
Howe thinke you, fayre Ladies, was hot this a favre rewarde for the
loue, the trauailes and forrowes fufteined for this ingrate and vil-
ianous lnan, by that royal lady, to tue his lire, and to take him to
hufband ? Here is manifefi (probatum) that in a vile and feruyle
minde, no vertue, no duety, no receiued benefites can be harboured.
Here is a ]effort for yong Gentlewomen to beware howe thev
contemne and dcfpife the graue aduife of theyr auncient fathers.
Here they may fee the damage and hurt that vnaduifed youth
iucurreth, when negle&yng theyr Parents holefome admouitions,
they gyue themfelues to the loue of futch as be vnworthv thevr
efiate and cailyng. For what fllould avle the Gentle pucell borne
of gentle bloud but to match her felfe in like aflànity, and hOt to
care for currvfle kind, or race of churle. Bee there no Gentlcmen
to be found of perfonage and beautv worthy to iovne iii loue wyth
them ? Bee they tb precious in nature or tender in education as
theyr Ivke call hOt be vouchfafed to couple in mariage yoke ?
Compare the glyfieringe gold to drottie durte, and futch is the
difference betxveene gentle and vngentle. But perhaps bringyng
vp lnay alter nature, and euftome tranfforme defe& of birth: as
Lieurgus the ]awemaker dvd trye betwene the Currifh whelpe and
the Spanyell kinde, both by trayning vp running to their con-
traries, the Spanyel hOt vfed to hunt eigre vpon the potage difhe,
the other noufeled in that pafiime purfuing his gaine. But that
Metamorphofis is feldome feene amongs hulnane fort, and thcr-
fore I aduife the gentle kind, to matehe themfelues in equall lotte,
and hot to truft Sir Cutome's eurtefie in ehovfe of feere. Returne
we then to vnkiud Aeharifo, who now in ftdl poffeffion of his
defired praie, reuertinge to his puddle of earliflae will and eanered
nature, after many thoufand wronges don to his moft noble and
gentle Quene, aeeufed hir to be an adultereffe, and as one indeede,
334
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
(although mof innocent) fhe was condemned to the mercileffe
tire. Philon, Kyng of Peloponefils, whieh (as we haue favd be-
ri,re) loued Euphimia as he did the balles of his owne eyes, vnder-
flanding the crueltye that this wicked Man vfed towards hir, to
whom both his lvf and Kyngdome did belotge, moued wyth
nobility of mynd, determined to deelare to Euphimia the inward
feruent loue whieh he bare hir, and to ehattife Aeharifto for his
ingratitude with due corre&ion. XVherfore depcly debating wvth
himfelfe of this aduenture, thus he favde: "Now is the rime
Euphimia, that Philon fhewe what favthfu| Loue he bath euer
borne vnto thee. and that he de]yuer thee both from the prefent
daunger wherein thou art, and from the hands of that vnkvnde
wretche, that is farre vlworthv of futeh a wife : for if thou haddeft
agreed to thv father's wyll, and yelded to the purfute of him that
loued thee befte, thou haddeft no neede of refeue nowe, ne yet
bene in perill of the waftfull flames of tire, which be readv to con-
fume thv fle[h and tender corps, full tenderly fometimes beloued
of thv deare father, and of thv louyng frend Philon." XVhen he
had fpoken thofe wordes, hee earnelHy difpofed him felf vpon
that enterpryfe. There was in thofe daies a euftome in Corinth,
that thev whieh were eondemned to death, were earied 1. toiles
forth of the City, and there the fentenee pronouneed againft them,
were put to exeeution. Philon hauyng intelligence hereof, did
put in readineffe a good troupe of horfemen, and being fecretlv
imbarked, arriued at Corinth, and elofely the nyght before Euphi-
mia [hould be brought to the tire, harde bv the place where the
miferable Lady flmuld be burnt, into a woode he eonueyed his
People : and fo foone as the Sergeants and offieers were approehed
neere the place wvth the lady, he iffued forth, and did fet vpon
the throng, hOt fufferyng one of them to remayne aliue, to earye
newes. \Vhen he had delyuered Euphimia from that prefent
daunger of hir lyfe, and the companye difpereled, he fayd to the
Queene: "Nwe thou marri fee (fayre Queene)the diuerfitie,
betwene the diflovaltie and vnkindeneffe of Aeharifto, and the
faith and loue of Philon. But for that I meane hOt to leaue hvs
ingratitude vnrevenged, thou fhalt fraye here, vntvll thou heare
ne'es of the due ehaftifinent which I [hall gyue hym." Thofe
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
335
dire and cruell words foretold of hir hufband's death moued hir
honefi and Pryneely hearte that bv no meanes eould bee altered
from the gentle nature, whieh it firl had tatted and reeeiued : and
althoughe fhee had fuffred Mortall and Solempne iniury of hir
vnkynde hutbande for Manyfolde Benefites, yet (fliee goodgentle-
woman) woulde permyt no duetye of a trufye and faythfull Wyfe
vnperformed. \Vherefore flaee befoughte Philon vpon ber knees,
hot to procede to further reuenge of Achari(o, telling him, that
enough it was for hir to haue efcaped that prefent peryl, from
which he like a princely Gcntleman had deliuered hir, and therefore
duering hir life was moff bounde vnto him. Philon greately
wondred at the goodneffe of this Ladie : howbeit the ingratitude of
that Varlet by no meanes he would fuffer to bee vnpunilhed. And
beeing aduertifcd that Achariffo remavned in hvs Palace without
any fufpicion of this aduenture, banded nevther with Guarde or
other affurance, committed Èuphimia to fafe cul{odie, and fodainly
affailed the Palace of Acharifto: and finding the Gates open, he
entred the city, crying out vpon the Wickedneffe and treafon of
Achari9co. At which wordes the whole City began to r.vl, to
helpe Philon in his enterpryfe: for there was no late or degree,
but abhorred the vnkind order of that Varlct, towards the noble
woman their Queene. Philon aided s'ith the people, affaulted the
Palace, and in flort fpace inuaded the faine: aud the Varlet bee-
ing apprehended, was put to death. The Corinthians feeing the
noble mind of Philon, aud the loue vhich he bare to Euphimia,
and knowing that their late Kyng was difpofed to haue matched
ber wyth Philon, were very willing to haue him to be their Kinge,
and that Euphimia flaould be his wife, fuppofinge that vnder the
gouernement of a Prynce fo gentle and valiant, thev might liue
verv happily and ioyefullye. Èxecution don vpon that morte
vnkinde varlet, Philon caufed the Lady to be conueved home
into hir royal pallace: and the people with humble fubmiffion,
began to perfuade hir to marie wvth that younge Prince Philon.
But fhee which had lodged hir thoughts and fixed hir mind vpon
that caytife, who vnnaturallv had abufed hir, would by no meanes
confent to take a new hutband, faying, that the feconde mariage
was not to bee allowed in any woman. And albeit that fhee
336
EUPHE,MIA OF CORINTH.
knewe howe greately flae was bounde to Philon, as duringe life
hot able to recompence his louing kindneffe and valyante exployte
performed for hir fafegard, yet for al hir vnhappy fortune, fhee
was minded ilvll to remavne a widowe, and well contented that
Philon flaoulde poflèffe hir whole domynion and kingdome, and
fhe pleafed to lyue his ftlbiecCte: which tiare fle fayd, did like
her befl. Philon, that not for defire of the Kingdome, but for
I.ue of the Lady had attempted that worthy and honourable enter-
prife, fard vl'to hir: "Euphimia, it was onely for voure fake that I
aduentured thvs daungerous indeuor, to ridde vou from the flander
that might haue enfued vour innocent death, and out of the cruel
hands of hym, whom waworthily )'ou did fo dearely loue. No
defvre ofkyngdome or worldly glorye induced me herevnto: no
care that I had to enlarge the boundes of mv eountrey foile pricked
the courage of my mvnd (that is altogether empty of ambytion)
but the Paflion of eareleflè Loue, whych thys long tyme I haue
borne you in vour happy father's dayes, to whom I ruade ineeffant
fute: acd to your felfe I was fo long a Suter, vntvll I receyued
extreame repulfe: for which I vowed a perpetuall fingle Lyfe,
vntvll thvs occafyon was offred : the brute whereof when I hearde
firi1, fo flirred the mvnde of vour moi1 louyng knight, that
droufie fleepe or greedy hunger, eoulde hot force this reftleflè
bodv to tarry at home, vntyl I reuenged my fclfe vpon that villaine
borne, whieh went about wyth roailing flames to eonfume the
innocente flefh of hir whome I Ioued bei1. _And therfore rnuilred
t«,gether my men of armes and in feeret fort imbarked our fehles
and arrvued here: where wee haue aeeompliflaed the thyng we
came for and haue fcttled you in quiet raygne, free from peryl of
traiterous mindes, erauing for thys mv facCt nought elfe of you but
wylling mvnd to be my wife: whieh fith you do refufe, I paflè
hot for rule of your kyngdom, lle vet for abode in Corinth, but
meane to leaue you to your ehoyfe. For fatiffied am I, that I
haue manifciled to the world the greatneflè of my loue, whieh was
fo ample as euer king eould beare to vertuous .Queene : and fo fare-
well." At whieh words he ruade a figne to his people, that they
fhoulde flfippe them felues for return to Peloponefus. But the
Senatours and al the people of Corinth feing the eurtefie of Philon,
EUPHEMIA OF CORINTH.
337
and how greatly their Queene was bound vnto him, fel downe
vpon their knees, and with ioyued hands befought hir to take him
to hufbande, neuer ceafing from teares and fupplication, vntyl
fhe had confented to their requefe. Then the mariage
was folempnifed with great ioy and triumph, and the
whole City after that tyme, lyued in great felicity
and quiet, fo long as nature lengthned the
dayes of thofe two Noble
Prynces.
VOL. II. If
338
THE MARCHIONISSE OF MONFERATO.
THE SIXTEENTH NOUELL.
The ]l[archionidT"e of JlIonfer,'ato, u.itk a l, anlet of Hennes, and
certaine pleafant wordes, repreffed the fond loue of Philip the
French Kynge.
GOOD Euphimia (as you haue harde) did fondly apply hir loue
vpon a feruile man, who though bred vp in court where trayninge
and vfe doth alter the rude conditions of futch as be intertayned
there, yet wwde of ail gentleneffe, and fruRrate of Nature's
fweeteneffe in that curteous kinde, as not exchaunginge natiue
tïerceneffe for noble aduauncement, returned to hys hoggifh foyle,
and walowed in the durty tïlth of Inhumanity, whofe nature myght
wel with Jbrk, or flaffe l.e eacpelled, but home againe it would haue
corne, as Horace pleadeth in his Epitles. O noble Gentlewoman,
that mildly fuffred the difpleafure of the good king hir father,
who would fayne haue diffuaded hir from that vnfeemely match,
to iovne with a yong Prince, a king» a Gentleman of great per-
fection: and O peRilent Cade, being beloued of fo honourable a
pucell, that for treafon difcharged thy head from the block, and
of a donghill flaue preferred thee to be a king, wouldefi for thofe
deferts in the ende frame fayned matter to confume hir. Vith
iuR hatred then did the Noble Emperour Claudius Coefar profecute
thofe of bond and feruile kinde that were matched with the free
and noble. Right well knew hee that fome tare of egreneffe
would re in futch fauage fruite, and therefore ruade a law, that
the ifl'ue of them fhould hot haue like liberty and preheminence,
as other had, which agreeably did couple. What harme futch
mariage bath deferred to diuers ates and perlons (t'auoide other
examples) the former Nouell teacheth. Wherfore to ende the
lame, with bewailing of Euphimia for hir vnluckie lot, begin we
now to glad our felues with the wife and Route aunfwer of a chaRe
Marqueffe, a Gentlewoman of fingular beauty and difcretion,
ruade to the fond demauud of a mighty Monarch, that fondly fell
in loue with hir and ruade a reckening of that, which was doubt-
full to recouer. This king by Louing Hir whome he neuer faw,
THE MARCHIONISSE OF MONFERATO.
339
fared like the man that in his flepe dreamed that he had in holde
the thynge furthet from him. For the King neuer faw hir, before
he heard hir praifed, and when hee hearde hir praifed, for pur-
pofe to winne her, he trauailed oute of his way, fo filre to enioy
hir, as if he had neuer feene hir. This hiflorie, although briefe,
vet fheweth light to noble dames that be purfued by Prynees,
and teaeheth them wyth what regarde they otght to interteine
fueh futers. The Marqueffe then of Monfcrrato, a eitve in Italy,
beynge a Gentleman of great proweffe and valianee, was appointed
to tranffrete the Seas in a generall paffage ruade bv the Chriftians,
wyth an huge Armie and great furuiture. And as it ehauneed,
vpon a day greate talke was had in the court of king Philip
furnamed Lufeus (bieaufe he was poreblinde) who likewyfe was
making preparation to depart out of Fraunce in the laid iorney.
Report was ruade by a knight whieh knewe the faid Marquize,
that in all the world there was hOt the like maried couple, as the
Marquize and his wyfe were, as well bieaufe the Marquize was
bruted to be an excellent gentleman, as alfo for that his wvfe
amonges al the troupe of Ladies, that liued in the world that time,
was the fairefi and mofi vertuous. Which words fo entred the
Freneh king's head, as fodainely (neuer feeing hir in all his life)
he began to loue hir, and for that purpofe determined to imbarke
hin felfe at Genoua, that by trauailyng that way bv lande, he
myght haue good oeeafion to fee the Marehioniffe, thinking that
her hutband being abfent, hee might eafily obtein that he defired.
And as he had deuifed, he began his enterpryfe: who fending al
his power before, toke his iorney wyth a meane travne of Gentle-
men: and beynge within one Dave's iourney of the Ladve's
Houfe, hee fent hir worde that the aexte Daye hee would vifite
ber at Dvnner. The rage and diferete lady ioyfully aunfwered the
Mesfanger, that fhe would aeeompt his eomming for a great and
iinguler pleafure, and favd that hvs graee fhouid be moft heartily
weleome. Afterwards fhe maruelled why futeh a king as he was,
would in hir hutband's abfenee, eome to hir houfe: and in that
maruel and eonfideration fhe was no whit deeeyued, eonieeCturinge
that the faine of hir beauty was the eaufe of hys eomminge.
Neuertheleffe, like a wife Lady and honelt gentlewoman, fhe de-
340
THE MARCHIONISSE OF MONFERATO.
termined to do him hotaour, and caufed the worfhipfull of hir
country futch as remayned behinde, to be affembled, for aduice in
ail thinges that were neceffary for hys itatertaynement. But the
fea and variety of meats that fhould be ferued, fhe alotae tooke
vppon hir to difpofe and order : wherefore fpeedily fendinge about,
and makinge prouifion for ail the Hennes that might be gotten
throughout the countrey» commaunded hir cookes, of thofe Flennes
without other thing what fo euer, to prepare diuers feruices.
The king fayled hOt the next day to corne accordingly as he had
lent word : and was with great honour receyued of the Lady, and
in beholdinge hir, fhe feemed vnto hym (befides hys imagina-
tion comprehended bv the former woordes of the Knyght) to be
farre more faire, honeft and vertuous, than hee thought, attribut-
yng wato hir, fingular prayfe and commendation. And fo much
the more his defire was kindled, as fhe paffed the efimation
bruted of hir. And after that the King had wythdrawen him felfe
into the chamber ordeined and ruade ready for him, as apper-
tained to a Prvnce fo great% and that dinner time was corne, the
King and/XIadame the Marchionifl'e fat together at one boorde,
and other accordyng to their dcgrees were placed at feueral tables.
The Kin ferued with many Difhes and excellent XVynes, behold-
inge fonietvmes the Lady Marchioneffe, conceyued great delight
and pleafure. But vewing the fcruice, and meates (although dreffed
in diuers fortes) to be but Hennes, he began to wonder, fpecially
knowing the foyle wherein they were to be fo rich and plentifull,
as by little trauayle, great abundance of Foule and Venifon might
haue bin prouided, and thought that fhe had indifferent leyfure
to Chafe and Hunt, after that he had lent hir woorde of hys com-
ninge. Notwythfiandinge he would not take occafion to enter
into talke of thofe wartts of hetter Cheare (hir Hennes only ex-
cepted) who lookyng vpon hir, with mery Countenaunce hee fayde
vnto hir: "Madame were ail thefe Hennes bred in thys countrey
wvthout a Cock ?" The Marchioniffe which full well vnderoode
the caufe of his demaunde, thinkinge that God had fent hir an
apt tvme for aunfwere as fhe defired, boldly aunfwered the Kinge :
"No and it pleafe your grace, but of Women, albeit in honour and
appareil there is fome difference, yet they be al made in this Coun-
THE MARCHIONISSE OF MONFERATO.
34r
trey as they be elle vhere." The kyng hearing hir a,,nfvere, right
wel did know the oceafion of the Banket of Hennes, and where-
unto hir wordes did tend: and eonfidred that to beftow anv fur-
ther talke to fo wyfe a Lad)', it were in vayne, and that force there
eould take no place. Lyke as vnaduifedly he fell in loue, fo it
behoued him of neeeffitv wyfely to flauneh the tire for his honour
fake, and wythout any more taunting wordes, fearing hir reuenge,
he dined without hope to get other thinge of hir. And when hec
had donc, to the intent by hys fodavne departure, he might eouer
his difhoneft eomming, thankinge hir for the honour which he had
reeeyued, and fhereeommendinghim to God, he departed to Genoua.
Here mav be proued the great difference betweene .Vyfedome
and Folly, betweene Vertue and Vice. The King more
by Luft, than other defire, by cireumftanees endeu-
oured to round the deapth of the Ladie's minde :
fhe by eomely anfwere, payd hvm home for
his follv. A liuely reprefentation of
a noble ereature, fo well bedecked
wvth Vertue as wyth
Beauty.
34:
IM I.qTRESSE DIANORA.
THE SEUENTEENTH NOUELL.
Iiflrere Dianora demaunded of mai.fier .,4,faldo a garden fo
faire in Ianuary, as in the noneth lay. 3lagfler Mzfaldo
(l'y eanes an ol, ligation which he nade to a Nicromancer)
cmed the fame to bee done. The ht(fl'and agreed u,ith the gen-
tlewoman that.eould do the pleatre u'hich nailter Afaldo
required, u'ho hearinge the liberality the htand, acqu#ed
hir hir promue, and the Necromancer d'harged naier
A;atdo.
Ot ail things commonly accompanying the maner and trade of
man's life, nothing is more circumfpe&ly to be attended and
prouided for, than regard and eltimation of honelty: which attire,
as it is molt excellent, and comely, fo aboue al other vayne Toves
of outward appareil to bee preferred: and as honelty hath ail
other good Conditions included in it felfe, as the fame by anv
meanes cannot ltrav out of that traC, troden before by the tteppes
of that mott excellent vertue: euen fo, impoflible it is for the
party adorned with the lame, to wander one iote from that fore-
trodden Path : wherefore let eche wyght that traceth this worldly
Lyre, forefee the due obferuation of all thinges incident to that
which is honelt. Nothinge in thys lyfe (fayth Tully in his ora-
tion, for the Poet Archias) is fo mutch to bee regarded. Honefty,
for the gettinge whereof ail torlnents of body, ail perills and daun-
gers of death be not to be regarded : honelty then beinge a Trea-
fure fo precious, what care not onely for the atchieuinge but for
the conferuation ought to bee employed ? in the prac°tife whereof,
one fpeciall thinge ought to be attended, which is, how a vow or
promife ought to be made, or how the eltimation of honettv
ought to be hazarded for any thinge feeme it neuer fo impoflible :
for what is it that loue and Money hath not brought to pari'e?
what heard aduentures by Iafon ? what fleight by Alexander the
Sonne of kynge Pryamus ? what montters flayne and labours fus-
iISTRESSE DIANORA.
040
tayned by Hercules ? what daungers and exploits fome haue in-
curred and other attempted bv diuers ? to bee fhort,
1Vihil e.fl quod non effreno captus amore, at.
As Ouide the Poet fayth :
Nothinge there is, but that the louing man doth dare,
Surprifed with frantike ffit, eche deed he doth not fpare.
,Vherfore let euery wight beware how they gage their honeflv
for any enterprife (feeme it neuer fo impoflible). Mailtreffe
Dianora deerely beloued of a gentleman, and earneftlv affayled,
in the ende yelded vpon a condition : whieh if it eould be brought
to paffe (which fhe thought impoffible) was content to furrender
to his loue : who eonfulting with a Magitian, performed hir re-
quef : then what folowed, and what eounfel hir hutband gaue hir,
after fhe had broken the effeét of hir promife to hym, and what
Curtefie was vfed on all rides, the fequele hereof dvfclofeth. The
Countrey of Frioli although it be eolde, yet is it pleafaunt bv
reafon of many faire mountaines, riuers, and cleere fprynges that
are in the faine: where there is a City ealled Vdina, and in the
faine fometime dwellyng a faire gentlewoman ealled Miftreffe
Dianora, the wyfe of Gilberto, a notable rieh man, a very eurteous
perfonage, and of good behauiour. This Lady, for hir graces and
vertues, was intierly beloued of a Gentleman and great Lord, ealled
maifer Anfaldo Grandefe, who for his liberalyty and valyanee in
armes, was famous and well knowen: and albeit that hee loued
hir feruently, feking al meanes poflible to be beloued of hir,
folieiting hir many tymes by Ambaffadours, yet his labour was in
vayn. And the Lady being offended for hvs dayly lute and tra-
uayle, hee for al hir refufal and difagreement to his defire, would
hot abfaine from louing hir, but çfill mayntayne his importunate
fute: fhe deuifing with ber felfe how to rid him away, ruade a re-
quef vnto him, fo ltraunge and impoffible, (in hir iudgement) as
he was hot able to bring the faine to paffe: and vpon a day fhe
fayd vnto an old woman, (the vchieh eam often tvmes to fue vnto
hir in hys behalf) thefe words: " Good wife, thou haf many
rimes aflhred me, that Maiter _nfaldo doth loue mee aboue all
other, and thou hatt offered vnto me maruellous giftes and pre-
lents in hys naine: al whieh I haue refufed, vpon confideration,
344
MISTRESSE DIANORA.
that I mynd not to fauour or loue him for his goods: but if thou
eanft iuflify by warrantize, or other probable argument, that hee
loueth me fo mutch as thou fayeft, I will eondefeend without
ravie to loue him againe and to doe the thing that it thal pleafe
him to eommaund me: therfore if he wil affure me to do that
thing which I flal require hym to do, tel him that I am at his
co,nmaundement." " What is that madame," (faid the old woman)
"that you defire ?" "The thing which I demaund" (anfwered
the Gentlewoman) "is, that he fhould eaufe to be made here
without the Citie, during the moneth of Januarie next eommyng,
a garden full of greene herbes, floures and trees, befpred wvth
leaues, euen as it were in the moneth of May: and if fo be that
he do it hot, then let him neuer rend thee or any other vnto me
agayn: for if afterwards he be importunate vpon me, like as I
haue hitherto kept it clofe from my hufbande and parents, euen
fo complayning vnto them, I wvll affave to bec difpatehed from
hys long and tedious lute." \Vhen the knight vnderftoode that
requeft, and the offer that hys Myftreffe ruade him (although it
feemed a thinge very difficulte and all mo impoflîble to bec donc)
knowinge verv well that fhe did the faine for none other purpofe,
but onelv to put him out of hope that euer hec fhould enioy hir,
hec determined notwithfandinge, to proue what hec was able to
do. And for that purpofe fent to feeke in many places of the
\Vorlde if there were any man that eould affift him and geue him
Counfel therin. In the ende there was one found that offred to
doe it (if he were well waged thereunto) by the art of Neeromaneie,
with whom maifter Anfaldo bargained for a great rumine of
Money. Then he expe6ted the moneth of Ianuarie with great
deuotion, whych beeing corne, euen when the eoldeft wether was,
and that al places were fui of fnow and yee, this Neeromaneer vfed
hi art in futeh fort, as in the night after the holy dais of Chrlft-
maffe, in a faire medow adioyning to the eity, ther appered in
the morning (as they ean teçtify that faw the faine) one of the
faireçt gardens that euer any man faw, full of herbes, trees, and
fruites of ail fortes: which when mait2er Anfaldo had feen, God
knoweth if he were glad or not.- and incontinently caufed to be
gathered the faireft fruites and floures that were there, and feeret-
IISTRESSE DIANORA.
345
lye fente the fame to his Friende, inuiting hir to corne and fee
the Garden which fhe had procured him to make, to the intent
thereby fhe might know the loue that he bare hir, and to remember
the promife which fhe made him, and confirmed by othe, that he
might from that time forth etteeme hir a woman fo good as hir
promife. Vhen the Gentlewoman fawe the flowers and fruic'tes
and hearing tell by report of the ttraunge things that were in that
Garden, began to repent hir felfe of the promife which flee had
ruade: but for ail her repeutaunce, fhe like one defirous to le
ftraung things, wente wvth many other women to fee the faine:
and hauing praifed it, hot wvthout greate admiration, fhe return-
ed home, the angrieft woman that euer was, when file had confi-
dered in what fort fhe had abufed hir felfe bv meanes of that
Garden : and hir rage was fo greate, that fho could by no meanes
keepe the lame fo fecrete or clore, but that ber hufband tourte
perceiue the faine, who woulde needes knowe of hir al the whole
matter: the Gentlewoman a long time kepte it fccrete: in the
ende fhe was confrained to declare vnto him the faine in order.
Hir hutbande hearing what file had promifed was fodainly very
angry : afterwardes confidering the pure intente of his wife, hee
wifely appeafeed hir, and fayd : "Dianora, it is not the aé-te of a
wvfe and vertuoufe wife to encline hir eare to futch meffages as
thofe be, and leflè honef to make anv marte or bargain of hir
honefy with any perron, vnder what condieion foeuer it be. ,Vords
which the hart receiueth by the eares, haue greater force than
marty do efeme, and there is nothing fo difficult, but by the
amorous is brought to paffe. Firf therfore thou haf done euil
to giue eare vnto fuch ambaffage, and afterwards for agreement to
the bargaine : for the weight of chaftity is fo ponderous, as bv no
meanes it ought to be laid in balance, eyther by impoflibilities to
boaf and bragge therof, or e]fe bv affurance of their conceiued
thought to bring it into quefion, ]eafe in ail places the faine mav
be dyfputed vpon, and b]emvfh with the note of lightneffe, the
perron tyll that time vnfpotted : but bycaufe I know the purity of
thy heart, I wyll agree vnto thee for difcharge of thy promife,
whych peraduenture, fome other would not doe, moued therunto
for the feare I haue of the Necromancer, who if he fee Mayfter
346
MISTRESSE DIANORA.
Anfaldo to be offended bicaufe thou haf[ deluded hym, may doe
vs fome difpleafure: wherfore I wvll that thou go to mailler
Anfaldo, and if thou eanef bv anv meanes to vfe thy felfe (as
thvne honour faued) thou mavf difeharge thy promife, I fhall
commende thv wit: but if there be no remedve otherwyfe, for
that onely time then lende forth thv Body and not thy wyll."
The gentlewoman hearyng hir hufband fo wifelv fpeake, eould
doe nought elfe but weepe, and fayd, that fhe would not agree
to his requefe. Notwythfanding, it pleafed the hufband (for al
the denial whveh his wife did make) that it fhoulde be fo: by
meanes v¢herof, the next morning vpon the point of dav the Gen-
tlewoman in the homlief'c attire fhe had, with two of hir feruantes
belote, and hir mayde behinde, wente to the lodging of mailler
Anfaldo, who when he hearde tell that hvs Louer was eome to fee
hym, marue|led mtteh, and rifing vp, called the Neeromaneer, and
farde vnto him: "Mv wvll is, that thou fee how mutch thyne
arte hath preuailed :" and going vnto hir, without anv difordinate
luf[, he faluted hir wyth reuerenee, and honef[ly reeeiued hir.
Then thev entred into a faire Chamber, and fittyng downe before
a great tire, he fayde vnto hir thefe XVordes : "Madame, I humblv
befeeche you, if the loue which I haue borne you of long time,
and yet doe beare, deferue fome reeompenee, that it pleafe you
to tell me vnfainedly the eaufe whiih haue made you to iome
hither thus early, and with fueh a eompany." The fhamefaf'c Gen-
tlewoman, hir eves fui of teares, made anfwere: « Sir, the loue
whieh I beare you, nor an)' promifed faith haue brought me hither,
but rather the only eommaundement of my hutband, who hath
greater refpeek to the payne and trauaile of your difordinate loue,
than to his own honour or my reputation, who hath eaufed me to
eome hither, and bv hys eommaundement ara redy for this once
to fatiffie your pleafure." If Mavf[er Anfaldo were abafhed at
the begynnyng, he mueh more did maruell when he hearde the
Gentlewoman thus to fpeake, and moued with the liberality of hir
hufband, he began to ehaunge his heate into eompaffion, and
faid: "' bliftreffe, God defend if it be true that you do fay, that
I fhould fovle the honour of hym, whyeh hath pity vpon my loue,
and therefore you mav tarrie here fo long as it fhall pleafe you,
MISTRESSE DIAIqORA.
347
with futch affurance of your honeffv as if vou were my naturall
fifter, and frankly may depart when vou be difpofed, vpon futch
condicion, that )'ou render in mv behalf thofe thanks vnto your
hufband which you fhal thinke conuenient, for the great liberalitv
whych he hath imployed vpon me, deelning my felfe henceforth
fo much bound vnto him, as if I were his brother or Seruaunt."
The Gentlewoman hearing thofe wordes, the bef contented that
euer was, fayd vnto him : "Ail the worlde could neuer make me
beleue (your great honefv confidered) that other thing couhl
happen vnto mee bv my commyng hyther, than that which pre-
fently I fee: for which I recken my felfe perpetually bounde vnto
you." And takynge hir leaue, honorablve returned in the afore-
fayde company home to hir hufband, and roide hvm what had
chaunced, which engendred perfec'-t loue and amytye betweetxe
hym and mavfter Anfaldo. The lXTecromancer to whom mailler
Anfaldo determined to gyue the price, couenanted betwene them,
feyng the liberality which the hutbande had vfed towards mavfter
Anfaldo, and the like of mavfer Anfaldo towards the Gentle-
woman, fayd: " God defend, that fith I haue feene the hufband
lyberall of his honour, and you bountiful of vour loue and
curtefie, but that I be likewyfe franke in mv reward : for knowing
that it is well employed of you, I purpofe that you fhall keepe
it ftill." The knyghte was athamed» and would haue forced
him to take the whole, or part: but in offryng the lame, he lof
his laboure: and the Necromancer the third day after, hauying
vndon his Garden, and defirous to departe, tooke his leaue.
Thus Anfaldo extinguifhing the difhoneft loue kindled in
hys hearte, fi»r inioying of his Lady, vpon confideration
of honeft charity, and regard of Curtefie, repreffed
his wanton minde, and abffeyned from that
which God graunte that others by iik Ex-
ample may refrayne.
348
MITHRIDANES AND NATHAN.
THE EIGHTEENTH NOUELL.
Mithridanes enuious of the liberality of Nathan, and goinge aboute
to kill hym,fpake vnto him vnknou,ne, d_¢ l, eing infourmed l,y him-
felf l.y u,hat meanes he rnight do the fame he found him in a little
wood accordingly as hee had tolde him, u,ho knowinge him, was
qfhamed, and l, ecame his friende.
STRAUNGF-, may feeme thvs following Hyffory, and rare amonges
thofe, in whom the vertue of liberality neuer florifhed : many we
reade of, that haue kept Noble and bountifull houfes, entertav-
ninge Guefles, both Forrayne and free borne, plentifully Feaflinge
them with variety of cheere, but to entertavne a Guefi that afpy-
reth the death of his hoafi, and to cherifhe hym after hee knew of
it, or liberallv to offer his life, feldome or neuer we reade, or bv
experience knowe : but xvhat moued the confpirator to frowne at
the fiate and lire of Nathan ? euen that froward peffilent paflïon
Enuy, the confumer and deadly monfler of all humanity: vho
imitatinge the like cofi, and port of his deuout hoafi Nathan,
and feekinge after equall glory and faine, was through enuie's
force for not attayninge the like, driuen to imagine how to kill a
good and innocent man: for enuy eommonly vayteth vpon the
vertuous, euen as the fhadow doeth the body. And as the Can-
tharides (which fimilitude Plutarch vfeth) delight in ripe and
profperous wheate, and crawle in fpreadinge rofes, fo enuy chiefly
them which in vertue and richeffe do abound : for had not Nathan
bene famous for hys goodneffe, and glorious for liberality, Mith-
ridanes xvould neuer haue profeeuted him by enuy, nor gon about
to berieue hys lyre. He that enuieth the vertuous and indus-
trious perfon, mav bee compared to Dedalus, whom the Poets
favne to murder Telon hys Apprentiee for deuifing of the Potter's
wheele: and Mithridanes difdavnfull of Nathan's hofpitality,
would haue flayne him : but how afhamed Mithridanes was of his
pra&ife, this example at large difcourfeth. Very true it is (at
leat wvfe if credite may bee gieuen to the xvords of eertayne
Genoua Merchauntes, and of others whvch haue trauavled that
MITHRIDANES AND NATHAN.
349
countrey) how in Cataya, there vas fometimes a rieh Gentleman
vithout eomparifon, named Nathan, vho hauing a place or Pallace
ioyning vpon the high way, by whieh the trauavlers to and from
the Weft, and Eaft, were conflrayned to paffe, and hauing a noble
and liberal heart, defirous by experienee to haue the faine to be
knowen, and wvth vhat nature and quality it was affecCted, he
affembled dyuers maifler Mafons and Carpenters, and in fhort
tyme erecCted there one of the flatelieft PaIlaees for greatneffe and
eoftly furniture that euer was feene in that eountrey, whieh after-
vards he eaufed to be flored with all things neeeffary, honourably
to entertayne eeh Gentleman that paffed that way: and with a
great trayne of feruantes he weleomed and aecepted futch as iour-
neyed to and fro. _And in this eommendable euflome he perfe-
uered fo longe as both in the Efl and X.Vefl partes, report was
bruted of his renoume and faine: and being eome to auneient
yeares, hot for ail that weary of his libera]ity, it ehauneed that his
fame fleuve to the eares of a yong gentleman ealled Mithridanes,
who in a country hot farre tff froln his, had his abode and refianee.
Mithridanes kuowing himfelfe to be fo rich as Nathan, euuious
of his vertue and liberality, purpofed by ri, me meanes or other to
defame and obfeure his neyghbour's good reporte: and hauing
buiided a Palaee like to that xvhich Nathan did poffcffe, began to
vfe eurtefies to thofe whieh paffed to and fro, in outragious and
difordred fort: whereby in little time he purehafed great faine.
Now it ehauneed vpon a da)', as Mithridanes was alone in the
court of his Palace, a poore voman entring in at one of the gates
of the lame, eraued aimes, and had it and fo fueeeffiuely euen to
the tvelfth and thirtenth time, alfo fhe retorned agayne, whieh
Mithridanes perceiuing, faid vnto her: "Good wyfe )'ou eome
hither very often:" and yet he denied not hir almes. The old
woman hearing thofe vords, fayd: "O hov maruellous is the
liberality of Nathan, vhofe palace hath XXXli. entries by seuerall
gares, fo greate as this, and daily begging ahnes there, neuer made
femblanee as though he knew me, and yet the faine was not
denied me: and being eome hither but xm. times, I haue bene
marked and reproued:" and faying fo, fhe went her way, and
neuer after came thither agayne. Mithridanes hearyng thefe
350
MITHRIDANES AND NATHAN.
wordes to proceede from the old woman fell into a great rage,
deeming the faine reported of Nathan to be a diminution of his
own, and faid : "'.Ah wreteh, when flal I be able to attayne the
liberality of Nathan's greatett things ? and why then goe I about
to exeel him, when in litle matters I ara not able to eome neare
him ? verilv I labour ail in vaine, if I mvfelfe do not feeke meanes
to rid him of his life, fith eroked age is not difpofed to difpateh him,
I mutt therfore doe the faine with myne own hands, .And in that
furv makyng no man priuy to his intent, he rode forth with a fmal
traine, and in three dayes arriucd xvhere Nathan dwelte, and then
commaunded his men in auy wife not to be kuowen that thev came
with him, and likewife that they knewe him not, but to prouide
lodging for themfelues, vntyll futch tvme as they had further newes
from him. Mithridanes then being arriued about evening, al alone,
found Nathan walking vp and downe belote his faire Palace, with-
out other company than himfelf, who in fimple attire and garment
went forth to meete him : of whom Mithridanes, bicaufe he knew
hot Nathan, demaunded if he could tell him where Nathan dwelt.
Nathan pleafantly ruade him anfwer : "My fonne, ther is no man
in thefe quarters that can better tel thee than I, and therfore yf
thou pleafe, I wyll bring thee thither." Mithridanes faid, that he
fhould doe hvm a ver)' great pleafure : but he would not if it were
poffible bec feene or knowen of Nathan: "" And that ean I verv
wel do," laid Nathan, now that I know vour mynd. Being then
lighted of from his horfe, he went with qathan, who by and by
interteined him with diuerfity of talk, to his faire Palace: and
Nathan ineontinently eaufed one of his feruaunts to take Mithri-
danes' horse, and faid wato him in hys eare that he fhould wyth
ail fpeede giue order to his houfholde, that none fhould tel the
younge Man that he was Nathan, which accordingly was done :
but after thev were in the Palaee, Nathan brought Mithridanes
into a very fayre chambre, that none mighte fee him excepte
fitch as he had appoynted to ferue hvm: and caufinge greate
honour to bee done vnto him, hee hymfelfe kepte him company.
As thev two were together, Mithridanes afked him (to whom hec
vfed conuenable reuerenee as to his father) what he was ? whom
Nathan anfwered: "I ara one of Nathan's porc feruaunts, that
MITHRIDANES AND NATHAN.
from the time of my youth haue bene broughte vp wyth him, and
neuer aduaunced me to any thing but to that which you fee:
wherefore, although euery man greatly prayfeth him, yet haue I
no caufe to commend hvm." Thefe wordes gaue fome hope to
Mithridaues, by better aduife and furety to execute his wicked in-
tente: and Nathan afked him very curteoufly what he was, and
for what bufinef/e he was corne thither offcryng him helpe and
counfel in that he was able to do. Mithridancs then paufed a while
belote he would make him anfwere : and in the ende purpofyng to
put his trufi in hlm, required with great circumfiance of wordes
his favth and after that his couufell and ayde. Then he wholy dis-
couered what he wa% wherefore he was corne, and the caufe that
moued hym. Nathan hearing thofe woordes, and the mifchie-
uous determination of Mithridaues, was chaunged and trouhled in
mynde, notwythftandyng wythout making any femblaunce of dis-
pleafure anfvered him with bolde countenaunce: "Mithridanes,
thy father was a Gent]cman, and of foute fomacke, from whome
fo farre as I fee, thou wylt hOt degenerate, bv attemptyng fo great
an enterpryfe as thou hafl done. I intende to be lyberall to ech
man and praife great]y the Enuve whych thou bearefi to the Verrue
of Nathan, bvcaufe if there were many futch, the %Vorlde which
is now myferable, wou]d hortly become profperous and happye :
and doe make thee promyfe, that the intent thou goett about, fhall
be kepte fecrete, whereunto I can fooner gyue Counfel} than any
great he|pe, and mine aduyfe is this: you may fee from the place
where we now be a lyttle Groaue, about a quarter of a Mvle hence,
whereunto Nathan in a maner walketh euery mornyng, and tar-
rieth there a long time: there you may eafily finde him, and do
your pleafure: and il" you kyll him, you may goe, (to the intent
without dauuger you may returne home to vour OWlle Houle) hOt
that way you came, but by that you fee on the lefte hand ]eade out
of the wod, whvch although it be hOt fo common as the other, yet
is the neareft way and fafeft for you to paf/e." %Vhen Mithridanes
was thus informed, and that Nathan departed from him, he caufed
worde fecretlv to be lent to his Men, which likewyfe lodged there,
in what place they fhould waight for him the next day : and wheu
the day was coin, Nathan not ahering the counfel he gaue to Mith-
352
BIITHRIDANES AND NATHAN.
ridaues, ne chaunging any part of the lame, weut all alone into
the little woodde, to receiue his Dcath. .Vhen Mithridanes was vp,
and had taken his bowe and fword, (for he had none other weapons)
he mounted vpon his horfe, and rode to the little woodde, where a
farre of he efpied Nathan, commyng thitherward all alone, and
determining before he would fet vppon him to fee him and heare
him fpeake, made toward him, and catchyng him by the band
vpon his head, faid vnto him : "Old chorle thou art dead." .Vher-
vnto bIathan ruade none other anfwer, but laid, " I haue deferued
it." SVhen iMithridanes heard his vovce and looked hiln in the
face, he knew by and bv that it was he which had curteoufly re-
ceiued him, familiarly kcpt him company, and faithfully had
gyuen him counfel. Vhcrupon, his fury affvaged, and his
anger conuerted to [haine: by meanes whereof, throwing downe
his fworde which he had drawn to ftrike him, he lighted of from
his horfe, and did proftrate himfelfe at bIathan his father's feete,
and faid vnto him weeping: "I manifeftly perceiue right louing
father your great lyberality, and by what pollicy you be come
hyther to render to me your lyre : whereunto I hauyng no ryght,
declared my felfe defyrous to haue the lame : but our Lord God,
more carefull of my deuoir than my felf, hath euen at the very
point, when it was mofte needefull, opened the eyes of myne vn-
derftandynge, which curffed fpite and cancred enuy haue clofed
vp: and therefore, the more you were ready to gratify my defire,
the greater punifhment I knowledge my felfe to deferue for my
faulte. Take then of lne if it pleafe you futch vengance as you
thvnke meete for mvne offeuce." Nathan caufed/x, lithridanes to
rife vp, kiffinge and imbraeinge hym tenderly, and fayd vnto
hym : "My forme, thou neede9t not to demaund pardon, for the
enterprife done, good or euill as thou lift to name it: for thou
didde9t not go about to rid me of my lyfe for any hatred thou
didde9t bear me, but only to be aeeompted the better: be affured
then of me, and verily beleue, that there is no lyuing man, that I
loue better than thy felf, eonfidering the greatneffe of thine heart
not inelyned to hoorde or gather togither the droffy muck of
Syluer, as the myferable do, but to fpend that whieh is gathered.
Be hot afhamed for hauing a will to kill me, thereby to great re-
MITHRIDANES AND NATHAN.
353
nowme: for Emperours and greatePt kings, neuer flreatched forth
their power, and racked their Reahnes, and confequently afpired
fam, for other purpofe but to kyl: not by murdering one man
as thou didR meane, but of infinit numbers, befides the burning
of Countries, and rafing of Cities : wherefore if to make thv felfe
more famous, thou wouldePt have killed me alone, th.vne enterprife
was not newlv to be wondred at, but a thyng in dayly pra&ife."
Mithridanes no more excufinge hys wicked intent, but prayfinge
the honePt excufe, which Nathan had deuifed, drew neare vnto
hym to enter into further talke wyth hym, which was, how he
greatly maruelled, that he durft approch the place, with fo litle
refcue, where his death was fworne, and what he meant him felfe
to tell the way and meanes: wherein he required him to fay his
mynde, for difclofinge of the taule. ,Vhereunto Nathan replied :
"Maruell hOt, Mithridancs, of mine intent and purpofe, for fithens
I was at age difpofed to mvne owne free 'ill, and determined to
do that which thou haft gone about to do, neuer any came to me,
but I haue contented them (fo farre as I vas hable) of that they
did demaund : thou art corne hither with defire to haue mv lyre,
wherefore feeing that thou diddePt craue, I forthwith d'd meane
to gieue it, that thou alone mightef[ hot be the man that fhould
depart from henee without atehieuing thy requeft: and to bring
to paffe that thou myghtef haue the faine, I gaue thee the bef
Counfel I eould, afwel for bereuing of my lyfe, as for enioyinge of
thvne owne : and therefore I fay to thee agayne, and pray thee for
to take it, therebv to content thy felfe, if thou haue anv pleafure
therein: for I do hot knov hveh way better to imployit. I
haue ail ready kept it foure feore yeares, and haue eonfumed the
faine in pleafures, and delights, and do know bv courre of nature
in other men, and generally in ail things, that long it eannot reaft
in breathing dayes: wherefore I think good, that better it is to
geue, as I haue dayly donc, and departe with mv Treafures, than
keepe it till nature eary it awav in defpite of my Teeth, and
maugre that I haue. It is a little gift to giue one hundred yeares,
how muteh leffe is it then to giue fixe or eyght of thofe I haue
to liue ? Take it then if it pleafe thee, I thee befeeeh : for neuer
yet found I man that did defire the faine, ne yet do know when I
VOL. II. Z
354
MITHRIDANES AND NATHAN.
fhall finde fitch one, if that thy felfe which didf defire it, do not
take it: and if it chaunce that I do finde fome one, I know full
well that fo mutch the longer as I fhall keepe the faine the leffe
efeemed it fhall be, and therefore before the faine he vile and of
little price, take it I befeech thee." Mithridanes fore afhamed,
favd : "God forbid, that by feparating fo deare a thing as is thv
lit'e, that I fhould take it, or onely defire the faine, as I did erf,
from which I would not diminifh yeares, but willingly would of
myne owne ad thereto if I could." Whereunto Nathan bv and
by replyed: "And if thou couldef, wouldeff thou gieue them ?
and vouldef thou caufe me do to thee that which [ neuer did to
any man, that is to fay, to take of thy things which neuer I did
of auy liuing perfon ?" " Yea verily," aunfvered Mithridanes.
"Then," favde Nathan : "thou o«ghteff there to doe that which
I wyll tel thee : which is to remayne here in my houle fo younge
as thou art, and beare the name of Nathan, and I would goe to
thine, and bee called Mithridanes." Then Mithridanes anfwered :
"If I had alfo fo great experience as thou haf, I woulde hot
refufe thine offer, but bicaufe I am affurcd, that my deedes
woulde diminifh the renoume of Nathan, I wyll hOt marre that in
another, which I cannot redreflè in mv felfe : and therefore I wyll
not take it." After thys talke, and a great deale more betwene
them, they repayred to the Palace, vppon the reque of Nathan,
where many dayes he did great honour to Mithridanes, incoraging
and counfelling him, fo wel as he could, dayly to perfeuere in his
high and great indeuour. And Mithridanes defirous to returne
home with his company, Nathan (after that he had let
him well to know, that he was not able to furpaffe
him in liberality) gaue him leaue.
BIISTRESSE KATHERINE OF BOLOGNA.
355
THE NINETEENTH NOUELL.
MavJter Gentil of Ca,'ifendi teing come from 3lodena, tooke a wo-
vtan out of hir graue that u.as l.uried for dead, who after.[he u'as
corne agaffne, l'rought forth a Sonne, which mayfler Gentil rendred
afteru,ardes u, ith the mother to rnmjJter icholas Chafennemie
ber hujand.
Reaolr6 this Hiory, I confider two/raung and rare chaunces :
the one a ivberali and courteous acCt of an earneft louer towards
his beloued and hir hufband, in ieauinge hir vntouched, and hot
difhonored, aithough in fuli puiffance to doe his pleafure: the
other a ivke liberall offre by prefentinge whom he dearly loued,
and a newe borne Chyide: both fuppofed to be dead by hir
freendes, and therefore Intoumbed in Graue. Vherewithtll is to
bee noted the rare and finguler dêfire of a gentlewoman, bv
humble lute for conferuation of her honour, although longe time
purfued by a Gentleman that reuiucd hir almoft from death, and
thought her vtterlv to be void of lire. To praife the one, and to
ieaue the other not magnified, it were a part of difcurtefv : but to
extoi both with fhoutes, and acclamations of infinite praife no
dout but verv commeudable. If comparifons may be ruade with
Prvnces of elder yeares, and hot to note thofe of later, truely b'lays-
ter Gentil by that hys fa&, feemeth not mutch inferior to Scipio
_4fricanus for fparing the wyfe of Indibilis, ne vet to king Cx'rus
for Panthea the wvfe of Abradatus : aithough both of them hot in
equail tate of loue, (as whoily efraunged from that paffiou) iike
to malter Gentil, who in deêd for fubduing that griefe and mo-
tion, deferueth greater prayfe. For fooner is that torment auovded
at the firft affauit and pinch, than when it is fuffred long to flame
and raigne in that yeiding portion of man, the heart, which
once fed with the bayt of loue, is feidome or neuer loofed. To
do at large to vnderftand the proofe of thofe mo/ vertuous per-
fons, thus beginneth the hitory. At Bologna a very notable Cittv
of Lombardy» there was a Knyght of very great refpe& for his
vertue, named maifter Gentil Cariffendi, who in his youth feil
356
IIISTRESSE KATItERINE OF BOLOGNA.
in loue with a Gentlewoman called maiflreffe Katherine, the wyfe
of one mayfler Nicholas Chaffennemie. And bicaufe during that
loue he receiued a very iii counterchange for his affecCtion that
he bare vnto hir, he went away (like one defperate) to be the
iudge and poteflate of blodena, whereunto he was called. About
the time that hir hufoand being out of Bologna, and the gentle-
woman at hir Manour in the countrey, not pari a toile and a haife
from the Citty, (whither fhe ,vent to remayne, bicaufe fhe vas
with childe) it chaunced that fhe was fodenly firprifed with a
fickneffe, vhich was of fo great force, as there vas no token of
lvfe in her, but rather iudged by ail Phifitians to be a dead XVoman.
And becaufe that hir neerefl Kinne reported that they hearde hir
fa.ve, that fhee could hot bee longe time with Childe, but that
the infante mufl be perfecCt in her wombe and ready to be deli-
uered, and therefore affecCted wyth fome other difeafe and griefe
that would bring hir to hir ende, as a Timpany or other fwelling,
rifing of groffe humors, thev thought hir a dead ,Voman, and par
recouery: vherefore vpon a time fhe failing into a traunce, was
verilv fippofed to be dead. XVho after they had mourned hir
death, and bewayled the fodavn expiration of hir foule, caufed
hir to be buried without hope of recouery (euen as fhe was in that
extafie) in a graue of a church adioyning harde by the houle wher
fhe dwelt. XVhich thing incontinently was aduertifed marier
Gentil bv one of his frends, who although he was hot likely, as
he thouht, to attayne hir fauor and in vtter difpayre therof, yet
it gryeued him verv mutch that no better heede was taken vnto hir,
th.vnking by diligence and time fhee oulde haue reuyued agayn,
fayine thus in the end vnto him felfe: "How now madam
Katherin, that Death hath wrought his vyll wyth you, and I could
neuer obteyne durynge your lire one fimple looke from thofe youre
gliflering eies, vhich lately I beheld to my great ouerthrow and
decay, wherfore now when you cannot defend your felf, I mav
bee bold (you being dead) to feale from you fome defired kiffe."
,Vhen hee had fard fo, beyng alreadv Nyght, and hauynge taken
order that none fhouid know of his departure, he gat vpon his
Horfe, accompanied with one only feruaunt, and wyth.out taryinge
anve where, arriued at the place where his Lady was buryed, and
MISTRESSE KATHERINE OF BOLOGNA.
357
opening the Graue, forthwith he entred in, and laying himfelf
downe befides hir, he approched neare hir face, and many times
kiffed hir, pouryng forthe great abundance of teares. But as we
fee the appetyte of Man not to be content excepte it proceede fur-
ther (fpecially of futch as bec in loue) beyng determined to tarrye
no longer there, and to departe, he fard : "Ah God, why fhould I
goe no further, whv fhould I not touche hir, why fhould I hot
proue whyther fhe be alvue or dead ? " Vanquifhed then wyth that
motyon hec felt hir brefls, and holding his hand there for a cer-
tayne tyme, perceyued hir Heart as it were to pant, and therebv
ri»me lyre remayning in hir: wherefore fo foftlv as he could, wvth
the helpe of his man, he raifed hir out of the graue : and fettynge
hir vppon his H,,rfe before him, fecretlv caried hir home to his
houfe at Bologna. The mother of maifler Gentil dwelled there,
which was a graue and vertuous biatrone, who vnderflandyng by
her fonne the whole effec'-t of that chaunce, moued wyth compas-
tion, vnknowne to anye man, placing hir before a great tire, and
comfortyng hir wyth a bathe prepared for the purpofe, fhe reco-
uered lyre in the Gentlewoman that was fuppofed to bec deade,
who fo foone as fhe xvas coin to hir felf, threw forth a great figh
and fayd : "'Alas, wher ara I now ?" To whom the good old wo-
man fayd: «Be of good cheere fwete hart, yee bec in a good
place." The Gentlewoman hauing wholly recouered hir fenfes,
and looking round about hir, not yet well knowing where fhe was,
and feiug maier Gentill before hir, prayed his mother to tell hir
how fhe came thither. To whome maifler Gentil declared in order
what he had done for hir, and what meanes he vfed to bryng hir
thyther : wherof makyng hir complaynt, and lamentyng the lyttle
regard and neglygence of hir frends, fhe rendred vnto hvm inu-
merable thankes. Then fhe prayed him for the Loue which at
other times he bare hir and for his courtefie, that fhe might not
receyue in hys houfe any thing that fhould be difhonorable to hir
perfon, ne yet to hir hufband, but fo foone as it was Dave to fur-
fer hir to goe home to hir owne Houfe : whereunto maifter Gentil
anfwered : "Madam, what foeuer I haue defired in time paft, now
ara I ftlly purpofed neuer to demaund any thyng fpecially in this
place or in anV other but the fafety of your honour, and that I
358
MISTRESSE KATHERINE OF BOLOGNA.
would doe to myrte owne fifter, fith it hath pleafed God to fhowe
me that pleafilre, as bv mv meaues you are reuiued from death to
life, and to delyuer you to mee in confideration of the loue that I
haue born vou herctofore : but this good worke, which this Nyghte
I haue done for you, well deferueth fome recompence. XVhere-
fore mv defire is, that vou deny me not the pleaftre which I fhall
demaund :" whome the gentlewoman curteouflv anfwered, that
(hee was very ready, fo the faine were honef} and in hir power to
doe. Then fard mavfier Gentil: "Myf}reffe, ail your kin and
al they of Bologna, doe beleue for a trouth that vou bee deade,
wherefore there is none that Ioketh for your recouery agayne:
and the pleafure then whych [ demuud is that you wvll vouch-
fafe fecretlve to tarrv here wvth my mother, vntill I retourne from
Modena, which (bal be with fo great expedition as I can : and
the caufe why I defire the faine, is, for that I intend to make a
favre and acceptable prefent of you vnto your hufband in the pre-
fence of the principal of this Citv." The gentlewoman knowing
hir felf to be greatly bound to the knight, and that hys requefl
was honef}, was content to doe what hee demaunded. _&lbeit
thee defired earnefilv to reioyce hir frendes for hir recouered lire,
and fo promifed vppon hir faith. And vnnethes had the ended
hir talke, but (he felt the pain of chyldbirth: wherfore wyth the
ax'de of the mother of maif}er Gentil, the tarried not long before
the was deliuered of a favre Sonne, which greatly augmented the
ioy of maif}er Gentil and hir. lXIavf}er Gentil commaunded that
fhe fhould haue al thyngs that were neceffary to be minit$red
vnto hir, and that (he thould be vfed as his owne XVyfe. Then he
pryuily returned to lIodena, ,vhere when he had a while fupplied
his once, he returned to Bologna, and prepared a great feaf[ at his
houle, the faine morning that he arriued, for diuers gentlemen
of the city, amongs whom Nicholas Chafennemie was one. XVhen
the company of the bidden guef}s wer coin, (the gentlewoman in
fo good health and lykyng as euer fhe was, and hir Child wel and
luf[y), he rate down amongs them doing vnto them incomparable
myrth and paf}ime, and ferued them bountifully wyth dyuers
fortes of meates. XVhen dinner was almoft done, hauing before
told the Gentlewoman what he ment to doe, and in 'hat manner
MISTRESSE KATHERINE OF BOLOGNA.
359
fhe fhould behaue hir felfe, he began thus to fay: "'Mv Mayfers,
I do remember that whilom I haue hearde tell that in the Country
of Perfia, there was a goodly cuftom (as me feemeth) that when
fore one was difpofed to do great honour vnto his friend, he bad
hym home to his houfe, and there fhewed him the thiug whx'ch
he loued beft, were it wyfe woman, or daughter, or what fo euer
it were, affirming that like as he difdayned not to fhew the lame,
which outwardlv he loued bel't, euen fo he would ifit were poflible,
willingly difcouer his owne heart: whvch cul'tome I purpofe to
obferue in this Citv. Ye of your curtefie haue vouchfafed to do
me fo great honour as to repayre vnto this my fimple feafl, which
benefite I wyl recompence after the Perfian manner, by fhewing
vnto you the thinge which I loue mofie deerely ahoue any in this
worlde» or hereafter flaal be able to loue fo long as my lire
endureth : but before I doe the fame, I pray you to tell mee your
opynyon in a doubte whych I fhall propofe. There was a certavne
perron whych in hvs houle had a good and Faythfull Seruaunte
who became extremely fick: that Perfon without attendyng the
end of his difeafed feruaunt, caufed him to be caried into the midfi
of the ftreate wx'thout any further care for him. In the meane
tyme there came a firaunger by who moued bv compaflion of
the ficke feruaunt, bare him home to his owne houf% where wvth
great tare and diligence, fparing no coft or charge, ruade him to
recouer his former healthe: I would now fayne know of you,
whither for retaining and vfing the feruice of that feruaunt» his
firfi maifier by good right myghte complayne vpon the feconde,
if he fhould demaund hym agayne, or by demaunding of him
agayne, the fecond not difpofed to reftore him, might fufteyne
any damage." The gentlemen after many opinions and arguments
debated too and fro amonges them, and at length ail concluding
in one mind, gaue charge to Nicholas Chafennemie, (hicaufe he
was an eloquent talker) to make the anfwer : who firft praifing the
Perfians cul'tome, faid that he was, (with the refi) of this opinion,
that the firfi maifler had no further title in his feruaunt, hauing in
futch neceflîty not onely forfaken him, but throwen him into the
ftreat% and that for the good turnes whvch the fecond maifler had
don him, he ought by good right to be hys: wherefore by kepyng
36o
MISTRESSE KATHERINE OF BOLOGNA.
him, he did no wrong, force, or iniury to the firçt. AI the reçt at
the Table (which were very difcret and honeçt perfons) fayd
altogyther that they were of hys opinion. The knight content
with that anf,ver, and fpecially bycaufe Nicholas Chafennemie
had pronounced it, affvrmed that hee was likewyfe of that minde,
and afterwards he fard : "Time it is theu that I tender vnto vou
the honor which vou haue done me, in manner accordyngly as I
haue promyfed. Then he called vnto him two of hvs Seruaunts,
and fent them to the Gentlewoman, whom hee had caufed to be
apparelled and decked very gorgeoufly, praying hir by hir prefence
to content and fatiffie al the company. And fhe taking in hir armes
hir little faire fonne, came into the hall, accompanied with the two
Seruauntes, and was placed (as it pleafed the kynght) befides a
very honeçt gentleman, and then he favde: "Syrs, behold the
thing which I loue beçt, and purpofe to loue aboue ail worldly
things, and whither I haue occafion fo to doe, your eyes may bee
Iudges. » The gentlemen doing their reuerence unto hir, greatly
praifed hir, and faid to the Knight that ther was good reafon why
the oughte to be beloued : Vpou which commendations they began
more attentyuely to behold hir, and many of them would haue
fayd and fworne that it had bin fhee in deede if it had hot bin
thought that fhe had bin dead. But Nicholas beheld hir more
than the reçt, who verv defirous to know what fhe was, could hOt
torbeare (when he faw that the Knight was a little departed from
the place) to alke hir whvther fhee was of Bologna, or a firaunger.
"Vhen the Gentlewoman faw hir hufband to ail< hir that queçtion,
flae could fcarce forbeare from making annfwere, notwithftanding
to atchieue that whvch was purpofed, flae helde hir peace. Another
afked her yf that little Boye was hers : _And another if thee were the
.Vyfe of mavfter Gentil, or anv kin vnto hym : vnto whom flaee
gaue 11o anfwere at ail. But when maifter Gentil came in, one of
the ftraungers fayd vnto him : "Syr, thys gentlewoman is a very
good creature, but fhe feemeth to be dumbe. Is it true or not?"
"Syrs, fayde maiffer Gentil, "that is but a little argument of
hir vertue for this time to hold hir peace." "Tell vs then (fayde
he) what is fhe ?" '" That wil I do very gladly," fayd the knight,
"vnder condition that none of vou fhall remoue out of his place for
MISTRESSE KATHERINE OF IOLOGNA.
36
anv thing I fpeake, vntill I haue ended mv tale:" which requeft
being graunted, and the table taken vp, maiffer Geutil xvhich was
let downe by the Gentlewoman, fayd : "My maylters, this gentle-
woman is the Ioyall and faithful feruant, of whom earff I propounded
the queffion, whom I haue releeued from amids the ffreate,
whither hir kin, little caring for hir, threw hir as a vile and vnpro-
fitable thing : and haue bv my great care brought to paffe, that I
haue difcharged hir from death, vpon an affe&ion which God
knoweth to be fo pure and perle&, as of a lumpe of dead lothfome
flefh hee hath reuiued fo favre and frefhe as vou fee: but to the
lutent you mav more playnly vnderfand how it is corne to paffe,
I will open the faine in few words." _And beginning at the dav
when he fell in loue with hir, he particularly told them, what had
chaunced till that time, to the great mar,ell and admiration of
them that heard him, and then added thefe woordes : "Bv meanes
whereof, if your minde be hot chaunged within this |itle time,
and fpecia|ly malter Nicholas, of good right fhe is my wife, and
noue by iuff title can clayme hir." ,Vhereunto none at al ruade
anfwere, looking that he fhoulde haue proceeded further. In the
meane while Nicholas and the reff that were there, fell into earneff
weepinge. But mailter Gentil, rifing from the borde and taking
in his armes the little childe, and the gentlewoman by the hand,
went towardes Nicholas, and fard vnto him : "Rire vp tir goflïp,
I do not refiore vnto thee thy Wife, whom thy frends and houfeholde
did car into the Streat, but I will geue thee this Geut|ewoman my
Goflip» with the litle childe, that is, as I ara affured begotten of
thee, for whom at the chriltening I ruade anfvere and promife æ
and called him Gentil, and do pray thee that fhe be no leffe
effeemed of thee now (for being in my houle almott three moneths)
than fhe was belote. For I fwere by the almighty God, who ruade
me in loue with hir, (peraduenture that my loue might be the
caufe of hir preferuation) that fhe neuer liued more honeffly with
hir father, mother, or with thee, than fhe hath doue in company of
my mother." Vhen he had fayd fo, he returned towards the
Gentlewoman» and fayd vnto hir: "Maiftreffe, from this time
forth, I difcharge you of the promife which you haue ruade me,
and leaue you to your hufband franke and free." _And when he
362
MISTRESSE KATHERINE OF BOLOGNA.
had befiowed the gentlewoman, and the chylde in the fathers
armes, he returned to his place agayne. Nieholas ioyfully reeeyued
his \Vyfe and ehilde, for the hvch fo mutch the more he reioyfed,
as hee ,vas furtheft of from hope of hir reeouery, rendering inumer-
able thankes to the Knight and the reft, and moued with compas-
tion hee vept for company, greatly prayfing maifter Gentil
for that a&, vho was eommended of ech man that heard
the reporte thereof. The Gentlewoman was reeeiued
into hir houle wvth maruellous love : _And longe
tvme after tire was gazed vpon by the Citi-
zens of Bologna, as a thing to their
great wonder reuiued agayne.
_Afterwards Maifter Gentil
eontinued fiyll a friend
vnto Nieholas, and
vnto hys XV.v le
and Chyl-
dren.
OF MAISTER THORELLO AND SALADINE. 363
THE TWENTIETH NOUELL.
Saladine in the habite of a ]Iarchaunt, u,as honourabl rece.ucd
into the houle of nayfler Thorello, u,ho went ouer the Sea, in corn-
panel of the Chriians, and qffïgned a terme of his u?/fe u.hen fhe
hould mar. agayne. He was taken, and caried lo lhe Sovldan lo be
his Faulconer, who knou.ing him,and fuff «rirTg hiTfelf lo l'e knowen,
did him great honour, lllayfler Thorello J-ell jïcke, and l,#
gitlue .,4rl, was caried in a night fo Pavie» u,here he found his u,yfe
about fo nary aga!/ne » who nou.lnge him, returned home u, ith him
lo his owne houle.
V-Rv" comelv it is (fayeth Cicero in the fecond booke of hvs
Offices,) that Noblemens houles fhould ftvli be open to noble
Guerres and Straungers. A faying by the honourable and other
EtLates to be fixed in fure remembraunce, and accordingly prai-
fed: For hofpitality and houfhold intertaynment, heaping vp
double gayne and commodity. The Gueft it linketh and knitteth
in fart hand of perfe& friendflip, common familiarity, difporte of
mvnde and pleafant recreation, the poore and needy it feedeth, it
cherifheth, it prouoketh in them deuout prayers, godly bleftïngs,
and feruice in tyme of neede. Hofpitality is a thing fo diuine,
as in law of Nature and Chryft, it was well and brotherly obferued.
Lot difdavned hOt to recevue the Aunels, which were ftraun«ers
vnto him» and by reafon of hys common vfe thereof, and thevr
frendly intertaynment, he and his houfhold was delyuered from
the daunger of the City, efcaped temporal lire, and obteined
heauenly rewarde. Abraham was a friendly hoft to ftraungers
and therefore in his old dayes, and in the barrein age of his wyfe
Sara, he begat Ifaac. Ietro albeit he was an Ethnicke and wabeleuyng
man, yet lyberally intertained Moyfes, and maried him to Sephora
one of his Daughters. The poore widow of Sarepta interteined
Helias and Symon the Currior difdayned hOt Peter, nor Lydia the
purple filke woman, Paule and his fellowes. Forget hOt Hofpitality,
(faith the laid _Apofde Paule,) for wyth the faine diuers haue
pleafed Aungels bv receiuing them into theyr houles. Il" Paule
364
OF IIAISTER THORELLO
the true preacher of eternall Healthe, hath fo commended kepyng
of good Houles which by the former terme wee call Hofpitality,
then it is a thing to bee vfed amonges thofe that bee able to main-
teine the lame: who ought with liberall hand frankely to reach
bread and vi&uals to their acquaintance, but fpecially to raungers,
whych wandering in forein places, be vtterly vnable to helpe them-
felues, and peraduenture in futch neede, as without fitch curtefie,
do perifhe. For the further amplification of whvch vertue, what
thall I neede to remember raunge and prophane Hiories? as of
Symon of Athens, who was fo famous in the faine, as the tyraut
Crytias, when he wi(hed for the ryches of Scopades and the vi&ories
f Agefilaus, forçat hot alfo to craue the liberality of Cimon.
Pacuuius alfo, the Prynce of Campania, fo friendly entertained
Annibal, as when his fonne to do the Romanes a good turne,
would haue killed him as he fat st fupper, was aied bv his fathers
reque (whom he ruade priuy of his intent before they rate downe.)
Pacuuits had he hOt more regarded the office of hofpitality, than
the fafetv of his countrey, might ful wel by that murder, haue
defended the lame from the deru&ion whereunto afterwards it
fel. Homere reporteth, that lXlene|aus fighting a combat with
Paris of Troy ruade inuocation and prayer vnto the Gods, that he
might be reuenged vpon him for the tape of his wife Helena, to the
intent the poerity hearing of his puniflnnente, mighte feare to
polute friendly hou(holde intertevnment. SVherefore, fith hofpi-
tality hath bene thus put in vfe in elder tyme, pra-.vfed in ali ages,
and the poluters of the faine deteed and accurffed, and hath
notorious commodities incident vnto it, I deeme it fi worthy to
be frequented in noble men and ail degrees» as theyr Palaces anJ
great houles (hould fwarme wyth guet'ts, and their gates luring
with whole multitudes of the poore to be fatiffied with relief.
Sutch hath ben the facred vie and reuerent care of auncient tyme.
Sutch bath bene the zealous loue of thofe whofe fieldes and barnes,
clofets, and chees haue bene ored and fuffed with worldelv
wealth, that comparing that golden age, glit'tering with piety and
vertue, to thefe out worffe than copper days, cancred with ail
corruption, we (hal find the match fo like, as darke and light,
durt and Aungell golde. Ceafing then of further difcourfe hereof,
AND SALAI3INE. 365
this hiforv folowing fhall elucidate and difplaye the mutuall
beneuolence of two noble perfonages, the one a mighty Souldan, an
enimy of God, but )'et a fryende to thofe that fauored good enter-
tainment and houfekepyng: the other a Gentleman of Pauie, a
rich and liberall marchaunt, and a friendly welcomer of ffraungers.
The Souldan demaunding the way to Pauie, fomewhat digreflïng
from the fame, is not onely honourably conueved to Pauie, and
featted there, but alfo fumptuoufly cheryfhed, banketted, and
rewarded bv the favd Marchant before his commyng thvther. The
marchant man defirous to be one of the holye voyage intended by
chriffian Princes, paflC ouer the feas, who put to his fhifts there
throughe the aduerfe lucke reeevued by the Chriftians, became the
Souldans Fawconer, and afterwardes knowen vnto him by certaine
markes and fignes, is with greater honor intertained of the Sou|dan,
and more riehly guerdoned, lent home agayne bv Magike Arte to
antieipate the mariage of his wife, vnto whom he had prefixed a
certaine date and terme to marrv againe if before that tyme, he
did not returne. Ail which Noble entertainment, and the circum-
ffanees thereof, in this mannerdo begin. In the time ofthe Empe-
rour Fredericke the firffe, the Chrvffians to recouer the Holv Lande,
made a generall voyage and paffage ouer the Sea. Saladine a moff
vertuous Prynce, then Souldan of Babylon, hauing intelligence
thereof, a certavne time before, determined in his own perfin to
fee and efpy the preparation whieh the Chrifiian Princes ruade for
that paffage, the better to prouide for his owne, and hauing put
order for his affayres in 2Egypt, making as though he would go on
Pilgrimage, tooke his iourney in the apparel of a Marchant, aceom-
panied only with two of his ehiefef{ and wifeft counfellers, and
three feruaunts. And when he had fearched and trauelled many
ehriffian prouinces, and riding through Lumbardv to paffe ouer
the Mountaynes, it ehaunced that betweene Millan and Pauy,
fomwhat late he met wyth a gentleman named mayfter Thorello
de If{ria of Pauy, who xGth his houfhoulde, his dogges and
hawkes, for his pleafttre went to foiorne in one of his Manours,
that was dele&ably plaeed upon the ryuer of Tefino. And when
maifter Thore|lo fawe them corne, thiuckinge that they were certavn
Gentlemen f{raungers, he defired to do them honour. Wherefore
366
OF BIAISTER THORELLO
Saladine demaunding of one of mavfer Thorello his me**, how
farre it was from thenee to Pauie, and whether they might eome
thither time inough to go in, marier Thorello would hot fuffer his
man to fpeake, but he himfelf ruade aunfwere, faying: «firs,
yee eannot get into Pauie in rime, for that the Gates will be fhut
before your eomming. » Than fard Saladine: "tell us then wee
pray you, bieaufe we be fraungers, where wee mav lodge this
night." Mairier Thorello fayd: "'That will 1 willingly do, I was
about euen prefently to rend one of my men that be here, fo far
as Pauie, about certavne bufineffe, him wil I appoint to be your
guide to a place where you /hall haue very good Iodging," and
eallinge one of his wyfef men vnto him, he gaue him charge of
that he had to do, aud feut him with them, after whom he fol-
lowed : where ineontynently in fo good order as he eould, eaufed
to be ruade redv a fumptuous fupper, and the tables to be eouered
in a pleafant garden. Afterwards hee went himfelfe to entertavne
them. The feruaunt talking with the Get, tlemen ofma**y thinges,
condu0ed them at le.s'fure fomwhat out of the way to protra0 the
time» to his mavliers houle: and ri» foon as mailier Thorello
efpied them, he with liberall heart al,d bountiftlll mynde bad them
weleome. Saladine which was a verv wvfe man, well pereeyued that
the Gentlemau doubted that thev woulde hOt haue eome vnto hym
if he had inuited them at their firri meetiuge, and for that caufe,
to the intent they fhould i, ot refi,fe to lodge at his houle, he had
pollitiq,ely caufed thern to be eonducted thither, and aunfweringe
hys greeting, fard : "Syr, if a man may quarrell with them that
be eurteous, wee mav eomplayne of .','ou, who leauinge a part our
wav 'hich you haue eaufed fomewhat to be lengthened, without
de.feruinge your good will, otherwife than by one onely falutation,
vou haue conliravned vs to take and recevue this your fo great
eurtefie." The wife and well fpoken Knight, fayd: "Syr, thys
eurtefie whieh you reeeyue of me, in refpeèt of that whieh belongeth
vnto you, as by your countenaunce I may wel conie0ure, is very
fmall, but truely out of Pauie ye eould haue got no lodging that
had ben good : and therefore be not difpleafd I pray you to be
caried out of the way, to haue a little better intertaynment," and
faying fo, his men came forth to reeeyue thofe fraungers, and
AND SALADINE. 367
when they were lighted, their horffes vere taken and conueved
into the t2ables, and mavt2er Thorello caryed the three Gentlemen
to their chambers, which he had prepared for them, where their
Bootes were pulled of, and excellent wyne brought forth, fome-
what to refrefh them before fupper : then he held them with plea-
faunt talke vntyll the houre of fupper was coin. Saladine and
they which were with him, could ail fpeake Latine, and therefore
weli vnderfanded, and they iykewife vnderfoode eche man, by
meanes whereof euery of them, thought that the Gentleman was
the mot curteous and bef conditioned Perfonage, indued with
the mot2 eloquent talke that euer thev fawe. - On the other ride
it feemed to mayfer Thorello, that they were the noblef and
Princelik perfonages, and far more worthy of efiimation then he
thought before. "Vherefore, he was very angry wyth himfelfe,
that he had no greater company and better intertaynment for
them that night, which he purpofed to recompence the next day
at dinner. "Vherefore hec lent one of hvs meu to Pauie, being
not farr from thence, to his wife, that was a verv wife and noble
gentlewoman, and afterwards he brought them into the garden
where he curteoufly demaunded what they were. To whom Sala-
dine anfwered : "we be marehaunts of Cypres trauailing to Paris,
about our bufineffe." Then laid maifier Thorelio: "'I would to
God that this country brought i%rth fuch gentlemen as the land
of Cypres maketh marchants," and fo paffed the rime from one
talke to another, vntyil fupper time came: Vherefore to honour
them the better caufed them to fit downe at the Table, euery of
them according to his degree and place: And there they were ex-
eeadingly wel intreated aud ferued in good order, their fupper
being farre more bountifull thau thev looked for. And they rate
hOt longe after that the table was taken away, but maifer Thorello
fuppofing them to be weary, caufed them to be lodged in gorgeous
and coftly beds: and he likewvfe within a while after went to
bed. The feruaunt lent to Pauie, did the meffage to his mifreffe,
who hOt iike a woman wyth a womanifh heart, but like one of
Prineely Mind, ineontinently caufed many of her hufband's frends
and feruaunts to be lent for. Afterwards fhe ruade ready a great
feaf, and inuited the nobleçt and chiefefi Citizens of the City : ap-
368
OF MAISTER THORELLO
parelling hir houfe wvth clothe of gold and filke, tapiftrie and
other furnitures, putting in order ail that which hir hufband had
commaunded. The next da)" in the ,norning the Gentleman rofe,
with whom maifter Thorello mounted on horfebacke, and carying
with him his Hawks, he brought them to the Ryuer, and fhewed
them diuers flightes. But Saladine demaunding where the beft
lodging was in Pauie, maifter Thorello fayd : "" I wyll fhew vou mv
felfe, for that I haue occafion to go thither." They beleeuing him,
were contented, and rode on their way, and being about nine of
the clock, arriued at the City, thinking thev fhould haue ben
brought to the ber Inne of the towne: but maiRer Thorello con-
ueyed them to his owne houfe, where fiftye of the chiefeff Citizens
ready to receiue them fodaynly appeared before them. X.Vhich
Saladine, and they that were wvth him perceyuînge, coniecCtured
bv and by what that dyd meane, and fard: "MaiRer Thorello,
this is not the requeR whych wee demaunded, your entertainment
yeffernight was to fumptuous and more then we defired, where-
fore giue vs leaue we praye you to departe." Whom maiRer
Thorello anfwered: "'Mv maiRers, for that which ve receyued
yeRernight I wil giue thanks to Fortune, and not to you: for I
ouertaking you bv the way, forced you in a maner to make your
repayre vnto mv aomelv houfe: but for thvs morninge voyage, I
haue my felfe prepared, and likewyfe the Gentlemen about you,
,vith whom to refufe to dine, if you thincke it curtefie, doe as
vee pleafe." Saladine and his companions va»quifhed wyth futch
perfuation, lighted, and being receiued bv the Gentlemen in louing
and curteous order, were conueied to their chambers, which were
richly furnifhed for them, and hauing put of their riding apparel,
and fomewhat refrefhed themfelues, thev came into the Hall, where
ail things were in redineffe in triumphant forte. Then X.Vater
was brought them to wafhe, and they placed at the Table, were
ferued wvth manv delicate meats in magnificent and royal order,
in futch wife, as if the Emperour himfelfe had bene there coulde
not haue bene better entertavned. And albeit that Saladine and
his eompanions were great Lordes, and accuffomed to fee maruey-
lous thynges, yet they wondred very mutch at thys, confidering
the degree of the Knight, whom they knewe to bec but a Citizen
AND SALADINE. 369
and no Prynce or great Lord. When dinuer was doue, and that
they had talked a little together, the weather waxing verv hot,
the Gentlemen of Pauie, (as it pleafed mavfter Thorello) went to
take their reft, and he remayned wvth his three Guefts: with
whom he went into a chamber, where to the iutent that nothing
whieh he had and loued might be vnfeene, caufed his honeft Wytî
to be ealled forth: who being very beautiful and wel fauored,
clothed in rich and eottly array, aeeompanied with her two yong
formes, which were like to Aungels, came before them, and gra-
tioufly faluted them. "Vhen thev faw ber, they rofe vp, and
reuerentlv receiued hir, then they caufed hir to fit downe in the
raids of them, fporting and dalying with hir two favre formes.
But after fhe had pleafantly entred in talk, fle afked them of
whence they xere, and whither they were going ? To whom the
Gentlemen ruade the faine aunfwere that they had doue before te»
maifter Thorello. Then the Gentlewoman fayd vnto them with
fmilinge eheere : " I perceyue then that mine aduice being a
woman, is corne well to paffe. And therefore I pray you, that of
your fpecial grace you wiil do me this pleafure, as hot to refufe
or difdain the litle prefeut that I fhall bring before you, but that
you take it, in eonfideration that women aceording to their iittle
ability, giue little things, and that yee regard more the affe6tion or
the perron whych offreth the gift, then the value of the giuen
thing." _And eaufing to be brought before euery of them two favre
Roabes, the one lined with filke, and the other with Meneuayr,
hot in fafhion of a Citizen, or of a Marchant, but Noblemanlike,
and ni. Turkey gownes with fleeues of Taffata, lined with linnen
cloth, fhe fayde vnto them : "Take I pray you thefe roabes, with
the like whereof this day I apparelled my hufband, and the other
things may alfo ferue your turnes, although they be little worth,
confidering that yee be farre from your XVyues, and the greatneflL of your iorney, which vou haue taken, and haue yet to make, and
alfo for that Marchautmen loue to be neat, and fine in things
appertinent to their bodies." The Gentlemen mutch maruelled,
and playnly knev that Maifler Thorello was difpofed hot to forget
any one part of curtefie towards them, and doubted (by reafon of
the beauty and richeffe of the roabes hot marchantlike,) that they
VOL. II. A
370
OF MAISTER THORELLO
fhould hot be knowne of ma'fter Thorello, notwithftandinge
one of them aunfwered ber : "Thefe be (Gentlewoman) verv
great gifts, and ought not lightly to be accepted, if your intreatv
did not confraine vs, againf which no denial ought to be ruade."
That done, when mayfer Thorello returned into the chamber,
the Gentlewoman tooke her leaue, and went hir wav: and then
fhee furnifhed the feruants with diuers other things neceffarv
for them, and Mayfer Thorello obtavned by earneff requef, that
they fhould tary ail that day. %Vherefore after they had reffed
themfelues a while, they did put on their roabes, and walked forth
on horfebacke into the Citty : and when fupper tyme was corne,
they were bountifullv feafed in honorable company: and when
bed time approched, went to relU. _And fo foone as it was day thev
rofe, and founde in ffeade of their weary Hackneyes, three fat and
fayre Palfreyes, and alfo the like number of frefh and mighty
horffes for their feruaunts: Which Saladine feeing, turned to-
wardes his companions, and fayd vnto them : " I fweare by God
that ther was neuer a more liberall Gentleman, more courtcous or
better conditioned than this is. And if ChrifHan kings for their
part be futch, I meane indued with futch kingly qualities as this
Gentleman is, the Souldan of Babylon fhall haue inough to do to
deale with one, and hot to attend for ail thofe which we fee to be
in preparation for inuafion of his Countrv." But feeing that to re-
fufe them or render them agayne, ferued to no purpofe, thev
thanked him very humbly, and got vppon their horfe. Mayffer
Thorello wyth many of his frends, accompanied them out of the
Citty a great peece of the way : And aibeit that it mutch greeued
Saladine to depart from mayfer Thorello (fo farre in he was alrea-
dy in loue with him) yet being confravned to forgo his company,
hee prayed him to returne, who although very Ioth to depart, fayd
unto them: " Syrs, I will be gone, fith it is your pleafure I fhall
fo do, and yet I fay vnto you» that I know not what you be, ne
vet demaund to know, but fo farre as pleafeth you. But what
foeuer yee be, you flmii not make me beleue at this tyme, that yee
be marchauntes, and fo I bid you farewell." Saladine hauing
taken hvs leaue of thofe that accompanied mayffer Thorello, an-
fvered faim: « Syr, it may corne to paffe, that we may let you fee
AND SALADINE. 37 1
our marchaundife, the better to confirme your beleefe." And fo
departed. Saladine then hauing thus taken his leaue» affuredly
determined if he liued, and that the Warres he looked for did not
let him, to do no leffe honor to mavfier Thorello, then he had
done to him» and fell into great talke with his companious of him,
of his Vyfe and of his things, acCts and deedes, greatly prayfing ail
his entertaynment. But after he had trauayled and vewed al the
weff parts, imbarkinge himfelfe and his company, he returned to
Alexandria, throughly informed of his enemies indeuors, prepared
for his defence. Mayfier Thorello returned to Pauie, and mufed
a long time what thefc three might be, but he coulde not fo mutch
as geffe, vhat they were. ,\rhen the tyme of the appoynted pas-
rage for the Chryflians was corne, and that great preparation
generally was ruade, Mayftcr Thorello notvithftandinge the teares
and prayers of his .Vyfe, was fully bent to go thither, and haulnge
let all thinges in order for that Voyage, and ready to get on horfe-
backe, he fayd vnto hir whom he perfe&ly loued : " Sweetc Wyfe,
I ara goinge as thou fcefl, this h»urney, afwell for mvne honour
fake, as for health of my foule: I recommende vnto you out
goodes and honor: And bvcaufe I ara hot fo certayne of my re-
tourne, for a thoufand accydentes that may chaunce, as I am
fure to goe, I praye thee to doe mee thys pleafure, that what fo
euer chaunceth of mee, yf thou haue no certayne newes of my lire,
that yet thou tarry one yeare, one Moneth, and one day, the lame
terme to begin at the day ofmy departure." The Gentlewomau whvch
bytterly wept, anfwered : "' 1 know hot dear hufband how I fhai be
able to beare the forrowe wherein you leaue mee, if vou goe awaye :
But yf my Lyfe bee more fronge and fharpe, than forrowe it felfe :
and whether you lvue or dye, or what fo euer corne of you, I wvll
lyue and dve the Wvfe of Mayter Thorello, and the onely fpoufe of
hys remembraunce." Whereunto mavtter Thorello fayde: "Sweete
,Vyfe, I ara more than affured that touching your felfe, it wyll
proue as you do promife : But you beyng a younge Woman, fayre,
and well allyed, and your Verrue greate and well knowne through-
oute the Countrye, I ara fure that many greate Perfonages and
gentlemen (if anv fufpytyon bee conceyued of my Death) wyll
make requetes to your brethren and Kindred, from whofe purfute
37 e
OF MAISTER THORELLO
(aIthoughe vou he not difpofed,) you can not defende your felfe,
and it hehoueth that of force, you pleafe thevr wil, whvch is the
onely reafon that moueth mee to demaunde that terme, and no
longer tyme." The Gentlewoman favd : "" I wil doe what I can
for fulfilling of my promyfe : And albeit in the ende that 1 fhall
hee confiravned to doe contrary to my lykyng, he affured that I
wyll obev the charge whych nowe vou haue gyuen me: _And I
morte humblv thanke Almyghty God, that hee neuer hrought vs
into thefe termes hehre this tyme." Theyr talke ended, the Gentle-
woman weepyng embraced mavfter Thorello, and drawyng a Ryng
from hir Fynger, file gaue it hym, fayinge : "" If it chaunce that I
dye belote 1 fee you, remember me when )'ou fhal heholde the
lame." He rccciuinge the ring, got vp vppon his horfe, and
takinge his leaue, went on hvs voyage, and arriued at Genoua
fldpped himfelf in a Galley, and toke his way, whereunto wind
and weather fo fauored, as wythin fewe daves he landed at Acres,
and ioyned wyth the armv of the Chryftyans: wherein hegan a
great mortalytye and Plague, duryng which infe&ion (what fo
euer was the caufe) eyther by the induflrie or Fortune of Saladine
the reft of the Chriltians that efcaped were almoft taken and fur-
prifed bv him, vithout an), fighte or hlowe flricken. Ail which
were impryfimcd in many cities, and deuided into diuers places,
amongs whych pryfoners maifter Thorello was one, who was
carved captyue to Alcxandria, where heyng not knowne, and
fearyng to be knowne, forced of necefftie, gaue hlm felfe to the
keepyng of Hawkes, a qualitie wherein he had very good tkyll,
wherebv in the ende hee grew to the acquaintance of the Souldan,
who for that occafion (not knowing him that time) toke hym out
of pryfon, and retavned him for his Fawconer. Mail"ter Thorello
which was called of the Souldan by none other name than
Chryftian, whome hee nevther knewe, ne yet the Souldan him,
had none othcr thlng in his mynde and rememhraunce but Pauia,
and mauye tvmes affayed to efcape and run away : But he neuer
came to the poynt : Wherfore dvuers Amhaffadoures from Genoua
heing come to Saladine, to raunfome certayne of theyr Pryfoners,
and being readv to returne, hee thought to wryte vnto his wyfe, to
let hir know that he was aliue, and that hee would corne home fo
AND SALAD[NE. 3 Y 3
foone as he coulde, praying hir to tarry his retourne : V'hich was
the effe&e of hys Letter: verye earneftly defiring one of the am-
baffadours of his acquayntaunce to doe fo mutch for hvrn as fafelv
to delyuer thofe Letters to the Handes of the Abbot of S. Pietro in
ciel Doro, whvch was hys Vncle. And Mayfter Thorello ftanding
vppon thefe termes, it ehauneed vpon a day as Saladine was talking
with hirn of his Hawkes, Thorello began to frnyle and to rnake a
lefture wvth hys rnouth, whveh Saladine beyng at his houle at
Pauie did very well note, by whieh a6t Saladine began to re-
rnernber him, and earneftly to viewe hyrn, and thought that it
was he in deede. Vherefore leauing his former talke, he fayd :
"Tell rne Chryffian ofwhat eountrey art thou in the Weft parts ? "
"Sir" fayd Mayfer Thorello, "I ara a Lornbarde, of a Citv ealled
Pauie, a poore man and of rneane errate." So foone as S'aladine
heard that, as affured wherof he doubted, laid to himfelf: "God
hath giuen me a tirne to let thvs man know how thankfully I ae-
eepted his eurtefy that hee vfed towards me, and without any more
words, hauiug eaufed all his appareil in a eharnber to be fer in
order, he broughte him into the farne and fayd: "Behold Chris-
tian, if arnonges al thefe roabes, there be any one vhich thou
haft feene before. Mail'ter Thorello began to looke vpon thern,
and faw thofe whieh his wyfe had giuen to Saladine: but he
eould not beleue that it was poffible that they fhould be the farne,
notwithftanding hee anfwered: "Sir, I knowe thern not, albeit
rny rnind giueth me that thefe twayne do refernble the roabes
whieh fornetimes I ware, and eaufed them to be giuen to three
rnarehaunt rnen that were lodged at my houle." Then Saladine
not able to forbear any longer, tenderly irnbraeed him, faying:
"You be rnaifter Thorello de Iftria, and I arn one of the three
Marehaunts to whorn your wlfe gaue thofe roabes: and now the
rime is corne to rnake you eertenlv beleue what my rnarehaundife
is, as I tolde vou when I departed from you that it rnyght corne
to paffe." Maifter Thorello hearyng thofe wordes» began to be
both ioyfull and afharned, ioyfull for that he had entertained
futeh a guef, and afhamed that his fare and lodging was fo fimple.
To whorn Saladine fayd: mailler Thorello, fith it hath pleafed
god to fend you hither, thynke from heneeforth that vou be Lord
374
OF /IAISTER THORELLO
of this place and not I." and making great chere, and reioyfing
one wyth an other, he caufed him to be cloathed in royall veftures,
and brought him into the prefence of al the Noble men of his
country: and after he had reherfed manv thinges of his valor
and commendation, commaunded him to be honoured as his owne
perfon, of ail thofe which defired to haue his fauor: Which thing
euerv/,lan dyd from that tilne forth : but aboue the rell, the two
Lords that vere in company with Saladine at his houle. The
greatneffe of the fodain glory wherein mailler Thorello fawe him-
felfe, did remoue oute of his mind, his affayres of Lombardie, and
fpecially, bicaufe hee hoped that his letters fhould truftely be de-
liuered to the hands of his vncle. Now there was in the camp of
the Chrillians the dave vherein thev were taken by Saladine, a
Gentleman of Prouince, which dved and was buryed, called mailler
Thorello de Dignes, a man of great eftimation : whereby (mailler
Thorello of Iflria known through out the vhole army for his
nobility and proweffe) euery man that heard tell that mailler
Thorello was dead, beleued that it was mavfter Thorello de lftria,
and not he de Dignes, and bv reafon of his taking, the truth
whether of them was deade, was vnknown: Wherfore many
Italians returned with thofe newes, amongs whom fore wer fo
prefumptuous, as they toke vpon them to raye and affvrme that
they faw him deade, and were at his burial : Vhych knowen to his
wyfe and his friends, was an occafion of very great and ineftim-
able Sorrow, hot onely to them : but to ail other that kneve him.
Very long it were to tell what great forrov, heauineffe, and lamen-
tation his witb did vtter, who certain moneths after fhee had con-
tinually fo tormented hir felfe, (and when hir grief began to de-
creafe, being demaunded of many great perfonages of Lombardie)
was counfelled by hir brothers, and other of hir kin, to mary
again. Vhich thing after fhe had many times refufed, in very
great anguifh and dolor, finally being conftrained thereunto, fhe
yelded to the minds of hir parents : But yet vpon condicion, that
the nuptials fhould not be celebrate vntvll futch tvme as fhe had
performed hir promife made to mailler Thorello. Vhileft the
affaires of this Gentlewoman were in thofe termes at Pauie, and
the time of hir appoyntment within eight dayes approched, it
AND ALADINF.. .
ehaunced that mailler Thorello vpon a day efpyed a man in Alex-
andria, (which hee had feene before in the company of the Ambas-
fadors of Genoua,) going into the galley that was bound with them
to Genoua, wherfore caufing him to be called, he demaunded
what voyage they had made, and afked him when they arriued at
Genoua? To whom he fayd: "Sir the Galley made a very ill
voyage as I hard fay in Creta, where I remayned behvnd them,
for being neare the coaf of Sicilia there rofe a maruellous tempef,
which droue the galley vpon the fhoare of Barbarie, and hOt one
of them within bord efcaped, amongs whom two of my brethren
were likewife drowned." Mavfer Thorello giuing credite to the
words of this fellow, which were very true, and remembring
himfelfe that the terme whych he had couenaunted with his XVyfe
was almoft expired, and thinkinge that they could hardly corne
by the knowledge of any newes of hym or of his ftate, heleued
verily that his Wyfe was maried agayne» for forrow whereof he fell
into futch melancholy, as he had no l utt to eate or drinke, and
laying him downe vpon his bed, determined to die: whych fo
foone as Saladine, (who greatly loued hym) did vnderfand, he
came to vifite him, and after that he had (through inttant requeft)
knowen the occafion of his heauineffe and difeafe, hee blamed
him very mutch for that he did no fooner difclofe vnto him his
conceipt : And afterwards prayed him to be of good cheere, affur-
ing him if he would, fo to prouide as he fhoulde be at Pauie, iuft
at the terme which he had afligned to his ,Vyfe: and declared
vnto him the order how. 1Mavfer Thorello geuinge credit to the
words of Saladine, and hauinge many times hard fay, that it was
poftïble, and that the like had bene many times done, began to
comfort himfelfe, and to vfe the company of Saladine, who deter-
mined fully vpon his voyage and returne to Pauie. Then Saladine
commaunded one of his Nycramancers, (whofe fcience already he
had well experienced) that hee fhoulde deuife the meanes how
mayfter Thorello might be borne to Pauie in one night, vpon a
bed: Whereunto the Nycromancer aunfwered that it fhould be
done, but that it behoued for the better doing thereof, that he
fhould be caft into a fleepe : _And when Saladine had geuen order
thereunto, he returned to mayfer Thorell% and finding him fully
376
OF MAISTER THORELLO
purpofed to be at Pauv if it were poffible at the terme which he
had affigned» or if not, to die: fayd thus vnto hym: "Mavller
Thorello, if you do heartelv loue your X, Vvfe and doubt leat fhe
be maried to an other, God forbid that I fhould llav you by any
manner of meanes, bicaufe of all the \Vomen that euer I faw, fhe
is for maners, comely behauiour, and decent order of appareil, (not
remembring her beauty, which is but a fading floure) mee thvncke
moll worthy to bee prayfed and loued. A gladfome thynge it
woulde haue beene to mee (fith Fortune fent you hither) that the
tvme vhich you and I haue to liue in this worlde, ve myght haue
fpent together, and liued Lordes of the Kingdome xvhich I poffeffe,
and if God be minded not to do me that grace, at leall vyfe fith
you be determined either to dye or to returne to Pauie, at the
terme vhich you haue appointed, my great defire is, that I myght
haue knowen the fame in time, to the intente you myghte haue bene
condu-ted thither wvth flltch honour and trayn as your Vertues do
deferue : Which fith God wyl hot that it bee brought to parle, and
that )'ou wvll neades be there prefently, I wyll rend you as I tan
in manner belote expreffed." x, Vhereunto mailler Thorello laid :
"Sir, the effecCt (bifides your wordes) hath don me fuffycient
knowledge of your good wyII, xvhich I neuer deferued, and that
whych vou told me, I cannot beleeue, fo long as Lvfe is in me,
and therefore am moll certayne to dve: But fith I ara fo deter-
m.vned, I befeeche you to do that which you haue promifed out
of hand, bicaufe to morrow is the laPt day of the appoyntment
affigned to my wyfe." Saladine laid, that for a truth the faine
fhould be don: And the next day the Souldan purpofing to rend
hvm the nyght following, he caufed to be ruade ready in a great
hall a very favre and rych bed, ail quilted according to their
manner (wyth vyluet and clothe of gold), and caufed to be laved
ouer the faine, a Couerlet wroughte ouer xvith borders of very
great pearles, and rich precious ftones: which euer afterwardes
was deemed to be an infinite treafure, and two pillowes futelike
vnto that bed : that don, he commaunded that they fhould inuell
maifter Thorello, (who now was luPde) with a Sarazine roabe, the
richell and fairell thing that euer anye Man faw, and vpon his
head one of his Iongell bands, wreathen according to theyr
AND SALADINE. 3 YY
manner, and being a]ready late in the Euenyng, hee and diuers of
his Barons went into the Chamber wher Mavller Thorello was, and
being fer down betïdes him, in wEEping wife hee began to fay:
« Mailler Thorello, the time of out feparation doth now approche,
and bicaufe that I ara not able to accompany you, ne caufe you
to be waited vpon, for the qualitie of the way which you haue to
parle, I muf take my leaue here in this chamber, for which pur-
pole I ara corne hither: \Vherefore before I bvd vou farewel, I
pray you for the loue and friendfhip that is betwene vs, that you
do remember me if it be poflîble belote out daves do end, after
you haue giuen order to your affavres in Lombardie, to corne
agayae to fee me before I dye, to the end that I beyng reiovced
with your fecond vifitation, may be fatiffied of the pleafure which
I lofe this dav for your vntimely haf: and trufiing that it fhall
corne to parle, I pray you let it not be tedious vnto you to vifite
me wyth your letters, and to require me in thynges wherein it
may lyke you to commaund, which affuredly I ff,all accomplifh
more frankely for you, than for any other liuing man." Mailler
Thorello was not able to retait, e teares: wherefore to Raye the
faine, he anfwered him in few woordes, that it was impoffible that
euer hee fhoulde forget his benefites, and his worthy friendfhip
extended vpon him, and that without default he would accomplifh
what he had commaunded, if God did lend him life and levfure.
Theu Saladine louingly imbracing and kifilng him» pouring forth
many teares, bad him farewell, and fo wEnt oute of the chamber:
And all the other Noble men afterwards tooke theyr leaue likewife
of him, and departed with Saladine into the hal wher he had
prepared the bed, but being already late, and the Necromancer at-
tending, and halling his difpatch, a Phifitian broughte him a
drinke, and ruade him be]eue that it would fortifie and ftrengthen
him in his iorney, caufing him to drinke the fame: which being
done within a while after he fell a fleepe, and fo fleeping was
borne by the commaundment of Saladine, and layd vpon the fayre
bed, whereupon he placed a rich and goodly crowne of paflqnge
pryce and valor, vpon the which he had ingrauen fo plaine an in-
fcription, as afterwards it was knowne that the lame was lent by
Saladine to the wife of mailler Thorello. After that he put a
378
OF MAISTER THORELLO
ring vpon his finger whych was befet wyth a Diamonde, fo flaining,
as it feemed like a flamynge Torche, the Value whereof was hard to
bee eeemed. Then he eaufed to bee girte aboute hym, a Sworde,
the furniture and garnifhing whereof could not eafily be valued :
and berides ail thys, hee honge vppon hys Neeke aTablet orBrooche
fo befet wyth Stones, and Pearles, as the lyke was neuer feene.
And afterwards he plaeed on either of hys rides, two exceding
great Golden bafens, full of double Ducates, and many cordes of
Pearles and rings, girdels, and other things to tedious to reherfe,
wherewith he bedecked the place about him. XVhich done, he
kiffed him againe, and wvlled the Necromaneer to make hait.
.Vherfore incontinently maifter Thorello, and the bed, in the pre-
fenee of Saladine was caried out of fight and Saladine taried Itil,
deuifing and talkyng of hym amongs his Barons. Maiiter Thorello
I,eing now laid in S. Peter Churche at Pauie, according to his
requeit, with all his Iewels and habilliments aforefayd about him,
and yet fait a flepe, the Sexten to ring to Mattens, entred the
Church with light in his hand : and ehauncing fodenly to efpy the
ryeh Bed, dyd notonely maruel thereat, but alfo tan away in great
feare. Andwhen theAbbot and theMonkes fawthat hee madefutch
hait away, they were abafhed, and afked the caufe why he ranne fo
fait ? The Sexten tolde them the matter : "XVhy how now ? " fayde
the Abbot, "Thou art not futch a Babe, ne yet fo newlye eome
vnto the Chureh, as thou oughteit fo lightly to be afraide. But
let vs goe and fee what bug bath fo terribly frayed thee." And
then they lighted manv Torches: And when the Abbot and his
Monkes were entred the Church, thev faw that wonderfull rich bed,
and the Gentleman fleeping vpon the faine. And as they were in
this doubte and feere, beholding the goodly Iewels, and durit not
goe neare the bed, it chauneed that maiiter Thorello awaked,
fetehyng a gret fighe. The Monkes fo foone as they faw that,
and the Abbot with them, ran all avay crying out, "' Goal helpe vs,
our Lord haue mercy vpon vs." Maiiter Thorello opened his eyes,
and playnly knew by loking round about hiln, that he was in the
place where he demaunded to be of Saladine whereof he was verv
glad, and rifing vp, and viewing particularily, what he had about
him, albeit he knew before the magnificence of Saladine, now he
AND SALADINE. 379
thoughte it greater, and better vnderffood the fame than before.
But feeynge the Monkes run away» and knowyng the caufe where-
fore» he began to call the Abbot by hys naine, and intreated hym
not to bee affrayde: For he was Mavller Thorello his Nephewe.
The Abbot hearyng that was dryuen into a greater feare, bicaufe
he was accompted to bee dead diuers moneths before: but after-
wards bv diuers arguments, affured that hee was mailler Thorello,
and fo often called by hys naine (making a figne of the Croffe) he
went vnto him. To whom mailler Thorello fayd: "'Vhereof be
you a frayd good father? I ara aliue I thanke God, and from
beyond the Sea returned hyther." The Abbot (although he had a
great beard, and apparelled after the guife of Arable) croffed hvm-
llfe agayne, and was wel affured that it was he. Then he tooke
hym by the bande, and fayde vnto hym as followeth : "My Sonne
thou art welcome home, and maruell not, that wee were afrayd :
For there is none in ail thys Citty, but doth certaynly beleeue that
thou art dead. In fo mutch as madame Adalietta thy x, Vyfe, van-
quifhed with the prayers and threates of hir frinds and kin, agaynll
hir will is betrouthed agayne, and this day the efpoufals tZall be
done. For the mariage, and ail the preparation neceflïary for the
feall, is ready." Mayller Thorello rifinge out of the rich Bed, and
reioyfing wyth the Abbot and ail his 1Monks, praied euerv of them
hOt to fpeake one word of his comminge home, vntill he had done
what he was difpofed. Afterwards placing al his rich Iewels in
furety and fauegard» hee difcourfed vnto his vncle what had
chaunced vnto hym till that rime. The Abbot ioyfull for his for-
tune, gaue thankes to God. Then mayller Thorello demaunded
of his vncle» what he was that was betrouthed to hys X.Vyfe. The
Abbot toide hym: To whom mailler Thorello fayd: "Before my
returne be knowen, I ara defirous to fee what Countenaunce my
Vyfe wyl make at the mariage. _And therefore, albeit that the
religious doe not vfe to repayre to futch Feafies, yet I pray you
for my fake take payne to go thither." The Abbot aunfwered that
he would willingly doe fo. And fo foone as it was Daye, hee
fente woorde to the Brydegrome» that he, and a Frende of hys»
woulde bee at the mariage : whereunto the Gentleman atlnfvered,
380
OF MAISTER THORELLO
that he was very glade thereof. .Vhen dinner tvme was tome,
mayffer Thorello in the habite and apparel wherein he was, went
with the Lord Abbot to the weddinge dinuer, where euerv of them
that faw him, did marueiloufly beholde hym, but no man knew
him, bicaufe the Abbot aunfwered them that inquired, that he was
a Sarazene, fent Ambaffador from the Souldan to the French Kinge.
Mavfter Thorelio was then placed at a table whieh was right ouer
agaynft his X, Vyfe, whom he beheld with great pleafure and delight,
and perceyued verv wel by hir face that fhe was hot well content
with that mariage. She likewife beheld him fometimes, not for
any knowledge fle had of hym, for his great beard and ftraunge
attire, the firme credite and generall opinion aifo that hee was
deade, ehiefly hindred it. But when mayfter Thorello thought
tyme to proue whether fhe had any remembraunee of him, he
fecretly conuaved into hys hande, the ring whieh fhe gaue him at
hvs departure, and called a little Boy that wavted vpon hir, and
favd vnto him: "Go tell the Bryde in mv behaife, that the
cuftome of my countrey is, that when anv Straunger (as I ara here)
is bydden by any new maried woman (as fhe is now,) for a token of
his we|come, fhe fendeth vnto him the cup wherein fhe drinketh
full of .Vyne, whereof after the firaunger hath dronke what pleafeth
him, he couereth the eup agayne, and fendeth the fame to the
Bryde, who drinketh the reft that remavneth." The Page did his
meffage vnto theBryde, who like a wife Gentlewoman wel brot, ght
vp, thinking he had ben fome great perfonage, to declare that he
was welcome, commaunded a great cup all gilt, ftanding before
hir, to be wafhed c|eane, and to be fiiled ful of Wyne, and caried to
the Gentleman, which accordingly was don. Mayfter Thorello
hauing put into hvs mouth the aforefavd ring, fecretly let fall the
fame into the Cup as he was drinking, not perceyued ofany man,
to the intent that fhe drinking the latter draught, might efpy the
ringe. SVhen he had dronk, he returned the cup vnto the Bryde,
who thankfullv receyued the faine. And for that the manner of
his countrey might be accomplifhed, when the eup was deliuered
vnto hir, fhe vncouered the lame, and pleadging the reft of the
Wyne, beheld the ring, and without fpeaking any word, wel
AND SALADINE. 38
viewed the lame, and knowing that it was the very Ring which fine
had geuen to mail'ter Thorello, when he departed, tooke it out.
2knd ftedfaftly did marke and looke vpon him, whom fine f-ppofed
to be a ftraunger, and a|ready knowinge him, crved out as though
fine had bene ftraught of hir wittes, throwing downe the Table
before hir: "" This is my Lord and hufband, this is of trouth glavfier
Thorello." And runnynge to the table without refpeé't to hys appa-
reil of Cloth of Gold, or to any thinge that ,vas vpon the table,
preffinge fo neere him as fine could, imbraced him very heard, not
able to remoue hir handes from about his Necke for any thing that
could bee fayd or done by the company that was there, vntill
mavfter Thorello required hir to forbeare for that prefent, for fo
mutch as fine flaoulde haue leyfure inough to vfe hir further imbrace-
ments. Then fhee left him, and contented hir felfe for the tyme:
but the brvdale and mariage was wholly troubled and appalled for
that fodayne chaunce, and the mort part of the Guefis excedingly
reioyced for the return of that Noble knight. Then the compauy
beinge intreated to fit and uot to remoue, Maiter Thorello re-
hearfed in open audience what had chaunced vnto him from the
day of his departure vntill that tyme, concludinge with a petition
to the Bridegrome» that had newly efpoufed his "Vyfe, that he
woulde not be difpleafed if he tooke hir agayne. The new maried
Gentleman, albeit it greeued h'm very fore, and thought himfelfe
to be mocked, aunfwered liberally and like a Frende, that it ,vas in
hys power to do wyth hvs owne what hee thought bel't. The
Gentlewoman drawinge of the Rings and Garland which thee had
receyued of hir newe Hufbande» did put vppon hir finger the Ring
v hich flaee founde within the C up, and likewyfe the Crowne that was
lent vnto hir by Saladine : And the whole trotpe and affembly leau-
ing the houfe where they were, went home with mavter Thorello
and his wyfe, and there the kin and frends, and all the Citizens
which haunted the faine, and regarded it for a myracle, were with
long feaftinge and great cheare in great ioy and triumph, blayfter
Thorello departig fome of his precious Iewels to him that had bene
at the ¢oft of the marriage, likewife to the Lord Abbot and diuers
others, and hauing done Saladine to vndertand hvs happy repayre
382
OF MAISTER TIIORELLO AND SALADINE.
home to his Countrey, recommending himfelfe for euer to his
eommaundement, liued with his XVvfe afterwards many profperous
yeares, vfing the vertue of eurtefie more than euer hee did
before. Suteh was the ende of the troubles of maifter
Thorello, and hvs wel beloued XVyfe, and the reeom-
penee of their franke and honeft
curtefies.
ANNE THE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
383
THE TWENTY-FIRST NOUELL.
.,4 Gentleman of meane callinge and reputation, doth fall in loue with
Arme, th« Qu««n« of Hengari«, whom jh«« ,.cr u rota«l u r«-
quited.
FOLLO,VING the preceding arguments treated in certavne of the
former Nouelles, I wvll now difcourfe the prineely kindneffe and
eurtefy donc to a poore Gentleman, by a Lady of later dayes, Arme
the O.ueene of Hungary. whveh Gentleman, though beyonde hys
reaehe to catch what he afpired, feli in loue with that bountifull
and vertuous Gentlewoman, thinkinge (by like) that fhe in end
woulde haue abafed ber Maiefty, to reeline to hys vayne and dot-
ing trauayle. But fhe like a O.ueene, hot defpifinge the poore
mans loue, vouehfafed by familiar fpeeeh to poure fome drops of
eomfort into his louinge minde, and once to proue, on whom he
fixed his fanfie, reaehed him a Nofegay, and prayed him to befowe
it vpon whom hec iiked beIt. AIl whieh familiar dealings fhe vfed,
to keepe the poore paeient from defpayre, that fo highly had
plaeed hym felfe. But in end pereeyuinge his eontinuaunee,
would not reie and geue hvm ouer, or with Scornes and Flouts
eontemne the Amorous Gent]eman : and that longe loue myght
gayne fome deferued guerdon, fhe neuer left hym vntyll fhe had
preferred him to a Noble oflïee in Spayne. The noble difpofition
of thls char and gentle O.ueene, I thought good to adioyn next
to that of mailler Thorella and Saladine: who for eurtefie and
paffinge mutuall kindneffe, are worthy of remembraunee. And
for you noble Dames for a Chrilall to fharpen your fightes, and
viewe the reeompenee of loue, done by a Oueene of paflïng beauty,
and yet moR ehal and vertuous, that it might fomewhat toueh
vour fqueymifh ttomaekes and haulty hearts, and lenifie that eor-
rofiue humor, whieh with frowning face, foreeth you to ouerperke
vour humblefuppliants. A heipinge preferuatiue I hope this Hys-
tory fhalbe to imbolden you, in lutes and petitions to their prince
and foueraygne : An ineoragement (I hope) to be mediators for
futeh» as by feruiee and warfare haue eonfirmed their faythfull
384
AlqlqE QUEEIqE OF HUNGARIE.
deuoirs for defence of their Countrey. lqemember the care the
Romane matrones had for thofe that deferued well of their Coin-
mon wealth : as how thev mourned for Lucius Brutus one whole
veres fpace, for his good reuenge ouer the rauifhers of Lucrece:
and for Martius Coriolanus, for hvs piety and mothers fake, dis-
charging his Countrey from the enemies fiege. Let miftreffe
Paolinaofthe priuy Chamber to this Queene Anne, tender example
for preferment of futch as be worthy to be cherifhed and efteemed.
O how Liberality befeemeth a Queene, no leffe (as one maketh
comparifon) than the bright beames of the Sunne, or the twinkling
flattes in the Firmament. Oh how diligence in Gentlewomen, ad-
uaunced to Princes Chambers, no leffe than the greene leaues to
braunched Trees, or dvuers coloured Floures in Nofegayes. So flou-
rifhing be the fruites that bud from liberality, and frefhe the be-
nefites that fucceede of the payneful trauavles fufiavned in the
lutes of feruiceable Gentlemen. This Philippo whom the O.ueene
preferred, and liberally rewarded, was a meane Gentleman, but
ver learned and well furnifhed with eommendable qualities. His
deferued aduauncement may ftirre vp ech Gentle heart, to merite
and ferue in Common wealth. His warninge and other vertues
mav awake the fluggifh Courtier, from loytering on Carpets, and
doinge thinges vnfeemelv: His diligence altb reuiue the blockifh
fprites of fome that tout their tvme in fluggifh fleepe, or wafte
the day in harlotrie and other filthy exercife. XVhofe example yf
thev pra6fife, or imitate futch commendable life as becommeth
their eftates, then gl,,ry will followe their deedes, as the fhadowe
doeth the bodv. Then welfare and liuelihoode aboundantly fhal
bee mvniftred to fuppl.v want of patrimonie or defe& of parents
portion. And thus the Hyftory doth begin. Not long fithens
Queene Arme, the fifier of Lewes, that was king of Hungarie, and
g'ife to Ferdinando Archeduke of Auftriche, (which at this day is
parcel of the kingdome of Hungary and Boeme,) together with
the Lady Mary daughter of Philip kynge of Spayne, and v«ife of
the fard Lewes, went to keepe hir abode, and foiorne in Hifpurge,
a Countrey among the Dutch very famous, where many tymes
the Court of the Hungarian Prynces longe fpace remayned.
Thefe two Noble O.ueenes remained within the Palace of king
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
385
Maximilian, Emperour at that time ele&ed, which Palace is fo
neare adioyning to the Cathedrall Church, as without fight of the
people at their pleafure they mighte by a fecrete Gallerie paffe
to the Church to heare diuine feruyce accufiomably celebrated
there. Which vfe they dayly obferued with thevr Ladies and
Gentlewomen, and other Lordes and Gentlemen of the Court. In
which church was made and ere&ed a high place in inanner of a
Clofet gorgeoufly wrought, and in royall manner apparelled of
futch amplitude as it was hahle to receyue the whole trayn and
company attendant vpon the Perlons of the two C/uenes. Now
it came to paffe that a Gentleman of Crcmona in Italy called
Philippo di Nicuoli, whvch in thofe dayes by reafon «»f the
recouery of the Duchie of Milane, by the Frenche, departed Lom-
bardie, and went to Hifpurge, and was Secretarie to Signa Andrea
Borgo, bicaufe he was well learned, and could wryte verv fayre,
and therwithall a proper and very haundfome man. This yong
Gentleman very mutch frequenting the Church, and feeing the
beauty of C/ueene Arme, to excell ail the reaft of the Ladies, adorned
and garnifhed with princely behauiour and C/ueenelvke qualytyes,
not forefeeyng (when hee heheld hir) the nature of loue, whvch
once being poffeffed, neuer leaueth the pacient til it bath infebled
his ftate lyke the quality of po.vfon, diftillinge through the vaynes,
euen to the heart. Which Iouing venim this Gentleman did
drinke with the lookes of his eyes, to fatifefv and content his
defired minde by veinge and intentife confidering hir wonderful
beauty, that rapt beyond meafure, he was myferahly intangled
wyth the fiaares of blind and deceiptfull loue, wherewith he was
fo cruellv inflamed, as he was lvke to forte out of the hounds of
reafon and Wyt. And the more he did beholde the hyghneffe of
hir Maiefty, and the excellency of fo great a Lady, and therewithall
did weigh and confider hys bafe degree and Lignage, and the poore
ftate whereuuto frowarde fortune that tyme had brought him, the
more he thought hymfelfe fruftrate and voyde of hope, and the
more the perillous flames of loue did affayle and tire his amorous
heart, kindlinge hys inward pattes with loue fo deepely ingraffed,
as it was impoffible to he rooted out. Mayer Philippo then in
this manner (as you haue heard) knotted and intrapped within the
VOL. II. 2 B
386
ANNE QUEENE OF tIUNGARIE.
fillets and laces of loue, filppofing ail labour which hee fhould
imploy to be loR and confumed, throughly bent himfelfe with all
care and diligence to atchieue this hygh and honorable enterprife,
whatfoeuer fhould corne of it: whych effecCtually he purfued.
For alwaves xvhen the Oueenes were at church to heare deuine
feruice, he fayled not to bee there. 2klad hauinge done his duety-
full reuerence, whych very comely he could do, he vfed to beRow
himfelt d.vreoetly ouer aga.vnR hir: where delitinge in the beautv
of the .Queene whych dayly more and more inflamed his heart,
xvould not depart from thence tvll the Oueenes were difpofed to
goe. And if perchaunce for fome oecafion, the Queenes went not
to Church, maier Philippo for ail that (were his bufinetFe neuer
fo great and needefull) would vouchfafe at leaR wife to vifite the
place, where he was wont to fee his Lady. Sutch is the ordinarv
force of loue that although libertv of fight and talke be depryued
from the pacient, yet it doeth hvm good to treade in the Steps of
that Ground where his MiRreflè doth vfuallv haunt, or to fee
the place vppon whych fhe eafed hir tender corps, or leaned hir
delicate elboxves. Thys young man bayted, and fed in amorous
Toves and Deuyfes, now armed wyth hope, and by and bv difarmed
bv defpayre, reuolued in hvs mynde a thoufand thoughts and eo-
gitations. And although he knew that hys Ladder had hOt Reps
inoxv to cl.vme fo hygh, yet from his determined purpofe hee was
not able to remoue : but rather the more difficult and daungerous
hvs enterpryfe feemed to bee, the more grew defire to profecute
and obiecCt hymfelfe to all daungers. If peraduenture the Queenes
for their difport and paRime were difpofed to walke into the
fieldes or gardens of the Citty of Hifpurge, he fayled not in com-
pany of other Courtiers to make one of the troupe, beinge no houre
at reR and quiet if he were not in the fight of Queene Arme, or
neere the place where fhee was. At that time there were many
Gentlenen departed from Lumbardy to Hifpurge, which for the
moR part folloxved the Lord Francifco Sforza the fecond, by whom
they hoped when the Duchy of Mylane was recouered, to be re-
Rored to their countrey. There was alfo Chamberlayne to the fayd
Lorde Francefco, one mavRer Girolamo Borgo of Verona betwene
whom and marrer Philippo, was very neere freendfhip and
ANNE UEENE OF HUNGARIE.
387
familiarity. And bicaufe it chaunfeth very feldome, that feruent
loue, tan be kept fo fecrete and couert, but in fome part it will
difcouer it felfe, mavfter Borgo eafily did perceyue the paffion
wherewith mavfer Philippo was inflamed. And one mavPer
Philippo Baldo many times being in the company of mavPer
Borgo and Philippo, did marke and perceiue his loue, and yet was
ignorant of the truth, or vovde of conie&ure wlth what Gentle-
woman he was inamored. But feeing him contrary to wonted
cuPome altered, and from vfuai mirth tranfported, fetchinge manv
fighes and flrayninges from his Pomake, and markinge how manv
times he would feale from the company he was in, and withdraw
himfelfe alone, to mule vppon hvs thoughts, brought thereby into
a melancholv and meane errate, hauing lof his fleepe, and fomak
of eating meate: iudged that the amorous "Vormes of loue did
bitterly gnaw and teare his heart 'ith the nebs of their forked
heades. They three then being vppon a rime together, debatinge
of diuers thinges amonges themfelues, chaunced to fall in argu-
ment of loue, and mailler Baldo, and Borgo, the other Gentlemen,
fayd to mayfler Philippo, how they were wei affured that he was
Praungly attached with that paffion, by marking and confidering
that new life, which iately he led contrary to former vfe, intreat-
ing him very earnettly, that he would manifett his loue to them,
that were his deere and favthfull frends, teilinge him that as in
weighty matters otherwife he was already fure what they were,
euen fo in this he might hardilv repofe his hope and confidence,
promifinge hym ail their heipe and fauour, if therein their inde-
uour and trauayle might minitter ayde and comfort. Hec then
iike one rayfed from a trance, or iately reuiued from an extatie,
after he had compofed his Countenaunce and Gefture, wyth teares
and multitude of fobbes, began to fay thefe woordes : "' My wel-
beloued freendes, and trufty companions, being right well affured
that yee (whofe fidelity I haue aiready proued, and whofe fecret
mouthes be recommended amongs the wife and vertuous), will
keepe ciofe and couert the thinge which you flaall heare me vtter,
as of futch importaunce, that if the yong Romane Gentleman
Papyrus had been here, for ail his filence of graue matters required
by hvs Mother, I woulde vnnethes haue dyfciofed the faine vnto
388
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
hym. Indeede I cannot deny, but mu needes confeffe that I
ara in loue, and that verv ardently, whieh I eannot in futeh
wyfe eoneeale, but that the blinde muf needes elearely and
euidently pereeyue. And although my mouth would fayne keepe
clore, in what plight my parlions do eonfrayne mv inward affec-
tions, yet my face and fraung maner of lire, which for a eertayne
tyme and fpaee I haue led, doe wittneffe, that I ara not the man
I was wont to bee. So that if fhortly I doe not amend, I truf
to arriue to that ende whereunto euerv Creature is borne, and
that my bitter and paynful life fhall take ende, if I may eall it
a lyre, and not rather a lyuing death: I ,,vas refolued and
throughly determined, neuer to difeouer to any man the caufe
of my eruell torment, being not able to manifef the lame to hir,
whom I doe only loue, thinking better by eoncealinge it through
loue, to make humble lute to Lady Atropos, that fhee woulde
eut of the thred of my dolorous lyre. Neuertheleffe to you, from
whom I ought to keepe nothynge feerete, I wyll dyfgarboyle
and vnlace the very Seeretes of my Minde, not for that I hope
to finde eomfort and reliefe, or that my paffions by deelaration
of them, will leffon and diminifhe, but that yee, knowinge the
oeeafion of my death, may make report thereof to hir, that is the
only mifcreffe of my life, that fhee vnderfandinge the extreme
panges of the truefc louer that euer liued, mav mourne and wavle
hvs loffe: whieh thinge if my feely Ghofc may knowe, no doubt
where foeuer it do wander, fhall receyue great ioy and comfort. Be
it known vnto you therefore, the firf day that myrte Eyes behelde
the diuine beauty and incomparable fauor of that fuperexeellent
Lady Queene Anne of Hungary, and that I (more than wyfedom
required) did meditate, and confider the finguler behauiour and
notable curtefie and other innumerable giftes wherewith fhee is
indued, the fame bevond meafure did fo inflame my heart, that
impoffible it was for me to quench the feruent loue, or extinguifla
the lea parte of my concevued torment. I haue done what I can
to macerate and mortefie my vnbridled defire, but all in vayne : My
force and puiffaunce is weake to match with fo mighty an aduer-
farv. Alas fyres, I knowe what yee will obie& agaynf mec: yee
will far that mine ignobility, my byrth and focke be no meete
ANNE UEENE OF UNGARIE.
389
matches for futch a perfonage, and that my loue is to highly
placed, to fueke reliefe : _And the faine I do eonfeffe fo wel as you.
I do aeknowledge my condition and ttate to bafe, I eonfeffe that
my loue (nay rather I may terme it folly) doth prefume beyond
the bounds of order: For the firR tyme that I felt my felfe wrap-
ped in thofe Snares, I knewe her to beare the Port amonges the
ehyefeR Oueenes, and to bee the peereleffe Prvnceffe of Chrytten-
dome. Agayne, I knew my felfe the pooreft Gentleman of the
Worlde, and the mott mvferable exile: I thought moreouer it to
be verv vnfeemelv for me to dire& mv mynde vpon a xight
honorable, and of fo great ettate : But who ean rayne the Bridle,
or prefcribe lawes to loue ? Vhat is he that in loue hath free wil
and ehoyfe ? Truely I beleeue no man, bicaufe loue the more it
doth feeme to accorde in pleafure and delight, the further from
the mark he fhooteth his boite, hauing no refpe& to degree or
ltate. Haue not manv excellent and worthy perfonages, yea
Dukes, Emperours and Kinges, bin inflamed with the loue of Ladies,
and Vomen of bafe and vile degree ? Haue not moR honorable
dames, and Women of greateR renoume defpifed the honor of
theyr ltates, ahandoned the company of thevr hutbands, and neg-
le&ed the loue of theyr Chyldren, for the ardent loue that thev
haue borne to men of inferiour fort ? _Ail Hiloryes be full of exam-
ples of that purpofe: The memoryes of our aunceRors be yet in
frefh remembraunce, whereof if they were ignorant vnto vou that
be of great experienee, I eould aduouehe affured teftimony:
Yet thus mutch I fay vnto you, that it feeme no newe thing for a
man to be ouereome by his owne affe&yon : It is not the Nobility
of hir Rate, or for that fhee is a O.ueene, it is hOt the eonfideration
of one parte or other, that moued me firR hereunto : But loue it is,
that is of greater force than we out felues bee of, which many
tymes maketh that to feeme lawfull, which altogether is vnlawful,
and bv fubduing reafon maketh the great potentate lorde tribu-
tarie to his wyl and pleafure, whofe force is farre greater then the
lawes of Nature. And albeit that I neuer hope to attayne to pros-
perous end of this magnifike and ttately loue, xvhveh more and
more doth feeme infortunate, yet I ean not for my Lyre elle where
apply the faine, or alter it to other place: And eonfumynge
390
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
through faithful and feruent loue borne to the Queene, I haue
foreed and eonltrained mv felf bv al poffible meanes to gyue
ouer that fond and foolifh enterprife, and to place mv mynd elfe
where: but mine endeuour and ail mv labour and refiltanee is
employed in vavne: Yea and if it were hOt for feare of eternall
damnation, and the loffe of my poore affli&ed foule (which God
forbid) mvne owne Handes before this time had ended mv defires.
I ara therefore determined (fith that I ean attaine no fueceffe of
Loue, and that God doth fuffer me to be infp.vred wvth that molt
honourable and eurteous Lady, bevond all order and eltimation)
to content my felfe with the fight of thofe hir favre and gliltring
eyes, farre exeelling the fparcling glimpfe of the Diamonde or
Saphire, and to ferue, loue and honour hir, fo long as lire doth
laft within this feeble eorpes: Vpon whofe radiant and exeelling
beautie, my hope fhall eontinuallv feede : and yet I ara hOt fo far
vovd of vnderfandinge, but that I do molt euidently know none
other to be the guide of thvs vnmeafurable loue, but folly molt
extreme." Vpon the end of thofe words he let lai manv teares,
and being ltaied with fobbs and fighes he was able to fpeake no
more. And in verv deede he that had feene him, would haue
thought that his heart had bene tormeuted 'ith moR bitter and
painfull paflïons, low they being verv attentiue to his pytifull
oration, were attaehed with incredible forrow, thinking that thev
had ben in a dreame bv hearing of this difcourfe, and ltode ltyll
a while one loking vpon an other, without fpeaking word : After-
wards eomming to themfelues, diltraughte ahnolt, for the greate
admiration and wonder to heare him fpeake thofe words, maylter
Girolamo and Baldo, with fuafible arguments went about to eoun-
fell him to withdraw his fonde and foolyfh mind, praying him to
place the fame elfewhere, fhewing him the impoflibility ot[ hvs
enterpryfe» and the reat peril that might fuceeede thereof. But
they fpake to a man that feemed to be deat , who replied, that hee
neither eoulde or would giue ouer his loue, that had already ruade
fo depe impreffion, what fo euer came of it: Notwythftandyng
they eeafed hOt ftill with fharp admonitions to beate into his head,
the fonde begynning of his foolifh loue: and not onely at that
tyme» but eontinually when thev were together, they dyd theyr
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
391
ber bv oft repetition of his vayne conceipt, to let him vnder-
ftande his manvfeft error: but thevr labour and friendly leffons
were to no purpofe: Wherefore mayfter Borgo, determined to
giue him ouer, and to attende what would fuccede therof. Mai-fier
Philippo continuing hys purfute, neuer faylyng to be at church
vhen he knew the O.uenes to be ther, at length it chanced that
they began to efpy his loue, for that both of them did mark his
order, gePture and delneanure, and did note his oft frequentation
of the places where thev eontinually haunted and his manner in
plaeyng himfelfe at the chureh dire&ly ouer agaynt theln, and
lais eommon vfe in beholding and loking vpon their faces, iudg-
vng thereby that without doubt he was in loue with one of them,
or at leat with folne Gentlewoman of their trayne whereof the
two O.ueenes began to vfe fome talk, a|though hOt certain vpon
whom his loue was bent. Neuertheleffe they wer defirous to know
the troth, and expe&ed oportunitie fomtime to diffolue that doubt.
In the meane while maifier Philippo thought by gazing ou thevr
beauty, to remoue the tire that miferably did eonfume the fuek
and marow of his bones, feking eomfort and relief for his afflicted
heart, the more I fay he fought for eafe, the greater he felt his
payn : And truely all they that feruently do loue, afpire to that,
which otherwife they woulde efchue, by fight of them whome
thev do loue, not remembering that the more they doe contemplate
the beloued beaut)', the more inereafeth defire, and with defire
extreme and bitter fmart. Maifier Pbilippo then lof no oc-
cation or time til to behold Madame the O.ueene, were it in the
chureh or courte, or were fl, e difpofed for difport and recreation to
walke abrode. It chauuced now while things wer at this poynt,
the ladies very detirous to know vpon x hom maiter Philippo did
expend his loue, that fortune opened vnto them a meane to vn-
dertand the lame : It was then about that rime of the yere, xvhere-
in al floures and rofes were by Titans force confrained to adorne
and decke ech gardens and place of pleafure, and with their frag-
rant fmells and odors, to fent the faine in the moneth of May: it
was when the Twinnes were dyfpofed to fl, roud themfelues alnongs
the hawthorn boughs and honyfuckles tbat veld to euery wyght
greatef fore of delyghts, at what time rofes and other floures at
39
.ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
thevr firf hudding be very rare and fcant, fauing in Kings Courtes
and prynees Palaces, where futch rarieties by art and indulrie be
mol ahundant, and ail men haue delight to prefent futch nouelties
to the pryncipall ladies. Vpon a day O.ueene Anne had in hir
hands eertavne floures in due order eouehed in a Nofegay, and for
hir difport walked vp and down a very fayre and gorgeous garden,
in thecompany of O.ueene Mary, andother Ladies andgentlewomen,
about that tyme of the day the Sun wearie of trauaile, went to hide
him felf in the back ride of the weftern mountains, wher amongs
other of the Courte was maifter Philippo. O.ueene Anne when flae
had efpyed him, determined to make proufe with what Ladyamongs
them ail, mavfter Philippo was in loue, and fporting hir felf with
fofte and prety walkes vp and downe the garden, pleafantly iefting
with diuerfe there attendant, (as the maner is of like Ladies) with
trimme and pleafant talk, at length happed vpon mailler Philipp%
who although he was in communication with certain Italian
Gentlemen, neuertheleffe his mynde and eyes were fixed vpon the
O.ueene, that whenfoeuer flae appeared before him his eyes and face
were fo firmelye bent vppon hir, as the beholder might eafily
pereeiue, that the Vyfage of the O.uene was the vndoubted har-
borough of his thought. Philippo, feeing the O.ueene eome toward
him, did honor hir wyth gentle and dutifull reuerenee, in futch
humble wit, as hee feemed at hir hands pitifully to craue mercy.
And truely whofoeuer doth loue with fecret and perfe& heart,
feemeth to vtter more words to his Lady with his eies, than he is
able to fpeak wyth his tongue. The O.ueene being eome vnto him
with a graee right graue and demure, fayd vnto him: "You
Gentleman of Lombardie, yf thefe floures whieh we haue in our
hands were giuen vnto you liberally to vfe at your pleafure, and
requyred to make fome eurteous prefent of the fame to one of vs
the ladies here that hked vou bel, tell mee I pray you, to whether
ot vs would you giue the fame, or what would you do or fay?
Speake frankely we pray you, and tell youre mynde wythout re-
fpe& : for thereby you flaall doe to vs very great pleafure, and we
flaal know to whether of vs you beare your ehiefef loue. For it is
not to he fuppofed, that you heing a young man, ean fpende your
rime without loue, being a naturall quality in euery ereature."
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
393
When mayPter Philippo felt the fwete voyce of the Queene plea-
fantly to pierce his eares, and hearde that he was commaunded for
the loue of hir that he loued, not onely to tell whome he loued
befi and mo intierly, but alfo hir whom he worflaipped and ferued
in heart, was almoPt befides hymfelfe, futch was the ticklyng
ioylitie that he felt in hys heart, whofe face was taynted wyth
a thoufand colors and what for fuperfluous loue and ioy, 'herof
the like he neuer tatted before, fell into an extafie, hot able to
render anfwere. But when he had recouered ttomack, fo well as
he coulde x,ith fort and trembling voice, he anfwered the Oueene
in this wife: "'Sith your maiePtv (to whom I yelde mvne humble
thanks for that curtefie) hath vouchfafed to commaund me (befides
the infinite pleafure and honour, for which eternallv I flaal ttande
bound to your highneffe) I ara ready fincerely and truely to dys-
clore my mind, being promifed by your maietty in opening of the
lame, to deferue great thanks: Vherfore your pleafure being
fuch I do fay then, with ail due reuerence, that hot onely here at
thys tyme, but at al times and places wher it flaal pleafe god to
appoint me, being hot able to bettow them in other fort than thev
be, but wer thev more precioLls and fayre, the more iovfull I flaould
bee of them. Thefe floures I fav flaall of me right humbly be
prefented to your maietty» hot bicaufe you be a ()ueene and of
a royal Race (whych notwythPtaudiuge is a great verrue) but
bicaufe you bee a Phoenix, a rare Lady» and of ail the troupe the
fayrett, garnifhed with infinit gifts, and paflïnge vertues, for your
merites worthy to be honoured wvth fart more excellent gifts,
than thefe fimple floures be, as flae that (aboue ail other Ladyes
that liue at this day) is the honour and onely glory of ail woman-
hoode of our age, as flaee that is the Paragon æeereleffe of the
vniuerfal worlde." when he had fayd thofe words, he held his
peace. The Oueene with great delight hearing the ready aun-
fwere of the yong Gentleman, fayd vnto hym : " And we do giue
you thanks for the great honor and commendation done vnto
vs." When fhe had fayd fo, without further talke, flac went forth
vfing pleafant talke and fport with diuers that wayted vpon hir.
Queene Arme now vnderPtode, and fo likewife Oueene Mary, which
of them the yong Lumbard Gentleman did accept for his foueraign
394
AIllIE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
Lady, whofe loue flae difdayned not, but in her mvnde rather com-
mended, efieeming him better than euer flae did before: and lyke
a difcreet and wyfe Lady gaue him infinite prayfe. She did hot
now as other women wont to do, who when they fee themfelues of
birth more noble, or of degree more ample than their louers be
(whych gift they reeevue through the fauor of the heauens) do hot
onlv defpife them, but moek them, and their favthfull feruiee, and
many tymes with favned eountenanee and diffembled words do
extol them and fer them vp aloft, and bv and bv almof with one
breath, exehanging their favned prayfe into rebuke, they thrufi
them downe headlong from the tipe of hope and eomfort, to the
bottomlell'e pit of defpayre: and the fuller flae is of floutes, the
finer Gifle efieemed. But farre better is flae to be regarded, that
hot findinge in hir hart to loue hir luter, will franklv tell him at
the firfi, that flae eannot like hym, nor faflaion hir mynde to loue
him, and requiring him hOt to feede his minde with vavne hope,
or eontriue the tvme xx ith words and lookes, and pray him to feeke
fotne other that ean better fanfy his perron than fhe : _And although
perehanee a man do verv feruentlv loue a woman, and that it wer
great firrow and grief vnto him to bee cafi of, and reeeiue fuch
refufall, yet in n, vne opinion it were leffe griefe openly to reeeiue
that repulfe, than to be fawned vppon, and flattered with fained
talke, and for the time choaked with the baite of vaine hope, and
afterwards beeome ridieulous, and gired by the feorneful. I ara
affured, that the woman which giueth hir feruant futeh repulfe,
fhall bee counted mutch more cruell, than Maittreffe Helena was
to the feholler of Paris, after he was returned from the vniuerfitie
to FIorence, written bv Boeeaceio in his Deeamerone, and hereafter
in place deferibed. But let vs retourne to maitter Philippo, who
although hee eoulde hOt imagine ne eoneeiue the intent, wherfore
O.ueene _Arme ruade that demaund, yet the lame was very deare
and acceptable vnto him, vppon the whieh he neuer thought, but
felt great eontentation in his mynd, and was more ioeund and
pleafant thau he was wont to be before. On the other ride the
O.ueene, whieh was very diferete and wife, when flae faw maifier
Philippo at the ehurch or other place to make obeyfanee vnto hir
very eurteoufly requited the faine, bowing hir head to him agayn,
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
395
(which fhe neuer vfed but to Barons and Knights of great reputa-
tion) declaryng therebv how wel in worth fhe regarded his reuer-
ence ruade vnto hir : \Vhereat he receiued maruellous pleafure and
delight, hoping for none other recompence at hir bandes, than
continuance of futch curtefies and honourable entertaynment.
Amongs certavne ltalians that were vppon a Dayaffembled in the
prefence chamber of Queene Arme, waiting there vpon IMadonna
Barbara the wvfe of Maifter Pietro lartire Stampa, who wyth hir
two daughters were gone to falute the two Queenes that were that
time together: There was alfo maifter Philippo, with whom
Borgo and Baldo reafoned of diuerfe matters : Aud as they wer in
talke, both the Queenes came forth, vhich xvas the occafion, that al
the lords and Gentlemen attended, vppon whofe approch, ech man
rofe vp, and bareheaded expe&ed whither the Queenes would goe.
Quene _A_nne perceyuing a company of ltalians together, ieft
Queene Marie, and went ftreight to them, and very gently inquyred
of dyuerfe of the Gentlemen, their names, and of what partes of
Italy they were, then fhe came to the place here thev il. vere
ftanding together, and curteoufly alked firft maifter Girolamo,
what his naine was, of xvhat countrey, whether he xvere a
Gentleman ? To xvhom reuerentlv he faid: "that his naine was
Girolamo Borgo, a Gentleman of Verona." llayfter Baldo like-
wife being demaunded the lame, anfvered fo well as he coulde:
"that he xvas a Gentleman borne, of ail auncient houfe ila glilane,
and that his name was Philippo Ba|do." \Vhen fhe had receiued
tlaevr anfwere with cheereful and fmiling countenance fhe returned
to maifter Philippo, inquyr.vng of laim alfo his name and countrey,
and xvhether he xvere a Gentleman or hot ? \Vhom maifler Philippo
after his duety done reuerently anfwered : "Madame, my fouerain
Lady and only miftreffe, I am a Gentleman, and ara called by the
name of Philippo dei Nicuoli, of Cremona." The Queene making
no further demaundes ofanv of the other Gentlemen, fard to lIavs-
ter Philippo: " You fay true tir, I dare warrant vou to be a Gentle-
man in deede, and hee that fard the contrary, fhould declare him-
felf to be vovd of ludgement xvhat a Gentleman is." She fayde
no more, but from thence with Queene Mary and the whole trayne
fhe went to Church. Ail they that hard the Oueene fpeake thofe
396
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
words, dyd wonder, and could not deuife what fhee meant bv
them, notwithflanding ech man thought that the O.ueene bare to
maifter Philippo finguler good will and fauour. He (as it was
his cuflome) full of diuerfe cogitations, whofe head was building
of great cities, went to church, beftowing himfelfe in his wonted
place, reuoluing in hys mind the O.ueene's words fpoken vnto
him. And although he could not perceiue to what end that
honorable lady had fpoken them, yet hee thought that hir maiefty
had done him great honour. And verilv the humanity and curtefv
of a Lady, fo excellent and noble is worthy to be extolled with
infinite prayfes, who being of high eflate and lieage, and the
wife of a Prince that proceded of the flirpe hnperial, not only did
not difdaine to be beloued of a man of fo bafe degree, and
banithed from his own Country, but alfo with great eare and
diligence did deuife, and in effet declare that fhe xvas the fame
whome the ltalian yong gentleman did loue as partly it was eui-
dentlv to bee perceiued, not for other purpofe doubtleffe, but
to do fome Noble deede couenable for the greatneffe of hir
errate, and incident to the feruent loue of the amorous yong
Gentleman, which afterwardes in very dede the accomplyfhed.
But howe many be there in thefe dayes, I doe not fpeake of
O.ueenes and Prynceffes, but of fimple and priuate Gentlewomen,
that beyng of meane worthip, indued x'ith fome fhew of beautie,
be without good conditions and vertue, who feeyng themfelues
beloued of fome Gentlemen, not fo enriched with the goods of
Fortune as they be, do fcorne and mocke them, thynking them-
felues to good to be loked vpon, or to be once moued of vertuous
loue, fcornfullv cafling their face at one ride, as though the futers
were vnworthy their cotnpany ? Howe many likewyfe be poffeffed
and ouerwhelmed with pryde by reafon Nature more propiciousvnto
them then other, be defcended of fome great parentage, that will
accompt a great injurie done vnto them, if any gentleman exeept
he be rych, do make ri, te to loue them ? Again a great number of
women (I fpeake of them whofe minds do not fo mutch afpire to
faine or honour as they feeke their delights and brauerie to be
mainteined) bee of this trampe, that they care not whether theyr
louers bee difcrete, well condicioned, vertuous and gentle, fo that
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
397
theyr purffes be full of money, or thevr fhapes amiable, not waying
the valour aud good condicious of the miude, ue yet a thoufand
other qualities that ought to garnifh a Gentleman» whereby ail
vertuous Gentlemen dayly do growe beautiful, and be enriched
wyth greater perfe&ions. Some there be that fixe their minds
vpon thofe, that be of goodly perfonage, although void of good
behauiour, Iouing rather a piece of flefh with two eyes, thau an
honeft man well furnifhed with vertue. Thynk not yet for ail
thys, that hereiu meu ordinarily bee more wvfe than women,
althoughe they ought to bee accompliflaed with greater witte:
but to fay the truth, they all be fpotted with one kind of pitch,
that warfare here in the large campe of this prefent worlde : whereof
it commeth to paffe, that light loue as we fee to beare no good
foundation, and to haue no longe continuance, euen fo the end
and conclufion to confume like the beauty of the floure. And
therupon many times it chauuceth, that when loue is not grounded
but vpon tranfitorie beauty, which doth diffolue like a windv
cloude, the little heat thereof doth not wax more hote, but rather
congealeth to froft, and many rimes conuerteth into hatred and
mischiefe mort cruel. A worfe thing yet than this is in common
pracCtife: There be many that wyll needes bee couuted and called
gentlemen, bycaufe they corne of Auncient and Noble race, and
being groweu vp to man's fate, doe appeare in fhapes of men, but
are altogether without approued manners, vtterly ignorant what the
nature of Gentle is, accomptyng themfelues to be ioly fellowes, when
in company of other as bigge beafes as them felues, they contriue
theyr time and make their bragges, vaunting that Sutch a woman is
at my commaundment, and futch a man's wyfe I do keepe, futch a
one is my companion's friende : whereby they bryng many women,
yea and of the bett fort, into flaunder and infamie. Diuerfe Gentle-
women alfo bee fo fond, and of fo fimple difcretion» that although
they know and clearely perceyue thys to be true, yet allured with
the perfonages and beauty of futch Roifers» paffe not to giue the
rayne to thefe vnbridled lades, not forefeeing (lyke ignorant Vood-
cockes) that in fewe dayes through their own temeritie» they incur
the common fhame of the vulgar people, beiug poiuted at iu the
ttreates as they goe: where futch as be wyfe and difcrete, doe
398
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
dayly feare the leaf fufpition that mav he conceiued. There is
no woman that is wyfe, but fo neare as fhe can, wil fhunne and
auoyde all occafion whereby flaunder may aryfe, and will chofe
vnto hir amongs a number, futch one as can beft pleafe hir fanfie,
and as with vhome for hvs verrue and honelv fhe purpofeth to
match hir felfe in maryage, which is the final ende of ail honef
loue. Hove be it Nature hath hOt framed euery creature of one
metall, ne ver Minerua infufed lyke brayne into euerv head. And
truely this out age dothe breede manv favre and worthie \Vomen,
whofe condicions hee good and honeft, adorned xith comely qua-
lities, the Generofitie, ftoutneffe and Valoure of whofe myndes doe
deferue fyngular prayfe and ef.vmatyon. And what is hee, chaun-
cynge vppon a curteous and Verttous Dame, that wvll not gyue
ouer the Loue of all other, to honour and loue hir for euer ? But
wee haue digreffed too long from our Hyforye, and therefore,
retourning to the faine agayne, I fay, that Fortune the guide of
maifter Philippo, was fully determined to befow hir fauor vpon
him: For befides that the Queene dearely eftemed his loue, it
feemed that ail thyngs wer vnvted and agreed to fort his enterpryfe
to happy fucceffe. The Queene had to her Gouernefl'e Madonna
Paola dei Cauali, a Gentlewoman of Verona, very auncient and
graue (aduatmced to the callyng, by B1adonna Bianca Maria
Sforza the wyfe of the Emperour Maximilian) whom Queene Arme
requyred dylygently to procure for hir, futch Rithmes in the
Thufcane language and other Italian workes, as were to be found,
bicaufe hir dyfpofition was to be conuerfant and familiar in that
tongue, and employed great diligence to learne and exercife the
faine, wherein fhee attaiued futch perfe(tion, as all Italians coulde
very well vnderttande ber. Now (as the good lucke of mayEer
Philippo woulde haue it) he that day went to the Courte alone,
continuallve deuifinge if it were pofl]ble, at al tymes to be in pre-
fence of the Quene : ,Vhome fo foone as Madonna Paola efpyed,
bicaufe fhe familiarly knew him went vnto him, and fayd : "' My
welbeloued friend mailler Philippo, bicaufe the Queene hath great
delight to learn out tongue, and therein already hath fome
towardneffe, as by hir common fpeakying of the faine you may
perceyue, this mornyng at hir vprifing fhee gaue me a great
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
399
charge to procure for hir, certayne Italian Rithmes, who befides
thofe bookes in that tongue already prynted, gladly defireth to
fee ri»me trymme deuifes of diuerfe learned men that make in oure
Daies. fpecially hir mlnd is earneftlve difpofed vpon Rithmes
eunningly eompofed, hereof I thinke you haue fome ftore bv
reafou of vour delight in that exercife: \Vherefore I thought
good to repayre vnto you, and doe heartily pray you, to make hir
Maiefy pertaker of futch as you haue, wherein you fhal do hir
great and grateful feruice, and I fhal remain eontinually bound
vnto you: befides that I doe purpofe when I prefent them vnto
hir, to make hir prime that I receyued them at your hands, which
bicaufe of the loue fhee beareth to our Natyon, fhe wyl fauorably
accept, and the faine no doubte hen opportunitye ferueth, liberally
reward." lIaifter Philippo in curteous wife thanked the gentle-
woman, and faid, that he mas forry he vas hOt able better to
fatifefie hir requeft, hicaufe in that countrey he had fmall ftore of
futch defired things, taeuerthelelTe he xvould make diligent fearch,
to get fo many as were poffible to be round, either amongs the
Gentlemen that folowed the Court, or elfe where they were to be
gotten. In the meane time, he fayd, that he would deliuer thofe
few hee had, and bring them vnto hir that night, praying hir to
commend hym to the good grace, and fauour of hir maiefv.
_And fo he tooke hys leaue, and went frayght to hvs Lodging,
where diligently he began to fearch among his writings (the
gladdeft man in the \Vorlde for that occafion offered) and founde
amonges the faine diuers rithmes which hee thought vnworthy to
patte into the bandes of fo great a Lady, fauitag the third Rithme or
Chapter, as we commonly call it, ruade by a notable DocCtor of the
lawes, and excellent Poet called M. Niccolo _Amanio, of Crema,
who no doubt for making of vulgar rithmes, thereby expreflïng
the amorous affecCtions of Louers, was in out time vithout compari-
fon. _And bicaufe the faine was fo apt for the purpofe of mayfer
Phillppo his loue, as eould be defired, he vrote the faine fayre
(being in deede a very fayre fheete of Paper,) vhich foundeth to
this effeë2.
400
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGAR1E.
Quanto piu cref«e (lrnor) Paf pro tormento,
The more (O Loue) thy bitter pangs augment,
Melting by rimes my lad accenfed fpreete,
The more to burne I feele my felfe content:
And though ech dav a thoufande times I fleete
Twixt hope and dreade, all dolour yet and fmart
My glorious proofe of enterprife makes fweete.
The tire fo high which kindled hath mvne hart,
As by loue's flames none euer had (I knock)
So lofty fource of heate in any part,
Sweete then my torments are, fweete is my woe,
Sweete eke of loue the light, fweete the conceyte
From fo high beames, fallen in my breaf, groe.
Sutch power of porte, futch maiefy mof gret
I tremble to beholde, and do confeffe
1My lot to hale, fo worthy a bliffe to get.
But will herein mv Reafon doth fuppreffe,
_And thofe fayre eyes, where loue himfelfe ny lies,
Armed with lookes of ioy and gentleneffe,
Lookes that vpliftes my foule ahoue the Skies,
And in each coatt ai cloudes expelling cleane,
Do teach ten thoufand pathes to Paradife.
3Iv Goddeffe braue, Angelicall Sirene,
Favreneffe it felfe, Dame Beautie's facred heire:
XVhat mounts of ioy may match my happy paine,
XVhofe fcaling hope how fo enfue difpeire,
Leues vaunt of thoughts, which once fo high]y flew
As honour, ail that earth befides doth beare
Comparde to this, but baggage were to vew.
When Mavfter Philippo had writtert out thefe verres, imme-
diately he returned to the court, and caufed lladona Paolo, to
be called vnto him bv one of the Gromes of the Chamber, to whom
he fayd : "Mavftreffe Paola, I haue brought you a ditty, that is
very trim and pret.% which I pray you deliuer to the Queene, and I
will do what I can to get other." Maiffreffe Paola tooke them, and
went into the chamber, and findinge the Queene alone, fayd to hir :
" Madame, this morninge yee commaunded me to get you fome
ANNE QUEEIE OF IIUNGARIE.
401
ltalian Rithmes, and vpon inquirie I haue rece3.'ued thefe few
verfes of mayfer Philippo, fecretary to the Lord Andrea Borgo,
who hath promifed to hring me other." The O.ueene hearing hir
fpeake thofe words, fmilinge receiued the Paper, and read the
fame: the fenfe whereof flae liked very well, thinking that may-
Pter Philippo had bene the compofitor of the faine, and that
of purpofe he had made them for hir, whereby fhee was out
of doubt that it was flaee that mavPter Philippo fo feruently
loued, and the better hir opinion was confirmed, bicaufe fome
of the words tended to the ftate of hir perfonage. And
confidering the -alor of hvs minde, fhe prayfed Nature, for
that in a man fo bafely borne fhee had fowen the feeds of a
gentlemanlike and noble heart, greatly to hir felfe commendynge
the yong man. Then flae conferred the whole matter wyth hir
Coofin O.ueene Marie : which was a wvfe and comelv Ladye, and
vpon that loue they vfed many difcourfes, more and more hauing
in regard the behauiour of that yong Gentleman. Oueene Anne
determined, when conueniently flaee might, to rendre to mayPter
Philippo, for his great loue coudigne rewarde: and ftudying
ftill how to requite his curtefie, euer when flae faw maifter Phi-
lippo, flaee vfed him with her wonted chere and grateful faluta-
tion (which thinge onely euery honeft gentleman ought to expecCt
that is indued wyth reafon at the hands of a prynceffe fo noble and
worthy, as a reward fufficient, the inequality of the parties con-
fidered.) XVhereof mayfter Philippo was the beft contented man
of the world, and durft not hope for greater guerdon, continuing
his wonted iyfe fed hym felf ftil with that beioued fight, in futeh
wyfe as many Gentlemen entfied the fauor borne vnto him by the
Queene, who for none other caufe did vfe that curtefy, but for that
flae faw him to be Vertuous and well learned : continually ePteem-
yng futch as wyth iearning or other gyftes of the mynd were
indewed : and when occafion chaunced, flaee vouchefafed to hes-
towe vpon them curteous intertaynment and lyberall rewardes.
It fortuned about that time that the Emperor Maximilian died,
Charles his nephew (which was the Emperor Charles, the fifth,)
then beyng in Spayne, by reafon of whofe death the Lord Andrea
Borgo, purpofed to fend one of hys Gentlemen to kyng Charles,
VOL II. 2 C
402
ANNE QUEENE OF HUlgGARIE.
tor the confirmation of that lyuing he enioyed, giuen wlto him
for his long and faythfull feruyce by the faid Maximilian. Amongft
al he chofe this maifter Philippo, for his wifdome and expe-
ricnce in futch affayres. XVhich don, he went to the Cueenes,
and gaue them to vnderftand that fhortelv he would rend his Se-
cretarie into Spayne, and told them the caufe, humbly praying
them both, that thev would write their fauorable letters in his
behalf. The Cueenes knowing what payne and trauell hee had
fuftavned in the feruice of Maximilian, and what daungers he had
paffed, were very willing therunto. Now (ueene Anne remenl-
bred that fhe had eonuenient time to reeompenee maifter Philippo
for hys long loue born vnto hir: and bieaufe fhe was the moft
eurteous Ladv of the world, and therwithal moft bountifull and
liberal, and hot onely with eomely talke and gefture : but alfo in
effe¢:te willing to do them good, whome fhe honoured in minde,
eoncluded vhat to do, requiring the Lord Audrea to fend his Seere-
tarie vnto hir, when he was ready to depart, for that befides
Letters, fhe voulde by mouth commit certain bufineffe for hir to
do in the Courte of Spayne. Vhen the Lord Andrea xvas gone,
(ueene Anne began to deuife with the other (ueene what fhe
mighte doe for mavfter Philippo, who prayed (ueene Anne,
after fhe had eommended him in letters, to fuffer hir to make the
ende and conclufion of the fame. l, Vhereupon both the Queenes
wrote manv letters into Spayne, to king Charles, and to the Lord
Chancellour and other Noble men, whome they thought to bee apte
and mcte minifters to bring the effe& of their letters to paffe.
Vhen the Lord Andrea had put all thinges in order for that dis-
patch, he fard to mavfter Philippo, (which was now furnifhed with
ail thyngs neeeffarv, and apertinent for that long voyage :) " Phi-
lippo, remembre this day that you goe to O.uene Anne, and tell
her, that I require you to corne vnto hir, to know if fhe would
commaund you anv feruice to the Catholike Kynge, where you
fhall humbly offer your feruice, in vhat it pleafeth hir to com-
maunde: you fhall alfo tel hir what things I haue gyuen vnto
vou in charge by fpeciall commiffion." Neuer could more plea-
fant talke round into the eares of maifter Philippo, than this, who
for that he fhould bothe fee and fpeake vnto his Lady before his
ANNE QUN OF HUNARI.
403
departure, and for that fhe would commit vnto him the doing
of hir affayres in Spayne, was the gladdeff and ber eontented man
of the world. The houre eome when he thought good to repayre
to the O.ueene, he went vnto hir, and gaue hir to vnderffand by one
of the priuy Chamber, that he was attendant there to know hir
pleafure. The Guene eertyfied of his readineffe to depart, bv and
by toke order that he fhould corne into hir chambre, who entring
the faine with trembling heart, and after he had donc hvs humble
reuerenee, with great feare and bafhfulneffe, faid : " Pleafeth your
B/aieffy, that my Lorde Borgo, being about to addreffe mec hvs
Seeretarie into Spayne, to the Catholike King there, hath eom-
maunded me to wayte vpon your hyghneffe, to knowe vour plea-
fire for certain affayres to be don for your maietty: ,Vherfore mav
it pleafe the faine to employ mec, your humble feruaunte, I fhall
thinke my felf the happieff man of the world : A thing fo bleffed
and ioyfull vnto me, as no benefite or commoditie can tender vnto
me greater felieitie." Then he dvfelofed vnto her thee reff of his
meffage, whieh was eommitted vnto hym bv his lord and maitter.
The Oueene beholding hym wyth mery eountenaunce gently fard
vnto hym : "' And we for the truff we haue in you to do our mes-
sage and other affayres in Spayne, haue requyred you to corne
hither: And byeaufe we knowyng you to be a Gentleman, and
affured that you wyll gladly do your endeuour in any thing that
may do vs pleafure, haue ehofen vou aboue any other. Our wyl
and eommaundement is, that fvrik you delyuer thefe letters, eon-
teining matters of great importance to the hands of the eatholike
King, and that you do out humble eommendations to his maieffv.
Then al the reff aeeordingly as they be dire&ed, whieh principally
aboue other things we pray you to difpateh vpon your arriuall:
And if we bec able to do vou anv pleafure, eyther for your prefer-
ment, or for other commodity, fpare hOt to xvrite vnto vs your
mynd, and (we doe affure you) the faine fhalbe efe&ually ae-
complyfhed, to the vttermoffe of our indeuour, whyeh we do of
our owne motion frankely offre vnto you, in eonfideration of
the fidelitie, worthineffe, and honeffe behauiour alwayes knowen
to be in you." Mavtter Philippo hearynge thefe wordes was
replenyfhed with futch ioy, as he thought hymfelfe rapt into
404
ANNE QUEENE OF HUNGARIE.
the heauens, and his heart fe]t futch pleafure, as it femed to flote
in fome depe fea of delights: and after the bell maner he coulde,
thanked hir for hir curtefie: and albeit (he fayd) that hee
knew hvmfelf vnworthy of that fauor, yet he dedicated the fame
to hir commaundement, furrendring himfelfe as a flaue and
faythful feruant to hir maieRy. Then vppou his kuees, to his
great eontentation he kiffed hir hands, which of hir felfe fhe offred
vnto him, and then reuerently he toke his leaue. SVhen hee was
gone oute of the ehamber, he met with the O.ueene's Coferer, that
attended for him, who taking him aride, did put into his hand
a purfe with 5oo. crowns, and the mailler of the horffe prefented
vnto him a very goodly and beautifull horfe, wherewith mailler
Philippo was fo well pleafed, as he was like to leape out of
his tkin for ioy. Then he toke his iorney and arriued at the
Courte in Spa.vne, where at oportunity, he deliuered his Letters
to King Charles, and aeeomplifhed other butines and meffage
prcfcribed vnto him by C/tlene Anne : And when he had difpatched
the C/ueene's other letters, he attended the bufineffe of his Lord
Andrea Borgo. The king perufed the Contentes of the letters
fent vnto him by his filler and kynfwoman, fo did the Lord Chaun-
cellour, (which at that rime was the Lord Mercurino Gattinara,)
and other, to whom the Queenes had written : whereby the king
was folicited to lland good Lord, to the Lorde Andrea Borgo,
and likewife exhorted him to be beneficial to mayllçr Phylippo,
whom for his good condicions and experience they had fent vnto
hiln in the ambaffage. Vpon a day the king moued by the Lorde
Chance|lot, caufed mailler Philippo to corne before him, to whom
kneling before his maielly, the king laid thefe words: "The tes-
timony and report fo honorably ruade of you by the two Queenes,
from whom you brought vs letters, and the hope which we haue to
find you a faithful and profitable feruant, and to be correfpondent
in effe&e to the tenor of thofe letters, moueth vs to accepte you
into the numbre of one of out Secretaries, wherein before our
prefence you fhal fweare vnto vs to be faithfull and true." Mai-
lier Philippo that expe&ed for no futch dignity, maruelled at the
Kyug's wordes, and there by oth minillred vnto hym by the Lorde
Chauucellour was receyued iuto his feruice, and exercyfed that
ANNE QUEENE OF IIUNGARIE.
405
office, in fingular fauor of the King, to the great fatyffa&ion of al
men. And after that King Charles was elec'-ted Emperor, knowing
the experience that mail'ter Philippo had in the affaires of Italy,
and fpecially in Lombardie, he commvtted vnto hym all matters
touchyng the ftate of the region, which fo happily came to paffe
to maifter Philippo, as befides the ornaments of vertue and wife-
dom, he acquyred greate riches, and yet he continually ferued and
worfhipped the Ctueene as his noble patroneffe and worthy mys-
treffe. Tel me now ve faire Ladies and Gentlewomen ! What fhali
we fay of the princely behauiour and noble difpofition of this
Ctueene? Truly in my iudgment, fhe deferueth that prayfe and
commendation that may be attributed to the mot'te excellente
Ladye of the Vorlde, who neuer gaue ouer her faythful feruant
tyl fhe had bountifully with hir own hands and commendation,
rendred vnto hym a moft Pryncely rewarde. And as the funne
in beautye and bryghtneffe doeth furmounte the other furniture
of the Skies, euen fo Magnyfycence, and iiberality in ech Lady
doth excell ail other vertues, fpecially in thofe perfonages, that
keepe the ftate of Princes. But to conclude, mete and requifite it
is, that yee beautify this moft curtuous and liberall Ctueene
wyth due prayfes : For furely in my iudgement, if all ,Vo-
men would confer theyr heades and ,Vittes together,
and deuife Hymnes and Sonnets of Liberality,
they can neuer fufficiently be able
to celebrate the prayfe and glory
of thys Ctueene.
406
ALEXANDER DE MEDICES
THE TWENTY-SECOND NOUELL.
The gentle and i!/ ae9 of Alexander de 31edices Duke of Florence,
vpon a Gentleman u,hom he fauoured, who hauing raui[hed the
Daughter of a poore 3lyller, caufed him to rnaryhir,j'or the greater
honour and celebration whereof, he appoRnted hir a rich and ho-
nourable DowrR.
lv the Force of Verrue were apparant at the fight of eye, it would
be deemed to be of leffe value than the greatneffe thereof defer-
ueth (for findry eaufes rifing in the mindes of men) and that bv
performinge the little which refted for th'entier perfe6tion of hir
whole vnited glory. Now beeaufe that hir effe&s be diuerfe, and
that dyuerfly they be vfed, the examples alfo of futeh diuerfity,
do variate and make diuerfe the affeoetions of men : fome to follow
that quality and other that part, proeeeding from the whole and
perfedt bodv of vertue, whieh hath caufed fome to win the priee
of modeftv and temperanee in their deedes, other full of magna-
nimity (not familiar to many) haue refiPted the affaults of fortune.
Many other haue embraeed that only honor whyeh is the nouriee
of ech good adt, whereby thev haue either we] ruled the ttate of
free eitties, or guided the armies of mighty llonarehs. And futeh
whi]om the eities of Rome, Athenes, Sparta, and the auneient
Monarehs of the Medes, Perfians, and the Affyrians did fee.
I wil omit a good eompany of the fage and wyfe, whieh haue
appayfed the troubles of Citties, the inquietations of Palaees,
the cries of Iudgement feates, the diffimulation and deeeiptfull
flatteries of Courts, the earefull griefs whieh the houfeholder by
gouernment of lais houfe and familv doth fuftaine and feele,
of purpofe more frankly to retire to the ftudy of fapienee, whieh
alone is able to make a man happy, and worthv to be partaker of
the diuinity. But aboue al, I wil prayfe him whieh not fubie6t
to the law lvueth neuertheleffe like him that is moff thrall there-
unto, or without refpe6t of bloude or frendfhip fhall exereife
Iuffice vpon his deareff and beff beloued : as in olde rime Man-
lius and Torquatus at Rome, the peop]e of Athenes towards
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
407
one Timagora% who beyond the duty of the Ambaffador of a frank
citty, fel down on his knees and worflipped the Perfian king.
And in our time the Marquize of Ferrara, by doing to death his
own fon for adultry committed wyth his mother in Law. And
ver Iuice may fauour of fome cruehy, which rather turneth to
flame than praife : as Ihon Maria Vifconte Duke of Milan, when
he caufed a couetous prieft to be buried quick with the corps of
him whom he had refufed to bury without money, the hiftory
wherof is hereafter rememSred. So as mediocritv of puni[hment
ought to be yoked with the rigor of law, for the mitigation thereof.
And beholde, wherefore thegreat Di&ator Iulius Coefar Ioued bet-
ter to gayn the heart of his enemies with mercy, than vanquifl and
bring them to obedience with maffy manacles and giues of Irou.
Moreouer in our age Alphonfus of Aragon (the true Sampler of a
iuft and Righteous Prynce) dyd not hee efteeme (when hce
rayghtly befieged Gaiette) the Vy&ory to be more Glor'ous and
better gotten, which is done by compofition and-gentleneflè, than
the bloudy conqueft, colored wyth teares and bloud of a poore
fimple people ? A,ad truly princes, and great lordes, fpecially they
which newlv (without fucceffion receyued from their anceftors)
arriue to the gouernment of fome commonwealth, ought continu-
ally to haue bcfore their eies, an honeft feueritv for the holines of
the law, and a graue mildneflè, to moderat the rigour of their
duety : For bv that meanes right is mainteined, the heart of man is
won, fo wel as bv violeuce : and the ftate of gouernment taketh fo
good footing, as the winde of no fedition afterwards ca,a remoue
the faine, beinge founded vpon a fure ftone, and framed vpon a
rock durable for a long tyme. \Vhereof wee haue an example of
frefh memory of a kinde a&, full both of wvfedome and of gentle
feuerity in a prynce of our time, who vythout effufion of bloud
punifhed with rigor enongh, a trefpaffe committed, and f,veetely
remitted the payne vpon him, which merited grieuous, nay mortall
puuiflmient, as at large you fhall fee by the difcourfe that follow-
eth. Alexander de Medices, fauoured by the Church of Rome,
(and armed with the Papall ftandard) was hee that firft with great
ac°ciuity andWifedome inueyed the Senioryof Florence, itnmediatly
vfurping the name, title, and prerogatiue of Duke. The faine
408
ALEXANDER DE MEDICES
albeit vpon the prime face he was odious to the people of Horenee,
v¢roth for lofiug of their aneient liberty, and difpleafant to the
Senatours and potentates, to fee them felues depriued of the foue-
raignty of luftice, and of the authority they had to eommaund
ouer ail the Citizens, yet for all that was he indued wyth fo good
qualities, and gouerned fo wel his prineipality, as that which at
the beginning was termed Tyranuy, was reeevued as iuf'c domina-
tion, and that which was fuppofed tobe abufed by force, feemed
to be done as it were by lawfull fueceffion. And they counted
themfelues happy (when they faw their lueke to bee futeh as their
common weahh muf needs obey the aduiee and pleafure of one
Prince Moue) to haue a foueraygn lord, fo wife, fo vertuous and fo
ful of eurtefie: and albeit in all other things he fhewed himfelfe
prayfe worthy, noble, and of gentle kinde, yet in thls he vanquifh-
ed himfelfe in himfelfe, by that indifferent iuttiee, whieh made
him wonderful, denying the faine to none, and in no one iote fhewed
himfelfe parciai to any, v¢hich thought by hvm to bec fupported
in their follies: And that whieh is more to bee wondred in him,
and doth augment the prayfe of his integrity in iudgement, was,
that he punifhed in another the thynge, which hee ought to haue
pardoned and remitted, hee hymfelfe beinge attaynted wyth that
dyfeafe. But thys good Duke applyed to/leafon, to tyme, and to
the Grauitv of the fa& and quality of the offended perfones:
For where the greatneffe of a deede furpaffeth ail oeeafion of par-
don and mercye, there the Prynee, Iudge, or Magittrate ought to
difpoyle and put of his fweetett affeoetions, to appareil himfelfe
with rigor, whvch reaeheth the knyfe into the hand of the Ruler, of
purpofe that pryuate familiaritie, do not iu ende rayfe in the fub-
ie&'s hearte a eontempte of fi, periours, and unbrydled licence,
lawleffe to liue at their pleafure. Now the thing v¢hieh I meane
to tell, eonfilteth in the proofe of a rare and exquifite Prynee,
which feldome or neuer harboureth in yong age, the heates where-
of ean not but with greate diffieultie, feele the eoldneffe and eor-
re&ion of reafon : And likewife the eaufes from whenee wifdome's
force proceede, do rett in longe experienee of things, whereby men
waxe olde in ripeneffe of witte, and theyr deedes beeome worthy
of prayfe. This Duke Alexander ordred fo wel his ettates, and
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
409
kepte futch a goodly and plentifull Court, as the faine gaue place
to no Prynee of Italy, how great or rieh fo euer it was, whieh
noble court he kept afwell for his owne garde and honor as to
thew the naturall ftoutneffe of his eorage, not vfing for ail that any
infoleneie or vnfeemely dealing agaynfte the haynous and auneient
enemies of his familie. Amongs his gallant troupe of Courtiers,
which ordinarily attended, there was a Florentine gentleman, very
neare the Duke, and the belte beeloued of them ail. This yong
Gentleman had a Manor hard by Florenee, where he was very well
and ftately lodged, whieh eaufed him many times to forfake the
City, wyth two of his eompanions, to reereate himfelf in that
pleafant place. It ehaunced vpon a time, he heing in his fieldifh
houfe, befides the whieh there was a 1Vlyll, the maifter of the fayd
Myll had a pafling fayre daughter, whom thys Gentleman did well
marke and beholde, and with hir beauty beeeame ltraungely in
loue, in whom alfo appeared fome Noble port, that exeeded the
bloud and race whereof flae came. But what ? The heauens be
not to fpare diftributers of theyr gifts, but fometimes they diuide
them with the leaçt meafure, and at fome other times in equail
weight or greateft heape, to them that be of the bafeft forte and
popular degree, fo wel, as to the greatelt and of moft noble race.
Rome fomtimes hath feen a bondman and flaue, fomtimes a Runne-
gate's fonne, for his wit and Courage to beare the Scepter in his
hand, and to deeide the eaufes of that lofty people, who bv
fleyghts and pra&ifes afpired the Empyre of the whole worlde.
And he that within out Fathers remembranee defireth to knowe
what great Tamberlane of Tartarie was, the altoniflament and
ruine of al the Ealt partes, flaall well pereeyue that his originall
forted from the vulgar forte, and from the lowelt degree that was
amongs all eltates: whereby mur be eonfeffed, that the goodneffe
of nature is futeh and fo great» as flae will helpe hir nouriee ehil-
dren (whatfoeuer they be,) the ber flae ean : Not that I meane to
infer hereby, but that the bloud of Predeeeffors, with the inftitu-
tion of their Pofterity, muteh augmenteth the force of the fpirit,
and aeeomplifheth that more fineerely whereunto nature hath
giuen a beginninge. Now to eom to out purpofe, this yong
Courtier, taken and ehayned in the bands of loue, fettred and
41o
ALEXADER DE MEDICES
clogged wyth the Beauty and good grace of that Countrey wench,
forethought the meanes how he myght iniov the th.vnge after
which hee hoped. To loue hir he deemed it vnworthy of his
degre: And vet he knew hir to be futch (by report of many) as
had a very good Vït, tongue at wyll, and which is more efteemed,
a Paragon and mirror of chafte life and modeftv. Which tor-
mented this amorous Mounfier bevoud meafure, and yet chaunged
not his affe&ion, affuring himfelfe that at length he fhould at-
tayne th' end of his defires, and glut that his w,fatiable hunger,
which preffed him from dav to dav to gather the foote and fauorous
frute which Louers fo egerly rue for at mavdens handes of fembla-
ble age, gho then was betxveene xw. and xvL veares. This Louer
dvd to vnderftand to hvs companions his griefe and frenfie, who
fory for the faine, affayed hv ail meanes, to make him forget it, tel-
ling hvm that it was unfeemely for a Gentleman of his accompt, to
make himfelfe a fable to the people, which woulde corne to paffe if
thev knew how vndifcretely hee had placed hvs loue: and that
there were a number of fayre and honeft gentlewomen more to
whom befides conuenably and with greater contentation he might
addreffe the fame. But he which mutch leffe faw, than blind
loue himfelfe that was his guid, and he that was more bare of
reafon and aduice than the Poets favne Cupido to be naked of
appareil, would hot harken to the good counfel, which his coin-
panions gaue him, but rather fard that it was loft time for them
to vfe fitch fpech, for he had rather dy, and indure ail the mocks
and fcoffs of the world, than lofe the mof delicate pray (in his
mynde,) that could chaunce into the hands of man» adding more-
ouer, that the homelyneffe and rudenes of the country, had hOt
fo mutch anoved his new beloued, but fhe deferued for hir beauty
to be compared with the greateft Minion and finef attyred gen-
tlewoman of the Citty : For this mavden had but the ornament and
mvnionneffe which nature had enlarged, where other artificially
force by trumperies, to vfurpe that which the heauens deny them.
"Touching her vertue let that paffe in filence, fithens that fhe"
(quod he fighinge) '" is to chaft and vertuous for one whom I would
choofe to daly withal : lIv defire is not to make hir a Lucrece, or
fome of thofe auncieut Matrones, which in elder yeres builded
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
4II
the temple of woman's Fortune at Rome. ' The companions of this
louer feeing how he was bent, promifed him what thev were able
to doe, for accomplifhment of his wiil, for the which he thanked
them very heartely, offring iike duty, where fortune fhouid prepare
the proofe of their affe&ion and neede of his amorous feruice : In
the mean rime, conceiuing in his minde fome new deuice, which
fo foone as he had found out was hOt able tobe brought to paffe,
and knowing that the duke feidome wouid haue him out of his
fight, began to inuent iyes, doing hym to vnderland that he had
neceffary occafion, for a certain rime, to remain and be at his
country houle. The duke which loued him, and 'ho thought
that either he had fore fecret ficknes, or els fore wench which he
was loth to difcouer before his companions, gauehim leaue for a
month, which fo pleafed this amorous Gentleman, as he iept for
ioye, and was not able to rel one hour before he had found out his
frends and companions, to mount on horçoack to vifit hir that
had vnder hir power and obeifance the ber portion of him, xvhich
was his hart and his mol fecret thought. ,Vhen he xvas corne to
his Countrey houle, hee began to ftalke abrode, and daunce a
round about the Mill, where his beioued did dwel, who was hot fo
foolifh, but bv and bv fufpe&ed whereunto thofe goings and com-
mings of the Piigrim tended, ad for what pray he led his Dogs in
ieafe, and caufed fo maay Nets and Cords tobe difplayed by hun-
ters of euery age and fexe, who to difcouer the Countrey, affayde
bv beating the Bulbes, to take the Beale at forme : For which
caufe fhe aifo for hir part, began to tir the fnares of thofe Byrders,
ad the raunging of the Dogs that vented after hir, lrayinge hot
from the houle of the good man hir Father: whereof this poore
louer concevued great difpayre, hot knov«inge by what meanes he
might roule the Gaine after which he hunted, ne finde the meanes
to do hir vnderftand his playnts and vnmeafured griefe of heart,
the firme loue, and finceere mvnde wherewyth he was fo earneftly
bent, both to obay and loue hir aboue ail other: And that which
moPt of ail increafed his payne, was that of fo great a troupe of
meffages whych he had lent, with giftes and promiffes the better
to atchieue his purpofe, no oe was able to take place or force
(euer fo little) the chaflitv of that fober and modefl mavde. It
412
ALEXANDER DE MEDICES
chauuced one day as this Gentleman was walking a long a wode
ride newly felled, hard adioyning to his houfe, by whych there
was a cleare and goodly fountayne fhadowed betweene two thick and
lofty Maple trees, the Mvller's Daughter went thither for water, and
as fhe had fet downe hir payles vpon the fountaine brink, hir Louer
carne vnto hir, litle thinking of fi, tch a ioyful meeting, which he
wel deelared by thefe words : "Prayfed be God, that when I hoped
leaft of this good hap, he hath fent me hither, to fee the onely fub-
fiaunce of my iov:' Then turninge his face towards the mayden,
fayd w, to ber: "' Is it truc that thou art heere (or do I dreame)
and fo neare to him that mort defireth to gratyfie thee in any
thynge wherewvth it may pleafe thee to cornmaunde hirn ? Wilt
thou not haue pity vpon the paynes and griefs which continually
I indure for the extreme loue I beare thee ? » And faying fo, he
would haue imbraeed hir. But the mayde, whieh cared no more
for his flatteries, than before fhe did for his prefents and meffages
feeiug the faine to tend to nothing elle but to hir ruine and great
difhonor, wvth ftout counteuaunce, and by hir liuely colour declar-
ing the chaft and vertuous motion of her bloud, fayd to this valiant
Gentleman : "How now, 'r, do you thinke that the vileneffe of
myne appareil, holdeth leffe vertue, than is vnder the rieh and
fumptuous Ornaments of greatefi Ladyes ? Do ','ou fuppofe that my
bringing vp hath bred in me futch grofe bloud, as for your only
pleafure, I fhoulde corrupt the perfeoetion of mv minde, and blot
the honour which hitherto fo carefully I haue kept and religioufly
preferued? Be fure that fooner death fhall feparate the foule from
my body, than willingly I would fuffer the ouerthrow and viola-
tion of my virginity. It is not the part of futeh a Gentleman as
you be, thus to efpy and fubtlely purfue vs poore Countrey maydens
to charme vs with your fleights and guilfull talke : It is not the
duety of a Gentleman to fubborne futch vaunte eurrors to difcouer
and put in perill, the honour of charte maydens and honef Vyues,
as heretofore you haue donc to me. It ought to fuffiee, that you
haue receyued fhame by repuife of your meffengers, and not to
corne your felfe to bec partaker of their Confufion." " And that is
it, that ought to moue you fweete heart" (aunfwered he) «to
take pitty vpon my griefe, fo playnly feeing that vnfavnedlv I doe
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
43
loue you, and that my loue is fo well planted, as rather had I
fuffer death, than occafion the leaff offence that may difpleafe
you : Only I befeech you, not to fhew your felfe fo cruel vnto him,
wlao difdayning ail other, hath made you fo frank an offer both
of hlmfelfe and of al that he hath to commaund." The maide not
greatly truffing his words, feared that he prolonged time to make
hir ftay till hys feruants came to fteale hir away : And therefore
without further aunfwere, fhe taking vp hir payles, and half rtm-
ning till fhe came neere the Myll, efcaped his hands, telling hir
father no part of that talk betwene them : who began already to
doubt the treafon, deuifed bv the Gentleman, agaynft the pudicity
of his daughter, vnto whom he neuer difclofed his fufpition, were
it that he knew hir to be vertuous inough, and coufl:aut to refiff
the luring affaults of loue, or coufidred the imbecillity of our
flefh, and the malice of the fame, which dayly afpireth things
thereunto defended, and by lawes limitted and prefcribed, whicla
lawes it ought hOt to excede, and yet therof it witheth the abo-
lifhment. The Gentleman feeinge that the mayden had forfaken
hym, and little efteemed hys amorous onfet, outraged for loue,
and chafed wvth choler, fpake thefe wordes to hymfelfe: "" Ah
foolifh and daftard louer, what didff thou meane when thou hadft
hir fo neere thee, in place fo commodious, where fhee durft not
gaynefay tlaee that thou didft no better purfue hir? And what
knoweff thou if fhee came of purpofe to eafe thy payne and to
fïnifh thy troublefome trauels ? Surely I fuppofe fhe did fo, but
that fhame and duety forced hir to vfe thofe wordes, to make
mec thinke, that lyghtly fhe would not bee ouercome by
perfuafions: And put the cafe that it were uot fo, who coulde
haue let mec to take bv force that, whereunto willingly fhe would
not accorde : But what is fhe to be reuenged of futcla an iniury ?
She is for conclufion the daughter of a Miller, and may make hir
vaunte, that fhe hatla mocked a Gentleman, wlao beinge alone wytla
hir, and burninge wyth loue, durff hot ffauuch hvs thirft (al-
though full dry) fo neere the fountayne: And by G,,d (fayd lac
rifing from a greene banke neere the fountavne's ride) if I dr
therefore, I wyll haue it eyther by loue or force." In this wicked
and tvrannicall mynde, hec returned to hys place, where his coin-
44
ALEXANDER DE MEDICES
panions feeing him fo out of quiet, fayd vnto him: " Is thvs
the guife of a gentle minde, to abafe it felfe to the purfute of fo
fimple a l, Vench ? Doe not vou know the malice of that fexe, and
the guiles wherewith thofe Serpents poyfon men ? Care you fo
little for a woman as fhe doth for you, and thon wvll flac imbracc
you and make mutch of you, whofe only Rudy is (whieh I beleeue)
to frame hirfelfe agaynff all that, for which humble lute is made :
But adroit, that women hath forne qualities to draw men to loue
them, to honour and ferue them, which if it fo be truely that
office and dutifull deuovre ought to be imployed in feruiee of
them, that be honourable and in fpirite and iudgement of gentle
kinde, which no doubt wil counteruayle the merite of futch a
luter : And certeffe I ara ofopilfion that a man mav vaynely con-
fume a yere or two in purfute and feruiee of this mealv Countrey
wench, fo well as addreffe his loue in the obedience of fome favre
and honeff Gentlewoman : which courteoufly and with fome fauour
wyll recompence, thc trauayles of hir feruaunt, where that rude
and fottifh gyrle, by pryde will vaunt and looke a loft, at the
honor done vnto hir, defpife thevm whofe worthvneffe fhe knoweth
not, and whom ne'ther the nor the ber of ber feede, be worthy to
ferue in anv refpeêt : will you know then what I thinke ber for
vou to do? mvne aduice is then, that one of thefe eueniugs, flae
be truffed vp in a Malle and brought hither, or in fome place els
where vou thinke good, that vou may enioy at pleafure the beauty
of hir whom vou do praife and wonder at fo mutch : And after-
wards let hir diffemble if fhe luff, and make a Iewel of hir chas-
tity when fhe hath not to triumph ouer you, hy bearing away the
vicCtorv of your purfutes." "Ah my good friend," aunfwered the
defperate louer, "' how rightly you touch the moff daungerous
place of al my wound, and how foueraygne a falue and plaiRer
you apply therevnto: I had thought truly to intreate you of that,
whercof euen now you haue ruade the ouerture, but fearing to
offend you, or to mutch vfurpe vpon your friendfhip, rather had I
fuffer a death continuall, than ravfe one point of offence, or dis-
contentation in them, which fo frankly haue offred to doe me
pleafure, whereof (by God's aflïRaunce) I hope to be acquited
with ail duety and office of frendfhip. Now refteth it, to put in
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
45
proofe, the effe& of your deuife, and that fo fhortly as I eau : In
iike manner you fee that the terme of my heere abode, will fhortly
expire, and if wee be once at the Courte, impoflible it is for me
to recouer fo good occafion, and peraduenture fixe xvil be maried,
or fome other fhal cary away the pray after which I haue beaten
the Bufix." The plot then of this mavden's rape, was refolued
vpon, and the firft efpied occafion taken: But the louer which
feared leaft this heat of his companions would coole, follicited
them fo mutch, as the execution was ordavned the foilowing
night: which they did, hot fo mutch for the pleafure of their
frend, to whom in futch aduentures they ought to deny all helpe,
(fith frendfhip ought hOt to paffe, Sed vsq; ad aras, as Pericles
the Athenian fayd, fo far as was fufferable by the lawes of God)
as for that they wer of nature of the felf faine tramp, which their
paflîonate companion was, and would haue ruade no confcience
to enterpryfe the faine for themfelues, a|though the other had hot
toide them hvs affec'-tions: Thefe bec the Fruic-tes ofvnruled Youth,
wherein oncle" the Verdure and greenneflè of the _Age beareth
greateft fway, the wyll whereof reafon can hot reftrayne, which
fooner reclineth to the carnall part, than to that which tendeth to
the honeft repart and contentment of the mynd. The next night,
they three accompanied with v. or vl. feruauntes (fo honef as
theyr maifers) gaue the «»nfet in armure and weapons well ap-
pointed to defende and hurt, if any refifance were ruade, they
myght be able to repeli theyr aduerfaries. Thus about two of the
clocke in the night they came to the Mil, the Heauens hauyng
throvne thevr mantell ouer the vaporous earthe, and dymmed hir
Face with the'r vayle obfcure and darke, and yet hot futch, but
that the avre was cloudye c|eere : and when no man doubted of fo
great offence, and of futch vnhappy rape, they brake into the
poore Miller's Houle, beetwene whofe armes they toke awav his
daughter deare, and almoft dead for feare, piteoufly began t0 cry
for heip, defending herfelf fo weil as fhe could from thofe Theeues
and Murderers. The defolate father raging with no ieffe fury then
the Hircanian Tigre, when hir Fautons be kviled or taken away, ran
firt to one, and then to another, to fay them from carying of hir
away, for whom they came. In the end the amorous rauifher of
416
ALEXANDER DE I[EDICES
his daughter fayd vnto hvm : " Father, Father, I aduyfe thee to
get thee hence if thou loue thv lyre, for thy force is too weake to
refit fo many, the leaft of whome is able to coole this thv foolifh
heart and choler, for the whych I would be fory, for the great Loue
I beare vnto thy daughter, who (I hope) before fhe depart my com-
pany, fhai haue wherewith to be contented : and thou caufe to
pacifye this thine immoderate rage, which in vavne thou yaipet
forth agaynt this troupe." "_Ah faire Knaue and theefe," (fa.vd
the honet pore man) "it is thou then, which by thine infamous
fiithineffe and infaciable knauery, doet difhonor the commenda-
ble faine of mv daughter, and by like meanes fhortnet the hoped
veres of me hir poore vnhappy father, Ioofinge through thy
wickedneffe, the ltaffe and tav of myne oide aged lire ? Thvnkel
thou Traytor, that iiuing tili this dav (for ail my pouertye) in repu-
tation of an honet l,lan, in mvne oide Daves will become an vn-
fhamefalt and vvle Minifier and Chapman of my daughter's
maidenhoode and virginity? No knaue thinke hOt that I forget
the wrong receiued of thee, for which by fome meanes or other, I
wyli purchafe iut reuenge vpon thee or thvne ?" The Gentleman
carvng iitt|e or nothyng for the old man's wordes» hauvn in hvs
hand his defired fpoyle, commanded his Men to marche belote
with the Mayden, leauing behind the poore oide Man which
thundred againft them a thoufand bitter curffes, threatning and
reuyling them, bv ail the termes he could deuife, defirous (as I
think) to haue them turne backe to kvll him. But thereunto they
gaue fo iittle heede, as when he wvlled them to leaue his daughter
behvnde them: to whome the amorous courtier addreflîng him-
felfe, began to kvflè hir, and affayed by ail meanes vith pleafaunt
Voordes and manv fweete promiffes to comfort hir : but the poore
\Venche knowyng full weli, that they wente about to p}ay the
Butchers wvth her Chatitye, and to commvt Murder wyth the
floure of hlr Virginity, began to cry fo piteoufly with dolorous
voice, as fhe would haue moued to compaflîon the hardeft Hartes
that euer were, excepte the Hearte of hvm which craued nothyng
more than the fpoyle of that his fweetet Enimy. When the
poore ,Venche faw hir Vertue ready to be fpoyled by one, who
(hOt in llaryage ioyned) wente aboute to vyolate and poffeffe the
DUKE OF FLORECE.
417
faine, and knev«e that afterwardes hee woulde vaunte hymfelfe
for the Vic"torye of futch a precious pryce : "Alas (quod fhe) is it
poffyble that the Souerayne luflyce of God can abvde a Myfchiefe
fo greate and curffed, and that the Voyce of a poore XVretched
afflic"ted Mayde cannot be heard in the prefence of the Myghty
Lord abot.e? Why may not I nowe rather fuffer Deathe, than
the Infamy whych I fee to wander before myne Ees? O the
good olde Mau my deare and louing Father, how farre hetter had
it bene for thee to haue flavne mee wyth thv Dagger, betwene
the Handes of thefe mofie wycked Theeues, than to let mee goe
to bee the praye of thofe my Foes that feeke the fpoyle of Vertue,
and the blotte of thy reputation. O tlappy a hundred hundred
tymes bee yee, whvch haue already pat|èd the ineuitahle trac'-t
of Death when ye were in cradle, and I poore vnhappy V'ench
no leffe bleffed had I bene if pertaker of your Ioy, where now
I refi alyue to feele the fmarte and Anguifh of that Death
more egre to fupport, than that whych deuvdeth the body and
foule. » The Gentleman offended with thofe complaynts, beganne
to threaten, that hee woulde make hir forger hir difordered
behauiour, fayinge that fhee muft change an other tune, and
that hir plaints were to no purpofe amongs them which cared
not, nor yet were bent to fiay vppon hir ,Vomanifhe teares,
Lamentations and cries. The poore Mavden hearinge there refolu-
tion» and feeing that fhee vaynely dyfparckled hir Vovce into the
Ayre, began to holde hir peace, whych cauid the Louer to fpeake
wato hir thefe xvordes : "And what mv XVench ? Dofi thou thinke
it ftraunge, that for the heate of loue I beare to thee that I fhould
force futch violence? Alas it is not malvce nor euill wyll that
caufeth me to doe the fame, it is loue whych cannot bee inclofed,
but mufi needes breake forth to manvfeft his force. Ah that thou
hadefi felt, what I doe fuffer and indure for loue of thee. I beleeue
then thou wouldefi not bee fo hard hearted, but haue pitty vppon
the griefe whereof thou fhouldefi haue proued the vehemence."
,Vhereunto the mayde aunfwered nothinge but Teares and Syghes,
wringing hir Armes and Handes, and fometymes makinge Varre
vppon hir favre Hayre. But ail thefe Feminine Vaylinges nothinge
mooued thys Gallant, and leffe Remooued hys former defire to haue
VOL. Ii. '2 D
41 ALEXANDER DE IEDICE
hr» which hee atcheed n difite of hir Teeth, fo foone as hee
arryued at his owne Houle. The remnaunt of the Night they ay
together, where hee vfed hir wyth ail futch kynde of flatteringe and
louinge Speech, as a Louer (of longe tyme) a Suter could deuife to
do to hir» whom at length he dyd Poffeffeo Now all thefe flatteringe
Folles tened onely to make hir his owne, to keepe hr in hys Cuntrey
Houle for hys Pleafure. Shee that for hir Age (as before is fayd) was
of condition Sage, and of gentle mynde, began fubtildy to dffemb|e
and fayne to take Pleafure in that which was to hir more btter than
any Aloes or "Voode of Myrrha, and more agayn hir heart than
remembraunce of Death, whych tyll fhee wvfhed for remedy of
hir gryefe, and Voluntaryly woulde haue killed her felfe lyke a
Lucrece, if the feare of God, and dreadfull lotie of Body and Soule,
had not turned hir mynde, and alfo hoped in God that the Rauyfher
fhould repayre the fault whych he committed, and beare the
penaunce for his temerity, whereof fhe was no whit deceyued, as
vee fhall perceyue, by that which prefently doth follow. Now
whileft the Rauifher tooke his pleafure wyth his Rape, the mifer-
able father ruade the Avre to found with his complaints accufinge
fortune for letting the Vhorifh varier fo to paffe, wythout doing
him to feele the lufiineffe of hys age, and the force that yet
reafied in his furrowed face, and corpfe withered with length of
yeares. In the end knowing that his playnts, curfes, and defire
were throwne forth in vayne, perceiuing alfo his force vnequal to
deale with futch an Ennimy, and to get agayne by violence hvs
fiolne Daughter, or to recouer hir by that meanes whereby fhe
was taken away, he determined the next day to go and complaine
to the Duke: and vpon that determination he lard him downe to
fleepe vnder the trees, which ioyned to the fountayne, where fome-
tirnes the Courtier had communed with his daughter. And feeing
that the Element began to to fhewe fome fplendent hue ltaterpaled
with coulours of White, Yealow, and Red, Signes preceedinge the
rifinge of frefh Aurora, fiarted from his fleepe and tooke hvs way
to Florence, whither he came, vpon the openinge ofthe Citty Gates.
Then going to the Pallace of the Duke, he tarried vntill he faw the
Prynce goe forth to feruice. The good man feeing him of whom
he attended to receyue fuccour fauour, and iuftice, began to freat,
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
419
and rage for remembraunce of his receyued wronge, and was
afhamed to fee himfelf in place not accuftomed : and although it
grieued hls heart wyth hardy fpeach to prefume in prefence of fo
many, yet the iuft anger and defire of vengeance emboldned hym
fo mutch, as kneelinge vpon his knees before the Maiefty of the
Duke, aloud he fpake thefe woordes: "Alas (my Soueraygne Lord)
if euer your grace had pity vpon a defolate man, full of dlfpayre,
I humbly befeech the fame that now you do regard the mifery
which on euerv ride affayleth me. Haue pity vpon the pouerty
of that vnfortunate olde man agaynft whom one hath donc futch
wrong, as I hope by force of your vertue and accuffomed iuffice,
you wil not leaue a fin fo deteftable without deferued punifhment,
for refpe& of mifchiefes that may infue where futch wickedneffe
fhalbe diffembled without due corre&ion." Sayinge fo, the great
teares ran downe his horv Bearde, and by reafon of his interrupted
fighes and continual fobbes, the panting of his ffomack might
eafily haue bene perceiued ail riueld for age, and Sunneburned
with heate and continuall Countrey trauaile: and thatwhich moued
mofi the ftanders by, was the ruefull loke of the good old man,
who caffing his lookes heare and there, beheld eche one with hvs
holowe and dolorous Eyes, in futch wife as if he had not fpoken
any word, hys countenance would haue moued the Lords to haue
compaffion vpon his mifery, and his teares were of futch force, as
the Duke which was a wyfe man, and xvho meafured thinges by
reafon's guide, prouided with wifedome, and forefeeinge not with-
out timely iudgement, would know the taule whych ruade that
man fo to make his plaint, and notwithffanding affailed (with what
fufpition I know not) would hOt haue him openly to tel hys tale,
but leading him aride, he fayd vnto him : "My frend, albeit that
greeuous faultes of great importance, ought grieuoufly and openly
to be corre&ed, yet it chaunceth oftentimes, that he which in a
heate and choler doth execution for the guylt (although that iuffly
after hee hath difgefted his rage, at leafure hee repenteth his rigor
and ouer fodaine feueritie,) offence being naturall in man, may
fometyme (where flaunder is hOt euident) by mild and mercvfull
meanes forget the lame v¢ithout infringing or violating the holy
and ciuil confdtutions ofLawmakers. I fpeake thus mutch bicaufe
42O
ALEXANDER DE MEDICES
mv heart doeth throbbe that fome of my houfe haue don fome
filthy faulte againft thee or fome of thine. Now I would not that
they openlye fhould be flaundered, and yet leffe pretend I to leaue
theyr faultes vnpunifhed, fpecially futch as bv whofe offenfiue
cryme the common peace is molefted, wherein I defyre, that mv
People fhoulde lvue. For which purpofe God hath confituted
Prynces and Poteftates as fhepheardes and guides of hys flocke» to
the ende that the Tyrannicall furyof the vitious, mighte hOt deftroy,
deuoure and fcatter the impotente flock, of no valoure if it be
forfaken and lefte forlorne bv the mighty Armes of Pryncipalities
and lXIonarchyes. A finguler modefty doubtleffe, and an incre-
dyble example of Clemencve in hym, whome hys Cytyzens thoughte
to he a Tvrant and vniuf vfurper of a free Segnyorye, who fo priuily
and with futch familiarity, as the Friend could wifh of his com-
panion, hearkened to the caufe of the poore Countrey man, and
moreouer hys modefty fo great, as hec would it hot to bec knowen
what fault it was, or elle that the offenders fhoulde publikely bec
accufed, offering for ail that tobe the reuenger of the wronge donc
vnto the poore, and the punifher of the iniury exercifed agaynfte
the defolate, a worke certainly worthy of a truc Chrvftian Prince,
and which eftablifheth kingdomes decayed, conferueth thofe that
be, rendring the Prynce tobe beloued of God, and feared of his
Subies. The porc olde man feeing the Duke in fo good mynde,
and that accordingly hec demaunded to know the wrong don vnto
him, the Naine of the factor, and that alfo he had promifed him his
heIp and ryghtfull correyon due vnto the deferued fault, the good
olde man I fay conceiuing courage, recited from poynt to poynte
the whole difcourfe of the rape, and the violence donc, vppon hys
poore vertuous Daughter, declaring befides the name and furname
of thofe which accompanied the Gentleman» the author of that
confpiracy, who (as we haue already fayd) was one that was in
greatef fauor with the Duke : who notwithftanding the Loue that
he bare to the accufed, hearing the vnworthineffe of a deede fo
execrable, faid : "As God liueth this is a deteftable fa&e, and well
deferueth a fharpe and cruell punyfhment: Notwithftandlng freend,
take good heede that thou doefe hot miftake the fame, by accus-
ing one for an other» for the Gentleman whome thou halte named
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
to be the rauifher of thy daughter, is of ail men deemed to bee
very honefi, and doe weli affure thee that if I finde thee a lyer,
thy heade fhall anfvere for example to eche falfe acculer and
flaunderer in time to corne. But if the matter be fo true as thon
haf fayde, 1 promife thee bv the faith I beare to God, ri» wel to
redreffe thy wrong, as thou fhalt haue caufe tobe thoroughly fatif-
fied with mv iuffice." To whome the good olde man thus anfwered:
"My Lord the matter is fo true, as at this day hee keepeth mv
Daughter (like a common frumpet} in his houfe. And i" it pleafe
vour highneffe to fend thither, you flmll know that I do hot
falfeiv accule or vtter lying woordes before you, mv Lord and
Prynce, in prefence of whom as before the mynifter and Lveuete-
naunte of God, Man oughte not to fpeake but truelv and relige-
ouflv." "Sith it is fo," fayd the Duke, "get thee home to th.v houfe,
where God willing, I will be this dav at ditmer» but take hede
vpon thy life, thou far nothing to any man what fo euer he be: for
the ref let me alone, I will prouide according to reafon." The
good man almof fo glad for his good exploit, as the day before he
was forowful for his loffe, ioyfully went home to his homely houfe
and Countrey Cabane, whych he caufed to be ruade readv fo wei as
hee could, attending the comming of his deliuerer, fuccor, fupport,
and iudge, who when he had heard feruice, commanded his Horfe
to be made ready: " For (fayd he) I heare fay there is a wvlde
Boare haunting hereby, fo well lodged as is poflïble to fee: wee
wyll goe thyther to wake hym from his fleepe and eafe, and vfe
that pafime til out dinner be ready." So departing from Florence,
he rode Kraight vnto the Mil wher his dinner was prepared by hys
Seruauntes. There he dined very foberly, and vfing fewe words
vnto his company, rate ftil al penfiue, mufing vpon that he had to
doe: For on the one ride the grauitie of the facCte moued him
rigoroufly to chafife him which had committed the lame. On
the other ride the loue which he bare him (mollifing his heart)
made him change his minde, and to moderate his fentence. The
Prynce's minde» thus wandering beetwene loue and rigor, one
brought him worde that the Dogs had roufde the greatef Hart that
euer he fawe: which newes pleafed him verv mutch, for by that
meanes he lent away the multitude of his Gentlemen to follow
422
ALEXANDER DE MEDICES
the chafe, rctaining with him his more familiar friends, and thofe
that were of his priuy and fecrete councel, whom he would to be
witneffes of that which he intended to doe, and caufing his hoaf
to corne before him, he fayd : "My friend, thou mufle brynge vs
to the place whereof thvs Mornynge thou toldef me, that I may dif-
charte mv promvfe " The Courtvers wondred at thofe ,Voordes.
ignoraunte whereunto the lame were fpoken : but the good Man
whofe Hearte leapte forioy, as already feelynge fome greate Benefvte
at Hand, and Honoure prepared for the beautyfyinge of hvs Houfe,
feeynge the Duke on Horfebacke, ran befydes hym in feade of hvs
Lackey, ,«yth 'home the Prynce held mutch pleafaunt talke
along the way as thev wente togyther, but thev had hot gone farre,
but the Gentleman the Rauyfler, wvth his Companyons, vnder-
ftandyng that the Duke hunted there aboutes, came to doe hvm
reuerence : and his Fortune was futch, as hee nor anv of his frends
perceiued the olde man, bv meanes whereof thev nothing fus-
pec'-ted what did infue. For that caufe the laid Rauifher faid to his
prince : "lXIv Lord, if fortune had fo mutch fauored me, as I mighte
haue knowen of your commyng into thefe quarters, I would haue
don mv duetie to entertaine )'ou, not as appertayneth to the great-
neffe of vour excellency, but according to the ability of the leafl,
and .,,'et the ntof obedient of vour fcruaunts." To whom the Duke
diflCbling his anger fayd: " Sir, I dined heere hard by within
my tents, hot knowing that your houle was fo neare vs: but fith
that I haue met you vpon your own llarches and Confines, I
wvll hOt goe hence before I fee your Iodging : for fo farre as I can
iudge bv the outwarde parte of this goodly building, me thinkes
the workman hath hOt forgotten any thing that fhould ferue for
the fetting forth and ornament of this parte of the houle, which
for the quantity is one of the fairef plottes that I haue feene."
So approching the Carie|| the Duke lyghted to view the com-
modities of the place, and fpecially the image, for whych alone hee
was departed from his City, whereof the Mayfer of the Houle
(dronke with the fodaine pleafure to fee the Duke there) thought
nothyng. So defcending into the bafe Court, they faw a Marble
fountaine that difcharged the water in foure greate gutters, recei-
ued by foure naked Nimphes, and by them poured into Veffells,
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
423
richelv wrought with Damatkyne, where was an armed Knyght,
lying vnder an hyghe and broade tree, that ouerfhadowed the
Fountaine : _And hard by, they efpied a iyttle doore whvch fhewed
the way into fo fingulare and well planted a Garden, as euer the
delvcious and pleafant Gardens were of Aicinoe : For in the lame
(byfides the Artyfyciall X.Vorkemanfhyppe, and ordinarve Trauell
of the Gardener) Nature produced route Fountaynes in the foure
Corners, makynge the Place and plaine of Garden equally parted
in fourefquare forme. Now thefe fountaynes watered ail the favre
knots of the faine, wythout any payne to the Gardener, except
to open certayne little Condui&s, whereby the water fprange and
tan to what part he thought it needfull. I will heere leaue to
fpeake of the Trees and frui&es deuided in fiue forme order, the
Laberynthes fubtilely and finely wrought, the fxveete Herbers veld-
ing futeh eontentation to the eye, as if the Duke had not refpe6ted
the wrong done to the Miller's daughter, the gentleneffe of the
mayfier of the houfe, and the fingularity of the place, perchaunee
might haue ruade him forget himfelfe within that little earthlv
Paradife. And to performe the exeelleney of that Garden, the
workinge hand and indutry of man, holpen bv the benefite of
Nature, had formed within the Ground wherein were befiowed
a number of Antiquities, and wherein the immorta! voiee of an
Eceho anfwered their taike with a triple founde in that profound
and earthly place: whieh moued the Duke to eall the Gentleman
vnto him, vnto whom he fard: "If it bee fo, that the ref of
the houle doe match wvth that whveh I haue already feene, I ara
out of doubt it is one of the favreft and moft dele6table houfes at
thvs dav wvthin the eompaffe of ail Italy. Vherefore mv Frende,
I pray thee that wee may fee the whole, both for the eontentation
of our Mindes, and alfo that I may make fome vaunt that I
haue feene the rarefi and bef furnithed little Houfe that is within
the iurifdi&ion of Florenee." The Gentleman bathed in eafe and
full of pleafure, feeynge that the Duke lyked fo well his Houfe,
brought hym from chamber to chamber, whieh was enrvched
eyther with fiately tapiffarie of Turkey making, or with riche
Tables diuinelv wrought, vtenfils fo neate and fit, as the Duke
coulde caft his eye vpon none of them, but he was driuen into
44
ALEXANDER DE IiEDICES
an admiration and Vonder. _And the further he went, the
greater hee fa,ve the increafe, and almof a Regeneration, or
as I may fay, a newe Bvrth of rare thinges, which ruade the
littleneffe of the Place more Statelv and. wonderfull: Vhere-
fore hee greatly efteemed hym in hys Mynde whvch had deuv-
fed the Magnificence of futch a Furnvture. _After then that
hee had vifited the Portais, Galleries» Parlers, Chambers, Garrets,
,Vardrobes, CIofets, and chiefeft Romes of that houfe, thev came
into a Gallerie, which had a dire& profpe& vpon the Garden, at the
end wherof there was a chamber fhut, ouer which futch _Antike
and lmboffed worke, as it was maruell to behold, and vpon the
garden ride in like workemanfhip, yee mighte haue viewed a
troupe of Nymphes (a long the ride of a woode adioyning vpon a
great Riuer) flying from an hierd of Satires, that marie as though
they would haue ouerrunne them: a pleafure it was to fee their
gaping mouthes, thevr eyes fixed vpon the place where theyr
clouen-footed purfuters were, and the countenance of them, which
fo well expreffed thevr feare, as there wanted nothing but fpeache.
bIoreouer a better fight it was to beholde the Satire Bucks, with
dyfplayed throte, and theyr fyngers poynting at the haft of thofe
pore fearfull runawayes, as though they mocked theyr fodaine
flyghte. Within a while after ye might haue feene Hercules
lyinge a Bed with his wife, towards whom a Faunus came thinking
to enjoy the beauty and embracements of the fleping dame: But
fayrer it was to fee hov that strong #-mphitrionian gaue him the
mocke, and ftrained him fo hard, as he thought his belly would
burfe. The Duke beholding as he thought, the fayref Chamber
of the houfe fo fhut, by and by fufpecCted the truth of the caufe :
For the Gentleman knowing the comming of the Duke, had with-
draven his woman into the fame for that it was the mort fecrete of
his houfe, and the furdeft from all ordinary feruice. Vpon fur-
mire the Duke demaunded wherefore that Chamber was not
opened fo wel as the reft: "I fuppofe the faine to be your trea-
fure houle ?" (quod hee) "and the forehoufe of your mort delicate
things : Wee pray you let vs looke into it." "My Lord '" (fayd the
Gentleman) "the place is to farre out of order, at this rime to fhew
your grace: Moreouer I knowe not where the Keves be, for thys
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
425
morning the keeper of my houfe is gone into the city, and I tan
hot tell to whom hee hath delvuered them." The Duke which
heard the end of his excufe, hot accepting the lame for the pryce
which the Courtier woulde and thoughte to haue folde it, was fure
then of that which before he did fufpec"t.. ,Vherfore with furious
countenaunce he fard vnto him : «" Goe too, goe too, either with
the key, or without the Key, let this door be opened, that I may
fee all thy fecretes within." The rauither feeing the Duke to be
earnefi, could not teil at the firfi Face, of what Voode to make his
arrowes, fode fiil afionued, and was furpryfed wvth a newe feare.
In the end notwytht2andyng, playinge the good fellowe, hee went
vnto the Duke, in whofe eare finilinge hee whifpered (bicaufe he
knew right well that the Duke was an indiffcrent good companion,
and loued fo well his neighbor's ,Vyfe, as his owne:) and fayd :
"My Lord there is a prcty wench withiu, whome I do kepe, and
would not fhewe hir to any |yuing man but to you." "That is
the caufe I afke" (fayd the duke) "let vs fee hir that I may geue
iudgement of hir beauty» and teli vou whither fhee bee worth the
keeping or hot." The mavter of the houfe opened the chamber
dore, thinking to haue gaincd mutch, and fippofed to infinuate
himfelfe the better into the fauor of theDuke, but immediatlye hee
faw himfeife farre deceiued of his accompt. For the rauithed and
fhamefaft maiden comming forth of the Chamber .ith hir havre
about hir eyes, and hir garments berent and torne, hir tomake and
breat ail naked and difcouered, hir Face and Eves ail blubbered
wyth Teares, lyke a defperate woman threw hir fclfe at the Priuce's
feete, crying out: "Ah (my lord) beholde heere and haue pity
vpon the mort vnfortunate Wenche of ail mot wretched caytyfe
Women, who fhamefullv and Trayteroufly hath bene abufed and
defloured bv him, whvch impudently dareth to bryng you into the
place the wytueffe of hys abhominable and wycked Lvfe." The
Duke feeing this fight, and hauing compaffion vpon the Maiden,
turned his face towardes the Gentleman and hys Companyons
(which by chance wer corne thither, as the Duke was eutred into
the Gallerie) not with milde and pleafant counteuance as hee fhewed
from the beginning, but with a looke fo graue and feuere, as
the hardiet of the company could not teil what to do, orwhat an-
VOL, II. 2 E
46
ALEXANDER DE MEDICES
fwere to make hvm. Vpon them than begar the ryghteous Prvrce
to vomit his dyfpleafure, fayinge: "Is this the innobling of the
Bloud whereof thou art defcended, to rauy/he thv Neyghbors
and my lubie&es Daughters, that duetyfully lyue vnder myne
obeyfanee and prote&ion ? Doefi thou thus abufe the familiaritie
whych hvtherto I haue-/hewed vnto thee ? Thinkefi thou that the
Lawes be peruerted together with the chaunge of the commor
Yealth of Florence? No, I affure thee, for fo long as the Soule
flJal abvde withir mv body, I will be he that /ha| purfe the
wycked wvth ail extremitie, and /hall not indure the oppreffyon
oF the pote, enogh affli&ed with their own proper mifery. O
God could I haL1e thought that a Gent|eman of my Houle, woulde
haue bene fo prodigall of his honour, as to foyle hys Hands fo fil-
thily bv raui/hing of them which ought to be required, and to dis-
honour them in place where their Verrue ought to/hine for gene-
rail example? I eannot tell what faveth me from cutting thofe
eurflC Heades of yours from of your/houlders like arrant Traytors
and Theues as )'ou be. Get ye hence, ye infamous villaynes and
beaftly Ruffians, the troublers of your Neyghbors reft, and the
fpoylers of the lame of hir, that is more worth than ail ye together."
Then fpeaking to the Mavde hee fayd : « Rire vp my wench, and
on me repofe thv comfort, for I promife the by the faith ofa Gen-
tleman, that I will do thee futch reafon, and vfe thee fo vpryght-
Ire as bothe mv Confeience/hal be quieted, thou conte,,ted, and
thine honour reftored for the wrong and iniury whych it bath re-
ceiued of thefe Gallantes." And by and by he eommaunded the
Miller to corne before him, and ail thofe whom he had brought
wyth hym to affift his doings, belote whom he caufed to be
brought both the raui/hed maiden, and the condempned of the
rape: vnto whom he laid: "This is the pray my friends that I
fought after, which I haue taken without toyles, nets, or chaunt-
ing of the Dogs. Beholde, I pray you the Honoure whych my
Houfeholde Seruauntes doe vnto my Houle, who ouerrunne the
Symple Countrey People, and rauy/he thevr. Daughters betweene
the Armes of thevr propre parentes, who breake, beate downe,
and ouerthrowe the Doores of theyr Houles, that under the Lawes
of out City and ought to enioy lyke Pryuile«lge of Lybertye and
DUKE OF FLORENCE.
427
Frartchyze. If orte refpe&e (whych I wyll rtot dyfclofe) dyd hOt
impeache and ftay mee, I would doe futch cruell iuftice vpport the
offenders as the potterity fhould make report thereof. Notwith-
ftartdirtg it fhal fuffife that they receiue this fharne before you ail,
by feeing themfelues vanquifhed of a crime, which for expiation
and reuenge, deferueth mort fhamefull death, and to recevue of
mee for proofe of mercy, art vndeferued pardort of their fault : with
condition neuertheleffe that thou (fpeaking to the Gentleman Ra-
uifher) fhalt take this maydert to ,Vyfe, for otherwvfe thou art
hot able to repayre the honour thou haft taken from hir) and fhalt
loue hir fo dearely, as fondly heeretofore fhe was beloued of thee,
to efteeme and loue hir fo mutch, as if fhe were the very fifter of
me the Duke of Florence, who commaundeth thee for the raunfome
and redenlption of thy head, prefently to mary hir. I will more-
ouer, and ordayne by reafon of hir father's pouerty, that for the
wrong which he bath receyued of you three, that his daughter
fhall bee indowed wyth two thoufand Crownes by him that mar-
rieth hir, and with a thoufand ofeyther of the two other, to th' en-
tent that if hir hufband dy (wythout heire,) fhee haue wherewith
honeftly to mayntayne hir degree, and the honett port of hir houle.
And hereof I will that without delay a contra& be made, and a
publike inftrument of good record inrolled, fwearirtg once agayne
before thee, that if I vnderftand, thou vfe her otherwife, than a
Vyfe ought to bee of hir hufband, I will deale futch punifhment
and correiort ouer thee, as ail men irt time to corne fhal take
example." The Gentleman which expeed no better meede than
death, ioyfull of that fentence, fell downe proftrate before the
Duke in figne of confente, artd the lyke did his Companions.
But the ioy of the 1Miller and his daughter cannot be expreffed,
who extolled the vertue and iuftice of their Prynce vp into the
heauens: to whom with futch humility they rendred theyr hum-
ble thanks, as he would doe that faw himfelfe in fo great calamity,
and brought to futch difhonour as earft thev were feene to be,
by meanes of him that acknowledged one of them for his fonne,
and the other for hir lawfull Spoufe. Thus was the mariage con-
fummat in prefence of the Duke» with fo great ioye» and contertt
of ail pattes» as there was rage and trouble for the Rape of the
428
ALEXANDER DE MEDICES.
Brvde. The Duke beinge retourned to Florence, the Brute
of this a& incontinently was difparkled almoft throughout the
Region of Italy, and this iudgement no leffe prayfed, than the
fentence which Kynge Solomon gaue vppon the Controuerfie of
the two Harlots for the liuing childe, which eyther of them claimed
for hir owne. _And for this caufe was hee extolled aboue any
other Prynce or Lorde that in tymes paffed did commaund or rule
the Common wealth wythin the Countrey of Thufcan. In thys
wyfe that modefy ruade him worthy of the Principality, which al-
mofi againfi ail ryght he had vfurped, and of a prayfe whvch thall
no leffe contintte, than the Memory of man is able to extende the
lame from one generation to an other, and vhich thofe that be
Couetous of the prayfe of a Prince fo vertuous, iufi and modelé, thal
not ceafe to illufrate and glorioufly aduaunce him in open euv-
dente, to the ende that hys like may exercife like things, or of
greater confequence, by not fufferinge venemous and vnprofitable
hearbs to grow within the Garden of their Common wealth.
\Vythin the which, a little mildew or vntimelv rayne, is able to
marre and corrupt all the good Seedes and Plantes foven, and
grifted there before: For commonly wicked XVeedes and Bafard
Impes take deeper roote than thofe that beare a good and
fauorous fruic'-t, for conferuation whereof, the diligent
hufbandman imployeth his labour through-
out ail the Seafons of
the veare.
END OF VOL. II.
