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 onc 
