CENTRE
for
REFORMATION
and
RENAISSANCE
STUDIES
VICTORIA
UNIVERSITY
T 0 R 0 N T 0
PALACE
THE
OF PLEASURE
VOL. III.
TH E
ELIZABETHAzV VERSIOzVS OF ITA£1AzV AzVD FRENCH NOVE£S
FRO BOCCACCIO, BANDE££O, CINTHIO, STRAPARO£A,
QUEEN ARGARET OF NAVARRE,
AND OTHERS
DONE INTO ENGLISII
I:V WILLIAM PAINTER
A'OIP" AGAI.V EDITED FOR TArE FOUzPTtt TIAIE
nV JOSEPH JACOBS
VOL. III.
LONDON: PUBLISHED BY DA VID NUTT IN THE STRAND
M DCCC XC
1. & R
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
VOLUME 111.
TOME II.--Continued.
TITLE PAGE (EDITION
NOVEL
XXlll. DUCHESS OF MALFY
XXIV. COUNTESS OF CELANT
XXV. ROMEO AND JULIET.
XXVI. LADIES OF VENICE .
XXVII. LORD OF VIRLE
XXVIII. LADY OF BOHEMIA .
XXIX. DIEGO AND GINEVRA
XXX. SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA
XXXI. HELENA OF FLORENCE
XXXII. CAMIOLA AND ROLAND
XXXIII. LORDS OF NOCERA .
XXXIV. SULTAN SOLYMAN
XXXV. KING OF MOROCCO .
CONCLUSION
PAGE
I
3
44
8o
288
329
354
363
395
416
431
The fecond Tome
of the Palace of Pleafure,
ttmtaning f[ort [ goolt
Tragieal matters, and other Mo-
an proftc.
dalle Authors :
and now once agayn corre&ed and
encreafed
By William Painter, Clerke of the
I Ordinance and Armarie.
Imprinted at London, in
Fleat ftrete, By Thomas
THE TVENTY-THIRD NOUELL.
The infortunate mariage of a Gentleman, called Antonio Bologna,
u,yth the Ducheffe of 3IalJï, and the pitifull death of them both.
THV. great Honor and authority men haue in thys ,Vorld, and the
greater their effimation is, the more fenfible and notorious are the
faultes by theim eommitted, and the greater is their flaunder. In
]yke manner more diffieult it is for that man to tolerate and fus-
tavne Fortune, which al the dayes of his life hath lyued at his eafe,
if by ehaunee he fall into any great neeeffity than for hym whych
neuer felt but woe, mifhap, and aduerfity. Dyonifius the Tyraunt
of Seieilia, felt greater payne when hee was expelled his Kyng-
dome, than Iilo did, beinge banifhed from Rome: for fo
muteh as the one was a Soueraygne Lorde, the forme of a
Kynge, a Iutieiary on Earth, and the other but a fimple Citizen
ofa Citty, wherein the People had Lawes, and the Lawes of Magis-
trates were had in reuerence. So lykewyfe the fall of a higl
and lofty Tree, maketh greater noyfe, than that whych is low
and little. Hygh Towers, and ffately Palaces of Prynces bee
feene further of, than the poore Cabans, and homely Sheepe-
heardes Sheepecotes: the Valles of loftv Cittyes more a loofe
doe Salute the Viewers of the faine, than the fimple Caues»
whlch the Poore doe digge belowe theMountayneRockes. Vhere-
fore it behooueth the loble and futch as haue charge of Common
wealth, to lyue an honef Lyfe, and beare their port vpright, that
none haue caufe to difcourfe vppon their wicked deedes and
naughty life. And aboue all modefy ought to be kept by X, Vomen»
4
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
whom as their race, Noble birth, auc'-thority and name, maketh
them more famous, euen fo their verrue, honefiy, ehafiity, and
eontineneie more prayfe worthy. And behoueful it is, that like
as they wifhe to be honoured aboue ail other, fo their lire do
make them worthy of that honour, without diraeing their naine
bv deed or worde, or blemifhing that brightneffe whieh may eom-
mend the fame. I greatly feare that all the Prineely fac'-tes, the
exploytes and conquefts done by the Babylonian O.ueene Semv-
ramis, neuer was reeommended wyth futch prayfe, as hir vice
had fhame in records by thofe which left remembranee of auneient
ac'-ts. Thus I fay, beeaufe a woman being as it were the Image
of fweetneffe, eurtefie and fhamefaftneffe, fo foone as fhe
Iieppeth out of the right tra&, and abandoneth the f, veete fmel
of hir duety and modefty, befides the denigration of hir honour,
thrurieth her felfe into infinite Troubles, eaufeth ruine of futch
vhych fhould bee honoured and prayfed, if X.Vomens Allure-
mentes folicited theym not to Follv. I wyll not heere Indeuour
my felfe to feeke for examples of Samfon, Salomon or other,
which fuffred themfelues fondlv to be abufed by XVomen: and
who by meane of them be tumbled into great faults, and haue in-
curred greater perils: contentinge my felfe to recyte a ryght
pitifull Hiltory donc almoft in out tyme, when the French vnder
leadinge of that notable Capitayne Garion de Foix, vanquifhed
the force of Spayne and Naples at the Iournev of Rauenna in the
rime of the French Kynge called Lewes the twelfth, who married
the Lady lXIary, Daughter to Kynge Henry the feuenth, and Sifter
to the Vi-orious Prvnce of worthv memory kynge Henry the
eyght, XVyfe (after the death of the fayd Lewes) to the puiffaunt
Gentleman Charles, late Duke of Suffolke. In the very tyme then
lvued a Gentleman of Naples called Antonio Bologna, who hauing
bin marier of Houfehold to Fredericke of Aràgon, fomtime king of
1NTaples, after the French had expeiled thofe of Aragon out of that
Citty, the fayde Bologna retyred into Fraunce, and thereby re-
couered the goods, which hec poffeffed in his countrey. The Gen-
tleman befides that he was valiant of his perfone, a good man of
XVarre, and wel efteemed amongs the beri, had a pafling numbre
of good graces, which ruade him to be loued and cherifhed of euery
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
wight : and for riding and managing of greate horfe, he had not
his fellow in Italy: he could alfo play exeeedynge well and trim
vpon the Lute, whofe fayning voyee fo wel agreed therevnto, that
the mofte melancholike perlons would forget their heauineffe,
vpon hearing of his heauenly noyfe: and befides these qualyties,
he was of perfonage eomely, and of good proportion. To be fhort :
nature hauing trauayled and difpoyled hir Treafure Houfe for in-
riching of him» he had by Arte gotten that, xvhich ruade him mot2
happy and worthy of prayfe, which was, the knowledge of good
letters» wherein he was fo well trayned, as by talke and dif-
pute thereof he ruade thofe to blufh that were of that ftate and
profeflion. Antonio Bologna hauing left Fredericke of Aragon
in Fraunce, who expulfed out of Naples was retired to king Lewes,
went home to his houle to lyue at reft and to auoyd trouble, for-
getting the delicates of Courtes and houles of great men, to bec
the only hufoand of his owne reueneue. But what ? it is impos-
fible to efehue that whieh the heauens haue determined vpon vs:
or to fhunne the vnhappe which feemeth to follow vs, as it were
naturally proceeding from our mother's \Vombe : in futch wyfe as
many times, he which feemeth the wifefi man, guided by miffor-
tune, hafteth himfelf with ftouping head to fall headlonge into hys
death and ruine. Euen fo it chaunced to this Neapolitane Gentle-
man : for in the very faine place where he attained his aduaunce-
ment, he reeeiued alfo his diminution and decay, and by that
houle which preferred hym to what he had, he was depryued,
both of his eate and life: the difeourfe whereof you fhall vn-
derftande. I haue tolde you already, that this Gentleman ,vas
Mayfter of the kinge of Naples houfehold, and beyng a gentle
perron, a good Courtier, wel trained vp, and wyfe for gouernment
of himfelf in the Courte and in the feruice of Princes, the
Ducheflè of Malfi thought to intreate him that he would ferue
hir, in that office which he ferued the King. This Dueheffe was
of the houle of Aragon, and tirer to the Cardinall of Aragon,
which then was a ryeh and puiffant perfonage. Being refolued,
and perfuaded, that Bologna was deuoutly affec"ted to the houle
of Aragon, as one brought vp there from a Chylde : fhee lent for
him home to his Houfe and vpon hys repaire vfed vnto him thefe,
6
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
or like ,Voordes: « Maytter Bologna, fith your iii fortune, nay
rather the vnhap of our whole Houfe is futeh, as your good Lord
and Maytter hath forgon his tate and dignity, and that you ther-
withall haue loff a good Maitter, without other reeompenee but
the prayfe whieh euery man giueth you for your good feruiee, I
haue thought good to intreat you to doe me the honor, as to take
charge of the gouernment of my Houfe, and to vfe the fame, as
you did that of the King your maitter. I know well that the
office is to vnworthy for your calling; notwithttanding you be
hOt ignorant what I am, and how neare to him in bloud, to whom
you haue bene a Seruaunte fo faythfull and Louing ; and albeit
that I am no Queene, endued with greateff reuenue, yet with that
little portyon I haue, I beare a Pryneely heart: and futeh as you
by experienee do knowe what I haue done, and dayly do to thofe
which depart my feruiee, reeompenfing them aeeording to theyr
paine and trauaile : magnificence is obferued as well in the Courts
of poore Princes, as in the ttatelv Palaees of great Kings and
monarehes. I do remembre that I haue read of a certain noble
gentleman, a Perfian borne, ealled Ariobarzanes, who vfed great
examples of eurtefie and floutneffe towards King Artaxerxes,
wherewith the king wondred at his magnificence, and eonfeffed
himfelf to be vanquifhed: you fhal take aduife of this requett,
and in the meane time do think you will not refufe the faine,
afwell for that my denaund is iufi, as alfo being affured, that
our Houfe and race is fo well imprinted in your heart, as it is im-
poflible that the memory thereof ean be defaeed." The gentle-
man hearynge that curteous demaund of the Ducheffe, knowing
himfelfe how deepely bound he was to the name of Aragon, and
led by fome vnknowen prouoeation to his great il luek, anfwered
hir in this wife: " I would to God, Madame, that with fo good
reafon and equity I were able to make denyall of your eommaund-
ment, as iuttly you maye require the fame: wherfore for the
bounden duety which I owe to the naine and memorie of the
houfe of Aragon, I make promife that I /hall not only futtaine
the trauell, but alfo the daunger of my Lyre, dayly to be offred for
your feruiee : but I feele in mynde I know hOt what, whieh eom-
maundeth me to withdraw my felfe to lyue alone at home within
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
my lyttle houle, and to be content with that I haue, forgoing I
the fumptuous charge of Prynces houles, which Lyfe would he wel
I
liked of my felf, were it not for the feare that you Madame fhould
be difcontented with my refufall, and that you fhould conceiue,
that I difdained yqur offred charge, or contempne your Court for
refpe& of the great Office I bare in the Courte of the Kyng, my
Lord and Mayfter: for I cannot receiue more honour, than to ferue
hir, which is the paragon of that ftock and royal race. Therfore
at ail aduentures I am refolued to obey your will, and humhly to
fatiffy the duety of the charge wherein it pleafeth you to imploy
me, more to pleafure you for auoiding of difpleafure, then for
defire I haue to lyue an honorable lyfe in the greateft Princes
houfe of the world, fith I am difcharged from him in whofe name
refteth my comfort and only ftay, thinking to haue liued a folitarye
life, and to paffe my yeres in reft, except it were in the pore
abilitye of my feruice to that houle, wherunto I am hound con-
tinually to be a faithfull feruaunt. Thus Madame, you fee me
to he the readieft man of the world, to fulfil the requeft, and
accomplifhe futch other feruice wherein it fhall pleafe you to
imploy me." The Ducheffe thanked him very heartily, and gaue
him charge of ail hir houfholde traine, commaunding ech perfon
to do him futch reuerence as to hir felf, and to ohey him as
the chief of al hir family. I This Lady was a widow, but a paffing
faire Gentlewoman, fine and very yong, hauing a yong forme
vnder hir guard and keping, left by the deceafed Duke hir hufband,
togither with the Duchy, the inheritaunce of hir child. Now con-
rider hir perfonage being futch, her eafy life and delycate bring-
ing vp, and hir daily view of the youthly trade and manner of
Courtiers lyfe, whether fhe felt hir felf pryckt wyth any defire,
which burned hir heart the more inceffantly, as the flames were
hidden and couert: from the outward fhew whereof fhee fayed hir
felf fo well as fhee coulde. But fhee followinge beige aduice, rather
efteemed the proofe of Maryage, than to burne wyth fo lyttle
tire, or to incurre the exchange of louers, as many vnfhamefaRe
frumpets do, which be rather giuen ouer, than fatiffied with plea-
fure of loue. And to fay the truthe, they be not guided by wife-
dom's lofe, which fuffer a maiden ripe for mariage to be long
8
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
vnwedded, or yong -ife long to liue in widowe's ftate, what afftr-
anee fo euer thev make of their charte and ftaved lyfe. For bookes
be to full of futeh enterpryfes, and houfes ftored with examples of
futeh ftolne and feerete pra&ifes, as there neede no further proofe
for affuranee of out eaufe, the daily experienee maketh plaine and
Inanifeft. And a great folly itis to build the fautafies of ehaftitye
amid the follies of worldlv pleafures. I .ill hot goe about to
Inake thofe Inatters iinpoffible, ne yet will iudge at large, but that
there be fom Inaydens and XVyues, whieh wifelye ean eonteine
themfelues amongs the troupe of amorous futers. But what ? the
experienee is very hard, and the proofe no leffe daungerous, and
perehaunee in a Inoment the Inind of fome peruerted, whieh ail
their lyuyinge dayes haue elofed theyr Eares from the Sute of thofe
that haue Inade offer of louyng feruiee. And hereof we neede hot
run to forrayne Hyftories, ne vet to feeke records that be auneient,
fith wee Inay fee the daily effe&s of the lyke,' pra&ifed in Noble
houles, and Courtes of Kyngs and Prynees. That this is truc,
example of this fayre Ducheffe, who was Inoued wyth that defvre
which prickethothers that be of Flefh and Bone. Thys Lady waxed
very weary of lying alone, and gryeued hir Hearte to be wythoute
a match, fpeeially in the Nyght, when the feerete filenee and darke-
neffe of the faine prefented beefore the eyes of hir Inind, the
Image ofthe pleafure whieh fhe felt in the lyfe tyme of hir deeeafed
Lord and Hufoand, whereof now feelyng hir felfe defpoyled, fhe
felt a eontynuall Combat, and durft not attempte that which fhe
defyred Inof, but efehued the thyng wherof hir Mind lvked beft.
"Alas (fayd flaee) is it poffyble after the tare of the Value of
honeft obedvenee whych the Wyfe oweth vnto hir Hufband, that I
fhould defyre to fuffer the Heat whych burneth and altereth the
Inartyred Inynds of thofe that fubdue themfehes to loue? Can
futeh atteinpt pieree the heart of me to beeome amorous by for-
getting and fraying from the limmetts of honeR life? But what
defire is this? I haue a certayne vnacquaynted luR, and yet very
well know hOt what it is that moueth Inc, and to whoin I fhall vow
the fpoyle thereof. I am truely Inore fond and foolyfhe than euer
lqarciffus was, for there is neyther fhadoxv nor voyce, vpon which
I can well ftay Iny fight, nor yet fimple Imagination of any worldly
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
9
man, whereuppon I can arref the conceypt of my vnftayed heart,
and the defires which prouoke my mynde. Pygmalion loued once a
Marble Piller, and I haue but one defire, the colour whereof is
more pale than death. There is nothyng which can geue the faine
fo mutch as one fpot of vermilion rud. If I doe difcouer thefe
appetites to any wight, perhaps they will mock me for my labor,
and for all the beauty and Noble byrth that is in me, they will make
no confcience to deeme me for their iefting Rock, and to folace
themfelues with reherfall of my fond conceits. But fith there is
no enemy in the field, and that but fimple fufpicion doth affayle
me, why breake I hOt the faine, and deface the entier remem-
braunce of the lightneffe of my bravne? It appertayneth vnto
mee to fhewe my felfe, as iffued from the Noble houfe of Aragon :
to me it doeth belonge to take heede how I erre or degenerate from
the royall bloud whereof I came." In this fort that fayre Wvdow
and young Princeffe fantafied in the night vppon the difcourfe of
hir appetites. But when the day was corne, feeing the great
multitude of the N eapolitan Lords and Gentlemen that marched vp
and downe the Citty, eyinge and beholdinge their beft beloued, or
vfing talke of loue with them whofe feruaunts they were, ail that
which fhe thought vpon in the night, vanifhed fo fone as the flame
of burned Straw» or the Pouder of Cannon fhot, and purpofed for
any refpe& to liue no longer in that fort, but promifed the conqueft
of fome frend that was lufiy and difcreete. But the difficulty
refied in that fhe knew hOt vpon whom to fixe hir loue, fearing
to bee flaundered, and alfo that the light difpofition and maner of
moft part of youth were to be fufpe&ed, in futch wife as giuing
ouer al them which vauted vpon their Gennets, Turkey Palfreis, and
other Courfers alonge the Citty of Naples, flaee purpofed to take
repart of other Venifon, than of that fond and wanton troupe. So
hir mifhap began already to fpin the threede which choked the I
Ayre and Breath of hir vnhappy life.liYee haue heard before that
Mayfter Bologna was one of the wifett and mofi perfe& Gentlemen
that the land of Naples that tyme brought forth, and for his Beauty,
Proportion, Galantneffe, Valiaunce, and good grace, without com-
parifon. His fauour was fo fweete and pleafant, as they which
kept him company, had fomwhat to do to abftayne their affe&ion.
Io
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
Vho then could blame thys fayre Princeffe, if (preffed wyth defire
of match, to remoue the tieklifh infiigations ofher wanton flefh, and
hauing in hir prefenee a man fo wife) fhee did let hir minde on
hym, or fantafy to mary him ? ,Vould not that party for ealming
of his thirt and hunger, being let at a table before fundry forts of
delieate viands, eafe his hunger? Me thinke the perron doth greatly
forger himfeife, whieh hauing handfat vpon oeeafion, fuffreth the
faine to vanifh and fly away, fith it is wel known that fhe being
bald behinde, hath no place to feafe vpon when defire moueth vs
to lay hoid vpon hir. Vhieh was the eaufe that the Dueheffe
beeame extremely in loue with the mayter of hir houle. In futeh
wyfe as ,before al men, fhe fpared not to prayfe the great perfee-
tions of him whom fhe defired to be altogether hirs. And fo fhe
was inamored, that it was as poflîble to fee the night to be roide
of darkneffe, as the Dueheffe without the prefenee of hir Bologna,
or els bv talke of words to fer forth his prayfe, the eontinuall
remembranee of who (for that fl, ee loued him as hirfelfe) was hir
onely minde's repafi. The Gentleman that was full wyfe, and had
at other rimes felt the great force of the paffion whieh proeeedeth
from extreeme loue, immediatly did mark the eountenaunee of
the Dueheffe, and pereeyued the lame fo neere, as vnfaynedly hee
knew that very ardently the Lady was in loue with him : and albeit
he fawe the inequality and differenee betweene them both, fhe
being forted out of the royall bloud, and himfelf of meaner ealling,
)'et knowing loue to haue no refpe& to Rate or dignity, determined
to foiow his fortune, and to ferue hir whieh fo louingly fhewed hir
felfe to him. Then fodaynely reprouing his fonde coneeit, he fayd
vnto himfeif: "Vhat foily is that I enterprife, to the preiudiee
and peril of mine honor and lire ? Ought the wifedome of a Gentle-
man to trav and wandre through the affaults of an appetite rifing
of fenfuality, and that reafon gieue place to that whieh doeth
participate with brute beats depriued of all reafon by fubduinge
the minde to the affe&ions of the body ? i No, no, a vertuous man
ought to let fhine in him felfe the force of the generofity of his
minde. This is not to liue aeeording to the fpirite, when pleafure
fhall make vs forger our duty and fauegard of our Confcience.
The reputation of a wife Gentleman reteth not only to be valiant,
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
I!
and fkilfull in feates of armes, or in feruice of the Noble: but
needefull it is for him by difcreation to make himfelfe prayfe
worthy, and by vanquifhinge of himfelfe to open the gare to faine,
whereby he may euerlaftingly make himfelfe glorious to all pos-
terity. Loue pricketh and prouoketh the fpirite to do well, I do
confeffe, but that affe&ion ought to be addreffed to fome vertuous
end, tending to mariage, 'or otherwife that vnfpotted Image fhall
be foyled wyth the villany of Beaftly pleafure. Alas," fayd he,
"' how eatie it is to difpute, when the thyng is abfent, xvhich can
both force and violently affayle the Bulwarks of mort confcant
hearts. I full well doe fee the troth, and doe feele the thing that
is good, and knowe what behoueth mee to followî but when I
view the perdes beautyof my Lady, hir graces, wifedome, behauiour
and curtefie, when I fee hir to caft fo louinge an eye vpon me,
that fhe vfeth fo great familiarity, that fhe forgetteth the great-
neffe of hir houfe to abafe hirfelfe for my refpe& : how is it pos-
fible that I fhould be fo foolifh to difpife a duety fo rare and
precious, and to fet light by that which the Nobleft would purfue
wyth all reuerence and deuoyre . Shall I be fo voyde of wifdome
to fuffer the yonge Princeffe to fee hirfelfe contempned of mee,
thereby to conuert hir loue to teares, by fetting hir mynde upon an
other, that fhall feek mine ouerthrow ? Vho knoweth hOt the
fury of a woman: fpecially the Noble dame, by feeing hirfelfe
defpifed ? No, no, fhe loueth me, and I will be hir feruaunt, and
vfe the fortune proffred. Shal I be the firfc fimple Gentleman
that hath married or loued a Princeffe ? Is it hot more honourable
for mee to fettle my mind vpon a place fo high, than vppon fome
fimple wench by whom I fhall neyther attayne profit, or aduance-
nent? Baldouine of Flaunders, did not he a Noble enterprife when
he carried away Iudith the daughter of the French kynge, as fhe
was paffing vpon the Seas into England, to be married to the kynge
ofthat Countrey? I am neitherPirat norAduenturer, for the Lady
loueth me. ,Vhat wrong doe I then to any perron by rendringe '
loue agayne ? Is hOt fhe at liberty ? To whom ought fhee to make
accoumpt of hir deedes and doinges» but to God alone and to hir
owne Confcience ? I wyll loue hir» and cary lyke affe&ion for the
loue which I know and fee that fhe beareth vnto me» beinge
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
affured that the fame is dire&ed to good ende, and that a Voman
fo wyfe as fhe is, will not hazard the bleamifh of hir honor." Thus
Bologna framed the plot for intertaynment of the Ducheffe (albeit
hir loue already was fully bent vpon him) and fortitied hvm felfe
agaynf ail perillous myfhap and chaunce that might fucceede,
as ordinarily you fee that Louers concevue ail things for their
aduauntage, and fantafie dreames agreeable to their mou defire,
refemblinge the Mad and Bedlem perfons which haue before their
eyes, the tigured Fanfies whych caufe the conceipt of their fury,
and fav themfelues vp, on the vifion of that which mou troubleth
their offended Brayne. On the other ride, the Ducheffe was in no
leffe care of hir Louer, the will of whom was hid and fecret, whych
more did vexe and torment hir, than the tire of loue that burned
hir feruently. She could not tell what way to hold, to do him
vderfand hir heart and affe&ion. She feared to difcouer the fame
vnto hym, doubtinge eyther that fome fond and rigorous aunfwere,
or the reueylinge of hir mynde to hym, whofe prefence pleafed
hir more than ail of the men of the ,Vorld. "Alas," fayd fhee,
"ara I happed into fo fraunge mifery, that with mine owne mouth
I muf make requef to him, which with all humilitv ought to
off.er mee hys fervice ? Shall a Lady of futch bloud as I ara, be con-
frayned to fue, where ail other be required by importunate
infance of their Suters ? Ah loue, loue, what fo euer he was that
clothed thee wyth futch puiffaunce, I dare fay he was the cruell
ennimy of man's freedom. It is impoflïble that thou hadff thy
being in heauen, fith the clemency and curteous influence of the
fame, inuefeth man with better benetits, than to fuffer hir nourfe
children to be intreated with futch rigor. He lieth which fayth
that Venus is thy mother, for the fwetenes and good grace that
refeth in that pitifull Goddeffe, who taketh no pleafure to fee
louers perced with fo egre trauayles as that which afflið my
heart. It was fome tierce cogitation of Saturne, that brought
thee forth, and fent thee into the worlde to breake the eafe of
them which liue at ref without any paflïon or griefe. Pardon me
Loue, if I blafpheme thy maiefy, for the ftreffe and endleffe grief
wherein I am plunged, maketh me thus to roue at large, and the
doubts, which I conceyue, do take away the health and foundneffe
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
13
of my mynde, the little experience in thy fchole caufeth this
amaze in me, to be folicited with defire that counterfayeth the
duty, honor, and reputation of my tiare : the party whom I loue,
is a Gentleman, vertuous, valiant, rage, and of good grace. In
this there is no caufe to blame Loue of blindneffe, for all the
inequality of our houles, apparant vpon the firf{ fight and flaew of
the faine. But from whence Iffue Monarchs, Prynces and great
Lords» but from the naturall and common Matie of Earth, whereof
other men do come? what maketh thefe differences betwene thofe
that loue ech other, if not the fottifla opinion which we conceiue
of greatneffe, and preheminence: as though naturall affecCtions
bee like to that ordayned by the fantafie of men in their lawes
extreme. And what greater right haue Princes to ioyne wyth a
fimple Gentlewoman, than the Princeffe to inary a Gentleman, and
futch as Anthonio Bologna is, in whom Heauen and Nature haue
forgotten nothinge to make him equall with them which march
amongs the greatef{. I thinke we be the dayly flaues of the fond
and cruell fantafie of thofe Tyraunts, xvhich fay they haue puiffance
ouer vs: and that firalninge our will to their tiranny, we be f{ill
bouud to the chaine like the Galley flaue. No, no, Bologna flaall
be my Hufband, for of a freend I purpofe to make mv Iovall and
lawful Hufband, meaning therby not to offend God and men
together, and pretend to liue without offence of confcience, wherby
my foule flaal not be hindred for any thyng I d% by marying him
whom I fo ftraungely loue. I ara fure not to be deceyued in
loue. He loueth me fo muteh or more as I do him, but he dareth
hot difelofe the faine, fearing to be refufed and eaf of with
flaame. Thus 2 vnited wils, and 2 hearts tied togethers with
equal knot cannot ehofe but bryng forth fruites worthy of futeh
foeiety. Let men fay what they lift, I will doe none otherwyfe I
than mv heade and mynd haue already framed. Semblably I
neede not make aeeompt to any perfone for my fa&, my body, and
reputation beynge in full liberty and freedome. The bond of
mariage ruade, flaall couer the faulte whych men woulde fynde,
and leauyng myne errate, I flaall do no wrong but to the greatneffe
of my houle, which maketh me amongs men right honorable. But
thefe honors be nothyng worth, where the Mynd is voyd of conten-
I4
TIIE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
tation, and wher the hearte pryckte forwarde by defire leaueth the
Bodye and Mynde refileffe wvthout quiet." Thus the Ducheffe
founded hir enterpryfe, determining to mary hir houfhold Mayfier,
feeking for occafion and rime, meete for difclofing of the fame,
and albeit that a certaine naturall fhamefafineffe, which of cufiome
accompanieth Ladies, did elofe hir mouth, and made hir to deferre
(for a certain rime) the effe& of hir refolued minde: yet in
the ende vanquifhed with loue and impacience, fhe was foreed to
breake of filence, and to affure hir felf in him, reie&ing feare
conceiued of fhame, to make hir waye to pleafure, which fhe
lufted more than mariage, the fame feruyng hir, but for a MaIke
and couerture to hide hir follies and fhameleffe lufts, for whieh fhe
did the penaunce that hir.folly deferued. For no colorable dede
or deceytful trompery can ferue the excufe of any notable wycked-
neffe. She then throughly perfuaded in her intent» dreamyng
and thinking of nought elfe, but vpon the imbracement of hir
Bologna, ended and determined hir eonceits and pretended follies:
and vpon a time fent for him vp into hir chamber, as commonly
fhe did for the affaires and matters of hir houfe, and taking him a
ride vnto a window, hauing profpe& into a garden, fhe knew hOt
how to begin hir talk : (for the heart being feafed, the mind trou-
bled, and the witts out of courfe, the tongue fayled to do his of-
fice») in futch wife, as of long time fhe was vnable to fpeake one
onely woord. He furprifed with like affe&ion, was more afionied
by feeing the alteration of his Ladie. So the two Louers ftoode
fiill like Images beholding one another, without any mouing
at all, vntill the Lady the hardiefi of them bothe, as feelinge the
mofi vehement and greatefi gryef, tooke Bologna by the hand,
and diffembling what fl,e thought, vfed this or futch language:
"If any other befides your felfe (Gentleman) fhould vnderfiand the
fecret which now I purpofe to dyfclofe, I doubt what fpeeach
were neceffary to colour, what I fhall fpeake: but being affured
of your difcretion and wifdom, and with what perfe&ion nature
hath indued you, and _Arte, hauing accomplifhed that in you, which
nature did begin to worke, as one bred and brought vp in the
royal court of the feconde _Alphonfe, of Ferdinando, and Frederick
of _Aragon my coufins» I wil make no doubt at all to manifeft to
THE DUCHESSE OF IIALFI.
you the hidden fecretes of my heart, being well perfuaded that
whert you fhall both heare atxd fauor my reafom, and taft the light
which I bring forth for me, eafily you may iudge that mine aduice
cannot be other than iuft and reafonable. But if your conceits
fhall ftraye from that whych I determine, I fhal be forced to
thinke and faye that they which efteeme you wife and fage, and
to be a man of good and ready wytte, be marueloufly deceiued.
Notwithftanding my heart foretelleth that it is impoflible for
mayfter Bologna, to wandre fo farre from equitie, but that by and
by he wil enter the lyftes and dvfcerne the White from Blacke, and
the ,Vronge fro that whych is Iuft and Ryghte: for fo mutch as
hitherto I neuer faw thinge done by you, which Prepofterated or
peruerted the good iudgement that ail the vorld efteemeth to
fhine in you, the faine well manifefted and declared bv your
tongue, the right iudge of the llynde, you knowe and fee how I
ara a ,Vydow through the Death of that Noble Gentleman of good
remembrance, the Duke my Lord and hufbande : vou be not igno-
raunt alfo, that I haue lyued and gouerned my felf in futch wife
in my SVidow Rate, as there is no man fo hard and feuere of iudge-
ment, that can blafon reproch of mee in that whvch appertayneth
to the honeftye and reputation of futch a Lady as I ara, bearyng
my port fo righte, as my confcience yeldeth no remorfe, fuppo-
finge that no Man hathe wherewith to byte and accufe me. Touch-
yng the order of the goods of the Duke my Sonne, I have vfed
them with diligence and difcretion, as befides the Dettes, whvch I
haue dyfcharged fithens the death of my Lord : I haue purchafed a
goodly Manor in Calabria, and haue annexed the faine to the
Dukedome of his heire : and at this day doe not owe one peny to
any creditor that lent money to the Duke, which he toke vp to fur-
nifh the charges in the warres, which he fuflayned in the feruice of
the Kinges our foueraine Lords in the late warres for the Kyngdome
of Naples. I haue as I fuppofe by this meanes ftopped the flaun-
derous mouth and giuen caufe vnto my fonne, during his life to
accompt himfelf bound vnto his mother: now hauing till thys
time liued for other, and ruade my felfe fubie& more than nature
could beare, I ara entended to chaunge both my lyfe and condi-
tion. I haue tyll thys time run, trauayled, and remoued to the
16
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
Cafels and Lordeflaips of the Dukedome» to Naples and other places,
being in mind to tary as I ara a widow. But what new affayres
and new eouneel hath poffePt my mvnd ? I haue trauayled and
payned my felf inoughe : I haue to long abidden a widowe's Ivfe :
I am determined therefore to prouyde a Hufbande, who bv Iouing
me, fhall honor and ehervfh me ceording to the loue whieh I
fhall beare hym, and my defert. For to loue a man without mariage,
God defend my hearte fhould euer think, and fhal rather dve a
hundred thoufand deathes, than a defire fo wicked fhould fovle
my eonfeienee, knowyng well that a woman which fetteth hir
honor to laie, is leffe than nothing, and deferueth hot the common
ayre fhould breathe vpon hir, for ail the reuerence that men do
beare vnto them. I aceufe no perfon, albeit that manv noble
women haue their forheds marked, with the blame of difhonePt
lyre, and being honored of fome, bee neuertheleffe the eommon
Fable of the Worlde. To the intente then that futeh myfhappe
happen not to me, and perceyuyng my felfe vnable ttyll thus to
lyue, beyng younge as I ara, and (God bee thanked) neyther de-
formed nor vet paynted, I had rather bee the louyng .Vyfe of a
symple feere, than the Concubyne of a kynge or greate Prynce.
And what ? is the myghty Monarche able to wafle away the
faulte of hys XVyfe whych hath abandoned him contrary to the
duety and honeftv ,'hych the vndefvled bed requyreth ? no leffe
then Prynceffes that 'hilom trefpaffed xith thofe 'hych xere
of bafer fuffe than themfelues, lXleffalina with hir imperiall
robe could not fo we] couer hir fau]ts, but that the Hiforians»
do defame hir with the naine and title of a common woman.
Fauftina the XVyfe of the fage Monarch Marcus &urelius, gayned
l'ke reporte by rendringe hir felfe to others pleafure, byfides hir
lawfull Spoufe. To mary my felfe to one that is myne equa]l, it
is impoffible, for fo mutch as there is no Lorde in all this Coun-
trey meete for my degree, but is to o]de of age, the ref being dead
in thefe later XVarres. To mary a hufband that yet is but a childe,
is folly extreeme, for the inconueniences which daily chaunce
thereby, and the eui] intreaty that Ladies do receyue when they
corne to age, when their nature waxeth cold, bv reafon whereof,
imbracements be not fo fauourable, and their hufbandes glutted
TtIE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
I7
with ordinary meate, vfe to run in exchange: wherefore I am re-
folued wlthout refpite or delay, to choofe fome weli qualified and
renoumed Gentleman» that hath more vertue than richeffe» that is
of better Faine and brute, then of weaith and reuenue» to the entent
I may make him my Lord, Efpoufe, and Hutbande. For I can-
hot imploy my loue vpon treafur% which may bee taken away
from him, in whom richeffe of the minde doth fayle» and fhali bee
better content to fee an honeft Gentleman with iittle liuing, to be
prayfed and commended of ech Degree for his good Deedes, than
a rich Carie curffed and deteRed of ail the \Vorld. Thus mtttch I
fay, and it is the fumme of ail mv fecretes» wherein I pray your
councel and adulce. I know that fome wil be offcnded with my
choife, and the Lords my ]3rothers, fpecla]ly the Cardinall will
thincke it ftraunge, and rece)'ue the faine with ili Digefure, that
mutch a do fhali I haue to bee agreed with them and to remoue the
griefe they fliali conceyue againft mee for this lnytie attempt:
wherefore I would the faine fhould fecretly be kept, untii without
peril and daunger eyther of mv fclf or him, whome I pretende to
marry, I may publifll and manyfeft, hot my loue but the mariage
which I hope in God fhali foone bee confummate and accompiifh-
ed wyth olie, whome I doe loue better than my felf» and who as !
fui weli do know, doeth loue me better than his owne propre lyre."
1Mayfter ]3ologna, which tyll then hearkned to the oration of the
Ducheffe without mouing, feeling himfeife touched fo neare, and
hearinge that his Lady had made hir approche for mariage, ftode
ftili aftonnied, hys tongue hot able to frame one word, onely fan-
tafied a thoufand chimeraes in the Ayre, and formed like number
of imaginations in his minde, hot able to conie&ure what hee was,
to vhom the ducheffe had vowed hir loue» and the poffeflion of
hir beauty. He could hOt thinke that this ioy was prepared for
hymfelfe, for that his Lady fpake no word of him, and he leffe durft
open his mouth, and yet was wei affured that fhe ioued him beyond
meafure. Notwithftanding knowing the fickleneffe and wftable
heart of women, he fayd vnto himfeife that fhe would change hir
mynde, for feeing him to be fo great a Coward, as hot to offer his
feruice to a Lady by whom hee faw himfe]fe fo manv times both
wantonly looked vppon aud intertayned wyth fouie fecrefie more
VOL. III.
I8
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFL
than familiar. The Ducheffe which was a fine and fubtile dame,
feeinge hir friend rapt with the paflion, and fanding ftill vn-
mooueable through feare, pale and amazed, as if hec had bene ac-
eufed and condempned to dy, knew by that Countenaunce and
aftonifhment of Boiogna, that fhe was perfeiy beloued of him :
and fo meaning not to fuffer him any longer to contynue in that
amaze, ne yet to further feare hym, wyth diffembled and fayned
mariage of any other but wyth hym, fhe tooke hym by the hand,
and behoidinge him with a wanton and luring eye, (in futch fort
as the curious Phiiofophers themfelues wouid awake, if futch a
Lampe and Torche did burne wvthin theyr fudies,) fhe fayde thus
vnto hym : «,Seignor Anthonio, I pray you be of good cheere,
and torment not your felfe for any thing that I haue fayd : I know
well, and of long rime haue perceyued what good and faythful
ione you beare mec, and with what affeion you haue ferued me,
fithens you firff came into mv company. Thinke me not to bec
fo ignorant, but that I know fui wei by outward fignes, what fe-
eret thoughts be hid in the inner heart : and that eonie6tures many
times do geue me true and certayne knowledge of concealed things :
and ara not fo foolifla to thinke you to be fo vndiferete but that
you haue marked mv Countenaunce and maner, and thereby haue
knowen that I haue bene more affe6tioned to )'ou, than to anv
other: for that eaufe (fayde fhee, flrayninge hym by the hand
verv louingly, and wyth cheerefull colour in hir face) I fware vnto
you, and doe promife that if you thinke meete, it fhalbe none
other but your felfwhom I wii haue, and defire to take to hufband
and lawfui fpoufe, beynge affured fo much of you, as the loue
whieh fo longe time hath ben hidden and couered in our hartes,
fhall appeare by fo euident proofe, as onely death fhal end and
vndo the faine." The Gentleman hearing futch fodain taike, and
the affurance of that which he mort wifhed for, albeit he faw the
daunger extreme wherunto he launched himfelf by efpoufing this
great Ladie, and the ennimies he fhould get by entring futch ali-
aunce: notwythffandynge buiiding vpon vaine hope, and think-
ing at iength that the choler of the _Aragon brother wouid paffe
away if they vnderftoode the maryage, determined to purfue the
purpofe, and not to refufe that greate preferment, being fo pro-
TIIE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
19
digally offred : for which caufe hee anfwered his Lady in this man-
ner: « If it were in my power madame, to bryng to paffe that,
which I defire for your feruice by acknowledging the benefits and
fauors which you depart vnto me, as my mind prefenteth thanks
for the faine, I would think my felf the happyefi Gentleman that
lyueth, and you the befe ferued Prynceffe of the world. For one
beter beloued (I dare prefume to fay, and fo long as I liue wil
aflïrme) is not to be round. If tyll thvs time I delayed to open
that which now I difcouer vnto you, I befeeche you madame to
impute it to the greatneffe of your efiate, and to the duty of my
calling and oflïce in your houfe, being not feemelye for a feruaunte
to talk of futch fecrets with his Lady and Mifireffe. _And truely
the payne which I haue indured to hold my peace, aud to hyde
my grief, hath ben more noyfom to me than one hundred thoufand
like firrowes together, although it had bene lawfull to haue re-
uealed them to fome trufiy friend: I doe not denve madame, but
of long time you did perceiue my follie and prefumption, by ad-
dreffing my minde fo high, as to the A ragon bloud, and to futch a
princeffe as you be. _And who can beguile the Eye of a louer,
fpecially of hir, whofe Paragon for good minde, xvifedome and gen-
tleneffe is not ? _And I confeffe to you befides, that I haue mof
euidentlye perceiued how a certain loue hath lodged in your graci-
ous hearte, wherwith you bare me greater affe&ion, than you dvd
to anye other within the eompaffe of your family. But what?
great Ladyes heartes be fraught with feeretes and coneeites of other
effe&s than the Minds of Symple ,Vomen, which caufed me to
hope for none other guerdon of my loyal and faithful affe&ion, than
Deathe, and the faine very fhort, and fith that little hope aeeom-
panyed wyth great, nay, rather extreme paffion, is not able to giue
fuflïeient force, both to fuffer and to fablifh my heart with con-
faneye. Nowe for fo muteh as of your motion, graee, eurtefie
and liberallty the lame is offred, and that it pleafeth you to accept
me for yours, I humblye befeche you to difpofe of me hOt as hus-
band, but of one whych is, and fhalbe your Seruaunt for euer, and
futeh as is more ready to obey, than you to eommaund. It refeth
now Madame, to confyder how, and in what wife our affavres are
to be dire:ed, that thynges belng in affuranee, you may fo liue
2O
TtIE DUCItESSE OF MALFI.
g'ithout peril| and bruire of flaunderous tongues, as your good lame
and honefl report may continue without fpot or blemifh." Be-
holde the firfl A&e of this Tragedy, and the prouifion of the fare
which afterwardes lent them bothe to their graue, who immediatlv
gaue their mutual faith: and the houre was affigned the next
day, that the faire Prineeffe flou|d be in hir chamber alone, attend-
ed vpon with one onelv Gentlewoman which had ben brought vp
xvith her from the cradle, and was ruade priuy to the heauy mariage
of thofe two Iouers which was confummate in hir prefenee.
And for the prefent rime thev paffed the lame in words: for
ratification whereof they went to bed togither: but the pain in
the end was greater than the pleafure, and had ben better for
them bothe, yea and alfo for the third, that they had fhewed them-
felues fo wvfe in the deede, as diferete in keeping filence of that
xvhich xvas don : for a|beit thevr mariage vas fecrete, and therby
politikely gouerned themfelues in their fle|thes and robberves of
Loue, and that Bologna more ofte helde the flate of the Stewarde
of the Houfe bv Daye, than of Lorde of the faine, and by Nyghte
fupplyed that Place, yet in the ende, the thynge was perceyued
whyeh thev defvred to bec elofely kepte. And as it is im-
poff.vble to tvll and culture a fertvle Grounde, but that the fame
mufle ye|de fome Fruy&e, euen fo the Dueheffe after manv
pleafures (being ripe and plentifull) became with childe, whieh at
the firfle aflonned the maried couple: neuertheleffe the faine fo
well was prouided for, as the firfl Childbed was kept fecret, and
none did know thereof : the Childe was nourced in the Towne, and
the father defired to haue him named Frederiek, for remembraunce
of the parents of hvs \Vvfe. Nowe fortune whveh lieth in dayly
wavte and ambufhment, and lyketh hot that men fhou|d longe
Lovter in Pleafure, and Paffetime, being enuious of futeh pros-
perity, cramped fo the Legges of out two Louers, as they mufl
needes ehaunge their Gaine, and learne fome other pra&ife : for fo
muteh as the Dueheffe beinge great with Childe agayne, and deli-
uered of a Girle, the bufineffe of the fame was not fo fecretlv
donc, but that it was difeouered. And it fuffieed hot that the
brute was novfed through Naples, but that the round flew further
of: As eche man doth know that Rumor hath manv nlouthes, 'ho
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
2I
xvyth the multitude of hys Tongues, and Trumps, Proclaymeth in
diuers and fundry places, the things which chaunce in al the
Regions of the Erth: euen fo that bablinge foole, caried the
newes of that fecond Childbed to the eares of the Cardinall of
Aragon the Ducheffe brother, being then at Rome. Think what
Ioy, and Pleafure the Aragon brothers had, by hearinge the re-
port of their Sifer's fa: I date prefume to fay, that albcit they
were extremely wroth wvth this happened Slaunder, and vyth
that difhoneft faine the Ducheffe had gotten throughout]
Italy, )'et farre greater was their forrow and griefe for that they
did hOt know what hee was, that fo curteoufly xvas allied to their
houle, and in their loue had increafed their Ligneage : and there-
fore fweiling wyth defpite, and rapt with fury to fee themfelues
fo defamed by one of their Bloude, they purpofed by all meanes
whatfoeuer it coft them, to know the luckv Louer that had fo wei
tilled the Ducheflè their Sifter's field. Thus defirous to remoue
that flame from belote their eyes, and to bee reuenged ofa wrong
fo notable, they lent Efpials round about, and fcouts to NapIes, to
view and fpy the behauiour and talke of the Ducheffe, to fettle
fome certayne Iudgement of him, which ftealingly was become
their Brother in lawe. The Ducheffe Courte beinge in thys
trouble, fhe dyd contynually perceiue in hir houle, hir brothers
men to marke hir countenance, and to note thofe that came thithcr
to vifite hir, and to whom fhe vfed greatef familiaritie, bicaufe it is
impoffible but that the tire, although it be raked vnder the afhes,
mur giue fome heat: and albeit the two Louers vfed eche others
company» xvithout fhewing any Sygne of their affeion, yet thev
purpofed to chaung theyr errate for a tyme, by yelding truce to
their pleafures: yea, and although Boiogna was a wife and pro-
uident perfonage, fearing to be furprifed vpon the fae, or that
the Gentlewoman of the chamber corrt.pted with money, or forced
by. feare, fhould pronounce any matter fo his hinderance or dis-
aduantage, determined to abfent himfelf from lXlaples, yet hOt fo
fodainly but that he made the Ducheffe his faithfuli Lady and com-
panion priuy of his intent : and as they were fecretly in their
chamber together, he vfed thefe or futch like words: "Madame,
aibeit the right good intent and vnftained confcienc% is free from
THE DUCHESSE OF IiALFI.
faulte» yet the iudgement of men hath further relation to the ex-
terior apparance, than to vertue's force and innocency it felf, as
ignoraunt of the fecrets of the thought: and fo in things that be
well done, wee mur of neceffity fall into the fentence of thofe»
whom beafflv affe&ion rauifheth more, than ruled reafon. You
fee the folempne watch and guarde whych the Seruaunts of the
Lordes your Bro.thers do within your houfe, and the fufpition
which they haue conceiued by reafon of your fecond Childbed»
and by what meanes they labor truely to know how your affayres
procede, and things do parle. I feare not death where your
feruice may he aduaunced, but yf hereln the Maiden of your
Chamher he not fecrete, if fhe bee corrupted, and if fhe keepe
not clore that which fhee ought to doe, it is not ignoraunt to you
that it is the loffe of my lyfe, and fhall dye fufpe&ed to hee a
Vhoremonger and vadot, euen I, (I fay) fhal incurre that Peryll,
whych am your true and Lawfull Hutband. Thys feparation
chaunceth not hy iufiyce or defert» fith the caufe is to ryghteous for
vs : but rather your hrethren will procure my death» when I fhall
thinke the fame in greateft affurance. If I had to do but wyth
one or txvo, I would not chaunge the place, ne march one l[ep
from Naples, but be affured, that a great hand, and the faine well
armed will fer vppon me: I pray )'ou, madame, fuffer me to retire
for a time, for I ara affured that when I am abfent, they xvill neuer
folle their hands or imbrue their fweardes in your Bloud. If I
doubted any thing at all of Peryll touchyng your owne perron, I
had rather a hundred hundred tynes die in your Company» than
lvue to fee you no more : but out of doubt I am, that if our affaires
were difcouered, and they knev vou to he hegotten with Chyld hy
me, your fafety would be prouided for wher I fhouid fuftain the
penaunce of the fa&, committed without fault or finne : and ther-
fore I am determined to goe from Naples, to order mine affaires»
and to caufe mv Reuenue to be brought to the place of mine
abode, and from thence to Ancona, vntyl it pleafeth God to
mitigate the rage of your brethren, and recouer their good xvills
for confent to our mariage. But I meane not to do or eonclude
any thing without your aduif% and if thys intente doe not like
you gyue me Councell Madame» what I were bel'te to do% that
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
23
both in Lvfe and Death you may knowe your faythfuli feruaunt
and louing Hufband is ready to obey and pleafe you." This good
Lady hearing hir hufband'. difcourfe, vncertayne what to do»
wpt bitterly, as weli for grief to lofe his prefence, as for that fhe
feit her feif with chiid the third time : the fighe. and teares, the
fobbe. and heauy iookes, which fhe threwe forth vppon hir forrow-
fui hufband, gaue fulïïcient witneffe of hir payne and Gryef: and
if none had hard hir, I thynke her playntes wouid haue weil ex-
preffed hir inwarde finarte of mynde. But iike a wife Ladye feing
the alleaged reafons of hir hufbande, iicenfed him although agaynfte
hir minde, hOt wythout vtterance of thefe fewe "Vords, before hee
went out of hir Chamber: "Deare hufbande, if I vere fo weli
affured of the affe&yon of my Brethren, as I am of my mayde'a
fidelity, I would entreat you not to ieaue me alone: fpecially in
the cale I ara, beynge wyth Chyide : but knowyng that to be iuçt
and true whych you haue fayde, I am content to force my wyli
for a certayne tyme, that hereafter we may iyue at reft together,
ioyning our feluea in the companye of our Chyidren and Famylye,
voyde of thofe troubles, whvch greate Courts ordinarily beare
within the compaffe of thcir Palaces. Of one thing I muft in-
treat you, that fo often as you can by trufiy meffenger, you rend
me word and intelligence of your health and ftate, bicaufe the
faine fhali bring vnto me greater pleafure and contentation, than
the weifare of mine owne: and bicaufe alfo, vpon futch occur-
rentes as fhali chaunce, I may prouyde for myne owne affaires,
the furety of my felf, and of our Children." In faying fo, fhe
embraced him very amoroufly, and he kiffed hir with fo greate
forrow and grief of heart, as the foule was ready out of his Body
to take hir flight, forowfui beyond meafure fo to ieaue hir whome
he Ioued, for the great curtefies and honor which hee had receiued
at hir hands. In the end, fearing that the Aragon efpials wouide
corne and difcrie them in thofe priuities, Bologna tooke his ieaue,
and bad his Lady and fpoufe Fareweli. And this was the fecond
A&e of this Tragicall Hifiorie, to fee a fugitife hufband, fecretly
to mary, efpeciaily hir, vpon whome hee ought not fo mutch as
to loke but with feare and reuerence. Behoid here (O ye folifh
louers) a Giaffe of your iightneffe» and yee X, Vomen the couffe of
1_
4
TIIE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
your fond behauyor. It behoueth not the wife fodainly to execute
their firff motions and defvres of their heart for fo mutch as thev
may be affured that pleafure is purfued fo neare with a repen-
taunce fo flaarp to be fuffred, and hard to be digeffed, as their
voluptuoufneffe fhall vtterly difcontent them. True itis, that
mariage» be don in heauen and performed in earth, but that fay-
ing may hot be applied to fooles, which gouerne them felues bv
carnall defires, whofe fcope is but pleafure, and the reward manv
times equall to their follie. Shall I be of opinion that a houfhold
feruaunt oughte to follicite, nay rather fuborne the Daughter of
his Lorde without punyfhment, or that a 'yle and abie& perfon
dare to mount vpon a Prynces Bed ? No, no, pollicye requyreth
order in ail, and eche wight ought to bee matched according to
theyr qualytye, wythout makynge a Paffyme of it to couer theyr
Follyes, and knowe not of what Force Loue and Defeny be, except
the fame be refyfied. A goodly thinge it is to Loue, but where
reafon Ioofeth Place, Loue is wvthoute his effetCte, and the fequele
rage and Madneffe: leaue we to difcourfe of thofe which beleue
that they be confravned to folowe the Force oftheyr Mynde, and
mav eafils'e fubdue themfelues to the Lawes of Vertue and Honeffy,
Ivke one that thruffeth hys Heade into a Sack, and thynkes he can
hot get out: futch people do pleafe themfelues in theyr lotiC and
thinke ail well that is novfome to their Health, daily folowyng
thevr owne delyghtes. Corne wee againe then to tir Bologna, who
after he had left hys "V.v fe in hir Cafell, went to Naples, and hauing
feffed a rent vpon hir lands, and leuyed a good fumme of Money,
he repayred to Ancona a citv of the patrimonye of the Romane
church, whither hee caryed the two Chyldren, which he had of
the Ducheffe, cau'ng them to be brought vp with fuche Dyligence
and care, as it is to be thought a Father well affetCtyoned to hys
,Vyfe would doe, and who delyghted to fee a Braunch of the Tree,
that to hvm was the beff beloued FruytCt of the SVorld. There he
hvred a houfe for hys trayne, and for thofe that wayted vpport h-s
,V}5:e, who in the meane tyme was in great care, and could not
tell of what SVoode to make hir arrowes, perceyuing that hir Belly
began to fwell, and grow to the tyme of hir deliuery, feeing that
from Day to Day, hir Brothers feruaunts s ere at hir back, roide
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
of Counfel and aduife, if one euenyng fhe had not fpoken to the
Gentlewoman of her chamber, touchyng the doubts and peryl
wherein fhe was, hOt knowing how fhe might be de|iuered from
the faine. That maiden was gentle and of a good mind and
ffomake, and loued hir miftreffe very derely, and feeing hir fo
amazed and tormenting hir felf to death, mindyng to fray hir no
further, ne to reproue hir of hir fault which could hot be amended,
but rather to prouyde for the daunger wherunto fhe had hedlong
caft hir felfe, gaue hir this aduyfe: "ttow now, Madame" (fayd
fhee,) "'is that wyfdom whych from your Chyldhode hath ben fo
famyliar in you, diflodged from your breff in time when it ought
chiefly to reft for incountryng of thofe mifl,aps that are comming
vpon vs? think you to auoid the dangers, by thus tormentyng
your felf, except you let your hands to the work therby to gyue
the repulfe to aduerfe fortune? I haue heard )'ou many tymes
fpeake of the Conttancve and Force of Mynde, whvch ought to
fhine in the deedes of Princeffçs, more clerely than amongs thofe
dames of haler houle, and whvch ought to make them appeare
like the fuune and the little ftarres: and yet I fee you nowe
aftonned, as though you had neuer forfeene, that aduerfity chaun-
ceth fo wel to catch the great within his clouches, as the bafe and
fimple fort. I.t_is but now that yotl haue caIIed to remembraunce
that which might infue your mariage with tir Bologna ? Did hvs
onely prefence affure you againft the waits of fortune, and was it
the thought of paines, feares and frights» which now tttrmoileth
your dolorous mind ? Ought vou thus to vexe your felfe, when
nede it is to thinke how to faue both your honor, and the fruie
wythin your intrailes ? If your forrow be fo great ouer tir Bologna,
and if you feare your childbed wil be defcried, why feeke you
not meanes to attempt fome voyage, for couering of the fa&, to
beguile the eyes of them whych fo diligently do watch you?
Doth yotlr hearte faile you in that matter ? whereofdo you dreame ?
why fweat and freat you belote yot make me anfwer?" "Ah
fweete hearte," (anfwered the Ducheffe,) "" if thou feltef the payne
which I do fuffer, thy tongue would hot be fo mutch at wyII, as
thou fheweff it now to bee for reproofe of my fmall Conffancie.
I do forrow fpeciaIIy for the caufes which thou alleageff» and
26
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
aboue ail, for that I know well, that if my Brethren had neuer fo
litle intelligence of my beynge with Chyld, I were vndone and mv
Lyre at an end, and peraduenture poore Vench, thou fhouldef
beare the penaunce for my firme. But what way can I take,
that ltil thefe Candels may hOt giue light, and I voided of the
Trayne whvch ought to wayghte vpon my Brethren ? I thinke if
I fhould defcend into Hell, they would know, whither any fhadowe
there were in loue with me. Now geffe if I fhould trauayle the
Realme, or retire to any other place, whither they would let me
liue in peace? Nothing leffe, for fufpe& they would, that the
caufe of my departure proceeded of defyre to liue at liberty, to
dallye wyth hym, whom they Iudge to be other than my lawfull
hufbande: and it may fo be, that as they bee Wicked and fufpi-
cious, fo will they doubte of mv beynge wyth Chylde and therebv
fhall I bee farre more infortunate by trauaylyng, than here in
tuilerie amidde myne anguifhe: and you the refie that be keepers
of my Councell, rail into greater Daunger, vppon whome no doubte
they will bee reuenged: and flefhe themfelues for your vnhappy
waiting and attendance vpon vs." «Madame,,, fayd the bolde
Maiden, "be not afraide, and followe mine aduife, for I hope that
it fhall be the meanes both to fee your fpoufe, and to rid thofe
troublefome verlets out of your houle, and in like maner fafely to
deliuer you into good affuraunce." "Say your mind," quod the
Ladye, "for it may bee, that I wyll gouerne my felf according to
the faine." "Mine aduife is then," fard the Gentlewoman, «,to
let your houfhold vnderltand, that you ruade a Vowe to vifite the
Holy Tem pie of out Lady of Loretto, (a Famous Pilgrimage in Italy)
and that you commaund vour Travn to make themfelues ready to
wayt vpon you for accomplyfhment of your deuotion, and from
thence you fhall take your Iourney to foiourne at Ancona, whither
belote you goe hence, you fhall rend your Moueables and Plate,
wyth futch Moneye as you thynke neceffarye for furnyfhing of
your Charges: and afterwards God will performe the re, and
through his holy mercy will guyde and dire& al your affaires." The
Ducheffe hearing the mayden fpeake her good aduife and amazed
of her fodayne inuention, could not forbear to imbrace and kyffe
hir, bleffing the houre wherein fhe was borne, and that euer fle
THE DUCIiESSE OF MALFI.
27
chaunced into hir Companye, to whome afterwards fhee fayd:
"My Wenche, I had well determined to gyue ouer myne efate
and Noble porte, ioyfully to lyue a fimple Gentlewoman with my
deare and welbeloued Hufband, but I eould not deuyfe how I
fhould conuenyently departe thys countrey without fufpition of
fome folly: and fith that thou hat fo well intru&ed mee for
brynging that lame to paffe, I promyfe thee that fo diligentlye
thy counfel fhal be performed, as I fee the faine to be right good
and neceffary: for rather had I fee my hufband, beynge alone
without title of Ducheffe or great Lady, than to liue without him
beautified with the graces and Names of Honor and preheminence."
This deuifed plot was no foner grounded, but fhe gaue order for
execution of the faine, and brought it to paffe with futch dex-
terity as the Ladye in leffe than vII. Dayes had conueyed and
fente the mof part of hir Moueables, and fpecially the chyefef
and befe to Aucona, taking in the meane time hir vay towards
Loretto after fhe had bruted hir folempne vow made for that Pil-
grimage. It was hOt fufficient for this folyfh ,Voman to take a
Hufband more to glut hir libidinous appetite, than for other
occafion, except fhee added to hir firme another excreable im-
pietie, making holy places and dueties of deuotion, to be as it
were the fhadowes of hir folly. But let vs confider the force of
Louers rage, which fo foone as it hath feafed vpon the minds of
men, we fee how maruellous be the effe&s thereof, and with what
ftraint and puiffaunce that madneffe fubdueth the wife and
frongefi worldlings : who woulde thinke that a great Lady befides
the abandoning hir efate, hir goodes and Chyld, would haue mis-
pryfed hir honor and reputation, to follow like a vagabond, a pore
and fimple Gentleman, and him befides that was the houfehold
feruaunt of hir Courte ? and yet you fee this great and mighty
Ducheffe trot and run after the Male, like a female Volfe or Lioneffe
(when they goe to fault,) and forget the Noble bloud of Aragon
whereof fhe was defcended, to couple hir felf almofi with the
fimplef perron of all the trimmef Gentlemen of Naples. But
turne we hOt the example of follies to be a matter of eonfequence :
for if one or two beeome bankrupt of theyr honor, it followeth
hOt, good Ladyes that theyr fa& fhould ferue for a matehe to your
28 TIIE DUCItESSE OF MALFI.
deferts, and mutch leffe a patron for vou to folow. Thefe Hvs-
tories be hOt wrvten to travne and trap you to purfue the thoufand
thoufand flippery fleightes of Loue's gallantife, but rather care-
fully to warne you to behold the femblable faultes, and to ferue
for a drugge to dyfcharge the Poyfon which gnaweth and fretteth
the integrytie and foundneffe of the foule. The wyfe and OEilfull
Apothecary or compofitor of drugges, dreflèth Vipers flefh to purge
the patyent from hote corrupted bloud which concevueth and en-
gendreth Leprofie within hvs Body. In lyke manner, the fonde
loue and wvcked rybauldry of Semiramis, Pafiphae, l,leffalina,
Fauftina, and Romilda is fhewed in wryt, that euery of you mare
feare to be numbred and recorded amongs futch common and dis-
honourable women. ¥ou Princes and great Lords read the foilies
of Paris, the adulteries of Hercules, the daintv and effeminate lire
of Sardanapalus, the tiranny of Phalaris, Bufiris, or Dvonifius of
Sicile, and fee the hiftorv of Tiberius, Nero, Caligula, Domitian,
and Heliogabalus, and fpare hot to recompte them amongs our
wanton vouthes which foile themfclues villaines more filthily than
the fwine do in the durt : al this intendeth it an inftru&ion for
vour vottth to follow the infe&ion and whoredome of thofe
l,lonfters ? Better it were ail thofe bokes were drenched in bottom-
leffe depth of feas, than Chriftian lire bv their meanes fhould be
corrupted : but the example of the wicked is induced for to efchue
and auoid them, as the life of the good and honeft is remembred
to frame and addreflè our behauior in this world to be praife
worthy and commeded: otherwvfe the holinefl'e of facred writ
fhould ferue for an argument to the vnthrifty and luxurious to
confirm and approue their beaftly and iicencious wickedneflè.
Corne we againe then to our purpofe: the good Pilgrime of
Loretto went forth hir voyage to atchieue hir deuotions, by vifiting
the Saint for whofe Reliques fhe was departed the country of the
Duke hir Sonne: when fhe had done hir fuffrages at Loretto, hir
people thought hir voiage to be at an end, and that fhe would haue
returned again into hir Countrey: but fhe laid vnto them» that
forfomutch as fhe was fo neare _A_ncona» being but xv. mvles of,
fhe would hot retvre but fhe had feen that auncient and goodlye
city, xxhich diuers Hyftories do greatly recommend, as we| for the
TtIE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
29
antiquitie, as for the pleafant feat therof. A! were of hir aduife, and
went forward to fee the antiquities of Ancona, and tire to renue the
pleafures whych flae had before begon with hir Bologna, who was
aduertifed of all hir dctermination, reftyng now like a God, pos-
fef/ed with the Iewels and rychef/e of the Duchef/e, and had taken
a fayre palace in the great Streat of the City, by the gate wherof the
traine of hys Lady m uft paf/e. The Harbinger of the Duchef/e pofted
before to take vp lodging for the train, but Bologna offred vnto
hym hys Palace for the Ladre. So Bologna whych was already wel-
beloued in Ancona, and newely entred Amytye and greate Aquayn-
taunce wyth the Gentlemen of the Cytye, wyth a goodlye troupe of
them, wente forthe to meete hys ,Vyfe, to whom he prefented his
houfe, and befought hlr that flaee and hir travne would vouchfafe
to lodge there. She receiued the faine very thankfully, and
withdrew hir felfe vnto his houfe, who conducCted hir thither,
llOt as a hufband, but like him that was hir humble and affec-
tionate feruaunte. But what needeth greate dyfcourfe of SVoordes ?
The duchef/e knowing that it was impoffible but eche man
muft be priuy to hir facCte, and know what fecretes hath paffcd
betweene hir and hir Hufband, to the ende that no other opynyon
of hir Childebed flmuld be conceyued, but that whvch was good
and Honeft, and done fynce the accomplyflament of the Maryage,
the morrow after hir arryuall to Ancona, af/embled ail her
Trayne in the Hall, of purpofe no longer to keepe cloafe that
tir Bologna was hir Hufbande, and that alreadye flee had had two
Ch.vldren by him, and agayne was great with childe, with a third.
And when they were corne togither after dynner, in that prefence
of hir hufbande, flaee vfed vnto them thefe woordes : «, Gentlemen,
and al ve my trufty and louyng feruaunts, hyghe tyme it is to
manyfeft to euery of you, the thing which hath ben done before
the Face, and in the prefence of hvm who knoweth the mort
obfcure and hvdden fecrets of our thoughts. And needefull it is
hOt to keepe filente that which is neyther euyll done ne hurtfull
to any perron : If things myght be kept fecrete and ftyl remaine
vnknowen, except they were declared by the doers of them, yet
would hOt I commit the wrong in concealyng that, which to dvs-
couer vnto you doth greatly delite me and deliuereth my mind
3 °
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
from exceeding grief, in futch wife as if the flames of my defire
could break out with futch violence, as the tire hath taken heate
within my mind, ye fhould fee the fmoke mount vp with greater
fmoulder than that which the mount Gibel doeth vomir forth at
certayne feafons of the yeare. And to the intent I may not keepe
you long in this fifpee"t, this fecret tire wvthin my Heart, and that
which I fhal caufe to flame in open ayre, is a certain opinion
which I conceiue for a mariage by me ruade certain yeares part,
at what time I chofe and wedded a hufband to my fantafie and
liking, defirus no longer to liue in ,Vidow fate, being vnwilling to
do the thing that fhould preiudice and hurt my confcience. The
fame is done, and yet in one thing I haue offended, which is bv
I long keepyng fecrete the performed mariage: for the wycked
brute difpearfed through the realme by reafon of my childbed,
one yeare pafe, hath difpleafed fome: howbeit my confcience
receiueth comforte for that the fame is free from fault or blot.
1NTov fhall ye know therefore what he is, whom I acknowledg for
my Lord and fpoufe, and who it is that lawfully hath me efpoufed
in the prefence of this Gentlewoman here prefent, which is the
witneffe of our Nuptials and accorde of mariage. This gentleman
alfo Antonio Bologna, is he to whom I haue fworn and giuen mv
faith, and hee againe to mee hath ingaged his. He it is whim I
accimit for my fpoufe and hutband, (and with whome henceforth)
I meane to ret and contynue. In confideration whereof, if there
be any heere amongs you all, that fhal miflike of my choyfe,
and is willing to wayt vppon my fonne the Duke, I meane not to
let them of their intent, prayinge them faithfully to ferue him,
and to be careful of his perron, and to be vnto him fo honel and
loyall, as they haue bene to me fo longe as I was their mifreffe.
But if any of you defire ftil to make your abode wyth me, to be
partakers of my Wealth and woe, I will fo entertaynethem as they
fhall haue good caufe to be contented, if not let them departe
hence to Malfi, and the teward fhal prouide for them according
to their degre: for touching my felf I do mind no more to be
termed an infamous Ducheffe: rather would I be honored wyth
the Tytle of a fymple Gentlewoman, or wyth that errate whych fhee
can haue that hath an honef hufband, and wyth whom flac holdeth
TtIE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
a I
faithfull and loyall company, than reuerenced with the glory of a
Prynceffe, lubie& to the defpite of flaunderous tongues. Ye know"
(faid fl3e to Bologna) "" what bath paffed betwene vs, and God is
the witneffe of the integrity of my Confcyence, wherfore I pray
you bryng forth out Chyldren, that eche Man may beholde the
Fruy&es rayfed ofour allyance." Hauynge fpoken thofe'Voordes,
and the Chyldren broughte forthe into the Hall, all the companye
fioode fiyll fo af[onned wyth that newe fucceffe and tale, as
though hornes fodainly had flarted forth their heads, and ref[ed
vnmoueable and amazed, like the great marble piller of Rome
called Pafquile, for fo mutch as they neuer thought, ne conie&ured
that Bologna was the fucceffor of the duke of Malfi in his mariage
bed. This was the preparatiue of the catafirophe and bloudy end
of this tragedie. For of ail the Ducheffe feruaunts, there was hot
one that was willing to continue wyth theyr auncient mifireffe,
who with the faithfull maiden of hir chamber remained at Ancona,
enioying the ioyful embracements of hir Hufbande, in ail futch
Pleafure and Delyghts as they doe, whych hauyng lyued in fear, be
fer at liberty, and out of al fufpition, plunged in a fea of ioy, and
fleting in the quiet calme of al paffetime, where Bologna had none
other care, but how to pleafe his ber beloued, and fl3e fiudied
nothing elle but how to loue and obey him, as the wyfe ought to
doe hir hufband. But thys fayre Veather lafted hot long, for as
the ioyes of men do hot long endure but wafi in lyttle rime, fo
bee the delights of louers leffe firme and ftedefafi and paffe awav
almofi in one moment of an houre. ]Now the feruaunts of the
Ducheffe which wer retired, and durfl tary no longer with hir,
fearing the fury of the cardinal of Aragon brother to the Lady, the
verye Day they departed from Ancona, deuifed amongs themfelues
that one of them fl3ould ride in poil to Rome, to aduertife the
cardinal of the ladye's maryage, to the intente that the Aragon
brethren myght conceiue no caufe to feke reuenge of theyr dis-
loyalty. That determination fpedily was accomplifl3ed, one pofiing
towardes Rome, and the rcfi galloping to the countrey Caffles of
the duke. Thefe newes reported to the Cardinal and hls brother,
it may be conieured how gryeuoufly they toke the faine, and
that they were not able to dlgel them wyth modelye, the yongel
TItE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
of the brethren, yalped forth a Thoufand Curffes and defpytes,
agaynfte the fymple fexe of womankind. "Ha," laid the Prince
(tranfported with choler, and driuen into deadly furie) "what law
is able to punifh or reftrayne the folyfh indifcretion of a X, Voman,
that yeldeth hir felf to hir own defires? What fhame is able to
brydle and withdrawe a Woman from hir mind and madneffe?
Or with what fear is it poflible to fnaffle them from execution of
theyr filthineffe ? Ther is no beaft be he neuer fo wilde, but man
fometime may tame, and bring to his lute and order. The force
and diligence of Man is able to Make mylde the ftronge and Proude,
and to ouertake the fwyfteft Beafte and Foule, or otherwvfe to
attavne the hygheft and deepet things of the world: but this
incarnate diuelifh beafte the XVoman, no force can fubdue hir, no
fwiftneffe can approch hir mobylity, no good mind is able to pre-
uent hir fleightes and deceites, they feem to be procreated and
borne againfte all order of Nature, and to liue withoute Lawe,
whvch gouerneth al other things indued with fome reafon and
vnderftanding. But howe great abhomination is this, that a
Gentlewoman of futch a houfe as ours is, hath forgotten hir eftate,
aud the greatneffe of hir deceafed hufband, with the hope of the
toward youthe of the Duke hir forme and our Nephew. Ah, falfe
and vile bytch, I fweare bv the Almighty God and bv his bleffed
wounds, that if I can catch thee, and that wicked knaue thy chofen
mate, I wil pype ye both futch a wofull galiard, as in your imbrace-
ments ye neuer felt like iov and mirthe. I wil make ye daunce
futch a bloudy bargenet, as your whorifh heate for euer fhall be
cooled. XVhat abufe haue they committed vnder title of mariage,
whvch was fo fecretly don, as their children do witneffe their lecher-
ous loue, but theyr promife of faith vas ruade in open aire, and
ferueth for a cloke and vifarde of their moite filthv whoredom.
And what if mariage was concluded, be we of fo little refpec'-t, as
the carion bea[t could not vouchfafe to aduertife vs of hir entent ?
Or is Bologna a man worthy to be allied or mingled with the roial
bloud of Aragon and Ca[tille? No, no, be he neuer fo good a
gentleman, his race agreeth not with kingly Rate. But I make to
God a vow, that neuer wyll I take one round and re[tful flepe,
vntill I haue difpatched that infamous fa& from our bloud, and
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
33
that the caitif whoremonger be vfed according to his defert." The
cardinal alfo was out of quiet, grinding his teeth togither, chatter-
ing forth of his Spanifh mofel Jack art Apes Pater-nofter, promis-
ing no better vfage to their Bologna than hys yonger brother did.
And the better to intrap them both (without further fturre for that
time) they lent to the Lord Gifmondo Gonfago the Cardinal of
Mantua, than Legate for pope lulius the fecond at Ancona, at
whofe hands they enioved futch friendfhip, as Bologna and all his
family were commaunded fpedily to auoid the citv. But for al
that the Legat was able to do, of long rime he could not preuail,
Bologna had fo greate intelligence wvthin Ancona. 1Neuertheleffe
whiles hee differred his departure, he caufed the mofi part of
trayne, his Children and goods to be conueyed to Siena, an auncient
Citty of Thofcane, which for the fiate and liberties, had long time
bin at warres with the FIorentines, in futch wvfe as the very lame
day that newes came to Boiogna that hee fhou|d depart the Citty
within xv. daies, hee was ready, and mounted on horfeback to
take hvs fllght to Siena, whych brake for forrow the hearts of the
Aragon brethren, feeinge that they were decêiued, and frufirate of
their intent, bicaufe they purpofed bv the way to apprehend
Bo|ogna, and to cut him in peeces, tttt what ? The tyme of his
hard lucke was not yet expired, and fo the marche from Ancona,
ferued hot for the Theatre of thofe two infortunate |ouers ouer-
throw, vho certaine moneths liued in peace in Thofcane. The
Cardinall night nor day did fleepe, and his brother fiill did xvayt
to performe hys othe of reuenge. And feeinge their ennimy out
of feare, they difpatched a poil to Alfonfo Cafiruccio, the cardinall
of Siena, to entreat the lord Borgliefe, cheyfe of the Seigniory
there, that their Syfter, and Bologna fhould be banifhed the
Countrey, and limits of that Citty, which wvth fmall fuite was
brought to paffe. Thefe two infortunate, Hufband and XVyfe,
were chafid from ail places, and fo vnlucky as whilom Achafius
was when he was accurfed, or Oedipus, after his father's death, and
inceftious mariage wyth his mother, vncertayne to what Sain to
vow themfelues, and to what place to take their flight. In the
ende they determined to goe to Venice, but firfi to Ramagna,
there to imbarke themfe|ues for to retyre in faulfty to the citty
VOL. III. C
34
TIIE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
enuironned wvth the Sea Adriaticum, the richef in Europa.
But the poore foules ruade their reconil,ge there wythout their
hoafle, faylinge halle the price of their banket. For being vppon
the territory of Forly, one of the travne a farre of, did fee a troupe
of horfemen galloping towardes their company, which by their
countenaunce fhewed no figne of peace or amity at ail, which
ruade them confider that it was fome ambufh of theyr Enimyes.
The Neapolitan gentleman feeing the onfet bendinge vppon
them, began to feare death, hOt for that hec cared at al for his
milhap, and ruine, but his heart began to cleaue for heauineffe
to fee his XVyfe and little Children ready to be murdered, and
ferue for the paffetime of the Aragon Brethren's eyes, for whofe
fakes he knew himfelfe already predeflinate to dy, and that for
defpite of him, and to accelerate his death by the ouerthrow of hys
XVyfe and Children, he was affured that they would difpatch them
all before his face and prefence. But what is there to be donc,
where counfell and meanes to efcape do fayle? Full of teares
therefore, aflonifhment and feare, he expec°ced death fo cruell as
man could deuife, and was already determined to fuffer the lame
with good courage, for any thing that the Ducheffe could fay vnto
him. He might well haue faued himfelf and his eldef fonne by
flight, being both wel mounted vpon two good Turkey horffes,
whiche ran fo fafl, as the quarrel out of a Crotbow. But he loued
to mutch his wife and children, and woulde kepe them company
both in lyfe and death. In th'ende the good Lad)- fayd vnto him :
"Sir, for all the ioves and pleafures which you tan do me, for
God's fake faue your felfe and the litle infant next you, who tan
well iudure the galloping of the horfe. For fure I ara, that you
being out of our company, we fhall hOt neede to feare any hurt :
but if vou do tary, you wil be the caufe of the ruine and ouer-
throw of vs all, and we fhal receiue thereby no profit or aduaun-
tage: take this purfe therefore, and faue yourfelf, attending bet-
ter fortune in time to corne." The poore Gentleman Bologna
knowing that his wife had pronounced reafon, and fearing that it
was impoffible from that time forth that fhe or hir Traine could
efcape their hands, taking leaue of hir, and kifling his chyldren hOt
forgetting the money which fhe offred vnto him, willed his fer-
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
35
uants to faue themfelues by futch meanes as they thought befi.
So gieuing fpurs vnto his horfe, he began to fly amayne, and his
eldef fonne feeing his father gone, began to followe in like forte:
and fo for that time they two were faued by breaking of the in-
tended ill luck lyke to light vpon them. And where he thought
to refcue himfelfe at Venice» he turned another way, and by great
Iourneys arriued at Millan. In the meane time the horfemen were
approched neere the Ducheffe, who feeing that Bologna had faued
himfelfe, very courteoufly began to fpeake vnto the lady, were it
that the Aragon brethren had geuen theym that charge, or feared
that the Lady would trouble them with hir importunate Cries, and
Lamentations. One therefore amongs the Troupe fayde thus vnto
hir : "Madam, we be commaunded by the Lordes your brethren, to
condu& you home vnto your houfe, that you may receiue agayne
the Gouernment of the Duchy, and the order of the Duke your
fonne, and do maruell very mutch at your folly, for giuing your
felfe thus to wander the Countrey after a man of fo final reputa-
tion as Bologna is, who when he had glutted his lufling lecher-
rous minde with the comelines of your noble Perfonage, wil des-
poyle you of your goods and honour, and then take his Legs into
fom flraung countrey." The fimple Lady, albeit greeuous it was
vnto hir to heare futch fpeech of hir hu/band, yet helde hir peace
and diffembled what fhe thought, glad and wel contented with
the curtefy donc vnto hir, fearinge before that they came to kvll
hir and thought hirfelfe already difcharged, hopinge vppon their
courteous Dealinges, that fhee, and hir Chyldren from that tyme
forth fhould lyue in good affuraunce. But fhe was greatly de-
ceyued, and knew within fhorte fpace after, the good will that hir
Brethren bare hir: for fo foone as thefe Gallants had condu&ed
hir into the kyngdome of Naples, to one of the Caftels of hir
forme, fhe was committed to pryfon wvth hir chyldren, and fhe
alfo that was the fecretary of hir infortunate mariage. Til this
rime Fortune was contented to proceede with indifferent quiet
againfl thofe Louers, but henceforth yee /hall heare the Iffue o[
theyr little profperous loue, and how pleafure hauing blinded them,
neuer forfooke them vntil it had giuen them the ouerthrow. It
booteth hOt heere to recite al*y Fables or Hyflories» contenting my
36
TIIE DUCIIESSE OF MALFI.
felf that Ladies do reade wvthout to manv weping teares, the piti-
full end of that myferable princeffe, who feeing hir felfe a Prifoner
in the company of hir litle chyldren and welbeloued Mayden,
paeiently liued in hope to fee hir Brethren appayfed, comforting
hir felfe for the efeape of hir hufoand out of the hands of his
mortal foes. But hir affuranee was changed into an horrible feare
and hir hope to no expe&ation of furety, when certayne dayes
after hir imprifonment, hir gaoler came in, and fayde vnto hir:
"Madame, I do aduife you henceforth to confider and examine
your Confcience, for fo muteh as I fuppofe that euen thys very
day your Lvfe/hall be taken from you." I leaue for you to thinke
what horrour, and traunee affavled the feeble heart of this poore
Lady. and wvth what eares /he reeeyued that cruell meffage, but
hir cryes, and moanes together with hir fighes and lamentations
deelared with what ehere/he reeeyued the aduertifement. "Alas'"
(fayd /he) "is it poflible that my brethren /houhl fo far forger
themfelues, as for a fa& nothing preiudicial vnto them, cruelly to
put to death their innocent Sifer, and to imbrue the memory of
their fa&, in the bloud of one whieh neuer did offend them?
Muf I againf al right and equity be put to death before the
Iudge or Maiefrate haue made triall of my lyfe, and knowne the
righteoufieflè of my eaufe ? _Ah God, lnof rightfull and bounti-
full father, bcholde the mallice of my Brethren, and the Tyrannous
erueltv of thofe whieh wrongfully doe feeke my bloud. Is it a
firme to marry? Is it a fault to fly, and auoide the finne of
.Vhoredome? .Vhat Lawes be thefe, where marriage bed, and
iovned matrimony is purfued wyth lyke feuerity, that Murder,
Theft, and Aduoutry are ? _And vhat Chriffianity in a Cardinall,
to /hed the bloud whieh hee ought to defend ? What profes-
tion is thys, to aflàyle the innocent by the hygh way ride, and
to reue them of lyfe in place to puni/h Theeues and Murderers ?
O Lord God thou art iutt, and dof al things in equity, I fee wel
that I haue trefpaffed againf thy maiefy in fome more notoryous
crime than in marriage: I mot1 humbly therefore befeeeh thee to
haue compaflion on mee, and to pardon myne offences, accepting
the confeflîon, and repentaunce of mec thine humble feruaunt for
fatiffa&ion of my finnes, ,'hich it pleafed thee to wa/he axvay in
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
37
the precious bloud of thy fonne our Sauiour, that being fo puri-
fied, I may appeare at the holy banket in thy glorious kingdome."
"Vhen fhee had thus finifhed hir prayer, two or three of the minis-
ters which had taken hir befides Forly, came in, and faid vnto hir :
"' Now Madame make ready your felfe to goe to God, for beholde
your houre is corne." " Pravfed he that God" (fayd ff, e) "" for
the wealth and woe that it pleafeth hym to fend vs. But I befeech
you my friendes to haue pitty vppon thefe lvttle Babes and inno-
cent creatures: let them not feele the fmarte whych I am affured
my Brethren beare agaynfe their Poore vnhappy Father." "' ,Vell
well, madame," fayd they, '" we wil conuev them to futch place
as they fhal not want." "" I alfo recommend vnto you" (quod fhe)
"this pore imprifoned mayden, and entreate hir well, in confidera-
tion of hir good fervice done to the infortunate Ducheffe of Malfi."
As fhe had ended thofe words, the two Ruffians did put a coarde
about ber neck, and frangled hir. The mayden feeing the piti-
ous Tragedy commenfed vpon hir mayfreffe, cried out a maine,
curfing the cruell malice of thofe tormenters, and befought Goal
to be witneffe of the fame, and crying out vpon his diuine Maies-
ty, fl,e humbly praied unto him to bend hys iudgement agaynf
them which caufeleffe (being no Magifrates,) had killed fo inno-
cent creatures. "Reafon it is" (fayd one ofthe Tyrants) "that thou
be partaker of thy mayfreffe innocency, fith thou haft bene fo
faythfull a Minifer, and meffenger of hir flefhly fol|ies." And
fodaynly caught hir by the hayre of the head, and in fteade of a
Carcanet placed a roape about ber necke. "" How nowe" (quoth
fhee,) "" is this the promifed fayth you ruade vnto my lady ?" But
thofe words flew into the Avre wyth hir Soule, in company of the
myferable Ducheffe. And now hearken the mof forowfull fcene
of ail the Tragedy. The little Chvldren which had feene all this
furious gaine executed vpon their mother and hir mayde, as na-
ture prouoked them, or as fome prefage of their myfhap might
leade them thereunto, kneeled vpon their knees before thofe Ty-
rants, and embracinge their Legges, wayled in futch wyfe, as I
thinke that any other, except a pitileflè heart fpoyled of ail huma-
nity, would haue had compaffion. And impoffible it was for
them, to vnfolde the embracementes of thofe innocent creatures,
38 TIIE DUCHESSE OF IIALFI.
whych feemed to foreiudge their death by Sauage lookes and Coun-
tenaunee of thofe Ioyfiers: whereby I think that needes it Inuft
be eonfeffed, that nature hath in hir le|le, atd in vs imprinted
fome figne of diuination, and fpeeially at the Houre and tyme of
death, fo as the very beafies doe feele fome forewarninges, although
they fee neyther Sworde, nor Staffe, and indeuoure to auoyde the
eruell Paffage of a thynge fo Fearefull, as the feparation of two
thynges fo neerely vnyted, euen the ]3ody, and Soule, whieh for
the motiou that chauneeth at the very infiant, fheweth how na-
rure is eonfirained in that Inonfirous diuifion, and more than hor-
rible ouerthrow. But who ean appeafe a heart determined to
worke mifchief, and hath fworne the death of another forced there-
unto by fome fpecial eommaundment? The Aragon brethren
ment hereby nothing elle, but to roote out the 'hole naine and
race of Bologna. And therfore the two In;.nifters of iniquity did
like murder and flaughter vpon thofe two tender babes, as they
had done before vpon their Inother not without fome Inotion of
horror, for an a& fo deteftable. Behold here how far the cruelty
of Inan extendeth, when it eoueteth nothing elle but vengeance,
and Inarke what exceflçue choler the Inind of them produeeth,
whych fuffer themfelues to be forced and oterwhelmed with fury.
Leaue we apart the cruelty of Èuchrates, the Sonne of the kinge
of Ba&ria, and of Phraates the Sonne of the Perfian Prynee, of
Timon of Athenes, and of an infinit number of thofe which were
rulers and gouernors of the Empyre of Roine: and let vs match
with thefe Aragon brethren, one Vitoldus Duke of Lituania, the
cruelty of whom, conftrained his own fubie&s to hang theinfelues
for feare leafte they fhould fall into his furious and bloudy hands.
X, Ve mav confeffe alfo thefe brutall hrethren to be Inore buteherly
than euer Otho Erle of Monferrato, and prince of Vrbin was, who
caufed a yeoman of his ehamber to be wrapped in a fheete pou-
dred with fulpher and brimftone, and afterwards kindled with a
Candle, was fealded and eonfumed to death, bieaufe he waked not
at an hour by him appointed: let vs not exctffe them alfo from
fome affinity with Manfredus the fonne of Henry the feeond em-
peror, who fmoldered hys own father, being an old Inan, between
two Couerlets. Thefe former furies might haue fome exeufe to
THE DUCHÉSSE OF MALFI.
39
couer their cruelty, but thefe had no other color but a cer-
tain beaffly madneffe which moued them to kil thofe litle Chil-
dren their nephews, who by no means could preiudice or anoy
the Duke of Malfi or his title, in the fucceffion of his Duchie,
the mother hauing withdrawen hir goods, and had ber dowrie as-
figned hir: but a wicked hart wrapt in malice muf nedes bring
forth femblable workes. In the time of thefe murders the infor-
tunate Louer kept himfelf at Millan with his forme Frederick, and
vowed himfelf to the Lord Siluio Sauello, who that tyme befieged
the Caffell of Millan, in the behalf of Maximilian Stbrcia, which in
the end he conquered and recouered by compofition wyth the
French within. But that charge being atchieued, the general
Sauello marched from thence to Cremona with hvs Campe, why-
ther Bologna durff not folow, but repayred to the Marquize of
Britone, in whych tvme the Aragon brethren fo wroughte as hys
goods were confifcate at Naples, and he drvuen to hys flfiftes to
vfe the Golden Duckates which the Ducheffe gaue him to relieue
himfelfe at Millan, whofe Death althoughe it were aduertifed bv
many, yet hee could not be perfuaded to beleue the faine, for that
diuers which went about to betray him, and feared he fhoulde flie
from Millan, kept his beake wlder the water, (as the Prouerb is,)
and affured him both of the Lyre and welfare of his Spoufe, and
that fhortly his Brethren in law would be reconciled becaufe manv
Noble men fauored hym well, and defired his returne home to hvs
countrey. Fed and filled with that vaine hope, he remayned more
than a yeare at Millan, frequentyng good company, who was well
entertayned of the rychef marchaunts and bef Gentlemen of the
Cytye: and aboue all other, he had famyliar acceffe to the houle
of the Ladye Hippolita Bentiuoglia, where vppon a Daye after
Dynner, takyng hvs lute in hand, whereon he could exceedyngly
well play, he began to ring a fonnet, whych he had compofed vp-
pon the difcourfe of hys myffortune, the tenor whereof infueth.
The Song of Antonio Bologna, the hzoE, and of the Duche.ffè of lalfi.
I" loue, the death, or tra of tyme, haue meafured my difreffe,
Or if my beatinge forrowes may my languor well expreffe :
Then loue eome foone to v]fit me, which mof my heart defires,
4 °
TIIE DUCHESSE OF IALFI.
And fo mv dolor rindes fome eafe, through flames of fanfies rires.
The rime runnes out his rollinge courre, for to prolong myne cale,
To th' end I fhali enioy my loue, and heart himfelfe appeafe,
A cruell darte brings happy death, my foule then refi fhall rind:
And fleepinge body vnder Toulnbe, fhall dreame rime out of
mynde,
And yet the Loue, the Time, nor Death, lookes not how I decreace :
Nor geueth eare to any thinge, of this mv wofull peace.
Fuli farre I am from my good hap, or halle the iove I craue,
Vherebv I chattng my fiate wyth teares, and draw full neere
my graue.
The courteous Gods that giues me l.vfe, now mooues the Planers ail :
For to arreft my groning ghofi, and hence my fprite to call.
Yet from them fiili I am fepard, by thinges vnequall heere,
Hot ment the Gods may be vniufi, that breedes n.y chaunging
cheere.
For they prouide by their foreright, that none fhall doe me harme:
But fhe whofe blaring beauty brigh-t, bath brought me in a
charme.
b, ly ndflreffe hath the powre alone, to rid me from this woe:
XVhofe thrall I ara, for whom I die, to whom my fprite fhall goe.
Away my foule, goe from the griefs, that thee oppreffeth fiill,
And let thv dolor witneffe beare, how mutch I want my will.
For rince that loue and death himfelfe, delights in guiltleffe bloud,
Let time trat,fport mv troubled fprite, where deftny feemeth
good.
This foug ended, the poor Gentleman could not forbeare fro,n
pouring forth his luke warme Tears, which abundantly ran downe
his heauy Face, and his pantinge Sighes truly difcouered the
alteration of his mynde, whych mooued ech wight of that affembly
to pitty his mournful State : and one fpecially of no acquaintance,
and yet knew the deuifes that the Aragon Brethren had trayned
and contriued again hym : that vnacquaynted gentleman his
name was Delio, one very well learned, and of trim inuention,
who very excellently hath endited in the Italian vulgar tongue.
q'his Delio knowing the Gentleman to be hufband to the deceafed
TIIE DUCHESSE OF IIALFI.
41
Ducheffe of Malfi, came vnto him, and taking him aride, faid:
"Sir, albeit I haue no great acquaintance with you, this being the
firt time that euer I faw you, to my remembrance, fo itis, that
vertue hath futch force, and maketh gentle myndes fo amorous of
their like, as when they doe beholde ech other, they feele them-
felues coupled as it were in a bande of mindes, that impoffible it
is to diuide the fame: now knowinge what vou be, and the good
and commendable qualities in you, I coumpt it my duty to reueale
that which may chaunce to breede vou damage. Know you then,
that I of late was in company with a Noble man of Naples, whvch
is in this Citty, banded with a certaine company of horfemen, who
tolde mec that he had a fpeciall charge to kill you, and therefore
prayed me (as it feemed) to require you not to come in his fight,
to the intent he might hot be conftravned to doe that which fhould
offend his Confcience, and grieue the fame ail the daves of his lire :
moreouer I haue worfe Tidinges to tell vou: the Ducheffe your
"Vyfe deade by violent hand in prifon, and thc mot part of them
that were in hir company : befides this affure your felfe, that if you
doe hOt take heede to that which this Neapolitane Capitnyne hath
differred, other wyll doe and execute the fame. This mutch I haue
thought good to tell you, bicaufe it would very mutch grieue me,
that a Gentleman fo excellent as you be, fhould be murdered in
that mvferable wyfe, and I fhould deeme my felfe vnworthy of
lyfe, if knowing thefe prac'-tifes I fhould dil/emble the lame."
SVhereunto Bologna aunfxvered : "Svr Delio, I am greatly bound
vnto you, and geue vou heartv thankes for the good will )'ou
beare me. But in the confpiracy of the brethren of Aragon, and
of the death of my lady, you be deceyued, and fome haue giuen
you ,vrong intelligence: for within thefe two daves I receyued
letters from 1NTaples, wherein 1 am aduertifed, that the right
honorable and reuerend Cardinal and his Brother be almo ap-
peafed, and that my goods fhall bee rendred agayne, and my dear
SVyfe reored." "Ah fyr," fayde Delio, " how you be beguiled
and Fedde wyth Follyes, and nourifhed with fleights of Court:
al/ure your felfe that thev which write thefe trifles, make futch
flaamefull fale of your lyfe, as the Butcher doth of his flefh in the
Shambles, and fo wickedly betray you, as impoflïble it is t inuent
4 2
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
a treafon more deteRable : but bethinke you well thereof." When
he had fayd fo, he tooke hys leaue, and iovned hymfelfe in com-
pany of fine and pregnaunt X.Vyttes, there affembled together. In
the meane tyme, the cruell Spirite of the Aragon Brethren were
not yet appeafed with the former murders, but needes mur finifh
the laR a& of Bologna hys Tragedy by Ioffe of hys Lyfe, to keepe
hvs ,Vyfe and Chyldren company, fo well in an other Vorlde as
he was vnited with them in Loue in this frayle and tranfitory
pafFage. The Neapolitan gentleman before fpoken of by Delio,
whvch had taken this enterprife to fatiflie the barbarous Cardinall
to berieue his Countreyman of lyfe,'_hauinge chaunged his mynde,
and differring from day to day to forte the faine to effe&, it
chaunced that a Lombarde of larger Confcience than the other, in-
ueigled with Couetoufneffe, and hired for ready Money, pra&ifed
the death of the Ducheffe poore hufband : this bloudy beaRe was
called Daniel de Bozola that had charge of a certayne bande of
footemen in Millan. Thys newe Iudas and peRilent manqueller,
who wythin certayne dayes after knos'inge that Bologna often-
tvmes Repayred to heare Seruice at the Church and conuent of S.
Fraunces, fecretly conueved himfelf in arnbufh, hard befides the
church of S. Iames, (being accompanied wyth a certayne troupe
of Souldiers) to affayle infortunate Bologna, who was fooner flayne
than hee was able to thinke vpon defence, and whofe mifhap was
futch, as hee whych kylled hym had good leyfure to faue him-
felfe by reafon of the little purfuite made after hym. Beholde
heere the Noble fa& of a Cardinall, and what fauer it hath of
ChriRian purity, to commit a flaughter for a faec done many
yeares par vpon a poore Gentleman which neuer thought him
hurt. Is thys the fweete obferuation of the ApoRles, of whom
they vaunt themfelues to be the Succeffours and followers ? And
yet we cannot finde nor reade, that the ApoRles, or thofe that
ftept in their trade of lyfe, hyred Ruffians, and Murderers to cut
the Throates of them which did them hurt. But what ? it was in
the tyme of Iulius the fecond, who was more martiall than Chris-
tian, and Ioued better to fhed bloud than giue bleflïng to the
people. Sutch ende had the infortunate mariage of him, whyEh
ought to haue contented himfelfe wyth that degree and honor that
THE DUCHESSE OF MALFI.
43
he had acquired by the deedes and glory of his vertues, fo mutch
by ech wight recommended : we ought neuer to climb higher than
our force permitteth, ne yet furmount the bounds of duty, and
leffe fuffer our felues to be haled fondly forth with defire of brutal
fenfuality. Vhich firme is of futeh nature, that he neuer giueth
ouer the party whom he mayPcereth, vntil he hath brought him to
the fhame of fome Notable Folly. You fee the miferable difeourfe
of a Prineeffe loue, that was not very wyfe, and of a Gentleman
that had forgotten his ePcate, whieh ought to ferue for a lookinge
Glaffe to them which bee ouer hardy in makinge Enterprifes, and
doe not meafure theirAbility wyth the greatneffe of their Attemptes :
where they ought to mayntayne themfelues in reputation, and
beare the title of well aduifed: forefeeing their ruine to be
example for ail poferity, as may bee feene by the death of Bolog-
ha, and by ail them whieh fprang of him, and of his infortunate
Spoufe his Lady and MaiPcreffe. But we haue difeourfed
inough hereof, fith diuerfity of other hyPcories do eall vs
to bring the fame in place, whieh were not mutch
more happy than the bloudy end of thofe,
whofe HyPcory ye haue already heard.
44
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
THE TWENTY-FOURTH NOUELL.
The difordered Ltfeof the Counteffe of Celant, and howjTee (caujïnge
the County of Mafino tobe rnurdered, J u'as beheaded at _Millan.
lor wythout good caufe of long tyme haue the wyf% and dis-
crete, Prudently gouerned their Children, and taken great heede
ouer their Daughters, and thofe alfo whom they haue chofen to bee
their ,Vyues, not in vfing them lvke Bondwomen, and Slaues» to
beereiue them of ail Liberty, but rather to auoyde the murmur, and
fecrete flaunderous Speach of the common people, and occafions
offred for infec'-tion, and marrying of Youth, fpecially circumfpec
f the affaultes bent agaynft Maydens, being yet in the firfte
flames of tre, kindled by nature in the hearts, yea of thofe that be
the wyfeft, and beft brought vp. Some doe deeme it very flraunge,
that folempne Guard bee obferued ouer thofe which ought to
Ivue at lyberty, and doe confider how Ivbertv and the bridle of
Lycence let flip vnto ¥outh, they breede vnto the lame mort flrong
and tedious Bondage, that better it had bene for youth to haue
beene chayncd, and clofed in obfcure Pryfon, than marked wvth
thofe blottes of infamy, which Sutch Lycence and Lyberty doe
conduce. If England doe not by experience fee Maydens of Noble
Houles Infamed through to nautch vnbrideled, and frank marier
of Lyfe, and their Parents defolate for futch villanyes, and the
naine of their houles become Fabulous and Ridiculous to the
people: furely that manner of Efpiall and watch ouer Children,
may be noted in Nations not very farre conuening from vs,
where men be Ielous of the very Fantafie of them, whom they
think to be indued with great vertues, and of thofe that date with
their very Lookes geue attaynt, to behold their Daughters : but
where examples be euident, where ail the X, Vorld is affured of that
which they fee by daily experience, that the fruic'-ts of the difordered,
breake out into light, it behooueth no more to attend the daunge-
rous cuffomes of Countreyes, to condefcend to the fottifh Opi-
nions of thofe, whych fay that youth to narrowly looked vnto, is
travned vp in futch grofeneffe, and blockifhneffe of fpyrite, as
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
45
impoffible it is afterwardes the lame fhoulde do any thinge prayfe
worthy. The Romayne maydens whilom were Cloyftered within
their Fathers Pallaees, ftili at their Mothers Elbowes, and notwith-
ftanding were fo wei brought vp, that thofe of ber eiuility and
fineft trained vp in our age, flmli not be the feeonde to one of the
leaft perfeeCt in the Citty. But who ean learne eiuility and vertue
in thefe our dayes? our Daughters noufled in eompanies, whofe
mouthes run ouer with Vhorifla and filthy talke, vvth behauiour
fuli of Ribauldry, and many fraughted wyth fac'-ts leffe honeft than
Speaeh is able to expreffe. 1 doe not pretend heereby to depriue
that fexe of honeft and feemely talke, and eompany, and lefte of
exercife amonges the Noble Gentlemen of our Englyfhe Soyle, ne
yet of the Liberty reeeyued from our Auneeftours, only (me thyneke)
that requifite it were to eontemplate the manners and inclination of
wils, and refrayne thofe that be prone to wantonneffe, and by lyke
meanes to reioyee the mindes of them that be bent to heauineffe,
deuided from eurtefie and Ciuility, by attendinge of whyeh ehoyfe,
and eonfidering of that differenee, impoffible it is but vertue
muft fhvne more bright in Noble houles than homelvneffe in
Cabanes of Pefauntes, and Countrey Caries: who oftentymes better
obferue the Difeipline of our Predeeeffours in edueation of their
Chyldren, than they whieh prefume to prayfe themfelues for good
fkil in vfe and gouernment of that age, more troublefome and
payneful to rule, than any other wythin the compaffe of man's
lyfe. Therefore the good and wife Emperour Marcus Aurelius
would not haue his Daughters to be trayned vp in Courts. " For
(quod he) what profit flaali the Nurfe receyue by learning hir may-
den honeftv and vertue, when our workes intice them to daliaunce
and vice, apprehending the folly of thofe that bee amorous ?" I
make this difcourfe, not that I ara fo rigorous a Iudge for our
maydens of England, but that I with them fo reformed, as to fee
and be feene fhould be forbidden, as affured that vertue in what
place fo euer/he be, cannot but open things that flmll fauor of
hir excellency. And now to talke of an ltalian Dame, who fo
long as hir firft hufband (knowing hir inclination) kept hir fubiecCt,
liued in reputation of a modet and fober wyfe. Nothing was
feene in hir that could defame hir renoume. But fo foone as the
4 6
THE COUNTESSE OF çELANT.
fhadow of that free captiuity vas ruade free by the death of hir
hufband, God knoweth what pageant fhe played, and how fhee
foyled both hir owne reputation, and the honour of hir feeond
Mate, as yee flall vnderfande if with paeience yee vouehfafe to
reade the difeourfe of thvs prefent Hyflory. Cafal, (as it is not
vnknowen) is a Citty of Piedmont, and fubie& to the Marquize of
Montferrato, where dwelled one that was very rich, although of
bafe birth, named Giaehomo Scappardone, who being growne
wealthy, more by wicked art, and vfury, to mutch manifefl, than
bv his owne diligence, toke to XVife a yong Greeke mayden, whieh
the Marchiones of Montferrato mother of Marquize Guglielmo, had
brought home wyth hir from the voyage that fhee ruade into
Groetia vvth hir hufbande, when the Turkes ouerran the eountrey
of Maeedonia, and feafed vpon the Cittv of Modena whieh is in
Morea. Of that mavden Seapperdone had a Daughter indifferent
fayre, and of behauiour liuely and pleafaunt, ealled Bianca Maria.
The Father dyed wythin a vhile after hir birth, as one that was of
good yeares, and had bin greatly turmovled in getting of riches,
vhofe value amounted about one Hundred Thoufand Crownes.
Bianea Maria arriued to the age of fixteene, or feuenteene yeares,
was required of many, afwell for hir Beauty, Gentlenes, and good
graee, as for her goods, and riches. In the ende fhe was maried
to the Viceeount Hermes, the Sonne of one of the ehiefeR Houfes
in Millan, who ineontinently after the mariage, eonueyed hir home
to hvs houfe, leauing his Greeke mother to gouerne the vfuries
gotten by hir dead hufband. The Gentleman whieh amongs two
greene, knew one that was ripe, hauing for a eertayne tyme well
knowen, and learned the maners of hvs XVyfe, fav that it behooued
hym rather to deale wyth the Bit and brvdle than the fpur, for
that fhe was wanton, full o[ defire, and eoueted nothing fo muteh
as fond and difordered liberty, and therefore without eruell dealing,
difquiet, or trouble, hee vfed by little and little to keepe hir in, and
eherifhed hir more than his nature willingly vould fuffer, of purpofe
to holde hir wythin the boundes ofduty. And although the Millan
Dames haue almofl like lyberties that ours haue, yet the Lord
Hermes kept hir wythin Dores, and fuffred hir to frequent none
other houfe and company, but the Lady Hippolita Sforcia, who
OEHE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
47
vppon a day demaunded of him wherefore hee kept in his wyfe fo
fhort, and perfuaded hym to geue her fomewhat more the Brydle,
bicaufe diuers already murmured of this order, as to ftrayte and
Frowarde, efteeming hym eyther to be to mutch fond ouer hir, or
elfe to Jealous. "Madame," fayde the Millanoife, "they whvch at
pleafure fo fpeake of me, know hot yet the nature of my XVyfe,
,vho I had rather fhould be fomewhat reftrayned, than run at
Rouers to hir difhonour, and my fhame. I remember wel madame
the proper faying of Paulus Emilius that notable Romane: who
being demauned wherefore he had put avav his XVyfe being a
Gentlewoman fo fayre and beautifull. "0," quod he and lifted
vp his leg whereupon ,vas a new payre of Butkins) ' yee fee this
fayre Bufkin, meete and feemely for this Leg to outward apparance
not greeuous or noyfome, but in what place it hurteth me, or
where it wringeth yee doe neyther fee nor yet feele. So I, madame,
do feele in what place my Hoafe doeth hurt and wring my Legge.
I know madame what it is to graunt to fo wanton a dame as my
SVvfe is, hir will, and how farre I ought to flip the rayne : iealous
I am not vpon the fayth I beare vnto God, but I feare what mav
chaunce vnto me. And by my trouth, madame, I geeue her
Lycence to repayre to you both Day and Nyght, at whatfoeuer
hour you pleafe, being affured of the ,.ertuous company that
haunteth your houfe : otherwyfe my Pallace fhall fuffvce hir pleas-
ure for the common ioy of vs both, and therefore I wifh no more
talk hereof, leaft too importunate fuites do offend my nature, and
make me thinke that to be true whvch of good will I ara loth to
fufpecCt, contenting my felfe with hir Chaftity, for feare leaft to
mutch liberty do corrupt hir." Thefe words were not fpoken
wythout caufe, for the wyfe hufband faw wel that futch beafts,
albeit rudely they ought not to be vfed, yet fdfly to be holden
fhort, and not fuffred too mutch to wander at will. And verily
his prophecy was to true for refpecCt of that which followed: who
had not bene maried full vt. yeares, but the Vicecount Hermes
departed thvs ,Vorld, whereof fhe was very fory bycaufe fhe loued
him derely, hauing as yet hot tafted the licorous baites of futch
liberty, as after,vards fhe drank in gluttonous draughts, when after
hir hufband's obfequies, fhe retired to Montferrato, and then to
48
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
Cafal to hir Father's houfe, hir mother being alfo dead, and /he
a Ione woman to ioy at pleafure the frui& of hir defires, bendinge
hir only udy to gay and trimme Appareil» and imployed the
mornings with the vermilion rud to eolour hir eheekes by greater
euriofity than the mo fhameleffe Curtifan of Rome, fixing hir
eyes vppon ech man, gyring, and laughing with open mouth, and
pleafantly difpofed to talk and reafon with euery Gentleman that
paffed by the flreate. This was the way to attayne the glorious
feafi of hir triumphant filthines, who 'an the prife aboue the mort
famous women whych in hir tyme ruade profeflion of thofe armes,
wherewith Venus once difpoyled Mars, and toke from him the
ftrongefi and beft fteeled armure of all his furniture. Thinck hot
fa,'re maydes, that talk and clattering with youth is of fmall
regarde. For a Citty is halfe won when they within demaunde for
parle, as loth to indure the Canon fhot. So when the eare of yong
Wyfe or mayde is pliant to lafciuious talk, and deliteth in wanton
words, albeit hir chaftity receyue no damage, yet occafion of fpeach
is miniftred to the people, and perchaunce wyth futch difaduan-
rage, as neuer after hir good naine is recouered. XVherefore neede-
fuli it is, hot onl,' to auoyde the effe& of euili, but aifo the leafi
fufpition : for good faine is requifite for the Woman, as hone lyre.
The great Captain Iulius Cefar, (which firft of al reduced the
common 'ealth of Rome in fourme of monarchie) heinge once
demaunded wherefore hee hadde refufed hys XVvfe before it was
proued that the had offended with Clodius, the night of the facri-
fices done to the Goddeffe Bona, anfvered fo wyfely as truely,
that the houfe of Caefar ought not onely to be voyde of whordome
but of fufpition therof. Behold therfore what I haue fayd, and
yet doe fay againe, that ye oughte to take greate heede to youre
felues, and to laugh in tylne, hOt reclinyng your eares to vncomely
talke, but rather to foIIow the nature of the Serpent, that foppeth
his eare with his tayle» to auoide the charms and forceries of the
Enchaunter. Now this Bianca 1Maria was fued vnto, and purfued
of many at Cafall that defired hir to Vyfe, and amonges the ref
two did profer themfelues, which were the Lord Gifmondo Gon-
zaga, the neere kinfman of the Duke of Mantua, and the Counte
of Celant, a great Baron of Sauoy, 'hofe landes lie in the raie of
TI.E COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
49
Agofta. -& great paflyme it was to thys fyne Gentlewoman to
feede hir felf wyth the Orations of thofe two Lordes and a ioye it
was to hir, to vfe ber owne difcourfe and aunfxvers expreflïnge
with right good grace fundry amorous countenances, interming-
ling therwithall fighes, fobbes, and alteration of cheere, that full
well it might haue bene fayde, of loue trickes that fhee was the
only dame and mifireffe. The Marchyoneffe of Montferrato
defirous to gratify the Lord of Mantua his forme in law, endeuored
to induce this wanton Lady to take for fpoufe Gifinondo Gonzaga,
and the fute fo well proceeded, as almofi the mariage had be.e
concluded if the Sauoy Earle had not come betxvixte, and fhewed
forth his Nobleneffe of minde, when he vnderfiode how things
did paffe, and that another was ready to beare away the pryfe, and
recouer his mifireffe. For that caufe he came to vifit the Lady,
who intertayned him wel, as of cufiom fhe did al other. And for
that he would hot employe hys tyme in vayne, when he founde
hir alone and at conuenyent leyfure, began to preache vnto hir in
thys wyfe with futch countenaunce, as fhe perceyued the Counte to
be far in loue with hir.
The Oration of the Counte of Celant to his Ladye.
« I am in doubt Madame, of whome chiefly I ought to make
complaynt, whether of you, or of my felfe, or rather of fortune
which guideth and bryngeth us together. I fee wel that you receiue
fome wrong, and that my caufe is not very iuft, you taking no
regarde vnto my paffion which is outragious, and leffe hearken-
inge vnto lny requefi that fo many times I haue giuen you to vn-
derfiand onely grounded vpon the Honefi loue I beare you. But I
am betides this more to be accufed for fuffering an other to marche
fo far over my game and foyle, as I haue almofi loft the tra&e of
the pray after which I mort defire, and fpecially doe condemne
my Fortune, for that I am in daunger to lofe the thyng which I
deferue, and you in peryll to paffe into that place where your cap-
tiuity/halbe worfe than the flaues by the Portugales condemned to
the mines of India. Doeth it not fufiïfe you that the Lord Hermes
clofed you vp the fpace of v. or vL yeares in his Chamber, but wil
you nedes attempt the reft of your youthly daies amid the Man-
tuanes, vhofe fufpicious heads are fld of hammers working in the
VOL. III. D
50
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
lame ? Better it svere madame, that we approchynge neerer the
gallante guife of Fraunce, flould live af ter the lyberty of that Coun-
trey, than bec captiue to an Italian houfe, whych wyll refrain you
with iike bondage, as at other tvmes you bave felt the experience.
Moreover ye fee what opinion is like tobe conceiued of you,
when it fhalbe bruted that for the Marquize feare, you haue maried
the Mantuan Lord. And I know well that you like hot to he
efeemed as a pupil, your nature cannot abyde compulfion, you
be free from hir authority, it were no reafon you fhouid he con-
ttrained. And not to ttav in framing of orations, or Rand vpon
difcourfe of .Vords, I humbly hefeche you to behold the confiant
loue I beare you, and being a Gentleman fo .Vealthy as I ara, none
other caufe induceth me to make this fute, but your good grace
and bryngynge vp, whych force me to loue you aboue any other
Gentlewoman that liueth. And althoughe I myghte alleage other
reafons to proue my faying, yet referre I my felf to the experi-
ente and bounty of youre mynd, and to the equity of your Iudge-
ment. If my paffion were hot vehement, and my torment without
comparifon, I would wifl, my fained griefs tobe laughed to fcorne,
and mv diffembled payne rewarded with flouts. But my loue
being fincere and pure, my trauail continuall, and my griefs
endleffe, for pity fake I befeche you madame to confider my
faithfull deferts with your duetiful curtefie, and then fhall you
fee how mutch I ought tobe preferred hefore them, which vnder
the fhadow of other mens puiffance, do feke to purchafe power to
commaund you : where I do faithfuily bynd and tye my word and
deede continuallv to loue and ferue you, wyth promyfe al the dayes
of my Lvfe to accomplifl your commaundements. Beholde if it
pleafe you what I ara, and with what affe&ion I make mine humble
playnt, regard the Meffanger, loue itis himfelf that holdeth me
within your fnares, and maketh mec captyue to your beauty and
gallant graces, which haue no piere. But if you refufe my lute,
ax, d taule me breath my words into the aire, you fhalbe accufed of
cruelty, ye flall fee the entier defai& of a gentleman which loueth
vou better than loue himfelfe is able to yelde flame and tire to
force any wight to loue mortai creature. But, verily» I heleue the
heauens haue departed in me futch aboundance I to the intent in
OEHE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
SI
louyng you with vehemence fo greate, you may alfo thinke that
it is I whieh ought to be the Friend and fpoufe of that gentle and
eurteous Lady Bianea Maria, whieh alone may cal her felf the
miffreffe ofmy Heart. » The Ladye whyeh before was moeked and
flouted wyth the Counte his demaunds, hearing thys laffe difeourfe,
and remembring his firff mariage, and the natural iealofie of
Italyans, half wonne, without making other eountenance, anfwered
the Counte in thys manner : '" Syr eounte, albeyt that I ara obedy-
ente to the wyll and eommaundemente ofmadametheMarehyoneffe,
and am loth to dyfpleafe hir, yet wil I hot fo farre gage my
lybertye, but ffill referue one poynt to raye what reaKeth in mv
thoughte. And what fhoulde lette me to ehofe futeh one, to
whome I fhalbe both his life and death? And whereof beinge
once poffed, it is impoffyble tobe rid and aequited? I affure
you, if I feared not the fpeaeh and fufpition of malyeious mindes,
and the venime of flaunderous Tongues, neuer hufband fhould
bryng me more to bondage. And if I thought that he whom I
pretend to ehofe, would be fo cruel to me, as others whom I know,
I would prefently refufe mariage for euer. I thanke you neuer-
theleffe, both of your aduertifements giuen me, and of the honor
vou doe me, your felf defiryng to aeeomplifh that honor by marv-
age to be eelebrated betweene vs. For the fidelity of whieh your
talke, and the little diffimulation I fee to be in you, I promife
you that there is no gentleman in this eountrey to whom I giue
more puiffançe ouer me, than to you, if I çhaunçe to mary, and
thereof make you fo good affuranee, as if it were already done."
The Counte feeing fo good an entry would not fuffer the tyme to
flip, but beating the Bufhes vntill the praye was ready to fpryng,
replyed : "And fith you know (madame) what thing is profitable,
and what is hurtfull, and that the benefite of lyberty is fo muteh
reeommended, why doe you not performe the thinge that may
redounde to your honor? Affure mee then of your word, and
promife me the faith and lovaltie of maryage, then letme alone to
deale wyth the reff, for I hope to attayn the effe& without
offenfe and difpleafure of anv." And feeing hir to remaine in a
mule without fpeaking word, he toke hir by the hand and kiffing
the faine a million of tymes, added thefe X, Vords: "How now»
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
madame, be you appalled for fo pleafaunt an affault, wherin
vour aduerfary confeffeth himfelfe tobe vanquifhed ? Courage,
madame, I fay courage, and beholde him heere which humblypraieth
you to receiue him for your lawfull hufband, and who f,veareth vnto
vou ail futch amitve and reuerence that hufband oweth to hys loyall
fpoufe." "" Ah, fvr Counte," fard fhe, "' and xvhat vyll the Mar-
quize fay, vnto whom I haue wholly referred my felf for mariage ?
fhal hOt fhe haue iuPc occatïon to frowne vppon mec, and frowardly
to vfe me for little refpe I beare vnto hir ? God be my witneffe
if I would hOt that Gonzaga had neuer corne into this countrey :
for although I loue him hOt, yet I haue almof made him a
promyfe, which I can hot kepe." "' And fith there is nothing don,"
(laid the Sauoy Lord) " what nede you to torment your felfe ? wyl
the Marquize wrecke hir tyrannie ouer the will of hir lubie&es,
and force Ladyes of hir Lande to marie agalnt2e their lufe? I
thinke that fo wyfe a princeffe, and fo well nurtured, will hOt fo
far forger hir felf, as to ftraine that which God bath left at lyberty
to euerye wight : promife me onely maryage and leaue me to deale
wyth the ref: other thynges fhalbe wel prouided for." Bianca
Maria vanquifhed with that importunity, and fearing againe to fal
into feruytude, hoping that the Counte would mainteine futch
liberty as he had affured, agreed vnto hvm and plyghted vnto him
ber faithe, and for the tyme vfed mutuall promifes by wordes refpec-
tiuelv one to another : and the better to confirme the fa&, and to
let the knotte from breakyng, they bedded themfelues togethers.
The Counte very ioyfull for that encountre, yelded futch good
beginning by his countenance, and by Famyliar and continuall
haunte with Bianca Maria, as fhortly after the matter was knowen
and came to the Marqueffe eares, that the Daughter of Scappar-
donc had maryed the Counte of Celant. The good lady albeit that
fhee was wroth bevond meafure, and willingly would haue ben
reuenged vpon the bride, yet hauing refpe& to the Counte, which
was a noble man of great authority, fwallowed down that pille
wythout chewing, and prayed the Lord Gonzaga hot to be offended,
'ho feing the light behauiour of the Ladie, laughed at the marrer,
and prayfed God for that the thing was fo wel broken off: and he
dld forefce already what iffue that Comedye would haue, beynge
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
53
very famylyar for certayne Dayes in the Houle of Bianca Maria.
Thys maryage then was publyfhed, and the folempnity of the
Nuptyals were donc very pryncely, accordyng to the Nobylity of
hym whych had maryed hir: but the augurie and prefage was
heauy, and the melancholike face of the feafon (which was ob-
fcured and darkened about the time they fhould go to church)
declared that the rnirth and ioy fhould hOt long continue in the
houle of the counte, according to the comrnon faying : He that
loketh hot before he leapeth, rnay chaunce fo flumble before he
fleepeth. For the lord of Celant being retird home to his valeys
of the Sauoy rnountains, began to loke about his bufineffe, and
pereeiued that his wife furpaffed al others in light behauiour and
vnbrideled defires, whereuppon hec refolued to take order and fop
hir paffage before fhe had won the field, and that frankly fhe
fhould goe feke hir ventures where fhee lift, if fhe would not be
ruled by his aduife. The foolifh Counteflè feeing that hir hufband
well efpied hir fond and foolyfla behauior, and that wifely he went
about to remedy the farne, was no whit afonied, or regarded his
aduife, but rather by forging eomplaints did car him in the
teeth fornetyrnes with hir riches that fhe brought him, fometime
with thofe whom fhe had refufed for his fake, and with whom
farre of fhe liued lyke a fauage ereature arnid the rnountaine
deferts and baren dales of Sauoy, and tolde him that by no rneanes
fhe rninded to be elofed and fhut vp like a tarneleffe beafL
The Counte which was wyfe, and would not breake the Ele
vppon his knee, prouidently admonifhed hir in what wife a Ladye
ought to efeeme hir honor, and how the lighteff faults of Noble
forts appeare rnortal firmes before the world : and that it was hOt
fuffieient for a Gentlewornan to haue hir body ehaf, if hir fpeach
were hOt aeeording, and the rninde eorrefpondent to that outward
fernblanee, and the eonferuation agreable to the feeret eoneeiptes
of Mynd : "And I fhall be fui fory fwete Vife" (fayd the Counte)
"to giue you caufe of difcontent : for wher you fhalbe vexed and
molefed, I fhall reeeiue no ioy or pleafure, you being [fuch one
as ought to be the feeond rnv felf, determining] by God's graee
to keepe rny promife, and vfe vou like a wyfe, if fo be you
regard rne with duety femblable: for reafon will not that the
54
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
head obey the members, if they fhew not themfelues to be futch
as depend vpon the health and life of it. The hufband being the
Wvue's ehiefe, ought tobe obeyd in that which reafon forbid-
deth: and fhee referring hir felfe to the pleafure of hir head,
foreeth him to whom fhe is adioyned, to do and affay all trauayle
and payne for hir fake. Of one thinge I muf needes aeeufe you,
whieh is, that for trifles you frame eomplaynt: for the mvnde
oeeupied in folly, lufeth for nothinge more than vayne things, and
thofe that be of little profite, fpeeially 'here the pleafure of the
Bodye is onely eonfidered: where if it follow reafon, it diffem-
bleth his griefes with wordes of wyfedome, and in knowing muteh,
fayneth notwithftanding a fubtile and honeff ignoraunce: but I
may bee mutch deceyued herein, by thlnking that a XVoman
fraught with fickle Opinions may recline her eares to what fo euer
thing, except to that whych deliteth hir mynde, and pleafeth the
defires framed wvth in hir foolvfhe fantafie. Let hot thys fpeach
be ftraunge vnto you, for your woordes vttered without difcretion,
make me vfe thvs language: finally (good madame) you fhall
fhew your felfe a Wyfe and louing wyfe, if by takinge heede to
my requefts, you faythfully follow the advife thereof." The Coun-
teffe whych was fo fine and malicious as the Earle was good and
wyfe, diffembling ber griefe, and coueringe the venome hidden in
hir mynde, began fo well to play the hypocrite belote hir bus-
bande, and to counterfavte the fimple Dame, as albeit he was right
politike, yet he was within hir Snare intrapt, who flattered him
wyth fo fayre XVordes, as fhe won him to goe to Cafal, to vifite
the lands of hir Inheritaunce. We fee whereunto the intent of
this falfe XVoman tended, and what checkmate fhe ment to geue
both to hir hufband, and hir honour : whereby we know that when
a woman is difpofed to giue hir felfe to wickedneffe, hir mynde is
voyd of no malyce or inuention to fort to ende any daunger or
perill offered vnto hir. The fa&es of one Medea (if credite mav
be gieuen to Poets) and of Phoedra, the Voman of Thefeus, wel
declare ith what beaftly zeale tIaey began and finifhed their
attempts : the eagles flight is hOt fo high, as the Foolyfhe defires,
and Coneeiptes of a XVoman that trufteth in hir owne opinion, and
treadeth out of the tra& of duety, and way of ,Vyfedome. Pardon
THE COUITESSE OF CELANT.
me, good Ladies, if I fpeale fo largely, and yet think not that I
mean to difplay any other but futch, as forget the degree wherin
their Auncefours haue placed them, and whvch digreffe from the
truc path of thofe that haue immortalized the memory of them-
felues, of their hul'bands, and of the houles alfo whereof they
came. I am very lothe to take vppon mec the office of a flaun-
derer, and no leffe do mean to flatter thofe, whom I fee to their
great fhame, offende openly in the fight of the worlde: but whv
fhould I dyffemble that which I know your felues would not eon-
ceyle, yf in confcyence yee were requyred? It were extreame
follye to decke and clothe vice wyth the holy garment of Vertue,
and to call that Curtefie and Ciuylity, whych is manyfef whoredom
and Trecherv." let vs terme ech thyng by his due Naine, and not
deface that whvch of it felfe is faire and pure : let vs not alfo faine
the renoume of thofe, whom their own Verrue do recommende.
This gentle Counteffe beeing at Cafal, making mutch of hir hus-
bande, and kiflîng him with the kiffe of treafon, and of hiln
being vnfainedly beloued and cherifhed, not able to forget his
fermons, and mutch leffe hir own filthy lyfe, feeyng that with hir
Counte it was impoffyble for hir to liue and glut ber lecherous
luf, determined to runne awav and feeke hir aduenture: for the
brynging to paffe wherof fhe had already taken order for money,
the interef wherof groving to hir daily pro/ïte at Millan: and
hauynge leuied a good futaine of Ducates in hande, vntyll hir
other rents were ready, fhe fled away in the night in companye of
certayne of hir men which were priuie to her doeings. Hir retire
was to Pauie, a City fubie&e to the fate and Duchy of Millan,
where fhe hired a pryncely pallace, and apparelled the fame ac-
cording to hir errate and Trayne of hir hul'band, and as her owne
reuenue was able to beare. I leaue for you to thinke what buzzings
entred the Counte's head, by the fodayne flight of his wife, who
would haue lent and gone him felfe after to feke hir out, and
bryng hir home againe, had he not well eonfidered and wayed his
owne profite and aduantage, who knowing that hir abfenee would
rid out of his head a fardell of fufpitions which he before eon-
eeiued, was in the ende refolued to lette hir alone, and fuffer hir
remaine in what place fo euer fhe was retired, and whenee hee
56
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
neuer minded to cal hir home agayne. " I were a very foole,"
(faid he) "to keepe in my Houfe fo pernicious and fearfull an
enimy, as that arrant whore is, who one day belote I beware will
caufe fome of hir ruffians to cut my throte, befides the Vyolatyon
of hir holve Maryage Bed : God defende that futch a Strumpet by
hir prefence fhould any longer profane the houfe of the Lord of
Celant, who is well rewarded and punied for the exceflîue loue
whych he bare hir: let hir goe whether fhee lift, and lvue a God's
naine at hir eafe, I do content mv felf in knowing what Vomen be
able to do, wvthout further attempt of fortune or other proofe of
hir wycked Lyre." He added further, that the honor of fo Noble a
perfonage as he was, depended hOt upon a woman's mifchief: and
affure your felfe the whole race of woman kind was hot fpared by
the Counte, againl whom he then inueyed more through rage than
reafon, he contïdered not the honel lbrt of women, which deface
the vyllany of thofe that giue themfelues ouer to theyr own lufts,
wythout regarde of modefly and fhame, which oughte to be
Famylyar, as it were byacertain Naturall inclynatyon in ail degrees
of Vomen and Maydens. But corne we again to Bianca Maria,
holding now hir Courte and open houle at Pauie, wher fhe got fo
holy a faine, as miftreffe Lais of Corinth did, whofe trumprie was
neuer more common in Afia than that of this favre dame, almo6
in euery corner of Italy, and whofe conuerfation was futch as hir
frank liherty and famyliar demeanor to ech wyghte, well witneffed
hir horryble Lyre. True it was that her reputatyon ther was very
final, and fhe hired not hir felfe, ne vet toke pains by fetting hir
body to laie, but for fome refonable gayne and earnefi pain : how-
beit fhe (of whom fi»mtimes the ramons Greke orator would uot
buy repentaunce for fo high a pryce) was more excefliue in Sale
of hir Merchaundyfe, but not more wanton: for fhe no fooner
efpyed a comely Gentleman that was youthly, and well ruade, but
would prefently fhew him fo good countenance, as he had ben a
very foole, that knewe hot what prouender this Colt did neigh :
whofe fhameleffe Gefture Maffalina the Romane princeffe dyd
neuer furmount, except it were in that fhee vifited and haunted
common houfes: and this dame vfed hir difports wythin hir owne,
the other alfo receiued indyfferently Carters» Galleye flaues, and
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
Porters: and thys halfe Greeke did hir paftyme wyth Noble Men
that were braue and luftye : but in one thing fhee well refembled
hir, whych was, that Meffalina was foner wearye with trauayle,
than fhe fatiffied with pleafure and the filthy vfe of hir body,
like vnto a fink that receyueth al filth, wythout difgorgyng any
throwne into the lame: this was the chafte lyfe which that good
Lady led, after fhe had taken flight from hir hufband. Marke now
whether the Milanois that was hir firft hufbande, were a groffe
headed perron or a foole, and whither hee were not learned and
fkilful in the fcience of Phifiognomy, and time for him to make
ready the rods to make hir know hir duety, therwith to corre&
hir wanton youth, and to cut of the lufy twigs and proud fciences
that foked the moifture and hart of the ftock and braunches.
It chaunced whiles fhe liued at Pauie, in this good and honora-
ble port, the Counte of Maffino called Ardizzino Valperga
came to the Emperour's fervice, and tberby made hysabode at Pauie
with one of his brothers: the Counte being a goodly Gentleman
young and gallant in apparel, giuen to many good quallities had
but one onely fault, which was a mayme in one of his legges, by
reafon of a certain aduenture and blow receiued in the warres,
although the fame toke away no part of his comelineffe and fyne
behauyor. The Counte I fay, remaining certayne days at Pauie
beheld the beauty and fingularity of the Counteffe of Celant, and
ayed with futch deuotion to view and gaze vpon hir, as manve
times he romed vp and down the ftreate wherein fhe dwelt to find
meanes to fpeak vnto hir. His firft talke was but a Bon Jour: and
fimple falutation, futch as gentlemen commonly vfe in company
of Ladies, and at the firfte brunte Valperga coulde fettle none
other iudgement vpon that Goddeffe, but that fhe was a wife and
honeft dame, and yet futch one as needed not the Emperor's camp
to force the place, which as he thought was not fo well flanked and
rampired but that a good man of_Armes myght eafily winne, and
the breache fo liuely and fautable, as any fouldier might paffe the
lame: he became fo famyliar with the Lady, and talked with hir
fo fecretly, as vpon a day being with hir alone, hee courted in this
wife : "' Were not I of all men mofe blame worthy, and of greateft
folly to be reproued, fo long time to be acquainted with a Lady
5 8
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
fo faire and curteous as you he, and not to offre my ferulce lire
and goodes to he difpofed where vou pleafed ? I fpeake not thys,
Madame, for any euil and finiffer iudgement that I conceyue of
you, for that I prayfe and effeeme you aboue any Gentlewoman
that euer I knew til this day, but rather for that I am fo won-
derfully attached vith your good graces, as wrong I fhould doe
vnto your honor and my loyal feruice towards you, if I continued
dumbe, and did concevle that vhych inceffantly would confume
mv heart vith infynyte numbre of ardent defyres, and waff myne
intrailes for the extreame and burning loue I beare you. I do re-
quire you to put no credite in me, if I refufe what it fhall pleafe
vou to commaund me: vherfore Madame, I humbly befech you
to accepte me for your owne, and to fauor me as futch one, whvch
with ail fidelity hopeth to paffe hvs time in your company."
The Counteffe although fhe knew ful wel that the tire was hot fo
liuely kindled in the flomacke of the Counte as hee wente aboute
to make hir beleue, and that his wordes were to eloquent, and coun-
tenance to ioyfull for fo earnefl a louer as hee femed to be, at thys
firff incountrv: ver for that he was a valiant Gentleman, yong, lufly,
and flrongly ruade, minded to retaine him, and for a tvme to ffave
hir ffomacke by appeafying hir gluttonous appetite in matters of
loue, with a morfell fo dainty, as vas thys Mynion and luffve
young Lorde : and v,-hen the Courage of hvm began to coole, ano-
ther fhoulde enter the lifles. And therefore fhe aunfwered hym
in thys wife : "Although I (knovying the vfe and manners of men,
and with vhat Baits they Hoke for Ladies, if they take hot heede,
hauing proued their malice and little loue,), determined neuer to
loue other than mine affe&ion, ne yet to fauoure Man excepte it
bee by fhewyng fome Familiar manner to heare thevr talke, and
for paffime to hearken the braue requeffs of thofe which far they
burne for loue» in the raids of fome delyghtfome brooke. And
albeit I think you no hetter than other bee, ne more fayhfully,
more affe&yonate, or otherwyfe moued than the refi, yet I ara
contente for refpe¢'-'te of youre honoure, fomewhat to beeleue
you and to accepte you for myrte owne, fith your dyfcretyon is
futch (I truffe) as fo Noble a Gentleman as you bee, wyll hym
felfe declare in thofe Affayres, and when I fee the effe&e of my
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
59
hope fucceede, I cannot be fo vnkynde, but vyth ail honeffy fhall
affaye to fatiffy that your loue." The Countee feeing hir alone,
and receyuing the Ladie's language for his aduantage, and that
hir countenance by alteration of hir minde did ad a certavne
beauty to hir face, and perceyuing a defire in hir that he fhould
not vfe delay, or be to fqueimifh, fhe demaunding naught elfe but
execucion, tooke the prefent offred time, forgetting ail ceremonies,
and reuerence, he embraced hir and kiffed hir a Hundred Thoufande
tymes. And albeit fhee ruade a certayne fimple and prouoking
refifanee, yet the louer notinge them to be but preparatiues for
the fport of loue, he frayed from the bounds of honefy, and threw
her vppon a fielde Bed wythin the Chambre, where hee folaeed
hymfelfe wyth hvs long defired fuite. And finding hir worthy to
be beloued, and fhe him a curteous gentleman, confulted together
for continuaunce of their amity, in futch wife as the Lorde Ardiz-
zino fpake no more but bv the mouth of Bianca Maria, and dyd
nothynge but what fhe commaunded, being fo bewrapped wyth
the heauv Mantell of hir BeafHy Loue, as hec fill abode nyght
and dav in the houfe of his beloued: whereby the brute was
noyfed throughout the Citty, and the fonges of their Loue more
common in ech Citizen's mouth, than Stanze or Sonnettes of
Petrarch, Played and Favned vpon the Gittrone, Lute, or Lyra,
more fine and witty than thofe vnfauery Ballets that be tuned and
chaunted in the mouthes of the common fort. Beholde an Earle
well ferued, and dreffed by enioying fo faire a Woman, which had
already falfified the fayth betrouthed to hir hufband, who was more
honef, milde, and vertuous than fhe defcrued. Beholde alfo, yee
Noble Gentlemen, the fimplicity of this good Earle, how it was
deceyued by a falfe and filthy frumpet, whofe fincking lyfe and
common vfe of body woulde haue withdrawen ech fimple creature
from mixture of their ovne wyth futch a Carrion. A leffon to
learne al youth to refrayne the ,Vhoorifhe lookes of lighte con-
ditioned Dames, a number (the more to be pittied) fhewinge foorth
themfelues to the Portfale of euery Cheapener, that lif demaunde
the pryce, the grozenes whereof before confidered, were worthy
to be defied and loathed. This Ladye feeinge her Louer noufled
in hir lufi, dandled him with a thoufand trumperyes, and made
6o
TttE COUNT$$ OF CLANT.
hym holde the Mule, while other enioyed the fecrete fporte which
earfi hee vfed hymçelf. This aequayntanee was fo dangerous to
the Counte, as fhe hir çelfe was fhameleffe to the Counte of Celant :
for the one bare the armes of Cornwall, and beeame a feeonde
A&eon, and the other wickedlv led his lyre, and lof the ehiefef
o[ that hee loked for by the feruiee of great Princes, throughe the
treafon of an arrante eommon queane. XVhiles this Loue eonty-
nued in al Pleafure and lyke eontentation of either parts : fortune
that was ready to mounte the flage, and fhew in fight that her
mobylytye was no more fable than a woman's wyll: for vnder
futch habite and çexe Painters and Poets defcribe hir) marie Ardiz-
zino fufpee what defire fhe had of chaunge : and within a while
after, fawe himfelfe fo farre mifliked of his Lady, as though he had
neuer bene acquainted. The taule of which reeoile was, for that
the Counteffe was hOt eontented with one kind of rare, whoç Eyes
were more greedy than hir flomake able to digefl, and aboue al
defired chaunge, hOt feking meanes to finde him that was worthy
to be beloued and intertayned of fo great a Lady, as fhe efeemed
hir felfe to be, and as futch of their owne opinion thinke them-
felues, who counterfaie more grauitie and reputation than they
doe, whome Nature and vertue for theyr maiefly and holvnes
of lyre make Noble and praife worthy. That defire deeeiued hir
nothing at ail, for a certaine rime after that Ardizzino poffeffed
the forte of this favre Counteffe, there came to Pauia, one Roberto
Sanfeuerino earle of Gaiazzo, a yong a**d valiaunte gentleman,
whoçe Countreye lyeth on this ride the Mountaines, and was verve
famylyar with the Earle of Maflîno. This vnfaythful AIcina and
cruel bledea had no foner eaft hir Eye vppon Signor di Gaiazzo,
but was piereed with loue in futch wife, as if forthwith fhee had
hOt attavned hir defyres, fhe would haue run mad, bycaufe that
Gentleman bare a eertayne fatelye reprefentatyon in hys Face,
and promyfed futeh dexteritie in hys deedes, as fodaynly fhe
thought him to be the mau that was able to fiauneh hir filthy
thurfl. And therfore fo gently as fhe eould, gave ouer hir Ardiz-
zino, with whom fhe vtterly refufed to fpeake, and fhunned hvs
eompany when fhe faw him, and by fhutting the gates agaynf
him : the Noble man was notable to forbeare from throwing forth
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
6I
fome words of choler, wherby fhe tooke occafion both to expell
him, and alfo to beare hvm futch difpleafure, as then fhe con-
fpired his death, as afterwards you fhall pereeyue. This greate
hatred was the eaufe that fhe fell in loue as you haue harde wyth
the Counte of Gaiazzo, who fhewed vnto him all figne of Amitye,
and feeing that hee made no greate fute vnto hir, fhe wrote vnto
him in this manner.
The Letter of Bianca ]llarie, to the Counte of Gaiazzo.
SIR, I doubt not by knowing the Rate of mv degree, but that ye
blufh to fee the violence of my mynd, which paffing the limites of
modefy, that ought to guard futch a Lady as I am, forceth me
(vncertayn of the caufe) to doe you vnderRand the gryef that doeth
torment me, which is of futch conRraynt, as if of curtefie ye do
hOt vouchfafe to corne vnto me, you/hall commvt two faults, the
one leauing the thing worthv for you to loue and regard, and xvhich
deferueth hot to be caf of, the other in caufing the Death of hir,
that for Loue of you, is bereft of reR : wherby loue hath uery little
in me to feafe vpon, either of heart or liberté'. The eafe of which
gryef proceedeth from vour only grace, which is able to vanquy/he
hir, whofe vicCtorious hap hath conquered ail other, and who attend-
ing your refolut aunfwer, /hal ref vnder the mercifull refuge of
hope, whych deceiuing hir,/hal fe by that very meanes the wretched
end of hir that is al your owne.
Bianca Maria Counteffe of Celant.
The yong Lorde mutch maruelled at this meffage, were it for that
already hee was in loue with hir, and that for loue of his friend
_&rdizzino, durR hot be known therof, or for that he feared/he wold
be Rraught of wits, if/he were defpifed, he determined to goe vnto
hir, and yet Rayed thinking it not to be the part ofa faythfull com-
panyon to deceiue his Friend: but in the end pleafure furmount-
ing reafon, and the beauty ioyned wyth the good grace of the Lady
hauing blinded him, and bewitched his wits fo wel as _&rdizzino,
he toke his way towards hir houfe, xvho waited for him wyth good
deuotion, whither being arriued, he failed hOt to vfe like fpech
that Valperga did, either of them (after certain reuerences and
other fewe words) minding and defyringe one kinde of intertayne-
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
ment. This pracCtize dured certayn months, and the Counteffe was
fo farre rapt with her new louer, as fhe only employed hir felf to
pleafe him, and he fhewed himfelf fo affeceted as therby fhe thought
to fuie and gouerne him in ail things: wherof fle was afterwards
deceiued as you fhall vnderftand the maner. Ardizzino feing
himfelf wholly abandoned the prefence and loue of his Lady,
knowing that/he railed vpon him in al places where fhe came,
departed Pauia halle out of his wittes for Anger, and fo flrayed
from comely ordyr by reafon of his rage, as hee difplayed the
Counteffe thre rimes more liuely in hir colours, than fhe could be
paynted, and reproued hir wyth the termes of the vileft and mofte
common ftrumpet that euer tan at rouers, or fhot at random.
Bianca Maria vnderftode hereof, and was aduertifed of the vile
report that Ardizzino fpread of hir, throughout Lombardie, which
chaffed hir in f.,tch wyfe as fhe fared like the Bedlem fury, ceaf-
ing night nor day to playne the vnkindnes and folly of hir reiecCted
louer: fomtimes faying, that fhe had iufi caufe fo to do, then
flattering hir felfe, ailedged, that men were made of purpofe to
fuffer futeh follyes as were wroughte by hir, and where they
termed themfel ues to bee ,Vomen's Seruauntes, they ought at theyr
MyPcreffe Handes to endure what pleafed them. In the end, hot
able any longer to reftrayne hir eholer, ne vanquifla the appetite
of reuenge, purpofed at ail aduenture to prouide for the death
of ber auneient Enimy, and that by meanes of him whom fhe had
now tangled in her Nettes. See the vnflaamefaftneffe of this mas-
tife bitehe, and the rage of that Female Tiger, howe fhee goeth
about to arme one friend againft an other, and was hot content
onely to abufe the Counte Gaiazzo, but deuifed how to make him
the manqueller. And as one night they were in the middeft of
their embraeements, fhe began pitifully to weepe and figh, in futeh
wife as a man would haue thought (by the vexation of hir hearte)
that the foule and body would haue parted. The younge Lorde
Iouingly enquired the eaufe of hir heauineffe: and fayd vnto hir,
that if any had done hir difpleafure, hee would reuenge hir eaufe
to hir eontentment. She hearing him fay fo, (then in fudie vpon
the deuiee of hir Enimie's death) fpake to the Counte in this man-
ner: "You know tir, that the thing whyeh mofte tormenteth the
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
63
Gentle heart and minde that can abide no wronge, is defamation
of honoure and infamous reporte. Thus mutch 1 fay for that the
Lord of Maflino, (who to fay the trouth, was fauoured of me in like
forte as you be now) hath hot been athamed to publithe open
flaunders agaynt me, as thoughe I were the arrantet XVhore that
euer had giuen her felf ouer to the Galley flaues alongs the thore
of Scicile. If he had vaunted the fauour which I haue done him
but to certayne of his privat Friendes, I had incurred no flaunder
at all, mutch leffe any lyttle fufpition, but hearyng the common
reportes, the wrongfull Woordes and wvcked brutes that he hath
rayfed on me: I befeech you fyr, to do me reafon that he may
feele his offence and the fmart for his committed fault againt hir
that is al yours." The Lord Sanfeuerino hearyng this difcourfe,
promifed hir to do hys bet, and to teache Valperga to talke
more foberly of hir, whom he was not worthy for to ferue, but in
thought. Notwithtandyng, he fayde more than he ment to do,
for he knew Ardizzino to be fo honet, rage and curteous a
perfonage, as hec would neyther doe nor fay anv thing without
good caufe, and that Ardizzino had iufter quarell agaynt him,
by takyng that from hym whvch hee loued (althoughe it was
after his difcontinuance from that place, and vpon the onely
requeft of hir.) Thus he concluded in mind tvl to remayne the
fryend of Ardizzino, and yet to fpend his time with the Counteffe,
which he did the fpace of certayn months without quarelling with
Valperga, that was retired to Pauie, with whom he was conuer-
fant, and liued familiarly, and moft commonly vfed one table and
bed togither. Bianca Maria feeing that the Lord of Gaiazzo cared
hot mutch for hir, but onely for his pleafure, determined to vfe
like praife againt him, as the did to hir former louer, and to
banith him from hir Houle. So that when he came to fee hir, either
the was ficke, or hir affaires were sutch, as the could hot kepe hym
eompany : or elle hir gate was thut vpon him. In the end (playing
double or quit) the prayed the fayd Lord to thewe hir futch plea-
fure and friendthip, as to corne no more vnto hir, bicaufe the was
in termes to goe home to hir hufband the Counte of Celant, who
had fent for hir, and feared leaft his feruaunts thoulde finde her
houfe fui of futers, alleaging that the had liued long inoughe in
64
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
that mofi finful lire, the lighefi faultes whereof were to heynous
for dames of hir port and ealling, eoneluding that fo long as fhe
lyued fhe would beare him good affe&ion for the Honel Company
and eonuerfation had betwene them, and for hvs eurtefie towards
hir. The yong Earle, were it that he gaue ereadit vnto hir talc or
hot, made as though he did beleue the lame, and without longer
dyfeourfe, forbare approche vnto hir houle, and droue out of his
heade al the Amorous affeeCtion whieh he earied to the Piedmont
Cirees. And to the ende he might haue no eaufe to thinke vpon
hir, or that his prefenee fl,ould make hym flaue againe to hir that
firl purfued him, he retired in good rime to Millan : by whieh
retire hee a,'oided that mifhap, wherwith at length this Peflilent
women would haue eut him ouer the fhinnes, euen when his mind
x'as leafi theron. Sueh t.as the malice and rnifehief of hir heart,
who eeafing to play the whore, applied hir whole paflime to
murder. Gaiazzo being departed from Pauie, thys Venus once
agayne affayed the embraeements of hir Ardizzino, and knew hot
wel how to reeouer hym agayne, byeaufe fhe feared that the other
had difeouered the Enterpryfe of his Murder. But what dare not
fhee attempte whofe mvnde is flaue to finne? The firl affayes
be harde, and the minde doubtfull, and eonfcienee gnaweth vpon
the worme of repentaunee, but the fame once noufled in vice, and
rooted in the heart, it is more pleafaunte, and gladfome for the
wieked to exeeute, than verrue is familiar to thofe that follow hir :
So that fhame feparate from before the eyes of youth, riper age
nourfed in impudeney, their fight is fo dafeled, as they ean fee
nothing that e)'ther fhame or feare can make them blufh, which
was the eaufe that this Lady, eontinuinge lill in hir mifchiefe, fo
muteh praifed the freendes of hym whom fhe defired to kill»
and ruade futeh fit exeufe by hir Ambaffades, as hee was content
to fpeake to hir, and to here hir Iufiifieations, whych were eafy
inough to doe, the Iudge being not very guilty. Shee promifed
and fwore that if the fault were proued not to be in him, neuer
man fhould fee Bianca Maria, (fo long as fhe lyued) to be other
than a friend and flaue to the Lord Ardizzino, wholly fubmitting
hirfelfe vnto his will and pleafure. See how peaee was eapitulated
betweene the two reeoneiled Louers and what were the articles of
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
65
the lame, the Lorde of Mafiîno entringe Poffeflion agayne of the
fort that was reuolted, and was long tyme in the power of another.
But when he was seazed agayne, the Lady faw full wel, that hir
recouered friend was hOt fo hard to pleafe, as the other was, and
that wyth him fhe liued at greater liberty. Continuing then their
amorous Daunce, and Ardizzino hauing no more care but to reioyce
himfelfe, norhys Lady, but to cherifhe and make mutch ofhir friend,
beholde eftfoones the defire of Bloud and wyll of murder, newly
reuiued in that new Megera, who incited (I knowe hOt with what
rage,) fanfied to haue him flayne, whych refufed to kill hym,
whom at this prefent fhee loued as hirfelfe. And he that had
inquired the caufe thereof, I thvncke none other reafon coulde
be rendred, but that a brayneleffe heade and reafonleffe minde,
doe thincke mort notable murders, and lnyfchiefe be eafie to be
brought to paffe, who fo flrangely proceeded in difordred Lufles,
which in fine caufed their myferable fhame, and ruine, wyth the
death of hirfelfe and hym, whom fhe had flirred to the face,
boldeninge him by perfuafion, to make him beleue Vyce to bee
Vertue, and Glorioufly commended hym in hys follies, whych you
/hall heare by readinge at lengthe the difcourfe of thys Hyflory.
Bianca Maria, feeing hirfelfe in full poffeflîon of hir Ardizzlno,
purpofed to make hym chiefe executioner of the murder, by hir
intended, vpon Gaiazzo, for the doing whereof one night holdinge
hym betwene hir armes, after lhee had long time dalyed with
hym, like a cunninge Maiflreffe of hir Art, in the endc weauinge
and trayning hir treafon at large, fhe fayd thus vnto him : "Syr,
of long time I haue bene defirous to require a good turne at your
hands, but fearing to trouble you, and thereupon to be denied, I
thought hOt to be importunate: and albeit the matter toucheth
you, yet did I rather holde my peace then to here refufall of a
thinge, which your felfe ought to profer, the fame concerning
you." "Madame," fayd hir Louer, "you know the matter neede
to be haynous and of great importaunce, that I fhould deny you,
fpecially ifit concerne the bleamifh ofyour honor. But you fay the
faine doth touch mee fomewhat neerely, and therefore if ability
be in me, fpare hot to vtter it, and I wyll affay your fatiffaction
to the vttermofl of my power." " Syr," fayd fhe, "is the Counte
VOL. III. E
66
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
of Gaiazzo one of your very frends?" "I thinke" (aunlwered
Valperga) " that he is one of the fureft freends I haue, and in
refpe& of whofe frendfhip, I 'ill hazarde my feife for him no leffe
than for my Brother, being certaine that if I have neede of him,
he will not fayle to do the like for me. But wherefore doe you
afke me that queftion ? "' " I will then tel you," fayd the Traytreffe
(kiflïng him fo fweetely as euer he felt the like of any XVoman,)
"for fomutch as you be fo deceyued of your opinion in him who
is wicked in diffembling of that, which malicioufly lieth hidden
in hys heart. And briefly to fav the effe&: affure your felfe hee
is the greateft and mort mortall Enimy that you haue in the
SVorlde. And to the intent that you do not think this to be fome
fbrged Tale, of light inuention, or that I heard the report of fome
hOt worthy of credit, I wi|| fay nothinge but that whvch hymfe|fe
did tell me, when in your abfence he vfed my company. He
fware vnto me, without declaration of the caufe, that hee coulde
neuer bee mery, nor hys mynde in reft, belote hee faw you cut
in pieces, and fhortly woulde giue you futch affaulte, as al the
dayes of out lyfe, you flioulde neuer haue luft or mynde on Ladies
loue. And albeit then, I was in choler agaynf you, and that vou
had miniftred fome caufe, and reafon of hatred, yet out firft loue
had taken futch force in my hart, and I befought him not to do
that enterprife fo long as I was in place where you did remayne,
becaufe I cannot abide (wythout prefent death) to fee your finger
ake, mutch leffe your lyfe berieued from you. Vnto which my
fute his Eare was deafe, fwearing ftill and protefting that either
he wou|d be flayne himfelfe, or elfe difpatch the Countee Ardiz-
zino. I durft not" (quod fhe) "ne wel could as then aduertife you
thereof, for the final acceffe that my feruants had vnto your lodg-
ing, but now I pray you to take good heede by preuenting his
diuelifhe purpofe : For better it were for vou to take his lyfe, than
he to kill and murder you, or otherwyfe work you mifchiefe, and
vou fhal be efteemed the wifer man, and he pronounced a traytor
to feeke the death of him, that bare him futeh good will. Doe
then accordinge to myne aduice, and before he begin, doe you kill
hym, by the which you fhall faue your felfe, and doe the part of
a valyaunt knight, bifides, the fatif'ing of the mvnde of hir that
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
67
aboue al pleafures of the Vorld doth chiefly defire the fame. Ex-
perience now will let me proue whether you loue me or hot, and what
you will do for hir that loueth you fo dearly, who openeth this con-
fpired murder, afweli for vour fafety, as for iengthening of the iyfe
of hir, which wytlout yours cannot endure : graunt this mv fute
(O friend mo deare) and fuffer me hot in forrowfuli plight to
be defpoyled of thy prefence : and wilt thou fuffer that I fhoulde
dy, and that yonder Proude, Trayterous, and vnfaythfi,ii varlet
fhouid liue to iaugh mee to fcorne ?" If the Lady had not added
thofe iaf words to hir foolifh fermon, perchaunce fhe might haue
prouoked Ardizzino to foiow hir Counfell : but feeing hir fo ob-
ffinately continue hir roquera, and to profecute the faine with futch
violence, concluding vpon hir owne quarrel, his confcience throb-
bed, and his minde meafured the malice of that Voman, with the
honefy of him, againf whom that tale was told, who knew his frend
to be fo found and trufy, as wiilingly he would not do the thinge
that fhould offcnd him, and therefore would geue no credit to
faife report without good, and apparant proofe : for which caufe
hee was perfuaded that it was a malicious tale deuifed by fome
that went about to fowe debate betweene thofe two friendly earles.
Notwithfanding, vpon further paufe, and not to make hir chafe,
or force hir into rage, he promifed the execution of hir curfed wii,
thanking hir for hir aduertifement, and that he wouid prouide for
hys defence and furety : and to the intent that fhee might thvncke
he went about to performe his promife, he tooke his ieaue of
hir to goe to Millan, xvhich hee did, hot to foilow the abhomina-
ble wili of that rauenous Mafife, but to reueale the matter to his
companion, and dire& the faine as it deferued. Being arriucd at
Millan, the chiefe Citty of Lombardy, he imparted to Gaiazzo
from poynct to poynct the difcourfe of the Counteffe, and the
peticion fhee ruade vnto hym, vppon the conclufion of hir Tale :
"0 God" (fayd the lord Sanfeuerino,) "who can beware the traps
of Vhoores, if by thy grace our hands be hot forbidden, and out
hearts and thoughts guided bv thy goodnes? Is it poflïb]e that
the Earth can breede a Monfer more pernicious than this mof
Peffilent Beaf? Thys is truely the grift of hir Father's vfury, and
the fench of all hir Predeceffours villanyes: it is impoflïble of a
68
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
Kyte or Cormerant to make a good Sparhauk, or Terele gentle.
This earion no doubt is the Daughter of a Vilayne, fprong of the
bafef race amongs the eommon people, whofe mother was more
fine than ehafe, more fubtile than fober: this minion hath for-
faken hir hufoand, to ere& bloudy Skaffoldes of murder amid the
Nobles of ltaly : and were it not for the difhonour whieh I fhould
get to foyle my hands in the bloude of a Beaf fo eorrupt, I
woulde teare hir with my Teeth in a hundreth Thoufand peeees :
how many times hath fhe entreated mee before: in how many
fundry fortes vith ioyned handes hath fhe befought mee to kill
the Lorde Ardizzino? Ah, my Companion, and right well beloued
Freende, ean you thineke mee to bee fo Trayterous, and Covarde a
Knaue, as that I dare hOt tell to them to whome I beare difpleafure
vhat mallice lurketh in my heart ?" "By the favth of a Gentle-
man," (fayd Ardizzino,)" I would be fory my mynd flould feaze
on futch Folly, but I am corne to reueale thys vnto you, that the
Song might found no more wvthin mvne eares. It behoueth vs
then, fith God hath kept vs hytherto, to avoyde the avre of that
infecCtion, that our braynes be not putrified, and from henceforth
to fly thofe Bloudfickers, the Schollers of Venus : and truely great
difhonour would redound to vs, to kill one an other for the onely
paltime and fottifh fanfie of that mynion : I haue repented me an
hundred times when fhe firtt mooued mee of the deuice to kill
you, that I did not geeue a hundred Poignaladoes wyth mv
Dagger, to ffop the way bv that example for ail other to attempt
futch Butcheries: for I am well affured that the mallyce whych
fhee beareth you, proceedeth but of the delay you ruade for fatis-
facCtion of hir murderous defire, vhereof I thancke you, and yelde
my felfe in ail caufes to imploy my lyfe, and that I haue, to do
you feruice." "Leaue we of that talk" (fayd Gaiazzo) "for I
haue done but my duety, and that which ech Noble heart ought to
euery wight, doing wrong to none, but prone to help, and doe
good to ail: whych is the true marke and Badge of iNTobility.
Touching that malignant Strumpet, hir owne lyre fhall reuenge
the wrongs which fhe hath gone about to venge on vs. In meane
while let vs reioyce, and thincke the goods, and richeffe fhee hath
gotten of vs, wil not caufe hir Bagges mutch to Strout and Swel.
THE çOUNTFSSE OF ÇELANT.
69
To be fhort, fhe hath nothing whereby fhe may greatly laugh vs
to fcorne, exeept our good entertainment of hir night and day do
prouoke hir: let other eoyne the penee heneeforth to fill her
Coafers, for of vs (fo farre as I fee) fhe is deeevued. '» Thus the
two Lordes paffed forth their tyme, and in all Companies where
they came, they fpent their Talke, and Communication of the
disordered lyfe of the Counteffe of Celant. The whole Citty alfo
rang of the fleights and meanes fhe vfed to trappe the Noblemen,
and of her pollicies to be rid of them when her thirfi was fianched,
or diet grew lothefome for waut of chaunge. And that whych
greued hir mofi, an Italyan Epigram blafed forth hir prowes to hir
great difhonour, whereof the Copy I eannot get, and fome fay
that Ardizzino was the author : for it was eompofed, when he vas
difpoffeffed of paeienee: and if flee eoulde haue wreked hir will
on the knights, I beleeue in hir rage fhe would haue ruade an
Anathomy of their Bones. Of whych hir two enimies, Ardizzino
was the greatefi, agaynfi whom hir difpleafure was the more, for
that he was the firfi with whom fhe entred tkirmifh. Nothing
was more frequent in Pauy, than villanous Iefis, and Plaves
vppon the fihhy Behauiour of the Counteffe, which ruade hir
afhamed to goe out of hir Gates. In the ende fhee purpofed to
chaunge the Ayre and place, hoping by that alteration to ftay the
Infamous Brute, and Slaunder : fo fl,e came to Millan, where firfi
fhe was inuef[ed wyth fiate of honour, in honefi Faine of Chafle
lyfe fo longe as Vicount Hermes liued, and then was hot purfued
to f[aunch the thirft of thofe that did ordinarilv draw at hir Foun-
tayne. About the tyme that fhe departed from Pauy, Dom Pietro
de Cardone a Scicilian, the Baf[ard Brother of the Counte of
Colifano, whofe Lieuetenaunt he was, and their father flayn at the
Battayle of Bicocca wyth a hand of horfemen arriued at lIilan.
This Scicilian was about the age of one or tvo and twenty yeres,
fomwhat black of face, but well ruade and fterne of countenance:
whiles the Counteffe foiorned at Milan, this gentleman fell in loue
with hir, and fearched ail meanes he coulde to make hir hys friende,
and to enioy hir : who perceyuing him to be young, and a Nouice
in Skirmifhes of Loue, lyke a Pigeon of the firft coate, determined
70 TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
to lure him, and to ferue hir turne in that which fhee purpofed to
doe on thofe agayntt whom fhee was outragioufly offended. Now
the better to entice thys younge Lorde vnto her Fantafye, and to
catch hvm wyth hir bayte, when hee paffed through the Streate, and
faluted hir, and when he Syghed after the manner of the Spaniard,
rominge before hys Lady, fheefhewed him an indifferent mery Coon-
tenaunce, and fodaynely refiravned that Chcere, to make hym tatte
the pleafure mingled with the route of one defire, which he could hot
tel how to accomplifh: and the more faynt was his hardires for that
he was neuer pra&ifed in the daliance and feruice of Lady of noble
houfe or calling, who thincking that the Gentlewoman was one of
the Principall of Millan, he was firaungely vexed, and tormented for
hir loue, in fi, tch wvfe as in the night he could hot rctt for fanta-
ring, and thynking vpon hir, and in the Day paffed up and downe
bcfore the Doore of ber lodging. One eueninge for his difport hee
went forth to walke in company of another Gentleman, which well
cot, ld play vppon the Lute, and defired him to gieue awake vnto hvs
Lady, that then for iealoofie was harkeninge at hir window, both
of the founde of the Infirument, and the Ditty of hir amoroos
Knight, whcre the Gentleman fong thys Sonet.
The death with trenchant dart, doth brede in brefi futch il,
As I cannot forger the fmart, that therehy rifeth ftil.
Yet necrthcleffe I am, the ill it felfe in deede,
That death with dailv dolours deepe, within my breaft doth breede.
I am my Milireffe thrall, and yet I doe not kno,
If the beare me good will at ail, or if the loue or no.
My wound is made fo large, with bitter wo in brefi,
That fiill my heart prepares a place to lodge a carefull guett.
O dame that hath mv lvfe and death at thv defire.
Come eafe my mind, wher fancies flames doth burne like Ethna
fil'e,
For wanting thee my life is death and doleful cheere,
And finding fauor in thy fight, my daves are happy heere.
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
71
Then he began to figh fo terribly, as if already fhe had geuen
fentence, and difinitiue ludgement of his farewell, and difputed
with his fellow in futch fort, and wyth Opinion fo affured of hvs
contempt, as if he had bene in loue with fome one of the Infants
of Spayne: for which caufe he began very pitifully to ring thefe
verres.
That God that made my foule, and knows what I haue felt,
,Vho caufeth fighes and forows oft, the fely foule to fwelt,
Doth fee my torments now, and what I fuffer fill,
And vnderftands I taft mo griefs, than I can fhew by fkill.
Hee doth confent I wot, to my ill hap and xvoe,
And hath accorded with the dame that is my pleafaunt foe,
To make my boyling brefi abound in bitter bliffe,
And fo bereue me of mv reft, when heart his hope fhall mille.
0 what are not the fongs, and fighs that Iouers haue,
XVhen night and day with fweete defires, they draw vnto their
gFaue,
Their grief by frendfhip growes, where ruth nor pity raynes,
And fo like fnoxv againft the Sun, they melt awav with pains.
My dayes mufi finifh fo, my definy hath it let,
And as the candle out I goe, before hir grace I get.
Before my lute be heard, mv feruice throughly knowne,
I fhalbe lard in Toumbe ful low, fo colde as Marble ftone.
To thee favre Dame I cry, that makes mv fenfes arre,
And plantefl peace within my brefi and then makes fodain war:
Yet at thy pleafure f[ill, thou mul1 mv fowre make fweete,
In graunting me the fauour due, for faythfull Louers meete.
1Vhich fauor geue me now, and to thv Noble mynde,
I doe remayne a Galley flaue, as thou by proofe fhall finde.
And fo thou fhalt releafe mv heart from cruell bandes,
And haue his fredome at thy wil that yelds into thy bandes.
72 THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
So rendring all to thee, the gods may ioyne vs both
XVithln one lawe and league of loue, through force of confiant
troth.
Then [halt thou mifreffe be, of lyfe, of Limme and ail,
i/y goods, my golde, and honour, loe! fhall fo be at thy call.
Thys gentle order of loue greatly pleafed the Lady, and therefore
opened hir gate to let the Scicilian lorde, who feeing hymfelfe
fauoured (beyond ail hope) of his Lady, and cheerefully inter-
tayned, and welcommed with great curtefie floode fo flill afon-
nied, as if hee had beene fallen from the Cloudes: but fhe which
coulde teache hvm good manner, to make hvm the minlfer of hir
myfehiefe, takynge hym bv the hande, ruade hvm fit downe vpon
a greene Bed befydes hir, and feeing that he was not vet imbolde-
ned, for ail hee was a Souldiotr, fhee fhewed hir felfe more hardv
than hee, and firfe affavled hvm wyth talke, fayinge: "Syr, I
praye you thinke it not ftraunge, if at thys houre of the nyght,
I ara bolde to taule you enter mv houle, beilge of no great ac-
quayntaunce wyth you, but by hearinge your curteous faluta-
tions: and wee of thys Countrey bee fomewhat more at liberty
than thev in thofe partes from whence you corne : befides it lyketh
mee well (as I ara able) to honour ftraunge gentlemen, and to
retavne theym with right good willinge heart, fith it pleafeth
theym to honour mee wyth repayre vnto my houle : fo fhall you
be welcome flvll when you pleafe to knocke at my Gate, whvch
at all tvmes I wyll to be opened for you, wyth no leffe good wyll
than it: vee were my naturall Brother, the faine wyth all the thinges
therein, it may pleafe you to difpofe as if they were your own."
Dom Pietro of Cardonne well fatiffied, and contented wyth thys
vnlooked for kyndneffe, thanked her very Curteoufly, humbly pray-
ing hir befides to dayne it in good parte, if he were fo bolde to
make requefe of loue, and that it was the onelye thynge which
hee aboue al| other defyred motte, fo that if fhee would receiue
him for hir friende and Seruaunt, fhee fhoulde vnderfande him to
be a Gentleman, which lightly woulde promife nothing excepte
the accomplifhment did followe: fhe that fawe a greater onfet
than fhe loked for, anfwered hym fmilyng with a very good grace :
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
73
"' Sir, I haue knowne very many that haue vouched flipperie pro-
myfes, and proffered lordly feruices vnto Ladies, the effecct wherof
if I myght once fee, I would not thinke that they coulde vanifhe fo
foone, and confume like fmoake." '" Madame" (fayde the Scici-
lian) "yf I fayle in any thing which you commaunde mee, I praye
to God neuer to receiue any fauor or grace of thofe Curtcfies
whvch I craue." "If then" (quod fhee) "you wyl promife to
employ your felfe aboute a bufineffe that I haue to do vhen I
make requef[, I wyll alfo to accept you for a friende, and graunt
futch fecrecie as a faithful louer can def.vre of his Lady." Dom
Pietro which would have offred hym felfe in Sacrifice for hir, hot
knowyng hir demaunde, tooke an othe, and promyfed hir fo
lyghtly as madly afterwardes he did put the lame it proofe. Be-
holde the preparatiues of the obfequies of their firfl loue, and the
guages of a bloudie Bed: the one was prodigall of hir honoure,
the other the tormente of his reputation, and neglecCted the duety
and honor of his f[ate, which the houle wherof he came, com-
maunded hym to kepe. Thus ail the nyght he remained with
Bianca Maria, who made him fo wel to like hir good entertayn-
ment and imbracementes, as he neuer was out of ber Compan.'.
.And the warie Circes fayned her felf fo rare in loue wyth hym,
and vfed fo many toyes and gametricks of her filthy fcience,
as he not onelye ef[eemed hym felfe the happief[ Gentleman of
Scicilia, but the mot fortunate wight of ail the Vorlde, and by
bibbing of hir Vyne was fo f[raungely charmed with the Plea-
fures of his fayre Myf[reffe, as for hir fake he would haue taken
vpon him the whole ouerthrowe of Milan, fo well as Blofe of
Cumes to fette the Cittye of Rome on tire, if Tyberius Gracchus
the fedicious, woulde haue giuen it him in charge. Sutch is the
manner of wilde and foolifh youth, whych fuffreth it felfe to be
caried beyonde the boundes of reafon. The lame in time pat
did ouerthrow many Realmes, and caufed the chaunge of diuers
Monarchies: and truely vnfeemely it is for a man to be fubdued
to the will of a commo f[rumpet. _And as it is vncomly to fub-
mit him felfe to futch one, fo not requifite to an honet and ver-
tuous Dame, his maried Wyfe. Which vnman]y deedes, be occa-
fiOll$ that diuers Foolifhe Women commit futch filthy facCtes, with
î4 THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
their infpekable trumperies begiling the fimple man, and per-
chance through to mutch lofing the Bridle raynes to the lawfull
Vyfe, the poore man is rangely deceyued by fome adulterous
varlet, whvch at the Vyue's commaundment, when e feeth
oportunity, ,vil not flrinke to bazarde the honour of them both,
in futch 'ife as they ferue for an example vppon a common Scaf-
fold to a whole generation and Poerit.v. I wvll not feeke farre
of for examp!es, being fatified with the folly of the Bafiard Car-
donne, to pleafe the cruelty and malice of that infernall furv the
Counteffe, wbo hauinge lulled, flattered, and bewitched with hir
louetricks (and peraduentue with fome charmed drinke) ber new
Pigeon, feeinge it time to folicite his promife, to be reuenged of
thofe, whych thought no more of hir confpiracies and trayterous
deuifes, and alfo when the time was corne for puniflinge of hir
whoredome, and cbaftifing of the breach of fayth ruade to hir bus-
bande, and of hr intended murders, and fome of them put in exe-
ction, he I fa.v defirous to f«e the ende of that, which i thought
fle had contryued, vppon a dav tooke Dom Pietro aride, and
fecretly bega this Oration: "I take Goal to witnes (tir) that
the reque which I pretend prefently to make, proceedeth of de-
tire rather that the \Vorlde mav know how iufily I feeke meanes
to mavntavne myrte honour, than for defire of reuenge, knowinge
verv well, that there is nothing fo precious, and deere vnto a
man, as tbe preferuation of tbat ineftinable Iewe11, fpecially in a
Lady of that honourable degre whvch I mayntayne amonge the
be. And to the intent I feeme hot tedious with prolixity of
words, or vfe other than dire& circumfances before him that bath
offred iuft reuenge for the ,vrongs I haue rece)'ued: knowe you
tir, that for a certain tyme I continued at Pauie, kepynge a houle
and Travne fo honef, as the bef Lords were contented wyth
myne ordinarye : It chaunced that two honef Gentlemen of Noble
Houle haunted my Palace in lyke fort, and with the faine inter-
tainment whvch as )'ou fee, I doe receiue ech Gentleman, 'ho
be.vng well intreated and honoured of me, in the ende forçat them-
felues fo farre, as without refpe& of my fiate and callinge, wyth-
out regard of the race and family wherof they corne, haue at-
tempted the flaunder of my good name» and vtter fubuerfion of my
TtIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
75
renoume : and fufficient it was not for them thus to deale xvith mee
poore Gentlewoman, without defert (excepte it were for admvt-
tyng them to haue acceffe vnto my houfe)but alfo to continue
their Blafphemies, to myne extreame reproach and fhame: and
howe true the faine is, they that know me can well declare, by
reafon whereof, the vulgar people prone and ready to wycked re-
portes, haue conceiued futch opynion of me, as for that they fee me
braue and fine in Appareil, and fpecyally throughe the flaunde-
rous fpeache of thofe gallantes, do deeme and repute me for a
common X.Vhoore, wherof I craue none other wytneffe than your
felfe and my confcience. And I fweare vnto you, that fith I
came to Milan, it is you alone that bath vanquifhed, and ruade the
Triumphe of my Chafiytye: and yf you were abfent from this
Citye, I affure you on my fayth that I would not tarry heere XXllll.
houres. Thefe infamous ruffians I fay, thefe perfecuters and ter-
magantes of my good naine, haue chafed mee out of ail good
Cityes, and ruade me to be abhorred of ech honeft company, that
weary I ara of my lyfe, and lothe to lyue any longer except fpedye
redreffe bee had for reuengement of thys wronge : wherefore ex-
cept I finde fome Noble Champion and Valyaunte Perfonage to
requyte thefe Vvllains for their fpitefull Speach blafed on me in
euerye Corner of Towne and Countreye, and to paye them thevr
rewarde and hire that I may lyue at Lybertye and quyet, Sor-
rowe wyll eyther confume mee or myrte owne bandes fhall has-
ten fpedye Death." And in fpeakyng thofe X, Voordes, fhee be-
ganne to weepe with futch abundance of teares ffreaming downe
hir Cheekes and Necke of Alabaffer hewe, as the Scicilian whych
almoff had none other God but the Counteffe, fayd vnto hir:
"And what is he, that dare molet2 and flaunder hir that hath in
hir puiffaunce fo many Souldiers and men of Varre? I make a
vow to God, that if I know the names of thofe two arrant vil-
laynes, the which haue fo defamed my Myffreffe naine, the whole
worlde fhall not faue their liues, whofe carrion Bodies I wili hew
into fo many gobbets, as thev haue members vpon the faine:
wherefore Madame" (fayd he, imbracing her) "I pray you to grieue
vour feife no more, commit vour wronges to me, only tell me the
names of thofe Gallaunts, and afterwards you fhall vnderftande
76
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
what difference I make of woorde and deede, and if I doe not
trimme and dreffe thevm fo finely, as hereafter they fhall haue
no neede of Barber, neuer trufl me any more." Shee, as reuiued
from death to lyfe, kvffed and embraced him a thoufand tymes,
thankinge hym for his good will, and offering him ail that fhe
had. In the ende fhe tolde him that hir enimies were the counties
of Maflino and Gaiazzo, which but bv thevr deaths alone were
hot able toamend and repayre hir honour. "' Care hot you" (fayde
hee) "for before that the Sunne fhall fpreade his Beames twice
-4 houres vpon the earth, you fhall heare neuves, and knov
what I ara able to do for the ehaftifement of thofe deuiis." As he
promifed, hee favled not to do : for wvthin a whvle after as Ardiz-
zino was goinge to fupper into the Citty, he ,vas efpyed by hym,
that had in eompany attendaunt vppon hym fyue and tventy men
of Armes, which waited for Ardizzino, in a Lane on the left hand
of the Streate called Merauegli, leading towards the ehureh of
Sain& lames, through which the Countee mufl needes paffe.
.Vho as he was going very pleafantly difpofed with his brother,
and .5 or 6 of his men, xvas immediately affavled on euery
ride, and hot knowinge what it ment, would haue fled, but the
Wayes, and Paffages were ftopped rounde aboute : to defende him-
felfe it auavled hot hauing but their fingle Swords, and amid the
troupe of futeh a bande that were throughly armed, which in a
moment had murdred, and eut in peeees ail that eompany. And
although it was late, yet the Countie Ardizzino many times named
Dom Pietro, which eaufed hym to be taken, and imprifoned by the
D ukeof ]3ourbol b that was fled out of Fraunee, and then was Lieute-
naunt for the Emperour Charles the fifth in Milan. \Vhofoeuer was
aflonned and amazed with that Imprifonment, itis to bec thoughte
that the Scieilan ,vas hot greatly at his eafe and quiet, who
needed no torments to force him eonfeffe the fa&, for of his owne
accorde voluntarilv he dyfclofed the faine, but he favde he was
prouoked thervnto bv the perfuafion of Bianea Maria telling the
whole difcourfe as you haue heard before. She had aiready
intelligence of this ehaunee, and might haue fled and faued hir
felfe before the fa& (by the eonfeflïon of Dom Pietro) had ben
difcouered, and attended in fome feerete place till that fiormie
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
77
time had bene calmed and appeafed. But God which is a right-
full iudge woulde not fuffer hir wickedneffe fretch any further,
fith fhe hauing round out futch a nimble and wilful executioner,
the Countee of Gaiazzo could not long haue remained aliue, who
then in good rime and happy houre was abfent out of the City.
So foone as Dom Pietro had accufed the Counteffe, the Lord of
Bourbon fente her to pryfon, and being examined, confeffed the
whole matter, truffinge that hir infinite numbre of Crownes woulde
haue corrupted the Duke, or thofe that reprefented his perron.
But hir Crownes and Lyre paffed all one wav. For the day after
hir imprifonment fhee was eondempned to lofe hir heade: and in
the meane time Dom Pietro was faued, by the diligence and fuite
of the Captaynes, and was employed in other \Varres, to whom the
Duke gaue him, for that he was lothe to lofe fo notable a Souldiour,
the very right hand of his Brother the Countee of Colifano. The
Counteffe hauing fentence pronounced vppon hir, but truffing for
pardon, would not prepare hir felfe to dy, ne vet bv anv meanes
craue forgiuenes of hir faults at the hands of God, vntil the was
conueved out of the Caitell, and ledde to the common place of
execution, where a Scaffolde was prepared for hir to play the lait
_A&e of thys Tragedy. Then the miferable Lady began to know
hirfelfe, and to confeffe hir faults befi»re the people, deuoutly
praying God, not to haue regard to hir demerites, ne yet to deter-
mine his wrath agaynit hir, or enter with hir in iudgement, for
fo mutch as if the lame were decreed accordinge to hir iniquity,
no faluation was to be looked for. She befought the people to
pray for hir, and the countee of Gaiazzo that was abfent, to pardon
hir malice, and treafon which the had deuifed agayntt him. Thus
miferablv and repentantly dyed the Counteffe, which in hir lyfe
refufed hot to imbrace and follov any wickednes, no mifchiefe
fhee aeeompted euill done, fo the fame were imployed for hir plea-
fure and paffime. A goodly example truely for the youth of our
prefent time, fith the mof part indifferently do launeh into the
gulfe of difordred lyfe, fuffring themfelues to bec plunged in the
puddles of their owne vayne eoneeiptes, without eonfideration of
the mifehieues that may enfue. If the Lord of Cardonne had not
bene beloued of his generall» into what calamity had he fallen for
78
TIIE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
yeldinge himfelfe a pray to that bloudy "Voman who had more
regarde to the light, and wilfull fanfie of hir, whom he ferued like
a flaue, than to his duety and eftimation ? _nd truely all futch be
voyde of their right wits, whieh thineke themfelues beloued of a
,Vhoore. For their amity endureth no longer than they fueke
from their purffes and bodies any profit or pleafure. _nd beeaufe
almoft euery day femblable examples be feene, I will leaue of this
difeourfe, to take me to a marrer, not farre more pleafaunt than
this, although founded vpon better grounde, and ftablifhed upon
loue, the firft onfet of lawfull mariage, the fueceffe whereof
ehauneed to murderous ende, and yet the faine intended bv nevther
of the beloued: as you /hall be iudge by the continuance of
reading of the hiftory enfuing. Beare with me good Ladyes (for
of you alone I eraue this pardon) for introdueing the ,Vhoorifh
Ivfe of the Counteffe, aud hir bloudy enterprife : bieaufe I know
right wel, that reeitall of murders, and bloudv fa&s wearieth the
mindes of thofe that loue to lyue at reoE, and wifh for fayre weather
after the troublefome formes of raging Seas, no leffe than the
Pilote and wife Mariner, hauing long rime endured and eut the
perillous ftraië-s of the Oeean Sea. And albeit the corruption of
our nature be fo great, as follies delighte vs more than erneft
matters fraught wyth reafon and wifedome, yet I thinke hot that
our mindes be fo peruerted and diuided from trouth, but fometimes
wee tare and feeke to fpeake more grauely than the com, trey
Hynde, or more foberly than they, whofe lvues do beare the marke
of infamy, and be to euery wight notorious for the onely name of
their vocation. Suffifeth vs that an Hyftory, be it neuer fo full
of fporte and pleafure, do bring with it infiru&ion of our lyre, and
amendement of our maners. And wee ought not to be fo curious
or ferupulous, to reie merry and pleafant deuifes that be roide
of harmeful talke, or wythout futch glee as may hynder the educa-
tion of Youth proeliue, and ready to ehoofe that is eorrupt, and
naught. The very bookes of holy feriptures doe deferibe vnto vs
perlons that bee vieious, and fo deteftable as nothing more, whofe
fa&es vnto the fimple may feeme vnfeemely, vpon the leaft reeitall
of the lame. And fhall wee therefore reie& the readinge, and
efchue thofe holy bookes? God forbid, bat with diligence to
THE COUNTESSE OF CELANT.
79
beware, that we do not refemble thofe that be remembred there
for example, forfomutch as fpeedely after finne, enfueth grieuous,
and as fodayne punithment. For which caufe I haue fele&ed
thefe Hiltoryes, of purpofe to aduertife Youth, how they that
follow the way of damnable iniquity, fayle not thortly after their
great offences, and execution of their outragious vices, to feele
the luit and mighty hand of God, who guerdoneth the good for
their good works and deedes, and rewardeth the euil for their
wickednes and mifchiefe. Now turne we then to the Hyltory of
two, the raref Louers that euer were, the performaunce, and
finithinge whereof, had it bene fo profperous as the
beginning, they had ioyed ioyfully the Frui&s of
their intent, and txvo loble houfes of one City
reconciled to perpetuall
frendthil».
8o
RHOMEO AND IULIETTAo
THE TWENTY-FIFTH NOUELL.
The goodl] HK[tor] of the true, and conflant Loue between Rhomeo
and h.lietta, the one of whom died of Poltron , and the other of
forrow, and heuineffe : u,herein be comprfed rnanst aduentures of
Loue, and other deuifes touchinge the fame.
I AI fure that they which meafure the Greatneffe of Goddes
workes accordinge to the capacity of their Rude, and fimple vnder-
fandinge, wvll not lightly adhibite credite vnto thys Hifory, fo
wel for the variety of ftraunge Accidents which be therein de-
fcribed, as for the nouelty of fo rare, and perle& amity. But they
that haue read Plinie, Valerius Maximus, Plutarche, and diuers
other .Vriters, do finde, that in olde time a great number of Men
and Womcn haue died, fome of exceffiue ioy, fome of ouermutch
forrow, and fome of other parlions: and amongs the faine, Loue
is not the leaf, whych when it feazeth vppon any kynde and
gentle lubie&, and findeth no refiftaunce to ferue for a rampart to
ftay the violence of his couffe, by little and little vndermineth,
mclteth and confumeth the vertues of naturall powers in futch
,vyfe as the fpyrite yealdinge to the burden, abandoneth the place
of lyre: which is verified by the pitifull, and infortunate death of
two Louers that furrendered their laf Breath in one Toumbe at
Verona a Citty of ltaly, wherein repofe yet to thys day (with
great maruell) the Bones, and remnauntes of their late louing
bodies : an hyfory no leffe ,vonderfull than true. Ifthen perticular
affe&ion which of good right euery man ought to beare to the
place where he was borne, doe not deceyue thofe that trauayle, I
thincke they will confeffe wvth me, that few Citties in Italy, can
firpaffe the fayd Citty of Verona, af, vell for the Nauigable riuer
called Adiffa, which paffeth almoft through the midft of the fame,
and thereby a great trafique into _Almayne, as alfi» for the profpe&
towards the Fertile Mountaynes, and pleafant vale,s whych do
enuiron the faine, with a great number of very clere and lyuely
fountaynes, that ferue for the eafe and commodity of the place.
Omittinge (bifides many other fingularities) foure Bridges and an
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
81
intinite number of other honourable Antiquities dayly apparaunt
vnto thofe» that be to eurious to viewe and looke vpon them.
Whiih plales I haue fomewhat touched, bicaufe thys moit true
Hiitory which I purpofe hereafter to recite, dependeth thereupon,
the memory whereof to thys day is fo wel known at Verona, as
vnneths their blubbred Eyes be yet dry, that faw and beheld that
lamentable fight. When the Senior Efcala was Lord of Verona,
there were two families in the Citty, of farre greater faine than the
reit, afwell for riches as Nobility: the one called the Montefches,
and the other the Capellets: but lyke as moit commonly there is
difcorde amongs theym which be of femblable degree in honour,
euen fo there hapned a certayne enmity betweene them-, and for
fo mutch as the beginning thereofwas vnlawfull, and of iii founda-
tion, fo lykewyfe in proceffe of time it kindled to futch flame, as
by diuers and fundry deuyfes pra&ifed on both rides, many loit
their lyues. The Lord Bartholmew of Efcala, (of who,n we ha,,e
already fpoken) being Lord of Verona, and feeing futch diforder in
his common weale, affaved diuers and fitndry waies to reconiile
thofe two houfes, but ail in vayne: for their hatred had taken
futch roote, as the faine could not be moderated bv any wyfe
counfell or good aduice: betweene whom no other thing could be
accorded, but geuing ouer Armour, and Weapon for the time, attend-
ing fome other feafon more conuenient, and wyth better leyfure
to appeafe the refi. In the time that thefe thinges were adoing,
one of the family of Montefches called Rhomeo, of the age of 2o
or EEI. yeares, the comlieit and beit conditioned Gentleman that
was amonges the Veronian youth» fell in loue with a yong Gentle-
woman of Verona, and in few dayes was attached with hir Beauty,
and good behauiour, as he abandoned ail other affaires and butines,
to ferue and honour hir: and after many Letters, Ambaffades»
and prefents, he determined in the ende to fpeake vnto hir, and
to difclofe hys parlions, which he did without any other pra&ife.
But fhe which was vertuoufly brought vp, knew how to make him
fo good anfwer to cut of his amorous affe&ions, as he had no luit
after that rime to returne any more, and fhewed hir felf fo auitere,
and fharpe of Speach, as fhe vouchfafed not with one looke to
behold him. But how mutch the young Gentleman faw hir whiit,
VOL. III. F
RHOMEO .6.1,'D IULIETTA.
and filent, the more he was inflamed : and after he had continued
certayne months in that feruice xvythout remedy of his griefe, he
determined in the ende to depart Verona, for proofe if hy chaunge of
the place he might alter his affe&ion, faying to himfelfe : "x.Vhat
do I meane to loue one that is fo vnkinde, and thus doth difdayn
me : I am all hir owne, and yet fhe flieth from me : I can no longer
liue, except hir prefence I doe enioy: and fhe hath no contented
mynde, but when fheis furtheft from me: I will then from henceforth
Eftraunge my felfe from hir, for it mav fo corne to paffe by not be-
holding hir, that thys tire in me which taketh increafe and nourifh-
ment by hir fayre Eyes, by little and little may dy and quench." But
minding to put in proofe what he thought, at one inftant hee was
reduced to the contrary, who not knowing whereupon to refolue,
paffed dayes and nights in marueilous Playnts, and Lamenta-
tions : for Loue vexed him fo neare, and had fo well fixed the Gcn-
tlewoman's Beauty within the Bowels of his heurt, and mynde,
as not able to refift, hee faynted with the charge, and confumed by
little and little as the Show agaynfl the Sunne: whereof hvs
parenttes, and kinred did maruayle greatly, bewaylinge hys
miffortune, but aboue ail other one of hys Companyons of riper
Age, and Counfell than hee, began fharpely to rebuke him : for the
loue that he bare him was fo great as hee felt hys Martirdome, and
was pertaker of hys paffion: which caufed him hy ofte viewyng
his friend's difquietneffe in amorous panges, to fay thus vnto hitn :
"Rhomeo, I maruell mutch that thou fpendeft the befl time of
thine age, in purfute of a thing, from which thou feef[ thy felf
defpifed and banifhed, wythout refpede either to thy prodigall
difpenfe, to thine honor, to thy teares, or to thy myferable lyfe,
which be able to moue the mort conftant to pity wherefore I
pray thee for the Loue of our auncient amity, and for thyne health
fake, that thon wilt learn to he thine owne man, and hot to alyenat
thy lyberty to any fo ingrate as fhe is: for fo farre as I coniec-
ture by things that are paffed hetwene you, either the is in loue
wyth fome other, or elfe determineth neuer to loue any. Thou
arte yong, rich in goods and fortune, and more excellent in beauty
than any Gentleman in thvs Cyty : thou art well learned, and the
onely fortne of the houfe wherof thou commeft : what gryef vould
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
83
it beeto thy poore olde Father and other thy parentes, to fee the
fo drowned in this dongeon of Vyce, fpecially at that age wherein
thou oughtef rather to put them in fome Hope of thy Vertue?
begyn then from henceforth to acknowledge thyne error, wherein
thou haf hitherto lyued, doe away that amorous vaile or couerture
xvhych blyndeth thyne Eyes and letteth thee to folow the ryghte
path, wherein thine auncefors haue walked : or elle if thou do
feele thy felf fo lubie& to thyne owne wyll, yelde thy hearte to
fome other place, and chofe fome Mifreffe accordyng to thy
worthyneffe, and henceforth doe hOt fow thy Paynes in a Soyle fo
harrayne whereof thou reapef no Fruy&e : the tyme approcheth
when al the Dames of the Cyty/hal affemble, where thou mayf
hehold futch one as /hall make thee forget thy former gryefs."
Thys younge Gentleman attentvuelv hearyng ail the perfuad-
yng reafons of hys fryend, began fomewhat to moderate that heate
and to acknowledge ail the exhortatvons which hee had made
to be dire&ed to good purpofe: and then determined to put
them in proofe, and to be prefent indifferently at al the
feafs and affemhlies of the City, without bearing affe6tion more
to one Voman than to an other : and continued in thys manner of
Lyre, IL or ii. monthes, thinking by that meanes to quench the
fparks of auncient flames. It chaunced then within few daves
after, about the feaf of Chryfmaffe, when feafs and bankets
mof commonly be vfed, and matkes accordinge to the cufome
frequented, that An thonie Capellet being the Chier of that Familye,
and one of the principall Lords of the City too, made a banket, and
for the better Solempnization thereof» inuited all the Noble men
and dames, to which Feaf reforted the mof part of the youth
of Verona. The family of the Capellets (as we haue declared in
the beginninge of thys Hyfory) was at variance with the iontes-
ches, which was the caufe that none of that family repaired to
that Banket, but onelye the yong Gentleman Rhomeo, who came
in a matke after fupper with certaine other yong Gentlemen : and
after they had remained a certayne fpace with their vifards on,
at length they did put of the lame, and Rhomeo very/hamefaf,
withdrew himfelf into a Corner of the Hall: but by reafon of the
light of the Torches which burned very bright, he was by and by
84
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
knowen and loked vpon of the whole Company, but fpeeially of
the Ladies, for befides his Natiue Beauty wherewyth Nature had
adorned him, they maruelled at his audacity how hee durf prefume
to enter fo fecretly into the Houfe of that Famyllye which had litle
caufe to do him any good. lqotwithitanding, the Capellets dis-
fembling their mallice, either for the honor of the company, or
elfe for refpe& of his Age, did hot mifufe him eyther in ,Vorde
or Deede: by meanes whereof wyth free |iberty he behe|de and
viewed the Ladies at hys Pleafure, which hee dyd fo well, and wyth
grace fo good, as there was none but did verv well lyke the
prefence of his perfon: and after he had particularly giuea
Iudgement vppon the excellency of each one, according to his
affec'fion, hee fawe one Gentlewoman amonges the refte of fur-
paflinge Beautye who (althoughe hee had neuer feene hir tofore)
pleafed him aboue the reit, and attributed vnto hir in heart the
Chvefefl place for ail perfe&ion in Beautve: and feattyng hir in-
ceffantlve with piteous lookes, the Loue whych hee bare to his firl
Gentlewoman, xvas ouercomen with this neuve tire» that toke futch
norifhment and vigor in his hart, as he was not able neuer to quench
the faine but bv Death onely : as you may vnderfiande by one of
the firangeit difcourfes, that euer any mortal man deuifed. The
yong Rhomeo then felying himfelfe thus toffed wyth thys newe
Tempefi, could hot tell what countenaunce to vfe, but vas fo fur-
prifed and chaunged with thefe lait flames, as he had almoit for-
gotten himfelfe, in futch wife as he had not audacitv to enquyre
what fhe was, and wholly bente himfe]f to feede hys Eyes with
hir fighte, wherewvth he moyftened the fveete amorous venome,
which dvd fo empoyfon him, as hee ended hys Daves with a kinde
of moit cruell death. The Gentlewoman that dvdde put Rhomeo
to futch payne was cal|ed Iulietta, and was the Daughter of Ca-
pellet, the mayfter of the houfe wher that affembly was, who as
hir Eyes did folle and wander too and fro, by chaunce efpied
Rhomeo, which vnto hir feemed to be the goodlief perfonage
that euer fhee fawe : and Loue (which lay in wayte neuer vntill
that time,) affayling the tender heart of that yong Gentlewoman,
touched hir fo at the quicke, as for any refiiance fhe cou|de make»
was not able to defende his forces, and then began to fet at naught
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
85
the royalties of the feaff, and felt no pleafure in hir heart, but
when fhe had a glimpfe by throwing or reeeiuing fome fight or
looke of Rhomeo. And after they had eontented eche others
troubled heart with millions of amorous lookes which oftentimes
interchangeably eneountred and met together, the burning Beames
gaue fuffieient teffimonv of loue's priuy onfettes. Loue hauing
ruade the heartes breaehe of thofe two louers, as they two fought
meanes to fpeake together, Fortune offered them a very meete and
apt occafion. A certayne Lord of that troupe and eompanye tooke
Iulietta by the Hande to Daunee, wherein fhee behaued hir felfe
fo well, and wyth fo excellent graee, as fhee wanne that Dave
the prife of Honour from ail the Damofels of Verona. Rhomeo
hauynge forefeene the place wherevnto fhee mvnded to retire,
approched the lame, and fo dyfcretelye vfed the matter, as hee
founde the meanes at hir returne to fit befide hir: Iulietta when
the daunee was finifhed, returned to the very place where fhe was
let before, and was plaeed betwene Rhomeo and an other gentle-
man ealled Mercutio, which was a eourtlyke Gentleman, verv xvell
be loued .of all men, and by reafon of his pleafaunt and curteous
behauior was in euery eompany wel intertayned. Mereutio that
was of audacity amongMaydens, as a Lyon is among Lambes, feazed
incontynently vpon the hande of Iulietta, whofe hands wontedly
were fo cold both in XVynter and Sommer as the Mountavne yee,
although the fire's beat did warm the lame. Rhomeo whveh fat
vppon the left ride of Iulietta, feynge that Mereutio held hir bv
the right hand, toke hir by the other that he myght not be deeeiued
of his purpofe, and ffrayning the lame a little, he felt himfelf fo
preff wyth that newe fauor, as he remayned mute, not able to
aunfwer: but file pereeyuyng by his chaunge of eolor, that the
fault proeeded of the vehemenee of loue, defyryng to fpeake vnto
hym, turned hir felfe towards hym, and wyth tremblyng voyee
ioyned with virginal fhamefaffneffe, intermedled with a eertayn
bafhfulneffe, fayd to hym "Bleffed be the houre of your neare
approche :" but myndig to proeede in further talke, loue had fo
clofed vp hir mouth, as fhe was hot able to end hir Tale. Wher-
unto the yong Gentleman all rauifhed with ioy and eontentation,
fighing, afked hir what was the eaufe of that ryght fortunate
86
RHOIIEO AND IULIE'rTA.
bleffing: lulietta, fomwhat more emboldened with pytyful loke
and fmyling countenance, faid vnto him: "Syr, do not maruell yf I
do bleffe your comminge hither, bicaufe tir Mercutio a good tyme
wyth frofly hand hath whollv frofen mine, and you of your curtefy
haue warmed the faine agayne." X, Vherunto immediatly Rhomeo
replyed: "Madame, if the heauens haue ben fo fauorable to
employe me to do you fome agreeable feruice, being repaired hither
by chance amongs other Gentlemen, I eiteeme the fame well
beitowed, crauying no greater benefite for fatiffa&ion of ail my
contentations receiued in this Worid, than to ferue obey and honor
you fo long as my iyfe doth lait, as experience fhall yeld more
ample proofe when it fhall pleafe you to geue further affaye:
moreouer, if you haue receiued any Heat by touche of my Hand,
you lnay be well affured that thofe flames be dead in refpec°t of
the lyuely Sparkes and violent tire which forteth from you fayre
Eyes, which tire hath fo fiercely inflamed ail the mof fenfible parts
of my body, as if I be hot fuccored by the fauoure of your good
graces, I do attend the rime to be confumed to duft." Scarfe had
he ruade an ende of thofe lait words but the daunce of the Torche
..vas at an end: whereby Iulietta, xs'hich wholly burnt in loue,
ftraightly clafpyng her Hand with hys, had no leyfure to make
other aunfwer, but foftly thus to fay: "Mv deare frend, I know
not what other affured wytneffe you defire of loue, but that I let
you vnderf{and that you be no more your own, than I ara yours,
beying ready and dyfpofed to obey you fo farre as honour fhal
permyt, befeechying you for the prefent tyme to content your
felfe wvth thvs aunfxvere, vntyll fome other feafon meeter to Com-
mvnicate more fecretly of out affaires." Rhomeo feeing himfelfe
preffed to part of the Company, and for that hee knew hot by
'hat meanes he myght fee hir agayne that was hys Lire and Death,
demaunded of one of his friends what fhee was, who ruade aunfwer
that fhe was the Daughter of Capellet, the Lord of the houfe, and
lXlavfter of that daye's fealt (who wroth beyonde meafure that
Fort,me had fent him to fo daungerous a place, thought it impos-
fible to bring to end his enterprife begon.) Iulietta couetous on
the other ride, to know what yong Gentleman he was which had fo
curteoufly intertavned hir that Nyght, and f whome fhee felt
RHOMEO AI'D IULIETTA.
87
the new wound in hir heart, called an olde Gentlewoman of honor
,vhich had nurfed hir and brought her vp, vnto whom fhe fard
leaning vpon hir fhoulder ." "Mother, what two young Gentlemen
be they which firfi goe forth with the two Torches before them. »
Vnto whome the old Gentlewoman told the name of the houles
wherof they came. Then fhe afked hir againe, what young gen-
tleman that was which holdeth the vifarde in his hand, wyth the
damafke cloke about him. " It is" (quod fhe) "Romeo Mon-
tefche, the forme of youre Father's capytall Enimye and deadlv foc
to ail your kinne." But the Mavden at the onely Name of Mon-
tefche was altogyther amazed, defpayrynge for euer to attayne to
hufband hir great affecCtvoned fryend Rhomeo, for the auncyent
hatreds betweene thofe two Families. Neuertheleffe fhe knewe fo
well how to diffemble hir grief and difcontented Minde, as the olde
Gentlewoman perceiued nothing, who then began to perfuade hir
to retire into hir Chamber: whom fhe obeyed, and being in bed,
thinking to take hir wonted refi, a great tempefi of diuers thoughtes
began to enuiron and trouble hir Mynde, in futch wyfe as fhee
was not able to clofe hir Eyes, but turninge heere and there, fanta-
fied diuers things in hir thought, fometimes purpofed to eut of the
whole attempte of that amorous praife, fometimes to continue
the fame. Thus was the poor pucell vexed with two contraries,
the one comforted hir to purfue hir intent, the other propofed the
immynente Perill wherevnto vndyfcretly fhe headlong threwe hir
felf : and after fhe had wandred of long time in this amorous Labe-
rinth, fhe knew not whereuppon to refolue, but wept inceffantly,
and accufed hir felfe, faying : "Ah, Caitife and mvferable Creature,
from whence do rire thefe vnaccufiomed Trauayles which I feele
in Mynde, prouokynge mee to loofe my refie: but infortunate
wretcb, what doe I know if tbat yong Gentleman doe loue mec
as hec faveth. It may be vnder the vaile of fugred woordes he
goeth about to fieale away mine honore, to be reuenged of my
Parentes whych haue offended his, and by tbat meanes to my
euerlafiinge reproche to make me the fable of the Verona people."
Afterwardes fodainly as fhe condempned that which fhe fufpeed
in the beginning, fayd: "Is it poffible that vnder futch beautye
and rare comel.vneffe, dyfloyaltye and treafon may haue theyr
88
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
Syedge and Lodgynge ? If it bee true that the Face is the favthfuli
Meffanger of the Mvnde's Conceypte, I may bee affured that hee
doeth loue mee: for I marked fo many chaunged Colours in his
Face in time of his talke with me, and fawe hym fo tranfported
and befides himfelfe, as I cannot wyfhe any other more certayne
lucke of Loue, wherein I wyll perfyfi immutable to the lafie gafpe
of Lyre, to the intente I may haue hym to bee my hutband : for
it mare fo corne to parle, as this newe aliaunce fhall engender a
perpetuall peace and Amity betweene hys Houle and mine." Ar-
reliinge then vppon this determvnation ftyll, as the faw Rhomeo
patïnge before hir Father's Gate, fhe fhewed hir felfe with merry
countenance, and followed him fo with Ioke of Eye, vntill the had
lof his fight. And continuing this manner of Lyre for certaine
Dayes, Rhomeo hot able to content himfelf with Iookes, daily did
behold and marke the fituation of the houle, and one dav amongs
others hee efpied Iulietta at hir Chamher Window, hounding vpon
a narrow Lane, ryght ouer againft which Chamber he had a Gardein
xvhieh was the caufe that Rhomeo fearing difcouery of their loue,
began the day time to paffe no more belote the Gate, but fo foone
as the Night with his browne Mantell had couered the Earth, hee
walked alone vp and downe that little lreat : and after he had
bene there many times, miflîng the chiefefk caufe of his comming,
Iulietta impacient of hir euill, one night repaired to hir window,
and perceiued throughe the bryghtneffe of the Moone hir friend
Rhomeo vnder hir window no leffe attended for than hee hym-
felfe was waightiug. Then fhe fecretly wlth Teares in hlr Eyes»
and wyth voyce interrupted hy fighes, fayd: «Signior Rhomeo,
me thinke that you hazarde your perron to mutch» and commyt the
faine into great Daunger at thys time of the Nyght, to protrude
your felf to the Iercy of them which meane you little good. x, Vho
yf they had taken would haue cut you in pieces, and mine honor
(which I efieme dearer than my lyfe,) hindred and fufpeced for
euer." "Madame" aunfwered Rhomeo, «, my Lyre is in the Hand
of God, who only can difpofe the faine : howbeyt yf any Man had
foughte menes to beryeue mee of my Lyfe, I fhould (in the pre-
fence of you) haue ruade him knowen what mine ability had ben
to defend the faine. otwythftandyng Lyre is hot fo deare» and
RHOIEO AND IULIETTA.
89
of futch eftimation xvvth me, but that I coulde vouchfafe to facrv-
fice the faine for your fake : and althoughe my myfhappe had bene
fo greate, as to bee dyfpatched in that Place, yet had I no caufe
tobe forrve therefore, excepte it had bene by lofynge the meanes,
and way how to make you vnderftande the good wvll and duetv
which I beare you, defyrynge hOt to conferue the lame for anve
commodytye that I hope to haue thereby, nor for anye other
refpe&e, but onelye to Loue, Serue, and Honor you, fo long as
breath fhal remaine in me?' So foone as he had made an end of
his talke, loue and pity began to feaze vpon the heart of Iulietta,
and ieaning hir head vpon hir hand, hauing hir face all befprent
wyth teares, fhe laid vnto Rhomeo: "Syr Rhomeo, I pray you
not.to renue that grief agayne: for the onely Memory of futch
inconuenyence maketh me to counterpoyfe betvene death and
Lyfe, my heart being fo vnited with yours, as you cannot recevue
the leaft Iniury in this world, vherein I fhall hOt be fo great a
Partaker as your felf: befeechyng you for conclufion, that if you
defire your owne health and mine, to declare vnto me in fewe
SVordes what youre determynation is to attaine: for if you couet any
other fecrete thing at my Handes, more than mvne Honoure can
we|l a|lowe, you are marueloufly deceiued : but if your defire be
godly, and that the frendthip which you proteft to beare mee, be
founded vppon Vertue, and to bee concluded by Maryage, receiu-
ing me for your wvfe and lawfull Spoufe, you tha|l haue futch
part in me, as whereof without any regard to the obedience and
reuerence that I owe to my Parentes, or to the auncient Enimity of
oure Famylyes, I wyll make you the onelv Lord and Mayfter louer
me], and of ali the thyngys that I poffeffe, being preft and ready
in ail poyntes to folow your commaundement : but if your intent
be othervyfe, and thinke to reape the Fruy&e of myVirginity, vnder
pretenfe of wanton Amity, you be greatly deceiued, and doe pray
you to auoide and fuffer me from henceforth to iyue and reft amongs
myne equals." Rhomeo whych looked for none other thyng, hold-
ing vp his Handes to the Heauens, wyth incredible ioy and con-
tentation, aunfwered : "'Madame, for fo mutch as it hath pleafed
you to doe me that honour to accepte me for futch a one, I accorde
and confent to your requeft, and doe offer vnto you the beft part
9o
RIIOMEO AND IULIETTA.
of my heart, which/hall remayn with you for guage and fure tes-
timonv of my faying, vntill futch tyme as God/hall giue me leaue
to make you the entier owner and poffeffor of the faine. _And to
the intent I may begyn mvn enterpryfe, to morrow I wi|l to the
Frier Laurence for counfell in the lame, who befides that he is my
ghoflly father is accufiomed to giue me inruEtion in al my other
fecret affaires, and fayle not (if you pleafe) to meete me agayne in
this place at this very hour, to the intent I may giue you to vnder-
and the deuice betwene him and me." x.Vhich fhe lvked very
well, and ended their talke for that time. Rhomeo receyuing none
other fauour at hir hands for that night, but only SVordes. Thys
FryerLaurence, ofwhom hereafter wee/hall make more ample men-
tion, was an auncient DoEtor ofDiuinity, ofthe order of the Fryers
blinors, who befides the happy profeflion which he had made in
fiudy of holy writ, was very fkilful in Philofophy, and a great
fearcher of nature's Secrets, and exceeding famous in blagike
knox'ledge, and other hidden and fecret fciences, which nothing
diminifhed his reputation, bicaufe hee did lOt abufe the lame.
_And this Frier through his vertue and piety, had fo well won
the citizens hearts of Verona, as he was almo the Confeffor
to them ail, and of all men generally reuerenced and beloued:
and many tymes for his great prudence was called by the lords of
the Citty, to the hearing of their weighty caufes. And amonges
other he was greatly fauored by the Lorde of Efcale, that
tyme the principall gouernor of Verona, and of all the Family of
Montefches, and of the Capellets, and of many other. The young
Rhomeo (as we haue a|ready declared) from his tender age, bare a
certayne particuler amity to Frier Laurence, and departed to hiln
his fecrets, by meanes whereof fo foone as he was gone from Iu-
lietta, went firayght to the Fryers Francifcians, where from poin&
to poin& he difcourfed the fucceffe of his loue to that good father,
and the conclufion of mariage betwene him and Iulietta, adding
vpon the ende of talke, that hee woulde rather choofe fhamefull
death, than to fayle hir of his promife. To whom the good Frier
after he had debated diuers matters, and propofed al the inconue-
niences of that fecret mariage, exhorted hym to more mature de-
libération of the lame: notwithftandinge, all the alleged perfua-
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
91
fions were not able to reuoke his promyfe. .Vherefore the Frier
vanquied with his ftubborneffe, and alfo forecafing in his mynde
that the mariage might be fome meanes of reconciliation of thofe
two houles, in th'end agreed to his requeft, intreating him, that he
myght haue one dayes refpit for leyfure to excogitate what was ber
tobe done. But if Rhomeo for his part was carefull to prouide for his
affayres, Iulietta lykewife did her indeuour. For feeing that fhee
had none about her to whom fhe might difcouer her parlions, fhee
deuifed to impart the whole to hir Nurfe which lay in her Chamber,
appoyn&ed to wayte vppon hir, to whom fhe committed the
intier fecrets of the loue between Rhomeo and hir. _And although
the olde .Voman in the beginninge refiffed Iulietta hir intent, yet
in the ende fhe knew fo wel how to perfuade and win hir, that fhe
promifed in ail that fhe was able to do, to be at hir commaunde-
ment. _And then fhe lent hir with ail diligence to fpeake to
Rhomeo, and to know of him by what meanes they might be
maried, and that he would do hir to vnderfand the determination
betwene Fryer Laurence and him. Whom Rhomeo aunfwered, hov
the firft daywherein he had informed Fryer Laurence of the matter,
the fayde Fryer deferred aunfwere vntil the next, which was the very
faine, and that it was hOt paf one houre fithens he returned with
finall refolution, and that Frier Laurence and he had deuifed, that
fhe the Saterday following, fhould craue leaue of hir mother to go
to confeffion, and to repayre to the Church of Sayn& Francis,
where in a certayne Chappell fecretly they fhould be maried, pray-
ing hir in any wyfe not to fayle to be there. Vhich thinge fhe
brought to parle with futch difcretion, as hir mother agreed to hir
requef : and accompanied onely wyth hir gouerneffe, and a young
mayden, fhe repayred thither at the determined day and tyme.
_And fo foone as fhe was entred the Church, fhe called for the good
Do&or Fryer Laurence, vnto whom anfwere was made that he was
in the fhriuing Chappell, and forthwith aduertifement was gieuen
him of hir comming. So foone as Fryer Laurence was certified of
Iulietta, hee went into the body of the Church, and willed the olde
Woman and yong mayden to go heare feruice, and that when hee
had heard the confeffion of Iulietta, he would rend for them
agayn. Iulietta beinge entred a little Cell wyth Frier Laurence»
92
RHOIIEO AND IULIETTA.
he flaut far the dore as he was wont to do, where Rhomeo and he
had bin together flaut raff in, the fpaee of one whole hour before.
Then Frier Laurenee after that he had flariued them,fayd to Iulietta:
"Daughter, as Rhomeo here prefent hath eertified me, you be
agreed, and eontented to take him to hufband, and he likewife you
for his Efpoufe and XVyfe. Do you now ftill perfift and continue
in that mynde?" The Louers aunfwered that they defired none
other thing. The Fryer feeing theyr conformed and agreeable
willes, after he had difeourfed fomewhat vppon the eommendation
of mariage dignity, pronouneed the vfuall woordes of the Church,
and flae hauing receyued the Ring from Rhomeo, they rofe vp
before the Fryer, who fayd vnto them : '" If you haue anv other
thing to eonferre together, do the faine wyth fpeede : for I pur-
pole that Rhomeo flaail goe from henee fo fecretlv as he ean."
Rhomeo fory to goe from Iulietta fayde fecretly vnto hir,
that flaee flaould fend vnto hvm after diner the old XVoman,
and that he would caufe to be ruade a eorded Ladder the fame
euening, thereby to elimbe vp to her Chamber window, where at
more leifure they would deuife of their affaires. Things deter-
mined betwene them, either of them retyred to their houfe with
ineredible contentation, attendinge the happy houre for eonfumma-
tion of their mariage. .Vhert Rhomeo was eome home to his
houfe, he deelared wholly what had paffed betwen him and lulietta,
vnto a Seruaunt of his ealled Pietro, whofe fidelity he had fo greatly
tryed, as he durft haue trufted him with hys lire, and eommaunded
hvm wvth expedition to prouide a Ladder of Cordes wyth 2 ftrong
Hookes of lron faftned to both endes, whieh he eafily did, beeaufe
they were muteh vfed in ltalv, lulietta did not forget in the
Euening about fiue of the Clocke, to fend the olde XVoman to
Rhomeo, who hauing prepared ail things neeeffary, eaufed he
Ladder to be deliuered vnto ber, and prayed hir to require Iulietta
the faine euening not to favle to bee at the aeeuftomed place. But
if this Iorney feemed long to thefe two paflioned Louers, let other
Iudge, that haue at other tymes affayed the lyke : for euery minute
of an houre feemed to them a Thoufande yeares, fo that if they had
power to commaund the Heauens (as Iofua did the Sunne) the
Earth had incontinently bene flaadowed wyth darkeft Cloudes. The
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
93
apoyn&ed houre corne, Rhomeo put on the moft fumptuous
apparell hee had, and eondu&ed by good fortune neere to the
place where his heart tooke lyre, was fo fully determined of hvs
purpofe, as eafily hee elymed vp the Garden wall. Beinge arriued
hard to the wyndow, he pereeyued Iulietta, who had already fo well
faftned the Ladder to draw him vp, as without any daunger at ail,
he entred hir chambre, which was fo elere as the day, by reafon of
the Tapers of virgin X, Vax, whieh Iulietta had caufed to be lighted,
that flae might the better beholde hir Rhomeo. Iulietta for hir
part, was but in hir night kerchief." who fo foon as flae perceyued
him colled him about the Neck, and after thee had kiffed and re-
kiffed hvm a million of times, began to imbrace hym betwene hir
armes, hauing no power to fpeake vnto him, but by Sighes onely,
holding hir mouth clore againtt his, and being in this traunce
beheld him with pitifull eye, which made him to liue and die
together. And afterwards fomewhat corne to hir felfe, fhe fayd
with fighes deepely fetched from the bottom of hir heart : "Ah
Rhomeo, the exampler of al vertue and gentlenes, mofl hartely
welcome to this place, wherein for your lacke, and abfence, and
for feare of your perfon, I haue gufhed forth fo many Teares as the
fpring is almoft dry: but now that I hold vou betwen my armes,
let death and fortune doe what they liPc For I count my felfe
more than fatiffied of ail my forrowes paR, by the fauour alone of
your prefence." x, Vhom Rhomeo with veeping eye, giuing ouer
filence aunfwered: «Madame, for fomutch as I neuer receyued fo
mutch of fortune's grace, as to make you feele by liuely experience
what power you had ouer me, and the torment euerv minute of the
day fuftained for your oceafion, I do affure vou the leaft grief
that,vexeth me for your abfence, is a thoufand times more payne-
full than death, hich long time or this had cut of the threede of
my lyfe, if the hope of this happy Iourney had not bene, which
paying mee now the iuft Tribute of my weepings paR, maketh me
better content, and more glad, than if the whole Vorlde were at
my commaundement, befeeching you (without further memory of
auncient griefe) to take aduiee in tyme to eome how we may con-
tent our paflionate hearts, and to fort our affayres with futch
Vyfedome and difcretion, as our enimies vithout aduantage may
94
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
let vs continue the remnant of our dayes in reft and quiet." And
as Iulietta was about to make anfwere, the Olde woman came in
the meane time, and fayd vnto them : '" He that wafteth rime in
talke, recouereth the lame to late. But for fo mutch as eyther of
vou bath endured futch mutuall paynes, behold (quoth fhee) a
campe 'hich I haue ruade readv:" (thewing them the Fielde bed
which fhee had prepared and furnithed,) whereunto they eafily
agreed, and being then betwene the Sheets in priuy bed, after they
had gladded and cherifhed themfelues with al kinde of delicate
embracements v¢hich loue was able to deuife, IRhomeo vnloofing
the holy lines of virginity, tooke poffeffion of the place, whieh
was hOt yet befieged with futch ioy and contentation as they can
iudge which haue affayed like delites. Their marriage thus con-
fummate, Rhomeo perceyuing the morning make to hafty approch,
tooke his leaue, making promife that he would hot ravie wythin a
day or two to refort agayne to the place by lyke meanes, and
femblable rime, vntil Fortune had prouided fure occafion vnfear-
fully to manyfeft their marriage to the whole ,Vorlde. And thus
a month or twayne, they continued their iovful mindes to their
incredible fatiffaion, vntil lady Fortune enuious of their profperity,
turned hir Wheele to tumble them into fuch a bottomleffe pit, as
they payed hir vfurv for their pleafures paft, bv a certaine moft
cruell and pitifull death, as you fhal vnderftand hereafter by the
difcourfe that followeth. Now as we haue belote declared, the
Capellets and the Montefches were not fo well reconciled by the
Lord of Verona, but that there refled in them futch fparks of
auncient difpleafures, as either pattes waited but for fome light
occafion to draw togethers, which they did in the Eafier holy
dayes, (as bloudy men commonly be mol willingly difpofed after
a good time to commit fome nefarious deede) befides the Gate of
Bourfarie leading to the olde ca/el of Verona, a troupe of Capel-
lets rencountred with certayne of the Montefches, and without
other woordes began to fer vpon them. And the Capellets had
for Chiefe of their glorious enterprife one called Thibault, cofin
Germayne to Iulietta, a yong man ftrongly ruade, and of good
experience of armes, who exhorted his Companions with out
Stomakes to repreffe the boldnes of the Montesches, that ther
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
95
might from that time forth no memory of them be left at ail.
The rumoure of this fray was difperffed throughout al the corners
of Verona, that fuccour might corne from ail partes of the Citty
to depart the lame. Whereof Rhomeo aduertized, who walked
alonges the Citty with certayne of his Companions, hafted him
fpeadily to the place where the flaughter of his Parents and alies
were committed: and after he had well aduifed and beholden
many wounded and hurt on both rides, he fayd to hys Companions :
"My frends let vs part them, for they be fo flefht one vpon an
other, as will all be hewed to pieces before the game be done."
And faying fo, he thruft himfelfe amids the troupe, and did no
more but part the blowes on eyther ride, crying vpon them aloud :
"My freends, no more, it is time henceforth that our quarel ceafe.
For befides the prouocation of God's iuft wrath, our two familles
be flaunderous to the whole Vorld, and are the caufe that this
common wealth doth grow vnto diforder." But they vere fo egre
and furious one agaynft the other, as they gaue no audience to
Rhomeo his councel, and bent theymfelues too kyll, dyfmember
and teare eche other in pieces. And the fyght was fo cruell and
outragious betweene them as they which Iooked on, were amafed
to fee theym endure thofe blowes, for the grounde was ail couered
with armes, legges, thighes, and bloude, xvherein no figne of coward-
nes appeared, and mayntayned their feyghte fo longe, that none
was able to iudge who hadde the better, vntill that Thibault Coufin
to Iulietta inflamed with ire and rage, turned towardes Rhomeo
thinkinge with a pricke to runne him through. But he was fo
wel armed and defended with a priuye coat whiche he wore
ordinarily for the doubt he had of the Capellets, as the pricke
rebounded : vnto wholn Rhomeo ruade anfveare : "Thibault thou
maieft know by the pacience which I haue had vntill this prefent
tyme, that I came not hether to fyght with thee or thyne, but to
feeke peace and attonemente betweene vs, and if thou thinket
that for defaulte of courage I haue fayled myne endeuor, thou
doeft greate wronge to my reputacion. And impute thys my
fuffrance to fome other perticular refpecCte» rather than to wante
of ftomacke. Vherfore abufe mee not but be content with this
greate effufion of Bloude and murders already committed. And
96
RHOMEO AND IULEIETA.
prouoke mee not I befeeche thee to paffe the boundes of my good
will and mynde." "Ah Traitor," favd Thibaulte, '" thou thinkefe
to faue thy felfe by the plotte of thy pleafaunt tounge, but fee that
thou defende thy felfe, els prefently I will make thee feele that thy
tounge fhal not gard thy corps, nor yet be the Buekler to defende
the lame from prefent death." And faying fo, he gaue him a blow
with fueh furye, as hadde not other warded the fame hee had cutte
of his heade from his fhoulders, and the one was no readyer to
lende, but the other ineontinentlye was able to paye agayne, for
hee being not onelye wroth with the blowe that hee had reeeiued,
but offended with the itfiury whieh the other had don, began to
purfue his ennemy with ruche courage and viuaeity, as at the third
blowe with his fwerd hee eaufed him to rail baekewarde /}arke
dade vppon the grounde with a prieke vehementlye thru/}e into
his throte, whiche hee followed till hys Sworde appeared throughe
the hynder parte of the lame, by reafon wherof the eonfli& eeaffed.
For befides that Thibault was the ehiefe of his companye he was
alfo borne of one of the NobleI} houles within the Cittye, whieh
eaufed the Pote/}ate to affemble his Souldiers with diligence for
the apprehenfion and imprifonment of Rhomeo, who feyeng yl
fortune at bande, lu fecrete 'ife conuayed him felfe to Fryer
Laurenee at the Friers Franeifcanes. And the Fryer vnderI}andinge
of his fa&e, kepte him in a eertayne feerete place of his eouente
vntil fortune did otherwyfe prouyde for his fafe goinge abroade.
The bruite fpred throughout the eitty, of this ehaunee don vpon
the Lorde Thibault, the Capellets in mourning weedes eaufed the
deade bodye tobe earyed before the fygnory of Verona, fo well to
moue them to pytty, as to demaunde iutiee for the murder : before
whom came alfo the Montefches, deelaryng the innoeeneye of
Rhomeo, and the wilfuli affault of the other The eouneell affem-
bled and witneffes heard on both partes a firaight eommaunde-
mente was geuen by the Lorde of the Cittye to geeue ouer theire
weapons, and touchinge the offence of Rhomeo, beeaufe he hadde
killed the other in his owne defenee, he was banifhed Verona for
euer. This eommon miffortune publifhed throughout the Citty,
was generally forowed and lamented. Soin eomplayneth the death
of the Lorde Thibault, fo well for his dexteritye in armes as for the
lq.HOMEO AND IULIETTA.
97
hope of his great good feruice in time to come, if hee hadde not
bene preuented by futch cruell Death. Other bewailed (fpecially
the Ladies and Gentlewomen) the ouerthrow of yong Rhomeo, who
befides his beauty and good grace wherwith he was enriched, had
a certavne naturall al|urement, by verrue whereof he drew vnto
him the hearts of eche man, like as the fionv Adamante doth the
cancred iron, in futch wife as the whole nation and people of Ver-
ona lamented his mifchaunce : but aboue all infortunate Iulietta,
who aduertifed both of the death of hir cofin Thibault, and of the
banifhment of hir hu/band, made the Ayre found with infinite
number of mornefull playnts and miferable lamentations. Then
feeling hirfelfe to mutch outraged with extreeme patïïon, fhe went
into hir chamber, and ouercome with forrowe threwe hir felfe
vpon hir bed, where fhe began to reinforce hir dolor after fo
firaunge fafhion, as the mofi confiant would haue bene moued to
pitty. Then like one out of hir wits, file gazed heere and there,
and bv fortune beholding the .Vindow whereat Rhomeo was wont
to enter into hir chamber, cried out : "Oh vnhappy .Vindowe, oh
entry mofi vnlucky, wherein were wouen the bitter tovle of my
former mifhaps, if by thy meanes I haue receyued at othcr tymes
fome light pleafure or tranfitory contentation, thou now makefi me
pay a tribute fo rigorous and paynefull, as my tender body hot able
any longer to fupport the faine, hall henceforth open the Gate to
that |yfe where the ghofi difcharged from this mortal burden, f'nal
feeke in fome place els more affured relU. _Ah Rhomeo, IRhomeo,
when acquayntaunce tïrf began betweene vs, and reclined myne
eares vnto thy fuborned promiffes, confïrmed with fo manv othes,
I would neuer haue beleeued that in place of out continued amyty,
and in appeafing of the hatred of our houles, thou wouldef haue
fought occafion to breake the fame by an ae fo f'namefull, whereby
thy fanle fhall be fpotted for euer, and I miferable wretch defolate
of Spoufe and Companion. But if thou haddefi beene fo gready
after the CappeIIetts bloud, wherefore didfi thou fpare the deare
bloud of mine owne heart when fo many tymes, and in futch
fecret place the lame was at the mercy of thy cruell handes ? The
viory which thou f'nouldef haue gotten ouer me, had it hOt bene
glorious inough for thine ambitious minde» but for more trium-
VOL. III. G
98
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
phant filempnity to bee erowned wyth the bloude of mv deareç
kinfinan ? Now get thee henee therefore into fome other place to
deeeiue fome other, fo vnhappy as my felfe. Neuer eome agayne
in place where I ara, for no excufe flall heereafter take holde to
affwage mine offended miude: in the meane tyme I flaall lainent
the reft of my heauy lyre, with futeh fore of teares, as my body
dried vp from ail humidity, flall flaortly feareh reliefe in Earth."
_And hauing ruade an eude of thofe hir wordes, hir heart was fo
grieuoufly frayned, as flee eoulde neyther weepe nor fpeake, and
foode fo immoueable, as if fle had bene in a traunee. Then
being fomewhat corne agayne vnto hirfelfe, with feeble vovee fhee
fard: "Ah, murderous tongue of other men's honor, how dareç
thou fo infamoufly to fpeake of him whom his very enimies doe
commend and prayfe? How prefumeft thou to impute the blame
vpon Rhomeo, whofe waguiltines and innocent deede euerv man
alloweth ? "Vhere from hencefi»rth flall be hys refuge, fith lhe
which otght to bee the onelv Buhvarke, and affured rampire of his
diftrcflè, doth purfue and defame him ? Receyue, receyue then
Rhomeo the fatiffa&ion of mine ingratitude by the facrifice which
I lhal make of my propcr lyfe, and fo the faulte which I haue
committed agayfte thy loyaltye, lhall bee ruade open to the "Vorlde,
thou being reuenged and my felfe punifled." And thinking to
vfe fomc furthcr talke, ail the powcrs of hir body fayled hir wyth
fignes of prcfent death. But the good olde "Voman whych could
hot inagine the caufe of Iulietta hir longe abfence, doubted very
mutch that fle fuffred fome paflîon, and fought hir vp and downe
in euery place wythin hir Father's Pallace, vntill at length fhee
founde hir lyinge a long vpou hir Bcd, ail the outwarde parts of
hir body fo colde as Marble. But the goode Old wonan which
thought hir to bee deade, began to cry like one out of hir "Vittes,
faying: "Ah deare Daughtcr, and Nourfechylde, howe mutch doeth
thy death now grieue mee at the very heart ?" And as fhe was
feeling ail the partes of hir body, fhee perceyued fome fparke of
Lvfe to bee yet within the fame whvch caufed hir to call hir many
tvmes by her name, til at length lhe brought her oute of her
founde, then fayde vnto her: "'kVhy Iulietta, myne owne deare
darelyng, what meane you by this tormoylinge of your felfe ? I
RIIO,IEO AND IULIETTA.
99
cannot tel from whence this youre behauiour and that immode-
rate heauines doe proceede, but wel I wot that within this houre
I thought to haue accompanied you to the graue." "Alas good
mother" (aunfvered woful Iulietta) " do you not mof euidently
perceiue and fee what iul caufe I haue too forrow and complayne,
ioofyng at one infante two perfons of the world which wer vnto
mee mof deare?" "Methinke," aunfweared the good woman,
"that it is uot feemely for a gentlewoman of your degree to fall
into fuch extremetve : for in tyme of tribiation wyfedome fhould
mof preuaile. And if the lord Thibauit be deade do you thinke
to get him agayn bv teares ? ,Vhat is he that doth not accufe his
ouermutch prefumption : woulde,,'ou that Rhomeo hadd doue that
wronge to him, and hys houfe, to fuffer himfelfe outraged and
aflàyled by one to whom in manhoode and proweffe he is not
inferioure? Sufficeth you that Rhomeo is alyue, and his affayres
in futche errate whoe in tyme may be called home agayne from
banifhmente, for he is a greate iorde, and as you know well allied
and fauored of ail men, wherefore arme vour feife from henceforth
with pacyence: for albeit that Fortune doth efraunge him from
you for a tyme, yet fure I ara, that hereafter flee will refore him
vnto you agayne wvth greater ioye and Contentatyon than before.
And to the Ende that wee bee better affured in what fate he is,
yf you wyil promyfe me to gyue ouer your heauyneffe, I wvil to
Dave knowe of Frver Laurence whether he is gone." To 'hich re-
quef Iulietta agreed, and then the good woman repayred to S.
Frauncis, wher fhee founde Fryer Laurence who tolde ber that the
faine nyghte Rhomeo would not fayle at hys accufomed houre
to vifite Iulietta, and there to do hir to vnderfande what he
purpofed to doe in tyme to corne. This ioruev then fared like the
voiages of mariners, who after they haue ben tol by greate and
troublous tempef feeyng fome Sunue beame pearce the heauens
to iyghten the lande, affure themfelues agayne, and thinkinge to
haue auovded fhipwracke, and fodaynlye the feas begynne to
fvell, the waues do roare with futch vehemence and noyfe, as if
they were fallen agayne into greater danger than before. The as-
figned hour corne, Rhomeo fayled not accordinge to hvs promife
to bee in his Garden, where he founde his furniture prel to mount
RHOI%fEO AND IULIETTA.
the Chamber of lulietta, who with difplayed armes, began fo
frayghtly to imbraee hym, as it feemed that the foule would haue
abandoned hir body. And they two more than a large quarter of
an hour were in futeh agony, as they were not able to pronounee
one word, and wetting eeh others Face faf elofed together, the
teares trickeled downe in futeh abundanee as they feemed tobe
throughly bathed therein, whieh Rhomeo perceyuing, thinking to
fay thofe immoderate teares, fard vnto hir : "Myne owne deareft
freend Iulietta, I ara not now determined to reeite the particulars
of the fraung happes of fravle and ineonfaunte Fortune, who in a
moment hoifteth a man vp to the hyghef degree of hir wheele,
and by and by, in leffe fpaee than in the twynekeling of an eye,
fhe throweth hvm downe agayne fo Iowe, as more miferv is pre-
pared for him in one day, than fauour in one hundred veares: whveh
I now proue, and haue experienee in my felfe, whieh haue bene
nourifhed delieately amonges my frends, and maynteyned in futeh
profperous fate, as you doe little know, (hoping for the full per-
fecCtion of my felieity) by meanes of our mariage to haue reeon-
ciled our Parents, and frends, and to eonducCt the refidue of my
lyfe, aceording to the fcope and lot determined by Almighty God:
and neuertheleffe ail myne enterprifes be put baeke, and my pur-
pofes tourned eleane eontrary, in futeh wife as from heneeforth I
muf wander Ivke a vagabonde through diuers Prouinees, and
fequeftrate my felfe from my Frends, wvthout affured place of
mvne abode, whych I detire to let you veete, to the intent you
mav be exhorted in tvme to corne, paciently to beare fo well
mvne abfence, as that whvch it fhal pleafe God to appoint." But
Iulietta, al affrighted wvth teares and mortal agonies, would not
fuffer hym to paffe any further, but interruptinge his purpofe,
fa'd vnto hvm: " Rhomeo, how canf thou be fo harde hearted
and voyde of ail pity, to leaue mee heere Ione, befieged with fo
manye deadlye myferies? There is neyther houre nor Minute,
wherein death doth not appeare a thoufand tvmes before mee, and
yet my miffehappe is futch, as I can not dye, and therefore doe
manyfeflye perceyue, that the faine death preferueth my lyfe,
of purpofe to delight in my gryefes, and tryumphe ouer my euyls.
And thou Ivke the mynifter and tyrante of hir cruelty, doeft make
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
IOI
no confcience (for ought that I can fee) hauing atchieued the
Summe of thy defyres and pleafures on me, to abandon and for-
fake me: whereby I well perceyue, that ail the lawes of _Amit"
are deade and vtterly extinguyfhed, forfomutch as he in whom
I had greatefi hope and confidence, and for whofe fake I ara be-
corne an enimy to my felf, doth difdayne and contemne me. No,
no Rhomeo, thou mur fully refolue thy felfe vppon one of thefe
I. points, either to fee me incontinently throwen dowrt head-
long from this high Vvïndow after thee: or elle to fuffer me to
accompany thee into that Countrey or Place whither Fortune [hall
guide thee : for my heart is fo mutch tranfformed into thineæ that
fo foone as I [hall vnderftande of thy departure, prefently my Ivre
will depart this wofull body: the continuance whereof I doe not
defire for any other purpofe, but only to delight my felfe in thy
prefence, to bec pertaker of thy miffortunes : and therefore ifeuer
there lodged any pity in the heart of gentleman, I befeeche the
Rhomeo with al humility, that it may now finde place in thee, an!
that thou wilt vouchfafe to receyue me for thv feruaunt, and the
faithful companionof thy mi[haps: and ifthou thinke that thou canR
not conueniently receyue me in the etate and habite of a XVyfe, who
[hall let me to chaunge myne appareil? Shall I be the firft that haue
vfed like [hiftestoefcape the tyrannyofparentes? Dofte thou doubt
that my feruice will hOt bec fo good vnto thee as that of Petre thv
feruaunte? XVyll my Ioyaltye and fidelity be leffe than his? lXly
beauty which at other tymes thou haft fo greatly commended, it is
hot eteemed of thee ? m y teares, my loue, and the aunciente pleafures
and delights that you haue taken in mec [hal thev be in obliuvon ? "
Rhomeo feing hir in thefe alterations, fearing that worffe inconue-
nience would chaunce, tooke hir agayne betweene hys armes, and
kiflïng ber amoroufly, fayd: Iulietta, the onely miftreffe of
my heart, I pray thee in the Name of God, and for the feruent
Loue whych thou bearef vnto me, to doe away thofe vayne cogita-
tions, excepte thou meane to feeke and hazard the deftrueion of
vs both : for if thou perfeuer in this purpofe, there is no remedye
but wee tourte both peri[h : for fo foone as thyne abfence [halbe
knowen, thy Father will make futch earnet purfute after vs, that
we cannot choofe but be difcried and taken, and in the ende cruelly
I02
RIIOMEO AND IULIETTA.
punifhed, I as a theefe and flealer of thee, and thou as a dyfobe-
dyent Daughter to thy Father: and fo in fiead of pleafaunt and
quiet Lyfe, out Daves fhalbe abridged by mofl fhamefull Death.
But if thou wylt reeline thy felf to reafon, (the ryght rule of
humane Lyfe,) and for the tyme abandon our mutuall delyghts, I
will take filteh order in the rime of mv banifhment, as xvithin three
or foure Mon ths wv thoute any delay, I fhalbe reuoked hom e agayne:
but if it fall out otherwvfe (as I trufl hot,) howfoeuer it happen,
I wvll eome agayne vnto thee, and with the helpe of mv Fryendes
wyll feteh the from Verona by firong Hand, not in Counterfeit
Appareil as a firaunger, but lyke my fpoufe and perpetuall eom-
panion : in the meane tvme quyet your felfe, and be fure that
nothing elfe but death fhall deuide and put vs a funder." The
reafons of Rhomeo fo muteh preuailed with Iulietta, as fhee made
hym thys aunfwere : " lIy deare fryend, I wvll doe nothing con-
trarv t,» vour wyll and pleafure: and to what place fo euer vou
repayre, my hearte fllall bee your owne, in like forte as you haue
giuen vours to be mine: in the meane while I pray you not to
faile oftentimes to aduertife me by Frier Laurenee, in what tiare
your affaires be, and fpeeially of the place of vour abode." Thus
thefe two pore Iouers paffed the Night togither, vntil the day
began to appeare whieh did dyuyde them, to their extreame
forrow and gryef. Rhomeo hauinge taken leaue of Iulietta» went
to S. Fraunees, and after he hadde aduertyfed Frier Laurenee of
his affaires, departed from Verona in the habit of a lIarehaunt
firaunger, and vfed futeh expedytyon, as without hurt he arriued at
Mantuona, (aeeompanied onely vyth Petre his Seruaunt, whome
hee haflilv fente baeke agayne to Verona, to ferue his Father)
where he tooke a houfe: and lyuying in honorable eompanye,
affayed eertayne Monthes to put away the gryefe whych fo tor-
mented him. But duryng the twne of his abfenee, miferable
Iulietta eould not fo eloke hir forrow, but that through the euvll
eolour of hir face, hir inwarde paflïon was diferyed: bv reafon
whereof hir Mother, who heard hir oftentimes fighing, and inees-
fantly eomplayning, eoulde not forbeare to fay vnto hir:
" Daughter, if you continue long after thvs fort, you wyll hafien
the Death of your good Father and me, who loue vou fo dearelv as
RItOMEO AND IULIETTA.
I03
our owne lyues: wherefore henceforth moderate your heauineffe,
and endeuor your felf to be mery : think no more vpon the Death
of your cofin Thibault, whome (fith it pleafed God to cal away) do
you thinke to reuoke wyth Teares, and fo withftande his Almightye
will?" But the pote Gentlewoman hOt able to dyffemble hir
griefe, fard vnto hir: "Madame, long time it is tithens the laft
Teares for Thibault were poured forth, and I beleue that the foun-
tayne is fo well foked and dried vp, as no more will fpryng in that
place." The mother which could hot tell to what effe6-t thofe
Woords were fpoken held hir peace, for feare fhe flould trouble
hir Daughter : and certayne Dayes after feeing hir to continue in
heauineffe and continuall griefs, affaied by al meanes poflïble to
know, afwell of hir, as of other the houfholde Seruauntes, the oc-
cation of their forrow, but al in vavne : wherwith the pore m,,ther
vexed beyonde meafure, purpofed to let the Lord Antonio hir Hus-
banal to vnderftand the cale of hir Daughter: and vppon a dav
feeing him at conuenient leifure, fhe fayd vnto him : "'My Lord,
if you haue marked the eountenaunee of out daughter, and hir
kinde of behauior fithens the Death of the Lord Thibault hir Cofyn,
vou fhall pereeiue fo ftraunge mutation in hir, as it will make vou
to maruell, for fhe is hot onely contented to forgoe meate, drinke
and flepe, but fhe fpendeth hir tyme in nothinge elfe then in
XVeeping and Lamentatyon, delighting to kepe hir felf folytarye
wythin hir Chamber, where fhe tormenteth hir felf fo outraiouflv
as yf wee take not heede, hir Lvfe is to be doubted, and not able
to knowe the Oryginall of hir Payne, the more difficulte fhall be
the remedye : for albeit that I haue fought meanes by all extremity,
vet eannot I learne the eaufe of hir fickneffe : and where I thought
in the beginning, that it proeeded vpon the Death of hir Cofin,
now I doe manifeftly pereeiue the eontrary, fpeeially when fhe
hir felf did affure me that fhe had already wept and fhed the laf
teares for him that fhe was mynded to doe : and vncertayne xvhere-
uppon to refolue, I do thinke verily that flae mourneth for fome
defpite, to fee the mof part of theyr eompanions maried, and fhe
vet vnprouyded, perfuading with hir felfe (it may be) that wee hir
Parents do not eare for hir: wherefore deare Hufband, I heartely
befeeeh you for out ref and hir quiet, that hereafter ye be earefull
o4
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
to prouyde for hir fome maryage worthy of our fate." XVhere-
unto the Lord Antonio, wiilingly agreed, faylng vnto hir : "XVyfe,
I haue manv rimes thought vppon that whereof you fpeake, not-
wythfandyng fith as yet fhee is not attayned to the age of XVltt.
yeares, I thought to prouide a hufband at leyfure: neuertheleffe
things beinge corne to thefe Termes, and knowing the Virgins
chaftity is a dangerous Treafure, I wyll be mindfull of the faine
to your contentation, and fhe matched in futeh wyfe, as fhe fhall
thynke the tyme hitherto weli delayed. In the meane while
marke dylygently whyther fhe bee in loue wyth any, to the end
that we haue hOt fo greate regarde to goodes, or the Nobylity.'of
the houle wherein we meane to beftow hir, as to the Lyfe and
Health of our Daughter who is to me fo deare as I had rather die
a Begger without Landes or goods, than to beftow hir vpon one
which fhall vfe and intreat hir il." Certayne dayes after that the
Lorde Antonio had hruted the maryage of his daughter, many
Gentlemen were futers, fo wel for the excellency ofhir Beauty, as for
hir great Rycheffe and reuenue. But aboue ail others the alyaunce
of a young Earle named Paris, the Counte of Lodronne, lyked the
Lord Antonio: vnto whom lyberally he gaue his confent, and
told his XVvfe the party vppon whom he dvd mean to befow his
Daughter. The mother very iovful that they had found fo honef
a Gentleman for thevr Daughter, caufed hir fecretly to be called
before hir, doyng hir to vnderftande what things had paffed
betwen hir father and the Counte Paris, difcourfing vnto hir the
beauty and good grace of the yong Counte, the vertues for which
he was commended of al men, ioyning therevnto for conclufion the
great richeffe and fauor which he had in the goods of fortune, by
means whereof fle and hir Fryends fhould liue in eternal honor:
but Iulietta which had rather to haue ben torne in pieces than to
agree to that maryage, anfwered hir mother with a more than ac-
cufomed foutneffe : "Madame, I muteh maruel, and therewithal
am aftonned that you being a Ladye difcrete and honorable, wil
be fo iibera| ouer your Daughter as to commit hir to the pleafure
and wil of an other, before you do know how hir mind is bent:
vou may do as it pleafeth you, but of one thing I do wel affure
)'ou, that if you bring it to pari'e, it thal be againft mv wil : and
P, HOMEO AND IULIETTA.
IO5
touching the regard and eftimation of Counte Paris, I fhal firft lofe
my Lyfe before he fhal haue power to touch any part of my bodv :
which being done, it is you that fhal be counted the murderer, by
deliueryng me into the handes of him, whome I neyther can, wil,
or know whiche way to loue : wherefore I praye you to fuffer me
henceforth thus to lyue, wythout taking anv further care of me,
for fo mutche as my cruell fortune hath otherwyfe difpofed of
me." The dolorous Mother which knewe not what Iudgement to
fixe vpon hir daughter's aunfwere, lvke a woman confufed and
befides hir felfe went to feeke the Lord Antonio, vnto whom with-
out conceyling any part of hir Daughter's aunfver, fhe dyd him
vnderftand the whole. The good olde man offended beyond
meafure, commaunded her incontinently bv Force tobe brought
before him, if of hir own good will fhe would not come: fo foone
as fhe came before hir Father, hir eves full of teares, fei do,vn at
his fete, which fhe bathed with the iuke warme drops that dis-
tilled from hir Eves in great abundance, and thynkyng to open
hir mouth to crve him mercy, the fobbes and fighes many tymes
ftopt hir fpeach, that fhee remained dumbe hOt able to frame a
,Voorde. But the olde man nothing moued with his Daughter's
Teares, fayd vnto hir in great rage: "' Corne hither thou vnkvnd
and dyfobedient Daughter, haft thou forgotten how many tymes
thou haft hearde fpoken at the Table, of the puiffance and autho-
ryty our auncyente Romane Fathers had ouer their chvldren?
vnto whom it was not onelye iawfull to fell, guage, and other-
wyfe difpofe them (in theyr neceflity) at their pleafure, but alfo
whieh is more, thev had abfolute power ouer their Death and Lvfe ?
XVith what yrons, with what torments, with what raeks would
thofe good Fathers chaften and eorre& thee if they were a iiue
againe, to fee that ingratitude, mifbehauior and difobedience whieh
thou vfef towards thy Father, who with many prayers and re-
queftes hath prouided one of the greateft Lords of this prouinee to
be thy hufband, a Gentleman of beft renoume, and indued wyth
ail kynde of Vertues, of whom thou and I be vnworthy, both for
the notable maffe of goods and fubftanee wherewith he is enriched,
as alfo for the Honoure and generofitie of the houle whereof hee
is difeended, and yet thou playeft the parte of an obftinate and
o6
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
rebellyous Chyld agaynft thy Father's will. I take the omnipo-
teney of that Almightye God to witneffe, whieh hath vouehfafed
to bryng the forth into this world, that if vpon Tuefday nexte
thou faileft to prepare thv felfe to be at my Caftell of Villafraneo,
where the Counte Paris purpofeth to meete vs, and there giue thy
eonfent to that whyeh thy Mother and I haue agreed vppon, I wiil
not onelv depriue thee of my worldly goode., but alfo will make
the efpoufe and marie a pryfon fo ftraight and /harpe, as a thou-
fande times thou fhalt eurfe the Day and tyme wherein thou waft
borne : wherfore from heneeforth take aduifement what thou doeft,
for excepte the promife be kept whieh I haue ruade to the eounte
Paris, I will make the feele how greate the iuft eholer of an
offended Father is againft a Chylde vnkynde." And without fay-
ing for other anfwer of his Daughter, the olde inan departed the
Chamber, and lefte hir vppon hir knees. Iulietta knowing the
furv of hir Father, fearing to ineurre his indignation, or to prouoke
his further wrath, retired for the dav into hir Chamber, and eon-
triued that whole Nyght more in weeping then flepyng. And the
next Morning fayning to goe heare feruice, fle went forth with
the woman of hir Chamber to the Fryers, where fhe eaufed father
Laurenee to be ealled vnto hir, and prayed him to heare hir eon-
feflion : and when fhe was vpon hir knees before hym, fhee began
hir Confeffion wyth Teares, tellinge him the greate mifehyefe that
was prepared for hir, bv the maryage aeeorded betweene hir Father
and the Counte Paris: and for eonclufion favd vnto him: "' Sir,
for fo mutch as vou know that I eannot bv God's law bee maried
twiee, and that I haue but one God, one hufband and one faith,
I ara determined when I ara from henee, with thefe two hands
whieh vou fee iovned before you, this Dav to ende my forowful
lyre, that my foule may beare wytneffe in the Heauens, and my
bloude vppon the Earth of my faith and loya|ty preferued."
Then hauyng ended hir talke, fhee looked about hir, and feemed
bv hir wvlde eountenannce, as though (he had deuifed fome
finifter purpofe: wherefore Frier Laurenee, afonned beyonde
meafure, fearyng leaft fhe would haue exeeuted that whieh fhe
was determyned, fayd vnto hir: "Miftreffe Iulietta, I pray you
in the naine of God bv ]ittle and little to moderate youre con-
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
*07
ceiued griefe, and to content your felf whilt you bee heere, vntill
I haue prouided what is bet for you to doe, for before you part
from hence, I will giue you futch confolation and remedy for
your affliHons, as you fhall remaine fatyffied and contented."
And refolued vppon thys good minde, he fpeedily wente out
of the Churche vnto his chamber, where he began to confider of
many things, his confcience beyng moued to hinder the marriage
betwene the Counte Paris and hir, knowing by his meanes fhe had
efpoufed an other, and callynge to remembraunce what a daunge-
rous enterprife he had begonne by committyng hymfelf to the
mercy of a fymple damofell, and that if ff,ce favled to bec wyfe
and fecrete, ail theyr doyngs fhould be difcried, he defamed, and
Rhomeo hir fpoufe punifhed. Hec then after he had well debated
vpon infinite numbre of deuifes, was in the end ouercome with
pity, and determined rather to hazarde his honour, than to fuffer
the Adultery of the Counte Paris with Iulietta : and being deter-
mined herevpon, opened his clofet, and takynge a vyall in his
Hande, retourned agayne to Iulietta, whom he found lvke one
that was in a Traunce, wayghtinge for newes, eyther of Lyre or
Death: of whome the good olde Father demaunded vpon what
Day hir maryage was appoynted. "The firfte daye of that ap-
poyntment (quod fhee) is vppon %Vednefdaye, whych is the Daye
ordeyned for my Confente of Maryage aeeorded betweene my
father and Counte Paris, but the Nuptiall folemnitye is hOt before
the x. day of September." " Wel then" (quod the religious
father) "be of good eheere daughter, for our Lord God hathe
opened a way vnto me both to deliuer you and Rhomeo from the
prepared thraldom. I haue knowne your hufband from his eradle,
and hee hath daily committed vnto me the greateft fecretes of hys
Confcienee, and I haue fo dearely loued him agayne, as if hee had
ben mine owne fonne: wherefore my heart can not abide that
anye man flaould do him wrong in that fpeeially wherein my
Counfell may ftande him in ftede. _And forfomuteh as you are his
wyfe, I ought lykewyfe to loue you, and feke meanes to delyuer
you from the martyrdome and _Anguifh wherewyth I fee your
heart befieged: vnderftande then (good Daughter) of a fecrete
whieh I purpofe to manifeft vnto you, and take heede aboue ail
o8
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
thinges that you declare it to no liuing creature, for therein con-
fifieth your lire and Death. Ye be not ignorant by the common re-
port of the Citvzens of this City, and bv the faine publifhed of me,
that I haue trauailed throughe all the Prouinces of the habytable
Earthe, vherby duryng the continuall tyme of xx. yeres, I haue
foughte no rel for my wearied body, but rather haue many times
protruded the faine to the mercy of brute beaPcs in the ,Vylderneffe,
and many rimes alfo to the mercileffe ,Vaues of the Seas, and to
the pity of common Pirates together with a thoufand other Daun-
gers and fhipwracks vppon Sea and Land. Soit is good Daughter
that ail my andring Voyages haue hOt bene altogethers vnpro-
fitable. For befides the incredible contentation receiued ordina-
rily in mind, I haue gathered fome particular fruycCt, whereof by
the grace of God you flaall fhortly feele fome experience. I haue
proued the fecrete properties of Stones, of Plants, Metals, and other
thinges hydden within the Bowels of the Earth, wherewith I ara
able to helpe my felfe againfte the common Lawe of Men, when
neceffity doth ferue: fpecyally in thynges wherein I know mine
eternal God to be leaf offended. For as thou knowef I beynge
approched as it were, euen to the Brvmme of my Graue, and that
the Tyme draweth neare for yeldynge of myne Accompte before the
Audytor of ail Audytors. I oughte therefore to haue fome deepe
knowledge and apprehenfion of God's iudgement more than I
had when the heat of inconfidered youth did boyle within my lufy
body. Know you therefore good daughter, that with thofe graces,
and fauours which the heauens prodigally haue befowed vp-
on me, I haue learned and proued of long rime the com-
pofition of a certavne Paale, which I make of diuers foporiferous
fimples, ,hich beaten afterwards to Pouder, and dronke wyth a
quantyty of Vater, within a quarter of an houre after, bringeth the
receiuer into futch a fleepe, and burieth fo deepely the fenfes
and other fprites of life, that the cunningef Phifitian will iudge
the party dead : and befides that it bath a more marueillous effeé-t,
for the perron ,hich vfeth the faine feeleth no kinde of griefe,
and according to the quantity of the dough, the pacient remayneth
in a fweete fleepe, but when the operation is vrought and done,
hee returneth into his firft errate. Now then Iulietta receiue myne
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
Io9
infru&ion, put of ail Feminine affe&ion by taking vppon you a
manly fomaeke for by the only courage of your minde eonfifeth
the hap or mi[hap of your affayres. Beholde here I geue you a
Vyale whieh you [hall keepe as your owne propre heart, and the
night before your mariage, or in the morninge before day, you
/hall fil the lame vp with water, and drink fo muteh as is eontayned
therein. And then you/hall feele a eertavne kynde of pleafaunt
fleepe, whieh ineroehinge by litle and litle all the partes of vour
body, wil eonfrayne them in futeh wyfe, as vnmoueable they [hal
remayne: and by hOt doing their aeeufomed dueties, /hall Ioofe
their naturall feelinges, and you abide in futeh extafie the çpaee
of 4o houres at the leaf, without any beating of poulfe or other
perceptible motion, whieh/hall fo atonne them that eome to fee
you, as they will iudge you to be deade, and aeeording to the eus-
tome of our Citty, you [hal be earied to the Churehyarde hard by
our Chureh, where you [hall be intoumbedintheeommon monument
of the Capellets your auneefors, and in the meane tyme we will
rend word to lord Rhomeo by a fpeeiall meffanger of the effe&
of our deuiee, who now abideth at Mantua. And the night follow-
ing I am fure he will not favle to be heere, then he and I
together will open the graue, and lift vp your body, and after the
operation of the Pouder is paf, hee [hall eonuey you feeretly to
Mantua, vnknowen to ail your Parents and frends. Afterwards
(it may be) Tyme, the mother of Truth, [hall eaufe eoneord be-
twene the offended City of Verona, and Rhomeo. At whieh rime
your eommon eaufe may be made open to the general eontenta-
eion of ail vour frends." The words of the good father ended, new
ioy furprifed the heart of Iulietta, who was fo attentiue to his
talke as [he forgat no one poyn& of hir leffon. Then /he fayd
vnto him : " Father, doubt hot at ail that my heart [hall fayle in
performaunce of your eommaundement : for were it the frongef
Poyfon, or mof pefiferous Venome, rather would I thruf it into
my body, than to eonfent to fall in the hands of him, whom I
vtterly miflike: with a right firong reafon then may I fortifie my
felfe, and offer my body to any kinde ofmortall daunger to approeh
and draw neare to him, vpon whom wholly dependeth my Lire and
ail the folaee I haue in this World." "Go your wayes then my
II0
RtlOMEO AND IULIETTA.
daughter" (quod the Frier)" the mighty hand of God keepe you, and
hys furpaffing power defende you, and confirme that will and good
mynde of yours, for the aeeomplifhment of this worke." Iulietta
departed from frier Laurenee, and returned home to hir father's
Pallaee about IT. of the eloek, where fle round hir mother at the
Gate attending for hir: And in good deuotion demaunded if fhee
continued ftiii in hir former follies? But Iulietta with more glad-
fome eheere than fhe was wont to vfe, hot fuffering hir mother to
afke agayne, fayd vnto hir: « Madame I eome from S. Frauncis
Chureh, where I haue taried longer peraduenture than my duety
requireth: how be it hot without frui& and great reft to my
afflié-ted eonfeienee, by reafon of the godly perfuafions of out
ghoftly Father Frier Laurenee, vnto whom I haue made a large
deelaration of my life. And ehiefly haue eommunieated vnto him
in eonfeffion, that whieh hath part betwene my Lord my father
and )-ou, vpon the mariage of Countee Paris and me. But the good
man hath reeoneiled me by his holy words, and eommendable
exhortations, that where I had minde neuer to mary, now lara
weil difpofed to obev your pleafure and eommaundement. Wher-
fore, madame, I befeeeh you to reeoulr the fauor and good wyl of
rny father, alke pardon in my behalfe, and fay vnto him (ifit pleafe
you) that by obeying lais Fatherly requeft, I ara ready to meete
the Countee Paris at Villafraneo, and there in vour prefenee to
accept him fiw mv Lorde and hufoand : I, affuraunce whereof, by
your paeienee, I meane to repayre into my Clofet, to make ehoife
of my lnof pretious Iewels, that I being riehly adorned, and
deeked, may appeare before him more agreeable to his mynde,
and pleafure. The good mother rapt with exeeeding great ioy,
was hot able to aunfwere a word, but rather ruade fpeede to feeke
out hir hufoand the Lord Antonio, vnto whom fhe reported the
good will of hir daughter, and how by meanes of Frier Laurenee
hir minde was ehaunged. Whereof the good olde man maruellous
ioyfull, prayfed God in heart, faying: "'Vife this is hot the firfte
good turne whieh xve haue reeeiued of that holy man, vnto whom
euery Cittizen of this Common wealth is dearely bounde. I would
to God that I had redeemed 2o of his yeares with the third
parte of my goods, fo grieuous is to me his extreme old age.'
RttOMEO AND IULIETTA.
The felfe fame houre the Lord Antonio xvent to feeke the Countee
Paris, whom hee thought to perf,vade to goe to Villafranco. But
the countee told him agayne, that the charge would be to great,
and that better it were to referue that col} to the mariage da)-,
for the better celebration of the faine. Notwithttanding if it were
his pleafnre, he would himfelfe goe vifite Iulietta: and fo they
xvent together. The Mother aduertifed of his comming, caufed hir
daughter to make hir felfe ready, and to fpare no col}ly Iewels
for adorning of hir beauty agaynl} the Countee's comming, which
fhe beloved fo well for garnifhing of hir Perfonage, that before
the Countee parted from the houfe, fhee had fo ftolne avav his
heart, as he liued not from that time forth, but vpon meditation of
hir beauty, and flaeked no time for aeeeleration of the mariage da)',
eeafing not to be importunate vpon father and mother for th'ende
and eonfummation thereof. And thus with ioy inough paffed forth
this day and many others vntil the day before the mariage, againl}
which time the mother of Iulietta did fo well prouide, that there
wanted nothing to fet forth the magnificence and nobilitv of their
honfe. Villafraneo whereof we haue ruade mention, was a place
of pleafure, where the Lord °Antonio was wont many tymes to re-
ereate himfelfe a toile or txvo from Verona, there the dynner was
prepared, for fo muteh as the ordinary folemnitv of neeeffity roulée
be done at Verona. Iulietta pereeyuing hir time to approaehe
dyffembled the matter fo well as fhee coulde: aud xvhen tyme
foreed hir to retire to hir Chamber, hir "Voman would have waited
vppon hir, and haue lyen in hir Chambre, as hir eufome was: but
lulietta fayd vnto hir : " Good and faithfull mother, you know that
to morrow is my maryage Day, and for that I would fpend the mol}
parte of the Nyght in prayer, I pray you for this ti.ne to let me
alone, and to morrow in the Mornyng about vI. of the eloeke eome
to me agayne to helpe make mee readie." The good olde woman
willing to follow hir minde, fuffred hir alone, and doubted
nothyng of that whieh fhe did meane to do. lulietta beinge
within hir Chambre hauing an eawer ful of ,Vater fanding vppon
the Table filled the viole whieh the Frier gaue her : and after fhe
had ruade the mixture, fhe let it bv hir bed ride, and went to Bed.
And being layde, new thoughtes began to affaile hir, with a con-
RHOMEO AND IUL1ETTA.
ceipt of grieuous Death, which brought hir into futch eafe as fhe
could not teil what to doe, but piayning inceffantly fayd : "Ara
not I the mof vnhappy and defperat creature» that euer was
borne of XVoman ? For mee there is nothyng left in this wretched
woride but mifhap, mifery, and mortaii woe, my diftreffe hath
brought me to futch extremity, as to faue mine honor alld con-
fcience, I ara forced to deuoure the drvnke whereof I know not the
verttte : but what know I (fayd fhe) whether the Operatyon of thys
Pouder will be to foone or to late, or hot correfpondent to the due
tyme, and that mv fauh being difcouered, I fhall remayne a Fable
to the People ? XVhat know I moreotler, if the Serpents and other
venomous and crauling XVormes, xvhych commonly frequent the
Gratles and pittes of the Earth wyil hurt me, thynkyng that I ara
deade. But howe fhaii I indure the livnche of fo many carions
and Bones of myne aunceliors whych reli in the Graue, yf by for-
tune I do awake before Rhomeo and Fryer Laurence doe corne
to heip mee ?" And as fhee xvas thus plunged in the deepe contem-
platyon of thynges, fhe thought that fhe faw a certavn vifion or
fanfie of hir Coufin Thibauh, in the very lame fort as fhee fawe
him wounded and imbrued wvth Bloud, and mufing how that fhe
muli be buried quick amongs fo many dead Carcafes and deadly
naked bones, hir tender and delycate body began to fhake and
tremble, and hir velowe lockes to liare for feare, in futch wyfe as
fryghtned with terroure, a coid fweate beganne to pierce hir heart
and bedewe the relie of ai hir membres, in fittch wife as fhe
thought that an hundred thoufand Deathes did liande about hir,
haling hir on euery ride, and plucking hir in pieces, and feelyng
that hir forces diminv/hed by lyttle and lyttle, fearing that through
to great debilyty fhe was not able to do hir enterpryfe, like a furi-
ous and infenfate XVoman, with out further care, guiped vp the
Vater wythin the Voyal, then crofling hir armes vpon hir liomacke,
fhe loli at that inflante ail the powers of hir Body, reffyng in a
Traunce. _And when the morning iyght began to thruli his head
out of his Oryent, hir Chaumber "Voman which had lockte hir in
with the Key, did open the doore» and thynkyng to awake hir,
cailed hir manv tymes, and fayd vnto hir: '" Milireffe, you fleepe
to long, the Counte Paris will come to raife )'ou." The poore olde
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
Woman fpake vnto the wall, and fange a long vnto the deafe. For
if ail the horrible and tempefluous foundes of the world had bene
cannoned forth out of the greatelt bombardes and founded through
hir delyeate Eares, hir fpyrites of Lvfe were fo fait bounde and ltopt,
as fhe by no meanes eoulde awake, wherewith the pore olde "Woman
amazed, began to fhake hir by the armes and Handes, whyeh fhe
found fo eolde as marble flone. Then puttyng Hande vnto hir
Mouthe, fodainely pereeyued that fhe was dead, for fhee pereeyued
no breath in hir. Vherefore lyke a "Woman out of hir "Vyttes,
fhee ranne to tell hir mother, who fo madde as a Tigre, berefte of
hir Faunes hied hir fdfe into hir Daughter's Chaumber, and in
that pitiful Rate beholdynge hir Daughter, thinkyng hir to be deade,
cried out: "Ah eruell Death, whieh hafl ended ail mv ioye and
Blyffe, vfe the lafl feourge of thy wrathfull ire agaynft me, leafl by
fufferyng mee to liue the rett of my woefull Dayes, my Torment doe
inereafe." Then fhe began to fetch futeh flrayning fighes, as hir
heart did feeme to eleaue in pieces. And as hir cries began to en-
creafe, behold the Father, the County Paris, and a great troupe of
Gentlemen and Ladies, whieh were eome to honour the feafle, hear-
ing no fooner tell of that whieh ehauneed, were ftroke into futeh
forrowfull dumpes as he whieh had beheld their Faces would eafily
haue iudged that the faine had ben a day of ire and pity, fpeeially
the Lord Antonio, whofe heart was frapped with futch furpafling
woe, as neither teare nor word could iffue forth, and knoving not
what to doe, flraight way fent to feeke the mofl expert Phititians
of the towne, vho after they had inquired of the life par of Iu-
lietta, deemed by common reporte, that melancoly was the caufe of
that fodayne death, and then their forows began to renue a frefh.
And if euer day was Lamentable, Piteous, Vnhappy, and Fatall,
truly it was that wherein Iulietta hir death vas publifhed in Verona :
for fhee was fo bewayled of great and finall, that by the common
playnts, the Common weahh feemed to be in daunger, and not
without caufe: for befides hir naturall beauty (accompanied with
many vertues wherewith nature had enriched hir) fhe was elfe
fo humble, wife, and debonaire, as for that humility and curtefie
fhe had flollen away the hearts of euery wight, and there was
none but did lament hir Miffortune. And whilefl thefe thinges
VOL. lll. H
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
were in this lamented fiate, Frier Laurence with diligence dis-
patehed a Frier of his Couent, named Frier Anfelme, whom he
trufied as himfelfe, and deliuered him a Letter written with hvs
owne bande, eommaunding him expreffely not to giue the lame
to any other but to Rhomeo, wherein was eonteyned the ehaunee
which had paffed betwene him and Iulietta, fpeeially the vertue
of the Pouder, and eommaunded him the nexte elffuinge Nighte
to fpeede himfelfe to Verona, for that the operation of the
Pouder that rime would take ende, and that he fhould earv wvth
him back agayne to Mantua his beloued Iulietta, in diffembled
appareil, vntill Fortune had otherwife prouided for them. The
frier made futeh hafi as (too late)hee arriued at Mantua, within a
while after. And bieaufe the maner of Italy is, that the Frier
trauayling abroade ought to take a eompanion of his couent to
doe his affaires wythin the City, the Frver went into his couent,
and for that he was within, it was not lawfull for him to eome oute
againe that Day, bicaufe that certain daves before, one relygious
of that eouent as it was fayd, dyd dye of the plague : wherefore
the Magiftrates appoynted for the health and vifitation of the
fiek, eommaunded the XVarden of the Houfe that no Friers fhould
wander abrode the eity, or talke with any Citizen, vntil they were
lieenfed by the offieers in that behalfe appoynted, which was the
eaufe of the great mifhap whieh you fhal heare hereafter. The
Friar being in this perplexitye, not able to goe forth, and not know-
.vng what was contayned in the Letter, deferred hys Jorney for that
Day. XVhilft things were in thys plyght, preparation was ruade
at Verona, to doe the obfequies of Iulietta. There is a eufiome
alfo (whieh is eommon in ltaly,) to lave ail the befi of one lignage
and Familye in one Tombe, wherevppon lulietta was intoumbed,
in the ordinary Graue of the Capellettes, in a Chureheyarde, hard
by the Churche of the Fryers, where alfo the Lord Thibault was
interred, whofe Obfequies honorably donc, euery man returned :
whereunto Pietro, the feruaunt of Rhomeo, gaue hys affyftanee :
for as we haue before deelared, hys mavfier fente hym baeke
agayne from Mantua to Verona, to do his father feruiee, and to
aduertife him of that whieh fhould ehaunee in his abfenee there :
who feeyng the Body of Iulietta inclofed in Toumbe, thinkyng
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
with the refe that flee had bene dead in deede, incontinently tooke
polie horfe, and with dylygence rode to Mantua, where he founde
his Mayfer in his wonted houle, to whom he fayde, wyth hys
Eves full of Teares : " Syr, there is chaunced vnto you fo ftraunge
a matter as if fo be you do not arme your felfe with Conftancye, I
am afrayed that I flaall be the cruell minyfer of your Death : be
it known vnto you tir, that yeferday morning mv miftreffe Iu-
lietta left hir Lyfe in thys XVorlde to feeke reft in an other: and
wyth thefe Eyes I faw her buryed in the Churchvarde of S. Fraun-
cis." At the founde of whych heauye meffage, Rhomeo begann
woefullye to Lamente, as though hys fpyrites gryeued wyth the
Tormente of his Paflïon at that inflant would haue abandoned his
Bodye. But ftronge Loue which woulde not permytte him to
faynt vntyl the extremity, framed a thoughte in hys fantefie, that
if it were poffyble for him to dye befides hir his Death flmuld be
more gloryous, and fhee (as he thought) better contented : by rea-
fort whereof, after he had wafhed his face for feare to difcouer
his forrowe, hee wente out of his Chamber, and commaunded hys
man to tarry behynd him, that he myght walke through out all
the Corners of the Citye, to finde propre remedye (if it were poffy-
ble) for hys gryefe. And amonges others, beholdynge an Apotica-
rve's flaop of lyttle furnyture and leffe fore of Boxes and other
thinges requifite for that fcyence, thought that the verye pouerty
of the mayfter Apothecarye would make hym wyllingle yeld to that
which he pretended to demaunde: and after he had taken hvm
aride, fecretly fayde vnto him : « Syr, if you be the 1Mayfter of the
Houfe, as I thynk you be, beholde here Fifty Ducates, whych I
gyue you to the intent you delyuer me fome ftrong and vyolente
Poyfon that within a quarter of an houre is able to procure Death
vnto hym that flaall vfe it." The eouetous Apothecarye entyfed by
gayne, agreed to his requeft, and faynying to gyue hym fome
other medycine before the People's Face, he fpeedily made ready a
ftrong and cruell Poyfon, afterwardes he fayd unto him foftly:
" Syr, I guye you more than is needefull, for the one halfe is able
to defroy the ftrongeft manne of the world :" who after he hadde
receyued the poyfon, retourned home, where he commaunded his
man to departe with diligence to Verona, and that he flaould make
116
RIIOIEO AND IULIETTA.
prouifion of candels, a tynder Boxe, and other Inflrumentes meete
for the opening of the graue of Iulietta, and that aboue ail things
hee fhoulde not fayle to attende his eommynge befides the
Churchvarde of S. Frauncis, and vppon Pavne of Lire to keepe hys
intente in filence, x, Vhich Pietro obeied in order as hys maitter
had requyred, and made therin futch expedityon, as he arriued in
good time to Verona, taking order for al things that wer eom-
maunded him. Rhomeo in the meane xvhile being folycyted
wyth mortall thoughtes eaufed incke and paper to be broughte
vnto hym, and in few words put in wryting ail the difcourfe of his
loue, the mariage of him and Iulietta, the meane obferued for con-
fummation of the faine, the helpe that he had of Frier Laurence,
the buying of his Poyfon, and lafl of ail his death. Afterxvardes
hauing finifhed his heauy tragedy, hee clofed the letters, and
fealed the lame with his feale, and direeted the Superfcription
thereof to hvs Father : and putt.vng the letters into his purffe, he
mounted on horfebacke, and vfed futch dylygence, as he arriued
vppon darke Nyght at the Citye of Verona, before the gates were
fl, ut, vhere he founde his feruaunte tarying for him with a Lan-
terne and inflrumentes as is before fayd, meete for the opening of
the graue, vnto whome hee laid: « Pietro, helpe mee to open this
Tombe, and fo foone as it is open I commaunde thee vppon payne
of thy lire, hot to corne neere mee, nor to flay me from the thing
I purpofe to doe. Beholde, there is a letter which thou flmlt pre-
lent to morrow in the mornyng to my Father at his vpryfing,
whieh peraduenture flall pleafe him better than thou thinkefL"
Pietro, not able to imagine what was his maifler's intent, fode
fomewhat aloofe to beholde his maitter's gettes and Countenance.
And vhen they had opened the Vaulte, Rhomeo defcended downe
two feppes, hold.vng the candel in his hand and began to behold
wyth pityfull Eye, the bodv of hir, which was the organ of his
Eyes, and kytt it tenderly, holdyng it harde betwen his armes,
and not able to fatiffie him felfe with hir fight, put hys fearefull
handes vppon the colde ttomacke of Iulietta. And after he had
touched hir in many places, and not able to feele anye certayne
Iudgemente of Lyfe, he drewe the Poyfon out of hys boxe, and
fwallowyng downe a great quantytye of the faine, crved out:
RHOMEO AlgD IULIETTA.
"' O Iulietta, of whome the XVorlde was vnworthye, what Death
is it poffyble my Hearte coulde choofe oute more agreeable than
that whych yt fuffereth harde by thee ? what Graue more Gloryous,
than to bec buried in thy Toumbe ? what more woorthy or ex-
cellent Epytaphe can bec vowed for Memorye, than the mutuall
and pytyfull Sacryfice of our lyues?" And thinkinge to tenue
his forrowe, his hearte began to frette through the vvolence of
the Poyfon, whiche by lyttle and lyttle affailed the lame, and
lookyng about hym, efpied the Bodye of the Lorde Thibault,
lying nexte vnto Iulietta, whych as yet was hot al together putri-
fied, and fpeakyng to the bodye as though it hadde bene alyue,
fayde: "In what place fo euer thou arte (O Coufvn Thibault) I
mof heartely do crye the mercve for the offence whych I haue
donc by depryuing of thy Lyfe: and yf thy Ghof doe wyfhe and
crye out for Vengeaunce vppon mec, what greater or more cruell
fatyffa&ion canfe thou defyre to haue, or henceforth hope for,
than to fee him whych murdered thee, to bec e,npoyfoned with
his owne handes, and buryed bv thv ride ?" Then endynge hvs
talke, felyng by lyttle and lyttle that his lyfe began to fayle,
falling profrate vppon his knees, wyth feeble vovce hec foftelv
favd: "0 my Lord God, which to redeeme me didef difcend
from the bofom of thy Father, and tookef humane flefhe in the
\Vombe of the Vyrgine, I acknowledge and confeffe, that this
body of myne is nothing elle but Earth and DufL" Then feazed
vppon wyth defperate forrow, he fell downe vppon the Bodv of
Iulietta with futch vehemence, as the heart faint and attenuated
with too great torments, hot able to beare fo hard a vyolence,
was abandoned of all his fenfe and Naturall powers, in futch
sorte as the fiege of hys foule fayled him at that infant, and his
members fretched forthe, remayned ffiffe and colde. Fryer
Laurence whych knew the certayne tyme of the pouder's opera-
tion, maruelled that he had no anfwere of the Letter which he
lent to Rhomeo by his fellowe Frver Anfelme, departed from S.
Frauncis and with Infruments for the purpofe, determined to open
the Graue to let in aire to Iulietta, whych was ready to wake : and
approchyng the place, hec efpied a lyght within, which made him
afraide vntyll that Pietro whyeh was hard by, had eertyfied hym
RHO.MEO AND |ULIETTA.
that Rhomeo was with in, and had hot eeafed there to Lamente
and Complayne the fpaee of halfe an Houre : and when they two
were entred the Graue and finding Rhomeo without Lyre, ruade
futeh forrowe as they ean well eoneevue whveh Loue their deare
Fryende wyth lyke perfe&ion. And as they were making thevr
eomplaints, Iulietta rifing out of hir traunee, and beholding light
within the Toumbe, vneertayne wheather it were a dreame or
fantafie that appeared before his eyes, eomming agayne to hir
felfe, knew Frier Laurenee, vnto whom fhe laid: "" Father, I pray
thee in the name of God to perfourme thy promife, for I am
almot deade." And then frier Laurenee eoneealing nothing from
hir, (byeaufe he feared to be taken through his too long abode in
that place)faythfully rehearfed vnto hir, how he had lent frier
Anfelme to Rhomeo at Mantua, from whom as )'et hee had re-
eeiued no aunfwere. Notwithtanding he found Rhomeo dead in
the graue, whofe body he poyn&ed vnto, lyinge hard by hir,
praying hir fith it was fo, paciently to beare that fodayne nais-
fortune, and that if it pleafed hir, he would eonuey hir into fome
monafery of women where the might in time moderate hir forrow,
and giue refi vnto hir minde. Iulietta had no fooner eat eye
vppon the deade corps of Rhomeo, but began to breake the foun-
tayne pipes of gufhing teare% whieh ran forth in futeh aboun-
danee, as not able to fi, pport the furor of hir griefe, fhe breathed
without eeafing vpon his mouth, and then throwen hir felfe vppon
his body, and embraeing it very hard, feemed that by force of
/ïghes and fobs, fhe would haue reuiued, and brought him againe
to life, and after fhe had kiffed and rekiffed hym a million of
times, file cried out : "" Ah the fveete refe of my cares, and the
onely port of ail my pleafures and pafiimes, hadf thou fo fure a
hearte to choofe thy Churchvarde in this place betwene the armes
of thy perfe& Louer» and to ende the couffe of thy life for my
fake in the floure o thy Youth vhen lyre to thee thould have bene
mofi deare and dele6-table? hov had this tender body power to
refif the furious Coumbat of death, very death it felfe here prefent ?
how coulde thy tender and delicate youth villingly permit that
thou fhouldef approch into this filthy and infe&ed place, where
from henceforth thou fhalt be the palmure of Worms vnworthv of
Y-.HOMEO AND IULIETTA.
X9
thee? Alas, alas, by what meanes fhall I now renue my playnts,
which time and long pacience ought to haue buried and clearely
quenched ? Ah I, miferable and Caitife wretch, thinking to finde
remedy for my griefs, haue fharpned the Knife that bath gieuen
me this cruell blow, whereof I receiue the caufe of mortall wound.
Ah, happy and fortunate graue which fhalt ferue in world to corne
for witneffe of the moi perfec aliaunce that euer was betwene
two moi infortunate louers, receyue now the lai fobbing righes,
and intertayment of the moi cruell of all the cruell fubiecs of
ire and death." And as fhe thought to continue hir complaynts,
Pietro aduertifed Frier Laurence that he heard a noyfe befides the
citadell, wherewyth being afrayd, they fpeadily departed, fearing
to be taken : and then Iulietta feeing hir felfe alone, and in full
Liberty, tooke agayne Rhomeo betweene hir armes, kiffing him
with futch affection, as fhe feemed to be more attavnted with loue
than death, and drawing out the Dagger which Rhomeo ware bv
his ride, fle pricked hir felfe with many bloves againI the heart,
fayinge with feeble and pitiful voice: "Ah death the end of
forrow, and beginning of felicity, thou art mort hartelv welcome:
feare not at this rime to fharpen thy dart : giue no longer delay of
life, for feare that my fprite trauavle not to finde Rhomeo's ghoI
amongs futch number of cation corpfes : and thou my deare Lord
and lovall hufband Rhomeo, if there reI in thee any knowledge,
receyue hir whom thou haI fo faythfully loued, the onely caufe
of thy violent death, which frankely offreth vp hir foule that none
but thou fhalt ioy the loue whereof thou haI made fo lawfull
conquef, and that our foules pafiïng from this light, may eternally
liue together in the place of euerlaIing ioy." And when fhe had
ended thofe wordes thee yelded vp hir ghof. SVhile thefe thinges
thus were done, the garde and watch ofthe Citty bv chaunce paffed
by, and feeing light within the graue, fufpe&ed fraight that there
were fome Necromancers which had opened the Toumbe to abufe
the deade bodies for ayde of their arte: and defirous to knowe
what it ment, went downe into the vaut, where they found Rhomeo
and Iulietta, with their armes imbracing ech other's neck, as
tho«gh there had bene fome token of lyfe. And after they had well
viewed them at leyfure, they perceyued in what cafe they were :
I20
RHOIiEO AND IULIETTA.
and then ail amazed they fought for the theeues which (as they
thought) had done the murther, and in the ende founde the good
father Frver Laurence, and Pietro the feruaunte of deade Rhomeo
(whych had hid themfelues under a f{all) x'hom thev caryed to
Pryfon, and aduertyfed the Lord of Efcala, and the magittrates of
Verona of that horrible murder, which by and by xvas publifhed
throughoute the City. Then flocked together al the Citizens,
women and children leauyng their houles, to loke vppon that
pityful fighte, and to the Ende that in prefence of the whole Cytie,
the murder fhould be knoxvne, the lXlagif{rates ordayned that the
txvo deade Bodies fhould he ereed vppon a f{age to the view
and fight oF the whole \Vorld, in futch forte and manner as they
were round withvn the Graue, and that Pietro and frier Laurence
fhould publikely bee examyned, that afterxvardes there myght be
no murmure or other pretended caufe of ignoraunce. And thvs
good olde Frier beyinge vppon the Scaffold, hauinge a whvte Bearde
ail wet and bathed xvith Teares, the Iudges commaunded him to
declare vnto them who were the Authors of that lXlurder, fith at
vntimely boute hee was apprehended xvith certayne Irons befides
the Graue. Fryer Laurence, a rounde and franke Man of talke,
nothyng moued with that accufation, anfwered them xvith f{oute
and bolde voyce : "My maiPcers, there is none of you ail (if you
haue refpe vnto my forepaffed Life, and to my aged Yeres, and
therewithall haue confideration of this heauy fpeacle, where-
unto vnhappy fortune hathe prefently brought me) but doeth
greatly maruell of fo fodaine mutation and change vn|ooked for
fo mutch as thefe three fcore and Ten or twelue Yeares fithens I
came into this Worlde, and began to proue the vanities thereof, I
was neuer fufpeed, touched, or found guilty of any crime which
was able to make me blufhe, or hide my face, although (belote
God) I doe confeffe my felf to be the greateff and mou ahhomi-
nable finner of al the redeemed flocke of Chriff. So it is notxvyth-
ftanding, that fith I ara prePc and ready to render mine accompte»
and that Death, the Graue and xvormes do dailye fummon this
wretched corps of mvne to appeare before the Iuffyce feate of God,
Pcill wayghtyng and attending to be carried to my hoped graue,
this is the boute I fay, as you likewife mav thinke wherein I ara
RIIOMEO AND IULIETTA.
I2I
fallen to the greatef damage and preiudice of my Lyfe and honef
porte, and that which bath ingendred thys fynyfer opynyon of mec,
may peraduenture bee thefe greate Teares which in abundaunce
tryckle downe my Face as though the holy fcriptures do not wit-
neffe, that Jefus Chrifi moued with humavne pitty, and compaf-
tion, did weepe, and poure forth teares, and that many times teares
be the faythfull meffengers of a man's innocency. Or elle the mof
likely euidenee, and prefumption, is the fufpeë"ted hour, which (as
the magifirate doth fay) doth make mee culpable of the murder,
as though ail houres were not indifferently made equall by God
their Creator, who in his owne perfon declareth vnto vs that there
be twelue houres in the Day, fhewing thereby that there is no
exception of houres nor of minutes, but that one may doe eyther
good or iii at ail times indifferently, as the party is guided or for-
faken by the fprite of God : touching the Irons which were founde
about me, needefull it is not now to let you vnderfand for what
vfe Iron was firf made, and that of it felfe it is hOt able to inereafe
in man eyther good or euill, if not by the mifchieuous minde of
hym which doth abufe it. Thus mutch I haue thought good to
tell you, to the intent that neyther teares nor Iron, ne yet fus-
pecCted houre, are able to make me guihy of the murder, or make
me otherwyfe than I am, but only the witneffe of mine owne
eonfcienee, which alone if I were guilty fhould be the accufer,
the vdtneffe, and the hangman, whych, by reafon of mine age
and the reputation I haue had amonges you, and the little time
that I haue to liue in this XVorld fhoulde more torment me within,
than ail the mortall paynes that could be deuifed : but (thankes
be to myne eternall God) I feele no worme that gnaweth, nor
any remorfe that prieketh me touching that fac"t, for whieh I
fee you ail troubled and amazed: and to fer your harts at relU,
and to remoue the doubts which hereafter may torment your
confciences, I fweare vnto you by all the heauenly parts wherein
I hope to be, that forthwith I will difclofe from firf to laf the
entire difcourfe of this pitifull tragedy, whych peraduenture fhall
driue you into no leffe wondre and amaze, than thofe two poore
paflîonate Louers were frong and pacient, to expone themfelues to
the mercy of death, for the feruent and indiffoluble loue betwene
I22
RttOMEO AND IULIETTA.
then." Then the Fatherly Frier began to repeate the beginning
of the loue betwene Iulietta, and Rhomeo, which by certavne
fpace of time confirmed, was profecuted by wordes at the firfi,
then by mutual promife of mariage, vnknown to the world. And
as within few dayes after, the two Louers feelinge themfelues
fharpned and incited with ftronger onfet, repaired vnto him vnder
colour of confeffion, protefting by othe that they were both
maried, and that if he woulde not folempnize that mariage in
the face of the Church, they flould be confirayned to offend God
to liue in difordred luft: in confideration whereof, and fpecially
feeing their alliaunce to be good, and comfortable in dignity,
richeffe and Nobility on both rides, hoping by that meanes per-
chaunce to reconcile the Montefches, and Capeilets» and that
by doing futch an acceptable worke to God, he gaue them the
Churches bleffing in a certayne Chappel ofthe friers church whereof
the night foliowing they did confummate the mariage frui6ts in
the Pailace of the Capellets. For teftimony of which copulation,
the woman of Iuliettae's Chamber was able to depofe: Adding
moreouer, the nurder of Thibault, which was Coufin to Iulietta :
by reafon whereof the banifhment of Rhomeo did foilowe, and
howe in the abfence of the fayd Rhomeo, the mariage being kept
fecrct betwene them, a new Matrimony was intreated wvth the
Countee Paris, which mifiiked by Iulietta, fhe feii proftrate at his
feete in a Chappell of S. Frauncis church, with full determination
to haue killed hirfclf with hir owne hands, if he gaue hir not
counceli how fhe fhould auoyde the mariage agreed betwene hir
father and the Countee Paris. For conclufion» he fayd, that
although he was refolued by reafon of his age, and neareneffe
of death to abhorre ail fecrete Sciences, wherein in his younger
yeares he had delight, notwithftanding, preffed with importunity,
and moued with pitty, fearing leaft Iulietta fhould do fome
cruelty agaynft hirfelfe, he ftrayned his confcience, and chofe
rather with fome iittle fault to grieue his mind% than to fuffer
the young gentlewoman to deftroy hir body» and hazarde the
daunger of hir foule : and therefore he opened fome part of his
auncient cunning, and gaue her a certayne Pouder to make hir
fleepe, by meanes whereof fhe was thought to be deade. Then he
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
toide them how he had fent Frier Anfeime to cary letters to Rhomeo
of their enterprife, whereof hitherto he had no aunfwere. Then
briefly he concluded how he found Rhomeo dead within the graue,
who as itis mof iikely did impoyfon himfeife, or was otherwife
fmothered or fuffocated with forow by findinge Iulietta in that
ftate, thinking fhee had bene dead. Then he roide them how
Iulietta did kili hirfelfe with the Dagger of Rhomeo to beare him
company after his death, and how it was impoflible for them to
faue hir for the noyfe of the watch which forced theym to flee
from thence. And for more ample approbation of his faying, he
humbly befought the Lord of Verona and the Magiftrats to rend
to Mantua for Frier Anfelme to know the caufe of his flack re-
turne, that the content of the ietter lent to Rhomeo might be
feene: to examine the \Voman of the Chamber of Iulietta, and
Pietro the feruaunt of Rhomeo, who hOt attending for further re-
queff, fayd vnto them: «,bly Lordes, when Rhomeo entred the
graue, he gaue me this Pacquet, written as I fuppofe with his owne
hand, who gaue me expreffe commaundement to deliuer it to his
father." The pacquet opened, they found the whole effe of this
ftory, fpecially the Apothecarie's naine, which fold him the Poyfon,
the price, and the caufe wherefore he vfed it, and all appeared to
be fo cleare and euident, as there reffed nothing for further verifi-
cation of the faine, but their prefence at the doing of the parti-
culers thereof, for the whole was fo weli declared in order, as thev
were out of doubt that the faine was true: and then the Lord
Barthoiomew of Efcala, after he had debated with the Magiffrates
of thefe euents, decreed that the XVoman of Iulietta hir chamber
fhouid bee banifhed, becaufe fhee did conceale that priuy mariage
from the Father of Rhomeo, which if it had beene knowne in
tyme, had bred to the whole Citty an vniuerfal| benefit. Pietro
becaufe he obeyed hys mayffer's commaundement, and kept clore
hys iawfuli fecrets, according to the weli conditioned nature of a.
trufty feruaunt, was fer at liberty. The Poticary taken, rackt, and
founde guilty, was hanged. The good oide man Frier Laurence, as
well for refpec't of his auncient feruice which he had done to the
common wealth of Verona, as alfo for his vertuous life (for the
which hee was fpecially recommended) was let goe in peac% with-
24
RHOMEO AND IULIETTA.
out any note of Infamy. Notwithfanding by reafon of his age,
he voluntarilv gaue ouer the "Vorld, and clofed himfelfe in an
Hermitage, two mlles from Verona, where he liued 5 or 6 yeares,
and fpent hys tyme in continuall prayer, vntil he was called out of
this tranfitory worlde, into the blifful fate of euerlaffing ioy.
And for the compaf/ïon of fo fraunge an infortune, the Montes-
ches, and Capellets poured forth futch abundaunce of teares, as
with the fame they did euacuate their auncient grudge and choler,
whereby they were then reconciled: and they which coulde not
bee brought to attonemeut by any wifedome or humayne councell,
were in the ende vanquifhed and made frends by pity: and to im-
mortalizate the memorv of fo intier and perfe& amity, the Lord of
Verona ordayned, that the two bodies of thofe miraculous Louers
fhould be raff intoumbed in the graue where they ended their lyues,
in which place was ere&ed a high marble Piller, honoured
with an infinite number of excellent Epytaphes, which
to this dav be apparaunt, with futch noble memory,
as amongs all the rare excellencies, wherewith
that City is furnifhed, there is none more
Famous than the MonumentofRhomeo
and Iulietta.
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
25
THE T,VENTY-SIXTH NOUELL.
Two gentlemen of F'enice were honourably deceiued of their ll, yues,
whofe notable pratqifes, and fecret conference for atchieuinge their
de.tire, occaJïoned diuers accidentes, and ingendred double bene.lqt :
wherein alfo is recited an eloquent oration, rnade by one of them,
pronounced before the Duke andjTate of that Cittye : with other
chaunces and ates concerninge the fame.
HEERE haue I thought good to fummon Gentlewomen of Venice
to appeare in Place, and to mount on Stage amongs other Italian
Dames to fhev caufe of their bolde incountrey agaynR the Folly
of their two Hufbands, that vncharitably without refpe& of neygh-
bourhoode, went about to affayle the honeftv of eyther's wyfe,
and weening they had enioved others felicity, by the womens
prudence, forefight and ware gouernment, were both deceiued, and
yet attayned the chiefeR benefit that mariage Rate doth looke
for: fo that if fearch bee made amonges antiquities, it is to be
doubted wheather greater chaRity, and better pollicy could be
founde for accomplifhment of an intended purpofe. Many deedes
haue ben done by women for fauegard of their Hufbandes lyues,
as that of the Minyoe, a fort of Vomen whofe hufbandes were
imprifoned at Lacedoemon, and for treafon condemned, who to
faue their liues, entred into prifon the night before they fhould dy,
and by exchange of appareil, deliuered them, and remayned
there to fuffer for them. Of Hipficratea alfo the Oueene and
,Vyfe of Mithridates king of Pontus, who fpared not hir Noble
beauty and golden lockes to manure hir felfe in the vfe of armes,
to keepe hir hufband company in perils and daungers: and being
ouercome by Pompeius, and flying away, neuer left him vnaccom-
panied, ne forfooke futch trauayle as he himfelfe fuRayned. The
like alfo of JEmilia, Turia, Sulpitia, Portia, and other Romane
Dames. But that futch haue preuented their hufband's folly,
feldome we reade, fauing of Oueene Marie, the XVife of Don Pietro
king of Arragon, who marking the infoleney of hir hufband, and
fury for his difordred lire, honeR iealoufie opening hir continent
,.-6
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
eyes, forced hir to feeke meanes to remoue his wanton a&s, or at
leafwife by polliey and wife forefight to make him hufbande and
euhure his own foyle, that fir want of feafonable tillage was barren
and voyde of fruiete. XVherefore eonfulting with the Lord eham-
herlayne, who of eufome brought whom the king liked bef, was
in place of his woman befowed in his Bed, and of her that night
begat the yong Prvnee Giaeomo, that afterwardes proued a
valiaante, and wife king. Thefe pafling good pollieies of women
many times abolifh the frantik leeherous fits of hufbands gieuen
to fuperfluous lufs, when firf by their ehaf behauiour and
womanly patience they eontayne that whieh they be loth to fee or
heare of, and then demaunding eounfell of fobriety and wifedome,
exeogitate fleights to fhun folly, and expell difeurtefie, by hus-
bande's eareleffe vfe. Sutch pra&ifes, and deuifes, thefe two
Gentlewomen whom I now bringe forth, difelofe in this difeourfe
enfuing. In the Cittv of Venice, (which for riches and fayre
XVomen exeelleth all other within the region of ltaly) in the time
that Franeefco Fofcari, a very wvfe Prynee, did gouerne the fate,
there were two young Gentlemen, the one ealled Girolamo Bembo,
and the other Anfelmo Barbadico, betwene vhom as many times
ehauneeth amongs other, grew futeh great hatred and cruel hofi-
litL as eeh of them by feeret and all poflible meanes deuifed to
doe other fhame and difpleafure, whieh kindled to futch outrage,
as it was thought impoflible to be paeified. It ehauneed that at
one tvme hoth of them did marv two noble young Gentlewomen,
excellent and fayre, both brought vp vnder one 1Nurfe, and loued
eeh other h'ke two Sifers, and as though they had been hoth borne
of one body. The XVyfe of Anfelmo, ealled Ifotta, was the
Daughter of Meffer Mareo Gradenigo, a man of great effimation
in that Citty, one of the proeuratours ofSan Mareo, whereof there
were not fo great number in thofe dayes as there bee now, beeaufe
t he XVyfef men, and ber A pproued of Lyre were ehofen to that great
and Noble dignity, none allotted thereunto by Bribes or Ambition.
The XVyfe of Girolamo Bembo was ealled Lueia, the Daughter of
Meffer Gian Fraucefeo Valerio Caualiere, a Gentleman very well
learned, and many times fent by the State, Ambaffador into diuers
Countreys, and after he had bene Orator wvth the Pope, for his
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
wifedome in the execution of the faine was in great eflimation
wyth the whole Citty. The two Gentlewomen after they were
maried, and heard of the hatred betwene their Hufbandes, were
very forrowfull and penfiue, becaufe they thought the Freendfhyp
and Loue betwene them twayne» continued from their tender
yeares, could not bee, but with greate difficulty kept, or elfe
altogither diffolued and broken. Notwithfanding beyng difcrete
and wyfe, for auoyding occafion of eche Hufbande's offence, deter-
mined to ceafe their accuf[omed conuerfation and louinge Fami-
liarity, and hot to frequent others company, but at Places and
Tymes conuenient. To whom Fortune was fo fauourable, as not
onely theyr Houles were neere together but alfo adioyninge, in the
]3ackfides whereof theyr Gardeyns alfo Confined, feperated onely
wyth a lyttle Hedge, that euerv day they myght fee one another,
and many tymes talke together: moreouer the Seruauntes, and
People of eyther houles were freendly, and familiar, whych didde
greately content the two Louynge Gentlewomen, bicaufe they alfo
in the abfence of theyr Hufbandes, myghte at pleafure in their
Gardens difport themfelues. And continuing this order the fpace
of three yeares neyther of them within that terme were with chylde.
In which fpace Anfelmo many times viewing and cafling his eves
vpon Madonna Lucia, fell earneflly in loue with hir, and was not
that day well at eafe, wherein he had not beholden hir excellent
beauty. She that was of Spirite, and x.Vit fubtle, marked the
lookes and maner of Anfelmo, who neyther for loue, ne other caufe
did render like lookes on him, but to fee to what ende his lou-
ing cheere and Countenaunce would tend. Notxithftanding fhe
feemed rather defirous to behold him, than elfwhere to inploye
hir lookes. On the other ride the good behauiour, the wife order
and pleafaunt beauty of /:/adonna Ifotta was fo excellent and
plaufible in the fight of mayf[er Girolamo, as no Louer in the X.Vorld
was better pleafed with his beloued than he with hir: who not
able to liue wythout the fweete fight of Ifotta (that was a craftv
and wily Wench) was by hir quickly perceiued. She being right
honeft and wife, and louing hir hufband very dearely, did beare
that countenaunce to Girolamo, that fhe generally did to any of
the Citty, or to other traunger that fhe neuer faw before. But hir
x28
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
hufband more and more inflamed, hauing lof the liberty of him-
felfe wounded and pierced with the amorous arowes of Loue coulde
hot conuert his minde to any other but to miRreffe Lucia. Thefe
two women wonted to heare feruice euery day ordinarily at the
church of Sanfantino, bicaufe they lay long a bed in the mornings,
and commonly feruice in that church as fard fomewhat late:
their pewes alfo fomwhat diRant one from an other. XVhether
their z amorous hufoands continually vfed to follow them a
loofe of, and to place themfelues where eyther of them might bel
view his beloued : by which cuRome they feemed to the common
people to be iealous ouer their "Vyues. But they profecuted the
matter in futch wyfe, as eyther of them without fhipping, fought
to fend other into Cornouale. It came to paffe then, that thefe
z beloued gentlewomen one knowing nothing of another's intent,
determined to confider better of this loue, becaufe the great good
will long time borne, fhould not be interrupted. Vppon a certavne
day when their hufbands were abrode, reforting together to talk at
their Garden hedge according to theyr wonted manner, they began
to be pleafaunte and merry: and after louynge falutations, Mis-
treffe Lucia fpake thefe ,Voordes vnto hir Companyon : "Ifotta my
deare beloued tirer, I haue a tale to tell you of your hufband, that
perchaunce will feeme Rraunger than anve newes that euer you
heard." "And I " (anfwered miRreffe Ifotta) "I have a Rory to
tel you that wil make you no leffe to wonder than I at that which
you haue to fay» and it may be will put you into fome choler and
chafe." "XVhat is that ?" quod the one and other. In the ende
eyther of them told what pra&izes and loue their hufoands went
about. ,Vhereat although they were in great rage for theyr hus-
bandes follye, yet for the time they laughed out the matter, and
thought that thev were fufficient (as in very deede they were, a thing
not to be doubted) and able to fatiffie their hufoands hunger and
therewithall began to blame them and to fay that they deferued
to learn to play of the Cornets, if they had no greater feare of
God, and care of honeRy than their hufoands had. Then after
mutch talke of this matter, concluded that they fhould do wel to
expe& what their hufoands would demaund. Hauing taken order
as thev thought meete, they agreed dailye to efpye vhat flaoulde
TWO GENTLEWOMEI' OF VENICE.
ehaunce, and purpofed firft xvith fweete and pleafaunte lookes to
bayte and lure eche other feere, to put them in hope therby that
they fhould fatiffie their defires, which donc for that tvme they
departed. And when at the Church at Sanfantino or other place in
Venice, they chanced to meete their louers, they fhewed vnto them
cheareful and mery Countenaunce : whych the Louers xvell notyng,
svere the gladdef Men of the XVorlde : and feeing that it was iinpos-
fible in Speache to vtter their Myndes, they purpofed by Letters to
fignify the faine. _And hauing round Purciuants to goe betwene
parties (vhereof this City was svont to be ful) either of them wrote
an Amorous Letter, to his beloued, the content whereof xvas, that
they were verye defyrous fecretly to talke with them, thereby to
expreffe the burnynge affe&yons that inwardly they bare them,
whych without declaration and vtterance by Mouthe in theyr
ovne prefence, woulde breede them Torinents Inore bytter than
Deathe. And wythin fewe Dayes after (no greate dvfference of
Tyme betweene,) they xvrote their Letters. But Girolamo Bembo
haulng a pregnant XVit, who coulde xvell Endite both in profe, and
Rime, wrote an excellent fonnet in the prayfe of his Darling in
Italian Meeter, and wyth hys Letter fent the faine vnto hir, the
effe& whereof doth follow.
A liuely face and pearcing beautv bright
Hath linkt in loue my fely fences ail :
A comely porte, a goodly fhaped wight
Hath ruade me flide that neuer thought to fall:
Hir eyes, hir grace, hir deedes and maners milde,
So ftraines my heart that loue hath Wit begilde.
But not one dart of Cupide did me wounde,
A hundred fhaftes lights ail on me at ones:
As though dame kind fome new deuife had founde,
To teare my flefh, and crafh a two my bones :
-And yet I feele futch ioy in thefe my woes
That as I die my fprite to pleafure goes.
Thefe new found fits futch change in me doe breede,
I hate the day and draw to darkneffe, lo!
VOL. III. I
3o
TWO GENTLEWOIIEN OF VENICE.
Yet by the Lampe of beauty doe I feede
In dimmeft daves and darkeft nights alfo,
Thus altring State and changing Diet ftiii,
I feele and know the force of Venus will.
The bef I tïnde, is that I doe confeffe,
I loue you Dame whofe beauty doth excell :
But }'et a toy doth breede me fome difreffe,
For that I dread you will hOt loue me xvell,
Than loue yee wot fhall reft in me alone :
And flefhly brefS, fhall beare a heart of/one.
O goddeffe mine, yet heare my voyce of ruthe,
And pitie him that heart prefents to thee:
And if thou want a witneffe for mv truth
Let fighes and teares my iudge and record be,
Vnto the ende a dav may corne in haft,
To make me thinke I fpend no time in wafte.
For nought preuayles in loue to ferue and fue
If full effe& ioyne not xvith words at neede,
Vhat is defire or any fanfies newe
More than the winde ? that fpreades abroade in deede,
My words and works, fhall both in one agree,
To pleafure hir, whofe Seruaunt would I bee.
The fubtill Dames receiuing thofe amorous letters and long,
difdanfully at the flrft feemed to take them at the bringers hands,
as they had determined, yet afterwardes they fhewed better coun-
tenaunce. Thefe letters were toffed from one to an other, whereat
they ruade great paflime, and thought that the lame would eome
to very good fucceffe, eyther of theym keepinge fyli their Hus-
bande's Letter, and agreed without iniury done one to an other
trimlv to decevue their hutbands. The maner how you fhall
perceyue anone. They deuifed to fend word to their Louers, that
they were ready at al times to fatiffie their futes, if the lame might
be fecretly done, and fafely might make repayre vnto their houles,
when their Hufoands were abfent, whlch in any wife they fayde,
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
muff be done in the night, for feare leaft in the day tyme they were
difcried. Agayne thefe prouident and fubtill ,Vomen had taken
order wyth their Maydes, whom thev made priuy to their pra&yfe
that through their Gardens they fhould enter into other's houle,
aad bee fhut in their Chambers without Lyght, there to tary for
their Hutbands, and by anv meanes not to bee feene or knowne.
This order prefcribed and giuen, Miftreffe Lucia firft did hir louer
to vnderftad, that the night infuing at foure of the Clock at
the Pofterne dore, which fhould be left open, he fhould corne into
hir houle, where hir mayde fhould be ready to bring him vp to hir
Chaumbre, becaufe hir hufoand Maifter Girolamo woulde that
Night imbarke himfelfe to goe to Padua. The like Miftreffe Ifot-
ta did to Maifter Girolamo, appointing him at fiue of the clock,
wh-ch fhe fard was a very conuenient time, bicaufe mavfter An-
felmo that night would fup and lye with certayne of his Fryends
at Murano, a place befides Venice. Vpon thefe newes» the OE
Louers thought them felues the mort valiaunt and fortunate of the
,Vorld, no Enterprife now there was but feemed eafie for them to
bring to paffe, yea if it were to expell the Saracens out of Hieru-
falem, or to depriue the great Turke of his Kingdome of Conftan-
tinople. Their ioy was futch, as they coulde not tell where they
were, thinking euery houre a whole day till night. _At length the
tyme was corne fo long defired, and the Hufoandes accordingly
gaue diligent attendaunce, and let their XVyues to vnderftande,
(or at leaft wyfe beleeued they had) that thev could not corne home
that night for matters of great importaunce. The XVomen that
were very wife, feeing their fhip fayle wyth fo profperous wynde,
fayned themfelues to credite ail that they offered. Thefe young
men tooke eyther of them his Gondola (or as we tearm it theyr
Barge) to difport themfelues» and hauing fupped abroade, rowed
in the Canali, which is the ,Vater that paffeth through diuers
Streates of the Citty, expe&ing their appoynced houre. The
Women ready at three of the Clocke, repayred into their Gar-
dens, and after they had Talked, and Laughed together a prety
whyle, went one into an other's houfe, and were by the maydes
brought vp to the Chaumbers. There eyther of them the Candle
being light, began diligently to view the order and fituation ofthe
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
Place, and by little and little markcd the chiefeft things they look-
ed for, eommitting the faine to memory. Afterwards they put out
the Candle, and both in trembling maner expe&ed the eomming of
thcir Hufbandcs. And iuPc at four of the Cloeke the Mayden of
1Madonna Lucia floode at the dore to wavte for the eomminge of
Maifler Anfelmo, who within a while after came, and gladly was
let in by the mavde, and by hir eondu&ed vp to hir Bed ride. The
place there, wasfo dark as Hel, and impoflïble for him to know
his XVyfe. The two XVyues were fo like of bigneffe and Speaeh
as by darke wythout great difficultv they eould be known: when
Anfelmo had put of his elothes, he was of his XVyfe amoroufly
intertayned, thinking the XVyfe of Girolamo had reeeyued him be-
twene hir armes, who aboue a Thoufande times kiffed hir very
fweetely, and fhe for hir parte fweetelv rendred agayne to hvm fo
many : what followed it were Folly to deferibe. Girolamo lyke-
wife at 5 of the clocke appeared, and was by the lnayde eonueied
vp to the Chamber, where he lay with his own Wife, to their great
contentations. Now thefe . hufbauds thinking they had ben im-
braced by their beloued Ladies, to feeme braue, and valiaunt men
of XVarre, ruade greater proofe of their Manhoode, than they were
wont to do. At what rime their XVyues (as it pleafed God to mani-
fef bv their deliuery) were begotten with ehild of OE fayre Sons,
and they the beft eontented Women of the XVorld. This pra&ife
eontinued betwene them many times, fewe weekes paffing but in
this fort they lay together. Neyther of them for ail this pereeiued
themfelues to be deluded, or eonceyued any fufpition ofeollufion for
that the chamber was ftill without light, and in the day the XVo-
lnen eommonly fayled not to be together. The time was hot longe
but their Bellies began to fwell, whereat their Hufbandes were
exeeeding ioyfull, beleeuing verily that eyther of them had fixed
Hornes vpon the other's head. Howbeit the poore men for ail their
faire Beliefe had beltowed theyr Laboure vppon their owne Soyle,
watred onely with the eourfe of their proper Fountayne. Thefe
tvo Iolly XVenches feeyng themfelues by thys amorous prac-
tize to be with Childe, beganne to deuife howe they might
break of the faine, douting leaf fome flaunder and iii talke
thuuld rire : and thereby the hatred and malice betwene theyr hus-
TWO GENTLEWOMEIV OF VENICE.
I33
bandes increafe to greater fury. And as thev were aboute thvs
deuife, an occafion chaunced vtterly to diffolue theyr accuftomed
meetynges» but not in that forte as they woulde haue had it. For
the "Vomen determined as merilv they had begon fo iocundlye to
ende : but Fortune the guide of Humane Lyfe difpofeth ali enter-
pryfes after hir owne pleafure, who lyke a puiffant Lady carveth
with hir the fucceffe of eche attempte. The beginning fhe offereth
freely to him that lift, the F.nde fhe calleth for, as a ranfome or
trvbute payable vnto hir. In the faine ftreate, or as they cali it
Rio, and Canal% not farre from theyr Houfes, there dwelled a young
Voman very fayre and comely, hot fully txventy yeares of age,
which then was a ,Vidow, and a lvttle before the wife of M. Nic-
colo Delphino, and the Daughter of M. Giuoanni Moro, called
Gifmonda : fhe befides hir Father's Dowrve (which was more than
a Thoufand Pound) had left hir by hir t-/ufband, a great Porcvon
of Money, Iewels, Plate, and houfhoid Furnitures. Vyth hir
fell in Loue Aloitio Fofcari, the Nephewe of the Duke, xvho making
greate fute to haue hir to Vyfe, confumed the time in behold-
ing his Ladye, and at length had brought the marrer to fo good
paffe, as one Nighte fhe was contented, at one of the X.Vvndowes of
hir t-/oufe direcCtly ouer agaynfte a little iane, to heare him fpeake.
Aloifio maruellous glad of thofe defired Newes, at the appoynted
Nyght, about fyue or fixe of the Clocke, with a Ladder made of
Roapes (bicaufe the Vindow was very high) went thyther alone.
Beyng at the place and making a figne concluded vppon betveene
them attended when the gentlewoman flould throxv down hir cord
to draxv vp the Ladder accordingly as was appointed, which hot
longe after was donc. Gifmonda when fhee had receiued the ende
of the Ladder, tied it faft to the iawme of the wyndow, and gaue a
token to hir Louer to mount. He by force of loue being ver)" ventu-
rous, liuely and luftely fcaled the XVyndow : and when he was vp-
pon the Top of the fame, defirous to cafte himfelfe in, to embrace
his Lady, and fhee not readye to receiue him»or elfe vppon other oc-
cation, he fel downe backewarde, thinking as he fell to haue
faued himfelfe txvice or thrvce by catchyng holde vppon the Ladder,
but it would not be. Notwithftanding, as God wouid haue it, the
poife of his Body fell not vppon the pauement of the ftreate fuily»
134
TWO GEITLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
but was Raved by fome lets in the fall, whych had it not bene fo,
no doubt he had bene flavne out of hande, but yet his bones were
fore brufed and his heade deepely wounded. The infortunate
Louer feeing himfelfe fore hurt wyth that pityfull fall, albeyt hee
thought that hee had receiued his Death's XVounde, and impoffyble
to liue atay longer, yet the loue that he bare to the Widow, did fo far
furmount hys payne and the gryefe of hvs Body fore crufhed and
broken, that fo well as he could, hee rofe vp, and with his hands
faved the BIoud that tanne from hys Heade,to the intente yt myghte
hot ravfe fome flaunder vppon the XVidow whom hee loued fo wel :
and went alonges the Rreate towarde the houles of Girolamo and
Anfelmo aforefaid. Eeing corne thither wyth greate difficulty not
able to goe anye further for verye payne and gryefe, hee faynted
and fell downe as deade, where the Bloude iffued in futch aboun-
daurtce, as the Grounde therexvyth was greatly imbrued, and euery
one that faw him thought him to he roide of Lyfe. MiRreffe
Gifmonda exceeding forrowful for this mifchaunce, douhted that
he had broken his Necke, but when fhe faw hym depart, fhe com-
f«»rted him fo well as fhe could, and drewe vp the Ladder into hir
Chamber. Sutch Chaunces happen to earneR Louers, who when
thcv think they haue fcaled the top of theyr Felicity, fodaynly
tomhle doxvne into the Pit of extreme defpayre, that hetter it had
ben for them leyfurcly to expecCt the grace of their Ladves at con-
uenient place and houre, than hardily without prouidence to aduen-
ture lvke defperat fouldiers to clym the top of the vamure, without
meafurying the height of the \Vals, or viewynge the fuhRaunce of
theyr Ladders, do receyue in the ende cruell repulfe, and fal down
headlonge either by prefent Death or mortall "Vounde, to receyue
euerlaRyng reproche and fhame. But turne we agayne now to this
difgraced Louer, who lay gafping betwene Lyfe and Death. And as
he was in this forrowful Rate, one of the Captaynes, a Noble man
appointed to fee orders obferued in the Nighte, wyth hys bande
(which they call Zaffi) came thither : and finding hym lying vpon
the ground, knew that it was Aloifio Fofcari, and caufing him to
be taken vp from the place wher he lay, (thinking he had ben dead)
commanded that he fhould be conueyed into the Church adioyn-
ing whych immediately was done. And when he had wel confi-
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
135
dered the place where hee was founde, hee doubted that eyther
Girolamo Bembo or Anfelmo Barbadico, before whofe Dores hee
thought the murder committed, had kylled him, which afterwards
he beleued to be true, bycaufe he heard a certavne noyfe of mennes
Feete atone of their Doores : wherefore he deuided his company,
placyng fome on the one ride of their houles, and fome on the other,
befieging the lame fo weli as he coulde. And as Fortune woulde
he founde by Neglygence of the mayds, the dores of the l. houfes
open. It chaunced alfo that Nyght that the two Louers one in
other's Houfe were gone to lye with their Ladyes, who hearynge
the hurly burly, and fturre ruade in the houfe by the Sergeants,
fodaynely the XVomen lept out of their Beds, and bearyng their
apparell vppon theyr fhoulders, went home to their houfes throughe
their Gardeins vnfeene of any, and in fearefull wyfe did attende
what fhould be the End of the faine. Girolamo, and Anfelmo not
knowing what rumor and noife that was, although they ruade haf
in the Darke to cloth themfelues, were by the Offvcers without
any field fought, apprehended in ech other's Chamber, and re-
mained Pryfoners at thevr mercy : whereat the Captayne and hys
Band did greatly maruell, knowyng the Hatred betweene them.
But when Torches and Lyghts were brought, and the two Gentle-
men caried out of Doores, the wonder was the greater for that
they perceyued them almofe Naked, and pryfoners taken in eche
other's Houle. And befydes thys admiratyon, futch murmur and
flaunder was bruted, as the quality of euerye Vulgar Heade
coulde fecretlye deuyfe or lmagyne, but fpecyally of the inno-
cente Vomen, who howe faultleffe they were, euery Man by what
is fayde before maye conceyue, and yet the cancred Stomackes
of that Troupe bare futch 1Malyce agaynfe them, as they iarred
and brawled agaynf them lyke curryfhe Curres at ftraunge
Dogges whom they neuer fawe before. The Gentlemen imme-
diately were caried to pryfon, ignorant vppon what occafion:
afterwards vnderfandinge that they were committed for the mur-
der of Aloifio Fofcari, and impryfoned like theeues, albeit they
knew themfelues guiltleffe of murder or Theft, yet their gryef and
forrowe was very greate, beynge certayne that all Venice fhould
vnderftande howe they betweene whome had ben mortall hatred»
I36
TWO GEI'TLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
were nowe become copartners of that whych noue but the true
poffeffours ought to enioy: and althoughe they eoulde not abyde
to fpeake together, h'ke thofe that deadely dyd hate one another,
yet both theyr myndes were fyxed vppon one thought. In the
ende, eonceyuing Fury and defpite agaynfe theyr XVyues, the place
being fo darke that no Lyght or Sunne eoulde pieree into the
fame, whereby wvthout fhame or difdayne one of them began
to fpeake to another, and with terrible Othes they gaue theyr
favth to difclofe the troth in what fort evther of them was taken
in other's Chamber, and frankely told the wav and meane howe
eche of them enioyed hys Pleafure of other's XVyfe : whereupon the
whole matter (aceording to their kno'ledge)v,'as altogether by
little and little manifeft and knowne. Then they accompted theyr
XViues to be the mort arrant ftrumpets within the whole City, by
difprayfing of whom theyr olde rancor was forgotten, and they
agreed together like two Fryends, who thought that for fhame
they fhould neuer be able to looke Men in the face, ne yet to fhew
themfelues openlye within the Citye, for forrov whereof they
deemed Death the greateft good turne and ber Benefit that eould
chance vuto them. To be fhort, feeing no meanes or oeeafion to
comfort and relieue thevr pen'ue and heauy Rates, they fell into
extreeme defpayre, who afhamed to h'ue any longer, deuifed way
to rid them felues of L.vfe, eoncludyng to make themfelues guilty
of the murder of Aloifo Fofcari: and after mutch talke betweene
them of that cruell determination, fl)'ll approuing the lame
to be theyr ber refuge, they expe&ed nothyng elle, but when
they fhould be examined before the Magiflrates. Fofcari as is
before declared was carryed into the Churche for Deade, and
the Prveft ftraightly charged wyth the keepynge of hym, who
eaufed hym to be conueyed into the myddes of the Chureh,
fetting II. Torches a Light, the one at his heade, and the other
at his feete, and when the Company was gone, he determined to
goe to bed the remnant of the Nyght to take his reft: but before
he went, feeing the Torehes were but fhort, and eould not laft parte
two or three boutes, he lighted two other, and fer them in the others
place, for that it fhould feeme to his frends, if any chaunced to
corne what care and worfhip he beftowed vpon him. The Prier
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
137
ready to depart, perceiued the Body fomewhat to moue, with that
Iooking vppon his Face, efpyed his eyes a little to begin to open.
,Vherewithall fomewhat afraide, he erying out, tan awaye: not-
withfanding his Courage began to eome to him again, and laying
his hand vpon his breaf, pereeiued his heart to beate, and then
twas out of doubt that he was not dead although by reafon of
loffe of his bloud he thought little life to remaine in him : where-
fore he with one of his fellow prieras which was a bed, and the
Clerek of the Pariflb earied mailler Fofeari fo tenderly as they
eould into the Prieras Chamber, whieh adioined next the Chureh.
Then he fente for a furgeon that dvelt hard by, and required him
diligently to fearch the XVounde, who fo well as he could purged
the faine from the eorrupt ]31oud, and pereeiuyng it not to be
mortall, fo dreffed it wyth Oyles and other preeious ointments, as
Aloifio came agayn to hvmfelfe: and when he had anovnted that
reeouered body wyth eertayne Precious and eomfortable Oyles, he
fuffred him to take his ref : the Prief alfo went to bed and flepte
till it was Daye, who fo foone as he was vp, went to feeke the
Captayne to tel him that blaifer Aloifio was reeouered. The
Captaine at that tyme was gone to the pallaee at San. Mareo,
to giue the Duke aduertifement of thys Chaunee, after whom the
Prief went and xvas let in to the Duke's Chamber : to whom he de-
c|ared what he had done to Aloifio. The Duke very glad to heare
tell of his Nephewe's lyfe, although then very penfiue for the newes
broughte vnto him by the Captayne, intreated one of the Signor
de notre, to take with him tx.o of the beft furgions, and to call
him that had already dreffed his Nephew, to goe to vifite the
wounded Gentleman, that hee might be certified of the truth of
that Chaunee. AIl which together repaired to the Pryefe's Chaum-
ber,where fyndinge hym not a fleepe, and the XVoundefayre inoughe
to heale, dyd therevnto what their cunning thoughte meete .- and
then they began to inquire of hym, that was not vet full reeouered
to perfecCte fpeaehe, howe that ehaunee happened, telling hvm that
he might frankelye eonfeffe vnto them the trouthe. The more
dilygent they were in this demaunde, bieaufe the Surgeon that
dreffed him fyrf, alleaged, that the Wounde was not ruade vith
Sworde, but receiued by fome greate fall or blowe with Mate or
138
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
Clubbe, or rather feemed to tome of fome high fall from a
Wyndowe, by reafon his Head was fo gryevoufly brufed. Aloifio
hearynge the Surgeons fodavne demaunde, prefentlye aunfwered,
that he feli downe from a "Wyndowe, and named alfo the Houle.
And he had no fooner fpoken thofe Voordes, but he was verv
angry wyth him felfe and forrye : and wherewithall his difmayde
Spyrites began to reuyue in futch wyfe, as fodainlye he chovfe
rather to dye than to fpeake any thynge to the dyfhonoure of
myfireffe Gifmonda. Then the Signior di hotte, afked hvm what
he dyd there aboute that Tyme of the Nyght, and wherfore hee dyd
clymb vp to the X, Vyndowe, beynge fo hyghe : whych hee coulde hot
keepe'.fecrete, confyderyng the Authorytye of the Magyfirate that
demaunded the quefiyon, albeyt hee thoughte that yf his Tongue
hadde runne at large, and commytted a Fauite by rafhe fpeakynge,
hys Bodye flould therefore fuffer the fmart : wherefore before hee
wouide in any wyfe gyue occafion to flaunder hir, whome hee
ioued better than hys owne Lyfe, determined to hazarde hys Lyfe
and Honoure, to the mercye of Iufice, and fayde: "I declared
euen nowe, whych I cannot denye, that I fell downe from the
wyndowe of Mvfireflè Gifmonda Mora. The caufe thereof
(beeynge now at fiate, wherein I knowe not whether I fhall Lyue
or Dye) I wi|l truelye dyfelofe: Myfireffe Gifmonda beynge a
X.Vydowe and a younge Voman, wythoute anye Man in hir Houfe,
bycaufe by reporte fl,ee is very ryeh of Iewels and Money, I pur-
pofed to robbe and dyfpoyle: wherefore I deuyfed a ladder to
clymbe vp to hir X.Vyndowe, with Mvnde fuli bent to kiil ail thofe
that fhould refifie me: but mv mithappe was futch as the Ladder
being hot well faflened feil downe, and I my felfe therwithail, and
thinking to reeouer home to my lodging with my eorded Ladder,
my Spirites beganne to fayle, and tombled downe I wotte not
where." The Signor de notte, whofe name was Domenico Mari-
perto hearing him fay fo, maruelled greatly, and was very forie,
that ail they in the Chamber, whieh were a great number, (as at
futch chaunees commonly be) dyd heare thofe Woordes: and
bicaufe they were fpoken fo openly, he was forced to faye vnto
hym : "Aloifio, it doth not a little grieue me that thou hafi com-
mitted futch foilye, but for fo mutch as forrowe now will not
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VEIICE.
I39
ferue to remedye the Trefpaffe, I mufle needes fhew my felfe both
faithfuil to my countrey, and aifo carefuli of mine honor, xvithoute
refpe of perlons: wherefore thou fhalte remaine here in futch
fafe cuftody as I fhai appoint, and when thou art better amended,
thou mufi according to defert be referred to the Gaole." Leauing
him there vnder fure keeping, he went to the counfell of the Dieci,
(which magifirates in that City be of greatefi authority) and find-
ing the Lords in Counfeil, he opened the xvhole matter vnto them :
the prefidentes of the Counfeli xvhich had hearde a great numbre of
complaynts of many Theftes don in the Nyght xvythin the Citye,
tooke order that one of the Captaynes that were appoynted to the
dilygente Aratche and keepyng of Aioifio, remayning in the
Pryefie's Houle, fhould caufe him to be examined, and vith tor-
mentes forced to teli the truth, for that they did vereiv beleeue
that hee had committed many Robberies befides, or at the leafi was
priu)" and acceffarie to the fame, and knew xvhere the Theues were
become. Afterwardes the fayd Counfeil did titre vppon the
matter of Girolamo Bembo and Anfelmo Barbadico, round at myde
Night naked in eche other's Chambre, and commvtted to Pryfon as
is before remembred : and bicaufe they had many matters befides
of greater importaunce, to confult vppon, amongs vhich the
warres betwene them and Philippo MariaVifconte, Duke of Milane,
the aforefavde caufes were deferred tyll an other tyme, notwyth-
ftandyng in the meane while thev were examyned. The Duke him-
felfe that tvme being in Counfell, fpake mort feuerely againft his
lIephew: neuertheleffe he did hardly beleeue that his 1NTephew
being very rich, and indued with great honefty, would abafe
himfelfe to a vice fo vile and abhominable as theft is, where-
vppon he began to confider of many thinges, and in the etade
talked with hys Nephexv fecretly alone, and by that meanes learned
the trouth of the whole matter. In like maner Anfelmo and
Girolamo were Examined by Commiffioners appoync"ted by the
f[ate, what one of them did in an other's chamber, at that houre
of the night, who confeffed that many tvmes they had feene
Aloifio Fofcari, to paffe vp and down before their houfes at times
inconuenient, and that night by chaunce one of them not knowing
of anotheu efpied Aloifi% thinking that he lingered about their
4o
TWO GENTLEWO.XIEN OF VENICE.
houles to abufe one of their Vyues, for which caufe they went
out, and with their ,Veapons fodenly killed him : whieh eonfeffion
they openly declared accordingly, as whereupon before they were
agreed. Afterwardes with further circumfaunce being examined
vpon the Article of being one in another's Chaumber, it appeared
that their firf talc was vtterly vntrue : of ail which contradic°dons
the Duke was aduertifed, and was driuen into extreeme admira-
tion, for that the truth of thofe diforders eouide not be to the full
vnderfanded and knowne. Vhereuppon the Dieci, and the
aflïfauntes were agayne affembled in councell accordinge to the
maner, at what rime after ail things throughly were debated and
ended, the Duke being a very graue man, of excellent "Vitte, ad-
uaunced to the Dukedome by the confent of the xvhole State, as
euery of theym were about to rire vp, hee farde vnto them : "" Mv
Lordes, there refeth one thinge yet to be moued, which peraduen-
turc hitherto bath not bene thought vpon: there are before
two complaynts, the effe& whereof in my iudgement is not
throughly conceyed in the Opinions of diuers. Anfelmo ]3arba-
dico, and Girolamo Bembo, betx'ene whom there hath bene euer
continuall hatred,left vnto them as a man may fay euen bv Fathers
Inheritance both of them in eyther of their Chaumbers,,vere appre-
hended in a manner naked by our Sergeaunts, and without Tor-
ments, or for feare to bec raeked vpon the onelv interrogatories of
oure minifers, thev haue voluntarily eonfeffed that belote their
houfes thev killed Aloifio our Nephew : and albeit that our fayde
Nephew )'et liueth, and was ,lot friken by them or any other as
fhould appeare, yet they confeffe themfelues guilty of murder.
Vhat fhall be fard then to the matter, doth it not feeme doubtfull
Our Nephew again hath declared, that in going about to rob the
houle of Mif{reffe Gifmonda Mora, whom he ment to haue flayne,
he fei downe to the Ground from the top of a window, ,vherefore
bv reafon fo manv robberies haue bene difcouered within the
Citty, it may be prefumed that hec was the theefe and malefa&or,
who ought to be put to the torments, that the truth mav be knowne,
and being found guilty, to feele the feuere punifhment that he
hath deferued. Moreouer when he was found iying vpon the
ground, he had neither Ladder nor ,Veapon, wherettpon mav bee
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
thought that the fa& was otherwife done, than hitherto is con-
feffed. And becaufe amongs morall verrues, temperance is the
chiefef and worthy of greatef commendation, and that iuftice
hOt righteoufly executed, is iniuftice and wronge, it is meete and
conuenient for vs in thefe ltraunge accidents, rather to vfe tem-
peraunce than the rigor of iuftice : and that it may appeare that I
do not fpeake thefe words without good grounde, marke what I
fhall faye vnto you. Thefe two noft mortall enimies doe confeffe
that which is impoffible to be true, for that our Nephew (as is
before declared) is a liue, and his wounde was hot made by Sworde,
as hee himfelfe hath confeffed. Now who can tell or fay the con-
trary, but that flmme for being taken in their feuerall Chambers,
and the difhonety of both their ,Vyues, hath caufed them to
defpife lire, and to defire death ? we fltall finde if the matter be
diligently inquired and fearched, that it will fall out otherwife
than is already fuppofed by common opinion. For the contrariety
of examinations, vnlikelihoode of circumftances, and the impoffi-
bility of the caufe, rendreth the matter doubtfull : whercfore it is
very needeful diligently to examine thefe attempts, and thereof
to vfe more aduifed confideration. On the other ride, our Nephew
accufeth himfelfe to be a theefe and which is more, that hee ment
to kill Miftreffe Mora when hee brake into hir houfe. Vnder
this Graffe, my Lords, as I fuppofe, fome other Serpent lieth hiden,
that is hOt yet thought of. The Gentleman yee know before this
time was neuer defamed of futch outrage, ne fufpec2ed of the
leaf offence that may be obie&ed : befides that, ail yee doe know,
(thanks therefore be geuen to almighty God) that he is a man of
great richeffe, and poffeffions, and hath no neede to rob: for
what neceffity fhould driue him to rob a widowe, that hath of his
owne liberally to beftow vpon the fuccour of XVidowes ? XVere
there none els of fubftance in the Citty for him to geue attempt
but to a "Vyddowe, a comfortleffe creature, contented with quiet
lyfe to lyue amonges hir family within the boutades of hir owne
houle ? What if hir richeffe, Iewels and plate be great, bath not
Aloifio of his owne to redouble the lame ? but truly this Robbery
was done after fome other manner than hee hath confeflèd: to
vs then mv Lords it appertayneth, if it fo ftande with your plea-
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
fures, to make further inquiry of the lame, promifinge vnto vou
vppon our Fayth, that wee fhall imploy our whole diligence in the
true examination of thvs matter, and hope to bring the faine to
fitch good ende, as none fhall haue caufe to blame vs, the finall
fentence whereof fhall bee referued to voure iudgement." Thvs
graue requeft and wife talke of the Duke pleafed greatly the Lordes
of the Counfayle, xho referred hot onely the examination, but alfo
the finall fentence vnto hym. Whereuppon the wvfe Prynce
beinge fully enformed of the chaunce happened to his Nephewe,
attended onely to make fearch, if he could vnderftand the occa-
tion why Bembo and Barbadico fo foolifhly had accufed them-
fclues of that which they neuer did. And fo after mutch coun-
fayle, and great tvme contriued in their feueral examinations, his
Ncphew then was well recouered, and able to goe abroade, being
fet at liberty. The Duke then hauinge beftowed hys trauayle
with the other two prifoners, communicated to the Lords of the
aforefayd councel called Dieci the whole trouth of the matter.
Then he caufed with great difcretion, proclamation to be made
throughout Venicei that Anfelmo and Girolamo fhold be beheded
betwene the two Pyllers, and Aloifio hanged, whereb¥ he thought
to know what fute the women would make, eyther with or againft
their Hufbandes, and what euidence mifreffe Gifmonda woulde
geue againf Alofio. The brute hereof difperfed, diuers talke
thereuppon was ray'fed, and no communication of any thing els in
open ftreats, and priuate houfes, but of the putting to death of
thofe men. _And bicaufe all three were of honorable houles, their
kinfmen, and Friendes made fute by all poffible meanes for thevr
pardon. But their Confeflions publifhed, the rumor was ruade
worfe, (as it dayly chaunceth in like cales) than the matter was in
deede, and the lame was noyfed how Fofcari had confeffed fo man),
theftes done by him at diuers tymes, as none of his freends or Kin
durft fpeake for him. Miftreffe Gifmonda which bitterly lamented
the mifchaunce of hir Louer, after fhe vnderftoode the confeflion
hee had made, and euidently knew that becaufe hee woulde hot
bleamifh hir honour, he had rather willingly forgo his owne, and
therewithall his lyfe, felt hir felfe fo oppreffed with feruent loue,
as fhee was ready prefently to furrender hir ghoft. ,Vherefore
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
143
fhee lent him woorde that he fhould comfort himfelfe, becaufe
fhee was determined to manifefi the very trouth of the matter» and
hoped vppon hir declaration of true euidence, fentence fhoulde bee
reuoked, for tefiimony whereof, fhee had his louinge letters yet to
fhewe, written to hir with his owne handes, and would bring forth
in the iudgement place, the corded ladder, which fhe had kept ftil
in her chamber. Aloifio hearinge thefe louing newes» and of the
euidence which his Lady woulde giue for his defence, was the
gladdefi man of the worlde, and caufed infinite thankes to be
rendred vnto hir, wyth promife that if hee might bee rid and dis-
charged out of prifon» he woulde take hir for his louing fpoufe and
wyfe. x.Vhereof the gentlewoman conceyued finguler folace» louing
hir deere freende with more entier affeeCtion than hir owne foule.
Mifireffe Lucia, and mifireffe Ifotta, hearing the difpercled voyce
of the death of their hufbands» and vnderftanding the cale of mis-
treffe Gifmonda by an other woman, layd their heads together
likwife to deuife meanes for fauing their hufbandes liues: and
entring into their Barge, or Gondola, wente to feeke miftreffe Gis-
monda and when they had debated vppon the trouthe of thefe
euents, concluded with one affent to prouide for the fafegarde and
deliuerye of theyr hufbandes, wherein they fhewed themfelues
both wife and honefi. For what ftate is more honorable and of
greater Comforte than the marryed Lyfe» if in deede they that haue
yoaked themfelues therein be conformable to thofe Delightes, and
contentation which the faine conduceth ? X.Vealth and Riches
maketh the true vnyted couple to reioyce in the Benefits of Fortune,
graunted by the fcnder of the fam% either of them prouiding for
difpofing thereof, againf the decripite time of olde age, and for
the befiowing of the fame vppon the Frui&e accrued of theyr
Bodics. Pouerty in any wife dothe not offend them, both ofthem
glad to laboure and trauaile like one ]3ody» to fufiaine theyr poore
and neadv Lyre, evther of them Comfortably doth 1Minvfier coin-
forte in the cruell tvme of Aduerfity» rendring humble thankes to
God for hvs fharp Rodde and Punyfhment enfli-ted vppon them
for their manyfolde finnes commytted againfie hys maiefiye,
trauailinge by night and Daye by fweatinge Browes to get browne
]3reade, and drynke ful thin to ceafe the Cryes and pytifull crau-
I44
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
inges of tbeir tender Babes, wrapt in Cradle and itftant on their
mother to fill their hungry mouthes. Aduerfe fortune maketh
not one to forfake the other. The loaing .Vyfe ceafeth hot by
paynfull fute to trot and go by Night and dav in heate and colde
to relieue the miferye of hir hufband. He likewife fpareth hot
his payne to get and gayne the liuyng of them both. He abrode
and at home according to his called ffate, fhe at home to faue the
Lucre of that Labor, and to doe futch neceffary trauayle incident to
the married kinde. He carefull for to get, fhe heedeful for to faue,
he by trafique and Arte, fhee by diligence and houfholde toile. O
the happy ffate of married folke : O furpafling delights of mari-
age bed: xvhich maketh thefe ri. poore Gentlewomen, that by
honorable pollicy faued the honor of themfelues and honeffy of
theyr hufbandes, to make humble fute for their preferuation, who
were like to be berieued of their greateft comforts. But come xve
again to declare the laff a& of this Comical difcourfe. Thefe maried
.Vomen, after this chaunce befell, vpon their hufbandes impryfon-
ment, began to be abhorred of their Friendes and Parentes, for that
they were fufpe&ed to be difhonefte, by reafon whereof dolefully
lamenting their Miffortune, notwithffandynge their oxvne con fcience
voyde of faulte, dyd byd them to be of good cheere and comfort.
And when the daye of execution came, they dyd theyr Friends and
Parents to vnderftand that their conceiued opinyon was vntrue,
and prayed them to forbeare their difdain and malice, till the truth
fhould be tbroughly manifefed, affuring tbem that in the End their
owne innocencie and the guiltleffe cryme of their Hufbands fhould
openly be reuealed to the XVorlde. In the meane time they ruade
requeff vnto their Friendes, that one of the Lordes called Auogadori
might be admitted to vnderftande their cafe, the reft to be re-
ferred to themfelues, wherein they had no neede either of Pro&or
or Aduocate. This requeff feemed verye ffraunge to their friends,
deeming their cafe to be fhameful and abhominable: neuertheles
diligently they accomplyfhed their requeft and vnderftandyng that
the Counfell of the Dieci had commytted the marrer wholy to the
Duke, they ruade a fupplicatyon vnto hym in the name of the three
Gentlewomen, wherein they craued nothing elfe but theyr marrer
might be hearde. The Duke perceiuying hvs aduife like to take
TWO GENTLEWOIfEN OF VENICEo
effecCt, afiïgned them a Day, commaundinge them at that tyme
before hym and the Lords of the Councell and all the College of the
eflate to appeare. The Day being corne, all the Lordes affembled,
defirous to fee to what iffue this matter would grow. On the
morning the three Gentlewomen honeflly aeeompanied with other
Dames, went to the Palace, and goynge along the flreate of San
Mareo the people began to vtter many raylyng xvords againfl them:
fome eried out (as we fee by vnflable order the vulgare people in
like cafes vfe to do) and doinge a certain curtify by way of difdain
and moekery : "" Behold the honest vomen, that without fending
their hufbands out of Venice, haue plaeed them in the Caell of
Cornetto, and yet the arrante ,Vhoores bee hot aflamed to flewe
them felues abrode, as thoughe they hadde done a thynge that
were Honefle and prayfe worthve." Other thot forth thevr Boltes,
and wyth theyr Prouerbes proceedyng from their malicious Mouthes
thwited the pore Women at their pleafure. Other alfo feeyng
Myflreffe Gifmonda in their Company, tho,ght that lhe went to
deelame againfl maifler Aloifio Fofeari, and none of them all
hapned on the trouth. Arryued at the pallace, afcending the
marble flaires or fleps of the faine, they were brought into the
great hal, wher the Duke appointed the matter to be heard. Thlther
repaired the friends and thofe of nearefl kin to the three Gentle-
women, and before the matter did begin, the Duke caufed alfo the
thre prifoners to be brought thither. Thither alfo came manv
other Gentlemen, with great defire to fee the end of thofe euents.
Silence being ruade the Duke turning his face to the women, fard
vnto them : "" Ye Gentlewomen haue ruade requefle by fupplyea-
tyon to graunt you publike audyenee aeeordyng to Iuflice, for that
you do alleage that Law and order doth fo require, and that euery
wel ordred eommon wealth eondemneth no fubiecCte withoute due
anfwere by order of lawe. Beholde therefore, that we defirous to
do Iufliee, bee ready in Place to heare what ye can fay." The
two hulbands were very angrie and wrathfull againfl their
wiues, and the more their fomackes did fret with eholer and dis-
dayne, by how match they faw their impudente and flameleffe
x,iues wyth futch audaeity to appeare before the maiefly of a
eounfel fo honourable and dreadfull, as though they had ben the
VOL. III. K
x46
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
mofl honefle and chafl XVomen of the XVorld. The two honefle
wiues perceyued the aner and difpleafure of their hufbands, and
for a[l that were not afrayde ne yet difmayde, but fmyling to them-
felues and fomewhat mouing their heads in decente wyfe feemed
vnto them as though they had mocked them. _Anfelmo more
angry and impacient then Girolamo, brake out into futch furie,
as had it not ben for the maiefly of the place, and the Companye of
People to haue flaved him, woulde haue ky][ed them : and feyng he
was hOt able to hurt them, he bean to vtter the vylei XVoords,
that he poçfibly cou[d deuife agaynfl them. IXIiireçI'e Ifotta
hearing hir hufband fo fpytefully to fpit forth his poyfon in the
prefence of that honourable aoEemblye, conceiued courage, and
crauinge licence of the Duke to fpeake, with merrve countenance
and good vttrance began thus to fay ber mind: «IXIofl ex-
cellent Prince, and yee right honourable Lordes, I doe perceyue
how my deare hufbande wlcomely and very difhoneily doth
vfe himfelfe agaynfl me in this noble company, thincking a]fo
that mavfler Girolamo Bembo is aflCCted with [ike rae and
minde agayni this Gentlewoman mvflreoEe Lucia hvs wyfe, al-
though more temperate in words, he do hOt expreoEe the faine.
A=a)'nft whom if no rep]y be ruade, it mav feeme tbat he doth wel]
and bath fpoken a truth, and that we bv filence do condemne our
felues to be thofe mofl wicked women whom hee alleageth vs to be.
XVherefore by your gratious pardon and licence (mofl honourable)
in the behalfe of miilreçI'e Lucia and mv felfe, for our defence
I purpofe to declare the effecCt of mv mynde, ahhough my purpofe
be cleane altered from that I had thouht to fay, bein now iuflly
prouoked bv the vnkinde behauiour of him whom I loue better
than my felfe, and wbofe difloya[ty, had hee beene filent and not fo
rafhly runne to the ouerthrow of me and my good naine, coulde I
haue concea[ed, and onely touched that which had concerned the
Purgation and fauegard of them both, which was the onely intent
and meaning of vs, by makinff our humble fupplication fo your
iXlaieflies. euerthe[eoEe, fo farre as my feeb]e force {hall flretch,
I will aoEay to do both the one and the other, ahhough it be hot
appropriate to our kinde in publike place to declayme, nor yet to
open futch bo[d attempts» but that neceffitv of marrer and opor-
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
47
tunity of time, and place dothe bolden vs to enter iuto these
termes, whereof we craue a thoufand pardons for our vnkindely
dealings, and tender double thanks to your honours, for admitting
vs to fpeake. Be it knowne therefore vnto you, that our hus-
bands agaynfi duety of loue, lawes of mariage, and againfi all
reafon, do make their heauv complaynts, which by and bv I will
make playne and euident. I ara right well affured, that their ex-
treme rage and bitter hearts forro,v do proceede of occafions:
The one, of the murder whereof they haue falfely accufed thevm-
felues: the other of iealoufie, which grieuoufly doth gnawe their
hearts, thinking vs to be vile, and abhominable XVomen, becaufe
they were furprifed in ech other's Chaumber. Concerning the
murder, if they haue foyled their handes therein, it appertayneth
vnto you my Lords to render their defert. But how can the faine
be layd to our charge, for fomutch as they (if it were done by
them) comlnitted the faine without out knowledge, our help and
counfel? _And truly I fee no caufe why any of vs ought to be
burdened with the outrage, and mutch leffe caufe haue they to laye
the faine to our charge: for meete it is that he that doth anv vn-
lawful acCt, or is acceffary to the faine, fhould fuffer the due penal-
ty and feuere chafiifement accordingly as the facred lawes do pre-
fcribe, to be an example for other to abfiavne from wicked facts.
But hereof what neede I to difpute, wherein the blind mav fee to
bee none offence, becaufe (thankes bee to Gon) Mavfter .Aloifio
liueth, which declareth the fonde Confeflïon of our vngentil hus-
bandes to bee contrary to trouth ? _And if fo be our hufbands in
deede had done futch an abhominable enterprife, reafon and duetv
had moued vs to forrowe and lainent them, becaufe they be borne
of noble bloud, and be gentlemen of this noble Citty, which like
a pure virgin inuiolably doth conferue hir lawes and cutiomes.
Great caufe I fay, had we to lainent them, if lyke homicides, and
murderers they had fpotted their blond with futch fowle bleamifh
thereby deferuing death, to leaue vs yong XVomen gVidowes in
wofull plight. Nowe it behoueth me to fpeake of the Iealoufie
they haue conceyued of vs, for that they were in ech other's Cham-
ber, which truly is the doubtfull knot and fcruple that forceth all
their difdaine and griefe. This I knowe well is the Nayle that
I48 TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
pierceth their heart: other caufe of offence they haue not: who
like men hot well aduifed, without examination of vs and out de-
meanour, bee fallen into defpayre, and like men defperate, haue
wrongfully accufed themfelues: but becaufe I may hot conftme
words in vayne, to ftay you by my long difcourfe from matters of
greater importaunce, I humbly befeech you (right excellent prince)
to commaunde them to tell what thing it is, which fo bitterly doth
torment them." Then the Duke caufed one of the noble men aflis-
taunt there, to demaund of them the queftion: XVho aunfwered
that the chiefeft occafion was, bicaufe they knew their ,Vyues to
be Harlots, vhom they fuppofed to be very honeft: and forfo-
mutch as they knew them to be futch, they conceyued forrow and
griefe, svhich with futch extremitv did gripe them at the heart, as
hot able to fuftayne that great Infamy, afhamed to be fene of men,
were induced through defire of death to confeffe that they neuer
did. Miftreffe Ifotta hearing them fay fo, began to fpeak agayne,
turning hir felfe vnto them : «, XVere you offended then at a thynge
which yee thought inconueniÇnt and hot meete to be done ? XVee
then haue greateft caufe to complayne. ,Vhv then fweete Hufband
went you to the Chaumber of miftreffe Lucia at that time of the
night ? XVhat had you to do there ? XVhat thing thought you to
finde there more than was in your own houle ? And you Mayfter
Girolamo, what conftrayned you to forfake your XVyue's Bed to
corne to my Hufband's, where no nan euer had, or at this prefent
bath to do but himfelfe? X.Vere hot the Sheetes of the one fo
white, fo fine, neate, and fweete as the other ? I am (mort noble
Prince) fory to declare my Hufbande's folly, and afhamed that hee
fhould forfake my Bed to go to an other, that did accompt myfelfe
fo well worthy to entertayne hvm in myne owne, as the beft Vyfe
in Venice, and now through his abufe, I abftayne to fhewe my
felfe amonges the Beautifull, and noble Dames of this Citty.
The 1.vke mifliking of hirfelfe is in miftreffe Lucia, who (as you
fee) may be numbred amongs the fayreft. Eyther of you ought to
haue bene contented with your Wyues, and not (as wickedly
you haue done) to forfake them, to feeke for better breade than is
ruade of Wheate, or for purer Golde than whereof the Angell is
ruade : O worthy deede of yours, that haue the Face to leaue your
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
I49
owne Vyues, that be comel)3 fayre, and honeft, to feeke after
fraunge Carrion. O beafly order of Men that cannot conteyne
their luft within the boundes of their owne Houle, but muft goe
hunt after other ,Vomen as Beaftes do after the nexte of their
kinde that they chaunce vppon. Vhat vile affeoe'tion poffeffed your
hearts to luft after others X, Vyfe? You make complaynte of vs,
but wee with you haue right good caufe to be offended, you
ought to bec grieued with your owne diforder, and not with others
offence, and thys your afflicCtion patiently to beare, bvcaufe you
went about to beguile one an other's Loue, lyke them that be
weary, and Glutted with their owne fare, feekinge after other
daynties more delicate if they were to be founde. But prayfed
be Gor and our prouident difcretion, if any hurt or fhame hath
chaunced, the faine doth light on you. Moreouer I know no
caufe why men fhould haue more libertv to doe euill than we
SVomen haue: albeit through the weaknes and cowardife of otlr
Sexe, yee men will doe what ye lift. But ye be now no Lords, nor
we Seruaunts, and hufbands we do you call, bicaufe the holy
Lawes of Matrimorty (which was the firft Sacrament giuen by
Gor to Men after the creation of the ,Vorlde) doe require equall
fayth, and fo wel| is the hufband bound to the ,Vyfe as the vnto
him. Go to then and make your complaynt: the next Affe or
BeaR ye meete take hir to be your Vyfe. "Vhy do yee hOt know
that the balance of iufice is equall, and wayeth downe no more
of one ride than of other ? But let vs nowe leaue of to reafon of
this matter, and corne to that for which we be corne hither. Two
things (moft ryghteous Prynce) haue moued vs to corne before
your maiefty, and all this honourable affembly, which had they
not bene, we would haue bene afhamed to fhewe our Faces, and
leffe prefumed to fpeake or once to open our Lippes in this Noble
audience, which is a place only meete for them that be moft
Expert, and eloquent Orators, and not for vs, to whom the Needle,
and Diftaffe be more requifite. The firft caufe that forced vs to
corne forth of our owne houfe, was to let you underftand that our
Hutbands be no murderers, as is fuppofed, neyther of this Gentle-
man prefent mailler Aloifio, ne yet of any man els: and thereof
we haue fufficient and worthy teftimony. But hereln we neede
5o
TWO GENTLEXVOMEN OF VENICE.
hot to trauaile mutch, or to vfe many wordes: for neyther maifier
Alofio is flayne, ne any other murdred that is known or manifeft
hitherto. One thyng refteth, which is that Madonna Lucia and
I do humblv befeech yourè excellente lXIaieftye, that youre grace
and the authoritye of the right honourable Lords here prefent, will
vouchfafe to reconcile vs to our hufbands, that we may obtayne
pardon and fauor at their handes, bicaufe we haue fo manifeftlv
ruade their as to appeare, and for that we be the offence, and
they the Offendours, and yet by their owne occafions, we haue
committed the Error (if it may be fo termed.) And notv to corne
to the conclufion, I doe remember, fithens I was a Chylde, that I
haue heard the Gentlewoman my mother raye (whofe foule God
pardon) many times vnto me, and other my fifters, and to mis-
treffe Lucia, that was brought vp with vs, being by hir inftru&ed
in diuers good and vertuous Leffons, that all the honor a woman
can doe vnto hir hufband, whereby fhe beautifieth him and his
whole race and family, confifteth in hir honeft, chaft, and ver-
tuous lyre, without which, fhe oughte rather to die than liue.
And that a Gentleman's XVvfe when fhe hath giuen hir body to the
vfe of an other man, is the common marke for euerv man to point
at in the ftreate where fhe goeth, hir hufband therby incurring
reproche and fhame, whvch no doubt is the greateft iuiury and
fcorne that an honeft Gentleman can receiue, and the morte fhame-
full reproche that can deface his houfe. XVhich Leffon we fo well
remembryng, defirous hOt to fuffer the careleffe and vnbrideled
appetites of our hufbandes to be vnrained, and runne at large to
fome difhoneft Ende, by a faithfull and commendable pollicy, did
prouide for the mifchyefe that myghte enfue. I neede not heere
rehearfe the enimytye and debate that manye yeares did raigne
betweene our hufbandes Fathers, bicaufe it is knowne to the
whole City. XVee too therefore here prefente, the XViues of thofe
noble Gentlemen, brought vp together from oure Cradle, perceiuing
the malyce betwene our hufhandes, ruade a vertue of Neceffity,
deemynge it better for vs to lofe our fweete and auncient conuer-
ration, than to mynifter eaufe of difquietneffe. But the neareneffe
of our houles would not that naturall hatred fhoulde defraude
and take away olde ingrafted amitv. XVherefore manv times
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
when our Hufbands were gone forth, we met together, and talked
in out Gardens, betwene whvch there is but a flender hedge befet
with Primme and Rofes, which commoditye in their abfence we
did difcretly vfe. And as fometimes for pleaftre we walked with
oure hufbandes there, ye (fhee turninge vnto them) did caft your
eyes vpon ech other's wyfe, and were flrayghte way in loue, or elle
perchance you fained your felues to bee, whych efpied by vs,
many rimes betwene out felues did deuife vppon the faine, and
red your amorous letters, and fonnet fent vnto vs. For which
difloyalty and treafon toward vs your Vyues, we fought no dis-
honour to youre perfons, wee were content to fuffer you to bee
abufed with your fond loue, we blabbed it not abroade to out
Goffips, as many leude and fantaflicall women bee wont to doe,
thereby to rayfe flaunder to our hufbands, and to fiurre vp ill
reporte vpon them, whofe infirmities it becommeth vs to conceale
and hide. We deuifed meanes by fome other way to let you
underfland your fault, and did cafl vpon you many rimes right
louinge lookes. Vhich although it were agaynfle out owne
defire, yet the caufe, and ftfll conclufion of the faine, was to
pra&ife, if it were poffible, to make you frendes : But confideringe
that this loue, and ailurementes of evther parts, could not tend to
other end, as wee conie&ured, but to increafe difpleafure, and to
put the fwords into your bandes, we therefore confulted, and
vniformely in one minde agreed for the appeafinge, and fatiffac-
tion of ail partes, at futch nightes as ye fayned to go into diuers
places about earnefl affayres as yee alleaged, Mifireffe Lucia
with the help of Caffandra my mayde, through the Gardeine came
into mv chamber, and I by meanes of Iane hir maide by like way
rep.ayred vnto hirs. And yee poore men guided by out maydes
were brought vnto vour chambers where ve lay with vour owne
Wyues, and fo by tilth of others land in flraunge foyle (as yee
beleeued) yee loti no labour. And bicaufe your embracements
then, were like to thofe atchieued by amorous Gentlemen, vfinge
vs with more earne defire than you were wont to do, both wee
were begotten with childe: which ought to be very gladfome,
and gratefull vnto you, if yee were fo fayne to haue children as
yee fhcwed your felues to bee. If then none other offence doth
grieue you, if remorfe of Confcience for other caufe doeth not
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
offend you, if none other forroxve doeth difpleafe you : gieue ouer
your griefe. Remit your difpleafure. Beglad, and ioyfull. Thanke
vs for our pollicy and pleafaunt difport that wee made you.
Ifhitherto yee haue ben enimies, henceforth be frends, put of that
auncient mallice fo long continued, mitigate your hatefull moode,
and liue yee from henceforth like friendly Gentlemen, yelde vp your
rancor into the lap of your Countrey, that flaee may put him in
exile for euer, who like a pitifull, and louing mother woulde
gladly fee all hir children of one accorde and minde. "Vhich if
yee doe, (ye flall do fingulare pleafure to your friendes), ye
/hall doe great difcomfort to your foes, yee /hall do fingular
good to the commonwealth, yee fhall doe greateft benefit to your
felues, ye fhall make vs humble Wyues, yee fhall encreafe
your pofterity, yee fllall be prayfed of ail men, and finally
fhall depart the bef contented that euer the Vorld brought
forth. And now becaufe yee fhall not thinke that wee haue
picked out thys Tale at out fingers ends, thereby to feeke your
fauegard and our owne Fame, and prayfe, beholde the letters
x-hich you fent vs, beholde you owne handes fubfcribed to the
fame, beholde your feales aflîgned thereunto, which/hall tender
true tefiimony of that which vnfaynedly we haue aflïrmed."
Then both deliuered their letters, which viewed and feene, were
well knowne to be their owne hufbandes handes, and the fame fo
well approued hir talc, as their hufbands were the gladdeft
men of the world and the Duke and Seignory maruayloufly fatis-
fied and contented. In fo mutch as the whole affembly with
one voyce, cried out for their hufbands deliueraunce. And fo
with the confent of the Duke and the whole feîgnory they were
clearely difcharged. The Parents, Cofins, and Friends of the
husbands and wyues were wonderfully amazed to heere this long
hyftory, and greatly prayfed the maner of their deliuery, accoumpt-
ing the women to be very wife, and mifireffe Ifotta to be an
eloquent gentlewoman, for that fhee had fo well defended the
caufe of their hufbands and of themfelues. Anfelmo and Girolamo
openly in the prefence of ail the people embraced, and kiffed
their Wyues with great reioyfing. And then the hufbands/haked
one an other by the hands, betwene whom began a Brotherly
accorde, aud from that time forth liued in perfeoE amity, and
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
Friendfhip, exchaunging the wanton loue that eyther of them
bare to other's wyfe into Brotherly Friendfhip, to the great delight
of the whole Citty. ,Vhen the multitude affembled, to heare this
matter throughly was fatiffied, the Duke with cheerefull Counte-
naunce lookinge toward Gifmonda, farde thus vnto hir: "'And
you fayre Gentlewoman, what haue you to fay : Bec bolde to vtter
your minde, and wee wil gladly heare you." Miftreffe Gifmonda
bafhfull to fpeake, began wonderfully to blufh, into whofe cheekes
entred an orient rud, intermixed with an alabafter white, which
ruade her countenaunce more amiable than it was wont to be.
_A_fter fhe had ltode ltill a while with hir eyes declined towards
the ground, in comly wife lifting them vp againe with fhamefaft
audacity fhe began thus to fpeake : " If I molt Noble Prince, in
open audience fhould attempt to difcourfe of Loue, whereof I
neuer had experience, or knew what thing it was, I fhould be
doubtfull what to fay thereof, and peraduenture durit not open
my mouth at al. But hearing my father (of worthy memory)
many times to tel that your maiefty in the time of your youth dis-
dained not to open your heart to receiue the amorous flames of
loue, and being affured that there is none but that doth loue little
or mutch, I do not doubt but for the words which I fhal fpeake,
to obtaine both pity and pardon. To corne then to the marrer:
God I thanke him of his goodneffe, hath lOt permitted me to bec
one of thofe women, that like hipocrites do mumble their Pater-
nolter to fainês: appearing outwardly to be devout and holy
and in Frui& doe bring forth Deuils, and al kinds of vices, fpecially
ingratitude, which is a vice that doth fuck and dry vp the foun-
tain of godly Piety. Lire is deare to mec (as naturally it is to ail)
next which I elteeme mvne honor, which is to be preferred before
life, bicaufe without honor life is of no regard. And -here man
and woman do liue in fhame notorious to the world, the lame
may be termed a liuing death rather than a life. But the loue
that I beare to mine onely beloued Aloifio here prefent, I do
elteeme aboue al the Iewels and treafures of the world, whofe
perfonage I do regard more than mine owne Lyre. The reafon
that moueth me thereto is very great, for before that I loued him
or euer ment to fixe my mind that way, he dearely regarded me,
eontinually deuifing which way he might win and obtain my
I54
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
loue, fparing no trauel by Night and Day to feeke the fame. For
which tender affe&ion fhould I thew myfelf vnkind and froward ?
God forbid. And to be playn with your honors, he is more deare
and acceptable vnto me, than the balles of mine own eyes, being
the chiefe things that appertain to the furniture of the body of
man, without which no earthly thing can be gladfome and ioyful
to the fenfe, and feelinge. Laft of all his amorous, and affe&ionate
demonftration of his loue towards me, by declaringe himfeife to
be carefull of mine honor, rather more willinge to beftov his
owne, than to fuffer the faine to be touched with the leaft fufpi-
cion of difhonefty, I can not choofe, but fo faythfully imbrace,
as I am ready to guage my life for his fake, rather than his finger
fhoulde ake for offence. And where hath there bene euer found
futch liberality in any louer ? ,Vhat is he that hath bene euer fo
prodigall, to employ his life (the mort fpeciall pledge in this
worlde,) rather than hee would fuffer his beloued to incurre dis-
honoure ? Many hyftoryes haue I red, and Chronicles of our time,
and )'et I haue round few or none comparable vnto thvs Gentle-
man, the like of whom be fo rare and feldome as white Crowes,
or Swannes of colour blacke. 0 finguler liberality, never hearde
of before. 0 fa& that can neuer be fuflïciently prayfed. 0 true
loue mort vnfavned. Maifter Aloifio rather than he would haue
my fame any one iote to be impa.vred, or to fuffer anv fhadoxv of
fufpition to bleamifl, the lame, frankly hath confeffed himfelfe to
be a theefe, and murdrer, regardinge mee and mine honor more
than himfelfe, and life. And albeit that he might a thoufand
wayes haue faued himfelfe without the imprifonment and aduer-
fity which he hath fuftavned : neuertheleffe after he had fayd,
beinge then part remembrance through the fall, that he fell downe
from my window, and perceyued how mutch that confeflion vould
preiudice and hurt my good name, and hurt the known honefty
of the fame, of his good vyli did chofe to dye rather than to fpeake
any words that might breede yll opinion of mee, or the leaft
thinge of the worlde that might ingender infamy and flaunder.
_And therefore not able to revoke the words hee had fpoken of the
fall, nor by any meanes coulde coloure the fame, hee thought to
faue the good naine of another by his owne hurt. If he then thus
redily and iiberally hath protruded his lire into manifeft daunger
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
155
for my benefit and faueguard, preferring mine honour aboue the
tare of himfelfe, fhall not I abandon ail that I haue, yea and
therewithall hazard mine honor for his faluation? But what?
Shall I difdayne bountifully to imploy my felfe and ail the
endeuor of my Frendes for his deliuery ? No, nl (my Lords) if
I had a thoufand liues, and fo many honors at my commaunde-
ment, I woulde giue them al for his releyfe and comfort, yea
if it were poffible for me to recouer a frefl x.C.M, lyues, I
woulde fo frankly beftow them ail, as euer I defired to liue, that
I might enioy mine owne Aloifio. But I am forry, and euer
fhal be forry, for that it is not lawful for me to do more for him,
than that which my power and poflibility is able. For if he
fhould die, truely my life could hot endure: if he were depriued
of life, what pleafure fhould I haue to liue in this world after him :
whereby (mole honorable and righteous iudge,) I beleeue before
the honeft, hot to loofe any one iote of myne honor, bicaufe I
being (as you mav fee) a younge ,Voman and a XVidow defirou
to marry againe, it is lawful for me to loue and to bee beloued, for
none other intent (whereof Goal is the onely iudge) but to attaine
a hufbande according to my degre. But if I fhould lofe mv
reputation and honor, whv fhould hot I aduenture the lame for
hym, that hath not fpared hys own for me ? low to corne to the
effec"t of the natter, 1 do fay wyth al dutifull reuerence, that it
is an accufation altogither falfe and vntrue, that euer mayfter
AIoifio came to my houfe as a Theefe againtt my wil. For what
neede he to be a thefe, or what nede had he of my goodes, that is
a Lorde and owner of tventy times fo mutch as I haue? Alas
good Gentleman, I dare depofe and guage my lyfe, that he neuer
thoughte mutch leffe dyd any robbery or thing vnlawful, where-
with iuftly he may be charged, but he repayred to my houle
with my confent, as a Iouing and affec"tionate Louer, the circum-
fiance whereof, if it be duly marked, muft aduouch the lame to
be of trouth infallible. For if I had hot giuen him licence to
corne, how was it poffible for him to conuey his ladder fo high,
that was made but of Ropes, and to faften the lame to the iaume
of the window, if none within did helpe hym ? Againe, howe could
the Window of the Chaumber be open at that time of the night,
which is flill kept fhut, if it had not bene bv my confent? But
I56
TWO GENTLEWOMEN OF VENICE.
I with the helpe of mv mavde threwe downe to him a little Rope,
whereunto he tyed his Ladder and drewe the lame vp, and making
it fo faI, as it could hot vndo, gaue a figne for him to Mounte.
But as both out iii Fortune would haue it, before I could catch
any hold of him, to mine ineIimable griefe and hart's forrow he
fell downe to the ground. "Vherefore (my Lords) I befeech your
honours to reuoke the confeffion wherein he bath made hymfelfe
to be a theefe. Aud you maifier Aloifio declare the trouth as it
was, t]th I am not a(hamed in this honourable affemble to tel the
faine. ]eholde the letters (my Lordes) which fo many tymes he
wrote vnto me, wherein hec made fuite to corne to my fpeache,
and continually in the faine doth call me "Vyfe. ]eholde the
Ladder, which till nowe, did till remayne in mychaumber. ]3eholde
my maide, whych in all mine affayres, is as it were myne owne
hande and he|per." Aloifio being hereupon demaunded by the
Lordes of the articles, which (he in hir talc had recited, confeffed
them al to be truc: who alfo at the fame infiant was discharged.
The Duke greatly commended them both, hir for hir toute
audacity, in defence of an innocent Gentleman, and him for his
honour, and modely, by feeking to preferue the Fame and good
reporte of a vertuoufe Gentlewoman. Vhych donc, the Counfell
difaffembled and brake up. And the friendes of both the parties
accompauied them home to the houfe of miIreffe Gifmonda,
where to the great rcioyce, and pleafure of all men, they were
folemnely maried in fumptuous and honourable wife, and Aloifio
with hys VTvfe lyued in great profperity long time after. Milreffe
Lucia, and miûreffe Ifotta, at the expyred tvme were deliuered
of two goodly fonnes, in whom the Fathers tooke great Ioy, and
delight. \Vho wyth their \Vyues after that tyme liued very
quietly, and ,vell, one louing an other like naturall Brethren, many
times fporting among thernfelues difcretely at the deceipts of their
"Vyues. The wifedome of the Duke alfo was wonderfully extolled
and commended of ail men, the lame whereof was increafed
and bruted throughout the Region of Italy. And hOt with-
out caufe. For by hys prudence and aduife, the Dominion of the
State, and Common wealth was amplified and dilated. And yet
in th'ende being old and impotent, they vnkindly depofed him
from his Dukedom.
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
157
THE TWENTY-SEVENTH NOUELL.
The Lorde of Firle, bff the commaundement of a fagre younge ltrffdow
called Zilia, for hys promife nade, the better to attaine hir loue,
was contented to remayne durabe the fpace of three yeares, and bff
what meanes he u,as reuenged, and ol.taned hgs fitite.
TI.r that haue fpent their youth in humavne follies, and haue
followed the Vanities of loue, not addi&ed to the contemplation
of high fecrets» nor haue made entry here on Earth» to inlarge and
amplyfy the boundes of their honor and Eftimation. Thofe
Vorldlings (I fay) and embraeers of tranfitory pleafures, fhall wit-
neffe with me, and confirme» this olde and auncient Theme and
propofition to be true which is: that the Beauty, and comely
grace of a "Voman» is the verv true and naturall adamant (for the
attra&iue power, and agreeable quality there inclofed») to draw
vnto it the hearts, and affeëfions of men : which hath ruade man
beleue, that the fame onely effence, was fent downe from aboue
to ferue both for ioy and torment together. For the amplyfyinge
of which propofition, I will not bring forth, the immoderate
loue of Paris by forfaking his owne Natiue countrv of Troy, to
vifite fayre Helena in Greece» nor yet tell how Hercules gaue
ouer his mace to handle the Diflaffe, vpon the commaundement
of Omphale, nor yet how Sampfon and Salomon vere fotted in
the flaueries of Dalida and other concubines. But my difcourfe
here folowing fhall ring out a loud Peale, ofa meane Gentlewoman,
of Piedmount, that fhewed no fauor or Curtefy at ail to her fup-
pliant, a Gentleman hOt inferior to Paris for his a&iuitv and prow-
effe: whieh for her feruiee and atehyeues of her loue, refufed
hot to bee dombe the fpace of many yeares, and to giue ouer the
beft porcion of his fences wherevith the Almighty, made Man
differente from brute and fauage Beaftes. If this thing declare
not fufficiently the force and power of that attrac°tiue and draving
power in woman, no other example is worthy to be prefcrred.
Thofe aforefayd and manv other haue voluntarily yoaked them-
felues in the chains of loue's obedience, rendreth the maffe of
I55
TIIE LORD OF VIRLE.
their mirye corps to the flauery thereof, but tbat anv haue
franckely tyed vp their Tongue» the chiefet Intrument of the
bodies furniture: in honorable affembly or where dexterity of
feruice /houlde make him glorious, the like of that fubieion
was neuer feene or founde. And vet out fathers daves did fee
this miracle wrought by a Voman, vpon a Gentleman very wife,
and well traiued vp in all good exercyfe. This example, and
what this Malapert Dame did gaine by the penance of this louing
knight, fhal in this difcourfe be manifeflly pronotmced. The
City of Thurin (as is well knowne to them that haue trauelled
Piedmont) is the ornament and bulwark of al the Countrey, fo
well for the natural rite of the place, as for the artificial and indus-
trious worke of man's bande, which hath inflaured and furni/hed
with great magnificence, that which nature had indifferently
enryched, for the rudeneffe and litle knowledg of the time pat.
Now befides this flately and trong city, there tandeth a litle
towne named Montcall, a place no leffe trong, and of good
defence, than wel planted in a faire and rich fovle. In this Towne
there dwelt a Gentlexvoman a widow called Zilia, beautiful amongs
the mol1 excellent fayre Gentlewomen of the countrey, which
country (befides other happy and heauenlv influences) feemeth to
be fpecially fauored, for hauing the mol1 fairelt and curteous
Gentlewomen, aboue any other within the compaffe of Europa.
Notwithfianding this faire Silia, degenerating from the nature of
hir climate was fo haggard and cruel, as it might haue ben thought,
fle had ben rather muri/hed and brought vp amid the mol1
defert mountaines of Sauoy, than in the pleafant and rich Cham-
pian Countreye, watred and movfiened with Eridanus, the father
of Riuers, at this Day called the Pau, the largeneffe whereof doth
make men to maruel, and the fertility allureth ech man to be defir-
ous to inhabit vpon the lame. This fayre rebellious Vidow,
albeit, that fle was not aboue xv. or xxv. yeres of age, yet
protefled neuer more to be fubiecCt to man, by mariage, or other-
xvife, thinking ber felfc wel able to liue iu fingle life: a liinde
truly very holy and commendable, if the pricks of the fle/h do
obey the firfi motions and adhortations of the fpirit» but where
youth, pleafure, and multitude of futers do addreffe their endeuour
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
againt that ehafity (which is lightly enterpryfed) the Apoffels
counfel oughte to be followed, who willeth yong widows to marry
in Chriff, to auoid the temptations of the flefh, and to tire offen-
fiue flaunder and difhonour before men. This mifreffe Zilia (hir
hufband being dead) only bent hir felfe to enrich hir houfe, and
to amplify the poffeffion of a little itfant which fhe had by hir
late departed Hufband. After whofe death fhe became fo couetous,
as hauing remoued, and almoff cut of quite the wonted port fhe
vfed in hir hufband's dayes, imployed hir maids in houfhold
affaires, thinking nothing to be wel don that paffed not through
hir owne Handes. A thinge truely more prayfe worthy, than to
fee a forte of effeminate, fine and daynty fyngred Dames, that
thinke their honor diminifhed yf they holde but their Nofe ouer
theyr Houfholde Matters, where theyr Hande and Dylygence were
more requifite, for fo mutch as the myffreffe of a Houfe is not
placed the Chefe to heare onely the reafons of them that Labor,
but thereunto to put hir hands, for hir prefente eve feemeth to
giue a certvn perfe&ion to the worke that the Seruauntes doe by
hir commaundement. XVhich caufed the Hyforyans in tvmes
paff, to defcribe vnto the Poferitv a Gentlewoman called Lucretia,
not babbling amongs young girles, or running to feafes and
Maigames, or Mafking in the night, withoute any regard of the
honor and dygnitye of hir race and houfe, but in hir Chaumber
Sowing, Spinning and Carding, amids the Troup of hir Mayden
Seruaunts: wherein our mifreffe Zilia paffed the moffe part of
hir time, fpending no minute of the day, without fome honeff
exercife, for that fhe the rather did for that fhe liked not to be
feene at Feafs, or Bankets, or to be gadding vp and downe the
freetes, wandring to Gardeyns or places of pleafure, although to
futch places youth fometimes may haue their honeff repayre to
refrefh their wearied bodies with vertuous recreation, and thereby
reioyce the heauineffe of their mvnde. But this Gentlewoman was
so feuere in following the rigorous, and confravned maners of
our auncients, as impoffible it was, to fee hir abroade: except it
were when fhe went to the Church to heare deuine feruice. This
Gentlewoman feemed to haue ffudied the diuinity of the zEgyptians
which paynt Venus holding a key before hir mouth, and fetting
,6o
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
bir Fote vpon a Tortus, fignifying vnto us thereby the duety of a
chafe XVoman, whofe tongue ought to bee locked, that fhee
fpeak not but in tyme and place, and her feete not fraying or
wandering, but to keepe hir felfe within the limits of hir owne
houle, except it be to ferue God, and fometimes to render bounden
duety to them which brought them into light. Moreouer Zilia
was fo religious (I will not fay fuperffitious) and rigorous to
obferue cufomes, as fhe made it very fqueimifh and fraung to
kiffe a Gentleman that met hir, a ciuilitv which of long time hath
bene obferued, and yet remayneth in the greatef parte of the
XVorlde, that Gentlewomen do welcome fraungers and Guefs into
their houles with an honef and chafe kiffe. Notwithfandinge
the infitution and profeffion of this XVvddow had wiped awav
this poyn&e of hir youth: whether it were for that fhe efeemed
hirfelfe fo favre as ail men were vnworthy to touch the vtter partes
of fo rare and pretious a veffell, or that hir great, and inimitable
chaffity made hir fo fraunge, to refufe that which hir duety and
honour woulde haue permitted hir to graunt. There chaunced
about this time that a Gentleman of the Countrey, called Sir Phili-
berto of Virle, efeemed to be one of the mof valiaunt gentlemen
in thofe parts, repayred vpon an holy dav to Montcall, (whofe
houfe was hot verv farre of the Towne) and being at diuine feruice,
in place of occupying his Sence and Mynde in heauenly things,
and attending the holy words of a Preacher, which that day
declared the worde of God wlto the people, hee gaue himfelfe to
contemplate the excellent beauty of Zilia, who had put of for a
while hir mourninge vayle, that fhe might the better beholde the
good father that preached, and receyue a little ayre, becaufe the
day was extreme hot. The Gentleman at the firf blufhe, vhen
hec fawe that fweete temptation before his eyes, thought himfelfe
rapt aboue the thirde heauen, and hot able to withdraw his looke,
he fed himfelfe with the Venome which by little, and little, fo
feafed vpon the foundef parts of hys mynde, as afterwards being
rooted in heart, he was in daunger ffill to remayne there for a
Guage, wythout any hope of eafe or comforte, as more amply this
followinge difcourfe, fhall giue you to vnderfande. Thus ail the
morning hee behelde the Gentlewoman, x'ho ruade no more
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
I6I
accoumpt of theym, that wyth great admiration did behold hir,
than they themfelues did of their life, by committing the faine to
the handes of a Voman fo cruell. This Gentleman being corne
home to his lodging enquired what favre Vyddow that xvas, of
what calling, and behauiour, but hec heard tell of more truely
than he would of good will haue known or defired to haue ben in
hir, whom he did prefently chofe to be the on|y miftreflè of his
mort fecret thoughts. Now vnderftandynge well the ftubburne
Nature, and vnciuile Manner of that XVyddowe, hec coulde not
tell what parte to take, nor to what Sain& to vow hi» Deuotion,
to make fuite vnto hir hec thought it tyme loti, to bec hir Seruaunt,
it was not in his power, hauing already inguaged his Lyberty into
the handes of that beauty, whych once holding captiue the hearte
of men, will not infraunchife them fo foone as Thought and \V'II
defire. XVherefore baytinge hymfelf with hope, and tickled wvth
loue, he determined whatfoeuer ehauneed, to loue hir, and to
affay if by long feruice he could lenitie that harde hearte, and
make tender that vnpliaunt wyll, to haue pitty vppon the payne
which fhee faw him to endure, and to recompence hvs labourfome
Trauayles, which hec thought were vertuoufly imployed for gayn-
ing of hir good grace. _And vpon this fettled deliberation, he
retired agayne to Virle (fo was his houle named) where difpofinge
hys thinges in order, he retorned agayne to Montcall to make his
long refiaunce there, to put in readines his furniture, and to
welde his artillary with futeh induftry, as in the ende he might
make a reafonable breaeh to force and take the place: for fir-
prifing whereof, hee hazarded great daungers, the rather that
himfelfe might tirft be taken. _And where his aflîaults and pollieies
eould not preuayle, hec minded to content his Fancy wyth the
pleafuro and paP{yme that hec was to receyue in the contem-
plation of a thing fo fayre, and of an image fo excellent. The
memory of whom rather increafed his paine than yelded comfort,
did rather minifter corrofiue poyfon, than giue remedy of cale,
a caufe of more cruell and fodayne death, than of prolonged lyfe.
Philiberto then being beeome a eitizen of Monteal, vfed to fre-
quent the Chureh more than hec was wont to doe, or his deuotion
ferued hym, and that bvcaufe he was not able elfewhere to enioy
VOL, III. L
62
TIIE LORD OF VIRLE.
the prefence of hys Sayn&, butin places and Temples of Deuotion :
which no doubt was a verv holy and worthy Difpofition, but yet
hOt meete or requifite to obferue futch holy places for thofe
intentes, which ought not to bec prophaned in things fo fonde
and fooliIhe, and Actes fo contrary to the Inflitution, and mynde
of thofe, whych in tvmes part were the firfte Founders and Erec-
toures of Temples. Seignior Philiberto then mooued wvth that
Religious Superftition, ruade no Confcience at al to fpeake vnto hir
wythin the Church. _And truc itis, when file went out of the
faine, he (tnooued wyth a certawae familiar curtefie, naturall to
eche Gcntleman of good bringing vp) many tymes conduc'-ted hir
home to hir houfe, not able for ail that (what fo euer hec fayd) to
win the thing that was able to ingender any little folace, which
greeued him very much: for the cruell woman fained as though
the vnderftoode nothing of that he fayde, and turnyng the ,Vavne
agaynft the Oxen, bv contrary talke thee began to tell hvm a talc
of a "l'ubbe, of mattcrs of bir Houfeholde, whereunto hec gaue fo
good heede, as flJee did to the hearing of his complaynts. Thus
thefe two, of diuers _Affe&ions, and mooued wyth contrary
thoughtes, fpake one to another, without apt aunfvere to eyther's
talke. Wherebv the Gcntlcman conceyued an aflhred argument
of hvs Ruine, who voyde of ail hope, and meanes, pracCtifed with
certavne Dames of the Citty, that had famillar acceffe wato hyr
houle, and vfed frequent conuerthtion wyth hvs rcbellious Lady
Zilia. To one of them, then hee determined to communlcate hys
fecrets, and to doe hir to vnderftand in deede the only caufe that
made him to foiorne at lXlontcall, and the griefe which he fuffered,
for that he was not able to difcouer his torment vnto hir, that had
giuen him the wounde. Thys Gentleman therefore, repayred to
one of his neyghbours, a ,Voman of good corage, which at other
tymes had experimented what meates they feede on that fit at
Venus Table, and what bitterneffe is intermingled amid thofe
drinckes that Cupido quaffeth wato hys Gueftes. Vnto vhom
(hauing before coniured hir to keepe clofe that whych hec woulde
declare) he difcouered the fecrets of hys mynde, expreffinge hys
loue wythout naming hys Lady before he heard the aunfxvere of
hvs Neyghbour, who vnderftanding almoft to what purpofe the
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
163
atTecCtlons of the Pacient were direcCted, fayd vnto hym: "Sir,
needful it is hOt to vfe longe orations, the loue that I beare vou
for the honefl qualities whych hvtherto I haue knowne to be in
you, fhall make me to keepe filent, that whereof as ver I do hot
know the matter, and the affuraunce vou haue, hOt to bee abufed
bv mee, conftrayneth me to warrant you, that I wyll hot fpare to
do you all the pleafure and honeft feruice I can." "Ah mis-
treffe," (aunfwered tir Philiberto) "'fo long as I lyue, I will hot
fayle to acknowledge the Liberalitv of your endeuour bv offeringe
vour felfe paciently to heare, and fecretly, to keepe the XVords I
fpeake accordingly as thev deferue : and that (whych is more than
I require) you doe affure me that I fhall finde futch one of vou
as wil hOt fpare to gieue your avdc. Alas, I refemble the good
and wyfe Captayne, who to take a forte doeth not only ayde him-
felfe with the forwardneffe, and valiaunce of his Souldiers, but
to fpare them, and to auovde flaughter for makinge of way,
planteth his cannon, and battereth the XValle of the fort, which
hee ,ould affaile, to the intent that both the Souldier, and the
ordinaunce may perfourme and fuffife the perfecCtion of the plat,
which hee bath framed and deuifed within his pollitike heade.
I haue already encouraged my fouldiers, and haue Ioft the better
part truelv in the fkirmifh whîch bath deliuered vnto mee mv
fweete cruell Ennimy. lqow I am driuen fo make ready the tire,
which refteth in the kindled match of your conceiptes, to battcr
the fort hitherto inexpugnable, for any afFault that I cau make."
"I vnderftand hot" (fayd fhe fmilyng)"thefe lab,vrynths of vour
complaynts, except you fpeake more playn. I neuer haunted the
XVarres, ne knewe what thynge it is to handle weapons, improper
and hot feemelv for mvne eftate and kynde." "The XVarre" (quod
he) whereof I fpeake, is fo naturall and common, as I doubt hOt,
but you haue fometymes affayed, with what fleightes and camis-
ados men vfe to furpryfe their enimies, howe they plant their
ambufhes, and what meanes both the affavlant and defendant
ought to vfe." "So far as I fee" (fa.vd fhee) "there refteth
nothing for x's, but the affurance of the field, fith wee bee readv
to enter in combat: and doe thinke that the fort fhall hOt bee
harde to winne, by reafon of the XValles, dikes, rampers, bulwarks,
164
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
platformes, counterforts, curtines, vamewres and engins which
you haue prepared, befides a numbre of falfe brayes and flanks,
placed in good order, alld the whole defended from the thundringe
Cannons and Bombardes, which do amaze the wandring enemy
in the field. But I pray you leauing thefe warlike Tumults, to
fpeak more boldly without thefe extrauagantes and digreffions,
for I take pitye to fee you thus troubled: ready to exceede the
boundes of your modefty and wonted wvfedome." "Do not
maruell at all miftreffe" (quod he) "fith accordynge to new
occurrentes and alterations, the purpofe, talke, and counfel ordi-
narilv do change I am become the feruaunt of one which maketh
me altogither iyke vnto thofe that bec madde, and bound in
Chaines, not able to fpeake or fay any thing, but what the fpyrites
that be in them, do force them to vtter. For neither will I
thynke, or fpeake any thing, but that which the Enchaunter Loue
doth commaunde and fuffer to expreffe, who fo rygoroufly doth
vexe my hearte, as in place wher bouldeneffe is moft requyfite,
hee depriueth me of force, and leaueth mec without any Counte-
nance. And being alone, God knoweth how frankly I doe wander
in the place, where myne enemy mav commaunde, and with what
hardineffe I do inuade hir prouinee. Alas, is it not pity then
to fee thefe diuerfities in one felfe marrer, and vpon one very
thing ? Truely I would endure wyllingly all thefe trauailes, if I wvfi
in the end, my feruiee woulde be aeeepted, and hoped that my
lIartirdome thoulde fvnde releefe: but liuing in this vneertainty,
I muf needes norvth the hunger and folaee ofthe vnhappy, whieh
are withes and vaine hopes, trufting that fome God wyii gayne me
a favthful friend that wili affave to rid me from the hell, into the
whieh I ara throwne, or elfe to thorten thys Miferable lyre, whyeh
is a hundred tvmes more paynfull than Death." In fayinge fo, he
began to fighe fo ftraungely as a man wouid haue thought that
two Smithes fledges working at the forge, had gyuen two blowes
at his ftomake, fo vehement was the inelofed winde within his
heart, that ruade him to fetehe forth thofe terrible fighes, the
Eves not forgetting to veld forth a Riuer of Teares, whieh guthynge
forthe at the centre of hys Hearte, mounted into his Braynes, at
lengthe to make iffue through the Spoute, proper to the Chanell
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
of futch a Fountayne. Vhich the Gentlewoman feyng, moued
with compaffion, coulde not contain alfo from Veepyng, and
therewythall fayde vnto him : « Although mine eftate and repu-
ration, which to this day I have kept vnfpotted, defend the vfe
of my good wyi in al things that may defame mine honor, yet tir,
feing the extremity which you fiffer tobe vnfained, I wil fom-
what ftretch my confcience, and affay to fuccor you with fo good
heart, as frankely you truft me with the fecrets of your thought.
It refeth then now for me to know what /he is, to whome your
deuocions be inclined whofe heart and mind I wil fo relief with
the tafte of your good wil, as I dare giue warrant, her appetit/hai
accept your profred feruice, and truly that woman mav count her
felf happy that /bai intertain the off`er of a gentleman that is fo
honeft and curteous, who meaneth with al fidelity to aduance
and honor, not onely the fuperficial ornament of hir beauty, but
the inward verttes of hir confiant mind. _And truly the earth
feldom veldeth thofe frutes in the harts of men in thefe out barren
days» they being ouer growen with the /hrubbes of difloialty the
faine choke vp the plantes of true Fidelity, the fedes whereof are
fowen and replanted in the fovle of womens hartes, who not able
to depart and vfe the force and effec"ts thereof will put vpon them
conditions that bee cruell, to puni/h the Fooivfla indifcreation
of tryfling Louers, who difguifed with the vizard of fained friend-
thip, and paynted with coioured Amity, langui/hing in fighes and
forrowes, goe aboute to aflty to deceiue the flexible Nature of
them that prodigally employ theyr honor into the hands of futch
cruel, inconftante and fooly/h futers." "_Ah Miftreffe" anfwered
the Gentleman : « howe may I bee able to recompence that onely
benefite which you promyfe me now ? But be fure that you fee
heere a Souidier and Gentleman prefente which flmli no leflè bee
prodigall of hys Lyfe to doe you feruyce, than you bee lyberall of
vour reputation, to eafe his Paines. Now fith it pleafeth you to
/hew futch fauour to offer me your helpe and fupport in that
which payneth me, I require no more at your hands, but to beare
a letter which I/hall wryte to myftreffe Zilia, with whome I am
fo farre in loue, as if I do receiue no folace of my griefe, I know
not howe I/hall auoyde the cuttyng of the Threede, whych the
166
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
fpynning fylters haue twilted to prolonge mv lyre, that hence-
forth tan receiue no fuccor if by your mcanes I do not atchieue
the thing that holdeth me in bondage." The Gentlewoman was
vcrv forrowful, xx hen file vnderltoode that Seignior Philiberto had
bent his Loue vpon futch one, as would hot confente to that
requelte, and mutch leffe would render reft vnto hvs myferyes,
and therefore enforced hir felfe to moue that Foolyflae Fantafve
out of his head. But he beyng already refolued in thvs myfhappe,
and the faine perceyued bv her in the ende fhe fayde : "" To the
intente tir that you may hot thvnke that I doe meane to excufe
the Satyffa&yon of my promyfe, make route Letters, and of my
Favth I wil delyuer them. And albevt I knowe verye well what
bec the lIonoure» and Glorve of that Pylgryme, )'et I wvll render
to you agayne the true aunfvere of hir fpeache whereby you mare
confider the gayne you are ivke to make, by purfuing a \Voman
(although faire) of fo finall defert." The Gentleman favled not
to gyue her heartve Thankes, prayinge hir to tarry vntvll hec had
written his letters: whereunto fle molt willingly obeved. He
then in his chaumber, began to fantafie a hundred hundred mat-
ters to xx'rite vnto his lXliftreffe, and after he had fixed thevm in
nfinde tooke Incke and Paper writing as followeth.
The Lellcrs of Seignior Philil, e,to of lïrle, to 3liJb'e.ffè Zelia of
.Monlcall.
" The paffion extreeme which I endure, (Madame) through the
feruent loue I beare you, is futch, as befide» that I am affured
of the little affecCtion that relteth in you towards me agayne, in
rcfpe& of that incredible feruitude which mv defire is ready to
cmploy, I haue no power to commaunde mv force, ne yet to rid
lny felfe from mv vowed deuotion and will to vour incomparable
bcauty, ahhough euen from the beginning I felt the pricks of the
mortall fhot which now torments my mynde. Alas, I do hot know
vnder what influence I ara borne, nor what Fate doth guide my
.veares, fith I doe perceyue that heauen, and loue, and hir whom
alone I honor, doe confirme themfelues with one affent to feeke
lnwe ouerthrow. Alas, I thinke that ail the powers aboue con-
fpired together, to make me be the favthfull man and perpetuall
TtIE LORD OF VIRLE.
I67
feruaunt of you my mifreffe deare, to whom alone, I yelde my
heart affli&ed as itis, and the ioy of hidden thoughts nourfed in
my minde, by the contemplation and remembraunce of your
excellent and perfec'-t graces, whereof, if I be hot fauored, I waight
for death, from whvch euen now I fly: hot for feare of that
whych file can doe, or of the vgly fhape which I conceyue to be
in hir, but rather to confirme my lire, this Body for inftrument to
exercife the mvndes conceypts for doinge your Commaundements,
xvhich Body I greatly feare fhall proue the vnworthy cruelty,
both of your gentle nouriture, and of thofe graces which Dame
Nature mof aboundantly bath powred in you. Be fure 1Madame
that you fhall fhortlye fee the Ende of him, which attendeth ver
to beare fo mutch as in him doeth lye, the vehement loue into an
other world, which maketh me to pray you to haue pity on him,
who (attending the reft and final fcntence of his Death or Lyre)
doth humbly kiffe your white and delicate bandes, befeeching
God to giue to you like ioy as his is, who defireth to be,
Vholy yours or hot to be at all
I»HILIBERTO OF ,rlRLE.
The Letter written, clofed and fealed, he deliuered to his neigh-
bour, who promyfed hvm agayne to bryng him anfvere at Night.
Thus this 1Meffenger went hir way, leauing this pore languiflayng
Gentlemen hoping againf hpe, and fayning by and by fome iov
and pleafire, wherein he bained himfelf xvith great contented
minde. Then fodaynly he called againe vnto remembraunce, the
crueltv and inciuility of Zilia, which flmwed before his eves fo
many kindes of Death, as tvmes he thought vpon the lame, think-
ing that he faw the choler wherewith his little curteous mifreffe
furioufly did intertaine the meflènger, who findinge Zilia com-
ming forth of a garden adioining to her houfe, .and hauing faluted
her, and receiued like curteous falutation would haue framed hir
talke, by honePt excufe in the vnfemely charge and meffage: to hir
vnto xvhom fle was fent, and for fome eafe to the pore gentleman
which approched nearer death than lire. .But Zilia break of hir
talke faying: « I maruell mutch Gentle neighbor to fee you heere
at this time of the da3" , knoving your honef cul'orne is to let
parle no minute of the tyme, except it be emploied in fome vertu-
I68
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
ous exercife." "Miffreffe" anfwered the meffanger, "I thank
you for the good opinion you haue of me, al,d doe pray you to
continue the faine. For I do affure you that nothinge vavne or
of lyttle effe& hath ruade me flacke my bufineffe at this time,
which me think I do not forflow, when I inforce my felfe to take
pitye and mercy vpoll the affli&ed and the fubffaunce thereof I
woulde difclofe, if I feared hot to offend you, and break the loue
which of long tyme betweene vs two hath ben frequented." "I
know hot" (laid Zilia) "whereunto your words do tend, althoughe
my Hearte doth throbbe, and minde doth moue to make mee
thinke your purpofed talke to bee of none other effe&e, than to
fay a thing which may redound to the preiudice of myne honour.
X, Vherefore I pray )'ou do hOt difclofe what fhall be contrary, (be
it neuer fo little) to the duety of Dames of out Degree. ' « Mvs-
treffe" fayd the lXTeighboure, "I fuppofe that the lyttle Lykeli-
hoode touchyng in vou the thinge for the helpe whereof I come,
bath made you feele fome paflïon, contrary to the greefe of him
that indures fo mutch for your fake. Vnto xvhome without feare
of your dyfpleafure, I gaue lny Faithe in Pledge to beare this
Letter." In faying fo, fhe drewe the lame out of hir Bofome» and
prefentyng it to cruell Silia, fhee fayde: " I befeeche you to
thynke that I am not ignoraunt of the evyll wherewyth the Lorde
of Virle is affec'ted, who wrotc thefe letters. I promyfed him the
duety of a /Ieffanger towards you: and fo conffrayned by pro-
mvfe I could doe no leffe, than to delyuer you that which hee
doeth rende, with Seruvce futch as fhall endure for euer, or yf it
fhall pleafe you to accept him for futch a one as hee defireth to
be. For my parte I onelye praye you to reade the Contentes, and
accordynglye to gyue mee Aunfwere: for my Fayth is no further
bounde, but truffelye to report to hym the thinge whereuppon
you fhall bee refolued." Zilia which was not wonte to receyue
very ofte futch Ambaffades, at the firffe was in mlnd to breake the
Letters, and to retourne the Meffanger wythout aunfxvere to hir
fhame. But in the Ende takyng Heart, and chaunging hir
affec'-tyon, fhe red the Letters not without fhewing fome very great
alteration outwardely, which declared the meanynge of hir thought
that diuerfly did ffryue wythin hir mynde: for fodaynly fhee
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
I69
chaunged her Coloure twvce or thryce, nowe waxing pale lyke the
increafynge Moone Eclypfed by the Sunne, when fhee feeleth a
certayne darkenynge of hir borowed Lyghte, then the Vermylyon
and coloured Taynte came into hir Face agayne, wyth no leffe hewe
than the blomed Rofe newelye budded forthe, whych Encreafed
halle fo mutch agayne, the excellencve of that wherewvth Nature
had indued hir. And then fhe paufed a whyle. Notwvthftand-
ynge, after that fhee had red, and red agayne hir Louer's letter, not
able to diffemble hir foolifhe anger which vexed hir heart, fhee
favde vnto the miftreffe meffanger: "I would not haue thought
that you, being a woman of good faine would (by abufinge your
duety,) haue bene the ambaffador of a thing fo vncomely for your
Effare, and the houle where of you corne, and towards me which
neuer was futch one (ne yet pretend to be.) And truft me it is
the loue I beare you, which fhall for this tyme make me diffemble
what I thincke, referuinge in filence, that whych (had it corne
from an other) I would haue publifhed to the great difhonour of
hir that maketh fo little accoumpt of my chaftity. Let it fuffice
therefore in tyme to corne for you to thinke and beleue, that I am
chat'te and honefl: and to aduertife the Lord of Virle to pro-
ceede no further in his lute: for rather will I dy, than agree to
the leaft poyn& of that which hec defires of mec. And that he
may knowe the faine, be well affured that hec fhall take his leaue
of that priuate talke which fometimes I vfed with him to my
great difhonor, as far as I can fee. Get you home therefore, and
if you loue your credit fo mutch, as you fee me curious of mv
chaftity, I befeech you vfe no further talke of hym, whom I
hate fo mutch, as his folly is exceffiue, for 1 do little effectue the
amorous Toyes and fayned partions, whereunto futch louinge
fooles doe fuffer themfelues to be caried headlong." The mes-
fenger afhamed to heare hir felfe thus pinched to the quicke,
aunfwered hir very quietly without mouing of hir pacience: "I
pray to God (mifreffe) that he may rccouer the different difeafe
al moft incurable in evther of you twayne, the lame being fo
vehement, as altered into a phrenefie, maketh you in this wyfe,
incapable of reafon." Finifhing thefe wordes fhe tooke hir
leaue of Zilia» and arriued to the Louer's houfej fhe founde him
* 70
THE LORD OF %'IRLE.
lying vpon his bed, rather dead than a liue: xho feeing his
neyghbor returned backe agayne, with Face fo fadde, not tarving
for the aunfwere which fl,e was about to make, he began to fay:
"Ah infortunate Gentleman, thou payeft wel the vfury of thy
pleafures paf when thou diddef lvue at lyberty, free from thofe
trauayles which now do put thee to death, without fuffering thee
to dr. Oh happy, and more than happy had I ben, if inconfant
Fortune had not deuifed this treafon, wherein I ara furprifed and
caught, and vet no raunfome can redeeme from prifon, but the
mof mifçrable death that euer poore louer fuffred. Ah glifreffe,
I knowe well that Zilia efeemeth not my Letters, ne vet regardeth
mv loue, I confeffe that I haue done you wrong bv thus abufing
vour honet amit.v, for the folace of my payne. Ah fickle loue,
what foole is hec which doth commit hvmfelfe to the rage and
furv of the ,Vaues of thy foming and tempetuous Seas ? Alas I
ara entred it,, with great, and gladfome cheere, through the glifer-
ing fl,ew before mwae eves of the favnt flfining Sunne beames,
whereuuto as foone as I ruade fayle, the faine denied me light of
purpofe to thrut me forth into a thoufand wiads, tempefs, and
raging f[ormes of Rayne. Bv meanes vhereof I fee no meane at
ail to hope for end of my mifhaps : and mutche leffe the fhipwracke
that fodainely may rid me from this daunger more intoilerable,
than if I were ouerwhelmed wvthin the bottomleffe depth of the
marne Ocean. Ah deceyuer and wilv Souldiour, 'hv hat thou
ruade Inc cntcrprife the voyage farre of from thy fi»litdes and
,Viiderneffe, to geue me oucr in the middcf of my neceffitv ? Is
this thy maner towards them which franckly followe thv tra&,
and pleafauntly fubdue thcmfelues to thy trayterous follies? At
leat wvfe if I fawe fome hope of health I would indure withmt
complaynt thereof: yea, and it were a more daungerous tempe9c.
ButOgood God, whatisheofwhom I fpeake? Ofwhom doI
attend for folace and releefe ? Of him truely which is borne for
the ouerthrow o[ men. Of whom hope I for health ? Ofthe mofi
noyfom poyfon that euer was mingled with the fubtileR druggs
that euer were. ,Vhom fhall I take to be mv Patron ? He which
is in ambufh traiteroufly to catch me, that he may martir me
worffe thon he hath donc before. Ah crueli Dame, that meafureft
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
I7I
fo euill, the good will of him that neuer purpofed to trefpaffe the
leaf of thy commaundements. Ah, that thy beauty fhould finde
a Subie& fo fubborne in thee, to torment them that loue and
honor tbee. O maigre and vnkinde recompence, to expell good
feruaunts that be affecCtionate to a feruice fo iut and honet%
Ah Bafilifke, coloured ouer with pleafure and fetneffe, how
hath thy fight difperfed his poyfon throughout mine heart ? At
leaf wife if I had fome drugge to repell thy force, I fhould liue
at eafe, and that without this lute and trouble. But I feele
and proue that this fentence is more than truc:
No phyficke hearbes the griefe of loue can cure,
1NTe yet no drugge that payne can well affure.
Alas, the feare cloath will hOt ferue, totent the wound the
time fhall be but lof, to launch the fore, and to falue the fame it
breeds myne ouerthrow. To be flort, any drefling can not auaylc,
except the hand of bir alone which gaue the wounde. I wolde
to God fhee fawe the bottome of iny heart, and viewed the Clofet
of my mynde, that flee might iudge of mv firme favth and know
the wrong fhe doth me by hir rigor and froward will. But O
vnhappy man, I feele that fhe is fo refolucd in obftinate mynde,
as hir ref femeth onl" to depend vpon my payne, hir eafe vpon
iny griefe, and hir iov vpon my fadneffe." And faying fo, began
ftraungly to weepe, and fighing betwene, lamented, in fo inutch
as, the miftreffe meffaunger not able to abide the griefe and
paynefull trauavle wherein flee faw the poore gentleman wrapped,
went home to hir houfe: notwithftanding tire told afterward the
whole fucceffe of his loue to a Gentleman, the friend of Philiberto.
Now this Gentleman was a compalfiOn in armes to the Lorde of
Virle, and a very familyar Freend of his, that went about by all
meanes to put away thofe foolifhe, and Franticke eonceypts out
of bis fanfie, but hec profited as mutch by his éndeuour, as the
paffionate gayned by his heauines: who determining to dye,
yelded fo mutch to care and grief, as he fell into a greeuous
ficknes, which both hindred him from fleepe, and alfo his Appetite
to eate and drinke, geulng himfelfe to mule vppon his follies, and
fanfied dreames, without hearing or admittlng any man to fpeake
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
vnto hym. And if perchaunce hee hearkened to the perfuafions
of his frends, he ceaffed not his complaynt, bewayling the cruelty
of one, whom he named not. The Phifitians round about were
fought for, and they coulde geue no iudgement of his malady
(neyther for all the Signes thev lady, or any infpecCtion of his Vrine,
or touching of his pulfe) but fayd that it was melancholie humor
diffilling from the Brayne, that caufed the alteration of his fenfe:
howbeit their Arte and knowledge were void of fkil to evacuate
the groffe Bloud that was congeled of his difeafe. And therefore
difpayryng of his health, with hands full of lloney, they gaue him
ouer. ,Vhich his friend and Companion perceiuing, maruellous
forry for his affliction he ceafed hot to pracCtife all that he could
by Letters, gifts, promifes and complaynts to procure Zilia to
vifite her pacient. For hee was affured that her onely prefence
was able to recouer him. But the cruell woman excufed hir felf
that fhe was a Widow and that it fhoulde bee vnfeemely for one
of hir degree (of intente) to vifite a Gentleman, whofe Parentage
and Alliance fhe knew hOt. The foliciter of the Lord of Vide his
health, feeing how Ivttle hys prayers auailed to his implacable
gryefe could hot tell to what Sain& ho might vow himfelf for
Counfell, in the ende refolued to follicite hir again that hadde
done the firf lIeffage, that flac myght eftfons deuife fome meanes
to bryng them to fpeake togither. And fynding hir for hvs pur-
pole, thus he faved vnto hir: "lIyfireffe I maruell muteh that
you make fo little aeeompt of the pore lorde of Vide who lyeth
in his 13edde attending for Death. Alas, if euer pitty had place in
\Voman's heart, I befeech )'ou to gyue your ayde to help him, the
meane of whofe recouery, is not ignoraunt vnto )'ou." " God is
my witneffe" (quod fhe) " what trauaile mv heart is willing to
vndertake to helpe that Gentleman, but in things impoffible» it is
hot in man to.determine, or refi affured iudgement. I ,cil go
vnto him and comfort hym fo well as I ean, that peraduenture
mv Promvfes may eafe fome part of his payne : and afterward we
x,il at leyfure better confider, what is befi for vs to do." Here-
vppon thev wente together to fee the Patient, that beganne to
looke more chearefull than he dyd belote : who feeing the Gentle-
woman, faid vnto hir: "Ah mifres, I would to God I had nener
TttE LORD OF VIRLE.
I73
proued your fidelity, then had I not felt the paffing cruell Heart
of hir» that efieemeth more hir honour to pra&ife rigour and
tyranny than with gentleneffe to maintaine the Lyfe of a pore feeble
knight." "Sir»" (laid fhe,) "be of good cheare, doe hOt thus
torment your felfe : for I trufi to gyue you remedy betwene thys
and to morrove, and wyll doe myne endeuor to caufe you to
fpeake with hir» vppon whome wrongfully perchaunce you doe
complayne, and who dare hot corne vnto you, leaf iii fpeakers
conceiue occafion of fufpicion, who wil make the report more
flaunderous, then remedie for the caufe of your difeafe." "Ah"
(fayd the pacient) "howe ioyefull and pleafaunt is your talke? I
fee wel that vou defire my health» and for that purpofe would haue
me drinke thofe liquors, which fuperficiallay appeare to bee
fweete, which afterwardes may make my lyfe a hundred tymes
more faint and feeble than now it is." "Be you there," fayed
t'he ? " And I fweare vnto you by my faith not to faile to keepe
my promyfe, to caufe you fpeake alone with mifireffe Zilia."
"Alas, mifireffe" fard the louer, " I afke no more at vour haudes,
that I may heare with myne own eares the laf fentence of hope
or defiance." " X, Vell put your trufi in me," favd flae, "and take
no thought but for your health. For I am affured ere it be
longe, to caufe hir to corne vnto you, and then you flaall fee
whether, my diligence flaall aunfwere the effe& of myne attempt."
"Me thinke already" (quod he) "that fickneffe is not able to
fay me from going to hir that is the caufe» fith her onely remem-
braunce hath no leffe force in mee, than the clearneffe of the Sun
beames to euaporate the thickneffe of the morning milles." x, Vith
that the Gentlewoman tooke her leaue of hym, and went home
attendynge oportunity to fpeake to Zilia, whome two or three
Dayes after flae mette at Church, and they two beyng alone togither
in a Chapell, flae favd vnto hir with fayned Teares, forced from
her Eyes» and fending forth a Cloude of fighes, thefe woordes:
"Madame, I nothing doubt at al, but the laf Letters which I
brought you, made you conceiue fome il opinion of me, which I
do gueffe by the frownyng countenance that euer fithens you
haue borne me. But when you flaall knowe the hurte which it
hath done, I thinke you wyll not be fo harde, and voyde of pitye,
I74
TIIE LORD OF VIRLE.
but with pacyence hearken that whvch I flaall raye, and there-
wythall bee moued to pitye the ftate of a pore Gentleman, who
by your meanes is in the pangs of death." Zilia, which til then
neuer regarded the payne and fickneffe of the pacient, began to
forrow, with futch paflïon, as not to graunt him further fauor
than he had already receiued, but to finde fome means to eafe him
of hvs gryefe, and then to gyue hvm ouer for euer. And there-
fore file fayd vnto hir neyghbor: "My good frend, I thought
that ail thefe lutes had beene forgotten, Vltill the other day a
certen Gentleman praied me to go fee the Lord of Virle, who told
me as vou do now, that he was in great daunger. And now
vnderflanding by you that he waxeth worffe, and worfçe, I will
be ruled, being well affured of your honeflv and vertue, and that
you will hOt aduife me to any thing that flmll be hurtfull to myne
honour. And 'hen you haue dcne what you ean, you fhal 'inne
of me fo mutch as nothinge, and geeue no eafe to him at all that
wr.ngfully playneth of my crueltv. For I purpofe hOt to do anv
priuate faé?t x'ith him, but that which fhall be meete for an honef
Gentlewoman, and futch as a favthfull tutor of hir chaftity, may
graunt to au honef and vertuous Gentleman." " His defire is
none other" (fayd the gentlewoman) "for he craueth but your
prefence, to let vou wit by word, that he is ready to do the thing
}'ou fhall commatmd him." "Alas" farde Zilia, "it is impoflible
for ne to go to hym without fufpition, which the common people
will lightly conceiue of futch light and familiar Behauiour. And
rather would I dy than aduenture mine honor hitherto conferued
wyth great feuerity and diligence. And yet fith you fay, that he
is in extremes of death, for vour fake, I wil not ftick to heare him
fpeake." '«I thanke vou" (fayd the lleffanger) "for the
good wil )'ou beare me and for the help you promife vnto the
poore pattîonate Gentleman, whom thefe newes vil bring on foote
againe, and who al the daves of his lire wil do you honor for that
good turne." "Sith it is fo (fayd Zilia) to morrow at noone
let him corne vnto my houle, wherein a low chamber, he fhall
haue levfure to fay to mee his mind. But I purpofe by God's
help, to fuffer him no further than that which I haue already
gratmted." " As it flaall pleafe vou" (fayd hir ncighbour)"for
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
I75
I craue no more of vou but that only fauour, which as a Meffan-
ger of good Newes, I go to fhew hym, recommending my felfe in
the meane tyme to your commaunde." And then rite went vnto
the pacient, whom rite found walkinge vp and downe the Chaum-
ber, indifferent lufty of his perron, and of colour meetelv frefhe
for the tyme hee left his Bed." Now when tir Philiberto faw the
Ieffanger, hee fayde vnto hir: "'And how now myfireffe, what
Newes ? Is Zilia fo fiubborne as fl,ee was wont to be ? " "" You
may fee hir" (fayd flae) "'if to morrowe at Noone vou haue the
heart to aduenture to goe vnto hir houle." "" Is it poflïble" (fayd
hee imbracing hir) "that you haue procured mv delyueraunce
from the mifery, wherewith I haue fo long tyme beene affec2ed ?
_Ah trufiy and affured frende» ail the dayes of my Ivre I wil
remember that pleafure, and bene6te, and by acknowledging
of the faine, fhall be ready to tender like, xvhen you pleat
to commaunde, or els let me be counted the mofi vncurteous
Gent|eman that euer ruade profeflïon of loue: I wil| go by God's
help to fee miRreffe Zilia» with intent to endure ail vexation,
wherewith Dame Fortune flaall afflic-t me, protel}ing to vex mv
felfe no more, although I fee my wifhed hap otherwife to ende
than my defert requireth. But yet agaynfi Fortune to contend,
is to warre agayufi my felfe, whereof the Vie-tory can be but
daungerous." Thus he paffed all the day, which feemed to lal
a thoufand years to hym, that thought to receyue fome good inter-
taynment of hys Lady, in whofe Bonds hec vas catched bcfore he
thought that .Voman's malice could fo farre exceede, or difplay
hir venomous Sting. And trulv that man is voyde of Senfe, whych
fuffreth hvm felfe fo fondly to bee charmed, fith the pearill of
others before time abufed, ought to ferue hvm for exaumple.
3,Vomen be vnto lnankinde a greate confufion, and vnwares for
want of hvs due forefight, it doth fuffer it felfe to bee bounde and
taken captiue bv the very thing which hath no being to worke
elle&, but by free xvill. 3,Vhlch Inchauntment of woman's beauty,
being to lnert a pleafaunt difpleafure, I thinke to bee decked with
that drawinge vertue, and allurement, for chaftifing of their
firmes who once fed and bavted with their fading fauour and
poyfoned fveetneffe, forget their owne perfection, and noufled in
I76
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
their foolifhe Fanfies, thev feeke Felicity, and foueraygne delight,
in the marrer wherein doth lie the futaine of their 'nhaps. Sem-
blaly the 'ertuous and fhamefafte dames, haue not the eves of
their minde fo blindfolde, but that they fee whereunto thofe
franeke feruiees, thofe difloval Favthes and Vvees eoloured and
ftuffed vith exterior vertue, doe rende: ,Vho doubt not alfo but
futeh louers do imitate the Scorpion, whofe Venome lieth in his
Tayle, the ende of whieh is loue beinge the ruine of good Renoume,
and the Deeav of former verrues. For whieh caufe the heauens,
the Frende of their fexe, haue giuen them a prouidenee, whieh
thofe Gentle, vnfauoured louers terme to be rigor, thereby to proue
the deferts of Suters, afvell for their great eontentation and prayfe,
as for the reft of them that do them feruiee. Howbeit this iuft
and modef prouidenee, that cruel Gentlewoman pra&ifed not
in hir louer, the Lord of Virle, who vas fo humble a feruaunt of
his vnkinde miftreffe, as his obedienee redounded to his great
mifhap, and folly, as manifeltly mav appeare by that whyeh
followeth. Sir Philiberto then thinking to haue gayned muteh
by hauing ruade promife, liberally to fpeake to his Lad); went
vnto hir at the appoyn&ed hour, fo well contented truelv of that
graee, as all the 'nkindneffe paft was quite forgot. Now being
eome to the Lodging of lIiftreffe Zilia, he found hir in the deuifed
place with one of hir maydes attending vpon hir. ,Vhen fhe
faw him, after a little eold entertaynment, fhe began to fay vnto
him vith favned ioy, that neuer mooued hir heart, thefe voordes
"Now tir, I fee that vour iate fiekneffe was not fo ftraunge as
I was geeuen to vnderftand, for the good ftate wherein I fee you
prefently to be, which from heneeforth fhall make mee beleue,
that the parlions of llen endure fo long as the eaufe of their
affe&ions continue within their fanfies, muteh iike 'nto iooking
Glaffes, whieh albeit they make the equality or exeeffe of things
reprefented to appeare, .ver when the thing feene doth paffe, and
vanifhe away, the formes alfo do voyde out of remembraunee,
refembling the wynde that iightly whorleth to and fro through
the plane of fome deepe valley." "'Ah madame" aunfwered
"how carie a matter it is for the griefeleffe perron to eounterfayt
both ioy and diflimulation in one verv thing, vhieh not onely
THE LORD OF VIRLE,
I77
may forget the conceipt that mooueth his aile(tions, but the
obie(t muf eontinuaily remayne in him, as paynted, and grauen
in his minde. XVhieh truely as you fay is a Iooking GlaflC not
futeh one for ail that, as the eounterfavted apparaunee of repre-
fented formes hath like vigor in it, that the firft and true idees
and fhapes ean fo foone vanifh without leauing mort perfe& iln-
preffion of futeh formes within the minde of him, that liueth
vpon their onelv remembraunee. In this mirror then (whieh bv
reafon of the hidden force I mav well fay to bee ardent and burn-
ing) haue I looked fo weli as I can, thereby to form the fuftenta-
tion of my good hap. But the imagined Shape not able to fupport
futch perfe&ion, bath made the rcft of the body to favle (weakned
through the mindes paffions) in fittch wife as if the hope to
recouer this better parte haife lori, had not cured both, the whole
decay of the one had foiiowed, bv thinking to giue fome accom-
plifhment in the other. _And if you fee me Madame, attayne to
fome good ftate, impute the fame I befeech you, to the good will
and fauor which I receiue bv fecing you in a priuate place, wherein
I conceyue greater iov than euer I did, to fay wato )'ou the thing
which you would not beleeue, by woords at other times proceeding
from my mouth, ne yet by aduertifement fignified in my written
letters. Notwithftanding I think that my Martirdome is known
to bee futch as euery man may perceyue that the Summe of my
defire is onely to ferue and obey you, for fo mutch as I can receyue
no greater "comforte, than to be commaunded to make repayre to
you, to let you know that I ara whole (although giuen ouer bv
Phifitians) when you vouchfafe to employ me in your feruice,
and thinke my felfe rayfed vp agayne from one hundred thoufand
deathes at once, when it fhail pleafe you to haue pitty vpon the
griefe and paffion, that I endure. _Alas, what caufeth my mifhap,
that the heauenly beauty of vours flaould make proofe of a cruelty
fo great ? Haue you decreed Madame thus to torment mee poore
Gentleman that ara ready to facritïce mvfelfe in your feruice,
when you fhall impart fome fauour of your good grace ? Do you
thinke that my parlions be diffembled? _Aiacke, alacke, the
teares which I haue fled, the loffe of luf to eate and drinke, the
weary paffed nights, the longe contriued fleepeleffe tvme the
VOL. III. M
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
refileffe turmoyle of my confumed corps may wel affure that my
loyall heart is of better merite than vou effectue." Then feeing
hir to fixe hir eves vpon the ground, and thînkinge that hec had
already wonne hir, he reinforced his humble Speache, and Sighing
at fits betwene, hot fparinge the Teares, whvch trickled downe
alongs hys Face, he profecuted his Talc as followeth : "-Ah fayre
amongs the fayreft» woulde you blot that furpaffing ]3eauty x'ith
a cruelty fo furious, as to caufe the death of him which loueth you
better than himfelfe ? _Ah my withered eyes, which hitherto haue
bene ferued with two liuely fprings to expreffe the hidden griefs
within the heart, if your vnhap be futch that the onlv Miftreffe of
vour contemplations, and caufe of vour driery teares, doe force
the Humor to encreafe, which hitherto in futch wife hath emptied
my ]3rayne, as there is no more in mec to moiften your drouth, I
ara content to endure al extremity» vntil mv heart/bal fee]e the
laft Pangue, that depriueth yee of nouriflament, and me of mine
affecCted lov." The Gentlevoman, whether lhee was weary of that
Oration, or rather doubted that in the end hir ehaftity vould reeeue
fome aflàult through the difmeafured paflïon whieh flac faw to
continue in him, anfwered with rigorous words: "You haue
talked, and written inough, you haue indifferently well folieited
hir, whych is throughly refilued in former minde, to keepe hir
honor in that worthy reputation of degree, wherein flac mayne-
tayneth the faine amongs the bel. I haue hitherto fuffered you
to abufe my patience, and haue l'hewed that familiarity whieh
they deferue hot that go about leudly to affayle the ehaftity of
thofe ,Vomen that patiently gieue them eare, for the opinion they
baue eonceiued of the flaadowing vertues of like foolil'he Suters.
I now doe fee that all your woordes doe tend to beguile mec, and
to depriue mec of that vou eannot giue mec: ,Vhieh flaall bec
a warning for me henceforth, more wifely to looke about my bufi-
neflè, and more warely to l'hunne the Charmes of futeh as you
bec, to the ende that I by bending mine open eares, be not fur-
prifed, and ouereome wyth vour enehaunted Speaehes. I pray
vou then for eonelufion, that I heare no more hereof, neyther
from you, nor ver from the Ambaffadour that commeth frm
you. For I neyther will, ne yet pretend to depart to you anv
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
179
other fauour than that which I haue enlarged for your comfort:
but rather doe protefi, that fo longe as you abide in this Countrey,
I will neyther goe forth in fireate, nor fuffer anv Gentleman to
haue acceffe into this place except he be my neare Kinfman.
Thus for your importunat fute, I will chafiife my light confent,
for harkeninge vnto you in thofe requePts, which duty and l.Voman-
hoode ought hot to fufl're. And if you do proceede in thefe your
follies, I will feeke redreffe according to your defert, xvhich tili
now I haue deferred, thinking that time would haue put out the
ardent heate of your rafh, and wanton youth." The infortunate
Lord of Vide, hearing this fharpe fentence, remayned long time
without fpeach, fo aPtonned as if he had bene falne from the
Clouds. In the ende for ai lais defpayre he replyed to Zilia with
Countenaunce indifferent merry: "Sith it is fo madame, that you
take from mee all hope to be your perpetuall Seruaunt, and that
without other comfort or contentation I muPt nedes depart your
prefence, neuer (perchaunce) hereafter to fpeake vnto you againe,
be hOt vet ri» fqueimifh of vour beauty, and fo cruell towards vour
languifhing louer, as to deny him a kiffe for pledge of his laPt
farewell. I demaund nothing here in fecret, but that honePtlv
you may openly performe. It is al that I doe craue at your handes
in recompence of the trauayles, paynes, and afflicCtions fufl'red for
your fake." The malitious dame full of rancor, and fpitefull rage
fayd vnto him: '" I fhall fee by and by tir, if the loue which you
vaunt to beare mee, be fo vehement as you feeme to make it."
"'Ah Madame" (fayd the vnaduifed Louer) "commaunde onl)5 and
vou fhal fee with what deuotion I wili performe vour will, xvere
it that it fhould coft me the price of my proper life." "" You fhall
haue" (quod fhe) " the kiffe which vou require of me if )'ou will
make promife, and fweare by the favth of a Gentleman, to do the
thinge that I fhall commaund, xvithout fraude, couin or other
delay." "Madame" (fayd the ouer wilful louer) '" I take God
to witneffe that of the thing which )'ou fhall commaunde I will
hot leaue one iote vndone, but it fhali bee executed to the vtter-
moPt of your requeft and will." She hearing him fweare with fo
good affe&ion, fayd vnto him fmiling: "Noxv then vpon your
oth which I beleue, and being affured of your Vertue and Noble
I80 THE LORD OF VIRLE,
nature, I wiii alfo pcrforme and keepe my promife." And faying
fo, fhee Embraced and kiffed him very louingly. The poore
Gentleman not knowing how dearely hee had bought that dis-
fauorab]e curtefie, and bitter fweeteneffe, helde hir a while betwene
his armes, doubling kiffe vppon kiffe, with futch Pleafure, as his
foule thought to fly vp to the heauens being infpired with that
impoyfoned Bauime which hee fucked in the fveete and fugred
breath of his cruel miitreffe: who vndoing hir feife out of his
armes, farde ,'nto him : "" Sith that I haue ruade the firfi difclo-
fure both of the promife and of the effe&, it behooueth that you
performe the reff, for the fuii accomplyflnnent of the lame."
"'Corne on hardily" (fayeth hee) "and God knoweth how fpedily
you fl,al be obeyed." "' I vil then" (quod fhee) "" and commaund
you vpon your promyfed faith that from this prefent rime, vntvl
the fpace of three yeres be expyred, you fpeake to no iyuing
perron for any thing that fhaii happen ,mto you, nor )'et expreffe
by ronge, by found of word or fpeache what thing you wante or
els defyre, whych requeffe if you do breake, I .iil neuer truffe
liuing man for voure fake, but wii publyfhe your faine to bee
villanous, and your perfon periured, and a promyfe breaker." I
leaue for you to think whether this vnhappy louer were amazed
or hot, to heare a Commaundment fo vniuff, and therewithall
the difficulty for the performance. Notwithffanding he was fo
ftoute of hearte, and fo religious an obferuer of his Othe as euen
at that very inffant he began to do the part which fhe had com-
n,aunded, playing at Mumchaunce, and vfing other fignes, for
doing of his duetye, accordynge to hir demaund. Thus after his
ryghte humble reuerence ruade vnto hir, he went home, x.here
faining that hee had loti his fpeach by meanes of a Catarre or
reume which diffiiled from his brayne, he determined to forfake
his Countrey vntiii his tyme of penance was rune out. XVherfore
fetting ffaye in hvs affayres, and prouydyng for his trayne, he
ruade him ready to depart. Notwithffanding, he vrot a Letter vnto
Zilia, before he toke hvs iovrney into Fraunce, that in olde tyme
hadde ben the Solace and refuge of the miferable, as we] for the
p]eafantnes and temperature of the ayre, the great weaith and
the aboundance of al thynges, as for the curte'e gentlenes and
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
I8I
familyarity of the people : wherein that region may compare with
any other nation vpon the earth. Now the Letter of Philiberto,
fell into the hands of lady Zilia, by meanes of hvs Page inflrucCted
for that purpofe : who aduertifed hir of the departure of his mav-
fier, and of the defpaire wherein hec was. VChereof fhee was
fomewhat fory, and offended : But yet puttinge on hir Auneiente
feuerytye, tooke the Letters, and breakinge the Seale, round that
whieh followeth.
Tnr very euill that caufeth mine anoy
The matter is that breedes to me my ioy,
XVhieh doth my wofull heart full fore difpleafe,
And yet my hap and hard yll lueke doth eafe.
I hope one day when I ara franke and free,
To make thee do the thing that pleafeth mee,
XVhereby gayne I fhall, fome pleafaunt gladneffe,
To fupply mine vndeferued fadneffe,
The like whereof no mortall Dame can giue
To louing man that heere on earth doth lvue.
This great good turne whieh I on thee pretende,
Of my Conceites the full defired ende,
Proceedes from thee (O cruell mvfireffe myne)
,Vhofe froward heart hath ruade mee to refigne
The full effeé-t of ail mv liberty,
(To pleafe and eafe thy fonde fickle fanfy)
My vfe of fpeache in filence to remavne :
To euery wight a double hellifhe payne.
,Vhofe fayth hadfl thou not wickedly abufde
No fireffe of payne for thee had bene refufde,
XVho was to thee a trufiv feruaunt fure,
_And for thy fake all daungers would endure.
For which thou hafi defaced thy good name,
_And thereunto procurde eternall fhame.
¶ That roaring tempefi huge which thou hafi made me felt,
The raging fiormes whereof, well neere my heart bath fwelt
By paineful pangs : whofe waltering waues by troubled Skies,
_And thoufand blafls of winde that in thofe Seas do ryfe
182
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
Do promife [hipwracke fure of that thy fayling Barke,
XVhen after weather cleare doth rire fome Tempeft darke.
For eyther I or thou which art of Tyger's kinde,
In that great raging gulfe fome daunger fure [halt finde,
Of that thy nature rude the deft'nies en'mies bec,
_And thy great ouerthrow full well they do forefee.
The heauens vnto my efate no doubt great friend[hip [hoe,
_And do feeke wayes to ende, and finifh all my woe.
This penaunce which I beare by yelding to thy hett
Great ftore of ioyes [hall heape, and bring my mynde to reft.
_And when I am at eafe amids my pleafaunt happes,
Then [hall I fee thee fall, and fnarld in Fortune's trappes.
Then [hall I fee thee ban and curffe the wieked time,
XVherin thou madeft me gulp fuch draught of poyfoned wine.
Of which thy mortall eup, I ara the offerd wight,
_A vowed faeritïce to that thy cruell fpight.
\Vhercfore my hoping heart doth hope to fee the day,
That thou for filence now to me [halt be the pray.
¶ O Bleffed God mofi iuf, whofe worthy laude and prayfe
\Vith vttered fpeach in Skies a loft I date not once to rayfe,
_And mav not well pronounee and fpeak what fuffrance I fufain,
Ne yet what death I do indure, whiles I in lyfe remayne,
Take vengeance on that traytreffe rude, afflitt hir corps with woe
Thv holv arme redreffe hir fault, that [he no more do foe :
/Iy reafon hath not fo farre ftraved but I may hope and truft
To fee hir for hir wiekednes, be whipt with plague moft iuft.
In the meane while great heauines mv fente and foule doth bite,
_And [haking feuer vex mv corps for griefe of hir defpite.
1My mvnde now fet at liberty from thee (O cruell Dame)
Doth giue defiaunce to thy wrath, and to thy curfed naine,
Proclayming mortal warre on thee vntill my tongue vntide,
Shall iov to fpeak to Zilia faft veping by my ride.
The heauens forbid that caufleffe wrong abroad [hold make his
vaunt»
Or that an vndeferued death forgetfull tombe [hould haunt:
But that in written booke and verre their names [hold euer liue
_And eke their wicked deedes [hold dy, and vertues ftil reuiue.
TttE LORD OF VIRLE.
So flaall the pride and glory both, of hir be punifht right,
Bv length of yearcs, and tra& of time. And I bv vertues might,
Full recompence therebv fhal haue and fiand fiill in good Fame,
And fhe like caitif wretch fhall liue, to hir long lafting fhame.
Vhofe fond regard of beautie's grace, contemned hath the force
Of my true loue full fixt in hir : hir heart roide of remorfe,
Efteemed it felfe right foolifhly and me abufed fiill,
Vfurping my good honefi favth and crcdite at hir will.
Vhofe loyall faith doth rcft in foule, and therein fiil flml bide,
Vntill in filthy fiincking graue the earth mv corps flJall hide.
Then thal that foule fraught with that faith, to heuens make his
repaire
And refi among the heuenly rout, bedecCt with facred aire.
And thou for thy grcat cruelty, as God aboue doth know,
Vith ruful voice flmlt wepe and vayle for thy grct ouerthrow,
And when thou woldçt favn purge thyfelf for that thy wretched dede
No kindnes flml to the be donc, extreme flml be tbv mede:
And where my tongue doth want his wil, thv mifchicfe to difplay,
My hand and penne fupplies the place, and fhall do fo alway.
For fo thou hafi confiravnd the faine by force of thv beheçt :
In filence ftill my tongue to keepe, t'accompliflae thv requefi.
Adieu, farewell mv tormentcr, thy frend that is full mute,
Doth bid thee farewell once agayne, and fo hee ends his lute.
He that liueth only to be reuenged of thy cruelty,
PHILIBERTO OF VIRLE.
Zilia lyke a difdavnefull Dame, ruade but a Iet at theefe Letters
aud Complayntes of the infortunate Louer» faying that the was
very well content with hls Seruice: and that when he fhould
perfourme the tvme of his probation, fl,ee thoulde fee if he were
worthy to bee admitted into the Felowfhip of thevm which had
ruade fufficient proofe of the Order, and Rule of Loue. In the
meane tvme Philiberto rode by great Iourneys (as we haue fayde
before) towardes the goodly, and pleafaunte countrey of Fraunce,
wherein Charles the Seuenth that tve did raygne, who miracu-
loufly (But gieue the Frencheman leaue to flatter, and fpeake well
of hvs OWlle Countrey, accordinge to the flatteringe and vaunt-
inge Nature of that Nation) chafed the Engliflaemen out of hvs
184
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
Landes, and Auncient Patrimonv in the veare of our Lord x43I.
This Kynge had hvs Campe then XVarrefaringe in Gafcoine, whofe
Lucke was fo Fortunate as hee expelled hvs Ennymies, and left no
Place for theym to Fortyfy there, whvch Incouraged the Kynge to
foliowe that good Occafion, and bv Profecutinge hvs Vioryous
Fortune, to Profligate out of Normandie, and to difpatch himfelfe
of that Ennemy, into whofe ttandes, and feruitude the Countrev
of Guvene was ryghtly delyuered, and Vioryoufly wonne, and
gotten by the Englifhmen. The kynge then beeinge in hys Campe
in Normandie, the Piedmount Gentleman the Lorde of Virle afore-
fayde, Repayred thereunto to Serue hym in hvs Perron, where hee
was well knowne of fome Captaynes whvch had feene hvm at other
tymes, and in place where worthy Gentlemen are wonte to Fre-
quente, and in the Duke of Sauoves Courte, whvch the Frenche-
men dvd verv mutch Hatmte, becaufe the Earle of Piedmont
that then was Duke of Sauov had Marrved Iolanta, the feconde
daughter of Charles the Seuenth. Theefe Gentlelnen of Fraunce
were very mutch fory for the Mvffortune of the Lord of Virle, and
knowinge hvm to be one of the Braueft, and Luttyeft Men of
Armes that was in his tvme xx'ithin the Country of Piedmont,
prefented him before the King, commending vnto hys grace the
vertue, gentleneffe» and valiaunce of the man of \Varre : who after
hee had done his reuerence accordinge to hvs duety, whych hee
knew fui wel to doe, declared vnto him by fignes that he was
corne for none other intent, but iii thofe XVarres to ferue hvs
Maieftve: xvhom the King heard and thanke[ully receyued affur-
yng himfelf and promifing very mutch of the dumbe Gentle-
man for refpec't of his perfonage which was comely and wel pro-
portioned, and therefore reprefented fome Force and greate
Dextcrity: and that whvch ruade the king the better to fantafie
the Gentleman, was the reporte of fo many worthy men which
exto|led euen to the heauens the proweffe of the Piedmont knight.
Whereof he gaue affured teftimonv in the affault which the king
ruade to deliuer Roane, the Chyefe Citve and defence of ail Nor-
mandie, in the year of our Lord I4.5I. where Philiberto behaued
himfclf fo valiantlv as he was the firff that mounted upon the
XVals, and bv his Dexterity and inuincyble forc% ruade way to the
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
185
fouidiers in the breche, whereby a iittle while after they entred
and facked the Enemies, dryuing them out of the Citye, and
wherein hot long before, that is to fay I43o. the duke of Somerfet
eaufed Ioane the Pucelle tobe burnt. The king aduertifed of the
Seruiie of the Dumbe Gentleman, to relompence him aceordin i
to his defert, and byeaufe hee knewe hvm to bee of a good houle,
he made him a Gentleman of his Chambre, and gaue hi,n a good
penfion, promyfing him moreouer to continue hvs iiberality, when
he fhould fee him profeeute in time to corne, the towardneffe of
feruiee whieh he had fo haply begon. The dumbe Gentleman
thanking the King very humbly, both for the prefent pryncely
reward, and for promife in time to tome, lifted vp his hand to
heauen as taking God to witneffe of the faith, whieh inttiolable
he promyfed to keepe vnto his Prynee : which he did fo earnefly,
as hardely he had promyfed, as well appeared in a Skirmifhe
betweene the Frrench, and their auniient Enimies the Englyfh-
Men, on whofe ride was the valiaunt and hardv Captayne the Lord
Taibot, who hath eternized his memorv in the viètories obtained
vpon that People, which fometimes ruade Europa and Afia to
tremble, and appalled the monftruous and \Varlike Countrev of
Affrica. In this eonfly&e the Piedmont Knighte eombated with
the Lorde Talbot, agaynfte whome he had fo happy fi, eeeffe, as
vpon the fhock and incountre he ouerthrewe both man and Hore,
,«hich eaufed the difcomfiture of the Englifle Men: who after
they had horfed agayne their Captain fled amaine, leauing the
field befpred with dead Bodves and bludfhed of their Companions.
This vi&ory reeouered futeh corage and boldnes to the Freneh, as
from that tyme forth the Englifhmen began with their places
and forts to lofe alfo theyr hartes to defend themfelues. The
king excedingly 'el contented wyth the pro'eflè and valiance
of the dumbe Gentleman, gaue him for feruice pari the Charge of
v. c. men of armes, and indued him with fome poffeffions, attending
better fortune to make him vnderftand howe mutch the verrue of
valiance ought to be rewarded and cheryfhed by Prynces that be
aided in their Neceffity with the Dylygence of futch a vertuous and
noble Gentleman. In lvke manner when a Prvnce hath fomething
good in himfelf he can do no leffe but loue and fauor that which
186
TItE LORD OF VIRLE.
refembleth himfelf bv Pryncely Conditions, fith the Vertue in
xx.hat foeuer place it taketh roote, eau hOt chofe but produce good
frui&e, the vfe whereof far furmounts them all which approche the
place, where thefe firR feedes of Nobility were throwen. Certaine
daves after the kinge defirous to reioyce his Knights and Captaines
that were in his trayue, and defirous to extinguifl quite the woe-
full time which fo long fpace hcld Fraunce in fearefull filence,
caufed a triumph of Turnev to bec proclaimed within the City of
Roane, whcrein the Lord of Virle was deemed and efteemed one
of the beft, whvch further did increafe in him the good wyl ofthe
kyng, in ftttch wyfe as he deterlnined to procure his health, and
to make him haue his fpeache againe. For he was vcrye forry
that a Gentleman fo valiant was hot able to expreffe his minde,
which if it might be had in counfd it would trve the llate of a
commonwealth, fo wel as the force and valor of his body had til
then ferued for defence and recoverv of his country. And for
that purpofe he ruade Proclamation bv fi»und of Trumpet through-
out the prouinces as wcl within his own kingdome» as the regions
adioyning vpon the faine» that who fo euer could heale tbat dumb
Gentleman, fhoulde haue ten thoufand Frankes for recompence. _&
]Man myght then haue feene thoufands of Phvfitians affemble in
fielde, hot to lkirmifh with the Englyfh men, but to combat for
reward in recouerv of the pacient's fpeache, who begon to make
futch XVarre againf thofe ten thoufand Frankes, as the kyng was
afrayde that the cure of that difeafe could take no effe& : and for
that caufe ordained furthermore, that whofoeuer would take in
hand to heale the dumbe, and did not keepe promyfe within a
certaine prefixed rime, fhould pay the fard futaine, or for default
thereof thould pledge his head in gage. A Man myght then haue
feene thofe Phificke Mayfiers, afwell bevonde the ]Mountaynes, as
in Fraunce it felfe, retire home againe, bleeding at the Nofe,
curfing with great impiety their Patrones, Galen, Hypocrates, and
Auicen, and blamcd with more than reprochful XVoordes, the Arte
wherewith they fifhed for honor and richeffe. This brute was
fpred fo far, and babblyng Fame had alreadv bv mouth of her
Trump publythed the fame throughout the mort part of the Pro-
uinces, Townes and Cities neare and farre off to Fraunce, in futch
TttE LORD OF VIRLE.
I8 7
wyfe as a Man woulde haue thought that the two young men
(whieh once in the tyme of the lXIaeedonian ,Varres brought Tyd-
ings to Varinius that the king of lXIacedon was taken by the Conful
Paulus Emilius) had ben vagarant and wandering abrode to earry
Newes of the king's edi&e for the healing of the Lord of Vide.
x, Vhieh eaufed that not only the brute of the Proclamation, but
alfo the Credyte and reputatyon wherein the fayd Lord was with
the Freneh king arriued euen at lXlonteal and paffed from mouth
to mouth, til at length Zilia the principal eaufe thereof vnder-
ftode the newes, whieh reioyeed hir very mutch, feing the firme
Amitie of the dumbe Lord, and the fyncere faith of hvm in a pro-
lnife vnworthv to be kept, for fo mutch as where Fraude and
feare doe rule in Heartes of Men, relygyon of promife, fpeeially the
Place of.the gyuen Fayth, furrendreth hys force and reuolteth, and
is no more bound but to that which by good wyll he woulde
obferue. I'owe thoughte fhee, thoughte ? nav rather fhee affured
hir felfe, that the Gentleman for ail hys wrytten Letter was ftil ri»
furpryfed wyth hir Loue, and kindled wyth ber tire in fo ample
wyfe, as when hec was at Montcall : and therefore determyned to
goe to Paris, not for defire flee had to fee hir pacient and pene-
tcnciarie, but rather for eouetife of the ten thoufand Francks,
wherof alreadv fhee thought hir felf affured, making good aecompt
that the dumbe Gentleman when hec fhould fee himfelf difcharged
of his promife, for gratifying of hir, would make no ftay to fpeak
to the intent fle myght beare away both the prayfe and 1Money,
whereof all others had failed tvll that tvme. Thus )'ou fee that
fle, whome honef Amitye and long ferviee eould lytle induee
to compaftion and defire to giue fome eafe vnto hir morte earnef
louer, yelded hir felfe to eouetous gaine and greadineffe for to
encreafe hir Ryeheffe. O eurfed hunger of Money, how long wilt
thou thus blinde the reafon and Sprytes of men ? Ah periilous
gulfe, how many haft thou ouerwhelmed within thy bottomleffe
Throte, whofe glory, had it not bene for thee, had furpaffed the
Clouds, and bene equall with the bryghtneffe of the Sunne, where
now they bec obfcured wvth the thickneffe of thy fogges and
Palpable darkneffe. Alas, the fruicCts whych thou bryngeft forth
for atl thine outewarde apparance, conduce no felycity to them
188
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
that bee thv poffeffors, for the dropfey that is hvdden in their
1M.vnde, whvch maketh them fo mutch the more drye, as they
drvnke ofte in that thirfy Fountaine, is caufe of their alteration :
and mofle miferable is that infaciable defire the Couetous haue to
glut their appetite, whvch can receiue no contentment. Thvs
oneh' Couetoufneffe fometimes procured the Death of the great and
rvch Romane Craffus who through Gor's puny(hment fell into
the Handes of the Perfians, for violating and facking the Temple
of God that was in Icrufalem. Sextimuleus burnyng with Avarice
and greedyneffe of money, dyd once cut of the head of hys Patron
and defender Caius Gracchus the Tribune of the People, incyted
bv the Tirant, which tormenteth the hearts of the couctous. I wil
hot fpeake of a good number of other Examples of people of ail
k.vndes, and divers nations, to corne again to Zilia. XVho forget-
ring hir virtue, the firfl ornament and flfining quality of hir honeft
behauiour, feared not the wearines and trauaile of way, to commit
ber felfe to that danger of loffe of honor, and to veld to the mercv
of oue, vnto whom fhe had don fo great iniury, as hir confcyence
(if fhee hadde hOt lof hir r.vghte fence) oughte to haue ruade hir
thinke that hee was hot without defire to reuenge the wrong
vniuftly don vnto him, and fl,ecially being in place where (he
was not known, and he greatly honoured and efeemed, for whofe
loue that Proclamation and fearch of Phvficke was ruade and
ordained. Zilia then hauing put in order hir affaires at home
departed from 1Montcall, and pa@'ng the Mounts, arrived at Paris,
in that rime when greatefl defpayre was of the dumbe Knight's
recouerv. Beynge arryued, wvthin fewe Daves after fhe inquyred
for them that had the charge to entertavne futch as came, for the
cure of the pacient. '" For (fayd fhe) if ther be any in the vorld,
bv whom the knigt mav recouer his health, I hope in God that I
am fhe that (bal haue the prayfe." Heereof the Commiffaries de-
puted hereunto, were aduertyfed, who caufed the favre Phvfitian
to corne before them, and afked ber if it were (he, that would take
vppon hir to cure this dumbe Gentleman. To whom fhee aun-
fweared. "' 1My mayfers it bath pleafed God to reueale vnto me a
certavne fecrete very proper and meete for the healyng of hvs
lalady, wherewithal if the pacyent wyll, I hope to make hvm
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
I8 9
fpeake fo well, as he dyd thefe two yeares part and more." " I fup-
pole, fayd one of the Commiffaries, that you be not ignoraunte of
the Circumftances of the Kynges Proclamation." "I knowe fui
wel" (quod fhe) "the Effe&e therefore, and therefore doe fay vnto
you, that I wyll loofe my life yf I doe hot accomplyfh that which
I doe promyfe fo that I may haue Lycence, to tarry wyth hym
alone, bycaufe it is of no leffe importaunce than hys Health." "It
is no maruell," fayde the Commiffary, "' confideryng your Bcauty,
which is fuftïcient to frame a Newe Tongue in the mofe dumbe
Perfon that is vnder the Heauens. And therefore doe your En-
deuor, affuring you that you fhall doe a great pleafure vnto the
King, and befides the prayfe you fhall gette the good wyll of the
dumbe Gentleman, which is the noft excellent man of the XVorld
and therefore fo well recompenfed as you fhall haue good caufe
to be contented wyth the kynges Lyberalitye. But (to the itente
you be not deceyued) the meanynge of the Edic-te is, that within
fiftene dayes after you begin the cure, you mufle make hym whole,
or elle to fatiffie the Paynes ordayned in the lame." XVhere-
unto fhe fubmitted hir felfe, blinded by Auarice and prefumption,
thinking that fhe had like power nowe ouer the Lord of Vide, as
whela fhe gaue him that fharpe and cruel penance. These Con-
ditions promyfed, the Commiffaries went to aduertife the Knight,
how a gentlewoman of Piedmont was of purpofe corne into Fraunce
to helpe him: whereof he was marueloufly aftonned. Now he
would neuer haue thoughte that Zilia had borne hym fo great
good wil, as by abafing the pryde of hir Corage, would haue corne
fo farre to eafe the griefe of him, whome by futch greate torments
fhe had fo wonderfully perfecuted. He thought againe that it
was the Gentlewoman his Neighboure, whych fometymes had done
hir endeuor to helpe him, and that nowe the had prouoked Zilia to
abfolue him of his faith, and requite him of hys promife, blufing
vpon the diuerfitie of thefe things, and not knowing wherevpon
to fettle hys iudgment, the deputies commaunded that the XVoman
Phyfitian fhould be admitted to fpeake with the patient. XVhich
was done and brought in place, the Commiffaries prefently with-
drew themfelues. The Lord of Virle feeinge hys Ennemve corne
before him, whom fometimes hee loued very dearely, iudged by
I9O
TItE LORD OF VIRLE.
and by the caufe xvherefore fhe came, that onely Auaryce and
greedy defire of gaine had rather procured hir to paffe the moun-
tayns trauaile, than due and honeft Amitye, xvherewith fhe was
double bound through his perfeuerance aud humble feruice, with
whofe fight hec was fo appalled, as he fared like a fhadowe and
Image of a deade man. \Vherefore callyng to mynd the rigour
of his lady, hir inciuilitv and fonde Commaundement, fo longe
rime to forbidde hys Speach, the Loue which once hec bare hir,
with vehement defirc to obey hir, fodainly was fo cooled and
qualyfyed, that loue was turned into hatred, and will to ferue hir,
into an appetite of reuenge : whereupon he determined to vfe that
prefente Fortune, and to playe his parte wyth hir, vpon whom hee
had fo foolvfllv doted, and to pay hir with that Money wherewyth
fle ruade him feele the FrukCts of vnfpeakable crueltye, to giue
example to fonde and prefumptuous dames, how they abufe
Gentlemen of futeh Degree whereo[ the Knyghte was, and that by
hauing regarde to the merite of futch perfonages, they be hot fo
prodigall of themfelues, as to let their honour in laie for vyle re-
ward and filthv mucke: xvhvch was fo conftantly conferued and
defended by this Gentlewoman, agaynft the affaultes of the good
grace, beauty, valour, and gentleneffe, of that vertuous and honefc
luter. And notwithftanding, in thefe daves wee fee fome to
refifte the amity of thofe that loue, for an opynyon of a certayne
vertuc, which they thinke to be hydden within the corps of excel-
lent beauty, who afterwards do let themfelues to laie to hym that
giueth moft, and offreth greateft reward. Sutch do hot deferue
to be placed in rank of chaft Gentlewomen, of whome they haue
no fmacke at al, but amongs the throng of ftrumpets kynde, that
haue fome fparke and outward fhew of loue : for flac which loueth
money and hunteth after gayne, xvvl make no bones, by treafon's
trap to betrav that vnhappy man, xvhich fhall yelde himfelfe to
hir : hir loue tending to vnfenfible things, and futch in dede, as
make the wifeft forte to falfifie their fayth, and fel the ryghte and
Equity of their Iudgment. The Lorde of Vide, feeing Zilia then
in his company, and almoft at his commatandement, fayned as
though hec knev hir hot, by reafort of his fmall regard and leffe
intertaynment flewed vnto hir at hir firfi comming, x, Vhich
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
IgI
greatly made the poore Gentlewoman to mufe. Neuertheleffe
flae making a vertue of neceffity, and feeing hir felfe to bee in
that place, from vhence flaee could not depart, without the lotie
of hir honor and Lyfe, purpofed to proue Fortune, and to com-
mitte hir felfe vnto his mercy, for all the mobilvtie whych the
auncients attribute vnto Fortune. lVherefore flautting far the
doore, fhee went vnto the Knight, to whom the fpake thefe
words : "" And what is the matter (tir knight) that now you make
fo little aeeompte of your owne Zilia, who in times par you fayd,
had great power and Authorytye ouer you ? what is the caufe that
moueth you hereunto ? haue you fo foone forgotten hir ? Beholde
me better, and vou flaal fee hir before you that is able to aequyte
you of youre promyfe, and therefore prayeth you to pardon hir
committed fauhes done in tymes par by abufing fo eruellv the
honeft and firme loue whieh you bare hir. I am file, which
through follye and temeritie did ftoppe your mouth, and tyed vp
your Tongue. Giue me leaue, I befeeehe you, to open the fa,ne
agayne, and to breake the Lyne, whych letteth the liberty of your
Speaehe." She feeying that the dumbe Gentleman would make no
aunfwere at ail, but mumme, and flaewed by fignes, that he was
hOt able to vndoe his Tongue, weepyng began to kvffe hym, im-
braee hym and make muteh of hym, in futeh wyfe, as he whyeh
once ftudyed to make Eloquent Orations before hvs Ladye, to
induee hir to pity, forçat theu thofe Ceremonyes, and fpared his
talke, to flewe hvmfelfe to be futch one as fhee had ruade at hir
Commaundement, mufed and deuvfed altogether vpon the execu-
tyon of that, whieh fometyme hee hadde fo paynefully purfued,
both by a, Voords and eontynuall Seruyee, and eoulde profite no-
thing. Thus waked agayne by hir, whych once had Blortyfyed
hys Mynde, affayed to renue in hir that, whyeh long tyme before
feemed to be a fleepe. She more for feare of loffe of Lyfe, and
the pryee of the rewarde, than for any true or earneft loue fuffred
hym to reeeyue that of hir, whyeh the long Suter defireth to obtaine
of his miftreffe. They liued in this ioy and Pleafure the fpaee of
fiftene Dayes ordained for the affigned Terme of his Cure, wherein
the poore Gentlewoman was hOt able to conuert hir offended
Fryende to fpeake, although flae humbly prayed him to fhewe fo
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
mutch favour as at leaft fhe might goe free, from either loffe:
telling hvm howe lyttle regard fhee hadde, to hir honour, to corne
fo farre to doe him pleafure, and to difcharge him of his promife.
Mutch other gay and loxs'lye talke fhee hadde. But the knyghte
nothing moued with xvhat fhe favde determined to brynge hir in
futch feare, as he had bene vexed with heauineffe, which came
to paffe at the ekpyred tvme. For the Commiffaries feeing that
their pacyent fpake hot at ail, fummoned the Gentlewoman to pay
the Penaltve pronounced in the Ei&, or elle to Ioofe hvr lyfe.
Alas, howe bvtter feemed thys drynke to thys poore gentlexvoman
who hot able to diffemble the gryef that prelt on euery -de, be-
ganne to raye : "_Ah, I Vretehed and Ca.vtyfe Woman, by think-
ing to deeeiue an other, haue fharpened the Sworde to finifh mvne
owne lyfe. \Vas it hOt enough for me to vfe futeh erueltye to-
wardes this mvne Enemye, whieh molt eruelly in double wyfe
taketh Reuenge, bt, t I multcome to bee thus tangled in his Snares,
and in the Haudes of him, who inioying the Spoyles of myne
Honour, will with mv Lyre, depryue me of my Faine, by making
mee a Common Fable, to all Pofterity in tvme to eome? O what
hap had 1, that I was hOt rather deuoured bv fome Furious and
crueli beatt, when I paffed the mountaines, or elle that I brake
hot my Neeke, downe fome tteepe and headlong hil, of thofe high
and hideous mountains, rather than to bee let heare in flage, a
Pageant to the whole Citve to gaze vppon, for enterpryfing a thing
tb vayne, done of purpofe bv him, whome I haue offended. Ah,
Signior Philiberto, what Euill rewardeft thou for pleafures re-
eeiued, and fauors felt in hir whom thou didfl loue fo much, as
to make hir dye futeh thameful, and dreadfull death. But O
GoD, I know that it is for worthy guerdon of my folyfh and
wvcked Lyre. Ah difloyaltye and fiekle trutt, is it poffible that
thou be harbored in the hearte of hvm whieh hadde-the Brute to
bee the mofl Loyall and Curteous Gentleman of hvs Countrey ?
Alas, I fee well nowe that I muft die through myne onelye fim-
plieity, and that I touffe faerifiee mine Honoure to the rygour of
hym, which with two aduauntages, taketh ouer eruell reuenge of
the lyttle wrong, wherewith mv ehat'tity touehed him before."
As fhe thus had finifhed hir complainte, one came in to carrve
THE LORD OF VIRLE.
193
hir to Pryfon, whether willinglye fhee vente for that fhe was
already refolued in defire, to lyue no longer in that tuilerie. The
Gentleman eontented wyth that payne, and not able for to dis-
femble the gryefe, whieh hee eoneeyued for the paffion whyeh
hee fawe hys Welbeloued to endure, the enioyinge of vhome
renued the heate of the flames forepaf, repayred to the Kyng,
vnto whome to the great p]eafure of the Standers by, and exeeding
reioyee of hys Maiefye (to heare hym fpeake) he told the whole
difeourfe of the Loue betweene hym and eruell Zilia, the eaufe of
the loffe of his fpeaeh, and the fomme of hys reuenge." By the
fayth of a Gentleman (fayed the king) but here is fo fraunge an
hyforye as euer I heard : and verely your fayth and loyaltye is no
leffe to be praifed and eommended than the eruelty and eouetous-
nes of the Voman worthy of reproeh and blame, whieh truly
deferueth fome greeuous and notable iufiee, if fo be fhe were
not able to render fome apparant caufe for the eouerture and
hiding of hir folly." "Alas tir," (fayd the Gentleman) " pleafeth
your maieffy to deliuer hir (although fhe be worthy of punifh-
ment) and difeharge the ref that be in prifon for not reeouery of
my fpeaeh, fith my onely help did ref, evther at hir Commaunde-
mente whyeh had bounde me to that wrong, or elle in the expired
time, for whyeh I had pleadged my fayth." To whieh requef,
the Kinge very willingly agreed, greatly prayfing the Wifedome,
Curtefie, and aboue all the fidelity of the Lord of Virle, who
eaufing his peniteneiary to be let at liberty, kept hir eompany
eertayne dayes, as well to Feafe, and banket hir, in thofe Landes
and Poffeflions whieh the kinges maiefy had liberally befowed
vpon him, as to faeiate his Appetite with fome frui&es whereof he
had fauoured his rafle when he was voluntaryly Dumbe. Zilia
founde that fauour fo pleafaunt, as in maner fhee eounted hir
imprifonment happy, and hir trauell ref, by reafon that difreffe
ruade hir then feele more liuely the force and pleafure of Liberty,
whieh fhee had not founde to bee fo delieate, had fhe not reeey-
ued the experienee and payne thereof. Marke heere how Fortune
dealeth with them whieh trufinge in their force, defpife (in re-
fpeeCt of that whieh they doe themfelues) the little portion that
they iudge to bee in others. If the Vayneglory, and arrogante
VOL. III. N
194
THE LORD OF ¥IRLE.
Prefimption of a Chaflity Impregnable had not deeeiued this
Gentlewoman, if the faered ht, nger of gold had not blinded hir, it
could hot haue bene knowne, wherei, hir ineontineney eonfifted,
not in the Mvnion delights, and alluring Toyes of a paffionate
Louer, but in the eouetous defire of filling hir Purfe, and Hypoeriti-
cail glory of praife among men. And notwithftanding yee fee
hir gaine to ferue hir turne nothing at ali but to the perpetuaii
reproch of hir naine, and the flaunder fi, tch as ill fpeakers and
enimies of womankinde, do burden the Sexe withali. But the
fault of one \Voman, 'hich by hir owne prefumption deceyued
hir folle, ought hot to obfcure the glory of fo many vertuous,
Fayre, aud Itonefl dames, who bv their Chaflity, Liberality, and
Curtefy, Le able to deface the blot of Folly, Couetoufnes and
cruelty of this Gentlewoman heere, and of all other that do refem-
ble hir. XVho taking leaue of hir Louer, went home agayne to
Piedmount, hot without an ordinarx" griefe of heart, which ferued
hir for a fpur to hir Confcience, and continually forced hir to
thinke, that the force of man is leffe than nothing, where God
worketh hot bv his grace, which fayling in vs, oure worckes can
fauor but of the fench and corruption of out nature, wherein it
tumbleth and toflèth lx'ke the Sow that walloweth in the puddle
of filth and dirt. -And becaufe yee flmli hot thlncke in genera|l
termes of XVoman's chaflity, and difcretion, that I ara hot able to
vouche fome particular example of later years, I meane to tell vou
of one, that is hot onelv to bee prayfed for hir Chaflitv in the
abfence of hir hufband, b,t alfo of hir Courage and Pollicy in
chaftifinge the vaunting natures of two Hungarian Lords
that ruade their braggs they wouid win hir to their
XVilles, and hot only hir, but all other, whatfo-
euer they were of XVoman-
kynde.
A LADY OF BOEME.
195
THE TWENTY-EIGHTH NOUELL.
Two Barons of Hvngarie aïuring themfehtes fo obta!lne their .titre
to a faffre Lady of Boerne, receyued of hir a jTraung and mar-
aelous repulfe, fo their great[harne and boEamy, cur.]ïnge the tffme
that euer they aduentured an Enterprife fo fooli.fi.
PE.xrr.ow_, the woful Vife of abfent Vliffes, in hir tedious Iongiug
for the home retourne of that hir aduenturous knight, affayled
wvth Carefull heart amid the troupe of amorous Suters, and within
the Bowels of hir royall Pallace, deferued no greater faine for hir
valiaunt encountries and ftoute defence of the inuincible, aud
Adamant fort of hir chaftity than this Boeme Lady doth by refift-
ing two mighty Barrons, that canoned the \Valles, and well mured
rampart of hir pudicity. For being threatned in his Princes
Court, whether al the well travned crew of eche fcience and pro-
feffion dvd make repayre, beyng meuaced bv Venus' band, which
not onely fummoned hir fort and gaue hir a camifado bv thick
1l' lrmes, but alfo forced the place bv tierce affault, fle Ivke a
couragious and politike captayne, gaue thofe braue and luftv
Souldiers, a fowle repulfe, and in end taking them captiues, vrged
them for their vi&uals to fall to woman's toyle, more flmmefull
than fhameleffe Sardanapalus amid hvs amorous troupe. I neede
not amplifie by length of preamble, the fame of this Boeme Lady,
nor yet briefly recompt the Triumph of hir Vi&orv : vayne it xvere
alfo by glorious hymnes to chaunte the wifedome of hir beleuing
maake, who not careleffe of hir Lyfe, employed hys care to ferue
hvs Prynce, and by feruice atchieued the caufe that draue him to
a fouldier's ftate. But vet for truftleffe faith in the pryme cou-
ference of his future porte, hee confulted wvth a Pollaco, for a
compounded drugge, to eafe his fufpec-t mind, whvch medicine fo
eafed his maladie, as it not onely preferued hym from the infe&ed
humour, but alfo made hir happy for euer. Sutch rail the euents
of valiaunt mindes, though many tymes mother iealofie that can-
cred Wytch fteppeth in hir foote to anoy the well difpofed heart.
For had he iovned to his valvaunce credite of his louynge wlfe,
I96
A LADY OF BOEI%IE.
without the blynde aduyfe of futch as profeffe that blacke and
lying fcyence, double glorye hee had gayned : once for endeuor-
yng by feruice to feeke honour: the feconde, fi»r abfolute truffe
in hir, that neuer ment to beguyle him, as by hir firfie aunfxvere
to his firfi motion appeareth. But what is to be obiec'ted againf
the Barons? Let them anfwere for their fauh, in this difcourfe
enfuing: xvhych fo leffoneth all Noble Myndes, as warely they
ought to bexvare how they aduenture upon the honour of Ladies,
who bee not altogither of one felfe and yelding trampe, but wel
forged and feeled in the flaamefafi fhoppe of Loyaltie, which
armure defendeth them againfi the fond fkirmifhes and vnconli-
dred confli&s of Venus' wanton band. The maiefies alfo of the
king and Queene, are to be aduaunced aboue the fiarres for their
xvife diffuafion of thofe Iqoblemen from their hot and hedleffe
enterpryfe, and then their Iufice for due execution of their forfait,
the particularity of whych difcourfe in this wyfe doth begynne.
Mathie Coruine, fometime king of Hungarie, aboute the yeare of
oure Lorde x458, was a valiaunt man of \Varre, and of goodly
perfonage. Hee was the firfi that was Famous, or feared of the
Turks, of any Prynce that gouerned that kingdome. And amongs
other his vertues, fo well in Armes and Letters, as in Lyberallyty
and Curtefie he excelled al the Prynces that raygned in his time.
He had to %Vyfe Queene Beatrice of Arragon, the Daughter ofolde
erdinando kyng of Naples, and fifier to the mother of Alphonfus,
Duke of Ferrara, who in learnyng, good conditions, and all other
vertues generally difperfed in hir, was a furpaffing princeffe, and
fhexved hirfelf not onely a curteous and Liberall Gentlevoman to
king Mathie hir hufband, but to all other, that for vertue feemed
worthy of honour and reward: in futch xvife as to the Court
of thefe two noble Princes, repayred the mofi notable Men of al
Nations that vere giuen to any kind of good exercife, and euery
of them according to theyr defert and degree welcomed and
entertained, h chaunced in this rime, that a knight of Boeme
the vafall of Kinge blathie, for that he was likewyfe kyng of that
countrey, born of a noble houfe, very valiant and xvel exercifed in
armes, fell in loue with a paflïng faire Gentlexvoman of like nobility,
and reputed to be the fairef of al the country, and had a hrother
A LADY OF BOEIIE.
I97
that was but a pore Gentleman, hOt luckv to the goods of fortune.
This Boemian knight was alfo hOt very rich, hauing onely a
Cattle, wyth certain reuenues thervnto, which was fcarce able to
yeld vnto him any great maintenance of liuing. Fallyng in loue
then with this faire Gentlewoman, he demaunded hir in mariage
of hir brother, and with hir had but a very little dowrie. And
this knight not wel forfeeing his poore errate, brought his wyfe
home to his houfe, and there, at more leifure confidering the fame,
began to fele his lacke and penury, and how hardly and fcant his
reuenues were able to maintein his port. He was a very honett
and gentle perfon, and one that delighted not by any meanes to
burden and fine his tenants, contenting himfelf with that reuenue
whieh his aneefters left him, the lame amounting to no great
yerely rent. XVhen this gentleman pereeiued that he ftode in
neede of extraordinary relyefe, after many and diuers eonfvdera-
tions with himfelf, he purpofed to folow the Court, and to ferue
king Mathie lais fouerain lord and maffer, there by his diligence and
experienee, to feke meanes fi,r ability to ftaftaine his wife and him-
felf. But fo great and feruent was the loue that he bare vnto his
Lady, as he thought it impoffible for him to liue one houre without
hlr, and yet iudged it hOt beff to haue hir with him to the court,
for auoidinge of further Charges incydente to Courtyng Ladyes,
whofe Delight and Pleafure reffeth in the toves and trycks of the
faine, that eannot be wel auoyded in poore Gentlemen, without
theyr Names in the Mereer's or Draper's Iornals, a heauv thyng
for them to eonfyder if for their difport they lyke to walke the
ffretes. The daily thynkyng thereupon, brought the poore Gentle-
man to great forrow and heauineffe. The Lady that was young,
wife and difcrete, marking the maner of hir hu/band, feared that
he had fome mifliking of hir. XVherefore vpon a day fhe thus
fayd vnto hym: "Dere hu/band, willingly would I defire a good
turne at vour hand, if I wift I fhould hot difpleafe you." " De-
maund what vou will," (faid the knighte) « if I ean, I fhall gladly
performe it, bieaufe I do effeeme your fatiffacCtion, as I do mine
owne lyfe." Then the Lady very fobrely praied him, that he would
open vnto hir the eaufe of that difcontentment, which hee fhewed
outwardly to haue, for that hls mynd and behauiour feemed to bee
A LADY OF BOEI[E.
contrary to ordinarv Cuftome, and contriued Daye and lqyghte in
fighes, auoydinge the Company of them that were wont fpecially
to delyght him. The Knight hearing his Ladres requeft, paufed a
whyle, and then favd vnto hir: "lXly wel beloued X, Vyfe, for fo
muteh as you defvre to vnderftand mv thoughte and mynde, and
whereof it eommeth that I ara fad and penfife, I wv|| te|l vou :
all the Heauineffe wherewith vou fee me to be affe&ed, doth
tend to this end. Fayne would I deuyfe that you and I mav in
honour lvue together, aecordyng to our ealling. For in refpe of
our Parentage, our Liuelode is very flender, the oeeafion whereof
were our Parents, who morgaged thevr Lands, and eonfumed a
great part of their goods that our Auneeftors lefte them. I dayly
thynking hereupon, and eonceiuyng in my head dyuers Imagina-
tions, ean deuife no meanes but one, that in mv fanfie feemeth
befl, which is, that I go to the Court of our foueraine lord lXlathie
who at this prefent is inferring X, Varres vpon the Turk, at whofe
hands I do not mittruflc to receyue good intertainment, beynge a
mofi Lvberal Prynee, and one that etteemeth al futeh as be valiant
and aiue. And I for mv parte wyll fo gouerne my felfe (by
God's graee) that by dferte I wyll procure futeh lyuing and
fauour as hereafter we may |yue in oure Olde Dayes a quyet Lyre
to oure great ltay and eomforte : For ahhoughe Fortune hitherto
hath hot fauored that ltate of Parentage, whereof we be, I doubt
n,,t wvth Noble Courage to x, in that in defpyte of Fortune's Teeth,
which obttinately hitherto file hath denved. And the more affured
ara [ of thvs determination, byeaufe at other tymes, I haue ferued
,'nder the Vaiuoda in Tranfiluania, aga.vntt the Turke, where
manv tvmes I haue bene requyred to ferue alfo in the Courte, by
that honourable Gentleman, the Counte of Cilia. But when I dyd
confider the beloued Company of you (deare X, Vyfe) the fwetett
Companyon that euer X, Vyght poffeffed, I thought it vnpoffible
for me to forbeare your prefenee, whveh yf I fhould doe, I were
worthv to fufiavne that diflaonour, which a great number o[ eare-
leffe Gentlemen doe, who following their pryuate gayne and X, Vyll,
abandon thevr young and fayre X, Vyues, negle&inge the lyre whieh
Nature hath infiilled to the delveate bodies of futch tender Crea-
tures. Fearing therewythall, that fo foone as I fhoulde depart
A LADY OF BOEME.
I99
the lufty yong Barons and Gentlemen of the Countrev would pur-
rue the gaine of that loue, the pr.vce whereof I do efteeme aboue
the crowne of the greateft Emperour in ail the \Vorld, and woulde
not forgoe for all the Riches and Precious Iewels in the fertvle
Sovle of Arable, xvho no doubte vould swarme togyther in greater
heapes then euer dyd the wowers of Penelope, xvithin the famous
graunge of Ithaca, the houfe of \Vandering Vliffes. \Vhvch pur-
fite if thev dvd attayne, I thoulde for euer hereafter be afhamed
to fhewe mv face before thofe that be of valour and regard. And
this is the whole effe& of the fcruple (fweete wyfe) that hvndreth
me, to feeke for our better errate and fortune." When he had
fpoken thefe words, he held his peace. The Gentlcwoman which
was wvfe and ltout, perceyuing the great loue that her hutband
bare hir, when hee had ftayed himfelfe from talke, with r."°°d and
merry Countenance anfwered hym in thvs xvvfe: "Sir Vlrico,"
(which was the naine of the Gentleman) " I in lvke manner as vou
haue done, haue deuvfed and thoughte vpon the Nobilitve and
Byrth of our Aunceftors, from whofe ftate and port (and that
xvythout oure fault and cryme) we be far wvde and deuvded. Not-
xvythftanding I determined to fet a good face vpon the matter,
and to make fo mutch of our paynted fheath as I could. In deede
I confeffe mv felfe to be a \Voman, and vou lXlen doe fa)' that
\Vomens heartes be favnt and feeble : but to bee playne wvth 3.ou,
the contrarv is in me, mv hearte is fo /'toute and ambitious as
peraduenture not meete and confonant to power and ability,
although we \Vomen will finde no lacke ifour Hartes haue pith and
ftrength inough to beare it out. And faine woulde I fupport the
ftate wherein mv mother maintavned me. Howe be it for mine
owne part (to God I yeld the thanks) I can fo moderate and ftay
my little great heart, that contented and fatiffied I can be, with
that which your abilitve can beare, and pleafure commaund. But
to come to the point, I fay that debating with mv felfe of our
ftate as vou full wifely do, I do verilv think that you being a yong
Gentleman, luffy and 'aliaunt, no better remedv or deuvfe can be
found than for vou to afpyre and feeke the Kyng's fauor and fer-
uice. And it nuft needes rvfe and redounde to your gaine and
preferment, for that I heare vou fay the King's Maieftve doth
200
A LADY OF BOEIIE.
already knowe you. Wherefore I do fuppofe that hys graee (a
tkilfull Gentleman to way and ef[eeme the vertue and valor of ech
man) eannot chofe but reward and recompence the well doer to
his fingular eontentation and eomfort. Of this myne Opinion I
durfi not before thys time vtter Vord or figne for feare of your
difpleafure. But nowe fith your felfe bath opened the way and
meanes, I haue prefumed to difcouer the lame, do what fhal feeme
beft vnto your good pleafure. And I for my parte, although that
I ara a woman (accordingly as I faicd euen now) that by Nature
ara defirous of honor, and to fhew my felfe abrode more rich and
fumptuous than other, yet in refpe& of our fortune, I fhal be con-
tented fo long as I lvue to continue with you in this our Cafiell,
where bv the grace of God I will hOt favle to ferue, loue and obey
you, and to keepe your Houfe in that moderate forte, as the reue-
nues thall be able to maintayne the faine. And no doubt but that
poore liuing we haue orderly vfed, fhal be fufficient to finde vs
two, and fiue or fixe feruaunts with a couple of horffe, and fo to
lvue a quyet and merry Lyfe. If God doe fend vs any Children, tyl
they come to lawfull age, we will with our poore liuing bryng
them vp fo well as wee can and then to prefer them to fome Noble
mens feruices, with whome by God's grace they may acquire
honoure and lyuing, to keepe them in their aged dayes. And I
doe trttft that wee two thall vfe futch mutuall loue and reioyce,
that fo long as our Lyfe doth laft in wealth and woe, our contented
mindes flmll refi fatiffied. But I waying the fioutneffe of your
minde, doe knmv that you efieeme more an Ounce of honor, than
ail the Golde that is in the world. For as your birth is Noble, fo
is your heart and ftomacke. And therefore many tvmes feeing
your great heauineffe, and manyfolde mufes and ftudies, I haue
wondred with my felfe whereof they fhould proceede, and amongs
other my conceipts, I thought that either my behauior and order
of dealyng, or my perfonage dld hot lyke you : or elfe that your
wonted gentle minde and difpofition had ben altered and trans-
formed into fotne other Nature: many times alfo I was contente
to thynke that the caufe of your difquiet mynde, dyd ryfe vppon
the difufe of Armes, wherein you were wonte dailye to accuftome
youre felfe amonges the Troupes of the honourable, a company in
A LADY OF BOEME.
dede mof worthv of your prefence. Reuoluing many times thefe
and futch lyke cogitations, I haue fought meanes by futch alure-
mentes as I could deuyfe, to eafe and mitigate your troubled
minde, and to wythdrav the great vnquiet and care wherewith I
fauve you to be affec"ted. Bvcaufe I do efteeme you aboue ail the
%Vorlde deemyng your onely gryefe to be my double Payne, your
aking Fynger, a feruent Feuer fit» and the leafi Woe you can fus-
tayne mol'ce bytter Death to me, that loueth you more dearelye
than my felfe. And for that I doe perceyue you are determvned
to ferue our Noble King, the forrowe which without doubte wyil
affayle mee by reafon of your abfence» I wyil f, veeten and lenifie
wyth Contentatyon, to fee your Commendable defyre appeafed and
quiet. And the pleafaunt Memory of your valyaunt fac"ts beguyle
my penfife thoughts» hopyng our nexte meetyng fhall bee more
ioyfull than thys our dyfiun&yon and departure heauv. And where
vou doubt of the Confluence and repayre of the dyfhonefte whych
fhall attempt the vynnyng and fubduing of myne heart and vn-
fpotted bodye, hvtherto inuyolably kepte from the touch of anv
perfon, caft from you that feare, expel from your minde that fonde
conceipt: for death fhall fooner clofe thefe mortall Eyes, than mv
Chafiitye fhall bee defyled. For pledge whereof I haue none other
thyng to gyue but my true and fymple fayth, xvhych if you dare
truft it fhal hereafter appeare fo firme and inuiolable as no fparke
of fufpition fhal enter your careful minde, which I may wel terme
to be carefull, bicaufe fome care before hand doth rire of my
behauior in your abfence. The tryali wherefore fhall yelde fure
euidence and teftimony, by paffing mv careful life which I may
with better caufe fo terme in your abfence, that God knoweth
wil be right penfife and carefull vnto mee, who ioyeth in nothinge
elfe but in your welfare. Neuertheleffe ail meanes and xvayes
fhall bee agreeable vnto my minde for your affurance, and fhall
breede in me a wonderful contentation, which lufteth after
nothing but your fatiffa&ion. And if you lift to clore me vp in
one of the Calell towers til your return, right glad I ara there to
continue an Ankreffe life : fo that the fame may eafe vour defired
mind." The knight with great delyght gaue ear to the aunfwere
of his %Vife, and when fhe had ended hir talke, he began to reply
202
A LADY OF BOEME.
vnto hir: "'Mv welbeloued, I doe lvke wel and greatly com-
mended the ftoutneffe of your heart, it pleafeth me greatly to fee
the faine agreeable vnto mine. You haue lightned the faine
from ineftimable woe by vnderftanding your conceiued purpofe
and determination to gard and preferue your honor, praying you
therein to perfeuere, ftill remembring that when a \Voman hath
lof hir honor, flee bath forgone the ehiefef Iewel fl3e hath in
this Life, and deferueth no longer to be called woman. And
touching my talke propofed vnto vou although it be of great
importaunce, yet I meane hOt to depart fo foone. But if it do
corne to effetCt I affure thee x.Vife, I will leaue thee Lady and
mifireffe of all that I haue. In the meane time I will eonfider
better of mv bufineffe, and eonfult with mv frvendes and kins-
men, and then determiue what is ber to be done. Til when let
vs h'ue and fpend our tvme fo merely as we can." To bee florte
there was nothilg that fo mutch molefled the knight, as the doubt
he had of his wife, for that fhe was a verv fine and faire yong
Gentlewoman: And therefore he fiil deuifed and imagined what
affurance he myght finde of hir behauior in his abfence. And
refting in this imagination, not long after it cam to paffe that the
knight being in company of diuers Gentleman, and talking of
fundrv matters, a ta]e was roide what chauneed to a geltleman of
the Countrey x hvch had obtained the fauoure and good wyll of a
X.Voman, by meanes of an olde man called Pollacco, whieh had the
name to be a famous enchaunter and Phyfitian, dxvelling at Cutiano
a Citie of Boeme, where plenty of filuer mines and other metals is.
The knight whofe Caftle was not far from Cutiano, had oceafion to
repaire vnto that Citye, and aceording to his defire found out this
Pollacco, which was a very old man, and talking with him of
diuers things, perceiued him to be of great fkil. In end he
treated him, that for fo mutch as he had don pleafure to many
for apprehenfion of their loue, he xvold alfo infirucCt him, how he
might be affured that hvs wife did keepe hir felf honeft ail the
time of his abfence, and that by certaine fignes hee might bave
fure knowledge whether flae brake hir faith, by fending his honefy
iuto Cornwall. Sutch vaine truft this knight repofed in the lying
Science of Sorcery, whvch al'though to many other is round deceit-
A LADY OF BOEME.
2o3
fui, yet to him fcrued for fure euidence of his wiue's fidelitv. This
Pollaceo which was a very cunning enchaunter as you haue heard
fayd vnto him: " Sir you demaund a very fraunge matter, futch
as wherwyth neuer hitherto I haue bene acquainted, ne vet
fearched the depthe of thofe hvdden fecrets, a thyng hOt com-
monly fued for, ne yet practized by me. For who is able to
make affurance of a woman's chaffity, or tel by fignes exeept he
were at the deede doing, that fhe had don amiffe ? Or who tan
gaine by pro&ors wryt, to fi,mmon or rue at fpiritual Courte,
peremptorily to affirme by neuer fo good euvdence or teffimony,
that a woman hath hazarded hir honefly, exeept he fweare Rem
to be in Re, which the greatelt Ciuilian that ever Padua bred
neuer fawe by proceffe duelv tried ? Shall I then xvarrante vou
the honefy of fuch flippery Catell, prone and ready to luf, eafy
to be vanquifled by the fifites of earnefi purflers? But blame-
worthy furely I am, thus generally to fpeake: for fome I know,
although not many, for whofe poore honetties I dare aduenture
mine owne. _And )'et that number how finall fo euer it be, is
worthy all due Reuerence and Honoure. Notwythttandyng (by-
caufe you feeme to bee an Honctte Gentleman) of that Knowledge
which I haue, I will not bee greatelye fqueimyfhe, a certavne
fecrete experiment in deede I haue, wherewith perchaunce I may
fatiffy your demaund. And this is it: I can bv mine Arte in
final time, by certaine compofitions, frame a Woman's I,nage, vhich
you continuallv in a lyttle Boxe nay carry about you, and fo
ofte as you lift behold the faine. If the wife doe not breake hir
maryage faith, you fhall tlill fee the lame fo favre and wel colonred
as it was at the firft making, and feeme as though it newlv came
from the painter's thop, but if perchaunce fhe meane to abufe hir
honef[y the lame wil waxe pale, and in deede committing
that filthy Fa&, fodainly the colour will bee blacke, as arayed
with Cole or other filth, and the fmel thereof wvl not be very
pleafaunt, but at al rimes when fhe is attempted or purfued,
the colour will be fo vealow as Gold." This maruellous fecrete
deuyfe greatly pleafed the Knyght verely beleuing the lame to be
true, fpecially mutch moued and affured bv the faine bruted
abrode of his fcience, vhereof the Cytyzens of Cutiauo, tolde ver)"
o4
A LADY OF BOEME.
ftraunge and incredyble things. %Vhen the pryce vas paied for
this precious Iewel, hec receiued thc Image, and ioyfully returned
home to his Cailell, where tarryinge certain dayes, he determined
to repayre to the Court of the glorious king Mathie, making his
wife priuy of hys intent. Afterwards when he had difpofed his
houfeho]d matters in order, he eommitted the gouernment therof
to his Wife, and hauinge prepared all Neeeffaries for his voyage,
to the great forroxv and grief of his beloued, he departed and
arrvued at Alba Rega|e, xvhere that time the king ]ay with Beat-
trix his %Vife, of xvhom hec was ioyfu|]y reeeiued and entertavned.
He had hOt long continued in the Court, but he had obtained and
xvon the fauor and good wy]l of all men. The king whieh knew
him fui] well very honorab]y p]aeed him in his Courte, and by him
accomplifhed diuers and manv waighty affairs, xvhich very wifely
and truilely he brought to paffe according to the king's mind and
pleafure. Aftervards he was ruade Colonell of a certain number
of footmen lent by the king agaiaçt the Turks to defende a holde
which the enimies of God began to affaile vnder the conducCt of
Muilapha Bafca, which condu6t he fo wel direCted and therin
ftoutly behaued himfelf, as he chafed al the infidels oute of thofe
coails, winning therby the naine of a moil valiaunt foldier and pru-
dent Captaine, whereby he merueyloufly gayned the fauor and grace
of the king, who (ouer and befides his dayly intertaynment) gaue
vnto hiln a Caille, and the Reuenue in fee farme for euer. Sutch
rewards deferue ail valiaunt men, which for the honour of theyr
Prince and countrey do willingly imploy their feruice, worthy no
doubt of great regard and chearifhinge, vpon their home returne,
becaufe thcy hate idlenes to win Glory, deuifinge rather to fpende
wholc daves in fielde, than boutes in Courte, which this worthy
knight deferued, who not able to fuftayne his poore Eilate, by
politick wifdome and proweffe of armes endeuored to ferue his
Lord and countrey, wherein furely hec made a very good choyfe
Then he deuoutly prayfed God, for that he put into his minde
futch a noble enterprife, trufting dayly to atchieue greater Fame
and Glory : but the greater was his ioy and contentation, bicaufe
the Image of hvs %Vyfe inclofed wythin a Boxe, whvch ftill hec
caried about him in hys purffe, continued frefhe of eoloure with-
A LADY OF BOEME.
o5
out alteration. It was noyfed in the Court how thys valiaunt
Knight Vlrico» had in Boeme the fayreft and goodlieft Lady to his
"Vife that liued eyther in Boeme» or Hungary. It chaunced as a
certaine company of young Gentlemen in the Courte were together
(amongs whom was this Knight) that a Hungarian Baron fayd vnto
him : " How is it poffible, fvr Vlrico, being a yeare and a halle
rince you departed out of Boeme» that you haue no minde to re-
turne to fee your Wife» wh% as the common lame reporteth, is
one of the goodlieft ,Vomen of all the Countrey : truely it feemeth
to me» that you care hOt for hir, which were great pitty if hir
beauty be correfpondent to hir Fame." "Syr,'" (quod Vlrico)
"what hir beauty is I referre vnto the World» but how fo euer you
efteeme me to care of hir, you fhall vnderfland that I doe loue
hir, and wil do fo duringe my lyfe. And the caufe why I haue
not vitited hir of long time» is no little proofe of the great affur-
ance I haue of her vertue and honeft lyre. The argument of hir
vertue I proue» for that fhe is contented that I fhould ferue my
Lord and king, and fuflîcient it is for me to giue hir intelligence
of my ftate and welfare» whych many tymes by Letters at oppor-
tunity I fayle not to do: The proofe of my Fayth is euydent by
reafon of my bounden duety to our Soueraigne Lord of whom I haue
receyued fo great, and ample Benefites, and the Warrefare which I
vfe in his grace's feruice vpon the Frontiers of his Realme agaynft
the enimies of Chrifte» whereunto I bear more good will than I
doe to'Vedlocke Loue» preferring duety to Prince before mariage :
albeit my Wiue's fayth» and conftancy is futch» as freely I may
fpend my lyfe without care of hir deuoyr, being affured that
befides hir Beauty/hee is wife, vertuous and honeft» and loueth
me aboue al worldly things» tendring me fo dearely as fhe doth the
Balles of hir owne eyes." "¥ou haue ftoutly fayd/' (anfwered the
Baron) "in defence of your Viue»s chaftity, whereof /he can
make vnto hir felfe no great warrantice, becaufe a woman fome
tymes will bee in minde not to be mooued at the requefts» and
gifts offred by the greateft Prince of the Vorld who afterwards
within a day vpon the onely fight» and view of fome lufty youth»
at one fimple worde vttered with a few Teares, and fhorter fuite»
yeldeth to his requeft. _And what is fhe then that can conceyue
206 A LADY OF BOEME.
futch affuraunce in hir felfe ? XVhat is hee that knoveth the fecretes
of heartes which be impenetrable ? Surelv none as I fuppofe,
except God him felfe. A XVoman of hir owne nature is mooue-
able and plyant, and is the mol'te ambitious creature of the \Vor]de.
And (by God) no XVoman doe I kuow but that fhe lufteth and
defireth to he beloued, required, fued vnto, honored aud cherifhed?
And oftentimes it commeth to paffe that the mol} craftv Dames
which thincke with favned Lookes to feede their diuers Louers, he
the firft that thruft theii heads into the amorous Nets, and |s'ke
little Birdes in hard diftreffe of weather be caught in Louer's Lime-
twigges. XVherehy, tir Vlrico, I do hOt fee that vour XVvfe (ahoue
ail other XVomen comparer of flefh and hone) hath futch priuiledge
from God, but that rite may he foone entifed and corrupted."
" Vell tir," (fayd the Boeme Knight) «, I am perfuaded of that
which I haue fl»oken, and verelv doe he|eue the elTeCt of my be-
liefe moft true. Euerv man knoweth his owne affayres, and the
Foo]e knoweth hetter what hee hath, than hvs neighbors, do, be
thev neuer fo wife. Beleue )'ou what x'ou thincke for good. I
meane hot to difgreffe from that which I conceyue. And fuffer
nie (I pray you) to heleue what I |il't, fith beliefe cannot hurt me,
nor ver your difcredite can hinder my heliefe, heing free for ech
man in femblable chatmces to thinke, and helieue what his mvnde
luf/eth and liketh." There were manv other Lordes and Gentlemen
of the court prefent at there talke, and as we commonly fee (at
futch like meetinges) euerv man vttereth his minde : whereupon
fundry opinions were produced touching that qtteftion. And
becaufe diuers men he of diuers natures, and many prefuminge
vpon the pregnancy of their wife heads there rofe fome ftur about
that talke, each man obf}inate in hvs alledged reafon, more fro-
ward peraduenture than reafon, more rightly required: the com-
munication grew fo hot and talke brake forth fo loude, as the fame
was reported to the C/ueene. The good Lady fory to heare tell
of futch ftrife within hir Court, ahhorring naturally ail controuerfie
and contention, lent for the parties, and required the'm from
poynoE to poynoE to make recita|! of the beginning, and circum-
taunce of theii ieafons, and arguments. And when fhe vnder-
tioode the effe& of al their talke, fhe fayd, that euery man at his
A LADY OF BOEME.
o7
owne pleafure mlght beleeue what he lift, affirmlng it to be pre-
fumptuous and extreme folly, to iudge ail women to be of one dis-
pofition, in ]ike fort as it were a great errour to fay that all men bee
of one quality and eondieion: the eontrary by dayly experienee
manifefily appearing. For both in men and women, there is fo
great differenee and varietv of natures, as there bee heades, and
wits. And how it is eommonly feene that two Brothers, and
Sifiers, borne at one Byrth, bee yet of eontrary Natures and
Complexions, of Manners, and Conditions fo diuers, as the thinge
whieh fhall pleafe the one, is altogeather difpleafaunt to the other.
%Vherevppon the Queene eoncluded, that the Boeme knight had
good reafon to continue that good and honefi eredit of his V.ryfe,
as hauing proued hir fidelity of long time, wherein fle fhewed
hirfelf to be very wife and diferet. Now beeaufe (as many times
we fee) the natures and appetites of diuers men be infaeiable, and
one man fometimes more foolifl hardy than another, euen fo (to
fay the troth) were thofe two Hungarian Barons, who feeming
wife in their owne eonceiptes, one of them fayd to the Queene in
this manner: "Madame, your graee doth wel maintaine the fexe
of xvomankinde, beeaufe you be a \Voman. For by nature it is
gieuen to that kinde, fioutly to OEand in defenee of themfelues, be-
eaufe their imbeeillity, and weakenes otherwife would bewray
them : and although good reafons might be alledged to open the
eaufes of their debility, and why they be not able to attayne the
hauh exeelleney of man, yet for this tyme I doe not meane to be
tedious vnto you r graee, leafi the little heart of \Voman thould ryfe
and difplay that eoneeit which is wrapt within that little Moulde.
But to retourne to this ehafie Lad}', through whom our talke
began, if we might eraue licence of your Maiefiy, and faulfe Con-
dué of thys Gentleman to knowe hir dwelling place, and haue
leaue to fpeake to hir, we doubt not but to breake with our
batteringe talke the Adamant %Valles of hir Chafiity that is fo
famous, and eary away that Spoile whieh viêtorioufl)- we fhall
atehieue." "' I know not," aunfwered the Boeme Knight, "what yee
ean, or will doe, but fure I am, that hitherto I am not deeeyued."
lqany things were fpoken there, and fundry opinions of eyther
partes alledged in ende the two Hungarian Barons perfuaded
208
A LADY OF BOEME.
them felues, and made their vaunts that they were able to elimbe
the Skyes, and both would attempt and alfo bring to paffe any
enterprife were it neuer fo great, affirming their former offer by
othe, and offering to Guage all the Landes, and goods they had,
that within the fpaee of 3 moneths they woulde eyther of them
obtayne the Gentlewoman's good will to do what they liff, fo that
the knight were bound, neyther to returne home, ne yet to aduer-
tire hir of their determination. The Queene, and all the ffanders
by, laughed heartely at this their offer, moeking and ieffing at
their foolifh, and youthly coneeites. XVhych the Barons pereeiu-
ing, fayde: "You thinke Madame that we fpeake triflingly, and
be not able to aceotnplifh this our propofed enterprife, but Madame,
may it pleafe you to gieue vs leaue, wee meane by earneff
attempt to gieue proofe thereof." &nd as they were thus in reafon-
inge and debating the matter, the kinge (hearinge tell of this large
offer ruade by the Barons) came into the place where the queene
was, at fueh rime as fhe was about to diffuade them from the
frantik deuife. Before whom he being entred the ehamber, the
two Barons fell downe vpon their Knees, and humbly befought his
Graee, that the compati ruade betwene tir Vlrieo and them might
proeeede, difclofing vnto him in fe,v wordes the effe& of all their
talke, which franckly was grauuted by the king. But the Barons
added a Prouifio, that vhen they had von their XVager, the Knight
by no meanes fhoulde hurt his XVyfe, and from that tyme forth
fhould gieue ouer hys faire Opinion, that women were not natur-
ally gieuen to the futes and requefts of amorous perlons. The
Boeme Knight, who was affured of hys XVyue's great Honeffy, and
Loyall fayth, beleeued fo true as the Gofpell, the proportion and
quality of the Image, who in all the tyme that hee was farre of,
neuer perceyued the faine to bee eyther Pale or Black, but at
that tvme lookinge vpon the Image, hee pereeiued a eertayne
Yealow eolour to rire, as hee thought his Wyfe was by fome loue
purfued, but yet fodeynly it returned agayne to his naturall hewe,
which boldned him to fay thefe words to the Hungarian Barons :
"Yee be a couple of pleafaunt, and vnbeleeuing Gentlemen, and
haue eonceyued fo fantafficall opinion, as euer men of your
ealling did: but fith you proeeede in your obffinate folly, and
A IAD" OF BOEME.
o9
wil needes guage ail the Lands, and goods you haue, that you bee
able to vanquifhe mv X, Vvue's Honeft, and Chaile heart, I am con-
tented, for the finguler credite svhich I repofe in hir, to iovne
with you, and will pledge the poore lyuinge I haue for propre of
mine Opinion, and fhall accomplifhe al other your requeiles ruade
here, hefore the maieilies of the Kinge and Queene. And there-
fore may it pleafe your highneffe, fith this fond deuice can hot
be beaten out of their heads, to gieue Licence vnto thofe Noble-
inen, the Lords Vladiflao and Alberto, (fo were thev called) to
put in proofe the mery conceipt of their difpofed mindes (whereof
they do fo greatly bragge) and I by your good grace and fauoure,
am content to agree to their demaundes: and wee, anfwered the
Hungarians, do once agayne affirme the faine which wee haue
fpoken." The king willing to haue them gyue ouer that ilrife,
was intreated to the contrary by the Barons: whereupon the kinge
perceyuinge their Follies, caufed a decree of the bargayne to be
put in writing, eyther Parties interchaungeably fubfcribing the
fame. XVhich done, they tooke their leaues. Afterwards, the
two Hungarians began to put their enterprife in order and agreed
betweene themfelues, Alberto to bee the firfte that fhould aduen-
ture vppon the Lady. And that within fixe X, Veekes after vpon his
returne, the lord Vladiflao fhould proceede. Thefe things con-
eluded, and ail Furnitures for their feuerall Iorneys difpofed, the
lord Alberto departed in good order, with two feruaunts direc21y
trauayling to the caille of the Boeme Knight, vhere being arriued,
hee lighted at an lnne of the towne adioyning to the Caille, and
demaunding of the hoile, the Conditions of the lad)', hee vnder-
Roode that fhee was a very fayre Voman, and that hir honeily,
and loue towards hir hufbande farre excelled hir beauty. XVhich
wordes nothing difinavede the Amorous Baron, but when hee had
pulled of his Bootes, and richely arayed hymfelfe, he repayred to
the Caille, and knockinge at the Gates, gaue the Lady to wderiland
that he was corne to fee hir. She which was a curteous Gentle-
woman, caufed him to be brought in, and gently gaue him
honourable intertavnment. The Baron greatly mufed vppon the
beauty, and goodlineffe of the Lady, fingularly commeuding hir
honeil order and Behauiour. And beinge fet down, the young
VOL. III. 0
A LADY' OF BOEME.
Gentleman favd vnto hir: "'1Madame, mooued with the lame of
vour furpaffing Beauty, whlch now I fee to bee more excellent
than Fame with hir fwiftef "Vyngs is able to carv: I am corne
from the Court to viev and fee if that were true, or x'hether lyinge
Brutes had fcattered their Vulgar talke in vayne: but tinding the
fame farre more fine and pure than erft I did expec'-t, I craue
Lycence of your Ladyfl@, to concevue none offence of this my
boulde, and rude attempt." And herewithall hee began to ioyne
manv trifling and vavne words, whych dalyinge Suters by heate
«f Luftv bloude bee wont to fhoote forth, to declare thevm felues
hot to be Speachleffc, or Tongue ticd. VVhich the Lady well
efpying fpeedily imagined into what Porte hvs rotten Barke would
arriue : wherefore in the onde whcn fhee fawe lais Shippe at Roade,
began to enter in prety Iouinge talke, by little, aud little to
incourage his fond attcmpt. The Baron thinkinge hee had caught
the Ele by the Tayle, hOt well pra6tised in Cicero his fchoole,
ceafed hot fondly to contriue the rime, by making hir beleeue, that
he was farre in loue. The Lady weary (God wote) of his fonde
behauiour, and amorous reafons, and vet hOt to feeme fcornfull,
ruade him good countenaunce, in futch wvfe as the Hungarian
two or thrce dayes did nothing elfe but proceede in vavne Purfute,
Shee perceyuing him to bee but a Hauke of the.tirft Coate, deuvfed
to recompence hvs Follies with futch entertaynement, as during
|ris lire, he fhoulde keepe the lame in good remembraunce. \Vhere-
fore hot long after, fayning as though his great wifedome, vttered
bv eloquent Talke, had fubdued hir, flaee fard thus vnto him:
"' My Lord, the rcafons vou produce, and your pleaçaunt gerçure
iu my houfe, haue fo inchaunted mee, that impoflïble it is, but
I muf needes agree vnto voter wyll" for here I neuer thought
during lyfe, to ftavne the purity of mariage Bed, and determined
continuallv to preferue mv felfe inuiolably for my Hufbande:
vour noble grace, and curteous behauiour, haue (I fay) fo be-
witched mee, that ready I aih to bee at your commaundement,
humblv befeeching your honour to beware, that knowledge hereof
mav hot corne vnto myrte Hufband's eares, who is fo tierce and
cruell, and loueth me fo dearely, as no doubt he will without
further triall evther him felfe kill me» or otherwife procure my
A LADY OF BOEME. 2 1 I
death: and to the intent none of my houle may fufpe& out
doins, I fhall defire vou to morrov in the morninge about llvne
of the Clock, which is the accuflomed time of your repa.vre
hither, to corne vnto mv Cafle, wherein when vou be entred,
fpeedily to mount vp to the Chaumber of the highcf Tower, ouer
the doore whereof, yee fhall finde the armes of my Huçoand,
entavled in lIarble : and hen vou be entred in, to fhut the Doore
faf after you, and in the meane rime I will wayte and prouyde,
that none fhall moleft and trouble vs, and then we flall befowe
out felues for accomplifhement of that which vour loue defireth."
Nowe in verv deede this Chaumber was a verv ftrong Prvfon
orda'ned in auncient time bv the Progenitours of that Territory,
to Impryfon, and punifhe the Vaffals, and Tenants of the faine, for
offeuces, and Crimes com mitted. The Baron hearynge this Lyberall
offer of the Ladye, thinkiug that he had obteined the futaine of al
his ioy, fo glad as if he had conquered a whole kindome, the
bef contented man aliue, thanking the Lady for bir curteous
anfwere, departed and retourued to his Inne. God knoweth vppon
howe merry a Pinne the hearte of this young Baron was fette,
and after he had liberallv banketted his horde and hofeffe, plea-
fantly difpofing himfelfe to mvrth and recreation, he wente to
bed, where iov fo lightned his merry head, as no flepe at ail could
clofe his eyes, futch be the fauage pangs of thofe that afpyre to
like delyghts as the bef reclaimer of the wildef hauk could neuer
take more payne or deuife mo fhiftes to lIan the lame for the better
atchieuing of hir pray than dvd this braue Baron for brynging
hys Enterprife to effet. The nexte dav early in the morning hee
rofe, dreffing himfelfe with the fweete Perfumes, and puttinge on
hvs finef fuite of Appareil, at the appoin&ed houre hee went to
the Cafell, and fo fecretlv as he could, accordinge to the Ladies
infruçion, hee conueyed himfelfe vp into the Chaumber which
hee founde open, and when he was entred, hee fhut the faine, the
maner of the Doore was futch, as none within coulde open it with-
out a Key, and befides the frong Locke, it hadde both barre and
Boit on the outfide, wvth futch fafeninge as the Deuill himfelfe
being locked within, could hot breake forth. The Lady whvch
wayted hard by for his comming, fo foone as OEe perceyued that
2 1 2 A LADY OF BOEIE.
the Doore was/hut, ftept -nto the faine, and both double Locked
the Doore, and alfo without/he barred, and raff Bolted the faine,
caryng the Key avay with hir. This Chamber was in the hyghetl
Tower of the Houle (as is before fayd) wherein 'as placed a Bedde
wrth good Furniture, the ,Vvndow whereof was fo high, that none
coulde looke out wythout a Ladder. The other paries thereofwere
in good, and conuenient order, apt and meete for an honefi Prv-
[on. ,Vhen the Lorde _A_Iberto was within, hee fat downe, wayting
(as the lewes do for lleffias) when the Lady according fo hir
appoynment/houlde corne. _And as he was in this expe&ation
building caftles in the Ayre, and deuifing a thoufand Chimeras in
his braine, behold he heard one to open a little wicket that was in
the doore of that Chamber, which was as flraight, as fcareely able
fo receiue a loafe of bread, or crufe of ,Vyne, vfed fo be/ent to the
pryfoners. He thinkyng that if had ben the Lady, rofe vp, and
hearde the novfe of a lyttle girle, who looking in at the hole, thus
fard vnto him : « iMy Lord Alberto, the Lady Barbara my miflreffe
(for that was hir naine) bath lent nle thus fo fay vnto you : «That
for as much as you be corne into this place, by countenaunce of
Loue, to difpoyle hir of hir honour,/hec hath impryfoned you like
a theefe, aeeordinge to your deferte, and purpofeth to make vou
fufl'er penanee, equali to the lneafure of your offenee. XVhere-
fore fo long as vou/hai remain in thvs place,/he mindeth to force
x'ou to gaine your bread and drinke with the arte of fpinning, as
poore XVomen doe for gayne of thevr lyuinge, meanynge thereby to
coole the heate of your iuy youth, and to make you taf the forrow
of fauee lneete for them to affay, that go about to robbe Ladyes of
thevr honour: /he bad me ]vkewife to tell you» that the more
yarne )'ou fpin, the greater/hall be the abundanee and delyeaeie of
your fare, the greater payne you take to carne your foode, the
more lyberall/he will be in dyfirybutyng of the faine, otherwife
(/he fayeth) that you/hall fafie wyth Breade and ,Vater.' XVhieh
determinate fentenee /he hath deereed hot to be infringed and
broken for any kinde of fute or intreaty that you be able to make."
XVhen the maiden had fpoken thefe X, Vordes,/he /hut the lyttle
dore, and returned to hir Ladye, the Baron whieh thought that he
had ben eommen to a mariage, did eate nothing al the mornyng
A LADY OF BOEME.
before, b.vcaufe he thought to be enterteyned with better and dain-
tier ttore of viandes, who nowe at thofe newes fared iike one out of
his wittes and ttoode ttill fo amazed, as though his leggs would
haue favled him, and in one moment his Spyrites began to vanvfh
and hys force and breath forfoke hym, and fel downe vpon the
Chamber flore, in futeh wffe as hee that had beheld hvm would
haue thought him rather dead than liuyng. In this tiare he was
a grea tyme, and afterwardes fomewhat eommynge to himfelfe,
he could not tel whether hee dreamed, or elle that the X.Vords were
true, xvhieh the maiden had favde vnto hvm : In the end feeing,
and beynge verely affured, that he xvas in a Pryfon fo fure as
Bird in Cage, through difdavne and rage was like to dve or elle to
lofe his wits, faring with himfelfe of long time h'ke a madde Man,
and not knowing what to do, paffed the rett of the Day in walking
vppe and downe the Chaumber, rauing, ttamping, ttaring, Curs-
ynge and vfing XVords of greateft Villauie, lamenting and bewail-
iuge the rime and day, that fo iike a beatt and Brut.vfl man, he
gave the attempt to difpoyle the honetty of an other man's
\Vyfe. Then came to his mind the loffe of ail his Lands and Goods,
whieh by the king's authority were put in eomprimife, then the
fhame, the fcorne, and rebuke whyeh hee fhould receiue at other
mens handes, beyonde meafure vexed him: and reporte bruted
in the Courte (for that it was impoflible but the whole X.Vorlde
fhould knowe it) fo gryeued hym, as his heart feemed to be ftrained
with two fharp and bityng Nailes: the Paynes whereof, foreed
hvm to loofe hvs wyttes and vnderftandynge. In the myddes of
whveh Pangs furiouflv vauntyng vp and downe the Chaumber, hee
efpied bv ehaunce in a Corner, a D.vttaffe furnyfhed with good
ttore of flaxe, and a fpyndle hangyng thereuppon: and ouereome
wvth Choler and rage, hee was aboute to fpoyle and break the
fame in pieces: but remembryng xvhat a harde X.Veapon Neeeflïtye
is, hee ttayed his wyfedome, and albevt he hadde rather to haue
eontryued hys levfure in Noble and Gentlemanlyke pattyme, yet
rather than he would be idle he thought to referue that Inttru-
ment to auoyde the tedious laeke of honett and Familiar Company.
XVhen fupper time was corne, the mavden retourned agayne, who
opening the Portall dore, faluted the Baron, and fayde: "My
A LADY OF BOEME.
Lord, mv miltreffe hath lent mee to vvfite vour good Lordfh.vp,
and to reeeiue at youre good Handes the effe&e of your laboure,
who hopeth that }'ou haue fponne ri»me fibltanciall flore of
threede for earning of your Supper, whveh beynge done, fhall be
readily brought vnto )'ou." The Baron full of Rage, Furie, and
felonious moode, if belote he were fallen into choler, now by
proteltation of thefe words, feemed to tranfgreflè the bounds of
reafi,n, and began to raile at the poore wench, feolding and chiding
hir hke a firumpet of the fiews, faring as though he xvould haue
beaten hir, or don hir fome other mifehiefe: but his moode was
faved from doyng any hurt. The poore 'Wench leffoned by her
mifireffe, in laughing 'ife fard vnto him: ':'Vhy (my Lord) do
vou ehafe and rage againlte mee ? Me thinks, you do me wrong
to vfe futeh reproehful words, whieh am but a feruaunt, and
bounde to the eommaundement of mv mittreffe : "Vhy sir, do you
not know that a purfiuaunt or meffanger fuffreth no paine or
blalne ? The greatefi Kyng or Eperour of the "Worlde, reeeiuing
defiaunee from a meaner Prynee, neuer vfeth his ambaffador with
fcolding "Wordes, ne yet by villanv or rebuke abufeth lais perfon.
Is it wifdome then for )'ou, being a prefent pryfoner, at the merey
of vour kepers, in thvs difhonorable forte to reuile me with
difordred talke ? But tir, leaue of your ragcs, and quiet your felfe
for this prefent tyme, for mv miflreffe lnaruelleth mueh why you
dt, rPc corne (for al your Noble fiate) to giue attemptes to violate
hir good naine, which meffage fhee requyred me to tell yott, ouer
and befides a defire thee hath to know whether by the Scyenee of
Spynning, t'ou haue gained your meat for )'ou feeme to kicke
againfi the wynd, and beat Water in a morter, if you think from
henee to goe before you haue earned a reeompenfe for the meat
xvhich fb,il be giuen vou. "Wherefore it is your lot paeiently to
fuffer the penance of your fond attempt, which I pray you gently
to fufaine, and think no feorn thereof hardely, for defperate men
and hard aduentures llaUl needes fuffer the daungers thereunto
belonging. This is the determinate fentenee of my mifireffe
mynd, who fourdeth you no better rare than Bread and ,Vater, if
you ean not fhewe forne prety Spyndle full of yarne for figne of
your good wyll at this prefent pyneh of vour difreffe." The
A LADY OF BOEME.
2I 5
Mavden feeying that hee was not dyfpofed fo fhewe fome part of
wylling mind to gaine his lyuing by that prefixed fcvence fhut the
portail Doore, and went her way. The unhappy Baron (arryued
thether in very yll tyme) that Nyght had Neyther Breade nor
Broth, and therefore he fared accordynge to the Prouerbe : He that
goeth to bed fupperleffe, lyeth in his Bed refileffe, for during the
whole night, no fleepe could fafen hvs Eves. Now as this Baron
was clofed in pryfon fafe, fo the Ladre tooke order, that fecretly
wyth great cheare hys Seruauntes fhould be interteyned, and his
Horffe wyth fweete haye and good prouender we]l mainteined, ail
his furnitures, fumpture horfe and caryages conueyed within the
CaRie, where wanted nothyng for the ltate of futch a perfonage
but onely Lyberty, makyng the hoft of the Inne beleue (wher the
Lord harbored before) that he was returned into Hungarie. But
now turne we to the Boeme knight, xvho knoxvynge that one ofthe
two Hungarian Competitors, were departed the Court and ridden
into Boeme, dyd fill behold the quality of the inchaunted Image,
wherein by the fpace of thre or foure Dayes, in whych time, the
Baron made his greatefi fute to his Ladie : he marked a certaine
alteration of Coloure in the fame, but afterwards returned to his
Natiue forme: and feeing no greater tranfformation, he was wel
affured, that the Hungarian Baron was repulfed, and imployed his
Labor in vaine. XVhereof the Boeme knight xvas excedingly pleafed
and contented, bvcaufe he xvas vell affured, that his XVyfe had
kept hir felfe ryghte pure and honefk Notwithfandyng hys
Mynde xvas not xvel fettled, ne yet hvs heart at ref[ doubting that
the lord Vladiflao, xvhich as yet was not departed the courte,
would obtavne the thing, and acquite the faulte, which his Com-
panion had committed. The impryfoned Baron which all this
tyme had neither eaten nor dronken, nor in the night could fleepe,
in the mornyng, after he had confidred his mifaduenture, and well
perceyued no remedy for him to goe forth, except hee obex'ed the
Ladie's hef, made of Neceflity a Vertue, and applyed himfelfe to
learne to Spynne by force, which freedome and honour could neuer
haue made him to do. Vhereuppon he toke the ditaffe and
beganne to Spynne. _And albeyt that hee neuer Sponne in al hys
Lyfe belote, yet infru&ed by Neceffity, fo well as he could, he
A LADY OF BOEME.
drewe out his Threede, now fmali and then greate, and martre
times of the meanefl fort, but verye often broade, yi fauored, yll
elofed, and worfe twifled, all oute of fourme and fafhyon, that
fundry tvrnes verv heartely he laughed to himfeife, to fee
eunning, but wouid haue marie a eunning .Voman fpinner burft
into Ten Thoufand laughters, if fhe had ben there. Thus ail the
morning he fpent in fpynning, and when dynner came, his ae-
euflomed meffenger, the mayden, repayred vnto him againe, and
opening the wyndow demaunded of the Baron how his worke went
forevard, and whether he were difpofed to manifefl the eaufe of
hys eomnfing into Boeme? Hee well beaten in the fchoole of
fhame, vttered vnto the Maide the whole eompacCt and bargayne
ruade betweene him and his Companion, and the ]3oeme knyghte
hir mayfler, and afterwards flaewed vnto hir his Spyndle ful of
threde. The young XVenche fmylyng at hvs XVoorke, fayd : "Bv
Sain& lXlarie this is well done, you are worthv of vicetuai for your
hire : for now I well pereeiue that Hunger foreeth the XVoulf oute
of hir Denne. I conne you thanek, that like a Lord you ean fo
puiffantly gayne your lyuing. XVherefore proceeding in that
xvhieh you haue begonne, I doubt not but fhortely you vill proue
futche a workeman, as my miflreffe fhall hOt neede to put oute
hir flax to fpinne (to hir great charge and eofle) for making of
hir fmoekes, but that the lame may wel be don 'ithin hir own
houle» yea althoughe the lame doe ferue but for Kitchen Cloathes,
for dreffer bordes, or eleanynge of hir Veffell before they bee ferued
forth. And as vour good deferts doe merite thankes for this your
arte, now well begonne, euen fo your new told raie of eomming
hyther, requyreth no leffe, for that vou haue dvfelofed the trouth."
XVhen fhe had fpoken thefe 'Voords, fhe reached hym fome flore
of meates for hys dynner, and bade hvm fare well. .Vhen fhee
was returned vnto hir Lady, fhee fhewed vnto hir the Spyndle full
of threde, and toid hir therewvthal| the whole ftory of the com-
pacet betwene the knight VIrico, and the two Hungarian barons.
XVhereof the Lady fore aflonned, for the fnares layd to entrappe
hir, was notwithflanding wei contented, for that fhee had fo we|I
forfeene the lame: but mofl of all reioyfed, that hir hufoand had
fo good opinion of hir honefl Ivfe. And before fhe would aduer-
A LADY OF BOEME.
tire hym of thofe euents, fhe purpofed to attend the commyng of
the lord Vladiflao to whome fhe ment to do like penance for his
eareleffe bargayne and difhoneff opinion, aeeordyngly as he
deferued, maruelling very mutch that both the Barons» were fo
rafh and prefumptuous, daungeroufly (not knowing what kind of
"Voman fhe was) to put their Landes and goodes in hazard. But
confidering the Nature of diuers brainfick men, whieh paffe not
hov carelefly they aduenture their gained goods, and inherited
Lands, fo they may atchieue the pray, after which they vainely
hunt, for the preiudiee and hurt of other, fhe ruade no accompt
of thefe attemptesj fith honeff Matrones force not vppon the lutes,
or vayne confumed rime of lyght hrained Coekfcomhs, that tare
not what fond coff or iii imployed houres they waffe to anoy the
good renoume and honeff brutes of Vomen. But hOt to difcourfe
from poiut to point the particu]ers of this intended iorney, this
poore deceiued Baron in fhort time proued a very good Spinner, by
exercife whereof, he felt futch folaee, as not onely the fame was
a comfortable fporte for his captiue time, but alfo for wart of
better recreation, it feemed fo ioyfull, as if he had bene pluming
and feding his Hawke, or doing other fports belongyng to the
honourahle ftate of a Lord. Vhich his wel attriued labour, the
lXlaiden recompenfed with abundance ofgood and delycate meates.
And ahhough the Lady was many times requyred to vifite the
Baron, yet fhe would reuer to that requeft confent. In whx'ch
tyme the knyght Vlrico eeafed not continually to viewe and re-
uewe the ftate of his Image, which appeared ftvll to bee of one
well coloured forte, and ahhough thys vfe of hys was diuers times
lnarked and feene of many, yet being earnef@ demaunded the
taule thereof hee would neuer difclofe the lame. Many con-
ie&ures thereof were ruade» but none could attayne the trouthe.
And who would haue thought that a knight fo wyfe and prudente
had worne within his purffe any inchaunted thyng ? And albeyt
the Kyng and O.ueene had intelligence of thys frequent pra&yfe of
the knight, yet tF.ey thought hOt mete for the priuate and fecrete
Myffery, to demaund the eaufe. One moneth and a halle was
paffed now that the Lorde AIberto was departed the Court, and
beeome a Caftle knyghte and eunning Spynffer: which ruade the
A LADV OF BOEME.
Lord Vladiflao to mule, for that the promife made betweene
them was broken, and hearde neyther by Letter or meffenger what
fucceffe he had receiued. _After diuers thoughts imagyned in his
mynde, he conceyued that his companion had happily enioved
the ende of his defired ioy, and had gathered the wyfhed frui&s
of the Lady, and drowned in the mayne Sea of his owne pleafures,
was ouerwhehned in the bottome of Obliuion: wherefore he
determiued to fer forward on his iourney to giue onfet of his
defired fortune: who without long delay for execution of his
purpofe, prepared ail neceffaries for that voyage, and mounted
on horfebacke with two of his men, he iourneyed towards Boeme,
and within a few daies after arryued at the Caille of the favre
and mofi honefi Lady. _And when hec was entred the Inne where
the Lord _Alberto was firfi lodged, he dil.vgently enquyred of him,
and heard tell that he was returned into Hungarie many daves
before, whereof mutch maruelling, could not tel what to far or
think. In the end purpofing to put in profe the caufe wherefore
he was departed out of Hungarie, after dilygent fearche of the
maners of the Lady, he vnderfioode by general voyce, that fhe
was without comparifon the honet%fi, wifet, gentlefi, and come-
lveft Lady withirt the whole Courttrey of Boeme. Irtcontinently
the Lady was aduertifed of the arriual of this Baron, and krtowing
his meffage, fhe determvned to paye him alfo wvth that Money
whvch fhe had already covned for the other. The next Dav the
Baron went vnto the Caille, and knocking at the Gate, lent in
woord how that he was corne from the Court of king 1Mathie, to
viflte and falute the Lady of that Caille : and as fhe did entertayne
the firfi Baron in curteous guife, and with louing Countenaunce,
euen fo file dvd the fecond, who thought therebv that he had
attayned bv that pleafaunt entertaynment, the gaine which he
hunted. _And difcourfin'g vppon dyuers matters, the lady fhewed
hir felfe a pleafaunt and Familvar Gentlewoman, whvch ruade the
Baron to thynk that in fhort tvme he fhould wyn the pryce
for which he came. Notwithfianding, at the fyrfie brunt he
would hot bv anv meanes defcend to any particularity of his pur-
pole, but hvs Vords tan general, which were, that hearynge tell
of the faine of hir Beauty, good grace and comelineffe, by hauing
A LADY OF BOEME.
occalîon to repayre into Boeme to doe certavne his affaires, he
thought it labor wel fpent to ride fome portion of his iourney,
though it were betides the way, to dygreffe to do reuerence vnto
hir, whom faine aduaunced aboue the Skyes : and thus paftîng
firf visitation he returned againe to his lodging. The lady when
tbe Baron was gone from hir Cafle, was rapt ilto a rae, greatlye
offended that thofe two Hungarian Lordes fo prefumptuoufly had
bended themfelues lyke common Theeues to wander and roue the
Countreys, hot onelv to robbe and fpoyle hir of hir honour, but
alfo to bryng hir in difpleafure of hir bu/hand, and thereby into
the Daunger ad Peryll of Death. Bv reafon of which rage (hOt
without caufe conceived) fhe caufed an other Chamber to be
ruade ready, next .Vall to the other Baron that was become futch
a notable Spynfter, and vpon the nexte returne of the Lord
Vladiflao, fhe receiued hin xs'ith no leffe good entertainement
than belote, and vhen Nyght came, caufed him to be lodged
in hir owne houfe in the Chamber prepared as belote, where
he flept hOt very foundly ail that Night, through the conti-
nuall remembraunce of hys Ladies beautv. Next morning he
perceiued himfelf to be locked fart in a Prvfon. And when he
had ruade him readye, thinking to defcend to bid the Lady good
Morroxv, feeking meanes to vnlock the Doore, and perceiuing
that he could hOt, he ftoode ftvll in a dumpe. And as hee was
thus ftandyng, maruelling the caufe of his fhuttyng in fo fart,
the maiden repaired to the hole of the dote, giuilg his honor an
vnaccuftomed falutation, which was that hir miftreffe com-
maunded hir to giue him to vnderftand, that if hee had anv luft
or appetyte to his breakfaft, or if he minded from thenceforth to
eafe his hunger or conteine Lyre, that he fhould giue him felfe
to learne to reele rame. And for that purpofe fhe willed him to
looke in futch a corner of the Chamber, and he fhould find cer-
taine fpindles of thred, and an inftrument to winde his yarn vpon.
".Vherefore" (quod fhe) "apply your felf thereunto, and loofe no
time." He that had that tyme beholden the Baron in the Face,
would haue thought that hee had feene rather a Marble ftone,
than the figure of a man. But conuerting his could concevued
moode, into mad anger, he fell into ten times more difpleafure
220
A LADY" OF BOEME.
with himfelfe, than is before defcribed bv the other Baron. But
feeinge that his mad behauiour, and beaflv vfage was beftowed
in vayne, the next dav he began to Reele. The Lady afterwardes
when fhee had intelligence of the good, and gaynefull Spinning
of the Lord AIberto, and the wel difpofed, and towardly Reeling
of the Lord Vladiflao, greatly reioyced for makinge of futch two
Notable \Vorkemen, whofe workemanfhip exceeded the labours of
them that had been Apprentyzes to the Occupation feuen Yeares
togeather. Sutch bee the apt and readv Vyts of the Souldiers of
Loue : wherein I would wifhe ail Cupides Dcarlings to be noufled
and applied in their youthly time: then no doubt their parlions
woulde appeafe, and rages affuage, and wouid giue ouer bolde at-
tempts, for which thev haue no thancke of the charte and honeft.
And to thys goodly fight the Lady brought the Seruaunts of thefe
noblemen, willing them to marke and behoide the diligence of
their Mayfters, and to imitate the induiirv of their gallant exer-
cire, who neuer attavned meate before by labour thev had gayned
the faine. Which done, fhee ruade them take their Horfe, and
Furnitures of their Lords, and to depart : otherwife if by violence
thev refiffed, fhe would caufe their choller to be caulmed with
futch like feruice as they faw their Lordes doe before their Eyes.
The Seruaunts feeing no remedy, but muft needes depart, tooke
their ieaue. Afterwards fhe lent one of hir Seruaunts in poaft to
the Courte, to aduertife hir hufband of ail that which chaunced.
The Boeme knight receyuing thefe good newes, declared the
fame vnto the King and Queene, and recited the whole ftorv of
the two Hungarian Barons, accordingly as the tenor of his ,Vyues
letters did purport. The Princes floode ftill in great admiration,
and highly commended the wifedome of the Lady, efeeming hir
for a very fage and polliticke woman. Afterwards the knight
Vlrico humbly befought the king for exeeution of his deeree and
performaunce of the Bargayne. Whereupon the king affembled
his counfell, and required euerv of them to fave their minde.
Vpon the deliberation whereof, the Lord Chauncellor of the King-
dome, with two Counfellers, were fent to the Caftle of the Boeme
knight, to enquire, and learne the proeeffe and doinges of the two
Lordes, who diligently accomplifhed the kinge's commaundement.
A LADY OF BOEME.
22I
And hauinge examined the Lady and hir mayden with other of
the houle, and the barons alfo, whom a little before the arriuall
of thefe Co*nmiflîoners, the Lady had eaufed tobe put together,
that by Spinning and Reeling thev might eomfort one another.
Vhen the Lord Chauneellor had framed and digefted in order the
whole difcourfe of this hifiory, returned to the Court where the
king and O.ueene, with the Pieres and Noblemen of his kingdome,
eaufed the a&s of the faine to be diuulged and bruted abroade,
aud after muteh talk, and difeourfe of the performaunce of this
eompa&, pro, and contra, the O.ueene taking the Ladie's part, and
fauoring the knight, the kinge gaue fentenee that tir Vlrieo
fhould wholly poffcffe the landes and goods of the two Barons
to him, and to his Heyres for euer, and that the Barons fhou|d be
banifhed the kingdomes of Hungary and Boeme, neuer to returne
vpon payne of death. This fentenee was put in exeeution, and
the vnfortunat Barons exiled, which fpeeially to thofe that were
of their eonfanguinity and bloud, feemed to feuere, and rigorous.
Neuertheleffe the couenaunt being rnoft playne and euident to
mofi men, the faine feemed to bee pronouneed with greate
Iuftiee and equity, for example in time to corne, to leffon rafh
wits how they iudge and deeme fo indifferently of Vomens beha-
viours, amongs whon no doubt there bee both good and bad as
there bee of men. Afterwards the princes lent for the Lady to
the Court, who there was eourteoufly intertayned, and for this hir
wife and pollitieke fac-t had in great admiration. The O.ueene then
appoynted hir to be one of hir women of honor, and efteemed hir
very deerely. The knight alfo daily grew to great promotion well
beloued and fauored of the king, who with his lady long rime
liued in greate ioy and felicity, hot forgettiug the cunning
Pollaceo, that made him the image and likenes of lais
wife: whofe frendfhip and labor he rewarded with
money, and other Benefits very
liberallv.
222
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
THE TWENTY-NINTH NOUELL.
Dom Dego a Gentleman of Spayne fell in loue w;th fayre Gneura,
and fhe with him : their loue l.y meanes one that enuied Dom
Diego his happy chofffe, was l?l dault q[ light credit on hr part
interruçted. He coflant of mynde, fell into defpayre, and aban-
doninge all hisends and liuing, repayed to the Pyrene 3loun-
latines, where he led ajàuage lyë for certaffne ,noneth«, and after-
wardes knowne l,y one of hys freendes, was (l T maruefflous Circum-
flaunce) reconciled to hys frou'ard mltr, and maryed.
BIs mifchaunces occurring on the brunts of dyuers Tragicall for-
tunes, albeit vpon their fir tae of bitterueffe, they fauor of a
certavne kinde of lothfome reli, yet wader the Rynde of that
vnfaueroufe Sap, doth lurke a fweeter honnye, than fweeteneffe it
felfe, for the fruit that the Poeritv may gather» and learne bv
otbers hurts, how they may loathe, and un the like. But
bicaufe all thinges haue their feafons, and euery thynge is hot
conuenient for ail Times» and Places, I purpofe now to ew a
notable example of a vayne and fuperitious Louer» that abandoned
his liuing and friendes» to become a Sauage Defert man. Vhich
Hiory refembleth in a maner a Tragical Comedy, comprehending
the verv faine matter and Argumenq wherewyth the greate6 part
of the fottifle forte Arme themfelues to couer and defend their
Follies. It is red and feene to often by common cufiome, and
therefore needeleffe heere to difplay what rage doth gouern% and
headlong hale fonde and licentious youth (condu&ed by the pangue
of loue, if the lame be not moderated by reafon, and cooled with
facred Leffons) euen from the cradle to more murture and riper
age. For the Tiranny of Loue amonges ail the deadly Foes that
vexe and affii& our mindes, glorieth of his force, vaunting hym-
felfe able to chaunge the proper nature of things, be they neuer
fo founde and perle&: who to make them like his luffes, trans-
formetb himfelfe into a fubaunce qualified diuerfly, the better to
intrap futch as be giuen to his vanities. But hauing auouched
fo lnauv examples before, I am content for this prefeut to tell the
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
difeourfe of two perfons, chaunced not long fithens in Catheloigne.
Of a Gentleman that for his eonftanev deelared two extremities
in himfelfe of loue and folly. And of a Gentlewoman fo fiekle
and inconftant, as loue and they whieh xvayted on hirn, be dis-
ordered, for the truftleffe grounde whereupon futeh foundation of
feruice is layed, whieh vee fhall eafely conceiue by well vieving
the differenee of thefe twavne: whom I rneane to fummon to the
lifts, by the blaft of this founding trump. And thus the faine
beginneth. Not long af ter that the vi6torious and Noble Pryuee,
younge Ferdinandus, the Sonne of Alphonfus Kynge of Aragon was
deade, Lewes the Twelfth, that tyme being Frenehe king, vpon,
the Marches of Catheloigne, betwene Barcelona, and the Moun-
taynes, there was a good Lady then a \Vyddow, which had bene the
%Vyfe of an excellant and Noble knight of the Countrey, by whom
fhe hadde left one only Daughter, whieh was fo earefully brought
vp by the mother as nothinge was to deare or hard to bec brought
to paffe for hir defire, thinking that a ereature fo Noble and per-
fe6t, could not be trayned vp to delieately. Now befides hir
incomparable furniture of beauty, this Gentlewoman was adorned
with Hayre fo fayre, ourle, and Yealow, as the new fined golde was
hot matchable to the fhining loeks of this tender Iufant, who
therefore was commonly ealled Gineura laBlonde. Halle adaye's
iorney from the houfe of this %Vyddow, lav the lands of another
Lady a \Vydow alfo, that was very rieh, and fo wel allied as any in
all the Land. This Lady had a Sonne, whom the caufed to be travned
vp fo well in Armes and good letters, as in other honeft Exereifes
proper and mete for a Gentleman and great Lorde, for whieh
refpecCt fhee had fent him to Bareelona the chyefe Citty of all the
Countrey of Catheloigne. Senior Dom Diego, (for fo was the
Sonne of that \Vydow called) profited fo well in all thynges, that
hen hec was x8 yeares of age, there was no Gentleman of his
degree, that did excell him, ne )'et was able to approche vnto his
PerfecCtions and eommendable Behauiour. A thing that did fo
well content the good Lady his mother as fhe could not tell what
countenaunce to keepe to couer hir iov. A vice very common to
fond and foolifh mothers, who flatter themfelues with a fhadowed
hope of the future goodneffe of their children, whieh many times
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
doth more hurt to that wanton and wilfull age, than profit or
aduauncement. The perfuafion alfo of futch towardneffe, full oft
doth blinde the Spirites of Youth, as the Faults which follow the
faine bec farre more vile than before they were: whereby the
firft Table (ruade in his firft coloures) of that imagined vertue, ean
take no force or perfe&ion, and fo by incurring fundry mifhaps
the Parent and Chvlde commonly efcape not without equali blame.
To corne agayne therefore to our difcourfe : It chaunced in that
tvme that (the Catholike Kyng deceafed) Phillippe of Auftrich
,,hich Succeeded him as Heyre, paffing through Fraunce came into
Spayne to bee Inuefted, and take Poffeffion of ail h)'s Seigniories,
and Kyngdomes: which knowen to the Cittvzens of Barcelona,
they determined to receiue hvm with futch Pompe, Magnificence,
and Honor, as duely appertaineth to the greatnes and maieftv of
fo great a Prince, as is the fonne of the Romane Emperour. And
amonges other thinges they prepared a Triumphe at the Tilt, where
none was fuffred to enter the iifts, but yong Gentlemen, futch as
neuer vet had followed armes. Anongs whom Don Diego as the
Nobleff perron was chofen chiefe ofone part. The Archduke then
corne to Barcelona after the recevued honors and Ceremonies,
accuftomed for futch entertaynment, to gratifie his Subie&s, and
to fee the brauery of the yong Spanifh Nobility in armes, would
place himfelfe vpon the fcaffolde to iudge the courfes and vali-
aunce of the runners. In that magnifique and Princelv confli&,
ail mens eyes ere bent vpon Dom Diego, who couffe by couffe
ruade hvs aduerfaries to feele the force of his armes, his manhoode,
and dexterity, on horfebacke, and caufed them to mule vpon his
toward valiance in time to corne, whofe noble Ghefts then acquired
the viêtory of the Campe on his ride. XVhich mooued King
Phillip to fay, that in ail his iife he neuer faw triumph better
handled, and that the faine feemed rather a battell of ftrong and
hardy men, than an exercife of yong Gentlemen neuer wonted
to fupport the deedes of armes, and trauayle of warfare. For
which caufe calling Dom Diego before him he fard: "God
graunt (yong Gentleman) that your ende agree with your good
beginniugs and hardy fhock of proofe done this day. In memory
whereof I will this night that ye do your watch, for I meane to
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
morrow (by God's affiftance) to dub you Knight." The yong
Gentleman bltdhing for flame, vpon his knees kiffed the Prince's
hands, thanking him mofi humbly of the honor and fauor whieh
it pleafed his maiefiy to do to him, vowing and promifing to do
fo wel in time to corne, as no man fhould be dceeyued of their
eoneeyued opinion, nor the king frufirate of his feruiee, whieh was
one of his mort obedient Vaffals and fubie&s. So the next dav
he was ruade knight, and reeeyued the coller of the order at the
hands of king Phillip, who after the departure of his prince whieh
tooke his iorney into Cafiille, retired to his owne landes and houfe
more to fee his mother, whom long time before he had hot feene,
than for defire of pleafure that be in fieldes, which notwithfiand-
ing he exereifed fo wel as in end he pereeyued refiaunee in townes
and Citties, to be" an imprifonment in refpeoet of that he felt in
Countrey. As the Poets whilome fayned Loue tofhoote hisArrowes
amid the X, Voods, Forrefts, fertile Fields, Sea eoafts, Shores of
great Ryuers, ad Fountayne brinkes, and alfo vppon the tops of
Huge, and hygh Mountavnes at the purfute of the fundry forted
Nymphes, and fieldifh Dimigods, deeming the faine to bee a
meane of libertv to follow Loue's trac'-t without fufpition, voyde of
çompany and Iothfome çries of Citties, where Iealoufie, Enuy, falfe
report, and iii Opinion of all things, haue pitched their Camp, and
rayfed their Tents. And eontrariwife franckly and wythout difli-
mulation in the fieldes, the Freende difeouering his paffion to his
Miftreffe, they enioy the pleafure of h unting, the naturall muficke of
Byrds and fometimes in pleafaunt Herbers eompaffed with the mur-
mur of fome running Brookes, they commnieate their Thoughts,
beautifie the accorde and vnitv of Louers, and make the place fa-
mous for the firft witneffe of their amorous aequaintaunee. In like
manner thriee, and foure times blefi be they there, who leeuing
the vnquiet toyle that ordinarily doth ehaunee to them that abyde
in Citties, doc render duety of their fiudies to the Mufes wherevnto
they be moft AddieCted. Now Dom Diego at his owne houfe
loued and eherifhed of his mother, reuereneed and obeyed of hvs
SubieeCts after he had imployed fome rime at his fiudy, had none
other ordinary pleafure but in roufing the Deere, hunting the
wylde Bore, run the Hare, fometimes to fly at the Hearon, or fearfni
VOL. III. P
DOI DIEGO AND GINEURA.
Partrich alongs the fields, Forefis, Ponds, and fleepe Mountaynes.
It came to paffe one day, as he Hunted the wylde Mountayne
Goate, which he had diflodged vpon the Hill top, he efpied an
olde Hart that his Dogges had round, who fo ioyfull as was
pofl]ble of that good lucke, followed the courfe of that fvift, and
fearefull beait. But (futch was his Fortune) the Dogges Ioit the
foote of that pray, and he his men : for beiug horffcd of purpofe,
vpon a fayre Iennet, could hot be followed, and in ende Ioofinge
the fight of the Deere, was so farre feuered from company, as
he was vtterly ignoraunt which wav to take. And that which
grieued him moite was his Horfe out of Breath fcarce able to goe
a falfe Gallop. For which caufe he put his home to his mouth,
and blew fo loude as he could : but his men were fo farre of, as
they could hot here him. The young Gentleman being in this
di{treffe, could hot tell what to doe, but to returne backe, wherein
he was more deceyued than before, for thinkinge to take the wav
home to hys Caille, wandred ftill further of from the lame. And
trotting thus a long tyme, he fpied a Caitle Situated vppon a little
Hill, whereby he knew himfelfe far from his owne houfe. 1Neuer-
theleffe hearing a certayne noyfe of Hunters, thinking thev had
bene his People, reforted to the faine, who in deede were the Ser-
uaunts of the Mother of Gineura vith the golden Locks, which in
company of their Miitreflè had hunted the Hare. Dom Diego,
when he drue neere to the cry of the Hnunds, faw right well that
hee was deceyued. At what tvme Night approched, and the
Shadowes darkening the Earth, by reafon of the Sunnes departure,
began to Cloth the Heauens with a Browne and miity Mantell.
XVhen the Mother of Gineura faw the knight 'hich Rode a fort
pace, for that hls Horffe was tired, and could trauayle no longer,
and knowing by his outward apperance that he was fome great
Lord, and ridden out of his way, fent one of hir men to knowe
what he was, who returned agayne with futch aunfwere as fhee
defired. The Lady ioyfull to entertayne a Gentleman fo excellent
and famous, one of hir next neighbors, went forwarde to
hym welcome, which fhe did with fo great curtefy as the
Knight fayd vnto hir : "Madame, I thinke that fortune hath done
me this fauour, by fetting me out of the way, to proue your
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
227
curtefie and gentle entertaynment, and to receyue this ioy by
vifiting your houfe, whereof I truft in time to corne to be fo per-
fe& a frend, as my predeceffors heretofore haue bene." "Sir,"
fayd the Lady, " if happineffe mav be attributed to them, that
mort doe gayne, I thincke my felfe better fauored than you, for
that it is my chaunce to lodge and entertayne him, that is the
worthieft perron and beft beloued in all Catheloigne." The Gentle-
man blufhing at that prayfe, fayd nothing els, but that affe6tiot
forced men fo to fpeake of his verrues, notwithftandinge futch as
hee was, he vowed from thenceforth his feruice to hir and ail hir
Houfhoid. Gineura defirous hOt to bee flacke in curtefie, fard
that he fhould hOt fo do, except the were partaker of fome part
of that, which the knight fo liberaliv had offered to the whole
Family of hir Mother. The Gentleman which tili that time tooke
no heede to the deuine Beauty of the Gentlewoman, beholding hir
at his pleafure, was fo aftoonned, as hee could hot tell what to
aunfwere, his eves were fo fixed vpon hir, fpendinge his lookes
in contemplation of that frefhe hew, ftayned with a red Vermillon,
vppon the Aiabafer and favre colour of hir cleare and beautifull
face. _And for the imbelifhing of that naturall perfe&ion, the
attire vppon hir head was fo couenable and proper, as it feemed
the faine day fhee had Looked for the comming of him, that after-
wardes indured fo mutch for hir fake. For hir head was Adorned
with a Garlande of Fioures, interlaced wvth hir Golden, and Ena-
miled hayre, which gorgeoufly cotered fome part of hir Shoulders,
difparcled, and hanging down fome tyme ouer hir paftïng fayre
Foreheade, fomewhyles vpon hir ruddy Cheekes, as the Sweete,
and Pleafaunt windy Breath dvd mooue them to, and fro: Yee
fhould haue feene hir wauering and crifped treffes difpofed with
fo good grace, and comelyneffe, as a man would haue thought
that Loue and the three Graces coulde hot teli els where to harbor
themfelues, but in that riche and delecCtable place of pleafure, in
gorgeous wife iaced and imbraudred. Vpon hir Eares did bang
two Sumptuous and Riche orientall Pearles, which to the artificiall
order of hir hayre added a certen fplendent brightnes. And he
that had beholden the fhining and large Forehead of that Nimph
which Gallantly was befet with a Diamonde of inefiimable price
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
and value, chafed with a treffe of Golde made in form of little
Starres, would haue thought that he had feene a Rancke of the
twinckeling Planettes, fixed in the Firmament in the hottefc rime
of Sommer, vhen that fa're feafon difcouereth the order of his
glittering Cloudes. In lyke maner the fparkeling eyes of the favre
Gentlewoman, adorned with a fately vaulte with two Archers,
equally bv euen fpaces diffin&, and deuided, fa'ned with the
Ehene Indian tree, did fo well fer forth their Brightneffe, as the
eves of them that flayed their Iookes at Noone daye's dire&ly
vpon the Sunne, could no more he dazeled and offended, than
thofe were that did contemplate thofe two flaminge Starres, which
xvere in force able throughly to pierce euen the Bottome of the
inward partes. The Nofe well fourmed, iuffly placed in the
Amiable valley of the Vyfage, hy equall conformity Diffinguifhed
the two Cheekes, fayned wyth a pure Carnation, refemhlinge two
lvtt|e Apples that were arryued to the due rime of their maturity
and ripeneffe. And then hir Coralline mouth, through which
hreathing, iffued out a breath more foote and fauorous than Am-
bre, Mufke, or other Aromaticall Parfume, that euer the fveete
Sovle of Arabie brought forth. She fometime vnclofing the doore
«»f hir Lips, difcouered two rancke of Pearles, fo finely blanched,
as the pureft Orient would hlufhe, if it were compared with the
Beautv of thvs incomparable whiteneffe. But hec that will take
vppon hym to fpeake of ail hir infpeakable Beauty, may make his
vaunte that he hath feene ail the greateft perfe&ions that euer
dame Nature wrought. Now to come a little lower, on this frefhe
Diana appeared a l%Teck, that furmounted the Blaunch colour of
Mylke, were it neuer fo excellent white, and hir Stomacke fome-
what mounting by the two Pomels, and firme Teates of hir Breafcs
feparated in equal difaunce, was couered wyth a vayle, fo lofe,
and fine, as thofe two little prety Mountaynes might eafily he
Difcried, to moue, and remooue, according to the affe&ion that
rofe in the centre of that modef, and fober Pucelle's mynde : who
ouer, and befides ail thys, had futch a pleafaunt Countenaunce,
and ioyefull cheere, as hir Beauty more than wonderfull, rendred
hir hOt fo woorthy to he ferued, and loued, as hir natural good-
neffe, and difpofed curtefie appearing in hir Face, and hir excel-
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
229
lent entertaynement and comely Grace to all indifferentlv. This
was not to imitate the marier of the mort parte of out fayre Ladies,
and Gentlewomen, who (mooued wyth what Opinion I know hOt)
be fo difdaynefull, as almoft theyr name caufeth difcontentment,
and breedeth in them great imperfe&ion. And who by thinking
to appeare more braue, and tine, bv to mutch fqueymifhe dealin,
doe offufcate and darken with folly their exterior Beauty, hlottin,
and defacing that which beauty maketh amiable, and worthy of
honor. I leaue you now to confider wheather Dom Deigo had
occafion to Forgo his Speach, and to bee bereft of Senfe, being
liuely aoEayled with one fo well armed as Gineura was with hir
Graces and Honey : who no lette abafhed with the Port, Counte-
naunce, fweete talk, and ately Behauiour of the knight, which
fhe vewed to be in him by ealing lookes, felt a motion (llOt
wonted or accuftomed) in hir tender heart, that made hir to chaunge
color, and by like occafion fpeachleoEe: an ordinarv cuome in
them that be furprifed with the malady of loue to lofe the vfe of
fpeach where the faine is mott needefull to gieue the intier charge
in the heart, which hot able to fupport and beare the burden of
fo many partions, departeth fome portion to the eyes, as to
the faythful meoEengers of the mynde's fecret conceipts, which
tormented beyond meafure, and burninge with affecCtion, caufeth
fometimes the Humor to gufhe out in that parte that difcouered
the firft aoEault, and bred the caufe of that Feuer, which frighted
the hearts of thofe two yong perlons, hOt knowing well what the
faine might be. XVhen they were corne to the Carie, and dis-
mounted from their Horffes, many XVelcomes and Gratulations
were ruade to the knight, which yelded more wood to the tire, and
liuely touched the yong Gentleman, who was fo outraged with
loue, as almoft he had no minde of himfelfe, and rapt by litle, and
little, was fo intoxicated with an Amorous paflïon, as all other
thoughtes were lothfome, and Ioye difpleafaunt in refpe& of the
fauourable blartirdome which hee fuffered by thinking of his fayre
and gentle Gineura. Thus the knight which in the morning dis-
pofed him felfe to purfue the Hart, was in heart fo attached, as
at euening he was become a Seruaunt, yea and futch a Slaue, as
that voluntary feruitude wholly difpoffeffed him from his brmer
230
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
Freedome. Thefe be the fruicCtes alfo of Folly, inuegling the lookes
of men, that launch themfelues with eves fhut into the Gulfe of
defpayre which in ende doth caufe the ruin and ouerthrow of
him, that yeldeth thereunto. Loue proceedeth neuer but of
opinion : fo likewife the iii order of thofe that bee afflicCted with
that Paftîon, ryfeth not elswhere, but by the fond perfuafion
which thev conceiyue, to bee Blamed, Defpifed, and deceyued of
the thing beloued: where if thev meafured that paffion accord-
ing to his valor, they would make no more accoumpt of that
which doth torment them, than they do of their health, honor,
and life, which loue for their great feruice and labor deludeth
them, and recompenfeth another with that for which the foolifh
Louer imployeth thvs trauel, which at length doth hafie defpaire,
and ende more than defperate, xvhen an other eniov that, for
which hee hath fo longe time beate the Bufhes. During the
time that fupper was preparyng, the Lady fente hir men to feeke
the huntefinen of Dom Diego, to gyue them knowledge where
he was become, and thereof to certifv his mother, who when fhe
heard tell that her fonne svas lodged there, xvas very glad beyng
a ryght good fryend and vers" familiar Neighbor with the Lady, the
hofieffe of Dom Diego. The Gentleman at fupper after he had
tafied the feruent heate that brovled in his Minde, coulde eate
little meate, beinge fatiffied with the feeding diete of his Amorous
eyes, which without any maner of Iealoufie, difiributed their
nourifhment to the heart, xvho fat ver), foberly, priuily throwing
his fecretly Prickes, with louely, and wanton lookes, vppon the
heart of the favre Lady, which for hir part fpared hOt to tender
vfury of rolling regardes, whereof he was fo fparing, as almofi he
durfi not lift vp his eyes for dazeling of them. After Supper, the
knight bidding the mother and Daughter good night, xvent to Bed,
where in fieede of fleepe, he fell to fighinge and imageninge a
thoufande diuers deuifes, fantafiyng like number of follies, futch
as thev doe whofe Bravnes be fraught loue. "Alas," (fayde hee)
" xvhat meaneth it, that alwayes I haue lvued in fo great liberty,
and nowe doe feele mv felf attached with futch bondage as I can-
hot expreffe whofe effecCts neuertheleffe be faffned in me ? Haue
I hunted to be taken ? Came I from mv houle in liberty, to be
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
fhut vp in Pryfon, and do not know wheather I flall be reeeyued,
or being receyued haue intertaynment, according to defert? Ah
Gineura, I would to God, that thy Beauty did pricke mee no worffe,
than the tree vhereofthou takef thyname, is fharp in touching, and
bitter to them that tare it. Truely I efeeme my comlning hither
happy (for ail the Paflïon that I indure) fith the purchafe of a
griefe fo lucky doth qualify the ioy, that ruade me to wander thus
ouer frankly. _Ah Fayre amonges the Fayreft, truely the fearefull
Beaf which with the bloudy Hare Houndes was torne in pieces, is
not more Martired, than myheart de ulded in Opinions vppon thyne
AffecCtion. And what doe I knov if thou louer an other more
worthy to bee Fauoured of thee than thy poore Dom Diego. But
it is impoffible that any can approche the fincerity that I feele in
my heart, determining rather to indure death, than to ferue other
but favre and golden Gineura : therefore my loyalty receyuing no
comparifon, cannot bec matched in man fufficient (for refpecCt of
the fame) to be called feruaunt of thine excellency, lXIov corne
what flaal, by meanes of this, I ara affured that fo long as Dom
Diego liueth, his heart /bal recevue none other impreflïon or
defire, but that xvhich inciteth him to loue, ferue, and honor the
faireR creature at thys day within the compaffe of Spayne." Re-
folued hereupon» fsveating, laboring, and trauelling upon the
framing of his loue, he founde nothing more expedient than to
tel hir his paffion, and let hir vnderRand the good wil that he
had to do hir feruice, and to pray hir to accept hym for futch, as
from that time forth xvould execute nothing but under the title
of hir good name. On th'othertide Gineura could not clofe hir
eyes, and knev not the caufe almof that fo impeched hir of
fleepe, wherefore now toffing on th'one ride, and then turning to
the other, in hir rich and goodly Bed, fantafied no fewer deuifes
than paffionated Dom Diego did. In th'end fhe concluded, that if
the knight fhewed hir any euident figne, or opened by word of
mouth any Speach of loue and feruice, fhe vould not refufe to do
the like to him. Thus paffcd the night in thoughts, fighes, and
wifhes betwene thefe OE apprentifes of the thing, hereof they
that be learners, fhal foone attayne the experience, and they that
follow the occupation throughly, in fhort rime be their crafts
232
DOM DIEGO AID GINEURA.
maifers. The next day the knight would depart fo foone as he
was vp: but the good widow, imbracing the perfonage and good
order of the k.ight in hir heart, more than anv other that fhe
had feene of long time, intreated him fo earnetly to tarry as he
which Ioued better to obey hir requef then to depart, although
fayned the contrary, in the end appeared to be vanquifhed vpon
the great importunity of the Lady. A! that morning the Mother
and the Daughter paffed the time with Dom Deigo in great talke
ofcommon matters. But he was then more afonned and inamored
than the night before, in futch wife as many times he aunfwered
fo vnaptly to their demaunds, as it was eafily perceiued that his
minde was mutch difquieted with fome tlfing, that only did
poffeffe the force and vehemence of the lame: notwithfanding
the Lady imputed that to the flmmefafneffe of the Gentleman,
and to his fimplicity, which had not greatly frequented the com-
pany of Ladies. 3,'rhen dinner time was corne, they were ferued
with futch great fare and fundrv delicates accordingly as with hir
hart fhe wvfled to intertain the young Lord, to the intent from
that time forth, he might more willinglye make repaire to hir
houle. After dinner he rendred thanks to his hofeffe for his
good cheare and intertainment that he had receiued, affuring hir,
that ail the dayes of his Life he would imploy himfelfe to recom-
pence hir curtefy, and with ail duetv and indeuor to acknow-
ledge that fauor. And hauing taken his leaue of the mother, he
went to the Damofell, to hir I fay, that had fo fore wounded his
hearte who already was fo deeply grauen in lais mind, as the
marke remained there for euer, taking leaue of hir, kiffed hir
handes, and thinking verily to expreffe that whereuppon hee
imagined ail the Nyghte, his Tongue and Wits were fo tyed and
rapt, as the Gentlewoman perfecCtly perceiued this alteration,
whereat fhe was no -hit difcontented and therefore ail blufhyng,
fayde vnto him : "" I pray to God tir, to eafe and comfort your
gryefe, as vou leaue vs defirous and glad, long to enioy your com-
pany." "'Truely Gentlewoman," (aunfwered the Knyght) " I
think my felfe more than happy, to heare that wyfh proceede
from futch a one as you be, and fpecially for the defire whych
you fay you haue of my prefence, whvch fhall be euer readve
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
-33
to doe that whych it fhall pleafe vou to commaunde." The
Gentlewoman bafhfull for that offer, thanked hym verye heartilye
praying him wyth fweete and fmilinge Countenance, hot to for-
get the wave to corne to vifite them beyng wel affured, that hir
mother would be very glad thereof. "'And for mine owne part,"
(quod fhe) " I fhall thinke my felf happy to be partaker of the
pleafure and great amitv that is betwene out two houfes." After
great reuerence and leaue taken between them Dom Diego re-
turned home, where he tolde his mother of the good intertevn-
ment ruade him, and of the great honefy of the Lady hvs hoffeffe :
"X, Vherfore madam," (quod he to hys Mother)" I am defyrous
(if it be your pleafure) to let them know how much their bounti-
full hofpitality bath tied me to them, and what defire I haue to
recompence the lame. I ara therefore wyllyng to bydde them
hyther, and to make them fo good cheare, as wyth ail thevr
Hearte they ruade me when I was wyth them. » The Lady whych
was the affured frvende of the Mother of Gineura, lyked well the
aduyfe of hir fonne, and tolde him that they fhould bee xvelcome,
for the aunciente amity of long time betwene them, who was
wont many times to vilît one an other. Dom Diego vpon his
mother's words, lent to intreat the Lady and favr Gineura, that it
woulde pleafe them to do him the honour to corne into his houfe :
to which requeft fhe fo willingly yelded, as he was defirous to
bid them. At the appointed day Dom Diego fought al meanes
poffible honourably to receyue them: In meates whereof there
was no xvant, in Inffruments of all fortes, Mummeries, Morefcoes,
and a thoufand other pafymes, whereby he declared his good
bringing vp, the gentleneffe of his Spyryte, and the defire that he
had to appeare futch one as he was, before hir, which had already
the full poffeflion of his liberty. And bicaufe he would hot faile
to accomplyfhe the perfe&ion of his inteut, hee inuyted ail the
Gentlemen and Gentlewomen that were his nei=hbours. I will hot
here defcribe the morte part of the prouifion for that feaf, nor
the diuerfity of Meates, or the delycate kvndes of x, Vines. It fhall
fuffife mee to tell that after dynner they daunced, where the
knight tooke his miffreffe by the hand who was fo glad to fee hir
234
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
felfe fo aduanced, as he was content to be fo neare hir, that was
the fweete torment and vnfpeakable paflion of his mynd, whvch
hec began to difcouer vnto hir in this wyfe: "' 1Mil2reffe Gineura
I have ben alwayes of this Iinde, that Iufike hath a certeine
fecrete hvdden vertue (which wel can hot be expreffed) to reuiue
the thoughts and cogitations of man, be he neuer fo mornfuii and
penfiue, forcing him to vtter fome outward reioyfe: I fpeake it
by my felf, for that I liue in extreme anguifh and payne, that al
the ioy of the \Vorld feemeth vnto mec difpleafaunt, care, and dis-
quyetneffe: and neuertheleffe my pafllon, agreeing with the
plaintife voice of the Inl2rument, doth reioyce and conceiue coin-
forte, as weli to heare infenfible thinges conformable to mv defires
as alfo to fee mv felf fo neere vnto hir, that hath the falue to
eafe my payne, to difcharge my difeafe, and to depryue my Mynd
from ail gryefs. In like maner reafon it is, that the hir felfe do
remedv my difeafe, of whom I receiued the prycke, and vhich
is the firl2 foundation of ail mine euil." "I can not tell" (fayd
the Gentlewoman) vhat difeafe it is you fpeak of, for I fhoulde
bec very vnkinde to gieue him occafion of griefe, that doth make
vs this great cheere." "'_Ah Lady myne," (fayd the knight,
fetching a figh from the bottome of his heart,) "' the intertayne-
ment that I recevue by the continuall contemplation of your
diuine Beauties, and the vnfpeakeable brightneffe of thofe two
]3eames, which twinkle in your Face, bec they that happily doe
s, ex me, and make me drink this Cup of bitterneffe, wherein not-
withPtanding I finde futch fveeteneffe as al the Heauenly Drincke
called Ambrofia, favned bv the Poets, is but Gall in refpe& ofthat
which I tal2e in mynde, feeling my deuotion fo bent to do you fer-
uice, as oneiv Death flaall vnty the knot wherewith voluntarily I
Knyt mv felfe to be your Seruaunt for euer, and if it fo pleafe vou,
your Faythfull, and Loyail Freende, and Hufbande." The yonge
Damofeil not wonted for to heare futch Songs, did chaunge hir
coloure at leal2 three or foure rimes, and neuerthelefe fayned a
little angre of that which did content hir mol2: and yet hOt fo
flaarpe, but that the Gentleman perceyued well enough, that flaee
was touched at the quicke, and alfo that he was accepted into hir
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
-35
good Grace and Fauoure. And therefore hee continued ffyll hys
talke, ail that time after dinner, vntill the Mayden made hym thys
aunf, vere : "" Sir» I will nowe confeffe that griefe may couer aher-
ation of affec'-tions proceeding of Loue. For although I had deter-
mined to diffemhle that which I thinke, yet there is a thinge ir
my Mynde (which I can not name) that gouerneth mee fo farre
frorn my proper Deuifes, and Conceyptes, as I am conftrayned to
doe that which this fecond Infpiration leadeth mee vnto, and
forceth my Mynde to receyue an Impretlïon : but what will be the
ende thereof» as yet I knowe not. Notwythftandinge» reporinge
mee in youre Vertue, and Honefty» and acknowledgynge youre
merite, I thincke mv felfe happy to haue futch one for my Freende,
that is fo Fayre and comely a knight, and for futch I doe accept
you vntill you haue obtaw, ed of the Lady, my blother, the fecond
poyncq, which may accomplifh that which is morte def,'red of
them, that for vertue's fake do loue. And but for that you fhall
bee none otherwyfe fauoured of me, than hytherto you haue ben."
"" Tyll now haue I attended for thys ryght happye day of Iov and
Blyffe (fayd the Knyght) in token whereof, I doe kyffe your whyte
and delycate Hands, and for acknowledging the fauour that pre-
fentlv I do receiue, I make my vaunt to be the feruaunt of hir
that is the fayreff, and mof curteous Gentlewoman, on thys ride
the Mountaynes." As hee had fynifhed thofe words they came
to couer for Supper, where they were ferued fo honourably, as yf
theyhad ben in the Court ofthe l%Ionarch ofSpayne. After Supper
they went to ,valke abroade alongs the Riuer ride, befette wyth
%Vyllo,v Tree% where both the Beauty of the time, the runnyng
Ryuer, the Charme of the Natural muricke of birds, and the plea-
faunt Murmure of the tremblyng Leaues, at the whifelyng of the
fwete %Ve/terne Vynd, moued them agayne to renew thevr Paffyme
after Dynner. For fome dyd gyue themfelues to talke, and to
deuyfe of delec'Ttable matter: fome framed Nofegaye% Garlandes,
and other prety pofyes for theyr Fryendes; other fome did leape,
runne, and throwe the Barre. In the end a great Lord, neighbor
to Dom Diego, whofe name was Dom Roderico, knowyng by his
Fryend's Counte,aunce to what faynt hee was vowed, and perceyu-
36
DOM DIEG0 AND GINEURA.
ing for whofe loue the fea/e was ce]ebrate, tooke by the hand a
Gentlewoman that fate nexte to fayre Gineura, and prayed hir to
daunce after a Song, whereunto fhee beeynge pleafaunt and wyfe,
ruade no great refufall. Dotn Diego fayled not to ioyne wyth
hys myfireffe, after whome folowed the refi of that noble trayne,
euery of them as they thought befi. Now the Gentlewoman, that
was ledde into daunce, fong thys fong fo apt for the purpofe, as
if fhee had entred the heart of the Ennimv and lXlyfireffe of Dom
Diego, or of purpofe had made the fame in the Name of hir, whom
the marrer touched aboue the refi.
X.Vho may better ring and daunce amongs vs Ladies ail,
Than fhe that doth hir Iouer's heart poffeffe in bondage thrali ?
The yong and tender feebleneffe
Of myne vntkilfull age,
x.Vhereof alfo the tenderneffe
Doth feeble heart affuage :
Whom Beautye's force bath made to frame
Vnto a Louer's hef,
So foone as firli the kindled flame
Of Iouinge Toyes increfi.
Who may better ring and daunce amongs vs Ladies ail,
Than fhe that doth hir louer's heart poffeffe in bondage thrali ?
I haue affayed out to put
The fier thus begoone,
-And haue attempted of to cut,
The threede which loue bath fpoone :
_And new alliance fayne would flee
Of him whom I loue befi,
But that the Gods haue willed me
To veld to his requefi.
XVho may better ring and daunce among vs Ladies all,
Than fhe that doth hir louer's heart poffeffe in bondage thrall ?
So amiable is his grace,
Not like among vs ail :
So pafling fayre is his Face,
XVhofe hue doth ffayne us ail:
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
And as the flfining funny day
Doth eu'ry man delight,
So he alone doth beare the fway,
Amongs eche louing wight.
Vho may better ring and daunee amongs vs Ladies all
Than fhe that doth hir louer's heart poffeffe in bondage thrall ?
XVhy fhould not then, the fayreft dame,
Apply her gentle minde,
And honor giue vnto his naine,
XVyth humble heart and kinde ?
Sith he is full of eurtefie,
Indewd with noble grace,
And breft replete with honefty,
Vell knowne in euery place.
Who mav better ring and daunee amongs vs Ladies all,
Than fhe that doth hir louer's heart poffeffe in bondage thrall ?
If I fhould loue, and ferue him than,
May it be eounted vice ?
If I retavne that worthy man,
Shall I be deemde vnwife ?
I will be gentle to him fure,
And render him mvne avde:
And loue that wieht with heart full pure,
That neuer loue affavde.
Who may better ring and daunee amongs vs Ladies ail,
Than fhe that doth hir louer's heart poffeffe in bondage thrall ?
Thus the mort faered vnity,
That doth our hearts combine :
Is vovde of wieked flattery,
The faine for to vntwine.
No hardned rigor is our guide,
Nor folly doth vs lead :
No Fortune can vs twayne deuide,
Vntill we both be deade.
,Vho mav better ring and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
Than/he that doth hir louer's heart poffeffe in bondage thrall ?
38
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
And thus affured certaynely,
That this our loue fl,all dure,
And with good lucke hope verely,
The fame to put in vre
The fowen feedes of amity,
Begon betwixt vs twayne,
Shall in mott perfe& vnity,
For euermore remayne.
Who mav better ring and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
Than fhe that doth hir louer's heart poffeffe in bondage thrall ?
Thvs Song delighted the Myndes of manv in that company, and
principally Dom Deigo, and Gineura, who felt themfelues tickled
without laughing : And the mayden reioyfed to heare hir felfe fo
greatly prayfed in fo noble a company, and fpecially in the pre-
fence of hir friende who had no leffe pleafure by hearing the
praifes of his beloued, than if he had bin ruade Lord of ail Aragon.
She for ail hir diffembled Countenaunce could hOt hide the altera-
tion of hir 1Mynde, without fending forth a fodayne chaunge of
colour, that forced a favre and goodly tavnt in hir Face. Dom
Diego feeing that mutation, was fo ioyful as was poflible, for
thereby he knew and Iudged himfelfe affured of the good grace of
hys Blifireffe, and therefore wringing hir finely by the hands,
fard vnto her very foberlv Smiling : " %Vhat greater pleafure mv
louinge %Vench can there happen vnto your Seruaunt, than to fee
the accomplifhment of this Propheticall Song ? I affure vou that
in all mv life I neuer heard muficke, that delighted me fo mutch
as this, and thereby doe vnderttand the good will of the Gentle-
xvoman, which fo curteouflv hath difcouered yours towards me,
and the favthfull feruice whereof you fhall fee me from henceforth
fo liberall, as nevther goods nor lire fhalbe fpared for your fake."
Ginuera who loued him with all hir heart, thanked him verv
humbly, and prayed him to beleeue that the Song ,vas truely
foonge, and that without anv fayle, fhe that foonge, had thereby
manyfefied all the fecrets o hir mynde. The daunce ended, they
fat thevm downe rounde about a cleare Fountayne, which by
filent difcourfe, iffued from an high and moyfiy rock» enulronned
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
239
with an infinite number of Maple trees, Poplars, and Afhes. To
which place a Page brought a Lute to Dom Diego, whereupon hee
could play very well, and ruade it more pleafauntly to round for
that hee accorded hys Fayninge Voyce to the Inflrument, Singing
this fong that followeth.
That I fhould loue and ferue alfo, good reafon doth require,
Vhat though I fuffre loathfome grief, my lire in woe to wrap ?
The faine be th'only inftruments of my good lucke and hap,
The foode and pray for hungry corps, of reft th'affured hire.
]3y thought wherof (O heauy man) gufh forth of teares great
flore
And by and by reioyfl agayne, my driery teares do ceafe :
Vhich guerdon/hall mine honor fure in that triumphant peace,
The rumine wherof I offer now, were it of price mutch more.
Vhich I do make withall my heart, vnto that bleffed wight,
My proper Goddeffe here on earth, and only nfiflreffe deere:
My goods and life, my brething ghofl within this carcafe here,
I vow vnto that maiefly, that heauenly flarre mofl bright.
Now fith my willing vow is made, I humbly pray hir grace,
To end rb'accord betwene vs pight, no longer time to tra&e :
Vhych if it be by fured band, fo haply brought to paffe,
I mufl my felf thrice happy count, for that mofl heauenly fa&.
Thys Song made the company to mule, who commended the
trim inuention of the Knight, and aboue ail Gineura prayfed him
more than belote, and could not fo well refrayne hir lookes from
him, and he with counterchaunge rendring alike agayne, but that
the two wydowes their Mothers tooke great heede thereof, reioy-
ring greatly to fee the lame, defirous in time to couple them
togeather. For at that prefent they deferred the lame, in confide-
ration they were both very young. Notwithflanding it had bene
better that the faine Coniun&ion had ben made, before Fortune
4o
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
had turned the Wheele of hir vnfiablenes. And truely delay and
prolongation of time fometimes bryngeth futch and fo great
miffehappe that one hundred times men curffe their fortune, and
little aduyfe in forefight of their infortunate chaunces that corn-
monly do corne to paffe. As it chaunced to thofe X, Vydowes, one
of thern thinking to loofe hir fon by the vaine behauior of the
other's daughter, v«ho xvythout the help of GoD, or care vnto
wil, difparaged hir honor, and prepared a poyfon fo daungerous
for his Mother's age, as the foode thereof haItened the way to the
good Ladye's Graue. Now whiles this loue in thys manner increafed
and that the defire of thefe two Louers, flamed forth ordinarily
in lqre and flames more violent, Dom Diego all chaunged and
tranfformed into a new rnan, receiued no delyght, but in the fight
of his Gineura. And fhe thought that there could be no greater
Felicity or rnore tobe wvfhed for, than to haue a Frvend fo per-
fecCt, and fo well accompiyfhed wyth all thyngs requifite for the
ornament and full furniture of a Gentleman. This was the occa-
tion that the young Knyght let no X, Veeke to paffe without vifiting
his mvftreffe twice or thryce at the leatt, and fhe did vnto hym
the greateIt curtefv and beIt Entertaynment, that vertue could
fuffer a Mayden to doe, whvch was the diligent Treafurer and care-
ful tutor of hir honor. And this fhe dvd by confent of hir
Mother. In lyk rnaner, honeftie doth not perrnyt chatte Mavdens
to vfe long talk or immoderate fpeach, with the fvrIt that be futers
vnto them, and mutch leffe feemely it is for them to be ouer
fqueimyfh Nice, wvth that man whych feeketh (by way of rnar-
ryage) to wynne power and tytle of the Body, beyng in very
deede, or ought to be the moiety of thevr foule. Sutch was the
def)'res of thefe two Louers, which notwithfianding xvas impeeched
by meanes, as hereafter you fhal heare. For duryng the re-
bounding ioy of thofe faire couple of Loyall Louers, it chaunced
that the Daughter ofa Noblernan ofthe Countrey, named Ferrando
de la Serre, whych was fayre, very Comely, Wife, and of good
behauiour, by keepynge daily Company xvith Gineura, fell ex-
treamcly in loue with Dom Diego, and affayed bv all meanes to
do him to vnderftand what the puiffance was of hir Loue which
willingly fhee rneant to beftowe vpon hirn, if it woold pleafe hym
DOM DIEGO AND GINFURA.
to honor hlr fo mutch, as to loue hir with like finceritv. But the
knight which was no more his own Man, be.vng poffeffed of
another, had with hys Lybertye loft his X.Vyts and Mvnd to marke
the affecCtvon of this Gentlewoman, of whom he ruade no accompt.
The Maiden neuertheleffe ceafed not to loue him, and to proue ail
poffible waves to make him hir owne. And knowing how mutch
Dom Diego ioued Hawking, l'he bought a hauke the bef in ali the
countrey, and lent the faine to Dom Diego, who wyth ail his heart
receiued the lame, and affe&uoufly gaue hir thanks for that defired
gyft» praying the meffanger to recommend him to the good grace
of his mittreffe, and to affure hir felf of his faythfuii feruice, and
that for hir fake he would kepe the Hauke fo tenderly as the Balles
of his eyes. Thvs Hauke was the taule ofthe ill fortune thatafter-
wards chaunced to this poore Louer. For going many times to fee
Gienura with the hauke on his tir and bearing with him the tokens
of the goodneffe of his Hauke, it efcaped his mouth to fay, that
the faine was one of the things that in ail the World he loued bef.
Truely thls Vord was taken at the firft bound contrary to his
meaning, wherewith the matter fo fell out, as afterwards by des-
payre he was like to lofe his Lyre. Certaine dayes after, as in the
abfence of the knight, talk rofe of his verrue and honeft condi-
tions, one prayfing his proweffe and valyance, another his great
Beauty and Curtefy, another paffing further, extolling the fincere
affe&yon and confancy which appeared in him touching matters
of Loue» one enuious perron named Gracian fpake his mind of hym
in this wyfe : "" I wiii hot deny but that Dom Diego is one of the
moft excellent moft honefi and braueff knyghtes of Catheioigne,
but in matters of Loue he feemeth to me fo walteryng and incon-
fiant, as in euery place where he commeth, by and by he falleth
in loue, and maketh as though he were ficke and would dy for the
faine." Gineura marue]iing at thofe words faid vnto him : "I pray
you my frend to vfe better talk of the Lord Dom Diego. For I
do thvnk the Loue whych the Knight doth beare to a Gentlewoman
of thvs countrey, is fo firme and affured, as none other can remoue
the faine out of the fiege of hys mind ?" "' Lo hove you be deceiued
Gentlewoman" (quod Gracian) "' for vnder coloure of diffvmulate
feruice, he and futch as he is doe abufe the fimplicity of young
VOL. III, ç
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
Gentlewomen. And to proue mv fayinge true, I ara affured that
he is extremely enamored wyth the Daughter of Dom Ferrando de
la Serre, of whom he receyued an Hauke, that he loueth aboue ail
other things." Gineura remembrying the vords which certavn
dayes belote Dom Diego fpake touching his hauke, began to fus-
pe& and beleue that which Gracian alleaged, and hot able to fup-
port the choler, whych cold lealofy bred in hir ffomack, went
into hir Chaumber full of fo greate gryefe and heauyneffe as flac
u,as many tymes lyke to kyll hir felfe. In the end, hopyng to
be reuenged of the wrong whvch flaee beleued to receyue of Dom
Dieg% determyned to endure hir fortune paciently. In the meane
tyme fhe concevued in hir Mynd a defpyte and hatred fo great and
extreame agaynff the poore Gentleman that thought lvttle hereof,
as the former loue was nothing in refpec'-te of the reuenge by death
which fhe then defired vpon hvm. XVho the next dav after his
wonted maner came to fee hir, hauing (to hys great damage) the
hauke on his fifre, which was the onely caufe of all her Ieaiofie.
lXTowe as the knyght vas in talke with the iXlother, feeynge that
his beioued came hOt at ai (accordyng to hir cuftome) to falute
him and bid him welcome, inquired how flac dvd. One that ioued
h'm more than the rePt, favd vnto him: "'Syr, fo foone as flac
knewe of your comming, immedyately fhe wvthdrew hir felf into
hir Chaumber." He that was wyfe and well trayned vp diffembled
what he thought, imagining that it was for fome lyttle fantalîe,
whereunto XVomen wyllingly be lubie&e. And therfore when he
thought time to depart he toke leaue of the wydow, and as he was
goyng down the Ptaires of the great Chamber, he met one of the
maides of Gineura, whom he prayed to commend him to hir mis-
treffe. Gineura duryng ai this tlme tooke no refte, deuifing howe
fhee myghte cutte of cleane hir loue entertained in Dom Diego,
after flac knewe that hec carryed the hawke on his fyft: beyng
the onely inftrument of her frentie. And therefore thynkyng hir
felfe both defpyfed and mocked of hir Knyght, and that he had
donc it in defpyte of hir, flac entred into fo great rage and Choler
as flac was iike to fall mad. She being then in this trouble of
1Mynde, behoid hir Gentlewoman came vnto hir, and dyd the
knyght's meffage. Who hearing but the fymple name of hir fup-
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
243
pofed Ennimy, began to fighe fo ftraungely, as a Man would haue
thought hir foule prefently would haue departed hir Bodv. After-
wards when fhe had vanquifhed hir raging fit whych ilayed hir
fpeach» fhe gan very tenderly to weepe» faying: "Ah traytor and
vufaithful Louer, is thçs the recompence of the honefi, and firme
Amity whvch I haue borne thee» fo xvyckedly to deceiue me vnder
the colour of fo faint and detefiable a Fryendfhip ? Ah rafhe and
arrant Theefe, is it I vppon whom thou oughtefi to bend thé"
wycked Trtmperies ? Dofie thou thinke that I ara no better worth
but that thou prodigally fhouldefi vafie myne honor to bear the
fpoyles thereof to hir, that is in nothing comparable vnto nie ?
XVherein haue I deferued thvs difcurte', if hot by louyng thee
more than thy beauty and fained loue deferue ? Diddefi thou date
to aduenture vppon me» hauyng thy confcyence xvounded wvth
futch an abhominable and deadly Treafon ? Dtrfie thou to off-er
thy Mouth to kvflè my Hand, by the mouth of another, to whome
thou haddefi before dedicated thy lying Lyppes in thine owne
perfon? I moil humbly thancke Almighty God that it pleafed
him to let me fee the Poifon by thee prepared for the ruine of my
lyre and honor. Ha foole, hope hOt to take me in thy Trap, nor
yet to deceyue me through thy fugred and deceitfull XVords. For
I fweare bv the Almyghty God, that fo long as I fhall liue, I will
accompte thee none other, but the nlofi cruell and mortall Ennimv
that I haue in this world." Then to accomplifh the refi of hir
carefull Minde file wrote a Lettcr to giue hir farewell to hir olde
Friend Dom Diego. And for that purpofe inftruoEed hir Page
vith this Leffon, that when the knyght fhould corne, he fhould be
readv before hir lodging and fay vnto him in the behalfe of hir,
that before he paffed anv ftrther» hee fhoulde reade the Letter,
and hOt to fayle to doe the Contents : the Page which xvas malici-
ous, and il affe&ioned to Dom Diego, knoxvyng the appointed
day of hys comming, wavted for hym a quarter of a mlle from the
Caille, where he had hot long taryed, but the innocent louer came,
agaynfi whome the page went» bearyng about him more hurtfull
and noyfome weapons than al the Theeues and robbers had in ail
the Cotmtrey of Catheloigne. In this manner prefenting his mys-
treffe letters, he laid vnto him: "My Lord, madame Gineura my
-44
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
miltreffe hath lent me vnto you: and bicaufe fhe knoweth hov
feareful you be to dyfpleafe hir, prayeth you not to favle to reade
this Letter before you paffe anve further, and there wyth ai to
aeeomplyfh the effecCte thereof." The knyght abafhed wvth that
fodavne meffage, aunfwered the Page : '" God forbid my fryend,"
(quod he) "that I fhould difobey hir by anye meanes, vnto whom
I baue gyuen a fuli authoritv and puiffaunee over mvne affe6tyons."
So reeeyuing the letters, he kiffed them thre or four times, and
openyng them, found that he loked not for, and red that whvch
he thought hOt off. The contents were thefe.
The letters of faire Ginuera, to the Knight Don Diego.
There fhall parle no dav of my Lyfe, from makyng complavnts
of the diflovall and periured Louer, who being more efteemed and
better beloued than thou dvdft deferue, haft ruade fo fmall
aeeompte of mee, whereof I wvll be reuenged vpon my felfe, for
that I fo lyghtly beleued thv wordes fo full of erafte and guyle.
I ara in mvnd that thou henceforth fhalt rive to buzze and beat
the Bufhes, where thou fufpe&efi to catch the pray: for heere
thou art lyke to be deeeiued. Goe varlet, (goe I fay,) to deceyue
hir whveh holdeth thee in hir nets and fnares, and whofe Pre-
fentes (althoughe of fmall Value)moued thee more than the Honefie,
Vertuous and Chafte Loue, that Vertue hir felfe began to knytte
betweene vs. And tïth a Carrion Kvte hath ruade the fly further
off, than the XVynde of the Ayre was able to bear thee, God de-
fende that Gineura fhould goe aboute to hynder thy follyes, and
muteh leffe to fuffer hir felfe to bee beguyled throughe thine
Eeufes. 1Yav rather God defend (exeept thou defireft to le me
dy) that thou fhouldeft euer bee in place where I ara, affuryng thee
of thys my mynde, neuer to be ehaunged fo long as my fouie
flaall refi wythin my body: whieh giuing breath vnto my panting
breaK, fhal neuer be other, but a mortall enimy to Dom Diego:
and futeh one as euen to the Death wyl hOt favle to profeeute
the default of the mofi traiterous and vnfaythfull Knyght that
euer was gyrte in girdle, or armed with Sword. And behold
the lafi fauour that thou eanf[ or oughteft to hope of me who
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
lyueth hot but onelye to martir and crucify thee, and neuer fhal
beother but
The greateft Enimy, that euer thou haddeft, or
fl3alt haue, Gineura the fayre.
The myferable louer had no fooner red the Letter, but lifting vp
his eyes to the heauens, he fayd: "Alas, my God thou knoxvef
well if euer I haue offended, that I ought to be banyfled from the
place, xvhere my contentation is chyefly fixed, and from whence
mv heartflaall neuer departe, chaunce what myffehappe and For-
tune fo euer flaall." Then tournyng himfelf towards the Page, hec
fayd : "Sir Page my fryend, fay vnto my Ladye, mort humblve
commending me vnto hir, that for this prefent time I wyll not fee
hir, but hereafter fhe fhall heare fome newes from me." The
page well leffoned for the purpofe, ruade hvm aunfwere, faying:
"' Sir, flac hath xvvlled me to far thus mutch bv mouth, that ve
cannot do hir greater pleafure, than neuer to corne in place where
thee is: for fo m utch as the Daughter of Dom Ferrando de la
Serre hath fo catched you in hir nettes, that Ioth flac is your faith-
full heart flaoulde hange in ballance, and expetCt the vncertaine
Loue of two Ladyes at once." Dom Diego hearing the truth of hvs
miffehap, and the occafion of the faine, ruade Lyghte of the matter
for that tyme, till at length the Choler of his Mftreffe were
abated, that therebv flaee might know vpon how bryttle Ground
flac hadde planted a fufpition of hir mort faythfull and louing
Seruaunt, and fo retiring to his Houle, altogither vexed and vli
contented, he wente into hys Chaumber where v.'ith his Dagger he
paunched the gorge of the poore birde, the caufe of hys Ladies
Anger, faying : " Ha vyle carraine kite, I fweare by the bloud of
him, that thou flaalt neuer be the caufe agayne, to make hir fret
for futch a triflyng thing as thou art: I beleue that what fo euer
fury is hidden within the Body of this curffed Kite, to engender
a Plague, the lame now is feafed on me, but I hope to doe my
Myftreffe vnderftande xvhat Sacrifice I haue ruade of the thyng
that was lent me, ready to do the lvke vppon mine owne flefla,
where it flaall pleafe her to commaund." So taking Inke and
Paper, he ruade aunfwere to Gineura as foloweth.
46
DOhl DIEGO AND GINEURA.
The Letters of Dom Diego, fo Gineura the faire.
But who would euer thynck (my Lady deare) that a Lyght
Opinion eould fo foone haue deuided your good iudgement, to
condempn your Knight before you had heard what he was able to
fay, for himfelf? truely I thought no more to offend you, than
the man which vou neuer knew, although you haue bene deeeiued
by colored words, vttered by thofe that be enuious of my happe,
and Efimies of your ioy, who haue fi]led your miade fu]l of faire
report. I fwere vnto vou (by God, my good Lady) that neuer
thinge entred iato my fantafie nmre, than a defire to ferue you
alone and to auoide the acquaintanee of all other, to preferue for
vou a pure and entire heart. XVhereof longe agone I made you
an off`er. In wytneffe whereof I humbly befeeeh you to beleue,
that fo foone as you fee this Birde (the eaufe of your anger and
oeeafion of my mithap) tome and pluekte in pieces, that mv
heart feeleth no leffe alteration or torment: for fo long as I fhall
vnderfland your difpleafure to endure againfi mee, affure your
felfe my Life/hall abide in no leffe paine than my ioye was great
when I franckly poffeffed your prefenee. Be it fuffieient (Madame)
for you to know, that I neuer thought to offend you. Be eon-
tented I befeeeh you, with this faerifice which I fend you, if not
that I doe the like vpon myne owne body, whieh without your
good will and graee eaa no longer liue. For my lyfe depending
vppon that only benefit, you ought hot to be afionned if the fame
fayling his nouri/hment doth pearifh, as frufirate of that foode,
propre, and apt for his Appetite : and by like meanes my fayd lire
/hall reuiue, if it may pleafe you to fpread your beames ouer mine
obfeure and bafe perfonage, and to receiue thys fatiffaCCtion for a
fauit not eommitted. And fo wayting a gentle aunfwere from
your great eurtefie, I humbly kiffe your white and delieate handes,
witb all humility, praying God hveete Lady, to let you fee hooe
muteh I fuffer without defert, and what puiffaunee you haue ouer
him that is ail your
Faythfull and euer fervaunt
mofi obedient, Dom Diego.
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
247
The letter clofed, and fealed, he deliuered to one of his fayth-
full and feeret Seruaunts, to beare (with the deade Hauke) vnto
Gineura, eharging him diligently to take heede to hir eounte-
naunee, and aboue all, that faithfullv he flould beare away what
fhe dyd fay vnto him for aunfwere. His man fayled not to fpeede
himfelfe with diligence: and being eome before Gineura, he pre-
fented that which his maifier had lent hir. She full of wrath and
indignation, would not once vouehfafe to reade the letter, and
muteh leffe to aeeept the prefent whieh was a witneffe of the eon-
trary of that fhee did beleue, and turninge vnto the meffenger, fhe
fayde : '" My Frende, thou mayefi goe get thee backe agayne, wyth
the felfe faine charge x'hich thou hafi brought, and fay wto
thy lnayfier, that I haue nothing to doe with his Letters, his
Excufes, or any other thing that eommeth from his handes, as one
hauing good experienee of his fleyghts and deeeipts. Tell him
alfo, that I prayfe God, in good time I haue taken heede to the
little fayth and trufi that is in him for a eountergarde, lightly neuer
hereafter to bee deceiued." The feruyng man would favne haue
framed an Oration to purge his maifier, but the tierce Gentlewoman
brake of his talke, faying vnto hym, that fhe was wel refolued
vpon hir intent, whyeh was that Dom Diego fhould neuer reeouer
place in hir minde: and that flme hated hym as muteh at that rime
as euer fhee loued him before. Vppon whyeh aunfwere the Mes-
ranger returned, fo forrowfull for the Miffortune of his Mayfier
(knowing hvm to bee very innocent) as he knew full well into what
defpayre his Mayfier would fall, when he vnderfiode thofe pitifull
and heavy newes: notwithfianding needes he muft knowe them,
and therefore when he was eome before Dom Diego, he reevted
vnto hym from poynt to poynt his ambaffage, and deliuered hvm
agayne hisLetters. Whereof the infortunate Gentleman was fo fore
afionned, as he was like to haue fallen downe dead at that infiaut.
"" Alas," (fayd he) "what yll lucke is this, that when I thought to
enioye the benefite of my attempte, Fortune hath reuolted to bryng
me to the extremity of the mofie defparate man that ever lyued ?
Is it poflïble that my good feruice fhould bee the eaufe of mv
approaehed ouerthrow? Alas, what may true and faithfull
louers heneeforth hope for, if not the loffe of theyr tyme when
48
DOM DIEGO .AND GINEURA.
after long deuoire and duetye, an Enuious fool fhall tome to
depryue them of thevr ioy and gladneffe, and they feelyng the
bvtterneffe of thevr abandoned farexvell, one that loueth leffe
fhall beare awav the fxveete fruit'te of fitch hope, and fhall pos-
feffe withoute deferte the glory due to a good and favthfull futer.
Ah favre Gineura, that thou feef'c not the griefe whych I do feele,
and the affe'tion wherewith I ferue thee, and how mutch I would
fuffer to gayne and recouer thy good grace and fauor. Ha vavne
hope, which vntill now haft fvlled me, with mirth and gladneffe,
altogether fpent and ouerwhelmed in the gaulle of thy bytter
fauour, and in the taft of thv corrupted lvcour : better it had ben
for me at the begining to haue refufed thee, than afterwards
receiued, cheriflied, and fincerelv beloued, to be banifhed for fo
light occafion, as I ara ful fore afhamed to concevue the faine
within remembrance : but fortune fhal not haue hir wil ouer me :
for fo long as I fhall liue I wyll contynue the feruaunt of Gineura,
and mv lvfe I wyll preferue, to lette her vnderfand the force of
Loue : bv continuaunce whereof, I wvll not fticke to lette my felfe
on fvre with the liuelv flames of my paffions, and then withdrawe
the fyrebrandes of my ioy, bv the rigour and frowardneffe that
fhall proceede from hir." XVhen he had fvnifhed his talke, he
began to figh and lainent fo ftratgely, as his man was about to
go cal the lady his mother. In whom dvd appeare futch fignes, as
if death had ben at hand, or els that he had ben attached wyth
the Spirite of phrenfie. But when hee fawe hvm aboute to corne
agayne to himfelfe, he fayed thus vnto him : " How now, 'r, wvl
vou cafi vour felfe away for the foolyfhe toy of an vndifcrete
gifle, yll mannered and taught, and who perchaunce doth al this
to proue how confiant you would be ? 1No, no tir, you muft turne
ouer an other Leafe, and fith you bee determvned to loue hir, you
mufi perfeuere in your purfute. For at length it is impoffible,
but that this Diamont hardneffe, muft needes bee mollified, if fhe
be not a Diuell incarnate, more furious than the wildeft bealts,
whveh haunt the deferts of Lybia." Dom Diego was eomforted
with that admonition, and purpofed to perfifi in hvs affe&ion,
and therefore lent manv meffages, giftes, letters, anti exeufes to
hys angry miftreffe Gineura. But fhe ruade yet leffe aeeompt
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
249
of them than of the firft, charging the meffangers not to trouble
themfelues about thofe trifles, for flme had rather dye than fee
hym, or to receyue any thyng from him, whom fhe deadly hated.
,Vhen newes hereof came to the knyght, he was altogether impa-
cient, and feeing the finall profite which he did gaine by purfuing
his folyfh opinion, and hOt able to beftow his loue elfewhere, he
determined to die: and yet vnwilling to imbrue his hands with
his owne bloud, he purpofed to wander as a vacabond into fome
deferte, to perfourme the courre of his vnhappye and forrowfull
dayes, hoping hy that meanes to quench the heat of that amorous
rage, either by length of tyme, or by death, the laft refuge of the
myferable. For which purpofe then, he caufed to he ruade two
pylgrims wedes, the one for himfelfe, and the other for his man,
and prepared al their neceffaries for his volage. Then writing a
Letter to his Gineura, he called one of his men, to whom he laid :
'" I ara going about certavne of myne affayres, whereof I will haue
no man to knowe, and therefore when I ara gone, thou fhalt tell
my Lady Mother what I fay to thee, and that within twenty dayes
(God willing) I meane to retourne: moreouer I require thee, that
route dayes after my departure, aud uot belote, thou beare theefe
letters to mifreffe Gineura, and if fo he tire refufe to receyue
them, fayle hOt to deliuer them vnto hir mother. Take heede
therefore if thou loue me, to do all that which I haue geuen thee
in charge." Afterwards he cal]ed his feruaunt vnto hym, which
had done the fïrR meffage vnto Gineura, which was a wife, and
gentle feIIow, in whom the knight repofed great aflïaunce, to him
he declared all his enterprife, and th'ende whereunto his tierce
determination did extend. The good Seruaunt whych Ioued his
mayf[er, hearng his intent fo vnreafonable, fayde vnto him:
" Is it not enough for you tir, to yelde your fIfe a pray to the
mol[ tierce, and cruell womart that lyueth, but thus to augmert
hir glory, by feeing hir fclfe fo vicorious over you ? Are you
ignoraunt what the mallice of XVomen is, and how mutch thev
tritmph ii tormenting the poore blynded foules that hecome their
Seruaunts, and what prayfe they attrihtite vnto themfelues, if hv
fome miffortune they driue them to difpaire ? Was it without
carafe that the Sage in times paf did fo greatly hate that Sexe,
=5o
D0M DIEGO AND GINEURA.
and Kinde, as the common Ruine, and ouerthrow of men ? What
mooued the Greeke Poet to ring theefe verres againft all forts of
%Vomen ?
A common woe though filly woman be to man,
Yet double ioy againe the doth vnto him bring:
The wedding night is one, as wedded folk tell can,
The other when the knill for hir poore foule doth ring.
If not for that he knew the happineffe of mat, confifted more i,,
auoyding the acquaintaunce of that fur)', than by imbracinge, and
chearithing of the lame, fith hir nature is altogether like vnto
ASfop's Serpent, which being deliuered from pearill and daunger
of death by the thepeheard, for recompence thereof, infe6ted his
whole houfe with his venomous hifling, and rammifh Breath. 0
howe happy is hee that ean mavfter his owne affecCtions, and like
a free man from that paffion» ean reioyee in liberty, fleeing the
fweete euill whieh (as I well pereeyue) is the eaufe of your defpayre.
But tir, your wifedome ought to vanquith thofe light eoneeipts,
by fetting fo light of that your rebellious Gentlewoman, as fhee is
vnworthy to be fauoured by fo great a Lord as you be, who defer-
ueth a better perfonage than hir's i% and a frendlier entertainment
than a farewell fo fondly giuen." Dom Diego, although that he
tooke pleafure to heare thofe difeourfes of his favthfull feruaunt,
yet he fheved fo fower a Countenaunce w, to him, as the other with
theefe fewe wordes helde his peace : " Sith then it is fo fyr, that
you be refolued in your mithap, it may pleafe you to accept mee
to wayte vpon you, whither you are determined to goe : for I meane
not to liue at mine eafe, and fuffer mv mayfter, in payne, and
griefe. I will be partaker of that which Fortune thall prepare,
vntill the heauens doe nfitigate their rage vpon you, and your
predeftinate mifhap." Dom Diego, who defired no better com-
pany, imbraced him verv louingly, thankinge him for the good
will that hee bare him, and fayd: "This prefent Night about
midnight, we wil take out Iourney, euen that way wheather out
Lot and alfo Fortune fhall Guide vs, attendinge eyther the ende of
my Paffion, or the whole ouerthrow of my felfe." Their intent
they did put in proofe: for at Midnight the Moone being cleere
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
when ail thinges were at relt, and the Crickets chlrpinge through
the Creauifes of the Earth, they tooke their way vnfeene of any.
/nd fo foone as _Aurora began to garnifh hir Mantle with colors
of red and white, and the morning Starre of the Goddeffe of lteal-
ing loue, appeared, Dom Diego began to figh, faying: "Ah yee
frefhe and dewy Morninges, that my hap is farre from the quiet
of others, who after they haue relted vpon the Cogitation of their
Eafe, and ioye, doe awake by the pleafaunte Tunes of the Byrdes,
to perfourme by effe& that which the Shadowe and Fantafie of
their blinde, did prefent by dreaming in the Night, where I am
conltrayned to feparate by great dilLaunce exceeding vehement
continuation of mv Torments, to followe wilde Beatts, wandring
from thence where the greateft number of men doe quietly fleepe
and take their relU. Ah Venus, whofe Starre now conduð me,
and whofe beames long agoe did glow and kindle my louing heart,
how chaunceth it that I ara not intreated according to the defert
of my conftant minde and meaning mot1 fincere ? &las, I looke
not to expe& any thyng certayne from thee, fith thou halt thv
courfe amongs the wandring ttarres, luft the Influence of one
Starre that ruleth ouer mee, deface that which the Heauens would
to bee accomplifhed, and that my cruel mittreffe, deluding my
languors and griefs» triumpheth ouer mine intïrmity, and ouer-
whelmeth me with care and forow, that I liue pyning away, amongs
the fauage bealts in the XVilderneffe ? For fomutch as vithout the
grace of my Lady, all company fhalbe fo tedious and lothfom
vnto me, that the only thought of a true reconciliation with hir,
that bath mv heart, flml ferue for the comfort and true remedv of
ail my troubles." Whiles he had 'ith thefe pangs forgotten him-
felfe, hee fawe that the day began to vcaxe cleere, the Sun already
fpreading his golden beames vpon the earth and therefore haltely
he fet himfelf forthvards, vfing Bywayes, and far from common
vfed trades, fo neere as he could, that hee might not by any
meanes be knowne. Thus they rode forth till Noone : but feeing
their horffe to be wearv and faynt, they lighted at a village, farre
from the high way: where they refrefled themfelues, and bayted
their horffe vntill it was late. In this fort by the fpace of three
daies they trauerfed the Countrey vntill thev arriued to the foote
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
of a mountayne, not frequented almoft but by ,Vilde and fauage
Beaffs. The countrev round about was very fayre, pleafaunt,
and fit for the folitarines of the Knight: for if fhadow pleafed
him, hee might be delighted with the couert of an infinite hum-
ber of frui&full trees, wherewith only nature had furnifhed
thofe hideous and Sauage Defertes. Next to the high and wel
timbred Forrelts, there were groues and bulbes for exercife of
hunting. -A man could defire no kinde of Venefon, but it was to
be had in that XVilderneffe: there might be feene alfo a certain
fharpe and rude fituation of craggy, and vnfruiful rocks»
which notwithffanding yelded fome pleafure to the Eyes, to fee
theym tapiffed with a pale moafie greene, which difpofed into
a frizeled guife, made the place pleafaunt and the rock foft,
according to the faflion of a couerture. There was alfo a
very fayre and wide Caue, which liked him well compaffed round
about with Firre trees, Pine apples, Cipres, and Trees diltilling
a certavne Rofen or Gumme, towards the bottom whereof, in the
way downe to the valley, a man might haue viewed a paffing com-
pany of Ewe trees, Poplers of ail fortes, and lIaple trees, the Leaues
whereof fell into a Lake or Pond, which came bv certayne final
gutters into a frefh and very cleare fountavne right agaynlt that
Caue. The knight viewing the auncientv and excellency of the
place, delierated by and by to plant there the fiege of his abode,
for performing of his penaunce and life. _And therefore fayd unto
his feruaunt: "'Mv friend, I ara aduifed that this place fhall be
the lXlonaltery, for the voluntary profefiïon of our religion, and
where we will accomplifl the Voyage of our Deuotion. Thou
feelt both the beauty and folitarineffe, which do rather commaund
vs here to relt, than any other place nere at hand." The Seruaunt
velded to the pleafure of his maylter, and fo lightinge from their
horffe, thev diffurnifl,ed them of their Saddles, and Bridles, gieuing
to them the liherty of the fields, of whom afterwards they neuer
heard more newes. The faddles they placed within the Caue and
leauing their ordinary appareil, clothed themfelues in Pilgrimes
weedes, fortifying the mouth of the caue, that wilde beafts fhould
not hurt them when they were a fleepe. There the feruaunt
began to play the Vpholffer, and to make little beds of moffc,
DOl',! DIEGO AND GINEURA.
532
whofe fpindle and v¢heele were of wood, fo well pollifhed and
trimmed, as if he had bin a carpenter wel expert in that Science.
They liued of nothing els, but of the frui&s of thofe wilde trees,
fometimes of herbs, vntili they had deuifed to make a crofbo,v
of wood, v¢herewith they killed now and then a Hare, a Cony, a
Kid, and many times fome flronger beafl remavned with them for
gage: whofe bloude they preffed out betwene two pieces of wood
and rofled them againft the Sunne, feruing the faine in, as if it
had bene a right good Difhe for their firft couffe of thcir fober
and vndelicate Table, whereat the pure water of the fountayne,
next vnto their holiow and deepe houfe, ferued in fteade of the
good XVynes, and delicious Drinks that abounded in the houfe
of Dont Diego. XVho liuitlg in this poore ftate, ceafed
night nor day to complayne of his hard fortune and curffed
plight, going manv rimes through the Defertes ail alone, the better
to mufe and fudy thereupon, or (peraduenture) defirous that
fome hungry Beare fhould defcend from the mountayne, to finifhe
his lire and paynefull griefes. But the good Seruaunt knowing
his Mavfler's forow and mifhap, would neuer go out of his fight
but rather exhorted him to retourne home againe to his goods
and poffeffions, and to forger that order oflyfe, vnworthy for futch
a perfonage as he was, and vncomely for him that ought to be
indued with reafon and iudgement. But the defperate Gentle-
man v¢ilfuli in his former deliberation, would hot heare him fpeake
of futch retravt. So that if it efcaped the feruaunt to be earnefl
and fharpe agaynfl the rudeneffe and fottifl cruelty of Gineura,
it was a paftime to fee Dom Diego mount in choller againft him,
faying: "Art thon fo hardy to fpeak il of the gentlewoman, which
is the mof vertuous perfonage vnder the coape of heauen ? Thou
maift thancke the loue I beare thee, otherwife I would make thee
feele how mutch the flaunder of hir toucheth mee at the heart,
which hath right to puniEe me thus for mine indifcretion, and
that it is I that commit the wronge in complayning ofhir feuerity."
"Now tir," fayd the feruaunt, "I do indeede perceyue what
marier of thing the contagion of loue is. For they which once
doe feele the corruption of that .A_yre, think nothing good or
fauory, but the filthy finel of that peftiferous meat. Wherefore
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
I humbly befeech vou a little to let- apart, and remoue from
minde, that feare and prefumptuous dame Gineura, and by for-
getting hir beauty, to meafure hir Defert and vour griefe, you
thall know then (being guided bv reafon's lofe) that you are the
fimplett and weakett man in the worlde, to torme,t vour felfe in
this wife, and that thee is the fondett Gifle, xvholly firaught of
wits, fo to abufe a Noble man that meriteth the good grace and
fweete embracement of one more fayre, wife and modefi, than the
theweth hirfelfe to be." The knight hearing thefe words thought
to abandon pacience, but vet replied vnto him: " I fweare vnto
thee bv God, that if euer thou haue an)' futch talke agayne,
evther I will dye, or thou flaalt depart out of my company, for I
cannot abide by anv meanes to fuffer one to defpife hir whom I
do loue and honor, and thal fo do duriug lire." The feruaunt
loth to offend his mayfier held his peace, heauy for all that in
heart, to remember how the poore gentleman was refolued to
finifla there, (in a defert unknowen to his Freendes) ail the rem-
naunt of his life. And who afwell for the euill order, and hOt
accufiome nourture, as for afliduall playnts and weepings, was
become fo pale and leane, as he better refembled a dry Chip, than
a man, hauing feeling or lvfe. His eves were fonke into his Head,
his Beard vnkempt, his hayre fiaring, his fkin fui of fiith, alto-
gether more like a wilde and Sauage creature (futch one as is
depainted in brutal forme) than faire Dom Diego, fo mutch com-
mended, and efieemed throughout the klngdome of Spayne. Now
leaue we this Amorous IIermit to paflîonate and playne his mif-
fortune, to fee to what ende the Letters came that he wrote to his
crael Milreffe. The day prefixed for deliucry of his Letters, his
feruaunt did his charge, and being corne to the houfe of Gineura,
founde hir in the ball vith hir mother, where kiflîng his Mavfer's
Letters, hee prefented;them with very great reuerence to the
Gentlewoman. 3,Vho fo foone as fhee knexv that they came from
Dom Diego, ail chaunged into raging colour, and foolifhe choller,
threwe theym incontinently vppon the grounde, fayinge: "Suf-
ficeth it not thy Maytter, that already twice I haue done him to
vnderfland, that I haue nothing to doe with his Letters nor
Ambaffades, and yet goeth he about by futch affaultes to encreafe
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
255
my difpleafure and agony, by the otaly rememhraunce of his folly ?"
The Motlaer feeing that vnciuile ordcr, although fhee vnderfioode
the caufe, and knowinge that there vas fome difcorde bctweene
the two Louers, yet thought it to bee but light, fithe tlae Comike
Poet faveth :
The Louers often falling out,
And prety warling rage:
Of pleafaunt loue itis no douht,
The fure renewing gage.
She went vnto hir Daughter, and fard VlltO hir : "Vhat great
rage is this : let me fee that Letter that I may reade it : for I haue
no feare that Dom Diego can deceyue me with the fweetenes of
his honnv words. And truly Daughter you neede not fear to touch
thevm, for if there were any Povfon in theym, it proceeded from
your beauty that hath bitten and ftong the knight, whereof if he
affay to make you a partaker, I fee no caufe why he ought tobe
thus rigoroufly reiecCted, deferuing by his honefty a better enter-
taynement at your hands." In the meane rime one of the feruing
men toke vp the Letters, and gaue them to the Lady, who readittg
them, round written as followeth.
The letters of Dom Diego, to rniflreffe Gineura.
My deareft and motï wel beloued Lady, fith that mine innocency
can finde no refling place within vour tender Corpfe, what honeft
excufe or true reafon fo euer I do alledge, acd fith your heart
declareth itfelf tobe Implacable, and hot pleafed with hym that
neuer offended you, except it were for ouermutch loue, which
for guerdon of the rare and incomparable amity, I perceyue my
felfe tobe hated deadly of you and in futch wife contemned, as
the only record of my naine caufeth in you art infupportahle
griefe and difpleafure vnfpeakeahle. To auoide I fay your indig-
nation, and bv my mifhap to render vnto you fome eafe aud cota-
tentment, I haue meant to diflodge my felf fo far from this
Countrey, as neyther you nor any other, fhal euer heare by faine
256
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
or true report, the place of my abode, nor the graue vherein my
bones fhall refk _And although it be an inexplicable heart's forrow
and torment, which bv wav of pen can hOt be declared, to be thus
mifprifed of ).ou, whom alone I do loue and fhal, fo long as mine
affli&ed foule/hall hang vpon the feeble and brittle threede of
life: vet f,»r ail that, this griefe falling vpon me, is hot irkefome,
as the puni/hment is grieuous, by imagining the paffion of your
minde when it is difquieted with difdayne and wrath agaynff me,
xvho liueth hOt, but to wander vpon the thoughts of your perfec-
tions. -And forfomutch as I doe feele for the debility that is in
me, that I am hOt able any longer to beare the fowre fhockes of
my bitter torments and martyrdome that I prefently doe fuffer,
vet before my life doe fa)'le, and death doe feafe .pon my fenfes,
I haue written vnto vou this prefent letter for a tefiimoniall of
vour rigour, which is the marke that iufiifieth my vnguiltyneffe.
And although I doe complayne of mine vnhappy fortune, yet I
meane not to accule you, onely contented that eche man doe
know, that firme affe&ion and eternall thraldome do deferue other
recompence than a farexvell fo cruell. -And I am wel affured,
that when I am deade, you will pitty mv torment, knowing then,
although to late, that mv loyalty was fo fincere, as the report of
thofe was falfe, that ruade you beleeue, that I was very far in loue
with the Daughter of Dom Ferrande de la Serre. Alas,/hall a
Noble gentleman that hath bene well travned vp, be forbidden to
receiue the gifts that corne from a vertt, ous Gentle'oman ? Ought
you to be fo incapable and voyde of humanity, that the facrifice
which I haue ruade of the poore Birde, the taule of your difdayne,
my repentaunce, my lawfull excufes, are not able to let you fee the
contrarv of your perfuafion? -Ah, ah, I fee that the dark and
obfcure vavle of uniuff difdayne and immoderate anger, hath fo
blindfold your eyes, and inuegled your mynde, as you tan not
iudge the truth of my taule and the vnrightoufnes of your quarell.
I will render vnto vou none other eertifieate of myne innoeeney,
but mv languifhinge heart, which you elepe betweene your hands,
feling futeh rude intertavnment there, of whom he loaked for
reioyfe of his trauayles. But forfomutch then as you do hate me,
what reffeth for me to do, but to procure deffru&ion to my felf?
DOt DIEGO AND GINEURA.
257
_And rith your pleafure conriReth in mine ouerthrow, reafon
willeth that I obey you, and by deth to facrifice my lire in like
maner as by life you were the only miRreffe of my heart. One
only thing cheereth vp my heart agayne, and maketh my death
more myferable, which is, that in dying fo innocent as I ara, you
fhall remayne guilty, and the onely caufe of my ruine. My Lvfe
will depart iike a Puffe, and Soule fhall vanifh like a fweete Som-
mer's blaf[ : whereby you fhall be euer deemed for a cruell \Vomau
and bloudy Murderer of your deuout and favthfull Seruaunt. I
pray to God mine owne fweete Lady, to giue you futch Contenta-
tion, Ioye, Pleafure» and Gladneffe, as you do caufe through your
Rigor, Difcontentment, Griefe, and Difpleafure to the poore lan-
guifhing Creature, and who for euermore fhall bee
Your mort obedient and affe&ed
feruaunt Dom Diego.
The good Lady hauing red the Letter, was fo aftonned, as hir
words for a long fpace faied within hir mouth ; hir heart panted,
and fpirite was fui] of confufion, hir minde was filled with forrow
to confider the anguifhes of the poore vagabound, and fofier Her-
mit. In the ende before the houfhold diffembling hir paffion
which mooued hir fenfe, fhe tooke ber Daughter a ride, whom
very fharply fhe rebuked, for that fhe was the caufe of the loffe
of fo notable and perle& a Knight as Dom Diego was. Then fhe
red the Letter vnto hir, and as all hir eloquence was hot able to
moue that cruel damfel|, more venemous than a Serpent agaynft
the knight, x.ho (as fhe thought) had hot indured the one halle of
that which his inconftancy and lightneffe had wel deferued,
whofe obftinate minde the mother perceyuinge, farde vnto hir :
'" I pray to God (deare daughter) that for your frowardneffe, you
bee hot blinded in your beauty, and for refufa]l of fo great a
benefit as is the alliaunce of Dom Diego, you be not abufed ,vith
futch a one as fhall dimme the light of your renoume and glory,
which hitherto you haue gayned amongs the fobref[ and modeft
mavdens." Hauing fayd fo, the wyfe and fage widow, went to
the feruaunt of Dom Diego, of whom fhe demaunded what
day his mayter departed, which fhe knowing, and hot igno-
VOL, III. R
58
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
raunt of the occafion, was more wroth than before : notwithfcand-
ing fhe diffembled what fhe thought, and fending backe his
feruant, fhe required him to do hir hearty commendations to the
Lady his miftreffe, which he did. The good Ladv was ioyfull of
them not knowing the contents of her tbnne's ietters» but iooked
rather that he had fent word vnto his lady of the iut hour of his
returne. Howbeit when fhe faw that in the fpace of OEo dayes,
nor yet within a moneth he came not, l'hee could not tell vhat to
thinke, fo dolorous was she for the abfence of hir f.nne. The
time paflinge without hearing anv newes from him /he began to
torment hirfeife, and be fo penfiue, as if fhe had heard certavne
newes of his death. "_A_las," (quod file) "and wherefore haue the
heauens giuen me the poffeflion of futch an exquif]te fruicCt, to
depriue mec thereof before I do partake the goodneffe, and
fwetenes therof, and before I do enioy the grifts proceding from
fo goodly a ftock. Ah God, I fear that mv immoderate loue is
the occafion of the lotie of mv fonne, and the whole ruine of the
mother, with the demolition and waft of ai our goods. _And I
would that it had pleafed God (my Son)the hunter's gaine had
neuer bene fo deere, for thinking to catch that pray thou thy
felfe waft taken and thou wandring f-r thy better difport, mis-
ring the right way, fo ftrangely didft ftraggle, that hard it is to
reduce thee into the right track agayne. At ieaft wife if I knew
the place, whereunto thon arte repaired to finde againe thy ioffe,
I would trauell thither to beare the company, rather than to ivue
heere vovde of a Hufbande, betrayed by them whom I beft trufted
and bereft from the prefence of the my Sonne, the Staffe and
onely comfort of myne olde age, and the certavne hope of ail our
Houfe and Family." Now if the lXlother vexed hir feife, the Sonne
was eafed xith no great reioyce, being now a free cittizen with
the ]3eafts, and Foules of the Forrefts, Dennes, and Caues, leauing
hot the Profundity of the X, Voods, the Craggednes of the Rocks, or
beautv of the Valley, without fome figne or token of his griefe.
Sometime with a Puncheon wei flmrpned, feruing him in fteede
of a Penknife, he graued the fucceffe of his loue vpon an hard
ftone. Other rimes the forte Bark of fome tender and new growen
fpray ferued him in fteede of Paper, or Parchment. For there he
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
259
carued in Cyphres properly coml3ined with a Kgot (hot eafily to
be knowne) the name of his Lad); interlaced fo properly with his
owne, that the rineft heads might bee deceyued, to Difciphre
the righte interpretation. Vpon a day then, as he paffed his
time (accordinge to his cul'tome) to mufe vpon lIyffehaps, and
to frame his fucceffe of loue in the Ayre, hee Ingraued thefe
Verres vpon a Stone by a Fountayne ride, adioyning to his rude
and Sauage houle.
If any Forref Pan, doth haunt here in this place,
Or wandring Nymphe, bath hard my wofull playnt :
The one may weli beholde, and view what drop of grace,
I haue deferu'de, and eke what griefes my heart do taynt,
The other lend to me fome broke, or fhowre of rayne
To moyft myne heart and eyes, the gutters of my bravne.
Somewhat further of manv rimes at the rifing of the Sunne, he
mounted the Top of an high and greene Mountayne to folace him-
feife vpon the frefhe and greene graffe, where four Pillers were
ereed, (eyther naturally done bv dame Nature, or wrought by the
induftry of man,)which bore a ftone i forme four fquare, well
hewed, rnade and trimmed in maner of an Aulter, vpon which
Aulter he dedicated thefe verfes to the Poterity.
Vpon this holy fquared ftone, which Aulter men doe call,
To fome one of the Gods aboue that confecrated is,
This dolefull verfe I do ingraue, in token of my thrall,
_And deadly griefes that do my filly heart opprefïe,
_And vex with endeleffe paynes, which neuer quiet is,
This wofull verre (I fay) as fureft gage of my diftreffe,
I fixe on Aulter ftone for euer to remayne»
To thew the heart of trueR wight, that euer liued in payne.
And vpon the brims of that Table, he carued thefe Vordes :
This Mafon worke ere&ed here, flaail not fo long abide,
As fhall the eommon naine of two, that now vncoupled bee,
Vho after froward fortune pari, knit eche in one degree,
Shall render for right earnel loue, reward ort either ride.
6o
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
And before his Lodging in that wilde and fonv Forrefi vpon
the Barke of a lofty Beeehe Tree, feeling in himfelfe an unae-
cuftomed luftineffe, thus he wrote:
Th'encreafing beauty of thv fhape, extending far thy naine,
By like inereafe I hope to fee, fo ftretched forth my fame.
His man feeing him to begin to be merily difpofed, one day
laid vnto him: "And wherefore tir ferueth the Lute, whleh I
brought amongs our Males, if you do not affav thereby to recreate
youre felfe, and ring thereupon the prayfes of hir whom you loue
fo wel : vea and if I may fo fay, bv worfhipping hir, you do com-
mit idolatrv in your minde. Is it hOt your pleafure that I fetehe
the faine vnto you, that bv immitation of Orpheus, you mav
mooue the Trees, Rocks, and vylde Beaftes to bevavle vour mil-
fortune, and witneffe the penaunce that vou doe for hir fake,
without caufe of fo havnous punifhment:" "I fee well," (quod
the knight) '" that thou wouldeft I fhould be mery, but mirth is fo
far from me, as I ara eftraunged from hir that holdeth me in this
mifery. Notwithflanding I will performe thv requeft, and will
awake that inftrument in this defert place, wherewith fometime I
witneffed the greateft part of mv parlions." Then the knight
reeeyuing the Lute founded thereupon this fong enfuing.
The waues and troubled fcum, that mooues the Seas alofte,
Vhich runs and roares againl the rocks, and threatneth daungers oft
Refembleth 1o the fits of loue,
That dayly do mv fanfie moue.
Mv heart it is the flfip, that driues on falt Sea fome,
And reafon favles vith fenfeleffe wit, and neuer loketh home,
For loue is guide, and leades the daunee,
That brings good hap, or breedes mifchaunee.
The furious flames of loue, that neuer ceafeth fure,
Are loe the bufie failes and oares, that would my reft procure,
And as in Skies, great windes do blo,
Mv fwift defires runnes, fleeting fo.
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
As fweete Zephyrus breath, in fpring time feedes the floures,
My mifreffe voice would ioye my wits, by hir mofi heauenlypowers,
And would exchaunge mv fate I fay,
As Sommer chaungeth Winter's day.
She is the Artique flarre, the gratious Goddeffe to,
She bath the might to make and marre, to helpe or els vndo,
Both death and lire flae bath at call,
ly warre, my peace, my ruine and ail.
She makes me liue in woe, and guides my fighs and lookes,
She holds my fredome by a lace, as fifh is held with hookes,
Thus by defpayre in this conceite,
I fwallow vp both hooke and baite.
And in the deferts loe I liue, among the fauage kinde,
_And fpend mv time in wofull fighs, rayf'd vp by care of minde,
Ail hopeleffe to in paynes I pyne,
And ioyes for euer doe refigne.
I dread but Charon's boat if fhe no mercv giue,
In darkneffe then my foule fhall dwell, in Pluto's raygne to liue,
Eut I beleue fle hath no care,
On him that caught is in hir fnare.
If fhe releafe my woe, a thoufand thankes therefore,
I fhall hir giue, and make the world to honor hir the more,
The Gods in Skies will prayfe the faine,
And reeorde beare of hir good naine.
0 happy is that lire, that after torment ftraunge,
And earthly forows on this mould, for better life fhal chaunge
And liue amongs the Gods on high,
Vhere loue aad Louers neuer die.
0 lyre that here I leade, I freely giue thee now,
Vnto the favre where ere fhe refis, and loke thou fhew hir how
262
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
I linger forth my yeares and dayes,
To win of hir a crowne of prayfe.
_And thou my pleafaunt Lute, ceafe not mv fongs to round,
_And fhew the torments of my minde, that I throughlouehauefound,
_And alwayes tell my 1Miftreffe ftill,
Hir worthy vertues rules my will.
The Fofer Louer.
The Foffer louer lïning this long, fîghing fundry tymes be-
twene, the tricling teares tanne downe his Face: which thereby
was fo diffigured, as fcarfe could any man haue knowne him, that
al the daves of their lyre had frequented his company. Sutch
was the ffate of this myferable yong gentleman, who dronke with
hys owne XVyne, balanced himfelfe downe to defpayre rather than
to the hope of that which he durff hot looke for. Howbeit like
as the mifchiefs of men be hot alwayes durable, and that all thinges
haue their proper feafon, euen fo Fortune repentinge hir euill
intreaty which wrongfully fhee had caufed this poore penetenciary
of Gineura to endure, prepared a meanes to readuaunce him aloft
vppon hir Wheele, euen when he thought leaft of it. _And certes,
herein appeared the mercy of God, who caufeth things diflïcult
and almoft impoflïble, to be fo eafy, as thofe that ordinarily be
brought to paflè. How mav this cxample fhow how they which
be plunged in the bottome of defiaunce, deeming their life vtterlv
forlorne, be foone exalted euen to the top of all glory, and felicity ?
Hath not our age feen,a man whvch was bv auhority of his
Enimy iudged to dye, ready to bee caried forth to the Scaffolde
miraculoufly deliuered from that daunger, and (wherein the works
of God are to be marueyled) the faine man to be called to the
dignity of a Prynce, and preferred aboue ail the reft of the people ?
1Now Dom Diego attending his fieldifh Philofophy in the folitarv
valeys of the riche 1Mountayne Pyrene, was refcowed with an helpe
vnlooked for as you flaall heare. You haue hard how hee had a
1Neyghbour and finguler Frend a Noble Gentleman named Dom
Roderico. Thvs Gentleman amongs ail his faithfull Companions
did mort lainent the harde, fortune of Dom Diego. It came to
paffe that 22 moneths after that the poore Wilde penitent perfon
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
263
was gonne on Pilgrimage, Dom Roderico tooke his Iourney into
Gafcoyne for diuers his vrgent Affayres, which after hee had dis-
patched, were it that hec was gon out of his way, or that GoI (as
it is moff likely) dkl driue him thither, he approched towarde that
Coafe of the Pyrene Mountaynes where that tvme bis good Frende
Dom Diego did Inhabite who dayly grew fo B.'eake and Feeble, as
if God had hot fent him fodavne fuccour hee had gotten that hee
moft defired, which was death that/hould haue bene the ende of
his trauayles and _Afflicîions. The travne of Dom Roderico being
then a bowe/hot of from the fauage Caben of Dom Diego, efpyed
the tracCtes of mens Feete newlv troden, and beganne to maruavle
what hee /hould bee that dwelled there, confidering the Solitude,
and Infertility of the Place, and alfo that the faine was farre of
from Towne or Houfe. And as they deuifed hereupon, thev faw a
man going into a Caue, which was Dom Diego, comming from
making his complayntes vppon the Rock fpoken of before. From
which hauinge turned his face toward that parte of the worlde
where he thought the Iodging was of that Sayncî, whereunto he
addreffed his deuotions, Dom Diego hearinge the Novfe of the
horffe, was retired becaufe hee woulde not bee feene. The knight
which rode that way, feeing that, and knowing how far he was
oute of the way, eommaunded one of his nen to Gallop towardes
the Rocke, to learne what people they vere that dwelled within,
and to demaund how they might coafie to the high wav that led
to Barcelona. The Seruaunt approching neare the Caue, perceiued
the faine fo well Empaled and Fortified with Beafts tkins before,
fearing alfo that thev were Theeues and Robbers that dwelled
there, durit hot approche, and l.-fie enquire the way, and there-
fore returtted towards his mayfter, to whom hee tolde what hee
faw. The knight of another maner of Metall and hardineffe than
that Rafeall and coward feruaunt, like a flout, Couragious, and
valiaunt Man, poafled to the Caue, and dentaundinge who was
within, he faw a man eome forth fo diflïgured, horrible to Iooke
vppon, pale with itaring hayre vpright, as pitifull it was to behold
him, whieh was the feruant of the fofter Hermit. Of him Rode-
rico demaunded what he was, and which was the way to Barce-
lone. '" Syr," aunfwered that difguifed perfon: "I know hOt
64
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
how to aunfwere your demaund, and mutch leffe I know the
country where we now prefently be. But tir, (fayde he fighing)
truc it is that we be two poore companions whom Fortune bath
lent hither, by what il aduenture I know not, to do penaunce for
our Trefpaffes, and Offences." Roderico hearing him fav fo, began
to call to his remembraunce his Freende Dom Diego, although he
neuer before that tvme fufpeed the place of his abode. He
lighted then from his horffe, defirous to fee the fingularities of the
Rocke, and the magnificence of the Cauith lodging, vhere hee
entred and fawe him whom he fought for, and vet for all that did
not know him : He commoned with him a long tyme of the plea-
fure of the folitary life in refpe& of theym that liued intangled
with the comberfome Follies of this ,Vorld. "'For fomutch" (quod
he) as the fpirite difira&ed and withdrawen from "Vorldly troubles
is eleuate to the contemplation of heauenly thinges, and fooner
attendeth to the knowledge and reuerence of his God, than thofe
that bec conuerfaunt amongs men, and to conclude, the com-
playnts, the delights, ambitions, couetoufneffe, vanities, and fuper-
fluities that abounde in the confufed Maze of XVorldely troupe,
doe caufe a mifknowledge of our felues, a forgetfulneffe of our
Creator, and many times a negligence of piety and pureneffe of
Religion. Vhiles the vnknowne Itermit, and the knight Roderico
talked of thefe thinges, the Seruauntes of Roderico vifiting all the
Corners of the deepe, and Stony Cell of thofe Penitents, by Fortune
efpied two Saddles, one of theym rychely wroughte and Armed
yth Plates of Steele, that had bene made for fome goodly Ienet.
And vppon the Plate well XVroughte, Grauen and Enameled, the
Golde for all the Rufi cankering the Plate, did yet appear. For
whych Purpofe one of theym fayde to the feruaunt of Dom
Diego : "Good Father hitherto I fee neyther Mule, nor Horffe, for
whom thefe Saddles can ferue, I pray thee to fell them vnto vs,
for they will doe vs
"Maifiers (quod the
eommaundement. »
talke with the other
he defired, fard vnto
theefe poore people
more pleafure, than prefently they do you."
Hermit,) if they like you, they be at your
In the meane rime Roderico hauing ended his
Hermit, without knowing of any thinge that
his men : "Now firs to horfe, and leaue wee
to reft in peaee, and let vs goe feeke for the
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
=65
right way which we fo well as they haue lof." "Syr," (quod
one of his men,) "there be two Saddles, and one of them is fo
exceeding fayre, fo well garnifhed and wrought as euer you faw."
The knight feeling in himfelfe an vnacculomed motion, caufed
them to be brought before hlm, and as he viewed and marked the
riche Harneffe, and Trappings of the fame, he Itayeth to Iooke
vppon the Hinder parte minionly wrought, and in the middeit of
the engrauing he red this deuife in the Spanifh Tongue.
Qtte branlare la fe, es caufa nnty fea.
That is,
To violate or breake fayth, is a thing deteftable.
That only infcription ruade him to paufe a while. For it was
the Pefie that Dom Diego bore ordinarily in his armes, which
moued him to think that without doubt one of thofe Pilgrimes
was the very fame man to whom that Saddle did appertayne. And
therefore he bent himfelfe very attentiuely afterwardes to behold
firit the one, and then the other of thofe defert Citizens. But
they were fo altered, as hee was not able to knov them agayne.
Dom Diego feeing his Freende fo neare him, and the defire that
he had to knowe hym, chafed very mutch in hys mynde, and the
more his Rage began to waxe, when hee faw Roderico approch
neare vnto hym more aduifedlv to looke vpon hym, for hee had
not his own Affee'-tions fo mutch at commaundement, but hys
Bloude mooued hys Entrailes, and mounting into the mort knowen
place, caufed outwardly the alteration which hee endured, to
appeare. Roderico feeing hym to chaunge colour, was affured
of that which before hee durit not fufpe&: and that which ruade
him the fooner beleeue that he was not deceived, was a lyttle tuft
of haire, fo yelow as Gold, which Dom Diego had vpon his Necke,
whereof Dom Roderico takyng heede, gaue ouer ail fufpition, and
was well affured of that he doubted. Jknd therefore difplaying
himfelfe with hys armes opened vpon the necke of his friend, and
imbracing him very louingly, his face bedewed with tears, fayd
vnto him: «Alas, my Lord Dom Diego, what euill lucke from
Heauen hath departed you from the good company of them which
dye for forrow, to fee themfelues berieued of the Beauty, lyght
and ornament of their felowfhip ? What are they that haue giuen
266
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
vou occafion thus to Eclipfe the bryghtneffe of your name, when
if oughte mort clearelv to/hyne, both for theyr prefent pleafure,
and for the honour of vour age? Is it from me tir, that you
oughte thus to hide vourfelfe ? Do you think me fo to be blynd,
that I know hot ryght well, that you are Dom Diego, that is fo
renoumed for vertue and proweffe ? I would hot haue tarried here
fo longe, but to carry away a power to reiovce two perfons, you
being the one, bv withdrawing your felfe from this heauy and
vnfeemelv Vylderneffe, and mv fclfe the other, to enioy your
Company, and by bearyng newes to your fryends, who lqth vour
departure, do bewaile and lainent the fame." Dom Diego feeing
that he was not able to concevle the truth of that which was
euidentlv feene, and the louing imbracements of his be/ Friende,
began to feele a ccrtavne tenderneffe of heart lvke vnto that
whvch the Mother conceyueth, when fhe recouereth hir Sonne
that is long abfent, or tbe charte wyfe, tbe prefence of bir deare
Hufband, when fle clepeth him betwene hir armes, and frankely
culleth and cherilheth hvm at hir pleafure. For whych caufe not
able to refrain anv longer for ioy and forrow together, weping
and fighing began to imbrace him wyth fo good and heartv
affe6tion, as with good wvl the other had fought and longed to
knowe where he was. And being corne againe to himfeif, he fard
to his faithfull and mofi iouinge friend : '" Oh God, how vneafv
and difficuh be tby iudgments to comprehend ? I had thought to
liue here miferably, vnknowen to al the world, and behold, I ara
here difcouered, when I thought leafi of it. I ana indeede" (quod
he to Roderico) "that wretched and vnfortunate Dom Diego, euen
that thy very great and louing fryend, vho weary of his lyfe,
afflycCted wvth his vnhap, and tormented by fortune, is retyred
into tbefe defertes to accomplylh the ouerplus of the re/ of his
il luck. Now fith that I haue fatiffied you herein» I befeech you
that being content wyth mv fighte, yee wyll get you hence and
leaue me heere to performe that lyttle remnant whych I haue to
lyue, without telling to any perfon that I am aliue, or yet to
manifefe the place of my abode." "Vhat is that vou fay tir,"
(fayd Roderico) "are you fo farre flraught from your ryght wits,
to haue a minde to continue this brutal Lyfe, to depryue al vour
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
67
friends from the iov whych they receiue by inioying your com-
pany? Think I pray you that God hath eaufed vs to be born
noble men, and hauing power and authority hOt to lyue in Corners,
or be burved amid the flauery of the popular fort, or remain idle
,«-ithin great palaees or feerete Corner% but rather to il|ufrat and
giue |yght with the example of out vertue to thofe that fhal
apply themfelues to out dexterity of good behauior, and do lyue
as depending vpon out edi&s and eommaundments: I appeale to
your faith, what good fha|! fueeede to vour fable&s, who haue
both heard and alfo knowne the benefit befowed vppon them by
God, for that hec gaue them a "Lord fo modeff and vertuous,
and belote they haue experimented the effe& of his goodneffe
and Verrue, depriued of him, that is adorned and garnifhed with
futeh perfe&ions? XVhat comfort, eontentation and ioy fhali
the Lady your mother reeeiue, bv feelyng your loffe to be fo
fodaine, after vour good and delvcate bryngyng up, inffru&ed
with futeh great diligence and vtterlv berieued of the frui& of
that edueation ? h is you rir, that may eommaund obedience to
Parents, fuceor to the affli&ed, and do iufiice to them that craue
it: las, they be your poore fubie&es that make eomplaints, euen
of you, for denying them your due prefenee, h is you of whom
mx" good madame doth complayne, as of him that hath broken and
violated his faith, for hot eomming home at the promifed dav."
Now as he was about to continue his oration, Dom Diego vnwii-
ling to heare him, brake of his taik faying : "_Ah tir, and my great
Friend : h is an eafv matter for vou to iudge of mine affayres, and
to blame myne abfence, hOt knowing peraduenture the caufe
thereof. But I efieeme you a man of fo good iudgement, and
fo great a fryend of thinges that be honeffe, and a Gentleman of
great fidelity, as bv vnderfiandiug my hard luek, when you be
aduertifed of the caufe of my withdrawing into this folitarie place,
you wyli rightly eonfeffe, and playnely fee that the wifeff and
mofi confiant haue eommitted morevaine follies than thofe don
by mec, foreed with like fpirite that now moueth and tormenteth
me." Hauing fayd, he tooke aride Roderieo, where he dvd teli
vnto hvm the whole difeourfe both of his Loue, and alfo of the
rigor of hys Lad)', hot without weepyng, in futch abundaunce
68
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
and with futch frequent fighes and fobs interruptyng fo hys fpeach,
as Roderico vas eonlrained to keepe him eompany, bv remem-
bryng the oblinaeie of hir that was the 1Milreffe of his heart,
and thinkynge that already he had feene the effe& of lvke miffe-
hap to fal vpon his owne head, or neare vnto the lyke, or greater
diflreffe than that whieh he fawe his deare and perfe& Frvend to
endure. Notwythlanding he affaved to remoue him from that
defperate minde and opinion of eontinuanee in the defert. But
the froward penitente fwore vnto him, that fo long as he liued
(without place recouered in the good graces of his Gineura,) he
would not returne home to his houfe, but rather change his being,
to feke more fauage abode, and leffe frequented than that was.
" For" (quod hee) "to what purpofe fhall mv retourne ferue where
eontinuinge mine affeion, I fhail fele lvke erueltv that I dvd in
time part, whieh wil bee more painfi,l and heauy for me to beare
than voluntarv exile and banyfhment, or bring me to that end
wherein prefently I ara." '" Contente your felf I befeech you, and
fuffer me to be but once vnhappy, and do not perfwade mee to
proue a feeond affli&ion, worffe than the firl." Roderieo hear-
ing his reafons fo liuelv aud wel applied would not reply, onel"
content that he would make him promyfe to tarrv there two
monthes, and in that time attempt to reioyfe himfelfe fo wel as
he could. And for hys owne part, he fwore vnto him, that he
would bee a meanes to reconcile Gineura, and brynge them to
talke together. Moreouer, he gaue him affuranee by othe, that
hee fhoulde hot bee difcouered by hym, nor by any in his Com-
pany. x, Vherewith the knyght fomewhat recomforted, thanked
him very affe&uouflv. And fo leauyng wyth hlm a fielde bed,
two feruaunts, and Money for his Necettities, Roderico tooke hvs
leaue, tellyng h.vm that fhortely he would vifite him againe, to his
great contentation, as euer he was left and forfaken with gryefe
and forrow, himfelfe makyng great mone for the vnfeemelv late
and myferable plyght of Dom Diego. And Goal knoweth whe-
ther by the way, he detelted the cruelty of pitileffe Gine,,ra,
blafphemyng a million of times the whole fexe of X, Vomankynd,
peraduenture hot without iul caufe. For there lieth hydden (I
know not what) in the brels of V¢omenj which at times like the
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
269
Wane and increafe of the Moone, doth chaunge and alter whereof
a man ean hot tell on what foote to ftand to conceiue the reafons
of the faine: whyeh fiekle fragility of theirs (I date not fay
mobility) is futeh, as the fubtilleft weneh of them al beft fkilled in
Turner's Art, ean not (I fay defaee) or fo muteh as bide or eolour
that naturall imperfection. Roderieo arriued at his houfe, fre-
quented many times the lodging of Gineura, to efpy hir fafhions,
and to fee if any other had conquered that place, that xvas fo xvell
affayled and befieged by Dom Diego. And this wvfe and fage
knyght vfed the matter fo well, that he fell in aequaintanee wyth
one of the Gent|ewoman's Pages, in whom fhe had fo great truçt,
as fhe eonceyled from him very few of hir greatef feeretes, hOt
well obferuing the preeeipte of the wyfe man, who eouneelleth vs
hOt to tel! the feeretes of the mynde to thofe, vhofe iudgement
is but weake, and tongue very laui and frank of fpeach. The
Knyght then familiar with this Page, dandled him fo with faire
words, as by lyttle and lytle he wrong.the V¢ormes out of his Nofe,
and vnderftode that when Gineura began once to take Pepper in
fnuffe againt Dom Diego, fhe fell in loue wyth a Gentleman of
Bifkaye, very poore, but Beautyfull, young and lutye, whych was
the Stewarde of the houle: and the Page added further that hee
was hot then there» but woulde returne wythin three Dayes, as he
had lent x, Voorde to hys myftreff% and that two other Gentlemen
xvoulde accompany him to cary awav Gineura into ]3ifkaye, for that
was their lat conclufion : "And I hope" (quod he) "that fhe will
take me with hir, bicaufe I ara ruade priuy to their whole intent."
Roderico hearlng the treafon of this flight and departure of the
vnfaithful daughter, was at the firfl brunt aftonned, but defirous
that the Page tfhould hot marke his altered Countenaunce» laid
vnto him: ,« In very deede meete it is, that the Gentlewoman
flould make hir owne choice of hufband, fith hir mother fo little
careth to prouide for hir. And albeit that the Gentleman be hOt
tb riche and Noble as hir errate deferueth, hir affecCtion in that
behalfe ought to fuffife, and the honefty of his perron : for the re
Gineura bath (thanks be to God) xvherexvith to intertaine the
ftate of them both." Thefe wordes he fpake, farre from the
thought of his hearte. For being alone by himfelf, thus he laid :
270
D01i DIEGO AND GINEURA.
" O bleffed Goal, how blinde is that loue, whieh is vnruled, and out
of order: and what difpayre to recline to them, which (roide of
reafon) doe feede fo foolifhly of vayue thoughts and fond defires,
in futch wife as two commodities, prefented vnto them, by what
ill lucke I know not, they forfake the befle, and make choife of
the worfl. Ah Gineura, the fairefl Lady in all this Countrey, and
the mofle vnfaithfull X, Voman of oure rime, xvhere be thine eyes
and iudgement ? X, Vhither is thy mynde flraied and wandred, to
acquite thvfelfe from a great Lord, faire, rich, noble, and vertuous,
to be giuen to one that is poore, whofe parents be vnknowne, his
proweffe obfcure, and birth of no aparant reputation. Behold,
what maketh me beleue, that loue (fo wel as Fortune) is not onely
blynd, but alfo dazeleth the fight of them that hee inbraeeth and
captiuateth vnder his power and bondage. But I make a vowe
(falfe woman) that it fhal neuer corne to paffe and that this Bif-
kaye gentleman fhall neuer enioy the fpoyles whyeh iuflely bee
due vnto the Trauaile and faithfull feruice of the valyaunt and
vertuous knyght Dom Diego. It fhal be hee, or elle I xvil dve
for it, whych fhall haue the recompenfe of his troubles, aud fhall
feele the cauhne of that tempef, whych prefently holdeth hvm
at Anker, amyd the mofl daungerous rockes that euer were." By
this meanes Roderico knew the xvay hov to keepe promife wyth
his friende, which liued in expe&ation of the faine. The two
daves paR, whereof the Page had fpoken, the beloued of Gineura,
fayled not to corne, and with him two Gallants of Bifkaye, valiaunt
Gentlemen, and well exercyfed in Armes. That Nighte Roderico
wente to fee the olde \Vydowe Lady, the blother of the Mayden,
and fyndyng oportunity to fpeak to the Page, hee faid vnto hym :
" I fee my Friend, accordingly as thou diddefl tell mee, that ye are
vppon departing, the feward of the houfe beeing nov retourned.
I pray the tel mee, if thou haue neade of mee, or of any thyng
that I ara able doe for thee, affuring thee that thou fhalt obtaine
and haue what fo euer thou requirefl. And therevithall I haue
thought good to tel thee, and giue the warning (for thine owne
fake fpecially) that thou keepe all thynges elofe and .fecrete, that
no flaunder or difhonour do folloxve, to blot and deface the Saine
and prayfe of thy Miflreffe. And for my felfe I had rather dye,
DOM DIEGO AID GINEURA.
27I
than once to open my mouth, to difcouer the leaff intent of this
enterpryfe. But tell mee, I praye thee, when do ye depart?"
« Sir" (quod the Page) "" as my Mifreffe faieth, to morow about
ten or eleuen of the CIocke in the Euening, when the Lady hir
lXIother fhall bee in the found of hir firft fleepe." The knight
hearyng that, and defirous of no better time, tooke hvs leaue of
the Page, and went home, where he caufed to bee fente for terme
or twelue Gentlemen, his Neighbours and Tenaunts, whom he
ruade priuy of his fecretes, aud partakers of that he went about, to
deliuer out of Captiuity and tuilerie the chiefeff of all his Friends.
The Nighte of thofe two Louers departure being corne, Dom
loderico, which knewe the way where they fhould paffe, beftowed
him felfe and his Cmpany in Ambufh, in a little Groue, almoft
three Mlles of the Lodging of this fugitiue Gentlewoman : where
thev hadde not long tarried but they hearde the tramplinge of
Horffe, and a certaine whifpring noire of People riding belote
them. Iowe the lighte was fomwhat cleare, which was the
caufe, that the Knighte amonges the thronge, knew the Gentle-
woman, befides whome rode the lXliferable XVretche that hadde
ffolne hir awaye, x, Vhome fo foone as Roderico perceyued full
of defpyte, moued wyth extreme paflïon, welding his launce into
his reft, brake in the neareff way vpon the iufortunate louer, with
futch vehemency, as neither coate of blaile or Placard was able to
faue his lyre, or warraunt him to keepe company wvth that
troupe which banded vnder Ioue's Enfeigne, was miferably flayne,
by the guide of a blynd, naked, and thieuifh litle boy. And when
he faw he had done that he came for, he fayd to the reff of the
Company : « lIy Friends, thys man was careleffe to make inuafion
vpon other mens ground." Thefe poore Bilkayes furpryfed vpon
the foda)'ne, and feeyng the ambufhment to multiply, put fpurres
to theyr horffe to the beff aduantage they could for expedition,
leauing their Condu or guid gaping for breath and geuing a
figne that he was dead, XVhiles the other were making them-
felues readv to runne away, two of Roderieo his men, eouered
with Skarfes, armed, and vnknowne, came to feafe vppon forroxx'-
full Gineura, who beholdyng her fryende deade, began to weepe
and erye fo fraungely, as it was maruell that hir breath fayled
272
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
not. " Ah.trayterous Theeues," (said fhe) " and bloudy Murderers,
why do ye not addreffe your felues to execute cruelty vppon the
reft, fith you haue done to death hym, that is of greater value
than you all ? Ah my deare Fryend, what crooked and grieuous
Fortune haue I, to fee thee grouelyng dead on ground and I abvd-
ing in life, to be the pray of murderous Theeues and thou fo
cowardly beryued of lyfe." Roderico wvth his face couered, drew
neare vnto her, and fayde : " I befeech you Gentlewoman, to forget
thefe ftraunge fafhions of complaynt, fith by them ye bee hot
able to reuiue the dead, ne yet make your ende of gryefes." The
maiden knowing the vovce of hym, that had flawe hir fryende,
began to cry out more fiercely than before. For whych caufe
one of the gentlemen in company with Roderico, hauing a blacke
counterfait beard with two lunets, in manner of fpeacles, verv
large and great, that couered the morte part of his Face, approched
neare the bafhful maiden, and with bigge voice and terrible talk,
holding his dagger vpon hir white and delicate breafi, laid vnto
hir: "' I fweare bv the Almighty God, if I heare thee fpeake one
word more, I wil facrifice thee vnto the ghoft of that varlet, for
whome thou makel thy mone, who deferued to end his daies vpon
a gallow tree rather than by the hands of a gentleman. Holde
thy peace therefore thou foolyfh gifle, for greater honour and
more ample Benefite is meant to thee, than thou haft deferued.
Ingratitude onely bath fo ouerwhelmed thy good 1N'ature, as thou
art hot able to iudge who be thy friends." The gentlewoman
fearing death, whych as the thought was prefent, held hir peace,
downe alonges whofe Eves a rvuer of Teares dyd run, and the
paflïon of whofe heart appeared by afiïduall fighes, and neuer
ceaffing fobbes, whvch in end fo quallifyed hir cheare, that the
exteriour fadneffe was wholy inclofed wythin the mynd and
thought of the affli&ed Gentlewoman. Then Roderico caufed the
body of the dead to be buryed in a lyttle Countrey Chappell, hot
farre out of theyr way. Thus they trauayled two daves before
Gineura knew anv of them, that had taken hir away from hir
louer: who permytted none to fpeake vnto hir nor fhe to any of
hir company, beyng but a waiting maid, and the page that hadde
dyfcouered al the fecretes to Dom Roderico. A notable example
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
273
furely for flolne and fecrete mariages, whereby the honour of the
contra&ed partes, is moft commonly blemyfhed, and the Com-
maundement of GOD violated, whofe word enioyneth obedience
to Parents in ail ryghtfull caufes, who if for any lyght offence, they
haue power to take from vs the inheritance whvch otherwvfe
naturall law would giue vs, what ought thev of duety to doe,
where rebeilyous Chyldren abufing theyr goodneffe, do confume
without feare if Liberty, the thynge that is in theyr free wvll and
gouernement. In like maner diuers vndifcrcte and folvfla mothers
are tobe accufed, which fuffer their daughters of tender and
chyldyfh age to be enamored of theyr feruants, not remembryng
how weake the flefl is, how prone and ready men be to do euyl,
and how the feducyng fpirite wayting fiil vpon us, is procliue
and prone to furpryfe and catch vs wythin his Snares, to the intent
he may reioyce in the ruine of foules wafhed and redeemed wyth
the bloud of the Son of God. This troupe drawing neare to the
caue of Dom Diego, Roderico fent one of his men to aduertife
him of their comming, who in the abfence of his fryende, fyiled and
fufteined with hope, fhortely to fee the onely Lady of hvs hearte,
accompanyed wyth a merry and ioyfull Trayne, fo foone as hee
had fomewhat chaunged his wilde marier of Lyfe, he alfo by lyttle
and lyttle gayned a good part of hvs lufty and frefh coloure, and
almoft had recouered that beauty, which he had when he firfte
became a Citizen of thofe defertes. Now hauing vndcrftanded
the meffage fent vnto him by Roderico, God kniweth if with
that pleafaunt tydings he feit a motion of Bloud, futch as ruade
ail his members to leape and daunce, whvch rendred hvs Mvnde
afionned, for the ouely memorye of the thynge that poysed hvs
mvnd vp and downe, not able to be waved in equall Balaunce
whereof rather he ought to haue ruade reiovfe than complayne,
being affured to fee hir, of whome he demaunded onely grace and
pardon, but for recouery of hir, he durfi not repofe any certavne
Iudgement. In the Ende hoyftyng vp h)'s head h'ke one rvfen
from a long and round fleepe, hee fayd : « Praife be to God, who
yet before I dye, hath done me great pleafure, to fuffer me to haue
a f.vght of hir, that bv caufing my Matirdome, continueth hir
fubburne manner of Lyf% whych fhall procure in like fort myne
VOL. III. S
e74
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
vtter ruine and deeay. Vpon the approeh of whom I fhall goe
more ioyfull, eharged with incomparable loue, to vyfit the ghofs
beneath, in the prefenee of that cruel fwete, that now tormenteth
me with the ticklvfh tentation, and who fometimes bath ruade me
tall a kind of Hony fugred with bvtter Gal, more daungerous than
the fitck of Povfon and vnder the ,ermyllion rudde of a new
fprouted Rofe diuiuely blowen forth, bath hydden feerete Thornes
the pryckes whereof hath me fo lyuely touched, as mv ,Vound
cannot wcll bec eured, bv anv Baulme that mav be thereunto
applyed, without enioying of that mvne owne miffehappe, more
happy or wythout that remedy, whyeh almoll I feele reltyng in
death, that fo long and oftentymes I haue defired as the truc
remedv of all my paynes and gryefe." In the meane whyle Dom
Roderico, whvch tvll that t)'me was not knoven vnto Gineura,
drew neare vnto hir by the way as he rode, and talked wyth
hir in this forte : '" I doubt not (Gentlewoman) but that you think
your felf hot wel eontented to fe me in this place, in futch eom-
pany and for occafion fo vnfeemely for my degre, and fate, and
moreouer knowying what iniury I feeme to do vnto you, that
euer was, and ara fo affedtionate and friendly to the whole llocke
of your race and Lynage, and ara hot ignoraunte that vppon the
firfte brunte you may iudge my caufe vniull to carry you away
from the bandes of vour fryend, to bring you into thefe defertes,
wylde, and folitary places. But if ye eonfidred the force of that
truc amity, which by verrue fleweth the eommon Bondes of
hearts and mvndes of Men, and flmll meafure to what end this
a&e is donc, without to mutch ltaying vpon the lyght apprehen-
tion of Choler, for a beginnynge fomevhat troublefom, I ara
affured then (that if you be hot wholly depryued of reafon) you
fhall perceiue that I ara not altogether worthy blame nor your
felfe vtterly voyde of fault. And byeaufe we draw neare vnto
the place, vhether (by the help of God) I meane to eondu& you,
I befeech you to confider, that the truc Seruaunt whyeh by ail
feruice and duety lludieth to exeeute the eommaundementes of
him that bath puiffance ouer him, doth not deferue to bec
beaten or driuen away from the houfe of his mailler, but to be
fauored and cherifhed, and ought to receyue equal reeompenfe for
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
-75
his feruice. I fpeake not this for my felfe, my deuotion beinge
vowed elfewhere, but for that honeR affecCtion which I beare to ail
vertuous and chatte perfons. The effecCt whereof I will not deny
to teil you in tvme and place, where I flaall ufe futch modellv
towards you, as is meete for a maiden of your age and Rate. For
the greatneffe of Noble Men and puifant, doth mort appeare and
flaew forth it felf, when they vfe Mildeneffe and Gentleneffe vnto
thofe, to whom by reafon of their Authority thev mighte execute
cruelty and malice. 1Wow to the end that I do not make you doubt-
full long, al that which I haue done and yet meane to doe, is for
none other purpofe but to eafe the grieuous paines of that molle
faithful louer that loueth at thvs Dave vnder the Circle of the
Moone. It is for the good Knighte Dom Diego, that loueth vou
fo dearely and llill worflfippeth your Noble faine, who bicaufe he
wil hot flaew himfelf difobedient, liueth miferably amonge bruite
beafts, amid the craggy rocks and mountaines, and in the deepe
folitudes of eomfortleffe dales and vaileis. It is to him I fav that
I do bryng you, protefting vnto vou by othe (Gentlewomau) that
the misery wherein I faw him, little more than v. Wekes pall,
toueheth me fo neare the heart, as if the Sacrifice of my lyre
fuflïced alone, (and without letting you to feele this painfull
voyage) for the folaee of his martirdome I would fpare it no more,
than I do mine owne endeuor and honor, befides the hazarding
of the loffe of your good graee and fauour. And albeit I wel
pereeiue, that I do grieue you, by eaufing you to enter this pain-
fuil iourney, yet I befech you that the whole difpleafure of this
fa& may bee imputed vnto my charge, and that it would pleafe
you louingl) to deale with him, who for your fake vfeth tb great
violence againft himfelL" Gineura as a xvoman hall in defpayre
for the death of hir friend, behaued hir felfe like a mad woman
void of wit and fenfe, and the fimple remembramce ofDom Diego
his name fo aonned ber, (which naine fle hated far more than
the pangs of death) that flae llaied a long time, hir mouth not
able to flaape one word to fpeake, lr the ende vanquiflaed with
impaeienee, burning with choler, and trembling for forrow,
loked vpon Dom Roderieo with an Eye no leffe furious, than a
Tigreffe caught within the llet, and feeth before hir face hir young
76
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
Fawnes murdered, wringing hir hands and beating hir delicate
brei, fhe vfed thefe or futch like woordes: "Ah bloudv traltor
and no more Knight, is it of thee that I oughte to looke for fo
detefiable a villany and treafon ? How darefi thou be fo hardv to
entreat me for an other, that hafi in myrte owne prefence killed
him, whofe death I will purfue vpon thee, fo longe as I haue life
within this bodv ? Is it to thee faire theefe and murderer, that I
ought to render accompte of that which I meant to doe ? XVho
bath appointed thee to be arbitrator, or who gaue thee commis-
tion to capitulate the Articles of ms" mariage? Is it bv force
then, that thou xvouldei I fhould loue that vnfaithfull Knighte,
for whom thou hai committed and done this ac'e, that fo longe
as thou liuefi fhal blot and blemifl, thv renoume, and fhal be fo
wel fixed in my mind, and the wounds fhal cleaue fo neare my
heart, vntill at my pleafure I be reuenged ofthis wrong ? No, no,
I affure thee no force done vnto mec, fhall neuer make mec other-
wyfe dyfpofed, than a mortall Enimy both to thee which art a
Theefe and rauifher of an other man's wife, and alfo to thy defperate
frend Dom Diego, whieh is the taule of this mv loffe: and now
hot fatiffied with the former wrong done vnto me, thou goefi
about to deceiue me vnder the Colour of good and pure Friendfhip.
But fith wicked Fortune hath ruade me thv Pryfoner, doe with me
what thou wylt, and ver before I fuffer and endure that that
Travtor Dom Diego doe eniov mv Virginity, I will offer vp my
lyre to the fhadowes and Ghofies of my favthful frvend and hus-
hand, whome thou hafi fo trayteroufly murdred. And therefore
(if honefflve I mav or ought entreate mine Enimy) I pray thee
that by doynge thy duety, thou fuffer vs in peace, and gyue lvcenee
to mee, thvs Page, and my two pore Mavdens to depart whether
we lyre." "God forbid" (quod Roderico) "that I fhould doe a
Trefpaffe fo fhamefu11, as to depryue my dearefi fryend of his ioy
and contentation, and bv falfifiing mv faith be an occafion of hys
death, and of vour loffe» bv leauing vou without company,
wandring amids this wilderneffe." And thus he continued his former
difcourfe and talk, to reclaime thvs cruell Damofell to haue pity
vpon hir poore penytent, but he gained as mutch thereby, as if
he had gone aboute to number the Sand alongs the Sea C,,affes of
I:)01I DIEGO AND GINEURA.
the maine Ocean. Thus deuifing from one talke to an other,
they arryued neare the Caue, which was the flatelv houle of Dom
Diego : where Gineura lyghted, and faw the porc amorous Knight,
humblv falling downe at hir feete, all forworne, pale, and dis-
figured, who weepil, g with warme teares, faid vnto hir: "Alas,
my deare Lady, the alone and onelv mifireflWof mv heart, do vou
hOt thinke that my penaunce is long inoughe for the finne which
ignorauntly I haue eommitted, if euer I haue don any fault at
al ? Behold [I befeeeh you (good ladie deare) what ioy] I haue
eonceiued in your abfence, what pleafures haue nurfed mine hope,
and what eonfolation hath entertained mv lire: which truely
had it not bene for the continual remembraunce of your diuine
Beauty, I had of long rime abreuiated the pains which do
renev in me fo manv rimes the pangs of death: as often-
times I think vport the v,kindnes fhewed vnto me bv making
fo litle accompt of my fidelity: whych tan nor ff,al receiue the
faine in good part, wer it fo perle& as any affuraunce were able
to make it." Gineura fwelling with forrow and full of feminiue
rage, blufl,ing with fur.v, hir eyes fparcklinge forth hir chollerick
eonceypts, vouchfafed not fo mutch as to giue him one word fi,r
aunfwere, and bicaufe fl, e would hot looke vppon him, fhe turned
hir face on the other ride. The poore and affli&ed Louer, feeing
the great cruelty of his felonous Myfireffe, ttill kneeling vpon
his knees, redoubling his armes, fetching Sighes xvith a voyce that
feemed to bec drawne bv force from the bottome of his heart,
proceeded in thefe wordes : "Syth the fincerity of my fayth, and
my long feruice madame Gineura, cannot perfuade you that I
haue beene mou Obedient, Faythfull, and verv Lovall feruaunt
towards you, as euer anv that hath ferued Lady or Gentlewoman,
and that without your fauour and grace it is vnpofSble for mec
any longer to liue, yet I doe very humbly befeech you, for that all
other comfort is denied me, if there bee any gentleneffe ad
curtefie in you, that I may receyue this onely grace at your hands
for the laft that euer I hope to craue: which is, that you being
thus greeuotfly offended with me, would do iuliice vpon that
vnfortunate man, that x'pon his Knees doth inftantly craue the
lame. Graunt (cruell mifireffe) this my requeçt, doe vengeaunce
278
D0I DIEG0 AND GINEURA.
at your pleafure vpon him, which xvillingly yeldeth himfelfe to
death with the effufion of his poore innocent bloud to fatiffy you,
and verilv farre more expedient it is for him thus to die, by
appeafing your wrath, than to reft or liue to your difcontent-
ment or anoiaunce. Alas, fhal I be fo vnfortunate, that both life
and death fhould bee denied me by one perron of the world,
whom I hoped to content and pleafe by any fort or meanes what
fo euer refinge in mine humble obedience? Alas gentlewoman
rid mee from this Torment, and difpatch your felfe from the griefe
vou haue to fee this vnhappy Knight, who would fay and efteeme
himfelfe moft happy (his life being lothfome vnto you) if he mav
content you, by death donc by your owne handes, fith other
fauotr he cannot expeeCt or hope for." The Mayden hardned in
hir Opinion, ltoode flill immoueable muteh like vnto a Roeke in
the midPt of the Sea, difquieted xvith a tempeft of billoxves, and
fomv \Vaues iu futch wife as one word could not be procured from
]tir mouth. XVhich vnlucky Dom Diego perceyuing, attached
with the feare of prefent death, and faylinge hls Naturall force
fell doxvne to the Grounde, and faintyng faied: "Ah, what a
reeompence doe I receiue for this fo favthfull Loue ?" Roderico
beholdig that rufull fight, whileft the others went about to
relieue Dom Diego, repaired to Gineura, and full of heauineffe
mingled with fury, laid vnto hir: "By God (falfe fiendifla woman)
if fo be that I doe chaunge mv mind, I will make thee feele the
finarte, no leflè tban thou flaeweft thy felfe difhonourable to them
that doe thee honour : Art thoa fo careleffe of fo greate a Lord
as this is, that humbleth himfelfe fo lowe to futeh a ftrumpet as
thou art: who without regarde either to hys renoume, or the
honour of his Houfe, is content to bec abandoned from his noble
ltate, to become a fugitiue and ftraunger? XVhat cruelty is this
for thee to mifpryfe the greateft humility that man can lmagin ?
\Vhat greater amends eanft thou wyfh to haue, yea though the
offenee whieh thou prefuppofeft had ben true? Now (if thou be
wyfe) chaunge thy Opinion, except thou wouldeft haue mee doe
into fo many pieces, thy cruel eorpfe and vnfaithful heart, as once
this poore Knight did in parts the vnhappy hauke, which through
thv folly did breede vnto him this diftreffe, and to thy felf the
D0M DIEGO AND GINEURA.
79
name ofthe mofl: cruell and difloyall Woman that euer lyued. But
what greater benefite tan happen vnto thee, than to fee thys
Gentleman vtterly to forget the fault, to conceiue no finifer fuf-
pition of thy running away, crauing pardon at thy Hands, and is
contented to facrifice him felf vnto thine Anger, to appeafe and
mytigate thy rage ? Now to fpeake no more hereof, but to pro-
ceede in that which I began to fay, I off-er vnto thee then both
death and Loue, choofe whether thou Ivft. For I fweare againe
by hym that feeth and heareth ail thinges, that if thou p|ay the
foole, that thou fhalt feele and proue me to be the cruelleft Ennimy
that euer thou hadft: and futch a one as fhall not feare to imbrue
his hands wyth the bloud of hir that is the death of the greatef[
friend I haue, and trueft knight that euer bare armes." Gineura
hearing that refolute aunfvere, fhewed hir felfe to be nothing
afrayde nor declared any token of feare, but rather feemed to
haue encouraged Roderico, in braue and mannifh fort, farre
diuers from the fimplicity of a young and tender /layden, as a
Man would fay, futch a one as had neuer felt the affaultes and
troubles of adverfe fortune. Wherefore frouncyng her Browes,
and grating hir Teeth wyth clofed fifts, and Countenaunce very
bold, fhe ruade him anfwere: "Ah thou Knight, whych once
gauef affau|t to commit a villany and Treafon thinkef thou now
vithout remorfe of confcyence to continue thy mifchvefe : I fpeak
it to thee Villayne, whych hauing fhed the Bloud of an honefer
Man than thou art, feareft not nov to make me a Companion of
hys Death. Which thyng fpare not hardilv to accomp|yfh, to
the intent that I liuinge, may not be futch a one as thou falfly
iudgeft me to be: for neuer /,lan hitherto vaunted, and never
fhall, that hath had the fpoyle of my deareft leweli: from the
FruicCt whereof, like an arrant Thiefe, thou haft depryued my loyall
Spoufe. Now doe what you lvf[e: for I ara farre better content
to fuffer death, be it as cruel as thou art mifchieuous, and borne
for the difquieting and vexation of honeft Maidens then yelde vnto
thy furies : notwithfanding I humbly befeech Almyghty God, to
gyue thee fo mutch pleafure, contentation and ioy in thy loue, as
thou hat done to me, by haf[ening the death of my deare Hufband.
O GOD, if thou be a iuft GOD» futch a one» as from whom we thy
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
poore Creatures do beleue al iuflice to proceede, thou I far xvhich
art the Rampire and refuge of al iuffice, poure downe thy vengeance
and plague vpon thefe pefiiferous Thieues and murderers, xvhich
prepared a worldely plague vpon me thine innocent damfel. Ah
xvvcked Roderico, think hOt that death can be fo fearful vnto
me, but that with good heart, I am able to accept the fame,
trufling verilv that one dav it fhal be the caufe of thy ruine, and
the ouerthrowe of him for whom thou takefi al thefe paines."
Dom Roderico marueloufly rapte in fenfe imagined the \Voman
to be fullv bente againfl hym, who then had puiffance (as he
thought,) ouer hir own heart: and thinking, that he fawe hir
moued with like rage againfl him, as fhe was againff Dom Diego,
flode ftil fo perplexed and vovde of ryghte minde, as he was
conflrained to fitte downe, fo feeble he felt him felf for the onelv
remembraunce of hir euvll demeanor. And whilefi this Pageant
was a doing, the handmavd of Gineura, and hir page, inforced to
perfuade their mvflreffe to haue compaflîon vpon the Knight that
had fuffred fo mutch for hir fake, and that fle would confent to
the honefl requefts and good counfell of Roderico. But fhe
-hich was ftubbornely bent in hir fonde perfuafions, made them
aunfere: "\Vhat fooles ? are you fo muteh bewitched, evther with
the favned teares of this diflovall Knight, whvch eolorably thus
doth torment himfelfe, or els are yee inehaunted with the venom-
ous honnv and tirannicall brauery of the Theefe which murdered
my hufbande, and your mayfier ? Ah vnhappy eaytife mayden, is
it mv chaunee to endure the affault of futch Fortune, when I
thought to liue at my beft eafe, and thus cruelly to tomble into
the handes of him, whom I hate fo mutch as he fayneth loue vnto
me ? And moreouer my vnlucky fate is hOt herewith content, but
redoubleth my forrowe, euen by thofe that be of my trayne, who
ought rather to incourage mec to dy, than confent to fo vnrea-
fonable requefls. Ah loue, loue, how euill be they reeompeneed
which faythfully doe Homage vnto thee ? And why fhould not I
forget ail AffecCtion, neuer hereafter to haue mvnde on man to proue
beginning of a pleafure, which tafted and felt bringeth more dif-
pleafure than euer ioy engendreth delight. Alas, I neuer knewe
what was the fruicCte of that which fo ftraungely did attach me,
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
and thou 0 trayterous and theeuifhe Loue, halte ordayned a banket
ferued with futch bitter diflaes, as forced I ara perforce to tare
of their egre fweetes: _Auaunt fweete folly, auaunt, I doe hence-
forth for euer let thee flip, to imbrace the death, svherein I hope
to find my greateft reft, for in thee I finde noughte elle but heapes
of frayninge Parlions. Auovde from me ail mifhap, flee from
me ye furious ghoRes and Fayries moR vnkinde, vhofe gaudes
and toyes dame loue hath wrought to keepe occupied my louing
minde, and fiffer me to take ende in thee, that I mav liue in an
other lire without thee, being now charged with cup of griefe,
which I flall quaffe in venomous drincke foaked in the Sops of
bitterneffe. Sharpen thou thv felfe, (0 death vnkinde) prepare
thy Darte, to ftrike the Corpfe of hir» that flae mav voyde the
Cluarelles flaotte agaynft hir by hir Aduerfary. Ah poore hearte,
ftrip thy felfe from hope, and qualifie thv defires. Ceafe hence-
forth to wiflae thy Lyfe, feeing, and feelinge the appoyn&ed fight
of loue and Lire, combatty'ng within my minde, els where to feeke
my peace in an other world, with him to ioy, whvch for mv fake
was facrificed to the treafon of varlets bandes, who for the perfite
hoorde of his defires, noughte elle dvd feeke but to foile his
bloudv fifts with the pureft bloude of my lovall friend. And I this
floud of Teares do fhead to faciate his felonous moode that is the
iuft fhortening of my dolefull Dayes." a, Vhen fle had thus com-
playned, flae began horribly to trmeut hir felfe that the cruelleR
of the company were moued xith compaffion, to fee hir thus
ftrangely flraught of hir wits: neuertheles they did hot difcon-
tinue by duety to folicite hir to haue regard to that which
po,re fayntyng Dom Diego dyd etadure: who fo foone as wyth
frefhe Fountavn water hee was reuiued, feeing ftill the heauineffe
of his Lady, and hir increafed difdaiue and choler againfle hvm
vanifhed in diuers foundings : which moued Roderico from ftudye
deepe, wherein he was, to ryfe, whereunto the rage of Gineura had
car him dovne, bicaut forgetting ail inaginarie affecCtion of his
Lady, and propofing his duety before his eyes, whych ech Gentleman
oweth to Gentle Damfels [and womenkind], ftyll beholding with
honorableafpecCtthegryefeofthe martyred wyldernefFe Knyght, figh-
ing yet in former gryefes he favd vnto Gineura, ".Alas, is it poffyble
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
that in the heart of fo young and delicate a maiden, there may
bee harboured fo ftraunge fury and vnreafonable rage? 0 God,
the effecCt of the cruelty refting in this "Voman, painting it felfe in
the imaginatiue force of my mind, hath ruade me feare the like
myffehappe to corne to the cruell ftate of this difaduenturous
gentleman ? lqotwythftanding (0 thou cruell beaft) thinke hOt that
thys thy fury fhall ftay me from doing thee to death, to rid thee
from follye and difdayne, and this vnfortunate louer from defpayre
and trouble, verily beleuing, that in tvme it fhalbe knowne what
profit the Vorld fhall gayne by purgyng the faine of futch an
infecCted plague as fs an vnkynd and arrogante hearte : aud it fhall
feele what vtility ryfeth by thvne ouerthrowe. And I doe hope
befydes in tyme to corne, that Men fhall prayfe this deede of
myne, who for preferuynge the Honoure of one Houle, bath chofen
rather to doe to death two offenders, than to leaue one of them
aliue, to obfcure the glory and brightneffe of the other. And
therefore" (fayd he, tourning his face to thofe of his traine,) "cut
the throte of this ftubborne and froward beaft, and doe the like to
them that be corne with hir, fhewe no more fauor vnto them ail,
than that curffed ftrumpet doth mercy to the lire of that mifer-
able Gentleman, who lieth a dying there for loue of hir." The
llavden hearing the cruel fentence of hir death, cryed out fo loud
as fhe coulde, thinking refkue woulde haue corne, but the poore
XVench was deceiued : for the defert knew none other, but thofe
that were abiding in that troupe. The Page and the woman fer-
uaunt exclamed vpon Roderico for mercy, but he made as though
he heard them hOt, and rather made figne to his men to do what
he commaunded. Vhen Gineura fawe that their deathe was
purpofed in deede, confirmed in opinion rather to dy, than to
obey, fhe laid vnto the executioners: « My friends, I befeech
you let hOt thefe innocentes abide the penaunce of that which
thev neuer committed. And you, Dom Roderico, be reuenged
on me, by whome the fault, (if a woman's faith to hir hufband may
be termed a faulte) is don. And let thefe infortunate depart, that
bee God knoweth guiltles of any cryme. And thou my friend,
which liueff amonges the fhadowes of faythfull louers, if thou haue
an), feelinge, as in deede thou proueff being in another world»
I)OM I)IEGO AND GINEURA.
83
behold the pureneffe of mine heart and fidelity of my loue: who
to keep the lame inuiolable, do offer mv felf voluntarily to the
death, which this cruell tyrant prepareth for me. And thou hang-
man the executioner of my ioyes, and murderer of the immortall
pleafures of my loue (fayd fl,e to Roderico) glut thy vnfaciable
defire of bloud, make dronke thy mind xvith murder, and boafi of
thy litle triumph, which for all thy threates or perfuafible words,
thou canf not get from the heart of a fimple maiden, ne cary
a,vay the vi&ory for ail the battred breach ruade into the ram-
pare of hir honour." XVhen fhe had fo laid» a Man xvould haue
thought that the memory of death had cooled hir heate, but
the lame ferued hir as an affured folace of hir paynes. Don,
Diego being corne to himfelf and feing the difcourfe of that tragedy,
being now addreffed to the lafi a& and end of that lire and fiage
of faire and golden locked Gineura, making a vertue of neceflïty,
recouered a Ivttle corage to faue, (if it vere poffible) the life of
hir» that had put hvs owne in hazard miferably to end. Hauing
tayed them that held the maiden, he repayred to Dom Roderico,
to whom he fpake in this wife : " I fee wel my good Lord and great
Friende, that the good will you beare me, caufeth you to vfe this
honef order for my behalf, whereof I doubt if I thould lyue a
whole hundred yeares, I fhall not be able to fatiffy the leaf of
the bondes wherein I am bound, the lame furpaffing all mine
ability and power. Yet for al that (deare friend) fith you fee the
fault of this miffehap to arife of my predefiinate ill lucke, and
that man cannot auoyde things once ordained, I befeech you do
me yet this good pleafure (for all the benefits that euer I haue re-
ceiued).to rend back again this gentlewoman with hir trayne, to
the place from whence you toke hir, xvvth like affurance and con-
du&, as if fhee xvere vour fifier. For I am pleafed xvith your
endeuor» and contented with my miffortune, affuring vou tir
befides, that the trouble which fhe endureth, doth far more
gryeue my heart than al the pairie whieh for hir fake I fuffer. That
hir forrow then may decreafe and naine may renue againe» that
fhe may lyue in peace» al,d I in Varre for hir cruel beauty fake»
I wyll wavt vppon Clotho, thc Spynner of the threden lire of man
vntil fhe breake the twvfed lace that holdeth the fatall courre of
84
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
mv dolefull yeares. And vou Gentlewoman lvue in reit, as
vour poore fuppliant, wretched Dom Diego, fhalbe citizen of
wvld places, and vaunt you hardelv that yee were the beit beloued
lnaiden that euer liued." lXlaruellous truly be the forces of loue,
when tbev difcouer their perfeè"tion, for by tbeir meanes thinges
otherwife impoffible be reduced to futch facility, as a man would
iudge that they had neuer bene fo hard to obtaine, and fo paine-
full to purfue: As appeared bv this damfel, in whome the wrath
of fortune, the pynche of iealofie, the intollerable rage of hir
frvendes loffe, had ingendred a contempte of Dom Diego, an
extreame defire to be reuenged on Dom Roderieo, and a tedious-
neffe of longer Lyre. And now putting of the vaile of bl'nde
appetite, for the efclarifhing of hir vnderttandyng Eyes, and break-
yng the Adamant Rocke planted in the middes of hir breaK, fhe
beheld in open fight the itedfaffneffe, patience and perfeueration
of hir great frvend. For that fupplycation of the Knight had greater
force in Gineura, than all hvs former feruyces. And full wel fhe
fhewed the faine, when throwyng hir felfe vppon the Necke of
the defperate Gentleman, and imbrac.vng hvm verv louyngly fhe
fayd vnto him: "Ah tir, that your felicity is the begynnyng of
nay great ioy of Mynd, whych fauoreth now of fweetnes in the
verv fame, in whom I imagyned to be the welfprynge of bytter-
neffe. The diminutvon of one gryefe is, and fhall bee the increafe
of a bonde, futch as for euer I wyll call mv felfe the more hum-
ble flaue of vour honor, lowlv befeechyng )'ou neuertheleffe to
pardon mv follyes, wherewvth full fondely I haue abufed youre
pacience. Confider a whvle tir, I befeech you, the Nature and
fecrecye of loue. For thofe that be blinded in that paffion,
thvnke them felues to be perfecCte Seers, and yet be the firit that
commit moit filthv faultes. I doe not denie any committed
wrong and trefpaffe, and doe not refufe therefore the honefl and
gentle Correoetion that vou fhall appointe .mec, for expiation of
mvne offence." "Ah mv Noble Lady," (aunfwered the knight,
ail rapt wyth pleafure, and halfeway out of his wyts for ioy) "I
humbly befeech t-ou infly& vppon my poore wretched body no
further panges of Death, by remembryng the glory of my thought,
fith the recitall bryngeth with it a tait of the trauailes which you
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
85
haue fuffred for my ioy and contentation." "It is therefore,"
(quod fhe) "that I think mv felf happy: for by that meanes I
haue knowne the perfe& qualyties that be in you, and haue proued
two extremities of verrue. One eonfifling in vour eonftanev
and loyalty wherby you may vaunt yourfelf aboue hym that
faerifieed his Lvfe vpon the bloudy body of his Ladye who for
dying fo, finifhed his Trauailes. Where you haue ehofen a life
worfe than death, no leffe paynefull a hundred times a Day,
than verv death it felf. The other in the elemency whervyth
vou calme and appeafe the rage of your greateit aduerfaries. _As
my felf which before hated vou to death, vanquifhed bv your
courtefie do confeffe that I ara double hound vnto you, both for
mv lvfe and honor: and heartv thankes do I render to the Lord
Roderico for the violence he dvd vnto me, bv which meanes I was
induced to acknowledge my wrong, and the right whvch vou had
to complayne of my bealtly refifiance." "A1 is wel," fard Roderico,
"fith wlthout peril of honor we may returne home to out houles :
I intend therefore (fayd he) to fend word before to the Ladies vour
mothers of your returne, for I know how fo wel to couer and
excufe this out enterpryfe and fecrete iorneis, as bv God's affift-
ance no blame or difpleafure fhall enfue thereof. And like as
(laid he fmiling) I haue builded the fortreffc whvch flaot into
vour campe, and ruade vou flic, euen fo I hope (Gentlewoman)
that I fhalbe the oecafion of vour vic-orye, when vou combat in
elofe campe, with vour fweete cruel Ennimy." Thus they paffed
the iornev in pleafaunt talk, recompenfing the Louers with al
honeft and vertuous intertainment for their griefs and troubles
part. In the meane while thev lent one of their Seruaunts to the
two widow Ladies» whieh were in greate eare for their Children, to
aduertife them that Gineura was gone to vifit Dom Diego, then
being in one ofthe eaffles of Roderieo, where they were determined
if it were their good pleafure, to eonfumate their mariage, hauing
giuen faith and affianee one to the other. The mother of Gineura
eould hot heare tel of more pleafant newes: for fhe had vnder-
ftanded of the foolyfh flyght and efeape of hir daughter, with the
fieward of hir houle, wherof fhe was very forrowful, and for
griefwas like to die, but affured and recomforted with thofe newes
86
DO.! DIEGO AND GINEURA.
fhe failed not to mete the mother of Dom Diego, at the appointed
place whether the louers were arriued two daies before. Ther
the mariage of that fair couple (fo long defired) vas folempnifed
with futch magnificence as vas requifite for the fate of thofe
two noble houles. Thus the torment indured, ruade the ioye to
fauour of fome other tafe than they do feele, whieh without pairie
in the exercife of loue's purfute, attaine the top of theyr defires:
and truly their pleafure vas altogether like to "him that nourifhed
in fuperfluous delicaev of meates cannot aptly fo wel iudge of
pleafure as he whieh fometimes lacketh the abundance. And
verilv loue wvthout bitterneffe, is almoff a caufe without effe&s,
for he that fhall take awav gryefs and troubled fanfies from
Louers, depryueth them of the prayfe of their fedfafneffe, and
maketh vavne the glory of their perfeuerence : Forhee is vnworthy
to beare awav the priee and Garland of triumph in the Confli&,
that behaueth himfelfe like a coward, and doth not obferue the
lawes of armes and manlike dueties incident to a combat. This
Hiftorv then is a Mirrour for Lovall Louers and Chafe Suters, and
maketh them detef the vnfhamefaftneffe of thofe, which vpon
the firtt view do followe with might and mayne, the Gentlewoman
or Lady that gieueth them good Face, or Countenaunce whereof
any gentle heart, or mynde, nourfed in the Schoolehoufe of vertu-
ous education, will hot bec fqueymihe to thofe that flall by chafe
falutation or other incountry, doe their curteous reuerence. This
Hifiorv alfo yeldeth contempt of them, which in their affe&ion
forger themfelues abafing the Generofity of their Courages to
be reputed of fooles the truc champions of loue, xvhofe like are
thev that defire fuch regarde. For the perfe&ion of a truc Louer
confifeth in parlions, in forrows, griefes, martirdomes, or cares,
and mutch leffe arriueth he to his defire, by fighes, exclamations,
XVeapings, and childifhe playnts: For fo mutch as vertue ought
to be the bande of that indiffoluble amity, which maketh the
vnion of the two feuered bodies of that V¢oman man, which Plato
defcribeth, and caufeth man to trauell for hvs whole accomplifh-
ment in the truc purfute of chafe loue. In which labour truly,
fondly walked Dom Diego, thinking to finde the faine by his
difpayre amiddeR the /harpe folitary Deferts of thofe Pyrene
DOM DIEGO AND GINEURA.
87
Mountaynes. And truely the duety of his'perfe& friende, did
more liuely difclofe the faine (what fault fo euer he did) than ail
his Countenaunces, eloquent letters or amorous Meffages. In
like manner a man doth not know what a treafure a true Friende
is, vntill hee hath proued his excellency, fpecially where neceffity
maketh him to tafe the f, vetenes of futch delicate meate. For a
frend being a feconde himfelfe, agreeth by a certayne naturall
Sympathie and attonement to th'affe&ions of him whom he Ioueth
both to particpate his ioyes and pleafures, and to forrowe
his aduerfity, where Fortune flaall vfe by fome mifaduen-
tures, to flaewe hir accuftomed
mobility.
e88
SALIIIBENE AND ANGELICA.
THE THIRTIETH NOUELL
t Gentlernan of Siena, called Infelmo Salimbene, ctrteoujTy and
gently deliuereth his enemy from death. The condemned party
Jëeing the kinde parte of Salimbene, rendreth into his hands his
.Il/ter 4ngelica, u,ith «hom he u,as in loue, t«hich gratitude and
curte_fie, Saliml.ene n,ell rnaringe» rnoued in Confcience, t«oulde
hot abufe hir, l.ut for recompence tooke hir fo his u,yfe.
VEE do not meane hcre to difcouer the Sumptuofity and Mag-
nificence of Palaces, ftately, and wonderfullv to the view of men,
ne yet to reduce to memory the maruellous elle&es of nan's Indus-
trv to builde and lav Foundations in the deepeft Chanel of the
marne fea, ne to defcribe their ingenious Induftry, in breaking
the Craggy Blountaynes, and hardeft Rocks, to eafe the crooked
Paffages of wearv waies, for Armies to marche through in acces-
fible places. Onely now do we pretend to flaewe the effeCts of
loue, which furmount ail Opinion of common thinges, and appeare
fo miraculous as the founding, and ere&ing of the Colliffoei,
Colloffoei, Theatres, Amphitheatres, Pyramide, and other workes
wonderfull to the world, for that the hard indured path of hatred
and difpleafure long time begoon, and obfiinately purfued wyth
ftraunge cruelty, was conuerted into loue, by th'effe& of concord,
fitch as I know noue, but is fi mutch aftonned, as hee mare
haue good caufe to wonder, confyderyng the ftatelv foundations
vppon which Kinges and greate Blonarches haue employed the
chvefeft reuenues of their prouinces. Now lyke as ingratitude
is a vice )f greateft blame and difcommendation amongs men,
euen fo Gentleneffe and Kindneffe ought to beare the title of a
mort commendable vertue. And as the Thebans were accufed of
that crime» fortheir great Captaynes Epaminondas and Pelopidas.
So the Plateens (contrarywife) are praifed for their folempne ob-
feruation of the Grekes benefits, which deliuered them oute of
the Perfians bondage. And the Sicvonians beare awav the pryfe
of eternall prayfe, tor acknowledgyng the good turnes receiued of
Aratus that delvuercd them from the cruelty of the tyrants. And
SALII[BENE AND ANGELICA.
if Philippo Maria, duke of Milan, deferued eternal reproeh for his
ingratitude to his wife Beatrix, for the fecrete killing of hir, he
being enryched with hir goodes and treafures : a barbarous Turke
borne in Arabia, fhal carry the praife, who being vanquifhed in
Arabia, by Baldouine, kyng of Hierufalem, and he and his "Vife
taken pryfoners, and his treafures fallen into the hands of that good
king, iffued of the Loraine bloud, who neuertheleffe feeing that
the ChryRian had deliuered him, and reRored againe his wife
would hot be vanquifhed in magnificence and liberalitye, and
mutch leffe beare the naine of an vnkind prince, but rather when
Baldouine was ouercome of the infidels, and being retyred within
a certaine city, the Admiral of Arabie, came to him in the night,
and tellyng him the deuice of his companions, conueyed hym out
of the City, and was hys guide vntill he fawe hym free from peril. I
haue alleaged the premyffes, bycaufe the HiRory whych I purpofe
to recyte» aduoucheth two examples hot Vulgare or Common, the
one of very great Loue, and the other of futch acceptation and
knowledgyng thereof, as I thought it pity the fame fhould lurk
from the Acquayntaunce of vs Englyfh Men. And that they alone
fhould haue the Benefite thereof whvch vnderRand the Italian
tongue, fuppofing that it fhall bryng fome fruy& and commodity
to this our Englifhe Soyle, that ech XVyghte may frame their lyfe
on thofe whych in raung Countries far from vs, haue lyued ver-
tuoufly vythout reproch that might foyle or fpotte theyr naine.
In Siena then (an auncient, and very noble Citty of Tofcane, which
no longe time par was gouerned by hir MaRrates, and liued in
hir own lawes and liberties, as the Lucquois, Pifans, and Floren-
tines do) were two families very rich, noble, and the chiefe of the
Citty called the Salimbenes, and Montanines, of the Race and
Stock whereof, excellent men in their Common wealth haue des-
cended, very good and expert Souldiers for condu&e of Armies.
Thofe two houfes in the beginning were fo great freendes, and
frequented futch loue and familiarity, as it feemed they had bene
but one houle and b]oude, dayly vfinge eche others company, and
banketting one another. But Italy in ail times being as it were
a Store houfe of troubles, and a very marte of fedition, bandes,
and parcialities, fpecially of ciuill warres in euery Citty, it coulde
VOL. III. T
9o
SALIMBENE A1WD AIGELICA.
not be that Siena flaoulde alone enioy hir liberty in peace, and
accorde of Cittizens, and vaunt hir felfe to bee free from know-
ledge of particular debate. For of warres flaee had good experience
againft the Florentines, who by long remembraunce haue don
what they coulde to make hir fubie& vnto them. Nowe the
caufe of that difcorde rofe euen by them which kept the Cittizens
in vnity and concord, and was occafioned by thofe houles the
nobleft, and moff puiffant of their common wealth. Itis hOt
vnknowne to any man, that antiquity ordayned it to be peculiar
for nobility, to trayne vp there children in huntinge, afwell
to bolden and Nofell theym in daungers, as to make them ftronge,
and accuftomed in trauayle, and to force them flaun the delicate
lyre and great Idlenes which accompany honorable houfes, and
thofe of gentle bloud, forfomutch as by the purfuite of Beaftes,
fleyghts of warre bee obferued : the Hounds be the fquare battell,
the Greyhoundes be the flanquarts andXVynges to f611ov the enimy,
the horfeman ferueth to gieue the Chace, when the Gaine fpeedeth
to couert, the Hornes be the Trumpets to founde the Chafe and
Retire, and for incouragement of the Dogges to run. To be flaort,
it feemeth a very Campe in battayle, ordayned for the pleafure
and paf[etyme of noble youth. Neuerthelef[e, by hunting diuers
mif[efortunes doe arife, and fundry daungers haue happened by
the faine, lXIeleager loft his Lyfe for the vitory of the vyld Bore
of Callydonia, Cephalus was flaine for kylling his deare beloued
Pocris, and _Acaftus was accurfed for murdering the King's forme
of whome he was the Tutour. XVilliam Rufus, one of out Englyfh
Kings, the fon of the Conquerour, was killed with an Arrow in the "
New Forreft by a French Gentleman called \Valter Tyrel, as he was
purfuing the Harte. Other hiftories reporte dyuers peryls chaunced
in hunting, but yet the faine worthy to be cheryflaed, frequented
and vfed by good aduife and moderate paftyme. So the huntinge
of the wylde Bore defyled the City of Siena, with the bloud of hir
owne Citizens, when the Salimbenes and 1Montanines vppon a daye
in an af[embled company, incountring vpon a greate and tierce Bore,
toke hym by force of men and Beaftes. \Vhen they had don, as
they were banketting and communing of the nimblenef[e of their
dogs, ech man praifing his owne, as hauing done befte, there
SALIIfBENE AND ANGELICAo
291
rofe greate debate amongs them [vpon that matter], and proceeded
fo farre as fondly they began to reuile one another with words, and
from taunting termes to earnefi blowes, where,.«ith diuers in that
/kirmifh were hurt on both rides: In the end the Salimbenes had
the worffe, and one of the principall flayne in the place, which
appalled the re/, not that they were difcoraged, but attending
time and feafon of reuenge. This hatred fo frangely kindled
betwene both partes, that by lyttle and ]yttle, after many combats
and ouerthrowes of eyther fide the loffe lyghted vpon the Mon-
tanines, who with their wealth and rycheffe were almoft brought to
nothing, and thereby the rygour and Choler of the Salimbenes
appeafed, none being able to refifi them, and in fpace of rime
forgot all iniuries. The Montanines alfo that remayned at Siena,
liued in quyet, wythoute chalenge or quarell of their aduerfaries,
howbeit mutuall talke and haunt of others company vtterly
fureeafed. And to fay the truth, there were almofi none to
quarell wythall, for the whole Bloude and Naine of the b, Iontanines
refted in one alone» ealled Charles the Sonne of Thomas Mon-
tanine, a young man fo honeft and well brought vp as any then
in Siena, who had a fyfer, that for beauty, grace curtefy and
honefty, was comparable with the bef in all Thofcane. This
poore young Gentleman had no great reuenue, for that the patri-
monie of his predeceffors was wafted in charges for entertaine-
ment of Souldiers in the time of the hurly burly and debates afore-
faid. A good parte alfo was confifcate to the Chamber of Siena
t'or trefpaffes and forfaitures committed: with the remayne he
fuftained his family and indifferently maintained hys porte foberly
within his owne houfe, keiing his filmer in deeent and moderate
order. The Maiden was called Angelica, a Naine of trouth, with-
out offence to other, due to hir. For in very deede in hir were
harbored the vertue of Curtefy and Gentleneffe and was fo wel
inftru&ed and nobly brought vp, as they which loued hOt the
Naine or race of hir» eould not forbeare to commend hir, and wyfhe
theyr owne daughters to be hir lyke. In futch wife as one of hir
chiefefi foes vvas fo fharpely befet with hir vertue and beauty as
he loti hls quiet fleepe, and luft to eate and dritake. His name
was Anfelmo Salimbene, who woulde wyllinglye haue ruade lute
202
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
to marry hir, but the difcord pari, quite mortified his defire, fo
foone as he had deuifed the plot wythin his brayne and fanfie.
Notwithftanding it xvas impoffible that the louer fo lyuely grauen
and roted in his mind, could eafily be defaced. For if once in a
day he had not feene hir, his heart did fele the torments of tofting
flames, and wifhed that the hunting of the Bore, had neuer decaied
a family fo excellent, to the intent he myght haue matched him-
felf with hir, whome none other could difplace out of his remem-
braunee, that was one of the rycheff Gent]emen and of greateft
power in Siena. Noxv for that he durft not difcouer his amorous
griefe to any perfon, was the chiefeft caufe that martired mort
his hearte, and for the auncient feflred malice of thofe two fami-
lles, he defpayred for euer, to gather either floure or frui& of that
affection, prefuppofing that Angelica would neuer fixe hir Loue
on him, for that his Parents were the caufe of the defaite and
ouerthrow of the ilontanine houle. But what ? There is nothing
durable vnder the heauens. Both good and euyll haue theyr reuo-
lution in the gouernment of humane affayres. The amityes and
hatredes of Kynges and Prynces, be they fo hardened, as commonly
in a lXIoment hec is not feene to be a hearty Friende, that latelv
was a cruell Foe, and fpyred naught elfe but the ruine of his
Aduerfary ? \Vee fee the variety of Humayne chaunces, and then
doe iudge at eye what great fimplicity it is to flay and fettle cer-
tayne, and infallible iudgement vppon man's vnftayed doings. He
that erf gouerned a king, and made all things to tremble at his
word, is fodaynely throwne downe, and dyeth a fhamefull death.
In like forte, another xvhych looketh for his owne vndoinge, feeth
himfelfe aduaunced to hys eflate agayne, by reuenge ouer his
Enimies. Calir Baffa gouerned whilom the great Mahomet, that
wan the Empire of Conflantinople, who attempted nothing with-
out the aduice of that Baffa. But vpon the fodayne he faw him
felfe reie&ed, and the next day ftrangled by eommaundement of
him, which fo greatly honoured him, and without iuf caufe did
him to a death fo eruell. Contrarywife Aragon the Tartarian
entring Armes againf his Vncle Tangodor Caui, when hee was
vpon the Poyn& to lofe his Lyfe for his rebellion, and was conueyed
into Armenia to be executed there, was refcued by certayne Tar-
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
293
tarians the houfhold feruaunts of his dead vncle, and afterwards
Proclaymed King of Tartary about the year T285. The example
of the Empreffe Adaleda is of no leffe credit than the former, who
being fallen into the hands of Beranger the Vfurper of the Empyre
efcaped his fury and cruelty by flight, and in the ende maried to
Otho the firte, fawe hir wrong reuenged vport Berartger and all
his Race by hir Sonne Otho the fecond. I aduouch thefe Hyt%ries
to proue the mobility of fortune, and the chaunge of worldly
chaunees, to th'ende you may fee that the very faine mifery which
followed Charles Montanine hoyted him aloft agayne, and when
he looked for leatt fuecour, he fav deliueraunce at hand. Now
to profecute our Hyftory : know yee that while Salimbene by little
and little pined for loue of Angeliea, whereof fhee was ignoraunt
and careleffe, and albeit fhee curteoufly rendred health to him,
when fometimes in his amorous fit he beheld hir at a Window, yet
for al that fhee neuer fo muteh as gueffed the thoughts of hir
louing enimy. Durlng thefe haps it chauneed that a rich
Cittizen of Siena, hauing a ferme adioyning to the Lands of Mon-
tanirte, defirous to enereafe his Patrimony, and annexe the faine
vnto his owne, and krtowing that the yong Gentleman wanted
many thinges, moued him to fel his inheritaunce, offring hvm
for it in ready money, a ,. Ducates, Charles which of al the
wealth and fubftaunce left him by his auncelter, had no more
remaynyng but that countrey Ferme, and a Palace in the City (fo
the rich Italians of ech City, terme their houles,) and with that
lytle lyued honeftly, and maintained his fifter fo wel as he could,
refufed flatly to difpoffeffe himfelfe of the portion, that renewed
vnto him the happy memory of thofe that had bert the chiefe of
ail the Common "Vealth. The couetous wreteh feeing himfelfe
frutrate of his pray, conceiued futch rancor againft llontanine,
as he purpofed by right or wrong to make him hot only to forfait
the faine, but alfo to lofe his lyfe, following the wicked defire of
tirannous Iefabell, that ruade Naboth to be tonned to death to
extort and wrongfully get his vineyard. About that rime for the
quarels and common dyfcordes ralgning throughout Italy, the
Nobility were not affured of fafety in their Countreis, but rather
the common fort and rafcall uumber, were the chief rulers and
SALIMBEBIE AND &NGELICA.
gouerners of the common wealth, whereby the greatef part of
the Nobility or thofe of befte authority being baniflaed, the
villanous band, and grofe kind of common people ruade a law
(like to the Athenians in the rime of Solon) that ail perlons of
what degree and condition fo euer they were, which praized by
himfelfe or other meanes the reftablyflaing or reuocation of futch
as were baniflaed out of their Citye, ould lofe and forfaite the
fumme of lt. Florens, and hauing not wherewith to pay the'con-
dempnation, their head flaould remaine for gage. A law no doubt
very iuf[ and righteous, fcenting rather of the barbarous cruelty
of the Gothes and Vandales, than of true chriians, opping the
retire of innocents exiled for particular quarels of Citizens incited
one again another, and rigoroufly rewarding mercy and curtefy,
with execution of cruelty incomparable. This Citizen then pur-
pofed to accule Montanine for offending again the law, bicaufe
otherwife he could hOt purchafe his ententj and the faine was
eafy inough for him to compaffe, by reafon of his authority and
eftimation in the Citye: for the Endytemente and plea was no
fooner red and giuen, but a number of po knightes appeared to
depofe againf the poore Gentleman, to beare witneffe that he had
trefpaffed the Lawes of the Countrey, and had fought meanes to
introduce the banifhed, with intent to kyll the gouerners, and to
place in fate thofe fa&ious, that were the caufe of the Italian
troubles. The myferable Gentleman knewe not what to do, ne
how to defend himfelf. There were againt2 him the lIoone and
the VlI. ffarresj the ate of the City, the Proor and Iudge of the
Courtej the wytneffes that gaue euidence, and the lav whych con-
dempned him. He was lent to Pryfon, fentence was pronounced
againf him wlth futch expedition, as he had no leyfure to con-
rider his affayres. There was no man, for feare to incurre the
difpleafures of the Magirates, that durt open hys mouth to
fpeake or make lute for hys delyueraunce. Like as the mort
part of fryendes in thefe dayes refembling the crow, that flyeth
hOt but after carrian to gorge hls rauenous Crop, and futch friends
doe vifite the houfe of the fryend but for profit, reuerencyng
him fo long as he is in profperitye, accordyng to the Poet's com-
playnt.
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
95
Like as the pureff gold in fieri flames is tried,
Euen fo is favth of fryends in hard errate defcried.
If hard miffehap doth thee affray»
Ech of thy friends do file away,
And he which erft full friendly femde to thee,
A friend no more to thy poor tate is hee.
And fimple Vyghtes ought not to bee afrayde, and thynke amyfs
if Fryendes doe flee away» fith Prynces and great Lords incurre
futch hap and Fortune. The great leader of the Romavne Armies,
Pompeius» the honor of the people and Senate of Rome, what
companion had he to flee with hym ? Vhych of his auncient
friends toke paine to refcue and delyuer him from his Enimyes
hands which did purfue him ? A king of _Egipt which had known
and found this good Romane Prynce a kind and gentle fryend,
was he that killed him, and lent his head to his Vi&or and unfati-
ble greedy gutte lulius Coefar, falfifying his promifed fayth, and
forgetting his receiued pleafures. Amongs ail the comforts which
this pore Siena Gentleman found, although but a curffed Traitor»
was thys vnfaithfull and petiferous Camoeleon, who came and
offred him al the pleafure and kindneffe he was able to do. But
the varlet attended conuenient tyme to make him taffe his poy-
fon, and to let him fee by efl'e, how dangerous a thing it is to
be il neighbored, hoping after the condempnation of B1ontanine
he fhould at pleafure purchafe the Lordfhippe after whych with
fo open mouth he gaped. Ouer vhom he had hys wyll : for two
or three daves after the recitall of the endytement and giuing of
the euydence, Charles was condempned, and his fine feffed at M.
Florins to be payed within xv. dayes, vntyl whych tirne to remaine
in Pryfon. And for default of futch payment to loofe his heade,
bicaufe he had infringed the Lawes, and broken the Statutes of the
Senate. This fentence was very difficult for poor Montanine to
digeft, who faw all his goodes like to be difpoyled and confifcate,
complayning fpecially the fortune of fayre Angelica his fifter,
whych all the tyme of the impry£onment of hir deare brother»
neuer went out of the houfe» ne ceafed to weepe and lamente the
hard fortune whereinto their family was lyke to fall by that new
96
SALIIIBENE AND AIGELICA.
mifchaunce: "Alas," faid the fayre curteous damfel, "will the
heauens never be appeafed but continually extend their wrathe
vpon our deplored family, and /bal our miffehaps neuer ceafe?
Had it hot bene more tollerable for our confumed bloude, that
the diffentions paiS, had been tried by dent of fword, than to
fee the prefent innocency of the young Gentleman my brother in
daunger to be innocently accufed and put to death, through
the vniuiSice of thofe, which beare mortal malice to noble bloud,
and glory in depryuation of the whole remembrance of the faine ?
O dampnable iSate that muiSe hale the guiltleffe to the gibet and
irreuocable fentence of thofe iudges remaining in a city, which
men cal free, albeit a confufed multitude hath the vpper hande,
and may fo bee, that Nature hath produced them to treade vnder
foote noble .Vightes for their Offences. _Ah dear Brother, I fee
well what is the caufe. If thou hadt not that Ivtle lordthyp in
the Countrey, and Pryncely Houfe in the City, no man would haue
enuied thine eiSate, or could haue charged thee with any Crime,
which I would to God, thou hadiS not onely enterpryfed, but
alfo broughte to paffe, to the intent thou mighteft haue ben re-
uenged of the wrong which thefe cankred Carles ordinarily do
vnto my Noble bloud. But what reafon is it that marchants and
artificers, or the fonnes of villaines fhould rule a common .Vealth ?
O happy Countreis where kings giue Lawes, and Princes fee by
proued fight, thofe perlons which refemble them, and in their
places beare the fvay. And O unhappy wee, that be the flaues
of a waiwarde iSate, peruerted by corruption. ,Vhv dvd our pre-
deceffors minde to iSablyfh any lyberty at al, to thruft the lame
into the confufed gouernment of the commons of our Countrey ?
,Ve haue iSil the Frenchman at our tayle, or the people of our
higheiS Bifhop, or elfe thofe crafty Florentines, we be the common
pray of al thofe that lif to follow the haunt, and that which is
our extreameft mifery, we make oure felues the very flaues of them
that of right ought to be reputed the vilef amongs us al. Ah
deare Brother, that thy wretched tyme is come, the onely hope of
our decayed family. Thou[hadef neuer bene committed to SVarde,
had not thy falfe affured foes bene allure of witneffe to con-
dempne thee. Ah that my life mighte raunfome thine, and re-
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
297
deme agayn thvne errate and fuccor, thou /houldeft be fure that
forthwith Angelica would prepare hirfelf to bee the pray of thofe
hungry rauenyng Volues, which bleat and bellow after thy Lands
and Lyre." Whyle this fayre Damfell of Siena in this fort dyd tor-
ment hir felf, poore Montanine, feeinge that he was brought to
the laff extremity of his defired hope, as eche man naturally doth
feke meanes to prolong his lyre, knowing that ail other help fay-
led for hys delyueraunce except he fold his land, afwel to fatiffy
the fine, as to preuayle in the reff of his Affaires, lent one of the
gailers to that worfhipfull ufurer the eaufe of hvs Calamity, to
offer him his Land for the pryce and fum of a . Ducates. The
pernicious and trayterous viilain, feeing that iMontanine was at
his mercy, and ffode in the water up to the very throte, and knew
no more what to do, as if already he had tryumphed of hys lire
and Land fo greatly coueted, anfwered him in this manner : "ikIy
friend thou fhalt fay to Charles Montanine, that not long ago I
would willingly haue giuen him a good Summe of 1Monev for his
Ferme, but fithens that tyme I haue imployed my Money to fome
better profit : and albeit I was in minde to buy it, I would be loth to
give aboue 7- c. Florins, being affured that it cannot be fo commodi-
ous, as my Money is able to bring yearely Gayne into my Purfe."
See how Auarice is the Pickpurfe of fecret and hidden gayne, and
the very Vhirlepoole of Honefty» and Confcience, couetinge nought
els but by vnrighteous Pray of other mens goods, to accumulate
and heape together. The aboundanee whereof bringeth no greater
good hap vnto the gluttonous Owner, but rather the minde of
futch is more miferable, and carryeth therewithall more decreafe
of quiet, than increafe of filthy muck. The couetous man beareth
no loue but to his Treafure, nor exercifeth charitv but vpon
Coafers, who, than he would be difpoffeffed thereof, had rather
fell the lire of his naturall Father. This deteftable Villayne hau-
ing fometimes offered 1. Dueates to Charles for his Enherytaunce,
will now doe fo no more, afpiring the totall Ruine of the Mon-
tanine Family. Charles aduertifed of his minde, and amazed for
the Counfels decree, x.eil faw that ail thinges eontraried hys hope
and expe&ation» and that he muff needes dye to fatiffie the
exceffiue and couetous Luff of the Cormerant» whofe malice hee
98
SALIMBENE ARD ANGELICA.
knew to bee fo vehement, as none durt offer him Money, by
reafon of the vnhappy defire of this neuer contented Varlet : For
whieh eonfideration throughly refolved to dye, rather than to
leaue hys poore SitUer helpleffe, and without reliefe, and rather
than he would agree to the bargayne tending to his fo great loffe
and difadvauntage, and to the Tirannous dealing of the wleked
Tormentor of hys Lyre, feeing alfo that ail meanes to purge and
auerre his innoeency, was taken from him, the finall deeree of the
Iudges being already paffed, he begau to difpofe himfelfe to
repentaunee and faluation of his Soule, making eomplaynte of his
Mifhaps in thys manner.
To what bath not the heauens hatefull bin,
Since for the eafe of man they weaue futch woe ?
By diuers toyles they lap our croffes in
XVith cares and griefes, whereon our mifchiefes groe:
The bloudy hands and Sword of mortall foe,
Doe fearch mine euill, and would defiroy me quite,
Through heynous hate and hatefull heaped spite.
.Vherefore corne not the fatall fitiers three,
That draw the line of life and death by right ?
Com furies ail, and make an ende of mee,
For from the world, my fprite would take his flight.
"Vhy comes hOt nowe fowle Gorgon full in fight,
And Typhon's head, that deepe in hell remaynes,.
For to torment the fillv foules in paynes ?
It better were for mec to feele your force,
Than this miffehap of murdring enuy'es rage,
By curffed meanes and fall vpon my corfe,
And worke my ruine amid my flouring age :
For if I were difpatch'de in this defire,
The feare were gone, of blacke infernall tire.
O Gods of Seas, and caufe of blufcring winde,
Thou ASolus and Neptune to I fa);
XVhy did you let my Barke futch fortune finde,
That fafe to fhore I came by any way ?
XVhy brake yee not, agaynft fome Rocke or Bay,
The keele, the fterne, or els blew downe the Mal,
By whofe large fayles through furging feas I paf ?
Had thefe things hapt, I had not feene this houre,
The houle of dole where wofull fprite complayne,
Nor vferers on me had vfde futch power,
Nor I had feene depaynted in difdayne,
The God of care, with whom dead Ghofts remayne.
Who howles and Skrekes in hollow trees and holes,
Vhere Charon raygnes among condemncd foules.
.Ah, ah, rince hap will worke my wretched end,
.And that my ruine by iudgement is decreed :
Why doth not happe futch happy fortune rend,
That I may lcad with me the man in deede,
That faynd his fayth, and faylde me at my neede,
For gayne of golde, as vfurers do God knowes,
Vho cannot fpare the dropping of their nofe ?
I fhould haue t]ayne the flaue that feru'd me fo,
O God forbid my hands were brued in blood,
Should I defire the harme of friend or foe ?
Nay better were to wifhe mine en'my good:
For if my death I throughly vnderfood,
I fhould make fhort the courfe I haue to run,
Since ret is got when worldly toyle is done.
.Alas, alas, my chiefeft way is this,
A guiltleffe death to fuffer as I can,
So fhall my foule be fure of heauen's bliffe,
.And good renoume fhall ret behinde me than,
.And body fhall take end where it began,
.And lame fhall fly before me, ere I rit
Vnto the Gods» where loue in throne doth rit.
299
3oo
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
0 God conuert, from vyce to vertue now,
The heart of him that falfeth fayth wyth me,
_And chaunge his minde and mend his maners throw,
That he his fault and fowle offence may fee,
For death fhall make my fame immortall bee:
And whiles the Sunne which in the heauens doth fhine,
The fhame is his, and honor fhall be mine.
Alas, I mourne not for my felfe alone,
Nor for the fame of my Forefathers olde,
'Tys Angelike, that caufeth me to mone,
'Tys fhe that filles my breft with fanfies colde,
'Tys flee more worth, than was the fliece of golde,
That mooues my minde and breedes futch paflïons fraunge,
As in my felfe I feele a wonderous chaunge.
Haue pitty Lord of hir and mee this day,
Since defny thus hath fundred vs in fpite,
O fuffer not hir vertues to decay»
But let hir take in friendfhip futch delite,
That from hir bref all vice be baniflt quite :
And let hir like as did hir noble race,
Vhen I poore man am deade, and out of place.
Alas my hand would write thefe xvofull lines,
That feeble fprite denyes for want of might,
XVherefore my heart in bref confumes and pines,
,Vith deepe defires, that far is from man's fight,
But God he fees myne innocencie and right,
And knowes the caufe of lnyne Accufer ffill,
Vho feekes my bloud to haue on mee his will.
,Vhen Charles thus complayned himfelf, and throughly was
determined to dy, great pitty it was to fee how fayre Angelica
did rent hir Face, and teare hir golden Locks, when fhe faw how
impoflïble it was to faue hir obffinate brother from the cruel
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
tentence pronounced vpon him, for whom fhe had imployed ail
hir wits and favre fpeach, to perfwade the neerefi of hir Kin to
make lute. Thus retted fhe alone ful of futch heauineffe and
vexation as they ean think whieh fee themfelues depriued of
things that they eIteeme mott dere. But of one thing I ean wel
affure you, that if iii fortune had permitted that Charles fhould
haue bin put to death, the gentle damfel alfo had breathed forth
the final gafp of hir forowful lire, yeldinge therewithall the lait
end of the Montanine race and family. ,Vhat booteth it to hold
proceffe of long difcourfe ? Beholde the lait day is corne deferred
by the Iudges, whereupon he mur eyther fatiffie the fine, or dye
the next day after like a rebel and Traytor againIt the ttate, with-
out any of his kin making ri,te or meane for his deliueraunce:
albeit they vilîted the fayre mayden, and eomforted hir in that
hir wretched Rate, inItruing hir how fhee fhould gouerne hir
felfe patiently to fuffer things remedileffe. Angeliea aeeompanied
with hir kin, and the maidens dwelling by, that were hir coin-
panions, made the ayre to round with outcries and waymentings»
and fhe hir felfe exclaymed like a woman dettraught of ,Vits,
whofe plaints the multitude affif[ed with like eiulations and out-
cries, wayling the fortune of the yong gentleman, and forowfull to
fee the mayden in daunger to fal into fome mifhap. As thefe
things were thus bewayled, it ehauneed about nine of the elocke
at night, that Anfelmo Salimbene, he whom we haue fayd tobe
furprifed with the loue of Angeliea, returning out of the Countrey,
where he had remayned for a certayne rime, and pafling before
the houle of his Lady, aceording to his cultome, heard the voyee of
women and maydens which mourned for Montanine, and there-
withall fiayd: the ehiefett eaufe of his Ray was, for that he faw
go forth out of the Pallace of hys Algelica, diuers ,Vomen making
Moane» and Lamentation: wherefore he demaunded of the neygh-
bots what noyfe that was, and whether any in thofe C/uarters
were dead or no. To whom they deelared at length, al that whieh
yee haue heard belote. Salimbene hearing this ttory, went home
to his houle, and being feeretly entred into his chamber, began
difcourfe with himfelfe vpon that accident, and fantafying a
thoufand things in his heade, in the ende thought that Charles
3O2
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
fhould hOt fo be cafi away, were he iufily or innoeently con-
dempned, and for the only refpeé-t of his fifter, that fhe might
not bee left dettitute of the Goods, and Inheritaunee. Thus dif-
eourfing diuers things, at length he fayd : "" I were a very fimple
perron nowe to refi in doubt, fith Fortune is more eurious of my
felieity than I eould wifhe, and feeketh the effeé-t of my defires,
when leafi of all I though vpon them. For behold, Montanine
alone is left of ail the mortall enimies of our houle, whych to mor-
row openly fhall lofe his head like a rebell and feditious perron,
vpon whofe Auneefiers, in him fhall I be reuenged, and the quarell
betweene our two Families, fhall take ende, hauinge no more
eaufe to feare renuing o difeorde, by any that ean defeend from
him. _And who fhall let mee then from inioying hir, whom I doe
loue, hir brother being dead, and his goods confifcate to the
Selgniory, and fhe without all Maynetenaunce, and Reliefe, except
the ayde of hir onely beauty and curtcfie ? x, Vhat maynetenaunce
fhall fhe haue, if not by the loue of fome honefi Gentleman, that
for hys pleafure may fupport hir, and haue pitty vppon the loF/e
of fo excellent beauty ? _Ah Salimbene, what hafi thou fayd ?
Haft thou already forgotten that a Gentleman for that only caufe
is efieemed aboue al other» whofe glorious fac°cs ought to fhine
before the brightneffe of thofe that force theymfelues to followe
vertue? Art hot thou a Gentleman borne, and Bred in noble houfe»
Iffued from the Loyns of gentle and noble Parentes ? Is it ignor-
aunt vnto thee, that it pertayneth vnto a noble and gentle heart,
to reuenge receyued Injuries himfelfe, without feeking ayde of
other or elfe to pardon them by vfing clemency and princely
curtefie, burying all defire of vengeaunce vnder the Toumbe of
eternall obliuion ? _And what greater glory can man acquire, than
by vanquifhing himfelfe, and chaftifing his affe&ions and rage,
to bynde him which neuer thought to receyue pleafure or benefit
at his hand ? It is a thing which exceedeth the common order of
nature, and fo is it meete and requifite, that the mo excellent
doe make the effe&s of their excellency appeare, and feeke meanes
for the immortality of their remembraunce. The great Di&ator
Coefar vas more prayfed for pardoning hys enimies» and for fhew-
ing himfelfe curteous and eafie to be fpoken to» than for fubdu-
SALIMBlNE AND ANGFLICA.
303
inge the braue and valiaunt Galles and Britons, or vanquifhing
the mighty Pompee. Dom Roderico Viuario, the Spaniard, al-
though he might haue bene reuenged vpon Dom Pietro, king of
Aragon, for his infidelity, hicaufe he went about to hiuder his
voyage agaynt the Saracens at Grenado, yet woulde not Punifhe
or Raunfome him, but taking him Pryfoner in the Warres, fuffred
him to goe without any Trihute, or any exaction of him and his
Realme. The more I followe the example of mighty Perfonages
in thinges that he good, the more notorious and wonderful fhall I
make my felfe in their rare and noble deedes. And hot willing to
forget a wrong done vnto me, whereof may I complayne of bIon-
tartine? Vhat thinge hath hee euer doue agaynft me or mine?
And alheit his Predeceffors were enimies to out Family, they haue
therefore borne the peuaunce, more harde than the firme deferued.
And truly I fhould be afrayde, that God would fuffer me to tum-
ble into fome mifhap, if feeing one affticted, I fhould reioyce in
his affli&ion, and take hy his decay an argument of ioy and plea-
lute. No, no, Salimbene is hot of minde that futch fond Imagi-
nation fhould Bereue good will to make hymfelfe a Freende, and
to gayne by liberality and curtefie hir, which for hir only vertue
deferueth a greater lord than I. Being affured, that there is no
man (except he were difpoyled of all good nature and humanity)
fpecially bearing the loue to Angelica, that I do, but he would
be fory to fee hir in futch heauineffe and defpayre, and would
attempt to deliuer hir from futch dolorous griefe. For if I loue
hir as I do in deede, mut hot I likewife loue all that which fhe
earneffly loueth, as him that is nowe in daunger of death for a
fimple fine of a thoufand"Florens ? That my heart doe make ap-
peere what the loue is, which maketh me Trihutary and Subie& to
fayre Angelica, and that eche man may kuowe, that furious loue
hath vanquifht kings and great monarches, it hehoueth hot me to
be ahafhed» if I which am a man and lubie& to paflïons, fo well
as otheu doe fuhmit my felfe to the feruice of hir, who I ara
affured is fo vertuous as euen very neceffity cannot force hir to
forget the houfe, whereof fhe tooke hir originall. Vaunt thy
felfe then O Angelica, to haue forced a heart of it felfe impreg-
nable, and giuen him a wouud which the ffoutefi Lads might
304
SALIIIBENE AND ANGELICA.
fooner haue depriued of lyfe, than put him out of the way of his
gentle kinde : and thou, Montanine, thinke, that if thou wilt thy
felfe, thou winnefi to day fo hearty a frende, as only death fhall
feparate the vnion of vs twayne, and of all our potterity. Itis I,
nay itis I my felfe, that fhall excell thee in duety, poynting the
way for the wifefi, to get honor, and violently compel the mooued
mvndes of thofe that be out aduerfaries, defiring rather vainely to
forgo myne own lire, than to giue ouer the vertuous eonceipts,
which be already grifted in my minde." After this long difcourfe
feeing the tyme requi-red dilligence, hee tooke a thoufand Ducats,
and went to the Treafurer of the fines, deputed by the tiare, whom
he founde in his office, and farde vnto him -. « I haue brought you
tir, the Thoufande Ducates, which Charles llontanine is bounde
to pay for his deliueraunce. Tell them, and gieue him an acquit-
taunee, that prefently hec may eome forth." The Treaforer woulde
haue giuen him the rett, that exceeded the Summe of a Thoufand
Horens: but Salimbene refufed the lame, and receyuing a letter
for his difcharge, he lent one of his Seruaunts therewithal to the
chiefe Gayler, who feeing that the Summe of his condemnation was
payd, immediately deliuered lIontanine out of the Prifon where he
was fafi fhut, and fettered with great, and weyghty Giues. Charles
thinekinge that fome Frier had bin corne to confeffe him, and that
they had fhewed him fome mercy to doe hym to death in Prifon,
that abroade in open fhame of the vorld he might not deface the
Noble houle x'hereof he came, was at the firfi fight afionned,
but hauing prepared himfelfe to die, prayfed God, and befought
him to vouchfafe hOt to forget him in the forrovful paffage»
wherein the fiouteft and coragious many times be faynt and in-
confiaunt. He recommended his Soule, he prayed forgieueneffe
of his tïnnes: and aboue all, he humbly befought the goodnelTe
of God, that it would pleafe him to haue pitty vpon his Sifier, and
to deliuer hir from all Infamy and difhonor. "Vhen he was caried
out of Pryfon, and brought before the Chiefe Gayler, fodaynely
his Giues were difcharged from his Legges, and euery of the flan-
ders by looked merily vppon hym, without fpeakinge any "Voorde
that might affrav hym. That Curtefie vnlooked for, ruade hym
attende fome better thynge, and affured hym of that whych
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
305
before by anv meanes hec durte hot thvncke. And hys expe&a-
tion was hOt deceiued. For the Gavler fayde vnto hym : "Bec of
good Cheare Sir, for beholde the letters of vour difcharge, where-
fore you may goe at liberty whether you lift." In faying fo, he
opened the Pryfon, and licenced Montanine to departe, praying
him hot to take in ill part his intreatv and hard impryfonment,
for that hec durit doe none other, the State of the Citv hauing fo
enioyned hym. }-May hot ech ,Vyght now behold ho'w that the
euents of loue be diuers from other paflîons of the mind ? How
eould Salimbene haue fo charitably deliuered Montanine, the
hatred beyng fo long tyme rooted between the two houles, if fome
greate occafion whych bath no naine in Loue, had hot altred his
Nature, and extinguifhed hys affe&ion ? Itis meritoryons to fuc-
cour them whome we neuer faxv befor% fith nature moueth vs to
doe well to them that be lyke out felues. But faith furmounteth
there, where the very naturall inclynation feeleth it felf contrayned
and feeth that to be broken, whych obftynately was purpofed to
be kept in mynde. The graces, gentleneffe, Beauty, mild be-
hauior and allurement of Angelica, had greater force ouer Salim-
bene, than the humility of hir Brother, although he had kneeled
a hundred tymes belote him. But what heart is fo brute, but
may be ruade tra&able and Mylde, bv the Contemplation of a
thyng fo rare, as the excellent Beautv of that Siena Mayden, and
woulde hot humble it felfe to acquyre the good graces of fo per-
fe& a Damfel ? I wyll neuer aecufe man for beyng in Loue wyth
a favre and vertuous Voman, nor efteeme hvm a flaue, whvch
painefully ferueth a fobre Mayden, whofe heart is fraught wyth
honefte affe&ions, and lVIvnd wyth defyre tending to good ende.
Well worthv of blame is he to be deemed whych is in loue wyth
the outeward hew, and prayfeth the Tree onely lavden with floures,
without regard to the frui&, whvch maketh it worthye of com-
mendation. The young maiden muft needes refemble the floure
of the Spryng time, vntill bv hir conftancy, modefly, and chaftitv
fhe hath vanquifhed the concupifcence of the flefh, and brought
forth the hoped frui&e of a Verrue and Chaftity not Common.
Otherwyfe, fhee fhall bee lyke the inrolled Souldyer, whofe valy-
ance hys onlv mind doth wytnes, and the offer whych he maketh
VOL. III. U
3o6
SALIBfBEbIE AND ANGELICA.
to hvm that doth regiPter his name ill the muPter bookes. But
when the effe& of feruvce is ioyned wvth his attempt, and proofe
belveth hOt hvs proR.vfe, then the Captain iRbraceth him, and
aduaunceth hiR, as a glaffe for his affaires from that tire forth.
The lvke of Dames hauing paffed the affaults and rerifted the
atteRpts of thevr affaylants which be honef, hOt bv force being
not requyred, but inclyned by ther owne nature, and the dyligence
of theyr chafi and inuincvble heart._ But turne we againe vnto
out purpofe, lontanine, when he was delyuered, forthwyth wente
home to hvs houle, to comfort hir, whom he was more than fure
to be in great diftreffe and heauineffe for his fake, and whvch
had fo mutch neede of comfort as he had, to take his relU. He
caRe to the gate of his Pallace (where beyng knowne that it was
lontanine) his fifier bv an)" meanes coulde hOt bee ruade to
beleue the lame: fo impoflïble feeme thynges vnto vs, which we
moPt defvre. Thev were all in doubte, lvke as wee reade that
they were when S. Peter efcaped Herod's irvfon bv the Angel's
meanes. \Vhen Angelica was affured that it was hir ]3rother,
fobbes wer layde aride, fighes were caPt away, and heauv weep-
ings conuerted into teares of ioy, fl, e went to imbraee and kiffe
hir Brother, praifing GoD for hvs delyuerance, and making
accompt that he had ben raifed from death to lyre, conridering
his fioutnes of minde rather bent to dve than to forgo his Land,
for fo frai a pryce. The Dames that wer kin vnto hyR, and
tarried there in CoRpany of the Raiden hall in difpayre, leafi by
difpayre and furv fhee might fall into outrage therbv to put hir
lvfe in peril, with all expedition aduertifed their huibands of
1lontanine's Lyberty, not Iooked fr, who repayred thither, as wel
to reiovce with him in his iov and good fortune, as to make their
excufe, for that thev had not trauavled to ryd him from that
miferv. Charles whvch cared nothing at al for thofe mouth
bleflings, diffembled what he thought, thanking them neuerthe-
leffe for their viritation and good remeRbrance thev had of hym,
for viriting and comforting his rifter which honor, he eftemed no
leffe than if thev had imployed the fame vpon his owne perron.
Their friends and kinsfolk being departed, and affured that none
of them had payde his ranfome, hee was wonderfully ationned
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
307
and the greater was his gryef for that he could hot tell what hee
was, ,,vhych withoute requefte, had ruade fo gentle a proofe of his
lyherality: if he knev nothing, farre more ignoraunte was his
fiffer, forfomutch as fhe dyd thinke, that he had changed his mind,
and that the horrour of dêath had ruade him fel his countrey in-
heritance, to hym ,,vhych ruade the firf offer to buy the faine : but
either of them deceyued of their thought xvent to bed. 1Montanine
reffêd hot all thê Nyght, hauyng ttill bêfore his êyês, the vnknowne
image of hym that had delvuered him. His bed ferued his turne
to none othêr purpofe, but as a large field or fome long allêy
within a Wood, for xvalkes to make difcourfe of hvs mynde's con-
ceipts, fometimes remembryng one, fometimes another, without
hitting the blankê and namyng of him that was his dêliuêrêr, vnto
xvhome he confeflèd him felfe to owe hvs feruice and duetv fo
long as hee lyued. And xvhen hee faw the day begyn to appeare
and that the Viornyng, the Vauntcurrour of the day, fummoned
Apollo to harneflè hys Horflè to begynne his courre in out Hemis-
phêre, hê rofe and wênt to thê Chamberlaine or Treafurer, futch
as was dêputêd for rêcêypt of thê Fines, feflèd by the Statê, whom
he faluted, and receyuing lyke falutation, he prayed hvm to fhewe
hym fo mutch pleafitre as to tell hym the parties name, that was
fo Lvherall to fatvffie his fine due in the Efchequer of the State.
To vhome the other aunfvered: "None other bath caufed thv
delyueraunce (O 1Montanine) but a certain perron of the XVorld,
whofe Naine thou mayf eafily geflè, to whome I gaue an acquit-
tance of thyne impryfonmente, but hot of the iufte futaine, bycaufe
hee gaue me a Thoufand Ducates for a Thoufand FIorens, and
woulde hOt receyue the ouerplus of the debte, whych I ara readye
to delyuer thee wyth thyne acquyttaunce." "I haue hot to doe
wyth the Monev" (fayd Charles) "onely I pray you to tell me the
naine of him that hath don me thys great curtefy, that hereafter
I may acknowledge him to be my Friênd." "It is" (fayd the
Chamberlayne) "-&nfelmo Salimbene, who is to bee commended
and prayfed aboue ail thy parents and kinne, and came hither very
late to bryng the Money, the furplufage whereof, beholde here it
is." "God forbid" (fayd Montaine) « that I fhould take awaye
that, v¢hych fo happily was brought hither to rid me out of payne."
308
SALIIIBENE AND ANGELICA.
And fo went away wyth his acquittance, his mind charged with
a nurnbre of fanfies for the fa& don by Salimbene. Being at
home at his houfe, he was long time ftayed in a deepe con-
fideration, defirous to know the caufe of that gentle parte, pro-
ceeding from him whofe Parents and Auncefters were the capitall
Enimies of his race. In the end lyke one rifyng from a found
fleepe, he called to mynd, that very manv rimes he had feene
Anfelmo with attentiue eye and fixed looke to behold Angelica,
and in eying hir uery louyngly, he paffed euery day (before theyr
gate) not flaewing other countenaunce, but of good wyll, and wyth
fryendly gefture, rather than any Ennimies Face, faluting Ange-
lica at all tvmes vhen he met hir. SVherefore Montanine was
affured, that the onely loue of Salimbene towards his fitter caufed
that delyueraunce, concluding that when the paffion doth pro-
ceede of good loue, feazed in gentle heart and of noble enterpryfe,
it is impoffible but it mufle bryng forth the rnaruellous effe&s of
vertue's gailantize, of honefty and curtefy, and that the fpyrite
wel borne, can not fo mutch hide hys gentle nourtoure» but the
fyre muft flame abroade, and that whych feemeth dyfficult to bee
brought to paffe, is facilityei and made poffible by the conceiptes
and indeuors fo wel imployed : wherefore in the Ende hot to bee
furrnounted in Honelty, ne yet to beare the rnarke of one, that
vnthankefully accepteth good turnes, he determyned to vfe a great
prodigality vppon him, that vnder the name of foe, had flaewed
himfelfe a rnore faythful friend, then thofe that bare good face,
and at neede wer furthett off from affli&ed Montanine, who not
knowing what prefent to make to Salimbene, but of himfelfe and
hys fyfter, purpofed to impart his minde to Angelica, and then
vpon knowledge of hir wil to performe his intent. For which
caufe wderftanding that his gracious enimy was gone into the
Countrey, he thoughte well to confyder of his deterrnynatyon, and
to breake wyth hir in hys abfence, the better to Execute the faine,
vppon his nexte retourne to the Citye. He called Angelica afyde,
and beynge bothe alone together, hee vfed thefe or futch lyke
,Voordes : "You knowe, deare Sifter, that the higher the fall is,
the more daungerous and greater gryefe he feeleth that doth rail
from highe than hee that tumbleth downe from place more Iow
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
309
and of leffer tteepenes. I fpeak this, bieaufe I cal to mind the
condition, nohility, and excelleney of our aneeRers, the glorie of
our race, and riches of all our houfe, whieh eonRraineth me many
tymes to figb, and fheade a fireame of teares, when I fee the
fumptuous palaees that were the bornes and refting places of out
Fathers, and grand fathers, when I fee on al parts of this City, the
Armes, and Seuteheons painted and imboffed, bearyng the mark
of the Antiquity of our houle, and when I beholde the Rately
marble tombes and brafim Monuments, in dyuers our Temples
ere&ed for perpetuall Memorye of many knyghtes and generalles
of warres, that forted forth of the Montanine race : and chyefly I
neuer enter thys great Palaee, the remnant of our inheritaunee and
patrimony, but the remembraunee of our auneefters, fo glaunceth
ouer mine Hearte, as an hundred hundred tymes, I wyfh for death,
to thynke that I am the Poft alone of the myfery and deeay fallen
vppon the naine and famous familye of the Montanines, whyeh
maketh me thinke our life tobe vnhappy, being downe fallen from
futeh felieity, to feele a myfery moft extreame. But one thing alone
ought to content vs, that amid fo great pouerty, yl luek, ruine
and abafement, none is able to lay vnto out charge any thing
vnworthy of the nobility and the houle, whereof we be defeended,
our |yfe being eonformable to the generofitie of out predeeeffors:
whereby it ehaneeth, that although our poore etLate be gene-
rally knowne, yet none tan affirme, that we haue forligned the
vertue of them, whieh vertuoufly haue lyued before vs. If fo
bee wee haue reeeiued pleafure or benefit of any man, neuer
difdained I with al duety to aeknowledge a good turne, ftil fhun-
ning the vyee of ingratytude, to foyle the reputation wherein
hitherto I haue paffed my lyfe. Is there anye blot whieh more
fpotteth the renoume of man, than hot eonfeflîng reeeiued bene-
rites and pleafures perfourmed in our neceflïty? You know in
what peril of death I was, thefe few daies pari, through their falfe
furmife whieh neuer loued me, and how almoR miraeuloufly I was
redemed out of the hangman's hands, and the cruel fentenee of
the vnryghteous Magiftrate, hOt one of our kin offrynge them-
felues in deede or word for my defenfe, which forceth mee to fay,
that I haue felt of my Kin which I neuer thought» altd haue tatted
3Io
SALIMBENE AD AEGELICA.
futch commodity at his hands, of whome I neuer durft expe& or
hope for pleafure, relief, aide or any comfort. I attended my
delyueraunce by fute of thofe whome I counted for Kin and
fryends, but the faine fo foon vanifhed, as the Neceflïty and
peryll were prefent. So preffed with woe, and forfaken of fryends,
I was affrayde that out aduerfaries (to remoue all feare and fus-
pition in tyme to come) would haue purchafed my totall ruine,
and procured the ouerthrowe of the Montanines name, by my
Death, and approched end. But good God, from the place where-
of I feared the danger, the calme arofe, which bath brought my
Barke to the hanen of health, and at his hands where I attended
ruine, I haue tated affiance and futentation of myne honor and
lyfe. And playnely to procede» it is Anfelmo Salimbene, the fon
of out auncient and capital enimies, that bath fhewed himfelf the
very loyall and faithful fryend of out family, and bath deliuered
vour brother by payment to the State, the fumme of a Thoufand
Ducats to raunfome the lire of him, who thought him to be his
motte cruel aduerfary. O Gentleman's heart in dede and gentle
mind, whofe rare vertues do furpaffe ail humaine vnderfanding.
Friends vnited together in hand of Amitye, amaze the .Vorld by
the effec'-ts not vulgar in things ,vhvch they do one for an other.
But thys furmounteth ail, a mortall Ennimy, hOt reconcyled or
requyred, without demaund of affuraunce for the pleafure which
he doth, payeth the debts of his aduerfarie : which fa&e exceedeth
all confideration in them, that difcouer the fa&es of men. I can
hot tel what name to attribute to the deede of Salimbene, and what
I ought to call that his curtefy, but this mut I needes protef,
that the example of his honetHe and gentlenes is of futch force,
and fo mutch bath vanquifhed me, as whether I fhal dye in payne
or lvue at eafe, neuer am I able to exceede his lyberality. Now
my life being ingaged for that which he bath don to mee, and hee
hauynge delyuered the lame from infamous Death, it is in your
bandes (deare titrer) to prac-tize the deuyfe imagined in my mind,
to the intente that I may be onely bound to you for fatiffying the
liberalitye of Salimbene, by meanes whereof, you which wepte
the death and wayled the lot liberty of your ]3rother, doe fee me
free and in fafety hauyng none other care but to be acquited of
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
3II
hym, to whome both you and I bedearelybound." Angelica hearyng
hir brother fpeak thofe words, and knowing that Salimbene was
he, that had furpaffed ail their kinne in amity and comforte of
theyr familye, aufwcred her brother, fayinge: "I woulde neuer
haue thought (good Brother) that your deliuerance had corne to
paffe by him whofe naine euen now you tolde, and that our
Ennimyes breaking al remembraunce of auncient quarels, had care
of the health and conferuation of the Montanines. x, Vherefore if
it were in my power I would fatiffy the curtefy and gentleneffe
of Anfelmo, but I know not which way to begin the faine. I
being a maid that knoweth hot how to recompenfe a good turne,
but by acknowledgiug the faine in heart: and to go to tender
thmks, it is neither lawfull or comely for me, and mutch leffe
to offer him any thynge for the lyttle acceffe I haue to his
houle, and the fmall familiarity I haue with the Gentlewomen of
his kinne. Notvythtanding, Brother, confider you wherein my
power re([eth to ayde and helpe you, and be affttred (myne honor
faued) I wyll fpare nothytge for your contentment." '"
(fayd Montanine) " I haue of long rime debated with my felf
what is to be done, and dcuifed what myghte be the occafion that
moued this young Gentleman to vfe fo greate kindneffe toward
mee, and hauing diligently pondred and waied what I haue feene
and knowne, at length I founde that it was the onely force of Loue,
which conttrained his affeé-tion, and altered the auncient hatred
that he bare vs, into new loue, that by no meanes can be quenched.
It is the couert tire which Loue hathe kindled in his intrailes, it is
loue whych hath rayfed the true effets of gentleneffe, and bath
confumed the conceipts of difpleafed mind. 0 the great force of
that amorous alteration, which vppon the fodain exchaung,
feemeth impoffible to receiue any more chaung or mutation. The
onely Beauty and good grace of you Syfler, bath induced our
gracious Enimy, the feruaunt of your perfec-tions, to delyuer the
poore Gentleman forlorn of ail good fortune. It is the honeft lyfe
and commendable behauiour of Angelica lXIontanine, that hath
incyted Atffelmo to doe an a¢-te fo praife worthy, and a deede fo
kinde, to procure the deliuerance of one, xvhich looked hOt for
chaunce of fo great confequence. Ah gentle younge gentleman :
SALI.IBENE AND AIGELICA.
Ah pryncely minde and heart noble and magnanimous. Alas
how fhall it be poffyble that euer I can approche the honeff
liberalitye wherwyth thou haff bound me for euer ? My lyre is
thine, myrte honour dependeth of thee, my goodes be tyed to thee.
XVhat reffeth then, if not that you (fiffer) voyde of cruelty do
vfe no vnkyndneffe to hym that loueth you, and who for love of
you hathe prodygally offred hys owne goodes to ryd me from
payne and dyfhonor? If fo be, my lyre and fauegarde haue ben
acceptable vnto thee, and the fight of me dyfcharged from Pry-
fon was ioyful unto thee, if thou gauet thy willing confent that I
fhould fel my patrimony, graunt prefently that I may wyth a
great, rare, and preeious prefent, requyte the Goodneffe, Pleafure
and eurtefye that Salimbene hath done for your fake: And fyth I
am not able with goodes of Fortune to fatiffie his bountye, it is
your perfon whieh may fupply that default, to the intent that you
and I may be quytted of the oblygation, wherein we ffand bound
vnto him. It behoueth that for the offer and reward of Money
whyeh he hath imployed, we make prefent of your Beautye, not
felling the pryee of your ehaf{ity, but delyueryng the faine in ex-
ehaunge of curtefye, beyng affured for hys gentleneffe and good
Nourtoure fake, hee wyll vfe you none otherwyfe, or vfurpe any
greater authority ouer you, than Vertue permitteth in ech gentle
and Noble hearte. I haue none other means of fatiffac"tion, ne
larger raumfome to render free my head from the Tribute whych
Salimbene hathe gyuen for my Lyfe and Liberty. Thynke (deare
Siffer) what determinate aunfwere you wyll make me, and con-
rider if my requeff be meete to be denyed. It is in your choife
and pleafure to deny or confent to my demaund. If fo be that I
be denved and loofe the meanes by your refufe to be acquitted
of my defender, I had rather forfake my Citye and Countrey, than
to lyue heere wyth the title of ingratitude, for not acknowledging
fo greate a pleafure. But alas, with what Eye, fhall I dare behold
the Nobility of Siena, if by greate vnkyndneffe I paffe vnder
filence the rarefi friendfhip that euer was deuifed ? What heartes
forrow fhall I conceyue to bee pointed at wyth the finger, like one
that hath forgotten in acknowledging by effec"te, the receiued
pleafure of my delyueraunce ? No (fiffer) eyther you muff bee the
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
33
quyet of my Minde, and the acquittance of vs bothe, or elle muff
I dye, or wander lyke a vagabond into ftraunge Countries, and
neuer put foote agayne into Italy." At thofe words Angelica
ffode fo aftonned and confufed, and fo befides hir fe]fe, like as
wee fee one diffraught of fenfe that fee]eth himfelf attached with
fome amaze of the Palfey. In the end recouering hir fprytes, and
bee blubbered al with teares, hir ftomacke panting like the Bei-
lowes of a forge, flae anfweared hir brother in thvs manner : '" I
knowe hot iouyng Brother by reafon of my troub]ed minde howe
to aunfwere your demaund, which feemeth tobe both ryght, and
wronge, right for refpe& of the bond, hOt fo, in confideration of
the requeff. But how I proue the lame, and what reafon I can
alleadge and difcouer for that proofe, hearken me fo paciently, as
I haue reafon to comp]ayne and difpute pon this chaunce more
hard and diflîcu]te to auoyde, than by reply able tobe defended,
tïth that Lyfe and the hazarding thereof is nothing, in regarde of
that which you wy]l haue me to prefent with too exceeding pro-
digali Liberality, and I would to God that Lire m{ghte fatiffie the
fame, than b¢ fure it flaou]d fo fooue be imployed, as the promife
ruade thereof. A]as, good God, I thought that when I fawe my
brother out of Pryfon, th¢ neare diftreffe of death, whereunto
vniuftly he was thrown, I thought (I fay) and firmely did be]eue,
that fortune the Enimy of out ioy, had vomitted al hir poifon, and
beiug defpoyled of hir fur)' and crabbed Nature had broken the
b]oudy and Venemous Arrowes, wherewyth fo longe tyme flae bath
plagued our family, and that by refting of hir fe]fe, flaee had
gyuen fome reft to the lXIontanine houle of al theyr troubles and
mifaduentures. But I (O miferabl¢ wight) do fee and feele how
far I ara deuided from my hope, and deceiuid of mine opinion,
fith the furious ftepdame, appeareth, before me with a face more
tierce and threatning, then iuer flai did, flaarpening hir fe]fe
againft my youth in other fort, then euer aga{nft any of out race.
lt" euer flae perfecuted our auncefters, if flac brought them to ruine
and decay, flae now doth purpofe whoily to fubuerte the faine, and
throw vs headeiong into the bottomleffe pit of ail mifery, exter-
m{natlng for ail tegether, the remnaunte of our confumed houle.
Be it either by lotie of thee (good brother) or the vyolent death
3t4
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
of me which cannot hazarde my Chatiity for the pryce of myne
vnhappy life: _Ah, good God, into what anguifh is my mvnde
exponed, and how doe I feele the force and Vyolence of fro ard
Fortune? But what fpeak I of fortune? How doth hard lucke
infue, that is predeftinated by the heauens vppon our famiIly ?
BIuft I at fo tender yeares, and of fo feeble kinde make chovfe of
a thing, which vould put the wvfeft vpon Earth into their fhifts ?
/iv heart doth favle me, reafon wanteth and Iudgement hangeth
in ba!launce by continuall agitations, to fee how I am drvuen to
the extremitv of two daungerous ttraits, and enuironned with
fearefull ieoperdies, forciblv compe]led either to bee deuided and
feparated from thee (my Brother,) whome I loue aboue mine owne
life, and in whome next after God I haue fyxed and put my hope
and truf, hauing none other folace, Comfort and helpe, but
thee, or elle by keping thee, ara forced to giue vnto an other, and
know not hoxv, the precious treafure which beyng once lori, can-
hot be recouered by any meanes, and for the gard and conferua-
tion whereof, euerv woman of good iudgement that loueth vertue»
ought a thoufand rimes to offer hir felfe to death (if fo many
waves fhe could) rather than to blot or foyle that ineftimable
Iewell of chaftity, wherewith our lyfe is a true lyfe : contrarywyfe
fhee which fondlv fuffreth hir felf to be diffeazed and fpoyled of
the lame, and Ioofcth it without honeft title, albeit fhe be a lyue,
vet is fhe buryed in the mort obfcure caue of death, hauing lofe
the honour which maketh IXlaydens match with head vpryght.
But what goodneffe hath a Ladye, Gentlewoman, IXIaiden, or XVyfe,
wherein fhe can glory, hir honour being in doubt, and reputatyon
darkened with infamie ? XVhereto ferued the imperyall houfe of
Auguftus, in thofe Ladyes that were intituled the Emperour's
Daughters, when for their viIlany, thevr were vnworthy of the title
of charte and vertuous? XVhat profited Fauftina the Emperiall
Croxvne vpon hir head, hir chafiity through hir abhominable Life,
being rapt and defpoyled ? XVhat wronge hath bene done to many
fymple XVomen, for being buryed in the Tombe of dark obliuion,
which for their verrue and pudique Lyfe, mervted Eternali prayfe ?
Ah Charles, my ]3rother deare, where haft thou beftowrd the Eye
of thy forefeeing mynde, that without prouidence and care of the
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
315
faine due to honett Dames, and chaft Damofels of out Family,
hauyng lof[ the goodes and Fathers inheritance, wilt haue me in
like fort forgoe my Chaf[ity, whych hytherto I haue kept with
heedeful dilygenee. Vilte thou dente Brother, by the pryee of my
virginity, that Anfelmo flall haue greater viCCtorye ouer vs, than
he hath gotten by fight of Sword vpon the allied remnaunt of our
houfe ? Art thou ignorant that the woundes and difeafes of the
Mynd, be lnore vehement than thofe whieh affliCct the Body ? Ah I
vnhappy mayden, and what ill lueke is referued for me, what
def[iny hath kept me tiil this day tobe prefeuted for Venus' Sacri-
fice, to fatiffy a young manne's luf[, whieh eoueteth (peraduenture)
but the fpoile of mine honor ? O happy the Romain maide, flavne
by the proper hands of hir woefid Father Virginius, that fine myght
notbe foyled with infamy, bv the Leeherous embraeements of
rauenous Appius, whieh defired hir aequaintaunce. _A.las, that my
brother doe hot fo, rather I woulde to God of his owne accord he
be the infamous minif[er of my life ready to be violated, if God bv
his graee take not my caufe in hand ? Alas death, why doft thou
not throwe againft my hearte thy moft pearcing dart, that I may
goe waite vpon the flaadowes of my thryce happy Parents, who
knowing this my gryefe, wyll not be roide of paffion to helpe me
wayle my woefuil ftate. 0 God, why was not I ehoaked and
firangled, fo foone as I was taken forth the feeret imbraeements
of my mother's Wombe, rather than to arriue into this miflqap, that
either muft I lofe the thing I deeme morte deare, or die with the
violence of my proper hands? Corne death, corne and eut the
vnhappy threede of my woefull Lyfe : f[ope the paee ofteares with
thy trenehant Darte that f[reame outragioufly downe my face, and
elofe the breathing wind of fighes, whieh hynder thee from doing
thine oflïee vpon my heart, by fuffoeation of my lyfe and it."
XVhen flqe had ended thofe ,Vords, hir fpeaehe dyd faile, and wax-
ing pale and faint, (fitting vppon hir ftoole) the fared as though
that very death had fitten in hir place. Charles thynking that his
fifter had bene deade, mated with forrowe, and defirous to lyue no
longer after hir, feeing he was the eaufe of that fownyng, fell
downe dead vpon the Ground, mouing neither hand nor foote, as
though the foule had ben departed from the bodye. _A.t the noyfe
3t6
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
which Montanine ruade by reafon of hys rail, Angelica reuiued
out of hir fowne, and feeinge hir Brother in fo pytifull plyght,
and fuppofing he had bene dead for eare of hys requef, for beyng
berieued of hir Brother, was fo moued, as a Ivttle thynge would
haue ruade hir do, as Thiibe dyd, when fhe viewed Pyramus to be
flayne. But eoneeyuing hope, fhe threw hir felfe vppon hir
Brother, eurfing hir Fortune, bannyng the Starres of eruelty, and
hir lauifh fpeaeh, and hir felf for hir little loue to hir brother,
who ruade no refufall to dye to faue his Lande for reliefe of hir:
wher fhe denyed to yeld hir felfe to him that Ioued hir with fo good
affecCtion. In the end fhe applied fo many remedies vnto hir brother,
fometimes cafting cold water vpon his face, fometimes pinching
and rubbing the temples and pulfes of his armes and his mouth
with vineger, that fhe made hym to corne agayne: and feeing
that his eyes were open, beholding hir intentiuely with the counte-
nance of a man half in defpayre, fhe faied vnto him: "For fo
mutch brother as I fee fortune to be fo froward, that by no
meanes thou canft auoide the cruel lot, which launceth me into
the bottome of mortall mifery, and that I muft aduenture to
folowe the indeuors of thy minde, and obey thy will, which is more
gentle and Noble, than fraught with reafon, I am content to fatisfy
the fame and the loue which hitherto thou haf born me. Be of
good cheere, and doe wyth mec and my body what thou tift, giue
and prefente the fame to whom thou pleafefk ,Vel be thou fure,
that fo fone as I fhal bec out of thy hands and power, I wyl be
called or effeemed thine no more, and thou fhalt haue leffe
authority to ftay me from doing the deuifes of my fantafie, fvear-
ing and protefting by the Almighty Gor), that neuer man fhall
touch Angelica, except it be in mariage, and that if he affay to
paffe any further, I haue a heart that fhall incourage my hands to
facrifice my Life to the Chaffitye of Noble Dames whych had rather
dye than liue in flaunder of dyfhonefty. I wyll die a body with-
out defame, and the Mynde voyde of confent, fhall receiue no
fhame or fihh that can foyle or fpot the lame." In faying fo, fhe
began againe to weepe in futch aboundance, as the humour of hir
brayne ranne downe by the iffue of bothe hir Eyes. Montanine
albeit forrowful beyond meafure to fee his gentle and chaft fifter
SALIMBENE AIWD ANGELICA.
37
in futch vexation and heauineffe, reioyfed yet in his mind, that
/he had agreed to his requet, which prefaged the good lucke that
afterwardes chaunced vnto him, for hys Lyberal offer. "Where-
fore" (faid he to Angelica,) "I was neuer in my Lyre fo defirous
to liue, but that I rather choofe to dye, than procure a thinge that
/hould turne thee to difpleafure and griefe, or to bazarde thine
honor and reputation in daunger or peryll of damage, which thou
haf euer knowne, and fhouldef haue fiill perceyued by effe&, or
more properly to fpeak, touched with thv finger if that incom-
parable and rare curtefy and Lyberality of Salimbene had not pro-
uoked me to requyre that, which honeftly thou canft not gyue,
nor I demaunde without wronge to thee, and preiudice to mine
owne eftimation and honoure. But what ? the feare I haue to be
deemed ingrate, bath rnade me forger thee» and the great honefv
of_Anfelmo maketh me hope, yea and fiedfaftly beleue, that thou
/hait receiue none other difpleafure, but to be prefented vnto him
whome at other times we haue thought to be our mortal enimy.
And I thinke it impoffible that he wil vfe any villany to hir
whome he fo feruently loueth, for whofe fake he feareth not the
hatred of his friends, and difdained hOt to fave him whome he
hated, and on whome he myght haue bene reuenged. And forfo-
mutch filmer, as the face commonly/heweth the tigne and token
of the hearte's affec"tion, I pray thee by any meanes declare no fad
countenaunce in the prefence of Salimbene, but rather cheere vp
thy face, dry vp the aboundance of thy teares, that he by feeing
thee Ioyfuil and mery, may be moued to continue his curtefy and
ufe thee honettly, being fatiffied with thy liberality, and the offer
that I /hall make of our feruice." I Here may be feene the ex-
tremitie of two dyuers thinges, duety combatting with/hame, rea-
fort being in contention with himfelf. Angelica knew and con-
feffed that hir brother did but his duetye, and that/he was bound
by the fame very bond. On the other ride, hir ettate and virgi-
hall chaftity, brake the endeuours of hir duety, and denyed to doe
that which /he efeemed ryght, lIeuertheleffe/hee prepared hir
felf to follow both the one and the other : and by acquitting the
duety to hir brother,/he ordayned the meane» to difcharge him of
that which he was bound to his benefa&or, determinynge neuer-
3t8
SALIMBEIE AID A1WGELICA.
theleffe rather to dye, than /hamefully to fuffer hir felfe to be
abufed, or to make hir lofe the floure, which made hir glyfter
amongs the maidens of the city, and to deface hir good fame by
an ac'-te fo vvllanous. But that fpeciall rare vertue was more
fingular in hir, than was that continency of Cvrus the Perfian
King, who fearing to be forced by the allurements of the excellent
beautv of chaft Panthea, would not fuffer hir to be brought into
his prefence, for feare that hee being furmounted with foly/h
luftes,/hould force hir, that bv other meanes could not be per-
fuaded to breake the holv lawes of Mariage, and promifed faith to
hir hutband. For Salimbene hauing in his prefence, and at his
commaundement hir whome aboue al thyngs he loued would by
no meanes abufe his power, but declared his gentle nature to bee
of other force and effe&, than that of the aforefaid king as by
reading the fucceffe of this hiftorie you/bal perceiue. Al:ter that
lVIontanine and his tirer had vttered manv other words vpon
their determination, and that the fayre maiden was appeafed of
hir forrow, attending the iffue of that which they went about to
begin : Anfelmo was corne home out of the Countrey, whereof
Charles hauing intelligence, about the fecond houre of the night,
he caufed his tirer to make hir ready, and in company of one of
their feruants that caried light before them, thev came to the
lodginge of Salimbene, whofe feruaunt feeing Montanine fo ac-
companied to knocke at the Gate, if hee did maruel I leaue for
you to think, bv reafon of the difpleafure and hatred which he
knew to bee betweene the two familles, not knowing that which
had already paffed for the beginning of a final peaee of fo manv
controuerfies : for which caufe fo aftonned as he was, he went to
tel his maifter that Montanine was at the gate, defirous fecretlv
to talk vnto him. Salimbene knowing what company Charles
had with him, was not vnwilling to goe downe, and caufing two
Torches to be lighted, came to his gate to entertaine them, and to
welcome the brother and the filmer, wyth fo great curtefie and
friendhip as he was furpryfed with loue, feeing before his eyes
the fight of hir that burned hys heart inceffantly, not difeouer-
yng as yet the fecrets of his thought bv making hir to vnderfland
the good wvl he bare hir, and how mutch he was hir feruant.
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
3t9
He could hOt tel wel whether he was ineharmed or his eyes
dafelled, or hOt wel wakened from fleepe when he faw Angelica,
fo amazed was he with the raungeneffe of the faR, and arriuall
of the maiden to his houfe. Charles feeing hym fo eonfufed, and
knowing that the great affeion he bare vnto his fifier, made him
fo perplexed and befides himfe]f, faid vnto him : "Sir, we would
gladly fpeake with you in one of your Chambers, that there
myght be none other witneffe of our dyfcourfe, but we three
together." Salimbene whieh was wrapt vyth ioy, was able to make
none other aunfweare, but: "'Goe we whether vou pleafe." So
taking his Angelica bv the hand, thev went into the Hall, and from
thenee into his ehamber, whveh was furnythed aeeordinge to the
ate and riches of a Lord, he being one of the welthiePc and chiefe
of the City of Siena. \Vhen they were let downe, and al the feruants
gone forth, Charles began to fay to Salimbene, thefe words:
"You may not thinke it fraunge (tir Salimbene) if againfi the
Lawes and euftomes ofour Common ,Vealthe, I at thvs tvme of the
Nyght doe eall you vp, for knowyng the Bande wherewyth I ara
bound vnto you, I mufi for euer confeffe and count my felfe to be
your flaue and bondman, you hauing dort a thing irt my hehalf
that deferueth the naine of Lord and maifier. But what vngrateful
man is he that wil forger fo greate a benefit, as that which I haue
recevued of you, holding of you, life, goods, honor, and this mine
own fifier that enioyeth by your meanes the prefence of hir bro-
ther and hir refi of mind, not lofing out noble reputation bv the
loffe prepared fbr me through vnrighteous iudgement, you hauing
fiaied the ruine both of hir and me, and the ref of out houfe
and kin. I ara ryghte glad tir, that this my duety and feruice is
bounden to fo vertuous a Gentleman as you be, but exceeding
forry, that fortune is fo froward and contrary vnto me, that I ara
not able to aeeomplithe my good will, and if ingratitude may
lodge in mind of a neady Gentleman, who hath no helpe but of
himfelfe, and irt the wvll of hys chafi fifier, and minde vnited in
two perlons onely faued bv )'ou, duetv doeth requyre to prefent
the reR, and to fuhmit al that is left to be difpofed at your good
pleafure. And bieaufe that I am well affured, that it is Angelica
alone which hath kirtdled the flame of defire, and hath eaufed vou
32o
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
to loue that which your predeceffours haue deadly hated, that
lame fparke of knowledge, whyeh our mifery eould not queneh
with ail his force, hath made the way and fhewed the path whereby
we fhall auoide the name of ingrate and forgetfull perlons, and
that lame whieh hath made you lyberall towards me, fhalbe boun-
tifully befioved vpon you. It is Angelica tir, vhich you fee
prefent heere, who to difcharge mv hand, bath willingly rendred
to be your owne, fubmittinge hir felfe to your good wyll, for euer
to be youres. Anti I which ara bir brother, and haue receiued that
great good wyll of hir, as in my power to haue hir wyl, do prefent
the faine, and leaue hir in your hands, to vfe as you would your
ovne, praying )'ou to accept the lame, and to confider xvhofe is
the gift, and from whence it commeth, and hoxv it ought to be
regarded." X, Vhen he had fayd fo, Montanine rofe vp, and with-
out further talke, went home vnto his houle. If Anfelmo xvere
abafhed at the Montanines arriuall, and affonned at the Oration
of Charles, his fodain departure was more to be maruelled at, and
therwitbal to fee the effecCt of a thing which he neuer hoped, nor
thought vpon. He was exceding glad and io.full to fee himfelf
in the company of hir, whome he defired aboue al things of the
world, but fory to fee hir heauy and forrowful for futch chaunce.
He fuppofed hir being ther, to procede rather of the yong man's
good and gentle Nature, than of the Maiden's will and lykynge.
For whych caufe taking hir by the hand, and holding hir betwene
hys armes» he vfed thefe or futch lyke words: "Gentlewoman,
if euer I had felt and knowne with what X, Ving the varietv and
lyghtneffe of worldly thynges do flye, and the gaynes of incon-
fiant fortune, at this prefent I haue feen one of the mofi manifefi
profes which feemeth to me fo firaunge, as almofi I date not
beeleue that I fee before mvne Eyes. I know well that it is for
you» and for the feruice that I beare you, that I haue broken the
effecCt of that hatred, whych bv inheritaunce I haue receiued
againfi your Houle, and for that deuotion haue deliuered your
Brother. But I fee that Fortune wvll not let mee to haue the
vpper hand, to bee the Conquerer of hir fodaine pangs. But ),ou
your felf fhall fee, and euery man fhall know that my heart is
none other than noble, and my deuifes tend, but to the exploit of
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
all vertue and Gentleneffe : wherefore I pray you (fayd he, kiffing
hir ]ouingly) be hot fad, and doubt hot that your feruaunt is any
other now, hauing you in his power, than he was when he dur
hot dyfcouer the ardent Loue that vexed hirn, and held hirn in
feeble flate, ful of defire and thought : you alfo rnay bee fure, that
he bath not had the better bande ouer rne, ne yet for his curtefy
hath obteined viory, nor you for obeying him. For fith that
you he myne, and for futch ye]ded and giuen to rne, I wyl keepe
you, as hir whorne I loue and eflerne aboue al things of the X, Vorld,
makyng you rny Cornpanion and the onely rnifreffe of rny goodes
heart, and wyll. Thinke hot that I am the Fryend of Fortune, and
praife pleafure a]one without verrue. It is rnodefy which corn-
maundeth me, and honefly is the guide of rny conceipts. Affure
you then, and repofe your comfort on mee: for none other than
Angelica Montanine fhall be the wyfe of Anfelrno Salimbene:
and during rny lire, I wyll bee the Fryend, the defender and fup-
porter of your houle." At thefe good 1Nlewes, the droufie and
wandryng Spirite of the fayre Siena rnayd awaked, xvho endyng
hir teares and appeafing hir forrow, rofe vp, and rnade a very lowe
reuerence vnto hir curteous fryend, thanking hyrn for hys greate
and incomparable liberalitye, prornifing all feruice, duetie, and
Amitye, that a Gentlewornan ought to beare vnto hirn, whorn God
bath referued for hir Spoufe and hufband. After an infinite hum-
ber of honeft imbracements and pleafaunte kiffes giuen and re-
ceiued on both partes, Anfelmo called vnto hirn one of his Auntes
that dwelled within hlrn, to whorne he deliuered hls new Conqueft
to keepe, and fpedily without delay he lent for the next of his
Kinne and deareft friends : and being corne, he intreated them to
kepe hirn cornpany, in a very vrgent and weighty bufineffe he had
to do, xvherein if they fhewed themfelues dilygent in his requefl,
doubtful it is hot, but he addreffed fpeede for accornplifhrnent
of his Enterpryfe. Then caufyng hys Aunte and welbeloued Ange-
lica to corne forth, he carryed them (not wlthout their great ad-
miration) to the pallace of Montanine, whither being arryued : he
and hys Cornpanie were well intertayned of the fayd Montanine,
the Brother of fayre Angelica. Vhen they were in the Hall
Salimbene fayd to hys Brother in law that fhould be: "Senio
VOL, III. X
322
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
Montanine, it is not long fithens, that you in company of my
faire Gentlewoman heere, came home to fpeake wvth mee, defir-
ous to haue no man priuy to the effe& of your conference. But
I am corne to you vith this troupe to difclofe my minde before
you al, and to manifefle what I purpofe to doe, to the intente the
whole XVorld mav know your good and honef Nature, and vnder-
fand how I tan be requited on them, which indeuor to gratifie
me in any thing." Hauing faid fo, and euery man being fer down
he turned his talk to the reft of the company in thys wife: "I
doubt not my friends and Noble Dames, but that ye mutch mufe and
maruell to fee me in this houfe fo late, and in your company, and
ara fure, that a great defire moueth your minds to knov for vhat
purpofe, the caufe, and why I haue gathered this affemblie in a
time vnlooked for, and in place where none of our race and kinne
of long time did enter, and leffe did meane to make hither their
repaire. But when you doe confider what vertue and goodneffe
refeth in the heartes of thofe men, that /hunne and auoide the
brutv/hneffe of lklinde, to followe the reafonable part, and which
proprely is called Spirituall, you/hall thereby perceiue, that when
Gentle kvnde and Noble Heart, by the great mifreffe dame Nature
be gryfted in the myndes of Bien, they ceafe hot to make appeare
the effe& of their doings, fometvme producing one vertue, fome-
times another, which ceafe not to caufe the frui&e of futch in-
dufry both to blome and beare : In futch wyfe, as the more thofe
vertuous a&es and commendable vorkes» do appeare abroade, the
greater dyligence is imployed to fearche the matter wherein/he
can caufe to appeare the force of vertue and excellency, conceiu-
ing fingular delyghte in that hir good and holy delyuery, vhich
bryngeth forth a frui& vorthy of futch a focke. And that force
of mind and Generofity of Noble Heart is fo firme and fure in
operation, as although humane thinges be vntable and fubie& to
chaung, yet they cannot be feuered or difparcled. .And although
it be the Butte and vhite, whereat fortune difchargeth al hir
dartes and /haftes, threatning /hooting and affayling the fame
round, yet it continueth fiable and firme like a Rocke and Clyffe
beaten wyth the vyolent fury of waues rifing by wind or tempefi.
xVhereby it chaunceth, that riches and dignity can no more ad-
SALIMBENE AND A.GELICA.
323
uaunce the heart of a flaue and villaiue, thau pouerty make vile
and abafe the greatneffe of courage in them that be procreated of
other fluffe than of common forte, whvch daily keepe the maieffy
of their oryginall, and lyre after the inffincCte of good and Noble
Bloude, wherewith their aunceflers were ruade Noble, and fucked
the faine vertue oute of the Teates of Nourffes Breaffes, who in the
nyddes of troublefome trauayles of Fortune that doe affayle them,
and depreflè theyr modeRy, their face and Countenaunce, and
theyr fa&es full well declare theyr condition, and to doe to vnder-
flande, that vnder futch a Mifery, a Mynde is hydde which
deferueth greater Guerdon than the eigre talle of Calamitye. In
that dyd glowe and fhyne the Youthe of the Perfian and Median
Monarch, beynge nourffed amonges the ftalles and Stables of hys
Grandfather, and the gentle kind of the founder of ftately Rome
sockeled in the Shepecoates of Prynces fheepehierds. Thus mutch
haue I fayd, my good lords and dames, in confideration of the
noble corage and gentle minde of Charles Montanine, and of his
fiffer, who without preiudice to any other [ dare to fay, is the
paragon and mirrour of ail chaff and curteous maidens, vell
trayned vp, amonges the whole Troupe of thofe that lyue thys day
in Siena, who beeyng brought to the ende and lait poynt of their
ruine, as euery of you doth knowe, and thevr race fo fore decayed
as there remayneth but the onely Naine of Montanine : notwvth-
ffanding they neuer loR the heart, defire, ne yet the effe& of the
curtefy, and naturall bounty, whych euer doth accompany the
mvnd of thofe that be Noble in deede. ,Vhvch is the caufe that
I ara conflrayned to accule out Aunceffers, of to mutch cruelty,
and of the lyttle refpecCte whych for a controuerfye occured by
channce, haue purfued them with futch mortall reuenge, as with-
out ceafing, vith ail their force, they haue affayed to ruinate,
abolyfhe, and for euer adnichilate that a ryghte Noble and illuflre
race of the Montanines, amongs whome if neuer any goodneflè
appeared to the lVorlde, but the HoneRy, Gentleneffe Curtefy and
vertuous maners of thefe twayne here prefente, the Brother and
tirer, yet they ought to be accompted amonges the ranke of the
Nobleff and chiefeit of our City, to the intent in time to corne it
may hOt be reported, that wee haue eReemed and chearyfhed
324
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
Riches and droflie mucke, more than vertue and modefy. But
imitating thofe excellent gouerners of Italy, whych held the
Romane Empire, let vs rather reuerence the Vertuous Poore, than
prayfe or pryfe the Rich, gyuen to vice and wickedneffe. _And
for fo mutch as I do fee you ail to be defirous to knowe the
caufe and argument, whych maketh me to vfe this talke, and for-
ceth mec to prayfe the curtefy and goodneffe of the Montanines,
pleafeth you to ffaya lyttle with pacience, and not think the tyme
tedyous, I meane to declare the fame. Playnely to confeffe vnto
you (for that it is no cryme of Death, or heinous offence) the gyfts
of nature, the Beauty and comelyneffe of fayre -Angelica heere
prefent, haue fo captiuate my Mind, and depriued my heart of
Lyberty, as Night and Day trauailing how I might difcouer vnto
hir my martirdom, I did confume in futch wyfe, as loting luff of
flepe and meate, I feared ere long to be either dead of forrow or
effranged of my right wits, feing no meanes how I might auoide
the faine, bicaufe our two houfes and Families were at contynuail
debate : and albeit conflicCts were ceafed, and quarelles forgotten,
yet there reffed (as I thought) a certaine defire both in the one
and the other of offence, when time and occafion did ferue. _And
yet mine affecCtion for ali that was hOt decreafed, but rather more
tormented, and my gryefe increafed, hopeleffe of help, which now
is chaunced to me as you fhail heare. You do know, and fo do
ail men, howe wythin thefe fewe dayes paff, the Lord Montanine
here prefent, was accufcd before the Seniorie, for trefpaffes againf
the ffatutes and EdicCts of the fame, and being Pryfoner, hauing
not wherewith to fatiffie the condempnation, the Law affirmed that
his life fhould recompence and fupply default of Money. I hOt
able to fuffer the vant of hym, which is the brother of the dearel
thing I efteeme in the Vorlde, and hauing not hir in poffeflïon,
nor lyke without him to attayne hir, payed that Summe, and
delyuered hym. He, by what meanes I know hOt, or how he
conieé-tured the beneuolence of my deede, thynking that it pro-
ceeded of the honeft Loue and affe&ion which I bare to gracious
and amiable _Angelica, wel contideryng of my eurtefy, hath ouer-
eome me in prodigalitye, he this Nyght came vnto mee, with his
tirer my milreffe, yelding hir my flaue and Bondwoman, leauyng
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
325
hir w ith me, to doe with hir as I would with any thing I had.
Behold my good Lordes, and yce Noble Ladies and cofius, and con-
rider how I may recompence this Benefit, and be able to fatiffie a
prefent fo precious, and of futch Value and regard as both of them
be, futch as a right puiffant prince and Lord may be contented
wyth, a duety fo Liberall and Iewell inefiymable of two offered
thynges." The affifiauts that were there, could hot tell what fo
fay, the difcourfe had fo mutch drawne their myndes into dvuers
fantafies and contrary opinions, feing that the faine requyred by
deliberation to be confidered, before lightly they vttred their
mindes. But they knew hot the lutent of him, which had called
them thither, more to teftify his facCt, than to iudge of the thing
he went about, or able to hiuder and let the faine. True itis, that
the ladies viewing and marking the amiable countenance of the
Nlontanine Damfell, woulde haue iudged for hir, if they feared
hOt to bee refufed of hym, whome the thing did touche mort neere.
Vho without longer fraye, opened to them al, what he was pur-
pofed to do, fayiug: "Sith ye do fpende time fo long vpon a
matter already meant ald determyned, I wyll ye to knowe, that
hauiug regard of mine honour, and defirous to fatiffie the honefty
of the Brother and fifter I mynde to take Angelica to my wyfe
and lawfull fpoufe, vniting that whych fo long tyme bath bene
deuyded, and making into two bodyes, whilom hot well accorded
and agreed, one like and vniforme wyll, praying you ech one,
ioyftdly to ioy with me, and your felues to reioyfe in that alliaunce,
whych feemeth rather a worke from bleauen, than a deede con-
cluded by the Counfell and induftrie of Men. So lykewyfe ail
wedded feeres in holy Wedlocke (by reafon of the effecCt and the
Author of the faine, euen God himfelf% whych dyd ordayne it
firfe) bee wrytten in the infallible booke of hys owne prefcience,
to the intent that nothlng may decay, whych is fuftayned wyth
the mighty hand of that Almyghty God, the God of wonders,
which verily hee hath difplayed ouer thee (deare Brother) by
makynge thee to fall into difreffe and daunger of death, that
myne Angelica, beeing the meane of thy delyueraunce, myght
alfo bee caufe of the attonement which I doe hope henceforth
fhall bee, betwene fo Noble houles as ours be." Thys finall de-
3.6
SALIMBENE AND ANGELICA.
cree reueled in open audience, as it was, againfi their expe&ation,
and the ende that the kindred of Anfelmo looked for, fo was the
faine no leffe raunge and bafhfull, as ioyful and pleafaunt, feel-
ing a fodain ioy, not accufomed in thevr mynde, for that vnion
and allyaunce. And albcit that thcir ryches was vnequall, and
the dowry of Angelica nothyng neare the great wealth of Salim-
bene, yet ail Men dyd deeme him happy, that hec had chaunced
vpon fo vertuous a maiden, the onely/lodeftie and Integritie of
whome, defcrued to bec coupled wyth the mort honourable. For
when a man hath refpe&e onely to the beauty or Riches of hir,
xvhome he meaneth to take to ,Vyfe, hec mofe commonly doth
incurre the Mifchiefe, that the Spyrite of dyffention intermeddleth
amyd theyr houfehold, whereby Pleafuere vanifhing wyth Age,
maketh the riueled Face (befet wyth a Thoufand wrynkeled fur-
rowes) to growe pale and drye. The ,Vyfe lykewyfe when the
feeth ber goodes to furmount the fubttance of hir wedded Huf-
band, fhe aduaunceth hir hearte, fhe fwelleth wyth pryde, indeuor-
yng the vpper hand and fouerainty in ail thyngs, whereupon it
rifeth, that of two frayle and tranfitorie things, the building
which hath fo fyckle foundation, can hot indure, man being borne
to commaund, and tan hot abyde a mayfer ouer hym, beyng the
chvefe and Lord of hys \Vyfe. Now Salimbene, to perfourme the
eflè& of hys curtefie, gauc his fayre Vife the moytie of his Lands
and goods, in fauoure of the Mariage, adopting by that meanes,
Montanine to bec his Brother, appointing hym to be heyre of ail
hys goodes in cafe he deceafed wythout heyres of his Body. And
if Gor did fend hym Children, he infituted him to bec the hevre of
the other halle, which refed by hys donation to Angelica his new
espoufe: Vhom he maried folempnely the Sunday folowing, to
the great contentation and maruell of the whole City, which long
time was affli&ed by the ciuile diffentions of thofe two houles.
But what ? Sutch be the varieties of worldly fucceffe, and futch is
the mifchiefe amongs men, that the faine which honety hath no
power to winne, is furmounted by the difgrace and miffortune of
wretched time. I neede not to alleage here thofe amongs the
Romanes, which from great hatred and malice were reconciled
xvith the indiffoluble knot of _Amity; forfomutch as the dignyties
SALIBIBENE AND ANGLICA.
327
and Honoures o[ theyr Citty prouoked one to flatter and [awne
vpon an other for particular profit, and hot one o[ them attaincd
to futch excellencie and renoume, as the forefayd did, one of
whome was vanquyfl3ed with the tire ol an amorous paffion, whyeh
forcyng nature hir felfe, brought that to paffe, which eould neuer
haue bene thoughte or imagyned. _And yet Men wyll accule
loue, and painte hir in the Colours o[ fool.vfh Furye and raging
Madneffe. No, no, Loue in a gentle heart is the truc fubiecCt and
fubftance of Vertue, Curtefy, and Modeft Manners, expellynge all
Cruelty and Vengeance, and nourifhyng peace amongs men. But
if any do violate and prophane the holy Lawes o[ Loue, and per-
uert that which is Vertuous, the faulte is not in that holye SaincCte
but in hym whych foloweth it wythout fkyll, and knowéth not
the perfecCtion. _As hapneth in euery operation, that of it felfe is
honeft, although defamed by thofe, who thinking to vfe it, doe
filthily abufe the lame, and caufe the groffe and ignoraunte to
condempne that is good, for the folye of futch inconftant fooles.-
In the other is painted a heart fo voyde of the blody and abho-
minable finne of Ingratitude, as if death had ben the truc remedy
and meane to fatiffie his band and duety, he would haue ruade
no confcience to off-er himfelfe frankly and irreely to the dreadful
paffage of the faine. You fee what is the force of a gentle heart
wel trained vp, that would not be vanquifl3ed in curtefye and
Lyberality. I make you to be iudges, (I meane you) that be con-
uerfant in loue's caufes, and that with a Iudgement paflionleffe,
voide oi r parciality doe dyfcourfe vppon the facCtes and occurrentes
that chaunee to men. I make you (I raye) iudges to gyue fen-
tence, xvhether of three caried away the pryfe, and mort bound his
companion by lyberall acCte, and curtefie not force& You fee a
mortall enimy forrow for the mifery of his aduerfary, but folycited
therunto by the ineuitable force of Loue. The other marcheth
with the glory of a prefent fo rare and exquifite, as a great
Monareh would haue accompted it for finguler fauor and prodi-
gality. The maiden fteppeth forth to make the third in ranke,
wyth a loue fo flayed and eharity wonder[ull towards hir brother,
as being nothynge afl'ured whether he to whome fhe offered hir
felfe were fo Moderate, as Curteous, fl3e yeldeth hir relire to the
38
SALIMBEIN'E AND ANGELICA.
loffe of hir chaftity. The firft affayeth to make himfelfe a con-
querour by mariage, but fhe diminifhyng no iote of hir Noble
mind, he muft feeke elfe where hys pryfe of vi&ory. To hir a
defvre to kyll hir felfe (if thinges fucceeded contrary to hir minde)
myght haue ftopped the wav to hir great glory, had fhe hot
regarded hir virginity, more than hir own Lyfe. The fecond
feemeth to go half conftrained, and by maner of acquitall, and
had hys affe&yon bene to tender hymfelfe Slaue to hys Foe,
hvs Patron and preferuer, it would haue diminifhed his prayfe.
But fithens inough wee haue hereof dyfcourfed, and bene large in
treatie of Tragicomicall matters, intermyxed and fuaged (in fome
parte) wyth the Enteruiewes of dolor, modefty, and indifferente
good hap, and in fome wholly imparted the dreadfull endes like
to terrible beginnings, I meane for a reliefe, and after futch fowre
fweete bankets, to interlarde a licorous refeion for fweeting the
mouthes of the delicate: And do purpofe in this Nouell infuing,
to manifeft a pleafaunt difport betweene a XVydow and a Scholler,
a paflïng Praeife of a crafty Dame, hot well fchooled in the dis-
cipline of Academicall rules, a furmountinge fcience to trade the
nouices of that forme, by ware forefight, to incountre thofe that
by laborfome trauayle and nightly watch, haue ftudied the
rare knowledge of Mathematicalles, and other hidden
and fecrete Artes. Wifhing them fo well to beware,
as I am defirous to let them know by this rudi-
ment, the fucceffe of futch
attemptes.
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
329
THE THIRTY-FIRST NOUELL.
A IVydow calledMiflreffe Helena, wyth u, hora a Scholler u, as in loue,
(./hee louing an other) rnade the faine Scholler toi?anale a whole
lVynter's night in the ShOW fo wayte for hir, u, ho afterwardes by
a .i'legght and pollicie, caufed hir in Iuly, tofland vppon a Tower
flarke naked arnongs Flies and Gnats, and in the Sunne.
DIUERT we now a little from thefe fundry haps, to folace our
felues wyth a merry deuice, and pleafaunt circumftaunce of a
Scholler's loue, and of the wily guily Subtilties of an amorous
Wydow of Florence. A Scholler returned from Paris to pracCtife
hys knowledge at home in his owne Countrey, learneth a more
cunning LecCture of Mifireffe Helena, than he did of the fubtillefi
Sorbone DoeCtou or other Mathematieall from whenee he came.
The Seholler as playnely hee had applied his booke, and earnefily
harkned his readings, fo he fimply meant to be a faythfull Louer
and deuout requirant to this Iolly dame, that had vowed his Deuo-
tion and promifed Pilgrimage to an other Saynct. The Seholler
vpon the firfi view of the ,Vydowe's wandring Lookes, forgetting
Ouide's Leffons of Loue's guiles, purfued his conceipt to the vtter-
moPt. The Scholler neuer remembred how many valiaunt, wife
and learned men, wanton'Vomen had feduced and deceyued. Hee
had forgot how Catullus was beguiled by Lefbia, Tibullus by
Delia, Propertius by Cynthia, Nafo by Corinna, Demetrius by
Lamia, Timotheus by Phryne, Philip by a Greeke mayden, Alex-
ander by Thays, Hanniball by Campania, Coefar by Cleopatra,
Pompeius by Flora, Pericles by Afpaga, Pfammiticus the king of
Egypt by Rhodope, and diuers other very famous by ,Vomen of
that Rampe. Hee had hot ben wel trayned in holy writ, or heard
of Samfon's Dalida, or of Salomon's Concubins, but like a playne
dealinge man, be|eued what the promifed, followed what the bad
him, waited whiles/he mocked him, attended till fhee laughed him
to fcorne. _And yet for all thefe Iolly paffimes inuented by this
Widdow, to deceyue the poore Schoiler, the fcaped hot free from
hls Logike rules, hot faire from his Philofophy. He was forced
330
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
to turne ouer Arillotle, to reuolue his Porphyrie, and to gather
his ,Vits about hym to requite this louing Peate, that had fo charit-
ably delt lvith him. He willingly ferched ouer Ptolome, perufed
Albumazar, ruade halle to Haly, yea and for a fhift bellurred him
in Erra Pater, for matching two contrary Elements. For colde in
Chriftmaffe holy dayes, and Froft at Twelftide, fhewed no more
force on this poore learned Scholler, than the Sunne's heate in the
Feries of Iuly, Gnats, Flyes, and XVafpes, at Noone dayes in Sommer
vpon the naked tender Corpfe of this fayre l, Vyddow. The Scholler
ftoode belowe in a Court, benoommed for colde, the XVyddowe
preached a lofte in the top of a Tower, and favne would haue had
water to coole hir extreme heate. The Scholler in his Shyrt be-
deckedxvyth his demiffaries. The,Vyddow foNaked as hirGraund-
mother Ee, wythout vellure to fhroud hir. The ,Vyddow bv
magike arte what fo euer it eofl, would fayne haue reeouered
hir 1ott Louer. The Seholler well efpying his aduantage when hee
vas alked eouneell, fo Ineharmed hir with his Sillogifmes, as he
ruade hir to mount a Tower, to eurffe the rime that euer fhe knew
him or hir Louer. So the X, Vydow hot well beaten in eaufes of
Sehoole, was whipt with the Rod, wherewith fllee feourged other.
_Alas good XVoman, had fhe known that olde malice had hot bene
forgotten, fhe voulde not haue trulled, and leffe eommitted hir
felfe to the Cirele of his Enehauntments. If women vi11 what
dealings are vvth men of great reading, they would amongs one
hundred other, hot deale wyth one of thee meanefi of thofe that
be Bookifll. One Girolamo Rufeelli, a learned Italyan making
prety notes for the better elueidation of the Italyan Deeamerone
of Boeeaeeio, iudgeth Boeeaeeio himfelfe to be this feholler,
whom by an other name he termeth to be Rinieri. But vhatfo-
euer that Seholler was, he was truely to extreme in reueng, and
therein eould vfe no meane. For hee neuer left the poore feeble
foule, for ail hir eurteous ,Vords and gentle Supplication, vntill the
Skin of hir flefh was Parehed with the fealding Sunne beames.
And not eontented with that, delt his Almofe alfo to hir Mayde,
by fending hir to help hir Miflreffe, where alfo fhe brake hir
Legge. Yet Phileno was more pityfull ouer the 3 nymphes and
fayre Goddeffes of Bologna, whofe Hyftory you may reade in the
MISTRESSE ttELENA OF FLORENCE.
33
49 Nouell of my former Tome. He fared not fo roughly with
thofe» as Rinieri did with thys, that fought but to ga)'ne what
flae had lori. Vell, how fo euer it was, and what differency
betweene eyther of theym, this Hyfory enfuinge, more aptly flaall
gieue to vnderRande. Not long fithens, there was in FIoience, a
young Gentlewoman of worflaipfull parentage, fayre and comely
of perfonage, of courage ftout, and abounding in goods of Fortune
(ca]led Helena) who being a widow, determined hOt to mary
agayne, bicaufe flae was in loue with a yong man that was hOt
voyde of Nature's good gifts, whom for hir owne Tooth, aboue other
flaee had fpecially chofen. In whom (fetting aride ail other care)
many tymes (by meanes of one of hir maydes which fhe trufted
beft) flae had great pleafure and delight. It chaunced about the
faine time that a yong Gentleman of that Citty called Rinieri, hau-
inge a great rime ftudied at Paris, returned to Florenee, hot to
fell his Science by retayle, as many doe, but to knowe the rea-
fons of things, and the caufes thêrêof, which is a fpeciall good
exercife for a Gentleman. And being there honoured and greatly
efeemed of ail men, afwell for his curteous behauiour, as alfo for
his knowledge, he liued like a good Cittizen. But it is commonly
feene, they which haue ber vnderftandinge and knowledge, are
fooneft tangled in Loue : euen fo it hapned with this Rinieri, who
repayringe one day for his paffetime to a Feafte, this Xladame
Helena clothed al in blacke, (after the manner of XVidowes) was
there alfo, and feemed in his eyes fo beautifull and well fauored,
as any woman euer he faw, and thought that hee might bee
accoumpted happy, to whom God did flaewe fo mutch fauoure,
as to fuffer him to be cleped betweene hir Armes: and beholdinge
ber diuers tymes and knowing that the greateR and deareR things
cannot be gotten with out labour, he determined to ufe ail his
endeuour and care in pleafing of hir» that thereby he might ob-
tayne hir loue, and fo enioy hir. The yong Gentlewoman hot very
baflafull, conceyuing greater opinion of hir felfe, than was neede-
full, hot cafiinge hir Eyes towards the Ground, but rolling them
artificially on euery ride, and by and by perceyuing mutch gazing
to be vpon hir, efpied Rinieri earneftly beholding hir and fayd,
fmiling to hir felfe : "I thinke that I haue hot this day loI my
332
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
rime in comming hither, for if I bee hOt deceyued, I fhall catch
a Pigeon by the Nofe." And beginning certayne times fedfaftly
to looke vpon him, fhe forced hir felfe fo mutch as fhe could, to
feeme very erneftly to beholde him. And on the other part think-
ing, that the more pleafaunt and amorous fhe fhewed hirfelfe to
be, the more hir beauty fhould be efteemed, chiefly of him whom
fpecially fhee was difpofed to loue. The wife Scholler giuing
ouer his Philofophy, bent all his endeuour here vnto, and thinking
to be hir feruaunt, learned where fhe dwelt, and began to paffe
before hir houle under pretence of fome other occafion : whereat
the Gentlewoman reioyfed for the caufes beforefayde, fayning an
earneft defire to looke vpon him. XVherefore the Scholler hau-
ing round a certayne meane to be acquaynted wyth hir Mayde
difcouered his loue: Praying her to deale fo with hir miftreffe» as
he might haue hir fauor. The maide promifed him very louingly
incontinently reporting the faine to hir miftreffe, who with the
greatef Scoffes in the XVorlde, gaue ear thereunto and fayd:
"Seeft thou hot from whence this Goodfellowe is corne to lofe al
his knowledge and doctrine that he hath brought vs from Paris.
Now let vs deuife therefore how he may bee handled for going
about to feeke that, which he is hot like to obtaine. Thou fhalt
fay vnto him, when he fpeaketh to thee agayne, that I loue him
better than he loueth me, but it behooueth me to faue mine
honoure, and to keepe my good naine and eftimation amongs other
XVomen." Whych thinge, if he be fo wife (as hee feemeth)
hee ought to Efteeme and Regarde. "Ah, poore XVench, fhe
knoweth hot wel, what it is to mingle Hufwiuery with learning,
or to intermeddle diflaues with bookes. Now the mayde when
fhe had founde the Scholler, tolde him as hir miftreffe had com-
maunded : whereof the Scholler was fo glad, as he with greater
endeuor proceded in his enterprife, and began to write Letters to
the Gentlewoman, which were hot refufed, although he could
receyue no aunfweres that pleafed him, but futch as were done
openly. And in this forte the Gentlewoman long rime fed him
with delayes. In the ende fhe difcouered all this new loue vnto
hir frend, who was attached with futch an Aking Difeafe in his
heade, as the fame was Fraught with the Reume of Iealoufie:
BIISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
333
wherefore /he to /hewe hir felfe to be fufpe&ed without caufe
(very carefull for the Scholler) lent hir mayde to tell him, that
had no conuenient time to doe the thinge that thould pleure him,
fithens he was firoE affured of hir loue, but hoped the next ChrioE-
touffe holly dayes to be at his commaundement: wherefore if he
would vouchfafe to corne the night following the firft holly day,
into the Court of hir houle, the would wayte there for his com-
minge. The Scholler the bell contented man in the Worlde fayled
hOt at the time appoyned, to go to the Gentlewoman's houle :
where being placed by the Mayde in a bafe Court, and/but fall
within the fume, he attended for hir, who Suppinge with hir friende
that night, very pleafauntly recited vnto him all that /he had
determined then to doe, faying : "Thou mayoE fee now what loue
I do beare vnto him, of whom thou hall fooli(hly conceyued
thys Iealoufie. To which woordes hir Freende gaue eare with
great dele&ation, defiringe to fee the effe& of that, whereof the
gaue him to vnderlland by wordes." Now as it chaunced the day
belote the Snowe fe]l downe fo thicke from aboue, as it couered
the Earth, by which meanes the Schol]er within a very ]ittle fpace
after his arriuall, began to be very colde: howbeit hopinge to re-
ceyue recompence, he fuffred it paciently. The Gentlewoman a
little whyle after, fayd vnto hir Freende : '" I pray thee let vs goe
into my chuamber, where at a little Window we may looke out,
and fee what he doth that maketh thee fo Iealous, and herken xvhat
aunfwere he will make to my Mayde, whom of purpofe I wyll
rend forth to fpeake wlto him." When /he had fo fayde, they
went to the SVindow, where they feeing the Scholler (they hOt
feene of hym,) heard the Mayde fpeake thefe wordes : " Rinieri,
my Myllreffe is the angriell Voman in the \Vorld, for that as yet
the cannot corne vnto thee. But the caufe is, that one of hir
Brethren is corne to vifite hir this Euening, and hath ruade a long
difcouife of talke vnto hir, and afterxvardes bad himfelfe to Sup-
per, and as yet is hOt departed, but I thinke hee will hot tary
longe, and then immediate]y the will corne. In the meane tyme
the prayeth thee to take a little payne." The Scholler beleeuing
this to be true, fayde vnto hir : '" Require your Milreffe to take no
care for mee till hir leafure may ferue : But yet entreat hir to make
334
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
fo mutch haft as fhe tan." The Mayde returned and went to Bed,
and the Dame of the houfe fayd then vnto hir frend : "Now tir,
what fay you to this ? Doe you thincke that if I loued him, as you
myftruft, that I would fuffer him to tarry beneath in this greate
colde to coole himfelfe? " And hauing fayd fo, fhe went to Bed
with hir frende, who then was partly fatiffed, and ail the night
they continued in greate pleafure and folace, laughing, and mock-
ing the miferable Scholler that walked vp and downe the Court to
chafe himfelfe, not knowing where to fit, or which way to auoyde
the colde, and curffed the long taryinge, of his miftreffe Brother,
hoping at euery noyfe he heard, that fhe had corne to open the
dote to let him in, but his hope was in vavne. Now fhe hauinge
fported hir felfe almoft till midnight, fayd vnto hir frend : " How
think you (tir) by out Scholler, whether iudge you is greater, his
XVyfedome, or the loue that I beare wto him ? The colde that I
make him to fuffer, will extinguifh the heate of fiffpition whych
yee conceyued of my wordes the other day." "Yee fay true,"
(fayd hir frend,) "and I do affure you, that like as you are my de-
light, my reft, my comfort, and all my hope, euen fo I ara yours,
and fhalbe during lire." For the confirmation of which renewed
amity, they fpared no delights which the Iouing Goddeffe doeth vfe
to ferue and imploy vpon her feruaunts and futers. And after they
had talked a certayne rime, fle fayd wto him : " For God's fake
(tir) let vs rife a little, to fee if the glowing fre which this my new
louer hath dayly written vnto me, to burn in him, bee quenched
or not." And ryfing out oftheir Beds, they went to a little XVindow
and looking downe into the Courte, they faw the Scholler dauncing
vpon the Snow, whereunto his fhiuering teeth were fo good Inftru-
ments, as he feemed the trimmeff Dauncer that euer trode a Cin-
quepace after futch Mufcke, being forced thereunto through the
great colde which he fuffered. And then fhe fayde vnto him:
"What fay you to this my frende, do you not fee how cunninge
I ara to make men daunce without Taber, or Pipe?" "Yes in
deede," (fayd hir Louer) "yee be an excellent Mufitian." "Then"
(quod fhee) "let vs go downe to the dore, and I will fpeake wato
him, but in any x, Vife fay you nothing, and we fhal heare what rea-
fons and arguments he will frame to mooue me to compaflion, and
MSTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
335
perchaunce (hall haue no little paflirne to behold him." ,Vhere-
upon they went downe foft]y to the dote, and there without open-
ing the faine, (hee with a fofte voyce out at a little whole, called
the Scholler vnto hir. Vhich hee hearinge, began to prayfe God
and thancke hym a thoufande times, be]eeuing very]y that he
(hou]d then be let in, and approching the dote, laid : "I ara heere
mine (owne fweete heart) open the dote for God's fake, for I am
like to die for Cold." Vhom in mocking wife/he anfwered : "Can
you rnake me beleue (M. Scho]ler) that you are fo tender, or that
the co]de is fo great as you affirme, for a little Show newly falne
downe ? There be at Paris farre greater Snowes than thefe be, but
to tell you the troth, you cannot corne in yet, for my Brother (the
deue]l take him) came yeflernight to fupper, and is hot vet departed,
but by and by hee wyll be gon, and then you (hall obtayne the
effe6t of your defire, affuring you, that with muteh a doe I haue
ltolne awav frorn hym, to corne hither for your eomfort, praying
you not to thineke it longe." "l,ladame" fard the Seholler, "' I
befeeeh you for God's fake to open the dore, that I may fland in
eouert from the Show, whieh within this houre hath fallen in great
aboundaunee, and doth yet continue : and there I wil] attend your
pleafure." '" Alas fweet Friend" (fayd (he) '" the dote rnaketh futeh a
noyfe when it is opened, that it will eafily be heard of mv brother,
but I will pray him to depart, that I may quiekely returne agayrm
to open the faine." "Goe your way then" (fayd the Seholler)
"" and I pray you eaufe a great tire to be ruade, that I may warme
mee when I eome in, for I ean fearee feele rny felfe for eolde."
"' Vhy, it is hOt poffible" (quod theXVoman) "if it be true that you
wholly hume in loue for rne, as by your fundry Letters written, it
appeareth, but now I pereeyue that you rnoeke me, and therefore
tary there flill on God's name." Hir frende whieh heard ail this,
and tooke pleafure in thofe wordes, went agayne to Bed with hir,
into whofe eyes no t]epe that night eoulde enter for the pleafure
and fport they had with the poore Seholler. The vnhappy
wretehed Scholler whofe teeth ehattered for eolde, farlng like a
Storke in eolde nights, pereeyuing hirnfelfe to be rnoeked, affayed
to open the dote, or if he might goe out by fome other way : and
feeing it impoflible, RaIking vp and downe like a Lyon, eurffed
336
MISTRE$$E HELENA OF FLORENCE.
the nature of the time, the wickedneffe of the woman, the length
of the Night, and the Folly and fimplicity of himfelfe: and con-
ceyuing great rage, and defpight agaynf hir, turned fodaynely
the long and feruent loue that he bare hir, into defpight and
cruell hatred, deuifing many and diuers meanes to bee reuenged,
whych he then farre more defired, than hee did in the beginninge
to lye with his Vidow. After that longe and tedious night, day
approched, and the dawning thereof began to appeare : wherefore
the mayde infru&ed by hir mifreffe, went doxvne into the court,
and feemyng to haue pity uppon the Scholler, fayd vnto hym:
"The Diuell take hvm that euer he came hyther this nyghte, for
hee hath bothe let vs of fleepe, and hath made you to be frozen
for colde, but take it paciently for this tyme, fome other Nyght
mur be appointed. For I know well that neuer thyng coulde
chaunce more difpleafantly to my Biifreffe than this." But the
Scholler full of dyfdayne, lyke a wyfe man which knew well that
threats and menacyng words, were weapons without hands to the
threatned, retayned in hvs Stomacke that whych intemporate xvyll
would haue broken forth, and wyth fo quiet SVoordes as hee coulde,
hOt fhewynge hymfelfe to bee angry, fayd: "In deede I haue fuffred
the worfe Nyghte that euer I dyd, but I knowe the lame was not
throughe your mifreffe fault, bicaufe fhee hauing pitye vppon
me, and as you fay, that which cannot be to Night, mav be done
another time, commend me then vnto hir, and farewell." And thus
the poore Scholler ftiffe for colde, fo xvell as hec coulde, retourned
home to his houfe, where for the extremitye of the tyme and
lacke of fleepe beyng almof deade, he threwe hymfelfe vppon his
bed, and when he awaked, his Armes and Legges had no feeling.
SVherefore he lent for Phyfitions and tolde them of the colde he
had taken, who incontinently prouided for his health: and yet
for al their ber and fpedy remedies, they could fcarce recouer
his Iointes and Sinewes, wherein they did what they could : and
had it hOt bene that he was yong, and the Sommer approching,
it had ben to mutch for him to haue endure& But after he was
come to Healthe, and grewe to be lufy, fecrete llalyce ffill reffing
in his breafe, hee thought vpon reuenge. And it chaunced in a
lytle tyme after, that Fortune prepared a new accident to the
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
337
fcholer to fatiffy his defire, bycaufe the young man which was
beloued of the Gentlewoman, hOt caring any longer for hir, fel in
loue with an other, and gaue ouer the folace and pleafure he was
wont to doe to miflreffe Helena, for which defpite fhe confumed
herfelf in wepings and lamentations. But hir maid hauing pity
vpon hir miflreffe forrowes, knowing no meanes to remoue the
melancoly which fhe conceiued for the loffe of hir friend, and
feing the fcholler daily paffe by accordinge to his common Cuf-
tome, conceiued a foolifhe beliefe that hir miflreffe friend might
be brought to loue hir agayne, and who|ly recouered, by fome
charme or other fleight of Necromancy, to bee wrought and
brought to paffe by the Schoiler. \Vhich deuife fhe toide vnto
hir miftreffe, and fhe vndifcretely (and without due confideration
that if the fcholler had any knowledge in that fcience, he would
helpe himfelfe) gaue credite to the words of hir mayde, and bv
and by fayd vnto hir, that fhee was able to bring it to paffe, if he
would take it in bande, and therewithail promifed affuredly, that
for recompenfe he fhould vfe hir at his pleafure. The mavde
diligently tolde the Scholler hereof, .ho very ioyfuli for thofe
newes, fard vnto himfelfe: « O God, prayfed be thy name, for
now the time is corne, that by thy helpe I fhali requite the iniuries
done vnto me bv this wicked Voman,:and be recompenfed of the
great loue that I bare vnto hir :" And aunfwered the mavd : "' Go
teli thy miflreffe that for this matter tire neede to take no care,
for if hir frend were in India, I can prefently force him to corne
hither» and alke hir forgiueneffe of the fault he hath committed
agaynf hir. _And the marier, and way how to vfe hir felfe in
this behalfe, I will gieue hir to vnderfland when it fhal pleafe
hir to appoin& me : and favle not to tell hir what I fay, comfort-
ing hir in my behalfe." The mavde caried the aunfwere, and it
was concluded, that they fhould talke more hereof at the Church
of S. Lucie, whither being corne, and reafoning together alone»
not remembring that fhe had brought the Scholler almoK to the
poyncCt of death, fhe reueyled vnto him ail the who|e matter, and
the thing which he defired, praying him inflantly to helpe hir, to
whome the fcholler fayd : "True it is lady, that amongs other
things which I learned at Paris, the arte of Necromancie, (whereof
VOL. III. Y
338
.XIISTRESSE ItELEI'A OF FLORENCE.
I haue very great fkiii,) is one : But bvcaufe it is rnutch difplea-
faunt to God, I haue made an othe neuer to vfe it, evther for mv
feife, or for any other: howbeit the loue which I beare you, is
of futch force, as I cannot denv you anv requeff, yea and if I
fhould be darnned arnongs ail the deuils in hell, I arn readv to
perforrne your pleafure. But I tell vou before, that it is a harder
rnatter to be donc, than paraduenture vou belieue, and fpecially
where a X, Vornan fhali prouoke a Man to loue, or a Man the X, Vornan,
bvcaufe it can hot be done by the propre Perfon, whorne it doth
touche, and therefi»re it is rneete, whatfoeuer is done, in anv wvfe
hot to be affrayde, for that the couiuration rnufi bee rnade in the
Nyght, and in a folvtarie place wvthout Cornpan.ve : which thing
I know hot how vou fhal bec difpofed to doe." To whom the
X, Vornan more amorous than wife, aunfwered : "'Loue prycketh
mee in futch wife, as there is nothyng but I dare atternpt, to haue
hirn againe, that caufeleffe hath forfaken me. But tel me I be-
feech you wherein it behoueth that I be fo boid and hardy." The
Scholer (fubtii inough) faid : "" I mufte of neceflitv rnake an image
«,f braffe, in the naine of hirn that vou defire to haue, which being
fent vnto vou vou muff, when the Morte is at hir fui, bath vour feif
tiark naked in a running riuer at the firft houre of fleepe vI.
rimes with the farne image : and afterwards beyng ftil naked, you
lnuft go vp into forne tree or houfe vnhabited, and tuming your
felfe towardes the North ride thereofwyth the image in your hand
vou fhal far VXl. tirnes certain x, ords, that I wil giue you in writ-
ing, which when vou haue donc, two darnfels fhal corne vnto you,
the faireft that euer )'ou faw, and they fhall falute )'ou» hulnbly
dernaundyng what your pleafure is to cornrnaund them : to whorne
vou fhal williugly declare in good order xvhat )'ou defire : and take
iaede aboue al things, that you narne hot one for an other : and
when they begolme, you may defcend downe to the place where
vou left your Apparel, and array your felfe agayne, and afterwardes
retourne home vnto vour houfe, and allure your felf, that before
the raid ofthe nexte Nyghte folowing, yourFryend fhall corne vnto
,cou xseepyug, and crying Mercve and forgyuëneffe at youre
Handes. And know vee, that frorn that tyrne.forth, he wil neuer
fofake you for any other." The gentlewornan hearing thofe
MISI"RESSE ItELENA OF FLORENCE.
339
words, gaue great credvte thervnto : and thought that alreadv fhe
belde hir fr'eud betweene hir Armes, and very ioyfull fard:
"' Doubt not tir, but I wyll accomplyfh al that you haue inioyned
me : aud I haue the meeteff place in the \Vorld to doe it : for vppon
the valley of Arno» very neare the I',yuer fvde I haue a ]Xlanor
houle, fecretly to woorke any attempt that I lii: and now it is
the moneth of Iuly, in which tvme bathing is mot pleafaunt.
And alfo I remembre that hot far from the Ryuer, there is a lyttle
Toure vnhabited, into which one can fcarce get vp, but bv a cer-
tain Ladder ruade of chefnut tree, which is already there, where-
uppon the fhephierds do fometime afcendc to the turrafFe of the
faine Toure, to looke for their cattell when they be gone airav :
aud the place is very folitarie out of the wav. Into that Toute
wyll I goe vp, and truf[ to execute what vou haue requyred me."
The Scholler which knew vcrv well both the village whereof tire
fpake, and alfo the Toute, right glad for that he was aflhred of his
purpofe, farde: " Madame, I was neuer there, ne vet do knowe
the village, nor the Toute, but if it bec as you fa.ve, it is hOt poflï-
ble to finde anve better place in the \Vorlde: wherefore when
the tvme is corne, I wv[1 rend vou tbe Image, and the prayer. But
I heartily befeech 3"ou, when you ha.ue obtained vour defire, and
do perceyue that I baue well ferued çttr turne, to hatte me in
remembraunce, and to keepe your promyfc." "Which the Gentle-
woman all'ured hym to doe withoute fayle, and taking hir leaue of
him, file retired home to hir houle. The Scholer iox'full for that
his deuiçe fhould in deede corne to paflè, caufed an image to be
ruade with certaine Characters, and wrote a tale of a Tubbe in flede
of the prayer. And when hec fawe tvme he lent them to the
Gentlewoman, aduertifing hir that the Nyght folowyng, fhe mur
doe the thing he had appoynted hir. Then to procede iu his
enterprife, he and his man went fecretly to one of his fryends
houles that dwelte harde bv tbe towne. The \Voman on the other
ride, and hir BIayde repaired to hir place: where when it was
nyght, makyng as though fhe would go tlepe, fhe lent hir Mayde
to Bed : afterwards about ten of the Clocke fle conueyed hirfelf
very foftly out of hir lodgyng, and repayred neare to the Townevpon
the riuer of Arno, and lookyng aboute hir, hOt feeing or perceiu-
340 MISTRESSE tlELENA OF FLORENCE.
ing any man, fle vnclothed hir felfe, and hidde hir apparell vnder
a bufh of Thornes, and then bathed hir felfe vit. tymes with the
hnage, and afterwardes ftarke naked, holding the faine in ber
hand, fhe went towardes the Toure. The Scholler at the beginnlng
of the Iqyghte beying hvdden wvth hys feruaunt amongs the
wiIIowes and other trees neere the Toure, faw all the aforefayde
thinges, and hir alfo paflïng naked by him, (the whiteneffe of
whofe body furpaffed as he thought, the darkneffe of the night,
fo farre as blacke exceedeth white)who afterwardes behelde hir
Stomack, and the other partes of hir body, which feemed unto him
to be verv deleeCtable. _And remembringe what would fhortly
corne to paffe, he had fome pitty vppon hir, on the other ride, the
telnptation of the Flefli fodaynely affayled;hym, prouoking him
to ifftle forth of the fecret corner, to Surprife hir, and to take his
pleafure vpon hir. Btlt caIIing to hvs rememberaunce what flaee
was, and what great wrong hee had fuflayned, his mallice began
to kindle agayne, and did remoue his pitty, and luf, continuing
ftill ftedfaft in his determination, fuffring her to paffe hir Iornev.
The XVydow being vppon the Toute, and turning hir face towards
the North, began to fay the wordes which the Scholler had gitlen
hir. XVithin a while after the Scholler entred in very foftly, and
tooke away the ladder whereupon fhe got vp, and ftoode ftill to
heare what fhe did fay and doe. XVho hauing VlI. times recited
hir prayer, attended the comming of the two damfels: for vhom
fhe wax'ted fo long in vayne, and thcrewithall began to be ex-
treemely colde, and perceyued the dawning of the day appeare.
XVherefore taking great difpleafure that it came not to paffe as
the Scholler had tolde hir, fhe fpake theefe wordes to hir felfe:
" I doubt mutch leafi this Scholler will rewarde mee with futch
another night, as wherein once I ruade him to wayte : but if he
haue done it for that refpe, he is hOt well reuenged, for the
nights now want the third part of the length of thofe, then, berides
the colde that he indured, which was of greater extremity3' _And
that the day might not difcouer hir, fhe woulde haue gone downe
from the Toure, but fhe round the Ladder to be taken away. Then
as thou the XVorlde had molten vnder hir Feete, hir heart began to
fa) le, and Fayntinge, fell downe vppon the tarraffe of the toure,
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
84
and when hir force reuiued agayne, fhe began pitifully to weepe
and complayne. And knowing well that the Scholler had done
that deede for reuenge, fhe grew to be angry wyth hir felfe, for
that flaee hadde Offended another, and to mutch truted hvm whom
flae ought (by good reafon) to haue accoumpted hir enimy. And
after fhe had remayned a great while in this plight, then looking
if there were any way for hir to goe downe, and perceyuinge none,
flae renued hir weeping, whofe minde great tare and forrow did
pierce faying thus to hir felfe : "0 vnhappy wretch, what will thv
brethren fa)', thy Parents, thy Ne.vghbors, and generail.v all they
of Florence, when they fhall vndertande that thou haf bene
round heere naked ? Thv honet2y which hitherto hath bene neuer
t2ayned, flaall now bee blotted with the tavne of fhame, yea, and
if thou were able to finde (for reamedv hereof) anv matter of ex-
cufe (futch as might be founde) the wicked Scholler (who knoweth
all thy doings) will not fuffer thee to Iv: ah miferable wretch,
that in one houre's fpace, thou bat loti both thy freende and
thyne honour. XVhat fhall become of thee ? XVho is able to couer
thy fhame ? » \Vhen fhe had thus complayned hirfelfe, hir forrowe
was not fo great as fhee was like to cat hirfelfe headlong downe
from the Toute : but the Sunne being already rifel, flae approched
neare one of the eorners of the \Valle, efpying if flae coulde fee any
Boy keeping of cattell, that flae might rend him for hir blayde.
And it chaunced that the Scholler which lay and flept in couert,
awaked, one efpying the other, the Scholler faluted hir thus:
" Good morow, Lady, be the Damfels yet corne ?" TheVoman fee-
ing, and hearing him, began agayne bitterlv to weepe, and prayed
him to corne vp to the Toure, that flae might fpeake with him. The
Scholler was thereunto very agreable, and fhe lying on hir bellv
vpon the terraffe of the Touer, difcouering nothing but hir head
ouer the ride of the fame, fayd vnto him weeping: "Rinieri,
truly, if euer I caufed thee to endure an ill Night, thou art now weli
reuenged on me; for ahhough it be the moneth ofluly, I thought
(becaufe I was naked) that I flaould haue frofen to death this
night for cold, befides my great, and continuall Teares for the
offence which I haue done thee, and of my Follv for beleeuing thee,
342
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
that maruell it is .mine eves do remavne within my head: And
therefore I pray thee, hOt for the loue of me, whom thou oughteft
hOt to loue, but for thine owne fake whieh art a gentleman, that
the fhame and payne whieh I haue fuftayned, may fatiffy the
offenee and wrong I haue eommitted agaynft thee : and eaufe mine
apparell I befeeeh thee to be brought vnto me, that I may goe
downe from hence, and doe hOt robbe mee of that, whieh after-
wardes thou art hOt able to reftore, whieh is, myne honor: for if
I haue deeeyued thee of one night, I ean at all times when it
fhall pleafe thee, render vnto thee for that one, manv. Let
it fuffiee thee then with this, and like an honef man content thy
felfe by being a little reuenged on me, by making me to know
now what it is to hurt auother. Do hot, I pray thee, pra&ife thy
power againf a woman : for the Egle hath no faine for conquering
of the Doue. Then for the loue of God, and for thine honor fake,
haue pitty and remorfe vpon ne." The Seholler with a cruel heart
remembring the iniury that he hath reeeyued, and feeing hit fo
to weepe and pray, coneevued at one inftant both pleafure and
griefe in his minde: pleafiare of the reuenge which he aboue all
things defired, and griefe mooued his manhoode to haue com-
pattîon vpon the mvferable woman. Notwithftanding, pitty hOt
able to ouereome the furv of his reuenge, he aunfwered: "Mis-
treffe Helena, if my praiers (whieh in dede I eould hot moyften
with teares, ne yet fweeten them with fugred woordes, as you doe
yours nowe)might haue obtained that night vherein I thought
I fl,ould haue died for eolde in the Court full of fnowe, to haue
bene eonueyed by you into fome couert place, an eafie matter it
had beene for mee at this inftant to heare your fuite. Butifnow
more than in times paf your honor do waxe warme, and that it
greeueth you to fand ftarke naked, make vour prayers to him,
betweene whofe Armes you ware not offended to be naked that
night, wherein you hearde me trot vp and downe your Courte,
mv Teeth ehattering for eold and marehing vpon the Show : And
at his bandes feeke releefe, and prav him to bring your Clothes,
and feteh a Ladder that vou mav eome downe : Force your felfe to
let your honor's eare on him for whom both then, and now befides
many other rimes, you haue not feared to put the fame in perill,
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
343
SVhy doe you not cal for him to corne and help you? And to
whom doth your help better appertayne than vnto him ? You are
his owne, and what things will he not prouyde in this dil'treffe of
vours? Or elle what perron will hee feeke to fuccour, if not to
helpe and fuccour you ? Call him (O foolifh woman) and proue if
the loue which thou beareft him, and thy wit together with his,
be able to deliuer thee from mv Folly, where-(when both you were
togethers) you tooke your Pleafure. And now thou halte Experi-
ence wheather my Follv or the Loue xvhich thou diddeft beare vnto
him, is greatcf. And be not now fo Lyberall, and Curteous of
that which I go hOt about to feeke : referue thy good Nights to thv
beloued freende, if thou chaunce to efcape from hence aliue: for
fron my felfe I cleerely difcharge you both. And truly I haue
had to mutch of one: and fufficient it is for mee to bee mocked
once. Moreouer bv thv craftv talke vttered bv fubtill fpeache,
and bv thyne vntimely prayfe, thou thinkeft to force the getting
of my good will, and thou calleçt me Gentleman, valiaunt man,
thinkinge thereby to withdrawe mv valvaunte minde from punifl-
ing of thy wretched body: but thy flatteries fhall not yet bleare
mine vnderfianding eyes, as once wyth thv vnfathvfull promifes
thou diddef beguile my ouerweeninge wit. I notv to well do
know, and thereof thee well affure, that all the time I xvas a Schol-
ler in Paris, I neuer learned fo mutch as thou in one night diddef
teach mee. ]3ut put the Cafe that I were a valiaunt man, yet thou
art none of them vpon whom valiaunce ought to fhewe his effe&s :
and for the end of futch tormenting and pat][ing cruell beaçts, as
thou art, only death is fittef rewarde : for if a ,Voman ruade but
halle thefe playnts, there is no man, but woulde affwage his re-
uenge. ]3ut yet as I ara no Eagle,'and thou no Doue, but a mort
venomous Serpent, I intend fo well as I can to perfecute thee mine
auncient enimy, wyth the greatef mallice I can deuife, which I
cannot fo properly'cal reuenge, as I mav terme it Corre&ion : for
that the reuenge of a matter ought to furmount the Offence, and
I will befiow no reuenge on thee : for if I were difpofed to apply
my mynde therevnto, for refpecCt of thy difpleafure done to me,
thy Lyre fhould hOt fuffife, nor one hundred more like vnto thine :
which if I tooke away, I fhould but rid the Worlde of a mof vile,
344
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
and vicked woman. And to fay the truth, what other art thou
then a Deuill accepta little beauty in thy Face, which within few
yeares will vanifhe and confume: for thou tookeft no care to
kill, and deftrov an honeft man (as thou euen now diddeft terme
me) whofe Life, mav in tyme to corne bee more profitable to the
XVorlde, than an hundred thoufand futch as thyne, fo long as the
XVorld indureth. I wil teach thee then bv the paine thou fuffreft,
what is it to mock futch Men as bee of fkyll, and what maner of
thyng it is to delude and Scorne poore fchollers, gyuing thee warn-
ing hereby, that thou never fall into futch folly, if thou efcapeft
this. But if thou haue fo great a will to corne downe as thou
fayeft thou haft, why doeft thou hot throwe doxvne thy felfe head-
longe, that by breaking of thy Necke (if it pleafe God) at one
inl$ante thou rid thy felfe of the payne, xvherein thou fayeft thou
art, and make mee the beft contented man of the XVorlde. For
this tvnle I wvll fay no more to thee, but that I haue done inough
to make thee clime fo high. Learne then now fo xvei how thou
mail$ get down, as thou didft know hoxv to mock and decevue
me." XVhvle the Scholler had preached vnto hir thefe words, the
wretched woman wepte continually, and the time fiil did paffe
away, the Sunne increafing more and more : but when the Scholler
held his peace, fhe replyed : "' 0 cruell man, if that curffed nyght
xvas grieuous vnto thee, and mv fault appeared great, cannot my
youth and Beauty, my Teares and humble Pravers bee able to miti-
gate thy wrath and to moue thee to pitty: do at leal$ that thou mayft
be moued and thv cruell minde appeafed for that onely act, let
me once again be trul$ed of thee, and fith I haue manifel$ed al my
defire, pardon me for this tyme, fith thou hafi fufficiently ruade
me feele the penance of my firme. For, if I had hot repofed my
trul$ in thee, thou hadf hOt now reuenged thv felf on me, which
with defire moit fpytefull thou doeft ful| well declare. Gyue
ouer then thine anger, and pardon me henceforth : for I am deter-
mined if thou wilt forgeue mee, and caufe me to corne downe out
of this place, to forfake for ever that vnfaithfull Louer, and to re-
ceive thee for my only friend and Lord. VIoreouer where thou
greatly blameft my beauty, el$eeming it to be fhort, and of fmal
accompt, futch as it is» aud the like of other women I know, hot
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
345
be regarded for other cau.fe but for paltime and plefure of
youthly Men, and therefore hOt to he contemned : and thou thy
felf truly art not verv old; and albeit that cruelly I ara intreated
of thee, yet can I hOt beleue that thou wouldeft haue me fo mifer-
ably to die, as to calt my felfe down headlong, like one defpe-
rate, hefore thine eyes, xvhome (except thou xvere a lier as thou
feemefi to be now) in time pari I did wel pleafe and like. Haue
pitye then upon me, for God's fake, for the Sunne hegins to grow
exceding hot, and as the extreame and bitter cold did hurt me the
laltNight euen fo the heat beginneth to molett me." .Vhereunto
the Scholler xvhich kept hir there for the nonce, and for his plea-
fure, anfwered : "Miftreffe you did not noxv commit your faith to
,ne for any loue you hare, but to get that again which vou had
loti, wherfore that deferueth no good turne, but greater pair, : and
fondlye thou thinkeft this to be the onely meanes, whereby I ara
able to take defired reuenge. For I haue a thoufand other waves
and a thoufand Trappes haue I layed to tangle thy feete, in mak-
ynge thee heleue that I dyd loue thee: in futch wyfe as thou
fhouldeft haue gone no where at any tyme, if thvs had not chanced
but thou fhouldefi haue fallen into one of them : and furely thou
couldeft haue falne into none of them, but would haue hred thee
more anoyaunce and fhame thau this (which I chofe not for thvne
eafe, but for my greater pleafure.) And hefides if ail thefe meanes
had fayled me, the pen fhould not, wherewyth I would haue dis-
played thee in futch Colours, as when the fimple brute thereof
hadde corne to thvne eares, thou wouldeflc haue defired a thoufand
rimes a Day, that thou hadft neuer bene born. For the forces of
the pen be farre more vehement, than they can efteeme that haue
hot proued them by experience. I fwear vnto thee hy God,
that I doe reioyfe, and fo wil to the ende, for this reuenge
I take of thee, and fo haue I done from the beginning: but if
I had with pen painted thy maners to the .Vorlde, thou fhouldett
not haue hen fo mutch afhamed of other, as of thv felfe, that
rather than thou wouldeft haue loked mee in the Face agayne,
thou wouldef haue plucked thyne Eyes oute of thy head: and
therefore reproue no more the Sea, for beeing increafed wyth a
lyttle Rrooke. For thy loue» or for that thou wilt he mine o,vn, I
346
IIISTRESSE HELENA OF FLOREX'CE.
care not, as I haue alrcadv told thee, and loue him again if thou
canfi, fo mutch as thou xilt, to wholne for the hatred that I haue
borne, I prefently bear fo mutch good wyll agayne, and for the
pleafure that he hath don thee now. You be amorous and couet the
loue of young men, bicaufe you fee thevr Colour fomewhat frefh,
their beard more black, their bodies well fhaped to daunce and
runne at Tvlt and Ryng, but al thefe qualities haue they had, that
be growne to elder yeares, and they by good experience know
what other are yet to learn. Moreouer vou deeme them the better
horffcmen, bicaufe thev can iourney more mvles a dav than thofe
that be of farther veares. Truelv I confeffe, that with great paynes
they pleafe futch Venerial Gentlewomen as you be, vho doe not
perceyue (like fauage Beafies) what heapes of euill doe lurke vnder
the forme offavre apparance. Younge men be uot content with one
Louer, but fo many as they behold, they do defire, and of fo many
they think themfelues worthv: wherefore their loue cannot be
fiable. And that this is true, thou tnavefi nov be thine oxvne
wytnettC And yong men thynkyng themfelues worthy, to be
honoured and cherithed of theyr Ladies, haue none other glory but
to vaunt themfelues of thofe whome thev have enioyed: whvch
fault maketh manv to yeld themfelues to thofe that be difcrete
and wife, and to futch as be no blabbes or Teltales. And where
thou fayeft that thy loue is knowne to none, but to thy mayde and
me, thou art deceiued, if thou beleue the lame, for al the inhabi-
tants of the lreete wherein thv Louer dwelleth, and the fireete alfo
xvherein thy houle doth ftand, talke of nothynge more than of your
Loue. But manv times in fitch cales, the party whome futch
Brute doth touch, is the laft that knoweth it. lXloreouer, young
men do robbe thee, where they of elder yeares do gyue thee. Thou
then (which haft made futch choyfe), remavne to him whome thou
hal chofen, and me (whom thou flouteft) gyue leaue to apply to
an other : for I haue found a ,Voman to bee mv fryend, which is
of an other difcretion than thou art, and knoweth me better than
thou dolL And that thou mavfi in an other world be more cer-
taine of myne Eyes defire, than thou hitherto art, throwe thv
felfe downe fo foone as thou canl, that thy foule already (as I
fuppofe) receiued betwene the armes of the diuel hym felfe mav
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE,
347
fe if mine eyes be troubled or not, to view thee breake thv Necke.
But bicaufe I think thou wilt hOt do me that good turne, I fay if
the Sunne begin to warme thee, remember the cold thon madeft
me fuffer, which if thou canft mingle with that heat, no doubt
thou flalt feele the faine more temperate." The comfortleffe
,Voman feeing that the Scholler's words tended but to cruell end,
began to weepe and laid: "'Nov then fith nothing can moue
thee to take pity for mv fake,.at left wife for the loue of hir,
whom thon faieft to be of better difcretion than I, take fome
compaffion: for hir fake (I fay) whom thou calleft thy friend,
pardon mee and bryng hither my clothes that I may put them on,
and caufe me ifit pleafe thee to corne down from hence." Then the
Scholler began to laugh, and fei,g that it was a good while par
it. of the clocke, he anfwercd: "Well go to, for that woman's
fake I cannot wel fay nay, or refufe thy rcqueft, tel me" where thy
garlnents be, and I wyll go feke them, and caufe thee to corne
downe." She beleuing hym, vas fome what comforted, and told
hym the place where file had beftowed them. And the Scholler
going out of the Toure, commaundcd his feruaunt to tarry there,
and to take heede that none went in vntil he came againe. Then
he departed to one of hvs friends houles, where he wel refrefhed
himfelfe, and aftervards when he thought time, he layd him downe
to flepe. A! that fpace Iniffreffe Helena whvch was Ivll vpon the
Toute, and recomforted with a lvttle fooliflt hope, forrowful be-
yonde rneafure, began to fit downe, feeking fome thadowed place
to beflow hir felfe, and with bitter thoughts and heauy cheare in
good deuotion, wayted for his comming, now mufing, now wepyng,
then hopyng, and fodaynely difpayring the Scholler's retourne wyth
hir Clothes : and chaunging from one thought to another, like one
that was weary of trauel, and had taken no reft al the Nyght, fhe
fel into a litle flumbre. But the Sun vhych was paffing hote,
being aboute noone, glaunced his burning beames vpon hir
tender body and bare head, with fitch force, as hot only it finged
the flefh in fight, but alfo did chip and parch the lame with futch
rofting heat, as fle which foundly flepte, was conftrayned to
wake: and feling that raging warmth, defirous fomewhat to re-
moue hir felf, fhe thought in turning that all hir tofled flefh had
348
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORElqCE.
opened and broken, like vnto a tkyn of parehement holden againtt
the tire: befides with payne extreame, hir head began to ake,
with futeh vehernenee, as it feerned to be knoeked in pieees: and
no maruel, for the pament of the Toure was fo paffing hotte, as
neither vpon hir feete, or by other remedy, fhee eould find place
of ret. Wherefore without power to abide in one place, fhe flii
remoued to and fro wepying bitterly. And moreouer, for that
\Vynd did blow, the Toute was haunted wyth futeh a fwarme of
Flics, and Gnats, as they lighting vppon hir parehed fleflb did fo
eruelly byte and ftinge hir, that euery of them feemed worffe than
the pryeke of a Nedle, whieh made hir to beftirre hir hands, inees-
fantly to beate them off eurfing ftill hir felfe, hir Lyre, hir friend
and Scholler. And being thus and with fi, teh pain bitten and
affli&ed with the vehe,nent heat of the Sun, with the Flics and
gnats, hungry, and mutch more thyrfy, affailed with a thoufand
grieuous thoughts, fhe arofe vp, and began to loke about hir if
fle could heare or fee any perron, purpofing whatfoeuer came of
it to call for helpe. But hir ill fortune had taken way al this hoped
meanes o[ hir relie[e: for the Hufbandmen and other Laborers
were al gone out of the fields to flJrowd themfelues from the heate
of the day, fparing their trauail abrode, to threfh their corn and
doe other things at home, by reafon whereof fhe neither faw nor
hearde any thing, except Butterflies, humble becs, crickets, and the
riuer of 2krno, xvhich making hir ]uf to drink ofthe water quenched
hir thirf nothing at al, but rather did attgment the lame. She fawe
befides in many places, woodes, flmdows and houfes, which lyke-
wyfe did breede hir double grief, for defire fhe had vnto the faine.
But what fhal we fpeak any more of this vnhappy woman ? The
Sunne aboue, and the hot Toure paiment below, wyth the bitings
of the flics and gnats, had on euery part fo dreffed hir tender
corps, that where before the whiteneffe of hir body did paffe the
darkeneffe of the Night, the lame was become red, al arayed and
fpotted wyth gore bloud, that to the beholder and viewer of hir
fate, fhe feemed the rnof yll fauored thyng of the Vorlde: and
remayning in thys plyght without hope or councel, fhe ioked
rather for death than other comfort. The Scholler after the
Clocke had founded three in the afternoon, awaked, and remem-
IIISTRE$$E ttELE.A OF FLORENCE.
349
bring his lady, went to the Toure to fee what was become of
hir, and lent his man to dinner, that had eaten nothing ail that
day. The Gentlewoman hearing the Scholler, repayred fo feeble
and tormented as fhee was, vnto the trap doore, and fitting vppon
the faine, pityfuily weeping began to fay: "" Rinieri, thou art be-
ronde meafure reuenged on me, for if I ruade thee freefe ail night
in mine open Court, thou hafte tofted me to day vppon this Toure,
nay rather burnt with heate, confumed me: and befides that, to
dye and flerue for hunger, and thir. Vherefore I pray thee for
God's fake to corne vp, and fith mv heart is faynt to kill mv feife,
I pray thee heartely fpeedily to do it. For aboue ail things I
defire to dy, fo great and bitter is the torment which I endure.
And if thou wilt hot fhewe me that fauor, yet caufe a glaffe of
"Water to be brought vnto me, that I may moyfen my mouth, fith
mv teares bee hot able to coole the lame, fo great is the drouth
and heate I haue within." \Vel knew the Scholler bv hir voyce,
hir weake efate and fawe bel]des the mo part of hir body ail
toed with the Sunne: by the viewe whcreof» and humble lute of
hir, he conceiued a iittle pitty. Notwythtandinghe aunfweared
hir in this vife: ,«$Vicked woman thou fhalt hot dve with my
hands, but of thine owne, if thou defite the faine, and fo mutch
water fhait thou haue of me for coolinge of thine heate, as
dampned Diues had in hell at Lazarus bandes, when he iifted up
his cry to Abraham, holdinge that faued wighte within his bleffed
bofome, or as I had l]re of thee for eal]ng of my colde. The greater
is my griefe that the vehemence of my coide muf be cured with
the heatc of futch a ffincking cation beafl, and thy heate healed
with the coldneffe of mofl Soote and fauerous "Vater diflilled from
the orient Rofe. And where I was in daunger to loofe mv Limmes,
and lire, thou wilt renew thy Beautv like the Serpent that cafeth
his Skin once a yeare." " Oh myferable wretch" (fayd the woman)
"God gieue him futch Beautv gotten in this forte, that wi/heth
me futch euiil. But (thou more cruell than any other beaU)
what heart baffe thou, thus like a Tyraunte to deale with me ?
XVhat more grieuous payne coulde I endure of thee, or of anv
other, than I do, if I had kiiled, and done to death thy parents
or whole race of thy flocke and kin vith moi1 cruel torments?
35 °
IIISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
Truelv I know hOt what greater tyranny coulde be vfed agaynft
a Trayter that had facced or put a whole Citty to the fword, than
that thou hatte done to me, to make mv flefla to bee the foode and
rott meate of the Sunne, and the baite for licorous flies, not ,ouch-
fafing to reach hither a fimple glaffe of "Vater whvch would haue
bene graunted to the condempned Theefe, and 1Manqueller, when
they be haled forth to hanging, yea wine mofi commonly, if
they alke the lame. Now for that I fee thee ttill remawe in
obftinate mind, and that my paflion can nothinge mooue thee» I
wvll prepare paciently to receiue mv death, that God may haue
mercv on my foule» whonl I humbly befeech with his righteous
eves to beholde that cruell a of thyne." And with thofe woords,
fhe approched with payne to the middle of the terratçe, defpay'ring
to efcape that burning heate» and not onclv once, but a thoufande
rimes, (befides hir other fi»rowes) fle thought to fowne for thirft,
and bitterlx" wept without ceafing, complayfing hir mifhap. But
being almott night, the Scholler thought hee had done inough,
wherefore he tooke hir clothes, and wrapping the faine within his
feruaunt's cloke, he went home to the Gentlewoman's houle where
he founde before the gate, hir mavde fitting al lad and heauy, of
whom he alked where hir miftreffe was. « Syr," (fayd fhe) "I
cannot tell, I thought this morning to finde hir a Bed where I
left hir vefer night» but I cannot finde hir there, nor in any other
plac% ne )'et can teli wheather to goe feeke hir, which maketh my
hearte to throb fome miffortune chaunced vnto hir. But (tir
quod fhe) cannot )'ou tell vhere file is ?" The Scholler aunfvered :
"I wouid thou haddett bene with hir in the place where I left hir,
that I might haue bene reuenged on thee fo well, as I ara of hir.
But beleue affuredly, that thou flalt hot efcape mv handes vntill I
pay thee thv defert, to the i:tent hereafter in mocking other, thou
mavft haue caufe to remember me." "Vhen hee had fayde fo, hee
willed his man to gieue the mayde hir Mittreffe Clothes, and then
did bidde hir feeke hir out if thee would. The Seruaunte did his
1Mavtter's commaundment, and the lIayde hauinge receyued them,
knewe them by and by, and markinge well the fcholler's wordes,
[he doubted leaft hee had flayne hir bliftreffe, and mutch adoe
[he had to refrayne from crying out. And the Scholler being gone,
MISTRESSE ItELEIA OF FLOREICE.
fhe tooke hlr lIiftreffe Garments, and ran vnto the Toure. That
day by hap, olle of the Gentlewoman's labouring Men had two of
his hogges runne a ftray, and as he went to feeke them (a little
while after the Seholler's departure) he approehed neare the Toute
looking round about if he might see them. In the bufie fearehe
of whom hee heard the miferable pla.vnt that the vnhappy XVoman
ruade, wherefore fo loude as he eoulde, he eried out: "" XVho
weepeth there aboue ?" The XVoman knew the voice of hir man,
and ealling him by his naine, fhee fayde vnto him : "Goe home I
pray thee to call lnv mavde and eaufe ber to eome vp hither vnto
me." The fellow knowing his miftreffe voiee fard vnto hir:
" What Dame, who bath borne you vp fo h.vgh ? Your mavde
bath fought you al this day, and who would haue thought to finde
you there ?" He then taking the flaues ofthe Ladder, did let it vp
againft the Toute as it ought to be, and bounde the fteppes that
were wanting, with faflenings of XVvllowe twigges, and futeh like
pliant fluffe as he eould finale. And at that inftant the mavde
came thither, who fo foone as fhe was entred the Toure, hot able
to forbeare hir voyee, beating hir hands, flaee began to erre:
"' Alas fweete bIiflreffe where be vou ?" She hearing the vovee of
hir Mayde aunfwered fo well as flee could : "" Ah (fweete \Vench)
I am heere aboue, crv no more, but bring me hither mv clothes."
XVhen the mavde heard hir fpeake, by and by for ioy, in halte
fhe mounted vp the Ladder, whieh the Labourer had ruade ready,
and with his helpe gat vp to tlae Terraffe of the Toure, and feeing
hir blvftreffe refembling hOt a humavne body but rather a wodden
Faggot halfe eonfumed with tire, ail weary and whithered, lying
a long farke naked vppon the Grounde, fhe began with hir Nayles
to wreke the griefe vpon hir Face, and wept ouer hir with fitch
vehemency as if fhe had beene deade. But hir Dame prayed hir
for God's I:ake to holde hir peace, and to help hir to make hir
ready: and vnderftanding by hir, that no man knewe where fhe
was beeome, exeept they which caried home hir clothes, and the
Labourer that was prefent there, fhee was somewhat recomforted,
and prayed them for God's fake to fax' nothing of that ehaunce to
any perron. The Laborer after mutch talke, and requeft to his
Mifreffe, to be of good cheere, when fliee was ryfen vp, earied
352
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLORENCE.
hir downe vpon his Necke, for that fhe was not able to goe fo
farre, as out of the Toure. The poore Mavde which came behinde,
in goinge downe the Ladder without takin heede, hir foote fayled,
and fallinge downe to the Grounde, fhee brake hir Thigh, for griefe
whereof fhe roared, and crved out lyke a Lyon. XVherefore the
Labourer hauing placed his Dame vpon a greene banke, went to fee
what hurt the Mayde had taken, and perceyued that fhe had
broken hir Thigh, he caried hir likewife vnto that banke, and
placed hir befides hir mifreffe, who feeing one mifchiefe
vppon another to chaunce, and that fhe of whom fhe hoped for
greater help, than of any other, had broken hir Thigh, fi»rrowfull
bevonde meafure, renewed hir crv fo miferably, as not onely the
Labourer was not able to comforte hir, but he himfelf began to
weepe for company. The Sunne hauinge trauayled into hvs
\Veferne courre, and taking his farewell bv fettling himfelfe to
reft, x'as at the poyn& of goinge downe. And the poore defolate
woman vnwilling to be benighted, wenthome to the Labourer's
houle, where taking two of his Brothers, and his Wyfe, returned to
fetch the lXlayde, and caried hir home in a Chavre. Then cheering
vp hys Dame with a litde frefh water, and many fayre \Vordes, he
caried hir vpon his Necke into a Chaumber, afterwardes his Wyfe
ruade hir warm Drinks and Meates, and putting of hir clothes,
lard hir in hir Bed, and tooke order that the mifreffe and maide
that night vere caried to Florence, where the 1Miftreffe fui of lies,
deuifed a Tale ail out of order of that which chaunced to hir, and
hir Mayde, making hir Brethren, hir Sifers, and other hir neigh-
bours beleeue, that by flufh of lightning, and euill Sprites, hir face
and bodv were Blifered, and the Mavde froken vnder the _&fie
bone with a Thunderbolt. Then Phyfitians were fent for, who
not without greate griefe, and payne to the XVoman (which many
tvmes left hir Skin ficking to the Sheets) cured hir cruell Feuer,
and other hir difeafes, and lykewife the mayde of hir Thigh:
which caufed the Gentlewoman to forger hir Louer, and from that
time forth wifely did beware and take heede whom fhe did mocke,
and where fhe did befow hir loue. And the Schoiler knowing
that the Mayde had broken hir Thigh, thought himfelfe fufficiently
reuenged, ioyfully paffing by them both many times in filence.
MISTRESSE HELENA OF FLOREICE.
353
Beholde the reward of a foolifh wanton widoxv for hir Mockes and
Flouts, thinking that no greate care or more prouident heede
ought to be taken in iefting with a Scholler, than with any other
common perron, nor well remembring how thev doe know (hOt all,
I say, but the greateft parte) where the Diuell ho]deth his Tay}e :
and therefore take heede good \Vyues, and \Vydowes, how you giue
your fe}ues to mockes and da]iaunce, fpecially of Scho]lers. But
nowe turne we to another XVyddow that was no amorous Dame
but a foher !Iatrone, a mother]y Gent]ewoman» that hy pitty,
and 1Ioney Redeemed, and Raunfomed a King's Sonne out
of myferah]e Captiuity, that was vtter]y ahandoned
of ail his Friendes. The manner and meanes how
the lXouel] enfuing/hall
fhewe.
VOL. III. Z
354
CAMIOLA AND ROLANDE.
THE TIIIRTY-SECOND NOUELL.
A Gentleu'oman and llSjdou, calledCamiola ofhir ou'ne minde Raun-
fomed Roland the Kjng's Sonne of Sicilia, of purpqfe to haue him
fo hir Hu.[l.and, u, ho when he u.as redeemed t,nkindly denied hir,
agayq/t u.hom vcry Eloquentlyje Inueyed, and although the Law
proued him fo be hir HuJl'and, yet for bi» vnkindnes, jhee vtterly
refnfed him.
BvsA a Gentlewoman of Apulia, maynetayned ten Thoufande
Romayne fouldiers within the walles of Cannas, that were the rem-
naunte of the army after the ouerthrow there: and vet hir State
of Rycheffe was faulfe and nothynge dimynifhed, and left therby
a worthy Tettimony of Lyberality as Valerius Maximus affirmeth.
If this worthy woman Bufa for Liberality is commended bv aun-
cient Authors: ifflae deferue a Monument amongs famous XVrvters
for that fplendent vertue which fo brightly blafoneth the Heroicall
natures of loble dames, then mav I bee fo bolde amonges thefe
Nonels to bring in (as it were by the hand) a XVyddow of Meflina,
that was a Gentlewoman borne, adorned with paflïng beauty and
vertues. _Amongs the rancke of which hir comely Qualities, the
vertue of Liberality gliftered lvke the morninge Starre after the
lgight bath catt of his darke and Cloudv Mantell. This Gentle-
woman remayning in Vyddowes t}ate, and hearing tell that one of
the Sonnes of Federicke, and Brother to Peter that was then King
of the fard Ilande called Rolande, was caried Prvfoner to lqaples,
and there kept in miferable Captiuity, and not like to bee redeemed
by his Brother for a difpleafure conceyued, nor by any other,
pittying the ttate of the young Gentleman, and mooued by hir
gentle, and couragious difpofition, and fpecially with the ver-
tue of liberality, raunfomed the fard Rolande, and craued no other
interef or vfurv for the fame, but him to hufband, that ought
upon his knees to haue made fute to be hir flaue and feruaunte
for refpe& of his miferable fate of Imprifonment. _An affiaunce
betweene them was concluded, and he redeemed, and when hee
was returned, hee falfed his former fayth, and cared not for hir:
CAMIOLA AND ROLANDE.
35»
for which vnkinde part, fhe before his Frends inueyeth agaynft
that ingratitude, and vtterly forfaketh him, when (fore afhamed)
he would very favne haue recouered hir good wil. But flac like
a wife gentlewoman well waying his inconflant mvnde before
mariage, lufted hot to tare or put in proofe the frui-ts and fuc-
eeffe thereof. The intire Difcourfe of whom you fhall briefly and
prefently vnderftand, ffCamiola a widow of the Citv of Siena, the
Daughter of a gentle Knight called Signor Lorenzo Toringo, was
a Voman of great renoume and faine for hir beauty liberality and
fhamefaftneffe, and led a lire in Maffina, (an auncient Cittv of
Sicile) no leffe commendable than famous, in the company of hir
parentes, contenting hirfelf wyth one only Hutbande, while fhe
liued, which was in the tvme when Federick the thirde was Kyng
of that Ifle : And after their death fhe was an heyre of very great
wealth and ritcheffe, which were alwayes by hir conferued and
kept in maruellous honeft fort. Nowe it chaunced that after the
death of Federick, Peter fucceedinge by his Commaundement, a
great Armv bv Sea was equipped from Meffina, vnder the condu6t
of lohn Countee of Chiaramonte, (the mort Ienoumed in thofe
dayes in Feats of .Varre,) for to ayde the people of Lippary, which
xvere fo ftrongly and earneftly befieged, as they were almoft ail dead
and confumed for hunger. In this Army ouer and befides thofe
that were in pay, many Barons and Gentlemen willingly went vpon
their own proper coftes, and charges, as well by Sea as Lande, onely
for fame, and to be renoumed in armes. This Caftell of Lippari
was affaulted by Godefrey of Squilatio a valiaunt/lan, and at that
rime Admiral to Robert Kyng of lerufalem and Sicile: \Vhich
Godefrey by long tîege and affault, had fo famifhed the people
within, as dayly he hoped they would furrender. But hauing
aduertifement (by certayne Brigandens which he had lent abroade
to fcour the Seas) that the Enimies Army.(which was farre greater
than his) was at hand, after that he had affembled ail his Nauy
togeather in one fure place, he expee"ted the euent of Fortune.
The Enimies fo foone as they were feafed and poffeffed of the
place, without any refiftaunce of the places abandoned bv Gode-
frey, caried into the Citty at their pleafure ail their vie"tualles.
which they brought wyth them, for which good happe and
356
CAMIOLA AND ROLANDE.
chaunce the favde Countee Iohn being very mutch encouraged
and puffed vp wyth pryde, offred Battell to Godefrev. XVherefore
he not refufing the lame, being a man of great eorage, in the Night
time fortified his Armv with Boordes, Timber, and other Ram-
piers, and hauing put his Nauy in good order, he eneouraged his
Men to fight, and to doe valiauntlv the next day, which donc, hec
caufed the Ankers to bec waved, and «ieuin« the figne, tourned the
prowees of hys Shyppes agaynft the Sicilians Army, but Countee
lohn who thought that Godefrev would hOt fight, and durft hot
once looke vpon the great armv of the Sicilians, did hot put his
Fleete in order to fight, but rather in readineffe to purfue the
enimies. But feeing the Courage, and the approch of theym that
came agaynfte him, began to feare, his heart almoft fayling him,
and repented him that he had required his Enimy to that which
he thought neuer to haue obtavned. In futch wife as miftrufting
the Battavle with troubled minde, changing the order giuen, and
notwithftanding not to feeme altogither feareflfll, incontinentlv
caufed his Ships to be put into order after the beft maner he could
for fo little tyme, himfelfe gieuing the figne of battell. In the
meane while their enimies being approched neere vnto them,
and making a very great novfe with Cryes and Shoutes, furioufly
entred the Sicilians, which came flowly forth, and hauing firft
throwne their Hookes and Grapples to ftav them, thev began the
fight with Dartes, Crofl-bowes, and other Shot, in futch fort as
the Sicilians being amazed for the fodayne mutation of Councell,
and all enuironned with feare, and the Souldiers of Godefrey per-
ceyuing the faine, entred their enimies Ships, and comming to
blowes, even in a moment all was filled with bloud, by reaflm
whereof the Sicilians, then defpayring of themfelues, and thev
that f¢ared turning the prowes fled avay: But neuertheleffe the
\ïctorye recliniuge towardes Godefrey, many of their Ships were
drowned, many taken, and diuers Pinnaffes by force of their
Oares efcaped. In that fight died fewe people, but many were
hurt, and Ihon the Captayne Generall taken Pryfoner, and with
him almoft all the Barons, which of their own accordes repayred
to thofe \Varres, and befides a great number of Souldiers, many
Enfignes as well of the field, as of the Galleyes, and fpecially the
CAMIOLA AND ROLANDE.
357
mayne Standerd was taken. And in the ende, the Caftell being
rendred after long Voyages, and great Fortunes by Sea, they were
al ehayned, earied to Naples and there imprifoned. Amongs thofe
Prifoners, there was a certayne Gentleman uamed Rowlande, the
Naturall Sonne of King Federick deeeafed, a yong prince verv
eomely and valyaunt. Vho hot being redeemed, taried alone in
prifon very forrowfull to fee ail others difcharged after they had
payd their Raunfome and himfelfe hOt to have where'ith to fur-
nifh the faine. For king Pietro (to whom the eare of him apper-
tayned by reafon he was his Brother), for that his warres had no
better fueeeffe, and done eontrary to his eommaundement, con-
eeyued difpleafure fo wel agaynl[ him, as ail others whieh were
at that battell. Nowe hee then being prifoner without hope of
any liberty, by meanes of the dampifhe pryfon, and his feete
elogged with yrons, grewe to bee fieke and feeble. It chaunced
by fortune, that Calniola remembred him, and feeing him forfa-
ken of his brethren, had eompaffyon vppon his miffehappe in futeh
wife, as fhe purpofed (if honettlv fhe might doe the faine) to fet
hym at liberty. For the aeeomplifhment whereof without preiu-
dice of hir honour, tire fawe none other wayes but take him to
hufband. VCherefore fhee fent diuers vnto him fecretely, to con-
ferre if he would corne forth vpon that condition, whercunto he wil-
ingly agreed. And performing eeh due eeremonie, vnder pro-
mifed faith, vpon the gift of a ring willingly by a deputy efpoufed
Caniola, who with fo muteh diligence as fhe eould, payed two
thoufand Crownes for his ranfome, and by that meanes he was
deliuerd. When he was retourned to Meflina, he repayred hOt
to his Vyfe, but fared as though there had neuer bene anv futeh
talke beetwene theym : whereof at the begynninge Camiola very
mutch maruelled, and afterwardes knowinge his vnkindeneffe
was greatly offended in hir heart againtt him. Notithlanding
to the intent fhe might hOt feeme to be grieued without reafon,
before fhe proceded any further, caufed him louiugly to be talked
withal, and to be exhorted by folowing his promyfe to confum-
mate the mariage: and feeing that he denied euer any futch Cola-
tratCt to be ruade, fhe caufed him to be fummoned before the
Ecclefiaticall Iudge by whome fentence was giuen that hee was
3»8
CAMIOLA AND ROLANDE.
hir ht,fband euidence of his owne letters, and by witneffe of cer-
tayne other perfonages of good reputation, which afterwards he
himfelf confeffed, his face blufhyng for fhame, for that he had
forgotten futch a manifef benefit and good turne. XVhen the
kynde part of Camiola donc vnto him was throughly known, he
was by hys Brethren reproued and checked for hys villany,
whereupon by their infiigation, and the perfuafiou of his frends,
he was contented by humble requef to defire Camiola to perform
the Nuptials. But that gentlewoman which vas of great corage
in the prefence of diuers that were wyth him, when he required
hir thereunto, anfvered hiln in this maner: " Rowland I haue
great caufe to render thankes to almyghty God, for that it pleafed
him to declare vnto me the proofe of thine vnfaythfulneffe, be-
fore thou didf by any meanes contaminate (vnder colour of
mariage) the purity of my body, and that through his fauour,
bv whofe mot holy naine thou wentef about to abufe me bv
falfe and periured Oth, I haue forefeene thy Trumpery and
deceypt, wherein I beleeue that I have gayned more than I
floulde haue done by thee in mariage. I fuppofe that when thou
were in pryfon, thou didf meane no leffe, than now, by effe&
thou flewef, and diddef thinke that I, forgetting of what houfe
I was, prcfumptuoufly defired a Hufoand of the Royal bloud, and
therefore wholly inflamed with thy love, did purpofe to beguile
mec by denying the Trouth, when thou haddef recouered lyberty
thorough mv Money, and thereby to referue thy felfe for fome
other of more famous Aliaunce, being refored to thy former de-
grec. And thereby thou haf gieuen proofe of thy will, and what
minde thou haddef fo to do if thyne ability had bene correfpon-
dent. But God, who from the lofty Skyes doth beholde the
humble and low, and who forfaketh noue that hopeth in him,
knowing the fincerity of my Confcience, hath gieuen mec the
grace bv little trauayle, to breake the bands of thy deceipts, to
difcouer thine ingratitude, and make manifef thine infidelity»
vhich I haue hOt donc only to difplay the wrong towardes me»
but that thy Brethren and other thy friends might from hence-
forth know what thou art, what aflïaunce they ought to repofe
h thy fayth, and therebv what thy frends ought to looke for, and
CAMIOLA AND ROLANDE.
359
what thine enimies ought to feare. I have loft my Money, thou
thy good name: I haue loft the hope whieh I had of thee, thou
the fauour of the Kinge, and of thy brethren : I the expe6tation
of my mariage, thou a truc and confiant .Vife: I the fruits of
eharity, thou the gayne of amitv: I an vnfavthfi,1 hufband,
thou a moft pure and loyall .Vyfe. Now the Gentlewomen of
Sieilia doe maruayle at my Magnilïeenee, and Beaut.v, and bv
prayfes aduaunee the faine vp into the heauens: and eontrary-
wife euery of theym doe moek thee, and deeme thee to be Infa-
mous. The Renoumed .Vrvters of eeh Countrey will place me
amongs the ranke ofthe nobleft Dames, where thou fhalt be depres-
fed, and throwne downe amonges the Heapes of mofie vnkynde.
Truc it is, that I ara fomewhat deeeyued by deliuering out of
Pryfon, a yong man of Royal, and noble race, in ficede of whom
I have redeemed a Rafeall, a Lier, a Falfilïer ot his faith, and a
cruell Beafi: and take heede hardily how thou do greatly efieme
thyfelfe, and I wifh thee hOt to thiak that I was rnoued to draw
thee out of Pryfon, and take thee to Hufbande for the good qua-
lities that were in thee, but for the rnemory of auneient benefits
,.vhieh my father reeeyued of thine (if Federick, a king of rnofi
faered remembraunee were thy father, for I ean fearfly beleeue,
that a fonne fo difhonet2 thould proeeede from fo noble a Gen-
tleman as ",','as that famous Prince.) I know well thou thinkeft
that it vas an vnworthy thing, that a \Vidow not being of theRoval
bloud thould have to hufband, the fonne of a Kinge, fo ftrong
and of fo goodly perfonage, whieh I willingly eonfeffe: but I
,.vould haue thee a little to make me aunfwere (at the leaft wife
if thou canft by reafon) when I payd fo great a fum of money to
deliuer thee from bondage and eaptiuit.v, where was then the nobi-
lity ofthy Royall race? Where was thv force of Youth? And
where thy Beauty ? If not that they were elofed up in a terrible
Pryfon, where thou waft detavned in bitter griefe, and forrowe,
and there with thofe naturall qualities, eouered alfo in obfeure
darkneffe, that eompaffed thee round about. The iii fauoured
noyfe and iangling of thy ehaines, the deformity of thy Face
foreed for laek of light, and the fteneh of the infe6ted Prifon that
prouoked fiekneffe, and the forfaking of thy Frends, had quite de-
360
CAMIOLA AI'D ROLANDE.
bafed al thefe perfe&ions wherewith now thou feemeft to be fo
lufv. Thou thoughteft me then to be worthy, not onely of a
yong man of a royall bloud, but of a God, if it were poflïble to
haue him, and fo foon as thou (eontrary to all hope) didft once
vifite thv natural Countrey, like a moft peftilent perron without
anv diflïeulty, haffe ehaunged thy mynde, and neuer rince thou
watt deliuered, once did call into thv remembraunce how I was
that Camiola, that I was fhee (alone) that did remembre thee:
that I was fhee (alone) that had compaflion on thy lnifhap, and
that I was ouelv fhee, who for thy health did imploy all the goods
I had. I am, I am (I fay) that Camiola, who bv hir Money raun-
fomed thee out of the hands of the Capitall enimies of thine Aun-
cefters, from Fetters, from Prvfon : and finally deliuered thee from
Miferv extreme, before thou were altogether fettled in difpayre.
I reduced thee agayne to hope, I haue reuoked thee into thv
Countrey, I haue brought thee into the Royal Pallace, and refored
thee into thv former Effare, and of a Prifoner weake, and ill fa-
uoured, h;ue ruade the a younge Prynce, ftrong, and of favre
afpet. But wherefore haue I remembred thefe things, whereof
thou oughteft to bec very mindefull thv felfe, and which thou art
hOt able to denv? Sith that for fo great benefits thou haft ren-
dred me futch thanks, as being mv huçoand in deede, thou had-
deft the Face to denv me mariage, already contra&ed by the depo-
fition of honeff Witneffes, and approued by Lettres, Signed vith
thine owne hand. \Vherefore diddett thou defpife me that hath
deh'uered thee ? Yea and if thou couldeff haue ffavned the Naine
of hir with Infamy, that vas thine onelv Refuge, and Defender,
thou wouldeft gladly haue giuen caufe to the common people, to
thinke leffe than Honeffy of hir. _Art thou afl, amed (thou Man
of little Iudgement) to haue to X.Vyfe a \Vyddowe, the Daughter
of a Knight ? O how farre better had it ben for thee to haue bene
afhamed to breake thy promifed fayth, to haue difpifed the holv
and dreadfull name of God, and to haue declared by thy curffed
vnkindnes, hov full fraught thou art with Vice. I doe confeffe in
deede that I am hOt of the Rovall bloud: notwithftanding from
the Cradle, being Trayned, and brought vp in the Company of
kinges \Vyues, and Daughters, no great maruavle it is, if I haue
CAMIOLA AND ROLANDE.
36
indued and put Oll a Royall heart and manners, that is able to get,
and purehafe royall Nobility: but wherefore doe I multiply fo
many wordes? No, no, I will be very facile, and eafie in that
wherein thou halte ben to me fo diflïeult and hard by refifdng
the faine with all thy power. Thou halte refufed heretofore to be
mine, and hauing vanquifhed thee, to be futeh, franeklv of myrte
owne accorde, I doe graunt that thou art hot. Abide (on God's
naine) with thv royall Nobility, neuertheleffe defiled with the fpot
of Infidelity. Make muteh of thy youthiy luitineffe, and of thy
tranfitory beauty, and I fllal be eontented with my XVyddow appa-
reil, and flmll leaue the riches whieh God bath geuen me to Heyres
more honef than thofe that might haue eome of thee. Auaunt
thou wyeked yong man, and fith thou art eoumpted to be vnxvor-
thv of me, learne with thine own experienee, by what fubtilty
and guiles thou maief betray other dames, fi, flïfeth it for me to
be once deeeyued. And I for my parte fully determine neuer to
tarv longer xvith thee, but rather ehaflv to Ivue without hufoand,
whieh lyfe I deeme farre more excellent than with thy match
eontinually to be eoupled." After fl, ee had fpoken thefe words,
fl, ee departed from him, and from that time forth, it was impos-
fible evther by prayers, or Admonitions to eaufe hir ehaunge hir
holy intent. But Rowland al eonfufed, repenting himfelf to late
of hys Ingratitude, blamed of eeh man, his eyes fixed vpon the
grounde, auo)'ding hOt onely the prefence of his brethren, but of
all forts of people, da)'ly led from that rime forth, a mofi miferable
life, and neuer durit by reafon to demaunde hir againe to XVife,
whom he had by difloyalty refufed. The King and the other
Barons, marueyling of the noble heart of the Lady, fingularly
eommended hir, and exalted hir prayfes vp into the Skyes,
vneertayne neuertheleffe wherein fl,ee vas mofi xvorthv of prayfe,
eyther for that (eontrary to the eouetous nature of \Vomen) fhe
had raunfomed a yong man with fo great a Summe of Money,
or elfe after file had deliuered him, and fentenee gieuen that he
was hir Hufoande, flae fo eouragioufly refufed him, as an vnkinde
man, vnworthy of hir eonlpany. But leaue we for a tvme, to
talke of V.vdowes, and let vs fee what the Captayne, and Lieute-
36
CAIIOLA AND ROLANDE.
naunt of Nocera can alledge vpon the difcourfe of his cruelties,
which although an ouer cruell H)'ftory, yet depaynteth the fuc-
ceffe of thofe that apply their myndes to the Sportes of Loue, futch
Loue I meane, as is wantonly placed, and dire&ed to no good
purpofe, but for glutting of the Bodye's delight, which
both corrupteth nature, maketh feeble the body,
lewdl), fpendeth the time, and fpecially offend-
eth him who maketh proclamatioll, that
Whooremongers and adultrers fhal
neuer Inherite his
Kyngdome.
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
363
THE THIRTY-THIRD NOUELL.
Great cruelties chaunced to the Lords o.f Notera,for adultrj l?t one
of them committed with the Captayne's wgfe of the forte of that
Cittg, with an enterprife moued by the Captaine to the Citt3/zens of
thefamefor Rebellion, and the gooa and duttfu«l aunfi««re of
them : with other p#jfull euents r9fing of that notable and out-
ragioug v9ce of whoredom.
THE furious rage of a Hufband offended for the chaffity violated
in his Wyfe, filrpaffeth all other, and ingendreth malliee agaynf
the doer whatfoeuer he be. For if a Gentleman, or one of good
nature, eannot abvde an other to doe him anv kinde of difpleafure,
and muteh leffe to hurt him in hvs Body, how is he able to en-
dure to haue his honour touehed, fpecially in that part which is
fo neere vnto him as his owne Soule ? Man, and Wyfe being as
it were one body and one will, wherein Men of good Judgement
eannot well like the Opinion of thol which fav that the honour
of a lufy and eouragious perron dependeth hot vpon the fault of
a foolifh woman : for if that wer true which they fo lightly vaunt,
I would demaund why they be fo animated and angry againft
them whieh adorne their head with braunched Iornes, the En-
fignes of a Cuekolde: and truely nature hath fo well prouided in
that behalfe, as the very fauage Beafes doe fight, and fuffer
death for futeh honef Jealoufie. Yet will I hOt prayfe, but ra-
ther aeeufe aboue al faulty men, thofe that be fo fondly Jealous,
as eehe thinge troubling their mindes, be afrayde of the Flyes
very fhadowe that buzze about their Faces. For by payning and
molefiinge theymfelues with a thinge that fo little doth pleafe and
content them, vntiil manifeft, and euident proofe appeare, they
difplay the folly of their minde's imperfe¢-tion, and the weake-
neffe of their Fantafy. But where the fault is knowne, and the
Vyce difeouered, where the hufbande feeth himfelfe to reeeyue
Damage in the foundefi part of his moueable goods, reafon it is
that he therein be aduifed by timelv deliberation and fage fore-
fight, rather than with headlong fury, and raging rafhneffe
364
THE LORDS OF TOCERA.
to hazard the loffe of his honour, and the ruine of his lire and
goods. And lyke as the fayth and fidelity of the ,'ndefiled Bed
bath in all times worthelv ben eommended and rewarded : euen fo
he that polluteth it bv Infamy, beareth the penaunee of the faine.
Portia the Daughter of Cato, and wife of Brutus fl,all be prayfed
for euer, for the honef and inuiolable loue which fhe bare vnto
hir beloued huband, almof like to lofe hir lire 'hen fhe heard
tell of his eertavne death. The pudieity of Paulina the wife of
Seneea appeared alfo, when fhe affayed to dy by the faine kinde
of death wherewith hir Huband violenth' was tormented by the
vniuf commaundement of the mof cruel and horrible Eperoure
Nero. But "Vhores and Harlottes, ha,'ing honef Ht,bands, and
well allied in Kin, and Ligneage by abandoning their bodyes, doe
prodigally eonfume their good lenoume: yea but if they efeape
the blagiflrates, or auovde the wrath of offended hutbandes for
the wrong done vnto them, yet they leat, e an immortall flaun-
der of their xx-icked life, and youth thereby may take exam-
ple afwell to fhun futch fhameleffe XVomen, as to followe thofe
Dames that be Chafe, and Vertuous. 1NTov of this contempt
whych the XVvfe beareth to hir HuIband, do rire very many rimes
notorious flaunders, and futch as are accompanied with paflînge
cruelties: wherein the HuIbande ought to moderate his heate,
and calme his choler, and foberly to chaftife the fault, for fo
mutch as exceflîue wrath, and anger, doe Eclipfe in man the light
of reafon, and futch rages doe make then to be femblable vnto
Brute, and reafonleffe Beafes: meete it is to be angry for thinges
done contrary to Right, and Equity, but Temperaunce, and
Modefy is neceffary in al occurrentes, bee they wyth vs, or againf
,'s. But if to refif anger in thofe matters, it be hard and difl-iculte,
yet the greater impoflibility there is in the operation, and effe&
of any good thinge, the greater is the glory that vanquifheth the
affe&ion and maflereth the firfl motion of the minde which is
not fo impoffible to gouerne, and fubdue to reafon, as many do
efeeme. A wife man then cannot fo farre forget his duety, as to
exceede the Boundes, and Limits of reafon, and to fuffer his
mvnde to wander from the fiege of Temperaunce, which if he doe
afte hec bath vell mingled'Vater in his'Vyne, hee may chaunce to
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
365
finde caufe of Repentaunce, and by defire to repayre his Offenfe
augment his fault, firme being fo prompt and readv in man, as
the crime which might bee couered with eertayne Iuttiee, and
eoloured by fome lawe or righteous caufe, maketh him many
tymes to fall into deteflable Vice and Synne, fo contrary to mild-
neffe and modetty, as the very Tvraunts themfelues woulde abhorre
futch wiekedneffe. And to the ende that I do not trouble you
with Allegation of infinite numbres of examples, feruing to this
purpofe, ne render oecafion of tedioufnes for vou to reuolue fo
many bookes, I ara eontented for this prefent, to bring in place
an Hyttory fo ouer cruell, as the caufe was hot muteh vnreafona-
ble, if duty in the one had bene eonfidered, and rage in the other
bridled and forefeene, who madly murthered and offended thofe
that were nothing guihy of the Fa&e, that touched him fo neare.
And although that thefe be matters of loue, yet the Reader ought
not to bee grieued nor take in evill parte, that we bee ftill in that
Argument. For we doe not hereby goe about to ere& a Schoole-
houle of Loue, or to teache Youth the wanton Toves of the faine.
But rather bryng forth thefe Examples to withdraw the plyant,
and tender Age of this our time, from the purlhite of like Follies,
whieh may (were they not in this fort warned) ingender lyke ef-
fe&s that thefe our Hyfloryes do recoumpt, and whereof you
fhall bee Partakers by reading the difcourfe that followeth. Yee
mufl than vnderftand, that iu the time that Braecio Montone,
and Sforza Attendulo florifled in Italy, and were the ehiefett of
the Italian men of warre, there were three Lords and brethren
which held vnder their authority and Puiffaunee Foligno, Noeera,
and Treuio, parcell of the Dukedome of Spoleto, who gouerned fo
louingly their Landes together, as without diuifion, they mayne-
tavned themfelues in great Ettate, and lyued in Brotherly concorde.
The name of the Eldett of thefe three Lordes was Nieholas, the
fecond Coefar, the yongett Conrade, gentle Perfonages, wife and
wel beloued fo well of the Noble men their Neyghbours, as alfo of
the Cittyzens that were vnder their Obeyfaunee, who in the ende,
fhewed greater loyalty towards them, than thofe that had fworne
their fayth, and had giuen Pleadges for confirmation, as yee fhal
perceyue bv reading what infueth. It ehaunced that the eldett
366
TIIE LORDS OF NOCERA.
oftentlmes repayring from Foligno to ocera, and lodging flill in
the Caflell, behelde with a little to mutch wanton Eye, the ,Vyfe of
his Lieutenaunt whvch was placed there with a good number of
dead payes to Guard the Fort, and keepe vnder the Cittizens, if
by chaunce (as it happeneth vpon the new ere6tion of Effates)
thev attemped fome new enterprife agaynff their Soueraygne
Lordes. N-owe this,Gentlewoman was very fayre, fingularly de-
lighting to be looked vpon: which occafioned the Lord Nicholas,
by perceyuing the wantoneffe and good wyll of the Mvflreffe of
the Caffell, not to refufe fo good occafion, determining to profe-
cute the inioying of hir, that was the Bird after which he hunted,
x'hofe ]3eauty and good grace had deepely x'ounded his Mind,
wherin if he forgot his duety, I leaue for al men of good iudge-
ment to confider. For me thinke that this young Lorde ought ra-
ther fingularly to loue and chervfla his liuetenaunt that faithfullve
and trut2ily had kept his Caffell and Forte, than to prepare agaynft
him fo Travterous an Attempt, and Ambuthe. And if fo bee hys
fayd Lieutenaunt had bene accufed of felony, mifprifon» or Treafon
(yet to fpeake the trouth) hee might haue deliuered the charge of
his Caftell vnto an other, rather then to fuborne his \Vvfe to folly.
And ought likewife to haue confidered that the Lieuetenaunt by
puttinge his truff in him, had iuff caufe to complayne for Rauith-
ing hys Honoure from hvm in the Perfon of hvs \Vyfe, whom hee
ought to haue loued wvthout anv affe-tion to lnfrindge the Holy
Lawe of _Amitye, the breakinge whereof diffolueth the duety of
ech Seruaunt towardes his Soueraygne Lord and mavfler. To be
hort, this blinded Louer yelding no" refiftaunce to loue, and the
foolih conceipt which altereth the iudgements of the wifeff, fuf-
fred his fanfie to roue fo farre vnto hvs Appetites, as on a daye
when the Lieuetenaunte was walked abroade into the Caflel to
view the Souldiours and deade payes (to pleafure him that fought
the meanes of his difpleafure) hee fpake to the Gentlewoman his
,Vyfe in this manner : "Gentlewoman, you being wife and curte-
ous as ech man knoweth, needefull it is not to vfe long or Retho-
ricall Orations, for fo mutch as vou without further fupply of talk
do clearely perceyue by my Looks, Sighes» and earneft Vieves, the
loue that I beare you, which without comparlfon nippeth mv
TIIE LORDS OF NOCERA.
367
Hearte fo neare as none tan feele the parching paynes that the
faine poore portion of me doth fuffer. .Vherefore hauing no
great leyfilre to let you further vnderriand my mynde, it may
pleafe you to fhewe me fo mutch Fauour as I mav be receyued
for him, who hauing the better right of vour good graee, may
therewithall enioy that fecret Acquayntanee, which futch a one
as I ara deferueth : of whom yee fhall haue better experienee if
you pleafe to aceept him for your owne." This mirireffe Lieute-
naunt which eompted hir le|le happy to be beloued of hir Lorde,
and who tooke great pleafure in that aduenture, albeit that fhee
defyred to lette hym knowe the good will that fhe bare vnto
him, yet diffembled the matter a little, by aunfvering him
in this wife: "'Your difeafe Sir is fodayne, if in fo little time
vou haue felt futch exceffe of malady: but perchance it is your
heart that being ouer tender, hath lightly reeeyued the pricke,
which no doubt will fo foone vaniflb as it hath ruade fo ready
entry. I ara very glade (Sir) that your heart is fo merily dis-
pofed to daliaunee, and tan finde fome matter to contriue the
fuperfluitle of tyme, the lame altering the diuerfitv of man's com-
plexion, accordingly as the condition of the hourely Planer
guideth the nature of euery wight." "It is altogither otherwife
(aunfwered hee) for being eome hither as a marier and Lord, I ara
become a feruaunt and flaue: and briefly to fpeake my minde, if
you haue hot pitty vpon me, the difeafe which you call fodayne,
not only will take increafe, but procure the death and finall ruine
of mv heart."4 "Ah tir," (fayd the Gentlevoman) " your griefe is
not fo deepely rooted, and death fo prefent to fuceeede as you
affirme, ne yet fo ready to gieue ouer the place, as you protef,
but I fee what is the matter, you defire to laugh mec to fcorne,
and your heart craueth fomething to folaee it felfe whieh eannot
be idle, but mufi imploy the vacant tyme vpon fome pleafaunt
Toyes." "You haue touched the pricke (aunfwered the Louer) for it
is you in deede wherevpon my hearte doth ioy and you are the
caufe of my Laughter and paffetime, for otherwife all my delights
were difpleafures and you alfo by denying me to be your fer-
uaunt, fhall abbreuiate, and fhorten my liuing dayes who only
reioyfeth for choyfe of futch a myrireffe." "And how (replied fhe)
368
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
can I be affured of that you fay? The difloyalty, and infidelity of
man being in thefe dayes fo fafle vnited, fo hafiely following one
another, as the Shadow doth the Body, wherefoeuer it goeth."
"" Onely experience" (fayed he) "' fhall make you know what I am,
and flall teach vou xvheather my heart is any thing different from
my vordes, and I dare bee bolde to fay, that if vou vouchfafe to do
mee the pleafure to recevue mee for your owne, vou may make
your vaunt to haue a Gentleman fo faythfull for your frend, as I
eeeme you to be difcrete, and as I defire to let you taire the
effe(t of mine affe&ion, bv futch fome hone order as may be
deuifed." "Sir" (fayd fhe) " it is well and aduifedl.v fpoken of
yotb but ver I thincke it flraunge for futch a Gentleman as vou
be, to lebafe your honor to fo poore a Gentlewoman, and to goe
about both to difhonor me, and to put my life in pearill." "' God
forbid " (aunfwered the Lord Nicholas) "'that I be caufe of any
flaunder, and rather had I dve my felfe than miniter one fimple
occafion whereby your fame fhould be brought in queion. Only
I doe pray you to bave pitty vpon me, and by vfing your curtefie,
to fatiffie that which mv feruice and faythfull friendfhip doth
conflrayne, and binde you for the comfort of him that loueth you
better than himfelfe." ""Ve will talke more thereof hereafter"
(aunfwered the lieuetenaunt's Vyfe) "and than will I tell you mine
aduife, and what refolution fhall follow the fumme of your de-
maunde." "How now Gentlewoman"(fayd he)"haue you the heart
to leaue me voyde of hope, to make me languifla for the prorogation
of a thing fo doubtful, as the delayes bee whieh loue deferreth ? I
humbly pray you to tell me whereunto I fhall trutt: to the intent
that by punifhing my heart for proofe of this enterprife, I may
chaflife all mine Eves by reuing from them the meanes for euer
more to fee that whieh eontenteth me befl, and wherein refleth
mv folace, leauing mv minde full of defires, and my heart without
final flay, vppon the greatefl Pleafure that euer man eoulde
ehoofe." The Gentlewoman would not loofe a Noble man fo good
and perle&: whofe prefenee already pleafed hir aboue ail other
thinges, and, who voluntarily had agreed to hys requeft, by the
onely figne of hir Gefts, and Lookes, favde vnto him flnilinge with
a very good graee : "Doe hOt aecufe my heart of lightneffe, nor
TIIE LORDS OF I'OCERA.
369
my minde of infidelitv and treafon, if to pleafe and obey you, I
forger mv duty, and abufe the promife ruade unto mv Hufband,
for I fweare vnto you (tir) bv God, that I haue more forced mv
thought, and of long time haue eonfrayned mine appetites in
diffembling the loue that I beare you, than I haue reeeiued plea-
fure, by knowing mv felfe to be beloued bv one agreeable to mine
affecCtion. For whieh eaufe vou/hall findê me (being but a poore
Gentlewoman) more ready to do your pleafure, and to be at your
eommaundement, than anv other that liueth be /hee of greater
Port, and regarde than I ara. And who to fatiffie your requeft,
/hal one day faerifice that fidelitv to the iealous furv of hir hus-
hand." "God defend " (fayd the young Lord) "for we tbal be fo
diferete in our doings, and fo feldome eommunieate, and talke
togeather, as impoflîble for anv man to di-fcrv the fame. But if
mit'hap will haue it fo, and that fome ill lueke doe difeouer out
dealinges, I haue /hift of wayes to eoloure it, and power to fop
the mouthes of them that date prefime to elatter and haue to do
with our priuate conferenee." "Ail that I know wel inough tir"
(fayd /he) "but it is great fimplieity in futeh thinges for a ma,
to truft to his authority, the foreed inhibition whereof /hall pro-
uoke more babble, than rumor is able to fpreade for ail his tattling
talk of our fecret follies. Moreouer I xvould be very glad to do
what pleafeth you, fo the faine mav be without flaunder. For I
had rather dy, than anv/hould take vs in our priuities and fami-
lier paftimes: let vs be contented with the pleafure that the eafe
of out ioy may graunt, and hot with futeh contentation as/hal
offend es, bv blotting the clereneffe of out good naine." Conelud-
ing then the time of their new aequayntaunce, whieh was the next
dav at noone, when the Lieutenaunt did walke into the Citty, thev
ceafed their talke for feare of his enteruiew. XVho (upon his re-
tourne) doing reuerence vnto his Lord, tolde him that hee knewe
where a wilde Boare did haunte, if it pleafed him to fee the pas-
rime. "Vhereunto the Lord Nicholas favned louingly to gieue eare
(although agaynf his xvil!) for fo muteh as hee thought the faine
Huntinge /hould be a delay for certavne dayes to the enioying,
(pretended and affured) of his beloued. But fhe that was fo mutch
or more efpryfed with the raging and intollerable tire of loue»
VOL. llI. 2 A
370
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
fpeedily round meanes to fatiffie hir louer's lute, but hOt in futch
rnanner as was defired of evther partes, wherefore they were eon-
ftrayned to defer the ref vntill an other time. This pleafaunt
beginning fo allured the Lord of Noeera, as vnder the pretence of
huntinge, there was no weeke that paffed, but hee came to vifite
the Varrener ofhvs Lieutenaunt. And this order eontinuing with-
out any one little fufpition of their loue, they gouerned thevm-
felues wifelv in purfute thereof. And the Lord Nicholas vfed
the game and fporte of Hunting, and an infinite number of other
exercifes, as the running of the Ring, and Tennis, not fo mutch
therebv, to finde meanes to eniov his Lady, as to auoyde occafion
of Iealofie in hir Hutband, being a verv familiar vice in all Italians,
the CIoake whereof is verv heauy to beare, and the difeafe trouble-
fome to fui°arne. But what ? Like as itis hard to beguile an
Vfurer in the accoumpt of his money, for his continuall watch
ouer the lame, and flumbring fleepes vpon the Bookes of his
recknings and accoumpts, fo difficult it is to dece)'ue the heart of
a iealous man, and fpecially when he is affured of the griefe which
his head concevueth. _Argus was neuer fo cleere eyed for all his
hundred Eves ouer Iupiter's Lemman, as thofe Louers be, whofe
opinions be ill affecCted ouer the chaftity of their \Vyues. Moreouer
x'hat Foole, or Afie is hee, who feeing futch vndifcrete familiaritv
of two Louers, the priuy geures and demeanors without witneffe,
thevr ftolne walkes at vntymely houres, and fometimes theyr
embracements to, ftrayght and common before feruants, that would
not doubt of that whvch mol° fecretly did paffe ? True it is that
in England (where liberty is fo honeftly obferued as being alone
or fecrete conuerfation gyueth no caufe of fufpition) the fame
mighte haue bene borne withall. But in Italy, where the Parents
themfelues be for the mort part fufpecCted, (if there had bene no
facCte in deede committed) that familiarity of the Lord Nicholas,
with hys Lieutenaunte's \Vyfe was hot fuffrable, but exceded the
Bounds of reafon, for fo mutch as the Commoditie which they had
chofen for poffeffing of theyr loue, (albeit the fame hot fufpi-
tions) animated them afterwards to frequent their familiarity and
dyfporte to frankly, and wythout difcretion: which was the
caufe that fortune (who neuer leaueth the ioves of men wvthout
TttE LOP, DS OF NOCERA.
371
giuing thereunto fome great alarme,) being enuious of the mutuall
delightes of thofe two louers, ruade the hufband to doubt of that
whieh hee would haue diffembled, if honor eould fo eafilv be lofte
wythoute reproeh, as bloud is fhed without peryll of Lyfe, but the
matter being fo eleare, as the fault was euident, fpeeyally in the
party which touehed him fo neare as hymfelfe, the Lieuetenaunt
before he would enterpryfe any thing, and deelare what he thought
defired throughly to bee refolued of that whveh hee fawe as it
were but in a Cloude, and by reafon of hys eoneevued Opynion
hee dealt fo warely and wifelv in thofe affaires, and was fo fubtil
an efpiall, as one day when the louers were at theyr gaine, and in
their mort ftraite and feerete embraeements, he viewed them cou-
pied with other leafh, than he would haue wifled, and eolled with
ttraighter bands then reafon or honefty dd permit. He faw
with out beeiug feene, wherein he felt a certaine eafe and eon-
tentment, for being affured of that he doubted, and purpofed to
ordevne a fowre refe&ion after their delightfome banket, the fim-
ple louers ignoraunt by figne or eonieure, that their enterpryfes
were dyfeouered. And truely it had ben more tollerable and
leffe hurteful for the Lieuetenaunte, if euen then hee had perpe-
trated his vengeaunee, and punyfhed them for thevr wyckedneffe,
than to vfe the Cruelty wherewith afterwardes he blotted his
renoume, and foyled his hands by Bedlem rage in the innocent
bloud of thofe that were hot priuye to the folly, and leffe guilty
of the wronge don vnto him. Now the Captain of the Cartel for
al his diffimulation in couering of his griefe, and his fellonv and
Treafon intended againft his foueraigne Lord, whieh he defired
hot yet manifefily to appeare, was hot able any more from that
time forth to fpeake fo louingly vnto him, nor with futeh refpe
and reuerenee as he did before, whieh eaufed his \Vife thus to fay
vnto hir Louer: "Mv Lord I doubt verv muteh leaft rny huiband
doth pereeiue thefe out eommon pra&izes, and feerete familiar
dealings, and that he bath fome Harnmer working in his heade, bv
reafon of the Countenaunee,and vneheareful entertaynement which
he fheweth to your Lordfhip, wherefore myne aduvfe is, that vou
retire for a certaine tyme to Foligno. In the meane fpaee I wil
marke and efpye if that his alteration be eoneeiued for any matter
372
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
againçt vs, and wherefore his wonted Iookes haue put on this new
alteration and chaunge. AIl which when I haue (by my efpial
and fecret pra&ize founded) I will fpedily aduertife you, to the
end that you may pro'ide for the fauegard of your faithfu|l and
louing feruaunt." The young Lord, who loued the Gentlewoman
wvth al his heart, was attached with fo great gryefe, and dryuen
into futch rage bv hearyng thofe wycked Newes, as euen prefently
he woulde haue knowne of hvs Lieuetenaunt, the caufe of his
dvfwonted cheare. But weyghing the good aduvfe whvch his
woman had giuen him, paufed vppon the fame, and promyfed
hir to doe what fle thought beft. By reafon whereof, gyuynge
warnyng to his Seruantes for hvs departure, he eaufed the Lveuete-
naunte to be ealled before him, vnto whome hee fayd: "'Cap-
tayne, I had thoughte for certavne Daves to fporte and paffe mv
tyme, but hearing tell that the Duke of Camarino commeth to
Foligno, to debate with vs of matters of importaunee, I am eon-
rained to departe, and do pray you in the meane time to haue
good regard w, to our affaires, and if any newes doe chaunee to
aduertife the faine wyth ail Expedytion." '" Sir" (fayd the Cap-
tayne) "' I ara forrye that now when our paffetime of hunting
myght yelde fome good reereation vnto your honour, that you
doe thus forfake vs, notwithfandyng fith it is your good plea-
fure. we will ceafe the chafe of the wylde Bore till your retourne.
In the meane time, I will make readv the Coardes and Tramelles,
that vppon your comming, nothing want for the Furniture of our
fport." The Lord l'qicholas, feeing his Lieuetenaunt fo pleafauntly
difpofed, and fo litle bent to Choller, or iealous fantafie, was
perfuaded, that fome other toy had rather oeeupyed his Minde,
than anv fufpition betweene his Wife and hym. But the fubtvll
Hulband fearehed other meanes to be reuenged, than by kylling
him alone, of hom he reeeyued that difhonour, and was more
eraftie to enterpryfe, and more hardie to exeeute, than the Louers
were wvfe or well aduifed to preuent and wythftande his fleightes
and pollieies. And albeit that the XVyfe (after the departure of hir
Fryend) alYayed to drawe from him the eaufe of his altered eheare
vet eoulde flee neuer learne, that hir hulband had any iii opinion
of thevr Loue. For fo manv tvmes as talke was moued of the
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
373
Lord Nicholas, hee exalted his prayfe vp into the Heauens, and
commended hym aboue all his Brethren. Ail whvch hee dyd to
beguyle the pollycies of hir, whome he faw to blufh, and manv
times chaunge Colour, when fhe heard him fpoken of, to whom
fhe bare better affe&ion than to hir Hufband, vnto whom (in verv
dede} fhe did owe the faith and integritie of hir body. This was
the very toile which he had laid to intrap thofe amorous perlons
and purpofed to rid the world of them bv that meanes, to remoue
from before his eyes» the flame of a Cuckolde's title, and to reuenge
the iniurie don to his reputation. The milreffe of the Cafiel
feeynge that hir hutband (as fhee thought) by no meanes did
vndertande hir follies, defired to continue the pleafure» which
either of them defired, and which ruade the third to die ofphrenefie,
wrote to the Lord Nicholas, the letter that followeth.
"ly Lord, the feare I had, that my hutband flaould perceyue our
loue, caufed me to intreat you certaine daves pat, to difcontinue
for a time, the frequentation of your owne houle, wherebv I am
hOt little agrieued, that contrary to mv wil, I ara defrauded of vour
prefence» which is far more pleafaunt vnto me, than mv hutband's
flatteries» who ceafeth hot contynually to talke of the honefi
behauiÇur, and commendable qualyties that be in you, and is forrv
for your departure, bicaufe he feareth that vou miflyke voure
entertainement, whvch flould be (fa.vth he) fo gryeuous and nov-
fome vnto him, as death it felfe. "Vherefore, I pray 3"ou tir, if it
be poflïble, and that vour affa,'res doe fuffer you» to corne hither
to the ende I mav enioy your amayable prefence, and vfe the
Liberty that our good hap hath prepared, through the litle iealoufie
of mv hufband your Lieuetenaunt : who I fuppofe belote it be long
wi] intreat )'ou, fo great is his defire to make you paffetime of
hunting within vour owne Land and territorv. Favle hot then to
corne I befeech you, and we wyll fo well confider the gouernment
of out affaires, as the befi fighted fhall hot once difcry the leaft
fufpicion thereof, recommending my felt moR humbly (after the
bel maner I can) to vour good Lordfhip."
This Letter was deliuered to a Lackey to beare to the Lord
Nicholas» and hot fo priuily done, but the Lieutenaunt immediatelv
efpled the deceipt which thefooner was difciphred, for fo mu tch as he
374
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
daye|v |ay in wavte to find the meanes to reuenge the wrong done
vnto iaim» of purpofe to beate the iron fo long as it was hotte» and to
execute hvs purpofe before his Vife tooke heede» and felte the en-
deuor of lis Enterpryfe. And bicaufe that fhee had affayed bvdiuers
waves to round his heart, and fele whether he had conceiued dis-
pleafure againft the Lord hir louer the Dav after wherein fhe had
wrvtten to hir friend» hee lent one of his lklen in poe to the three
Lordes, to requyre them to corne the nexte Dav to fee the pafiime
of the favreft and greateft wild Bore, that long tyme was bred in
the Forreiis adioyning vnto Iocera» Aibeit that the Countrey was
favre for courfinge, and that dvuers tvmes many favre Bores haue
ben encountred there. But it was not for thls, that he had framed
his errand» but to trap in one tovle and fnare the thre brethren»
xhom he determined to facrifice to the aulter of his vengeance,
for the expiation of thevr eider brother's trefpaffe, and for fovl-
iug the Nuptial bed of his feruaunt. He was the wvlde Bore
whome he meant to ftrike» hee was the pray of his vnfaciable and
cruell Appetite. If the fault had ben generall of ali three togethers,
he had had fome reafon to make them paffe the bracke of one
equali fortune, and to tangle them within one net» both to preuent
therebv (as he thought) his further hurt, and to chaftife their
leude behauiour. For many tvmes (as lamentable experience
teacheth) Noble men for the onelv refpeête of their Nobility, make
no Confcience to doe wrong to the honor of them, whofe reputa-
tion and honefiy» they ought fo wel to regard as their owne.
Herein offended the good Prvnce of the Iewes Dauid» when to
vfe his Berfabe without fufpition, he caufed innocent Vrias to
bee flayne» in lieu of recompence for his good feruice» and diligent
execution of lais behelis. The chiidren of the proud Romane
king Tarquinius, did herein greatly abufe them felues, xvhen thev
violated that noble Gentleoman Lucrece, xvhom al hiftories do fo
mutch remembre, and whofe chaftity» al famous writers do com-
mend. Vppon futch as thev b% vengeance ought to be don» and
hot to defile the hands in the bloud ofinnocents, as the Parents and
Kinfemen of deade Lucrece did at Rome» and this Lieutenaunt at
l'ocera, vppon the brethren of him that had fent him into Corn-
wal, without paflïng ouer the Seas. But what ? Anger proceding
THE LORD$ OF lqOCERA.
375
of futch wronge, furmounteth al phrenefie, and exceedeth al the
bounds of reafon, and man is fo deuoyd of Wyts, by feeing the
blot of defamation, to lyght vpon him, as he feeketh al meanes
to hurt and difpleafe him that polluteth his renoume. AI the
race of the Tarquines for like fa& were banv/hed Rome» for the
onely brute whereof, the hutband of the faire raui/hed wife, was
contrayned to auoid the Place of lais natiuity. Paris alone
violated the body of Metaelaus, the Lacedemonian kyng, but for
reuenge of the rauv/hed Greeke, hot onely the glor.v and Rycheffe
of ftately Troy, but alfo the mort parte of Afia and Ettropa, was
ouertourned and defaced, if eredyte mav be gyuen to the reeordes
of the Auneyent. So in this fa& of the Lieutenaunt, the Lord
Nicholas alone, had polltted his bed, but the reuenge of the cruel
man extended further, and his fury raged fo farre, as the guiltleffe
were in greate Daunger to beare the penaunce, whieh /hall be
well perceiucd by the difeourfe that foloweth. The Captaine then
hauing lent his mel]hge, and beyng fire of his intent (no leffe
than if he already had the brethren within his hold, vpon the
point to couple them together with his wife, to fend them ail in
pilgrimage to vifite the faithfull forte, that blafon their loues in an
other worlde, with Dydo, Phyllis, and futeh like, that more for
difpayre than loue, bee paffcd the rirai&és of death) caufed to be
ealled before him in a feerete place, al the fouldiers of the Fort,
and futeh as with whome he was fure to preuayle, to whom not
without/heading forth fome teares, in heauie Countenaunee, he
fpake in this maner : " bi)' Companions and Fryends, I doubt not
but vee bee aba/hed to fee me wrapt in fo heauv plyght, and
appeare in this forme before you (that is to fay) bewept, heauy,
panting with fighes, and ail contrarv to my cul, orne, in other
fiate and maner, than my courage and degree requyre. But when
ve/hall waderfand the eaufe I ara affured that the eafe whveh
feemeth fraunge to you, /hall be thought iuft and ryght and fo
will perfourme the thing wherein I/hall employe you. Ye knowe
that the firft point that a Gentleman ought to regarde, eonfifteth
not onely in repelling the iniury done vnto the body, but rather it
behoueth that the fight begin for the defenfe of his honor, which
is a thinge that proceedeth from the ,lind% and reforteth to the
3î6
THE LORDS OF IOCERA.
Body, as the Infrument to vorke that which the fpyryte ap-
pointeth. Now it is honour, for conferuation whereof, an honef
man and one of good Courage feareth not to put hvrnfelfe in ail
perill and daunger of death and lotie of goodes, referring him-
felfe alfo to the guarde of that whvch toucheth as it were oure
owne reputation. In futch wyfe as if a good Captaine do fuffer
hvs fouldier to be a wycked man, a Robber, a Murderer, and an
exa&er, he beareth the note of dvfhonor albeit in all his doings
he gouerneth his errate after the rule of honefy» and doth nothing
that is vnworthv his vocation. But what? he being a head
vnited to futch members, if the partes of that vnited thing be
corrupt and naught, the head muf needes bear the blot of the
fault before referred to the whole Body. _A_las (fayd he figh-
ing) what parte is more neare, and dearer to Man, than that
which is giuen vnto him for a Pledge and Comfort duryng his
Life, and which is conioyned to be boue of his bone, and flefh of
his fie/h, to breath forth one 1Mynde, and to think with one heart
and equall wil. It is of the "Vyfe that I fpeake, who being the
movtie of hir hulband, ye ought not to mufe if I fay, that the
honoure of the one is the ref of the other, and the one infamous
and wycked, the other feeleth the troubles of futch mifchiefe» and
the "Vife being careleffe of hir honour, the hutband's reputation is
defiled, and is hot worthy of prayfe, if he fuffer futch fhame vn-
reuenged: I muft (Companions and good friends) here dyfcouer
that whych my heart would faine kepe fecrete, if it were poffible,
and mufi rehearfe a thing vnto )'ou, which fo fone as my Mouth
would faine kepe clore, the blinde affaveth to force the ouerture.
And loth I ana to do it, were it hot that I lnake fo good accompt
of you, as ve being tied to me with an vnfeparable _A.nity, will
veld me wmr comfort and Ayde againfi him that hath doue mee
this Villany, futch as if I be not reuenged vpon» needes mufi I be
the Executioner of that vengeance vppon my felfe» that I ara loth
to lyue in this difhonor, whych ail the daves of my life (without
due vltion) like a "Vorme wyll torment and gnaw my confcyence.
"Vherefore before I goe any further, I woulde knowe whether I
myght fo well trufi your aide and fuccour in this my bufineffe»
as in ail others I am affured you xvould hOt leaue mee fo long as
THE LORDS OF OCERA.
377
any breath of lire remained in you. For without futeh affurance,
I do not purpofe to let you know the pricking naile that pierceth
rny heart, nor the gryefe that grieueth me fo neare, as by vtter-
ing it without hope of help I thall open the Gare to death, and
dye without reliefe of my defire, by puniflaing him, of whome I
haue recevued an iniury more bloudy than any man can dGe."
The Souldiers whych loued the Captaine as thevr owne Lyfe, were
fi»rrv to fee him in futch errate, and greater was thevr dolour to
heare wordes that tended to nothing elle but t» fury, vengeaunce,
and murder of hvmfelfe. "Vherefore all wvth one accorde pro-
myfed thevr helpe and marne force towardes and againfi ail men
for the bryngyng to paffe of that whvch hec dyd meane to re-
quyre. The Lieutenaunt affured of his Men concevued heart and
Courage, and continuing his Oration and purpofe, determyned the
flaughter and ouerthrowe of thre Trinicien Brethrel b (for that was
the furnane of the Lordes of Foligno,) who purfued his Oration in
this mauer : "Know ye then (my Companions and good Friends)
that it is my Vife, by whome I haue indured the hurt and Ioffe
of myrte honour, and the is the party touched, and I ara he that
am mort offended. _And to the ende that I do hOt hold you longer in
fufpence, and the party be concealed from you, v¢hvch bath don
me thys Outrage: ve thall vnderftand that licholas Trinicio» the
elder ofthe three Lordes of Folingno and Nocera, is he, that againft
ail ryght and equity hath fuhorned the Wife of his Lieuetenaunt,
and foyled the Bed of him, whereof he ought to haue ben the
defender and the very bulwarke of his reputation. It is of hym
my good Fryends, and of his that I meane to take futch Venge-
aunee» as eternall memorv fhall difplay the faine to all pofterity :
and neuer Lord flml date to doe a like wrong to mine without
remembraunce what his duetv is, which fhall teach hym how to
abufe the honef feruiee of a Gentleman that is one of his owne
travne. It reteth in you both to holde vp your hand, and keepe
your promife, to the end that the Lord Nicholas, deceiuyng and
moeking me, may hot truff and put affianee in your force, vnto
whyeh I heartily do reeommend my felfe." The Souldiersmoued
and incited with the wickedneffe of theyr Lord and with the wrong
378
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
done to him, of whom thev receyued wages, fwore agayne to
ferue his turne in any exploit he went about, and requyred him to
be affured, that the, Trinicien Brethren thould be ouerthrovne,
and fuffer deferued penaunce, if thev might lay hands vpon them,
and therefore willed him to feke meanes to allure them thither,
that they might be difpatched. The Lieuetenaunt at these words
renuing a chearefull Countenaunce, and thewing himfelf verv
iovfull for futch fucceffe after he had thanked his Souldyers, and
very louingly imbraced the chiefefi of them, reuealed hvs deuifed
polliey, and hoped thortlv to haue them at his commaundement
within the Fort, alleaging that he had difpatched two lleffengers
vnto them, and that his wife alfo priuily had lent hir page: vnto
whome he purpofed to gyue fo good a recompenfe, as neuer more
the thould plant his bornes fo hygh, vnder a colour of gentle
entertavnement of hir ribauld and Friend. Thev were fcarce re-
folued vpon this intent, but newes were brought him, that the
next day morning, the three lords accompanied with other nobilitv
would corne to Nocera, to hunt that huge wvlde Bore, whereof the
Lieutenaunt had ruade fo greate auant. Thefe newes did not
greatly pleafe the Captaine, for fo mutch as he feared, that his
purpofe could not (conueniendy) be brought to paffe, if the com-
pany were fo grcat. Iut when he confidered that the Lords alone,
thould Iodge ithin the Fort, he was of good cheare again, and
ttaied vpon his firfi intent. The Triniciens the next day after
came verv latc, bicaufe the Lord Berardo of Verano duke of
Camerino, defired to be one, and alfo the two brethren taried for
Conrade, who was at a mariage, and could hOt affifi the Tragedie
that was played at N'ocera, to his great hap and profit. So this
troupe came to Nocera late» and hauing fupped in the City, the
Lord Nicholas, and the Duke of Camerino went to Bed in the Fort,
Coesar the brother of Trinicio tarying behind with the Trayne, to
lodge in the citv. Stay here a while (ye Gentlemen) ye I fay, that
purfue the fecrete fielths of loue, neuer put any great trufi in
fortune, which feldome kepeth hir promife ith vou. Ye had
r.eede therfore to take goode heede, leafi ve be furpryfed in
the place, wher priuily you giue the affault, and in the are
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
379
wherein ye defire the affiftance of none. See the barbarous
crueity of a Lieutenant, xvhich loued rather to kiil his corriuai in
his cold b]oud, than otherwife to be reuenged, when he faw him
a bed with his ,Vife, ptrpofely that the example of his ftry myght
be the better knowne, and the fecret fclander more euident, from
the roote whereof did fpryng an infinite number of Murders
and mifchiefs. About midnight then, when ail thinges vere
at relt vnder the darke filence of the nyght, the Lieutenant
came to the Chamber of the Lord Nicholas, accompanied vith
the molt part of the Watch, and hauyng ltopt vp the yeoman
of hys Chaumber, hee fo dreffed the Companion of hys Bedde,
as for the firlt proofe of his courtefle, he caufed hvs Membres
and priuy partes to be cut of, fayiug vnto him with cruell dis-
dayne: "Thou fhait hot henceforth (wycked wretch)weid this
launce into the relt, thereby to batter the honour of an honelter
man than thy feif." Then ianching his ttomacke with a piercing
blade, he tare the heart out of his beily, faying: "'Is this the
trayterous Heart that hath framed the plot and deuvfed the enter-
prife of my fhame, to make this infamous villaine without Life, and
his renoume without prayfe? " _And hot content with this Crueity,
he wreakt the like vpon the remnaunt of his body, that fometimes
the runnagate 1Medea did vpon hir innocent brother, to faue the
Lyre of hir felfe, and of hir friend Iafon. For fhe cut him into an
hundred thoufand pieces, gyuing to euerv 1Membre of the poore
murdred foule hir word of mockery and contempt. ,Vas it not
fufficient for a tirannous hufband to be reuenged of hvs fhame,
and to kili the party which had defamed him, without vfing fo
furious Anotamie vpon a dead body, and wherein there was uo
longer feeling? But what? Ire beyng wvthout meafure, a,ad
anger wvthout Brvdle or reafon, it is hot to be wondrêd, if in ai
his a&es the Captayne ouerpaffed the iu9t meafure of vengeance.
lXlany would thinke the committed murder vppon Nicholas, to
be good and iuf: but the Iufice of au offenfe, ought hot fo
longe time to be conceyled but rather to make him feele the
fmart at the very tyme the deed is done to the ende that the
nypping gryefe of peftilent treafon wrought againft the betrayed
party, be not obfcured and hydden by fodayue rage aud lacke of
380
THE LORDS OF IWOCERA.
reafon rifing in the mindes firf motions, and thereby alfo the
faulte of the guilty, by hvs indifcretion couered : otherwyfe there
is nothyng that ean eolour futeh vice. For the law indifferentlv
doth punifh euery man, that without the blagifrates order taketh
authoritv to venge his own wrong. But eome we againe vnto
out purpofe. The Captayne all imbrued in bloude, entred the
Chaumber of the Duke of Camerino, whom with al the ref of
the frangers that were wythin the Caffle, hec lodged (without
fpeakynge any worde) in a deepe and obfeure pryfon. Beholde,
xvhat refte they tooke that nyghte, whyeh were eome to hunt the
Wylde Boare. For wythout trauaylyng farre, they were intrapped
in the fubtill engines and Nettes of the furious Lieuetenaunte, vho
when the morning bedecked with hir vermilion eleare began to
fhewe hir felfe, when all the Hunters dvd put them felues in
read.vneffe, and coupled vp theyr Dogges to marche into the
Fielde, beholde, one of the Captayne's eruell Minilers wente into
the City, to eaufe the Lord Coefar to eome and fpeake vvith hys
brother Nicholas, and intreated him hOt to tarry, for that he and
the Duke were dyfpofed to fhewe hym fome difport. Coefar
whych neuer fufpeeted the leaf of thefe ehauneed murders,
defired not to be prayed agay,e, but made hafe to the Butcherie
iike a lamb, and in the eompany of the \Volues themfelues that
were in readvneffe to kyll hvm. He was no fooner in the Court
of the Caille, but feuen or eyght Varlets apprehended hvm and
hvs Men, and carrved hvm into the Chaumber (bound lyke a
tbefe) ,,herin the Membres of hys lvferable Brother were eut of
and difperfed, whofe corpfe was pitifully gored md arraved in
Bioud. If Coefar were abafhed to fee himfelfe bound and taken
pryfoner he was more aftonned when he perceyued a body fo
dyfinembred, and whieh as vet he knewe not. "Alas," (fayd he)
"" what fighte is this? Is thvs the bore whyeh thou haf eaufed
vs to eome hvther to hunt within our verv Fort ?" The Captayne
rifing vp, al imbrued wvth bloud, whofe face and voyee promifed
nothing but Murder to the miferable young Gentleman fard : "Sec
Coefar, the Body of thine aduherous brother Nieholas, that
infamous vvhoremonger, and marke if this be not his head: I
woulde to God that Conrade were here alfo that ye might ail three
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
be plaeed at this fumptuous Banket, which I haue prepared for
you. I fweare wto thee then, that this flaould be the last day of
all the Trinicien race, and the end of vour Tirannies and wicked
Lire. But fith I cannot get the effec°c of that whych my heart
defireth, my minde flml take repati in the triumph which Fortune
hath ordeined. Curffed be the mariage and Vedding at Trevio,
that hath hvndred me of an occafion fo apte, and of the meanes
to difpatch a matter of filtch importance as is the ouerthrow of
fo manv tirants." Coefar at this fentence tiode fo tlil, as whilom
dvd the wyfe of Loth, by feing the City on tire, and confume into
afhes: by the fight whereof fhe was conuerted into a tione of
Sait. For when he fawe that bloudy Pageant, and knew that it
was his brother Nicholas, pity and feare fo tiopt the pipes of his
fpeach, as without complayning himfelf or framing one word, he
fiffred his throte to be cut by the barbarous captaine, who threw
him halle dead vpon the corps of his brother, that the bloud of
either of them might cry vp to the heauens for fo Ioud vengeance
as that of Abel dyd, being flain by the treafon of his neareti bro-
ther. Beholde the dreadful begynnings of a heart rapt in fury,
and of the mind of him that hot refitiing his fond affec°cions,
executed the terrible pra¢:tizes of his owne braine, and preferring
his fantafie aboue reafon, deuifed futch ruine and deeay, as bv
thefe Examples the Poteritye l'hall haue good caufe to wonder.
The lvke Crueltv vfed Tiphon towards his brother O,ris hy
chopping his body in xxvi. gobhets, whereby enfued the decay
of him and his, by Orus whome fome doe furname Appollo.
And troxveth the Captayne to loke for leffe mercv of the Brother
of the other twayne that were murdered and of the Dukes kindred
whome he kept Pryfoner . But he was fo blvnded with Fury, and
it may be, led bv ambition'and defvre to he made Lord of Nocera,
that he was not contented to venge his l'haine on hym whych had
offended, but affayed to murder and extinguyl'h all the Trinicien
bloud: the enheritaunce onlv remaining in them. And to come
to the end of his Enterprife, this Italyan Nero, not content wyth
thefe fo manv flaughters, but thereunto adioyned a new Treafon
affaying to win the Citizens of Noeera to moue rebellion agaynf
their Lord, caufing them to affemble before the Forte, vnto whome
382
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
vppon the .Valles, he vfed this or like Oration : « I haue hitherto
(my iMai[ters)diffembled the Ivttle pleafure that mv heart hath
felt to fee fo manv true and faithful Citizens, fubiecCte vnder the
wvll and unbrydeled luftes of two or three Tvraunts : who hauing
gotten Power and authoritv ouer vs, more through our owne follv
and cowardyfe, than by valiance, verrue and iuftice, either in them
or thofe which haue difpoyled this countrey of their auncient
libertv. I will hot denv but pryncipalities of longe entraunce and
Foundation dervued by fuecefiïon of inherytaunce, haue had fome
fpyce and kvnde of Equity, and that Lordes of good lyfe and con-
uerfation ought to be obeyed, defended and honored. But where
inuafion and feafi, re is againll ryght, where the people is fpoyled
and Lawes violated, it is no confcience to difobev and aboli(h futch
moniters of nature. The Romanes in the prime age of their Coin-
mon ,Vealth fui wel declared the lame, when they banihed out of
their Citv that proud race of the Tirant Tarquine, and when thev
went about to exterminate al the rootes of cruelty and tyrannical
power. Our Neighbors the Sicillians once dvd the like vnder the
condu& of Dion, againft the difruled fi, ry and wilful cruelty of
Denis the tvrant of Syracufa, and the Atheniens againtt the Chvl-
dren of Pifiitratt,s. And ve that be forted from the ttocke of
thofe Samnites, which in ti,nes pait fo long heald vp their Heades
againft the Romane force, will ye be fo very cowardes and weake
hearted for refpeé't of the title of your feigniorie as ye date not
'ith me to attempt a valiant enterprife for reducing your felues
into libertye, and to expell that vermyne broode of Tvrauuts which
fwarme through out the whole regyon of Italy. .Vyll yee bee
fo mated and dumped, as the l'hadow alone of a fond and incon-
ftant young man, ff,ail holde your Nofe to the Grindtlone, and
drawe you at his luit lyke an Oxe into the ftall ? I feare that if ye
faw your .Vit, es and Daughters haled to the paffetyme and plea-
fure of thefe Tirauntes, to glutte the whoredome of thofe ftyncking
Goate Bucks, more Lecherous and filthv than the fenfeles fpar-
rowes: I feare (I fay) that ve durit hOt make one Sygne for
demonftratyon of your .Vrath and dyfpleafure. No, no (my
mayiters of Nocera,) it is hyghe tyme to cutte of the Hydra hvs
heads, and to ftrangle hym wythin hvs Caue. The tyme is corne
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
(I fay) xvherein it behoueth vou to fllewe your felues lvke Men,
and no longer to diffemble the cale that toucheth you fo neare.
Confvder whether it bee good to follow mvne aduyfe, to repoffede
agayne the thyng whvch is your owne, (that is) the Freedome
wherein your Aunceflers gloryfied fo mutch, and for which thev
feared hot to bazarde theyr Goodes and Lvues. It wyll corne good
cheape, if vou be ruled by me, it wyll redound to your treble Fame,
if iyke Men ye follow my aduyfe, whych I hope to let you fhortelv
fee wythout any great peryll or loffe of your Citizens Bloud. I
haue felt the effe ofthe Trinicien Tirannye, and the rigor of their
vnrighteous gouernment, which hauing begonne in me, they will
hot faile, if they be hot chaflifed in rime, to extend on you alfo,
whome they deeme to be their flaues. In lyke manner I haue
firft begon to repreffe their boldneffe, and to wythflande their
leud behauior : yea and if you Mynde to vnderflande ryght from
wrong, an eafv matter it will be to perfourme the ref[, the time
beinge fo commodious, and the difcouerv of the thinge whereof I
haue ruade you fo priuy, fo conuenient. And know ye, that for the
exploit of mine intent, and to bryng you agayne altogether in
Liberty, I haue taken the twoLordsiNicholas and Coefar pryfonners,
attending till fortune do bryng to me the third, to pay him with
like money and equall guerdon, that hot onely you may bee free
and fetled in your auncient priuiledge, but my heart alfo fatiffied
of the wrong which I haue receiued by their iniuftice. Beleue
(Maifters) that the thing whych I haue done" was not wythoute
open iniury receiued, as by keepyng it clofe I burfi, and bv telling
the faine I ara afhamed. I wil kepe it fecrete, notwithftanding,
and fhal pray you to take heede vnto your felues, that by vniuerfal
confent, the mifchiefe may be preuented. Deuife what anfwer
you wyll make nie, to the intent that I bv following your aduife,
may alfo be refolued vpon that I haue to do, without Preiudice
but to them to whome the cale doth chyefly appertayne." Duryng
al this difcourfe, the wycked Captayne kept clore the iMurder
which hee had committed, to drawe the XVorme out of the 1Noce-
fines Nofe, and to fee of what Mynde they were, that vppon the
intellygence thereof, he myght woorke and follow the tvme accor-
d.vngly. Hee that had feene the Cvtizens of Nocera after that fedyti-
384
TtIE LORDS OF NOCERA.
ous Oration, would haue thought that he had heard a murmure of
Bees, when iffuing forth their Hyues, they light amidlt a pleafauut
Herber, adorned and beautyfied with diuers coloured floures. For
the people flocked and affembled togythers, and began to grudge
at the impryfonment of ther Lord, and the treafon eommitted bv
the Lieuetenaunte, thynking it very ftraunge that he which was a
houfhold feruaunt durR be fo bold to feafe on thofe to whome he
dvd owe all honour and Reuerenee. And do affure vou that if he
had ben below, as he was vpon the rampire of the Valles, thev
had torne him into fo many pieces, as he had marie Gobbets*.of the
Lord Nicholas body. But feing that they could not take him, they
went about to feeke the deliueraunce of them, whome thev
thought to be vet aliue : and one of the chvef of the Citv in the
Naine of them ail fhortly and bryefly, aunfwered him thus: '" If
malice did hot well difcouer it felfe in the fugred and Traiterous
compofition of thy woordes (O Captayne) it were eafv inough for
an inconRant People (bent to chaunge, and defirous of innoua-
tions,) to heare and do that, which futeh a traitor and flatterer
as thou art doR propofe: but we hauing til now indured nothing
of the Triniciens that fauoreth of Tiranny, cruelty, or exceffe, we
were no leffe to be accufed of felony, than thou art guilty of
Rebels cryme, by feafyng vpon the Perfons of thy Lords, if we
fhoulde velde credyt to thv Serpents hiffing, or lend aide to thv
traiterous pra&ife, thou goeff about againf'c them who innoblyng
thee are trayteroufly berieued of that ,vhich coneerned their re-
putation and greatneffe. We be an honeff People and faithfull
Subie&s. We wyll hOt be both .Vicked and vnhappy at once, and
without caufe expeli our heads out of our common .Vealth. No
though they fhouid perpetrate the mifchiefes whvch thou haf
alleadged. Vppon futch Nouelties and ffraunge fa&s we fhail
take newe aduife and Couneell. To be fhort, thou fhah pleafure
vs to fer our Lordes at Lyberty, and thou like a wyfe man fhalt doe
thv duety, and fatiffy a People which eafilv tan hot endure that
a fubie&e do wrong to thofe to whome he oweth obedience. And
feare not to receiue anye eui]l of them, nor vet to feele anoyaunee,
for x'ee vll take vppon vs by honef meanes to eraue pardon for
thv fauh hov havnous fo euer it be. But if thou continue thine
THE LORDS OF IqOCERA.
385
offence, be fure that the Lord Conrade /hall be aduertifed, and
with ail our power we/hall fuccour hitn bv force, to let thee feele
the Nature of Treafon, and what reward is incvdeut to the prac-
tizers of the faine." The Captaine aibeit he was abafled with that
aunfwere, and faw that it would uot he wei wvth him if he did hot
prouid fpedy remedy and order for his affayres, afwell for the
comming of the Lord Conrade, as of the brother of the Duke
Camerino, told the Citizens that within three or foure dayes he
wouid giue them a refolute aunfwer, and fo it might be, yeide
vnto theyr wyiles, and delyuer them whom he had in holde. Thvs
gentle atmfwere dvd nothyng flav the Citizets for the accomplyfl-
ment of that which they thought beft to do, knowing alfo that
the gailant had hot commenced that Tragedy, but for other toves
whych his vngracious head had framed for a further intended
Myfchiefe, for which caufe thev affembled their Counceli, and
concluded that one/hould ryde in poRe to the Lord Conrade, (the
third aud remnaunt of the Brethren,) that hee myghte corne to
take order for the delvueraunce of Nicholas and Coefar whome
they thought he had referued fiill alvue in Captiuity. The
/qocerines/hewed this curtefie (not but that they woulde gladly
haue bene at lyberty, if the way had bene better troden,) afweli
for the iyttle trait they repofed in the Captayne, who they thoughte
would be no more gentle and faithfull, than he/hewed himfeife to
be lovail to his MaiRers, and for that Conrade was well beloued of
the Lordes his Neighbors, and fpecially of the impryfoned Duke
and his Brother Braccio blontone, who had the halian men of
,Varre at his pleafure, and that the Noble men woulde affiite him
wvth ail their power. Vherefore they confidered that theyr
fairefl and ber way, for auoiding of factions, was to kepe thcm-
felues trufty and true, and by hot hearkening to a Traitor, to bvnd
their foueraigne Lord with futch duety and obedience, as the
vnkindeft man of the worid would confeffe aud acknowledg for
the confequence of a matter of futch importance. The feditious
captaine on the other ride, void of hope, and in greater rage than
hee was before, perfiRed in hvs folly, hot without forefeeyng
howe hee myghte faue himfelfe, which hee had pollitikely brought
to paffe, if God had not flaortened his waye» by paymcnt of Vfury
'VOL. III. EE B
386
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
fer hys XVyckedneffe, and by verv dilygence of them in whome
hee repofed his truffe, the manner and howe, immedyately doeth
follow. So foone as he had gyuen ouer the Councell of the Citizens
and a lyttle bethought him what he had to do, he called before
him two yong Men, whom aboue al others he truffed beff. To
thefe yong men he deliuered all his Gold, Syluer and Iewels, that
they mighte conuey the lame out of the iurifdi&ion of his Lords,
to the intente that when he faw hvmfelf in daunger, he myght
retire to the place where thofe gallants had before carrved his
furniture, and mountinge them vpon two good ffeedes, he let them
forth at the Pofterne gate, praying them fo foone as they could to
retourne aduertvfement of their abode, and that fpedily he would
rend after them hys Chvldren and the reff of his motteables, tellyng
them that he fpecially committed his Lyfe and goodes into their
hands, and that in time and place he would acknowledg the Benefite
don vnto him in that diftreffe. The two that were thus put in
truft for fauegard of hvs thyngs, promifed vnto him Golden Hilles
and Miracles: but fo foone as they had lori the fight of thevr
maifter, they deuifed another compIotte and determined to breake
faith to him, which was forfworne, and who made no confcience
not onely to reuolt, but alfo cruelly to kill his foueraigne Lordes.
They thought it better to rvde to Treuio, to tell the Lord Conrade
the pitifull end of his brethren, and the impryfomnent of the Duke
of Camerino, than to feeke reff for him, whome God permitted
not to be faued, for his heinous firme already committed, and for
that which he mente to do vppon hvs XVvfe. For all the dyligence
that the 1Nocerines had made, yet were the Lieuetenaunte's Men at
Treuio before them, and hauyng filled the Eares of Conrade with
thofe heauy Newes, and hys Eyes with Teares, his Mynde with
forrow, and Spyrite with defyre to be reuenged, and as Conrade
was about to mount on horfe backe wyth the Trayne hee had, the
Citizens were arrvued to difclofe the Impryfonment of his brethren.
To whome Conrade made aunfwere: "I would to GoD (my friends)
that the tirant had ben contented with the litle cruelty wherof
you fpeake, for then I would find the meanes to agree the parties
vpon the knowledge of their variance. But (alas) his malice hath
Daffed further, and hath beaftly flain my hrethren: but I fwear
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
387
by the almighty God, that if he giue me life, I wil take futch,
and fo eruell vengeaunee on him, as he fhall be a Glaffe to all his
lyke, for punifhment of a fault fo horrible. Depart my frends,
depart and get you home, difpofe your watch and gard about the
Caftell, that the traiter do not efeape: and affure vour felues that
this your loue fhall neuer he forgotten, and you ff'mil haue of me
not a Tirant as he malieioufly hath protefted, but rather fitch a
Lord, and hetter alfo, than hytherto ye haue me proued." If Con-
rade had not ben preffed with heauineffe, he had chaunted goodly
Songes againft the Treafon of the Lieuetenaunt, and would haue
accufed his Brother or" indifcretion, for truling him, whofe wvfe
hee had abufed, and wel did know that he efpyed the faine. But
what? The bufineffe requyred other things than "Words: and
extreame follv it is to nippe the Dead with taunts, or with vayne
words to ahufe the ahfent, fpeciall where vltion and reuenge is
eafy, and the meanes manifeflc to ehatife the temerity of futeh,
and to he aequited of the wrong donc vnto hiln that eannot do it
hymfelfe. Conrade then toke his way to Tnderto, where then
remained the Lord Braecio, and thereof was Lord and Gouernour,
and had alfo vnder his gouernement Perugia, and many other
Cityes of the Romane Church, and who wyth the dignity of the
great Conftahle of Naples, was alfo Prynce of Capua, to him the
Trinicien Brother, ail be fprent wyth Teares and tranfported wyth
choller and griefe, came to demaunde fuceor for reuenge of the
Lieuetenaunt's trefpaffe, faying : "For what affurance (my Lord)
can Prvnees and great Lordes hope henceforth, when their verv
feruaunts fhall ryfe, and by eonliraining their Maifters, make affay
to vfurp their feigniories wherein they haue no title or intereli ?
ls this a reuenge of wrong, in fteede of one to kill twaine, and yet
to wifhe for the third to difpateh the World of our race ? Is this to
purfue his ennimy, to feeke to catch hvm in trappe, whych
knoweth nothing of the quarell, and to make hvm to fuffer the
payne ? lvly two Brethren be dead, our Cofin Germaine the Duke
is in pryfon, I am heere comfortleffe, all fad and penfife hefore you,
whome lykewyfe this marrer toucheth, although hOt fo near as it
doeth me, but yet with lyke difhonor. Let vs go (my Lorde) let vs
goe I befeeeh you to vifite our good hotte that fo rudely in-
388
TItE LORDS OF IOCERA.
treateth his Ghcfts which corne to vifite him, and let vs beare him
a reward, that he may tafe of our comming, let vs goe before hee
faue himfelfe, that with little trauavle aud leffe harme to an other
the ribauld may be puni[hed, who by his example if he longer
liue, may increafe courage both in Seruaunts to difobey, and in
SubiecCts to rebell, without confcience, agaynf tkeir heads, and
gouerners ? It is a cale of very great importauuce, and which
ought to he followed with ail rigor and crueltv. And he ought
neuer to bee fupported, comforted or fauored, which [hall by any
meates attempt to reuolt or arme himfelfe agaynf his Prince, or
fhall conffravne him or hir that is his Soueraygne Lord, or Mis-
trefl'e. Is hOt a Prvnce conftituted of GOD to be obeyed, Ioued,
and cheri[hed of his SubiecCts ? Is it not in him to make and ordaine
lawes, fittch as [halbe thought needefull and necefl'arv for Com-
mou wealth ? Ought not he then to be obeved of his lubie(tes and
vaffals? Ottght thev then to teach the head, and commaund the
chiefeR Member of their body ? I do remember a tale (my Lord)
recited by Mencnitts Agrippa that wyfe, and Notable Romayne,
who going about to reconcile the commons with the Senate,
alleaged a fit and conuenable example. In rime part (quod he)
when the partes of 1Mankinde were at variaunce, and euery ruera-
ber would be a Lord generally confpiritag, grudging and alleaging
how bv thcir great trauayle, paynes, and carefull minifery, thev
prouidcd ail furuitttre, and mavntenattnce for the belly, and that
he like a flttggifh Beaft ftoode ftill, and enioyed futch pleafures
as vere geuen htn, in this murmure and mutine, al they agreed
that the hands flmuld not minifter, the 1Mouth [hould not feede,
the Teeth [hould not make it feruiceable, the Feete [hould not
trauayle, nor Heade deuife to get the faine: and vhvleft euery of
them did forfake their feruice and obedience, the belly grew fo
thin, and the Members fo weake and feeble, as the whole body
was brought to extreme decay, alad ruine, whereby (fayd Agrippa)
it appeareth that the feruice due vnto the Belly (as the chiefe
portion of man) bv the other liembers is mof neceffary, the
obeying and nurffing of whom doth intil force and vigor
into the other parts through which we doe liue, and bee
refrefhe.d, and the faine difge[ted and difpearfed into the vaynes,
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
389
and vitall powers ingendreth mature and fine bloud, and mavn-
taineth the whole flate of the body, in comely forme and order.
By which trim comparifon, applyed to ciuile warre was deflec¢'ted
and mollified the flout corage and attempts of the multitude.
Euen fo agreing with Agrippa, if the Members grudge, and dis-
obev againft their chiefe, the ftate muft grow to ruine. To be
fhort, in certaine haps a Travter mav be chearifhed, and that bath
falfified his firft fayth: but treafon and periury euermore be
detetted as vices execrable. In this deede neyther the thiug, nor
ver the doer bath any colour of excufe, the trefpaflè and caufe
for which it is don being confidered. Suffifeth it Sir, for fo
mutch as there is nevther rime nor caufe of further difcourfe, wht
neede we to decide the matter, whych of it felfe is euident ? Be-
holde mee heere a poore Trinician Brother without brethren, iov-
leffe without a Fort at Iqocera. On the other part confider the
Duke of Camerino in great diftreffe and daunger, to paflè that
tirait of death my Brethren did. Let vs goe (I pray you) to deliuer
the Captiue, and by reuenging thefe offenfes and lnurders, to
fettle my Cittv in former State, and freedome, which the villayne
goeth about to take from me, by encouraginge my SubietCts to
reuolt and enter armes, thereby to expel our houfe from the Title
of the faine." _As Conrade fpake thefe woords, and wvth great
grauity, and conftancy pronouncing fimdry tokens of forrow, the
Conettable of Naples, wroth bevond meafure for thefe vnpleafant
newes, and full of griefe and choller againft the travterous Lieute-
naunt, fwore in the hearing of them ail, that he would neuer reft
one good fleepe vntill that quarell were auenged, and had quited
the outrage done to the Lord Conrade, and the wrong which he
felt in him for the imprifonment of the Duke of Camerino. So
he concluded, and the Souldiours were affembled thorough out ail
the parts of the Conettable's Lands, vpon the ende of the weeke to
march againft the Fort of Nocera, the Cittizens whereof had lard
diligent Scout, and watch for the efcape of the Captayne, who
without bafhfulneffe determined with his men to defend the faine
and to proue fortune, making himfelfe beleeue that his quarell was
good, and caufe iufl to withftand them that fhoulde haue the
heart to corne to affayle him. The Conflable in the mean time
390
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
relit a Trumpet to Nocera to fummon the Captaine to furrender,
alld to tell the taule of his reuolt, and at whofe prouocation hee
had eommitted fo deteflable a Treafon. The Captaine well affured
and boldned in his .Vyckedneffe, aunfwered that he ,,as not fo
well fortified to make a furrender fo good cheape and for fo
fmall a pryce to forgo his honor and reputation: and further-
more, that his wit was not fo flender, but hee durf deuife and
attempt futeh a matter without the eouneel of any other, and that
ail the deedes and deuifes paffed till that time, were of his owne
inuention. And to be ene with the wrong done to his honor by
the Lord Nieholas Trinicio, f»r theviolation of his .Viue's Chafity,
he had committed the Murders (tolde to Braeeio) beyng angry,
that ail the Tiraunous race was not in his hand to fpyll, to the end
he mighte deliuer his Countrey, and put the Citizens in Liberty,
albeit that fc, ndly they had refufed the fame as vnworthy of futch
a ]3enefite, and well deferued that the Tyrants fhould taxe them
at theyr pleafure, and make them alfu theyr common flaues and
Drudges. The Trumpet warned hym alfo to render to hym the
Duke» bieaufe he was gniltleffe of the fa&e, whych the Captayne
regarded fo little as he did the firf demaundes, whyeh was the
taule (the Compauy being arriued at Nocera, and the Confable
vuderland.vng the litle aecompte the Cafell Gentleman ruade of
|liS ftlllllll»ll) that the battrv the very day of thevr arriuall was
laid and ihotte againf the place with futch thunder and dreadfull
thumpes of Cancan flot, as the hardiefl of the Mortpayes within,
began to faint. Btt the corage and litle feare of theyr chyefe,
retired theyr hearts intu theyr bellyes. The breach being ruade
againe, the Conflable who t'eared to lofe the Duke in the Cap-
taine's Fury, caufcd the Trumpet to fummon them wythin to fall
to Compofition, that ]31oudfhed might not firre theyr Souldioures
to further cruelty. But fo mutch gayned this fecond warnyng as
the firfl, for which caufe the nexte day after the affault was
gyuen, where if the affaulte was valiant» the refifaunce was no
leffe than bolde and venturous. But what ean Thirtie or Fortie
Bien doe agaynfe the Force of a whole Countrey, and where the
Generall was one of the mof valiaunte, and wifef Captaynes ofhys
tyme and who was aecompanied with the floure of the Neapolitane
THE LORDS OF IOCERA.
39I
Fotemen. The affault continued four or fiue Houres, but in the
end the Dead payes hot able to fuffayue the force of the affav-
lants, forfooke the Breache, and affaying to faue themfelues, the
Lieuetenaunt retired to the Kipe of the Fort, where his Wife con-
tinued prifoner, from the time that the two brethren were flaine.
"Vhiles they without, rued in together in heapes amonges the
defendauntes, the Duke of Camerino, with his Men, fotmd
meanes to efcape out of Pryfon, and therewithal began furiouflv
to chaffife the miniffers of the difloval Captaine, which in little
tyme were cut al to pieces. Conrade being within found the
Captayn's Father, vppon whom he was reuenged, and killed him
with his owne hands. And not content with that, caried into
further rage, and fury, he flafhed him into gobbets, and threwe
them to the dogs. Truly a fraunge maner of reuenge, if the Cap-
tain's cruelty had not attempted like inhumanity. To bee fhorte,
horrible it is to repeate the murders done in that ffurre, and
hurly burly. For they that were of the Captayne's part, and taken,
receyued ail the ffraungeff and cruelleft punifhment that man
could deuife. Aud vere it not that I haue a defire in nothing to
beely the Author, and leffe v¢ill to leaue that v¢hich he had wrvtten
vpon the miferable end of thofe that were the minifters and
feruaunts to the barbarous tirrany of the Captayne, I would paffe
no further, but conceale that which doth not deferue remem-
braunce, except to auoide the example, which is not ffraunge, the
Cruelty of reuenging heart in the nature of Man, in al times grow-
inge to futch audacity, as the torments which feeme incredyble,
be lyable to credite as wel for thofe v¢e reade in auncient Higtoryes,
as thofe we heare tell of by heare fay, and chauncyng in our tvme.
Hee that had the vpper hand of his Enimy, not content to kyll,
but to eate v¢ith his rauenous teeth the heart difentraylde from
his aduerfary, was hee leffe furious than Conrade, by makinge
Anatomy of the Captayn's Father ? And he that thruf Galleazze
Fogafe in to the mouth of a Canon, tying his Head vnto his Knees
and caufing him tobe caried by the violent force of Gunpouder
into the City from whence he came, to bribe and corrupt cer-
tavne of hys enemies army, did he fhew himfelfe tobe more
curteous than one of thefe? Leaue we a part thofe that be pat»
392
TIIE LORDS OF NOCERA.
tu touch the miferable ende wherewith Conrade caufed the lait
tribute of the Captain's fouldvers tu bee payd. Now amongs
thefe fume were tied tu the Tavles of wilde Horfes, and travned
ouer Hedges, and Bulbes, and downe the fliepnes of high Rocks,
fume were haled in pieces, and afterwards burnt with great Martvr-
dome, fume were deuyded and parted aliue in four quarters, other
fowed naked wvthin an Oxe Hyde, and fo buried in Earth, vp tu
the Chin, by whych torments they finifhed their Liues with fearful
grouings. Will ye fay that the Bull of Perillus, or Diomedes
Horffes, were affli&ions more cruell than thefe ? I know hot what
ve cal cruelty, if thefe ac'-ts may beare the ride of modeflv. But
ail thys, proceeded of wrath and difdayne of eyther pattes. The
une dvfdavned that the feruaunt fhould be his head, and the other
was offended, that his foueraygne Lord fhould affav tu take that
from him, which his duty commaunded him tu keepe. Conrade
toke in iii part the treafon of the Captayn, who beyond meafure
was angry, that the Lord Nicholas had made him a brother of
Vulcan's order, and regelred him in the booke of hufbands,
which know that thev dare not fpeake. In futaine, the une had
right, and the other was hot without fume reafon, and notwith-
flanding both furmounted the boundes of man's milde nature.
The une ought tu content hvmfelfe (as [ haue fayd) for being
reuenged on him that had offended him, and the other of the
mardcr dune, duringe the affault without thewing fo bloudy
tukens of crueltv and fo apparent euidence of tiranny, vpun the
mi,fiters of the brutall and bloudy Captayne, who feeing his
father put tu death with futch Martirdome, and his men fo
ltratmgely tormented, was vanquifled with choller, difpayre and
impacyence. And albeit the Captayne had no greate defire to hurt
his Vfyfe, .vet was he furmounted with futch rage, as apprehend-
ing hir, and biuding hir hallds and feete, fhe flyl crying him
mercy, and crauing pardon for hir faultes at the hands of God
and him, he threw hir downe from the highefl Toure of the Kipe
vpon the pauement of the Caille courte, hOt without teares and
abafhment of al, which faw that monflrous and dreadful fight,
which the Souldiers viewing, they fired the Toure, and with tire
and fmoke forced the Captaiue to come forth, and by Ivke meanes
TIiE LORDS OF NOCERA.
393
made him, his Brother and Chyldren to tread the daunce that his
Wyfe before had don. Conrade by and by caufed thofe bodies to
be throwne forth for Foode to the Volues, and other raueninge
Beafts, and Byrdes liuing vpon the pray of Carrion, caufing alfo
his Brethren honourably to bee buryed, and the Gentlewoman that
had borne the penaunce worthy for hir fault. Sutch was the end
of the mof myferable, and worf gouerned loue, that I thinke
man hath euer red in wryting, and which doth clearelv witneffe,
that there is no pleafure fo great but Fortune by chaunging and
turning hir Wheele maketh a hundred times more bitter than
defire of futch ioy doth yelde delyght. And farre better it were
(befides the offence done to God) neuer to caft Eve on Woman,
than to bord or proue them, to rayfe futch Sclaunders and Fa&s
which cannot be recounted but with the horrour of the Hearers,
nor wrytten but to the great griefe of thofe that mufe and fudy
vpon the faine: Notwithfianding for inftru&ion of our life, both
good and bad Examples bee introduced and offred to the view of
ech degree, and fate. To the end that Whoredome may bee
auoyded, aud hodily Pleafure efchued, as mort Mortal and perni-
cious Plagues that doe infe& as well the Body and Reputation of
man, as the integrity of the Minde. Befides that ech man ought
to poffeffe his own Veffel, and hot to couet that is none of hys,
vnfeemely alfo it is to folicite the Neyghbor's Wyfe, to procure
therebv the difiuu&ion and defaite of the whole bond of mariage,
which is a Treafire fo deare and precious, and carieth fo greate
griefe to him that feeth it defaced, as our Lord (to declare the
grauity of the Fa&) maketh a comparifon of his Wrath agaynfe
them which run after fraunge GODS, and applyeth the honour
due vnto him to others that doe uot deferue the faine, with the
iuf difdayne, and ryghtfull Choller ofa Iealous Hufbande, Fraught
wyth defpyght to fee himfelfe difpoyled of the Seafure, and Pos-
feffion onely giuen to him, and not lubie& to any other, whatfo-
euer he be. Learne here alfo (O yee hufbands) not to fly with fo
nimble Wing, as by your owne authority yee feeke reueng without
fearing the follies and fclaunders that may infue. Your forrow is
iuf, but it behoueth that reafon doe guide your fantafies, and
bridle your ouer fodayne parlions, to the intent that vee corne
394
THE LORDS OF NOCERA.
hot after to ring the doleful Song of repentaunce, like vnto this
foolifh man, who hauing done more than he ought, and not able
to retire without his ouerthrow, threw himfelfe into the bottom-
leffe gulfe of perdition. And let vs all fixe faft in memory, that
neuer vnruled rage, and wilful choller bringeth other benefit than
the ruine of him that fuffereth himfelfe to rulme headlonge into
the fame, and who thinketh that all that is naturall in vs, is also rea-
fonable, as though Nature were fo perfecCt a worckxvoman, as in
inan's corruption fhecould makevs Aungels, or halle Gods. Nature
followingthe infdnc-t ofthat which is naturall in vs, doth hOt greatly
ftrav from perfection, but that is giuen to fexv, and thofe
x hom God doth loue and choofe. And Vertue is fo fcl-
dorne founde, as it is almoft impoffible to initate
that perfec°cion. And brieflv to fay, I will con-
clude xsith the Author of this prefent
Hvftorv.
Angre is a fury fhort,
To him that can the faine excell:
But it is no |aughing fport
In whom that fenfelelTe rage doth dwell.
That pang confoundeth ech man's wits
Aud fhameth him with open fhalne,
His honour fades in frantike fits,
And blemifl»eth his good naine.
A CRUELL FACTE OF $OLTAN $OLYMAN. 395
THE THIRTY-FOURTH NOUELL.
The horrible and cruell nurder of Soltan Sol9man , late the Ernperor
of the Turkes and father of Sel!tre that now raigneth, d«me vpon
his eldefl Sonne 3Ivflapha, b!t the procurement, and rneanes of
Rofa his rnother in lau,e, and b9 the fpeciall infligation of one of
his noble rnen called RvjTanvs : where alfo is remembred the wil-
ful death of one of his Sons named Giangir, for the griefe he con-
««iued to fee l,flapha fo mife,'ably flrangled.
"]'$VENT'/" two yeares paft or thereabouts I tranflated this prefent
Hyftory out of the Latine tongue. _And for the rarenes of the
FaR, and the difnaturall part of that late Furiofe Enemv of God,
and his Sonne Chrift: I dedicated the faine to the right honor-
able, my fpeciall good Lord, with al vertues, and nobility, fully
accomplyfhed, the Lord Cobbaln Lorde "Varden of the cinque
Portes, by the naine of Sir VVilliam Cobham Knyght. _And bycaufe
I would haue it continue in man's remembraunce thereby to tenue
the auncient deteftation, which we haue, and out Progenitors had
againft that horrible Termagant, and Perfecutor of Chriftyans, I
haue infinuated the faine amongs the reft of thefe Nouels. For of
one thing I date make warrantife, that auncient "Vriters haue not
remembred, nor old Poets reported a more notorious or horyble
Tragedy or far executed againft nature, then that vnnaturall
murder done by the thvd enemy of Chriftianity, the late Soltan
Solyman, otherwyfe called the great Turke. I remember the des-
cription of Nero's Parricide vppon his louynge Mother, of purpofe
to behold the place of his byrth. I call to memory alfo the wvcked
Murther of OrePtes, on hys Mother ClytemnePtra. I alfo confider
the vnfatherly part of Tantalus, who wvth the flefh of his owne
fonne Pelops, feated the Gods. _Ail which are not farre dyfferent
from thls peftiferous Fury, and may wyth the faine, and the lvke
bee comparable by any Man heeretofore committed. This Hellyfh
Cham pyon hys owne Son ne, of hys owne Seede, Nat urally conceaued
vvthin hys mother's SVombe, vnnaturally in his owne prefence
morte Myferably did kill. O pityfull cafe, But alas, vovde of pitty
396
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN.
to a p)'ttyleffe mati. O crueli fa&, but hot ouer cruell to him that
liued a cruell Mati. XVhat Beaft be he neuer fo woode, or Sauage,
can fuffer his Yonglings to take harme, mutch leffe to doe them
hurte himfelfe? XVhat tierce Lyoneffe can infefle hir owne Vhelpe,
which with Naturall paines brought it into light ? But what doe I
fland vpon Lamentation of the cale and leaue the bruteneffe of
this Madman far bruter then Lyons vnconfidered ? The bruteneffeof(
this furv fo farre ecceedeth Beafls, as Reafonahle paffeth Vnreafon-
able. Tho fury of the Deuill, whom he ferueth, fo raged in his
tirannous life, as loe, he flue his owne Sonne. The care of God,
and Chrifle was fo farre out of his Sighte as hee fubuerted Nature.
The libidonous lufes of this Lecherous Infidell, fo furrnounted the
bounds of reafon, as the tire thereof confumed his owne fieffé.
This Enemy of Chrifle was fo bewvtched as the dotage of his
infidelity confented to murder. And as tiranny like a Lord pos-
feffed his Bravne in huntinge after the bloud of Chriians, so
Tirannv like an Enchaunter with the Sorcerv of Feminine adula-
tion fhed the bloud of his owne begotten. Thus as tiranny was the
Regent of his life m«fi wicked, fo Tiranny was the Plague of his
owne generation. For as the XVryter of" this Hyflory reporteth, it
was thoughte that the faine was done by Diuvne Prouvdence.
And Ivke as this vnhappy Father was a deadly Enemv vnto Chryf{
and hys Church, fo this yonge Whelpe was no leffe a fheder of
Chriftian Bloud. No doubt a very froward Impe, and a towarde
Champion for the diuel's Theatre: and as it is fard hereafter, fb
goodly a yong man in Stature and other externe qualities of the
body, as Nature eould hot frame a better. So excellent, and
couragious in Feates of armes as Bellona hirfelfe eould not pro-
ereate a luflier. This Hiory in the Latin tongue is written by
Nieholas Moffan a Burgonian borne, a man fo well in the war-
fare of good learning (as it appeareth) as in the feruice of the
warres well expert, x, Vho being a Souldiour in Hereules warres
(the old Champyon of Chrifiendome, and Pagan Enimy, Charles
the'tifte) was fore wounded and taken Pryfoner in Bulgaria, in the
veare of our Lord 15.52 , and continued Captiue tili September,
1555, almoft three yeares. Whofe Mifery, Trouble, Famine,
Coide, and other Torments bv him fuflayned, during the fayd time
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN. 397
if it fhould bee declared, perhaps woulde feeme incredible. But
when the Turke had kept him in miferable bandes two yeares,
and faw he could not obtavne the Raunfome, whych he immefu-
rably requyred, at length fent him to the Caftell of Strigon, where
fi»r a certayne time he remavned hampered with double chavnes
vpon his Necke, Handes, and Feete. And within fometime after
hys comming thither he was ruade to toile in the day, like a coin-
mon flaue, to hew and carrv ,Voode, keepe Horfe, fweepe Houfes,
and futch other butines. ,Vhich Drudgery, he was glad to doe
afwell for exerevfe of his Members, which with eolde yrous were
henommed, as alfo to get Breade to relieue his hunger. For when
hee had done his ftinte, his Maifter gaue him Bread, Onions» Gar-
licke, Cheefe, and futeh other fare: and at l'qight he was lent agayne
to Pryfon, where he was matched with a 1Mate, that for Debte
t, as ecmdempned to perpetual Pryfon, of whonl he learned manv
thil,gS, afwel of their Lawes, Religion, warlike Affayres, and other
maners of the Turkes, as alfo of the order of this horrible Fa& don
by Solyman. And bv the report of his fard Companion in pry-
ri»n, he digefted the lame into the forme of this hiorv. Aud
after this man had payed hvs Raunfome, and t, as fer at lyberty, he
arriued into the partes of Chryedome. The Verity of whych is
futeh, as it is liot onely eredyble bycaufe thys Man dvd wryte it,
t, ho was three Yeares there refiaimt, and in manner aforefaid,
beard the truth thereof, but alfo is warranted, bv fundrv Mar-
chant Men, Trauellers into farre Countreyes, faythfully verifiing
the faine to bee true. And before I drawe to thedvfcourfe ofthe
Story, I will fet downe foëne of the manners of Solvman's greate
fates and fauorites, and the pryncipal offices and honors of that
bellifh bdonarchv. As Mulapha, Machomet, Baiafith, Selim,
Gianger, Chruftam, and Hibrahim. This Hibrahim was f,
dearely beloued with the Emperour Solvman as he exercvfed
the Office of Vefiri, whych is nexte to the Emperour, the chyefeft
in degree of honor. ,Vho by increafe of that Office, became more
wealthy in Treafure then Solyman himfelfe, whych when he per-
ceyued» without anv refpecCt of the honorable office, or the honor
of the party, negle&ing in refpe& of richeffe (according to the
natural detire of Auarice» wherewith the greedy Appetites of the
398
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN.
ftocke are endued) ail religion, honour, Parents, countrey, friends
or amity, he caufed in his own prefence, his head to be ftriken
of, adding the treafures of the laid Hibrahim to his owne Coafers,
and placed one Rufanus to fucceede in his office. Befides which
honorable places ther be diuers degrees of honor, as Mutchty,
which is of that honor with them as the chier bifhop or Pope in
other Countreies, and of futch authority with the Emperour, that
afwel in rime of Peace, as alfo in XVarres, he determineth vppon
nothing without the counfel of Muchti. Bafcha (which we com-
monlv cali VVafcha) is the Lieuetenaunt of a Prouince. But for-
fomutch as ail other offices and dignities, depend only vpon the
Emperor, and are beftowed as he lifeth, none of them hauing any
thing proper that he mav call his owne: the fard Bafchas in ail
Prouinces, euery three yeare are chaunged after the difpofition
of the Emperour, and continue no longer Gouernors, than the fard
terme, without his fpecial decree, and commaundement. And
this chaunge and feueral nutation, is done for tvo caufes. Firf[
that notwithfanding the fayd Offices are befowed bv turnes, vet
they which are mof excellente in prowes of Armes, and Valiaunce,
are bef in fauour, and are placed in the mof fertile Countreyes.
But the maner in the difpofition of the fame Office is now dege-
nerated, tbr where in tyme pafe the faine were befowed vppon
the bef Captaynes and Souidyers, in thefe Days, are through
Fauoure and Money, throughly corrupted. So that now amonges
them ail thynges for Money are venalia, ready to be folde, and
yet the fame vnknowen to the Emperour him felfe. The other
caufe, of the alteration and chaunge of the fayd Bafchoe, and the
Chyefef[ caufe, as I haue learned is, leaf through theyr longe
abode in the fayd Prouinces fo to them affigned, hy fome incy-
dent occafion they myghtentre familiarilie wvth the Chrif{ians,
and in fucceffe of tyme be conuerted. The Turkes haue alfo
amonges them certayne Noble Men which in theyr Language thev
ca]l Spahy, and it is the firf degree of honour, but it hath no
difcent or fucceflïon to the Poferity, and they only deferue the
tytle thereof, whvch in X, Varrelvke Affayres behaue them felues
mofe Manfully, and who at length are preferred to another de-
gree of honour, and are called Subafche, which worde fo farre as
1 tan vnderfande, may be referred to the Title of Baron. 'ext
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN. 399
to the faine Subafehoe here is another called Begg. But here is
meete tobe knowne howe that woorde is taken amonges them two
wayes, for generally all they which excell other in any promotion
are called Beggi. That is to fay Lordes or Mayfers: but if it be
meant fingularly or properly, then it fignifieth hot fimply a Cap-
taine (for thev call a Captaine _Aga) but alfo an Earle. _And if the
favd Begg ehaunee to be endued bv the Emperour with the order
of Knyghthoode, then hec is called Sanggakbegg. _And they like-
wife are accuflomed to bee tranfpofed from County to county, as the
Bafchoe are, and the faine do not defeend to the heires, but when
theEarle is deade. -And thet both the promotion and county, are by
the Emperour giuen to another. _And hereby it appeareth that no
man bath any thynge proper or his own, and therfore they cal
themfelues, Padifcahumcullari. That is to fay, the Emperour's
bondmen. Here alfo I ought to eltreat of the manters of the
Turkes in thevr XVarres, and the futdrv offices therein. In what
forte thev leuy, and routier their Souldiers, the order of their
marehing, the order in putting the faine it array, and by what
diligence they vfe their Skouts, and Wardes, all which had bene
neceffary to hatte bene fpoken of, but that I might hOt be tedious.
_And yet ofone thing for a conchtfion I entend to fpeake of, which is
of the Ianifchari. The fayd Ianifchari are the whole flrength of
the Tttrkcs battell, who neuer obtavne viêory, but the faine is
aflributed to their valiaunce. They bee verv expert, and fkilfull
it the vfe of fmall fhot, and great Ordinaunce, and in that kinde of
defence and munition, they ehieiïy excell. -Aud as I haue red,
the Turke hath eontinually in wages thirtv t. of the fayd Ianis-
chari. They haue aboue other many finguler Pryuiledges, in fo
mutch as the ame of a Ianifcharus is in futch reuerenee amongs
them, that notwithftanding any offence, or crime, done by them
worthy capitall death, they in no wife fhalbe putifhed, exeept
before the eommitting of the offetce, thev be depritted of their
errate by their Captaynes. Thys Priuiledge alfo they haue aboue
others, that vnleffe they lye in Campe, they bee neuer compelled
to watch nor warde, without great neceflity do force them. _And
for this they be hatefull and odious to other Souldiours. It is
fayd, that all they be Chriftian men's children. _And in thofe
eouutreyes which he vanquifheth he choofeth out the Boyes of
4oo
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYIIAN.
the faine, futch as he thinketh meete, and carrieth them away,
and bringeth them vp in his owne trade, and lawes, with exercife
of feates in armes, and being growen to ripe yeares, and man's
fate, they be alloted amongs the number of lanifchari. And
thus mutch touching the maners, dignities, and offices of that
Turkifh broode : Now to the Hyfory. Bec it knowne therefore,
that Solyman had of a certavne bonde Woman this lXlufapha, to
whom from his Youth hee gaue in charge the Countrey of Amafia.
XVho with his Mother continuallv refiaunt in the fard countrey,
became fo forwards in Feates of armes, as it was fuppofed of ail
men, that hec was gieuen vnto their countrey bv fome heauenly
prouidence. This Muttapha, with his Mother being placed in the
fayd Countrey, it chaunced that the Kynge his Father was beyonde
meafure wrapt with the beautv of another of his Concubins called
Rofa, of whom hee begat foure fonnes, and one daughter. The eldelt
of the Sonnes was called glachomet, to whom the Prouince of
Caramania was aflïgned. The fecond, Baiafith, who enioved the
eountrev of Magnefia. The third called Selymus, to whom after the
death of Machomet the eldelt, the fard Countrey of Caramania was
appoin&ed. The fourth Iangir, whofe furname, by reafon hee
was croke backed, notwithfanding his pregnant wit, was Gibbus.
And the daughter he beflowed in mariage vppon Rultanus
Bafcha, who when Hibrahim was put to death, exercifed the
office of Vefiri as is aforefavd (which office we vfe to call the Pre-
rident of the Counfayle) and according to his natural difpofition
to couetoufneffe, abufing the fayd office, ahered and chaunged ail
maner of thinges belonging to the faine. He diminifhed the
Souldiours wages, being by them called lanifchari. He abated
the fipends ofthe Captayns, whom they nominate Saniachi. Hee
alfo feaffed vpon the Prouinces yearely Taxes and Tributs. And
herewith being not fatiffied, he ordayned a ftint vpon the charges
of the king's houfhold, wherby he fought, but to accumulate vnto
himfelfe, infinite treafures, gotten by deceiptfull extortion,
through occafion whereof, he was fuppofed to be a faythfull, and
diligent Seruaunte, and thereby greatly infinuated himfelfe into
the king's fauour, little regardinge the hatred and difpleafure of
others. In the meane time, this Rofa of whom mencion is ruade
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN. 4OI
before, perceyuing hir felfe before others to be beloued of the
Kinge, vnder the Cloake of devotion declared vnto Muchty (which
is the chiefe Bifhop of Machomet's religion) that fhe was affe&ed
with a Godly zeale to builde a Temple, and Hofpitall for ftraungers,
to the chiefe God, and honor of Machomet: but fhe was not
minded to attempt the faine without his aduice. And therefore
fhee afked whether the lame would bee acceptable to God, and
profitable for the health of her foule. ,Vhereunto Muchty
aunfwered: that the worke to God was acceptable, although to
hir foule it was nothing auaileable. Adding further, that not onely
ail hir Subfance was at the Kinge's difpofition, but hir Lire alfo,
being a Bondwoman. And therefore that worke woulde be more
profitable to the Kinge. XVith which aunfwere the woman in hir
mind dayly being trobled, became very penfiffe, like one that
was voyde of ail comfort. The King being aduertifed of hir forrow
very gently began to comfort hir, affirming that fhortely he would
finde futch meanes, as fhe fhould enioy the effe/:-t of hir defire.
And forthwith manumifed hir and ruade hir free, a writing and in-
frument ruade in that behalfe, according to their cufome, to the
inteut fhe might not be at commaundement any more to be yoked
in bondage. Hauinge in this forte obtavned this fauoure, the
fard Rofa, with a great Maffe of Money determined to proceede
in hir entended purpofe. In the meane feafon, the Kyng wythout
meafure being incenfed with the defire of the fayd Rofa, as is
aforefayd, lent for hir bv a meffenger, willing hir to repayre to
the Court. But the crafty ,Voman, vnfkilful of no pollicy, re-
turned the Meffenger with fubtile aunfwere, which was, that he
fhould admonifh the King hir Lord and Soueraygne, to call to his
remembraunce afwe|l the lawe of honeffy, as alfo the precepts of
his owne lawes, and to remetnbre fhe was no more a Bondwoman
and yet fhe could not deny but hir life remained at the difpofi-
tion of his maiefy, but touching Carnal| copulation to be had
agayne with his perfon, that could in no wife be done, without
committing of finne mof heynous. And to the intent he fhould
not thinke the faine to be fayned or deuifed of hir felfe, fhe re-
ferred it to the iudgement of Muchtv. XVhich aunfwere of re-
puife, fo excited the inflamed affe&ions_of the Kyng, as fetting ail
VOL. II!. 2 C
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN.
otler hufineffe a part, he caufed the Muchty to he lent for.
And giuing him liberty to aunfwere, he demaunded whether his
Bondwomen heing once manumifed, eould not he knowen
earnallv without violation of the lawes? XVhereunto Muehty
aunfwered : that in no wife it was lawfull, vnleffe hefore he fhould
with hir contra& matrimonv. The dif[ieulty of whieh Lawe in
futeh forte augmented the Kyng's defires, as heing heyond mea-
fure hlinded with Coneupifeenee, at length agreed to the marriage
of the favd manumvfed woman, and after the Nuptial writinges
aeeording to the euttome were ratified, and that he had giuen
vnto hir for a Dowry .5000 Soltan Ducats, the marriage was eon-
eluded, not without great admiration of all men, efpeeially for
that it was done eontrary to the vfe of the Ottomane Ligneage.
For to efchew Soeiety in gouernment, they marrv no free or law-
full XVyues, but in their fteades to fatiffy
and lihidinous Appetites (wherein mort vily,
other Nation they chiefly excell) they chofe
theyr owne pleafures,
and filthely ahoue anv
out of diuers Regions
of the XVorld the mort Beautifull, and favrefi "Venehes, whom after
a Kyngly forte very honourablv they hring vp in a place of their
Courte, whieh they eall Sarai : and infirue them in honefi, and
eiuile maners, with whom alfo they vfe to aeeompany hy turnes,
as theyr pleafure mort lyketh. But if any of them do eoneeyue,
and bring forth ehilde, then fhe ahoue ail other is honoured, and
had in reuerenee, and is ealled the Soltanes mort worthy. And
futeh after they haue hrought forth ehilde, are beftowed in mar-
riage vppon the Pieres and Nobility, ealled Bafehm, and Sangaem.
But now to returne to out purpofe. This manumifed XVoman he-
ing aduauneed through Fortune's henefit, was efteemed for the
ehiefe Lady of Afia, hot without great happineffe fueeeeding in
al hir affayres. And for the fatiffiyng of hir amhieious entents,
there wanted but ouly a meane and oeeafion, that after the death
of Solyman, one of hir own ehildren might ohtayne the Empire.
XVhere vnto the generofity and good hehauiour of Mufiapha was
a great hinderaunee, who in deede was a yong man of great
magnanimity and of XVit mort excellent, whofe Stomaeh was no
leffe eouragious, than he was manly in perron, and force. For
whieh qualities he was meruayloufly heloued of the Souldiours
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOL,'MAN. O 3
and l,[en of warre, and for his wifed,me and iuftice very accel,t-
able to the people. Ail which things this fubtile woman confider-
ing, fhe priuely vfed the counfavle of lRufanus for the better
accomplifhing of hir purpofe, knowing that he would rather feeke
th'aduauncement of his kinfinan and the brother of his owne \Vyfe
as reafon was, then the preferment of b, luftapha, with whom fhe
certaynely knew that Ruftanus was in difpleafitre. For in the
beginning, as he fought meanes to extenuate the liuiugs of ail
other (as is aforefayd) fo a|fo he went about (but in vayne)to
plucke fomewhat from Muftapha. Whereby he thought that if
he fhould once obtavne the gouernment, he vould fkarce forger
futch an iniury, and thereby hot onlv in hazarde of his Office, and
dignity, but alfo in daunger of lotie of his heade. _&Il which
thinges, this wicked woman pondering in hir vngratious Stomacke
went about to infert into the King's mynde, no finall fufpitions of
Multapha, faying that he was ambitioufe and bolde vpon the
Fauour and good wi| ofall men (wherewith in deede he was greatly
endued) and reioyfing in his force, let no other thing to be ex-
peeCted, then oportunity of time to afpire to tbe Kingdome, and to
attempt the flaughter of his Father. And for the better cloaking
of the matter, fhe caufed Ruftanus at conuenient tyme, more at
large to amplifie and fer forwards hir mallice, who alwayes had in
charge ail principall and weyghty affayres. In whom alfo was
no lacke of matter to accelerate the accufation and death of the
yong man. Moreouer to futch as were appoyned tuthe ad-
miniftration of the countrey of Syria, he priuely declared, that
Mufapha was greatly fufpe¢:$ed of his Father, commaunding
euery of them dilligently to take heede to his errate, and of ail
futch thlngs as they eyther faw or perceyued in him, with ail ex-
pedition to rend aduertifement, aflïrming that the more fpight-
fully they wrote of him, the more acceptable it fhould be to the
Kinge. Wherefore diuers times RuRanus being certified of the
kingly ERimation, Magnanimity, ,Vyfedome, and Fortitude of
MuRapha, and of his beneuolence and liberality towards all men,
wherewith he greatly conciled their fauour, and how the ardent
defires of the People, were inclined to hys ele&ion : he therefore
durft not take vppon him to be the firlt that fhould fo¢ the
feede of that wicked confpiracy, but deliuering his Letters to the
404
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN.
vngratious XVoman, left the refi to the deuife of his vnhappy
brayne: But Rofa efpying oportunity of time to fucceede hir
vnhappy defyre, ceafed hOt to corrupt the Kyng's mynde, fome-
times with promife of the vfe of other XVomen. and fometimes
with fundrv other adulations. So that if mention was ruade of
1Mufiapha at any time, fhe woulde take futch occafion to open
the Letters, as might ferue mofi apt for hir purpofe. And fhe was
not decevued of hir expeation. For taking a conuenient time
hot without teares (which X.Vomen neuer want in cloaked matter)
file admoniflled the Kinge of the pearill wherein he ffoode, remem-
bring amongs other thinges, how his Father Selymus, by futch
meanes depryued his owne Father both from his Kingdome, and
Lire, infiantly requiringe him by that example to beware. But
thefe Arguments of fufpition, at the firff brunt feemed not proba-
ble to the Kyng, and therefore by this meanes the deuilifhe ,Voman
could little preuayle, which when hir enuious Stomacke perceyued,
fhe began to dire hir mifchieuous mynde to other deuifes, feek-
ing meanes with poyfon to defiroy the yonge man. And there
wanted not alfo, graceleffe perlons, prompt and ready to accom-
plifh that mifchieuous fa&, had not diuine prouidence refifted the
faine. For Rofa lent vnto lXIuftapha a lute of Apparell in the
naine ofhis Father, which by marueylous craft was enuenimed with
Povfon. But Mufiapha in no wvfe would weare the fayd appareil
before one of his flaues had affayed the faine, whereby he pre-
uented the Mifchiefe of his vngratious Stepmother, opening to all
Inen the deceipt of the poyfon. And vet this pefiilent ,Voman
ceafed not to attempt other Enterprifes. She went about to pur-
chafe vnto hir the good will and familiarity of the Kyng in futch
fort as the like neuer obtavned in the Courte of Ottoman, (for fhe
vfed certavne Sorceries through the helpe of a Woman a Jewe
borne, which was a famous Enchauntreffe, to wyn the loue of the
Kyng, and thereby perfvaded hir felfe to procure greater things
at his hands) in fo mutch as fhe obtayned that hir Children by
couffe fhould be refiant in their Father's Courte, that by theyr con-
tinuall prefence and affiduall flattering, they might get the loue
of their Father. So that if Mufiapha did at any time corne to the
Court, bv that meane fhe might haue a better meanes to rid him
of his lire, if hOt, to tary a rime, wherein he fhouid be difpatched
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLMAN. .O
by the help of others. But Muftapha not repayring to the Courte
(for the Kyng's ehyldren do hOt vfe to go out of their Countrevs
aflïgned vnto them, without their Father's knowledge, nor to re-
payre to Conftantinople with any number of men of \Varre, to
reeeyue their Inheritanee till their Father be deade) fhe deuifed
another mifehiefe. For enioying hir former requeft, fhe reeouered
another, alfo hauing brought to paffe that hot onelv in the Citty,
but alfo in the eountrey, hir ehildren fhould attend vppon theyr
Father. Yea, and Giangir the erokebaeked fhould alwayes attend
on his father in his ,Varres. But the Stepmother's deuife for eer-
tayne yeares hanging as it were in ballanee, at length Fortune
throughly fauoured hir wieked endeuours. For the Bafeha which
had the prote&ion of MuPcapha, and the gouernment of the Pro-
uinee of Amafia, (For euery one of the Kyng's ehvldren haue one
Bafeha, that is to fay a Liutenaunt, which doe aunfwere the people
aecording to the lawes and gieue orders for the adminiPcration of
the Warres, and alfo euery one of them haue a learned Man to
Inftru& them in good dyfcipline, and Pryneely qualities) the fard
Bafeha I fay deuifed Letters wherein was eontavned a eertayne
treatife of Marriage, betwene MuPcapha and the Kyng's Daughter
of Perfia, and how he had referred the marrer to the MiniPcers of
the Temple, to the intent that if it had not good fuceeffe, he fhould
be free from ail fufpition, and lent the lame Letters to RuPcanus
who greatly reioyted for that he hoped to bring his defyred pur-
pofe to good effe&. And fearing the matter no longer, ineonti-
nently he vttered the lame to Rofa, who both togethers, forthwith
.ent into the Pallaee, and difeouered the whole marrer to the
King. And to the intent they might throughly ineenfe the Kyng's
mynde with fufpieions, that before was doubtefull, and deliberatiue
in the matter, to put him out of ail doubt, they affyrmed that
MuPcapha like an ambitioufe man, fought meanes to eonfpyre his
death being ineenfed like a Madman to the gouernment of his
large Empyre, eontrary to nature» and Law diuine. And to the
intent better creadit might be gieuen to their fubtile Suggeftions,
they alleaged the Treaty of Marriage betwene MuPcapha and the
Kyng of Perfia, the deadly and auneient enimy of the Ottoman
Ligneage. For refpe& whereof, he ought diligently to take heede
406
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN.
leafi bv eolfioyning the pot'er of the Perfians with the Sangachi,
and lanifchari, which are the Captayns, and Souldiours, whofe good
willes he had with his lyberality already tyed to his fauour, in fhort
time, would go about to depriue him of his Kyngdome and Lyfe.
XVith thefe accufations and futch Ivke they had fo farre fiurred
the king, as he himfçlfe fought the Death of his owne Sonne, in
manner as foloweth. Therefore in the yere of our Lord x552, he
caufed to be publifhed with al expedition throughout his pro-
uinces, that the Perfians had ruade their vauntes how they woulde
inuade the Countrey of Syria, win the Cityes there, and carry away
the Captitles, and alfo would deftroy euery place with fier and
Sword, in futch fort as no man fhould withftand them. Where-
fore to prouide againfi the fayd proude and haultie Bragges, hee
wasforced to rend Ruflanus thytherwith an _Armie. The Souldiours
being leuied, hee pryvily commaunded Ruflanus in as fecret
manner as hee could and without anv Tumulte to lay handes vpon
llufiapha, and to bryng hvm bound to Canfiantinople. But if
he could hot conueniently bryng that to paffe, then to difpatch
hym of hys Lvfe by futch meanes as he could. Ruftanus recevu-
yng thys wycked and cruell Commaundement, marched towardes
Svria wvth a power. Wher when he arryued Mufiapha, hauing
knowledge thereof fetting ail other bufi,effe a parte, beying accom-
panyed with the LuflveIt and ber appoynted Men of XVarre in al
Turkey to the Numbre of feuen Thoufande, hee dire&ed his lorney
alfo towardes Syria. \Vhereof x'hen Rufianus had vnderfiand-
ynge, and perceyued hee could hOt well accomplyfh the wycked
defire of the Kyng, immedyately rctourned backe agayne to Con-
flantinople in fi, tch haIte that hee durfte not abyde the fight of
theDufte rered into the _Avre by Mufiaphae's Horfe Men,and mutch
leflè hys commyng. XVhen the Souldyers were retyred Ruftanus
declared to ail Men that the Countrey was in good quyet, and
pryuely repayred to the Kynge, and vttered to hym the caufe of
hvs retourne, addynge further, that as farre as hee could fee by
manvfefie Sygnes, and Conie&ures, the good Wylles of ail the
Armye were inclyned to Muftapha, and for that eaufe in fo
daungerous an Enterpryfe, hee durfie not aduenture with open
\Varres, but lefte all to the eonfideration of hys Maiefiy. This
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN. 40
reporte bred to the cruell Father (who nothynge degenerated
from the Naturall Tirannye of hys Aunceftors) greater Sufpicions :
for reuengement whereof he mof wickedly toke further aduife.
The yeare folowyng he commaunded an huge Army to be leuied
once againe makyng Proclamation that the Perfians with a greater
Power would inuade Syria, and therefore thought it metc that he
himfelf for the Common fauegarde of them ail, ought perfonally
to repayre thyther with a power to withffande the indeuors of
his Ennimies. The Army being affembled, and al furlfitures
prouyded in that behalfe, thev marched forwardes, and within
fewe daves after the cruell Father folowed. XVho beynge corne
into Syria, addreffed a meffenger to Muftapha, to commaund
him forthwith to repayre vnto him, then being encamped at
Alepes. And yet Solymane could hOt keepe fecret the mortall
hatred he bare to hvs Sonne from others, although he imployed
dilygent care for that purpofe, but that the kuowledge thereof
came to the Eares of one of the Bafchre, and others of Honour.
Emonges whome Achmet Bafcha pryuily lent Woorde to Mufta-
pha, to the intent he myght take the better heede to hymfelf.
And it feemed hot without XVonder to Muf'tapha, that his Father,
wythout neceffary caufe, fhoulde arrvue in thofe partes wyth fo
great a lqumber. ,Vho notwithfiandiug, knowing hymfelfe
innocente, althoughe in extreame forrow and penfifenes of mynd
determyned to obey hys Father's Commaundement although he
fhoulde fiand in Daunger of hys Lvfe. For hee efteemed it a
more honef and laudable part to incurre the Peryll of death in
Obedienee to hvs Father, than to lyue in eontumelve by difobedy-
euee. Therefore in that great anxietye and eare of Mynde, deba-
tyng many thinges wyth hymfelfe : At length he demaunded of a
learned Man whyeh eontynually was eonuerfaunt wvth hym in his
Houle (as is aforefayde,) whether the Empyre of the whole .Vorld
or a vertuous Lvfe ought rather to be wyfhed for. To whom this
Learned Man mofi Godly aunfwered. That hee whieh dilygently
weyed the Gouernement of this Worlde, fhall pereeiue no other
Felyeitye therein then a vayne and foolvfh apparence of goodneffe.
"For there is nothyng" (quod he) "more frayle or vnfure then the
Worlde's profperity. And it bryngeth none other Frui&s but Feare,
408
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOL'MAN.
forrow, troubles, fufpicions, murders, XVickedneffe, vnrightenus-
nes, fpoyle, Pnuerty, Captiuity, and futch lyke whych to a man
that affeð a bleffed Lyre, are in no wyfe to be wyfhed for. For
whofe fake who fo lift to enioy them, leafeth the happines of that
Lyre. But to whome it is gyuen from aboue to way and confider
the frayltye and fhortnes of thys ftate (which the Common Peop|e
deemeth to be a Lyfe) and to refift the vanitves of the XVorld, at
length to embrace vertue, to them truelv in heauen there is a
Place afligned and prepared of the higheff GOD, where hee fhall
inherite perpetuall Ioyes, and Felicitv of the Lyre to come." XVyth
whvch aunfwer Muftapha beyng fomwhat prycked ic confcience
wonderfully was fatisfied, as being tolde of him which feemed by
a certaine Prophecy to pronoflicate his end. And tarrying vppon
no longer difputation, immedvatelv dvre&ed his lournev towards
his cruell Father. And vfing that expedition he could, arriued at
the place where his Father encamped, and not farre from the lame
he pitched his pauilion. But this expedite arriuall of Muftapha
did inculcat a greater fufpicion in the wvcked Father. And
ltuflanus was hot behynde wyth lyes, and other fubtill informa-
cions to let forwardes the lame. And after he had called together
the common Souldiours and the chiefe men of Warre in the Army,
hee fente them to meete wyth Muftapha, who without any tarry-
ing moft readily obeved his commaundement, to put themfelues
in readines. In the mean rime this crafty Verlet, fhewing by
outward countenance the hid enuv that lay fecrete in his heart,
forthwith repaired icto the Kynge's Pauilion, and without fhame
or honeftv told the King, howe almoft euery one of the principall
Souldiours of their owne accorde went to meete Muftapha. Then
the King being troubled in mind, went forth of his tent, and per-
fuaded with himfelf that Ruftanus 3,Vordes were true. Now
Muftapha lacked hot fondry tokens of his vnhappy fate: For
not thre daies before he fhould take his iorney about the breake
of day in the morning being in flepe, he dreamed that he faw
blachomet clad in gorgious apparel, to take him by the hand, and
lead him into a moft pleafant place beutified with fundry turrets
and fumptuous buildinge hauing in it a moft dele&able gardein,
who fhexing him al thofe things with his finger» fpake thefe
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLMAN. 409
wordes: "Here" (quod he) "doe they reft for euer, which in the
World haue lyued a Godly and iuf Lire, and haue bene _Aduauncers
of Law and Iuftice, and contempners of vice." _And turning his
face to the other fyde, he faw two fwifte and broad Riuers, the one
of them boiled more blacke then Pitch. _And in the fayd Riuers
many were drowned, whereof fome appeared aboue "Vater crying
with horrible voices, Mercy, Mercy. "_And there" (quod he) "are
tormented ail futch, which in the "Vorld mof wyckedly haue com-
mitted Mifchiefe." _And the chiefe of them he faved were Prynces,
Kinges, Emperours, and other great Men. With that Muftapha
awaked and callyng the faied learned Man vnto him, vttered his
dreame. _And paufyng a lyttle whyle (for the fuperficious
Machometiftes attribute mutch Credite to dotage of dreames)
beiug fui of forrow and penfifneffe, at length anfwered That the
virion was very dreadful, for that it pronofticated extreame peril
of his life. Therefore he required him to haue diligent refpec°c
thereunto. But Muftapha beynge of great valiaunce and forti-
tude, hauing no regard to the aunfwer aforefaid, couragioutly
replied with thefe wordes: "Shall I lutter my felf to be vanquifhed
with vaine and childifh feare ? Nay I wil rather take a good heart,
and make haft to my Father. For I ara affured that alwayes from
time to time I haue honored his maiefty accordyng to my duety,
in fo mutch as nevther Fote trauelled, nor Eve looked, mutch leffe
heart thought agaynft his will to defyre or couet to raigne,
except it had pleafed the highe GoD to haue called hys Maiefy
from thys Lyre to a better. And befydes that my Mynde was neuer
bente after hx's Death to beare fuie, excepte Generall ElecCtyon of ail
the-Army, to the intent I myghte entre the Imperiall Seate wythout
flaughter, Bloudfhed, or any other cruell facCt, and thereby pre-
feru.e the friendfhip of my Brethren inuiolat, and free from any
fpot of hatred. For I alwayes determyned, and chofe rather
(rince mv Father's pleafure is fo) to end my Life like an obedvent
Child, than continually to raigne, and be counted of al men,
obfiinate and difobedient, efpecially of mine enimies." ,Vhen he
had fpoken thofe wordes, he ruade haft to his father. _And at his
arriual to the Campe, fo fone as he had pitched his Tent he ap-
parelled himfelf al in white, and putting certain letters into
4Io
A CRUELL FACTE OF 50LTAN SOLYMAN.
bofome, which the Turkes vfe to do, when they go to any place
(for in fuperficions they vfe maruailous dotage) he proceded
towards his father, entending wyth reuerence (as the manner is)
to kiffe his hand. But when hee was come to the entry of the
tent, he rememberd himfelf of his Dagger which he wore about
him, and therefore vngirding himfelf he put it of for auoiding of
al fufpicion. ,Vhich don, when he was entred the Tent, he was
very curteoufly (with futch reuerence as behoued) welcomed of his
father's Eunuches. And when he fav no man elle, but the feat
royal, ,,vhere his father was wotat to fitte readye furnifhed, with a
forrowful heart fode fil, and at length demaunded where his
Father was. xVho anfwered that forthwith hee would corne in
prefence. In the meane feafon he faw feuen dombe men (which
the Turke vfeth as Inftruments to kepe his fecrets, and priuily to
do futch murthers as he commaundeth) and therewith immediately
was wonderfully mafed fayiug: ,« Beholde my prefent Death." And
therewith fiepped aride to auoide them, but it was in vaine, For
being apprehended of the Eutauches and garde, was by force
drawen to the place appointed for him to loofe hvs Lyfe, and
fodain|y the domb Men fafiened a Bowftryng about his Necke.
But Muftapha, fome what friuing, requyred to fpeak but two
\Vordes with his Father. \Vhich when the wicked parricide
Father hearde, beholding the Cruell SpeLCtacle on the other rideofthe
Tente, rebuked the dombe Men, faying: ",Vi| you neuer execute my
Commaundement, and doe as I bid you ? \Vvll you hot kvll the
Traitor, which thefe ten years fpace would hot fuffer me to tqepe
one quyet Night?" \Vho when thev harde him fpeake thofe cruell
Woordes, the Eunuches and dornbe Men threw him proftrate vpon
the ground, and cording the firing with a double knot mofi piti-
fully firangled him. Which wvcked aud cruell fac'-te being done,
the Bafcha that was Lieuetenaunt of Amafia \vas alfo apprehended
by the Kynge's Commaundement, and likewvfe beheaded in hys
owne Prefence. This Fac'-te also commytted, he caufed to be called
before hym Gianger the Crokebacke, who was Ignoraunte of that
was done, and Iefiynge vyth hvm as though hee had done a thynge
worthie commendation, bad him to go and meete his Brother
Mufiapha: who with a ioyful cheere made hafi to meete him.
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOL MAN. 4I I
But wheu he came to the place and faw his infortunate Brother ly
ftrangled and dead vpon the earth, it is impofiïble to tell with
what forrow he was affeêted. And he was fcafce eome to the
place, but his wicked Father lent Meffengers after him, to teli
him that the Kyng had giuen him ail Mufapha, his Treafures,
Horfemen, Bondmen» Pauilions, Apparell : Yea, and moreouer the
Prouinee of Amafia. But Giangir eoneeyuing extreme forrow
for the cruell murder of his deere brother, with lamentable teares
fpake thefe words. "Oh cruell and wicked Dogge : yea, and if I
may fo eall my father, Oh Traytor mofi pefilent, do thou eniov
Muffapha, his Treafures, his Horfes, Furnitures, and the fayd Coun-
trey to. Is thy heart fo vnnaturall» eruell, and wicked, to kill a
yongue man fo notable as Mufapha was, fo good a Warriour,
and fo worthy a Gentleman as the Ottoman houle neuer had
or fhall haue the like, without any refpeêt of Humanity or Zeale
naturall ? By Saync°c Mary I neede to take heede leaf hereafter in
like maner thou as impudently do triumph of my death, being
but a erokebacke and deformed man." "Vhen hec had fpoken
theefe wordes, plueking out his Dagger, he flew himfelfe. "Vhereof
when the Emperor had aduertifement, he coneeyued infpeakable
forrow. But for al that, his forrowfull heart vanquifhed hot his
eouetoufe minde. For he commaunded ail Mufiaphe's Treafure,
and other Furnituresto beebrought into his Tent. And t he Souldiours
thinckiug the lame fhould be gieuen amongs them made as mutch
hafe to difpatche his commaundement. In the meane tyme
Mufaphe's Souldiours (not knowing what was become of their
Mayter) feeing futch a number runne in heapes without order
came forth of their Camp to withtande their foolifhe tumult, who
very manfully, not without muteh flaughter withtoode the faine.
And when the Fame of that Tragiea|l tumult was bruted amongs
the King's souldiers, (who pereeyuing the faine more and more to
waxe hot,) they went forth to fuccour their fellowes» but the
Onfet being gieuen on ail rides, the fight on both parts was fo
tierce, as in fhort fpaee there were flayne very neere the number
of two thoufande men befides the hurt and wounded, whereof the
number was greater. Howbeit this Broyle had not bene thus
ended, had not Achmat Bafcha, a graue and wife man, and fi»r
his experimentes in the Warres of great auc°choritv amongs the
412
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN.
fouldiers driuen them back, and repreffed their furv. ,Vho turn-
ing himfelf towards Muflaphe's fouldiers with fmiling counte-
naunce and milde words appeafing their furious ffomacks fpake
thefe wordes : ",Vhy my deere brethren and freends wil vee now
degenerate from your olde accuftomed wifedome, fufficiently tried
in you thefe many yeares pmi, and will now refiff the commaund-
ment of the great Soltan the lord and foueraigne ofvs ail ? I cannot
chufe (as God fhal help me) but meruayle what fhould mooue you
whom hitherto I haue proued to be fo notable and valiant men,
and in this ciuile confli&, you fhould bende your force vpon your
own frends, and raire vp futch a fpe&acle to the Ottoman enemy,
againff whom heretofore you haue very profperoufly and manfully
fought, and therewith by mutuall flaughter to make them reioyfe
whom heretofore with the like, you haue ruade heauy and pen-
rive. Therefore my fellowes as you tender your own valiaunce
and Magnanimity, take heede, that by your own folly you do not
lefe the effimation of your wonted fortitude and wifedome,
wherein hitherto you haue excelled ail men. And referue your
force, hich you now more than inough haue vfed amongs your
owne Fellowes till you corne againff your Enemies, where you fhall
haue a more laudable, and better occafion to vfe it." XVith
thefe woordes and the like fpoken by Achamat Bafca, the Soul-
diours were fomewhat appeafed, and ail thinges were franckely
fuffered to bee carried out of Muffapha hys Pavylion to the Kynge's.
But when the death of Muftapha came to the knowledge of
the lalfifchari, and the reff of the Army, forthwith began another
fedition. And after the Trumpets had blowen the onfet, there
was futch a Tumult and ffyrre amongs the Souldiours, mixte wyth
fundry Lamentations, and Teares, that like Madmen with great
violence, thev tan into the Courte, with theyr Swords naked in
thevr hands ready bent to ffrike. And this renued and fudden
styrre fo terrified the Knyg, that hee wiffe not what to do who for
ail the dampes would needes haue fled. But being perfuaded of
his Counfelloures to tarry, hauing throughe Neceffity, gotten
occafion to attempt that whych in the tvme of hys moff fecurity
he durff fcarce haue enterpryfed, went forth, and with fferne
Countenaunce, fpake to hys Souldyers in this manner. "What
rumors, what tumultes, and what mad partes are thefe, wherewith
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLYMAN. 41 3
ri» proudely in this fort ye difquiet me? What meane thefe
enflamed eountenanees? What fignify thefe haulty geRures,
thefe proude and angry Iokes ? Doe you hot remembre that I am
your King that bath Power and Authority to gouerne and rule
you ? Are you determyned in this fort to fpot your Auneyent and
inuineible valiaunee, and the notable Warrefare of your predeees-
fours, with the bloud of your Emperour ?" And while the King
was fpeaking thefe ,Vords, the fouldiers boldly anfwered, how
they eonfeffed him to be the lame, whome manv yeares ago thev
ehofe to be their Kinge, and for that hee alleaged how they
had with their good feruiee in the Warres aequired vnto him manv
great eonqueffs and had diligently kepte the lame: ail that they
did of purpofe that he fhould vfe towards them againe a godly
Authority and iuff Gouernment, and not vnaduifedly fhould lav
his bloudv bandes vppon euery iuRe Man, and fo to Raine and
defile himfelfe with the Bloud of Innoeents. And againe, where
he laide to their charge, that they were iffued from their Cabanes
armed with Weapon, they affirmed the fame to be donc in a iuft
quarell, euen to reuenge the flaughter of innocent Muftapha, and
for that they ought hOt to haue futeh a Kynge as fhould worke
his anger vppon them that had not defcrued it. Further they
required that they might eleare themfelues openly of the offenee
of Treafon, whereof falfly they were aeeufed by MuRapha, his
Enimies, and to haue their acculer to be brought forth in open pre-
fenee. And fayde more that before he perfonally did appeare
before the Iudgement Seat Face to Face to giue euidenee, fub
talionis poena, aeeordinge to the Law, they would hOt vnarme nor
yet difafemble themfelues. [And whiles thefe things were debated
betwene the emperor and the fouldiers, the eruelty of the facCt, fo
moued] ail men to teares, that the Kyng him felfe feemed to take
great repentaunee for his horrible deede, and promyfed the Soul-
diours that they fhould haue their requefts, and went about with
fayre perfwafions to mittigate (as muteh as lay in him) their furi-
ous Romakes. Howbeit the Souldiours gaue diligent heede to
their wateh and warde euery man in his place appoynted, that the
king might hOt feeretly eonuey himfelfe away, and fo deeeyue
thevm of his prolniffes, and the expecCtation of their requeffs. In
44
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAN SOLVMAN.
the meane time the Kyng depriued RuRanus of ail his offices, and
promotions, and tooke away from him the priuy Signet whereof
he had the keeping, and deliuered it to Achmat Bafcha. luftanus
amafed with the terror and feare of the Souldiours, thinking him-
felfe fcarce in good fecuritv amongs his owne men, feeretly con-
ueyed himfeife to _Achmat Bafcha his Pauilyon, and afked coun-
fell of him what was beft to be done in fo doubtfull, and daunger-
ous a cafe. Who aduifed him therein to haue the kyng's aduice,
and as he eommaunded him fo in anv wvfe to doe. ,Vhich eoun-
fayle marueyloufly fatiffied the mvnde of RuRanus. _And with-
out anv longer delay by certaine Meffengers which were his favth-
fuli, and familier Freends required the King's aduife. Vhereunto
the Kiug aunfwered that forthwith without longer tariaunce he
fhould auoyde his fyght, and abfent himfelfe from his Campe.
Vho replied that without Money and other furnitures, he couid
hot conueniently execute hys commaundement. But the King
had hvm to do what hee liR, for he woulde in no wife gieue hym
leaue to haue any longer rime or fpace to deliberate the marrer.
_At iength luRanus without further Ray, as guilty of his curfed
deuifes, aceompanied with eyght of his truRieR Frends dire&ed
his lorney to ConRantinople, and vfing mutch expedition (as
feare in fearefitll matters putteth fpurres to the horfe) came to
Conf¢antinople : and there with lofa and other the Confpiratours
expe&ed the euents of Fortune not without daunger of their
liues. Moreouer it was fayd that Solyman, whofe Confcience
bewrayed the beaRlynes of his abhominable fa&e, being prieked
with a fuperfticious repentance, determined to trauel on piigrim-
age to Mecha, and proceding in his volage, he was driuen by
meanes of the Perfians force to go to Hierufalem there to offer
facrifice for the death of his Sonne, which they call Corba. But
now to conclude, and fomewhat to fpeake of Muftapha or rather
by way of admonition this one thing to fay of him, that the fayde
Muftapha was fo acceptable and well beioued of ail men for his
warlike experience, and for his redineffe to fheade Chriftian bloud,
that they fuppofed the like would neuer be in the Ottoman houfe
more towards to enlarge, and amplyfie their Empyre, or promyfed
greatter thinges for the perfourmance thereof. In fo mutch as
A CRUELL FACTE OF SOLTAI SOLYMAN. 415
then they difpayred fo of their Enterprifes, as this Prouerbe rofe
vp amongs them, Gietti Soltan Muffapha, which fignifieth an
vtter difpayre in thinges which they thought before to goe about.
Therefore we haue good caufe to reioyce for the death of thys
crueil enimy that fhould haue raygned, and to thinck the flaughter
of him hOt to be donc without God's fpeciall prouidence, who in
this forte hath prouided for vs. And at length to be wife, and
abffayne from ciuile Warre and diffencions. And with common
Force to fet vppon this wicked Tarmegant, confidering that he is
not only a generall Ennimv to our Countrev and Lyre, but alfo to
our Soules. x, Vhich thing if we do, it will not be fo hard a matter
to withffand the force of this enemy of ChriRendome, as if we doe
hOt, it wyll be daungerous through out continuall difcorde to gieue
him oceafion to inuade the ret2 of Europe, and fo with
tiranny bring the faine to vtter deffru&ion, which God
that is omnipotent forbid, who bring vs to vnitv
through his Sonne Iefus Chriffe,
Amen.
416
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
THE THIRTY-FIFTH NOUELL.
The great curtoEe of the Kyng of 2tlarocco, (a Citty in Barbarie)
toward a poore Fiherrnan, one of his Subieës, that had lodged
the Kng, beingflrayed frora his Cornpang in hunting.
FOR fomutch as the more than bealy cruelty recounted in the
former Hyfory, doth yelde fome fowre tare to the minds of thofe
that be curteous, gentle and well conditioned by nature, and as
the Stomacke of him that dayly vfeth one kinde of meate, be it
neuer fo delycate and daynty, doth at length lothe, and difdayne
the faine, and vtterly refufeth it: I noxv chaunge the Diet, leau-
ing murders, flaughters, defpayres, and tragicall accidents, and
turne mv ffile to a more pleafaunt thing, that may fo well ferue
for infiru&ion of the noble to follow vertue, as that xvhich I haue
already written, may rife to their profit, warely to take heede they
fal not into futch deformed and filthy faults, as the name and
prayfe of man be defaced, and his reputation decayed : if then the
contraries be knowne by that which is of diuers natures, the
villany of great cruelty fhalbe conuerted into the gentleneffe of
milde curtefie, and rigor fhalbe condempned, when with fveete-
neffe and generofity, the noble fhall affaye to wyn the heart,
feruice, and affe&ed deuotion of the bafefi forte: So the great-
neffe and nobility of man p]aced in dignity, and who hath puis-
faunce ouer other, confifteth not to fhew himfelfe hard, and
terrible, for that is the manner of Tyraunts, bicaufe he that is
feared, is confequently hated, euyll beloued, and in the ende for-
faken, of the whole ,Vorld, which hath bene the caufe that in
times part Prvnces afpiring to great Conquefts, haue made their
way lnore eafie by gentleneffe and Curtefie, than by fury of armes,
ftablifhing the foundations of their dominions more firme and
durable by thofe meanes, than they which by rigor and eruelty
haue facked townes, ouerthrowne Cities, depopulated Prouinces,
and fatted Landes with the bodies of thofe, whofe liues they haue
depriued by dent of fword, fith the gouernement and authority
ouer other, caryeth greater fubieeCtion, than puiffanee. Where-
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
4t7
fore Antigonus, one of the fucceffi»rs of great Alexander (that
made ail the Earth to tremble vppon the recitail of hvs naine) fee-
ng that hys Sonne behaued himfelfe arrogantly, and wythout
modefty to one of hys Subie&s, reproued and checkcd hym, and
amongs many wordes of chaftifement and admonition, fard vnto
him : "Knoweft thou not my Sonne, that the elate of a K.vng is
a noble and honourable feruitude?" Royall wordes (in deede)
and meete for a Kyng : For albeit that eche man doth reuerence to
a Kyng» and that he be honoured, and obeyed «»f ail, yet is hee for
ail that, the Seruaunt, and publike llyniter, who ought no leffe
to defend hys Subie&» than the Subie& to do him honour and
Homage. And the more the Prynce doth humble himfelfe, the
greater increafe hath his glory, and the more wonderfull he is
to euery "Vyght. "Vhat aduaunced the Glory of Iulius Coefar, who
tïrtt depreffed the Senatorie State of gouernment at Rome ? Where
his Vic'-toryes atchieued ouer the Galles and Brit»ns, and after-
wardes ouer Rome it felfe, when he had vanquifhed Pompee ? _Ail
thofe ferued his tourne, but his greatet faine rofe of his Clemency
and Curtefie: By the whych Vertues hee (hewed hi,nfclfe to he
gentle, and fauorable euen to thofe, whom hee knewe hot to
loue him, otherwife than if hee had beene their mortall Enimv.
His Succeffors as Auguftus, Vefpafianus, Titus, lIarcus Aurelius,
and Fiauius were worthily noted for clemency: Notvithtand-
ing I fee not one drawe neere to the great Courage, and Gen-
tleneffe, ioyned wyth the tlnguler Curtefie of Dom Rodcrigo
Viuario trie Spanyarde Surnamed Cid, tovarde Kyng Pietro of
Aragon that hindred his expedityon agaynft the M»res at Gren-
adoe. For hauing ,anquyfl,ed the fayde Kit,g, and taken hvm
in Battell, not onely remitted the reuenge of his wrong, but alfo
fuffered hym to go wythout raunfome, and tooke not from him
fo mutch as one Forte, eleemyng it to bee a better exploite to
winne futch a King withcurtefie, than beare the name of cruell in
putting him to Death, or feafing vpon his land. But bicaufe ac-
knowledging of the poore, and enriching the final, is commet, d-
able in a Prynce, than when he/heweth himfelfe gentle to his lyke,
I haue collec'-ted this difcourfe and fa&e of Kynge Manfor of
Marocco, whofe Chyldren (by fubtile and fained religion) Cherif
VOL. III. 2 D
48
TIIE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
fitcceded, the Sonne of whom at this day inioyeth the kingdomes
of Su, iMarocco, and the mort part of the ifles confinynge vpon
zEthiopia. This hiftorv was told by an Italian called Nicholofo
Baciadonne, who vppon this accydent was in Affrica, and in
tralïke of Marchandyfe in the Land of Oran, fituated vppon the
coaft of the South feas, and where the Geneuois and Spanyards
vfe great entercourfe, bicaufe the countrey is faire, wei peopled,
and wher the inhabitants (although the foyle be barbarous) lyue
indifferent ciuilly, vfing great curtefie to Straungers, and iargely
departing their goodes to the poore, towards whom they be ri»
earneftly bente, and louing, as for theyr Lyberality and pytifui
almeffc, they haine vs Chriftians. They meinteine a greft numbre
of Hofpitalles, to receiue and intertaine the poore and neady,
wherein thev flaew themfelues more deuout than thev that be
bounde by the law of Iefits Chrifte, to vfe Charity towardes thevr
brethren, with more curtefie and greater myldneffe. Thefe Ora-
niens delight alfo to record in wryting the fuccetTe of thinges that
chaunce in their time and carefully referue the fame in Memorie,
whvch was the caufe that hauyng regiftred in thevr Chronicles,
(wrytten in Arabie letters, as the mof part of thofe Countreyes do
vfe) this prefent hiftory, they imparted the fame to the Geneuois
marchants of whorn the Italian author confeffeth to haue recevued
the copie. The caufe why the Geneuois marchant was fo diligent
to make the enquirie, was by reafon of a City of that prouince,
builte through the chaunce of thys Hiftorye, and which was called
in thevr Tongue, Coefar Elcabir, fo mutch to fav as, A great Pal-
lace. _And bvcaufe I am affured, that curteous Myndes wili
delyght in deedes of Curtefie, I haue amonges other the Noueiles
of Bandello, chofen by Francois de Belleforeft and my feif, dis-
courfed thys, aibeit the matter be hot of great importance. For
greater thynges and more notorious curtefies haue bene done by
out own Kinges and Prvnces. As that of Henry the eight a Prynce
of notable memorye in hys Progreffe into the North the xxx1L
yeare of his raigne, when he dyfdayned not a pore Miller's houfe
being ttragled from his trayne, bufily purfuing the Hart, and ther
vnknowne of the Miller, was welcomed with homely cheare, as
hvs mealy houfe was able for the time to rninifter, and afterwardes
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO. 41 9
for acknow]e]ging his wi]]ing l|yn]e, recompenccd hm wvth
dayntes of the Courte and a Prynce]y rewarde. Of ldwarde the
thyrde, whofe Royal] Nature was not difp]eafcd p]eafaunt]y to vfe
a Vaifariug Tanner, when deuyded from his Company, he mette
hym by the way hot far from Tomworth in Staffordfhire, and bv
cheapening of his welfare feede (for fedineffe fure and able to
carry him fo farre as the fiable dote) grewe to a price, and for
exchaunge the Tanner craued fiue fhillings to boote betwene the
Kings and his. And when the King fatiffied with difport, defired
to fhew himfeif by founding his warning blafe, affembled ail hys
Traine, and to the great amaze of the poore Tanner, (when he was
guarded with that Troupe) he well guerdoned his good Pafime
and familiar dealing, with the order of Knighthoode and reafon-
able reuenue for the maintenaunce of the faine. The lvke
Examples out Chronicles, memory, and reporte plentifully doe
auouche and witneffe. But what ? this Hyftory is the more rare
and worthy of notyng, for refpe& of the People and Countrey,
where feldome or neuer Curtefie haunteth or findeth harborough,
and where Nature doth bryng forth greater flore of monf[ers, than
thinges worthy of praife. This great King Manfor then was hot
onely the Temporaii Lord of the Countrev of Oran and Marocco,
but alfo (as is laide of Prete lean,) Byfhop of his Law and the
Mahomet Priefi, as he is at thys Day that raighneth in Feze, Sus,
and IMarocco. Now thvs Prynce aboue ail other pleafure, loued
the gaine of Hunting. And he fo mutch delighted in that paffe-
time» as fometime he would caufe his Tentes in the myd of the
defertes to be erec2ed, to lye there ail Nyght, to the end, that the
next day he might renew his gaine, and defraud his men of idle-
neff% and the Wild beaf[s of rePt. And this manner of Lire he
vfed fill, after he had done luf[ice and hearkened the complaintes
for which his Subie&es came to difclofe thereby theyr griefes.
,Vherein aifo he toke fo great pleafure, as fome of out magif[rates
do feeke their profite, whereof they be fo fqueymifhe, as they
be defirous to fatiffy the place whereunto they be called» and
render all men their righte due vnto them. For wyth theyr
Bribery and Sacred Golden Hunger, Kings and Prynces in thefe
dayea be ill ferued, the people wronged, and the wycked out of
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
feare. There is none offenee almoft how villanous fo euer it be,
but is wafhed in the XVater of Bribery, and clenfed in the holly
drop, wherewith the Poets faine Iupiter to corrupt the daughter
of Acrifius raff elofed within the brafen Toure. And who is able
to refifi that, which bath fubdued the highefi powers? Now re-
turne we from out wanderings: This greate Kynge Manfor on a
day affembled his People to hunt in the marifh and fenny Countrey,
that in elder age was hOt farre of from the City of Alela, which
the Portugal]es ho]de at this prefent, to make the wav more free
into the Ifles of 1Molucca, of the mort part wherof their King is
Lord. As he was attentife in f,»lowing a Beare, and his paffime at
the befi, the Elements began to darke and a great tempef fore,
fuch as with the fiorme and violent XVinde, fcattered the trayne
far of from the King, who not kuowing what way to take, nor
into what place he might retire, to auoid the tempeft, the greatefi
that he felt in al his lire, would with a good wil haue ben aeeom-
panied as the Troiane Eneas was, when being in ]ike pafiime and
fear he was eonltravned to enter into a Caue wyth his Queene
Dido, where he perfourmed the Ioyes of hvs vnhappy Maryage.
But Manfor beeynge without Companye, and wythout any Caue
at Hande, wandered alonges the Champayne fo eareful[ of hys Lyfe
for feare of Wylde Beafles, vhyeh floeke together in thofe defertes
as the Courtiers were penfiue, for that thev knew not whether
theyr Prvnee was gone. And that whieh ehiefly grieued Manfor
was hys being alone without guide: And for all he was well
mounted, he durf'c paffe no further for fear of drownyng, and to
be deffroved amiddes thofe Marfhes, whereof all the Countrey was
very ful. On the one ride he was fryghted with Thunderelaps,
whieh rumbled in the ayre very thieke and terryble: On the
other ride the lightning continually flafhed on his face, the roring
of the Beaftes apalled him, the ignoraunce of the wav fo afonned
him, as he was affraide to fall into the running Brokés, whieh the
outragious raignes had eaufed to fwell and ryfe. It is not to be
doubted, that orifons and prayers vnto hys greate prophet Mahomet
were forgotten, and doubtfull it is whether he were more deuout
when he went on Pilgrimage to the ldolatrous Temple of Mofqua.
Hee eomplayned of iii lucke, aeeufing Fortune, but ehiefly hys
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
42I
owne folly, for giuing himfeife fo mutch to hunting, for the de-
tire whereof, hee was thus ftraggled into vnknowen Countreyes.
Sometimes he raued and vomytted his Gall agaynft his Gentlemen
and houfhold feruaunts, and threatned death vnto his guarde.
But afterwards, when reafon ouerfhadowed his fenfe, he faw that
the tyme, and hot their neglygence or little care caufed that
difgrace. He thoughte that his Prophet had poured downe that
tempett for fome Notable firme, and had brought him into fuch
and fo dangerous extremity for his faults. For which caufe he
lifted vp his Eyes, and ruade a thoufand Mahomet mowes, and
Apifh mocks (according to theyr manner.) And as he fixed his
eyes aloft vp to the heauens, a flafh of lightning glaunced on his
Face fo vio|ently, as it ruade him to holde downe his head, lyke a
lyttle Chyld reproued of his maifier. But he was further daunted
and amazed, when he faw the night approche, which with the
darkenes of his cloudy Mantell, faved hys pace from going any
further, and brought him into fuch perplexitye, as willingly he
would haue forfaken both his hunting and company of his Ser-
uants to be quit of that Daunger. But God carefull of good
lXlyndes (with what law fo euer they be trayned vp,) and who
maketh the Sunne to fhine vpon the iufi and and vniuffe, pre-
pared a meanes for his fauegarde, as you fhal heare. The Af-
fricane King beyng in his traunce, and naked of ail hope, necef-
fity (which is the cleareft loking glaffe that may be round,) ruade
him diligently to loke about, whether he could fee any perfone bv
whome he might attavne firme fecuritie. And as he thus bent
himfelfe to difcry all the pattes of the Countrey, he faw hot far of
from him, the glimpfe of a light which glimmered out at a little
,Vindow, whereunto he addreffed himfelfe, and perceiued that it
was a fimple Cabane fituate in the middeft of the Fermes, to which
he approached for his fuccor and defenfe in the time of that
tempeft. He reioyfed as you may think, and whither his heart
lept for ioy, I leaue for them to iudge which haue affayed like
daungers, how be it I dare beleue, that the faylers on the feas
feele no greater iov when they arriue to harborough, than the
king of Marocco dvd: or when after a Tempefi, or other peril,
they difcrye vppon the prowe of their fl, yppe, the bryghtneffe of
422
TtIE KI.NGE OF IIAROCCO.
fime clyffe, or other land. _And thvs king hauing felt the tempei
of Vind, raine, halle, lyghtenyng, and Thunder elaps, eompaffed
round aboute with Marfhes and violent ftreames of little Riuers
that ran along his way, thought he had round Paradife by ehaune-
ing vpon that rufiieall lodge. Now that Cotage was the refuge
place of a porc Fifher man, who li,ed and fufleined his ,Vife and
children with Eeles which he toke alongs the ditches of thofe deepe
and huge Marfhes. Manfor when he was arrived at the dote of
that great pallace couered and thacked with Reede, called to them
wythin, who at the firfi would make no anfwer to the Prvnce that
taried there comming at the Gate. Then he knocked a_,2,aine, and
with louder vovce than before, which caufed this fifher man,
thinkynge that he had bene ri»me rippier (to whom he was wont
to fell hvs ware, or elle fome flraunger flraved out of his way,)
fpedily went out, and feeinge the Kiuge well mounted and richlve
clothed, and albeit he tooke him hot to be his foueraigne LORD, yet
he thought he was fome one of his Courtly Gentlemen. Where-
fore hec farde : " 'Vhat Fortune bath dryuen you (tir) into thefe fo
deferte and folytarye Places, and futch as I maruell that vou
xvere not drowned a hundred tymes, in thefe fireames, atad bogges
whereof this Marrifh and fenny Countrey are full ?" "It is the great
God" (aunfwered Manfor) "whieh hath had fome eare of me, and
will hot fuffer me to peryfh without doynge greater good turnes
and better deedes than hitherto I haue don.'" The King's eom-
ming thither, feemed to Prognofiicate that whvch after ehauneed,
and that God poured downe the Tempef for the ,Vealth of the
Fifher man, and commodity of the Country. And the ftraying of
the Kyng was a thyng appoynted to make voyde thofe Marfhes,
and to purge and elenfe the Countrev : Semblable ehaunees haue
happened to other Prynees, as to Conftantine the great, befides
his Citv ealled New Rome, when he caufed eertavne Marfhes and
Ditches to be filled vp and dryed, to build a fayre and fumptuous
Temple, in the Honor and Memorv of the bleffed Virgin that
brought forth the Sauior of the ,Vorld. "But tel me good man"
(replyed lIanfor) eanf thou hOt fhew me the way to the Court,
and whether the King is gone, for gladly (if it were poffible) would
I ride thither." "Verily" (fayd the Fifher Man) "it will be almofi
THE KINGK OF MAROCCO.
43
day before ye can come there, the faine beinge ten leagues from
hence. «Forfomutch as thon knowel the way" (aunfvered Man-
for) "doe me fo great pleafure to brynge me thither, and be affured
that befides the good turne, for which I fhall be bound vnto thee,
I will curteoufly content thee for thy paynes." "'Sir'" (fayd the
poore man) "you feeme to be an honel Gentleman, wherfore I pray
you to lygh b and to tarry heere this Night, for that it is fo late,
and the way to the City very euyli and comberfome for you to
paffe." " No, no," (fayd the King) "' if it be poflible, I mui
repayre to the place whither the King is gone, wherefore doe fo
mutch for me as to bee my guide, and thou fhalt fee whether I
be vnthankfu]! to them that imploy their paynes for mec." "' If
KyngManfor" (fayd the Fifher man) "were heere hymfelfe in Perfon
and ruade the lyke requel, I would not be fo very a foole, nor fo
prefumptuous, (at this time of the Nyght) to take vppon me with-
out Daunger to bryng hym to his Pa]ace." "" Wherefore?" (fayed
the Kyng) "' Wherefore? (quod you), bicaufe the Marfhes bec fo
daungerous, as in the Day tyme, if one know not x el the s'ay, the
Horfe, (be hec neuer fo lronge and Luf{y,) may chaunce to flicke
fal, and tarry behvnd for gage. And I would be forry if the King
were heere, that he flaould fall into Pery|, or fuffer anv anoyance
and theres.vthall would deeme my felfe vnhappy if I did let hvm
to incur futch euyll or incombrance." Manfor that delighted in
the communication of this good man, and defirous to know the
caufe that moued him to fpeak with futch affe&ion, faid vnto
hinl : "And whv careff thou for the Life, heahh, or preferuation
of the Kynge? What hal thou to doe wvth him thatwouldefl be
fo forry for hys f{ate, and carefull of his fafety." "Ho, ho," laid
the good man, "doe you fay that I ara carefull for my Prince ?
Verily I loue him a hundred tymes better than I do my felfe, my
x, Vife or children whych God hath fent me: and what sir, do hot
you loue out Prince?" "Yes that I doe" (replyed the Kyng,) "for I
haue better caufe than thou, for that I ara many times in his com-
pany, and liue vpon his charge and am entertayned with his wages.
But what nedel thou to tare for hym? Thou knowet him not,
hee neuer did thee anye good turne or pleafure: nor yet thou
nedel not hope henceforth to haue any pleafure at his banals."
424
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
"XVhat?" (laid the Fifher mati) "muft a Prince be Ioued for gaine
and good turnes, rather than for hys Iulice and curtefie? 1 fee
wel that amongs you mailler Courtiers, the benefits of kings be
more regarded, and their gifts better ]iked than their verrue and
nohility, vich maketh them tvonderful vnto vs : and ye do more
eeme the gold, honor and eates that they beftow vpon you,
than their health and fauegard, which are the more to be con-
fidered, for that the King is our head, and GoI hath ruade him
futch one to kepe vs in Peace, and to be carefull of our tates.
Pardoll me if I fpeake fo bo|dly in your prefence." The kyng
(which toke fingular delight in this Countrey Philofopher,)
anfwered him: " I ara hot offended bicaufe thy words approche fo
neare the troth: but tel me what benefit hal thou receiued of
that king lXlanfor, of whome thou makel futch accompt and
oueft tb wel? For I cannot thinke that euer he dyd thee good,
or fhewed thee pleafure, by reafon of thy pouerty, and the little
Furnvture within thv houle in refpe& of that which they poffeffe
whome hee Ioueth and fauoreth, and vnto whome he fheweth fo
great familvaritve and Benefite." "Doe tell me tir" (replyed the
good mati) "for fo mutch as you fo greafly regard the fauoures
xvhich Subies receiue at thevr Prvnces handes, as in deede they
ought to doe, XVhat greater goodneffe, richeffe, or Benefite ought I
to hope for, or can rece)'ue of my King (being futch one as I am,)
but the profite and vtilitv that ail 'e whych be his vaffalles do
apprehend from day to day in the Iulvce that he rendereth to
euerv XVyghte, by hOt fuffering the puiffant and Rich to fuppreffe
and ouertread the feeble and weake, and him that is deuoid of
Fortune's goods, that indifferency be maintayned by the Officers, to
whom he committeth the gouernement of his Prouinces, and the
care which he hath that his people be hOt deuoured by exa&ions,
and intollerable tributes. I do efteeme more his goodneffe, clemency
and Loue, that he beareth to his lubie&s, than I doe ail your
delycates and eafe in following the Court. I mofl humbly honor
and reuerence mv king in that he being farre from vs, doeth
neuertheleffe fo vfe his gouernment as we feele his prefence |ike
the Image of God, for the peace and vnion wherein we through
him do lyue and enioy, 'ithout difturbaunce, that lytle whych
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
GoI and Fortune haue gyuen vs. Vho (if not the king) is he
that doeth preferue vs, and defend vs from the incurfions and
pillages of thofe Theues and Pirates of Arabie, which inuade and
make warre with their neighbours? and there is no friend they
haue but they would difpleafe if the King wyfely did not forbyd
and preuent their villanies. That great Lord which kepeth his
Court at Con9tantinople and maketh himfelf to be adored of his
people like a God, brideleth hot fo mutch the Arabians, as out
king doth, vnder the Prote&iota and fauegard of whome, I that ara
a poore Fifher mata, do ioy my pouerty iu peace, and without fear
of theeues do norifh my litle family, applying my felfe to the
fifhing of Eeles that be in thefe ditches and fenny places, which I
carry to the market townes, and fell for the fu9tenance and feeding
of my wife and children, and efeeme my felf right happy, that
returning to my cabane, and homely lodge at my pleafure, in
whatfoeuer place I do abide, bicaufe (albeit far of from Neigh-
boutes,) by the benefite and dilygence of my Prince, none fraye
my iourney» or offendeth me by any meanes, whvch is the caufe
(fayd he lifting vp his hands and eyes aloft,) that I pray vnto
God and his great Prophet Mahomet, that it may pleafe them to
preferue out King in heaith, and to gyue him fo great happe and
cotentation, as he is vertuous and debonaire, and that ouer hvs
Ennimies (flying belote him,) he may euermore be vi&orious, for
noryfhing his people in peace, and his children in iov and Nobility."
The King feeing that deuout affe&yon of the paifaunte, and
knowyng it to be without guile or Hypocrifie, would gladly haue
difcouered himfelf, but yet willyng to referue the faine for better
opportutaity, he fayd vnto him : "" Forfomutch as thou louer the
king fo well, it is hot impoffible but thofe of his houfe be wel-
corne wato thee, and that for thy Manfor's fake, thou wilt helpe
and do feruice to his Gentlemen." "'Let it fuffife you" (replyed
he) "'that my heart is more inclined to the King, than to the
willes of thofe that ferue him for hope of preferment. Now being
fo affeeCtionate to the king as I ara, thynke whyther hys houfe-
holde Seruauntes haue power to commaund me, and whither my
silling mynde be pre9t to doe them good or not. But mee thynke
ye neede not to fay heere at the gate in talke, being fo wet as
426
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
you be: Wherefore vouchfafe to corne into mv houfe, which is
youre owne, to take futch fimple lodging as I haue, where I wvl
entreat you, (not according to your merite) but with the little
that God and his Prophet haue departed to my pouerty: And to
morrow morning I will condu& you to the City, euen to the rovall
Palace of my Prvnce." "Trulv" (anfwered the King) "albeit
neccffity did hOt prouoke me, yet thine honefiy deferueth well
other reputation than a fimple Countrey man, and I do thinke
that I haue profited more in hearing thee fpeake than bv hearken-
yng to the flattering and babbling talcs of Courtmg triflers,
xvhich dayly employ themfelues to corrupte the eares of Prvnces."
" What tir?" (fayd the Payfant) "thynke you that thvs poore
Coate and fimple lodgin'g be not able to apprehend the Preceptes
of Vertue? I haue fometimes heard tell, that the xvife auoyding
Cityes and Troupes of Men, haue wythdrawne themfelues into the
defertes, for leyfure to contemplate heauenlv thynges." ,« Your
tkyll is greate," replyed Manfor: "Goe we then, fith vou pleafe to
doe me that Curtefie as this night to be mvne hofie." So the klng
xvent into the Rufiical Lodge, where infieede of Tapifiery and Tur-
key hangings, he fawe the houle fiately hanged with fifher Nets and
Cordes, and in place of rich feeling of Noble mens houfes, he be-
held Canes and Reedes whych ferued both for the feeling and
couering. The Fifher man's Wife continued in the kitchen, whilefi
Manfor hymfelf both walked and dreffed his owne horfe, to which
horfe the Fither man durfie not once come neare for his Corage
and fiately trappour, wyth one thing he was abundantly refrefhed,
and that the mof{e needefull thing xvhich was tire, whereof there
as no fparc, no more then there was of Fithe. But the king
which had been dayntely fed, and did hOt well tafie and lyke that
kvnde of meat, demaunded if hvs hunger could not be fipplyed
with a lytle Flefh» for that his fiomacke was anoyed with the onely
fauoure of the Eeles. The poore man, (as ye haue fomewhat per-
ceiued bythe former difcourfe) was a pleafaunt fellow, and delighted
rather to prouoke laughter than to prepare more dainty meat,
laid vnto the kin: "It is no maruell, though our kin«es do
furnifhe themfelues with Countrey men, to ferue them in their
Warres, for the delicate brlnging vp and litle force in fine Cour-
THE K1NGE OF MAROCCO.
47
tiers. Wee, albeit the Raine doth fal vppon our heads, and the
Winde affaile euery part of out bodies ail durtie and %Vet, doe hOt
care either for lire or Bed, wee feede vpon any kinde of meate
that is fer before vs, withoute feeking Sauce for increafing of our
appetite: and we (beholde) are nimb|e, healthy, |ufy, and neuer
ficke, nor our mouth out of raff, where ye do fee|e futch difem-
peraunce of fiomacke, as pity it is to fee, and more ado there is
to bring the faine into his right order aud tare, than to ordeine
and dreffe a fupper for a whole armie." The king who laughed
(with difplayed throte,) hearing his hofie fo merily difpofed,
could haue been contented to haue heard him ftill had not his
appetite prouoked him, and the time of the Night very late.
%Vherefore he faid vnto him: "'I do agree to what you al|eage,
but performe I pray thee mv requef, and then wee will fatiffie
out felueswith further talke." "Well tir" (replyed the king's Horde,)
"' I fee well that a hungry Belly hath no lufe to heare a merry long,
whereof were you hOt fo egre and fharpe fet, I could ring a hun-
dred. But I haue a lytle Kidde which as yet is not xeaned, the
faine wil I caufe to bee ruade ready, for I think it cannot be better
befiowed." The fupper by reafon of the hofe's curtefie, was
paffed forth in a thoufand pleafant paffetimes, xvhvch the Fifher-
man of purpofe vttered to recreate hys Guef, bicaufe he fawe
hym to delight in thofe deuyfes. And vppon the end of Supper,
he fayd vnto the King : "" Now tir, how iike you this banket ? It
is not fo fumptuous as thofe that be ordinarily ruade at our
Prvnce's Court, yet I thynke that you fhai flepe wyth no leflè
appetyte than you haue eaten with a goal fomaek, as appeareth
by the few %Voords vou have vttered in the tyme of your repafL
But whereunto booteh it to employ tyme, ordeyned for eating, in
expenfe of talke, whveh ferueth not but to paffe the tyme, and to
fhorten, the day ? And meats ought rather to be take. for fufien-
ration of Nature then for prouoeation or motion of thys feeble and
Tranfitorye Flefhe?" "Verily" (fayd the King) "your reafon isgood,
and I doe meane to ryfe from the Table, to paffe the remnant of
the Nyght in re, therewvth to fatif6e my felfe fo well as I haue
wvth eatyng, and do thanke you heartily for your good aduertvfe-
ment." So the King went to ied, and it v¢as hot long ere hee fell a
4I TIIE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
fleepe, and contynued tvll the Mornynge. And when the Sunne
dvd rvfe, the Fifherman came to wake hym, teilyng hym that it
was tvme to rife, and that hec was readv to bryng him to the
Court. Ail this whyle the Gentlemen of the kinge's Traine were
fearching round aboute the Countrey to fvnde his blaief{y, makyng
Cryes and Hues, that he myghte heare them. The kyng knowyng
their voices, and the noves they ruade, went forth to meete them,
and if his People were gladde when they founde him, the Fifher-
man was no leffe amazed to fee the honor the Courtvers did vnto
his Guef. XVhich the curteous king æerceiuing, fayd vnto
him : "My Friend, thou feeft here, that Manfor, of whome vefer-
night thou madeft fo great accompt, and whome thou faidf, that
thou didft loue fo well. Bee affured, that for the Curtifie thou
haft done him, before it bee longe, ihe faine fhall be fo well
aequyted, as for euer thou fhalte haue good caufe to remembre it."
The good man was already vpon his marvbones befeeching the
King thai it would pleafe him pardon hvs rude entertainement
and his ouermutch familiaritv whvch hee had vfed vnto him. But
Manfor caufing him to rire vp, willed hvm to depart, and faved
that within few daves after he fhoulde heare further Newes. l'qow
in thefe Fennifh and marrvfh groundes, the Kyng had alreadv
builded diuers Carafes and lodges for the pleafure and folace of
hunting. Wherefore he purpofed there to ere& a goodly City,
caufing the waters tobe vovded with greate expedition, whvch
City he builded immediately, and compa@ng the circuite of the
appoynted place, with frong Valles and depe Ditches, he gaue
manv immunities and Pryuiledges to thofe, that xvouid repayre to
people the faine, by meanes whereof, in litle tyme, was reduced to
the Rate of a beautifuli and wealthv City, whvch is the verv faine
that before we fard tobe Coefar Eicabir, as mutch to far : "The
great Palace." This goodly worke beinge thus æerformed Manfor
fent for his hof, to whome hee farde: "To the end from henceforth
thou maveft more honourably entertaine Kyngs into thy Houfe,
and maveft intreate them wyth greater fumptuofitie, for the better
folacyng of them wyth thv curtefv and pleafaunt talke, beholde
the Citv that I haue buylded, which I doe gyue vnto.thee and thx'ne
for euer, referuing nothyng but an acknowledgement of good wii,
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
429
to the end thou mavit know that a Gentleman's mlnd noufled in
villany, is difeouered, when forgetting a good turne, he ineurreth
the vice of Ingratitude." The good man feeing fo liberall an offer
and prefent worthy of futeh a king fell downe vppon his knees,
and kyffing his foote with al humility, fayd vnto him: "Sir if
your Liberality did hot fupply the imperfecCtion of my Meryte, and
perfourmed not what wanted in me, to attayne fo great eftate, I
would exeufe my felfe of the charge whyeh it pleafeth you to
gyue mee, and whereunto for lacke of trayning vp, and vfe of
futeh a Dignity, I am altogether vnfit. But fith that the graees
of Goo, and the gyftes of Kynges ought neuer to bee reiecCted, by
aeeeptynge thys Benefite wyth humble thankes for the elemeneye
of your royall Maieffye, I reff the Seruaunt and flaue of you and
yours." The king hearing hym fpeake fo wifely, took hym vp,
and imbraeed him, faying: "Vould to God and his great Pro-
phete, that all they whieh rule Cityes, and gouerne Prouinees, had
fo good a Nature as thine then I durit be bolde to fay, that the
People fhoulde lyue better at theyr eafe, and Monarehes without
charge of confeienee, for the ill behauyors of theyr Officers. Lyue
good man, lyue at thine eafe, maynteine thy people, obferue our
lawes, and increafe the Beautv of the City, whereof from this time
forth wee doe make the poffeffer. And truly the prefent was not
to bee eontempned, for that the faine at this day is one of the
faireft that is in Affriea, and is the Land ofthe blaeke People, fitch
as the Spaniards eall Negroes. It is very full of Gardeins, furni-
fhed with aboundanee of Spyees brought from the Molueeas,
bieaufe of the martes and faires ordeined there. To be fhort,
Manfor fhewed by this gift what is the force of a gentle heart,
whieh tan not abyde to bee vanquiflaed in eurtefie, and leffe
fuffer that vnder forgetfulneffe the memorye of a reeeyued good
turne be loft. King Darius whilome, for a little garment, reeeiued
in gift by Silofon the Samien, reeompeneed him wyth the gaine
and royall dignity of that City, and ruade him foueraine Lord
thereof, and of the Ifle of Samos. And what greater vertue ean
illuffrate the name of a noble man, than to aeknowledge and pre-
ferre them, which for Natural fhame and bafhfulneffe, dare not
beholde the Maieity of their greatneffe ? God fometymes with
430
THE KINGE OF MAROCCO.
a more curteous Eye doth Ioke vpon the prefents of a poore man,
than the fat and rych offerings of him that is great and wealthy ?
Een fo a benefite, from what hand foeuer it procedeth, cannot
chofe but bryng forth the frui&s of his Liberality that giueth the
fame, who bv vfing largeffe, feleth alfo the like in him to whom
itis employed. That magnificence no long time pa vfed the
Seigniorie of Venice, to Francefco Dandulo, who after he had
dured the great difpleafures of the Pope, in the naine of the whole
City, vpon his returne to Venice, for acknowledgment of his pacy-
ence, and for abolifhmente of that Shame, was wyth happye and
vniforme Acclamatvon of the whole ate ele&ed, and ruade Prince,
and Duke of that Common wealth. X, Vorthy of prayfe truly is he,
that by fome pleafire bindeth another to his curtefie: but when
a Noble man acknowledgeth for a benefit, that which a Subie& is
bounde to gieue him by duty and feruice, there the proofe of
prayfe carrveth no Faine at ail. For which caufe I determined to
difplay the Hyfory of the barbarous King Manfor, to the intent
that our Gentlemen, norvfhed and trained vp in great ciui-
lytie, may affay by their mildeneffe and good education,
to furmount the curtefie of that Prynce, of whom
for this time wee purpofe to take our
Farewell.
THE
CONCLUSION,
,V ITH
AN ADUERTISEMENT TO THE READER.
.VrAa thou haft gained for thy better infru&ion, or what con-
ceiued for recreation by reading thefe thirty fiue Nouells, I ara no
ludge, although (by deeming)in reading and perufing, thou
rnayf (at thy pleafure) gather both. But howfoeuer profite, or
delight, can fatiffv mine apoyntment, wherefore they were pre-
ferred into thy hands, contented ara I that thou doe vouchfafe
them Good leffons how to flaun the Darts, and Prickes of infolency
thou findeft in the fame. The vertuous noble may fauor the
fruits and tafe the licour that filleth from the gums or buds of
Verrue. The contrarv may fee the bloffoms fall» that blome from
the fhrubs of difloialty and degenerat kinde. Yong Gentle-
rnen, and Ladies do view a plot founded on fured grounde, and
what the foundation is, planted in flaattring Soyle, with a fafhion
of attire to garnifh their inward parts, fo wcll as (fpareleffe) thev
imploy vpor the vaniflaing pompe. Euery fort and fexe that
warfare in the fielde of humayne lire, nlay fer here the fauourous
fruic2 (to outwarde lyking) that fanfied the fenfuall tafe of
Adam's Vyfe. They fee alfo what griefts futch fading frui&s
produce vnto poferity: what likewife the lufty growth and
fpring of vertue's plant, and what delicates if brauncheth to thofe
that carefully keepe the flips thereof, withir the Orchard of their
mindes. Diuers Tragical fhewes by the pennes defcription haue
43
THE CONCLUSION.
bene difelofed in greatef number of thefe Hyfories, the fame
alfo I haue mollified and fweetened with the eourfe of pleafaunt
matters, of purpofe not to dampe the deynty mindes of thofe that
fhrinke and feare at fueh rehearfall. And bieaufe fodaynlv
(eontrary to expe&ation) this Volume is rifen to greater heape
of leaues, I doe omit for this prefent time fundrv Nouels of mery
deuife, referuing the fame to be ioyned with the ref of an other
part, wherein fhall fueeeede the remnaunt of Bandello, fpeeially
futeh (fuffrable) as the learned Freneh man François de Belle-
forref bath fele&ed, and the ehoyfef done in the Italian. Some
alfo out of Erizzo, Ser Giouani Florentino, Parabofeo, Cynthio,
Strapargle , Sanfi,uino, and the bef liked out of the Queene of
Nauarre, and other Authors. Take thefe in fo good part with
thofe that haue and fhall eome forth, as I do offre them with good
will eurteoufly eorre&ing futeh Faults, and Errors, as fhall
prefent themfelues, eyther burying them in the Bofome
of Fauor, or pretermitting them with the beck
of Curtefie.
FINIS.
