that my comfort may some way or other auaile the common needie yet methinkes where greefe is greatest and calamity most insulteth there ought to be our paines soundly imployed and our grauest instructions and aduise wholly administred And who can deny but that it is much more conuenient to commisserate the distresse of Ladies and Gentlewomen then the more able condition of men They as being naturally bashfull and timorous haue their soft and gentle soules often enflamed with amorous afflictions which lie there closely concealed as they can best relate the power of them that haue bin subiect to the greatest proofe Moreouer they being restrained from their wils and desires by the seuerity of Fathers Mothers Bretheren and Husbands are shut vp most part of their time in their Chambers where constrainedly sitting idle diuersity of straunge cogitations wheele vp and downe their braines forging as many seuerall imaginations which cannot be alwayes pleasant and contenting If melancholly incited by some amorous or louely apprehension oppresse their weake and vnresisting hearts they must be glad to beare it patiently til by better Fortune such occasions happen as may ouercome so proud an vsurpation Moreouer we cannot but confesse that they are lesse able then men to support such oppressions for if men grow affectionate wee plainely perceiue when any melancholly troublesome thoughts or what greefes else can any way concerne them their soules are not subiect to the like sufferings But admit they should fall into such necessity they can come and go whither they will heare and see many singular sights hawk hunt fish fowle ride or saile on the Seas all which exercises haue a particular power in themselues to withdraw amorous passions and appropriate the will to the pleasing appetite either by alteration of ayre distance of place or protraction of time to kill sorrow and quicken delight Wherefore somewhat to amend this error in humane condition and where least strength is as we see to bee in you most gracious Ladies and Gentlewomen further off then men from all fraile felicities for such as feele the weighty insultations of proud and imprious loue and therby are most in neede of comfort and not they that can handle the Needle Wheele and Distaffe I haue prouided an hundred Nouelles Tales Fables or Histories with iudicious moralles belonging to them for your more delight and queinter exercise In a faire and worthy assembly of seuen Honourable Ladies and three Noble Gentlemen they were recounted within the compasse of ten dayes during the wofull time of our so late dangerous sicknesse with apt Sonnets or Canzons for the conclusion of each seuerall day In which pleasing Nouels may be obserued many strange accidents of Loue and other notable aduentures happening as well in our times as those of grauer antiquity by reading whereof you may receyue both pleasure and profitable counsell because in them you shal perceiue both the sin to be shunned and the vertue to be embraced which as I wholly hate the one so I do and euer will honor the others aduancement The Table The First Day Gouerned by Madam Pampinea  MEssire Chappelet du Prat by making a false confession beguiled an holy religious man and after dyed And hauing during his life time bene a very bad man at his death was reputed to be a Saint and called S. Chappelet 2. Nouell ABraham a Iew beeing admonished or aduised by a friend of his named Iehannot de Cheuigny trauailed from Paris vnto Rome And beholding there the wicked behauiour of men in the Church returned to Paris againe where neuerthelesse he became a Christian 3. Nouell MElchisedech a Iewe by recounting a tale of three Rings to the great Soldan named Saladine preuented a great danger which was prepared for him 4. Nouell A Monke hauing committed an offence deseruing to be very greeuously punished freed himselfe from the paine to be inflicted on him by wittily reprehending his Abbot with the very same fault 5. Nouell LAdy Marquesse of Montferrat with a Banket of Hens and diuers other gracious speeches beside repressed the fond loue of the King of France 6. Nouell AN honest plaine meaning man simply conscionably reprehended the malignity hypocrisie and misdemeanor of many religious persons 7. Nouell BErgamino by telling a Tale of a skilfull man named Primasso and of an Abbot of Clugni honestly checked a new kinde of couetousnesse in Master Can de la Scala 8. Nouell GVillaume Boursieur with a few quaint familiar word checkt the miserable couetousnesse of Signior Herminio de Grimaldi 9. Nouell HOw the King of Cyprus was wittily reprehended by the words of a Gentlewoman of Gascoignie and became vertuously altered from his vicious disposition 10. Nouell MAster Albert of Bullen honestly made a Lady to blush that thought to haue done asmuch to him because she perceiued him to be amorously affected towardes her The second Day gouerned by Madam Philomena 1. Nouell MArtellino counterfetting to bee lame of his members caused himselfe to bee set on the body of Saint Arriguo where hee made shew of his sodaine recouery 〈◊〉 but when his dissiâ—ulation was discouered he was well beaten being afterward taken prisoner and in great 〈◊〉 of being hanged and strangled by the necke and yet escaped in the end 2. Nouell RInaldo de Este after he was rolled by theeues arriued at Chasteau 〈◊〉 where he was friendly lodged by a faire Widow and recompenced likewise for all his losses returning afterward safe and well home vnto his owne house 3. Nouell OF three yong Gentlemen being Brethren and hauing spent all their Landes and possessionâ— vainly became poore A Nephew of theirs falling almost into as desperate a condition became acquainted with an Abbot whom hee afterward found to be the King of Englands Daughter and made him her Husband in marriage recompencing all his Vnckles losses and seating them again in good estate 4. Nouell LAndolpho Ruffolo falling into pouerty became a Pirate on the Seas and beeing taken by the Genewayes hardly escaped drowning Which yet neuerthelesse he did vpon a little chest or coffer full of very rich Iewels beeing carried thereon to Corfu where he was well entertained by a good woman and afterward returned richly home to his owne house 5. Nouell ANdrea de Piero trauelling from Perouse vnto Naples to buy Horses was in the space of one night surprized by three admirable accidents out of all which he fortunately escaped and with a rich Ring returned home to his owne house 6. Nouell MAdame Beritola Caracalla was found in an Island with two Goates hauing lost her two sons and thence trauailed into Lunigianaâ— where one of her Sonnes became seruant to the Lord therof and was â—ound some-what ouer-familiar with his Maisters daughter who therefore caused him to be imprisoned Afterward when the Country of Sicily rebelled against King Charles the aforesaid Sonne chanced to be known by his Mother was married to his Masters daughter And his brother being found likewise they
there to death with colde The Chamber-maide being much moued to compassion returned to her Lady and tolde her all she likewise pittying his distresse and remembring shee had the key of that doore whereby the Marquesse both entred and returned when he intended not to be seene of any said to her Maide Goe and open the doore softly for him we haue a good supper and none to helpe to eate it and if he be a man likely we can allow him one nights lodging too The Chamber-maide commending her Lady for this charitable kindnesse opened the doore and seeing hee appeared as halfe frozen shee said vnto him Make hast good man get thee into this Bath which yet is good and warme for my Lady her selfe came but newly out of it Whereto very gladly he condiscended as not tarrying to be bidden twise finding himselfe so singularly comforted with the heare thereof euen as if hee had beene restored from death to life Then the Lady sent him garments which lately were her deceased husbands and fitted him so aptly in all respects as if purposely they had beene made for him Attending in further expectation to know what else the Lady would commaund him hee began to remember God and Saint Iulian hartily thanking her for deliuering him from so bad a night as was threatned towards him and bringing him to so good entertainement After all this the Lady causing a faire fire to be made in the neerest Chamber beneath went and sate by it her selfe demaunding how the honest man fared Madame answered the Chamber-maide now that he is in your deceased Lords garments he appeareth to be a very goodly Gentleman and questionlesse is of respectiue birth and breeding well deseruing this gracious fauour which you haue afforded him Goe then quoth the Lady and conduct him hither to sit by this fire and sup here with mee for I feare he hath had but a sorrie supper When Rinaldo was entred into the Chamber and beheld her to be such a beautifull Lady accounting his fortune to exceede all comparison hee did her most humble reuerence expressing so much thankefulnesse as possibly hee could for this her extraordinary grace and fauour The Lady fixing a stedfast eye vpon him well liking his gentle language and behauiour perceiuing also how fitly her deceased husbands apparell was formed to his person and resembling him in all familiar respects he appeared in her iudgement farre beyond the Chambermaides commendations of him so praying him to sit downe by her before the fire shee questioned with him concerning this vnhappy nights accident befalne him wherein he fully resolued her and shee was the more perswaded by reason of his seruants comming into the Towne before night assuring him that he should be found for him early in the morning Supper being serued in to the Table and hee seated according as the Lady commanded shee began to obserue him very considerately for he was a goodly man compleate in all perfections of person a delicate pleasing countenance a quicke alluring eye fixed and constant not wantonly gadding in the iouiall youthfulnesse of his time and truest temper for amorous apprehension all these were as battering ensignes against a Bulwarke of no strong resistance and wrought strangely vpon her flexible affections And though hee fed heartily as occasion constrained yet her thoughts had entertained a new kinde of diet digested onely by the eye yet so cunningly concealed that no motiue to immodesty could be discerned Her mercy thus extended to him in misery drew on by Table discourse his birth education parents friends and alies his wealthy possessions by Merchandize aud a sound stability in his estate but aboue all and best of all the single and sole condition of a batchâ—ler an apt and easie steele to strike fire especially vpon such quicke taking tinder and in a time fauoured by Fortune No imbarment remained but remembrance of the Marquesse and that being summond to her more aduised consideration her youth and beauty stood vp as conscious accusers for blemishing her honour and faire repute with lewd and luxurious life farre vnfit for a Lady of her degree and well worthy of generall condemnation What should I further say vpon a short conference with her Chambermaide repentance for sinne past and solemne promise of a constant conuersion thus shee deliuered her minde to Rinaldo Sir as you haue related your fortunes to me by this your casuall happening hither if you can like the motion so well as shee that makes it my deceased Lord and husband liuing so perfectly in your person this house and all mine is yours and of a widow I will become your wife except vnmanly you denie me Rinaldo hearing these words and proceeding from a Lady of such absolute perfections presuming vpon so proud an offer and condemning himselfe of folly if he should refuse it thus replied Madam considering that I stand bound for euer hereafter to confesse that you are the gracious preseruer of my life and I no way able to returne requitall if you please so to shadow mine insufficiency and to accept me and my fairest fortunes to doe you seruice let me die before a thought of deniall or any way to yeeld you the least discontentment Here wanted but a Priest to ioyne their hands as mutuall affection already had done their hearts which being sealed with infinite kisses the Chamber-maide called vp Friar Roger her Confessor and wedding and bedding were both effected before the bright morning In briefe the Marquesse hauing heard of the marriage did not mislike it but confirmed it by great and honourable gifts and hauing sent for his dishonest seruant he dispatched him after sound reprehension to Ferrara with Letters to Rinaldoes Father and friends of all the accidents that had befalne him Moreouer the very same morning the three theeues that had robbed and so ill entreated Rinaldo for another facte by them the same night committed were taken and brought to the Towne of Chasteau Guillaume where they were hanged for their offences and Rinaldo with his wife rode to Ferrara Three young Gentlemen being brethren and hauing spent all their Lands and possessions vainely became poore A Nephew of theirs falling almost into as desperate a condition became acquainted with an Abbot whom he afterward found to be the King of Englands Daughter and made him her Husband in marriage recompencing all his Vncles losses and seating them againe in good estate The third Nouell Wherein is declared the dangers of Prodigalitie and the manifold mutabilities of Fortune THe fortunes of Rinaldo de Este being heard by the Ladies and Gentlemen they admired his happinesse and commended his deuotion to Saint Iâ—lian who in such extreame necessity sent him so good succour Nor was the Lady to be blamed for leauing base liberty and conuerting to the chaste embraces of the marriage bed the dignity of womens honour and eternall disgrace liuing otherwise While thus they descanted on the happy night betweene her and Rinaldo Madam Pampinea
sitting next to Philostratus considering that her discourse must follow in order and thinking on what shee was to say the Queene had no sooner sent out her command but shee being no lesse faire then forward beganne in this manner Ladies of great respect the more we conferre on the accidents of Fortune so much the more remaineth to consider on her mutabilities wherein there is no need of wonder if discreetly we obserue that all such things as we fondly tearme to be our owne are in her power and so consequently change from one to another without any stay or arrest according to her concealed iudgement or setled order at least that can bee knowne to vs. Now although these things appeare thus daily to vs euen apparantly in all occasions and as hath beene discerned by some of our precedent discourses yet notwithstanding seeing it pleaseth the Queene that our arguments should ayme at these ends I will adde to the former tales another of my owne perhaps not vnprofitable for the hearers nor vnpleasing in obseruation Sometime heeretofore there dwelt in our Citie a Knight named Signior Thebaldo who according as some report issued from the Family of Lamberti but others deriue him of the Agolanti guiding perhaps their opinion heerein more from the traine of children belonging to the saide Thebaldo euermore equall to that of the Agolanti then any other matter else But setting aside from which of these two houses he came I say that in his time he was a very welthy Knight had three Sonnes the first being named Lamberto the second Thebaldo the third Agolanto all goodly and gracefull youths howbeit the eldest had not compleated eighteene yeares when Signior Thebaldo the father deceased who left them all his goods and inheritances And they seeing them selues rich in readâ—e monies and reuennewes without any other gouernment then their owne voluntary disposition kept no restraint vpon their expences but maintained many seruants and store of vnvalewable horses beside Hawkes and Hounds with open house for all commers and not onely all delights else fit for Gentlemen but what vanities beside best agreed with their wanton and youthfull appetites Not long had they run on this race but the treasures lefte them by their Father began greatly to diminish and their reuennewes suffised not to support such lauish expences as they had begun but they fell to engaging and pawning their inheritances selling one to day and another to morrow so that they saw themselues quickly come to nothing and then pouerty opened their eyes which prodigality had before closed vp Heereupon Lamberto on a day calling his Brethren to him shewed them what the honors of their Father had beene to what height his wealth amounted and now to what an ebbe of pouerty it was falne onely thorow their inordinate expences Wherefore hee counselled them as best he could before further misery insulted ouer them to make sale of the small remainder that was left and then to betake themselues vnto some other abiding where fairer Fortune might chance to shine vppon them This aduice preuailed with them and so without taking leaue of any body or other solemnity then closest secrecy they departed from Florence not tarrying in any place vntill they were arriued in England Comming to the City of London and taking there a small house vpon yearly rent liuing on so little charge as possible might be they began to lend out money at vse wherein Fortune was so fauourable to them that in few yeares they had gathered a great summe of mony by means whereof it came to passe that one while one of them and afterward another returned backe againe to Florence where with those summes a great part of their inheritances were redeemed and many other bought beside Linking themselues in marriage and yet continuing their vsances in England they sent a Nephew of theirs thither named Alessandro a yong man and of faire demeanor to maintaine their stocke in employment while they three remained still at Florence and growing forgetful of their former misery fell againe into as vnreasonable expences as euer neuer respecting their houshold charges because they had good credite among the Merchants and the monies still sent from Alessandro supported their expences diuers yeares The dealings of Alessandro in England grew very great for hee lent out much money to many Gentlemen Lords and Barons of the Land vpon engagement of their Manours Castles and other reuennues from whence he deriued immeasurable benefite While the three Brethren held on in their lauish expences borrowing moneys when they wanted vntill their supplyes came from England whereon indeede was their onely dependance it fortuned that contrary to the opinion of al men warre happened betweene the King of England and one of his sonnes which occasioned much trouble in the whole Countrey by taking part on either side some with the Sonne and other with the Father In regard whereof those Castles and places pawned to Alessandro were sodainely seized from him nothing then remaining that returned him any profit But liuing in hope day by day that peace would be concluded betweene the Father and the Sonne he neuer doubted but all things then should be restored to him both the principall and interest therfore he would not depart out of the Country The three Brethren at Florence bounding within no limites their disordered spending borrowed daily more and more And after some few yeares the Creditors seeing no effect of their hopes to com from them all credit being lost with them and no repayment of promised dues they were imprisoned their landes and all they had not suffising to pay the moity of debts but their bodies remained in prison for the rest theyr Wiues and yong children being sent thence some to one village some to another so that nothing now was to be expected but pouerty misery of life for euer As for honest Alessandro who had awaited long time for peace in England perceyuing there was no likelyhood of it and considering also that beside his tarrying there in vaine to recouer his dues he was in danger of his life without any further deferring hee set away for Italy It came to passe that as he issued foorth of Bruges hee saw a yong Abbot also iourneying thence being cloathed in white accompanied with diuers Monkes and a great traine before conducting the needefull carriage Two ancient Knights Kinsmen to the King followed after with whom Alessandro acquainted himselfe as hauing formerly known them and was kindly accepted into their company Alessandro riding along with them courteously requested to know what those Monks were that rode before and such a traine attending on them Whereto one of the Knights thus answered He that rideth before is a yong Gentleman and our Kinsman who is newly elected Abbot of one of the best Abbeyes in England because he is more yong in yeares then the decrees for such a dignity doe allow we trauaile with him to Rome to entreat
before which and calling him to witnesse that suffered such bitter and cruell torments on his Crosse putting a Ring vpon his finger there she faithfully espoused him refusing all the World to be onely his which being on either side confirmed solemnely by an holy vow and chaste kisses shee commanded him backe to his Chamber and shee returned to her bed againe sufficiently satisfied with her Loues acceptation and so they iournied on till they came to Rome When they had rested themselues there for some few dayes the supposed Abbot with the two Knights and none else in company but Alessandro went before the Pope and hauing done him such reuerence as beseemed the Abbot began to speake in this manner Holy Father as you know much better then any other euery one that desireth to liue well and vertuously ought to shunne so farre as in them lieth all occasions that may induce to the contrary To the ende therefore that I who desire nothing more then to liue within the compasse of a vertuous conuersation may perfect my hopes in this behalfe I haue fled from my Fathers Court and am come hither in this habite as you see to craue therein your holy and fatherly furtherance I am daughter to the King of England and haue sufficiently furnished my selfe with some of his treasures that your holinesse may bestow me in marriage because mine vnkind Father neuer regarding my youth and beauty inferior to few in my natiue Country would marry me to the King of Northwales an aged impotent and sickly man Yet let me tell your sanctity that his age and weakenesse hath not so much occasioned my flight as feare of mine owne youth and frailety when being married to him instead of loyall and vnstained life lewd and dishonest desires might make me to wander by breaking the diuine Lawes of wedlocke and abusing the royall blood of my Father As I trauailed hither with this vertuous intention our Lord who onely knoweth perfectly what is best fitting for all his creatures presented mine eyes no doubt in his meere mercy and goodnesse with a man meete to be my husband which pointing to Alessandro is this young Gentleman standing by me whose honest vertuous and ciuill demeanour deserueth a Lady of farre greater worth although perhaps nobility in blood be denied him and may make him seeme not so excellent as one deriued from Royall discent Holy and religious vowes haue past betweene vs both and the Ring on his finger is the firme pledge of my faith and constancie neuer to accept any other man in marriage but him onely although my Father or any else doe dislike it Wherefore holy Father the principall cause of my comming hither being already effectually concluded on I desire to compleat the rest of my pilgrimage by visiting the sanctified places in this City whereof there are great plenty And also that sacred marriage being contracted in the presence of God onely betweene Alessandro and my selfe may by you be publiquely confirmed and in an open congregation For seeing God hath so appointed it and our soules haue so solemnely vowed it that no disaster whatsoeuer can alter it you being Gods vicar here on earth I hope will not gaine-say but confirme it with your fatherly benediction that wee may liue in Gods feare and dye in his fauour Perswade your selues faire Ladies that Alessandro was in no meane admiration when hee heard that his wife was daughter to the King of England vnspeakeable ioy questionlesse wholly ouercame him but the two Knights were not a little troubled and offended at such a strange and vnexpected accident yea so violent were their passions that had they beene any where else then in the Popes presence Alessandro had felt their fury and perhaps the Princesse her selfe too On the other side the Pope was much amazed at the habite she went disguised in and likewise at the election of her husband but perceiuing there was no resistance to be made against it hee yeelded the more willingly to satisfie her desire And therefore hauing first comforted the two Knights and made peace betweene them the Princesse and Alessandro he gaue order for the rest that was to be done When the appointed day for the solemnity was come hee caused the Princesse cloathed in most rich and royall garments to appeare before all the Cardinals and many other great persons then in presence who were come to this worthy Feast which hee had caused purposely to be prepared where she seemed so faire goodly a Lady that euery eye was highly delighted to behold her commending her with no mean admiration In like manner was Alessandro greatly honored by the two Knights being most sumptuous in appearance and not like a man that had lent money to vsury but rather of very royall quality the Pope himselfe celebrating the marriage betweene them which being finished with the most magnificent pompe that could be deuised hee gaue them his benediction and licenced their departure thence Alessandro his Princesse and her traine thus leauing Rome they would needes visite Florence where the newes of this accident was long before noysed and they receiued by the Citizens in royall manner There did shee deliuer the three brethren out of prison hauing first payed all their debts and reseated them againe with their wiues in their former inheritances and possessions Afterward departing from Florence and Agolanto one of the Vncles trauailing with them to Paris they were there also most honourably entertained by the King of France From whence the two Knights went before for England and preuailed so succesfully with the King that hee receiued his daughter into grace and fauour as also his Sonne in law her husband to whom hee gaue the order of Knighthoode and for his greater dignitie created him Earle of Cornewall And such was the noble spirit of Alessandro that he pacified the troubles betweene the King and his sonne whereon ensued great comfort to the Kingdome winning the loue and fauour of all the people and Agolanto by the meanes of Alessandro recouered all that was due to him and his brethren in England returning richly home to Florence Counte Alessandro his kinsman hauing first dubd him Knight Long time hee liued in peace and tranquility with the faire Princesse his wife prouing to be so absolute in wisedome and so famous a Souldier that as some report by assistance of his Father in law hee conquered the Realme of Ireland and was crowned King thereof Landolpho Ruffolo falling into pouerty became a Pirate on the Seas and being taken by the Genewayes hardly escaped drowning Which yet neuerthelesse he did vpon a little Chest or Coffer full of very rich Iewels being caried thereon to Corfu where he was well entertained by a good woman And afterward returned richly home to his owne house The fourth Nouell Whereby may be discerned into how many dangers a man may fall through a couetous desire to enrich himselfe MAdame Lauretta sitting next to Madame Pampinea and seeing
reuealed her whole intent to Gianetta and finding her constancie beyond common comparison acquainted her Lord with all she had done and both consented though much against their mindes to let him enioy her in honourable marriage accounting it better for preseruation of their onely sons life to match him farre inferiour to his degree then by denying his desire to let him pine away and die for her loue After great consultation with kindred and friendes the match was agreed vpon to the no little ioy of Gianetta who deuoutly returned infinite thankes to heauen for so mercifully respecting her deiected poore estate after the bitter passage of so many miseries and neuer tearming her selfe any otherwise but the daughter of a poore Piccard Soone was the yong Gentleman recouered and married no man aliue so well contented as he and setting downe an absolute determination to lead a louing life with his Gianetta Let vs now conuert our lookes to Wales to Perotto being lefte there with the other Lord Marshall who was the President of that Countrey On he grew in yeares choisely respected by his Lord because hee vvas most comely of person and addicted to all valiant attempts so that in Tourneyes Iustes and other actions of Armes his like was not to bee found in all the Island being named onely Perotto the valiant Piccard and so was he famed farre and neere As God had not forgotten his Sister so in mercy he became as mindefull of him for a contagious mortalitie hapning in the Country the greater part of the people perished thereby the rest flying thence into other partes of the Land whereby the whole Prouince became dispeopled and desolate In the time of this plague and dreadful visitation the Lord President his Lady Sonnes Daughters Brothers Nephewes and Kindred dyed none remaining aliue but one onely Daughter marriageable a few of the houshold seruants beside Perotto whom after the sicknesse was more mildly asswaged with counsaile and consent of the Country people the young Lady accepted to be her husband because hee was a man so worthy and valiant and of all the inheritance left by her deceased Father she made him Lord and sole commaunder Within no long while after the King of England vnderstanding that his President of Wales was dead and fame liberally relating the vertues valour and good parts of Perotto the Piccard hee created him to be his President there and to supply the place of his deceased Lord. These faire fortunes within the compasse of so short a time fell to the two innocent children of the Count D'Angiers after they were left by him as lost and forlorne Eighteene yeares were now fully ouer-past since the Count D'Angiers fled from Paris hauing suffered in miserable soâ—t many hard and lamentable aduersities and seeing himselfe now to be growne aged hee was desirous to leaue Ireland and to know if hee might what was become of both his children Hereupon perceiuing his wonted forme to be so altered that such as formerly had conuersed most with him could now not take any knowledge of him feeling his body through long labour and exercise endured in seruice more lusty then in his idle youthfull yeares especially when he left the Court of France hee purposed to proceede in his determination Being very poore and simple in apparell hee departed from the Irish Eare his Maister with whom hee had continued long in seruice to no aduantage or aduancement and crossing ouer into England trauailed to the place in Wales where he left Perotto and where hee found him to be Lord Marshall and President of the Country lusty and in good health a man of goodly feature and most honourably respected and reuerenced of the people Well may you imagine that this was no small comfort to the poore aged Countes heart yet would he not make himselfe knowne to him or any other about him but referred his ioy to a further enlarging or diminishing by sight of the other limme of his life his dearely affected daughter Gianetta denying rest to his body in any place vntill such time as he came to London Making there secret enquiry concerning the Lady with whom he had left his daughter hee vnderstoode that a young Gentlewoman named Gianetta was married to that Ladies onely Son which made a second addition of ioy to his soule accounting all his passed aduersities of no value both his children being liuing and in so high honour Hauing found her dwelling and like a kinde Father being earnestly desirous to see her he dayly resorted neere to the house where Sir Roger Mandauill for so was Gianettaes husband named chauncing to see him being moued to compassion because he was both poore and aged commaunded one of his men to take him into the house and to giue him some foode for Gods sake which accordingly the seruant performed Gianetta had diuers children by her husband the eldest of them being but eight yeares olde yet all of them so faire and comely as could be As the olde Count sate eating his meate in the Hall the children came all about him embracing hugging and making much of him euen as if Nature had truly instructed them that this was their aged though poore Graundfather and hee as louingly receiuing these kinde relations from them wisely and silently kept all to himselfe with sighes teares and ioyes entermixed together So that the children would not part from him though their Tutour and Maister called them often which being tolde to their Mother shee came foorth of the neere adioyning Parlour and threatned to beate them if they would not doe what their Maister commanded them Then the children began to cry saying that they would tarie still by the good olde man because he loued them better then their Maister did whereat both the Lady and the Count began to smile The Count like a poore beggar and not as father to so great a Lady arose and did her humble reuerence because shee was now a Noble woman conceiuing wonderfull ioy in his soule to see her so faire and goodly a creature yet could she take no knowledge of him age want and misery had so mightily altred him his head all white his beard without any comely forme his garments so poore and his face so wrinkled leane and meager that hee seemed rather some Carter then a Count. And Gianetta perceiuing that when her children were fetcht away they returned againe to the olde man and would not leaue him desired their Maister to let them alone While thus the children continued making much of the good olde man Lord Andrew Mandeuile Father to Sir Roger came into the Hall as being so willed to doe by the Childrens Schoolemaister He being a hastie minded man and one that euer despised Gianetta before but much more since her mariage to his sonne angerly said Let them alone with a mischiefe and so befall them their best company ought to be with beggers for so are they bred and borne by the Mothers side and
both returned to great estate and credite 7. Nouell THe Soldane of Babylon sent one of his Daughters to be ioyned in marriage with the King of Cholcos who by diuers accidents in the space of foure yeares happened into the custodie of nine men and in sundry places At length being restored backe to her Father she went to the said king of Cholcos as a Maide and as at first she was intended to be his Wife 8. Nouell COunt D'Angiers being falsely accused was banished out of France and left his two children in England in diuers places Returning afterward vnknowne thorough Scotland hee found them aduanced vnto great dignity Then repairing in the habit of a Seruitor into the King of Fraunce his army and his innocency made publikely knowen he was reseated in his former honorable degree 9. Nouell BErnardo a Merchant of Geneway being deceiued by another Merchant named Ambrosio lost a great part of his goods and commanding his innocent wife to be murthered she escaped and in the habit of a man became seruant to the Soldan The deceiuer being found at last she coÌ„passed such means that her husband Bernardo came into Alexandria and there after due punishment inflicted on the false deceiuer she resumed the garments againe of a woman and returned home with her Husband to Geneway 10. Nouell PAgamino da Monaco a rouing Pyrate on the feas caried away the faire Wife of Signieur Ricciardo di Chiâ—zica who vnderstanding where shee was went thâ—ther and falling into friendship with Pagamino demanded his wife of him wherto be yeelded prouided that she would willingly go away with him shee denied to part thence with her husband and 〈◊〉 Ricciardo dying shee became the wife of Pagamino The third day gouerned by Madame Neiphila 1. Nouell MAssetto di Lamporechio by counterfetting himselfe dumbe became a Gardiner in a Monastery of Nuns where he had familiar conuersation with them all 2. Nouell A Querry of the stable belonging to Agilulffo K of the Lombards found the meanes of accesse to the Queenes bedde without any knowledge or consent in her This beeing secretly discouered by the King and the party knowne hee gaue him a marke by shearing the haire of his head Whereuppon hee that was so shorne sheared likewise the heads of all his fellowes in the lodging and so escaped the punishment intended towards him 3. Nouell VNder colour of confession and of a most pure coÌ„science a faire yong Gentlewoman being amorously affected to an honest man induced a deuout and solemne religious Friar to aduise her in the meanes without his suspition or perceiuing how to enioy the benefit of her friend and bring her desires to their full effect 4. Nouell A Yong scholler named Felice enstructed Puccio di Rinieri how to become rich in a very short time While Puccio made experience of the instructions taught him Felice obtained the fauour of his daughter 5. Nouell RIcciardo surnamed the Magnifico gaue a horse to signior Francesco Vergillisi vpon condition that by his leaue and license he might speak to his wife in his presence which he did and she not returning him any answer made answer to himself on her behalfe and according to his answer so the effect followed 6. Nouell RIcciardo Minutolo fel in loue with the Wife of Philippello Fighinolfi and knowing her to bee very iealous of her husband gaue her to vnderstand that he was greatly enamored of his Wife and had appointed to meete her priuatly in a bathing house on the next day following where shee hoping to take him tardy with his close compacted Mistresse found her selfe to be deceiued by the said Ricciardo 7. Nouelâ— THebaldo Elisei hauing receiued an vnkinde repulse by his beloued departed from Florence returning thither againe a long while after in the habit of a pilgrime hee spake with her and made his wrongs knowne vnto her Hee deliuered her husband from the danger of death because it was proued that he had slaine Thebaldo he made peace with his brethren and in the end wisely enioyed his hearts desire 8. Nouell FErando by drinking a certaine kind of pouder was buried for dead by the Abbot who was enamored of his wife was taken out of his graue and put into a darke prison where they made him beleeue that he was in purgatory afterward wheÌ„ time came that he should be raised to life againe he was made to keepe a childe which the Abbot had got by his wife 9. Nouell IVliet of Narbona cured the King of France of a dangerous Fistula in recompence wherof she requested to enioy as her husband in mariage Bertrand the Count of Roussilion He hauing maried her against his wil as vtterly despising her went to Florence where he made loue to a yong Gentlewoman Iuliet by a queint and cunning policy compassed the meanes insted of his chosen friend to lye with her owne husband by whom shee had two sonnes which being afterward made knowne vnto the Count hee accepted her into his fauor againe and loued her as his loyall and honourable wife 10. Nouell THe wonderfull and chaste resolued continencie of faire Serictha daughter to Siwalde King of Denmarke who beeing sought and sued vnto by many worthy persons that did affect her dearely would not looke any man in the face vntill such time as she was maried The Fourth Day gouerned by Philostratus 1. Nouell TAncrede Prince of Salern caused the amorous friend of his daughter to be slaine and sent her his heart in a cup of Golde which afterward she steeped in an impoysoned water then drinking it so dyed 2. Nouell FRiar Albert made a yong Venetian Gentlewoman beleeue that God Cupid was falne in loue with her and he resorted oftentimes vnto her in disguise of the same God afterward being frighted by the Gentlewomans kindred and friends hee cast himselfe out of her chamber window and was hidden in a poore mans house On the day following in the shape of a wilde or sauage man he was brought vpon the Rialto of S. Mark being ther publikely knowne by the Brethren of his Order he was committed to prison 3. Nouell THree yong Gentlemen affecting three Sisters fled with them into Canâ—â—e The eldest of them through iealousie becommeth the death of her Louer The second by consenting to the Duke of 〈◊〉 request is the meanes of sauing her life Afterward her owne friend killeth her thence flyeth away with the elder sister The third couple both man and woman are charged with her death and being committed to prison they coÌ„fesse the fact and fearing death by corruption of money they preuaile with their â—eepers escaping froÌ„ thence to Rhodes where they died in great pouerty 4. Nouell GErbino contrarie to the former plighted faith of his Grandfather King Gulielmo foughte with a ship at sea belonging to the King of Thunis to take away hi daughter who was then in the same ship She being slaine by them that had the possession of her he likewise slew
hopefull expectation then proued hee was enforced with those his two other children to forsake his country The Lady being by nature very pittiful looking aduisedly on the yong Girle beganne to grow in good liking of her because indeede she was amiable gentle and beautifull whereupon shee saide Honest man thy daughter hath a pleasing countenance and perhaps her inward disposition may prooue answerable to hir outward goods parts if therefore thou canst bee content to leaue her with me I will giue her entertainment and vpon her dutifull carriage and behauiour if she liue to such yeares as may require it I wil haue her honestly bestowne in marriage This motion was verie pleasing to the Count who readily declared his willing consent thereto and with the teares trickling downe his cheekes in thankfull manner he deliuered his prettie daughter to the Lady Shee being thus happily bestowne hee minded to tarry no longer in London but in his wonted begging manner trauailing thorough the Country with his sonne Perotto at length hee came into Wales but not without much weary paine and trauell being neuer vsed before to iourney so far on foote There dwelt another Lord in office of Marshalship to the King of England whose power extended ouer those partes a man of very great authority keeping a most noble and bountifull house which they termed the President of Wales his Court whereto the Count and his son oftentimes resorted as finding there good releefe and comfort On a day one of the Presidents sons accompanied with diuers other Gentlemens children were performing certaine youthfull sports pastimes as running leaping and such like wherein Perotto presumed to make one among them excelling all the rest in such commendable manner as none of them caâ—e any thing nere him Diuers times the President had taken notice thereof and was so vvell pleased with the Lads behauiour that he enquired of whence he was Answer vvas made that hee vvas a poore mans son that euery day came for an almes to his gate The President being desirous to make the boy his the Count whose dayly prayers were to the same purpose frankly gaue his son to the Nobleman albeit naturall and fatherly affection vrged some vnwillingnesse to part so with him yet necessity and discretion found it to bee for the benefit of them both Being thus eased of care for his son and daughter and they though in different places yet vnder good and woorthie gouernment the Count would continue no longer in England but as best he could procure the meanes passed ouer into Ireland and being arriued at a place called Stanford became seruant to an Earle of that Country a Gentleman professing Armes on whom he attended as a seruing man liued a long while in that estate very painfully His daughter Violenta clouded vnder the borrowed name of Gianetta dwelling with the Lady at London grew so in yeares beauty comlinesse of person and was so gracefull in the fauour of her Lord and Lady yea of euery one in the house beside that it was wonderfull to behold Such as but obserued her vsuall carriage and what modesty shined clearely in her eyes reputed her vvell vvorthy of honourable preferment in which regard the Lady that had receiued her of her Father not knowing of whence or what shee was but as himselfe had made report intended to match her in honourable mariage according as her vertues worthily deserued But God the iust rewarder of all good endeauours knowing her to be noble by birth and causelesse to suffer for the sinnes of another disposed otherwise of her and that so worthy a Virgin might be no mate for a man of ill conditions no doubt ordained what was to be done according to his owne good pleasure The noble Lady with whom poore Gianetta dwelt had but one onely Sonne by her Husband and he most deerely affected of them both as well in regard hee was to be their heire as also for his vertues and commendable qualities wherein he excelled many young Gentlemen Endued he was with heroycal valour compleate in all perfections of person and his mind euery way answerable to his outward behauiour exceeding Gianetta about sixe yeeres in age Hee perceiuing her to be a faire and comely Maiden grew to affect her so entirely that all things else he held contemptible and nothing pleasing in his eye but shee Now in regard her parentage was reputed poore hee kept his loue concealâ—d from his Parents not daring to desire her in marriage for both hee was to loose their fauour by disclosing the vehemency of his afflictions which proued a greater torment to him then if it had beene openly knowne It came to passe that loue ouer-awed him in such sort as he fell into a violent sicknesse and store of Physicions were sent for to saue him from death if possibly it might be Their iudgements obseruing the course of his sicknesse yet not reaching to the cause of the disease made a doubtfull question of his recouery which was so displeasing to his parents that their griefe and sorrow grew beyond measure Many earnest entreaties they moued to him to know the occasion of his sicknesse whereto he returned no other answer but heart-breaking sighes and incessant teares which drew him more and more into weakenesse of body It chanced on a day a Physicion was brought vnto him being young in yeeres but well experienced in his practise and as hee made triall of his pulse Gianetta who by his Mothers command attended on him very diligently vpon some especial occasion entred into the Chamber which when the young Gentleman perceiued and that shee neither spake word nor so much as looked towards him his heart grew great in amorous desire and his pulse did beate beyond the compasse of ordinary custome whereof the Physicion made good obseruation to note how long that fit would continue No sooner was Gianetta gone forth of the Chamber but the pulse immediately gaue ouer beating which perswaded the Physicion that some part of the disease had now discouered it selfe apparantly Within a while after pretending to haue some speech with Gianetta and holding the Gentleman still by the arme the Physicion caused her to be sent for and immediately shee came Vpon her very entrance into the Chamber the pulse began to beate againe extreamely and when shee departed it presently ceased Now was he thorowly perswaded that hee had found the true effect of his sicknesse when taking the Father and mother aside thus he spake to them If you be desirous of your Sons health it consisteth not either in Physicion or physicke but in the mercy of your faire Maide Gianetta for manifest signes haue made it knowne to me and he loueth the Damosell very dearely yet for ought I can perceiue the Maide doth not know it now if you haue respect of his life you know in this case what is to be done The Nobleman and his Wife hearing this became somewhat satisfied because there remained a remedy
therefore it is no meruaile if like will to like a beggers brats to keepe company with beggers The Count hearing these contemptible words was not a little greeued thereat and although his courage was greater then his poore condition would permit him to expresse yet clouding all iniuries with noble patience hanging downe his head and shedding many a salt teare endured this reproach as hee had done many both before and after But honourable Sir Roger perceiuing what delight his children tooke in the poore mans company albeit he was offended at his Fathers harsh words by holding his wife in such base respect yet fauoured the poore Count so much the more and seeing him weepe did greatly compassionate his case saying to the poore man that if hee would accept of his seruice he willingly would entertaine him Whereto the Count replied that very gladly he would embrace his kinde offer but hee was capable of no other seruice saue onely to be an horse-keeper wherein he had imployed the most part of his time Heereupon more for pleasure and pitty then any necessity of his seruice he was appointed to the keeping of one Horse which was onely for his Daughters saddle and daily after he had done his diligence about the Horse he did nothing else but play with the children While Fortune pleased thus to dally with the poore Count D'Angiers his children it came to passe that the King of France after diuers leagues of truces passed between him the Germaines died and next after him his Son the dolphin was crowned King and it was his wife that wrongfully caused the Counts banishment After expiration of the last league with the Germains the warres began to grow much more fierce and sharpe and the King of England vpon request made to him by his new brother of France sent him very honourable supplies of his people vnder the conduct of Perotto his lately elected President of Wales and Sir Roger Mandeuile Son to his other Lord high Marshall with whom also the poore Count went and continued a long while in the Campe as a common Souldier where yet like a valiant Gentleman as indeed he was no lesse both in aduice and actions he accomplished many more notable matters then was expected to come from him It so fell out that in the continuance of this warre the Queen of France fell into a grieuous sicknes and perceiuing her selfe to be at the point of death shee became very penitently sorrowfull for all her sinnes earnestly desiring that shee might be confessed by the Archbishop of Roane who was reputed to be an holy and vertuous man In the repetition of her other offences she reuealed what great wrong she had done to the Count D'Angiers resting not so satisfied with disclosing the whole matter to him alone but also confessed the same before many other worthy persons and of great honour entreating them to worke so with the King that if the Count were yet liuing or any of his Children they might be restored to their former honour againe It was not long after but the Queene left this life and was most royally enterred when her confession being disclosed to the King after much sorrow for so iniuriously wronging a man of so great valour and honour Proclamation was made throughout the Camp and in many other parts of France beside that whosoeuer could produce the Count D'Angiers or any of his Children should richly be rewarded for each one of them in regard he was innocent of the foule imputation by the Queenes owne confession and for his wrongfull exile so long he should be exalted to his former honour with farre greater fauours which the King franckely would bestow vpon him When the Count who walked vp and downe in the habite of a common seruitor heard this Proclamation forth-with he went to his Master Sir Roger Mandeuile requesting his speedy repaire to Lord Perotto that being both assembled together he would acquaint them with a serious matter concerning the late Proclamation published by the King Being by themselues alone in the Tent the Count spake in this māner to Perotto Sir S. Roger Mādeuile here your equal competitor in this military seruice is the husband to your naturall sister hauings yet neuer receiued any dowry with her but her inherent vnblemishable vertue honor Now because she may not stil remain destitute of a competent Dowry I desire that Sir Roger and none other may enioy the royall reward promised by the King You Lord Perotto whose true name is Lewes manifest your selfe to be nobly borne and sonne to the wrongfull banished Count D'Angiers auouch moreouer that Violenta shadowed vnder the borrowed name of Gianetta is your owne Sister and deliuer me vp as your Father the long exiled Count D'Angiers Perotto hearing this beheld him more aduisedly and began to know him then the tears flowing abundantly from his eyes he fell at his feete and often embracing him saide My deere and noble Father a thousand times more deerely welcome to your Sonne Lewes Sir Roger Mandeuile hearing first what the Count had said and seeing what Perotto afterward performed became surprized with such extraordinary ioy and admiration that he knew not how to carry himselfe in this case Neuerthelesse giuing credite to his words and being somewhat ashamed that he had not vsed the Count in more respectiue manner remembring beside the vnkinde language of his furious Father to him he kneeled downe humbly crauing pardon both for his fathers rudenes and his owne which was courteously granted by the Count embracing him louingly in his armes When they had a while discoursed their seuerall fortunes sometime in teares and then againe in ioy Perotto and Sir Roger would haue the Count to be garmented in better manner but in no wise he would suffer it for it was his onely desire that Sir Roger should be assured of the promised reward by presenting him in the Kings presence and in the homely habit which he did then weare to touch him with the more sensible shame for his rash beleefe and iniurious proceeding Then Sir Roger Mandeuile guiding the Count by the hand and Perotto following after came before the King offering to present the Count and his children if the reward promised in the Proclamation might be performed The king immediately commanded that a reward of inestimable valew should be produced desiring Sir Roger vppon the sight thereof to make good his offer for forthwith presenting the Count and his children Which hee made no longer delay of but turning himselfe about deliuered the aged Count by the title of his seruant and presenting Perotto next said Sir heere I deliuer you the Father and his Son his daughter who is my wife cannot so conueniently be heere now but shortly by the permission of heauen your Maiesty shall haue a sight of her When the King heard this stedfastly he looked on the Count and notwithstanding his wonderfull alteration both from his wonted feature and forme yet after
our Holy Father that his youth may be dispensed withall and he confirmed in the sayd dignity but hee is not to speake a word to any person On rode this new Abbot sometimes before his traine and other whiles after as we see great Lords vse to do when they ride vpon the High-wayes It chanced on a day that Alessandro rode somewhat neere to the Abbot who stedfastly beholding him perceiued that he was a verie comely young man so affable louely and gracious that euen in this first encounter he hadde neuer seene any man before that better pleased him Calling him a little closer he began to conferre familiarly with him demanding what he was whence he came and whether he trauelled Alessandro imparted freely to him all his affaires in euery thing satisfying his demands and offering although his power was small to doe him all the seruice he could When the Abbot had heard his gentle answers so wisely discreetly deliuered considering also more particularly his commendable cariage he tooke him to be at the least a well-borne Gentleman and far differing from his owne logger-headed traine Wherfore taking compassion on his great misfortunes he comforted him very kindly wishing him to liue alwayes in good hope For if hee were vertuous and honest he should surely attaine to the seate from whence Fortune had throwne him or rather much higher Entreating him also that seeing he iournied towards Tuscany as he himselfe did the like to continue stil if he pleased in his company Alessandro most humbly thanked him for such gracious comfort protesting that he would be alwaies ready to doe whatsoeuer he commanded The Abbot riding on with newer crochets in his braine then hee had before the sight of Alessandro it fortuned that after diuers dayes of trauaile they came to a small countrey Village which affoorded little store of lodging and yet the Abbot would needs lye there Alessandro being well acquainted with the Host of the house willed him to prouide for the Abbot and his people and then to lodge him where hee thought meetest Now before the Abbots comming thither the Harbinger that marshalled all such matters had prouided for his traine in the Village some in one place and others elsewhere in the best maner that the Towne could yeelde But when the Abbot had supt a great part of the night being spent and euery one else at his rest Alessandro demaunded of the Host what prouision he had made for him and how hee should be lodged that night In good sadnesse Sir quoth the Host you see that my house is full of Guests so that I and my people must gladly sleepe on the tables benches Neuerthelesse next adioyning to my Lord Abbots Chamber there are certaine Corn-lofts whether I can closely bring you and making shift there with a slender Pallet-bed it may serue for one night insted of a better But mine Host quoth Alessandro how can I passe thorow my Lords Chamber which is so little as it would not allowe Lodging for any of his Monkes If I had remembred so much said the Host before the Curtaines were drawne I could haue lodgd his Monkes in those Corn-lofts and then both you and I might haue slept where now they do But feare you not my Lords Curtaines are close drawne hee sleepeth no doubt soundly and I can conueigh you thither quietly enough without the least disturbance to him and a Pallet-bed shal be fitted there for you Alessandro perceyuing that all this might bee easilie done and no disease offered to the Abbot accepted it willingly went thither without any noyse at all My Lord Abbot whose thoughtes were so busied about amorous desires that no sleepe at all could enter his eyes heard all this talke betweene the Host and Alessandro and also where hee was appointed to lodge wherefore he sayd to himselfe Seeing Fortune hath fitted me with a propitious time to compasse the happines of my hearts desire I know no reason why I should refuse it Perhaps I shall neuer haue the like offer againe or euer be enabled with such an opportunity So being fully determined to prosecute his intention and perswading himselfe also that the silence of night had bestowed sleepe on all the rest with a lowe and trembling voyce he called Alessandro aduising him to come and lye downe by him which after some few faint excuses he did and putting off his cloaths lay downe by the Abbot being not a little prowde of so gracious a fauour The Abbot laying his arme ouer the others body began to imbrace and hugge him euen as amorous friends prouoked by earnest affection vse to do Whereat Alessandro very much maruayling and being an Italian himselfe fearing least this folly in the Abbot would conuert to foule and dishonest action shrunk modestly from him Which the Abbot perceiuing and doubting least Alessandro would depart and leaue him pleasantly smiling and with bashfull behauiour baring his stomack he tooke Alessandroes hand and laying it thereon saide Alessandro let all bad thoughts of bestiall abuse be farre off from thee and feele here to resolue thee from all such feare Alessandro feeling the Abbots brest found there two pretty little mountainets round plumpe and smooth appearing as if they had beene of polished Iuory whereby he perceiued that the Abbot was a woman which setting an edge on his youthfull desires made him fall to embracing and immediately he offered to kisse her but shee somewhat rudely repulsing him as halfe offended saide Alessandro forbeare such boldnesse vpon thy liues perill and before thou further presume to touch me vnderstand what I shall tell thee I am as thou perceiuest no man but a woman and departing a Virgin from my Fathers House am trauelling towards the Popes holinesse to the end that he should bestow me in mariage But the other day when first I beheld thee whether it proceeded from thy happinesse in fortune or the fatall houre of my owne infelicity for euer I know not I conceiued such an effectuall kinde of liking towards thee as neuer did woman loue a man more truly then I doe thee hauing sworne within my soule to make thee my Husband before any other and if thou wilt not accept mee as thy wife set a locke vpon thy lippes concerning what thou hast heard and depart hence to thine owne bed againe No doubt but that these were strange newes to Alessandro and seemed meerely as a miracle to him What shee was he knew not but in regard of her traine and company hee reputed her to be both noble and rich as also shee was wonderfull faire and beautifull His owne fortunes stood out of future expectation by his kinsmens ouerthrow and his great losses in England wherefore vpon an opportunity so fairely offered hee held it no wisedome to returne refusall but accepted her gracious motion and referred all to her disposing Shee arising out of her bed called him to a little Table standing by where hung a faire Crucifix vpon the wall