onely to serve when a tryall should bee made. And then unbinding the
Packes, made up in formall and Merchantable manner: there was
nothing else in them, but Logges and stumpes of Trees, wrapt
handsomely in hurdles of Hempe and Tow; onely two had Cloathes in
them. So that (to bee briefe) the whole did not value two hundred
Crownes: which when she saw, and observed how cunningly she was
deceived: a long while after shee sorrowed, for repaying backe the
five hundred Florines, and folly in lending a thousand more, using
it as a Proverbe alwaies after to hit selfe: That whosoever dealt with
a Tuscane, had neede to have sound sight and judgement. So remaining
contented (whither she would or no) with her losse: she plainly
perceyved, that although she lived by cheating others, yet now at
the length she had mette with her match.
So soone as Dioneus had ended his Novell, Madame Lauretta also knew,
that the conclusion of her Regiment was come; whereupon, when the
counsell of Canigiano had past with generall commendation, and the wit
of Salabetto no lesse applauded, for fitting it with such an
effectuall prosecution; shee tooke the Crowne of Laurell from her owne
head, and set it upon Madame Aimilliaes, speaking graciously in this
manner. Madam, I am not able to say, how pleasant a Queene we shall
have of you, but sure I am, that we shall enjoy a faire one: let
matters therefore be so honourably ca.rried; that your government
may be answerable to your beautifull perfections; which words were
no sooner delivered, but she sate downe in her mounted seate.
Madame Aemillia being somewhat bashfull, not so much of hir being
created Queene, as to heare her selfe thus publikely praysed, with
that which Women do most of all desire: her face then appearing,
like the opening of the Damaske Rose, in the goodlyest morning. But
after she had a while dejected her lookes, and the Vermillion blush
was vanished away: having taken order with the Master of the houshold,
for all needefull occasions befitting the assembly, thus she began.
Gracious Ladies, wee behold it daily, that those Oxen which have
laboured in the yoake most part of the day, for their more
convenient feeding, are let forth at liberty, and permitted to
wander abroad in the Woods. We see moreover, that Gardens and
Orchards, being planted with variety of the fairest fruit Trees, are
equalled in beauty by Woods and Forrests, in the plentifull enjoying
of as goodly spreading branches. In consideration whereof,
remembring how many dayes wee have already spent (under the
severitie of Lawes imposed) shaping all our discourses to a forme of
observation: I am of opinion, that it will not onely well become us,
but also prove beneficiall for us, to live no longer under such
restraint, and like enthralled people, desirous of liberty, wee should
no more be subjected to the yoke, but recover our former strength in
walking freely.
Wherefore, concerning our pastime purposed for to morrow, I am not
minded to use any restriction, or tye you unto any particular
ordination: but rather do liberally graunt, that every one shall
devise and speake of arguments agreeing with your owne dispositions.
Besides, I am verily perswaded, that variety of matter uttered so
freely, will be much more delightfull, then restraint to one kinde
of purpose onely. Which being thus granted by me, whosoever shal
succeede me in the government, may (as being of more power and
preheminence) restraine all backe againe to the accustomed lawes.
And having thus spoken, she dispensed with their any longer
attendance, untill it should be Supper time.
Every one commended the Queenes appointment, allowing it to
rellish of good wit and judgement: and being all risen, fell to such
exercises as they pleased. The Ladies made Nosegaies and Chaplets of
Flowers, the men played on their Instruments, singing divers sweete
Ditties to them, and thus were busied untill Supper time. Which beeing
come, and they supping about the beautifull Fountaine: after Supper,
they fell to singing and dauncing. In the end, the Queene, to
imitate the order of her predecessors, commanded Pamphilus, that
notwithstanding all the excellent songs formerly sung: he should now
sing one, whereunto dutifully obeying, thus he began.
THE SONG
THE CHORUS SUNG BY ALL
Love, I found such felicitie,
And joy, in thy captivitie:
As I before did never prove,
And thought me happy, being in Love.
Comfort abounding in my hart,
Joy and Delight
In soule and spright
I did possesse in every part;
O Soveraigne Love by thee.
Thy Sacred fires,
Fed my desires,
And still aspires,
Thy happy thrall to bee.
Love, I found such felicity, etc.
My Song wants power to relate,
The sweets of minde
Which I did finde
In that most blissefull state,
O Soveraigne Love by thee.
No sad despaire,
Or killing care
Could me prepare;
Still thou didst comfort me.
Love, I found such felicity, etc.
I hate all such as do complaine,
Blaspheming thee
With Cruelty,
And sleights of coy disdaine.
O So raigne Love, to mee
Thou has bene kinde:
If others finde
Thee worse inclinde,
Yet I will honour thee.
Love, I found such felicitie,
And joy in thy Captivitie:
As I before did never prove,
But thought me happie, being in Love.
Thus the Song of Pamphilus ended, whereto all the rest (as a Chorus)
answered with their Voyces, yet every one particularly (according as
they felt their Love-sicke passions) made a curious construction
thereof, perhaps more then they needed, yet not Divining what
Pamphilus intended. And although they were transported with variety of
imaginations; yet none of them could arive at his true meaning indeed.
Wherefore the Queene, perceiving the Song to be fully ended, and the
Ladies, as also the young Gentlemen, willing to go take their rest:
she commaunded them severally to their Chambers.
THE INDUCTION TO THE NINTH DAY
WHEREON, UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF MADAME AIMILIA, THE ARGUMENT OF
EACH SEVERALL DESCOURSE, IS NOT LIMITTED TO ANY ONE PECULIAR
SUBJECT: BUT EVERY ONE REMAINETH AT LIBERTY, TO
SPEAK OF WHATSOEVER THEMSELVES BEST PLEASETH
Faire Aurora, from whose bright and chearefull lookes, the duskie
darke night flyeth as an utter enemy, had already reached so high as
the eight Heaven, converting it all into an Azure colour, and the
pretty Flowrets beganne to spred open their Leaves: when Madame
Aemillia, beeing risen, caused all her female attendants, and the yong
Gentlemen likewise, to be summoned for. their personall appearance.
Who being all come, the Queen leading the way, and they following
her Majesticke pace, walked into a little Wood, not farre off
distant from the Palace.
Where the Queen, looking on Madam Philomena, gave her the honor of
beginning the first Novell for that day: whereto shee dutifully
condiscending, began as followeth.
THE NINTH DAY, THE FIRST NOVELL
APPROVING, THAT CHASTE AND HONEST WOMEN, OUGHT RATHER TO DENY
IMPORTUNATE SUITERS, BY SUBTILE AND INGENIOUS MEANES,
THEN FALL OF SCANDALL AND SLANDER
Madame Francesca, a Widdow of Pistoya, being affected by two
Florentine Gentlemen, the one named Rinuccio Palermini, and the
other Alessandro Chiarmontesi, and she bearing no good will to
eyther of them; ingeniously freed her selfe from both their
importunate suites. One of them she caused to lye as dead in a
grave, and the other to fetch him from thence: so neither of them
accomplishing what they were enjoyned, fayled of obtaining his hoped
expectation.
Madame, it can no way discontent mee (seeing it is your most
gracious pleasure) that I should have the honour, to breake the
first staffe of freedome in this faire company (according to the
injunction of your Majesty) for liberty of our own best liking
arguments: wherein I dismay not (if I can speake well enough) but to
please you all as well, as any other that is to follow me. Nor am I so
oblivious (worthy Ladies) but full well I remember, that many times
hath bene related in our passed demonstrations, how mighty and
variable the powers of love are: and yet I cannot be perswaded, that
they have all bene so sufficiently spoken of, but something may bee
further added, and the bottome of them never dived into, although we
should sit arguing a whole yeare together. And because it hath beene
alreadie approved, that Lovers have bene led into divers accidents,
not onely inevitable dangers of death, but also have entred into the
verie houses of the dead, thence to convey their amorous friends: I
purpose to acquaint you with a Novell, beside them which have bene
discoursed; whereby you may not onely comprehend the power of Love,
but also the wisedome used by an honest Gentlewoman, to rid her
selfe of two importunate suiters, who loved her against her owne
liking, yet neither of them knowing the others affection.
In the City of Pistoya, there dwelt sometime a beautifull
Gentlewoman, being a Widdow, whom two of our Florentines (the one
named Rinuccio Palermini, and the other Alessandro Chiarmontesi,
having withdrawne themselves to Pistoya) desperately affected, the one
ignorant of the others intention, but each carrying his case
closely, as hoping to be possessed of her. This Gentlewoman, named
Madame Francesca de Lazzari, being often solicited by their
messages, and troublesomely pestered with their importunities: at last
(lesse advisedly then she intended) shee granted admittance to heare
either of them speake. Which she repenting, and coveting to be rid
of them both, a matter not easie to be done: she wittily devised the
onely meanes, namely, to move such a motion to them, as neither
would willingly undertake, yet within the compasse of possibility; but
they failing in the performance, shee might have the more honest
occasion, to bee free from all further mollestation by them, and her
politike intention was thus projected.
On the same day, when she devised this peece of service, a man was
buried in Pistoya, and in the Church-yard belonging unto the gray
Friars, who being descended of good and worthie parentage: yet
himselfe was very infamous, and reputed to be the vilest man living,
not onely there in Pistoya, but throughout the whole World beside.
Moreover, while he lived, he had such a strange mishapen body, and his
face so ugly deformed, that such as knew him not, would stand gastly
affrighted at the first sight of him. In regarde whereof, shee
considered with her selfe, that the foule deformitie of this loathed
fellow, would greatly avayle in her determination, and consulting with
her Chamber-maid, thus she spake.
Thou knowest (my most true and faithfull servant) what trouble and
affliction of minde I suffer dayly, by the messages and Letters of the
two Florentines, Rinuccio and Alessandro, how hatefull their
importunity is to me, as being utterly unwilling to hear them
speake, or yeeld to any thing which they desire. Wherefore, to free my
selfe from them both together, I have devised (in regard of their
great and liberall offers) to make trial of them in such a matter,
as I am assured they will never performe.
It is not unknowne to thee, that in the Church-yard of the Gray
Friars, and this instant morning, Scannadio (for so was the ugly
fellow named) was buried; of whom, when he was living, as also now
being dead, both men, women, and children, doe yet stand in feare,
so gastly and dreadfull alwayes was his personall appearance to them.
Wherefore, first of all go thou to Alessandro, and say to him
thus. My Mistris Francesca hath sent me to you, to tell you, that
now the time is come, wherein you may deserve to enjoy her love, and
gaine the possession of her person, if you will accomplish such a
motion as she maketh to you. For some especiall occasion, wherewith
hereafter you shall bee better acquainted, a neere Kinsman of hers,
must needs have the body of Scannadio (who was buried this morning)
brought to her house. And she, being as much affraid of him now he
is dead, as when he was living, by no meanes would have his body
brought thither.
In which respect, as a Token of your unfeigned love to her, and
the latest service you shall ever do for her: shee earnestly
entreateth you, that this night, in the very deadest time thereof, you
would go to the grave, where Scannadio lyeth yet uncovered with
earth untill to morrow, and attyring your selfe in his garments,
even as if you were the man himselfe, so to remaine there untill her
kinsman doe come.
Then, without speaking any one word, let him take you foorth of
the grave, and bring you thence (insted of Scannadio) to hir house:
where she will give you gentle welcome, and disappoint her Kinsman
in his hope, by making you Lord of her, and all that is hers, as
afterward shall plainly appeare. If he say he wit do it, it is as much
as I desire: but if hee trifle and make deniall, then boldly tell him,
that he must refraine all places wheresoever I am, and forbeare to
send me any more Letters, or messages.
Having done so, then repaire to Rinuccio Palermini, and say. My
Mistresse Francesca is ready to make acceptance of your love;
provided, that you will do one thing for her sake. Namely, this
ensuing night, in the midst and stillest season thereof, to go to
the grave where Scannadio was this morning buried, and (without making
any noise) or speaking one word, whatsoever you shall heare or see: to
take him forth of the grave, and bring him home to her house, wher you
shal know the reason of this strange businesse, and enjoy her freely
as your owne for ever. But if he refuse to do it, then I commaund him,
never hereafter to see me, or move further suite unto mee, by any
meanes whatsoever.
The Chamber-maide went to them both, and delivered the severall
