liberall expences, for maintaining a worthy table in my house, without
distinguishing persons by their rancke and quality, but make it free
for all commers, both of the city, and all places els. Notwithstanding
all which bounty and honourable entertainement, I cannot meet with any
man that loveth me. In which respect, I journey to the same place as
you doe, to crave the counsell of so wise a King, what I should doe,
whereby I might procure men to love me. Thus like two well-met
friendly companions, they rode on together, untill they arrived in
Great Britaine, where, by meanes of the Noble Barons attending on
the King, they were brought before him. Melisso delivered his minde in
very few words, whereto the King made no other answere, but this:
Learne to love. Which was no sooner spoken, but Melisso was
dismissed from the Kings presence.
Giosefo also relating, wherefore he came thither; the King
replying onely thus: Goe to the Goose Bridge: and presently Giosefo
had also his dismission from the King. Comming forth, he found Melisso
attending for him, and revealed in what manner the King had answered
him: whereupon, they consulted together, concerning both their
answeres, which seemed either to exceed their comprehension, or else
was delivered them in meere mockery, and therefore (more then halfe
discontented) they returned homeward againe.
After they had ridden on a few dayes together, they came to a River,
over which was a goodly Bridge, and because a great company of
Horses and Mules (heavily laden, and after the manner of a Caravan
of Camels in Egypt) were first to passe over the saide Bridge; they
gladly stayed to permit their passe. The greater number of them
being already past over, there was one shie and skittish Mule
(belike subject to fearefull starting, as oftentimes we see horses
have the like ill quality) that would not passe over the Bridge by any
meanes, wherefore one of the Muletters tooke a good Cudgell, and smote
her at the first gently, as hoping so to procure her passage.
Notwithstanding, starting one while backeward, then againe forward,
side-wayes, and every way indeed, but the direct Roadway she would not
goe.
Now grew the Muletter extreamely angry, giving her many cruell
stroakes, on the head, sides, flancks and all parts else, but yet they
proved to no purpose, which Melisso and Giosefo seeing, and being
(by this meanes) hindred of their passage, they called to the
Muletter, saying. Foolish fellow, what doest thou? Intendest thou to
kill the Mule? why dost thou not leade her gently, which is the
likelier course to prevaile by, then beating and misusing her as
thou dost? Content your selves Gentlemen (answered the Muletter) you
know your horses qualities, as I doe my Mules, let mee deale with
her as I please. Having thus spoken, he gave her so many violent
strokes, on head, sides, hippes, and every where else, as made her
at last passe over the Bridge quietly, so that the Muletter wonne
the Mastery of his Mule.
When Melisso and Giosefo had passed over the Bridge, where they
intended to part each from other; a sudden motion happened into the
minde of Melisso, which caused him to demaund of an aged man (who sate
craving almes of Passengers at the Bridge foot) how the Bridge was
called: Sir, answered the old man, this is called, The Goose Bridge.
Which words when Giosefo heard, hee called to minde the saying of King
Salomon, and therefore immediately saide to Melisso. Worthy friend,
and partner in my travell, I dare now assure sure that the counsell
given me by King Salomon, may fall out most effectall and true: For
I plainely perceive, that I knew not how to handle my selfe-will'd
wife, untill the Muletter did instruct me. So, requesting still to
enjoy the others Company, they journeyed on, till at the length they
came to Laiazzo, where Giosefo retained Melisso still with him, for
some repose after so long a journey, and entertained him with very
honourable respect and courtesie.
One day Giosefo said to his Wife: Woman, this Gentleman is my
intimate friend, and hath borne me company in all my travell: such
dyet therfore as thou wilt welcome him withall, I would have it
ordered (in dressing) according to his direction. Melisso perceiving
that Giosefo would needs have it to be so; in few words directed her
such a course, as (for ever) might be to her Husbands contentment. But
she, not altring a jote from her former disposition, but rather
farre more froward and tempestuous: delighted to vexe and crosse
him, doing every thing quite contrary to the order appointed. Which
Giosefo observing, angerly he said unto her. Was it not tolde you by
my friend, in what manner he would have our Supper drest? She
turning fiercely to him, replyed. Am I to be directed by him or
thee? Supper must and shall bee drest as I will have it: if it
pleaseth mee, I care not who doth dislike it; if thou wouldst have
it otherwise, goe seeke both your Suppers where you may have it.
Melisso marvelling at her froward answere, rebuked her for it in
very kind manner: whereupon, Giosefo spake thus to her. I perceive
wife, you are the same woman as you were wount to be: but beleeve me
on my word, I shal quite alter you from this curst complexion. So
turning to Melisso, thus he proceeded. Noble friend, we shall try
anone, whether the counsell of King Salomon bee effectuall, or no; and
I pray you, let it not be offensive to you to see it; but rather
hold all to be done in merriment. And because I would not be
hindered by you, doe but remember the answere which the Muletter
gave us, when we tooke compassion on his Mule. Worthy friend,
replyed Melisso, I am in your owne house, where I purpose not to
impeach whatsoever you doe.
Giosefo, having provided a good Hollywand, went into the Chamber,
where his wife sate railing, and despitefully grumbling, where
taking her by the haire of her head, he threw her at his feete,
beating her extreamely with the wand. She crying, then cursing, next
railing, lastly fighting, biting and scratching, when she felt the
cruell smart of the blowes, and that all her resistance served to no
end: then she fell on her knees before him, and desired mercy for
charities sake. Giosefo fought still more and more on head, armes,
shoulders, sides, and all parts else, pretending as if he heard not
her complaints, but wearied himselfe wel neere out of breath: so
that (to be briefe) she that never felt his fingers before,
perceived and confessed, it was now too soone. This being done, hee
returned to Melisso, and said: Tomorrow we shall see a miracle, and
how availeable the counsell is of going to the Goose Bridge. So
sitting a while together, after they had washed their hands, and supt,
they withdrew to their lodgings.
The poore beaten woman, could hardly raise her selfe from the
ground, which yet (with much adoe) she did, and threw her selfe upon
the bed, where she tooke such rest as she could: but arising early the
next morning, she came to her Husband, and making him a very low
courtesie, demaunded what hee pleased to have for his dinner; he
smiling heartely thereat, with Melisso, tolde her his mind. And when
dinner time came, every thing was ready according to the direction
given: in which regard, they highly commended the counsell, whereof
they made such an harsh construction at the first.
Within a while after, Melisso being gone from Giosefo, and
returned home to his owne house: hee acquainted a wise and reverend
man, with the answere which king Salomon gave him, whereto hee
received this reply. No better or truer advise could possibly be given
you, for well you know, that you love not any man; but the bountiful
banquets you bestow on them, is more in respect of your owne
vaine-glory, then any kind affection you beare to them: Learne then to
love men, as Salomon advised, and you shall be beloved of them againe.
Thus our unruly Wife became mildely reclaimed, and the yong Gentleman,
by loving others, found the fruits of reciporall affection.
THE NINTH DAY, THE TENTH NOVELL
IN JUST REPROOFE OF SUCH FOOLISH MEN, AS WILL BE GOVERNED BY
OVER-LIGHT BELEEFE
John de Barolo, at the instance and request of his Gossip Pietro
da Tresanti, made an enchantment, to have his wife become a Mule.
And when it came to the fastening on of the taile; Gossip Pietro by
saying she should have no taile at all, spoyled the whole enchantment.
This Novell reported by the Queene, caused a little murmuring
among the Ladies, albeit the men laughed heartely thereat: but after
they were all growne silent, Dioneus began in this manner. Gracious
Beauties, among many white Doves, one blacke Crow will seeme more
sightly, then the very whitest Swanne can doe. In like manner, among a
multitude of wise men, sometimes one of much lesse wisedome and
discretion, shall not onely increase the splendour and Majestie of
their maturity, but also give an addition of delight and solace.
In which regard, you all being modest and discreet Ladies, and my
selfe more, much defective in braine, then otherwise able: in making
your vertues shine gloriously, through the evident apparance of mine
owne weakenesse, you should esteeme the better of mee, by how much I
seeme the more cloudy and obscure. And consequently, I ought to have
the larger scope of liberty, by plainely expressing what I am, and
be the more patiently endured by you all, in saying what absurdly I
shall; then I should be if my speeches savoured of absolute wisdome. I
will therfore tell you a Tale, which shall not be of any great length,
whereby you may comprehend, how carefully such things should be
observed, which are commanded by them, as can effect matters by the
power of enchantment, and how little delayance also ought to be in
such, as would not have an enchantment to be hindered.
About a yeare already past since, there dwelt at Barletta, an honest
man, called John de Barolo, who because he was of poore condition; for
maintenance in his contented estate, provided himselfe of a Mule, to
carry commodities from place to place, where Faires and Markets were
in request, but most especially to Apuglia, buying and selling in
the nature of a petty Chapman. Travelling thus thorow the
Countreyes, he grew into great and familiar acquaintance, with one who
named himselfe Pietro da Tresanti, following the same Trade of life as
he did, carrying his commodities upon an Asse. In signe of amitie,
according to the Countreyes custome, he never tearmed him otherwise
then by the name of Gossip Pietro and alwayes when he came to
Barletta, he brought him to his own house, taking it as his Inne,
entreating him very friendly, and in the best manner he could devise
to doe. On the other side, Gossip Pietro being very poore, having
but one simple habitation in the village of Tresanti, hardly sufecient
for him, and an handsome young woman which he had to his wife, as also
his Asse: evermore when John de Barolo came to Tresanti, he would
bring him to his poore abiding, with all his uttermost abilitie of
entertainement, in due acknowledgement of the courtesie he afforded to
him at Barletta. But when he came to take repose in the night
season, Gossip Pietro could not lodge him as gladly he would:
because he had but one silly bed, wherein himselfe and his wife lay;
so that John de Barolo was faigne to lie on a little straw, in a small
stable, close adjoyning by his owne Mule and the Asse.
The woman understanding, what good and honest welcome, Gossip John
afforded her husband, when he came to Barletta, was often very willing
to goe lodge with an honest neighbour of hers, called Carapresa di
Gludice Leo, because the two Gossips might both lie together in one
bed; wherewith divers times she acquainted her Husband, but by no
meanes he would admit it.
At one time among the rest, as she was making the same motion againe
to her Husband, that his friend might be lodged in better manner:
Gossip John thus spake to her. Good Zita Carapresa, never molest
your selfe for me, because I lodge to mine owne contentment, and so
much the rather, in regard that whensoever I list: I can convert my
Mule into a faire young woman, to give mee much delight in the
night-season, and afterward make her a Mule againe: thus am I never
without her company.
The young woman wondring at these words, and beleeving he did not
fable in them: she told them to her Husband, with this addition
beside, Pietro (quoth she) if he be such a deare friend to thee, as
thou hast often avouched to me; wish him to instruct thee in so rare a
cunning, that thou maist make a Mule of me; then shalt thou have
both an Asse and a Mule to travell withall about thy businesse,
whereby thy benefit will be double: and when we returne home to our
house, then thou maist make mee thy wife againe, in the same condition
as I was before. Gossip Pietro, who was (indeed) but a very Coxecombe;
beleeved also the words to be true, yeelding therefore the more gladly
to her advise; and moving the matter to his Gossip John, to teach
him such a wonderfull secret, which would redound so greatly to his
benefit: but John began to disswade him from it, as having spoken it
in merriment, yet perceiving, that no contradiction would serve to
Frevaile, thus he began.
Seeing you will needs have it so, let us rise to morrow morning
before day, as in our travell we use to doe, and then I will shew
you how it is to be done: onely I must and doe confesse, that the most
difficult thing of all the rest, is, to fasten on the taile, as thou
shalt see.
Gossip Pietro and his wife, could hardly take any rest all the night
long, so desirous they were to have the deed done; and therefore
when it drew towards day, up they arose, and calling Gossip John, he
came presently to them in his shirt, and being in the Chamber with
them, he said. I know not any man in the world, to whom I would
disclose this secret, but to you, and therefore because you so
earnestly desire it, I am the more willing to doe it. Onely you must
consent, to doe whatsoever I say, if you are desirous to have it done.
