Faithfully they ey ,h promised to performe all, whereupon John
delivering a lighted Candle to Gossip Petro, to hold in his hand,
said. Marke well what I doe, and remember all the words I say: but
be very carefull, that whatsoever thou hearest or seest, thou doe
not speake one word, for then the enchantment will be utterly
overthrowne, onely wish that the taile may be well set on, for therein
consisteth all the cunning.
Gossip Pietro holding the Candle, and the woman being prepared as
John had appointed her, she bowed her selfe forwardes with her hands
set to the ground, even as if she stood upon foure feete. First with
his hands he touched her head and face, saying, Heere is the goodly
head of a Mule: then handling her disheveld haire, termed them the
goodly mane of a Mule. Afterwardes, touching the body, armes, legs,
and feete, gave them all the apt names (for those parts) belonging
to a Mule, nothing else remaining, but onely the forming of the taile,
which when Pietro perceived, how John was preparing to fasten it on
(having no way misliked all his former proceeding:) he called to
him, saying: Forbeare Gossippe John, my Mule shal have no taile at
all, I am contented to have her without a taile.
How now Gossip Pietro? answered John, What hast thou done? Thou hast
mard all by this unadvised speaking, even when the worke was almost
fully finished. It is no matter Gossip (answered Pietro) I can like my
Mule better without a taile, then to see it set on in such manner.
The fond yong woman, more covetously addicted to gayne and
commodity, then looking into the knavish intention of her Gossip John;
began to grow greatly offended.
Beast as thou art (quoth she to her Husband) why hast thou
overthrowne both thine owne good Fortune and mine? Diddest thou ever
see a Mule without a taile? Wouldst thou have had him make me a
monster? Thou art wretchedly poore, and when we might have bin
enriched for ever, by a secret knowne to none but our selves, thou art
the Asse that hast defeated all, and made thy friend to become thine
enemy. Gossippe John began to pacifie the woman, with solemne
protestations of his still continuing friendship, albeit
(afterwards) there was no further desiring of any more Mulemaking: but
Gossip Pietro fel to his former Trading onely with his Asse, as he was
no lesse himselfe, and hee went no more with Gossip John to the Faires
in Apuglia, neyther did he ever request, to have the like peece of
service done for him.
Although there was much laughing at this Novell, the Ladies
understanding it better, then Dioneus intended that they should have
done, yet himselfe scarsely smiled. But the Novels being all ended,
and the Sunne beginning to loose his heate; the Queene also knowing,
that the full period of her government was come: dispossessing her
selfe of the Crowne, shee placed it on the head of Pamphilus, who
was the last of all to be honoured with this dignity; wherefore
(with a gracious smile) thus she spake to him.
Sir, it is no meane charge which you are to undergo, in making
amends (perhaps) for all the faults committed by my selfe and the
rest, who have gone before you in the same authority; and, may it
prove as prosperous unto you, as I was willing to create you our King.
Pamphilus having received the Honor with a chearfull mind, thus
answered. Madam, your sacred vertues, and those (beside) remaining
in my other Subjects, will (no doubt) worke so effectually for me,
that (as the rest have done) I shall deserve your generall good
opinion. And having given order to the Master of the Houshold (as
all his predecessors had formerly done, for every necessary
occasion; he turned to the Ladies, who expected his gracious favour,
and said.
Bright Beauties, it was the discretion of your late Soveraigne and
Queene, in regard of ease and recreation unto your tyred spirits, to
grant you free liberty, for discoursing on whatsoever your selves best
pleased: wherefore, having enjoyed such a time of rest, I am of
opinion, that it is best to returne once more to our wonted Law, in
which respect, I would have every one to speake in this manner to
morrow. Namety, of those men or women, who have done any thing
bountifully or magnificently, either in matter of amity, or otherwise.
The relation of such worthy arguments, wil (doubtlesse) give an
addition to our very best desires, for a free and forward
inclination to good actions, whereby our lives (how short soever
they bee) may perpetuate an ever-living renowne and fame, after our
mortall bodies are converted into dust, which (otherwise)
are no better then those of bruite beasts, reason onely
distinguishing this difference, that as they live to perish utterly,
so we respire to reigne in eternity. Theame was exceedingly pleasing
to the whole Company; who being all risen, by permission of the new
King, every one fel to their wonted recreations, as best agreed with
their owne disposition; untill the houre for Supper came, wherein they
were served very sumptuously. But being risen from the Table, they
began their dances, among which, many sweet Sonnets were enterlaced,
with such delicate Tunes as moved admiration. Then the King
commanded Madam Neiphila, to sing a song in his name, or how her selfe
stood best affected. And immediatly with a cleare and rare voice, thus
she began.
THE SONG
THE CHORUS SUNG BY ALL THE COMPANIE
In the Spring season,
Maides have best reason,
To dance and sing;
With Chaplets of Flowers,
To decke up their Bowers,
And all in honour of the Spring.
I heard a Nimph that sate alone,
By a fountaines side:
Much her hard Fortune to bemone,
For still she cride:
Ah! Who will pitty her distresse,
That findes no foe like ficklenesse?
For truth lives not in men:
Poore soule, why live I then?
In the Spring season, etc.
Oh, How can mighty Love permit,
Such a faithlesse deed,
And not in justice punish it
As treasons meed?
I am undone through perjury,
Although I loved constantly:
But truth lives not in men,
Poore soule, why live I then?
In the Spring season, etc.
When I did follow Dyans traine,
As a loyall Maide,
I never felt oppressing paine,
Nor was dismaide.
But when I listened Loves alluring,
Then I wandred from assuring.
For truth lives not in men:
Poore soule, why live I then?
In the Spring season, etc.
Adiew to all my former joyes,
When I lived at ease,
And welcome now those sad annoies
Which do most displease.
And let none pitty her distresse,
That fell not, but by ficklenesse,
For truth lives not in men,
Alas! why live I then?
In the Spring season,
Maides have best reason,
To dance and sing;
With Chaplets of Flowers,
To decke up their Bowers,
And all in honour of the Spring.
This Song, most sweetly sung by Madame Neiphila, was especially
commended, both by the King, and all the rest of the Ladies. Which
being fully finished, the King gave oder, that everie one should
repaire to their Chambers, because a great part of the night was
already spent.
THE INDUCTION TO THE TENTH AND LAST DAY
WHEREON, UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF PAMPHILUS, THE SEVERALL
ARGUMENTS DO CONCERNE SUCH PERSONS, AS EITHER BY WAY OF
LIBERALITY, OR IN MAGNIFICENT MANNER, PERFORMED ANY WORTHY
ACTION, FOR LOVE, FAVOUR, FRIENDSHIP, OR ANY OTHER
HONOURABLE OCCASION
Already began certaine small Clouds in the West, to blush with a
Vermillion tincture, when those in the East (having reached to their
full heighth) looked like bright burnished Gold, by splendour of the
Sun beames drawing neere unto them: when Pamphilus being risen, caused
the Ladies, and the rest of his honourable companions to be called.
When they were all assembled, and had concluded together on the place,
whither they should walke for their mornings recreation: the King
ledde on the way before accompanied with the two Noble Ladies
Philomena and Fiammetta, all the rest following after them,
devising, talking, and answering to divers demands both what that
day was to be don, as also concerning the proposed imposition for
the forthcoming day.
After they had walked an indifferent space of time, and found the
rayes of the Sunne to be over-piercing for them: they returned backe
againe to the Pallace, as fearing to have their blood immoderately
heated. Then rinsing their Glasses in the coole cleare running
current, each tooke their mornings draught, and then walked into the
milde shades about the Garden, untill they should bee summoned to
dinner. Which was no sooner over-past, and such as slept, returned
waking: they mette together againe in their wonted place, according as
the King had appointed, where he gave command unto Madame Neiphila,
that shee should (for that day) begin the first Novell, which she
humbly accepting, thus began.
THE TENTH DAY, THE FIRST NOVELL
WHERIN MAY EVIDENTLY BE DISCERNED, THAT SERVANTS TO PRINCES AND
GREAT LORDS, ARE MANY TIMES RECOMPENCED, RATHER BY THEIR GOOD
FORTUNE, THEN IN ANY REGARD OF THEIR DUTIFULL SERVICES
A Florentine knight, named Signior Rogiero de Figiovanni, became a
servant to Alphonso, King of Spaine, who (in his owne opinion)
seemed but sleightly to respect and reward him. In regard whereof,
by a notable experiment, the King gave him a manifest testimony,
that it was not through any defect in him, but onely occasioned by the
Knights ill fortune; most bountifully recompencing him afterward.
I doe accept it (Worthy Ladies) as no mean favour, that the King
hath given me the first place, to speake of such an honourable
Argument, as Bounty and Magnificence is, which precious Jewell, even
as the Sunne is the beauty, or ornament and bright glory of al heaven;
so is bounty and magnificence the Crowne of all vertues. I shall
then recount to you a short Novell, sufficiently pleasing, in mine
owne opinion, and I hope (so much I dare rely on your judgements) both
profitable, and worthy to be remembred.
You are to know then, that among other valiant Knights, which of
long have lived in our City, one of them, and (perhappes) of as
great merit as any, was one, named Signior Rogiero d'Figiovanni. He
being rich, of great courage, and perceiving, that (in due
consideration) the quality belonging to life, and the customes
observed among our Tuscanes, were not answerable to his expectation,
nor agreed with the disposition of his valour; determined to leave his
native Countrey, and belong in service (for some time) to Alfonso,
King of Spaine, whose fame was generally noised in all places, for
excelling all other Princes in those times, for respect of mens well
deservings, and bountifull requitall of their paines. Being provided
in honorable order, both of Horses, Armes, and a competent train, he
travelled to Spaine, where he was worthily entertained.
Signior Rogiero continuing there, living in honorable maner, and
performing many admirable actions of arms; in short time he made
himselfe sufficiently knowne, for a very valiant and famous man. And
having remained an indifferent long while, observing divers behaviours
in the king: he saw, how enclined himselfe first to one man, then
another, bestowing on one a Castle, a Towne on another, and
Baronnies on divers, som-what indiscreetly, as giving away bountiful
to men of no merit. And restraining all his favors from him, as
seeming close fisted, and parting with nothing: he took it as a
diminishing of his former reputation, and a great empayring of his
fame, wherefore he resolved on his departure thence, and made his suit
to the king that he might obtaine it. The king did grant it, bestowing
on him one of the very best Mules, and the goodliest that ever was
backt, a gift most highly pleasing to Rogiero, in regarde of the
long journy he intended to ride. Which being delivcrd, the king gave
charge to one of his Gentlemen, to compasse such convenient meanes, as
to ride thorow the country, and in the company of Signior Rogiero, yet
in such manner, as he should not perceive, that the King had purposely
sent him so to do. Respectively he should observe whatsoever he said
concerning the king, his gesture, smiles, and other behavior,
shaping his answers accordingly, and on the nexte morning to command
his returne backe with him to the King.
Nor was the Gentleman slacke in this command, but noting Rogieroes
departing forth of the city, he mounted on horseback likewise, and
immediatly after came into his company, making him beleeve, that he
journied towards Italy. Rogiero rode on the Mule which the king had
given him, with diversity of speeches passing between them. About
three of the clocke in the afternoone, the Gentleman said. It were not
amisse Sir, (having such fit opportunitie), to Stable our horses for a
while, till the heate be a little more overpast. So taking an Inne,
and the horses being in the stable, they all staled except the Mule.
Being mounted againe, and riding on further, the Gentleman duely
observed whatsoever Rogiero spake, and comming to the passage of a
small River or Brooke: the rest of the beasts dranke, and not the
Mule, but staled in the River: which Signior Rogiero seeing,
clapping his hands on the Mules mane, hee said. What a wicked beast
art thou? thou art just like thy Master that gave thee to mee. The
Gentleman committed the words to memory, as he did many other
passing from Rogiero, riding along the rest of the day, yet none in
disparagement of the King, but rather highly in his commendation.
And being the next morning mounted on horseback, seeming to hold on
still the way for Tuscane: the Gentleman fulfilled the Kings
command, causing Signior Rogiero to turne back againe with him,
which willingly he yeelded to doe.
