(drowned in teares) she returned denyall, till in the end, when no
contradiction could prevaile, to satisfie her parents, and the
importunate pursuers: she was constrained to reveale, the charge
imposed on her by her Husband, which shee had vowed infallibly to
keepe, and till that very time, she would in no wise consent.
While wooing for a second wedding with Adalietta, proceeded in
this manner at Pavia, it chanced on a day, that Signior Thorello had
espied a man in Alexandria whom he saw with the Geneway
Ambassadours, when they set thence towards Geneway with their Gallies.
And causing him to be sent for, he demaunded of him, the successe of
the voyage, and when the Gallies arrived at Geneway; whereto he
returned him this answere. My Lord, our Gallies made a very fatall
voyage, as it is (already) too well knowne in Creete, where my
dwelling is. For when we drew neere Sicilie, there suddenly arose a
very dangerous North-West-winde, which drove us on the quicke-Sands of
Barbarie, where not any man escaped with life, onely my selfe
excepted, but (in the wracke) two of my brethren perished.
Signior Thorello, giving credit to the mans words, because they were
most true indeed, and remembring also, that the time limitted to his
Wife, drew neere expiring within very few dayes, and no newes now
possibly to be sent thither of his life, his Wife would
questionlesse be marryed againe: he fell into such a deepe conceited
melancholly, as food and sleepe forsooke him, whereupon, he kept his
bed, setting downe his peremptory resolution for death. When
Saladine (who dearely loved him) heard thereof, he came in all haste
to see him, and having (by many earnest perswasions and entreaties)
understood the cause of his melancholly and sickenesse: he very
severely reproved him, because he could no sooner acquaint him
therewith. Many kind and comfortable speeches, he gave him, with
constant assurance, that (if he were so minded) he would so order
the businesse for him; as he should be at Pavia, by the same time as
he had appointed to his Wife, and revealed to him also the manner how.
Thorello verily beleeved the Soldanes promise, because he had
often heard the possibility of performance, and others had effected as
much, divers times else-where: whereupon he began to comfort himselfe,
soliciting the Soldan earnestly that it might be accomplished.
Saladine sent for one of his Sorcerers (of whose skill he had formerly
made experience) to take a direct course, how Signior Thorello
should be carryed (in one night) to Pavia, and being in his bed. The
Magitian undertooke to doe it, but, for the Gentlemans more ease, he
must first be possessed with an entraunced dead sleep. Saladine
being thus assured of the deeds full effecting, he came againe to
Thorello, and finding him to be setled for Pavia (if possibly it might
be accomplished by the determined time, or else no other expectation
but death) he said unto him as followeth.
Signior Thorello, if with true affection you love your Wife, and
misdoubt her marriage to some other man: I protest unto you, by the
supreme powers, that you deserve no reprehension in any manner
whatsoever. For, of all the Ladyes that ever I have seene, she is
the onely woman, whose carriage, vertues, and civile speaking (setting
aside beauty, which is but a fading flowre) deserveth most
graciously to be respected, much more to be affected in the highest
degree. It were to me no meane favour of our Gods, (seeing Fortune
directed your course so happily hither) that for the short or long
time we have to live, we might reigne equally together in these
Kingdomes under my subjection. But if such grace may not be granted
me, yet, seeing it stands mainly upon the perill of your life, to be
at Pavia againe by your own limitted time, it is my chiefest
comfort, that I am therewith acquainted, because I intended to have
you conveighed thither, yea, even into your owne house, in such
honourable order as your vertues doe justly merit, which in regard
it cannot be so conveniently performed, but as I have already informed
you, and as the necessity of the case urgently commandeth; accept it
as it may be best accomplished.
Great Saladine (answered Thorella) effects (without words) have
already sufficiently warranted your Gracious disposition towards me,
farre beyond any requitall remayning in me; your word onely being
enough for my comfort in this case, either dying or living. But in
regard you have taken such order for my departure hence, I desire to
have it done with all possible expedition, because to morrow is the
very last day, that I am to be absent. Saladine protested that it
should be done, and the same evening in the great Hall of his Pallace,
commanded a rich and costly Bedde to be set up, the mattras formed
after the Alexandrian manner, of Velvet and cloth Gold, the Quilts,
counterpoints and coverings, sumptuously imbroydered with Orient
Pearles and Precious Stones, supposed to be of inestimable value,
and two rarely wrought Pillowes, such as best beseemed so stately a
Bedde, the Curtaines and Vallans every way equall to the other pompe.
Which being done, he commanded that Thorello (who was
indifferently recovered) should be attyred in one of his owne
sumptuous Saracine Roabes, the very fairest and richest that ever
was seene, and on his head a Majesticall Turbant, after the manner
of his owne wearing, and the houre appearing to be somewhat late, he
with many of his best Baschaes, went to the Chamber where Thorello
was, and sitting downe a while by him, in teares thus he spake.
Signior Thorello, the houre for sundering you and me, is now very
neere, and because I cannot beare you company, in regard of the
businesse you goe about, and which by no meanes will admit it: I am to
take my leave of you in this Chamber, and therefore am purposely
come to doe it. But before I bid you farewell, let me entreat you,
by the love and friendship confirmed betweene us, to be mindfull of
me, and to take such order (your affaires being fully finished in
Lombardie) that I may once more enjoy the sight of you here, for a
mutuall solace and satisfaction of our mindes, which are now divided
by this urgent hast. Till which may be granted, let me want no
visitation of your kind letters, commanding thereby of me,
whatsoever here can possibly be done for you: assuring your selfe,
no man living can command me as you doe.
Signior Thorello could not forbeare weeping, but being much
hindred therby, answered in few words. That he could not possibly
forget, his Gracious favours and extraordinary benefits used towards
him, but would accomplish whatsoever hee commaunded, according as
heaven did enable him.
Hereupon, Saladine embracing him, and kissing his forehead, said.
All my Gods goe with you, and guard you from any perill, departing
so out of the Chamber weeping, and his Baschaes (having likewise taken
their leave of Thorello) followed Saladine into the Hall, whereas
the Bedde stood readily prepared? Because it waxed very late, and
the Magitian also there attending for his dispatch: the Phisitian went
with the potion to Thorello, and perswading him, in the way of
friendship, that it was onely to strengthen him after his great
weaknes: he drank it off, being thereby immediately entraunced, and so
presently sleeping, was (by Saladines command,) laid on the
sumptuous and costly Bed, whereon stood an Imperiall Crowne of
infinite value, appearing (by a description engraven on it) that
Saladine sent it to Madame Adalietta, the wife of Thorello. On his
finger also hee put a Ring, wherein was enchased an admirable
Carbuncle, which seemed like a flaming Torche, the value thereof not
to bee estimated. By him likewise hee laid a rich sword, with the
girdle, hangers, and other furniture, such as seldome can be seene the
like. Then hee laid a jewell on the Pillow by him, so sumptuouslie
embelished with Pearles and precious Stones, as might have beseemed
the greatest Monarch in the World to weare. Last of all, on either
side of them, hee set two great Basons of pure Gold, full of double
ducates, many cords of Orient Pearles, Rings, Girdles, and other
costly jewells (over-tedious to bee recounted) and kissing him once
more as hee lay in the bedde, commanded the Magitian to dispatch and
be gone.
Instantly, the bedde and Thorello in it, in the presence of
Saladine, was invisibly carried thence, and while he sate conferring
with his Baschaes, the bed, Signior Thorello, and all the rich Jewells
about him, was transported and set in the Church of San Pietro in Ciel
d'Ore in Pavia, according to his own request, and soundly sleeping,
being placed directly before the high Altar. Afterward, when the bells
rung to Mattines, the Sexton entring the Church with a light in his
hand (where hee beheld a light of greater splendor) and suddenly
espied the sumptuous bedde there standing: not only was he smitten
into admiration, but hee ranne away also very fearefully. When the
Abbot and the Monkes mette him thus running into the Cloyster, they
became amazed, and demanded the reason why he ranne in such haste,
which the Sexton told them. How? quoth the Abbot, thou art no
childe, or a new-come hither, to be so easilie affrighted in our
holy Church, where Spirits can have no power to walke, God and Saint
Peter (wee hope) are stronger for us then so: wherefore turne backe
with us, and let us see the cause of thy feare.
Having lighted many Torches, the Abbot and his Monkes entred with
the Sexton into the Church, where they beheld the wonderful riche
bedde, and the Knight lying fast asleepe in it. While they stood all
in amazement, not daring to approach neere the bedde, whereon lay such
costly jewells: it chanced that Signior Thorello awaked, and
breathed forth a vehement sigh. The Monkes and the Abbot seeing him to
stirre, ranne all away in feare, crying aloud, God and S. Peter defend
us.
By this time Thorello had opened his eyes, and looking round about
him, perceived that hee was in the place of Saladines promise, whereof
hee was not a little joyfull. Wherefore, sitting up in the bedde,
and particularly observing all the things about him: albeit he knew
sufficiently the magnificence of Saladine, yet now it appeared far
greater to him, and imagined more largely thereof, then hee could
doe before. But yet, without any other ceremony, seeing the flight
of the Monkes, hearing their cry, and perceiving the reason; he called
the Abbot by his name, desiring him not to be afraid, for he was his
Nephew Thorello, and no other.
When the Abbot heard this, hee was ten times worse affrighted then
before, because (by publique fame) hee had beene so many moneths
dead and buried; but receiving (by true arguments) better assurance of
him, and hearing him still call him by his name: blessing himselfe
with the signe of the Crosse, hee went somewhat neerer to the bed,
when Thorello said. My loving Uncle, and religious holy Father, wherof
are you afraid? I am your loving Nephew, newly returned from beyond
the Seas. The Abbot, seeing his beard to be grown long, and his
habit after the Arabian fashion, did yet collect some resemblance of
his former countenance; and being better perswaded of him, tooke him
by the hand, saying:
Sonne thou art happily returned, yet there is not any man in our
Citie, but doth verily beleeve thee to bee dead, and therefore doe not
much wonder at our feare. Moreover, I dare assure thee, that thy
Wife Adalietta, being conquered by the controuling command, and
threatnings of her kinred (but much against her owne minde) is this
very morning to be married to a new husband, and the marriage feast is
solemnly prepared, in honour of this second nuptialls.
Thorello arising out of the bedde, gave gracious salutations to
the Abbot and his Monkes, intreating earnestly of them all, that no
word might be spoken of his returne, untill he had compleated an
important businesse. Afterward, having safely secured the bedde, and
all the rich Jewells, he fully acquainted the Abbot with all his
passed fortunes, whereof he was immeasurably joyfull, and having
satisfied him, concerning the new elected husband, Thorello said
unto the Abbot. Unckle, before any rumour of my returne, I would
gladly see my wives behavior at this new briding feast, and although
men of religion are seldome seene at such joviall meetings: yet (for
my sake) doe you so order the matter, that I (as an Arabian
stranger) may be a guest under your protection; wherto the Abbot
very gladly condescended.
In the morning, he sent to the Bridegroom, and advertised him,
that he (with a stranger newly arrived) intended to dine with him,
which the Gentleman accepted in thankefull manner. And when dinner
time came, Thorello in his strange disguise went with the Abbot to the
Bridegroomes house, where he was lookt on with admiration of all the
guests, but not knowne or suspected by any one; because the Abbot
reported him to be a Sarracine, and sent by the Soldane (in Ambassage)
to the King of France. Thorello was seated at a by-table, but directly
opposite to the new Bride, whom hee much delighted to looke on, and
easily collected by her sad countenance, that shee was scarcely well
pleased with this new nuptialls. She likewise beheld him very often,
not in regard of any knowlege she took of him: for the bushiness of
his beard, strangeness of habit, (but most of all) firm beleefe of his
death, was the maine prevention.
At such time as Thorello thought it convenient, to approve how farre
he was falne out of her remembrance; he took the ring which she gave
him at his departure, and calling a young Page that waited on none but
the Bride, said to him in Italian: Faire youth, goe to the Bride,
and saluting her from me, tell her, it is a custome observed in my
Country, that when any Stranger (as I am heere) sitteth before a new
married Bride, as now shee is, in signe that hee is welcome to her
feast, she sendeth the same Cup (wherein she drinketh her selfe)
full of the best wine, and when the stranger hath drunke so much as
