him pleaseth, the Bride then pledgeth him with all the rest. The
Page delivered the message to the Bride, who, being a woman of
honourable disposition, and reputing him to be a Noble Gentleman, to
testifie that his presence there was very acceptable to her, shee
commanded a faire Cuppe of gold (which stood directlie before her)
to bee neately washed, and when it was filled with excellent Wine,
caused it to bee carried to the stranger, and so it was done.
Thorello having drunke a heartie draught to the Bride, conveyed
the Ring into the Cuppe, before any person could perceive it, and
having left but small store of Wine in it, covered the Cuppe, and sent
it againe to the Bride, who received it very gracioasly, and to honour
the Stranger in his Countries custome, dranke up the rest of the Wine,
and espying the Ring, shee tooke it forth undescried by any: Knowing
it to be the same Ring which shee gave Signior Thorello at his parting
from her; she fixed her eyes often on it, and as often on him, whom
she thought to be a stranger, the cheerfull bloud mounting up into her
cheeks, and returning againe with remembrance to her heart, that
(howsoever thus disguised) he only was her husband.
Like one of Bacchus Froes, up furiously she started, and throwing
downe the Table before her, cried out aloud: This is my Lord and
Husband, this truely is my Lord Thorello. So running to the Table
where he sate, without regard of all the riches thereon, down she
threw it likewise, and clasping her armes about his necke, hung so
mainly on him (weeping, sobbing, and kissing him) as she could not
be taken off by any of the company, nor shewed any moderation in
this excesse of passion, till Thorello spake, and entreated her to
be more patient, because this extremity was over-dangerous for her.
Thus was the solemnitic much troubled, but every one there very glad
and joyfull for the recovery of such a famous and worthy Knight, who
intreated them all to vouchsafe him silence, and so related all his
fortunes to them, from the time of his departure, to the instant
houre. Concluding withall, that hee was no way offended with the new
Bridegroome, who upon the so constant report of his death, deserved no
blame in making election of his wife.
The Bridegroome, albeit his countenance was somewhat cloudie, to see
his hope thus disappointed: yet granted freely, that Adalietto was
Thorello's wife in equitie, and bee could not justly lay any claime to
her. She also resigned the Crown and Rings which she had so lately
received of her new Spouse, and put that on her finger which she found
in the Cup, and that Crowne was set upon her head, in honor sent her
from great Saladine. In which triumphant manner, she left the new
Bridegrooms abiding, and repayred home to Thorello's house, with
such pompe and magnificence as never had the like been seene in
Pavia before, all the Citizens esteeming it as a miracle, that they
had so happily recovered Signior Thorello againe.
Some part of the Jewells he gave to him, who had beene at cost
with marriage feasting, and some to his the Abbot, beside a bountie
bestowed on Monkes. Then he sent a messenger to Saladine, with Letters
of his whole successe, and confessing himselfe (for ever) his
obliged servant: living many yeeres (after) with his wife Adalietta,
and using greater curtesies to strangers, then ever before he had
done.
In this manner ended the troubles of Signior Thorello, and the
afflictions of his dearely affected Lady, with due recompence to their
honest and ready courtesies. Many strive (in outward shew) to doe
the like, who although they are sufficiently able, doe performe it
so basely, as i: rather redoundeth to their shame, then honour. And
therefore if no merit ensue thereon, but onely such disgrace as justly
should follow; let them lay the blame upon themselves.
THE TENTH DAY, THE TENTH NOVELL
SET DOWNE AS AN EXAMPLE OR WARNING TO ALL WEALTHIE MEN,
HOW TO HAVE CARE OF MARRYING THEMSELVES. AND LIKEWISE TO POORE
AND MEANE WOMEN, TO BE PATIENT IN THEIR FORTUNES, AND
OBEDIENT TO THEIR HUSBANDS
The Marquesse of Saluzzo, named Gualtiero, being constrained by
the importunate solliciting of his Lords, and other inferiour
people, to joyne himselfe in marriage; tooke a woman according to
his owne liking, called Grizelda, she being the daughter of a poore
Countriman, named Janiculo, by whom he had two children, which he
pretended to be secretly murdered. Afterward, they being grown to
yeres of more stature, and making shew of taking in marriage another
wife, more worthy of his high degree and Calling: made a seeming
publique liking of his owne daughter, expulsing his wife Grizelda
poorely from him. But finding her incomparable patience; more
dearely (then before) hee received her into favour againe, brought her
home to his owne Pallace, where (with her children) hee caused her and
them to be respectively honoured, in despight of all her adverse
enemies.
Questionlesse, the Kings Novell not so much exceed the rest in
length, but it proved as sing to the whole assembly, past with their
generall approbation, till Dioneus (in a merry jesting humour) said.
The plaine honest simple man, that stood holding the Candle, to see
the setting on of his Mules tayle; deserved two penny-worth of more
praise, then all our applauding of Signior Thorello: And knowing
himselfe to bee left for the last speaker, thus he began.
Milde and modest Ladies, for ought I can perceive to the contrary,
this day was dedicated to none but Kings, Soldanes, and great
Potentates, not in favour of any inferiour or meaner persons. And
therefore, because I would be loth to dis-ranke my selfe from the
rest, I purpose to speake of a Lord Marquesse, not any matter of great
magnificence, but rather in a more humble nature, and sorted to an
honest end: which yet I will not advise any to immitate, because
(perhaps) they cannot so well digest it, as they did whom my Novell
concerneth; thus then I begin.
It it a great while since, when among those that were Lord
Marquesses of Saluzzo, the very greatest and worthiest man of them al,
was a young Noble Lord, named Gualtiero, who having neyther wife nor
childe, spent his time in nothing else but hawking and hunting: nor
had he any minde of marriage, or to enjoy the benefit of children,
wherein many did repute him the wiser. But this being distastfull to
his subjects, they very often earnestly solicited him, to match
himselfe with a wife, to the end, that hee might not decease without
an heire, nor they be left destitute of a succeeding Lord; offering
themselves to provide him of such a one, so well descended by Father
and Mother, as not only should confirm their hope, but also yeeld
him high contentment; whereto the Lord Marquess thus answered.
Worthie friends, you would constraine me to the thing, wherewith I
never had any intent to meddle, considering, how difficult a case it
is to meet with such a woman, who can agree with a man in all his
conditions, and how great the number is of them, who daily happen on
the contrarie: but most (and worst of all the rest) how wretched and
miserable prooves the life of man, who is bound to live with a wife
not fit for him. And in saying, you can learn to understand the
custome and qualities of children, by behaviour of the fathers and
mothers, and so to provide mee of a wife, it is a meere argument of
folly: for neither shall I comprehend, or you either, the secret
inclinations of parents; I meane of the Father, and much lesse the
complexion of the mother. But admitte it were within compasse of power
to know them; yet it is a frequent sight, and observed every day; that
daughters doe resemble neither father nor mother, but that they are
naturally governed by their owne instinct.
But because you are so desirous to have me fettered in the chains of
wedlocke; I am contented to grant what you request. And because I
would have no complaint made of any but my selfe, if matters should
not happen answerable to expectation; I will make mine owne eyes my
electors, and not see by any others sight. Giving you this assurance
before, that if she whom I shall make choice of, be not of you
honoured and respected as your Lady and Mistresse: it will ensue to
your detriment, how much you have displeased me, to take a wife at
your request, and against mine owne will.
The Noble men answered, that they were well satisfied, provided that
he tooke a wife.
Some indifferent space of time before, the beauty, manners, and
well-seeming vertues, of a poore Countrie-mans daughter, dwelling in
no farre distant village, had appeared very pleasing to the Lord
Marquesse, and gave him full perswasion, that with her hee should lead
a comfortable life. And therefore without any further search or
inquisition, he absolutely resolved to marry her, and having conferred
with her Father, agreed, that his daughter should be his wife.
Whereupon, the Marquesse made a generall convocation of all his Lords,
Barons, and other of his especiall friends, from all parts of his
Dominion; and when they were assembled together, hee then spake unto
them in manner as followeth.
Honourable friends, it appeared pleasing to you all, and yet (I
thinke) you are of the same minde, that I should dispose my selfe to
take a wife: and I thereto condescended, more to yeeld you
contentment, then for any particular desire in my selfe. Let mee now
remember you of your solemne made promise, with full consent to
honor and obey her (whosoever) as your Soveraigne Lady and
Mistresse, that I shall elect to make my wife: and now the time is
come, for my exacting the performance of that promise, and which I
look you must constantly keepe. I have made choyce of a yong
virgine, answerable to mine owne heart and liking, dwelling not
farre off hence, whom I intend to make my wife, and (within few dales)
to have her brought home to my Pallace. Let your care and diligence
then extend so farre, as to see that the feast may be sumptuous, and
her entertainment to bee most honourable: to the end that I may
receive as much contentment in your promise performed, as you shall
perceive I doe in my choice.
The Lords and all the rest, were wondrously joyfull to heare him
so well inclined, expressing no lesse by their shouts and jocund
suffrages: protesting cordially, that she should be welcommed with
pompe and majestie, and honoured of them all, as their Liege Ladie and
Soveraigne. Afterward, they made preparation for a princely and
magnificent feast, as the Marquesse did the like, for a marriage of
extraordinary state and qualitie, inviting all his kinred, friends,
and acquaintance in all parts and Provinces, about him. Hee made
also readie most riche and costly garments, shaped by the body of a
comely young Gentlewoman, who he knew to be equall in proportion and
stature, to her of whom hee hade made his election.
When the appointed nuptiall day was come, the Lord Marques, about
nine of the clocke in the morning, mounted on horsebacke, as all the
rest did, who came to attend him honourably, and having all things
in due readinesse with them, he said: Lords, it is time for us to
goe fetch the Bride. So on hee rode with his traine, to the same poore
Village whereat shee dwelt, and when hee was come to her Fathers
house, hee saw the maiden returning very hastily from a Well, where
shee had beene to fetch a paile of water, which shee set downe, and
stood (accompanied with other maidens) to see the passage by of the
Lord Marquesse and his traine. Gualtiero called her by her name, which
was Grizelda, and asked her, where her Father was: who bashfully
answered him, and with an humble courtesie, saying. My gracious
Lord, hee is in the house.
Then the Marquesse dismounted from his horse, commanding every one
to attend him, then all alone hee entred into the poore Cottage, where
he found the maides father, being named Janiculo, and said unto him.
God speed good Father, I am come to espouse thy daughter Grizelda: but
first I have a few demands to make, which I will utter to her in thy
presence. Then hee turned to the maide, and saide.
Faire Grizelda, if I make you my wife, will you doe your best
endeavour to please me, in all things which I shall doe or say? will
you also be gentle, humble, and patient? with divers other the like
questions: whereto she still answered, that she would, so neere as
heaven (with grace) should enable her.
Presently he tooke her by the hand, so led her forth of the poore
homely house, and in the presence of all his company, with his owne
hands, he took off her meane wearing garments, smocke and all, and
cloathed her with those Robes of State which he had purposely
brought thither for her, and plaiting her haire over her shoulders,
hee placed a Crowne of gold on her head, whereat every one standing as
amazed, and wondring not a little, hee said: Grizelda, wilt thou
have me to thy husband? Modestly blushing, and kneeling on the ground,
she answered. Yes my gracious Lord, if you will accept so poore a
maiden to be your wife. Yes Grizelda, quoth hee, with this holy kisse,
I confirme thee for my wife; and so espoused her before them all. Then
mounting her on a milke-white Palfray, brought thither for her, shee
was thus honourably conducted to her Pallace.
Now concerning the marriage feast and triumphes, they were performed
with no lesse pompe, then if she had beene daughter to the King of
France. And the young Bride apparantly declared, that (with her
garments) her minde and behavior were quite changed. For indeed shee
was (as it were shame to speake otherwise) a rare creature, both of
person and perfections, and not onely was shee absolute for beautie,
but so sweetely amiand gracious, and goodlie; as if she were not the
daughter of poore Janicula, and a Countrie Shepheardesse, but rather
of some Noble Lord, whereat every one wondred that had knowne her.
Beside all this, shee was so obedient to her husband, so fervent in
all dutifull offices, and patient, without the very least provoking:
