power, considering the season is such, as shielding all (both men
and women) from medling with any dishonest action; it is lawfull for
us to speake of what wee please. And know you not, that through the
sad occasion of the time, which now overruleth us, the judges have
forsaken their venerable benches, the Lawes (both divine and humane)
ceasing, granting ample license to every one, to do what best
agreeth with the conservation of life? Therefore, if your honesties
doe straine themselves a little, both in thinking and speaking, not
for prosecution of any immodest deede, but onely for familiar and
blamelesse entercourse: I cannot devise a more convenient ground, at
least that carrieth apparant reason, for reproofe of perils, to
ensue by any of you. Moreover, your company, which hath bin most
honest, since the first day of our meeting, to this instant: appeareth
not any jot to be disgraced, by any thing either said or done, neither
shal be (I hope) in the meanest degree.
And what is he, knowing your choise and vertuous dispositions, so
powerfull in their owne prevailing, that wanton words cannot
misguide your wayes, no nor the terror of death it selfe, that dare
insinuate a distempred thought? But admit, that some slight or shallow
judgements, hearing you (perhaps sometimes) talke of such amorous
follies, should therefore suspitiously imagine you to be faulty, or
else you would bee more sparing of speech? Their wit and censure are
both alike, savouring rather of their owne vile nature, who would
brand others with their basebred imperfections. Yet ther is another
consideration beside, of som great injury offered to mine honor, and
whereof I know not how you can acquit your selves.
I that have bin obedient to you all, and borne the heavy load of
your businesse, having now (with full consent) created mee your
King, you would wrest the law out of my hands, and dispose of my
authoritie as you please. Forbeare (gentle Ladies) all frivolotis
suspitions, more fit for them that are full of bad thoughts, then you,
who have true Vertue shining in your eyes; and therefore, let every
one freely speake their minde, according as their humors best pleaseth
them.
When the Ladies heard this, they made answer, that all should bee
answerable to his minde. Whereupon, the King gave them all leave to
dispose of themselves till supper time. And because the Sun was yet
very high, in regard all the re-counted Novels had bin so short:
Dioneus went to play at the Tables with another of the yong Gentlemen,
and Madame Eliza, having withdrawne the Ladies aside, thus spake
unto them. During the time of our being heere, I have often bene
desirous to let you see a place somwhat neere at hand, and which I
suppose you have never seene, it being called The Valley of Ladies.
Till now, I could not finde any convenient time to bring you
thither, the Sunne continuing still aloft, which fitteth you with
the apter leysure, and the sight (I am sure) can no way discontent
you.
The Ladies replyed, that they were all ready to walk with her
thither: and calling one of their women to attend on them, they set
on, without speaking a word to any of the men. And within the distance
of halfe a mile, they arrived at the Valley of Ladies, wherinto they
entred by a strait passage at the one side, from whence there issued
forth a cleare running River. And they found the saide Valley to bee
so goodly and pleasant, especially in that season, which was the
hottest of all the yeare; as all the world was no where able to
yeeld the like. And, as one of the said Ladies (since then) related to
mee, there was a plaine in the Valley so directly round, as if it
had beene formed by a compasse, yet rather it resembled the
Workmanship of Nature, then to be made by the hand of man:
containing in circuite somewhat more then the quarter of a mile,
environed with sixe small hils, of no great height, and on each of
them stood a little Palace, shaped in the fashion of Castles.
The ground-plot descending from those hils or mountaines, grew lesse
and lesse by variable degrees, as wee observe at entering into our
Theaters, from the highest part to the lowest, succinctly to narrow
the circle by order. Now, concerning these ground-plottes or little
Meadowes, those which the Sun Southward looked on, were full of Vines,
Olive-trees, Almond-trees, Cherry-trees, and Figge-trees, with
divers other Trees beside, so plentifully bearing fruites, as you
could not discerne a hands bredth of losse. The other Mountaines,
whereon the Northerne windes blow, were curiously covered with small
Thickets or Woods of Oakes, Ashes, and other Trees so greene and
straite, as it was impossible to behold fairer. The goodly plaine it
selfe, not having any other entrance, but where the Ladies came in,
was planted with Trees of Firre, Cipresse, Laurell, and Pines; so
singularly growing in formall order, as if some artificiall or cunning
hand had planted them, the Sun hardly piercing through their branches,
from the top to the bottome, even at his highest, or any part of his
course.
All the whole field was richly spred with grasse, and such variety
of delicate Flowers, as Nature yeilded out of her plenteous
Store-house. But that which gave no lesse delight then any of the
rest, was a smal running Brooke, descending from one of the Vallies,
that divided two of the little hils, and fell through a Veine of the
intire Rocke it selfe, that the fall and murmure thereof was most
delightfull to heare, seeming all the way in the descent, like
Quickesilver, weaving it selfe into artificiall workes, and arriving
in the plaine beneath, it was there receyved into a small Channell,
swiftly running through the midst of the plaine, to a place where it
stayed, and shaped it selfe into a Lake or Pond, such as our
Citizens have in their Orchards or Gardens, when they please to make
use of such a commodity.
This Pond was no deeper, then to reach the breast of a man, and
having no mud or soyle in it, the bottome thereof shewed like small
beaten gravell, with prety pibble stones intermixed, which some that
had nothing else to do, would sit downe and count them as they lay, as
very easily they might. And not onely was the bottome thus
apparantly seene, but also such plenty of Fishes swimming every way,
as the mind was never to be wearied in looking on them. Nor was this
water bounded in with any bankes, but onely the sides of the plain
Medow, which made it appeare the more sightly, as it arose in swelling
plenty. And alwayes as it superabounded in his course, least it should
overflow disorderly: it fell into another Channell, which conveying it
along the lower Valley, ran forth to water other needfull places.
When the Ladies were arrived in this goodly valley, and upon advised
viewing it, had sufficiently commended it: in regard the heat of the
dry was great, the place tempting, and the Pond free from sight of
any, they resolved there to bathe themselves. Wherefore they sent
the waiting Gentlewoman to have a diligent eye on t way where they
entered, least any one should chance to steale upon them. All seven of
them being stript naked, into the water they went, which hid their
delicate white bodies, like as a cleare Glasse concealeth a Damask
Rose within it. So they being in the Pond, and the water nothing
troubled by their being there, they found much prety pastime together,
running after the Fishes, to catch them with their hands, but they
were overquicke and cunning for them. After they had delighted
themselves there to their owne contentment, and were cloathed with
their garments, as before: thinking it fit time for their returning
backe againe, least their over-long stay might give offence, they
departed thence in an easie pace, dooing nothing else all the way as
they went, but extolling the Valley of Ladies beyond all comparison.
At the Palace they arrived in a due houre, finding the three
Gentlemen at play, as they left them, to whom Madame Pampinea
pleasantly thus spake. Now trust me Gallants, this day wee have very
cunningly beguiled you. How now? answered Dioneus, begin you first
to act, before you speake? Yes truly Sir, replyed Madame Pampinea:
Relating to him at large, from whence they came, what they had
done there, the beautie of the place, and the distance thence. The
King (upon hir excellent report) being very desirous to see it;
sodainely commaunded Supper to be served in, which was no sooner
ended, but they and their three servants (leaving the Ladies) walked
on to the Valley, which when they had considered, no one of them
having ever bin there before; they thought it to be the Paradise of
the World.
They bathed themselves there likewise, as the Ladies formerlie had
done, and being re-vested, returned backe to their Lodgings, because
darke night drew on apace: but they found the Ladies dauncing, to a
Song which Madame Fiammetta sung. When the dance was ended, they
entertained the time with no other discourse, but onely concerning the
Valley of Ladies, whereof they all spake liberally in commendations.
Whereupon, the King called the Master of the Houshold, giving him
command, that (on the morrow) dinner should be readie betimes, and
bedding to be thence carried, if any desired rest at mid-time of the
day.
All this being done, variety of pleasing Wines were brought,
Banquetting stuffe, and other dainties; after which they fell to
Dauncing. And Pamphilus, having receyved command to begin an
especial dance, the King turned himselfe unto Madame Eliza, speaking
thus. Faire Lady, you have done me so much honour this day, as to
deliver mee the Crowne: in regard whereof, be you this night the
Mistresse of the song: and let it be such as best may please your
selfe. Whereunto Madam Eliza, with a modest blush arising in her face,
replyed; That his will should be fulfilled, and then (with a
deficate voyce) she beganne in this manner.
THE SONG
The Chorus sung by all
Love, if I can scape free from forth thy holde,
Beleeve it for a truth,
Never more shall thy falshoode me enfolde.
When I was yong, I entred first thy fights,
Supposing there to finde a solemne peace:
I threw off all my Armes, and with delights
Fed my poore hopes, as still they did encrease.
But like a Tyrant, full of rancorous hate,
Thou tookst advantage:
And I sought refuge, but it was too late.
Love, if I can scape free, etc.
But being thus surprized in thy snares,
To my misfortune, thou madst me her slave;
Was onely borne to feede me with despaires,
And keepe me dying in a living grave.
For I saw nothing dayly fore mine eyes,
But rackes and tortures:
From which I could not get in any wise.
Love, if I can scape free, etc.
My sighes and teares I vented to the winde,
For none would heare or pittie my complaints;
My torments still encreased in this kinde,
And more and more I felt these sharpe restraints.
Release me now at last from forth his hell.
Asswage thy rigour,
Delight not thus in cruelty to dwell.
Love, if I can scape free, etc.
If this thou wilt not grant, be yet so kinde,
Release me from those worse then servile bands,
Which new vaine hopes have bred, wherein I finde;
Such violent feares, as comfort quite withstands.
Be now (at length) a little moov'd to pittie,
Be it nere so little:
Or in my death listen my Swan-like Dittie.
Love, if I can scape free from forth thy holde,
Beleeve it for a truth,
Never more shall thy falshood me enfolde.
After that Madame Eliza had made an end of her Song, which shee
sealed up with an heart-breaking sigh: they all sate amazedly
wondering at her moanes, not one among them being able to
conjecture, what should be the reason of her singing in this manner.
But the King being in a good and pleasing temper, calling Tindaro,
commaunded him to bring his Bagge-pipe, by the sound whereof they
danced divers daunces: And a great part of the night being spent in
this manner, they all gave over, and departed to their Chambers.
THE INDUCTION TO THE SEVENTH DAY
WHEN THE ASSEMBLY BEING MET TOGETHER, AND UNDER THE REGIMENT OF
DIONEUS: THE DISCOURSES ARE DIRECTED, FOR THE DISCOVERIE OF SUCH
POLICIES AND DECEITES, AS WOMEN HAVE USED FOR BEGUILING OF THEIR
HUSBANDES, EITHER IN RESPECT OF THEIR LOVE, OR FOR THE PREVENTION
OF SOME BLAME OR SCANDALL, ESCAPING WITHOUT SIGHT, KNOWLEDGE,
OR OTHERWISE
All the Starres were departed out of East, but onely that, which
commonly cal bright Lucifer, the Day-Star, gracing the morning very
gloriously: when the Master of the household, being risen, went with
all the provision, to the Valley of Ladies, to make everie thing in
due and decent readines, according as his Lord over-night had
commanded him. After which departure of his, it was not long before
the King arose, beeing awaked with the noise which the carriages made;
and when he was up, the other two Gentlemen and the Ladies were
quickly readie soone after.
Such as were so disposed, were licensed by the King to take their
rest: and they that would not, he permitted them to their wonted
pastimes, each according to their minds. But when they were risen from
sleepe, and the rest from their other exercises, it seemed to be
more then high time, that they should prepare for talke and
conference. So, sitting downe on Turky Carpets, which were spred
abroad on the green grasse, and close by the place where they had
dined: the King gave command, that Madam Aemillia should first
begin, whereto she willingly yeelding obedience, and expecting such
silent attention, as formerly had bin, thus she began.
THE SEVENTH DAY, THE FIRST NOVELL
REPREHENDING THE SIMPLICITY OF SOME SOTTISH HUSBANDS: AND
DISCOVERING THE WANTON SUBTILTIES OF SOME WOMEN, TO COMPASSE
THEIR UNLAWFULL DESIRES
John of Lorraine heard one knocke at his doore in the night time,
