together: he bestowed a good Gelding on Lionello, and rode along
with him to Florence, where he left him quietly in his owne lodging.
The selfe-same Evening (according as Isabella had given enstruction)
Lionello conferred with Lambertuccio: and such an agreement passed
betweene them, that though some rough speeches were noised abroad,
to set the better colour on the businesse; yet al matters were so
cleanly carried, that Beltramo never knew this queint deceitfull
policy of his Wife.
THE SEVENTH DAY, THE SEVENTH NOVELL
WHEREBY IS DECLARED, THAT SUCH AS KEEPE MANY HONEST SEEMING
SERVANTS, MAY SOMETIME FINDE A KNAVE AMONG THEM, AND ONE
THAT PROVES TO BE OVERSAWCY WITH HIS MASTER
Losovico discovered to his Mistresse Madame Beatrix, how amorously
he was affected to her. She cunningly sent Egano her Husband into
his garden, in all respects disguised like her selfe, while (friendly)
Lodovico conferred with her in the meane while. Afterward, Lodovico
pretending a lascivious allurement of his Mistresse, thereby to
wrong his honest Master, insted of her, beateth Egano soundly in the
Garden.
This so sodaine dexterity of wit in Isabella, related in verie
modest manner by Madame Pampinea, was not onely admired by all the
company; but likewise passed with as generall approbation. But yet
Madam Philomena (whom the King had commanded next to succeede)
peremptorily sayde. Worthy Ladies, if I am not deceived; I intend to
tell you another Tale presently; as much to be commended as the last.
You are to understand then, that it is no long while since, when
there dwelt in Paris a Florentine Gentleman, who falling into decay of
his estate, by over-bountifull expences; undertooke the degree of a
Merchant, and thrived so well by his trading, that he grew to great
wealth, having one onely sonne by his wife, named Lodovico. This
Sonne, partaking somewhat in his Fathers former height of minde, and
no way inclineable to deale in Merchandize, had no meaning to be a
Shopman, and therefore accompanied the Gentlemen of France, in
sundry services for the King; among whom, by his singular good
carriage and qualites, he happened to be not meanly esteemed. While
thus he continued in the Court, it chanced, that certaine Knights,
returning from Jerusalem, having there visited the holy Sepulcher, and
comming into company where Lodovico was: much familiar discourse
passed amongst them, concerning the faire women of France, England,
and other parts of the world where they had bin, and what delicate
beauties they had seene.
One in the company constantly avouched, that of all the Women by
them so generally observed, there was not any comparable to the Wife
of Egano de Galluzzi, dwelling in Bologna, and her name Madam Beatrix,
reputed to be the onely faire woman of the world. Many of the rest
maintained as much, having bin at Bologna, and likewise seene her.
Lodovico hearing the woman to be so highly commended, and never (as
yet) feeling any thought of amorous inclination; became sodainely
toucht with an earnest desire of seeing her, and his minde could
entertaine no other matter, but onely of travailing thither to see
her, yea, and to continue there, if occasion so served. The reason for
his journey urged to his Father, was to visit Jerusalem, and the
holy Sepulcher, which with much difficulty, at length he obtained
his leave.
Being on his journey towards Bologna, by the name of Anichino, and
not of Lodovico, and being there arrived; upon the day following,
and having understood the place of her abiding: it was his good happe,
to see the Lady at her Window; she appearing in his eye farre more
faire, then all reports had made her to be. Heereupon, his affection
became so enflamed to her, as he vowed, never to depart from
Bologna, untill he had obtained her love. And devising by what
meanes he might effect his hopes, he grew perswaded (setting all other
attempts aside) that if he could be entertained into her Husbands
service, and undergo some businesse in the house, time might tutor him
to obtaine his desire. Having given his attendants sufficient
allowance, to spare his company, and take no knowledge of him, selling
his Horses also, and other notices which might discover him: he grew
into acquaintance with the Hoste of the house where he lay,
revealing an earnest desire in himselfe, to serve som Lord or worthy
Gentleman, if any were willing to give him entertainment.
Now beleeve me Sir (answered the Hoste) you seeme worthy to have a
good service indeede, and I know a Noble Gentleman of this Cittie, who
is named Egano: he will (without all question) accept your offer,
for hee keepeth many men of verie good deserving, and you shall have
my furtherance therein so much as may be. As he promised, so he
performed, and taking Anichino with him unto Egano: so farre he
prevailed by his friendly protestations, and good opinion of the young
Gentleman; that Anichino was (without more ado) accepted in Eganoes
service, then which, nothing could be more pleasing to him. Now had he
the benefit of dayly beholding his hearts Mistresse, and so acceptable
proved his service to Egano, that he grew very farre in love with him:
not undertaking any affayres whatsoever, without the advice and
direction of Anichino, so that he reposed his most especiall trust
in him, as a man altogether governed by him.
It fortuned upon a day, that Egano being ridden to flye his Hawke at
the River, and Anichino remaining behinde at home, Madame Beatrix, who
(as yet) had taken no notice of Anichinoes love to her (albeit her
selfe, observing his faire carriage and commendable qualities, was
highly pleased to have so seeming a servant) called him to play at the
Chesse with her: and Anichino, coveting nothing more then to content
her, carried himselfe so dexteriously in the game, that he permitted
hir still to win, which was no little joy to her. When all the
Gentlewomen, and other friends there present, as spectators to
behold their play, had taken their farewell, and were departed,
leaving them all alone, yet gaming still: Anichino breathing forth
an intire sigh, Madame Beatrix looking merrily on him, said. Tell me
Anichino, art not thou angrie, to see me win? It should appeare so
by that solemne sigh. No truly Madame, answered Anichino, a matter
of farre greater moment, then losse of infinite games at the Chesse,
was the occasion why I sighed. I pray thee (replyed the Lady) by the
love thou bearest me, as being my Servant (if any love at all remain
in thee towards me) give me a reason for that harty sigh.
When he heard himselfe so severely conjured, by the love he bare
to her, and loved none else in the world beside: he gave a farre
more hart-sicke sigh, then before. Then his Lady and Mistresse
entreated him seriously, to let her know the cause of those two
deepe sighes: whereto Anichino thus replyed. Madam, if I should tell
you, I stand greatly in feare of offending you: and when I have told
you, I doubt your discovery thereof to some other. Beleeve me Anichino
(quoth she) therein thou neither canst, or shalt offend me.
Moreover, assure thy selfe, that I will never disclose it to any
other, except I may do it with thy consent. Madame (saide hee)
seeing you have protested such a solemne promise to mee, I will
reveale no meane secret unto you.
So, with teares standing in his eyes, he told her what he was; where
he heard the first report of her singular perfections, and instantly
becam enamored of her, as the maine motive of his entring into her
service. Then, most humbly he entreated her, that if it might agree
with her good liking, she would be pleased to commisserate his case,
and grace him with her private favours. Or, if shee might not be so
mercifull to him; that yet she would vouchsafe, to let him live in the
lowly condition as he did, and thinke it a thankefull duty in him,
onely to love her. O singular sweetnesse, naturally living in faire
feminine blood! How justly art thou worthy of praise in the like
occasions? Thou couldst never be wonne by sighes and teares; but
hearty imprecations have alwayes prevailed with thee, making thee
apt and easie to amorous desires. If I had praises answerable to thy
great and glorious deservings, my voice should never faint, nor my pen
waxe weary, in the due and obsequious performance of them.
Madam Beatrix, well observing Anichino when he spake, and giving
credit to his so solemne protestations; they were so powerfull in
prevailing with her, that her senses (in the same manner) were
enchanted; and sighes flew as violently from her, as before he had
vented them: which stormy tempest being a little over-blowne, thus she
spake. Anichino, my hearts deere affected Friend, live in hope, for
I tell thee truly, never could gifts, promises, nor any Courtings used
to me by Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, or other (although I have bin
solicited by many) winne the lest grace or favour at my hand, no,
nor move me to any affection. But thou, in a minute of time
(compared with their long and tedious suing) hast expressed such a
soveraigne potency in thy sweet words, that thou hast made me more
thine, then mine owne: and beleeve it unfeinedly, I hold thee to be
worthy of my love. Wherefore, with this kisse I freely give it thee,
and make thee a further promise, that before this night shall be fully
past, thou shalt in better manner perceive it. Adventure into my
Chamber about the houre of midnight, I will leave the doore open: thou
knowest on which side of the bed I use to rest, come thither and feare
not: if I sleep, the least gentle touch of thy hand will wake me,
and then thou shalt see how much I love thee. So, with a kinde kisse
or two, the bargaine was concluded, she licensing his departure for
that rime, and he staying in hope of his hearts happinesse, till when,
he thought every houre a yeare.
In the meane while; Egano returned home from Hawking, and so soone
as he had supt (being very weary) he went to bed, and his Ladie
likewise with him, leaving her Chamber doore open, according as she
had promised. At the houre appointed, Anichino came, finding the doore
but easily put too, which (being entred) softly he closed againe, in
the same manner as he found it. Going to the beds side where the
Lady lay, and gently touching her brest with his hand, he found her to
be awake, and perceiving he was come according unto promise, shee
caught his hand fast with hers, and held him very strongly. Then,
turning (as she could) towards Egano, she made such meanes, as hee
awaked, whereupon she spake unto him as followeth.
Sir, yesternight I would have had a fewe speeches with you: but,
in regard of your wearinesse and early going to bed, I could not
have any opportunity. Now, this time and place being most
convenient, I desire to bee resolved by you: Among all the men
retained into your service; which of them do you thinke to be the
best, most loyall, and worthiest to enjoy your love? Egano answered
thus: Wife, why should you move such a question to me? Do not you
know, that I never had any servant heeretofore, or ever shall have
heereafter, in whom I reposed the like trust as I have done, and do in
Anichino? But to what end is this motion of yours? I will tell you Sir
(quoth she) and then be Judge your self, whether I have reason to move
this question, or no. Mine opinion every way equalled yours,
concerning Anichino, and that he was more just and faithfull to you,
then any could be amongest all the rest: But Husband, like as where
the water runneth stillest, the Foord is deepest, even so, his
smooth lookes have beguiled both you and me. For, no longer agoe, then
this verie day, no sooner were you ridden foorth on Hauking, but he
(belike purposely) tarrying at home, watching such a leysure as best
fitted his intent: was not ashamed to solicite mee, both to abuse your
bed, and mine owne spotlesse honor.
Moreover, he prosecuted his impious purpose with such alluring
perswasions: that being a weake woman, and not willing to endure
over many Amorous proofes (onely to acquaint you with his most
sawcie immodestie, and to revenge your selfe uppon him as best you
may; your selfe beeing best able to pronounce him guiltie) I made
him promise, to meete him in our Garden, presently after
midde-night, and to finde mee sitting under the Pine-Tree; never
meaning (as I am vertuous) to be there. But, that you may know the
deceite and falshoode of your Servant, I would have you to put on my
Night-gowne, my head Attire, and Chinne-cloath, and sitting but a
short while there underneath the Pine-Tree: such is his insatiate
desire, as he will not faile to come, and then you may proceede, as
you finde occasion.
When Egano heard these Words, sodainely hee started out of Bed,
saying. Doe I foster such a Snake in mine owne bosome? Gramercie
Wife for this politicke promise of thine, and beleeve mee, I meane
to follow it effectually. So, on he put his Ladies Night-gown, her
formall head Attire and Chin-cloth, going presently downe into the
Garden, to expect Anichinoes comming to the Pine-Tree. But before
the matter grew to this issue, let me demand of you faire Ladies, in
what a lamentable condition (as you may imagine) was poore Anichino;
to bee so strongly detained by her, heare all his amorous suite
discovered, and likely to draw very heavy afflictions on him?
Undoubtedly, he looked for immediate apprehension by Egano,
imprisonment and publike punishment for his so malapert presumption:
and had it proved so, she had much renowned her selfe, and dealt
with him but as he had justlie deserved.
But frailtie in our feminine sex is too much prevalent, and makes us
wander from vertuous courses, when we are wel onward in the way to
them. Madam Beatrix, whatsoever passed betweene her and Anichino, I
know not, but, either to continue this new begunne league for
further time, or, to be revenged on her husbands implicity, in
over-rashlie giving credit to so smooth a ly; this was her advise to
him. Anichino, quoth she, Take a good Cudgell in thy hand, then go
