opinion of me, as, if I were so lewde and lasciviously disposed, or
addicted to the very least desire of wantonnesse: that I would bee
so forgetfull of mine owne honour, as to adventure it in your sight,
and with a servant of my house? Oh Sir, such women as are so
familiarly affected, need learne no wit of men in amourous matters;
their private Chambers shall be better trusted, then an open blabing
and tell-tale Garden.
Nicostratus, who verily beleeved what they had both said, and that
neither of them would adventure such familiarity before his face:
would talke no more of the matter, but rather studyed of the rarity of
such a miracle, not seene, but in the height of the tree, and changing
againe up on the descent. But Lydia, containing still her
collourable kinde of impatience, and angerly frowning upon
Nicostratus, stearnely saide. If I may have my will, this villanous
and deceiving tree, shall never more shame me, or any other woman: and
therefore Pyrrhus, runne for an Axe, and by felling it to the
ground, in an instant, revenge both thy wrong and mine. Doest not thou
serve a worthy Lord? And have not I a wise Husband, who, without any
consideration, will suffer the eye of his understanding to be so
dazeled, with a foolish imagination beyond all possibility? For,
although his eyes did apprehend such a folly, and it seemed to be a
truth indeed: yet, in the depth of setled judgement, all the world
should not perswade him, that it was so.
Pyrrhus had quickely brought the Axe, and hewing downe the tree,
so soone as the Lady saw it fall; turning her selfe to Nicostratus,
she said. Now that I have seene mine honour and honesties enemy laid
along; mine anger is past, and Husband, I freely pardon you:
intreating you heartily henceforward, not to presume or imagine,
that my love eyther is, or can bee altred from you.
Thus the mocked and derided Nicostratus, returned in againe with his
Lady and Pyrrhus; where perhaps (although the Peare-tree was cut
downe) they could find as cunning meanes to over-reach him.
THE SEVENTH DAY, THE TENTH NOVELL
WHEREIN SUCH MEN ARE COVERTLY REPREHENDED, WHO MAKE NO CARE OR
CONSCIENCE AT ALL OF THOSE THINGS THAT SHOULD PRESERVE
THEM FROM SINNE
Two Citizens of Siena, the one named Tingoccio Mini, and the other
Meucio di Tura, affected both one woman, called Monna Mita, to whom
the one of them was a Gossip. The Gossip dyed, and appeared
afterward to his companion, according as he had formerly promised
him to doe, and tolde him what strange wonders he had seene in the
other world.
Now there remained none but the King himselfe, last of all to
recount his Novell; who, after hee heard the Ladies complaints
indifferently pacified, for the rash felling downe of such a
precious Peare-tree; thus he began. Faire Ladies, it is a case more
then manifest, that every King, who will be accounted just and
upright: should first of all, and rather then any other, observe those
Lawes which he himselfe hath made; otherwise he ought to be reputed as
a servant, worthy of punishment, and no King. Into which fault and
reprehension, I your King, shall well neere be constrained to fall;
for yesterday I enacted a Law, upon the forme of our discoursing, with
full intent, that this day I would not use any part of my
priviledge; but being subject (as you all are) to the same Law, I
should speake of that argument, which already you have done.
Wherein, you have not onely performed more then I could wish, upon a
subject so sutable to my minde: but in every Novell, such variety of
excellent matter, such singular illustrations, and delicate
eloquence hath flowne from you all; as I am utterly unable to invent
any thing (notwithstanding the most curious search of my braine) apt
or fit for the purpose, to paragon the meanest of them already
related. And therefore seeing I must needs sinne in the Law
established by my selfe; I tender my submission, as worthy of
punishment, or what amends else you please to enjoyne mee. Now, as
returned to my wonted priviledge, I say, that the Novell recounted
by Madame Eliza, of the Fryar Godfather and his Gossip Agnesia, as
also the sottishnesse of the Senese her Husband, hath wrought in me
(worthy Ladies) to such effect; as, forbearing to speake any more of
these wily prancks, which witty wives exercise on their simple
Husbands; I am to tell you a pretty short Tale; which, though there is
matter enough in it, not worthy the crediting, yet partly it will
bee pleasing to heare.
Sometime there lived in Sienna two popular men; the one being
named Tingoccio Mini, and the other Meucio de Tura; Men simple, and of
no understanding, both of them dwelling in Porta Salaia. These two men
lived in such familiar conversation together, and expressed such
cordiall affection each to other, as they seldome walked asunder;
but (as honest men use to doe) frequented Churches and Sermons,
oftentimes hearing, both what miseries and beatitudes were in the
world to come, according to the merits of their soules that were
departed out of this life, and found their equall repaiment in the
other. The manifold repetition of these matters, made them very
earnestly desirous to know, by what meanes they might have tydings
from thence, for their further confirmation. And finding all their
endeavours utterly frustrated, they made a solemne vow and promise
(each to other under oath) that hee which first dyed of them two,
should returne backe againe (so soone as possibly he could) to the
other remaining alive, and tell him such tydings as hee desired to
heare.
After the promise was thus faithfully made, and they still keeping
company, as they were wont to doe: It fortuned, that Tingoccio
became Gossip to one, named Ambrosio Anselmino, dwelling in
Camporegglo, who by his wife, called Monna Mita, had a sweet and
lovely Sonne. Tingoccio often resorting thither, and consorted with
his companion Meucio; the she-Gossip, being a woman worthy the loving,
faire and comely of her person. Tingoccio, notwithstanding the
Gossipship betweene them, had more then a moneths minde to his
Godchilds Mother. Meucio also fell sicke of the same disease,
because shee seemed Fleasing in his eye, and Tingoccio gave he no
meane commendations; yet, carefully hey concealed their love to
themselves, but not for one and the same occasion. Because Tingoccio
kept it closely from Meucio, lest he should hold it disgracefull in
him, to beare amourous affection to his Gossip, and thought it
unfitting to bee knowne. But Meucio had no such meaning, for hee
knew well enough that Tingoccio loved her, and therefore conceived
in his minde, that if he discovered any such matter to him: He will
(quoth he) be jealous of me, and being her Gossip (which admitteth his
conference with her when himselfe pleaseth;) he may easily make her to
distaste me, and therefore I must rest contented as I am.
Their love continuing on still in this kinde, Tingoccio prooved so
fortunate in the businesse, that having better meanes then his
companion, and more prevayring courses, when, where, and how to
Court his Mistresse, which seemed to forward him effectually. All
which Meucio plainely perceived, and though it was tedious and
wearisome to him, yet hoping to finde some successe at length: he
would not take notice of any thing, as fearing to infringe the amity
betweene him and Tingoccio, and so his hope to be quite supplanted.
Thus the one triumphing in his loves happinesse, and the other
hoping for his felicity to come; a lingering sickenesse seazed on
Tingoccio, which brought him to so low a condition, as at the length
he dyed.
About some three or foure nights after, Meucio being fast asleepe in
his bed, the ghoste of Tingoccio appeared to him, and called so
loude that Meucio awaking, demanded who called him? I am thy friend
Tingoccio, replied the ghoste, who according to my former promise
made, am come again in vision to thee, to tell thee tidings out of the
nether world. Meucio was a while somewhat amazed: but, recollecting
his more manly spirits together, boldly he said. My brother and
friend, thou art heartily welcome: but I thought thou hadst beene
utterly lost. Those things (quoth Tingoccio) are lost, which cannot be
recovered againe, and if I were lost, how could I then be heere with
thee? Alas Tingoccio, replyed Meucio, my meaning is not so: but I
would be resolved, whether thou art among the damned soules, in the
painefull fire of hell torments, or no? No (quoth Tingoccio) I am
not sent thither, but for divers sinnes by mee committed I am to
suffer very great and grievous paines. Then Meucio demaunded
particularly, the punishments inflicted there, for the severall sinnes
committed heere: Wherein Tingoccio fully resolved him. And upon
further question, what hee would have to be done for him here, made
answere, That Meucio should cause Masses, Prayers and Almes-deeds to
be performed for him, which (he said) were very helpefull to the
soules abiding there, and Meucio promised to see them done.
As the ghost was offering to depart, Meucio remembred Tingoccioes
Gossip Monna Mita, and raysing himselfe higher upon his pillowe, said.
My memorie informeth me friend Tingoccio, your kinde Gossip Monna
Mita, with whom (when you remained in this life) I knew you to be very
familiar: let me intreat you then to tell me, what punishment is
inflicted on you there, for that wanton sinne committed heere? Oh
Brother Meucio, answered Tingoccio, so soone as my soule was landed
there, one came immediately to me, who seemed to know all mine
offences readily by heart, and forthwith commanded, that I should
depart thence into a certaine place, where I must weepe for my
sinnes in very grievous paines. There I found more of my companions,
condemned to the same punishment as I was, and being among them, I
called to minde some wanton dalliances, which had passed betweene my
Gossip and me, and expecting therefore farre greater afflictions, then
as yet I felt (although I was in a huge fire, and exceedingly hot) yet
with conceite of feare, I quaked and trembled wondrously.
One of my other Consorts being by me, and perceiving in what an
extreame agony I was; presently said unto me. My friend, what hast
thou done more, then any of us here condemned with thee, that thou
tremblest and quakest, being in so hot a fire? Oh my friend (quoth
I) I am in feare of a greater judgement then this, for a grievous
offence by mee heretofore committed while I lived. Then hee
demaunded of mee what offence it was, whereto thus I answered. It
was my chance in the other world, to be Godfather at a childs
Christning, and afterward I grew so affectionate to the childs mother,
as (indeed) I kissed her twice or thrise. My companyon laughing at
me in mocking manner, replyed thus. Goe like an Asse as thou art,
and be no more afraid hereafter, for here is no punishment
inflicted, in any kinde whatsoever, for such offences of frailty
committed, especially with Gossips, as I my selfe can witnesse.
Now day drew on, and the Cockes began to crow, a dreadfull hearing
to walking spirits, when Tingoccio said to Meucio. Farewell my
friendly companion, for I may tarry no longer with thee, and instantly
hee vanished away. Meucio having heard this confession of his
friend, and verily beleeving it for a truth, that no punishment was to
be inflicted in the future world, for offences of frailty in this
life, and chiefly with Gossips: began to condemne his owne folly,
having bin a Gossip to many wives, yet modesty restrained him from
such familiar offending. And therefore being sorry for this grosse
ignorance, hee made a vowe to be wiser hereafter. And if Fryar Reynard
had been acquainted with this kind of shrift (as doubtlesse he was,
though his Gossip Agnesia knew it not) he needed no such
Syllogismes, as he put in practise, when he converted her to his
lustfull knavery, in the comparison of kinred by him moved, concerning
her husband, the childe and himselfe. But, these are the best fruits
of such Fryerly Confessions, to compasse the issue of their inordinate
appetites; yet clouded with the cloake of Religion, which hath beene
the overthrow of too many.
By this time the gentle blast of Zephirus began to blow, because the
Sunne grew neere his setting, wherewith the King concluded his Novell,
and none remaining more to be thus imployed: taking the Crowne from
off his owne head, he placed it on Madame Laurettaes, saying,
Madame, I Crowne you with your owne Crowne, as Queene of our
Company. You shall henceforth command as Lady and Mistresse, in such
occasions as shall be to your liking, and for the contentment of us
all; With which words he set him downe. And Madame Lauretta being
now created Queene, shee caused the Master of the houshold to bee
called, to whom she gave command, that the Tables should be prepared n
the pleasant vally, but at a more convenient houre, then formerly
had beene, because they might (with better ease) returne backe to
the Pallace. Then shee tooke order likewise, for all such other
necessary matters, as should bee required in the time of f Regiment:
and then turning her selfe to the whole Company, she began in this
manner.
It was the Will of Dioneus yesternight, that our discourses for this
day, should concerne the deceits of wives to their Husbands. And
were it not to avoyde taxation, of a spleenitive desire to be
revenged, like the dog being bitten, biteth againe: I could command
our to morrows conference, to touch mens treacheries towards their
wives. But because I am free from any such fiery humor, let it be your
generall consideration, to speake of such queint beguylings, as have
heretofore past, either of the woman to the man, the man to the woman,
or of one man to another: and I am of opinion, that they will yeeld us
no lesse delight, then those related (this day) have done. When she
had thus spoken, she rose; granting them all liberty, to goe
recreate themselves untill Supper time.
The Ladies being thus at their owne disposing, some of them bared
