_Madame Beritola Caracalla, was found in an Island with two Goates,having lost her two Sonnes, and thence travailed into Lunigiana: whereone of her Sonnes became servant to the Lord thereof, and was foundsomewhat over-familiar with his Masters daughter, who therefore causedhim to bee imprisoned. Afterward, when the Country of Sicily rebelledagainst K. Charles, the aforesaid Sonne chanced to be knowne by hisMother, and was married to his Masters daughter. And his Brother beingfound likewise; they both returned to great estate and credit._
The sixt Novell.
_Heerein all men are admonished, never to distrust the powerfull handof Heaven, when Fortune seemeth to be most adverse against them._
The Ladies and Gentlemen also, having smiled sufficiently at theseverall accidents which did befall the poore Traveller _Andrea_,reported at large by Madame _Fiammetta_, the Lady _?millia_, seeing hertale to be fully concluded, began (by commandement of the Queene) tospeake in this manner.
The diversitie of changes and alterations in Fortune as they are great,so must they needs be greevous; and as often as we take occasion totalk of them, as often do they awake and quicken our understandings,avouching, that it is no easie matter to depend upon her flatteries.And I am of opinion, that to heare them recounted, ought not any wayto offend us, be it of men wretched or fortunate; because, as theyenstruct the one with good advise, so they animate the other withcomfort. And therefore, although great occasions have beene alreadyrelated, yet I purpose to tell a Tale, no lesse true then lamentable;which albeit it sorted to a successefull ending, yet notwithstanding,such and so many were the bitter thwartings, as hardly can I beleeve,that ever any sorrow was more joyfully sweetened.
You must understand then (most gracious Ladies) that after the deathof _Fredericke_ the second Emperour, one named _Manfred_, was crownedKing of _Sicilie_, about whom lived in great account and authority, a_Neapolitane_ Gentleman, called _Henriet Capece_, who had to Wife abeautifull Gentlewoman, and a _Neapolitane_ also, named Madam _BeritolaCaracalla_. This _Henriet_ held the government of the Kingdome of_Sicilie_, and understanding, that King _Charles_ the first, had wonnethe battle of _Beneventum_, and slaine King _Manfred_; the wholeKingdome revolting also to his devotion, and little trust to be reposedin the _Sicillians_, or he willing to subject himselfe to his Lordsenemy; provided for his secret flight from thence. But this beingdiscovered to the _Sicillians_, he and many more, who had beene loyallservants to King _Manfred_, were suddenly taken and imprisoned by King_Charles_, and the sole possession of the Iland confirmed to him.
Madam _Beritola_ not knowing (in so sudden and strange an alteration ofState affaires) what was become of her Husband, fearing also greatlybefore, those inconveniences which afterward followed; being overcomewith many passionate considerations, having left and forsaken all hergoods, going aboard a small Barke with a Sonne of hers, aged aboutsome eight yeeres, named _Geoffrey_, and growne great with childe withanother; shee fled thence to _Lipary_, where shee was brought to bedof another Sonne, whom shee named (answerable both to his and her hardfortune) _The poore expelled_.
Having provided her selfe of a Nurse, they altogether went aboardagaine, setting sayle for _Naples_ to visit her Parents; but it chancedquite contrary to her expectation, because by stormie windes andweather, the vessell being bound for _Naples_, was hurried to the Ileof _Ponzo_, where entring into a small Port of the Sea, they concludedto make their aboade, till a time more furtherous should favour theirvoyage.
As the rest, so did Madam _Beritola_ goe on shore in the Iland, wherehaving found a separate and solitary place, fit for her silent and sadmeditations, secretly by her selfe, shee sorrowed for the absence ofher husband. Resorting daily to this her sad exercise, and continuingthere her complaints, unseene by any of the Marriners, or whosoeverelse: there arrived suddenly a Galley of Pyrates, who seazing on thesmall Barke, carried it and all the rest in it away with them. When_Beritola_ had finished her wofull complaints, as daily shee wasaccustomed to doe, shee returned backe to her children againe; butfinding no person there remaining, whereat she wondered not a little:immediately (suspecting what had happened indeede) she lent her lookeson the Sea, and saw the Galley, which as yet had not gone farre,drawing the smaller vessell after her. Heereby plainly she perceyved,that now she had lost her children, as formerly shee had done herhusband; being left there poore, forsaken, and miserable, not knowingwhen, where, or how to finde any of them againe, and calling for herhusband and children, shee fell downe in a swound uppon the shore.
Now was not any body neere, with coole water or any other remedy, tohelpe the recovery of her lost powers; wherefore her spirites might themore freely wander at their own pleasure: but after they were returnedbacke againe, and had won their wonted offices in her body, drownedin teares, and wringing her hands, shee did nothing but call for herchildren and husband, straying all about, in hope to finde them,seeking in Caves, Dennes, and every where else, that presented theverie least glimpse of comfort. But when she saw all her paines sort tono purpose, and darke night drawing swiftly on, hope and dismay raisinginfinit perturbations, made her yet to be somewhat respective of herselfe, & therefore departing from the sea-shore, she returned to thesolitary place, where she used to sigh and mourne alone by her selfe.
The night being over-past with infinite feares and affrights, & brightday saluting the world againe, with the expence of nine hours and more,she fell to her former fruitlesse travailes. Being somewhat sharplybitten with hunger, because the former day and night shee hadde nottasted any food: she made therefore a benefit of necessity, and fedon the green hearbes so well as she could, not without many piercingafflictions, what should become of her in this extraordinary misery. Asshee walked in these pensive meditations, she saw a Goate enter intoa Cave, and (within a while after) come forth againe, wandering alongthorow the woods. Whereupon she stayed, and entred where she saw thebeast issue forth, where she found two yong Kids, yeaned (as it seemed)the selfesame day, which sight was very pleasing to her, and nothing(in that distresse) could more content her.
As yet she had milke freshly running in both her brests, by reason ofher so late delivery in child-bed; wherefore shee lay downe unto thetwo yong Kids, and taking them tenderly in her armes, suffered each ofthem to sucke a teate, whereof they made not any refusall, but tookethem as lovingly as their dammes, and from that time forward, they madeno distinguishing betweene their damme and her. Thus this unfortunateLady, having found some company in this solitary desert, fed on hearbes& roots, drinking faire running water, and weeping silently to herselfe, so often as she remembred her husband, children, and formerdayes past in much better manner. Here shee resolved now to live anddye, being at last deprived both of the damme and yonger Kids also, bytheyr wandering further into the neere adjoining Woods, according totheir Naturall inclinations; whereby the poore distressed Lady becamemore savage and wilde in her daily conditions, then otherwise sheewould have bene.
After many monthes were over-passed, at the very same place whereshe tooke landing; by chance, there arrived another small vessell ofcertaine _Pisans_, which remained there divers dayes. In this Barkwas a Gentleman, named _Conrado de Marchesi Malespini_, with hisholy and vertuous wife, who were returned backe from a Pilgrimage,having visited all the sanctified places, that then were in theKingdome of _Apulia_, & now were bound homeward to their owne abiding.This Gentleman, for the expelling of melancholy perturbations, oneespeciall day amongst other, with his wife, servants, and waitinghounds, wandered up into the Iland, not far from the place of Madam_Beritolaes_ desert dwelling. The hounds questing after game, at lasthappened on the two Kiddes where they were feeding, and (by this time)had attained to indifferent growth: and finding themselves thus pursuedby the hounds, fled to no other part of the wood, then to the Cavewhere _Beritola_ remained, and seeming as if they sought to be rescuedonly by her, she sodainly caught up a staffe, and forced the houndsthence to flight.
By this time, _Conrado_ and his wife, who had followed closely afterthe hounds, was come thi
ther, and seeing what had hapned, looking onthe Lady, who was become blacke, swarthy, meager, and hairy, theywondered not a little at her, and she a great deale more at them. When(upon her request) _Conrado_ had checkt back his hounds, they prevailedso much by earnest intreaties, to know what she was, and the reason ofher living there; that she intirely related her quality, unfortunateaccidents, and strange determination for living there. Which when theGentleman had heard, who very well knew her husband, compassion forcedteares from his eyes, and earnestly he laboured by kinde perswasions,to alter so cruel a deliberation; making an honourable offer, forconducting her home to his owne dwelling, where shee should remainewith him in noble respect, as if she were his owne sister, withoutparting from him, till Fortune should smile as fairely on her, as evershe had done before.
When these gentle offers could not prevaile with her, the Gentlemanleft his wife in her company, saying, that he would go fetch some foodefor her; and because her garments were all rent and torne, hee wouldebring her other of his wives, not doubting but to winne her thencewith them. His wife abode there with _Beritola_, very much bemoaningher great disasters, and when both viands and garments were brought:by extremity of intercession, they caused her to put them on, and alsoto feede with them, albeit she protested, that shee would not partthence into any place, where any knowledge should be taken of her. Inthe end, they perswaded her, to go with them into _Lunigiana_, carryingalso with her the two yong Goats and their damme, which were then inthe Cave altogether, prettily playing before _Beritola_, to the greatadmiration of _Conrado_ and his wife, as also the servants attending onthem.
When the windes and weather grew favourable for them, Madam _Beritola_went aboard with _Conrado_ and his wife, being followed by the twoyoung Goates and their Damme; and because her name should bee knowneto none but _Conrado_, and his wife onely, shee would be stiled nootherwise, but the Goatherdesse. Merrily, yet gently blew the gale,which brought them to enter the River of _Macra_, where going on shore,and into their owne Castell, _Beritola_ kept company with the wifeof _Conrado_, but in a mourning habite, and a wayting Gentlewoman ofhers, honest, humble, and very dutifull, the Goates alwayes familiarlykeeping them company.
Returne wee now to the Pyrates, which at _Ponzo_ seized on the smallBarke, wherein Madam _Beritola_ was brought thither, and carried thenceaway, without any sight or knowledge of her. With such other spoilesas they had taken, they shaped their course for _Geneway_, and there(by consent of the Patrones of the Galley) made a division of theirbooties. It came to passe, that (among other things) the Nurse thatattended on _Beritola_, and the two Children with her, fell to theshare of one _Messer Gasparino d'Oria_, who sent them together to hisowne House, there to be employed in service as servants. The Nurseweeping beyond measure for the losse of her Lady, and bemoaning herowne miserable fortune, whereinto shee was now fallen with the twoyoung Laddes; after long lamenting, which shee found utterly fruitlesseand to none effect, though she was used as a servant with them, andbeing but a very poore woman, yet was shee wise and discreetly advised.Wherefore, comforting both her selfe, and them so well as she could,and considering the depth of their disaster; shee conceited thus, thatif the Children should be knowne, it might redounde to their greaterdanger, and shee be no way advantaged thereby.
Hereupon, hoping that Fortune (early or late) would alter her stearnemalice, and that they might (if they lived) regaine once more theirformer condition: shee would not disclose them to any one whatsoever,till shee should see the time aptly disposed for it. Being thusdetermined, to all such as questioned her concerning them, she answeredthat they were her owne Children, naming the eldest not _Geoffrey_,but _Jehannot de Procida_. [Sidenote: Or Grannotto da Prochyta.] Asfor the youngest, shee cared not greatly for changing his name, andtherefore wisely enformed _Geoffrey_, upon what reason shee had alteredhis name, and what danger he might fall into, if he should otherwisebe discovered; being not satisfied with thus telling him once, butremembring him thereof very often, which the gentle youth (being sowell instructed by the wise and carefull Nurse) did very warily observe.
The two young Laddes, very poorely garmented, but much worse hosedand shodde, continued thus in the house of _Gasparino_, where boththey and the Nurse were long time imployed, about very base anddrudging Offices, which yet they endured with admirable patience.But _Jehannot_, aged already about sixteene yeeres, having a loftierspirit, then belonged to a slavish servant, despising the basenesseof his servile condition; departed from the drudgery of _MesserGasparino_, and going aboard the Gallies, which were bound for_Alexandria_, fortuned into many places, yet none of them affoordinghim any advancement. In the ende, about three or foure yeares afterhis departure from _Gasparino_, being now a brave young man, and ofvery goodly forme: he understood, that his Father (whom he supposedto be dead) was as yet living; but in captivity, and prisoner to King_Charles_. Wherefore, despairing of any successefull fortune, heewandred here and there, till he came to _Lunigiana_, and there (bystrange accident) he became servant to _Messer Conrado Malespina_,where the service proved well liking to them both.
Very sildome times hee had a sight of his Mother, because shee alwayeskept company with _Conradoes_ wife; and yet when they came withinview of each other, shee knew not him, nor he her, so much yeereshad altered them both, from what they were wont to be, and when theysaw each other last. _Jehannot_ being thus in the service of _MesserConrado_, it fortuned that a daughter of his, named _Spina_, being theWiddow of one _Messer Nicolas Grignan_, returned home to her FathersHouse. Very beautifull and amiable shee was, young likewise, aged butlittle above sixteene; growing wonderously amorous of _Jehannot_, andhe of her, in extraordinary and most fervent manner; which love was notlong without full effect, continuing many moneths before any personcould perceive it: which making them to build on the more assurance,they began to carrie their meanes with lesse discretion, then isrequired in such nice cases, and which cannot be too providentlymanaged.
Upon a day, he and shee walking to a goodly wood, plentifully furnishedwith spreading Trees, having out-gone the rest of their company; theymade choise of a pleasant place, very daintily shaded, and beautifiedwith all sorts of floures. There they spent sometime in amorousdiscourse, beside some other sweete embraces, which though it seemedover-short to them, yet was it so unadvisedly prolonged; that theywere on a sudden surprized, first by the Mother, and next by _MesserConrado_ himselfe: who greeving beyond measure, to be thus trecherouslydealt withall, caused them to be apprehended by three of his servants,and (without telling them any reason why) ledde bound to another Castleof his, and fretting with extremity of rage, concluded in his minde,that they should both shamefully be put to death.
The Mother to this regardlesse Daughter, having heard the angry wordsof her Husband, and how hee would be revenged on the faultie; couldnot endure that he should be so severe: wherefore, although shee waslikewise much afflicted in minde, and reputed her Daughter worthy (forso great an offence) of all cruell punishment: yet shee hasted to herdispleased husband, and began to entreate, that he would not runne onin such a furious spleene, now in his aged yeares, to be the murthererof his owne childe, and soile his hands in the blood of his servant.Rather he might finde out some milde course for the satisfaction ofhis Anger, by committing them to close imprisonment, there to remaine& mourne for their follie committed. The vertuous and religiousLady alledged so many commendable examples, and used such plenty ofmooving perswasions; that she quite altred his minde, from puttingthem to death, and he commanded onely, that they should separately beeimprisoned, with little store of foode, and lodging of the uneasiest,untill hee should otherwise determine of them, and so it was done. Whattheir life now was in captivity and continuall teares, with stricterabstinence then was needefull for them; all this I must commit to yourconsideration.
_Jehannot_ and _Spina_ remaining in this comfortlesse condition, and anwhole yeere being now out-worne, yet _Conrado_ keeping them thus stillimprisoned: it came to passe, that _Don Pedro_ King of _Arragon_, byth
e meanes of _Messer John de Procida_, caused the Isle of _Sicily_ torevolt, and tooke it away from King _Charles_, whereat _Conrado_ (hebeing of the _Ghibbiline_ faction) not a little rejoyced. _Jehannot_having intelligence thereof, by some of them that had him in custody,breathing foorth a vehement sigh, spake in this manner. Alas pooremiserable wretch as I am! that have already gone begging through theworld above fourteene yeares, in expectation of nothing else but thisopportunity; and now it is come, must I be in prison, to the end, thatI should never more hope for any future happinesse? And how can I getforth of this prison, except it be by death onely? How now, replied theOfficer of the Guard? What doth this businesse of great Kings concernethee? What affaires hast thou in _Sicily_?
Once more _Jehannot_ sighed extreamly, and returned him this answer.Me thinkes my heart (quoth hee) doth cleave in sunder, when I call tominde the charge which my Father had there, for although I was but alittle boy when I fled thence: yet I can well remember, that I sawehim Governour there, at such time as King _Manfred_ lived. The Guard,pursuing on still his purpose, demanded of him, what, and who hisFather was? My Father (replyed _Jehannot_) I may now securely speake ofhim, being out of the perill which neerely concerned me if I had beenediscovered. He was the named (and so still if he be living) _HenrietCapece_, and my name is _Geoffrey_, not _Jehannot_; and I make nodoubt, but if I were free from hence, and might be returned home to_Sicily_, I should (for his sake) be placed in some authority.
The honest man of the Guard, without seeking after any furtherinformation; so soone as he could compasse the leysure, reported all to_Messer Conrado_, who having heard these newes (albeit he made no shewthereof to the revealer) went to Madam _Beritola_, graciously demaundingof her, if she had any sonne by her husband, who was called _Geoffrey_.The Lady replyed in teares, that if her eldest sonne were as yetliving, hee was so named, and now aged about two and twenty yeares._Conrado_ hearing this, imagined this same to be the man, consideringfurther withall, that if it fell out to prove so: he might have thebetter meanes of mercie, and closely concealing his daughters shame,joyfully joyne them in marriage together.
Hereupon he secretly caused _Jehannot_ to be brought before him,examining him particularly of all his passed life, and finding (bymost manifest arguments) that his name was truly _Geoffrey_, & he theeldest son of _Henriet Capece_, he spake to him alone in this manner._Jehannot_, thou knowest how great the injuries are which thou hastdone me, & my deare daughter, gently entreating thee (as became a good& honest servant) that thou shouldest alwayes have bin respective ofmine honour, and all that do appertain unto me. There are many nobleGentlemen, who sustaining the wrong which thou hast offred me, theywould have procured thy shameful death, which pitty & compassion willnot suffer in me. Wherefore seeing (as thou informest me) that thou arthonourably derived both by father & mother; I will give end to all thineanguishes, even when thy self art so pleased, releasing thee from themisery & captivity, wherein I have so long time kept thee, and in oneinstant, reduce thine honour & mine into compleat perfection. As thouknowest, my Daughter _Spina_, whom thou hast embraced in kindnesse asa friend (although farre unfitting for thee or her) is a widow, andher mariage is both great and good; what her manners and conditionsare, thou indifferently knowest, and art not ignorant of her Father andMother: concerning thine owne estate, as now I purpose not to speakeany thing. Therefore, when thou wilt, I am so determined, that whereasthou hast immodestly affected her, she shall become thy honest wife,and accepting thee as my Son, to remain with me so long as you bothplease.
Imprisonment had somewhat misshapen _Jehannot_ in his outward forme,but not impaired a jot of that noble spirit, really derived from hisfamous progenitors, much lesse the true love he bare to his fairefriend. And although most earnestly he desired that, which _Conrado_now so franckly offered him, and was in his power onely to bestow onhim; yet could he not cloude any part of his greatnesse, but with aresolved judgement, thus replied. My Lord, affectation of rule, desireof wealthy possessions, or any other matter whatsoever, could nevermake me a traytor to you or yours; but that I have loved, do love & forever shal love your beautious daughter; if that be treason, I freelyconfesse it, & will die a thousand deaths, before you or any else shalenforce me to denie it; for I hold her highly worthy of my love. If Ihave bin more unmannerly with her, then became me, according to theopinion of vulgar judgment, I have committed but that error, whichevermore is so attendant upon youth; that to denie it, is to denieyouth also. And if reverend age would but remember, that once he wasyoung, & measure others offences by his own; they would not be thoughtso great or greevous, as you (& many more) account them to be, minebeing committed as a friend, & not as an enemy: what you make offerof so willingly to do, I have alwayes desired, & if I had thought itwould have bin granted, long since I had most humbly requested it; andso much the more acceptable would it have bin to me, by how much thefurther off it stood from my hopes. But if you be so forward as yourwords doe witnesse, then feede mee not with any further fruitlesseexpectation: but rather send me backe to prison, and lay as manyafflictions on mee as you please: for my endeared love to your Daughter_Spina_, maketh mee to love you the more for her sake; how hardlysoever you entreate me, & bindeth me in the greater reverence to you,as being the father of my fairest friend.
_Messer Conrado_ hearing these words, stood as one confounded withadmiration, reputing him to be a man of lofty spirit, and his affectionmost fervent to his Daughter, which was not a little to his liking.Wherefore, embracing him, and kissing his cheeke, without any longerdallying, hee sent in like manner for his Daughter. Her restraint inprison had made her lookes meager, pale and wanne, and very weake wasshee also of her person, farre differing from the woman shee was wontto be, before her affection to _Jehannot_; there in presence of herFather, and with free consent of either, they were contracted as manand wife, and the espousals agreed on according to custome. Some fewdayes after, (without any ones knowledge of that which was done) havingfurnished them with all things fit for the purpose, and time aptlyserving, that the Mothers should be partakers in this joy; he calledhis wife, and Madam _Beritola_, to whom first he spake in this manner.
What will you say Madam, if I cause you to see your eldest Son, notlong since married to one of my Daughters? whereunto _Beritola_ thusreplied. My Lord, I can say nothing else unto you, but that I shall bemuch more obliged to you, then already I am, and so much the rather,because you will let me see the thing which is dearer to me then mineowne life; and rendring it unto mee in such manner as you speake of,you will recall backe some part of my former lost hopes: and with thesewords the teares streamed aboundantly from her eyes. Then turning tohis wife, he saide; And you deare Love, if I shew you such a Sonne inLaw, what will you thinke of it? Sir (quoth shee) what pleaseth you,must and shall satisfie me, be he Gentleman, or a beggar. Well saidMadam, answered _Messer Conrado_, I hope (within few dayes) to make youboth joyfull. So when the amorous couple had recovered their formerfeature, and honourable garments were prepared for them, privately thushe said to _Geoffrey_; Beyond the joy which already thou art inrichedwithall, how would it please thee to meet with thine owne Mother here?I cannot beleeve Sir, replied _Geoffrey_, that her greevous misfortuneshave suffered her to live so long: yet notwithstanding, if Heavenhath beene so merciful to her, my joyes were incomparable, for by hergracious counsell, I might well hope to recover no meane happinesse in_Sicilie_. Within a while after, both the Mothers were sent for, whowere transported with unspeakable joyes, when they beheld the so latelymaried couple; being also much amazed, when they could not guesse whatinspiration had guided _Conrado_ to this extraordinary benignity,joyning _Jehannot_ in mariage with _Spina_. Hereupon Madam _Beritola_,remembring the speeches between her and _Conrado_, began to observehim very advisedly, and by a hidden vertue, which long had silentlyslept in her, and now with joy of spirit awaked, calling to mindethe lineatures of her Sonnes Infancy, without awaiting for any otherdemonstrations, shee folded him in her armes with earnest affection.Motherly joy and pi
tty now contended so violently together, that sheewas not able to utter one word, the sensitive vertues being so closelycombined, that (even as dead) shee fell downe in the armes of herSonne. And he wondering greatly thereat, making a better recollectionof his thoughts, did well remember, that he had often before seene herin the Castell, without any other knowledge of her. Neverthelesse,by meere instinct of Nature, whose power (in such actions) declaresit selfe to be highly predominant; his very soule assured him, thatshee was his Mother, and blaming his understanding, that he had notbefore beene better advised, he threw his armes about her, and weptexceedingly.
Afterward, by the loving paines of _Conradoes_ wife, as also herdaughter _Spina_, Madam _Beritola_ (being recovered from her passionatetrance, and her vitall spirits executing their Offices againe;) fellonce more to the embracing of her Sonne, kissing him infinite times,with teares and speeches of motherly kindnesse, he likewise expressingthe same dutifull humanity to her. Which ceremonious courtesies beingpassed over and over, to no little joy in all the beholders, besiderepetition of their severall misfortunes. _Messer Conrado_ made allknowne to his friends, who were very glad of this new alliance madeby him, which was honoured with many solemn & magnificent feastings.Which being all concluded, _Geoffrey_ having found out fit place andopportunity, for conference with his new created Father, without anysinister opposition; began as followeth.
Honourable Father, you have raised my contentment to the highestdegree, and have heaped also many gracious favours on my noble Mother;but now in the finall conclusion, that nothing may remaine uneffected,which consisteth in your power to performe: I would humbly entreateyou, to honour my Mother with your company, at a Feast of my making,where I would gladly also have my Brother present. _Messer Gasparinod'Oria_ (as I have once heretofore told you) questing as a commonPyrate on the Seas, tooke us, and sent us home to his house as slaves,where (as yet he detaineth him.) I would have you likewise send oneinto _Sicilie_, who informing himselfe more amply in the state ofthe Country; may understand what is become of _Henriet_ my Father,and whether he be living or no. If he remaine alive, to know in whatcondition he is; and being secretly instructed in all things, then toreturne backe againe to you.
This motion made by _Geoffrey_, was so pleasing to _Conrado_, thatwithout any reference to further leysure, hee dispatched thence twodiscreete persons, the one to _Genewaye_, and the other to _Sicilie_:he which went for _Geneway_, having met with _Gasparino_, earnestlyentreated him, (on the behalfe of _Conrado_) to send him the _Pooreexpelled_; and his Nurse recounting every thing in order, which_Conrado_ had tolde him, concerning _Geoffrey_ and his Mother: when_Gasparino_ had heard the whole discourse, he marvelled greatlythereat, and saide; True it is, that I will doe any thing for _MesserConrado_, which may be to his love and liking, provided, that it liein my power to performe; and (about some foureteene yeeres since) Ibrought such a Lad as you seeke for, with his Mother home to my house;whom I will gladly send unto him. But you may tell him from me, that Iadvise him from over-rash crediting the fables of _Jehannot_, that nowtearms himselfe by the name of _Geoffrey_, because hee is a more wickedboy, then he taketh him to be, and so did I find him.
Having thus spoken, and giving kinde welcome to the Messenger,secretly he called the Nurse unto him, whom he heedfully examinedconcerning this case. Shee having heard the rebellion in the Kingdomeof _Sicilie_, and understanding withall, that _Henriet_ was yet living;joyfully threw off all her former feare, relating every thing to himorderly, and the reasons moving her, to conceale the whole businessein such manner as shee had done. _Gasparino_ well perceiving, that thereport of the Nurse, and the message received from _Conrado_, variednot in any one circumstance, beganne the better to credit her wordes.And being a man most ingenious, making further inquisition into thebusinesse, by all the possible meanes he could devise, and findingevery thing to yeeld undoubted assurance; ashamed of the vile and baseusage, wherein hee had so long time kept the Ladde, and desiring (byhis best meanes) to make him amends; he had a faire Daughter, agedabout thirteene yeeres, and knowing what manner of man he was, hisfather _Henriet_ also yet living, he gave her to him in marriage, witha very bountifull and honourable dowry.
The joviall dayes of feasting being past, he went aboard a Galley,with the _Poore expelled_; his Daughter, the Ambassadour, and theNurse, departing thence to _Lericy_, where they were nobly welcommedby _Messer Conrado_, and his Castle being not farre from thence, withan honourable traine they were conducted thither, and entertained withall possible kindnesse. Now concerning the comfort of the Mother,meeting so happily with both her Sonnes, the joy of the Brethren andMother together, having also found the faithfull Nurse, _Gasparino_and his Daughter, in company now with _Conrado_ and his Wife, friends,familiars, and all generally in a Jubilee of rejoycing: it exceedethcapacity in me to expresse it, and therefore I referre it to your moreable imagination.
In the time of this mutuall contentment, to the ende that nothing mightbe wanting, to compleat and perfect this universall joy; our Lord, amost aboundant bestower where he beginneth, added long wished tydings,concerning the life and good estate of _Henriet Capece_. For, even asthey were feasting, and the concourse great of worthy guests, both ofLords and Ladies: the first service was scarcely set on the Tables, butthe Ambassador which was sent to _Sicilie_, arrived there before them.Among many other important matters, he spake of _Henriet_, who being solong a time detained in prison by King _Charles_, when the commotionarose in the City against the King; the people (grudging at _Henriets_long imprisonment) slew the Guards, and let him at liberty. Then ascapitall enemy to King _Charles_, he was created Captaine generall,following the chase, and killing the French.
By meanes whereof, he grew great in the grace of King _Pedro_, whoreplanted him in all the goods and honours which he had before, withvery high and eminent authority. Hereunto the Ambassadour added, thathe was entertained with extraordinary grace, and delivery of publikejoy and exaltation, when his Wife and Sonne were knowne to be living,of whom no tydings had at any time beene heard, since the houre of hissurprizall. Moreover, that a swift winged Barke was now sent thither(upon the happy hearing of this newes) well furnished with nobleGentlemen, to attend till their returning backe. We neede to make nodoubt concerning the tydings brought by this Ambassadour, nor of theGentlemens welcome, thus sent to Madam _Beritola_ and _Geoffrey_; whobefore they would sit downe at the Table, saluted _Messer Conrado_ andhis kinde Lady (on the behalfe of _Henriet_) for all the great gracesextended to her and her Sonne, with promise of any thing, lying in thepower of _Henriet_, to rest continually at their command. The like theydid to _Signior Gasparino_, (whose liberall favours came unlooked for)with certaine assurance, that when _Henriet_ should understand what heehad done for his other Sonne, the _Poore expelled_; there would be nodefailance of riciprocall courtesies.
As the longest joyes have no perpetuity of lasting, so all thesegracefull ceremonies had their conclusion, with as many sighes andteares at parting, as joyes abounded at their first encountring.Imagine then, that you see such aboard, as were to have here no longerabiding, Madam _Beritola_ and _Geoffrey_, with the rest, as the _Pooreexpelled_, the so late married Wives, and the faithfull Nurse bearingthem company. With prosperous windes they arrived in _Sicilie_, wherethe Wife, Sonnes, and Daughters, were joyfully met by _Henriet_ at_Palermo_, and with such honourable pompe, as a case so importantequally deserved. The Histories make further mention, that there theylived (a long while after) in much felicity, with thankfull hearts (nodoubt) to Heaven, in acknowledgement of so many great mercies received.