Lodovico _discovered to his Mistresse Madame_ Beatrix, _how amorouslyhe was affected to her. She cunningly sent_ Egano _her Husband intohis garden, in all respects disguised like herselfe, while (friendly)_Lodovico _conferred with her in the meane while. Afterward,_ Lodovico_pretending a lascivious allurement of his Mistresse, thereby to wronghis honest Master, insted of her, beateth_ Egano _soundly in theGarden._
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 beover-sawcy with his Master._
This so sodaine dexterity of wit in _Isabella_, related in verie modestmanner 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) peremptorilysayde. Worthy Ladies, if I am not deceived; I intend to tell youanother Tale presently; as much to be commended as the last.
You are to understand then, that it is no long while since, when theredwelt in _Paris_ a _Florentine_ Gentleman, who falling into decay ofhis estate, by over-bountifull expences; undertooke the degree of aMerchant, and thrived so well by his trading, that he grew to greatwealth, having one onely sonne by his wife, named _Lodovico_. ThisSonne, partaking somewhat in his Fathers former height of minde, andno way inclineable to deale in Merchandize, had no meaning to be aShop-man, and therefore accompanied the Gentlemen of _France_, insundry services for the King; among whom, by his singular good carriageand qualities, he happened to be not meanly esteemed. While thus hecontinued in the Court, it chanced, that certaine Knights, returningfrom _Jerusalem_, having there visited the holy Sepulcher, and comminginto company where _Lodovico_ was: much familiar discourse passedamongst them, concerning the faire women of _France, England,_ andother parts of the world where they had bin, and what delicate beautiesthey had seene.
One in the company constantly avouched, that of all the Women bythem so generally observed, there was not any comparable to the Wifeof _Egano de Galluzzi_, dwelling in _Bologna_, and her name Madam_Beatrix_, reputed to be the onely faire woman of the world. Many ofthe rest maintained as much, having bin at _Bologna_, and likewiseseene her. _Lodovico_ hearing the woman to be so highly commended,and never (as yet) feeling any thought of amorous inclination; becamesodainely toucht with an earnest desire of seeing her, and his mindecould entertaine no other matter, but onely of travailing thither tosee her, yea, and to continue there, if occasion so served. The reasonfor his journey urged to his Father, was to visit _Jerusalem_, and theholy Sepulcher, which with much difficulty, at length he obtained hisleave.
Being on his journey towards _Bologna_, by the name of _Anichino_, andnot 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 morefaire, then all reports had made her to be. Heereupon, his affectionbecame so enflamed to her, as he vowed, never to depart from _Bologna_,untill he had obtained her love. And devising by what meanes he mighteffect his hopes, he grew perswaded (setting all other attempts aside)that if he could be entertained into her Husbands service, and undergosome businesse in the house, time might tutor him to obtaine hisdesire. Having given his attendants sufficient allowance, to spare hiscompany, and take no knowledge of him, selling his Horses also, andother notices which might discover him: he grew into acquaintance withthe Hoste of the house where he lay, revealing an earnest desire inhimselfe, to serve some Lord or worthy Gentleman, if any were willing togive him entertainment.
Now beleeve me Sir (answered the Hoste) you seeme worthy to have a goodservice indeede, and I know a Noble Gentleman of this Cittie, who isnamed _Egano_: he will (without all question) accept your offer, forhee keepeth many men of verie good deserving, and you shall have myfurtherance therein so much as may be. As he promised, so he performed,and taking _Anichino_ with him unto _Egano_: so farre he prevailed byhis friendly protestations, and good opinion of the young Gentleman;that _Anichino_ was (without more ado) accepted into _Eganoes_ service,then which, nothing could be more pleasing to him. Now had he thebenefit of dayly beholding his hearts Mistresse, and so acceptableproved his service to _Egano_, that he grew very farre in love withhim: not undertaking any affayres whatsoever, without the advice anddirection of _Anichino_, so that he reposed his most especiall trust inhim, as a man altogether governed by him.
It fortuned upon a day, that _Egano_ being ridden to flye his Hawke atthe River, and _Anichino_ remaining behinde at home, Madame _Beatrix_,who (as yet) had taken no notice of _Anichinoes_ love to her (albeither selfe, observing his fine carriage and commendable qualities, washighly pleased to have so seeming a servant) called him to play at theChesse with her: and _Anichino_, coveting nothing more then to contenther, carried himselfe so dexteriously in the game, that he permittedhir still to win, which was no little joy to her. When all theGentle-women, and other friends there present, as spectators to beholdtheir play, had taken their farewell, and were departed, leaving themall alone, yet gaming still: _Anichino_ breathing forth an intire sigh,Madame _Beatrix_ looking merrily on him, said. Tell me _Anichino_, artnot thou angrie, to see me win? It should appeare so by that solemnesigh. No truly Madame, answered _Anichino_, a matter of farre greatermoment, then losse of infinite games at the Chesse, was the occasionwhy I sighed. I pray thee (replyed the Lady) by the love thou bearestme, 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 toher, and loved none else in the world beside: he gave a farre morehart-sicke sigh, then before. Then his Lady and Mistresse entreatedhim seriously, to let her know the cause of those two deepe sighes:whereto _Anichino_ thus replyed. Madam, if I should tell you, I standgreatly in feare of offending you: and when I have told you, I doubtyour discovery thereof to some other. Beleeve me _Anichino_ (quoth she)therein thou neither canst, or shalt offend me. Moreover, assure thyselfe, that I will never disclose it to any other, except I may do itwith thy consent. Madame (saide hee) seeing you have protested such asolemne 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 heheard the first report of her singular perfections, and instantly became**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 hergood liking, she would be pleased to commisserate his case; and gracehim with her private favours. Or, if shee might not be so mercifullto him; that yet she would vouchsafe, to let him live in the lowlycondition as he did, and thinke it a thankefull duty in him, onely tolove her. O singular sweetnesse, naturally living in faire feminineblood! How justly art thou worthy of praise in the like occasions? Thoucouldst never be wonne by sighes and teares; but hearty imprecationshave alwayes prevailed with thee, making thee apt and easie to amorousdesires. If I had praises answerable to thy great and gloriousdeservings, my voice should never faint, nor my pen waxe weary, in thedue and obsequious performance of them.
Madam _Beatrix_, well observing _Anichino_ when he spake, and givingcredit to his so solemne protestations; they were so powerfull inprevailing with her, that her senses (in the same manner) wereenchanted; and sighes flew as violently from her, as before he hadvented them: which stormy tempest being a little over-blowne, thusshe spake. _Anichino_, my hearts deere affected Friend, live in hope,for I tell thee truly, never could gifts, promises, nor any Courtingsused to me by Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, or other (although I havebin 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 (comparedwith their long and tedious suing) hast expressed such a soveraignepotency in thy sweet words, that thou hast made me more thine, thenmine owne: and beleeve it unfeinedly, I hold thee to be worthy of mylove. Wherefore, with this kisse I freely give it thee, and make thee afurther promise, that before this nig
ht shall be fully past, thou shaltin better manner perceive it. Adventure into my Chamber about the houreof midnight, I will leave the doore open: thou knowest, on which sideof the bed I use to rest, come thither and feare not: if I sleep, theleast gentle touch of thy hand will wake me, and then thou shalt seehow much I love thee. So, with a kinde kisse or two, the bargaine wasconcluded, she licensing his departure for that time, and he stayingin hope of his hearts happinesse, till when, he thought every houre ayeare.
In the meane while, _Egano_ returned home from Hawking, and so sooneas he had supt (being very weary) he went to bed, and his Ladielikewise with him, leaving her Chamber doore open, according as she hadpromised. At the houre appointed, _Anichino_ came, finding the doorebut easily put too, which (being entred) softly he closed againe, inthe same manner as he found it. Going to the beds side where the Ladylay, and gently touching her brest with his hand, he found her to beawake, and perceiving he was come according unto promise, shee caughthis 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, inregard of your wearinesse and early going to bed, I could not have anyopportunity. Now, this time and place being most convenient, I desireto bee resolved by you: Among all the men retained into your service;which of them you do thinke to be the best, most loyall, and worthiestto enjoy your love? _Egano_ answered thus: Wife, why should you movesuch a question to me? Do not you know, that I never had any servantheeretofore, or ever shall have heereafter, in whom I reposed the liketrust as I have done, and do in _Anichino_? But to what end is thismotion of yours? I will tell you Sir (quoth she) and then be Judgeyourself, whether I have reason to move this question, or no. Mineopinion every way equalled yours, concerning _Anichino_, & that hewas more just and faithfull to you, then any could be amongest all therest: But Husband, like as where the water runneth stillest, the Foordis deepest, even so, his smooth lookes have beguiled both you and me.For, no longer agoe, then this verie day, no sooner were you riddenfoorth on Hauking, but he (belike purposely) tarrying at home, watchingsuch a leysure as best fitted his intent: was not ashamed to solicitemee, both to abuse your bed, and mine owne spotlesse honor.
Moreover, he prosecuted his impious purpose with such alluringperswasions: that being a weake woman, and not willing to endure overmany Amorous proofes (onely to acquaint you with his most sawcieimmodestie, and to revenge your selfe uppon him as best you may; yourselfe beeing best able to pronounce him guiltie) I made him promise,to meete him in our Garden, presently after midde-night, and to findemee sitting under the Pine-Tree, never meaning (as I am vertuous) tobe there. But, that you may know the deceite and falshoode of yourServant, I would have you to put on my Night-gowne, my head Attire,and Chinne-cloath, and sitting but a short while there underneath thePine-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 Wifefor this politicke promise of thine, and beleeve mee, I meane to followit effectually. So, on he put his Ladies Night-gown, her formall headAttire and Chin-cloth, going presently downe into the Garden, to expect_Anichinoes_ comming to the Pine-Tree. But before the matter grew tothis issue, let me demand of you faire Ladies, in what a lamentablecondition (as you may imagine) was poore _Anichino_; to bee so stronglydetained by her, heare all his amorous suite discovered, and likelyto draw very heavy afflictions on him? Undoubtedly, he looked forimmediate apprehension by _Egano_, imprisonment and publike punishmentfor his so malapert presumption: and had it proved so, she had muchrenowned her selfe, and dealt with him but as he had justlie deserved.
But frailtie in our feminine sex is too much prevalent, and makes uswander from vertuous courses, when we are wel onward in the way tothem. Madam _Beatrix_, whatsoever passed betweene her and _Anichino_, Iknow not, but, either to continue this new begunne league for furthertime, or, to be revenged on her husbands simplicity, in over-rashliegiving credit to so smooth a ly; this was her advise to him. _Anichino_quoth she, Take a good Cudgell in thy hand, then go into the Garden sofarre as the Pine; and there, as if formerly thou hadst solicited meeunto this secret meeting, only but by way of approving my honestie:in my name, revile thy master so bitterly as thou canst, bestowingmanie sound blowes on him with thy cudgell; yet urge the shame still (asit were) to mee, and never leave him, till thou hast beaten him outof the garden, to teach him keepe his bed another time. Such an aptScholler as _Anichino_ was in this kind, needs no tuturing, but a wordis enough to a ready Wit. To the Garden goes he, with a good willowcudgell in his hand, and comming neere to the Pine-tree, there he found_Egano_ disguised like to his Lady, who arising from the place wherehe sate, went with chearefull gesture to welcome him; but _Anichino_(in rough and stearne manner) thus spake unto him. Wicked, shamelesse,and most immodest Woman, Art thou come, according to thine unchasteand lascivious promise? Couldest thou so easily credite, (though Itempted thee, to trie the vertue of thy continencie) I would offer sucha damnable wrong to my worthy Master, that so deerely loves me, andreposeth his especiall confidence in me? Thou art much deceived in me,and shalt finde, that I hate to be false to him.
So lifting up the Cudgell, he gave him therewith halfe a score goodbastinadoes, laying them on soundly, both on his armes and shoulders:and _Egano_ feeling the smart of them, durst not speake one Worde, butfled away from him so fast as hee could, _Anichino_ still following,and multiplying many other injurious speeches against him, with theEpithites of Strumpet, lustfull and insatiate Woman. Go thou lewdebeast (quoth he) most unworthy the title of a Lady, or to be Wife untoso good a natured man, as my Mayster is, to whom I will reveale thymost ungracious incivility to Morrow, that he may punish thee a littlebetter then I have done.
_Egano_ being thus well beaten for his Garden walke, got within thedoore, and so went up to his Chamber againe: his Lady there demandingof him, whether _Anichino_ came according to his promise, or no? Come?quoth Egano, Yes Wife, he came, but deerely to my cost: for hee verilytaking me for thee, hath beaten me most extreamly, calling me anhundred Whores and Strumpets, reputing thee to bee the wickedest Womanliving. In good sadnesse _Beatrix_, I wondred not a little at him,that he would give thee any such vile speeches, with intent to wrongmee in mine honour. Questionlesse, because hee saw thee to be joviallspirited, gracious and affable towardes all men; therefore hee intendedto make triall of thine honest carriage. Well Sir (sayde shee) twashappy that hee tempted mee with words, and let you taste the proofeof them by deeds: and let him thinke, that I brooke those words asdistastably, as you do or can, his ill deeds. But seeing he is so just,faithfull, and loyall to you, you may love him the better, and respecthim as you finde occasion.
Whereto _Egano_ thus replyed. Now trust me wife, thou hast said verywell: And drawing hence the argument of his setled perswasion; that hehad the chastest Woman living to his wife, and so just a Servant, ascould not be fellowed: there never was any further discoverie of thisGarden-night accident. Perhaps, Madame _Beatrix_ and _Anichino_ mightsubtilly smile thereat in secret, in regard that they knew more thenany other else beside did. But, as for honest meaning _Egano_, heenever had so much as the verie least mistrust of ill dealing, eitherin his Lady, or _Anichino_; whom hee loved and esteemed farre morerespectively uppon this proofe of his honestie towards him, then heewould or could possibly have done, without a triall so playne andpregnant.