Lydia, _a Lady of great beauty, birth, and honor, being wife to_Nicostratus, _Governour of_ Argos, _falling in love with a Gentleman,named_ Pyrrhus; _was requested by him (as a true testimony of herunfeigned affection) to performe three severall actions of her selfe.She did accomplish them all, and imbraced and kissed_ Pyrrhus _in thepresence of_ Nicostratus; _by perswading him, that whatsoever he saw,was meerely false._
The Ninth Novell.
_Wherein is declared, that great Lords may sometime be deceived bytheir Wives, as well as men of meaner condition._
The Novell delivered, by Madame _Neiphila_ seemed so pleasing to allthe Ladies; as they could not refraine from hearty laughter, besidemuch liberality of speech. Albeit the King did oftentimes urge silence,and commanded _Pamphilus_ to follow next. So, when attention wasadmitted, _Pamphilus_ began in this order. I am of opinion, faireLadies, that there is not any matter, how uneasie or doubtfull soeverit may seeme to be; but the man or woman that affecteth fervently,dare boldly attempt, and effectually accomplish. And this perswasionof mine, although it hath beene sufficiently approved, by many of ourpassed Novels: Yet notwithstanding, I shall make it much apparent toyou, by a present discourse of mine owne. Wherein I have occasion tospeake of a Lady, to whom Fortune was more favourable, then eitherreason or judgement, could give direction. In which regard, I wouldnot advise any of you, to entertaine so high an imagination of minde,as to tracke her footsteps of whom I am now to speake: because Fortunecontaineth not alwayes one and the same disposition, neither can allmens eyes be blinded after one manner. And so proceed we to our Tale.
In _Argos_, a most ancient Citie of _Achaya_, much more renowned byher precedent Kings, then wealth, or any other great matter of worth:there lived as Lieutenant or Governour thereof, a Noble Lord, named_Nicostratus_, on whom (albeit hee was well stept into yeares) Fortunebestowed in a marriage a great Lady, no lesse bold of spirit, thenchoisely beautifull. _Nicostratus_, abounding in treasure and wealthypossessions, kept a goodly trains of Servants, Horses, Houndes, Hawkes,and what else not, as having an extraordinary felicity in all kinds ofgame, as singular exercises to maintaine his health.
Among his other Servants and Followers, there was a yong Gentleman,gracefull of person, excellent in speech, and every way as activeas no man could be more: his name _Pyrrhus_, highly affected of_Nicostratus_, and more intimately trusted then all the rest. Suchseemed the perfections of this _Pyrrhus_, that _Lydia_ (for so wasthe Lady named) began to affect him very earnestly, and in such sort,as day or night shee could take no rest, but devised all meanes tocompasse her harts desire. Now, whether he observed this inclination ofher towards him, or else would take no notice thereof, it could not bediscerned by any outward apprehension: which moved the more impatiencyin her, & drove her hopes to dispairing passions. Wherein to finde somecomfort and ease, she called an ancient Gentlewoman of her Chamber, inwhom shee reposed especiall confidence, and thus she spake to her.
_Lesca_, The good turnes and favours thou hast received from me, shouldmake thee faithfull and obedient to me: and therefore set a lockeuppon thy lippes, for revealing to any one whatsoever, such matters asnow I shall impart to thee; except it be to him that I command thee.Thou perceivest _Lesca_, how youthfull I am, apt to all sprightlyrecreations, rich, and abounding in all that a woman can wish tohave, in regard of Fortunes common & ordinary favours: yet I have oneespeciall cause of complaint: namely, the inequality of my Mariage, myHusband being over-ancient for me; in which regard, my youth finds itselfe too highly wronged, being defeated of those duties and delights,which women (farre inferiour to me) are continuallie cloyed withall,and I am utterly deprived of. I am subject to the same desires theyare, and deserve to taste the benefit of them, in as ample manner, asthey do or can.
Hitherto I have lived with the losse of time, which yet (in somemeasure) may be releeved and recompenced: For, though Fortune were mineenemy in Mariage, by such a disproportion of our conditions: yet shemay befriend in another nature, and kindely redeeme the injury done me.Wherefore _Lesca_, to be as compleate in this case, as I am in all therest beside; I have resolved upon a private Friend, and one more worthythen any other; Namely, my Servant _Pyrrhus_, whose youth carieth somecorrespondency with mine; and so constantly have I setled my loveto him, as I am not well, but when I thinke on him, or see him: and(indeede) shall dye, except the sooner I may enjoy him. And therefore,if my life and well-fare be respected by thee, let him understand theintegrity of mine affection, by such good means as thou findest it mostexpedient to be done: entreating him from me, that I may have someconference with him, when he shall thereto be solicited by me.
The Chamber-Gentlewoman _Lesca_, willingly undertooke the LadiesEmbassie; and so soone as opportunity did favor her: having withdrawne_Pyrrhus_ into an apt and commodious place, shee delivered the Messageto him, in the best manner she could devise. Which _Pyrrhus_ hearing,did not a little wonder thereat, never having noted any such matter;and therefore sodainly conceyved, that the Lady did this onely totry him; whereupon, somewhat roundly and roughly, hee returned thisanswere. _Lesca_, I am not so simple, as to credite any such Messageto be sent from my Lady, and therefore be better advised of thy words.But admit that it should come from her, yet I cannot be perswaded, thather soule consented to such harsh Language, far differing from a formeso full of beauty**. And yet admit againe, that her hart and tongue hereinwere relatives: My Lord and Master hath so farre honoured mee, and somuch beyond the least part of merite in mee: as I will rather dye, thenany way offer to disgrace him: And therefore I charge thee, never moreto move mee in this matter.
_Lesca_, not a jot danted at his stearne words, presently she saide._Pyrrhus_, Both in this and all other Messages my Lady shall commandme, I will speake to thee whensoever shee pleaseth, receive whatdiscontent thou canst thereby; or make presumption of what doubtsthou maist devise. But as I found thee a senselesse fellow, dull,and not shaped to any understanding, so I leave thee: And in thatanger parted from him, carrying backe the same answer to her Lady.She no sooner heard it, but instantly shee wished her selfe to bedead; and within some few dayes after, she conferred againe with herChamber-woman, saying. _Lesca_, thou knowest well enough, that the Oxefalleth not at the first blow of the Axe, neither is the victory won,upon a silly and shallow adventure: Wherefore, I thinke it convenient,that once more thou shouldst make another tryall of him, who (inprejudice to me) standeth so strictly on his loyalty, and choosingsuch an houre as seemeth most commodious, soundly possesse him with mytormenting passions. Bestirre thy Wittes, and tippe thy tongue with aWomans eloquence, to effect what I so earnestly desire: because, bylanguishing in this love-sicke affliction, it well bee the danger of mydeath, and some severe detriment to him, to be the occasion of so greata losse.
_Lesca_, comforted her Lady, so much as lay in her power to doe, andhaving sought for _Pyrrhus_, whom she found at good leysure; and, ina pleasing humour, thus she beganne. _Pyrrhus_, some few dayes since Itolde thee, in what extreame Agonies thy Lady and mine was, onely inregarde of her love to thee: and now againe I come once more, to givethee further assurance thereof: Wherefore, beleeve it unfeignedly,that if thy obstinacie continue still, in like manner as the other dayit did, expect very shortly to heare the tydings of her death.
It is my part therefore, to entreat thee, to comfort her longlanguishing desires: but if thou persist in thy harsh opinion, in steadof reputing thee a wise and fortunate yong man, I shall confesse theeto bee an ignoraunt Asse. What a glorie is it to thee, to be affectedof so faire and worthy a Lady, beyond all men else whatsoever? Next tothis, tell me, how highly maist thou confesse thy selfe beholding toFortune, if thou but duly consider, how shee hath elected thee as solesoveraigne of her hopes, which is a crowne of honour to thy youth, anda sufficient refuge against all wants and necessities? Where is any tothy knowledge like thy selfe, that can make such advantage of his time,as thou maist do, if thou wert wise? Where canst thou find any one togo beyond thee in Armes, Horses, sumptuous garments, and Gold, as
willbe heaped on thee, if _Lydia_ may be the Lady of thy love? Open thenthine understanding to my words, returne into thine owne soule, and beewise for thy selfe.
Remember (_Pyrrhus_) that Fortune presents her selfe but once beforeany one, with cheerefull lookes, and her lappe wide open of richestfavours, where if choice be not quickely made, before she folde itup, and turn her backe: let no complaint afterward be made of her,if the Fellow that had so faire an offer, proove to be miserable,wretched, and a Beggar, only thorow his owne negligence. Beside, whatelse hath formerly bin saide, there is now no such neede of loyaltiein servants to their Ladies, as should be among deare Friends andKindred: but servants ought rather (as best they may) be such to theirMasters, as they are to them. Doest thou imagine, that if thou hadsta faire Wife, Mother, Daughter, or Sister, pleasing in the eye of our_Nicostratus_; he would stand on such nice tearmes of duty or Loyaltie,as now thou doest to his Ladie? Thou wert a verie foole to rest soperswaded. Assure thy selfe, that if entreaties and faire meanes mightnot prevaile, force, and compulsion (whatsoever ensued thereon) wouldewinne the masterie. Let us then use them, and the commodities unto thembelonging, as they would us and ours. Use the benefit of thy Fortune,& beware of abusing her favour. She yet smiles on thee; but take heedeleast she turne her backe, it will then be over-late to repent thyfolly. And if my Ladie die through thy disdaine, be assured, that thoucanst not escape with life, beside open shame and disgrace for ever.
_Pyrrhus_, who had often considered on _Lescaes_ first message,concluded with himselfe; that if any more she moved the same matter:hee would returne her another kinde of answere, wholly yeelding tocontent his Lady; provided, that he might remaine assured, concerningthe intyre truth of the motion, and that it was not urged onely totrie him, wherefore, thus he replyed. _Lesca_, do not imagine mee soignorant, as not to know the certaintie of all thy former allegations,confessing them as freely as thou doest, or canst. But yet let meetell thee withall, that I knowe my Lord to be wise and judicious, andhaving committed all his affaires to my care and trust: never blame meeto misdoubt; least my Ladie (by his counsell and advice) make thee themessenger of this motion, thereby to call my Fidelitie in question.
To cleare which doubt, and for my further assurance of her well meaningtoward me; if she will undertake the performance of three such thingsas I must needes require in this case: I am afterward her owne, in anyservice she can command me. The first of them, is, that in the presenceof my Lord and Master, she kill his faire Faulcon, which so dearly heeaffecteth. The second, to send me a locke or tuft of his beard, beingpuld away with her owne hand. The third and last, with the same handalso, to pluck out one of his best and soundest teeth, and send itmee as her loves true token. When I finde all these three effectuallyperformed, I am wholly hers, & not before.
These three strict impositions, seemed to _Lesca_, and her Ladielikewise, almost beyond the compasse of all possibility. NeverthelesLove, being a powerfull Oratour in perswading, as also adventurous evenon the most difficult dangers; gave her courage to undertake them all:sending _Lesca_ backe againe to him, with full assurance, of thesemore then _Herculean_ labours. Moreover, her selfe did intend to addea fourth taske, in regard of his strong opinion concerning the greatWisedome of his Lord and Maister. After she had effected all the otherthree, she would not permit him to kisse her, but before his Lordsface: which yet should be accomplished in such sort, as _Nicostratus_himselfe should not beleeve it, although apparantly he saw it. Well,(quoth _Pyrrhus_) when all these wonders are performed, assure myLadie, that I am truelie hers.
Within a short while after, _Nicostratus_ made a solemne Feastivall(according as yearely he used to doe) in honour of his birth day,inviting many Lords and Ladies thereto. On which rejoycing day, sosoone as dinner was ended, and the Tables withdrawne: _Lydia_ cameinto the great Hall, where the Feast was solemnly kept; very rich andcostly apparrelled; and there, in presence of _Pyrrhus_, and the wholeassemblie, going to the Perch whereon the Faulcone sate, wherein herHusband tooke no little delight, and having untyed her, as if sheemeant to beare her on her Fist: tooke her by the Jesses, and beatingher against the wal, killed her. _Nicostratus_ beholding this, calledout aloud unto her, saying. Alas Madame! what have you done? She makinghim no answere, but turning to the Lords and Ladies, which had dinedthere, spake in this manner.
Ill should I take revenge on a King, that had offended me, if I had notso much heart, as to wreake my spleene on a paltry Hawke. Understandthen, worthy Lords and Ladies, that this Faulcone hath long timerobbed me of those delights, which men (in meere equitie) ought tohave with their wives: because continually, so soone as breake of dayhath appeared, my Husband, starting out of bed, makes himselfe readie,presently to Horsse, and with this Faulcon on his Fist, rides abroadto his recreation in the Fields. And I, in such forsaken sort as yousee, am left all alone in my bed, discontented and despised: oftenvowing to my selfe, to bee thus revenged as now I am, being with-heldfrom it by no other occasion, but onely want of a fit and apt time, todo it in the presence of such persons, as might bee just Judges of mywrongs, and as I conceive you all to be.
The Lords and Ladies hearing these words, and beleeving this deedof hers to be done no otherwise, but out of her entire affection to_Nicostratus_, according as her speeches sounded: compassionatelyturning towards him (who was exceedingly displeased) and all smiling,said. Now in good sadnesse Sir; Madame _Lydia_ hath done well, inacting her just revenge upon the Hawke, that bereft her of her Husbandskinde companie; then which nothing is more precious to a loving wife,and a hell it is to live without it. And _Lydia_, being sodainlywithdrawne into her chamber; with much other friendly and familiartalke, they converted the anger of _Nicostratus_ into mirth and smiling.
_Pyrrhus_, who had diligently observed the whole cariage of thisbusinesse, saide to himselfe. My Ladie hath begun well, and proceedingon with no worse successe, will (no doubt) bring her love to an happyconclusion. As for the Lady her selfe, she having thus kild theHawke, it was no long while after, but being in the Chamber with herhusband, and they conversing familiarly together: she began to jestwith him, & hee in the like manner with her, tickling and toying eachthe other, till at the length she played with his beard, and now shefound occasion aptly serving, to effect the second taske imposed by_Pyrrhus_. So, taking fast hold on a small tuft of his beard, she gavea sodaine snatch, and plucked it away quite from his chin. Whereat_Nicostratus_ beeing angerly moved, she (to appease his distaste)pleasantly thus spake. How now my Lord? Why do you looke so frowningly?What? Are you angry for a few loose haires of your beard? How thenshould I take it, when you plucke mee by the haire of my head, and yetI am not a jot discontented, because I know you do it but in jestingmanner? These friendly speeches cut off all further contention, andshe kepte charily the tuft of her Husbands beard, which (the verieselfe-same day) shee sent to _Pyrrhus_ her hearts chosen friend.
But now concerning the third matter to be adventured, it drove herto a much more serious consideration, then those two which shee hadalready so well and exactly performed. Notwithstanding, like a Ladie ofunconquerable spirit, and (in whom) Love enlarged his power more andmore: she sodainly conceited, what course was best to bee kept in thiscase, forming her attempt in this manner. Upon _Nicostratus_ waytedtwo young Gentlemen, as Pages of his Chamber, whose Fathers had giventhem to his service, to learne the manners of honourable Courtship, andthose qualities necessarily required in Gentlemen. One of them, when_Nicostratus_ sate downe to dinner or supper, stood in Office of hisCarver, delivering him all the meats whereon he fed. The other (asTaster) attended on his Cup, and he dranke no other drinke, but whathee brought him, and they both were highly pleasing unto him.
On a day, _Lydia_ called these two youths aside; and, among some otherspeeches, which served but as an induction to her intended policy; sheperswaded them, that their mouths yeelded an unsavoury & ill-pleasingsmell, whereof their Lord seemed to take dislike. Wherefore she advisedthem, that at such times as they attended on him in their severallplaces:
they should (so much as possibly they could) withdraw theirheads aside from him, because their breath might not be noyous untohim. But withall, to have an especiall care, of not disclosing toany one, what she had told them; because (out of meere love) shehad acquainted them therewith: which very constantly they beleeved,and followed the same direction as she had advised, being loath todisplease, where service bound them to obey. Choosing a time fittingfor her purpose, when _Nicostratus_ was in private conference with her,thus she began. Sir, you observe not the behaviour of your two pages,when they wait on you at the Table? Yes but I do wife (quoth he) howsquemishly they turn their heads aside from me, and it hath often binin my minde, to understand a reason why they do so.
Seating herselfe by him, as if shee had some weighty matter to tellhim; she proceeded in this manner. Alas my Lord, you shall not needto question them, because I can sufficiently resolve you therein:which (neverthelesse) I have long concealed, because I would not beoffensive to you. But in regard, it is now manifestly apparant, thatothers have tasted, what (I immagined) none but my selfe did, I willno longer hide it from you. Assuredly Sir, there is a most strange andunwonted ill-savour, continually issuing from your mouth, smelling mostnoysomely, and I wonder what should be the occasion. In former times,I never felt any such foule breathing to come from you: and you, whodo daily converse with so many worthy persons, should seeke meanes tobe rid of so great an annoyance. You say verie true wife (answered_Nicostratus_) and I protest to you on my Credite, I feele no such illsmell, neither know what should cause it, except I have some corruptedtooth in my mouth. Perhaps Sir (quoth she) it may be so, and yet youfeele not the savour which others do, yea, very offensively.
So, walking with her to a Window, he opened wide his mouth, the whichnicely shee surveyed on either side, and, turning her head from him,as seeming unable to endure the savour: starting, and shrieking outalowd, she said. Santa Maria! What a sight is this? Alas my good Lord,How could you abide this, and for so long a while? Heere is a tooth onthis side, which (so farre as I can perceive) is not onely hollow andcorrupted: but also wholly putrified and rotten, and if it continuestill in your head, beleeve it for a truth, that it will infect andspoile all the rest neere it. I would therefore counsell you, to letit be pluckt out, before it breede your further danger. I like yourcounsell well _Lydia_, replyed _Nicostratus_, and presently intendto follow it; Let therefore my Barber be sent for, and, without anylonger delay, he shall plucke it forth instantly.
How Sir? (quoth she,) your Barber? Uppon mine Honour, there shall comeno Barber heere. Why Sir, it is such a rotten Tooth, and standeth sofairely for my hand: that, without helpe or advice of any Barber, letmee alone for plucking it forth, without putting you to any paine atall. Moreover, let me tell you Sir, those Tooth-drawers are so rude andcruell, in performing such Offices, as my heart cannot endure, that youshould come within compasse of their currish courtesie, neither shallyou Sir, if you will be ruled by me. If I should faile in the manner oftheir facilitie, yet love & duty hath enstructed me, to forbeare yourleast paining, which no unmannerly Barber will do.
Having thus spoken, and he well contented with her kinde offer, theinstruments were brought, which are used in such occasions, all beingcommanded forth of the Chamber, but onely _Lesca_, who evermore keptstill in her company. So, locking fast the doore, and _Nicostratus_being seated, as she thought fittest for her purpose, she put theTanacles into his mouth, catching fast hold on one of his soundestteeth: which, notwithstanding his loud crying, _Lesca_ held him sostrongly, that forth she pluckt it, and hid it, having another toothreadie made hot & bloody, very much corrupted and rotten, which shehelde in the Tanacles, and shewed to him, who was well-neere halfe deadwith anguish. See Sir (quoth she) was this Tooth to be suffered in yourhead, and to yeeld so foule a smell as it did? He verily beleeving whatshe said, albeit hee had endured extreame paine, and still complainedon her harsh and violent pulling it out: rejoyced yet, that he was nowridde of it, and she comforting him on the one side, and the anguishasswaging him on the other, he departed forth of the Chamber.
In the mean while, by _Lesca_ she sent the sound tooth to _Pyrrhus_,who (wondering not a little at her so many strange attempts; which heeurged so much the rather, as thinking their performance impossible,and, in meere loyall duty to his Lord) seeing them all three to benotably effected; he made no further doubt of her intire love towardeshim, but sent her assurance likewise, of his readinesse and serviceablediligence, whensoever she would command him.
Now, after the passage of all these adventures, hardly to beeundertaken by any other Woman: yet she held them insufficient forhis security, in the grounded perswasion of her love to him, exceptshee performed another of her owne, and according as shee had boldlypromised. Houres do now seeme dayes, and dayes multiplicitie ofyeeres, till the kisse may be given, and receyved in the presence of_Nicostratus_, yet hee himselfe to avouch the contrary.
Madam _Lydia_ (upon a pretended sicknesse) keepeth her chamber, andas women can hardly be exceeded in dissimulation: so, shee wanted nowit, to seeme exquisitely cunning, in all the outwarde apparances ofsicknesse. One day after dinner, shee being visited by _Nicostratus_,and none attending on him but _Pyrrhus_ onely: she earnestly entreated,that as a mitigation, to some inward afflictions which she felt, theywould helpe to guide her into the Garden.
Most gladly was her motion graunted, and _Nicostratus_ gently takingher by one arme, and _Pyrrhus_ by the other, so they conducted her intothe Garden, seating her in a faire floury Grasse-plot, with her backeleaning to a Peare-tree. Having sitten there an indifferent while,and _Pyrrhus_, being formerly enstructed, in the directions which shehad given him, thus shee spake, some-what faintly. _Pyrrhus_, I havea kinde of longing desire upon a sodaine, to taste of these Peares:Wherefore, climbe up into the Tree, and cast me downe one or two; whichinstantly hee did. Being aloft in the Tree, and throwing downe some ofthe best and ripest Peares; at length (according to his premeditatedLesson) looking downe, he said.
Forbeare my Lord, Do you not see, in how weake and feeble condition myLadie is, being shaken with so violent a sicknesse? And you Madam, howkinde and loving soever you are to my Lord, Are you so little carefullof your health, being but now come forth of your sicke Chamber, to beruffled and tumbled in such rough manner? Though such dalliances arenot amisse in you both; being fitter for the private Chamber, thenan open garden, and in the presence of a servant: yet time and placeshould alwaies bee respectively considered, for the avoiding of illexample, and better testimonie of your owne Wisedomes, which evershould be like your selves. But if so soone, and even in the heate ofa yet turbulent sickenesse, your equall love can admit these kissesand embraces: your private Lodginges were much more convenient, whereno Servants eye can see such Wantonnesse, nor you be reproved ofindiscretion, for being too publique in your Familiaritie.
Madame _Lydia_, sodainely starting, and turning unto her Husband,sayde. What doth _Pyrrhus_ prate? Is he well in his wittes? Or ishe franticke? No Madame, replyed _Pyrrhus_, I am not franticke. Areyou so fond as to thinke that I do not see your folly? _Nicostratus_wondering at his Words, presently answered. Now trust me _Pyrrhus_,I think thou dreamest. No my Lord, replyed _Pyrrhus_, I dreame not ajot, neither do you, or my Ladie: but if this Tree could affoord thelike kindnesse to me, as you do to her, there would not a Peare beeleft uppon it. How now _Pyrrhus_? (quoth _Lydia_) this language goethbeyond our understanding, it seemeth thou knowest not what thou saist.Beleeve me husband, if I were as well as ever I have bin, I would climbthis tree, to see those idle wonders which hee talketh of: for, whilehe continueth thus above, it appeareth, hee can finde no other prattle,albeit he taketh his marke amisse.
Heereupon, he commanded _Pyrrhus_ to come downe, and being on theground: Now _Pyrrhus_ (quoth he) tell me what thou saydst. _Pyrrhus_,pretending an alteration into much amazement, straungely looking abouthim, saide; I know not verie well (my Lord) what answere I should makeyou, fearing least my sight hath bin abused by error: for when I wasaloft in that
Tree, it seemed manifestly to me: that you embraced myLady (though somewhat rudely, in regard of her perillous sicknesse,yet lovingly) and as youthfully as in your yonger daies, with infinitekisses, and wanton dalliances, such as (indeede) deserved a far moreprivate place in my poore opinion. But in my descending downe, meethought you gave over that amorous familiaritie, and I found you seatedas I left you. Now trust mee _Pyrrhus_, answered _Nicostratus_, Thytongue and wit have very strangely wandred, both from reason and allreall apprehension: because we never stirred from hence, since thoudidst climbe up into the Tree, neither mooved otherwise, then as nowthou seest us. Alas my Lord (saide _Pyrrhus_) I humbly crave pardon formy presumption, in reprooving you for medling with your owne: whichshall make me hereafter better advised, in any thing what soever I heareor see.
Mervaile and amazement, encreased in _Nicostratus_ far greater thenbefore, hearing him to avouch still so constantly what he had seene,no contradiction being able to alter him, which made him rashly sweareand say. I will see my selfe, whether this Peare-tree bee enchanted,or no: and such wonders to be seene when a man is up in it, as thouwouldst have us to beleeve. And being mounted up so hy, that they weresafe from his sodaine comming on them, _Lydia_ had soone forgotten hersicknes, and the promised kisse cost her above twenty more, besideverie kinde and hearty embraces, as lovingly respected and entertainedby _Pyrrhus_. Which _Nicostratus_ beholding aloft in the tree; cryedout to her, saying. Wicked woman, What doest thou meane? And thouvillain _Pyrrhus_, Darst thou abuse thy Lord, who hath reposed so muchtrust in thee? So, descending in haste downe againe, yet crying so tothem still: _Lydia_ replyed, Alas my Lord, Why do you raile and rave insuch sort? So, hee found her seated as before, and _Pyrrhus_ waitingwith dutifull reverence, even as when he climbed up the Tree: but yethe thought his sight not deceyved, for all their demure and formallbehaviour, which made him walke up and downe, extreamely fuming andfretting unto himselfe, and which in some milder manner to qualifie,_Pyrrhus_ spake thus to him.
I deny not (my good Lord) but freely confesse, that even as your selfe,so I, being above in the Tree, had my sight most falsely deluded: whichis so apparantly confirmed by you, and in the same sort, as thereneedeth no doubt of both our beguiling; in one and the same suspitiousnature. In which case to be the more assuredly resolved, nothing canbe questioned, but whether your beleefe do so farre misleade you, asto thinke, that my Ladie (who hath alwayes bene most wise, loyall,and vertuous,) would so shamefullie wrong you: yea, and to performeit before your face, wherein I dare gadge my life to the contrary.Concerning my selfe, it is not fit for mee, to argue or contest inmine owne commendation: you that have ever knowne the sincerity of myservice, are best able to speake in my behalfe: and rather wold I bedrawne in peeces with foure wilde horses, then bee such an injuriousslave to my Lord and Master.
Now then, it can be no otherwise, but we must needs rest certainelyperswaded, that the guile and offence of this false appearance, wasoccasioned by thee onely. For all the world could not make me otherwisebeleeve, but that I saw you kisse and most kindely imbrace my Lady:if your owne eyes had not credited the like behaviour in me to her,of which sinne, I never conceived so much as a thought. The Lady (onthe other side) seeming to be very angerly incensed, starting faintlyupon her feet, yet supporting her selfe by the tree, said. It appearethSir, that you have entertained a goodly opinion of me as, if I were solewde and lasciviously disposed, or addicted to the very least desireof wantonnesse: that I would bee so forgetfull of mine owne honour, asto 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 inamourous matters; their private Chambers shall be better trusted, thenan open blabing and tell-tale Garden.
_Nicostratus_, who verily beleeved what they had both said, and thatneither of them would adventure such familiarity before his face:would talke no more of the matter, but rather studyed of the rarity ofsuch a miracle, not seene, but in the height of the tree, and changingagaine upon the descent. But _Lydia_, containing still her collourablekinde of impatience, and angerly frowning upon _Nicostratus_, stearnelysaide. If I may have my will, this villanous and deceiving tree, shallnever more shame me, or any other woman: and therefore _Pyrrhus_, runnefor an Axe, and by felling it to the ground, in an instant, revengeboth thy wrong and mine. Doest not thou serve a worthy Lord? And havenot I a wise Husband, who, without any consideration, will suffer theeye of his understanding to be so dazeled, with a foolish imaginationbeyond all possibility? For, although his eyes did apprehend such afolly, and it seemed to be a truth indeed: yet, in the depth of setledjudgement, all the world should not perswade him, that it was so.
_Pyrrhus_ had quickely brought the Axe, and hewing downe the tree, sosoone as the Lady saw it fall; turning her selfe to _Nicostratus_, shesaid. Now that I have seene mine honour and honesties enemy laid along;mine anger is past, and Husband, I freely pardon you: intreating youheartily henceforward, not to presume or imagine, that my love eytheris, or can bee altred from you.
Thus the mocked and derided _Nicostratus_, returned in againe with hisLady and _Pyrrhus_; where perhaps (although the Peare-tree was cutdowne) they could find as cunning meanes to over-reach him.