_Two Citizens of_ Siena, _the one named_ Tingoccio Mini, _& the other_Meucio di Tora, _affected both one woman, called_ Monna Mita, _to whomthe one of them was a Gossip. The Gossip dyed, and appeared afterwardto his companion, according as he had formerly promised him to doe, andtolde him what strange wonders he had seene in the other world._
The Tenth Novell.
_Wherein such men are covertly reprehended, who make no care orconscience at all of those things that should preserve them from sinne._
Now there remained none but the King himselfe, last of all to recounthis Novell; who, after hee heard the Ladies complaints indifferentlypacified, for the rash felling downe of such a precious Peare-tree;thus he began. Faire Ladies, it is a case more then manifest, thatevery King, who will be accounted just and upright: should first ofall, and rather then any other, observe those Lawes which he himselfehath made; otherwise he ought to be reputed as a servant, worthy ofpunishment, and no King. Into which fault and reprehension, I yourKing, shall well neere be constrained to fall; for yesterday I enacteda Law, upon the forme of our discoursing, with full intent, that thisday I would not use any part of my priviledge; but being subject (asyou all are) to the same Law, I should speake of that argument, whichalready you have done.
Wherein, you have not onely performed more then I could wish, upon asubject so sutable to my minde: but in every Novell, such variety ofexcellent matter, such singular illustrations, and delicate eloquencehath flowne from you all; as I am utterly unable to invent any thing(notwithstanding the most curious search of my braine) apt or fitfor the purpose, to paragon the meanest of them already related.And therefore seeing I must needs sinne in the Law established bymy selfe; I tender my submission, as worthy of punishment, or whatamends else you please to enjoyne mee. Now, as returned to my wontedpriviledge, I say, that the Novell recounted by Madame _Eliza_, of theFryar Godfather and his Gossip _Agnesia_, as also the sottishnesseof the _Senese_ her Husband, hath wrought in me (worthy Ladies) tosuch effect; as, forbearing to speake any more of these wily prancks,which witty wives exercise on their simple Husbands; I am to tell youa pretty short Tale; which, though there is matter enough in it, notworthy 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 Tora_; Men simple, and ofno understanding, both of them dwelling in _Porta Salaia_. These twomen lived in such familiar conversation together, and expressed suchcordiall affection each to other, as they seldome walked asunder; but(as honest men use to doe) frequented Churches and Sermons, oftentimeshearing, both what miseries and beatitudes were in the world to come,according to the merits of their soules that were departed out of thislife, and found their equall repaiment in the other. The manifoldrepetition of these matters, made them very earnestly desirous to know,by what meanes they might have tydings from thence, for their furtherconfirmation. And finding all their endeavours utterly frustrated, theymade a solemne vow and promise (each to other under oath) that heewhich first dyed of them two, should returne backe againe (so sooneas possibly he could) to the other remaining alive, and tell him suchtydings as hee desired to heare.
After the promise was thus faithfully made, and they still keepingcompany, as they were wont to doe: It fortuned, that _Tingoccio_ becameGossip to one, named _Ambrosito Anselmino_, dwelling in _Camporeggio_,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 andcomely of her person: _Tingoccio_, notwithstanding the Gossipshipbetweene them, had more then a moneths minde to his Godchilds Mother._Meucio_ also fell sicke of the same disease, because shee seemedpleasing in his eye, and _Tingoccio_ gave her no meane commendations;yet, carefully they concealed their love to themselves, but not for one& the same occasion. Because _Tingoccio_ kept it closely from _Meucio_,lest he should hold it disgracefull in him, to beare amourous affectionto his Gossip, and thought it unfitting to bee knowne. But _Meucio_had no such meaning, for hee knew well enough that _Tingoccio_ lovedher, and therefore conceived in his minde, that if he discovered anysuch matter to him: He will (quoth he) be jealous of me, and beingher Gossip, which admitteth his conference with her when himselfepleaseth; he may easily make her to distaste me, and therefore I mustrest contented as I am.
Their love continuing on still in this kinde, _Tingoccio_ proovedso fortunate in the businesse, that having better meanes then hiscompanion, and more prevayling courses, when, where, and how to Courthis Mistresse, which seemed to forward him effectually. All which_Meucio_ plainely perceived, and though it was tedious and wearisometo him, yet hoping to finde some successe at length: he would nottake notice of any thing, as fearing to infringe the amity betweenehim and _Tingoccio_, and so his hope to be quite supplanted. Thus theone triumphing in his loves happinesse, and the other hoping for hisfelicity to come; a lingaring sickenesse seazed on _Tingoccio_, whichbrought him to so low a condition, as at the length he dyed.
About some three or foure nights after, _Meucio_ being fast asleepein his bed, the ghoste of _Tingoccio_ appeared to him, and called soloude, that _Meucio_ awaking, demanded who called him? I am thy friend_Tingoccio_, replied the ghoste, who according to my former promisemade, am come again in vision to thee, to tell thee tidings out of thenether world. _Meucio_ was a while somewhat amazed; but, recollectinghis 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 recoveredagaine, 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 beresolved, whether thou art among the damned soules, in the painefullfire of hell torments, or no? No (quoth _Tingoccio_) I am not sentthither, but for divers sinnes by mee committed I am to suffer verygreat and grievous paines. Then _Meucio_ demaunded particularly, thepunishments inflicted there, for the severall sinnes committed heere:Wherein _Tingoccio_ fully resolved him. And upon further question, whathee 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_, of your kinde Gossip_Monna Mita_, with whom (when you remained in this life) I knew you tobe very familiar: let me intreat you then to tell me, what punishmentis inflicted on you there, for that wanton sinne committed heere? OhBrother _Meucio_, answered _Tingoccio_, so soone as my soule was landedthere, one came immediately to me, who seemed to know all mine offencesreadily by heart, and forthwith commanded, that I should depart thenceinto a certaine place, where I must weepe for my sinnes in verygrievous paines. There I found more of my companions, condemned tothe same punishment as I was, and being among them, I called to mindesome 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 conceiteof feare, I quaked and trembled wondrously.
One of my other Consorts being by me, and perceiving in what anextreame agony I was; presently said unto me. My friend, what hastthou done more, then any of us here condemned with thee, that thoutremblest 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 offenceby mee heretofore committed while I lived. Then hee demaunded of meewhat offence it was, whereto thus I answered. It was my chance in theother world, to be Godfather at a childs Christning, and afterward Igrew so affectionate to the childs mother, as (indeed) I kissed hertwice or thrise. My companyon laughing at me in mocking manner, replyedthus. Goe like an Asse as thou art, and be no more afraid hereafter,for here is no punishment inflicted, in any k
inde whatsoever, for suchoffences of frailty committed, especially with Gossips, as I my selfecan witnesse.
Now day drew on, and the Cockes began to crow, a dreadfull hearingto walking spirits, when _Tingoccio_ said to _Meucio_. Farewell myfriendly companion, for I may tarry no longer with thee, and instantlyhee vanished away. _Meucio_ having heard this confession of his friend,and verily beleeving it for a truth, that no punishment was to beinflicted in the future world, for offences of frailty in this life,and chiefly with Gossips: began to condemne his owne folly, having bina Gossip to many wives, yet modesty restrained him from such familiaroffending. And therefore being sorry for this grosse ignorance, heemade a vowe to be wiser hereafter. And if Fryar _Reynard_ had beenacquainted with this kind of shrift (as doubtlesse he was, though hisGossip _Agnesia_ knew it not) he needed no such Syllogismes, as heput in practise, when he converted her to his lustfull knavery, inthe comparison of kinred by him moved, concerning her husband, thechilde and himselfe. But, these are the best fruits of such FryerlyConfessions, to compasse the issue of their inordinate appetites; yetclouded with the cloake of Religion, which hath beene the overthrow oftoo many.
* * * * *
By this time the gentle blast of _Zephirus_ began to blow, because theSunne grew neere his setting, wherewith the King concluded his Novell,and none remaining more to be thus imployed: taking the Crowne from offhis owne head, he placed it on Madame _Laurettaes_, saying, Madame, ICrowne you with your owne Crowne, as Queene of our Company. You shallhenceforth command as Lady and Mistresse, in such occasions as shallbe to your liking, and for the contentment of us all; With which wordshe set him downe. And Madame _Lauretta_ being now created Queene, sheecaused the Master of the houshold to bee called, to whom she gavecommand, that the Tables should be prepared in the pleasant vally, butat a more convenient houre, then formerly had beene, because they might(with better ease) returne backe to the Pallace. Then shee tooke orderlikewise, for all such other necessary matters, as should bee requiredin the time of her Regiment: and then turning her selfe to the wholeCompany, she began in this manner.
It was the Will of _Dioneus_ yesternight, that our discourses for thisday, should concerne the deceits of wives to their Husbands. And wereit not to avoyde taxation, of a spleenitive desire to be revenged,like the dog being bitten, biteth againe: I could command our tomorrows conference, to touch mens treacheries towards their wives. Butbecause I am free from any such fiery humour, let it be your generallconsideration, to speake of such queint beguylings, as have heretoforepast, either of the woman to the man, the man to the woman, or of oneman to another: and I am of opinion, that they will yeeld us no lessedelight, then those related (this day) have done. When she had thusspoken, she rose; granting them all liberty, to goe recreate themselvesuntill Supper time.
The Ladies being thus at their owne disposing, some of them bared theirlegges and feete, to wash them in the coole current. Others, not sominded, walked on the greene grasse, and under the goodly spreadingtrees. _Dioneus_ and Madame _Fiammetta_, they sate singing together,the love-warre betweene _Arcit_ and _Palemon_. And thus with diversityof disports, in choice delight and much contentment, all were imployed,till Supper drew neere. When the houre was come, and the Tables coveredby the Ponds side: we need not question their dyet and dainties,infinite Birds sweetly singing about them, as no musicke in the worldcould be more pleasing; beside calme windes, fanning their faces fromthe neighbouring hilles (free from flyes, or the least annoyance) madea delicate addition to their pleasure.
No sooner were the Tables withdrawne, and all risen: but they fetcht afew turnings about the vally, because the Sunne was not (as yet) quiteset. Then in the coole evening, according to the Queenes appointment:in a soft and gentle pace, they walked homeward: devising on a thousandoccasions, as well those which the dayes discourses had yeelded, asothers of their owne inventing beside. It was almost darke night,before they arrived at the Pallace; where, with variety of choiceWines, and abounding plenty of rare Banquetting, they out-wore thelittle toile and wearinesse, which the long walke had charged themwithall. Afterward, according to their wonted order, the Instrumentsbeing brought and played on, they fell to dancing about the faireFountaine; _Tindaro_ intruding (now and then) the sound of his Bagpipe,to make the musicke seeme more melodious. But in the end, the Queenecommanded Madame _Philomena_ to sing; whereupon the Instruments beingtuned fit for the purpose, thus she began.
The Song.
The Chorus Sung by the whole Company.
_Wearisome is my life to me, Because I cannot once againe returne; Unto the place which made me first to mourne._
_Nothing I know, yet feele a powerfull fire, Burning within my brest, Through deepe desire; To be once more where first I felt unrest, Which cannot be exprest. O my sole good! O my best happinesse! Why am I thus restrainde? Is there no comfort in this wretchednesse? Then let me live content, to be thus painde. Wearisome is my life to me, &c._
_I cannot tell what was that rare delight, Which first enflamde my soule, And gave command in spight, That I should find no ease by day or night, But still live in controule. I see, I heare, and feele a kinde of blisse, Yet find no forme at all: Other in their desire, finde blessednesse, But I have none, nor thinke I ever shall. Wearisome is my life to me, &c._
_Tell me if I may hope in following dayes, To have but one poore sight, Of those bright Sunny rayes, Dazeling my sence, did o'recome me quite, Bequeath'd to wandring wayes. If I be posted off and may not prove. To have the smallest grace: Or but to know, that this proceeds from love, Why should I live despisde in every place? Wearisome is my life to me, &c._
_Me thinkes milde favour whispers in mine eare, And bids me not despaire; There will a time appeare To quell and quite confound consuming care, And joy surmount proud feare. In hope that gracious time will come at length, To cheare my long dismay: My spirits reassume your former strength, And never dread to see that joyfull day. Wearisome is my life to me, Because I cannot once againe returne; Unto the place which made me first to mourne._
This Song gave occasion to the whole Company, to imagine, that some newand pleasing apprehension of Love, constrained Madame _Philomena_ tosing in this manner. And because (by the discourse thereof) it plainelyappeared, that shee had felt more then shee saw, shee was so much themore happy, and the like was wished by all the rest. Wherefore, afterthe Song was ended; the Queene remembring, that the next day followingwas Friday, turning her selfe graciously to them all, thus she spake.
You know noble Ladies, and you likewise most noble Gentlemen, that tomorrow is the day consecrated to the Passion of our blessed Lord andSaviour, which (if you have not forgotten it, as easily you cannot)we devoutly celebrated, Madame _Neiphila_ being then Queene, ceasingfrom all our pleasant discoursing, as we did the like on the Saturdayfollowing, sanctifying the sacred Sabboth, in due regard of it selfe.Wherefore, being desirous to imitate precedent good example, whichin worthy manner shee began to us all: I hold it very decent andnecessary, that we should asttaine to morrow, and the day ensuing, fromrecounting any of our pleasant Novels, reducing to our memories, whatwas done (as on those dayes) for the salvation of our soules. This holyand Religious motion made by the Queene, was commendably allowed byall the assembly, and therefore, humbly taking their leave of her, andan indifferent part of the night being already spent; severally theybetooke themselves to their Chambers.
_The end of the Seaventh day._