_A young Gentleman being a Scholler, fell in love with a Ladie, named_Helena, _she being a Widdow, and addicted in affection to anotherGentleman. One whole night in cold winter, she caused the Scholler toexpect her comming, in an extreame frost and snow. In revenge whereof,by his imagined Art and skill, he made her to stand naked on the top ofa Tower, the space of a whole day, and in the hot moneth of July, to beSun-burnt and bitten with Waspes and Flies._
The Seventh Novell.
_Serving as an admonition to all Ladies and Gentlewomen, not to mockor scorne Gentlemen-Schollers, when they make meanes of love to them;Except they intend to seeke their owne shame, by disgracing them._
Greatly did the Ladies commend Madame _Philomenaes_ Novell, laughingheartily at poore _Calandrino_, yet grieving withall, that he shouldbe so knavishly cheated, not onely of his Brawne, but two couple ofCapons, and a Flaggon of Wine beside. But the whole discourse beingended; the Queene commanded Madame _Pampinea_, to follow next with herNovell, and presently she thus began. It hapneth oftentimes, (brightbeauties) that mockery falleth onto him, that intended the same untoanother: And therefore I am of opinion, that there is very littlewisedom declared on him or her, who taketh delight in mocking anyperson. I must needs confesse, that we have smiled at many mockeriesand deceits, related in those excellent Novels, which we have alreadyheard; without any due revenge returned, but onely in this last ofsilly _Calandrino_. Wherefore, it is now my determination, to urgea kind of compassionate apprehension, upon a very just retribution,happening to a Gentlewoman of our Citie, because her scorne felldeservedly upon her selfe, remaining mocked, and to the perill of herlife. Let me then assure you, that your diligent attention may redoundto your benefit, because if you keepe your selves (henceforward) frombeing scorned by others: you shall expresse the greater wisedome, andbe the better warned by their mishaps.
As yet there are not many yeares over-past, since there dwelt in_Florence_, a yong Lady, descended of Noble parentage, very beautifull,of sprightly courage, and sufficiently abounding in the goods ofFortune, she being named Madame _Helena_. Her delight was to live inthe estate of Widdow-hood, desiring to match her selfe no more inmarriage, because she bare affection to a gallant young Gentleman,whom she had made her private election of, and with whom (havingexcluded all other amorous cares and cogitations) by meanes of herWaiting-woman, she had divers meetings, and kinde conferences.
It chanced at the verie same time, another young Gentleman of ourCitie, called _Reniero_, having long studied in the Schooles at_Paris_, returned home to _Florence_, not to make sale of his Learningand experience, as many doe: but to understand the reason of things,as also the causes and effects of them, which is mervailously fittingfor any Gentleman. Being greatly honoured and esteemed of everyone, aswell for his courteous carriage towards all in generall, as for hisknowledge and excellent parts: he lived more like a familiar Citizen,then in the nature of a Courtly Gentleman, albeit he was choiselyrespected in either estate.
But, as oftentimes it commeth to passe, that such as are endued withthe best judgement and understanding in naturall occasions, are soonestcaught and intangled in the snares of Love: so fel it out with ourScholler _Reniero_, who being invited to a solemne Feast, in company ofother his especiall Friends; this Lady _Helena_, attyred in her blackeGarments (as Widdowes commonly use to wear) was likewise there a Guest.His eye observing her beauty and gracious demeanour, she seemed in hisjudgement, to be a Woman so compleate and perfect, as he had neverseene her equall before: & therefore, he accounted the man more thenfortunate, that was worthy to embrace her in his armes. Continuing thisamorous observation of her from time to time, and knowing withall, thatrare and excellent things are not easily obtained, but by painefullstudy, labour, and endeavour: hee resolved with himselfe constantly,to put in practise all his best parts of industry, onely to honour andplease her, and attaining to her contentation, it would be the means towinne her love, and compasse thereby his hearts desire.
The yong Lady, who fixed not her eyes on inferiour subjects (butesteemed her selfe above ordinary reach or capacity) could moove themartificially, as curious women well know how to doe, looking on everyside about her, yet not in a gadding or grosse manner; for she wasnot ignorant in such darting glaunces, as proceeded from an enflamedaffection, which appearing plainely in _Reniero_; with a pretty smile,shee said to her selfe. I am not come hither this day in vaine; for, ifmy judgement faile me not, I thinke I have caught a Woodcocke by theBill. And lending him a cunning looke or two, queintly caried with thecorner of her eye; she gave him a kinde of perswading apprehension,that her heart was the guide to her eye. And in this artificiall**Schoole-tricke of hers, shee carryed therewith another consideration,to wit, that the more other eyes fedde themselves on her perfections,and were (well-neere) lost in them beyond recovery: so much the greaterreason had he to account his fortune beyond comparison, that was thesole master of her heart, and had her love at his command.
Our witty Scholler having set aside his Philosophicall considerations,strove how he might best understand her carriage toward him, andbeleeving that she beheld him with pleasing regards; hee learned toknow the house where shee dwelt, passing daily by the doore diverstimes, under colour of some more serious occasions: wherein the Ladyvery proudly gloried, in regard of the reasons before alleadged, andseemed to affoord him lookes of good liking. Being led thus with ahopefull perswasion, hee founde the meanes to gaine acquaintance withher waiting-woman, revealing to her his intire affection, desiring herto worke for him in such sort with her Lady, that his service might begracious in her acceptance. The Gentlewoman made him a very willingpromise, and immediately did his errand to her Lady; who heard her withno small pride and squemishnesse, and breaking forth into a scornefulllaughter, thus she spake.
_Ancilla_ (for so she was named) dost thou not observe, how thisScholler is come to lose all the wit heere, which he has studyed solong for in the University of _Paris_? Let us make him our onely Tableargument, and seeing his folly soareth so high, we will feed him withsuch a dyet as hee deserveth. Yet when thou speakest next with him,tell him, that I affect him more then he can doe me: but it becommethme to be carefull of mine honour, and to walke with an untainted brow,as other Ladies and Gentlewomen doe: which he is not to mislike, if hebe so wise as he maketh shew of, but rather will the more commend me.Alas good Lady lack-wit, little did she understand (faire assembly) howdangerous a case it is to deale with Schollers.
At his next meeting with the waiting woman, shee delivered the message,as her Lady had command her, whereof poore _Reniero_ was so joyfull:that hee pursued his love-suite the more earnestly, and began to writeletters, send gifts, and tokens, all which were still received, yetwithout any other answere to give hope, but onely in generall, andthus shee dallied with him a long while. In the end, she discoveredthis matter to her secret chosen friend, who fell suddenly sicke ofthe head-ake, onely through meere conceit of jealousie: which sheperceiving, and grieving to be suspected without any cause, especiallyby him whom shee esteemed above all other; shee intended to rid himquickely of that Idle disease. And being more and more solicited by theScholler, she sent him word by her maide _Ancilla_, that (as yet) shecould find no convenient opportunity, to yeeld him such assurance, ashee should not any way be distrustfull of her love.
But the Feast of Christmas was now neere at hand, which affordedleisures much more hopefull, then any other formerly passed. Andtherefore, the next night after the first Feasting day, if he pleasedto walke in the open Court of her house: she would soone send forhim, into a place much better beseeming, and where they might freelyconverse together.
Now was our Scholler the onely jocond man of the world, and failednot the time assigned him, but went unto the Ladies house, where_Ancilla_ was ready to give him entertainment, conducting him into thebase Court, where she lockt him up fast, untill her Lady should sendfor him. This night shee had privately sent for her friend also, andsitting merrily at supper with him, told him, what welcome she hadgiven
the Scholler, and how she further meant to use him, saying. NowSir, consider with yourselfe, what hot affection I beare to him, ofwhom you became so fondly jealous. The which words were very welcometo him, and made him extraordinarily joyfull; desiring to see them aseffectually performed, as they appeared to him by her protestations.
Heere you are to understand (Gracious Ladies) that according to theseason of the yeare, a great snow had falne the day before, so asthe whole Court was covered therewith, and being an extreame frostupon it, our Scholler could not boast of any warme walking, when theteeth quivered in his head with cold, as a Dog could not be morediscourteously used: yet hope of enjoying Loves recompence at length,made him to support all this injury with admirable patience.
Within a while after, Madame _Helena_ said to her friend. Walke withme (deare heart) into my Chamber, and there at a secret little window,I shall shew thee what he doth, that drove thee to such a suspitionof me, and we shall heare beside, what answere he will give my maide_Ancilla_, whom I will send to comfort him in his coldnesse.
When she had so said, they went to the appointed chamber window,where they could easily see him, but he not them: and then they heard_Ancilla_ also, calling to him forth of another windowe, saying.Signior _Reniero_, my Lady is the wofullest woman in the world,because (as yet) she cannot come to you, in regard that one of herbrethren came this evening to visite her, and held her with much longerdiscourse then she expected: whereby she was constrained to invite himto sup with her, and yet he is not gone; but shortly I hope hee will,and then expect her comming presently; till when, she entreateth yourgentle sufferance.
Poore _Reniero_, our over-credulous Scholler, whose vehement affectionto Madame _Helena_, so hood-winkt the sight of his understanding, ashe could not be distrustfull of any guilt; returned this answere to_Ancilla_. Say to your Lady that I am bound in duty, to attend the goodhoure of her leisure, without so much as the very least prejudicateconceite in me: Neverthelesse, entreat her, to let it bee so soone asshe possibly may, because here is miserable walking, and it beginnethagaine to snow extreamely. _Ancilla_ making fast the Casement, wentpresently to bed; when _Helena_ spake thus to her amorous friend.What saist thou now? Doest thou thinke that I loved him, as thou wastafraid of? if I did, he should never walke thus in the frost and snow.So, away went they likewise from their close gazing window, and spentwanton dalliances together, laughing, and deriding (with many bittertaunts and jests) the lamentable condition of poore _Reniero_.
About the Court walked hee numberlesse times, finding such exercisesas he could best devise, to compasse warmth in any manner: no seate orshelter had he any where, either to ease himselfe by sitting downe awhile, or keepe him from the snow, falling continually on him, whichmade him bestow many curses on the Ladies Brother, for his so longtarrying with her, as beleeving him verily to be in the house, else shewould (long before) have admitted his entrance, but therein his hopewas meerely deceived. It grew now to be about the houre of midnight,and _Helena_ had delighted her selfe with her friend extraordinarily,till at last she spake to him. What is thine opinion of my amourousScholler? Which dost thou imagine to be the greatest, either his senseand judgement, or the affection I beare to him? Is not this coldsufferance of this, able to quench the violent heate of his lovesextremitie, and having so much snow broth to helpe it? Beleeve me(sweet Lady) quoth her friend, as hee is a man, and a learned Scholler,I pitty that he should bee thus ungently dealt withall: but as he ismy rivall and loves enemy, I cannot allow him the least compassion,resting the more confidently assured of your love to me, which I willalwayes esteeme most precious.
When they had spent a long while in this or the like conference, withinfinite sweet kisses and embraces intermixed; then she began againein this manner. Deare love (quoth she) cast thy Cloake about thee, asI intend to doe with my night mantle, and let us step to the littlewindow once more, to see whether the flaming fire, which burned in theSchollers brest (as daily avouched to me in his love letters) be asyet extinct or no. So going to the window againe, and looking downeinto the Court; there they saw the Scholler dancing in the snow, tothe cold tune of his teeths quivering and chattering, and clapping hisarmes about his body, which was no pleasing melody to him. How thinkestthou now sweet heart (saide shee) cannot I make a man daunce withoutthe sound of a Taber, or of a Bagpipe? Yes beleeve me Lady (quoth he)I plaine perceive you can, and would be very lothe, that you shouldexercise your cunning on me. Nay, said shee, we will yet delight ourselves a little more; let us softly descend downe the stayres, even sofarre as to the Court doore; thou shalt not speake a word, but I willtalke to him, and heare some part of his quivering language, whichcannot choose but bee passing pleasing for us to heare.
Out of the Chamber went they, and descended downe the stayres to theCourt doore; where, without opening it, she laide her mouth to a smallcranny, and in a low soft kinde of voyce, called him by his name:which the Scholler hearing, was exceeding joyfull, as beleeving verily,that the houre of his deliverance was come, and entrance now should beadmitted him. Upon the hearing of her voyce, hee stept close to thedoore, saying. For charities sake, good Lady, let me come in, becauseI am almost dead with cold; whereto thus she answered in mockingmanner. I make no doubt (my deare friend _Reniero_) but the night isindifferent colde, and yet somewhat the warmer by the Snowes falling:and I have heard that such weather as this, is tenne-times moreextreame at _Paris_, then heere in our warmer Countrey. And trust me, Iam exceeding sorrowfull, that I may not (as yet) open the door, becausemine unhappy brother, who came (unexpected) yester-night to suppe withmee, is not yet gone, as within a short while (I hope) he will, andthen shall I gladly set open the doore to you, for I made an excuse tosteale a little from him, onely to cheare you with this small kind ofcomfort, that his so long tarrying might be the lesse offensive to you.
Alas sweet Madame, answered quaking and quivering _Reniero_, beethen so favourable to me, as to free me from forth this open Court,where there is no shelter or helpe for me, the snow falling still soexceedingly, as a man might easily be more then halfe buried in it:let me be but within your doore, and there I will wait your own goodleisure. Alas deare _Reniero_ (answered _Helena_) I dare not doe it,because the doore maketh such a noyse in the opening, as it will betoo easily heard by my Brother: but I will goe and use such meanes,as shortly hee shall get him gone, and then I dare boldly give youentrance. Doe so good Madame, replyed _Reniero_, and let there be afaire fire made ready, that when I am within, I may the sooner warme myselfe; for I am so strangely benummed with colde, as well neere I ampast all sence of feeling.
Can it be possible (quoth _Helena_) that you should be so benummedwith colde? Then I plainely perceive, that men can lye in their loveletters, which I can shew under your own hand, how you fryed inflames, and all for my love, and so have you written to me in everyletter. Poore credulous women are often thus deluded, in beleevingwhat men write and speake out of passion: but I will returne backe tomy Brother, and make no doubt of dispatch, because I would gladly haveyour Company.
The amourous Friend to _Helena_, who stood by all this while, laughingat the Schollers hard usage, returned up againe with her to herChamber, where they could not take a jote of rest, for flouting andscorning the betrayed Scholler. As for him poore man, hee was becomelike the Swanne, coldly chattering his teeth together, in a strange newkinde of harmony to him. And perceiving himselfe to be meerely mocked,he attempted to get open the doore, or how he might passe forth at anyother place: but being no way able to compasse it, he walked up anddowne like an angry Lyon, cursing the hard quality of the time, thediscourtesie of the Lady, the over-tedious length of the night; but(most of all) his owne folly and simplicity, in being so basely abusedand gulde. Now began the heat of his former affection to _Helena_,altered into as violent a detestation of her; Yea, extremity of hatredin the highest degree; beating his braines, and ransacking every cornerof invention, by what meanes he might best be revenged on her, whichnow he more earnestly desired to effect, then to enjoy
the benefit ofher love, or to be embraced betweene her armes.
After that the sad and discomfortable night had spent it selfe, & thebreak of day was beginning to appeare; _Ancilla_ the waiting-woman,according as she was instructed by her Lady, went downe and opened theCourt doore, and seeming exceedingly to compassionate the Schollersunfortunate night of sufferance, saide unto him.
Alas courteous Gentleman, in an unblessed houre came my Ladyes brotherhither yester-night, inflicting too much trouble upon us, and agrievous time of affliction to you. But I am not ignorant, that youbeing vertuous, and a judicious Scholler, have an invincible spirit ofpacience, and sufficient understanding withall; that what this nightcould not affoord, another may make a sound amends for. This I can anddare sufficiently assure you, that nothing could be more displeasingto my Lady, neither can she well be quieted in her mind: untill shehave made a double and treble requitall, for such a strange unexpectedinconvenience, whereof she had not the very least suspition.
_Reniero_ swelling with discontentment, yet wisely clouding it fromopen apprehension, and knowing well enough, that such golden speechesand promises, did alwaies favour of what intemperate spleene would morelavishly have vented foorth, and therefore in a modest dissemblingmanner; without the least shew of any anger, thus he answered.
In good sadnesse _Ancilla_, I have endured the most miserablest nightof colde, frost and snow, that ever any poore Gentleman suffered; butI know well enough, your Lady was not in any fault thereof, neithermeriteth to be blamed, for in her owne person (as being truelycompassionate of my distresse) she came so farre as the doore of thisCourt, to excuse her selfe, and comfort mee. But as you saide, andvery well too, what hath failed this night, another hereafter may morefortunately performe: in hope whereof, commend my love and duteousservice to her, and (what else remaineth mine) to your gentle selfe.
So our halfe frozen Scholler, scarcely able to walke upon his legges,returned home, (so well as hee could) to his owne lodging; where, hisSpirits being grievously out of order, and his eyes staring gastlythrough lacke of sleepe: he lay downe on his bed, and after a littlerest, he found himselfe in much worse condition then before, as meerelytaken lame in his armes and his legges. Whereupon he was inforcedto send for Phisitions, to be advised by their councell, in such anextremity of cold received. Immediately, they made provision for hishealthes remedie (albeit his nerves and sinewes could very hardlyextend themselves) yet in regard he was yong, & Summer swiftly drawingon; they had the better hope of affecting his safty, out of so greatand dangerous a cold.
But after he was become almost well and lusty againe, hee used to beseldome seene abroad for an indifferent while; concealing his intendedrevenge secret to himselfe, yet appearing more affectionate to Madame_Helena_, then formerly he had beene.
Now, it came to passe (within no long while after) that Fortune beingfavourable to our injured Scholler, prepared a new accident, wherebyhe might fully effect his harts desire. For the lusty yong Gallant,who was Madame _Helenaes_ deare darling and delight, and (for whosesake) she dealt so inhumanely with poore _Reniero_: became weary of heramourous service, and was falne in liking of another Lady, scorningand disdaining his former Mistresse; whereat shee grew exceedinglydispleased, and began to languish in sighes and teares.
But _Ancilla_ her waiting-woman, compassionating the perilous conditionof her Lady, and knowing no likely meanes whereby to conquer thisoppressing melancholly, which shee suffered for the losse of her heartschosen friend: at length she began to consider, that the Scholler stillwalked daily by the doore, as formerly hee was wont to doe, and (byhim) there might some good be done.
A fond and foolish opinion overswayed her, that the Scholler wasextraordinarily skilfull in the Art of Nigromancy, and could therebyso over-rule the heart of her lost friend, as hee should bee compelledto love her againe, in as effectuall manner as before; herewithimmediately she acquainted her Lady, who being as rashly credulous, asher maide was opinionative (never considring, that if the Scholler hadany experience in Negromancy, hee would thereby have procured his ownesuccesse) gave releefe to her surmise, in very Joviall and comfortablemanner, and entreated her in all kindnes, to know of him, whether hecould worke such a businesse, or no, and (upon his undertaking toeffect it) shee would give absolute assurance, that (in recompencethereof) he should unfainedly obtaine his hearts desire. _Ancilla_ wasquicke and expeditious, in delivering this message to discontented_Reniero_, whose soule being ready to mount out of his body, onely byconceit of joy; chearefully thus he said within himselfe. GraciousFortune! how highly am I obliged to thee for this so great a favour?Now thou hast blest me with a happy time, to be justly revenged on sowicked a woman, who sought the utter ruine of my life, in recompence ofthe unfaigned affection I bare her. Returne to thy Lady (quoth he) andsaluting her first on my behalfe, bid her to abandon all care in thisbusinesse; for, if her amourous Friend were in India, I would make himcome (in meere despight of his heart) and crave mercy of her for hisbase transgression. But concerning the meanes how, and in what mannerit is to bee done, especially on her owne behalfe: I will impart it toher so soone as she pleaseth: faile not to tell her so constantly fromme, with all my utmost paines at her service.
_Ancilla_ came jocondly home with her answere, and a conclusion wasset downe for their meeting together at _Santa Lucia del prato_, whichaccordingly was performed, in very solemne conference between them.Her fond affection had such power over her, that shee had forgot, intowhat peril she brought his life, by such an unnatural night-walke:but disclosed all her other intention to him, how loth she was to loseso deare a friend, and desiring him to exercise his utmost height ofskil, with large promises of her manifold favours to him, whereto ourScholler thus replyed.
Very true it is Madam, that among other studies at _Paris_, I learnedthe Art of Negromancy, the depth whereof I am as skilful in, as anieother Scholler whatsoever. But, because it is greatly displeasingunto God, I made a vow never to use it, either for my selfe, or anieother. Neverthelesse, the love I beare you is of such power, as Iknow not well how to denie, whatsoever you please to command me: inwhich respect, if in doing you my very best service, I were sure tobee seized on by all the divels: I will not faile to accomplish yourdesire, you onely having the power to command me. But let me tell youMadame, it is a matter not so easie to be performed, as you perhaps mayrashly imagine, especially, when a Woman would repeale a man to loveher, or a man a woman: because, it is not to be done, but by the personwhom it properly concerneth. And therefore it behoveth, that such wouldhave this businesse effected, must be of a constant minde, without theleast scruple of feare: because it is to be accomplished in the darkenight season, in which difficulties I doe not know, how you are ableto warrant your selfe, or whether you have such courage of spirit, as(with boldnes) to adventure.
Madame _Helena_, more hot in pursuite of her amorous contentment, thenany way governed by temperate discretion, presently thus answered. Sir,Love hath set such a keene edge on my unconquerable affection, as thereis not any daunger so difficult, but I dare resolutely undertake it,for the recovery of him, who hath so shamefully refused my kindnesse:wherefore (if you please) shew mee, wherein I must be so constant anddreadlesse. The Scholler, who had (more then halfe) caught a rightNinny-hammer by the beake; thus replyed. Madame, of necessity I mustmake an image of Tin, in the name of him whom you desire to recall.Which when I have sent you, the Moone being then in her full, and yourselfe stript starke naked: immediately after your first sleepe, seaventimes you must bathe your selfe with it in a swift running River.Afterward, naked as you are, you must climbe up upon some tree, or elseupon an uninhabited house top, where standing dreadlesse of any perill,and turning your face to the North, with the Image in your hand, seaventimes you must speake such wordes, as I will deliver to you in writing.
After you have so often spoken them, two goodly Ladies (the veryfairest that ever you beheld) will appeare unto you, very graciouslysaluting you, and demanding what you would have them to performe fory
ou. Safely you may speake unto them, and orderly tel them what youdesire: but be very carefull, that you name not one man insted ofanother. When you have uttered your mind, they will depart from you,and then you may descend againe, to the place where you did leaveyour garments, which having putte on, then returne to your house. Andundoubtedly, before the midst of the next night following, your friendwill come in teares to you, and humbly crave your pardon on his knees;beeing never able afterward to be false to you, or leave your Love forany other whatsoever.
The Lady hearing these words, gave very setled beleefe to them,imagining unfainedly, that shee had (more then halfe) recovered herfriend already, and held him embraced betweene her armes: in whichjocond perswasion, the chearfull** blood mounted up into hir cheekes,and thus she replyed. Never make you any doubt Sir, but that I cansufficiently performe whatsoever you have said, and am provided ofthe onely place in the world, where such a weighty businesse is to beeffected. For I have a Farme or dairy house, neere adjoyning to thevale of _Arno_, & closely bordering upon the same River. It beeing nowthe moneth of July, the most convenientest time of all the yeare tobathe in; I can bee the easier induced thereunto.
Moreover, there is hard by the Rivers side a small Tower or Turretuninhabited; whereinto few people do sildome enter, but onely Heardsmenor Flocke-keepers, who ascend uppe (by the helpe of a wodden Ladder) toa Tarrasse on the top of the saide Tower, to looke all about for theirbeasts, when they are wandred astray: it standing in a solitary place,and out of the common way or resort. There dare I boldly adventureto mount up, and with the invincible courage of a wronged Lady (notfearing to looke death himself in the face) do al that you haveprescribed, yea, and much more, to recover my deare lost Lover againe,whom I value equal with my owne Life.
_Reniero_, who perfectly knew both the Dairy Farme, and the old smalTurret, not a little joyfull, to heare how forward shee was to shame herselfe, answered in this manner. Madame, I was never in those parts ofthe Country, albeit they are so neere to our City, & therefore I mustneeds be ignorant, not onely of your Farme, but the Turret also. Butif they stand in such convenient manner as you have described, all theworld could not yeelde the like elsewhere, so apt and sutable to yourpurpose: wherefore, with such expedition as possibly I can use, I willmake the Image, and send it you, as also the charme, verie fairelywritten. But let me entreate you, that when you have obtayned yourhearts desire, and are able to judge truely of my love and service: notto be unmindfull of me, but (at your best leysure) to performe whatyou have with such protestations promised; which shee gave him her handand faith to do, without any impeach or hindrance: and so parting, shereturned home to her house.
Our over-joyed Scholler, applauding his happy Starres, for furtheringhim with so faire a way to his revenge; immagining that it was alreadyhalfe executed, made the Image in due forme, & wrote an old Fable,in sted of a Charme; both which he sent to the Lady, so soone as hethought the time to be fitting: and this admonition withall, that theMoone being entering into the full, without any longer delay, shemight venter on the businesse the next night following, and remaineassured to repossesse her friend. Afterward for the better pleasingof himselfe, he went secretly attended, onely by his servant, to thehouse of a trusty frend of his, who dwelt somwhat neere to the Turret,there to expect the issue of this Lady-like enterprize. And Madam_Helena_ accompanied with none but _Ancilla_, walked on to her dairyFarme, where the night ensuing, pretending to take her rest soonerthen formerly she used to doe, she commanded _Ancilla_ to go to bed,referring her selfe to her best liking.
After she had slept her first sleepe (according to the Schollersdirection) departing softly out of her chamber, she went on towardsthe ancient Tower, standing hard by the river of _Arno_, looking everyway heedfully about hir, least she should be spied by any person. Butperceiving hir selfe to be so secure as she could desire; putting offall her garments, she hid them in a small brake of bushes: afterward,holding the Image in hir hand, seven times she bathd hir body in theriver, and then returned back with it to the Tower. The Scholler, whoat the nights closing up of day, had hid himselfe among the willowes& other trees, which grew very thick about the Tower, saw both hirgoing and returning from the River, and as she passed thus naked byhim, he plainly perceyved, that the nights obscurity could not cloudthe delicate whitenes of hir body, but made the Starres themselvesto gaze amorously on her, even as if they were proud to behold herbathing, and (like so many twinkling Tapers) shewed hir in emulation ofanother _Diana_. Now, what conflicts this sight caused in the mind ofour Scholler, one while, quenching his hatefull spleen towards hir, alcoveting to imbrace a piece of such perfection: another while, thinkingit a purchase fit for one of _Cupids_ soldiers, to seize and surprizehir uppon so faire an advantage, none being neere to yeild her rescue:in the fiery triall of such temptations, I am not able to judge, or tosay, what resistance flesh and blood could make, being opposed withsuch a sweet enemy.
But he well considering what she was, the greatnes of his injury, asalso how, and for whom: he forgot all wanton allurements of Love,scorning to entertaine a thought of compassion, continuing constantin his resolution, to let her suffer, as he himselfe had done. So,_Helena_ being mounted up on the Turret, and turning her face towardsthe North; she repeated those idle frivolous words (composed inthe nature of a charme) which shee had received from the Scholler.Afterward, by soft and stealing steps, hee went into the old Tower, andtooke away the Ladder, whereby she ascended to the Tarras, staying andlistening, how shee proceeded in her amorous exorcisme.
Seven times she rehearsed the charme to the Image, looking stillwhen the two Ladies would appeare in their likenesse, and so longshe held on her imprecations (feeling greater cold, then willinglieshe would have done) that breake of day began to shew it selfe, andhalfe despairing of the Ladies comming, according as the Scholler hadpromised, she said to her selfe: I much misdoubt, that _Reniero_ hathquitted me with such another peece of night-service, as it was my lucketo bestow on him: but if he have done it in that respect, hee was butill advised in his revenge, because the night wants now three partsof the length, as then it had: and the cold which he suffered, wasfar superior in quality to mine, albeit it is more sharp now in themorning, then all the time of night it hath bin.
And, because day-light should not discover her on the Tarrasse, shewent to make her descent downe againe: but finding the Ladder to betaken away, & thinking how her publike shame was now inevitable, herheart dismayed, and shee fell downe in a swoune on the Tarras: yetrecovering her senses afterward, her greefe and sorrow** exceeded allcapacity of utterance. For, now she became fully perswaded, that thisproceeded from the Schollers malice, repenting for her unkinde usagetowards him, but much more condemning her selfe, for reposing any trustin him, who stood bound (by good reason) to be her enemy.
Continuing long in this extreame affliction, and surveighing all likelymeanes about her, whereby she might descend from the Tarras, whereofshe was wholly disappointed: she began to sighe and weepe exceedingly,and in this heavy perplexity of spirit, thus shee complained to herselfe. Miserable and unfortunate _Helena_, what will be saide bythy Bretheren, Kindred, Neighbours, and generallie throughout all_Florence_, when they shall know, that thou wast founde heere on thisTurret, starke naked? Thine honourable carriage, and honesty of life,heeretofore free from a thought of suspition, shall now be branded withdetestation; and if thou wouldst cloud this mishappe of thine, by suchlies and excuses, as are not rare amongst women: yet _Reniero_ thatwicked Scholler, who knoweth all thy privy compacting, will stand as athousand witnesses against thee, and shame thee before the whole City,so both thine honor and loved friend are lost for ever.
Having thus consulted with her selfe, many desperate motions entred herminde, to throw her selfe headlong from off the Tarras; till betterthoughts wone possession of her soule. And the Sunne being risen, sheewent to every corner of the Tarras, to espye any Lad come abroad withhis beasts, by whom she might send for her waiting-woman. About thisinstant, the Scholler who
lay sleeping (all this while) under a bush,suddenly awaking; saw her looke over the wall, and she likewise espyedhim; whereupon hee said unto her. Good morrow Madame _Helena_, What?are the Ladies come yet or no? _Helena_ hearing his scorning question,and grieving that hee should so delude her; in teares and lamentations,she intreated him to come neere the Tower, because she desired tospeake with him. Which courtesie he did not deny her, and she lyinggroveling upon her brest on the Tarras, to hide her body that no partthereof might be seene, but her head; weeping, she spake thus to him.
_Reniero_, upon my credit, if I gave thee an ill nights rest, thou hastwell revenged that wrong on me; for, although wee are now in the monethof _July_, I have beene plagued with extremity of colde (in regard ofmy nakednesse) even almost frozen to death: beside my continuall tearesand lamenting, that folly perswaded me to beleeve thy protestations,wherein I account it well-neere miraculous, that mine eyes should becapable of any sight. And therefore I pray thee, not in respect of anylove which thou canst pretend to beare me; but for regard of thine owneselfe, being a Gentleman and a Scholler, that this punishment whichthou hast already inflicted upon me, may suffise for my former injuriestowards thee, and to hold thy selfe revenged fully, as also permitmy garments to be brought me, that I may descend from hence, withouttaking that from me, which afterward (although thou wouldst) thou canstnever restore me, I meane mine honour. And consider with thy selfe,that albeit thou didst not injoy my company that unhappy night, yetthou hast power to command me at any time whensoever, with making manydiversities of amends, for one nights offence only committed. Contentthy selfe then good _Reniero_, and as thou art an honest Gentleman, saythou art sufficiently revenged on me, in making me dearely confessemine owne errour. Never exercise thy malice upon a poore weake woman,for the Eagle disdaineth to pray on the yeelding Dove: and therefore inmeere pitty, and for manhoods sake, be my release from open shame andreproch.
The Scholler, whose envious spleene was swolne very great, inremembring such a malicious cruelty exercised on him, beholding herto weepe and make such lamentations; found a fierce conflict in histhoughts, betweene content and pitty. It did not a little joy andcontent him, that the revenge which hee so earnestly desired tocompasse, was now by him so effectually inflicted. And yet (in meerehumanity) pitty provoked him to commisserate the Ladies distressedcondition: but clemency being over-weake to withstand his rigor, thushe replied. Madame _Helena_, if my entreaties (which, to speake truly,I never knew how to steepe in tears, nor wrap up my words in sugarCandie, so cuningly as you women know how to do) could have prevailed,that miserable night, when I was well-neere frozen to death with cold,and meerly buried with snow in your Court, not having anie place ofrescue or shelter; your complaints would now the more easily over-ruleme. But if your honor in estimation, bee now more precious to you thenheretofore, and it seemeth so offensive to stand there naked: convertyour perswasions & prayers to him, in whose armes you were that nightimbraced, both of your triumphing in my misery, when poor I, trottedabout your Court, with the teeth quivering in my head, and beating minearmes about my body, finding no compassion in him, or you. Let himbring thee thy Garments, let him come helpe thee down with the Ladder,and let him have the care of thine honour, on whom thou hast bene soprodigall heretofore in bestowing it, and now hast unwomanly thrownethy selfe in perill, onely for the maintenance of thine immodestdesires.
Why dost thou not call on him to come helpe thee? To whom doeth it morebelong, then to him? For thou art his, and he thine, why then shold anyother but he help thee in this distresse? Call him (foole as thou art)and try, if the love he beareth thee, and thy best understanding joynedwith his, can deliver thee out of my sottish detaining thee. I havenot forgot, that when you both made a pastime of my misery, thou didstdemand of him, which seemed greatest in his opinion, either my sottishsimplicity, or the love thou barest him. I am not now so liberall orcourteous, to desire that of thee, which thou wouldst not grant, if Idid request it: No, no, reserve those night favours for thy amorousfriend, if thou dost escape hence alive to see him againe. As for myselfe, I leave thee freely to his use and service: because I havesufficiently payde for a womans falshood, & wise men take such warning,that they scorne to bee twice deceived, & by one woman. Proceed onstill in thy flattering perswasions, terming me to be a Gentleman anda Scholler, thereby to win such favor from me, that I should thinkthy villany toward me, to be already sufficiently punished. No,trecherous _Helena_, thy blandishments cannot now hoodwink the eies ofmy understanding, as when thou didst out-reach me with thy disloyallpromises and protestations. And let me now tell thee plainely, that allthe while I continued in the Universitie of _Paris_, I never attainedunto so perfect an understanding of my selfe, as in that one miserablenight thou diddest enstruct mee. But admit, that I were enclined unto amercifull and compassionate minde, yet thou art none of them, on whomemilde and gracious mercy should any way declare her effects. For, theend of pennance among savage beasts, such as thou art, and likewiseof due vengeance, ought to be death: whereas among men, it shouldsuffice according to thine owne saying. Wherefore, in regard that I amneither an Eagle, nor thou a Dove, but rather a most venomous Serpent:I purpose with my utmost hatred, and as an ancient enemy to all such asthou art, to make my revenge famous on thee.
I am not ignorant, that whatsoever I have already done unto thee,cannot properly be termed revenge, but rather chastisement; becauserevenge ought alwayes to exceede the offence, which (as yet) I am farreenough from. For, if I did intend to revenge my wrongs, and remembredthy monstrous cruelty to me: thy life, if I tooke it from thee, and anhundred more such as thy selfe, were farre insufficient, because inkilling thee, I should kill but a vile inhumane beast, yea, one thatdeserved not the name of a Woman. And, to speake truely, Art thou anymore, or better (setting aside thy borrowed haire, and painted beauty,which in few yeares will leave thee wrinkled and deformed) then thebasest beggarly Chamber-stuffe that can bee? Yet thou soughtest thedeath of a Gentleman and Scholler as (in scorne) not long since, thoudidst terme me: whose life may hereafter be more beneficiall untothe world, then millions of such as thou art, to live in the likemultiplicity of ages. Therefore, if this anguish be sensible to thee,learne what it is to mocke men of apprehension, and (amongst themespecially) such as are Schollers: to prevent thy falling hereafterinto the like extremity, if it be thy good lucke to escape out of this.
It appeareth to me, that thou art verie desirous to come downe hitheron the ground; the best counsell that I can give thee, is to leapedowne headlong, that by breaking thy necke (if thy fortune be so faire)thy life and lothsome qualities ending together, I may sit and smileat thy deserved destruction. I have no other comfort to give thee, butonly to boast my happinesse, in teaching thee the way to ascend thatTower, and in thy descending downe (even by what means thy wit can bestdevise) make a mockery of me, and say thou hast learned more, then allmy Schollership could instruct thee.
All the while as _Reniero_ uttered these speeches, the miserableLady sighed and wept very grievously, the time running on, and theSunne amending higher and higher; but when she heard him silent, thusshe answered. Unkinde and cruell man, if that wretched night was sogreevous to thee, and mine offence appeared so great, as neither myyouth, beautie, teares, and humble intercessions, are able to deriveany mercy from thee; yet let the last consideration moove thee tosome remorse: namely, that I reposed new confidence in thee (whenI had little or no reason at all to trust thee) and discovered theintegritie of my soule unto thee, whereby thou didst compasse themeanes, to punish me thus deservedly for my sinne. For, if I had notreposed confidence in thee, thou couldst not (in this manner) havewrought revenge on me, which although thou didst earnestly covet, yetmy rash credulitie was thy onely helpe. Asswage then thine anger, andgraciously pardon me, wherein if thou wilt be so mercifull to me, andfree me from this fatall Tower: I do heere faithfully promise thee, toforsake my most false and disloyall friend, electing thee as my Lordand constant Love for ever.
Moreover, although tho
u condemnest my beauty greatly, esteeming itas a trifle, momentary, and of slender continuance; yet, such as itis (being comparable with any other womans whatsoever) I am not soignorant, that were there no other reason to induce liking thereof:yet men in the vigour of their youth (as I am sure you think yourselfenot aged) do hold it for an especiall delight, ordained by naturefor them to admire and honour. And notwithstanding all thy crueltyextended to mee, yet I cannot be perswaded, that thou art so flintyor Iron-hearted, as to desire my miserable death, by casting my selfeheadlong downe (like a desperate madde woman) before thy face so todestroy that beauty, which (if thy Letters lyed not) was once so highlypleasing in thine eyes. Take pitty then on mee for charities sake,because the Sunne beginneth to heate extreamely: and as over-much colde(that unhappy night) was mine offence, so let not over-violent warmthbe now my utter ruine and death.
The Scholler, who (onely to delight himselfe) maintained this longdiscoursing with her, returned her this answere. Madame, you did notrepose such confidence in me, for any good will or affection in youtowards me, but in hope of recovering him whom you had lost; whereinyou merit not a jot of favour, but rather the more sharpe and severeinfliction. And whereas you inferre, that your over-rash credulity,gave the onely meanes to my revenge: Alas! therein you deceive yourselfe; for I have a thousand crochets working continually in my brain,whereby to entrap a wiser creature then a woman, yet veiled all underthe cunning cloake of love, but sauced with the bitter Wormewood ofhate. So that, had not this hapned as now it doth, of necessity youmust have falne into another: but, as it hath pleased my happy stars tofavour mee therein, none could proove more to your eternall scandalland disgrace, then this of your owne devising, which I made choise of,not in regard of any ease to you, but onely to content my selfe.
But if all other devises els had failed, my pen was and is myprevayling Champion, where-with I would have written such and so manystrange matters, concerning you in your very dearest reputation; thatyou should have curst the houre of your conception, & wisht your birthhad bin abortive. The powers of the pen are too many & mighty, whereofsuch weake wits as have made no experience, are the lesse able touse any relation. I sweare to you Lady, by my best hopes, that thisrevenge which (perhappes) you esteeme great and dishonourable, is noway compareable to the wounding Lines of a Penne, which can carracterdowne so infinite infamies (yet none but guilty and true taxations)as will make your owne hands immediate instruments, to teare the eyesfrom forth your head, and so bequeath your after dayes unto perpetualldarkenesse.
Now, concerning your lost lover, for whose sake you suffer thisunexpected pennance; although your choise hath proved but bad, yetstill continue your affection to him: in regard that I have anotherLadie and Mistresse, of higher and greater desert then you, and towhome I will continue for ever constant. And whereas you thinke, thewarme beames of the Sunne, will be too hot and scorching for your nicebodie to endure: remember the extreame cold which you caused mee tofeele, and if you can intermixe some part of that cold with the presentheat, I dare assure you, the Sun (in his highest heate) will be farmore temperate for your feeling.
The disconsolate Lady perceiving, that the Schollers wordes favoured ofno mercy, but rather as coveting her desperate ending; with the tearesstreaming downe her cheekes, thus she replied. Wel Sir, seeing thereis no matter of worth in me, whereby to derive any compassion fromyou: yet for that Ladies sake, whom you have elected worthy to enjoyyour love, and so farre excelleth mee in Wisedome; vouchsafe to pardonmee, and suffer my garments to be brought me, wherewith to cover mynakednesse, and so to descend downe from this Tower, if it may standwith your gentle Nature to admit it.
Now beganne _Reniero_ to laughe very heartily, and perceiving howswiftly the day ran on in his course, he saide unto her. Beleeve meMadame _Helena_, you have so conjured me by mine endeered Ladie andMistresse, that I am no longer able to deny you; wherefore, tell mewhere your garments are, and I will bring them to you, that you maycome downe from the Turret. She beleeving his promise, tolde him whereshe had hid them, and _Reniero_ departing from the Tower, commanded hisservant, not to stirre thence: but to abide still so neere it, as nonemight get entrance there till his returning. Which charge was no soonergiven to his man, but hee went to the house of a neere neighbouringfriend, where he dined well, and afterward laid him downe to sleepe.
In the meane while, Madame _Helena_ remaining still on the Tower,began to comfort her selfe with a little vaine hope, yet sighing andweeping incessantly, seating her selfe so well as shee could, whereany small shelter might yeelde the least shade, in expectation of theSchollers returning: one while weeping, then againe hoping, but mostof all despairing, by his so long tarrying away with her Garments; sothat beeing over-wearied with anguish and long watching, she fell intoa little slumbering. But the Sunne was so extreamly hot, the houre ofnoone being already past, that it meerly parched her delicate body,and burnt her bare head so violently: as not onely it seared all theflesh it touched; but also cleft & chinkt it strangely, beside blistersand other painfull scorchings in the flesh which hindred her sleeping,to help her self (by all possible means) waking. And the Turret beingcovered with Lead, gave the greater addition to her torment; for, asshe removed from one place to another, it yeelded no mitigation to theburning heate, but parched and wrinkled the flesh extraordinarily, evenas when a piece of parchment is throwne into the fire, and recoveredout againe, can never be extended to his former forme.
Moreover, she was so grievously payned with the head-ake, as it seemedto split in a thousand pieces, whereat there needed no great marvaile,the Lead of the Turret being so exceedingly hot, that it affoorded notthe least defence against it, or any repose to qualifie the torment:but drove her still from one place to another, in hope of ease, butnone was there to be found.
Nor was there any winde at all stirring, whereby to asswage the Sunnesviolent scalding, or keepe away huge swarmes of Waspes, Hornets, andterrible byting Flyes, which vexed her extreamely, feeding on thoseparts of her body, that were rifte and chinkt, like crannies in amortered wall, and pained her like so many points of pricking Needles,labouring still with her hands to beate them away, but yet they fastnedon one place or other, and afflicted her in grievous manner, causingher to curse her owne life, hir amorous friend, but (most of all) theScholler, that promised to bring her Garments, and as yet returned not.Now began she to gaze upon every side about her, to espy some labouringHusbandmen in the fields, to whom she might call or cry out for helpe,not fearing to discover her desperate condition: but Fortune thereinalso was adverse to her, because the heats extreamity, had driven allthe village out of the fields, causing them to feede their Cattle abouttheyr owne houses, or in remote and shadie Valleyes: so that sheecould see no other creatures to comfort her, but Swannes swimming inthe River of _Arno_, and wishing her selfe there a thousand times withthem, for to coole the extreamity of her thirst, which so much the moreencreased, onely by the sight thereof, and utterly disabled of havingany.
She saw beside in many places about her, goodly Woods, fayre cooleshades, and Country houses here and there dispersed; which added thegreater violence to hir affliction, that her desires (in all these)could no way be accomplished. What shall I say more concerning thisdisastrous Lady? The parching beames of the Sunne above her, thescalding heat of the Lead beneath her, the Hornets and Flyes everieway stinging her, had made such an alteration of her beautifull bodie:that, as it checkt and controlled the precedent nights darkenesse, itwas now so metamorphosed with rednesse, yea, and blood issuing forthin infinite places, as she seemed (almost) loathsome to looke on,continuing still in this agonie of torment, quite voyde of all hope,and rather expecting death, then any other comfort.
_Reniero_, when some three houres of the afternoone were overpast,awaked from sleeping: and remembring Madame _Helena_, he went to seein what estate she was; as also to send his servant unto dinner,because he had fasted all that day. She perceyving his arrivall, beingaltogether weake, faint, and wonderously over-wearied, she crept
onher knees to a corner of the Turret, and calling to him, spake in thismanner. _Reniero_, thy revenge exceedeth al manhoode and respect: For,if thou wast almost frozen in my Court, thou hast roasted me all daylong on this Tower, yea, meerly broyled my poore naked bodie, besidestarving mee thorough want of Food and drinke. Be now then so mercifull(for manhoods sake) as to come uppe hither, and inflict that on me,which mine owne hands are not strong enough to do, I meane the endingof my loathed and wearisome life, for I desire it beyond all comfortelse, and I shall honour thee in the performance of it. If thou deny methis gracious favour; at least send me uppe a glasse of Water, onely tomoisten my mouth, which my teares (being all meerly dried up) are notable to doe, so extreame is the violence of the Sunnes burning heate.
Well perceived the Scholler, by the weaknesse of her voyce, andscorching of her body by the Suns parching beames, that shee wasbrought now to great extremity: which sight, as also her humbleintercession, began to touch him with some compassion, nevertheles,thus he replied. Wicked woman, my hands shall be no means of thy death,but make use of thine owne, if thou be so desirous to have it: and asmuch water shalt thou get of me to asswage thy thirst, as thou gavestme fire to comfort my freezing, when thou wast in the luxurious heat ofthy immodest desires, and I wel-neere frozen to death with extremity ofcold. Pray that the Evening may raine downe Rose-water on thee, becausethat in the River of _Arno_ is not good enough for thee: for as littlepitty doe I take on thee now, as thou didst extend compassion to methen.
Miserable Woman that I am, answered _Helena_; Why did the heavensbestow beautie on mee, which others have admired and honoured, and yet(by thee) is utterly despised? More cruell art thou then any savageBeast; thus to vexe and torment mee in such mercilesse manner. Whatgreater extreamity couldst thou inflict on me, if I had bin thedestruction of all thy Kindred, and lefte no one man living of thyrace? I am verily perswaded, that more cruelty cannot be used againsta Traitor, who was the subversion of a whole Cittie, then this tyrannyof thine, roasting me thus in the beames of the Sun, and suffering mybody to be devoured with Flies, without so small a mercie; as to givemee a little coole water, which murtherers are permitted to have, beingcondemned by Justice, and led to execution: yea Wine also, if theyrequest it.
But, seeing thou art so constant in thy pernitious resolve, as neitherthine owne good Nature, nor this lamentable sufferance in me, are ableto alter thee: I will prepare my self for death patiently, to theend, that Heaven may be mercifull to my soul, and reward thee justly,according to thy cruelty. Which words being ended, she withdrew herselfe towards the middest of the Tarras, despairing of escaping (withlife) from the heates violence; and not once onely, but infinite timesbeside (among her other grievous extreamities) she was ready to dyewith drought, bemoaning incessantly her dolorous condition.
By this time the day was well neere spent, and night beganne tohasten on apace: when the Scholler (immagining that he afflicted hersufficiently) tooke her Garments, and wrapping them up in his mansCloake, went thence to the Ladies house, where he found _Ancilla_ theWaiting-woman sitting at the doore, sad and disconsolate for her Ladieslong absence, to whom thus he spake. How now _Ancilla_? Where is thyLady and Mistris? Alas Sir (quoth she) I know not. I thought thismorning to have found her in her bed, as usually I was wont to do, andwhere I left her yesternight at our parting: but there she was not, norin any place else of my knowledge, neyther can I imagine what is becomeof her, which is to me no meane discomfort.
But can you (Sir) say any thing of her? _Ancilla_, said he, I wouldthou hadst bin in her company, and at the same place where now she is,that some punishment for thy fault might have falne uppon thee, asalready it hath done on her. But beleeve it assuredly, that thou shaltnot freely escape from my fingers, till I have justly paide thee forthy paines, to teach thee to abuse any Gentleman, as thou didst me.
Having thus spoken, hee called to his servant, saying. Give her theGarments, and bid her go looke her Lady, if she will. The Servingmanfulfilled his Masters command, and _Ancilla_ having receyved her Ladiescloaths, knowing them perfectly, and remembring (withall) what hadbin said: she waxed very doubtfull, least they had slaine her, hardlyrefraining from exclaiming on them, but that greefe and heavie weepingovercame her; so that uppon the Schollers departing, she ranne in allhast with the garments towardes the Tower.
Upon this fatall and unfortunate day to Madame _Helena_, it chanced,that a Clowne or Countrey Peazant belonging to her Farme or Dairyhouse, having two of his young Heyfers wandred astray, and helabouring in diligent search to finde them: within a while after theSchollers departure, came to seeke them in Woods about the Tower, and,notwithstanding all his crying and calling for his beasts, yet heheard the Ladies greevous moanes and lamentations. Wherefore, he cryedout so lowd as he could, saying: Who is it that mourneth so aloft onthe Tower? Full well she knew the voyce of her peazant, and thereforecalled unto him, and sayd in this manner.
Go (quoth she) I pray thee for my Waiting-woman _Ancilla_, and bid hermake some meanes to come up hither to me. The Clowne knowing his Lady,sayde. How now Madame? Who hath carried you up there so high? YourWoman _Ancilla_ hath sought for you all this day, yet no one could everhave immagined you to bee there. So looking about him, he espyed thetwo sides of the Ladder, which the Scholler had pulled in sunder; asalso the steppes, which he had scattered thereabout; placing them indue order againe as they should bee, and binding them fast with Withiesand Willowes.
By this time _Ancilla_ was come thither, who so soone as shee wasentred into the Tower, could not refrain from teares & complaints,beating her hands each against other, and crying out. Madam, Madam, mydeare Lady and Mistresse! Alas, Where are you? So soone as she heardthe tongue of _Ancilla_, she replyed (so well as she could) saying: Ahmy sweet Woman, I am heere aloft uppon the Tarras; weepe not, neythermake any noyse, but quickely bring me some of my Garments. When sheeheard her answer in such comfortable manner, she mounted up the Ladder,which the peazant had made very firme and strong, holding it fastfor her safer ascending; by which meanes she went upon the Tarras.Beholding her Ladie in so strange a condition, resembling no humanebody, but rather the trunke of a Tree halfe burned, lying flat on herface, naked, scorched and strangely deformed: shee beganne to teare thelockes of her owne hayre, raving and raging in as pittifull manner,as if her Ladie had beene quite dead. Which storming tempest, Madame_Helena_ soone pacified, entreating her to use silence, and helpe toput on her garments.
Having understood by her, that no one knew of her being there, but suchas brought her cloathes, and the poore peazant, attending there stillto do her any service: shee became the better comforted, entreatingthem by all meanes, that it might bee concealed from any furtherdiscovery, which was on eyther side, most faithfullie protested.
The poore Clowne holpe to beare downe his Lady uppon his backe, becausethe Ladder stood not conveniently enough for her descending, neitherwere her limbes plyable for her owne use, by reason of their rifts andsmarting. _Ancilla_ following after, and being more respective of herLady, then her owne security in descending; missing the step in themidst of the Ladder, fell downe to the ground, and quite brake herlegge in the fall, the paine whereof was so greevous to her, that shecried and roared extraordinarily, even like a Lyon in the desert.
When the Clowne had set his Lady safe on a faire green banke, hereturned to see what the waiting woman ayled, and finding her leg tobe quite broken: he caried her also to the same banke, & there seatedher by her Lady: who perceiving what a mischance had hapned, and she,from whom she expected her onely best helpe, to bee now in far greaternecessity her selfe: shee lamented exceedingly, complaining on Fortunescruel malice toward her, in thus heaping one misery upon another, andnever ceasing to torment her, especially now in the conclusion of all,and when shee thought all future perils to be past.
Now was the Sun upon his setting, when the poore honest country-man,because darke night should not overtake them, conducted the Lady hometo his owne house: and gaining the assistance of his two brethren
andwife, setting the waiting-woman in a Chaire, thither they broughther in like manner. And questionles, there wanted no diligence andcomfortable language, to pacifie the Ladyes continuall lamentations.The good wife, led the Lady into hir own poore lodging, where (suchcates as they had to feede on) lovingly she set before her: conveyingher afterward into her owne bed, and taking such good order, that_Ancilla_ was carried in the night time to _Florence_, to prevent allfurther ensuing danger, by reason of her legs breaking.
Madame _Helena_, to colour this misfortune of her owne: as also thegreat mishap of her woman: forged an artificiall and cunning tale, togive some formall apparance of hir being in the Tower, perswading thepoore simple Country people, that in a straunge accident of thunder andlightning, and by the illusions of wicked spirits, all this adventurehapned to her. Then Physitians were sent for; who, not without muchanguish and affliction to the Ladie (by reason of her fleshes flayingoff, with the Medicines and Emplaysters applyed to the body) was gladto suffer whatsoever they did, beside falling into a very dangerousFeaver; out of which she was not recovered in a long while after, butcontinued in daily dispayre of her life; beside other accidents hapningin her time of Physicke, utterly unavoydable in such extreamities: andhardly had _Ancilla_ her legge cured.
By this unexpected pennance imposed on Madame _Helena_, she utterlyforgot her amorous friend, and (from thence forward) carefully kepther selfe from fond loves allurements, and such scornfull behaviour,wherein she was most disorderly faulty. And _Reniero_ the Scholler,understanding that _Ancilla_ had broken her leg, which he reputed as apunishment sufficient for her, held himselfe satisfyed, because neitherthe Mistresse nor her Maide, could now make any great boast, of hisnights hard entertainment, and so concealed all matters else.
Thus a wanton-headed Lady, could finde no other subject to worke hermocking folly on, but a learned Scholler, of whom shee made no morerespect, then any other ordinary man. Never remembring, that such menare expert (I cannot say all, but the greater part of them) to helpethe frenzie of foolish Ladies, that must injoy their loose desires, byNegromancy, and the Divelles meanes. Let it therefore (faire Ladies)be my loving admonition to you, to detest all unwomanly mocking andscorning, but more especiallie to Schollers.