_A Florentine knight, named Signior_ Rogiero de Figiovanni, _becamea servant to_ Alphonso, _King of_ Spaine, _who (in his owne opinion)seemed but sleightly to respect and reward him. In regard whereof, by anotable experiment, the King gave him a manifest testimony, that it wasnot through any defect in him, but onely occasioned by the Knights illfortune; most bountifully recompensing him afterward._
The First Novell.
_Wherein may evidently be discerned, that Servants to Princes and greatLords, are many times recompenced, rather by their good fortune, thenin any regard of their dutifull services._
I doe accept it (Worthy Ladies) as no mean favour, that the King hathgiven me the first place, to speake of such an honourable Argument, asBounty and Magnificence is, which precious Jewell, even as the Sunne isthe beauty, or ornament and bright glory of al heaven; so is bounty andmagnificence the Crowne of all vertues. I shall then recount to you ashort Novell, sufficiently pleasing, in mine owne opinion, and I hope(so much I dare rely on your judgements) both profitable, and worthy tobe remembred.
You are to know then, that among other valiant Knights, which of longhave lived in our City, one of them, and (perhappes) of as greatmerit as any, was one, named Signior _Rogiero d'Figiovanni_. He beingrich, of great courage, and perceiving, that (in due consideration)the quality belonging to life, and the customes observed among our_Tuscanes_, were not answerable to his expectation, nor agreed with thedisposition of his valour; determined to leave his native Countrey,and belong in service (for some time) to _Alfonso_, King of _Spaine_,whose fame was generally noised in all places, for excelling allother Princes in those times, for respect of mens well deservings,and bountifull requitall of their paines. Being provided in honorableorder, both of Horses, Armes, & a competent train, he travelled to_Spaine_, where he was worthily entertained.
Signior _Rogiero_ continuing there, living in honorable manner, andperforming many admirable actions of arms; in short time he madehimselfe sufficiently knowne, for a very valiant and famous man. Andhaving remained there an indifferent long while, observing diversbehaviours in the king: he saw, how he enclined himselfe first to oneman, then to another, bestowing on one a Castle, a Towne on another,and Baronnies on divers, some-what indiscreetly, as giving awaybountifully to men of no merit. And restraining all his favors fromhim, as seeming close fisted, and parting with nothing: he took it asa diminishing of his former reputation, and a great empayring of hisfame, wherefore he resolved on his departure thence, & made his suit tothe king that he might obtaine it. The king did grant it, bestowing onhim one of the very best Mules, and the goodliest that ever was backt,a gift most highly pleasing to _Rogiero_, in regarde of the long journyhe intended to ride. Which being deliverd, the king gave charge to oneof his Gentlemen, to compasse such convenient meanes, as to ride thorowthe country, and in the company of Signior _Rogiero_, yet in suchmanner, as he should not perceive, that the King had purposely sent himso to do. Respectively he should observe whatsoever he said concerningthe king, his gesture, smiles, and other behavior, shaping his answersaccordingly, and on the nexte morning to command his returne backe withhim to the King.
Nor was the Gentleman slacke in this command, but noting _Rogieroes_departing forth of the city, he mounted on horseback likewise, andimmediatly after came into his company, making him beleeve, that hejournied towards _Italy. Rogiero_ rode on the Mule which the king hadgiven him, with diversity of speeches passing between them. About threeof the clocke in the afternoone, the Gentleman said. It were notamisse Sir, (having such fit opportunitie) to Stable our horses for awhile, till the heate be a little more overpast. So taking an Inne, andthe horses being in the stable, they all staled except the Mule.
Being mounted againe, and riding on further, the Gentleman duelyobserved whatsoever _Rogiero_ spake, and comming to the passage of asmall River or Brooke: the rest of the beasts dranke, and not the Mule,but staled in the River: which Signior _Rogiero_ seeing, clapping hishands on the Mules mane, hee said. What a wicked beast art thou? thouart just like thy Master that gave thee to mee. The Gentleman committedthe words to memory, as he did many other passing from _Rogiero_,riding along the rest of the day, yet none in disparagement of theKing, but rather highly in his commendation. And being the next morningmounted on horseback, seeming to hold on still the way for _Tuscane_:the Gentleman fulfilled the Kings command, causing Signior _Rogiero_ toturne back againe with him, which willingly he yeelded to doe.
When they were come to the Court, and the King made acquainted withthe words, which _Rogiero_ spake to his Mule; he was called into thepresence, where the King shewed him a gracious countenance, & demandedof him, why he had compared him to his Mule? Signior _Rogiero_ nothingdaunted, but with a bold and constant spirit, thus answered. Sir, Imade the comparison, because, like as you give, where there is noconveniency, and bestow nothing where reason requireth: even so, theMule would not stale where she should have done, but where was watertoo much before, there she did it. Beleeve me Signior _Rogiero_,replyed the King, if I have not given you such gifts, as (perhaps) Ihave done to divers other, farre inferiour to you in honour and merit;this happened not thorough any ignorance in me, as not knowing you tobe a most valiant Knight, and well-worthy of speciall respect: butrather through your owne ill fortune, which would not suffer me todoe it, whereof she is guilty, and not I, as the truth thereof shallmake it selfe apparent to you. Sir, answered _Rogiero_, I complainenot, because I have received no gift from you, as desiring therebycovetously to become the richer: but in regard you have not as yet anyway acknowledged, what vertue is remaining in me. Neverthelesse, Iallow your excuse for good and reasonable, and am heartely contented,to behold whatsoever you please; although I doe confidently credit you,without any other testimony.
The King conducted him then into the great Hall, where (as hee hadbefore given order) stood two great Chests, fast lockt; & in thepresence of all his Lords, the King thus spake. Signior _Rogiero_,in out of these Chests is mine imperiall Crowne, the Scepter Royall,the Mound, & many more of my richest girdles, rings, plate, & Jewels,even the very best that are mine: the other is full of earth onely.Chuse one of these two, and which thou makest election of; upon myRoyall word thou shalt enjoy it. Hereby shalt thou evidently perceive,who hath bin ingreatful to the deservings, either I, or thine ownebad fortune. _Rogiero_ seeing it was the kings pleasure to have itso; chose one of them, which the King caused presently to be opened,it approving to be the same that was full of earth, whereat the Kingsmyling, said thus unto him.
You see Signior _Rogiero_, that what I said concerning your illfortune, is very true: but questionlesse, your valour is of suchdesert, as I ought to oppose my selfe against all her malevolence. Andbecause I know right, that you are not minded to become a Spaniard;I will give you neither Castle nor dwelling place: but I will bestowthe Chest on you (in meer despight of your malicious fortune) whichshe so unjustly tooke away from you. Carry it home with you into yourCountrey, that there it may make an apparant testimoney, in the sightof all your well-willers, both of your owne vertuous deservings, and mybounty. Signior _Rogiero_ humbly receiving the Chest, and thanking hisMajestie for so liberall a gift, returned home joyfully therewith, intohis native Countrey of _Tuscane_.