THE FIRST NOVELL

 

   WHEREIN IS DECLARED THE POWER OF LOVE, AND THEIR CRUILTY JUSTLY

           REPREHENDED, WHO IMAGE TO MAKE THE VIGOUR THEREOF

             CEASE, BY ABUSING OR KILLING ONE OF THE LOVERS

 

  Tancrede, Prince of Salerne, caused the amorous friend of his

daughter to bee slaine, and sent her his heart in a cup of Gold: which

afterwards she steeped in an impoysoned water, and then drinking it,

so dyed.

 

  Our King (most Noble and vertuous Ladies) hath this day given us a

subject, very rough and stearne to discourse on, and so much the

rather, if we consider, that we are come hither to be merry and

pleasant, where sad Tragicall reports are no way suteable, especially,

by reviving the teares of others, to bedew our owne cheekes withall.

Nor can any such argument be spoken of, without moving compassion both

in the reporters, and hearers. But (perhaps) it was his Highnesse

pleasure, to moderate the delights which we have already had. Or

whatsoever else hath provoked him thereto, seeing it is not lawfull

for me, to alter or contradict his appointment; I will recount an

accident very pittifull, or rather most unfortinate, and well worthy

to be graced with bur teares.

  Tancrede, Prince of Salerne (which City, before the Consulles of

Rome held dominion in that part of Italy, stoode free, and thence

(perchance) tooke the moderne title of a Principality was a very

humane Lord, and of ingenious nature; if, in his elder yeeres, he

had not soiled his hands in the blood of Lovers, especially one of

them, being both neere and deere unto him. So it fortuned, that during

the whole life time of this Prince, he had but one onely daughter

(albeit it had beene much better, if he had had at all) whom he so

choisely loved and esteemed, as never was any childe more deerely

affected of a Father: and so farre extended his over-curious respect

of her, as he would seldome admit her to be forth of his sight;

neither would he suffer her to marry, although she had outstept (by

divers yeeres) the age meete for marriage.

  Neverthelesse, at length, he matched her with the Sonne to the

Duke of Capua, who lived no long while with her; but left her in a

widdowed estate, and then she returned home to her father againe.

  This Lady, had all the most absolute perfections, both of favour and

feature, as could be wished in any woman, young, queintly disposed,

and of admirable understanding, more (perhappes) then was requisite in

so weake a body. Continuing thus in Court with the King her Father,

who loved her beyond all his future hopes; like a Lady of great and

glorious magnificence, she lived in all delights and pleasure. She

well perceiving, that her Father thus exceeding in his affection to

her, had no minde at all of re-marrying her, and holding it most

immodest in her, to solicite him with any such suite: concluded in her

mindes private consultations, to make choise of some one especiall

friend or favourite (if Fortune would prove so furtherous to her) whom

she might acquaint secretly, with her sober, honest, and familiar

purposes. Her Fathers Court being much frequented, with plentifull

accesse of brave Gentlemen, and others of inferiour quality, as

commonly the Courts of

Kings and Princes are, whose carriage and demeanor she very

heedfully observed. There was a young Gentleman among all the rest,

a servant to her Father, and named Cuiscardo, a man not derived from

any great descent by blood, yet much more Noble by vertue and

commandable behaviour, then appeared in any of the other, none pleased

her opinion, like as he did; so that by often noting his parts and

perfections, her affections being but a glowing sparke at first,

grew like a Bavin to take Rame, yet kept so closely as possibly she

could; as Ladies are warie enough in their love.

  The young Gentleman, though poore, being neither blocke nor dullard,

perceived what he made no outward shew of, and understood himselfe

so sufficiently, that holding it no meane happinesse to be affected by

her, he thought it very base and cowardly in him, if he should not

expresse the like to her againe. So loving mutually (yet secretly)

in this maner, and she coveting nothing more, then to have private

conference with him, yet not daring to trust any one with so important

a matter; at length she devised a new cunning stratageme, to

compasse her longing desire, and acquaint him with her private

purpose, which proved to be in this manner. She wrote a Letter,

concerning what was the next day to be done, for their secret

meeting together; and conveying it within the joynt of an hollow Cane,

in jesting manner threw it to Guiscardo, saying; Let your man make use

of this, insteed of a paire of bellowes, when he meaneth to make

fire in your Chamber. Guiscardo taking up the Cane, and considering

with himselfe, that neither was it given, or the wordes thus spoken,

but doubtlesse on some important occasion: went unto his lodging

with the Cane, where viewing it respectively, he found it to be cleft,

and opening it with his knife, found there the written Letter

enclosed.

  After he had reade it, and well considered on the service therein

concerned; he was the most joyfull man of the world, and began to

contrive his aptest meanes, for meeting with his gracious Mistresse,

and according as she had given him direction. In a corner of the Kings

Palace, it being seated on a rising hill, a cave had long beene made

in the body of the same hill, which received no light into it, but

by a small spiracle or vent-loope, made out ingeniously on the hils

side. And because it had not beene a long time frequented, by the

accesse of any body, that vent-light was over-growne with briars and

bushes, which almost engirt it round about. No one could descend

into this cave or vault, but only by a secret paire of staires,

answering to a lower Chamber of the Palace, and very neere to the

Princesse lodging, as being altogether at her command, by meanes of

a strong barred and defensible doore, whereby to mount or descend at

her pleasure. And both the cave it selfe, as also the degrees

conducting downe into it, were now so quite worne out of memory (in

regard it had not beene visited by any one in long time before) as

no man remembred that there was any such thing.

  But Love, from whose bright discerning eies, nothing can be so

closely concealed, but at the length it commeth to light, had made

this amorous Lady mindefull thereof, and because she would not be

discovered in her intention, many dayes together, her soule became

perplexed; by what meanes that strong doore might best be opened,

before she could compasse to performe it. But after that she had found

out the way, and gone downe her selfe alone into the cave; observing

the loope-light and had made it commodious for her purpose, she gave

knowledge thereof to Guiscardo, to have him devise an apt course for

his descent, acquainting him truly with the height, and how farre it

was distant from the ground within. After he had found the

souspirall in the hils side, and given it a larger entrance for his

safer passage; he provided a Ladder of cords, with steppes

sufficient for his descending and ascending, as also a wearing sute

made of leather, to keepe his skinne unscrached of the thornes, and to

avoyde all suspition of his resorting thither. In this manner went

he to the saide loope-hole the night following, and having fastened

the one end of his corded ladder, to the strong stumpe of a tree being

by it; by meanes of the saide ladder, descended downe into the cave,

and there attended the comming of his Lady.

  She, on the morrow morning, pretending to her waiting woman, that

she was scarsly well, and therefore would not be diseased the most

part of that day; commanded them to leave her alone in her Chamber,

and not to returne untill she called for them, locking the doore her

selfe for better security. Then opened she the doore of the cave,

and going downe the staires, found there her amorous friend Guiscardo,

whom she saluting with a chaste and modest kisse; causing him to

ascend up the stayres with her into her Chamber. This long desired,

and now obtained meeting, caused the two deerely affected Lovers, in

kinde discourse of amorous argument (without incivill or rude

demeanor) to spend there the most part of that day, to their hearts

joy and mutuall contentment. And having concluded on their often

meeting there, in this cunning and concealed sort; Guiscardo went

downe into the cave againe, the Princesse making the doore fast

after him, and then went forth among her Women. So in the night

season, Guiscardo ascended up againe by his Ladder of cords, and

covering the loopehole with brambles and bushes, returned (unseene

of any) to his owne lodging: the cave being afterward guilty of

their often meeting there in this manner.

  But Fortune, who hath alwayes bin a fatall enemy to lovers stolne

felicities, became envious of their thus secret meeting, and overthrew

(in an instant) all their poore happinesse, by an accident most

spightfull and malicious. The King had used divers dayes before, after

dinner time, to resort all alone to his daughters Chamber, there

conversing with her in most loving manner. One unhappy day amongst the

rest, when the Princesse, being named Ghismonda, was sporting in her

private Garden among her Ladies, the King (at his wonted time) went to

his daughters Chamber, being neither heard or seene by any. Nor

would he have his daughter called from her pleasure, but finding the

windowes fast shut, and the Curtaines close drawne about the bed; he

sate downe in a chaire behind it, and leaning his head upon the bed,

his body being covered with the curtaine, as if he hid himselfe

purposely; he mused on so many matters, at last he fell fast asleepe.

  It hath bin observed as an ancient Adage, that when disasters are

ordained to any one, commonly they prove to be inevitable, as poore

Ghismonda could witnesse too well. For while the King thus slept,

she having (unluckily) appointed another meeting with Guiscardo,

left hir Gentlewomen in the Garden, and stealing softly into her

Chamber, having made all fast and sure, for being descried by any

person: opened the doore to Guiscardo, who stood there ready on the

staire-head, awaiting his entrance; and they sitting downe on the

bed side (according as they were wont to do) began their usuall

kinde of conference againe, with sighes and loving kisses mingled

among them. It chanced that the King awaked, and both hearing and

seeing this familiarity of Guiscardo with his Daughter, he became

extreamly confounded with greefe thereat. Once he intended, to cry out

for have them both there apprehended; but he helde it a part of

greater wisedome, to sit silent still, and (if he could) to keepe

himselfe so closely concealed: to the end, that he might the more

secretly, and with farre lesse disgrace to himselfe, performe what

he had rashly intended to do.

   The poore discovered Lovers, having ended their amorous

interparlance, without suspition of the Kings being so neere in

person, or any else, to betray their overconfident trust; Guiscardo

descended againe into the Cave, and she leaving the Chamber,

returned to her women in the Garden; all which Tancrede too well

observed, and in a rapture of fury, departed (unseene) into his owne

lodging. The same night, about the houre of mens first sleepe, and

according as he had given order; Guiscardo was apprehended, even as he

was comming forth of the loope-hole, and in his homely leather habite.

Very closely was he brought before the King, whose heart was swolne so

great with griefe, as hardly was he able to speake: notwithstanding,

at the last he began thus. Guiscardo . cardo, the love and respect I

have used towards thee, hath not deserved the shamefull wrong which

thou hast requited me withall, and as I have seene with mine owne eyes

this day. Whereto Guiscardo could answer nothing else, but onely this:

Alas my Lord! Love is able to do much more, then either you, or I.

Whereupon, Tancrede commanded, that he should be secretly well

guarded, in a neere adjoyning Chamber, and on the next day,

Ghismonda having (as yet) heard nothing hereof, the Kings braine being

infinitely busied and troubled, after dinner, and as he often had used

to do: he went to his daughters Chamber, where calling for her, and

shutting the doores closely to them, the teares trickling downe his

aged white beard, thus he spake to her.

  Ghismonda, I was once grounded in a setled perswasion, that I truely

knew thy vertue, and honest integrity of life; and this beleefe

could never have beene altred in mee, by any sinister reports

whatsoever, had not mine eyes seene, and mine eares heard the

contrary. Nor did I so much as conceive a thought either of thine

affection, or private conversing with any man, but onely he that was

to be thy husband. But now, I my selfe being able to avouch thy folly,

imagine what an heart-breake this will be to me, so long as life

remaineth in this poore, weake, and aged body. Yet, if needes thou

must have yeelded to this wanton weaknesse, I would thou hadst made

choise of a man, answerable to thy birth and Nobility: whereas on

the contrary, among so many worthy spirits as resort to my Court, thou

likest best to converse with that silly young man Guiscardo, one of

very meane and base descent, and by me (even for Gods sake)

  from his very youngest yeares, brought up to this instant in my

Court; wherein thou hast given me much affliction of minde, and so

overthrowne my senses, as I cannot well imagine how I should deale

with thee. For him, whom I have this night caused to be surprized,

even as he came forth of your close contrived conveyance, and

detaine as my prisoner, I have resolved how to proceed with him: but

concerning thy selfe, mine oppressions are so many and violent, as I

know not what to say of thee. e. way, thou hast meerly murthered the

unfeigned affection I bare thee, as never any father could expresse

more to his childe: and then againe, thou hast kindled a most just

indignation in me, by thine immodest and wilfull folly, and whereas

Nature pleadeth pardon for the one, yet justice standeth up against

the other, and urgeth cruell severity against thee: neverthelesse,

before I will determine upon any resolution, I come purposely first to

heare thee speake, and what thou canst say for thy selfe, in a bad

case, so desperate and dangerous.

  Having thus spoken, he hung downe the head in his bosome, weeping as

aboundantly, as if he had beene a childe severely disciplinde. On

the other side, Ghismonda hearing the speeches of her Father, and

perceiving withall, that not onely her secret love was discovered, but

also Guiscardo was in close prison, the matter which most of all did

torment her; she fell into a very strange kinde of extasie, scorning

teares, and entreating tearmes, such as feminine frailety are

alwayes aptest unto: but rather, with height of courage, controuling

feare or servile basenesse, and declaring invincible fortitude in

her very lookes, she concluded with her selfe, rather then to urge any

humble perswasions, she would lay her life downe at the stake. For

plainely she perceived, that Guiscardo already was a dead man in

Law, and death was likewise welcome to her, rather then the

deprivation of her Love; and therefore, not like a weeping woman, or

as checkt by the offence committed, but carelesse of any harme

happening to her: stoutely and couragiously, not a teare appearing

in her eye, or her soule any way to be perturbed, thus she spake to

her Father.

  Tancrede, to denie what I have done, or to entreate any favour

from you, is now no part of my disposition: for as the one can

little availe me, so shall not the other any way advantage me.

Moreover, I covet not that you should extend any clemency or kindnesse

to me, but by my voluntary confession of the truth do intend (first of

all) to defend mine honour, with reasons sound, good, and

substantiall, and then vertuously pursue to full effect, the

greatnesse of my minde and constant resolution. True it is, that I

have loved, and still do, honourable Guiscardo, purposing the like

so long as I shall live, which will be but a small while: but if it be

possible to continue the same affection after death, it is for ever

vowed to him onely. Nor did mine owne womanish weaknesse so much

thereto induce me, as the matchlesse vertues shining clearly in

Guiscardo, and the little respect you had of marrying me againe. Why

royall Father, you cannot be ignorant, that you being composed of

flesh and blood, have begotten a Daughter of the selfe same

composition, and not made of stone or iron. Moreover, you ought to

remember (although now you are farre stept in yeeres) what the Lawes

of youth are, and with what difficulty they are to be contradicted.

Considering withall, that albeit (during the vigour of your best time)

you evermore were exercised in Armes; yet you should likewise

understand, that negligence and idle delights, have mighty power,

not onely in young people, but also in them of greatest yeares.

  I being then made of flesh and blood, and so derived from your

selfe; having had also so little benefit of life, that I am yet in the

spring, and blooming time of my blood: by either of these reasons, I

must needs be subject to naturall desires, wherein such knowledge as I

have once already had, in the estate of my marriage, perhaps might

move a further intelligence of the like delights, according to the

better ability of strength, which exceeding all capacity of

resistance, induced a second motive to affection, answerable to my

time and youthfull desires, and so (like a yong woman) I became came

againe; yet did I strive, even with all my utmost might, and best

vertuous faculties abiding in me, no way to disgrace either you or

my selfe, as (in equall censure) yet have I not done. But Nature is

above all humane power, and Love commanded by Nature, hath prevailed

for Love, joyning with Fortune: in meere pitty and commiseration of my

extreame wrong, I found them both most benigne and gracious,

teaching mee a way secret enough, whereby I might reach the height

of my desires, howsoever you became instructed, or (perhaps) found

it out by accident; so it was, and I deny it not.

  Nor did I make election of Guiscardo by chance, or rashly, as many

women doe, but by deliberate counsell in my soule, and most mature

advise; I chose him above all other, and having his honest

harmelesse conversation, mutually we enjoyed our hearts contentment.

Now it appeareth, that I have not offended but by love; in imitation

of vulgar opinion, rather then truth: you seeke to reprove me

bitterly, alleaging no other maine argument for your anger, but

onely my not choosing a Gentleman, or one more worthy. Wherein it is

most evident, that you do not so much checke my fault, as the

ordination of Fortune, who many times advanceth men of meanest

esteeme, and abaseth them of greater merit. But leaving this

discourse, let us looke into the originall of things, wherein we are

first to observe, that from one masse or lumpe of flesh, both we,

and all other received our flesh, and one Creator hath created all

things; yea, all creatures, equally in their forces and faculties, and

equall likewise in their vertue: which vertue was the first that

made distinction of birth and equality, in regard, that such as have

the most liberall portion thereof, and performed actions thereto

answerable, were thereby tearmed noble; all the rest remaining

unnoble: now although contrary use did afterward hide and conceale

this Law, yet was it not therefore banished from Nature or good

manners. In which respect, whosoever did execute all his actions by

vertue, declared himselfe openly to be noble; and he that tearmed

him otherwise, it was an errour in the miscaller, and not in the

person so wrongfully called; as the very same priviledge is yet in

full force among us at this day.

  Cast an heedfull eye then (good Father) upon all your Gentlemen, and

advisedly examine their vertues, conditions, and manner of

behaviour. On the other side, observe those parts remaining in

Guiscardo: and then if you will Judge truly, and without affection,

you will confesse him to be most Noble, and that all your Gentlemen

(in respect of him) are but base Groomes and villaines. His vertues

and excelling perfections, I never credited from the report or

judgement of any person; but onely by your speeches, and mine owne

eyes as true witnesses. Who did ever more commend Guiscardo, extolling

all those singularities in him, most requisite to be in an honest

vertuous man; then you your selfe have done? Nor neede you to be

sorry, or ashamed of your good opinion concerning him: for if mine

eyes have not deceived my judgement, you never gave him the least part

of praise, but I have knowne much more in him, then ever your words

were able to expresse: wherefore, if I have beene any way deceived,

truly the deceit proceeded onely from you. How wil you then maintaine,

that I have throwne my liking on a man of base condition? In troth

(Sir) you cannot. Perhaps you will alledge, that he is but meane and

poore; I confesse it, and surely it is to your shame, that you have

not bestowne place of more preferment, on a man so honest and well

deserving, and having bene so long a time your servant.

Neverthelesse poverty impayreth not any part of noble Nature, but

wealth hurries into horrible confusions. Many Kings and great

Princes have heeretofore beene poore, when divers of them that have

delved into the earth, and kept Flockes in the field, have beene

advanced to riches, and exceeded the other in wealth.

  Now, as concerning your last doubt, which most of all afflicteth

you, namely, how you shall deale with me; boldly rid your braine of

any such disturbance; for if you have resolved now in your extremity

of yeres, to doe that which your younger dayes evermore despised, I

meane, to become cruell; use your utmost cruelty against me: for I wil

never intreat you to the contrary, because I am the sole occasion of

this offence, if it doe deserve the name of an offence. And this I

dare assure you, that if you deale not with me, as you have done

already, or intend to Guiscardo, mine owne hands shall act as much:

and therfore give over your teares to women; and if you purpose to

be cruel, let him and me in death drinke both of one cup, at least

if you imagine that we have deserved it.

  The King knew well enough the high spirit of his Daughter, but yet

(neverthelesse) he did not beleeve, that her words would prove

actions, or she do as she said. And therefore parting from her, and

without intent of using any cruelty to her, concluded, by quenching

the heat of another to coole the fiery rage of her distemper,

commanding two of his follow (who had the custody of Guiscardo) that

without any rumour or noise at all, they should strangle him the night

ensuing, and taking the heart forth of his body, to bring it to him,

which they performed according to their charge. On the next day, the

King called for a goodly standing cup of Gold, wherein he put the

heart of Guiscardo, sending it by one of his most familiar servants to

his Daughter, with command also to use these words to her. Thy

Father hath sent thee this present, to comfort thee with that thing

which most of all thou affectest, even as thou hast comforted him with

that which he most hated.

  Ghismonda, nothing altered from her cruell deliberation, after her

Father was departed from her, caused certaine poisonous roots and

hearbes to be brought her, which shee (by distillation) made a water

of, to drinke sodainly, whensoever any crosse accident should come

from her Father; whereupon, when the Messenger from her Father had

delivered her the present, and uttered the words as he was commaunded:

shee tooke the Cup, and looking into it with a setled countenance,

by sight of the heart, and effect of the message, she knew certainely,

that was the heart of Guiscardo; then looking stearnely on the

servant, thus she spake unto him. My honest friend, it is no more then

right and justice, that so worthy a heart as this is, should have

any worser grave then gold, wherein my Father hath dealt most

wisely. So, lifting the heart up to her mouth, and sweetly kissing it,

she proceeded thus. In all things, even till this instant, (being

the utmost period of my life) I have evermore found my Fathers love

most effectuall to me; but now it appeareth farre greater, then at any

time heretofore: and therefore from my mouth, thou must deliver him

the latest thankes that ever I shall give him, for sending me such

an honourable present.

  These words being ended, holding the Cup fast in her hand, and

looking seriously upon the heart, she began againe in this manner.

Thou sweete entertainer of all my dearest delights, accursed be his

cruelty, that causeth me thus to see thee with my corporall eyes, it

being sufficient enough for me, alwayes to behold thee with the

sight of my soule. Thou hast runne thy race, and as Fortune

ordained, so are thy dayes finished: for as all flesh hath an

ending; so hast thou concluded, albeit too soone, and before thy due

time. The travalles and miseries of this World, have now no more to

meddle with thee, and thy very heaviest enemy hath bestowed such a

grave on thee, as thy greatnesse in vertue worthily deserveth; now

nothing else is wanting, wherewith to beautifie thy Funerall, but only

her sighes and teares, that was so deare unto thee in thy life time.

And because thou mightest the more freely enjoy them, see how my

mercilesse Father (on his owne meere motion) hath sent thee to me; and

truly I will bestow them frankly on thee, though once I had

resolved, to die with drie eyes, and not shedding one teare,

dreadlesse of their utmost malice towards me.

  And when I have given thee the due oblation of my teares, my

soule, which sometime thou hast kept most carfully, shall come to make

a sweet conjunction with thine: for in what company else can I

travaile more contentedly, and to those unfrequented silent shades,

but onely in thine? As yet am sure it is present here, in this Cup

sent me by my Father, as having a provident respect to the place,

for possess' of our equall and mutuall pleasures; because thy soule

affecting mine so truly, cannot walke alone, without his deare

companion.

  Having thus finished her complaint, even as if her bead had been

converted into a well spring of water, so did teares abundantly flow

from her faire eyes, kissing the heart of Guiscardo infinite times.

All which while, her women standing by her, neither knew what heart it

was, nor to what effect her speeches tended: but being moved to

compassionate teares, they often demanded (albeit in vaine) the

occasion of her sad complaining, comforting her to their utmost power.

When she was not able to weepe any longer, wiping her eyes, and

lifting up her head, without any signe of the least dismay, thus she

spake to the heart.

  Deare heart, all my duty is performed to thee, and nothing now

remaineth uneffected; but onely breathing my last, to let my ghost

accompany thine.

  Then calling for the glasse of water, which she had readily prepared

the day before, and powring it upon the heart lying in the Cup,

couragiously advancing it to her mouth, she dranke it up every drop;

which being done, she lay downe upon her bed, holding her Lovers heart

fast in her hand, and laying it so neere to her owne as she could. Now

although her women knew not what water it was, yet when they had seene

her to quaffe it off in that manner, they sent word to the King, who

much suspecting what had happened, went in all haste to his

Daughters Chamber, entring at the very instant, when she was laide

upon her bed; beholding her in such passionate pangs, with teares

streaming downe his reverend beard, he used many kinde words to

comfort her: when boldly thus she spake unto him. Father (quoth she)

well may you spare these teares, because they are unfitting for you,

and not any way desired by me; who but your selfe, hath seene any

man to mourne for his owne wilfull offence. Neverthelesse, if but

the least jot of that love do yet abide in you, whereof you have

made such liberall profession to me; let me obtaine this my very

last request, to wit, that seeing I might not privately enjoy the

benefit of Guiscardoes love, and while he lived, let yet (in death)

one publike grave containe both our bodies, that death may affoord us,

what you so cruelly in life denied us.

  Extremity of griefe and sorrow, withheld his tongue from returning

any answer, and she perceiving her end approaching, held the heart

still closer to her owne bare brest, saying; Here Fortune, receive two

true hearts latest oblation; for, in this manner are we comming to

thee. So closing her eyes, all sense forsooke her, life leaving her

body breathlesse. Thus ended the haplesse love of Guiscardo, and

Ghismonda, for whose sad disaster, when the King had mourned

sufficiently, and repented fruitlesly; he caused both their bodies

to be honourably embalmed, and buried in a most royall Monument; not

without generall sorrow of the subjects of Salerne.