THE SECOND NOVELL

       REPREHENDING THE LEWD LIVES OF DISSEMBLING HYPOCRITES; AND

           CHECKING THE ARROGANT PRIDE OF VAINE-HEADED WOMEN

 

  Fryar Albert made a young Venetian Gentlewoman beleeve, that God

Cupid was falne in love with her, and he resorted oftentimes unto her,

in the disguise of the same God. Afterward, being frighted by the

Gentlewomans kindred and friends, he cast himselfe out of her

Chamber window, and was bidden in a poore mans House; on the day

following, in the shape of a wilde or savage man, he was brought

upon the Rialto of Saint Marke, and being there publikely knowne by

the Brethren of his Order, he was committed to Prison.

 

  The Novell recounted by Madam Fiammetta, caused teares many times in

the eyes of all the company; but it being finished, the King shewing a

stearne countenance, saide; I should have much commended the kindnesse

of fortune, if in the whole course of my life, I had tasted the

least moity of that delight, which Guiscardo received by conversing

with faire Ghismonda. Nor neede any of you to wonder thereat, or how

it can be otherwise, because hourely I feele a thousand dying

torments, without enjoying any hope of ease or pleasure: but referring

my fortunes to their owne poore condition, it is my will, that Madam

Pampinea proceed next in the argument of successelesse love, according

as Madam Fiammetta hath already begun, to let fall more dew-drops on

the fire of mine afflictions. Madam Pampinea perceiving what a taske

was imposed on her, knew well (by her owne disposition) the

inclination of the company, whereof shee was more respective then of

the Kings command: wherefore, chusing rather to recreate their

spirits, then to satisfie the Kings melancholy humour; she

determined to relate a Tale of mirthfull matter, and yet to keepe

within compasse of the purposed Argument It hath bene continually used

as a common Proverbe; that a bad man taken and reputed to be honest

and good, may commit many evils, yet neither credited, or suspected:

which proverbe giveth me very ample matter to speake of, and yet not

varying from our intention, concerning the hypocrisie of some

religious persons, who having their garments long and large, their

faces made artificially pale, their language meeke and humble to get

mens goods from them; yet sowre, harsh and stearne enough, in checking

and controuling other mens errours, as also in urging others to

give, and themselves to take, without any other hope or meanes of

salvation. Nor doe they endeavour like other men, to worke out their

soules health with feare and trembling; but, even as if they were sole

owners, Lords, and possessors of Paradice, will appoint to every dying

person, place (there) of greater or lesser excellency, according as

they thinke good, or as the legacies left by them are in quantity,

whereby they not onely deceive themselves, but all such as give credit

to their subtile perswasions. And were it lawfull for me, to make

knowne no more then is meerely necessary; I could quickly disclose

to simple credulous people, what craft lieth concealed under their

holy habites: and I would wish, that their lies and deluding should

speed with them, as they did with a Franciscane Friar, none of the

younger Novices, but one of them of greatest reputation, and belonging

to one of the best Monasteries in Venice. Which I am the rather

desirous to report, to recreate your spirits, after your teares for

the death of faire Ghismonda.

  Sometime (Honourable Ladies) there lived in the City of Imola, a man

of most lewd and wicked life; named, Bertho de la messa, whose

shamelesse deedes were so well knowne to all the Citizens, and won

such respect among them; as all his lies could not compasse any

beleefe, no, not when he delivered a matter of sound truth. Wherefore,

perceiving that his lewdnesse allowed him no longer dwelling there;

like a desperate adventurer, he transported himselfe thence to Venice,

the receptacle of all foule sinne and abhomination, intending there to

exercise his wonted bad behaviour, and live as wickedly as ever he had

done before. It came to passe, that some remorse of conscience tooke

hold of him, for the former passages of his dissolute life, and he

pretended to be surprized with very great devotion, becomming much

more Catholike then any other man, taking on him the profession of a

Franciscane coldelier, and calling himselfe, Fryar Albert of Imola.

  In this habite and outward appearance, hee seemed to leade an

austere and sanctimonious life, highly commending penance and

abstinence, never eating flesh, or drinking wine, but when he was

provided of both in a close corner. And before any person could take

notice thereof, hee became (of a theefe) Ruffian, forswearer, and

murtherer, as formerly he had-beene a great Preacher; yet not

abandoning the forenamed vices, when secretly he could put any of them

in execution. Moreover, being made Priest, when he was celebrating

Masse at the Altar, if he saw himselfe to be observed by any; he would

most mournefully reade the passion of our Saviour, as one whose teares

cost him little, whensoever hee pleased to use them; so that, in a

short while, by his preaching and teares, he fed the humours of the

Venetians so pleasingly, that they made him executor (well-neere) of

all their Testaments, yea, many chose him as depositary or Guardion of

their monies; because he was both Confessour and Councellor, almost to

all the men and women.

  By this well seeming out-side of sanctity, the Wolfe became a

Shepheard, and his renowne for holinesse was so famous in those parts,

as Saint Frances himselfe had hardly any more. It fortuned, that a

young Gentlewoman, being somewhat foolish, wanton and proud minded,

named Madam Lisetta de Caquirino, wife to a wealthy Merchant, who went

with certaine Gallies into Flanders, and there lay as Lieger long

time: in company of other Gentlewomen, went to be confessed by this

ghostly Father; kneel. at his feete, although her heart was high

enough, like a proud minded woman, (for Venetians are presumptuous,

vaine-glorious, and witted much like to their skittish Gondoloes)

she made a very short rehearsall of her sinnes. At length Fryar Albert

demanded of her, whether shee had any amorous friend or lover? Her

patience being exceedingly provoked, stearne anger appeared in her

lookes, which caused her to returne him this answer. How now Sir

Domine? what? have you no eyes in your head? Can you not distinguish

between mine, and these other common beauties? I could have Lovers

enow, if I were so pleased; but those perfections remaining in me, are

not to be affected by this man, or that. How many beauties have you

beheld, any way answerable to mine, and are more fit for Gods, then

mortals.

  Many other idle speeches shee uttered, in proud opinion of her

beauty, whereby Friar Albert presently perceived, that this

Gentlewoman had but a hollow braine, and was fit game for folly to

flye at; which made him instantly enamoured of her, and that beyond

all capacity of resisting, which yet he referred to a further, and

more commodious time. Neverthelesse, to shew himselfe an holy and

religious man now, he began to reprehend her, and told her plainely,

that she was vain-glorious, and overcome with infinite follies.

Heereupon, him call.ed him a logger headed beast, and he knew not

the difference betweene an ordinary complexion, and beauty of the

highest merit. In which respect, Friar Albert, being loth to offend

her any further; after confession was fully ended, let her passe

away among the other Gentlewomen, she giving him divers disdainfull

lookes.

  Within some few dayes after, taking one of his trusty brethren in

his company, he went to the House of Madam Lisetta, where requiring to

have some conference alone with her selfe; shee tooke him into a

private Parlor, and being there, not to be seene by any body, he

fell on his knees before her, speaking in this manner. Madam, for

charities sake, and in regard of your owne most gracious nature, I

beseech you to pardon those harsh speeches, which I used to you the

other day, when you were with me at confession: because, the very

night ensuing thereon, I was chastised in such cruell manner, as I was

never able to stirre forth of my bed, untill this very instant

morning; whereto the weake-witted Gentlewoman thus replyed. And who

I pray you (quoth she) did chastise you so severely? I will tell you

Madam, said Friar Albert, but it is a matter of admirable secrecie.

  Being alone by my selfe the same night in my Dorter, and in very

serious devotion, according to my usuall manner: suddenly I saw a

bright splendour about me, and I could no sooner arise to discerne

what it might be, and whence it came, but I espied a very goodly young

Lad standing by me, holding a golden Bow in his hand, and a rich

Quiver of Arrowes hanging at his backe. Catching fast hold on my Hood,

against the ground he threw me rudely, trampling on me with his feete,

and beating me with so many cruell blowes, that I thought my body to

be broken in peeces. Then I desired to know, why he was so rigorous to

me in his correction? Because (quoth he) thou didst so saucily presume

this day, to reprove the celestiall beauty of Madam Lisetta, who (next

to my Mother Venus) I love most dearely. Whereupon I perceived, he was

the great commanding God Cupid, and therefore I craved most humbly

pardon of him. I will pardon thee (quoth he) but upon this

condition, that thou goe to her so soone as conveniently thou canst,

and (by lowly humility) prevaile to obtaine her free pardon: which

if she will not vouchsafe to grant thee, then shall I in stearne anger

returne againe, and lay so many torturing afflictions on thee, that

all thy whole life time shall be most hatefull to thee. And what the

displeased God saide else beside, I dare not disclose, except you

please first to pardon me.

  Mistresse shallow-braine, being swolne big with this wind, like an

empty bladder; conceived no small pride in hearing these words,

constantly crediting them to be true, and therefore thus answered. Did

I not tel you Father Albert, that my beauty was celestiall? But I

sweare by my beauty, notwithstanding your idle passed arrogancy, I

am heartily sorry for your so severe correction; which that it may

no more be inflicted on you, I do freely pardon you; yet with this

proviso, that you tell me what the God else saide unto you; whereto

Fryar Albert thus replyed. Madam, seeing you have so graciously

vouchsafed to pardon me, I will thankfully tell you all: but you

must be very carefull and respective, that whatsoever I shall

reveale unto you, must so closely be concealed, as no living

creature in the World may know it; for you are the onely happy Lady

now living, and that happinesse relleth on your silence and

secrecie: with solemne vowes and protestations she sealed up her

many promises, and then the Fryar thus proceeded.

  Madam, the further charge imposed on me by God Cupid, was to tell

you, that himselfe is so extremely enamored of your beauty, and you

are become so gracious in his affection; as, many nights he hath

come to see you in your Chamber, sitting on your pillow, while you

slept sweetly, and desiring very often to awake you, but onely fearing

to affright you. Wherefore, now he sends you word by me, that one

night he intendeth to come visite you, and to spend some time in

conversing with you. But in regard he is a God, and meerely a spirit

in forme, whereby neither you or any else have capacity of beholding

him, much lesse to touch or feele him: he saith that (for your sake)

he will come in the shape of a man, giving me charge also to know of

you, when you shall please to have him come, and in whose similitude

you would have him to come, whereof he will not falle; in which

respect, you may justly thinke your selfe to be the onely happy

woman livng, and farre beyond all other in your good fortune.

  Mistresse want-wit presently answered, shee was well contented, that

God Cupid should love her, and she would returne the like love

againe to him; protesting withill, that wheresoever shee should see

his majesticall picture, she would set a hallowed burning Taper before

it. Moreover, at all times he should be most welcome to her,

whensoever hee would vouchsafe to visite her; for, he should alwayes

finde her alone in her private Chamber: on this condition, that his

olde Love Psyches, and all other beauties else whatsoever, must be set

aside, and none but her selfe onely to be his best Mistresse,

referring his personall forme of appearance, to what shape himselfe

best pleased to assume, so that it might not be frightfull, or

offensive to her.

  Madam (quoth Friar Albert) most wisely have you answered, and

leave the matter to me; for I will take order sufficiently, and to

your contentment. But you may do me a great grace, and without any

prejudice to your selfe, in granting me one poore request; namely,

to vouchsafe the Gods appearance to you, in my bodily shape and

person, and in the perfect forme of a man as now you behold me: so may

you safely give him entertainment, without any taxation of the

world, or ill apprehension of the most curious inquisition. Beside,

a greater happinesse can never befall me: for, while he assumeth the

soule out of my body, and walketh on the earth in my humane figure:

I shall be wandering in the joyes of Lovers Paradise, feeling the

fruition of their felicities; which are such, as no mortality can be

capeable of, no, not so much as in imagination.

   The wise Gentlewoman replied, that she was well contented, in

regard of the severe punishment inflicted on him by God Cupid, for the

reproachfull speeches he had given her; to allow him so poore a

kinde of consolation, as he had requested her to grant him. Whereuppon

Friar Albert saide: Be ready then Madam to give him welcome to

morrow in the evening, at the entering into your house, for comming in

an humane body, he cannot but enter at your doores: n e whereas, if

(in powerfull manner) he made use of his wings, he then would Eye in

at your window, and then you could not be able to see him.

   Upon this conclusion, Albert departed, leaving Lisetta in no

meane pride of imagination, that God Cupid should be enamoured of

her beauty; and therefore she thought each houre a yeare, till she

might see him in the mortall shape of Friar Albert. And now was his

braine wonderfully busied, to visite her in more then common or humane

manner; and therefore he made him a sute (close to his body) of

white Taffata, all poudred over with Starres, and spangles of Gold,

a Bow and Quiver of Arrowes, with wings also fastened to his backe

behinde him, and all cunningly covered with his Friars habit, which

must be the sole meanes of his safe passage.

   Having obtained licence of his Superiour, and being accompanied

with an holy Brother of the Convent, yet ignorant of the businesse

by him intended; he went to the house of a friend of his, which was

his usuall receptacle, whensoever he went about such deeds of darknes.

There did he put on his dissembled habit of God Cupid, with his

winges, Bowe, and Quiver, in formall fashion; and then (clouded over

with his Monkes Cowle) leaves his companion to awaite his returning

backe, while he visited foolish Lisetta, according to her expectation,

readily attending for the Gods arrivall.

   Albert being come to the house, knocked at the doore, and the Maide

admitting him entrance, according as her Mistresse had appointed,

she conducted him to her Mistresses Chamber, where laying aside his

Friars habite, and she seeing him shine with such glorious

splendour, adding action also to his assumed dissimulation, with

majesticke motion of his body, wings, and bow, as if he had bene God

Cupid indeede, converted into a body much bigger of stature, then

Painters commonly do describe him, her wisedome was overcome with

feare and admiration, that she fell on her knees before him,

expressing all humble reverence unto him. And he spreading his wings

over her, as with wiers and strings he had made them pliant; shewed

how graciously he accepted her humiliation; folding her in his

armes, and sweetly kissing her many times together, with repetition of

his entire love and affection towards her. So delicately was he

perfumed with odorifferous savours, and so compleate of person in

his spangled garments, that she could do nothing else, but wonder at

his rare behaviour, reputing her felicity beyond all Womens in the

world, and utterly impossible to be equalled, such was the pride of

her presuming. For he told her clivers tales and fables, of his

awefull power among the other Gods, and stolne pleasures of his upon

the earth; yet gracing her praises above all his other Loves, and

vowes made now, to affect none but her onely, as his often visitations

should more constantly assure her, that she verily credited all his

protestations, and thought his kisses and embraces, farre to exceed

any mortall comparison.

  After they had spent so much time in amorous discoursing, as might

best fit with this their first meeting, and stand cleare from

suspition on either side: our Albert Cupid, or Cupid Albert, which

of them you best please to terme him, closing his spangled winges

together againe behinde his backe, fastening also on his Bow and

Quiver of Arrowes, overclouds all with his religious Monkes Cowle, and

then with a parting kisse or two, returned to the place where he had

left his fellow and companion, perhaps imployed in as devout an

exercise, as he had bin in his absence from him; whence both repayring

home to the Monastery, all this nightes wandering was allowed as

tollerable, by them who made no spare of doing the like.

 On the morrow following, Madam Lisetta immediately after dinner,

being attended by her Chamber-maid, went to see Friar Albert,

finding him in his wonted forme and fashion, and telling him what

had hapned betweene her and God Cupid, with all the other lies and

tales which hee had told her. Truly Madam (answered Albert) what

your successe with him hath beene, I am no way able to comprehend; but

this I can assure you, that so soone as I had acquainted him with your

answer, I felt a sodaine rapture made of my soule, and visibly (to

my apprehension) saw it carried by Elves and Fairies, into the

floury fields about Elisium, where Lovers departed out of this life,

walke among the beds of Lillies and Roses, such as are not in this

world to be seene, neither to be imagined by any humane capacity. So

super-abounding was the pleasure of this joy and solace, that, how

long I continued there, or by what meanes I was transported hither

againe this morning, it is beyond all ability in mee to expresse, or

how I assumed my body againe after that great God had made use thereof

to your service. Well Fryar Albert (quoth shee) you may see what an

happinesse hath befalne you, by so grosse an opinion of my

perfections, and what a felicity you enjoy, and still are like to

do, by my pardoning your error, and granting the God accesse to me

in your shape: which as I envy not, so I wish you heereafter to be

wiser, in taking upon you to judge of beauty. Much other idle folly

proceeded from her, which still he soothed to her contentment, and (as

occasion served) many meetings they had in the former manner.

  It fortuned within few dayes after that Madam Lisetta being in

company with one of her Gossips, and their conference (as commonly

it falleth out to be) concerning other women of the City; their

beauty, behaviour, amorous suters and servants, and generall opinion

conceived of their worth, and merit; wherein Lisetta was over-much

conceyted of her selfe, not admitting any other to be her equall.

Among other speeches, savouring of an unseasoned braine: Gossip (quoth

she) if you knew what account is made of my beauty, and who holdes

it in no meane estimation, you would then freely confesse, that I

deserve to be preferred before any other. As women are ambitious in

their owne opinions, so commonly are they covetous of one anothers

secrets, especially in matter of emulation, whereupon the Gossip

thus replyed. Beleeve me Madam, I make no doubt but your speeches

may be true, in regard of your admired beauty, and many other

perfections beside; yet let me tell you, priviledges, how great and

singular soever they be, without they are knowen to others, beside

such as do particularly enjoy them; they carry no more account, then

things of ordinary estimation. Whereas on the contrary, when any

Lady or Gentlewoman hath some eminent and peculiar favour, which few

or none other can reach unto, and it is made famous by generall

notion; then do all women else admire and honor her, as the glory of

their kinde, and a miracle of Nature.

  I perceive Gossip said Lisetta, whereat you aime, and such is my

love to you, as you should not lose your longing in this case, were

I but constantly secured of your secrecy, which as hitherto I have

bene no way able to taxe, so would I be loth now to be more suspitious

of then needs. But yet this matter is of such maine moment, that if

you will protest as you are truly vertuous, never to reveale it to any

living body, I will disclose to you almost a miracle. The vertuous

oath being past, with many other solemne protestations beside, Lisetta

then pro. ceeded in this maner.

  I know Gossip, that it is a matter of common and ordinary custome,

for Ladies and Gentlewomen to be graced with favourites, men of fraile

and mortall conditions, whose natures are as subject to inconstancy,

as their very best endevours dedicated to folly, as I could name no

mean number of our Ladies heere in Venice. But when Soveraigne deities

shall feele the impression of our humane desires, and behold

subjects of such prevailing efficacy, as to subdue their greatest

power, yea, and make them enamored of mortall creatures: you may

well imagine Gossip, such a beauty is superiour to any other. And such

is the happy fortune of your friend Lisetta, of whose perfections,

great Cupid the awefull commanding God of Love himselfe, conceived

such an extraordinary liking: as he hath abandoned his seate of

supreme Majesty, and appeared to in the shape of a mortall man, with

lively expression of his amourous passions, and what extremities of

anguish he hath endured, onely for my love. May this be possible?

replied the Gossip. Can the Gods be toucht with the apprehension of

our fraile passions? True it is Gossip, answered and so certainly

true, that his sacred kisses, sweete embraces, and most pleasing

speeches with proffer of his continuall devotion towards me, hath

given me good cause to confirme what I say, and to thinke my

felicity farre beyond all other womens, being honoured with his

often nightly visitations.

  The Gossip inwardly smiling at her idle speeches, which

(nevertheles) she avouched with very vehement asseverations: fell

instantly sicke of womens naturall disease, thinking every minute a

tedious month, till she were in company with some other Gossips, to

breake the obligation of her vertuous promise, and that others (as

well as her selfe) might laugh at the folly of this shallow-witted

woman. The next day following, it was her hap to be at a wedding,

among a great number of other women, whom quickly she acquainted

with this so strange a wonder; as they did the like to their husbands:

and passing so from hand to hand, in lesse space then two dayes, all

Venice was fully possessed with it. Among the rest, the brethren to

this foolish woman, heard this admirable newes concerning their

Sister; and they discreetly concealing it to themselves, closely

concluded to watch the walks of this pretended God: and if he soared

not too lofty a flight, they would clip his wings, to come the

better acquainted with him. It fortuned, that the Friar hearing his

Cupidicall visitations over-publikely discovered, purposed to check

and reprove Lisetta for her indiscretion. And being habited

according to his former manner, his Friarly Cowle covering all his

former bravery, he left his companion where he used to stay, and

closely walked along unto the house. No sooner was he entred, but

the Brethren being ambushed neere to the doore, went in after him, and

ascending the staires, by such time as he had uncased himselfe, and

appeared like God Cupid, with his spangled wings displayed: they

rushed into the Chamber, and he having no other refuge, opened a large

Casement, standing directly over the great gulfe or River, and

presently leapt into the water; which being deepe, and he skilfull

in swimming, he had no other harme by his fall, albeit the sodaine

affright did much perplex him.

  Recovering the further side of the River, he espied a light, and the

doore of an house open, wherein dwelt a poore man, whom he earnestly

intreated, to save both his life and reputation, telling him many lies

and tales by what meanes he was thus disguised, and throwne by

night-walking Villaines into the water. The poore man, being moved

to compassionate his distressed estate, laid him in his owne bed,

ministring such other comforts to him, as the time and his poverty did

permit; and day drawing on, he went about his businesse, advising

him to take his rest, and it should not be long till he returned.

So, locking the doore, and leaving the counterfet God in bed, away

goes the poore man to his daily labor. The Brethren to Lisetta,

perceiving God Cupid to be fied and gone, and she in melancholly

sadnesse sitting by them: they tooke up the Reliques he had left

behind him, I meane the Friars hood and Cowle, which shewing to

their sister, and sharpely reproving her unwomanly behaviour: they

left her in no meane discomfort, returning home to their owne

houses, with their conquered spolle of the forlorne Friar.

  During the times of these occurrences, broad day speeding on, and

the poore man returning homeward by the Rialto, to visit his guest

so left in bed: he beheld divers crouds of people, and a generall

rumor noysed among them, that God Cupid had bene that night with Madam

Lisetta, where being over-closely pursued by her Brethren, for feare

of being surprized, he leapt out of her window into the gulfe, and

no one could tell what was become of him. Heereupon, the poore man

began to imagine, that the guest entertained by him in the night time,

must needs be the same suppose God Cupid, as by his wings and other

embellishments appeared: wherefore being come home, and sitting

downe on the beds side by him, after some few speeches passing

betweene them, he knew him to be Friar Albert, who promised to give

him fifty ducates, if he would not betray him to Lisettaes Brethren.

Upon the acceptation of this offer, the money being sent for, and

paied downe; there wanted nothing now, but some apt and convenient

meanes, whereby Albert might safely be conveyed into the Monastery,

which being wholly referred to the poore mans care and trust, thus

he spake. Sir, I see no likely-hood of your cleare escaping home,

except in this manner as I advise you. We observe this day as a

merry Festivall, and it is lawfull for any one, to disguise a man in

the skin of a Beare, or in the shape of a savage man, or any other

forme of better advice. Which being so done, he is brought upon S.

Markes market place, where being hunted a while with dogs, upon the

huntings conclusion, the Feast is ended; and then each man leades

his monster whether him pleaseth. If you can accept any of these

shapes, before you be seene heere in my poore abiding, then can I

safely (afterward) bring you where you would be. Otherwise, I see no

possible meanes, how you may escape hence unknown; for it is without

all question to the contrary, that the Gentlewomans brethren,

knowing your concealment in some one place or other, wil set such

spies and watches for you throughout the City, as you must needs be

taken by them.

  Now, although it seemed a most severe imposition, for Albert to

passe in any of these disguises: yet his exceeding feare of

Lisettaes brethren and friends, made him gladly yeelde, and to undergo

what shape the poore man pleased, which thus he ordered. Annointing

his naked body with Hony, he then covered it over with downy small

Feathers, and fastening a chaine about his necke, and a strange ugly

vizard on his face, he gave him a great staffe in the one hand, and

two huge Mastive dogs chained together in the other, which he had

borrowed in the Butchery. Afterward, he sent a man to the Rialto,

who there proclaimed by the sound of Trumpet: That all such as desired

to see God Cupid, which the last nights had descended downe from the

skies, and fell (by ill hap) into the Venetian gulfe, let them repaire

to the publike Market place of S. Marke, and there he would appeare in

his owne likenesse.

  This being done, soone after he left his house, and leading him thus

disguised along by the chaine, he was followed by great crowds of

people, every one questioning of whence, and what he was. In which

manner, he brought him, to the Market place, where an infinite

number of people were gathered together, as well of the followers,

as of them that before heard the proclamation. There he made choice of

a pillar, which stood in a place somewhat highly exalted, wherto he

chained his savage man, making shew, as if be meant to awaite there,

till the hunting should begin: in which time, the Flies, Waspes, and

Hornets, did so terribly sting his naked body, being annointed with

Hony, that he endured therby unspeakable anguish. When the poore man

saw, that there needed no more concourse of people; pretending, as

if he purposed to let loose his Salvage man; he tooke the maske or

vizard from Alberts face, and then he spake aloud in this manner.

Gentlemen and others, seeing the wilde Boare commeth not to our

hunting, because I imagine that he cannot easily be found: I meane (to

the end you may not lose your labour in comming hither) to shew you

the great God of Love called Cupid, who Poets feigned long since to be

a little boy, but now growne to manly stature. You see in what maner

he hath left his high dwelling onely for the comfort of our Venetian

beauties: but belike, the night-fogs overflagging his wings, he fell

into our gulfe, and comes now to present his service to you. No sooner

had he taken off his vizard, but every one knew him to be Fryar

Albert; and sodainely arose such shoutes outcries, with most bitter

words breathed forth against him, hurling also stones, durt and

filth in his face, that his best acquaintance then could take no

knowledge of him, and not any one pittying his abusing. So long

continued the offended people in their fury, that the newes therof was

carried to the Convent, and six of his Religious Brethren came, who

casting an habite about him, and releasing him from his chaine, they

led him to the Monastery, not without much mollestation and trouble of

the people; where imprisoning him in their house, severity of some

inflicted punishment, or rather conceite for his open shame,

shortned his dayes, and so he dyed. Thus you see (fayre Ladies) when

licentious life must be clouded with a cloake of sanctifie, and

evill actions daylie committed, yet escaping uncredited: there will

come a time at length, for just discovering of all, that the good

may shine in their true luster of glory, and the bad sinke in their

owne deserved shame.