THE THIRD NOVELL

 

     HEEREIN IS DECLARED, HOW DANGEROUS THE OCCASION IS, ENSUING BY

        ANGER AND DESPIGHT, IN SUCH AS ENTIRELY LOVE, ESPECIALLY

           BEING INJURIED AND OFFENDED BY THEM THAT THEY LOVE

 

  Three yong Gentlemen affecting three Sisters, fledde with them

into Candie. The eldest of them (through jealousie) becommeth the

death of her Lover; The second, by consenting to the Duke of Candies

request, is the meanes of saving her life. Afterward, her owne

Friend killeth her, and thence flyeth away with the elder Sister.

The third couple, are charged with her death, and being committed

prisoners, they confesse the fact; and fearing death, by corruption of

money they prevaile with their Keepers, escaping from thence to

Rhodes, where they dyed in great poverty.

 

  When the King perceyved that Madame Pampinea had ended her

discourse, he sat sadly a pretty while, without uttering one word, but

afterward spake thus. Little goodnesse appeared in the beginning of

this Novell, because it ministred occasion of mirth; yet the ending

proved better, and I could wish, that worse inflictions had falne on

the venerious Friar. Then turning towards Madam Lauretta, he said;

Lady, do you tell us a better tale, if possible it may be. She

smiling, thus answered the King: Sir, you are over-cruelly bent

against poore Lovers, in desiring, that their amourous processions

should have harsh and sinister concludings. Neverthelesse, in

obedience to your severe command, among three persons amourously

perplexed, I will relate an unhappy ending; whereas all may be saide

to speede as unfortunately, being equally alike, in enjoying the issue

of their desires, and thus I purpose to proceed.

  Every Vice (choice Ladies) as very well you know, redoundeth to

the great disgrace and prejudice of him, or her, by whom it is

practised, and oftentimes to others. Now, among those common

hurtfull enemies, the sinne or vice which most carrieth us with full

carrere, and draweth us into unadvoydable dangers (in mine opinion)

seemeth to be that of choller or anger, which is a sodain and

inconsiderate moving, provoked by some received injury, which having

excluded all respect of reason, and dimnd (with darke vapors) the

bright discerning sight of the understanding, enflameth the minde with

most violent fury. And albeit this inconvenience hapneth most to

men, and more to some few then others, yet notwithstanding, it hath

bene noted, that women have felt the selfesame infirmity, and in

more extreme manner, because it much sooner is kindled in them, and

burneth with the brighter flame, in regard they have the lesser

consideration, and therefore not to be wondred at. For if we wil

advisedly observe, we shall plainely perceive, that fire even of his

owne nature) taketh hold on such things as are light and tender,

much sooner then it can on hard and weighty substances; and some of us

women (let men take no offence at my words) are farre more soft and

delicate then they be, and therefore more fraile. In which regard,

seeing wee are naturally enclined hereto, and considering also, how

much our affability and gentlenesse do shew themselves pleasing and

full of content to those men with whom we are to live; and likewise,

how anger and fury are compacted of extraordinary perils: I purpose

(because we may be the more valiant in our courage, to outstand the

fierce assaults of wrath and rage) to shew you by mine ensuing Novell,

how the loves of three yong Gentlemen, and of as many Gentlewomen,

came to fatall and fortunat successe by the tempestuous anger of one

among them, as I have formerly related unto you.

  Marseilles (as you are not now to learne) is in Provence; seated

on the Sea, and is also a very ancient and most Noble Citty, which

hath bene (heeretofore) inhabited with farre richer and more wealthy

Merchants, then at this instant time it is. Among whom, there was

one named Narnaldo Civida, a man but of meane condition, yet cleare in

faith and reputation, and in lands, goods, and ready monies,

immeasurably rich. Many children he had by his Wife, among whom were

three Daughters, which exceeded his Sonnes in yeeres. Two of them

being twinnes, and borne of one body, were counted to be fifteene

yeeres old; the third was foureteene, and nothing hindered marriage in

their Parents owne expectation but the returne home of Narnaldo, who

was then abroad in Spaine with his Merchandizes. The eldest of these

Sisters was named Ninetta, the second Magdalena, and the third

Bertella. A Gentleman (albeit but poore in fortunes) and called

Restagnone, was so extraordinarily enamoured of Ninetta, as no man

possibly could be more, and she likewise as earnest in affection

towards him; yet both carrying their loves proceeding with such

secrecy, as long time they enjoyed their hearts sweet contentment, yet

undiscovered.

  It came to passe, that two other young Gallants, the one named

Folco, and the other Hugnetto, (who had attained to incredible wealth,

by the decease of their Father) were also as far in love, the one with

Magdalena, and the other with Bertella. When Restagnone had

intelligence thereof, by the meanes of his faire friend Ninetta, he

purposed to releeve his poverty, by friendly furthering both their

love, and his owne: and growing into familiarity with them, one

while he would walke abroad with Folco, and then againe with Hugnetto,

but oftner with them both together, to visite their Mistresses, and

continue worthy friendship. On a day, when hee saw the time suteable

to his intent, and that hee had invited the two Gentlemen home unto

his House, he fell into this like Conference with them.

  Kinde Friends (quoth he) the honest familiarity which hath past

betweene us, may render you some certaine assurance, of the constant

love I beare to you both, being as willing to worke any meanes that

may tend to your good, as I desire to compasse And because the truth

of mine affection cannot conceale it selfe to you, I meane to acquaint

you with an intention, wherewith my braine hath a long While travelled

and now may soone be delivered of, if it may passe with your liking

and approbation. Let me then tell you, that except your speeches

savour of untruth, and your actions carry a double understaning, in

common behaviour both by night and day, you appeare to and consume

away, in the cordiall love you beare to two of the Sisters, as I

suffer the same afflictions for the third, with reciprocall. requitall

of their deerest affection to us. Now, to qualifie the heate of our

tormenting flames, if you will condescend to such a course as I

shall advise you, the remedy will yeild them equall ease to ours,

and we may safely injoy the benefit of contentment. As wealth

aboundeth with you both, so doth want most extremely tyrannize over

me: but if one banke might be made of both your rich substances, I

embraced therein as a third partaker, and some quarter of the world

dissigned out by us, where to live at hearts ease upon your

possessions, I durst engage my credit, that all the sisters (not

meanely stored with their Fathers treasure) shall beare us company

to what place soever we please. There each man freely enjoying his

owne deerest love, may live like three brethren, without any

hinderance to our mutuall content: it remaineth now in you

Gentlemen, to accept this comfortable offer, or to refuse it.

  The two Brothers, whose pass exceeded their best means for

support, perceiving some hope how to enjoy their loves; desired no

long time of deliberation, or greatly disputed with their thoughts

what was best to be done: but readily replyed, that let happen any

danger whatsoever, they would joyne with him in this determination,

and he should partake with them in their wealthiest fortunes. After

Restagnone had heard their answer, within some few dayes following, he

went to confer with Ninetta, which was no easie matter for him to

compasse. Neverthelesse, opportunity proved so favourable to him, that

meeting with her at a private place appointed, he discoursed at large,

what had passed betweene him and the other two young Gentlemen,

maintaining the same with many good reasons, to have her like and

allow of the enterprize. Which although (for a while) he could very

hardly doe; yet, in regard shee had more desire then power, without

suspition to be daily in his company, she thus answered. My hearts

chosen friend, I cannot any way mislike your advice, and will take

such order with my Sisters, that they shal agree to our resolution.

Let it therefore be your charge, that you and the rest make every

thing ready, to depart from hence so soone, as with best convenient

meanes we may be enabled.

  Restagnone being returned to Folco and Hugnetto, who thought

everie houre a yeare, to heare what would succeede upon the promise

past between them; he told them in plain termes, that their Ladies

were as free in consent as they, and nothing wanted now, but

furnishment for their sodaine departing. Having concluded, that Candye

should bee their harbour for entertainment, they made sale of some few

inheritances which lay the readiest for the purpose, as also the goods

in their Houses; and then, under colour of venting Merchandizes

abroad, they bought a nimble Pinnace, fortified with good strength and

preparation, and wayted but for a convenient winde. On the other side,

Ninetta who was sufficiently acquainted with the forwardnesse of her

Sisters desires, and her owne, had so substantially prevailed with

them, that a good Voyage now was the sole expectation. Whereupon,

the same night when they should set away, they opened a stronk

barred Chest of their Fathers, whence they tooke great store of Gold

and costly jewels, wherewith escaping secretly out of the house;

they came to the place where their Lovers attended for them, and going

all aboord the Pinnace, the windes were so furtherous to them, that

without touching any where, the night following, they arrived at

Geneway.

 There being out of perill or pursuit, they all knit the knot of

holy wedlocke, and then freely enjoyed their long wished desires, from

whence setting saile againe, and being well furnished with all

things wanting passing on from Port to Port, at the end of eight

dayes, they landed in Candie, not meeting with any impeachment on

the way. Determining there to spend their daies, first they provided

themselves of goodly land in the Countrey, and then of beautifull

dwelling houses in the City, with al due furnishments belonging to

them, and Families well beseeming such worthy Gentlemen, and all

delights else for their dally recreations, inviting their. Neighbours,

and they them againe in loving manner; so that no lovers could wish to

live in more ample contentment.

  Passing on their time in this height of felicity, and not crossed by

any sinister accidents, it came to passe (as often wee may obserye

in the like occasions, that although delights doe most especially

please us, yet they breede surfet, when they swell too over-great in

abundance) that Restagnone, who most deerely affected his faire

Ninetta, and had her now in his free possession, without any perill of

loosing her: grew now also to bee weary of her, and consequently, to

faile in those familiar performances, which formerly had passed

betweene them. For, being one day invited to a Banket, hee saw there a

beautifull Gentlewoman of that Countrey, whose perfections pleasing

him beyond all comparison: he laboured (by painfull pursuite) to win

his purpose; and meeting with her in divers private places, grew

prodigall in his expences upon her. This could not be so closely

carried, but being seene and observed by Ninetta, she became possessed

with such extreame jealousie, that hee could not doe any thing

whatsoever, but immediately she had knowledge of it: which fire,

growing to a flame in her, her patience became extreamely provoked,

urging rough and rude speeches from her to him, and daily tormenting

him beyond power of sufferance.

  As the enjoying of any thing in too much plenty, makes it appeare

irkesome and loathing to us, and the deniall of our desires, do more

and more whet on the appetite: even so did the angry spleen of Ninetta

proceed on in violence, against this new commenced love of Restagnone.

For, in succession of time, whether he enjoyed the embracements of his

new Mistresse, or no: yet Ninetta (by sinister reports, but much

more through her owne jealous imaginations) held it for infallible,

and to bee most certaine. Heereupon, she fell into an extreame

melancholly, which melancholly begat implacable fury, and

(consequently) such contemptible disdaine, as converted her formerly

kindely love to Restagnone, into Most cruell and bloudie hatred;

yea, and so strangely was reason or respect confounded in her, as no

revenge else but speed death, might satisfie the wrongs shee

imagined to receive by Restagnone and his Minion.

  Upon enquiry, by what meanes shee might best compasse her bloody

intention, she grew acquainted with a Grecian woman, and wonderfully

expert in the compounding of poysons, whom shee so perswaded by

gifts and bounteous promises, that at the length shee prevayled with

her. A deadly water was distilled by her, which (without any other

counsell to the contrary) on a day when Restagnone had his blood

somewhat over-heated, and little dreamed on any such Treason conspired

against him by his Wife, shee caused him to drinke a great draught

thereof, under pretence, that it was a most soveraigne and cordiall

water; but such was the powerfull operation thereof, that the very

next morning, Restagnone was found to bee dead in his bed. When his

death was understoode by Folco, Hugnetto, and their Wives, and not

knowing how hee came to bee thus empoysoned (because their Sister

seemed to bemoane his sodaine death, with as apparant shewes of

mourning, as they could possibly expresse) they buried him very

honourably, and so all suspition ceased.

  But as Fortune is infinite in her fagaries, never acting disaster so

closely, but as cunningly discovereth it againe: so it came to

passe, that within a few dayes following, the Grecian Woman that had

delivered the poyson to Ninetta, for such another deede of

damnation, was apprehended even in the action. And being put upon he

tortures, among many other horrid villanies her committed, she

confessed the empoysoning of Restagnone, and every particle thereto

appertaining. Whereupon, the Duke of Candie, without any noyse or

publication, setting a strong guard (in the night time) about the

house of Folco, where Ninetta then was lodged; there sodainly they

seized on her, and upon examination, in maintenance of desperate

revenge, voluntarily confessed the fact, and what else concerned the

occasion of his death, by the wrongs which he had offered her.

  Folco and Hugnetto understanding secretly, both from the Duke, and

other intimate friends, what was the reason of Ninettaes apprehension,

which was not a little displeasing to them, labored by all their

best paines and endeavour, to worke such meanes with the Duke, that

her life might not perish by fire, although she had most justly

deserved it; but all theyr attempts proved to no effect, because the

Duke had concluded to execute justice.

  Heere you are to observe, that Magdalena (beeing a very beautifull

Woman, yong, and in the choisest flower of her time:) had often before

bene solicited by the Duke, to entertaine his love and kindnesse:

whereto by no meanes she would listen or give consent. And being now

most earnestly importuned by her for the safetie of her Sisters

life, hee tooke hold on this her dayly suite to him, and in private

told her, that if she was so desirous of Ninettaes life: it lay in her

power to obtain it, by granting him the fruition of her love. She

apparantly perceiving that Ninetta was not likely to live, but by

the prostitution of her chaste honour, which she preferred before

the losse of her owne life, or her sisters, concluded to let her dye,

rather then run into any such disgrace. But having an excellent

ingenious wit, quicke, and apprehensive in perillous occasions, she

intended now to make a triall of overreaching the lascivious Duke in

his wanton purpose, and yet to be assured of her sisters life, without

any blemish to her reputation.

  Soliciting him still as shee was wont to doe, this promise passed

from her to him, that when Ninetta was delivered out of prison, and in

safetie at home in her house: hee should resort thither in some queint

disguise, and enjoy his long expected desire; but untill then she

would not yeeld. So violent was the Duke in the prosecution of his

purpose, that under colour of altering the manner of Ninettaes

death, not suffering her to bee consumed by fire, but to be drowned,

according to a custome observed there long time, and at the

importunity of her Sister Magdalena, in the still silence of the

night, Ninetta was conveyed into a sacke, and sent in that manner to

the House of Folco, the Duke following soone after, to challenge her

promise.

  Magdalena, having acquainted her Husband with her vertuous

intention, for preserving her Sisters life, and disappointing the Duke

in his wicked desire; was as contrary to her true meaning in this

case, as Ninetta had formerly beene adverse to Restagnone, onely being

over-ruled likewise by jealousie, and perswaded in his rash opinion,

that the Duke had already dishonoured Magdalena, otherwise, he would

not have delivered Ninetta out of prison. Mad fury gave further fire

to this unmanly perswasion, and nothing will now quench this but the

life of poore Magdalena, suddenly sacrificed in the rescue of her

Sister, such a divell is anger, when the understandings bright eye

is thereby abused. No credit might bee given to her womanly

protestations, or any thing seeme to alter his bloody purpose; but,

having slaine Magdalena with his Poniard (notwithstanding her teares

and humble entreaties) he ranne in haste to Ninettaes Chamber, she not

dreaming on any such desperate accident, and to her he used these

dissembling speeches.

  Sister (quoth he) my wife hath advised, that I should speedily

convey you hence, as fearing the renewing of the Dukes fury, and

your falling againe into the hands of justice: I have a Barke

readily prepared for you, and your life being secured, it is all

that she and I doe most desire. Ninetta being fearefull, and no way

distrusting what he had saide; in thankfull allowance of her Sisters

care, and curteous tender of his so ready service; departed thence

presently with him, not taking any farewell of her other Sister and

her Husband. To the Seashore they came, very weakely provided of

monies to defray their charges, and getting aboard the Barke, directed

their course themselves knew not whether.

  The amorous Duke in his disguise, having long daunced attendance

at Folcoes doore, and no admittance of his entrance; angerly

returned backe to his Court, protesting severe revenge on Magdalena,

if she gave him not the better satisfaction, to cleare her from thus

basely abusing him. On the morrow morning, when Magdalena was found

murthered in her Chamber, and tidings thereof carried to the Duke;

present search was made for the bloody offendor, but Folco being

fled and gone with Ninetta; some there were, who bearing deadly hatred

to Hugnetto, incensed the Duke against him and his wife, as

supposing them to be guilty of Magdalenaes death. He being thereto

very easily perswaded, in regard of his immoderate love to the

slaine Gentlewoman; went himselfe in person (attended on by his Guard)

to Hugnettoes House, where both he and his wife were seized as

prisoners.

  These newes were very strange to them, and their imprisonment as

unwelcome; and although they were truly inocent, either in knowledge

of the horrid fact, or the departure of Folco with Ninetta: yet

being unable to endure the tortures extremity, they made themselves

culpable by confession, and that they had a hand with Folco in the

murder of Magdalena. Upon this their forced confession, and sentence

of death pronounced on them by the Duke himselfe; before the day

appointed for their publike execution, by great summes of money, which

they had closely hid in their House, to serve when any urgent

extremitie should happen to them; they corrupted their keepers, and

before any intelligence could be had of their flight, they escaped

by Sea to Rhodes, where they lived afterward in great distresse and

misery. The just vengeance of Heaven followed after Folco and Ninetta,

he for murthering his honest wife, and she for poysoning her offending

Husband: for being beaten a long while on the Seas, by tempestuous

stormes and weather, and not admitted landing in any Port or creeke;

they were driven backe on the Coast of Candie againe, where being

apprehended, and brought to the City before the Duke, they confessed

their several notorious offences, and ended their loathed lives in one

fire together.

  Thus the idle and loose love of Restagnone, with the franticke

rage and jealousie of Ninetta and Folco, overturned all their long

continued happinesse, and threw a disastrous ending on them all.