THE FIRST NOVELL

 

       WHEREBY THAT LOVE (OFTENTIMES) MAKETH A MAN BOTH WISE AND

                                VALIANT

 

  Chynon, by falling in Love, became wise, and by force of Armes,

winning his faire Lady Iphigenia on the Seas, was afterward imprisoned

at Rhodes. Being delivered by anyone named Lysimachus, with him he

recovered his Iphigenia againe, and faire Cassandra, even in the

middest of their marriage. They fled with them into Candye, where

after they had married them, they were called home to their owne

dwelling.

 

  According to the ancient Annales of the Cypriots, there sometime

lived in Cyprus, a Noble Gentleman, who was commonly called

Aristippus, and exceeded all other of the Country in the goods of

Fortune. Divers children he had, but (amongst the rest) a Sonne, in

whose birth he was more infortunate then any of the rest; and

continually greeved, in regard, that having all the compleate

perfections of beauty, good forme, and manly parts, surpassing all

other youths of his age or stature, yet hee wanted the reall

ornament of the soule, reason and judgement; being (indeed a meere

Ideot or Foole,) and no better hope to be expected of him. His true

name, according as he received it by Baptisme, was Galesus, but

because neyther by the laborious paines of his Tutors indulgence,

and faire endevour of his parents, or ingenuity of any other, he could

not be brought to civility of life, understanding of Letters, or

common carriage of a reasonable creature: by his grosse and deformed

kinde of speech, his qualities also savouring rather of brutish

breeding, then any way derived from manly education; as an Epithite of

scorne and derision, generally, they gave him the name of Chynon,

which in their native Countrey language, and divers other beside,

signifieth a very Sot or Foole, and so was he termed by every one.

  This lost kinde of life in him, was no meane burthen of greefe

unto his Noble Father, and all hope being already spent, of any future

happy recovery, he gave command (because he would not alwaies have

such a sorrow in his sight) that he should live at a Farme of his owne

in a Country Village, among his Peazants and Plough-Swaines. Which was

not any way distastefull to Chynon, but well agreed with his owne

naturall disposition; for their rurall qualities, and grosse behaviour

pleased him beyond the Cities civility. Chynon living thus at his

Fathers Countrey Village, exercising nothing else but rurall

demeanour, such as then delighted him above all other: it chanced upon

a day about the houre of noone, as hee was walking over the fields,

with a long staffe on his necke, which commonly he used to carry; he

entred in to a small thicket, reputed the goodliest in all those

quarters, and by reason it was then the month of May, the Trees had

their leaves fairely shot forth.

  When he had walked through the thicket, it came to passe, that (even

as good Fortune guided him) hee came into a faire Meadow, on every

side engirt with and in one corner thereof stoode a goodly

Fountaine, whose current was both coole and cleare. Hard by it, upon

the greene grasse, he espied a very beautifull young Damosell, seeming

to be fast asleepe, attired in such fine loose garments, as hidde very

little of her white body: onely from the girdle downward, she ware a

kirtle made close unto her, of interwoven delicate silke; and at her

feete lay two other Damosels sleeping, and a servant in the same

manner. No sooner had Chynon fixed his eye upon her, but he stood

leaning upon his staffe; and viewed her very advisedly, without

speaking word, and in no meane admiration, as if he had never seene

the forme of a woman before. He began then to feele in his harsh

rurall understanding (whereinto never till now, either by painfull

instruction, or all other good meanes used to him, any honest civility

had power of impression) a strange kinde of humour to awake, which

informed his grosse and dull spirite, that this Damosell was the

very fairest, which ever any living man beheld.

  Then he began to distinguish her parts, commending the tresses of

her haire, which he imagined to be of gold; her forehead, nose, mouth,

necke, armes, but (above all) her brests, appearing (as yet) but onely

to shew themselves, like two little mountaines. So that, of a

fielden clownish lout, he would needs now become a Judge of beauty,

coveting earnestly in his soule, to see her eyes, which were veiled

over with sound sleepe, that kept them fast enclosed together, and

onely to looke on them, hee wished a thousand times, that she would

awake. For, in his judgement, she excelled all the women that ever

he had seene, and doubted, whether she were some Goddesse or no; so

strangely was he metamorphosed from folly, to a sensible apprehension,

more then common. And so farre did this sodaine knowledge in him

extend; that he could conceive of divine and celestiall things, and

that they were more to be admired and reverenced, then those of humane

or terrene consideration; wherefore the more gladly he contented

himselfe, to tarry till she awaked of her owne accord. And although

the time of stay seemed tedious to him, yet notwithstanding, he was

overcome with such extraordinary contentment, as he had no power to

depart thence, but stood as if he had bin glued fast to the ground.

  After some indifferent respite of time, it chanced that the young

Damosel (who was named Iphigenia) awaked before any of the other

with her, and lifted up her head, with her eyes wide open, she saw

Chynon standing before her, leaning still on his staffe; whereat

marvailing not a little, she saide unto him: Chynon, whither wanderest

thou, or what dost thou seeke for in this wood? Chynon, who not

onely by his countenance but likewise his folly, Nobility of birth,

and wealthy possessions of his father, was generally knowne throughout

the Countrey, made no answere at all to the demand of Iphigenia: but

so soone as he beheld her eyes open, he began to observe them with a

constant regard, and being perswaded in his soule, that from them

flowed such an unutterable singularity, as he had never felt till

then. Which the young Gentlewoman well noting, she began to wax

fearefull, least these stedfast lookes of his, should incite his

rusticity to some attempt, which might redound to her dishonour:

wherefore awaking her women and servants, and they all being risen,

she saide. Farewell Chynon, I leave thee to thine owne good Fortune;

whereto hee presently replyed, saying: I will go with you. Now,

although the Gentlewoman refused his company, as dreading some acte of

incivility from him: yet could she not devise any way to be rid of

him, till he had brought her to her owne dwelling, where taking

leave mannerly of her, he went directly home to his Fathers house,

saying: Nothing should compell him to live any longer in the muddy

Country. And albeit his Father was much offended hereat, and all the

rest of his kindred and friends: (yet not knowing how to helpe it)

they suffered him to continue there still, expecting the cause of this

his so sodaine alteration, from the course of life, which contented

him so highly before.

  Chynon being now wounded to the heart (where never any civill

instruction could before get entrance) with loves piercing dart, by

the bright beauty of Iphigenia, mooved much admiration (falling from

one change to another) in his Father, Kindred, and all else that

knew him. For first, he requested of his Father, that he might be

habited and respected like to his other Brethren, whereto right gladly

he condiscended. And frequenting the company of civill youths,

observing also the cariage of Gentlemen, especially such as were

amorously enclined: he grew to a beginning in short time (to the

wonder of every one) not onely to understand the first instruction

of letters, but also became most skilfull, even amongst them that were

best exercised in Philosophy. And afterward, love to Iphigenia being

the sole occasion of this happy alteration, not onely did his harsh

and clownish voyce convert it selfe more mildely, but also hee

became a singular Musitian, and could perfectly play on any

instrument. Beside, he tooke delight in the riding and managing of

great horses, and finding himselfe of a strong and able body, he

exercised all kinds of Military Disciplines, as well by Sea, as on the

land. And, to be breefe, because I would not seeme tedious in the

repetition of all his vertues, scarsly had he attained to the fourth

yeare, after he was thus falne in love, but hee became generally

knowne, to be the most civil, wise, and worthy Gentleman, aswell for

all vertues enriching the minde, as any whatsoever to beautifie the

body, that very hardly he could be equalled throughout the whole

kingdome of Cyprus.

 What shall we say then (vertuous Ladies) concerning this Chynon?

Surely nothing else, but that those high and divine vertues, infused

into his gentle soule, were by envious Fortune bound and shut up in

some small angle of his intellect, which being shaken and set at

liberty by love, (as having a farre more potent power then Fortune, in

quickning and reviving the dull drowsie spirits) declared his mighty

and soveraigne Authority, in setting free so many faire and precious

vertues unjustly detayned, to let the worlds eye behold them truly, by

manifest testimony from whence he can deliver those spirits

subjected to his power, and guid them (afterward) to the highest

degrees of honour. And although Chynon by affecting Iphigenia,

failed in some particular things; yet notwithstanding, his Father

Aristippus duely considering, that love had made him a man, whereas

(before) he was no better then a beast: not onely endured all

patiently, but also advised him therein, to take such courses as

best liked himselfe. Neverthelesse, Chynon (who refused to be called

Galesus, which was his naturall name indeed) remembring that Iphigenia

tearmed him Chynon, and coveting (under this title) to accomplish

the issue of his honest amorous desire: made many motions to

Ciphaeus the Father of Iphigenia, that he would be pleased to let

him enjoy her in marriage. But Ciphaeus told him, that he had

already passed his promise for her, to a Gentleman of Rhodes, named

Pasimondo, which promise he religiously intended to performe.

  The time being come, which was concluded on for Iphigeniaes

marriage, in regard that the affianced husband had sent for her:

Chynon thus communed with his owne thoughts. Now is the time (quoth

he) to let my divine Mistresse see, how truly and honourably I doe

affect her, because (by her) I am become a man. But if I could be

possessed of her, I should growe more glorious, then the common

condition of a mortall man, and have her I will, or loose my life in

the adventure. Being thus resolved, he prevailed with divers young

Gentlemen his friends, making them of his faction, and secretly

prepared a Shippe, furnished with all things for a Naval fight,

setting sodainly forth to Sea, and hulling abroad in those parts by

which the vessell should passe, that must convey Iphigenia to Rhodes

to her husband. After many honours done to them, who were to transport

her thence unto Rhodes, being imbarked, they set saile upon their

Bon viaggio.

  Chynon, who slept not in a businesse so earnestly importing him, set

on them (the day following) with his Ship, and standing aloft on the

decke, cryed out to them that had the charge of Iphigenia, saying.

Strike your sayles, or else determine to be sunke in the Sea. The

enemies to Chynon, being nothing danted with his words, prepared to

stand upon their owne defence; which made Chynon, after the former

speeches delivered, and no answer returned, to command the grapling

Irons to be cast forth, which tooke such fast hold on the Rhodians

shippe, that (whether they would or no) both the vessels joyned

close together. And he shewing himselfe fierce like a Lyon, not

tarrying to be seconded by any, stepped aboord the Rhodians ship, as

if he made no respect at all of them, and having his sword ready

drawne in his hand (incited by the vertue of unfaigned love) laied

about him on all sides very manfully. Which when the men of Rhodes

perceived, casting downe their weapons, and all of them (as it were)

with one voyce, yeelded themselves his prisoners: whereupon he said.

  Honest Friends, neither desire of booty, nor hatred to you, did

occasion my departure from Cyprus, thus to assaile you with drawne

weapons: but that which hereto hath most mooved me, is a matter highly

importing to me, and very easie for you to grant, and so enjoy your

present peace. I desire to have faire Iphigenia from you, whom I

love above all other Ladies living, because I could not obtaine her of

her father, to make her my lawfull wife in marriage. Love is the

ground of my instant Conquest, and I must use you as my mortall

enemies, if you stand upon any further tearmes with me, and do not

deliver her as mine owne: for your Pasimondo, must not enjoy what is

my right, first by vertue of my love, and now by Conquest: Deliver her

therefore, and depart hence at your pleasure.

  The men of Rhodes, being rather constrained thereto, then of any

free disposition in themselves, with teares in their eyes, delivered

Iphigenia to Chynon; who beholding her in like manner to weepe, thus

spake unto her. Noble Lady, do not any way discomfort your selfe,

for I am your Chynon, who have more right and true title to you, and

much better doe deserve to enjoy you, by my long continued affection

to you, then Pasimondo can any way plead; because you belong to him

but onely by promise. So, bringing her aboord his owne ship, where the

Gentlemen his companions gave her kinde welcome, without touching

any thing else belonging to the Rhodians, he gave them free liberty to

depart.

  Chynon being more joyfull, by the obtaining of his hearts desire,

then any other conquest else in the world could make him, after he had

spent some time in comforting Iphigenia, who as yet sate sadly

sighing; he consulted with his companions, who joyned with him in

opinion, that their safest course was, by no meanes to returne to

Cyprus; and therefore all (with one consent) resolved to set saile for

Candye, where every one made account, but especially Chynon, in regard

of ancient and new combined Kindred, as also very intimate friends, to

finde very worthy entertainement, and so to continue there safely with

Iphigenia. But Fortune, who was so favourable to Chynon, in granting

him so pleasing a Conquest, to shew her constancy, so sodainly changed

the inestimable joy of our jocond Lover, into as heavy sorrow and

disaster. For, foure houres were not fully compleated, since his

departure from the Rhodians, but darke night came upon them, and he

sitting conversing with his faire Mistresse, in the sweetest solace of

his soule; the winds began to blow roughly, the Seas swelled

angerly, and a tempest arose impetuously, that no man could see what

his duty was to do, in such a great unexpected distresse, nor how to

warrant themselves from perishing.

  If this accident were displeasing to poore Chynon, I thinke the

question were in vaine demanded: for now it seemeth to him, that the

Godds had granted his cheefe desire, to the end he should dye with the

greater anguish, in losing both his love and life together. His

friends likewise, felte the selfesame affliction, but especially

Iphigenia, who wept and greeved beyond all measure, to see the ship

beaten with such stormy billowes, as threatned her sinking every

minute. Impatiently she cursed the love of Chynon, greatly blaming his

desperate boldnesse, and maintaining, that so violent a tempest

could never happen, but onely by the Gods displeasure, who would not

permit him to have a wife against their will; and therefore thus

punished his proud presumption, not onely in his unavoidable death,

but also that her life must perish for company.

  She continuing in these wofull lamentations, and the Mariners

labouring all in vaine, because the violence of the tempest

encreased more and more, so that every moment they expected

wracking: they were carried (contrary to their owne knowledge) very

neere unto the Isle of Rhodes, which they being no way able to

avoyd, and utterly ignorant of the Coast; for safety of their lives,

they laboured to land there if possibly they might. Wherein Fortune

was somewhat furtherous to them, driving them into a small gulfe of

the Sea, whereinto (but a little while before) the Rhodians, from whom

Chynon had taken Iphigenia, were newly entred with their ship. Nor had

they any knowledge each of other, till the breake of day (which made

the heavens to looke more clearly) gave them discovery of being within

a flight shoote together. Chynon looking forth, and espying the same

ship which he had left the day before, hee grew exceeding

sorrowfull, as fearing that which after followed, and therefore hee

willed the Mariners, to get away from her by all their best endeavour,

and let fortune afterward dispose of them as she pleased; for into a

worse place they could not come, nor fall into the like danger.

  The Mariners employed their very utmost paines, and all proved but

losse of time: for the winde was so sterne, and the waves so

turbulent, that still they drove them the contrary way: so that

striving to get forth of the gulfe, whether they would or no, they

were driven on land, and instantly knowne to the Rhodians, whereof

they were not a little joyfull. The men of Rhodes being landed, ran

presently to the neere-neighbouring Villages, where dwelt divers

worthy Gentlemen, to whom they reported the arrivall of Chynon, what

fortune befell them at Sea, and that Iphigenia might now be

recovered againe with chastisement to Chynon for his bold insolence.

They being very joyfull of these good newes, took so many men as

they could of the same Village, and ran immediately to the Sea side,

where Chynon being newly Landed and his people, intending flight

into a neere adjoyning Forrest, for defence of himselfe and Iphigenia,

they were all taken, led thence to the Village, and afterwards to

the chiefe City of Rhodes.

  No sooner were they arrived, but Pasimondo, the intended Husband for

Iphigenia (who had already heard the tydings) went and complained to

the Senate, who appointed a Gentleman of Rhodes named Lysimachus,

and being that yeere soveraigne Magistrate over the Rhodians, to go

well provided for the apprehension of Chynon and his company,

committing them to prison, which accordingly was done. In this manner,

the poore unfortunate lover Chynon, lost his faire Iphigenia, having

won her in so short a while before, and scarsely requited with so much

as a kisse. But as for Iphigenia, she was royally welcommed by many

Lords and Ladies of Rhodes, who so kindely comforted her, that she

soone forgotte all her greefe and trouble on the Sea, remaining in

company of those Ladies and Gentlewomen, untill the day determined for

her marriage.

  At the earnest entreaty of divers Rhodian Gentlemen, who were in the

Ship with Iphigenia, and had their lives courteously saved by

Chynon: both he and his friends had their lives likewise spared,

although Pasimondo laboured importunately, to have them all put to

death; onely they were condemned to perpetuall imprisonment, which

(you must thinke) was most greevous to them, as being now hopelesse of

any deliverance. But in the meane time, while Pasimondo was ordering

his nuptiall preparation, Fortune seeming to repent the wrongs she had

done to Chynon, prepared a new accident, whereby to comfort him in

this deepe distresse, and in such manner as I will relate unto you.

  Pasimondo had a Brother, yonger then he in yeeres, but not a jot

inferiour to him in vertue, whose name was Hormisda, and long time the

case had bene in question, for his taking to wife a faire young

Gentlewoman of Rhodes, called Cassandra; whom Lysimachus the Governour

loved very dearly, and hindred her marriage with Hormisda, by divers

strange accidents. Now Pasimondo perceiving, that his owne Nuptials

required much cost and solemnity, hee thought it very convenient, that

one day might serve for both their Weddings, which else would lanch

into more lavish expences, and therefore concluded, that his brother

Hormisda should marry Cassandra, at the same time as he wedded

Iphigenia. Hereupon, he consulted with the Gentlewomans parents, who

liking the motion as well as he, the determination was set downe,

and one day to effect the duties of both.

  When this came to the hearing of Lysimachus, it was very greatly

displeasing to him, because now he saw himselfe utterly deprived of al

hope to attaine the issue of his desire, if Hormisda received

Cassandra in marriage. Yet being a very wise and worthy man, he

dissembled his distaste, and began to consider on some apt meanes,

whereby to disappoint the marriage once more, which he found

impossible to be done, except it were by way of rape or stealth. And

that did not appeare to him any difficult matter, in regard of his

Office and Authority: onely it would seeme dishonest in him, by giving

such an unfitting example. Neverthelesse, after long deliberation,

honour gave way to love, and resolutely he concluded to steale her

away, whatsoever became of it.

  Nothing wanted now, but a convenient company to assist him, and

the order how to have it done. Then he remembred Chynon and his

friends, whom he detained as his prisoners, and perswaded himselfe,

that he could not have a more faithfull friend in such a busines, then

Chynon was. Hereupon, the night following, he sent for him into his

Chamber, and being alone by themselves, thus he began. Chynon (quoth

he) as the Gods are very bountifull, in bestowing their blessings on

men, so do they therein most wisely make proofe of their vertues,

and such as they finde firme and constant, in all occurrences which

may happen, then they make worthy (as valiant spirits) of t very

best and highest merites. Now, they being willing to have more certain

experience of thy vertues, then those which heretofore thou hast

shewne, within the bounds and limits of thy fathers possessions, which

I know to be superabounding: perhaps do intend to present thee other

occasions, of more important weight and consequence.

  For first of all (as I have heard) by the piercing solicitudes of

love, of a senselesse creature, that made thee to become a man

endued with reason. Afterward, by adverse fortune, and now againe by

wearisome imprisonment, it seemeth that they are desirous to make

tryall, whether thy manly courage be changed, or no, from that which

heretofore it was, when thou enjoyedst a matchlesse beauty, and lost

her againe in so short a while. Wherefore, if thy vertue be such as it

hath bin, the Gods can never give thee any blessing more worthy

acceptance, then she whom they are now minded to bestow on thee: in

which respect, to the end that thou mayst re-assume thy wanted

heroicke spirit, and become more couragious than ever heretofore, I

will acquaint thee withall more at large.

  Understand then Noble Chynon, that Pasimondo, the onely glad man

of thy misfortune, and diligent sutor after thy death, maketh all hast

hee can possibly devise to do, to celebrate his marriage with thy

faire Mistresse: because he would plead possession of the prey,

which Fortune (when she smiled) did first bestow, and (afterward

frowning) tooke from thee againe. Now, that it must needs be very

irkesome to thee (at least if thy love bee such, as I am perswaded

it is) I partly can collect from my selfe, being intended to be

wronged by his brother Hormisda, even in the selfesame maner, and on

his marriage day, by taking faire Cassandra from me, the onely

Jewell of my love and life. For the prevention of two such notorious

injuries, I see that Fortune hath left us no other meanes, but onely

the vertue of our courages, and the helpe of our right hands, by

preparing our selves to Armes, opening a way to thee, by a second rape

or stealth; and to me the first, for absolute possession of our divine

Mistresses. Wherefore, if thou art desirous to recover thy losse, I

will not onely pronounce liberty to thee (which I thinke thou dost

little care for without her) but dare also assure thee to enjoy

Iphigenia, so thou wilt assist me in mine enterprize, and follow me in

my fortune, if the Gods do let them fall into our power.

  You may well imagine, that Chynons dismayed soule was not a little

cheared at these speeches; and therefore, without craving any long

respit of time for answer, thus he replyed. Lord Lysimachus, in such a

busines as this is, you cannot have a faster friend then my selfe,

at least, if such good hap may betide me, as you have more then

halfe promised: and therefore do no more but command what you would

have to be effected by mee, and make no doubt of my courage in the

execution: whereon Lysimachus made this answer. Know then Chynon

(quoth he) that three dayes hence, these marriages are to bee

celebrated in the houses of Pasimondo and Hormisda: upon which day,

thou, thy friends, and my selfe (with some others, in whom I repose

especiall trust) by the friendly favour of night, will enter into

their houses, while they are in the middest of their joviall feasting;

and (seizing on the two Brides) beare them thence to a Shippe, which I

will have lye in secret, waiting for our comming, and kill all such as

shall presume to impeach us. This direction gave great contentment

to Chynon, who remained still in prison, without revealing a word to

his owne friends, untill the limited time was come.

  Upon day, performed with great and magnificent Triumph, there was

not a corner in the Brethrens houses, but it sung joy in the highest

key. Lysimachus, after he had ordred all things as they ought to be,

and the houre for dispat approached neere; hee made a division in

three parts, of Chynon, his followers, and his owne friends, being all

well armed under their outward habites. Having first used some

encouraging speeches, for more resolute prosecution of the enterprize,

hee sent troope secretly to the Port, that they might not bee

hindred of going aboord the ship, when the urgent necessity should

require it. Passing with the other two traines of Pasimondo, he left

the one at the doore, that such as were in the house, might not shut

them up fast, and so impeach their passage forth. Then with Chynon,

and the third band of Confederates, he ascended the staires up into

the Hall, where he found the Brides with store of Ladies and

Gentlewomen, all sitting in comely order at Supper. Rushing in roughly

among the attendants, downe they threw the Tables, and each of them

laying hold of his Mistris, delivered them into the hands of their

followers, commanding that they should bee carried aboord the ship,

for avoiding of further inconveniences.

  This hurrie and amazement being in the house, the Brides weeping,

the Ladies lamenting, and all the servants confusedly wondering;

Chynon and Lysimachus (with their Friends) having their weapons

drawn in their hands, made all opposers to give them way, and so

gayned the stair head for their owne descending. There stood

Pasimonda, with an huge long Staffe in his hand, to hinder their

passage downe the stayres; but Chynon saluted him so soundly on the

head, that it being cleft in twaine, he fell dead before his feete.

His Brother Hormisda came to his rescue, and sped in the selfe-same

manner as he had done; so did divers other beside, whom the companions

to Lysimachus and Chynon, either slew out-right, or wounded.

  So they left the house, filled with blood, teares, and outcries,

going on together, without any hinderance, and so brought both the

Brides aboord the ship, which they rowed away instantly with their

Oares. For, now the shore was full of armed people, who came in rescue

of the stolne Ladies: but all in vaine, because they were lanched into

the main, and sayled on merrily towards Candye. Where being arrived,

they were worthily entertained by honourable Friends and Kinsmen,

who pacified all unkindnesses betweene them and their Mistresses: And,

having accepted them in lawfull marriage, there they lived in no meane

joy and contentment: albeit there was a long and troublesome

difference (about these rapes) betweene Rhodes and Cyprus.

  But yet in the end, by the meanes of Noble Friends and Kindred on

either side, labouring to have such discontentment appeased,

endangering warre betweene the Kingdomes: after a limited time of

banishment, Chynon returned joyfully with his Iphigenia home to

Cyprus, and Lysimachus with his beloved Cassandra unto Rhodes, each

living in their severall Countries, with much felicity.