THE SECOND NOVELL

 

   WHEREIN IS DECLARED, THE FIRME LOYALTIE OF A TRUE LOVER: AND HOW

           FORTUNE DOTH SOMETIME HUMBLE MEN, TO RAISE THEM

                   AFTERWARD TO A FARRE HIGHER DEGREE

 

  Faire Constance of Liparis, fell in love with Martuccio Gomito:

and hearing that he was dead, desperately she entred into a Barke,

which being transported by the windes to Susa in Barbary, from

thence she went to Thunis, where she found him to be living. There she

made her selfe knowne to him, and he being in great authority, as a

privy Counsellor to the King: he married the saide Constance, and

returned richly home with Air, to the Island of Liparis.

 

  When the Queene perceived, that the Novell recited by Pamphilus

was concluded, which she graced with especiall commendations: shee

commanded Madam Aemilia, to take her turne as next in order; whereupon

she thus began. Me thinkes it is a matter of equity, that every one

should take delight in those things, whereby the recompence may be

noted, answerable to their one affection. And because I rather

desire to walke along by the paths of pleasure, then dwell on any

ceremonious or scrupulous affectation, I shall the more gladly obey

our Queene to day, then yesterday I did our melancholly King.

  Understand then (Noble Ladies) that neere to Sicily, there is a

small Island, commonly called Liparis, wherein (not long since)

lived a yong Damosell, named Constance, born of very sufficient

parentage in the same Island. There dwelt also a yong man called

Martuccio Gomito, of comely feature, well conditioned, and not

unexpert in many vertuous qualities; affecting Constance in harty

manner: and she so answerable to him in the same kinde, that to be

in his company, was her onely felicity. Martuccio coveting to enjoy

her in marriage, made his intent knowne to her Father: who

upbraiding him with poverty, tolde him plainly that he should not have

her. Martuccio greeving to see himselfe thus despised, because he

was poore: made such good meanes, that he was provided of a small

Barke; and calling such friends (as he thought fit) to his

association, made a solemne vow, that he would never returne backe

to Liparis, untill he was rich, and in better condition.

  In the nature and course of a Rover or Pirate, so put thence to sea,

coasting all about Barbarie, robbing and spoyling such as he met with;

who were of no greater strength then himselfe: wherein Fortune was

so favourable to him, that he became wealthy in a very short while.

But as felicities are not alwayes permanent, so he and his

followers, not contenting themselves with sufficient riches: by greedy

seeking to get more, happened to be taken by certaine ships of the

Sarazins, and so were robbed themselves of all that they had gotten,

yet they resisted them stoutly a long while together, though it proved

to the losse of many lives among them. When the Sarazens had sunke his

ship in the Sea, they tooke him with them to Thunis, where he was

imprisoned, and lived in extreamest misery.

  Newes came to Liparis, not onely by one, but many more beside,

that all those which departed thence in the small Barke with

Martuccio, were drowned in the Sea, and not a man escaped. When

Constance, heard these unwelcome tydings (who was exceeding full of

greefe, for his so desperate departure) she wept and lamented

extraordinarily, desiring now rather to dye, then live any longer. Yet

she had not the heart, to lay any violent hand on her selfe, but

rather to end her dayes by some new kinde of necessity. And

departing privately from her Fathers house, she went to the Port or

Haven, where (by chance) she found a small Fisher-boate, lying distant

from the other vessels, the owners whereof being all gone on shore,

and it well furnished with Masts, Sailes, and Oares, she entred into

it; and putting forth the Oares, being somewhat skilfull in sayling,

(as generally all the Women of that Island are) she so well guided the

Sailes, Rudder, and Oares, that she was quickly farre off from the

Land, and soly remained at the mercy of the windes. For thus she had

resolved with her selfe, that the Boat being uncharged, and without

a guide, would either be overwhelmed by the windes, or split in peeces

against some Rocke; by which meanes she could [not] escape although

she would, but (as it was her desire) must needs be drowned.

  In this determination, wrapping a mantle about her head, and lying

downe weeping in the boats bottome, she hourely expected her finall

expiration: but it fell out otherwise, and contrary to her desperate

intention, because the wind turning to the North, and blowing very

gently, without disturbing the Seas a jot, they conducted the small

Boat in such sort, that after the night of her entering into it, and

the morrowes sailing untill the evening, it came within an hundre

leagues of Thunis and to a strond neere a Towne called Susa. The young

Damosell knew not whether she were on the sea or land; as one, who not

by any accident hapning, lifted up her head to looke about her,

neither intended ever to doe. Now it came to passe, that as the

boate was driven to the shore, a poore woman stood at the Sea side,

washing certaine Fishermens Nets; and seeing the boate comming towards

her under saile, without any person appearing in it, she wondred

thereat not a little. It being close at the shore, and she thinking

the Fishermen to be asleepe therein: stept boldly, and looked into the

boate, where she saw not any body, but onely the poore distressed

Damosell, whose sorrowes having brought her now into a sound sleepe,

the woman gave many cals before she could awake her, which at the

length she did, and looked very strangely about her.

  The poore woman perceyving by her habite that she was a Christian,

demanded of her (in speaking Latine) how it was possible for her,

being all alone in the boate, to arrive there in this manner? When

Constance, heard her speake the Latine tongue, she began to doubt,

least some contrary winde had turned her backe to Liparis againe,

and starting up sodainly, to looke with better advice about her,

shee saw her selfe at Land: and not knowing the Countrey, demanded

of the poore woman where she was? Daughter (quoth she) you are heere

hard by Susa in Barbarie. Which Constance hearing, and plainly

perceyving, that death had denied to end her miseries, fearing least

she should receive some dishonour, in such a barbarous unkinde

Country, and not knowing what should now become of her, shee sate

downe by the boates side, wringing her hands, and weeping bitterly.

  The good Woman did greatly compassionate her case, and prevailed

so well by gentle speeches, that she conducted her into her owne poore

habitation, where at length she understoode, by what meanes shee

hapned thither so strangely. And perceyving her to be fasting, she set

such homely bread as she had before her, a few small Fishes, and a

Crewse of Water, praying her for to accept of that poore

entertainment, which meere necessity compelled her to do, and shewed

her selfe very thankefull for it.

  Constance hearing that she spake the Latine language so well;

desired to know what she was. Whereto the old woman thus answered:

Gentlewoman (quoth she) I am of Trapanum, named Carapresa, and am a

servant in this Countrey to certaine Christian Fishermen. The young

Maiden (albeit she was very full of sorrow) hearing her name to be

Carapresa, conceived it as a good augury to her selfe, and that she

had heard the name before, although she knew not what occasion

should move her thus to do. Now began her hopes to quicken againe, and

yet she could not relie upon what ground; nor was she so desirous of

death as before, but made more precious estimation of her life, and

without any further declaration of her selfe or Countrey, she

entreated the good woman (even for charities sake) to take pitty on

her youth, and helpe her with such good advice, to prevent all

injuries which might happen to her, in such a solitary wofull

condition.

  Carapresa having heard her request, like a good woman as she was,

left Constance in her poore Cottage, and went hastily to leave her

nets in safety: which being done, she returned backe againe, and

covering Constance with her Mantle, led her on to Susa with her, where

being arrived, the good woman began in this manner. Constance, I

will bring thee to the house of a very worthy Sarazin Lady, to whom

I have done many honest services, according as she pleased to

command me. She is an ancient woman, full of charity, and to her I

will commend thee as best I may, for I am well assured, that she

will gladly entertaine thee, and use thee as if thou wert her own

daughter. Now, let it be thy part, during thy time of remaining with

her, to employ thy utmost diligence in pleasing her, by deserving

and gaining her grace, till heaven shall blesse thee with better

fortune: and as she promised, so she performed.

  The Sarazine Lady, being well stept into yeares, upon the

commendable speeches delivered by Carapresa, did the more seriously

fasten her eye on Constance, and compassion provoking her to teares,

she tooke her by the hand, and (in loving manner) kissed her

fore-head. So she led her further into her house, where dwelt divers

other women (but not one man) all exercising themselves in severall

labours, as working in all sorts of silke, with Imbroideries of Gold

and Silver, and sundry other excellent Arts beside, which in short

time were very familiar to Constance, and so pleasing grew her

behaviour to the old Lady, and all the rest beside; that they loved

and delighted in her wonderfully, and (by little and little) she

attained to the speaking of their language, although it were very

harsh and difficult.

  Constance continuing thus in the old Ladies service at Susa, and

thought to be dead or lost in her owne Fathers house; it fortuned,

that one reigning then as King of Thunis, who named himselfe

Mariabdela: there was a young Lord of great birth, and very powerfull,

who lived as then in Granada, and pleaded that the Kingdome of

Thunis belonged to him. In which respect, he mustred together a mighty

Army, and came to assault the King, as hoping to expell him. These

newes comming to the eare of Martuccio Gomito, who spake the Barbarian

Language perfectly; and hearing it reported, that the King of Thunis

made no meane preparation for his owne defence: he conferred with

one of his keepers, who had the custody of him, and the rest taken

with him, saying: If (quoth he) I could have meanes to speake with the

King, and he were pleased to allow of my counsell, I can enstruct

him in such a course, as shall assure him to win the honor of the

field. The Guard reported these speeches to his Master, who

presently acquainted the King therewith, and Martuccio being sent for;

he was commanded to speake his minde: Whereupon he began in this

manner.

  My gracious Lord, during the time that I have frequented your

countrey, I have heedfully observed, that the Militarie Discipline

used in your fights and battailes, dependeth more upon your Archers,

then any other men imployed in your war And therefore, if it could

be so ordered, that this kinde of Artillery may faile in your

enemies Campe, and yours be sufficiently furnished therewith, you

neede make no doubt of winning the battaile: whereto the King thus

replyed. Doubtlesse, if such an act were possible to be done, it would

give great hope of successefull prevalling. Sir, said Martuccio, if

you please it may be done, and I can quickly resolve you how. Let

the strings of your Archers Bowes be made more soft and gentle, then

those which heretofore they have formerly used; and next, let the

nockes of the Arrowes be so provided, as not to receive any other,

then those pliant gentle strings. But this must be done so secretly,

that your enemies may have no knowledge thereof, least they should

provide themselves in the same manner. Now the reason (Gracious

Lord) why thus I counsell you, is to this end. When the Archers on the

Enemies side have shot their Arrowes at your men, and yours in the

like maner at them: it followeth, that (upon meere constraint) they

must gather up your Arrowes, to shoote them backe againe at you, for

so long while as the battell endureth, as no doubt but your men wil do

the like to them. But your enemies finde themselves much deceived,

because they can make no use of your peoples Arrowes, in regard that

the nockes are too narrow to receive their boystrous strings. Which

will fall out contrary with your followers, for the pliant strings

belonging to your Bowes, are as apt for their enemies great nockt

Arrowes, as their owne, and so they shall have free use of both,

reserving them in plentifull store, when your adversaries must stand

unfurnished of any, but them that they cannot any way use.

  This counsell pleased the King very highly, and he being a Prince of

great understanding, gave order to have it accordingly followed, and

thereby valiantly vanquished his enemies. Heereupon, Martuccio came to

be great in his grace, as also consequently rich, and seated in no

meane place of authority. Now as worthy and commendable actions are

soone spread abroad, in honor of the man by whom they hapned: even

so the fame of this rare got victory, was quickly noysed throughout

the Countrey, and came to the hearing of poore Constance, that

Martuccio Gomito (whom she supposed so long since to be dead) was

living, and in honourable condition. The love which formerly she

bare unto him, being not altogether extinct in her heart; of a small

sparke, brake forth into a sodaine flame, and so encreased day by day,

that her hope (being before almost quite dead) revived againe in

chearfull manner.

  Having imparted all her fortunes to the good old Lady with whom

she dwelt; she told her beside, that she had an earnest desire to

see Thunis, to satisfie her eyes as well as her eares, concerning

the rumor blazed abroad. The good old Lady commended her desire, and

(even as if she had bene her Mother) tooke her with her aboord a

Barke, and so sayled thence to Thunis, where both she and Constance

found honourable welcome, in the house of a kinsman to the Sarazin

Lady. Carapresa also went along with them thither, and her they sent

abroad into the City, to understand the newes of Martuccio Gomito.

After they knew for a certainty that he was living, and in great

authority about the King, according as the former report went of

him. Then the good old Lady, being desirous to let Martuccio know,

that his faire friend Constance was come thither to see him; went

her selfe to the place of his abiding, and spake unto him in this

manner. Noble Martuccio, there is a servant of thine in my house,

which came from Liparis, and requireth to have a little private

conference with thee: but because I durst not trust any other with the

message, my selfe (at her entreaty) am come to acquaint thee

therewith. Martuccio gave her kinde and hearty thankes, and then

went along with her to the house.

  No sooner did Constance behold him, but she was ready to dye with

conceite of joy, and being unable to containe her passion: sodainely

she threw her armes about his necke, and in meere compassion of her

many misfortunes, as also the instant solace of her soule (not being

able to utter one word) the teares trickled abundantly downe her

cheekes. Martuccio also seeing his faire friend, was overcome with

exceeding admiration, and stood awhile, as not knowing what to say;

till venting forth a vehement sighe, thus he spake. My deerest love

Constance! Art thou yet living? It is a tedious long while since I

heard thou wast lost, and never any tydings knowne of thee in thine

owne Fathers house. With which words, the teares standing in his eyes,

most lovingly he embraced her, Constance recounted to him all her

fortunes, and what kindnesse she had receyved from the Sarazine

Lady, since her first houre of comming to her. And after much other

discourse passing betweene them, Martuccio departed from her, and

returning to the King his master, tolde him all the history of his

fortunes, and those beside of his Love Constance, being purposely

minded (with his gracious liking) to marry her according to the

Christian Law.

  The King was much amazed at so many strange accidents, and sending

for Constance to come before him; from her owne mouth he heard the

whole relation of her continued affection to Martuccio, whereupon

hee saide. Now trust me faire Damosell, thou hast dearely deserved him

to be thy husband. Then sending for very costly Jewels, and rich

presents, the one halfe of them he gave to her, and the other to

Martuccio, graunting them license withall, to marry according to their

owne mindes.

  Martuccio did many honors, and gave great gifts to the aged Sarazine

Lady, with whom Constance had lived so kindly respected: which

although she had no neede of, neither ever expected any such

rewarding; yet (conquered by their urgent importunity, especially

Constance, who could not be thankfull enough to her) she was

enforced to receive them, and taking her leave of them weeping, sayled

backe againe to Susa.

  Within a short while after, the King licensing their departure

thence, they entred into a small Barke, and Carapresa with them,

sailing on with prosperous gales of winde, untill they arrived at

Liparis, where they were entertained with generall rejoycing. And

because their marriage was not sufficiently performed at Thunis, in

regard of divers Christian ceremonies there wanting, their Nuptials

were againe most honourably solemnized, and they lived (many yeares

after) in health and much happinesse.