THE SEVENTH NOVELL

 

      WHEREBY IS DECLARED, THAT SUCH AS KEEPE MANY HONEST SEEMING

        SERVANTS, MAY SOMETIME FINDE A KNAVE AMONG THEM, AND ONE

               THAT PROVES TO BE OVERSAWCY WITH HIS MASTER

 

  Losovico discovered to his Mistresse Madame Beatrix, how amorously

he was affected to her. She cunningly sent Egano her Husband into

his garden, in all respects disguised like her selfe, while (friendly)

Lodovico conferred with her in the meane while. Afterward, Lodovico

pretending a lascivious allurement of his Mistresse, thereby to

wrong his honest Master, insted of her, beateth Egano soundly in the

Garden.

 

  This so sodaine dexterity of wit in Isabella, related in verie

modest manner by Madame Pampinea, was not onely admired by all the

company; but likewise passed with as generall approbation. But yet

Madam Philomena (whom the King had commanded next to succeede)

peremptorily sayde. Worthy Ladies, if I am not deceived; I intend to

tell you another Tale presently; as much to be commended as the last.

  You are to understand then, that it is no long while since, when

there dwelt in Paris a Florentine Gentleman, who falling into decay of

his estate, by over-bountifull expences; undertooke the degree of a

Merchant, and thrived so well by his trading, that he grew to great

wealth, having one onely sonne by his wife, named Lodovico. This

Sonne, partaking somewhat in his Fathers former height of minde, and

no way inclineable to deale in Merchandize, had no meaning to be a

Shopman, and therefore accompanied the Gentlemen of France, in

sundry services for the King; among whom, by his singular good

carriage and qualites, he happened to be not meanly esteemed. While

thus he continued in the Court, it chanced, that certaine Knights,

returning from Jerusalem, having there visited the holy Sepulcher, and

comming into company where Lodovico was: much familiar discourse

passed amongst them, concerning the faire women of France, England,

and other parts of the world where they had bin, and what delicate

beauties they had seene.

  One in the company constantly avouched, that of all the Women by

them so generally observed, there was not any comparable to the Wife

of Egano de Galluzzi, dwelling in Bologna, and her name Madam Beatrix,

reputed to be the onely faire woman of the world. Many of the rest

maintained as much, having bin at Bologna, and likewise seene her.

Lodovico hearing the woman to be so highly commended, and never (as

yet) feeling any thought of amorous inclination; became sodainely

toucht with an earnest desire of seeing her, and his minde could

entertaine no other matter, but onely of travailing thither to see

her, yea, and to continue there, if occasion so served. The reason for

his journey urged to his Father, was to visit Jerusalem, and the

holy Sepulcher, which with much difficulty, at length he obtained

his leave.

  Being on his journey towards Bologna, by the name of Anichino, and

not of Lodovico, and being there arrived; upon the day following,

and having understood the place of her abiding: it was his good happe,

to see the Lady at her Window; she appearing in his eye farre more

faire, then all reports had made her to be. Heereupon, his affection

became so enflamed to her, as he vowed, never to depart from

Bologna, untill he had obtained her love. And devising by what

meanes he might effect his hopes, he grew perswaded (setting all other

attempts aside) that if he could be entertained into her Husbands

service, and undergo some businesse in the house, time might tutor him

to obtaine his desire. Having given his attendants sufficient

allowance, to spare his company, and take no knowledge of him, selling

his Horses also, and other notices which might discover him: he grew

into acquaintance with the Hoste of the house where he lay,

revealing an earnest desire in himselfe, to serve som Lord or worthy

Gentleman, if any were willing to give him entertainment.

  Now beleeve me Sir (answered the Hoste) you seeme worthy to have a

good service indeede, and I know a Noble Gentleman of this Cittie, who

is named Egano: he will (without all question) accept your offer,

for hee keepeth many men of verie good deserving, and you shall have

my furtherance therein so much as may be. As he promised, so he

performed, and taking Anichino with him unto Egano: so farre he

prevailed by his friendly protestations, and good opinion of the young

Gentleman; that Anichino was (without more ado) accepted in Eganoes

service, then which, nothing could be more pleasing to him. Now had he

the benefit of dayly beholding his hearts Mistresse, and so acceptable

proved his service to Egano, that he grew very farre in love with him:

not undertaking any affayres whatsoever, without the advice and

direction of Anichino, so that he reposed his most especiall trust

in him, as a man altogether governed by him.

  It fortuned upon a day, that Egano being ridden to flye his Hawke at

the River, and Anichino remaining behinde at home, Madame Beatrix, who

(as yet) had taken no notice of Anichinoes love to her (albeit her

selfe, observing his faire carriage and commendable qualities, was

highly pleased to have so seeming a servant) called him to play at the

Chesse with her: and Anichino, coveting nothing more then to content

her, carried himselfe so dexteriously in the game, that he permitted

hir still to win, which was no little joy to her. When all the

Gentlewomen, and other friends there present, as spectators to

behold their play, had taken their farewell, and were departed,

leaving them all alone, yet gaming still: Anichino breathing forth

an intire sigh, Madame Beatrix looking merrily on him, said. Tell me

Anichino, art not thou angrie, to see me win? It should appeare so

by that solemne sigh. No truly Madame, answered Anichino, a matter

of farre greater moment, then losse of infinite games at the Chesse,

was the occasion why I sighed. I pray thee (replyed the Lady) by the

love thou bearest me, as being my Servant (if any love at all remain

in thee towards me) give me a reason for that harty sigh.

  When he heard himselfe so severely conjured, by the love he bare

to her, and loved none else in the world beside: he gave a farre

more hart-sicke sigh, then before. Then his Lady and Mistresse

entreated him seriously, to let her know the cause of those two

deepe sighes: whereto Anichino thus replyed. Madam, if I should tell

you, I stand greatly in feare of offending you: and when I have told

you, I doubt your discovery thereof to some other. Beleeve me Anichino

(quoth she) therein thou neither canst, or shalt offend me.

Moreover, assure thy selfe, that I will never disclose it to any

other, except I may do it with thy consent. Madame (saide hee)

seeing you have protested such a solemne promise to mee, I will

reveale no meane secret unto you.

  So, with teares standing in his eyes, he told her what he was; where

he heard the first report of her singular perfections, and instantly

becam enamored of her, as the maine motive of his entring into her

service. Then, most humbly he entreated her, that if it might agree

with her good liking, she would be pleased to commisserate his case,

and grace him with her private favours. Or, if shee might not be so

mercifull to him; that yet she would vouchsafe, to let him live in the

lowly condition as he did, and thinke it a thankefull duty in him,

onely to love her. O singular sweetnesse, naturally living in faire

feminine blood! How justly art thou worthy of praise in the like

occasions? Thou couldst never be wonne by sighes and teares; but

hearty imprecations have alwayes prevailed with thee, making thee

apt and easie to amorous desires. If I had praises answerable to thy

great and glorious deservings, my voice should never faint, nor my pen

waxe weary, in the due and obsequious performance of them.

  Madam Beatrix, well observing Anichino when he spake, and giving

credit to his so solemne protestations; they were so powerfull in

prevailing with her, that her senses (in the same manner) were

enchanted; and sighes flew as violently from her, as before he had

vented them: which stormy tempest being a little over-blowne, thus she

spake. Anichino, my hearts deere affected Friend, live in hope, for

I tell thee truly, never could gifts, promises, nor any Courtings used

to me by Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, or other (although I have bin

solicited by many) winne the lest grace or favour at my hand, no,

nor move me to any affection. But thou, in a minute of time

(compared with their long and tedious suing) hast expressed such a

soveraigne potency in thy sweet words, that thou hast made me more

thine, then mine owne: and beleeve it unfeinedly, I hold thee to be

worthy of my love. Wherefore, with this kisse I freely give it thee,

and make thee a further promise, that before this night shall be fully

past, thou shalt in better manner perceive it. Adventure into my

Chamber about the houre of midnight, I will leave the doore open: thou

knowest on which side of the bed I use to rest, come thither and feare

not: if I sleep, the least gentle touch of thy hand will wake me,

and then thou shalt see how much I love thee. So, with a kinde kisse

or two, the bargaine was concluded, she licensing his departure for

that rime, and he staying in hope of his hearts happinesse, till when,

he thought every houre a yeare.

  In the meane while; Egano returned home from Hawking, and so soone

as he had supt (being very weary) he went to bed, and his Ladie

likewise with him, leaving her Chamber doore open, according as she

had promised. At the houre appointed, Anichino came, finding the doore

but easily put too, which (being entred) softly he closed againe, in

the same manner as he found it. Going to the beds side where the

Lady lay, and gently touching her brest with his hand, he found her to

be awake, and perceiving he was come according unto promise, shee

caught his hand fast with hers, and held him very strongly. Then,

turning (as she could) towards Egano, she made such meanes, as hee

awaked, whereupon she spake unto him as followeth.

  Sir, yesternight I would have had a fewe speeches with you: but,

in regard of your wearinesse and early going to bed, I could not

have any opportunity. Now, this time and place being most

convenient, I desire to bee resolved by you: Among all the men

retained into your service; which of them do you thinke to be the

best, most loyall, and worthiest to enjoy your love? Egano answered

thus: Wife, why should you move such a question to me? Do not you

know, that I never had any servant heeretofore, or ever shall have

heereafter, in whom I reposed the like trust as I have done, and do in

Anichino? But to what end is this motion of yours? I will tell you Sir

(quoth she) and then be Judge your self, whether I have reason to move

this question, or no. Mine opinion every way equalled yours,

concerning Anichino, and that he was more just and faithfull to you,

then any could be amongest all the rest: But Husband, like as where

the water runneth stillest, the Foord is deepest, even so, his

smooth lookes have beguiled both you and me. For, no longer agoe, then

this verie day, no sooner were you ridden foorth on Hauking, but he

(belike purposely) tarrying at home, watching such a leysure as best

fitted his intent: was not ashamed to solicite mee, both to abuse your

bed, and mine owne spotlesse honor.

  Moreover, he prosecuted his impious purpose with such alluring

perswasions: that being a weake woman, and not willing to endure

over many Amorous proofes (onely to acquaint you with his most

sawcie immodestie, and to revenge your selfe uppon him as best you

may; your selfe beeing best able to pronounce him guiltie) I made

him promise, to meete him in our Garden, presently after

midde-night, and to finde mee sitting under the Pine-Tree; never

meaning (as I am vertuous) to be there. But, that you may know the

deceite and falshoode of your Servant, I would have you to put on my

Night-gowne, my head Attire, and Chinne-cloath, and sitting but a

short while there underneath the Pine-Tree: such is his insatiate

desire, as he will not faile to come, and then you may proceede, as

you finde occasion.

  When Egano heard these Words, sodainely hee started out of Bed,

saying. Doe I foster such a Snake in mine owne bosome? Gramercie

Wife for this politicke promise of thine, and beleeve mee, I meane

to follow it effectually. So, on he put his Ladies Night-gown, her

formall head Attire and Chin-cloth, going presently downe into the

Garden, to expect Anichinoes comming to the Pine-Tree. But before

the matter grew to this issue, let me demand of you faire Ladies, in

what a lamentable condition (as you may imagine) was poore Anichino;

to bee so strongly detained by her, heare all his amorous suite

discovered, and likely to draw very heavy afflictions on him?

Undoubtedly, he looked for immediate apprehension by Egano,

imprisonment and publike punishment for his so malapert presumption:

and had it proved so, she had much renowned her selfe, and dealt

with him but as he had justlie deserved.

  But frailtie in our feminine sex is too much prevalent, and makes us

wander from vertuous courses, when we are wel onward in the way to

them. Madam Beatrix, whatsoever passed betweene her and Anichino, I

know not, but, either to continue this new begunne league for

further time, or, to be revenged on her husbands implicity, in

over-rashlie giving credit to so smooth a ly; this was her advise to

him. Anichino, quoth she, Take a good Cudgell in thy hand, then go

into the Garden so farre as the Pine; and there, as if formerly thou

hadst solicited mee unto this secret meeting, only but by way of

approving my honestie: in my name, revile thy master so bitterly as

thou canst, bestowing manie sound blowes on him with thy cudgel; yet

urge the shame stil (as it were) to mee, and never leave him, til thou

hast beaten him out of the garden, to teach him keepe his bed

another time Such an apt Scholler as Anichino was in this kind,

needs no tutoring, but a word is enough to a ready Wit. To the

Garden goes he, with a good willow cudgell in his hand, and comming

neere to the Pine-tree, there he found Egano disguised like to his

Lady, who arising from the place where he sate, went with chearefull

gesture to welcome him; but Anichino (in rough and stearne manner)

thus spake unto him. Wicked shamelesse, and most immodest Woman, Art

thou come, according to thine unchaste and lascivious promise?

Couldest thou so easily credite, (though I tempted thee, to trie the

vertue of thy continencie) I would offer such a damnable wrong to my

worthy Master, that so deerely loves me, and reposeth his especiall

confidence in me? Thou art much deceived in me, and shalt finde,

that I hate to be false to him.

  So lifting up the Cudgell, he gave him therewith halfe a score

good bastinadoes, laying them on soundly, both on his armes and

shoulders: and Egano feeling the smart of them, durst not speake one

Worde, but fled away from him so fast as hee could, Anichino still

following, and multiplying many other injurious speeches against

him, with the Epithites of Strumpet, lustfull and insatiate Woman.

Go thou lewde beast (quoth he) most unworthy the title of a Lady, or

to be Wife unto so good a natured man, as my Mayster is, to whom I

will reveale thy most ungracious incivility to Morrow, that he may

punish thee a little better then I have done.

  Egano being thus well beaten for his Garden walke, got within the

doore, and so went up to his Chamber againe: his Lady there

demanding of him, whether Anichino came according to his promise, or

no? Come?

  quoth Egano, Yes Wife, he came, but deerely to my cost: for hee

verily taking me for thee, hath beaten me most extreamly, calling me

an hundred Whores and Strumpets, reputing thee to bee the wickedst

Woman living. In good sadnesse Beatrix, I wondred not a little at him,

that he would give thee any such vile speeches, with intent to wrong

mee in mine honour. Questionlesse, because hee saw thee to be

joviall spirited, gracious and affable towardes all men; therefore hee

intended to make triall of thine honest carriage. Well Sir (sayde

shee) twas happy that hee tempted mee with words, and let you taste

the proofe of them by deeds: and let him thinke, that I brooke those

words as distastably, as you do or can, his ill deeds. But seeing he

is so just, faithfull, and loyall to you, you may love him the better,

and respect him as you finde occasion.

  Whereto Egano thus replyed. Now trust me thou hast said very well:

And me wi drawing hence the argument of his setled perswasion; that he

had the chastest Woman living to his wife, and so just a Servant, as

could not be fellowed: there never was any further discoverie of

this Garden-night accident. Perhaps, Madame Beatrix and Anichino might

subtilly smile thereat in secret, in regard that they knew more then

any other else beside did. But, as for honest meaning Egano, hee never

had so much as the verie least mistrust of ill dealing, either in

his Lady, or Anichino; whom hee loved and esteemed farre more

respectively uppon this proofe of his honestie towards him, then hee

would or could possibly have done, without a triall so playne and

pregnant.