THE FIRST NOVELL

 

    WHERIN MAY EVIDENTLY BE DISCERNED, THAT SERVANTS TO PRINCES AND

     GREAT LORDS, ARE MANY TIMES RECOMPENCED, RATHER BY THEIR GOOD

         FORTUNE, THEN IN ANY REGARD OF THEIR DUTIFULL SERVICES

 

  A Florentine knight, named Signior Rogiero de Figiovanni, became a

servant to Alphonso, King of Spaine, who (in his owne opinion)

seemed but sleightly to respect and reward him. In regard whereof,

by a notable experiment, the King gave him a manifest testimony,

that it was not through any defect in him, but onely occasioned by the

Knights ill fortune; most bountifully recompencing him afterward.

 

  I doe accept it (Worthy Ladies) as no mean favour, that the King

hath given me the first place, to speake of such an honourable

Argument, as Bounty and Magnificence is, which precious Jewell, even

as the Sunne is the beauty, or ornament and bright glory of al heaven;

so is bounty and magnificence the Crowne of all vertues. I shall

then recount to you a short Novell, sufficiently pleasing, in mine

owne opinion, and I hope (so much I dare rely on your judgements) both

profitable, and worthy to be remembred.

  You are to know then, that among other valiant Knights, which of

long have lived in our City, one of them, and (perhappes) of as

great merit as any, was one, named Signior Rogiero d'Figiovanni. He

being rich, of great courage, and perceiving, that (in due

consideration) the quality belonging to life, and the customes

observed among our Tuscanes, were not answerable to his expectation,

nor agreed with the disposition of his valour; determined to leave his

native Countrey, and belong in service (for some time) to Alfonso,

King of Spaine, whose fame was generally noised in all places, for

excelling all other Princes in those times, for respect of mens well

deservings, and bountifull requitall of their paines. Being provided

in honorable order, both of Horses, Armes, and a competent train, he

travelled to Spaine, where he was worthily entertained.

  Signior Rogiero continuing there, living in honorable maner, and

performing many admirable actions of arms; in short time he made

himselfe sufficiently knowne, for a very valiant and famous man. And

having remained an indifferent long while, observing divers behaviours

in the king: he saw, how enclined himselfe first to one man, then

another, bestowing on one a Castle, a Towne on another, and

Baronnies on divers, som-what indiscreetly, as giving away bountiful

to men of no merit. And restraining all his favors from him, as

seeming close fisted, and parting with nothing: he took it as a

diminishing of his former reputation, and a great empayring of his

fame, wherefore he resolved on his departure thence, and made his suit

to the king that he might obtaine it. The king did grant it, bestowing

on him one of the very best Mules, and the goodliest that ever was

backt, a gift most highly pleasing to Rogiero, in regarde of the

long journy he intended to ride. Which being delivcrd, the king gave

charge to one of his Gentlemen, to compasse such convenient meanes, as

to ride thorow the country, and in the company of Signior Rogiero, yet

in such manner, as he should not perceive, that the King had purposely

sent him so to do. Respectively he should observe whatsoever he said

concerning the king, his gesture, smiles, and other behavior,

shaping his answers accordingly, and on the nexte morning to command

his returne backe with him to the King.

  Nor was the Gentleman slacke in this command, but noting Rogieroes

departing forth of the city, he mounted on horseback likewise, and

immediatly after came into his company, making him beleeve, that he

journied towards Italy. Rogiero rode on the Mule which the king had

given him, with diversity of speeches passing between them. About

three of the clocke in the afternoone, the Gentleman said. It were not

amisse Sir, (having such fit opportunitie), to Stable our horses for a

while, till the heate be a little more overpast. So taking an Inne,

and the horses being in the stable, they all staled except the Mule.

  Being mounted againe, and riding on further, the Gentleman duely

observed whatsoever Rogiero spake, and comming to the passage of a

small River or Brooke: the rest of the beasts dranke, and not the

Mule, but staled in the River: which Signior Rogiero seeing,

clapping his hands on the Mules mane, hee said. What a wicked beast

art thou? thou art just like thy Master that gave thee to mee. The

Gentleman committed the words to memory, as he did many other

passing from Rogiero, riding along the rest of the day, yet none in

disparagement of the King, but rather highly in his commendation.

And being the next morning mounted on horseback, seeming to hold on

still the way for Tuscane: the Gentleman fulfilled the Kings

command, causing Signior Rogiero to turne back againe with him,

which willingly he yeelded to doe.

  When they were come to the Court, and the King made acquainted

with the words, which Rogiero spake to his Mule; he was called into

the presence, where the King shewed him a gracious countenance, and

demanded of him, why he had compared him to his Mule? Signior

Rogiero nothing daunted, but with a bold and constant spirit, thus

answered. Sir, I made the comparison, because, like as you give, where

there is no conveniency, and bestow nothing where reason requireth:

even so, the Mule would not stale where she should have done, but

where was water too much before, there she did it. Beleeve me

Signior Rogiero, replyed the King, if I have not given you such gifts,

as (perhaps) I have done to divers other, farre inferiour to you in

honour and merit; this happened not thorough any ignorance in me, as

not knowing you to be a most valiant Knight, and well-worthy of

speciall respect: but rather through your owne ill fortune, which

would not suffer me to doe it, whereof she is guilty, and not I, as

the truth thereof shall make it selfe apparant to you. Sir, answered

Rogiero, I complaine not, because I have received no gift from you, as

desiring thereby covetously to become the richer: but in regard you

have not as yet any way acknowledged, what vertue is remaining in

me. Neverthelesse, I allow your excuse for good and reasonable, and am

heartely contented, to behold whatsoever you please; although I doe

confidently credit you, without any other testimony.

 The King conducted him then into the great Hall, where (as hee had

before given order) stood two great Chests, fast lockt; in the

presence of all his Lords, the King thus spake. Signior Rogiero, in

one of these Chests is mine imperiall Crowne, the Scepter Royall,

the Mound, and many more of my richest girdles, rings, plate, and

jewels, even the very best that are mine: the other is full of earth

onely. Chuse one of these two, and which thou makest election of; upon

my Royall word thou shalt enjoy it. Hereby shalt thou evidently

perceive, who hath bin ingreatful to the deservings, either I, or

thine owne bad fortune. Rogiero seeing it was the kings pleasure to

have it so; chose one of them, which the King caused presently to be

opened, it approving to be the same that was full of earth, whereat

the King smyling, said thus unto him. You see Signior Rogiero, that

what I said concerning your ill fortune, is very true: but

questionlesse, your valour is of such desert, as I ought to oppose

my selfe against all her malevolence. And because I know right, that

you are not minded to become a Spaniard; I will give you neither

Castle nor dwelling place: but will bestow the Chest on you (in meer

despight of your malicious fortune) which she so unjustly tooke away

from you. Carry it home with you into your Countrey, that there it may

make an apparant testimoney, in the sight of all your well-willers,

both of your owne vertuous deservings, and my bounty. Signior

Rogiero humbly receiving the Chest, and thanking his Majestie for so

liberall a gift, returned home joyfully therewith, into his native

Countrey of Tuscane.