THE THIRD NOVELL

 

     SHEWING IN AN EXCELLENT AND LIVELY DEMONSTRATION, THAT ANY

     ESPECIALL HONOURABLE VERTUE, PERSEVERING AND DWELLING IN A

    TRULY NOBLE SOULE, CANNOT BE VIOLENCED OR CONFOUNDED, BY THE

              MOST POLITICKE ATTEMPTES OF MALICE AND ENVY

 

  Mithridanes envying the life and liberality of Nathan, and

travelling thither, with a setled resolution to kill him: chaunceth to

conferre with Nathan unknowne. And being instructed by him, in what

manner he might best performe the bloody deede, according as hee

gave direction, hee meeteth with him in a small Thicket or Woode,

where knowing him to be the same man, that taught him how to take away

his life: Confounded with shame, hee acknowledgeth his horrible

intention, and becommeth his loyall friend.

 

  It appeared to the whole assembly, that they had heard a matter of

mervaile, for a Lord Abbot to performe any magnificent action: but

their admiration ceasing in silence, the King commanded Philostratus

to follow next, who forthwith thus began.

  Honourable Ladies, the bounty and magnificense of Alphonso King of

Spaine, was great and that done by the Lord great in Abbot of

Clugny, a thing (perhaps) never heard of in any other. But it will

seeme no lesse mervailous to you, when you heare, how one man, in

expression of great liberality to another man, that earnestly

desired to kill him; should bee secretly disposed to give him his

life, which had bin lost, if the other would have taken it, as I

purpose to acquaint you withall, in a short Novell.

  Most certaine it is, at least, if Faith may bee given to the

report of certaine Genewayes, and other men resorting to those

remote parts, that in the Country of Cathaya, there lived somtime a

Gentleman, rich beyond comparison, and named Nathan. He having his

living adjoyning to a great common rode-way, whereby men travayled

from the East to the West (as they did the like from the West unto the

East, as having no other means of passage) and being of a bountifull

and chearfull disposition, which he was willing to make knowen by

experience: he summoned together many Master Masons and Carpenters,

and there erected (in a short time) one of the greatest, goodliest,

and most beautifull houses (in manner of a Princes Pallace) that

ever was seene in all those quarters.

  With movables and all kinde of furnishment, befitting a house of

such outward apparance, hee caused it to be plentifully stored onely

to receive, entertaine, and honor all Gentlemen or other Travailers

whatsoever, as had occasion to passe that way, being not unprovided

also of such a number of servants, as might continuallie give

attendance on all commers and goers. Two and fifty severall gates,

standing alway wide open, and over each of them in great golden

carracters was written, Welcome, welcome, and gave free admission to

all commers whatsoever.

  In this honourable order (observed as his estated custom) he

persevered so long a while, as not onely the East parts, but also

those in the west, were every where acquainted with his fame and

renown. Being already well stept into yeares, but yet not wearie

(therefore) of his great charge and liberality: it fortuned, that

the rumor of his noble Hospitality, came to the eare of another

gallant Gentleman, named Mithridanes, living in a Countrey not farre

off from the other.

  This Gentleman, knowing himselfe no lesse wealthy then Nathan, and

enviously repining at his vertue and liberality, determined in his

mind, to dim and obscure the others bright splendor, by making

himselfe farre more famous. And having built a Palace answerable to

that of Nathans, with like windings of gates, and welcom inscriptions;

he beganne to extend immeasurable courtesies, unto all such as were

disposed to visite him: so that (in a short while) hee grew very

famous in infinite places. It chanced on a day, as Mithridanes sate

all alone within the goodly Court of his Pallace: a poore woman entred

at one of the gates, craving an almes of him, which she had; and

returned in againe at a second gate, comming also to him, and had a

second almes; continuing so still a dozen times; but at the thirteenth

returning, Mithridanes saide to her: Good Woman, you goe and come very

often, and still you are served with almes. When the old Woman heard

these words, she said. O the liberality of Nathan! How honourable

and wonderfull is that? I have past through two and thirty gates of

his Palace, even such as are here, and at every one I receyved an

almes, without any knowledgement taken of me, either by him, or any of

his followers: and heere I have past but through thirteene gates,

and am there both acknowledged and taken. Farewell to this house,

for I never meane to visit it any more; with which words shee departed

thence, and never after came thither againe.

  When Mithridanes had a while pondered on her speeches, hee waxed

much discontented, as taking the words of the olde woman, to extoll

the renowne of Nathan, and darken or ecclipse his glorie, whereupon he

said to himselfe. Wretched man as I am, when shall I attaine to the

height of liberality, and performe such wonders, as Nathan doth? In

seeking to surmount him, I cannot come neere him in the very

meanest. Undoubtedly, I spend all my endeavour but in vaine, except

I rid the world of him, which (seeing his age will not make an end

of him) I must needs do with my own hands. In which furious and bloody

determination (without revealing his intent to any one) he mounted

on horse-backe, with few attendants in his company, and after three

dayes journey, arrived where Nathan dwelt. He gave order to his men,

to make no shew of beeing his servants, or any way to acknowledge him:

but to provide them selves of convenient lodgings, untill they heard

other tydings from him.

  About Evening, and (in this manner) alone by himselfe, neere to

the Palace of Nathan, he met him solitarily walking, not in pompous

apparrell, whereby to bee distinguished from a meaner man: and,

because he knew him not, neyther had heard any relation of his

description, he demanded of him, if he knew where Nathan then was?

Nathan, with a chearfull countenance, thus replyed. Faire Syr, there

is no man in these parts, that knoweth better how to shew you Nathan

then I do; and therefore, if you be so pleased, I will bring you to

him. Mithridanes said, therein he should do him a great kindnesse:

albeit (if it were possible) he would bee neyther knowne nor seene

of Nathan. And that (quoth he) can I also do sufficiently for you,

seeing it is your will to have it so, if you will goe along with me.

  Dismounting from his horse, he walked on with Nathan, diversly

discoursing, untill they came to the Pallace, where one of the

servants taking Mithridanes his horse, Nathan rounded the fellow in

the eare, that he should give warning to al. throughout the House, for

revealing to the Gentleman, that he was Nathan; as accordingly it

was performed. No sooner were they within the Pallace, but he

conducted Mithridanes into a goodly chamber, wher none (as yet) had

seene him, but such as were appointed to attend on him reverently;

yea, and he did himselfe greatly honor him, as being loth to leave his

company.

  While thus Mithridanes conversed with him, he desired to know

(albeit he respected him much for his yeares) what he was. Introth

sir, answered Nathan, I am one of the meanest servants to Nathan,

and from my child-hood, have made my selfe thus olde in his service:

yet never hath he bestowed any other advancement on mee, then as you

now see; in which respect, howsoever other men may commend him, yet

I have no reason at all to do it. These Words, gave some hope to

Mithridanes, that with a little more counsell, he might securely put

in execution his wicked determination. Nathan likewise demaunded of

him (but in very humble manner) of whence, and what he was, as also

the businesse inviting him thither: offering him his utmost aide and

counsell, in what soever consisted in his power.

  Mithridanes sat an indifferent while meditating with his thoghts

before ie would returne any answer: but at the last, concluding to

repose confidence in him (in regard of his pretended discontentment)

with many circumstantial perswasions, first for fidelity, next for

constancie, and lastly for counsell and assistance, he declared to him

truly what he was, the cause of his comming thither, and the reason

urging him thereto. Nathan hearing these words, and the detestable

deliberation of Mithridanes, became quite changed in himself: yet

wisely making no outward appearance thereof, with a bold courage and

setled countenance, thus he replyed.

  Mithridanes, thy Father was a Noble Gentleman, and (in vertuous

qualities) inferiour to none, from whom (as now I see) thou desirest

not to degenerate, having undertaken so bold and high an enterprise, I

meane, in being liberall and bountifull to all men. I do greatly

commend the envy which thou bearest to the vertue of Nathan: because

if there were many more such men, the world that is now wretched and

miserable, would become good and conformable. As for the determination

which thou hast disclosed to mee, I have sealed it up secretly in my

soule: wherein I can better give thee counsell, then any especiall

helpe or furtherance: and the course which I would have thee to

observe, followeth thus in few words.

  This window, which we now looke forth at, sheweth thee a smal wood

or thicket of trees, being litle more then the quarter of a miles

distance hence; whereto Nathan usually walketh every morning, and

there continueth time long enough: there maist thou very easily meet

him, and do whatsoever thou intendest to him. If thou kilst him,

because thou maist with safety returne home unto thine owne abiding,

take not the same way which guided thee thither, but another, lying on

the left hand, and directing speedily out of the wood, as being not so

much haunted as the other, but rather free from all resort, and surest

for visiting thine owne countrey, after such a dismall deed is done.

  When Mithridanes had receyved this instruction, and Nathan was

departed from him; hee secretly gave intelligence to his men, (who

likewise were lodged, as welcom strangers, in the same house) at

what place they should stay for him the next morning. Night being

passed over, and Nathan risen, his heart altred not a jot from his

counsel given to Mithridanes, much lesse changed from anie part

thereof: but all alone by himselfe, walked on to the wood, the place

appointed for his death. Mithridanes also being risen, taking his

Bow and Sword (for other weapons had he none) mounted on horsbacke,

and so came to the wood, where (somewhat farre off) hee espyed

Nathan walking, and no creature with him. Dismounting from his

horse, he had resolved (before he would kill him) not onely to see,

but also to heare him speake: so stepping roughly to him, and taking

hold of the bonnet on his head, his face being then turned from him,

he sayde. Old man, thou must dye. Whereunto Nathan made no other

answer, but thus: Why then (belike) I have deserved it.

  When Mithridanes heard him speake, and looked advisedly on his face,

he knew him immediately to be the same man, that had entertained him

so lovingly, conversed with him so familiarly, and counselled him so

faithfully: all which overcomming his former fury, his harsh nature

became meerly confounded with shame: So throwing downe his drawne

sword, which he held readily prepared for the deede: he prostrated

himselfe at Nathans feet, and in teares, spake in this manner. Now

do I manifestly know (most loving Father) your admired bounty and

liberalitie; considering, with what industrious providence, you made

the meanes for your comming hither, prodigally to bestow your life

on me, which I have no right unto, although you were so willing to

part with it. But those high and supreame powers, more carefull of

my dutie, then I my selfe: even at the very instant, and when it was

most needfull, opened the eyes of my better understanding, which

internall envy had closed up before. And therefore, looke how much you

have bin forward to pleasure me; so much the more shame and

punishment, I confesse my heinous transgression hath justly

deserved: take therefore on me (if you please) such revenge, as you

thinke (in justice) answerable to my sin.

  Nathan lovingly raised Mithridanes from the ground, then kissing his

cheeke, and tenderly embracing him, he said. Sonne, thou needest not

to aske, much less to obtaine pardon, for any enterprise of thine,

which thou canst not yet terme to be good or bad: because thou

soughtest not to bereave me of my life, for any hatred thou barest me,

but onely in coveting to be reputed the Woorthier man. Take then

this assurance of me, and beleeve it constantly, that there is no

man living, whom I love and honour, as I do thee: considering the

greatnesse of thy minde, which consisteth not in the heaping up of

money, as wretched and miserable Worldlings make it their onely

felicity; but, contending in bounty to spend what is thine, didst hold

it for no shame to kil me, thereby to make thy selfe so much the

more worthily famous.

  Nor is it any matter to be wondred at, in regard that Emperors,

and the greatest Kings, hadde never made such extendure of their

Dominions, and consequently of their renowne, by any other Art, then

killing; yet not one man onely, as thou wouldst have done: but

infinite numbers, burning whole Countries, and making desolate huge

Townes and Cities, onely to enlarge their dominion, and further

spreading of their fame. Wherefore, if for the increasing of thine

owne renowne, thou wast desirous of my death: it is no matter of

novelty, and therefore deserving the lesse mervaile, seeing men are

slaine daily, and all for one purpose or other.

  Mithridanes, excusing no further his malevolent deliberation, but

rather commending the honest defence, which Nathan made on his

behalfe; proceeded so farre in after discoursing, as to tel him

plainely, that it did wondrously amaze him, how he durst come to the

fatall appointed place, himselfe having so exactly plotted and

contrived his owne death: whereunto Nathan returned this aunswere.

  I would not have thee Mithridanes, to wonder at my counsel or

determination; because, since age hath made mee Maister of mine owne

will, and I resolved to doe that, wherein thou hast begun to follow

me: never came any man to mee, whom I did not content (if I could)

in any thing he demanded of me. It was thy fortune to come for my

life, which when I saw thee so desirous to have it, I resolved

immediately to bestow it on thee: and so much the rather, because thou

shouldst not be the onely man, that ever departed hence, without

enjoying whatsoever hee demanded. And, to the end thou mightst the

more assuredly have it, I gave thee that advice, least by not enjoying

mine, thou shouldest chance to loose thine owne. I have had the use of

it full fourescore yeares, with the consummation of all my delights

and pleasures: and well I know, that according to the course of Nature

(as it fares with other men, and generally all things else) it

cannot bee long before it must leave mee.

  Wherefore, I hold it much better for me to give it away freely, as I

have alwayes done my goods and treasure; then bee curious in keeping

it, and suffer it to be taken from me (whether I will or no) by

Nature. A small gift it is, if time make me up the full summe of an

hundred yeares: how miserable is it then, to stand beholding but for

foure or five, and all of them vexation too? Take it then I intreate

thee, if thou wilt have it; for I never met with any man before (but

thy selfe) that di desire it, nor (perhaps) shall finde any other to

request it: for the longer I keepe it, the worse it wil be esteemed:

and before it grow contemptible, take it I pray thee.

  Mithridanes, being exceedingly confounded with shame, bashfully

sayde: Fortune fore-fend, that I should take away a thing so

precious as your life is, or once to have so vile a thought of it as

lately I had; but rather then I would diminish one day thereof, I

could wish, that my time might more amply enlarge it. Forthwith

aunswered Nathan, saying. Wouldst thou (if thou couldst) shorten thine

owne dayes, onely to lengthen mine? Why then thou wouldest have me

to do that to thee, which (as yet) I never did unto any man, namely,

robbe thee, to enrich my selfe. I will enstruct thee in a much

better course, if thou wilt be advised by mee. Lusty and young, as now

thou art, thou shalt dwell heere in my house, and be called by the

name of Nathan. Aged, and spent with yeares, as thou seest I am, I

will goe live in thy house, and bee called by the name of Mithridanes.

So, both the name and place shall illustrate thy Glorie, and I live

contentedly, without the very least thought of envie.

  Deare Father, answered Mithridanes, if I knew so well howe to direct

mine owne actions, as you doe, and alwayes have done, I would gladly

accept your most liberall offer: but because I plainlie perceive, that

my very best endeavours, must remayne darkened by the bright renowne

of Nathan: I will never seeke to impayre that in another, which I

cannot (by any means) increase in my selfe, but (as you have

worthily taught me) live contented with my owne condition.

  After these, and many more like loving speeches had passed between

them; according as Nathan very instantly requested, Mithridanes

returned back with him to the Pallace, where many dayes he highly

honored and respected him, comforting and counselling him, to persever

alwayes in his honourable determination. But in the end, when

Mithridanes could abide there no longer, because necessary occasions

called him home: he departed thence with his men, having found by good

experience, that hee could never goe beyond Nathan in liberality.