THE FOURTH NOVELL

 

     WHEREIN IS SHEWNE, THAT TRUE LOVE HATH ALWAYES BIN, AND SO STILL

             IS, THE OCCASION OF MANY GREAT AND WORTHY COURTESIES

 

  Signior Gentile de Carisendi, being come from Modena, took a

Gentlewoman, named Madam Catharina, forth of a grave, wherin she was

buried for dead: which act he did, in regard of his former honest

affection to the said Gentlewoman. Madame Catharina remaining there

afterward, and delivered of a goodly Sonne: was (by Signior Gentile)

delivered to her owne Husband, named Signior Nicoluccio

Caccianimico, and the yong infant with her.

 

  By judgment of all the honorable assembly, it was reputed

wonderfull, that a man should be so bountifull, as to give away his

owne life, and to his hatefull enemy. In which respect, it passed with

generall affirmation, that Nathan (in the vertue of liberallity) had

exceeded Alphonso, King of Spain, but (especially) the Abbot of

Clugny. So, after every one had delivered their opinion, the King,

turning himselfe to Madame Lauretta, gave her such a signe, as well

instructed her understanding, that she should be the next in order,

whereto she gladly yeelding, began in this manner.

  Youthfull Ladies, the discourses already past, have been so worthy

and magnificent, yea, reaching to such a height of glorious splendour;

as (me thinkes) there remaineth no more matter, for us that are yet to

speake, whereby to enlarge so famous an Argument, and in such manner

as it ought to be: except we lay hold on the actions of love,

wherein is never any want of subject, it is so faire and spacious a

field to walke in. Wherefore, as well in behalfe of the one, as

advancement of the other, whereto our instant age is most of all

inclined: I purpose to acquaint you with a generous and magnificent

act, of an amourous Gentleman, which when it shall be duely considered

on, perhaps will appeare equall to any of the rest. At least, if it

may passe for currant, that men may give away their treasures, forgive

mighty injuries, and lay downe life it selfe, honour and renowne

(which is farre greater) to infinite dangers, only to attaine any

thing esteemed and affected.

  Understand then (Gracious hearers) that in Bologna, a very famous

City of Lombardicy there lived sometime a Knight, most highly

respected for his vertues, named Signior Gentile de Carisendi, who (in

his yonger dayes) was enamoured of a Gentlewoman, called Madam

Catharina, the Wife of Signior Nicoluccio Caccianimico. And because

during the time of his amourous pursuite, he found but a sorry

enterchange of affection from the Lady; hee went (as hopelesse of

any successe) to be Potestate of Modena, whereto he was called by

place and order.

  At the same time, Signior Nicoluccio being absent from Bologna,

and his Lady at a Farme-house of his in the Countrey (about three

miles distant from the City) because she was great with child,; and

somewhat neere the time of her teeming: it came to passe, that some

dangerous accident befell her, which was so powerfull in operation, as

no signe of life appeared remained in her, but she was reputed (even

in the judgement of the best Phisitians, whereof she wanted no

attendance) to be verily dead. And because in the opinion of her

parents and neerest kinred, the time for her deliverance was yet so

farre off, as the Infant within her, wanted much of a perfect

creature: they made the lesse mourning; but in the next Church, as

also the vault belonging to her Ancestors, they gave her buriall

very speedily.

  Which tydings comming to the hearing of Signior Gentile, by one that

was his endeared friend: Although (while she lived) he could never

be gracious n her favour, yet her so sudden death did greatly grieve

him, whereupon he discoursed in this sort with himselfe. Deare

Madame Catharina, I am not a little sorry for thy death, although

(during thy life-time) I was scarcely worthy of one kind looke: Yet

now being dead, thou canst not prohibite me, but I may robbe thee of a

kisse. No sooner had hee spoke the words, but it beeing then night,

and taking such order, as none might know of his departure: hee

mounted on horsebacke, accompanied onely with one servant, and

stayed no where, till hee came to the vault where the Lady was buried.

Which when he had opened, with instruments convenient for the purpose,

he descended downe into the vault, and kneeled downe by the Beere

whereon she lay, and in her wearing garments, according to the

usuall manner; with teares trickling mainly downe his cheekes, he

bestowed infinite sweet kisses on her.

  But as we commonly see, that mens desires are never contented, but

still will presume on further advantages, especially such as love

entirely: so fared it with Gentile, who being once minded to get him

gone, as satisfied with the oblation of his kisses; would needs yet

step backe againe, saying. Why should I not touch her yvory breast,

the Adamant that drew all desires to adore her? Ah let me touch it

now, for never hereafter can I bee halfe so happy. Overcome with

this alluring appetite, gently he laid his hand upon her breast,

with the like awefull respect, as if she were living, and holding it

so an indifferent while: either he felt, or his imagination so

perswaded him, the heart of the Lady to beate and pant. Casting off

all fond feare, and the warmth of his increasing the motion: his

inward soule assured him, that she was not dead utterly, but had

some small sense of life remaining in her, whereof he would needs be

further informed.

  So gently as possible he could, and with the helpe of his man, he

tooke her forth of the monument, and layingher softly on his horse

before him, conveighed her closely to his house in Bologna. Signior

Gentile had a worthy Lady to his Mother, a woman of great wisdome

and vertue, who understanding by her Sonne, how matters had

happened, moved with compassion, and suffering no one in the house

to know what was done, made a good fire, and very excellent Bathe,

which recalled back againe wrongwandering life. Then fetching a

vehement sigh, opening her eyes, and looking very strangly about

her, she said. Alas! where am I now? whereto the good old Lady

kindly replyed, saying. Comfort your selfe Madame, for you are in a

good place.

  Her spirits being in better manner met together, and she still

gazing every way about her, not knowing well where she was, and secing

Signior Gentile standing before her: he entreated his mother to tell

her by what meanes she came thither; which the good old Lady did,

Gentile himselfe helping to relate the whole history. A while she

grieved and lamented, but afterward gave them most hearty thankes,

humbly requesting, that, in regard of the love he had formerly borne

her, in his house she might finde no other usage, varying from the

honour of her selfe and her Husband, and when day was come, to be

conveighed home to her owne house. Madame, answered Signior Gentile,

whatsoever I sought to gaine from you in former dayes, I never

meane, either here, or any where else, to motion any more. But

seeing it hath been my happy fortune, to prove the blessed means of

reducing you from death to life: you shal find no other

entertainment here, then as if you were mine owne Sister. And yet

the good deed which I have this night done for you doth well

deserve some courteous requitall: in which respect, I would have you

not to deny me one favour, which I will presume to crave of you.

Whereto the Lady lovingly replyed, that she was willing to grant it;

provided, it were honest, and in her power: whereto Signior Gentile

thus answered.

  Madame, your parents, kindred and friends, and generally all

throughout Bologna, doe verily thinke you to be dead, wherefore

there is not any one, that will make any inquisition after you: in

which regard, the favour I desire from you, is no more but to abide

here secretly with my Mother, untill such time as I returne from

Modena, which shall be very speedily. The occasion why I move this

motion, aymeth at this end, that in presence of the chiefest persons

of our City, I may make a gladsome present of you to your Husband. The

Lady knowing her selfe highly beholding to the Knight, and the request

he made to be very honest: disposed her selfe to doe as he desired

(although she earnestly longed, to glad her parents and kindred with

seeing her alive) and made her promise him on her faith, to effect

it in such manner, as he pleased to appoint and give her direction.

  Scarcely were these words concluded, but she felt the custome of

women to come upon her, with the paines and throwes incident to

childing: wherefore, with helpe of the aged Lady, Mother to Signior

Gentile, it was not long before her deliverance of a goodly Sonne,

which greatly augmented the joy of her and Gentile, who tooke order,

that all things belonging to a woman in such a case, were not wanting,

but she was as carefully respected, even as if she had been his owne

Wife. Secretly he repaired to Modena, where having given direction for

his place of authority; he returned back againe to Bologna, and

there made preparation for a great and solemne feast, appointing who

should be his invited guests, the very chiefest persons in Bologna,

and (among them) Signior Nicoluccio Caccianimico the especiall man.

  After he was dismounted from horsebacke, and found so good company

attending for him (the Lady also, more faire and healthful then

ever, and the Infant lively disposed) he sate downe at the Table

with his guests, causing them to be served in most magnificent manner,

with plenty of all delicates that could be devised, and never before

was there such a joviall feast. About the ending of dinner, closely he

made the Lady acquainted with his further intention, and likewise in

what order every thing should be done, which being effected, he

returned to his company, and used these speeches.

  Honourable friends, I remember a discourse sometime made unto me,

concerning the Countrey of Persia, and a kind of custome there

observed, not to be misliked in mine opinion. When any one intended to

honour his friend in effectuall manner, he invited him home to his

house, and there would shew him the thing, which with greatest love he

did respect; were it Wife, Friend, Sonne, Daughter, or any thing

else whatsoever; wherewithall hee spared not to affirme, that as he

shewed him those choyce delights, the like view he should have of

his heart, if with any possibility it could be done; and the very same

custome I meane now to observe here in our City. You have vouchsafed

to honour me with your presence, at this poore homely dinner of

mine, and I will welcome you after the Persian manner, in shewing

you the jewell, which (above all things else in the world) I ever have

most respectively esteemed. But before I doe it, I crave your

favourable opinions in a doubt, which I will plainely declare unto

you.

  If any man having in his house a good and faithfull servant, who

falling into extremity of sickenesse, shall be throwne forth into

the open street, without any care or pitty taken on him: A stranger

chanceth to passe by, and (moved with compassion of his weakenesse)

carryeth him home to his owne house, where using all charitable and

not sparing any cost, he recovereth the sicke person to his former

health. I now desire to know, if keeping the said restored person, and

imploying him about his owne businesse: the first Master (by

pretending his first right) may lawfully complaine of the second,

and yeeld him backe againe to the first master, albeit he doe make

challenge of him?

  All the Gentlemen, after many opinions passing among them, agreed

altogether in one sentence, and gave charge to Signior Nicoluccio

Caccianimico, (because he was an excellent and elegant speaker) to

give answere for them all. First, he commended the custome observed in

Persia, saying, he jumpt in opinion with all the rest, that the

first Master had no right at all to the servant, having not onely

(in such necessity) forsaken him, but also cast him forth into the

comfortlesse street. But for the benefits and mercy extended to him;

it was more then manifest, that the recovered person, was become

justly servant to the second Master, and in detayning him from the

first, hee did not offer him any injury at all. The whole Company

sitting at the Table (being all very wise and worthy men) gave their

verdict likewise with the confession of Signior Nicoluccio

Caccianimico. Which answere did not a little please the Knight; and so

much the rather, because Nicoluccio had pronounced it, affirming

himselfe to be of the same minde.

  So, sitting in a pretended musing a while, at length he said. My

honourable guests, it is now more then high time, that I should doe

you such honour, as you have most justly deserved, by performing the

promise made unto you. Then calling two of his servants, he sent

them to Madame Catharina (whom he had caused to adorne her self in

excellent manner) entreating her, that she would be pleased to grace

his guests with her presence. Catharina, having deckt her child in

costly habiliments, layed it in her armes, and came with the

servants into the dyning Hall, and sate down (as the Knight had

appointed) at the upper end of the Table, and then Signior Gentile

spake thus. Behold, worthy Gentlemen, this is the jewell which I

have most affected, and intend to love none other in the world; be you

my judges, whether I have just occasion to doe so, or no? The

Gentlemen saluting her with respective reverence, said to the

Knight; that he had great reason to affect her: And viewing her

advisedly, many of them thought her to be the very same woman (as

indeed she was) but that they beleeved her to be dead.

  But above all the rest, Nicoluccio Caccianimico could never be

satisfied with beholding her; and, enflamed with earnest desire, to

know what she was, could not refraine (seeing the Knight was gone

out of the roome) but demaunded of her, whether she were of Bologna,

or a stranger? when the Lady heard her selfe to be thus questioned,

and by her Husband, it seemed painefull to her, to containe from

answering: Neverthelesse, to perfect the Knights intended purpose, she

sate silent. Others demaunded of her, whether the sweet Boy were hers,

or no; and some questioned, if she were Gentiles Wife, or no, or

else his Kinsewoman; to all which demaunds, she returned not any

answere. But when the Knight came to them againe, some of them said to

him. Sir, this woman is a goodly creature, but she appeareth to be

dumbe, which were great pitty, if it should be so. Gentlemen (quoth

he) it is no small argument of her vertue, to sit still and silent

at this instant. Tell us then (said they) of whence, and what she

is. Therein (quoth he) I will quickely resolve you, upon your

conditionall promise: that none of you do remove from his place,

whatsoever shall be said or done, untill I have fully delivered my

minde. Every one bound himselfe by solemne promise, to perform what he

had appointed, and the Tables being voided, as also the Carpets

laid; then the Knight (sitting downe by the Lady) thus began.

  Worthy Gentlemen, this Lady is that true and faithfull servant,

wherof I moved the question to you, whom I tooke out of the cold

street, where her parents, kindred and friends (making no account at

all of her) threw her forth, as a thing vile and unprofitable.

Neverthelesse, such hath been my care and cost, that I have rescued

her out of deaths griping power; and, in a meere charitable

disposition, which honest affection caused me to beare her; of a body,

full of terror and affrighting (as then she was) I have caused her

to become thus lovely as you see. But because you may more

apparantly discerne, in what manner this occasion happened; I will lay

it open to you in more familiar manner. Then he began the whole

history, from the originall of his unbeseeming affection to her (in

regard she was a worthy mans wife) and consequently, how all had

happened to the instant houre, to the no meane admiration of all the

hearers, adding withall. Now Gentlemen (quoth he) if you varry not

from your former opinion, and especially Signior Nicoluccio

Caccianimico: this Lady (by good right) is mine, and no man els by any

just title, can lay any claime to her.

  All sate silent, without answering one word, as expecting what he

intended further to say: but in the meane while, Nicoluccio, the

parents and kindred, but chiefely the Lady her selfe, appeared as

halfe melted into teares with weeping. But Signior Gentile, starting

up from the Table, taking the Infant in his arme, and leading the Lady

by the hand, going to Nicoluccio, thus spake. Rise Sir, I will not

give thee thy wife, whom both her kindred and thine, threw forth

into the street: but I will bestow this Lady on thee, being my Gossip,

and this sweet Boy my God-sonne, who was (as I am verily perswaded)

begotten by thee, I standing witnesse for him at the Font of Baptisme,

and give him mine owne name Gentile. Let me entreat thee, that,

although she hath lived here in mine house, for the space of three

monethes, she should not be lesse welcome to thee, then before: for

I sweare to thee upon my soule, that my former affection to her (how

unjust soever) was the onely meanes of preserving her life: and more

honestly she could not live, with Father, Mother, or thy selfe, then

she hath done here with mine owne Mother.

  Having thus spoken, he turned to the Lady, saying. Madame, I now

discharge you of all promises made me, delivering you to your

Husband franke and free: And when he had given him the Lady, and the

child in his armes, he returned to his place, and sate downe againe.

Nicoluccio, with no meane joy and hearty contentment received both his

wife and childe, being before farre from expectation of such an

admirable comfort; returning the Knight infinite thankes (as all the

rest of the Company pany the like) who could not refraine from weeping

for meere joy, for such a strange and wonderful accident: every one

highly commending Gentile, and such also as chanced to heare

thereof. The Lady was welcommed home to her owne house, with many

moneths of joviall feasting, and as she passed through the streets,

all beheld her with admiration, to be so happily recovered from her

grave Signior Gentile lived long after, a loyall friend to

Nicoluccio and his Lady, and all that were well-willers to them.

  What thinke you now Ladies? Can you imagine, because a King gave

away his Crowne and Scepter; and an Abbot (without any cost to

himselfe) reconciled a Malefactor to the Pope; and an old

idle-headed man, yeelding to the mercy of his enemy: that all those

actions are comparable to this of Signior Gentile? Youth and ardent

affection, gave him a just and lawfull title, to her who was free

(by imagined death) from Husband, Parents, and all friends else, she

being so happily wonne into his owne possession. Yet honestly not

onely overswayed the heate of desire, which in many men is violent and

immoderate: but with a bountifull and liberall soule, that which he

coveted beyond all hopes else, and had within his owne command; he

freely gave away. Beleeve me (bright Beauties) not any of the other

(in a true and unpartiall judgement ) are worthy to be equalled with

this, or stiled by the name of magnificent actions.