THE TENTH NOVELL

 

        SET DOWNE AS AN EXAMPLE OR WARNING TO ALL WEALTHIE MEN,

     HOW TO HAVE CARE OF MARRYING THEMSELVES. AND LIKEWISE TO POORE

         AND MEANE WOMEN, TO BE PATIENT IN THEIR FORTUNES, AND

                           OBEDIENT TO THEIR HUSBANDS

 

  The Marquesse of Saluzzo, named Gualtiero, being constrained by

the importunate solliciting of his Lords, and other inferiour

people, to joyne himselfe in marriage; tooke a woman according to

his owne liking, called Grizelda, she being the daughter of a poore

Countriman, named Janiculo, by whom he had two children, which he

pretended to be secretly murdered. Afterward, they being grown to

yeres of more stature, and making shew of taking in marriage another

wife, more worthy of his high degree and Calling: made a seeming

publique liking of his owne daughter, expulsing his wife Grizelda

poorely from him. But finding her incomparable patience; more

dearely (then before) hee received her into favour againe, brought her

home to his owne Pallace, where (with her children) hee caused her and

them to be respectively honoured, in despight of all her adverse

enemies.

 

  Questionlesse, the Kings Novell not so much exceed the rest in

length, but it proved as sing to the whole assembly, past with their

generall approbation, till Dioneus (in a merry jesting humour) said.

The plaine honest simple man, that stood holding the Candle, to see

the setting on of his Mules tayle; deserved two penny-worth of more

praise, then all our applauding of Signior Thorello: And knowing

himselfe to bee left for the last speaker, thus he began.

  Milde and modest Ladies, for ought I can perceive to the contrary,

this day was dedicated to none but Kings, Soldanes, and great

Potentates, not in favour of any inferiour or meaner persons. And

therefore, because I would be loth to dis-ranke my selfe from the

rest, I purpose to speake of a Lord Marquesse, not any matter of great

magnificence, but rather in a more humble nature, and sorted to an

honest end: which yet I will not advise any to immitate, because

(perhaps) they cannot so well digest it, as they did whom my Novell

concerneth; thus then I begin.

  It it a great while since, when among those that were Lord

Marquesses of Saluzzo, the very greatest and worthiest man of them al,

was a young Noble Lord, named Gualtiero, who having neyther wife nor

childe, spent his time in nothing else but hawking and hunting: nor

had he any minde of marriage, or to enjoy the benefit of children,

wherein many did repute him the wiser. But this being distastfull to

his subjects, they very often earnestly solicited him, to match

himselfe with a wife, to the end, that hee might not decease without

an heire, nor they be left destitute of a succeeding Lord; offering

themselves to provide him of such a one, so well descended by Father

and Mother, as not only should confirm their hope, but also yeeld

him high contentment; whereto the Lord Marquess thus answered.

  Worthie friends, you would constraine me to the thing, wherewith I

never had any intent to meddle, considering, how difficult a case it

is to meet with such a woman, who can agree with a man in all his

conditions, and how great the number is of them, who daily happen on

the contrarie: but most (and worst of all the rest) how wretched and

miserable prooves the life of man, who is bound to live with a wife

not fit for him. And in saying, you can learn to understand the

custome and qualities of children, by behaviour of the fathers and

mothers, and so to provide mee of a wife, it is a meere argument of

folly: for neither shall I comprehend, or you either, the secret

inclinations of parents; I meane of the Father, and much lesse the

complexion of the mother. But admitte it were within compasse of power

to know them; yet it is a frequent sight, and observed every day; that

daughters doe resemble neither father nor mother, but that they are

naturally governed by their owne instinct.

  But because you are so desirous to have me fettered in the chains of

wedlocke; I am contented to grant what you request. And because I

would have no complaint made of any but my selfe, if matters should

not happen answerable to expectation; I will make mine owne eyes my

electors, and not see by any others sight. Giving you this assurance

before, that if she whom I shall make choice of, be not of you

honoured and respected as your Lady and Mistresse: it will ensue to

your detriment, how much you have displeased me, to take a wife at

your request, and against mine owne will.

  The Noble men answered, that they were well satisfied, provided that

he tooke a wife.

  Some indifferent space of time before, the beauty, manners, and

well-seeming vertues, of a poore Countrie-mans daughter, dwelling in

no farre distant village, had appeared very pleasing to the Lord

Marquesse, and gave him full perswasion, that with her hee should lead

a comfortable life. And therefore without any further search or

inquisition, he absolutely resolved to marry her, and having conferred

with her Father, agreed, that his daughter should be his wife.

Whereupon, the Marquesse made a generall convocation of all his Lords,

Barons, and other of his especiall friends, from all parts of his

Dominion; and when they were assembled together, hee then spake unto

them in manner as followeth.

 Honourable friends, it appeared pleasing to you all, and yet (I

thinke) you are of the same minde, that I should dispose my selfe to

take a wife: and I thereto condescended, more to yeeld you

contentment, then for any particular desire in my selfe. Let mee now

remember you of your solemne made promise, with full consent to

honor and obey her (whosoever) as your Soveraigne Lady and

Mistresse, that I shall elect to make my wife: and now the time is

come, for my exacting the performance of that promise, and which I

look you must constantly keepe. I have made choyce of a yong

virgine, answerable to mine owne heart and liking, dwelling not

farre off hence, whom I intend to make my wife, and (within few dales)

to have her brought home to my Pallace. Let your care and diligence

then extend so farre, as to see that the feast may be sumptuous, and

her entertainment to bee most honourable: to the end that I may

receive as much contentment in your promise performed, as you shall

perceive I doe in my choice.

  The Lords and all the rest, were wondrously joyfull to heare him

so well inclined, expressing no lesse by their shouts and jocund

suffrages: protesting cordially, that she should be welcommed with

pompe and majestie, and honoured of them all, as their Liege Ladie and

Soveraigne. Afterward, they made preparation for a princely and

magnificent feast, as the Marquesse did the like, for a marriage of

extraordinary state and qualitie, inviting all his kinred, friends,

and acquaintance in all parts and Provinces, about him. Hee made

also readie most riche and costly garments, shaped by the body of a

comely young Gentlewoman, who he knew to be equall in proportion and

stature, to her of whom hee hade made his election.

  When the appointed nuptiall day was come, the Lord Marques, about

nine of the clocke in the morning, mounted on horsebacke, as all the

rest did, who came to attend him honourably, and having all things

in due readinesse with them, he said: Lords, it is time for us to

goe fetch the Bride. So on hee rode with his traine, to the same poore

Village whereat shee dwelt, and when hee was come to her Fathers

house, hee saw the maiden returning very hastily from a Well, where

shee had beene to fetch a paile of water, which shee set downe, and

stood (accompanied with other maidens) to see the passage by of the

Lord Marquesse and his traine. Gualtiero called her by her name, which

was Grizelda, and asked her, where her Father was: who bashfully

answered him, and with an humble courtesie, saying. My gracious

Lord, hee is in the house.

  Then the Marquesse dismounted from his horse, commanding every one

to attend him, then all alone hee entred into the poore Cottage, where

he found the maides father, being named Janiculo, and said unto him.

God speed good Father, I am come to espouse thy daughter Grizelda: but

first I have a few demands to make, which I will utter to her in thy

presence. Then hee turned to the maide, and saide.

  Faire Grizelda, if I make you my wife, will you doe your best

endeavour to please me, in all things which I shall doe or say? will

you also be gentle, humble, and patient? with divers other the like

questions: whereto she still answered, that she would, so neere as

heaven (with grace) should enable her.

  Presently he tooke her by the hand, so led her forth of the poore

homely house, and in the presence of all his company, with his owne

hands, he took off her meane wearing garments, smocke and all, and

cloathed her with those Robes of State which he had purposely

brought thither for her, and plaiting her haire over her shoulders,

hee placed a Crowne of gold on her head, whereat every one standing as

amazed, and wondring not a little, hee said: Grizelda, wilt thou

have me to thy husband? Modestly blushing, and kneeling on the ground,

she answered. Yes my gracious Lord, if you will accept so poore a

maiden to be your wife. Yes Grizelda, quoth hee, with this holy kisse,

I confirme thee for my wife; and so espoused her before them all. Then

mounting her on a milke-white Palfray, brought thither for her, shee

was thus honourably conducted to her Pallace.

  Now concerning the marriage feast and triumphes, they were performed

with no lesse pompe, then if she had beene daughter to the King of

France. And the young Bride apparantly declared, that (with her

garments) her minde and behavior were quite changed. For indeed shee

was (as it were shame to speake otherwise) a rare creature, both of

person and perfections, and not onely was shee absolute for beautie,

but so sweetely amiand gracious, and goodlie; as if she were not the

daughter of poore Janicula, and a Countrie Shepheardesse, but rather

of some Noble Lord, whereat every one wondred that had knowne her.

Beside all this, shee was so obedient to her husband, so fervent in

all dutifull offices, and patient, without the very least provoking:

as hee held himselfe much more then contented, and the onely happy man

of the world.

  In like manner, towards the subjects of her Lord and Husband, she

shewed her selfe alwayes so benigne and gracious; as there was not any

one, but the more they lookt on her, the better they loved her,

honouring her voluntarily, and praying to the heavens, for her health,

dignity and well-fares long continuance. Speaking now (quite

contrary to their former opinion of the Marquesse) honourably and

thily, that he had shewne him selfe a singular wise man, in the

election of his Wife, which few else (but he) in the world would

have done: because their judgement might fall farre short, of

discerning those great and precious vertues, veiled under a homely

habite, and obscured in a poore Countrey cottage. To be briefe, in

very short time, not onely the Marquisate it selfe, but all

neighbouring Provinces round about, had no other common talke, but

of her rare course of life, devotion, charity, and all good actions

else; quite quailing all sinister Instructions of her Husband,

before he received her in marriage.

  About foure or five yeeres after the birth of her daughter, shee

conceived with child againe, and (at the limitted houre of

deliverance) had a goodly Sonne, to the no little liking of the

Marquesse. Afterward, a strange humour entred into his braine, namely,

that by a long continued experience, and courses of intollerable

quality; he would needes make proofe of his faire Wives patience.

First he began to provoke her by injurious speeches, shewing fierce

and frowning lookes to her, intimating; that his people grew

displeased with him, in regard of his Wives base birth and

education, and so much the rather, because she was likely to bring

children, who (by her blood) were no better then beggers, and murmured

at the daughter already borne. Which words when Grizelda heard,

without any alteration of countenance, for the least distemperature in

any appearing action she said.

  My honourable and gracious Lord, dispose of me, as you thinke

best, for your owne dignity and contentment, for I shall therewith

be well pleased: as she that knowes her selfe, farre inferiour to

the meanest of your people, much lesse worthy of the honour, whereto

you liked to advance me.

  This answere was very welcome to the Marquesse, as apparantly

perceiving hereby, that the dignity whereto hee had exalted her, or

any particular favours beside, could not infect her with any pride,

coynesse, or disdaine. Not long after, having told her in plaine and

open speeches, that his subjects could not endure her so late borne

daughter: he called a trusty servant of his, and having instructed him

what he should doe, sent him to Grizelda, and he being alone with her,

looking very sadde, and much perplexed in mind, he saide. Madame,

except I intend to loose mine owne life, I must accomplish what my

Lord hath strictly enjoyned me, which is, to take this your yong

daughter, and then I must: So breaking off abruptly, the Lady

hearing his words, and noting his frowning lookes, remembring also

what the Marquesse himselfe had formerly said; she presently imagined,

that he had commanded his servant to kill the childe. Suddenly

therefore, she tooke it out of the Cradle, and having sweetly

kissed, and bestowne her blessing on it (albeit her heart throbbed,

with the inward affection of a Mother) without any alteration of

countenance, she tenderly laid it in the servants armes, and said.

Here friend, take it, and doe with it as thy Lord and mine hath

commanded thee: but leave it in no rude place, where birds or savage

beasts may devour it, except it be his will to have it so.

  The servant departing from her with the child, and reporting the

Marquesse what his Lady had said; he wondered at her incomparable

constancy. Then he sent it by the same servant to Bologna, to an

honourable Lady his kinsewoman, requesting her (without revealing

whose child it was) to see it both nobly and carefully educated.

  At time convenient afterward, being with child againe, and delivered

of a Princely Sonne (then which nothing could be more joyfull to the

Marquesse) yet all this was not sufficient for him; but with farre

ruder language then before, and lookes expressing harsh intentions, he

said unto her. Grizelda, though thou pleasest me wonderfully, by the

birth of this Princely Boy, yet my subjects are not therewith

contented, but blunder abroad maliciously; that the grandchild of

Janiculo, a poore countrey pezant, when I am dead and gone, must be

their Soveraigne Lord and Master. Which makes me stand in feare of

their expulsion, and to prevent that, I must be rid of this childe, as

well as the other, and then send thee away from hence, that I may take

another wife, more pleasing to them.

  Grizelda, with a patient sufferent soule, hearing what he had

said, returned no other answere but this. Most Gracious and Honourable

Lord, satisfie and please your owne Royall minde, and never use any

respect of me: for nothing is precious or pleasing to mee, but what

may agree with your good liking. Within a while after, the Noble

Marquesse in the like manner as he did before for the Daughter, so

he sent the same servant for the Sonne, and seeming as if he had

sent it to have been slaine, conveighed it to be nursed at Bologna, in

company of his sweete Sister. Whereat the Lady shewed no other

discontentment in any kinde, then formerly she had done for her

Daughter, to the no meane marvell of the Marquesse, who protested in

his soule, that the like woman was not in all the world beside. And

were it not for his heedfull observation, how loving and carefull

she was of her children, prizing them as dearely as her owne life:

rash opinion might have perswaded him, that she had no more in her,

then a carnall affection, not caring how many she had, so shee might

thus easily be rid of them; but he knew her to be a truely vertuous

mother, and wisely liable to endure his severest impositions.

  His Subjects beleeving, that he had caused the children to bee

slaine, blamed him greatly, thought him to be a most cruell man, and

did highly compassionate the Ladies case: who when shee came in

company of other Gentlewomen, which mourned for their deceassed

children, would answere nothing else: but that they could not be

more pleasing to her, then they were to the father that begot them.

  Within certaine yeares after the birth of these children, the

Marquesse purposed with himselfe, to make his last and finall proofe

of faire Grizeldaes patience, and said to some neere about him: that

he could no longer endure, to keepe Grizelda as his wife,

confessing, he had done foolishly, and according to a young giddie

braine, when he was so rash in the marriage of her. Wherfore he

would send to the Pope, and purchase a dispensation from him, to

repudiate Grizelda, and take another Wife. Wherein although they

greatly reproved him; yet he told them plainely, that it must needes

be so.

  The Lady hearing these newes, and thinking she must returne againe

to her poore father's house, and (perhaps) to her old occupation of

keeping sheepe, as in her yonger dayes she had done, understanding

withall, that another woman must enjoy him, whom shee dearely loved

and honoured; you may well thinke (worthy Ladies) that her patience

was now put to the maine proofe indeede. Neverthelesse, as with an

invincible true vertuous courage, she had outstood all the other

injuries of Fortune; so did she constantly settle her soule, to

beare this with an undaunted countenance and behaviour.

  At such time as was prefixed for the purpose, counterfeit Letters

came to the Marquesse (as sent from Rome) which he caused to be

publikely read in the hearing of his subjects: that the Pope had

dispensed with him, to leave Grizelda, and marry with another Wife,

wherefore sending for her immediatly, in presence of them all, thus he

spake to her. Woman, by concession sent me from the Pope, he hath

dispensed with me, to make choyce of another Wife, and to free my

selfe from thee. And because my predecessors have beene Noblemen,

and great Lords in this Country, thou being the daughter of a poore

Countrey Clowne, and their blood and mine notoriously imbased, by my

marriage with thee: I intend to have thee no longer my Wife, but

will returne thee home to thy Fathers house, with all the rich Dowry

thou broughtest me; and then I wil take another Wife, with whom I am

already contracted, better beseeming my birth, and farre more

contenting and pleasing to my people.

  The Lady hearing these words (not without much paine and difficulty)

restrayned her teares, quite contrary to the naturall inclination of

women, and thus answered. Great Marquesse, I never was so empty of

discretion, but did alwayes acknowledge, that my base and humble

condition, could not in any manner sute with your high blood and

Nobility, and my being with you, I ever acknowledged, to proceed

from heaven and you, not any merit of mine, but onely as a favour lent

me, which you being now pleased to recall backe againe, I ought to

be pleased (and so am) that it bee restored. Here is the Ring,

wherewith you Espoused me; here (in all humility) I deliver it to you.

You command me, to carry home the marriage Dowry which I brought

with me: there is no need of a Treasurer to repay it me, neither any

new purse to carry it in, much lesse any Sumpter to be laden with

it. For (Noble Lord) it was never out of my memory, that you tooke

me starke naked, and if it shall seeme sightly to you, that this

body which hath borne two children, and begotten by you, must againe

be seene naked; willingly must I depart hence naked. But I humbly

beg of your Excellency, in recompence of my Virginity, which I brought

you blamelesse, so much as in thought: that I may have but one of my

wedding Smocks, onely to conceale the shame of nakednesse, and then

I depart rich enough.

  The Marquesse whose heart wept bloody teares, as his eyes would

likewise gladly have yeelded their naturall tribute; covered all

with a dissembled angry countenance, and starting up, said. Goe,

give her a Smocke onely, and so send her gadding. All there present

about him, entreated him to let her have a petticote, because it might

not be said, that she who had been his Wife thirteene yeares and more,

was sent away so poorely in her Smocke: but all their perswasions

prevailed not with him. Naked in her Smocke, without hose or shoes,

bareheaded, and not so much as a Cloth about her necke, to the great

griefe and mourning of all that saw her, she went home to her old

fathers house.

  And he (good man) never beleeving, that the Marquesse would long

keepe his daughter as his Wife, but rather expected dally, what now

had happened: safely laid up the garments, whereof the Marquesse

despoyled her, the same morning when he espoused her. Wherefore he

delivered them to her, and she fell to her fathers houshold businesse,

according as formerly she had done; sustayning with a great and

unconquerable spirit, all the cruell assaults of her enemy Fortune.

  About such time after, as suted with his owne disposition, the

Marquesse made publiquely knowne to his subjects, that he meant to

joyne in marriage again, with the daughter to one of the Counts of

Panago, and causing preparation to be made for a sumptuous wedding; he

sent for Grizelda, and she being come, thus he spake to her. The

Wife that I have made the new election of, is to arrive here within

very few dayes, and at her first comming, I would have her to be

most honourably entertained. Thou knowest I have no women in my house,

that can decke up the Chambers, and set all requisite things in due

order, befitting for so solemne a Feast: and therefore I sent for

thee, who knowing (better then any other) all the partes, provision

and goods in the house, set every thing in such order, as thou shalt

thinke necessary.

  Invite such Ladies and Gentlewomen as thou wilt, and give them

welcome, even as if thou wert the Lady of the house: and when the

marriage is ended, returne then home to thy father againe.

  Although these words pierced like wonding daggers, the heart of

poore (but Noble patient) Grizelda, as being unable to forget the

unequal'd love she bare to the Marquesse, though the dignitie of her

former fortune, more easily slipt out of her remembrance; yet

neverthelesse, thus she answered.

  My Gracious Lord, I am glad I can doe you any service; wherein you

shall find mee both willing and ready. In the same poore garments,

as she came from her fathers house, (although shee was turned out in

her Smocke) she began to sweep and make cleane the Chambers, rubbe the

stooles and benches in the Hall, and ordered every in the Kitchin,

as if she were the worst maide in all the house, never ceasing or

giving over, till all things were in due and decent order as best

beseemed in such a case. After all which was done, the Marquesse,

having invited all the Ladies of the Countrey, to be present at so

great a Feast: when the marriage day came, Grizelda, in her gowne of

Countrey gray, gave them welcome, in honourable manner, and graced

them all with very cheerefull countenance.

  Gualtiero the Marquesse, who had caused his two children to be nobly

nourished at Bologna, with a neere kinswoman of his, who had married

with one of the Counts of Panago, his daughter being now aged twelve

yeares old, and somewhat more, as also the Son about sixe or seven. He

sent a Gentleman expresly to his kindred, to have them come and visite

him at Saluzza, bringing his daughter and Sonne with them, attended in

very honourable manner, and publishing every where as they came along,

that the young Virgin (knowne to none but himselfe and them) should be

the Wife to the Marquesse, and that onely was the cause of her

comming. The Gentleman was not slacke, in the execution of the trust

reposed in him: but having made convenient preparation; with the

kindred, Sonne, daughter, and a worthy company attending on them,

arrived at Saluzza about dinner time, where wanted no resort, from all

neighbouring parts round about, to see the comming of the Lord

Marquesses new Spouse.

  By the Lords and Ladies she was joyfully entertained, and comming

into the great Hall, where the tables were readily covered:

Grizelda, in her homely Country habite, humbled her selfe before

her, saying. Gracious welcome, to the new elected Spouse of the Lord

Marquesse.

  All the Ladies there present, who had very earnestly importuned

Gualtiero (but in vaine) that Grizelda, might better be shut up in

some Chamber, or else to lend her the wearing of any other garments,

which formerly had been her owne, because she should not be so poorely

seene among strangers: being seated at the Tables, she waited on

them very serviceably. The yong Virgin was observed by every one,

who spared not to say; that the Marquesse had made an excellent

change: but above them all, Grizelda did most commend her, and so

did her brother likewise, as young as he was, yet not knowing her to

be his Sister.

  Now was the Marquesse sufficiently satisfied in his soule, that he

had seene so much as he desired, concerning the patience of his

Wife, who in so many hart-grieving trials, was never noated so much as

to alter her countenance. And being absolutely perswaded, that this

proceeded not from any want of understanding in her, because he knew

her to be singularly wise: he thought it high time now, to free her

from these afflicting oppressions, and give her such assurance as

she ought to have. Wherefore, commanding her into his presence, openly

before all his assembled friends, smiling on her, he said. What

thinkst thou Grizelda of our new chosen Spouse? My Lord (quoth she)

I like her exceeding well, and if she be so wise, as she is faire

(which verely I thinke she is) I make no doubt but you shall live with

her, as the onely happy man of the world. But I humbly entreat your

Honor (if I have any power in me to prevaile by) that you would not

give her such cutting and unkind language, as you did to your other

wife: for I cannot thinke her armed with such patience, as should

(indeed) support them: as wel in regard she is much yonger, as also

her more delicate breeding and education, whereas she who you had

before, was brought up in continual toile and travaile.

  When the Marquesse perceyved, that Grizelda beleeved verily, this

yong daughter of hers should be his wife, and answered him in so

honest and modest manner: he commanded her to sit downe by him, and

saide. Grizelda, it is now more then fitte time, that thou shouldst

taste the fruite of thy long admired patience, and that they who

have thought me cruell, harsh and uncivill natured, should at length

observe, that I have done nothing basely, or unadvisedly. For this was

a worke premeditated before, for enstructing thee, what it is to be

a married wife, and to let them know (whosoever they be) how to take

and keepe a wife. Which hath begotten (to me) perpetuall joy and

happinesse, so long as I have a day to live with thee: a matter

whereof I stoode before greatly in feare, and which (in marriage I

thought) would never happen to me.

  It is not unknown to thee, in how many kinds (for my first proofe) I

gave thee harsh and unpleasing speeches, which drawing no

discontentment from thee, either in lookes, words, or behaviour, but

rather such comfort as my soule desired, and so in my other

succeedings afterward: in one minute now, I purpose to give thee

that consolation, which I bereft thee of in many tempestuous

stormes, and make a sweet restauration, for all thy former sower

sufferinges. My faire and dearly affected Grizelda, shee whom thou

supposest for my new elected Spouse, with a glad and cheerfull hart,

imbrace for thine owne daughter, and this also her Brother, beeing

both of them thy children and mine, in common opinion of the vulgar

multitude, imagined to be (by my command) long since slaine. I am

thy honourable Lord and Husband, who doth, and will love thee farre

above all women else in the world; giving thee justly this deserved

praise and commendation, That no man living hath the like Wife, as I

have.

  So, sweetly kissing her infinitely, and hugging her joyfully in

his armes (the teares now streaming like new-let-loose Rivers, downe

her faire face, which no disaster before could force from her) hee

brought her, and seated her by her daughter, who was not a little

amazed at so rare an alteration. Shee having in zeale of affection)

kissed and embraced them both, all else there present being clearely

resolved from the former doubt which too long deluded them; the ladies

arose jocondly from the tables, and attending on Grizelda to her

Chamber, in signe of a more successfull augury to follow, tooke off

her poor contemptible rags, and put on such costly robes, which (as

Lady Marchionesse) she used to weare before.

  Afterward, they waited on her into the Hall againe, being their true

Soveraigne Lady and Mistresse, as she was no lesse in her poorest

Garments; where all rejoycing for the new restored Mother, and happy

recovery of so noble a son and daughter, the Festivall continued

many months after. Now every one thought the Marquesse to be a noble

and wise Prince, though somewhat sharpe and unsufferable, in the

severe experiences made of his wife: but (above al) they reputed

Grizelda, to be a most wise, patient, and vertuous Lady. The Count

of Panago, within few daies after returned backe to Bologna; and the

Lord Marques, fetching home old Janiculo from his country drudgery, to

live with him (as his Father in law) in his Princely Palace, gave

him honorable maintenance, wherein hee long continued, and ended his

daies. Afterward, he matched his daughter in a Noble marriage: he

and Grizelda living a long time together, in the highest honor that

possibly could be.

  What can now be saide to the contrary, but that poore Country

Cottages, may yeeld as divine and excellent spirits, as the most

stately and Royall mansions, which breed and bring uppe some, more

worthy to be Hog-rubbers, then hold any soveraignty over men? Where is

any other (beside Grizelda) who not only without a wet eye, but

imboldned by a valiant and invincible courage: that can suffer the

sharpe rigors, and (never the like heard of proofes) made by the

Marquesse? Perhaps he might have met with another, who would have

quitted him in a contrary kinde, and for thrusting her forth of doores

in her smocke, could have found better succor somewhere else, rather

then walke so nakedly in the cold streets.

  Dioneus having thus ended his Novel, and the Ladies delivering their

severall judgements, according to their owne fancies, some holding one

conceite, others leaning to the contrary; one blaming this thing,

and another commending that, the King lifting his eyes to heaven,

and seeing the Sun began to fal low, by rising of the Evening

Starre; without arising from his seat, spake as followeth. Discreet

Ladies, I am perswaded you know sufficiently, that the sense and

understanding of us mortals, consisteth not onely (as I think) by

preserving in memory things past, or knowledge of them present; but

such as both by the one and other, know how to foresee future

occasions, are worthily thought wise, and of no common capacity.

  It will be (to morrow) fifteene dayes, since we departed from the

City of Florence, to come hither for our pastime and comfort, the

conservation of our lives, and support of our health, by avoyding

those melanchollies, griefes and anguishes, which we beheld daylie

in our City, since the pestilentiall visitation beganne there, wherein

(by my judgement) we have done well and honestly. Albeit some light

Novels, perhaps attractive to a little wantonnes, as some say, and our

joviall feasting with good cheare, singing and dancing, may seeme

matters inciting to incivility, especially in weake and shallow

understandings. But I have neither seene, heard, or knowne, any

acte, word, or whatsoever else, either on your part or ours, justly

deserving to be blamed: but all has bin honest, as in a sweete and

hermonious concord, such as might well beseeme the communitie of

Brethren and Sisters; which assuredly, as well in regard of you, as

us, hath much contented me.

  And therefore, least by over-long consuetude, something should

take life, which might be converted to a bad construction, and by

our country demourance for so many dayes, some captious conceit may

wrest out an ill imagination; I am of the minde (if yours be the like)

seeing each of us hath had the honor, which now remaineth still on me:

that it is very fitting for us, to returne thither from whence we

came. And so much the rather, because this sociable meeting of ours,

which already hath wonne the knowledge of many dwellers here about us,

should not grow to such an increase, as might make our purposed

pastime offensive to us. In which respect (if you allow of advise) I

wil keepe the Crowne till our departing hence; the which I intend

shalbe to morrow: but if you determine otherwise I am the man ready

to make my resignation.

  Many imaginations passed amongst the Ladies, and likewise the men,

but yet in the end, they reputed the Kings counsell to bee the best

and wisest, concluding to do as he thought convenient. Wherupon, hee

called the Master of the housholde, and conferred with him, of the

businesse belonging to the next morning, and then gave the company

leave to rise. The Ladies and the rest, when they were risen, fel some

to one kinde of recreation, and others as their fancies served them,

even as (before) they had done. And when Supper time came, they

dispatcht it in very loving manner. Then they began to play on

instruments, sing and dance, and Madame Lauretta leading the dance:

the King commaunded Madame Fiammetta to sing a song, which

pleasantly she began in this manner.