THE THIRD NOVELL

 

       WHEREIN IS DECLARED THE DANGERS OF PRODIGALITIE, AND

               THE MANIFOLD MUTABILITIES OF FORTUNE

 

  Three young Gentlemen, being Brethren, and having spent all their

Lands and possessions vainely, became poore. A Nephew of theirs

(falling almost into as desperate a condition) became acquainted

with an Abbot, whom he afterward found to be the King of Englands

Daughter, and made him her Husband in mariage, recompencing all his

Uncles losses, and seating them againe in good estate.

 

  The fortunes of Rinaldo de Este, being heard by the Ladies and

Gentlemen, they admired his happinesse, and commended his devotion

to Saint Julian, who (in such extreame necessity) sent him so good

succour. Nor was the Lady to be blamed, for leaving base liberty,

and converting to the chaste embraces of the marriage bed, the dignity

of Womens honour, and eternall disgrace living otherwise. While thus

they descanted on the happy night betweene her and Rinaldo, Madam

Pampinea sitting next to Philostratus, considering, that her Discourse

must follow in order, and thinking on what shee was to say; the Queene

had no sooner sent out her command, but she being no lesse faire

then forward, began in this manner. Ladies of great respect, the

more we conferre on the accidents of Fortune, so much the more

remaineth to consider on her mutabilities, wherein there is no need of

wonder, if discreetly we observe that al such things as we fondly

tearme to be our owne, are in her power, and so (consequently)

change from one to another, without any stay or arrest (according to

her concealed judgement) or setled order (at least) that can bee

knowne to us. Now, although these things appeare thus dayly to us,

even apparantly in all occasions, and as hath beene discerned by

some of our precedent Discourses; yet notwithstanding, seeing it

pleaseth the Queene, that our arguments should aime at these ends, I

will adde to the former tales another of my owne, perhaps not

unprofitable for the hearers, nor unpleasing in observation.

  Sometime heeretofore, there dwelt in our Cittie, a Knight named

Signior Theobaldo, who (according as some report) issued from the

Family of Lamberti, but others derive him of the Agolanti; guiding

(perhaps) their opinion heerein, more from the traine of Children,

belonging to the saide Theobaldo (evermore equall to that of the

Agolanti) then any other matter else. But setting aside from which

of these two houses he came, I say, that in his time he was a very

wealthy Knight, and had three sonnes; the first being named

Lamberto, the second Theobaldo, and the third Agolanto, all goodly and

gracefull youths: howbeit, the eldest had not compleated eighteene

yeares, when Signior Theobaldo the Father deceased, who left them

all his goods and inheritances. And they, seeing themselves rich in

ready monies and revennewes, without any other governement then

their owne voluntary disposition, kept no restraint upon their

expences, but maintained many servants, and store of unvalewable

Horses, beside Hawkes and Hounds, with open house for all commers; and

not onely all delights else fit for Gentlemen, but what vanities

beside best agreed with their wanton and youthfull appetites.

  Not long had they run on this race, but the Treasures lefte them

by their Father, began greatly to diminish; and their Revennewes

suffised not, to support such lavish expences as they had begun: but

they fell to engaging and pawning their inheritances, selling one to

day, and another to morrow, so that they saw themselves quickely

come to nothing, and then poverty opened their eyes, which prodigality

had before clozed up. Heereupon, Lamberto (on a day) calling his

Brethren to him, shewed them what the honors of their Father had

beene, to what height his wealth amounted, and now to what an ebbe

of poverty it was falne, only thorow their inordinate expences.

Wherefore hee counselled them, (as best he could) before further

misery insulted over them, to make sale of the small remainder that

was left, and then to betake themselves unto some other abiding, where

fairer Fortune might chance to shine uppon them.

  This advice prevailed with them; and so, without taking leave of any

body, or other solemnity then closest secrecie, they departed from

Florence, not tarrying in any place untill they were arrived in

England. Comming to the City of London, and taking there a small house

upon yearely rent, living on so little charge as possibly might be,

they began to lend out money at use: wherein Fortune was so favourable

to them, that (in few yeares) they had gathered a great summe of mony:

by means whereof it came to passe, that one while one of them, and

afterward another, returned backe againe to Florence: where, with

those summes, a great part of their inheritances were redeemed, and

many other bought beside. Linking themselves in marriage, and yet

continuing their usances in England; they sent a Nephew of theirs

thither, named Alessandro, a yong man, and of faire demeanor, to

maintaine their stocke in employment: while they three remained stil

in Florence, and growing forgetful of their former misery, fell againe

into as unreasonable expences as ever, never respecting their houshold

charges, because they had good credite among the Merchants, and the

monies still sent from Alessandro, supporting their expences divers

yeeres.

  The dealings of Alessandro in England grew verie great, for hee lent

out much money to many Gentlemen, Lords, and Barons of the Land,

upon engagement of their Mannors; Castles, and other revennues: from

whence he derived immeasurable benefite. While the three Brethren held

on in their lavish expences, borrowing moneys when they wanted

untill their supplies came from England, whereon (indeede) was theyr

onely dependance: it fortuned, that (contrary to the opinion of all

men) warre happened betweene the King of England, and one of his

sonnes, which occasioned much trouble in the whole Countrey, by taking

part on either side, some with the sonne, and other with the Father.

In regard whereof, those Castles and places pawned to Alessandro, were

sodainely seized from him, nothing then remaining, that turned him any

profite. But living in hope day by day, that peace would be

concluded betweene the Father and the Sonne, he never doubted, but all

things then should be restored to him, both the principall and

interest, and therfore he would not depart out of the Countrey.

  The three Brethren at Florence, bounding within no limites their

disordered spending; borrowed dayly more and more. And after some

few yeares, the creditors seeing no effect of their hopes to come from

them, all credit being lost with them, and no repayment of promised

dues, they were imprisoned, their Landes and all they had, not

suffising to pay the moitie of Debts, but their bodies remained in

prison for the rest, theyr Wives and young children being sent thence,

some to one village, some to another, so that nothing now was to be

expected, but poverty and misery of life for ever. As for honest

Alessandro, who had awaited long time for peace in England, perceyving

there was no likelyhoode of it; and considering also, that (beside his

tarrying there in vaine to recover his dues) he was in danger of his

life; without any further deferring, he set away for Italy. It came to

passe, that as he yssued foorth of Bruges, hee saw a young Abbot

also journeying thence, being cloathed in white, accompanied with

divers Monkes, and a great traine before, conducting the needfull

Carriage. Two auncient Knights, kinsmen to the King, followed after;

with whom Alessandro acquainted himselfe, as having formerly known

them, and was kindely accepted into their company. Alessandro riding

along with them, courteously requested to know, what those Monks

were that rode before, and such a traine attending on them? Whereto

one of the Knights thus answered.

  He that rideth before, is a yong Gentleman, and our Kinsman, who

is newly elected Abbot of one of the best Abbeys in England, and

because he is more yong in yeeres, then the decrees for such a dignity

do allow, we travaile with him to Rome, to entreat our Holy Father,

that his.youth may be dispensed withall, and he confirmed in the

said dignitie; but hee is not to speake a word to any person. On

rode this new Abbot, sometimes before his Traine, and other whiles

after, as we see great Lords use to do, when they ride upon the

High-wayes.

  It chanced on a day, that Alessandro rode somewhat neere to the

Abbot, who stedfastly beholding him, perceived that he was a very

comely young man, so affable, lovely, and gracious, that even in

this first encounter, he had never seene any man before that better

pleased him. Calling him a little closer, he began to conferre

familiarly with him, demanding what he was, whence he came, and

whether he travelled. Alessandro imparted freely to him all his

affaires, in every thing satisfying his demands, and offering

(although his power was small) to doe him all the service he could.

  When the Abbot had heard his gentle answeres, so wisely and

discreetly delivered, considering also (more particularly) his

commendable carriage, hee tooke him to be (at the least) a

well-borne Gentleman, and far differing from his owne logger headed

traine. Wherefore, taking compassion on his great misfortunes, he

comforted him very kindly, wishing him to live alwayes in good hope.

For, if he were vertuous and honest, he should surely attaine to the

seate from whence Fortune had throwne him, or rather much higher.

Intreating him also, that seeing he journied towards Tuscany, as he

himselfe did the like, to continue stil (if he pleased) in his

company. Alessandro most humbly thanked him for such gracious comfort;

protesting, that he would be alwaies readie to do whatsoever he

commanded.

  The Abbot riding on, with newer crotchets in his braine then he

had before the sight of Alessandro, it fortuned, that after divers

dayes of travaile, they came to a small Country Village, which

affoorded little store of Lodging, and yet the Abbot would needes

lye there. Alessandro, being well acquainted with the Hoste of the

house, willed him to provide for the Abbot and his people, and then to

lodge him where hee thought it meetest. Now before the Abbots

comming thither, the Harbenger that marshalled all such matters, had

provided for his Traine in the Village, some in one place, and

others elsewhere, in the best maner that the Towne could yeelde. But

when the Abbot had supt, a great part of the night being spent, and

every one else at his rest; Alessandro demaunded of the Hoste, what

provision he had made for him, and how hee should be lodged that

night?

  In good sadnesse Sir (quoth the Host) you see that my house is

full of Guests, so that I and my people, must gladly sleepe on the

tables and benches: Neverthelesse, next adjoyning to my Lord Abbots

Chamber, there are certaine Corn-lofts, whether I can closely bring

you, and making shift there with a slender Pallet-bed, it may serve

for one night, insted of a better. But mine Host (quoth Alessandro)

how can I passe thorow my Lords Chamber, which is so little, as it

would not allow Lodging for any of his Monkes? If I had remembred so

much (said the Host) before the Curtaines were drawne, I could have

lodged his Monkes in the Corne-lofts, and then both you and I might

have slept where now they doe. But feare you not, my Lords Curtaines

are close drawne, hee sleepeth (no doubt) soundly, and I can

conveigh you thither quietly enough, without the least disturbance

to him, and a Pallet-bed shall be fitted there for you. Alessandro

perceiving that all this might be easily done, and no disease

offered to the Abbot, accepted it willingly, and went thither

without any noyse at all.

  My Lord Abbot, whose thoughts were so busied about amorous

desires, that no sleepe at all could enter his eyes, heard all this

talke between the Host and Alessandro, and also where hee was

appointed to Lodge, he saide thus within himselfe. Seeing Fortune hath

fitted me with a propitious time, to compasse the happinesse of my

hearts desire; I know no reason why I should refuse it. Perhaps, I

shall never have the like offer againe, or ever be enabled with such

an opportunitie. So, beeing fully determined to prosecute his

intention, and perswading himself also, that the silence of the

night had bestowed sleepe on all the rest; with a lowe and trembling

voyce, he called Alessandro, advising him to come and lye downe by

him, which (after some few faint excuses) he did, and putting off

his cloaths, lay downe by the Abbot, being not a little proude of so

gracious a favour.

  The Abbot, laying his arme over the others body, began to imbrace

and hugge him; even as amorous friends (provoked by earnest

affection), use to doe. Whereat Alessandro verie much mervayling,

and being an Italian himselfe, fearing least this folly in the

Abbot, would convert to foule and dishonest action, shrunke modestly

from him. Which the Abbot perceiving, and doubting least Alessandro

would depart and leave him, pleasantly smiling, and with bashfull

behaviour baring his stomack, he tooke Alessandroes hand, and laying

it thereon, saide; Alessandro, let all bad thoughts of bestiall

abuse be farre off from thee, and feele here, to resolve thee from all

such feare. Allessandro feeling the Abbots brest, found there two

pretty little mountaines, round, plumpe, and smooth, appearing as if

they had beene of polished Ivory; whereby he perceived, that the Abbot

was a woman: which, setting an edge on his youthful desires, made

him fall to embracing, and immediately he offered to kisse her; but

she somewhat rudely repulsing him, as halfe offended, saide.

  Alessandro, forbeare such boldnesse, uppon thy lives perill, and

before thou further presume to touch me, understand what I shall

tell thee. I am (as thou perceivest) no man, but a woman; and

departing a Virgin from my Fathers House, am travelling towards the

Popes holinesse, to the end that he should bestow me in marriage.

But the other day, when first I beheld thee, whether it proceeded from

thy happinesse in fortune, or the fatall houre of my owne infelicity

for ever, I know not; I conceyved such an effectuall kinde of liking

towardes thee, as never did Woman love a man more truely then I doe

thee having sworn within my soule to make thee my Husband before any

other; and if thou wilt not accept me as thy wife, set a locke upon

thy lippes concerning what thou hast heard, and depart hence to

thine owne bed againe.

  No doubt, but that these were strange newes to Alessandro, and

seemed meerely as a miracle to him. What shee was, he knew not, but in

regard of her traine and company, hee reputed her to be both noble and

rich, as also she was wonderfull faire and beautifull. His owne

fortunes stood out of future expectation by his kinsmens overthrow,

and his great losses in England; wherefore, upon an opportunity so

fairely offered, he held it no wisedome to returne refusall, but

accepted her gracious motion, and referred all to her disposing.

Shee arising out of her bed, called him to a little Table standing by,

where hung a faire Crucifixe upon the wall; before which, and

calling him to witnesse, that suffered such bitter and cruell torments

on his Crosse, putting a Ring upon his finger, there she faithfully

espoused him, refusing all the world, to be onely his: which being

on either side confirmed solemnly, by an holy Vow, and chaste

kisses; shee commanded him backe to his Chamber, and she returned to

her bed againe, sufficiently satisfied with her Loves acceptation, and

so they journied on till they came to Rome.

  When they had rested themselves there for some few dayes, the

supposed Abbot, with the two Knights, and none else in company but

Alessandro, went before the Pope, and having done him such reverence

as beseemed, the Abbot began to speake in this manner.

  Holy Father (as you know much better then any other) everie one that

desireth to live well and vertuously, ought to shunne (so farre as

in them lyeth) all occasions that may induce to the contrarie. To

the end therefore, that I (who desire nothing more) then to live

within the compasse of a vertuous conversation, may perfect my hopes

in this behalfe: I have fled from my Fathers Court, and am come hither

in this habite as you see, to crave therein your holy and fatherly

furtherance. I am daughter to the King of England, and have

sufficiently furnished my selfe with some of his Treasures, that

your Holinesse may bestow me in marriage; because mine unkind

Father, never regarding my youth and beauty (inferior to few in my

native country) would marry me to the King of North-Wales, an aged,

impotent, and sickely man. Yet let me tell your sanctity, that his age

and weakenesse hath not so much occasioned my Right, as feare of

mine owne youth and frailety; when being married to him, instead of

loyall and unstained life, lewd and dishonest desires might make me to

wander, by breaking the divine Lawes of wedlocke, and abusing the

royall blood of my Father.

  As I travailed hither with this vertuous intention, our Lord, who

onely knoweth perfectly, what is best fitting for all his creatures;

presented mine eyes (no doubt in his meere mercy and goodnesse) with a

man meete to be my husband, which (pointing to Alessandro) is this

young Gentleman standing by me, whose honest, vertuous, and civill

demeanour, deserveth a Lady of farre greater worth, although (perhaps)

Nobility in blood be denied him, and may make him seeme not so

excellent, as one derived from Royall discent. Holy and religious

vowes have past betweene us both, and the Ring on his finger, is the

firme pledge of my faith and constancie, never to accept any other man

in marriage, but him onely, although my Father, or any else doe

dislike it. Wherefore (holy Father) the principall cause of my comming

hither, being already effectually concluded on, I desire to compleat

the rest of my Pilgrimage, by visiting the sanctified places in this

City, whereof there are great plenty: And also, that sacred

marriage, being contracted in the presence of God onely, betweene

Alessandro and my selfe, may by you be publikely confirmed, and in

an open congregation. For, seeing God hath so appointed it, and our

soules have so solemnely vowed it, that no disaster whatsoever can

alter it: you being Gods Vicar here on earth, I hope will not

gainesay, but confirme it with your fatherly benediction, that wee may

live in Gods feare, and dye in his favour.

  Perswade your selves (faire Ladies) that Alessandro was in no

meane admiration, when hee heard, that his wife was daughter to the

King of England, unspeakable joy (questionlesse) wholly overcame

him: but the two Knights were not a little troubled and offended, at

such a straunge and unexpected accident, yea, so violent were their

passions, that had they beene any where else, then in the Popes

presence, Alessandro had felt their furie, and (perhaps) the Princesse

her selfe too. On the other side, the Pope was much amazed at the

habite she went disguised in, and likewise at the election of her

husband; but, perceiving there was no resistance to be made against

it, hee yeelded the more willingly to satisfie her desire. And

therefore, having first comforted the two Knights, and made peace

betweene them, the Princesse, and Alessandro, he gave order for the

rest that was to be done.

  When the appointed day for the solemnity was come, hee caused the

Princesse (cloathed in most rich and royall garments) to appeare

before all the Cardinals, and many other great persons then in

presence, who were come to this worthy Feast, which hee had caused

purposely to bee prepared, where she seemed so faire and goodly a

Lady, that every eye was highly delighted to behold her, commending

her with no meane admiration. In like manner was Alessandro greatly

honoured by the two Knights, being most sumptuous in appearance, and

not like a man that had lent money to usury, but rather of very royall

quality; the Pope himselfe celebrating the marriage betweene them,

which being finished, with the most magnificent pompe that could be

devised, hee gave them his benediction, and licenced their departure

thence.

  Alessandro, his Princesse and her traine thus leaving Rome, they

would needes visite Florence, where the newes of this accident was

(long before) noysed, and they received by the Citizens in royall

manner. There did shee deliver the three brethren out of prison,

having first payed all their debts, and reseated them againe (with

their wives) in their former inheritances and possessions.

Afterward, departing from Florence, and Agolanto, one of the Uncles

travailing with them to Paris; they were there also most honourably

entertained by the King of France. From whence the two Knights went

before for England, and prevailed so successefully with the King; that

hee received his daughter into grace and favour, as also his Sonne

in law her husband, to whom hee gave the order of Knighthoode, and

(for his greater dignitie) created him Earle of Cornewall.

  And such was the noble spirit of Alessandro, that he pacified the

troubles betweene the King and his sonne, whereon ensued great comfort

to the Kingdome, winning the love and favour of all the people; and

Agolanto (by the meanes of Alessandro) recovered all that was due to

him and his brethren in England, returning richly home to Florence,

Count Alessandro (his kinsman) having first dub'd him Knight. Long

time he lived in peace and tranquility, with the faire Princesse his

wife, proving to be so absolute in wisedome, and so famous a Souldier;

that (as some report) by assistance of his Father in law, he conquered

the Realme of Ireland, and was crowned King thereof.