THE NINTH NOVELL

 

       WHEREIN IS DECLARED, THAT BY OVERLIBERALL COMMENDING THE

      CHASTITY OF WOMEN, IT FALLETH OUT (OFTENTIMES) TO BE VERY

      DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY BY THE MEANES OF TREACHERERS WHO YET

         (IN THE ENDE) ARE JUSTLY PUNNISHED FOR THEIR TREACHERY

 

  Bernardo, a Merchant of Geneway, being deceived by another Merchant,

named Ambroginolo, lost a great part of his goods. And commanding

his innocent Wife to be murthered, she escaped, and (in the habite

of a man) became servant to the Soldane. The deceiver being found at

last, shee compassed such meanes, that her Husband Bernardo came

into Alexandria, and there, after due punnishment inflicted on the

false deceiver, she resumed the garments againe of a woman, and

returned home with her Husband to Geneway.

 

  Madam Eliza having ended her compassionate discourse, which indeede

had moved all the rest to sighing; the Queene, who was faire, comely

of stature, and tarrying a very majesticall countenance, smiling

more familarly then the other, spake to them thus. It is very

necessary, that the promise made to Dioneus, should carefully be kept,

and because now there remaineth none, to report any more Novels, but

onely he and my selfe: I must first deliver mine, and he (who takes it

for an honour) to be the last in relating his owne, last let him be

for his owne deliverance. Then pausing a little while, thus she

began againe. Many times among vulgar people, it hath passed as a

common Proverbe: That the deceiver is often trampled on, by such as he

hath deceived. And this cannot shew it selfe (by any reason) to be

true, except such accidents as awaite on treachery, doe really make

a just discovery thereof. And therefore according to the course of

this day observed, I am the woman that must make good what I have

saide for the approbation of that Proverbe: no way (I hope)

distastfull to you in the hearing, but advantageable to preserve you

from any such beguiling.

  There was a faire and goodly Inne in Paris, much frequented by

many great Italian Merchants, according to such variety of occasions

and businesse, as urged their often resorting thither. One night among

many other, having had a merry Supper together, they began to

discourse on divers matters, and falling from one relation to another;

they communed in very friendly manner, concerning their wives, lefte

at home in their houses. Quoth the first, I cannot well imagine what

my wife is now doing, but I am able to say for my selfe, that if a

pretty female should fall into my company: I could easily forget my

love to my wife, and make use of such an advantage offered.

  A second replyed; And trust me, I should do no lesse, because I am

perswaded, that if my wife be willing to wander, the law is in her

owne hand, and I am farre enough from home: dumbe walles blab no

tales, and offences unknowne are sildome or never called in

question. A third man unapt in censure, with his former fellowes of

the Jury; and it plainely appeared, that all the rest were of the same

opinion, condemning their wives over-rashly, and alledging, that

when husbands strayed so far from home, their wives had wit enough

to make use of their time.

  Onely one man among them all, named Bernardo Lomellino, and dwelling

in Geneway, maintained the contrary; boldly avouching, that by the

especiall favour of Fortune, he had a wife so perfectly compleate in

all graces and vertues, as any Lady in the world possibly could be,

and that Italy scarsely contained her equall. But, she was goodly of

person, and yet very young, quicke, quaint, milde, and courteous,

and not any thing appertaining to the office of a wife, either for

domesticke affayres, or any other imployment whatsoever, but in

womanhoode shee went beyond all other. No Lord, Knight, Esquire, or

Gentleman, could bee better served at his Table, then himselfe dayly

was, with more wisedome, modesty and discretion. After all this, hee

praised her for riding, hawking, hunting, fishing, fowling, reading,

writing, enditing, and most absolute keeping his Bookes of accounts,

that neither himselfe, or any other Merchant could therein excell her.

After infinite other commendations, he came to the former point of

their argument, concerning the easie falling of women into

wantonnesse, maintaining (with a solemne oath) that no woman

possibly could be more chaste and honest then she: in which respect,

he was verily perswaded, that if he stayed from her ten years space

(yea all his life time) out of his house; yet never would shee

falsifie her faith to him, or be lewdly allured by any other man.

  Amongst these Merchants thus communing together, there was a young

proper man, named Ambroginolo of Placentia, who began to laugh at

the last prayses which Bernardo had used of his Wife, and seeming to

make a mockerie thereof, demaunded, if the Emperour had given him this

priviledge, above all other married men? Bernardo being somewhat

offended, answered: No Emperour hath done it, but the especiall

blessing of heaven, exceeding all the Emperours on the earth in grace,

and thereby have received this favour; whereto Ambroginolo presently

thus replyed. Bernardo, without all question to the contrary, I

beleeve that what thou hast said, is true; but (for ought I can

perceive) thou hast slender judgement in the Nature of things:

because, if thou diddst observe them well, thou couldst not be of so

grosse understanding. For, by comprehending matters in their true

kinde and nature, thou wouldst speake of them more correctly then thou

doest. And to the end, thou mayest not imagine, that we who have

spoken of our Wives, doe thinke any otherwise of them, then as well

and honestly as thou canst of thine, nor that any thing else did

urge these speeches of them, or falling into this kinde of

discourse, but onely by a naturall instinct and admonition, I wil

proceede familiarly, a little further with thee, uppon the matter

alreadie propounded. I have evermore understoode, that man was the

most noble creature, formed by God to live in this World, and woman in

the next degree to him: but man, as generally is beleeved, and as is

discerned by apparant effects is the most perfect of both. Having then

the most perfection in him, without all doubt, he must be so much

the more firme and constant. So in like manner, it hath beene, and

is universally graunted, that Woman is more various and mutable, may

be approved by and the reason thereof may be approved by many naturall

circumstances, which were needlesse now to make any mention of. If a

man then be possessed of the greater stability, and yet cannot

containe himselfe from condiscending, I say not to one that

entreates him, but to desire any other that please him; and beside, to

covet the enjoying of his owne pleasing contentment (a thing not

chancing to him once in a moneth, but infinite times in a dayes

space). What can you then conceive of a fraile Woman, subject (by

nature) to entreaties, flatteries, giftes, perswasions, and a thousand

other inticing meanes, which a man (that is affected to her) can

use? Doest thou thinke then that she hath any power to containe?

Assuredly, though thou shouldest rest so resolved, yet cannot I be

of the same opinion. For I am sure thou beleevest, and must needes

confesse it, that thy wife is a Woman, made of flesh and blood, as

other women are: if it be so, she cannot bee without the same desires,

and the weaknesse or strength as other women have, to resist

naturall appetites as her owne are. In regard whereof, it is meerely

impossible (although she be most honest) but she must needs doe that

which other Women doe: for there is nothing else possible, either to

be denied or affirmed to the contrary, as thou most unadvisedly hast

done.

  Bernardo answered in this manner. I am a Merchant, and no

Philosopher, and like a Merchant I meane to answer thee. I am not to

learne, that these accidents by thee related, may happen to fooles,

who are voide of understanding or shame: but such as are wise, and

endued with vertue, have alwayes such a precious esteeme of their

honour, that they wil containe those principles of constancie, which

men are meerely carelesse of, and I justifie my wife to be one of

them. Beleeve me Bernardo, replyed Ambroginolo, if so often as thy

wives minde is addicted to wanton folly, a badge of scorne should

arise on thy forehead, to render testimony of hir female frailty, I

beleeve the number of them would be more, then willingly you would

wish them to be. And among all married men in every degree, the

notes are so secret of their wives imperfections, that the sharpest

sight is not able to discerne them: and the wiser sort of men are

willing not to know them; because shame and losse of honour is never

imposed, but in cases evident and apparant.

  Perswade thy selfe then Bernardo, that what women may accomplish

in secret, they will rarely faile to doe: or if they abstaine, it is

through feare and folly. Wherefore, hold it for a certaine rule,

that that is onely chaste, that never was solicited personally, or

if she endured any such suite, either shee answered yea, or no. And

albeit I know this to be true, by many infallible and naturall

reasons, yet could I not speak so exactly as I doe, if I had not tried

experimentally, the humours and affections of divers Women. Yea, and

let me tell thee more Bernardo, were I in private company with thy

wife, howsoever thou presumest to thinke her to be, I should account

it a matter of no impossibility, to finde in her the selfesame

frailty.

  Bernardoes blood now began to boyle, and patience being a little put

downe by choller, thus he replyed. A combat of words requires

over-long continuance; for I maintaine the matter which thou

deniest, and all this sorts to nothing in the end. But seeing thou

presumest, that all women are so apt and tractable, and thy selfe so

confident of thine owne power: I willingly yeeld (for the better

assurance of my wifes constant loyalty) to have my head smitten off,

if thou canst winne her to any such dishonest act, by any meanes

whatsoever thou canst use unto her; which if thou canst not doe,

thou shalt onely loose a thousand duckets of Gold. Now began

Ambroginolo to be heated with these words, answering thus. Bernardo,

if I had won the wager, I know not what I should doe with thy head;

but if thou be willing to stand upon the proofe, pawne downe five

thousand Duckets of gold, (a matter of much lesse value then thy head)

against a thousand Duckets of mine, granting me a lawfull limited

time, which I require to be no more then the space of three moneths,

after the day of my departing hence. I will stand bound to goe for

Geneway, and there winne such kinde consent of thy Wife, as shall be

to mine owne content. In witnesse whereof, I will bring backe with

me such private and especiall tokens, as thou thy selfe shalt confesse

that I have not failed. Provided, that thou doe first promise upon thy

faith, to absent thy selfe thence during my limitted time, and be no

hinderance to me by thy Letters, concerning the attempt by me

undertaken.

  Bernardo saide, Be it a bargaine, am the man that will make good

my five thousand Duckets; and albeit the other Merchants then present,

earnestly laboured to breake the wager, knowing great harme must needs

ensue thereon: yet both the parties were so hot and fiery, as all

the other men spake to no effect, but writings was made, sealed, and

delivered under either of their hands, Bernardo remaining at Paris,

and Ambroginolo departing for Geneway. There he remained some few

dayes, to learne the streetes name where Bernardo dwelt, as also the

conditions and qualities of his Wife, which scarcely pleased him

when he heard them; because they were farre beyond her Husbands

relation, and shee reputed to be the onely wonder of women; whereby he

plainely perceived, that he had undertaken a very idle enterprise, yet

would he not give it over so, but proceeded therein a little further.

  He wrought such meanes, that he came acquainted with a poore

woman, who often frequented Bernardoes house, and was greatly in

favour with his wife; upon whose poverty he so prevailed, by earnest

perswasions, but much more by large gifts of money, that he won her to

further him in this manner following. A faire and artificiall Chest he

caused to be purposely made, wherein himselfe might be aptly

contained, and so conveyed into the House of Bernardoes Wife, under

colour of a formall excuse; that the poore woman should be absent from

the City two or three dayes, and shee must keepe it safe till she

returne. The Gentlewoman suspecting no guile, but that the Chest was

the receptacle of all the womans wealth; would trust it in no other

roome, then her owne Bed-chamber, which was the place where

Ambroginolo most desired to bee.

  Being thus conveyed into the Chamber, the night going on apace,

and the Gentlewoman fast asleepe in her bed, a lighted Taper stood

burning on the Table by her, as in her Husbands absence shee ever used

to have: Ambroginolo softly opened the Chest, according as cunningly

hee had contrived it, and stepping forth in his sockes made of cloath,

observed the scituation of the Chamber, the paintings, pictures, and

beautifull hangings, with all things else that were remarkable,

which perfectly he committed to his memory. Going neere to the bed, he

saw her lie there sweetly sleeping, and her young Daughter in like

manner by her, she seeming then as compleate and pleasing a

creature, as when shee was attired in her best bravery. No especiall

note or marke could hee descrie, whereof he might make credible

report, but onely a small wart upon her left pappe, with some few

haires growing thereon, appearing to be as yellow as gold.

  Sufficient had he seene, and durst presume no further; but taking

one of her Rings, which lay upon the Table, a purse of hers, hanging

by on the wall, a light wearing Robe of silke, and her girdle, all

which he put into the Chest; and being in himselfe, closed it fast

as it was before, so continuing there in the Chamber two severall

nights, the Gentlewoman neither mistrusting or missing any thing.

The third day being come, the poore woman, according as formerly was

concluded, came to have home her Chest againe, and brought it safely

into her owne house; where Ambroginolo comming forth of it,

satisfied the poore woman to her owne liking, returning (with all

the forenamed things) so fast as conveniently he could to Paris.

  Being arrived there long before his limmitted time, he called the

Merchants together, who were present at the passed words and wager;

avouching before Bernardo, that he had won his five thousand

Duckets, and performed the taske he undertooke. To make good his

protestation, first he described the forme of the Chamber, the curious

pictures hanging about it, in what manner the bed stood, and every

circumstance else beside. Next he shewed the severall things, which he

brought away thence with him, affirming that he had received them of

her selfe. Bernardo confessed, that his description of the Chamber was

true, and acknowledged moreover, that these other things did belong to

his Wife: But (quoth he) this may be gotten, by corrupting some

servant of mine, both for intelligence of the Chamber, as also of

the Ring, Purse, and what else is beside; all which suffice not to win

the wager, without some other more apparant and pregnant token. In

troth, answered Ambroginolo, me thinkes these should serve for

sufficient proofes; but seeing thou art so desirous to know more: I

plainely tell thee, that faire Genevra thy Wife, hath a small round

wart upon her left pappe, and some few little golden haires growing

thereon.

  When Bernardo heard these words, they were as so many stabs to his

heart, yea, beyond all compasse of patient sufferance, and by the

changing of his colour, it was noted manifestly, (being unable to

utter one word) that Ambroginolo had spoken nothing but the truth.

Within a while after, he saide; Gentlemen, that which Ambroginolo hath

saide, is very true, wherefore let him come when he will, and he shall

be paide; which accordingly he performed on the very next day, even to

the utmost penny, departing then from Paris towards Geneway, with a

most malitious intention to his Wife: Being come neere to the City, he

would not enter it, but rode to a Country house of his, standing about

tenne miles distant thence. Being there arrived, he called a

servant, in whom hee reposed especiall trust, sending him to Geneway

with two Horses, writing to his Wife, that he was returned, and shee

should come thither to see him. But secretly he charged his servant,

that so soone as he had brought her to a convenient place, he should

there kill her, without any pitty or compassion, and then returne to

him againe.

  When the servant was come to Geneway, and had delivered his Letter

and message, Genevra gave him most joyfull welcome, and on the

morrow morning mounting on Horse-backe with the servant, rode

merrily towards the Country house; divers things shee discoursed on by

the way, till they descended into a deepe solitary valey, very thickly

beset with high and huge spreading Trees, which the servant supposed

to be a meete place, for the execution of his Masters command.

Suddenly drawing forth his Sword, and holding Genevra fast by the

arme, he saide; Mistresse, quickly commend your soule to God, for

you must die, before you passe any further. Genevra seeing the naked

Sword, and hearing the words so peremptorily delivered, fearefully

answered; Alas deare friend, mercy for Gods sake; and before thou kill

me, tell me wherein I have offended thee, and why thou must kill me?

Alas good Mistresse replied the servant, you have not any way offended

me, but in what occasion you have displeased your Husband, it is

utterly unknowne to me: for he hath strictly commanded me, without

respect of pitty or compassion, to kill you by the way as I bring you,

and if I doe it not, he hath sworne to hang me by the necke. You

know good Mistresse, how much I stand obliged to him, and how

impossible it is for me, to contradict any thing that he commandeth.

God is my witnesse, that I am truly compassionate of you, and yet

(by no meanes) may I let you live.

  Genevra kneeling before him weeping, wringing her hands, thus

replyed. Wilt thou turne Monster, and be a murtherer of her that never

wronged thee, to please another man, and on a bare command? God, who

truly knoweth all things, is my faithfull witnesse, that I never

committed any offence, whereby to deserve the dislike of my Husband,

much lesse so harsh a recompence as this is. But flying from mine owne

justification, and appealing to thy manly mercy, thou mayest (wert

thou but so well pleased) in a moment satisfie both thy Master and me,

in such manner as I will make plaine and apparant to thee. Take thou

my garments, spare me onely thy doublet, and such a Bonnet as is

fitting for a man, so returne with my habite to thy Master, assuring

him, that the deede is done. And here I sweare to thee, by that life

which I enjoy but by thy mercy, I will so strangely disguise my selfe,

and wander so far off from these Countries, as neither he or thou, nor

any person belonging to these parts, shall ever heare any tydings of

me.

  The servant, who had no great good will to kill her, very easily

grew pittifull, tooke off her upper garments, and gave her a poore

ragged doublet, a sillie Chapperone, and such small store of money

as he had, desiring her to forsake that Country, and so left her to

walke on foote out of the valley. When he came to his Maister, and had

delivered him her garments, he assured him, that he had not onely

accomplished his commaund, but also was most secure from any

discovery: because he had no sooner done the deede, but foure or

five very ravenous Woolves, came presently running to the dead

bodie, and gave it buriall in their bellyes. Bernardo soone after

returning to Geneway, was much blamed for such unkinde cruelty to

his wife; but his constant avouching of her treason to him

(according then to the Countries custome) did cleare him from all

pursuite of Law.

  Poor Genevra was left thus alone and disconsolate, and night

stealing fast upon her, shee went to a silly village neere

adjoyning, where (by the meanes of a good olde woman) she got such

provision as the place afforded, making the doublet fit to her body,

and converting her petticoate to a paire of breeches, according to the

Mariners fashion: then cutting her haire, and quaintly disguised

like unto a Saylor, she went to the Sea coast. By good fortune, she

met there with a Gentleman of Cathalogna, whose name was Signior

Enchararcho, who came on land from his Ship, which lay hulling there

about Albagia, to refresh himselfe at a pleasant Spring. Enchararcho

taking her to be a man, as shee appeared no otherwise by her habite;

upon some conference passing betweene them, shee was entertayned

into his service, and being brought aboord the Ship, she went under

the name of Sicurano da Finale. There shee had better apparrell

bestowne on her by the Gentleman, and her service proved so pleasing

and acceptable to him, that hee liked her care and diligence beyond

all comparison.

  It came to passe within a short while after, that this Gentleman

of Cathalogna sayled (with some charge of his) into Alexandria,

carrying thither certaine Faulcons, which he presented to the

Soldan, who oftentimes welcommed this Gentleman to his table, where he

observed the behaviour of Sicurano, attending on his Maisters

Trencher, and therewith was so highly pleased; that hee requested to

have him from the Gentleman, who (for his more advancement)

willingly parted with his so lately entertained servant. Sicurano

was so ready and discreet in his daily services, that he grew in as

great grace with the Soldan, as before hee had done with Enchararcho.

  At a certaine season in the yeare, as customary order (there

observed) had formerly beene, in the City of Acres which was under the

Soldanes subjection, there yeerely met a great assembly of

Merchants, as Christians, Moores, jewes, Sarazens, and many other

Nations besides, as at a common Mart or Fayre. And to the end, that

the Merchants (for the better sale of their goods) might be there in

the safer assurance, the Soldane used to send thither some of his

ordinarie Officers, and a strong guard of Souldiers beside, to

defend them from all injuries and molestation, because he reaped

thereby no meane benefit. And who should be now sent about this

businesse, but his new elected favourite Sicurano, because she was

skilfull and. perfect in the Languages.

  Sicurano being come to Acres, as Lord and Captaine of the Guard

for the Merchants, and for the safety of their Merchandizes, she

discharged her office most commendably, walking with her traine

thorough every part of the Fayre, where she observed a worthy

company of Merchants, Sicilians, Pisans, Genewayes, Venetians, and

other Italians, whom the more willingly she noted, in remembrance of

her native Country. At one especiall time among other, chancing into a

Shop or Booth belonging to the Venetians, she espied (hanging up

with other costly wares) a Purse and a Girdle, which sodainly she

remembred to be sometime her owne; whereat she was not a little

abashed in her minde. But without making any such outward shew,

courteously she requested to know whose they were, and whether they

should be sold, or no.

  Ambroginolo of Placentia, was likewise come thither, and great store

of Merchandizes hee had brought with him, in a Carracke appertaining

to the Venetians, and hee hearing the Captaine of the Guard demaund

whose they were, stepped foorth before him, and smiling, answered:

That they were his, but not to be solde; yet if hee liked them, gladly

he would bestow them on him. Sicurano seeing him smile, suspected

least himselfe had (by some unfitting behaviour) beene the occasion

thereof: and therefore, with a more setled countenance, hee said:

Perhaps thou smilest, because I that am a man, professing Armes,

should question after such womanish toyes. Ambroginolo replyed, My

Lord, pardon mee, I smile not at you, or at your demaund, but at the

manner how I came by these things.

  Sicurano, upon this answere, was ten times more desirous then

before, and saide: If Fortune favoured thee in friendly maner, by

the obtaining of these things: if it may be spoken, tell mee how

thou hadst them. My Lord (answered Ambroginolo) these things (with

many more besides) were given me by a Gentlewoman of Geneway, named

Madam Genevra, the wife to one Bernardo Lomellino, in recompence of

one nights lodging with her, and she desired me to keepe them for

her sake. Now, the maine reason of my smiling, was the remembrance

of her husbands folly, in waging five thousand Duckets of Gold,

against one thousand of mine, that I should not obtaine my will of his

Wife; which I did, and thereby won the wager. But hee, who better

deserved to be punished for his folly, then shee, who was but sicke of

all womens disease; returning from Paris to Geneway, caused her to

be slaine, as afterward it was reported by himselfe.

  When Sicurano heard this horrible lye, immediately shee conceived,

that this was the occasion of her husbands hatred to her, and all

the hard haps which she had since suffered: whereupon, shee reputed it

for more then a mortall sinne, if such a villaine should passe without

due punishment. Sicurano seemed to like well this report, and grew

into such familiarity with Ambroginolo, that (by her perswasions) when

the Fayre was ended, she tooke him higher with her into Alexandria,

and all his Wares along with him, furnishing him with a fit and

convenient shop, where he made great benefite of his Merchandizes,

trusting all his monies in the Captaines custody, because it was the

safest course for him, and so hee continued there with no meane

contentment.

  Much did shee pitty her Husbands perplexity, devising by what good

and warrantable meanes she might make knowne her innocency to him;

wherein her place and authority did greatly sted her, and she

wrought with divers gallant Merchants of Geneway that then remained in

Alexandria, and by vertue of the Soldans friendly letters beside, to

bring him thither upon an lall occasion. Come he did, albeit in

especiall in poore and meane order, which soone was better altered

by her appointment, and he verie honourably (though in private)

entertained by divers of her woorthie friends, till time did favour

what she further intended.

  In the expectation of Bernardoes arrivall, shee had so prevayled

with Ambrogiriolo, that the same tale which he formerly told to her,

he delivered againe in presence of the Soldan, who seemed to be wel

pleased with it. But after shee had once seene her Husband, shee

thought upon her more serious businesse; providing her selfe of an apt

opportunity, when shee entreated such favour of the Soldan, that

both the men might bee brought before him; where if Ambroginolo

would not confesse (without constraint) that which he had made his

vaunt of concerning Bernardoes wife, he might be compelled thereto

perforce.

 Sicuranoes word was a Law with the Soldane, so that Ambroginolo and

Bernardo being brought face to face, the Soldane with a sterne and

angry countenance, in the presence of a most Princely Assembly,

commanded Ambroginolo to declare the truth, upon perill of his life,

by what meanes he won the Wager of the five thousand Golden Duckets he

received of Bernardo. Ambroginolo seeing Sicurano there present,

upon whose favour he wholly relyed, yet perceiving her lookes likewise

to be as dreadful as the Soldans, and hearing her threaten him with

most greevous torments except he revealed the truth indeed; you may

easily guesse in what condition he stood at that instant.

  Frownes and fury he beheld on either side, and Bernardo standing

before him, with a world of famous witnesses, to heare his lye

confounded by his owne confession, and his tongue to denie what it had

before so constantly avouched. Yet dreaming on no other pain or

penalty, but restoring backe the five thousand Duckets of gold, and

the other things by him purloyned, truly he revealed the whole forme

of his falshood. Then Sicurano according as the Soldane had formerly

commanded him, turning to Bernardo, saide. And thou, upon the

suggestion of this foule lye, what didst thou to thy Wife? Being

(quoth Bernardo) overcome with for the losse of my money, and the

dishonor I supposed to receive by my Wife; I caused a servant of

mine to kill her, and as hee credibly avouched, her body was

devoured by ravenous Wolves in a moment after.

  These things being thus spoken and heard, in the presence of the

Soldan, and no reason (as yet) made knowne, why the case was so

seriously urged, and to what end it would succeede: Sicurano spake

in this manner to the Soldane. My gracious Lord, you may plainly

perceive, in what degree that poore Gentlewoman might make her

vaunt, beeing so well provided, both of a loving friend, and a

husband. Such was the friends love, that in an instant, and by a

wicked lye, hee robbed her both of her renowne and honour, and

bereft her also of her husband. And her husband, rather crediting

anothers falshoode, then the invincible trueth, whereof he had

faithfull knowledge, by long and very honorable experience; caused her

to be slaine, and made foode for devouring Wolves. Beside all this,

such was the good will and affection borne to that Woman both by

friend and husband, that the longest continuer of them in her company,

makes them alike in knowledge of her. But because your great wisedom

knoweth perfectly what each of them have worthily deserved: if you

please (in your ever-knowne gracious benignity) to permit the

punishment of the deceiver, and pardon the partie so diceyved; I

will procure such meanes, that she shall appeare here in your

presence, and theirs.

  The Soldane, being desirous to give Sicurano all manner of

satisfaction, having followed the course so indistriously, bad him

to produce the Woman, and hee was well contented. Whereat Bernardo

stoode much amazed, because he verity beleeved that she was dead.

And Ambroginolo foreseeing already a preparation for punishment,

feared, that the repayment of the money would not now serve his turne:

not knowing also, what he should further hope or suspect, if the woman

her selfe did personally appeare, which hee imagined would be a

miracle. Sicurano having thus obtained the Soldanes permission,

teares, humbling her selfe at his feete, in a moment she lost her

manly voyce and demeanour, as knowing that she was now no longer to

use them, but must truly witnesse what she was indeed, and therefore

thus spake.

  Great Soldane, I am the miserable and unfortunate Genevra, that

for the space of sixe whole yeeres, have wandered through the world,

in the habite of a man, falsely and most maliciously slaundered, by

this villainous Traytor Ambroginolo, and by this unkinde cruell

husband, betraied to his servant to be slaine, and left to be devoured

by savage beasts. Afterward, desiring such garments as better fitted

for her, and shewing her breasts, she made it apparant before the

Soldane and his assistants, that shee was the very same woman indeede.

Then turning her selfe to Ambroginolo, with more then manly courage,

she demanded of him, when, and where it was, that he lay with her,

as (villainously) he was not ashamed to make his vaunt? But hee,

having alreadie acknowledged the contrarie, being stricken dumbe

with shamefull disgrace, was not able to utter one word.

  The Soldane, who had alwayes reputed Sicurano to be a man, having

heard and seene so admirable an accident; was so amazed in his

minde, that many times he was very doubtfull, whether this was a

dreame, or an absolute relation of trueth. But, after hee had more

seriously considered thereon, and found it to be reall and infallible:

with extraordinary gracious praises, he commended the life, constancy,

condition and vertues of Genevra, whom (til that time) he had

alwayes called Sicurano. So committing her to the company of

honourable Ladies, to be changed from her manly habite; he pardoned

Bernardo her husband (according to her request formerly made) although

hee had more justly deserved death: which likewise himselfe confessed,

and falling at the feet of Genevra, desired her (in teares) to forgive

his rash transgression, which most lovingly she did, kissing and

embracing him a thousand times.

  Then the Soldane strictly commaunded, that on some high and

eminent place of the Citie, Ambroginolo should be bound and impaled on

a stake, having his naked body nointed all over with hony, and never

to bee taken off, untill (of it selfe) it fell in peeces, which,

according to the sentence, was presently performed. Next, he gave

expresse charge, that all his mony and goods should be given to

Genevra, which valued above ten thousand double Duckets. Forthwith a

solemne Feast was prepared, wherein much honor was done to Bernardo,

being the husband of Genevra: and to her, as to a most worthy woman,

and matchlesse wife, he gave in costly jewels, as also vessels of gold

and silver plate, so much as did amount to above ten thousand double

Duckets more.

  When the feasting was finished, he caused a Ship to be furnished for

them, graunting them license to depart from Geneway when they pleased;

whither they returned most richly and joyfully, being welcomed home

with great honour, especially Madam Genevra, whom every one supposed

to be dead; and alwayes after, so long as she lived, shee was most

famous for her manifold vertues. But as for Ambroginolo, the verie

same day that hee was impaled on the stake, annointed with honey,

and fixed in the place appointed, to his no meane torment: he not

onely died, but likewise was devoured to the bare bones, by Flies,

Waspes, and Hornets, whereof the Countrey notoriously aboundeth. And

his bones, in full forme and fashion, remained strangely blacke for

a long time after, knit together by the sinewes; as a witnesse to many

thousands of people, which afterward beheld the Carkasse of his

wickednesse against so good and vertuous a Woman, that had not so much

as a thought of any evill towards him. And thus was the Proverbe truly

verified, that shame succeedeth after ugly sinne, and the deceiver

is trampled and trod, by such as himselfe hath deceived.