THE TENTH NOVELL

 

      WHEREIN OLDE MEN ARE WITTILY REPREHENDED, THAT WILL MATCH

      THEMSELVES WITH YOUNGER WOMEN THEN IS FIT FOR THEIR YEERES,

      AND INSUFFICIENT, NEVER CONSIDERING WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO THEM

 

  Pagamino da Monaco, a roving Pyrate on the Seas, carried away the

fayre Wife of Signior Ricciardo de Chinzica, who understanding where

shee was, went thither; and falling into friendship with Pagamino,

demanded his Wife of him; whereto he yeelde, provided, that shee

would willing goe away with him. She denied to part thence with her

Husband, and Signior Ricciardo dying, she became the wife of Pagamino.

 

  Every one in this honest and gracious assembly, most highly

commended the Novell re-counted by the Queene: but especially Dioneus,

who remained to finish that dayes pleasure with his owne Discourse,

and after many praises of the former tale were past, thus he began.

Faire Ladies, part of the Queenes Novell hath made an alteration of my

minde, from that which I intended to proceede next withall, and

therfore I will report another. I cannot forget the unmanly

indiscretion of Bernardo, but much more the base arrogance of

Ambroginolo, how justly deserved shame fell upon him, as well it may

happen to all other, that are so vile in their owne opinions, as he

apparantly approved himselfe to be. For, as men wander abroad in the

world, according to their occasions in diversity of Countries and

observations of the peoples behaviour; so are their humours as

variously transported. And if they finde women wantonly disposed

abroade, the like judgement they give of their Wives at home; as if

they had never knowne their birth and breeding, or made proofe of

their loyall carriage towards them. Wherefore, the Tale that I purpose

to relate, will likewise condemne all the like kind of men, but more

especially such as thinke themselves endued with more strength then

Nature meant to bestow on them, foolishly beleeving, that they can

cover their owne defects by fabulous demonstrations, and thinking to

fashion other of their owne complexions, that are meerely strangers to

such grosse follies.

 Know then, that there lived in Pisa (some hundred yeeres before

Tuscany and Liguria embraced the Christian faith) a judge better

stored with wisedome and ingenuity, then corporall abilities of the

body, named Signior Ricciardo di Cinzica. He being more then halfe

perswaded, that hee could content a woman with such satisfaction as

hee daily bestowed on his studies, being a widdower, and extraordinary

wealthy, laboured with no meane paines, to enjoy a faire and youthfull

wife in marriage: both which qualities hee should much rather have

avoyded, if he could have ministred as good counsell to himselfe, as

he did to others, resorting to him for advice. Upon this his amorous

and diligent inquisition, it came so to passe, that a worthy

Gentlewoman, called Bertolomea, one of the fairest and choisest yong

maids in Pisa, whose youth did hardly agree with his age; but muck was

the motive of this mariage, and no expectation of mutuall contentment.

The Judge being married, and the Bride brought solemnly home to his

house, we need make no question of brave cheare and banquetting,

well furnished by their friends on either side: other matters were now

hammering in the judges head, for thogh he could please all his

Clients with counsel, yet now such a suit was commenced against

himselfe, and in Beauties Court of continuall requests, that the Judge

failing in plea for his own defence, was often nonsuited by lack of

answer; yet he wanted not good wines, drugs, and all sorts of

restoratives to comfort the heart, and encrease good blood: but all

availed not.

  But well fare a good courage, where performance faileth, hee could

liberally commend his passed joviall daies, and make a promise of as

faire felicities yet to come; because his youth would renew it selfe

like to the Eagle, and his vigour in as full force as before. But

beside all these ydle allegations, would needs instruct his wife in an

Almanacke or Kalender, which he had (formerly) bought at Ravenna,

and wherein he plainely shewed her, that there was not one day in

the yeere, but it was dedicated to some Saint or other. In reverence

of whom, and for their sakes, he approved by divers arguments and

reasons, that a man and his wife ought to abstaine from bedding

together. Adding withall, that those Saints dayes had their Fasts

and Feasts, beside the foure seasons of the yeer, the vigils of the

Apostles, and a thousand other holy dayes, with Fridayes,

Saterdayes, and Sundayes, in honor of our Lords rest, and al the

holy time of Lent; as also certain observations of the Moone, and

infinit other exceptions beside; thinking perhaps, that it was as

convenient for men to refraine from their wives conversation, as he

did often time from sitting in the Court. These were his dayly

documents to his young wife, wherewith (poore soule) she became so

tyred, as nothing could be more irksom to her, and very careful he

was, lest any other should teach her what belonged to working daies,

because he would have her know none but holy daies. It came to

passe, that the season waxing extremely hot, Signior Ricciardo would

go to recreate himselfe at his house in the country, neere to the

blacke Mountaine, where for his faire wives more contentment, he

continued divers daies together. And for her further recreation, he

gave order to have a day of fishing, he going aboord a small Pinnace

among the Fishers, and she in another, consorted with divers other

Gentlewomen, in whose company she was very well pleased. Delight

made them launch further into the Sea, then either the Judge was

willing they should have done, or agreed with their owne safety. For

sodainly a Galliot came upon them, wherein was one Pagamino a famous

Pyrate, who espying the two Pinnaces, made presently to them, and

seized on that wherein the women were. When he beheld there so faire a

young Woman, he coveted after no other purchase; but mounting her into

his Galliot, in the sight of Signior Ricciardo, who by this time was

fearefully landed, he carried her away with him. When Signior Judge

had seene this theft (he being so jealous of his wife, as scarsely

he would let the ayre breathe on her) it were needlesse to know

whether he was offended, or no. He made complaint at Pisa, and in

other places beside, what injurie he had sustained by those Pyrates,

in carrying away his wife from him: but all in vaine, he neither (as

yet) knew the man, nor what was become of him. Pagamino perceiving

what a beautifull woman shee was, made the more precious esteeme of

his purchase, and being himselfe a Batchelor, intended to keepe her as

his owne, comforting her with kinde and pleasing speeches, not using

any ill demeanor to her, because she wept and lamented greevously. But

when night came, her husbands Kalender falling from her girdle, and

all the fasts and feasts quite out of her remembrance, she received

such curtesies from Pagamino, that before they could arrive at Monaco,

the Judge and his Law cases were almost out of memory; such was his

affable behaviour to her, and she began to converse with him in more

friendly manner, and he entreated her as honourably, as if she had bin

his espoused wife.

  Within a short while after, report had acquainted the Judge, where

and how his wife was kept from him; whereupon hee determined, not to

send, but rather to go himselfe in person, and to redeeme her from the

Pyrate, with what summes of money he should demand. By sea he passed

to Monaco, where he saw his wife, and she him, as (soone after) shee

made known to Pagamino. The next morning, Signior Ricciardo meeting

with Pagamino, made meanes to be acquainted with bim, and within lesse

then an houres space, they grew into familiar conference; Pagamino yet

pretending not to know him, but expected what issue this talke would

sort to. When time served, the Judge discoursed the occasion of his

comming thither, desiring him to demand what ransome he pleased, and

that he might have his wife home with him. Whereto Pagamino answered.

  My Lord Judge, you are welcome hither, and to answer you breefely

very true it is, that I have a yong Gentlewoman in my house, whom I

neither know to be your wife, or any other mans else whatsoever: for I

am ignorant both of you and her, albeit she hath remained a while here

with me. If you be her husband, as you seeme to avouch, I will bring

her to you, for you appeare to be a worthy Gentleman, and

(questionlesse) she cannot chuse but know you perfectly. If she do

confirme that which you have saide, and be willing to depart hence

with you: I shal rest well satisfied, and will have no other

recompence for her ransome (in regard of your grave and reverend

yeeres) but what your selfe shall please to give me. But if it fall

out other then you have affirmed, you shal offer me great wrong, in

seeking to get her from me; because I am a young man, and can as

well maintaine so faire a wife as you, or any man else that I know.

Beleeve it certainly, replyed the judge, that she is my wife, and if

you please to bring me where she is, you shall soone perceive it:

for she will presently cast her armes about my necke, and I durst

adventure the utter losse of her, if she deny to do it in your

presence. Come on then, saide Pagamino, and let us delay the time no

longer.

  When they were entred into Pagaminos house, and sat downe in the

Hall, he caused her to be called, and she (being readily prepared

for the purpose), came forth of her Chamber before them both, where

friendly they sate conversing together; never uttering any word unto

Signieur Ricciardo, or knowing him from any other stranger, that

Pagamino might bring into the house with him. Which when my Lord the

Judge beheld, (who expected to finde a farre more gracious welcome) he

stoode as a man amazed, saying to himselfe. Perhaps the

extraordinary greefe and melancholly suffered by me since the time

of her losse, hath so altred my wonted complexion, that shee is not

able to take knowledge of me. Wherefore, going neerer to her, he

saide: Faire Love, deerely have I bought your going on fishing,

because never man felt the like afflictions as I have done since the

day when I lost you: but by this your uncivil silence, you seeme as if

you did not know me. Why deerest love, seest thou not that I am thy

husband Ricciardo, who am come to pay what ransome this Gentleman

shall demaund, even in the house where now we are, so to convey thee

home againe, upon his kind promise of thy deliverance, after the

payment of thy ransome?

  Bertolomea turning towards him, and seeming as if shee smiled to her

selfe, thus answered. Sir, speake you to me? Advise your selfe well,

least you mistake me for some other, for mine owne part, I never saw

you till now. How now quoth Ricciardo? Consider better what you say,

looke more circumspectly on me, and then you will remember, that I

am your loving husband, and my name is Ricciardo di Cinzica. You

must pardon me Sir, replyed Bertolomea, I know it not so fitting for a

modest; woman to stand gazing in the faces of men: and let me looke

uppon you never so often, certaine I am, that (till this instant) I

have not seene you. My Lord Judge conceived in his minde, that thus

she denied all knowledge of him, as standing in feare of Pagamino, and

would not confesse him in his presence. Wherefore hee entreated of

Pagamino, to affoord him so much favour, that he might speake alone

with her in her Chamber. Pagamino answered, that he was well contented

therewith, provided, that he should not kisse her against her will.

Then he requested Bartolomea, to goe with him alone into her

Chamber, there to heare what he could say, and to answere him as

shee found occasion. When they were come into the Chamber, and none

there present but he and shee, Signior Ricciardo began in this manner.

Heart of my heart, life of my life, the sweetest hope that I have in

this world; wilt thou not know thine owne Ricciardo, who loveth thee

more then he doth himselfe? Why art thou so strange? Am I so

disfigured, that thou knowest me not? Behold me with a more pleasing

eye, I pray thee.

  Bartolomea smiled to her self and without suffering him to proceed

any further in speech, returned him this answere. I would have you

to understand Sir, that my memory is not so oblivious, but I know

you to be Signior Ricciardo di Cinzica, and my husband by name or

title, but during the time that I was with you, it very ill appeared

that you had any knowledge of me. For if you had bene so wise and

considerate, as (in your own judgement) the world reputed you to be,

you could not be voide of so much apprehension, but did apparantly

perceive, that I was yong, fresh, and cheerefully disposed; and so (by

consequent) meet to know matters requisite for such young women,

beside allowance of food and garments, though bashfulnesse and modesty

forbid to utter it. But if studying the Lawes were more welcome to you

then a wife, you ought not to have maried, and you loose the worthy

reputation of a judge, when you fall from that venerable profession,

and make your selfe a common proclaimer of feasts and fasting dayes,

lenten seasons, vigils, and solemnities due to Saints, which prohibite

the houshold conversation of husbands and wives.

  Here am I now with a worthy Gentleman, that entertaineth me with

very honourable respect, and here I live in this Chamber, not so

much as hearing of any feasts or fasting dayes; for, neither Fridaies,

Saturdaies, vigils of Saints, or any lingering Lent, enter at this

doore: but heere is honest and civill conversation, better agreeing

with a youthfull disposition, then those harsh documents wherewith you

tutord me. Wherefore my purpose is to continue here with him, as being

a place sutable to my minde and youth, referring feasts, vigils, and

fasting daies, to a more mature and stayed time of age, when the

body is better able to endure them, and the mind may be prepared for

such ghostly meditations: depart therefore at your owne pleasure,

and make much of your Calender, without enjoying any company of

mine, for you heare my resolved determination.

  The Judge hearing these words, was overcome with exceeding griefe,

and when she was silent, thus he began. Alas deare Love, what an

answere is this? Hast thou no regard of thine owne honor, thy Parents,

and friends? Canst thou rather affect to abide here, for the pleasures

of this man, and so sin capitolly, then to live at Pisa in the state

of my wife? Consider deare heart, when this man shall waxe weary of

thee, to thy shame and his owne disgrace, he will reject thee. I

must and shall love thee for ever, and when I dye, I leave thee Lady

and commandresse of all that is mine. Can an inordinate appetite,

cause thee to be carelesse of thine honour, and of him that loves thee

as his owne life? Alas, my fairest hope, say no more so, but returne

home with me, and now that I am acquainted with thy inclination; I

will endeavour heereafter to give thee better contentment. Wherefore

(deare heart) doe not denie me, but change thy minde, and goe with me,

for I never saw merry day since I lost thee.

 Sir (quoth she) I desire no body to have care of mine honour,

beside my selfe, because it cannot be here abused. And as for my

Parents, what respect had they of me, when they made me your wife?

If then they could be so carelesse of mee, what reason have I to

regard them now? And whereas you taxe me, that I cannot live here

without capitall sin; farre is the thought thereof from me: for,

here I am regarded as the wife of Pagamino, but at Pisa, you reputed

me not worthy your society: because, by the point of the Moone, and

the quadratures of Geometrie; the Planets held conjunction betweene

you and me, whereas here I am subject to no such constellations. You

say beside, that hereafter you will strive to give me better

contentment then you have done; surely, in mine opinion it is no way

possible, because our complexions are so farre different, as yce is

from fire, or gold from drosse. As for your allegation, of this

Gentlemans rejecting me, when his humour is satisfied; should it prove

to be so (as it is the least part of my feare) what fortune soever

shall betide me, never will I make any meanes to you, what miseries or

misadventures may happen to me; but the world will affoord me one

resting place or other, and more to my contentment, then if I were

with you. Therefore I tell you once againe, to live secured from all

offence to holy Saints, and not to injure their feasts, fasts,

vigills, and other ceremonious seasons: here is my demourance, and

from hence I purpose not to part.

  Our Judge was now in a wofull perplexity, and confessing his

folly, in marying a wife so young, and far unfit for his age and

abilitie: being halfe desperate, sad and displeased, he came forth

of the Chamber, using divers speeches to Pagamino, whereof he made

little or no account at all: and in the end, without any other

successe, left his wife there, and returned home to Pisa. There

further afflictions fell upon him, because the people began to

scorne him, demanding dayly of him, what was become of his gallant

young wife, making hornes, with ridiculous pointings at him: whereby

his sences became distracted, so that he ran raving about the

streetes, and afterward died in very miserable manner. Which newes

came no sooner to the eare of Pagamino, but, in the honourable

affection hee bare to Bertolomea, he maried her, with great solemnity;

banishing all Fasts, Vigils, and Lents from his house, and living with

her in much felicity. Wherfore (faire Ladies) I am of opinion, that

Bernardo of Geneway, in his disputation with Ambroginolo; might have

shewne himselfe a great deale wiser, and sparing his rash proceeding

with his wife.

  This tale was so merrily entertained among the whole company, that

each one smiling upon another, with one consent commended Dioneus,

maintaining that he spake nothing but the truth, and condemning

Bernardo for his cruelty. Upon a generall silence commanded, the Queen

perceiving that the time was now very farre spent, and every one had

delivered their severall Novels, which likewise gave a period to her

Royalty: she gave the Crowne to Madam Neiphila, pleasantly speaking to

her in this order. Heereafter, the government of these few people is

committed to your trust and care, for with the day concludeth my

dominion. Madam Neiphila, blushing; at the honor done unto her, her

cheekes appeared of a vermillion tincture, her eyes glittering with

gracefull desires, and sparkeling like the morning Starre. And after

the modest murmure of the Assistants was ceased, and her courage in

chearfull manner setled, seating her selfe higher then she did before,

thus she spake.

  Seeing it is so, that you have elected me your Queene, to varie

somewhat from the course observed by them that went before me, whose

governement you have all so much commended: by approbation of your

counsell, I am desirous to speake my mind, concerning what I wold have

to be next followed. It is not unknowne to you all, that to morrow

shal be Friday, and Saturday the next day following, which are daies

somewhat molestuous to the most part of men, for preparation of

their weekly food and sustenance. Moreover, Friday ought to be

reverendly respected, in remembrance of him, who died to give us life,

and endured his bitter passion, as on that day; which makes me to hold

it fit and expedient, that wee should mind more weight), matters,

and rather attend our prayers and devotions then the repetition of

tales or Novels. Now concerning Saturday, it hath bin a custome

observed among women, to bath and wash themselves from such

immundicities as the former weekes toile hath imposed on them. Beside,

it is a day of fasting, in honour of the ensuing Sabbath, whereon no

labor may be done, but the observation of holy exercises.

  By that which hath bin saide, you may easily conceive, that the

course which we have hitherto continued, cannot bee prosecuted in

one and the same manner: where. fore, I would advise and do hold it an

action wel performed by us, to cease for these few dayes, from

recounting any other Novels. And because we have remained here foure

daies already, except we would allow the enlarging of our company,

with some other friends that may resort unto us: I thinke it necessary

to remove from hence, and take our pleasure in another place, which is

already by me determined. When we shalbe there assembled, and have

slept on the discourses formerly delivered, let our next argument be

still the mutabilities of Fortune, but especially to concerne such

persons, as by their wit and ingenuity, industriously have attained to

some matter earnestly desired, or else recovered againe, after the

losse. Heereon let us severally study and premeditate, that the

hearers may receive benefit thereby, with the comfortable

maintenance of our harmelesse recreations; the priviledge of Dioneus

alwayes reserved to himselfe.

  Every one commended the Queens deliberation, concluding that it

shold be accordingly prosecuted: and thereupon, the master of the

houshold was called, to give him order for that evenings Table

service, and what else concerned the time of the Queenes Royalty,

wherein he was sufficiently instructed: which being done, the

company arose, licensing every one to doe what they listed. The Ladies

and Gentlemen walked to the Garden, and having sported themselves

there a while; when the houre of supper came, they sate downe, and

fared very daintily. Being risen from the Table, according to the

Queenes command, Madam Aemilia led the dance, and the ditty following,

was sung by Madam Pampinea, being answered by all the rest, as a

Chorus.