THE SIXTH NOVELL

 

      DECLARING, HOW MUCH PERSEVERANCE, AND A COURAGIOUS SPIRIT IS

                            AVAILABLE IN LOVE

 

  Ricciardo Minutolo fell in love with the wife of Philippello

Fighinolfi, and knowing her to be very jealous of her Husband, gave

her to understand, that hee was greatly enamoured of his Wife, and had

appointed to meete her privately in a Bathing house, on the next day

following: where shee hoping to take him tardie with his close

compacted Mistresse, found her selfe to be deceived by the said

Ricciardo.

 

  No more remained to be spoken by Madame Eliza, but the cunning of

the Magnifico, being much commended by all the company: the Queene

commanded Madame Fiammetta, to succede next in order with one of her

Novels, who (smiling) made answer that shee would, and began thus.

Gracious Ladies, mee thinkes wee have spoken enough already,

concerning our owne Citie, which as it aboundeth copiously in all

commodities, so is it an example also to every convenient purpose. And

as Madam Eliza hath done, by recounting occasions happening in another

World, so must we now leape a little further off, even so far as

Naples, to see how one of those Saint-like Dames that nicely seemes to

shun loves allurings, was guided by the good spirit to a friend of

hers, and tasted of the fruite, before she knew the flowers. A

sufficient warning for you to apprehend before hand what may follow

after, and to let you see beside, that when an error is committed, how

to bee discreete in keeping it from publike knowledge.

  In the Citie of Naples, it being of great antiquity, and (perhaps)

as pleasantly situated, as any other City in all Italy, there dwelt

sometime a yong Gentleman, of noble parentage, and well knowne to

bee wealthy, named Ricciardo Minutolo, who although hee had a

Gentlewoman of excellent beuty, and worthy the verie kindest affecting

to his wife; yet his gadding eye gazed elsewhere, and he became

enamored of another, which (in generall opinion) surpassed all the

Neapolitane Women else, in feature, favour, and the choysest

perfections, shee being named Madam Catulla wife to as gallant a young

Gentleman, called Philippello Fighinolfi, who most dearly he loved

beyond all other, for her vertue and admired chastity.

  Ricciardo loving this Madam Catulla, and using all such means

whereby the grace and liking of a Lady might be obtained; found it yet

a matter beyond possibility, to compasse the height of his desire:

so that many desperate and dangerous resolutions beleagred his braine,

seeming so intricate and unlikely to affoord any hopefull yssue, as

hee wished for nothing more then death.

  And death (as yet) being deafe to all his earnest imprecations,

delayed him on in lingering afflictions: and continuing still in

such an extreame condition, he was advised by some of his best

friends, utterly to abstaine from this fond pursuit, because his hopes

were meerely in vaine, and Madam Catulla prized nothing more

precious to her in the World, then unstayned loyaltie to her

Husband: and yet shee lived in such extreame jealousie of him, as

fearing least some bird flying in the ayre should snatch him from her.

  Ricciardo not unacquainted with this her jealous humour, as well

by credible hearing thereof, as also by daily observation, began to

with himselfe, that it were best to consider for him, to dissemble

amorous affection in some other place, and (henceforward) to set aside

all hope, of ever enjoying the love of Madam Catulla, because he was

now become the servant to another Gentlewoman, pretending (in her

honour) to performe many worthy actions of Armes, Joustes,

Tournaments, and all such like noble exercises, as he was wont to

doe for Madam Catulla. So that most of the people of Naples, but

especially Madam Catulla, becam perswaded, that his former

fruitlesse love to her was quite changed, and the new elected Lady had

all the glory of his best endevours, persevering so long in this

opinion, as now it passed absolutely for currant. Thus seemed he now

as meere a stranger to her, whose house before he familiarly

frequented, yet as a neighbour gave her the daies salutations,

according as he chanced to see her, or meet her.

  It came so to passe, that it being now the delightfull Summer

season, when all Gentlemen and Gentlewomen used to meete together

(according to a custome long observed in that Country) sporting

along on the Sea Coast, dining and supping there very often, Ricciardo

Minutolo happened to heare, that Madam Catulla (with a company of

her friends) intended also to be present there among them; at which

time, consorted with a seemely traine of his confederates, he resorted

thither, and was graciously welcommed by Madam Catulla, where he

pretended no willing long time of tarrying, but that Catulla and the

other Ladies were faine to entreate him, discoursing of his love to

his new elected Mistresse: which Minutolo graced with so solemne a

countenance, as it ministred much more matter of conference, all

coveting to know what she was.

  So farre they walked, and held on this kinde of discoursing, as

every Lady and Gentlewoman, waxing weary of too long a continued

argument, began to separate her selfe with such an associate as shee

best liked, and as in such walking women are wont to doe; so that

Madam Catulla having few females left with her, stayed behind with

Minutolo, who sodainly shot forth a word concerning her husband

Philipello, and of his loving another woman beside her selfe. She that

was overmuch jealous before, became so sodainely set on fire to know

what shee was of whom Minutolo spake, as she sat silent a long

while, til being able to containe no longer, shee entreated

Ricciardo even for the Ladies sake, whose love he had so devoutly

embraced, to resolve her certainly in this strange alteration of her

husband; whereunto thus he answered.

  Madam, you have so straitly concured me, by urging the remembrance

of her; for whose sake I am not able to deny any thing you can demand,

as I am readie therein to pleasure you. But first you must promise me,

that neither you, or any other person for you, shall at any time

disclose it to your Husband, untill you have seene by effect, that

which I have told you proveth to be true: and when you please, I wil

instruct you how your selfe shall see it. The Ladie was not a little

joyfull to be thus satisfied in her Husbands folly, and constantly

crediting his words to be true, shee sware a solemne oath, that no one

alive should ever know it. So stepping a little further aside, because

no listening eare should heare him, thus he beganne.

  Lady, if I did love you now so effectually as heeretofore I have

done, I should be very circumspect, in uttering any thing which I

immagined might distast you. I know not whether your husband

Philipello, were at any time offended, because I affected you, or

beleeved that I received any kindnes from you: but whether it were

so or no, I could never discerne it by any outward apparance. But

now awaiting for the opportunity of time, which he conceived should

affoord me the least suspition, he seekes to compasse that, which (I

doubt) he feares I would have done to him, in plaine termes Madam,

to have his pleasure of my wife. And as by some carriages I have

observed, within few daies past he hath solicited and pursued his

purpose very secretly, by many Ambassages, and meanes, as (indeed) I

have learned from her selfe, and alwaies she hath returned in such

answers, as she receyved by my direction.

  And no longer ago Madam, then this very morning, before my comming

hither, I found a woman-messenger in my house, in very close

conference with my Wife, when growing doubtfull of that which was true

indeede, I called my Wife, enquiring, what the woman would have with

her; and she told me, it was another pursuite of Philipello

Fighinolfi, who (quoth shee) upon such answers as you have caused me

to send him from time to time, perhappes doth gather some hope of

prevailing in the end, which maketh him still to importune me as he

doth. And now he adventureth so farre, as to understand my finall

intention, having thus ordered his complot, that when I please, I must

meet him secretly in a house of this City, where he hath prepared a

Bath ready for me, and hopeth to enjoy the end of his desire, as

very earnestly he hath solicited me thereto. But if you had not

commanded me, to hold him in suspense with so many frivolous

answers, I would ere this, have sent him such a message, as should

have bene little to his liking.

  With patience Madam I endured all before, but now (me thinkes) he

proceedeth too farre, which is not any way to be suffered; and

therefore I intended to let you know it, that you may perceive, how

wel you are rewarded for the faithfull and loyall love you beare

him, and for which, I was even at deaths dore. Now, because you may be

the surer of my speeches, not to be any lyes or fables, and that you

may (if you please) approve the truth by your owne experience, I

caused my wife to send him word, that she would meet him to morrow

at the Bathing-house appointed, about the houre of noone-day, when

people repose themselves in regard of the heates violence; with

which answer the woman returned very jocondly. Let me now tell you

Lady, I hope you have better opinion of my wit, then any meaning in

me, to send my wife thither; I rather did it to this end, that

having acquainted you with his treacherous intent, you should supply

my wives place, by saving both his reputation and your owne, and

frustrating his unkind purpose to me. Moreover, upon the view of his

owne delusion, wrought by my wife in meere love to you, he shall see

his foule shame, and your most noble care, to keepe the rites of

marriage betweene you still unstained.

  Madame Catulla, having heard this long and unpleasing report,

without any consideration, either what he was that tolde the tale,

or what a treason he intended against her: immediately (as jealous

persons use to doe) she gave faith to his forgerie, and began to

discourse many things to him, which imagination had often misguided

her in, against her honest minded husband, and enflamed with rage,

suddenly replied; that shee would doe according as he had advised her,

as being a matter of no difficulty. But if he came, she would so shame

and dishonour him, as no woman whatsoever should better schoole him.

Ricciardo highly pleased herewith, and being perswaded, that his

purpose would take the full effect: confirmed the Lady in her

determination with many words more; yet putting her in memory, to

keepe her faithfull promise made, without revealing the matter to

any living person, as shee had sworne upon her faith.

  On the morrow morning, Ricciardo went to an auncient woman of his

acquaintance, who was the Mistresse of a Bathing-house, and there

where he had appointed Madame Catulla, that the Bath should bee

prepared for her, giving her to understand the whole businesse, and

desiring her to be favourable therein to him. The woman, who had beene

much beholding to him in other matters, promised very willingly to

fulfill his request, concluding with him, both what should be done and

said. She had in her house a very darke Chamber, without any window to

affoord it the least light, which Chamber she had made ready,

according to Ricciardoes direction, with a rich Bed thereir, so soft

and delicate as possible could bee, wherein he entred so soone as he

had dined, to attend the arrivall of Madame Catulla. On the same

day, as she had heard the speeches of Ricciardo, and gave more

credit to them then became her; shee returned home to her house in

wonderfull impatience. And Philippello her husband came home

discontentedly too, whose head being busied about some worldly

affaires, perhaps he looked not so pleasantly, neither used her so

kindly, as he was wont to doe. Which Catulla perceiving, shee was

ten times more suspicious then before, saying to her selfe. Now

apparent trueth doth disclose it selfe, my husbands head is troubled

now with nothing else, but Ricciardoes wife, with whom (to morrow)

he purposeth his meeting; wherein he shall be disappointed, if I live;

taking no rest at all the whole night, for thinking how to handle

her husband.

  What shall I say more? On the morrow, at the houre of mid-day

accompanied onely with her Chamber-mayde, and without any other

alteration in opinion; shee went to the house where the Bath was

promised, and meeting there with the olde woman, demaunded of her,

if Philippello were come thither as yet or no? The woman, being well

instructed by Ricciardo, answered: Are you shee that should meete

him heere? Yes, replied Catulla. Goe in then to him (quoth the

woman) for he is not farre off before you.

  Madame Catulla, who went to seeke that which shee would not finde,

being brought vailed into the darke Chamber where Ricciardo was,

entred into the Bath, hoping to finde none other there but her

husband, and the custome of the Country, never disallowed such

meetings of men with their wives, but held them to be good and

commendable. In a counterfeit voyce he bad her welcome, and she, not

seeming to be any other then shee was indeed, entertained his

imbracings in as loving manner; yet not daring to speake, least he

should know her, but suffered him to proceede in his owne errour.

  Let passe the wanton follies passing betweene them, and come to

Madame Catulla, who finding it a fit and convenient time, to vent

forth the tempest of her spleene, began in this manner. Alas! how

mighty, are the misfortunes of women, and how ill requited is all

the loyall love of many wives to their husbands? I, a poore

miserable Lady, who, for the space of eight yeeres now fully

compleated, have loved thee: more dearely then mine owne life, finde

now (to my hearts endlesse griefe) how thou wastest and consumest

thy desires, to delight them with a strange woman, like a most vile

and wicked man as thou art. With whom doest thou now imagine thy selfe

to be? Thou art with her, whom thou hast long time deluded by false

blandishments, feigning to affect her, when thou doatest in thy

desires else-where. I am thine owne Catulla, and not the wife of

Ricciardo, trayterous and unfaithfull man, as thou art. I am sure thou

knowest my voyce, and I thinke it a thousand yeeres, until wee may see

each other in the light, to doe thee such dishonour as thou justly

deservest, dogged, disdainfull, and villainous wretch. By conceiving

to have another woman in thy wanton embraces thou hast declared more

joviall disposition, and demonstrations of farre greater kindnesse,

then domesticke familiarity. At home thou lookest sower, sullen or

surly, often froward, and seldome well pleased. But the best is,

whereas thou intendest this husbandrie for another mans ground, thou

hast (against thy will) bestowed it on thine owne, and the water

hath runne a contrary course, quite from the current where thou

meantst it.

  What answer canst thou make, devill, and no man? What, have my words

smitten thee dumbe? Thou mayest (with shame enough) hold thy peace,

for with the face of a man, and love of an husband to his wife, thou

art not able to make any answere.

  Ricciardo durst not speake one word, but still expressed his affable

behaviour towards her, bestowing infinite embraces and kisses on

her: which so much the more augmented her rage and anger, continuing

on her chiding thus. If by these flatteries and idle follies, thou

hopest to comfort or pacifie me, thou runnest quite by as from thy

reckoning; for I shall never imagine my selfe halfe satisfied,

untill in the presence of my parents, friends, and neighbours, I

have revealed thy base behaviour. Tell mee, treacherous man, am not

I as faire, as the wife of Ricciardo? Am I not as good a Gentlewoman

borne, as shee is? What canst thou more respect in her, then is in

mee? Villaine, monster, why doest thou not answere mee? I will send to

Ricciardo, who loveth mee beyond all other women in Naples, and yet

could never vaunt, that I gave him so much as a friendly looke: he

shall know, what a dishonour thou hadst intended towards him; which

both he and his friends will revenge soundly upon thee. The

exclamations of the Lady were so tedious and irksome, that Ricciardo

perceiving, if shee continued longer in these complaints, worse

would ensue thereon, then could bee easily remedied: resolved to

make himselfe knowne unto her, to reclaime her out of this violent

extasie, and holding her somewhat strictly, to prevent her escaping

from him, he said. Madam, afflict your selfe no further, for, what I

could not obtaine by simply loving you, subtilty hath better taught

me, and I am your Ricciardo: which she hearing, and perfectly

knowing him by his voyce; shee would have leapt out of the Bath, but

shee could not, and to avoyde her crying out, he layde his hand on her

mouth, saying. Lady, what is done, cannot now be undone, albeit you

cried out all your life time. If you exclaime, or make this knowne

openly by any meanes; two unavoydable dangers must needes ensue

thereon. The one (which you ought more carefully to respect) is the

wounding of your good renowne and honour, because, when you shall say,

that by treacherie I drew you hither: I will boldly maintaine the

contrary, avouching, that having corrupted you with gold, and not

giving you so much as covetously you desired; you grew offended, and

thereon made the outcry, and you are not to learne, that the world

is more easily induced to beleeve the worst, then any goodnesse, be it

never so manifest. Next unto this, mortall hatred must arise

betweene your husband and mee, and (perhaps) I shall as soone kill

him, as he me; whereby you can hardly, live in any true contentment

after. Wherefore, joy of my life, doe not in one moment, both shame

your selfe, and cause such perill betweene your husband and me: for

you are not the first, neither can be the last, that shall be

deceived. I have not beguiled you, to take any honour from you, but

onely declared, the faithfull affection I beare you, and so shall

doe for ever, as being your bounden and most obedient servant; and

as it is a long time agoe, since I dedicated my selfe and all mine

to your service, so hence-forth must I remaine for ever. You are

wise enough (I know) in all other things: then shew your selfe not

to be silly or simple in this.

  Ricciardo uttered these words, teares streaming aboundantly downe

his cheekes, and Madame Catulla (all the while) likewise showred forth

her sorrowes equally to his, now, although she was exceedingly

troubled in mind, and saw what her owne jealous folly had now

brought her to, a shame beyond all other whatsoever: in the middest of

her tormenting passions, shee considered on the words of Ricciardo,

found good reason in them, in regard of the unavoydable evils

whereupon shee thus spake. Ricciardo, I know not how to beare the

horrible injurie, and notorious treason used by thee against me, grace

and goodnesse having so forsaken me, to let me fall in so foule a

manner. Nor becommeth it me, to make any noyse or out-cry heere,

whereto simplicity, or rather devillish jealousie, did conduct me. But

certaine I am of one thing, that I shall never see any one joyfull

day, till (by one meanes or other) I bee reverged on thee. Thou hast

glutted thy desire with my disgrace, let me therefore go from thee,

never more to looke upon my wronged husband, or let any honest woman

ever see my face.

  Ricciardo perceiving the extremity of her perplexed minde, used

all manly and milde perswasions, which possibly he could devise to

doe, to turne the torrent of this high tide, to a calmer course; as by

outward shew shee made appearance of, untill (in frightfull feares

shunning every one shee met withall, as arguments of her

guiltinesse) shee recovered her owne house, where remorse so

tortured her distressed soule, that she fell into so fierce a

melancholy, as never left her till shee died. Upon the report whereof,

Ricciardo becomming likewise a widdower, and grieving

extraordinarily for his haynous transgression, penitently betooke

himselfe to live in a wildernesse, where (not long after) he ended his

dayes.