The rogue: or The life of Guzman de Alfarache. VVritten in Spanish by Matheo Aleman, seruant to his Catholike Maiestie, and borne in Seuill

CHAPTER VI.

Guzman de Alfarache recounteth, how in the house, where-into hee had with∣drawne himselfe, to make himselfe cleane, another disgrace befell him, and many other misfortunes. And that which passed afterwards, betweene him and his Lord the Embassadour, with whom hee discoursed of politicke and graue matters.

THe night was now darke, but much more my heart. Euery house was full of lights, but my sad soule was fuller of darkenesse. I did not weigh and consider with my selfe, that it was now late, nor that the Ma∣ster of the house was not willing that I should stay there, but reuiling me with odious tearmes, sought to driue me out with euill language, thinking euery houre a yeere, till he had thrust me out of doores. For, he was * 1.1 iealous of me, and began to suspect, that this was but some tricke or strata∣gem of mine owne plotting, hauing taken hold on that occasion to get into his house, and to bring my purpose more easily to passe. Nor was this my ho∣nest Gentleman much out of the way. For the Gentle-woman his wife wore the Breeches, she was Master of the house, a friend to her owne will and pleasure, very b 1.2 head-strong, and not sure of foot. So that it was no wonder that her husband should see Visions, and dreame of strange appariti∣ons, taking euery shadow to be some fearefull ghost, and conceiuing, (out of

his iealous humour) that all the world went about to coozen him. So that euery the least apprehension (though of neuer so farre-fetcht a supposition) made him presently to take the Allarme. Whereupon, he no sooner saw me within his doores, but he called all his people about him, and leauing me all alone in the outward Porch to the great Gate, would not suffer his seruants to doe me so much kindenesse, as to afford me a bucket of water to wash my selfe withall. So that I (poore man) with my cloathes all to be-myrd, my hands all to be-durted, and my face so fouly besmear'd, that there was not one white spot to be seene, I went intertaining my going forth with a great deale of feare, lest some might chance to be still waiting at the gate to looke vpon this my new Liuery, which might better beare the name of Leprosie. And for that they, who beheld this my misfortune, were not a few, the com∣pany * 1.3 increasing, and standing in a round thicke together, they related it a∣fresh to them that were newly come into their companie; and for that they had a generall dislike of me, they detained all that past by, relating vnto them the disgrace that had befalne me, whereat they all laughed out aloud, making great signes and tokens of ioy. And it may be, that most of them had reason so to do; and by this their reioycing, did reuenge them-selues of those wrongs, which they had heretofore receiued from me. There might you see that ve∣rified of me, which is commonly sung vp and downe the streets.

Mas enemigos, que amigos, tienen * 1.4 Su cuerpo cercado; Dizen vnos, que lo entierren, Y otros, que no sea enterrado. * 1.5

The street was full of men and boyes, which did persecute mee with * 1.6 shrill shoutes, and lowd cryes, calling in a sharpe and high key; Thrust him out; Thrust him out; Why doe yee let this foule beast abide vvith you? put out this same pickled pigge amongst vs. O these base Raskals, how had they almost made mee to lose my patience, and my iudgement! There were some honest folke amongst them, that tooke part with mee; and all those that were such as I was, shew'd themselues on my side. These sought to defend me from their fury, labouring to pacifie that rude rabble with threats and menaces; for they were growne so shamelesse, and so impudent, that they began to throw stones against the gate, being very desirous to haue me come forth amongst them.

But I neither blame them, nor excuse my selfe. For I would haue done * 1.7 the like my selfe, vpon the same occasion, against mine owne father. For, those things of curiositie, which doe not (like Shroue-tide) come once a yeere, I doe not hold it any great excesse to bee desirous to see them. And I assure thee (nor doe I speake this, to make the matter seeme more then it is) that if for to make profit, I would haue suffered my selfe to bee seene, I might by this meanes haue got a good summe of money; For I was nothing all ouer, but a meere lumpe of durt, hauing like your Negro's; no more white about mee to be seene, saue onely my eyes, and teeth; this mis-fortune be∣falling me in the most liquid kennell, and rottennest mixen that was in all the street.

True it is, that with the knife that belonged to my Sword, I scrap't away as much of it as I could, but all was but as a thing of nothing, be∣ing

either little or nothing the better; for the myre, by reason of its li∣quidnesse, had soked it selfe quite thorow my cloathes, so that they remai∣ned as wet about me, as if they had beene steeped in some bath. And I held it some happinesse vnto me in this my misery, that I did not goe drop∣ping through the streets, like a basket of Buck-cloathes, when they are ta∣ken * 1.8 from the washing-Bole, and carried forth to be dryed in the Sunne.

In this pittifull manner, it being now late, and all the people gone, I sneaked out in that lamentable pickle, as I would haue wisht them to haue beene in, who tooke most pleasure therein. If there bee happinesse in vn∣happinesse, in regard of the comfort which we receiue from thence; this day it should seeme that fortune did play the wanton, and went spor∣ting her selfe at the juego de Can̄as with m•…•…; for, though shee had dis∣fauour'd me with these the like troubles, that you haue heard; yet did shee afterward assist mee with the night; yea, and with such a darke night, that the people went their way, giuing me leaue to depart thence, sound, safe, and free, from the clamour of the boyes and children, which stayd watching for mee. I got me forth, throwing my Cloake ouer my face, with∣out being knowne by any, and making large strides, seeking (if it were possible) to fly from my selfe, in regard of that store of durt, and that euill sauour which I bare about me in my cloathes. But this could not be dissem∣bled; for which way so-euer I went, I left some signe thereof behinde mee, beside the heat of the sent, which might very well bee followed afarre off, it was so strong. And none that past by mee, would turne backe to looke vpon me, because they did suspect no harme. And if any did chance to finde fault with me, others would excuse me, and say; Let the poore fellow alone, it is but a little slipperinesse of the Guts, a loosenesse of the Hilts, a little laxa∣tiue oyle that is come from him, which vpon occasion may bee euery mans case, as well as his: He would haue holpe it and he could, and therefore you must pardon him. Others would say; Inquire no farther into the matter, make no more doe about it, but giue ouer the haunt; for the Crow a 1.9 cannot be blacker, then are his wings. Others, stopping their noses as they went a∣long by me, would cry out Foh; There hath more store of raine falne, then we were aware of. Others, This Disciplinante must needs haue giuen him∣selfe some great wound, he stinkes so vildly, (for they saw mee muffled vp in my Cloake, like those, which come from whipping themselues in the Holy Weeke.) Let me aduise you, friend, to make all the haste you can, and call quickly for some water, before you begin to swound.

I had matter enough for all of them to worke vpon, and there vvas not any that past by me, but had a fling at me. And some would not sticke to aske me; Tell me (friend) how sell you a pound of this Waxe? And others; What's the price of your Honey-combes? And a third; Sure this must needs be some perfumer or other, since he smels so sweet. I answered them all with silence, and replyde not a word vnto them, by which meanes I past the bet∣ter along by them, though euer and anon they would bee girding and scof∣fing at me. But for those that cryde a pocks on mee, and bid the Diuell goe with me, calling me Pole-Cat, and the like stinking names; mumbling softly to my selfe, as your young Nouices doe their Mattens in a Monasterie, I payd them againe in their owne coyne: And so hanging my head in my bo∣some, I hy'de me homewards as fast as my durt-loaden legges would car∣rie me.

That, which did most trouble me, was, to see the Dogges in euery street come barking after me, who the faster I went, did so much the more fierce∣ly set vpon me, and especially your b 1.10 Mongrell Curres, which followed me close at the heeles, and vvould now and then giue me a nip at the Calues of my legges. I would faine haue fraid them away, but I durst not, fearing

lest by making that defence, greater Dogges and more in number, hearing the noise that they would haue made, would thereby haue been drawne forth of doore, and come mainely running vpon me, and haue torne me (like another Acteon) all in pieces.

At last, after these my many mis-fortunes, like a Ship that comes from the West-Indies, beaten at Sea, and rent and torne by Pyrats, I arriu'd safe at Seuill. I was now come to my old home, and being vnseene and vn∣heard of any, had got me vp to my lodging. And I should haue held it no small happinesse, if I could haue got in as soone as I came to my Chamber doore. I put my hand in my Pocket, to take out the Key, but could not finde it. Then did I feele for it in the other Pocket, but could not meet with it. I cut two or three capers in the ayre, hoping to heare it gingle; but all was one; then did I fall a searching of my breeches, to see if happely it had got in betwixt the linings of my Hose; but the Diuell a Key that was there. I rummaged euery corner about mee that I could suspect it to be in, but all to no purpose. For questionlesse I lost it in that house, whither I had with-drawne my selfe, when I tooke out my Handkerchiefe to vvipe my face and my hands. This was a great griefe vnto mee, and did vexe mee more then all the rest; in which agony and anguish of minde, lifting vp my eyes to Heauen, as a man in desperation, I breathed forth these vvords of complaint.

Poore, miserable man, as I am; What shall I doe? or whither shall I goe? What will become of mee? What course shall I take, that my Masters ser∣uants, * 1.11 and other my Companions and fellowes of the house, may not come to the knowledge of this disgrace that hath thus vnluckily befalne mee? How shall I cloake and dissemble this businesse, that I may not bee made a laughing stocke amongst them? I may boldly tell all the world besides, that they lye, but I cannot doe so to those of the house, if they should hap to see mee. To others I might deny it, either in part, or in whole, as shall seeme best vnto mee: But here, if they chance to light vpon me, I am openly ta∣ken in the manner, the theft found about mee, the cause opened, and my mouth shut, not being able to alledge any thing in mine owne defence, nor can I inuent that Lye, that will bee able to giue them satisfaction, and make good what I shall say in mine owne excuse. Those that enuy my inwardnesse with my Master, will bathe themselues herewith in Rose-water; it will bee meat and drinke to them, and they will not sticke to call their friends about them; vvho, like swarmes of Bees, vvill fly in presently vpon mee, and come buzzing about mee, to vvorke my more shame and amazement. I am vtterly vndone, my Barke lyes all a t'one side, and is ready to bee drowned, because it hath no Pylot to set her vp∣right, and to steere her in her true course, nor any Master that is able to gouerne her.

With these exclamations (wretched as I was) I rent the ayre, and was ready to runne out of my vvits: but was not so wise at that time to call to minde, what an ill name I had gotten in Rome, and yet vvith out∣cryes and lamentations must thus pittifully bewayle an accident of fortune. O would to God, that (considering the great troubles of this world) wee would bee as sensible of the aduersities of the minde, as wee are mooued vvith the afflictions of the body! But that doth happen vnto vs, which is vvont to befall those, which sweepe all cleane before the doore, and when they haue done, throw the dust into the house. Thus did I stand, making funerall lamentations ouer my mis-fortunes, when lo, there came a thing into my minde, which had hapned some few dayes before, vvhich was of great comfort vnto mee, adding new courage and strength vnto mee against all such accidents as might hereafter succeed vnto mee. And thus it was:

There was a Curtizan of Rome, who caus'd another woman, because * 1.12 shee had beene some-what too lauish of her tongue, to bee slasht ouer the face, cutting her athwart the nose, from one cheeke to the other, the cut running equally on either side of her face. And vvhile the Surgeon was a dressing of her, after that hee had giuen her some sixteene or seuenteene stitches, she weeping said; O what an vnfortunate woman am I! Gentle∣men, let me intreat you for Gods sake, that my Husband may not know of this. A waggish fellow, that stood there by, told her, If this slash had beene vpon your buttocks, as it is vpon your face, it might haply haue been hidden from him; but seeing there is no Vayle to couer it; why doe you inioyne vs to keepe it secret?

In like sort, it seemed simplicitie, and meere foolery in mee, to vse such a deale of nicety in the businesse. And the rather, for that this mis∣chance was publike. And because, (by reason of the generall knowledge thereof) it could not bee conceiled, I thought it the best vvay for mee, to get the Game by the hand, and to speake of it first my selfe, telling as many of it, as I should meet withall, making a iest of it, and recounting the vvhole Story thereof vnto them, before they should receiue it from some other hand, and so at last come to know what a badde and long voy∣age I had made. Which if they should haue done, it had beene better for mee, that I had beene out of this miserable world.

Let him indure the title of a badde name, that desires to haue it dye * 1.13 quickly. For, with the more violence wee seeke to shake it off, so much the closer it cleaueth vnto vs. Insomuch, that it continueth many times to the fifth generation; and then those, which succeed them, doe glory and boast themselues thereof, and blazon that for their Armes, which their An∣cestors held for an affront. The like hath befalne this my poore booke, which I hauing intituled with the name of a 1.14 Atalaya de la vida humana; The Watch-Tower of mans life, they haue put the nick-name of b 1.15 Picaro there∣vpon, and now it is knowne by no other name.

I was much perplexed, and as yet vnresolued what I were best to doe. And for that I thought with my selfe, that in our miseries, there is no other Sanctuary on earth to flye vnto, but those that are our friends; though I must confesse I had but a few, and amongst those neuer a true one, I held it not a∣misse, to haue recourse to some one of my Companions, that had profest much loue vnto me, and had made me the fairest showes of friendship.

This being now concluded on, I got me to his lodging, and knockt at his doore, which he presently opened vnto me: where I did remaine, while the locke was ript off from mine. You may conceiue with your selfe in what a wofull case I was, that I durst not sit downe vpon a trunke that was there in the roome, for feare of leauing therein the print of this my errour. This vn∣happy Accident could not be kept so secret, but that it must needs be knowne. And it is a miserie, that followes great mens houses, that there is not a ser∣uant therein, that doth not striue and labour all that he can, to flatter and * 1.16 soothe vp his Lord and Master, although it be with merry iests, and fained tales, when as there is no such matter. For they deale with him, as those that play booty, seeking to serue one anothers turne, vsing all their art and skill to coozen and deceiue him: Whereby euery Master knowes, how and to what end his seruants loue him, and with what affection they serue him. And hee is a kinde of vnfortunate man, and in a miserable and wretched taking, if he thinke to winne them by rigour, and to worke them to loue him for feare. For few or none haue euer beene able to bring this to passe. For the heart of * 1.17 man, is a noble thing, and must be wonne with gentle vsage; it must not be roughly dealt withall, but stroaked with a smooth and soft hand.

I had scarce shifted my cloathes, and washt my selfe cleane, but that my

Master knew I was all bedurted. They had told him in what case I was, but none of them could tell him the cause of it. This was all they could say of me, and so they left me, as they found me; so that by this meanes, I had a faire white to shoot at, and might make my ayme as I would my selfe. Hee demanded first of one, and then of another, how this came about, but none could informe him farther, then what they had seene.

Afterwards it was told me, (which was no more then I heard from his owne mouth) that he conceited with him-selfe, that they had caught me in Fabia's house, and that knowing my tricks, and cunning carriage, they had turned the keele of me vpwards, and had thus trimm'd and pitcht me ouer, as your Sea-men doe your ships: and that I seeking to escape their hands, fell by misfortune into some durty puddle, or filthy dung-hill: Or else, that wre∣stling and striuing with some of the seruants, that were sent out after me to catch me, they had throwne me downe in the durt, bemoyling mee in that beastly manner, being more willing to doe me shame and reproach, then to take away my life. I likewise at the same time was casting vp my Account with my selfe, making me a a 1.18 wedge out of the same piece of wood, that I might driue this businesse the better, and come home vnto him, by iumping with his conceit, and cleauing the same blocke, that hee had already entred vpon, hoping thereby to giue him the better satisfaction. And though his Cardes and mine were not the same, yet were they both of a sute, and the Trumpe was turn'd vp right for either hand; and by different b 1.19 wayes we hapt both to meet at one, and the same place: only wee did differ in this; that he by his wisdome did coniecture, what was the most likely; and I, out of a vaine and idle humour, made report of that, which might be least preiu∣diciall to my reputation. He had all that night beene busie a writing, and ma∣king his Dispatches for France; but laying his Papers awhile aside, out of the great desire that he had to know the truth of the matter, he presently sent for me in. But when I was come, and had presented my selfe vnto him, he said not a word vnto me, till he had retired himselfe into his withdrawing Chamber, and dismissed his seruants, and that we two were all alone.

Then did he begin to aske me, how I came by my fall, and where? I told him; that I stood at a neighbours doore, that was right ouer against Fabia's house, watching very diligently, if I could haue the opportunitie to speake with her; and whilest I was carefully attending this businesse, her Maid Ni∣coleta came forth, making signes vnto me, that I should quickly come away. And being ouerioyed with this vnexpected good fortune, I would needs crosse the Lane, where the way was worst and foulest, (because I would not lose time in going about by that which was the cleaner) fetching a nimble leape, thinking to pitch sure with my foot vpon a stone, that was not so firme∣ly laid as it should haue beene, it tottred aside, and so my foot slipt; I sought to recouer my selfe, but could not, and so fell into the durt, where I was most pittifully bemyred. Whereupon, Nicoleta, the people that passed by, begin∣ning to flocke about me, with-drew her selfe, and went in. So that I was in∣forced to come home, without effecting what I went for; Which did much more grieue me then my fall. But all things doe not alwayes fall out as we would haue them. He then said vnto me, I suffer more in this, then thy selfe. The harme is more mine, then thine.

This businesse (Guzmanillo) goes not luckily along with thee. It was a worke of darkenesse, thou wentst about it late in the Euening, in an vnfortunate houre, and vpon a Tuesday: this disgrace could not haue befalne thee, in any mans seruice, but mine, nor haue lighted so vnluckily vpon any but my selfe, such is my misfortune.

Whereunto I reply'd; I would not that your Lordship should make this ill construction to your selfe, nor would I haue you to reckon this in the num∣ber;

but I am rather perswaded, that it would haue beene worse with vs, if this mis-fortune had not befalne me. For we haue a Prouerb in Castile; a 1.20 Que breme vn pie, quiças por mejor. I brake my legge, and it may be, it was all for the best. And I am the bolder to tell you so, for that her Husband was at that time at home in the house, and therefore it makes me to suspect, that there was some trap laid for me, and that I was called into some ill end; but sup∣pose it were otherwise, and that the winde had blowne faire in the Poope, and that I had entred into the Hauen; say, that the seruants of the house should either haue spy'd me, or ouer-heard me talking with their Mistresse, what doth your Excellencie thinke, would then haue become of me? Assure your selfe, they would haue cudgell'd me soundly, and haue vs'd me so hardly, that I should not haue scap't their fingers, till they had broken all my bones, and sent me home without a nose. For my so often rounding of that house, hath caused some notice to be taken thereof; and albeit that some doe thinke that I only doe it for Nicoleta's sake, yet many, that doe not know the good loue that is betweene vs, are apt to conceiue the worst. And I haue of late obserued, that the good old man, Don Beltran, hath lookt askew vpon me, as if he were not well pleased with me. Hee was wont heretofore to speake kindely vnto me, asking my opinion concerning the Ladyes, and Gentlewo∣men of this Court, and if I knew of any good Spanish ware in that kinde; but now he passes along by me, not so much as once offring to speake to me: and if I put off my Hat and salute him, he lookes another way, as if he did not see me, and goes along by me like a logge, without any life or motion towards me at all.

This was the effect of that which I then said vnto him; my Master all this while being very attentiue vnto me, and euer and anon knitting his brow, and casting vp his eyes, whereby I knew, that I had stung him, and made him to sit musing, as one that had beene amazed vpon the report of some strange and sudden accident. I saw all his Cardes, and knew what gam•…•… he had in his hand, and how he would play it, and found by him, that he was afraid both of his reputation, and his person, and that it would be little for his ho∣nour, if any disgrace should befall him in that house, in regard it was one of the greatest, and the noblest allyed in all that Citie. I taking hold of this oc∣casion, came in a little closer vnto him, helping to turne the Key about, when I saw which way it was winding; and so thinking it fit to strike the Iron whilest it was hot, prosecuting my purpose, I spake thus vnto him; There is not any thing now in this world, that can worke astonishment in mee, nor make me to abate one haire of my courage; for I am well acquainted with misfortunes, know how farre Disgrace can throw the barre, and the vtmost harme she could doe me. For he that shall tread in my steps, and runne those courses that I haue done, shall hazard both the losse of his life, and honour. But I haue armed myselfe with patience, to indure any misfortune whatso∣euer. I haue learned long agoe couragiously to suffer and abide the changes of Fortune with an vndaunted minde, for I alwayes suspect the worst, looking * 1.21 for the hardest measure she can giue me, and preuent her better vsage, by ex∣pecting no good at her hands. Her effects are neuer so great, as are her threatnings; and if I should haue beene cowed with them, they would haue followed me still close at the heeles, as the Greyhound doth the Hare, and neuer giue mee ouer, as long as shee could wagge her taile, or fetch her breath

No great heed is to be giuen to that which hath succeeded in this businesse, nor that I entred into it vpon a Tuesday; For I am neither wedded to su∣perstitions, nor thinke that your Lordship is descended of the House of the b 1.22 Mendoças, that you should be taken with these vaine and idle toyes of the Spaniards, as if all other dayes had a particular priuiledge, and Tuesday

only had receiu'd a curse from heauen. And if Fortune should fall vpon me, with all the forces she can make, come what can come vnto me, be it neuer so bad, all her rigorous dealing towards me, shall not wring one word out of my mouth, that shall be preiudiciall to any man. Your Excellencie may doe well to dissemble this businesse, and to seeme to take no notice of what hath past, nor to care a pinne for it. For mine owne part, I shall euer truly serue you to the death, fall backe, fall edge, hap what will hap, all is one to me. Yet withall, true it is, and I shall make bold to tell you so, that if the Case were mine, as it is yours, I would not only desist there-fro, considering how crosse things goe; for of a thousand dayes, I cannot get one day of Audience; so that it is likely to proue an endlesse piece of worke, and an immortall kinde of businesse, like vnto that of your a 1.23 Mayorasgos, or Primo-genitureship, which your fathers settle vpon their eldest sonnes, but shall not come to in∣ioy their estate, till they be dead. Besides, I may not well set my foot any more in those parts, by reason that my haunting of that place is now general∣ly noted, and some sticke not to talke too liberally of it.

There are not wanting in Rome as good, and better ware then she, which may be had with lesse danger, at an easier rate, and giue your Lordship more content, and lesse trouble. I know not how it is with others, but my loue is not so feruent, as to loue for loue, but for fashion sake to laugh and be mer∣ry, and to make sport, as they vse to doe in my countrie. I am like a Melon-mongers Knife, cutting here a slice, and there a slice, now at this corner, then at that, changing and altering my markes, rouing sometimes at one, some∣times at another, here to day (as they say) and to morrow in France. I take thought for nothing, nor am I wedded to my will in any thing, nor am I constant in my purposes, especially in matters of loue. For if one will not, another will. I eate, and sleepe at my due houres; I sigh not, when I am out of my Mistresses sight, but in her presence, I fetch many a grieuous groane, and vtter my complaints. And this is that mill, where-with I grinde. But your Excellencie runn's a cleane contrary course. For you doe all that you doe, with a great deale of grauitie, and with a Lordly kinde of carriage and greatnesse. And being a great and powerfull man, you haue those things in chase, which are hardest to be atchieued, and like the Falcon flye at the Hearne, making wing after her, till she be quite out of sight; pursuing your game to the vtmost you are able, cost it what it will cost, or come what will come of it, you care not. For as you haue force and strength to make resistance, so you accommodate all things handsomely by your discretion and wisdome; you haue a good staffe to trust to; and good legges to beare you vp.

You doe not well vnderstand (Guzmanillo) what you say, said my Master vnto mee; but is rather all quite contrary to that, which thou hast spoken. For there is nothing now at this present more preiudiciall, nor more noted and obserued, then any the least spot or weakenesse in a publike * 1.24 person. For men of my qualitie are bound to weare such cloathes as befit such Ministers, and not as shall fit best with our owne fancy. Otherwise, wee shall bee taxed by those that cast an eye vpon them. And euery little in∣decencie in them, turnes to a staine at least, if not a foule blot. A little breath (you know) will make the biggest Organs goe. And your greatest men sound lowdest in the eares of the world, when the noise of their acti∣ons are blowne abroad by the bellowes of the peoples breath. And I swear•…•… vnto thee, that if I had not ingaged my selfe by my word, and more particularly im-pawned my credit to Nicoleta, by giuing my faith∣full promise, that I would come and visit Fabia in person (besides it would grieue mee, to bee accounted inconstant, or cowardly, blaming mee of lightnesse, that my loue should be like that of children, or like vvater in a Siue, or that I went about but to try of what metall she was made, and

then to laugh and scoffe at her coozening of both her and my selfe of these our good hopes, and that it should bee said of mee, that I did then turne tayle, when I might haue seazed on my game, and had the Partridge in foote, which I might haue trussed, if I vvould my selfe) I would not haue car'd a button. Besides, being (as thou saist) that this businesse goes on so slowly, and so coldly, I doe not finde my selfe so fast intangled in her loue, and so transported with passion, that I doe not vnderstand and consider with my selfe, that shee hath a husband, that is one of the principall, and chiefest in Rome, rich, and noble, out of which respect vvee ought to vvalke very warily, as professing to haue some honourable beginning, and not to dis-honour the house wee come of, for which cause I ought to keepe a good Decorum, vvithout doing vvrong or iniury to any. And al∣though shee be young and faire, (and as such a one obliged to take hold on those faire occasions that are offered) yet ought I not to follow her blan∣dishments, and perhaps to my too great cost, but with a great deale of cau∣tion and heed; as shall best stand with that duty which I owe to my noble∣nesse of bloud, and to the honour of their house and kindred.

Many times, without due consideration, wee vn-aduisedly will see a mans game, and vpon badde Cards (though wee haue little reason for it) set vp our rest, and when wee are once in, we cannot giue ouer the Vye, vnlesse wee will be accounted simple, cowardly, and weake.

But since that on our part, wee haue vsed all possible diligencies, and that they preuaile so little, and cost vs so much, (as the case standeth now vvith the honour of this Gentle-woman;) if my sensuall appetite, like Gunne-powder, hath vvith its fire scorched, if not burnt my reason, by acknowledging now the ill, which I haue taken in hand, that furie is now ouer-past, and prostrating my selfe on the earth, I confesse my fault. I will goe no more (as thou sayst) following of that, which flyeth from mee. But with this Lady, which was in a manner in my hands, I will deale with her, as doth the generous Hawke, by letting this Bird goe; by which no∣blenesse of mine, that ill name shall bee quite buried vnder-ground, which for my sake hath beene raised of her; taking therein the best course that I can, that may make most for both our reputations.

This was that hee said vnto mee. And mee thought that this his re∣solution vvas my saluation. For therein, I found the Paradise of my de∣sires opened vnto mee; and praising this his good purpose, the issue vvas the easier, not so much for his intention, as for my reputation. And there∣fore I said vnto him, Your Excellencie shall herein doe like your selfe, and proceed in that which you both say, and doe, with that correspondencie, which is most agreeable to your wisedome. For albeit it bee a great hap∣pinesse, to obtaine that which wee desire; yet I hold it a greater, not to desire that, vvhich our sensualitie suggesteth vnto vs; much lesse, if it incite vs to the hurt of others, and more especially towards persons of qualitie.

This is a Christian consideration, and a Daughter worthy the birth of your Lordships braine; and therefore fit that you should father it, and not cast it off. And for the manner how you shall come off from this businesse, leaue that to me. For a faithfull seruant, although for to maintaine him∣selfe in his Masters loue and fauour, hee is wont to giue a heat vnto that * 1.25 appetite which he findes to bee in him, yet is he bound, when hee shall see this humour corrected in him, to turne the reines, incouraging him to con∣tinue in this his good purpose. This being said, he licensed mee from him, saying; Farewell (Guzman) and thinke vpon this businesse, which I put into thy hands, as I haue already done mine honour. And so we parted.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Guzman makes euery one suspi∣cious of him.
• b 1.2

  The Spanish word•…•…, Serra∣da Sienes. I would be glad 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be informed of the propriety of this phrase, if a∣•…•… can render it better.
• * 1.3

  Guzman laughed at by common people.
• * 1.4

  Romance.
• * 1.5

  More foes then friends, his body haue Incompast round about; Some crie, to put it in the graue, And some, t'shall lye without.
• * 1.6

  Guzman hated and persecuted.
• * 1.7

  Curiositie admits no respect.
• * 1.8

  Those that are vnfortunate, seek to sh•…•…n the sight of all men. Prouerb.
• a 1.9

  No putde ser el Cueruo mas negro, que las alas.
• b 1.10

  The Spanish word is, Goz∣quejo. A kinde of Dogge, which at first was in great esteeme, when they were brought out of Gothland into Spaine, a Coun∣try in Europe, which confineth vpon Denmark and Norway, called in the Al∣mane tongue Gott, from whence came the Gothes, which came into Ca∣stile. This race of Dogs is now bastardized, and in a manner lost. So that now your Gozques, are a kinde of Mon∣grell Curs, which your poore and baser sort of peo∣ple breed vp and keepe. They are short-legged, long sided & headed, balling and bar∣king at their neighbours, trou∣blesome to your Gallants, and ab∣horred of theeues. They sleepe all day, and this makes them wake, and barke all night long. And your Trades∣men and Shop-keepers, will ra∣ther indure that you should strike his Sonne, then kicke his Dogge. Couarru. verb. Gozque.
• * 1.11

  Guzman la∣ments his mis∣fortune.
• * 1.12

  The reuenge that a Romane Cur∣tizan tooke of an∣other woman, for being to lauish of her tongue.
• * 1.13

  The best way to shake off a nick∣name, is to set light by it. Haga nombre de mal nom∣bres quien dessea, que se le cayga presto.
• a 1.14

  Obseruatio vitae humanae.
• b 1.15

  Picaro, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Rogue.
• * 1.16

  Seruants giuen to flatter their Masters.
• * 1.17

  Loue, is gained by loue, and not by rigour. Mans heart, a tender thing.
• a 1.18

  Haziendo cun̄a del mis∣mo pàlo. Prouerb.
• b 1.19

  Prouerb. Por caminos diferentes, y bomos ambos à vn parador.
• a 1.20

  Prouerb.
• * 1.21

  From Fortune, we are to suspect the worst.
• b 1.22

  Tuesday ob∣serued to haue beene an vnfor∣tunate day to the house of the Mendoças.
• a 1.23

  Mayorasgo, is the heire of a house.
• * 1.24

  Euery little spot, a foule blemish in a publike person.
• * 1.25

  What a serua•…•… ought to doe to maintaine him∣selfe in his Ma∣sters fauour.