The decameron containing an hundred pleasant nouels. Wittily discoursed, betweene seauen honourable ladies, and three noble gentlemen.

Lodouico discouered to his Mistresse Madame Beatrix, how amorously he was affected to her. She cunningly sent Egano her Husband into his gar∣den, in all respects disguised like her selfe, while (friendly) Lodouico conferred with her in the meane while. Afterward, Lodouico pretending a lasciuious allurement of his Mistresse, thereby to wrong his honest Ma∣ster, insted of her, beateth Egano soundly in the Garden.

The Seuenth Nouell.

Whereby is declared, that such as keepe many honest seeming seruants, may sometime finde a knaue among them, and one that proues to be ouer-sawcy with his Master.

[illustration]

THis so sodaine dexterity of wit in Isabella, related in verie mo∣dest manner by Madame Pampinea, was not onely admired by all the company; but likewise passed with as generall ap∣probation. But yet Madam Philomena (whom the King had comman∣ded next to succeede) peremptorily sayde. Worthy Ladies, if I am not deceiued; I intend to tell you another Tale presently; as much to be commended as the last.

You are to vnderstand then, that it is no long while since, when there dwelt in Paris a Florentine Gentleman, who falling into decay of his e∣state, by ouer-bountifull expences; vndertooke the degree of a Mer∣chant, and thriued so well by his trading, that he grew to great wealth, hauing one onely sonne by his wife, named Lodouico. This Sonne, par∣taking somewhat in his Fathers former height of minde, and no way in∣clineable to deale in Merchandize, had no meaning to be a Shop-man,

and therefore accompanied the Gentlemen of France, in sundry serui∣ces for the King; among whom, by his singular good carriage and qua∣lites, he happened to be not meanly esteemed. While thus he conti∣nued in the Court, it chanced, that certaine Knights, returning from Ierusalem, hauing there visited the holy Sepulcher, and comming into company where Lodouico was: much familiar discourse passed amongst them, concerning the faire women of France, England, and other parts of the world where they had bin, and what delicate beauties they had seene.

One in the company constantly auouched, that of all the Women by them so generally obserued, there was not any comparable to the Wife of Egano de Galluzzi, dwelling in Bologna, and her name Madam Beatrix, reputed to be the onely faire woman of the world. Many of the rest maintained as much, hauing bin at Bologna, and likewise seene her. Lo∣douico hearing the woman to be so highly commended, and neuer (as yet) feeling any thought of amorous inclination; became sodainely toucht with an earnest desire of seeing her, and his minde could enter∣taine no other matter, but onely of trauailing thither to see her, yea, and to continue there, if occasion so serued. The reason for his iourney vr∣ged to his Father, was to visit Ierusalem, and the holy Sepulcher, which with much difficulty, at length he obtained his leaue.

Being on his iourney towards Bologna, by the name of Anichino, and not of Lodouico, and being there arriued; vpon the day following, and hauing vnderstood the place of her abiding: it was his good happe, to see the Lady at her Window; she appearing in his eye farre more faire, then all reports had made her to be. Heereupon, his affection became so enflamed to her, as he vowed, neuer to depart from Bologna, vntill he had obtained her loue. And deuising by what meanes he might effect his hopes, he grew perswaded (setting all other attempts aside) that if he could be entertained into her Husbands seruice, and vndergo some bu∣sinesse in the house, time might tutor him to obtaine his desire. Hauing giuen his attendants sufficient allowance, to spare his company, and take no knowledge of him, selling his Horses also, and other notices which might discouer him: he grew into acquaintance with the Hoste of the house where he lay, reuealing an earnest desire in himselfe, to serue som Lord or worthy Gentleman, if any were willing to giue him entertain∣ment.

Now beleeue me Sir (answered the Hoste) you seeme worthy to haue a good seruice indeede, and I know a Noble Gentleman of this Cittie, who is na∣med Egano: he will (without all question) accept your offer, for hee keepeth many men of verie good deseruing, and you shall haue my furtherance therein so much as may be. As he promised, so he performed, and taking Ani∣chino with him vnto Egano: so farre he preuailed by his friendly prote∣stations, and good opinion of the young Gentleman; that Anichino was (without more ado) accepted into Eganoes seruice, then which, no∣thing could be more pleasing to him. Now had he the benefit of dayly

beholding his hearts Mistresse, and so acceptable proued his seruice to Egano, that he grew very farre in loue with him: not vndertaking any affayres whatsoeuer, without the aduice and direction of Anichino, so that he reposed his most especiall trust in him, as a man altogether go∣uerned by him.

It fortuned vpon a day, that Egano being ridden to flye his Hawke at the Riuer, and Anichino remaining behinde at home, Madame Beatrix, who (as yet) had taken no notice of Anichinoes loue to her (albeit her selfe, obseruing his faire carriage and commendable qualities, was highly pleased to haue so seeming a seruant) called him to play at the Chesse with her: and Anichino, coueting nothing more then to content her, ca••ried himselfe so dexteriously in the game, that he permitted hir still to win, which was no little ioy to her. When all the Gentle-wo∣men, and other friends there present, as spectators to behold their play, had taken their farewell, and were departed, leauing them all alone, yet gaming still: Anichino breathing forth an intire sigh, Madame Beatrix looking merrily on him, said. Tell me Anichino, art not thou angrie, to see me win? It should appeare so by that solemne sigh. No truly Ma∣dame, answered Anichino, a matter of farre greater moment, then losse of infinite games at the Chesse, was the occasion why I sighed. I pray thee (replyed the Lady) by the loue thou bearest me, as being my Ser∣uant (if any loue at all remain in thee towards me) giue me a reason for that harty sigh.

When he heard himselfe so seuerely coninred, by the loue he bare to her, and loued none else in the world beside: he gaue a farre more hart∣sicke sigh, then before. Then his Lady and Mistresse entreated him se∣riously, to let her know the cause of those two deepe sighes: whereto Anichino thus replyed. Madam, if I should tell you, I stand greatly in feare of offending you: and when I haue told you, I doubt your discouery thereof to some other. Beleeue me Anichino (quoth she) therein thou neither canst, or shalt offend me. Moreouer, assure thy selfe, that I will neuer disclose it to any other, except I may do it with thy consent. Madame (saide hee) seeing you haue protested such a solemne promise to mee, I will reueale no meane secret vnto you.

So, with teares standing in his eyes, he told her what he was; where he heard the first report of her singular perfections, and instantly becam enamored of her, as the maine motiue of his entring into her seruice. Then, most humbly he entreated her, that if it might agree with her good liking, she would be pleased to commisserate his case, and grace him with her priuate fauours. Or, if shee might not be so mercifull to him; that yet she would vouchsafe, to let him liue in the lowly condi∣tion as he did, and thinke it a thankefull duty in him, onely to loue her. O singular sweetnesse, naturally liuing in faire feminine blood! How iustly art thou worthy of praise in the like occasions? Thou couldst ne∣uer be wonne by sighes and teares; but hearty imprecations haue al∣wayes preuailed with thee, making thee apt and easie to amorous de∣sires.

If I had praises answerable to thy great and glorious deseruings, my voice should neuer faint, nor my pen waxe weary, in the due and obsequious performance of them.

Madam Beatrix, well obseruing Anichino when he spake, and giuing credit to his so solemne protestations; they were so powerfull in preuai∣ling with her, that her senses (in the same manner) were enchanted; and sighes flew as violently from her, as before he had vented them: which stormy tempest being a little ouer-blowne, thus she spake. Anichino, my hearts deere affected Friend, liue in hope, for I tell thee truly, neuer could gifts, promises, nor any Courtings vsed to me by Lords, Knights, Gentle∣men, or other (although I haue bin solicited by many) winne the lest grace or fauour at my hand, no, nor moue me to any affection. But thou, in a mi∣nute of time (compared with their long and tedious suing) hast expressed such a soueraigne potency in thy sweet words, that thou hast mad•• me more thine, then mine owne: and beleeue it vnfeinedly, I hold thee to be worthy of my loue. Wherefore, with this kisse I freely giue it thee, and make thee a further promise, that before this night shall be fully past, thou shalt in bet∣ter manner perceiue it. Aduenture into my Chamber about the houre of midnight, I will leaue the doore open: thou knowest on which side of the bed I vse to rest, come thither and feare not: if I sleep, the least gentle touch of thy hand will wake me, and then thou shalt see how much I loue thee. So, with a kinde kisse or two, the bargaine was concluded, she licensing his departure for that time, and he staying in hope of his hearts happinesse, till when, he thought euery houre a yeare.

In the meane while; Egano returned home from Hawking, and so soone as he had supt (being very weary) he went to bed, and his Ladie likewise with him, leauing her Chamber doore open, according as she had promised. At the houre appointed, Anichino came, finding the doore but easily put too, which (being entred) softly he closed againe, in the same manner as he found it. Going to the beds side where the Lady lay, and gently touching her brest with his hand, he found her to be awake, and perceiuing he was come according vnto promise, shee caught his hand fast with hers, and held him very strongly. Then, tur∣ning (as she could) towards Egano, she made such meanes, as hee awa∣ked, whereupon she spake vnto him as followeth.

Sir, yester night I would haue had a fewe speeches with you: but, in re∣gard of your wearinesse and early going to bed, I could not haue any oppor∣tunity. Now, this time and place being most conuenient, I desire to bee re∣solued by you: Among all the men retained into your seruice; which of them you do thinke to be the best, most loyall, and worthiest to enioy your loue? E∣gano answered thus: Wife, why should you moue such a question to me? Do not you know, that I neuer had any seruant heeretofore, or euer shall haue heereafter, in whom I reposed the like trust as I haue done, and do in Ani∣chino? But to what end is this motion of yours? I will tell your Sir (quoth she) and then be Iudge your self, whether I haue reason to moue this questi∣on, or no. Mine opinion euery way equalled yours, concerning Anichino, &

that he was more iust and faithfull to you, then any could be amongest all the rest: But Husband, like as where the water runneth stillest, the Foord is deepest, euen so, his smooth lookes haue beguiled both you and me. For, no longer agoe, then this verie day, no sooner were you ridden foorth on Hauking, but he (belike purposely) tarrying at home, watching such a ley∣sure as best fitted his intent: was not ashamed to solicite mee, both to abuse your bed, and mine owne spotlesse honor.

Moreouer, he prosecuted his impious purpose with such alluring perswa∣sions: that being a weake woman, and not willing to endure ouer many A∣morous proofes (onely to acquaint you with his most sawcie immodestie, and to reuenge your selfe vppon him as best you may; your selfe beeing best able to pronounce him guiltie) I made him promise, to meete him in our Garden, presently after midde-night, and to finde mee sitting vnder the Pine-Tree; nener meaning (as I am vertuous) to be there. But, that you may know the deceite and falshoode of your Seruant, I would hane you to put on my Night-gowne, my head Attire, and Chinne-cloath, and sitting but a short vvhile there vnderneath the Pine-Tree: such is his insatiate desire, as he will not faile to come, and then you may proceede, as you finde occasion.

When Egano heard these Words, sodainely hee started out of Bed, saying. Doe I foster such a Snake in mine owne bosome? Gramer∣cie Wife for this politicke promise of thine, and beleeue mee, I meane to follow it effectually. So, on he put his Ladies Night-gown, her for∣mall head Attire and Chin-cloth, going presently downe into the Gar∣den, to expect Anichinoes comming to the Pine-Tree. But before the matter grew to this issue, let me demand of you faire Ladies, in what a lamentable condition (as you may imagine) was poore Anichino; to bee so strongly detained by her, heare all his amorous suite discouered, and likely to draw very heauy afflictions on him? Vndoubredly, he looked for immediate apprehension by Egano, imprisonment and publike pu∣nishment for his so malapert presumption: and had it proued so, she had much renowned her selfe, and dealt with him but as he had iustlie de∣serued.

But frailtie in our feminine sex is too much preualent, and makes vs wander from vertuous courses, when we are wel onward in the way to them. Madam Beatrix, whatsoeuer passed betweene her and Anichino, I know not, but, either to continue this new begunne league for further time, or, to be reuenged on her husbands simplicity, in ouer-rashlie gi∣uing credit to so smooth a ly; this was her aduise to him. Anichino, quoth she, Take a good Cudgell in thy hand, then go into the Garden so farre as the Pine; and there, as if formerly thou hadst solicited mee vnto this se∣cret meeting, only but by way of approuing my honestie: in my name, reuile thy master so bitterly as thou canst, bestowing manie sound blowes on him with thy cudgel; yet vrge the shame stil (as it were) to mee, and neuer leaue him, til thou hast beaten him out of the garden, to teach him keepe his bed another time. Such an apt Scholler as Anichino was in this kind, needs no

tuturing, but a word is enough to a ready Wit. To the Garden goes he, with a good willow cudgell in his hand, and comming neere to the Pine-tree, there he found Egano disguised like to his Lady, who arising from the place where he sate, went with chearefull gesture to welcome him; but Anichino (in rough and stearne manner) thus spake vnto him. Wicked, shamelesse, and most immodest Woman, Art thou come, according to thine vnchaste and lasciuious promise? Couldest thou so easily credite, (though I tempted thee, to trie the vertue of thy continencie) I would offer such a damnable wrong to my worthy Master, that so deerely loues me, and reposeth his especiall confidence in me? Thou art much deceiued in me, and shalt finde, that I hate to be false to him.

So lifting vp the Cudgell, he gaue him therewith halfe a score good bastinadoes, laying them on soundly, both on his armes and shoulders: and Egano feeling the smart of them, durst not speake one Worde, but fled away from him so fast as hee could, Anichino still following, and multiplying many other iniurious speeches against him, with the Epi∣thites of Strumpet, lustfull and insatiate Woman. Go thou lewde beast (quoth he) most vnworthy the title of a Lady, or to be Wife vnto so good a natured man, as my Mayster is, to whom I will reueale thy most vngraci∣ous inciuility to Morrow, that he may punish thee a little better then I haue done.

Egano being thus well beaten for his Garden walke, got within the doore, and so went vp to his Chamber againe: his Lady there deman∣ding of him, whether Anichino came according to his promise, or no? Come? quoth Egano, Yes Wife, he came, but deerely to my cost: for hee ve∣rily taking me for thee, hath beaten me most extreamly, calling me an hun∣dred Whores and Strumpets, reputing thee to bee the wickedst Woman li∣uing. In good sadnesse Beatrix, I wondred not a little at him, that he would giue thee any such vile speeches, with intent to wrong mee in mine honour. Questioulesse, because hee saw thee to be iouiall spirited, gracious and affa∣ble towardes all men; therefore hee intended to make triall of thine honest carriage. Well Sir (sayde shee) twas happy that hee tempted mee with words, and let you taste the proofe of them by deeds: and let him thinke, that I brooke those words as distastably, as you do or can, his ill deeds. But seeing he is so iust, faithfull, and loyall to you, you may lone him the better, and respect him as you finde occasion.

Whereto Egano thus replyed. Now trust me wife, thou hast said ve∣ry well: And drawing hence the argument of his setled perswasion; that he had the chastest Woman liuing to his wife, and so iust a Seruant, as could not be fellowed: there neuer was any further discouerie of this Garden-night accident. Perhaps, Madame Beatrix and Anichino might subtilly smile thereat in secret, in regard that they knew more then a∣ny other else beside did. But, as for honest meaning Egano, hee ne∣uer had so much as the verie least mistrust of ill dealing, either in his Lady, or Anichino; whom hee loued and esteemed farre more respec∣tiuely vppon this proofe of his honestie towards him, then hee would

or could possibly haue done, without a triall so playne and preg∣nant.