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

Mithridanes enuying the life and liberality of Nathan, and trauelling thither, with a setled resolution to kill him: chaunceth to conferre with Nathan vnknowne. And being instructed by him, in vvhat manner he might best performe the bloody deede, according as hee gaue direction, hee meeteth with him in a small Thicket or Woode, where knowing him to be the same man, that taught him how to take away his life: Confounded with shame, hee acknowledgeth his horrible intention, and becommeth his loyall friend.

The third Nouell.

Shewing in an excellent and liuely demonstration, that any especiall honourable vertue, perseuering and dwelling in a truly noble soule, cannot be violenced or confounded, by the most politicke attemptes of malice and enuy.

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IT appeared to the whole assembly, that they had heard a matter of meruaile, for a Lord Abbot to performe any magnificent action: but their admiration ceasing in si∣lence, the King commanded Philostratus to follow next, who forth∣with thus began.

Honourable Ladies, the bounty and magnificense of Alphonso King of Spaine, was great indeede, and that done by the Lord Ab∣bot of Clugny, a thing (perhaps) neuer heard of in any other. But

it will seeme no lesse meruailous to you, when you heare, how one man, in expression of great liberality to another man, that earnest∣ly desired to kill him; should bee secretly disposed to giue him his life, which had bin lost, if the other would haue taken it, as I purpose to acquaint you withall, in a short Nouell.

Most certaine it is, at least, if Faith may bee giuen to the report of certaine Genewayes, and other men resorting to those remote parts, that in the Country of Cathaya, there liued somtime a Gentleman, rich beyond comparison, and named Nathan. He hauing his liuing adioyning to a great common rode-way, whereby men trauayled from the East to the West (as they did the like from the West vnto the East, as hauing no other means of passage) and being of a boun∣tifull and chearfull disposition, which he was willing to make kno∣wen by experience: he summoned together many Master Masons and Carpenters, and there erected (in a short time) one of the grea∣test, goodliest, and most beautifull houses (in manner of a Princes Pallace) that euer was seene in all those quarters.

With mouables and all kinde of furnishment, befitting a house of such outward apparance, hee caused it to be plentifully stored, onely to receiue, entertaine, and honor all Gentlemen or other Tra∣uailers whatsoener, as had occasion to passe that way, being not vn∣prouided also of such a number of seruants, as might continuallie giue attendance on all commers and goers. Two and fifty seuerall gates, standing alway wide open, & ouer each of them in great gol∣den carracters was written, Welcome, welcome, and gaue free admis∣sion to all commers whatsoeuer.

In this honourable order (obserued as his estated custom) he per∣seuered so long a while, as not onely the East parts, but also those in the west, were euery where acquainted with his fame & renown. Being already well stept into yeares, but yet not wearie (therefore) of his great charge and liberality: it fortuned, that the rumor of his noble Hospitality, came to the eare of another gallant Gentleman, named Mithridanes, liuing in a Countrey not farre off from the o∣ther.

This Gentleman, knowing himself no lesse wealthy then Nathan, and enuiously repining at his vertue and liberality, determined in his mind, to dim and obscure the others bright splendor, by making himselfe farre more famous. And hauing built a Palace answerable to that of Nathans, with like windings of gates, and welcom inscrip∣tions; he beganne to extend immeasurable courtesies, vnto all such as were dispoted to visite him: so that (in a short while) hee grew very famous in infinite places. It chanced on a day, as Mithrida∣nes sate all alone within the goodly Court of his Pallace: a poore

woman entred at one of the gates, crauing an almes of him, which she had; and returned in againe at a second gate, comming also to him, and had a second almes, continuing sostill a dozen times; but at the thirteenth returning, Mithridanes saide to her: Good Wo∣man, you goe and come very often, and still you are serued vvith almes. When the old Woman heard these words, she said. O the liberality of Nathan! How honourable and wonderfull is that? I haue past through two and thirty gates of his Palace, euen such as are here, and at euery one I receyued an almes, without any know∣ledgement taken of me, either by him, or any of his followers: and heere I haue past but through thirteene gates, and am there both ac∣knowledged and taken. Farewell to this house, for I neuer meane to visit it any more; with which words shee departed thence, and neuer after came thither againe.

When Mithridanes had a while pondered on her speeches, hee waxed much discontented, as taking the words of the olde woman, to extoll the renowne of Nathan, and darken or ecclipse his glorie, whereupon he said to himselfe. Wretched man as I am, when shall I attaine to the height of liberality, and performe such wonders, as Nathan doth? In seeking to surmount him, I cannot come neere him in the very meanest. Vndoubtedly, I spend all my endeauour but in vaine, except I rid the world of him, which (seeing his age will not make an end of him) I must needs do with my own hands. In which furious and bloody determination (without reuealing his intent to any one) he mounted on horse-backe, with few attendants in his company, and after three dayes iourney, arriued where Na∣than dwelt. He gaue order to his men, to make no shew of beeing his seruants, or any way to acknowledge him: but to prouide them selues of conuenient lodgings, vntill they heard other tydings from him.

About Euening, and (in this manner) alone by himselfe, neere to the Palace of Nathan, he met him solitarily walking, not in pom∣pous apparrell, whereby to bee distinguished from a meaner man: and, because he knew him not, neyther had heard any relation of his description, he demanded of him, if he knew where Nathan then was? Nathan, with a chearfull countenance, thus replyed. Faire Syr, there is no man in these parts, that knoweth better how to shew you Nathan then I do; and therefore, if you be so pleased, I will bring you to him. Mithridanes said, therein he should do him a great kindnesse: albeit (if it were possible) he would bee neyther knowne nor seene of Nathan. And that (quoth he) can I also do suf∣ficiently for you, seeing it is your will to haue it so, if you will goe a∣long with me.

Dismounting from his horse, he walked on with Nathan, diuers∣ly discoursing, vntill they came to the Pallace, where one of the ser∣uants taking Mithridanes his horse, Nathan rounded the fellow in the care, that he should giue warning to all throughout the House, for reuealing to the Gentleman, that he was Nathan; as accordingly it was performed. No sooner were they within the Pallace, but he conducted Mithridanes into a goodly chamber, wher none (as yet) had seene him, but such as were appointed to attend on him reue∣rently; yea, and he did himselfe greatly honor him, as being loth to leaue his company.

While thus Mithridanes conuersed with him, he desired to know (albeit he respected him much for his yeares) what he was. Introth Sir, answered Nathan, I am one of the meanest seruants to Nathan, and from my child-hood, haue made my selfe thus olde in his ser∣uice: yet neuer hath he bestowed any other aduancement on mee, then as you now see; in which respect, howsoeuer other men may commend him, yet I haue no reason at all to do it. These Words, gaue some hope to Mithridanes, that with a little more counsell, he might securely put in execution his wicked determination. Na∣than likewise demaunded of him (but in very humble manner) of whence, and what he was, as also the businesse inuiting him thither: offering him his vtmost aide and counsell, in what soeuer consisted in his power.

Mithridanes sat an indifferent while meditating with his thoghts before he would returne any answer: but at the last, concluding to repose confidence in him (in regard of his pretended discontentmēt) with many circumstantial perswasions, first for fidelity, next for con∣stancie, and lastly for counsell and assistance, he declared to him tru∣ly what he was, the cause of his comming thither, and the reason vr∣ging him thereto. Nathan hearing these words, and the detestable deliberation of Mithridanes, became quite changed in himself: yet wisely making no outward appearance thereof, with a bold courage and setled countenance, thus he replyed.

Mithridanes, thy Father was a Noble Gentleman, and (in vertu∣ous qualities) inferiour to none, from whom (as now I see) thou desirest not to degenerate, hauing vndertaken so bold & high an en∣terprise, I meane, in being liberall and bountifull to all men. I do greatly commend the enuy which thou bearest to the vertue of Na∣than: because if there were many more such men, the world that is now wretched and miserable, would become good and conforma∣ble. As for the determination which thou hast disclosed to mee, I haue sealed it vp secretly in my soule: wherein I can better giue thee counsell, then any especiall helpe or furtherance: and the course

which I would haue thee to obserue, followeth thus in few words.

This window, which we now looke forth at, sheweth thee a smal wood or thicket of trees, being litle more then the quarter of a miles distance hence; whereto Nathan vsually walketh euery morning, and there continueth time long enough: there maist thou very ea∣sily meet him, and do whatsoeuer thou intendest to him. If thou kilst him, because thou maist with safety returne home vnto thine owne abiding, take not the same way which guided thee thither, but an∣other, lying on the left hand, & directing speedily out of the wood, as being not so much haunted as the other, but rather free from all resort, and surest for visiting thine owne countrey, after such a dis∣mall deed is done.

When Mithridanes had receyued this instruction, and Nathan was departed from him, hee secretly gaue intelligence to his men, (who likewise were lodged, as welcom strangers, in the same house) at what place they should stay for him the next morning. Night be∣ing passed ouer, and Nathan risen, his heart altred not a iot from his counsel giuen to Mithridanes, much lesse changed from anie part thereof: but all alone by himselfe, walked on to the wood, the place appointed for his death. Mithridanes also being risen, taking his Bow & Sword (for other weapons had he none) mounted on hors∣backe, and so came to the wood, where (somewhat farre off) hee e∣spyed Nathan walking, and no creature with him. Dismounting from his horse, he had resolued (before he would kill him) not one∣ly to see, but also to heare him speake: so stepping roughly to him, and taking hold of the bonnet on his head, his face being then tur∣ned from him, he sayde. Old man, thou must dye. Whereunto Nathan made no other answer, but thus: Why then (belike) I haue deserued it.

When Mithridanes heard him speake, and looked aduisedly on his face, he knew him immediatly to be the same man, that had en∣tertained him so louingly, conuersed with him so familiarly, and counselled him so faithfully: all which ouercomming his former fu∣ry, his harsh nature became meerly confounded with shame: So throwing downe his drawne sword, which he held readily prepared for the deede: he prostrated himselfe at Nathans feet, and in teares, spake in this manner. Now do I manifestly know (most louing Fa∣ther) your admired bounty and liberalitie; considering, with what industrious prouidence, you made the meanes for your comming hither, prodigally to bestow your life on me, which I haue no right vnto, although you were so willing to part with it. But those high and supreame powers, more carefull of my dutie, then I my selfe: euen at the very instant, and when it was most needfull, opened the

eyes of my better vnderstanding, which infernall enuy had closed vp before. And therefore, looke how much you haue bin forward to pleasure me; so much the more shame and punishment, I confesse my heinous transgression hath iustly deserued: take therefore on me (if you please) such reuenge, as you thinke (in iustice) answera∣ble to my sin.

Nathan louingly raised Mithridanes from the ground, then kis∣sing his cheeke, and tenderly embracing him, he said. Sonne, thou needest not to aske, much lesse to obtaine pardon, for any enterprise of thine, which thou canst not yet terme to be good or bad: because thou soughtest not to bereaue me of my life, for any hatred thou barest me, but onely in couering to be reputed the Woorthier man. Take then this assurance of me, and beleeue it constantly, that there is no man liuing, whom I loue and honour, as I do thee: conside∣ring the greatnesse of thy minde, which consisteth not in the hea∣ping vp of money, as wretched and miserable Worldlings make it their onely felicity; but, contending in bounty to spend what is thine, didst hold it for no shame to kil me, thereby to make thy selfe so much the more worthily famous.

Nor is it any matter to be wondred at, in regard that Emperors, and the greatest Kings, hadde neuer made such extendure of their Dominions, and consequently of their renowne, by any other Art, then killing; yet not one man onely, as thou wouldst haue done: but infinite numbers, burning whole Countries, and making desolate huge Townes and Cities, onely to enlarge their dominion, and fur∣ther spreading of their fame. Wherfore, if for the increasing of thine owne renowne, thou wast desirous of my death: it is no matter of nouelty, and therefore deseruing the lesse meruaile, seeing men are slaine daily, and all for one purpose or other.

Mithridanes, excusing no further his maleuolent deliberation, but rather commending the honest defence, which Nathan made on his behalfe; proceeded so farre in after discoursing, as to tel him plainely, that it did wondrously amaze him, how he durst come to the fatall appointed place, himselfe hauing so exactly plotted and contriued his owne death: whereunto Nathan returned this aun∣swere.

I would not haue thee Mithridanes, to wonder at my counsel or determination; because, since age hath made mee Maister of mine owne will, and I resolued to doe that, wherein thou hast begun to follow me: neuer came any man to mee, whom I did not con∣tent (if I could) in any thing he demanded of me. It was thy for∣tune to come for my life, which when I saw thee so desirous to haue it, I resolued immediately to bestow it on thee: and so much the ra∣ther,

because thou shouldst not be the onely man, that euer depar∣ted hence, without enioying whatsoeuer hee demanded. And, to the end thou mightst the more assuredly haue it, I gaue thee that aduice, least by not enioying mine, thou shouldest chance to loose thine owne. I haue had the vse of it full fourescore yeares, with the consummation of all my delights and pleasures: and well I know, that according to the course of Nature (as it fares with other men, and generally all things else) it cannot bee long before it must leaue mee.

Wherefore, I hold it much better for me to giue it away freely, as I haue alwayes done my goods and treasure; then bee curious in keeping it, and suffer it to be taken from me (whether I will or no) by Nature. A small gift it is, if time make me vp the full summe of an hundred yeares: how miserable is it then, to stand beholding but for foure or fiue, and all of them vexation too? Take it then I in∣treate thee, if thou wilt haue it; for I neuer met with any man be∣fore (but thy selfe) that did desire it, nor (perhaps) shall finde any o∣ther to request it: for the longer I keepe it, the worse it wil be estee∣med: and before it grow contemptible, take it I pray thee.

Mithridanes, being exceedingly confounded with shame, bash∣fully sayde: Fortune fore-fend, that I should take away a thing so precious as your life is, or once to haue so vile a thought of it as late∣ly I had; but rather then I would diminish one day thereof, I could wish, that my time might more amply enlarge it. Forthwith aun∣swered Nathan, saying. Wouldst thou (if thou couldst) shorten thine owne dayes, onely to lengthen mine? Why then thou woul∣dest haue me to do that to thee, which (as yet) I neuer did vnto any man, namely, robbe thee, to enrich my selfe. I will enstruct thee in a much better course, if thou wilt be aduised by mee. Lusty and young, as now thou art, thou shalt dwell heere in my house, and be called by the name of Nathan. Aged, and spent with yeares, as thou seest I am, I will goe liue in thy house, and bee called by the name of Mithridanes. So, both the name and place shall illustrate thy Glorie, and I liue contentedly, without the very least thought of enuie.

Deare Father, answered Mithridanes, if I knew so well howe to direct mine owne actions, as you doe, and alwayes haue done, I would gladly accept your most liberall offer: but because I plainlie perceiue, that my very best endeauours, must remayne darkened by the bright renowne of Nathan: I will neuer seeke to impayre that in another, which I cannot (by any means) increase in my selfe, but (as you haue worthily taught me) liue contented with my owne condition.

After these, and many more like louing speeches had passed be∣tween them; according as Nathan very instantly requested, Mithri∣danes returned back with him to the Pallace, where many dayes he highly honored & respected him, comforting & counselling him, to perseuer alwayes in his honourable determination. But in the end, when Mithridanes could abide there no longer, because necessary occasions called him home: he departed thence with his men, ha∣uing found by good experience, that hee could neuer goe beyond Nathan in liberality.