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

Victorious King Charles, sirnamed the Aged, and first of that Name, fell in loue with a yong Maiden, named Geneuera, daughter to an ancient Knight, called Signior Neri degli Vberti. And waxing a∣shamed of his amorous folly, caused both Geneuera, and her fayre Sister Isotta, to be ioyned in marriage with two Noble Gentlemen; the one named Signior Maffeo da Palizzi, and the other, Signior Gulielmo della Magna.

The Sixt Nouell.

Sufficiently declaring, that how mighty soeuer the power of Loue is: yet a magnanimous and truly generous heart, it can by no meanes fully conquer.

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WHo is able to expresse ingeniously, the diuersity of opini∣ons, which hapned among the Ladies, in censuring on the act of Madame Dianora, and which of them was most li∣berall, either Signior Gilberto the Husband, Lord Ansaldo the im∣portunate suiter, or the Magitian, expecting to bee bountifully re∣warded. Surely, it is a matter beyond my capacity: but after the King had permitted their disputation a long while, looking on Ma∣dam Fiammetta, he commanded that she should report her Nouel to make an end of their controuersie; and she (without any further delaying) thus began. I did alwaies (Noble Ladies) hold it fit and decent, that in such an assembly as this of ours is, euery one ought

to speake so succinctly and plainly: that the obscure vnderstanding, concerning the matters spoken of, should haue no cause of disputa∣tion. For disputes do much better become the Colledges of Schol∣lers, then to be among vs, who hardly can manage our Distaues or Samplers. And therefore I, doe intend to relate something, which (peraduenture) might appeare doubtfull: will forbeare (seeing you in such a difference; for that which hath bin spoken alreadie) to vse any difficult discourse; but will speake of one, a man of no meane ranke or quality, being both a valiant and vertuous King, and what he did, without any impeach or blemish to his honor.

I make no doubt, but you haue often heard report, of king Charls the Aged, and first of that name, by reason of his magnificent en∣terprises, as also his most glorious victory, which he obtaind against King Manfred, when the Ghibellines were expulsed foorth of Flo∣rence, and the Guelphes returned thither againe. By which occasi∣on, an ancient knight, named Signior Neri degli Vberti; forsaking then the City, with all his family and great store of wealth, woulde liue vnder any other obedience, then the awful power or command of King Charles. And coueting to be in some solitary place, where he might finish the remainder of his dayes in peace, he went to Ca∣stello da Mare; where, about a Bow shoote distance from all other dwelling houses, hee bought a parcel of ground, plentifully stored with variety of Trees, bearing Oliues, Chesnuts, Orenges, Lemons Pomcitrons, and other excellent frutages, wherewith the Countrey flourisheth abundantly. There he built a very faire and commodi∣ous house, and planted (close by it) a pleasant Garden, in the middst whereof, because he had great plenty of water: according as other men vse to do, being in the like case so wel prouided; he made a ve∣ry goodly Pond, which forthwith had all kinde of Fish swimming in it, it being his daily care and endeuour, to tend his Garden, and encrease his Fish-pond.

It fortuned, that King Charles (in the Summer time) for his plea∣sure and recreation, went to repose himselfe (for some certayne dayes) at Castello de Mare, where hauing heard report of the beau∣tie and singularitie of Signiour Neries Garden; hee grew very de∣sirous to see it. But when he vnderstoode to whome it belonged, then he entred into consideration with himselfe, that hee was an an∣cient Knight, maintaining a contrarie faction to his: wherefore, he thought it fit to goe in some familiar manner, and with no trayne attending on him. Wherupon he sent him word, that he wold come to visit him, with foure Gentlemen onely in his companie, meaning to sup with him in his Garden the next night ensuing. The newes was very welcome to Signior Neri, who took order in costly maner

for all things to bee done, entertaining the King most ioyfully into his beautifull Garden.

When the King had suruayed all, and the house likewise, he com∣mended it beyond all other comparison, and the Tables being pla∣ced by the Ponds side, he washed his hands therin, & then sat down at the table, commanding the Count, Sir Guy de Montforte (who was one of them which came in his company) to sitte downe by him, and Signior Neri on his other side. As for the other three of the traine, hee commaunded them to attend on his seruice, as Sig∣nior Neri had giuen order. There wanted no exquisite Viandes and excellent Wines, all performed in most decent manner, and without the least noise or disturbance, wherein the King tooke no little delight.

Feeding thus in this contented manner, and facying the solitude of the place: sodainly entred into the garden, two yong Damosels, each aged about some fifteene yeares, their haire resembling wyars of Gold, and curiously curled, hauing Chaplets (made like prouin∣ciall Crownes) on their heades, and their delicate faces, expressing them to be rather Angels, then mortall creatures, such was the ap∣pearance of their admired beauty. Their vnder-garments were of costly Silke, yet white as the finest snow, framed (from the girdle vpward) close to their bodies, but spreading largely downward, like the extendure of a Pauillion, and so descending to the feet. She that first came in sight, caried on her shoulder a couple of fishing Netts, which she held fast with her left-hand, and in the right she carryed a long staffe. The other following her, had on her left shoulder a Fry∣ing-pan, and vnder the same arme a small Faggot of woodde, with a Treuit in her hand; and in the other hand a pot of Oyle, as also a brand of fire flaming.

No sooner did the King behold them, but he greatly wondered what they should be; and, without vttering one word, attended to listen what they wold say. Both the yong damosels, when they were come before the King, with modest and bashfull gesture, they per∣formed very humble reuerence to him, and going to the place of en∣trance into the Pond, she who held the Treuit, set it downe on the ground, with the other things also; and taking the staffe which the other Damosell carried: they both went into the Pond, the water whereof reached so high as to their bosomes. One of the Seruants to Signior Neri, presently kindled the fire, setting the Treuit ouer it, and putting Oyle into the Frying-panne, held it vppon the Tre∣uit, awaiting vntill the Damosels should cast him vppe Fish. One of them did beate a place with the staffe, where she was assured of the Fishes resort, and the other hadde lodged the Nets so conue∣niently,

as they quickly caught great store of Fish, to the Kings high contentment, who obserued their behauiour very respectiuely.

As the Fishes were throwne vp to the seruant, aliue as they were, he tooke the best and fairest of them, and brought them to the Table, where they skipt and mounted before the King, Count Guy de Montfort and the Father: some leaping from the Table into the Pond againe, and others, the King (in a pleasing humour) voluntari∣ly threw backe to the Damosels. Iesting and sporting in this man∣ner, till the seruant had drest diuers of them in exquisite order, and serued them to the Table, according as Signior Neri had ordained. When the Damosels saw the Fishes seruice performed, and percei∣ued that they had fished sufficiently: they came forth of the water, their garments then (being wet) hanging close about them, euen as if they hid no part of their bodies. Each hauing taken those things againe, which at first they brought with them, and saluting the king in like humility as they did before, returned home to the mansion house.

The King and Count likewise, as also the other attending Gentle∣men, hauing duely considered the behauior of the Damosels: com∣mended extraordinarily their beauty and faire feature, with those other perfections of Nature so gloriously shining in them. But (be∣yond all the rest) the King was boundlesse in his praises giuen of them, hauing obserued their going into the water, the equall carri∣age there of them both, their comming forth, and gracious demea∣nor at their departing (yet neither knowing of whence, or what they were) he felt his affection very violently flamed, and grew into such an amourous desire to them both, not knowing which of them pleased him most, they so choisely resembled one another in all things.

But after he had dwelt long enough vpon these thoughts, he tur∣ned him selfe to Signior Neri, and demanded of him, what Damo∣sels they were. Sir (answered Neri) they are my Daughters, both brought into the world at one birth, and Twinnes, the one being named Geneuera the faire, and the other Isotta the amiable. The King began againe to commend them both, and gaue him ad∣uise to get them both married: wherein he excused himselfe, al∣leadging, that he wanted power to doe it. At the same time instant, no other seruice remaining to be brought to the table, except Fruit and Cheese, the two Damosels returned againe, attyred in goodly Roabes of Carnation Sattin, formed after the Turkish fashion, car∣rying two fayre Siluer dishes in their hands, filled with diuers deli∣cate Fruies, such as the season then afforded, setting them on the Table before the King. Which being done, they retyred a little

backeward, and with sweet melodious voyces, sung a ditty, begin∣ning in this manner.

Where Loue presumeth into place: Let no one sing in Loues disgrace.

So sweet and pleasing seemed the Song to the King (who tooke no small delight, both to heare and behold the Damosels) euen as if all the Hirarchies of Angels, were descended from the Heauens to sing before him. No sooner was the Song ended, but (humbly on their knees) they craued fauour of the King for their departing. Now, although their departure was greatly grieuing to him, yet (in outward appearance) he seemed willing to grant it.

When Supper was concluded, and the King and his Company remounted on horsebacke: thankefully departing from Signior Neri, the King returned to his lodging, concealing there closely his affection to himselfe, and whatsoeuer important affaires happened: yet he could not forget the beauty, & gracious behauiour of Geneue∣ra the faire (for whose sake he loued her Sister likewise) but became so linked to her in vehement maner, as he had no power to think on any thing else. Pretending other vrgent occasions, he fell into great familiarity with Signior Neri, visiting very often his goodly Garden; onely to see his faire Daughter Geneuera, the Adamant which drew him thither.

When he felt his amourous assaults, to exceed all power of lon∣ger sufferance: he resolued determinately with himselfe, (being vnprouided of any better meanes) to take her away from her Fa∣ther, and not onely she, but her Sister also; discouering both his loue and intent to Count Guy de Montforte, who being a very wor∣thy and vertuous Lord, and meet to be a Counseller for a King, de∣liuered his mind in this manner.

Gracious Lord, I wonder not a little at your speeches, and so much the greater is my admiratiō, because no mā els can be subiect to the like, in regard I haue knowne you from the time of your in∣fancy; euen to this instant houre, and alwayes your carriage to bee one and the same. I could neuer perceiue in your youthfull dayes (when loue should haue the greatest meanes to assaile you) any such oppressing passions: which is now the more nouell and strange to me, to heare it but said, that you being old, and called the Aged; should be growne amorous, surely to me it seemeth a miracle. And if it appertained to me to reprehend you in this case, I know well e∣nough what I could say. Considering, you haue yet your Armour on your backe, in a Kiugdome newly conquered, among a Nation not knowne to you, full of falsehoods, breaches, and treasons; all which are no meane motiues to care and needfull respect. But ha∣uing

now wone a little leisure, to rest your selfe a while from such serious affaires; can you giue way to the idle suggestions of Loue? Beleeue me Sir, it is no act becomming a magnanimious King; but rather the giddy folly of a young braine.

Moreouer you say (which most of all I mislike) that you intend to take the two Virgines from the Knight, who hath giuen you en∣tertainment in his house beyond his ability, and to testifie how much he honoured you, he suffered you to haue a sight of them, meerely (almost) in a naked manner: witnessing thereby, what con∣stant faith he reposed in you, beleeuing verily, that you were a iust King, and not a rauenous Woolfe. Haue you so soone forgot, that the rapes and violent actions, done by King Manfred to harmelesse Ladies, made your onely way of entrance into this Kingdome? What treason was euer committed, more worthy of eternall pu∣nishment, then this will be in you: to take away from him (who hath so highly honoured you) his chiefest hope and consolation? What will be said by all men, if you doe it?

Peraduenture you thinke, it will be a sufficient excuse for you, to say: I did it, in regard hee was a Ghihelline. Can you imagine this to be iustice in a King, that such as get into their possession in this manner (whatsoeuer it be) ought to vse it in this sort? Let me tell you Sir, it was a most worthy victory for you, to conquer King Manfred: but it is farre more famous victory, for a man to con∣••uer himselfe. You therfore, who are ordained to correct vices in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men, learne first to subdue them in your selfe, and (by bride∣ling this inordinate appetite) set not a foule blemish on so faire a fame, as will be honour to you to preserue spotlesse.

These words pierced the heart of the King deepely, and so much the more afflicted him, because he knew them to be most true: wherefore, after he had ventred a very vehement sigh, thus he replyed. Beleeue me noble Count, there is not any enemy, how strong soeuer he be, but I hold him weake and easie to be vanquish∣ed, by him who is skilfull in the warre, where a man may learne to conquere his owne appetite. But because he shall find it a labori∣ous taske, requiring inestimable strength and courage: your words haue so toucht me to the quicke, that it becommeth me to let you effectually perceiue (and within the compasse of few dayes) that as I haue learned to conquer others, so I am not ignorant, in expressing the like power vpon my selfe.

Hauing thus spoken, within some few dayes after, the King be∣ing returned to Naples, he determined, as well to free himself from any the like ensuing follie, as also to recompence Signior Neri, for the great kindnesse he had shewne to him (although it was a diffi∣cult

thing, to let another enioy, what he rather desired for himselfe) to haue the two Damosels married, not as the Daughters of Signi∣or Neri, but euen as if they were his owne. And by consent of the Father, he gaue Geneuera the faire, to Signior Maffeo da Palizzi, and Isotta the amiable, to Signior Gulielmo della Magna, two Noble Knights and honourable Barons. After he had thus giuen them in marriage, in sad mourning he departed thence into Apuglia, where by following worthy and honourable actions, he so well ouercame all inordinate appetites: that shaking off the enthralling fetters of loue, he liued free from all passions, the rest of his life time, and dy∣ed as an honourable King.

Some perhaps will say, it was a small matter for a King, to giue a∣way two Damosels in marriage, and I confesse it: but I maintaine it to be great, and more then great, if we say, that a King, being so earnestly enamoured as this King was; should giue her away to another, whom he so dearely affected himsefe, without receiuing (in recompence of his affection) so much as a leaffe, flowre, or the least fruit of loue. Yet such was the vertue of this magnificent King, expressed in so highly recompencing the noble Knights cour∣tesie, honouring the two daughters so royally, and conquering his owne affections so vertuously.