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

Master Albert of Bullen, honestly made a Lady to blush, that thought to haue done as much to him, because shee perceiued him, to be amorously affected towards her.

The tenth Nouell.

Wherein is declared, that honest loue agreeth with people of all ages.

AFter that Madam Eliza sate silent, the last charge and labour of the like employment, remained to the Queene her selfe; whereupon shee beganne thus to speake: Honest and vertuous young Ladies, like as the

[illustration]

Sta••res (when the Ayre is faire and cleere) are the adorning and beauty of Heauen, and flowres (while the Spring time lasteth) doe graciously em∣bellish the Meadowes; euen so sweete speeches and pleasing conferences, to passe the time with commendable discourses, are the best habit of the minde, and an outward beauty to the body: which ornament of words, when they appeare to be short and sweete, are much more seemely in women, then in men; because long and tedious talking (when it may be done in lesser time) is a greater blemish in women, then in men.

Among vs women, this day, I thinke few or none haue therein offen∣ded, but as readily haue vnderstood short and pithy speeches, as they haue beene quicke and quaintly deliuered. But when answering suteth not with vnderstanding, it is generally a shame in vs, and all such as liue; be∣cause our moderne times haue conuerted that vertue, which was within

them who liued before vs, into garments of the bodie, and shew whose habites were noted to bee most gaudie, fullest of imbroyderies and fantastick fashions: she was reputed to haue most matter in her, and therefore to be more honoured and esteemed. Neuer considering, that whosoeuer loadeth the backe of an Asse, or puts vpon him the richest brauerie; he becommeth not thereby a iote the wiser, or merriteth any more honour then an Asse should haue. I am ashamed to speake it, be∣cause in detecting other, I may (perhaps) as iustly taxe my selfe.

Such imbroydered bodies, tricked and trimmed in such boasting brauery, are they any thing else but as Marble Statues, dumbe, dull, and vtterly insensible? Or if (perchaunce) they make an answere, when some question is demaunded of them; it were much better for them to be silent. For defence of honest deuise and conference among men and women, they would haue the world to thinke, that it proceedeth but from simpli∣city and precise opinion, couering their owne folly with the name of ho∣nesty: as if there were no other honest woman, but shee that conferres onely with her Chamber-maide, Laundresse, or Kitchin-woman, as if na∣ture had allowed them (in their owne idle conceite) no other kinde of talking.

Most true it is, that as there is a respect to be vsed in the action of other things; so, time and place are necessarily to be considered, and also whom we conuerse withall; because sometimes it happeneth, that a man or wo∣man, intending (by a word of iest and merriment) to make another body blush or be ashamed: not knowing what strength of wit remaineth in the opposite, doe conuert the same disgrace vpon themselues. There∣fore, that we may the more aduisedly stand vpon our owne guard, and to preuent the common prouerbe, That Women (in all things) make choyse of the woorst: I desire that this dayes last tale, which is to come from my selfe, may make vs all wise. To the end, that as in gentlenesse of minde we conferre with other; so by excellency in good manners, we may shew our selues not inferiour to them.

It is not many yeares since (worthy assembly) that in Bulloigne there dwelt a learned Physitian, a man famous for skill, and farre renowned, whose name was Master Albert, and being growne aged, to the estimate of threescore and tenne yeares: hee had yet such a sprightly disposition, that though naturall heate and vigour had quite shaken hands with him, yet amorous flames and desires had not wholly forsaken him. Hauing seene (at a Banquet) a very beautifull woman, being then in the estate of widdowhood, named (as some say) Madame Margaret de Chisolieri, shee appeared so pleasing in his eye; that his sences became no lesse distur∣bed, then as if he had beene of farre younger temper, and no night could any quietnesse possesse his soule, except (the day before) he had seene the sweet countenance of this louely widdow. In regard whereof, his dayly passage was by her doore, one while on horsebacke, and then againe on foote; as best might declare his plaine purpose to see her.

Both shee and other Gentlewomen, perceiuing the occasion of his

passing and repassing; would priuately iest thereat together, to see a man of such yeares and discretion, to be amorously addicted, or ouer-swayed by effeminate passions. For they were partly perswaded, that such wan∣ton Ague fits of Loue, were fit for none but youthfull apprehensions, as best agreeing with their chearefull complexion. Master Albert continu∣ing his dayly walkes by the widdowes lodging, it chaunced vpon a Feasti∣uall day, that shee (accompanied with diuers other women of great ac∣count) being sitting at her doore; espied Master Albert (farre off) com∣ming thitherward, and a resolued determination among themselues was set downe, to allow him fauourable entertainement, and to iest (in some merry manner) at his louing folly, as afterward they did indeede.

No sooner was he come neere, but they all arose, and courteously in∣uited him to enter with them, conducting him into a goodly Garden, where readily was prepared choyse of delicate wines and banquetting. At length, among other pleasant and delightfull discourses, they deman∣ded of him: how it was possible for him, to be amorously affected to∣wards so beautifull a woman, both knowing and seeing, how earnestly she was sollicited by many gracious, gallant, and youthfull spirits, ap••ly su∣ting with her yeares and desires? Master Albert perceiuing, that they had drawne him in among them, onely to scoffe and make a mockery of him; set a merry countenance on the matter, and honestly thus answered.

Beleeue mee Gentlewoman (speaking to the widdowe her selfe) it should not appeare strange to any of wisedome and discretion, that I am amorously enclined, and especially to you, because you are well worthy of it. And although those powers, which naturally appertaine to the ex∣ercises of Loue, are bereft and gone from aged people; yet good will thereto cannot be taken from them, neither iudgement to know such as deserue to be affected: for, by how much they exceede youth in know∣ledge and experience, by so much the more hath nature made them meet for respect and reuerence. The hope which incited me (being aged) to loue you, that are affected of so many youthfull Gallants, grew thus. I haue often chaunced into diuers places, where I haue seene Ladies and Gentlewomen, being disposed to a Collation or rere-banquet after din∣ner, to feede on Lupines, and young Onions or Leekes, and although it may be so, that there is little or no goodnesse at all in them; yet the heads of them are least hurtfull, and most pleasing in the mouth. And you Gentlewomen generally (guided by vnreasonable appetite) will hold the heads of them in your hands, and feede vpon the blades or stalkes: which not onely are not good for any thing, but also are of very bad sauour. And what know I (Lady) whether among the choise of friends, it may fit your fancy to doe the like? For, if you did so, it were no fault of mine to be chosen of you, but thereby were all the rest of your suters the sooner an∣swered.

The widdowed Gentlewoman, and all the rest in her company, being bashfully ashamed of her owne and their folly, presently said. Master Albert, you haue both well and worthily chastised our ouer-bold pre∣sumption,

and beleeue mee Sir, I repute your loue and kindnesse of no meane merrit, comming from a man so wise and vertuous: And there∣fore (mine honour reserued) commaund my vttermost, as alwayes ready to do you any honest seruice. Master Albert, arising from his seat, thanking the faire widdow for her gentle offer; tooke leaue of her and all the com∣pany, and she blushing, as all the rest were therein in not much behinde her, thinking to checke him, became chidden her selfe, whereby (if wee be wise) let vs all take warning.

The Sunne was now somewhat farre declined, and the heates extre∣mity well worne away, when the Tales of the seauen Ladies and three Gentlemen were thus finished, whereupon their Queene pleasantly said. For this day (faire company) there remaineth nothing more to be done vnder my regiment, but onely to bestow a new Queene vpon you, who (according to her iudgement) must take her turne, and dispose what next is to be done, for continuing our time in honest pleasure. And although the day should endure till darke night; in regard, that when some time is taken before, the better preparation may be made for occasions to fol∣low, to the end also, that whatsoeuer the new Queene shall please to ap∣point, may be the better fitted for the morrow: I am of opinion, that at the same houre as we now cease, the following dayes shall seuerally be∣gin. And therefore, in reuerence to him that giueth life to all things, and in hope of comfort by our second day; Madame Philomena, a most wise young Lady, shall gouerne as Queene this our Kingdome.

So soone as she had thus spoken, arising from her seate of dignity, and taking the Lawrell Crowne from off her owne head; she reuerently pla∣ced it vpon Madame Philomenaes, she first of all humbly saluting her, and then all the rest, openly confessing her to be their Queene, made graci∣ous offer to obey whatsoeuer she commaunded. Philomena, her cheekes deliuering a scarlet tincture, to see her selfe thus honoured as their Queene, and well remembring the words, so lately vttered by Madame Pampinea; that dulnesse or neglect might not be noted in her, tooke cheerefull courage to her, and first of all, she confirmed the officers, which Pampinea had appointed the day before, then shee ordained for the mor∣rowes prouision, as also for the supper so neere approaching, before they departed away from thence, and then thus began.

Louely Companions, although that Madam Pampinea, more in her owne courtesie, then any matter of merit remaining in mee, hath made me your Queene: I am not determined, to alter the forme of our inten∣ded life, nor to be guided by mine owne iudgement, but to associate the same with your assistance. And because you may know what I intend to do, and so (consequently) adde or diminish at your pleasure; in verie few words, you shall plainly vnderstand my meaning. If you haue well considered on the course, which this day hath bene kept by Madam Pam∣pinea, me thinkes it hath bene very pleasing and commendable; in which regard, vntill by ouer-tedious continuation, or other occasions of irke∣some offence, it shall seeme iniurious, I am of the minde, not to alter it.

Holding on the order then as we haue begun to do, we will depart from hence to recreate our selues awhile, and when the Sun groweth towards setting, we will sup in the fresh and open ayre: afterward, with Canzo∣nets and other pastimes, we will out-weare the houres till bed time. To morrow morning, in the fresh and gentle breath thereof, we will rise & walke to such places, as euery one shall finde fittest for them, euen as al∣ready this day we haue done; vntill due time shall summon vs hither a∣gaine, to continue our discoursiue Tales, wherein (me thinkes) consisteth both pleasure and profit, especially by discreete obseruation.

Very true it is, that some things which Madam Pampinea coulde not accomplish, by reason of her so small time of authority, I will beginne to vndergo, to wit, in restraining some matters whereon we are to speake, that better premeditation may passe vpon them. For, when respite and a little leysure goeth before them, each discourse will sauour of the more formality; and if it might so please you, thus would I direct the order. As since the beginning of the world, all men haue bene guided (by For∣tune) thorow diuers accidents and occasions: so beyond all hope & expe∣ctation, the issue and successe hath bin good and succesfull, and accor∣dingly should euery one of our arguments be chosen.

The Ladies, and the yong Gentlemen likewise, commended her ad∣uice, and promised to imitate it; onely Dioneus excepted, who when e∣uery one was silent, spake thus. Madam, I say as all the rest haue done, that the order by you appointed, is most pleasing and worthy to bee al∣lowed. But I intreate one speciall fauour for my selfe, and to haue it con∣firmed to me, so long as our company continueth; namely, that I may not be constrained to this Law of direction, but to tell my Tale at liber∣ty, after mine owne minde, and according to the freedome first institu∣ted. And because no one shall imagine, that I vrge this grace of you, as being vnfurnished of discourses in this kinde, I am well contented to be the last in euery dayes exercise.

The Queene, knowing him to be a man full of mirth and matter, be∣gan to consider very aduisedly, that he would not haue mooued this re∣quest, but onely to the end, that if the company grew wearied by any of the Tales re-counted, hee would shut vppe the dayes disport with some mirthfull accident. Wherefore willingly, and with consent of al the rest he had his suite granted. So, arising all, they walked to a Christall riuer, descending downe a little hill into a vally, graciously shaded with good∣ly Trees; where washing both their hands and feete, much pretty plea∣sure passed among them; till supper time drawing nere, made them re∣turne home to the Palace. When supper was ended, and bookes and in∣struments being laide before them, the Queene commanded a dance, & that Madam Aemilia, assisted by Madam Lauretta and Dioneus, shold sing a sweet ditty. At which command, Lauretta vndertooke the dance, and led it, Aemilia singing this song ensuing.

The Song.

SO much delight my beauty yeelds to mee, That any other Loue, To wish or proue; Can neuer sute it selfe with my desire.

Therein I see, vpon good obseruation, What sweete content due vnderstanding lends: Olde or new thoughts cannot in any fashion Rob me of that, which mine owne soule commends. What obiect then, (mongst infinites of men) Can I euer finde to dipossesse my minde, And plant therein another new desire? So much delight. &c.

But were it so, the blisse that I would chuse, Is, by continuall sight to comfort me: So rare a presence neuer to refuse, Which mortall tongue or thought, what ere it be; Must still conceale, not able to reueale, Such a sacred sweete, for none other meete, But hearts enflamed with the same desire. So much delight, &c.

The Song being ended, the Chorus whereof was aunswered by them all, it passed with generall applause: and after a few other daunces, the night being well run on, the Queene gaue ending to this first dayes Re∣creation. So, lights being brought, they departed to their seuerall Lod∣gings, to take their rest till the next morning.