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

Vnder colour of Confession, and of a most pure conscience, a faire young Gentle∣woman, being amourously affected to an honest man; induced a deuoute and solemne religious Friar, to aduise her in the meanes (without his suspition or perceiuing) how to enioy the benefit of her friend, and bring her desires to their full effect.

The third Nouell.

Declaring, that the leude and naughty qualities of some persons, doe oftentimes misguide good people, into very great and greeuous errors.

WHen Madam Pampinea sate silent, and the Querries boldnesse e∣qualled with his crafty cunning, and great wisedome in the King had passed among them with generall applause; the Queene, her selfe to Madam Philomena, appointed her to follow next in order, and to hold rancke with her discourse, as the rest had done before her: whereupon Philomena graciously began in this manner.

[illustration]

It is my purpose, to acquaint you with a notable mockery, which was performed (not in iest, but earnest) by a faire Gentlewo∣man, to a graue and deuoute reli∣gious Friar, which will yeelde so much the more pleasure and re∣creation, to euery secular vnder∣stander, if but diligently he or shee doe obserue; how commonly those religious persons (at least the most part of them) like noto∣rious fooles, are the inuenters of new courses and customes, as thin∣king themselues more wise and skilful in all things then any other; yet proue to be of no worth or va∣lidity, addicting the very best of all their deuises, to expresse their owne vilenesse of minde, and fatten themselues in their sties, like to pam∣pered

Swine. And assure your selues worthy Ladies, that I doe not tell this Tale onely to follow the order enioyned me; but also to informe you that such Saint-like holy Sirs, of whom we are too opinatiue and credu∣lous, may be, yea, and are (diuers times) cunningly met withall, in their craftinesse, not onely by men, but likewise some of our owne sexe, as I shall make it apparant to you.

In our owne City (more full of craft and deceit, then loue or faithfull dealing) there liued not many yeeres since a Gentlewoman, of good spi∣rit, highly minded, endued with beauty and all commendable qualities, as any other woman (by nature) could be. Her name, or any others, con∣cerned in this Nouell, I meane not to make manifest, albeit I know them, because some are yet liuing, and thereby may be scandalized; and there∣fore it shall suffice to passe them ouer with a smile. This Gentlewoman, seeing her selfe to be descended of very great parentage, and (by chance) married to an Artezen, a Clothier or Drapier, that liued by the making and selling of Cloth: shee could not (because he was a Trades-man) take downe the height of her minde; conceiuing, that no man of meane con∣dition (how rich soeuer) was worthy to enioy a Gentlewoman in marri∣age. Obseruing moreouer, that with all his wealth and treasure, he vn∣derstood nothing better, then to open skeines of yarne, fill shuttles, lay webbes in Loomes, or dispute with his Spinsters, about their busi∣nesse.

Being thus ouer-swayed with her proud opinion, shee would no longer be embraced, or regarded by him in any manner, and onely because she could not refuse him; but would find some other for her better satisfacti∣on, who might seeme more worthy of her respect, then the Drapier her Husband did. Hereupon shee fell so deepe in loue, with a very honest man of our City also, and of indifferent yeeres; as what day shee saw him not, shee could take no rest the night ensuing. The man himselfe knew nothing hereof, and therefore was the more neglect and carelesse, and she being curious, nice, yet wisely considerate; durst not let him vnderstand it, neither by any womans close conueyed message, nor yet by Letters, as fearing the perils which happen in such cases. But her eye obseruing his daily walkes and resorts, gaue her notice of his often conuersing with a religious Friar, who albeit he was a fat and corpulent man, yet notwith∣standing, because he seemed to leade a sanctimonious life, and was repor∣ted to be a most honest man; she perswaded her selfe, that he might be the best meanes, betweene her and her friend.

Hauing considered with her selfe, what course was best to be obserued in this case; vpon a day, apt and conuenient, shee went to the Conuent, where he kept, and hauing caused him to be called, shee told him, that if his leysure so serued, very gladly shee would be confessed, and onely had made her choyce of him. The holy man seeing her, and reputing her to be a Gentlewoman, as indeede shee was no lesse; willingly heard her, and when shee had confessed what shee could, shee had yet another matter to acquaint him withall, and thereupon thus she began.

Holy Father, it is no more then conuenient, that I should haue re∣course to you, to be assisted by your help and councell, in a matter which I will impart vnto you. I know, that you are not ignorant of my parents and husband, of whom I am affected as dearely as his life, for proofe whereof, there is not any thing that I can desire, but immediatly I haue it of him, he being a most rich man, and may very sufficiently affoord it. In regard whereof, I loue him equally as my selfe, and, setting aside my best endeauours for him; I must tell you one thing, quite contrary to his liking and honor, wherein no woman can more worthily deserue death, then my selfe. Vnderstand then, good Father, that there is a man, whose name I know not, but hee seemeth to be honest, and of good worth; moreouer (if I am not deceiued) hee resorteth oftentimes to you, being faire and comely of person, going alwayes in blacke garments of good price and value. This man, imagining (perhaps) no such minde in me, as truely there is; hath often attempted mee, and neuer can I be at my doore, or window, but hee is alwayes present in my sight, which is not a little displeasing to me; he watcheth my walkes, and much I meruaile, that he is not now here.

Let me tell you holy Sir, that such behauiours, doe many times lay bad imputations vpon very honest women, yet without any offence in them. It hath often run in my minde, to let him haue knowledge thereof by my brethren: but afterward I considered, that men (many times) deliuer messages in such sort, as draw on very vngentle answeres, whereon grow words, and words beget actions. In which respect, because no harme or scandall should ensue, I thought it best to be silent; determining, to ac∣quaint you rather therewith, then any other, as well because you seeme to be his friend, as also in regard of your office, which priuiledgeth you, to correct such abuses, not onely in friends, but also in strangers. Enowe other women there are, (more is the pitty) who (perhaps) are better dis∣posed to such suites, then I am, and can both like and allowe of such cour∣ting, otherwise then I can doe; as being willing to embrace such offers, and (happily) loath to yeeld deniall. Wherefore, most humbly I entreat you, good Father (euen for our blessed Ladies sake) that you would giue him a friendly reprehension, and aduise him, to vse such vnmanly meanes no more hereafter. With which words, shee hung downe her head in her bosome, cunningly dissembling, as if shee wept, wiping her eyes with her Handkerchife, when not a teare fell from them, but indeed were dry enough.

The holy Religious man, so soone as he heard her description of the man, presently knew whom shee meant, and highly commending the Gentlewoman, for her good and vertuous seeming disposition, belee∣ued faithfully all that shee had said: promising her, to order the matter so well and discreetly, as shee should not be any more offended. And knowing her to be a woman of great wealth (after all their vsuall man∣ner, when they cast forth their fishing nets for gaine:) liberally he com∣mended Almes-deedes, and dayly workes of charity, recounting to her

(beside) his owne perticular necessities. Then, giuing him two pieces of gold, she said. I pray you (good Father) to be mindfull of me, and if he chance to make any deniall: tell him boldly, that I spake it my selfe to you, and by the way of a sad complaint her confession being ended, and penance easie enough enioyned her, shee promised to make her parents bountifull benefactours to the Conuent, and put more money into his hand, desiring him in his Masses, to remember the soules of her deceased friends, and so returned home to her house.

Within a short while after her departure, the Gentleman, of whom she had made this counterfeit complaint, came thither, as was his vsuall manner, and hauing done his duty to the holy Father; they sate downe together priuately, falling out of one discourse into another. At the length, the Frier (in very louing and friendly sort) mildly reproued him, for such amorous glaunces, and other pursuites, which (as he thought) hee dayly vsed to the Gentlewoman, according to her owne speeches. The Gentleman meruailed greatly thereat, as one that had neuer seene her, and very sildome passed by the way where she dwelt, which made him the bolder in his answeres; wherein the Confessour interrupting him, said. Neuer make such admiration at the matter, neither waste more words in these stout denials, because they cannot serue thy turne: I tell thee plainely, I heard it not from any neighbours, but euen of her owne selfe, in a very sorrowfull and sad complaint. And though (per∣haps) hereafter, thou canst very hardly refraine such follies; yet let mee tell thee so much of her (and vnder the seale of absolute assurance) that she is the onely woman of the world, who (in my true iudgement) doth hate and abhorre all such base behauiour. Wherefore, in regard of thine owne honor, as also not to vexe & preiudice so vertuous a Gentlewoman: I pray thee refrain such idlenes henceforward, & suffer hir to liue in peace.

The Gentleman, being a little wiser then his ghostly Father, perceiued immediatly (without any further meditating on the matter) the notable polli••ie of the woman: whereupon, making somewhat bashfull appea∣rance of any error already committed; hee said, hee would afterward be better aduised. So, departing from the Frier, he went on directly, to passe by the house where the Gentlewoman dwelt, and she stood alwayes ready on her watch, at a little window, to obserue, when hee should walke that way: And seeing him comming, she shewed her selfe so ioyfull, and gra∣cious to him, as he easily vnderstood, whereto the substance of the holy Fathers chiding tended. And, from that time forward, hee vsed dayly, though in couert manner (to the no little liking of the Gentlewoman and himselfe) to make his passage through that streete, vnder colour of some important occasions there, concerning him.

Soone after, it being plainely discerned on either side, that the one was as well contented with these walkes, as the other could be: shee de∣sired to enflame him a little further, by a more liberall illustration of her affection towards him, when time and place affoorded conuenient op∣portunity. To the holy Father againe shee went, (for shee had been too

long from shrift) and kneeling downe at his feete, intended to begin her confession in teares; which the Friar perceiuing, sorrowfully demanded of her, what new accident had happened? Holy Father (quoth shee) no nouell accident, but onely your wicked and vngracious friend, by whom (since I was here with you, yea, no longer agoe then yesterday) I haue beene so wronged, as I verily beleeue that hee was borne to be my mor∣tall enemie, and to make me doe something to my vtter disgrace for euer; and whereby I shall not dare to be seene any more of you, my deare Father. How is this? answered the Friar, hath he not refrained from afflicting you so abusiuely?

Pausing a while, and breathing foorth many a dissembled sigh, thus shee replyed. No truly, holy Father, there is no likelyhood of his ab∣staining; for since I made my complaint to you, he belike taking it in euill part, to be contraried in his wanton humours, hath (meerely in de∣spight) walked seauen times in a day by my doore, whereas formerly, he neuer vsed it aboue once or twice. And well were it (good Father) if he could be contented with those walkes, and gazing glaunces which hee dartes at me: but growne he is so bolde and shamelesse, that euen yesterday, (as I tolde you) he sent a woman to me, one of his Pando∣raes) as it appeared, and as if I had wanted either Purses or Girdles, he sent me (by her) a Purse and a Girdle. Whereat I grew so grieuously of∣fended, as had it not beene for my due respect and feare of God, and next the sacred reuerence I beare to you my ghostly Father; doubtlesse, I had done some wicked deede. Neuerthelesse, happily I withstood it, and will neither say or doe any thing in this case, till first I haue made it knowne to you.

Then I called to minde, that hauing redeliuered the Purse and Girdle to his shee messenger, (which brought them) with lookes sufficient to declare my discontentment: I called her backe againe, fearing least shee would keepe them to her selfe, and make him beleeue, that I had receiued them (as I haue heard such kind of women vse to doe sometimes) and in anger I snatcht them from her, and haue brought them hither to you, to the end that you may giue him them againe; and tell him, I haue no neede of any such things, thankes be to Heauen and my husband, as no woman can be better stored then I am. Wherefore good Father, purposely am I now come to you, and I beseech you accept my iust excuse, that if he wil not abstaine from thus molesting me, I will disclose it to my Husband, Fa∣ther, and Brethren, whatsoeuer shall ensue thereon: for I had rather he should receiue the iniury (if needs it must come) then I to be causelesly blamed for him; wherein good Father tell me, if I doe not well. With many counterfet sobbes, sighes, and teares, these wordes were deliue∣red; and drawing foorth from vnder her gowne, a very faire and rich purse, as also a Girdle of great worth, shee threw them into the Friers lap.

He verily beleeuing all this false report, beeing troubled in his minde thereat beyond measure, tooke the Gentlewoman by the hand, saying: Daughter, if thou be offended at these impudent follies, assuredly I can∣not

blame thee, nor will any wise man reprooue thee for it; and I com∣mend thee for following my counsell. But let me alone for schooling of my Gentleman: ill hath he kept his promise made to mee; wherefore, in regard of his former offence, as also this other so lately committed, I hope to set him in such a heate, as shall make him leaue off from further iniury∣ing thee. And in Gods name, suffer not thy selfe to be conquered by cho∣ler, in disclosing this to thy kindred or husband, because too much harme may ensue thereon. But feare not any wrong to thy selfe; for, both before God and men, I am a true witnesse of thine honesty and vertue.

Now began she to appeare somewhat better comforted; & forbearing to play on this string any longer, as wel knowing the couetousnes of him and his equals she said. Holy Father, some few nights past, me thought in my sleepe, that diuers spirits of my kindred appeared to me in a vision, who (me thought) were in very great paines, and desired nothing els but Almes; especially my God-mother, who seemed to bee afflicted with such extreme pouerty, that it was most pittifull to behold. And I am half perswaded, that her torments are the greater, seeing mee troubled with such an enemy to goodnesse. Wherefore (good Father) to deliuer her soule and the others, out of those fearfull flames; among your infinit o∣ther deuout prayers, I would haue you to say the fortie Masses of S. Gre∣gory, as a meanes for their happy deliuerance, and so she put ten ducates into his hand. Which the holy man accepted thankfully, and with good words, as also many singular examples, confirmed her bountifull deuoti∣on: and when he had giuen her his benediction, home she departed.

After that the Gentlewoman was gone, hee sent for his friend, whom she so much seemed to be troubled withall; and when he was come, hee beholding his Holy Father to looke discontentedly: thought, that now he should heare some newes from his Mistresse, and therefore expected what he would say. The Frier, falling into the course of his former repre∣hensions, but yet in more rough and impatient manner, sharpely checkt him for his immodest behauiour towards the Gentlewoman, in sending her the Purse and Girdle. The Gentleman, who as yet could not guesse whereto his speeches tended; somewhat coldly and temperately, denied the sending of such tokens to her, to the end that he would not be vtterly discredited with the good man, if so bee the Gentlewoman had shewne him any such things. But then the Frier, waxing much more angry, stern∣ly said. Bad man as thou art, how canst thou deny a manifest trueth? See sir, these are none of your amorous tokens? No, I am sure you doe not know them, nor euer saw them till now.

The Gentleman, seeming as if he were much ashamed, saide. Truely Father I do know them, and confesse that I haue done ill, and very great∣ly offended: but now I will sweare vnto you, seeing I vnderstande how firmely she is affected, that you shall neuer heare any more complaints of me. Such were his vowes and protestations, as in the end the ghostly Fa∣ther gaue him both the Purse and Girdle: then after he had preached, & seuerely coniured him, neuer more to vexe her with any gifts at all, and

he binding himselfe thereto by a solemne promise, he gaue him license to depart. Now grew the Gentleman very iocond, being so surely certifyed of his Mistresses loue, and by tokens of such worthy esteeme; wherefore no sooner was hee gone from the Frier, but hee went into such a secret place, where he could let her behold at her Window, what precious to∣kens he had receyued from her, whereof she was extraordinarily ioyfull, because her deuices grew still better and b••••ter; nothing now wanting, but her husbands absence, vpon some iourney from the City, for the full effecting of her desire.

Within a few dayes after, such an occasion hapned, as her husband of necessity must iourney to Geneway; and no sooner was hee mounted on horsebacke, taking leaue of her and all his friends: but she, being sure hee was gone, went in all hast to her Ghostly Father; and, after a few faigned outward shewes, thus she spake. I must now plainly tell you, holy father, that I can no longer endure this wicked friend of yours; but because I promised you the other day, that I would not do any thing, before I had your counsell therein, I am now come to tell you, the iust reason of my anger, and full purpose to auoid all further mollestation.

Your friend I cannot terme him, but (questionles) a very diuel of hell. This morning, before the breake of day, hauing heard (but how, I know not) that my husband was ridden to Geneway: got ouer the wall into my Garden, and climbing vp a tree which standeth close before my chamber window, when I was fast asleepe, opened the Casement, and would haue entred in at the window. But, by great good fortune, I awaked and made shew of an open out-cry: but that he entreated mee, both for Gods sake and yours, to pardon him this error, and neuer after he would presume any more to offend me. When he saw, that (for your sake) I was silent, he closed fast the window againe, departed as he came, and since I neuer saw him, or heard any tidings of him. Now iudge you, holy Father, whether these be honest courses, or no, and to be endured by any ciuil Gentlewo∣man; neither would I so patiently haue suffered this, but onely in my du∣tifull reuerence to you.

The Ghostly Father hearing this, became the sorrowfullest man in the world, not knowing how to make her any answer, but only demanded of her diuers times, whether she knew him so perfectly, that she did nor mi∣stake him for some other? Quoth she, I would I did not know him from any other. Alas deere daughter (replied the Frier) what can more be sayd in this case, but that it was ouer-much boldnesse, and very il done; & thou shewedst thy selfe a worthy wise woman, in sending him away so merci∣fully, as thou didst. Once more I would entreat thee (deare and vertuous daughter) seeing grace hath hitherto kept thee from dishonor, and twice already thou hast credited my counsell, let me now aduise thee this last time. Spare speech, or complaining to any other of thy friends, and leaue it to me, to try if I can ouercome this vnchained diuel, whom I tooke to be a much more holy man. If I can recall him from this sensuall appetite, I shall account my labour well employed; but if I cannot do it, hence∣forward

(with my blessed benediction) I giue thee leaue to do, euen what thy heart will best tutor thee to. You see Sir (said shee) what manner of man he is, yet would I not haue you troubled or disobeyed, only I desire to liue without disturbance, which work (I beseech you) as best you may: for I promise you, good Father, neuer to solicite you more vppon this occasion: And so, in a pretended rage, shee returned backe from the ghostly Father.

Scarsely was she gone forth of the Church, but in commeth the man that had (supposedly) so much transgressed; and the Fryer taking him a∣side, gaue him the most iniurious words that could be vsed to a man, cal∣ling him disloyall, periured, and a traitor. Hee who had formerly twice perceiued, how high the holy mans anger mounted, did nothing but ex∣pect what he wold say; and, like a man extreamly perplexed, stroue how to get it from him, saying; Holy Father, how come you to be so heinou∣sly offended? What haue I done to incense you so strangely? Heare mee dishonest wretch answered the Frier, listen what I shall say vnto thee. Thou answerest me, as if it were a yeare or two past, since so foule abuses were by thee committed, & they almost quite out of thy remembrance. But tell me wicked man, where wast thou this morning, before breake of the day? Wheresoeuer I was, replyed the Gentleman, mee thinkes the tidings come very quickly to you. It is true, said the Frier, they are spee∣dily come to me indeed, and vpon vrgent necessity.

After a little curbing in of his wrath, somewhat in a milder strain, thus he proceeded. Because the Gentlewomans husband is iourneyed to Ge∣neway, proues this a ladder to your hope, that to embrace her in your armes, you must climbe ouer the Garden wall, like a treacherous robber in the night season, mount vp a tree before her Chamber window, open the Casement, as hoping to compasse that by importunity, which her spotlesse chastity will neuer permit. There is nothing in the world, that possibly she can hate more then you, and yet you will loue her whether she will or no. Many demonstrations her selfe hath made to you, how retrograde you are to any good conceit of her, & my louing admonish∣ments might haue had better successe in you, then as yet they shewe by outward apparance. But one thing I must tell you, her silent sufferance of your iniuries all this while, hath not bin in any respect of you, but at my earnest entreaties, and for my sake. But now shee will be patient no lon∣ger, and I haue giuen her free license, if euer heereafter you offer to at∣tempt her any more, to make her complaint before her Brethren, which wil redound to your no meane danger.

The Gentleman, hauing wisely collected his Loue-lesson out of the Holy Fathers angry words, pacified the good old man so wel as he could with very solemne promises and protestations, that he should heare (no more) any misbehauiour of his. And being gone from him, followed the instructions giuen in her complaint, by climbing ouer the Garden Wall, ascending the Tree, and entering at the Casement, standing ready open to welcome him. Thus the Friers simplicity, wrought on by her

most ingenuous subtiltie, made way to obtaine both their longing de∣sires.