The second Nouell.

Page  148 THE Nouell recounted by Madam Fiammetta, caused teares many times in the eyes of all the company; but it being finished, the King shewing a stearne countenance, saide; I should much haue commended the kindnesse of fortune, if in the whole course of my life, I had tasted the least moity of that delight, which Guiscardo receiued by conuersing with faire Ghismonda. Nor neede any of you to wonder thereat, or how it can be otherwise, because hourely I feele a thousand dying torments, without enioying any hope of ease or pleasure: but referring my fortunes to their owne poore condition, it is my will, that Madam Pampinea proceed next in the argument of successelesse loue, according as Madam Fiammetta hath already begun, to let fall more dew-drops on the fire of mine afflicti∣ons. Madam Pampinea perceiuing what a taske was imposed on her, knew well (by her owne disposition) the inclination of the company, whereof shee was more respectiue, then of the Kings command: wherefore, chu∣sing rather to recreate their spirits, then to satisfie the Kings melancholy humour; shee determined to relate a Tale of mirthfull matter, and yet to keepe within compasse of the purposed Argument.

It hath been continually vsed as a common Prouerbe; that a bad man, taken and reputed to be honest and good, may commit many euils, yet neither credited, or suspected: which prouerbe giueth mee very ample matter to speake of, and yet not varying from our intention, concerning the hypocrisie of some religious persons, who hauing their garments long and large, their faces made artificially pale, their language meeke and humble, to get mens goods from them; yet fower, harsh, and stearne enough, in checking and controuling other mens errours, as also in vr∣ging others to giue, and themselues to take, without any other hope or Page  [unnumbered] meanes of saluation. Nor doe they endeauour like other men, to worke out their soules health with feare and trembling; but, euen as if they were sole owners, Lords, and possessors of Paradice, will appoint to euery dy∣ing person, places (there) of greater or lesser excellency, according as they thinke good, or as the legacies left by them are in quantity, where∣by they not onely deceiue themselues, but all such as giue credit to their subtile perswasions. And were it lawfull for me, to make knowne no more then is meerely necessary; I could quickly disclose to simple credu∣lous people, what craft lieth concealed vnder their holy habites: and I would wish, that their lies and deluding should speed with them, as they did with a Franciscane Friar, none of the younger Nouices, but one of them of greatest reputation, and belonging to one of the best Monaste∣ries in Venice. Which I am the rather desirous to report, to recreate your spirits, after your teares for the death of faire Ghismonda.

Sometime (Honourable Ladies) there liued in the City of Imola, a man of most lewd and wicked life; named, Bertho de la massa, whose shamelesse deedes were so well knowne to all the Citizens, and won such respect among them; as all his lies could not compasse any beleefe, no, not when he deliuered a matter of sound truth. Wherefore, perceiuing that his lewdnesse allowed him no longer dwelling there; like a desperate aduenturer▪ he transported himselfe thence to Venice, the receptacle of all foule sinne and abhomination, intending there to exercise his wonted bad behauiour, and liue as wickedly as euer he had done before. It came to passe, that some remorse of conscience tooke hold of him, for the for∣mer passages of his dissolute life, and he pretended to be surprized with very great deuotion, becomming much more Catholike then any other man, taking on him the profession of a Franciscane Cordelier, and calling himselfe Fryar Albert of Imola.

In this habite and outward appearance, hee seemed to leade an au∣stere and sanctimonious life, highly commending penance & abstinence, neuer eating flesh, or drinking wine, but when hee was prouided of both in a close corner. And before any person could take notice thereof, hee became (of a theefe) Ruffian, forswearer and murtherer, as formerly he had beene a great Preacher; yet not abandoning the forenamed vices, when secretly he could put any of them in execution. Moreouer, being made Priest, when he was celebrating Masse at the Altar, if he saw him∣selfe to be obserued by any; he would most mournefully reade the passi∣on of our Sauiour, as one whose teares cost him little, whensoeuer hee pleased to vse them: so that, in a short while, by his preaching and teares, he fed the humours of the Venetians so pleasingly; that they made him ex∣ecutour (well neere) of all their Testaments, yea, many chose him as depo∣sitary or Guardion of their monies; because he was both Confessour and Councellor, almost to all the men and women.

By this well seeming out-side of sanctity, the Wolfe became a Shep∣heard, and his renown for holinesse was so famous in those parts, as Saint Frances himselfe had hardly any more. It fortuned, that a young Gen∣tlewoman, Page  149 being somewhat foolish, wanton and proud minded, named Madam Lisetta de Caquirino, wife to a wealthy Merchant, who went with certaine Gallies into Flanders, and there lay as Lieger long time, in com∣pany of other Gentlewomen, went to be confessed by this ghostly Fa∣ther; kneeling at his feete, although her heart was high enough, like a proud minded woman, (for Venetians are presumptuous, vaine-glorious, and witted much like to their skittish Gondoloes) she made a very short rehearsall of her sinnes. At length Fryar Albert demanded of her, whe∣ther shee had any amorous friend or louer? Her patience being excee∣dingly prouoked, stearne anger appeared in her lookes, which caused her to returne him this answer. How now Sir Domine? what? haue you no eyes in your head? Can you not distinguish between mine, and these o∣ther common beauties? I could haue Louers enow, if I were so pleased; but those perfections remaining in me, are not to be affected by this man, or that. How many beauties haue you beheld, any way answerable to mine, and are more fit for Gods, then mortals.

Many other idle speeches shee vttered, in proud opinion of her beau∣ty, whereby Friar Albert presently perceiued, that this Gentlewoman had but a hollow braine, and was fit game for folly to flye at; which made him instantly enamoured of her, and that beyond all capacity of resisting, which yet he referred to a further, and more commodious time. Neuer∣thelesse, to shew himselfe an holy and religious man now, he began to reprehend her, and told her plainely, that she was vain-glorious, and o∣uercome with infinite follies. Hereupon, she called him a logger headed beast, and he knew not the difference between an ordinary complexion, and beauty of the highest merit. In which respect, Friar Albert, being loth to offend her any further; after confession was fully ended, let her passe away among the other Gentlewomen, she giuing him diuers disdainfull lookes.

Within some few dayes after, taking one of his trusty brethren in his company, he went to the House of Madam Lisetta, where requiring to haue some conference alone with her selfe; shee tooke him into a priuate Parlor, and being there, not to be seene by any body, he fell on his knees before her, speaking in this manner. Madam, for charities sake, and in regard of your own most gracious nature, I beseech you to pardon those harsh speeches, which I vsed to you the other day, when you were with me at confession: because, the very night ensuing thereon, I was chastised in such such cruell manner, as I was neuer able to stirre forth of my bed, vntill this very instant morning; whereto the weake witted Gentlewoman thus replyed. And who I pray you (quoth she) did chastise you so seuere∣ly? I will tell you Madam, said Friar Albert, but it is a matter of admira∣ble secrecie.

Being alone by my selfe the same night in my Dorter, and in very se∣rious deuotion, according to my vsuall manner: suddenly I saw a bright splendour about me, and I could no sooner arise to discerne what it might be, and whence it came, but I espied a very goodly young Lad standing Page  [unnumbered] by me, holding a golden Bow in his hand, and a rich Quiuer of Arrowes hanging at his back. Catching fast hold on my Hood, against the ground he threw me rudely, trampling on me with his feete, and beating me with so many cruell blowes, that I thought my body to be broken in peeces. Then I desired to know, why he was so rigorous to me in his correction? Because (quoth he) thou didst so saucily presume this day, to reproue the celestiall beauty of Madam Lisetta, who (next to my Mother Venus) I loue most dearely. Whereupon I perceiued, he was the great comman∣ding God Cupid, and therefore I craued most humbly pardon of him. I will pardon thee (quoth he) but vpon this condition, that thou goe to her so soone as conueniently thou canst, and (by lowly humility) preuaile to obtaine her free pardon: which if she will not vouchsafe to grant thee, then shall I in stearne anger returne againe, and lay so many torturing af∣flictions on thee, that all thy whole life time shall be most hateful to thee. And what the displeased God saide else beside, I dare not disclose, ex∣cept you please first to pardon me.

Mistresse shallow braine, being swolne big with this wind, like an emp∣ty bladder; conceiued no small pride in hearing these words, constantly crediting them to be true, and therefore thus answered. Did I not tel you Father Albert, that my beauty was celestiall? But I sweare by my beauty, notwithstanding your idle passed arrogancy, I am heartily sorry for your so seuere correction; which that it may no more be inflicted on you, I doe freely pardon you; yet with this prouiso, that you tell me, what the God else saide vnto you; whereto Fryar Albert thus replyed. Madam, seeing you haue so graciously vouchsafed to pardon me, I will thankfully tell you all: but you must be very carefull and respectiue, that whatsoeuer I shall reueale vnto you, must so closely be concealed, as no liuing crea∣ture in the World may know it; for you are the onely happy Lady now liuing, and that happinesse relieth on your silence and secrecie: with so∣lemne vowes and protestations shee sealed vp her many promises, and then the Fryar thus proceeded.

Madam, the further charge imposed on me by God Cupid, was to tell you, that himselfe is so extremely enamoured of your beauty, and you are become so gracious in his affection; as, many nights he hath come to see you in your Chamber, sitting on your pillow, while you slept sweetly, and desiring very often to awake you, but onely fearing to affright you. Wherefore, now he sends you word by me, that one night he intendeth to come visite you, and to spend some time in conuersing with you. But in regard he is a God, and meerely a spirit in forme, whereby neither you or any else haue capacity of beholding him, much lesse to touch or feele him: he saith, that (for your sake) he will come in the shape of a man, gi∣uing me charge also to know of you, when you shall please to haue him come, and in whose similitude you would haue him to come, whereof he will not faile; in which respect, you may iustly thinke your selfe to be the onely happy woman liuing, and farre beyond all other in your good fortune.

Page  150 Mistris want-wit presently answered, shee was well contented, that God Cupid should loue her, and she would returne the like loue againe to him; protesting withall, that wheresoeuer shee should see his maiesticall picture, she would set a hallowed burning Taper before it. Moreouer, at all times he should be most welcome to her, whensoeuer hee would vouchsafe to visite her; for, he should alwayes finde her alone in her pri∣uate Chamber: on this condition, that his olde Loue Psyches, and all o∣ther beauties else whatsoeuer, must be set aside, and none but her selfe on∣ly to be his best Mistresse, referring his personall forme of appearance, to what shape himselfe best pleased to assume, so that it might not be fright∣full, or offensiue to her.

Madam (quoth Friar Albert) most wisely haue you answered, & leaue the matter to me; for I will take order sufficiently, and to your content∣ment. But you may do me a great grace, and without any preiudice to your selfe, in granting me one poore request; namely, to vouchsafe the Gods appearance to you, in my bodily shape and person, and in the per∣fect forme of a man as now you behold me, so may you safely giue him entertainment, without any taxation of the world, or ill apprehension of the most curious inquisition. Beside, a greater happinesse can neuer be∣fall me: for, while he assumeth the soule out of my body, and walketh on the earth in my humane figure: I shall be wandering in the ioyes of Lo∣uers Paradise, feeling the fruition of their felicities; which are such, as no mortality can be capeable of, no, not so much as in imagination.

The wise Gentlewoman replied, that she was well contented, in re∣gard of the seuere punishment inflicted on him by God Cupid, for the re∣proachfull speeches he had giuen her; to allow him so poore a kinde of consolation, as he had requested her to grant him. Whereuppon Fryar Albert saide: Be ready then Madam to giue him welcome to morrow in the euening, at the entering into your house, for comming in an humane body, he cannot but enter at your doore, whereas, if (in powerfull man∣ner) he made vse of his wings, he then would flye in at your window, and then you could not be able to see him.

Vpon this conclusion, Albert departed, leauing Lisetta in no meane pride of imagination, that God Cupid should bee enamored of her beau∣ty; and therefore she thought each houre a yeare, till she might see him in the mortall shape of Friar Albert. And now was his braine wonder∣fully busied, to visite her in more then common or humane manner; and therefore he made him a sute (close to his body) of white Taffata, all pou∣dred ouer with Starres, and spangles of Gold, a Bow and Quiuer of Ar∣rowes, with wings also fastened to his backe behinde him, and all cun∣ningly couered with his Friars habit, which must be the sole meanes for his safe passage.

Hauing obtained licence of his Superiour, and being accompanyed with an holy Brother of the Conuent, yet ignorant of the businesse by him intended; he went to the house of a friend of his, which was his vsu∣all receptacle, whensoeuer he went about such deeds of darknes. There Page  [unnumbered] did he put on his dissembled habit of God Cupid, with his winges, Bowe, and Quiuer, in formall fashion; and then (clouded ouer with his Monkes Cowle) leaues his companion to awaite his returning backe, while he vi∣sited foolish Lisetta, according to her expectation, readily attending for the Gods arriuall.

Albert being come to the house, knocked at the doore, and the Maid admitting him entrance, according as her Mistresse had appointed, shee conducted him to her Mistresses Chamber, where laying aside his Friars habite, and she seeing him shine with such glorious splendour, adding action also to his assumed dissimulation, with maiesticke motion of his body, wings, and bow, as if he had bene God Cupid, indeede conuerted into a body much bigger of stature, then Painters commonly do describe him, her wisedome was so ouercome with feare and admiration, that she fell on her knees before him, expressing all humble reuerence vnto him. And he spreading his wings ouer her, as with wiers and strings hee had made them pliant; shewed how graciously he accepted her humiliation; folding her in his armes, and sweetly kissing her many times together, with repetition of his entire loue and affection towards her. So delicate∣ly was he perfumed with odorifferous sauours, and so compleate of per∣son in his spangled garments, that she could do nothing else, but wonder at his rare behauiour, reputing her felicity beyond all Womens in the world, and vtterly impossible to bee equalled, such was the pride of her presuming. For he told her diuers tales and fables, of his awefull power among the other Gods, and stolne pleasures of his vpon the earth; yet gracing her praises aboue all his other Loues, and vowes made now, to affect none but her onely, as his often visitations should more constant∣ly assure her, that shee verily credited all his protestations, and thought his kisses and embraces, •arre to exceed any mortall comparison.

After they had spent so much time in amorous discoursing, as might best fit with this their first meeting, and stand cleare from suspition on ei∣ther side: our Albert-Cupid, or Cupid-Albert, which of thē you best please to terme him, closing his spangled winges together againe behinde his backe, fastening also on his Bow and Quiuer of Arrowes, ouer-clouds all with his religious Monkes Cowle, and then with a parting kisse or two, returned to the place where he had left his fellow and companion, per∣haps imployed in as deuout an exercise, as he had bin in his absence from him; whence both repayring home to the Monastery, all this nightes wandering was allowed as tollerable, by them who made no spare of do∣ing the like.

On the morrow following, Madam Lisetta immediately after dinner, being attended by her Chamber-maid, went to see Friar Albert, finding him in his wonted forme and fashion, and telling him what had hapned betweene her and God Cupid, with all the other lies and tales which hee had told her. Truly Madam (answered Albert) what your successe vvith him hath beene, I am no way able to comprehend; but this I can assure you, that so soone as I had acquainted him with your answer, I felt a so∣daine Page  151 rapture made of my soule, and visibly (to my apprehension) saw it carried by Elues and Fairies, into the floury fields about Elisium, vvhere Louers departed out of this life, vvalk among the beds of Lillies and Ro∣ses, such as are not in this world to be seene, neither to be imagined by a∣ny humane capacity. So super-abounding was the pleasure of this ioy and solace, that, how long I continued there, or by what meanes I vvas transported hither againe this morning, it is beyond all ability in mee to expresse, or how I assumed my body againe after that great God hadde made vse thereof to your seruice. Well Friar Albert (quoth shee) you may see what an happinesse hath befalne you, by so grosse an opinion of my perfections, and what a felicity you enioy, and still are like to do, by my pardoning your error, and granting the Gods accesse to me in your shape: which as I enuy not, so I wish you heereafter to be wiser, in taking vpon you to iudge of beautie. Much other idle folly proceeded from hir, which still he soothed to her contentment, and (as occasion serued) ma∣ny meetings they had in the former manner.

It fortuned within a few dayes after, that Madam Lisetta being in com∣pany with one of her Gossips, and their conference (as commonly it fal∣leth out to be) concerning other women of the City; their beautie, be∣hauiour, amorous suters and seruants, and generall opinion conceiued of their worth and merit; wherein Lisetta was ouer-much conceyted of her selfe, not admitting any other to be her equall. Among other spee∣ches, sauouring of an vnseasoned braine: Gossip (quoth she) if you knew what account is made of my beauty, and who holdes it in no meane esti∣mation, you would then freely confesse, that I deserue to bee preferred before any other. As women are ambitious in their owne opinions, so commonly are they couetous of one anothers secrets, especially in mat∣ter of emulation, whereupon the Gossip thus replyed. Beleeue me Ma∣dam, I make no doubt but your speeches may bee true, in regard of your admired beauty, and many other perfections beside: yet let me tell you, priuiledges, how great and singular soeuer they be, without they are kno∣wen to others, beside such as do particularly enioy them; they carrie no more account, then things of ordinary estimation. Wheras on the con∣trary, when any Lady or Gentlewoman hath some eminent and peculiar fauour, which few or none other can reach vnto, and it is made famous by generall notion: then do all women else admire and honor her, as the glory of their kinde, and a miracle of Nature.

I perceiue Gossip said Lisetta wherat you ayme, & such is my loue to you, as you should not lose your longing in this case, were I but constantly se∣cured of your secrecy, which as hitherto I haue bene no way able to tax, so would I be loth now to be more suspitious of then needs. But yet this matter is of such maine moment, that if you will protest as you are truely vertuous, neuer to reueale it to any liuing body, I will disclose to you al∣most a miracle. The vertuous oath being past, with many other solemne protestations beside, Lisetta then proceeded in this manner.

I know Gossip, that it is a matter of common & ordinary custome, for Page  [unnumbered] Ladies and Gentlewomen to be graced with fauourites, men of fraile & mortall conditions, whose natures are as subiect to inconstancy, as their very best endeuours dedicated to folly, as I could name no mean number of our Ladies heere in Venice. But when Soueraigne deities shal feele the impression of our humane desires, and behold subiects of such preuailing efficacy, as to subdue their greatest power, yea, and make them enamored of mortall creatures: you may well imagine Gossip, such a beauty is supe∣riour to any other. And such is the happy fortune of your friend Lisetta, of whose perfections, great Cupid the awefull commanding God of Loue himselfe, conceiued such an extraordinary liking: as he hath abandoned his seate of supreme Maiesty, and appeared to me in the shape of a mor∣tall man, with liuely expression of his amorous passions, and what extre∣mities of anguish he hath endured, onely for my loue. May this be possi∣ble? replyed the Gossip. Can the Gods be toucht with the apprehensi∣on of our fraile passions? True it is Gossip, answered Lisetta, and so cer∣tainly true, that his sacred kisses, sweet embraces, and most pleasing spee∣ches, with proffer of his continuall deuotion towards me, hath giuen me good cause to confirme what I say, and to thinke my felicity farre beyond all other womens, being honoured with his often nightly visitations.

The Gossip inwardly smiling at her idle speeches, which (neuertheles) she auouched with very vehement asseuerations: fell instantly sicke of womens naturall disease, thinking euery minute a tedious month, till she were in company with some other Gossips, to breake the obligation of her vertuous promise, and that others (as well as her selfe) might laugh at the folly of this shallow-witted woman. The next day following, it was her hap to be at a wedding, among a great number of other women, whō quickly she acquainted with this so strange a wonder; as they did the like to their husbands: and passing so from hand to hand, in lesse space then two daies, all Venice was fully possessed with it.

Among the rest, the brethren to this foolish woman, heard this admi∣rable newes concerning their Sister; and they discreetly concealing it to themselues, closely concluded, to watch the walks of this pretended god: and if he soared not too lofty a flight, they would clip his wings, to come the better acquainted with him. It fortuned, that the Friar hearing his Cupidicall visitations ouer-publikely discouered, purposed to check and reproue Lisetta for her indiscretion. And being habited according to his former manner, his Friarly Cowle couering al his former brauery, he left his companion where he vsed to stay, and closely walked along vnto the house. No sooner was he entred, but the Brethren being ambushed neer to the doore, went in after him, and ascending the staires, by such time as he had vncased himselfe, and appeared like God Cupid, with his spangled wings displayed: they rushed into the Chamber, and he hauing no other refuge, opened a large Casement, standing directly ouer the great gulfe or Riuer, and presently leapt into the water; which being deepe, and hee skilfull in swimming, he had no other harme by his fall, albeit the sodain affright did much perplex him.

Page  152 Recouering the further side of the Riuer, he espied a light, & the doore of an house open, wherein dwelt a poore man, whom he earnestly intrea∣ted, to saue both his life and reputation, telling him many lies and tales by what meanes he was thus disguised, and throwne by night-walking Vil∣laines into the water. The poore man, being moued to compassionate his distressed estate, laid him in his owne bed, ministring such other com∣forts to him, as the time and his pouerty did permit; and day drawing on, he went about his businesse, aduising him to take his rest, and it should not be long till he returned. So, locking the doore, and leauing the coun∣terfe• God in bed, away goes the poore man to his daily labor. The Bre∣thren to Lisetta, perceiuing God Cupid to bee fled and gone, and shee in melancholly sadnesse sitting by them: they tooke vp the Reliques he had left behind him, I meane the Friars hood and Cowle, which shewing to their sister, and sharply reprouing her vnwomanly behauiour: they lefte her in no meane discomfort, returning home to their owne houses, with their conquered spoiles of the forlorne Friar.

During the time of these occurrences, broad day speeding on, & the poore man returning homeward by the Rialto, to visit his guest so lefte in bed: he beheld diuers crouds of people, and a generall rumor noysed a∣mong them, that God Cupid had beene that night with Madame Lisetta, where being ouer-closely pursued by her Brethren, for fear of being sur∣prized, he leapt out of her window into the gulfe, and no one could tell what was become of him. Heereupon, the poore man beganne to ima∣gine that the guest entertained by him in the night time, must needs bee the same supposed God Cupid, as by his wings and other embellishments appeared: wherefore being come home, and sitting downe on the beds side by him, after some few speeches passing between them, he knew him to be Friar Albert, who promised to giue him fifty ducates, if hee would not betray him to Lisettaes brethren.

Vpon the acceptation of this offer, the money being sent for, and pai∣ed downe; there wanted nothing now, but some apt and conuenient meanes, whereby Albert might safely be conueyed into the Monasterie, which being wholly referred to the poore mans care and trust, thus hee spake. Sir, I see no likely-hoode of your cleare escaping home, except in this manner as I aduise you. We obserue this day as a merry Festiuall, & it is lawfull for any one, to disguise a man in the skin of a Beare, or in the shape of a sauage man, or any other forme of better deuice. Which be∣ing so done, he is brought vpon S. Marks market place, where being hun∣ted a while with dogs, vpon the huntings conclusion, the Feast is ended; and then each man leades his monster whether him pleaseth. If you can accept any of these shapes, before you bee seene heere in my poore abi∣ding, then can I safely (afterward) bring you where you would bee. O∣therwise, I see no possible meanes, how you may escape hence vnknown; for it is without all question to the contrary, that the Gentlewomans bre∣thren, knowing your concealment in some one place or other, wil set such spies and watches for you throughout the City, as you must needs be ta∣ken by them.

Page  [unnumbered] Now, although it seemed a most seuere imposition, for Albert to passe in any of these disguises: yet his exceeding feare of Lisettaes brethren and friends, made him gladly yeelde, and to vndergo what shape the poore man pleased, which thus he ordered. Annointing his naked body with Hony, he then couered it ouer with downy small Feathers, and fastning a chaine about his necke, and a strange vgly vizard on his face; hee gaue him a great staffe in the one hand, and two huge Mastiue dogs chained together in the other, which he had borrowed in the Butchery. After∣ward, he sent a man to the Rialto, who there proclaimed by the sound of Trumpet: That all such as desired to see God Cupid, which the last night had descended downe from the skies, and fell (by ill hap) into the Veneti∣an gulfe, let them repaire to the publike Market place of S. Marke, and there he would appeare in his owne likenesse.

This being done, soone after he left his house, and leading him thus disguised along by his chaine, hee was followed by great crowds of peo∣ple, euery one questioning of whence, and what he was. In which man∣ner, he brought him to the Market place, where an infinite number of people were gathered together, as well of the followers, as of them that before heard the proclamation. There he made choise of a pillar, which stood in a place somewhat highly exalted, wherto he chained his sauage man, making shew, as if he meant to awaite there, till the hunting shold begin: in which time, the Flies, Waspes, and Hornets, did so terribly sting his naked body, being annointed with Hony, that he endured ther∣by vnspeakable anguish. When the poore man saw, that there needed no more concourse of people; pretending, as if he purposed to let loose his Saluage man; he tooke the maske or vizard from Alberts face, and then he spake aloud in this manner.

Gentlemen and others, seeing the wilde Boare commeth not to our hunting, because I imagine that he cannot easily be found: I meane (to the end you may not lose your labour in comming hither) to shew you the great God of Loue called Cupid, whom Poets feigned long since to be a little boy, but now growne to manly stature. You see in what ma∣ner he hath left his high dwelling, onely for the comfort of our Venetian beauties: but belike, the night-fogs ouer-flagging his wings, he fell into our gulfe, and comes ow to present his seruice to you. No sooner had he taken off his vizard, but euery one knew him to be Friar Albert; and sodainly arose such shoutes and out-cries, with most bitter words brea∣thed forth against him, hurling also stones, durt and filth in his face, that his best acquaintance then could take no knowledge of him, and not any one pittying his abusing.

So long continued the offended people in their fury, that newes ther∣of was carried to the Conuent, and six of his Religious brethren came, who casting an habite about him, and releasing him from his chain, they led him to the Monastery, not without much mollestation and trouble of the people; where imprisoning him in their house, seueritie of some inflicted punishment, or rather conceite for his open shame, shortned Page  153 his dayes, and so he dyed. Thus you see faire Ladies, when licentious life must be clouded with a cloake of sanctity, and euill actions dayly committed, yet escaping vncredited: there will come a time at length, for iust discouering of all, that the good may shine in their true luster of glory, and the bad sinke in their owne deserued shame.