respect; but especially Hermelina, who knew (better then the rest) on
whom shee bestowed her liberall fauours, yet concealing all closely to
her selfe.
After two or three dayes were ouer-past, in these complementall en∣tercoursings
of kindnesse, Thebaldo began to consider, that it was high
time for reconciliation, to be solemnely past betweene his brethren and
Aldobrandino. For, they were not a little amazed at his strange deliue∣rance,
and went likewise continually armed, as standing in feare of Aldo∣brandino
and his friends; which made him the more earnest, for accom∣plishment
of the promise formerly made vnto him. Aldobrandino lo∣uingly
replied, that he was ready to make good his word. Whereupon,
the Pilgrime prouided a goodly Banquet, whereat he purposed to haue
present, Aldobrandino, his daughter, kindred, and their wiues. But first,
himselfe would goe in person, to inuite them in peace to his Banquet, to
performe this desired pacification, and conferred with his brethren, vsing
many pregnant and forcible arguments to them, such as are requisite in
the like discordant cases. In the end, his reasons were so wise, and pre∣uailing
with them, that they willingly condiscended, and thought it no
disparagement to them, for the recouerie of Aldobrandinoes kindnesse
againe, to craue pardon for their great error committed.
On the morrow following, about the houre of dinner time, the foure
brethren of Thebaldo, attired in their mourning garments, with their
wiues and friends, came first to the house of Aldobrandino, who pur∣posely
attended for them, and hauing layd downe their weapons on the
ground: in the presence of all such, as Aldobrandino had inuited as his
witnesses, they offered themselues to his mercy, and humbly required
pardon of him, for the matter wherein they had offended him. Aldo∣brandino,
shedding teares, most louingly embraced them, and (to bee
briefe) pardon whatsoeuer iniuries he had receiued. After this, the sisters
and wiues, all clad in mourning, courteously submitted themselues, and
were graciously welcommed by Madame Hermelina, as also diuers other
Gentlewomen there present with her. Being all seated at the Tables,
which were furnished with such rarities as could be wished for; all things
else deserued their due commendation, but onely sad silence, occasioned
by the fresh remembrance of sorrow, appearing in the habites of Thebal∣does
friends and kindred, which the Pilgrime himselfe plainely perceiued,
to be the onely disgrace to him and his feast. Wherefore, as before hee
had resolued, when time serued to purge away this melancholly; hee
arose from the Table, when some (as yet) had scarce begun to eate, and
thus spake.
Gracious company, there is no defect in this Banquet, and more de∣barres
it of the honour it might else haue, but onely the presence of The∣baldo,
who hauing beene continually in your company, it seemes you are
not willing to take knowledge of him, and therefore I meane my selfe to
shew him. So, vncasing himselfe out of his Pilgrimes clothes, and stand∣ing
in his Hose and Doublet: to their no little admiration, they all knew