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