The works of the famous Nicholas Machiavel, citizen and secretary of Florence written originally in Italian, and from thence newly and faithfully translated into English.

THE MARRIAGE OF BELPHEGOR. BY Nicholas Machiavel.

IT is recorded in the ancient Chronicles of Florence, that a certain holy Person, whose life was the admiration of that age, falling one day into a Trance, had a very strange apparition: it seemed to him, that the souls of married men that came trooping in great numbers to Hell, cried out all of them as they passed, that their Marriage was the cause of their misery, and their Wives the occasion of their coming thither: Minos Radamanth, and the whole infernal Privy-Council were amazed at the clamour; at first they could not believe there was any thing in the business, but at last observing the same complaints continually multiplyed, they thought it fit to make Pluto acquainted: Pluto un∣derstanding the report, without imparting any thing to his wife, (who had taken Physick that week, and kept her Chamber) resolved the matter should be accurately examined, and such course be taken, as was likeliest to make the speediest discovery of the truth: he issued out his Writs immediately, and assembled his Courts; his Princes, Dukes, Counts and Barons were all present; never was Senate so full, nor never was affair of that impor∣tance before it: the holy Father that beheld all, affirms positively, that Pluto delivered himself in this manner.

Right Trusty and well-Beloved,

Though our Kingdom was assigned us from Heaven, and the fatal decree has anciently de∣termined our Dominion: though that sentence be irrevocable, and above the cognisance of any humane Power; yet seeing his prudence is most safe, that is dictated by Laws; and his judg∣ment most solid, that is fortified with others; we are resolved to take your counsels along with us, which way we are to steer in an affair, that otherwise may prove (in time) of great dishonour to our Government. The souls of married men, that are continually flocking into our Domi∣nions, do unanimously exclaim against their Wives, as the only persons that send them tumbling hither; to us it seems impossible: yet forasmuch as a peremptory and determinate sentence up∣on their bare allegations, would not suite with our Satanical mercy; so a careless pretermission on the other side could not be without reflexion on our Iustice: that matters of such impor∣tance therefore may have their due disquisition, and our administration be defended from obloquy or scandal, that no inconveniency may follow for want of deliberation, and that some better expe∣dient may be found out, than ourselves have happily thought on, we have thought good to call you together, being confident, and assured by the assistance of your counsels, the honour and reputa∣tion of our Empire will be continued as unquestionable for the future, as it has been preserved hitherto, by our own proper care and solicitude.

There was not one present, but acknowledged it a business of importance, and well worthy an exact consideration: it was the opinion of the whole Board, that all imaginable means ••as ••p be used to find out the truth, but what means that was, could not be agreed on; some were of opinion, a single person▪ was to be dispatch'd into this World, and no more; others judged it better to send several, and that the discovery would be more cer∣tain from the experience of many, than of one; a third sort, more brisk and severe in their counsels, thought that clutter unnecessary, and that clapping good store of them to∣gether upon the rack, would be enough doubtless to extort a confession. However it was at last carried by the plurality of voices, that a single person only should be sent, and in

this resolution the whole company acquiesced, nevertheless there being no body found that would voluntarily undertake the employment, it was concluded the election should be by lot; and that the same time, having made their billets, and shuffled them, the lot fell up∣on Belphegor.

One may say, and say true, that fortune never decided any thing so justly; for Belphegor was no ordinary Devil; and Pluto having made him formerly Generalissimo of his Armies 'tis to be presumed he was no novice; for all this he had a months mind to be quit of his embassy; but the order being unalterable, he was forced to submit, and accept these con∣ditions that were solemnly decreed, That an hundred thousand Ducats should be paid him immediately, to defray the expences of his journey; that he should assume the shape of a man; that he should take a woman to his wedded Wife, and live with her (if possible) ten years; that at the end of the term, (pretending to die) he should give her the slip, repair immediately to his old quarters, and make affidavit upon his own experience of all the pleasures and cala∣mities of Matrimony. It was declared to him also, that during this metamorphosis, he was to be subiect to the pains and misfortunes of humanity, as sickness, imprisonment, and poverty: but that if by his cunning or dexterity he could disintangle himself, it should be allowed him and not imputed as any scandal or reproach, Belphegor accepts the conditions, receives his Ducats, and having drawn a spruce party of horse out of his Guards, and furnished himself with Pages and Footmen good store, he set out immediately for this World, and arrived at Florence in a very fair equipage: he chose that place above all other, for the conveniency of improving his monies, and putting it to interest with greater advantage. He called himself Don Roderick of Castile; he took a very noble House in the Fauxburg of All-Saints; and that his quality might be undiscovered, he gave out that he was a Spaniard, that being young he took a Voyage into Syria, that he had dwelt some time in Aleppo, where he had got most part of his Estate: but being weary there, he was come into Italy, as a Country more agreeable with his humour, with intention (if any fair opportunity was offered) to marry: Don Roderick seemed to be a very handsome man, about thirty years of age; and in short time after his arrival, he made it evident enough that he was rich, and by his liberality, that he knew how to make the best use of them; insomuch as several Gentlemen of Florence, that had more Daughters than money; took all possible pains to in∣sinuate how welcome he should be into their alliance. Don Roderick, that had choice of Mistresses, preferr'd one that was transcendently handsome before them all, the story says, she was called Honesta, and was the Daughter of Americ Donati, who had three more also to marry, and three Sons between twenty or twenty five years of age: but though Seigneur Americ was of one of the noblest Families of Florence, yet he was look'd upon as down the wind, and one that was overlaid with too many childeren, and the unavoidable charges of his Nobility: but Don Roderick took an order for that, defraying the whole expence of his Wedding; out of his own purse managing all things with that splendor and magni∣ficence, that there was nothing omitted that was desirable upon such an occasion. It was mentioned before, as one of the conditions proposed to Belphegor, that as soon as he was out of the Infernal dominions, he should be subject to all the passions of mankind; and accordingly he began immediately to take delight in the honours and gallantry of the World; and as cunning a Devil as he was, to be wheedled with the flatteries and ap∣plauses of men: but that which delighted him so much, cost him dear; besides that he had not been long with Honesta, but he fell stark mad in love with her, and finding some∣thing or other extraordinary in her, that I cannot think of, he was so far inamoured, he ne∣ver thought himself happy before; insomuch as when she was melancholy, or out of hu∣mour, he would curse his Commission, and take his corporal Oath his very life was tedious. On the other side it was not to be forgot, that Honesta marrying Roderick, and bringing him Beauty and Nobility instead of a Portion, she thought it not fit to leave her pride and un∣tractableness behind her; these two good qualities were so eminently in her, that Roderick who had been used to Lucifers, and had more than once had experience of it, swore point-blank his Wives insolence was beyond it: for when she once found the fondness and pas∣sion her Husband had for her, believing she could manage him with a switch, and order him as she pleased, she carried her self like his Soveraign, and handled him without pity or respect; and if it happened he denied her any thing, she gave him immediately to under∣stand, that she was also as ••loquent in scoulding, as others of her quality. By this you may Judge what a cooler this was to Don Roderick: nevertheless the consideration of his Father-in-Law, his Wives Brothers, the Kindred he had by that blessed Marriage, but above all the passion and tenderness he had for her, made him endure all patiently. I shall not men∣tion the expence of his clothes, which though never so rich, he was forced to change every week, according to the ordinary vanity of the Ladies in Florence. Besides these, there

were other things were of no less inconvenience; he was forced (to preserve the peace) to assist his Father-in-Law in the Marriage of his other Daughters, which cost him a good round sum: moreover that all things might go well, and his correspondency continue with his Consort, he was glad to send one of her Brothers into the Levant with woollen Stuffs, another into France and Spain with Silks, and to furnish the third with wherewithal to set up a Goldsmith's-shop in Florence: all which afflictions together were sufficient to dis∣compose any Devil of a thousand, yet he had other thrown into the bargain: there is not any Town in all Italy more extravagant in their expences, in their Carnivals and Feasts of St. Iohn, than Florence; and Honesta upon that occasion must needs have her Roderick out-do all people of his Rank, in the sumptuousness of his Entertainments, in the magnificence of his Balls, and other divertisements that are usual at those times: he suffered all these ca∣lamities for the same reasons he endured the rest; and though perhaps these difficulties were very hard and unpleasant, he would have thought them supportable, could he have been satisfied, his patience would have procured any quietness in his Family, and that he might have peaceably attended the hour of his destruction. But Don Roderick found the clear contrary; besides the expence your have heard she occasioned, her insolence was accom∣panied with a thousand other, inconveniencies, insomuch as he could keep neither officer nor servant in his house above three days together. This was severe trouble to him to find it was impossible for him to keep any body about him, though never so well experi∣enced or affected to his affairs: nor indeed could any body blame them for taking their leaves, when the Devils themselves that he brought along with him, did chose rather to return, and toast the bottoms of their feet against the fire of Hell, than live in this World under the dominion of so super-devillish a woman. Roderick's life being thus miserably uncomfortable, and his stock that he had reserved, exhausted by her extravagant expences, he was reduced to that pass, he subsisted only upon the hopes of the advantage he should make by the return of some Vessels he had sent into the East and West. And whereas be∣fore he had very good credit in that Town, to continue it, and keep up his Port, he borrowed mony of such as are used in that place to put it out; but those kind of people being such, as are not usually sleepy or negligent in their affairs, they took notice immediately he was not over-punctual to his day: his purse being already empty, and he reduced to the highest extremity, at one dash he receives news of two as disasterous accidents as could possibly be∣fall him. The first was, that one of Honestas Brothers had lost at Hazzard all that Roderick had intrusted in his hands; and the other was no more welcom, which was, that his other Brother-in-Law returning into Italy, was himself cast away, and all his goods. The business was no sooner known in Florence, but his Creditors had a meeting, where giving him over for one that was irrecoverably lost, and not daring to discover themselves, be∣cause the time of payment was not yet come, they concluded he was to be watch'd very close, least he should chouse them, and shew them a light pair of heels. Don Roderick of Castile on the other side, considering with himself his affairs were past remedy, and also the term he was obliged to by the infernal Law, resolves to take horse and be gone without more ado, which he performed without much difficulty, living conveniently for that by the Port del Prato: yet he was no sooner march'd off, but his alarm was taken by his Credi∣tors; they repair immediately to the Magistrates, and pursue him not only with Post and Officers, but lest a certain number of Ducats should debauch that kind of Cattle, who are no better in Italy than other places, and prevail with them for an abatement of their speed, they follow him themselves in a full body, with impatience of hearing some tidings of him. Roderick in the mean time was no fool, but considered very well what he had to do; as soon as he was gallop'd about half a league from the Town, he leaves the high-way, and his horse with it, (the Country being inclosed, and full of ditches on both sides) and was forced to make the rest of his journey on foot, which he did very succesfully; for wandring up and down under the shelter of the Vines and Reeds that abound much in those parts, he arrived at last at Peretola, at the house of Iean Matteo del Bricca, Baily to Iean del Bene.

By very good fortune he meets Matteo carrying fodder to his Cattle; he accosts him im∣mediately, and promises him as he was a Gentleman, that if he would deliver him from the Catchpoles that were in pursuit of him, with design to clap him up, and starve him in Prison, he had an invention in his pate would make him rich out of hand, and of this he would give such evidence before he departed, as should assure him of his truth and fidelity; and if I do not, says he, with a damn'd imprecation, I will be content to be delivered up into their clutches that persecute me. Now you must understand, that though Matteo was an Hinde and a Peasant, yet the fellow had cunning enough, and knew on which side his bread was buttered; he considered, if he undertook him, and miscarried, he had nothing

to lose; and that if he succeeded, he should be made for ever; without any more ado therefore he promises him protection, and clapping him close upon a dunghill that was before the gate, he covered him over with brush-faggots and reeds, and such other fewel as lay there in readiness for the fire: and indeed he was no sooner in his retirements, but in came the Creditors with full cry; they swaggered and laid about them like Lords, but all to no purpose, Matteo could not be persuaded to confess so much as that he saw him; inso∣much as marching on still in the pursuit, but with as little success as they came thither, they gave Roderick and their Money over for lost, and returned to Florence every jot as wise as they were before: The Coast being clear in this manner, and the alarm over, Matteo steals to the closet where he had left Roderick, gives him a little fresh air, and conjures him to be as good as his word: Roderick was very honest in that point, and I dare say never any Devil, as to matters of gratitude, had more of a Gentleman; he gave him thanks for the great obligation he had received: he swore over and over again, he would do what ever lay in his power to discharge himself of his promise, and in the heat and height of his com∣pliments, to convince him that he meant as he said, he gives him the whole story as you have had it, and at last told him the very way that he had pitch'd upon to make him a Prince: know then, sayes he, that whenever you hear of any Lady that is possess'd, 'tis no other Devil but I that have possess'd her; and be sure I will never leave her, till you come your self and force me from my quarters, after which you have with enough to make your own terms for your payment. They had very few words more, he only gave him the Sum∣merset once or twice, and shewed him two or three jugling tricks, and vanish'd.

A while after there was a great noise about the Town, that Mes. Ambrosio Amidei's Daughter, that was Married to Bonaculo Thebalducci's Son, was possess'd; her Father and Mother did not fail to use all the remedies are usual in so deplorable a case; they brought before her St. Zanobes Head, and St. I. Galbert's Cloak, which was nuts to Belphegor, and made him nothing but laugh: There was no body in her but Don Roderick de Castile, who was as ingenious a Gentleman-devil as one would wish, and that the world might take no∣tice that this was no fantastick imagination, nor fit of the Night-mare, nor any such trifle, but that she was really possessed, she spake Latin better than Tully ever Writ, disputed in Philosophy, and discovered the secrets and sins of several people that were there, who were very much surprized to find the Devil concern himself with those kind of affairs.

Amongst the rest there was one holy Father he did a great discourtesie to, in blurting out before the whole company, as if he had kept a young Lass four years together in his Cell, in the habit of a young Monk; and after all this, let any body judge whether the profession was not like to be true; Ambrosio in the mean time was in great affliction for his Daughter; he had tryed all the ways that Physick or Religion could propose, but to no purpose; so as he was brought to the highest point of despair, when Matteo came to him, and undertook the cure of his Daughter, if he would give him five hundred Florins, which he designed to lay out in Land at Peretola: In short, Matteo was an honest fellow, and would have done the miracle gratis, and like a Gentleman, but his pockets were hollow, and he had great occasion for Money at that time; Seignior Ambrosio accepts the conditions, and Mat∣teo falls to work; he began very civilly with certain Masses and other Ceremonies, that he might appear the more formal in the business; at length he stole to the Ladies ear, calls Roderick, and tells him he was come thither to him, and did require him to be as good as his word. Content says Roderick, and that you may see I shall deal with you like a person of quality, take notice, that because this expedition is not enough to inrich you, and do your business, I will befriend you more than once, for which reason as soon as I am depar∣ted from hence, away I'le march into the Daughter of Charles the King of Naples, and don't fear but I'le stick to her, till you come to exorcise me, so as there you may make up your markets at a blow, and become considerable for ever, but be sure after that I be trou∣bled with you no more; and as soon as he had said so, whip says he out of the Lady, and was gone to the great joy and astonishment of whole Town.

Belphegor in the mean time was as good as his word, as he promised Matteo; away he goes, and in two or three days time it was all over Italy, that the Daughter of Charles King of Naples, was in the same condition; which was good news for Matteo, who was at this bout to gain the Philosophers-stone: In short, he tryed all means possible; the Monks went to work with their prayers, and their crosses, but to no purpose; The Devil would not budge till Matteo came himself, who had formerly obliged him. The King had news of what had happened at Florence, and sends away immediately for Matteo to his Court, who came accordingly, and after some few ceremonious formalities, counterfeited for concealment of the mystery, he cures his Daughter. However Roderick before his departure, as is reported in the Chronicle, accosted him in this manner. You see, Matteo,

I have been as good as my word; you see you are become rich in a trice, and may take your case for the future; so as if I be not mistaken, I have discharged my self as to you very honestly, hereafter have a care how you come near me; for as hitherto I have done you knights-service, henceforward I will do you as much mischief as I can. Matteo being returned to Fl••rence very wealthy, (for the King of Naples had given him above five thousand Ducats) he thought of nothing now but enjoying that peaceably he had got, never imagining Roderick would do him any harm; but his designs were much frustrated by a report out of France, that Lewis the seventh's Daughter was possess'd as the former: Matteo was in great trouble, on the one side he was not ignorant of the power of that Prince, on the other he remembred Roderick's last words; the King used all means possible, but without any success, he was told what feats Matteo had done, and dispatched a Post to him immediately, to desire his Company at Paris; but Matteo pretending I know not what indispositions, that rendered him incapable of serving his Majesty, the King was forced to write to the Magistrates, who sent away Matteo immediately.

Being arrived at Paris, he was in great affliction, because he knew not which way for his life to per∣form what was expected from him. At last he goes to the King, and tells him, that true it was indeed, he had formerly wrought some cures in that kind, but that it was not in reason to be expected he could dis∣possess all people he met with, seeing there were some Devils so refractory and cross-grain'd, neither threats nor enchantments, nor devotion it self would do no good on: That he said not this out of any repugnancy or unwillingness to do as he was desired, but that in case his endeavours were ineffectual, he might have his Majesties pardon. The King was stark mad at the story, and told him in plain terms, if if he did not rout the Devil out of his Daughter, as he had done out of others, he would hang him forth∣with; for he saw no reason why Miracles were not as seasible at Paris, as at Florence and Naples: These words toucht Matteo to the quick, he thought there was no pleasure to be taken in being hang'd in that manner, and that what the King had said, was without any equivocation: However he recollected himself a little, or at least pretended so, and calling for the Princess that was possess'd, he makes his approaches, and whispering her in the ear, told Roderick he was his very humble servant, and put him in mind of the good office he had done him, when he delivered him out of the talons of the Law; adding withall, that if he left him in the lurch, in the extremity of danger he was then in, the whole World would cry out on his ingrati∣tude; Roderick heard him with no more patience than needs must, he swaggers, swears, storms, and lays about like a Devil in good earnest, gives him a thousand and a thousand ill words, but they could distin∣guish only these few at the last: How now, you Rascally Traitor, have you the impudence to come near me again? have you forgot it was I that made you your fortune? but I'le make all the World see, and you too, with a pox to you, that I can take away as well as give; besides which, you shall not fail 〈…〉〈…〉 hang'd before you get away from Paris: Poor Matteo seeing no other remedy for his misfortunes, he〈…〉〈…〉 a thinking of some other way, and having sent back the Lady to her Chamber, he made this speech to the King. Sir, I have told you before, that their are certain ill-natur'd capricious Spirits, one knows not which way to deal withal, and of this sort is that which possesses your Daughter; if what we shall administer might be sufficient, your Majesty should be happy in your desires, and mine also; but if things prove other∣wise, and your Majesty be not satisfied with my endeavours, I shall submit, and your Majesty may deal with me as I deserve: in the mean time, I desire your Majesty would give order a Theatre be erected in the Church-yard of Nostre Dame, big enough to receive all the Nobility and Clergy in the Town: Let this Theatre, if your Majesty think good, be hung with Cloath of Gold, and other rich Stuffs, and an Altar set up in the middle on Sunday next; I would desire your Majesty to be there, with all the Princes and Nobility in Paris, and after a grand Mass is sung, let the Princess be brought also: Besides this, it is ne∣cessary there should be twenty persons at least, with Trumpets, Horns, Drums, Hoboys and Symbals, ready in some by-place, when I throw up my Cap into the air, to advance towards the Theatre with all the noise they can make; which Musick, with some other ingredients that I have, will I hope send the Devil pack∣ing from the Princess: the King gave order all things should be done as Matteo requested; and Sunday being come, and the Theatre throng'd with a multitude of persons of quality, and the Church-yard of Nostre Dame full of people, the Princess was led in by two Bishops, and followed by several Lords of the Court; Roderick was in a terrible amaze, to behold so magnificent a preparation, and pondering with himself, was over-heard to pronounce these words: I would fain know what this rascally Peasant means to do; I have seen many places, I have more than once seen the whole pomp of Heaven, nor am I ignorant of what is most formidable in Hell, yet can I not tell what to make of this▪ but I'le handle him like a Rogue, as he is, and if I fall, Pluto requite me; Matteo came up close to him, and desired him very civilly to depart; but Rode∣rick cryed out, Oh the wonderous cunning that is in you! do you think by this whimsey to save yourself from my power, and the indignation of the King? but think what you will, you scoundrel, I am resolved you shall hang for't, or else let me pass for the most miserable poor-spirited Devil in the World; Matteo persisted in his request, but Belphegor gave him worse Language than before; but all that frighted not Matteo, for without losing more time, he threw his hat up into the air, and at an instant the Trumpets, Horns, and all the rest of the Musick struck up, and advanced towards the Theatre; Roderick was startled at the noise, and made it manifest that there are some Devils as fearful as men, and not able to imagine the reason, he called out to Matteo, and asked what was the matter? Matteo being a cunning Rogue every inch of him, as if he had been terribly frighted, informs him thus: Alas! poor Roderick, says he, 'tis your Wife Honesta is come to seek you at Paris; he said no more, but it is not to be imagined what disorder these four or five words put the Devil into; they took away his wit and judgment, so as without any consideration, whether the news was possible or not, without speaking one word, away he stole from the Prin∣cess; choosing rather to go back into Hell, and give up his accounts there, than to return again into the thraldom of Matrimony, that had already cost him so many sorrows and dangers. As soon as he arrived, he demanded audience, and in the presence of Pluto, Aeacus, Minos, and Radamanthus, all of them Counsellors of State, he declared that the Souls of Men were in the right on't, and that 'twas their Wives that sent them to Hell, Matteo that had been too crafty for the Devil, returns to Florence in great triumph; the Chronicle mentions not any great matter the King gave him, but it says, that having gained sufficiently by the two former, he esteemed himself very happy that he had escaped hanging at Paris.

FINIS.