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

Three yong Gentlemen affecting three Sisters, fledde with them into Candie. The eldest of them (through iealousie) becommeth the death of her Louer: The second, by consenting to the Duke of Candies request, is the meanes of sauing her life. Afterward, her owne Friend killeth her, and thence flyeth away with the elder Sister. The third couple, both man & woman, are char∣ged with her death, and being committed prisoners, they confesse the facte: And fearing death, by corruption of money they preuaile with their keepers, escaping from thence to Rhodes, where they died in great pouerty.

The third Nouell.

Heerein is declared, how dangerous the occasion is, ensuing by anger and de∣spight, in such as entirely loue, especially, being iniuried and offended by them that they loue.

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WHen the King perceiued, that Madame Pampinea had ended her discourse; he sat sadly a prety while, without vttering one word, but afterward spake thus. Little goodnesse appeared in the beginning of this Nouell, because it ministred occasion of mirth; yet the ending pro∣ued better, and I could wish, that worse inflictions had falne on the ve∣nerious Friar. Then turning towards Madam Lauretta, he said; Lady, do you tell vs a better tale, if possible it may be. She smiling, thus answered the King: Sir, you are ouer-cruelly bent against poore Louers, in desi∣siring,

that their amourous processions should haue harsh and sinister concludings. Neuerthelesse, in obedience to your seuere command, a∣mong three persons amourously perplexed, I will relate an vnhappy en∣ding; whereas all may be saide to speede as vnfortunately, being equally alike, in enioying the issue of their desires, and thus I purpose for to pro∣ceede.

Euery vice (choise Ladies) as very well you know, redoundeth to the great disgrace and preiudice, of him or her by whom it is practised, and oftentimes to others. Now, among those common hurtfull enemies, the sinne or vice which most carrieth vs with full carrere, and draweth vs into vnauoidable perils and dangers; in mine opinion, seemeth to be that of choller or anger, which is nothing else, but a sudden and inconsiderate mouing, prouoked by some receiued iniury, which hauing excluded all respect of reason, and dimde (with darke vapours) the bright discerning sight of the vnderstanding, enflameth the minde with most violent furie. And albeit this inconuenience happeneth most to men, and more to some few, then others; yet notwithstanding, it hath been noted, that wo∣men haue felt the selfe same infirmity, and in more extreme manner, be∣cause it much sooner is kindled in them, and burneth with the brighter flame, in regard they haue the lesser consideration, and therefore not to be wondred at. For if we will aduisedly obserue, we shall plainely per∣ceiue, that fire (euen of his owne nature) taketh hold on such things as are light and tender, much sooner then it can on hard and weighty sub∣stances; and some of vs women (let men take no offence at my words) are farre more soft and delicate then they be, and therefore more fraile. In which regard, seeing we are naturally enclined hereto, and considering also, how much our affability and gentlenesse, doe shew themselues plea∣sing and full of content, to those men with whom we are to liue; and likewise, how anger and fury are compacted of extraordinary perils: I purpose (because we may be the more valiant in our courage, to outstand the fierce assaults of wrath and rage) to shew you by mine ensuing Nouel, how the loues of three young Gentlemen, and of as many Gentlewo∣men, came to fatall and vnfortunate successe, by the tempestuous anger of one among them, according as I haue formerly related vnto you.

Marseilles (as you are not now to learne) is in Prouence, seated on the Sea, and is also a very ancient and most noble City, which hath beene (heretofore) inhabited with farre richer and more wealthy Merchants, then at this instant time it is. Among whom there was one, named Nar∣naldo Ciuada, a man but of meane condition, yet cleare in faith and repu∣tation, and in lands, goods, and ready monies, immeasurably rich. Many children he had by his Wife, among whom were three Daughters, which exceeded his Sonnes in yeeres. Two of them being twinnes, and borne of one body, were counted to be fifteene yeares old; the third was foure∣teene, and nothing hindered marriage in their Parents owne expecta∣tion, but the returne home of Narnaldo, who was then abroade in Spaine with his Merchandises. The eldest of these Sisters was named Ninetta,

the second Magdalena, and the third Bertella. A Gentleman (albeit but poore in fortunes) and called Restagnone, was so extraordinarily enamou∣red of Ninetta, as no man possibly could be more, and shee likewise as earnest in affection towards him; yet both carrying their loues procee∣ding with such secresie, as long time they enioyed their hearts sweete contentment, yet vndiscouered by any eye.

It came to passe, that two other young Gallants, the one named Folco, and the other Hugnetto, (who had attained to incredible wealth, by the decease of their Father) were also as farre in loue, the one with Magdalena, and the other with Bertella. When Restagnone had intelligence thereof, by the meanes of his faire friend Ninetta; he purposed to releeue his po∣uerty, by friendly furthering both their loue, and his owne: and growing into familiarity with them, one while he would walke abroade with Fol∣co, and then againe with Hugnetto, but oftner with them both together, to visite their Mistresses, and continue worthy friendship. On a day, when hee saw the time sutable to his intent, and that hee had inuited the two Gentlemen home to his House, hee fell into this like conference with them.

Kind friends (quoth he) the honest familiarity which hath past be∣tweene vs, may render you some certaine assurance, of the constant loue I beare to you both, being as willing to worke any meanes that may tend to your good, as I desire to compasse mine owne. And because the truth of mine affection cannot conceale it selfe to you, I meane to acquaint you with an intention, wherewith my braine hath a long while trauelled, and now may soone be deliuered of, if it may passe with your liking and approbation. Let me then tell you, that except your speeches sauour of vntruth, and your actions carry a double vnderstanding, in common be∣hauiour both by night and day, you appeare to pine and consume away, in the cordiall loue you beare to two of the Sisters, as I suffer the same af∣flictions for the third, with reciprocall requitall of their dearest affection to vs. Now, to qualifie the heate of our tormenting flames, if you will condescend to such a course as I shall aduise you, the remedy will yeeld them equall ease to ours, and we may safely enioy the benefit of content∣ment. As wealth aboundeth with you both, so doth want most extreme∣ly tyrannize ouer me: but if one banke might be made of both your rich substances, I embraced therein as a third partaker, and some quarter of the World dissigned out by vs, where to liue at hearts ease vpon your possessions; I durst engage my credite, that all the Sisters, (not meanly stored with their Fathers treasure) shall beare vs company to what place soeuer we please. There each man freely enioying his owne dearest loue, we may liue like three brerhren, without any hinderance to our mutuall contentment; it remaineth now in you Gentlemen, to accept this com∣fortable offer, or to refuse it.

The two Brothers, whose passions exceeded their best meanes for sup∣port, perceiuing some hope how to enioy their loues; desired no long time of deliberation, or greatly disputed with their thoughts what was

best to be done: but readily replyed, that let happen any danger whatsoe∣uer, they would ioyne with him in this determination, aud he should par∣take with them in their wealthiest fortunes. After Restagnone had heard their answer, within some few dayes following, he went to conferre with Ninetta, which was no easie matter for him to compasse. Neuerthelesse, opportunity proued so fauourable to him, that meeting with her at a pri∣uate place appointed, he discoursed at large, what had passed betweene him and the other two young Gentlemen, maintaining the same with many good reasons, to haue her like and allow of the enterprize. Which although (for a while) he could very hardly doe; yet, in regard shee had more desire then power, without suspition to be daily in his company, she franckly thus answered. My hearts chosen friend, I cannot any way mis∣like your aduise, and will take such order with my Sisters, that they shall agree to our resolution: let it therefore be your charge, that you and the rest make euery thing ready, to depart from hence so soone, as with best conuenient meanes we may be enabled.

Restagnone being returned to Folco and Hugnetto, who thought euery houre a yeere, to heare what would succeed vpon the promise past be∣tweene them; he told them in plaine termes, that their Ladies were as free in consent as they, and nothing wanted now, but furnishment for their sudden departing Hauing concluded, that Candye should be their har∣bour for entertainment, they made sale of some few inheritances, which lay the readiest for their purpose, as also the goods in their Houses, and then, vnder colour of venting Merchandises abroade; they bought a nim∣ble Pinnace, fortified with good strength and preparation, and waited but for a conuenient wind. On the other side, Ninetta, who was suffici∣ently acquainted with the forwardnesse of her Sisters desires and her owne; had so substantially preuailed with them, that a good voyage now was the sole expectation. Whereupon, the same night when they should set away, they opened a strong barred Chest of their Fathers, whence they tooke great store of gold and costly Iewels, wherewith escaping se∣cretly out of the House; they came to the place where their Louers at∣tended for them, and going all aboard the Pinnace, the windes were so furtherous to them; that without touching any where, the night following they arriued at Geneway.

There being out of peril or pursuite, they all knit the knot of holy wed∣locke, and then freely enioyed their long wished desires, from whence setting sayle againe, and being well furnished with all things wanting; passing on from Port to Port, at the end of eight dayes they landed in Candie, not meeting with any impeachment by the way. Determining there to spend their dayes, first they prouided themselues of faire and goodly Lands in the Countrey, and then of beautifull dwelling Houses in the City, with all due furnishments belonging to them, and Families well beseeming such worthy Gentlemen, and all delights else for their daily recreations, inuiting their Neighbours, and they them againe in lo∣uing manner; so that no Louers could wish to liue in more ample con∣tentment.

Passing on their time in this height of felicity, and not crossed by any sinister accidents, it came to passe (as often wee may obserue in the like occasions, that although delights doe most especially please vs, yet they breed surfet, when they swell too ouer-great in abundance) that Restag∣none, who most deerely affected his faire Ninetta, and had her now in his free possession, without any perill of loosing her: grew now also to bee wearie of her, and consequently, to faile in those familiar performances, which formerly had passed betweene them. For, being one day inuited to a Banket, hee saw there a beautifull Gentle-woman of that Countrey, whose perfections pleasing him beyond all comparison: hee labored (by painfull pursuite) to win his purpose; and meeting with her in diuers pri∣uate places, grew prodigall in his expences vpon her. This could not be so closely carried, but beeing seene and obserued by Ninetta, she became possessed with such extreame ielousie, that hee could not doe any thing whatsoeuer, but immediately he had knowledge of it: which fire, grow∣ing to a flame in her, her patience became extreamely prouoked, vrging rough and rude speeches from her to him, and daily tormenting him be∣yond power of sufferance.

As the enioying of any thing in too much plenty, makes it appeare irkesome and loathing to vs, and the deniall of our desires, do more and more whet on the appetite: euen so did the angry spleene of Ninetta pro∣ceede on in violence, against this newe commenced loue of Restagnone. For in succession of time, whether hee enioyed the embracements of his new Mistresse, or no: yet Ninetta (by sinister reports, but much more through her owne iealous imaginations) held it for infallible, and to be most certaine. Heereupon, she fell into an extreame melancholly, which melancholly begat implacable fu••y, and (consequently) such contemp∣tible disdaine: as conuerted her former kindly loue to Restagnone, into most cruell and bloudie hatred; yea, and so strangely was reason or re∣spect confounded in her, as no reuenge else but speedy death, might satisfie the wrongs shee imagined to receiue by Restagnone and his Mini∣on.

Vpon enquiry, by what meanes shee might best compasse her bloody intention, she grew acquainted with a Graecian woman, and wonderful∣ly expert in the compounding of poysons, whom shee so perswaded, by gifts and bounteous promises, that at the length shee preuailed with her. A deadly water was distilled by her, which (without any other coun∣sell to the contrary) on a day when Restagnone had his blood some-what ouer-heated, and little dreamed on any such Treason conspired against him by his Wife, she caused him to drinke a great draught thereof, vn∣der pretence, that it was a most soueraigne and cordiall water: but such was the powerfull operation thereof, that the very next morning, Re∣stagnone was found to be dead in his bed. When his death was vnder∣stood by Folco, Hugnetto and their Wiues, and not knowing how hee came to bee thus empoysoned (because their sister seemed to bemoane his sodaine death, with as apparant shewes of mourning as they could

possibly expresse) they buried him very honourably, and so all suspition ceased.

But as Fortune is infinite in her fagaries, neuer acting disaster so close∣ly, but as cunningly discouereth it againe: so it came to passe, that within a few dayes following, the Graecian woman, that had deliuered the poy∣son to Ninetta, for such another deede of damnation, was apprehended euen in the action. And being put vpon the tortures, among many other horrid villanies by her committed, she confessed the empoysoning of Re∣stagnone, and euery particle thereto appertaining. Wherupon, the Duke of Candie, without any noyse or publication, setting a strong guard (in the night time) about the house of Folco, where Ninetta then was lodged; there sodainly they seized on her, & vpon examination, in maintainance of her desperate reuenge; voluntarily confessed the fact, and what else concerned the occasion of his death, by the wrongs which hee had offe∣red her.

Folco and Hugnetto vnderstanding secretly, both from the Duke, & o∣ther intimate friends, what was the reason of Ninettaes apprehension, which was not a little displeasing to them, laboured by all their best pains and endeauour, to worke such meanes with the Duke, that her life might not perish by fire, although she had most iustly deserued it; but all their attempts prooued to no effect, because the Duke had concluded to exe∣cute iustice.

Heere you are to obserue, that Magdalena (beeing a very beautifull Woman, yong, and in the choisest flower of her time:) had often before bin solicited by the Duke, to entertaine his loue and kindnesse, where∣to by no meanes she would listen or giue consent. And being now most earnestly importuned by her, for the safety of her Sisters life, shee tooke hold on this her daily suite to him, and in priuate told her, that if she was so desirous of Ninettaes life: it lay in her power to obtaine it, by granting him the fruition of her loue. She apparantly perceiuing, that Ninetta was not likely to liue, but by the prostitution of her chaste honour, which she preferred before the losse of her owne life, or her Sisters; concluded, to let her dye, rather then run into any such disgrace. But hauing an excel∣lent ingenious wit, quicke, and apprehensiue in perillous occasions, shee intended now to make a trial of ouer-reaching the lasciuious Duke in his wanton purpose, and yet to be assured of her Sisters life, without any ble∣mish to her reputation.

Soliciting him still as she was wont to doe, this promise passed from her to him, that when Ninetta was deliuered out of prison, and in safety at home in her house: hee should resort thither in some queint disguise, and enioy his long expected desire; but vntill then she would not yeeld. So violent was the Duke in the prosecution of his purpose, that vnder co∣lour of altering the manner of Ninettaes death, not suffering her to bee consumed by fire, but to be drowned, according to a custome obserued there long time, and at the importunity of her Sister Magdalena, in the still silence of the night, Ninetta was conueyed into a sacke, and sent in

that manner to the House of Folco, the Duke following soone after, to challenge her promise.

Magdalena, hauing acquainted her Husband with her vertuous inten∣tion, for preseruing her Sisters life, and disappointing the Duke in his wicked desire; was as contrary to her true meaning in this case, as Ni∣netta had formerly beene aduerse to Restagnone, onely being ouer-ruled likewise by iealousie, and perswaded in his rash opinion, that the Duke had already dishonoured Magdalena, otherwise, he would not haue deli∣uered Ninetta out of prison. Mad fury gaue further fire to this vnmanly perswasion, and nothing will now quench this violent shame, but the life of poore Magdalena, suddenly sacrificed in the rescue of her Sisters, such a diuell is anger, when the vnderstandings bright eye is thereby abused. No credit might be giuen to her womanly protestations, nor any thing seeme to alter his bloody purpose; but, hauing slaine Magdalena with his Poniard, (notwithstanding her teares and humble entreaties) hee ran in haste to Ninettaes Chamber, shee not dreaming on any such desperate accident, and to her he vsed these dissembling speeches.

Sister (quoth he) my wife hath aduised, that I should speedily conuey you hence, as fearing the renewing of the Dukes fury, and your falling a∣gaine into the hands of Iustice: I haue a Barke readily prepared for you, and your life being secured, it is all that she and I doe most desire. Ninetta being fearefull, and no way distrusting what he had saide; in thankfull al∣lowance of her Sisters care, and curteous tender of his so ready seruice; departed thence presently with him, not taking any farewell of her other Sister and her Husband. To the Sea-shore they came, very weakely pro∣uided of monies to defray their charges, and getting aboard the Barke, directed their course themselues knew not whether.

The amourous Duke in his disguise, hauing long daunced attendance at Folcoes doore, and no admittance of his entrance; angerly returned backe to his Court, protesting seuere reuenge on Magdalena, if she gaue him not the better satisfaction, to cleare her from thus basely abusing him. On the morrow morning, when Magdalena was found murthered in her Chamber, and tidings thereof carried to the Duke; present search was made for the bloody offendor, but Folco being fled and gone with Ninetta; some there were, who bearing deadly hatred to Hugnetto, incen∣sed the Duke against him and his wife, as supposing them to be guilty of Magdalenaes death. He being thereto very easily perswaded, in regard of his immoderate loue to the slaine Gentlewoman; went himselfe in per∣son (attended on by his Guard) to Hugnettoes House, where both he and his wife were seized as prisoners.

These newes were very strange to them, and their imprisonment as vnwelcome; and although they were truly innocent, either in knowledge of the horrid fact, or the departure of Folco with Ninetta: yet being vna∣ble to endure the tortures extremity, they made themselues culpable by confession, and that they had hand with Folco in the murder of Magda∣lena. Vpon this their forced confession, and sentence of death pronoun∣ced

on them by the Duke himselfe; before the day appointed for their publike execution, by great summes of money, which they had closely hid in their House, to serue when any vrgent extremitie should happen to them; they corrupted their keepers, and before any intelligence could be had of their flight, they escaped by Sea to Rhodes, where they liued af∣terward in great distresse and misery. The iust vengeance of Heauen fol∣lowed after Folco and Ninetta, he for murthering his honest wife, and she for poysoning her offending Husband: for being beaten a long while on the Seas, by tempestuous stormes and weather, and not admitted landing in any Port or creeke; they were driuen backe on the Coast of Candie a∣gaine, where being apprehended, and brought to the City before the Duke, they confessed their seuerall notorious offences, and ended their loathed liues in one fire together.

Thus the idle and loose loue of Restagnone, with the franticke rage and iealousie of Ninetta and Folco, ouerturned all their long continued hap∣pinesse, and threw a disastrous ending on them all.