_A Cicilian Courtezane, named Madame_ Biancafiore, _by her craftie witand policie, deceived a young Merchant, called_ Salabetto, _of all themoney he had taken for his Wares at_ Palermo. _Afterward, he makingshew of comming hither againe, with farre richer Merchandises then heebrought before: made the meanes to borrow a great summe of Money ofher, leaving her so base a pawne, as well requited her for her formercozenage._
The Tenth Novell.
_Whereby appeareth, that such as meet with cunning Harlots, and sufferthemselves to be deceived by them: must sharpen their Wits, to makethem requitall in the selfesame kinde._
Needlesse it were to question, whether the Novell related by theQueene, in divers passages thereof, mooved the Ladies to heartylaughter, and likewise to compassionate sighes and teares; as pittyingMadame _Helena_ in her hard misfortune, and yet applauding the Schollerfor his just revenge. But the discourse being ended, _Dioneus_, whoknew it was his Office to be the last speaker every day, after silencewas commanded, he began in this manner.
Worthy Ladies, it is a matter very manifest, that deceits do appeareso much the more pleasing, when (by the selfe-same meanes) the subtledeceyver is artificially deceived. In which respect, though you allhave reported very singular deceits: yet I meane to tel you one, thatmay prove as pleasing to you, as any of your owne. And so much therather, because the woman deceived, was a great and cunning Mistrisin beguiling others; equalling (if not excelling) any of your formerbeguilers.
It hath bene observed heretofore, and (happily) at this very day it isas frequent, that in all Cities and Townes upon the Sea-coasts, havingPorts for the benefit and venting Merchandises; Merchants use to bringtheir wealthy laden Vessels thither. And when they unlade any Ship ofgreat fraught, there are prepared Store-houses, which in many placesare called _Magazines_ or _Doganaes_, at the charge of the Communalty,or Lord of the Towne or City, for the use whereof, they receive yearlygain and benefit. Into those warehouses, they deliver (under writing,and to the owners of them in especiall charge) all their goods andmerchandises, of what price or valew soever they are.
Such as be the Owners of these Magazines, when the Wares are thusstored uppe in them, doe safely locke them up there with their keyes,having first registred downe truly all the goods, in the Registerbelonging to the Custome-house, that the Merchant may have a justaccount rendred him, and the rights payed to the Custome-house,according to the Register, and as they are either in part, or in allmade sale of.
Brokers are continually there attending, being informed in the qualityof the Merchandises stored, and likewise to what Merchants theyappertaine: by meanes of these men, and according as the goods cometo their hands, they devise to have them exchaunged, trucked, vented,and such other kinds of dispatches, answerable to the mens minds, andworth of the Commodities. As in many other Kingdomes and Countries, sowas this custome observed at _Palermo_ in _Sicily_, where likewise thenwere, and (no doubt) now a-dayes are, store of Women, faire and comelyof person, but yet vowed enemies to honesty.
Neverthelesse, by such as know them not, they are held and reputed tobe blamelesse Women, and by yeilding their bodyes unto generall use,are the occasion of infinite misfortunes to men. For so soone as theyespy a Merchant-stranger there arrived, they win information from theBooke belonging to the Magazin, what wares are therein stored, of whatvalew they bee, and who is the Owner of them. Afterwards, by amorousactions, and affable speeches, they allure yong Merchants to takeknowledge of them, to bee familiar in their company, till from somethey get most part of their wealth, from others all. Nay, divers havegone so farre, as to make Port-sale of Ship, Goods, and Person, socunningly they have bene shaven by these Barbers, and yet without anyRazor.
It came to passe, and no long time since, that a young _Florentine_ ofours, named _Niccolo da Cignano_, but more usually called _Salabetto_,imployed as Factor for his Maister, arrived at _Palermo_; his Shipstored with many Woollen Cloathes, a remainder of such as had bin soldat the Mart of _Salerno_, amounting in valew to above five hundredFlorines of Gold. When he had given in his packet to the Custome-house,and made them up safe in his Ware-house; without making shew ofdesiring any speedy dispatch, he delighted to view all parts of theCity, as mens minds are continuallie addicted to Novelties. He beinga very faire and affable yong man, easie to kindle affection in avery modest eie: it fortuned, that a Courtezane, one of our beforeremembred shavers, who termed hir selfe Madame _Biancafiore_, havingheard somewhat concerning his affairs, beganne to dart amorous glancesat him. Which the indiscreete youth perceyving, and thinking her to besome great Lady: began also to grow halfe perswaded, that his comelyperson was pleasing to her, and therefore he would carrie this goodfortune of his somewhat cautelously.
Without imparting his mind unto any one, he would daily passe too andfro before her doore; which she observing, and having indifferentlywounded him with her wanton piercing lookes: she began to use the firsttricke of her Trade, by pretending her enflamed affection towards him,which made her pine and consume away in care, except he might be movedto pitty her. Whereupon, she sent one of her _Pandoraes_ unto him,perfectly instructed in the Art of a _Maquerella_, who (after manycunning counterfetted sighes, and teares, which she had alwayes readyat command) told him; that his comely person and compleate perfections,had so wounded the very soule of her Mistresse, as she could enjoyno rest in any place, either by day or night. In regard whereof, shedesired (above all things else) to meete with him privately in a Bathe:with which Wordes, she straightway tooke a Ring forth of her pursse,and in most humble manner, delivered it unto him, as a token from herMistresse.
_Salabetto_ having heard this Message, was the onely joyfull man thatcould be: and having receyved the Ring, looking on it advisedly; firstkissed it, and then put it upon his finger. Then in answer to theMessenger, he sayd: That if her Mistresse _Biancafiore_ affected him,she sustained no losse thereby, in regard he loved her as fervently,and was ready to be commanded by her, at any time whensoever shepleased.
She having delivered this message to her Mistresse, was presentlyreturned backe againe to him, to let him understand, in which of theBathes she meant to meet him, on the next morrow in the evening. Thisbeing counsell for himselfe onely to keepe, he imparted it not to anyfriend whatsoever; but when the houre for their meeting was come, hewent unto the place where he was appointed, a Bathe (belike) bestagreeing with such businesse.
Not long had he taried there, but two Women slaves came laden to him,the one bearing a Mattresse of fine Fustian on hir head, and the othera great Basket filled with many things. Having spred the Mattresse ina faire Chamber on a Couch-bed, they covered it with delicate whiteLinnen sheets, all about embroidred with faire Fringes of gold, thenlaid they on costly quilts of rich Silkes, artificially wrought withgold and silver knots, having pearles and precious stones interwovenamong them, and two such rich pillowes, as sildome before had thelike bin seene. _Salabetto_ putting off his garments, entred the Bathprepared for him, where the two Slaves washed his body very neatly.Soone after came _Biancafiore_ hirselfe, attended on by two otherwomen slaves, and seeing _Salabetto_ in the Bathe; making him a lowlyreverence, breathing forth infinite dissembled sighes, and tearestrickling downe her cheekes, kissing and embracing him, thus she spake.
I know not what man else in the worlde, beside thy selfe, could havethe power to bring me hither: the fire flew from thy faire eies (O thouincompareable lovely _Tuscane_) that melted my soule, and makes meonely live at thy command. Then hurling off her light wearing garment(because she came prepared for the purpose) shee stept into the batheto him, and, not permitting the Slaves a-while to come neere, nonebut her selfe must now lave his body, with Muske compounded Sope andGilly-floures. Afterward, the slaves washed both him and her, bringingtwo goodly sheetes, softe and white, yeelding such a delicate smell ofRoses, even as if they had bene made of Rose-leaves. In the one, theyfolded _Salabetto_, and her in the other, and so conveyed them on theirshoulders unto the prepared Bed-Couch, where because they should notsweate any l
onger, they tooke the sheets from about them, and laid themgently in the bed.
Then they opened the Basket, wherein were divers goodly Silver bottles,some filled with Rosewaters, others with flowers of Orenges, and Watersdistilled of Gelsomine, Muske, and Amber-Greece, wherewith (againe) theslaves bathed their bodyes in the bed, & afterward presented them withvariety of Comfites, as also very precious Wines, serving them in steadof a little Collation. _Salabetto_ supposed himself to be in Paradise:for this appeared to be no earthly joy, bestowing a thousand gladsomegazes on her, who (questionlesse) was a most beautifull creature, andthe tarrying of the Slaves, seemed millions of yeares to him, thathee might more freely embrace his _Biancafiore_. Leaving a Waxe Taperlighted in the Chamber, the slaves departed, and then shee sweetlyembracing _Salabetto_, bestowed those further favours on him, which heecame for, and she was not squeamish in the affoording; whereof he wasexceedingly joyfull, because he imagined, that they proceeded from theintegrity of her affection towards him.
When she thought it convenient time to depart thence, the slavesreturned; they cloathed themselves, and had a Banquet standing readyprepared for them; where-with they cheared their wearyed spirits, afterthey had first washed in odorifferous waters. At parting: _Salabetto_(quoth she) whensoever thy leysures shall best serve thee, I willrepute it as my cheefest happinesse, that thou wilt accept a Supperand Lodging in my house, which let it be this instant night, if thoucanst. He being absolutely caught, both by hir beauty and flatteringbehaviour: beleeved faithfully, that he was as intirely beloved of her,as the heart is of the body: whereuppon hee thus answered. Madame,whatsoever pleaseth you, must needes be much more acceptable untomee: and therefore, not onely may command my service this night, butlikewise the whole employment of my life, to be onely yours in my verybest studies and endeavours.
No sooner did she heare this answer, but she returned home to herowne house, which she decked in most sumptuous manner, and also madeready a costly Supper, expecting the arrivall of _Salabetto_: whowhen the darke night was indifferently well entred, went thither, andwas welcommed with wonderfull kindnesse, wanting no costly Wines andDelicates all the Supper while. Being afterward conducted into a goodlyChamber, he smelt there admirable sweete senting savours, such as mightwell beseeme a Princes Pallace. He beheld a most costly Bed, and veryrich furniture round about the roome: which when he had duly consideredto himself, he was constantly perswaded, that she was a Lady of infinitwealth. And although he had heard divers flying reports concerning herlife, yet hee would not credite any thing amisse of her, for albeitshe might (perhappes) beguile some other; yet shee affected him (hethought) in better manner, and no such misfortune could happen to him.
Having spent all the night with her in wanton dalliances, & being risenin the morning; to enflame his affection more and more towards her,and to prevent any ill opinion he might conceyve of her, she bestoweda rich and costly Girdle on him, as also a pursse most curiouslywrought, saying to him. My sweet _Salabetto_, with these testimonies ofmy true affection to thee, I give thee faithfully to understand, thatas my person is onely subjected thine; so this house and all the richesin it, remaineth absolutely at thy disposition, or whatsoever hereaftershall happen within the compasse of my power.
He being not a little proud of this her bountifull offer (having neverbestowed any gift on her, because by no meanes shee would admit it)after many sweet kisses and embraces; departed thence, to the placewhere the Merchants usually frequented: resorting to her (from time totime) as occasion served, and paying not one single peny for all hiswanton pleasure, by which cunning baytes (at length) she caught him.
It came to passe, that having made sale of all his Clothes, wherebyhee had great gaines, and the moneyes justly payed him at the timesappointed: _Biancafiore_ got intelligence thereof; yet not by him, butfrom one of the Brokers. _Salabetto_ comming one night to sup withher, she embraced and kissed him as she was wont to doe, and seemedso wonderfully addicted in love to him, even as if shee would havedyed with delight in his armes. Instantly, shee would needs bestow twogoodly gilt standing Cuppes on him, which _Salabetto_ by no meaneswould receive, because she had formerly bin very bountifull to him,to above the value of an hundred Crowns, and yet she would not takeof him so much as a mite. At length, pressing still more tokens ofher love and bounty on him, which he as courteously denied, as shekindly offered: one of her Women-slaves (as shee had before cunninglyappointed) sodainely calling her, forthwith she departed out of herChamber. And when she had continued a pretty while absent, she returnedagaine weeping; and throwing her selfe downe upon her Pallet, breathedforth such sighes and wofull lamentations, as no Woman could possiblydoe the like.
_Salabetto_ amazedly wondering thereat, tooke her in his Armes, andweeping also with her, said. Alas my deare Love, what sodain accidenthath befalne you, to urge this lamentable alteration? If you love me,hide it not from me. After he had often entreated her in this manner,casting her armes about his necke, and sighing as if her heart wouldbreake, thus she replyed.
Ah _Salabetto_, the onely Jewell of my joy on earth, I knowe not whatto do, or say, for (even now) I received Letters from _Messina_,wherein my Brother writes to me, that although it cost the sale ofall my goods, or whatsoever else I have beside, I must (within eightdayes space) not faile to send him a thousand Florins of gold, or elsehe must have his head smitten off, and I know not by what meanes toprocure them so soone. For, if the limitation of fifteene dayes mightserve the turne; I could borrow them in a place, where I can command afarre greater summe, or else I would sell** some part of our Lands. Butbeeing no way able to furnish him so soone, I would I had died beforeI heard these dismall tydings. And in the uttering of these words, shegraced them with such cunning dissembled sorrow, as if she had meanttruly indeed.
_Salabetto_, in whom the fury of his amorous flames, had consumeda great part of his necessary understanding; beleeving thesecounterfetted tears and complaints of hers, to proceed from an honestmeaning soule; rashly and foolishly thus replied. Deare _Biancafiore_,I cannot furnish you with a thousand golden Florines, but am able tolend you five hundred, if I were sure of their repayment at fifteenedayes, wherein you are highly beholding to Fortune, that I have madesale of all my Cloathes; which if they had lyen still on my hand, mypower could not stretch to lend you five Florines. Alas deare heart(quoth she) would you be in such want of money, and hide it from herthat loves you so loyally? Why did you not make your need knowne tome? Although I am not furnished of a thousand Florines; yet I havealwaies ready three or foure hundred by me, to do any kinde office formy friend. In thus wronging me, you have robd me of all boldnes, topresume upon your offer made me. _Salabetto_, far faster inveigled bythese words then before, said. Let not my folly (bright _Biancafiore_)cause you to refuse my friendly offer, in such a case of extremenecessity: I have them ready prepared for you, and am heartily sorry,that my power cannot furnish you with the whole summe.
Then catching him fast in her armes, thus she answered. Now I plainlyperceive, my dearest _Salabetto_, that the love thou bearest me is trueand perfect; when, without expectation of being requested, thou artreadie to succour me in such an urgent neede, & with so faire a summeof Florines. Sufficiently was I thine owne before, but now am much moreingaged by so high deserving; with this particular acknowledgementfor ever, that my Brothers head was redeemed by thy goodnesse onely.Heaven beareth me record, how unwilling I am to be beholding in thiskind, considring that you are a Merchant, & Merchants furnish al theiraffairs with ready monis: but seeing necessity constraineth me, andI make no doubt of repaiment at the time appointed: I shall the moreboldly accept your kindnes, with this absolute promise beside, that Iwill rather sell all the houses I have, then breake my honest word withyou.
Counterfeit teares still drayning downe her cheeks, and _Salabetto_kindly comforting her; he continued there with hir all that night, toexpresse himselfe her most liberall servant. And, without expectingany more requesting, the next morning he brought her the five hundredFlorines, w
hich she received with a laughing heart, but outwarddissembled weeping eies; _Salabetto_ never demanding any othersecurity, but onely her single promise.
_Biancafiore_, having thus received the five hundred Florines, theindiction of the Almanacke began to alter: and whereas (before)_Salabetto_ could come see her whensoever he pleased, many occasionsnow happened, whereby he came seven times for once, and yet hisentrance was scarsely admitted, neither was his entertainment soaffable, or his cheare so bountifull, as in his former accessesthither. Moreover, when the time for repaiment was come, yea a monethor two over-past, and he demanded to have his money; hee could havenothing but words for paiment. Now he began to consider on thecraft and cunning of this wicked Woman, as also his owne shallowunderstanding, knowing he could make no proofe of his debt, but whather selfe listed to say, having neither witnes, specialty, bill or bondto shew: which made his folly so shamefull to him, that he durst notcomplaine to any person, because he had received some advertisementsbefore, whereto he wold by no means listen, and now should have noother amends, but publike infamie, scorne and disgrace, which made himalmost weary of his life, and much to bemoane his owne unhappinesse. Hereceived also divers Letters from his Master, to make returne of the500. Florines over by way of banke, according as he had used to do: butnowe could performe no such matter.
Hereupon, because his error should not be discovered, he departedin a small vessell thence, not making for _Pisa_, as he should havedone, but directly for _Naples_ hee shaped his course. At that instantlodged there, _Don Pietro della Canigiano_, Treasurer of the Empresseof _Constantinople_, a man of great wisedome and understanding, asalso very ingenious and politike, he being an especiall Favourer of_Salabetto_ and all his friendes, which made him presume the moreboldly (being urged thereto by meere necessity, the best corrector ofwandering wits) to acquaint him with his lamentable misfortune, inevery particular as it had hapned, requesting his aid and advice, howhe might best weare out the rest of his dayes, because hee never meantto visit _Florence_ any more.
_Canigiano_ being much displeased at the repetition of his Follie,sharply reproved him, saying. Thou hast done leudly, in carying thyselfe so loosely, and spending thy Masters goods so carelesly, whichthough I cannot truly tearme spent, but rather art meerely cousenedand cheated of them, yet thou seest at what a deere rate thou hastpurchased pleasure, which yet is not utterly helplesse, but may byone meanes or other be recovered. And being a man of woonderfullapprehension, advised him instantly what was to bee done, furnishinghim also with a summe of money, wherewith to adventure a second losse,in hope of recovering the first againe: he caused divers Packes tobe well bound up, with the Merchants markes orderly made on them,and bought about twenty Buttes or Barrelles, all filled (as it were)with Oyle, and these pretended commodities being shipt, _Salabetto_returned with them to _Palermo_. Where having given in his packets tothe Custome-house, and entred them all under his owne name, as beingboth owner and factor: all his Wares were lockt up in his _Magazine_,**with open publication, that he would not vent any of them, before othermerchandises (which he daily expected) were there also arrived.
_Biancafiore_ having heard thereof, and understanding withall, that hehad brought Merchandises now with him, amounting to above two thousandFlorins, staying also in expectation of other commodities, valewingbetter then three thousand more, she beganne to consider with herselfe, that she had not yet gotten money enough from him, and thereforewould cast a figure for a farre bigger booty. Which that she might themore fairely effect, without so much as an imagination of the leastmistrust: she would repay him backe his five hundred Florines, to winnefrom him a larger portion of two or three thousand at the least, andhaving thus setled her determination, she sent to have him come speakewith her. _Salabetto_, having bene soundly bitten before, and thereforethe better warranted from the like ranckling teeth; willingly went toher, not shewing any signe of former discontent: & she, seeming as ifshe knew nothing of the wealth he brought with him; gracing him in asloving manner as ever she had done, thus she spake.
I am sure _Salabetto_, you are angry with mee, because I restorednot your Florines at my promised day. _Salabetto_ smiling, presentlyanswered. Beleeve me Lady (quoth he) it did a little distast me, evenas I could have bin offended with him, that should plucke out my heartto bestow it on you, if it would yeelde you any contentment. But tolet you know unfainedly, how much I am incensed with anger againstyou: such and so great is the affection I beare you, that I have soldethe better part of my whole estate, converting the same into WealthyMerchandises, which I have alreadie brought hither with mee, andvalewing above two thousand Florines, all which are stored up in in my_Magazine_. There must they remaine, till another Ship come forth ofthe Western parts, wherein I have a much greater adventure, amountingunto more then three thousand Florines. And my purpose is, to makemy aboade heere in this City, which hath won the sole possessionof my heart, onely in regard of my _Biancafiore_, to whom I am sointirely devoted, as both my selfe, and whatsoever else is mine (now orhereafter) is dedicated onely to her service; whereto thus she replyed.
Now trust me _Salabetto_, whatsoever redoundeth to thy good andbenefite, is the cheefest comfort of my soule, in regard I prize thylove dearer then mine owne life, and am most joyfull of thy returnehither againe; but much more of thy still abiding heere, because Iintend to live onely with thee, so soone as I have taken order forsome businesse of import. In the meane while, let me entreate theeto hold me excused, because before thy departure hence, thou camestsometimes to see me, without thy entrance admitted; and other-whilesagaine, found not such friendly entertainement, as formerly had beneaffoorded. But indeede, and above all the rest, in not re-paying thymoney according to my promise. But consider good _Salabetto_, in whatgreat trouble and affliction of minde I then was, both in regard ofmy Brothers danger, and other important occurrences beside, whichmolestations do much distract the senses, and hinder kinde courtesies,which otherwise would bee extended liberally.
Last of all consider also, how difficult a thing it is for a woman, sosodainly to raise the summe of a thousand golden Florines, when onefriend promiseth, and performeth not; another protesteth, yet hathno such meaning; a third sweareth, and yet proveth a false Lyar: sothat by being thus ungently used, a breach is made betweene the bestfriends** living. From hence it proceeded, and no other defect else,that I made not due returne of your five hundred Florins. No soonerwere you departed hence, but I had them readie, and as many more, andcould I have knowne whither to send them, they had bene with you longtime since, which because I could not (by any meanes) compasse, I keptthem still for you in continuall readinesse, as hoping of your comminghither againe. So causing a purse to be brought, wherein the sameFlorines were, which hee had delivered her; she gave it into his hand,and prayed him to count them over, whether there were so many, or no.
Never was _Salabettoes_ heart halfe so joyfull before; and havingcounted them, found them to be his owne five hundred Florines: then,putting them up into his pocket, he saide. Comfort of my life, Fullwell I know that whatsoever you have saide, is most certaine; butlet us talke no more of falshood in friendship, or casuall accidentshappening unexpected: you have dealt with mee like a most loyallMistresse, and heere I protest unfainedly to you, that as wellin respect of this kinde courtesie, as also the constancy of mineaffection to you, you cannot request hereafter a far greater summe ofme, to supply any necessarie occasion of yours; but (if my power canperforme it) you shall assuredly finde it certaine: make proofe thereofwhensoever you please, after my other goods are Landed, and I haveestablished my estate here in your City.
Having in this manner renewed his wonted amity with her, and with wordsfarre enough off from all further meaning: _Salabetto_ began againeto frequent her company, she expressing all former familiarity, andshewing her selfe as lavishly bountifull to him, in all respects asbefore she had done, nay, many times in more magnificent manner.
But he intending to punish her notorious trechery towards him, whenshe left him
as an open scorne to the World, wounded with disgrace,and quite out of credit with all his friends: she having (on a day)solemnly invited him, to suppe and lodge in her house all night;he went, both with sad and melancholly lookes, seeming as overcomewith extreamity of sorrow. _Biancafiore_ mervayling at this strangealteration in him, sweetly kissing and embracing him: would needs knowthe reason of his passionate affliction, & he permitting her to urgethe question oftentimes together, without returning any direct answere;to quit her in her kind, and with coine of her owne stampe, after a fewdissembled sighes, he began in this manner.
Ah my dearest Love, I am utterly undone, because the Shippe containingthe rest of mine expected Merchandises, is taken by the Pyrates of_Monago_, and put to the ransome of tenne thousand Florines of Gold,and my part particularly, is to pay one thousand. At this instant I amutterly destitute of money, because the five hundred Florines which Ireceived of you, I sent hence the next daie day following to _Naples_,to buy more cloathes, which likewise are to be sent hither. And if Ishould now make sale of the Merchandizes in my Magazine (the time ofgenerall utterance being not yet come) I shall not make a pennyworthfor a penny. And my misfortune is the greater, because I am not so wellknowne heere in your City, as to find some succour in such an importantdistresse; wherefore I know not what to do or say. Moreover, if themoney be not speedily sent, our goods will be carried into _Monago_,and then they are past all redemption utterly.
_Biancafiore_ appearing greatly discontented, as one verily perswaded,that this pretended losse was rather hers, then his, because she aymedat the mainest part of all his wealth: began to consider with herselfe, which was the likeliest course to be taken, for saving thegoods from carriage to _Monago_: whereupon thus she replied. Heavenknoweth (my dearest _Salabetto_) how thy love maketh me sorrowfull forthis misfortune, and it greeveth me to see thee any way distressed: forif I had mony lying by mee (as many times I have) thou shouldst findesuccour from my selfe onely, but indeede I am not able to helpe thee.True it is, there is a friend of mine, who did lend me five hundredFlorines in my need, to make uppe the other summe which I borrowed ofthee: but he demandeth extreme interest, because he will not abate anything of thirty in the hundred, and if you should bee forced to usehim, you must give him some good security. Now for my part, the most ofmy goods here I will pawne for thee: but what pledge can you deliver into make up the rest? Wel did _Salabetto_ conceive, the occasion why sheurged this motion, and was so diligent in doing him such a pleasure:for it appeared evidently to him, that herselfe was to lend the mony,whereof he was not a little joyfull, seeming very thankfull to hir. Then hetold her, that being driven to such extremity, how unreasonable soeverthe usury was, yet he would gladly pay for it. And for her Friendsfurther security, hee would pawne him all the goods in his _Magazine_,entering them downe in the name of the party, who lent the money.Onely he desired to keepe the Keyes of the Ware-house, as well to shewhis Merchandises, when any Merchant should bee so desirous: as alsoto preserve them from ill using, transporting or changing, before hisredemption of them.
She found no fault with his honest offer, but sayde, hee shewedhimselfe a well-meaning man, and the next morning shee sent for aBroker, in whom she reposed especiall trust; and after they hadprivately consulted together, shee delivered him a thousand GoldenFlorines, which were caried by him presently to _Salabetto_, andthe Bond made in the Brokers name, of all the goods remaining in_Salabettoes_ ware-house, with composition and absolute agreement,for the prefixed time of the monies repaiment. No sooner was thistricke fully accomplished, but _Salabetto_ seeming as if he went toredeeme his taken goods: set saile for _Naples_ towards _Pietro dellaCanigiano_, with fifteene hundred Florines of Gold: from whence alsohe sent contentment to his Master at _Florence_ (who imployd him ashis Factor at _Palermo_) beside his owne packes of Cloathes. He maderepayment likewise to _Canigiano_, for the monies which furnishedhim in this last voyage, and any other to whom hee was indebted. Sothere he stayed awhile with _Canigiano_, whose counsell thus holpehim to out-reach the _Sicillian_ Courtezane: and meaning to deale inMerchandise no more, afterward he returned to _Florence_ and therelived in good reputation.
Now as concerning _Biancafiore_, when she saw that _Salabetto_ returnednot againe to _Palermo_, she beganne to grow somewhat abashed, as halfesuspecting that which followed. After she had tarried for him abovetwo moneths space, and perceived hee came not, nor any tydings heardof him: shee caused the Broker to breake open the Magazine, castingforth the Buttes or Barrels, which shee beleeved to bee full of goodOyles. But they were all filled with Sea-Water, each of them havinga small quantity of Oyle floating on the toppe, onely to serve whena tryall should bee made. And then unbinding the Packes, made up informall and Merchantable manner: there was nothing else in them, butLogges and stumpes of Trees; wrapt handsomely in hurdles of Hempe andTow; onely two had Cloathes in them. So that (to bee briefe) the wholedid not value two hundred Crownes: which when she saw, and observedhow cunningly she was deceived: a long while after shee sorrowed,for repaying backe the five hundred Florines, and folly in lendinga thousand more, using it as a Proverbe alwaies after to hir selfe:_That whosoever dealt with a Tuscane, had neede to have found sightand judgement._ So remaining contented (whither she would or no) withher losse: she plainly perceyved, that although she lived by cheatingothers, yet now at the length she had mette with her match.
* * * * *
So soone as _Dioneus_ had ended his Novell, Madame _Lauretta_ alsoknew, that the conclusion of her Regiment was come; whereupon, whenthe counsell of _Canigiano_ had past with generall commendation, andthe wit of _Salabetto_ no lesse applauded, for fitting it with suchan effectuall prosecution; shee tooke the Crowne of Laurell from herowne head, and set it upon Madame _?milliaes_, speaking graciously inthis manner. Madam, I am not able to say, how pleasant a Queene weshall have of you, but sure I am, that we shall enjoy a faire one: letmatters therefore be so honourably carried; that your government may beanswerable to your beautifull perfections; which words were no soonerdelivered, but she sate downe in her mounted seate.
Madame _?millia_ being somewhat bashfull, not so much of hir beingcreated Queene, as to heare her selfe thus publikely praysed, with thatwhich Women do most of all desire: her face then appearing, like theopening of the Damaske Rose, in the goodlyest morning. But after shehad a while dejected her lookes, and the Vermillion blush was vanishedaway: having taken order with the Master of the houshold, for allneedefull occasions befitting the assembly, thus she began.
Gracious Ladies, wee behold it daily, that those Oxen which havelaboured in the yoake most part of the day, for their more convenientfeeding, are let forth at liberty, and permitted to wander abroad inthe Woods. We see moreover, that Gardens and Orchards, being plantedwith variety of the fairest fruit Trees, are equalled in beauty byWoods and Forrests, in the plentifull enjoying of as goodly spreadingbranches. In consideration whereof, remembring how many dayes wee havealready spent (under the severitie of Lawes imposed) shaping all ourdiscourses to a forme of observation: I am of opinion, that it will notonely well become us, but also prove beneficiall for us, to live nolonger under such restraint, and like enthralled people, desirous ofliberty, wee should no more be subjected to the yoke, but recover ourformer strength in walking freely.
Wherefore, concerning our pastime purposed for to morrow, I amnot minded to use any restriction, or tye you unto any particularordination: but rather do liberally graunt, that every one shall deviseand speake of arguments agreeing with your owne dispositions.
Besides, I am verily perswaded, that variety of matter uttered sofreely, will be much more delightfull, then restraint to one kinde ofpurpose onely. Which being thus granted by me, whosoever shall succeedeme in the government may (as being of more power and preheminence)restraine all backe againe to the accustomed lawes. And having thusspoken, she dispensed with their any longer attendance, untill itshould be Supper time.
Every one commended the Queenes appointment, allowing
it to rellish ofgood wit and judgement; and being all risen, fell to such exercisesas they pleased. The Ladies made Nosegaies and Chaplets of Flowers,the men played on their Instruments, singing divers sweete Ditties tothem, and thus were busied untill Supper time. Which beeing come, andthey supping about the beautifull Fountains: after Supper, they fellto singing and dauncing. In the end, the Queene, to imitate the orderof her predecessors, commanded _Pamphilus_, that notwithstanding allthe excellent songs formerly sung: he should now sing one, whereuntodutifully obeying, thus he began.
THE SONG.
The Chorus sung by all.
_Love, I found such felicitie, And joy, in thy captivitie: As I before did never prove, And thought me happy, being in Love._
_Comfort abounding in my hart, Joy and Delight In soule and spright I did possesse in every part; O Soveraigne Love by thee. Thy Sacred fires, Fed my desires, And still aspires, Thy happy thrall to bee. Love, I found such felicity, &c._
_My Song wants power to relate, The sweets of minde Which I did finde In that most blissefull state, O Soveraigne Love by thee. No sad despaire, Or killing care Could me prepare; Still thou didst comfort me. Love, I found such felicity, &c._
_I hate all such as do complaine, Blaspheming thee With Cruelty, And sleights of coy disdaine. O Soveraigne Love, to mee Thou hast bene kinde: If others finde. Thee worse inclinde, Yet I will honour thee._
_LOVE, I found such felicitie, And joy in thy Captivitie: As I before did never prove, But thought me happie, being in Love._
Thus the Song of _Pamphilus_ ended, whereto all the rest (as a Chorus)answered with their Voyces, yet every one particularly (accordingas they felt their Love-sicke passions) made a curious constructionthereof, perhaps more then they needed, yet not Divining what_Pamphilus_ intended. And although they were transported with varietyof imaginations; yet none of them could arrive** at his true meaningindeed. Wherefore the Queene, perceiving the Song to be fully ended,and the Ladies, as also the young Gentlemen, willing to go take theirrest: she commaunded them severally to their Chambers.
_The End of the Eight Day._