Signior Gentile de Carisendi, _being come from_ Modena, _took aGentlewoman, named Madam_ Catharina, _forth of a grave, wherein shewas buried for dead: which act he did, in regard of his former honestaffection to the said Gentlewoman. Madame_ Catharina _remainingafterward, and delivered of a goodly Sonne: was (by_ Signior _there_Gentile) _delivered to her owne Husband, named_ Signior NicoluccioCaccianimico, _and the yong infant with her._
The Fourth Novell.
_Wherein is shewne, That true love hath alwayes bin, and so still is,the occasion of many great and worthy courtesies._
By judgment of all the honorable assembly, it was reputed wonderfull,that a man should be so bountifull, as to give away his owne life,and to his hatefull enemy. In which respect, it passed with generallaffirmation, that _Nathan_ (in the vertue of liberallity) hadexceeded _Alphonso_, King of _Spaine_, but (especially) the Abbot of_Clugny_. So, after every one had delivered their opinion, the King,turning himselfe to Madame _Lauretta_, gave her such a signe, as wellinstructed her understanding, that she should be the next in order,whereto she gladly yeelding, began in this manner.
Youthfull Ladies, the discourses already past, have been so worthy andmagnificent, yea, reaching to such a height of glorious splendour; as(me thinkes) there remaineth no more matter, for us that are yet tospeake, whereby to enlarge so famous an Argument, and in such manneras it ought to be: except we lay hold on the actions of love, whereinis never any want of subject, it is so faire and spacious a field towalke in. Wherefore, as well in behalfe of the one, as advancementof the other, whereto our instant age is most of all inclined: Ipurpose to acquaint you with a generous and magnificent act, of anamourous Gentleman, which when it shall be duely considered on, perhapswill appeare equall to any of the rest. At least, if it may passefor currant, that men may give away their treasures, forgive mightyinjuries, and lay downe life it selfe, honour and renowne (which isfarre greater) to infinite dangers, only to attaine any thing esteemedand affected.
Understand then (Gracious hearers) that in _Bologna_, a very famousCity of _Lombardie_, there lived sometime a Knight, most highlyrespected for his vertues, named Signior _Gentile de Carisendi_, who(in his yonger dayes) was enamoured of a Gentlewoman, called Madam_Catharina_, the Wife of Signior _Nicoluccio Caccianimico_. Andbecause during the time of his amourous pursuite, he found but a sorryenterchange of affection from the Lady; hee went (as hopelesse of anysuccesse) to be Potestate of _Modena_, whereto he was called by placeand order.
At the same time, Signior _Nicoluccio_ being absent from _Bologna_, andhis Lady at a Farme-house of his in the Countrey (about three milesdistant from the City) because she was great with child, and somewhatneere the time of her teeming: it came to passe, that some dangerousaccident befell her, which was so powerfull in operation, as no signeof life appeared remained in her, but she was reputed (even in thejudgement of the best Phisitians, whereof she wanted no attendance) tobe verily dead. And because in the opinion of her parents and neerestkinred, the time for her deliverance was yet so farre off, as theInfant within her, wanted much of a perfect creature: they made thelesse mourning; but in the next Church, as also the vault belonging toher Ancestors, they gave her buriall very speedily.
Which tydings comming to the hearing of Signior _Gentile_, by one thatwas his endeared friend: Although (while she lived) he could never begracious in her favour, yet her so sudden death did greatly grievehim, whereupon he discoursed in this sort with himselfe. Deare Madame_Catharina_, I am not a little sorry for thy death, although (duringthy life-time) I was scarcely worthy of one kind looke: Yet now beingdead, thou canst not prohibite me, but I may robbe thee of a kisse.No sooner had hee spoke the words, but it beeing then night, andtaking such order, as none might know of his departure: hee mounted onhorse-backe, accompanied onely with one servant, and stayed no where,till hee came to the vault where the Lady was buried. Which when he hadopened, with instruments convenient for the purpose, he descended downeinto the vault, and kneeled downe by the Beere whereon she lay, andin her wearing garments, according to the usuall manner, with tearestrickling mainly downe his cheekes, he bestowed infinite sweet kisseson her.
But as we commonly see, that mens desires are never contented, butstill will presume on further advantages, especially such as loveentirely: so fared it with _Gentile_, who being once minded to get himgone, as satisfied with the oblation of his kisses; would needs yetstep backe againe, saying. Why should I not touch her yvory breast,the Adamant that drew all desires to adore her? Ah let me touch itnow, for never hereafter can I bee halfe so happy. Overcome with thisalluring appetite, gently he laid his hand upon her breast, with thelike awefull respect, as if she were living, and holding it so anindifferent while: either he felt, or his imagination so perswaded him,the heart of the Lady to beate and pant. Casting off all fond feare,and the warmth of his increasing the motion: his inward soule assuredhim, that she was not dead utterly, but had some small sense of liferemaining in her, whereof he would needs be further informed.
So gently as possible he could, and with the helpe of his man, he tookeher forth of the monument, & laying her softly on his horse before him,conveighed her closely to his house in _Bologna_. Signior _Gentile_had a worthy Lady to his Mother, a woman of great wisdome and vertue,who understanding by her Sonne, how matters had happened; moved withcompassion, and suffering no one in the house to know what was done,made a good fire, and very excellent Bathe, which recalled back againewrong-wandering life. Then fetching a vehement sigh, opening her eyes,& looking very strangely about her, she said. Alas! where am I now?whereto the good old Lady kindly replyed, saying. Comfort your selfeMadame, for you are in a good place.
Her spirits being in better manner met together, and she still gazingevery way about her, not knowing well where she was, and seeing Signior_Gentile_ standing before her: he entreated his mother to tell her bywhat meanes she came thither; which the good old Lady did, _Gentile_himselfe helping to relate the whole history. A while she grievedand lamented, but afterward gave them most hearty thankes, humblyrequesting, that, in regard of the love he had formerly borne her, inhis house she might finde no other usage, varying from the honour ofher selfe and her Husband, and when day was come, to be conveighed hometo her owne house. Madame, answered Signior _Gentile_, whatsoever Isought to gaine from you in former dayes, I never meane, either here,or any where else, to motion any more. But seeing it hath been my happyfortune, to prove the blessed means, of reducing you from death tolife: you shall find no other entertainment here, then as if you weremine owne Sister. And yet the good deed which I have this night donefor you, doth well deserve some courteous requitall: in which respect,I would have you not to deny me one favour, which I will presume tocrave of you. Whereto the Lady lovingly replyed, that she was willingto grant it; provided, it were honest, and in her power: wheretoSignior _Gentile_ thus answered.
Madame, your parents, kindred and friends, and generally all throughout_Bologna_, doe verily thinke you to be dead, wherefore there is not anyone, that will make any inquisition after you: in which regard, thefavour I desire from you, is no more but to abide here secretly withmy Mother, untill such time as I returne from _Modena_, which shallbe very speedily. The occasion why I move this motion, aymeth at thisend, that in presence of the chiefest persons of our City, I may makea gladsome present of you to your Husband. The Lady knowing her selfehighly beholding to the Knight, and the request he made to be veryhonest: disposed her selfe to doe as he desired (although she earnestlylonged, to glad her parents and kindred with seeing her alive) andmade her promise him on her faith, to effect it in such manner, as hepleased to appoint and give her direction.
Scarcely were these words concluded, but she felt the custome of womento come upon her, with the paines and throwes incident to childing:wherefore, with helpe of the aged Lady, Mother to Signior _Gentile_, itwas not long before her deliverance of a goodly Sonne, which greatlyaugmented the joy of her and _Gentile_, who tooke order, that allthings belonging to a Woman in such a
case, were not wanting, but shewas as carefully respected, even as if she had been his owne Wife.Secretly he repaired to _Modena_, where having given direction for hisplace of authority; he returned back againe to _Bologna_, and theremade preparation for a great and solemne feast, appointing who shouldbe his invited guests, the very chiefest persons in _Bologna_, and(among them) Signior _Nicoluccio Caccianimico_ the especiall man.
After he was dismounted from horsebacke, and found so good companyattending for him (the Lady also, more faire and healthful then ever,and the Infant lively disposed) he sate downe at the Table with hisguests, causing them to be served in most magnificent manner, withplenty of all delicates that could be devised, and never before wasthere such a Joviall feast. About the ending of dinner, closely he madethe Lady acquainted with his further intention, and likewise in whatorder every thing should be done, which being effected, he returned tohis company, & used these speeches.
Honourable friends, I remember a discourse sometime made unto me,concerning the Countrey of _Persia_, and a kind of custome thereobserved, not to be misliked in mine opinion. When any one intendedto honour his friend in effectuall manner, he invited him home to hishouse, and there would shew him the thing, which with greatest lovehe did respect; were it Wife, Friend, Sonne, Daughter, or any thingelse whatsoever; wherewithall hee spared not to affirme, that as heshewed him those choyce delights, the like view he should have of hisheart, if with any possibility it could be done; and the very samecustome I meane now to observe here in our City. You have vouchsafedto honour me with your presence, at this poore homely dinner of mine,and I will welcome you after the _Persian_ manner, in shewing you theJewell, which (above all things else in the world) I ever have mostrespectively esteemed. But before I doe it, I crave your favourableopinions in a doubt, which I will plainely declare unto you.
If any man having in his house a good and faithfull servant, whofalling into extremity of sickenesse, shall be throwne forth intothe open street, without any care or pitty taken on him; A strangerchanceth to passe by, and (moved with compassion of his weakenesse)carryeth him home to his owne house, where using all charitablediligence, and not sparing any cost, he recovereth the sicke person tohis former health. I now desire to know, if keeping the said restoredperson, and imploying him about his owne businesse: the first Master(by pretending his first right) may lawfully complaine of the second,and yeeld him backe againe to the first master, albeit he doe makechallenge of him?
All the Gentlemen, after many opinions passing among them, agreedaltogether in one sentence, and gave charge to Signior _NicoluccioCaccianimico_, (because he was an excellent and elegant speaker) togive answere for them all. First, he commended the custome observed in_Persia_, saying, he jumpt in opinion with all the rest, that the firstMaster had no right at all to the servant, having not onely (in suchnecessity) forsaken him, but also cast him forth into the comfortlessestreet. But for the benefits and mercy extended to him; it was morethen manifest, that the recovered person, was become justly servant tothe second Master, and in detayning him from the first, hee did notoffer him any injury at all. The whole Company sitting at the Table(being all very wise & worthy men) gave their verdict likewise withthe confession of Signior _Nicoluccio Caccianimico_. Which answeredid not a little please the Knight; and so much the rather, because_Nicoluccio_ had pronounced it, affirming himselfe to be of the sameminde.
So, sitting in a pretended musing a while, at length he said. Myhonourable guests, it is now more then high time, that I should doeyou such honour, as you have most justly deserved, by performing thepromise made unto you. Then calling two of his servants, he sentthem to Madame _Catharina_ (whom he had caused to adorne her selfin excellent manner) entreating her, that she would be pleased tograce his guests with her presence. _Catharina_, having deckt herchild in costly habiliments, layed it in her armes, and came withthe servants into the dyning Hall, and sate down (as the Knight hadappointed) at the upper end of the Table, and then Signior _Gentile_spake thus. Behold, worthy Gentlemen, this is the Jewell which I havemost affected, and intend to love none other in the world; be you myJudges, whether I have just occasion to doe so, or no? The Gentlemensaluting her with respective reverence, said to the Knight; that he hadgreat reason to affect her: And viewing her advisedly, many of themthought her to be the very same woman (as indeed she was) but that theybeleeved her to be dead.
But above all the rest _Nicoluccio Caccianimico_ could never besatisfied with beholding her; and, enflamed with earnest desire, toknow what she was, could not refraine (seeing the Knight was gone outof the roome) but demaunded of her, whether she were of _Bologna_, or astranger? when the Lady heard her selfe to be thus questioned, and byher Husband, it seemed painefull to her, to containe from answering:Neverthelesse, to perfect the Knights intended purpose, she satesilent. Others demaunded of her, whether the sweet Boy were hers, orno; and some questioned, if she were _Gentiles_ Wife, or no, or elsehis Kinsewoman; to all which demaunds, she returned not any answere.But when the Knight came to them againe, some of them said to him. Sir,this woman is a goodly creature, but she appeareth to be dumbe, whichwere great pitty, if it should be so. Gentlemen (quoth he) it is nosmall argument of her vertue, to sit still and silent at this instant.Tell us then (said they) of whence, and what she is. Therein (quothhe) I will quickely resolve you, upon your conditionall promise: thatnone of you do remove from his place, whatsoever shall be said or done,untill I have fully delivered my minde. Every one bound himselfe bysolemne promise, to perform what he had appointed, and the Tables beingvoided, as also the Carpets laid; then the Knight (sitting downe by theLady) thus began.
Worthy Gentlemen, this Lady is that true and faithfull servant, whereofI moved the question to you, whom I tooke out of the cold street,where her parents, kindred and friends (making no account at all ofher) threw her forth, as a thing vile and unprofitable. Neverthelesse,such hath been my care and cost, that I have rescued her out ofdeaths griping power; and, in a meere charitable disposition, whichhonest affection caused me to beare her; of a body, full of terror& affrighting (as then she was) I have caused her to become thuslovely as you see. But because you may more apparantly discerne, inwhat manner this occasion happened; I will lay it open to you in morefamiliar manner. Then he began the whole history, from the originall ofhis unbeseeming affection to her (in regard she was a worthy mans wife)and consequently, how all had happened to the instant houre, to theno meane admiration of all the hearers, adding withall. Now Gentlemen(quoth he) if you varry not from your former opinion, and especiallySignior _Nicoluccio Caccianimico_: this Lady (by good right) is mine,and no man else, by any just title, can lay any claime to her.
All sate silent, without answering one word, as expecting what heintended further to say: but in the meane while, _Nicoluccio_, theparents and kindred, but chiefely the Lady her selfe, appeared as halfemelted into teares with weeping. But Signior _Gentile_, starting upfrom the Table, taking the Infant in his arme, and leading the Lady bythe hand, going to _Nicoluccio_, thus spake. Rise Sir, I will not givethee thy wife, whom both her kindred and thine, threw forth into thestreet: but I will bestow this Lady on thee, being my Gossip, and thissweet Boy my God-sonne, who was (as I am verily perswaded) begotten bythee, I standing witnesse for him at the Font of Baptisme, and give himmine owne name _Gentile_. Let me entreat thee, that, although she hathlived here in mine house, for the space of three monethes, she shouldnot be lesse welcome to thee, then before: for I sweare to thee uponmy soule, that my former affection to her (how unjust soever) was theonely meanes of preserving her life: and more honestly she could notlive, with Father, Mother, or thy selfe, then she hath done here withmine owne Mother.
Having thus spoken, he turned to the Lady, saying. Madame, I nowdischarge you of all promises made me, delivering you to your Husbandfranke and free: And when he had given him the Lady, and the childin his armes, he returned to his place, and sate downe againe._Nicoluccio_, with no meane joy and hearty contentment received bothhis wife and childe, bei
ng before farre from expectation of such anadmirable comfort; returning the Knight infinite thankes (as all therest of the Company did the like) who could not refraine from weepingfor meere joy, for such a strange and wonderfull accident: everyonehighly commending _Gentile_, & such also as chanced to heare thereof.The Lady was welcommed home to her owne house, with many moneths ofJoviall feasting, and as she passed through the streets, all beheld herwith admiration, to be so happily recovered from her grave. Signior_Gentile_ lived long after, a loyall friend to _Nicoluccio_ and hisLady, and all that were well-willers to them.
What thinke you now Ladies? Can you imagine, because a King gave awayhis Crowne and Scepter; and an Abbot (without any cost to himselfe)reconciled a Malefactor to the Pope; and an old idle-headed man,yeelding to the mercy of his enemy: that all those actions arecomparable to this of Signior _Gentile_? Youth and ardent affection,gave him a just and lawfull title, to her who was free (by imagineddeath) from Husbands, Parents, and all friends else, she beingso happily wonne into his owne possession. Yet honesty not onelyover-swayed the heate of desire, which in many men is violent andimmoderate: but with a bountifull and liberall soule, that which hecoveted beyond all hopes else, and had within his owne command; hefreely gave away. Beleeve me (bright Beauties) not any of the other (ina true and unpartiall judgement) are worthy to be equalled with this,or stiled by the name of magnificent actions.