_Victorious_ King Charles, _sirnamed the Aged, and first of that Name,fell in love with a yong Maiden, named_ Genevera, _daughter to anancient Knight, called Signior_ Neri degli Uberti. _And waxing ashamedof his amorous folly, caused both_ Genevera, _and her fayre Sister_Isotta, _to be joyned in marriage with two Noble Gentlemen; the onenamed_ Signior Maffeo da Palizzi, _and the other,_ Signior Gulielmodella Magna.
The Sixt Novell.
_Sufficiently declaring, that how mighty soever the power of Love is:yet a magnanimous and truly generous heart, it can by no meanes fullyconquer._
Who is able to expresse ingeniously, the diversity of opinions, whichhapned among the Ladies, in censuring on the act of Madame _Dianora_,and which of them was most liberall, either Signior _Gilberto_ theHusband, Lord _Ansaldo_ the importunate suiter, or the Magitian,expecting to bee bountifully rewarded. Surely, it is a matter beyondmy capacity: but after the King had permitted their disputation a longwhile, looking on Madam _Fiammetta_, he commanded that she shouldreport her Novel to make an end of their controversie; and she (withoutany further delaying) thus began. I did alwaies (Noble Ladies) holdit fit and decent, that in such an assembly as this of ours is, everyone ought to speake so succinctly and plainly: that the obscureunderstanding, concerning the matters spoken of, should have no causeof disputation. For disputes do much better become the Colledges ofScholars, then to be among us, who hardly can manage our Distavesor Samplers. And therefore I, doe intend to relate something, which(peradventure) might appeare doubtfull: will forbeare (seeing you insuch a difference; for that which hath bin spoken alreadie) to use anydifficult discourse; but will speake of one, a man of no meane rankeor quality, being both a valiant and vertuous King, and what he did,without any impeach or blemish to his honor.
I make no doubt, but you have often heard report, of king _Charles_ theAged, and first of that name, by reason of his magnificent enterprises,as also his most glorious victory, which he obtaind against King_Manfred_, when the _Ghibellines_ were expulsed foorth of _Florence_,and the _Guelphes_ returned thither againe. By which occasion, anancient knight, named Signior _Neri degli Uberti_; forsaking then theCity, with all his family and great store of wealth, woulde live underany other obedience, then the awful power or command of King _Charles_.And coveting to be in some solitary place, where he might finish theremainder of his dayes in peace, he went to _Castello da Mare_; where,about a Bow shoote distance from all other dwelling houses, hee boughta parcel of ground, plentifully stored with variety of Trees, bearingOlives, Chesnuts, Orenges, Lemons, Pomcitrons, and other excellentfrutages, wherewith the Countrey flourisheth abundantly. There hebuilt a very faire and commodious house, and planted (close by it) apleasant Garden, in the middst whereof, because he had great plenty ofwater: according as other men use to do, being in the like case so welprovided; he made a very goodly Pond, which forthwith had all kinde ofFish swimming in it, it being his daily care and endeavour**, to tend hisGarden, and encrease his Fish-pond.
It fortuned, that King _Charles_ (in the Summer time) for his pleasureand recreation, went to repose himselfe (for some certayne dayes)at _Castello de Mare_, where having heard report of the beautie andsingularitie of Signiour _Neries_ Garden; hee grew very desirous tosee it. But when he understoode to whome it belonged, then he entredinto consideration with himselfe, that hee was an ancient Knight,maintaining a contrarie faction to his: wherefore, he thought itfit to goe in some familiar manner, and with no trayne attending onhim. Whereupon he sent him word, that he wold come to visit him, withfoure Gentlemen onely in his companie, meaning to sup with him in hisGarden the next night ensuing. The newes was very welcome to _SigniorNeri_, who took order in costly manner for all things to bee done,entertaining the King most joyfully into his beautifull Garden.
When the King had survayed all, and the house likewise, he commendedit beyond all other comparison, and the Tables being placed by thePonds side, he washed his hands therein, & then sat down at the table,commanding the Count, Sir _Guy de Montforte_ (who was one of them whichcame in his company) to sitte downe by him, and Signior _Neri_ on hisother side. As for the other three of the traine, hee commaunded themto attend on his service, as Signior _Neri_ had given order. Therewanted no exquisite Viandes and excellent Wines, all performed in mostdecent manner, and without the least noise or disturbance, wherein theKing tooke no little delight.
Feeding thus in this contented manner, and facying the solitude of theplace: sodainly entred into the garden, two yong Damosels, each agedabout some fifteene yeares, their haire resembling wyars of Gold, andcuriously curled, having Chaplets (made like provinciall Crownes) ontheir heades, and their delicate faces, expressing them to be ratherAngels, then mortall creatures, such was the appearance of theiradmired beauty. Their under-garments were of costly Silke, yet white asthe finest snow, framed (from the girdle upward) close to their bodies,but spreading largely downward, like the extendure of a Pavillion, andso descending to the feet. She that first came in sight, caried on hershoulder a couple of fishing Netts, which she held fast with her lefthand, and in the right she carryed a long staffe. The other followingher, had on her left shoulder a Frying-pan, and under the same arme asmall Faggot of woodde, with a Trevit in her hand; and in the otherhand a pot of Oyle, as also a brand of fire flaming.
No sooner did the King behold them, but he greatly wondered what theyshould be; and, without uttering one word, attended to listen what theywold say. Both the yong damosels, when they were come before the King,with modest and bashfull gesture, they performed very humble reverenceto him, and going to the place of entrance into the Pond, she who heldthe Trevit, set it downe on the ground, with the other things also; andtaking the staffe which the other Damosell carried: they both went intothe Pond, the water whereof reached so high as to their bosomes. One ofthe Servants to Signior _Neri_, presently kindled the fire, setting theTrevit over it, and putting Oyle into the Frying-panne, held it upponthe Trevit, awaiting untill the Damosels should cast him uppe Fish. Oneof them did beate a place with the staffe, where she was assured of theFishes resort, and the other hadde lodged the Nets so conveniently, asthey quickly caught great store of Fish, to the Kings high contentment,who observed their behaviour very respectively.
As the Fishes were throwne up to the servant, alive as they were, hetooke the best and fairest of them, and brought them to the Table,where they skipt and mounted before the King, Count _Guy de Montfort_and the Father: some leaping from the Table into the Pond againe, andothers, the King (in a pleasing humour) voluntarily threw backe tothe Damosels. Jesting and sporting in this manner, till the servanthad drest divers of them in exquisite order, and served them to theTable, according as Signior _Neri_ had ordained. When the Damoselssaw the Fishes service performed, and perceived that they had fishedsufficiently: they came forth of the water, their garments then (beingwet) hanging close about them, even as if they hid no part of theirbodies. Each having taken those things againe, which at first theybrought with them, and saluting the king in like humility as they didbefore, returned home to the mansion house.
The King and Count likewise, as also the other attending Gentlemen,having duely considered the behavior of the Damosels: commendedextraordinarily their beauty and faire feature, with those otherperfections of Nature so gloriously shining in them. But (beyondall the rest) the King was boundlesse in his praises given of them,having observed their going into the water, the equall carriage thereof them both, their comming forth, and gracious demeanor at theirdeparting (yet neither knowing of whence, or what they were) he felthis affection very violently flamed, and grew into such an amourousdesire to them both, not knowing which of them pleased him most, theyso choisely resembled one another in all things.
But after he had dwelt long enough upon these thoughts, he turnedhim selfe to Signior _Neri_, and demanded of him, what Damosels theywere. Sir (answered _Neri_) they are my Daughters, both brought intothe world at one birth, and Twinnes, the one being named _Genevera_the faire, and the other _Isotta_ the amiab
le. The King began againeto commend them both, and gave him advise to get them both married:wherein he excused himselfe, alleadging, that he wanted power to doeit. At the same time instant, no other service remaining to be broughtto the table, except Fruit and Cheese, the two Damosels returnedagaine, attyred in goodly Roabes of Carnation Sattin, formed afterthe Turkish fashion, carrying two fayre Silver dishes in their hands,filled with divers delicate Fruits, such as the season then afforded,setting them on the Table before the King. Which being done, theyretyred a little backeward, and with sweet melodious voyces, sung aditty, beginning in this manner.
_Where Love presumeth into place: Let no one sing in Loves disgrace._
So sweet and pleasing seemed the Song to the King (who tooke no smalldelight, both to heare and behold the Damosels) even as if all theHirarchies of Angels, were descended from the Heavens to sing beforehim. No sooner was the Song ended, but (humbly on their knees) theycraved favour of the King for their departing. Now, although theirdeparture was greatly grieving to him, yet (in outward appearance) heseemed willing to grant it.
When Supper was concluded, and the King and his Company remountedon horsebacke: thankefully departing from Signior _Neri_, the Kingreturned to his lodging, concealing there closely his affection tohimselfe, and whatsoever important affaires happened: yet he couldnot forget the beauty, & gracious behaviour of _Genevera_ the faire(for whose sake he loved her Sister likewise) but became so linked toher in vehement manner, as he had no power to think on any thing else.Pretending other urgent occasions, he fell into great familiarity withSignior _Neri_, visiting very often his goodly Garden; onely to see hisfaire Daughter _Genevera_, the Adamant which drew him thither.
When he felt his amourous assaults, to exeed all power of longersufferance: he resolved determinately with himselfe, (being unprovidedof any better meanes) to take her away from her Father, and not onelyshe, but her Sister also; discovering both his love and intent to Count_Guy de Montforte_, who being a very worthy and vertuous Lord, and meetto be a Counseller for a King, delivered his mind in this manner.
Gracious Lord, I wonder not a little at your speeches, and so muchthe greater is my admiration, because no man els can be subject tothe like, in regard I have knowne you from the time of your infancy;even to this instant houre, and alwayes your carriage to bee one andthe same. I could never perceive in your youthfull dayes (when loveshould have the greatest meanes to assaile you) any such oppressingpassions: which is now the more novell and strange to me, to heare itbut said, that you being old, and called the Aged; should be growneamorous, surely to me it seemeth a miracle. And if it appertained tome to reprehend you in this case, I know well enough what I could say.Considering, you have yet your Armour on your backe, in a Kingdomenewly conquered, among a Nation not knowne to you, full of falsehoods,breaches, and treasons; all which are no meane motives to care andneedfull respect. But having now wone a little leisure, to rest yourselfe a while from such serious affaires; can you give way to theidle suggestions of Love? Beleeve me Sir, it is no act becomming amagnanimious King; but rather the giddy folly of a young braine.
Moreover you say (which most of all I mislike) that you intend to takethe two Virgines from the Knight, who hath given you entertainment inhis house beyond his ability, and to testifie how much he honoured you,he suffered you to have a sight of them, meerely (almost) in a nakedmanner: witnessing thereby, what constant faith he reposed in you,beleeving verily, that you were a just King, and not a ravenous Woolfe.Have you so soone forgot, that the rapes and violent actions, done byKing _Manfred_ to harmelesse Ladies, made your onely way of entranceinto this Kingdome? What treason was ever committed, more worthy ofeternall punishment, then this will be in you: to take away from him(who hath so highly honoured you) his chiefest hope and consolation?What will be said by all men, if you doe it?
Peradventure you thinke, it will be a sufficient excuse for you, tosay: I did it, in regard hee was a _Ghibelline_. Can you imagine thisto be justice in a King, that such as get into their possession in thismanner (whatsoever it be) ought to use it in this sort? Let me tell youSir, it was a most worthy victory for you, to conquer King _Manfred_:but it is farre more famous victory, for a man to conquer himselfe.You therefore, who are ordained to correct vices in other men, learnefirst to subdue them in your selfe, and (by brideling this inordinateappetite) set not a foule blemish on so faire a fame, as will be honourto you to preserve spotlesse.
These words pierced the heart of the King deepely, and so much the moreafflicted him, because he knew them to be most true: wherefore, afterhe had ventred a very vehement sigh, thus he replyed. Beleeve me nobleCount, there is not any enemy, how strong soever he be, but I hold himweake and easie to be vanquished, by him who is skilfull in the warre,where a man may learne to conquere his owne appetite. But because heshall find it a laborious taske, requiring inestimable strength andcourage: your words have so toucht me to the quicke, that it becommethme to let you effectually perceive (and within the compasse of fewdayes) that as I have learned to conquer others, so I am not ignorant,in expressing the like power upon my selfe.
Having thus spoken, within some few dayes after, the King beingreturned to _Naples_, he determined, as well to free himself from anythe like ensuing follie, as also to recompence Signior _Neri_, for thegreat kindnesse he had shewne to him (although it was a difficultthing, to let another enjoy, what he rather desired for himselfe)to have the two Damosels married, not as the Daughters of Signior_Neri_, but even as if they were his owne. And by consent of theFather, he gave _Genevera_ the faire, to Signior _Maffeo da Pallizzi_,and _Isotta_ the amiable, to Signior _Gulielmo della Magna_, twoNoble Knights and honourable Barons. After he had thus given them inmarriage, in sad mourning he departed thence into _Apuglia_, whereby following worthy and honourable actions, he so well overcame allinordinate appetites: that shaking off the enthralling fetters of love,he lived free from all passions, the rest of his life time, and dyed asan honourable King.
Some perhaps will say, it was a small matter for a King, to give awaytwo Damosels in marriage, and I confesse it: but I maintaine it to begreat, and more then great, if we say, that a King, being so earnestlyenamoured as this King was; should give her away to another, whom heso dearely affected himselfe, without receiving (in recompence of hisaffection) so much as a leaffe, flowre, or the least fruit of love. Yetsuch was the vertue of this magnificent King, expressed in so highlyrecompencing the noble Knights courtesie, honouring the two daughtersso royally, and conquering his owne affections so vertuously.