The Decameron (Day 6 to Day 10)
Sophronia, _thinking her selfe to be the maried wife of_ Gisippus,_was (indeed) the wife of_ Titus Quintus Fulvius, _& departed thencewith him to Rome. Within a while after,_ Gisippus _also came thitherin very poore condition, and thinking that he was despised by_ Titus,_grew weary of his life, and confessed that he had murdred a man, withfull intent to die for the fact. But_ Titus _taking knowledge of him,and desiring to save the life of_ Gisippus, _charged himself to havedone the bloody deed. Which the murderer himself (standing then amongthe multitude) seeing, truly confessed the deed. By meanes whereof, allthree were delivered by the Emperor_ Octavius; _and_ Titus _gave hisSister in mariage to_ Gisippus, _giving them also the most part of hisgoods & inheritances._
The eight Novell.
_Declaring, that notwithstanding the frownes of Fortune, diversity ofoccurrences, and contrary accidents happening: yet love and friendshipought to be preciously preserved among men._
By this time Madam _Philomena_, at command of the King, (Madam_Pampinea_ ceasing) prepared to follow next in order, whereupon thusshe began. What is it (Gracious Ladies) that Kings can not do (if theylist) in matters of greatest importance, and especially unto such asmost they should declare their magnificence? He then that performethwhat he ought to do, when it is within his owne power, doth well.But it is not so much to bee admired, neither deserveth halfe thecommendations, as when one man doth good to another, when least itis expected, as being out of his power, and yet performed. In whichrespect, because you have so extolled king _Piero_, as appearing notmeanly meritorious in your judgements; I make no doubt but you will bemuch more pleased, when the actions of our equals are duly considered,and shall paralell any of the greatest Kings. Wherefore I purpose totell you a Novel, concerning an honorable curtesie of two worthyfriends.
At such time as _Octavius C?sar_ (not as yet named _Augustus_, but onlyin the office called _Triumveri_) governed the _Romane_ Empire, theredwelt in _Rome_ a Gentleman, named _Publius Quintus Fulvius_, a manof singular understanding, who having one son, called _Titus QuintusFulvius_, of towardly yeares and apprehension, sent him to _Athens_ tolearne Philosophy; but with letters of familiar commendations, to aNoble _Athenian_ Gentleman, named _Chremes_, being his ancient friend,of long acquaintance. This Gentleman lodged _Titus_ in his owne House,as companion to his son, named _Gisippus_, both of them studyingtogether, under the tutoring of a Philosopher, called _Aristippus_.These two yong Gentlemen living thus in one Citty, House, and Schoole,it bred betweene them such a brother-hoode and amity, as they couldnot be severed from one another; but only by the accident of death;nor could either of them enjoy any content, but when they were bothtogether in company.
Being each of them endued with gentle spirits, and having begun theirstudies together: they arose (by degrees) to the glorious height ofPhilosophy, to their much admired fame and commendation. In this mannerthey lived, to the no meane comfort of _Chremes_, hardly distinguishingthe one from the other for his Son, & thus the Scholars continuedthe space of three yeares. At the ending whereof (as it hapneth in althings else) _Chremes_ died, whereat both the young Gentlemen conceivedsuch hearty griefe, as if he had bin their common father; nor couldthe kinred of _Chremes_ discerne, which of the two had most need ofcomfort, the losse touched them so equally.
It chanced within some few months after, that the kinred of _Gisippus_came to see him, and (before _Titus_) avised him to marriage, and witha yong Gentlewoman of singular beauty, derived from a most noble housein _Athens_, and she named _Sophronia_, aged about fifteen years. Thismariage drawing neere, _Gisippus_ on a day, intreated _Titus_ to walkalong with him thither, because (as yet) he had not seene her. Commingto the house, and she sitting in the midst betweene them, _Titus_making himselfe a considerator of beauty, & especially on his friendsbehalfe; began to observe her very judicially, & every part of herseemed so pleasing in his eie, that giving them al a privat praise, yetanswerable to their due deserving; he becam so enflamed with affectionto her, as never any lover could bee more violentlie surprized, sosodainly doth beauty beguile our best senses.
After they had sate an indifferent while with her, they returned hometo their lodging, where _Titus_ being alone in his chamber, began tobethink himselfe on her, whose perfections had so powerfully pleasedhim: and the more he entred into this consideration, the fiercerhe felt his desires enflamed, which being unable to quench, by anyreasonable perswasions, after hee had vented foorth infinite sighes,thus he questioned with himselfe.
Most unhappie _Titus_ as thou art, whether doost thou transport thineunderstanding, love, and hope? Dooest thou not know as well by thehonourable favours, which thou hast received of _Chremes_ and hishouse, as also the intire amity betweene thee and _Gisippus_ (untowhom faire _Sophronia_ is the affianced friend) that thou shouldstholde her in the like reverent respect, as if shee were thy true borneSister? Darest thou presume to fancie her? Whether shall beguiling Loveallure thee, and vaine immaging hopes carrie thee? Open the eyes of thybetter understanding, and acknowledge thy selfe to bee a most miserableman. Give way to reason, bridle thine intemperate appetites, reformeall irregulare desires, and guide thy fancy to a place of betterdirection. Resist thy wanton and lascivious will in the beginning, andbe master of thy selfe, while thou hast opportunity, for that whichthou aimest at, is neither reasonable nor honest. And if thou wertassured to prevaile upon this pursuite, yet thou oughtst to avoide it,if thou hast any regard of true friendship, and the duty therein justlyrequired. What wilt thou do then _Titus_? Fly from this inordinateaffection, if thou wilt be reputed to be a man of sensible judgement.
After he had thus discoursed with himselfe, remembring _Sophronia_,and converting his former allegations, into a quite contrarie sense,in utter detestation of them, and guided by his idle appetite, thushe began againe. The lawes of love are of greater force, then anyother whatsoever, they not only breake the bands of friendship, buteven those also of more divine consequence. How many times hath it binnoted, the father to affect his own daughter, the brother his sister,and the stepmother her son in law, matters far more monstrous, then tosee one friend love the wife of another, a case happening continually?Moreover, I am yong, and youth is wholly subjected to the passions ofLove: is it reasonable then, that those should be bard from me, whichare fitting and pleasing to Love? Honest things, belong to men of moreyears and maturity, then I am troubled withall, and I can covet none,but onely those wherein Love is directer. The beauty of _Sophronia_ isworthy of generall love, and if I that am a yongman do love her, whatman living can justly reprove me for it? Shold not I love her, becauseshe is affianced to _Gisippus_? That is no matter to me, I ought tolove her, because she is a woman, and women were created for no otheroccasion, but to bee Loved. Fortune had sinned in this case, and notI, in directing my friends affection to her, rather then any other; andif she ought to be loved, as her perfections do challenge, _Gisippus_understanding that I affect her, may be the better contented that it isI, rather then any other.
With these, and the like crosse entercourses, he often mockt himselfe,falling into the contrary, and then to this againe, and from thecontrary, into another kind of alteration, wasting and consuminghimselfe, not only this day and the night following, but many moreafterward, till he lost both his feeding & sleepe, so that throughdebility of body, he was constrained to keepe his bed. _Gisippus_, whohad divers dayes noted his melancholly disposition, and now his fallinginto extreamitie of sicknesse, was very sorry to behold it: and withall meanes and inventions he could devise to use, hee both questionedthe cause of this straunge alteration, and essayed everie way, howhee might best comfort him, never ceassing to demaunde a reason, whyhe should become thus sad and sickely. But _Titus_ after infiniteimportuning, which still he answered with idle and frivolous excuses,farre from the truth indeede, and (to the no meane affliction of hisfriend) when he was able to use no more contradictions; at length, insighes and teares, thus he replyed.
_Gisippus_, were the Gods so wel pleased, I could more gladly yeild todye, then c
ontinue any longer in this wretched life, considering, thatFortune hath brought mee to such an extremity, as proofe is now to bemade of my constancie and vertue; both which I finde conquered in me,to my eternall confusion and shame. But my best hope is, that I shallshortly be requited, as I have in justice deserved, namely with death,which will be a thousand times more welcome to me, then a loathed life,with remembrance of my base dejection in courage, which because I canno longer conceale from thee; not without blushing shame, I am wellcontented for to let thee know it.
Then began hee to recount, the whole occasion of this straunge conflictin him, what a maine battaile hee had with his private thoughts,confessing that they got the victory, causing him to die hourelyfor the love of _Sophronia_, and affirming withall, that in dueacknowledgement, how greatly hee had transgressed against the lawes offriendship, he thought no other penance sufficient for him, but onelydeath, which he willingly expected every houre, and with all his heartwould gladly bid welcome.
_Gisippus_ hearing this discourse, and seeing how _Titus_ bitterlywept, in agonies of most moving afflictions: sat an indifferent whilesad and pensive, as being wounded with affection to _Sophronia_, butyet in a well-governed and temperate manner. So, without any longdelaying, hee concluded with himselfe; that the life of his friendought to be accounted much more deare, then any love hee could beareunto _Sophronia_: And in this resolution, the teares of _Titus_ forcinghis eyes to flow forth like two Fountaines, thus he replyed.
_Titus_, if thou hadst not neede of comfort, as plainly I see thouhast, I would justly complaine of thee to my selfe, as of the man whohath violated our friendship, in keeping thine extreamitie so longtime concealed from mee, which hath beene over-tedious for thee toendure. And although it might seeme to thee a dishonest case, andtherefore kept from the knowledge of thy friend, yet I plainly tellthee, that dishonest courses (in the league of amitie) deserve no moreconcealment, then those of the honestest nature. But leaving theseimpertinent wandrings, let us come to them of much greater necessitie.
If thou doest earnestly love faire _Sophronia_, who is betroathedand affianced to me, it is no matter for me to marvaile at: but Ishould rather be much abashed, if thou couldst not intyrely affecther, knowing how beautifull she is, and the nobility of her minde,being as able to sustaine passion, as the thing pleasing is fullestof excellence. And looke how reasonably thou fanciest _Sophronia_, asunjustly thou complainest of thy fortune, in ordaining her to be mywife, although thou doest not speake it expresly: as being of opinion,that thou mightest with more honesty love her, if she were any others,then mine. But if thou art so wise, as I have alwayes held thee to be,tell me truely upon thy faith, to whom could Fortune better guide her,and for which thou oughtest to be more thankfull, then in bestowing heron me? Any other that had enjoyed her, although thy love were neverso honest, yet he would better affect her himselfe, then for thee,which thou canst not (in like manner) looke for from me, if thou doestaccount me for thy friend, and as constant now as ever.
Reason is my warrant in this case, because I cannot remember, sincefirst our entrance into friendship, that ever I enjoyed any thing,but it was as much thine, as mine. And if our affaires had such anequall course before, as otherwise they could not subsist; must theynot now be kept in the same manner? Can any thing more perticularlyappertaine to me, but thy right therein is as absolute as mine? Iknow not how thou maist esteeme of my friendship, if in any thingconcerning my selfe, I can plead my priviledge to be above thine. Trueit is, that _Sophronia_ is affianced to me, and I love her dearely,daily expecting when our nuptials shall be celebrated. But seeing thoudoest more fervently affect her, as being better able to judge of theperfections, remaining in so excellent a creature as she is, then Idoe: assure thy selfe, and beleeve it constantly, that she shall cometo my bed, not as my wife, but onely thine. And therefore leave thesedespairing thoughts, shake off this cloudy disposition, reassume thyformer Joviall spirit, with comfort and what else can content thee: inexpectation of the happy houre, and the just requitall of thy long,loving, and worthy friendship, which I have alwayes valued equall withmine owne life.
_Titus_ hearing this answer of _Gisippus_, looke how much the sweethope of that which he desired gave him pleasure, as much both dutyand reason affronted him with shame; setting before his eyes this duconsideration, that the greater the liberality of _Gisippus_ was, farregreater and unreasonable it appeared to him in disgrace, if hee shouldunmannerly accept it. Wherefore, being unable to refrain from teares,and with such strength as his weaknesse would give leave, thus hereplyed.
_Gisippus_, thy bounty and firme friendship suffereth me to seeapparantly, what (on my part) is no more then ought to be done. Allthe Gods forbid, that I should receive as mine, her whom they haveadjudged to be thine, by true respect of birth and desert. For if theyhad thought her a wife fit for me, doe not thou or any else imagine,that ever she should have beene granted to thee. Use freely thereforethine owne election, and the gracious favour wherewith they haveblessed thee: leave me to consume away in teares, a mourning garmentby them appointed for me, as being a man unworthy of such happinesse;for either I shall conquer this disaster, and that will be my crowne, orelse will vanquish me, and free me from all paine: whereto _Gisippus_presently thus answered.
Worthy _Titus_, if our amity would give me so much licence, as but tocontend with my selfe, in pleasing thee with such a thing as I desire,and could also induce thee therein to be directed: it is the onely endwhereat I aime, and am resolved to pursue it. In which regard, let myperswasions prevaile with thee, and thereto I conjure thee, by thefaith of a friend, suffer me to use mine authority, when it extendethboth to mine owne honour, and thy good, for I will have _Sophronia_to bee onely thine. I know sufficiently, how farre the forces of lovedoe extend in power, and am not ignorant also, how not once or twice,but very many times, they have brought lovers to unfortunate ends,as now I see thee very neere it, and so farre gone, as thou art notable to turne backe againe, nor yet to conquer thine owne teares, butproceeding on further in this extremity, thou wilt be left vanquished,sinking under the burthen of loves tyrannicall oppression, and then myturne is next to follow thee. And therefore, had I no other reason tolove thee, yet because thy life is deare to me, in regard of mine ownedepending thereon; I stand the neerer thereto obliged. For this cause,_Sophronia_ must and shall be thine, for thou canst not find any otherso conforme to thy fancy: albeit I who can easily convert my liking toanother wife, but never to have the like friend againe, shall herebycontent both thee, and my selfe.
Yet perhaps this is not a matter so easily done, or I to expressesuch liberality therein, if wives were to be found with the likedifficultie, as true and faithfull friends are: but, (being able torecover another wife) though never such a worthy friend; I ratherchuse to change, I doe not say loose her (for in giving her to thee, Iloose her not my selfe) and by this change, make that which was goodbefore, tenne times better, and so preserve both thee and my selfe. Tothis end therefore, if my prayers and perswasions have any power withthee, I earnestly entreat thee, that, by freeing thy selfe out of thisaffliction, thou wilt (in one instant) make us both truely comforted,and dispose thy selfe (living in hope) to embrace that happinesse,which the fervent love thou bearest to _Sophronia_, hath justlydeserved.
Now although _Titus_ was confounded with shame, to yeeld consent, that_Sophronia_ should be accepted as his wife, and used many obstinateresistances: yet notwithstanding, Love pleading on the one sidepowerfully, and _Gisippus_ as earnestly perswading on the other,thus he answered. _Gisippus_, I know not what to say, neither howto behave my selfe in this election, concerning the fitting of minecontentment, or pleasing thee in thy importunate perswasion. But seeingthy liberality is so great, as it surmounteth all reason or shame inme, I will yeeld obedience to thy more then noble nature. Yet let thisremaine for thine assurance, that I doe not receive this grace ofthine, as a man not sufficiently understanding, how I enjoy from thee,not onely her whom most of all I doe affect, but also doe hold
my verylife of thee. Grant then you greatest Gods (if you be the Patrones ofthis mine unexpected felicitie) that with honor and due respect, I mayhereafter make apparantly knowne: how highly I acknowledge this thywonderfull favour, in being more mercifull to me, then I could be to myselfe.
For abridging of all further circumstances, answered _Gisippus_, andfor easier bringing this matter to full effect, I hold this to beour onely way. It is not unknowne to thee, how after much discoursehad between my kindred, and those belonging to _Sophronia_, thematrimoniall conjunction was fully agreed on, and therefore, if nowI shall flye off, and say, I will not accept thee as my wife: greatscandall would arise thereby, and make much trouble among our friends,which could not be greatly displeasing to me, if that were the way tomake her thine. But I rather stand in feare, that if I forsake her insuch peremptory sort, her kinred and friends will bestow her on someother, and so she is utterly lost, without all possible meanes ofrecovery. For prevention therefore of all sinister accidents, I thinkeit best, (if thy opinion jumpe with mine) that I still pursue thebusines, as already I have begun, having thee alwaies in my company,as my dearest friend and onely associate. The nuptials being performedwith our friends, in secret manner at night (as we can cunningly enoughcontrive it) thou shalt have her maiden honour in bed, even as ifshe were thine owne wife. Afterward, in apt time and place, we willpubliquely make knowne what is done; if they take it well, we will beas jocond as they: if they frowne and waxe offended, the deed is done,over-late to be recalled, and so perforce they must rest contented.
You may well imagine, this advise was not a little pleasing to _Titus_,whereupon _Gisippus_ received home _Sophronia_ into his house, withpublike intention to make her his wife, according as was the customethen observed, and _Titus_ being perfectly recovered, was present atthe Feast very ceremonially observed. When night was come, the Ladiesand Gentlewomen conducted _Sophronia_ to the Bride-Chamber, where theyleft her in her Husbands bed, and then departed all away. The Chamberwherein _Titus_ used to lodge, joyned close to that of _Gisippus_, fortheir easier accesse each to the other, at all times whensoever theypleased, and _Gisippus_ being alone in the Bride-Chamber, preparing asif he were comming to bed: extinguishing the light, he went softly to_Titus_, willing him to goe to bed to his wife. Which _Titus_ hearing,overcome with shame and feare, became repentant, and denyed to goe. But_Gisippus_, being a true intyre friend indeed, and confirming his wordswith actions: after a little lingring dispute, sent him to the Bride,and so soone as he was in the bed with her, taking _Sophronia_ gentlyby the hand, softly he moved the usuall question to her, namely, if shewere willing to be his wife.
She beleeving verily that he was _Gisippus_, modestly answered. Sir, Ihave chosen you to be my Husband, reason requires then, that I shouldbe willing to be your Wife. At which words, a costly Ring, which_Gisippus_ used daily to weare, he put upon her finger, saying. Withthis Ring, I confesse my selfe to be your Husband, and bind you (forever) my Spouse and Wife; no other kind of marriage was observed inthose dayes; and so he continued all the night with her, she neversuspecting him to be any other then _Gisippus_, and thus was themarriage consumated, betweene _Titus_ and _Sophronia_, albeit thefriends (on either side) thought otherwise.
By this time, _Publius_, the father of _Titus_, was departed out ofthis mortall life, & letters came to _Athens_, that with all speed heshould returne to _Rome_, to take order for occasions there concerninghim, wherefore he concluded with _Gisippus_ about his departure, andtaking _Sophronia_ thither with him, which was no easie matter to bedone, until it were first known, how occasions had bin caried amongthem. Whereupon, calling her one day into her Chamber, they told herentirely, how all had past, which _Titus_ confirmed substantially, bysuch direct passages betweene themselves, as exceeded all possibilityof denyall, and moved in her much admiration; looking each on othervery discontentedly, she heavily weeping and lamenting, & greatlycomplaining of _Gisippus_, for wronging her so unkindly.
But before any further noyse was made in the house, shee went toher Father, to whom, as also to her Mother, shee declared the wholetrecherie, how much both they and their other friends were wronged by_Gisippus_, avouching her selfe to be the wife of _Titus_, and notof _Gisippus_, as they supposed. These newes were highly displeasingto the Father of _Sophronia_, who with hir kinred, as also thoseof _Gisippus_, made great complaints to the Senate, very dangeroustroubles and commotions arising daily betweene them, drawing both_Gisippus_ and _Sophronia_ into harsh reports; he being generallyreputed, not onely worthy of all bitter reproofe, but also the severestpunishment. Neverthelesse, hee maintained publikely what he haddone, avouching it for an act both of honour and honestie, wherewith_Sophronia's_ friends had no reason to bee offended, but rather to takeit in very thankfull part, having married a man of farre greater worthand respect, than himselfe was, or could be.
On the other side, _Titus_ hearing these uncivill acclamations, becamemuch moved and provoked at them, but knowing it was a custome observedamong the _Greekes_, to be so much the more hurried away with rumoursand threatnings, as lesse they finde them to be answered, and when theyfinde them, shew themselves not onely humble enough, but rather as basemen, and of no courage; he resolved with himselfe, that their braverieswere no longer to be endured, without some some bold and manlyanswere. And having a Romane heart, as also an Athenian understanding,by politique perswasions, he caused the kinred of _Gisippus_ and_Sophronia_, to be assembled in a Temple, and himselfe comming thither,accompanied with none but _Gisippus_ onely, he began to deliver hisminde before them all, in this manner following.
The Oration uttered by _Titus Quintus Fulvius_, in the hearing of the Athenians, being the kinred and friends to _Gisippus_ and _Sophronia_.
_Many Philosophers doe hold opinion, that the actions performed by mortall men, doe proceed from the disposing and ordination of the immortall gods. Whereupon some doe maintaine, that things which be done, or never are to be done, proceed of necessity: howbeit some other doe hold, that this necessity is onely referred to things done. Both which opinions (if they be considered with mature judgment) doe most manifestly approve, that they who reprehend any thing which is irrevocable, doe nothing else but shew themselves, as if they were wiser then the Gods, who we are to beleeve, that with perpetuall reason, and void of any error, doe dispose and governe both us, and all our actions; In which respect, how foolish and beast-like a thing it is, presumptuously to checke or controule their operations, you may very easily consider; and likewise, how justly they deserve condigne punishment, who suffer themselves to be transported in so temerarious a manner._
_In which notorious transgression, I understand you all to be guiltie, if common fame speake truely, concerning the marriage of my selfe and_ Sophronia, _whom you imagined as given to_ Gisippus; _for you never remember that it was so ordained from eternitie, shee to be mine, and no Wife for_ Gisippus, _as at this instant is made manifest by full effect. But because the kinde of speaking, concerning divine providence, and intention of the Gods, may seeme a difficult matter to many, and somewhat hard to bee understood: I am content to presuppose, that they meddle not with any thing of ours, and will onely stay my selfe on humane reasons, and in this nature of speech, I shall be enforced to doe two things, quite contrary to my naturall disposition. The one is, to speake somewhat in praise and commendation of my selfe: And the other, justly to blame and condemne other mens seeming estimation. But because both in the one and the other, I doe not intend to swerve a jot from the Truth, and the necessitie of the present case in question, doth not onely require, but also command it, you must pardon what I am to say._
_Your complaints doe proceed, rather from furie then reason, and (with continuall murmurings, or rather seditious) slander, backe-bite and condemne_ Gisippus, _because (of his owne free will and noble disposition) hee gave her to be my Wife, whom (by your election) was made his; wherein I account him most highly praise-worthy: and the reasons inducing mee thereunto, are these. The first, because he hath performed n
o more then what a friend ought to doe: And the second, in regard he hath dealt more wisely, then you did. I have no intention, to display (at this present) what the sacred law of amitie requireth, to be acted by one friend towards another, it shall suffice mee onely to informe you, that the league of friendship (farre stronger then the bond of bloud and kinred) confirmed us in our election of either at the first, to be true, loyall and perpetuall friends; whereas that of kinred, commeth onely by fortune or chance. And therefore if_ Gisippus _affected more my life, then your benevolence, I being ordained for his friend, as I confesse my selfe to be; none of you ought to wonder thereat, in regard it is no matter of mervaile._
_But let us come now to our second reason, wherein, with farre greater instance I will shew you, that he hath (in this occasion) shewen himselfe to be much more wise, then you did, or have done: because it plainely appeareth, that you have no feeling of the divine providence, and much lesse knowledge in the effects of friendship. I say, that your foresight, councell and deliberation, gave_ Sophronia _to_ Gisippus, _a yong Gentleman, and a Philosopher:_ Gisippus _likewise hath given her to a yong Gentleman, and a Philosopher, as himselfe is. Your discretion gave her to an Athenian; the gift of_ Gisippus_, is to a Romaine. Yours, to a Noble and honest man; that of_ Gisippus, _to one more Noble by race, and no lesse honest then himselfe. Your judgement hath bestowed her on a rich young man:_ Gisippus _hath given her to one farre richer. Your wisedome gave her to one who not onely loved her not, but also one that had no desire to know her:_ Gisippus _gave her unto him, who, above all felicitie else, yea, more than his owne life, both entirely loved and desired her._
_Now, for proofe of that which I have said, to be most true and infallible, and that his deede deserveth to bee much more commended then yours, let it bee duely considered on, point by point. That I am a young man and a Philosopher, as_ Gisippus _is; my yeares, face, and studies, without seeking after further proofe, doth sufficiently testifie: One selfe-same age is both his and mine, in like quality of course have wee lived and studied together. True it is, that hee is an Athenian, and I am a Romaine. But if the glory of these two Cities should bee disputed on: then let mee tell you, that I am of a Citie that is Francke and Free, and hee is of a Tributarie Citie. I say, that I am of a Citie, which is chiefe Lady and Mistresse of the whole World, and hee is of a Citie subject to mine. I say that I am of a Citie, that is strong in Arms, Empire, and studies: whereas his can commend it selfe but for Studies onely. And although you see me heere to bee a Scholler, in appearance meane enough, yet I am not descended of the simplest stocke in Rome._
_My houses and publique places, are filled with the ancient Statues of my Predecessors, and the Annales recorde the infinite triumphs of the Quintii, brought home by them into the Romane Capitole, and yeares cannot eate out the glory of our name, but it will live and flourish to all posteritie._
_Modest shame makes me silent in my wealth and possessions, my minde truely telling mee, that honest contented povertie, is the most ancient and richest inheritance, of our best and Noblest Romanes, which opinion, if it bee condemned by the understanding of the ignorant multitude, and heerein wee shall give way to them by preferring riches and worldly treasures, then I can say that I am aboundantly provided, not as ambitious, or greedily covetous, but sufficiently stored with the goods of Fortune._
_I know well enough, that you held it as a desired benefit,_ Gisippus _being a Native of your Citie, should also be linked to you by alliance: but I know no reason, why I should not be as neere and deere to you at Rome, as if I lived with you heere. Considering, when I am there, you have a ready and well wishing friend, to stead you in all beneficiall and serviceable offices, as carefull and provident for your support, yea, a protectour of you and your affaires, as well publique as particular. Who is it then, not transported with partiall affection, that can (in reason) more approve your act, then that which my friend_ Gisippus _hath done? Questionlesse, not any one, as I thinke._ Sophronia _is married to_ Titus Quintus Fulvius, _a Noble Gentleman by antiquitie, a rich Citizen of Rome, and (which is above all) the friend of_ Gisippus: _therefore, such a one as thinkes it strange, is sorrie for it, or would not have it to be; knoweth not what he doth._
_Perhaps there may be some, who will say, they doe not so much complain, that_ Sophronia _is the wife to_ Titus; _but of the manner whereby it was done, as being made his wife secretly, and by theft, not any of her parents, kinred or friends called thereto: no, nor so much as advertised thereof. Why Gentlemen, this is no miraculous thing, but heeretofore hath oftentimes happened, and therefore no noveltie._
_I cannot count unto you, how many there have beene, who (against the will of their Fathers) have made choice of their husbands; nor them that have fled away with their lovers into strange Countries, being first friends, before they were wives: nor of them who have sooner made testimonie of marriage by their bellies, then those ceremonies due to matrimonie, or publication thereof by the tongue; so that meere necessity & constraint, hath forced the parents to yeeld consent: which hath not so happened to_ Sophronia, _for she was given to me by_ Gisippus _discreetly, honestly, and orderly._
_Others also may say, that shee is married to him, to whom it belonged not to marrie her. These complaints are foolish, and womanish, proceeding from verie little, or no consideration at all. In these daies of ours, Fortune makes no use of novell or inconsiderate meanes, whereby to bring matters to their determined effect. Why should it offend me, if a Cobler, rather than a Scholler, hath ended a businesse of mine, either in private or publique, if the end be well made? Well I may take order, if the Cobler bee indiscreet, that hee meddle no more with any matters of mine, yet I ought, in courtesie, to thanke him for that which hee did._
_In like manner, if_ Gisippus _hath married_ Sophronia _well, it is foolish and superfluous, to finde fault with the manner hee used in her marriage. If you mislike his course in the case, beware of him hereafter, yet thanke him because it is no worse._
_Neverthelesse, you are to understand, that I sought not by fraud or deceit, (but onely by witte) any opportunitie, whereby any way to sullie the honestie and cleere Nobilitie of your bloud, in the person of_ Sophronia: _for although in secret I made her my wife, yet I came not as an enemie, to take her perforce, nor (like a ravisher) wronged her virginitie, to blemish your noble titles, or despising your alliance. But fervently, enflamed by her bright beauty, and incited also by her unparalleld vertues, I shaped my course; knowing well enough, that if I tooke the ordinarie way of wiving, by moving the question to you, I should never winne your consent, as fearing, lest I would take her with me to Rome, and so conveigh out of your sight, a Jewell by you so much esteemed, as she is._
_For this, and no other reason, did I presume to use the secret cunning which now is openly made knowne unto you: and_ Gisippus _disposed himselfe thereunto, which otherwise hee never determined to have done, in contracting the marriage for mee, and shee consenting to me in his name._
_Moreover, albeit most earnestly I affected her, I sought to procure your union, not like a lover, but as a true husband, nor would I immodestly touch her, till first (as herselfe can testifie) with the words becomming wedlocke, and the Ring also I espoused her, demanding of her, if shee would accept mee as her husband, and shee answered mee, with her full consent. Wherein, if it may seeme that shee was deceived, I am not any way to be blamed, but she, for not demanding, what, and who I was._
_This then is the great evill, the great offence, and the great injurie committed by my friend_ Gisippus, _and by mee as a Lover: that_ Sophronia _is secretly become the wife of_ Titus Quintus Fulvius. _And for this cause, like spies you watch him, threaten him daily, as if you intended to teare him in pieces. What could you doe more, if hee had given her to a man of the very vilest condition? to a villaine, to a slave? What prisons? what fetters? Or what torments are sufficient for this fact? But leaving these frivolous matters, let us come to discourse of more moment, and better beseeming your attention._
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_The time is come, that I may no longer continue heere, because_ Publius _my Father is dead, and I must needs returne to Rome, wherefore being minded to take_ Sophronia _thither with mee, I was the more willing to acquaint you therewith, as also what else I have said, which otherwise had still beene concealed from you. Nor can you but take it in good part, if you be wise, and rest well contented with what is done: considering, if I had any intention eyther to deceive, or otherwise wrong you; I could have basely left her, and made a scorne both of her and you, you not having any power to stay mee heere. But the Gods will never permitte that any couragious Romane, should ever conceive so vile and degenerate a thought._
Sophronia, _by ordination of the Gods, by force of humane Lawes, and by the laudable consent of my friend_ Gisippus, _as also the powerfull command of Love is mine. But you perchance, imagining your selves to be wiser then the Gods, or any other men whatsoever; may thinke ill of it, and more brutishly then beasts, condemne their working in two kinds, which would be offensive to mee. The one is your detaining of_ Sophronia _from mee, of whom you have no power, but what pleaseth mee. The other, is your bitter threatnings against_ Gisippus _my deare friend, to whom you are in duty obliged. In both which cases, how unreasonablie soever you carrie your selves, I intend not at this time to presse any further. But rather let mee counsell you like a friend, to cease your hatred and disdaine, and suffer_ Sophronia _to be delivered mee, that I may depart contentedly from you as a kinsman, and (being absent) remaine your friend: assuring you, that whether what is done shall please or displease you, if you purpose to proceed any otherwise: I will take_ Gisippus _along with mee, and when I come to Rome, take such sure order, to fetch her hence, who in Justice is mine, even in meere despight of you all, and then you shall feele by sound experience, how powerfull is the just indignation of the wronged Romanes._
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When Titus had thus concluded his Oration, he arose with a sterne anddiscontented countenance, and tooke _Gisippus_ by the hand, plainlydeclaring, that he made small account of all the rest that were in theTemple; and shaking his head at them, rather menaced then any otherwise seemed to care for them.
They which tarried, when they were gone, considering partly on thereasons alleadged by _Titus_, and partly terrified by his latestspeeches; became induced, to like well of his alliance and amitie, as(with common consent) they concluded: that it was much better to accept_Titus_ as their kinsman (seeing _Gisippus_ had made manifest refusallthereof) than to lose the kinred of the one, and procure the hatred ofthe other. Wherefore they went to seeke _Titus_, and said unto him,they were very well contented that _Sophronia_ should bee his Wife, heetheir deare and loving kinsman, and _Gisippus_ to remaine their muchrespected friend. And embracing one another, making a solemne feast,such as in the like cases is necessarilie required, they departed fromhim, presently sending _Sophronia_ to him, who making a vertue ofnecessity, converted her love (in short time after) to _Titus_, in aseffectuall manner, as formerly shee had done to _Gisippus_, and so wassent away with him to Rome, where she was received and welcommed withvery great honour.
_Gisippus_ remaining still at _Athens_, in small regard of eythertheirs or his owne friends: not long after by meanes of sundrytroublesome Citizens; and partialities happening among the commonpeople, was banished from _Athens_, and hee, as also all his familie,condemned to perpetuall exile: during which tempestuous time,_Gisippus_ was become not onely wretchedly poore, but wandred abroad asa common begger; in which miserable condition he travelled to _Rome_,to try if _Titus_ would take any acknowledgement of him. Understandingthat he was living, and one most respected among the Romanes, as beinga great Commander and a Senator: he enquired for the place where heedwelt, and going to be neere about his house, stayed there so long,till _Titus_ came home, yet not daring to manifest himselfe, or speakea word to him, in regard of his poore and miserable estate, but stroveto have him see him, to the end, that hee might acknowledge and callhim by his name; notwithstanding, _Titus_ passed by him without eitherspeech, or looking on him. Which when _Gisippus_ perceived, and makingfull account, that (at the least) he would remember him, in regard offormer courtesies, done to him: confounded with griefe and desperatethoughts, hee departed thence, never meaning to see him any more.
Now, in regard it was night, he having eaten nothing all that day, norprovided of one penny to buy him any food, wandred he knew not whether,desiring rather to die than live; hee came at last to an old ruinouspart of the City, over-spred with briers and bushes, and seldomeresorted unto by any: where finding a hollow Cave or vault, he entredinto it, meaning there to weare away the comfortlesse night, and layinghimselfe downe on the hard ground, almost starke naked, and withoutany warme garments, over-wearied with weeping, at last he fell into asleepe.
It fortuned that two men, who had beene abroad the same night,committing thefts and robberies together; somwhat very earlie in themorning, came to the same Cave, intending there to share and dividetheir booties, and difference happening betweene them about it, heethat was the stronger person, slew there the other, and then went awaywith the whole purchase.
_Gisippus_ having heard and seene the manner of this accident, was nota little joyfull, because he had now found a way to death, withoutlaying any violent hand on himselfe; for life being very loathsome tohim, it was his only desire to die. Wherefore, he would not budge fromthe place, but taried there so long, till the Sergeants and Officersof Justice (by information of him that did the deede) came thither wellattended, and furiously ledde _Gisippus_ thence to prison.
Being examined concerning this bloudy fact, he plainly confessed, thathee himselfe had committed the murder, and afterward would not departfrom the Cave, but purposely stayed for apprehension, as being truelytoucht with compunction for so foule an offence: upon which peremptorieconfession, _Marcus Varro_ being then _Pr?tor_, gave sentence thathe should be crucified on a Crosse, as it was the usuall manner ofdeath in those dayes. _Titus_ chancing to come at the same time into_Pr?torium_, advisedly beholding the face of the condemned man (as heesate upon the bench) knew him to bee _Gisippus_, not a little wondringat this strange accident, the povertie of his estate, and what occasionshould bring him thither, especially in the questioning for his life,and before the Tribunall of Justice.
His soule earnestly thirsting, by all possible meanes to helpe anddefend him, and no other course could now be taken for safetie of hislife, but by accusing himselfe, to excuse and cleare the other of thecrime: hee stept from off the judgement bench, and crouding throughthe throng to the Barre, called out to the _Pr?tor_ in this manner._Marcus Varro_, recall thy sentence given on the condemned man sentaway, because hee is truely guiltlesse and innocent: With one bloudieblow have I offended the Gods, by killing that wretched man, whom theSerjeants found this morning slaine, wherefore Noble _Pr?tor_, let noinnocent mans bloud be shed for it, but onely mine that have offended.
_Marcus Varro_ stood like a man confounded with admiration, beingvery sorrie, for that which the whole assistants had both seene andheard, yet hee could not (with honour) desist from what must needs bedone, but would performe the Lawes severe injunction. And sending forcondemned _Gisippus_ backe againe, in the presence of _Titus_, thushe spake to him. How becamest thou so madly incensed, as (withoutany torment inflicted on thee) to confesse an offence by thee nevercommitted? Art thou wearie of thy life? Thou chargest thy selfe falsly,to be the person who this last night murdered the man in the Cave, andthere is another that voluntarily also doth confesse his guiltinesse.
_Gisippus_ lifting up his eyes, and perceiving it was _Titus_,conceived immediately, that he had done this onely for his deliverance,as one that remembred him sufficiently, and would not be ungratefullfor former kindnesses received. Wherefore, the teares flowingabundantly down his cheekes, he said to the Judge _Varro_, it wasnone but I that murdered the man, wherefore, I commiserate the case ofthis Noble Gentleman _Titus_, who speakes now too late for the safetyof my life. _Titus
_ on the other side, said. Noble Pr?tor, this man(as thou seest) is a stranger heere, and was found without any weapon,fast asleepe by the dead body: thou mayst then easily perceive, thatmeerely the miserable condition wherein he is, hath made him desperate,and he would make mine offence the occasion of his death. Absolve him,and send me to the Crosse, for none but I have deserved to die for thisfact.
_Varro_ was amazed, to observe with what earnest instance each of themstrove to excuse the other, which halfe perswaded him in his soule,that they were both guiltlesse. And as he was starting up, with fullintent to acquaint them: a yong man, who had stood there all thiswhile, and observed the hard pleading on either side; he crowded intothe Barre, being named _Publius Ambustus_, a fellow of lewd life, andutterly out of hopes, as being debauched in all his fortunes, andknowne among the _Romaines_ to be a notorious theefe, who verily hadcommitted the murder. Well knew his conscience, that none of them wereguilty of the crime, wherewith each so wilfully charged himselfe: beingtherefore truely toucht with remorse, he stept before _Marcus Varro_,saying.
Honourable Pr?tor, mine owne horrid and abominable actions, haveinduced me thus to intrude my selfe, for clearing the strict contentionbetweene these two persons. And questionlesse, some God or greaterpower, hath tormented my wretched soule, and so compunctually solicitedme, as I cannot chuse, but make open confession of my sinne. Heretherefore, I doe apparantly publish, that neither of these men isguilty of the offence, wherewith so wilfully each chargeth himselfe. Iam the villaine, who this morning murdered the man in the Cave, one ofno greater honesty then my selfe, and seeing this poore man lie theresleeping, while we were dividing the stolne booties betweene us; I slewmy Companyon, because I would be the sole possessor. As for Noble Lord_Titus_, he had no reason thus to accuse himselfe, because is a man ofno such base quality: let them both then be delivered, and inflict thesentence of death on me.
_Octavius C?sar_, to whom tydings was brought of this rare accident,commanding them al three to be brought before him; would needsunderstand the whole History, in every particular as all had happened,which was substantially related to him. Whereupon, _Octavius_ pleasedthem all three: the two noble friendes, because they were innocent, andthe third, for openly revealing the very truth.
_Titus_ tooke home with him his friend _Gisippus_, and after hehad sharpely reproved him for his distrust, and cold credence ofhis friendship: he brought him to _Sophronia_, who welcomed him aslovingly, as if he had bin her naturall borne brother, bemoaning hishard and disastrous fortune, and taking especiall care, to convert allpassed distresses, into as happy and comfortable a change, fitting himwith garments and attendants, beseeming his degree both in Nobilityand vertue. _Titus_, out of his honourable bounty, imparted halfehis lands and rich possessions to him, and afterward gave him inmarriage, his owne Sister, a most beautifull Lady, named _Fulvia_,saying to him beside. My deare friend _Gisippus_, it remaineth now inthine owne election, whether thou wilt live here still with me, orreturne backe to _Athens_, with all the wealth which I have bestowedon thee. But _Gisippus_, being one way constrayned, by the sentenceof banishment from his native City, & then againe, in regard of theconstant love, which he bare to so true and thankefull friend as_Titus_ was: concluded to live there as a loyall _Roman_, where he withhis _Fulvia_, and _Titus_ with his faire _Sophronia_, lived long aftertogether in one and the same house, augmenting daily (if possible itmight be) their amity beyond all other equalizing.
A most sacred thing therefore is cordiall amity, worthy not onely ofsinguler reverence, but also to be honoured with eternall commendation,as being the onely wise Mother of all magnificence and honesty, theSister of Charity and Gratitude, the enemy to hatred and avarice, andwhich is alwayes ready (without attending to be requested) to extendall vertuous actions to others, which she would have done to her selfe.Her rare and divine effects, in these contrary times of ours, are notto be found between two such persons, which is a mighty fault, andgreatly checketh the miserable covetousnesse of men, who respectingnothing but onely their particular benefit; have banished true Amity,to the utmost confines of the whole earth, and sent her into perpetuallexile.
What love, what wealth, or affinity of kindred, could have made_Gisippus_ feele (even in the intyrest part of his soule) the ferventcompassion, the teares, the sighes of _Titus_, and with such efficacyas plainely appeared: to make him consent, that his faire electedSpouse, by him so dearely esteemed, should become the wife of hisCompanion, but onely the precious league of Amity? What Lawes, whatthreatnings, what feares, could cause the yong armes of _Gisippus_ toabstaine embraces, betaking himselfe to solitary walkes, and obscureplaces, when in his owne bedde, he might have enjoyed so matchlessea beauty (who perhaps desired it so much as himselfe) but onely thegracious title of Amity? What greatnesse, what merits or precedence,could cause _Gisippus_ not to care, for the losse of his kindred, thoseof _Sophronia_, yea, of _Sophronia_ her selfe, not respecting thedishonest murmurings of base minded people, their vile and contemptiblelanguage, scornes and mockeries, and all to content and satisfie afriend, but onely Divine Amity?
Come now likewise to the other side. What occasions could compell Noble_Titus_, so promptly and deliberatly, to procure his owne death, torescue his friend from the crosse, and inflict the pain and shame uponhimselfe, pretending not see or know _Gisippus_ at all, had it notbin wrought by powerfull Amity? What cause else could make _Titus_ soliberall, in dividing (with such willingnesse) the larger part of hispatrimony to _Gisippus_, when Fortune had dispossest him of his owne,but onely heaven-borne Amity? What else could have procured _Titus_without any further dilation, feare or suspition, to give his Sister_Fulvia_ in marriage to _Gisippus_, when he saw him reduced to suchextreame poverty, disgrace and misery, but onely infinite Amity? Towhat end doe men care then, to covet and procure great multitudes ofkinred, store of brethren, numbers of children, and to encrease (withtheir owne monyes) plenty of servants: when by the least losse anddammage happening, they forget all duty to Father, Brother, or Master?Amity and true friendship is of a quite contrary nature, satisfying (inthat sacred bond) the obligation due to all degrees, both of parentage,and all alliences else.