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[Note: I wrote-out contractions where I couldn't find a keyboard
alternative, and removed italics from proper names and poems. LDH]
The pleasant Fable of Ferdinando
Jeron[i]mi and Leonora de Valasco,
translated out of the Italian riding
tales of Bartello.
IN the pleasant Countrie of Lombardie, (and not farre from
the Citie of Florence) there was dwelling sometimes a Lorde of many riche Seignories
and dominions, who neverthelesse bare his name of the Castle of Valasco: this Lord
had one only sonne and two daughters: his sonne was called (during the life of his
father) the heyre of Valasco, who maried a faire Gentlewoman of the house of Bellavista
named Leonora: the elder daughter of the Lord of Valasco was called Francischina,
a yong woman very toward, bothe in capacitie and other active qualities. Nowe the
Lord of Valasco having already maried his sonne & heyre, and himselfe drawing
in age, was desirous to see his daughters also bestowed before his death, and especially
the eldest, who both for beutie and ripenesse of age might often put him in remembrance
that shee was a collop of his owne fleshe: and therefore sought meanes to draw unto
his house Ferdinando Jeronimi a yong gentleman of Venice, who delighting more in
hawking, hunting, and such other pastimes than he did in studie, had left his owne
house in Venice, and was come into Lombardie to take the pleasures of the countrie.
So that the Lorde of Valasco knowing him to be of a very good parentage, and therewithall
not onely riche but adorned with sundrie good qualities, was desirous (as is sayd)
to drawe him home to his house (under presence of hunting and hawking) to the end
he might beholde his fayre daughter Francischina: who both for parentage and other
worldly respects, might no lesse content his minde, than hir beautie was likely to
have allured his liking. But it fell oute farre contrary to his desire, for Ferdinando
Jeronimi beholding the Lady Leonora, who was in deede very fayre, and of a very courtlike
behaviour, became enamoured of hir, and forgetting the curtesie that the Lorde of
Valasco had shewed him in enter-
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tayning him and his servaunts, with their horses, by the space of .iiii. moneths
(whiche is a rare curtesie nowe adayes, and especially in suche a countrey) he sought
all meanes possible to make the heyre of Valasco a Becco. And to the end that all
menne may perceive what frutes growe on suche trees, and what issues come of such
intents, I will set downe in English the fable as it is written in ltalian by Bartello.
And bicause I do suppose that Leonora is the same name whiche wee call Elinor in
English; and that Francischina also doth import none other than Fraunces, I will
so entitle them as to our own countriemen may be moste perspicuous. Understand you
then, that Ferdinando having nowe a hote affection unto the sayde Dame Elynor, and
thinking it meeter to utter his firste conceipts in writing than in speache, did
write unto hir as followeth.
FAyre Lady I pray you understande that (being altogether a
straunger in this Countrie) my good happe
| The ayre of that Countrie did (by all likelyhood) seeme colder to
him than ye streetes of Venice. |
hath bene to behold you to my no small contentation. And my evill happe accompanies
the same with suche imperfection of my deserts, as that I finde alwayes a ready repulse
in mine owne forwardnesse. So that considering the naturall clymate of the countrie,
I muste say that I have found fire in frost. And yet comparing the inequalitie of
my deserts, with the least part of your worthinesse, I feele a continual frost, in
my most fervent fire. Such is the the extremitie of my passions, the whiche I could
never have bene content to committe unto this teltale paper, were it not that I am
destitute of all other helpe. Accept therefore I beseche you, the earnest good will
of a more trustie (than worthy) servaunt, who being thereby encouraged, may supplie
the defects of his abilitie with readie triall of duetifull loyaltie. And lette this
poore paper (besprent with salte teares, and blowen over with skalding sighes) bee
saved of you as a safegarde for your sampler, or a bottome to winde your sowing silke,
that when your last needelfull is wrought, you maye returne to reading thereof and
consider the care of hym who is
More youres than his owne.
F. J.
384
THis letter by hir receyved, hir aunswere was this: She tooke
occasion one day, at his request to daunce with him: the whiche doing, shee bashfully
began to declare unto him, that she had read over the writing whiche he delivered
unto hir: with like protestation, that (as at deliverie thereof shee understood not
for what cause he thrust the same into hir bosome,) so now shee could not perceyve
thereby any part of his meaning: neverthelesse at laste seemed to take uppon hir
the matter, and though shee disabled hir selfe, yet gave him thankes as &c. Whereupon
he brake the braule, and walking abrode, devised immediatly these fewe verses following.
FAire Bersabe the bright once bathing in a Well,
With dewe bedimmd King Davids eies that ruled Israell.
And Salomon him selfe, the source of sapience,
Against the force of such assaultes could make but small defence:
To it the stoutest yeeld, and strongest feele like wo,
Bold Hercules and Sampson both, did prove it to be so.
What wonder seemeth then? when starres stand thicke in skies,
If such a blasing starre have power to dim my dazled eyes?
Lenvoie.
To you these fewe suffise, your wittes be quicke and good,
You can conject by chaunge of hew, what humors feede my blood.
F.J.
BEfore he could put these verses in legible writing, it pleased
M. Elinor of hir curtesie thus to deale with him. Walking in a garden among divers
other gentlemen & gentle women, with a little frowning smyle in passing by him,
she delivered unto him a paper, with these words. For that I understand not
(quoth she) the intent of your letters, I pray you take them here againe, and
bestow them at your pleasure. The which done and sayde, shee passed by withoute
change either of pace or countenaunce. Ferdinando somewhat troubled with hir angrie
looke, did sodenly leave the companie, and walking into a parke neare adjoyning,
in great rage began to wreake his malice on this poore paper, and the same did rend
and teare in peeces. When sodenly at a glaunce he perceved it was not of his owne
hand writing, and therewithall abashed, uppon better regard he perceived in one peece
therof written in
G. BB
385
Romaine these letters Colei: which in english betokeneth SHE: wherfore placing
all the peeces therof, as orderly as he could, he found therin written, these few
lynes hereafter following.
YOur sodeyn departure, from our pastime yesterday, did enforce
mee for lacke of chosen company too returne untoo my worke, wherein I did so long
continue, till at the last the bare bottome did drawe unto my remembraunce your straunge
request. And although I founde therin no just cause to credite your coloured wordes,
yet have I thought good hereby too requite you with like curtesie, so that at least
you shall not condemne mee for ungratefull. But as to the matter therin conteyned:
if I could perswade my selfe, that there were in mee any coales to kyndle suche sparkes
of fire, I might yet peradventure bee drawn to beleve that your minde were frosen
with like feare. But as no smoke ariseth, where no cole is kindled, so without cause
of affection the passion is easie to be cured. This is all that I understand of your
darke letters: and as much as I meane to answere.
Colei: in english: SHE.
FErdinando immediatly upon receyte heerof, grew in jelosie
that the same was not hir owne devise. And therin I have no lesse allowed his judgement,
than commended his invention of the verses, and letters before rehersed. For as by
the stile this letter of hirs bewrayeth that it was not penned by a womans capacitie,
so the sequele of hir doings may discipher, that shee had mo redy clearkes than trustie
servants in store. Well yet as the perfect hound, when he hath chased the hurt deere,
amidde the whole heard, will never give over till he have singled it againe. Even
so Ferdinando though somwhat abashed with this doubtfull shewe, yet stil constant
in his former intention, ceased not by all possible meanes, too bring this Deere
yet once agayne to the bowes, wherby shee might be the more surely stryken: and so
in the end enforced to yeeld. Wherfore he thought not best to commit the sayde verses
willingly into hir custodie, but privily lost them in hir chamber, written in counterfeit.
And after on the next day thought better to replie, either upon hir, or uppon hir
Secretary in this wise as here followeth.
386
THE much that you have answered is very much, and much more
than I am able to reply unto: neverthelesse in myne owne defence, thus much I alleage:
that if my sodein departure pleased not you, I cannot my selfe therwith be pleased,
as one that seeketh not to please many, and more desirous to please you than any.
The cause of myne affection, I suppose you behold dayly. For (self love avoyded)
every wight may judge of themselves as much as reason perswadeth: the which if it
be in your good nature suppressed with bashfulnesse, then mighty Jove graunt, you
may once behold my wan cheekes washed in woe, that therein my salt teares may be
a myrrour to represent your owne shadow, and that like unto Nacissus you may be constrayned
to kisse the cold waves, wherein your counterfeit is so lively purtrayed. For if
aboundance of other matters fayled to drawe my gazing eyes in contemplation of so
rare excellency, yet might these your letters both frame in me an admiration of such
divine esprite, and a confusion too my dull understanding, whiche so rashly presumed
too wander in this endles Laberinth. Such I esteeme you, and thereby am become such,
and even HE. F. J.
THis letter finished and fayre written over, his chaunce was
to meete hir alone in a Gallery of the same house: (where his manhood in this kinde
of combat was firste tried :) and therein I can compare him to a valiant Prince,
who distressed with power of enemies had committed the safegard of his person to
treaty of Ambassade, and sodenly (surprised with a Camassado in his owne trenches)
was enforced to yeeld as prisoner. Even so Ferdinando Jeronimi lately overcome by
the beautifull beames of this Dame Elynor, and having now committed his moste secrete
intent to these late rehearsed letters, was at unwares encountred with his friendly
foe, and constrayned either to prepare some new defence, or else like a recreant
to yeeld himselfe as already vanquished. Wherefore (as in a traunce) he lifted up
his dazled eies, and so continued in a certen kind of admiration, not unlike the
Astronomer, who (having after a whole nights travaile, in the grey morning found
his desired starre) hath fixed his hungry eies to behold the Comete long looked for:
wherat this gracious Dame (as
BB 2
387
one that could discerne the sunne before hir chamber windowes were wide open) did
deign to embolden the fainting Knight with these or like woordes.
I perceive nowe (quod she) howe mishap doth follow me, that having chosen this walke
for a simple solace, I am here disquieted by the man that meaneth my destruction:
and therwithall, as half angry, began to turne hir backe, when Ferdinando (now awaked)
gan thus salute hir.
Mistresse (quod he) and I perceive now, that good hap haunts me, for being by lacke
of oportunitie constrained to commit my welfare unto these blabbing leaves of bewraying
paper [(]strewing that in his hand) I am here recomforted with happy view of my desired
joy: and therewithall reverently kissing his hand, did softly distreyne hir slender
arme, and so stayed hir departure. The firste blowe thus profered and defended, they
walked and talked traversing diverse wayes, wherein I doubte not but that the Venetian
coulde quite himselfe resonably well. For after long talke shee was contented to
accept his proffered service, but yet still disabling hir selfe, and seeming to marvell
what cause had moved him to subject his libertie so wilfully, or at least in a prison
(as shee termed it) so unworthy. Whereunto I neede not rehearse his answere, but
suppose now, that thus they departed: saving I had forgotten this: shee required
of him the last rehearsed letter, saying that his firste was loste, and nowe shee
lacked a new bottome for hir silke, the whiche I warrant you, he graunted: and so
proffering to take an humble congé by Bezo las manos, she graciously
gave him the zuccado dez labros: and so for then departed. And thereuppon
recompting hir woordes, he compiled these following, whiche he termed Terza sequenza,
too sweete Mistresse SHE.
OF thee deare Dame, three lessons would I learne:
What reason first persuades the foolish Fly
(As soone as shee a candle can discerne)
To play with flame, till shee bee burnt thereby?
Or what may move the Mouse to byte the bayte
Which strikes the trappe, that stops hir hungry breth?
What calles the bird, where snares of deepe deceit
Are closely coucht to draw hir to hir death?
388
Consider well, what is the cause of this,
And though percase thou wilt not so confesse,
Yet deepe desire, to gayne a heavenly blisse,
May drowne the minde in dole and darke distresse:
Oft is it seene (whereat my hart may bleede)
Fooles play so long till they be caught in deede.
And
then
It is a heaven to see them hop and skip,
And seeke all shiftes to shake their shackles off:
It is a world, to see them hang the lip,
Who (earst) at love, were wont to skorne and skoff.
But as the Mouse, once caught in crafty trap,
May bounce and beate against the boorden wall,
Till shee have brought hir head in such mishap,
That downe to death hir fainting lymbes must fall:
And as the Flie once singed in the flame,
Cannot commaund her wings to wave away:
But by the heele, shee hangeth in the same
Till cruell death hir hasty journey stay:
So they that seeke to breake the linkes of love
Strive with the streame, and this by paine I prove.
For
when
I first beheld that heavenly hewe of thine,
Thy stately stature, and thy comly grace,
I must confesse these dazled eies of mine
Did wincke for feare, when I first viewd thy face:
But bold desire did open them againe,
And bad mee looke till I had lookt to long,
I pitied them that did procure my paine,
And lov'd the lookes that wrought me all the wrong:
And as the byrd once caught (but woorks hir woe)
That strives to leave the limed twigges behind:
Even so the more I strave to parte thee fro,
The greater grief did growe within my minde:
Remedilesse then must I yeeld to thee,
And crave no more, thy servaunt but to bee.
Till then and ever. HE. F.
J.
389
WHen he had well sorted this sequence, he sought oportunitie
to leave it where shee might finde it before it were lost. And nowe the coles began
to kindle, whereof (but ere while) shee feigned hir selfe altogither ignorant. The
flames began to breake out on every side: and she to quench them, shut up hir selfe
in hir chamber solitarily. But as the smithie gathers greater heate by casting on
of water, even so the more she absented hir self from company, the fresher was the
griefe whiche galded hir remembrance: so that at laste the report was spredde thorough
the house, that Mistresse Elinor was sicke. At which newes Ferdinando tooke small
comfort; neverthelesse Dame Venus with good aspect did yet thus much furder his enterprise.
The Dame (whether it were by sodaine chaunge, or of wonted custome) fell one day
into a greate bleeding at the nose. For whiche accident the sayde Venetian, amongst
other pretie conceits, had a present remedie: Whereby he tooke occasion (when they
of the house had all in vayne sought many waies to stoppe hir bleeding) to worke
his feate in this wise: Firste he pleaded ignorance, as though he knewe not hir name,
and therefore demaunded the same of Mistresse Fraunces, who when shee had to him
declared that hir name was Elinor, hee sayde these woordes or very like in effect:
If I thought I shoulde not offend Mistres Elynor, I woulde not doubte to stoppe hir
bleeding, without eyther payne or difficultie. This Gentlewoman somewhat tickled
with his woordes, did incontinent make relation thereof to the sayde Mistresse Elynor:
who immediately (declaring that Ferdinando was hir late receyved servaunt) returned
the saide messenger unto him with especiall charge, that hee shoulde employ his devoyre
towardes the recovery of hir health: with whome the same Ferdinando repayred to the
chamber of his desired: and finding hir set in a chayre, leaning on the one side
over a Silver bason: After his due reverence, hee layde his hande on hir Temples,
and privily rounding hir in hir eare, desired hir to commaunde a Hazell sticke and
a knyfe: the whiche beyng brought, hee delivered unto hir, saying on this wise. Mistresse
I will speake certaine woordes in secrete to my selfe, and doe require no more: but
when you heare me saie openly this woorde Amen, that you with this knyfe will make
a nicke uppon this Hazell
390
sticke: and when you have made five nickes, commaunde mee also to cease. The Dame
partly of good will to the Knight, and partly to be stenched of hir bleeding, commaunded
hir mayde, and required the other Gentils, somewhat to stande aside: whiche done,
he began his Oraisons, wherein he had not long muttered before he pronounced Amen,
wherwith the Lady made a nicke on the sticke with hir knyfe. The saide Ferdinando
continued to an other Amen, when ye Lady having made an other nick, felt hir bleeding
began to steynch: & so by the third Amen throughly steinched. Ferdinando then
chaunging his prayers into privet talk, said softly unto hir: Mystres, I am glad
that I am hereby enabled to doe you some service, and as the staunching of your owne
bloud may some way recomfort you, so if the shedding of my bloud may any way content
you, I beseech you commaund it, for it shalbe evermore readily employed in your service:
and therwithal with a loud voyce pronounced Amen: wherewith the good Lady making
a nick, did secretly answere thus: Good servant (quod shee) I must needes think my
selfe right happy to have gained your service and good will, and be you sure, that
although ther be in me no such desert as may draw you into this depth of affection:
yet such as I am, I shalbe alwayes glad to shewe my self thankfull unto you. And
now, if you thinke your self assured that I shall bleede no more, doe then pronounce
your fifth Amen: the which pronounced, shee made also hir fifth nicke, and held up
hir head, calling the company unto hir, and declaring unto them, that hir bleeding
was throughly steinched. And Ferdinando tarying a while in the chamber, found oportunitie
to loose his sequence neere too his desired Mistres: And after congé taken,
departed. After whose departure the Lady arose out of hir chayre, and hir mayd going
about to remove the same, espied, and toke up the writing: the which hir mistres
perceiving, gan sodenly conjecture that the same had in it some like matter to the
verses once before left in like maner, and made semblant to mistrust that the same
should be some wordes of conjuration: and taking it from hir mayd, did peruse it,
and immediatly said too the company, that she would not forgo the same for a great
treasure. But to be plain, I think that (Ferdinando excepted) she was glad to be
rid of all company, untill she had with
391
sufficient leasure turned over and retossed every card in this sequence. And not
long after being now tickled thorough all the vaines with an unknown humour, adventured
of hir selfe to commit unto a like Ambassadour the discyphring of that which hitherto
shee had kept more secret: and thereupon wrot with hir own hand and head in this
wyse.
GOod servant, I am out of al doubt much beholding unto you,
and I have great comfort by your meanes in the steinching of my bloud, and I take
great comfort too reade your letters, and I have found in my chamber divers songs
which I think too be of your making, and I promise you, they are excellently made:
and I assure you that I wilbee ready to doe for you any pleasure that I can, during
my life: wherefore I pray you come to my chamber once in a day, till I come abroad
again, and I wilbe glad of your company: and for because that you have promised to
be my HE: I will take upon me this name, your SHE.
THis letter was doubtles of hir own hande writing: and as therin
the Reader may finde great difference of Style, from hir former letter, so may you
now understand the cause. Shee had in the same house a friend, a servant, a Secretary:
what should I name him? such one as shee esteemed in time past more than was cause
in tyme present. And to make my tale good, I will (by the same words that Bartello
useth) discribe him unto you. He was in heigth the proportion of two Pigmeis, in
breath the thicknesse of two bacon hogges, of presumption a Gyant, of power a Gnatte,
Apishly wytted, Knavishly mannered, and crabbedly favord. What was there in him then
to drawe a fayre Ladies liking? Marry sir even all in all, a well lyned pursse, wherewith
he could at every call, provide suche pretie conceytes as pleased hir peevish fantasie:
and by that meanes hee had throughly (long before) insinuated him selfe with this
amorous dame. This manling, this minion, this slave, this secretary, was nowe by
occasion rydden too Florence forsothe: and though his absence were unto hir a disfurnishing
of eloquence: it was yet untoo Ferdinando Jero[n]i[m]i an opportunitie of good advauntage:
for when hee perceived the change of hir stile, and thereby grewe
392
in some suspition that the same proceeded by absence of hir chiefe Chauncellor, he
thought good now to smyte while the yron was hotte, and to lend his Mistresse suche
a penne in hir Secretaries absence, as hee should never be able (at his returne)
to amend the well writing therof. Wherfore according to hir comaund he repayred once
every day to hir chamber, at the least whereas hee guided himselfe so wel, and could
devise such store of sundry pleasures and pastymes, that he grew in favour not onely
with his desired, but also with the rest of the gentlewomen. And one day passing
the time amongst them, their playe grew to this end, that his Mistresse, being Queene,
demaunded of him these three questions. Servant (quod she) I charge you, as well
uppon your all[e]giance being nowe my subject, as also upon your fidelitie, having
vowed your service unto me, that you aunswere me these three questions, by the very
truth of your secret thought. First, what thing in this universall world doth most
rejoyce and comfort you? Ferdinando Jerononimi abasing his eyes towardes the ground,
toke good advisement in his aunswere, when a fayre gentlewoman of the company clapped
him on the shoulder, saying, how now sir, is your hand on your halfpeny? To whome
he aunswered, no fayre Lady, my hand is on my harte, and yet my hart is not in myne
owne hands: wherewithall abashed, turning towards dame Elinor he sayde: My sovereigne
and Mistresse, according to the charge of your command, and the dutie that I owe
you, my tongue shall bewraye unto you the truthe of mine intent. At this present
a rewarde given me without desert, doth so rejoyce mee with continuall remembraunce,
that though my minde be so occupied to thinke thereon, as that daye nor night I can
bee quiet from that thought, yet the joye and pleasure whiche I conceive in the same
is such, that I can neyther be cloyed with continuaunce thereof, nor yet afraide,
that any mishappe can countervayle so greate a treasure. This is to me suche a heaven
to dwell in, as that I feede by day, and repose by night uppon the freshe recorde
of this reward. This (as Bartello sayeth) he ment by the kisse that she lent him
in the Gallery, and by the profession of hir laste letters and woordes. Well, though
this aunswere bee some what mistie, yet let his excuse be: that taken uppon the sodaine,
he thought better to aunswere darkly, than to be mistrusted openly. Hir second
393
question was, what thing in this life did most greeve his harte, and disquiet his
minde, wherunto he answered. That although his late rehersed joy were incomparable,
yet the greatest enimie that disturbed the same, was the privie worme of his owne
giltie conscience, which accused him evermore with great unworthinesse: and that
this was his greatest griefe. The Lady biting upon the bitte at his cunning answeres
made unto these two questions, ganne thus replie. Servaunt, I had thought to have
touched you yet nearer with my thirde question, but I will refrayne to attempt your
pacience: and nowe for my third demaund, aunswere me directly in what manner this
passion doth handle you? and howe these contraries may hang together by any possibilitie
of concorde? for your woordes are straunge. Ferdinando now rousing himselfe boldly,
tooke occasion thus to handle his aunswere. Mistresse (quod he) my woordes in deede
are straunge, but yet my passion is muche straunger: and therupon this other day
to content mine owne fantasie I devised a Sonet, which although it bee a peece of
Cocklorels musicke, and suche as I might be ashamed to publish in this company, yet
bicause my truth in this answere may the better appeare unto you, I pray you vouchsafe
to receive the same in writing: and drawing a paper out of his pocket, presented
it to hir, wherin was written this Sonet.
LOve, hope, and death, do stirre in me such strife,
As never man but I led such a life.
First burning love doth wound my hart to death,
And when death comes at call of inward griefe,
Colde lingering hope doth feede my fainting breath
Against my will, and yeeldes my wound reliefe:
So that I live, but yet my life is such,
As death would never greve me halfe so much.
No comfort then but only this I tast,
To salve such sore, such hope will never want,
And with such hope, such life will ever last,
And with such life, such sorrowes are not skant.
Oh straunge desire, O life with torments tost
Through too much hope, mine onely hope is lost.
Even HE F.J.
394
THis sonet was highly commended, and in my judgement it deserveth
no lesse. His dutie thus perfourmed, their pastimes ended, and at their departure
for a watch worde hee counselled his Mistresse by little and little to walke abrode:
saying, that the Gallery neare adjoyning was so pleasaunt, as if he were halfe dead
he thought that by walking therin hee might be halfe & more revived. Think you
so servaunt (quod she?) and the last tyme that I walked there, I suppose I toke the
cause of my malady: but by your advise (for that you have so clerkly steynched my
bleeding) I will assay to walke there to morow. Mistres quod he, and in more ful
accomplishment of my duetie towards you, and in sure hope that you will use the same
onelie to your owne private commoditie, I will there awaite upon you, and betwene
you and me wil teach you the ful order how to steynch the bleeding of any creature,
wherby you shal be as cunning as my self. Gramercy good servant, quod she, I thinke
you lost the same in writing here yesterday, but I cannot understand it: & therfore
to morrow (if I feele my self any thing amended) I wil sende for you thither to enstruct
me throughly: thus they departed. And at supper time, the Lord of Valasco finding
fault yt his gestes stomacke served him no better, began to accuse the grosnesse
of his vyands, to whom one of the gentlewomen which had passed ye afternoone in his
company, answered. Nay sir, quod she, this gentleman hath a passion, the which once
in a day at the least doth kill his appetite. Are you so well acquainted with the
disposition of his body (quod the Lord of ye house?) by his owne saying, quod she,
& not otherwise. Fayre ladie quod Ferdinando, you either mistoke me or overheard
me then: for I told of a comfortable humor which so fed me with continuall remembrance
of joy, as that my stomack being ful therof doth desire in maner none other vittayles.
Why sir, (quod the host,) do you then live by love? God forbid sir quod Ferdinando,
for then my cheekes wold be much thinner than they be: but there are divers other
greater causes of joy, than the doubtful lots of love: & for mine own part, to
be playn, I cannot love, & I dare not hate. I would I thought so, quod the gentlewoman.
And thus with prety nyppes, they passed over their supper: which ended, the Lord
of the house required Ferdinando
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Jeronimi to daunce and passe the time with the gentlewomen, which he refused not
to doe. But sodenly, before the musicke was well tuned, came out Dame Elynor in hir
night attyre, and said to the Lord, yt (supposing the solitarinesse of hir chamber
had encreased hir maladie) she came out for hir better recreation to see them daunce.
Well done daughter (quod the Lorde.) And I Mistres (quod Ferdinando) would gladly
bestowe the leading of you about this great chamber, to drive away ye faintnesse
of your fever. No good servaunt, (quod the Lady,) but in my steede, I pray you daunce
with this fayre Gentlewoman, pointing him too the Lady that had so taken him up at
supper. Ferdinando to avoyd mistrust, did agree too hir request without furder entreaty.
The daunce begon, this Knight marched on with the Image of S. Frances in his hand,
and S. Elynor in his hart. The violands at end of the pavion staied a whyle: in whiche
time this Dame sayde to Ferdinando Jeronimi on this wise: I am right sory for you
in two respects, although the familiarity have hytherto had no great continuance
betwene us: and as I do lament your case, so doo I rejoyce (for myne own contentation)
that I shal now see a due triall of the experiment which I have long desired. This
sayd, she kept silence: When Ferdinando (somwhat astonied with hir straunge speech)
thus answered: Mistresse although I cannot conceive the meaning of your woordes,
yet by curtesie I am constrayned to yeelde you thankes for your good wil, the which
appeareth no lesse in lamenting of mishappes, than in rejoycing at good fortune.
What experiment you meane to trie by mee, I knowe not, but I dare assure you, that
my skill in experiments is very simple. Herewith the Instruments sounded a new Measure,
and they passed forthwards, leaving to talke, untill the noise ceassed: whiche done,
the Gentlewoman replied. I am sory sir, that you did erewhile, denie love and all
his lawes, and that in so open audience. Not so (quod Ferdinando) but as the woorde
was roundly taken, so can I readely answere it by good reason. Well quod shee, howe
if the hearers will admit no reasonable answere? My reasons yet bee neverthelesse
(quod he) in reasonable judgement. Herewith shee smiled, and he cast a glance towards
dame Elinor, (a) askances arte thou pleased? Againe the viols called them forthwardes,
and againe at the ende of the braule sayde Ferdinando Jeronimi
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to this Gentlewoman: I pray you Mistres, and what may be the second cause of your
sorow sustained in my behalfe? Nay soft (quod she) percase I have not yet tolde you
the first, but content your selfe, for the second cause you shall never know at my
handes, untill I see due triall of the experiment which I have long desired. Why
then (quod he) I can but wishe a present occasion to bring the same to effect, to
the end that I might also understand the mistery of your meaning. And so might you
faile of your purpose (quod she) for I meane to be better assured of him that shal
know the depth of mine intent in such a secrete, than I do suppose that any creature
(one except) may be of you. Gentlewoman (quod he) you speake Greeke, the which I
have nowe forgotten, and mine instructers are to farre from mee at this present to
expound your words. Or els to neare (quod she) and so smiling stayed her talke, when
the Musicke called them to another daunce. Whiche ended, Ferdinando halfe afrayd
of false suspect, and more amazed at this straunge talke, gave over, and bringing
Mistresse Fraunces to hir place, was thus saluted by his Mistresse. Servaunt (quod
shee) I had done you great wrong to have daunced with you, consideringe that this
gentlewoman and you had former occasion of so weighty conference. Mistresse sayd
Ferdinando you had done mee great pleasure, for by our conference I have but brought
my braynes in a busie conjecture. I doubt not (sayd his Mistresse) but you wil end
that busines easely. It is hard said he to ende the thing, whereof yet I have founde
no begininge. His Mistresse with chaunge of countenaunce kept silence whereat dame
Fraunces rejoycinge, cast out this bone to gnawe on. I perceyve (quod she) it is
evill to halte before a Creple. Ferdinando perceyving now that his Mistresse waxed
angry, thought good on hir behalfe thus to aunswere: and it is evill to hop before
them that runne for the Bell: his Mistresse replied, and it is evill to hange the
Bell at their heeles which are alwayes running. The Lord of [t]he Castle overhearing
these proper quippes, rose out of his chaire, & comming towards Ferdinando required
him to daunce a Gallyard. Sir sayd he I have hitherto at your apoyntment but walked
about the house, now if you be desirous to see one tomble a turne or twayne, it is
like ynough that I mighte provoke you to laugh at mee, but in good fayth my dauncing
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dayes are almost done, and therfore sir (quod he) I pray you speake to them that
are more nymble at trippinge on the toe. Whilest hee was thus saying dame Elynor
had made hir Congey, and was now entring the dore of hir chamber when Ferdinando
al amazed at hir sodeyne departure followed to take leave of his Mistresse: but she
more then angrie, refused to heare his good night, and entring hir chamber caused
hir mayde to clappe to the dore. Ferdinando with heavie cheare returned to his company,
and Mistresse Fraunces to toutch his sore with a corosive, sayd to him softly in
this wise. Sir you may now perceyve that this our countrie cannot allowe the French
manner of dauncing, for they (as I have heard tell) do more commonly daunce to talke,
then entreate to daunce. Fardenando hoping to drive out one naile with another and
thinking this a meane moste convenient to suppresse all jelous supposes, tooke Mistresse
Fraunces by the hand and with a heavy smile aunswered. Mistresse and I (because I
have seene the french maner of dauncing) will eftsonnes entreat you to daunce a Bargynet:
what meane you by thys quod mistresse Fraunces. If it please you to followe (quod
he) you shall see that I can jest without joye, and laugh without lust, and calling
the musitions, caused them softly to sounde the Tynternall, when he clearing his
voyce did Alla Napolitana applie these verses following, unto the measure.
IN prime of lustie yeares, when Cupid caught mee in,
And nature taught the waie to love, how I might best begin:
To please my wandring eie, in beauties tickle trade,
To gaze on eache that passed by, a carelesse sporte I made.
With sweete enticing baite, I fisht for manie a dame,
And warmed me by manie a fire, yet felt I not the flame :
But when at last I spied, that face that pleasde me most,
The coales were quicke, the woode was drie, & I began to tost.
And smiling yet full oft, I have behelde that face,
When in my hearte I might bewaile mine owne unluckie case:
And oft againe with lokes that might bewraie my griefe,
I pleaded harde for just rewarde, and sought to finde reliefe.
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What will you more? so oft my gazing eies did seeke,
To see the rose and Lillie strive upon that livelie cheeke:
Till at the last I spied, and by good proofe I founde,
That in that face was painted plaine, the pearcer of my wound.
Then (all to late) agast, I did my foote retire,
And sought with secret sighes to quench my gredie skalding fire
But lo, I did prevaile asmuche to guide my will,
As he that seekes with halting heele, to hop against the hill.
Or as the feeble sight, woulde searche the sunnie beame,
Even so I founde but labour lost, to strive against the streame.
Then gan I thus resolve, since liking forced love.
Should I mislike my happie choice, before I did it prove?
And since none other joye I had but her to see,
S[h]oulde I retire my deepe desire? no no it would not bee:
Though great the duetie were, that shee did well deserve,
And I poore man, unworthie am so wo[r]thie a wight to serve.
Yet hope my comfort staide, that she would have regard,
To my good will that nothing crav'd, but like for just reward:
I see the faucon gent sometime will take delight
To seeke the solace of hir wing, and dallie with a kite.
The fairest Woulf will choose the foulest for hir make,
And why? because he doth indure most sorrow for hir sake:
Even so had [I like] hope, when dolefull daies were spent
When wearie wordes were wasted well, to open true entent.
When fluddes of flowing teares, had washt my weeping eies,
When trembling tongue had troubled hir, with loud lamenting cries:
At last hir worthy will would pittie this my plaint,
And comfort me hir owne poore slave, whom feare had made so faint.
| { |
Wherefore I made a vowe, the stoany rocke should start,
Ere I presume, to let her slippe out of my faithfull heart. |
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Lenvoie.
And when she sawe by proofe, the pith of my good will,
She tooke in worth this simple song, for want of better skill:
And as my just deserts, hir gentle hart did move,
She was content to answere thus: I am content to love.
F. J.
BY these verses he ment in clowdes to discipher unto Mistresse
Fraunces such matter as she wold snatch at, and yet could take no good hold of the
same. Furthermore, it aunswered very aptly to the note whiche the musicke sounded,
as the skilfull reader by due triall may approve. This singing daunce, or daunsing
song ended, Mistresse Fraunces giving due thanks, seemed weary also of the company,
and profering to departe, gave yet this farewell to Ferdinando not vexed by choller,
but pleased with contentation, & called away by heavy sleepe: I am constreyned
(quod she) to bid you good night, and so turning to the rest of the company, tooke
hir leave. Then the Maister of the house commaunded a torch to light Ferdinando to
his lodging, where the sodaine chaunge of his Mistresse countenance, togither with
the straungenesse of Mistresse Fraunces talke, made such an encounter in his mind,
that he could take no reste that night: wherefore in the morning rising very earely
(although it were farre before his Mistresse hower) he cooled his choller by walking
in the Gallery neare to hir lodging, and there in this passion co[m]piled these verses
following.
A Cloud of care hath covred all my coste,
And stormes of strife doo threaten to appeare:
The waves of woo, which I mistrusted moste,
Have broke the bankes wherein my life lay cleere:
Chippes of ill chaunce, are fallen amyd my choyce,
To marre the mynd, that ment for to rejoyce.
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Before I sought, I founde the haven of hap,
Wherin (once found) I sought to shrowd my ship,
But lowring love hath lifte me from hir lap,
And crabbed lot beginnes to hang the lip:
The proppes of darke mistrust do fall so thick,
They pearce my coate, and touch my skin at quick.
What may be saide, where truth cannot prevaile?
What plea maie serve, where will it selfe is judge?
What reason rules, where right and reason faile?
Remedilesse then must the guiltlesse trudge:
And seeke out care, to be the carving knife
To cut the thred that lingreth such a life.
F. J.
THis is but a rough meeter, and reason, for it was devised
in great disquiet of minde, and written in rage, but to the matter. When he had long
(and all in vaine) looked for the coming of his Mistresse into hir appoynted walke:
he wandred into the Parke neere adjoyning to the Castle wall, where his chaunce was
to meete Mistres F[r]aunces, accompanied with one other Gentle woman, by whome hee
passed with a reverence of curtesie: and so walking on, came into the side of a thicket?
where he satte downe under a tree to allay his sadnesse with solitarines. Mystresse
Fraunces, partely of curtesie and affection, and partly to content hir minde by continuance
of such talke as they had commenced over night entreated hir companion to goe with
hir unto this Tree of reformation, whereas they founde the Knight with hys armes
foulded in a heavy kinde of contemplation, unto whome Mistresse Fraunces stepped
a pace (right softhlye) and at unwares gave this salutation. I little thought Syr
Knight (quoth shee) by your Evensong yesternight, to have founde you presentlye at
suche a Morrow Masse, but I perceyve you serve your Saint with double devotion: and
I pray God graunt you treable meede for youre true intent. He being taken thus upon
the sodaine, coulde none otherwise aunswere but thus: I toulde you mistres (quod
hee) that I coulde laugh without lust, and jest without joye: and therewithall starting
up, with a more bold
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countenaunce came towards the Dames, proffering unto them his service, to waight
upon them homewardes. I have hearde saye ofte times (quod Mistresse Fraunces) that
it is harde to serve two Maysters at one time, but we wyll be ryght glad of your
company. I thanke you (quod hee) and so walking on with them, fell into sundrye discourses,
still refusing to touche any part of theyr formor communication, untill Mystresse
Fraunces sayde unto him: by my troth (quod shee) I woulde bee your debtour these
two daies, to aunswere me truely but unto one question that I will propound: fayre
Gentlewoman (quod he) you shall not neede to become my debtour, but if it please
you to quit question by question, I will bee more readye to gratifie you in this
request, then eyther reason requireth, or than you woulde be willing to worke my
contentation. Maister Fardinando Jeronomii (quod she, & that sadly) peradventure
you know but a litle how willing I would be to procure your con[ten]tation, but you
know that hitherto familliarytie hath taken no deepe roote beetwixt us twaine. And
though I finde in you no manner of cause whereby I might doubt to commit this or
greater matter unto you, yet have I stayed hitherto so to doe, in doubt least you
might thereby justlie condemne me both of arrogancy and lacke of discretion, wherwith
I must yet foolishlye affirme, that I have with great paine brydeled my tongue from
disclosing the same unto you. Suche is then the good will that I beare towardes you,
the which if you rather judge to be impudencie, then a friendely meaning, I may then
curse the hower that I first concluded thus to deale with you: herewithall beeing
nowe redde for chaste bashefulnesse, shee abased hir eies, and staied hir taulke:
to whome Fardinando thus aunswered. Mystresse Fraunces, if I shoulde with so exceeding
villanye requight suche and so exceeding great courtesye, I might not onelye seeme
to digenerate from all gentrye, but also to differre in behaviour from all the reste
of my lyfe spent: wherfore to be playne with you in fewe wordes I thinke my selfe
so muche bounde unto you for divers respects, as if abilitie doe not fayle me, you
shall finde mee mindefull in requitall of the same, and for disclosing your mind
to me, you may if so i[t] please you adventure it without adventure, for by this
Sunne quod he, I will not deceyve such trust as you shall laye uppon mee, and furthermore,
so farre foorth as I may, I will be yours in any
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respect: wherfore I beseech you accept me for your faithfull friend, and so shall
you surely finde me. Not so, quod shee but you shalbe my Trust, if you vouchsafe
the name, and I wilbe to you as you shall please to tearme me: my Hope (quod hee)
if you be so pleased: and thus agreed, they two walked a parte from the other Gentlewoman,
and fell into sad talke wherein Mistresse Fraunces dyd verye curteousely declare
unto him, that in deede, one cause of hir sorrow sustained in his behalfe, was that
he had sayde so openly over night, that hee coulde not love, for she perceyved verye
well the affection betweene him and Madame Elynor, and shee was also advertised that
Dame Elynor stoode in the portall of hir chamber, harkening to the talke that they
hadde at supper that night, wherefore she seemed to be sorry that such a worde (rashely
escaped) might become great hinderaunce unto his desire: but a greater cause of hir
gnefe was (as shee declared) that his happe was to bestow his liking so unworthylye,
for shee seemed to accuse Dame Elinor, for the most unconstant woman living: In full
proofe whereof, she bewrayed unto him, how she the same Dame Elynor, had long time
bene yelded to the Minion Secretary, whom I have befor described: in whome though
there be (quod she) no one poynt of woorthinesse, yet shameth she not to use him
as hir dearest friend, or rather hir holiest Idoll and that this not withstanding
Dame Elynor had bene also sundry tymes woone to choyce of chaunge, as she named unto
Ferdinando two Gentlemen wherof the one was named Hercule Donaty, and the other Haniball
de Cosmis, by whom she was during sundrie times of their severall aboad in those
countries, entreated to like courtisie: for these causes the Dame Fraunces seemed
to mislike his choyce, and to lament that she doubted in processe of time to see
him abused.
The experiment she ment was this, for that she thought Ferdenando (I use Bartelloes
wordes) a man in every respect very worthy to have the severall use of a more commodious
common, she hopped now to see if his inclosure there of might be defensible against
hir sayd Secretary, and such like. These thinges and divers other of great importaunce,
this courteouse Lady Fraunces dyd friendly disclose unto hym, and further more, did
both instruct and advise him to proceede in his enterprise. Nowe to make my talke
good, and least the
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403
Reader might bee drawen in a jelose suppose of this Lady Fraunces, I must let you
understand yt she was a virgin of rare chastity, singuler capacitie, notable modestie,
& excelent beauty: and though Ferdenando Jeronimii had cast his affection on
the other (being a [married] woman) yet was there in their beauties no great difference:
but in all other good giftes a wonderfull diversitie, as much as might betwene constancie
& fl[itt]ing fantasie, betwene womanly countenaunce and girlish garishnes, betwene
hot dissimulation & temperat fidelity. Now if any man wil curiously aske the
question why he should chuse the one and leave ye other, over & besides ye common
proverbe (So mani men so manie mindes) thus may be answered we see by common
experience, that the highest flying faucon, doth more commonly praye upon the corn
fed crow & the simple shiftles dove, then on ye mounting kyte: & why? because
the one is overcome with lesse difficultye then that other. Thus much in defence
of this Lady Fraunces, & to excuse the choyce of Ferdenando who thought himself
now no lesse beholding to good fortune, to have found such a trusty friend, then
bounden to Dame Venus, to have wonne such a Mistres. And to returne unto my presence,
understand you, that he (being now with these two fair Ladies come very neere the
castle) grew in some jelouse doubt (as on his own behalf) whether he wer best to
break company or not. When his assured Hope, perceiving the same, gan thus recomfort
him: good sir (quod she) if you trusted your trusty friends, you should not neede
thus cowardly to stand in dread of your friendly enimies. Well said in faith (quod
Ferdinando) & I must confesse, you were in my bosome before I wist: but yet I
have heard said often, that in Trust is treason. Wel spoken for your self quod his
Hope. Ferdinando now remembring that he had but erewhile taken upon him the name
of hir Trust, camme home per misericordiam, when his Hope entring the Castle
gate, caught hold of his lap, & half by force led him by the gallery unto his
Mistres chamber: wheras after a litle dissembling disdain, he was at last by the
good helpe of his Hope, right thankfully received: & for his Mistresse was now
ready to dine, he was therfore for yt time arested there, & a supersedias
sent into the great chamber unto the Lord of the house, who expected his coming out
of the parke. The dinner ended, & he throughly contented both with welfare &
wel-
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come, they fell into sundry devices of pastime: at last Ferdinando taking into his
hand a Lute that lay on his Mistresse bed, did unto the note of the Venetian galliard
apply the Italian dittie written by the worthy Bradamant unto ye noble Rugier, as
Ariosto hath it. Rugier qual semper fui, &c. but his Mistres could not
be quiet untill she heard hym repeat the Tinternell which he used over night, the
whiche he refused not [, at end] wherof his Mistres thinking how she had shewed hir
selfe [to earnest] to use any further dissimulation, especially perceyvyng the toward
enclination of hir servants Hope, fel to flat and playne dealing & walked to
the window, call[ing] hir servaunt apart unto hir, of whom she demaunded secretly
and in sad earnest, who devised this Tinternell? My Fathers Sisters brothers sonne
(quod he). His mistres laughing right hartely, demaunded yet again, by whome the
same was figured: by a niece to an Aunt of yours, Mistres (quod he). Well then servaunt
quoth shee, I sweare unto you by my Fathers Soule, yt my mothers youngest daughter,
doth love your fathers eldest sone above any c[r]eature living. Fardenando hereby
recomforted gan thus replie. Mistres, though my fathers eldest son be far unworthy
of so noble a match, yet since it pleaseth hir so wel to except him, I would thus
much say behind his ba[c]k, yt your mothers daughter hath done him some wrong: and
wherein servaunt (quod she): by my troth Mistres (quod he) it is not yet xx. houres,
since without touch of brest, she gave him such a nip by the harte, as did altogether
bereave him his nightes rest with the bruse therof. Well servaunt (quod she) content
your selfe, for your sake, I will speake to hyr to provyde hym a playster, the which
I my selfe will applye to hys hurt: And to the ende it maye worke the better wyth
hym, I will purvey a lodging for hym, wher hereafter he maye sleepe at more quiet.
This sayd: the rosie hewe dis[t]ained hir sikely chekes, and she returned to the
company, leaving Ferdinando ravished betwene hope and dread, as on that could neither
conjecture the meaning of hir misticall wordes, nor assuredly trust unto the knot
of hyr sliding affectiones. When the Lady Fraunces, comming to him, demaunded, what
dream you sir? Yea mary doe I fayre Lady (quod he). And what was your dream, sir
(quod she)? I dreamt (quod he) that walking in a pleasaunt garden garnished
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with sundrye delights, my hap was to espie hanging in the ayre, a hope wherin I might
well beholde the aspectes and face of the heavens, and calling to remembrance the
day and hower of my natively, I did therby (accordyng to my small skil in Astronomy)
trie the conclusion of mine adventures. And what found you therin (quod Dame Fraunces)?
you awaked me out of my dreame (quod he) or ells peradventure you should not have
knowen. I beleeve you well (quod the lady Fraunces) and laughing at his quicke aunswere
brought him by the hande unto the rest of his company: where he taryed not long before
his gracious Mystresse badde him to farewel, and to keepe his houre there againe
when he should by hir be sommoned. Hereby hee passed the rest of that daye in hope
awayting the happie tyme when his Mystresse shoulde sende for him. Supper time came,
and passed over, and not long after came the handemayde of the Lady Elynor into the
great chamber desiering him to repayre unto their Mistresse, the which he willingly
acomplished: and being nowe entred into hyr chamber, he might perceyve his Mystresse
in hir nightes attyre, preparing hir selfe towards bed, to whome Fardinando sayde:
Why how now mystresse? I hadde thought this night to have seene you daunce (at least
or at last) amongst us? By my troth good Servaunt (q[u]oth shee) I adventured so
soone unto the great Chamber yeasternyght, that I finde my selfe somewhat sickelye
disposed, and therefore doe strayne courtesye (as you see) to goe the sooner to my
bedde this night: but before I sleepe (quoth she) I am to charge you with a matter
of wayght, and taking him a parte from the rest, declared that (as that present night)
shee woulde talke with him more at large in the gallery neere adjoyning to hir chamber.
Hereupon Ferdinando discreetely dissimuling his joy, toke his leave & returned
into the great chamber, where he had not long continued before the Lord of the Castell
commaunded a torch to light him unto his lodging, wheras he prepared himselfe and
went to bed, commaunding his servaunt also to go to his rest. And when he thought
as well his servaunt, as the rest of the houshold to be safe, he arose againe, &
taking his night gowne, did under the same convey his naked sword, and so walked
to the gallerie, where he founde his good Mistresse walkyng in hir night gowne and
attending his comming. The Moone was nowe at the full,
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the skies cleare, and the weather temperate, by reason whereof he might the more
playnely [an]d with the greater contentation behold his long desired joyes: and spreading
his armes abrode to embrace his loving Mistresse, hee sayde: oh my deare Lady when
shall I be able with any deserte to countervayle the least parte of this your bountifull
goodnesse? The Dame (whether it were of feare in deede, or that the wylinesse of
womanhoode had taught hir to cover hir conceites with some fine dissimulation) stert
backe from the Knight, and shriching (but softly) sayd unto him. Alas servaunt what
have I deserved, that you come agaynst mee with naked sword as against an open enimie.
Ferdinando perceyving hir intent excused himselfe, declaryng that he brought the
same for their defence, and not to offende hir in any wise.
The Ladie beyng therewith somewhat apeased they began with more comfortable gesture
to expell the dread of the sayd late affright, and sithence to become bolder of behaviour,
more familiar in speeche, and moste kinde in accomplishing of common comfort. But
why horde I so long discourse in describyng the joyes whiche (for lacke of like experience)
I cannot set out to the full? Well, remedie was there none, but dame Elynor muste
returne unto hir chamber, and he muste also convey himselfe (as closely as might
be) into his chamber, the which was hard to do, the day being so farre sprong, and
he having a large base court to passe over before he could recover his staire foote
dore. And though he were not much perceived, yet the Lady Fraunces being no lesse
desirous to see an issue of these interprises, then he was willing to cover them
in secrecy, laid watch, & even at the entring of his chamber dore, perceived
the poynt of his naked sworde glistring under the skyrt of his nyght gowne: whereat
she smiled & sayd to hir selfe, this geare goeth well aboute. Well Ferdenando
having now recovered his chamber he went to bede, there let him sleepe, as his mistrisse
did on the otherside. Although the Lady Fraunces being throughly tickled now in al
the vaynes, could not enjoye such quiet rest, but arising toke another gentle woman
of the house with hir, and walked into the parke to take the fresh ayre of the morning.
They had not long walked there, but they returned, and thoug[h] Ferdenando Jeronimii
had not yet slept sufficiently, for one which had so
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farre travayled in the night past, yet they went in to his chamber to rayse him,
and comming to his beds side, found him fast on slep. Allas quod that other gentle
woman, it were pitye to awake him: even so it were quod dame Fraunces, but wee wil
take away som what of his, wherby he may perceive that we were here, and loking about
the chamber, hys naked sword presented it selfe to the handes of dame Fraunces, who
tooke it with her, and softly shutting hys chamber dore agayne, went downe the stayres
and recovered hir owne lodging, in good order and unperceyved of any body, saving
only that other gentle woman which accompanied with hir. At the last Ferdenando awaked,
and apparrelling hym selfe, walked out also to take the ayre, and being throughly
recomforted aswell with remembraunce of his joyes forepassed, as well with the pleasaunt
hermony which the Brides made on every side, and the fragrant smel of the redolent
flowers and blossomes whiche budded on every braunche: hee did in these delightes
compyle these verses following called a mooneshyne banquete.
DAme Cinthia her selfe (that shines so bright,
And dayneth not to leave hir loftie place:
But onely then, when Phþbus shewes his face.
Which is her brother borne and lendes hir light,)
Disdaind not yet to do my Lady right:
To prove that in such heavenly wightes as she,
It fitteth best that right and reason be.
For when she spied my Ladies golden raies,
Into the cloudes,
Hir head she shroudes,
And shamed to shine where she hir beames displaies.
Good reason yet, that to my simple skill,
I should the name of Cynthia adore:
By whose high helpe, I might beholde the more,
My Ladies lovely lookes at mine owne will,
With deepe content, to ga[z]e, and gaze my fill:
Of courtesie and not of darcke disdaine,
Dame Cy[n]thia disclosde my Lady plaine.
Shee did but lende hir light (as for a lite)
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With friendely grace,
To shew hir face,
That else would shew and shine in hir dispight.
Dan Phþbus hee with many a lowring looke,
Had hir behelde [of] yore in angrie wise:
And when he coulde none other meane devise
To staine hir name, this deepe deceit he tooke,
To be the baite that best might hide his hooke:
Into hir eies his parching beames he cast,
To skorche their skinnes, that gaz'd on hir full fast:
Whereby when many a man was sunne burnt so
They thought my Queene,
The sonne had beene,
With skalding flames, which wrought them all that wo,
[So] that when many a looke had lookt so long,
As that their eyes were dimme and dazaled both:
Some fainting heartes that were both leude and loth
To looke agayne from whence that error sprong,
Gan close their eye for feare of farther wrong:
And some againe once drawen into the maze,
Gan leudly blame the beames of beauties blaze:
But I with deepe foresight did soone espie,
How phþbus ment,
By false intent,
To slaunder so her name with crueltie.
Wherefore at better leasure thought I best,
To trie the treason of his trecherie:
And to exalt my Ladies dignitie
When Phþbus fled and drewe him downe to rest.
Amid the waves that walter in the west,
I gan behold this lovely Ladies face,
Whereon dame nature spent hir giftes of grace:
And found therein no parching heat at all,
But such bright hew,
As might renew,
An Aungels joyes in raigne celestiall.
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The courteouse Moone that wisht to do me good,
Did shine to shew my dame more perfectly,
But when she sawe hir passing jollitie,
The Moone for shame, did blush as red as bloud,
And shrounke a side and kept hir hornes in hoode:
So that now when Dame Cynthia was gone,
I might enjoye my Ladies lokes alone,
Yet honoured still the Moone with true intent:
Who taught us skill,
To worke our will,
And gave us place, till all the night was spent.
F. J.
ANd now to returne to my tale, by that time, that hee returned
out of the parke, it was dinner time, and at dynner they all met, I meane both dame
Elynor, dame Fraunces & Ferdenando. I leave to discribe that the Lady Fraunces
was gorgiously attyered, and set forth with very brave apparell, and Madame Elynor
onely in hir night gowne gyrt to hir, with a coyfe trymimed Ala Piedmonteze,
on the whiche she ware a little cap[p]e crossed over the crow[n]e with two bandes
of yellowe Sarcenet or Cipresse, in the middest whereof she had placed (of hir owne
hand writing) in paper this worde, Contented. This attyre pleased hir then
to use, and could not have displeased Mistresse Fraunces, had she not ben more privy
to the cause, then to the thing it selfe: at least the Lorde of the Castle, of ignnoraunce,
and dame Fraunces, of great temporaunce, let it passe without offence. At dinner,
bicause the on was pleased with al former reconinges, and the other partye privie
to the accompt, there passed no word of taunt or grudg[e]d, but omnia bene.
After dynner dame Elinor being no lesse desirous to have Ferdinandos compani, then
dame Frances was to take him in some prety trippe, they began to question how they
might best passe the day: the Lady Elinor seemed desirous to kepe her chamber, but
Mistresse Fraunces (for another purpose) seemed desirous to ride abroade, therby
to take the open ayre: they greed to ride a mile or twayne for solace, and requested
Ferdinando to accompany them, the which willingly graunted. Eche one parted from
other, to prepare them
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selves & nowe began the sport, for when he was booted, his horses sadled, and
he ready to ride, he gan misse his Rapier, wherat al astonied he began to blame his
man, but blame whom he would, found it could not be. At last the Ladies going towardes
the horsebacke called for him in the base Court, and demaunded if he were readie:
to whome hee aunswered, Madame, I am more than readie, and yet not so ready as I
would be, and immediatly taking him selfe in trip, he thought best to utter no more
of his conceipt, but in hast more than good spede mounted his horse, & comming
toward ye dames presented himselfe, turning, bounding, & taking up his courser
to the uttermost of his power in bravery: after suffering his horse to breath him
selfe, he gan also allay his owne choller, & to the dames he sayd. Fayre Ladyes
I am ready when it pleaseth you to ride where so you commaund. How ready so ever
you be servaunt, quod dame Elynor, it seemeth your horse is readier at your commaunde
then at oures. If he bee at my commaund Mistresse (quod he) he shall be at yours.
Gramercye good servaunte (quod shee) but my meanyng is, that I feare he be to stirring
for our company. If he prove so mistres (quod he) I have here a soberer palfray to
serve you on. The Dames being mounted they rode forthwardes by the space of a mile
or very scare, & Ferdinando (whether it were of his horses corage or his owne
choller came not so neare them as they wished) at last the Lady Fraunces sayde unto
him, mayster Jeron[i]my you sayde that you had a sober horse, which if it be so,
we would bee glad of your company but I beleve by your countenaunce your horse and
you are agreed. Ferdinando alighting called his servaunt, chaunged horses with him,
and over taking the Dames, sayd to Mistres Fraunces: And why doe you think fayre
Lady that my horse and I are agreed? Because by your countenaunce (quod she) it seemeth
your patience is stirred. In good faith, quod he, you have gessed aright, but not
with any of you. Then we care the lesse servaunt, quod Dame Elynor. By my troth Mistresse,
quod he (looking wel about him that none might heare but they two) it is with my
servaunt, who hath lost my sword out of my chamber. Dame Elinor litle remembring
the occasion, replied it is no matter servaunt, quod she, you shall heare of it againe,
I warrant you, and presently wee ryde in Gods
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peace, and I trust shall have no neede of it: yet Mistres quod he, a weapon serveth
both uses, as well to defend, as to offend. Now [by my] troth, quod Dame Fraunces,
I have now my dreame, for I dreamt this night that I was in a pleasaunt medow alone,
where I met with a tall Gentleman, apparrelled in a night gowne of silke, all embroadered
about with a garde of naked swordes, and when he came towards me I seemed to be afrayd
of him, but he recomforted me saying, be not afrayd fayre Lady, for I use this garment
onely for mine owne defence: and in this sort went that warrelike God Mars, what
time hee taught Dame Venus to make Vulcan a hammer of the new fashion. Notwithstanding
these comfortable words, the fright of the dreame awaked me, and sithens unto this
hower I have not slept at al. And what time of the night dreamt you this quod Fardinando?
In the grey morning about dawning of the day, but why aske you quod Dame Frances?
Ferdenando with a great sigh answered, because that dreames are to bee marked more
at some hower of the night, then at some other? why are you so cunning at the interpretation
of dreames servaunt? (quod the Ladye Elinor): not very conning Mistres quod he, but
gesse like a young scholler. The Dames continued in these and like pleasaunt talkes:
but Jeron[i]mii coulde not be mery, as on that estemed the preservation of his mistres
honor, no [lesse] then the obteyning of his owne delightes, and yet to avoyd further
suspicion, he repressed his passions, as much as hee could. The Lady Elynor (more
carelesse then considerative of hir owne case) pricking forwardes sayd softly to
him, I had thought you had received small cause servaunt to be thus dumpish, when
I would be mery. Alas deere mistresse quod he, it is altogether for your sake, that
I am pensife: Dame Fraunces of courtesie with drewe hir selfe and gave them leave,
when as Ferdinando declared unto his Mistres, that his sworde was taken out of his
chamber, and that he dreaded much by the wordes of the Lady Fraunces, that she had
some understanding of the mater. Dame Elynor now calling to remembrance what had
passed the same night, at the first was abashed, but immediatly (for these women
be redily witted) chered hir servaunt, and willed him to commit unto hir the salving
of that sore. Thus they passed the rest of the way in pleasaunt talke with dame Fraunces,
and so returned towards
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the Castle where Jeronimy suffered the two dames to go together, and he alone unto
his chamber to bewayle hys own misgovernment. But dame Elynor (whether it were according
to olde custome, or by wilye pollycye) founde meane that nyght, that the sworde was
conveyed out of Mistres Fraunces chamber, and brought unto hirs: and after redeliverye
of it unto hir servaunt, she warned hym to be more wary from that time forthwardes:
afterward when he grew more bold and better aquaynted with his Mistris disposition,
hee adventured one Frydaye in the morning to go unto hir Chamber, and thereupon wrote
as followeth: which he termed a Frydayes Breakefast.
THat selfe same day, and of that day that hower,
When she doth raigne, that mocks Vulcan the smith,
And thought it meete to harbor in hir bower,
Some gallant gest for hir to dally with,
That blessed houre, that bliss and happie daye,
I thought it meete, with hastie steppes to go
Unto the lodge, wherin my Lady laye,
To laugh for joye, or else to weepe for woe.
And lo, my Lady of hir wonted grace,
First lent hir lippes to me (as for a kisse)
And after that hir bodye to imbrace,
Wherein dame nature wrought nothing amisse.
What followed next, gesse you that know the trade,
For in this sort, my F[r]ydaies feast I made.
F. J.
MAny dayes passed these two lovers with great delight, their
affayres being no lesse politiquely governed, then happilye atchived. And surelye
it should seeme in sadde earnest, that hee did not onely love hir, but was furthermore
so ravished in extasies with continuall remembraunce of his delights, that he made
an Idoll of hir in his inwarde conceyte. So seemeth it by this challenge to beautie,
which [h]e wrote in hir prayse and uppon hir name.
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BEautie shut up thy shop, and trusse up all thy trash,
My Nell hath stolne thy finest stuffe, & left thee in the lash
Thy market now is marde, thy gaines are gone god wot,
Thou hast no ware, that maie compare, with this that I have got
As for thy painted pale, and wrinckles surfled up:
Are deare ynough, for such as lust to drinke of every cup:
Thy bodies bolstred out, with bumbact and with bagges,
Thy rowles, thy ruffes, thy caules, thy coifes, thy Jerkins & thy Jagges.
Thy curling, and thy cost, thy friesling and thy fare,
To court to court with al those tois & there set forth such ware
Before their hungrie eies, that gaze on every gest,
And choose the cheapest chaffaire still, to please their fancy best.
But I whose stedfast eies, coulde never cast a glaunce,
With wandring loke, amid the prese, to take my choise by chaunce
Have wonne by due desert, a peece that hath no peere,
And left the rest as refuse all, to serve the market there:
There let him chuse that list, there catche the best who can:
A painted blazing baite may serve, to choke a gazing man.
But I have slips thy flower, that freshest is of hewe:
I have thy come, goe sell thy chaffe, I list to seeke no new,
The windowes of mine eies, are glaz'd with such delight,
As eche new face seemes full of faultes, that blaseth in my sight:
And not without just cause, I can compare her so,
Loe here my glove I challenge him, that can, or dare say no.
Let Theseus come with clubbe, or Paris bragge with brand,
To prove how faire their Hellen was, that skourg'd the Grecian land:
Let mighty Mars himselfe, come armed to the field:
And vaunt dame Venus to defend, with helmet, speare, & shield.
This hand that had good hap, my Hellen to embrace,
Shal have like lucke to [foyle] hir foes, & daunt them with disgrace.
And cause them to confesse by verdict and by othe,
How farre hir lovelie lookes do steine, the beauties of them both.
And that my Hellen is more faire then Paris wife,
And doth deserve more famous praise, then Venus for hir life.
Which if I not perfourme, my life then let me leese,
Or else be bound in chaines of change, to begge for beuties feese.
F. J
414
BY this challenge I geese, that eyther he was than in an extasie,
or else, sure I am nowe in a lunacie, for it is a prowde challenge made to Beautie
hir selfe, and all hir companions: and imagining that Beautie having a shoppe where
she uttered hir wares of all sundry sortes, his Ladie had stollen the fynest away,
leaving none behind hir, but paynting, bolstring, forcing and such like, the whiche
in his rage he judgeth good inough to serve the Courte: and thereupon grewe a great
quarrell. When these verses were by the negligence of his Mistresse dispersed into
sundry handes, and so at last to the reading of a Courtier. Well Ferdinando had his
desire, yf his Mistresse lyked them, but as Bartello writeth, shee grewe in jelousie,
that the same were not written by hir, because hir name was Elynor and not Hellen.
And about this point have been divers and sundry opimions among the Venetians, for
this & divers other of his most notable Poems, have come to view of the world.
And some have attributed this praise unto a Hellen, who deserved not so well as this
dame Elynor shoulde seeme to deserve, and yet never a barrell of good herring betweene
them both: But that other Hellen, because she was sayeth Bartello, of so base conditions,
as may deserve no maner commendation in any honest judgement, therefore he thinketh
that he would never bestow verse of so meane a subject. And yet some of his acquaintaunce
knowing also that he was sometimes acquainted with Hellen, have stoade in argument,
that it was written by Hellen, & not by Elynor. Well mine aucthor affirmeth that
it was written by this Dame Elynor, and that unto hir he thus alledged, that he tooke
it all for one name, or at least he never read of any Elynor suche matter as might
sound worthy like commendation, for beautie. And in deede considering all circumstaunces
of histories, and comparing also the time that suche reportes do spreade of his acquaintaunce
with Hellen, it cannot be written lesse then sixe or seven yeeres before he knewe
Hellen: marrye peradventure if there were any acquaintaunce betweene him and that
Hellen afterwardes, he might adapt it to hir name, and so make it serve boath their
turnes, as elder lovers have done before, and still doe, and wyll doe world without
ende. Wel by whome he wrote it I know not, and to returne to the purpose, he sought
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more certainelye to please his Mistresse Elynor with this Sonet written in hir praise
as followeth.
THE stately Dames of Rome, their Pearles did weare,
About their neckes to beautifie their name:
But she (whome I doe serve) hir pearles doth beare,
Close in hir mouth, and smiling shewe, the same.
No wonder then, though ev'ry word she speakes,
Jewell seeme in judgement of the wise,
Since that hir sugred tongue the passage breakes,
Betweene two rockes, bedecks with pearles of prire.
Hir haire of golde, hir front of Ivory,
(A bloody heart within so white a breast)
Hir teeth of Pearle lippes Rubie, christall eye,
Needes must I honour hir above the rest:
Since she is fourmed of none other moulde,
But Rubie, Christall, Ivory, Pearle, and Golde.
Ferdinando Jeronimy.
OF this Sonet, were it not a lyttle to muche prayse (as the
Italians do most commonly offend in the superlative) I could [the] more commend it:
but I hope the party to whome it was dedicated had rather it were much more, than
any thing lesse. Wel, thus these twoo Lovers passed many daies in exceeding contentation,
& more than speakable pleasures, in which time Ferdinando did compile very many
verses according to sundrye occasions proffred, and they were for the most parte
sauced with a taste of glory, as you know that in such cases a lover being charged
with inexprimable joyes, and therewith enjoyned both by duety and discrecion to keepe
the same covert, can by no meanes devise a greater consolation, than to commit it
into some cyphred wordes, and figured speeches, in verse, whereby he feeleth his
heart halfe (or more than halfe) eased of swelling. For as sighes are some present
ease to the pensive minde, even so we find by experience, that such secreete entercomoning
of joyes doeth encrease delight. I would not have you conster my wordes to this effect,
that I thinke a man cannot sufficientlye rejoyce in the luckie lottes of love, unlesse
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he empart the same to others: God forbid that ever I should enter into such an herisie,
for I have alwayes bene of this opinion, that as to be fortunate in love, is one
of the most inward contentations to mans mind of all earthly joyes: even so if hee
do but once bewray ye same to any living creature, immediatly either dread of discovering
doth bruse his brest with an intollerable burden, or els he leeseth the principall
vertue which gave effect to his gladnes, not unlyke to a Poticares pot, which being
filled with sweete oyntmentes or perfumes, doth retayne in it selfe some sent of
the same, and being powred out doeth returne to the former state, hard, harsh, and
of small savour: So the mind being fraught with delightes, as long as it can kepe
them secretly enclosed, may continually feede upon the pleasaunt record thereof,
as the wel wylling and readie horse byteth on the bridle, but having once disclosed
them to any other, straight waye we loose the hidden treasure of the same, and are
oppressed with sundry doubtfull opinions and dreadfull conceiptes. And yet for a
man to record unto him selfe in the inward contemplation of his mind, the often remembrance
of his late received joyes, doth as it were ease the hearte of burden, and ad unto
the mind a fresh supplie of delight, yea, and in vearse principally (as I conceyve)
a man may best contrive his waye of comfort in him selfe. Therfore as I have sayde
Ferdinando swimming nowe in delightes did nothing but writ such verse as might acumilat
his joyes, to the extremitie of pleasure, the which for that purpose he kept from
sight of ye world, as one more desirous to seme obscure & defective, than overmuch
to glory in his adventures, especially for yt jn the end his hap was as heavie, as
hitherto he had teen fortunate. And here I wyll surcease to rehearse amy more of
his verses until I have expressed how yt his joyes being exalted to the highest degree
began to bend towards declination. For now the unhappy Secretary whom I have before
remembred, was returned from Florence, on whom Fardinando had no soner cast his eies,
but immediatly he fell into a great passion of minde, which might be compared unto
a feaver. This fruit grew of the good instructions yt his Hope had planted in his
mind, whereby I might take just occasion to forwarn every lover, how they suffer
this venemous serpent jelousie to creepe into their conceipts: for surely, of al
other diseases in love, I suppose that
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to be uncurable, and would hold longer discourse therin, were it not yt both this
tale & the verses of Ferdinando him selfe hereafter to be recited, shalbe sufficient
to speake for me in this behalf. The lover (as I say upon the sodain) was droven
into such a malladie, as no meate might nourishe his body, no delightes please his
minde, no remembrance of joyes forepassed content him, nor any hope of the lyke to
come might recomfort him: hereat (some unto whome I have imparted this tale) have
taken occasion to discommend his fainting heart, yet surely the cause inwardly &
deeply considered, I cannot so lightly condempne him: for an old saying is, that
everye man can give councell better than followe it: and needes must the conflicts
of his thoughts be straunge: betweene the remembraunce of his forepassed pleasure,
and the present sight of this monster, whom before (for lacke of like instruction)
he had not so throughlye marked and beheld. Well, such was the griefe unto him, that
he became sickly and kept his chamber. The Ladies having received the newes thereof,
gan al at once lament his misfortune, & of common consent agreed to visit him:
they marched thither in good equipage, I warant you, and found Ferdinando lying upon
his bed languishing, whom they all saluted generally, and sought to recomfort: but
especiallye his Mistresse, having in hir hand a braunc[h]e of wyllow, wherewith shee
defended hir from the whot aire, gan thus say unto him: Servaunt (quod she) for that
I suppose your mallady to proceede of none other cause but only slouthfulnesse, I
have brought this preaty rod to beate you a little: nothing doubting, but when you
feele the smart of a twig or twayne, you will like a tractable yong scholler, pluck
up your quickned spirits, & cast this drowsinesse apart. Ferdinando with a great
sigh answered: Alas good Mistres (quod he) if any like chastisement might quicken
me, how much more might the presence of all you lovely Dames recomfort my dulled
mind? whome to behold, were sufficient to revive an eye now dazled with the dread
of death: & that not onely for the heavenly aspects whiche you represent, but
also much the more for your exceeding curtesie, in that you have deigned to visit
mee so unworthie a servaunt. But good Mistresse (quod he) as it were shame for me
to confesse that ever my hart coulde yeelde for feare, so I assure you that my minde
cannot be content to induce infirmitie by
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sluggishe conceyt: But in trueth Mistresse I am sicke (quod he,) and therewithall
the trembling of his hart had sent up suche throbbing into his throte, as that his
voyce (now deprived of breath) commaunded the tong to be still. When Dame Elynor
for compassion distilled into teares, and drew towardes the window, leaving the other
Gentlewomen about his bed, who being no lesse sorye for his griefe, yet for that
they were none of them so touched in their secrete thoughtes, they had bolder sprite
and freeer speech to recomfort him, amongest the rest the Lady Fraunces, (who in
deede loved him deepely, and could best conjecture the cause of his conceipts) sayd
unto him: Good Trust (quod shee) if any helpe of Phisick may cure your maladie, I
would not have you hurt your selfe with these doubts whiche you seeme to retayne:
If choice of Diet may helpe, beholde us here (your cookes) ready to minister all
things needefull: if company may drive away your anoye, wee meane not to leave you
solitary, if griefe of mind be cause of your infirmitie, wee all here will offer
our devoyre to turne it into joye: if mishap have given you cause to feare or dreade
any thing, remember Hope, which never fayleth to recomfort an afflicted minde. And
good Trust (quod she) (distraining his hand right hartely) let this simple proofe
of our poore good willes bee so [ac]cepted of you, as that it maye work therby the
effect of our desires. Ferdinando (as on in a traunce) had nnarked very litle of
hir curteouse talke, & yet gave hir thankes, and so held his peace whereat the
Ladyes (being all amazed) there became a silence in the chamber on all sides. Dame
Elynor fearing thereby that she might the more Basely be espyed, and having nowe
dryed up hir teares, retourned to hir servaunt, recomforting him by all possible
meanes of common curtesie, promising that since in hir sicknes he had not only staunched
hir bleding, but also by his gentle company and sundry devices of honest pastime,
had driven a waye the pensivenes of hir mind, she thought hir selfe bound with like
willingnes to do hir best in any thing that might restore his health, & taking
him by the hand said further. Good servaunte, if thou beare in deed any true affection
to thy poore Mistres, start upon thy feet again, and let hir enjoye thine accustomed
service to hir comfort, for sure (quod she) I will never leave to visite this chamber
once in a daye, untill I may have thee downe with
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mee. Ferdinando hearyng the harty woordes of his Mistris, and perceivyng the earnest
mamer of hir pronunciation, began to receyve unspeakeable comfort in the same, and
sayd: Mistris, your exceedyng courtesie were able to revive a man half dead, and
to me it is bothe great comfort, and it doeth also gald my remembrance, with a continual
smart of myne owne unworthinesse: but as I woulde desire no longer life, than til
I might be able to deserve some part of your bouty, so I wil endevor my self to live,
were it but only unto yt ende, yt I might merite some parte of your favour with acceptable
service, and requight some deale the courtesie of all these other fayre Ladies, who
have so farre (above my deserts) deigned to doe me good. Thus sayd, the Ladies taried
not long before they were called to Evensong, when his Mistres taking his hand, kissed
it saying: Farewel good servaunt, and I praye thee suffer not the mallice of thy
sickenesse to overcome the gentlenesse of thy good hart. Fardinando ravished with
joy, suffered them all to departe, and was not able to pronounce one word. After
their departure, he gan cast in his mind the exceeding curtesie used towardes him
by them all, but above all other the bounty of his Mystresse: and therwithall tooke
a sound & firme opinion, that it was not possible for hir to counterfeite so
deepely (as in deede I beleeve that shee then did not) wherby he sodenly felt his
hert greatly eased, and began in himselfe thus to reason. Was ever man of so wretched
a heart? I am the most bounden to love (quod he) of all them that ever p[rof]essed
his service, I enjoy one the fayrest that ever was found, and I finde hir the kindest
that ever was hearde of: yet in mine owne wicked heart, I coulde vilanously conceyve
that of hir, which being compared with the rest of hir vertues, is not possible to
harbour in so noble a mind. Herby I have brought my self without cause into this
feeblenesse: and good reason that for so high an offence, I should be punished with
great infirmitie: what shall I then doe? yelde to the same? no, but according to
my late protestation, I will recomfort this languishing minde of mine, to the ende
I may live but onely to do penaunce for this so notable a cryme so rashly committed:
and thus saying, he start from his bed, and gan to walke towardes the window: but
the venimous serpent which (as before I rehearsed) had stony him, coulde not be content
that these medicines
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applyed by the mouth of his gentle Mistresse, should so soone resto[r]te him to guerison.
And although in cede they were such Mythrydate to him as that they had nowe expelled
the rancour of the poyson yet that ougly hellishe monster had left behind hir in
the most secret of his bosome, (even betwene the minde and the man) one of hir familiers
named suspect, whiche gan work in the weake spirites of Ferdinando efectes of no
lese perill than before he had received, his head swelling with these troublsome
toyes, and his hart swimming in the tempests of tossing fantasie: he felt his legges
so feeble, that he was constrayned to lie down on his bed again, and repeating in
his own remembraunce every woorde that his mistres had spoken unto him, he gan to
dread, that she had brought the willow braunche to beate hym with, in token that
he was of hir forsaken: for so lovers do most commonly expound the willow garlande,
and this to thinke, did cut his hart in twayne. A wonderfull chaunge : and here a
little to staye you, I will discribe as I finde it in Bartello the beginning,
the fall, the retourne, and the being of this hellish byrde, who in deede maye well
bee counted a very lymbe of tine Divill. Many yeares since, one of the moste dreadfull
dasterdes in the world and one of them that first devissed to weare his beard at
length, lest the Barbor might doe him a good turne soner then he looked for it, and
yet not so soone as he deserved, had builded for his security a pile on the hyghest
and most inaccessible mount of all his Territores: the which being fortyfied with
strong walles, and envyroned with deepe ditches, had no place of ent[ri]e, but one
onely dore so strayght and narrow, as might by any possibility receive the body of
one living man: from which he asended up a ladder, and so creeping through a mervelous
strait hole, attayned to his lodging, ye which was so dark and obscure, as scarcely
either sunne or ayre could enter into it: thus hee devised to lodge in safetie, and
for the more suertye gene truste none other letting downe this ladder but only his
wife: and at the foote therof kept alwaies by daye light, a fierce mastife close
enkeneled which never sawe nor hearde the face or voice of any other creature but
onelye of them twoo: him by night he trusted with the scout of this prety passage,
having neverthelesse between him & this dogge, a double dore with treble lockes,
quadrible barres, and before
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all a port coulez of Iron: neither yet could he bee so hardye as to sleepe, untyll
he had caused a garde of servauntes (whome he kept abroade for that purpose) to search
all the corners adjoyning to all his fortresse, and th[en] betweene fearefull sweate
and chyvering cold, with one eye opened & the other closed, he stole sometimes
a broken sleepe, devided with many terrible dreames. In this sort the wretch lyved
all to long, untyll at last his Wife being not able any longer to supporte this hellishe
life, grewe so hardye, as with his owne knife to dispatche his carkas out of this
earthlye purgatorye: the which being done, his soule (and good reason) was quickly
conveyed by Carone unto hell: there Radamanthus Judge of that benche, commaunded
him quicklye to be thrust into a boyling poole: and being therein pronged very often,
hee never shryked or cryed, I skalde, as his other companions there cryed, but seemed
so lightlye to esteeme it, that the Judge thought meete to condempne him unto the
most terrible place, where are such tormentes, as neyther penne can wryte, tongue
expresse, or thought conceyve: but the myser (even there) seemed to smyle and to
make small accompt of his punishment. Radamanthus hereof enformed, sent for him,
and demaunded the cause why he made so light of his duraunce? he aunswered that whyles
he lyved on earth, he was so continually afflicted and oppressed with suspicion,
as that now (only to thinke that he was out of those meditations) was sufficient
armour to defend him from all other tormentes. Radamanthus astonied hereat, gan call
togeather the Senators of that kingdome, and propounded this question, howe &
by what punnishment they might devise to touche him according to his deserts? &
hereupon fell great disputation: at last being considered, that he had already him
pronged in the most unspeakable torments, & therat litle or nothing had changed
countenance, therewithal yt no soule was sent unto them to be relieved of his smart,
but rather to be punished for his former delights: it was concluded by ye general
counsel, yt he should be eftsones sent into ye world & restored to the same body
wherein he first had his reliance, so to remain for perpetuity, and never to depart
nor to perish. Thus this body and soule being once againe united, and nowe eftsones
with the same pestilence infected, he became of a suspicious man, Suspicion it selfe:
and now the wretch remembring the
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treason of his wife, who had so willingly dispatched him once before, gan utterly
abhorre hir, and fled hir company, searching in all countries some place of better
assurance, and when he had in vaine bode over ye most part of the earth, he embarked
hiimself to find some unknowen Ilande, wherein he might frame some newe habitation:
and finding none so commodious as hee desired, he fortuned (sayling aloane by the
shoare) to espy a rock, more than sixe hundreth Cubits high, which hong so suspiciously
over the seas, as though it would threaten to fall at everye litle blast: this dyd
Suspition Imagine to be a fit foundation whereon he might build his second Bower:
hee forsooke his boate, and travailed by lande to espie what entrye or accesse might
bee made unto ye same, and founde from lande no maner of entrie or accesse, unlesse
it were that some curteouse Byrd of the ayre would be Ambassadour, or convey some
Engins, as whilom the Eagle did carrie Ganymedes into heaven. He then returned to
Seas, and approching neere to this rocke, founde a small streame of fresh water issuing
out of the same into the Seas: the whiche, although it were so lytle and so straight,
as might unethes receyve a boat of bygnesse to carry one hying creature at once,
yet in his conceypt hee thought it more large and spatious than that broad waye called
of our forefathers Via appia, or than that other named [F]laminia,
he abandoned his barke, and putting of his clothes adventured (for he was now asured
not to drown) to wade and swim against the streame of this unknown brooke, the which
(a wondrous thing to tell, and skarcelye to be beleeved) came downe from the very
top and height of this rock: and by the waye he found six strayghts & dangerous
places, wher the water seemed to staye his course, passing under six strayght and
lowe bridges, and harde by every of those places, a pyle raysed up in manner of a
Bulworke, the which were hollow, in such sorte as lodginges and other places necessary
might in them commodiously be devised, by suche one as coulde endure the hellishnes
of the place. Passing by these hee attayned wyth much payne unto the toppe of the
Rocke, the which hee found hollowed as the rest, and farre more fite for hys security,
than otherwise apt for any commodity. Ther gan Suspition, determine to nestle hym
selfe, and having now placed sixe chosen porters, to wit, (Dread, Mistrust, Wrath,
Desperation, Frensie, and Fury :) at these sixe straung Bulworkes, he lodged himselfe
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in that vii. al alone, for he trusted no company, but ever mistrusting that his wife
should eftsonnes finde him out therein, hee shricketh co[n]tynually lyke to a shrich
owle to keepe the watch wakyng, never content to sleep by day nor by night. But to
be sure that he should not over sleepe him selfe, gene stuffe hys couch with Porpentines
quilles, to the ende that when heavy sleep overcame him, and he thereby should be
constrayned to charge his pallad with more heavye burden, those plumes might then
pricke through and so awake him. His garments were steele upon yron, and that yron
upon Iron, and Iron agayne, and the more he was armed, the lesse he trusted to be
out of daunger. He chopped and changed continually now this, now that, now keyes,
now lockes, ditches newe skowred, and walles newlye fortified, and thus alwaies uncontented
liveth this wretched helhound Suspition, in this hellish dungion of habitation: from
whence he never removeth his foote, but onely in the dead & silent nightes, when
he maye be assured that all creatures (but him selfe) are whelmed in sound sleepe.
And then with stealing steps he stalketh about the earth, enfecting, tormenting,
& vexing all kindes of people with some part of his afflictions: but especiallye
such as eyther doe sit in chayre of greatest dignity and estimation, or els such
as have atchived some deere and rare emprise. Those above al others he continually
gauleth with fresh wounds of dread, least they might lose and forgo the roomes wherunto
with such long travaile and good happes they had attained, and by this meanes percase
he had crept into the bosom of Ferdinando, who (as is before declared) did earst
swimme in the deepest seas of earthly delightes. Nowe then I must thinke it high
time to retorne unto him, who (being now through feeblenesse eftsones cast downe
upon his bed) gan cast in his inwarde meditations all thinges passed, and as one
throughly puffed up and filled with one peevishe conceipte, coulde thinke uppon nothing
else, and yet accusing his own guiltie conscience to be infected with jelosie, dyd
compile this as followeth.
WHat state to man, so sweete and pleasaunt weare,
As to be tyed, in linkes of worthy love?
What life so bliss and happie might appeare,
As for to serve Cupid that God above?
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If that our mindes were not sometimes infect,
With dread, with feare, with care, with cold suspect:
With deepe dispaire, with furious frenesie,
Handmaides to her, whome we call jelosie.
For ev'ry other sop of sower chaunce,
Which lovers tast amid their sweete delight:
Encreaseth joye, and doth their love advaunce,
In pleasures place, to have more perfect plight.
The thirstie mouth thinkes water hath good taste,
The hungrie jawes, are pleas'd, with eche repaste:
Who hath not prov'd what dearth by warres doth growe,
Cannot of peace the pleasaunt plenties knowe.
And though with eye, we see not ev'ry joye,
Yet maie the minde, full well support the same,
[An] absent life long led in great annoye
(When presence comes) doth turne from griefe to game,
To serve without reward is thought great paine,
But if dispaire do not therewith remaine,
It may be borne for right rewardes at last,
Followe true service, though they come not fast.
Disdaines, repulses, finallie eche ill,
Eche smart, eche paine, of love eche bitter tast,
To thinke on them gan frame the lovers will,
To like eche joye, the more that comes at last:
But this infernall plague if once it tutch,
Or venome once the lovers mind with grutch,
All festes and joyes that afterwardes befall,
The lover comptes them light or nought at all.
This is that sore, this is that poisoned wound,
The which to heale, nor salve, nor ointmentes serve,
Nor charme of wordes, nor Image can be founde,
Nor observaunce of starres can it preserve,
Nor all the art of Magicke can prevaile,
Which Zoroactes found for our availe,
Oh cruell plague, above all sorrowes smart,
With desperate death thou sleast the lovers heart.
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And me even now, thy gall hath so enfect,
As all the joyes which ever lover found,
And all good haps, that ever Troylus sect,
Atchieved yet above the luckles ground:
Can never sweeten once my mouth with mell,
Nor bring my thoughtes, againe in rest to dwell.
Of thy mad moodes, and of naught else I thinke,
In such like seas, faire Bradamant did sincke
Ferdinando. Jeronimy.
THus Ferdinando continued on his bedde, untyll hys bountifull
Mistresse with the companye of the other courteous dames retorned after supper to
his chamber. At their first entrie: Why how nowe servaunt (quod dame Elinor) wee
hoped to have founde you [on] foote? Mistresse quod he, I have assayed my feete since
your departure, but I finde them yet unable too suport my heavy body, and therefore
am constrayned as you see, to acquaint my selfe with these pillowes. Servaunt sayde
she I am right very therof, but since it is of necessitie to beare sicknesse, I will
employ my endevoyre to allay some parte of your paynes, and to refreshe your weary
limbes with some comfortable matter: and therewithall calling hir hande mayde, delivered
unto hir a bounch of pretie littell keyes, and whispering in hir eare, dispatched
hir towards hir chamber: The mayde taryed not long, but returned with a little Casket,
the which hir mistresse toke, opened and drewe out of the same much fine linnen,
amongst the which she toke a pillowebere very fine and sweete, which although it
were of it selfe as sweete as might be (being of long time kept in that odoriferous
chest) yet did she with damaske water and that of the best that might be (I warramt
you) al to sprinkle it with hir owne handes, which in my conceipt might much amende
the matter. Then calling for a fresh pillowe, sent hir mayde to ayre the same and
at hir returne put on this, thus perfumed pillowebeere. In meane time also shee had
with hir owne hands attyred hir servaunts head in a fayre wrought kerchife taken
out of the same Casket: then layde him downe uppon this freshe and pleasaunt place,
and pretelye as it were in sporte, bedewed his temples with sweete water which she
had readye
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in a casting bottle of Golde, kissing his cheeke and saying: Good servaunt be whoale,
for I might not long indure thus to attend thee, and yet the love that I beare towardes
thee, cannot be content to see thee languishe. Mistresse sayde Ferdinando (and that
with a trembling voice) assure your selfe, that if there remain in me any sparke
of life or possibillity of recovery, them may this excellent bounty of yours be sufficient
to revive me without any further travaile or paine unto your person: for whome I
am highlye to blame, in that I do not spare to put you unto this trouble, & better
it were that suche a wretch as I had died unknown, than yt by your exceeding curtesie,
you should fall into any malladye, eyther by resorting unto me, or by these your
paines taken about me. Servaunt (quod shee) all pleasures seeme painefull [to] them
that take no delight therin, and lyke wise all toile seemeth pleasaunt to such as
set their felicitie in the same: but for me bee you sure, I doe it with so good a
wyll that I can take no hurt thereby, unlesse I shall perceyve that it be rejected
or neglected, as unprofitable or uncomfortable unto you. To me Mistresse quod Fardinando
it is suche pleasure, as neyther my feeble tongue can expresse, nor my troubled mind
conceyve. Why? are you troubled in mind, then servant quod dame Elynor? Ferdinando
now blushing answered, but even as al sick men be Mistresse. Herewith they staied
their talke a while, and the first that brake silence was the Ladye Fraunces: who
sayde, and to drive away ye troubles of your mind good Trust, I would be glad if
we coulde devise some pastime amongst us to keepe you company: for I remember that
with such devises you did greatly recomforte this fayre Lady when she languished
in like sort. She languished in deede gentle Hope quod hee, but God forbide that
she had languished in like sort. Every body thinketh their own greif greatest quod
dame Elynor, but in deede whether my greife were the more or the lesse, I am right
sorye that yours is such as it is: And to assay whither our passions proceded of
lyke cause or not, I would we could (according to this Ladyes saying) devise some
like pastimes to trie if your malladie would be cured with like medicines. A gentle
woman of the company whom I have not hetherto named, gan thus propound. We have accustomed
(quod she) heretofore in most of our games to chuse a King or Quene, and he or she
during their government,
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have charged every of us, eyther with commaundementes or questions, as best seemed
to their majestic. Wherin (to speake mine opinion) we have given over larg a skope,
neither semeth it reasonable yt on should have ye power to discover ye thoughts,
or at least to bridle the affects of al ye rest. And though in deed in questioning
(which doth of ye twaine more nerely touch the mind) every on is at free liberty
to answere what they list: yet oft have I hearde a question demaunded in such sorte,
and upon such sodayne, yt it hath bene hardly answered without moving matter of contencion.
And in commaundes also, some times it happeneth one to bee commaunded unto such service,
as eyther they are unfit to accomplish (and then the parties weaknes is therby detected)
or els to doe something that they would not, wherof ensueth more grutch than game.
Wherefore in mine opinion, we shall do well to chuse by lot amongst us a governour,
who (for that it shalbe sufficient preheminence to use the chayre of majestie,) shalbe
bound to give sentence uppon al suche arguments and questions as we shall orderly
propound unto them: and from him or her (as from an oracle) wee will receive aunswere,
and decyding of our lytigious causes. This dame had stuffe in her, an old courtier,
& a wylie wenche, named Pergo. Wel this proportion of Pergo pleased them well,
and by lot it hapned that Ferdinando must be moderator of these matters, and colector
of these causes. The which being so constituted, the Lady Elynor sayd unto this dame
Pergo. You have devised this pastime (quod she) & because we thinke you to be
most expert in the handling therof, do you propound the first question, & we
shalbe both the more ready and able to follow your example: ye Lady Pergo refused
not, but began on this wise. Noble governor (quod she) amongst the adventures that
have befallen mee, I remember especially this one, that in youth it was my chaunce
to bee beloved of a verye courtlike yong Gentleman, who abode neare the place wherin
my parents had their resiaunce. This gentleman (whether it were for beauty, or for
any other respect that he sawe in me, I knowe not) but he was enamored of me, &
that with an exceeding vehement passion, & of such force were his effectes, that
notwithstanding many repulses which he had received at my handes, he seemed daylye
to grow in the renewing of his desires. I on the other side, although I could by
no meanes
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mislike of him by any good reason (considering that he was of byrth no waye inferiour
unto mee, of possessions not to bee disdained, of parson right comelye, of behaviour
Courtly, of manners modest, of mynde lyberall, and of vertuous disposition) yet suche
was the gaitye of my minde, as that I coulde not bee content to lende him over large
thonges of my love: but alwayes daungerouslye behaved my selfe towardes him, and
in suche sorte, as hee coulde neyther take comfort of myne aunsweres, nor yet once
finde him selfe requited with one good looke for all his travaile. This notwithstanding,
the worthy Knight continewed his sute with no lesse vehement affection than earst
hee had begonne it, even by the space of seven yeares. At the last, whether discomfited
by my dealynges, or tryed by long travayle, or that he trade parcase light upon the
lake that is in the forrest of Ardena, and so in haste and all thristie, had dronke
some droppes of disdayne, whereby his hot flames were quenched, or that he had undertaken
to serve no longer, but his just tearme of apprenticehode, or that the teeth of tyme
had gnawen and tyred his dulled spirites in such sort, as that all beenummed hee
was constrayned to use some other artificyal balme for the quickning of his sences,
or by what cause moved I knowe not he did not onely leave his long continued sute,
but (as I have since perceived) grew to hate me more deadly than before I had disdained
him. At the first beginnyng of his retyre I perceived not his hatred, but imagened
that being over wearied, he had withdrawen himself for a time. And considering his
worthines, ther withall his constancie of long time proved, I though[t] that I could
not in the whole world find out a fitter match to bestowe my selfe, than one so worthy
a person. Wherfore I d[id] by al possible meanes procure that he might eftsones use
his accustomed rep[ayr]e unto my parentes: And further, in al places where I hapened
to meete him, I used al the curtesies towardes him that might be contayned wythin
the bondes of modestie. But al was in vaine, for he was now become more daungerous
to be wone, than the haggard Faulcon. Our lottes being thus unluckely chaunged, I
grewe to burne in desire, and the more daungerous that he shewed him selfe unto me,
the more earnest I was by all meanes to procure his consent of love. At the last
I might perceive that not only he disdayned me, but (as me thought)
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boyled in hatred against me. And the time that I thus continued tormented with these
thoughts, was also just the space of seven yeares. Finally when I perceived no remedye
for my perplexityes, I assayed by absence to were away this malady, and therefore
utterly refused to come in his presence, yea or almost in any other company. Wherby
I have consumed in lost time the flower of my youth, & am become as you see (what
with yeares, and what with the tormenting passions of love) pale, wane, and full
of wrinkles. Neverthelesse, I have therby gayned thus much, that at last I have wond
my self cleere out of Cupids chaynes, and remayne carelesse at libertie. Now marke
to what end I tell you this: first vii. yeares passed in the which I could never
be content to yeld unto his just desires: next other vii. yeares I spent in seeking
to recover his lost love: and sithens both those vii. yeares, there are even now
on saint Valentines day last, other vii. yeares passed, in the which (neither I have
desired to see him) nor he hath coveted to here of me. My parents now perceyving
how the crowes foot is crept under mine eye, and remembring the long sute that this
genteleman had in youth spent on me, considering therewith all that grene youth is
well mellowed in us both, have of late sought to perswade a marriage betwene us,
the which the Knighte hath not refused to here of, and I have not disdayned to thinke
on. By their mediation we have bene eftsoones brought to Parlee, wherein over and
be sides the ripping up of many olde griefes, this hath bene cheffly rehearsed &
objected betwene us, what wrong and injury eche of us hath done to other. And here
aboutes wee have fallen to sharpe contencion. He alleadged, that much greater is
the wrong which I have done unto him, than that repulse which hee hath sithenes used
to me: and I have affirmed the contrary. The matter yet hangeth in varyence. Now,
of you worthy Governour I would be most glad to heare this question decided, remembring
that there was no difference in the times betwene us. And surely, unles your judgment
helpe me, I am afrayde my marryage will bee marred, and I may go lead Apes in hell.
Ferdenando aunswered, good Pergo, I am sory to heare so lamentable a discourse of
your luckles love, and much the soryer, in yt I muste needes give sentence agaynst
you. For surely great was the wrong that eyther of you have done to
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other, and greater was the needelesse greife which causelesse eche of you hath conceyved
in this long time, but greatest in my judgment hath bene both the wrong and the greife
of the Knight. In that notwithstanding his desertes (which your selfe confesse) he
never enjoyed any guerdone of love at your handes. And you (as you alledge) did enjoy
his love of long time to gether. So that by the reckoning, it wil fal out (although
being b[lin]ded in your owne conceipt, you see it not) that of the one & twenty
yeares you enjoyed his love vii. at the least, but that ever he enjoyed yours wee
cannot perceive. And much greater is the wrong that rewardeth evill for good, than
that which requireth tip for tap. Further, it semeth that where as you went [a]bout
in time to trie him, you did altogither loose time which can never be recovered.
And not only lost your owne time, whereof you would seeme nowe to lament, but also
compelled him to lease his time, which he might (be it spoken without offence to
you) have bestowed in some other worthy place, and therefore, as that greife is much
greater which hath no kind of comfort to allay it, so much more is that wrong which
altogether without cause is offered. And I (sayd Pergo) must needes think, that much
easier is it for them to endure grief which never tasted of joye, and much lesse
is that wrong which is so willingly proffered to be by recompence restored. For if
this Knight wil confesse that he never had cause to rejoyce in all the time of his
service, then with better contentacion might he abyde greife than I, who having tasted
of the delight which I did secretly conceive of his desertes, do think ech grief
a present death by the remembrance of those for passed thoughts: & lesse wrong
seemeth it to be destitut of ye thing which were never obtained, then to be deprived
of a Jewel wherof we have been already possessed, so that under your correction I
might conclude, that greater hath beene my griefe and injury sustained, than that
of the Knight. To whome Jeronimy replied, as touching delight, it maye not be denied
but that every lover doth take delight in the inward contemplation of his mind, to
think of the worthines of his beloved: & therefore you maie not alledge that
the Knight had never cause to rejoyce, unlesse you will altogeather condemne your
selfe of worthines. Mary if you will say that he tasted not the delightes that lovers
seeke, then marke, who was the cause but
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your selfe? And if you would accuse him of like ingratitude, for yt he disdained
you in the later vii. yeeres (when as he might by accepting your love, have recompenced
him selfe of all former wronges) you must remember therewithall, that the crueltie
by you shewed towards him was such, that he could by no means perceive that your
change proceeded of good will, but rather eftsons to hold him enchained in unknown
linkes of subtile dealings, & therefore not without cause he doubted you: &
yet without cause you rejected him. He had often sought occasion, but by your refusals
he could never find him, you having occasion fast by ye foretop, did dally with him
so long, tyl at the last he sliped his head from you, & then catching at the
bald noddle, you found your selfe the cause, & yet you would accuse another.
To conclude, greater is the griefe that is susteined without desert, & much more
is the wrong that is offered without cause. Thus Ferdinando Jeronimy decided the
question propounded by Pergo, and expected that some other Dame should propound another?
but his Mistresse (having hir hand on another halfpeny) gan thus say unto him. Servant
this pastime is good, and such as I must nedes like of, to drive away your pensive
thoughtes: but sleeping time approcheth, & I feare we disquiete you: wherefore
the rest of this time we will (if so like you) bestowe in trimming up your bed, and
to morrow wee shal meete here and renewe this newe begon game with Madame Pargo.
Mistresse (quod hee) I must obeye your wil, and most humbly thanke you of your great
goodnesse, and all these Ladies for their curtesie. Even so requiring you that you
wyll no further trouble your selves about mee, but let my Servaunt aloane with conducting
mee to bed. Yes servaunt (quod she) I wil see if you can sleepe any better in my
sheetes: and therewith commaunded hir handmayde to fetche a payre of cleane sheetes,
the which being brought (marvaylous fine and sweete) the Ladies Fraunces and Elinor
dyd curteously unfold them, and layd them on the bed, which done, they also entreated
him to uncloath him and go to bed, being layd, his Mistresse dressed and couched
the cloathes about him, sithens moistened his temples with Rosewater, gave him handkerchewes
and other freshe linnen about him, in doing wherof, she whispered in his eare, saying:
Servaunt, this night I will bee with thee, and after with the rest of the Dames
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gave him good night and departed, leaving him in a traunce between hope and dispayre,
trust and mistrust. Thus he laye ravished, commaunding his servaunt to goe to bed,
and fayning that him selfe would assaye if he could sleepe. About ten or eleven of
the clocke came his mistresse in hir night gowne: who knowing all privye wayes in
that house verie perfectlye, had conveied her selfe into his chamber, unseene and
unperceived: and being nowe come unto his beds side kneeled downe, and laying hir
arme over him sayde these or lyke wordes: My good Servaunt, if thou knewest what
perplexities I suffer in beholding of thine infirmities, it might then suffice eyther
utterlye to drive away the mallady, or much more to augment thy griefes: for I know
thou lovest me: and I think also that thou hast had sufficient proofe of myne unfayned
good wyll: in remembrance whereof, I fall into sundry passions: First, I compt the
happy lotes of our first acquaintance, and therin I call to minde the equalitie of
our affections, for I thinke that there were never two lovers conjoyned with freer
concent on both partyes: and (if my over hasty delivery of yeelding words be not
wrested hereafter to my condempnation) I can then assure my self to escape for ever
without desert of any reprofe. Herewithall I cannot forget the sundry adventures
hapned since wee became one hart devided in two bodyes, all which have teen both
happily atchived, and delectable enjoyed. What resteth then to consider but this
thy present stat? The first corosive that I have felt, and the last cordiall that
I looke for, the end of my joyes, and the beginning of my torments. And here hir
salt teares gan bath the dying lippes of hir servaunt: who (hearing these wordes,
and well considering hir demeanor) began now to accuse him selfe of such and so haynous
treason, as that his gilty hart was constrayned to yeelde unto a just scourge for
the same. He swooned under hir arme: the which when she perceived, it were harde
to tel what feares did most affright hir.
And It were hard nowe to rehearse how he was revyved since there were none presente
but hee dying, (who could not declare) and she living, who would not disclose so
much as I meane to bewraye. For mine aucthor dreameth yt Ferdenando returning to
life, the first thing which he felt, was yt his good mistres lay pressing his brest
with the whole weight of hir
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bodye, & byting his lips with hir friendly teeth. And peradventure she refrayned
(either of curtesie towards him, or for womanish feare, to hurt her tender hande)
to strike him on the cheekes in such sort, as they doe that strive to call againe
a dying creature: and therefore thought this the aptest meane to reduce him unto
remembrance. Ferdinando now awaked, could no lesse doe, than of his curteous nature
receive his Mistresse into his bed: Who (as one that knewe that waye better, than
how to help his swooning,) gan gently strip of hir clothes, and lovingly embracing
him, gan demaund of him in this sorte. Alas good Servaunt (quod shee) what kinde
of maladie is this that so extreemly doth torment thee? Jeronimii with fainting speech
answered: Mistresse as for my maladie, it hath beene easelye cured by your bountifull
medicines applied. But I must confesse, that in receiving that guerison at your handes,
I have bene constrained to fall into an Extasie, through the gauling remembraunce
of mine owne unworthinesse. Neverthelesse good Mistres, since I perceive such fidelitye
remayning betweene us, as that fewe woordes wyll perswade suche trust as lovers ought
to imbrace, let these fewe wordes suffice to crave your pardon: and do eftsones powre
uppon me (your unworthy servaunt) the aboundaunt waves of your accustomed clemencie,
for I must confesse, that I have so highlye offended you, as (but your goodnesse
surpasse the mallice of my conceiptes) I must remayne (and that right woorthely)
to the severe punishment of my desertes: and so should you but loose him who hath
cast away him self, and neither can accuse you, nor darre to excuse him selfe of
the crime. Dame Elinor (who had rather have founde hir servaunt perfectly revived,
than thus with straunge conceypts encombred: and musing much at his darke specie,)
became importunat to know ye sertaynty of his thoughts. And Ferdenando as on not
maister of him selfe, gan at the last playnly confesse how he had mistrusted the
chaung of hir vowed affections: Yea and (that more was) he playnely expressed with
whom, of whom, by whom, and too whom she bent hir better liking. Nowe, here I would
demaunde of such as are experte: Is there any greater impedymente to the fruition
of a Lovers delights, than to be mistrusted? or rather, is it not the ready way to
race all love and former good will out of remembrance,
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to tell a guilty mind that you do mistrust it? It should seeme yes, by Dame Elynor,
who began now to take the matter whotlye: and of such vehemencie were hir fancies,
that she nowe fell into flat defiance with Ferdinando, who although he sought by
many faire wordes to temper hir chollorike passions and by yelding him selfe to get
the conquest of an other, yet could he by no meanes determine the quarrell. The soft
pillowes being present at al these whot speches, put forth them selves as mediators
for a truce betwene these enemies and desired that (if they would needes fight) it
might be in their presence but one only blowe, & so from thence forth to become
friendes againe for ever. But the Dame denied flatlye, alledging that shee found
no cause at all to use such curtesie unto such a recreant: adding further many words
of great reproche: the which dyd so enrage Ferdinando, as that having forgotten all
former curtesies, he assayleth his enemies by force. At last she rose sodainlye and
determined to save hir selfe by flight, leaving him in bedde, with many despitefull
wordes, and swearing that he shoulde never (eftsones) take her at the lyke advauntage:
the whiche oathe she kepte better than hir fourmer professed good wyll: and having
nowe recovered her Chamber (because shee founde her hurt to be nothing daungerous)
I doubte not, but shee slept quietlye the rest of the night As Ferdinando also (perswading
himselfe that he shoulde with convenient leasure recover her from this haggard conceipt)
tooke some better rest towardes the morning, than hee had done in many nightes forepast.
So let them both sleepe whiles I turne my penne unto the before named Secretarie,
who being (as I saye) come latelye from Florence, had made many proffers to renewe
his accustomed consultations: but the sorrowe whiche his Mistresse had conceyved
in Jeronimy his sicknesse togeather with hir continuall repayre to him during the
same, had bene such lettes unto his attempts, as it was long time before he could
obtayne audience.
At the last these newe accidentes fell so favourably for the furtherance of his cause,
that he came to his Mistresse presence and there pleaded for himselfe. Nowe, if I
should at large write his alligations, togither with hir subtile aunsweres, I shoulde
but comber your eares with unpleasaunt rehearsall of feminine frayltye.
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To be short, the late disdayneful moode which she had conceived against Ferdinado
togither with a scrupule which lay in hir conscience, touching the xi. article of
hir beleefe, moved hir presently with better will to consult with this Secretary,
aswel upon the speedy revenge of hir late received wrongs as also upon the reformation
of hir religion. And in verye deede, it fel out that the Secretary (having bene of
long time absent, & there his quiles and pens not worne so neere as they were
wont to be,) did now pricke [such] faire large notes, that his mistres liked better
to sing fa-burden under him, than to descant any longer upon Ferdinandoes playne
song, and thus they continued in good accord, untill it fortuned that Dame Fraunces
came into her chamber upon such sodaine as she had like to have marred all the musicke,
well they conveyed their clifes as closely as they could, but yet not altogither
without some suspicion given to the sayd dame Fraunces, who although she could have
bene content to take any paine in Jeronimies behalfe, yet otherwise she could never
have bestowed the watching about so worthelesse a pryse. After womanly salutations
they fell into sundrye discourses, the Secretary stil abiding in the chamber with
them. At last two or three other gentlewomen of the Castle came into Madam Elinores
chamber, who after their Bon jour did all (una voce) seeme to lament
the sikenes of Ferdinando and called uppon the Dames Elynor and Fraunces, to goe
visite him againe.
The Lady Fraunces curteously consented, but Madame Elynor first alledged that she
her selfe was also sickly, the which she attributed to hir late paynes taken about
him and sayd, that onely for that cause she was constrayned to kepe hir bed longer
than hir accustomed hower. The Dames (but specially the Lady Fraunces) gan streight
wayes conjecture some great cause of sodaine chaunge, and so leaving dame Elinor,
walked altogether into the parke to take the ayre in the morning: And as they thus
walked it chaunced that Dame Pergo heard a Cuckoe chaunt, who (because the pride
of the spring was now past) cried Cuck cuck Cuckoe in hir stamering voyce. A ha (quod
Pergo) this foule byrd begines to flye the countrye, and yet before hir departure,
see how spitfully she can devyse to salute us. Not so (quod Dame Fraunces) but some
other whom she hath espyed, wherewith Dame Pergo looking round about hir, and espying
none other companie
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sayde. Why here is no body but we few women, quod she. Thanks be to God the house
is not farre from us (quod Dame Fraunces.) Here at the wylie Pergo partly perceyviing
Dame Fraunces meaning, replyed on this sort: I understand you not (quod she) but
to leap out of this matter, shall wee goe visit Maister Jeronimy and see how he doth
this morning. Why quod dame Fraunces, do you suppose that the Cuckoe called unto
him? Nay mary quod Pergo, for (as fare as I knowe) he is not maried. As who should
say (quod Dame Fraunces,) that the Cuckoe envieth none but maryed folkes. I take
it so, sayd Pergo, the Lady Frances answered. Yes sure I have noated as evill lucke
in love (after the Cuckoes call) to have hapned unto divers unmaried folkes, as ever
I did unto the maryed, but I can be well content that we go unto him, for I promised
on ye behalfe of us al, that we would use our best devoyre to recomfort him untill
he had recovered helth: and I do much mervayle that ye Lady Elinor is now become
so unwilling to take amy travayle in his behalfe, especially remembring that but
yesternight she was so diligent to bring him to bed. But I perceive that all earthly
thinges are subject unto change. Even so they be quod Pergo, for you maye behold
the trees which but even this other daye were clad in gladsome greene, and nowe their
leaves begin to fade and change collour. Thus they passed talkeing and walking untill
they returned unto the Castle, whereas they went strayght unto Ferdinandoes chamber,
and found him in bed. Why how now Trust (quod Dame Fraunces,) will it be no better?
Yes shortly I hope quod he. The Ladyes all saluted him: and he gave them the gramercy:
at the last Pergo popped this question unto him: And howe have you slept in your
Mistres shetes Mayster Jeronemy quod she? reasonably well quod he, but I pray you
where is my mistresse this morning? Mary sayd Pergo, we left hir in bed scarce well
at ease. I am the more sorye quod he. Why Trust (sayd Mistresse Fraunces) be of good
comfort, & assure your selfe that here are others who would be as glad of your
wel doing, as your mistres in any r |