_Saladine in the habite of a Marchaunt, was honourably receyued into
the house of mayster Thorello, who went ouer the Sea, in company of
the Christians, and assigned a terme of his wyfe when she should
mary agayne. He was taken, and caried to the Sovldan to be his
Faulconer, who knowing him, and suffering himself to be knowen, did
him great honour. Mayster Thorello fell sicke, and by Magique Art,
was caried in a night to Pavie, where he found his wyfe about to
mary agayne, who knowinge him, returned home with him to his owne
house._
Very comely it is (sayeth Cicero in the second booke of hys
Offices,) that Noblemens houses should styll be open to noble
Guestes and Straungers. A saying by the honourable and other
Estates to be fixed in sure remembraunce, and accordingly
practised: For hospitality and houshold intertaynment, heaping
vp double gayne and commodity. The Guest it linketh and knitteth
in fast band of perfect friendship, common familiarity, disporte
of mynde and pleasant recreation, the poore and needy it
feedeth, it cherisheth, it prouoketh in them deuout prayers,
godly blessings, and seruice in tyme of neede. Hospitality is a
thing so diuine, as in law of Nature and Chryst, it was well and
brotherly obserued. Lot disdayned not to receyue the Aungels,
which were straungers vnto him, and by reason of hys common vse
thereof, and theyr frendly intertaynment, he and his houshold
was delyuered from the daunger of the City, escaped temporal
fire, and obteined heauenly rewarde. Abraham was a friendly host
to straungers, and therefore in his old dayes, and in the
barrein age of his wyfe Sara, he begat Isaac. Ietro albeit he
was an Ethnicke and vnbeleuyng man, yet lyberally intertained
Moyses, and maried him to Sephora, one of his Daughters. The
poore widow of Sarepta interteined Helias, and Symon the Currior
disdayned not Peter, nor Lydia the purple silke woman, Paule and
his fellowes. Forget not Hospitality, (saith the said Apostle
Paule,) for wyth the same diuers haue pleased Aungels by
receiuing them into theyr houses. If Paule the true preacher of
eternall Healthe, hath so commended kepyng of good Houses which
by the former terme wee call Hospitality, then it is a thing to
bee vsed amonges those that bee able to mainteine the same: who
ought with liberall hand frankely to reach bread and victuals to
their acquaintance, but specially to straungers, whych wandering
in forein places, be vtterly vnable to helpe themselues, and
peraduenture in sutch neede, as without sutch curtesie, do
perishe. For the further amplification of whych vertue, what
shall I neede to remember straunge and prophane Histories? as of
Symon of Athens, who was so famous in the same, as the tyrant
Crytias, when he wished for the ryches of Scopades and the
victories of Agesilaus, forgat not also to craue the liberality
of Cimon. Pacuuius also, the Prynce of Campania, so friendly
entertained Annibal, as when his sonne to do the Romanes a good
turne, would haue killed him as he sat at supper, was staied by
his fathers request (whom he made priuy of his intent before
they sate downe.) Pacuuius had he not more regarded the office
of hospitality, than the safety of his countrey, might ful wel
by that murder, haue defended the same from the destruction
whereunto afterwards it fel. Homere reporteth, that Menelaus
fighting a combat with Paris of Troy made inuocation and prayer
vnto the Gods, that he might be reuenged vpon him for the rape
of his wife Helena, to the intent the posterity hearing of his
punishmente, mighte feare to polute friendly housholde
interteynment. Wherefore, sith hospitality hath bene thus put in
vse in elder tyme, practysed in all ages, and the poluters of
the same detested and accurssed, and hath notorious commodities
incident vnto it, I deeme it so worthy to be frequented in noble
men and all degrees, as theyr Palaces and great houses should
swarme wyth guests, and their gates lustring with whole
multitudes of the poore to be satisfied with relief. Sutch hath
ben the sacred vse and reuerent care of auncient tyme. Sutch
hath bene the zealous loue of those whose fieldes and barnes,
closets, and chestes haue bene stored and stuffed with worldely
wealth, that comparing that golden age, glistering with piety
and vertue, to these our worsse than copper days, cancred with
all corruption, we shal find the match so like, as darke and
light, durt and Aungell golde. Ceasing then of further discourse
hereof, this history folowing shall elucidate and displaye the
mutuall beneuolence of two noble personages, the one a mighty
Souldan, an enimy of God, but yet a fryende to those that
fauored good entertainment and housekepyng: the other a
Gentleman of Pauie, a rich and liberall marchaunt, and a
friendly welcomer of straungers. The Souldan demaunding the way
to Pauie, somewhat digressing from the same, is not onely
honourably conueyed to Pauie, and feasted there, but also
sumptuously cheryshed, banketted, and rewarded by the sayd
Marchant before his commyng thyther. The marchant man desirous
to be one of the holye voyage intended by christian Princes,
passed ouer the seas, who put to his shifts there throughe the
aduerse lucke receyued by the Christians, became the Souldans
Fawconer, and afterwardes knowen vnto him by certaine markes and
signes, is with greater honor intertained of the Souldan, and
more richly guerdoned, sent home agayne by Magike Arte to
anticipate the mariage of his wife, vnto whom he had prefixed a
certaine date and terme to marry againe if before that tyme, he
did not returne. All which Noble entertainment, and the
circumstances thereof, in this manner do begin. In the time of
the Emperour Fredericke the firste, the Chrystians to recouer
the Holy Lande, made a generall voyage and passage ouer the Sea.
Saladine a most vertuous Prynce, then Souldan of Babylon, hauing
intelligence thereof, a certayne time before, determined in his
own person to see and espy the preparation which the Christian
Princes made for that passage, the better to prouide for his
owne, and hauing put order for his affayres in Ægypt, making as
though he would go on Pilgrimage, tooke his iourney in the
apparel of a Marchant, accompanied only with two of his chiefest
and wisest counsellers, and three seruaunts. And when he had
searched and trauelled many christian prouinces, and riding
through Lumbardy to passe ouer the Mountaynes, it chaunced that
betweene Millan and Pauy, somwhat late he met wyth a gentleman
named mayster Thorello de Istria of Pauy, who with his
houshoulde, his dogges and hawkes, for his pleasure went to
soiorne in one of his Manours, that was delectably placed upon
the ryuer of Tesino. And when maister Thorello sawe them come,
thinckinge that they were certayn Gentlemen straungers, he
desired to do them honour. Wherefore Saladine demaunding of one
of mayster Thorello his men, how farre it was from thence to
Pauie, and whether they might come thither time inough to go in,
master Thorello would not suffer his man to speake, but he
himself made aunswere, saying: "sirs, yee cannot get into Pauie
in time, for that the Gates will be shut before your comming."
Than sayd Saladine: "tell us then wee pray you, bicause we be
straungers, where wee may lodge this night." Maister Thorello
sayd: "That will I willingly do, I was about euen presently to
send one of my men that be here, so far as Pauie, about certayne
businesse, him wil I appoint to be your guide to a place where
you shall haue very good lodging," and callinge one of his
wysest men vnto him, he gaue him charge of that he had to do,
and sent him with them, after whom he followed: where
incontynently in so good order as he could, caused to be made
redy a sumptuous supper, and the tables to be couered in a
pleasant garden. Afterwards hee went himselfe to entertayne
them. The seruaunt talking with the Gentlemen of many thinges,
conducted them at leysure somwhat out of the way to protract the
time, to his maysters house: and so soon as maister Thorello
espied them, he with liberall heart and bountifull mynde bad
them welcome. Saladine which was a very wyse man, well perceyued
that the Gentleman doubted that they woulde not haue come vnto
hym if he had inuited them at their first meetinge, and for that
cause, to the intent they should not refuse to lodge at his
house, he had pollitiquely caused them to be conducted thither,
and aunsweringe hys greeting, sayd: "Syr, if a man may quarrell
with them that be curteous, wee may complayne of you, who
leauinge a part our way which you haue caused somewhat to be
lengthened, without deseruinge your good will, otherwise than by
one onely salutation, you haue constrayned vs to take and
receyue this your so great curtesie." The wise and well spoken
Knight, sayd: "Syr, thys curtesie which you receyue of me, in
respect of that which belongeth vnto you, as by your
countenaunce I may wel coniecture, is very small, but truely out
of Pauie ye could haue got no lodging that had ben good: and
therefore be not displeased I pray you to be caried out of the
way, to haue a little better intertaynment," and saying so, his
men came forth to receyue those straungers, and when they were
lighted, their horsses were taken and conueyed into the stables,
and mayster Thorello caryed the three Gentlemen to their
chambers, which he had prepared for them, where their Bootes
were pulled of, and excellent wyne brought forth, somewhat to
refresh them before supper: then he held them with pleasaunt
talke vntyll the houre of supper was com. Saladine and they
which were with him, could all speake Latine, and therefore well
vnderstanded, and they lykewise vnderstoode eche man, by meanes
whereof euery of them, thought that the Gentleman was the most
curteous and best conditioned Personage, indued with the most
eloquent talke that euer they sawe. On the other side it seemed
to mayster Thorello, that they were the noblest and Princelik
personages, and far more worthy of estimation then he thought
before. Wherefore, he was very angry wyth himselfe, that he had
no greater company and better intertaynment for them that night,
which he purposed to recompence the next day at dinner.
Wherefore hee sent one of hys men to Pauie, being not farr from
thence, to his wife, that was a very wise and noble gentlewoman,
and afterwards he brought them into the garden where he
curteously demaunded what they were. To whom Saladine answered:
"we be marchaunts of Cypres trauailing to Paris, about our
businesse." Then said maister Thorello: "I would to God that
this country brought forth such gentlemen as the land of Cypres
maketh marchants," and so passed the time from one talke to
another, vntyll supper time came: Wherefore to honour them the
better caused them to sit downe at the Table, euery of them
according to his degree and place: And there they were
exceadingly wel intreated and serued in good order, their supper
being farre more bountifull than they looked for. And they sate
not longe after that the table was taken away, but maister
Thorello supposing them to be weary, caused them to be lodged in
gorgeous and costly beds: and he likewyse within a while after
went to bed. The seruaunt sent to Pauie, did the message to his
mistresse, who not like a woman wyth a womanish heart, but like
one of Princely Mind, incontinently caused many of her husband's
frends and seruaunts to be sent for. Afterwards she made ready a
great feast, and inuited the noblest and chiefest Citizens of
the City: apparelling hir house wyth clothe of gold and silke,
tapistrie and other furnitures, putting in order all that which
hir husband had commaunded. The next day in the morning the
Gentleman rose, with whom maister Thorello mounted on
horsebacke, and carying with him his Hawks, he brought them to
the Ryuer, and shewed them diuers flightes. But Saladine
demaunding where the best lodging was in Pauie, maister Thorello
sayd: "I wyll shew you my selfe, for that I haue occasion to go
thither." They beleeuing him, were contented, and rode on their
way, and being about nine of the clock, arriued at the City,
thinking they should haue ben brought to the best Inne of the
towne: but maister Thorello conueyed them to his owne house,
where fiftye of the chiefest Citizens ready to receiue them
sodaynly appeared before them. Which Saladine, and they that
were wyth him perceyuinge, coniectured by and by what that dyd
meane, and sayd: "Maister Thorello, this is not the request
whych wee demaunded, your entertainment yesternight was to
sumptuous and more then we desired, wherefore giue vs leaue we
praye you to departe." Whom maister Thorello answered: "My
maisters, for that which ye receyued yesternight I wil giue
thanks to Fortune, and not to you: for I ouertaking you by the
way, forced you in a maner to make your repayre vnto my homely
house: but for thys morninge voyage, I haue my selfe prepared,
and likewyse the Gentlemen about you, with whom to refuse to
dine, if you thincke it curtesie, doe as yee please." Saladine
and his companions vanquished wyth sutch persuation, lighted,
and being receiued by the Gentlemen in louing and curteous
order, were conueied to their chambers, which were richly
furnished for them, and hauing put of their riding apparel, and
somewhat refreshed themselues, they came into the Hall, where
all things were in redinesse in triumphant sorte. Then Water was
brought them to washe, and they placed at the Table, were serued
wyth many delicate meats in magnificent and royal order, in
sutch wise, as if the Emperour himselfe had bene there coulde
not haue bene better entertayned. And albeit that Saladine and
his companions were great Lordes, and accustomed to see
marueylous thynges, yet they wondred very mutch at thys,
considering the degree of the Knight, whom they knewe to bee but
a Citizen and no Prynce or great Lord. When dinner was done, and
that they had talked a little together, the weather waxing very
hot, the Gentlemen of Pauie, (as it pleased mayster Thorello)
went to take their rest, and he remayned wyth his three Guests:
with whom he went into a chamber, where to the intent that
nothing which he had and loued might be vnseene, caused his
honest Wyfe to be called forth: who being very beautiful and wel
fauored, clothed in rich and costly array, accompanied with her
two yong sonnes, which were like to Aungels, came before them,
and gratiously saluted them. When they saw her, they rose vp,
and reuerently receiued hir, then they caused hir to sit downe
in the mids of them, sporting and dalying with hir two fayre
sonnes. But after she had pleasantly entred in talk, she asked
them of whence they were, and whither they were going? To whom
the Gentlemen made the same aunswere that they had done before
to maister Thorello. Then the Gentlewoman sayd vnto them with
smilinge cheere: "I perceyue then that mine aduice being a
woman, is come well to passe. And therefore I pray you, that of
your special grace you will do me this pleasure, as not to
refuse or disdain the litle present that I shall bring before
you, but that you take it, in consideration that women according
to their little ability, giue little things, and that yee regard
more the affection of the person whych offreth the gist, then
the value of the giuen thing." And causing to be brought before
euery of them two fayre Roabes, the one lined with silke, and
the other with Meneuayr, not in fashion of a Citizen, or of a
Marchant, but Noblemanlike, and III. Turkey gownes with sleeues
of Taffata, lined with linnen cloth, she sayde vnto them: "Take
I pray you these roabes, with the like whereof this day I
apparelled my husband, and the other things may also serue your
turnes, although they be little worth, considering that yee be
farre from your Wyues, and the greatnesse of your iorney, which
you haue taken, and haue yet to make, and also for that
Marchantmen loue to be neat, and fine in things appertinent to
their bodies." The Gentlemen mutch maruelled, and playnly knew
that Maister Thorello was disposed not to forget any one part of
curtesie towards them, and doubted (by reason of the beauty and
richesse of the roabes not marchantlike,) that they should not
be knowne of mayster Thorello, notwithstandinge one of them
aunswered her: "These be (Gentlewoman) very great gifts, and
ought not lightly to be accepted, if your intreaty did not
constraine vs, against which no denial ought to be made." That
done, when mayster Thorello returned into the chamber, the
Gentlewoman tooke her leaue, and went hir way: and then shee
furnished the seruants with diuers other things necessary for
them, and Mayster Thorello obtayned by earnest request, that
they should tary all that day. Wherefore after they had rested
themselues a while, they did put on their roabes, and walked
forth on horsebacke into the Citty: and when supper tyme was
come, they were bountifully feasted in honorable company: and
when bed time approched, went to rest. And so soone as it was
day they rose, and founde in steade of their weary Hackneyes,
three fat and fayre Palfreyes, and also the like number of fresh
and mighty horsses for their seruaunts: Which Saladine seeing,
turned towardes his companions, and sayd vnto them: "I sweare by
God that ther was neuer a more liberall Gentleman, more
courteous or better conditioned than this is. And if Christian
kings for their part be sutch, I meane indued with sutch kingly
qualities as this Gentleman is, the Souldan of Babylon shall
haue inough to do to deale with one, and not to attend for all
those which we see to be in preparation for inuasion of his
Country." But seeing that to refuse them or render them agayne,
serued to no purpose, they thanked him very humbly, and got
vppon their horse. Mayster Thorello wyth many of his frends,
accompanied them out of the Citty a great peece of the way: And
albeit that it mutch greeued Saladine to depart from mayster
Thorello (so farre in he was already in loue with him) yet being
constrayned to forgo his company, hee prayed him to returne, who
although very loth to depart, sayd unto them: "Syrs, I will be
gone, sith it is your pleasure I shall so do, and yet I say vnto
you, that I know not what you be, ne yet demaund to know, but so
farre as pleaseth you. But what soeuer yee be, you shall not
make me beleue at this tyme, that yee be marchauntes, and so I
bid you farewell." Saladine hauing taken hys leaue of those that
accompanied mayster Thorello, answered him: "Syr, it may come to
passe, that we may let you see our marchaundise, the better to
confirme your beleefe." And so departed. Saladine then hauing
thus taken his leaue, assuredly determined if he liued, and that
the Warres he looked for did not let him, to do no lesse honor
to mayster Thorello, then he had done to him, and fell into
great talke with his companions of him, of his Wyfe and of his
things, acts and deedes, greatly praysing all his entertaynment.
But after he had trauayled and vewed al the west parts,
imbarkinge himselfe and his company, he returned to Alexandria,
throughly informed of his enemies indeuors, prepared for his
defence. Mayster Thorello returned to Pauie, and mused a long
time what these three might be, but he coulde not so mutch as
gesse, what they were. When the tyme of the appoynted passage
for the Chrystians was come, and that great preparation
generally was made, Mayster Thorello notwithstandinge the teares
and prayers of his Wyfe, was fully bent to go thither, and
hauinge set all thinges in order for that Voyage, and ready to
get on horsebacke, he sayd vnto hir whom he perfectly loued:
"Sweete Wyfe, I am goinge as thou seest, this Iourney, aswell
for myne honour sake, as for health of my soule: I recommende
vnto you our goodes and honor: And bycause I am not so certayne
of my retourne, for a thousand accydentes that may chaunce, as I
am sure to goe, I praye thee to doe mee thys pleasure, that what
so euer chaunceth of mee, yf thou haue no certayne newes of my
life, that yet thou tarry one yeare, one Moneth, and one day,
the same terme to begin at the day of my departure." The
Gentlewoman whych bytterly wept, answered: "I know not dear
husband how I shal be able to beare the sorrowe wherein you
leaue mee, if you goe awaye: But yf my Lyfe bee more stronge and
sharpe, than sorrowe it selfe: and whether you lyue or dye, or
what so euer come of you, I wyll lyue and dye the Wyfe of
Mayster Thorello, and the onely spouse of hys remembraunce."
Whereunto mayster Thorello sayde: "Sweete Wyfe, I am more than
assured that touching your selfe, it wyll proue as you do
promise: But you beyng a younge Woman, fayre, and well allyed,
and your Vertue greate and well knowne throughoute the Countrye,
I am sure that many greate Personages and gentlemen (if any
suspytyon bee conceyued of my Death) wyll make requestes to your
brethren and Kindred, from whose pursute (althoughe you be not
disposed,) you can not defende your selfe, and it behoueth that
of force, you please theyr wil, whych is the onely reason that
moueth mee to demaunde that terme, and no longer tyme." The
Gentlewoman sayd: "I wil doe what I can for fulfilling of my
promyse: And albeit in the ende that I shall bee constrayned to
doe contrary to my lykyng, be assured that I wyll obey the
charge whych nowe you haue gyuen me: And I moste humbly thanke
Almyghty God, that hee neuer brought vs into these termes before
this tyme." Theyr talke ended, the Gentlewoman weepyng embraced
mayster Thorello, and drawyng a Ryng from hir Fynger, she gaue
it hym, sayinge: "If it chaunce that I dye before I see you,
remember me when you shal beholde the same." He receiuinge the
ring, got vp vppon his horse, and takinge his leaue, went on hys
voyage, and arriued at Genoua shipped himself in a Galley, and
toke his way, whereunto wind and weather so fauored, as wythin
fewe dayes he landed at Acres, and ioyned wyth the army of the
Chrystyans: wherein began a great mortalytye and Plague, duryng
which infection (what so euer was the cause) eyther by the
industrie or Fortune of Saladine the rest of the Christians that
escaped were almost taken and surprised by him, without any
fighte or blowe stricken. All which were imprysoned in many
cities, and deuided into diuers places, amongs whych prysoners
maister Thorello was one, who was caryed captyue to Alexandria,
where beyng not knowne, and fearyng to be knowne, forced of
necessitie, gaue him selfe to the keepyng of Hawkes, a qualitie
wherein he had very good skyll, whereby in the ende hee grew to
the acquaintance of the Souldan, who for that occasion (not
knowing him that time) toke hym out of pryson, and retayned him
for his Fawconer. Maister Thorello which was called of the
Souldan by none other name than Chrystian, whome hee neyther
knewe, ne yet the Souldan him, had none other thing in his mynde
and remembraunce but Pauia, and manye tymes assayed to escape
and run away: But he neuer came to the poynt: Wherfore dyuers
Ambassadoures from Genoua being come to Saladine, to raunsome
certayne of theyr Prysoners, and being ready to returne, hee
thought to wryte vnto his wyfe, to let hir know that he was
aliue, and that hee would come home so soone as he coulde,
praying hir to tarry his retourne: Which was the effecte of hys
Letter: verye earnestly desiring one of the ambassadours of his
acquayntaunce to doe so mutch for hym as safely to delyuer those
Letters to the Handes of the Abbot of _S. Pietro in ciel Doro_,
whych was hys Vncle. And Mayster Thorello standing vppon these
termes, it chaunced vpon a day as Saladine was talking with him
of his Hawkes, Thorello began to smyle and to make a Iesture
wyth hys mouth, whych Saladine beyng at his house at Pauie did
very well note, by which act Saladine began to remember him, and
earnestly to viewe hym, and thought that it was he in deede.
Wherefore leauing his former talke, he sayd: "Tell me Chrystian
of what countrey art thou in the West parts?" "Sir" sayd Mayster
Thorello, "I am a Lombarde, of a City called Pauie, a poore man
and of meane estate." So soone as Saladine heard that, as
assured wherof he doubted, said to himself: "God hath giuen me a
time to let thys man know how thankfully I accepted his curtesy
that hee vsed towards me,{"} and without any more words, hauing
caused all his apparell in a chamber to be set in order, he
broughte him into the same and sayd: "Behold Christian, if
amonges al these roabes, there be any one which thou hast seene
before.{"} Maister Thorello began to looke vpon them, and saw
those which his wyfe had giuen to Saladine: but he could not
beleue that it was possible that they should be the same,
notwithstanding hee answered: "Sir, I knowe them not, albeit my
mind giueth me that these twayne do resemble the roabes which
sometimes I ware, and caused them to be giuen to three marchaunt
men that were lodged at my house." Then Saladine not able to
forbear any longer, tenderly imbraced him, saying: "You be
maister Thorello de Istria, and I am one of the three Marchaunts
to whom your wife gaue those roabes: and now the time is come to
make you certenly beleue what my marchaundise is, as I tolde you
when I departed from you that it myght come to passe." Maister
Thorello hearyng those wordes, began to be both ioyfull and
ashamed, ioyfull for that he had entertained sutch a guest, and
ashamed that his fare and lodging was so simple. To whom
Saladine said: {"}maister Thorello, sith it hath pleased god to
send you hither, thynke from henceforth that you be Lord of this
place and not I." and making great chere, and reioysing one wyth
an other, he caused him to be cloathed in royall vestures, and
brought him into the presence of al the Noble men of his
country: and after he had rehersed many thinges of his valor and
commendation, commaunded him to be honoured as his owne person,
of all those which desired to haue his fauor: Which thing euery
Man dyd from that time forth: but aboue the rest, the two Lords
that were in company with Saladine at his house. The greatnesse
of the sodain glory wherein maister Thorello sawe himselfe, did
remoue oute of his mind, his affayres of Lombardie, and
specially, bicause hee hoped that his letters should trustely be
deliuered to the hands of his vncle. Now there was in the camp
of the Christians the daye wherein they were taken by Saladine,
a Gentleman of Prouince, which dyed and was buryed, called
maister Thorello de Dignes, a man of great estimation: whereby
(maister Thorello of Istria known through out the whole army for
his nobility and prowesse) euery man that heard tell that
maister Thorello was dead, beleued that it was mayster Thorello
de Istria, and not he de Dignes, and by reason of his taking,
the truth whether of them was deade, was vnknown: Wherfore many
Italians returned with those newes, amongs whom som wer so
presumptuous, as they toke vpon them to saye and affyrme that
they saw him deade, and were at his burial: Whych knowen to his
wyfe and his friends, was an occasion of very great and
inestimable Sorrow, not onely to them: but to all other that
knewe him. Very long it were to tell what great sorrow,
heauinesse, and lamentation his wife did vtter, who certain
moneths after shee had continually so tormented hir selfe, (and
when hir grief began to decrease, being demaunded of many great
personages of Lombardie) was counselled by hir brothers, and
other of hir kin, to mary again. Which thing after she had many
times refused, in very great anguish and dolor, finally being
constrained thereunto, she yelded to the minds of hir parents:
But yet vpon condicion, that the nuptials should not be
celebrate vntyll sutch tyme as she had performed hir promise
made to maister Thorello. Whilest the affaires of this
Gentlewoman were in those termes at Pauie, and the time of hir
appoyntment within eight dayes approched, it chaunced that
maister Thorello vpon a day espyed a man in Alexandria, (which
hee had seene before in the company of the Ambassadors of
Genoua,) going into the galley that was bound with them to
Genoua, wherfore causing him to be called, he demaunded what
voyage they had made, and asked him when they arriued at Genoua?
To whom he sayd: "Sir the Galley made a very ill voyage as I
hard say in Creta, where I remayned behynd them, for being neare
the coast of Sicilia there rose a maruellous tempest, which
droue the galley vpon the shoare of Barbarie, and not one of
them within bord escaped, amongs whom two of my brethren were
likewise drowned." Mayster Thorello giuing credite to the words
of this fellow, which were very true, and remembring himselfe
that the terme whych he had couenaunted with his Wyfe was almost
expired, and thinkinge that they could hardly come by the
knowledge of any newes of hym or of his state, beleued verily
that his Wyfe was maried agayne, for sorrow whereof he fell into
sutch melancholy, as he had no lust to eate or drinke, and
laying him downe vpon his bed, determined to die: whych so soone
as Saladine, (who greatly loued hym) did vnderstand, he came to
visite him, and after that he had (through instant request)
knowen the occasion of his heauinesse and disease, hee blamed
him very mutch for that he did no sooner disclose vnto him his
conceipt: And afterwards prayed him to be of good cheere,
assuring him if he would, so to prouide as he shoulde be at
Pauie, iust at the terme which he had assigned to his Wyfe: and
declared vnto him the order how. Mayster Thorello geuinge credit
to the words of Saladine, and hauinge many times hard say, that
it was possible, and that the like had bene many times done,
began to comfort himselfe, and to vse the company of Saladine,
who determined fully vpon his voyage and returne to Pauie. Then
Saladine commaunded one of his Nycramancers, (whose science
already he had well experienced) that hee shoulde deuise the
meanes how mayster Thorello might be borne to Pauie in one
night, vpon a bed: Whereunto the Nycromancer aunswered that it
should be done, but that it behoued for the better doing
thereof, that he should be cast into a sleepe: And when Saladine
had geuen order thereunto, he returned to mayster Thorello, and
finding him fully purposed to be at Pauy if it were possible at
the terme which he had assigned, or if not, to die: sayd thus
vnto hym: "Mayster Thorello, if you do heartely loue your Wyfe
and doubt least she be maried to an other, God forbid that I
should stay you by any manner of meanes, bicause of all the
Women that euer I saw, she is for maners, comely behauiour, and
decent order of apparell, (not remembring her beauty, which is
but a fading floure) mee thyncke most worthy to bee praysed and
loued. A gladsome thynge it woulde haue beene to mee (sith
Fortune sent you hither) that the tyme which you and I haue to
liue in this worlde, we myght haue spent together, and liued
Lordes of the Kingdome which I possesse, and if God be minded
not to do me that grace, at least wyse sith you be determined
either to dye or to returne to Pauie, at the terme which you
haue appointed, my great desire is, that I myght haue knowen the
same in time, to the intente you myghte haue bene conducted
thither wyth sutch honour and trayn as your Vertues do deserue:
Which sith God wyl not that it bee brought to passe, and that
you wyll neades be there presently, I wyll send you as I can in
manner before expressed." Whereunto maister Thorello said: "Sir,
the effect (bisides your wordes) hath don me suffycient
knowledge of your good wyll, which I neuer deserued, and that
whych you told me, I cannot beleeue, so long as Lyfe is in me,
and therefore am most certayne to dye: But sith I am so
determyned, I beseeche you to do that which you haue promised
out of hand, bicause to morrow is the last day of the
appoyntment assigned to my wyfe." Saladine said, that for a
truth the same should be don: And the next day the Souldan
purposing to send hym the nyght following, he caused to be made
ready in a great hall a very fayre and rych bed, all quilted
according to their manner (wyth vyluet and clothe of gold), and
caused to be layed ouer the same, a Couerlet wroughte ouer with
borders of very great pearles, and rich precious stones: which
euer afterwardes was deemed to be an infinite treasure, and two
pillowes sutelike vnto that bed: that don, he commaunded that
they should inuest maister Thorello, (who now was lustie) with a
Sarazine roabe, the richest and fairest thing that euer anye Man
saw, and vpon his head one of his longest bands, wreathen
according to theyr manner, and being already late in the
Euenyng, hee and diuers of his Barons went into the Chamber wher
Mayster Thorello was, and being set down besides him, in weeping
wise hee began to say: "Maister Thorello, the time of our
separation doth now approche, and bicause that I am not able to
accompany you, ne cause you to be waited vpon, for the qualitie
of the way which you haue to passe, I must take my leaue here in
this chamber, for which purpose I am come hither: Wherefore
before I byd you farewel, I pray you for the loue and friendship
that is betwene vs, that you do remember me if it be possible
before our dayes do end, after you haue giuen order to your
affayres in Lombardie, to come agayne to see me before I dye, to
the end that I beyng reioyced with your second visitation, may
be satisfied of the pleasure which I lose this day for your
vntimely hast: and trusting that it shall come to passe, I pray
you let it not be tedious vnto you to visite me wyth your
letters, and to require me in thynges wherein it may lyke you to
commaund, which assuredly I shall accomplish more frankely for
you, than for any other liuing man." Maister Thorello was not
able to retaine teares: wherefore to staye the same, he answered
him in few woordes, that it was impossible that euer hee shoulde
forget his benefites, and his worthy friendship extended vpon
him, and that without default he would accomplish what he had
commaunded, if God did lend him life and leysure. Then Saladine
louingly imbracing and kissing him, pouring forth many teares,
bad him farewell, and so went oute of the chamber: And all the
other Noble men afterwards tooke theyr leaue likewise of him,
and departed with Saladine into the hal wher he had prepared the
bed, but being already late, and the Necromancer attending, and
hasting his dispatch, a Phisitian broughte him a drinke, and
made him beleue that it would fortifie and strengthen him in his
iorney, causing him to drinke the same: which being done within
a while after he fell a sleepe, and so sleeping was borne by the
commaundment of Saladine, and layd vpon the fayre bed, whereupon
he placed a rich and goodly crowne of passinge pryce and valor,
vpon the which he had ingrauen so plaine an inscription, as
afterwards it was knowne that the same was sent by Saladine to
the wife of maister Thorello. After that he put a ring vpon his
finger whych was beset wyth a Diamonde, so shining, as it seemed
like a flamynge Torche, the Value whereof was hard to bee
esteemed. Then he caused to bee girte aboute hym, a Sworde, the
furniture and garnishing whereof could not easily be valued: and
besides all thys, hee honge vppon hys Necke a Tablet or Brooche
so beset wyth Stones, and Pearles, as the lyke was neuer seene.
And afterwards he placed on either of hys sides, two exceding
great Golden basens, full of double Ducates, and many cordes of
Pearles and rings, girdels, and other things to tedious to
reherse, wherewith he bedecked the place about him. Which done,
he kissed him againe, and wylled the Necromancer to make hast.
Wherfore incontinently maister Thorello, and the bed, in the
presence of Saladine was caried out of sight and Saladine taried
stil, deuising and talkyng of hym amongs his Barons. Maister
Thorello being now laid in S. Peter Churche at Pauie, according
to his request, with all his Iewels and habilliments aforesayd
about him, and yet fast a slepe, the Sexten to ring to Mattens,
entred the Church with light in his hand: and chauncing sodenly
to espy the rych Bed, dyd not onely maruel thereat, but also ran
away in great feare. And when the Abbot and the Monkes saw that
hee made sutch hast away, they were abashed, and asked the cause
why he ranne so fast? The Sexten tolde them the matter: "Why how
now?" sayde the Abbot, "Thou art not sutch a Babe, ne yet so
newlye come vnto the Church, as thou oughtest so lightly to be
afraide. But let vs goe and see what bug hath so terribly frayed
thee." And then they lighted many Torches: And when the Abbot
and his Monkes were entred the Church, they saw that wonderfull
rich bed, and the Gentleman sleeping vpon the same. And as they
were in this doubte and feere, beholding the goodly Iewels, and
durst not goe neare the bed, it chaunced that maister Thorello
awaked, fetchyng a gret sighe. The Monkes so soone as they saw
that, and the Abbot with them, ran all away crying out, "God
helpe vs, our Lord haue mercy vpon vs." Maister Thorello opened
his eyes, and playnly knew by loking round about him, that he
was in the place where he demaunded to be of Saladine whereof he
was very glad, and rising vp, and viewing particularily, what he
had about him, albeit he knew before the magnificence of
Saladine, now he thoughte it greater, and better vnderstood the
same than before. But seeynge the Monkes run away, and knowyng
the cause wherefore, he began to call the Abbot by hys name, and
intreated hym not to bee affrayde: For he was Mayster Thorello
his Nephewe. The Abbot hearyng that was dryuen into a greater
feare, bicause he was accompted to bee dead diuers moneths
before: but afterwards by diuers arguments, assured that hee was
maister Thorello, and so often called by hys name (making a
signe of the Crosse) he went vnto him. To whom maister Thorello
sayd: "Whereof be you a frayd good father? I am aliue I thanke
God, and from beyond the Sea returned hyther." The Abbot
(although he had a great beard, and apparelled after the guise
of Arabie) crossed hymselfe agayne, and was wel assured that it
was he. Then he tooke hym by the hande, and sayde vnto hym as
followeth: "My Sonne thou art welcome home, and maruell not,
that wee were afrayd: For there is none in all thys Citty, but
doth certaynly beleeue that thou art dead. In so mutch as madame
Adalietta thy Wyfe, vanquished with the prayers and threates of
hir frinds and kin, agaynst hir will is betrouthed agayne, and
this day the espousals shall be done. For the mariage, and all
the preparation necessary for the feast, is ready." Mayster
Thorello risinge out of the rich Bed, and reioysing wyth the
Abbot and all his Monks, praied euery of them not to speake one
word of his comminge home, vntill he had done what he was
disposed. Afterwards placing al his rich Iewels in surety and
sauegard, hee discoursed vnto his vncle what had chaunced vnto
hym till that time. The Abbot ioyfull for his fortune, gaue
thankes to God. Then mayster Thorello demaunded of his vncle,
what he was that was betrouthed to hys Wyfe. The Abbot tolde
hym: To whom maister Thorello sayd: "Before my returne be
knowen, I am desirous to see what Countenaunce my Wyfe wyl make
at the mariage. And therefore, albeit that the religious doe not
vse to repayre to sutch Feastes, yet I pray you for my sake take
payne to go thither." The Abbot aunswered that he would
willingly doe so. And so soone as it was Daye, hee sente woorde
to the Brydegrome, that he, and a Frende of hys, woulde bee at
the mariage: whereunto the Gentleman aunswered, that he was very
glade thereof. When dinner tyme was come, mayster Thorello in
the habite and apparel wherein he was, went with the Lord Abbot
to the weddinge dinner, where euery of them that saw him, did
maruellously beholde hym, but no man knew him, bicause the Abbot
aunswered them that inquired, that he was a Sarazene, sent
Ambassador from the Souldan to the French Kinge. Mayster
Thorello was then placed at a table which was right ouer agaynst
his Wyfe, whom he beheld with great pleasure and delight, and
perceyued very wel by hir face that she was not well content
with that mariage. She likewise beheld him sometimes, not for
any knowledge she had of hym, for his great beard and straunge
attire, the firme credite and generall opinion also that hee was
deade, chiefly hindred it. But when mayster Thorello thought
tyme to proue whether she had any remembraunce of him, he
secretly conuayed into hys hande, the ring which she gaue him at
hys departure, and called a little Boy that wayted vpon hir, and
sayd vnto him: "Go tell the Bryde in my behalfe, that the
custome of my countrey is, that when any Straunger (as I am
here) is bydden by any new maried woman (as she is now,) for a
token of his welcome, she sendeth vnto him the cup wherein she
drinketh full of Wyne, whereof after the straunger hath dronke
what pleaseth him, he couereth the cup agayne, and sendeth the
same to the Bryde, who drinketh the rest that remayneth." The
Page did his message vnto the Bryde, who like a wise Gentlewoman
wel brought vp, thinking he had ben some great personage, to
declare that he was welcome, commaunded a great cup all gilt,
standing before hir, to be washed cleane, and to be filled ful
of Wyne, and caried to the Gentleman, which accordingly was don.
Mayster Thorello hauing put into hys mouth the aforesayd ring,
secretly let fall the same into the Cup as he was drinking, not
perceyued of any man, to the intent that she drinking the latter
draught, might espy the ringe. When he had dronk, he returned
the cup vnto the Bryde, who thankfully receyued the same. And
for that the manner of his countrey might be accomplished, when
the cup was deliuered vnto hir, she vncouered the same, and
pleadging the rest of the Wyne, beheld the ring, and without
speaking any word, wel viewed the same, and knowing that it was
the very Ring which she had geuen to maister Thorello, when he
departed, tooke it out. And stedfastly did marke and looke vpon
him, whom she supposed to be a straunger, and already knowinge
him, cryed out as though she had bene straught of hir wittes,
throwing downe the Table before hir: "This is my Lord and
husband, this is of trouth Mayster Thorello." And runnynge to
the table without respect to hys apparell of Cloth of Gold, or
to any thinge that was vpon the table, pressinge so neere him as
she could, imbraced him very heard, not able to remoue hir
handes from about his Necke for any thing that could bee sayd or
done by the company that was there, vntill mayster Thorello
required hir to forbeare for that present, for so mutch as she
shoulde haue leysure inough to vse hir further imbracements.
Then shee left him, and contented hir selfe for the tyme: but
the brydale and mariage was wholly troubled and appalled for
that sodayne chaunce, and the most part of the Guests excedingly
reioyced for the return of that Noble knight. Then the company
beinge intreated to sit and not to remoue, Maister Thorello
rehearsed in open audience what had chaunced vnto him from the
day of his departure vntill that tyme, concludinge with a
petition to the Bridegrome, that had newly espoused his Wyfe,
that he woulde not be displeased if he tooke hir agayne. The new
maried Gentleman, albeit it greeued hym very sore, and thought
himselfe to be mocked, aunswered liberally and like a Frende,
that it was in hys power to do wyth hys owne what hee thought
best. The Gentlewoman drawinge of the Rings and Garland which
shee had receyued of hir newe Husbande, did put vppon hir finger
the Ring which shee founde within the Cup, and likewyse the
Crowne that was sent vnto hir by Saladine: And the whole troupe
and assembly leauing the house where they were, went home with
mayster Thorello and his wyfe, and there the kin and frends, and
all the Citizens which haunted the same, and regarded it for a
myracle, were with long feastinge and great cheare in great ioy
and triumph. Mayster Thorello departing some of his precious
Iewels to him that had bene at the cost of the marriage,
likewise to the Lord Abbot and diuers others, and hauing done
Saladine to vnderstand hys happy repayre home to his Countrey,
recommending himselfe for euer to his commaundement, liued with
his Wyfe afterwards many prosperous yeares, vsing the vertue of
curtesie more than euer hee did before. Sutch was the ende of
the troubles of maister Thorello, and hys wel beloued Wyfe, and
the recompence of their franke and honest curtesies.