_A Gentleman of meane callinge and reputation, doth fall in loue
with Anne, the Queene of Hungarie, whom shee very royally requited._
Following the preceding arguments treated in certayne of the
former Nouelles, I wyll now discourse the princely kindnesse and
curtesy done to a poore Gentleman, by a Lady of later dayes,
Anne the Queene of Hungary. whych Gentleman, though beyonde hys
reache to catch what he aspired, fell in loue with that
bountifull and vertuous Gentlewoman, thinkinge (by like) that
she in end woulde haue abased her Maiesty, to recline to hys
vayne and doting trauayle. But she like a Queene, not despisinge
the poore mans loue, vouchsafed by familiar speech to poure some
drops of comfort into his louinge minde, and once to proue, on
whom he fixed his fansie, reached him a Nosegay, and prayed him
to bestowe it vpon whom hee liked best. All which familiar
dealings she vsed, to keepe the poore pacient from despayre,
that so highly had placed hym selfe. But in end perceyuinge his
continuaunce, would not reiect and geue hym ouer, or with
Scornes and Flouts contemne the Amorous Gentleman: and that
longe loue myght gayne some deserued guerdon, she neuer left hym
vntyll she had preferred him to a Noble office in Spayne. The
noble disposition of this chast and gentle Queene, I thought
good to adioyn next to that of maister Thorella and Saladine:
who for curtesie and passinge mutuall kindnesse, are worthy of
remembraunce. And for you noble Dames for a Christall to sharpen
your sightes, and viewe the recompence of loue, done by a Queene
of passing beauty, and yet most chast and vertuous, that it
might somewhat touch your squeymish stomackes and haulty hearts,
and lenifie that corrosiue humor, which with frowning face,
forceth you to ouerperke your humble suppliants. A helpinge
preseruatiue I hope this Hystory shalbe to imbolden you, in
sutes and petitions to their prince and soueraygne: An
incoragement (I hope) to be mediators for sutch, as by seruice
and warfare haue confirmed their faythfull deuoirs for defence
of their Countrey. Remember the care the Romane matrones had for
those that deserued well of their Common wealth: as how they
mourned for Lucius Brutus one whole yeres space, for his good
reuenge ouer the rauishers of Lucrece: and for Martius
Coriolanus, for hys piety and mothers sake, discharging his
Countrey from the enemies siege. Let mistresse Paolina of the
priuy Chamber to this Queene Anne, render example for preferment
of sutch as be worthy to be cherished and esteemed. O how
Liberality beseemeth a Queene, no lesse (as one maketh
comparison) than the bright beames of the Sunne, or the
twinkling starres in the Firmament. Oh how diligence in
Gentlewomen, aduaunced to Princes Chambers, no lesse than the
greene leaues to braunched Trees, or dyuers coloured Floures in
Nosegayes. So flourishing be the fruites that bud from
liberality, and freshe the benefites that succeede of the
payneful trauayles sustayned in the sutes of seruiceable
Gentlemen. This Philippo whom the Queene preferred, and
liberally rewarded, was a meane Gentleman, but yet learned and
well furnished with commendable qualities. His deserued
aduauncement may stirre vp ech Gentle heart, to merite and serue
in Common wealth. His warninge and other vertues may awake the
sluggish Courtier, from loytering on Carpets, and doinge thinges
vnseemely: His diligence also reuiue the blockish sprites of
some that rout their tyme in sluggish sleepe, or waste the day
in harlotrie and other filthy exercise. Whose example yf they
practise, or imitate sutch commendable life as becommeth their
estates, then glory will followe their deedes, as the shadowe
doeth the body. Then welfare and liuelihoode aboundantly shal
bee mynistred to supply want of patrimonie or defect of parents
portion. And thus the Hystory doth begin. Not long sithens
Queene Anne, the sister of Lewes, that was king of Hungarie, and
wife to Ferdinando Archeduke of Austriche, (which at this day is
parcel of the kingdome of Hungary and Boeme,) together with the
Lady Mary daughter of Philip kynge of Spayne, and wife of the
sayd Lewes, went to keepe hir abode, and soiorne in Hispurge,
a Countrey among the Dutch very famous, where many tymes the
Court of the Hungarian Prynces longe space remayned. These two
Noble Queenes remained within the Palace of king Maximilian,
Emperour at that time elected, which Palace is so neare
adioyning to the Cathedrall Church, as without sight of the
people at their pleasure they mighte by a secrete Gallerie passe
to the Church to heare diuine seruyce accustomably celebrated
there. Which vse they dayly obserued with theyr Ladies and
Gentlewomen, and other Lordes and Gentlemen of the Court. In
which church was made and erected a high place in manner of a
Closet gorgeously wrought, and in royall manner apparelled of
sutch amplitude as it was hable to receyue the whole trayn and
company attendant vpon the Persons of the two Quenes. Now it
came to passe that a Gentleman of Cremona in Italy called
Philippo di Nicuoli, whych in those dayes by reason of the
recouery of the Duchie of Milane, by the Frenche, departed
Lombardie, and went to Hispurge, and was Secretarie to Signa
Andrea Borgo, bicause he was well learned, and could wryte very
fayre, and therwithall a proper and very haundsome man. This
yong Gentleman very mutch frequenting the Church, and seeing the
beauty of Queene Anne, to excell all the reast of the Ladies,
adorned and garnished with princely behauiour and Queenelyke
qualytyes, not foreseeyng (when hee beheld hir) the nature of
loue, whych once being possessed, neuer leaueth the pacient til
it hath infebled his state lyke the quality of poyson,
distillinge through the vaynes, euen to the heart. Which louing
venim this Gentleman did drinke with the lookes of his eyes, to
satisefy and content his desired minde by vewinge and intentife
considering hir wonderful beauty, that rapt beyond measure, he
was myserably intangled wyth the snares of blind and deceiptfull
loue, wherewith he was so cruelly inflamed, as he was lyke to
sorte out of the bounds of reason and Wyt. And the more he did
beholde the hyghnesse of hir Maiesty, and the excellency of so
great a Lady, and therewithal did weigh and consider hys base
degree and Lignage, and the poore state whereunto frowarde
fortune that tyme had brought him, the more he thought hymselfe
frustrate and voyde of hope, and the more the perillous flames
of loue did assayle and fire his amorous heart, kindlinge hys
inward partes with loue so deepely ingraffed, as it was
impossible to be rooted out. Mayster Philippo then in this
manner (as you haue heard) knotted and intrapped within the
fillets and laces of loue, supposing all labour which hee should
imploy to be lost and consumed, throughly bent himselfe with all
care and diligence to atchieue this hygh and honorable
enterprise, whatsoeuer should come of it: whych effectually he
pursued. For alwayes when the Queenes were at church to heare
deuine seruice, he fayled not to bee there. And hauinge done his
duetyfull reuerence, whych very comely he could do, he vsed to
bestow himselfe dyrectly ouer agaynst hir: where delitinge in
the beauty of the Queene whych dayly more and more inflamed his
heart, would not depart from thence tyll the Queenes were
disposed to goe. And if perchaunce for some occasion, the
Queenes went not to Church, maister Philippo for all that (were
his businesse neuer so great and needefull) would vouchsafe at
least wise to visite the place, where he was wont to see his
Lady. Sutch is the ordinary force of loue that although liberty
of sight and talke be depryued from the pacient, yet it doeth
hym good to treade in the Steps of that Ground where his
Mistresse doth vsually haunt, or to see the place vppon whych
she eased hir tender corps, or leaned hir delicate elbowes. Thys
young man bayted, and fed in amorous Toyes and Deuyses, now
armed wyth hope, and by and by disarmed by despayre, reuolued in
hys mynde a thousand thoughts and cogitations. And although he
knew that hys Ladder had not steps inow to clyme so hygh, yet
from his determined purpose hee was not able to remoue: but
rather the more difficult and daungerous hys enterpryse seemed
to bee, the more grew desire to prosecute and obiect hymselfe to
all daungers. If peraduenture the Queenes for their disport and
pastime were disposed to walke into the fieldes or gardens of
the Citty of Hispurge, he fayled not in company of other
Courtiers to make one of the troupe, beinge no houre at rest and
quiet if he were not in the sight of Queene Anne, or neere the
place where shee was. At that time there were many Gentlemen
departed from Lumbardy to Hispurge, which for the most part
followed the Lord Francisco Sforza the second, by whom they
hoped when the Duchy of Mylane was recouered, to be restored to
their countrey. There was also Chamberlayne to the sayd Lorde
Francesco, one mayster Girolamo Borgo of Verona betwene whom and
mayster Philippo, was very neere freendship and familiarity. And
bicause it chaunseth very seldome, that feruent loue, can be
kept so secrete and couert, but in some part it will discouer it
selfe, mayster Borgo easily did perceyue the passion wherewith
mayster Philippo was inflamed. And one mayster Philippo Baldo
many times being in the company of mayster Borgo and Philippo,
did marke and perceiue his loue, and yet was ignorant of the
truth, or voyde of coniecture with what Gentlewoman he was
inamored. But seeing him contrary to wonted custome altered, and
from vsual mirth transported, fetchinge many sighes and
strayninges from his stomake, and markinge how many times he
would steale from the company he was in, and withdraw himselfe
alone, to muse vppon hys thoughts, brought thereby into a
melancholy and meane estate, hauing lost his sleepe, and stomak
of eating meate: iudged that the amorous Wormes of loue did
bitterly gnaw and teare his heart with the nebs of their forked
heades. They three then being vppon a time together, debatinge
of diuers thinges amonges themselues, chaunced to fall in
argument of loue, and maister Baldo, and Borgo, the other
Gentlemen, sayd to mayster Philippo, how they were wel assured
that he was straungly attached with that passion, by marking and
considering that new life, which lately he led contrary to
former vse, intreating him very earnestly, that he would
manifest his loue to them, that were his deere and faythfull
frends, tellinge him that as in weighty matters otherwise he was
already sure what they were, euen so in this he might hardily
repose his hope and confidence, promisinge hym all their helpe
and fauour, if therein their indeuour and trauayle might
minister ayde and comfort. Hee then like one raysed from a
trance, or lately reuiued from an extasie, after he had composed
his Countenaunce and Gesture, wyth teares and multitude of
sobbes, began to say these woordes: "My welbeloued freendes, and
trusty companions, being right well assured that yee (whose
fidelity I haue already proued, and whose secret mouthes be
recommended amongs the wise and vertuous), will keepe close and
couert the thinge which you shall heare me vtter, as of sutch
importaunce, that if the yong Romane Gentleman Papyrus had been
here, for all his silence of graue matters required by hys
Mother, I woulde vnnethes haue dysclosed the same vnto hym.
Indeede I cannot deny, but must needes confesse that I am in
loue, and that very ardently, which I cannot in sutch wyse
conceale, but that the blinde must needes clearely and euidently
perceyue. And although my mouth would fayne keepe close, in what
plight my passions do constrayne my inward affections, yet my
face and straung maner of life, which for a certayne tyme and
space I haue led, doe wittnesse, that I am not the man I was
wont to bee. So that if shortly I doe not amend, I trust to
arriue to that ende whereunto euery Creature is borne, and that
my bitter and paynful life shall take ende, if I may call it a
lyfe, and not rather a lyuing death: I was resolued and
throughly determined, neuer to discouer to any man the cause of
my cruell torment, being not able to manifest the same to hir,
whom I doe only loue, thinking better by concealinge it through
loue, to make humble sute to Lady Atropos, that shee woulde cut
of the thred of my dolorous lyfe. Neuerthelesse to you, from
whom I ought to keepe nothynge secrete, I wyll dysgarboyle and
vnlace the very Secretes of my Minde, not for that I hope to
finde comfort and reliefe, or that my passions by declaration of
them, will lesson and diminishe, but that yee, knowinge the
occasion of my death, may make report thereof to hir, that is
the only mistresse of my life, that shee vnderstandinge the
extreme panges of the truest louer that euer liued, may mourne
and wayle hys losse: which thinge if my seely Ghost may knowe,
no doubt where soeuer it do wander, shall receyue great ioy and
comfort. Be it known vnto you therefore, the first day that myne
Eyes behelde the diuine beauty and incomparable fauor of that
superexcellent Lady Queene Anne of Hungary, and that I (more
than wysedom required) did meditate, and consider the singuler
behauiour and notable curtesie and other innumerable giftes
wherewith shee is indued, the same beyond measure did so inflame
my heart, that impossible it was for me to quench the feruent
loue, or extinguish the least parte of my conceyued torment.
I haue done what I can to macerate and mortefie my vnbridled
desire, but all in vayne: My force and puissaunce is weake to
match with so mighty an aduersary. Alas syres, I knowe what yee
will obiect agaynst mee: yee will say that mine ignobility, my
byrth and stocke be no meete matches for sutch a personage, and
that my loue is to highly placed, to sucke reliefe: And the same
I do confesse so wel as you. I do acknowledge my condition and
state to base, I confesse that my loue (nay rather I may terme
it folly) doth presume beyond the bounds of order: For the first
tyme that I felt my selfe wrapped in those Snares, I knewe her
to beare the Port amonges the chyefest Queenes, and to bee the
peerelesse Pryncesse of Chrystendome. Agayne, I knew my selfe
the poorest Gentleman of the Worlde, and the most myserable
exile: I thought moreouer it to be very vnseemely for me to
direct my mynde vpon a wight so honorable, and of so great
estate: But who can rayne the Bridle, or prescribe lawes to
loue? What is he that in loue hath free wil and choyse? Truely I
beleeue no man, bicause loue the more it doth seeme to accorde
in pleasure and delight, the further from the mark he shooteth
his bolte, hauing no respect to degree or state. Haue not many
excellent and worthy personages, yea Dukes, Emperours and
Kinges, bin inflamed with the loue of Ladies, and Women of base
and vile degree? Haue not most honorable dames, and Women of
greatest renoume despised the honor of theyr states, abandoned
the company of theyr hushands, and neglected the loue of theyr
Chyldren, for the ardent loue that they haue borne to men of
inferiour sort? All Historyes be full of examples of that
purpose: The memoryes of our auncestors be yet in fresh
remembraunce, whereof if they were ignorant vnto you that be of
great experience, I could aduouche assured testimony: Yet thus
mutch I say vnto you, that it seeme no newe thing for a man to
be ouercome by his owne affectyon: It is not the Nobility of hir
state, or for that shee is a Queene, it is not the consideration
of one parte or other, that moued me first hereunto: But loue it
is, that is of greater force than we our selues bee of, which
many tymes maketh that to seeme lawfull, which altogether is
vnlawful, and by subduing reason maketh the great potentate
lorde tributarie to his wyl and pleasure, whose force is farre
greater then the lawes of Nature. And albeit that I neuer hope
to attayne to prosperous end of this magnifike and stately loue,
whych more and more doth seeme infortunate, yet I can not for my
Lyfe else where apply the same, or alter it to other place: And
consumynge still through faithful and feruent loue borne to the
Queene, I haue forced and constrained my self by al possible
meanes to gyue ouer that fond and foolish enterprise, and to
place my mynd else where: but mine endeuour and all my labour
and resistance is employed in vayne: Yea and if it were not for
feare of eternall damnation, and the losse of my poore afflicted
soule (which God forbid) myne owne Handes before this time had
ended my desires. I am therefore determined (sith that I can
attaine no successe of Loue, and that God doth suffer me to be
inspyred wyth that most honourable and curteous Lady, beyond all
order and estimation) to content my selfe with the sight of
those hir fayre and glistring eyes, farre excelling the
sparcling glimpse of the Diamonde or Saphire, and to serue, loue
and honour hir, so long as life doth last within this feeble
corpes: Vpon whose radiant and excelling beautie, my hope
shall continually feede: and yet I am not so far voyd of
vnderstandinge, but that I do most euidently know none other to
be the guide of thys vnmeasurable loue, but folly most extreme."
Vpon the end of those words he let fal many teares, and being
staied with sobbs and sighes he was able to speake no more. And
in very deede he that had seene him, would haue thought that his
heart had bene tormented with most bitter and painfull passions.
Now they being very attentiue to his pytifull oration, were
attached with incredible sorrow, thinking that they had ben in a
dreame by hearing of this discourse, and stode styll a while one
loking vpon an other, without speaking word: Afterwards comming
to themselues, distraughte almost, for the greate admiration and
wonder to heare him speake those words, mayster Girolamo and
Baldo, with suasible arguments went about to counsell him to
withdraw his fonde and foolysh mind, praying him to place the
same elsewhere, shewing him the impossibility of hys enterpryse,
and the great peril that might succeede thereof. But they spake
to a man that seemed to be deaf, who replied, that hee neither
coulde or would giue ouer his loue, that had already made so
depe impression, what so euer came of it: Notwythstandyng they
ceased not still with sharp admonitions to beate into his head,
the fonde begynning of his foolish loue: and not onely at that
tyme, but continually when they were together, they dyd theyr
best by oft repetition of his vayne conceipt, to let him
vnderstande his manyfest error: but theyr labour and friendly
lessons were to no purpose: Wherefore mayster Borgo, determined
to giue him ouer, and to attende what would succede therof.
Mayster Philippo continuing hys pursute, neuer faylyng to be at
church when he knew the Quenes to be ther, at length it chanced
that they began to espy his loue, for that both of them did mark
his order, gesture and demeanure, and did note his oft
frequentation of the places where they continually haunted and
his manner in placyng himselfe at the church directly ouer
agaynst them, and his common vse in beholding and loking vpon
their faces, iudgyng thereby that without doubt he was in loue
with one of them, or at least with some Gentlewoman of their
trayne whereof the two Queenes began to vse some talk, although
not certain vpon whom his loue was bent. Neuerthelesse they wer
desirous to know the troth, and expected oportunitie somtime to
dissolue that doubt. In the meane while maister Philippo thought
by gazing on theyr beauty, to remoue the fire that miserably did
consume the suck and marow of his bones, seking comfort and
relief for his afflicted heart, the more I say he sought for
ease, the greater he felt his payn: And truely all they that
feruently do loue, aspire to that, which otherwise they woulde
eschue, by sight of them whome they do loue, not remembering
that the more they doe contemplate the beloued beauty, the more
increaseth desire, and with desire extreme and bitter smart.
Maister Philippo then lost no occasion or time stil to behold
Madame the Queene, were it in the church or courte, or were she
disposed for disport and recreation to walke abrode. It chaunced
now while things wer at this poynt, the ladies very desirous to
know vpon whom maister Philippo did expend his loue, that
fortune opened vnto them a meane to vnderstand the same: It was
then about that time of the yere, wherein al floures and roses
were by Titans force constrained to adorne and decke ech gardens
and place of pleasure, and with their fragrant smells and odors,
to sent the same in the moneth of May: it was when the Twinnes
were dysposed to shroud themselues amongs the hawthorn boughs
and honysuckles that yeld to euery wyght greatest store of
delyghts, at what time roses and other floures at theyr first
budding be very rare and scant, sauing in Kings Courtes and
prynces Palaces, where sutch rarieties by art and industrie be
most abundant, and all men haue delight to present sutch
nouelties to the pryncipall ladies. Vpon a day Queene Anne had
in hir hands certayne floures in due order couched in a Nosegay,
and for hir disport walked vp and down a very fayre and gorgeous
garden, in the company of Queene Mary, and other Ladies and
gentlewomen, about that tyme of the day the Sun wearie of
trauaile, went to hide him self in the back side of the western
mountains, wher amongs other of the Courte was maister Philippo.
Queene Anne when she had espyed him, determined to make proufe
with what Lady amongs them all, mayster Philippo was in loue,
and sporting hir self with softe and prety walkes vp and downe
the garden, pleasantly iesting with diuerse there attendant,
(as the maner is of like Ladies) with trimme and pleasant talk,
at length happed vpon maister Philippo, who although he was in
communication with certain Italian Gentlemen, neuerthelesse his
mynde and eyes were fixed vpon the Queene, that whensoeuer she
appeared before him his eyes and face were so firmelye bent
vppon hir, as the beholder might easily perceiue, that the
Vysage of the Quene was the vndoubted harborough of his thought.
Philippo, seeing the Queene come toward him, did honor hir wyth
gentle and dutifull reuerence, in sutch humble wise, as hee
seemed at hir hands pitifully to craue mercy. And truely
whosoeuer doth loue with secret and perfect heart, seemeth to
vtter more words to his Lady with his eies, than he is able to
speak wyth his tongue. The Queene being come vnto him with a
grace right graue and demure, sayd vnto him: "You Gentleman of
Lombardie, yf these floures which we haue in our hands were
giuen vnto you liberally to vse at your pleasure, and requyred
to make some curteous present of the same to one of vs the
ladies here that liked you best, tell mee I pray you, to whether
of vs would you giue the same, or what would you do or say?
Speake frankely we pray you, and tell youre mynde wythout
respect: for thereby you shall doe to vs very great pleasure,
and we shal know to whether of vs you beare your chiefest loue.
For it is not to be supposed, that you being a young man, can
spende your time without loue, being a naturall quality in euery
creature." When mayster Philippo felt the swete voyce of the
Queene pleasantly to pierce his eares, and hearde that he was
commaunded for the loue of hir that he loued, not onely to tell
whome he loued best and most intierly, but also hir whom he
worshipped and serued in heart, was almost besides hymselfe,
sutch was the ticklyng ioylitie that he felt in hys heart, whose
face was taynted wyth a thousand colors and what for superfluous
loue and ioy, wherof the like he neuer tasted before, fell into
an extasie, not able to render answere. But when he had
recouered stomack, so well as he coulde with soft and trembling
voice, he answered the Queene in this wise: "Sith your maiesty
(to whom I yelde myne humble thanks for that curtesie) hath
vouchsafed to commaund me (besides the infinite pleasure and
honour, for which eternally I shal stande bound to your
highnesse) I am ready sincerely and truely to dysclose my mind,
being promised by your maiesty in opening of the same, to
deserue great thanks: Wherfore your pleasure being such I do say
then, with all due reuerence, that not onely here at thys tyme,
but at al times and places wher it shal please god to appoint
me, being not able to bestow them in other sort than they be,
but wer they more precious and fayre, the more ioyfull I should
bee of them. These floures I say shall of me right humbly be
presented to your maiesty, not bicause you be a Queene and of a
royal Race (whych notwythstandinge is a great vertue) but
bicause you bee a Phoenix, a rare Lady, and of all the troupe the
fayrest, garnished with infinit gifts, and passinge vertues, for
your merites worthy to be honoured wyth farr more excellent
gifts, than these simple floures be, as she that (aboue all
other Ladyes that liue at this day) is the honour and onely
glory of all womanhoode of our age, as shee that is the Paragon
peerelesse of the vniuersal worlde." when he had sayd those
words, he held his peace. The Queene with great delight hearing
the ready aunswere of the yong Gentleman, sayd vnto hym: "And we
do giue you thanks for the great honor and commendation done
vnto vs." When she had sayd so, without further talke, she went
forth vsing pleasant talke and sport with diuers that wayted
vpon hir. Queene Anne now vnderstode, and so likewise Queene
Mary, which of them the yong Lumbard Gentleman did accept for
his soueraign Lady, whose loue she disdayned not, but in her
mynde rather commended, esteeming him better than euer she did
before: and lyke a discreet and wyse Lady gaue him infinite
prayse. She did not now as other women wont to do, who when they
see themselues of birth more noble, or of degree more ample than
their louers be (whych gift they receyue through the fauor of
the heauens) do not only despise them, but mock them, and their
faythfull seruice, and many tymes with fayned countenance and
dissembled words do extol them and set them vp aloft, and by and
by almost with one breath, exchanging their fayned prayse into
rebuke, they thrust them downe headlong from the tipe of hope
and comfort, to the bottomlesse pit of despayre: and the fuller
she is of floutes, the finer Girle esteemed. But farre better is
she to be regarded, that not findinge in hir hart to loue hir
suter, will frankly tell him at the first, that she cannot like
hym, nor fashion hir mynde to loue him, and requiring him not to
feede his minde with vayne hope, or contriue the tyme with words
and lookes, and pray him to seeke some other that can better
fansy his person than she: And although perchance a man do very
feruently loue a woman, and that it wer great sorrow and grief
vnto him to bee cast of, and receiue such refusall, yet in myne
opinion it were lesse griefe openly to receiue that repulse,
than to be fawned vppon, and flattered with fained talke, and
for the time choaked with the baite of vaine hope, and
afterwards become ridiculous, and gired by the scorneful. I am
assured, that the woman which giueth hir seruant sutch repulse,
shall bee counted mutch more cruell, than Maistresse Helena was
to the scholler of Paris, after he was returned from the
vniuersitie to Florence, written by Boccaccio in his Decamerone,
and hereafter in place described. But let vs retourne to maister
Philippo, who although hee coulde not imagine ne conceiue the
intent, wherfore Queene Anne made that demaund, yet the same was
very deare and acceptable vnto him, vppon the which he neuer
thought, but felt great contentation in his mynd, and was more
iocund and pleasant than he was wont to be before. On the other
side the Queene, which was very discrete and wise, when she saw
maister Philippo at the church or other place to make obeysance
vnto hir very curteously requited the same, bowing hir head to
him agayn, (which she neuer vsed but to Barons and Knights of
great reputation) declaryng thereby how wel in worth she
regarded his reuerence made vnto hir: Whereat he receiued
maruellous pleasure and delight, hoping for none other
recompence at hir handes, than continuance of sutch curtesies
and honourable entertaynment. Amongs certayne Italians that were
vppon a Day assembled in the presence chamber of Queene Anne,
waiting there vpon Madonna Barbara the wyfe of Maister Pietro
Martire Stampa, who wyth hir two daughters were gone to salute
the two Queenes that were that time together: There was also
maister Philippo, with whom Borgo and Baldo reasoned of diuerse
matters: And as they wer in talke, both the Queenes came forth,
which was the occasion, that al the lords and Gentlemen
attended, vppon whose approch, ech man rose vp, and bareheaded
expected whither the Queenes would goe. Quene Anne perceyuing a
company of Italians together, left Queene Marie, and went
streight to them, and very gently inquyred of dyuerse of the
Gentlemen, their names, and of what partes of Italy they were,
then she came to the place where they III. were standing
together, and curteously asked first maister Girolamo, what his
name was, of what countrey, whether he were a Gentleman? To whom
reuerently he said: "that his name was Girolamo Borgo,
a Gentleman of Verona." Mayster Baldo likewise being demaunded
the same, answered so well as he coulde: "that he was a
Gentleman borne, of an auncient house in Milane, and that his
name was Philippo Baldo." When she had receiued theyr answere
with cheereful and smiling countenance she returned to maister
Philippo, inquyryng of him also his name and countrey, and
whether he were a Gentleman or not? Whom maister Philippo after
his duety done reuerently answered: "Madame, my souerain Lady
and only mistresse, I am a Gentleman, and am called by the name
of Philippo dei Nicuoli, of Cremona." The Queene making no
further demaundes of any of the other Gentlemen, sayd to Mayster
Philippo: "You say true sir, I dare warrant you to be a
Gentleman in deede, and hee that sayd the contrary, should
declare himself to be voyd of Iudgement what a Gentleman is."
She sayde no more, but from thence with Queene Mary and the
whole trayne she went to Church. All they that hard the Queene
speake those words, dyd wonder, and could not deuise what shee
meant by them, notwithstanding ech man thought that the Queene
bare to maister Philippo singuler good will and fauour. He
(as it was his custome) full of diuerse cogitations, whose head
was building of great cities, went to church, bestowing himselfe
in his wonted place, reuoluing in hys mind the Queene's words
spoken vnto him. And although he could not perceiue to what end
that honorable lady had spoken them, yet hee thought that hir
maiesty had done him great honour. And verily the humanity and
curtesy of a Lady, so excellent and noble is worthy to be
extolled with infinite prayses, who being of high estate and
lineage, and the wife of a Prince that proceded of the stirpe
Imperial, not only did not disdaine to be beloued of a man of so
base degree, and banished from his own Country, but also with
great care and diligence did deuise, and in effect declare that
she was the same whome the Italian yong gentleman did loue as
partly it was euidently to bee perceiued, not for other purpose
doubtlesse, but to do some Noble deede couenable for the
greatnesse of hir estate, and incident to the feruent loue of
the amorous yong Gentleman, which afterwardes in very dede she
accomplyshed. But howe many be there in these dayes, I doe not
speake of Queenes and Pryncesses, but of simple and priuate
Gentlewomen, that beyng of meane worship, indued with some shew
of beautie, be without good conditions and vertue, who seeyng
themselues beloued of some Gentlemen, not so enriched with the
goods of Fortune as they be, do scorne and mocke them, thynking
themselues to good to be loked vpon, or to be once moued of
vertuous loue, scornfully casting their face at one side, as
though the suters were vnworthy their company? Howe many
likewyse be possessed and ouerwhelmed with pryde by reason
Nature more propicious vnto them then other, be descended of
some great parentage, that will accompt a great iniurie done
vnto them, if any gentleman except he be rych, do make sute to
loue them? Again a great number of women (I speake of them whose
minds do not so mutch aspire to fame or honour as they seeke
their delights and brauerie to be mainteined) bee of this
trampe, that they care not whether theyr louers bee discrete,
well condicioned, vertuous and gentle, so that theyr pursses be
full of money, or theyr shapes amiable, not waying the valour
and good conditions of the minde, ne yet a thousand other
qualities that ought to garnish a Gentleman, whereby all
vertuous Gentlemen dayly do growe beautiful, and be enriched
wyth greater perfections. Some there be that fixe their minds
vpon those, that be of goodly personage, although void of good
behauiour, louing rather a piece of flesh with two eyes, than an
honest man well furnished with vertue. Thynk not yet for all
thys, that herein men ordinarily bee more wyse than women,
althoughe they ought to bee accomplished with greater witte: but
to say the truth, they all be spotted with one kind of pitch,
that warfare here in the large campe of this present worlde:
whereof it commeth to passe, that light loue as we see to beare
no good foundation, and to haue no longe continuance, euen so
the end and conclusion to consume like the beauty of the floure.
And therupon many times it chaunceth, that when loue is not
grounded but vpon transitorie beauty, which doth dissolue like a
windy cloude, the little heat thereof doth not wax more hote,
but rather congealeth to frost, and many times conuerteth into
hatred and mischiefe most cruel. A worse thing yet than this is
in common practise: There be many that wyll needes bee counted
and called gentlemen, bycause they come of Auncient and Noble
race, and being growen vp to man's state, doe appeare in shapes
of men, but are altogether without approued manners, vtterly
ignorant what the nature of Gentle is, accomptyng themselues to
be ioly fellowes, when in company of other as bigge beastes as
them selues, they contriue theyr time and make their bragges,
vaunting that Sutch a woman is at my commaundment, and sutch a
man's wyfe I do keepe, sutch a one is my companion's friende:
whereby they bryng many women, yea and of the best sort, into
slaunder and infamie. Diuerse Gentlewomen also bee so fond, and
of so simple discretion, that although they know and clearely
perceyue thys to be true, yet allured with the personages and
beauty of sutch Roisters, passe not to giue the rayne to these
vnbridled Iades, not foreseeing (lyke ignorant Woodcockes) that
in fewe dayes through their own temeritie, they incur the common
shame of the vulgar people, being pointed at in the streates as
they goe: where sutch as be wyse and discrete, doe dayly feare
the least suspition that may be conceiued. There is no woman
that is wyse, but so neare as she can, wil shunne and auoyde all
occasion whereby slaunder may aryse, and will chose vnto hit
amongs a number, sutch one as can best please hit fansie, and as
with whome for hys vertue and honesty she purposeth to match hir
selfe in maryage, which is the final ende of all honest loue.
Howe be it Nature hath not framed euery creature of one metall,
ne yet Minerua infused lyke brayne into euery head. And truely
this our age dothe breede many fayre and worthie Women, whose
condicions bee good and honest, adorned with comely qualities,
the Generositie, stoutnesse and Valoure of whose myndes doe
deserue syngular prayse and estymatyon. And what is hee,
chauncynge vppon a curteous and Vertuous Dame, that wyll not
gyue ouer the Loue of all other, to honour and loue hir for
euer? But wee haue digressed too long from our Hystorye, and
therefore, retourning to the same agayne, I say, that Fortune
the guide of maister Philippo, was fully determined to bestow
hir fauor vpon him: For besides that the Queene dearely estemed
his loue, it seemed that all thyngs wer vnyted and agreed to
sort his enterpryse to happy successe. The Queene had to her
Gouernesse Madonna Paola dei Cauali, a Gentlewoman of Verona,
very auncient and graue (aduaunced to the callyng, by Madonna
Bianca Maria Sforza the wyfe of the Emperour Maximilian) whom
Queene Anne requyred dylygently to procure for hir, sutch
Rithmes in the Thuscane language and other Italian workes, as
were to be found, bicause hir dysposition was to be conuersant
and familiar in that tongue, and employed great diligence to
learne and exercise the same, wherein shee attained sutch
perfection, as all Italians coulde very well vnderstande her.
Now (as the good lucke of mayster Philippo woulde haue it) he
that day went to the Courte alone, continuallye deuisinge if it
were possible, at al tymes to be in presence of the Quene: Whome
so soone as Madonna Paola espyed, bicause she familiarly knew
him went vnto him, and sayd: "My welbeloued friend maister
Philippo, bicause the Queene hath great delight to learn our
tongue, and therein already hath some towardnesse, as by hir
common speakying of the same you may perceyue, this mornyng at
hir vprising shee gaue me a great charge to procure for hir,
certayne Italian Rithmes, who besides those bookes in that
tongue already prynted, gladly desireth to see some trymme
deuises of diuerse learned men that make in oure Daies.
specially hir mind is earnestlye disposed vpon Rithmes cunningly
composed, whereof I thinke you haue some store by reason of your
delight in that exercise: Wherefore I thought good to repayre
vnto you, and doe heartily pray you, to make hir Maiesty
pertaker of sutch as you haue, wherein you shal do hir great and
grateful seruice, and I shal remain continually bound vnto you:
besides that I doe purpose when I present them vnto hir, to make
hit priuie that I receyued them at your hands, which bicause of
the loue shee beareth to our Natyon, she wyl fauorably accept,
and the same no doubte when opportunitye serueth, liberally
reward." Maister Philippo in curteous wise thanked the
gentlewoman, and said, that he was sorry he was not able better
to satisefie hir request, bicause in that countrey he had small
store of sutch desired things, neuerthelesse he would make
diligent search, to get so many as were possible to be found,
either amongs the Gentlemen that folowed the Court, or else
where they were to be gotten. In the meane time, he sayd, that
he would deliuer those few hee had, and bring them vnto hir that
night, praying hir to commend hym to the good grace, and fauour
of hir maiesty. And so he tooke hys leaue, and went strayght to
hys Lodging, where diligently he began to search among his
writings (the gladdest man in the Worlde for that occasion
offered) and founde amonges the same diuers rithmes which hee
thought vnworthy to passe into the handes of so great a Lady,
sauing the third Rithme or Chapter, as we commonly call it, made
by a notable Doctor of the lawes, and excellent Poet called
M. Niccolo Amanio, of Crema, who no doubt for making of vulgar
rithmes, thereby expressing the amorous affections of Louers,
was in our time without comparison. And bicause the same was so
apt for the purpose of mayster Philippo his loue, as could be
desired, he wrote the same fayre (being in deede a very fayre
sheete of Paper,) which soundeth to this effect.
_Quanto piu cresce (Amor) Paspro tormento, &c._
The more (O Loue) thy bitter pangs augment,
Melting by times my sad accensed spreete,
The more to burne I feele my selfe content:
And though ech day a thousande times I fleete
Twixt hope and dreade, all dolour yet and smart
My glorious proofe of enterprise makes sweete.
The fire so high which kindled hath myne hart,
As by loue's flames none euer had (I know)
So lofty source of heate in any part,
Sweete then my torments are, sweete is my woe,
Sweete eke of loue the light, sweete the conceyte
From so high beames, fallen in my breast, groe.
Sutch power of porte, sutch maiesty most gret
I tremble to beholde, and do confesse
My lot to base, so worthy a blisse to get.
But will herein my Reason doth suppresse,
And those fayre eyes, where loue himselfe ny lies,
Armed with lookes of ioy and gentlenesse,
Lookes that vpliftes my soule aboue the Skies,
And in each coast al cloudes expelling cleane,
Do teach ten thousand pathes to Paradise.
My Goddesse braue, Angelicall Sirene,
Fayrenesse it selfe, Dame Beautie's sacred heire:
What mounts of ioy may match my happy paine,
Whose scaling hope how so ensue dispeire,
Leues vaunt of thoughts, which once so highly flew
As honour, all that earth besides doth beare,
Comparde to this, but baggage were to vew.
When Mayster Philippo had written out these verses, immediately
he returned to the court, and caused Madona Paolo, to be called
vnto him by one of the Gromes of the Chamber, to whom he sayd:
"Maystresse Paola, I haue brought you a ditty, that is very trim
and prety, which I pray you deliuer to the Queene, and I will do
what I can to get other." Maistresse Paola tooke them, and went
into the chamber, and findinge the Queene alone, sayd to hir:
"Madame, this morninge yee commaunded me to get you some Italian
Rithmes, and vpon inquirie I haue receyued these few verses of
mayster Philippo, secretary to the Lord Andrea Borgo, who hath
promised to bring me other." The Queene hearing hir speake those
words, smilinge receiued the Paper, and read the same: the sense
whereof she liked very well, thinking that mayster Philippo had
bene the compositor of the same, and that of purpose he had made
them for hir, whereby shee was out of doubt that it was shee
that mayster Philippo so feruently loued, and the better hir
opinion was confirmed, bicause some of the words tended to the
state of hir personage. And considering the valor of hys minde,
she praysed Nature, for that in a man so basely borne shee had
sowen the seeds of a gentlemanlike and noble heart, greatly to
hir selfe commendynge the yong man. Then she conferred the whole
matter wyth hir Coosin Queene Marie: which was a wyse and comely
Ladye, and vpon that loue they vsed many discourses, more and
more hauing in regard the behauiour of that yong Gentleman.
Queene Anne determined, when conueniently shee might, to rendre
to mayster Philippo, for his great loue condigne rewarde: and
studying still how to requite his curtesie, euer when she saw
maister Philippo, shee vsed him with her wonted chere and
grateful salutation (which thinge onely euery honest gentleman
ought to expect that is indued wyth reason at the hands of a
pryncesse so noble and worthy, as a reward sufficient, the
inequality of the parties considered.) Whereof mayster Philippo
was the best contented man of the world, and durst not hope for
greater guerdon, continuing his wonted lyfe fed hym self stil
with that beloued sight, in sutch wyse as many Gentlemen enuied
the fauor borne vnto him by the Queene, who for none other cause
did vse that curtesy, but for that she saw him to be Vertuous
and well learned: continually esteemyng sutch as wyth learning
or other gyftes of the mynd were indewed: and when occasion
chaunced, shee vouchesafed to bestowe vpon them curteous
intertaynment and lyberall rewardes. It fortuned about that time
that the Emperor Maximilian died, Charles his nephew (which was
the Emperor Charles, the fifth,) then beyng in Spayne, by reason
of whose death the Lord Andrea Borgo, purposed to send one of
hys Gentlemen to kyng Charles, for the confirmation of that
lyuing he enioyed, giuen vnto him for his long and faythfull
seruyce by the said Maximilian. Amongst al he chose this maister
Philippo, for his wisdome and experience in sutch affayres.
Which don, he went to the Queenes, and gaue them to vnderstand
that shortely he would send his Secretarie into Spayne, and told
them the cause, humbly praying them both, that they would write
their fauorable letters in his behalf. The Queenes knowing what
payne and trauell hee had sustayned in the seruice of
Maximilian, and what daungers he had passed, were very willing
therunto. Now Queene Anne remembred that she had conuenient time
to recompence maister Philippo for hys long loue born vnto hir:
and bicause she was the most curteous Lady of the world, and
therwithal most bountifull and liberal, and not onely with
comely talke and gesture: but also in effecte willing to do them
good, whome she honoured in minde, concluded what to do,
requiring the Lord Andrea to send his Secretarie vnto hir, when
he was ready to depart, for that besides Letters, she woulde by
mouth commit certain businesse for hir to do in the Courte of
Spayne. When the Lord Andrea was gone, Queene Anne began to
deuise with the other Queene what she mighte doe for mayster
Philippo, who prayed Queene Anne, after she had commended him in
letters, to suffer hir to make the ende and conclusion of the
same. Whereupon both the Queenes wrote many letters into Spayne,
to king Charles, and to the Lord Chancellour and other Noble
men, whome they thought to bee apte and mete ministers to bring
the effect of their letters to passe. When the Lord Andrea had
put all thinges in order for that dispatch, he sayd to mayster
Philippo, (which was now furnished with all thyngs necessary and
apertinent for that long voyage:) "Philippo, remembre this day
that you goe to Quene Anne, and tell her, that I require you to
come vnto hir, to know if she would commaund you any seruice to
the Catholike Kynge, where you shall humbly offer your seruice,
in what it pleaseth hir to commaunde: you shall also tel hir
what things I haue gyuen vnto you in charge by speciall
commission." Neuer could more pleasant talke found into the
eares of maister Philippo, than this, who for that he should
bothe see and speake vnto his Lady before his departure, and for
that she would commit vnto him the doing of hir affayres in
Spayne, was the gladdest and best contented man of the world.
The houre come when he thought good to repayre to the Queene, he
went vnto hir, and gaue hir to vnderstand by one of the priuy
Chamber, that he was attendant there to know hir pleasure. The
Quene certyfied of his readinesse to depart, by and by toke
order that he should come into hir chambre, who entring the same
with trembling heart, and after he had done hys humble
reuerence, with great feare and bashfulnesse, said: "Pleaseth
your Maiesty, that my Lorde Borgo, being about to addresse mee
hys Secretarie into Spayne, to the Catholike King there, hath
commaunded me to wayte vpon your hyghnesse, to knowe your
pleasure for certain affayres to be don for your maiesty:
Wherfore may it please the same to employ mee, your humble
seruaunte, I shall thinke my self the happiest man of the world:
A thing so blessed and ioyfull vnto me, as no benefite or
commoditie can render vnto me greater felicitie." Then he
dysclosed vnto her thee rest of his message, which was committed
vnto hym by his lord and maister. The Queene beholding hym wyth
mery countenaunce gently sayd vnto hym: "And we for the trust we
haue in you to do our message and other affayres in Spayne, haue
requyred you to come hither: And bycause we knowyng you to be a
Gentleman, and assured that you wyll gladly do your endeuour in
any thing that may do vs pleasure, haue chosen you aboue any
other. Our wyl and commaundement is, that fyrst you delyuer
these letters, conteining matters of great importance to the
hands of the catholike King, and that you do our humble
commendations to his maiesty. Then al the rest accordingly as
they be directed, which principally aboue other things we pray
you to dispatch vpon your arriuall: And if we bee able to do you
any pleasure, eyther for your preferment, or for other
commodity, spare not to write vnto vs your mynd, and (we doe
assure you) the same shalbe efectually accomplyshed, to the
vttermoste of our indeuour, whych we do of our owne motion
frankely offre vnto you, in consideration of the fidelitie,
worthinesse, and honeste behauiour alwayes knowen to be in you."
Mayster Philippo hearynge these wordes was replenyshed with
sutch ioy, as he thought hymselfe rapt into the heauens, and his
heart felt sutch pleasure, as it semed to flote in some depe sea
of delights: and after the best maner he coulde, thanked hir for
hir curtesie: and albeit (he sayd) that hee knew hymself
vnworthy of that fauor, yet he dedicated the same to hir
commaundement, surrendring himselfe as a slaue and faythful
seruant to hir maiesty. Then vppon his knees, to his great
contentation he kissed hir hands, which of hir selfe she offred
vnto him, and then reuerently he toke his leaue. When hee was
gone oute of the chamber, he met with the Queene's Coferer, that
attended for him, who taking him aside, did put into his hand a
purse with 500. crowns, and the maister of the horsse presented
vnto him a very goodly and beautifull horse, wherewith maister
Philippo was so well pleased, as he was like to leape out of his
skin for ioy. Then he toke his iorney and arriued at the Courte
in Spayne, where at oportunity, he deliuered his Letters to King
Charles, and accomplished other busines and message prescribed
vnto him by Quene Anne: And when he had dispatched the Queene's
other letters, he attended the businesse of his Lord Andrea
Borgo. The king perused the Contentes of the letters sent vnto
him by his sister and kynswoman, so did the Lord Chauncellour,
(which at that time was the Lord Mercurino Gattinara,) and
other, to whom the Queenes had written: whereby the king was
solicited to stand good Lord, to the Lorde Andrea Borgo, and
likewise exhorted him to be beneficial to mayster Phylippo, whom
for his good condicions and experience they had sent vnto him in
the ambassage. Vpon a day the king moued by the Lorde
Chancellor, caused maister Philippo to come before him, to whom
kneling before his maiesty, the king said these words: "The
testimony and report so honorably made of you by the two
Queenes, from whom you brought vs letters, and the hope which we
haue to find you a faithful and profitable seruant, and to be
correspondent in effecte to the tenor of those letters, moueth
vs to accepte you into the numbre of one of our Secretaries,
wherein before our presence you shal sweare vnto vs to be
faithfull and true." Maister Philippo that expected for no sutch
dignity, maruelled at the Kyng's wordes, and there by oth
ministred vnto hym by the Lorde Chauncellour was receyued into
his seruice, and exercysed that office, in singular fauor of the
King, to the great satysfaction of al men. And after that King
Charles was elected Emperor, knowing the experience that maister
Philippo had in the affaires of Italy, and specially in
Lombardie, he commytted vnto hym all matters touchyng the state
of the region, which so happily came to passe to maister
Philippo, as besides the ornaments of vertue and wisedom, he
acquyred greate riches, and yet he continually serued and
worshipped the Queene as his noble patronesse and worthy
mystresse. Tel me now ye faire Ladies and Gentlewomen! What
shall we say of the princely behauiour and noble disposition of
this Queene? Truly in my iudgment, she deserueth that prayse and
commendation that may be attributed to the moste excellente
Ladye of the Worlde, who neuer gaue ouer her faythful seruant
tyl she had bountifully with hir own hands and commendation,
rendred vnto hym a most Pryncely rewarde. And as the funne in
beautye and bryghtnesse doeth surmounte the other furniture of
the Skies, euen so Magnyfycence, and liberality in ech Lady doth
excell all other vertues, specially in those personages, that
keepe the state of Princes. But to conclude, mete and requisite
it is, that yee beautify this most curtuous and liberall Queene
wyth due prayses: For surely in my iudgement, if all Women would
confer theyr heades and Wittes together, and deuise Hymnes and
Sonnets of Liberality, they can neuer sufficiently be able to
celebrate the prayse and glory of thys Queene.