_Two gentlemen of Venice were honourably deceiued of their
Wyues, whose notable practises, and secret conference for
atchieuinge their desire, occasioned diuers accidentes, and
ingendred double benefit: wherein also is recited an eloquent
oration, made by one of them, pronounced before the Duke
and state of that Cittye: with other chaunces and actes
concerninge the same._
Heere haue I thought good to summon 2 Gentlewomen of Venice to
appeare in Place, and to mount on Stage amongs other Italian
Dames to shew cause of their bolde incountrey agaynst the Folly
of their two Husbands, that vncharitably without respect of
neyghbourhoode, went about to assayle the honesty of eyther's
wyfe, and weening they had enioyed others felicity, by the
womens prudence, foresight and ware gouernment, were both
deceiued, and yet attayned the chiefest benefit that mariage
state doth looke for: so that if search bee made amonges
antiquities, it is to be doubted wheather greater chastity, and
better pollicy could be founde for accomplishment of an intended
purpose. Many deedes haue ben done by women for sauegard of
their Husbandes lyues, as that of the Minyæ, a sort of Women
whose husbandes were imprisoned at Lacedæmon, and for treason
condemned, who to saue their liues, entred into prison the night
before they should dy, and by exchange of apparell, deliuered
them, and remayned there to suffer for them. Of Hipsicratea also
the Queene and Wyfe of Mithridates king of Pontus, who spared
not hir Noble beauty and golden lockes to manure hir selfe in
the vse of armes, to keepe hir husband company in perils and
daungers: and being ouercome by Pompeius, and flying away, neuer
left him vnaccompanied, ne forsooke sutch trauayle as he
himselfe sustayned. The like also of Æmilia, Turia, Sulpitia,
Portia, and other Romane Dames. But that sutch haue preuented
their husband's folly, seldome we reade, sauing of Queene Marie,
the Wife of Don Pietro king of Arragon, who marking the
insolency of hir husband, and sory for his disordred life,
honest iealousie opening hir continent eyes, forced hir to seeke
meanes to remoue his wanton acts, or at leastwise by pollicy and
wise foresight to make him husbande and culture his own soyle,
that for want of seasonable tillage was barren and voyde of
fruicte. Wherefore consulting with the Lord chamberlayne, who of
custome brought whom the king liked best, was in place of his
woman bestowed in his Bed, and of her that night begat the yong
Prynce Giacomo, that afterwardes proued a valiaunte, and wise
king. These passing good pollicies of women many times abolish
the frantik lecherous fits of husbands gieuen to superfluous
lusts, when first by their chast behauiour and womanly patience
they contayne that which they be loth to see or heare of, and
then demaunding counsell of sobriety and wisedome, excogitate
sleights to shun folly, and expell discurtesie, by husbande's
carelesse vse. Sutch practises, and deuises, these two
Gentlewomen whom I now bringe forth, disclose in this discourse
ensuing. In the Citty of Venice, (which for riches and fayre
Women excelleth all other within the region of Italy) in the
time that Francesco Foscari, a very wyse Prynce, did gouerne the
state, there were two young Gentlemen, the one called Girolamo
Bembo, and the other Anselmo Barbadico, betwene whom as many
times chaunceth amongs other, grew sutch great hatred and cruel
hostility, as ech of them by secret and all possible meanes
deuised to doe other shame and displeasure, which kindled to
sutch outrage, as it was thought impossible to be pacified. It
chaunced that at one tyme both of them did mary two noble young
Gentlewomen, excellent and fayre, both brought vp vnder one
Nurse, and loued ech other lyke two Sisters, and as though they
had been both borne of one body. The Wyfe of Anselmo, called
Isotta, was the Daughter of Messer Marco Gradenigo, a man of
great estimation in that Citty, one of the procuratours of San
Marco, whereof there were not so great number in those dayes as
there bee now, because the Wysest men, and best Approued of Lyfe
were chosen to that great and Noble dignity, none allotted
thereunto by Bribes or Ambition. The Wyfe of Girolamo Bembo was
called Lucia, the Daughter of Messer Gian Francesco Valerio
Caualiere, a Gentleman very well learned, and many times sent by
the State, Ambassador into diuers Countreys, and after he had
bene Orator wyth the Pope, for his wisedome in the execution of
the same was in great estimation wyth the whole Citty. The two
Gentlewomen after they were maried, and heard of the hatred
betwene their Husbandes, were very sorrowfull and pensiue,
because they thought the Freendshyp and Loue betwene them
twayne, continued from their tender yeares, could not bee, but
with greate difficulty kept, or else altogither dissolued and
broken. Notwithstanding beyng discrete and wyse, for auoyding
occasion of eche Husbande's offence, determined to cease their
accustomed conuersation and louinge Familiarity, and not to
frequent others company, but at Places and Tymes conuenient. To
whom Fortune was so fauourable, as not onely theyr Houses were
neere together but also adioyninge, in the Backsides whereof
theyr Gardeyns also Confined, seperated onely wyth a lyttle
Hedge, that euery day they myght see one another, and many tymes
talke together: moreouer the Seruauntes, and People of eyther
houses were freendly, and familiar, whych didde greately content
the two Louynge Gentlewomen, bicause they also in the absence of
theyr Husbandes, myghte at pleasure in their Gardens disport
themselues. And continuing this order the space of three yeares
neyther of them within that terme were with chylde. In which
space Anselmo many times viewing and casting his eyes vpon
Madonna Lucia, fell earnestly in loue with hir, and was not that
day well at ease, wherein he had not beholden hir excellent
beauty. She that was of Spirite, and Wit subtle, marked the
lookes and maner of Anselmo, who neyther for loue, ne other
cause did render like lookes on him, but to see to what ende his
louing cheere and Countenaunce would tend. Notwithstanding she
seemed rather desirous to behold him, than elswhere to imploye
hir lookes. On the other side the good behauiour, the wise order
and pleasaunt beauty of Madonna Isotta was so excellent and
plausible in the sight of mayster Girolamo, as no Louer in the
World was better pleased with his beloued than he with hir: who
not able to liue wythout the sweete sight of Isotta (that was a
crafty and wily Wench) was by hir quickly perceiued. She being
right honest and wise, and louing hir husband very dearely, did
beare that countenaunce to Girolamo, that she generally did to
any of the Citty, or to other straunger that she neuer saw
before. But hir husband more and more inflamed, hauing lost the
liberty of himselfe, wounded and pierced with the amorous arowes
of Loue, coulde not conuert his minde to any other but to
mistresse Lucia. These two women wonted to heare seruice euery
day ordinarily at the church of Sanfantino, bicause they lay
long a bed in the mornings, and commonly seruice in that church
was sayd somewhat late: their pewes also somwhat distant one
from an other. Whether their 2 amorous husbands continually vsed
to follow them a loofe of, and to place themselues where eyther
of them might best view his beloued: by which custome they
seemed to the common people to be iealous ouer their Wyues.
But they prosecuted the matter in sutch wyse, as eyther of them
without shipping, sought to send other into Cornouale. It came
to passe then, that these 2 beloued gentlewomen one knowing
nothing of another's intent, determined to consider better of
this loue, because the great good will long time borne, should
not be interrupted. Vppon a certayne day when their husbands
were abrode, resorting together to talk at their Garden hedge
according to theyr wonted manner, they began to be pleasaunte
and merry: and after louynge salutations, Mistresse Lucia spake
these Woordes vnto hir Companyon: "Isotta my deare beloued
sister, I haue a tale to tell you of your husband, that
perchaunce will seeme straunger than anye newes that euer you
heard." "And I" (answered mistresse Isotta) "I have a story to
tel you that wil make you no lesse to wonder than I at that
which you haue to say, and it may be will put you into some
choler and chafe." "What is that?" quod the one and other.
In the ende eyther of them told what practizes and loue their
husbands went about. Whereat although they were in great rage
for theyr husbandes follye, yet for the time they laughed out
the matter, and thought that they were sufficient (as in very
deede they were, a thing not to be doubted) and able to satisfie
their husbands hunger and therewithall began to blame them and
to say that they deserued to learn to play of the Cornets, if
they had no greater feare of God, and care of honesty than their
husbands had. Then after mutch talke of this matter, concluded
that they should do wel to expect what their husbands would
demaund. Hauing taken order as they thought meete, they agreed
dailye to espye what shoulde chaunce, and purposed first with
sweete and pleasaunte lookes to bayte and lure eche other feere,
to put them in hope therby that they should satisfie their
desires, which done for that tyme they departed. And when at the
Church at Sanfantino or other place in Venice, they chanced to
meete their louers, they shewed vnto them cheareful and mery
Countenaunce: whych the Louers well notyng, were the gladdest
Men of the Worlde: and seeing that it was impossible in Speache
to vtter their Myndes, they purposed by Letters to signify the
same. And hauing found Purciuants to goe betwene parties
(whereof this City was wont to be ful) either of them wrote an
Amorous Letter, to his beloued, the content whereof was, that
they were verye desyrous secretly to talke with them, thereby to
expresse the burnynge affectyons that inwardly they bare them,
whych without declaration and vtterance by Mouthe in theyr owne
presence, woulde breede them Torments more bytter than Deathe.
And wythin fewe Dayes after (no greate difference of Tyme
betweene,) they wrote their Letters. But Girolamo Bembo hauing a
pregnant Wit, who coulde well Endite both in prose, and Rime,
wrote an excellent sonnet in the prayse of his Darling in
Italian Meeter, and wyth hys Letter sent the same vnto hir,
the effect whereof doth follow.
A liuely face and pearcing beauty bright
Hath linkt in loue my sely sences all:
A comely porte, a goodly shaped wight
Hath made me slide that neuer thought to fall:
Hir eyes, hir grace, hir deedes and maners milde,
So straines my heart that loue hath Wit begilde.
But not one dart of Cupide did me wounde,
A hundred shaftes lights all on me at ones:
As though dame kind some new deuise had founde,
To teare my flesh, and crash a two my bones:
And yet I feele sutch ioy in these my woes
That as I die my sprite to pleasure goes.
These new found fits sutch change in me doe breede,
I hate the day and draw to darknesse, lo!
Yet by the Lampe of beauty doe I feede
In dimmest dayes and darkest nights also,
Thus altring State and changing Diet still,
I feele and know the force of Venus will.
The best I finde, is that I doe confesse,
I loue you Dame whose beauty doth excell:
But yet a toy doth breede me some distresse,
For that I dread you will not loue me well,
Than loue yee wot shall rest in me alone:
And fleshly brest, shall beare a heart of stone.
O goddesse mine, yet heare my voyce of ruthe,
And pitie him that heart presents to thee:
And if thou want a witnesse for my truth
Let sighes and teares my iudge and record be,
Vnto the ende a day may come in hast,
To make me thinke I spend no time in waste.
For nought preuayles in loue to serue and sue
If full effect ioyne not with words at neede,
What is desire or any fansies newe
More than the winde? that spreades abroade in deede,
My words and works, shall both in one agree,
To pleasure hir, whose Seruaunt would I bee.
The subtill Dames receiuing those amorous letters and song,
disdanfully at the first seemed to take them at the bringers
hands, as they had determined, yet afterwardes they shewed
better countenaunce. These letters were tossed from one to an
other, whereat they made great pastime, and thought that the
same would come to very good successe, eyther of theym keepinge
styll their Husbande's Letter, and agreed without iniury done
one to an other trimly to deceyue their husbands. The maner how
you shall perceyue anone. They deuised to send word to their
Louers, that they were ready at al times to satisfie their
sutes, if the same might be secretly done, and safely might make
repayre vnto their houses, when their Husbands were absent,
which in any wise they sayde, must be done in the night, for
feare least in the day tyme they were discried. Agayne these
prouident and subtill Women had taken order wyth their Maydes,
whom they made priuy to their practyse that through their
Gardens they should enter into other's house, and bee shut in
their Chambers without Lyght, there to tary for their Husbands,
and by any meanes not to bee seene or knowne. This order
prescribed and giuen, Mistresse Lucia first did hir louer to
vnderstand, that the night insuing at foure of the Clock at the
Posterne dore, which should be left open, he should come into
hir house, where hir mayde should be ready to bring him vp to
hir Chaumbre, because hir husband Maister Girolamo woulde that
Night imbarke himselfe to goe to Padua. The like Mistresse
Isotta did to Maister Girolamo, appointing him at fiue of the
clock, whych she sayd was a very conuenient time, bicause
mayster Anselmo that night would sup and lye with certayne of
his Fryends at Murano, a place besides Venice. Vpon these newes,
the 2 Louers thought them selues the most valiaunt and fortunate
of the World, no Enterprise now there was but seemed easie for
them to bring to passe, yea if it were to expell the Saracens
out of Hierusalem, or to depriue the great Turke of his Kingdome
of Constantinople. Their ioy was sutch, as they coulde not tell
where they were, thinking euery houre a whole day till night.
At length the tyme was come so long desired, and the Husbandes
accordingly gaue diligent attendaunce, and let their Wyues to
vnderstande, (or at least wyse beleeued they had) that they
could not come home that night for matters of great importaunce.
The Women that were very wise, seeing their ship sayle wyth so
prosperous wynde, fayned themselues to credite all that they
offered. These young men tooke eyther of them his Gondola (or as
we tearm it theyr Barge) to disport themselues, and hauing
supped abroade, rowed in the Canali, which is the Water that
passeth through diuers Streates of the Citty, expecting their
appoyncted houre. The Women ready at three of the Clocke,
repayred into their Gardens, and after they had Talked, and
Laughed together a prety whyle, went one into an other's house,
and were by the maydes brought vp to the Chaumbers. There eyther
of them the Candle being light, began diligently to view the
order and situation of the Place, and by little and little
marked the chiefest things they looked for, committing the same
to memory. Afterwards they put out the Candle, and both in
trembling maner expected the comming of their Husbandes. And
iust at four of the Clocke the Mayden of Madonna Lucia stoode at
the dore to wayte for the comminge of Maister Anselmo, who
within a while after came, and gladly was let in by the mayde,
and by hir conducted vp to hir Bed side. The place there, was so
dark as Hel, and impossible for him to know his Wyfe. The two
Wyues were so like of bignesse and Speach as by darke wythout
great difficulty they could be known: when Anselmo had put of
his clothes, he was of his Wyfe amorously intertayned, thinking
the Wyfe of Girolamo had receyued him betwene hir armes, who
aboue a Thousande times kissed hir very sweetely, and she for
hir parte sweetely rendred agayne to hym so many: what followed
it were Folly to describe. Girolamo lykewise at 5 of the clocke
appeared, and was by the mayde conueied vp to the Chamber, where
he lay with his own Wife, to their great contentations. Now
these 2 husbands thinking they had ben imbraced by their beloued
Ladies, to seeme braue, and valiaunt men of Warre, made greater
proofe of their Manhoode, than they were wont to do. At what
time their Wyues (as it pleased God to manifest by their
deliuery) were begotten with child of 2 fayre Sons, and they the
best contented Women of the World. This practise continued
betwene them many times, fewe weekes passing but in this sort
they lay together. Neither of them for all this perceiued
themselues to be deluded, or conceyued any suspition of
collusion for that the chamber was still without light, and in
the day the Women commonly fayled not to be together. The time
was not longe but their Bellies began to swell, whereat their
Husbandes were exceeding ioyfull, beleeuing verily that eyther
of them had fixed Hornes vpon the other's head. Howbeit the
poore men for all their false Beliefe had bestowed theyr Laboure
vppon their owne Soyle, watred onely with the course of their
proper Fountayne. These two Iolly Wenches seeyng themselues by
thys amorous practize to be with Childe, beganne to deuise howe
they might break of the same, douting least some slaunder and
ill talke should rise: and thereby the hatred and malice betwene
theyr husbandes increase to greater fury. And as they were
aboute thys deuise, an occasion chaunced vtterly to dissolue
theyr accustomed meetynges, but not in that sorte as they woulde
haue had it. For the Women determined as merily they had begon
so iocundlye to ende: but Fortune the guide of Humane Lyfe,
disposeth all enterpryses after hir owne pleasure, who lyke a
puissant Lady caryeth with hir the successe of eche attempte.
The beginning she offereth freely to him that list, the Ende she
calleth for, as a ransome or trybute payable vnto hir. In the
same streate, or as they call it Rio, and Canale, not farre from
theyr Houses, there dwelled a young Woman very fayre and comely,
not fully twenty yeares of age, which then was a Widow, and a
lyttle before the wife of M. Niccolo Delphino, and the Daughter
of M. Giuoanni Moro, called Gismonda: she besides hir Father's
Dowrye (which was more than a Thousand Pound) had left hir by
hir Husband, a great Porcyon of Money, Iewels, Plate, and
houshold Furnitures. Wyth hir fell in Loue Aloisio Foscari, the
Nephewe of the Duke, who making greate sute to haue hir to Wyfe,
consumed the time in beholding his Ladye, and at length had
brought the matter to so good passe, as one Nighte she was
contented, at one of the Wyndowes of hir House directly ouer
agaynste a little lane, to heare him speake. Aloisio maruellous
glad of those desired Newes, at the appoynted Nyght, about fyue
or sixe of the Clocke, with a Ladder made of Roapes (bicause the
Window was very high) went thyther alone. Beyng at the place and
making a signe concluded vppon betweene them, attended when the
gentlewoman should throw down hir cord to draw vp the Ladder
accordingly as was appointed, which not longe after was done.
Gismonda when shee had receiued the ende of the Ladder, tied it
fast to the iawme of the wyndow, and gaue a token to hir Louer
to mount. He by force of loue being very venturous, liuely and
lustely scaled the Wyndow: and when he was vppon the Top of the
same, desirous to caste himselfe in, to embrace his Lady, and
shee not readye to receiue him, or else vppon other occasion, he
fel downe backewarde, thinking as he fell to haue saued himselfe
twice or thryce by catchyng holde vppon the Ladder, but it would
not be. Notwithstanding, as God would haue it, the poise of his
Body fell not vppon the pauement of the streate fully, but was
stayed by some lets in the fall, whych had it not bene so, no
doubt he had bene slayne out of hande, but yet his bones were
sore brused and his heade deepely wounded. The infortunate Louer
seeing himselfe sore hurt wyth that pityfull fall, albeyt hee
thought that hee had receiued his Death's Wounde, and impossyble
to liue any longer, yet the loue that he bare to the Widow,
did so far surmount hys payne and the gryefe of hys Body sore
crushed and broken, that so well as he could, hee rose vp, and
with his hands stayed the Bloud that ranne from hys Heade, to
the intente yt myghte not rayse some slaunder vppon the Widow
whom hee loued so wel: and went alonges the streate towarde the
houses of Girolamo and Anselmo aforesaid. Being come thither
wyth greate difficulty not able to goe anye further for verye
payne and gryefe, hee faynted and fell downe as deade, where the
Bloude issued in sutch aboundaunce, as the Grounde therewyth was
greatly imbrued, and euery one that saw him thought him to be
voide of Lyfe. Mistresse Gismonda exceeding sorrowful for this
mischaunce, doubted that he had broken his Necke, but when she
saw hym depart, she comforted him so well as she could, and
drewe vp the Ladder into hir Chamber. Sutch Chaunces happen to
earnest Louers, who when they think they haue scaled the top of
theyr Felicity, sodaynly tomble downe into the Pit of extreme
despayre, that better it had ben for them leysurely to expect
the grace of their Ladyes at conuenient place and houre, than
hardily without prouidence to aduenture lyke desperat souldiers
to clym the top of the vamure, without measurying the height of
the Wals, or viewynge the substaunce of theyr Ladders, do
receyue in the ende cruell repulse, and fal down headlonge
either by present Death or mortall Wounde, to receyue
euerlastyng reproche and shame. But turne we agayne now to this
disgraced Louer, who lay gasping betwene Lyfe and Death. And as
he was in this sorrowful state, one of the Captaynes, a Noble
man appointed to see orders obserued in the Nighte, wyth hys
bande (which they call Zaffi) came thither: and finding hym
lying vpon the ground, knew that it was Aloisio Foscari, and
causing him to be taken vp from the place wher he lay, (thinking
he had ben dead) commanded that he should be conueyed into the
Church adioyning whych immediately was done. And when he had wel
considered the place where hee was founde, hee doubted that
eyther Girolamo Bembo or Anselmo Barbadico, before whose Dores
hee thought the murder committed, had kylled him, which
afterwards he beleued to be true, bycause he heard a certayne
noyse of mennes Feete at one of their Doores: wherefore he
deuided his company, placyng some on the one side of their
houses, and some on the other, besieging the same so well as he
coulde. And as Fortune woulde he founde by Neglygence of the
mayds, the dores of the II. houses open. It chaunced
also that Nyght that the two Louers one in other's House were
gone to lye with their Ladyes, who hearynge the hurly burly, and
sturre made in the house by the Sergeants, sodaynely the Women
lept out of their Beds, and bearyng their apparell vppon theyr
shoulders, went home to their houses throughe their Gardeins
vnseene of any, and in fearefull wyse did attende what should be
the End of the same. Girolamo, and Anselmo not knowing what
rumor and noise that was, although they made hast in the Darke
to cloth themselues, were by the Offycers without any field
fought, apprehended in ech other's Chamber, and remained
Prysoners at theyr mercy: whereat the Captayne and hys Band did
greatly maruell, knowyng the Hatred betweene them. But when
Torches and Lyghts were brought, and the two Gentlemen caried
out of Doores, the wonder was the greater for that they
perceyued them almoste Naked, and prysoners taken in eche
other's House. And besydes thys admiratyon, sutch murmur and
slaunder was bruted, as the quality of euerye Vulgar Heade
coulde secretlye deuyse or Imagyne, but specyally of the
innocente Women, who howe faultlesse they were, euery Man by
what is sayde before maye conceyue, and yet the cancred
Stomackes of that Troupe bare sutch Malyce agaynste them, as
they iarred and brawled agaynst them lyke curryshe Curres at
straunge Dogges whom they neuer sawe before. The Gentlemen
immediately were caried to pryson, ignorant vppon what occasion:
afterwards vnderstandinge that they were committed for the
murder of Aloisio Foscari, and imprysoned like theeues, albeit
they knew themselues guiltlesse of murder or Theft, yet their
gryef and sorrowe was very greate, beynge certayne that all
Venice should vnderstande howe they betweene whome had ben
mortall hatred, were nowe become copartners of that whych none
but the true possessours ought to enioy: and althoughe they
coulde not abyde to speake together, lyke those that deadely dyd
hate one another, yet both theyr myndes were fyxed vppon one
thought. In the ende, conceyuing Fury and despite agaynste theyr
Wyues, the place being so darke that no Lyght or Sunne coulde
pierce into the same, whereby wythout shame or disdayne one of
them began to speake to another, and with terrible Othes they
gaue theyr fayth to disclose the troth in what sort eyther of
them was taken in other's Chamber, and frankely told the way and
meane howe eche of them enioyed hys Pleasure of other's Wyfe:
whereupon the whole matter (according to their knowledge) was
altogether by little and little manifest and knowne. Then they
accompted theyr Wiues to be the most arrant strumpets within the
whole City, by dispraysing of whom theyr olde rancor was
forgotten, and they agreed together like two Fryends, who
thought that for shame they should neuer be able to looke Men in
the face, ne yet to shew themselues openlye within the Citye,
for sorrow whereof they deemed Death the greatest good turne and
best Benefit that could chance vnto them. To be short, seeing no
meanes or occasion to comfort and relieue theyr pensyue and
heauy states, they fell into extreeme despayre, who ashamed to
lyue any longer, deuised way to rid them selues of Lyfe,
concludyng to make themselues guilty of the murder of Aloiso
Foscari: and after mutch talke betweene them of that cruell
determination, styll approuing the same to be theyr best refuge,
they expected nothyng else, but when they should be examined
before the Magistrates. Foscari as is before declared was
carryed into the Churche for Deade, and the Pryest straightly
charged wyth the keepynge of hym, who caused hym to be conueyed
into the myddes of the Church, setting II. Torches a
Light, the one at his heade, and the other at his feete, and
when the Company was gone, he determined to goe to bed the
remnant of the Nyght to take his rest: but before he went,
seeing the Torches were but short, and could not last paste two
or three houres, he lighted two other, and set them in the
others place, for that it should seeme to his frends, if any
chaunced to come what care and worship he bestowed vpon him.
The Priest ready to depart, perceiued the Body somewhat to moue,
with that looking vppon his Face, espyed his eyes a little to
begin to open. Wherewithall somewhat afraide, he crying out, ran
awaye: notwithstanding his Courage began to come to him again,
and laying his hand vpon his breast, perceiued his heart to
beate, and then twas out of doubt that he was not dead, although
by reason of losse of his bloud he thought little life to
remaine in him: wherefore he with one of his fellow priests
which was a bed, and the Clerck of the Parish, caried maister
Foscari so tenderly as they could into the Priests Chamber,
which adioined next the Church. Then he sente for a surgeon that
dwelt hard by, and required him diligently to search the Wounde,
who so well as he could purged the same from the corrupt Bloud,
and perceiuyng it not to be mortall, so dressed it wyth Oyles
and other precious ointments, as Aloisio came agayn to hymselfe:
and when he had anoynted that recouered body wyth certayne
Precious and comfortable Oyles, he suffred him to take his rest:
the Priest also went to bed and slepte till it was Daye, who so
soone as he was vp, went to seeke the Captayne to tel him that
Maister Aloisio was recouered. The Captaine at that tyme was
gone to the pallace at San. Marco, to giue the Duke
aduertisement of thys Chaunce, after whom the Priest went and
was let in to the Duke's Chamber: to whom he declared what he
had done to Aloisio. The Duke very glad to heare tell of his
Nephewe's lyfe, although then very pensiue for the newes
broughte vnto him by the Captayne, intreated one of the Signor
de notte, to take with him two of the best surgions, and to call
him that had already dressed his Nephew, to goe to visite the
wounded Gentleman, that hee might be certified of the truth of
that Chaunce. All which together repaired to the Pryeste's
Chaumber, where fyndinge hym not a sleepe, and the Wounde fayre
inoughe to heale, dyd therevnto what their cunning thoughte
meete: and then they began to inquire of hym, that was not yet
full recouered to perfecte speache, howe that chaunce happened,
telling hym that he might frankelye confesse vnto them the
trouthe. The more dilygent they were in this demaunde, bicause
the Surgeon that dressed him fyrst, alleaged, that the Wounde
was not made with Sworde, but receiued by some greate fall or
blowe with Mace or Clubbe, or rather seemed to come of some high
fall from a Wyndowe, by reason his Head was so gryevously
brused. Aloisio hearynge the Surgeons sodayne demaunde,
presentlye aunswered, that he fell downe from a Wyndowe, and
named also the House. And he had no sooner spoken those Woordes,
but he was very angry wyth him selfe and sorrye: and
wherewithall his dismayde Spyrites began to reuyue in sutch
wyse, as sodainlye he choyse rather to dye than to speake any
thynge to the dyshonoure of mystresse Gismonda. Then the Signior
di notte, asked hym what he dyd there aboute that Tyme of the
Nyght, and wherfore hee dyd clymb vp to the Wyndowe, beynge so
hyghe: whych hee coulde not keepe secrete, consyderyng the
Authorytye of the Magystrate that demaunded the questyon, albeyt
hee thoughte that yf his Tongue hadde runne at large, and
commytted a Faulte by rashe speakynge, hys Bodye should
therefore suffer the smart: wherefore before hee woulde in any
wyse gyue occasion to slaunder hir, whome hee loued better than
hys owne Lyfe, determined to hazarde hys Lyfe and Honoure, to
the mercye of Iustice, and sayde: "I declared euen nowe, whych I
cannot denye, that I fell downe from the wyndowe of Mystresse
Gismonda Mora. The cause thereof (beeynge now at state, wherein
I knowe not whether I shall Lyue or Dye) I will truelye
dysclose: Mystresse Gismonda beynge a Wydowe and a younge Woman,
wythoute anye Man in hir House, bycause by reporte shee is very
rych of Iewels and Money, I purposed to robbe and dyspoyle:
wherefore I deuysed a ladder to clymbe vp to hir Wyndowe, with
Mynde full bent to kill all those that should resiste me: but my
mishappe was sutch as the Ladder being not well fastened fell
downe, and I my selfe therwithall, and thinking to recouer home
to my lodging with my corded Ladder, my Spirites beganne to
fayle, and tombled downe I wotte not where." The Signor de
notte, whose name was Domenico Mariperto hearing him say so,
maruelled greatly, and was very sorie, that all they in the
Chamber, which were a great number, (as at sutch chaunces
commonly be) dyd heare those Woordes: and bicause they were
spoken so openly, he was forced to saye vnto hym: "Aloisio,
it doth not a little grieue me that thou hast committed sutch
follye, but for so mutch as sorrowe now will not serue to
remedye the Trespasse, I muste needes shew my selfe both
faithfull to my countrey, and also carefull of mine honor,
withoute respect of persons: wherefore thou shalte remaine here
in sutch safe custody as I shal appoint, and when thou art
better amended, thou must according to desert be referred to the
Gaole." Leauing him there vnder sure keeping, he went to the
counsell of the Dieci, (which magistrates in that City be of
greatest authority) and finding the Lords in Counsell, he opened
the whole matter vnto them: the presidentes of the Counsell
which had hearde a great numbre of complaynts of many Theftes
don in the Nyght wythin the Citye, tooke order that one of the
Captaynes that were appoynted to the dilygente Watche and
keepyng of Aloisio, remayning in the Pryeste's House, should
cause him to be examined, and with tormentes forced to tell the
truth, for that they did verely beleeue that hee had committed
many Robberies besides, or at the least was priuy and accessarie
to the same, and knew where the Theues were become. Afterwardes
the sayd Counsell did sitte vppon the matter of Girolamo Bembo
and Anselmo Barbadico, found at myde Night naked in eche other's
Chambre, and commytted to Pryson as is before remembred: and
bicause they had many matters besides of greater importaunce, to
consult vppon, amongs which the warres betwene them and Philippo
Maria Visconte, Duke of Milane, the aforesayde causes were
deferred tyll an other tyme, notwythstandyng in the meane while
they were examyned. The Duke himselfe that tyme being in
Counsell, spake most seuerely against his Nephew: neuerthelesse
he did hardly beleeue that his Nephew being very rich, and
indued with great honesty, would abase himselfe to a vice so
vile and abhominable as theft is, wherevppon he began to
consider of many thinges, and in the ende talked with hys Nephew
secretly alone, and by that meanes learned the trouth of the
whole matter. In like maner Anselmo and Girolamo were Examined
by Commissioners appoyncted by the state, what one of them did
in an other's chamber, at that houre of the night, who confessed
that many tymes they had seene Aloisio Foscari, to passe vp and
down before their houses at times inconuenient, and that night
by chaunce one of them not knowing of another, espied Aloisio,
thinking that he lingered about their houses to abuse one of
their Wyues, for which cause they went out, and with their
Weapons sodenly killed him: which confession they openly
declared accordingly, as whereupon before they were agreed.
Afterwardes with further circumstaunce being examined vpon the
Article of being one in another's Chaumber, it appeared that
their first tale was vtterly vntrue: of all which contradictions
the Duke was aduertised, and was driuen into extreeme
admiration, for that the truth of those disorders coulde not be
to the full vnderstanded and knowne. Whereuppon the Dieci, and
the assistauntes were agayne assembled in councell accordinge to
the maner, at what time after all things throughly were debated
and ended, the Duke being a very graue man, of excellent Witte,
aduaunced to the Dukedome by the consent of the whole State, as
euery of theym were about to rise vp, hee sayde vnto them:
"My Lordes, there resteth one thinge yet to be moued, which
peraduenture hitherto hath not bene thought vpon: there are
before vs two complaynts, the effect whereof in my iudgement is
not throughly conceyed in the Opinions of diuers. Anselmo
Barbadico, and Girolamo Bembo, betwene whom there hath bene euer
continuall hatred, left vnto them as a man may say euen by
Fathers Inheritance both of them in eyther of their Chaumbers,
were apprehended in a manner naked by our Sergeaunts, and
without Torments, or for feare to bee racked vpon the onely
interrogatories of oure ministers, they haue voluntarily
confessed that before their houses they killed Aloisio our
Nephew: and albeit that our sayde Nephew yet liueth, and was not
striken by them or any other as should appeare, yet they
confesse themselues guilty of murder. What shall be sayd then to
the matter, doth it not seeme doubtfull? Our Nephew again hath
declared, that in going about to rob the house of Mistresse
Gismonda Mora, whom he ment to haue slayne, he fel downe to the
Ground from the top of a window, wherefore by reason so many
robberies haue bene discouered within the Citty, it may be
presumed that hee was the theefe and malefactor, who ought to be
put to the torments, that the truth may be knowne, and being
found guilty, to feele the seuere punishment that he hath
deserued. Moreouer when he was found lying vpon the ground, he
had neither Ladder nor Weapon, whereupon may bee thought that
the fact was otherwise done, than hitherto is confessed. And
because amongs morall vertues, temperance is the chiefest and
worthy of greatest commendation, and that iustice not
righteously executed, is iniustice and wronge, it is meete and
conuenient for vs in these straunge accidents, rather to vse
temperaunce than the rigor of iustice: and that it may appeare
that I do not speake these words without good grounde, marke
what I shall saye vnto you. These two most mortall enimies doe
confesse that which is impossible to be true, for that our
Nephew (as is before declared) is a liue, and his wounde was not
made by Sworde, as hee himselfe hath confessed. Now who can tell
or say the contrary, but that shame for being taken in their
seuerall Chambers, and the dishonesty of both their Wyues, hath
caused them to despise life, and to desire death? we shall finde
if the matter be diligently inquired and searched, that it will
fall out otherwise than is already supposed by common opinion.
For the contrariety of examinations, vnlikelihoode of
circumstances, and the impossibility of the cause, rendreth the
matter doubtfull: wherefore it is very needeful diligently to
examine these attempts, and thereof to vse more aduised
consideration. On the other side, our Nephew accuseth himselfe
to be a theefe and which is more, that hee ment to kill
Mistresse Mora when hee brake into hir house. Vnder this Grasse,
my Lords, as I suppose, some other Serpent lieth hiden, that is
not yet thought of. The Gentleman yee know before this time was
neuer defamed of sutch outrage, ne suspected of the least
offence that may be obiected: besides that, all yee doe know,
(thanks therefore be geuen to almighty God) that he is a man of
great richesse, and possessions, and hath no neede to rob: for
what necessity should driue him to rob a widowe, that hath of
his owne liberally to bestow vpon the succour of Widowes? Were
there none els of substance in the Citty for him to geue attempt
but to a Wyddowe, a comfortlesse creature, contented with quiet
lyfe to lyue amonges hir family within the boundes of hir owne
house? What if hir richesse, Iewels and plate be great, hath not
Aloisio of his owne to redouble the same? but truly this Robbery
was done after some other manner than hee hath confessed: to vs
then my Lords it appertayneth, if it so stande with your
pleasures, to make further inquiry of the same, promisinge vnto
you vppon our Fayth, that wee shall imploy our whole diligence
in the true examination of thys matter, and hope to bring the
same to sutch good ende, as none shall haue cause to blame vs,
the finall sentence whereof shall bee reserued to youre
iudgement." Thys graue request and wise talke of the Duke
pleased greatly the Lordes of the Counsayle, who referred not
onely the examination, but also the finall sentence vnto hym.
Whereuppon the wyse Prynce beinge fully enformed of the chaunce
happened to his Nephewe, attended onely to make search, if he
could vnderstand the occasion why Bembo and Barbadico so
foolishly had accused themselues of that which they neuer did.
And so after mutch counsayle, and great tyme contriued in their
seueral examinations, his Nephew then was well recouered, and
able to goe abroade, being set at liberty. The Duke then hauinge
bestowed hys trauayle with the other two prisoners, communicated
to the Lords of the aforesayd councel called Dieci the whole
trouth of the matter. Then he caused with great discretion,
proclamation to be made throughout Venice, that Anselmo and
Girolamo shold be beheded betwene the two Pyllers, and Aloisio
hanged, whereby he thought to know what sute the women would
make, eyther with or against their Husbandes, and what euidence
mistresse Gismonda woulde geue against Aloisio. The brute hereof
dispersed, diuers talke thereuppon was raysed, and no
communication of any thing els in open streats, and priuate
houses, but of the putting to death of those men. And bicause
all three were of honorable houses, their kinsmen, and Friendes
made sute by all possible meanes for theyr pardon. But their
Confessions published, the rumor was made worse, (as it dayly
chaunceth in like cases) than the matter was in deede, and the
same was noysed how Foscari had confessed so many theftes done
by him at diuers tymes, as none of his freends or Kin durst
speake for him. Mistresse Gismonda which bitterly lamented the
mischaunce of hir Louer, after she vnderstoode the confession
hee had made, and euidently knew that because hee woulde not
bleamish hir honour, he had rather willingly forgo his owne, and
therewithall his lyfe, felt hir selfe so oppressed with feruent
loue, as shee was ready presently to surrender hir ghost.
Wherefore shee sent him woorde that he should comfort himselfe,
because shee was determined to manifest the very trouth of the
matter, and hoped vppon hir declaration of true euidence,
sentence shoulde bee reuoked, for testimony whereof, shee had
his louinge letters yet to shewe, written to hir with his owne
handes, and would bring forth in the iudgement place, the corded
ladder, which she had kept stil in her chamber. Aloisio hearinge
these louing newes, and of the euidence which his Lady woulde
giue for his defence, was the gladdest man of the worlde, and
caused infinite thankes to be rendred vnto hir, wyth promise
that if hee might bee rid and discharged out of prison, he
woulde take hir for his louing spouse and wyfe. Whereof the
gentlewoman conceyued singuler solace, louing hir deere freende
with more entier affection than hir owne soule. Mistresse Lucia,
and mistresse Isotta, hearing the dispercled voyce of the death
of their husbands, and vnderstanding the case of mistresse
Gismonda by an other woman, layd their heads together likwise to
deuise meanes for sauing their husbandes liues: and entring into
their Barge, or Gondola, wente to seeke mistresse Gismonda and
when they had debated vppon the trouthe of these euents,
concluded with one assent to prouide for the safegarde and
deliuerye of theyr husbandes, wherein they shewed themselues
both wise and honest. For what state is more honorable and of
greater Comforte than the marryed Lyfe, if in deede they that
haue yoaked themselues therein be conformable to those
Delightes, and contentation which the same conduceth? Wealth and
Riches maketh the true vnyted couple to reioyce in the Benefits
of Fortune, graunted by the sender of the same, either of them
prouiding for disposing thereof, against the decripite time of
olde age, and for the bestowing of the same vppon the Fruicte
accrued of theyr Bodies. Pouerty in any wise dothe not offend
them, both of them glad to laboure and trauaile like one Body,
to sustaine theyr poore and neady Lyfe, eyther of them
Comfortably doth Minyster comforte in the cruell tyme of
Aduersity, rendring humble thankes to God for hys sharp Rodde
and Punyshment enflicted vppon them for their manyfolde sinnes
commytted againste hys maiestye, trauailinge by night and Daye
by sweatinge Browes to get browne Breade, and drynke ful thin to
cease the Cryes and pytifull crauinges of their tender Babes,
wrapt in Cradle and instant on their mother to fill their hungry
mouthes. Aduerse fortune maketh not one to forsake the other.
The louing Wyfe ceaseth not by paynfull sute to trot and go by
Night and day in heate and colde to relieue the miserye of hir
husband. He likewise spareth not his payne to get and gayne the
liuyng of them both. He abrode and at home according to his
called state, she at home to saue the Lucre of that Labor, and
to doe sutch necessary trauayle incident to the married kinde.
He carefull for to get, she heedeful for to saue, he by trafique
and Arte, shee by diligence and housholde toile. O the happy
state of married folke: O surpassing delights of mariage
bed: which maketh these II. poore Gentlewomen, that by
honorable pollicy saued the honor of themselues and honesty of
theyr husbandes, to make humble sute for their preseruation, who
were like to be berieued of their greatest comforts. But come we
again to declare the last act of this Comical discourse. These
maried Women, after this chaunce befell, vpon their husbandes
imprysonment, began to be abhorred of their Friendes and
Parentes, for that they were suspected to be dishoneste, by
reason whereof dolefully lamenting their Misfortune,
notwithstandynge their owne conscience voyde of faulte, dyd byd
them to be of good cheere and comfort. And when the daye of
execution came, they dyd theyr Friends and Parents to vnderstand
that their conceiued opinyon was vntrue, and prayed them to
forbeare their disdain and malice, till the truth should be
throughly manifested, assuring them that in the End their owne
innocencie and the guiltlesse cryme of their Husbands should
openly be reuealed to the Worlde. In the meane time they made
request vnto their Friendes, that one of the Lordes called
Auogadori might be admitted to vnderstande their case, the rest
to be referred to themselues, wherein they had no neede either
of Proctor or Aduocate. This request seemed verye straunge to
their friends, deeming their case to be shameful and
abhominable: neuertheles diligently they accomplyshed their
request and vnderstandyng that the Counsell of the Dieci had
commytted the matter wholy to the Duke, they made a supplicatyon
vnto hym in the name of the three Gentlewomen, wherein they
craued nothing else but theyr matter might be hearde. The Duke
perceiuying hys aduise like to take effect, assigned them a Day,
commaundinge them at that tyme before hym and the Lords of the
Councell and all the College of the estate to appeare. The Day
being come, all the Lordes assembled, desirous to see to what
issue this matter would grow. On the morning the three
Gentlewomen honestly accompanied with other Dames, went to the
Palace, and goynge along the streate of San Marco the people
began to vtter many raylyng words against them: some cried out
(as we see by vnstable order the vulgare people in like cases
vse to do) and doinge a certain curtisy by way of disdain and
mockery: "Behold the honest women, that without sending their
husbands out of Venice, haue placed them in the Castell of
Cornetto, and yet the arrante Whoores bee not ashamed to shewe
them selues abrode, as thoughe they hadde done a thynge that
were Honeste and prayse worthye." Other shot forth theyr Boltes,
and wyth theyr Prouerbes proceedyng from their malicious Mouthes
thwited the pore Women at their pleasure. Other also seeyng
Mystresse Gismonda in their Company, thought that she went to
declame against maister Aloisio Foscari, and none of them all
hapned on the trouth. Arryued at the pallace, ascending the
marble staires or steps of the same, they were brought into the
great hal, wher the Duke appointed the matter to be heard.
Thither repaired the friends and those of nearest kin to the
three Gentlewomen, and before the matter did begin, the Duke
caused also the thre prisoners to be brought thither. Thither
also came many other Gentlemen, with great desire to see the end
of those euents. Silence being made the Duke turning his face to
the women, sayd vnto them: "Ye Gentlewomen haue made requeste by
supplycatyon to graunt you publike audyence accordyng to
Iustice, for that you do alleage that Law and order doth so
require, and that euery wel ordred common wealth condemneth no
subiecte withoute due answere by order of lawe. Beholde
therefore, that we desirous to do Iustice, bee ready in Place to
heare what ye can say." The two husbands were very angrie and
wrathfull against their wiues, and the more their stomackes did
fret with choler and disdayne, by how mutch they saw their
impudente and shamelesse wiues wyth sutch audacity to appeare
before the maiesty of a counsel so honourable and dreadfull,
as though they had ben the most honeste and chast Women of the
World. The two honeste wiues perceyued the anger and displeasure
of their husbands, and for all that were not afrayde ne yet
dismayde, but smyling to themselues and somewhat mouing their
heads in decente wyse seemed vnto them as though they had mocked
them. Anselmo more angry and impacient then Girolamo, brake out
into sutch furie, as had it not ben for the maiesty of the
place, and the Companye of People to haue stayed him, woulde
haue kylled them: and seyng he was not able to hurt them, he
began to vtter the vylest Woords, that he possibly could deuise
agaynst them. Mistresse Isotta hearing hir husband so spytefully
to spit forth his poyson in the presence of that honourable
assemblye, conceiued courage, and crauinge licence of the Duke
to speake, with merrye countenance and good vttrance began thus
to say her mind: "Most excellent Prince, and yee right
honourable Lordes, I doe perceyue how my deare husbande vncomely
and very dishonestly doth vse himselfe agaynst me in this noble
company, thincking also that mayster Girolamo Bembo is affected
with like rage and minde agaynst this Gentlewoman mystresse
Lucia hys wyfe, although more temperate in words, he do not
expresse the same. Agaynst whom if no reply be made, it may
seeme that he doth well and hath spoken a truth, and that we by
silence do condemne our selues to be those most wicked women
whom hee alleageth vs to be. Wherefore by your gratious pardon
and licence (most honourable) in the behalfe of mistresse Lucia
and my selfe, for our defence I purpose to declare the effect of
my mynde, although my purpose be cleane altered from that I had
thought to say, being now iustly prouoked by the vnkinde
behauiour of him whom I loue better than my selfe, and whose
disloyalty, had hee beene silent and not so rashly runne to the
ouerthrow of me and my good name, coulde I haue concealed,
and onely touched that which had concerned the Purgation and
sauegard of them both, which was the onely intent and meaning of
vs, by making our humble supplication to your Maiesties.
Neuerthelesse, so farre as my feeble force shall stretch, I will
assay to do both the one and the other, although it be not
appropriate to our kinde in publike place to declayme, nor yet
to open sutch bold attempts, but that necessity of matter and
oportunity of time, and place dothe bolden vs to enter into
these termes, whereof we craue a thousand pardons for our
vnkindely dealings, and render double thanks to your honours,
for admitting vs to speake. Be it knowne therefore vnto you,
that our husbands agaynst duety of loue, lawes of mariage, and
against all reason, do make their heauy complaynts, which by and
by I will make playne and euident. I am right well assured, that
their extreme rage and bitter hearts sorrow do proceede of 2
occasions: The one, of the murder whereof they haue falsely
accused theymselues: the other of iealousie, which grieuously
doth gnawe their hearts, thinking vs to be vile, and abhominable
Women, because they were surprised in ech other's Chaumber.
Concerning the murder, if they haue soyled their handes therein,
it appertayneth vnto you my Lords to render their desert. But
how can the same be layd to our charge, for somutch as they
(if it were done by them) committed the same without our
knowledge, our help and counsel? And truly I see no cause why
any of vs ought to be burdened with the outrage, and mutch lesse
cause haue they to laye the same to our charge: for meete it is
that he that doth any vnlawful act, or is accessary to the same,
should suffer the due penalty and seuere chastisement
accordingly as the sacred lawes do prescribe, to be an example
for other to abstayne from wicked facts. But hereof what neede I
to dispute, wherein the blind may see to bee none offence,
because (thankes bee to GOD) Mayster Aloisio liueth, which
declareth the fonde Confession of our vngentil husbandes to bee
contrary to trouth? And if so be our husbands in deede had done
sutch an abhominable enterprise, reason and duety had moued vs
to sorrowe and lament them, because they be borne of noble
bloud, and be gentlemen of this noble Citty, which like a pure
virgin inuiolably doth conserue hir lawes and customes. Great
cause I say, had we to lament them, if lyke homicides, and
murderers they had spotted their bloud with sutch fowle bleamish
thereby deseruing death, to leaue vs yong Women Widowes in
wofull plight. Nowe it behoueth me to speake of the Iealousie
they haue conceyued of vs, for that they were in ech other's
Chamber, which truly is the doubtfull knot and scruple that
forceth all their disdaine and griefe. This I knowe well is the
Nayle that pierceth their heart: other cause of offence they
haue not: who like men not well aduised, without examination of
vs and our demeanour, bee fallen into despayre, and like men
desperate, haue wrongfully accused themselues: but because I may
not consume words in vayne, to stay you by my long discourse
from matters of greater importaunce, I humbly beseech you (right
excellent prince) to commaunde them to tell what thing it is,
which so bitterly doth torment them." Then the Duke caused one
of the noble men assistaunt there, to demaund of them the
question: Who aunswered that the chiefest occasion was, bicause
they knew their Wyues to be Harlots, whom they supposed to be
very honest: and forsomutch as they knew them to be sutch, they
conceyued sorrow and griefe, which with sutch extremity did
gripe them at the heart, as not able to sustayne that great
Infamy, ashamed to be sene of men, were induced through desire
of death to confesse that they neuer did. Mistresse Isotta
hearing them say so, began to speak agayne, turning hir selfe
vnto them: "Were you offended then at a thynge which yee thought
inconuenient and not meete to be done? Wee then haue greatest
cause to complayne. Why then sweete Husband went you to the
Chaumber of mistresse Lucia at that time of the night? What had
you to do there? What thing thought you to finde there more than
was in your own house? And you Mayster Girolamo, what
constrayned you to forsake your Wyue's Bed to come to my
Husband's, where no man euer had, or at this present hath to do
but himselfe? Were not the Sheetes of the one so white, so fine,
neate, and sweete as the other? I am (most noble Prince) sory to
declare my Husbande's folly, and ashamed that hee should forsake
my Bed to go to an other, that did accompt myselfe so well
worthy to entertayne hym in myne owne, as the best Wyfe in
Venice, and now through his abuse, I abstayne to shewe my selse
amonges the Beautifull, and noble Dames of this Citty. The lyke
misliking of hirselfe is in mistresse Lucia, who (as you see)
may be numbred amongs the fayrest. Eyther of you ought to haue
bene contented with your Wyues, and not (as wickedly you haue
done) to forsake them, to seeke for better breade than is made
of Wheate, or for purer Golde than whereof the Angell is made:
O worthy deede of yours, that haue the Face to leaue your owne
Wyues, that be comely, fayre, and honest, to seeke after
straunge Carrion. O beastly order of Men that cannot conteyne
their lust within the boundes of their owne House, but must goe
hunt after other Women as Beastes do after the nexte of their
kinde that they chaunce vppon. What vile affection possessed
your hearts to lust after others Wyfe? You make complaynte of
vs, but wee with you haue right good cause to be offended,
you ought to bee grieued with your owne disorder, and not with
others offence, and thys your affliction patiently to beare,
bycause you went about to beguile one an other's Loue, lyke them
that be weary, and Glutted with their owne fare, seekinge after
other daynties more delicate if they were to be founde. But
praysed be GOD and our prouident discretion, if any hurt or
shame hath chaunced, the same doth light on you. Moreouer I know
no cause why men should haue more liberty to doe euill than we
Women haue: albeit through the weaknes and cowardise of our
Sexe, yee men will doe what ye list. But ye be now no Lords,
nor we Seruaunts, and husbands we do you call, bicause the holy
Lawes of Matrimony (which was the first Sacrament giuen by GOD
to Men after the creation of the Worlde) doe require equall
fayth, and so well is the husband bound to the Wyfe as she vnto
him. Go to then and make your complaynt: the next Asse or Beast
ye meete take hir to be your Wyfe. Why do yee not know that the
balance of iustice is equall, and wayeth downe no more of one
side than of other? But let vs nowe leaue of to reason of this
matter, and come to that for which we be come hither. Two things
(most ryghteous Prynce) haue moued vs to come before your
maiesty, and all this honourable assembly, which had they not
bene, we would haue bene ashamed to shewe our Faces, and lesse
presumed to speake or once to open our Lippes in this Noble
audience, which is a place only meete for them that be most
Expert, and eloquent Orators, and not for vs, to whom the
Needle, and Distaffe be more requisite. The first cause that
forced vs to come forth of our owne house, was to let you
understand that our Husbands be no murderers, as is supposed,
neyther of this Gentleman present maister Aloisio, ne yet of any
man els: and thereof we haue sufficient and worthy testimony.
But herein we neede not to trauaile mutch, or to vse many
wordes: for neyther maister Alosio is slayne, ne any other
murdred that is known or manifest hitherto. One thyng resteth,
which is that Madonna Lucia and I do humbly beseech youre
excellente Maiestye, that youre grace and the authoritye of the
right honourable Lords here present, will vouchsafe to reconcile
vs to our husbands, that we may obtayne pardon and fauor at
their handes, bicause we haue so manifestly made their acts to
appeare, and for that we be the offence, and they the
Offendours, and yet by their owne occasions, we haue committed
the Error (if it may be so termed.) And now to come to the
conclusion, I doe remember, sithens I was a Chylde, that I haue
heard the Gentlewoman my mother saye (whose soule God pardon)
many times vnto me, and other my sisters, and to mistresse
Lucia, that was brought vp with vs, being by hir instructed in
diuers good and vertuous Lessons, that all the honor a woman can
doe vnto hir husband, whereby she beautifieth him and his whole
race and family, consisteth in hir honest, chast, and vertuous
lyfe, without which, she oughte rather to die than liue. And
that a Gentleman's Wyfe when she hath giuen hir body to the vse
of an other man, is the common marke for euery man to point at
in the streate where she goeth, hir husband therby incurring
reproche and shame, whych no doubt is the greatest iniury and
scorne that an honest Gentleman can receiue, and the moste
shamefull reproche that can deface his house. Which Lesson we so
well remembryng, desirous not to suffer the carelesse and
vnbrideled appetites of our husbandes to be vnrained, and runne
at large to some dishonest Ende, by a faithfull and commendable
pollicy, did prouide for the mischyefe that myghte ensue.
I neede not heere rehearse the enimytye and debate that manye
yeares did raigne betweene our husbandes Fathers, bicause it is
knowne to the whole City. Wee too therefore here presente, the
Wiues of those noble Gentlemen, brought vp together from oure
Cradle, perceiuing the malyce betwene our husbandes, made a
vertue of Necessity, deemynge it better for vs to lose our
sweete and auncient conuersation, than to mynister cause of
disquietnesse. But the nearenesse of our houses would not that
naturall hatred shoulde defraude and take away olde ingrafted
amity. Wherefore many times when our Husbands were gone forth,
we met together, and talked in our Gardens, betwene whych there
is but a slender hedge beset with Primme and Roses, which
commoditye in their absence we did discretly vse. And as
sometimes for pleasure we walked with oure husbandes there, ye
(shee turninge vnto them) did cast your eyes vpon ech other's
wyfe, and were strayghte way in loue, or else perchance you
fained your selues to bee, whych espied by vs, many times
betwene our selues did deuise vppon the same, and red your
amorous letters, and sonnet sent vnto vs. For which disloyalty
and treason toward vs your Wyues, we sought no dishonour to
youre persons, wee were content to suffer you to bee abused with
your fond loue, we blabbed it not abroade to our Gossips, as
many leude and fantasticall women bee wont to doe, thereby to
rayse slaunder to our husbands, and to sturre vp ill reporte
vpon them, whose infirmities it becommeth vs to conceale and
hide. We deuised meanes by some other way to let you understand
your fault, and did cast vpon you many times right louinge
lookes. Which although it were agaynste our owne desire, yet the
cause, and full conclusion of the same, was to practise, if it
were possible, to make you frendes: But consideringe that this
loue, and allurementes of eyther parts, could not tend to other
end, as wee coniectured, but to increase displeasure, and to put
the swords into your handes, we therefore consulted, and
vniformely in one minde agreed for the appeasinge, and
satisfaction of all partes, at sutch nightes as ye fayned to go
into diuers places about earnest affayres as yee alleaged,
Mistresse Lucia with the help of Cassandra my mayde, through the
Gardeine came into my chamber, and I by meanes of Iane hir maide
by like way repayred vnto hirs. And yee poore men guided by our
maydes were brought vnto your chambers where ye lay with your
owne Wyues, and so by tilth of others land in straunge soyle
(as yee beleeued) yee lost no labour. And bicause your
embracements then, were like to those atchieued by amorous
Gentlemen, vsinge vs with more earnest desire than you were wont
to do, both wee were begotten with childe: which ought to be
very gladsome, and gratefull vnto you, if yee were so fayne to
haue children as yee shewed your selues to bee. If then none
other offence doth grieue you, if remorse of Conscience for
other cause doeth not offend you, if none other sorrowe doeth
displease you: gieue ouer your griefe. Remit your displeasure.
Be glad, and ioyfull. Thanke vs for our pollicy and pleasaunt
disport that wee made you. If hitherto yee haue ben enimies,
henceforth be frends, put of that auncient mallice so long
continued, mitigate your hatefull moode, and liue yee from
henceforth like friendly Gentlemen, yelde vp your rancor into
the lap of your Countrey, that shee may put him in exile for
euer, who like a pitifull, and louing mother woulde gladly see
all hir children of one accorde and minde. Which if yee doe,
(ye shall do singulare pleasure to your friendes), ye shall doe
great discomfort to your foes, yee shall do singular good to the
commonwealth, yee shall doe greatest benefit to your selues, ye
shall make vs humble Wyues, yee shall encrease your posterity,
yee shall be praysed of all men, and finally shall depart the
best contented that euer the World brought forth. And now
because yee shall not thinke that wee haue picked out thys Tale
at our fingers ends, thereby to seeke your sauegard and our owne
Fame, and prayse, beholde the letters which you sent vs, beholde
you owne handes subscribed to the same, beholde your seales
assigned thereunto, which shall render true testimony of that
which vnfaynedly we haue affirmed." Then both deliuered their
letters, which viewed and seene, were well knowne to be their
owne husbandes handes, and the same so well approued hir tale,
as their husbands were the gladdest men of the world and the
Duke and Seignory maruaylously satisfied and contented. In so
mutch as the whole assembly with one voyce, cried out for their
husbands deliueraunce. And so with the consent of the Duke and
the whole seignory they were clearely discharged. The Parents,
Cosins, and Friends of the husbands and wyues were wonderfully
amazed to heere this long hystory, and greatly praysed the maner
of their deliuery, accoumpting the women to be very wise, and
mistresse Isotta to be an eloquent gentlewoman, for that shee
had so well defended the cause of their husbands and of
themselues. Anselmo and Girolamo openly in the presence of all
the people embraced, and kissed their Wyues with great
reioysing. And then the husbands shaked one an other by the
hands, betwene whom began a Brotherly accorde, and from that
time forth liued in perfect amity, and Friendship, exchaunging
the wanton loue that eyther of them bare to other's wyfe into
Brotherly Friendship, to the great delight of the whole Citty.
When the multitude assembled, to heare this matter throughly was
satisfied, the Duke with cheerefull Countenaunce lookinge toward
Gismonda, sayde thus vnto hir: "And you fayre Gentlewoman, what
haue you to say: Bee bolde to vtter your minde, and wee wil
gladly heare you." Mistresse Gismonda bashfull to speake, began
wonderfully to blush, into whose cheekes entred an orient rud,
intermixed with an alabaster white, which made her countenaunce
more amiable than it was wont to be. After she had stode still a
while with hir eyes declined towards the ground, in comly wise
lifting them vp againe with shamefast audacity she began thus to
speake: "If I most Noble Prince, in open audience should attempt
to discourse of Loue, whereof I neuer had experience, or knew
what thing it was, I should be doubtfull what to say thereof,
and peraduenture durst not open my mouth at al. But hearing my
father (of worthy memory) many times to tel that your maiesty in
the time of your youth disdained not to open your heart to
receiue the amorous flames of loue, and being assured that there
is none but that doth loue little or mutch, I do not doubt but
for the words which I shal speake, to obtaine both pity and
pardon. To come then to the matter: God I thanke him of his
goodnesse, hath not permitted me to bee one of those women, that
like hipocrites do mumble their Paternoster to saincts:
appearing outwardly to be devout and holy and in Fruict doe
bring forth Deuils, and al kinds of vices, specially
ingratitude, which is a vice that doth suck and dry vp the
fountain of godly Piety. Life is deare to mee (as naturally it
is to all) next which I esteeme myne honor, which is to be
preferred before life, bicause without honor life is of no
regard. And where man and woman do liue in shame notorious to
the world, the same may be termed a liuing death rather than a
life. But the loue that I beare to mine onely beloued Aloisio
here present, I do esteeme aboue al the Iewels and treasures of
the world, whose personage I do regard more than mine owne Lyfe.
The reason that moueth me thereto is very great, for before that
I loued him or euer ment to fixe my mind that way, he dearely
regarded me, continually deuising which way he might win and
obtain my loue, sparing no trauel by Night and Day to seeke the
same. For which tender affection should I shew myself vnkind and
froward? God forbid. And to be playn with your honors, he is
more deare and acceptable vnto me, than the balles of mine own
eyes, being the chiefest things that appertain to the furniture
of the body of man, without which no earthly thing can be
gladsome and ioyful to the sense, and feelinge. Last of all his
amorous, and affectionate demonstration of his loue towards me,
by declaringe himselfe to be carefull of mine honor, rather more
willinge to bestow his owne, than to suffer the same to be
touched with the least suspicion of dishonesty, I can not
choose, but so faythfully imbrace, as I am ready to guage my
life for his sake, rather than his finger shoulde ake for
offence. And where hath there bene euer found sutch liberality
in any louer? What is he that hath bene euer so prodigall,
to employ his life (the most speciall pledge in this worlde,)
rather than hee would suffer his beloued to incurre dishonoure?
Many hystoryes haue I red, and Chronicles of our time, and yet I
haue found few or none comparable vnto thys Gentleman, the like
of whom be so rare and seldome as white Crowes, or Swannes of
colour blacke. O singuler liberality, never hearde of before.
O fact that can neuer be sufficiently praysed. O true loue most
vnfayned. Maister Aloisio rather than he would haue my fame any
one iote to be impayred, or to suffer any shadow of suspition to
bleamish the same, frankly hath confessed himselfe to be a
theefe, and murdrer, regardinge mee and mine honor more than
himselfe, and life. And albeit that he might a thousand wayes
haue saued himselfe without the imprisonment and aduersity which
he hath sustained: neuerthelesse after he had sayd, beinge then
past remembrance through the fall, that he fell downe from my
window, and perceyued how mutch that confession would preiudice
and hurt my good name, and hurt the known honesty of the same,
of his good wyll did chose to dye rather than to speake any
words that might breede yll opinion of mee, or the least thinge
of the worlde that might ingender infamy and slaunder. And
therefore not able to revoke the words hee had spoken of the
fall, nor by any meanes coulde coloure the same, hee thought to
saue the good name of another by his owne hurt. If he then thus
redily and liberally hath protruded his life into manifest
daunger for my benefit and saueguard, preferring mine honour
aboue the care of himselfe, shall not I abandon all that I haue,
yea and therewithall hazard mine honor for his saluation? But
what? Shall I disdayne bountifully to imploy my selfe and all
the endeuor of my Frendes for his deliuery? No, no (my Lords) if
I had a thousand liues, and so many honors at my commaundement,
I woulde giue them al for his releyse and comfort, yea if it
were possible for me to recouer a fresh X.C.M. lyues,
I woulde so frankly bestow them all, as euer I desired to liue,
that I might enioy mine owne Aloisio. But I am sorry, and euer
shal be sorry, for that it is not lawful for me to do more for
him, than that which my power and possibility is able. For if he
should die, truely my life could not endure: if he were depriued
of life, what pleasure should I haue to liue in this world after
him: whereby (moste honorable and righteous iudge,) I beleeue
before the honest, not to loose any one iote of myne honor,
bicause I being (as you may see) a younge Woman and a Widow
desirous to marry againe, it is lawful for me to loue and to bee
beloued, for none other intent (whereof God is the onely iudge)
but to attaine a husbande according to my degre. But if I should
lose my reputation and honor, why should not I aduenture the
same for hym, that hath not spared hys own for me? Now to come
to the effect of the matter, I do say wyth al dutifull
reuerence, that it is an accusation altogither false and vntrue,
that euer mayster Alolsio came to my house as a Theefe against
my wil. For what neede he to be a thefe, or what nede had he of
my goodes, that is a Lorde and owner of twenty times so mutch as
I haue? Alas good Gentleman, I dare depose and guage my lyfe,
that he neuer thoughte mutch lesse dyd any robbery or thing
vnlawful, wherewith iustly he may be charged, but he repayred to
my house with my consent, as a louing and affectionate Louer,
the circumstance whereof, if it be duly marked, must aduouch the
same to be of trouth infallible. For if I had not giuen him
licence to come, how was it possible for him to conuey his
ladder so high, that was made but of Ropes, and to fasten the
same to the iaume of the window, if none within did helpe hym?
Againe, howe could the Window of the Chaumber be open at that
time of the night, which is still kept shut, if it had not bene
by my consent? But I with the helpe of my mayde threwe downe to
him a little Rope, whereunto he tyed his Ladder and drewe the
same vp, and making it so fast, as it could not vndo, gaue a
signe for him to Mounte. But as both our ill Fortune would haue
it, before I could catch any hold of him, to mine inestimable
griefe and hart's sorrow he fell downe to the ground. Wherefore
(my Lords) I beseech your honours to reuoke the confession
wherein he hath made hymselfe to be a theefe. And you maister
Aloisio declare the trouth as it was, sith I am not ashamed in
this honourable assemble to tel the same. Beholde the letters
(my Lordes) which so many tymes he wrote vnto me, wherein hee
made suite to come to my speache, and continually in the same
doth call me Wyfe. Beholde the Ladder, which till nowe, did
still remayne in my chaumber. Beholde my maide, whych in all
mine affayres, is as it were myne owne hande and helper."
Aloisio being hereupon demaunded by the Lordes of the articles,
which she in hir tale had recited, confessed them al to be true:
who also at the same instant was discharged. The Duke greatly
commended them both, hir for hir stoute audacity, in defence of
an innocent Gentleman, and him for his honour, and modesty, by
seeking to preserue the Fame and good reporte of a vertuouse
Gentlewoman. Whych done, the Counsell disassembled and brake up.
And the friendes of both the parties accompanied them home to
the house of mistresse Gismonda, where to the great reioyce, and
pleasure of all men, they were solemnely maried in sumptuous and
honourable wise, and Aloisio with hys Wyfe lyued in great
prosperity long time after. Mistresse Lucia, and mistresse
Isotta, at the expyred tyme were deliuered of two goodly sonnes,
in whom the Fathers tooke great Ioy, and delight. Who wyth their
Wyues after that tyme liued very quietly, and well, one louing
an other like naturall Brethren, many times sporting among
themselues discretely at the deceipts of their Wyues. The
wisedome of the Duke also was wonderfully extolled and commended
of all men, the fame whereof was increased and bruted throughout
the Region of Italy. And not without cause. For by hys prudence
and aduise, the Dominion of the State, and Common wealth was
amplified and dilated. And yet in th'ende being old and
impotent, they vnkindly deposed him from his Dukedom.