_Dom Diego a Gentleman of Spayne fell in loue with fayre
Gineura, and she with him: their loue by meanes of one that
enuied Dom Diego his happy choyse, was by default of light
credit on hir part interrupted. He constant of mynde, fell
into despayre, and abandoninge all his frends and liuing,
repayred to the Pyrene Mountaynes, where he led a sauage lyfe
for certayne moneths, and afterwardes knowne by one of hys
freendes, was (by marueylous Circumstaunce) reconciled to hys
froward mistresse, and maryed._
Mens mischaunces occurring on the brunts of dyuers Tragicall
fortunes, albeit vpon their first taste of bitternesse, they
sauor of a certayne kinde of lothsome relish, yet vnder the
Rynde of that vnsauerouse Sap, doth lurke a sweeter honnye, than
sweetenesse it selfe, for the fruit that the Posterity may
gather, and learne by others hurts, how they may loathe, and
shun the like. But bicause all thinges haue their seasons,
and euery thynge is not conuenient for all Times, and Places,
I purpose now to shew a notable example of a vayne and
superstitious Louer, that abandoned his liuing and friendes, to
become a Sauage Desert man. Which History resembleth in a maner
a Tragical Comedy, comprehending the very same matter and
Argument, wherewyth the greatest part of the sottishe sorte Arme
themselues to couer and defend their Follies. It is red and
seene to often by common custome, and therefore needelesse heere
to display what rage doth gouerne, and headlong hale fonde and
licentious youth (conducted by the pangue of loue, if the same
be not moderated by reason, and cooled with sacred Lessons) euen
from the cradle to more murture and riper age. For the Tiranny
of Loue amonges all the deadly Foes that vexe and afflict our
mindes, glorieth of his force, vaunting hymselfe able to chaunge
the proper nature of things, be they neuer so sounde and
perfect: who to make them like his lustes, transformeth himselfe
into a substaunce qualified diuersly, the better to intrap sutch
as be giuen to his vanities. But hauing auouched so many
examples before, I am content for this present to tell the
discourse of two persons, chaunced not long sithens in
Catheloigne. Of a Gentleman that for his constancy declared two
extremities in himselfe of loue and folly. And of a Gentlewoman
so fickle and inconstant, as loue and they which wayted on him,
be disordered, for the trustlesse grounde whereupon sutch
foundation of seruice is layed, which yee shall easely conceiue
by well viewing the difference of these twayne: whom I meane to
summon to the lists, by the blast of this sounding trump. And
thus the same beginneth. Not long after that the victorious and
Noble Prynce, younge Ferdinandus, the Sonne of Alphonsus Kynge
of Aragon was deade, Lewes the Twelfth, that tyme being Frenche
king, vpon, the Marches of Catheloigne, betwene Barcelona, and
the Mountaynes, there was a good Lady then a Wyddow, which had
bene the Wyfe of an excellant and Noble knight of the Countrey,
by whom she hadde left one only Daughter, which was so carefully
brought vp by the mother as nothinge was to deare or hard to bee
brought to passe for hir desire, thinking that a creature so
Noble and perfect, could not be trayned vp to delicately. Now
besides hir incomparable furniture of beauty, this Gentlewoman
was adorned with Hayre so fayre, curle, and Yealow, as the new
fined golde was not matchable to the shining locks of this
tender Infant, who therefore was commonly called Gineura la
Blonde. Halfe adaye's iorney from the house of this Wyddow, lay
the lands of another Lady a Wydow also, that was very rich, and
so wel allied as any in all the Land. This Lady had a Sonne,
whom she caused to be trayned vp so well in Armes and good
letters, as in other honest Exercises proper and mete for a
Gentleman and great Lorde, for which respect shee had sent him
to Barcelona the chyefe Citty of all the Countrey of
Catheloigne. Senior Dom Diego, (for so was the Sonne of that
Wydow called) profited so well in all thynges, that when hee was
18 yeares of age, there was no Gentleman of his degree, that did
excell him, ne yet was able to approche vnto his Perfections and
commendable Behauiour. A thing that did so well content the good
Lady his mother as she could not tell what countenaunce to keepe
to couer hir ioy. A vice very common to fond and foolish
mothers, who flatter themselues with a shadowed hope of the
future goodnesse of their children, which many times doth more
hurt to that wanton and wilfull age, than profit or
aduauncement. The persuasion also of sutch towardnesse, full oft
doth blinde the Spirites of Youth, as the Faults which follow
the same bee farre more vile than before they were: whereby the
first Table (made in his first coloures) of that imagined
vertue, can take no force or perfection, and so by incurring
sundry mishaps the Parent and Chylde commonly escape not without
equall blame. To come agayne therefore to our discourse: It
chaunced in that tyme that (the Catholike Kyng deceased)
Phillippe of Austrich which Succeeded him as Heyre, passing
through Fraunce came into Spayne to bee Inuested, and take
Possession of all hys Seigniories, and Kyngdomes: which knowen
to the Cittyzens of Barcelona, they determined to receiue hym
with sutch Pompe, Magnificence, and Honor, as duely appertaineth
to the greatnes and maiesty of so great a Prince, as is the
sonne of the Romane Emperour. And amonges other thinges they
prepared a Triumphe at the Tilt, where none was suffred to enter
the lists, but yong Gentlemen, sutch as neuer yet had followed
armes. Amongs whom Don Diego as the Noblest person was chosen
chiefe of one part. The Archduke then come to Barcelona after
the receyued honors and Ceremonies, accustomed for sutch
entertaynment, to gratifie his Subiects, and to see the brauery
of the yong Spanish Nobility in armes, would place himselfe vpon
the scaffolde to iudge the courses and valiaunce of the runners.
In that magnifique and Princely conflict, all mens eyes were
bent vpon Dom Diego, who course by course made hys aduersaries
to feele the force of his armes, his manhoode, and dexterity, on
horsebacke, and caused them to muse vpon his toward valiance in
time to come, whose noble Ghests then acquired the victory of
the Campe on his side. Which mooued King Phillip to say, that in
all his life he neuer saw triumph better handled, and that the
same seemed rather a battell of strong and hardy men, than an
exercise of yong Gentlemen neuer wonted to support the deedes of
armes, and trauayle of warfare. For which cause calling Dom
Diego before him he sayd: "God graunt (yong Gentleman) that your
ende agree with your good beginnings and hardy shock of proofe
done this day. In memory whereof I will this night that ye do
your watch, for I meane to morrow (by God's assistance) to dub
you Knight." The yong Gentleman blushing for shame, vpon his
knees kissed the Prince's hands, thanking him most humbly of the
honor and fauor which it pleased his maiesty to do to him,
vowing and promising to do so wel in time to come, as no man
should be deceyued of their conceyued opinion, nor the king
frustrate of his seruice, which was one of his most obedient
Vassals and subiects. So the next day he was made knight, and
receyued the coller of the order at the hands of king Phillip,
who after the departure of his prince which tooke his iorney
into Castille, retired to his owne landes and house more to see
his mother, whom long time before he had not seene, than for
desire of pleasure that be in fieldes, which notwithstanding he
exercised so wel as in end he perceyued refiaunce in townes and
Citties, to be an imprisonment in respect of that he felt in
Countrey. As the Poets whilome fayned Loue to shoote his Arrowes
amid the Woods, Forrests, fertile Fields, Sea coasts, Shores of
great Ryuers, and Fountayne brinkes, and also vppon the tops of
Huge, and hygh Mountaynes at the pursute of the sundry sorted
Nymphes, and fieldish Dimigods, deeming the same to bee a meane
of liberty to follow Loue's tract without suspition, voyde of
company and lothsome cries of Citties, where Iealousie, Enuy,
false report, and ill Opinion of all things, haue pitched their
Camp, and raysed their Tents. And contrariwise franckly and
wythout dissimulation in the fieldes, the Freende discouering
his passion to his Mistresse, they enioy the pleasure of
hunting, the naturall musicke of Byrds and sometimes in
pleasaunt Herbers compassed with the murmur of some running
Brookes, they communicate their Thoughts, beautifie the accorde
and vnity of Louers, and make the place famous for the first
witnesse of their amorous acquaintaunce. In like manner thrice,
and foure times blest be they there, who leeuing the vnquiet
toyle that ordinarily doth chaunce to them that abyde in
Citties, doe render duety of their studies to the Muses
wherevnto they be most Addicted. Now Dom Diego at his owne house
loued and cherished of his mother, reuerenced and obeyed of hys
Subiects after he had imployed some time at his study, had none
other ordinary pleasure but in rousing the Deere, hunting the
wylde Bore, run the Hare, sometimes to fly at the Hearon, or
fearful Partrich alongs the fields, Forests, Ponds, and steepe
Mountaynes. It came to passe one day, as he Hunted the wylde
Mountayne Goate, which he had dislodged vpon the Hill top, he
espied an olde Hart that his Dogges had found, who so ioyfull as
was possible of that good lucke, followed the course of that
swift, and fearefull beast. But (sutch was his Fortune) the
Dogges lost the foote of that pray, and he his men: for being
horssed of purpose, vpon a fayre Iennet, could not be followed,
and in ende loosinge the sight of the Deere, was so farre
seuered from company, as he was vtterly ignoraunt which way to
take. And that which grieued him moste was his Horse out of
Breath scarce able to goe a false Gallop. For which cause he put
his horne to his mouth, and blew so loude as he could: but his
men were so farre of, as they could not here him. The young
Gentleman being in this distresse, could not tell what to doe,
but to returne backe, wherein he was more deceyued than before,
for thinkinge to take the way home to hys Castle, wandred still
further of from the same. And trotting thus a long tyme, he
spied a Castle Situated vppon a little Hill, whereby he knew
himselfe far from his owne house. Neuerthelesse hearing a
certayne noyse of Hunters, thinking they had bene his People,
resorted to the same, who in deede were the Seruaunts of the
Mother of Gineura with the golden Locks, which in company of
their Mistresse had hunted the Hare. Dom Diego, when he drue
neere to the cry of the Hounds, saw right well that hee was
deceyued. At what tyme Night approched, and the Shadowes
darkening the Earth, by reason of the Sunnes departure, began to
Cloth the Heauens with a Browne and misty Mantell. When the
Mother of Gineura saw the knight which Rode a soft pace, for
that his Horsse was tired, and could trauayle no longer, and
knowing by his outward apperance that he was some great Lord,
and ridden out of his way, sent one of hir men to knowe what he
was, who returned agayne with sutch aunswere as shee desired.
The Lady ioyfull to entertayne a Gentleman so excellent and
famous, one of hir next neighbors, went forwarde to bid hym
welcome, which she did with so great curtesy as the Knight sayd
vnto hir: "Madame, I thinke that fortune hath done me this
fauour, by setting me out of the way, to proue your curtesie and
gentle entertaynment, and to receyue this ioy by visiting your
house, whereof I trust in time to come to be so perfect a frend,
as my predecessors heretofore haue hene." "Sir," sayd the Lady,
"if happinesse may be attributed to them, that most doe gayne,
I thincke my selfe better fauored than you, for that it is my
chaunce to lodge and entertayne him, that is the worthiest
person and best beloued in all Catheloigne." The Gentleman
blushing at that prayse, sayd nothing els, but that affection
forced men so to speake of his vertues, notwithstandinge sutch
as hee was, he vowed from thenceforth his seruice to hir and all
hir Houshold. Gineura desirous not to bee slacke in curtesie,
sayd that he should not so do, except she were partaker of some
part of that, which the knight so liberally had offered to the
whole Family of hir Mother. The Gentleman which till that time
tooke no heede to the deuine Beauty of the Gentlewoman,
beholding hir at his pleasure, was so astoonned, as hee could
not tell what to aunswere, his eyes were so fixed vpon hir,
spendinge his lookes in contemplation of that freshe hew,
stayned with a red Vermilion, vppon the Alabaster and fayre
colour of hir cleare and beautifull face. And for the
imbelishing of that naturall perfection, the attire vppon hir
head was so couenable and proper, as it seemed the same day shee
had Looked for the comming of him, that afterwardes indured so
mutch for hir sake. For hir head was Adorned with a Garlande of
Floures, interlaced wyth hir Golden, and Enamiled hayre, which
gorgeously couered some part of hir Shoulders, disparcled,
and hanging down some tyme ouer hir passing fayre Foreheade,
somewhyles vpon hir ruddy Cheekes, as the Sweete, and Pleasaunt
windy Breath dyd mooue them to, and fro: Yee should haue seene
hir wauering and crisped tresses disposed with so good grace,
and comelynesse, as a man would haue thought that Loue and the
three Graces coulde not tell els where to harbor themselues, but
in that riche and delectable place of pleasure, in gorgeous wise
laced and imbraudred. Vpon hir Eares did hang two Sumptuous and
Riche orientall Pearles, which to the artificiall order of hir
hayre added a certen splendent brightnes. And he that had
beholden the shining and large Forehead of that Nimph which
Gallantly was beset with a Diamonde of inestimable price and
value, chased with a tresse of Golde made in form of little
Starres, would haue thought that he had seene a Rancke of the
twinckeling Planettes, fixed in the Firmament in the hottest
time of Sommer, when that fayre season discouereth the order of
his glittering Cloudes. In lyke maner the sparkeling eyes of the
fayre Gentlewoman, adorned with a stately vaulte with two
Archers, equally by euen spaces distinct, and deuided, stayned
with the Ebene Indian tree, did so well set forth their
Brightnesse, as the eyes of them that stayed their lookes at
Noone daye's directly vpon the Sunne, could no more be dazeled
and offended, than those were that did contemplate those two
flaminge Starres, which were in force able throughly to pierce
euen the Bottome of the inward partes. The Nose well fourmed,
iustly placed in the Amiable valley of the Vysage, by equall
conformity Distinguished the two Cheekes, stayned wyth a pure
Carnation, resemblinge two lyttle Apples that were arryued to
the due time of their maturity and ripenesse. And then hir
Coralline mouth, through which breathing, issued out a breath
more soote and sauorous than Ambre, Muske, or other Aromaticall
Parfume, that euer the sweete Soyle of Arabie brought forth. She
sometime vnclosing the doore of hir Lips, discouered two rancke
of Pearles, so finely blanched, as the purest Orient would
blushe, if it were compared with the Beauty of thys incomparable
whitenesse. But hee that will take vppon hym to speake of all
hir inspeakable Beauty, may make his vaunte that he hath seene
all the greatest perfections that euer dame Nature wrought. Now
to come a little lower, on this freshe Diana appeared a Neck,
that surmounted the Blaunch colour of Mylke, were it neuer so
excellent white, and hir Stomacke somewhat mounting by the two
Pomels, and firme Teates of hir Breasts separated in equal
distaunce, was couered wyth a vayle, so lose, and fine, as those
two little prety Mountaynes might easily be Discried, to moue,
and remooue, according to the affection that rose in the centre
of that modest, and sober Pucelle's mynde: who ouer, and besides
all thys, had sutch a pleasaunt Countenaunce, and ioyefull
cheere, as hir Beauty more than wonderfull, rendred hir not so
woorthy to be serued, and loued, as hir natural goodnesse,
and disposed curtesie appearing in hir Face, and hir excellent
entertaynement and comely Grace to all indifferently. This was
not to imitate the maner of the most parte of our fayre Ladies,
and Gentlewomen, who (mooued wyth what Opinion I know not) be so
disdaynefull, as almost theyr name causeth discontentment, and
breedeth in them great imperfection. And who by thinking to
appeare more braue, and fine, by to mutch squeymishe dealing,
doe offuscate and darken with folly their exterior Beauty,
blotting, and defacing that which beauty maketh amiable, and
worthy of honor. I leaue you now to consider wheather Dom Deigo
had occasion to Forgo his Speach, and to bee bereft of Sense,
being liuely assayled with one so well armed as Gineura was with
hir Graces and Honesty: who no lesse abashed with the Port,
Countenaunce, sweete talk, and stately Behauiour of the knight,
which she vewed to be in him by stealing lookes, felt a motion
(not wonted or accustomed) in hir tender heart, that made hir to
chaunge color, and by like occasion speachlesse: an ordinary
custome in them that be surprised with the malady of loue to
lose the vse of speach where the same is most needefull to gieue
the intier charge in the heart, which not able to support and
beare the burden of so many passions, departeth some portion to
the eyes, as to the faythful messengers of the mynde's secret
conceipts, which tormented beyond measure, and burninge with
affection, causeth sometimes the Humor to gushe out in that
parte that discouered the first assault, and bred the cause of
that Feuer, which frighted the hearts of those two yong persons,
not knowing well what the same might be. When they were come to
the Castle, and dismounted from their Horsses, many Welcomes and
Gratulations were made to the knight, which yelded more wood to
the fire, and liuely touched the yong Gentleman, who was so
outraged with loue, as almost he had no minde of himselfe, and
rapt by litle, and little, was so intoxicated with an Amorous
passion, as all other thoughtes were lothsome, and Ioye
displeasaunt in respect of the fauourable Martirdome which hee
suffered by thinking of his fayre and gentle Gineura. Thus the
knight which in the morning disposed him selfe to pursue the
Hart, was in heart so attached, as at euening he was become a
Seruaunt, yea and sutch a Slaue, as that voluntary seruitude
wholly dispossessed him from his former Freedome. These be the
fruictes also of Folly, inuegling the lookes of men, that launch
themselues with eyes shut into the Gulfe of despayre which in
ende doth cause the ruin and ouerthrow of him, that yeldeth
thereunto. Loue proceedeth neuer but of opinion: so likewise the
ill order of those that bee afflicted with that Passion, ryseth
not elswhere, but by the fond persuasion which they conceiyue,
to bee Blamed, Despised, and deceyued of the thing beloued:
where if they measured that passion according to his valor, they
would make no more accoumpt of that which doth torment them,
than they do of their health, honor, and life, which loue for
their great seruice and labor deludeth them, and recompenseth
another with that for which the foolish Louer imployeth thys
trauel, which at length doth haste despaire, and ende more than
desperate, when an other enioy that, for which hee hath so longe
time beate the Bushes. During the time that supper was
preparyng, the Lady sente hir men to seeke the huntesmen of Dom
Diego, to gyue them knowledge where he was become, and thereof
to certify his mother, who when she heard tell that her sonne
was lodged there, was very glad beyng a ryght good fryend and
very familiar Neighbor with the Lady, the hostesse of Dom Diego.
The Gentleman at supper after he had tasted the feruent heate
that broyled in his Minde, coulde eate little meate, beinge
satisfied with the feeding diete of his Amorous eyes, which
without any maner of Iealousie, distributed their nourishment to
the heart, who sat very soberly, priuily throwing his secretly
Prickes, with louely, and wanton lookes, vppon the heart of the
fayre Lady, which for hir part spared not to render vsury of
rolling regardes, whereof he was so sparing, as almost he durst
not lift vp his eyes for dazeling of them. After Supper, the
knight bidding the mother and Daughter good night, went to Bed,
where in steede of sleepe, he fell to sighinge and imageninge a
thousande diuers deuises, fantasiyng like number of follies,
sutch as they doe whose Braynes be fraught loue. "Alas," (sayde
hee) "what meaneth it, that alwayes I haue lyued in so great
liberty, and nowe doe feele my self attached with sutch bondage
as I cannot expresse whose effects neuerthelesse be fastned in
me? Haue I hunted to be taken? Came I from my house in liberty,
to be shut vp in Pryson, and do not know wheather I shall be
receyued, or being receyued haue intertaynment, according to
desert? Ah Gineura, I would to God, that thy Beauty did pricke
mee no worsse, than the tree whereof thou takest thy name, is
sharp in touching, and bitter to them that taste it. Truely I
esteeme my comming hither happy (for all the Passion that I
indure) sith the purchase of a griefe so lucky doth qualify the
ioy, that made me to wander thus ouer frankly. Ah Fayre amonges
the Fayrest, truely the fearefull Beast which with the bloudy
Hare Houndes was torne in pieces, is not more Martired, than my
heart deuided in Opinions vppon thyne Affection. And what doe I
know if thou louest an other more worthy to bee Fauoured of thee
than thy poore Dom Diego. But it is impossible that any can
approche the sincerity that I feele in my heart, determining
rather to indure death, than to serue other but fayre and golden
Gineura: therefore my loyalty receyuing no comparison, cannot
bee matched in man sufficient (for respect of the same) to be
called seruaunt of thine excellency. Now come what shal, by
meanes of this, I am assured that so long as Dom Diego liueth,
his heart shal receyue none other impression or desire, but that
which inciteth him to loue, serue, and honor the fairest
creature at thys day within the compasse of Spayne." Resolued
hereupon, sweating, laboring, and trauelling upon the framing of
his loue, he founde nothing more expedient than to tel hir his
passion, and let hir vnderstand the good wil that he had to do
hir seruice, and to pray hir to accept hym for sutch, as from
that time forth would execute nothing but under the title of hir
good name. On th'otherside Gineura could not close hir eyes,
and knew not the cause almost that so impeched hir of sleepe,
wherefore now tossing on th'one side, and then turning to the
other, in hir rich and goodly Bed, fantasied no fewer deuises
than passionated Dom Diego did. In th'end she concluded, that if
the knight shewed hir any euident signe, or opened by word of
mouth any Speach of loue and seruice, she would not refuse to do
the like to him. Thus passed the night in thoughts, sighes, and
wishes betwene these 2 apprentises of the thing, whereof they
that be learners, shal soone attayne the experience, and they
that follow the occupation throughly, in short time be their
crafts maisters. The next day the knight would depart so soone
as he was vp: but the good widow, imbracing the personage and
good order of the knight in hir heart, more than any other that
she had seene of long time, intreated him so earnestly to tarry
as he which loued better to obey hir request then to depart,
although fayned the contrary, in the end appeared to be
vanquished vpon the great importunity of the Lady. Al that
morning the Mother and the Daughter passed the time with Dom
Deigo in great talke of common matters. But he was then more
astonned and inamored than the night before, in sutch wise as
many times he aunswered so vnaptly to their demaunds, as it was
easily perceiued that his minde was mutch disquieted with some
thing, that only did possesse the force and vehemence of the
same: notwithstanding the Lady imputed that to the
shamefastnesse of the Gentleman, and to his simplicity, which
had not greatly frequented the company of Ladies. When dinner
time was come, they were serued with sutch great fare and sundry
delicates accordingly as with hir hart she wyshed to intertain
the young Lord, to the intent from that time forth, he might
more willinglye make repaire to hir house. After dinner he
rendred thanks to his hostesse for his good cheare and
intertainment that he had receiued, assuring hir, that all the
dayes of his Life he would imploy himselfe to recompence hir
curtesy, and with all duety and indeuor to acknowledge that
fauor. And hauing taken his leaue of the mother, he went to the
Damosell, to hir I say, that had so sore wounded his hearte who
already was so deeply grauen in his mind, as the marke remained
there for euer, taking leaue of hir, kissed hir handes, and
thinking verily to expresse that whereuppon hee imagined all the
Nyghte, his Tongue and Wits were so tyed and rapt, as the
Gentlewoman perfectly perceiued this alteration, whereat she was
no whit discontented and therefore all blushyng, sayde vnto him:
"I pray to God sir, to ease and comfort your gryefe, as you
leaue vs desirous and glad, long to enioy your company." "Truely
Gentlewoman," (aunswered the Knyght) "I think my selfe more than
happy, to heare that wysh proceede from sutch a one as you be,
and specially for the desire whych you say you haue of my
presence, whych shall be euer readye to doe that whych it shall
please you to commaunde." The Gentlewoman bashfull for that
offer, thanked hym verye heartilye praying him wyth sweete and
smilinge Countenance, not to forget the waye to come to visite
them, beyng wel assured, that hir mother would be very glad
thereof. "And for mine owne part," (quod she) "I shall thinke my
self happy to be partaker of the pleasure and great amity that
is betwene our two houses." After great reuerence and leaue
taken between them, Dom Diego returned home, where he tolde his
mother of the good interteynment made him, and of the great
honesty of the Lady hys hostesse: "Wherfore madam," (quod he to
hys Mother) "I am desyrous (if it be your pleasure) to let them
know how much their bountifull hospitality hath tied me to them,
and what desire I haue to recompence the same. I am therefore
wyllyng to bydde them hyther, and to make them so good cheare,
as wyth all theyr Hearte they made me when I was wyth them."
The Lady whych was the assured fryende of the Mother of Gineura,
lyked well the aduyse of hir sonne, and tolde him that they
should bee welcome, for the aunciente amity of long time betwene
them, who was wont many times to visit one an other. Dom Diego
vpon his mother's words, sent to intreat the Lady and fayr
Gineura, that it woulde please them to do him the honour to come
into his house: to which request she so willingly yelded, as he
was desirous to bid them. At the appointed day Dom Diego sought
al meanes possible honourably to receyue them: In meates whereof
there was no want, in Instruments of all sortes, Mummeries,
Morescoes, and a thousand other pastymes, whereby he declared
his good bringing vp, the gentlenesse of his Spyryte, and the
desire that he had to appeare sutch one as he was, before hir,
which had already the full possession of his liberty. And
bicause he would not faile to accomplyshe the perfection of his
intent, hee inuyted all the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen that were
his neighbours. I will not here describe the moste part of the
prouision for that feast, nor the diuersity of Meates, or the
delycate kyndes of Wines. It shall suffise mee to tell that
after dynner they daunced, where the knight tooke his mistresse
by the hand who was so glad to see hir selfe so aduanced, as he
was content to be so neare hir, that was the sweete torment and
vnspeakable passion of his mynd, whych hee began to discouer
vnto hir in this wyse: "Mistresse Gineura I have ben alwayes of
this Minde, that Musike hath a certeine secrete hydden vertue
(which wel can not be expressed) to reuiue the thoughts and
cogitations of man, be he neuer so mornfull and pensiue, forcing
him to vtter some outward reioyse: I speake it by my self, for
that I liue in extreme anguish and payne, that al the ioy of the
World seemeth vnto mee displeasaunt, care, and disquyetnesse:
and neuerthelesse my passion, agreeing with the plaintife voice
of the Instrument, doth reioyce and conceiue comforte, as well
to heare insensible thinges conformable to my desires as also to
see my self so neere vnto hir, that hath the salue to ease my
payne, to discharge my disease, and to depryue my Mynd from all
gryefs. In like maner reason it is, that she hir selfe do remedy
my disease, of whom I receiued the prycke, and which is the
first foundation of all mine euil." "I can not tell" (sayd the
Gentlewoman) {"}what disease it is you speak of, for I shoulde
bee very vnkinde to gieue him occasion of griefe, that doth make
vs this great cheere." "Ah Lady myne," (sayd the knight,
fetching a sigh from the bottome of his heart,) "the
intertaynement that I receyue by the continuall contemplation of
your diuine Beauties, and the vnspeakeable brightnesse of those
two Beames, which twinkle in your Face, bee they that happily
doe vex me, and make me drink this Cup of bitternesse, wherein
notwithstanding I finde sutch sweetenesse as al the Heauenly
Drincke called Ambrosia, fayned by the Poets, is but Gall in
respect of that which I taste in mynde, feeling my deuotion so
bent to do you seruice, as onely Death shall vnty the knot
wherewith voluntarily I Knyt my selfe to be your Seruaunt for
euer, and if it so please vou, your Faythfull, and Loyall
Freende, and Husbande." The yonge Damosell not wonted for to
heare sutch Songs, did chaunge hir coloure at least three or
foure times, and neuerthelesse fayned a little angre of that
which did content hir most: and yet not so sharpe, but that the
Gentleman perceyued well enough, that shee was touched at the
quicke, and also that he was accepted into hir good Grace and
Fauoure. And therefore hee continued styll hys talke, all that
time after dinner, vntill the Mayden made hym thys aunswere:
"Sir, I will nowe confesse that griefe may couer alteration of
affections proceeding of Loue. For although I had determined to
dissemble that which I thinke, yet there is a thinge in my Mynde
(which I can not name) that gouerneth mee so farre from my
proper Deuises, and Conceyptes, as I am constrayned to doe that
which this second Inspiration leadeth mee vnto, and forceth my
Mynde to receyue an Impression: but what will be the ende
thereof, as yet I knowe not. Notwythstandinge, reposinge mee in
youre Vertue, and Honesty, and acknowledgynge youre merite,
I thincke my selfe happy to haue sutch one for my Freende, that
is so Fayre and comely a knight, and for sutch I doe accept you
vntill you haue obtayned of the Lady, my Mother, the second
poynct, which may accomplish that which is moste desyred of
them, that for vertue's sake do loue. And but for that you shall
bee none otherwyse fauoured of me, than hytherto you haue ben."
"Tyll now haue I attended for thys ryght happye day of Ioy and
Blysse (sayd the Knyght) in token whereof, I doe kysse your
whyte and delycate Hands, and for acknowledging the fauour that
presently I do receiue, I make my vaunt to be the seruaunt of
hir that is the fayrest, and most curteous Gentlewoman, on thys
side the Mountaynes." As hee had fynished those words they came
to couer for Supper, where they were serued so honourably, as yf
they had ben in the Court of the Monarch of Spayne. After Supper
they went to walke abroade alongs the Riuer side, besette wyth
Wyllow Trees, where both the Beauty of the time, the runnyng
Ryuer, the Charme of the Natural musicke of birds, and the
pleasaunt Murmure of the tremblyng Leaues, at the whistelyng of
the swete Westerne Wynd, moued them agayne to renew theyr
Pastyme after Dynner. For some dyd gyue themselues to talke,
and to deuyse of delectable matter: some framed Nosegayes,
Garlandes, and other prety posyes for theyr Fryendes; other some
did leape, runne, and throwe the Barre. In the end a great Lord,
neighbor to Dom Diego, whose name was Dom Roderico, knowyng by
his Fryend's Countenaunce to what saynt hee was vowed, and
perceyuing for whose loue the feaste was celebrate, tooke by the
hand a Gentlewoman that sate nexte to fayre Gineura, and prayed
hir to daunce after a Song, whereunto shee beeynge pleasaunt and
wyse, made no great refusall. Dom Diego fayled not to ioyne wyth
hys mystresse, after whome folowed the rest of that noble
trayne, euery of them as they thought best. Now the Gentlewoman,
that was ledde into daunce, song thys song so apt for the
purpose, as if shee had entred the heart of the Ennimy and
Mystresse of Dom Diego, or of purpose had made the same in the
Name of hir, whom the matter touched aboue the rest.
Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
The yong and tender feeblenesse
Of myne vnskilfull age,
Whereof also the tendernesse
Doth feeble heart assuage:
Whom Beautye's force hath made to frame
Vnto a Louer's hest,
So soone as first the kindled flame
Of louinge Toyes increst.
Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
I haue assayed out to put
The fier thus begoone,
And haue attempted of to cut,
The threede which loue hath spoone:
And new alliance fayne would flee
Of him whom I loue best,
But that the Gods haue willed me
To yeld to his request.
Who may better sing and daunce among vs Ladies all,
Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
So amiable is his grace,
Not like among vs all:
So passing fayre is his Face,
Whose hue doth stayne us all:
And as the shining sunny day
Doth eu'ry man delight,
So he alone doth beare the sway,
Amongs eche louing wight.
Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all
Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
Why should not then, the fayrest dame,
Apply her gentle minde,
And honor giue vnto his name,
Wyth humble heart and kinde?
Sith he is full of curtesie,
Indewd with noble grace,
And brest replete with honesty,
Well knowne in euery place.
Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
If I should loue, and serue him than,
May it be counted vice?
If I retayne that worthy man,
Shall I be deemde vnwise?
I will be gentle to him sure,
And render him myne ayde:
And loue that wight with heart full pure,
That neuer loue assayde.
Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
Thus the most sacred vnity,
That doth our hearts combine:
Is voyde of wicked flattery,
The same for to vntwine.
No hardned rigor is our guide,
Nor folly doth vs lead:
No Fortune can vs twayne deuide,
Vntill we both be deade.
Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
And thus assured certaynely,
That this our loue shall dure,
And with good lucke hope verely,
The same to put in vre
The sowen seedes of amity,
Begon betwixt vs twayne,
Shall in most perfect vnity,
For euermore remayne.
Who may better sing and daunce amongs vs Ladies all,
Than she that doth hir louer's heart possesse in bondage thrall?
Thys Song delighted the Myndes of many in that company, and
principally Dom Deigo, and Gineura, who felt themselues tickled
without laughing: And the mayden reioysed to heare hir selfe so
greatly praysed in so noble a company, and specially in the
presence of hir friende who had no lesse pleasure by hearing the
praises of his beloued, than if he had bin made Lord of all
Aragon. She for all hir dissembled Countenaunce could not hide
the alteration of hir Mynde, without sending forth a sodayne
chaunge of colour, that forced a fayre and goodly taynt in hir
Face. Dom Diego seeing that mutation, was so ioyful as was
possible, for thereby he knew and Iudged himselfe assured of the
good grace of hys Mistresse, and therefore wringing hir finely
by the hands, sayd vnto her very soberly Smiling: "What greater
pleasure my louinge Wench can there happen vnto your Seruaunt,
than to see the accomplishment of this Propheticall Song?
I assure you that in all my life I neuer heard musicke, that
delighted me so mutch as this, and thereby doe vnderstand the
good will of the Gentlewoman, which so curteously hath
discouered yours towards me, and the faythfull seruice whereof
you shall see me from henceforth so liberall, as neyther goods
nor life shalbe spared for your sake." Ginuera who loued him
with all hir heart, thanked him very humbly, and prayed him to
beleeue that the Song was truely soonge, and that without any
fayle, she that soonge, had thereby manyfested all the secrets
of hir mynde. The daunce ended, they sat theym downe rounde
about a cleare Fountayne, which by silent discourse, issued from
an high and moysty rock, enuironned with an infinite number of
Maple trees, Poplars, and Ashes. To which place a Page brought a
Lute to Dom Diego, whereupon hee could play very well, and made
it more pleasauntly to sound for that hee accorded hys Fayninge
Voyce to the Instrument, Singing this song that followeth.
That I should loue and serue also, good reason doth require,
What though I suffre loathsome grief, my life in woe to wrap?
The same be th'only instruments of my good lucke and hap,
The foode and pray for hungry corps, of rest th'assured hire.
By thought wherof (O heauy man) gush forth of teares great store
And by and by reioyst agayne, my driery teares do cease:
Which guerdon shall mine honor sure in that triumphant peace,
The summe wherof I offer now, were it of price mutch more.
Which I do make withall my heart, vnto that blessed wight,
My proper Goddesse here on earth, and only mistresse deere:
My goods and life, my brething ghost within this carcase here,
I vow vnto that maiesty, that heauenly starre most bright.
Now sith my willing vow is made, I humbly pray hir grace,
To end th'accord betwene vs pight, no longer time to tracte:
Whych if it be by sured band, so haply brought to passe,
I must my self thrice happy count, for that most heauenly fact.
Thys Song made the company to muse, who commended the trim
inuention of the Knight, and aboue all Gineura praysed him more
than before, and could not so well refrayne hir lookes from him,
and he with counterchaunge rendring alike agayne, but that the
two wydowes their Mothers tooke great heede thereof, reioysing
greatly to see the same, desirous in time to couple them
togeather. For at that present they deferred the same, in
consideration they were both very young. Notwithstanding it had
bene better that the same Coniunction had ben made, before
Fortune had turned the Wheele of hir vnstablenes. And truely
delay and prolongation of time sometimes bryngeth sutch and so
great missehappe that one hundred times men cursse their
fortune, and little aduyse in foresight of their infortunate
chaunces that commonly do come to passe. As it chaunced to those
Wydowes, one of them thinking to loose hir son by the vaine
behauior of the other's daughter, who wythout the help of GOD,
or care vnto his wil, disparaged hir honor, and prepared a
poyson so daungerous for his Mother's age, as the foode thereof
hastened the way to the good Ladye's Graue. Now whiles this loue
in thys manner increased and that the desire of these two
Louers, flamed forth ordinarily in fire and flames more violent,
Dom Diego all chaunged and transformed into a new man, receiued
no delyght, but in the sight of his Gineura. And she thought
that there could be no greater Felicity or more to be wyshed
for, than to haue a Fryend so perfect, and so well accomplyshed
wyth all thyngs requisite for the ornament and full furniture of
a Gentleman. This was the occasion that the young Knyght let no
Weeke to passe without visiting his mystresse twice or thryce at
the least, and she did vnto hym the greatest curtesy and best
Entertaynment, that vertue could suffer a Mayden to doe, whych
was the diligent Treasurer and careful tutor of hir honor. And
this she dyd by consent of hir Mother. In lyk maner, honestie
doth not permyt chaste Maydens to vse long talk or immoderate
speach, with the fyrst that be suters vnto them, and mutch lesse
seemely it is for them to be ouer squeimysh Nice, wyth that man
whych seeketh (by way of marryage) to wynne power and tytle of
the Body, beyng in very deede, or ought to be the moiety of
theyr soule. Sutch was the desyres of these two Louers, which
notwithstanding was impeeched by meanes, as hereafter you shal
heare. For duryng the rebounding ioy of those faire couple of
Loyall Louers, it chaunced that the Daughter of a Nobleman of
the Countrey, named Ferrando de la Serre, whych was fayre, very
Comely, Wise, and of good behauiour, by keepynge daily Company
with Gineura, fell extreamely in loue with Dom Diego, and
assayed by all meanes to do him to vnderstand what the puissance
was of hir Loue which willingly shee meant to bestowe vpon him,
if it woold please hym to honor hir so mutch, as to loue hir
with like sincerity. But the knight which was no more his own
Man, beyng possessed of another, had with hys Lybertye lost his
Wyts and Mynd to marke the affectyon of this Gentlewoman, of
whom he made no accompt. The Maiden neuerthelesse ceased not to
loue him, and to proue all possible wayes to make him hir owne.
And knowing how mutch Dom Diego loued Hawking, she bought a
hauke the best in all the countrey, and sent the same to Dom
Diego, who wyth all his heart receiued the same, and
affectuously gaue hir thanks for that desired gyft, praying the
messanger to recommend him to the good grace of his mistresse,
and to assure hir self of his faythfull seruice, and that for
hir sake he would kepe the Hauke so tenderly as the Balles of
his eyes. Thys Hauke was the cause of the ill fortune that
afterwards chaunced to this poore Louer. For going many times to
see Gienura with the hauke on his fist and bearing with him the
tokens of the goodnesse of his Hauke, it escaped his mouth to
say, that the same was one of the things that in all the World
he loued best. Truely this Word was taken at the first bound
contrary to his meaning, wherewith the matter so fell out, as
afterwards by despayre he was like to lose his Lyfe. Certaine
dayes after, as in the absence of the knight, talk rose of his
vertue and honest conditions, one praysing his prowesse and
valyance, another his great Beauty and Curtesy, another passing
further, extolling the sincere affectyon and constancy which
appeared in him touching matters of Loue, one enuious person
named Gracian spake his mind of hym in this wyse: "I will not
deny but that Dom Diego is one of the most excellent most honest
and brauest knyghtes of Catheloigne, but in matters of Loue he
seemeth to me so walteryng and inconstant, as in euery place
where he commeth, by and by he falleth in loue, and maketh as
though he were sicke and would dy for the same." Gineura
maruelling at those words said vnto him: "I pray you my frend to
vse better talk of the Lord Dom Diego. For I do thynk the Loue
whych the Knight doth beare to a Gentlewoman of thys countrey,
is so firme and assured, as none other can remoue the same out
of the siege of hys mind?" "Lo howe you be deceiued Gentlewoman"
(quod Gracian) "for vnder coloure of dissymulate seruice, he and
sutch as he is doe abuse the simplicity of young Gentlewomen.
And to proue my sayinge true, I am assured that he is extremely
enamored wyth the Daughter of Dom Ferrando de la Serre, of whom
he receyued an Hauke, that he loueth aboue all other things."
Gineura remembrying the words which certayn dayes before Dom
Diego spake touching his hauke, began to suspect and beleue that
which Gracian alleaged, and not able to support the choler,
whych cold Iealosy bred in hir stomack, went into hir Chaumber
full of so greate gryefe and heauynesse as she was many tymes
lyke to kyll hir selfe. In the end, hopyng to be reuenged of the
wrong whych shee beleued to receyue of Dom Diego, determyned to
endure hir fortune paciently. In the meane tyme she conceyued in
hir Mynd a despyte and hatred so great and extreame agaynst the
poore Gentleman that thought lyttle hereof, as the former loue
was nothing in respecte of the reuenge by death which she then
desired vpon hym. Who the next day after his wonted maner came
to see hir, hauing (to hys great damage) the hauke on his fiste,
which was the onely cause of all her Iealosie. Nowe as the
knyght was in talke with the Mother, seeynge that his beloued
came not at al (accordyng to hir custome) to salute him and bid
him welcome, inquired how she dyd. One that loued hym more than
the rest, sayd vnto him: "Syr, so soone as she knewe of your
comming, immedyately she wythdrew hir self into hir Chaumber."
He that was wyse and well trayned vp dissembled what he thought,
imagining that it was for some lyttle fantasie, whereunto Women
wyllingly be subiecte. And therfore when he thought time to
depart he toke leaue of the wydow, and as he was goyng down the
staires of the great Chamber, he met one of the maides of
Gineura, whom he prayed to commend him to hir mistresse. Gineura
duryng al this time tooke no reste, deuising howe shee myghte
cutte of cleane hir loue entertained in Dom Diego, after she
knewe that hee carryed the hawke on his fyst: beyng the onely
instrument of her frensie. And therefore thynkyng hir selfe both
despysed and mocked of hir Knyght, and that he had done it in
despyte of hir, she entred into so great rage and Choler as she
was like to fall mad. She being then in this trouble of Mynde,
behold hir Gentlewoman came vnto hir, and dyd the knyght's
message. Who hearing but the symple name of hir supposed Ennimy,
began to sighe so straungely, as a Man would haue thought hir
soule presently would haue departed hir Body. Afterwards when
she had vanquished hir raging fit whych stayed hir speach, she
gan very tenderly to weepe, saying: "Ah traytor and vnfaithful
Louer, is thys the recompence of the honest, and firme Amity
whych I haue borne thee, so wyckedly to deceiue me vnder the
colour of so faint and detestable a Fryendship? Ah rashe and
arrant Theefe, is it I vppon whom thou oughtest to bend thy
wycked Trumperies? Doste thou thinke that I am no better worth
but that thou prodigally shouldest waste myne honor to bear the
spoyles thereof to hir, that is in nothing comparable vnto me?
Wherein haue I deserued thys discurtesy, if not by louyng thee
more than thy beauty and fained loue deserue? Diddest thou dare
to aduenture vppon me, hauyng thy conscyence wounded wyth sutch
an abhominable and deadly Treason? Durste thou to offer thy
Mouth to kysse my Hand, by the mouth of another, to whome thou
haddest before dedicated thy lying Lyppes in thine owne person?
I most humbly thancke Almighty God that it pleased him to let me
see the Poison by thee prepared for the ruine of my lyfe and
honor. Ha foole, hope not to take me in thy Trap, nor yet to
deceyue me through thy sugred and deceitfull Words. For I sweare
by the Almyghty God, that so long as I shall liue, I will
accompte thee none other, but the most cruell and mortall Ennimy
that I haue in this world." Then to accomplish the rest of hir
carefull Minde she wrote a Letter to giue hir farewell to hir
olde Friend Dom Diego. And for that purpose instructed hir Page
with this Lesson, that when the knyght should come, he should be
ready before hir lodging and say vnto him in the behalfe of hir,
that before he passed any further, hee shoulde reade the Letter,
and not to fayle to doe the Contents: the Page which was
malicious, and il affectioned to Dom Diego, knowyng the
appointed day of hys comming, wayted for hym a quarter of a mile
from the Castle, where he had not long taryed, but the innocent
louer came, agaynst whome the page went, bearyng about him more
hurtfull and noysome weapons than al the Theeues and robbers had
in all the Countrey of Catheloigne. In this manner presenting
his mystresse letters, he said vnto him: "My Lord, madame
Gineura my mistresse hath sent me vnto you: and bicause she
knoweth how feareful you be to dysplease hir, prayeth you not to
fayle to reade this Letter before you passe anye further, and
there wyth al to accomplysh the effecte thereof." The knyght
abashed wyth that sodayne message, aunswered the Page: "God
forbid my fryend," (quod he) "that I should disobey hir by anye
meanes, vnto whom I haue gyuen a full authority and puissaunce
over myne affectyons." So receyuing the letters, he kissed them
thre or four times, and openyng them, found that he loked not
for, and red that whych he thought not off. The contents were
these.
_The letters of faire Ginuera, to the Knight Dom Diego._
There shall passe no day of my Lyfe, from makyng complaynts of
the disloyall and periured Louer, who being more esteemed and
better beloued than thou dydst deserue, hast made so small
accompte of mee, whereof I wyll be reuenged vpon my selfe,
for that I so lyghtly beleued thy wordes so full of crafte and
guyle. I am in mynd that thou henceforth shalt flye to buzze and
beat the Bushes, where thou suspectest to catch the pray: for
heere thou art lyke to be deceiued. Goe varlet, (goe I say,) to
deceyue hir whych holdeth thee in hir nets and snares, and whose
Presentes (althoughe of small Value) moued thee more than the
Honeste, Vertuous and Chaste Loue, that Vertue hir selfe began
to knytte betweene vs. And sith a Carrion Kyte hath made the fly
further off, than the Wynde of the Ayre was able to bear thee,
God desende that Gineura should goe aboute to hynder thy
follyes, and mutch lesse to suffer hir selfe to bee beguyled
throughe thine Excuses. Nay rather God defend (except thou
desirest to se me dy) that thou shouldest euer bee in place
where I am, assuryng thee of thys my mynde, neuer to be chaunged
so long as my soule shall rest wythin my body: which giuing
breath vnto my panting breast, shal neuer be other, but a
mortall enimy to Dom Diego: and sutch one as euen to the Death
wyl not fayle to prosecute the default of the most traiterous
and vnfaythfull Knyght that euer was gyrte in girdle, or armed
with Sword. And behold the last fauour that thou canst, or
oughtest to hope of me, who lyueth not but onelye to martir and
crucify thee, and neuer shal be{ }other but
The greatest Enimy, that euer thou haddest, or
shalt haue, Gineura the fayre.
The myserable louer had no sooner red the Letter, but lifting vp
his eyes to the heauens, he sayd: "Alas, my God thou knowest
well if euer I haue offended, that I ought to be banyshed from
the place, where my contentation is chyefly fixed, and from
whence my heart{ }shall neuer departe, chaunce what myssehappe
and Fortune so euer shall." Then tournyng himself towards the
Page, hee sayd: "Sir Page my fryend, say vnto my Ladye, most
humblye commending me vnto hir, that for this present time I
wyll not see hir, but hereafter she shall heare some newes from
me." The page well lessoned for the purpose, made hym aunswere,
saying: "Sir, she hath wylled me to say thus mutch by mouth,
that ye cannot do hir greater pleasure, than neuer to come in
place where shee is: for so mutch as the Daughter of Dom
Ferrando de la Serre hath so catched you in hir nettes, that
loth she is your faithfull heart shoulde hange in ballance, and
expect the vncertaine Loue of two Ladyes at once." Dom Diego
hearing the truth of hys missehap, and the occasion of the same,
made Lyghte of the matter for that tyme, till at length the
Choler of his Mistresse were abated, that thereby shee might
know vpon how bryttle Ground she hadde planted a suspition of
hir most faythfull and louing Seruaunt, and so retiring to his
House, altogither vexed and yll contented, he wente into hys
Chaumber where with his Dagger he paunched the gorge of the
poore birde, the cause of hys Ladies Anger, saying: "Ha vyle
carraine kite, I sweare by the bloud of him, that thou shalt
neuer be the cause agayne, to make hir fret for sutch a triflyng
thing as thou art: I beleue that what so euer fury is hidden
within the Body of this curssed Kite, to engender a Plague,
the same now is seased on me, but I hope to doe my Mystresse
vnderstande what Sacrifice I haue made of the thyng that was
sent me, ready to do the lyke vppon mine owne flesh, where it
shall please her to commaund." So taking Inke and Paper, he made
aunswere to Gineura as foloweth.
_The Letters of Dom Diego, to Gineura the faire._
But who would euer thynck (my Lady deare) that a Lyght Opinion
could so soone haue deuided your good iudgement, to condempn
your Knight before you had heard what he was able to say, for
himself? truely I thought no more to offend you, than the man
which you neuer knew, although you haue bene deceiued by colored
words, vttered by those that be enuious of my happe, and Enimies
of your ioy, who haue filled your minde full of false report.
I swere vnto you (by God, my good Lady) that neuer thinge entred
into my fantasie more, than a desire to serue you alone and to
auoide the acquaintance of all other, to preserue for you a pure
and entire heart. Whereof longe agone I made you an offer. In
wytnesse whereof I humbly beseech you to beleue, that so soone
as you see this Birde (the cause of your anger and occasion of
my mishap) torne and pluckte in pieces, that my heart feeleth no
lesse alteration or torment: for so long as I shall vnderstand
your displeasure to endure against mee, assure your selfe my
Life shall abide in no lesse paine than my ioye was great when I
franckly possessed your presence. Be it sufficient (Madame) for
you to know, that I neuer thought to offend you. Be contented I
beseech you, with this sacrifice which I send you, if not that I
doe the like vpon myne owne body, which without your good will
and grace can no longer liue. For my lyfe depending vppon that
only benefit, you ought not to be astonned if the same fayling
his nourishment doth pearish, as frustrate of that foode,
propre, and apt for his Appetite: and by like meanes my sayd
life shall reuiue, if it may please you to spread your beames
ouer mine obscure and base personage, and to receiue thys
satisfaction for a fault not committed. And so wayting a gentle
aunswere from your great curtesie, I humbly kisse your white and
delicate handes, with all humility, praying God sweete Lady,
to let you see how mutch I suffer without desert, and what
puissaunce you haue ouer him that is all your
Faythfull and euer servaunt
most obedient, Dom Diego.
The letter closed, and sealed, he deliuered to one of his
faythfull and secret Seruaunts, to beare (with the deade Hauke)
vnto Gineura, charging him diligently to take heede to hir
countenaunce, and aboue all, that faithfully he should beare
away what she dyd say vnto him for aunswere. His man fayled not
to speede himselfe with diligence: and being come before
Gineura, he presented that which his maister had sent hir. She
full of wrath and indignation, would not once vouchsafe to reade
the letter, and mutch lesse to accept the present which was a
witnesse of the contrary of that shee did beleue, and turninge
vnto the messenger, she sayde: "My Frende, thou mayest goe get
thee backe agayne, wyth the selfe same charge which thou hast
brought, and say vnto thy mayster, that I haue nothing to doe
with his Letters, his Excuses, or any other thing that commeth
from his handes, as one hauing good experience of his sleyghts
and deceipts. Tell him also, that I prayse God, in good time I
haue taken heede to the little fayth and trust that is in him
for a countergarde, lightly neuer hereafter to bee deceiued."
The seruyng man would fayne haue framed an Oration to purge his
maister, but the fierce Gentlewoman brake of his talke, saying
vnto hym, that she was wel resolued vpon hir intent, whych was
that Dom Diego should neuer recouer place in hir minde: and that
shee hated hym as mutch at that time as euer shee loued him
before. Vppon whych aunswere the Messanger returned, so
sorrowfull for the Misfortune of his Mayster (knowing hym to bee
very innocent) as he knew full well into what despayre his
Mayster would fall, when he vnderstode those pitifull and heavy
newes: notwithstanding needes he must knowe them, and therefore
when he was come before Dom Diego, he recyted vnto hym from
poynt to poynt his ambassage, and deliuered hym agayne his
Letters. Whereof the infortunate Gentleman was so sore astonned,
as he was like to haue fallen downe dead at that instant.
"Alas," (sayd he) "what yll lucke is this, that when I thought
to enioye the benefite of my attempte, Fortune hath reuolted to
bryng me to the extremity of the moste desparate man that ever
lyued? Is it possible that my good seruice should bee the cause
of my approached ouerthrow? Alas, what may true and faithfull
louers henceforth hope for, if not the losse of theyr tyme, when
after long deuoire and duetye, an Enuious fool shall come to
depryue them of theyr ioy and gladnesse, and they feelyng the
bytternesse of theyr abandoned farewell, one that loueth lesse
shall beare away the sweete fruicte of sutch hope, and shall
possesse withoute deserte the glory due to a good and faythfull
suter. Ah fayre Gineura, that thou seest not the griefe whych I
do feele, and the affection wherewith I serue thee, and how
mutch I would suffer to gayne and recouer thy good grace and
fauor. Ha vayne hope, which vntill now hast fylled me, with
mirth and gladnesse, altogether spent and ouerwhelmed in the
gaulle of thy bytter sauour, and in the tast of thy corrupted
lycour: better it had ben for me at the begining to haue refused
thee, than afterwards receiued, cherished, and sincerely
beloued, to be banished for so light occasion, as I am ful sore
ashamed to conceyue the same within remembrance: but fortune
shal not haue hir wil ouer me: for so long as I shall liue I
wyll contynue the seruaunt of Gineura, and my lyfe I wyll
preserue, to lette her vnderstand the force of Loue: by
continuaunce whereof, I wyll not sticke to sette my selfe on
fyre with the liuely flames of my passions, and then withdrawe
the fyrebrandes of my ioy, by the rigour and frowardnesse that
shall proceede from hir." When he had fynished his talke, he
began to sigh and lament so strangely, as his man was about to
go cal the lady his mother. In whom dyd appeare sutch signes, as
if death had ben at hand, or els that he had ben attached wyth
the Spirite of phrensie. But when hee sawe hym aboute to come
agayne to himselfe, he sayed thus vnto him: "How now, syr, wyl
you cast your selfe away for the foolyshe toy of an vndiscrete
girle, yll mannered and taught, and who perchaunce doth al this
to proue how constant you would be? No, no sir, you must turne
ouer an other Leafe, and sith you bee determyned to loue hir,
you must perseuere in your pursute. For at length it is
impossible, but that this Diamont hardnesse, must needes bee
mollified, if she be not a Diuell incarnate, more furious than
the wildest beasts, whych haunt the deserts of Lybia." Dom Diego
was comforted with that admonition, and purposed to persist in
hys affection, and therefore sent many messages, giftes,
letters, and excuses to hys angry mistresse Gineura. But she
made yet lesse accompt of them than of the first, charging the
messangers not to trouble themselues about those trifles, for
shee had rather dye than see hym, or to receyue any thyng from
him, whom she deadly hated. When newes hereof came to the
knyght, he was altogether impacient, and seeing the small
profite which he did gaine by pursuing his folysh opinion, and
not able to bestow his loue elsewhere, he determined to die:
and yet vnwilling to imbrue his hands with his owne bloud, he
purposed to wander as a vacabond into some deserte, to perfourme
the course of his vnhappye and sorrowfull dayes, hoping by that
meanes to quench the heat of that amorous rage, either by length
of tyme, or by death, the last refuge of the myserable. For
which purpose then, he caused to be made two pylgrims wedes,
the one for himselfe, and the other for his man, and prepared al
their necessaries for his voiage. Then writing a Letter to his
Gineura, he called one of his men, to whom he said: "I am going
about certayne of myne affayres, whereof I will haue no man to
knowe, and therefore when I am gone, thou shalt tell my Lady
Mother what I say to thee, and that within twenty dayes (God
willing) I meane to retourne: moreouer I require thee, that
foure dayes after my departure, and not before, thou beare
theese letters to mistresse Gineura, and if so be she refuse to
receyue them, fayle not to deliuer them vnto hir mother. Take
heede therefore if thou loue me, to do all that which I haue
geuen thee in charge." Afterwards he called his seruaunt vnto
hym, which had done the first message vnto Gineura, which was a
wise, and gentle fellow, in whom the knight reposed great
affiaunce, to him he declared all his enterprise, and th'ende
whereunto his fierce determination did extend. The good Seruaunt
whych loued his mayster, hearing his intent so vnreasonable,
sayde vnto him: "Is it not enough for you sir, to yelde your
selfe a pray to the most fierce, and cruell woman that lyueth,
but thus to augment hir glory, by seeing hir selfe so victorious
over you? Are you ignoraunt what the mallice of Women is, and
how mutch they triumph in tormenting the poore blynded soules
that become their Seruaunts, and what prayse they attribute vnto
themselues, if by some misfortune they driue them to dispaire?
Was it without cause that the Sage in times past did so greatly
hate that Sexe, and Kinde, as the common Ruine, and ouerthrow of
men? What mooued the Greeke Poet to sing theese verses against
all sorts of Women?
A common woe though silly woman be to man,
Yet double ioy againe she doth vnto him bring:
The wedding night is one, as wedded folk tell can,
The other when the knill for hir poore soule doth ring.