THE DECAMERON
CONTAINING
An hundred pleasant Novels.
_Wittily discoursed, betweene seven Honourable Ladies, and three Noble
Gentlemen._
The last Five Dayes.
London, Printed by
Isaac Jaggard,
1620.
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Sir PHILLIP HERBERT, Knight, Lord Baron of
Sherland, Earle of Montgomery, and Knight of the most Noble order of
the Garter.
_Having (by your Honourable command) translated this_ Decameron, _or_
Cento Novelle, _sirnamed_ Il Principe Galeotto, _of ten dayes severall
discourses, grounded on variable and singuler Arguments, happening
betweene seaven Noble Ladies, and three very Honourable Gentlemen:
Although not attyred in such elegantcy of phrase, or nice curiosity of
stile, as a quicker and more sprightly wit could have performed, but
in such home-borne language, as my ability could stretch unto; yet it
commeth (in all duty) to kisse your Noble hand, and to shelter it selfe
under your Gracious protection, though not from the leering eye, and
over-lavish tongue of snarling Envy; yet from the power of his blasting
poyson, and malice of his machinations._
_To the Reader._
Bookes (Courteous Reader) may rightly be compared to _Gardens_;
wherein, let the painfull Gardiner expresse never so much care and
diligent endeavour; yet among the very fairest, sweetest, and freshest
Flowers, as also Plants of most precious Vertue; ill favouring and
stinking Weeds, fit for no use but the fire or mucke-hill, will spring
and sprout up. So fareth it with Bookes of the very best quality, let
the Author bee never so indulgent, and the Printer vigilant: yet both
may misse their ayme, by the escape of Errors and Mistakes, either in
sense or matter, the one fault ensuing by a ragged Written Copy; and
the other thorough want of wary Correction. If then the best Bookes
cannot be free from this common infirmity; blame not this then, of
farre lighter argument, wherein thy courtesie may helpe us both: His
blame, in acknowledging his more sufficiency, then to write so grosse
and absurdly: And mine, in pardoning unwilling Errours committed, which
thy judgement finding, thy pen can as easily correct.
_Farewell._
The Table
Dedication.
To the Reader.
* * * * *
THE SIXT DAY, Governed under Madame Eliza.
_Wherein the Discourses or Novels there to bee recounted, doe concerne
such persons; who by some witty words (when any have taunted them)
have revenged themselves, in a sudden, unexpected and discreet
answere, thereby preventing losse, danger, scorne and disgrace,
retorting them on the busi-headed Questioners._
The Argument of the first Novell.
_A Knight requested Madame_ Oretta, _to ride behinde him on
horsebacke, and promised, to tell her an excellent Tale by the way.
But the Lady perceiving, that his discourse was idle, and much worse
delivered: entreated him to let her walke on foote againe._
_The Morall._
Reprehending the folly of such men, as undertake to report discourses,
which are beyond their wit and capacity, and gaine nothing but blame
for their labour.
The Argument of the second Novell.
Cistio _a Baker, by a witty answere which he gave unto_ Messer Geri
Spina, _caused him to acknowledge a very indiscreet motion, which he
had made to the said_ Cistio.
_The Morall._
Approving, that a request ought to be civill, before it should be
granted to any one whatsoever.
The Argument of the third Novell.
Madam Nonna de Pulci, _by a sodaine answere, did put to silence a
Bishop of_ Florence, _and the Lord Marshall: having mooved a question
to the said Lady, which seemed to come short of honesty._
_The Morall._
Wherein is declared, that mockers doe sometimes meet with their
matches in mockery, and to their owne shame.
The Argument of the fourth Novell.
Chichibio, _the Cooke to_ Messer Currado Gianfiliazzi, _by a sodaine
pleasant answere which he made to his Master; converted his anger into
laughter, and thereby escaped the punishment, that_ Messer _meant to
impose on him._
_The Morall._
Whereby plainely appeareth, that a sodaine witty, and merry answere,
doth oftentimes appease the furious choller of an angry man.
The Argument of the fift Novell.
Messer Forese da Rabatte, _and Maister_ Giotto, _a Painter by his
profession, comming together from_ Mugello, _scornefully reprehended
one another for their deformity of body._
_The Morall._
Whereby may be observed, that such as will speake contemptibly of
others, ought (first of all) to looke respectively on their owne
imperfections.
The Argument of the sixt Novell.
_A yong and ingenious Scholler, being unkindly reviled and smitten
by his ignorant Father, and through the procurement of an unlearned
Vicare; afterward attained to bee doubly revenged on him._
_The Morall._
Serving as an advertisment to unlearned Parents, not to be over-rash,
in censuring on Schollers imperfections, through any bad or
unbeseeming perswasions.
The Argument of the seaventh Novell.
Madame Phillippa, _being accused by her Husband_ Rinaldo de Pugliese,
_because he tooke her in Adultery, with a yong Gentleman named_
Lazarino de Guazzagliotori: _caused her to bee cited before a Judge.
From whom she delivered her selfe, by a sodaine, witty, and pleasant
answere, and moderated a severe strict Statute, formerly made against
women._
_The Morall._
Wherein is declared, of what worth it is to confesse a truth, with a
facetious and witty excuse.
The Argument of the eighth Novell.
Fresco da Celatico, _counselled and advised his Neece_ Cesca: _That if
such as deserved to bee looked on, were offensive to her eyes (as she
had often told him;) she should forbeare to looke on any._
_The Morall._
In just scorne of such unsightly and ill-pleasing surly Sluts, who
imagine none to bee faire or well-favoured, but themselves.
The Argument of the ninth Novell.
Signior Guido Cavalcante, _with a sodaine and witty answere,
reprehended the rash folly of certaine Florentine Gentlemen, that
thought to scorne and flout him._
_The Morall._
Notably discovering the great difference that is betweene learning and
ignorance, upon Judicious apprehension.
The Argument of the tenth Novell.
_Frier_ Onyon _promised certaine honest people of the Country, to shew
them a Feather of the same Phoenix, that was with_ Noah _in his Arke.
In sted whereof, he found Coales, which he avouched to be those very
coales, wherewith the same Phoenix was roasted._
_The Morall._
Wherein may be observed, what palpable abuses doe many times passe,
under the counterfeit Cloake of Religion.
* * * * *
THE SEAVENTH DAY, Governed under the Regiment of DIONEUS.
_Wherein the Discourses are directed, for the discovery of such
policies and deceits, as women have used for beguiling of their
Husbands, either in respect of their love, or for the prevention
of some blame or scandall; escaping without sight, knowledge, or
otherwise._
The Argument of the first Novell.
John _of_ Lorraine _heard one knocke at his doore in the night time,
whereupon he awaked his Wife_ Monna Tessa. _Shee made him beleeve, that
it was a Spirit which knocked at the doore, and so they arose, going
both together to conjure the Spirit with a charme; and afterwards,
they heard no more knocking._
_The Morall._
Reprehending the simplicity of some sottish Husbands: And discovering
the wanton subtilties of some women, to compasse their unlawfull
desires.
The Argument of the second Novell.
Peronella _hid a yong man her Friend and Lover, under a great brewing
Fat, uppon the sodaine returning home of her Husband; who tolde her,
that he had sold the saide Fat, and brought him that bought it, to
carry it away._ Peronella _replyed, That shee had formerly solde it
unto another, who was now underneath it, to see whether it were whole
and sound, or no. Whereupon, he being come forth from under it; shee
caused her Husband to make it neate and cleane, and so the last buyer
carried it away._
_The Morall._
Wherein is declared, what hard and narrow shifts and distresses, such
as be seriously linked in Love, are many times enforced to undergoe:
according as their owne wit, and capacity of their surprizers, drive
them to extremities.
The Argument of the third Novell.
_Friar_ Reynard, _falling in love with a Gentlewoman, Wife to a man
of good account; found the meanes to become her Gossip. Afterward,
he being conferring closely with her in her Chamber, and her Husband
comming sodainely thither: she made him beleeve, that he came thither
for no other ende; but to cure his God-sonne by a charme, of a
dangerous disease which he had by wormes._
_The Morall._
Serving as a friendly advertisement to married Women, that Monks,
Friars, and Priests may be none of their Gossips, in regard of
unavoydable perils ensuing thereby.
The Argument of the fourth Novell.
Tofano _in the night season, did locke his Wife out of his house, and
she not prevailing to get entrance againe, by all the entreaties shee
could possibly use: made him beleeve that shee had throwne her selfe
into a Well, by casting a great stone into the same Well._ Tofano
_hearing the fall of the stone into the Well, and being perswaded
that it was his Wife indeede; came forth of his house, and ranne to
the Welles side. In the meane while, his Wife gotte into the house,
made fast the doore against her Husband, and gave him many reprochfull
speeches._
_The Morall._
Wherein is manifested, that the malice and subtilty of a woman,
surpasseth all the Art or wit in man.
The Argument of the fift Novell.
_A jealous man, clouded with the habite of a Priest, became the
Confessour to his owne Wife; who made him beleeve, that she was
deepely in love with a Priest, which came every night, and lay with
her. By meanes of which confession, while her jealous Husband watched
the doore of his house; to surprise the Priest when he came: she that
never meant to doe amisse, had the company of a secret friend who came
over the toppe of the house to visite her, while her foolish Husband
kept the doore._
_The Morall._
In just scorne and mockery of such jealous Husbands, that wil be idle
headed upon no occasion. And yet when they have good reason for it,
doe least of all suspect any such injury.
The Argument of the sixth Novell.
_Madame_ Isabella, _delighting in the company of her affected
friend, named_ Lionello, _and she being likewise beloved by_ Signior
Lambertuccio: _At the same time as shee had entertained_ Lionello,
_she was also visited by_ Lambertuccio. _Her Husband returning home
in the very instant; she caused_ Lambertuccio _to runne foorth with
a drawne sword in his hand, and (by that meanes) made an excuse
sufficient for_ Lionello _to her Husband._
_The Morall._
Wherein is manifestly discerned, that if Love be driven to a narrow
straite in any of his attempts; yet hee can accomplish his purpose by
some other supply.
The Argument of the seaventh Novell.
Lodovico _discovered to his Mistresse Madame_ Beatrix, _how amourously
he was affected to her. She cunningly sent_ Egano _her Husband into
his garden, in all respects disguised like herselfe; while (friendly)_
Lodovico _conferred with her the meane while. Afterward,_ Lodovico
_pretending a lascivious allurement of his Mistresse, thereby to wrong
his honest Master, instead of her, beateth_ Egano _soundly in the
Garden._
_The Morall._
Whereby is declared, that such as keepe many honest seeming servants,
may sometime finde a knave among them, and one that proves to bee
over-sawcy with his Master.
The Argument of the Eight Novell.
Arriguccio Berlinghieri, _became immeasurably jealous of his Wife_
Simonida, _who fastened a thred about her great toe, for to serve
as a signall, when her amourous friend should come to visite her._
Arriguccio _findeth the fallacy, and while he pursueth the amorous
friend, shee causeth her Maide to lie in her bed against his returne:
whom he beateth extreamly, cutting away the lockes of her haire
(thinking he had done all this violence to his Wife_ Simonida:) _and
afterward fetcheth her Mother and Brethren, to shame her before them,
and so be rid of her. But they finding all his speeches to be false;
and reputing him to be a drunken jealous foole; all the blame and
disgrace falleth on himselfe._
_The Morall._
Whereby appeareth, that an Husband ought to be very well advised,
when he meaneth to discover any wrong offered by his Wife; except he
himselfe doe rashly run into all the shame and reproch.
The Argument of the Ninth Novell.
Lydia, _a Lady of great beauty, birth, and honor, being Wife to_
Nicostratus, _Governor of_ Argos, _falling in love with a Gentleman,
named_ Pyrrhus; _was requested by him (as a true testimony of her
unfeigned affection) to performe three severall actions of her selfe.
She did accomplish them all, and imbraced and kissed_ Pyrrhus _in the
presence of_ Nicostratus; _by perswading him, that whatsoever he saw,
was meerely false._
_The Morall._
Wherein is declared, that great Lords may sometime be deceived by
their wives, as well as men of meaner condition.
The Argument of the tenth Novell.
_Two Citizens of_ Sienna, _the one named_ Tingoccio Mini, _and the
other_ Meucio di Tora, _affected both one woman, called_ Monna Mita,
_to whom the one of them was a Gossip. The Gossip dyed, and appeared
afterward to his companion, according as he had formerly promised him
to doe, and told him what strange wonders he had seene in the other
world._
_The Morall._
Wherein such men are covertly reprehended, who make no care or
conscience at all of those things that should preserve them from sinne.
* * * * *
THE EIGHTH DAY, Governed under Madame LAURETTA.
_Whereon all the Discourses, is, Concerning such Witty deceivings, as
have, or may be put in practise, by Wives to their Husbands, Husbands
to their Wives, Or one man towards another._
The Argument of the First Novell.
Gulfardo _made a match or wager, with the wife of_ Gasparuolo, _for
the obtaining of her amorous favour, in regard of a summe of money
first to be given her. The money he borrowed of her Husband, and
gave it in payment to her, as in case of discharging him from her
Husbands debt. After his returne home from_ Geneway, _he told him in
the presence of his wife, how hee had payde the whole summe to her,
with charge of delivering it to her Husband, which she confessed to be
true, albeit greatly against her will._
_The Morall._
Wherein is declared, That such women as will make sale of their
honestie, are sometimes over-reached in their payment, and justly
served as they should be.
The Argument of the second Novell.
_A lusty Priest of_ Varlungo, _fell in love with a prety woman, named_
Monna Belcolore. _To compasse his amorous desire, hee left his cloake
(as a pledge of further payment) with her. By a subtile sleight
afterward, he borrowed a morter of her, which when hee sent home
againe in the presence of her husband, he demanded to have his Cloake
sent him, as having left it in pawne for the Morter. To pacifie her
Husband, offended that she did not lend the Priest the Morter without
a pawne: she sent him backe his Cloake againe, albeit greatly against
hir will._
_The Morall._
Approving, that no promise is to be kept with such women as will make
sale of their honesty for Coine.
The Argument of the Third Novell.
Calandrino, Bruno, _and_ Buffalmaco, _being Painters by profession,
travailed to the Plaine of_ Mugnone, _to finde the precious stone
called Helitropium._ Calandrino _perswading himselfe to have found it,
returned home to his house heavy loaden with stones. His wife rebuking
him for his absence, he groweth into anger, and shrewdly beates her.
Afterward, when the case is debated by his other friends_ Bruno _&_
Buffalmaco, _all is found to be meere folly._
_The Morall._
Reprehending the simplicity of such men, as are too much addicted to
credulity, and will give credit to every thing they heare.
The Argument of the Fourth Novell.
_The Provost belonging to the Cathedrall Church of_ Fiesola, _fell
in love with a Gentlewoman, being a widdow, and named_ Piccarda, _who
hated him as much as he loved her. He immagining that he lay with her:
by the Gentlewomans Brethren, and the Bishop under whom he served, was
taken in bed with her Mayde, an ugly, foule, deformed Slut._
_The Morall._
Wherein is declared, how love oftentimes is so powerfull in aged men,
and driveth them to such doating, that it redoundeth to their great
disgrace and punishment.
The Argument of the fift Novell.
_Three pleasant companions, plaid a merry prank with a Judge
(belonging to the Marquesate of_ Ancona) _at_ Florence, _at such time
as he sat on the bench, & hearing criminall causes._
_The Morall._
Giving admonition, that for the managing of publike affaires, no other
persons are or ought to bee appointed, but such as be honest, and meet
to sit on the seate of Authority.
The Argument of the sixt Novell.
Bruno _and_ Buffalmaco _stole a yong Brawne from_ Calandrino, _and
for his recovery thereof, they used a kinde of pretended conjuration,
with Pils made of Ginger and strong Malmesey. But insted of this
application, they gave him two pils of a Dogges dates or dousets,
confected in Alloes, by meanes whereof they made him beleeve, that hee
had robd himselfe. And for feare they should report this theft to his
Wife, they made him to buy another Brawne._
_The Morall._
Wherein is declared, how easily a plaine and simple man may bee made a
foole, when he dealeth with crafty companions.
The Argument of the seaventh Novell.
_A yong Gentleman being a Scholler, fell in love with a Ladie, named_
Helena, _she being a woman, and addicted in affection unto another
Gentleman. One whole night in cold winter, she caused the Scholler to
expect her comming, in an extreame frost and snow. In revenge whereof,
by his imagined Art and skill, he made her to stand naked on the top
of a Tower, the space of a whole day, and in the hot moneth of July,
to be Sun-burnt and bitten with Waspes and Flies._
_The Morall._
Serving as an admonition to all Gentlewomen, not to mocke Gentlemen
Schollers, when they make meanes of love to them, except they intend
to seeke their owne shame by disgracing them.
The Argument of the eighth Novell.
_Two neere dwelling Neighbours, the one beeing named_ Spinelloccio
Tavena, _and the other_ Zeppa di Mino, _frequenting each others
company daily together;_ Spinelloccio _Cuckolded his Friend and
Neighbour. Which happening to the knowledge of_ Zeppa, _hee prevailed
so well with the Wife of_ Spinelloccio, _that he being lockt up in a
Chest, hee revenged his wrong at that instant, so that neyther of them
complained of his misfortune._
_The Morall._
Wherein is approved, that hee which offereth shame and disgrace to his
neighbour, may receive the like injury (if not worse) by the same man.
The Argument of the Ninth Novell.
_Maestro_ Simone, _an idle headed Doctor of Physicke, was thrown by_
Bruno _and_ Buffalmaco _into a common Leystall of filth: the Physitian
fondly beleeving, that (in the night time) he should be made one of a
new created company, who usually went to see wonders at_ Corsica, _and
there in the Leystall they left him._
_The Morall._
Approving, that titles of honour, learning, and dignity, are not
alwayes bestowne on the wisest men.
The Argument of the tenth Novell.
_A Cicilian Curtezan, named Madam_ Biancafiore, _by her subtle policy
deceived a yong Merchant called_ Salabetto, _of all his mony he had
taken for his wares at_ Palermo. _Afterward, he making shew of coming
thither againe with far richer Merchandises then before: made the
meanes to borrow a great summe of money, leaving her so base a pawne,
as well requited her for her former cousenage._
_The Morall._
Approving, that such as meet with cunning Harlots, suffering them
selves to be deceyved, must sharpen their wits, to make them requitall
in the same kind.
* * * * *
THE NINTH DAY, Governed under Madame Æmillia.
Whereon, the Argument of each severall Discourse, is not limited to
any one peculiar subject: but everie one remaineth at liberty, to
speake of whatsoever themselves best pleaseth.
The Argument of the first Novell.
_Madam_ Francesca, _a Widdow of_ Pistoya, _being affected by two
Florentine Gentlemen, the one named_ Rinuccio Palermini, _and the
other_ Alessandro Chiarmontesi, _and she bearing no good will
to either of them, ingeniously freed her selfe from both their
importunate suites. One of them shee caused to lye as dead in a
grave, and the other to fetch him from thence: so neither of them
accomplishing what they were enjoyned, failed of their expectation._
_The Morall._
Approving, that chast and honest women, ought rather to deny
importunate suiters, by subtle and ingenious means, then fall into the
danger of scandall and slander.
The Argument of the second Novell.
_Madame_ Usimbalda, _Lady Abbesse of a Monastery of Nuns in_
Lombardie, _arising hastily in the night time without a Candle,
to take one of her Daughter Nunnes in bed with a yong Gentleman,
whereof she was enviously accused, by certaine of her other Sisters:
The Abbesse her selfe (being at the same time in bed with a Priest)
imagining to have put on her head her plaited vayle, put on the
Priests breeches. Which when the poore Nunne perceyved; by causing the
Abbesse to see her owne error, she got her selfe to be absolved, and
had the freer liberty afterward, to be more familiar with her frend,
then formerly she had bin._
_The Morall._
Whereby is declared, that whosoever is desirous to reprehend sinne in
other men, should first examine himselfe, that he be not guiltie of
the same crime.
The Argument of the third Novell.
_Master_ Simon _the Physitian, by the perswasions of_ Bruno,
Buffalmaco, _and a third Companion, named_ Nello, _made_ Calandrino
_to beleeve, that he was conceived great with childe. And having
Physicke ministred to him for the disease: they got both good fatte
Capons and money of him, and so cured him, without any other manner of
deliverance._
_The Morall._
Discovering the simplicity of some silly witted men, and how easie a
matter it is to abuse and beguile them.
The Argument of the Fourth Novell.
Francesco Fortarigo, _played away all that he had at_ Buonconvento,
_and likewise the money of_ Francesco Aniolliero, _being his Master:
Then running after him in his shirt, and avouching that hee had robbed
him: he caused him to be taken by Pezants of the Country, clothed
himselfe in his Masters wearing garments, and (mounted on his horse)
rode thence to_ Sienna, _leaving_ Aniolliero _in his shirt, and walked
bare-footed._
_The Morall._
Serving as an admonition to all men, for taking Gamesters and
Drunkards into their service.
The Argument of the fifte Novell.
Calandrino _became extraordinarily enamoured of a young Damosell,
named_ Nicholetta. Bruno _prepared a Charme or writing for him,
avouching constantly to him, that so soone as he touched the Damosell
therewith, she should follow him whithersoever hee would have her. She
being gone to an appointed place with him, hee was found there by his
wife, and dealt withall according to his deserving._
_The Morall._
In just reprehension of those vaine-headed fooles, that are led and
governed by idle perswasions.
The Argument of the Sixth Novell.
_Two yong Gentlemen, the one named_ Panuccio, _and the other_ Adriano,
_lodged one night in a poore Inne, whereof one of them went to bed to
the Hostes daughter, and the other (by mistaking his way in the darke)
to the Hostes wife. He which lay with the daughter, hapned afterward
to the Hostes bed, and told him what he had done, as thinking he spake
to his owne companion. Discontentment growing betweene them, the
mother perceiving her errour, went to bed to her daughter, and with
discreete language, made a generall pacification._
_The Morall._
Wherein is manifested, that an offence committed ignorantly, and by
mistaking; ought to be covered with good advise, and civill discretion.
The Argument of the seaventh Novell.
Talano de Molese _dreamed, That a Wolfe rent and tore his wives face
and throate. Which dreame he told to her, with advise to keep her
selfe out of danger; which she refusing to doe, received what followed._
_The Morall._
Whereby (with some indifferent reason) it is concluded, that Dreames
do not alwayes fall out to be leasings.
The Argument of the Eight Novell.
Blondello _(in a merry manner) caused_ Guiotto _to beguile himselfe of
a good dinner: for which deceit,_ Guiotto _became cunningly revenged,
by procuring_ Blondello _to be unreasonably beaten and misused._
_The Morall._
Whereby plainly appeareth, that they which take delight in deceiving
others, do well deserve to be deceived themselves.
The Argument of the Ninth Novell.
_Two yong Gentlemen, the one named_ Melisso, _borne in the City of_
Laiazzo: _and the other_ Giosefo _of_ Antioch, _travailed together
unto_ Salomon, _the famous King of_ Great Britaine. _The one desiring
to learne what he should do, whereby to compasse and winne the love
of men. The other craved to be enstructed, by what meanes hee might
reclaime an headstrong and unruly wife. And what answeres the wise
King gave unto them both, before they departed away from him._
_The Morall._
Containing an excellent admonition, that such as covet to have the
love of other men, must first learne themselves, how to love: Also, by
what meanes such women as are curst and self willed, may be reduced to
civill obedience.
The Argument of the tenth Novell.
John de Barolo, _at the instance and request of his Gossip_ Pietro
da Trefanti, _made an enchantment, to have his Wife become a Mule.
And when it came to the fastening on of the taile, Gossip_ Pietro _by
saying she should have no taile at all, spoyled the whole enchantment._
_The Morall._
In just reproofe of such foolish men, as will be governed by
over-light beleefe.
* * * * *
THE TENTH DAY, Governed under Pamphilus.
_Whereon the severall Arguments doe Concerne such persons, as other
by way of Liberality, or in Magnificent manner, performed any worthy
action, for love, favor, friendship, or any other honourable occasion._
The Argument of the First Novell.
_A Florentine knight, named Signior_ Rogiero de Figiovanni, _became
a servant to_ Alphonso, _King of_ Spaine, _who (in his owne opinion)
seemed but sleightly to respect and reward him. In regard whereof, by
a notable experiment, the King gave him a manifest testimony, that it
was not through any defect in him, but onely occasioned by the Knights
ill fortune; most bountifully recompensing him afterward._
_The Morall._
Wherein may evidently be discerned, that Servants to Princes and great
Lords, are many times recompenced, rather by their good fortune, then
in any regard of their dutifull services.
The Argument of the second Novell.
Ghinotto di Tacco; _tooke the Lord Abbot of_ Clugni _as his prisoner,
and cured him of a grievous disease, which he had in his stomacke, and
afterward set him at liberty. The same Lord Abbot, when hee returned
from the Court of Rome, reconciled_ Ghinotto _to Pope_ Boniface; _who
made him a Knight, and Lord Prior of a goodly Hospitall._
_The Morall._
Wherein is declared that good men doe sometimes fall into bad
conditions, onely occasioned thereto by necessity: And what meanes are
to be used, for their reducing to goodnesse againe.
The Argument of the third Novell.
Mithridanes _envying the life and liberality of_ Nathan, _and
travelling thither, with a setled resolution to kill him: chaunceth to
conferre with_ Nathan _unknowne. And being instructed by him, in what
manner he might best performe the bloody deede, according as hee gave
direction, hee meeteth with him in a small Thicket or Woode, where
knowing him to be the same man, that taught him how to take away his
life: Confounded with shame, hee acknowledgeth his horrible intention,
and becommeth his loyall friend._
_The Morall._
Shewing in an excellent and lively demonstration, that any especiall
honourable vertue, persevering and dwelling in a truly noble soule,
cannot be violenced or confounded, by the most politicke attemptes of
malice and envy.
The Argument of the fourth Novell.
Signior Gentile de Carisendi, _being come from_ Modena, _tooke a
Gentlewoman, named Madam_ Catharina, _forth of a grave, wherein she
was buried for dead; which act he did, in regard of his former honest
affection to the said Gentlewoman. Madame_ Catharina _remaining
there afterward, and delivered of a goodly Sonne: was (by_ Signior
Gentile) _delivered to her owne Husband; named_ Signior Nicoluccio
Caccianimico, _and the yong infant with her._
_The Morall._
Wherein is shewne, That true love hath alwayes bin, and so still is,
the occasion of many great and worthy courtesies.
The Argument of the Fift Novell.
_Madame_ Dianora, _the Wife of Signior_ Gilberto, _being immodestly
affected by Signior_ Ansaldo, _to free herselfe from his tedious
importunity, she appointed him to performe (in her judgement) an
act of impossibility; namely, to give her a Garden, as plentifully
stored with fragrant Flowers in January, as in the flourishing moneth
of_ May. Ansaldo, _by meanes of a bond which he made to a Magitian,
performed her request. Signior_ Gilberto, _the Ladyes Husband, gave
consent, that his Wife should fulfill her promise made to_ Ansaldo.
_Who hearing the bountifull mind of her Husband; released her of
her promise: And the Magitian likewise discharged Signior_ Ansaldo,
_without taking any thing of him._
_The Morall._
Admonishing all Ladies and Gentlewomen, that are desirous to preserve
their chastity, free from all blemish and taxation: to make no promise
of yeelding to any, under a compact or covenant, how impossible soever
it may seeme to be.
The Argument of the Sixt Novell.
_Victorious_ King Charles, _sirnamed the Aged, and first of that Name,
fell in love with a yong Maiden, named_ Genevera, _daughter to an
Ancient Knight, called Signior_ Neri degli Uberti. _And waxing ashamed
of his Amorous folly, caused both_ Genevera, _and her fayre Sister_
Isotta, _to be joyned in marriage with two Noble Gentlemen; the one
named_ Signior Maffeo da Palizzi, _and the other,_ Signior Gulielmo
della Magna.
_The Morall._
Sufficiently declaring, that how mighty soever the power of Love is:
yet a magnanimous and truly generous heart, it can by no meanes fully
conquer.
The Argument of the seaventh Novell.
Lisana, _the Daughter of a Florentine Apothecary, named_ Bernardo
Puccino, _being at_ Palermo, _and seeing_ Piero, _King of_ Aragon
_run at the Tilt; fell so affectionately enamored of him, that she
languished in an extreame and long sickenesse. By her owne devise,
and means of a Song, sung in the hearing of the King: he vouchsafed
to visite her, and giving her a kisse, terming himselfe also to bee
her Knight for ever after, hee honourably bestowed her in marriage on
a young Gentleman, who was called_ Perdicano, _and gave him liberall
endowments with her._
_The Morall._
Wherein is covertly given to understand, that howsoever a Prince may
make use of his absolute power and authority, towards Maides or Wives
that are his Subjects: yet he ought to deny and reject all things, as
shall make him forgetfull of himselfe, and his true honour.
The Argument of the Eight Novell.
Sophronia, _thinking her selfe to be the maried wife of_ Gisippus,
_was (indeed) the wife of_ Titus Quintus Fulvius, _& departed thence
with him to Rome. Within a while after,_ Gisippus _also came thither
in very poore condition, and thinking that he was despised by_ Titus,
_grew weary of his life, and confessed that he had murdred a man, with
full** intent to die for the fact. But_ Titus _taking knowledge of him,
and desiring to save the life of_ Gisippus, _charged himself to have
done the bloody deed. Which the murderer himself (standing then among
the multitude) seeing, truly confessed the deed. By meanes whereof,
all three were delivered by the Emperor_ Octavius; _and_ Titus _gave
his Sister in mariage to_ Gisippus, _giving them also the most part of
his goods & inheritances._
_The Morall._
Declaring, that notwithstanding the frownes of Fortune, diversity of
occurrences, and contrary accidents happening: yet love and friendship
ought to be preciously preserved among men.
The Argument of the Ninth Novell.
Saladine, _the great_ Soldan _of_ Babylon, _in the habite of a
Merchant, was honourably received and welcommed, into the house of
Signior_ Thorello d'Istria. _Who travelling to the Holy Land, prefixed
a certaine time to his Wife, for his returne backe to her againe,
wherein, if he failed, it was lawfull for her to take another Husband.
By clouding himselfe in the disguise of a Faulkner, the_ Soldan _tooke
notice of him, and did him many great honours. Afterward,_ Thorello
_falling sicke, by Magicall Art, he was conveighed in one night to_
Pavia, _when his Wife was to be married on the morrow: where making
himselfe knowne to her, all was disappointed, and shee went home with
him to his owne house._
_The Morall._
Declaring what an honourable vertue Courtesie is, in them that truely
know how to use them.
The Argument of the tenth Novell.
_The Marquesse of_ Saluzzo, _named_ Gualtiero, _being constrained
by the importunate solliciting of his Lords, and other inferiour
people, to joyne himselfe in marriage; tooke a woman according to his
owne liking, called_ Grizelda, _she being the daughter of a poore
Countriman, named_ Janiculo, _by whom he had two children, which he
pretended to be secretly murdered. Afterward, they being grown to
yeres of more stature, and making shew of taking in marriage another
wife, more worthy of his high degree and Calling: made a seeming
publique liking of his owne daughter, expulsing his wife_ Grizelda
_poorely from him. But finding her incomparable patience; more dearely
(then before) hee received her into favour againe, brought her home to
his owne Pallace, where (with her children) hee caused her and them to
be respectively honoured, in despight of all her adverse enemies._
_The Morall._
Set downe as an example or warning to all wealthie men, how to have
care of marrying themselves. And likewise** to poore and meane women, to
be patient in their fortunes, and obedient to their husbands.