AURELIA.  
The Paragon of pleasure and Princely delights: Containing The seven days Solace (in Christmas Holidays) of Madonna Aurelia, Queen of the Christmas Pastimes, & sundry other well-courted Gentlemen, and Gentlewomen, in a noble Gentleman's Palace.  
A work most sweetly intercoursed (in civil and friendly disputations) with many amorous and pleasant Discourses, to delight the Reader: and plentifully garnished with Moral Notes, to make it profitable to the Regarder.  
By G. W. Gent.   printer's or publisher's device 
R I  
HEB DDIM HEB DDIEV  
At London printed, by Richard johnes. 1593.   

To the friendly Readers, both Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, Wealth and Welfare.  
GEntlemen & Gentlewomen, I present you here (as I think) a profitable unpolished labour: For, he that is the Trouchman of a stranger's tongue, may well declare his meaning, but yet shall mar the grace of his Tale: And therefore, Themistocles the noble Captain and Philosopher of Athens, compareth such forced speeches, to tapistry Hang rolled up: which being open, appear beautiful: and folded, reserve their Virtue, but lose their show: But I expect (somewhat) a better event, then may an Interpreter, that is bound to a present Report: for my Respite hath been sufficient to consider of signor Philoxenus, and his honourable companies virtues: and (lest by rash acquittal of their favours, I should do injury to their reputation) I have with well advised judgement, bethought me of such memorable Questions and devices, as I heard and saw presented, in this most noble Italian Gentleman's Palace, the Christmas passed: and answerable to my weak capacity, have exposed the same, in such sort, as if you be not too curious, may delight and content you: and if not too careless, may direct and benefit you: And to satisfy you herein, I give you friendly knowlehge, that signor Philoxenus reverent regard of the Queen's majesties high virtues, is a precedent for you; with a dutiful, and unfeigned heart, to love, fear, and obey her Highness, from whom, next under God, you receive such blessings, as through the whole world her excellency is renowned, and your prosperity envied. By this noble Gentleman's civil entertainment of strangers, you may perceive with what Garland, Courtesy is principal, crowned: By the civil behaviours of Soranso, Dondolo, Bargetto, and other Gentlemen herein named, you have a Precedent of government, which will commend you: and by well regarding their speeches, you shall find a discreet method of talk, meet for you Gentlemen. The like benefit, shall Gentlewomen receive in imitating of Madonna Aurelia, (Queen of the Christmas pleasures) Maria Beloch●, Lucia Bella, Franceschina Sancta, and the rest of the well qualitied Gentlewomen. Besides, a number of other Moral documents, needful reprehensions, and witty sayings, to perfect the commendation both of a Gentleman and Gentlewoman. (Courteous Gentlemen and Gentlewomen) you have here the honourable institution of Marriage, so perfectly Anatomed, as a very weak judgement may see the causes, which make household quarrels to resemble Hell. Again, the man which is willing to live happily, may here learn such directions and laws, as will change his private house into a Paradise on earth. If civil & Moral pleasures, with all these benefits, may make you entertain this book, and report well of the Author, I assure you, you shallbe pleased, and I satisfied. But if you make your tongue enemy to your own reputation, you may detract, but not reproach the work: Injure, but not hurt the writer, for both will live, and laugh such Calumniators to scorn, when either are ready to do the discreet Reader service.  
Some will (perchance more of envy to hear a stranger commended, then of pity to bemoan my hard fortune, or fowl usage) say, I have as just cause to complain of injuries received at Roan, Rome, and Naples, as to commend the virtues and good entertainment of signor Philoxenus: But to give such suggestioners a double good example, both of patience and thankfulness: I here protest, that as these injuries begun, with my hard fortune, so they ended no ways in my discredit: And as I forgive the causes of my mishaps, so scorn I to recount them, to receive amends, in a little pity. But for that they, and all such as view my report, may learn of me to be grateful for received benefits: I make it known, that this travel is signor Philoxenus due: And I still his debtor, and so shall remain during my life: reserving a good affection, to bestow on such as receive his Virtues: and my pains to profit and commend themselves. And in my opinion, it is just they do so: Wherefore, to give a disgrace to ceremonies, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, I end: as I hope to find you friendly.  
Your assured friend, G. W.   

T.W. Esquire, in the commendation of the Author, and his needful Book.  
EVen as the fruitful Bee, doth from a thousand Flowers,  
Sweet Honey drain, and lays it up, to make the profit ours:  
This Moral Author so, to us he doth impart,  
A Work of worth, could from the wise, with judgement, wit, & Arte.  
No Stage toy he sets forth, or thundering of an Host,  
But his rare Muse, a passage makes twixt burning fire and frost,  
Such virtues as beseem the worthy Gentles breast,  
In proper colours he doth blaze, by following of the best:  
The Virtue is but rare, and Vice not yet in use,  
That modestly he not commends, or mildly shows th'abuse,  
Such matter in good words, these few leaves do reveal,  
Unforced, or strained, as that it seems a kindly common weal.  
Of forced Marriage, he doth show the fowl event,  
When Parents join the children's hands, before their heart's consent:  
And how these fortunes eke, in wedlock seldom prove,  
Unequal choice, in birth, in years: and children's hasty love.  
Yet he with learned proofs, this sacred state doth raise,  
(As it deserves) above the Skies, in words of modest praise.  
More, every Page, here doth present the Readers eyes,  
With such regards as help the weak, and do confirm the wise.  
Which needless were, to blaze, in praises to allrue:  
The holy Bush, may well be spared, where as the Wine is pure.   

Verses translated out of Latin, and delivered by uranie, with a Silver Pen, to Ismarito in a Device, contained in the seventh days exercise: placed in this forefront, for the excellency of Pandora.  

THe mighty jove beholding from above  
The mists of sin, which from the earth arose,  
In angry mood sent Iris down to move,  
Throughout the world, the exercise offoes,  
With vengeance armed: who powered down her Ire,  
And with debates, set Monarchies a fire.   

Whole Countries burnt, did dim the Sun with smoke,  
The Canon noise the air with Thunder rend:  
The wounded men, with shrieks the heavens shaken:  
The Temples spoiled: the Towns to ruin went:  
Unwilling yet, to work the worlds decay,  
jove, Cyllen sent, in part his wrath to stay.   

Who hastes his charge, with Wings as swift as wind,  
But coming to the Region next the ground,  
He could no way for cloudy darkness find:  
And fearing in the Ocean to be drowned:  
He hovered till, in fine, he did espy  
Apharos light, which was a Phoenix eye.   

Led by this Star, amain he cometh down,  
And footing sets upon a fruitful I'll:  
Where lived a Queen, crowned with the World's renown:  
Upon whose rule, Grace, Peace, and Wealth did smile.  
Her Senate, grave; her Cities, Mansions wear,  
For such as fled, for persecutions fear.   

To whom he gave the tokens that were sent,  
Fair Pallas form, and Venus lovely face:  
Sweet Pithos' tongue, and Diane's chaste consent:  
And of these gifts, Pandora named her Grace:  
And joins withal, Ioues blessings to the same,  
To make her live in everlasting fame.   

These monsters fell, which public order break,  
Dissension, Wrath, and Tyranny he bond:  
This office done (he thought as jove would leak)  
To heaven he hies, and blessed leaves the ground:  
Where this good Queen, and Subjects quiet live,  
When civil wars, her neighbour kingdoms grieve.   

Even this is she, whose sacred fame is known,  
Throughout the world, in Envy, Fear, and Love,  
Envied, because she reigns in peace alone:  
Feared, in that she shielded is by jove:  
Loved, for desert, whose virtues shine as bright,  
As twinkling Stars do in the frosty night.   

This silver Pen, meet for a Virgin's praise,  
uranie here, doth Ismarito give:  
With charmed charge, this Queen's renown to raise:  
As she in spite of Death, and Time may live:  
Which right is hers, the labour is but thine,  
Then (judging) writ, as she may seem divine.   
Vaticinium VRANIES.   

A brief Summarie of the principal Arguments handled in these seven Days Pleasures.  

1 OF the difference between the Married state and the single life.  
2 Of the inconveniences of forced Marriages.  
3 Of the inconveniences of rash Marriages.  
4 Of divers special points concerning Marriage in general.  
5 Of the inconveniences of over lofty, and too base Love, in the choice of either Husband or Wife.  
6 Of the inconveniences of Marriages, where there are inequality of years.  
7 Of the excellency of Marriage: with many sound Laws and laudable directions, to continue love between the Married.   
All which Principles are largely and pleasantly intercoursed, with other Moral Conclusions of necessary regard.  
FINIS.   

Madonna Aurelia, her first days pleasures.  
Chief containing: A civil Contention, whether the married or single life is the more worthy: And after many good Reasons, alleged on either part, Sentence is given on the behalf of Marriage.  

AT what time the Earth dismantled of her brave Attire, 
A description of the dead of winter.  lamented the absence of Dame Aestas company, & that fair Phoebus in his Retrogradation, entering the Tropic of Capricorn, and mounting in the Zodiac, licenced naked Hyemps, to power down her wrath upon the face of the whole world: through dread of whose boisterous storms, every living creature, by the direction of Nature retired himself unto his safest succour, as the Bird to his Nest, the hest to his Covert, the be to his hive, the Serpent to his hole: only Man excepted, 
Man by reason enlargeth the bounds of nature, within whose limits every other creature liveth.  who (being beautified with a divine spirit, and armed with reason, far above the reach of Nature) scorneth to be chained unto any place, through the violence or injury of Time.  
In this dead season, such were my Affairs, that Necessity sent me into a Country far from home, whereas I was no less unacquainted with the people, then ignorant of the ways: 
This was the Forest of Ravenna in Italy, (for the most part) of pine Apple trees.  and having travailed the great part of a Christmas Eve in a desert Forrest, strayed out of knowledge; I took me to a deep beaten way, which promised a likelihood to find out some speedy Harbour: and after I had journeyed the space of an hour, in a sweet Groave of pine Apple trees, mine eye fastened upon a stately Palace, the brightness whereof, glimmered through the Branches of the younger wood, 
This Palace was 10 miles from Ravenna towards the River of Poe. The custom of Christmas.  not unlike the Beams of the Sun through the Crannelles of a wall, assuring then myself, to receive best Instructions of the better sort of people: such was my haste, as I soon arrived at this sumptuous place: but according to the condition of time, in Christmas, sooner to find a friend feasting in the Hall, then walking in the field: other than a few of ignorant peysants, I could perceive no person. The delight I took to behold the situation, and curious workmanship of this Palace, made me so long forget the cause of my arrival there, as in the end one of the well qualitied servants (having knowledge of my being without) in a serviceable order, came and presented me with his Lords courteous welcome, and reverently requested me to alight and enter the Palace: which imagined this entertainment to be but an Italion courtesy, after thanks given, by a modest excuse, refused so great a favour, and only craved, to be directed the readiest way to Ravenna: the servant cunningly replying, that I could not be received into the City without his Lords Bollytyne, 
Bollytine, a warrant of health without which, no man may travel in Italy.  and at this time he sealed no man's safe conduct, without knowledge, that his affairs required great haste: in so much, as won with his importunities, and overcome with weariness of Travel, I committed my Horse, to the ordering of my man, and accompanied this officious servant to wards the Palace, and by the way, over a large entrance into a fair court, I might read these two briefs in Italion.  
Pisano é Forresterio. 
A liberal welcome.   
Entrate, e been venuto.  
Which general inviting, emboldened me so far, as I hardly marched towards the great Hall, the Skréene whereof, was curiously fronted with cloudy Marble, supported on every side the passages, 
Welcome and Bounty, the porters.  with stately Pillars of Geate: and over the three Portals, stood the Images of two men: the one of Alabaster Marble, bore headed, representing the virtue of welcome: the other of blue Marble, attired like a Cook, and by him were artificially painted, Pheasants, Partridges, Capons, and other costly Cates, as the figure of Bounty: at the entry of this stately Hall, I was received by the Lord of the Palace, accompanied with divers Gentlemen of good quality, with so civil and friendly entertainment, as his behaviour blazoned the true knowledge of courtesy: before we passed any further, I began to recount the adventure which brought me thither, and craved his honourable favour for my dispatch: why? then (quoth signor Phyloxenus) for so (for some cause) I name the Lord of the Palace, I thank your hard fortune for arriving you here, to do me this honour: no hard, but happy fortune (quoth I) if I may live to honour you with any effectual service, well (quoth he) after your weary travail, it is more needful to provide for your repose, then for a further journey, and so lead me the way into a fair great Chamber, richly hung with tapistry: the roof whereof was Alabaster plaster, embossed with many curious devices in gold, and in sundry places in proper colours was engraved his devise, which was A Holly tree, full of red berries: and in the same, a fluttering Mavis fast limed to the bows. with this posy in french, Qui me nourit, me destruit: And in very deed, the berries of the tree feedeth this bird, and the bark maketh Lime to fetter her. But I afterwards learned, signor Philoxenus used this Ensign as a covert description of desire: 
A covert description of desire.  whose sweet torments nourisheth the mind, but consumeth the body to the grave. In this beautiful place, I embraced the salutations of such a brave troop of Gentlemen, and Gentlewomen, as the honour of the household might well give Envy unto some Prince's Court. And least, at my first coming, I might be abashed through small acquaintance, signor Philoxenus emboldened me with a familiar communication, 
A civil foresight meet for a Gentleman.  and in the end upon a convenient occasion, demanded of me the name of my Country? I answered him, I was a Gentleman of England, voluntarily exiled with a burning desire, to see the Monuments of other Countries, 
A necessary regard for travelers.  the order of their government, and manners of the people. And are you of that blessed Isle (quoth he?) where the people live in peace & prosperity, under the rule of a Maiden Queen, crowned with such divine virtues, 
The virtues of the Queen's Majesty, maketh the Island of England famous throughout the whole World.  as the whole world may hardly contain her fame. Sir (quoth I) your good testimony of her worthiness, being a Stranger, taketh all occasion from me (her dutiful subject) to enlarge her renown. O (quoth he) if Envy durst detract her openly, as she secretly conspireth her overthrow, in these parts you should be driven to stop your ears, or endure a torment (to a faithful subject) more violent than Death. But the virtue of her Shield, 
Virtue stoppeth the mouth of Envy, but fireth her heart with malice.  I mean her grave Senate, hath returned the Darts of Envy so thick upon her shoulders, as she hath no power to eclipse her bright renown, whose virtue shineth in envies despite as a Diamond in an obscure place, or as the Sune through small passages, into the bowels of the earth: so that happy and thrice happy are you, the Subjects of the good Queen of England, whose gracious government filleth your Coffers with wealth, sealeth your doors with peace, and planteth quietness in your Conscience: so that (blessed above other Nations) you live abroad, without suspicion of danger at home: and at home fearless of enemies abroad. Wherefore, in honour of your Sovereign, whose fame armeth all true knights, with an earnest desire to do her service, I am glad of the mean to bestow on you, or any of her nation, the affection of a friend. Sir (quoth I) the virtue of these honourable thoughts blazeth the true magnanimity of a noble mind, which measureth not your favour by the desert of others, but with the royalty of your heart, 
The true Blazon of a noble mind.  and so bind thousands in recognizance of service, among which debtor I desire to be enrolled, although I can discharge but little. After we had bestowed a small time in these like speeches, he commanded some of his servants to direct me unto a lodging (if I pleased) to be despoiled of my riding attire: who strait ways brought me into a Bed Chamber, so well accommodated with every necessary pleasure, as might have served for the repose of Cupid and his lover Ciches: having a fair prospect into a goodly Garden, beautified with such rare devices, as deserved to be compared with the earthly Paradise of Tivoly. 
Tivoly 12. miles from  And to be brief, this Palace, with all her conveyances, as well necessary, as of pleasure, 
Rome, where the Cardinal of Esta hath a most rare Garden. Cardinal furnesa's palace in Rome.  fully matched the stateliness of Cardinal furnesa's Palace, builded and beautified, with the ruinous Monuments of Rome in her pride: so that the curiousness thereof was of power to have enchanted my eyes with an immodest gaze, had I not remembered, that it belongeth unto a Gentleman to see, and not to stare upon the strangest Novel that is: for base is his mind, whose spirit hourly beholdeth not greater matters than either beauty, 
A necessary observation for a Gentleman.  building or bravery. And certainly, at this instant, I delighted more to contemplate of signor Phyloxenus virtues, then to regard his sumptuous buildings, who (as I learned of one of the Servants) all the year opened his doors to every civil Gentleman, and at Christmas, invited all comers, 
A worthy Custom.  as a customary duty: so large was the prescription of his courtesy. But, which shined above the rest, he was in his youth, brought up in the French Court, where, by the grace of God, and labour of some good friend (as his behaviours could not but win many) he learned to serve God, with pureness of heart, and not with painted ceremonies, 
H. was a Protestant.  as his superstitious Country men do: which was one chief cause, why he spoke so reverently of the queens Majesty, whose virtues make her enemies dumb, for malice will not let them say well, and shame forbids them to speak amiss of her sacred life: by the time I had talked a while with one of the servants, and put myself in a more civil order, than was necessary for travail, supper was in a readiness: which although it exceeded the common order of fasts, yet it passed not far the bounds of ancient custom: for my place at the Table, I had the privilege of a stranger, set above my degree, and with the same entertainment, were Frenchmen, Almain, Duchmen and other Gentlemen, 
Other strangers arrmed by the like adventure. A custom generally used in France, and in some places of Italy.  strangers, entreated. The Grand Master of the feast, in words gave us one welcome for all, but not so few as a thousand in affable countenances. Supper being ended, according to the custom of the place, a Cake was cut in pieces, to the number of the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen present, and if the marked piece were allotted unto a man, he should be King, if to a woman, she should be Queen of the Christmas pleasures: for it was agreed, there should be but one to command, and all to obey. Madonna Aurelia, Sister to the Lord of the Palace, was crowned with the lot, whose worthiness was such, as herein it seemed fortune obeyed desert: for there was no Gentlewoman in the troop, that Aurelia exrelled not in beauty, and singularity of wit, nor no Gentleman, that her virtues enchanted not, with more admiration, than the Sirens sweet songs, the wether wearied Sailor, so that of the one she was crowned with Envy, and of the other with honour. But in as much, as this was but the first night of her reign, she referred the Proclamation of her laws until the next day, and so dismissed the attendance of her subjects for that night, which (in sooth) lasted me but a sleep, so sound after travel, I embraced mine ease.  
The next Day nosooner appeared, but the Trumpets sounded the honour of Christmas: upon which Summons, the compavie rose, and (attired in their most sumptuous weeds) in the great Chamber attended their Queen Aurelia, who about Service time, (with the Majesty of a goddess) presented herself: on whom all the troop weighted unto the Chapel, where the Service was not so ceremonious, as in other Churches of Italy, and yet more than agreed with signor Phyloxenus conscience, only to give no offence, to the superstitious zeal of others. The Service ended, against the return of the company, the Tables were covered in a most stately order, & with the sound of trumpets, were furnished with so many several dainty dishes, as the rialtie of the feast might have pleased Heliogabalus: 
Heliogabalus a most voluptuous emperor of Rome.  After Queen Aurelia was set, the rest took their accustomed places: but (God knows) the eyes of the greater part were more hungry than their scomacks: for their appetites were dulled, with the overplentie of meats, and their desires quickened, with the regard of the fair Gentlewomen.  
The dinner and every solemn service ended, signor Phyloxenus committed the company to the good entertainment of his Sister Aurelia, and (with a special suit) recommended me unto her favour: after view was taken of the attendants, certain Gentlemen and Gentlewomen (by the appointment of Queen Aurelia) were adopted with the names of their fortunes, as occasion will manifest hereafter: and for that I was a traveler, she called me Caualiero Ismarito, in English, The wandering Knight: whereupon, Madam (quoth I) you have christened me with the true name of my fortune: for I was but late out of my way, & now am strayed out of myself: where are you then quoth Aurelia? at your only direction (quoth I:) well (quoth she) since so cunningly you prefer yourself, I admit you my servant, and as you deserve, so will I reward: and Madam quoth I, if I be not loyal, let me not live: well (quoth the) I expect the best. The rest of the affairs set in good order, the Harold proclaimed the laws, whereunto the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen were bound, with the penalties for the breach of them.  

The Laws of Queen Aurelia.  
FIrst, every Gentleman, and Gentlewoman, were conjured faithfully to execute all the charges, and offices assigned by their Queen Aurelia, and that they should be attendant of her pleasure.  
Item every Gentleman was bound, to serve some one mistress, before the next day at noon, upon pain to be turned into the great hall, among the country Trulls the whole Christmas. And every gentlewoman that had not a servant, was judged unworthy, to be courted for one week: for his merit was hoiden very small, that could be entertained of none, and her conditions very crooked that was beloved of none.  
Item every Gentleman was bound to give his own mistress the honour of his service, and the chief place in his commendations, upon pain, to lose her service, and to be entertained of no other. For he that was disloyal to one, could not be holden faithful unto another.  
Item every Gentlewoman was bound, to employ her own servant, upon pain to be reputed simple. For she that affied not in her own Servant, had no reason to trust another's.  
Item every Gentleman was bound, to defend the honour of his Mistress, both with word and sword, upon pain to be reputed a Coward, and not to wear her glove. For he was holden very unsufficient, that prized not his Mistress' honour above his own life.  
Item, every Gentlewoman was bound to encourage her Servant with good countenances, and upon the execution of any worthy service to reward him, with the kissing of her hand, upon pain to be deemed unworthy to be served. For she of all the world is accounted too rigorous a Dame, that with scorn receiveth dutiful service.  
Item, every Gentleman was bound to Court his mistress with Civil speeches, upon pain to be forbidden, to talk of love for three days. For he was accounted base mannered, or very gross witted, that could not pleasantly entertain time with a civil discourse.  
Item, every Gentleman was bound, either by some exercise of value, or by some show of excellency of wit, to approve himself worthy of his mistress: upon pain to be spoiled of his Arms, and the whole Christmas to attend with the Pages: for he was holden unworthy the society of men, or the affection of woman, that was neither valiant nor wise.   
These Laws proclaimed, Queen Aurelia appointed an elderly Courtier named Fabritio, and a well spoken Gentlewoman, called Donna Isabel, to be judges of the controversies, in disputation: and to attend her in her affairs of pleasure, she choosed signor Soranso, a Gentleman Italion, of wit quick and sharp, and for his devices, sweet and pleasant: Don Dondolo, a Napolitan, haughty and proud in his conceits. monsieur Bargetto a Frenchman, amorous and light headed. 
Courtesy unto strangers, is a mark of Gentility.  Doctor Mossenigo, a German so called, for the plain discovery of his mind. signor Faliero a Scot, subtle and cunning in his devices: and myself Caualiero Ismarito, an Englishman, in which name hereafter, I will present those actions that touch myself.  
This wise choice she made to privilege the Strangers with the highest favour.  
Of Gentlewomen, she choosed Maria Belochy, a damosel, whose eye was able to fire a mountain of Ice. Lucia Bella, for fairness and sweet behaviour an Angel. Helena Dulce, a loving and affable Gentlewoman. Franceschina sancta, so called for her modest and lowly countenance: Katherine Trista, a sour and testy Dame: Aluisa Vechio, who although she were in the wane of her years, yet was she in the pride of young desires.  
This done, Queen Aurelia, by consent, 
A division of their pleasure●  divided the exercises of every day, into these times: the forenoon to be bestowed in the service of God: after dinner two hours to be entertained in civil discourse, and disputation: the rest till supper at pleasure: and after supper to spend a time in dancing, masking, or in other like pastimes, as occasion presented.  
The greater part of Christmas day, was spent in establishing these orders, the rest was overcome with solemn Music, for, among the better fort that day is honoured, with no light mirth.   

THe next day by nine a Clock, according to one of the charges in the Proclamation, you might see the young Gentlemen & Gentlewomen, coupled together like fowls on Saint Valentine's day morning.  
But signor Ismarito, having the eyes of his heart settled upon his Mistress' beauty, with careless regard, beheld the rest of the company: and leaning by a door, thorough which she should pass, he awaighted Queen Aurelia's coming. Who at her accustomed hour, presented herself with an advantage of bravery, whom the whole troop reverently saluted, and honourably accompanied unto the Chapel.  
After Service, Dinner, and all were solemnly ended: Queen Aurelia with a chosen company, 
Music refresheth the wit.  retired herself into a pleasant drawing Chamber to execute the reported ordinance. But to quicken the Spirits of the company, before they entered into discourse, she commanded a fair Eunuch Boy, to sing some one song, as he thought good, who obeying her commandment, with a heavenly note, unto the Lute sung this loving lay.  

NO joy comes near the heavenly joy of love,  
When we embrace the wish of our desire:  
All pleasures else that kind or Art may move,  
To love, are like the heat of painted fire.  
Love is the root, whereon sweet thoughts do grow:  
Love is the source, from whence content doth flow.   

When I behold my Misterisse in the face,  
Love from her eyes a thousand Graces throws:  
But when in arms I do herself embrace,  
One smiling look exileth all my woes.  
Then strait our lips prepare themselves to fight:  
And on each kiss love sets a new delight.   

What would you more? I wish me in my grave,  
Were but my soul with half these pleasures crowned;  
And hear on earth to be my Misterisse slave,  
I hold me free and others to be bound.  
Wherefore I sing which I in solace prove,  
There is no heaven to life bestowed in love.   
The sweet delivery of this sonnet, so enchanted the hearts of the hearers, as for a space their senses gave place to the contemplation of their souls. In the end Madonna Isabel by this motion, made the whole company a passage for speech.  
If Love be so sweet a passion (quoth she) I muse from what cause proceedeth the complaints of Lovers, who with showering tears bedew the earth with misty sights, dim the air, and with shrill outcries pierce the heavens.  
The cause, quoth Soranso, proceeds of our fleshly imperfections, which corrupts the nature of good things, and not of any defect in love: 
Love simply is good.  for love is a simple divine virtue, and hath his being in the soul, whose motions are heavenly.  
I have read (quoth Isabel) that there be sundry kinds of love.  
The use of love are divers, quoth Soranso, as in zeal towards God, 
The distinctions of love.  in duty towards our Country, in obedience towards our parents, and in affection towards our friends. All which motions proceed forth of one love, although some are more vehement than the other, even as many Rivers do run out of one Spring, whereof some have a more swift course then the other. But of that passion which we ordinarily call love, the wish either tends to Marriage or wantonness.  
There is matter of disputation in Marriage (quoth Franceschina,) 
Known evik are not to be defended.  because the estate is honourable, and yet subject to cross fortunes: But touching your conclusion of wantonness, deserves to die in silence, for known evils are to be chastened without allowing their defences.  
Madam (quoth Faliero) unless you revoke this sentence, we will have you indicted at Rome as an heretic, for by the Pope's Canons, Priests may not marry: and they have a custom among themselves, not to live chaste.  
Well (quoth Franceschina,) if the Pope for this opinion, burn me as an heretic, good men will cannonise me for a virtuous Virgin.  
These digressions (quoth Queen Aurelia) are the means (rather) to work a confusion of our memories, 
A necessary note.  then to conclude any beneficial matter for our instruction. And therefore I hold it to greater purpose (substantially) to handle one argument, them (sieightly) to overrun many causes, where the doubts we leave unresolved, will be more dangerous unto the hearer, than the counsels we use, profitable unto the follower.  
Madame, 
A contention whether Marriage or the single life is the worthier.  (quoth Fabritio) I hold it good we obey your direction. And for that Marriage is the most honourable event of Love: and that a Single life is the greatest testimony of Chastity: A civil Contention, to prove which is the most worthy of the two, would conclude much contentment: For as Iron and Flynt beat together, have the virtue to smite fire: so men's wits encountering in doubtful questions openeth a passage for imprisoned Truth.  
Queen Aurelia, 
Argument decideth doubts.  and the rest of the company liked very well of the Subject: and studying who were the fittest to deal in this controversy, Aurelia (with a glancing eye) beheld that her servant Ismarito witsafed no greater token, 
Wise silence worketh more regard then foolish talk.  that he took delight in these actions, than (sometime) the secret bestowing of a modest smile: whereupon she forethought, that as Floods, when they are most highest, make least noise: even so (perchance) his still tongue was governed by a flowing wit, and desirous to sound his sufficiency, she quickened him with this cross surmise.  
Servant (quoth she) your sober looks, promiseth a hope that you will undertake Diana's quarrel: but (which will serve in this question) I fear me, you command Love, so much, 
A fault in many travelers.  as you contemn Marriage: And the greater is my suspicion, in that you are a travailer: the nature of which sort of people, is to swell, with a monstruous disdain of Marriage, The reason is (say they) their affections are paysoned, with the knowledge of women's so hamous evils, as they dare not venture of that vocation. But my opinion is, they have learned so many subtleties to deceive a shiftles woman, as dandled with the embracements of sundry Loves, they forswear Marriage, who binds them to one only wife: And if you be infected with the humour of these sort of travailers, you may well undertake this charge: 
All unmarried pass under the name of chaste.  for Venus, though she love not Diana, yet is she the sworn enemy of juno. And if you be sound from this infirmity, the little haste you make to marry, witnesseth, you honour Hymen with no great devotion, and therefore, I command you to use all your possible proofs in the Defence of a Single life, and for your assistance. I do appoint you Lucia Bella, whom this charge cannot mislike, because (as I understand) she means to be a professed Nun: You are to encounter the opinions of many, and therefore arm yourselves with as good reasons as you may.  
Madam (quoth Ismarito) I am so deeply bound unto your commandment, as I am driven to leave your suggestions not answered, and my own innocency unexcused, and only attend the encounter of him, that will maintain Marriage, to be more worthy than a Single life: which vocation of Marriage, though I reverently honour, yet I so zealously affect the other, as I hope (where the judges are indifferent) to make the glory thereof to shine as the fair white, above every other colour.  
Sir, 
Defences of Marriage.  quoth Soranso, though white be a fair colour, yet are the choice of all other colours more rich and glorious: so, though Virginity (which is the fairest flower of a Single life) be precious in the sight of God, and in the opinion of men, yet is Marriage more precious, in that it is a sacred institution of God, and more honoured of men: the Married are reverently entertained, when the unmarried are but familiarly saluted. The Married in assemblies, are honoured with the highest places, the unmarried humble themselves unto the lowest. To be short, Virginity is the handmaid of Marriage. Then, by how much the Master is greater than the servant, by so much Marriage is more worthy than is Single life.  
I confess, quoth Ismarito, Marriage is an honourable estate, 
Defences of a single life.  instituted of God, and embraced of men, but whereon had she her beginning? upon this cause, to keep men from a greater inconvenience: as the Law was founded upon this reason to punish the trespasses of men. But if no offence had been given, the Law had not needed: So if man had lived within bounds of reason, (which before any commandment given; was unto him a Law) Marriage might have been spared: and therefore in the highest degree, is but a virtue upon necessity: where Chastity, is a divine virtue, governed by the motions of the soul, which is immortal, and participating of the same virtue is always fresh and green. The everspringing Bay, is the Metamorphosis of chaste Daphnè, whom Apollo, although he were a sovereign God, could not allure to Marriage, which proveth Chastity a true spark of Divinity, whose twinkling reflections, so dazzleth the eyes of imagined Gods (whose powers must needs be more great than the greatest of men) as they cannot see an end of their incontinent desires: whereas the beauty of Marriage is many times blasted by fortune, or the frailty of the Married. Therefore (think I) by how much divine things are of greater emprise then earthly, by so much the Single life is more worthy than the Married.  
And in advantage, (quoth Lucia Bella) where Soranso saith, that there is great honour done unto the married, and to the Single is given light regard, I pray you whether are Bacchus' minions or the Muses most reverenced? among men whose places are higher than the Clergies? and among women, whose greater than the religious Dames?  
They have not this pre-eminence (quoth Faliero) because they profess a Single life, 
Defences of Marriage.  but because their function is more sacred than other men's, 
The cause why the clergy are reverenced.  who if their prayers to God be no more zealous, than their vows to chastity are steadfast, you fly to the authority of a company as spotted as Laban's Sheep.  
But where Sir Ismarito saith, that Marriage is but a virtue upon necessity, to restrain man from a greater evil: I approve it an estate set down by Nature, and that man hath but amplified it with certain ceremonies, to make perfect the determination of nature: For we daily see in unreasonable creatures, Marriage is (in a sort) worshipped: Fowls of the Air (I mean) the he and the she, couple together, fly together, feed together, and nest together. The Turtle is never merry after the death of her Mate: and in many brute beasts the like constancy is found: But (generally) there is never jar nor misliking between the Male and Female of unpollitique creatures: 
Vnpollitick creatures reverence marriage.  and among the most barbarous people that ever lived, by the impresson of nature, Marriage hath (evermore) been reverenced and honoured: Much more civil people ought to affect this holy estate: And where Ismarito attributes such glory unto a Single life, because that Daphne was metamorphosed into a bay Tree, whose branches are always green: In my opinion, his reason is faired like the bay Tree: for the bay tree is barren of pleasant fruit, and his pleasing words of weighty matter. Furthermore, what remembrance is there of fair Syrinx's coyness, refusing to be God Paris wife? other then that she was metamorphosed into a few unprofitable reeds: Or of Anaxaretes' chaste cruelty towards Iphis, over than that she remaineth an Image of Stone in Samarin. Many other such like naked Monuments remain of nice contemners of Marriage. But in the behalf of Marriage thousands have been changed into Olive, Pomegranate, Mulberry, and other fruitful trees, sweet flowers, Stars, and precious stones, by whom the world is beautified, directed and nourished. In many well governed common wealths, Sterility hath been reputed so vile, as the Aged was of no man honoured that had not children of his own to do him reverence. Then by how much those things which nourish with increase are more necessary than those things, which but simply please the eye: by so much the married is more worthy than the single life.  
Sir, quoth Ismarito, it seemeth that you have read a Leaf more than Saint Katherins Nun: 
Defences of a single life.  for she (simply) tried all things, and you (subtly) use but what serveth your own turn: you reproach a Single life, with Barrenness, and commend the fertility of Marriage; but had you shown the weeds with the Corn, bare pasture would have returned as great a benefit as your harvest. The Monsters, Serpents, and loathsome Creatures, mentioned by Ovid in his Metamorphosis, were they not I pray you the fruits of Marriage? as well as the blessings, which you so affectedly reported: Oedipus was glad to scratch out his eyes, because he could not endure to behold the vices of his Children. The good Emperor Marcus Aurelius in his aged days, never rose that he sighed not, never dined that he fretted not, nor never went to bed that he wept not: to hear, see, and consider the monstrous evils of his Children. Admit the Married have virtuous Children, they may die when they are young, than the goodness of their lives, increaseth sorrows by their deaths: and where the comfort is so doubtful, it is not amiss to refuse the hazard of the grief: 
Virtuous fame is another life.  neither dieth there any of Diana's band, but that their virtues reviveth them as the ashes of the Phoenix turneth to another Phoenix.  
It is for some Phoenix sake, quoth Queen Aurelia, that you thus stoutly defend a Single life.  
I do but your commandment quoth Ismarito.  
I (quoth she) it is at my commandment, but yet for some others merit.  
Aluisa vechio, 
The impatiency of women will not be hid.  fearing that marriage would receive some disgrace if that Queen Aurelia favoured the Defence of a Single life, could not longer suppress her affections, but with a woman's Impatiency, blamed the rigour of Diana, who condemned Actaeon to be devoured of his own Hounds, who caused sweet Adonis to be stain by a wild Boar: with many other cruel parts, unséeming the natural pity of a woman: but (which might have sane a great deal of Argument, or at the least, which will now soon end the Controversy:) compare (quoth she) juno and Diana together, and by their callings you may easily judge who is the worthier. Diana (poor soul) is but a Goddess here on earth, and juno is Queen of Heaven: Diana's force is in her Bow and Arrows, juno bestoweth Thunderbolts upon her enemies: Diana is attired with green leaves, and juno with glorious Stars: Diana feedeth on raw fruits, and drinketh cold water: juno's Feasts are of Manna and her bowls are filled with Nectar: Diana's music is no better than the voices of a few Nymphs: juno is recreated with the harmony of Angels: Diana's pastime is (a foot) to chase the fearful Roe, where juno (in Phaeton's winged Chariot) pursueth a thousand several pleasures: then, by how much the pomp of juno exceedeth the naked Triumphs of Diana, by so much Marriage must needs be more worthy than the Single life.  
Lucia Bella that should have answered Aluisa Vechio, (not unlike the Marigold that closeth her Beauty, when Phoebus is attired with his brightest rays) so admired the glory of juno, 
Vain glorious shows bewitcheth women.  that as an enchanted creature, her tongue forgot her natural office: the reason was, her heart was suddenly surprised with an ambitious desire of honour.  
Which change, Ismarito perceived with the first: and lest her silence should conclude a yielding: All is not gold (quoth he) that glistereth, 
Contentment neither followeth the greatest, nor scorneth the meanest.  nor every thing counterfeit that is not curiously garnished: a smiling countenance is no full testimony of a merry heart, nor costly Garments of a rich Purse: And (perchance) the grief of juno's secret discontentments, is greater than the delight of her glorious pomp: where Diana, who (as a Diamond in the dark, shineth of herself) needeth not the Ornaments of juno. And as she is (simply) of a pure substance, so her thoughts must needs be sweet and quiet.  
Sir (quoth Maria Belochy) our soundest judgements are of those things that we ourselves see: therefore, if the appearance of Marriage be worthier th●n the appearance of the single life: if sentence be truly pronounced, it must be in the behalf of juno.  
Queen Aurelia perceiving the increase of Ismaritos' adversaries, (for who can stop a stream, measure the sire, weigh the wind, or hinder Fancies passages) and with all considering how that the controversy was sufficiently debated, commanded the contenders to keep silence: and referred the question to be judged by Fabritio and Isabel.  
Who having advisedly considered, the reasons on both sides, agreed that a single chaste life pleased God, because Chastity is pure: and also delighteth man, because she quieteth the mind: but a chaste married life, both pleaseth and honoureth God: because Marriage hourly presenteth the world, with the Image of himself: pleaseth and profiteth man, because she giveth him a companion, by affection, changed into his own disposition: of whom he hath children, who in despite of death, preserveth him alive. And therefore the sentence of them both, was pronounced by Fabritio, 
Sentence given in the behalf of marriage.  in the behalf of Marriage: who withal, enlarged her praises with the report of many sweet Blessings, which she liberally bestoweth upon her Subjects. But lest the company should have been fired with too hasty a desire of Marriage, he cooled their affections with such caveats, as they that had their voices ready tuned, to sing the praises of God Hymen, were of the sudden, as mute as a fish: by reason whereof, Fabritio had free passage: for his counseling report: who, after many words, to either purpose delivered, concluded with the opinion of Plato: That Marriage was a paradise on earth, 
Plato's opinion of Marriage.  if her Laws be observed: and a Hell in the House where her Statutes are broken.  
The Gentlewomen witted not what to say to Fabritios' bitter-sweet commendation of Marriage, until Bargetto quickened their tongues, by this pleasant suggestion. 
Pleasant talk is good physic for sorrow.   
If (quoth he) Plato's opinion be law, by the same reason women are either Angels, or Devils.  
And why not men, as well as women, (quoth Isabel) whose disposition beareth the greatest sway in this vocation.  
I will show you a reason, quoth Doctor Mossenigo, men with a mean can temper their passions: 
The extreme passions of a woman.  when a woman hath no measure in her love, nor mercy in her hate: no rule in her pity, nor piety other revenge: no judgement to speak, nor patience to dissemble: and therefore she is likened unto the Sea, 
A Gondola is a little Boat like a wherry.  which (one while) is so mild, as a small Gondola endureth her might, and anon, with outrage she over whelmeth the tallest ship.  
Ah master Doctor, quoth Katherine 〈◊〉 I fear me you are so learned, 
Hien, sometimes a man, and sometimes a woman.  as like the Hyens, you change yourself sometimes into the shape of a woman: but yet of this malicious purpose, to learn their dispositions, only to reproach their kind: but had any of us the cunning, to become a man but a while, I imagine, we should ever after love that better to be a woman.  
You have rather cause (quoth Dondolo) to let master Doctor kiss your hand, (for commending your kind) then to blame him, by a surmise of injury, offered unto women: for if there be a few good, they cover the faults of a number that are evil: as a little gold guildeth a great quantity of iron: and for any thing he said, you have as general an interest in virtue, as in vice.  
Yea, but (quoth Queen Aurelia) he is to be blamed for his intent, 
The intent of evil is to be punished.  which was evil, and deserveth not to be praised for the good which came of it, which was our merit.  
Madam (quoth the Doctor) so much greater is the good you receive by my Trespass, as thereby you are honoured with the virtue, to forgive.  
Yea, 
Pardon is to be used in ignorant, and not in wilful faults  but (quoth she) remission is to be used in ignorant offences, and not in wilful.  
My habit (quoth he) is a testimony that I spoke not of malice.  
So much (quoth she) the greater is your fault, in that it proceeded upon pleasure: 
The punishment of great offenders doth most good in examples.  and where you think to privilege yourself by your habit: for example sake, you shall at (open) Supper, bath renounce your heresy and make satisfaction, or abide the judgement, of these Gentlewomen.  
If there be no remedy (quoth he) I must obey.  
The Doctor thus taken tardy, gave occasion of laughter unto the whole company.  
Which, blown over [quoth Soran so] we have travailed this day to an unfortunate end: for that now, towards night we are entered into an open Champion, where we find many broad ways to Hell, and but one cross path to heaven.  
Well (quoth Queen Aurelia) we will take other times, to beat out the true passage: And (lest we be lated) we will no further to day.  
Whereupon, after a courtly reverence done: Queen Aurelia, with her Attendants, showed herself in the great Chamber, where she might repose her mind with the choice of sundry pleasures: For his, or her disposition was very strange, that in that company could not find both a Companion and sport, that pleased his humour.   

The first Night's Pastime.  
AMong wise men, these Orders have evermore been observed, or allowed: In the Church, to be devout: in place of justice, to be grave: at home to be affable, 
Devotion.  and at meals to be merry: for in the Church we talk with God, who seeth our hearts and hateth hypocrisy: 
Gravity.  in justice, we sit to chasten light demenours, then great were the shame, that our countenances should contemn ourselves.  
At home we rule and command, than were it Tyranny to use severity there, where is no resistance. 
Affabilitit.   
At meals to be merry, digesteth meat, and refresheth the wit: then is he an enemy unto himself, that contemneth the rule of health, and the helper of knowledge. 
Mirth.  Howsoever the three first precepts were observed, signor Philoxenus and his honourable guests duly executed the last, who in the midst of supper hearing of Doctor Mossenigos penance, hasted the execution.  
The Doctor seeing there was no remedy, openly confessed that he had praised women against his witted, for which he was condemned to 〈◊〉 Ab renuntio, and to make satisfaction by some other means: And as he thought the contrary was the amends of every trespass, and therefore, whereas he had praised them against his will, he was ready to desprayse them with his will. 
subtlety beateth true meaning with his own sword.   
Queen Aurelia would have taken exceptions to these words, but that the company cried, The Doctor speaks Law, which she could not with justice violate, whereupon Mossenigo reported, as followeth.   

Doctor Mossenigo his Satisfaction, for praising women against his will.  
IN the famous City of Vienna, in Austria, sometimes dwelled a simple Saddler, named Borrihauder, who was married to an old crabbed shrew, called Ophella: the agreement of this couple was so notable, as the Emperor Charles the fift commanded his Painter Parmenio, to draw their counterfeits, as a monument of fury. Parmenio coming to do the emperors commandment, found Borrihauder weeping with the agony of his wives stripes, and Ophellas cheeks as red as fire with the heat of her tongue: which strange sight, changed his determination into a pleasant conceit, and in place of their Counterfeits, in a fair table, he drew an Element troubled with lightning, and under writ, Ophella, and in another Table fastened to the same, he likewise drew an Eloment darkened with rain, and under writ, Borrihander. Parmenio presented this travel unto the Emperor. The Emperor seeing the two names, and not the shape of those he commanded to be drawn, demanded the Painter's meaning herein, who pleasantly answered, that he could not take the view of Ophellas face, for fear of being fired with the lightning of her tongue, and that Borrihauder was drowned with tears, which as showers of rain followed the thunderclaps of his wives Fists: But in good time (had she died) this. Demidevil Orphella fell so extremely sick, as in every man's judgement it was needful to give Physic to her soul, but bootless to bestow any of her Body: Borrihauder seeing her, as he thought, at a good pass, was so accustomed to sorrow, as he determined to knoll her passing bell, with this counterfeit moan. Ah dear God (quoth he) how unhappy am I to lose my loving wife, my good wife, my sweet wife? O how happy were I, that as we have lived together, so we might now die together. This piteous sound of her husband so melted the dying heart of Ophella, that like a candle consumed, that leaveth a little smoke in the week, she lay both speechless, and senseless, save that the pangs of death sometimes threw a weak breath out of her mouth: but like unto wild fire, that burneth in water, the corsive, that would have killed the devil, in her case, recovered her to health, which was her husband, out of fear of her life, in despite of the injury of time past, fell to kiss and college his Maid, which watched his gasping wife, before he took order with the Clerk, to ring her knell: which Ophella, as dim as her sight was, perceived, and Fury, which was the last motion, that accompanied her in life, like a whirl wind, that with a sudden violence, draweth things into the air, so fired her heart with malice, to see her husband in this jollity with her maid, as madness gave her the strength to cry. Ah, ah, Traitor, I am not yet dead: ah villain, villain, I am not yet dead: and through this passion, choler so dried her Catar, as shortly after, she perfectly received her health: and so canvased her husband Borrihauder, as by the motions of sorrow, and pain, he hung himself in a Crabtrée. O quoth Katherine Trista, it was great damage that Thymon of Athens was not in the town, to show all malicious men that tree. The devil might have p●t in their minds, to have hanged themselves.  
This sudden answer of Katherine Trista, tickled all the company with a laughter, a good part whereof, 
A cunning answer taketh away the grace of a shrewd tale.  were ready to scandal women, with a froward nature, being by this example, more fostered with despite then good usage: who, now for fear of their own reproach, amplifted not Master Doctors tale, with any other spiteful authorities.  
For the History of Thymon of Athens dogged nature, 
Thymon of Athens was the sworn enemy of humanity.  was so well known to every Gentleman, as the remembrance of his name, assured them, that there never lived woman of so froward a condition: neither is it possible that ever any man again should be so great an enemy to humanity.  
And thereupon [quoth Falerio] Thymon of Athens was without heir or successor, and therefore is no able example to blame us.  
Neither had Ophella (for any thing we hear) either heir or successor (quoth Aluisa Vechio:) then by your own reason is of no authority to slander our sex.  
This one quip for another (although more mildly handled of the gentlewomen's side, according to their natural modesty) quieted either part. In so much as Doctor Mossenigo humbly desired to be received into the grace of women again.  
Nay, [quoth Queen Aurelia] you deserve to be evermore banished the presences of women.  
Alas good Madam, (quoth he) I did but your commandment, and thereupon I appeal to the report of the company.  
Yea, 
A dutiful subject is bound to obey his Prince's words, and not linger upon the effect.  but (quoth she) my meaning was otherwise.  
O Madam (quoth he) Subjects are bound to execute their Sovereign's words, and are not privileged to interpret their charge to their own fancy.  
I see well, [quoth Queen Aurelia] that there is no dealing with a Lawyer, for they can defend their own trespasses with the same sword, 
A feigned friend is better than a dangerous open enemy.  wherewith they punish other men's offences: and therefore better to have you a feigned friend (being so dangerous) then an open enemy: wherefore we pardon you.  
By this time, Supper, and every service of the Table ended. Whereupon Queen Aurelia and the whole company rose, and saluted one another with a civil reverence. The Music summoned the young Gentlemen, and Gentlwomen to dancing: for (this night) they expected no other pastime, unless it were dicing, carding, or such like unthrifty sports. And therefore as the night grew on, or they waxed weary, until the next morning they committed one another, a dio.    

MADONNA AURELIA, Her second days pleasures.  
Containing (with many other necessary Questions) a large discovery of the inconveniences of forced Marriages.  

AVrora had no sooner forsaken her husband Tithon's bed, 
A Description of the sun rising.  but that Phoebus ashamed of his over drowsy sleeping, in the dark Caves of Tartessus: hastily harnessed up his Horses, & in his fiery Chariot, climbed the mountain Oeta, the painful travel whereof made bright Pyrois, and sparkling Phlegon, 
Pyrois and phlegon feigned to be two of the Sun's Cock horses.  breath flames like the burning Furnace, wherein Vnlcan forgeth the Thunderbolts of jupiter: In so much as Phoebus' golden rays (which beautifieth the Heavens, and comforteth the earth) pierced through every small passage, into signor Philoxenus Palace: and glimmering in the young gentlemen's faces, wakened them, with an imagination of their mistress beauties, 
The bed resembleth the Grave.  (who scorning their beds, as graves which buried the one half of their pleasures, & the canopies, as clouds that shadowed the brightness of their Load Stars) now started up, to honour and salute the Images of their heart's delight: & to waken the Ladies & gentlewomen (who of the sudden could not be attired) the tingling of a small Bel gave them warning of a Sermon. Insomuch as by nine of the clock, Queen Aurelia and her stately attendants entered the Chapel, in such Equipage, as I think the Preacher, 
Laureta, commonly called Loretto, the great pilgrimage of Italy, where is a small Chapel, sometimes made by the cunning of certain Friars, and the consent of some of the Citizens of Racanati: only to bring Fraffique to their City, destroyed by the Goths and Vandals: and in the night stole it out of the town, and spread a rumour, that our Lady by Angels had brought it out of jury: the mansion house wherein she there lived, which Fable a number hold for a truth.  Friar Bugiardo imagined our Lady was come from Loretto, to honour signor Philoxenus Altar: and therefore to welcome her the more, he so extolled our Lady's virtues, and the good and pitiful works of our Cannonized Matrons, and Virgins: if the Crown of Heaven had stood upon our Lady's head, and that the earth (chiefly Italy) was blessed for pitiful women's sake: of which they could have no greater testimony, then that our Lady by miracle, had possessed them, with her earthly Mansion: which she daily visiteth, with a thousand blessings. And therefore (quoth he) repair her Churches, cherish her Priests, pray before her Altars, & your fins, whatsoever, shall be forgiven: O she is pitiful, as a woman, and can rule her son as a Mother: and with such like old tales, 
Ignorance Cave, the high way to hell.  & Tapers, he lighted the people, as they thought, to Heaven: but in very truth, into blind Ignorance Cave, from whence the devil carried them to Hell.  
Ismarito smiled to hear the subtlety of the Friar, and sorrowed to see the simplicity of the people, in causes that appertain unto the soul, 
Italians a most subtle kind of people.  who in the affairs of the flesh, are as wily as Serpents: whose countenance, when Philoxenus beheld, he pleasantly demanded, how Ismarito liked Friar Bugiardo his sermon.  
Ismarito merely answered, it was pity that judas had not heard the like, after he had betrayed his Master Christ: it might have been, upon these large promises of forgiveness, he would not so desperately have hanged himself.  
Then quoth Philoxenus these pleasing sermons be not unnecessary in this country, where sin is so gross: for were not the people in hope, 
Sin cannot endure to hear of God's justice  that our Lady of pity would pardon them, anumber would follow judas in despair: with fear, that God's justice would condemn them.  
It seemeth reason (quoth Ismarito) that the people believe what is said in the Pulpit: for they understand not what is read in the Church. 
A tyranny ten times more cruel than Phalaris Bull.   
In this especial case (quoth Philoxenus) all our crosses, are curses.  
So that our first restraint from reading the Scriptures, could not but come from as accursed a spirit as his, 
Koran, a law that forbids the Turks to dispute of Mahomet.  that first invented the Turks Koran, for by the pain of the one, Mahomet's Idolatry is unreprehended, and through our ignorance in the other, the Pope's blasphemy, is in us unespied, and thereby, both God is dishonoured, and many a Soul destroyed: so that happy, and thrice happy, 
Turks to dispute, of Mahomet. A divine blessing.  are you of England, that have the sacred Bible, and the hard passages of Scripture expounded in vulgar language: that your common sort, howsoever your Prelates live, understand whether they err or no in their doctrine.  
And since the subjects of the Emperor, Alexander Severus, honoured their sovereigns' virtues, with these acclamations.  
NOble Alexander, we pray the gods, that they have no less care of your Majesty, than you have of us: 
A token of loving Subjects.  most happy be we, that we have you among us. Noble Alexander: the gods preserve you, the gods defend you: proceed forth in your purpose: we ought to love you, as our Father, to honour you as our Lord, and to admire you as a God, here among us. And thereunto added: Noble Emperor, take what you will of our Treasure and substance to accomplish your purpose, (only) for building of three Hospitals, to secure the sick bodies of the poor.  
By how much more zeal ought you, the good Queen of England's Subjects, add to this Prerogative?  
Do (gracious Queen Elizabeth) what shall seem to you good: for your most blessed nature cannot err, or do any thing amiss that you purpose, who by divine inspiration, hath unlocked the fountain of grace: so that the thirsty souls both of her rich and poor subjects, may freely drink the water of life.  
signor Philoxenus so affected this speech, as Ismarito could not but imagine his heart abiudged him, a strunger to grace, and unworthy life, that was her vassal and said not thereunto, Amen. The end of Friar Bugiardos' clawing Sermon, 
Reconciliation may take away revenge, but not grudge from enemy's hearts.  broke off this private talk, and the Gentlewomen, proud of the commendation of their pitiful sex, now wished, that Doctor Mossenigo had been unpardoned his yesternightes trespass towards women: that the holy. Friar might have cited him before our Lady of Loretto: who, the greater part of dinner time, left his victuals to enlarge his feminine praises.  
In the end, tasting the goodness of the meat, he found prating very unsavoury: and therefore, to recover his losses, his lips laid on load: which Faliero, and some other of the pleasant company perceiving, assayed to reward the Friar for his good Sermon, with Tantalus' dinner, and to that end, busied him with many questions, 
Questions answered by monosillable.  which he ever answered in a monosillable, so that his tongue hindered not his feeding: as (quoth Faliero) a question or two, Master Friar I pray? say, quoth he: who strikes with the sharpest rod: God: of all other, who is most evil? Devil: in distress, who deserveth most ruth? Truth: who is charged with most crime? Time: what holds the world in most imprice? Vice: who is the greatest liar? Friar: desire: without flame, what maketh the greatest fire? Ire: what sin is most accursed? Lust: what bread is best to eat? Wheat: what drink is worst for the eyen? Wine: when they could devise no talk, to put life in the friars tongue, doctor Mossengio demanded, why he was so brief in his answers? O (quoth he) Pauca sapienti: Then (quoth the Doctor) it is good taking away, this plenty of meat, for cloying Friar Bugiardoes wit. The whole company, hearing the Friar beaten with his own sentence, turned into a contrary sense, burst out into such an immoderate laughter, as choler that rose to the very throat of the Friar would not suffer him to swallow one bit more of meat: in so much, as the board was taken away, and the Friar driven to say Benedicite, with an empty stomach: an entertainment, as fit for a flatterer, as a reward for a faithful servant.  
The office of courteous reverence, 
A good reward for Flattery.  fully discharged: the company retired towards the fire, to pause a little after their dinner, observing therein an old health rule.  
After dinner, talk a while,  
After supper, walk a mile.  
Where the pitiful Gentlewomen, moaned the disgrace of their praise master, the Friar, but murmured more that he was crossed (without a blessing) by their enemy, the Doctor. And to put them out of this matter, Bargetto said merisy, that the friar had taught him such a cunning way to woe, as to melt a woman into pity, he would wish, but the opportunity of three hours: two to love, and one to praise the thing they like. Yea (quoth Franceschina Santa, his Mistress) since women are so merciful, it is necessary to bridle the subtlety of men: and to give example, I enjoin you, these three days to speak no more of love: and questionless, this pain set upon Bargettos head, was no greater than his oversight deserved: for in doing of these three things is great danger, and small discretion: to play with fire, to strive with water, 
A profitable Note.  and to give a woman knowledge of our power: therefore, he that will discover his own secret advantage, is worthy to have his hair cut with Samson.  
Queen Aurelia, by this time was ready to walk into the drawing chamber, to continue her established exercise: and for the execution thereof, she called certain of her chosen attendants, (whose appearance being made,) to observe her former course, for ancient customs profitable, are better than new laws incertain, she commanded the Eunuch, to set their wits in an order, by the virtue of some sweet harmony, who taking his Lute, after a dutiful obeisance, played, and sung this following Sonnet in Italion.  

TO realish Love, I taste a sowrie sweet,  
I find Repose, in Fancies fetters bound:  
Amid the Skies, my wish I often meet:  
And yet I lie, fast staked to the ground:  
My eye sees joy, my heart is gripde with pain,  
I know my hurt, and yet my good refrain.   

But how these hang, the faithful Lover knows,  
And yet can give no reason for the cause:  
The power of Love man's reach so far outgoes,  
As bound (perforce) he yields to Cupid's Laws,  
And yet we find, this Liberty in Love,  
As bard from joy, Hope doth our griefs remove.   

Then Love sit crowned, as Sovereign of my thought,  
And Fancy see, thou other motions chase,  
To do whose will, Desire in me hath wrought,  
A strength to run, in gives, sweet Pelops race,  
And those to charm, that study me to stay,  
It may suffice: the wisest past my way.   
The double effects of this Sonnet, made them freshly to remember the doubts they left yesterday unresolved. And to avoid digression, which raiseth many difficulties, and resolveth few: Queen Aurelia caused a repetition of Plato's opinion of Marriage, which was: She was a Paradise on earth, where her Statutes were kept: and a Hell in the House, where her laws were broken.  
Whereupon (quoth Dondolo with the liberty of Queen Aurelia's favour) I demand the causes why that the Male, and Female, of bruit and wild creatures love, cherish and take comfort, in one another's company, only by the impression of nature: and man and woman, that are beautified both with the virtues of nature and reason, many times matches together, make a hell of this holy institution.  
By Queen Aurelia's commandment, 
Reason giveth man sovereignty over all creatures.  to answer.  
Sir (quoth Faliero) the advantage of reason, with which you have privileged man and woman, is the only cause thereof: no man will deny, but that there is a difference of conditions, 
There is diversity of condition in every kind.  in creatures of every kind: some horse, an unskilful horseman, can hardly disorder; and some in despite of his rider will have a jadish trick. Some Balk though she be evil served, will not straggle forth: & some, do the Falconer what he can, will continually fly at checks: some hound by no means will be rated from riot, and some will never forsake his undertaken game: even so some man will filch if his hands be fast bound, and some having the advantage of a booty, will rather starve, then steal: some woman, with an hours liberty will offend, and ten years loving suit cannot overcome some other. 
Reason findeth out the imperfection of nature. 'Cause of misliking in marriage.  But the vice and virtue in every creature, by the opinions of many sage Philosophers, proceedeth from the pureness, or the imperfection of nature: which is not to be found, but by reason: and the use of reason only belongeth to man: now, if by over sight in choice, married are divided in desire, differ in life, and delight in neither's love: Reason that findeth out this contrariety, 
Causes of comfort in marriage.  soweth contention between the unfortunate couple in Matrimony thus matched. Again, when between the married there is equality, of birth, years, and manners, no difference in love, nor suspicion of others behaviour: reason that delighteth in unity, maketh the joys of Marriage innumerable.  
Therefore (think I) the opinion of Plato may be embraced as a sound judgement.  
The whole assembly, allowed Falieroes reason: and Dondolo himself was reasonably well satisfied. But quoth he, since Marriage bringeth with her unspeakable joy, or uncurable sorrow: how may a man assure himself of the one, or avoid the other? when a woman's unsearchable heart is the only harbour both of her good & evil conditions: and (once) in appearance, the honourable, and the dishonest, the virtuous, & the vicious: and in brief, every sort of women are naturally beautified with modesty. If the good repulse dishonest request with chaste disdain, the bad with counterfeit sobriety, will blush at incontinent suits: if the good useth silence as a virtue, the bad with well ordered speech, will be as highly esteemed: if the good with the beauty and benefits of nature, delight: the bad with the flourish of Art, will no less be fantasied. So that at the first face, the cunningest Clerk may be deceived, in judging who best deserveth.  
The greatest Clerk (quoth Faliero) proves not always the wisest man, & none more apt to be beguiled then he. He valueth all that glistereth, Gold: he esteemeth fair words, 
Experience is the best ludge  as friendly deeds: and thinketh that lovely countenances do spring from a loving condition: when experience knowing the contrary, will try them all by the best.  
The corruptest Canker bloometh like the sweetest Eglantine: the bitter Bullice, resembleth the pleasant Damson, and the sour Crah, the savoury Pippin: Even so good and bad, fair and fowl, chaste and unconstant women are made of one mould, framed of one form, 
The form deceiveth, but the quality showeth the creature.  & naturally graced with a shamefast blushing: but as in smell the Canker, in taste the Bullice, and the Crab in relish, bewray their imperfections, even so with cunning usage, the subtilest woman will show her unnatural conditions: counterfeits will to kind: copper holds print, but not touch with gold, fire hid in ashes, will break forth in heat: water courses stopped, find out new passages: even so the impatient woman, thoroughly moved, discloseth her passions: the proud with sufferance exceedeth in pomp, and the wanton sore charged, will fall to folly.  
Well (quoth Dondolo,) notwithstanding your directions be good, yet the path to heaven is so difficult to find, as the ignorant passenger without direction, is like to follow the beaten way to hell, and the surest guide is Experience.  
So that the direction of the Parents, 
The foresight of Parents.  is to be embraced of the Children in this behalf.  
Parents with regard, foresee the evils that negligent Children feel ere they withstand: Parents provide living to maintain their children's love.  
Children often times by matching with beggars, diminish their parent's inheritance.  
Parents labour for necessaries to support an househould.  
Children only seek for silken rags, to uphold their pride.  
Parents have care to match their Children with those of virtuous condition: and Children lightly regard no more than their lovers amiable countenance.  
I confess with you (quoth Faliero) the oversights of young men in their choice, 
A reprehension of forced marriage.  but I cry out upon forcement in Marriage, as the extremest bondage that is: for that the ransom of liberty is the death of the one or the other of the married. The father thinks he hath a happy purchase, if he get a rich young Ward to match with his daughter: but God he knows, and the unfortunate couple often feel, that he buyeth sorrow to his Child, slander to himself, and perchance the ruin of an ancient Gentleman's house, by the riot of the son in Law, not loving his wife.  
But admit there be no disagreement between the parties, which is rather fortune than foresight in parents, who regard that the lands and goods be great, but smally way whether the beauty and behaviours please or no: yet love enforced taketh knowledge neither of friends, favour, form, 
Love will not be constrained.  goods nor good bringing up.  
Delicate meat hardly forceth an appetite unto the sick. Pleasure yields no solace to the sorrowful, no more can forcement enforce the free to fancy. The Lion with gentleness may be tamed, but with curstness never conquered: much more lordly is Love, for as Petrarke defineth, 
The Prince, the Peer, the Subject and the slave,  
Love gives with care, to him they make their moan,  
And if by chance, he grant the grace they crave,  
It comes of ruth, by force he yields to none.   
I could report many examples of large authority, 
The evil of tediousness.  to prove this inconvenience, but to a peerless end: for tediousness dulls the remembrance of the hearer, and tires the tongue of the reporter. In daily action, you may view the liberty of Love, his contempt to be constrained, and the great compassion he useth when he is with courtesy acquired, which account in forced Marriage is seldom considered. There is procurement of friends before plightment of faith: safety for livings before assurance of love, and clapping of hands before knitting of hearts: an occasion that the sorroful parties mourn when they are Married, & rejoice when by death they are severed.  
Dondolo replied, that when there is no remedy, Reason will drive them to love.  
But Faliero maintained, that Reason and Love, are at deadly food: Reason bids thee love, but where thou art liked, 
Reason and Love, as enemies.  and Love bids thee fancy where thou art hated: Reason directs for thy benefit, and Love allures to thy detriment: and to conclude, the office of Reason is to appease old griefs, and the nature of Love is to raise new debates.  
Tush, tush (quoth Bargetto,) among the married, quarrels in the day, are qualified with kisses in the night: whereupon groweth this Adage.  
The jangling words, that Lovers use in rage:  
Gives Love a grace, when anger doth assuage.  
A witness that unkindness enlargeth Love, as the wrack of Winter doth the beauty of Summer: then, although the Parents match at first, be without the fancy of the Children, a reconciliation (in fine) will double their comfort.  
Sir (quoth Soranso, favouring Falieros opinion) you wrist: the Adage is to a contrary meaning: 
Another reprehension of forcement in marriage.  for it is to be used but where there hath been some time perfect love, and where a grounded love is, although the Married menace with their tongues, they malice not with their hearts: on the contrary part: look what rule the Lover useth in love, the enemy observeth in revenge.  
Therefore if the Married abhor before Marriage, they may well dissemble with their tongues, but will never be delighted in their hearts: & where there is such a division in the desires of the Married, fair feigned semblance, will soon turn to flat fowl falling out, their thrift goeth forward as the carriage drawn by two Oxen, tail to tail: the husband will have no delight to get, nor the wise desire to save: servants with negligence will waste, and hirelings with prolining, will win: and (which is worst) the continuance of malice will custom them with mortal hatred: hatred between the Married, breedeth contention betwixt the parents, contention betwixt the parents, raiseth quarrels among the kindred, & quarrels among the kindred, occupieth all the neighhours with slander: so the for the most part, these forced marriages, engendereth sorrows for the married, disquietness to both their friends & kindred: but which still reneweth grief, the scandal of enemies, endeth in neither of their wretchedness.  
This being said, little availed the further proofs of the contrary part, so full was the cry: Fie of forcement in marriage, so that to paint out the inconveniences thereof in his proper colours, Queen Aurelia commanded Faliero, to confirm his sufficient reasons, with the discourse of some rare History. Whose commandment he willingly satisfied, and reported as followeth.   

The History in the reproach of forced Marriage, reported by Faltero.  
IN the famous City of Cirene in Africa, dwelled sometimes a rich Merchant named Tryfo. This Tryfo had a wealthy neighbour called Clearches, who of long time entertained one another with a neighbourly affection: Tryfo to inherit all his livings, had but one only Son, named Sichaeus: and Clearches one only Daughter called Elisa. The parents to establish (as they imagined) an everlasting amity between their houses, concluded a marriage for their unfortunate Children, making no doubt but that they would as well inherit their affections as their livings, of which there was hope enough, if the order had been as good to establish their Loan, as the haste great to solemnize the Marriage: for that in their persons appeared no sign of disagreement, nor in their abilities cause of exception: but love (that beholdeth no more quickness in a Diamond then in a dim Sapphire) though he take impression by sight, 
Love rooteth by contemplation.  rooteth in contemplation: which divine exercise of the soul, smally delighteth green youth, who entertain their thoughts with a thousand vain fancies: but to my purpose. The Marriage day drew near, and as at the very push of Battle, the wise Captain animateth his Soldiers with some plausible oration, even so the night before the Marriage, Tryfo schooled his son Sichaeus with this following advertisement.  
My good son quoth he, so great are the follies of men, 
Advise to a bootless purpose.  and so cunning the deceits of women, as they most (especially the younger sort) will credit their looks, without looking into their lives: believe their words, and lightly regard their works: delight to recount their entertainments, and disdain to reckon their shrewd payments. For as the sick patient comforted with the physicians words, leaves to examine the qualities of his receipt: Even so, the wretched lover cured with the yielding of his beautiful Mistress, 
Love yields neither to wit, strength, nor learning.  with negligence both overlooks his own benefit, and her behaviour. Solomon was deceived, Samson subdued, Aristotle derided, and Hercules murdered by the illusions of errant honest women.  
King Demetrius notwithstanding he was both wise and valiant, 
An extreme affection.  was so bewitched with the wiles of the notorions strumpet Lamia, as in open Schools he raised disputations, whether the love he bore Lamia, or the jewels he bestowed upon her were the greater: or whether her merit exceeded them both or no. Yea when she died he caused her to be entombed under his bed Chamber window, to the end that with daily tears he might worship her engraved bones, who living was of him entirely beloved.  
If the wisest and the worthiest be thus overtaken in their affections, what easy baits may beguile thee, who in years art young, of substance delicate and lusty, and therefore apt to love: ready in conceit, and of consideration unperfect, hot in desire, and in discretion cold: My son, by experience I know, and to prenent thy overlikely mischance in choice, I have chosen thee a wife, fair to please thee, rich to continue love, her Parents my assured friends, and she thy affected lover: love her well, bear with her insmall faults, as a woman and the weaker, and bridle thy own evil affections as a man, her head and governor: and in thus doing, God will multiply his blessings upon you, and make your aged Parents to die in peace, to see you live in prosperity. Young Sichaeus regarded his Father's tale, as Scholars do their Tutors, who giving them leave to play, admonisheth them with all to keep good rule, which they promise, and perferme the contrary. With the like affection Sichaeus embraced marriage. He was not so soon weary of dallying with his wife, as he was ready to entertain a Harlot: so that in short space he became a common Lover, and a careless Husband: and withal grew as arrogant in defending his liberty, 
The title of Marriage maketh youth arrogant.  as dissalute in his actions and behaviour: If his friends did gently advise him, he was of age to counsel himself: if his Parents did sharply reprehend him, he would impudently answer, he was past correction: if his Wife found herself aggrieved with his hard usage, she might well complain, but he would take no time to amend; so that his daily actions of evil took away all after hope of well doing: insomuch as he became odious to his friends that beheld his lewd inclination: and a plague unto his Wife, who was daily oppressed with his monstrous vices. So that the overcharge of sorrow made her many times passage for these and such like passions.  
O unhappy and over hasty Marriage, which in the pride of my youth with discontentments makest me resemble a fair Fig tree, 
Abuse of good things work evil effects.  blasted with the after cold of an untimely Spring: but why blame I Marriage which is honourable? alas, because the abuse of good things, work evil effects: Roses unadvisedly gathered, prick our hands, Bees ungently used sting our faces, yet the one pleasant and the other profitable: so that if there come any evil of that which is good, our folly or fortune is cause thereof: Ay me, 
That which is blessing to one may be a curse to an other.  when I was married I was too young to be a wife, and therefore have no reason to exclaim on folly. But fortune fowl fall she, which cursest me with curses, in possessing me with those things which others hold for blessings: Wealth, that bestoweth pleasures on many, is the original of my woe. Marriage, which giveth liberty to many, enlargeth my Fetters, and demandeth death for my ransom: Beauty that advanceth many, is to me a disgrace: for that, enjoying her form, 
Carelessness of the husband breedeth in the wife.  I am of Sichaeus not fantasied, of whom every foul and common Trull is beloved: But therein Fortune thou dost me no wrong, for my hate towards him overpoyseth his light regard of me. O but my heart is continually afflicted with his evil, and his finger never aches with my malice. Yea: 
Choler is soon quieted, but forbearance increaseth malice.  but Forbearance edgeth the sword of Revenge, when Choler, though it often strikes, it wounds not much. Raine falleth every where, yet beateth but the leaves, the thunder Bolt lighteth in one place, but yet teareth up the roots: so though I dissemble till opportunity, Sichaeus shall feel my hate to death: and though I endure a space, I will redéem my dying life: and persevering in this resolution, elisa's thoughts, 
The Devil is the executioner of vengeance.  that were lately drowned in sorrow, now flamed with desire of Revenge: and the Devil, who is the Executioner of Vengeance, presented her forth with this ungracious mean.  
A young Gentleman named Chion, among a troop of other Ladies and Gentlewomen, beheld fair Elisa with such a burning affection, as he forthwith dispossessed his own heart, to make his bosom the seat of her imagined Image: so that his soul that continually eyed her beauty and his heart, at the direction of his Mistress, gave such a heat to his desire, that had he been sure to have received Ixion's torments, for his ambitious attempting of juno's love, he could neither have left to love, 
An extreme passion of love.  nor have forborn to seek for grace: so that follow what would, he forth with presented his affections, in this ensuing Letter.  
❧ chion's Letter to Elisa.  
Fair Mistress had I virtue to persuade you to ruth, as you have power to make me love: the discovery of my blazing affections would melt you, (were you a Mountain of Ice) to pity, But for that Love is more vehement in the heart then in the tongue, I appeal to your own motions for grace, if you have ever loved; if not, I hope for such justice at Venus' hands, as you shall love: and yet thus much I say, although I affy nothing in my persuasions, because they be but words, I presume of my endeavours, for that I have vowed my life to death to do you service: of which you can have no better assurance than employment, nor I a higher favour then to be employed.  
Good Madam, martyr me not with ordinary doubts, in that my affections are not ordinary. For as your beauty excelleth all other Dames, as the fair Rose each Garden Flower, even so the full power of Love hath made me in the estate of flaming flax, that is, presently to receive grace, or in a moment to perish. Thus longing for your sweet answer, I somewhat secure my torments, with the imagination, that I kiss your gracious hand.  
No more his own Chion.  
This Letter sealed and subscribed, was delivered to so cunning a Messenger as needed no instructions in chion's behalf. The letter presented, and advisedly read by Elisa, surprised her with an unmeasurable joy: not so much for that she had purchased herself a faithful Lover, as procured her Husband a mortal enemy: 
A natural fear in a woman, surpriseth many of their evil affections.  of which Chions Letter gave her not so great assurance, as the disposition of his countenances in a former regard: and thereupon pursuing Sichaeus with more hate, then minding Chion with affection, she mused upon a number of mischiefs, invented by desire to be revenged, and suppressed by fear to be defamed.  
In fine, remembering that she had read: Love quickeneth a man's wit, although it burieth Reason: To try if he could define what service she desired: she returned Chion a Brief, wherein he had a light to mischief, and might be read, without blemish of her honour: the effect whereof was this.  
While SICHAEUS doth live,  
ELISA cannot love.  
CHION received this Scroll, but yet before he presumed to read the Contents, he kissed and rekissed the same: holding an opinion, that coming from his mistress' hands it deserved such honour (although it contained Sentence of his death:) not unlike the foolish Mahometians, 
An example for Christian Subjects.  who upon their emperors Commandments, are ready Exerutioners of their own lives.  
But to my purpose: 
Craft hath many times his will, with an opinion of honesty.  when Chion had thoroughly perused this strange answer: were it Sichaeus his heavy Destiny, or a just scourge for his foretrespasses: (accursed that he was) he became too just an Executioner of Elisa's wicked will: but yet with this interpretation, that the love she bore her husband, directed her in this answer.  
Insomuch, as overcome with a furious hate towards Sichaeus, as the bar of his welfare, like a Lion that bites the Iron grate, which holds him from his prey: suddenly with this salutation, he sheathed his Sword in Sichaeus ntrailes.  
SICHAEUS shall not live,  
To hinder CHIONS' love.  
The fact was so fowl and withal so public, 
Wilful faults deserve no pardon.  as the Officers of justice immediately seized upon Chion; and for that his bloody sword was a witness of the trespass, there was no Plea to save him: for wilful faults may be pitied, but deserveth no pardon: and to say truth, neither did he destre to live, because Elisa the virtue of his life, by the charge of law, was bound to sue him to death: who followed the process, with an appearance of sorrow, such as if her Conscience had been without scruple of guiltiness, or her heart a thousand degrees from joy: when God knows she was puffed with the one, and the other: so that the wonder at her dissimulation, equalled the reproach of her notorious hatred.  
To be short, 
A favour evil bestowed.  this was the judges sentence: Chyon should be behaded, as amends for Sichaeus death, and the Widow should be endowed with his goods, for the damage done unto her: but God which knoweth our secret faults (when judges though they rule as Gods, know, but what they hear and see as men) not willing to hide such an heinous offence. 
This judge is not partial, for favour, gain or fear.  First, amazed all the hearers with an unknown voice, elisa's heart is as guilty as chion's hand: and there with all thundered this following vengeance upon the cleared malefactor. The Infant in elisa's womb, as it were engendered of the Parents malice, at the very instant not obeying the course of Nature, so tirannised her Entrails, as with very agony she died, and withal remaineth an opinion, that the Husband, Wife and Son, by the appointment of the Gods, were Metamorphosed into Vipers, which venomous Beasts are thrall to these curses. The female after she hath engendered, 
The curses given unto a Viper.  murdereth the Male, because she will not be ruled as an inferior: and the young eat themselves forth of their Dam's entrails, because they will not be bound to the obedience of Nature.  
Well (quoth Soranso) though your Metamorphosis be unlikely, yet it is not unnecessarily applied. For, for the most part, those which are forced to Marriage, agree little better than Vipers. But it seemeth to me (signor Faliero) you have too favourably reported this History in elysa's behalf, considering the mortal venom she tempered in her heart.  
O (quoth Faliero) long fowl ways, 
Brevity is best in passionate matters, and affectation in pleasant.  both tireth the Horse and wearieth his Rider, where both the one and the other, overcometh the length of fair passages, with pleasure: Even so, in a ruthful History, over plenty of words both grieveth the reporter, and giveth mean for a thousand sighs to break from the hearer, where affected circumstances give a grace to a pleasant tale. 
sorrows causeth silence.  Sorrow to hear their kind thus stained with cruelty, locked up the tongues of the poor Gentlewomen a pretty while. In the end (quoth Aluisa Vechio, 
We are bound to show aswell the cause as to punish the evil.  a dame more old and bold than the rest,) me seemeth that Faliero hath but little favoured Elysa, for he hath shown her evil, and the scourge of her evil, and in charity he was bound to show the cause of her evil: I would (quoth Doctor Mossenigo) that Friar Bugiardo had heard this disputation, 
Good morality, is better than evil doctrine.  it might have been the breaking down of the Altar, whereupon he but lately committed blasphemy, it would have more reform him, than his pleasing Sermon could have confirmed us. These advantages the Doctor took to cross the Gentlewomen, his late open enemies, 
There is no trusting of a reconciled enemy.  and but now his feigned friends: not unlike a sneaking dog, that never barks but bites withal. And to spite them the more, quoth he, monsieur Bargetto, since you are bound from speaking of love, you have both cause and opportunity to talk of women's hate.  
Pardon me (quoth Bargetto) for this penance was but a due pain for my presumption, 
The example of a naughty nature.  which I hope to overcome with patiented suffering: and sure in this mild answer: Bargetto showed a moral virtue, 
A necessary note.  and Doctor Mossenigo by his malicious question, a cankered nature: for simply to offend proceedeth of frailty, but to persever in evil is a note of wilful frowardness.  
Well, notwithstanding Bargettos temperance, a Caviller caught hold upon this question, as a Mastiff upon an old dry Marybone, 
A Caviller hath colours for every question.  and to prove a woman's hatred more greater than her love, he avouched many cruel authorities. But Faliero who had done them some initirie in reporting the late history, made them part of amends, and put their adversary to silence in proving the contrary: his reason was, that their hate in the extremest degree, stretched but to the death of an other, and their love many times hath done wilful murder upon themselves.  
Then it followeth, 
women's love is more great than their hate.  by how much we prize ourselves above an other, by so much their love is greater than their hatred.  
Yea (quoth the Doctor) but their love and hatred are both violents, 
Women do amiss, but men are the cause.  and every violent is an evil.  
Yea Master Doctor (quoth Maria Belochy) their evils are the greater for men, for by their flattering enchantments, women love immoderately, and stung with men's unsufferable injuries, they hate mortally.  
The Doctor replied, 
Beauty overcometh the wisest.  there was more power in her looks, than authority in her words: but lest he should be subdued by the one, he would not contend with the other.  
Why (quoth Queen Aurelia) beauty works no more impression in a Doctor's eye, then doth poison in Minerva's shield, for he by Philosophy can subdue affection.  
Madam (quoth he) you may well compare beauty and poison together, 
EURIPIDES comparison between beauty and love.  for their operations are alike: save that beauty is the more extreme, in that she infects with her looks, and poison not, unless we taste it: or when it is most strong, not unless we touch it: yea, Euripides compareth her enchantment with the enticements of a kingdom, whereas he saith.  
IN these two things a Kingdom to obtain,  
Or else to work the fair to their will:  
(So sweetly tastes the grace of either gain,  
As) men ne dread their friends with foes to kill.  
The reason is, controlment shrinks the place,  
Whereas a King as sovereign judge doth sit  
In love, because that reason lacks his grace,  
For to restrain the self conceits of wit,  
So that God knows, in danger stands his life:  
That is a King, or hath a fair wife.  
To deal in Princes affairs, the company was too green: but in beauty's behalf, there was neither Gentleman, nor Gentlewoman, that was not desirous to be revenged of the Doctor's detraction, for he that hath a slanderous tongue iniurieth many, 
Slander is generally hated.  and is himself hated of all men: but for that it was now too late to decide any other great question, Queen Aurelia adjourned the ending of any controversy, until the next day.   

The Device of the second Night's Mask.  
BY a secret foreknowledge of a Mask, with which Soranso, Bargetto, Ismarito, and others, purposed to honour signor Philoxenus and his company, supper was hastened and soon ended: and after the one had saluted the other with an accustomed reverence, while the rest of the Gentlemen entertained Time, with dancing, or devising with their mistresses, the Maskers withdre with themselves, & about nine of the clock in this disguise presented themselves again.  
A Consort of sweet Music, sounded the knowledge of their coming: the musicans, in Gyppons' and Venetians, 
A Gentleman is not to show his passions by his attire.  of Russet and Black Taffeta, bended with Murrey, and thereon embroidered this Posy. Spero, Timeo, Taceo: expressing thereby the sundry passions of Love: and before them, two Torchbearers, appareled in Yellow Taffeta Sarsenet: the general apparel of the Maskers, was short Milan Cloaks, Doublet and Hose of Grêene Satin, bordered with Silver, Green silk stocks, White Scarpines', Rapiers and Daggers Silvered, 
Men in marry case, are to be privileged for another; merit.  Black Velvet caps and White Feathers. They agreed to be thus attired, to show themselves free in the eye of the world, and covertly bound unto their mistresses.  
Ismarito for courtesy sake, because he was a stranger, and withal, in that his Mistress was the most honourable, had the leading of this Mask, who lighted with a torch, by his Page, appareled in Blue, Carnation, and White Taffeta, the colours of his Mistress, 
Ventoy, a Fan.  entered with a Ventoy in his hand, made like an Ash tree: wreathed about with ivy: expressing this poesy, Te stante virebo: with which, upon fit opportunity, he presented Queen Aurelia, his Mistress: within which were (covertly hid) these verses in English Italion.  

TWo Sovereign Dames, Beauty and honesty,  
Long mortal foes, accorded are of late:  
And now the one dwells in my Mistress eye,  
And in her heart the other keeps her state.   

Where both to show the virtue of this peace,  
To garnish her, make riot of their Grace:  
In her fair eye, Dame Beauty doth increase,  
A thousand Gleams that do become her face.   

And with her heart thus doth the other deal,  
She lowly seems, and mounts through chaste disdain,  
So that her thralls do serve with honest zeal,  
Or fearing blame, do yield unto their pain.   

The heavenly souls envies the earth's renown:  
Such gifts divine in humane shape to see,  
And jove still moves, a Goddess her to crown:  
Which is decreed, when nature shall agree.  
Thus happy I [in Fortunes frowns long whirled]  
A Goddess serve, and Sovereign of the world.   
BArgetto lighted by a Page, appareled in his Mistress colours, green, Carnation, and White, followed Ismarito, having the mouth of his Mask closed with a small Golden Lock, as a witness of the true execution of his Mistress commandment: and upon his fist he carried a Parrot to prattle to his Mistress, upon pausing between every solemn Almain, & covertly under the Parrates' wing was hidden this passion.  

HEnce burning sighs, which sparkle from desire,  
To pity melt my Mistress frozen heart:  
Her frozen heart, that Fancy cannot fire,  
Nor true intent, persuade to rummy smart.  
Haste, haste, I pray, the Icy pa●●●e break,  
And plead for him that is forbid to speak.   

What though at first, you fail to calm her rage,  
Yet as the Sun from earth doth draw the Rain,  
Your virtues so, the storms of scorn may suage,  
Or feed Desire, with showers of disdain.  
For even as drink doth make the Dropsy dry,  
So cold disdain compels Desire to frie.   

Her will be done; but I have sworn to love,  
And with this vow, will nourish my delight:  
Her scorn, my woe, nay, time may not remove,  
A faithful zeal out of my troubled sprite.  
Yea more than all, I'll Sacrifice my blood,  
And fire my bones, to do my Mistress Good.   
SORANSO, lighted by a Page, in Orange Tawny, Watched and Green, was the next that presented himself: who upon his left side had a heart of Crimson Granado Silk, so artificially made and fastened to his doublet, as if his body had opened, and his heart appeared, which fell down at his Mistress feet, upon such a Fortune as she was bound to take it up, which opened, she might behold the picture of berselfe, reading this submission.  

EVen as the Hart a deadly wound that hath,  
Retires himself, with sighs to solace grief:  
And with warm tears his gored sides doth bathe,  
But finding moan to render small relief:  
Impatient Beast, he gives a heavy bray,  
And hastes the Death, that many would delay.   

So I whose Love, beyond my hap doth mount,  
Whose thoughts as Thorns, yet prick me with Desire:  
Whose suit and zeal returns with no account:  
Whose hope is dry, set in a heart of Fire:  
Hold this for ease, forthwith to spoil the eye,  
That looked and loved, th●● in despair to die.   

A happy Doom, if it for law might stand,  
But men condemned, themselves may not dispatch:  
Their lives and deaths, are in their Sovereign's hand.  
So mine in hers, whose Looks did me attach:  
And therefore I, to pardon or to kill,  
Must yield myself, the Prisoner of her will.   L'ENVOY. 

THen Lady fair, receive what longs to thee,  
A fettered thrall, attired with disgrace,  
And at thy feet, his wounded heart here see,  
And in the same, the Image of thy face?  
Which bleeding fresh, with throbs throws forth his moan,  
Rueth, ruth, dear Dame, for that I am your own.   
DONDOLO lighted by his Page, appareled in Tawny, Blue, and Black Taffeta, was the fourth: who upon his Breast bore a Mirror, set the outside inward, and yet fastened so siope as it might receive light, with an imagination, that he showed his Heart, the Beauty of his Mistress, and in the thought, he wrote upon the outside: Bastache Spero: within which glass, this Sonnet was cunningly conveyed: which upon a fit opportunity he presented unto his Mistress, Lucia Bella.  

FRom shore to sea, from dales to mountains hie,  
From meadows fair, amid the craggy rock,  
Love doth me lead, I know not whither I,  
But evermore a passage doth unlock.  
Now do I fight, now weep, now death I fear,  
In all these storms, yet love the helm doth steer.   

In desert woods I wander too and fro,  
Where I wild beasts, and fiery Serpents meet.  
Yet safe I pass, Love doth direct me so.  
In tempests rough, my bark doth always fleet,  
Yea, when Sun, Moon, and stars forsake the sky,  
Love gives me light, from my fair Mistress eye.   

I mount to heaven, I know not with what wings,  
I sink to hell, yet drown not in distress:  
Twixt Ice and flame, Love me in safety brings,  
But to what end? in sooth I cannot guess:  
Yet hap what shall, Love giveth me this scope,  
In danger's mouth, to live always in hope.   
FALIERO lighted by a Page, attired in Peach colour, yellow, and popeniay green Taffeta, was the fift and last that entered: who (as if she were climbing up his Arm) carried a white Turtle, so artificially made, as it deceived no less, than Parrhasius painted Table Cloth: In whese Beak, were finely rolled these Verses.  
IF on firm faith, one heart uncharged with fraud,  
One languor sweet, one wish desire doth move:  
If honest Zeal, a gentle breast doth laud,  
If wandering long, in the labyrinth of Love,  
If won pale cheeks, are witnesses of woe,  
If reeking sighs thrown from a burning heart:  
If all these, and thousand sorrows more,  
May charm Mistrust, and make you rue my smart.  
Fair Mistress, look but in my Meager face,  
And you shall read, that I have need of Grace.  
In this order, and with these devices, the Maskers entered, and after they had saluted Queen Aurelia, and the honourable of the company, they placed themselves, some of the one side of the great Chamber, and some of the other, observing therein a more discreet order then the ordinary Maskers: who at their first entrance, either dance with themselves, or rudely seize upon the Gentlewomen: but these Maskers, entertained a small Time, with their Music, while they had leisure to look about, and espy who were the worthiest among the Ladies.  
In the end, Ismarito kissing his hand, with a Countenance abased, humbly desired Queen Aurelia to do him the grace, to dance with him. Next, Bargetto made choice of Franceschina Santa: after him, Soranso chose Maria Belochi: Dondolo raised Lucia Bella: and last of all, Faliero took his Mistress Catherina Trista: and thus they observed in their choice, the same course they kept in their entrance.  
After this company had performed all the civil Services of Maskers, leaving behind them their Mistresses honoured, and the whole company much contented: they departed in the good order they entered, saving that their Mistresses were possessed with their several Devices.  
Which done, the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen began to shrink out of the great Chamber, as the stars seem to shoot the Sky, towards the break of day.    

MADONNA AURELIA, Her third days pleasures.  
Containing sundry Moral Precepts: With a large discovery of the inconveniences of Rash Marriages.  

THE Authority, is daily Experience, that proveth how that the bitterest worldly Sorrow, 
●he vncertain●● of worldly ●●ings.  soon ends, either by benefit of Fortune, or violence of death: neither is the firmest worldly pleasure of more continuance than an Imagination, which is strait crossed with a contrary Suggestion.  
What difference was there between the Fortunes of Caesar and Pompey, 
Both Pompey and Caesar di●d violently.  when their ends were both violent? save that I hold Caesar's to be the harder: for that he was murdered in the Arms of Prosperity, and Pompey, at the feet of Disgrace: but being both dead, unto their Monuments, Writers add this Opinion.  Caesar, in his life, was more fortunate than Pompey: and Pompey more honest than Caesar. 
A proof, that some disgrace is the ground of Good Report: and some good Fortune, the Trump of Infamy: therefore, let no man yield to Adversity, nor affy too much in Pomp and painted Prosperity: for the one, is but vexation, the other vanity, and both in short time vanish.  
A sudden alteration (as me thought) made me to contemplate of these causes: for that (coming out of my lodging, somewhat timely) I entered the great Chamber, with as strange a regard, as he that cometh out of a House full of Torch and Taper-lights, into a dark and obscure corner: knowing that at midnight (about which time, I forsook my company) I left the place, attired like a second Paradise: the earthly Goddesses in brightness, resembled Heavenly Creatures, whose Beauties dasied men's eyes more than the Beams of the Sun.  
The sweet music recorded the Harmony of Angels, the strange and curious devices in Maskers, seemed as figures of divine Mysteries.  
And to be short, the place was a very Sympathy of an imagined Paradise. And in the space of one slumbering steep, to be left like a desert wilderness, without any creature, save sundry Savage Beasts, portrayed in the tapistry hangings, impressed such a heavy passion in my mind, as for the time, I fared as one whose senses had forgot how to do their bounden offices: In the end, to recomfort my throbbing heart, I took my Cittern, and to a solemn Note, sung this following Sonnet, which I a little before composed upon a quiet thought, I possessed after my reading of Boetius of the consolation of Philosophy, translated into Italion by Cosimo Bartoli.  

farewell bright Gold, thou glory of the world,  
Fair is thy show, but foul thou makest the soul:  
Farewell proud mind, in thousand Fancies twirled:  
Thy pomp is like the stone that still doth roll. 
SISYPHUS    

¶ Farewell, sweet Love, thou wish of worldly joy,  
Thy wanton Cups are spiste with mortal sin:  
Farewell dire Hate, thou dost thyself annoy,  
Therefore my heart, no place to harbour in.   

¶ Envy, farewell, to all the world a foe,  
Like DENNIS bull, a torture to thyself:  
Disdain, farewell, though hie thy thoughts do flow,  
Death comes, and throws thy Stern upon a shelf,   

¶ Flattery, farewell, thy Fortune doth not last,  
Thy smoothest tales concludeth with thy shame:  
Suspect, farewell, thy thoughts thy entrails waste,  
And fearest to wound the wight thou feign wouldst blame.   

¶ Slander, farewell, which priest with LYNX his eyes,  
And canst not see thy spots, when all are done:  
Care, Care, farewell, which like the Cockatrice,  
Dost make the Grave that all men fain would shun.   

¶ And farewell world, since nought in thee I find  
But vanity, my soul in Hell to drown:  
And welcome Philosophy, who the mind  
Dost with content and heavenly knowledge crown.   
During the time that my thoughts swooned with the charm of my passionate Music: The Sun decked in his most gorgeous Rays, gave a bon Giorno to the whole troop: and so many as were within the sound of my instrument, were drawn with no less virtue, than the Steel unto the Adamant. In so much, of the sudden, to behold them stateliness of the presence, I was driven forth of my muse, with a starkeling admiration, not unlike unto him, that sleeping over a dying brand, is hastily wakened with the lightning of a thousand sparkles,  
The offices of Courtesy discharged on every part, signor Soranso said: the Poets feigned not without reason, that Amphion's Harp gave sense unto stone Walls. For so divine (quoth he) are the operations, and virtues of Music: 
A commendation of Music  as he that shall be bound, to declare her particular Graces, shall be no less troubled than the painter Zeuxes was in the counterfeiting of Cupid: Who after much travel, was driven to draw him blind, for otherwise, he had under taken Sisyphus task, because the twinkling reflections of Cupid's eyes, 
A feigning how Cupid came to be called blind.  threw a thousand Beauties upon his face, and shadowed the work of the Painter.  
Thus through ignorance, Cupid hath ever since been reputed blind, and for his own perfection, is honoured with the title of the God of love. The name of Love gave a large occasion of discourse: but for that another time was appointed for those disputations, and the morning was wholly dedicated unto the service of God: the question drowned in Soransos' suggestion, and the whole company silent, in such affairs, attended Queen Aurelia's coming: who, in change of gorgeous and rich apparel, kept her accustomed hour, to go unto the Chapel. By that time service was ended, and every man's devotion done, dinner was ready to be set upon the Tables, with such choice of delicate Viands, as unto the bounty of the feast, there might nothing be added.  
After that Queen Aurelia and the rest, had taken their ordinary places, every one helped the digestion of their meat, either in inventing some civil merriment, or in hearing it reported by another.  
Bargetto all this while, was neither heard to speak, nor seen to smile.  
Which, perceived by Franceschina Sancta his Mistress, she (moved with the spirit of compassion) studied, how with justice she might revoke her sentence, and vnstring her servants tongue: and to that end, she demanded, how three good turns might be unrewarded, three offences pardoned, 
A question to try a quick wit.  three injuries left unrevenged, and in every of these, justice preserved? This question passed through the table: and returned without his true resolution.  
In the end (quoth signor Philoxenus) monsieur Bergetto, what is your opinion?  
Sir (quoth Bergetto) my mistress hath locked the tongue, that should pronounce it.  
Why (quoth Franceschina) these be no questions of love, and therefore you have liberty to speak.  
No Lady (quoth Bergetto) but his virtue may appear in the answer.  
Well (quoth his Mistress) if you can clear your trespass, by one of these questions, I must do no injury to justice, and therefore say your pleasure.  
Upon this warrant (quoth Bergetto) to your first three, I answer. 
Three good turns may be received unrewarded.  A Captain may betray his charge, which is a benefit to the enemy: but the betrayer is not to be received as a friend: for he that will fallen his countryman, may not be held assured to a stranger. Secondly, a Thief that peacheth his fellows, doth good to the common wealth: and yet deserveth no reward: for he that may privilege his own theft, in bewraying other men's, will ever more steal upon presumption. Thirdly, to win a man's money is a good turn, and yet the loser is not to be recompensed: for his intent was to win the winners.  
To your second three questions, 
Three offencesmay with justice be pardoned.  a man may offend through ignorance, which is excused without a pardon: for ignorance is without intent of evil: therefore to be suffered, though not to be cherished: a man may offend, through necessity, which commendeth justice, with the virtue to forgive: for necessity is bound unto no law, and therefore deserveth not to be punished with the rigour of law: To the third, a man may offend through rashness, and make amends with repeutance: which justice may pardon, without prejudice to equity: and herein (fair Mistress) I have shown my trespass, and the reparation of my trespass.  
To your third three questions, 
Three injuries may pass untevenged.  a man may hurt his friend against his will, which is an injury: yet ought not to be revenged: for revenge can but afflict the trespasser, and the misfortune grieveth him: before the husband, a man may kiss the wife, by mistaking: which is an injury, not to be revenged: for the wife may wipe away the wrong with her hand, and the husband by revenge, may make work for the Chirurgeon: and to the last, a man must be content to take good words of a beggarly debtor: which is an injury not to be revenged: for a man can have of a Cat but her skin, and of a beggar, but his scrip: unless he will sell the Apothecary the grease of the one, and the dice maker, the bones of the other.  
The whole company gave a verdict, that Bergetto had expounded his Mistress doubts without blemish to justice: and therefore were earnest suitors for his remission. Whom she pardoned, with this proviso, that he should behave himself honourably towards women hereafter. For his liberty, Bargetto reverently kissed his Mistress' hand, and thus all unkindness pacified.  
Queen Aurelia moving a little, raised the company from the Table, who a pretty time after dinner had respite, to prepare their wits, for the accustomed exercise.  
The Clock had no sooner sounded the disputation's hour, but Queen Aurelia, and her Ladies were ready in the drawing Chamber, and upon warning, the chosen Gentlemen gave their attendance: who having taken their places, the Eunuck (knowing his charge) unto the Lute sung this Sonnet, 
TO thee I send, thou fairest of the fair,  
The vows and rites, of an unfeigned heart:  
Who with my plaints, do pierce the subtle Air,  
That Beauty thou, mayst hear and see my smart.  
Who sues, but that thy deputy on earth,  
May take in gree, my offerings of good will,  
And in account return my Love in worth.  
With charge thy priests, my bones to ashes burn:  
And with the same, thy altars all to meal,  
That I may make [to serve each lovers turn]  
The peace offering, with Sacrifice of zeal.   
This Sonnet in Beauty's behalf, put the whole company in remembrance of Doctor mossenigo's last nights lavish speech of Beauty, and the scandalous comparing of her to poison, or, which is worse, a more subtle infection: and therefore, to be resolved of his wrong, or her gyltines, Queen Aurelia appointed monsieur Bargétto to be her Champion, and to assist him, (for it was agreed that free choice of Marriage, should (this day) be disputed: whose affection for the most proceedeth from the virtue of Beauty,) she licensed every one that favoured her cause: which done, she willed the Doctor and his favourers to spit their venom.  
Madam (quoth the Doctor,) 
Old men are bound by their gravity, to say no more than they will stand to.  it neither beseemeth the staidness of my years, nor agreeth with the gravity of my profession, in such an assembly, to speak the thing I dare not avouch, & therefore since it cometh to this issue, that I must hazard upon a charge, or shrink away with shame: though my enemies be many, my cause is just: upon which warrant I am fearless of my foes, and resolute in mine opinion.  
Bargetto likewise glad of this favour, protested before Queen Aurelia and the whole company, that in the faithful execution of his charge, the prodigal spoil of his life should give contempt to death.  
The Doctor, 
The dash of a Pen, is more grievous than the counterbuse of a lance.  that had given as many deep wounds with his Pen, as ever he had done with his lance, shrunk no more at these threats, than an Oak at the Helve of an Axe, but coldly willed him, to use his pleasure, he was ready to defend (or to die, in) his opinion.  
Whereupon Bargetto, to strengthen himself the better, made this remembrance, of the yester days report.  
It is (quoth he) already approved, 
Free choice in marriage defended.  if the married in forced marriages, could as well finish with the Church, as they can account with their consciences: their joy to be Married was not so cold, as their destre to be divorced would be hot: therefore by this awkeward success in forcement, a free choice in Marriage cannot choose, but continue (as I think) as much love between the Married, as the other sowed debate.  
Rashness and constraint (quoth the Doctor) are both violents, 
Reproof, etc. Defence, etc.  and every violent is a vice, then how can a vicious attempt have a virtuous success? men do evil (quoth Bargetto) that good may come of it, and it is allowed.  
And men do good (quoth the Doctor) that evil may come of it, and it is forbidden: 
Reproof, etc.  for it is the intent both in good and evil, that commendeth or condemneth: and what good intent hath the foolish young man, that by his rashness in marriage, robbeth his parents of their comfort, and himself of his credit?  
He satisfieth his fancy (quoth Bargetto) a special regard in Marriage: & where there is a sweet accord between the Married, the parents cannot but rejoice, and the neighbours are bound to speak well: and beauty in his wives face, will feed his heart with a thousand delights: so that he shall sustain want with little grief & labour to get wealth with a great desire: for where unity is, small things grow to great.  
Such may be the unity (quoth the Doctor) as small griefs may grow to great sorrows, 
Reproof, etc.  when the wind is in the neck of a stooping Tree, it falleth down right: and when the unthriftiness of the Husband, agreeth with the evil housewifry of the Wife, Sorrow striveth to be in the married man's bosom, before the married be in his wives bead: and what other expectation may there be, either of the one or the other, when he satisfieth his fancy, before he considereth of the duties of Marriage? and she in taking an husband, that is ignorant in the affairs of husbandry, and in offices of Marriage: It is the office of the married, to be advised ere he love, 
Duties before Marriage.  and loving to be reposed in his choice: It is the office of the married to be provide for an household, before he take possession of his heart's delight: and it is the office of the married, to examine the conditions of his mistress, before he enter into any covenant of marriage. And how can he be advised, that marrieth without the privity of his Parents? And how can he support an household, that marrieth with his Parent's displeasure, upon whose devotion he liveth? and how can he judge of his mistress conditions, that wanteth discretion to consider of his own estate? and where you allege, the beauty of his wives face, will feed the husband with delight: his delight will starve his body, without other supplies: so that when charge shall increase, and his wealth diminish, let the foolish young married man, impose himself upon this fortune, that he cannot so oft kiss the sweet lips of his beautiful wife, as he shallbe driven to fetch bitter sighs, from his sorrowful heart.  
Sir (quoth Soranso, 
Defence, etc.  taking Bergettos part:) of two evils the least is to be chosen: and it is less evil for a man, to live a while hardly, and satisfy his own fancy, then to live ever discontented and please his friends. The good behaviour of the married may win the parents to consent, and amend their exhibition: or death may come, and put them in possession of their parents living.  
If either of these chance, as one is shortly like to happen, the penance that they endured, will season their prosperity, and counsel the married to keep within their teacher, to leap within their latchet, and live within their compass: the loving advise of the husband will reform the disposition of evil in the wife. 
No man nor woman, but in some point deserve to be blamed, and in some other to be praised.  For (as Plato saith,) there is no woman so perfect good, but in some one point may be reprehended: nor no man so faultless, but that some what in him may be amended: so that if the Husband gently reprehend the fault of his Wife, and the Wife patiently suffer the offence of her Husband, the ability of their estate will sustain a household, and their love and agreement will be an especial comfort unto themselves, and a commendable example unto all the neighbours.  
The best of both your evils (quoth Doctor Mossenigo) is stark nought: 
Reproof, etc.  but our question was not, to choose the least of evils, but that which is simply good: not withstanding, to answer to the sequel of this rashness in marriage, you say, their good behaviours may recover their parents good will, but I prophesy, that their evil demeanours, are more likely to extinguish the affection of a Father: for necessity will accustom the Husband with dishonest shifts, and keeps his fair Wife from being idle: for want must be supplied, what shame so ever ensue. Then is it likely, that the parents which did shut their purses in the beginning, to punish the contempt of their Children, will now fast lock them, to be revenged of their infamy. And where you gave them a hope, by their parent's death: I say no man dineth worse, 
Their penance is great that live in incertain hope.  then hoping Tantalus, nor none are more wet-shod, than they which expect dead men's shoes, and when they fall, the souls (perhaps) will be worn: I mean the Father in his life time, may take order to die even with the world, or at least, leave his living maimed, and the most of his substance wasted: for in a tempest at Sea, what Pilot hath any care of goods, that seeth the ship at the point to sink: 
An ungodly child maketh an unthrifty father.  even so what parents can have any joy of worldly wealth (more than to defend necessity) when he seeth, the heir both of his labour and living, out of hope of well doing: so that through this rashness many sons, during their father's lives, with hard shifts, shift of necessity, and after their deaths live disinherited: and not altogether so much for their own contempt, 
The several pains of offences.  as for their wives incontinency: and truly in the first, although the parents may be thought cruel, yet are they not to be reputed unnatural, for that every offence hath his proper scourge: restitution is the true pain for robbery: an eye is revenge for an eye, a hand for a hand, death challengeth death, and disobedience in the son, deserveth disinheritance, by the father. 
Incontinency slandereth an honest man's house.  Touchiug this dishonesty of the daughter in law (as it is great hazard but that necessity thus bestowed, will bend her a little:) the severity is sufferable, if her husband's father shut her forth of his doors, for that the honour of a man's house is so delicate, as it can away with no stain: and (reserving your favours virtuous dames) where a strumpet entereth, she stuffeth the house with slander, as carrion infected the air with stink, yea the occasion is just: if the father spare to get, and the mother cease to save, nay if they spend that which they have, for it were great pity, that there should be any thing left, either of their living or labour, to support a harlot's pride. O how innumerable are the inconveniences of this temerity in marriage? The wise by conjecture and daily experience seeth, and the foolish (with sorrow in their own entrails) feeleth: and therefore as a heinous offence, the ancient Philosophers (which without partiality, checked Vice, and cherrished Virtue) punished this contempt of Children. Plutarch saith, the son that marrieth without his Parents consent, among the Greeks was publicly whipped: 
Pains for temerity in marriage.  among the Lacedæmonians disherited, and among the Thebans both disinherited, and of his parents openly accursed.  
The younger company, began to fear a restraint of Fréeloves' liberty, and their Goddess Beauty's disgrace: The Doctor gave captain Bargetto such cross blows, who though he fainted in his opinion, yet (like a Cock, that hath one of his eyes stricken out, & his head bared to the brains, yet striketh until he dieth) he assailed the Doctor with this one more reason.  
Master Doctor (quoth he) they go far that never return, 
Defence, etc.  and the battle is very cruel where none escapes: what although a number speed ill in making of their own choice, many have prospered well. In matches of the best foresight, good Fortune hath not always been found, and yet foresight is not to be blamed, nor the other adventure to be despitefully condemned. Ovid saith, that Forma numen habet, then by virtue of her Divinity, it is like she will sustain them in adversity, that in prosperity became her vowed Servants: neither doth this stain of the wives behaviour often follow, for where Beauty, Love, and Free choice, maketh the Marriage, they may be crossed by Fortune, & yet continue faithful. Pyramus and Thisbie, Romeus and juliet, Arnalt and Amicla, and divers others at the point to possess their loves, were dispossessed of their lives, but yet unstained with dishonesty. This want with which you threaten them, what is it in respect of the pleasures these Lovers possess? Wealth which is the contrary, 
A description of wealth abused.  what is it, being ill used? a beauty in the Chest, a bondage to the mind, and a blot in the soul: but a couple united by this affection, for a little Fleabiting of worldly penury, suck Nectar between their lips, cram Manna into their Bowels, & possess heaven in their hearts. How far Master Doctor argueth from the opinion of ancient Philosophers, and famous Schoolmen, these authorities witnesseth: 
A joy of true love.  Ovid, Nigidius, Samocratius, Petrarke, and others in their life time, adored Beauty, with their books honoured her, & by their deaths eternised her glory. But for that her virtues be divine, and Master Doctor is soiled with slannder, blasphemy and malice, he is unworthy to be perfected with one thought of her excellency, which ignorance maketh him so obstinate. The younger company began to take heart in hearing of this tale, so that the Gentlewomen strengthened Bargetto with good countenances, for (for modesty's sake) they were silent, and the Gentlemen succoured him with their best reasons, but all this hope proved but a lightning joy: for Doctor Mossenigo double enraged, partly for the check he received, partly for the countenance the company gave his adversary, but chiefly for to behold a new Dye set upon a stained matter, so sharply refuted Bargetto, as he had no delight to reply, nor his supporter desire to secure him. (Quoth he) Ovid dreamt of a divinity in beauty, but never tasted other than a sweet venom to proceed from her: He loved julia, Augustus' daughter, and enjoyed her, but with what fortune? 
Sundry famous Philosophers and Poets punished for their loves. cause of rash Marriages.  marry he was stripped of his living, and spoiled of his liberty for her sake. Nigidius an ancient Roman and in great favour with the people, for this folly tasted of Ovid's fortune, which was, to die in exile. Samocratius was in youth so prodigal of his Love, as in age hated of his friends, he died in prison with famine. And as for frantic Petrarke, I fear me Madonna Laura smiled more often in reading of his follies, than he himself did with the sweet recompenses of his fancies. All these were men learned, wise, and in their other actions (for their gravity) were admired, and only for their lightness in love, live to this day defamed: For your other authorities, your own remembrance of their deaths, show a vengeance sufficient for the contempt of their children. But where you say Beauty, Love, and Frée-choyse lad the Married with such pleasures, that they endure poverty as a Fleabiting. Indeed want will so quicken them, as the husband will leap at a crust, and the wife troth for her dinner, But suppose the best, thus married (whose loves are indifferent) with patience do endure the afflictions of Fortune: their agreement is no general warrant. The greater number of these Marriages are not solemnized through equality of living. The covetous Merchant with no more delight heareth the passing bell of his rich neighbour, which promiseth him the first lop of his sons living, than the poor Gentleman eyeth the able heir, with desire to match him, (perhaps) with his fair proud daughter. Then as pleasant baits baineth Fish, as counterfeit cales beguileth fowls, and as Crocodiles tears intrappeth fools: to like destruction, lures are thrown to lime this gallant, friendly usage shall entice him, good words shall welcome him, courtesy shall cheer him, Beauty shall bewitch him, and fair promises shall altogether beguile him. New vessels are apt for any liquor, and young heads (empty of experience) are seduced with easy subtleties: to be short, he shallbe betrothed by cunning: 
An unfortunate Marriage.  his promise once past (for that in delay is danger) the Marriage must be in post haste, and the misliking at leisure: but in most of these matches, the sorrow beginneth before the solemnity of the Marriage endeth. The father hearing of the indiscretion of his son, galleth his heart with grief: the mother spoileth her eyes with tears, and the friend occupieth his tongue, in bemoaning of his kinsman's folly. There is yet a further sorrow, bitter to the father, and unbeneffciall to the son. The father that thought to bestow his daughter with the Marriage money of his son, is forced to diminish his inheritance, for her advancement, and by this means the joy which begun in the beauty of his wife, is like to end in the beggary of himself: and since these unsavoury effects grow from the virtue of beauty's divinity, let monsieur Bargetto burn in his heresy.  
But Doctor Mossenigo will hold himself happy, never to be warined by her fire.  
Bargetto had not a word more to say, 
A Gentleman in his revenge ought not to offend a civil company,  but angrily looked upon his sword, with a countenance that promised vengeance upon the Doctor's blasphemous tongue, had he not been stayed with a reverent consideration of the company.  
In the end, because Master Doctor should not be too proud of his conquest, nor Bargetto overmuch apalled with his defeat, quoth signor Fabritio judge of the controversies, in a single controversy the argument of the one is to be allowed as truth, and the cavilling of the other to be rejected as error: but for that this hath been a double contention, as in defence and reproof, both of Beauty and Frée-choise of marriage, Madonna Isabel and I, pronounce sentence with Bargetto, in the behalf of Beauty, for Beauty is a blessing, and if she work evil effects in some, their naughty disposition and not Beauty is to be blamed: and with Doctor Mossenigo we likewise give judgement in reproof of rashness in Marriage.  
This judgement pleased Queen Aurelia, and the whole company, who were glad that they were thus forewarned of the inconvenience of Frée-choyse in Love, which they a little favoured, but yet were moreglad of the triumph of beauty, whom they all affectedly honoured, 
Virtue commendeth heselfe.  and therefore quoth Queen Aurelia, good wine need no ivy Bush, fine Merchandise are sold without a Sign, and beauty is sufficiently commended by her own excellency, and therefore we will spare Bargettos ready service, until opportunity present further employment.  
But for that your triumph shall have his full right, we licence you to tell some one history to confirm your reasons.  
The Doctor glad of this liberty, who (although he had received no disgrace: yet he repined that he had not that whole honour of the disputation) determined in his history a little more to nettle that favourers of beauty, with which intent upon Queen Aurelia's commandment, he reported as followeth.   

The History in reproof of rash Marriages, reported by Doctor Mossenigo.  
BEsides Capo Verdo in times past, the capital City within the kingdom of Naples, sometime dwelled a forward young Gentleman called Marco Malipiero, 
Beauty, half a Dowry in a woman.  the son & heir of Cavaliero Antonio Malipiero, in his youth renowned, for many valiant services. This young Gentleman in the pride of his youth, became enamoured of a most fair Gentlewoman named Felice, the Daughter of Philippo Prouolo, an ancient Gentleman, by hard adventure decayed. But yet in despite of Fortune's injury, who disabled him with many losses, and thereby of small wealth to advance his Daughter: Felice herself was enriched with such perfections of nature, that the friends lamented, but could not blame the affection of young Malipiero: which in very deed grew so great, as it contemned the duty of a child, and scorned the advise of a Father: Felice alone governed him, and none but Felice he obeyed.  
Prouolo entertained Malipiero with the courtesy of a friend, 
The poor seeketh to match with wealthy.  as the good parts he possessed: as for the possibility of living he stood in, who (striking the iron while it was hot) secretly fianced Malipiero to his fair Daughter. The old Knight stormed at these news, and notwithstanding this known contract, if by any persuasions he could have revoked his sons consent, he would have caused the Pope to have dispensed with his conscience: and to that effect he caused sundry of his friends to deal with him in these affairs. And among many an ancient Gentleman, his Governor and sometimes his Schoolmaster (whose gravity Malipiero reverenced) in a mild order commoned with him, and among other questions demanded with what reason he could justify his light affections, and condemn the sound advice of friends.  
Malipiero resolute in his love boldly answered, 
A rash answer.  that Felice's divine beauty, was a sufficient warrant for either.  
This wise Governor would not harden his heart with obstinacy, 
The words showeth the wit of the reporter, but his gesture causeth attention in the hearer.  in a sharp reprehension of his public arrogant answer, but with an affable countenance conjured him to listen unto his grave sayings.  
O (quoth he) is she beautiful? then you have work enough to watch her, and mischance sufficient to suspect her.  
Is she beautiful? then her rashness in consent showeth that she is indiscréete: so that the diversity of qualities will soon find out a division in your desires.  
Is she beautiful? then it is like (by her quick agreement) that she is poor, then is her love fastened on your riches: so that when you lack money to maintain her pomp, she leaves to make much of your person.  
Is she beautiful? then she is withal (lightly) proud, 
The nature of Pride.  and the pride of a woman (saith Periander) is like unto a Dropsey: for as drink increaseth the drought of the one, so (saith he) Cost enlargeth the expense of the other: then if your purse be not open to feed her folly, she will pawn her honour to please her fancy.  
Is she beautiful? then her indiscretion in this hastiness, shows her but a slender housewife, so that the charge of your house shall eat and consume your gains abroad.  
Is she beautiful? then your dispense must be in her disposition, or else her looks will little repose you: if she order your goods, her expenses will be great, and her get small, your house shall be stored with costly stuff, and your servants starved with lack of meat, she will go like a Peacock, and you like a meacock: what followeth? in her bravery she must be seen: if she take the liberty to walk, she giveth other occasion to speak, and yourself to sigh. A fair picture set in the market place, moveth many to gaze: if the counterfeit giveth contentment, the creature must needs delight: and if any vie we your wife with unlawful affection, his practices will be many to win his desire. Take heed, you undertake an enticing course, which without good order will make you breathless before the midst of your race: you enter into great charge, see means to support it. Your Father lives, and must maintin his accustomed reputation: if he spare to sustain you, it is much: to defray the charge of your Wife and household, he cannot: therefore so love, that this dispense may be shared between you and your wives Parents: and as far forth as I can see, Felice's Father hath much ado, to keep rain out of his house top: then if with difficulty he lieth dry in his Bed, it is impossible he should have any great cheer at his Board: what reckoning can you make, to be supported by him that hath it not? and how can you dare presume to be supplied by your own Father? when the temerity of your marriage displeaseth him to death. Look into these mischiefs, before you feel the miseseries they presage: look before you leap, lest you be wet, before you be aware: your friends hath a comfort, but you the benefit of well doing.  
The Schoolmaster gave Malipiero this advice, with such a temperate gesture: 
Love enjoineth us to do what we know is amiss.  that (although good counsel prevasled not,) yet he reverently told him, that his experience knew more, than his green imagination could attain: and therefore he would meditate of his loving admonition, and proceed no further without his priaitie. But ah, these were but sweet words to betray himself, and to blind his friend. For upon the first opportunity Malipiero speeds unto PHILIPPO PROVOLO, and recountes the importunities of his friends, with a desire to have the Marriage privily solemnized, since that he could not obtain the open consent of his parents.  
Prouolo fearing the danger of delay, was as ready to satisfy, as Malipiero was earnest to request: insomuch as early in a morning, 
An early marriage worketh a late repentance.  Marco Malipiero was set in possession of his heart's delight: and before night was dispossessed of his whole body's welfare: for his sorrowful Father, and heavy friends hearing of this sudden Marriage, after they had a while bemoaned the rashness of Malipiero, with the affection of Parents, menaced to punish his oversight (in not regarding him) as Strangers.  
Prouolo on the other side, to give knowledge to his Son in laws friends, 
The reward of pride is poverty.  that although Fortune had crossed him, she had not wholly consumed him: set out his ability to the most advantage, much like unto a market Merchant, that on a New years day morning exposeth his painted tokens to the richest show: his Son (in law) was accommodated with the attire and furniture of a Gentleman, and his wife was set forth with the show of rich Malipieroes Heirs Espouse, and not as poor Provoloes daughter: 
The common sort judge as they affect.  Insomuch as the common sort blinded with shows, judged after their eyes affection, and reputed old Malipiero a cruel covetous Churl, for dealing with Prouolo so frowardly, that had entreated his Son so honourably. But these murmurings little moved the good ancient knight: for well he witted, this bravery was but a blaze, as soon ended as the flame of a dry Faggot. And which should avenge him, this pride promised a change, attired with as much penury as the other with pomp.  
The following effect, confirmed old Malipieros' opinion: for Prouolo spent so largely at the beginning, in hope with this flourish, to make accord between the Son and the father, as now his Table was furnished with empty platters, 
The misery of want.  and his Audit bags with a set of Counters. So that Want, that will make a toothless woman to bite at Brazen walls, entered into Provolos House, and swore both him and his whole household unto the statutes of necessity, whose laws were so strait, that although they all had great occasion of sorrow, they had no leisure for shifting to supply their wants: insomuch as in short time there was no Neighbour that Prouolo was not in his debt or danger, and no good natured youth there about, that Marco Malipiero had not boarded or coosoned.  
And what should fair Felice do in this extremity? live upon her husband's travel, and be idle herself? that were no good housewifery: and yet poor Malipiero loved her so dearly, that he would have ventured upon a thousand infamies, to maintain her in the state of an honest Gentlewoman, but although his shifts helped, they defrayed not her desire to be brave. A Diamond hath not his grace but in gold, nor a fair Woman her full commendation but in the ornaments of bravery. So that attired to her best advantage, 
Bravery belengeth to Beauty. Piatso a market place, or a place of assembly.  fair Felice would many times walk unto that Piatso Richio, a place where the bravest Gentlemen assembled, and where the finest devices were sold, she taking this liberty to walk, bound the gallant young gentlemen in eurteste to Court her: courteous service is to be accepted with thanks: acceptance of service enlargeth acquaintance: acquaintance engendereth familiarity: and familiarity setteth all follies abroach: So that let other Married men take warning by Malipiero's hard Fortune, 
A necessary note.  for if their wives love gadding like fair Felice, & be inconstant, do want, or find in their husband's miscontentment, twenty to one they will pawn their honours to please their fancies.  
Well, Felice lost nothing by these journeys, for some one Gallant would present her with a Ventoie, to cool herself: some other with a mirror to behold herself: and some with Lawns, 
Courtesy done with an evil intent.  Ruffs, Coifs, and such necessaries to set out herself: and yet upon no dishonourable condition, but (by your leave) with hope of an after favour.  
This traffic fair Felice used, until (among a number that temperately affected her,) Marino Giorgio the rich Orphan of Capo verdo immoderately loved her, and withal the honours of courtesy served her: But notwithstanding his lusty parsonage might please: his lovely countenance might entice: and his rare wit, passing through a sweet tongue, might be witch a woman in love: for that Malipiero was enriched with these perfections: Felice regarded Marino Georgio, but with an ordinary grace: 
Disdain haunteth desire.  and had it not been for that Archinchaunter, Gold (perhaps) would never have been inconstant.  
This light account of Felice enlarged the affection of Marino, 
The fire of love.  for as drink increaseth the dropsies drought, so disdain heapeth coals upon desire: whereof Marino (Teste seipso) hath left an infallible authority: whose torments were so grievous, as the fire, which of all flames burneth most, and appeareth least, burst out of his mouth the smoke of such furious sighs, that where he was but late of a pure Sanguine Complexion, he seemed now nothing but Choler adust: So that his friends mourned, and many moaned his strange alteration, who counseled him to take the physicians advice: But neither Galen, Hipocrates, nor their enemy Paracelsus, could skill of his cure, so that he was in danger to have consumed to Cinders, had not Macrello the Physician of Love undertaken his health, who comforted him with many sweet words of hope: 
Physic cureth not love.  but Marino continually afflicted himself in recounting an impossibility of favour.  
Why (quoth Macrello) is not your parsonage seemly? Yes, but it doth not please. Is not your face lovely? Yes, but it doth not allure. Is not your wit quick and good? Yes, but it can not persuade. Is not Felice a woman? Yes, and more, an Angel.  
Well, then (quoth Macrello) be of good comfort, Angels be not cruel nor stéely hearted.  
O (quoth Marino) but Felice is constant and true to he husband, who to continue her affection, is graced with these and many more perfections.  
Yea (quoth Macrello) but he wanted one of your chiefest beauties.  
What one is that (quoth Marino?) Even that, 
The force of Gold.  that opened the double locked door of Acrisius brazen Tower, and put jupiter in possession of his daughter Danais love. And think you this golden Beauty will not make a passage into poor Malipieros' bedchamber? I warrant you yea: you have Gold more at commandment than I, but I know the virtue better than you.  
This short tale quickened dying Marino, as the flash of Rose water doth a sullen swooning child.  
Whereupon (quoth he) Macrello, if your medicine be of no less virtue to restore my life, than your words to give me hope: the fortune shall be your profit, as well as my pleasure. 
Hope comforteth, but Love cureth the Lover.   
Well (quoth Macrello) sustain yourself with hope, and for that your invention is delicate, devise you some curious rich jewel, & let me alone (quoth he) both to charm and to present it: and so with a remembrance in the hand, he left Marino to contemplate of his love, and to consider how to recover his life: who in the end, concluded to send fair Felice, the Image of himself in Gold, enameled black, his face meager and pale, and by a device, the black mantle thrown aside, for to appear the bared Carcase of Death, with the entrails consumed, and in the seat of his life, 
marino's present to his Mistress.  to place Felice, attired with Diamonds, Rubies, emrod's, and other precious Stones, looking upon his smoking heart, whereupon was written these two briefs.  
Love only gives me health,  
Not Medicine nor wealth.  
This Image made unto his fancy, he wrote this following Letter.  
Marino Georgios' letter to Felice the fair.  
Fair Mistress, if I enjoyed any health, I would wish you part, but what I do possess I acknowledge to be yours, and myself to be but your Steward. And for this service because it is duty, I crave nothing, but leave my merit wholly to your consideration. Yet lest my silence should rob the glory of your pity, and my death reave you of a faithful Servant: more of zeal to do you long service, then of any desire I have to live, I here present you my consumed self, only kept alive, by the life of fair Felice, who sitteth crowned in the Palace of my heart: which bleeding at her feet, showeth the means of my cure: which if you witsafe, I live: if not, you see my death. And thus, doubtful between both until I kiss your sweet answer, I remain,  
Unto my latter gasp, Your faithful Marino Georgio.  
THis letter Sealed, and Subscribed, To the hands of the most fair Felice: Macrello was sent for: to whom Marino delivered both the jewel, & the letter, without instructions to do his message: for Protheus could not change himself into more shapes than Macrello: as well to avoid suspicion, as to compass his purpose: who behaved himself so cunningly in marino's errand, as (to be short, virtues dames) after many persuasions, Felice returned him with this answer.  
Felice's answer to Marino Georgio.  
I Am not cruel, although with difficulty I consent to love: and for that your passions are so extreme, I keep your Picture in my bosom: But, with what thought, I blush to write, though pity be my warrant: so that I leave the event of our Love to your consideration: and my yielding to Macrelloes' Report: who in bewraying your passions, let fall more tears than I could dry up with a thousand sighs: So that overcome with ruth, to see your affection so great, and your passion so dangerous, I can not but commit my love, my honour, myself and all, to the Affection and wise government of Marino Georgio.  
FELICE.  
THis Letter was subscribed, Life to Marino Georgio: and delivered to the faithful Macrello: with charge, that he should make known his great importunities, before Felice would grant so high a favour: which Proviso, might have been spared: for Macrello (partly for his glory, but chief for his own benefit) upon delivery of this Letter, willed Marino to receive it, as a Conquest as hardly gotten, as Hercules labours: & if (quoth he) I had endured not your torments (by Imagination) it had not been impossible to have moved Felice to ruth: Marino heard these circumstances, with no better remembrance, 
Sudden joy or sorrow dulleth our senses.  than if he had been in an Ecstasy: The Subscription, Life to Marino, overcame him with such a sudden passion of joy, who read, and a hundred times over read this Life letter: and for that it came from Felice's sweet hand, he a thousand times kissed the Paper.  
Which done, by the direction of Macrello, this Conqueror Gold, made such a passage, into a reputed honest Citizen's house, as without suspicion, Marino Georgio, and fair Felice, there (many times) met, but to what purpose, 
Gold maketh passage into difficult places.  I leave to your constructions: and yet thus much I say, this Fortune followed: Marino in short space recovered his former Complexion: and it was not long before Felice was richer than either Father or Husband.  
But, O that Fury jealousy, envying this Accord, sent sly Suspicion, to infect Malipieroes heart: who prying with Lynx his eyes, presented him a thousand causes of mistrust, 
Thevenemous nature of jealousy.  which love strait suppressed with as many contrary imaginations of his Wives good behaviour: insomuch, that with the sharp vicounter of Love, and mistrust, poor man, he was continually afflicted. 
A shrewd suspicion.   
In conclusion, seeing his Wife to exceed in bravery, and knowing himself, to decline with poverty, be resolved upon this certainty: this cost could not come from the empty Coffers of her undone Parents: 
Suspect is more cunning than Argus was wary.  and then proceeding from others, it was impossible to be the favours of honest courtesy: so that armed with fury, he deferred revenge, but to entrap the friend of his wives follies, and the enemy both of her honour, and his delight.  
In fine, as heedful, as these Lovers were in their dealings, jealousy directed suspect to Marino Georgio: and moreover, 
Neapolitans are most severe in revenge.  made him an eye witness of the injuries done unto Malipiero: which when he assuredly knew, he studied a while of a torture, equal to this treachery: for who hath not heard the Neapolitan to be the severest revenger of dishonour in the world? To be brief, his bait was this, he feigned a journey far from home, and furnished himself, with such an appearance of truth, 
A judas kiss.  as took a way all colour of suspicion: which done, with a dissembling kiss, he committed his wife to God, and the charge of his house to her good government: and so set forward towards Rome.  
Malipiero was no sooner a mile on his way, than Macrello certified Marino of this wished opportunitic: and Love made both him and Felice so bold, as in his own house they determined the following night, to exercise upon Malipiero their wont injury: 
A fit time to deceive mistrust.  but about midnight when mistrust was at repose, Malipiero entered the house with such a sudden violence, as these two unfortunate friends, were surprised amids their embracements, before they had warning to shift: I sorrow to tell the rest, but truth will have passage.  
Malipiero, in his revenge like a Lion hungering after his pray: with his Rapier and these bitter words nailed Marino unto the Bed.  Thou Couch [quoth he] soiled with dishonour, wash out thy stains, 
Death is too easy a scourge for a disloyal wife.  with the Adulterers blood. 
But holding death too easy a scourge of his wives trespass, he condemned her to this torture, more extreme than death: He made an Anatomy of her well-beloved Marino, and set him in a fair Chamber, within which, he enclosed his wife, without doing her any bodily injury; save the cutting of her hair, and to say truth, 
Hair, the ornaments of Chastity.  this beautiful ornament of hair, beseemeth not an adulteress head. And to punish her the more, Malipiero caused her every dinner and supper to take her accustomed place, that at meals she might be tormented with the sight of her living enemy, and all the day with the bones of her martyred friend: neither could she quench her thirst, but out of a Mazzard, made of marino's skull. But (to tell her virtue, 
The bounden office of a Writer.  with her vice) her patience was such, as she was never heard to complain of this cruelty: and yet her penitent sorrow so great, as the plenty of her tears, sometimes moved her injured Husband to pity.  
But lest he should be overcome with compassion, 
justice must not yield to the tears of Trespassers.  many times from dinner, he commanded her to her prison: who after an humble reverence, went behind the Tapestry hangings, and so unto her solitary Chamber, barred from other company than the ghastly bones of unfortunate Marino: which penance she patiently endured, until God, who saw that her repentance was unfeigned, sent signor Cornaro to be a peace maker between her husband's injury, 
God regardeth repentance.  and her offence: who (when Supper was set upon the Board) seeing from behind the tapistry Hang, a fair Gentlewoman to appear, somewhat pale with sorrow, her head bare, both of attire and hair, appareled all in black, and in her hand, her drinking Bowl of marino's skull, and saying never a word, with a sober reverence sitting down in the chiefest place: was strooken with such amaze, as on the sudden he witted not what to say.  
Dinner being ended, which was longer than pleasant, either to husband, wife, or friend: Felice, as she entered, so departed, Who not withstanding left part of her sorrow behind in Cornaros heart, whose cheerless countenance, when Malipiero perceived (quoth he) let not the martyrdom of this woman afflict you: for her fault deserveth this vengeance, and so recounted the reported adventure. And in advantage, she wed him her prison, 
A honourable favour.  and the Anatomy of her dishonour, and withal licenced him to talk with Felice, to hear what plea she had for her discharge. Upon which warrant, quoth Cornaro, Madam, if your patience be equal with your torment, I hold you the most happy Woman of the world. Felice with a countenance abased, and Cheeks dewed with tears told him in humble words, 
The true ensign of sorrow.  that her trespass was ten times greater than the torment which the Lord of the house, whom she was not worthy to call husband, had appointed her. And therewithal the sorrow of her heart took away the use of her tongue. Whereupon Malipiero led the Gentleman away, who rendered him affected thanks, in that besides his good entertainment, he witsafed him the honour to know so great a secrecy: withal, moved with compassion, he effectually entreated Malipiero to accept Felice's sorrow, 
True repentance, is to be received in satisfaction of offences.  the true witness of grace and amendment, as satisfaction of her offence, which proceeded of frailty, and withal importuned him with such earnest reasons, as Malipiero mas content to send bath for her and his own friends. 
Perfect love, cannot be so injured, but it will always retain some affection.  To be partly ruled, and partly advised by them in her behalf.  
The parents and friends of every side seeing the humility, sorrow, and patience of poor Felice, were all earnest suitors for her remission.  
The root of ancient love not altogether dead in Malipiero, was comforted with their intercessions, and quickened with the hope of amendment: in so much, as upon solemn promise to be henceforth of good behaviour, he received her to grace: and to repair her crazed honour, with the favour of both their parents, he new married fair Felice, in which holy estate, 
A reparation of dishonour.  they lived, loved, and agreed many happy years afterward together: And with the bones of Marino Georgio buried the remembrance of former injuries.  
Master Doctor, quoth Fabritio, you have reported a very necessary history: for it containeth many heedful notes both of admonition and advise. Besides the due punishment of rashness in Marriage. For therein we may see how hunger-starved want, compelleth the best natured man to deceive his friend, and yield unto his own slander. Again, how that monster, Gold, conquereth the honour of the fairest. Yea, quoth Isabel, & corrupteth that conscience of the wisest: so that this is no example of any honour to you men, because Gold enticed Felice to be disloyal to her husband, for it draweth many of you both from the fear and love of God.  
Well, quoth Soranso, let it pass, Felice in her repentance hath made a large amends of her trespass, and I fear me, if every like offence were so sharply punished, we should have Mazer's of men's Skulls more ordinary than silver Bowls, and pouled women more common than bald men.  
Not so, quoth Queen Aurelia, 
Fear of correction bridleth the affections of the evil.  for a few of these examples would bridle the incontinent affections both of man and woman, if not for the love of virtue, for the fear of correction. After these and a few other Moral notes were culled out of Doctor mossenigo's History. 
What hurteth one, instructeth the other   
Madame, quoth Dondolo, if we continue this course, it will be a good while before we do find out the Paradise that Plato speaketh of.  
Be it so, quoth Queen Aurelia: but if we still continue the way to his house Hell, our error will instruct others: and since we have yet long respite, it shall not be amiss every day to take a sundry high way, until we find out the true passage: And for that our Question is concluded, and our hour glass run, we will (for this Day) make here an end.   

The Question that arose by beholding the Mountebanks, in the third Night's Pastime.  
AT the accustomed hour, Supper was served in, with many dainty Dishes, which were sauced with sundry short civil, and pleasant events of the Gentlemen and gentlewomen's wits: For he, or she, was held of weak capacity that either of forestudy, or upon offered occasion, could say nothing of good regard.  
In the end, when supper was done, 
Brevity is best for Table talk  and Queen Aurelia, and the most Honourable of the company had taken their places upon a Scaffold made for the nonce, there mounted a Mountebank, his neck bechayned with live Adders, Snakes, 
Mountebanks of Italy are in a manner as English peddlers  Eau'ts, and twenty sundry kind of venomous vermins, whose mortal stings were taken away by Art, and with him a Zanni, and other Actors of pleasure: who presented themselves only with a single desire to recreate signor Philoxenus, and his worthy company: and not with the intent of common Mountibankers, to deceive the people with some unprofitable Merchandise.  
In the midst of this pastime, an ancient Gentleman (of the Society) seeing these Viperous Beasts, by cunning usage, to be made so Domestic and affable, whether it were upon an impression of his own grief, or of the experience he had of another man's Plague, I know not: but sure I am, he burst into these passions.  
O God, 
The strange nature of 〈◊〉 woman's tongue.  (quoth he) of what metal is a woman's tongue, which correction cannot chastise, nor lenity quiet, when these dumb Serpents by the one or the other are tamed?  
Marry (quoth a pleasant companion) it is made of the same metal, that Virgil's Brazen Flail was of, which struck both his friends and foes.  
But (quoth the Gentleman) Virgil knew, and taught others how to pacify this engine.  
It is true (quoth the other) but in teaching the secret unto his servant, cost him his own life. So a woman knows how to hold her tongue, by having of her will, but if a man think to stay it, he must beat her to death.  
A young youth named Phrisio, thinking to win the Spurs, 
Defences for a chiding wife.  by building a Fortress for women, who have no weapons but their tongues, to defend and offend, took upon him, to prove a chiding wife, though she be a little unpleasant, both profitable and necessary: his reasons were these.  
Unsavoury receipts turn to wholesome effects: The strongest Poison is pleasant in taste, and the remedy for the poisoned, offendeth the mouth with tartness: Nettles that stings the hand, maketh Pottage to comfort the heart: the blood of the Scorpion cureth the biting of the Viper. If poisoned, unpleasant, and bitter things retain a virtue for the benefit of man: in my imagination (quoth he) an unquiet wife is not unprofitable though she be a little unpleasant: Her anger keepeth servants in awe, and her quickness overséeth their negligence: if her tongue run at riot, where she hunts there is store of abuse, which must be chased either with blows or words: if the fury of her speech offend her Husband, it is like that her outrage groweth from his fault: and where an injury is offered, it is sufferable, if the wrong be blamed: but which maketh a full amends for her furious mood: as the cloudy and rainy day lightly cleareth towards night: even so, though she bitterly scowl at board, she will be sure to kiss sweetly a bed.  
The ancient Gentlemen commending the quick wit of this young Gentleman, 
In blaming, mildens is to be used.  used this circumstance before he refeled his error.  
Ah (quoth he) if wit were as advised in judgement, as he is ready in conceit, his imaginations would turn to wonderful effects: but as fairest colours soonest stain, as sweetest flowers are blasted with a breath: as beautiful creatures, are blemished with a little care, as the brightest Sun threateneth sudden rain: yea, as every mortal thing hath his imperfection: even so, wit being mortal, 
Wit simply in imperfect.  and assigned by Nature, to make man glorious above other creatures, by rashness corrupts the ripeness of his conceits, and to good purpose, his pride is thus abated: for other wise, man which enjoyeth wit to worship his Creator, and to live content with the liberties of the sea, and to keep him within the limits of the earth, would search the secrets of heaven: and I think dispossess Pluto of hell.  
Young Gentleman (quoth he) I use not this ceremony to repress your liberty of speech: for the error of your rashness, I will refel with reason and experience: but least héeraftèr you should be as arrogant in opinion, as you are ripe in conceit: I have thought good, friendly and briefly to signify your imperfection: and now to answer your late suggestion.  
I affirm that Nature hath created nothing to a needless purpose, but not withstanding our abuse, or mischance, changeth hurtful things into occasions of our help: surfeit, and sickness only, commendeth Medicine: and as you affirm, the blood of a Scorpion, cureth the biting of the Viper.  
But take away the cause, which proceedeth from our grief, and you shall find medicine an enemy to health: and the sting of a Scorpion no better than death: and trust me, he is to be reckoned a fool, and his misfortune to pass unrelieved, that wilfully endamageth his health in hope of remedy. In like sort, let him live unpitied, to oversee the slackness of his servants, who will marry a wife, whose tongue shall overrule himself. But more particularly to describe the properties of an unquiet wife, and more largely to discourse the displeasures of her unfortunate husband: I will approve her lowrings as unprofitable, as his life is unpleasant: you say her quickness overséeth the negligence of servants: but I affirm, that her cursedness maketh them as swift to run away, 
Shift is unprofitable for Master and Servant.  as they were slow to serve her, and common use avows, that often shift is neither beneficial for Master nor servant: for proof, as the rolling Stone gathereth no Moss, and want of use canckereth Iron, in likewise thrift flieth the fléeting Servant, and idleness consumeth his ability of service. Now touching the evil reckoning of those which are served: their wandering servants not only charge their common accounts, with double wages, but with secret pilfering, they set their masters in more deep arrearages. The Grecians that in times past neither used medicine for sickness, 
Gienta a venomous herb, one sort whereof is supposed to be Hemlock.  nor patience in adversity, but upon every great vexation, poisoned themselves with venomous Cienta. In their Histories remember more, that have voluntarily died, through the violence their wives tongues, then of any other calamity. Diogenes being demanded the diversity of an evil, between ascold & a harlot? answered: They differ as the Viper doth from that crockadill: for the scold saith he, with outrage destroyeth her Husband, 
A needful regard for young Gentlemen.  and the other with dissembling love, consumeth him to death. And so concluded them both enemies to life, and quiet living of man. Phrisio, being both modestly warned, and thoroughly answered, with a blushful grace replied: the the gravity of his person, and the sound reason in his words, had taken from him all occasion of further Question, unless that women were his judges. 
An ill cause asketh a partial judge.  This witty shift moved such as were within the hearing to smile, for where the cause is ill, it is necessary to seek a judge that is partial, and which commended Phrisios' government, upon a small check he left to contend with this ancient Gentleman: for young men although their wits be good, are not privileged to dispute with the graver sort, without licence, entreaty, or great reverence.  
By this time the Mountebank with describing the qualities of his vermin, and the Zanni in showing the knavish conditions of his Master, had wasted a good part of the night, and wearied the most part of the company, so that desire of repose, summoned them unto their lodgings.    

MADONNA AURELIA, Her fourth days pleasures.  
Containing variety of necessary discourse, and yet withal, the greater part appertaining to the general argument of Marriage.  

SO deep are the impressions of sorrow, 
The great impression.  as the feigning of Poets may be held for Moral truths, where as they affirm, that the bitter moan of Orpheus tongue, together with the passionate sound of his Instrument, moved such ruth in infernal creatures, as while he was a suitor to Pluto, for the restitution of his wife Eurydice: his plaints so charmed the torments of Hell, as for the time, the Gripe forbore to tear upon Titius growing heart, Tantalus endeavoured not to drink, Danais daughter's lest filling of their brincklesse Tub: toiling Sisyphus sat and eased himself upon his rolling Stone: yea and Pluto overcharged with pity, made restitution of Eurydice. This sorrow to hear, that Queen Aurelia by some distemperature, was sick and kept her Chamber, wrought such griefs in the hearts of the whole company, that they hung their heads in disgrace, like Garden Flowers: which (seeming as tears) are cloyed with the dew of a foul misty day. 
True sorrow is known rather by sighs then words.  Among the rest, Ismarito although he used not so many words of lament as some other did, yet with the tears of his heart he solemnifed the true rites of a Mourner: and to say truth, where the tongue hath free passage to talk, the heart is occupied with no great grief.  
signor Phyloxenus seeing Ismarito in this passion, and that occasion entertained him with no other business, while the rest of the company were hearing of a little superstitious service, 
The Pope hath begun, and not yet finished a most rare Gallery. Beautiful attires for a Gallery.  lead him into a very fair beautiful Gallery, where the Maps of the world were so artificially set forth in painting, as I doubt the Pope's Microcosmos at Latteran, which hath been this sixteen years a making, will be ended with no more perfection. In this Gallery were the Pictures of all Christian Princes: and in an other place by themselves the pictures of cenrtain heathen rulers: & in another rank the Pictures of so many learned men & grave magistrates, as he could through friendship or reward obtain.  
After much discourse of the especial Monuments, wherewith this pleasant gallery was attired, 
An especial Book of devices.  signor Phyloxenus brought Ismarito a fair book, wherein were divers rare devices, and (directing him to Pencils, colours, and other necessaries of Harrowldry) requested that he would help to beautify the said book, with some ingenious remembrance.  
Sir (quoth Ismarito) I have already recorded your good favours in the table of my heart, and I beseech you that this fair book may not be blemished by me, or remain a witness to you of my indiscretion.  
This niceness (quoth Philoxenus) professeth more than ordinary knowledge, and therefore I conjure you, by the affection you bear me, to satisfy my request.  
Ismarito upon this importunity, because he would not leave a suspicion, 
Ismaritos' devise, Pharos, a Lantern or light, devised by King Ptolemie, surnamed Philadelphus, for the benefit of Navigation in those parts, which cost 800. talents.  that his curiosity grew rather of simplicity than discretion: and missing among the Modern Monuments, their Pictures, the virtues of whose fame, are blazed in the Capitols of the whole world: he took a Pencil, and with the same drew an Island, and over the midst thereof made a Pharos, which shined like the Sun, and therein a Phoenix bathing of herself, whose gleaming reflections shined over all Loegria, Cambria, and the greatest part of Albania, and extended unto a great part of the Continent, especially unto that part that lay between the Ocean, the Mediterrane, and the great Sea called Euxinus Pontus, and underneath writ: Pharos Europae, non Africa.  
Philoxenus advisedly regarded this devise, before he would either require Ismaritos' intent, or give his own judgement. In the end divining what should be the secret meaning of this Symbol or Ensign: quoth he, signor Ismarito, this Cognizance of your quick wit, pleaseth me much, and withal remembreth me of a neglected courtesy, which (I think) will show you the Image of your Phoenix, and blazon the secrecy of your whole devise: and thereupon he lead Ismarito into a most curious privy Gallery, where (drawing a fair Curtain, and reverently kissing his hand) he showed Ismarito the Picture of a Royal Princess, 
An honourble favour.  most richly and lively set forth, with which a Merchant of Venice who trafficked toward the Western Islands, presented him: which Ismarito beheld, with a regard so dutiful, as there needed no gloze to expound the zealous affection of his heart. The counterfeits of other Potentates there were, which Philoxenus placed in the rank of these Princes, for some regarded virtues known unto himself. And by his own testimony, he prised these counterfeits, above all the Monuments (ancient or Modern) which beautified his Palace.  
Upon which warrant, Sir quoth Ismarito, 
A regard in strangers, to teach subiecte● their duty.  the honourable regard that you have of these Prince's shadows, being a stranger, prescribeth rules of duty, unto their Subjects, humbly to reverence their sacred persons.  
Indeed (quoth he) it is but just, their tongues cry, God save their highness, and their heart's answer, So be it.  
After signor Philoxenus and Ismarito had had some conference, as well touching the meaning of this Pharos, as of some other devices figured in Philoxenus Book: the Trumpets sound gave knowledge of Dinner: so that this private conference was adjourned, till signor Philoxenus pleasure should renew it. When Ismarito entered into the great chamber, and among so many fair Flowers, 
The Rose is the most glorious of flowers.  missing the glorious Rose, his countenance well showed, that his morning's sorrow had been but a sleep, which new awakened, streaked with the increase of passion, yea such was the pensiveness of the whole company, 
An unexpected good news, is double welcome.  as the first service represented rather a Funeral dinner, than a Christmas feast. But in the midst of a storm, as Phoebus sometimes beholdeth the Earth, with a cheerful countenance, so in the depth of this heaviness, there was news brought of Queen Aurelia's amendment, who commanded the chosen company after Dinner to attend her coming in the Chamber of pleasure. This knowledge so quickened the dulled spirits of the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, 
Mirth cureth as much as Medicine, where the malady is not mortal.  as they agreed for one day (if Queen Aurelia pleased) to alter the solemn course in their ordinary exercise: for where the malady is not mortal, mirth cureth as much as medicine, and holding this determination, they, the rest of Dinner, in actions of pleasure, fully avenge themselves of the injury of former sorrow: After Dinner was ended, and the company had a while paused, to set themselves in good order: upon a new summons, the appointed number, 
A sumptuous tapistry.  marched into this Chamber of Pleasures, which was hanged with a rich tapistry of voluntary devise, every Tree, Flower, Bird, Beast, or whatsoever was therein resembled, in his proper colours of Silk, was portrayed. The Sheep with their Fleeces fryzeled, the Beasts curiously raised with raw Silk, like unto their natural hair, the Trees beautified with proper leaves and fruit, the Rose with his buds, sprigs, and other attire: and to be brief, every other Flower was counterfeited with such Art, as they seemed to be natural. Yea a man might have been indifferently wise enough, 
Men may be deceived without the slander of simplicity  in other ordinary matter, and yet have adventured to have gathered a flower, or have plucked an Apple in these hangings, and who so was best acquainted, could not weary his eyes, in the beholding of them: so that the very attire of this Chamber walls, had an entertaining virtue, were there no other creature in the place. 
Curious sights please more than uncivil people.   
Queen Aurelia attended with the Ladies and Gentlewomen, presented herself before the young Gentlemen had half gazed their will. The company saluted their Sovereign with a reverent courtesy, whose cheeks some what more bleak than ordinary, with this distemperature, resembled in colour the perfect white Gilliflowre, 
A little sickness maketh an alteration in beauty.  a little streaked with Carnation.  
After some private talk between her and one or two of her favoured Servants, she took her place where she pleased, and the rest as they were accustomed, which done, the Eunuch with a well tuned voice, unto the Lute sung this following, Care away, 

CAre, Care go pack, thou art no mate for me,  
thy thorny thoughts, the heart to death doth wound:  
Thou makest the fair, seem like a blasted tree,  
by thee green years with hoary hairs are ground.  
Which makes me sing to solace mine annoy:  
Care, Care, adiewe, my heart doth hop for joy.   

Care, Care, adieu, thou rival of delight,  
return into the Cave of deep despair:  
Thou art no Guest, to harbour near my sprite,  
whose poisoned sights infect the very Air.  
Wherefore I sing to solace mine annoy:  
Care, Care adieu, my heart doth hop for joy.   

Care, Care, adieu, and welcome pleasure now,  
thou wish of joy and ease of sorrow both:  
To wear thy weed, I make a solemn vow,  
let Time, or Chance be pleased, or be wroth.  
And therefore sing to solace mine annoy:  
Care, Care, adieu, my heart doth hop for joy.    
The note of this Song was far better than the ditty, but for that it answered the determination of the company, it passed for currant. Whereupon Madam (quoth Fabritio) if it be your pleasure, 
One square breaketh no custom.  we will this day vary from our wont course, and according to our Theme begin with some mirth, to sharpen our wits for graver discourses, we have time enough beside, to beat out the passage to Plato's Paradise.  
Use your discretions (quoth Queen Aurelia) and by her commandment Bargetto was appointed to begin the exercise, who obeying, reported this following adventure of Friar Inganno.   

The adventure of Friar inganno, reported by monsieur Bargetto.  
IN a Village among the Apennine Mountains, not far from the place where S. Francis lieth entombed, there sometimes dwelled a fair young country woman named Farina: and for that her house was in the high way to S. Francis holy Relics, she was many times visited with Friars of his order, who were entertained rather for their habit the their honesty, for the poor ignorant people reverenced Saint Francis as a second Christ, for whose sake they hold his Disciples, not inferior to Saints: among many that visited Farinas house, Friar Inganno a smug Chaplain, ever sealed his blessings upon his dames lips, and yet without suspicion of the husband, or dishonest intent of the wife: for such greeting was ever taken for a holy favour.  
Upon a time after Friar Inganno had well beaked himself, with a warm fire, 
It is said S. Francis subdued incontinent desires, by tumbling naked in frost and Snow.  and a good breakfast, the spirit that Saint Francis was driven to conjure down, by tumbling naked in the frost and snow, tempted his Disciple with such sweet motions, as he was minded wilfully to abjure heaven, rather than to deal so roughly with the devil. And taking advantage of the good opinion the ignorant held of his holiness, and was so bold with Saint Francis (his Master) as to make a wanton match in his name: 
A premiditated sin.  so that after he had a while considered of his persuasion, 
The trick of a knavish servant.  upon a quiet opportunity: Blessed art thou (quoth he) among the Apennine country women, for Saint Frances from heaven hath beheld thy charitable usage of his Disciples, and the last Night, 
A gentle persuasion.  after I had prayed with great devotion before his Image, I beheld him in the Majesty of an Angel, fair, young, lusty, and in every proportion like myself, and nothing at all, like his meager Cripple Image: So that I was in doubt of being transformed out of myself, till with a meek voice, he said: Be not dismayed, I am thy Master, Inganno, and am come to bestow my blessings upon the good Apennine dames, that for my sake cherish you my Disciples: But with an especial Affection, I will visit the good Dame Farina: And for that her Feminine weakness can not endure my heavenly presence, I will many times borrow thy earthly shape: and in my name go salute Farina, and show her that this night, in that her Husband is from home, I mean to visit her: will her to leave open the Doors, because I purpose to come as Friar Inganno, and not as Saint Frances.  
This is his message, therefore as I began, I end: 
Ignorance heareth every tale as truth.  blessed art thou among the Apennine country Dames: The poor woman, as apparent as this treachery was, had not the power to mistrust, 
Flattery eate●● the bread o● the Just.  but gave the Friar a good alms for his news, and said she would attend Saint Francis blessed will.  
Away goeth the Friar, with a light heart, and a heavy cowl: but God, to punish his lewd intent, and to preserve her from sinning through ignorance, so tickled her heart with joy of this blessing at hand, 
A note of little secrecy in a woman.  as to welcome Saint Frances she must needs have the Bells rung: The Priest of the Parish hearing the cause, smelled out the Friars cunning, and was glad to take one of those Beggars in a Pitfal, 
Envy setteth hatred between fellows of every vocation.  that with glorious lies had rob him of his Parishioners devotions, and withal, persuaded her with such reasons, as she was fully resolved of the friars deceit: And to be avenged, by the Parson's direction, she caused Leayda to lie in her Bed, a Maid so ugly, sluttish and deformed, as through the Parish, she was called the Fury of loathsomeness. About ten of the clock, finding the doors open, Friar Inganno mounts into farina's Chamber, and without light or leave, 
An unwelcome salutation  leaps into her bed: but he had not blessed leayda's lips, before the Priest, Farina, and others entered with Taper and Torchlight, singing Salue Sancte Francisce: And kneeling about the Bedsides, sung Sancte Francisce ora pro nobis.  
The poor Friar, 
Pleasure in others increaseth sorrow in the afflicted.  like a Fox in a grin, being both entrapped, and embraced by a Hag of hell, cried from his heart: A dolore inferni, libera me Domine.  
After the Priest and the rest of the company, were weary of laughing, and the Friar almost dead with weeping: It is an office of charity (quoth the Priest) to put Saint Frances again in his Tomb: for it is so long since he was in the world, 
Envy & rude people are not pacified with prayers of the afflicted.  that he hath forgot the way back into heaven.  
The Friar leering like the thief that hung on the left side of Christ, took all with patience: for well he witted, Prayer booted not.  
Well, for that night, they bond and stripped him, like a dead Coarse: 
Rude people, extreme revengers.  and in stead of sweet Flowers, laid him in a bundle of Nettles.  
The next morning the rude country people (who in revenge are without civility or order) cruelly scourged the poor Friar. And (setting him the forenoon naked in the Sun) anointed his body with honey: so that the Hornets, Wasps and Flies, tormented him with the pains of hell.  
In the afternoon, with a hundred Torches, Tapers, and other waxed lights, this rustic multitude carried second Saint Frances unto his Tomb: 
The best way to win the communality.  and had not other Friars used mild and plausible requests, in his behalf, they would surely have buried him alive: for threatening, increaseth a tumult: when fair words, may peradventure stay it.  
The poor Friar discharged from the hands of these ungentle people, learned afterwards to be more wary: but for all this punishment was nothing the honester. For among men of his Habit, remaineth an opinion, that the faults, which the World seeth not, God punisheth not.  
After the company had well laughed at Friar Ingannoes' penance, Queen Aurelia asked master Doctor, the Archdetracter of Women, how many such stories he had read of the religious Dames?  
None (quoth he) that hath been so sorely punished, but of a number that have as highly trespassed.  
What (quoth Helena Dulce) by such subtle practices? 
Men offend subtly, & women simply.   
No (quoth the Doctor) but through simple affection.  
Well (quoth Aluiso Vechio) their evils are written in their foreheads, 
women's evils are writ in their foreheads.  that slanderous men's tongues may read and enlarge them. And your great evils are buried in the bottom of your hearts, that unless the Devil mean to shame you, the world knoweth not how to blame you. 
men's faults lie hid in their hearts.   
This was the gentlewomen's day, wherefore the civil Gentlemen would not offer to cross them much: so that following their advantage, 
A civil courtesy in a Gentleman.  Madam (quoth Isabel) with your favour and patience, I will report an History, that open such a heinous treachery done by a man as shall take away all possibility from a woman to commit so impious an Act.  
Queen Aurelia willed her to proceed, and the whole company seemed to be attentive: whereupon Isabel reported as followeth.   

The rare History of Promos and Cassandra, reported by Madam Isabel.  
AT what time corvinus, the scourge of the Turks, 
This history for rareness thereof is lively set out in a Comedy, by the reporter of the whole work, but yet never presented upon stage.  reigned as King of Bohemia, for to well govern the Cities of his Realm, he sent divers worthy Magistrates: Among the rest, he gave the Lord Promos the Lieutenantship of julio: who in the beginning of his government, purged the City of many ancient vices, and severely punished new offenders.  
In this City there was an old custom (by the suffering of some Magistrates grown out of use) that what man soever committed Adultery, should lose his head: 
A hard law for incontinent persons.  & the woman offender should ever after be infamously noted by the wearing of some disguised apparel: For the man was held to be the greatest offender, and therefore had the severest punishment.  
Lord Promos with a rough execution, revived this Statute, and in the highest degree of injury, broke it himself, as shall appear by the sequel of andrugio's adventures.  
This Andrugio by the yielding favour of fair Polina, trespassed against this ordinance, who through envy, was accused, & by Lord Promos condemned to suffer execution.  
The woeful Cassandra Andrugio's Sister, prostrates herself at Lord Promos feet, and with more tears than words, thus pleaded for her brother's life.  
Most noble Lord, and worthy judge, vouchsafed, me the favour to speak, whose case is so desperate, as unless you behold me with the eyes of mercy, the frail trespass of condemned Andrugio my Brother will be the death of sorrowful Cassandra, his innocent Sister I will not presume, to excuse his offence, or reproach the Law of rigour: for in the general construction, 
Law adjudgeth, by the general offence  he hath done most evil, and the Law hath judged but what is right: But (reverent judge, pardon that necessity maketh me here tell, that your wisdom already knoweth.) The most Sovereign justice is crowned with Laurel, although she be girt with a Sword: And this privilege she giveth unto her Administrators: that they shall mitigate the severity of the Law, 
justice is more renowned by lenity, than severity.  according to the quality of the offence. Then, that justice be not rob of her gracious pity, listen good Lord Promos, to the nature of my Brother's offence, and his able means to repair the injury. He hath defiled no nuptial Beb, the stain whereof dishonoureth the guiltless Husband: He hath committed no violent Rape. In which Act the injured maid can have no amends. But with yielding consent of his Mistress, Andrugio hath only sinned through Love, and never meant but with Marriage to make amends.  
I humbly beseech you to accept his satisfaction, 
A good cause to move pity.  and by this Example you shall be as much beloved for your clemency, as feared for your severity. Andrugio shallbe well warned, and he with his Sister woeful Cassandra, shall ever remain your Lordship's true Servants.  
Promos ears were not so attentive to hear Cassandra's ruethful tale, as his eyes were settled to regard her excellent Beauty. And Love, 
Love favoureth no degree  that was appointed Headsman of Andrugio, became now the Sovereign of his judges thought. But because he would seem to bridle his passions he answered: fair Damsel, have patience, you importune me with an impossibility: he is condemned by Law, then without injury to Law, he cannot be saved. 
Prince's prerogatives are above Law.   
Princes and their Deputies Prerogatives (quoth she) are above the Law. Besides Law, truly construed, is but the amends of injury: and where the fault may be valued, and amends had, 
The true intét of the Law.  the breach of the law is sufficiently repaired.  
Quoth Lord Promos, your passions moveth more than your proofs: and for your sake, I will reprieve Andrugio, 
A good turn upon an evil cause.  and study how to do you ease, without apparent breach of Law.  
Cassandra recomforted, 
Authority in evil Magistrates is a scourge unto the good.  with humble thanks received his favour, and in great haste goeth to participate this hope, with her dying Brother: But oh that Authority should have power to make the virtuous to do amiss, as well as through correction to enforce the vicious to fall unto goodness.  
Promos is a witness of this privilege, who not able to subdue his incontinent love, and withal, resolved that Cassandra would never be overcome with fair words, 
A monstrous request.  large promises, or rich rewards: demanded the spoil of her Virginity, for ransom of her Brother's liberty. 
Unless they be reprobate, good example may reform the wicked.   
Cassandra imagined at the first, that Lord Promos, used this speech but to try her behaviour: Answered him so wisely, as if he had not been the Rival of virtue, he could not but have suppressed his lewd Affection, and have subscribed to her just petition: But to leave circumstances, Promos was fired with a dicious desire, which must be quenched with Cassandra's yielding love, or Andrugio must die.  
Cassandra moved with a chaste disdain, departed with the resolution rather to die herself then to stain her honour: And with this heavy news, gréeted her condemned Brother: poor man, alas, what should he do? Life was sweet: but to be redeemed with his sister's Infamy, could not but be always unsavoury.  
To persuade her to consent, was unnatural: to yield to death was more grievous.  
To choose the least of these evils, 
A hard choice of two evils.  was difficult: to study long was dangerous.  
Fain would he live, but shame closed his mouth when he attempted to persuade his Sister.  
But Necessity, that mastreth both shame & fear, broke a passage for his imprisoned intent.  
Sweet Cassandra (quoth he) that men love, is usual, but to subdue affection, is impossible: and so thorny are the motions of incontinent desire, 
The force of necessity.  as to find ease, the tongue is only occupied to persuade. The purse is ever open to entice, and where neither words nor Gifts can corrupt (with the mighty) force shall constrain, 
The force of love.  or despite avenge. That Promos do love is but just, thy beauty commands him. That Promos be refused is more just, because consent is thy Shame.  
Thou mayst refuse and live: but he being rejected, I die: For wanting his will in thee, he will wreak his ten on me.  
This is my hard estate: My life lieth in thy Infamy, and thy honour in my death. Which of these evils be least, I leave for thee to judge.  
The woeful Cassandra answered, 
A hard fortune  that death was the least, whose dart we cannot shun, when Honour in death's despite outliveth time.  
It is true (quoth Andrugio) but thy trespass will be in the least degree of blame: 
Death is to be preferred before dishonourable life.  For, in forced faults, justice saith, there is no intent of evil.  
Oh Andrugio (quoth she) intent is now adays little considered: thou art not condemned by the intent, but by the strict word of the Law: 
The venomous nature of Enuy.  so shall my crime be reproached, and the forced cause pass unexcused: and such is the venom of Envy, one evil deed shall disgrace ten good turns: and in this yielding, so shall I be valued: Envy, Disdain, Spite, 
The virtuous are assured of many enemies, and incertain of any friends.  Malice, Slander, and many more furies will endeavour to shame me, and the meanest virtue will blush to help to support my honour: so that I see no liberty for thee but death, nor no ease for me but to hasten my end.  
O yes (quoth Andrugio) for if this offence be known, thy fame will be enlarged, because it will likewise be known, 
A cause that may excuse the breach of honour.  that thou receivedst dishonr to give thy brother life: If it be seceret, thy conscience will be without scruple of guiltiness. Thus, known, or unknown, thou shalt be deflowered, but not dishonested, and for amends we both shall live.  
This further hope remaineth, that as the Gillyflower both pleaseth the eye and feeds the sense: even so the virtue of thy chaste behaviour may so grace thy beauty, 
A faint hope.  as Promos filthy lust, may be turned into faithful love: and so move him to salve thy honour in making thee his wife. Or for conscience, for bear to do so heinous an injury.  
Sovereign Madam, and you fair Gentlewomen, (quoth Isabel) I entreat you in Cassandra's behalf, these reasons well weighed, to judge her yielding, a constraint, and no consent: who weary of her own life, and tender over her brothers, with tears of her lovely eyes, bathed his cheeks, with this comfortable sentence.  Live Andrugio, and make much of this kiss, 
A loving kiss.  which breatheth my honour into thy bowels: and draweth the infamy of thy first trespass into my bosom. 
The sharp encounters between life and death so occupied andrugio's senses, that his tongue had not the virtue to bid her farewell. To grieve you with the hearing of Cassandra's secret plaints, were an injury, virtuous Ladies, for they concluded with their good Fortune, and everlasting fame: But for that her offence grew neither of frailty, 
A good consideration in Cassandra.  free will, or any motion of a woman, but by the mere enforcement of a man, because she would not stain the modest weeds of her kind, she attired her self in the habit of a Page, and with the bashful grace of a pure Virgin, she presented wicked Promos andrugio's precious ransom.  
This devil, in human shape, more vicious than Heliogabalus of Rome, 
A damnable offence.  and withal as cruel as Denis of Sycil, received this jewel with a thousand protestations of favour. But what should I say? In the beginning of his love, Promos was Metamorphosed into Priapus: and of a fiend what may we expect, but vengeance heaped upon villainy? And therefore let it not seem strange, the after this Hell hound had dishonoured Cassandra he sent his warrant to the Jailor privily, to execute Andrugio, & with his head crowned with these two Briefs, 
A villainous ingratitude.  in Promos name to present Cassandra.  
Fair Cassaudra, as Promos promised thee:  
From Prison lo, he sends thy Brother free.  
This was his Charge, whose cursed will had been executed, had not God by an especial providence, at the hour of his Death, 
An especial providence of God.  possessed Andugio with the virtues of the two brave Romans, Marcus Crassus, and Marius, the one of which, by the force of his tongue, and the other by the motions of his eyes, caused she Axe to fall out of the Headsmans' hand, and mollified his cruel mind.  
With like compassion the Jailor (in hearing andrugio's hard adventure) left his resolution: And upon a solemn oath, to live unknown, yea to his dear Sister, he gave him life, and in the dead of the night, betook him to God, and to good fortune: 
A sign of an honest nature.  which done, this good Gayler took the head of a young man new executed, who some what resembled Andrugio: and according to lewd Promos commandment made a present thereof to Cassandra. How unwelcome this Present was, 
An unwelcome present.  the testimony of her former sorrows some what discover: but to give her present passion a true grace, were the talk of Prometheus, or such a one as hath had experience of the anguishs of hell.  
O quoth she, sweet Andrugio, whether shall I first lament thy death, exclaim of Promos injury, or bemoan my own estate, deprived of honour? and which is worse, cannot die, but by the violence of my own hands. Alas, the least of these griefs are too heavy a burden for a man, then all joined in one poor woman's heart, cannot be eased but by death: and to be avenged of injurious Fortune, I will forth with cut my Fillet of life. But so shall Promos lewdness escape unpunished: what remedy? I am not of power to revenge: to complain, I express my own infamy, but withal, proclaim his villainy: and to hear his lewdness reproved, would take away the bitterness of my death. I will go unto the king, who is just and merciful, he shall hear the ruthful events of Promos Tyranny: and to give him example of vengeance, I will seal my complaints with my dearest blood.  
Continuing this determination, Cassandra buried her imagined brother's head, and with speed iornyed unto king corvinus Court: before whose presence when she arrived, her mourning Attire, but especially her modest countenance moved him to behold her with an especial regard.  
Cassandra (upon the grant of audience) with her eyes overcharged with tears, 
A mischief well prevented.  reported the already discoursed accidents, with such an appearance of grief, as the King and his Attendants were astonished to hear her: and sure had she not been happily prevented, she had concluded her determination, with chaste Lucretia's destiny. 
A noble favour.  The King comforted her with many gracious words, and promised to take such order, that (although he could not be revived) her Brother's death, should fully be revenged, and her crazed honour repaired, without blemish of her former reputation.  
Cassandra upon these comfortable words, a little succoured her afflicted heart, with patience attended the justice of the King: who with a chosen company, made a Progress to julio, and entered the Town with a semblance of great fanour towards Promos: 
A necessary policy.  by that colour, to learn what other corrupt Magistrates ruled in this City: for well he knew that Birds of a feather would fly together, and wicked men would join in affection, to bolster each others evil.  
After this gracious King had by heedful intelligence understood the factions of the people, unlooked for of the Magistrates, he caused a proclamation to be published: in which was a clause, that if any person could charge any Magistrate or Officer with any notable or heinous offence, 
A royal grace.  Treason, Murder, Rape, Sedition, or with any such notorious Crime: where they were the judges of the multitude, he would himself be the judge of them, and do justice unto the meanest. 
The clamours of the poor, and the consciences of the rich, like Hell. Sorrow and Shame, the attendants of Cassandra.   
Upon this Proclamation it was a hell to hear the exclamations of the poor, and the festered consciences of the rich appeared as loathsome as the River of Styx.  
Among many that complained and received judgement of comfort, Cassandra's Process was presented, who lead between sorrow and shame, accused Promos to his face.  
The evidence was so plain, as the horror of a guilty conscience reaved Promos of all motions of excuse: so that holding up his hand, 
An unusual place for a judge.  amongst the worst degree of thieves, the little hope that was left, moved him to confess the crime, and with repentance to sue for mercy.  
O (quoth the King) such especial mercy were tyranny to a common wealth. 
A necessary regard in a Prince.  No Promos no, Hoc facias alteri, quod tibi vis fieri. You shall be measured with the grace you bestowed on Andrugio.  
O God (quoth he) if men durst bark as dogs, many a judge in the world would be bewrayed for a thief: It behoveth a Prince to know to whom he committeth Authority, lest the Sword of justice, appointed to chasten the lewd, 
Princes bears the blame of evil Officers extortion.  wound the good: and where good subjects are wronged, evil Officers receive the the benefit, and their Sovereign's beareth the blame.  
Well, 
A just judgement.  wicked Promos, to scourge thy impious offences, I here give sentence, that thou forth with marry Cassandia, to repair her honour by thee violated, and that the next day thou lose thy head, to make satisfaction for her Brother's death.  
This just judgement of the good king, in the first point, was forth with executed: 
The good prorect the lewd.  But sacred is the authority, that the virtues of the good are a Shield unto the lewd. So sweet Cassandra, who (simply) by virtue overcame the spite of Fortune: 
The duty of a wife, truly shown.  in this marriage was charged with a new assault of sorrow, and preferring the duty of a wife, before the natural zeal of a Sister, where she before prosecuted the revenge of her brother's death, she now was an humble suitor to the King for her Husband's life.  
The gracious King sought to appease her with good words, but he could not do her this private favour, 
The common weal, is to be regarded before private honour.  without injury unto the public weal: for though (quoth he) your suit be just, and the bounden duty of a wife, yet I in fulfilling the same, should do unjustly, and (generally) injure my Subjects: and therefore good Gentlewoman have patience, and no doubt virtue in the end will give you power over all your affections.  
There was no remedy, Cassandra must depart, cut of hope to obtain her suit. 
Sive bonum. sive malum, Fama est.  But as the experience is in daily use, the doings of Prince's post through the world on Pegasus back: And as their actions are good or bad, so is their same. With the like speed, the King's justice, and Promos execution was spread abroad: and by the tongue of a Clown was blown into Andrugio's ears, who till then lived like an Outlaw in the Desert woods.  
But upon these news, covertly in the habit of an Hermit, 
Good motions, proceed from the soul, and evil from the flesh.  by the divine motion of the Soul, who directs us in things that be good, and the Flesh in actions that be evil: Andrugio goes to see the Death of his Capital enemy: But on the other part, regarding the sorrow of his sister, he wished him life as a friend.  
To conclude, as well to give terror to the lewd, as comfort to his good subjects, the King (personally) came to see the execution of Promos: who, guarded with Officers, and strengthened with the comfortable persuasions of his Ghostly fathers: Among whom Andrugio was, meekly offered his life, as a satisfaction for his offences, 
A grateful part.  which were many more than the Law took knowledge of, and yet to say the truth, such was his Repentance, as the multitude did both for give and pity him: yea, the King wondered that his life was governed with no more virtue, considering the grace he showed at his death.  
Andrugio beholding this ruthful Spectackle, was so overcome with love towards his Sister, as to give her comfort, he frankly consented a new to emperill his own life: And following this Resolution, in his Hermit's weed, upon his knees, he humbly desired the King to speak: The King (graciously) granted him Audience. Whereupon (quoth he) regarded Sovereign, if Law may (possibly be satistied) Promos true Repentance meriteth pardon.  
Good Father (quoth the King) he cannot live, 
Murder asketh death, and no other satisfaction.  and the law satistied, unless (by miracle) Andrugio be revived.  
Then (quoth the Hermit) if Andrugio live, the law is satisfied, and Promos discharged.  
I (quoth the King) if your prayer can revive the one, my mercy shall acquit the other.  
I humbly thank your Majesty (quoth Andrugio) and disconering himself, showed the previdence of God, and the mean of his escape: and tendering his Sister's comfort above his own safety, he prostrated himself at his majesties feet, humbly to obey the sentence of his pleasure. The King upon the report of this strange adventure, 
Princes are bound to their word  after good deliberation, pardoned Promos, to keep his word, and withal, holding an opinion, that it was more beneficial for the Citizens, 
Of two, the least evil is least dangerous.  to be ruled by their old evil Governor new reform, then, to adventure upon a new, whose behaviours were unknown: And to perfect Cassandra's joy, he pardoned her brother Andrugio, with condition, that he should marry Polina. Thus, from between the teeth of danger, every party was preserved, and in the end established in their heart's desire.  
Madam (quoth Soranso) your good conclusion hath likewise preserved us from a great danger, 
Ruthful tales, raiseth remorse in the hearers.  for had you ended with the sorrow you began, we had been all like to have been drowned in tears.  
Indeed (quoth Katherine Trista) you men have had cause sufficient of sorrow, by hearing your kind reproached with such monstrous evils: 
By example of evil, the evil are feared. By example of the good, the good are strengthened.  and we women free passage to lament in beholding none but cross fortunes to succeed the good endeavours of a virtuous Lady.  
It is true (quoth Fabritio) but to participate of their joy, we men have learned out of Promos example of evil, for fear of his like punishment of evil, to do well: and you women by example of Polinas vice, and Cassandra's virtue, are both warned and encouraged to welldoing.  
Indeed (quoth Queen Aurelia) there are many Moral precepts in either History to be considered: 
Good order is to be kept among such as have been late sick.  which I hope the company have so regarded, as there needeth no repetitition And further, because I will not be too bold of the victory, over my late distemperature: we will here end: And therewith she arose, and retired into her Chamber: with charge that the company should attend her in the same place until Supper, who obeying, entertained time every one with their special fancy.   

The question that arose at Supper upon the fourth days exercise.  
MAny pretty nips, passed between the retired Company, this night at Supper, as well on the gentlewomen's part, as of the gentlemen's, insomuch as presuming upon this Days honour (when the Table was ready to be taken away)  
Aluisa Vechio took upon her to maintain a woman to be a creature every way, as excellent and perfect as man. 
Comparison breedeth contention.  For natural shape (quoth she) they are more beautiful, of a better temperature, and complexion than men. In valiant exploits, what difference was there between Semiramis and her Husband Ninus? between the Amazon women and Alexander. For constancy of mind, 
Excellent virtues in women  did not Loadice embrace death? with less fear than Mithridates her Husband? Asdruballes Wife, than Asdrubal himself? And what man hath kept a constant resolution of death, so long as Lucretia. In Virtues, you men that read Histories and Chronicles of all ages, shall find women renowned for learning, government, and policy. In mechanical Arts, there are Women likewise experienced. In the virtue of Divining, what man hath come near the Sibyls? To be short, what man hath been so perfect in any virtue, but histories make mention of a woman as perfect?  
Yea (quoth Dondolo) but there be so few of these women, 
Cavillers never answer directly.  as an easy wit may remember them.  
But it will cumber your tongue to report them, quoth Katherine Trista.  
The other Gentlemen although they were willing to give place unto the Gentlewomen in small matters, 
A disgrace in honour, a Gentleman may not bear with.  yet this comparison of equal sovereignty, nettled them a little. In as much, as Soranso answered, Madam Aluisa, you have made a bold comparison, and but a bare proof: Where you vaunt to be more excellent in shape and more delicate in substance than men.  
It is an over ruled question, that Women receive perfection by Men, 
Aristotle's problems.  and Men imperfection by Women: then by how much the virtue is of more emprise, that is simply of itself, then that which is compound of an other: by so far we exceed you in this perfection.  
Your honour of valiantness died with your examples, and although there hath been Women learned, and experienced in mechanical crafts, 
Extraordinary things, are not to be compared with ordinary.  yet to hear a Woman plead at the Bar, preach in a Pulpit, or to see her build a house, is a wonder and no example in use. How short your divining Sibyls come of the credit of the Prophets in the old Testament, is no question disputable: 
Life is precious.  For your constancy at death, you know not how precious life is, which maketh you rash and not constant: and in truth what you have frowardly determined, you will not be forbidden. As she that had her Tung cut, for calling of her husband Thief, would yet notwithstanding, make the sign of the gallows.  
Well sir (quoth Queen Aurelia) Epicarias obstinacy, 
Epicaria in the trembling pass, sage of death, was constant.  who endured to be rend in pieces, before she would confess the conspiracy against Nero, would have been holden for a virtue of staidenesse in a man.  
And what say you of Leena, 
PLIN. Lib. 34. Cap. 2.  that bitten off her tongue, and spit it in the Tyrant Hippias face, because she would not bewray a conspiracy against him.  
Madam (with your favour, quoth the Doctor) had she not had this foresight, 
An envious Suggestion.  it had been like the Athenians should have been driven to have made a brazen bell, as a Monument of her talk: rather than a tungles Lionnes, as they did in honour of her silence, for had she not mistrusted her imperfection, she would never have committed that tyranny upon herself.  
Had her tongue been venomed with your malice, it is like (quoth Queen Aurelia) that the Athenians had verified your slanderous opinion: herewith she looked a skawse, upon her favoured servants, as who would say, I check the omission of your duty, in not defending of my right. Upon which warning, and especially, for the excellency of this sex, 
A man may praise a woman without reproaching a man.  quoth Ismarito, a man may do justice unto an other, without injury to himself: and sure without the reproach of men, a man may commend the excellency of women: in whose behalf (although I will not condemn Sir Soransos' reasons) yet in my opinion, he erred in the first Article, where he toucheth the perfection of Men, and the imperfection of Women: for neither of themselves are perfect, 
Chaste talk ought especially to be used in the presence of women. Aris. Prob.  nor may have essential substance without the other: But to dispute of this secret in nature at large, were unpleasing to their chaste ears, and bréefey too mystical for their understandings. But who so is so curious in search, let him read that Philosopher's problems, with an unpartial judgement, and he shall find them in substance every way as perfect as meu: and in that opinion of the eye, 
The quality, and not the quantity commends.  of all that senses who is the most perfect judge, they far excel man in pureness of complexion: where exception is taken to the few in number, of singularly well qualified women, I affirm that it is not the quantity, but the quality that commends: a little salt relisheth more than a great deal of sugar, judith with her own hands, achieved a more honourable conquest, than all the Cilisions beside.  
Alexandra the wife of Alexander king of the jews, (when the uncivil multitude were ready for his tyranny) to make the entrails of dogs, a sepulture for his dead body, yea & to be further avenged, to murder his two Sons: by her sweet behaviour so mollified their cruel hearts, as losing their resolutions, they gave her husband an honourable burial; & prostrated themselves at her children's feet: which pacification the strength nor wisdom of her counsel could not obtain. 
Eua.  By what instrument did God first show the vigour of his vengeance? by a woman. And by what instrument did he show the virtue of his mercy? 
Our Lady.  by a woman. Sovereign virtue is Feminine, and (I blush to tell it) Irksome Vice is Masculine. The Ladies laughed outright, to hear Ismaritos' difference. But Soranso half angry answered, that if Ismaritos' countrymen were of his mind, they might be ashamed that they were so effeminate.  
Pardon me, 
Where an injury in words, may be revenged in words, a Gentleman is not bound to his sword.  quoth Ismarito, it is their commendation to yield unto women, and to conquer men.  
Tush, tush (quoth Bargetto) to nip himself by the nose, Ismarito is to be pardoned, for his Captain S. George, is shackled in a woman's garter.  
It is true (quoth Ismarito) but thus fettered, he hath many times chased S. Michael to his Mount.  
Fabritio fearing that these crosses would turn to the devils blessing, 
Discreet standers by pacifieth contentions.  studied how to accord this contention, and with that intent (quoth he) Ismarito, you have well deserved to kiss these Lady's hands, for your honourable commendation of their sex: 
Virtue and vice, both Feminine and Mesculine.  But where you say Virtue is the Feminine, and vice the Masculine, both men and women are understood in either. The old Divines, took Virtue to be God, and Vice the Devil, and either to be both Feminine and Masculine. Orpheus' said, that jupiter and Pluto were both Male and Female. It is also read in Scripture: That God fashioned both man and woman to his own likeness. Moreover this word Homo, signifieth both kinds: so that since Man and Woman, are not simply of themselves, but compounded one of an other, I blame this unnatural contention, for excellency, for neither can obtain Sovereign victory, without doing injury to themselves. The head among some is taken for the Man, 
Note.  and the heart for the woman, (for both are of an indifferent gender) and all the other members indifferently at their commandment.  
Queen Aurelia, with a smiling countenance, answered that she was content, that a Man should govern as the head, and women direct as the heart, and because we will not do injury unto our natural virtue of Modesty, we will give place to you, 
Modesty an natural virtue in a woman.  in contention for Sovereignties, and bind you to serve us for our virtues, and therewithal in rising, she broke of this controversy.  
After Supper, there was a little time bestowed in hearing of sweet music, but for that Queen Aurelia's late distemperature grew of over watching: the company this night went unto their lodging in a good hour.    

MADONNA AURELIA, Her fift days pleasures.  
Containing a brief discourse, touching the excellency of Man: and a large discovery of the inconveniences of over lofty, and too base Love: with other moral notes, needful to be regarded.  

THe last nights good hour of repose, was the cause of the companies this days early rising: who by nine of the clock entered the great Chamber, armed for any laudable exercise. And after an accustomed duty of salutation discharged, every man bethought himself of some pleasing matter, to entertain the present time. Soranso & Ismarito were severed from the rest of the company, upon private discourse: which being ended, Soranso casting his eye aside, beheld in the hangings, the picture of Ixion, herdled to his tormenting wheel. See yonder, 
The Fable of Ixion.  quoth he, the worthy scourge of Ambition, and withal reported the Fable, of his presumptuous making of love to juno.  
Nay, quoth Ismarito, Ixion is rather the example of Vainglory punished: 
To be proud in virtues, is commendable.  for jupiter so well allowed of Ixion's high mind (in that he represented his Image) as he raised him from Earth to Heaven, and because he should not perish in his affection, he satisfied his desire with the embracement of a counterfeit juno, 
The scourge of vainglory.  and so sent him back unto the Earth: where vain glorious Ixion Proclaimed, that he was the Minion of juno, and had Acteoned jupiter: for which arrogancy, jupiter threw him to hell, with this pictured vengeance.  
Questionless, quoth Soranso, this imagination of the Heathen Poet, could not but be the travel of a divine spirit, it exposeth such needful matter, for Christians to contemplate of.  
You need not doubt of your opinion, 
The soul travaileth to bring forth divine monuments in the heathen.  quoth Ismarito, for after God had created Adam after his own Image, he scattered the seed of Adam upon the face of the whole world, and wheresoever the essential form of Adam was, there was also the Image of God, which in the most barbarous & Heathen creature, laboureth to bring out high and excellent things.  
I beseech you, quoth Soranso, to enlarge this discourse. I am not so simple to believe that we are like the Image of God in our outward shape: yet my knowledge is not perfect, in what virtues we resemble the Image of God.  
Referring you, 
A discreet exordium, for young men that argue.  for your better knowledge, to graver judgements (quoth Ismarito) I will only to satisfy your request, say what I have read, and what in my opinion, standeth with reason.  
In our exterior body, to say we resemble God, were a gross ignorance: 
The excellency of man through the virtue of the soul.  but in that our soul is closed within our body, and giveth life, and moving, to the whole body: it is no absurdity to conclude the less within the greater, to show how the soul resembleth God: who consisteth in a Trinity. Notwithstanding she is but one; yet she comprehendeth in her three dignities, to wit, Intendment, Wit, and Memory, And as the son is ingenered of the Father, 
Three dignities of the soul.  and the holy Ghost proceedeth from both: even so Will is engendered of Intendment, and Memory proceedeth from both: and as the three persons of the Trinity, are but one GOD, so the three powers of the soul, are but one soul: and in that man is created in this sort, 
Man is form strait, because he should behold heaven and contemplate on great matters.  according to the Image of God, because he should resemble his creator in excellency, he is form strait and not kerbed: to behold the earth, not thereby to show a difference between him and other brute Beasts, but only because he should raise his spirit, and heave his eyes to heaven, his original, to contemplate of divine and durable things, and not of earthly and such as perish. And sure the Monuments, that to this day renown heathen Alexander, julius Caesar, Scipio, Hannibal, and many other stout warriors, Plato, Pythagoras, Socrates, Solon, and many thousand grave Philosophers, were the exercises of the soul, who in her function is always occupied, to make men shine like Angels. And doubtless the exploits of man would be wonderful, and glorious, 
Three evils or defects of the body.  were not the passages of the three powers of the soul, Intendment, Will, and Memory, stopped with these three evils or defects of the body: Ignorance, of that which is good; Covetousness, of that which is evil; and the Infirmity and languor of the body. These be the evils that eclipse the excellency of many, who other wise would appear more glorious than the Sun, Moon, Stars, and Crystal Firmament, into whose motions, revolutions, and influences, his knowledge foreseeth: or the earth with all her fair furniture which he governeth, and therefore he is called Microcosmos, for that in excellency, he egalleth the beauty of the whole world.  
Sir, quoth Soranso, you have enchanted my ears with such a pleasing regard, as if you were as tedious in discourse, as I would be attentive in hearing, we should both lose our dinners, without any great repining: but in adnantage I beseech you, what may be the remedy of these three evils, which thus obscure the excellency of man?  
Three sovereign remedies, quoth Ismarito, to wit, 
Three remedies against the 3. evils of the body.  Wisdom, Virtue, and Necessity, which to chase the other three evils, are thus ordered: Wisdom against Ignorance, Virtue against Vice, and Necessity against Infirmity. Wisdom is to be understood according to the condition of the things wherein we be ignorant. Virtue is an habit of the soul, which without great difficulty cannot be shaken out of his place and subject: By Necessity, 
The original of all Arts and Sciences.  absolutely is intended, a supply against those wants, with which Infirmity hath charged us, as if we be lame, to have horse to ride: if we be sick, to have medicine: if our bodies be weak, to have nourishing meats, etc. And by these three remedies, all Arts and Disciplines have been invented, to acquire Wisdom: Theoric, which is contemplative, 
Theoric.  and consists in these three parts, 
Practice.  theology, Physic, and Mathematique, was found for Virtue. Practice, which is active, and divided, 
Mechanichall crafts.  into Solitary, Private, and Public, was put in use. And for Necessity, all mechanical crafts were invented. These three virtues if we embrace them, will chase the other three both out of our body, soul and remembrance. You have given me a short sweet reason quoth Soranso. And a long remembrance of my weak understanding quoth Ismarito: but for that I have made this Sermon, upon your importunity, your courtesy I hope will pardon me, as well as your wisdom will correct my errors.  
I had thought Ceremonies had been in disgrace, 
Courtesy is commendable, but superfluous savours of flattery.  among you Englishmen, quoth Soranso: but I find you superstitious in courtesy, and therefore will take no example by you: but let it suffice, I am your friend, and will deserve this favour, in any reasonable service.  
By this time, Dinner was ready to be set upon the Board, and Queen Aurelia came again unto the open view, whose presence was as welcome unto the general company, as the clear Sun (after rough storms) to the wether-wearied Saylour. After she had acquitted the courteous salutations of the whole troop, she first took her place, & then the rest as they pleased, or were accustomed. At this Dinner there passed much pleasant Table talk, impertinent for this report: which being done, at the accustomed hour, Queen Aurelia sent for the chosen company, who placed in the drawing chamber: the Eunuch knowing his charge, tuned his Lute, and sung this following Sonnet.  

WHo prickles fears, to pluck the lovely Rose,  
By my consent, shall to a Nettle smell:  
Or through faint heart, who doth a Lady lose,  
A droyle I wish, or to lead Apes in Hell.  
On Thorns, no Grapes, but sour sloes do grow:  
So from base love, a base delight doth flow.   

Then mind crown thou, my thoughts above the sky,  
For easy gained, the Conquest is not sweet:  
My sancy swift, with Icarus wings doth fly:  
Yet fastened so, as fire and frost may meet.  
For pleased am I, if hope return but this:  
Grace is obtained, thy Mistress hand to kiss.   

A Grace indeed, far passing all the joy,  
Of equal love, that offereth wish in will:  
For though her scorn, and light regard annoy,  
Despair of grace my fancy cannot kill.  
For why: this joy all passions sets in rest:  
I daily see my mistress in my breast.   
Whoso invented this Sonnet, quoth Queen Aurelia, deserveth to be well favoured of his Mistress, in that he kept her so carefully in his bosom.  
Nay quoth Dondolo, if his eyes were so subtle, as absent, he could see her behaviour, his affection were more dangerous than his service necessary.  
We give you to know, quoth Isabel, that we weigh not though our Husbands, a hundred miles off, know our behaviours at home.  
I think so, quoth the plain Doctor, for so far off they may (sigh at their own mischance, but) not chasten your amiss. Perchance they should not be charged with such injury, as this company should be (quoth Maria Belochi) if we would offer to answer your envious suggestions.  
Ladies I speak not with intent (quoth Soranso) to make a question of your behaviours, but admit you of all creatures the most perfect: yet for that you have motions, as well bad, as good, you may many times make show of evil, and yet not do amiss, which if your husbands be so quick sighted, as to perceive, they will judge by their own eyes, and not by your hearts, and so from shadows may grow evil effects.  
If their sight be so quick (quoth Francheschina Sancta) then, though by anegligent trespass, their wives sometime give them cause to sigh, with a number of loving usages, they will give them daily occasion of rejoicing.  
I grant as much (quoth Soranso) but this will follow, 
The evil of jealousy.  the Husband will turn his own mistrust, to his Wines sorrow, and receive her good usage to his own private comfort.  
Indeed (quoth Aluisa Vechio) the love of a jealous husband, is sauced with such froward motions, as I had rather be matched with him that regardeth me not at all, then with him that loveth me too much: for of the one, though I am not beloved, yet I shall not be much crossed: of the other, I being too much beloved, I shall never be in quiet.  
I am not of your mind (quoth Helena Dulce) I had rather have my Husband jealous, 
Hard is the difference, between a careless and a jealous Husband.  then careless: for being careless, no good usage will reconcile him: and being jealous, the wife may study out how to please him.  
Yea, but (quoth Katherine Trista) Men are so easy conceited, that if they perceive a woman studieth how to please them, they straightways imagine, she will likewise study how to deceive them: and therefore, God shield me from a jealous husband. I have heard, the white streaked Carnation Gilleflower was the Metamorphos of a fair Gentlewoman, beheaded by her husband upon this jealous thought, that his wife being so fair, could not but be beloved of the Gods, 
ovid. Metam. lib. 10.  although he had no cause to suspect men. And where have ye a larger example of Love then the adventure of Orpheus, who by extreme sorrow and suit, recovered his Wife out of hell, 
Eurydice.  and by over jealous Love sent her thither again?  
Doctor Mossonigo was smiling out a scoff, 
Prevent a scoffer, and he becometh a Sot.  upon this tale, which Queen Aurelia intercepted, by ending of the gentlewomen's contention. By your talk of hell (quoth she) I see we are out of the way to Plato's Paradise: & therefore, good, we turn back again.  
Indeed Madam (quoth Fabritio) if we travel still, to choose the least of evils, it will be long before we come to the Fountain of goodness.  
Me thinks (quoth Isabel) the Sonnet, which moved the late Question, 
A Commendation of lofty love.  directs a fair way to happiness in marriage: for it commendeth lofty Love, And if, according to the old Proverb, The best is best cheap: this adventure giveth hope, and promiseth good Fortune.  
It is true (quoth Soranso) and I dare undertake to approve it, the happiest estate in marriage.  
Dondolo, because he would not be disgraced, by marrying a Burgoys fair Daughter of Ravenna, offered to prove the contrary.  
Queen Aurelia licenced them to show their reasons.  
Whereupon, quoth Soranso, to give great Ladies and Gentlewomen of calling, their true right and honour, who lightly marry not their Inferiors in reputation, but for some especial virtue that doth commend their choice, and cleareth the blemish of her husband's baseness? I must confess, hat he which raiseth his thought so high undertaketh (no doubt) a tedious suit: his delays will be grievous, and his Solicitors will be well rewarded, in what sort so ever he be regarded. But what of this? Quo quid difficilius, eo pulchrius: Peril maketh honour perfect: the stinging of the be mends the sweetens of Honey: Roses best refresh oursences, when we prick our hands to reach them: 
The evil of a thing, commendeth the goodness.  He that cracks the Nut, thinks the kernel sweetest. The reason is, not for that the goodness of a thing, is the better, for the evil thereunto belonging: but, for that the remembrance of the evil, maketh us hold the good in more reputation: especially in love. The affection which is forced with tears, won with sighs, gained with expense, & compassed with sorrow, is held most pleasant, most perfect and of longest continuance. Again, easy gotten goodwill, becometh in a while loathsome: the cause is, as I conceive, for that the pleasure was never seasoned with pain. Once a man, in loving his better, to increase his passion, shall lack no occasion, both to seek, sue, sigh & serve: and yet, to feed his hope, he shall want neither fair looks, good words, nor possibility of favour. For, for to obtain a great Lady, acquireth many circumstances, not for that she is precise to love, but for that she is wise, (or would be so thought) in her proceed. But whether she love or no, Ovid saith, there is no woman, but will endure the demand: she is contented with service to be courted: 
Love spareth no degree.  and in recompense rewardeth with good countenance. But which most sustaineth hope, the example is in continual use: that love spareth no degree, transgresseth every law, & bringeth the mightiest in bondage to the meanest. King Cofetua, the African, became enamoured of a Beggar: fair Venus espoused ill favoured Vukane: Pygmalion doted upon an Image: Narcissus was drowned in embracing his own shadow, and mighty jove, many times, cast aside his divinity, to dally with simple country trulls: then, why should the affected (how base soever his estate be) despair to attempt a great Lady, when his warrant is signed with so large Authorities? But whether he speed or fail: be accepted or rejected, well entertained, or ill entreated: the imagination, that time will invest his desire with delight, 
Hope to compass great matters comforteth more than the possession of trifles.  is to the affected a Paradise, far excelling the possession of equal love: But if in the end, her affection, or his good fortune, concludeth his wish in desire: her love, which cannot choose but be great: in that she marrieth beneath her calling: And her Ability, which alured at the first, with his inability: to realish both, cannot but make the Husband fortunate, and the Wife well pleased: for that in recompense of this advancement, she may presume somewhat to rule her head: 
Reproof of lofty love.  but, which most contents, she shall have the satisfaction of her fancy a bed.  
If a house were as soon builded, as the Plot is drawn (qd Dondolo) Shepherds would disdain to live in Cottages: even so, if every man could as soon compass a Lady for himself, as he can report the fortune of other: there must be an Act to make Ladies; or Lords must be glad of mean women. But admit, by the example of other men's advancements, that the meanest may be raised, by the yielding fancy of the mighty: I prophesy that such an upstart, had more need of ten eyes, toward the malice of his wives kindred, them one tongue to move her to kindness. A woman cannot mislike affectionated proffers, 
One kinsman hath an interest in another's honour.  because they proceed of love: But her kindred disdaineth his attempt, for that the conclusion tendeth both to their & her dishonour: A woman seeing her servants passions, cannot but sustain him with pity, her kindred seeing him in good way to be beloved, will lie in wait for his life: For though she may dispose of her affection, her kindred hath an interest in her honour, which if she consent to stain, or diminish, she doth injury to her whole house.  
The Cardinal of Arragon, 
An inhuman part.  avenged the base choice of his Sister, the Duchess of Malfi, with the death of herself, her Children, and her Husband: and alleged in defence, that he had done no injury to Nature, but purged his House of dishonour: for Nature (quoth he) is perfect, and who blemisheth her is a monster in Nature, whose head, without wrong to Nature may be cut off.  
Yea (quoth Soranso) but, this Cardinal, for all his habit, 
Defence, etc.  and gloze of justice, is for this act so often registered for a Tyrant, as I fear me he will never come among the number of Saints: but the example of these marriages are usual, 
Reproof, etc.  and such ensuing vengeance is but rare, and besides her especial contentment, a woman looseth none of her general titles of dignity by matching with her inferior.  
In deed (quoth Dondolo) in common courtesy she enjoyeth them, 
A woman that abaseth herself in Marriage, in law loseth her reputation, but not in courtesy.  but in the strict construction of the law, she is degraded. And by this mean is bound to entertain the meaner, with familiarity, lest they (being proud, or reputing her scornfully) do cross her over the thumbs with the follies of her fancy. But admit the mean servant marry his Mistress, and escapeth the malice of her friends: which success, one among ten such suitors hardly attaineth. 
The natural desires of a woman.  Let him yield to pay this rent for his good fortune: to suffer his wife, to rule, to direct, and to command his own determinations. And where she ordereth: the uncontrolled Wife, desireth to be served with pomp, and to be set forth with pride: which the ruling Husband would repress, as well for saving his wives honour, as for sparing his own purse.  
The uncontrolled wife desireth to walk at liberty, and to be visited of many: of which the ruling Husband, would bar her: as well to preserve his mind from mistrust, as to keep his Chimney from being fired.  
The uncontrolled wife disdaineth the Country, and destreth the City: which the ruling Husband would mislike, for that in the Country, the exercise of housewifry enlargeth his wives estimation, and in the City, idleness hazardeth her reputation.  
The uncontrolled Wife desireth without check to prattle, & without discretion to govern: which the ruling Husband in no wise would allow, for that many words is a blemish to his wives modesty, and the rule of his Wife is warrant sufficient, for the wise to overrule him for a Woodcock.  
Many other vanities follow the desires of Women: which a man thus aduanc'st, must forbear to chasten, lest he expose himself to a thousand dangers: for the wife taking pepper in the nose, will suffer him, (yea perchance, agree to make him) a pray, to the displeasure of his enemies: I mean her able friends and kindred: which bondage is not within the Paradise Plato speaketh of: For according to the opinion of sundry Philosophers, as Nature will not be controlled, for that she createth: as Fortune is won with no prayers, because she is blind, and shooteth at adventure: no more doth marriage allow of inequality, because her will is to divide her benefits, and blessings among the married with indifferency.  
To this end Marriage is likened to Sienes grafted in a stock of contrary quality: for as by growth and good order, 
judgement in reproof of lofty love.  they both become of one nature, even so, man and woman united in this honourable estate, with good usage, become of one disposition. Again, as Sienes thus grafted without special Husbandry, while they be tender, come to no proof: even so man and woman, thus joined in Matrimony: unless in the prime of their Marriage, with equal care, they love and cherish one another, in the wain of their years, the sweet Fruits of wedsock will be blasted with repentance.  
signor Fabritio, to conclude Dondolos opinion, with his own judgement, said in truth, that Marriage could not away with such servitude: as the Husband, who is wise and the chief, should obey the wife, who in common construction, is simple, weak, and the inferior. And where a rich woman (as Dondolo hath said) Marrieth her poor Servant, because she is the cause of his advancement, she will look to govern: which if she do, her indiscretion will move others to speak, and her husband to sorrow: & if he challenge the privilege of a husband to direct, he shall be bound to a life more bitter than Death. Not, but that in respect of his former estate, he may endure these cross of his wife, but because, as he is grown in estimation: so is he grown in haughtiness of mind, and can now worse brook an unkind word, then in times past, an imurious deed. And therefore in Dondolos behalf, I do judge Soranso to be in an error.  
I will not dispute against the authority of your judgement (quoth Soranso) but at adventure if younger brethren err in marriage, God send them to stumble upon no worse fortune. 
Men must have regard how they blame, lest they bite themselves.   
Queen Aurelia, who regarded, that Dondolo was somewhat too lavish, in painting out of the natural desires of a woman, knew as well how to set forth his follies and oversight: and therefore to take a modest revenge (quoth she) If happiness in Marriage consisteth so much in the Lordly rule of the husband, then where a man marrieth his inferior in reputation, there is a likelihood of good agreement: wherefore signor Dondolo, because I think you married your wife, with the same judgement, with which you manifested the inconveniences of lofty Love: I beseech you, show us the blessings of this inferior choice.  
Soranso, and the rest began to smile, to hear this commandment: for well they knew Dondolo was entrapped with a slander of his own reputation: but Dondolo, although he were a little gauled, set a reasonable flourish upon his base fancy: & therefore (quoth he) as it is already adjudged, 
Defence of base love.  if a man marry above his calling, he must bear with his Wife in folly, as much as she was blinded in fancying of him: which bondage marriage can hardly endure: then if he match with his inferior, if contraries have contrary qualities, per consequence: she will be as lowly, as the other is lofty: as patient, as the other is proud: and as dutiful, as the other is disoainfull: if the other prodisgally spond, because her portion is large, she will with housewifry spare, because her substance was small: if the other presume, because of her Gentry, she will seek reputation, with her good conditions: and if the other bolster her faults, with the countenance of her able Friends, 
A rich dowry with a woman.  she doing amiss, will cry her husband mercy, because she lacks succorers, to sustains her evil: a course, as Plato saith, that maketh the dowry of the poor virgin of greater value than the possessions of a rich Lady.  
You are nothing deceived in the course (quoth Faliero) but much mistaken in the creature. 
Reproof, etc.  As touching your Contraries, I mislike your Consequent: for fire and Water have contrary working, and unorderly used, both hurtful: prodigality, and covetousness, are contraries, and necessary: even so, the courtly dame, and the Country droyle, as they are contrary in calling, so are they contrary in conditions: and so they may be matched, neither profitable.  
A Diamond is blemished, by the setting in Brass, and a Flynt not the beautifuller, for being garnished with Gold: even so, the honour of a woman, is Cclipst, in matching with her Servant, her slave, or her inferior: for that Strangers will value her by her Fortune, although her haughty nature, will not lose the name of her reputation: neither is the estimation of a Kitchenstuff enlarged, by marrying with a Courtier: for that the best will d●●●aine her baseness, not so much for her birth, as her bringing up: yet, presuming on her Husband's calling, 
kit will to kind.  in pride she will perch with the highest: which Sovereignty in the one, and sauciness in the other, separats' pleasantness from their husbands, and quietness both from themselves and their households: where, as if the Gentlewoman marry with a Gentleman, and a Kitchenstuff with a Cook: the one with dutiful regard of her husband may hold her reputation, and the other shall not be driven, to dissemble with their kind.  
Well, let this suffice, to refel their suggestions, that think pleasantly to spend their days, by marrying either their better or inferior.  
Now, touching the general disposition of such women, as from the cart, are raised unto this account: they will use the better sort with strangeness, because they lack the order of honest courtesy to entertain them, and with the basest will be familiar, because the rudeness of the one answereth the ignorance of the other: so that it is more requisite for him that is thus married, to watch his wives going into the Stable, for fear of his horsekéeper, then in her Parlour, to eye her behaviour, in entertaining the Gallant.  
Examine King Astolphus, what constancy he found in his three halfpenny jewel, whom he had turned out of sheep's russet, into Cloth of Silver: in such honours, had no otherwise altered her manners, but that she thought the lips of a Captain was as sweet as a Kings, and therefore in all her bravery, she fell to her kind.  
If this suffice not, hear the usage of Bianca Maria, 
The fall of Maria Bianca is written by the Author in his book, entitled, the Rock of Regard.  daughter and only Heir of Giaccomos' Scapardon, a notable Usurer of Baetta. Biancas beauty made her sufficiently known, but her Father's bags made her wonderfully desired: so that both joined together, advanced her from a shop Maid, first, to be the wife of Viscount Hermes: after whose death, climbing up to further honour, and declining in honesty, she esppused the Count of Zealand. Long after the second Marriage, she dailyed not with her disposition, which was rather in an open shop, to be courted with men, then in a secret chamber to be accompanied with waiting women: so that following her unmodest fancy, with a few Prentices, she fled from her husband to Padua, where she set up for herself: and thus she unworthily raised to be a Countess, wickedly, and wilfully fell to be a Eourtesan.  
Andrea Zeno, a Gentleman of Venice, was as fluttishly served with Via a Cook's daughter, who upon her Marriage day, made an easy way for her husband, with no better man, than a Carpenter.  
If you covet more Authorities, to approve so common a mischief, read Ovid Metamorphosis in Latin, signor Lodovicus Regesterin Italian. Amadis de Gaul in French, 
Authorities for amorous Histories.  and the Palace of pleasure in English, where you shall find store of Histories to the like purpose.  
Sir (quoth Dondola) without offence, either to your person or your proofs (for that the one I love, 
Defence.  and the other I allow) to confirm my opinion, I can likewise summon women as base as these in birth, and as high as these in fortune, which with their good behaviours gave a grace to their reputation Chaste Epethia, the well beloved wife of Harmo Prince of Garthage, was a sailors daughter. The virtuous Virginia, espoused to Sextillius a worthy Senator of Rome, was a Laundres. Both these were beautified with such singular virtues, as while they lived, their honest lives instructed the greatest Lady, in points of honour: and being dead, the remembrance of their worthiness is a special commendation to the whole sex of women.  
Sir (quoth Faliero) as the Proverb goeth: 
Reproof, etc.  One or two Swallows proves not Summer: two or three may thrive by Dice, yet is dicing ill husbandry: because for the enriching of a few, it beggereth many: so, though two or three worthy Parsonages were well wived out of worthless parentages; a thousand, following the same course, have had a contrary fortune: and where the knowledge of evil is more than the possibility of good: virtue warrants not the venture: In war, the miraculous escape of two or three rash persons, is no safeconduct, for every man to run upon the pikes: yet I grant that in war, desperate men are needful, for the safety of the discreet, and so are homely women necessaris for their service: but if you will use either to your benefit, encourage the one with great pay, and the other with good wages: for if you commit a charge to a harebrain Soldier, his temerity in one hour will hinder more, than his years hazard did further. And as I have said, if you make of your Kitchen-maide, a companion, her pride in one days liberty will annoy more, than her seven years love will comfort.  
Seeing the company begin to smile, I am satisfied quoth Dondolo.  
But how? quoth Aluisa Vechio: do you repent you of your bargain, or disallow of Falieros proofs?  
Neither quoth Dondolo: For in general choice, this course is out of the way to Plato's Paradise: but for that my especial Fortune is good, I am pleased.  
Yea, quoth Soranso, or if the contrary had happened, this might have comforted you, that your wife should not have been the only blamed woman in the Parish, nor you the sole unfortunate man.  
Well, quoth Fabritio and Isabel: 
A confession is a pretty judgement.  There needs no further judgement in this question, than Dondolos confession and his yielding to Falieros proofs.  
We have in this exercise taken three sundry ways, (quoth Queen Aurelia) and yet never a one the right way to our Paradise: and now it is too late to travel any further. Therefore we will refresh our spirits with a little Music, and so adjourn our further controversies until to morrow: but as the Eunuch was a tuning his voice, to have fulfilled his Lady's commandment, knowledge was given of certain honourable Personages arrival: by occasion whereof, the company left their determination to furnish the great Chamber.   

The witty device of signor Philoxenus, to give certain Comedians a Theme, to present some pastime in action, the fift night after Supper.  
BY that time Supper was done, certain Commedians of Revenna, presented their service to signor Philoxenus, and his honourable company, who are not tied to a written device, as our English Players are, but having certain grounds or principles of their own will, Extempore, make a pleasant show of other men's fantasies: so that to try the quickness of the Gentlemen, and gentlewomen's wits, to give the Comedians a theme, signor Philoxenus, demanded the meaning of certain Questions.  
signor Soranso, quoth he: what passion is that, that tormenteth a man most, and hath least power to overcome?  
To think of a Woman's Inconstancy, quoth Soranso: 
1. Inconstancy.  which grieveth every man, and cannot be subdued by women themselves.  
Madam Aurelia, (quoth Philoxenus:) What thing is that, which most delighteth, and most deceiveth a Woman?  
A man's dissimulation (quoth Queen Aurelia:) Which hath such a sweet passage, 
2. Dissimulation.  through his Tongue, as it delighteth like the Sirens Songs, and yet turneth to as deceitful a conclusion, as the Crocodiles Tears.  
This yet was but quid pro quo: so that neither one part nor the other was displeased.  
The modest laughter being ceased, signor Philoxenus demanded of Ismarito, what was the cause of most Devotion? and yet the greatest replenisher of Hell.  
Ignorance [quoth Soranso] which causeth men to worship Stones, 
3. Ignorance.  and dishonour God.  
Madam Maria, what is that (quoth Seginor Philoxenus) that of men is least esteemed, and of God most regarded?  
Chastity [quoth Maria Belochy] which is precious before God, 
4. Chastity.  and a laughing stock among men.  
Doctor Mossenigo [quoth signor Philoxenus] among men who is the most cruel?  
A dicer [quoth the Doctor] for he teareth God inpéeces. 
5. A Dicer.  This answer, was both true, and moved new laughter: although it were propounded to discover the nature of the Envious, 
6. Envy.  who murdereth the living, and the fame of the dead.  
Madam Lucia [quoth signor Philoxenus] wherein doth a man please a woman best, and displease himself most?  
The modest Gentlewoman began to blush, & with great difficulty resolved this Question.  
In the end, by the tongue of Aluisa Vechio (quoth she) in giving of her, 
7. Will.  her Will.  
It is true (quoth the Doctor) for her delight is to govern, wherein her discretion giveth others cause to laugh, and her husband to hang the lip.  
signor Dondolo [quoth signor Philoxenus] what is the greatest friend to men at liberty, and the most enemy to such as are condemned?  
Hope [quoth Dondolo,] which encourageth men at liberty, to attempt great matters, 
8. Hope.  and maketh such as are condemned, unprepared for death.  
Madam Helena [quoth Signior Philoxenus] what is that which woundeth the heart, and yet is worshipped of the eye?  
Beauty, quoth Helena Dulce, for it pleaseth a man's eye, 
9 Beauty.  and pierceth his heart.  
signor Bargetto, quoth signor Philoxenus, What is that which oweth most and payeth least, and of all evils is the worst.  
Ingratitude: (quoth Bargetto) For that Monster receiveth good turns, and payeth vengeance. 
10. Ingratitude   
Madame Franceschina, (qd signor Philoxenus) What is that, which in loving too much, baneth with Hate?  
jealousy, (quoth Franceschina Sancta) which by overmuch loving raiseth Suspicion: Suspicion moveth Contention: 
11. jealousy.  and Contention turneth to mortal hatred.  
signor Faliero, I demand (quoth Philoxenus) who he is, that profiteth his friends, but by death: is a Steward for other men: and maketh his account (only) with God?  
A Covetous man, (quoth Faliero) who while he liveth, is enemy unto himself, 
12. Covetousness.  and therefore unlikely to be friend to others: also is but a Steward of his goods he gathereth, for he spareth for others, and spendeth little or nothing upon himself: and at the judgement day, before GOD, must make account of all his deceit.  
Madame Katherine, quoth signor Philoxenus: what is that, which is coldest clad in Friese, and warmest tired in precious stones?  
Pride, quoth Katherine Trista, which hath no grace but in bravery.  
Lovely guests, quoth signor Philoxenus, you have so lively divined my meaning in your sharp answers: as I expect wonders of your daily disputation.  
Sir, quoth Fabritio, we hitherto have but exposed, and refelled errors.  
If you have done so much (quoth Philoxenus) you have made a fair passage for the glory of Truth, 
Virtue is commended by vice.  which by the refelling of Error, you shall find: for every virtue is commended by his contrary. A Diamond seemeth the fairer, for his foil. Black best setteth forth White: Good is most praised in the reprehension of evil: and Truth in the highest degree is renowned by the refelling of error: and therefore follow your purpose, the conclusion cannot but be profitable.  
Here signor Philoxenus stopped his digression, and commanded the Comedians to bethink themselves of some action, that should lively express the nature of Inconstancy, Dissimulation, Ignorance, and the rest of the passions before named: Which charge being given, while the Actors were attiring themselves for the Stage, Queen Aurelia, and her attendants, took their places, with such advantage, as every Gentleman had liberty to devise with his Mistress.  
After the Comedians had put themselves in order, they patched a Comedy together, and under the recited names, showed some matter of Morality, but a great deal of mirth: who with their pastime, kept the company up so long, as drowsy sleep, which delighteth in nothing but silence, arrested the greater part of them, and carried them close prisoners unto their chambers.    

MADONNA AURELIA, Her sixth days pleasures.  
Containing many needful regards for a Gentleman: with a discovery of the inconveniences of Marriages, where there are great inequality of years.  

THe cheerful Sun which comforteth every earthly Creature, as the Lantern of broad day, so enlightened every Chamber of signor Philoxenus Palace: as the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, to be avenged of the injury of Night, (who being the mother of confusion, had separated them from their companions of pleasure) hastily rose & attired themselves: & (like unto Partridges, that howsoever they are severed, know (& retire unto) their meeting places) presented themselves in the great Chamber. The offce of civil courtesy discharged, such as were coupled, entertained Time, with the device of their especial fancies: others, contemplated of their private affairs: and Ismarito among the rest, in a quiet place, was reading in Peter Mesier his Chronicle of Memorable things: The rare History of Tamburlaine the Great, 
Tamburlaine the great, in the beginning a Peasant.  surnamed Flagellum Dei, where he much admired the virtues of the man, who of alabouring Peasant, or (in the best degree) of a poor Soldier, by his virtues and invincible valour, became a great Monarch: Yea, and while Tamburlaine lived, was as much feared as Alexander. But Ismarito, more lamented, that so mighty a Monarchy, erected by the Father, should end by the envy, and civil dissension of the children.  
signor Philoxenus (after he had given a Bongiorno, to the company, seeing Ismarito, not chained to a companion, determined to give his solitariness, a disgrace, by conversing with him, in some Gentlemanly Discourse: 
He is not alone that hath good Books.  but finding him accompanied with so sweet a companion, as Mesiers Chronicles, signor Ismarito, (quoth he) you have deceived my imagination, which persuaded me that you were solitary, and therefore bound me (in courtesy) to visit you. But seeing the great personages, with whom you devise, I envy your happy contemplation.  
But your Envy (quoth Ismarito) is like that of Mutius Scevola, desirous to excel the better sort in virtue, as you exceed the Rakehell multitude in courtesy.  
This encounter, and a little other private talk ended, 
A most famous library in the Duke's Palace at Florence, left by Cosmos de Medicis.  signor Philoxenus lead Ismarito into a fair Library, beautified with such a number of goodly Books, of all Sciences, Laws, Customs, governments, and memorial Monuments, as well ancient as modern, as it came very near in excellency, to the famous Library of Cosmos de Medicis, in Florence: who imitated in his Monument, Ptolemey, surnamed Philadelphus: who had the seventy interpreters of the jews to transtate the sacred Bible, into the Egyptian language, and with great diligence, sought to have the several Copies of all Books.  
After Ismarito had well regarded the orderly sorting of of these Books, and how by a short Calendar, a Man without great pain, might turn unto any hard Question, in any Science, and have large resolutions, and had taken a note of the title of certain Books that he had not seen, and yet necessary to be read.  
signor Philoxenus lead him into his own private study, 
It belongeth to a Gentleman to be severe in many things.  which was furnished with Summaries, or abridgements of all Sciences: which he studied with such a judgement, as there was no Art, wherein he had not a special knowledge which in argument he exposed, with so good a wit and memory, as many times, he grounded Masters in that Science. And for that in all his actions he was the true pattern for a Gentleman to imitate, in honour of whom, and for the benefit of such Gentlemen, as will follow his example, in virtue I am bound to set briefly down, the chiefest cause of his study.  
First and principally, 
Divinity.  for the comfort both of his body and soul. In Theology, he read those books, that cleared the mists of Ignorance, and unmasked the deceits of the superstitious Monks, Friars, etc. And contemplated in the sweet comfort of those Authors, that expounded the hard passages of the Scripture.  
And for that Health is the most precious jewel of the world, 
Physic.  knowing the Constitution of his own body, he studied so much in Physic, as without the direction of Doctors, he knew what meat and Medicine agreed with his nature.  
To minister justice unto the ignorant multitude, and to keep himself out of the Forfeits of Law, 
Law.  he studied the civil Law, and specially, the Statutes of his Country: And (questionless) the Gentleman, that is ignorant in the Laws of his Country, is an enemy to himself, and a Cipher in the common weal.  
In Military knowledge he was experienced, as well by service in the Field, 
Art Military.  as in reading Vegetius and other Authors in his study. And some travel in this Arteie needful, as well as commendable for a Gentleman: for it is not enough for him, to be Togatus, as a Roman Orator, nor Paliatus, as a Grecian Philosopher: in that he must as well in the field look his enemy in the face, as embrace his friend in the house: and therefore, though he bore a Pen in his ear, to write his own commentaries, he is bound to wear a Sword by his side, to do his Country service.  
For Government and Civil behaviours, 
Morality.  he read Plutarches Morals: guevara's Dial of Princes: the Courtier of Count Baldazar, Castillio: and others. And (in truth) it is not so necessary, to be well borne, as to be well quallited, and of good behaviour: wherefore, the study of Morality is very needful for a Gentleman.  
He (likewise) studied cosmography, 
Cosmography  and had therein commendable knowledge: which study cannot but much please and commend a brave minded Gentleman: For by the virtue thereof, he shallbe in his Study, able to survey the whole world: and with an agreeable discourse, shall bond out a Stranger his own Country.  
He was a good Historiographer, 
historiography.  and had read many rare Chronicles. How pleasing this study is to a Gentleman, is lively expressed in his own nature, greedy of news. And where may he have better intelligence, than Chronicles? in which quietly in his own Study, he may receive knowledge of Acts done throughout the whole world.  
He was a good Herald, and had read much in armory: 
armory.  an Art most needful for a Gentleman, in that it is the cognisance of himself. And in my opinion, he that is not able to blazon his own Arms, is not worthy to bear them.  
These Gentlemanly studies he used, intermeddled with others of more pleasure, which I had not leisure to regard, nor memory to bear away: but in all: is actions, and behaviours, he exposed a Gentleman so perfect, as in regarding of him, but one half year, 
signor Philoxenus a perfect Courner  a man might have noted down a Courtier, not inferior to that of Count Baldezar.  
By that time signor Philoxenus had sufficiently fed Ismaritoes eyes, with this honourable favour: the sound of the Trumpet gave knowledge of dinner, so the Ismarito was driven to leave that earthly Paradise, to attend honourable Philoxenus into the great Chamber: against whose coming, the Table stood furnished with many dainty dishes. And Queen Aurelia, and the rest of the company were ready to salute him: which courtesy performed, she took her appointed place, and the rest as they pleased.  
Towards the latter end of this dinner, a mean fellow, guarded between two Furies of the Kitchen, was brought coram nobis, for some petty pilfering in the Scullery.  
signor Philoxenus referred his pain to the judgement of the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen there present.  
Some of the Gentlemen appointed him some pleasant pain in the office where he did the trespass: some other of the Gentlewomen, overcome with a natural pity, accepted his tears in satisfaction, 
Women are too pitiful to be judges.  and so discharged him: But the Doctor more rougher than the rest, took him up so short, as the poor fellow was driven to say, Sir, where you may help, hurt not: The Doctor, to satisfy his request, and to keep his first determination, 
A scoffer is many times smitten with his own weapon.  answered, To help to hang a Thief, is no hurt to the common weal, your petition shall be signed. The rascal Thief hearing this severe judgement (as the Italians are naturally quick witted) replied: If chief Magistrates should set their hands to this justice, There would be more Lawyers hanged for stealing of houses, than Rogues for robbing of hedges. The answer of the Doctor, and the reply of the poor fellow made the company so merry, that for the pastime the trespasser had made them, they remitted the punishment of his offence.  
The laughter quieted: in the commendation of his countryman's capacity (quoth Soranso) Master Doctor, this poor Snake, spoke true Italian.  
Yea (quoth the Doctor) but he lacks the virtues of the ancient Romans: 
Italians are wise, but evil conditioned.  covertly expressing thereby, that their wits were good, but their conditions were evil.  
Bargetto envying the favours Ismarito received, and for some private grudge, 
Envy evermore quarelleth with those that are favoured.  about crossing in argument, sought by some pleasant scoff, to raise an unkind quarrel: and with that intent (quoth he) signor Ismarito, I drink unto you, with a better affection, than I bore you in my sleep, for I dreamt, with my Rapier drawn, I chased you to your Chamber.  
Ismarito, quickly answered, 
quarrelers seek their own miscerefe.  I pledge you (signor Bargetto) but with less fear than you supposed to be in me when you were asleep: for men after they are awake, expound dreams by contraries.  
Bargetto deceived of his expectation, was driven by patience to salve the wound he had given himself.  
But signor Philoxenus, 
A wise foresight in a Gentleman.  to take away the cause of after kindness, reaved the company of leisure to judge of Bargettoes' quarreling dream, or of Ismaritoes' cross exposition, by keeping of them exercised with a new device.  
Indeed (quoth he) Dreams are uncertain, and therefore not to be regarded, but there is a true kind of divination in Palmistry, and so in looking in Maria Belochies' hand, 
Palmistry, a pretty idle quality for a Gentleman.  he used certain names of Art, and gave a voluntary pleasing judgement: which fired all the Ladies and Gentlewomen, with an earnest desire to know their fortune: and by this means, theremembrance of former questions was taken away. Wherein signor Philoxenus wisdom may be a precedent for other Gentlemen that hear quarrels a breeding, to smoulder them in the shell: for men that be angry, 
A necessary note for a Gentleman.  are bound to their passion, when such as are not moved, have liberty to pacify with discretion.  
Thus, with their spirits well pleased, Queen Aurelia and the rest of the company, rose from the Table, and after ordinary courtesy ended, they paused a time by the Fire to put their wits in order, for the following disputation: who at the ordinary hour entered the drawing Chamber, where the Eunuch ready to discharge his duty, unto the Lute sung this following Sonnet.  

Regard my love, but not my frosty hairs,  
Although fair Dame, the least may move content:  
For Love, faith, Zeal, stands firm in aged years,  
When light green youth, is fickle in intent.   

The aged knows the leaves and fruit of youth,  
The leaves they leave, and with the fruit do love:  
The sayings of old age, are judged truth,  
Let love and truth, misliking then remove.   

What though my chin be clothed all in white,  
White in your cheeks, the chiefest colour is:  
Which fair dye doth make you seem so bright,  
As men hold you the source of beauty's bliss.   

Sweet Mistress then, of all the fair, the Flower,  
Let not condemn, what doth yourself commend  
Ruth seems your face, let rigour not devour,  
His love, and life, that lives and dies your friend.   
This Sonnet, moved the company to smile, not because the invention was unwitty, but in that it was the fruits of Doctor mossenigo's Muse, who to revenge upon himself all the injury, which he had done to the sex of Women, became enamoured of Katherine Trista, the waspishest Damosel among the whole troop of Gentlewomen: But knowing the Doctor's Philosophy, could not so subdue his affection, but that time would make them all sport and him smart, they dissembled their knowledge of his folly, as deeply as he covered the passions of his fancy: notwithstanding to raise some speech, and to set the Doctor a work with hope:  
Quoth Aluisa Vechio, this Sonnet prophesieth a happy life to a young woman, and much comfort to an old man if their fortunes be so good as to be married together. And if I had as good a passage for my opinion, as I have Reason to maintain the same: I would think to prove this couple worthy of a place in Plato's Paradise.  
Among so many good Orators (quoth Queen Aurelia) you cannot want an advocate.  
Whereupon Katherine Trista, with a false eye, conjured the Doctor in this question, to maintain his Loan: who thus enjoined, took upon him to maintain Aluisa Vechioes opinion.  
Queen Aurelia licenced him, and no adversary appeared to discourage him: whereupon (quoth he) where an old man marrieth a young woman, the contentment seems to be much, 
Defences where an old man marrieth a young woman.  and the comfort more: my reason is, the old man hath not only chosen a wife, to recreate him as a companion, but a Cook to prepare chosen meats for his impaired appetite, and a Staff to sustain his Age. The young wife also may hold herself happy in this fortune: for she hath chosen one whom she may not only rule, but command: and for a little pains, who will leave her possessed of a great deal of living. And this is most certain, that cruel and wild Creatures do most hurt, where their will is most resisted: and have great compassion, where they find no proffer of repulse: The Lion in his greatest hunger, hurts not the wounded Sheep: the Crocodile with tears washeth the blood from a murdered man, and the raging Sea refresheth the yielding Reed: much more, a woman (that by nature is beautified with pity) if she rule without check, will glory in the good usage of her Husband: and this is in daily use, that the old man in assemblies, finds his young wife modest in her speech, bashful in her looks, and nice in occasion of suspicion: and whether this behaviour proceeds of desire to be praised, or of fear to be blamed, I conclude the cause with her commendation: for that to do well in hope of praise, comes of the encouragement of virtue: and to do well for fear of reprehension, is the sign of a good inclination.  
By Saint Anne Sir (quoth Soranso,) you well deserve a Fee, (especially, 
Reproof, etc.  of the young wife) in that you so cunningly have coloured her oversight, and so clarkly have commended her good usage of her old Husband: but your Suggestion tends to as small effect, as the Fortune is evil, of a couple thus unequally matched: for that common reason will refute your weak opinion, and daily experience records the miseries of the other.  
What likelihood of continuance, hath the House whose ground work is rotten, although the prospect be beautiful and strong? God wots the feebleness of the Foundation will overthrow the firmness of the upper frame.  
Compare this unequal estate in Marriage, with this oversight in building, and you shall find the discord as great between the one, as the ruin and decay speedy in the other. The good and able Government of the Husband, is the foundation and ground work of Marriage, and the beauty of the Wife, the blessing in having of Children, and the benefit of possessing livings are the outward buildings of marriage: And as they are pleasant in the eye of the world, even so they greatly please the minds of the married, and give a singular grace to this honourable vocation. But, if the Government of the Husband be enabled with age: (as in truth) Old Age is no other than a second Infancy:  
In whose desire, direction, discretion, and delight, there are imperfections: The beauty of the wife will be blasted with sorrow, for the insufficiency of her Husband: evil Education will accurse their blessing in having of children: and negligence will waste their benefits of living. You hold a young wife a companion to recreate an old man, but he shall find her a corsive that will consume him to death. A young man concludeth, the sweetest solace in love with sighs: it is then like, an old man ends it with tears: And God he knows, he often weepeth more of desire to please his wife, then of any devotion he hath to wantonness: yet is all his pains to a fruitless purpose, for that the Game finisheth in his grief, and neither began nor ends in his wives contentment.  
You are too quick in advantage signor Soranso, 
Defence, etc.  (quoth the Doctor) old Wine though it be dead in the mouth, yet is it warm in the Stomach, when the new fumes in the head, but comforteth not the heart. Dry wood maketh a bright fire, where green bows consume half away in Fume and Smoke.  
The Sun riseth watrishly, and is long before it giveth heat, where, in the afternoon it scorcheth the face: So a young man divideth his love into a hundredth affections, and every fancy pleased, there will but a little fall to his wives share: where an old man's love is settled and his fancy is fixed upon one: And as the recited examples, in age are in best heart: so to prove an old man's sufficiency, there is a common Proverb: Grey hairs are nourished with green thoughts.  
Now, to content his young wife, she shall have no cause to suspect his Affection abroad, and shall not lack to be beloved at home.  
Moreover, which delighteth a young woman, (who naturally is ambitious) she shall take her place, according to the gravity of her Husband, and not as her young years requireth.  
And to conclude, to give her an honourable name, the most precious jewel with which a woman may be beautified, she shall receive grave directions from her husband: and through the sweet delight she taketh in hearing her good government commended, we will put them in execution.  
Doctor Mossenigo replied not with this vehemency, for any delight he had to commend this unequal estate in Marriage, but to flatter Katherine Trista with an Ambitious hope of great reputation, in matching with his aged self: but she (that knew a leg of a Lark, was better than the whole carcase of a Kite) would none, God thank him.  
And to make him horn wood (if he persevered in his opinion) in Soransoes' behalf (quoth Bargetto his ancient crosier) Master Doctor, there is more pride in your words, than substance in your proofs: your hearty old Wine must be drawn out when it is broached, your dry wood is but a blaze, and your hot Sun doth but sweat for sorrow, that he is going to couch in the dark Caves of Tartessus. 
Reproof, etc.  But as touching old men, they may well be sufficient in green thoughts as you term them, but I am assured that in deeds they are weak and withered, and therefore a man cannot speak too much evil of this excess in dotage: withered Flowers are more fit for a Dunghill, then meet to deck a house: old rotten Trees are needful for the fire, but unnecessary to stand in an Orchard: even so, old decayed creatures are comely in the Church, but unseemly by a young woman's side.  
The old man which marrieth a young Wife is sure of this sour sauce, to relish his sweet imaginations: 
The mischances of an old man yongly married.  his beloved wife (howsoever she dissembleth) disdaineth him: his neighbours all to beflouteth him, and soothing Parasites beguileth him: common opinion will counterfeit him like Actaeon, not so much for the fickleness they see in his wife, as for the infirmities they know in himself. And briefly, to conclude his joy: 
A young wife is death to an old man.  he may (perchance) live two years with his fair wife: but the mischance of his Children, will remember his infamy, for ever: Green ivy, which catcheth an old Tree, maketh quick work for the fire: and the embracements of a fair woman, hasteneth an old man to his Grave. And although it be a heinous wrong, causeless to condemn the wife: 
An honest woman is lightly slandered by the imperfections of her Husband.  yet this will be the opinion, she killed her Husband with thought, to hear and see how she trespassed, both against his and her own honour.  
Fowl fall such a Marriage (quoth Maria Belochy) where the virtuous Wife shall be slandered, through the imperfections of her Husband.  
It is some wrong (quoth Fabritio) but she might have foreseen the mischief, 
Repentance to late.  while she was free.  
Well (quoth Queen Aurelia) upon this knowledge of mischance, 
The wise are warned by the mischances of others.  our company, are sufficiently warned. Proceed in judgement, as you allow either's opinion.  
Whereupon, Fabritio with Isabel, with one accord, gave sentence against Doctor Mossenigo, in these words, An old man amorous of a young woman, is an enemy both to his health and reputation, for the causes aforesaid.  
The rest of the company smiled to hear this judgement, but the Doctor broke forth many a secret sigh, not for the disgrace he took in his pleading (for he defended an ill matter, with colour sufficient) but in that he knew this verdict would always be a bar in his suit.  
While the Doctor and Soranso argued: Queen Aurelia espied in the Cloth of Arras, 
A Rhinocerot.  a beast formed like an Unicorn, save that he bore his horn in his nose: which beast sleeping, laid his murdering horn in a young Maiden's lap: and after the question was decided, she demanded what the beast was? and what the mystery signified: but the meaning was as strange as the sight, to most of the company.  
In the end (quoth Ismarito) Madam, 
The Metamorphose of Rinavius, a Gentleman of Naples.  I have read of a gallant young Gentleman of Naples, named Rinautus, that was Metamorphosed into such a Beast, by this adventure: passing through the Island of Circeium [that Homer speaketh of] which is now annexed unto the Continent, he was espied of Circe's, who inhabited that Island. This wrinkled ill-favoured witch, at the first sight was surprised in love, with the goodly shape and beauty of this seemly Gentleman, but for all her charms and enchantments, her art failed, either to force him to love, or to free herself from loving: for, notwithstanding she was a Goddess, he disdained her overworn foul, and withered visage, and she presuming of her sorcery, powered fresh Coals upon her kindled desire, in hope that necessity would force him to consent to the request, free will contemned: but Cupid (to whom such power only belongeth) to scourge her presumption, in such sort hardened Rinautus heart, that all Circe's suit and sorceries tended unto a fruitless success. Insomuch, as in her rage she turned him into a Rhinocerot, a beast of unconquerable force, who in his nose beareth a horn much like to the Unicorn: But notwithstanding he was thus transformed (as King Nabuchadonizer, in the form of an Ox, retained the spirit of a man) so he in his altered shape nourished his ancient disdain of ill favoured Circe's, and to be fully avenged, with all his force pursueth old Creatures, and such as he overtaketh he goreth to death, yet is he by this policy subdued: Place a fair Maid in his walk, and forth with he will with a loving countenance repair unto her, and in her bosom gently bestow his murdering horn, and suddenly, (as one ravished with contentment) he falleth a sleep, by which means he is slain before he recovereth the use of his force.  
The company laughed well to hear this strange Metamorphosis.  
In the end (quoth Queen Aurelia) I would Master Doctor had heard this history, when he so invayed against Beauty, perhaps he would have been afraid of her vengeance, seeing her power able to conquer savage and wild beasts.  
But the Doctor glad of this advantage, 
Evil men care not for conscience, so they have a colour for their offences.  not unlike the cunning Lawyer the buyeth Robin hoods penniworths, and yet with some nice forfeitures, threateneth the seller with continual bondage, and many times bringeth back his money, and keepeth his bargain, not caring for his Conscience, so that he have a colour for his offence: or as the wisest sort of Atheists, that (live as though they hoped neither after Heaven, nor feared Hell) yet confess God with their mouth, because the contrary would make them hated of men: so he by this tale found out both a warrant to maintain his former blasphemy, and to excuse his present folly in Love: And to authorize either: Madam (quoth he) the enchanted Beast approveth mine opinion of Beauty's power, and his Death is a greater witness of her cruelty, then is Doctor Mossenigo, 
The force of Beauty.  who confesseth that men in vain prescribe remedies for the Affected, or receipt to preserve men from the infections of Beauty.  
You are welcome under our Lée [quoth Aluisa Vechio.]  
But to take away all hope of good entertainment, (quoth Catharina Trista) no, 
No affliction, but hath his remedy.  no, Master Doctor, you deceive yourself: Beauty, neither retaineth the power nor poison which you speak of, and with you, Ovid and all the amorous Poets are mistaken: who say, Affection ariseth from Beauty, and not of the free will of man. But say you all what you please, good foresight will contrary your opinions. There is no sore, but hath his salve: no grief, but hath his remedy: nor no danger, but may be forstoode, either by prayer or good endeavour.  
Indeed (quoth Faliero) Socrates altered his inclination by study of Philosophy: 
Examples to be regarded.  The Ninivites preserved their City by prayer: and Virbius doubled his life by mastering of his disposition.  
Floradin be witched with the love of fair Persida, 
Idleness nourisheth, and exercise remedieth love.  his dear friend Pericles Wife, wort in a Table book, fie Floradin, fie, she is thy friend Pericles Wife: and so often as idleness presented him with this passion, he read his written remembrance: and by some honest exercise, removed his imagination.  
This is not your day Master Doctor (quoth Soranso) I believe there is some unkindness between Saturn and Venus, by the envious aspect of some other Planet this hour.  
It may be (quoth the Doctor) by the flattery of Mercury, 
Flattery, the enemy of truth.  who is evermore enemy to the plainness of truth.  
Well (quoth Queen Aurelia) let us leave this bymatter, and consider better of Ismaritos' Metamorphosis, me thinks it prophesieth much mischance to an old widow, which marrieth a young man, and no great pleasure to the young married Bachelor.  

Marriage commended between an old woman and a young man.  O good Madam, say not so (quoth Soranso) for in this fortune, lieth a younger Brothers welfare: and the cause that maketh happiness accompany old women to their Grave.  

Reproof, etc.  It may well be to their Grave (quoth the Doctor) but it bringeth sorrow into their House, and maketh their life more impleasant than death: and if Soranso follow this course, perhaps his day will be no better than Doctor Mossenigos.  
Queen Aurelia smiling, said, she feared this contention would bring the company to hell gates. Yet quoth she, in that I imagine the way will be pleasant, I licence you to persever in your purpose.  
Upon which warrant (quoth Soranso) to maintain that to be true, 
Defence, etc.  which I have already alleged in the commendation of this estate in Marriage. This further reason (in my conceit) you will neither disallow, nor the married couple shall have cause to mislike: which is where a fresh young gentleman, either of small living, or far spent with lustiness, 
A good exchange of Merchandise.  lights of a rich old widow, for that both their desires in this fortune shallbe satisfied. He shall have plenty of Coin, the only Grace he lacked, and she the possession of a goodly parsonage, the chiefest jewel▪ she loveth: which exchange of Merchandise cannot choose but continue their liking, and raise much contentment.  
Clean contrary (quoth the Doctor) for the follies of a young man is sufficiently punished, by marrying an old woman: and the sins of an old widow are fully plagued, in matching with a young man: for that (contrary to your suggestion) neither can enjoy the cause of their Marriage, without annoyance to their minds: for his liking is fastened on her riches, which she will not but by necessity leave: and her love is settled on his person, which for her pleasure he disdaineth to punish. 
The evils in an old widow.  The unfortunate youngman knows not what grief he joins to his gain, in matching with an old widow, till that experience breaks them forth in sighs: If his wife be rich, she will look to govern: if she be poor, he is plagued both with beggary & bondage: if she be proud, she will hide her ability to maintain her pomp: if she be testy, he is forced to patience: if she be jealous, he can hardly endure her rages. And to conclude, if the old doting widow be free from one of these faults, she is tied to forty evils of less sufferance: for if her Husband command her will, she straightways saith, her other Husband was more kind: if he chance to dine from home, she wills him to sup with his harlots: if he spend beyond her allowance, thus she reviles him: A Beggar I found thee, and so thou wilt leave me.  
To chastise her talk, setteth an edge of her tongue: to suffer her in her rage, maketh her railings irrevocable.  
By your words, Master Doctor [quoth Lucia Bella] the wife is the greatest cause of this contention, and yet in common opinion, the Husband is most blamed.  
Madame, you are too hasty in an advantage, I meant no such partiality (quoth the Doctor)  
Yea Madam (quoth Bargetto) Master Doctor is now so conquered, as his tongue is the Trumpet of your pleasure.  
It is so (quoth the Doctor) to sound out those things which are true: 
PLATO'S Hell in Marriage.  and in truth the young Husband often times maketh the evils good in deeds, which the old wife useth but in words: for no longer than she feedeth him with Coin, shall she enjoy his company: if she rob not her Children to enrich him, she shall lack no froward looks, nor fowl usage: if she put him in possession of her living, he straightways dispossesseth her of his love, for having what he sought, he will else where be enamoured. And uprightly to speak, she lacketh neither occasion to lament, nor cause to be enraged: for who is so patiented, as can dissemble her unsufferable passions? both to be spoiled of her living, and to be eryled from that she loveth. And in very truth, so equal are their evils, as it were a hard matter to judge, who deserveth least blame, or most excuse: she reproacheth him of Beggary, whoredom, Unthriftiness, ill usage: and of the ruin both of berselfe and her Children. He blameth her of old age, jealousy, cursedness, scowlding: and for hiding of her goods, which he hath bought, with doing injury unto his person. If she be determined to be merry, he (scornfully) telleth her, that it is as sightly, for a toothelesse Mare to eat Marchpane, as for such a wrinkled Mumps to fall a billing. If he come in well disposed, and affably entreateth her, she calleth him dissembling hypocrite, & saith, he saluteth her with his tongue, but his heart imagineth of his minions abroad: she runneth to the neighbours to complain: in the mean while he sendeth her corn to the Market, and her cattle to the Fair. If the friends of good will, or neighbours of charity, labour to accord their contention (as she imagineth to shame him) she thundereth out a thousand injuries that he doth her: for her own praise, she saith, that of pure love she married him with nothing: and to reproach him, she swears, he hath spent her substance, and hateth her person: To show her own good housewifry, she tells that she worketh all day at her Distaff: and to blaze his unthriftiness, she showeth how he playeth away her gains at Dice: she crieth out, that (perforce) he taketh what he openly findeth, and privily stealeth what she secretly hideth.  
These, and many more complaints, she preferreth against her husband, with the vehemency of a woman's passion.  
Her husband, that knoweth how to be revenged in deeds, (for his own credit) is more mild in words: he layeth all these blames upon her own crooked disposition: who though she be so old, as a man can hardly love her, yet with a cankered jealous froward nature, she would force a man to hate her: but what remedy, since his fortune was so hard? he would starve her with patience: and only add this S●●●age to his L●ta●●●: A prava muliere, good Lord, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
These dr●e scoffs sets her heart in a light fire, and (save that she hath not so many colours like) unto Iris, thundereth out the venom of her cankered Spirit in revilings, and railings against her husband: and (to say truth) her case is to be pitied, as much as her tongue is to be blamed: for injury is not so grievous unto 〈◊〉, as to sie his adversary sooth his trespass with an honest ●ho●.  
But to my purpose, 
A great cause of impatience.  her husband crosseth her with a quiet answer: you may see friends, saith he, wild fire will burn in water, drink will make the Dropsy dry, and mildness in me, moveth madness in my wife: by her example here you see my life at home, as tedious as hell: then (perhaps) some ●lou●ing Merchant saith: like enough, and the she devil weareth the hours.  
Thus with their own mischiefs, they grieve their friends, delight their foes, and weary their Neighbours, in according their debates: and if they be in the morning quieted, and go home: in peace, at Noon like enemies they are ready to throw the house out at the window: a slut like the fury of loathsomeness, shall bring in dinner, because the jealous wife, dare not trust her husband with any maid that is handsome: the husband offended; throweth the Platters at her head, and asketh if she mean to pason him: the wife taketh pepper in the nose, and saith, if he had not married her, he would have been glad of the worst morsel there.  
The husband replieth, that if he had not been so mad, the devil would not have married her.  
Then beginneth the old Music, tu●ed perchance with a rap or two of the lips, and when they have brawled their fill, she runneth and bemoneth herself at her neighbours, and he goeth and maketh himself merry with his Mistresses.  
In sooth, 
Defence, etc.  master Doctor, it féemeth to me (quoth Sir Soranso) that you have very substantially proved my opinion: for Marriage equally divideth her blessings, and mischances, between the married: and as far as I can see, neither of these knoweth, who hath the better or worse bargain: there are railings and unquietness of both sides but what of that, pleasure is best seasoned with pain: and though they sometimes jar at home, they agree well when they are separated among their neighbours. And although you have stretched their debates, upon the rack of vengeance: yet at adventure, I wish myself no worse bestowed, then murie an old wealthy Widow, I do not think, but by good usage, to continue her first affection given, even unto dir very Grave.  
You will kill her with kindness, (quoth Maria Belochie.)  
Yea, Madam, (quoth Soranso) if her nature be so froward, as to die with good usage.  
In deed Ladies quoth the Doctor, there are some men, that entertain their old wives, with such a fair show of flattering love, as they be witch them even to their latter gasps. But at what rate doth she purchase this kindness? O even with the undoing of herself and Children: yea, 
A most wicked policy.  and which is worse, it is the polity of Father in laws, to dandle the infancy of their wives Children, in the lap of ignorance, to this end, that being of lawful age, they may with less fetches boguile them of their living: so that the unfortunate child knows not whether he may more bemoan his loss of living, or lack of good bringing up: 
Senecas opinion that children were better to be dead borne then ignorant of good letters.  and in my judgement, of both the evils, want of education is the greatest: for learning and virtue purchaseth living, and living corrupteth, but coineth not good conditions: and as Seneca saith, liberty without learning is a bondage to the mind: and further, the Child were better to be dead borne, then barren of good Letters, for that ignorance is a grave which burieth life.  
Master Doctor (quoth Queen Aurelia.) me thinketh your words do too much wrong to the wife, though they cannot sufficiently blame the husband. I grant that father in laws esteem their own profits, before their wives children's preferments: but yet (I suppose) Nature doth direct the natural Mother, to eye their good bringing up, 
Things that are best esteemed.  who with much sorrow brought them forth: for as the Proverb géeth) things that are dearly bought, are of us entirely beloved, and nothing is more dearly purchased, than what is attained with the hazard of life, which venture the Mother maketh, before she is assured of her Child: then this cruelty to wards her Children, to satisfy the will of her second husband, will make indifferent men hold her an unnatural Mother, whether her husband esteem her a dutiful wife or no.  
Oh good Madam, 
Reproose, etc.  quoth the Doctor, how can the hen secure her Chickens, when she herself is at the mercy of the Kite? how can the Coney preserve her Rabbits, when the Ferret is in possession of her Burrow? and how may the unfortunate Mother, Foster her shiftless Children, either as she should or would, when her fancy or folly hath enthralled her to a second husband, whose power is to direct, and displeased, to check? This severity of Father in laws, hath bred much division in marriage: but still the quarrels are concluded, with the detriment of the Children: for the unhappy wife, is bound to one of these two evils, either to agree to the tyrannising of her entrails, 
A hard extremity.  or to yield to her own continual sorrow and quietness: and where the case is so desperate, it may be lamented, but not wondered at, that necessity break the bounds of nature.  
To stay this mischief (quoth Helena Dulce) honourable is the custom of Spain, 
An honourable custom of Spain.  where the virtuous dame holdeth the second marriage, a retrograding of her reputation, & a wrong to her deceased husband: for by this staidness, she is in possession of her liberty, and hath the disposing of her living.  
I hold this precise custom (quoth Dondolo) more profitable than necessary: for the penance were too hard, yea, unpossible to be endured, that the lusty young Widow, should be constrained to a Virgin's chastity, for as Ovid divineth: 
I that sometimes of Nuptial rites,  
Have taste the pleasant toys:  
Now cannot choose, but call to mind,  
Dame Venus' sugared joys.   
But if the aged widow, could live within this law, it would bring honour to her years, and happiness to the end of her life. What better husbands may she have, than her own Children, whom she may both command and control, 
Meet husbands for aged widow.  whose duties are to labour in her causes, and to unburden her heart of cares? And when she departeth this life, where may she better dispose her living, then upon her own Children, whom to relieve, she is conjured by nature, and to bring up in good nurture, bound in conscience: But from the beginning so rife hath been the dotage of widows, that when their feeble legs faintly support their consumed bodies, when at high noon, their misty eyes hardly discerneth the high way, and when (forced) through lack of teeth, they swallow their meat, their lips notwithstanding, take delight in kisses, and their minds thirst after wantonness.  
men's follies are as great as women's simplicities, in this oversight in dotage (quoth Queen Aurelia) but I think it necessary, that here we stay our journey, lest we enter into hell before we be a ware: and therefore signor Fabritio, I pray you let us have your sentence, to overrule this question.  
Madam (quoth Fabritio) the evil of this inequality in Marriage, is both so ancient and so common in use, 
Experience is a judgement itself.  as there needeth no other judgement, than experience of our neighbour's mischances, but to secure the injured Children, 
A worthy law, made by Laertius.  I would that one of Laertius laws were common to the whole world: which is, where the Tenant sued his Lord, Servant his Master, or the Child his Parents, that judges themselves, should forth with look into the Process, and determine the same, for it is vehemently to be supposed, that these suits are forced upon vehement injuries, otherwise the Servant would fear to sue his Master, who hath pówer moderately to chasten him: the Tenant would quake to unquiet his Lord, who hath many means to cross him, and without whose grace he may never live in peace. Shame and duty (in any sufferable matter) would make the child forbear to molest his Parents, for (but where his cause is known) Report like a two edged Knife, would (besides his injury) wound him with blame, and omission of duty. Therefore, where the least of two dangerous evils, foreeth the above said to sue, it is much to be lamented, that delay, countenance of friends, corruption with bribes, and other supporters, which the rich hath, should torment the poor complainant, more than his original injury.  
Your reason is but just, quoth Queen Aurelia, and the rest of the company: who weary with the multitude of the recited mischances, here broke off the disputation, and went and reposed themselves in the great Chamber.   

The speech which passed the sixth night at Supper, between signor Philoxenus, and his Honourable Guests.  
ACcording to the order of merchants, who at the latter enoe of the year, survey their accounts, to see what fortune and mischance they have received through the whole year past. signor Philoxenus (towards the latter end of Supper) smilingly demanded an account of the benefit of the chosen companies six days Disputation.  
Sir (quoth Soranso, 
It is no striving against the stream.  with a modest merry countenance) we are like to present you a Bankrupts reckoning, who the longer he occupieth, the worse he thriveth: so we these six days, have travailed to find out a way, to the Paradise in marriage, and every day we have been further and further off, of our determination, one day we thought that the wealthy matches of Parents would have spéeded our journey, but there, lack of love in the Children, cast us behind hand: another day, we imagined that free choice in the children, would have directed us to happiness in marriage: but want of maintenance and frowardness in the parents, marred this match. In lofty love we found danger: in base love loathsomeness and inconstancy: and where there is inequality of years, fume and smoke of hell: so that now we shall be driven to renounce our profession: and run away with the Bankrupt, lest (if he stay, as he is chopped up in prison) so we, if we proceed any further be drowned in the river Styx.  
If you fravaile with as much pleasure, as you report your adventures with ease, quoth signor Philoxenus, I wonder but a little though error carried you to hell gates: but to encourage you to persever in your first purpose, let this comfort you: that things when they are at the worst, begin again to amend. The Fever giveth place to health, when he hath brought the patient to death's door. The be, when he hath left his sting in your hand without danger may play with your eye lid: so, when all the inconveniences of marriage, are in your ears, you may very well receive her into your heart: 
The thriving unthrift proves the best husband.  and to conclude your benefit with your own example, there is no such husband as the unthrift, when he fasteneth upon the world: for in spending of other men's goods he learned how to spare his own, when he gets them: so in the pleasant beating out of these inconveniences, you know what maketh marriage bitter, and the grief known, the remedy is easy.  
With your favour, Sir, quoth Dondolo, to be sick is common to all men, but to restore to health, under God, is the office of the Physician: so we all know by our own travail, the infirmities of marriage, but to find out the blessings, must proceed from your sound directions: which favour to obtain we are all earnest suitors.  
Your request is so just, quoth signor Philoxenus, that if I were able (as I am not) to better your judgements, I would not be dainty in this pleasure: but for that the more the opinions are, in the end, the more profound the sentence is: I will too morrow (in part, to satisfy your demand) join with you in your ordinary sweet exercise. Perchance you have ended all the inconveniences in the old year, and I may begin the new year, in helping to bloom the blessings of marriage.  
Queen Aurelia and the rest of the company, affectionately thanked signor Philoxenus for this high favour: and so rose from the Table, who after a little pausing, dancing and devising, at their pleasures, went unto their lodgings.    

MADONNA AURELIA, Her seventh days pleasures.  
Containing a Discourse of the excellency of Marriage: with many sound Laws and directions, to continue love between the married: with the rare History of Pyrigeus and Pieria, reported by signor Philoxenus: and other good notes of regard.  

LIke as when the royal Army, lies encamped before a Town of war, the sound of Trumpets, noise of Drums, and neighing of Horses, doth awake the Soldiers & Citizens, before Aurora be willing to leave the sweet embracements of her husband Tithon: so, even with the departure of the day star, in honour of the New year, the Trumpets, Drums and Flutes, sounded through every small passage, into the lodgings of signor Philoxenus Palace, such shrill salutations, as the company envying the confusion of night, broad waking, attended the morning's light, to apparel themselves: who in their most brave and sumptuous array, by nine of the clock, made the great Chamber resemble a fair Garden in may. In the embroideries of whose Garments, Flowers and fancies, were so naturally and artificially wrought: some of Pearl, some of gold, some of Bugle, every one according to their own humour: moreover, every Gentleman's head was armed with his mistress' favour, and every Gentlewoman's heart, was warmed with her servants affection.  
In the most sovereign place of the great Chamber, janus, God of Time (as the Poets feign) was hung up in the likeness of a Serpent, winding his body into a circle & holding his tail in his mouth, 
The year endeth and beginneth in 〈◊〉 self.  expressing under this figure his revolution, who through his continual motions environing and compassing the world, returneth into himself, and endeth & beginneth in himself: and in joyful token of the new year, he was garnished with many sweet flowers, garlands and devices: some artificial lively counterfeited. signor Philox. although he hated superstitions ceremonies, & shunned them, yet he honoured ancient laudable customs, 
Ancient customs are to be kept.  and kept them: who according to the custom of the country, presented every one of his guests with a rich new years gift, which explained some moral virtue. 
The virtues of the mind are more glorious than any outward garment. Custom in Italy in giving of new years gifts, contrary to the custom of England. The original of new years gists.  Among the rest he gave his sister Queen Aurelia, a fair plain tablet, which opened, represented the picture of a fair Lady, garnished with many precious stones: covertly expressing thereby, that gorgeous apparel was but base and counterfeit, in respect of the brave virtues of the mind. This order the Italians use, the best giveth new years gifts to his inferior friends, and in England clean contrary: the tenant giveth his Lord, the mean Gentlemen to Knights, Knights to Barons, Barons to Earls, Earls to Marquesses, and Dukes to their sovereign Prince. But it seemeth the Englishmen, observe this custom more near the original than the Italians: for the founders thereof were the ancient Romans, who bond their Knights the first day of januarie, in the Capitol, to present their new years gifts, to Caesar Augustus, were he absent, or present: but so many countries, so many customs. And (to my purpose) signor Philoxenus, thus bountifully solemnized the use of his own Country. This memorable courtesy performed, signor Philoxenus, with some of the graver company, went before unto the Chapel, and Queen Aurelia and her attendants, followed with such a glittering show, as the Priests needed no other Tapers to see to say service by, than the glimmering reflections of the gentlewomen's eyes, and the precious stones they wore in their jewels: and in my opinion, God was better pleased, and more honoured with the bravery of the company, then with the babbling and ceremonies of the Priest: who in the honour of the New year, sets forth his relics to the best show: By that time Service was ended, and the company returned: the Tables were furnished with many dainty dishes, to wreak her hunger of some few whereof, Queen Aurelia took her Royal place, and the rest of the company, as they pleased. This Dinner was spent in discourse of certain ceremonies and old rites used in times past, in the celebrating of God janus feast, too tedious, and (withal) impertinent for this discourse.  
When dinner and a little other pausing talk was ended, the company arose: and Queen Aurelia with the reverent Salutations of the whole troop, retired into her own Chamber, till the hour of Disputation sounded.  
About which time, she, with signor Philoxenus, and the rest of her Attendants, entered into a most delicate Banqueting house, 
signor Philoxenus banqueting house  where, upon the walls, in so good order, and representation of Nature, were painted all manner of fruits, Flowers, Vines, Arbours, and causes of pleasure, either in Orchard or Garden: as a man (without blushing) might have adventured to gather upon the bare Walls, a Pomegranate, a cluster of Grapes, a Gillyflower; or such like: had not the dead of Winter reaved the likelihood, that they should be perfect.  
After Queen Aurelia, and the rest of the company, had taken their places, in this earthly Paradise: signor Philoxenus (secretly) willed the Eunuch to chant out the praises of Hymen: who obeying this Charge, tuned his Lute, and to a swéete Note, sung this following Sonnet.  

EVen as the Vine, that clasps the tender Elm,  
Among green leaves, his purpled Grapes doth bear,  
When (wanting props) himself doth overwhelm,  
And for the fire his Branches doth prepare.   

So two in one, with Hymen's rites fast bound,  
Of their sweet love, live always in the seed:  
When death, or time, the single doth confound,  
Which ruin of fame, the barren thought doth breed,   

Sweet Hymen then, thy Godhead I adore,  
And bow myself, by thee to be controlled:  
In folded arms, my Spouse my eyes before,  
Yields more content, than Diamonds, Pearl, and Gold.   

In quiet home, unchecked, to rule and live,  
What life more sweet? what hearts ease like to this?  
Or through mischance, my mind when care doth grieve,  
What Medicine is better than a kiss?  
At unawares, given by a loving wife,  
O none, nor state, like to the married life.   
This Sonnet ended and well considered; 
Among the just, promise is kept.  Sir (quoth Queen Aurelia to signor Philoxenus) to be revonged of the injury of our former disputations, who have painted Marriage with a thousand inconveniences, I beseech you, & bind you by your promise to blazon the blessings and excellency of this sacred institution: that she who is divine, 
To praise or blame, is a quality of wit, but to direct is a work of judgement.  may have her due praises, and we that are ignorant, may know how to receive her benefits, and with the same to honour her.  
Madam (quoth signor Philoxenus) you charge me beyond my promise, and bind me to an impossibility: I promised but to join with this quick witted company in opinion, which I am ready to accomplish.  
To blaze the excellency of Marriage, is a work of no great difficulty, because her virtues illustreth the same through the whole world, but to direct the married is a labour of Art, wit, and experience: in the first whereof I am ignorant, in the second unpersect, and to the third a stranger: so that as I am sorry to injure your expectation, so am I loath to expose my iusufficient judgement.  
Sir (qd Queen Aurelia) if we were not assured of a liberal contentment, in contemplating of your weighty censure, 
We have in terest in another man's virtues.  we would receive your modest refusal, for just excuse. But for that we have all an interest in your virtues, & you should be enemy to your own honourable commendation in keeping of them close prisoners in your breast (although you be Lord of the Palace) yet I, 
Prince's commandments must be obeyed  as Sooner aigne of the Civil Pleasures, command you to give ceremonies a disgrace, and sincerely to obey my will.  
Madam (quoth signor Philoxenus) so strict is your charge, 
Of the excellency of Marriage.  as I must adventure of this weighty labour, hoping, that as by authority you command my opinion, so by the motion of some one of your virtues, you will pardon my errors.  
Upon which encouragement, to obey your will, I say, and approve by sacred authority, that this holy institution of Marriage was erected by God, 
Marriage instituted before the fall of Adam, by God in the earthly Paradise.  in the earthly Paradise, before the transgression of Adam, when he joined him to Eve, with these words of blessing, Increase, multiply, and replenish the earth. Again, after Adam's fall, and the deluge: to strengthen his first institution, God commanded the good Patriarch Noah, to in crease and multiply the earth anew. Moreover, God would have no more women than men, 
A confirmation of the first institution by God.  in his Ark, to show there should be a Sympathy in number, as well as a gréement in love between man & wife: for if the one might lawfully have many Wives, and the other many Husbands: How should this express commandment of God be unviolated? You shall be two bodies in one flesh, 
Man and wife are two bodies and but one flesh.  and no more.  
Compare the joy, honour, and reverence, given unto Marriage, by the delight that proceedeth from any other cause, and you shall see her gleam like a blazing Comet, 
The joy of marriage shineth above all other delights.  and the other but twinkle as an ordinary star.  
Gorgeous and rich apparel delighteth the Gazer's eye: and (perhaps) offendeth the wearers heart: where Marriage in homely attire is every where honoured, and reaveth unquiet wandering thoughts, 
Children are the mostrich jewels in the world.  from the Married: to abound in riches, is a glorious fortune, but they charge men with a double care, extreme in the getting, and fearful in the keeping: the Married have as great, or greater riches in their Children.  
When the stately Dames of Rome bragged of their jewels, Cornelia boasted that hers excelled them all. A Lady of the company, seeing her set forth with none that was precious, demanded where her jewels were? Yonder quoth Cornelia, and pointed to her children.  
When certain most rare and precious jewels, 
This joel was her son Alexander.  of King Darius, and his wives, were presented to Olympia, mother of Alexander the Great, she bestowed them upon her Ladies, as too low prized for her wearing, who was continually adorned with a jewel, in value, as rich as Asia, Affryca, 
The blessing of Children is a double life  & Europa. And sure Queen Olympia, & Lady Cornelia, gloried not in their jewels, without reason: for gold, and precious stones, set but a gloze upon beauty, when virtuous children give a new life unto their parents.  
The administration of justice, & authority, 
Offices of justice appertain to the married.  in a common weal, are the proper offices of the married: for that the care of wife and children, presupposeth them to be settled: when the uninaried, though their wits be good, 
The sweet Sympathy between the married.  raiseth a suspicion in the wise, that their thoughts are vagrant. The unmarried hath no agreeable companion to participate of his pleasure, or to lessen his sorrow. The Married hath a companion of his own flesh, of his own will, and of his own Spirit, so wrought to his own affection, that between them there is seen two bodies, and but one thought perceived: The Married joy alike, sorrow alike: are of one substance, one concord, 
Love to our Parents, reverent  one wealth, one poverty, companions at one Board, and in one Bed. The love we bear unto our Parents, 
Love to our brethren, natural.  is (or aught to be) reverent and dutiful, because they gave us life: unto our Brethren, natural, because of the privity in blood: to our friends, affectionate, by certain motions and consents of the mind. Notwithstanding, 
Love to our friends affectionated.  that these Loves be thus great, yet are there divers causes to lessen them.  
But bet ween the married, no mischance, or infirm fortune, is cause sufficient of hatred: for none governed by reason, 
Love between the married irrcuocable.  is so inhuman, as to malice his own flesh: Compare their several affections by sorrow, and you shall see the weakness of the one, in regard of the strength of the other. The greatest moan we make for the death of our Father, brother, 
A good mean to try the love of the married.  or Friend, appeareth in sighs, or (most vehement) in tears: whereas if we ourselves are but a little wounded, we cry outright: so that by how much we exceed in sorrowing our own mischances, 
The ring a trial of the love between the married.  above another man's: by the same reason, so much we love ourselves more than another. The King that is given by the husband, & put on the wives finger, aught to be of gold, to witness, that as gold is the most precious of Metals, so the love of the married exceedeth all other loves.  
To which effect, 
Another figure of the ring.  Propertius saith, Omnis amor magnus, sed aperto in coniuge maior: Moreover, the close joining of the ring, is a figure of true unity of the married: between whom there should be no division in desire, nor difference in behaviour. 
Christ was borne of a married woman.  To honour this holy iustitution of God, God would have his only begotten son, to be borne of a wife, perfectly married, save that she was not carnally soiled.  
Lycurgus the good King of the Lacedemonias, 
Lycurgus law for the unmarried.  so reverenced this sacred estate, as he made a Law, that what Lacedaemonian soever were unmarried, after the age of thirty & eight years, should be chased and hissed out of all public plays and assemblies, as one unworthy to be seen: and that in the cold winter, he should (naked) endure the reproaches of the people: and withal, was bound to confess, how he justly suffered that punishment, as a Mispriser of Religion, a contemner of Laws, and an enemy to nature. The Romans were not so severe: 
The Law of the Romans, for the unmarried.  but yet the aged unmarried, were condemned (according to their ability) to pay unto the Treasurer, for public use, a good sum of money.  
Plato in his Laws enacted, that the unmarried should execute, 
Plato's laws for the unmarried.  no honourable Office, Estate, nor dignity in the common wealth.  
The good Emperor Alexander Scuerus, although he married rather to give end to his mother Mammeas importunities: then (as he thought) to begin a more happy life: yet fair Memmia, his wife, so naturally accorded with his disposition, as when she died he would often renew his sorrow, and remember her virtues in these words. 
Alecander Scuerus love to Memmia his wife.  So great a Treasure as I have lost, a man seldom findeth: Death were gentle if he took nothing but that which offendeth: but, oh, he hath reaved the better part of myself.  
How wonderfully was the love of Paulina, sage Senecaes' wife, who opened her Veins, not only, 
Paulina's rare love to her Husband Seneea.  with an intent to accompany him to death, but also with a desire to feel her husband's manner of death.  
Quintus Curtius reciteth, that King Darius, with an unapauled Spirit, 
The precious love of king Darius to his wife.  took his overthrows by Alexander the Great, the ruin of his kingdom, & the danger of his Royal person: But having knowledge of his wives death, he wept bitterly, showing by this sorrow, that he loved his Queen far above his Crown.  
King Admetus, being fore sick, received this answer from the Oracle: that if he lived, his best friend must die: 
The divine love of king Admetus' wife.  which when the good Queen heard, she presently slew herself, and in the trembling passage of death, censtantly said: To give King Admetus' life, his Queen and dearest friend doth die.  
Tiberius' Graccus finding two Serpents in his chamber, 
The exceeding love of Tiberius Graccus towards his wife.  went to the Augurs to know what they divined? Who answered, that he was bound to kill the one of these two Serpents: if he slew the male he should die himself: if he killed the female he should lose his wife: who (murderer of himself) slew the male, and saved his wife: and so by his rare love, raised a question, whether his wife were more fortunate in having such a husband, 
The wonderful love of Queen Artimesia, towards her husband Mausolus.  or unhappy in losing of him? One of the seven wonders of the world is an eternal testimony of the love which Queen Artimesia bore to her husband Mausolus, who for to engrave his dead Coarse, erected a Sepulchre, so royal and sumptuous, as took away the glory of all Princely Tombs before her time, and left no possibility for any (in time to come) to excel the same: 
One of the seven wonders of the woilde.  but holding this too base a mansion for his kingly heart, she dried the same to powder, & spicing her wine therewith, she buried it in her own bowels: & to crown his fame with an everlasting memory, for that that ruin of his Sepulchre was subject to the injury of time, with great rewards she encouraged Theopompus, Theodectes, Naucrites, & Isocrates, four of the most famous Orators of Greece, to renown his virtues. Among whom, 
Aul. Gel. in lib. de nocti. aiti.  Theopompus (as we read) received the triumph of victory in that learned skirmish.  
I could reportè many other authorities of unseparable Love between the Married: the least of a hundred whereof, would equal the friendships of Titus and Gisippus: or of Damon and Pythias, the two wonders of men's affections. But for that I know the able wits here present, can clothe my naked proofs of the excellency of Marriage, and of the divine Love between the married, with many other sound reasons, I will give place Madam, that you, and the rest of your Ingenious company, may do better service to the one, and justice to the other, desiring that, that which is said, may discharge my promise, though not satisfy your expectation.  
Sir (quoth Queen Aurelia) if you give us good laws to preserve Love among the married, as you have with precious authorities set forth the excellency of marriage, and the divine operations of her blessings, with a full performance of your promise, you shall bind us all to be your debtor.  
Madam (quoth Philoxenus) you set me to a very hard task: the Rose, is Hostess, as well for the Butterfly as the be: the Sun shineth, both upon the good and bad: yea, Christ himself, was (aswell) Master to a Thief, as to a true Disciple: Even so divine Marriage, cannot have but some Devilish Subjects, whom Examples will not fear: much less, may Laws keep in unity.  
I grant (quoth Queen Aurelia) the evil are fearless of the Law, until they be scourged with the vengeance thereof: 
The Law is a scourge to the evil, & comfort to the good.  but the good embrace Laws, as their Directors in Virtue, and defenders from danger: for whose benefit, I entreat you now, with as large a power, as I lately commanded you: that (in this behalf) you will commit some counseling Laws, to our attentive memories.  
Madam (quoth signor Philoxenus) to show that your Virtues have as great power to command me, as your authority to enjoin me: I will set down my own imaginations, to preserve (and multiply) Love, peace, wealth, & joy, among the Married: leaving the same to be perfected, by the hearers better judgements.   

Household Laws, to keep the Married in Love, Peace, and Amity: Reported by signor Philoxenus.  
THe satisfaction of fancy, is the source of joy in Marriage: But, there be many means to dam up the course of delight, between the Married, if the match be not made, aswell by foresight, as free choice.  
The Office of foresight, is to prevent following mischances: 
Marriage consisteth as well in foresight, as free choice.  and (advisedly to consider) if present ability, will support an Household, and (according to their calling) leave a portion to their posterity.  
In this point, the experience of the Parents, is to be preferred before the rash imaginations of the son: for the aged Married by proof know, that in time many accidents of mischance, will hinder the endeavours of the best husbands.  
The office of Foresight, is like wise to considrr, 
Equality in years.  of the equality in years, lest the one growing, and the other declining in perfection, after a while repent when remedy comes too late: the Rose full blown, seemeth fair for a time, but withereth much sooner than the tender Bud.  
It is the office of foresight, 
Equality in manners.  to consider of the equality of bringing up, lest a diversity in manners between the married, make a division of desires: for Spanielles and Curs, hardly live together without snarling.  
And it is the office of foresight, 
Consent in religion.  to see that there be a consent in Religion between the married, for if their love be not grafted in their souls, it is like their Marriage will be infirmed, with the defects of the body.  
The office of free choice, is the root or foundation of Marriage, 
Free choice in satisfaction of Fancy.  which consisteth only in the satisfaction of fancy: for where the fancy is not pleased, all the perfections of the world cannot force love, and where the fancy delighteth, many defects are perfected, or tolerated among the married.  
When marriage is selemnized, there are many things to be observed on the part both of the husband and the wife.  
The Husband is to consider, 
A man's house is a petty common weal.  his house is a petty Common wealth, whereof himself is chief, and his servants Subjects: therefore, for the welfare both of himself, and household, it is needful that he set down such orders, as God may be glorified, himself profitably served, the good servant well rewarded, 
The office of a Wife.  the evil chastened, and the neighbour pleased: And as it is the Husband's office to set down these orders, so it is the wives duty to see them executed.  
The charge of the Husband, 
The husband's care apportaineth to things abroad.  is to get abroad for the provision of his household: and the Wife is bound to spare at home, towards the maintenance of her Children.  
The office of the Husband, is to see his ground tilled, his cattle cherished, his fences sound, his labourer's work, and their wages paid.  
The duty of the Wife is to see her Garden weeded, 
The wives charge is housewifery within door.  her Vines cut, and in her Orchard her fruit trees pruned: within doors her house well ordered, her Maidens busied, her Children instructed, the friend entertained, and the Tables well furnished. And in this Oeconomie many women have so excelled, as Socrates affirmeth: that he learned of women more Moral Philosophy, 
Moral Philosophy to be learned by women.  then natural reason of Anaxagoras and Archelaus: wherein Socrates testifieth no more than their worthy sex deserveth: for many women govern their Families with such Prudence, Temperance, Piety, and other commendable virtues, as may well instruct the wisest.  
The Husband ought to beware, 
Lascivious talk to be shunned of the husband.  that in the presence of his wife, he useth no filthy lascivious talk: for besides the witness of his own indiscretion, he maketh her a passage for many an unhappy thought.  
The Wife ought to be nice in occasion of suspicion, 
The wife ought to be nice in cause of suspicion.  for her husband that sée'th open cause of mistrust, cannot but fear that in secret he receiveth injury: and jealousy though she proceeds from exceeding love, yet is she the greatest enemy of the married.  
The Husband is bound to keep his wife in civil and comely apparel, 
Comely apparel the Husband should give his wife.  as well to make her seem beautiful unto himself, as to prevent the reproach of the neighbour: for this hath been an ancient custo me among the Romans', and it is to be feared, that if the Husband break it to spare his Purse, the Wife will repair it, though she gauge her person.  
The Wife that will please her Husband, 
Clean linnea commendable in a wife.  and make a great show of a little, though her Gowns he plain, in her linen she must be curious and fine: for otherwise, were she attired all in Silk: if her sleeves, Partlet and other Linen be course, torn, or sluttishly washed, she shall neither be praised of strangers, nor delight her Husband.  
The Husband after household jars, 
The Husband must beware of sullenness.  if the wife seem to be sorry, he ought not to be sullen: for if she perceive him of a froward nature, it is like in other such squares, she will be negligent to please him.  
The Wife, if she offend her Husband, 
The wise must be amiable towards her husband.  by some ignorant trespass, she must please him with a loving countenance: lest if he find her of a crooked condition, he will take delight to cross her with continual foul usage.  
The old Husband, 
A law for a young woman's old Husband.  is to accompany his young Wife with grave Matrons, and to set her forth with costly civil attire, that seeing the reverence & honour that is given her for her Husband's gravity, she will study how to please him, though she displease her own disposition.  
The young wife that hath an old Husband, 
A regard for an old man's young wife.  is bound to make much of him at home, for the reputation she receiveth in his life, and for the wealth she is like to have by his death: and abroad must be sober in her behaviours, discreet in her talk, and no harkener to young men's tales, lest her own lightness make her openly infamed, where her Husband's imperfections could cause her but to be secretly suspected.  
The young Husband is to bear with his old wife in her will, as well for the reverence due to her years, 
A regard for an old woans young husband.  as for the advancement the love bringeth to himself: lest the neighbours term his wife an unfortunate old woman, and himself a naughty, froward, vile natured young man.  
The old wife, to give excuse to her dotage, 
A regard for a young man's old wife.  must in open assemblies, commend her young husband of modest and stayed government: and secretly to be lovingly used, must kiss him with Midas lips: for if she fill not his purse by fair means, with foul entreaty he will be his own Carver: if she complain, she joineth but scorn to her own mischance.  
Generally, 
Modest familiarity not to be forbidden the wife.  the Husband ought not to forbid his Wife, in assemblies modestly, to entertain time, in devising with the better sort: for in such jealous restraint, he shall leave a suspicion, that he enjoineth her this open penance, for some secret trespass, and so both slander himself, and infure his Wife.  
The wife should have an especial care, 
Light company to be shunned of the Wife.  to shun the company of light Women: for the multitude, though they can charge her with no misdemeanour, yet they will condemn her honour, by the known evils of her companions.  
Many other needful directions, may be given to preserve unity in Marriage (quoth signor Philoxenus) too cumbersome for me to report, and too tedious for this honourable company to hear, whose patience I have already injured too much: but finding my error I end my tale, and remain ready to make satisfaction in some other service.  
Sir (quoth Fabritio) the end of your tale puts us in remembrance of our duty and your right, which is for this honourable favour, to remain your indebted servants, to embrace your counsels, and to commend (and submit our reasons) to your learned Censure.  
It is your favour and not my merit (quoth signor Philoxenus)  
Sir, (quoth Queen Aurelia) I will bear the blame of this days importuning of you, and you alone shall have the honour in granting of my requests, who to the former joineth this one more favour, which is, that you conclude this your worthy exercise, with some rare history at large.  
Madam (quoth signor Philoxenus) this is the least of your commandments, considering that Histories make mention of thousands, who in their unseparable loves have sounded the excellency of Marriage, wherefore I obey your pleasure.   

The worthy, History of Phrigius and Pieria Reported by signor Philoxenus.  
IN the Register of Fame, wherein the Monuments of the virtuous are Chronicled, as precedents for their posterity, I read, that in the famous City of Miletum in jonia, as sovereign Prince and Governor, there reigned a worthy Duke called Nebeus, who to comfort and support his aged years, had to his Son and only heir, Phrigius, a young Gentleman of such rare towardlives, as it may be a question, whether he were more beholding to Nature for the perfections of his body, to Virtue for the qualities of his mind, or to Fortune in suffering him to be so nobly borne.  
In Myos a neighbour City to Miletum, there was also a Prince of much renown, named Pythes, whose Daughter and heir was fair Pieria, by whose virtues all jonia was renowned. The ancient envy between the Citizens of Miletum and Myos, was turned into amity: and the open war between Duke Nebeus and the noble Pithes, was peaceably and honourably ended: All such happy events, succeeded this following adventure. Upon the Festival day of Diana, the Citizens of Myos, without the injury of Soldiers, might lawfully repair to Miletum, to sacrifice to Diana, upon which safe conduct, with many other Ladies and Gentlewomen of Myos, fair Pieria weighted on her Mother to Diana's Temple, whose rare beauty was such, as dazzled the eyes of the beholders, like the reflections of a Mirror, placed against the Sun.  
Among many that loved, and few or none that saw possibility of grace, such was the renown of her chaste disoain, young Phrigius beheld Pieria with such a settled eye, as Diana's Temple shielded him not against the Arrows of Love: but as a wounded Stag at the first seemeth little dismayed: so Phrigius with an unappalled cheer, returned to the Takes Palace, and as a pledge of truce, he sent his heart to Myos. The Ceremonies and Sacrifices of Diana ended, the wars renewed, the wont Massacres, Murders, Rapines, and outrageous cruelties practised by the Soldiers of either part: insomuch as Law gave place to Arnies, equity to violence, and all public order was perverted, and upon the point to be destroyed. The Captains of Myos encouraged their Soldiers of the one part, but the Soldiers of Miletum were driven to comfort their Captain with a threatening of disgrace. But ah poor Phrigius, what answer shouldst thou make? to see thy Soldiers slain, and thy cities spoiled, without proffers of rescue were dishonourable: to bend thy forces against thy own heart, were unnatural: to make the best choice of these two evils, required leisure, and judgement. And therefore advisedly to consider of his estate, at this time Phrigius satistied his soldiers with hope of some speedy venturous exploit, and dangered not his enemies, with the proffer of any violence: so the either power kept their trenches peaceably, but yet with this indifferent peril, that they attended opportunity, to make the one conquerors, and the other Captives: for the long civil contention, had now made the estate of either as desperate, as the fortunes of two that have their substance upon the chance of Dice, the one to have all, the other to be undone.  
When Phrigius had with stender hope thus quieted the acclamations of the people, he retired himself into a solitary Chamber, to be the sole companion of his outrageous passions, with whom he thus devised.  
Ah traitorous eyes, betrayers of my whole body, the scourge of Miletum, and enemies of my honour: the vengeance of Oedipus is too gentle for your injuries: what dost thou say? oh blasphemous tongue, rival of humanity, calumner of Beauty, and hinderer of thy Country's peace: thou reprocher of virtue, and Phrigius welfare: know to thy shame, the perfection of my eyes have constantly beheld Pieria, whose divine beauties, emblemed in human shape, dazzleth the youngest sight in jonia. Then to revile them thus, thou tryannifiest nature: to demand why I love and serve Beauty, thy question is blind, and deserveth a double answer: But ay me, though my eyes and loveh ave done but what is just, Fortune hath dealt too rigorously with me, to render my heart captive to his Daughter, who is the rival of my Father: what hope may I give to my affections? when possibility of comfort is taken away: the Parents are ready to sheathe their Swords in one an others entrails: is it then like the Children shall embrace a mutual affection? O no: for though mild Venus' consent that they love, wrathful Mars will sever their affection. O cruel War, thou art not unproperly called the scourge of God, 
The vengeance of War.  for in thee is contained a greater vengeance than might be imagined by man: thou armest the Son against the Father, the Uncle against the Nephew, the Subject against his Sovereign: Thy drink is blood, thy food the flesh of men, thy fires are flming Cities, thy pleasures spoiling of Widows, rau ishment of Virgins, subversion of Laws and public benefit: thy judges, Tyranny and Injustice: and where thou remainest, her known enemy is not so dangerous, as the feigned friend.  
But why exclaim I of War, who double Crowned Alexander with the riches of Asia and Africa? who honoured Caesar with imperial triumphs? and rewarded Hannibal for the travails of his life, with renown after death? by whom Millions of men are registered in the life book of Fame: and through whom Phrigius giveth expectation of benefit to his Country, comfort to his aged Father, and honour to his posterity.  
I received my wound in the time of peace, nay in the Temple of Diana, shall I then exclaim of Peace, and upbraid Chastity? fowl fall the heart that should move, and shame worm the tongue that pronounceth such blasphemy: O blessed peace, thou fast chainest Treason, Tyranny Murder, Theft, and Wrath, with all disturbers of common tranquillity, and in the highest dignities, placest justice, 
The blessings of peace.  Piety, Temperance, Concord and Love, with many other Moral vartues, by whom the lewd are chastened, the good are cherished, and Common weals prosper and flourish. O Chastity, thy divine virtues deserve a better Trumpet, than my injurious tongue: thy excellency is written in the brow of Pieria. And is Pieria the Deputy of Diana? O yes: and Phrigius the servant of Venus? too true: is it then impossible they should agree in affection? yea sure. O unfortunate Phrigius, through peace which receivedst thy wound before Diana's Altar, and by cruel war art separated from the Surgeon that should cure thee. These sundry conflicts Phrigius had with his bitter passions, which pursued their advantage, with such thorny fears, as if he had not been suddenly succoured, by the advise and comfort of Lord Miletus a favoured Counsellor to Duke Nebeus, and an assured friend to his son Phrigius, he had been like to have yielded to despair. Miletus was glad to see him thus affected, and sorry to behold him so dangerously afflicted: for in this love he foresaw an end, of the ancient envy and enmity, between the Citizens of Miletum and Myos: whose civil Frays had buried more young men in the Fields, than aged in the Churches and Churchyards. Therefore to confirm his affection, and to comfort him with hope: Lord Phrigius quoth he, to blame your affection, were cruelty and no sound counsel: for you love Pieria the Paragon of the world, to discomfort you with an impossibility of her favour, were clean against the possibility of your fortune: for besides that, your person alluringly pleaseth, your authorities command: yea Pithes cannot but rejoice, Pieria consent, and all Myos desire is to solemnize this Marriage.  
Myself and the graver sort of the counsel, will motion the matter to the Duke your Father, who I trust will hold the affection of his son, rather to proceed from the justice of Diana, than the injury of Cupid. Who regarding the zealous offerings o● Pieria, agreed that you should be wounded, that Pieria might have the honour to cure you, in whose virtues all jonia hopeth to be blessed. Therefore, to make your affection known, in some pleasing Letter, to Pieria commend your service, and to deal with both your Fathers, refer the care to me: How sweet the smallest hope of grace is to a condemned man: or the least word of comfort, from the Physician to the infirmed patient: the sudden change of Phrigius moan, truly manifesteth: who now began to look cheerfully, and with hope appeased his passions: so that embracing Miletus, he committed his life to the fortune of his discretion: and while his passion was quick, he presented both love & service to Pieria, in this following letter.  
Phrigius Letter to Pieria.  
Fair Pieria, sith it is a common thing to love: and a miracle to subdue affection, let it not seem strange, that I am slave to your beauty, nor wonder though I sue for grace. The wounded Lion prostrateth himself at the feet of a man: the sick complaineth to the Physician: and (charged with more torments) the lover is enforced to seek comfort of his Mistress. To prove that I love, needeth no other testimony, than the witness of your rare perfections, & to give me life is the only work of your pity. Wherefore [Madam] since the virtue of your eye, hath drawn away my heart, as the Adamant doth the steel, I beseech you that my heartless body may so live by your ruth, as I may have strength (as well as will) to do you service: and let it suffice for more honour of your triumph, that by the power of beauty, your virtues have achieved a more glorious conquest, then might the whole strength of Myos, and which is more, of a puissant enemy, you have made so perfect a friend, as Phrigius shall hold himself in no fortune, so happy, as to encounter with the opportunity, to do Pieria and her favourers service, or their enemy's damage: if which amends may repair all injuries past, I shall hold the safe-conduct blessed, that licenced you to enter Myletum: if greater ransom be demanded, it must be my life: which [if it be your will] shall forth with be sacrificed, notwithstanding, in such cruelty, Diana's Temple shall be profaned, before whose Altar, I received my wound from the eyes of fair Pieria: but holding it unpossible, that a stony heart may be enemy to so many Graces as live in your face: I Balm my wounds, with hope that I kiss your gracious hand: & that your answer will return an acceptance of service.  
He, whose heart waighteth on your beauty. PHRIGIUS.  
THis Letter sealed and subscribed: To fair Pieria, Triumph after victory: was delivered unto a trusty Messenger: who (having safe-conduct, to pass through both the Armies) in good hour, arrived at Prince Pythes Palace: and in the presence of her mother & other friends reverently kissing the same, delivered Pieria, with Phrigius loving commendations, his letter. Who so in the spring-time, in one moment had seen rain and sunshine, might again behold the like change in Pieria's troubled countenance: who found no less joy in reading the letter, than cause of wonder, in beholding the superscription, who (by the consent of Diana, to bring peace into Myletum) was by love, with the self same Arrow, and at one instant wounded in as deep affection, as Phrigius: notwithstanding, bound to no desire so much, as to the direction of her parents, she showed them this letter: who weary of the wars, and embracing this mean of peace, after they had advisedly considered the contents: to comfort Phrigius, without injury to Pieria's chaste behaviour in her name, they returned this answer.  
pieria's answer to Phrigius Letter.  
SIr Phrigius, I received your Letter, & as I confess, that your praises so far pass my merit, as I wonder at the error of your judgement: so, I doubt whether so honourable a parsonage, as your Lordship, can yield your service to so mean a Lady: or if love were of that power, whether you would obey, to be servant to her, whose Fathers rival, your parents, and you are: but on the other part: I entertain a faint hope, that you are not so much enemy to your honour, as to leave in your adversaries possession, a monument of Dissimulation: upon which warrant, and your free offer of service: I bind you, by a courteous request, to endeavour to conclude a speedy peace: that I may without danger of hostility repair to Diana's Temple: in compassing of which gracious league, you shall receive great glory: the country much quiet, and I whom you wish such welfare, shall be bound to do you any honourable favour.  
Pieria of Myos.  
This answer sealed, and subscribed, To my Lord Phrigius: delivered by the hands, and blessed with the loving countenance of Pieria, was returned to Phrigius, by his own messenger: who, after he had read and reread this Letter, (not for that the Contents gave him any assurance of love: but for because, they commanded an employment of service) he comforted his spirit, with hope, that his endeavour in this charge, should both reave all doubt of dissimulation, by him, and smooth pieria's Brow, of Chaste disdain: and to further a happy end of the Country's calamity. In the beginning of Phrigius contentment, Lord Miletus had so dealt in these affairs, as in short time Duke Nebeus, and Prince Pythes came to parley of peace: and while the counsels of either part, considered upon the Articles of agreement, safe-conduct of Tratick was given to the inhabitants of either City.  
How sweet the friendly encounters, of these ancient enemies were: is the office of him, that hath been scourged with wars: 
The virtue of Peace.  who, though they were but in the estate of reprieved men, yet the hope of assured peace lightened their hearts of former sorrow, and replenished the place with gladness.  
Fair Pieria, now safely repaired to the Altars of Diana: and Phrigus, more of desire, to salute his Mistress, then of zeal to sacrifice, to Chastity: feigned many devotions, to visit her Temple: where these Lovers, for the reverence they bore to the place, forbore to encounter in any speech of love: yet if Diana, would have published their thoughts, she should have confessed, that the most devotionate of them both, in their hearts, honoured juno, in the eye of her own Image and altars. But Diana, though she be the Sovereign of single Nymphs: yet is she friend to juno, and the chaste Married: and only enemy, to Venus and the wanton sort: so that she took in worth, this light trespass: yea, held herself honoured, that her sacred Temple, should be the original cause of Myletum and Myos peace and amity: and the end of their ancient envy, and enmity. Wherefore, to conclude the begun agreement, she sent Concord and Charity, to chain up grudge and dissension.  
Duke Nebeus and Prince Pythes, freed from the vexation of these furies, with affable and friendly entertainment, reasoned of their affairs: and while the Parents parled of their common profit: the children, upon lawful opportunities, devised of their private loves: but yet with such a dutiful regard of their friends consent, that although their hearts were linked together, by free choice, the clapping of hands was referred to the foresight of Parents: who burying former injuries, in the cave of oblivion, made an Edict of Amity, sealed, 
The power of virtuous love.  & strengthened, with the marriage of Phrygius and Pieria, Heirs of either's renown and dignity. Behold here the work of love, grafted in the honourable hearts of the virtuous. The wrath and storms of war, is turned to calm and temperate peace: the blossoms of enmity are altered into fruits of amity: and the root of malice grown to the tree of pity. The Nobles in honour of this marriage, lavished out their treasure, in all their triumphs and shows to be in good equipage. The meaner Gentlemen, by exceeding cost, learned by experience, how afterward to spare. The Citizens with gifts of great imprize, presented their dutiful affections. The learned eternised this marriage peace, in tables of memory. The Clergy song Hymns of joy, the common people rung the Bells, and every sort showed some token of delight. So that Phrigius and Pieria, after the deaths of their aged fathers, were crowned with the dignities of Myletum and Myos, and all their happy life, were honoured with these acclamations of their subjects. Live, blessed Princes: the appeasers of jupiters' wrath, by whom War, the Monster of humanity, is fast chained: and peace the sovereign of moral virtues, Triumpheth in the Capitals of jonia: live blessed princes, and long enjoy the hearts of your subjects: In your virtues who have multiplied wealth, and to do you service are ready to spend their lives.  
This zeal and reverence of their subjects, Phrigius and Pieria many years possessed, between whom there was such equality in disposition, as fortune knew not, by any accident of joy, or mischance, how to sever their desires. And when the time came, that the heavens (envying the glory of the earth) in possessing this divine couple, charged nature to render their right. Who obeying the will of jove, sent sickness to summon both Phrigius and Pieria, and licenced death to do his worst. And (as there yet remaineth an opinion in Miletum) as their loves began in one hour, so their lives ended in one moment: whose spirits Metamorphosed into white Turthes, took their flight towards that heavenly Paradise. Where I wish all faithful lovers, & this lovely company, abiding places.  
signor Philoxenus, by the virtue of this days exercise, the only travel of his learned wit, so raised the hearts of the company, with the desire of Marriage, that Lucia Bella, who, in the beginning of Christmas, was determined to have been a vestal Nun, now confessed that they were enemies to Nature, & not worthy the society of men, which scandalized, or scorned this sacred institution. The rest of this honourable company, by plausible speeches, confirmed Lucia Bellas opinion, or by silence showed a willing consent. And to conclude the exercise, (quoth Queen Aurelia,) signor Philoxenus, your sweet virtues, have described so divine a Paradise, as our souls cannot but long after this holy institution, and our hearts honour your perfections, by whose bounty this company is not only highly entertained, but by your most precious treasures richly enriched. Madam (quoth he) the virtue you speak of, belongeth to marriage: the benefit to this gracious assembly: and the bare words, to Phyloxenus. Such bare words (quoth Fabritio) deserve to be registered among the life deeds of memory. Upon this judgement, Queen Aurelia arose, and the company performing the office of reverent courtesy, returned into the great chamber to salute some other of the New years Pleasures.   

¶ The Device of a stately show, and Mask, the seventh night, by signor Philoxenus, to honour Queen Aurelia, and the other Ladies and Gentlewomen.  
Upon New years day at night, about nine of the Clock, in an enclosed place in the great hall: after Queen Aurelia, and her chosen attendants, had danced certain solemn Almains, appeared a high Mountain, the Forrtestery whereof was of fair Bay trees, Pomegranate, Lemons, Oranges, Date trees, and other fruits of most pleasure: among the Mossy rocks appeared Snails, Lysards, Moles, frogs, grasshoppers, and such like unvenomed vermin, and by the fountains which run aslant the side of the Mountain, Lions, unicorns, Elephants, Chameleons, Camels, and other beasts of honour, as if they were appointed by Nature, to guard those sacred streams, from being troubled with the rascal multitude of cattle, which domestical desert was perfected with such art, as nature confessed her excellent cunning to be vanquished by man's industry. This Mountain which resembled some wilderness in Arabia, dewed with the pleasant springs of Africa, by a still motion, removed towards the upper end of the Hall, into the full presence of Queen Aurelia, and the most stately company. In the midst of this Mountain was an Arbour of sweet Eglantine, intercoursed with Roses, and fully shadowed with the spreading branches of the purples Vine: in which upon a stately throne sat Diana attired all in white, and at her feet were the nine Muses, clothed in several colours, according to their several qualities, sounding heavenly harmony, both with voice and instrument: out of this arbour sprang a bay tree, in which was the Hyen, which at pleasure being both Male and Female, expressed the full power of virtue: who though she hath the form and habit of a woman, yet is her essential substance compounded of both kinds. At the foot of this hill was the Monster Envy armed with fire and sword, to hinder their passage, which adventured to climb the Mount: a Forest Nymph clad all in Flowers, in a short speech declared, that Diana and the Muses, who in the golden age had their Palaces in the Forests, Mountains and Rivers of pleasure, throughout the whole world: now by the injury of time, were driven to their Sanctuary of Parnassus, at the foot whereof the Monster Euny kept, to hinder the passages of such as attempted with their renown, to set those Ladies at liberty: who hearing by Fame, the glory of this honourable company, were arrived by hope, that the virtue of some of the troop, should redeem them from captivity, and therefore, she summoned the knights present, to make trial of their valours, and the Ladies of their virtues: which said, she retired back into the mountain: the gentlemen and ladies, having a cunning foreknowledge of the intent of this show armed themselves, with sundry attempts to overcome this monster. Soranso, Dondolo, Ismarito, & Faliero, drew their rapiers, & assailed Envy, but dry blows availed not, so that they were conquered, & committed to the jail of Tediousness. Maria Belochie, Franceschina Sancta, Lucia Bella, Helena Dulce, and other Ladies, and damosels, endeavoured to charm him, with the sweet sound, and heavenly impressions of Music. But Envy more wary than Argus, and less pitiful than the torments of hell: the first whereof, was overcome with Inachus Oaten Pipe: the other moved to ruth with Orpheus passionate Music (to show himself composed of all the venom of hell) could not be conquered, by the sharp swords of the knights, nor would not be entreated with the sugared harmony of the fair Ladies: but amidst this Monsters Triumphs, there was a voice heard in the Mountain: Non vi, sed virtute: whereupon, Queen Aurelia, with a Mirror, devised by signor Philoxenus, peaceably made towards Envy, which monster, presuming of his force, lifted his Club against this virtuous Dame: who, by the reflections of the Concave Superficies, of this Mirror, daunted with the fear of his own weapon, imagining that he struck himself, recoiled back with such haste, as he fell down: whereupon, signor Philoxenus, feasing on his club, 
Envy is murdered with his own weapon  and laying him on therewith, and: As Phallaris did to Perillus: die with the weapon thou preparest for other.  
In triumph of this glorious victory, Diana sent down the Nymph Chlora, to salute Queen Aurelia, with this Present: which was a shield, wherein was quartered, four several honours.  

The first. VERT: A looking Glass of Crystal.  
The second. AZURE: A pair of Balance Argent.  
The third. OR: A Pillar of Porphier.  
The fourth. ARGENT: A standing cup of Ruby Rock.   
The Mules themselves came also down, and crowned her with a garland of Roses, parted, perpale, Argent and Gules: and electing her for their Sovereign, to comfort the five Knights that were discomfited by Envy, two and two leading a Knight between them, danced a stately Almaigne of xv. which ended: they bestowed a favour, and certain Latin verses, upon every one of the Knights: and returned unto their Mount. The silver pen, and verses delivered by uranie to Ismarito, standing in the forefront of this book: the rest for that they were proper unto themselves, and impertinent for this matter, I omit: By this time, the Cock was ready to sing his midnight song: and the company (fully satisfied with pleasure) departed unto their lodgings, to spend the rest of the night in contemplation and sleep.    
FINIS.  

AT LONDON Printed by Richard johnes, at the sign of the Rose and Crown, near Holborn Bridge. 1593.  
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