The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5)

by Giovanni Boccaccio

  _Three young Gentlemen, being brethren, and having spent all theirLands and possessions vainely, became poore. A Nephew of theirs(falling almost into as desperate a condition) became acquaintedwith an Abbot, whom he afterward found to be the King of_ Englands_Daughter, and made him her Husband in marriage, recompencing all hisUncles losses, and seating them againe in good estate._

  The third Novell.

  _Wherein is declared the dangers of Prodigalitie, and the manifoldmutabilities of Fortune._

  The fortunes of _Rinaldo de Este_, being heard by the Ladies andGentlemen, they admired his happinesse, and commended his devotionto Saint _Julian_, who (in such extreame necessity) sent him so goodsuccour. Nor was the Lady to be blamed, for leaving base liberty, andconverting to the chaste embraces of the marriage bed, the dignityof womens honour, and eternall disgrace living otherwise. While thusthey descanted on the happy night betweene her and _Rinaldo_, Madam_Pampinea_ sitting next to _Philostratus_, considering, that herdiscourse must follow in order, and thinking on what shee was to say;the Queene had no sooner sent out her command, but shee being no lessefaire then forward, beganne in this manner.

  Ladies of great respect, the more we conferre on the accidents ofFortune, so much the more remaineth to consider on her mutabilities,wherein there is no need of wonder, if discreetly we observe, thatall such things as we fondly tearme to be our owne, are in her power,and so (consequently) change from one to another, without any stayor arrest (according to her concealed judgement) or setled order (atleast) that can bee knowne to us. Now, although these things appearethus daily to us, even apparantly in all occasions, and as hath beenediscerned by some of our precedent discourses; yet notwithstanding,seeing it pleaseth the Queene, that our arguments should ayme at theseends, I will adde to the former tales another of my owne, perhaps notunprofitable for the hearers, nor unpleasing in observation.

  Sometime heeretofore, there dwelt in our Citie, a Knight named Signior_Thebaldo_, who (according as some report) issued from the Family of_Lamberti_, but others derive him of the _Agolanti_; guiding (perhaps)their opinion heerein, more from the traine of children, belongingto the saide _Thebaldo_ (evermore equall to that of the _Agolanti_)then any other matter else. But setting aside, from which of thesetwo houses he came, I say, that in his time he was a very welthyKnight, & had three Sonnes; the first being named _Lamberto_, thesecond _Thebaldo_, & the third _Agolanto_, all goodly and gracefullyouths: howbeit, the eldest had not compleated eighteene yeares, whenSignior _Thebaldo_ the father deceased, who left them all his goodsand inheritances. And they, seeing them selves rich in readie moniesand revennewes, without any other government then their owne voluntarydisposition, kept no restraint upon their expences, but maintained manyservants, and store of unvalewable horses, beside Hawkes and Hounds,with open house for all commers; and not onely all delights else fitfor Gentlemen, but what vanities beside best agreed with their wantonand youthfull appetites.

  Not long had they run on this race, but the treasures lefte them bytheir Father, began greatly to diminish; and their revennewes suffisednot, to support such lavish expences as they had begun: but they fellto engaging and pawning their inheritances, selling one to day, andanother to morrow, so that they saw themselves quickly come to nothing,and then poverty opened their eyes, which prodigality had beforeclosed up. Heereupon, _Lamberto_ (on a day) calling his Brethren tohim, shewed them what the honours of their Father had beene, to whatheight his wealth amounted, and now to what an ebbe of poverty it wasfalne, onely thorow their inordinate expences. Wherefore hee counselledthem, (as best he could) before further misery insulted over them; tomake sale of the small remainder that was left, and then to betakethemselves unto some other abiding, where fairer Fortune might chanceto shine uppon them.

  This advice prevailed with them; and so, without taking leave of anybody, or other solemnity then closest secrecy, they departed from_Florence_, not tarrying in any place untill they were arrived in_England_. Comming to the City of London, and taking there a smallhouse upon yearly rent, living on so little charge as possible mightbe, they began to lend out money at use: wherein Fortune was sofavourable to them, that (in few yeares) they had gathered a greatsumme of mony: by means whereof it came to passe, that one while oneof them, and afterward another, returned backe againe to _Florence_:where, with those summes, a great part of their inheritances wereredeemed, and many other bought beside. Linking themselves in marriage,and yet continuing their usances in England; they sent a Nephew oftheirs thither, named _Alessandro_, a yong man, and of faire demeanour,to maintaine their stocke in employment: while they three remainedstill at _Florence_, and growing forgetful of their former misery, fellagaine into as unreasonable expences as ever, never respecting theirhoushold charges, because they had good credite among the Merchants,and the monies still sent from _Alessandro_, supported their expencesdivers yeares.

  The dealings of _Alessandro_ in England grew very great, for hee lentout much money to many Gentlemen, Lords, and Barons of the Land, uponengagement of their Manours, Castles, and other revennues: from whencehe derived immeasurable benefite. While the three Brethren held onin their lavish expences, borrowing moneys when they wanted untilltheir supplyes came from England, whereon (indeede) was their onelydependance: it fortuned, that (contrary to the opinion of al men)warre happened betweene the King of England, and one of his sonnes,which occasioned much trouble in the whole Countrey, by taking parton either side, some with the Sonne, and other with the Father. Inregard whereof, those Castles and places pawned to _Alessandro_, weresodainely seized from him, nothing then remaining that returned him anyprofit. But living in hope day by day, that peace would be concludedbetweene the Father and the Sonne, he never doubted, but all thingsthen should be restored to him, both the principall and interest, &therefore he would not depart out of the Country.

  The three Brethren at _Florence_, bounding within no limites theirdisordered spending, borrowed daily more and more. And after some fewyeares, the Creditors seeing no effect of their hopes to come from them,all credit being lost with them, and no repayment of promised dues;they were imprisoned, their landes and all they had, not suffising topay the moity of debts, but their bodies remained in prison for therest, theyr Wives and yong children being sent thence, some to onevillage, some to another, so that nothing now was to be expected, butpoverty & misery of life forever.

  As for honest _Alessandro_, who had awaited long time for peace inEngland, perceyving there was no likelyhood of it; and consideringalso, that (beside his tarrying there in vaine to recover his dues)he was in danger of his life; without any further deferring, heeset away for _Italy_. It came to passe, that as he issued foorth of_Bruges_, hee saw a yong Abbot also journeying thence, being cloathedin white, accompanied with divers Monkes, and a great traine before,conducting the needefull carriage. Two ancient Knights, Kinsmen to theKing, followed after, with whom _Alessandro_ acquainted himselfe, ashaving formerly known them, and was kindly accepted into their company._Alessandro_ riding along with them, courteously requested to know,what those Monks were that rode before, and such a traine attending onthem? Whereto one of the Knights thus answered.

  He that rideth before, is a yong Gentleman, and our Kinsman, who isnewly elected Abbot of one of the best Abbeyes in England; & because heis more yong in yeares, then the decrees for such a dignity doe allow,we travaile with him to _Rome_, to entreat our Holy Father, that hisyouth may be dispensed withall, and he confirmed in the sayd dignity;but hee is not to speake a word to any person. On rode this new Abbot,sometimes before his traine, and other whiles after, as we see greatLords use to do, when they ride upon the High-wayes.

  It chanced on a day, that _Alessandro_ rode somewhat neere to theAbbot, who stedfastly beholding him, perceived that he was a veriecomely young man, so affable, lovely, and gracious, that even inthis first encounter, he hadde never seene any man before, thatbetter pleased him. Calling him a little closer, he began to conferrefamiliarly with him, demanding what he was, whence he cam
e, and whetherhe travelled. _Alessandro_ imparted freely to him all his affaires, inevery thing satisfying his demands, and offering (although his powerwas small) to doe him all the service he could.

  When the Abbot had heard his gentle answers, so wisely & discreetlydelivered, considering also (more particularly) his commendablecariage; he tooke him to be (at the least) a well-borne Gentleman, andfar differing from his owne logger-headed traine. Wherefore, takingcompassion on his great misfortunes, he comforted him very kindly,wishing him to live alwayes in good hope. For, if hee were vertuous andhonest, he should surely attaine to the seate from whence Fortune hadthrowne him, or rather much higher. Entreating him also, that seeing hejournied towards _Tuscany_, as he himselfe did the like, to continuestill (if he pleased) in his company. _Alessandro_ most humbly thankedhim for such gracious comfort; protesting, that he would be alwaiesready, to doe whatsoever he commanded.

  The Abbot riding on, with newer crochets in his braine, then hee hadbefore the sight of _Alessandro_; it fortuned, that after divers dayesof travaile, they came to a small countrey Village, which affoordedlittle store of lodging, and yet the Abbot would needs lye there._Alessandro_, being well acquainted with the Host of the house, willedhim, to provide for the Abbot and his people, and then to lodge himwhere hee thought meetest. Now, before the Abbots comming thither,the Harbinger that marshalled all such matters, had provided for histraine in the Village, some in one place, and others elsewhere, in thebest manner that the Towne could yeelde. But when the Abbot had supt, agreat part of the night being spent, and every one else at his rest;_Alessandro_ demaunded of the Host, what provision he had made for him;and how hee should be lodged that night?

  In good sadnesse Sir (quoth the Host) you see that my house is full ofGuests, so that I and my people, must gladly sleepe on the tables &benches: Neverthelesse, next adjoining to my Lord Abbots Chamber, thereare certaine Corn-lofts, whether I can closely bring you, and makingshift there with a slender Pallet-bed, it may serve for one night,insted of a better. But mine Host (quoth _Alessandro_) how can I passethorow my Lords Chamber, which is so little, as it would not alloweLodging for any of his Monkes? If I had remembred so much (said theHost) before the Curtaines were drawne, I could have lodgd his Monkesin those Corn-lofts, and then both you and I might have slept where nowthey do. But feare you not, my Lords Curtaines are close drawne, heesleepeth (no doubt) soundly, and I can conveigh you thither quietlyenough, without the least disturbance to him, and a Pallet-bed shalbe fitted there for you. _Alessandro_ perceyving, that all this mightbee easilie done, and no disease offered to the Abbot, accepted itwillingly, & went thither without any noyse at all.

  My Lord Abbot, whose thoughtes were so busied about amorous desires,that no sleepe at all could enter his eyes; heard all this talkebetweene the Host and _Alessandro_, and also where hee was appointedto lodge, wherefore he sayd to himselfe. Seeing Fortune hath fitted mewith a propitious time, to compasse the happines of my hearts desire;I know no reason why I should refuse it. Perhaps, I shall never havethe like offer againe, or ever be enabled with such an opportunity.So, being fully determined to prosecute his intention, and perswadinghimselfe also, that the silence of night had bestowed sleepe on all therest; with a lowe and trembling voyce, he called _Alessandro_, advisinghim to come and lye downe by him, which (after some few faint excuses)he did, and putting off his cloaths, lay downe by the Abbot, being nota little prowde of so gracious a favour.

  The Abbot, laying his arme over the others body, began to imbrace andhugge him; even as amorous friends (provoked by earnest affection)use to do. Whereat _Alessandro_ very much marvayling, and being an_Italian_ himselfe, fearing least this folly in the Abbot, wouldconvert to foule and dishonest action, shrunk modestly from him. Whichthe Abbot perceiving, and doubting, least _Alessandro_ would departand leave him, pleasantly smiling, and with bashfull behaviour, baringhis stomack, he tooke _Alessandroes_ hand, and laying it thereon,saide; _Alessandro_, let all bad thoughts of bestiall abuse be farreoff from thee, and feele here, to resolve thee from all such feare._Alessandro_ feeling the Abbots brest, found there two pretty littlemountainets, round, plumpe, and smooth, appearing as if they had beeneof polished Ivory; whereby he perceived, that the Abbot was a woman:which, setting an edge on his youthfull desires, made him fall toembracing, and immediately he offered to kisse her; but shee somewhatrudely repulsing him, as halfe offended, saide.

  _Alessandro_, forbeare such boldnesse, upon thy lives perill, andbefore thou further presume to touch me, understand what I shall tellthee. I am (as thou perceivest) no man, but a woman; and departinga Virgin from my Fathers House, am travelling towards the Popesholinesse, to the end that he should bestow me in mariage. But theother day, when first I beheld thee, whether it proceeded from thyhappinesse in fortune, or the fatall houre of my owne infelicity forever, I know not; I conceived such an effectuall kinde of likingtowards thee, as never did woman love a man more truly, then I doethee, having sworne within my soule to make thee my Husband before anyother; and if thou wilt not accept mee as thy wife, set a locke uponthy lippes concerning what thou hast heard, and depart hence to thineowne bed againe.

  No doubt, but that these were strange newes to _Alessandro_, and seemedmeerely as a miracle to him. What shee was, he knew not, but in regardof her traine and company, hee reputed her to be both noble and rich,as also shee was wonderfull faire and beautifull. His owne fortunesstood out of future expectation by his kinsmens overthrow, and hisgreat losses in _England_; wherefore, upon an opportunity so fairelyoffered, hee held it no wisedome to returne refusall, but accepted hergracious motion, and referred all to her disposing. Shee arising out ofher bed, called him to a little Table standing by, where hung a faireCrucifix upon the wall; before which, and calling him to witnesse, thatsuffered such bitter and cruell torments on his Crosse, putting a Ringupon his finger, there she faithfully espoused him, refusing all theWorld, to be onely his: which being on either side confirmed solemnely,by an holy vow, and chaste kisses; shee commanded him backe to hisChamber, and shee returned to her bed againe, sufficiently satisfiedwith her Loves acceptation, and so they journied on till they came to_Rome_.

  When they had rested themselves there for some few dayes, the supposedAbbot, with the two Knights, and none else in company but _Alessandro_,went before the Pope, and having done him such reverence as beseemed,the Abbot began to speake in this manner.

  Holy Father (as you know much better then any other) every one thatdesireth to live well and vertuously, ought to shunne (so farre asin them lieth) all occasions that may induce to the contrary. To theende therefore, that I (who desire nothing more) then to live withinthe compasse of a vertuous conversation, may perfect my hopes in thisbehalfe: I have fled from my Fathers Court, and am come hither in thishabite as you see, to crave therein your holy and fatherly furtherance.I am daughter to the King of _England_, and have sufficiently furnishedmy selfe with some of his treasures, that your holinesse may bestowme in marriage; because mine unkind Father, never regarding my youthand beauty (inferior to few in my native Country) would marry me tothe King of _North-wales_, an aged, impotent, and sickly man. Yet letme tell your sanctity, that his age and weakenesse hath not so muchoccasioned my flight, as feare of mine owne youth and frailety; whenbeing married to him, instead of loyall and unstained life, lewd anddishonest desires might make me to wander, by breaking the divine Lawesof wedlocke, and abusing the royall blood of my Father.

  As I travailed hither with this vertuous intention, our Lord, whoonely knoweth perfectly, what is best fitting for all his creatures;presented mine eyes (no doubt in his meere mercy and goodnesse) witha man meete to be my husband, which (pointing to _Alessandro_) isthis young Gentleman standing by me, whose honest, vertuous, andcivill demeanour, deserveth a Lady of farre greater worth, although(perhaps) nobility in blood be denied him, and may make him seeme notso excellent, as one derived from Royall discent. Holy and religiousvowes have past betweene us both, and the Ring on his finger, is thefirme pledge of my faith
and constancie; never to accept any other manin marriage, but him onely, although my Father, or any else doe dislikeit. Wherefore (holy Father) the principall cause of my comming hither,being already effectually concluded on, I desire to compleat the restof my pilgrimage, by visiting the sanctified places in this City,whereof there are great plenty; And also, that sacred marriage, beingcontracted in the presence of God onely, betweene _Alessandro_ and myselfe, may by you be publiquely confirmed, and in an open congregation.For, seeing God hath so appointed it, and our soules have so solemnelyvowed it, that no disaster whatsoever can alter it: you being Godsvicar here on earth, I hope will not gaine-say, but confirme it withyour fatherly benediction, that wee may live in Gods feare, and dye inhis favour.

  Perswade your selves (faire Ladies) that _Alessandro_ was in no meaneadmiration, when hee heard, that his wife was daughter to the King of_England_; unspeakeable joy (questionlesse) wholly overcame him: butthe two Knights were not a little troubled and offended, at such astrange and unexpected accident, yea, so violent were their passions,that had they beene any where else, then in the Popes presence,_Alessandro_ had felt their fury, and (perhaps) the Princesse her selfetoo. On the other side, the Pope was much amazed, at the habite shewent disguised in, and likewise at the election of her husband; but,perceiving there was no resistance to be made against it, hee yeeldedthe more willingly to satisfie her desire. And therefore, having firstcomforted the two Knights, and made peace betweene them, the Princesseand _Alessandro_; he gave order for the rest that was to be done.

  When the appointed day for the solemnity was come, hee caused thePrincesse (cloathed in most rich and royall garments) to appeare beforeall the Cardinals, and many other great persons then in presence, whowere come to this worthy Feast, which hee had caused purposely to beprepared, where she seemed so faire & goodly a Lady, that every eye washighly delighted to behold her, commending her with no mean admiration.In like manner was _Alessandro_ greatly honoured by the two Knights,being most sumptuous in appearance, and not like a man that had lentmoney to usury, but rather of very royall quality; the Pope himselfecelebrating the marriage betweene them, which being finished, withthe most magnificent pompe that could be devised, hee gave them hisbenediction, and licenced their departure thence.

  _Alessandro_, his Princesse and her traine thus leaving _Rome_, theywould needes visite _Florence_, where the newes of this accident was(long before) noysed, and they received by the Citizens in royallmanner. There did shee deliver the three brethren out of prison,having first payed all their debts, and reseated them againe (withtheir wives) in their former inheritances and possessions. Afterward,departing from _Florence_, and _Agolanto_, one of the Uncles travailingwith them to _Paris_; they were there also most honourably entertainedby the King of _France_. From whence the two Knights went beforefor _England_, and prevailed so succesfully with the King; that heereceived his daughter into grace and favour, as also his Sonne in lawher husband, to whom hee gave the order of Knighthoode, and (for hisgreater dignitie) created him Earle of _Cornewall_.

  And such was the noble Spirit of _Alessandro_, that he pacified thetroubles betweene the King and his sonne, whereon ensued great comfortto the Kingdome, winning the love and favour of all the people; and_Agolanto_ (by the meanes of _Alessandro_) recovered all that wasdue to him and his brethren in _England_, returning richly home to_Florence_, Counte _Alessandro_ (his kinsman) having first dubd himKnight. Longtime hee lived in peace and tranquility, with the fairePrincesse his wife, proving to be so absolute in wisedome, and sofamous a Souldier; that (as some report) by assistance of his Fatherin law, hee conquered the Realme of _Ireland_, and was crowned Kingthereof.