The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5)

by Giovanni Boccaccio

  Bernardo, _a Merchant of_ Geneway, _being deceived by another Merchant,named_ Ambroginolo, _lost a great part of his goods. And commanding hisinnocent Wife to be murthered, shee escaped, and (in the habite of aman) became servant to the Soldane. The deceiver being found at last,shee compassed such meanes, that her Husband_ Bernardo _came into_Alexandria, _and there, after due punishment inflicted on the falsedeceiver, shee resumed the garments againe of a woman, and returnedhome with her Husband to_ Geneway.

  The ninth Novell.

  _Wherein is declared, that by over-liberall commending the chastity ofWomen, it falleth out (oftentimes) to be very dangerous, especially bythe meanes of treacherers, who yet (in the ende) are justly punishedfor their treachery._

  Madam _Eliza_ having ended her compassionate discourse, which indeedehad moved all the rest to sighing; the Queene, who was faire, comelyof stature, and carrying a very majesticall countenance, smiling morefamiliarly then the other, spake to them thus. It is very necessary,that the promise made to _Dioneus_, should carefully be kept, andbecause now there remaineth none, to report any more Novelse, but onelyhe and my selfe: I must first deliver mine, and he (who takes it for anhonour) to be the last in relating his owne, last let him be for hisowne deliverance. Then pausing a little while, thus shee began againe.Many times among vulgar people, it hath passed as a common Proverbe:That the deceiver is often trampled on, by such as he hath deceived.And this cannot shew it selfe (by any reason) to be true, except suchaccidents as awaite on treachery, doe really make a just discoverythereof. And therefore according to the course of this day observed, Iam the woman, that must make good what I have saide for the approbationof that Proverbe; no way (I hope) distastfull to you in the hearing,but advantageable to preserve you from any such beguiling.

  There was a faire and good Inne in _Paris_, much frequented by manygreat _Italian_ Merchants, according to such variety of occasions andbusinesse, as urged their often resorting thither. One night among manyother, having had a merry Supper together, they began to discourse ondivers matters, and falling from one relation to another; they communedin very friendly manner, concerning their wives, lefte at home intheir houses. Quoth the first, I cannot well imagine what my wife isnow doing, but I am able to say for my selfe, that if a pretty femaleshould fall into my company: I could easily forget my love to my wife,and make use of such an advantage offered.

  A second replyed; And trust me, I should do no lesse, because I amperswaded, that if my wife be willing to wander, the law is in her ownehand, and I am farre enough from home: dumbe walles blab no tales, &offences unknowne are sildome or never called in question. A thirde manjumpt in censure, with his former fellowes of the Jury; and it plainlyappeared, that al the rest were of the same opinion, condemning theirwives over-rashly, and alledging, that when husbands strayed so farfrom home, their wives had wit enough to make use of their time.

  Onely one man among them all, named _Bernardo Lomellino_, & dwellingin _Geneway_, maintained the contrary; boldly avouching, that by theespeciall favour of Fortune, he had a wife so perfectly compleat inal graces and vertues, as any Lady in the world possibly could be,and that _Italy_ scarsely contained her equall. For, she was goodlyof person, and yet very young, quicke, quaint, milde, and courteous,and not any thing appertaining to the office of a wife, either fordomesticke affayres, or any other imployment whatsoever, but inwoman-hoode shee went beyond all other. No Lord, Knight, Esquire, orGentleman, could bee better served at his table, then himselfe daylywas, with more wisedome, modesty and discretion. After all this, heepraised her for riding, hawking, hunting, fishing, fowling, reading,writing, enditing, and most absolute keeping his Bookes of accounts,that neither himselfe, or any other Merchant could therein excell her.After infinite other commendations, he came to the former point oftheir argument, concerning the easie falling of women into wantonnesse,maintaining (with a solemne oath) that no woman possibly could be morechaste and honest then she: in which respect, he was verily perswaded,that if he stayed from her ten yeares space, yea (all his life time)out of his house; yet never would shee falsifie her faith to him, or belewdly allured by any other man.

  Among these Merchants thus communing together, there was a young properman, named _Ambroginolo_ of _Placentia_, who began to laugh at thelast praises, which _Bernardo_ had used of his wife, and seeming tomake a mockerie thereat, demaunded, if the Emperour had given him thispriviledge, above all other married men? _Bernardo_ being somewhatoffended, answered: No Emperour hath done it, but the especiallblessing of heaven, exceeding all the Emperours on the earth in grace,and thereby have received this favour; whereto _Ambroginolo_ presentlythus replied. _Bernardo_, without all question to the contrary, Ibeleeve that what thou hast said, is true, but, for ought I canperceive, thou hast slender judgement in the nature of things: because,if thou didst observe them well, thou couldst not be of so grosseunderstanding; for, by comprehending matters in their true kinde andnature, thou wouldst speake of them more correctly then thou doest. Andto the end, thou mayest not imagine, that wee who have spoken of ourwives, doe thinke any otherwise of them, then as well and honestly asthou canst of thine, nor that any thing elsee did urge these speeches ofthem, or falling into this kinde of discourse, but onely by a naturallinstinct and admonition; I will proceede familiarly a little furtherwith thee, upon the matter already propounded.

  I have ever more understood, that man was the most noble creature,formed by God to live in this world, and woman in the next degreeto him: but man, as generally is beleeved, and as is discerned byapparant effects, is the most perfect of both. Having then the mostperfection in him, without all doubt, he must be so much the more firmeand constant. So in like manner, it hath beene, and is universallygraunted, that woman is more various and mutable, and the reasonthereof may be approved, by many naturall circumstances, which wereneedlesse now to make any mention of. If a man then be possessed of thegreater stability, and yet cannot containe himselfe from condiscending,I say not to one that entreates him, but to desire any other that mayplease him, and beside, to covet the enjoying of his owne pleasingcontentment (a thing not chancing to him once in a moneth, but infinitetimes in a dayes space.) What can you then conceive of a fraile woman,subject (by nature) to entreaties, flatteries, gifts, perswasions,and a thousand other enticing meanes, which a man (that is affectedto her) can use? Doest thou think then that shee hath any power tocontaine? Assuredly, though thou shouldst rest so resolved, yet cannotI be of the same opinion. For I am sure thou beleevest, and must needesconfesse it, that thy wife is a woman, made of flesh and blood, asother women are: if it be so, shee cannot be without the same desires,and the weakenesse or strength as other women have, to resist suchnaturall appetites as her owne are. In regard whereof, it is meerelyimpossible (although shee be most honest) but she must needs do thatwhich other women do; for there is nothing elsee possible, either to bedenied or affirmed to the contrary, as thou most unadvisedly hast done.

  _Bernardo_ answered in this manner. I am a Merchant, and noPhilosopher, and like a Merchant I meane to answere thee. I am not tolearne, that these accidents by thee related, may happen to fooles, whoare void of understanding or shame: but such as are wise, and enduedwith vertue, have alwayes such a precious esteeme of their honour,that they will containe those principles of constancie, which men aremeerely carelesse of, and I justifie my wife to be one of them. Beleeveme _Bernardo_ (replied _Ambroginolo_) if so often as thy wives mindeis addicted to wanton folly, a badge of scorne should arise on thyforehead, to render testimonie of her female frailty; I beleeve thenumber of them would be more, then willingly you would wish them to be.And among all married men, in every degree, the notes are so secretof their wives imperfections, that the sharpest sight is not ableto discerne them; and the wiser sort of men are willing not to knowthem; because shame and losse of honour is never imposed, but in casesevident and apparant.

  Perswade thy selfe then _Bernardo_, that, what women may accomplishin secret, they will rarely faile to doe: or if they abs
taine, itis through feare and folly. Wherefore, hold it for a certaine rule,that that woman is onely chaste, that never was solicited personally,or if she endured any such sute, either shee answered yea, or no.And albeit I know this to be true, by many infallible and naturallreasons, yet could I not speake so exactly as I doe; if I had not triedexperimentally, the humours and affections of divers women. Yea, andlet me tell thee more _Bernardo_, were I in private company with thywife, howsoever pure and precise thou presumest her to be: I shouldaccount it a matter of no impossibility, to finde in her the selfe samefrailty.

  _Bernardoes_ blood began now to boile, and patience being a littleput downe by choller, thus hee replied. A combat of words requiresover-long continuance, for I maintaine the matter, which thou deniest,and all this sorts to nothing in the end. But seeing thou presumest,that all women are so apt and tractable, and thy selfe so confidentof thine owne power: I willingly yeeld (for the better assurance ofmy wifes constant loyalty) to have my head smitten off, if thou canstwinne her to any such dishonest act, by any meanes whatsoever thoucanst use unto her; which if thou canst not doe, thou shalt onely loosea thousand duckets of gold. Now began _Ambroginolo_ to be heated withthese words, answering thus. _Bernardo_, if I had won the wager, I knownot what I should doe with thy head; but if thou be willing to standupon the proofe, pawne downe five thousand Duckets of gold, (a matterof much lesse value then thy head) against a thousand Duckets of mine,granting me a lawfull limitted time, which I require to be no more thenthe space of three moneths, after the day of my departing hence. I willstand bound to goe for _Geneway_, and there winne such kinde consentof thy Wife, as shall be to mine owne consent. In witnesse whereof, Iwill bring backe with me such private and especiall tokens, as thouthy selfe shalt confesse that I have not failed. Provided, that thoudoe first promise upon thy faith, to absent thy selfe thence during mylimitted time, and be no hinderance to me by thy Letters, concerningthe attempt by me undertaken.

  _Bernardo_ saide, be it a bargaine, I am the man that will make goodmy five thousand Duckets; and albeit the other Merchants then present,earnestly laboured to breake the wager, knowing great harme must needsensue thereon: yet both the parties were so hot and fiery, as all theother men spake to no effect, but writings were made, sealed, anddelivered under either of their hands, _Bernardo_ remaining at _Paris_,and _Ambroginolo_ departing for _Geneway_. There he remained some fewdayes, to learne the streetes name where _Bernardo_ dwelt, as also theconditions and qualities of his Wife, which scarcely pleased him whenhe heard them; because they were farre beyond her Husbands relation,and shee reputed to be the onely wonder of women; whereby he plainelyperceived, that he had undertaken a very idle enterprise, yet would henot give it over so, but proceeded therein a little further.

  He wrought such meanes, that he came acquainted with a poore woman, whooften frequented _Bernardoes_ house, and was greatly in favour withhis wife; upon whose poverty he so prevailed, by earnest perswasions,but much more by large gifts of money, that he won her to further himin this manner following. A faire and artificiall Chest he caused tobe purposely made, wherein himselfe might be aptly contained, andso conveyed into the House of _Bernardoes_ Wife, under colour of aformall excuse; that the poore woman should be absent from the Citytwo or three dayes, and shee must keepe it safe till he returne. TheGentlewoman suspecting no guile, but that the Chest was the receptacleof all the womans wealth; would trust it in no other roome, then herowne Bed-chamber, which was the place where _Ambroginolo_ most desiredto bee.

  Being thus conveyed into the Chamber, the night going on apace, and theGentlewoman fast asleepe in her bed, a lighted Taper stood burning onthe Table by her, as in her Husbands absence shee ever used to have:_Ambroginolo_ softly opened the Chest, according as cunningly hee hadcontrived it; and stepping forth in his sockes made of cloath, observedthe scituation of the Chamber, the paintings, pictures, and beautifullhangings, with all things elsee that were remarkable, which perfectlyhe committed to his memory. Going neere to the bed, he saw her liethere sweetly sleeping, and her young Daughter in like manner by her,shee seeming then as compleate and pleasing a creature, as when sheewas attired in her best bravery. No especiall note or marke could heedescrie, whereof he might make credible report, but onely a small wartupon her left pappe, with some few haires growing thereon, appearing tobe as yellow as gold.

  Sufficient had he seene, and durst presume no further; but taking oneof her Rings, which lay upon the Table, a purse of hers, hanging by onthe wall, a light wearing Robe of silke, and her girdle, all which heput into the Chest; and being in himselfe, closed it fast as it wasbefore, so continuing there in the Chamber two severall nights, theGentlewoman neither mistrusting or missing any thing. The third daybeing come, the poore woman, according as formerly was concluded, cameto have home her Chest againe, and brought it safely into her ownehouse; where _Ambroginolo_ comming forth of it, satisfied the poorewoman to her own liking, returning (with all the forenamed things) sofast as conveniently he could to _Paris_.

  Being arrived there long before his limitted time, he called theMerchants together, who were present at the passed words and wager;avouching before _Bernardo_, that he had won his five thousand Duckets,and performed the taske he undertooke. To make good his protestation,first he described the forme of the Chamber, the curious pictureshanging about it, in what manner the bed stood, and every circumstanceelsee beside. Next he shewed the severall things, which he brought awaythence with him, affirming that he had received them of her selfe._Bernardo_ confessed, that his description of the Chamber was true,and acknowledged moreover, that these other things did belong to hisWife: But (quoth he) this may be gotten, by corrupting some servantof mine, both for intelligence of the Chamber, as also of the Ring,Purse, and what elsee is beside; all which suffice not to win the wager,without some other more apparant and pregnant token. In troth, answered_Ambroginolo_, me thinks these should serve for sufficient proofes; butseeing thou art so desirous to know more: I plainely tell thee, thatfaire _Genevra_ thy Wife, hath a small round wart upon her left pappe,and some few little golden haires growing thereon.

  When Bernardo heard these words, they were as so many stabs to hisheart, yea, beyond all compasse of patient sufferance, and by thechanging of his colour, it was noted manifestly, (being unable to utterone word) that _Ambroginolo_ had spoken nothing but the truth. Within awhile after, he saide; Gentlemen, that which _Ambroginolo_ hath saide,is very true, wherefore let him come when he will, and he shall bepaide; which accordingly he performed on the very next day, even to theutmost penny, departing then from _Paris_ towards _Geneway_, with amost malicious intention to his Wife: Being come neere to the City, hewould not enter it, but rode to a Countrey house of his, standing abouttenne miles distant thence. Being there arrived, he called a servant,in whom hee reposed especiall trust, sending him to _Geneway_ with twoHorses, writing to his Wife, that he was returned, and shee should comethither to see him. But secretly he charged his servant, that so sooneas he had brought her to a convenient place, he should there kill her,without any pitty or compassion, and then returne to him againe.

  When the servant was come to _Geneway_, and had delivered his Letterand message, _Genevra_ gave him most joyful welcome, and on the morrowmorning mounting on Horse-backe with the servant, rode merrily towardsthe Countrey house; divers things shee discoursed on by the way, tilthey descended into a deepe solitary valey, very thickly beset withhigh and huge spreading Trees, which the servant supposed to be a meeteplace, for the execution of his Masters command. Suddenly drawing forthhis Sword, and holding _Genevra_ fast by the arme, he saide; Mistresse,quickly commend your soule to God, for you must die, before you passeany further. _Genevra_ seeing the naked Sword, and hearing the wordsso peremptorily delivered, fearefully answered; Alas deare friend,mercy for Gods sake; and before thou kill me, tell me wherein I haveoffended thee, and why thou must kill me? Alas good Mistresse repliedthe servant, you have not any way offended me, but in what occasion youhave displeased your Husband, it i
s utterly unknowne to me: for he hathstrictly commanded me, without respect of pitty or compassion, to killyou by the way as I bring you, and if I doe it not, he hath sworne tohang me by the necke. You know good Mistresse, how much I stand obligedto him; and how impossible it is for me, to contradict any thing thathe commandedeth. God is my witnesse, that I am truly compassionate ofyou, and yet (by no meanes) may I let you live.

  _Genevra_ kneeling before him weeping, wringing her hands, thusreplied. Wilt thou turne Monster, and be a murtherer of her that neverwronged thee, to please another man, and on a bare command? God, whotruly knoweth all things, is my faithfull witnesse, that I nevercommitted any offence, whereby to deserve the dislike of my Husband,much lesse so harsh a recompence as this is. But flying from mine ownejustification, and appealing to thy manly mercy, thou mayest (wert thoubut so well pleased) in a moment satisfie both thy Master and me, insuch manner as I will make plaine and apparant to thee. Take thou mygarments, spare me onely thy doublet, and such a Bonnet as is fittingfor a man, so returne with my habite to thy Master, assuring him,that the deede is done. And here I sweare to thee, by that life whichI enjoy but by thy mercy, I will so strangely disguise my selfe, andwander so farre off from these Countries, as neither he or thou, norany person belonging to these parts, shall ever heare any tydings of me.

  The servant, who had no great good will to kill her, very easily grewpittifull, tooke off her upper garments, and gave her a poore raggeddoublet, a sillie Chapperone, and such small store of money as he had,desiring her to forsake that Countrey, and so left her to walke onfoote out of the vally. When he came to his Maister, and had deliveredhim her garments, he assured him, that he had not onely accomplishedhis commaund, but also was most secure from any discovery: because hehad no sooner done the deede, but foure or five very ravenous Wolfes,came presently running to the dead body, and gave it buriall in theirbellies. _Bernardo_ soone after returning to _Geneway_, was much blamedfor such unkinde cruelty to his wife; but his constant avouching of hertreason to him (according then to the Countries custome) did cleare himfrom all pursuite of law.

  Poore _Genevra_, was left thus alone and disconsolate, and nightstealing fast upon her, shee went to a silly village neere adjoining,where (by the meanes of a good olde woman) she got such provision asthe place afforded, making the doublet fit to her body, and convertingher petticote to a paire of breeches, according to the Marinersfashion: then cutting her haire, and queintly disguised like to aSayler, shee went to the Sea coast. By good fortune, she met there witha Gentleman of _Cathalogna_, whose name was _Signior Enchararcho_, whocame on land from his Ship, which lay hulling there about _Albagia_, torefresh himselfe at a pleasant Spring. _Enchararcho_ taking her to be aman, as shee appeared no otherwise by her habite; upon some conferencepassing betweene them, shee was entertained into his service, andbeing brought aboord the Ship, she went under the name of _Sicuranoda Finale_. There shee had better apparell bestowne on her by theGentleman, and her service proved so pleasing and acceptable to him,that hee liked her care and diligence beyond all comparison.

  It came to passe within a short while after, that this Gentleman of_Cathalogna_ sayled (with some charge of his) into _Alexandria_,carying thither certaine peregrine Faulcons, which hee presented to theSoldane: who oftentimes welcommed this Gentleman to his table, wherehee observed the behaviour of _Sicurano_, attending on his Maisterstrencher, and therewith was so highly pleased; that he requested tohave him from the Gentleman, who (for his more advancement) willinglyparted with his so lately entertained servant. _Sicurano_ was so readyand discreete in his dayly services; that he grew in as great gracewith the Soldane, as before he had done with _Enchararcho_.

  At a certaine season in the yeare, as customarie order (thereobserved) had formerly beene, in the Citie of _Acres_, which wasunder the Soldanes subjection: there yearely met a great assembly ofMerchants, as Christians, Moores, Jewes, Sarrazines, and many otherNations beside, as at a common Mart or Fayre. And to the end, that theMerchants (for the better sale of their goods) might be there in thesafer assurance; the Soldane used to send thither some of his ordinarieOfficers, and a strong guard of Souldiers beside, to defend them fromall injuries and molestation, because he reaped thereby no meanebenefit. And who should be now sent about this businesse, but his newelected favourite _Sicurano_; because she was skilfull and perfect inthe languages.

  _Sicurano_ being come to _Acres_, as Lord and Captaine of the Guard forthe Merchants, and for the safety of their Merchandizes: she dischargedher office most commendably, walking with her traine through everypart of the Fayre, where shee observed a worthy company of Merchants,Sicilians, Pisanes, Genewayes, Venetians, and other Italians, whomthe more willingly shee noted, in remembrance of her native Countrey.At one especiall time, among other, chancing into a Shop or Boothebelonging to the Venetians; she espied (hanging up with other costlywares) a Purse and a Girdle, which suddainly shee remembred to besometime her owne, whereat she was not a little abashed in her mind.But, without making any such outward shew, courteously she requested toknow, whose they were, and whether they should be sold, or no.

  _Ambroginolo_ of _Placentia_, was likewise come thither, and greatstore of Merchandizes hee had brought with him, in a Carrackappertaining to the Venetians, and hee, hearing the Captaine ofthe Guard demaund, whose they were; stepped foorth before him, andsmiling, answered: That they were his, but not to be solde, yet ifhee liked them gladly, hee would bestowe them on him. _Sicurano_seeing him smile, suspected, least himselfe had (by some unfittingbehaviour) beene the occasion thereof: and therefore, with a moresetled countenance, hee said. Perhaps thou smilest, because I that ama man, professing Armes, should question after such womanish toyes._Ambroginolo_ replied. My Lord, pardon me, I smile not at you, or yourdemaund; but at the manner how I came by these things.

  _Sicurano_, upon this answere, was ten times more desirous then before,and said. If Fortune favoured thee in friendly manner, by the obtainingof these things: if it may be spoken, tell me how thou hadst them. MyLord (answered _Ambroginolo_) these things (with many more beside) weregiven me by a Gentlewoman of _Geneway_, named Madame _Genevra_, thewife to one _Bernardo Lomellino_, in recompence of one nights lodgingwith her, and she desired me to keepe them for her sake. Now, the mainereason of my smiling, was the remembrance of her husbands folly, inwaging five thousand Duckets of golde, against one thousand of mine,that I should not obtaine my will of his wife, which I did, and therebywone the wager. But hee, who better deserved to be punished for hisfolly, then shee, who was but sicke of all womens disease: returningfrom _Paris_ to _Geneway_, caused her to be slaine, as afterward it wasreported by himselfe.

  When _Sicurano_ heard this horrible lye, immediatly shee conceived,that this was the occasion of her husbands hatred to her, and all thehard haps which she had since suffered: whereupon, shee reputed it formore then a mortall sinne, if such a villaine should passe without duepunishment. _Sicurano_ seemed to like well this report, and grew intosuch familiarity with _Ambroginolo_, that (by her perswasions) when theFayre was ended, she tooke him higher with her into _Alexandria_, andall his Wares along with him, furnishing him with a fit and convenientShop, where he made great benefit of his Merchandizes, trusting allhis monies in the Captaines custody, because it was the safest coursefor him; and so he continued there with no meane contentment.

  Much did shee pitty her Husbands perplexity, devising by what goodand warrantable meanes, she might make knowne her innocency to him;wherein her place and authority did greatly sted her, and shee wroughtwith divers gallant Merchants of _Geneway_, that then remained in_Alexandria_, and by vertue of the _Soldans_ friendly Letters, besideto bring him thither upon an especiall occasion. Come he did, albeitin poore and meane order, which soone was better altered by herappointment, and he very honourably (though in private) entertained bydivers of her worthy friends, till time did favour what shee furtherintended.

  In the expectation of _Bernardoes_ arrivall, shee had so prevailedwith _Ambroginolo_, that the
same tale which he formerly tolde to her,he delivered againe in presence of the _Soldane_, who seemed to bewell pleased with it: But after shee had once seene her Husband, sheethought upon her more serious businesse; providing her selfe of an aptopportunity, when shee entreated such favour of the _Soldane_, thatboth the men might be brought before him, where if _Ambroginolo_ wouldnot confesse (without constraint) that which he had made his vaunt ofconcerning _Bernardoes_ Wife, he might be compelled thereto perforce.

  _Sicuranoes_ word was a Law with the _Soldane_, so that _Ambroginolo_and _Bernardo_ being brought face to face, the _Soldane_, with a sterneand angry countenance, in the presence of a most Princely Assembly;commanded _Ambroginolo_ to declare the truth, yea, upon peril of hislife, by what means he won the wager, of the five thousand goldenDuckets he received of _Bernardo. Ambroginolo_ seeing _Sicurano_ therepresent, upon whose favour he wholly relied, yet perceiving her lookeslikewise to be as dreadfull as the _Soldanes_, and hearing her threatenhim with most greevous torments, except he revealed the truth indeede:you may easily guesse (faire company) in what condition he stood atthat instant.

  Frownes and fury he beheld on either side, and _Bernardo_ standingbefore him, with a world of famous witnesses, to heare his lieconfounded by his owne confession, and his tongue to denie what ithad before so constantly avouched. Yet dreaming on no other paineor penalty, but restoring backe the five thousand Duckets of gold,and the other things by him purloyned, truly he revealed the wholeforme of his falshood. Then _Sicurano_ according as the _Soldane_ hadformerly commanded him, turning to _Bernardo_, saide. And thou, uponthe suggestion of this foule lie, what didst thou to thy Wife? Being(quoth _Bernardo_) overcome with rage, for the losse of my money, andthe dishonour I supposed to receive by my Wife; I caused a servant ofmine to kill her, and as he credibly avouched, her body was devoured byravenous Wolves in a moment after.

  These things being thus spoken and heard, in the presence of the_Soldane_, and no reason (as yet) made knowne, why the case was soseriously urged, and to what end it would succeede: _Sicurano_ spakein this manner to the Soldane. My gracious Lord, you may plainelyperceive, in what degree that poore Gentlewoman might make her vaunt,being so well provided, both of a loving friend, and a husband. Suchwas the friends love, that in an instant, and by a wicked lye, heerobbed her both of her renowne and honour, and bereft her also of herhusband. And her husband, rather crediting anothers falshood, thenthe invincible trueth, whereof he had faithfull knowledge, by longand very honourable experience; caused her to be slaine, and madefoode for devouring Wolves. Beside all this, such was the good willand affection, borne to that woman both by friend and husband, thatthe longest continuer of them in her company, makes them alike inknowledge of her. But because your great wisedome knoweth perfectly,what each of them have worthily deserved: if you please (in your everknowne gracious benignity) to permit the punishment of the deceiver,and pardon the party so deceived; I will procure such meanes, that sheshall appeare here in your presence, and theirs.

  The Soldane, being desirous to give _Sicurano_ all manner ofsatisfaction, having followed the course so industriously: bad himto produce the woman, and hee was well contented. Whereat _Bernardo_stoode much amazed, because he verily beleeved that she was dead. And_Ambroginolo_ foreseeing already a preparation for punishment, feared,that the repayment of the money would not now serve his turne: notknowing also what he should further hope or suspect, if the woman herselfe did personally appeare, which hee imagined would be a miracle._Sicurano_ having thus obtayned the Soldanes permission, in teares,humbling her selfe at his feete, in a moment shee lost her manly voyceand demeanour, as knowing, that she was now no longer to use them, butmust truely witnesse what she was indeede, and therefore thus spake.

  Great Soldane, I am the miserable and unfortunate _Genevra_, that, forthe space of sixe whole yeares, have wandered through the world, inthe habite of a man, falsly and most maliciously slaundered, by thisvillainous traytour _Ambroginolo_, and by this unkinde cruell husband,betrayed to his servant to be slaine, and left to be devoured by savagebeasts. Afterward, desiring such garments as better fitted for her, andshewing her brests; she made it apparant, before the Soldane and hisassistants, that she was the very same woman indeede. Then turning herselfe to _Ambroginolo_, with more then manly courage, she demaunded ofhim, when, and where it was, that he lay with her, as (villainously)he was not ashamed to make his vaunt. But hee, having alreadieacknowledged the contrarie, being stricken dumbe with shamefulldisgrace, was not able to utter one word.

  The Soldane, who had alwayes reputed _Sicurano_ to be a man, havingheard and seene so admirable an accident: was so amazed in his minde,that many times he was very doubtfull, whether this was a dreame, oran absolute relation of trueth. But, after hee had more seriouslyconsidered thereon, and found it to be reall and infallible: withextraordinary gracious praises, he commended the life, constancie,conditions and vertues of _Genevra_, whom (till that time) he hadalwayes called _Sicurano_. So committing her to the company ofhonourable Ladies, to be changed from her manly habite: he pardoned_Bernardo_ her husband (according to her request formerly made)although hee had more justly deserved death; which likewise himselfeconfessed, and falling at the feete of _Genevra_, desired her (inteares) to forgive his rash transgression, which most lovingly she did,kissing and embracing him a thousand times.

  Then the Soldane strictly commaunded, that on some high and eminentplace of the Citie, _Ambroginolo_ should be bound and impaled on aStake, having his naked body annointed all over with honey, and never tobe taken off, untill (of it selfe) it fell in pieces, which, accordingto the sentence, was presently performed. Next, he gave expressecharge, that all his mony and goods should be given to _Genevra_,which valued above ten thousand double Duckets. Forth-with a solemnefeast was prepared, wherein, much honour was done to _Bernardo_, beingthe husband of _Genevra_: and to her, as to a most worthy woman, andmatchlesse wife, he gave in costly Jewelse, as also vesselse of gold andsilver plate, so much as amounted to above ten thousand double Ducketsmore.

  When the feasting was finished, he caused a Ship to be furnished forthem, graunting them licence to depart for _Geneway_ when they pleased:whither they returned most rich and joyfully, being welcommed home withgreat honour, especially Madame _Genevra_, whom every one supposedto be dead, and alwayes after, so long as shee lived, shee was mostfamous for her manifold vertues. But as for _Ambroginolo_, the verysame day that he was impaled on the Stake, annointed with honey, andfixed in the place appointed, to his no meane torment: he not onelydied, but likewise was devoured to the bare bones, by Flyes, Waspes andHornets, whereof the Countrey notoriously aboundeth. And his bones,in full forme and fashion, remained strangely blacke for a long whileafter, knit together by the sinewes; as a witnesse to many thousands ofpeople, which afterward beheld his carkasse of his wickednesse againstso good and vertuous a woman, that had not so much as a thought of anyevill towards him. And thus was the Proverbe truly verified, that shamesucceedeth after ugly sinne, and the deceiver is trampled and trod, bysuch as himselfe hath deceived.