_Fryar_ Albert _made a young Venetian Gentlewoman beleeve, that God_Cupid _was falne in love with her, and he resorted oftentimes untoher, in the disguise of the same God. Afterward, being frighted by theGentlewomans kindred and friends, he cast himselfe out of her Chamberwindow, and was hidden in a poore mans House; on the day following, inthe shape of a wilde or savage man, he was brought upon the Rialto ofSaint_ Marke, _and being there publikely knowne by the Brethren of hisOrder; he was committed to Prison._
The second Novell.
_Reprehending the lewd lives of dissembling hypocrites; and checkingthe arrogant pride of vaine-headed women._
The Novell recounted by Madam _Fiammetta_, caused teares many times inthe eyes of all the company; but it being finished, the King shewing astearne countenance, saide; I should much have commended the kindnesseof fortune, if in the whole course of my life, I had tasted the leastmoity of that delight, which _Guiscardo_ received by conversing withfaire _Ghismonda_. Nor neede any of you to wonder thereat, or how itcan be otherwise, because hourely I feele a thousand dying torments,without enjoying any hope of ease or pleasure: but referring myfortunes to their owne poore condition, it is my will, that Madam_Pampinea_ proceed next in the argument of successelesse love,according as Madam _Fiammetta_ hath already begun, to let fall moredew-drops on the fire of mine afflictions. Madam _Pampinea_ perceivingwhat a taske was imposed on her, knew well (by her owne disposition)the inclination of the company, whereof shee was more respective, thenof the Kings command: wherefore, chusing rather to recreate theirspirits, then to satisfie the Kings melancholy humour; shee determinedto relate a Tale of mirthfull matter, and yet to keepe within compasseof the purposed Argument.
It hath been continually used as a common Proverbe; that a bad man,taken and reputed to be honest and good, may commit many evils, yetneither credited, or suspected: which proverbe giveth mee very amplematter to speake of, and yet not varying from our intention, concerningthe hypocrisie of some religious persons, who having their garmentslong and large, their faces made artificially pale, their languagemeeke and humble, to get mens goods from them; yet sower, harsh, andstearne enough, in checking and controuling other mens errors, as alsoin urging others to give, and themselves to take, without any otherhope or meanes of salvation. Nor doe they endeavour like other men, toworke out their soules health with feare and trembling; but, even as ifthey were sole owners, Lords, and possessors of Paradice, will appointto every dying person, places (there) of greater or lesser excellency,according as they thinke good, or as the legacies left by them arein quantity, whereby they not onely deceive themselves, but all suchas give credit to their subtile perswasions. And were it lawfull forme, to make knowne no more then is meerely necessary; I could quicklydisclose to simple credulous people, what craft lieth concealed undertheir holy habites: and I would wish, that their lies and deludingshould speed with them, as they did with a _Franciscane_ Friar, noneof the younger Novices, but one of them of greatest reputation, andbelonging to one of the best Monasteries in _Venice_. Which I am therather desirous to report, to recreate your spirits, after your tearesfor the death of faire _Ghismonda_.
Sometime (Honourable Ladies) there lived in the City of _Imola_, aman of most lewd and wicked life; named, _Bertho de la massa_, whoseshamelesse deedes were so well knowne to all the Citizens, and won suchrespect among them; as all his lies could not compasse any beleefe, no,not when he delivered a matter of sound truth. Wherefore, perceivingthat his lewdnesse allowed him no longer dwelling there; like adesperate adventurer, he transported himselfe thence to _Venice_, thereceptacle of all foule sinne and abhomination, intending there toexercise his wonted bad behaviour, and live as wickedly as ever hehad done before. It came to passe, that some remorse of consciencetooke hold of him, for the former passages of his dissolute life, andhe pretended to be surprized with very great devotion, becomming muchmore Catholike then any other man, taking on him the profession of a_Franciscane Cordelier_, and calling himselfe Fryar _Albert_ of _Imola_.
In this habite and outward appearance, hee seemed to leade an austereand sanctimonious life, highly commending penance & abstinence, nevereating flesh, or drinking wine, but when hee was provided of both ina close corner. And before any person could take notice thereof, heebecame (of a theefe) Ruffian, forswearer and murtherer, as formerly hehad beene a great Preacher; yet not abandoning the forenamed vices,when secretly he could put any of them in execution. Moreover, beingmade Priest, when he was celebrating Masse at the Altar, if he sawhimselfe to be observed by any; he would most mournefully reade thepassion of our Saviour, as one whose teares cost him little, whensoeverhee pleased to use them: so that, in a short while, by his preachingand teares, he fed the humours of the _Venetians_ so pleasingly; thatthey made him executour (well neere) of all their Testaments, yea, manychose him as depositary or Guardion of their monies; because he wasboth Confessour and Councellor, almost to all the men and women.
By this well seeming out-side of sanctity, the Wolfe became aShepheard, and his renown for holinesse was so famous in those parts,as Saint _Frances_ himselfe had hardly any more. It fortuned, that ayoung Gentlewoman, being somewhat foolish, wanton and proud minded,named Madam _Lisetta de Caquirino_, wife to a wealthy Merchant, whowent with certaine Gallies into _Flanders_, and there lay as Liegerlong time, in company of other Gentlewomen, went to be confessed bythis ghostly Father; kneeling at his feete, although her heart was highenough, like a proud minded woman, (for _Venetians_ are presumptuous,vaine-glorious, and witted much like to their skittish Gondoloes) shemade a very short rehearsall of her sinnes. At length Fryar _Albert_demanded of her, whether shee had any amorous friend or lover? Herpatience being exceedingly provoked, stearne anger appeared in herlookes, which caused her to returne him this answer. How now Sir_Domine_? what? have you no eyes in your head? Can you not distinguishbetween mine, and these other common beauties? I could have Loversenow, if I were so pleased; but those perfections remaining in me, arenot to be affected by this man, or that. How many beauties have youbeheld, any way answerable to mine, and are more fit for Gods, thenmortals.
Many other idle speeches shee uttered, in proud opinion of her beauty,whereby Friar _Albert_ presently perceived, that this Gentlewoman hadbut a hollow braine, and was fit game for folly to flye at; whichmade him instantly enamoured of her, and that beyond all capacity ofresisting, which yet he referred to a further, and more commodioustime. Neverthelesse, to shew himselfe an holy and religious mannow, he began to reprehend her, and told her plainely, that she wasvain-glorious, and overcome with infinite follies. Hereupon, she calledhim a logger headed beast, and he knew not the difference between anordinary complexion, and beauty of the highest merit. In which respect,Friar _Albert_, being loth to offend her any further; after confessionwas fully ended, let her passe away among the other Gentlewomen, shegiving him divers disdainfull lookes.
Within some few dayes after, taking one of his trusty brethren in hiscompany, he went to the House of Madam _Lisetta_, where requiringto have some conference alone with her selfe; shee tooke him into aprivate Parlour, and being there, not to be seene by any body, he fellon his knees before her, speaking in this manner. Madam, for charitiessake, and in regard of your own most gracious nature, I beseech youto pardon those harsh speeches, which I used to you the other day,when you were with me at confession: because, the very night ensuingthereon, I was chastised in such cruell manner, as I was never ableto stirre forth of my bed, untill this very instant morning; wheretothe weake witted Gentlewoman thus replyed. And who I pray you (quothshe) did chastise you so severely? I will tell you Madam, said Friar_Albert_, but it is a matter of admirable secrecie.
Being alone by my selfe the same night in my Dorter, and in veryserious devotion, according to my usuall manner: suddenly I saw abright splendour about me, and I could no sooner arise to discerne whatit might be, and whence it came, but I espied a very goodly young Ladstanding by me, holding a golden Bow in his hand, and a rich Quiver ofArrowes hanging at his back. Catch
ing fast hold on my Hood, against theground he threw me rudely, trampling on me with his feete, and beatingme with so many cruell blowes, that I thought my body to be broken inpeeces. Then I desired to know, why he was so rigorous to me in hiscorrection? Because (quoth he) thou didst so saucily presume this day,to reprove the celestiall beauty of Madam _Lisetta_, who (next to myMother _Venus_) I love most dearely. Whereupon I perceived, he wasthe great commanding God _Cupid_, and therefore I craved most humblypardon of him. I will pardon thee (quoth he) but upon this condition,that thou goe to her so soone as conveniently thou canst, and (by lowlyhumility) prevaile to obtaine her free pardon: which if she will notvouchsafe to grant thee, then shall I in stearne anger returne againe,and lay so many torturing afflictions on thee, that all thy whole lifetime shall be most hateful to thee. And what the displeased God saideelsee beside, I dare not disclose, except you please first to pardon me.
Mistresse shallow braine, being swolne big with this wind, like anempty bladder; conceived no small pride in hearing these words,constantly crediting them to be true, and therefore thus answered.Did I not tel you Father _Albert_, that my beauty was celestiall? ButI sweare by my beauty, notwithstanding your idle passed arrogancy, Iam heartily sorry for your so severe correction; which that it mayno more be inflicted on you, I doe freely pardon you; yet with this_proviso_, that you tell me, what the God elsee saide unto you; wheretoFryar _Albert_ thus replyed. Madam, seeing you have so graciouslyvouchsafed to pardon me, I will thankfully tell you all: but you mustbe very carefull and respective, that whatsoever I shall reveale untoyou, must so closely be concealed, as no living creature in the Worldmay know it; for you are the onely happy Lady now living, and thathappinesse relieth on your silence and secrecie: with solemne vowes andprotestations shee sealed up her many promises, and then the Fryar thusproceeded.
Madam, the further charge imposed on me by God _Cupid_, was to tellyou, that himselfe is so extremely enamoured of your beauty, and youare become so gracious in his affection; as, many nights he hath cometo see you in your Chamber, sitting on your pillow, while you sleptsweetly, and desiring very often to awake you, but onely fearing toaffright you. Wherefore, now he sends you word by me, that one night heintendeth to come visite you, and to spend some time in conversing withyou. But in regard he is a God, and meerely a spirit in forme, wherebyneither you or any elsee have capacity of beholding him, much lesse totouch or feele him: he saith, that (for your sake) he will come in theshape of a man, giving me charge also to know of you, when you shallplease to have him come, and in whose similitude you would have himto come, whereof he will not faile; in which respect, you may justlythinke your selfe to be the onely happy woman living, and farre beyondall other in your good fortune.
Mistris want-wit presently answered, shee was well contented, that God_Cupid_ should love her, and she would returne the like love againeto him; protesting withall, that wheresoever shee should see hismajesticall picture, she would set a hallowed burning Taper before it.Moreover, at all times he should be most welcome to her, whensoeverhee would vouchsafe to visite her; for, he should alwayes finde heralone in her private Chamber: on this condition, that his olde Love_Psyches_, and all other beauties elsee whatsoever, must be set aside,and none but her selfe only to be his best Mistresse, referring hispersonall forme of appearance, to what shape himselfe best pleased toassume, so that it might not be frightfull, or offensive to her.
Madam (quoth Friar _Albert_) most wisely have you answered, & leavethe matter to me; for I will take order sufficiently, and to yourcontentment. But you may do me a great grace, and without any prejudiceto your selfe, in granting me one poore request; namely, to vouchsafethe Gods appearance to you, in my bodily shape and person, and in theperfect forme of a man as now you behold me, so may you safely give himentertainment, without any taxation of the world, or ill apprehensionof the most curious inquisition. Beside, a greater happinesse can neverbefall me: for, while he assumeth the soule out of my body, and walkethon the earth in my humane figure: I shall be wandering in the joyesof Lovers Paradise, feeling the fruition of their felicities; whichare such, as no mortality can be capeable of, no, not so much as inimagination.
The wise Gentlewoman replied, that she was well contented, in regardof the severe punishment inflicted on him by God _Cupid_, for thereproachfull speeches he had given her; to allow him so poore a kindeof consolation, as he had requested her to grant him. Whereuppon Fryar_Albert_ saide: Be ready then Madam to give him welcome to morrow inthe evening, at the entering into your house, for comming in an humanebody, he cannot but enter at your doore, whereas, if (in powerfullmanner) he made use of his wings, he then would flye in at your window,and then you could not be able to see him.
Upon this conclusion, _Albert_ departed, leaving _Lisetta_ in no meanepride of imagination, that God _Cupid_ should bee enamored of herbeauty; and therefore she thought each houre a yeare, till she mightsee him in the mortall shape of Friar _Albert_. And now was his brainewonderfully busied, to visite her in more then common or humane manner;and therefore he made him a sute (close to his body) of white Taffata,all poudred over with Starres, and spangles of Gold, a Bow and Quiverof Arrowes, with wings also fastened to his backe behinde him, and allcunningly covered with his Friars habit, which must be the sole meanesfor his safe passage.
Having obtained licence of his Superiour, and being accompanyed withan holy Brother of the Convent, yet ignorant of the businesse by himintended; he went to the house of a friend of his, which was his usuallreceptacle, whensoever he went about such deeds of darkness. Theredid he put on his dissembled habit of God _Cupid_, with his winges,Bowe, and Quiver, in formall fashion; and then (clouded over with hisMonkes Cowle) leaves his companion to awaite his returning backe, whilehe visited foolish _Lisetta_, according to her expectation, readilyattending for the Gods arrivall.
_Albert_ being come to the house, knocked at the doore, and the Maidadmitting him entrance, according as her Mistresse had appointed, sheeconducted him to her Mistresses Chamber, where laying aside his Friarshabite, and she seeing him shine with such glorious splendour, addingaction also to his assumed dissimulation, with majesticke motion of hisbody, wings, and bow, as if he had bene God _Cupid_, indeede convertedinto a body much bigger of stature, then Painters commonly do describehim, her wisedome was so overcome with feare and admiration, that shefell on her knees before him, expressing all humble reverence unto him.And he spreading his wings over her, as with wiers and strings hee hadmade them pliant; shewed how graciously he accepted her humiliation;folding her in his armes, and sweetly kissing her many times together,with repetition of his entire love and affection towards her. Sodelicately was he perfumed with odorifferous favours, and so compleateof person in his spangled garments, that she could do nothing elsee,but wonder at his rare behaviour, reputing her felicity beyond allWomens in the world, and utterly impossible to bee equalled, such wasthe pride of her presuming. For he told her divers tales and fables,of his awefull power among the other Gods, and stolne pleasures of hisupon the earth; yet gracing her praises above all his other Loves, andvowes made now, to affect none but her onely, as his often visitationsshould more constantly assure her, that shee verily credited all hisprotestations, and thought his kisses and embraces, farre to exceed anymortall comparison.
After they had spent so much time in amorous discoursing, as might bestfit with this their first meeting, and stand cleare from suspitionon either side: our _Albert-Cupid_, or _Cupid-Albert_, which of themyou best please to terme him, closing his spangled winges togetheragaine behinde his backe, fastening also on his Bow and Quiver ofArrowes, over-clouds all with his religious Monkes Cowle, and then witha parting kisse or two, returned to the place where he had left hisfellow and companion, perhaps imployed in as devout an exercise, ashe had bin in his absence from him; whence both repayring home to theMonastery, all this nightes wandering was allowed as tollerable, bythem who made no spare of doing the like.
On the morrow following, Madam _Lisetta_ immediately after
dinner,being attended by her Chamber-maid, went to see Friar _Albert_,finding him in his wonted forme and fashion, and telling him whathad hapned betweene her and God _Cupid_, with all the other lies andtales which hee had told her. Truly Madam (answered _Albert_) whatyour successe with him hath beene, I am no way able to comprehend;but this I can assure you, that so soone as I had acquainted him withyour answer, I felt a sodaine rapture made of my soule, and visibly(to my apprehension) saw it carried by Elves and Fairies, into thefloury fields about _Elisium_, where Lovers departed out of this life,walk among the beds of Lillies and Roses, such as are not in thisworld to be seene, neither to be imagined by any humane capacity. Sosuper-abounding was the pleasure of this joy and solace, that, howlong I continued there, or by what meanes I was transported hitheragaine this morning, it is beyond all ability in mee to expresse,or how I assumed my body againe after that great God hadde made usethereof to your service. Well Friar _Albert_ (quoth shee) you may seewhat an happinesse hath befalne you, by so grosse an opinion of myperfections, and what a felicity you enjoy, and still are like to do,by my pardoning your error, and granting the Gods accesse to me in yourshape: which as I envy not, so I wish you heereafter to be wiser, intaking upon you to judge of beautie. Much other idle folly proceededfrom hir, which still he soothed to her contentment, and (as occasionserved) many meetings they had in the former manner.
It fortuned within a few dayes after, that Madam _Lisetta_ being incompany with one of her Gossips, and their conference (as commonly itfalleth out to be) concerning other women of the City; their beautie,behaviour, amorous suters and servants, and generall opinion conceivedof their worth and merit; wherein _Lisetta_ was over-much conceytedof her selfe, not admitting any other to be her equall. Among otherspeeches, favouring of an unseasoned braine: Gossip (quoth she) ifyou knew what account is made of my beauty, and who holdes it in nomeane estimation, you would then freely confesse, that I deserve tobee preferred before any other. As women are ambitious in their owneopinions, so commonly are they covetous of one anothers secrets,especially in matter of emulation, whereupon the Gossip thus replyed.Beleeve me Madam, I make no doubt but your speeches may bee true, inregard of your admired beauty, and many other perfections beside: yetlet me tell you, priviledges, how great and singular soever they be,without they are knowen to others, beside such as do particularly enjoythem; they carrie no more account, then things of ordinary estimation.Whereas on the contrary, when any Lady or Gentlewoman hath some eminentand peculiar favour, which few or none other can reach unto, and it ismade famous by generall notion: then do all women elsee admire and honourher, as the glory of their kinde, and a miracle of Nature.
I perceive Gossip said _Lisetta_ whereat you ayme, & such is my loveto you, as you should not lose your longing in this case, were I butconstantly secured of your secrecy, which as hitherto I have bene noway able to tax, so would I be loth now to be more suspitious of thenneeds. But yet this matter is of such maine moment, that if you willprotest as you are truely vertuous, never to reveale it to any livingbody, I will disclose to you almost a miracle. The vertuous oath beingpast, with many other solemne protestations beside, _Lisetta_ thenproceeded in this manner.
I know Gossip, that it is a matter of common & ordinary custome, forLadies and Gentlewomen to be graced with favourites, men of fraile &mortall conditions, whose natures are as subject to inconstancy, astheir very best endeavours dedicated to folly, as I could name no meannumber of our Ladies heere in _Venice_. But when Soveraigne deitiesshal feele the impression of our humane desires, and behold subjectsof such prevailing efficacy, as to subdue their greatest power, yea,and make them enamored of mortall creatures: you may well imagineGossip, such a beauty is superiour to any other. And such is thehappy fortune of your friend _Lisetta_, of whose perfections, great_Cupid_ the awefull commanding God of Love himselfe, conceived suchan extraordinary liking: as he hath abandoned his seate of supremeMajesty, and appeared to me in the shape of a mortall man, with livelyexpression of his amorous passions, and what extremities of anguishhe hath endured, onely for my love. May this be possible? replyed theGossip. Can the Gods be toucht with the apprehension of our frailepassions? True it is Gossip, answered _Lisetta_, and so certainly true,that his sacred kisses, sweet embraces, and most pleasing speeches,with proffer of his continuall devotion towards me, hath given me goodcause to confirme what I say, and to thinke my felicity farre beyondall other womens, being honoured with his often nightly visitations.
The Gossip inwardly smiling at her idle speeches, which (nevertheles)she avouched with very vehement asseverations; fell instantly sicke ofwomens naturall disease, thinking every minute a tedious month, tillshe were in company with some other Gossips, to breake the obligationof her vertuous promise, and that others (as well as her selfe)might laugh at the folly of this shallow-witted woman. The next dayfollowing, it was her hap to be at a wedding, among a great number ofother women, whom quickly she acquainted with this so strange a wonder;as they did the like to their husbands: and passing so from hand tohand, in lesse space then two daies, all _Venice_ was fully possessedwith it.
Among the rest, the brethren to this foolish woman, heard thisadmirable newes concerning their Sister; and they discreetly concealingit to themselves, closely concluded to watch the walks of thispretended god: and if he soared not too lofty a flight, they would cliphis wings, to come the better acquainted with him. It fortuned, thatthe Friar hearing his Cupidicall visitations over-publikely discovered,purposed to check and reprove _Lisetta_ for her indiscretion. And beinghabited according to his former manner, his Friarly Cowle coveringal his former bravery, he left his companion where he used to stay,and closely walked along unto the house. No sooner was he entred, butthe Brethren being ambushed neer to the doore, went in after him,and ascending the staires, by such time as he had uncased himselfe,and appeared like God _Cupid_, with his spangled wings displayed:they rushed into the Chamber, and he having no other refuge, opened alarge Casement, standing directly over the great gulfe or River, andpresently leapt into the water; which being deepe, and hee skilfull inswimming, he had no other harme by his fall, albeit the sodain affrightdid much perplex him.
Recovering the further side of the River, he espied a light, & thedoore of an house open, wherein dwelt a poore man, whom he earnestlyintreated, to save both his life and reputation, telling him manylies and tales by what meanes he was thus disguised, and throwne bynight-walking Villaines into the water. The poore man, being movedto compassionate his distressed estate, laid him in his owne bed,ministring such other comforts to him, as the time and his povertydid permit; and day drawing on, he went about his businesse, advisinghim to take his rest, and it should not be long till he returned. So,locking the doore, and leaving the counterfeit God in bed, away goes thepoore man to his daily labour. The Brethren to _Lisetta_, perceivingGod _Cupid_ to bee fled and gone, and shee in melancholly sadnessesitting by them: they tooke up the Reliques he had left behind him, Imeane the Friars hood and Cowle, which shewing to their sister, andsharply reproving her unwomanly behaviour: they lefte her in no meanediscomfort, returning home to their owne houses, with their conqueredspoiles of the forlorne Friar.
During the time of these occurrences, broad day speeding on, & thepoore man returning homeward by the _Rialto_, to visit his guest solefte in bed: he beheld divers crouds of people, and a generall rumornoysed among them, that God _Cupid_ had beene that night with Madame_Lisetta_, where being over-closely pursued by her Brethren, for fearof being surprized, he leapt out of her window into the gulfe, and noone could tell what was become of him. Heereupon, the poore man beganneto imagine, that the guest entertained by him in the night time, mustneeds bee the same supposed God Cupid, as by his wings and otherembellishments appeared: wherefore being come home, and sitting downeon the beds side by him, after some few speeches passing between them,he knew him to be Friar Albert, who promised to give him fifty ducates,if hee would not betray him to _Lisettaes_ brethren.
Upon the acceptation of this offer,
the money being sent for, and paieddowne; there wanted nothing now, but some apt and convenient meanes,whereby _Albert_ might safely be conveyed into the Monasterie, whichbeing wholly referred to the poore mans care and trust, thus hee spake.Sir, I see no likely-hoode of your cleare escaping home, except in thismanner as I advise you. We observe this day as a merry Festivall, &it is lawfull for any one, to disguise a man in the skin of a Beare,or in the shape of a savage man, or any other forme of better device.Which being so done, he is brought upon S. _Marks_ market place, wherebeing hunted a while with dogs, upon the huntings conclusion, the Feastis ended; and then each man leades his monster whether him pleaseth.If you can accept any of these shapes, before you bee seene heere inmy poore abiding, then can I safely (afterward) bring you where youwould bee. Otherwise, I see no possible meanes, how you may escapehence unknown; for it is without all question to the contrary, that theGentlewomans brethren, knowing your concealment in some one place orother, will set such spies and watches for you throughout the City, asyou must needs be taken by them.
Now, although it seemed a most severe imposition, for _Albert_ to passein any of these disguises: yet his exceeding feare of _Lisettaes_brethren and friends, made him gladly yeelde, and to undergo what shapethe poore man pleased, which thus he ordered. Annointing his nakedbody with Hony, he then covered it over with downy small Feathers,and fastning a chaine about his necke, and a strange ugly vizard onhis face; hee gave him a great staffe in the one hand, and two hugeMastive dogs chained together in the other, which he had borrowed inthe Butchery. Afterward, he sent a man to the _Rialto_, who thereproclaimed by the sound of Trumpet: That all such as desired to see God_Cupid_, which the last night had descended downe from the skies, andfell (by ill hap) into the _Venetian_ gulfe, let them repaire to thepublike Market place of S. _Marke_, and there he would appeare in hisowne likenesse.
This being done, soone after he left his house, and leading him thusdisguised along by his chaine, hee was followed by great crowds ofpeople, every one questioning of whence, and what he was. In whichmanner, he brought him to the Market place, where an infinite numberof people were gathered together, as well of the followers, as of themthat before heard the proclamation. There he made choise of a pillar,which stood in a place somewhat highly exalted, whereto he chained hissavage man, making shew, as if he meant to awaite there, till thehunting shold begin: in which time, the Flies, Waspes, and Hornets, didso terribly sting his naked body, being annointed with Hony, that heendured thereby unspeakable anguish. When the poore man saw, that thereneeded no more concourse of people; pretending, as if he purposed tolet loose his Salvage man; he tooke the maske or vizard from _Alberts_face, and then he spake aloud in this manner.
Gentlemen and others, seeing the wilde Boare commeth not to ourhunting, because I imagine that he cannot easily be found: I meane(to the end you may not lose your labour in comming hither) to shewyou the great God of Love called _Cupid_, whom Poets feigned longsince to be a little boy, but now growne to manly stature. You see inwhat manner he hath left his high dwelling, onely for the comfort ofour _Venetian_ beauties: but belike, the night-fogs over-flagging hiswings, he fell into our gulfe, and comes now to present his service toyou. No sooner had he taken off his vizard, but every one knew him tobe Friar _Albert_; and sodainly arose such shoutes and out-cries, withmost bitter words breathed forth against him, hurling also stones, durtand filth in his face, that his best acquaintance then could take noknowledge of him, and not any one pittying his abusing.
So long continued the offended people in their fury, that newes thereofwas carried to the Convent, and six of his Religious brethren came, whocasting an habite about him, and releasing him from his chain, theyled him to the Monastery, not without much molestation and trouble ofthe people; where imprisoning him in their house, severitie of someinflicted punishment, or rather conceite for his open shame, shortnedhis dayes, and so he dyed. Thus you see faire Ladies, when licentiouslife must be clouded with a cloake of sanctity, and evill actions daylycommitted, yet escaping uncredited: there will come a time at length,for just discovering of all, that the good may shine in their trueluster of glory, and the bad sinke in their owne deserved shame.
The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5) Page 39
