CHAP. I. How the Marquesse of Saluss passed the time of his youth with­out any desire of mariage, till he was requested by the faire entreatie of a fauorite, and other Gentlemen, to affect a wife; both for the good of the Country, and the honour of him­selfe: with his answer to the same.

BEtweene the Mountaines of Italy and France, to­wards the South, lyes the territory of Salus, a Country flourishing with excellent Townes and Castles, and peopled with the best sort of Gen­tles and Peasants: amongst whom there liued not long since a Nobleman, of great hope and expectation, Lord of the Cnuntry, by name, Gualter, Marquesse of Sa­luss: to whom, as the gouernment a pertained by right of in­heritance; so their obedience attended, by desert of his wor­thinesse. He was young in yéeres, noble of lineage, and such attractiue demeanor, that the best thought it a pleasure to bée commanded by him, and the worst grew more tractable by his good example: his delight was in hunting and hawking, and the pleasure of the time present extinguished the care of the time to come; for he thought not of mariage, nor to intangle himselfe with the inconueniences of a wife, till at last the peo­ple [Page] and Noblemen of his Country proiected the contrary, as discontented to sée him indisposed that way, and presaging a kind of prosperity to themselues, if by his mariage posteritie might arise to assure them the better, how they might bestow their obedience hereafter. Whereupon, they assembled toge­ther, and made one day amongst the rest a determiner of their resolutions, choosing out for their speaker a Noble Knight, of great authority, faire demeanor, eloquent spéech, and more in­ward with the Marquesse then any of the rest: who, thus ac­quainted with all their mindes, and prepared to vtter his owne minde, tooke an opportunity to acquaint the renowned Mar­quesse with the matter.

Most Honourable Sir, the great humanity extended to­ward vs, & of which I most especially haue participated, hath thus emboldened me aboue others, to make a further triall of your patience, and forbearing my rudenes; not that there is any sufficiency or singularity in me aboue others: but in that héeretofore I haue found you so generous toward all, I make no question to finde you as gratious toward my selfe; and in that it hath pleased you to accept of our loue, wee are proud againe to be vnder your obedience: wherein we shall reioice the more, if you now accord to our request the sooner, which is, to marry without delay. The time passeth, and will not be recalled: your youth intreats it, and must not be demed: your countrey importunes it, and would not bee opposed: your neighbours desire it, and hope to bee satisfied: and all sorts request it, and wish it for your honour. For when age approa­cheth, death attends it at the héeles, & no man can tell when, or how it will fall vpon him. Therefore wee humbly request you to accept our supplications, and accord to this importu­nity, that we may prouide by your appointment, a lady wor­thy of your honour and our subiection. In this wee are the more suppliant, because it will rebound so much to the good of your countrey, and the enlarging your renowne: for if it should so fall out (which God forbid) that you die without issue, we may lament the losse of our lord, but not redresse the complaints of the people: we shall want you that was al our [Page] comfort, but are sure of distresse to our euerlasting trouble. If then you either loue your selfe, or pity vs, frame a heart to this impression, and leaue not vs to further feare and dis­quiet.

When the noble lord had thus apprehended the petition of his louing subiects, he resolued to answer them as gratiously as they had propounded the businesse with regard of duty, and so replied: My dearest friends, you haue vrged mee to a mat­ter, in which as yet I haue beene a mere stranger: for by na­ture I delight in liberty, and by custome continued my plea­sures; both which must needs bee curbed by mariage, and re­strained by taking a wife: notwithstanding, I cast awaie all doubts, to pleasure you; and will thinke of no incombrances so you be satisfied. For though mariage hath many difficulties attending; especially, the feare of legitimation in our chil­dren, and suspicion of that honour which lies on our wiues ho­nesty, yet all shall bee ouercomne with this resolution, that I shall please you in the same: for I am resolued, if anie good come for mans contentment by marriage, it is from God; to whom I submit this cause, and pray for the good successe of your wishes, that I may liue to maintaine your peace, as well as my owne pleasure: and look wherein my contentment shall enlarge mine honour, your welfare shall be respected a­boue my life; so that (beleeue it) I will satisfie your demands, and apply my selfe to the purpose. Only one thing I request at your hands, to take in worth my choice, and neither insult if she be a princesse of greatnes, nor repine if she be of meane e­state: but loue her because I haue loued you, and regard her howsoeuer, in that she is my wife; neither being curious nor inquisitiue whom I will chuse, nor disaffected when it is past remedy.

When the company had heard him out, and found him so willing to their satisfaction, they gaue him thankes with one heart for his kinde admission, and answered with one tongue, he should not finde them repugnant, but they would honor his wife as the princesse of the world, and be morigerous to him as the Commander of their soules. Thus did this new report [Page] (like a messenger of glad tidings) fill all the Marquisate with ioy, and the palace with delight, when they vnderstood their lord would marry, and in a manner heard the time appointed: for presently it was proclaimed through the Countrey, and a day assigned for all commers to come to the Court. The No­bles prepared themselues in the best manner: the Ladies spa­red no cost, either for ornaments of their bodies, or setting out their beauties: the Gentles flocked to please their lord, and were braue to set out their owne greatnes: the Citizens were rich in their neatnes, and handsome in their attire: the Offi­cers were formall in their showes, and sumptuous in their at­tendants: the Countryman had his variety, and the verie Pe­sant his brauery; in a word, al sorts gloried in the hope of that festiuall, and euery mans expectation attended the day of the triumph. For neuer was such a preparation in Saluss before, nor such a confluence of people seene in that countrey: for be­sides the nouelty, many forraine Princes came to celebrate this mariage, and to shew their owne greatnes. Sauoy was neare, and sent some from her snowie hills: France as neare, and sent others from her fruitfull vines: Italy not far off, and sent many from her pleasant fields: and the Ilands round a­bout kept none at home that would come. Thus were his kinred inuited, strangers admitted, his owne people entertai­ned, and all sorts welcommed: but as yet no bride was seene, no woman named, no lady designed, no maid published, no wife knowne: onely the preparation was much, and the expe­ctation greater.

All this while the Marquesse continued his hunting; and as he had accustomed, resorted much to a poore country village not farre from Salusse; where there dwelt as poore a countri­man, named Ianicole, ouerworne in yeares, and ouercomne with distresse. But as it happens many times, that inward graces doe moderate outward discommodities, and that God seasoneth pouerty with contentment and their sufficient sup­portation: so had this poore man all his deserts supplied in the admirable comfort of one onely daughter; so composed, as if Nature determined a worke of ostentation. For such was her [Page] beauty in appearance, and vertue in operation, that it put iu­dicious men to an extasie in the choise by comparison: but both vnited did héere grace each other; and when they pretended an action, it was all to go forward to perfection. And whereas in others this temporary blessing gaue wings to desire, to bee seene and knowne abroad; in her those innated vertues allaied the heat of all manner of passion, and breakings out of frailty. The viands they had were but meane, and the diet they kept was to satisfie nature: the time was ouer-ruled by their sto­macks, and the ceremonies they vsed were thanks to God, & moderation in their repasts. The vtensiles of the house were homely, yet handsome in regard of their cleanlinesse: that bed which they had the ould man lay in, and the swéet daug [...] made shift with the ground. No day passed without pr [...] and praises to God (for was it not praise-worthy to ha [...] such grace in this disgrace?) nor any night, without taking account of the day passed. Her exercise was to helpe her father in the morning, and driue forth her sheep in the day time: hée was at home making of nets, and shee abroad looking to her lambs: she was neuer heard to wish for any better, but to thank God it was no worse. No word of repining euer came from her mouth, or the least grudge from her heart: at night she folded her sheep, and dressed her fathers supper: then lay they downe to rest, and rested as well as in a bed of Downe indeed. This was the glory of their pouerty, and memory of their content­ment.

But as fire will not be hid where there is matter comhusti­ble: so vertue will not be obscured where there be tongues and eares: nor could the Marquesse so hallow after his hawks and hounds, but report hallowed in his eare, as fast, this wonder­ment; insomuch that when it was confirmed by iudicious re­lation, he made it not dainty to be behoulding to his owne ex­perience. Which when he saw concurring with fame, the mi­racle brought a kinde of astonishment: which continuing the properties of such nouelties, increased to meditation: and so comparing the rest with this rarity, he thought her a fit woman to make his wife; supposing that if she were vertuous by na­ture, [Page] she could not proue vicious by education: but rather as a diamond is a stone of the same value, whether set in lead or horne, it must needs bee of more excellency embellished with gold and enamell. In which resolution hee prepared his heart, and went forward with his businesse.

In the meane time the Court was daintily furnished, the plate prepared, the apparell magnificent, the coronet rich, the iewels precious, the ornaments excéeding, and all things be­fitting the magnificence of a prince, & the dignitie of a queen: only the Nobles wondred, the ladies were amazed, the damsels maruelled, the Gentles disputed, the people flocked, and all sorts attended to sée who should possesse this wealth, and bée adorned with these robes. Till at last the nuptial day came indeed: honour prepared the sumptuousnes: fame diuulged the glory: Hymen inuited the guests: magnificence adorned the roomes: the Officers marshald the State: and all loo­ked for a Bride: but who she was, the next Chapter must dis­couer.

CHAP. II. How after all this great preparation, the Marquesse of Saluss demanded Grisell of her poore father Ianicola; and espou­sing her, made her Marchionesse of Saluss.

WHen all things were extended to this glorious shew, the Marquesse (as if he went to fetch his wife indeed) tooke with him a great company of Earls, Lords, Knights, Squires and Gentlemen, Ladies and attendants; and went from the Palace into the Country toward Ianicolas house; where the faire mayd Grisel knowing nothing of that which hapned, nor once dreaming of that which was to come, had made her house and selfe somwhat handsome, determining (with the rest of her neighbor Virgins) to sée this solemnity: at which instant arri­ued the Marquesse with all his gracious company, meeting with Grisel, as shée was carrying two pitchers of water to her poor fathers house. Of whom (calling her by her name) he as­ked, where her father was: she humbly answered, in the house. [Page] Goe then said hee, and tell him I would speak with him. So the poore old man (made the poorer by this astonishment) came forth to the Lord somewhat appauled: till the Marquesse, ta­king him by the hand, with an extraordinary chearefulnesse, said, that he had a secret to impart vnto him; and so sequestring him from the company, spake these words: Ianicola, I know, that you alwaies loued me, and am resolued, that you doe not now hate me: you haue beene glad when I haue been pleased; and will not now bee sorrowfull, if I bee satisfied: nay, I am sure, if it lie in your power, you will further my delight, and not bee a contrary to my request. For I intend to begge your daughter for my wife, and bee your sonne in lawe for your ad­uancement. What saiest thou man? wilt thou accept mee for a friend, as I haue appointed thee for a father? The poore ould man was so astonished, that he could not looke vp for teares, nor speake a word for ioy: but when the extasie had end, hee thus faintly replied; My gracious Soueraigne, you are my lord, and therefore I must accord to your will; but you are ge­nerous, and therefore I presume on your vertue: take her a Gods name, and make mee a glad father; and let that God, which raiseth the humble and méek, make her a befitting wife, and fruitfull mother. Why then, replied the Marquesse, let vs enter your house: for I must aske her a question before you. So hee went in, the company tarrying without in great asto­nishment: the faire maid was busied to make it as handsome as she could; and proud againe, to haue such a guest vnder her roofe; amazed at nothing, but why hee should come so accom­panied, and little coniecturing of so great a blessing approa­ching. But at last, the Marquesse took her by the hand, and v­sed these spéeches: To tel you this blush becomes you, it were but a folly; and that your modesty hath graced your comelines, may proue the deceit of words, and vnbefitting my greatnes: but in a word, your father and I haue agreed to make you my wife, and I hope you will not disagree to take me to your hus­band. For delay shall not intangle you with suspicion, nor two daies longer protract the kindnes: onely I must bee satisfied in this, if your heart affoord a willing entertainement to the [Page] motion; and your vertue a constancy to this resolution, Not to repine at my pleasure in any thing, nor presume on contradicti­on, when I determine to command. For as amongst good soul­diers, they must simply obey without disputing the businesse: so must vertuous wiues dutifully consent without reproofe, or the least contraction of a brow. Therefore be aduised how you answer, and I charge you take heed, that the tongue vtter no more then the heart conceits. All this while was Grisel won­dring at the miracle, had not religiō told her, that nothing was impossible to the Commander of all things; which reduced her to a better consideration, and thus brought forth an an­swere:

My gracious lord, I am not ignorant of your greatnesse, and know mine owne basenesse; there is no worth in me to be your seruant, therefore there can be no desert to be your wife: notwithstanding, because God will be the Author of miracu­lous accidents, I yéeld to your pleasure, and praise him for the fortune, onely this I will be bold to say, That your will shall shall be my delight, and death shall be more welcome vnto mée, then a word of displeasure against you.

This is sufficient, answered the great lord, and so most lo­uingly he took her by the hand, and brought her to the compa­ny, euen before all his peeres and great ladies; and told them, shee should bee his wife: so that wherein they extended their loue, reuerence, and obedience toward her, he would exempli­fie his regard, care, and diligence toward them. And because outward shewes doe sometimes grace befitting actions (lest her pouerty and basenes might too much daunt their expecta­tion, and seeme disgratious to their noblenes) he commanded them with a morall liuelinesse to adorne her with the richest robes they had: so that it was a pleasure to see, how the ladies bestire themselues; a delight, to behould the seuerall seruices performed; the many hands about her; the iewels and pen­dants, the robes and mantles; the ornaments and coronets; the collanaes and chaines; with all other particulars and ac­couterements: but when she was apparelled indeed, it was a rauishment excéeding report, and they which stomached her [Page] preferment, were now delighted with her glory. Such a be­nefit hath beauty by nature, and gratiousnesse by nurture.

CHAP. III. How the Marquesse and Grisel were married together.

AFter the ladies had thus adorned poore Grisel with robes befitting her estate, the Marquesse and all the noble com­pany returned to Saluss, and in the Cathedrall Church in sight of the people, according to the fulnesse of religious ceremo­nies, they were espoused together, and with great solemnitie returned to the palace. Herein yet consisted the admiration, that no word of reproach was murmured, nor eie looked vn­pleasantly vpon her: for by her wonderfull demeanour shee had gained so much of opinion, that the basenes of her birth was not thought vpon, and all her graces concurring made them verely beleeue, shee was extracted of princely lineage: no man once supposed, that shee could bee Grisel, daughter to poore Ianicola; but rather some creature metamorphosed by the powers of heauen: for besides the outward statelinesse & maiesticall carriage of herselfe, the wonderfull modestie and exact symmetry of her countenance, the admirable beauty and extraordinary fauor of her visage, her faire demeanour had a kinde of attraction, and her gratious words, a swéet deliue­ry; so that all that came to her were glad of their accesse, and they which went from her, triumphed for their good spéed: yea, report extended so far, that she was not onely visited by her owne lords and ladies with reuerence; but attended on with strangers, who came from all quarters to sée her, and to bée behoulding to their owne iudgements: so that if the Mar­quesse loued her before for her owne worth, he now reueren­ced her for others respect; the rather, because he found a ble­ssing attending her presence, and all people pleased in the con­tract. For when any controuersie hapned betwéene himselfe and his Nobles, she was so nobly minded, that what she could not obtaine by faire intreaty, she yet mitigated by swéet per­swasion. When any vnkindnes hapned of forraine Princes, [Page] shée vrged those blessings of peace, and reasoned the matter with delightsom enforcement & when the people were either complained of, or against, he maruelled from whence she had those pretty reasons to asswage his anger, and they verely beléeued shee was sent from heauen for their reléefe. Thus was shée amiable to her lord, acceptable to her people, profi­table to her Country, a mirror of her Sexe, a person priuiled­ged by nature, and a wonder of the time, in which she did no­thing out of time; so that the Marquesse was rather rauished then louing, and all his subiects resolued to obedience from her good example.

CHAP. IIII. How the Lady Grisel was proued by her Husband, who thus made triall of her patience.

TO other blessings, in processe of time, there was added the birth of a swéet Infant, a Daughter, that reioiced the mo­ther, and gladded the father; the Country triumphed, and the people clapped their hands for ioy. For the Marquesse still lo­ued her more and more, and they thought their liues not déere for her, if occasion serued. Notwithstanding all this, Fortune hath still a tricke to checke the pride of life, and prosperity must be seasoned with some crosses, or else it would taint & corrupt vs too much. Whereupon, the Marquesse determined now to proue his wife, and make triall of her vertues indeed: and so taking a conuenient season, after the childe was fully meaned, he one day repaired secretly to her chamber, and (séeming halfe angry) thus imparted his mind:

Although, Grisel, this your present Fortune hath made you forget your former estate, and that the iollity of your life ouer­swayeth the remembrance of your birth; yet, neither is it so with me, nor my Nobles: For I haue some occasion of dista­sting, and they great cause of repining, in that they must be subiect to one so base, and haue still before their eyes our chil­dren of such low degrée; so that though (for my sake) they make good semblance of the present, yet are they resolued neuer to suf­fer [Page] any of our posterity to rule ouer them; of which, as they haue disputed with mee, I cannot chuse but forewarne you: Therefore, to preuent this discontentment betwéene vs, and to maintaine that peace which must corroborate my estate, I must néedes yeelde to their iudgements, and take away your Daughter from you, to preserue their amity: the thing I know must be displeasing to Nature, and a Mother cannot well indure such a losse: but there is now no remedy, only make vse of your first resolutions, and remember what you promised me at the beginning of our Contract.

The Lady hearing this sorrowfull preamble, and appre­hending the Marquesse resolution, to her griefe (although eue­ry word might haue béene as arrowes in her sides) yet admit­ting of the temptation, and disputing with her selfe to what end the vertues of Patience, Modesty, Forbearance, Forti­tude and Magnanimity were ordained, if they had not subiects to worke vpon, and obiects to looke after; thus replyed:

My lord, you are my Soueraigne, and all earthly pleasures and contentments of my life come from you, as the fountaine of my happinesse; and therefore please your selfe, and (beléeue it) it is my pleasure that you are pleased: as for the child, it is the gift of God and yours. Now he that giues may take away, and as wée receiue blessings from heauen, so must we not dote on them on earth; lest by setting our minds too much vpon them, wée cannot set off our hearts when they are taken from vs: only one thing I desire, that you remember I am a mother, and if I burst not out into passion for her losse, it is for your sake I am no more perplexed, and so you shall euer find mee a wife befitting your desires.

When the Marquesse saw her constancy, and was in a man­ner pleased with her modest answere, hée replied not at all at that time. For his heart was full, and what betweene ioy and feare he departed: ioy that so great vertue had the increase of goodnesse: feare that he had presumed too farre on such a trial: but resolued in his businesse, hee went to put it to the aduen­ture.

CHAP. V. The Marquesse sent a Varlet for his daughter; but priuatly dis­posed of her with his sister, the Dutchesse of Bologna de grace, who brought her vp in all things befitting the childe of so great a person.

NOt long after this sad conference betwéen the Marquesse and his lady, hée called a faithfull seruant vnto him; such a one as the poet talks of, propter fidem & taciturnitatem di­lectum, to whom hée imparts this secrecy; and with seuerall instructions, what hée truly meant to do with the child, sent him to his wife with an vnsauory message; which yet hée de­liuered in this manner:

I had not now come to you, most noble lady, though that power commanded me, which hath my life in subiection, if I had not more relied vpon your wisdome and vertue, than fea­red death it selfe. Therefore I craue pardon if I am displea­sing in my message, and séeme cruell (as it were) in tearing your flesh from your sides, by bereauing you of this your daughter: for hée hath appointed it that must not bée gainsaid, and I am a messenger that cannot bée denied: but yet with what vnwillingnes (God knowes my soule.) in regard that you are so respected amongst vs, that wée think of nothing but what may delight you, and talk not a word, but of your merit and worthinesse!

When shée had heard him out; remembring the conference the Marquesse had with her, and apprehending there was no disputing in a matter remedilesse, especially with a messenger, shée resolued it was ordained to dy: and although shée must now (as it were) commit it to a slaughter-house, whereby a­ny woman in the world might with good becomming haue burst out into some passion, and well enough shewed a dis­tracted extasie; yet recollecting her spirits, and reclaiming those motiues of nature already striuing in her bowels, shée took the childe in her armes, and with a mothers blessing, and [Page] swéetned kisses, the countenance somewhat sad, and the ge­sture without any violent excruciation, deliuered it vnto the fellow, not once amazed nor distempred, because her lord would haue it so, and shée knew not how to haue it otherwise: only shee said, I must, my friend, intreat one thing at your hands, that out of humanity and Christian obseruation, you leaue not the body to bée deuoured of beasts or birds: for it is wor­thy of a graue in her innocency: and Christian buriall, though shée were but my daughter alone.

The fellow hauing receiued the childe, durst not tarry for feare of discouery (such impression had her words make alrea­dy) but returned with it to his Maister; not leauing out the least circumstance of her answer, nor any thing might enlarge her renowne and constancy.

The Marquesse considering the great vertue of his wife, and looking on the beauty of his daughter, began to enter into a kinde of compassion, and to retract his wilfulnesse: but at last, resolution won the field of pity and hauing (as he thought) so well begunne, would not so soone giue ouer: but with the same secrecy hée had taken her from his wife, hée sent it away to his sister, the Duchess of Bologna, with presents of worth, and letters of gratification, containing in them the nature of the businesse, and the manner of her bringing vp; which shee accordingly put in practice, receiuing her néece with ioy, and instructing her with diligence: so that it soone appeared, vn­der what a tutelage shée was, and whose daughter shee might be. For her pregnancy learned whatsoeuer they taught her: and the grace shee added, quickly discouered, that honour had confederated with nature to make her the of-spring of such a mother.

CHAP. VI. The Marquesse, not contented with this proofe, tooke away also her sonne, in which aduersity (with other additions) she shewed an extraordinary patience.

AFter this tempest was ouerpast, the rage whereof might easily haue broken the tender sides of poore Grisels Barke (For, shée verely beleeued that her Daughter was slaine) the Marquesse still lay in waite for the trial of his wife, watching euery opportunity which might acquaint him with her discon­tentments; especially, if he might vnderstand whether shée complained of his rigorousnesse and vnkindnesse, or no: but when he not onely was aduertised of her constancy, and faire demeanor, but saw (by experience) that shée was neither ela­ted in prosperity, nor deiected in aduersity: when hee percei­ued so great a temperature betwéene the ioy of her aduance­ment and the sorrow for her trouble, hée wondred at her con­stancy; and the rather, because her loue and obseruation to­ward him continued with that swéetnes, and had such delecta­ble passages, that his heart was set on fire againe, and hee knew not how to allay the extreamities of his ioy. In this manner passed foure yéeres, wherein shée ouerpassed all of her kinde; and he thought it a donatiue from heauen to haue such a wife. At last, nature bestird herselfe againe, and made her a happy mother of a faire sonne; the ioy whereof led the whole Country into the house of praier & thanksgiuing, and brought them home againe by cresset-light and bonfires: so that shée well perceiued how acceptable shée was to her people, and be­loued of her husband. Notwithstanding, with the same water that draue the mill, hée drowned it; and made her still beléeue the contrary: for after two yéeres, that the childe was past the danger of a cradle, and the trouble of infancy, hée took occasi­on once againe to inflict vpon the vertuous Grisel a new pu­nishment; erecting his building vpon the old foundation. You knowe, saith hée, what former contentions I haue had with my Nobility about our marriage, not that they can lay any im­putation [Page] on you or your worthy behauior, but on my fortune and disasterous affection to match my selfe so meanly: wher­in yet their forward exprobration was rebated, all the while we either had no children, or that they supposed, that which we had to be taken from vs: all which ariseth out of the error of ambition (which, in a manner, is carelesse of vertue) respe­cting nothing but a high Progeny: so that euer since this child was borne, there hath passed many secret grudgings, and vn­kinde speeches against it, as if it were a disparagement to their greatnesse, to haue a lord of so meane Parentage, and the Country to be subiect to the grand child of Ianicola, whom you sée, neuer since our mariage, they would admit to place of ho­nor, or to ouertop them by way of association; nor will suffer this my Gualter, though it carry the fathers name to rule ouer them. Therefore, to allay the heat of these present fires, & to preserue the peace of my estate (by preuēting the mischief of fu­ture troubles) I am resolued to settle my contentment, and to deale with your sonne, as I haue dealt with your daughter. And of this I thought good to aduertise you, as a preparatiue for patience, lest sorrow should distract with ouersuddennesse.

Now you Ladies and Dames of these times, that stand vpon tearmes of spirit and greatnesse of heart (some will haue it courage and magnanimity of minde) that are affrighted at the Character of a foole: and silly poore soule, I speake not of Strumpets, or of such as are willing to brand themselues with the impurity of vncleannesse, and dare out of impudency or running, tell their Husbands to their faces, they will goe where they list, and do what they please; but of such that vn­der that impregnable target of honestie are yet so impatient at euery distemperature, that they dare answere taunt for taunt: yea like Viragos indeed offer the first blow, though a horrible confusion follow; what would you haue answered this lord? or with what fire-works would you haue made your approches vnto him? I will not tarry for your answere, lest I pull the old house in peeces, and so though I scape the timber I may be crushed with the rubbish: but I will now [...] all obiections. In telling you what [Page] faire GRISEL said: and if there bée hope of reformation, insert it as a caution, to diuert you from your naturall fierce­nes.

When shée had heard him out: though to the griefe of her soule, shée conceiued the murther of her childe, and that the ap­prehension renewed the sorrow of her daughters losse: yet would shée giue no way to such distemperature, that either hée should haue cause to suspect her patience, or shée herselfe the temptation of disquiet; and therefore thus replied: My lord, I haue many times told you, that my soule reioiceth in nothing but in your reposednes: for you are the lord of mée and this in­fant: and though I could bée contented to shew my selfe a mo­ther in his education, and bring him now and then vnto you as the pledge of our loues, yet are you the commander of my vowes, and I will rectifie all disordered appetites by the rule of your pleasure. Take him then a Gods name, and if hée bée marked for death, it is but the common brand of all creatures; nay, if the mother may bée a sacrifice of propitiation to ap­pease your disquiet, neuer was lamb so meek, nor holocaust so willing to bée offred. For, what may bée comprehended vnder the titles of father, kinred, children, friends, life, pleasure, ho­nour and contentment, are all comprised vnder your loue, and the society of a husband. Do with mée then what you please: the body shall serue your turne while it liues, and the soule at­tend you after death.

Héere was an answer to pacifie the tyrants of Sicilie, and put a man quite out of his tract of prouing such a wife: yet the Marquesse onely made vse of it to reioice in the assurance of her goodnes; and went the rather forward in his dangerous course of temptation.

CHAP. VII. The Marquesse, resolute to proue his wife further, sendeth for his son, & disposeth of him as he had done of his daughter.

AS this patient and wonderfull lady was one day sporting with her infant; like an vntimely tempest (spoiling the beauty of some new rooted plants) did this messenger of death interpose himselfe betwéene her recreation, making the hol­low demand of her sonne worse than the noise of aschrich-owle ouer a sick mans bed: yet (as if there were a conscience in disquieting her greatnes, or if you will, her goodnes) he came forward with preambles and apologies, insinuating with cra­uing pardon the authority of a lord, the duty of a seruant, the terrour of death, the circumstance of obedience, and all other enforcements which might either excuse a messenger, or make the message it selfe without blame. What should I enlarge a discourse of terrour? it is a curtesie to conclude a mischiefe with quicknes: hée was not so sudden in his demand, as shée was ready in her dispatch: for she presently blest the child, kis­sed it, crossed it, adorned it, and deliuered it to the executio­ner: onely with the same enforcement shée pleaded, as shée had spoken of in the behalfe of her daughter; not to sée it perish for lack of a buriall, or deuoured for want of a graue.

In this manner, and with this report hée returned to his lord, who had still more cause of amazement, and lesse reason to trouble such a creature, had not his wilfulnes put him for­ward to make an end of his businesse, and taught him still vari­ety of trying this gold in the fire. But for the time, hée sent likewise this childe to his sister, the Duchesse of Bologna (yet some will haue her but Countesse of Paniche) who, vnder­standing her brothers minde, brought vp both these children in such a fashion, that though no man knew whose children they were, yet they imagined whose they might bée; that is, the son and daughter of some prince, or other potentate, willing to haue his children brought vp to the best purpose, and befitting their birth and honour.

The ordering of this businesse in this sort, made the Mar­quesse once againe settle himselfe in Saluss, where hée kept o­pen house to all comers; and was proud of nothing so much, as the honour of his wife, and the loue of his people: for al­though he had thus tried her patience and constancy, giuing her more then sufficient cause of anguish and perturbation, yet could he not finde fault, or had the least demonstration of offence, but still she loued him more and more, and was so ob­seruingly dutifull, and cautelous of displeasure, that many times he grew enamored of that he might command, and see­med passionate in the distractions of ouer-ioy. Nor could the length of time make this loue wearisome, for all they had li­ued thus a dosen yeares together: onely shee got the hand of him in the opinion of the people, who by this time beganne to whisper against his vnkindnes, that had married so vertuous a woman, & bereaued her of two children, so that if they were slaine, it was a murther, if otherwise, it was vnkindnesse. For though shee were poore Ianicolas daughter by birth, yet she might come from heauen for her vertue, and was sure to go thither for her piety. Notwithstanding these breakings out, which came often to the eares of his honour, such was her mo­deration and his gouernment, that they only whisperd the same in her behalfe, and contented themselues with the expectation of future good, as they had the fruition of present happinesse; not meddling with the same further, then in the commiserati­on of her, and still acknowledging their duty to him: so that although hee knew shee might this way vnderstand his former reasons of taking away her children, that it was but a deuice, and that there were some other motiues, which procured this vnkindnes: yet was hee still obstinate to exercise her patience, and conceit beat out another plot of offence on the anuill of a louing, yet most hardned heart.

CHAP. IX. The Marquesse, to try his Lady further, made her beleeue hee would marry another wife.

SOme dosen yéeres were passed, since the Marquesse of Sa­luss had sent his daughter to Bologna to his sister (as you haue heard) who was by this time growne to that beautie, comelinesse and perfection, that her fame busied all Europe; and the lady Grisel, her Mother, was made acquainted with her excellency; whereupon, he very strangely sent to Rome, by a Messenger of trust, for counterfait letters to marrie his Pa­ragon, and to bee dispensed from his first wife. Which was so effectually dispatched, that the Messenger soone returned with the approbation of his request, and hee himselfe had many allegations in readinesse to excuse the matter, intima­ting the good of the Countrie, and the continuall desire of his people for the alteration; which although it was far from pro­bability, because they pitied their ladies distresse, and rather repined against their lords vnconstancy: yet it serued his turne for the time, and he thereupon erected the frame of this second marriage. By this time is the faire Grisel acquainted with the businesse, and troubled at the misfortune; but ha­uing many times plaied the wanton with affliction, she reset­tled herselfe to endure whatsoeuer should be imposed: so that when she came to the proofe indéed, nothing affronted her con­stancy, nor humbled her lower, then her own vertue had taught her the way.

In the meane while the Marquesse had vnder hand sent to the Count of Paniche, and his sister, to bring him his chil­dren with all the pompe and glory they could prepare; with caution, not to discouer their names and to be at a day appoin­ted at Saluss: so that it passed for currant all ouer the Country, that a lady, a yong, braue, and gallant lady, of great lineage, [Page] and greater worth, of high renown and mighty affinity, was comming into Saluss to be espoused to the Marquesse, and that they were already come out of Bologna de Grace, a whole dayes iourney forward, with such a troope and company, that it was a shew of magnificence, and a spectacle of delight. For amongst the rest, there was a young lord, not fully eight yéere old, whose brauery and gallantnesse drew all mens eyes with admiration toward him, had not the lady diuided the gazing, and shared with their opinion. For, besides her riches and outward ornaments, her youth (as not fully thirtéene) and vp­right comelinesse, her bewty and gracious behauiour, she was of extraordinary stature and maiestike presence.

These things thus disposed and handsomly carried, the Marquesse tooke an opportunity thus to speak to the disconso­late Grisel before all his people: In times past I confesse you deserued my loue, and notwithstanding the disparity betwéene vs, I thought it well bestowed vpon you; nay, I cannot now impute any ill desert vnto you: notwithstanding, for some rea­sons to my selfe best knowne, of which I haue made the holy Father acquainted, I am resolued to take another wife; who, as you heare, is on the way hitherward already: therefore I would aduise you to retire to your fathers cotage, till you heare further from me.

Alas my lord, replied the swéet soule, I euer disputed the matter with reason, that there was no equality betwéene so great magnificence and my humiliation, and in the greatest assurance of my prosperity, replaced my selfe a vassaile & hand­maid; proud of nothing but my owne readinesse to be at your command, & your willingnes to imploy mee in your affaires; so that I take God to my witnes, I scarce trusted my selfe with the name of a wife, when I was in the best assurance. There­fore I must acknowledge, what you haue heeretofore vouch­safed, as a part of great bounty, and the very fruits of your generousnes. As for returning to my poore Fathers house, I am most willing; and there as you please, like a forlorne wi­dow wil spend the rest of my dayes: yet remember I was your wife, espoused orderly, and you haue had children by mee, so [Page] that if I there dye, I must yet dye the widdow of such a lord, and for honors sake be so reputed. As for your new Spouse, God grant her many daies of comfort, and you many yeeres of ioy, that you may liue in reciprocall delight one with another, and intertaine no worse contentment, then poore Grisel accusto­med. As for my Dowry I brought, I brought only my selfe, and will haue no more backe againe, which was, faith, loue, reuerence, pouerty and virginity: For, as I came naked from my fathers house, I am contented to returne so againe. Your iewels are in the wardrobe, and euen the ring you married mée withal, in the Chambex: of this I weare I shall quickly be dis­robed, and if there be any further misery appointed, my pati­ence can endure it, if your pleasure impose it; onely in recom­pence of my Virginitie, I request a poore smocke to hide that wombe from publicke ouerlooking, that was once so priuate to so great a Prince: and because it was the bed of your In­fants, let it not bee the storne of your people, but giue mee leaue thus to goe out of the Palace, that hereafter times may wonder, how quietly a woman yéelded to so great a change. Nay, let no man shed a teare, I must bée more naked then so: for though the wife of a Marquesse while I liued, and the wi­dow when I died, yet am I not too good for a graue, but in de­spight of pride must returne to dust and ashes.

Did I say before, they beganne to wéep? I can assure you, when shée had done, they roared out-right; yea, the Marquesse himselfe shed so many teares, that he was faine to retire; and commanded the smock shée had begged to be sent vnto her, that shée might prosecute the enterprise, and he determine his busi­nesse, as he had constantly proiected.

CHAP. VIII. How the patient Grisel was disrobed of her apparell, and resto­red all that she had (except one poore smocke) to the Mar­quesse.

BEfore I procéed any further in this wonderfull discouery, I am sure two things will bee obiected against mée: first, [Page] the impossibility of the story; secondly, the absurdity of the ex­ample. [...] the story I answer, that therefore it was thus pub­lished and connected together, for the rarity of the businesse, and the swéetnes of the successe; nor is it any way stranger than many Roman passages, and Gretian discourses. For the application, it is both necessary and befitting: for whereas in the condition of women, amongst many other there bée two especiall errours against the modesty of their sex, and quietnes of their husbands, videlicet, superiority, and desire of liberty (I name not irregular behauiour, houshould inconueniences, and domesticks strife) this one example (as Hercules did the serpents) strangles them both in the cradle: and though it can­not preuent, yet will it exprobrate the fault. First concerning superiority, I hope the instances of Scripture are not made Canonicall to no purpose: and out of reason and naturall in­forcement, what a filthinesse is it to a generous spirit, to haue a woman so presumptuous as to take an account of her hus­bands actions and businesse? wherein many times they are so peremptory, that I haue séene them enter into the roome of priuacy, where secret businesses of strangers haue been impar­ted, and were to be discussed, nor hath this been done with a louely insinuation, or cunning excuse of longing, or willing­nes to be instructed, or other pretty inducements to permissi­on, but with a high commanding voice, and impudent assuran­ces of their owne worth: yea, I haue knowne them breake o­pen letters before they came to their husbands ouerlooking, and haue wondred euen at souldiers themselues, that would giue way to such vndecency. Againe, to be counterchecked in this wilfulnes, what clamours haue béene raised? what tu­mults and discomforts occasioned? that instead of awfull o­bedience and delightsome affability, they haue burst out into outragiousnes, commanded teares of mischiefe, and threatned suspicions reuenges: but let them soile themselues in the fil­thinesse of this humour neuer so much, I say plainely, that though their husbands were fooles by nature, yet is it not be­fitting for a wife to discouer the same, or ouer-rule in forren affaires, I meane matters which concerne them not: for there [Page] is no great man so weake, but hath councell and supportation of inferior Officers; nor mean man so sottish, but hath friends or seruants in the dispatch of his businesse. Secondly, concer­ning the desire of liberty; oh hellish deuice of the diuell, and fearefull custome both of France and England! I hope he that knowes the fashions of the East, of Muscouy, Spaine, Italy, and the Mores, vnderstands, that no married wife goes a­broad but to honorable purposes; and it is an introduction to death, to salute any stranger, or be séene in priuate conference. For, in true vnderstanding, what businesse should any man haue with my wife thrée houres together in priuate? or why, without my leaue, and that vpon good grounds, should shee wander in publike. I speake not to ouerthrow noble socie­ties, generous intertainment, familiar inuitations, curteous behauiour, charitable welcomes, honest recreations, or perad­uenture, the imparting of priuate businesse: but méerly against foppish wantonnesse, idle talke, suspicions méetings, damna­ble play-hunting, disorderly gaming, vnbefitting exercises; and in a word, all such things as tend to obscenity and wickednes; in which (say what women can) if there be not a moderation, by nature, there must bee an inforcement by iudgement: and that woman that will not be ruled by good councell, must be o­uerruled by better example. Of which, this now in hand (of lady Grisel) is a mirror, and transparent Crystall to manifest true vertue, and wifely duty indéed, and so I come to the won­der of her obedience.

After the Marquesse was resolued to the last Act of her try­all, and had sent her the smocke shée demanded, amongst all the Lords, Knights, Ladies and other company, she presently dis­robed her selfe, and went so accompanied, from the Palace, to her fathers Cottage, who as you haue heard (for diuers rea­sons) was only kept from want, but neuer aduanced out of the same.

The company could not choose but wéepe and deplore the al­teration of Fortune: she could not choose but smile, that her vertue was predominant ouer passion: they exclaimed against the cruelty of her lord, she disclaimed the least inuentiue against [Page] him: they wondred at so great vertue and patience, she resol­ued them they were exercises befitting a modest woman; they followed her with true loue and desires to doe her good, shee thanked them with a true heart, and request to desist from a­ny further deploring of her estate.

By this time they approched the house, and the poore old man Ianicola acquainted with the hurliburly, came out to sée what the matter was. And finding it was his daughter in her smocke, and in so honourable a company, bemoaning het di­stresse, she quickly left them all vnspoke vnto, and ran in for those poore robes, which were formerly left in the house: with which hee quickly arayed her, and told her before them all, that now shée was in her right element; and kissing her, bad her welcom. The company was as much astonished at his mo­deration, as at her constancie, wondring how nature could bee so restrained from passion, and that any woman had such grace to be so gracious; in which amaze, not without some re­prehension of fortune, and their Lords cruelty, they left her to the pouerty of the Cell, and returnrd themselues to the glory of the Palace: where they recounted to the Marquesse, the strangenesse of the businesse, and the manner of the accidents, and shee continued in her first moderation and indefatigable patience; the poore Father onely laughing to scorne the mi­series and sodaine mutabilitie of humane condition, and com­forting his daughter in her well-begun courses of modesty and reposednesse.

Not long after, approched the Countesse of Paniche, or if you will Duchesse of Bologna, with her glorious company and beautifull lady, sending word before hand, that she would be at Saluss such a day; whereupon the Marquesse sent a troope to welcome her, and prepared the Court for her intertain­ment: the bruit of which yet had not so equall a passage, but diuers contrarious opinions thus bandied themselues; some absolutely condemned the inconstancie of the lord, others de­plored the misfortune of the lady; some repined to sée a man so cruell against so great worthinesse, others exemplified her praises to all eternitie; some were transported with the [Page] gallant youth and comelinesse of this now bewtifull Virgine, others presumed to parallel the faire Grisel, but that shée had stepped a little before her in yeeres: some harped vpon her great Nobilitie and high Lineage, others compared the for­mer wifes vertue and true wisedome; some excused their lord, by the loue to his Country, others excused the lady, by the nature of the aduersitie, vntill the approach of the faire Virgine and the young Noble man in her company, extingui­shed all former conceits, and set them to a new worke, concer­ning this spectacle, wherein the young lady, and her braue brother had such preeminence: nor knew the Earle of Paniche himselfe or any of the company on either side, that they were his owne children by Grisel, but meerely strangers, and de­signed for this new mariage. So the great Marquesse made good semblance, and with his accustomed courtlinesse welcom­med them all to the Palace.

The very next morning (or, if you will, the day before) he sent a Messenger for Grisel to come vnto him in the very same manner as shee was, who protracted no time, but presently attended her lord: at her approach he was somewhat appalled: but yet setting (as wee say) the best foot forward, hee thus procéeded.

The lady (Grisel) with whom I must marrie, will bee here to morrow by this time, and the feast is prepared according­ly; now because there is none so well acquainted with the se­crets of my Palace, and disposition of my selfe as you, I would haue you, for all this base attire, addresse your wise­dome to the ordering of the businesse, appointing such officers as is befitting, and disposing the roomes, according to the de­grées and estate of the persons: let the lady haue the priui­ledge of the mariage chamber, and the young lord the pleasure of the gallery, let the rest be lodged in the Courts, and the bet­ter sort vpon the sides of the garden: let the viands bee plen­tifull, and the ceremonies maintained; let the showes bee sumptuous, and the pastimes as it becommeth: in a word, let nothing be wanting, which may set forth my honour, and de­light the people.

My Lord, saith shée, I euer tould you, I took pleasure in nothing but your contentment, and whatsoeuer might con­fort to your delight, therein consisted my ioy and happinesse: therefore make no question of my diligence and duty in this, or any other thing which it shal please you to impose vpon me: and so like a poore seruant shée presently addressed herselfe to the businesse of the house; performing ell things with such a quicknes and grace, that each one wondred at her goodnesse and faire demeanour, and many murmured to sée her put to such a triall. But the day of entertainement is now comne: and when the faire lady approached, her very presence had al­most extinguished the impression of Grisels worthinesse: for some vnconstant humourists gaue way to the alteration, not blaming the Marquesse for such a change. But when the stran­gers were made acquainted with the Fortune of Grisel; and saw her faire demeanour, they could not but estéeme her a wo­man of great vertue and honour; being more amased at her patience, then at the mutability of mans condition; till at last shée approached the lady, and taking her by the hand, vsed this spéech.

Lady, if it were not his pleasure that may command to bid you welcome, yet me thinks there is a kinde of ouer-ruling grace from nature in you, that must exact a respect vnto you. And as for you, yong lord, I can say no more, but if I might haue my desires satisfied in this world, they should be imploi­ed to wish you well, and to endeauour all things for your en­tertainement indéed. To the rest I afford what is befitting; desiring them, that if any deficiency amate their expectation, they would impute it either to my ignorance, or negligence: for it is the pleasure of him, in whose will is all my pleasure, that in all sufficiency you should haue haue regard and suppli­ment. And so shée conducted them to their seuerall chambers, where they reposed themselues awhile, till the time of dinner inuited them to repast. When all things were prepared, and the solemnity of placing the guests finished, the Marquesse sent for Grisel; and rising on his féet, took her by the hand be­fore them all, erecting his body, and elating his vo [...] in this [Page] manner: You see the lady is heere I meane to marry: and the company gloriously prepared to witnes the same: are you therefore contented that I shall thus dispose of my selfe, and do quietly yéeld to the alteration?

My lord, replied she before them all, wherein as a woman I might be faulty, I will not now dispute: but because I am your wife, and haue deuoted my selfe to obedience, I am re­solued to delight in nothing but your pleasure: so that if this match be designed for your good, and determined by your ap­pointment, I am much satisfied, and more then much conten­ted. And for you lady, I wish you the delights of your marri­age, and the honour of your husband, many yeares of happi­nesse, and the fruits of a chaste wedlock: only gracious lord, take héed of one thing, that you trie not this new bride as you haue done your ould wife: for she is yong, and peraduenture of another straine, and so may want of that patience and go­uernment, which I, poore I, haue endured.

Till this, he held out brauely: but nature ouercomming re­solution, and considering with what strange variety his vn­kindnesse had passed, hee could not answere a word for teares, and all the company stood confounded at the matter, wondring what would be the end of the businesse, and the successe of the extasie: But to draw them out of their doubts, the next Chap­ter shall determine the controuersie.

CHAP. X. The Oration of the Marquesse to his wife, and the discouery of her children, to her great ioy, and the contentment of all the company.

AFter a little reducement of his passion, and that time, and further meditation had disposed his senses to their perfect estate, the Marquesse graciously answered:

Thou wonder of women, and Champion of true vertue; I am ashamed of my imperfections, and tyred with abusing thee, I haue tryed thée beyond reason, and thou hast forborne mee [Page] beyond modesty: beleeue it therefore, I will haue no wife but thy selfe, and when God hath thought thée too good for the earth, I will (if it be not too much superstition) pray to thée in heauen. Oh, 'tis a pleasure to be acquainted with thy worth, and to come néere thy goodnes maketh a man better then him­selfe. For without controuersie, except thou hadst béene sent from aboue, then couldst neuer haue acted a goddesses part be­lowe: and therefore séeing I haue vsed thée so vnkindly héer­tofore, I protest neuer to disquiet thée héereafter: and where­in my cruelty extended against thée in bereauing thée of thy children, my loue shall now make amends in restoring thy daughter. For this my new bride is shée; and this wanton, her brother: thank this great lady (my sister) for their bringing vp, and this man (you knowe him well enough) for his secre­cy. Bée not amased at the matter, I haue related a truth, and will confirme it on my honour: only sit downe till the dinner is done, and bid the company welcome in this poore [...]tire: for the sun will break through slender clouds, and vertue shine in base array. I could much dilate the matter, but it is time to end, lest the circumstances will neuer end. This deuice of the Marquesses, of kissing her so louingly, and setting her downe by him so discréetly, did much good. For the company had time to dispute of the miracle, and the yong lady reason to prepare her obedience; which, no sooner was the dinner finished, but shée as soone performed, nothing thought vpon but ioy at the matter, and wonder at the accident: euery one pleased to sée such a vnity of goodnes, and all delighted to haue a businesse so well concluded. But séeing time had vnclasped a booke of such iollity, there was now no further disputing: For the la­dies flocked about her to attend her into the chamber; where the yong Princesse her daughter was as ready as the best to apparell her: so that when shée came amongst them againe, she shined like the Sun after a tempest, and seemed more glorious, because her continued modesty kept her from all insulting and vaine glorious brauery.

Thus was the Marquesse inuested as it were with a new blessedness [...] she continued in her ould con [...] [...] ad­mired [Page] and reuerenced for her worth, as he was estéemed and regarded for his wisdom: the Nobles applying themselues to renown his estate, and the People proud they had such [...] to obey, especially satisfied when the poore Ianicola [...] aduanced to his Councell, and made Gouernor of his Palace; wherein hee behaued himselfe so well, that for ten yeares hee still liued as he had béene bred a Courtier; and died w [...] [...] memory of a good report. Grisel lasted thirty yeare [...] after him: and all went to their graues in good times the Country renowned ouer the world for their admirable gouernment, and famosed for this extraordina­ry wonder.