NOVEL X.
Master Albert, of Bologna, puts a lady to the blush, who thought to have done as much by him, because she perceived him to be amorously inclined towards her.
After Eliza had finished, the last tale remained to be told by the queen, who, in the most becoming manner, began as follows: - Most virtuous ladies, as the stars are the ornament of heaven when the air is clear, and as flowers embellish the meadow in the spring, so lively sallies and appropriate anecdotes constitute the charm of polite conversation; and these are, from their very brevity, better suited to women than men, forasmuch as many words, when fewer would serve the purpose, are more unbecoming in our sex than in them. It is true there are few women now who understand anything that is smart and witty when they hear it; or, if they do understand, they scarcely know how to make a reply; which is much to the disgrace of our sex. For that culture which adorned the minds of women in former times, is devoted in our days to the body; and she whose habit is most gaudy, and set off with embroideries and fantastic ornaments, is most esteemed, not considering that, were you to load an ass with that finery, it would be able to carry more than any women, and, therefore, in that particular, they deserve not so much respect as the ass. I am ashamed to mention these things, because, whilst I censure other women, I am taxing myself. Such showy painted things, what are they else but statues, dull and insensible? or if they answer a question, they had better have been silent. Truly, they would have you think, that their not knowing how to converse with men of sense proceeds from their simplicity and purity of mind, and therefore they call their own foolishness by the name of modesty; as if there were no other honest woman but she who converses with her chambermaid, laundress, or kitchen-women; and as if nature designed them no other kind of conversation. Most sure it is, that in this, as well as in other things, you are to consider when, where, and with whom, you speak: for sometimes it happens, that a man or woman, intending by some jest or other to put a person to the blush, without having compared their strength of wit with that of the other person, may find it recoil upon themselves. Therefore, that we may be always upon our guard, and not verify the proverb which is in every one's mouth. That women always choose the worst, I desire that this day's last novel, which is to come from myself, may make us all wise; to the end that, as we are distinguished from others by birth and quality, we may not be behind them in discreetness of behaviour.
It is not long since there was living at Bologna (and perhaps he may be there still), a physician of extraordinary note in his profession, called Master Albert, one of so sprightly a disposition, though he was nearly seventy years old, that notwithstanding his natural heat and vigour had quite forsaken him, yet disdained he not to receive the
sparks of love. For having seen, at an entertainment, a most beautiful lady, a widow, called, as some say, Madam Malgherida de' Ghisolieri, he was no less smitten than if he had been a younger person: nor could he rest at nights, unless he had seen the fair one by day. This made him pass backwards and forwards, sometimes on foot, and sometimes on horseback, so often before her door, that she, and some other ladies of her acquaintance, could not help taking notice of it; and would often make themselves merry to see a person of his years and learning so ridiculously amorous; supposing love to be a passion peculiar to young people. Master Albert continuing his marches to and fro by the house, it happened, on a festival, that this lady was sitting at the door with some of her friends, and seeing him come at a distance, they all agreed to receive him handsomely, and afterwards to rally him on his passion. They rose up, therefore, and invited him into a pleasant room, where he was entertained with rich wine and sweetmeats; and at length they began to inquire of him, as modestly as possible, how he could ever think of being in love with so fine a lady, seeing how much she had been solicited by many brisk, gay young gentlemen. Master Albert, perceiving that they had drawn him in among them, only to make a jest of him, put a merry countenance on the matter, and replied:
"Madam, it should seem no strange thing to any considerate person, that I am in love, especially with you, because you so well deserve it. And though the power be. taken away by age, yet is the will remaining, as also the judgment to distinguish those who are most worthy of our affection; and this in a greater degree, as age has more knowledge than youth. The hope that prompted me, who am old, to love you, who are courted by so many younger persons, is this; I have often, at an afternoon's collation, observed ladies eating lupines and leeks, and though in the leek there be no goodness at all, yet is the head least hurtful, as well as most agreeable to the taste: but you, guided by a wrong appetite, will generally hold the head between your fingers, and eat the stalk, which is not only good for nothing, but has also a bad relish. Suppose, therefore, you choose a lover in the same manner; I shall be the happy person, and the rest of your lovers all discarded." The lady was in some confusion, as well as her companions; and she said to him, "sir, you have given us a very just and reasonable reprimand: I shall always value your respect, as that of a learned and worthy person; and you may ever, as far as is consistent with my honour, command me." Master Albert rose, gave the ladies thanks, took his leave very merrily, and departed. Thus the fair dame, never considering whom she jested with, met with her match; of which, if you are wise, you will hereafter be careful.
The sun was now descending in the west, and the heat of the day much abated, when the novels were all ended; upon which the queen pleasantly said, "Nothing more remains to be done during my administration for the present day, but to give you a new queen for tomorrow, who must take her turn, according to the best of her judgment, in ordering everything that may be necessary for the continuance of our mirth. And though the day ought to continue till it is night; yet, unless you take time a little beforehand, you cannot so well provide for what is to come; therefore, that there may be time enough to prepare whatever the queen shall think proper for the next day, I think the following days ought to begin at this hour. In regard then to Him, by whom all things live, and for our own well-doing, I appoint Filomena to be queen the second day." When she had thus spoken, she rose from her seat, and having taken the crown from her own head, she reverently placed it on Filomena's, humbly saluting her first herself, and afterwards the rest of the company did the same, submitting themselves cheerfully to her government. - Filomena saw herself crowned with a gentle blush; and calling to mind what Pampinea had just said, that she might not seem remiss in her duty, she confirmed all the officers whom Pampinea had appointed; then she ordered the morrow's provision, as also the supper, so near approaching (they being to continue where they were), and afterwards spoke in this manner
"My dear friends, although Pampinea, more through her own courtesy than any merit of mine, has made me your queen, yet am I not disposed to follow my own judgment as to our manner of living, but rather to join my opinion with yours; and, therefore, that you may know what I intend to do, and so alter it at your pleasure, I shall declare it in few words. If I have well considered the method that has been taken today, it seems agreeable enough, and till we either grow weary, or find it inconvenient, I resolve not to change it. Continuing then as we have begun, we will rise and divert ourselves awhile by walking; when the sun is down we will sup in the open air, and after we have had some songs and other diversions, it will be time to go to bed. tomorrow morning whilst it is cool and pleasant, we will rise and take a walk, where we like best; and return, as we have done today, about dinner-time, and dance; then, after reposing as before, we will come here again to continue our novels, which to me seem equally entertaining and useful. There are some things, indeed, which Pampinea could not accomplish by reason of her late promotion, which I propose to perfect, namely, to keep you within the bounds of some particular subject, to which your novels are all to relate, and which is to be given you beforehand, that you may have time to think of some pretty story to the purpose; which, if you please, shall be this: As from the beginning of the world, people have been all along conducted by fortune through the various chances of life, an J will be so to the end of it; you are all of you to relate a case where a person, after going through a variety of troubles, at last meets with success beyond all hope and expectation."
They all approved the order that was given, and determined to obey it; Dioneo only excepted, who, after the rest were silent, said: "Madam, I approve your order as the rest have done, and think it both pleasant and commendable; but one special favour I beg may be granted me, whilst this company continues together; namely, not to let me be constrained by the law you have made, to relate a story according to the given theme, unless I please; but that I may choose something I like better. And that you may not think that I request this, as if I were unfurnished with discourses of this kind, I am content to be the last in every day's exercise." The queen, knowing him to be a merry companion, and well considering that he would not have moved this request, but wit i a design to make the company laugh, when they were weary of any particular subject, agreed to what he desired with the consent of all.
They now rose and went to a crystal stream, which fell from a little hill into a vale shaded with trees; where, washing both their hands and their feet, much mirth passed among them, till supper drawing near made them return to the palace. When that was over, the queen ordered the musical instruments to be brought, and that Lauretta should begin a dance, Emilia singing to her, and Dioneo playing upon the lute; with which Lauretta immediately complied, and Emilia sang the following song in a very fascinating manner:
SONG.
I.
With my own charms so blest am I,
Each other passion I defy;
For ever as I gaze, I find
That good which still contents the mind;
Nor former flame, nor future love.
The dear enjoyment can remove.
II.
Nor does the good I thus possess
Become by long admiring less;
No - greater far 's the joy I feel,
Than heart can think, or tongue reveal;
How great it is, they only know,
Who long have sweetly languish'd so.
III.
And I (the more I fix my eyes,
And feel the pleasing passion rise)
Each thought direct, and wish confine.
To make the promis'd blessing mine.
And hope ere long a greater joy:
Where is the nymph so blest as I?
All joined in the song, though the words occasioned some speculation; and after this and a few other little sonnets, a good part of the night being now spent, the queen thought proper to put an end to the first day; lights being consequently called for, she ordered every one to their respective chambers, to repose till the next morning.
