A Threefold Romance, Part 2
TRIANA And PADVANA.
IN the City of Venice, there flouriſhed a Marchant as large in eſtate, as narrow in heart, Mellito Bondi by name, of a Family more ancient then numerous, and yet more numerous then rich; untill Mellito gave the luſter thereunto with the vaſtneſſe of his eſtate. One daughter alone he had; Paduana (from the neighbouring place of her birth and breeding) courted by all the Illuſtriſſimo's and Clariſſimo's of that State, as well ſhe might, having the portion of a Princeſſe in expectation. Yet her wealth was the meaneſt thing about her, whoſe vertues and beauty was ſuch, that fame commonly a Lier in the exceſſe, was here a lier in the defect, her large report falling ſhort of the Ladies due deſerts.
Paduana ſolicited to marriage denied all ſuiters, charging all upon the account of her ſtedfaſt reſolutions on virginity; whereas this was but a blind, more covertly to conceal her affections, and that exchange of hearts which had paſſed between her and Feliciano, a ſojourner in the houſe of her Father.
This Feliciano was a proper Gentleman, compleatly educated, whoſe enemies allowed this to be his worſt fault, that he had a prodigall to his Father, who had waſted the large eſtate of his Anceſtors: yet let not old Andrea (for ſo was his Father termed) be wholy condemned for an unthrift (the partiall cauſe of his ruine) ſeeing loſſes at Sea, and ill debters at land contributed to his ſpeedier undoing; beſides our foreſaid Bondi if ſtrictly examined, could not denie his concurrence thereunto, who by uſurious contracts, and ſiniſter advantages ſpurred him on to deſtruction, who was running too faſt of himſelfe; hereupon in ſome commiſeration he kept Feliciano his ſonne, as a gentle-Almſ-man, exhibiting dyet and ſome ſlender accommodations unto him.
The beſt was, the ſcant meaſure of Bondi his allowance, was inlarged by his daughters bounty, maintaining him in a faſhionable equipage: Thus for a time we leave them to their embraces, ſo much the ſweeter becauſe the ſecreter, waiting the leaſure of every opportunity, and warily ſtealing the ſame.
It happened about this time, that the Preſident of Dalmatia, languiſhed on a deſperate ſickneſſe, his death being daily expected: This was an office of great honour and expence, which could not be diſcharged creditably without the annuall expending of ſo many duckets, which amounts to three thouſand pounds ſterling of our Engliſh money: for though the foreſaid Preſident had a penſion from the State, and a certain Intrado from the Gallyes and Garriſons, with ſome conſiderable revenues from the demeanes annexed to the place, yet all his perquiſits and emoluments audited, the foreſaid ſumme was requiſite to carry it forth with any reputation, except ſome ſordid ſoule was careleſſe of his credit, and would ſacrifice the ſame to publique obloquy.
M…l…ito Bondi was deſigned by the Duke and Senate of Venice ſucceſſor in this Preſidentſhip of Dalmatia: Indeed in Seniority it belonged unto him, and as it was accounted an injury to baulk ſo good ground, and paſſe over a man of merit, ſhould the State decline his election; So on the other ſide it would have left an indeleble ſhame to Melli…o, if ſhee ſhould have waved the acceptance thereof.
Mellito quakes for feare to be advanced downward to ſo chargeable a preferment, his covetouſneſſe is above his ambition, and he almoſt dies for feare to heare that the Preſident of Dalmatia is dying. The newes of the arriving of a wealthy Ship from Caro, or Conſtantinople, would be farre more acceptable unto him, then ſuch burthenſome honour.
Now hee had a confident, part Friend, part ſervant, Gervatio by name, whoſe ſecreſie hee had balkt, and whoſe tongue he had lockt up with many favours beſtowed upon him. To him he preſumes to impart his grievance in manner following.
Gervatio, I ranck my ſervants in a threefold Order, of Slaves; Servants and friends; of the former I have many fit for ſervile labour, no ingenious imployment: of the middle ſort, I want none, but theſe love mine rather then me: of friends ſervants thou art the chiefe, I make thy owne ingenuity my judge, whether my carriage unto thee hath not rather ſpoke mee a Father to a Child, rather then a Master to Servant. Thankefull natures (among whom I ſhall account you till diſcerning the contrary) will ſtudy to deſerve favours beſtowed upon them, which begetteth in me a confidence that I may not ōly ſafely truſt the with an important ſecret, but alſo crave thy advice therein for my further direction.
Gervatio made a ſhort, but ſerious proteſt of his fidelity herein, profeſſing himſelfe highly advanced in this truſt committed unto him, withall much commending Bondies ability to adviſe himſelfe, bemoaning withall his owne inſufficiency, who could not harbour ſo preſumptuous a thought, as if the ſcant meaſure of his weake judgement could ſupply any thing wanting in the rich Treaſure of his Maſters experience: how ever he promiſed that his heart ſhould make recompence for his head, and the ſincerity of his endeavours make ſome amends for his other failings and infirmities.
From complements, I fall to the matter in hand, Bon…i tells him his great deſire to decline the coſtly Preſidentſhip of Dalmatia, which by ſucceſſion when vacant, was certain to deſcend upon him, he voweth that he accompted it ill husbandry to ſell rich Lands therewith to buy empty Ayre & honorable titles which vanish with the wearer thereof; whilſt his laſting wealth might probably deſcend to his poſterity, & deſireth Gervatio to mind him of ſome faire contrivance which might not leave the blur of any ſuſpition behind it, (much leſſe come within the reach of probable detection) whereby he might wave that expenſive place, though but for a time, untill ſome other ſhould bee ſetled in the ſame.
Preſently Gervatio his better genius prompted him, that if any perſon how rich ſoever, if totally deprived of any of his ſenſes, was by the fundamentall Lawes of that State rendered uncapable of the foreſaid Preſidentſhip. On this undoubted foundation, being a moſt certaine and well known truth, he bottomed his deſigne, perſwading Bondi to counterfeit himſelfe ſtark blind, that this infirmity cunningly diſſembled and generally beleeved, would ſecure him out of the diſtance of the danger he feared, being not eligible to the place, while viſited with ſo great a defect.
The plot takes with Bondi, who puts it in preſent execution. On the Morrow an entertainment is made, ſome friends invited to celebrate the anniverſary of his birth-day, and Bondi proves himſelfe a perfect Miſer, by his ouer plentifull cheer: In the midſt of their mirth, he complains the Roome is dark, commands the windowes to be opened, which was done accordingly. Bondi perſeveres in his complaint, that he ſees no more then hee did before. (which in ſome ſence was not untrue) at laſt all meanes uſed to recover light unto him prove in vaine, So that Juſtice is not phancied more blind by the Philoſophers, nor Cupid feined more eyeleſſe by the Poets then Bondi was then believed to be.
This accident produced different effects as men ſtood variouſly affected unto him, narrow the number of ſuch who truly loved him, and thoſe few did really pitty and bemone him; more his foes who rejoyced thereat, and made uncharitable cōſtructiōs thereof, as if ſome ſecret wanton intemperance had deprived him of his ſight, none ſuſpected any fraud or colluſion therein. And to make all the ſurer Bondi confeſſed that this was a juſt puniſhment inflicted upon him for his pride and ambition, becauſe he ſo greedily had deſired the Preſidentſhip of Dalmatia. He acknowledged that he had been no better then a murtherer in his own heart, having often killed the old Preſident of Dalmatia in his wiſhes and deſire, the ſooner to pave the way to his owne preferment, and enoble his poſterity with addition of ſo honorable imployment.
Hitherto, Feliciano and Paduana, had managed their affections with all ſecreſy ſuffering none to be privy thereunto; But henceforward being ignorant of her Fathers diſſimulation, they abſtaine not in his preſence to paſſe kiſſes and courteſies as confident that hee perceived nothing. Whereat the other was enraged above meaſure: ſhould his daughter being a fit match for a Prince, for Parts, Portion and Pedegree, be caſt away on the ſonne of a Bankrupt, all whoſe maintenance proceeded out of his owne purſe? hee reſolv'd rather to diſinherit Paduana, then endure this affront, though for the preſent in ſilence he digeſted the ſame.
The long languiſhing Preſident of Dalmatia puts an end of peoples expectations by his death, and made roome for one to exceed him in his office. The election leaves over Bondi by his blindneſſe unqualified for that place, the concernement wherof required one who ſhould bee an Argos both for body and minde, ſuch is the neede of his conſtant warineſſe and circumſpection. Martino Cárnatio is by generall ſuffrages reputed for the place, legally choſen and ſolemnely ſetled therein; and conducted to Spolato by the Gallies of the State, where he began his reſidence, and we meet with no further mention of him.
Soone after the Duke of Venice comes to give Bondi a viſit, bringing along with him a Chirurgion, whoſe skill as it was diffuſed over all ſores, ſo his maſter-piece was in being an expert oculiſt. Indeed the eye is a ſmall volume, but many the leaves (I meane the tunicles) thereof, and much written therein, the eye alone being ſubject to more diſtempers and diſeaſes, then any other part of the Body, ſo many and ſo ſmall the contrivances therein, and no wonder if little Watches be quickly out of order.
This Oculiſt (being indeed one of more fame then skill, of more skill then honeſty) at the Dukes deſire made an accurate inſpection on Bondi's eyes, and pretended that he diſcovered in both of them a little ſpeck hindering the ſight thereof▪ which with a ſmall Inſtrument, might eaſily be cut out, with very little pain: and here he ſcattered a multitude of hard and long Latin words, which would ſerve for the titles of the Gally-pots of an Apothecaries ſhop, which much amuſed his hearers therewith: I ſpare the pains to relate them, becauſe queſtioning the readers skill in underſtanding thereof, the rather becauſe I queſtion the Oculiſt whether he underſtood himſelf in them.
Bondi was now put to it, fearing ſome violence ſhould be offered to his eyes, where a touch is a wound, ſuch the tenderneſſe thereof, he thanks the Chirurgeon much, and the D…ke more, for their care and kindneſſe unto him, but is reſolved patiently to bear the affliction laid upon him, which he confeſſes himſelf did juſtly deſerve for his pride and ambition, he hoped his ſoul ſhould be the better for the blindneſſe of his body, and in no caſe would conſent that any experiment ſhould be tryed on him for his recovery.
Here the Duke interpoſed his power and flat command, Signior Bondi ſaid he, you are not ſo in your owne full and free diſpoſe, but you may and muſt be over-ruled by others for your owne good; we take notice of that worth in you which your modeſty will not owne in your ſelfe, and therefore will not loſe the benefit of ſo uſefull a patriot; you are a ſelfe murtherer, if refuſing thoſe lawfull means whereby Art may befriend Nature, againſt your infirmity: As your friend therefore I deſire you, as your Prince I command you, as both I enjoyne you without further diſpute, to ſubmit your ſelfe to this Artiſt, not doubting but that his learned endeavours, will be crowned with welcome ſucceſſe.
Wit works in extremity, now or never Bondi play thy prizes, with a compoſed countenance he returns.
My Lord, I am ready with all thankfulneſse to embrace your counſell, and much admire the extenſiveneſſe of your goodneſſe, and largneſſe of your ſpirit, that amidſt the multiplicity of your State-imployments, your ability is ſuch, and your goodneſſe ſo great, as you will reflect on so inconſiderable a thing as my ſelfe: But give me leave to acquaint your grace, I have lately made a vow to my perticular Saint, whoſe aid I have implored (and whoſe name for ſome reaſons I crave leave as yet to conceal) and have received ſome aſſurance from him in a dream, that ſhortly I ſhall be bettered by his goodneſse. I call it a Dream, but ſurely it was not ſuch, wherein Fancy commands in the abſence of reaſon; but certainly my Lord, ſuch was the impreſſion thereof in my ſoule, that it carrieth with it the preſage of ſomewhat more then ordinary; favour me then only to expect the iſsue thereof, and if my dream be but a dream, I ſhall yield my ſelfe wholly up to be ordered by your graces pleasure, and thankfully accept what courſe ſoever ſhall be preſcribed unto me. Hereat the Duke was contented, & aftar the exchange of ſome complements, the company departed.
Next day Bondi calls Feliciano, and ſends him to the ſhrine of Saint Silvester in Anchona, deſring that ſuch as attended thereon, would intruſt him with any parcell of that Saints reliques, (and if Beggers might be permitted to be chuſers) with his hair-girdle which he did wear next his skin, giving commiſſion to Feliciano to be bound to what proportion ſhould be required, or to procure ſecurity in the City for the reſtitution of the ſaid reliques in ten daies, and to ſend along with it ſome Prieſt eminent for his devotion, upon aſſured confidence, that the vertue of the relique meeting with his prayer, ſhould produce ſome ſtrange effects toward his recovery.
Feliciano is proud of the imployment, hoping hereby to ingratiate himſelfe, he makes all poſſible ſpeed he can to his journey, but firſt a Saint of his muſt be ſaluted, and the fair hand of Paduana kiſt, which done, he ſets forth with ſuch alacrity, as reſolved, that expedition and faithfulneſſe ſhould contend in him, which of them two ſhould ſhare the greateſt part, in performance of Bondi's commands.
The day after his departure, Mounſier Inſuls a French-man arrives at Venice, ſonne and heir to Mounſier Opulent, the rich Merchant of Marſel…es, he had purchaſed three French Counts out of their Lands, beſides a vaſt bank of money in Venice, and els-where: The old men ſome months ſince, by letters had concluded the match, between the two ſole children and heires.
Inſuls then comes now, not ſo much to woe as to wed, Portion and Dowry are both agreed on, and nothing wanting (ſave that without which all was nothing) the affections of Paduana. This Inſuls was a Poeticall fool, an admirer of his owne rhimes, rather then verſes, being but one degree above Ballads.
Yet to give him his due, ſometimes he would ſtumble upon expreſſions which might have become a wiſer and learneder Man. And although herein he was generally condemned for a Theefe, that he had ſtolen them from others, (his memory being better, then his fancy) and than confidently vented them for for his owne; yet others were ſo charitable, that he wore not the Perriwigg of other mens witts, but was the true Author of his verſes, for he that ſhoots often at random, may ſometimes unawares hitt the marke, and it is impoſſible that in a million of blanks, one prize ſhould not happen at laſt. Beſides who knowes not, that the verieſt of fooles have not their wiſe intervalls; ſometimes hee would utter himſelfe in convenient language, and quick conceit.
To be briefe, it was a great queſtion whether Paduana more perfectly hated him, or more entirely loved Feliciano; but her Tyrannicall Father driving that affection which he ſhould draw, and forcing what he ſhould perſwade, vowed by Saint Silvester his uſuall oath, that he would disinherit her of all his eſtate, and leave the ſame tO Georgio Bondi his Nephew, in caſe ſhe made the leaſt refuſall herein.
In this diſtresse Paduana makes her addreſſes to Gervatio in this manner.
Gervatio, you cannot but be ſenſible of reciprocall love, between me and Feliciano, for though my Father be blind, you enjoy the benefit of your eyes, nor can we pretend to so much ſecreſy, but that one as your ſelfe conſtantly with us, will obſerve ſmoak in a ſigh, and ſparkles in an eye which have paſſed between us; my humble requeſt to you is (and do not Miſtreſſes command when they requeſt) that you would invent ſome way to free me from the torture of this Clowne, foole Inſuls, and promote my affections where they are beſtowed and deſerved.
Who would worſhip the ſetting Sunne, when the riſing Sunne doth court him? my Fathers decaying age carries in it a deſpair of long life, whilſt my tender years promiſe a longer continuance; build not therefore but on that foundation which in probability appears the firmeſt; however I would not diſoblige thee from my father, make your own ends upon him, gain of him what you can, & I will confirm it: and over and above I will aſſure thee (ſo farre as my condition is capable to give aſſurance) to gratifie your endeavours to a higher proportion, then you can expect. Is not the houſe, in the ſuburbs of Padua, where I was born, a pretty pile of building? do not forty acres of ground impartially embrace it on every ſide? Is not the Oile in Lombardy known to grow there? Know Gervatio, that all theſe are thine to the reward of thy fidelity; beſides I conceal ſomething to my ſelfe, intending to ſurprize thee with that, which in my judgment will be conſiderable in it ſelf, and worthy of thy acceptance.
Gervatio hereby is made a perfect Convert, he will hold with Bondi, but run with Paduana, he will look towards the Father, but will row with the Daughter, and profeſt his future fidelity unto her with ſuch oaths and imprecations, as commanded her belief.
It happened at this time, a ſourrilous, ſcandalous Libell, made in verſe, was caſt in the Piazza in Venice, other copies ſcattered in Saint Marks, and other publick places of the Citty; herein the Duke and Senate were baſely abuſed, and ſome lines, ſome ſmall witt ſhewed in the cloſe thereof, (as who cannot be ingenious to abuſe) ſpies are ſet to apprehend the perſon, with promiſes of two hundred Ducketts for his ſervice.
Gervatio, whoſe brains now beat about nothing but Paduana's happineſſe, accoſteth Mounſier Inſuls, who ever was inquiſitive of newes, asking him what was the tydings of the day: Strange news, ſaith Gervatio, an admirable piece of Poetry (but a little ſalt and bitter) is found ſcattered before the Dukes Palace, and ſtrange it is, that he who had the witt to make it, had not the wiſdome to affix his name to it.
That is no ſtrange thing (ſaith Inſuls) for generally the moſt witty are the moſt modeſt, how many hundred nameleſſe copies of mine fly about in France, and Italy, and others perchance claime the credit thereof, it is a paſsage wherein I have taken ſpeciall contentment, to ſee the impudency and ignorance of thoſe, who will father the iſſues of another mans brain.
Gervatio returned, that ſome hundred Duckets were promiſed to the Author, and he believed that he ſhould be Poet Laureat for the State of Venice, and wishing that he any way might be inſtrumentall in diſcovering the compoſer thereof: And Mounſier Inſuls give me leave to be plain with you, I have a great ſuſpicion (but to recall the word, for ſuſpicion is only for things that are bad, and therefore improper at present) I have a ſtrong ſurmiſe that you are the Author thereof. Inſuls laughed with an affected guiltineſſe, and ſaid nothing.
And Sir, (returned the other,) I know you, and none elſe could do the ſame: First, I compare the ſtile and language is like that wherein laſt night you courted my Miſtreſſe, alwaies full, but not ſwelling, ſometimes humble, but not flat, the rhime good, but not affected, teaching it the true diſtance thereof, that it muſt be the vaſſall not the Maſter of the Poet, it is neither Virgils ſtrain, nor Ovids, but both; it comes off with a ſpring in the cloſe, and commonly the two laſt verſes of the Stanza, containes the totall ſumme of the particulars going before; certainly a vaſt ſumme of money would be beſtowed on him who was the compoſer thereof.
What talkeſt thou to me of money (replyed Inſuls) my Father hath the three beſt ſeats in all Provence, Craſſus and Creſſus were both of them beggers unto him, I only take up this vein of Poetry for my recreation, and to confute the common obſervation, that all Poets are Beggers. I am a rich Poet.
After the exchange of ſome diſcourſe, Inſuls shewed himſelfe to brook his name, and barely confeſsed himſelf to be the Author of the Poem, adding withall, that he had made five hundred better in his daies: But ſeeing no one drinks alike of Helicon at all times, a conſtant tenure cannot be expected in witts: I was ſaith he at the penning thereof, not aſcending but declining Parnaſſus, and good Gervatio make not conjecture of my parts on ſuch diſadvantages, but that I am able to exceed it on the leaſt occaſion: I confeſſe, Muſtard is nothing worth unleſſe it bite; I put in little ſharpeneſſe to give it a hogo to the pallate of the Men of theſe times.
Out ſprings two inviſible witneſſe whom Gervatio had planted within the reach of their words) and preſently ſeize Inſuls condemned by his own witneſſe. Theſe Informers, the neceſſary evills in a State, were incouraged in Venice by the greateſt politicians, conforming themſelves to all companies, having a patent to be knaves that they might diſcover f…oles; ſeeing no wiſe men, though diſſenting from the preſent power, will lie at ſo open a Guard, as to carry their hearts in their tongues.
Inſuls is preſently hurried to priſon; and it is ſtrange to ſee the ſuddaine alteration this accident made upon him: hee who at beſt was but halfe a man, was now leſs conſiderable then a beaſt, ſenceleſs & ſtupid, ſcarſe able to write his condition to his Father, ſo that had not ſome Frenchmen by accident viſited him, hee had certainly died in priſon.
Mounſier Opulent hearing of his ſonnes reſtraint, poſts from France to Venice, the depth of whoſe judgement could onelyonly fathom profit; he was Sapiens quoad hoc, wiſe onelyonly in the point of wealth: So that by long living and great ſparing hee had accumulated much wealth, but take him out of his own Element of bargaining, he was ſo ſimple, that hee ſeemed the true originall of his ſon, as his ſon the true tranſcript of his Father.
To Venice hee comes, and with large gifts buyes his ſonnes inlargement: the truth was, his ſonnes ſimplenes beſt befriended him, who upon examination appeared uncapable to be author of the Libell, and in the judgement of all deſerved rather to be whipt for a lier (aſſuming to himſelfe what was none of her owne) then to have any ſeverer puniſhment inflicted upon him.
Young Inſuls now at liberty backt with his Fathers preſence renewes his ſuite to Paduana; Joynture, and a good eſtate are the invincible arguments which Mellito Bondi cannot reſiſt; he engageth ſo farre at the matter, that onelyonly three dayes reſpit is allowed to his daugther, in which time ſhe muſt be Inſuls his wife, or elſe no heire to her Father.
In this juncture of time home comes Feliciano, bringing with him the Girdle of St Silveſter, antick for the ſhape and faſhion thereof, as having ſteele buckles, and a rowell at the end thereof; it was generally beleeved that this was uſed by Silveſter in the way of diſciplining himſelfe, and Father Adrian exemplary in that Covent for ſanctity was ſent along with ſame, ſeeing ſo rich a treaſure was not to be truſted in any lay-hand
A ſolemne entertainment is made in Mellito's houſe, and moſt of the Magnificoes of the State invited thereunto; but this feaſt had beene uſhered with three foregoing Faſts kept in the family of Bondi and his allies for the better ſucceſſe, and more effectuall working of their intended deſigne. After dinner Father Adrian mumbles many prayers (it being well if hee underſtood them himſelfe, as confident that none elſe did in the roome) and then ceremoniouſly the Girdle is applied to Mellito, but especially the rowell thereof (wherein moſt ſacredneſſe was conceived to conſiſt) ſeverall times rubbed upon his eyes to ſo good purpoſe, that within three howers he ſo recovered his ſight, as to diſcerne and diſtinguiſh the faces of all present.
Some of the beholders began to ſuſpect ſome fraud in the matter, only on this account, becauſe the miracle was not inſtantly done, but ſucceſſively and by degrees. Let Drugs, and Herbs, and Minerals, which have a naturall vertue placed in them, proceed ſoftly and ſlowly to effect cures; whereas miracles ride Poſt, and the ſame moment which begins, doth perfect extraordinary operations: this I ſay put jealouſie in the heads of ſome preſent, to doubt the reality of the cure, and ſuſpect ſome deceit in the matter.
But they being but few in themſelves, were quickly overpowred by the number and gravity of thoſe on the contrary opinion; for ſome of them argued, that the rule is not univerſally true, that all miracles ſpring in a moment, ſeeing ſome of them have been of ſlower growth, and the ſame pace hath not alwaies been obſerved in miraculous motions; and ſeeing the effects conduced much to the honour of Saint Silveſter, every one was ſuſpected for an Infidell, that did not preſently believe: yea to doubt the truth thereof, was to diſcover a little Heretick in his boſome that owned the ſuſpicion. Preſently Bells and Bonefires proclaime the cure all over the City; persons flocking from all places to behold this girdle, the making and faſhion whereof, being out of the rode of common Girdles, catcht and kept the fancies of fond people, ſome admiring at the matter of it, being they ſaid of a Seal-skine; others at the forme, as at the weight & greatneſs thereof, being almoſt as big as one could well lift; hence ſome inferred Saint Silveſter to be of a Giant-like proportion, above the ſtandard of other men; others collected the generall greatneſſe of men in former ages, complaining of the decay of nature, and diminution of men in theſe daies; but the more wiſer ſort reſolved it upon a point of religion, that the foreſaid girdle was worn by way of pennance, not ſo much to ſtrengthen and adorne, as to lead and mortifie the wearer thereof.
As for Bondi in a large oration, he expreſſed his thankfulneſſe before the company to his titular St. whoſe ſpeech is here too large to inſert, only this by the way, to elaborate, not flowing from him freely on the preſent emergency, but wrought, ſtudied, and premeditated, which again brought new fewell to their jealouſie, which ſuſpected ſome fraud, as if this had been compoſed of purpoſe, and conned by heart before hand, and ſo the ſcene of the deſigne ſolemnly laid; however their budding ſuſpicion was quickly blaſted, and beaten down with the generall congratulation of all people, ſo that now his recovery was univerſally believed, ſo that this miracle gave a ſuper-ſedeas to all other diſcourſes in Italy for a month, and commonly was the third courſe at all great Tables, whereon the perſons preſent took their repaſt.
Next day was the Nuptials of Inſuls and Paduana to be ſolemnized, had not the ſeaſonable enterpoſing of Gervatio prevented the matter preſently, by his appointment, in comes two Confidents of Feliciano's, (both diſguiſed in the habits of Friers) and boldly preſſe into the Parlour, and chambers of Bondi, looking ſo ſcornfully on all accoſting them▪ as if they carried written in their faces a Patent for their own preſumption, and knew themſelvs to be impowred with an authority above controule. Bondi no ſooner recovered himſelfe out of his amazement which ſeized him at firſt, but that he reſolutely demanded of them the cauſe of their comming, and intruſion at ſo unſeaſonable an houre (it being late at night) They ſeemed careleſſe to ſatisfie his demands, as a thing beneath them, being imploid in matters of higher concernment; and proceed without any interruption, to draw up an Inventory of the ſeverall goods and utenſills in his houſe.
Imprimis, in double guilt plate 500. ounces. Item, in white plate 1200. ounces. Item. in &c.
Then command they him without delay, to ſurrender the keyes of his Cheſts and Coffers, which the other refuſed to doe, ſummoning Gervatio, Feliciano, and all his ſervants to his aſſiſtance, which preſently repaired unto him; and though the two former were privy to the plot, yet they ſo cunningly concealed it in their carriage, that no tel-Tale ſmile, or blab-lock of mirth, betrayed the leaſt ſuſpicion of their privity thereunto, but compoſed their faces, with reduced countenances, ſpeaking much anxiety and ſuſpence, to attend the iſſue and event of ſo ſtrange an accident. Then the elder Frier began, diſmiſs your ſervants preſenty, and let them attend in an outward room, it is a favour we have afforded out of the reſpect to your place, though not deſerved by your perſon, that hitherto we have been tender of your reputation (ſo farre as a crime of this nature was capable thereof) and would not willingly have you ſacrifice the ſmall remaines of your credit to ignominie and diſgrace; we honour the ſilver crowne of age on your head, though it deſerved to be placed on better Temples. Bondi is ſurpriſed with horrour and palſie-ſtrook with fear, being guilty to himſelfe of deceit, cauſeth the room to be voided of all company, and meekly and calmly requeſteth them to impart unto him his offence, and their commiſſion.
The other proceedeth. Crimes though the ſame in themſelves, are not the ſame when committed by ſeverall oftendors, but they commence, and take degrees of hainouſneſſe from the circumſtances of time, place, and perſon; a concurrence of all theſe have conſpired to aggravate and inflame your guilt; you have a large and plentifull eſtate, and cannot pretend poverty to your ſelfe (that engine which forceth ingenious natures to diſingenious actions) prompted you to ſo unworthy a practice: the Duke and State have reflected on you in a great proportion, ſo that no neglect or diſcontent received from them could ſparre you forward to ſo diſhoneſt a deſigne; Charity it ſelfe muſt turn juſt againſt you, and the best rhetorick ſo farre from defending, that it cannot excuſe your offence. What, to counterfeit your ſelfe blind, and at the ſame time to give a lye both to Heaven, and Earth, abuſing both in one act by an offence, that as former ages will not find an example, ſo future will ſcarce afford belief thereof. But how hard is it to commit one fault, and but one fault, as vertues are not ſingle Stars, but conſtellations, ſo vices ſtraggle not alone, but go in companies, and grow in cluſters: This ground-platform of your diſſembling, muſt have outward outworks, ſconces, and redoubts, to flank, fortifie and defend the ſame: This mother lye how fruitfull hath it been in a numerous iſſue of Oaths, and perjuries, as if you intended to ſcale the Throne of justice, with a ſeries of ſin, and draw down revenge on your ſelfe: At laſt to cloſe and conclude your villany, you have father'd the ſame on miraculuos recovery, and have abuſed your titulary Saint, by pretending his reliques the immediate cauſe of your restored ſight: but that Saint being rich enough in himſelfe in reall miracles, diſdaineth the addition of your ſophiſticated actions, and will not be diſhonoured with falſe honour, which you hypocritically have faſtned upon him; yet in deteſtation of your diſſimulation, and to manifeſt how zealouſly he diſavowethth all falſhood, and forgery, he hath been heard at ſeverall times in the night in his ſhrine with a ſhrill voice to make diſcovery of your falſhood; and now we expect to obtain from his Holineſſe, and this State, a confiſcation of your goods, in order whereunto we are employed by our ſuperiours to take an exact liſt and account of your eſtate, both in Lands and moveables, till we ſhall be further informed how the ſame ſhall be diſpoſed of.
Bondi looked as pale as aſhes, having ſcarſe life enough left to act his limbs with motion, his guilty conſcience was not at leiſure to enquire into the particulars, but took all for granted, and now expected nothing leſſe but loſſe of goods, and perpetuall impriſonment: For that night the Friers are contented to repoſe themſelves, and deferre the reſt of their work till the next morning.
Mean time Bondi and Gervatio paſſed a ſleepleſſe night, and it would ſwell a volume, to inventory the particulars of their diſcourſe.
Bondi ſometimes is ſilent, and his tears drown his tongue, Gervatio deſires to make his countenance to attend his Maſters in all motions, firſt readeth and writeth in his face ſorrow and ſilence alternatly, as directed by his patern: At laſt Bondi breaketh forth into the following expreſſions.
Liſten faithfull Gervatio to the Teſtament of thy dying Maſter, for I am reſolved not to outlive the funerall of my owne credit, and eſtate; I behold my ſelfe only as a ſhaddow, ſtript out of all estate, whereof already I have made the forfeiture, yet it grieveth me not for my ſelfe, whoſe decayed age hath rendred me uncapable of much worldly pleaſure; it is not conſiderable with a ſolvable man who hath it by him to pay a due debt, which will be required a month or two before the exact date wherein it is due: I behold long life as the playing out of a deſperate game at Tables loſt, at the ſirſi remove only, it grieveth me for my daughter Paduana, whoſe youth might intitle her to much happineſſe, and her vertues deſerve no leſſe, poor heart, ſhe muſt now become the ſcorn and ſhame of the Citty, and as an over-grown flower, wither on the ſtalk whereon ſhe grew, for want of a hand to gather a Husband to marry her.
G…rvatio rejoyned, I am utterly unable to give Phyſick to your other maladies, but poſſibly may apply a remedy to this, if ſervants may take the boldneſſe to teach their Maſters, and to reprove them too, wherein they conceive them faulty: refuſe not an humble reprehenſion from him, whoſe good intention and heart may make out what is wanting in his tongue and expreſsion; I concieve all this misfortune justly befallen you, for undervaluing the merits of Feliciano, and croſsing the affections of your duaghter; true it is, his wealth is not conſiderable, but his extraction, education, abilities, and accompliſhment, doth recompence all his other defects, beſides, what loving Parent would stop the affections of his daughter in the full ſpeed and carreere thereof; except ſhe had be stowed them ſo unworthily, as to intaile ſhame and diſgrace on his Family: Now Sir make a vertue of neceſſity, and before the matter be publickly known of the confiſcation of your fortunes; comply with her affections, and pleaſe him in ſeeing the marriage between them conſummated: you may alſo by my hands derive unto your daughter ſo much of your inviſible eſtate, as is contrivable in a ſmall room, and may eſcape the hands of theſe Harpies: It will be ſafe in all tempests to have a ſecure place for anchorage, nor can you have any aſſurance of a better, then with your dear and dutifull daughter. For ſuppoſe (and would it were but a ſuppſition, for the caſe is too plain and pittifull) that all your eſtate become a prey to their hands, who never let go what once they lay hold upon: Yet I preſume your wealth will be a ranſome for your life and liberty, and that you may be permitted freely to breath the Venetian aire, the short remainder of your daies.
Bondi conſented to all, as no wonder, for grief had ſo mollified his heart, it was capable of any impreſſion which bare with it the leaſt probability of comfort, and as a ſinking man, made an Oke of an Oſier, catcht at any thing to ſupport him from preſent ſinking: The Prieſt was ſent for that night, and though the hower was uncanonicall for marriage (long after ſun-ſet) yet the ſun of golden chicqueenes will make the other ſun riſe at pleaſure; and Feliciano with a largeſſe to the Priest, bought off all irregularity.
Then Gervatio took the boldneſſe to make another motion. Sir, I humbly conceive that as yet you are not legally convicted, and that there is ſtill inherent in you a power to make over your eſtate, for the world as yet takes notice of theſe clandeſtine tranſactions, you are innocent till ſuch time as you are made to be otherwiſe by publick conviction; I confeſſe my ſelfe as un-skild in any ſcience as ignorant in Law; but Law being founded upon reaſon, me thinks I ſpeak proportionable thereunto beſid…, my former Master was a chief Advcoate, and if my memory, or miſapplication thereof faile not, ſuch fragments of his co…nſell ſtill remain in my braines, which he often gave to guilty perſons in this caſe, before their publick condemnation.
Gervatio's counſell paſſed for Oracles with Bondi, who in this extaſie of feare ſuſpected all his owne actions, & relied on any mās advice, who would favour him ſo farre as to beſtow it on one ſo deſpicable and forlorne as he conceived himſelf to be; A Notary is ſent for to make a deed of gift of his eſtate as faſt and firme as his skill would give him leave, and now the ſame is ſetled on Feliciano.
Feliciano next morning repaires to the two pretended Friers, bringing Bondi along with him, and deſires to know, whether or no it were poſſible to ſopite and ſuppreſſe the infamy of this Action, and to buy off the ſlander with a round ſumme of money inſtantly depoſited. The Friers confeſſed the fault great; but becauſe their Covent had been formerly beholding to the bounty of Bondi, and becauſe they beheld the fact as of humane frailty and infirmity, to which all men are ſubject, it was hitherto their deſire and deſigne to conceale the ſame, ſo that their Prior and ſubprior excepted, none beſide themſelves were privy thereunto, who gave their attendance when the foreſaid voice made the diſcovery: they would, therefore endeavour their utmoſt, and nothing ſhould be wanting in them to ſtop the further proceedings thereof, and doubted not but their paines would take the deſired effect, which accordingly in few daies was performed.
A Banquet is made, to which many of the Venetian Magnificoes were invited, but Mounſier Opulent and Mounſier Inſuls his ſonne, becauſe ſtrangers, were by the courteſie of Italy preferred to have a prime place among them. There leave we them feaſting themſelves with ſuch variety of dainties, that the appetite of many ſtood long time neuter, not knowing where to fix it ſelfe, courted with equality of variety.
As for Paduana, it is pitty to diſturbe her any more with our tedious diſcourſe, leaving her in the imbraces of her deare and vertuous Feliciano, whoſe name as it hath in it ſome tincture of happineſſe, ſo took it not its true effect till this time, who now was poſſeſſed of a large and rich eſtate. And Bondi, who formerly ſtarved in wealth through the narrowneſſe of his heart, fed better a Boarder then a houskeeper, having a ſon and daughter to provide plentifully for him, what his covetouſneſſe denied to himſelfe, who formerly poſſeſt, but now began to enjoy his eſtate. Let Inſuls then returne into France and court the Madams there, whilſt Paduana rejoyceth in her choyce, and is ſo farre from meaſuring her promiſes to Gervatio with a reſtrictive hand, that ſhe out-did his expectations.
FINIS.