THere dwelled in Bononia a certaine Knight called Signior Bonfadio , whose Prowesse in Martiall exploites , did not onely winne him wealth to maintaine his worshippe , but also honor to countenance , and counteruaile his substaunce : and immortall glorie as the onely guerdon due for suche a doubtie Champion . So that he was generally honored of al for his valerous magnanimitie , & particularly loued of eche one for his bountifull curtesie , being no lesse liberall to the poore to defende them from want , then couragious for his countrie to maintaine them in weale . This Bonfadio shrouded thus vnder Fortune , and shrined vp by Fame , tried at last by proofe , which long before he had heard by reporte , that the stiffest Mettall yeldeth to the stampe , the strongest Oke to the Carpenters axe , the hard Steele to the file , and the stoutest harte doth bowe , when Nature bids him bende , that there is no Adamant , suche whiche the bloud of a Boate can not make soft , no Tree so sounde whiche the Scarabb flye will not pearce , no Iron so hard whiche rust will not fr●…t , no mortall thing so sure whiche time will not consume , nor no man so valiaunt whiche commeth not without excuse when Death doth call . The Phenix hath blacke pennes as well as glistring feathers , the purest Wine hath his Lecs , the luckliest yeare hath his canicular daies . Uenus had a Mole in her face , and Adonis a skarre vppon his chin , there was sometime Thunder heard in the Temple of Peace , and Fortune is neuer so fauourable but she is as fickle : her prosperitie is euer sawsed with the sower soppes of aduersitie , being const●…nt in nothing but in inconstancie . Scipio escaped many forraine broyles , but returning home in triumph was slaine with a tyle . Caesar conquered the whole world , yet cowardly slaine in the Senate . So Bonfadio hauing by his Prowesse long preuailed against his foes , was at last most vnluckelie slaine by his supposed friendes . For as in an euening he passed through a blinde lane of the Citie , he was sodainly shot through with a Pistoll : which murther was so secretly committed , that the perfourmer of so deuillish a fact could neuer bee detected . But the reporte of this ruthlesse Tragedie being come to the eares of Ladie Panthia ( for so was his wife called ) she forthwith fell into suche perplexed passions , and was so surprised with sodaine sorrowe , that before the tale could be halfe tolde she fell downe in a traunce , being hardly brought againe to life by the companie . Yet at last being come to her self , after she had wept so long that the very fountaine of her teares was dried vp with continuall powring out of sorrowfull plaintes , she then ( womanlike ) began somewhat to listen to the comfortable counsaile of her friendes , and to applie to her sore that salue that might soonest mittigate her maladie . For through their friendly perswasions very shortly she began to consider , that as to wishe for an impossible thing was but a signe of small wit : so to sorrow without ceasing for that whiche could not bee redressed did importe but mere follie : the one being a foe to desire , and that other a friend to death . She therfore resting vpon this point , thought with most solemne Obsequies to celebrate her husbandes Funeralls , that both the sequell of her workes might confirme her former wordes , and her teares be●…●…ought to come more of care then of custome . Wherevppon she framed a very sumptuous Sepulchre , intombing her husbands bones with such pompous magnificence , that al Italie thought Bonfadio happie for so good a wife , and her worthie of so good a husband . The Funeralls finished , Panthia for a time liued more sorrowfullie being a widowe then merely being a wife , till at last seeing her mourning Weede began to waxe bare , she thought best both to cast awaie her outwarde coate and her inward care , wisely waighing with her self that it is in vaine to water the Plant when the roote is dead , to aske counsell when the case is distrust , to wishe for raine when the Corne is ripe , and to sigh when no sorrowe can preuaile . The Cedar tree remaineth without leaues but twelue daies , and the Date tree but seuen . Cyrces loue neuer continued aboue one yeare , and the Tapers in the Temple of Ianus burned onely but nine nightes , the call of a Quaile continueth but one quarter , and a widowes sorrowe onely two monethes : in the one sad for her olde mate , and in the other carefull for a newe match .

Panthia in this state hauing past this tearme ( I doe not saie with like affection ) thought now she had a greater care and more charge being a widowe then a wife . For she had by Signior Bonfadio three daughters , the eldest named Lacena , the seconde Sostrata , and the yongest Fioretta , all so adorned with beautie and indowed with bountie , so framed in bodie and fourmed in minde , eche of them being both in outwarde complexion and inwarde constitution so singular , as hard it was to iudge which held the Supremacie . Panthia placing all her felicitie in the exquisite perfection of her three daughters , sought to bring them vp so charily and chastly , that all men might like them for their beautie and loue them for their vertue , imitating the good Lapidaries , whiche in the purest golde set the most precious stone . While thus solitarily and sadly she past awaie the time amongst her children , Signior Morando a Knight , who in his life time had oft serued in the warres with Bonfadio , betweene whom there had long been a perfect League of amitie , willing to shewe in the broode h●… well he loued the olde birde , was so friendly to Panthia as familiar with Bonfadio , comforting her as a desolate widowe , and counselling her as his friendes wife , driuen to the one by conscience , and to the other by curtesie . Seing therefore she did wholie absent her self from companie , whiche made her dreame on sondrie melancholie motions , he did inuite her and her three Daughters to a graunge house of his seuen miles distant from Bononia , whether also diuers gentlemen were bidden , thinking this the fittest meanes to driue her from her sorrowfull dumpes . Panthia desirous to let Signior Morando vnderstande how greatly she did account of his curtesie , came at the daie appointed to his house , where bothe she and her Daughters were not onely well welcome to Morando , but to all the rest of the companie . Amongst whom was Signior Peratio , Messier Aretyno , and Signior don Syluestro , with others , who sitting downe to dinner and passing awaie the time with pleasaunt parle , it chaunced after dinner as they sat talking that Signior Peratio spied hanging in the Parlera Table most curiously painted : wherein both the Sea and Land was most perfectly pourtraied . The Picture was of Europa , the Sea of the Phenicians and the Lande of Sydon : On the Shoare was a beautifull Medowe , wherein stoode a troupe of daintie Damosells : in the Sea a Bull , vppon whose backe sat a Dame of surpassing beautie sailing towards Candie , but looking to the crew of her companions from whom by Sinister meanes she was seperated . The Painter by secrete skill had perfectly with his Pensell desciphered the feature of their faces , as their countenance did seeme to importe bothe feare and hope . For seing their pereles Princesse a praie to suche a prowling Pyrate , they rusht into the Seas ( as willing to be partakers of their Mistres miserie ) as farre as feare of such fearfull surges would permit them , but pushed back with the dread of present daunger , they stoode vewing how cunningly and caresully the Bull transported his charge : How Europa araied in Purple Roabes sat securely and safely holding in her right hand his horne and in her left his taile . About him the Dolphins seemed to leape , the Syrens to sing , and Triton himself to triumph . Cupid also in the fourme of a little boy was there most curiously painted , hauing his winges spred , a Quiuer by his side , in one hande a flame of fire , in the other a chain●… of gold , where with he drewe the Bull as by constraint , and turning his head towards Iupiter seemed to smile at his follie and to despise his dietie , that by his meanes he had made suche a straunge Metamorphosis .

Signior Peratio hauing long gazed on this gorgcous Picture , both praised his perfect skill that had so cunningly made a counterfait of Nature by Arte , and also mused at the force of Loue that had by conquest caught so worthie a Captiue , that at length as one forced by affection he sighing saied : O Gods that a childe should rule both the Heauen the Sea and the Lande .

Don Siluestro seing Peratio so sodainly passionate with the view of a simple Picture , taking occasion herevppon to enter into further parle began to crosse him on this maner .

Why how now Peratio ( quoth he ) doe you sigh to see Iupiter so fonde as for lust to abase his dietie , or Cupid so presumptuous as by Loue to increase his dignitie : the one shewing himself worse then a man for his follie , the other more then a God for his power .

No sir ( quoth Morando ) you mistake his meaning , for it fares with him as with Narcissus , that was neuer in Loue but when he lookt into the water , or like the Fishe Mugra which onely leapeth at the sight of the North starre : Hyparchion neuer sawe any Musicall Instrument but he would sing , nor he any a●…rous Picture but he must sigh , the one shewing thereby his affection to Musicke , the other bewraying his passions in Loue .

In deede sir ( quoth Peratio ) I remember Sylenus would alwaies leade his Asse in a string , that when he waxt wearie he might ride , and Amphion plaied euer best on his Harpe when he heard poore Stheneus blowe on his Oten pipe : So sir you keepe me for a plaine song : wherevpon to descant shewing your fine wit alwaies to be most sharp when you finde my dull head to be most grosse . But Calchas neuer prophesied Darth to the Grecians but when his owne Lands were barraine : Nor Tiresias had neuer giuen a verdite against Iuno , but that he himself had been once a woman . Thrasos age could not bereaue him of his parasiticall affections : neither was Battus a lesse vlabb being olde then in his youth : The whiter the Leekes head is the greener is the blade . The Angelica beareth seede alwaies when it begins to wither : Drie stickes are sonest consumed with fire , and doating age sonest caught with fancie , deuining that of others whereof they themselues doe most dreame : but they followe the olde Prouerbe , Similes habent labra lactucas .

By my faith Signior Morando , quoth Madame Panthia , if you haue pusht Peratio with the pike hath hit you with the Iaunce : but it semes he hath bene burnt in the hand , that cannot abide to here of fire . Apollo would neuer willyngly avide the noise of the Crowe , because he had beleued her to lightlie . Sylenus was euer most angrie when any tould him of good wine , because he would oft bee drunke . Peratio likes not to be toucht where he is gald , nor to be accused so stricktlie , when his conscience feeles the crime : and yet I goe too farre , for it is no off●…nce to loue .

Yes Madame , quoth Aretyno , as Jupiter loued Europa crauyng onely to cropp the bud of her beautie , and to spoile the frute of her honstie , seekyng for the gaine of his fadynge pleasure , to procure her lastyng paine : Is not suche fancie a faulte , when it springeth vp without honest affection ?

Truth sir , quoth Panthia , but I coumpt likyng without Lawe , ●…o loue but lust . Was Scipio thought a frende to Numantia , when he sought to spoile the Citie●… or Chronis to Caeres , who robed her Temple of her treasure ? The Turky hauing lost his culler is of no value . The fairest flower with out his smell is coumpted but a weede : and the maid that by mischaunce loos●…th her virginitie , though neuer so faier is most infortunate , her chefest treasure is then but trash like the Ore in the Ile Choos , which is puer in the mynge , but drosse in the furnace , for beautie without honestie is like deadlie poyson preserued in a box of gould . Consideryng this Arctyno , doe you coumpt him to loue , that wisheth his Ladie suche losse .

Madame , quoth Morando , you misconsture of his minde , for Aretyno coumptes , that what soeuer is fancie , that is loue .

T is good then ( quoth she ) to bringe him from his heresie , for fancie is Vox aequiuoca , which either may be taken for honest loue , or fonde affection , for fancie oftimes commeth of wealth or beautie , but perfect loue euer springeth from vertue and honestie .

Marie , quoth Peratio , that is the cause that wemen loue so muche and men so little , wherein by your owne iudgement thei are altogither blamlesse , for wemen finde in vs honestie without wealth , and we in them beautie without vertue . Sir , quoth she , your censure is no sentence , neither can this broken coine stande for sterlyng : for to excuse your selfe before you be accused , is to finde a fowle crack in a false conscieuce . T is hard to couer a greate rent with a small peece , or to hide Uulcans poult foote with pulling on a straight shoe . Honesty is alwaies painted like a woman , as signif●…yng that it is most predamynaunt in that sexe . And sir to giue you a venie with your owne weapon , as you saied bef●…e , like lippes , like lettice , as the man is , so is his manners , cat alwaies goeth after kynde , and t is harde to finde men without small houestie , and great deceite .

Doe you speake by experience , quoth Morando , was your husband in the number of those that are cumbred with this consumption .

He was , quoth she , by nature , but that he did amend it by nourture , and yet , quoth she , my husbandes honestie cannot conclude generally , but that there must be large exceptions .

I am glad Madame Panthia , that you are so pleasaunt , and al the rest of my good guestes so merilie disposed , I hope you will not denie me of a request , that generally I shall craue of you all .

If it bee reasonable , quoth Panthia , I dare promise for the gentlewemen .

And I , quoth Syluestro for the men .

Why then I will haue you tell me your opinions , whether this our countrey prouerbe be true or no , whiche is commonly spoken Amor fa molto ma argento fa tutto . Loue doth much but money doth all .

In men quoth Panthia , and that we will proue .

In wemen , quoth Peratio , and that I will defend .

Two fitte champions , quoth Morando , to trie suche a doubtfull combate .

Nay sir , quoth Panthia , I my self refuse his proffer but my daughter Lacena shall perfourme my challenge , for it is not a mourners parte to discourse of such pleasant pointes .

A fitte matche , quoth Peratio for so honest a man , and to put you out of doubt I had rather sip with your daughter then sup with you : for an inche of a kidd is woorth an ell of of a cat , but to leaue these cuttyng blowes : how say you Lacena , are you content to defende so false an heresie .

Sir , quoth she , where dutie driues , there denyall is a fault , and where nature infereth , obedience there to resist is to war against the Gods : the youg Lambe commeth at the bleating of the old sheepe : the Signett at the call of the Swan : the Faune followeth fast after y● Do : creatures without reason , and brute beastes by mere instinckt of Nature followe their dams , and should not I then obey my parentes : yes no doubt , or els I might be counted more brute then a beast , or lesse naturall then a reasonable creature . This considered , if I aduentere rashely to discusse so harde a case beyng vnfit by nature and arte , the duetie I hope that I owe vnto her , who hath power to commānd me , shall be sufficient to excuse my small skill and great interprise , and the common saiyng so ●…uerally vs●…d here in our countrey doeth somwhat incorage me . A ●…ure truth , quoth thei , neede no subtill gloze : nor a cleare case a shifting Counseller . Well ( quoth Peratio ) I doubt your fained simplisitie , will proue a non to bee sinewishe Sophestrie , and therefore thus to the purpose . The case ( quoth he ) which we haue to discusse , is a maxime houlden as true as a holie Oracle : but the doubt is , whether it is to be auerred in men , or verefied in wemen : If the perfection of the bodie , and the constitution of the mynde , forceth men to loue , more then the greedie desire to gaine , then we haue wonne the feilde , and you lost the combate : and if wemen loue more for beautie and vertue , then for wealthe and riches , wee haue taken the foile , and you wonne the conquest . But it was harde for Achelous with his shiftes to preuaile againste Hercules because of his strength , and it will be as harde for you to resist my reasons because thei be true . Who so readeth the Romishe Recordes , and Grecian Histories , and turneth ouer the volumes filled with the reporte of passionate louers , shall finde soundrie Sonnets , sawsed with sorrowfull passions , diuers Ditties declaryng their dumps , carefull complaintes , wofull wailinges , and a thousande sundrie haplesse motions , wherin the poore perplexed louers doe painte out , how the beautie of their mistres , hath amazed their mindes , how their fancie is fettered with their exquisite perfection : how they are snared with the fourme of her Feature : how the giftes of Nature so bountifully bestowed vppon her , hath intangled their mindes , and bewitched their sences , that her excellent vertue , and singular bountie , hath so charmed their affections , and her rare qualities hath so drowned them in desire , as thei esteeme her courtesie more then Cesars Kingdomes , her loue more then Lordshippes , and her good will more then all worldly wealth . Tushe all Treasure is but trash , in respect of her person . Yea , they prefer the inioying of her perfection , before all the riches of fortunate Craesus . Thus the poore passionate louers whose life hangeth on their Mistres loue , craue onely to feede their fancies with her beautie , and to please their mindes with her vertue . But let the most iniurious Dame , who hath best skill to breath out slaundrous speeches against men , say ( if she can ) that she hath euer heard , or red , of any louer that hath desiphered in his ditties , the earnest desire he had to entoye his Mistres , or painted out his passions , that he suffered to gaine his Ladies possessions : now it is a fault committed of most , and omitted of fewe , that men in their loue looke before they leepe , and therefore oftimes fall in the ditche , neuer gaping after the desire of greedie gaine , nor building their fancie vppon the fading goodes of Fortune : so that oft they win such a wife as he maie put her Dowrie in his eye for hurting his sight , and her wealth maie be cast without any great count : whereby it is euident , that if a man once fixe his fancie vpon any Dame , no want of wealth , no lacke of liuing can impaire his loue , but he remaineth faithfull in despight of Fortune , wearing this Posie in his Shield , Non aurum sed amor .

In treth ( quoth Siluestro ) if I had a case in the law thou shouldest be my Counsellor , for I doubt thou bast put in such a Plea , as it will be hard for Lacena to a●…swere .

Tushe sir ( quoth she ) though the Castle be sharply assaulted it is not straight wonne , and the fielde is not lost at the first Alarum . Aiax valor was no whit the lesse for Vlisses v●…ine babling , and though by his wordes he wonne the prize , yet all men knew it was more by prating then by Prowesse : so if you foile me by your subtill fallations , euery one shall perceiue that it is not because I defende the wrong , but because I cannot wrangle . Boetius in his Bookes De consolatione , noting the sondrie affections which force the minde , either to mislike greatly or to loue feruently : saith , that in making a choyce of their loue women do most erre , in that they suffer their mindes sonest to be subdued by the giftes of Nature : wherein although I confesse they offend by fixing their fancies on suche a fickle subiect : yet it is euident , that they more respect the person then his purse , and rather like his perfection then his landes and liuinges . For if wemen in their choyce were more wedded vnto wealth then to wit , and respected more their Louers Possessions then his person , no doubt an infinite number of Damosells ●…hculd lead their liues in more plentie and lesse penurie . But as the softest waxe sonest receiueth impression : as the tender twigge is most easie to bend , and the finest glasse most brittle : so the pure complexion of wemen is most subiect vnto Loue , being quickly inflamed by the force of affection but neuer quenched : like to the Abeston stone which once set on fire can neuer be put out . For when as Cupid a●…th to allure the minde of a se●…e maide to offer Incense at his Altar & so become his subiect , he seeketh not to drawe her with worldly trashe or treasure , nor to perswade her with the gift of Jemmes or Jewelles , but couereth his hooke with the sugred baite of beautie , wherwith she being once blinded he carieth her awaie into perpetuall captiuitie . The affection of wemen is alwaies f●…ttered either with outward beautie or inwarde bountie , either builded on the perfect complexion of the bodie or pure constitution of the minde : they alwaies waie his worthinesse and not his wealth , his comelinesse and not his coyne : and rather seeke to settle their mindes vppon his vertue then on suche fading pelfe as is not permament . For after that they haue imprinted in their mindes the fourme of their Louers feature , and that beautie hath so bewitched their sences as they are wholy at her becke , then they carefully poore soules conslder the condition of their Louers : and as they haue vewed their outward substaunce , so thei deuine of their inward qualities . If he bee valiaunt they loue to heare of his Martiall exploites : his Prowesse pleaseth them : his manly deedes drouneth them in delight : yea , they are so besotted in this fonde imagination , that they thinke no man so able to attchiue any enterprise as he , vaunting of his victories , as if she her self bad wonne the conquest : If he bee wise his wit setteth them more on fire : If Eloquent , his sugred speeche inchaunteth them : If learned , his secrete skill draweth them into an endlesse Laberinth : so that they wholie feede their fancies with his beautie , or delight their mindes with his qualities , neu●…r resepecting his riches nor weighing his wealth : wher●…by oftimes when pouertie pincheth them they crie Peccaui . But Signior Peratio , to come more nerer to the purpose , tell me but what you would thinke of her that would carefully couett that whiche she cannot at her owne will enioye , or seeke greedily to gaine that thing whiche an other properly shall possesse , were it not to seeme either fonde or franticke : In the same case should wemen consist if they liked more for liuing then for loue . For after they bee once maried is not her housbandes wealth his owne to dispose ? Maie he not either wisely keepe it or wilfully consume it , either spare or spend at his owne pleasure ? Yes no doubt , her Dowrie is then growne to be his due , & her Patrimonie wholy his proper possessions : so that it maie consequently bee concluded , that wemen are not so wi●…lesse as to wishe for that which if they get yet their gaine shall be nothing , but they obserue this rule as a principle , Omnia vincit amor , & nor caedamus amori .

How now ( quoth Panthia ) hath not my Daughter saied pretely well to the purpose ? Did she not as well play the defendant as he the plaintife ?

In deede ( quoth Peratio ) she hath done pretely but not pithelie . For to conclude vpon supposes is but slender Sophistrie , and to calculate vpon coniectures is but bad Astrologie . For though Boetius doth finde women faultie for firing their fancies on the outwarde shape of beautie , yet he denieth not but that wealth may be the finall cause which kindleth their fonde desire , as he doeth blame them for gazing to muche on the giftes of Nature : so he doeth not excuse them from gaping to greedelie after the gifts of Fortune : so that to vse this reason in this case , is to pull on Hercules hose on a ch●…ldes foote . What the naturall cause is of wemens vnnaturall couetousnesse I knowe not , sith I am not skilfull in suche secrete Philosophie , but this I am sure that they are so deepely addicted to this drosse , and so greedelie giuen to the gaine of golde , that there is no loue suche whiche coyne cannot chaunge , no affection suche whiche fading pelfe can not infringe : nay , almost no chastitie so charie whiche desire of wealth cannot wracke : whiche Uirgill wisely weighing said : Auri sacra fames quid non Muliebria pectora cogis . And to proue these my premisses by a manifest instance . How was Danae the Daughter of Acrysius sought and sued to by diuers and sondrie suters , whose parentage & progenie , whose beautie and bountie , whose singuler feature and famous qualities deserued to be mates to the brauest Dames of the world : and yet because their comelinesse was without coyne , their worship without wealth , and their singuler perfection without sumptuous possessions , although she had sufficient wealth of a poore Pesaunt to make a mightie Prince , yet she was so greedie after the desire of gaine , that she esteemed more fading pelfe then all the beautie and vertue in the worlde●… yea , suche was her couetous minde , that although Iupiter himself sought to sacke the Castle of her chastitie , and to croppe the bud of her beautie , yet she despised his dietie , vntil to optaine his desire he was faine to fall into her lappe in the shape of a shower of golde . Procris whose feruent affection was suche towarde Cephalus , as her parentes were constrained vnwillingly to marrie her as they thought to an vnfit matche , because her senses were so besotted with the beautie of this Cephalus , and his worth●…e qualities had so bewitched her minde that he was the onely Sainct whom in harte she desired to serue . After that they long had led a happie life , Cephalus intending to make a triall of his wiues constancie , absenting himself for a while , and comming in disguised apparel made sute vnto her , that in her husbandes absence he might haue the fruition of her persone : but suche was her settled faithe and affection , that neither sighes , sorow , sobbes , complaints , prayers , promises , nor protestations could preuaile , vntill he gaue the last assault with the proffer of many precious Iewelles : whereat she was forced to giue ouer the Forte , and so Courtizanlike make a saile of her constancie . What should I speake of that golden girle Eriphile , who being the Mistresse of many riche Possessions , was notwithstanding so adicted to the desire of pelfe , that she reiected poore passionate Infortunio , and chose that doting olde Peasant Amphiarus , whom after she betraied to the Greekes for an ouch of gold . Beautie nor vertue could not win the loue of Tarpeia , but for a Bracelet she betraied the Capitoll . Tushe , whom beautie cannot bende riches will breake : whom vertue cannot optaine wealth will winne : For it is not the man that wemen respect but money : not his person but his purse : not his Linage but his liuing : That as the Serpentes Hydaspes , the more they drinke the more they thirst , and so are neuer satisfied : so wemen , the more coyne they haue the more they co●…et without satietie . So that I conclude , were I as mightie as Alexander , as beautifull as Paris , as valiaunt as Hector , as wise as Ulisses , as trustie as Troylus , yet I shall see the sentence of Ouid stande for an Oracle : Si nihil attuleris ibis Homere for as .

Morando and the rest of the Gentlemen hearyng howe runnyngly Peratio did prattle , laughed to see how stoutly he stucke to his tackling , saying that they thought his reasons were so forcible , as they could not be infringed , and that it were best for Lacena , to giue ouer the fight in the plaine feelde . Whiche drie frumpe driue her into suche a fuming choler , that she made Peratio this sharpe replie .

Sir ( quoth she ) it were harde for Vulcan to call any man Cripple , because he himself had a poult foote , and Venus should be thought impudent to condempe any of lightnesse , sith she her self was so leude : and as vnsite for you to condemne me of folli●… , sith your owne reasons are so fonde , for as you saie it is bad Astrologie to calculate vpon coniecture , so I saie it is worse Philosophie to proue a generall Axiome by a particuler instaunce , whereas you auerre that wemen are naturally couetous , and know not the cause , your affection semeth to proceede rather of rancor then of reason , and of wilfull spight , more then of due proofe , for wantyng a sure author to vpholde your heresie , you are faine your self to bryng in the verdict , but in this Ipse dixit shall stande for no paye , neither shall your censure be set doune for a sentence , we will not alowe you to be a coynor of conclusions , vnlesse your premisses had been of more puissaunce . But I remember very well that Horace notyng the fonde affections of men , and wisely describyng the greedie desire they haue to gaine : did cunningly carpe at their couetousnesse , saiyng : Quaeranda pecunia primum post nummos virtus meanyng that in all their actions , they first seeke to pray vpon pelfe , counting suche fadyng trashe , their onely treasure : preferyng wealth before wisedome , and riches before vertue , gaping gredilie after gold , as the onely guerdon they desire for their deserts , yea , in their loue they alwaies ayme more at the money , then at the maide , and coumpt her dowrie the best sainct that deserueth their depest deuotion , although they can connyngly conterfete , that they are drowned in the desire of her person , when in harte they meane her purse , playing like the Elophant that rather chooseth to leane against the strong Oke then against th sweete Briar , or like the Tiger that chozeth his praie , not by the fairenes of the skin , but by the fatnesse of the flesh , wheras poore gentlewemen either onely respect the out warde propertie or his inwarde perfection , either the comlinesse of his person , or the curtisie of his mind , detesting that filthie dr●…sse , as a thyng not so gredilie to be desired . For was it the wealth of Eneas that Dido so muche doted on , or his worthienesse , who came to Carthage as a poore stragling Straunger , beyng readie to take of all and being able to giue to no●…e ? Was it the pelfe of Demophon or his person that Phillis so depely desired ? was it the riches of Paris that AEnone wished , or his beautie when she knewe him for no other but a poore Shepheard ? Was it the wealth of Vlisses , or his wisdome that Circes sought after , when she sawe him to be but a wanoring Pirate ? Did not Campaspe prefer pore Appelles before mightie Alexander , and that louelie Lady Euphinia choose Acharisto her Fathers bondman . Tushe who seeth not if he be not either sencelesse , or sotted with self-will , that wemen respect goodwill and not gaine , curtesie and not coyne , yea , loue onely and not landes or ●…ynges . And sir wheras you bryng in Danaae as an instaunce to proue wemens couetous desire , if you wrest not the sence , it is small to the purpose , for Jupiter chaunged not into gelde to obtaine her chastitie , but to corrupte her kepers that so he might make a rape of her virginitie , neither was Tarpeyae perswaded to loue for golde , but to betraie the Capitall for gaine . And though Eriphile did amisse and Procris offende , will these two examples infer a generall conclusion : No , for as one Swallowe maketh not sommer , nor as one withered tree proueth not winter , so one womans offence is not sufficient to proue all faultie . Your rash reasons , therefore are like Tantalus Apples , which are fayre to the eye , but beeing touched , they turne to Ashes . Or like Apelles grapes , that seemed to be such , till they were narrowly viewed . So your subtill arguments importe greate force till they bee sifted , and then they are like Cornelius shadowes which seemed like men but were none . Retyre therefore before you come at the trench , sith you haue followed the sound of a wrong March , for it is proper to a man to bee deceiued , but to percist in an errour , is the signe of an impudent mind , and vpon this condition , although you haue broadly blasphemed against women , you shall escape vnpunished , and fully pardoned .

Morando heryng how connyngly Lacena had resisted Peratios reasons , began to be halfe blancke , because Panthia pulling him by the sleeue saied .

Sir ( quoth she ) although my daughter hath concluded in an imparfect Moode , yet it is harde to reduce it but Per impossible : your Champion is chafed and seeketh reuenge , but he plaies like Phineus that sought to meete his foe in the ●…elde , and yet he himself tooke the first foile , but as it is no shame for hym that gazeth against the Sonne to winke , so Peratio that striues against the truthe , maie take the mate and yet haue good skill at the Chesse .

Why ( quoth Aretino ) is he alwaies the best man that giues the last stroke , or she wonne the victoier , that speakes the last woorde , Peratio hath but yet plaide his quarters , he now meanes to lie at his warde , and I beleue so warelie , that Lacena shal haue good lucke if she scape without a losse .

Tush gentlemen ( quoth Peratio ) Madam Panthia thinckes that where Venus sitts there Mars must lay downe his Helmet , that no Birdes can sing where the Peacocke displaies her golden Feathers : but I am not so fonde , as with Hercules to become a slaue to Omphale , nor with Mars to tye my self to Venus will . Lacenas faire lookes , nor her painted speech shall not so charme me , as I shall so lightly geue other the chalenge , for I am not in loue , and therefore may speake at liberty . Truely ( quoth Morando ) sith the controuersie is suche , as it cannot without a longe discourse be decided : I will at this tyme become a mediator and yeld my verdit because time calles vs away . Upon this sentence , this therfore is my sensure , that as Phillip of Macedon said there was no Citie so surelie defenced , whereinto an Asse laden with gold might not enter : so the Temple of Vesta is neuer so well shut , but a key of gold will spedelie vnlose the locke .

Sir ( quoth Panthia ) and I by your leaue will conclude to your premisses , with the picture which Phidias the Painter drew of Mars and Uenus in this forme : representing Mars tied vnto Uenus by the eye , his breast open , wherein appered a harte all of gold . But Venus hauyng her sight valed , her harte persed through with an arrow , and chained vnto Mars with a siluer threed , wherein was written this posie Sans Aultre . Well ( quoth Morando ) it was harde to finde Diana without her bowe , or Appollo without his harpe , or a womans craftie witte , without a clarklie shift . But when Hercules had conquered Orithia he could not vauut of the victorie , because she was a woman : so therefore I wil not striue to confute Madame Panthia , sith in gettyng the conquest I should rather reape discredit , then purchase praise or honour : we will therefore now ende our discourse , and sit doune to supper , where whatsoeuer your chere bee , yet I praie you thynke your selues hartie welcome . The Gentlemen and Gentlewemen findyng their fare no woorse then their welcome was , gaue Morando greate thankes for his curtesie , and being all pleasantlie disposed , they passed awaie the supper with many pretty parlees , Don Siluestro onely excepted , who was in his dumps : for the beautie of Lacena had alredie so battered the bulwarke of his breast , and had so quatted his stomacke with her excellent qualities , that he onely fed his eyes in notyng the exquisit perfection of her person , whiche Aretino partlie perceiuyng , he began to plucke him from his passions , in this maner . I haue often marueled and cannot yet cease to muse gentlemen ( quoth he ) at the madnesse of those momentarie louers , whose myndes are like the state of Mineruas Owle , that howe heauie socuer her heade was , would euer prune her self at the sight of Pallas , or like Narcissus that had scarsely lookt into the water but was in loue with his owne shaddowe : but I thinke these violent passions are nothing permanent , their sparckling heate neuer proues to perfect coles , muche like to Jasons Warriours th●…t faded before thei were fullie fourmed .

What moues you ( quoth Morando to pop forth so sodainly this darke probleme , doe you think there is any man here that is pinched with suche passions , or would you see by the measure of an other mans foote , where you owne shoe wringes you .

No sir ( quoth he ) the picture of Andromeda and Perseus , whiche hanges here before myne eyes , brought this to my remembraunce , for me thinke either Andromeda was passyng beautifull or Perseus verie amorous , that soaring aloft in the ayre he did firmely loue before he did fultie looke , his eyes were scarsely fixed ere his harte was fet●…red , and how thinke you Signior Siluestro is not this straunge .

Siluestro doubtyng that Aretino shot at an other marke then his talke did pretende , thought to shadow his falt with a false culler , and with the Lapwing to crie farthest of from her nest , he framed him therefore this aunswere . Truely Aretino ( quoth he ) it were folie to question with Pigmalio●… about Esculapius secrets , or to demande of Polydemon wha●… sollemnitie Hymeneus obserued in his Sacrafices , because the one was vnskilfull in Phisicke and the other as ingnorant in Mariage , and meare fondnesse it is for the ●…o aske my oppinion of fancie , when I connot by experience yelde a v●…rdit of affection , it is harde for him to giue a censure of Paintyng that hath but lookt into Appelles shoppe , and as difficult for me to sett downe my sentence of Loue whiche a●… but newlie entred into Cupids Schoole . For I confesse I am not of Tianeus opinion , to despise Beautie , nor so dogged as Diogenes , to condemne wemen , sith the one shewes a crabbed nature , and the other as ill nourture . But it maie be you gesse another mans bow by your owne bent , and plaie like Ewritius that accused Andremon of loue , when he himself was before fettered with lust .

What ( quoth Aretino ) shall Pigmalion bee angrie with him that saied he was a Caruer , seeing it was his profession by arte , or shall a yong gentleman take offence for being named a louer , sith it is proper to hym by age . But I leaue with your melancholie humour Syluestro , sith I see that t is hard to finde a suspicious man without ielowsie , and a lingring louer without Dumpes .

Gentlemen quoth Peratio , mee thinks it is folly to talke about so fond a trifle as loue , which I can rightly compare to Perseus wings , which being giuen him by Iupiter , caried him alwayes into perrilous daungers , or to Mydas goulde , which he counting his blisse , prooued at last to bee his b●…le . Let not then such a friuolons question cause friends to giue such byting quippes .

Tush ( quoth Aretino ) these cuttes can not cause Syluestro and mee toiarre , euery blowe drawes not bloud , nor euery worde inferreth not wrath , that friendshippe is of a brickle mould , that a little Table talke will cracke . In troth ( quoth Syluestro ) I take not such offence at Aretinos folly as I doe Peratio at thy extreme fondnes , that makest so light acount of loue . But Proteus neuer remayned long in one shape , neither was Iola seene to weare one garment twise . The 〈◊〉 Cassiopea remayneth in one signe but ten dayes , and thou in one mynde but ten howers , being now hotte now could , first as courteous as Traian , and then as currish as Tymon , one while a defender of lust , and an other time a contemner of loue . But as it is harde to catche the Polipe fish , because she ●…ourneth into the likenesse of euery obiect , so it is folly to credit thee which framest thy talke after euery new fantasie .

Stay then Syluestr●… ( quoth Signior Morando ) lest you proue your selfe more fond in taking such small occasion of anger , then they in ministring the cause , we met as friends , and loth I were we should part as foes . Therefore for this night I commend you all as my guestes , to keepe silence , and to morrowe if you please in close field to trie the combat , Madame Panthia , and I will sit as Iudges to assigne the conquest : the question shal be , whether it be good to loue or noe , and in the meane time , sith it is farre in the night , I commit you to God . Madame Panthia , and the rest geuing their good host the Adiew , parted quietly without any more quippes to their lodging .