AT what time the Earth dismantled of her braue Attire , A description of the dead of winter . lamented the absence of Dame Aestas company , & that faire Phoebus in his Retrogradation , entring the Tropique of Capricorne , and mounting in the Zodiacke , licensed naked Hyemps , to powre down her wrath vpon the face of the whole world : through dread of whose boysterous stormes , euery liuing creature , by the direction of Nature retired himselfe vnto his safest succour , as the Birde to his Nest , the heast to his Couert , the Bée to his hiue , the Serpent to his hole : onely Man excepted , Man by reason inlargeth the bounds of nature , within whose limites euery other creature liueth . who ( being beautified with a diuine spirite , and armed with reason , farre aboue the reach of Nature ) scorneth to be chayned vnto any place , through the violence or iniurie of Tyme .

In this dead season , such were my Affaires , that Necessitie sent me into a Countrey farre from home , whereas I was no lesse vnacquainted with the people , then ignorant of the waies : This was the Forrest of Rauenna in Italie , ( for the most part ) of pine Apple trees . and hauing trauailed the great part of a Christmas Eue in a desart Forrest , strayed out of knowledge ; I tooke me to a déepe beaten way , which promised a likelyhood to finde out some spéedie Harbour : and after I had iornied the space of an houre , in a swéete Groaue of Pyne Apple trées , mine eye fastened vpon a stately Pallace , the brightnes whereof , glimmered through the Branches of the younger woodde , This Pallace was 10 miles from Rauenna towards the Riuer of Poe. The custome of Christmas . not vnlike the Beames of the Sunne through the Crannelles of a wall , assuring then my selfe , to receiue best Instructions of the better sort of people : such was my haste , as I soone arriued at this sumptuous place : but according to the condition of time , in Christmas , sooner to finde a friend feasting in the Hall , then walking in the field : other then a few of ignorant peysants , I could perceiue no person . The delight I tooke to beholde the scituation , and curious workmanship of this Pallace , made me so long forget the cause of my arriuall there , as in the ende one of the well qualited seruants ( hauing knowledge of my being without ) in a seruisable order , came and presented me with his Lords curteous welcome , and reuerently requested mée to alight and enter the Pallace : which imagined this entertainment to be but an Italion curtesie , after thanks giuen , by a modest excuse , refused so great a fauour , and onely craued , to be directed the readiest waie to Rauenna : the seruant cunningly replying , that I could not bée receiued into the Citie without his Lords Bollytyne , Bollytine , a warrant of health without which , no man may trauel in Italy . and at this time he sealed no mans safe conduct , without knowledge , that his affayres required great haste : in so much , as won with his importunities , and ouercome with wearinesse of Trauell , I committed my Horse , to the ordering of my man , and accompanied this officious seruant to wards the Pallace , and by the way , ouer a large entrance into a faire court , I might reade these two briefes in Italion .

Pisano é Forresterio . A liberall welcome . Entrate , e ben venuto .

Which generall inuiting , imboldned me so far , as I hardly marched towards the great Hall , the Skréene whereof , was curiously fronted with cloudy Marble , supported on euery side the passages , Welcome and Bountie , the porters . with stately Pillers of Geate : and ouer the thrée Portalls , stood the Images of two men : the one of Allablaster Marble , bare headed , representing the vertue of welcome : the other of blew Marble , attyred like a Cooke , and by him were artificially painted , Pheasants , Partriges , Capons , and other costly Cates , as the figure of Bountie : at the entry of this stately Hall , I was receiued by the Lord of the Pallace , accompanied with diuers Gentlemen of good qualitie , with so ciuill and friendly intertainement , as his behauiour blazoned the true knowledge of curtesie : before wée past any further , I began to recount the aduenture which brought me thither , and craued his honourable fauor for my dispatch : why ? then ( quoth Segnior Phyloxenus ) for so ( for some cause ) I name the Lord of the Pallace , I thanke your hard fortune for arriuing you here , to do me this honor : no hard , but happy fortune ( quoth I ) if I may liue to honor you with any effectual seruice , wel ( quoth he ) after your werie trauaile , it is more néedefull to prouide for your repose , then for a further iourney , and so lead mée the way into a faire great Chamber , richly hung with Tapistrie : the roofe whereof was Allablaster plaister , embost with many curious deuises in golde , and in sundry places in proper colours was ingraued his deuise , which was A Holly tree , full of red beries : and in the same , a fluttering Mauis fast limed to the bowes . with this posie in french , Qui me nourit , me destruit : And in verie déede , the beries of the trée féedeth this bird , and the barke maketh Lime to fetter her . But I afterwards learned , Segnior Philoxenus vsed this Ensigne as a couert description of desire : A couert description of desire . whose swéete torments nourisheth the minde , but consumeth the bodie to the graue . In this beautifull place , I embraced the salutations of such a braue troupe of Gentlemen , and Gentlewomen , as the honour of the householde might well giue Enuie vnto some Princes Court. And least , at my first comming , I might bée abashed through small acquaintance , Segnior Philoxenus emboldened mée with a familiar communication , A ciuill foresight meete for a Gentleman . and in the ende vppon a conuenient occasion , demaunded of mée the name of my Countrie ? I answered him , I was a Gentleman of England , voluntarily exiled with a burning desire , to sée the Monuments of other Countries , A necessarie regard for trauelers . the order of their gouernement , and manners of the people . And are you of that blessed Ile ( quoth he ? ) where the people liue in peace & prosperity , vnder the rule of a Maiden Quéene , crowned with such diuine vertues , The vertues of the Queenes Maiestie , maketh the Iland of England famous throughout the whole World . as the whole world may hardly containe her fame . Sir ( quoth I ) your good testimonie of her worthinesse , being a Stranger , taketh all occasion from mée ( her dutifull subiect ) to inlarge her renowne . O ( quoth he ) if Enuie durst detract her openly , as she secretlie conspireth her ouerthrowe , in these parts you should be driven to stop your eares , or endure a torment ( to a faithfull subiect ) more violent then Death . But the vertue of her Shielde , Vertue stoppeth the mouth of Enuie , but fireth her heart with malice . I meane her graue Senate , hath returned the Dartes of Enuie so thick vpon her shoulders , as she hath no power to eclips her bright renowne , whose vertue shineth in Enuies despight as a Diamond in an obscure place , or as the Sune through small passages , into the bowels of the earth : so that happy and thrice happie are you , the Subiects of the good Quéene of England , whose gracious gouernement filleth your Cofers with wealth , sealeth your dores with peace , and planteth quietnesse in your Conscience : so that ( blessed aboue other Nations ) you liue abroad , without suspition of danger at home : and at home fearelesse of enemies abroade . Wherefore , in honour of your Soueraigue , whose fame armeth all true knights , with an earnest desire to doo her seruice , I am glad of the meane to bestow on you , or any of hir nation , the affection of a friend . Sir ( quoth I ) the vertue of these honorable thoughts blaseth the true magnanimity of a noble minde , which measureth not your fauour by the desart of others , but with the royaltie of your heart , The true Blazon of a noble minde . and so binde thousands in recognisance of seruice , among which debters I desire to be inrolled , although I can discharge but little . After we had bestowed a small time in these like spéeches , he commanded some of his seruants to direct mée vnto a lodging ( if I pleased ) to be dispoiled of my riding attire : who straight waies brought mée into a Bed Chamber , so wel accommodated with euery necessarie pleasure , as might haue serued for the repose of Cupid and his louer Ciches : hauing a faire prospect into a goodly Garden , beautified with such rare deuises , as deserued to bée compared with the earthly Paradice of Tiuoly . Tiuoly 12. miles from And to be briefe , this Pallace , with all her conueiances , as well necessarie , as of pleasure , Rome , where the Cardinall of Esta hath a most rare Garden . Cardinal Furnesaes pallace in Rome . fully matched the statelinesse of Cardinall Furnesaes Pallace , builded and beautified , with the ruinous Monuments of Rome in her pride : so that the curiousnesse thereof was of power to haue inchaunted my eyes with an immodest gaze , had I not remembred , that it belongeth vnto a Gentleman to sée , and not to stare vpon the strangest Nouell that is : for bace is his minde , whose spirit hourely beholdeth not greater matters then either beautie , A necessarie obseruation for a Gentleman . building or brauerie . And certainely , at this instant , I delighted more to contemplate of Segnior Phyloxenus vertues , then to regarde his sumptuous buildings , who ( as I learned of one of the Seruants ) all the yéere opened his dores to euery ciuill Gentleman , and at Christmas , inuited all commers , A worthie Custome . as a customarie dutie : so large was the prescription of his curtesie . But , which shined aboue the rest , he was in his youth , brought vp in the French Court , where , by the grace of God , and labour of some good friend ( as his behauiours could not but win many ) hée learned to serue God , with purenesse of heart , and not with painted ceremonies , H. was a Protestant . as his superstitious Countrie men doe : which was one chiefe cause , why he spake so reuerently of the Quéenes Maiestie , whose vertues make her enemies dumbe , for malice will not let them say well , and shame forbids them to speake amis of her sacred life : by the time I had talked a while with one of the seruants , and put my selfe in a more ciuill order , then was necessarie for trauaile , supper was in a redinesse : which although it excéeded the common order of fasts , yet it passed not farre the bounds of ancient custome : for my place at the Table , I had the priueledge of a stranger , set aboue my degrée , and with the same intertainment , were Frenchmen , Almain , Duchmen and other Gentlemen , Other strangers arrmed by the like aduenture . A custome g●nerally vsed in France , and in some places of Italy . strangers , intreated . The Grand Master of the feast , in words gaue vs one welcome for all , but not so few as a thousand in affable countenances . Supper being ended , according to the custome of the place , a Cake was cut in péeces , to the number of the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen present , and if the marked péece were allotted vnto a man , he should bée King , if to a woman , she should be Quéene of the Christmas pleasures : for it was agréede , there should be but one to commaund , and all to obay . Madona Aurelia , Sister to the Lord of the Pallace , was crowned with the lot , whose worthinesse was such , as herein it séemed fortune obayed desert : for there was no Gentlewoman in the troupe , that Aurelia exrelled not in beautie , and singularity of wit , nor no Gentleman , that her vertues inchaunted not , with more admiration , then the Sirens swéete songs , the wether wearied Sayler , so that of the one she was crowned with Enuie , and of the other with Honor. . But in as much , as this was but the first night of her raigne , shée referred the Proclamation of her lawes vntill the next day , and so dismist the attendance of her subiects for that night , which ( in sooth ) lasted me but a sléepe , so soundly after trauel , I imbraced mine ease .

The next Day nosooner appeared , but the Trumpets sounded the honor of Christmas : vpon which Sommons , the compauie rose , and ( attired in their most sumptuous wéedes ) in the great Chamber attended their Quéene Aurelia , who about Seruice time , ( with the Maiestie of a goddesse ) presented her selfe : on whome all the troupe waighted vnto the Chappell , where the Seruice was not so ceremonious , as in other Churches of Italy , and yet more then agréed with Segnior Phyloxenus conscience , onely to giue no offence , to the superstitious zeale of others . The Seruice ended , against the returne of the company , the Tables were couered in a most stately order , & with the sound of trumpets , were furnished with so many seueral dainty disshes , as the rialtie of the feast might haue pleased Heliogabalus : Heliogabalus a most voluptuous emperor of Rome . After Quéene Aurelia was set , the rest tooke their accustomed places : but ( God knowes ) the eyes of the greater part were more hungrie then their scomacks : for their appetites were dulled , with the ouerplentie of meates , and their desires quickened , with the regarde of the faire Gentlewomen .

The dinner and euery solemne seruice ended , Segnior Phyloxenus committed the company to the good intertainement of his Sister Aurelia , and ( with a speciall sute ) recomended me vnto her fauour : after viewe was taken of the attendants , certaine Gentlemen and Gentlewomen ( by the appointment of Quéene Aurelia ) were adopted with the names of their fortunes , as occasion will manifest hereafter : and for that I was a traueller , she called me Caualiero Ismarito , in English , The wandring Knight : whereupon , Madam ( quoth I ) you haue christened mée with the true name of my fortune : for I was but late out of my way , & now am strayed out of my selfe : where are you then quoth Aurelia ? at your onely direction ( quoth I : ) wel ( quoth she ) since so cunningly you preferre your selfe , I admitte you my seruant , and as you deserue , so will I reward : and Madam quoth I , if I bée not loyall , let me not liue : well ( quoth the ) I expect the best . The rest of the affaires set in good order , the Harold proclaimed the lawes , whereunto the Gentlemen and Gentlewomen were bound , with the penalties for the breach of them .

The Lawes of Queene Aurelia . FIrst , euery Gentleman , and Gentlewoman , were coniured faithfully to execute all the charges , and offices assigned by their Quéene Aurelia , and that they should bée attendant of her pleasure . Item euery Gentleman was bound , to serue some one mistresse , before the next day at noone , vpon paine to bée turned into the great hall , among the countrie Trulles the whole Christmas . And euery gentlewoman that had not a seruant , was iudged vnworthie , to be courted for one wéeke : for his merit was hoiden very small , that could be intertained of none , and her conditions very crooked that was beloued of none . Item euery Gentleman was bound to giue his owne mistresse the honor of his seruice , and the chiefe place in his commendations , vpon paine , to lose her seruice , and to bée entertained of no other . For hée that was disloyall to one , could not be holden faithfull vnto another . Item euery Gentlewoman was bound , to imploy her owne seruant , vpon paine to bée reputed simple . For shée that affyed not in her owne Seruant , had no reason to trust anothers . Item euery Gentleman was bound , to defend the honor of his Mistresse , both with word and sword , vpon paine to be reputed a Coward , and not to weare her gloue . For hee was holden very vnsufficient , that prised not his Mistresses honor aboue his owne life . Item , euery Gentlewoman was bound to incourage her Seruant with good countenances , and vpon the execution of any worthy seruice to rewarde him , with the kissing of her hand , vpon paine to be déemed vnworthy to bee serued . For she of all the world is accounted too rygorous a Dame , that with scorne receiueth dutifull seruice . Item , euery Gentleman was bound to Court his mistresse with Ciuill speeches , vpon paine to be forbidden , to talke of loue for thrée dayes . For hee was accompted bace mannered , or very grose witted , that could not pleasantly entertaine time with a ciuill discourse . Item , euery Gentleman was bound , either by some exercise of value , or by some shew of excellency of wit , to approue himselfe worthy of his mistresse : vpon paine to bee spoyled of his Armes , and the whole Christmas to attend with the Pages : for he was holden vnworthie the societie of men , or the affection of woman , that was neither valiant nor wise .

These Lawes proclaimed , Quéene Aurelia appointed an elderly Courtier named Fabritio , and a well spoken Gentlewoman , called Donna Isabella , to be Iudges of the controuersies , in disputation : and to attend her in her affaires of pleasure , she chused Segnior Soranso , a Gentleman Italion , of wit quick and sharp , and for his deuices , swéete and pleasant : Don Dondolo , a Napolitan , haughtie and proude in his conceits . Monsier Bargetto a Frenchman , amarous and light headed . Courtesie vnto strangers , is a marke of Gentilitie . Doctor Mossenigo , a Germaine so called , for the plaine discouery of his minde . Segnior Faliero a Scot , subtill and cunning in his deuices : and my selfe Caualiero Ismarito , an Englishman , in which name hereafter , I will present those actions that touch my selfe .

This wise choice she made to priueledge the Strangers with the highest fauour .

Of Gentlewomen , shée chused Maria Belochy , a Damosell , whose eye was able to fire a mountaine of Ice . Lucia Bella , for fairenesse and swéete behauiour an Angel . Hellena Dulce , a louing and affable Gentlewoman . Franceschina sancta , so called for her modest and lowly countenance : Katherina Trista , a sowre and testy Dame : Aluisa Vechio , who although she were in the wane of her yéeres , yet was she in the pride of yong desires .

This done , Quéene Aurelia , by consent , A diuision of their pleasure● deuided the exercises of euery day , into these times : the forenoone to be bestowed in the seruice of God : after dinner two houres to be intertained in ciuil discourse , and disputation : the rest til supper at pleasure : and after supper to spend a time in dauncing , masking , or in other like pastimes , as occasion presented .

The greater part of Christmas day , was spent in establishing these orders , the rest was ouercome with solempne Musick , for , among the better forte that day is honoured , with no light mirth .

THe next day by nine a Clocke , according to one of the charges in the Proclamation , you might sée the youg Gentlemen & Gentlewomen , coupled together like foules on Saint Valentines day morning .

But Signior Ismarito , hauing the eies of his hart setled vpon his Mistresses beauty , with careles regarde , beheld the rest of the company : and leaning by a dore , thorow which she should passe , he awaighted Quéene Aurelias comming . Who at her accustomed howre , presented her selfe with an aduauntage of brauerie , whom the whole troupe reuerently saluted , and honorably accompanyed vnto the Chappell .

After Seruice , Dinner , and all were solemnly ended : Quéene Aurelia with a chosen company , Musick refresheth the wit . retyred her self into a pleasant drawing Chamber to execute the reported ordenaunce . But to quicken the Spirites of the company , before they entred into discourse , she commaunded a faire Eunuche Boy , to sing some one song , as he thought good , who obaying her commaundement , with a heauenly note , vnto the Lute sung this louing lay .

NO ioy comes neere the heauenly ioy of loue , When we imbrace the wish of our desire : All pleasures els that kinde or Art may moue , To loue , are like the heate of painted fire . Loue is the roote , whereon sweet thoughts do growe : Loue is the sowrce , from whence content doth flow . When I beholde my Misterisse in the face , Loue from her eyes a thousand Graces throwes : But when in armes I doe her selfe imbrace , One smiling looke exileth all my woes . Then straight our lips prepare themselues to fight : And on ech kisse loue sets a new delight . What would you more ? I wish me in my graue , Were but my soule with halfe these pleasures crownde ; And heare on earth to be my Misterisse slaue , I holde me free and others to be bound . Wherefore I sing which I in solace proue , There is no heauen to life bestowed in loue .

The swéet deliuery of this sonet , so inchanted the harts of the hearers , as for a space their sences gaue place to the contemplation of their soules . In the end Madona Isabella by this motion , made the whole company a passage for spéech .

If Loue be so swéet a passion ( quoth she ) I muse from what cause procéedeth the complaints of Louers , who with showring teares bedewe the earth with misty sights , dimme the aire , and with shrill outcries pearse the heauens .

The cause , quoth Soranso , procéedes of our fleshly imperfections , which corrupts the nature of good things , and not of any defect in loue : Loue simply is good . for loue is a simple deuine vertue , and hath his being in the soule , whose motions are heauenly .

I haue read ( quoth Isabella ) that there be sundry kindes of loue .

The vse of loue are diuers , quoth Soranso , as in zeale towards God , The distinctions of loue . in duety towards our Country , in obedience towards our parents , and in affection towards our fréends . All which motions procéede foorth of one loue , although some are more vehement then the other , euen as many Riuers doo run out of one Spring , whereof some haue a more swift course then the other . But of that passion which we ordinarily call loue , the wish either tends to Mariage or wantonnes .

There is matter of disputation in Mariage ( quoth Franceschina , ) Knowne euik are not to be defended . because the estate is honorable , and yet subiect to crosse fortunes : But touching your conclusion of wantonnes , deserues to dye in silence , for known euils are to be chastened without allowing their defences .

Madame ( quoth Faliero ) vnlesse you reuoke this sentence , we wil haue you indited at Rome as an heretick , for by the Popes Canons , Priests may not marry : and they haue a custome among themselues , not to liue chaste .

Well ( quoth Franceschina , ) if the Pope for this opinion , burne me as an heretick , good men will cannonise me for a vertuous Virgin .

These digressions ( quoth Quéen Aurelia ) are the meanes ( rather ) to worke a confusion of our memories , A necessary note . then to conclude any beneficiall matter for our instruction . And therefore I hold it to greater purpose ( substantially ) to handle one argument , them ( sieightly ) to ouerrun many causes , where the doubts we leaue vnresolued , wil be more dangerous vnto the hearer , then the counsels we vse , profitable vnto the follower .

Madame , A contention whether Mariage or the single life is the worthier . ( quoth Fabritio ) I hold it good we obey your direction . And for that Mariage is the most honourable euent of Loue : and that a Single life is the greatest testimony of Chastity : A ciuill Contention , to proue which is the most worthy of the two , would conclude much contentment : For as Yron and Flynt beat together , haue the vertue to smite fire : so mens wits encountring in doubtfull questions openeth a passage for imprisoned Truth .

Quéene Aurelia , Argument decideth doubts . and the rest of the company liked very well of the Subiect : and studying who were the fittest to deale in this controuersie , Aurelia ( with a glauncing eye ) behelde that her seruant Ismarito witsafed no greater token , Wise silence worketh more regarde then foolish talke . that he tooke delight in these actions , then ( sometime ) the secret bestowing of a modest smile : whereupon she forethought , that as Floods , when they are most highest , make least noise : euen so ( perchaunce ) his still tongue was gouerned by a flowing wit , and desirous to sound his sufficiencie , she quickned him with this crosse surmise .

Seruant ( quoth she ) your sober lookes , promiseth a hope that you will vndertake Dianaes quarrell : but ( which will serue in this question ) I feare me , you commaund Loue , so much , A fault in many trauellers . as you contemne Mariage : And the greater is my suspicion , in that you are a Trauailer : the nature of which sort of people , is to swell , with a monsterous disdaine of Mariage , The reason is ( say they ) their affections are paysoned , with the knowledge of womens so hamous euils , as they dare not venter of that vocation . But my opinion is , they haue learned so many subtilties to deceiue a shiftles woman , as dandled with the imbracements of sundry Loues , they forsweare Mariage , who bindes them to one only wife : And if you be infected with the humour of these sorte of Trauailers , you may well vndertake this charge : All vnmarried passe vnder the name of chast . for Venus , though she loue not Diana , yet is she the sworn enemie of Iuno . And if you be sound from this infirmitie , the little haste you make to marry , witnesseth , you honor Hymen with no great deuotion , and therfore , I commaund you to vse all your possible proofs in the Defence of a Single life , and for your assistance . I do appoint you Lucia Bella , whom this charge cannot mislike , because ( as I vnderstand ) she means to be a professed Nun : You are to encounter the opinions of many , and therefore arme your selues with as good reasons as you may .

Madame ( quoth Ismarito ) I am so deepely bound vnto your commaundement , as I am driuen to leaue your suggestions not answeared , and my owne innocency vnexcused , and only attend the incounter of him , that wil maintain Mariage , to be more worthy then a Single life : which vocation of Mariage , though I reuerently honour , yet I so zealously affect the other , as I hope ( where the Iudges are indifferent ) to make the glory thereof to shine as the faire white , aboue euery other colour .

Sir , Defences of Mariage . quoth Soranso , though white be a faire colour , yet are the choyse of all other colours more rich and glorious : so , though Virginitie ( which is the fairest flower of a Single life ) be precious in the sight of God , and in the opinion of men , yet is Mariage more precious , in that it is a sacred institution of God , and more honoured of men : the Married are reuerently intertained , when the vnmarried are but familiarly saluted . The Maried in assemblies , are honoured with the highest places , the vnmarried humble themselues vnto the lowest . To be short , Virginitie is the handmaide of Mariage . Then , by how much the Master is greater then the seruant , by so much Mariage is more worthy then is Single life .

I confesse , quoth Ismarito , Mariage is an honourable estate , Defences of a single life . instituted of God , and embraced of men , but whereon had she her beginning ? vpon this cause , to kéepe men from a greater inconuenience : as the Law was founded vpon this reason to punish the trespasses of men . But if no offence had béen giuen , the Law had not néeded : So if man had liued within bounds of reason , ( which before any commaundement giuen ; was vnto him a Law ) Mariage might haue béen spared : and therefore in the highest degrée , is but a vertue vpon necessitie : where Chastitie , is a deuine vertue , gouerned by the motions of the soule , which is immortall , and participating of the same vertue is alwaies fresh and gréene . The euerspringing Bay , is the Metamorphosis of chaste Daphnè , whome Apollo , although he were a soueraigne God , could not allure to Mariage , which proueth Chastity a true spark of Diuinitie , whose twinkling reflexions , so daseleth the eyes of imagined Gods ( whose powers must néedes be more great then the greatest of men ) as they cannot sée an end of their incontinent desires : whereas the beauty of Mariage is many times blasted by fortune , or the frailtie of the Maried . Therfore ( think I ) by how much deuine things are of greater emprise then earthly , by so much the Single life is more worthy then the Maried .

And in aduauntage , ( quoth Lucia Bella ) where Soranso saith , that there is great honor done vnto the married , and to the Single is giuen light regard , I pray you whether are Bacchus minions or the Muses most reuerenced ? among men whose places are hyer then the Cleargies ? and among women , whose greater then the religious Dames ?

They haue not this preheminence ( quoth Faliero ) because they professe a Single life , Defences of Mariage . but because their function is more sacred then other mens , The cause why the cleargie are reuerenced . who if their prayers to God be no more zealous , then their vowes to chastity are stedfast , you fly to the authority of a company as spotted as Labans Shéepe .

But where Sir Ismarito saith , that Mariage is but a vertue vpon necessity , to restraine man from a greater euill : I approoue it an estate set downe by Nature , and that man hath but amplified it with certain ceremonies , to make perfect the determination of nature : For we dayly sée in vnreasonable creatures , Mariage is ( in a sorte ) worshipped : Fowles of the Aire ( I meane ) the he and the she , cupple together , flie together , féed together , and neast together . The Turtle is neuer merie after the death of her Mate : and in many brute beastes the like constancy is found : But ( generally ) there is neuer iarre nor misliking betwéen the Male and Female of vnpollitique creatures : Vnpollitick creatures reuerence mariage . and among the most barbarous people that euer liued , by the impresson of nature , Mariage hath ( euermore ) béen reuerenced and hououred : Much more ciuill people ought to affect this holy estate : And where Ismarito attributes such glory vnto a Single life , because that Daphne was metamorphosed into a Bay Trée , whose branches are alwaies gréene : In my opinion , his reason is faired like the Bay Trée : for the Bay trée is barren of pleasant fruit , and his pleasing words of weighty matter . Furthermore , what remembrance is there of faire Sirinx coynesse , refusing to be God Paris wife ? other then that she was metamorphosed into a fewe vnprofitable Réedes : Or of Anaxaretes chaste cruelty towards Iphis , ouer then that she remaineth an Image of Stone in Samarin . Many other such like naked Monuments remain of nice contemners of Mariage . But in the behalfe of Mariage thousands haue béen changed into Oliue , Pomegranate , Mulberie , and other fruitfull trées , swéete flowers , Starres , and precious stones , by whom the world is beautified , directed and nourished . In many well gouerned common wealths , Sterility hath béene reputed so vile , as the Aged was of no man honoured that had not children of his owne to do him reuerence . Then by how much those things which nourish with increase are more necessary then those things , which but simply please the eye : by so much the maried is more worthy then the single life .

Sir , quoth Ismarito , it séemeth that you haue read a Leafe more then Saint Katherins Nun : Defences of a single life . for she ( simply ) tried all things , and you ( subtilly ) vse but what serueth your owne turne : you reproach a Single life , with Barrennesse , and commend the fertility of Mariage ; but had you showen the wéedes with the Corne , bare pasture would haue returned as great a benefite as your haruest . The Monsters , Serpents , and loathsome Creatures , mentioned by Ouid in his Metamorphosis , were they not I pray you the fruites of Mariage ? as wel as the blessings , which you so affectedly reported : Oedipus was glad to scratch out his eyes , because he could not indure to beholde the vices of his Children . The good Emperour Marcus Aurelius in his aged daies , neuer rose that he sighed not , neuer dined that he fretted not , nor neuer went to bed that he wepte not : to heare , sée , and consider the monstrous euils of his Children . Admit the Maried haue vertuous Children , they may dye when they are yong , then the goodnes of their liues , increaseth sorowes by their deathes : and where the comfort is so doubtfull , it is not amisse to refuse the hazard of the gréefe : Vertuous fame is another life . neither dyeth there any of Dianas band , but that their vertues reuiueth them as the ashes of the Phenix turneth to another Phenix .

It is for some Phenix sake , quoth Quéene Aurelia , that you thus stoutly defend a Single life .

I doo but your commaundement quoth Ismarito .

I ( quoth she ) it is at my commaundement , but yet for some others merite .

Aluisa vechio , The impatiencie of women wil not be hid . fearing that mariage would receiue some disgrace if that Quéene Aurelia fauoured the Defence of a Single life , could not longer suppresse her affections , but with a womans Impatiencie , blamed the rigour of Diana , who condemned Acteon to be deuoured of his owne Hounds , who caused swéet Adonis to be staine by a wilde Boare : with many other cruell partes , vnséeming the naturall pittie of a woman : but ( which might haue saned a great deale of Argument , or at the least , which will now soone end the Controuersie : ) compare ( quoth she ) Iuno and Diana together , and by their callings you may easily iudge who is the worthier . Diana ( poore soule ) is but a Goddesse here on earth , and Iuno is Quéene of Heauen : Dianaes force is in her Bow and Arrowes , Iuno bestoweth Thunderbolts vpon her enemies : Diana is attired with gréene leaues , and Iuno with glorious Starres : Diana féedeth on rawe fruites , and drinketh colde water : Iunoes Feastes are of Manna and her bowles are fild with Nectar : Dianaes musick is no better then the voyces of a few Nimphes : Iuno is recreated with the harmony of Angels : Dianaes pastime is ( a foote ) to chace the fearefull Roe , where Iuno ( in Phaetons winged Chariot ) pursueth a thousand seuerall pleasures : then , by how much the pomp of Iuno excéedeth the naked Triumphs of Diana , by so much Mariage must néedes be more worthy then the Single life .

Lucia Bella that should haue answered Aluisa Vechio , ( not vnlike the Marigolde that closeth her Beauty , when Phoebus is attired with his brightest rayes ) so admired the glory of Iuno , Vaine glorious shewes bewitcheth women . that as an inchaunted creature , her tongue forgot her naturall office : the reason was , her hart was sodenly surprised with an ambitious desire of honor .

Which change , Ismarito perceiued with the first : and least her silence should conclude a yéelding : All is not golde ( quoth he ) that glistereth , Contentment neither followeth the greatest , nor scorneth the meanest . nor euery thing counterfet that is not curiously garnished : a smiling countenance is no ful testimony of a merry hart , nor costly Garments of a rich Purse : And ( perchaunce ) the griefe of Iunoes secret discontentments , is greater then the delight of her glorious pomp : where Diana , who ( as a Diamond in the darke , shineth of her selfe ) néedeth not the Ornaments of Iuno . And as she is ( simply ) of a pure substance , so her thoughts must néedes be swéet and quiet .

Sir ( quoth Maria Belochy ) our soundest iudgements are of those things that we our selues sée : therefore , if the apparance of Mariage be worthier th●n the apparance of the single life : if sentence be truly pronounced , it must be in the behalfe of Iuno .

Quéene Aurelia p●rceiuing the increase of Ismaritos aduersaries , ( for who can stop a streame , measure the sire , weigh the winde , or hinder Fancies passages ) and with all considering how that the controuersie was sufficiently debated , commanded the contenders to kéepe silence : and referred the question to be iudged by Fabritio and Isabella .

Who hauing aduisedly considered , the reasons on both sides , agréed that a single chast life pleased God , because Chastity is pure : and also delighteth man , because shee quieteth the minde : but a chast maried life , both pleaseth and honoreth God : because Mariage hourely presenteth the worlde , with the Image of himselfe : pleaseth and profiteth man , because she giueth him a companion , by affection , changed into his owne disposition : of whom he hath children , who in despight of death , preserueth him aliue . And therefore the sentence of them both , was pronounced by Fabritio , Sentence giuen in the behalfe of mariage . in the behalfe of Mariage : who withall , enlarged her prayses with the report of many swéete Blessings , which she liberally bestoweth vpon her Subiects . But lest the company should haue béen fired with too hasty a desire of Mariage , hee cooled their affections with such caueats , as they that had their voyces ready tuned , to sing the prayses of God Hymen , were of the sodayne , as mute as a fish : by reason whereof , Fabritio had frée passage : for his counselling reporte : who , after many wordes , to either purpose deliuered , concluded with the opinion of Plato : That Mariage was a paradise on earth , Platoes opinion of Mariage . if her Lawes be obserued : and a Hell in the House where her Statutes are broken .

The Gentlewomen wist not what to say to Fabritios bitter-swéete commendation of Mariage , vntill Bargetto quickned their tongues , by this pleasant suggestion . Pleasant talk is good phis●●k for sorrowe .

If ( quoth he ) Platoes opinion be law , by the same reason women are either Angels , or Diuels .

And why not men , as well as women , ( quoth Isabella ) whose disposition beareth the greatest sway in this vocation .

I will shew you a reason , quoth Doctor Mossenigo , men with a meane can temper their passions : The extreame passions of a woman . when a woman hath no measure in her loue , nor mercy in her hate : no rule in her pittie , nor piety other reuenge : no iudgement to speak , nor patience to dissemble : and therefore she is likened vnto the Sea , A Gundelo is a little Boate like a wherry . which ( one while ) is so milde , as a smal Gundelo indureth her might , and anon , with outrage she ouer whelmeth the tallest ship .

Ah master Doctor , quoth Katharina 〈◊〉 I feare me you are so learned , Hien , sometimes a man , and somtimes a woman . as like the Hyen , you change your selfe sometimes into the shape of a woman : but yet of this malitious purpose , to learne their dispositions , only to reproch their kind : but had any of vs the cunning , to become a man but a while , I imagin , we should euer after loue that better to be a woman .

You haue rather cause ( quoth Dondolo ) to let master Doctor kisse your hand , ( for commending your kinde ) then to blame him , by a surmise of iniurie , offered vnto women : for if there be a few good , they couer the faults of a number that are euill : as a little golde guildeth a great quantity of iron : and for any thing he sayd , you haue as generall an interest in vertue , as in vice .

Yea , but ( quoth Quéene Aurelia ) he is to be blamed for his intent , The intent of euill is to be punished . which was euil , and deserueth not to bee praysed for the good which came of it , which was our merite .

Madame ( quoth the Doctor ) so much greater is the good you receiue by my Trespasse , as thereby you are honoured with the vertue , to forgiue .

Yea , Pardon is to be vsed in ignorant , and not in wilful faults but ( quoth she ) remission is to bee vsed in ignorant offences , and not in wilfull .

My habite ( quoth he ) is a testimonie that I spake not of malice .

So much ( quoth she ) the greater is your fault , in that it procéeded vpon pleasure : The punishment of great offenders doth most good in examples . and where you think to priuiledge your selfe by your habite : for example sake , you shall at ( open ) Supper , bath renounce your heresie and make satisfaction , or abide the Iudgement , of these Gentlewomen .

If there be no remedie ( quoth he ) I must obey .

The Doctor thus taken tardie , gaue occasion of laughter vnto the whole company .

Which , blowne ouer [ quoth Soran so ] we haue trauayled this day to an vnfortunate end : for that now , towards night we are entered into an open Champion , where we find many broad wayes to Hell , and but one crosse path to heauen .

Well ( quoth Quéene Aurelia ) we will take other times , to beate out the true passage : And ( least wee be lated ) wée will no further to day .

Whereupon , after a courtly reuerence done : Quéene Aurelia , with her Attendantes , shewed her selfe in the great Chamber , where she might repose her mind with the choice of sundrie pleasures : For his , or her disposition was very strange , that in that company could not finde both a Companion and sporte , that pleased his humor .