So soone as Dioneus had ended his Novell, Madame Lauretta also knew, that the conclusion of her Regiment was come; whereupon, when the counsell of Canigiano had past with generall commendation, and the wit of Salabetto no lesse applauded, for fitting it with such an effectuall prosecution; shee tooke the Crowne of Laurell from her owne head, and set it upon Madame Aimilliaes, speaking graciously in this manner.Madam, I am not able to say, how pleasant a Queene we shall have of you, but sure I am, that we shall enjoy a faire one: let matters therefore be so honourably ca.rried; that your government may be answerable to your beautifull perfections; which words were no sooner delivered, but she sate downe in her mounted seate.
Madame Aemillia being somewhat bashfull, not so much of hir being created Queene, as to heare her selfe thus publikely praysed, with that which Women do most of all desire: her face then appearing, like the opening of the Damaske Rose, in the goodlyest morning.But after she had a while dejected her lookes, and the Vermillion blush was vanished away: having taken order with the Master of the houshold, for all needefull occasions befitting the assembly, thus she began.
Gracious Ladies, wee behold it daily, that those Oxen which have laboured in the yoake most part of the day, for their more convenient feeding, are let forth at liberty, and permitted to wander abroad in the Woods.We see moreover, that Gardens and Orchards, being planted with variety of the fairest fruit Trees, are equalled in beauty by Woods and Forrests, in the plentifull enjoying of as goodly spreading branches.In consideration whereof, remembring how many dayes wee have already spent (under the severitie of Lawes imposed) shaping all our discourses to a forme of observation: I am of opinion, that it will not onely well become us, but also prove beneficiall for us, to live no longer under such restraint, and like enthralled people, desirous of liberty, wee should no more be subjected to the yoke, but recover our former strength in walking freely.
Wherefore, concerning our pastime purposed for to morrow, I am not minded to use any restriction, or tye you unto any particular ordination: but rather do liberally graunt, that every one shall devise and speake of arguments agreeing with your owne dispositions.
Besides, I am verily perswaded, that variety of matter uttered so freely, will be much more delightfull, then restraint to one kinde of purpose onely.Which being thus granted by me, whosoever shal succeede me in the government, may (as being of more power and preheminence) restraine all backe againe to the accustomed lawes.
And having thus spoken, she dispensed with their any longer attendance, untill it should be Supper time.
Every one commended the Queenes appointment, allowing it to rellish of good wit and judgement: and being all risen, fell to such exercises as they pleased.The Ladies made Nosegaies and Chaplets of Flowers, the men played on their Instruments, singing divers sweete Ditties to them, and thus were busied untill Supper time.Which beeing come, and they supping about the beautifull Fountaine: after Supper, they fell to singing and dauncing.In the end, the Queene, to imitate the order of her predecessors, commanded Pamphilus, that notwithstanding all the excellent songs formerly sung: he should now sing one, whereunto dutifully obeying, thus he began.
THE SONG
THE CHORUS SUNG BY ALL
Love, I found such felicitie, And joy, in thy captivitie:
As I before did never prove, And thought me happy, being in Love.
Comfort abounding in my hart, Joy and Delight In soule and spright I did possesse in every part;O Soveraigne Love by thee.
Thy Sacred fires, Fed my desires, And still aspires, Thy happy thrall to bee.
Love, I found such felicity, etc.
My Song wants power to relate, The sweets of minde Which I did finde In that most blissefull state, O Soveraigne Love by thee.
No sad despaire, Or killing care Could me prepare;Still thou didst comfort me.
Love, I found such felicity, etc.
I hate all such as do complaine, Blaspheming thee With Cruelty, And sleights of coy disdaine.
O So raigne Love, to mee Thou has bene kinde:
If others finde Thee worse inclinde, Yet I will honour thee.
Love, I found such felicitie, And joy in thy Captivitie:
As I before did never prove, But thought me happie, being in Love.
Thus the Song of Pamphilus ended, whereto all the rest (as a Chorus)answered with their Voyces, yet every one particularly (according as they felt their Love-sicke passions) made a curious construction thereof, perhaps more then they needed, yet not Divining what Pamphilus intended.And although they were transported with variety of imaginations; yet none of them could arive at his true meaning indeed.
Wherefore the Queene, perceiving the Song to be fully ended, and the Ladies, as also the young Gentlemen, willing to go take their rest:
she commaunded them severally to their Chambers.
THE INDUCTION TO THE NINTH DAY
WHEREON, UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF MADAME AIMILIA, THE ARGUMENT OFEACH SEVERALL DESCOURSE, IS NOT LIMITTED TO ANY ONE PECULIARSUBJECT: BUT EVERY ONE REMAINETH AT LIBERTY, TOSPEAK OF WHATSOEVER THEMSELVES BEST PLEASETHFaire Aurora, from whose bright and chearefull lookes, the duskie darke night flyeth as an utter enemy, had already reached so high as the eight Heaven, converting it all into an Azure colour, and the pretty Flowrets beganne to spred open their Leaves: when Madame Aemillia, beeing risen, caused all her female attendants, and the yong Gentlemen likewise, to be summoned for.their personall appearance.
Who being all come, the Queen leading the way, and they following her Majesticke pace, walked into a little Wood, not farre off distant from the Palace.
Where the Queen, looking on Madam Philomena, gave her the honor of beginning the first Novell for that day: whereto shee dutifully condiscending, began as followeth.
THE NINTH DAY, THE FIRST NOVELL