[Ariostos seven planets governing Italie or his satyrs] [by Robert Tofte] |
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| 7. | THE SEVENTH SATYRE OF Ariosto. |
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 | [Ariostos seven planets governing Italie or his satyrs] |  |
89
THE SEVENTH SATYRE OF Ariosto.
The Argvment.
He sheweth that honours change manners, and that many men increasing in fortune and riches, change their first good vertues and qualities, being eyther vnmindfull or vnthankfull towards such, from whom they haue receiued former curtesie, and how his desire alwaies was to liue at his study and booke quietly, and with a small liuing.
Written to the honourable Bonauenter Pistofilo, Secretary
to Alphonso Duke of Ferrara.
Noble
Pistofilo, thou dost write to me,
If I the Dukes Embassador wold be,
Vnto Pope Clement, and for three yeares space
In Rome liue Ledger, with all port and grace;
To giue thee notice, and thou wilt with pain
To my request this suit and glory gaine.
Besides, with reasons thou dost me perswade,
That I would in this noble motion wade:
As first that all men haue esteemed me,
A perfit friend vnto the Medici:
That we acquaintance most familiarly
Haue had together, and most inwardly:
As well when they at first were banisht men,
As when their Citty cald them home agen:
If I the Dukes Embassador wold be,
Vnto Pope Clement, and for three yeares space
In Rome liue Ledger, with all port and grace;
To giue thee notice, and thou wilt with pain
90
Besides, with reasons thou dost me perswade,
That I would in this noble motion wade:
As first that all men haue esteemed me,
A perfit friend vnto the Medici:
That we acquaintance most familiarly
Haue had together, and most inwardly:
As well when they at first were banisht men,
As when their Citty cald them home agen:
That I knew Leo after; and before
On crimson shooe the golden crosse he bore.
Next (that besides thou thinkst, I profit should
The Dukes estate) vnto my selfe it would
Exceeding gaine, and mighty proffit bring,
Besides the steps of honor I should win:
That in a riuer great more fish are caught,
Then in a little brooke of easie draught:
That Princes seruices haue no compare,
And where we profit finde, all pleasures are.
But now that you haue to my minds best eye
Explain'd your wisedome, hearken my reply.
First to thy noble vertues thanks I giue,
That thus in thy remembrance I do liue:
And that I finde thou alwaies did'st contend,
How me vnto aduancements to commend:
Seeking to make me worthy as the best,
When my dull spirit with no fire was blest.
Next, I assure thee, willingly I wold,
Passe fire, or flood, or any freezing cold,
To serue the Duke: nor shalt thou me command,
To Rome alone, but euery other land
I'le post through willingly, and trie the fate
Of France, of Spaine, or of the Indian state.
But where thou saist, that I shall honours gaine,
And to my selfe a world of wealth attaine,
If that thou thinkest will moue, then pardon me,
For in that point I cannot iump with thee:
Other deuices must allure my minde,
Ambition in my thoughts I neuer finde:
Honour I haue too much, I none do lacke,
And faine I would discharge some from my backe.
It shall suffice, as through Ferrara I
Walke to dispatch my businesse seriously,
Each one that meetes me, giues me courtesie,
Vaileth his hat, and speaketh thankefully:
For all men know, it oft hath pleas'd his grace,
That I at his owne table should take place.
Nor when or for my selfe, or for my friend,
I doe the weight of any suit commend,
Am I repul'st; but what I wish to draw,
(So it agree with reason or the Law)
And if (although my minde be satisfi'd,
With all that doth in honours power abide)
I had so much of wealth that my desire,
Vnto a greater height could not aspire:
I then should quiet be; where now my minde,
To keepe a compasse right I neuer find.
I for my selfe but this wish and no more,
That I might liue, not begge of others store.
Which henceforth I'le not hope for, since I proue,
So many mighty men haue vow'd my loue,
As might haue made me rich, and yet refused,
(For little I haue had, and lesse haue vsed)
Whence growes the cause that thus I poorely serue,
Although I might say, better I deserue.
I will not that the power which once was slow.
From carelesse Epimethius crue to goe,
Shall draw me like a Buffone by the nose,
Nor will I more delight in flattering shoes.
Much doth the painted turning wheele me feare,
Which after one selfe manner euery where
Is drawne by painters: true 'tis like to be,
When as so many in one thing agree.
He that sits on the top thereof's an Asse,
All know this riddle, and may let it passe
Without a Sphynx, which may the same expound,
The meaning with such easinesse is found.
Besides, 'tis seene that all which mount on hie,
Eftsoones refine their members curiously:
And what of earth behinde doth heauy stay,
That keepes him backe in all things as it may.
The very hope it selfe to minde I call,
Which with the leaues and flowers came first of all,
But after fled away; nor did September,
Expect all this. And more, I can remember
The day the Church was vnto Leo giuen,
For spouse, and (for her dowry) endlesse liuing:
When at that marriage, I so many saw,
Of my best friends, who then to Rome did draw,
On whom faire scarlet honours were bestow'd,
Whil'st I liued still with my poore needy load:
The Calends came, the Ides were past and gone,
Yet I of any was not thought vpon.
I could not be remembred, and yet I
Remember this, and shall do till I die.
O 'tis most vaine, for man on man to trust,
I'le none beleeue, they all are most vniust.
That day came down from heauen fond foolish hope
And went to forraine soiles, when first the Pope
Imbrac't and kist me (though it was vnmeet)
Whil'st prostrate I fell downe before his feet.
But afterwards, when I peceiu'd that nought,
(Saue ayre of words) his fauours to me brought:
And that experience taught me how to know,
That onely shadowes from such grace did flow:
I then began to giue despaire my hand,
And plainely saw, I fish't on the drie land:
And since that time I vow'd, none to beleeue,
Nor more (for what I cannot haue) to greeue.
There was a Gourd or Mellon, long agoe,
That (in a while shot vp) so high did grow,
As it a Pear-tree (neighbour by) so couered,
That with her leaues, his boughes were welny smothered.
Now this same Peare-tree on a morning chan'st
To ope his eyes, and round about him glan'st:
For he had slept a mighty sleepe and long,
And seeing how this new fruit did him wrong,
Said vnto it; what art thou, and what chance,
Makes thee so soone thy proud head to aduance?
Where wert thou hid, when I fell first asleepe,
That o're my head, thus proudly thou dost peepe?
The Gourd told him her name & shew'd the place,
Where on the ground below she planted was:
And that in three months space, it did attaine,
Vnto that height in which it did remaine.
And I (replide the tree) with mighty feare,
Haue hardly got this tallnesse which I beare:
Although this thirty yeares I here haue growne,
And haue all seasons and all weathers knowne.
But thou which in the twinckling of an eye,
Hast rais'd thy faire head euen into the skie,
Assure thy selfe, as thou art growne in hast,
With selfe-like speed, thy glories all shall wast.
Euen so my hopes which made me posting come,
My vain fond hope, which brought me first to Rome,
Might well haue said, I came in fitter time,
Euen when the Medici were in their prime,
That I did helpe them when they did remaine
Exiles, and sought to bring them home againe:
And that to make the Lambe like Leo proue,
A Princely Lyon I did thither moue.
He that had held Charles Sosinas braue spright,
Would then perhaps haue said in open sight,
When he had heard Lorenzo to be nam'd
By stile of Duke, and with that title fam'd:
He to Duke Nemours would as much haue said,
And not of scornfull eyes haue stood affraid,
Vnto the Cardinall of Rosi, and
To Bibiena (mighty rich in land)
Who had beene better much if he had staid
At Torsy, then a red hat to haue swaid:
He would haue said vnto Contesina,
To Magdalena (beauteous at that day)
Vnto the daughter and the mother in law,
And all that house which euery one then saw
O'recome with ioy, euen thus I say, he wold
Talke to the world with courage strong and bold.
Thy similie most properly applide,
May be to them which doe with greatnesse bide:
For as their ioyes aboue all ioyes did runne,
So shall they quickly fade and be vndone.
All men must die, their time indures not euer,
And this strong fate can be eschued neuer:
That Leo also shall his life resigne,
E're Troies first founder shall into the signe
Turne eight times; this as Gospell is most true,
For so each thing did afterwards ensue.
But to spend much idle talke herein,
I say, I first of all did then begin,
To giue or'e all my more then foolish hope,
When I got nothing of my best knowne Pope.
If Leo gaue my fortunes nothing, then
'Tis vaine to hope for gain from other men
(Deare Lord) thou must with other hookes and draught;
Fish for me, if thou looke I shall be caught:
But if perforce thou wilt haue me to goe,
Thy will be done, and I am prest thereto:
Yet honour shall not moue me, riches lesse,
For neyther of them both I would possesse:
Honour I scorne, for 'tis meere vanity,
And riches mixe not with my destiny.
Say rather I shall leaue this place I keepe,
Nor longer with these barbarous people sleepe,
More rude then are the rockes wherein they dwell,
So rude their manners are, and wrath so fell,
Say, I shall not be troubled, some to fine,
Some to exile, to kill, or to confine:
Whil'st I complaine that force doth ouer-sway
All reason, yet that force I must obay.
Tell me, I shall haue leisure and fit time,
To talke vnto the Muses in sweet rime,
And mid'st faire groaues and arbors to deuise
The strength of verse, and rarely poetize.
Tell me, with Sadolet, with Bombo, Iouio,
With Molza, Vida and with Blosio;
With Tibaldo and Pontanus, and the rest,
I may liue at mine ease, most happy blest,
Taking for guide, which of them best doth please me:
Or altogether ioyntly sit and ease me,
Whilst they to me old Romes antiquity,
Describe at large with graue authority:
Saying here Circus was, and here did stand
Forum Romanum and here on this hand
Saburra stood, this Sacer Cliuus was,
And now by Vestaes Temple you doe passe.
Tell me, I cannot any thing indite,
(Nor of what subiect best shall please me write)
But I may counsaile haue, and take aduise,
If any doubt doth in the Author rise:
That out of Latine, Tuscan or of Greeke,
I may translate, or any pleasure seeke.
Besides the number great thou mai'st me tell,
Of worthy ancient bookes which doe excell:
All which Pope Sistus through the world of late,
Did gather for the good of publique state,
Whil'st this rare library each one may vse,
And what him list may from it cull and chuse.
Now when such proffers thou shalt make to me,
Of noble worth, account and dignity;
And yet this iourney I refuse ne're-lesse,
Thou then mai'st say that frenzie doth possesse
My troubled braine, and melancholy fits,
Hath brought distemperature vnto my wits.
But I, in stead of answering thee, will play
As did Emilius once, who forth did lay
His foot vnto his friend, saying you see
How cleane my shoe is made, how neate, how curiously,
And yet for all this, little dost thou know,
Where it doth wring me, or doth gall my toe.
He takes me from my selfe that doth remoue
My body from the natiue soile I loue:
For being absent thence, I cannot liue,
Yea, lay I in Ioues lap, I yet should grieue.
And should I not be daily one of those,
Who for their morning walkes with pleasure goes
Betweene the Domo of Ferrara, and
Those famous statues which richly stand,
Of my two noble Marquesses, then I
Should die with griefe, to want that liberty,
And leaner would my visage be then his,
Whose lips the water and the fruit doth kisse:
Yet hath no power eyther of both to taste,
But pines with hunger, and away doth waste.
On crimson shooe the golden crosse he bore.
Next (that besides thou thinkst, I profit should
The Dukes estate) vnto my selfe it would
Exceeding gaine, and mighty proffit bring,
Besides the steps of honor I should win:
That in a riuer great more fish are caught,
Then in a little brooke of easie draught:
That Princes seruices haue no compare,
And where we profit finde, all pleasures are.
But now that you haue to my minds best eye
Explain'd your wisedome, hearken my reply.
First to thy noble vertues thanks I giue,
That thus in thy remembrance I do liue:
91
How me vnto aduancements to commend:
Seeking to make me worthy as the best,
When my dull spirit with no fire was blest.
Next, I assure thee, willingly I wold,
Passe fire, or flood, or any freezing cold,
To serue the Duke: nor shalt thou me command,
To Rome alone, but euery other land
I'le post through willingly, and trie the fate
Of France, of Spaine, or of the Indian state.
But where thou saist, that I shall honours gaine,
And to my selfe a world of wealth attaine,
If that thou thinkest will moue, then pardon me,
For in that point I cannot iump with thee:
Other deuices must allure my minde,
Ambition in my thoughts I neuer finde:
Honour I haue too much, I none do lacke,
And faine I would discharge some from my backe.
It shall suffice, as through Ferrara I
Walke to dispatch my businesse seriously,
Each one that meetes me, giues me courtesie,
Vaileth his hat, and speaketh thankefully:
For all men know, it oft hath pleas'd his grace,
That I at his owne table should take place.
Nor when or for my selfe, or for my friend,
I doe the weight of any suit commend,
Am I repul'st; but what I wish to draw,
(So it agree with reason or the Law)
And if (although my minde be satisfi'd,
With all that doth in honours power abide)
I had so much of wealth that my desire,
Vnto a greater height could not aspire:
I then should quiet be; where now my minde,
To keepe a compasse right I neuer find.
I for my selfe but this wish and no more,
That I might liue, not begge of others store.
Which henceforth I'le not hope for, since I proue,
So many mighty men haue vow'd my loue,
92
(For little I haue had, and lesse haue vsed)
Whence growes the cause that thus I poorely serue,
Although I might say, better I deserue.
I will not that the power which once was slow.
From carelesse Epimethius crue to goe,
Shall draw me like a Buffone by the nose,
Nor will I more delight in flattering shoes.
Much doth the painted turning wheele me feare,
Which after one selfe manner euery where
Is drawne by painters: true 'tis like to be,
When as so many in one thing agree.
He that sits on the top thereof's an Asse,
All know this riddle, and may let it passe
Without a Sphynx, which may the same expound,
The meaning with such easinesse is found.
Besides, 'tis seene that all which mount on hie,
Eftsoones refine their members curiously:
And what of earth behinde doth heauy stay,
That keepes him backe in all things as it may.
The very hope it selfe to minde I call,
Which with the leaues and flowers came first of all,
But after fled away; nor did September,
Expect all this. And more, I can remember
The day the Church was vnto Leo giuen,
For spouse, and (for her dowry) endlesse liuing:
When at that marriage, I so many saw,
Of my best friends, who then to Rome did draw,
On whom faire scarlet honours were bestow'd,
Whil'st I liued still with my poore needy load:
The Calends came, the Ides were past and gone,
Yet I of any was not thought vpon.
I could not be remembred, and yet I
Remember this, and shall do till I die.
O 'tis most vaine, for man on man to trust,
I'le none beleeue, they all are most vniust.
That day came down from heauen fond foolish hope
And went to forraine soiles, when first the Pope
93
Whil'st prostrate I fell downe before his feet.
But afterwards, when I peceiu'd that nought,
(Saue ayre of words) his fauours to me brought:
And that experience taught me how to know,
That onely shadowes from such grace did flow:
I then began to giue despaire my hand,
And plainely saw, I fish't on the drie land:
And since that time I vow'd, none to beleeue,
Nor more (for what I cannot haue) to greeue.
There was a Gourd or Mellon, long agoe,
That (in a while shot vp) so high did grow,
As it a Pear-tree (neighbour by) so couered,
That with her leaues, his boughes were welny smothered.
Now this same Peare-tree on a morning chan'st
To ope his eyes, and round about him glan'st:
For he had slept a mighty sleepe and long,
And seeing how this new fruit did him wrong,
Said vnto it; what art thou, and what chance,
Makes thee so soone thy proud head to aduance?
Where wert thou hid, when I fell first asleepe,
That o're my head, thus proudly thou dost peepe?
The Gourd told him her name & shew'd the place,
Where on the ground below she planted was:
And that in three months space, it did attaine,
Vnto that height in which it did remaine.
And I (replide the tree) with mighty feare,
Haue hardly got this tallnesse which I beare:
Although this thirty yeares I here haue growne,
And haue all seasons and all weathers knowne.
But thou which in the twinckling of an eye,
Hast rais'd thy faire head euen into the skie,
Assure thy selfe, as thou art growne in hast,
With selfe-like speed, thy glories all shall wast.
Euen so my hopes which made me posting come,
My vain fond hope, which brought me first to Rome,
Might well haue said, I came in fitter time,
Euen when the Medici were in their prime,
94
Exiles, and sought to bring them home againe:
And that to make the Lambe like Leo proue,
A Princely Lyon I did thither moue.
He that had held Charles Sosinas braue spright,
Would then perhaps haue said in open sight,
When he had heard Lorenzo to be nam'd
By stile of Duke, and with that title fam'd:
He to Duke Nemours would as much haue said,
And not of scornfull eyes haue stood affraid,
Vnto the Cardinall of Rosi, and
To Bibiena (mighty rich in land)
Who had beene better much if he had staid
At Torsy, then a red hat to haue swaid:
He would haue said vnto Contesina,
To Magdalena (beauteous at that day)
95
And all that house which euery one then saw
O'recome with ioy, euen thus I say, he wold
Talke to the world with courage strong and bold.
Thy similie most properly applide,
May be to them which doe with greatnesse bide:
For as their ioyes aboue all ioyes did runne,
So shall they quickly fade and be vndone.
All men must die, their time indures not euer,
And this strong fate can be eschued neuer:
That Leo also shall his life resigne,
E're Troies first founder shall into the signe
Turne eight times; this as Gospell is most true,
For so each thing did afterwards ensue.
But to spend much idle talke herein,
I say, I first of all did then begin,
To giue or'e all my more then foolish hope,
When I got nothing of my best knowne Pope.
If Leo gaue my fortunes nothing, then
'Tis vaine to hope for gain from other men
(Deare Lord) thou must with other hookes and draught;
Fish for me, if thou looke I shall be caught:
But if perforce thou wilt haue me to goe,
Thy will be done, and I am prest thereto:
Yet honour shall not moue me, riches lesse,
For neyther of them both I would possesse:
Honour I scorne, for 'tis meere vanity,
And riches mixe not with my destiny.
Say rather I shall leaue this place I keepe,
Nor longer with these barbarous people sleepe,
More rude then are the rockes wherein they dwell,
So rude their manners are, and wrath so fell,
Say, I shall not be troubled, some to fine,
Some to exile, to kill, or to confine:
Whil'st I complaine that force doth ouer-sway
All reason, yet that force I must obay.
Tell me, I shall haue leisure and fit time,
To talke vnto the Muses in sweet rime,
96
The strength of verse, and rarely poetize.
Tell me, with Sadolet, with Bombo, Iouio,
With Molza, Vida and with Blosio;
With Tibaldo and Pontanus, and the rest,
I may liue at mine ease, most happy blest,
Taking for guide, which of them best doth please me:
Or altogether ioyntly sit and ease me,
Whilst they to me old Romes antiquity,
Describe at large with graue authority:
Saying here Circus was, and here did stand
Forum Romanum and here on this hand
Saburra stood, this Sacer Cliuus was,
And now by Vestaes Temple you doe passe.
Tell me, I cannot any thing indite,
(Nor of what subiect best shall please me write)
But I may counsaile haue, and take aduise,
If any doubt doth in the Author rise:
That out of Latine, Tuscan or of Greeke,
I may translate, or any pleasure seeke.
Besides the number great thou mai'st me tell,
Of worthy ancient bookes which doe excell:
All which Pope Sistus through the world of late,
Did gather for the good of publique state,
Whil'st this rare library each one may vse,
And what him list may from it cull and chuse.
Now when such proffers thou shalt make to me,
Of noble worth, account and dignity;
And yet this iourney I refuse ne're-lesse,
Thou then mai'st say that frenzie doth possesse
My troubled braine, and melancholy fits,
Hath brought distemperature vnto my wits.
But I, in stead of answering thee, will play
As did Emilius once, who forth did lay
His foot vnto his friend, saying you see
How cleane my shoe is made, how neate, how curiously,
And yet for all this, little dost thou know,
Where it doth wring me, or doth gall my toe.
97
My body from the natiue soile I loue:
For being absent thence, I cannot liue,
Yea, lay I in Ioues lap, I yet should grieue.
And should I not be daily one of those,
Who for their morning walkes with pleasure goes
Betweene the Domo of Ferrara, and
Those famous statues which richly stand,
Of my two noble Marquesses, then I
Should die with griefe, to want that liberty,
And leaner would my visage be then his,
Whose lips the water and the fruit doth kisse:
Yet hath no power eyther of both to taste,
But pines with hunger, and away doth waste.
Francis the first French King that bare that name,
One day by fortune vnto Paris came,
And by a wealthy Burgesse feasted was,
Whose sumptuous cheere and bounty did surpasse.
Now whil'st the King amongst his minions sate,
And merrily discour'st of euery state:
Each one began to tell some wondrous thing,
And 'mongst the rest one tolde vnto the King,
That at that time within the Citie was
An old man liuing, who by gesse did passe
The age of fourescore yeares, yet ne're was seene,
Out of the wals of Paris to haue beene.
The King admiring at this tale, straight sent
For this old man to come incontinent,
And of him did demaund if true it was,
That he beyond those wals did neuer passe:
Or whether feare or loue became the cause,
Which his affections to such straightnesse drawes?
The old man thus replide, So please your grace,
I was borne, bred, and brought vp in this place;
And now I am fourescore and ten aboue,
In all which time my foote did neuer moue
Out of the Citie gates, though men of worth,
Haue by intreaty sought to get me forth:
So that 'twas not command, but mine owne will,
Which in this towne hath thus confin'd me still:
Besides, no motion in my minde hath moued,
From whence the countries sight should be beloued.
Well then, replide the King, since this long space
Thou freely with thy friends hast held this place,
Henceforth I charge thee on the paine of death,
Thou not presum'st so long as thou hast breath,
To looke beyond these wals; for I intend,
As thou hast liued, so thou shalt make an end.
The poore old man, who neuer long'd before
To goe out of the towne, or out of dore,
As long as it was in his liberty:
Now that he saw he to the contrary
Commanded was, with a most strange desire
To see the countrey he is set on fire:
But seeing by constraint he thus was tide
Against his will, for very greefe he dide.
Noble Pistosilo, no such minde I hould
As this old man did, but I rather would
Liue in Ferrara euer from my birth,
Then any forraine nation of the earth:
Yet should I be compell'd to leaue that place,
And goe to Rome, it would be lesse disgrace,
Then to continue in this hellish soile,
Where nothing is but trouble and turmoile:
But if my Lord intend me any fauour,
O let him call me home, or send me rather
Vnto Argento, Bondena, or where
He can deuise, so I may not liue here.
If needes I must be made a toyling beast,
I faine would haue my burthen with the least:
No pack-horse, but a foot-cloth would I be,
For they but one man carry easily.
To serue the Duke my soule did neuer grudge,
Onely I grieue to be a common drudge.
But now if you demand the reason why,
I loue mine owne home thus exceedingly,
I will as willingly the same confesse,
As I my grieuous sinnes doe more or lesse,
Plainly discharge to my Confessors eares,
When at the shrift he all mine errours heares.
And yet I know, that thus replie you can,
And say: Loe here a perfite well stai'd man,
Of fourescore nine yeares at the least, and yet,
Of youths worst loosenesse he must haue a fit.
So much to pleasure he his minde doth giue,
That without wantonnesse he cannot liue.
But it is well for me, that I can hide
My selfe within this valley where I bide,
And that an hundred miles thy purer eye,
Cannot extend to see my vanity;
Or whether pale or red, I chance to looke,
When with escapes I suddenly am tooke.
For then thou should'st perceiue, I blush't for shame,
Although my letter do not shew the same:
And thou would'st thinke that neither old dame Amber,
Nor her young daughter (good stuffe in a chamber)
For all their varnish, looked halfe so red:
Or that olde father Canon lately dead,
When he let fall amid'st the market place,
A bottle full of wine (with foule disgrace)
Which from a Frier he had but stolne before,
Besides (which were about him found) two more.
Were I but with thee now a while, I doubt
Thy loue would with my folly haue about:
And with a cudgell, thou would'st beate me well,
To heare these franticke reasons which I tell,
And doe alleadge to liue where as thou art,
For were I with thee, I would neuer part:
But nature and my duety bids me serue
My Prince and countrey, as they do deserue,
Although there is another whom I would
Rather attend on, if get leaue I could.
Great Lord, thou art a Courtier by thy place,
And mai'st command, for thou hast speciall grace:
The Dukes chiefe Secretary thou onely art,
And mak'st him blest that liues within thy hart.
Although thou little in thy stature be,
The great'st in Court are glad to crouch to thee:
And truely worthy art thou of thy place,
Since to all vertues thou dost giue all grace.
Wisely thou dost, for better 'tis the loue
Of people, then their hatred to approue:
Chiefly where Princes as their fancies range,
Their fauourites do often chop and change.
But yet for all these caps and bended knees,
Which done vnto thee of all sorts thou see's:
Sir (by your leaue) for all your gallant glory,
You sometimes feele what makes you sad and sory.
Oft do you wish, denie it if you can,
That you might liue like to a priuate man.
Courts haue their crosses, kingly crowns their cares,
Who merriest liues, the best of all men fares.
Vnto no Embassie doe me preferre,
But to my Mistresse, I would goe to her.
Intreat the Duke I may come home againe,
And that's the boone I craue of all my paine:
Let him but me vnto Ferrara call,
And thou shalt haue my thanks, life, soule and all.
One day by fortune vnto Paris came,
And by a wealthy Burgesse feasted was,
Whose sumptuous cheere and bounty did surpasse.
Now whil'st the King amongst his minions sate,
And merrily discour'st of euery state:
Each one began to tell some wondrous thing,
And 'mongst the rest one tolde vnto the King,
That at that time within the Citie was
An old man liuing, who by gesse did passe
The age of fourescore yeares, yet ne're was seene,
Out of the wals of Paris to haue beene.
The King admiring at this tale, straight sent
For this old man to come incontinent,
And of him did demaund if true it was,
That he beyond those wals did neuer passe:
Or whether feare or loue became the cause,
Which his affections to such straightnesse drawes?
The old man thus replide, So please your grace,
I was borne, bred, and brought vp in this place;
And now I am fourescore and ten aboue,
In all which time my foote did neuer moue
Out of the Citie gates, though men of worth,
Haue by intreaty sought to get me forth:
98
Which in this towne hath thus confin'd me still:
Besides, no motion in my minde hath moued,
From whence the countries sight should be beloued.
Well then, replide the King, since this long space
Thou freely with thy friends hast held this place,
Henceforth I charge thee on the paine of death,
Thou not presum'st so long as thou hast breath,
To looke beyond these wals; for I intend,
As thou hast liued, so thou shalt make an end.
The poore old man, who neuer long'd before
To goe out of the towne, or out of dore,
As long as it was in his liberty:
Now that he saw he to the contrary
Commanded was, with a most strange desire
To see the countrey he is set on fire:
But seeing by constraint he thus was tide
Against his will, for very greefe he dide.
Noble Pistosilo, no such minde I hould
As this old man did, but I rather would
Liue in Ferrara euer from my birth,
Then any forraine nation of the earth:
Yet should I be compell'd to leaue that place,
And goe to Rome, it would be lesse disgrace,
Then to continue in this hellish soile,
Where nothing is but trouble and turmoile:
But if my Lord intend me any fauour,
O let him call me home, or send me rather
Vnto Argento, Bondena, or where
He can deuise, so I may not liue here.
If needes I must be made a toyling beast,
I faine would haue my burthen with the least:
No pack-horse, but a foot-cloth would I be,
For they but one man carry easily.
To serue the Duke my soule did neuer grudge,
Onely I grieue to be a common drudge.
But now if you demand the reason why,
I loue mine owne home thus exceedingly,
99
As I my grieuous sinnes doe more or lesse,
Plainly discharge to my Confessors eares,
When at the shrift he all mine errours heares.
And yet I know, that thus replie you can,
And say: Loe here a perfite well stai'd man,
Of fourescore nine yeares at the least, and yet,
Of youths worst loosenesse he must haue a fit.
So much to pleasure he his minde doth giue,
That without wantonnesse he cannot liue.
But it is well for me, that I can hide
My selfe within this valley where I bide,
And that an hundred miles thy purer eye,
Cannot extend to see my vanity;
Or whether pale or red, I chance to looke,
When with escapes I suddenly am tooke.
For then thou should'st perceiue, I blush't for shame,
Although my letter do not shew the same:
And thou would'st thinke that neither old dame Amber,
Nor her young daughter (good stuffe in a chamber)
For all their varnish, looked halfe so red:
Or that olde father Canon lately dead,
When he let fall amid'st the market place,
A bottle full of wine (with foule disgrace)
Which from a Frier he had but stolne before,
Besides (which were about him found) two more.
Were I but with thee now a while, I doubt
Thy loue would with my folly haue about:
And with a cudgell, thou would'st beate me well,
To heare these franticke reasons which I tell,
And doe alleadge to liue where as thou art,
For were I with thee, I would neuer part:
But nature and my duety bids me serue
My Prince and countrey, as they do deserue,
Although there is another whom I would
Rather attend on, if get leaue I could.
Great Lord, thou art a Courtier by thy place,
And mai'st command, for thou hast speciall grace:
100
And mak'st him blest that liues within thy hart.
Although thou little in thy stature be,
The great'st in Court are glad to crouch to thee:
And truely worthy art thou of thy place,
Since to all vertues thou dost giue all grace.
Wisely thou dost, for better 'tis the loue
Of people, then their hatred to approue:
Chiefly where Princes as their fancies range,
Their fauourites do often chop and change.
But yet for all these caps and bended knees,
Which done vnto thee of all sorts thou see's:
Sir (by your leaue) for all your gallant glory,
You sometimes feele what makes you sad and sory.
Oft do you wish, denie it if you can,
That you might liue like to a priuate man.
Courts haue their crosses, kingly crowns their cares,
Who merriest liues, the best of all men fares.
Vnto no Embassie doe me preferre,
But to my Mistresse, I would goe to her.
Intreat the Duke I may come home againe,
And that's the boone I craue of all my paine:
Let him but me vnto Ferrara call,
And thou shalt haue my thanks, life, soule and all.
| [Ariostos seven planets governing Italie or his satyrs] | |