land as by sea, they went together towards
Zacynthe, to continue there according as fortune had appointed. But when
they were arived on the sea coast of Actium (where we in our returne
from Macedony were roving about) when night came, they returned into a
house not far distant from their ship, where they lay all night. Then
we entred in and tooke away all their substance, but verely we were in
great danger: for the good matron perceiving us incontinently by the
noise of the gate, went into the chamber, and called up every man by his
name, and likewise the neighbors that dwelled round about, insomuch that
by reason of the feare that every one was in, we hardly escaped away,
but this most holy woman, faithfull and true to her husband (as the
truth must be declared) returned to Caesar, desiring his aid and
puissance, and demanding vengeance of the injury done to her husband,
who granted all her desire: then went my company to wracke, insomuch
that every man was slaine, so great was the authority and word of the
Prince. Howbeit, when all my band was lost, and taken by search of
the Emperours army, I onely stole away and delivered my selfe from the
violence of the souldiers, for I clothed my selfe in a womans attire,
and mounted upon an Asse, that carryed barly sheafes, and (passing
through the middle of them all) I escaped away, because every one deemed
that I was a woman by reason I lacked a beard. Howbeit I left not off
for all this, nor did degenerate from the glory of my father, or mine
own vertue, but freshly comming from the bloody skirmish, and disguised
like a woman, I invaded townes and castles alone to get some pray. And
therewithall he pulled out two thousand crownes, which he had under his
coate, saying: Hold here the dowry which I present unto you, hold eke
my person, which you shall alwayes find trusty and faithfull, if you
willingly receive me: and I will ensure you that in so doing, within
short space I wilt make and turne this stony house of yours into gold.
Then by and by every one consented to make him their Captaine, and so
they gave him better garments, and threw away his old. When they had
changed his attire, hee imbraced them one after another, then placed
they him in the highest roome of the table, and drunk unto him in token
of good lucke.

THE TWENTY-FIFTH CHAPTER

How the death of the Asse, and the Gentlewoman was stayed.

After supper they began to talke, and declare unto him the going