o sometimes endured so much misery and
calamity with mee amongst the theeves, who after that hee had taken
a stoole, and sate downe before the fireside, in the company of the
servants, began to declare many terrible things that had happened unto
the house of Charites, saying: O yee house-keepers, shepheards and
cowheards, you shall understand that wee have lost our good mistris
Charites miserably and by evill adventure: and to the end you may learne
and know all the whole matter, I purpose to tell you the circumstances
of every point, whereby such as are more learned then I (to whom fortune
hath ministred more copious stile) may painte it out in paper in forme
of an History. There was a young Gentleman dwelling in the next City,
borne of good parentage, valiant in prowesse, and riche in substance,
but very much given and adicted to whorehunting, and continuall
revelling. Whereby he fell in company with Theeves, and had his hand
ready to the effusion of humane blood; his name was Thrasillus. The
matter was this according to the report of every man. Hee demanded
Charites in marriage, who although he were a man more comely then the
residue that wooed her, and also had riches abundantly, yet because he
was of evill fame, and a man of wicked manners and conversation, he
had the repulse and was put off by Charites, and so she married with
Lepolemus. Howbeit this young man secretly loved her, yet moved somewhat
at her refusall, hee busily searched some meanes to worke his damnable
intent. And (having found occasion and opportunity to accomplish his
purpose, which he had long time concealed) brought to passe, that the
same day that Charites was delivered by the subtill meane and valiant
audacity of her husband, from the puissance of the Theeves, he mingled
himselfe among the assembly, faining that he was glad of the new
marriage, and comming home againe of the maiden, Whereby (by reason that
he came of so noble parents) he was received and entertained into the
house as one of their chiefe and principall friends: Howbeit under
cloake of a faithfull welwiller, hee dissimuled his mischievous mind
and intent: in continuance of time by much familiarity and often
conversation and banketting together, he fell more and more in favour,
like as we see it fortuneth to Lovers, who first doe little delight
themselves in love: till as by continuall acquaintance they kisse and
imbrace each other. Thrasillus perceiving that it was a hard matter