that I should he put into the mill to grind: and the
first thing which she would doe in the morning, was to see me cruelly
beaten, and that I should grind when the other beasts did feed and take
rest. When I saw that I was so cruelly handled, she gave me occasion to
learne her conversation and life, for I saw oftentimes a yong man which
would privily goe into her chamber whose face I did greatly desire to
see, but I could not by reason mine eyes were covered every day. And
verily if I had beene free and at liberty, I would have discovered all
her abhomination. She had an old woman, a bawd, a messenger of mischiefe
that daily haunted to her house, and made good cheere with her to the
utter undoing and impoverishment of her husband, but I that was greatly
offended with the negligence of Fotis, who made me an Asse, in stead
of a Bird, did yet comfort my selfe by this onely meane, in that to the
miserable deformity of my shape, I had long eares, whereby I might
heare all things that was done: On a day I heard the old bawd say to the
Bakers wife:

Dame you have chosen (without my counsell) a young man to your
lover, who as me seemeth, is dull, fearefull, without any grace, and
dastard-like coucheth at the frowning looke of your odious husband,
whereby you have no delight nor pleasure with him: how farre better is
the young man Philesiterus who is comely, beautifull, in the flower of
his youth, liberall, courteous, valiant and stout against the diligent
pries and watches of your husband, whereby to embrace the worthiest
dames of this country, and worthy to weare a crowne of gold, for one
part that he played to one that was jealous over his wife. Hearken how
it was and then judge the diversity of these two Lovers: Know you
not one Barbarus a Senator of our towne, whom the vulgar people call
likewise Scorpion for his severity of manners? This Barbarus had a
gentlewoman to his wife, whom he caused daily to be enclosed within his
house, with diligent custody. Then the Bakers wife said, I know her very
well, for we two dwelleth together in one house: Then you know (quoth
the old woman) the whole tale of Philesiterus? No verily (said she) but
I greatly desire to know it: therefore I pray you mother tell me the
whole story. By and by the old woman which knew well to babble, began to
tell as followeth.

THE FORTY-FIRST CHAPTER

How Barbarus being jealous over his wife, commanded that shee should be
kept close in his house,