_Mithridanes_, being exceedingly confounded with shame, bashfully sayde: Fortune fore-fend, that I should take away a thing so precious as your life is, or once to have so vile a thought of it as lately I had; but rather then I would diminish one day thereof, I could wish, that my time might more amply enlarge it. Forthwith aunswered _Nathan_, saying. Wouldst thou (if thou couldst) shorten thine owne dayes, onely to lengthen mine? Why then thou wouldest have me to do that to thee, which (as yet) I never did unto any man, namely, robbe thee, to enrich my selfe. I will enstruct thee in a much better course, if thou wilt be advised by mee. Lusty and young, as now thou art, thou shalt dwell heere in my house, and be called by the name of _Nathan_. Aged, and spent with yeares, as thou seest I am, I will goe live in thy house, and bee called by the name of _Mithridanes_. So, both the name and place shall illustrate thy Glorie, and I live contentedly, without the very least thought of envie. Deare Father, answered _Mithridanes_, if I knew so well howe to direct mine owne actions, as you doe, and alwayes have done, I would gladly accept your most liberall offer: but because I plainlie perceive, that my very best endeavours, must remayne darkened by the bright renowne of _Nathan_: I will never seeke to impayre that in another, which I cannot (by any means) increase in my selfe, but (as you have worthily taught me) live contented with my owne condition. After these, and many more like loving speeches had passed between them, according as _Nathan_ very instantly requested, _Mithridanes_ returned back with him to the Pallace, where many dayes he highly honored & respected him, comforting & counselling him, to persever alwayes in his honourable determination. But in the end, when _Mithridanes_ could abide there no longer, because necessary occasions called him home: he departed thence with his men, having found by good experience, that hee could never goe beyond _Nathan_ in liberality. Signior Gentile de Carisendi, _being come from_ Modena, _took a Gentlewoman, named Madam_ Catharina, _forth of a grave, wherein she was buried for dead: which act he did, in regard of his former honest affection to the said Gentlewoman. Madame_ Catharina _remaining afterward, and delivered of a goodly Sonne: was (by_ Signior _there_ Gentile) _delivered to her owne Husband, named_ Signior Nicoluccio Caccianimico, _and the yong infant with her._ The Fourth Novell. _Wherein is shewne, That true love hath alwayes bin, and so still is, the occasion of many great and worthy courtesies._