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Analyzing Ethics Questions from
Behavior Analysts

Supplementing the best-selling textbook, Ethics for Behavior Analysts, this book analyzes over 50 original
and up-to-date ethics cases recently faced by behavior analysts. The workbook provides “solutions” to each
question written by the most expert professionals in the field using the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®
Ethics Code. Covering all ten sections of the code and designed to allow the reader to see the original question,
respond given their knowledge of the Code, and then compare their answers with the authors’ answers at the
back of the book, Jon S. Bailey and Mary R. Burch provide the necessary guided practice for both students and
clinicians to improve ethical competency in behavior analysis.

Jon S. Bailey, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Florida State University, teaches graduate courses for
behavior analysts. Dr. Bailey is a founding director of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, past president of
the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis, and a fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Mary R. Burch, PhD, is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst®. Dr. Burch has more than 25 years of experience
in developmental disabilities. She has been a behavior specialist, QMRP, unit director, and consulting behavior
analyst in developmental disabilities, mental health, and preschool settings.
Analyzing Ethics Questions
from Behavior Analysts
A Student Workbook

Jon S. Bailey and Mary R. Burch

First published 2019
by Routledge
52 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017
and by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2019 Taylor & Francis
The right of Jon S. Bailey and Mary R. Burch to be identified as authors of this work
has been asserted by them in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised
in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or
hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information
storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered
trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to
infringe.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Bailey, Jon S., author. | Burch, Mary R., author.
Title: Analyzing ethics questions from behavior analysts : a student workbook /
Jon S. Bailey and Mary R. Burch.
Description: New York, NY : Routledge, 2019. | Includes bibliographical
references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018047076 (print) | LCCN 2018049146 (ebook) |
ISBN 9781351117784 (E-book) | ISBN 9780815353003 (hardback) |
ISBN 9780815360698 (pbk) | ISBN 9781351117784 (ebk)
Subjects: LCSH: Behavioral assessment—Moral and ethical aspects—
United States—Handbooks, manuals, etc. | Behavior analysts—Professional
ethics—United States—Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Classification: LCC RC437.B43 (ebook) | LCC RC437.B43 B353 2019 (print) |
DDC 174.20973—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018047076
ISBN: 978-0-815-35300-3 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-0-815-36069-8 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-351-11778-4 (ebk)

Typeset in Frutiger
by Apex CoVantage, LLC
 Dedication

This book is dedicated to Lee Meyerson, PhD, my research and clinical-behavior-analysis mentor at Arizona
State University, who first introduced me to applied ethics in the 1960s. You taught me about clients’ right to
privacy and confidentiality and you always emphasized treating clients as individuals who always deserve to be
treated with dignity and respect. I am forever grateful.
Jon S. Bailey, PhD, BCBA-D
 Contents

Preface ix
Introduction to Analyzing Ethics Questions: A Workbook
for Behavior Analysts ix
Analyzing Questions: The Method x
Talk Aloud Protocol x
How to Use This Workbook x
Acknowledgments xiii
Disclaimer xv

1 Ethics Questions 1

2 Response from the Ethicist 63

3 Final Words 173

References 175
Index 177

vii
 Preface

Ethics for Behavior Analysts, 3rd Edition was published in response to the Professional and Ethical Compliance
Code that was issued in 2016 by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®.1 This text augmented the
Compliance Code with examples of ethics cases that illustrated both the rules and the intent emanating
from the new Code. One result of this publication was an increased rate of behavior analysts seeking
clarification of many of the elements of the Code. Some of these behavior analysts found their way to the
Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Hotline where the first author has been answering
ethics questions for behavior analysts and consumers since 2010. With the permission of these writers, some
of their questions, cases, and scenarios have served as teachable instances in presentations at conferences
and they have generated considerable interest in the process of analyzing the cases and arriving at answers,
guidance, and solutions. As a service to the field, the first author has also been invited to act as a pro
bono guest speaker in many graduate ethics classes via Skype, Zoom, GoToMeeting, and other platforms.
Students are free to ask questions that are relevant to their individual situations. By raising the question
about how one goes about arriving at an ethics solution, these discussions sparked the idea of a book
explaining how this is carried out.

INTRODUCTION TO ANALYZING ETHICS QUESTIONS:

A WORKBOOK FOR BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS
Our goal for Analyzing Ethics Questions: A Workbook for Behavior Analysts is to provide behavior analysis
faculty, students, and practitioners with a framework for analyzing, arriving at, and detailing answers to
common questions about ethical practices encountered in their daily work with clients, parents, caregivers,
supervisors, and supervisees. For the last several years, the first author has been answering an increasing
number of questions via the ABAI Hotline. In 2017, over 1,000 questions were submitted and answered,
usually on the same day and often within minutes of being received. Over a period of time spanning several
years, in the process of examining the BACB Code of Ethics2 and answering thousands of ethics questions, the
first author has become an ethicist. So, what is an ethicist? “An ethicist is one whose judgment on ethics and
ethical codes has come to be trusted by a specific community, and (importantly) is expressed in some way that
makes it possible for others to mimic or approximate that judgment.”3
A secondary but certainly not unimportant purpose of the book is to alert students and newly initiated Board
Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to the obstacles standing in their way to becoming ethical behavior analysts.
As you will see from the questions submitted, one major impediment is sometimes a person’s employer, or an
organization with which they have a consulting arrangement. Some employers have discovered the “cash cow”
nature of behavior analysis and want to grow as rapidly as possible in order to generate ever larger profits.
Sadly, this is sometimes at the expense of the clients and behavioral staff who are forced to take on more clients
and supervisees than they can reasonably manage. The Code of Ethics can be used as a shield against these
revenue-oriented pressures.
The workbook is intended as a supplement to Ethics for Behavior Analysts, 3rd Edition. The questions cover
all ten sections of the Code and are presented in a random manner much as they are received each day via
email from the Hotline. The text design of the Ethics Workbook is intended to allow readers to view the original
question, with space provided to respond given their knowledge of the Code, and then to compare their
answers with the author’s answers at the back of the book.

ix
PREFACE

ANALYZING QUESTIONS: THE METHOD

The method for responding to questions is fairly simple. There is a “conversation” between the ethicist and
each person who writes to the Ethics Hotline about the person’s ethical concern by interacting about the
elements of the submitted question:

Step One—Overview. Skim the question and determine the overall events that the writer is describing.
Step Two—Determine the Nature of the Request. Try to determine what help the writer is requesting.
In some cases, it is confirmation of a conclusion they have already reached, and in others it is clear that
they have a sense that what has happened is unethical but they cannot identify the reasons for the
ethical problem. In a few cases, the writer has confused or conflated an ethics issue with a legal matter
or moral concern.
Step Three—Make the Task Manageable. Start at the beginning and break what is often one long
paragraph or long run-on sentence into shorter sentences and paragraphs.
Step Four—Immediate Reactions. Going sentence-by-sentence or paragraph-by-paragraph, the ethicist
places notes or comments, asks questions, or simply expresses as immediate emotional reaction, e.g.
“an RBT should not be doing this!”, “This is not allowed according to the following Code item . . . ”
Step Five-A—Analysis and Explanation. Upon discovering that an ethical violation has been described,
e.g. “One of the owners is a BCBA and she just hired her daughter who is working on becoming a
BCaBA. The owner is supervising her . . . ”The ethicist cites the Code item, explains why it is a violation,
and tries to provide information on the implications of the ethics violation based on many years of
experience in the field of applied behavior analysis.
Step Five-B—Questions that Need Answers. In some cases, there is important missing information or
clarifications that are necessary before the ethicist can respond. In these cases, questions are inserted at
key junctures in the paragraph and the writer is asked to reply before receiving an opinion. After
receiving a reply, the ethicist returns to Step Five-A completing the analysis and providing an explanation.

TALK ALOUD PROTOCOL

In the Response from the Ethicist for each question shown in the back of the book, the reader is exposed to
the five-step working process described above which has similarities to the Talk-Aloud Procedures described in
Ericsson, K.A and Simon, H.A (1993) Protocol Analysis, “The instruction for talk-aloud asks the subjects to say
out loud whatever they are saying silently to themselves” p. 226–228. These researchers often used ANAGRAM
problem solving or math problems presented to subjects to determine how they arrived at the solutions. So, in
the case of ethics problem solving, rather than just reading the question and providing an answer at the end, a
“talk-aloud” procedure is used where the ethicist writes immediate responses to each element of the question
so that the end result appears similar to a conversation with the writer. This allows the writer to see the
decision-making process. Readers of this text should come away with a sense that they can follow this thought
process as they work their way through each question whether simple or complex.

HOW TO USE THIS WORKBOOK

The format for the workbook is quite simple. Section 1 contains over 50 questions that have been submitted
over the past six months via the Hotline or from behavior analysts who have attended our presentations at
conferences or read Ethics for Behavior Analysts, 3rd Edition. They are presented in random order, just as they
are received from day to day, so the reader has the same experience as the ethicist—never knowing what
question is going to pop up next. The question pages are set up with a wide right margin with lines provided
for the reader to provide their immediate reactions, notes, and conclusions. This is on the Honor System—no

x
 PREFACE

peeking at the back until you have arrived at your answer! Once you have your best answer, turn to Section 2
to see the authors’ response. You can compare notes and see how closely your answer matched that of the
authors. Our hope is that by the time you have worked through a dozen or more questions, your responses will
start to resemble those of the behavior-analyst ethicist.
Section 3, Final Words is a recap of key points that readers may want to consider when interviewing for a
position as a behavior analyst. These questions have been arrived at as a summary of problems that have been
encountered by hundreds of behavior analysts who have written in to the ABAI Hotline.

NOTES
1. © 2015 the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission. The most current
version of this document is available at www.BACB.com. Contact [email protected] for permission to reprint this material.
2. Code of Ethics and the Code are used synonymously with and short-hand for Professional and Ethical Compliance Codes
for Behavior Analysts.
3. Retrieved from Wikipedia 8.6.18.

xi
 Acknowledgments

Colleagues both locally and around the country have provided tremendous assistance over the past few years
in thinking through issues related to dealing with questions that arrive every day via email. In particular, a
heartfelt thank you is due to Tom Zane and Mary Jane Weiss for their willingness to provide a second opinion
on complicated problems. They always have a calm and steady approach to even the most unusual questions,
they are always honest in their feedback and educational in their responses. Yulema Cruz, PhD candidate
at Nova University and active member of the first author’s bi-weekly research group, has been a valuable
resource for information on issues related to the details of supervision practices and rules. Devon Sundberg,
chief executive officer, Behavior Analysis Center for Autism, has provided insight related to ethics issues in a
private business. She is always efficient and complete in her answers and responds quickly to a request for
help. Finally, with their vast amounts of knowledge pertaining to providing behavioral services, working with
agencies, supervising staff and students, and handling ethical issues related to all of these tasks, Al Murphy,
Mary Riordan, Lauren Gianino, and Nikki Dickens have also provided invaluable and much appreciated input.
And, to the individuals who have contacted me via the ABAI Hotline, I thank you for your trust in me to
understand your issues and attempt to provide some assistance. You have given me an advanced course in
ethics problem solving. This book is for you.

xiii
 Disclaimer

This book does not represent an official statement or position by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®,
the Association for Behavior Analysis International, or any other behavior analysis organization. This workbook
cannot be relied on as the only interpretation of the meaning of the Professional and Ethical Compliance
Codes for Behavior Analysts or the application of the Code to particular situations. Each BCBA®, supervisor,
or relevant agency must interpret and apply the Code as it believes proper, given all of the circumstances. The
questions used in this text are based on those that have been submitted to the ABAI Hotline, as well as from
individuals who have contacted the first author directly, over the past year. In 2017, over 1,000 questions were
received and answered, and in 2018, it is expected that there will be an increase in Hotline questions. Some
of the questions in this book are nearly verbatim of the actual questions, but in all cases, we have left out or
disguised details to protect the privacy of the parties and organizations involved. We do not hold these to be
the only correct answers. We encourage instructors who use the text to create alternate solutions based on
their own experiences. Finally, we hope that the responses offered here will stimulate discussion, debate, and
thoughtful consideration about ways of handling what are by definition very complex and delicate matters
involving client treatment as well as supervision issues.

xv
 1
Ethics Questions

ETHICS QUESTION #1
It was brought to my attention that one of my RBTs has a picture of a
former client (i.e. no longer receiving services from us) on her phone.
The mother of the client sent the picture to the RBT and frequently
gives us updates on the child’s well-being due to the family moving
from one state to another. Is this a violation of Code 2.06 (e)?
I’m assuming this is not a problem since the child is no longer a
client; however, I know one ethical code item states waiting two years
before having contact with a family who was once in a professional
relationship with you (Code 1.07 (b, c) Exploitative Relationships). Yet,
this Code item states “sexual relationships” which is definitely not
occurring.

1
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #2
My question is whether a behavior analyst may do a presentation for
an advocacy group or a local parent support group for parents of
children with some form of disability.
In most cases, one can assume that presenting to a parent group
is a problem because parents are “potential users of services who,
because of their particular circumstances, are vulnerable to undue
influence.” I just wanted some clarification.

2
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #3
I have a quick ethics question. I know that as BCBAs we do not solicit
testimonials but is it acceptable to approach a student from the
classroom in which I am already working?
I work with a client in a classroom in a school for children with
disabilities. There is a peer that I feel could benefit greatly from my
services. In the classroom, I have successfully paired him as a peer
for my client and have even helped him acquire the beginnings of
functional communication in order to facilitate interactions with my
client. I would like to offer my services to his mother but I feel like that
might not be allowed.
I cannot reason why but it feels like I shouldn’t be singling him out
of a classroom of children.
What do you think?

3
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #4
I have an ethics question. I have been at several IEP meetings where
a particular individual is using the title of behavior analyst when
introducing herself to parents, district representatives, and whoever
else is in attendance. This individual is currently collecting her
practicum hours and has not yet sat for the exam. I believe she is at
500 hours.
When questioned as to why this individual is representing herself
as a behavior analyst, her district is saying that is okay for her to do so
because she is in the process of becoming a behavior analyst and that
is the job title for which she was hired.
Is it ethical for this person to be calling herself a behavior analyst?

4
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #5
Dear Behavior Analysis Ethicist,
Thank you for taking the time to read this! I am concerned that I am
working for a company that is unethical in its practices, and I am unsure
of how to proceed. Some background: I am currently employed as a
BCBA by an ABA company that is owned by a pediatric neurologist.
Management is pressuring me to implement procedures written by
the neurologist that advocate a procedure called “quiet sitting” which
requires a child be kept sitting and engaged in absolutely nothing
for ten-minute intervals. It does not teach replacement behaviors and
the procedure is missing several components of an ethical behavior
program.
The clinical director (also a BCBA) is directing me to implement the
methods from the book in my ABA programs along with programs that
are outside of my scope of practice (OT, speech, academic programs).
When I informed management that this is not within my field’s Code
of Ethics, I was told that I had a narrow-minded interpretation of my
ethical code and it may cause me to lose my job.
I found out that children are being restrained during ABA programs
that include “quiet sitting.” I am unsure if it is best for me to move
on to another company or if there is more I should do to advocate for
these clients as well as ABA as a whole.
Do you have any suggestions to ensure that I meet my ethical
obligations?

5
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #6
Good evening,
I am an ABA graduate student coming to the end of my degree.
As a part of our course, we complete a functional analysis within our
supervision setting.
I am also a foster parent. My six-year-old foster daughter who has
autism has begun engaging in some worrying behavior at school and
at home. I’d like to conduct a functional analysis on the behavior with
the support of some fellow students. However, the state has legal
custody of her, and I am paid by the state to care for her.
What are my ethical concerns here?
Are they insurmountable?

6
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #7
I have a concern about a possible ethical violation. I wanted to find
out if indeed there has been a violation and what, if anything, I can
do about it. I am a BCBA working at an ABA agency. I recently put in
my 30-days-notice of resignation, so that I would ideally have enough
time to properly transition my cases to another supervisor and say
goodbye to my families.
I was called into a last-minute meeting this morning by our
executive director, and she handed me my last paycheck and told
me that I was to leave the company effective immediately. I was told
that I would not be allowed to properly transition my cases to a new
supervisor, and I was not allowed to contact any of my families or
staff. I had to hand over all documents then and there, and was told
to delete all client contact information from my phone. When I asked
them why they were doing this, they would not give me a reason. I
asked if I had done anything wrong, and they said no.
I told them I felt this was unethical because it seems like client
abandonment. I should also note that several BCBAs have put in
their resignation recently, and many others are in the process of
interviewing elsewhere so there really isn’t anyone available to take
my clients right now. I am very much concerned for the well-being of
my clients and staff, and I do not agree with or feel good about this
decision. I feel like this is client abandonment, that I will be leaving
staff with no notice or support.
In this situation, was there an ethical violation and is there anything
I can do about it?

7
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #8
I have a 20-year-old client diagnosed with ASD living in a residential
setting. I have a behavior plan in place for his SIB, providing replacement
behaviors for the SIB, and dealing with his whining. When he doesn’t
get his way or if a promised reinforcer is not delivered quickly enough,
he will whine persistently and can become aggressive. He is about
to undergo various treatments for suspected Lyme Disease, Candida
infestation (fungal infection), etc. and the interventions are expected
to have an impact on MOs and SDs.
The parents have sought out a naturopath (alternative medicine
practitioner) for the treatment of the yeast infection without
consulting the behavior team. I am unable to work directly with the
naturopath because he doesn’t want to collaborate and the parents
are okay with this. I’m trying to find a comfortable way to look at this
but so far, I haven’t landed anywhere.
I’m told that the expected impact of being Candida-free is that
behavior is likely to change. Specifically, that if there is no more
problem behavior it’ll be because of the Candida removal. But if there
still is problem behavior, there is probably still Candida. And, of course,
they’re expecting discomfort in the Candida “removal process.”
After reviewing the state of the science on these things and asking
for the naturopath to add any more info and getting no reply, I am at
a bit of a loss. It feels like possible crossroads in treatment planning
and implementation on the horizon.
Since this is an adult and the funds are public, there is no real
limit as it’s one of the “special circumstances” cases meaning that the
money is going to flow and they could probably do dolphin therapy if
they wanted and get it paid for.
However, I am wondering where things like substitute decision-
maker status of guardian would come into question if the treatments
are not evidence-based. And whether I would say that and how.
Thank you for any ideas you may have.

8
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #9
My kindergarten-aged client has an IEP meeting scheduled for
tomorrow. We received a draft of the Functional Behavior Assessment
(FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) last night. I read in the BIP
that the school is using a seclusion room called a “calm-down room,”
which the mother told me is a padded closet with a locked door.
I find this to be extremely concerning and unethical.
Do we have any procedures in place for reporting or discouraging
the use of this type of punishment procedure in public school settings?

9
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #10

I am a brand new BCBA who did not receive very good supervision
when I was in training, but want to become a responsible supervisor.
My company is headed by a BCBA who has supported me, but she
does not actually work with clients and she is not up to date on the
Code of Ethics.
I was reading through Code 5.0 and was puzzled by 5.07 where
it says, “Behavior analysts design systems for obtaining ongoing
evaluation of their own supervision activities.” I don’t know exactly
what this means. I’ve asked the other BCBA who has been here a while
and she didn’t know either but she told me not to worry about it.
Can you tell me what this means and what I need to do to be
compliant? I don’t want to be in trouble with the BACB on my first
job.

10
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #11

Hi!
I have a question regarding graduate programs and written
academic policies and rules for authorship. In my country, an ABAI
accredited graduate program in behavior analysis gives all of its master’s
students these written instructions for their master’s theses: “In the
event of publication, academic supervisors shall be acknowledged as
co-authors.” There is no mention of any contribution by the academic
supervisors, as most notably mandated by APA and BACB ethical
guidelines.
I am thinking of addressing the department directly, and I am
wondering if ABAI has any official policy beyond what is stated in
the BACB ethical compliance code (such as the guidelines for The
International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), The
Vancouver-Group, etc.)?
By the way, the majority of the supervisors are not Board Certified
Behavior Analysts.

11
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #12

I teach an Ethics course and we were just reviewing the compliance
code. Could you give me any clarification on one of the Code items?
In Code 10.02 (b), it talks about the need to report, “Any public
health and safety related fines or tickets where the behavior analyst
is named on the ticket.” Could you give me examples of the types of
tickets or fines this is referring to?

12
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #13

I am the regional manager of an ABA program. I received the following
ethics question from one of our BCBAs regarding an RBT on her team.
The RBT’s last day is Friday. Today she was given a going away gift
from one of her client’s preschool teachers. We know better than
to take gifts from clients and their families, but we have never been
offered a gift from another professional. The RBT refused the gift, but
then the gift was placed in her bag when she wasn’t looking.
My question is, should we refuse all gifts from families and other
professionals, or does this only apply to clients/families?

13
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #14

I am a BCBA in a school district. I consult with classrooms that serve
students with emotional or behavioral disorders. I’ve been asked by
an administrator who is not my supervisor to provide the academic
curricula for classroom teachers. I have a teaching credential and I feel
that a curriculum that includes functional skills, social-emotional skills,
and behavioral skills falls within my scope of knowledge. However,
I am having a hard time considering academic curriculum topics
including math, social studies, English, and language arts to be within
the scope of a BCBA. I am not working as a teacher, only as a BCBA.
I have been offering assistance in structuring lessons to help support
pro-social behavior and helping to monitor behavior during lessons.
I was hoping for some assistance in determining whether or not
curriculum development is within the scope of a BCBA. I have looked
at the Task List for BCBAs and don’t see anything remotely close to
providing academic curricula for classroom teachers.

14
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #15

Is there a clear-cut time when the BACB should get involved when
an ethics violation has been made? For example, if I see a colleague
(fellow BCBA) accept coffee at a client’s house (a violation of Code
1.06 (d)), is this something I should report to the BACB? I’m guessing
the answer to this is no.
What if behavioral treatment is begun without consent? There is a
real possibility of harm here, so I’m guessing maybe?
Where is the line?

15
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #16

Greetings! I find myself in a difficult situation and am wondering
whether it falls into the realm of an ethical violation (albeit potentially
minor) or simply poor professional etiquette.
I am in the process of identifying an appropriate home ABA
provider for a family in our district. The family currently consults with
a psychologist who is also a BCBA. The BCBA provides consultation
regarding a medical desensitization program for their child and to
assist the family in improving their communication with the school
district.
While I was working with two providers to determine which would
be the best fit with the student, the psychologist/BCBA, without any
request from the school district to do so, sent an email to the entire
educational team informing us that he/she had spoken to a former
colleague who was a different home ABA provider about the case. The
psychologist/BCBA said that this provider was available to take on the
student’s services. The family is now demanding that this colleague-
provider be contacted. I am very concerned the family will not accept
any provider that isn’t the one recommended by their outside BCBA.
In the meantime, the home services that were available to start next
week are on hold while I contact this unsolicited provider.
In this case, did the psychologist/BCBA act unethically, violating
2.04 (a), acting outside of their role on the educational team, and
potentially violating 1.06, engaging in a possible multiple relationship
with this home provider while still working with the family? Or was
the psychologist/BCBA simply unprofessional in suggesting a different
provider, thus adding conflict to an already charged dynamic?

16
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #17

Dear Ethics Hotline:
I ran across a BCBA on the internet who is advertising himself as
certified in “Astronaut Training.” At first blush, that seemed cool. But,
upon investigation, I learned that this form of “Astronaut Training” is
simply another hyped-up version of sensory integration therapy. With
Astronaut Training, clients sit on boards that spin slow or fast, while
the therapist plays fake “space-sounding music.” It is totally bogus in
my opinion—look it up yourself.
Several things bother me: (1) It appears that there is no peer-
reviewed research to support Astronaut Training; (2) Astronaut
Training is derived from sensory integration therapy, which has little
to no empirical support; (3) the conceptualization of behavior from
a sensory integration perspective is diametrically opposite of our
(behavior analysis) conceptualization of behavior; (4) by practicing
this method, this BCBA is NOT putting behavior analysis above all
other professions which I think is some kind of violation of our Code
of Ethics.
This BCBA doesn’t seem to be adhering to what he has learned
in grad school about evidence-based practice. Plus, his clients to
whom he delivers this astronaut training are not receiving “effective
treatment.”
What should I do?

17
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #18

I am looking at the possibility of beginning to offer remote supervision
within my country (Australia) and I would like to know how the
supervisory relationship relates to the supervisee’s clients.
In Australia, there is a likelihood that some potential supervisees
will be working independently or for companies that do not have
Behavior Analysts on staff, which means there will likely be a high
variability in service delivery. I am concerned that since supervisors
are required to observe their supervisees working directly with clients
during each supervisory period, the supervisor’s responsibility will be
extended to the quality and safety of the supervisee’s clients as well.
What level of responsibility do supervisors have to the clients of an
independent supervisee?

18
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #19

Knowing that they are not evidence-based, should BCBAs be
implementing treatments such as Zones of Regulation, and Social
Behavior Mapping as treatments for children with autism?
Is this issue one that should be brought to the Board for review?

19
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #20

I am a parent and I have a question regarding ethics when it comes
to charging fees. My wife and I recently reached out to a behavior
analyst for our son who has been diagnosed with mild autism. The
therapist sent us her fee schedule and we scheduled a phone-intake
interview. We knew we were being charged for this interview, but I
should make it clear that we have never signed anything saying that
we understand how her fees work. She then proceeded, with our
permission, to observe our son at school. We knew we would be
charged for this as well. She also consulted with numerous other
people on our son’s team (teachers, speech therapist etc.). Her fee
schedule mentioned that she charges for any consultation time above
15 minutes. Before contacting these people, she never reminded us
of this nor did she ask how long we would give her permission to be
on the phone at our expense. We were not present for these phone
calls so we had no control and she did not make the people being
consulted aware of the charges.
She has now charged us a large sum for these calls as well as
her calls to us beyond the initial phone interview. Basically, she has
charged us for consultations that went beyond what we would have
given her permission for had we been informed properly of this charge
AND she is charging us for getting information on our child. This is a
form of ransom, isn’t it?
I am also a teacher and I know that my principal wouldn’t dream of
charging parents for teacher contact. It’s expected, it’s part of the job.
We have spoken to numerous other BCBAs who have informed us that
the above practices of this behavior therapist are not the standard. So,
I guess my question is: Has this behavior therapist broken anything
in your Code of Ethics? If she has, what can we do? We will not be
continuing with this therapist as her hidden expectations have put a
bad taste in our mouths.

20
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #21

I had a question surrounding consent. I cannot seem to find an
appropriate answer that directly cites the Professional and Ethical
Compliance Code in some way. I am assuming that I should just err
on the side of caution, anyway, but I would like to hear your opinion
on the topic.
I have been a BCBA for one year now. I currently work for a
company that contracts with schools for consultation, supervision,
and assessment needs for multiple disciplines (BCBAs, School
Psychologists, LICSWs, ABA therapy, testing services, etc.). I have
a school that I am contracted with for 12 hours per week. Within
this BCBA consultation, I complete any FBAs that the school needs
conducted, and my remaining hours will be dedicated to helping
observe and making suggestions for any students that they may
be struggling with. For the FBAs, my company typically completes
a separate Letter of Agreement and/or the schools receive a signed
informed consent surrounding the assessment before I begin.
My question is, for the other students that they are requesting me
to “help out” with, is it necessary that I also receive parental consent
for observation and any plans suggested thereafter? Or do I operate
under the premise that I am acting as a school employee and already
have some kind of inherent consent? (I am unsure if a district-employed
BCBA would need consent for these things, as well, as compared to
my position as more of a “third party” contract). At which point in the
consultation process does the school BCBA need consent to observe
a particular student? Would it be after observing, if further functional
assessment and formal behavior plans are warranted? Or does the
BCBA need a consent simply to observe? Does this situation differ
from a permanently hired district employee compared to my role as
an outside contract employee?
My company is trying to research the correct direction to take this.
With multiple disciplines hired within, it would be important that
each employee understands their obligation for obtaining consent,
and if they need to delegate this responsibility to the schools before
proceeding with any interaction with the student.

21
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #22

I’m writing to you because I’m facing an ethical issue in my practice
that I’m not sure how to handle. Over the past two months, through
my place of work (an integrated preschool/ABA service provider), I
have met with two families who would like to enroll their children in
our program. Both of these families are currently receiving services
from another ABA service provider, which is owned and operated by
a BCBA.
Both of these families have volunteered information about the
other service provider that I know conflicts with the Professional and
Ethical Compliance Code. Neither set of parents were made aware of
what these codes are or how they can lodge a complaint. They are
not aware that they have any options for recourse. My own BCBA
supervisor (I’m not yet certified) has said that in those situations I
can’t directly explain to the parents how to lodge a complaint against
their previous service provider. I can explain our policies here (which
include informing parents of the code and explaining how to lodge
a complaint), and leave it at that. If the parents decide to use this
information to lodge a complaint against their previous service
provider, then that is beyond my area of concern.
The thing I’m struggling with is this: At what point do the ethical
violations I’m hearing about constitute enough of a problem that
I, as a practitioner, have an ethical duty to intervene? These aren’t
small problems that I could solve with a gentle reminder to this BCBA.
Complaints include shady billing practices, charging for services the
parents haven’t consented to, requiring parents to enroll in services
outside the scope of ABA, not providing services that meet the
standards for best practice, and one occasion where a child was hurt
and they didn’t follow proper protocol. This is not even a complete
list of the issues that have been brought to my attention by these
parents.
I am conflicted because I know that I can’t directly instruct these
parents to make a complaint. However, I know that the likelihood
of them initiating this process on their own is minimal, and this
practitioner is still providing service to families and children in my city.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

22
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #23

I was recently excluded from authorship on a published paper on
which I was supposed to be an author.
I contacted the primary author and he said he would confirm I am
an author if anyone ever questioned it. Is that the correct form of
action when excluding an author from a published paper?

23
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #24

About a week ago, I met a person at a local autism fundraiser and
he asked for my business card. When he saw that I am a BCBA,
he commented on my credentials and said he is taking his exam in
November.
He gave me his card and I didn’t look at it until recently. He has his
name followed by, BCBA(C). I feel like he is misrepresenting himself
as a BCBA when he hasn’t taken his exam yet and I’ve never heard
of BCBA(C).
Do I need to report this to the BACB?

24
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #25

There is a colleague who lives in the US and is Brazilian. She comes
back to Brazil every now and then to teach “workshops” and
constantly posts pictures from these workshops and the people who
attend them on Facebook.
In addition, on her Facebook page, she frequently posts pictures
with supervisees and students.
She also uses the BACB stamp when disseminating her workshop
fliers. It appears that she is using the BACB’s name to give her
workshop an increased value or strength.
I have heard (but have no proof) that she has been publicizing that
she is the only one in Brazil who can offer services based on Applied
Behavior Analysis.
Last year, one of her fliers stated she was a PhD. I wrote her to
ask her to remove that information because she only has a master’s
degree.
People write me every week to let me know of something she has
done, but I keep saying that if someone wants to report something
they should write to the BACB.
My question is: Given everything that is on her Facebook page (this
is the only thing I have access to), should I report this person?

25
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #26

Here is my question: Information for an upcoming school training has
been disseminated. A well-known BCBA is the contact person. The
training is on Social Thinking, which does not have a solid research
base but is frequently used in the autism treatment community.
The BCBA is only responsible for taking questions and issuing CE
credit for the professional development/training. I’m unsure how much
she was involved in the decision-making process prior to the training
announcement (i.e. whether she recommended the curriculum, was
involved in the conversations of whether or not it is evidence-based,
how to advertise, etc.).
I have been in contact with the BCBA to see if there was a way
for her to distance herself from the training. Because we are in such
a small state/community, even if she were not to use her BCBA
credential, everyone knows she is a BCBA. She indicated that it would
not be her place to provide a disclaimer that the curriculum is not
evidence-based. I have since asked if there would be a way for her
to no longer be the contact person. My concern is that promoting or
appearing to promote this curriculum is not being consistent with the
BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code specifically related
to reliance on scientific knowledge (Code 1.01), being conceptually
consistent (4.01), affirming principles (6.01), and disseminating
behavior analysis (6.02).
What are some reasonable next steps? As I indicated, I am very
much aware that the Social Thinking curriculum is very popular in the
autism community and that many BCBAs are using it within a solid
behavior context (operationally defining terms, taking data, etc.).
Thank you for your time and any guidance you may have.

26
 ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #27

Message to the Behavior Analyst Ethicist:
Is asking employees to post a review on a recruitment website
unethical? One of my employees expressed a concern so I wanted to
check.
I don’t know if this is a cut-and-dried question, or if you would like
more context. The following is context from my perspective.
Context:
I emailed the entire company with the request and I have not
mentioned it since. The website requires reviewers to indicate whether
they are current employees. So, there was no subterfuge, I did not tell
them what to say or make any statements to insinuate either desirable
or undesirable consequences based on their response. Is this ethical?

27
ETHICS QUESTIONS

ETHICS QUESTION #28

I have an ethical situation I would like some advice on to ensure that
I am acting appropriately.
Two months ago, I put in my 30-days-notice with my previous
company. I worked for the company as a BCaBA assisting the BCBAs.
During that notice time, no one from the company contacted me about
transitioning a client to a new provider. The company did not even
contact the client’s parents to schedule transitioning to another 1:1
provider until my final week. On my last day working for the company,
an RBT contacted me to ask questions about what she was supposed
to do with that client and mentioned him by name. She said she got
my phone number from the client’s parents. I informed her that I was
no longer a contractor with the company and that any programming
and treatment decisions needed to come from the current team on the
client’s case. I told her to ask one of the company owners or the BCBA
on the case to discuss with her what needed to be done with the client.
In March 2017, I received a very nasty email from one of the
owners, claiming that for three years I’ve never turned in any session
notes and that they were keeping my final paycheck and were going
to report me to the “proper agencies.” I responded that she needed
to check the email messages from early March in which I submitted
documentation for all of 2015 through February 2017. I also said
that the remainder of the documents had been uploaded into the
company database from February until I left the company. In February
2017, the company conducted an internal audit and saw that I was
missing documentation. I provided all of the missing documentation
that was requested in early March 2017. The owner has not responded
to that email. I also saw on my final Year-to-Date statement from
early March they withdrew a $100 administrative charge to “upload
documentation and notes into the data base.”
Later the same day I sent the email in March, I got a call from the
executive director who told me that after he read the email that was
sent he “knew where this was going” and wanted to intervene. I
explained to him that I knew this was just a ploy to try to keep my final
paycheck; this is a regular business practice with this company. (I have
documentation from previous technicians who’ve left this company
asking me why they did not receive their final paychecks.) I have email
correspondence between myself and a co-owner of the company in
which I pointed out that immediately after I put in my final notice,
an administrator reduced my pay rate by almost $10 an hour for
one insurance company, and for a second insurance company they
reduced it to $0.00. The co-owner emailed me stating he would fix
this. He did not say it was an accident or deny that an administrator
went back and illegally adjusted the codes.
It is now June. Yesterday morning, I emailed the executive director
to put our phone conversation in written format and to confirm with
him that he told me that he “knows it is illegal to try to withhold

28
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Moreover, she was so grievously payned with the head-ake, as it
seemed to split in a thousand pieces, whereat there needed no great
marvaile, the Lead of the Turret being so exceedingly hot, that it
affoorded not the least defence against it, or any repose to qualifie
the torment: but drove her still from one place to another, in hope of
ease, but none was there to be found.
Nor was there any winde at all stirring, whereby to asswage the
Sunnes violent scalding, or keepe away huge swarmes of Waspes,
Hornets, and terrible byting Flyes, which vexed her extreamely,
feeding on those parts of her body, that were rifte and chinkt, like
crannies in a mortered wall, and pained her like so many points of
pricking Needles, labouring still with her hands to beate them away,
but yet they fastned on one place or other, and afflicted her in
grievous manner, causing her to curse her owne life, hir amorous
friend, but (most of all) the Scholler, that promised to bring her
Garments, and as yet returned not. Now began she to gaze upon
every side about her, to espy some labouring Husbandmen in the
fields, to whom she might call or cry out for helpe, not fearing to
discover her desperate condition: but Fortune therein also was
adverse to her, because the heats extreamity, had driven all the
village out of the fields, causing them to feede their Cattle about
theyr owne houses, or in remote and shadie Valleyes: so that shee
could see no other creatures to comfort her, but Swannes swimming
in the River of Arno, and wishing her selfe there a thousand times
with them, for to coole the extreamity of her thirst, which so much
the more encreased, onely by the sight thereof, and utterly disabled
of having any.
She saw beside in many places about her, goodly Woods, fayre coole
shades, and Country houses here and there dispersed; which added
the greater violence to hir affliction, that her desires (in all these)
could no way be accomplished. What shall I say more concerning
this disastrous Lady? The parching beames of the Sunne above her,
the scalding heat of the Lead beneath her, the Hornets and Flyes
everie way stinging her, had made such an alteration of her
beautifull bodie: that, as it checkt and controlled the precedent
nights darkenesse, it was now so metamorphosed with rednesse,
yea, and blood issuing forth in infinite places, as she seemed
(almost) loathsome to looke on, continuing still in this agonie of
torment, quite voyde of all hope, and rather expecting death, then
any other comfort.
Reniero, when some three houres of the afternoone were overpast,
awaked from sleeping: and remembring Madame Helena, he went to
see in what estate she was; as also to send his servant unto dinner,
because he had fasted all that day. She perceyving his arrivall, being
altogether weake, faint, and wonderously over-wearied, she crept on
her knees to a corner of the Turret, and calling to him, spake in this
manner. Reniero, thy revenge exceedeth al manhoode and respect:
For, if thou wast almost frozen in my Court, thou hast roasted me all
day long on this Tower, yea, meerly broyled my poore naked bodie,
beside starving mee thorough want of Food and drinke. Be now then
so mercifull (for manhoods sake) as to come uppe hither, and inflict
that on me, which mine owne hands are not strong enough to do, I
meane the ending of my loathed and wearisome life, for I desire it
beyond all comfort else, and I shall honour thee in the performance
of it. If thou deny me this gracious favour; at least send me uppe a
glasse of Water, onely to moisten my mouth, which my teares (being
all meerly dried up) are not able to doe, so extreame is the violence
of the Sunnes burning heate.
Well perceived the Scholler, by the weaknesse of her voyce, and
scorching of her body by the Suns parching beames, that shee was
brought now to great extremity: which sight, as also her humble
intercession, began to touch him with some compassion,
nevertheles, thus he replied. Wicked woman, my hands shal be no
means of thy death, but make use of thine owne, if thou be so
desirous to have it: and as much water shalt thou get of me to
asswage thy thirst, as thou gavest me fire to comfort my freezing,
when thou wast in the luxurious heat of thy immodest desires, and I
wel-neere frozen to death with extremity of cold. Pray that the
Evening may raine downe Rose-water on thee, because that in the
River of Arno is not good enough for thee: for as little pitty doe I
take on thee now, as thou didst extend compassion to me then.
Miserable Woman that I am, answered Helena; Why did the heavens
bestow beautie on mee, which others have admired and honoured,
and yet (by thee) is utterly despised? More cruell art thou then any
savage Beast; thus to vexe and torment mee in such mercilesse
manner. What greater extreamity couldst thou inflict on me, if I had
bin the destruction of all thy Kindred, and lefte no one man living of
thy race? I am verily perswaded, that more cruelty cannot be used
against a Traitor, who was the subversion of a whole Cittie, then this
tyranny of thine, roasting me thus in the beames of the Sun, and
suffering my body to be devoured with Flies, without so small a
mercie; as to give mee a little coole water, which murtherers are
permitted to have, being condemned by Justice, and led to
execution: yea Wine also, if they request it.
But, seeing thou art so constant in thy pernitious resolve, as neither
thine owne good Nature, nor this lamentable sufferance in me, are
able to alter thee: I will prepare my self for death patiently, to the
end, that Heaven may be mercifull to my soul, and reward thee
justly, according to thy cruelty. Which words being ended, she
withdrew her selfe towards the middest of the Tarras, despairing of
escaping (with life) from the heates violence; and not once onely,
but infinite times beside (among her other grievous extreamities)
she was ready to dye with drought, bemoaning incessantly her
dolorous condition.
By this time the day was well neere spent, and night beganne to
hasten on apace: when the Scholler (immagining that he afflicted
her sufficiently) tooke her Garments, and wrapping them up in his
mans Cloake, went thence to the Ladies house, where he found
Ancilla the Waiting-woman sitting at the doore, sad and disconsolate
for her Ladies long absence, to whom thus he spake. How now
Ancilla? Where is thy Lady and Mistris? Alas Sir (quoth she) I know
not. I thought this morning to have found her in her bed, as usually
I was wont to do, and where I left her yesternight at our parting:
but there she was not, nor in any place else of my knowledge,
neyther can I imagine what is become of her, which is to me no
meane discomfort.
But can you (Sir) say any thing of her? Ancilla, said he, I would thou
hadst bin in her company, and at the same place where now she is,
that some punishment for thy fault might have falne uppon thee, as
already it hath done on her. But beleeve it assuredly, that thou shalt
not freely escape from my fingers, till I have justly paide thee for thy
paines, to teach thee to abuse any Gentleman, as thou didst me.
Having thus spoken, hee called to his servant, saying. Give her the
Garments, and bid her go looke her Lady, if she will. The
Servingman fulfilled his Masters command, and Ancilla having
receyved her Ladies cloaths, knowing them perfectly, and
remembring (withall) what had bin said: she waxed very doubtfull,
least they had slaine her, hardly refraining from exclaiming on them,
but that greefe and heavie weeping overcame her; so that uppon
the Schollers departing, she ranne in all hast with the garments
towardes the Tower.
Upon this fatall and unfortunate day to Madame Helena, it chanced,
that a Clowne or Countrey Peazant belonging to her Farme or Dairy
house, having two of his young Heyfers wandred astray, and he
labouring in diligent search to finde them: within a while after the
Schollers departure, came to seeke them in Woods about the Tower,
and, notwithstanding all his crying and calling for his beasts, yet he
heard the Ladies greevous moanes and lamentations. Wherefore, he
cryed out so lowd as he could, saying: Who is it that mourneth so
aloft on the Tower? Full well she knew the voyce of her peazant, and
therefore called unto him, and sayd in this manner.
Go (quoth she) I pray thee for my Waiting-woman Ancilla, and bid
her make some meanes to come up hither to me. The Clowne
knowing his Lady, sayde. How now Madame? Who hath carried you
up there so high? Your Woman Ancilla hath sought for you all this
day, yet no one could ever have immagined you to bee there. So
looking about him, he espyed the two sides of the Ladder, which the
Scholler had pulled in sunder; as also the steppes, which he had
scattered thereabout; placing them in due order againe as they
should bee, and binding them fast with Withies and Willowes.
By this time Ancilla was come thither, who so soone as shee was
entred into the Tower, could not refrain from teares & complaints,
beating her hands each against other, and crying out. Madam,
Madam, my deare Lady and Mistresse! Alas, Where are you? So
soone as she heard the tongue of Ancilla, she replyed (so well as
she could) saying: Ah my sweet Woman, I am heere aloft uppon the
Tarras; weepe not, neyther make any noyse, but quickely bring me
some of my Garments. When shee heard her answer in such
comfortable manner, she mounted up the Ladder, which the peazant
had made very firme and strong, holding it fast for her safer
ascending; by which meanes she went upon the Tarras. Beholding
her Ladie in so strange a condition, resembling no humane body, but
rather the trunke of a Tree halfe burned, lying flat on her face,
naked, scorched and strangely deformed: shee beganne to teare the
lockes of her owne hayre, raving and raging in as pittifull manner, as
if her Ladie had beene quite dead. Which storming tempest,
Madame Helena soone pacified, entreating her to use silence, and
helpe to put on her garments.
Having understood by her, that no one knew of her being there, but
such as brought her cloathes, and the poore peazant, attending
there still to do her any service: shee became the better comforted,
entreating them by all meanes, that it might bee concealed from any
further discovery, which was on eyther side, most faithfullie
protested.
The poore Clowne holpe to beare downe his Lady uppon his backe,
because the Ladder stood not conveniently enough for her
descending, neither were her limbes plyable for her owne use, by
reason of their rifts and smarting. Ancilla following after, and being
more respective of her Lady, then her owne security in descending;
missing the step in the midst of the Ladder, fell downe to the
ground, and quite brake her legge in the fall, the paine whereof was
so greevous to her, that she cried and roared extraordinarily, even
like a Lyon in the desert.
When the Clowne had set his Lady safe on a faire green banke, he
returned to see what the waiting woman ayled, and finding her leg
to be quite broken: he caried her also to the same banke, & there
seated her by her Lady: who perceiving what a mischance had
hapned, and she, from whom she expected her onely best helpe, to
bee now in far greater necessity her selfe: shee lamented
exceedingly, complaining on Fortunes cruel malice toward her, in
thus heaping one misery upon another, and never ceasing to
torment her, especially now in the conclusion of all, and when shee
thought all future perils to be past.
Now was the Sun upon his setting, when the poore honest country-
man, because darke night should not overtake them, conducted the
Lady home to his owne house: and gaining the assistance of his two
brethren and wife, setting the waiting-woman in a Chaire, thither
they brought her in like manner. And questionles, there wanted no
diligence and comfortable language, to pacifie the Ladyes continuall
lamentations. The good wife, led the Lady into hir own poore
lodging, where (such cates as they had to feede on) lovingly she set
before her: conveying her afterward into her owne bed, and taking
such good order, that Ancilla was carried in the night time to
Florence, to prevent all further ensuing danger, by reason of her legs
breaking.
Madame Helena, to colour this misfortune of her owne: as also the
great mishap of her woman: forged an artificiall and cunning tale, to
give some formall apparance of hir being in the Tower, perswading
the poore simple Country people, that in a straunge accident of
thunder and lightning, and by the illusions of wicked spirits, all this
adventure hapned to her. Then Physitians were sent for; who, not
without much anguish and affliction to the Ladie (by reason of her
fleshes flaying off, with the Medicines and Emplaysters applyed to
the body) was glad to suffer whatsoever they did, beside falling into
a very dangerous Feaver; out of which she was not recovered in a
long while after, but continued in daily dispayre of her life; beside
other accidents hapning in her time of Physicke, utterly unavoydable
in such extreamities: and hardly had Ancilla her legge cured.
By this unexpected pennance imposed on Madame Helena, she
utterly forgot her amorous friend, and (from thence forward)
carefully kept her selfe from fond loves allurements, and such
scornfull behaviour, wherein she was most disorderly faulty. And
Reniero the Scholler, understanding that Ancilla had broken her leg,
which he reputed as a punishment sufficient for her, held himselfe
satisfyed, because neither the Mistresse nor her Maide, could now
make any great boast, of his nights hard entertainment, and so
concealed all matters else.
Thus a wanton-headed Lady, could finde no other subject to worke
her mocking folly on, but a learned Scholler, of whom shee made no
more respect, then any other ordinary man. Never remembring, that
such men are expert (I cannot say all, but the greater part of them)
to helpe the frenzie of foolish Ladies, that must injoy their loose
desires, by Negromancy, and the Divelles meanes. Let it therefore
(faire Ladies) be my loving admonition to you, to detest all
unwomanly mocking and scorning, but more especiallie to Schollers.

Two neere dwelling Neighbours, the one beeing named

Spinelloccio Tavena, and the other Zeppa di Mino,
frequenting each others company daily together;
Spinelloccio Cuckolded his Friend and Neighbour. Which
happening to the knowledge of Zeppa, he prevailed so well
with the Wife of Spinelloccio, that he being lockt up in a
Chest, he revenged his wrong at that instant, so that neither
of them complained of his misfortune.
 The Eight Novell.
Wherein is approved, that he which offereth shame and
disgrace to his Neighbour; may receive the like injury (if not
in worse manner) by the same man.

Greevous, and full of compassion, appeared the hard Fortunes of

Madame Helena to be, having much discontented, and (well-neere)
wearied all the Ladies in hearing them recounted. But because they
were very justly inflicted upon her, and according as (in equity) shee
had deserved, they were the more moderate in their
commisseration: howbeit, they reputed the Scholler not onely over-
obstinate, but also too strict, rigorous and severe. Wherefore, when
Madame Pampinea had finished hir Novell, the Queene gave
command to Madame Fiammetta, that she should follow next with
her discourse; whereto shee shewing obedience, thus beganne.
Because it appeareth in my judgement (faire Ladyes) that the
Schollers cruelty hath much displeased you, making you more
melancholly then this time requireth: I holde it therefore very
convenient, that your contristed spirits should be chearfully revived,
with matter more pleasing and delightfull. And therefore, I mean to
report a Novell of a certaine man, who tooke an injury done him, in
much milder manner, and revenged his wrong more moderately,
then the furious incensed Scholler did. Whereby you may
comprehend, that it is sufficient for any man, and so he ought to
esteeme it, to serve another with the same sawce, which the
offending party caused him first to taste of: without coveting any
stricter revenge, then agreeth with the quality of the injury received.
Know then (Gracious assembly) that, as I have heretofore heard,
there lived not long since in Sienna, two young men, of honest
parentage and equall condition, neither of the best, nor yet the
meanest calling in the City: the one being named Spinelloccio
Tavena, and the other tearmed Zeppa di Mino, their houses
Neighbouring together in the streete Camollia. Seldome the one
walked abroade without the others Company, and their houses
allowed equall welcome to them both; so that by outward
demonstrations, & inward mutuall affection, as far as humane
capacity had power to extend, they lived and loved like two
Brethren, they both beeing wealthy, and married unto two beautifull
women.
It came to passe, that Spinelloccio, by often resorting to the house
of Zeppa, as well in his absence, as when he abode at home;
beganne to glance amorous looks on Zeppaes wife, and pursued his
unneighbourly purpose in such sort: that hee being the stronger
perswader, and she (belike) too credulous in beleeving, or else over-
feeble in resisting; from private imparlance, they fell to action; and
continued their close fight a long while together, unseene and
without suspition, no doubt to their equall joy and contentment.
But, whether as a just punishment, for breaking so loving a league
of friendship and neighbour-hood, or rather a fatall infliction,
evermore attending on the closest Cuckoldry, their felicity still
continuing in this kinde: it fortuned on a day, Zeppa abiding within
doors, contrary to the knowledge of his wife, Spinelloccio came to
enquire for him, and she answering (as she verily supposed) that he
was gone abroad: uppe they went both together into the Hall, and
nobodie being there to hinder what they intended, they fell to their
wonted recreation without any feare, kissing and embracing as
Lovers use to do.
Zeppa seeing all this, spake not one word, neither made any noise at
all; but kept himselfe closely hidden, to observe the yssue of this
amorous conflict. To be briefe, he saw Spinelloccio goe with his wife
into the Chamber, and make the doore fast after them, whereat he
could have beene angry, which he held to be no part of true
wisedome. For he knew well enough, that to make an out crie in this
case, or otherwise to reveale this kinde of injury, it could no way
make it lesse, but rather give a greater addition of shame and
scandall: he thought this no course for him to take; wiser
considerations entred his braine, to have this wrong fully revenged,
yet with such a discreete and orderly carriage, as no neighbours
knowledge should by any meanes apprehend it, or the least signe of
discontent in himselfe blabbe it, because they were two daungerous
evils.
Many notable courses wheeled about his conceit, every one
promising fairely, and ministring meanes of formall apparance, yet
one (above the rest) wonne his absolute allowance, which he
intended to prosecute as best he might. In which resolution, he kept
still very close, so long as Spinelloccio was with his Wife; but hee
being gone, he went into the Chamber, where he found his wife,
amending the forme of her head attyre, which Spinelloccio had put
into a disordred fashion. Wife (quoth he) what art thou doing? Why?
Do you not see Husband? answered she. Yes that I do wife, replied
Zeppa, and something else happened to my sight, which I could
wish that I had not seene. Rougher Language growing betweene
them, of his avouching, and her as stout denying, with defending
her cause over-weakely, against the manifest proofes both of eye
and eare; at last she fell on her knees before him, weeping
incessantly, and no excuses now availing, she confest her long
acquaintance with Spinelloccio, and most humbly entreated him to
forgive her. Uppon the which penitent confession and submission,
Zeppa thus answered.
Wife, if inward contrition be answerable to thy outward seeming
sorrow, then I make no doubt, but faithfully thou dost acknowledge
thine owne evill dooing: for which, if thou expectest pardon of me;
determine then to fulfill effectually, such a busines as I must
enjoyne, and thou performe. I command thee to tell Spinelloccio,
that to morrow morning, about nine of the clocke, we being both
abroad walking, he must finde some apt occasion to leave my
company, and then come hither to visit thee. When he is here,
sodainly will I returne home; and upon thy hearing of my entraunce:
to save his owne credite, and thee from detection, thou shalt require
him to enter this Chest, untill such time as I am gone forth againe;
which he doing, for both your safeties, so soon as he is in the chest,
take the key and locke him up fast. When thou hast effected this,
then shall I acquaint thee with the rest remaining, which also must
be done by thee, without dread of the least harme to him or thee,
because there is no malicious meaning in me, but such as (I am
perswaded) thou canst not justly mislike. The wife, to make some
satisfaction for her offence committed, promised that she would
performe it, and so she did.
On the morrow morning, the houre of nine being come, when Zeppa
and Spinelloccio were walking abroad together, Spinelloccio
remembring his promise unto his Mistresse, and the clocke telling
him the appointed houre, hee saide to Zeppa. I am to dine this day
with an especiall friend of mine, who I would be loath should tarry
for my comming; and therefore holde my departure excused. How
now? answered Zeppa, the time for dinner is yet farre enough off,
wherefore then should we part so soone? Yea but Zeppa, replied
Spinelloccio, wee have weighty matters to confer on before dinner,
which will require three houres space at the least, and therefore it
behoveth me to respect due time.
Spinelloccio being departed from Zeppa (who followed faire and
softly after him) being come to the house, and kindly welcommed by
the wife: they were no sooner gone up the staires, and entering in
at the Chamber doore; but the Woman heard her Husband cough,
and also his comming up the staires. Alas deare Spinelloccio (quoth
she) what shall we do? My Husband is comming uppe, and we shall
be both taken tardie, step into this Chest, lye downe there and stirre
not, till I have sent him forth againe, which shall be within a very
short while. Spinelloccio was not a little joyfull for her good advice;
downe in the Chest lay he, and she lockt him in: by which time
Zeppa was entred the Chamber. Where are you Wife? said he,
(speaking so loud, as hee in the Chest might heare him) What, is it
time to go to dinner? It will be anon Sir, answered she, as yet it is
overearly; but seeing you are come, the more hast shall be made,
and every thing will be ready quickly.
Zeppa, sitting downe upon the Chest, wherein Spinelloccio lay not a
little affrighted, speaking stil aloud, as formerly he did: Come hither
Wife (quoth he) how shall we do for some good companie to dine
with us? Mine honest kinde neighbour Spinelloccio is not at home,
because he dineth forth to day with a deare friend of his, by which
meanes, his wife is left at home alone: give her a call out at our
Window, and desire her to come dine with us: for we two can make
no merry Musicke, except some more come to fill up the consort.
His Wife being very timorous, yet diligent to doe whatsoever he
commanded, so prevailed with the Wife of Spinelloccio: that she
came to them quickely, and so much the rather, because her
Husband dined abroad. Shee being come up into the Chamber,
Zeppa gave her most kinde entertainment, taking her gently by the
hand, and winking on his Wife, that she should betake her selfe to
the kitchin, to see dinner speedily prepared, while he sat conversing
with his neighbour in the Chamber.
His wife being gone, he shut the doore after her, which the new-
come Neighbour perceyving, she sayde. Our blessed Lady defend
me. Zeppa, What is your meaning in this? Have you caused me to
come hither to this intent? Is this the love you beare to Spinelloccio,
and your professed loyalty in friendshippe? Zeppa, seating her
downe on the Chest, wherein her Husband was inclosed, entreating
her patience, thus began. Kinde and loving Neighbor, before you
adventure too farre in anger, vouchsafe to heare what I shall tell
you.
I have loved, and still doe love, Spinelloccio as my brother, but
yesterday (albeit he knoweth it not) I found, the honest trust I
reposed in him, deserved no other, or better recompence, but even
to be bold with my wife, in the selfesame manner as I am, and as
hee ought to do with none but you. Now, in regard of the love which
I beare him, I intend to be no otherwise revenged on him, but in the
same kinde as the offence was committed. He hath bin more then
familiar with my wife, I must borrow the selfe-same courtesie of you,
which in equity you cannot deny mee, weighing the wrong you have
sustained by my wife. Our injuries are alike, in your Husband to me,
and in my wife to you: let then their punishment and ours be alike
also, as they, so we; for in this case there can be no juster revenge.
The Woman hearing this, and perceiving the manifolde confirmations
thereof, protested (on solemne oath) by Zeppa; hir beliefe grew
setled, and thus she answered. My loving neighbour Zeppa, seeing
this kinde of revenge is (in meere justice) imposed on mee, and
ordained as a due scourge, as well to the breach of friendship and
neighbour-hood, as abuse of his true and loyall wife: I am the more
willing to consent: alwaies provided, that it be no imbarrement of
love betweene your wife and mee, albeit I have good reason to
alledge, that she began the quarrell first: and what I do is but to
right my wrong, as any other woman of spirit would do: Afterwards,
we may the more easily pardon one another. For breach of peace
(answered Zeppa) between my wife and you, take my honest word
for your warrant. Moreover, in requitall of this favour to mee, I will
bestowe a deare and precious Jewell on you, excelling all the rest
which you have beside.
In delivering these words, he sweetly kissed and embraced her, as
she sat on the Chest wherein her husband lay: now, what they did
else beside, in recompence of the wrong received, I leave to your
imagination, as rather deserving silence, then immodest blabbing.
Spinelloccio, being all this while in the Chest, hearing easily all the
words which Zeppa had uttered, the answer of his wife, as also what
Musicke they made over his head: you may guesse in what a case
he was, his heart being ready to split with rage, and, but that hee
stood in feare of Zeppa, he would have railde and exclaimed on his
wife, as thus hee lay shut up in the Chest. But entering into better
consideration, that so great an injury was first begun by himselfe, &
Zeppa did no more, then in reason and equity he might well do
(having evermore carried himselfe like a kinde neighbour and friend
towards him, without the least offer of distaste) he faithfully
resolved, to be a firmer friend to Zeppa then formerly hee had bin, if
it might be embraced and accepted on the other side.
Delights and pleasures, be they never so long in contenting and
continuance, yet they come to a period and conclusion at last: So
Zeppa, having ended his amorous combate, and over the head of his
perfidious friend, thought himselfe sufficiently revenged. But now, in
consideration of a further promise made on the bargaine;
Spinelloccioes wife challengeth the Jewel, then which kind of
recompence, nothing can be more welcome to women. Heereupon,
Zeppa calling for his owne wife, commanded her to open the Chest;
which shee did, and he merrily smiling, saide. Well wife, you have
given mee a Cake insted of bread, and you shal lose nothing for your
labour. So Spinelloccio comming forth of the Chest, it requireth a
better witte then mine, to tell you, which of them stood most
confounded with shame, either Spinelloccio seeing Zeppa, and
knowing well enough what he had done: or the woman beholding
her husband, who easily heard all their familiar conference, and the
action thereupon so deservedly performed.
See neighbour, is not this your dearest Jewell? Having kept it awhile
in my wives custody; according to my promise, here I deliver it you.
Spinelloccio being glad of his deliverance out of the Chest, albeit not
a little ashamed of himselfe; without using many impertinent words,
saide. Zeppa, our wrongs are equally requited on each other, and
therefore I allow thy former speeches to my Wife, that thou wast my
friend, as I am the like to thee, and so I pray thee let us still
continue. For nothing else is now to bee divided betweene us,
seeing we have shared alike in our wives, which none knowing but
our selves, let it be as closely kept to our selves. Zeppa was wel
pleased with the motion, and so all foure dined lovingly together,
without any variance or discontentment. And thence forward, each
of the Women had two Husbands, as either Husband enjoyed two
Wives, without further contention or debate.

Maestro Simone, an ydle-headed Doctor of Physicke, was

throwne by Bruno and Buffalmaco, into a common Leystall
of Filth: The Physitian fondly beleeving, that (in the night
time) he should bee made one of a new created Company,
who usually went to see wonders, at Corsica; and there in
the Leystall they left him.
 The Ninth Novell.
Wherein is approved, that Titles of Honour, Learning, and
Dignity, are not alwayes bestowne on the wisest men.

After that the Ladies had a while considered, on the communication

betweene the two Wives of Sienna, and the falshood in friendship of
their Husbands: the Queene, who was the last to recount her Novell,
without offering injurie to Dioneus, began to speake thus.
The reward for a precedent Wrong committed, which Zeppa retorted
upon Spinelloccio, was answerable to his desert, and no more then
equity required, in which respect, I am of opinion, that such men
ought not to be over-sharpely reproved, as do injurie to him, who
seeketh for it, and justly should have it, although Madam Pampinea
(not long since) avouched the contrary. Now, it evidently appeareth,
that Spinelloccio well deserved what was done to him, and I purpose
to speake of another, who needs would seeke after his owne
disgrace. The rather to confirme my former speeches, that they
which beguile such wilfull foolish men; are not to bee blamed, but
rather commended. And he unto whom the shame was done, was a
Physitian, which came from Bologna to Florence; and returned
thither againe like unto a Beast, notoriously baffulled and disgraced.
It is a matter well knowne to us, and (almost) observed day by day,
that divers of our Citizens, when they returne from their studying at
Bologna: one becommeth an Advocate, another a Physitian, and a
third a Notarie, with long & large gowns, some of Scarlet, and hoods
furred with Minever, beside divers other great apparances,
succeeding effectually daily in their severall kinds. Among whom,
there returned (not long since) thence, one Master Simon da Villa,
more rich in possessions left him by his parents, then anie
knowledge thereto obtained: yet cloathed in Scarlet, with his Miniver
hood, and styled a Doctor of Physicke, which title hee onely
bestowed on himselfe, and tooke a goodly house for his dwelling, in
the street which wee commonly call La via del Cocomero. This
Master Doctor Simon, being thus newly come thither, among other
notable qualities in him, had one more especiall then any of the rest,
namely, to know the names and conditions of such persons, as daily
passed by his doore, and what professions they were of, whereby
any likelyhood might be gathered of needing his helpe, and being his
patients, observing them all with very vigilant care.
But, among all the rest by him thus warily noted, he most observed
two Painters, of whom we have heeretofore twice discoursed, Bruno
and Buffalmaco, who walked continually together, and were his
neere dwelling neighbours. The matter which most of al he noted in
them, was; that they lived merrily, and with much lesse care, then
any else in the Cittie beside, and verily they did so in deede.
Wherefore, he demanded of divers persons, who had good
understanding of them both, of what estate and condition they
were. And hearing by every one, that they were but poore men &
Painters: he greatly mervailed, how it could be possible for them,
that they should live so jocondly, and in such poverty. It was related
to him further beside, that they were men of a quicke and ingenious
apprehension, whereby hee politikely imagined, that theyr poore
condition could not so well maintaine them; without some courses
else, albeit not publiquely knowne unto men, yet redounding to their
great commoditie and profite. In which regard, he grew exceeding
desirous, by what meanes he might become acquainted, and grow
into familiarity with them both, or any of them, at the least; wherein
(at the length) he prevailed, and Bruno proved to be the man.
Now Bruno plainly perceiving (within a short while of this new begun
acquaintance) that the Physitian was a Logger-head, and meerely no
better then a Gregorian Animall: he beganne to have much good
pastime with him, by telling him strange and incredible Tales, such
as none but a Coxcombe would give credit too; yet they delighted
Doctor Dunce extraordinarily, and Brunoes familiarity was so highly
pleasing to him, that he was a daily guest at dinner and supper with
him, and hee was not meanly proud of enjoying his company. One
day, as they sate in familiar conference together, he told Bruno that
he wondred not a little at him and Buffalmaco, they being both so
poore people, yet lived far more jovially then Lords, and therefore
desired to understand, by what secret meanes they compassed such
mirthfull maintenance. Bruno, hearing the Doctors demaund, &
perceiving that it favoured more of the foole, then any the very least
taste of wisedome: smiled unto himselfe, and determined to returne
him such an answere, as might be fitting for his folly, whereupon,
thus he replied.
Beleeve me Master Doctor, I would not impart to many people, what
private helpes we have for our maintenance: but yet I dare boldly
acquaint you therewith, in regard you are one of our most intimate
friends, and of such secrecie, as (I know) you will not reveale it to
any. True it is, that mine honest neighbour and my selfe, do leade
our lives in such merry manner as you see, and better then all the
world is aware of, for I cannot imagine you to bee so ignorant, but
are certainly perswaded: that if we had no better means, then our
poore manuall trade and profession; we might sit at home with
bread and water, and be nothing so lively spirited as wee are. Yet Sir,
I would not have you to conceive, that wee do eyther rob or steale,
or use any other unlawfull courses: onely we travayle to Corsica,
from whence we bring (without the least prejudice to anie other) all
things we stand in need of, or whatsoever wee can desire. Thus do
we maintaine our selves well and honestly, and live in this mirthfull
disposition.
Master Doctor hearing this Discourse, and beleeving it constantly,
without any further instruction or intelligence: became possessed
with verie much admiration, and had the most earnest desire in the
world, to know what this Travailing to Corsica might meane:
entreating Bruno with very great instances, to tell him what it was,
and made many protestations never to disclose it to anie one. How
now Master Doctor? answered Bruno, What a strange motion do you
make to mee? It is too great a secret, which you desire to know,
yea, a matter of mine owne ruine, and an utter expulsion out of this
Worlde, with condemnation into the mouth of Lucifer da San Gallo, if
any man whatsoever should know it from me, wherefore I pray you
to urge it no more. O my deer and honest neighbour Bruno (quoth
the Doctor) assure thy selfe upon my soul, that whatsoever thou
revealest to me, shall be under seale from all, but onely our selves.
Fie, fie Master Doctor, answered Bruno, you are too pressing and
importunate. So sitting smiling to himselfe, shaking his head, and
beating his breast, as if hee were in some straunge distraction of
minde, stamping with his feete, and beating his Fiste oftentimes on
the Table, at last he started uppe, and spake in this manner.
Ah Master Doctor, the love I beare to your capricious and rarely
circumcised experience, and likewise the confidence I repose in your
scrutinous taciturnitie, are both of such mighty and prevailing power;
as I cannot conceale any thing from you, which you covet to know.
And therefore, if you wil sweare unto me by the crosse of Monteson,
that never (as you have already faithfully promised) you will disclose
a secret so admirable; I will relate it unto you, and not otherwise.
The Doctor sware, and sware againe, and then Bruno thus began.
Know then my learned and judicious Doctor, that it is not long time
since, when there lived in this Citie of ours, a man very excellent in
the Art of Nigromancie, who named himselfe Michale Scoto, because
he was a Scottishman borne, of many woorthy Gentlemen (very few
of them being now living) hee was much honoured and respected.
When he grew desirous to depart from hence, upon their earnest
motion and entreaty; he left here two of his Schollers behinde him,
men of absolute skill and experience: giving them especiall charge
and command, to do all possible services they could devise, for
those Gentlemen who had so highly honoured him. The two famous
Schollers, were very helpefull to those Gentlemen, in divers of their
amorous occasions, and verie many other matters besides.
Not long after, they finding the Citie, and behaviour of the people
sufficiently pleasing to them; they resolved on their continuance
heere, entering into a league of love and friendshippe with divers,
never regarding, whether they were Gentlemen, or no, or
distinguishing the poore from the rich: but only in being conforme to
their complexions, sociable and fit for friendship.
They created a kinde Society, consisting of about five and twenty
men, who should meete together twice in a moneth, & in a place
reputed convenient for them: where being so assembled, every man
uttered his minde to those two Schollers, in such cases as they most
desired, to have wherewith they were all satisfied the self-same
night. It came so to passe, that Buffalmaco and I, grew into
acquaintance with those two worthy Schollers, and our private
familiarity together proved so prosperous, that we were admitted
into the same Society, and so have ever since continued. Now Sir, I
am to tell you matter deserving admiration, & which (in very good
judgements) would seeme to exceed all beleefe.
For, at every time when we were assembled together: you are not
able to imagine, what sumptuous hangings of Tapistrie, did adorne
the Hall where we sate at meate, the Tables covered in such Royall
manner, waited on by numberlesse Noble and goodly attendants,
both Women and Men, serving readily, at each mans command of
the company. The Basins, Ewers, Pots, Flaggons, & all the vessels
else which stood before, and for the service of our diet, being
composed onely of Gold and Silver, and out of no worse did we both
eate and drinke: the viands being very rare and dainty, abounding in
plenty and variety, according to the appetite of everie person, as
nothing could be wished for, but it was instantly obtained.
In good sadnesse Sir, I am not able to remember and tell you (within
the compasse of a thousand yeares) what, and how manie severall
kindes of Musicall Instruments, were continually played on before
us; what multiplicity of Waxe lights burned in all partes of the
roomes; neither the excessive store of rich Drugs, Marchpanes,
Comfites, and rare Banquetting stuffe, consumed there at one
Feasting, wherein there wanted no bounty of the best and purest
wines. Nor do I (Master Doctor) repute you so weakly witted, as to
think, that in the time of our being thus assembled there, any of us
al were cloathed in such simple and meane Garments, as ordinarily
are worne in the streets on mens bodies, or any so silly as the verie
best you have: No Sir, not any one man among us, but appeared by
his apparrell, equall to the greatest Emperour on the earth, his robe
most sumptuously imbroidered with precious stones, Pearles, and
Carbuncles, as all the world affoordeth not the like. But above all the
rest, the delights and pleasures there, are beyond my capacity to
expresse, or (indeede) any comparison: as namely, store of goodly
and beautifull women, brought thither from all parts of the world;
alwayes provided, if men bee desirous of their company: but for
your easier comprehension, I will make some briefe relation of them
to you, according as I heard them there named.
There is the great Lady of Barbanicchia; the Queene of Baschia; the
Wife to the great Soldane, the Empresse of Osbeccho; the
Ciancianfera of Norniera; the Bemistante of Berlinzona; and the
Scalpedra of Narsia. But why do I breake my braine, in numbering
up so many to you? All the Queenes of the world are there, even so
farre as to the Schinchimurra of Prester John, that hath a horne in
the midst of her posteriores, albeit not visible to every eye.
Now I am further to tell you, that after we have tasted a Cup of
precious Wine, fed on a few delicate Comfits, and danced a dance or
two to the rare Musicke: every one taketh a Lady by the hand, of
whom he pleaseth to make his election, and she conducteth him to
her Chamber, in very grave and gracious manner. Concerning the
Chambers there, each of them resembleth a Paradise to looke on,
they are so faire and goodly; and no lesse odorifferous in smell, then
the sweetest perfumes in your Apothecaries shoppes, or the rare
compounds of Spices, when they are beaten in an open Morter. And
as for the Beds, they are infinitely richer, then the verie costliest
belonging to the Duke of Venice: yet (in such) each man is
appointed to take his rest, the Musicke of rare Cymbals lasting all
night long, much better to be by you considered, then in my rude
eloquence expressed.
But of all those rich and sumptuous Beds (if pride of mine owne
opinion do not deceive me) them two provided for Buffalmaco and
me, had hardly any equall: he having the Queene of France as his
Lady and Mistresse, and I, the renowned Queene of England, the
onely two choise beauties of the whole World, and wee appeared so
pleasing in their eyes, as they would have refused the greatest
Monarkes on the earth, rather then to bee rejected by us. Now
therefore, you may easily consider with your selfe, what great
reason we have to live more merrily, then any other men can doe: in
regard we enjoy the gracious favour of two such Royall Queenes,
receyving also from them (whensoever wee please to commaund
them) a thousand or two thousand Florines at the least, which are
both truly and duly sent us. Enjoying thus the benefit of this high
happinesse, we that are companions of this Society, do tearme it in
our vulgar Language, The Pyrats voyage to Corsica. Because, as
Rovers or Pyrats robbe and take away the goodes of such as they
meete withall, even so do we: only there remaineth this difference
betweene us, that they never restore what they have taken: which
we do immediately afterward, whether it be required or no. And thus
Master Doctor, as to my most endeered friend, I have now revealed
the meaning of sayling to Corsica, after the manner of our private
Pyracie, and how important the close retention of the voiage is, you
are best able your selfe to judge: In which regarde, remember your
Oathes and faithfull promises, or else I am undone forever.
Our worthy wise Doctor, whose best skill scarsely extended so farre,
as to cure the itch in Children; gave such sound beleefe to the
relation of Bruno, as any man could doe, to the most certaine truth
of life or death: having his desire immeasurably enflamed, to bee
made a member of this straunge Societie, which hee more coveted,
then any thing in the world beside, accounting it a felicity farre
beyond all other.
Whereupon he answered Bruno, that it was no great matter of
mervaile, if he lived so merrily as he did, having such a singular
supply, to avoide all necessities whatsoever: and very hardly could
he refraine from immediate request, to be accepted into the
company. But yet he thought fit to deferre it further, untill he had
made Bruno more beholding to him, by friendly entertainments and
other courtesies, when he might (with better hope) be bold to move
the motion.
Well may you conceive, that nothing more hammerd in the Doctors
head, then this rare voyage to Corsica, and Bruno was his daily
guest at dinner and supper, with such extraordinary apparances of
kindnesse and courtesie, as if the Physitian could not live, except he
had the company of Bruno. Who seeing himselfe to bee so lovingly
respected, and hating ingratitude, for favours so abundantly heaped
on him: hee painted the whole story of Lent about his Hall, and an
Agnus Dei fairely gilt, on the portall of his Chamber, as also a goodly
Urinall on his street doore, to the end, that such as had neede of his
counsell, might know where so judicious a Doctour dwelt. In a
Gallery likewise by his Garden, he painted the furious Battaile
betweene the Rats and Cats, which did (not a little) delight Master
Doctor.
Moreover, at such times as Bruno had not supt with our Physitian, he
would bee sure to tell him on the morrow, that the night passed, he
had bin with the Company which he did wot of. And there (quoth he)
the Queene of England having somewhat offended mee, I
commanded, that the Gomedra, belonging to the Grand Cham of
Tartaria, should be brought me, and instantly shee was. What may
be the meaning of Gomedra be? saide the Doctor, I understand not
those difficult names. I beleeve you Sir, answered Bruno, nor do I
need to marvaile thereat: and yet I have heard Porcograsso speake,
and also Vannacenna, and both unexperienced in our Language. You
would say (replyed the Doctour) Hippocrates and Avicenna, who
were two admirable Physitians. It may be so (said Bruno) & as
hardly do I understand your names, as you mine: but Gomedra, in
the Grand Chams language, signifies Empresse in ours. But had you
once seene her Sir, she would make you forget all Physicall
observations, your arguments, receits and medicines, onely to be in
her heavenly presence, which words he used (perceiving his forward
longing) to enflame him the more. Not long after, as the doctor was
holding the candle to Bruno, at the perfecting the bloody Battayle of
the Cattes and Rattes, because he could never bee wearied in his
Companie, and therefore was the more willing, to undergoe the
office of the Candle-holder: he resolved to acquaint him with his
minde, and being all alone by themselves, thus he began.
Bruno, as heaven knoweth, there is not this day any creature living,
for whom I would gladly do more, then for thee, and the very least
word of thy mouth, hath power to commaund mee to goe bare-
footed, even from hence so farre as to Peretola, and account my
labour well employed for thy sake: wherefore, never wonder at my
continuall kindnesse towards thee, using thee as my Domesticke
companion, and embracing thee as my bosome friend, and therefore
I am the bolder in mooving one request unto thee. As thou well
knowest, it is no long while since, when thou diddest acquaint me
with the behaviour of the Corsicane Roving Company, to be one in
so rare and excellent a Society, such hath bin my earnest longing
ever since, as day nor night have I enjoyed anie rest, but should
thinke my felicity beyond all compare, if I could be entertained in
fellowship among you.
Nor is this desire of mine but upon great occasion, as thou thy selfe
shalt perceive, if I prove accepted into your Societie, and let me then
be made a mocking stocke for ever, if I cause not to come thither,
one of the most delicate young women, that ever anie eye beheld,
and which I my selfe saw (not above a yeare since) at Cacavinciglia,
on whom I bestowed my intirest affection, and (by the best Urinall
that ever I gazed on) would have given her tenne faire Bologninaes,
to yeeld the matter I moved to her, which yet I could not (by any
meanes) compasse. Therefore, with all the flowing faculties of my
soule I entreate thee, and all the very uttermost of my all indeede;
to instruct me in those wayes and meanes, whereby I may hope to
be a member of you. Which if thou dooest accomplish for me, and I
may finde it effectually performed: I shall not onely be thy true and
loyall friend for ever, but will honour thee beside, beyond all men
living.
I know thee to bee a man of judgement, deepely informed in all
well-grounded experience: thou seest what a propper, portly, and
comely man I am, how fitly my legges are answerable to my body,
my lookes amiable, lovely, and of Rosie colour; beside I am a Doctor
of Physicke, of which profession (being only most expedient) I thinke
you have not one in your Society. I have many commendable
qualities in me, as, playing on divers instruments, exquisite in
singing, and composing rare ditties, whereof I will instantly sing thee
one. And so he began to sing.
Bruno was swolne so bigge with desire of laughter, that hee had
scarsely any power to refraine from it: neverthelesse, he made the
best meanes he could devise: and the Song being ended, the
Physition saide. How now Bruno? What is thine Opinion of my
singing? Beleeve me Sir, replyed Bruno, the Vialles of Sagginali, will
loose their very best tunes, in contending against you, so
mirilifficially are the sweet accents of your voice heard. I tell thee
truly Bruno (answered Master Doctor) thou couldst not by any
possibility have beleeved it, if thou hadst not heard it. In good
sadness Sir (said Bruno) you speake most truly. I could (quoth the
Doctor) sing thee infinite more beside, but at this time I must
forbeare them. Let mee then further informe thee Bruno, that beside
the compleat perfections thou seest in me, my father was a
Gentleman, although he dwelt in a poore Country village, and by my
mothers side, I am derived from them of Vallecchio. Moreover, as I
have formerly shewn thee, I have a goodly Library of Bookes, yea,
and so faire and costly garments, as few Physitians in Florence have
the like. I protest to thee upon my faith, I have one gowne, which
cost me (in readie money) almost an hundred poundes in
Bagattinoes, and it is not yet above ten yeares old. Wherefore let me
prevaile with thee, good Bruno, to worke so with the rest of thy
friends, that I may bee one of your singular Society; and, by the
honest trust thou reposest in mee, bee boldly sick whensoever thou
wilt, my paines and Physicke shall be freely thine, without the
payment of one single peny. Bruno hearing his importunate words,
and knowing him (as all men else did beside) to be a man of more
words then wit, saide. Master Doctor, snuffe the candle I pray you,
and lend me a little more light with it hitherward, until I have
finished the tailes of these Rats, and then I wil answer you.
When the Rats tailes were fully finished, Bruno declaring by outward
behaviour, that he greatly distasted the matter mooved, thus
answered. Worthy Master Doctor, the courtesies you have already
extended towards me, and the bountifull favours promised beside, I
know to be exceeding great, and farre beyond the compasse of any
merit in me. But concerning your request, albeit in respect of your
admired braine and Wisedome, it is of little or no moment at all; yet
it appeareth over-mighty to mee, and there is not any man now
living in the world, that hath the like Authoritie over me, and can
more commaund me, then you (with one poore syllable) easily may
doe: as well in regarde of my Love and Dutie, as also your singular
and sententious speeches, able not onelie to make me breake a
sound and setled resolution, but (almost) to move Mountaines out of
their places, and the more I am in your Learned company, so much
the faster am I lincked unto you, in immoveable affection, so farre
am I in love with your admirable qualities. And had I no other
reason, to affect you in such endeared manner, as I doe; yet
because you are enamoured of so rare a beauty, as you have already
related to me, it onely were a motive sufficient to compell me. But
indeed I must needs tel you, that I have not so much power in this
case, as you (perhaps) do imagine, which barreth me from such
forward readines, as otherwise needed not to be urged.
Neverthelesse, having so solemnly ingaged your faith to me, and no
way misdoubting your faithfull secrecy, I shall instruct you in some
meanes to be observed; and it appeareth plainly to me, that being
furnished with such plenty of Bookes, as you are, and other rich
endowments, as you have before rehearsed, you cannot but attaine
to the full period of your longing desire.
Speake boldly thy minde Bruno, answered the Doctour: for, I
perceive thou hast no perfect knowledge of me as yet, neither what
an especiall gift I have of secrecy. Messer Gasparino da Salicete,
when he was Judge and Potestat over the people of Forlini, made
choise of mee (among infinite of his dearest friends) to acquaint