The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5): Containing an hundred pleasant NovelsBoccaccio, Giovanni
History
The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5): Containing an hundred pleasant Novels
Boccaccio, Giovanni
Allegories; Frame stories; Plague -- Europe -- History -- Fiction; Storytelling -- Fiction
The friendly Merchant, and likewise the Lady, hearing these words,
wept both bitterly, and after hee had given over speaking: kindly
they comforted him, with promise and solemne vowes, that if hee dyed,
all should be performed which he had requested. Within a short while
after, he departed out of this life, and they gave him very honourable
buriall, according to that Country custome. Which being done, the
Merchant dispatching all his affaires at _Rhodes_, was desirous to
returne home to _Cyprus_, in a Carrack of the Catelans then there
being: moving the Lady in the matter, to understand how shee stood
enclined, because urgent occasions called him thence to _Cyprus_. The
Lady made answere, that she was willing to passe thither with him,
hoping for the love hee bare to deceased _Antiochus_, that he would
respect her as his Sister. The Merchant was willing to give her any
contentment, but yet resolved her, that under the title of being his
Sister, it would be no warrant of security to them both; wherefore
hee rather advised her, to stile him as her husband, and hee would
terme her his wife, and so hee should be sure to defend her from all
injuries whatsoever.
Being abord the Carrack, they had a Cabine and small bed conveniently
allowed them, where they slept together, that they might the better
be reputed as man and wife; for, to passe otherwise, would have beene
very dangerous to them both. And questionlesse, their faithfull promise
made at _Rhodes_ to _Antiochus_, sicknesse on the Sea, and mutuall
respect they had of each others credit, was a constant restraint to all
wanton desires, and a motive rather to incite chastity, then otherwise,
and so (I hope) you are perswaded of them. But howsoever, the windes
blewe merrily, the Carrack sayled lustily, and (by this time) they are
arrived at _Baffa_, where the _Cyprian_ Merchant dwelt, and where shee
continued a long while with him, no one knowing otherwise, but that
shee was his wife indeede.
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