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
Sayling on prosperously in our Ship, it was not long, before wee
arrived at _Baffa_, where being landed, and not knowing any person,
neither what I should say to the Gentlemen, who onely were carefull
for delivering me to my Father, according as they were charged by the
reverend Abbesse: it was the will of heaven doubtlesse (in pitty and
compassion of my passed disasters) that I was no sooner come on shore
at _Baffa_: but I should there haply meete with _Antigonus_, whome I
called unto in our countrey Language, because I would not be understood
by the Gentlemen nor their wives, requesting him to acknowledge me as
his Daughter. Quickly he apprehended mine intention, accomplishing
what I requested, and (according to his poore power) most bounteously
feasted the Gentlemen and their wives, conducting me to the K. of
_Cyprus_, who received me royally, and sent me home to you with so
much honour, as I am no way able to relate. What else remaineth to be
said, _Antigonus_ who hath oft heard the whole story of my fortunes, at
better leisure will report.
_Antigonus_ then turning to the Soldan, said: My Lord, as shee hath
often told me, and by relation both of the Gentlemen and their wives,
she hath delivered nothing but trueth. Onely shee hath forgotten
somewhat worth the speaking, as thinking it not fit for her to utter,
because (indeede) it is not so convenient for her. Namely, how much
the Gentlemen and their wives (with whom she came) commended the rare
honesty and integrity of life, as also the unspotted vertue, wherein
she lived, among those chaste Religious women, as they constantly (both
with teares and solemne protestations) avouched to me, when kindly
they resigned their charge to mee. Of all which matters, and many more
beside, if I should make discourse to your Excellencie; this whole
day, the night ensuing, and the next dayes full extendure, are not
sufficient to acquaint you withall. Let it suffice then, that I have
said so much, as (both by the reports, and mine owne understanding) may
give you faithfull assurance, to make your Royall vaunt; of having the
fayrest, most vertuous, and honest Lady to your Daughter, of any King
or Prince whatsoever.
The Soldane was joyfull beyond all measure, welcomming both him and
the rest in most stately manner, oftentimes entreating the Gods very
heartily, that he might live to requite them with equall recompence,
who had so graciously honoured his daughter: but (above all the rest)
the King of _Cyprus_, who sent her home so majestically. And having
bestowne great gifts on _Antigonus_, within a few dayes after, hee gave
him leave to returne to _Cyprus_: with thankfull favours to the King
as well by Letters, as also by Ambassadours espresly sent, both from
himselfe and his daughter.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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