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
It came to passe, that love over-awed him in such sort, as he fell into
a violent sicknesse, and score of Physicions were sent for, to save him
from death, if possibly it might be. Their judgements observing the
course of his sicknesse, yet not reaching to the cause of the disease,
made a doubtfull question of his recovery; which was so displeasing to
his parents, that their griefe and sorrow grew beyond measure. Many
earnest entreaties they moved to him, to know the occasion of his
sicknesse, whereto he returned no other answer, but heart-breaking
sighes, and incessant teares, which drew him more and more into
weakenesse of body.
It chanced on a day, a Physicion was brought unto him, being young in
yeeres, but well experienced in his practise, and as hee made triall
of his pulse, _Gianetta_ (who by his Mothers command, attended on him
very diligently) upon some especial occasion entred into the Chamber,
which when the young Gentleman perceived, and that shee neither spake
word, nor so much as looked towards him, his heart grew great in
amorous desire, and his pulse did beate beyond the compasse of ordinary
custome; whereof the Physicion made good observation, to note how long
that fit would continue. No sooner was _Gianetta_ gone forth of the
Chamber, but the pulse immediately gave over beating, which perswaded
the Physicion, that some part of the disease had now discovered it
selfe apparantly.
Within a while after, pretending to have some speech with _Gianetta_,
and holding the Gentleman still by the arme, the Physicion caused her
to be sent for, and immediately shee came. Upon her very entrance into
the Chamber, the pulse began to beate againe extreamely, and when shee
departed, it presently ceased. Now was he thorowly perswaded, that hee
had found the true effect of his sicknesse; when taking the Father and
mother aside, thus he spake to them. If you be desirous of your Sons
health, it consisteth not either in Physicion or physicke, but in the
mercy of your faire Maide _Gianetta_; for manifest signes have made it
knowne to me, and he loveth the Damosell very dearely: yet (for ought
I can perceive, the Maide doth not know it) now if you have respect
of his life, you know (in this case) what is to be done. The Nobleman
and his Wife hearing this, became somewhat satisfied, because there
remained a remedy to preserve his life: but yet it was no meane griefe
to them, if it should so succeede, as they feared, namely, the marriage
betweene their Sonne and _Gianetta_.
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