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
In this extreame calamity, the sicke being thus forsaken of neighbours,
kinred, and friends, standing also in such need of servants; a custome
came up among them, never heard of before, that there was not any
woman, how noble, young, or faire soever shee was, but falling sicke,
shee must of necessity have a man to attend her, were he young or
otherwise, respect of shame or modesty no way prevailing, but all parts
of her body must be discovered to him, which (in the like urgency)
was not to be seene by any but women: whereon ensued afterward, that
upon the parties healing and recovery, it was the occasion of further
dishonesty, which many being more modestly curious of, refused such
disgracefull attending, chusing rather to die, then by such helpe to
be healed. In regard whereof, as well through the want of convenient
remedies, (which the sicke by no meanes could attain unto) as also the
violence of the contagion, the multitude of them that died night and
day, was so great, that it was a dreadfull sight to behold, and as much
to heare spoken of. So that meere necesssity (among them that remained
living) begat new behaviours, quite contrary to all which had beene in
former times, and frequently used among the City Inhabitants.
The custome of precedent dayes (as now againe it is) was, that women,
kinred, neighbours, and friends, would meete together at the deceased
parties house, and there, with them that were of neerest alliance,
expresse their hearts sorrow for their friends losse. If not thus,
they would assemble before the doore, with many of the best Cittizens
and kindred, and (according to the quality of the deceased) the Clergy
met there likewise, and the dead body was carried (in comely manner)
on mens shoulders, with funerall pompe of Torch-light, and singing,
to the Church appointed by the deceased. But these seemely orders,
after that the fury of the pestilence began to encrease, they in like
manner altogether ceased, and other new customes came in their place;
because not onely people died, without having any women about them, but
infinites also past out of this life, not having any witnesse, how,
when, or in what manner they departed. So that few or none there were,
to deliver outward shew of sorrow and grieving: but insteed thereof,
divers declared idle joy and rejoycing, a use soone learned of immodest
women, having put off al feminine compassion, yea, or regard of their
owne welfare.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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