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
These words were of a quite contrary complexion, to those which
the Lady expected from her, and for effecting the promise made
unto hir Sonne: howbeit (like a wise and noble Lady) much shee
inwardly commended the maids answers, and saide unto her. But tell
me _Gianetta_, what if my Lord the King (who is a gallant youthfull
Prince, and you so bright a beauty as you are) should take pleasure
in your love, would ye denie him? Sodainly the Maide returned this
answer; Madam, the King (perhaps) might enforce me; but with my free
consent, hee shall never have any thing of me that is not honest. Nor
did the Lady mislike her Maides courage and resolution, but breaking
off all her further conference, intended shortly to put her project in
proofe, saying to her son, that when he was fully recovered, he should
have private accesse to _Gianetta_, whom shee doubted not but would
be tractable enough to him; for she held it no meane blemish to her
honour, to moove the Maide any more in the matter, but let him compasse
it as he could.
Farre from the yong Gentlemans humour was this answer of his Mother,
because he aimed not at any dishonourable end: true, faithfull, &
honest love was the sole scope of his intention, foule and loathsome
lust he utterly defied; whereupon, he fell into sickenesse againe,
rather more violently then before. Which the Lady perceiving, revealed
her whole intent to _Gianetta_, and finding her constancie beyond
common comparison, acquainted her Lord with all she had done, and both
consented (though much against their mindes) to let him enjoy her in
honourable marriage: accounting it better, for preservation of their
onely sons life, to match him farre inferiour to his degree, then (by
denying his desire) to let him pine away, and die for her love.
After great consultation with kindred and friendes, the match was
agreed upon, to the no little joy of _Gianetta_, who devoutly returned
infinite thankes to heaven, for so mercifully respecting her dejected
poore estate, after the bitter passage of so many miseries, and
never tearming her selfe any otherwise, but the daughter of a poore
_Piccard_. Soone was the yong Gentleman recovered and married, no
man alive so well contented as he, and setting downe an absolute
determination, to lead a loving life with his _Gianetta_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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