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
By that which hath bin saide, you may easily conceive, that the course
which we have hitherto continued, cannot bee prosecuted, in one and
the same manner: wherefore, I would advice and do hold it an action wel
performed by us, to cease for these few dayes, from recounting any
other Novelse. And because we have remained here foure daies already,
except we would allow the enlarging of our company, with some other
friends that may resort unto us: I think it necessary to remove from
hence, & take our pleasure in another place, which is already by me
determined. When we shal be there assembled, and have slept on the
discourses formerly delivered, let our next argument be still the
mutabilities of Fortune, but especially to concerne such persons, as
by their wit and ingenuity, industriously have attained to some matter
earnestly desired, or elsee recovered againe, after the losse. Heereon
let us severally study and premeditate, that the hearers may receive
benefit thereby, with the comfortable maintenance of our harmlesse
recreations; the priviledge of _Dioneus_ alwayes reserved to himselfe.
Every one commended the Queens deliberation, concluding that it shold
be accordingly prosecuted: and thereupon, the master of the houshold
was called, to give him order for that evenings Table service, and
what elsee concerned the time of the Queenes Royalty, wherein he was
sufficiently instructed: which being done, the company arose, licensing
every one to doe what they listed. The Ladies and Gentlemen walked to
the Garden, and having sported themselves there a while; when the houre
of supper came, they sate downe, and fared very daintily. Being risen
from the Table, according to the Queenes command, Madam _Æmilia_ led
the dance, and the ditty following, was sung by Madam _Pampinea_, being
answered by all the rest, as a Chorus.
_The Song.
And if not I, what Lady elsee can sing,
Of those delights, which kind contentment bring?
Come, come, sweet Love, the cause of my chiefe good,
Of all my hopes, the firme and full effect;
Sing we together, but in no sad moode,
Of sighes or teares, which joy doth counterchecke:
Stolne pleasures are delightfull in the taste,
But yet Loves fire is often times too fierce;
Consuming comfort with ore-speedy haste,
Which into gentle hearts too far doth pierce.
And if not I, &c.
The first day that I felt this fiery heate,
So sweete a passion did possesse my soule,
That though I found the torment sharpe, and great;
Yet still me thought t'was but a sweete controule.
Nor could I count it rude, or rigorous,
Taking my wound from such a piercing eye:
As made the paine most pleasing, gracious,
That I desire in such assaults to die.
And if not I, &c.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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