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
Alas good Queene, heere is sinne committed, without any guiltie thought
in thee, as (within a while after) it plainely appeared. For, the
Querry having compassed what he most coveted, and fearing to forfeite
his life by delay, when his amorous desire was indifferently satisfied:
returned backe as he came, the sleepy waiting woman not so much as
looking on him, but rather glad, that she might get her to rest againe.
Scarcely was the Querrie stept into his bed, unheard or discerned by
any of his fellowes, divers of them lodging both in that and the next
Chamber: but it pleased the King to visite the Queene, according to his
wonted manner, to the no little mervaile of the drowsie wayting woman,
who was never twice troubled in a night before. The King being in bed,
whereas alwayes till then, his resort to the Queene, was altogether in
sadnesse and melancholly, both comming and departing without speaking
one word: now his Majestie was become more pleasantly disposed, whereat
the Queene began not a little to mervaile. Now trust mee Sir, quoth
shee, this hath been a long wished, and now most welcome alteration,
vouchsafing twice in a night to visite me, and both within the compasse
of one houre; for it cannot be much more, since your being here, and
now comming againe.
The King hearing these words, sodainly presumed, that by some
counterfeit person or other, the Queene had been this night beguiled:
wherefore (very advisedly) hee considered, that in regard the party
was unknowne to her, and all the women about her; to make no outward
appearance of knowing it, but rather concealed it to himselfe. Farre
from the indiscretion of some hare-braind men, who presently would
have answered and sworne; I came not hither this night, till now.
Whereupon many dangers might ensue, to the dishonour and prejudice of
the Queene; beside, hir error being discovered to hir, might afterward
be an occasion, to urge a wandring in her appetite, and to covet after
change againe. But by this silence, no shame redounded to him or her,
whereas prating, must needes be the publisher of open infamie: yet was
hee much vexed in his minde, which neither by lookes or words hee would
discover, but pleasantly said to the Queene. Why Madame, although I was
once heere before to night, I hope you mislike not my second seeing
you, nor if I should please to come againe. No truely Sir, quoth she,
I only desire you to have care of your health. Well, said the King,
I will follow your counsaile, and now returne to mine owne lodging
againe, committing my Queene to her good rest.
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