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
Within a short while after her departure, the Gentleman, of whom
she had made this counterfeit complaint, came thither, as was his
usuall manner, and having done his duty to the holy Father; they sate
downe together privately, falling out of one discourse into another.
At the length, the Frier (in very loving and friendly sort) mildly
reproved him, for such amorous glaunces, and other pursuites, which
(as he thought) hee dayly used to the Gentlewoman, according to
her owne speeches. The Gentleman mervailed greatly thereat, as one
that had never seene her, and very sildome passed by the way where
she dwelt, which made him the bolder in his answeres; wherein the
Confessour interrupting him, said. Never make such admiration at the
matter, neither waste more words in these stout denials, because they
cannot serve thy turne: I tell thee plainely, I heard it not from any
neighbours, but even of her owne selfe, in a very sorrowfull and sad
complaint. And though (perhaps) hereafter, thou canst very hardly
refraine such follies; yet let mee tell thee so much of her (and under
the seale of absolute assurance) that she is the onely woman of the
world, who (in my true judgement) doth hate and abhorre all such base
behaviour. Wherefore, in regard of thine owne honour, as also not to
vexe & prejudice so vertuous a Gentlewoman: I pray thee refrain such
idlenes henceforward, & suffer hir to live in peace.
The Gentleman, being a little wiser then his ghostly Father, perceived
immediatly (without any further meditating on the matter) the notable
pollicie of the woman: whereupon, making somewhat bashfull appearance
of any error already committed; hee said, hee would afterward be better
advised. So, departing from the Frier, he went on directly, to passe
by the house where the Gentlewoman dwelt, and she stood alwayes ready
on her watch, at a little window, to observe, when hee should walke
that way: And seeing him comming, she shewed her selfe so joyfull,
and gracious to him, as he easily understood, whereto the substance
of the holy Fathers chiding tended. And, from that time forward, hee
used dayly, though in covert manner (to the no little liking of the
Gentlewoman and himselfe) to make his passage through that streete,
under colour of some important occasions there, concerning him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account