The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5): Containing an hundred pleasant Novels — John Shaqi
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
Wherefore, if you thinke good, I would allow it for well done, to take
our waiting women, with all such things as are needfull for us, and (as
this day) betake our selves to one place, to morrow to another, taking
there such pleasure and recreation, as so sweete a season liberally
bestoweth on us. In which manner we may remaine, till we see (if death
otherwise prevent us not) what ende the gracious Heavens have reserved
for us. I would have you also to consider, that it is no lesse seemely
for us to part hence honestly, then a great number of other Women to
remaine here immodestly.
The other Ladies and Gentlewomen, having heard Madam _Pampinea_, not
onely commended her counsell, but desiring also to put it in execution;
had already particularly consulted with themselves, by what means they
might instantly depart from thence. Neverthelesse, Madam _Philomena_,
who was very wise, spake thus.
Albeit faire Ladies, the case propounded by Madam _Pampinea_ hath
beene very wel delivered; yet (for all that) it is against reason for
us to rush on, as we are over-ready to doe. Remember that we are all
women, and no one among us is so childish, but may consider, that when
wee shall be so assembled together, without providence or conduct of
some man, we can hardly governe our selves. We are fraile, offensive,
suspicious, weake spirited, and fearefull: in regard of which
imperfections, I greatly doubt (if we have no better direction then our
owne) this society will sooner dissolve it selfe, and (perchance) with
lesse honour to us, then if we never had begunne it. And therefore it
shall be expedient for us, to provide before wee proceede any further.
Madam _Elissa_ hereon thus replied.
Most true it is, that men are the chiefe or head of women, and
without their order, sildome times doe any matters of ours sort to
commendable ende. But what meanes shal we make for men? we all know
well enough, that the most part of our friends are dead, and such as
are living, some be dispearsed here, others there, into divers places
and companies, where we have no knowledge of their being. And to accept
of strangers, would seeme very inconvenient; wherefore as we have
such care of our health, so should wee be as respective (withall) in
ordering our intention: that wheresoever wee aime at our pleasure and
contentment, reproofe and scandall may by no meanes pursue us.
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