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
With patience (Madam) I endured all before, but now (me thinkes)
he proceedeth too farre, which is not any way to be suffered; and
therefore I intended to let you know it, whereby you may perceive, how
well you are rewarded, for the faithfull and loyall love you beare him,
and for which I was even at the doore of death. Now, because you may be
the surer of my speeches, not to be any lies or fables, and that you
may (if you be so pleased) approve the trueth by your owne experience:
I caused my Wife to send him word, that shee would meete him to morrow,
at the Bathing-house appointed, about the houre of noone-day, when
people repose themselves, in regard of the heates violence; with which
answere the woman returned very jocondly. Let me now tell you Lady, I
hope you have better opinion of my wit, then any meaning in me, to send
my wife thither; I rather did it to this ende, that having acquainted
you with his treacherous intent, you should supply my wives place, by
saving both his reputation and your owne, and frustrating his unkind
purpose to me. Moreover, upon the view of his owne delusion, wrought by
my wife in meere love to you, he shall see his foule shame, and your
most noble care, to keepe the rites of marriage betweene you still
unstained.
Madame _Catulla_, having heard this long and unpleasing report; without
any consideration, either what he was that tolde the tale, or what a
treason he intended against her: immediatly (as jealous persons use to
doe) she gave faith to his forgerie, and began to discourse many things
to him, which imagination had often misguided her in, against her
honest minded husband, and enflamed with rage, suddenly replied; that
shee would doe according as he had advised her, as being a matter of no
difficulty. But if he came, she would so shame and dishonour him, as no
woman whatsoever should better schoole him. _Ricciardo_ highly pleased
herewith; & being perswaded, that his purpose would take the full
effect: confirmed the Lady in her determination with many words more;
yet putting her in memory, to keepe her faithfull promise made, without
revealing the matter to any living person, as shee had sworne upon her
faith.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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