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
While this discourse thus held among the Ladies, three young Gentlemen
came forth of the Church (yet not so young, but the youngest had
attained to five and twenty yeeres) in whom, neither malice of
the time, loss of friends or kinred, nor any fearefull conceit in
themselves, had the power to quench affection; but (perhaps) might
a little coole it, in regard of the queazy season. One of them
called himselfe _Pamphilus_, the second _Philostratus_, and the
last _Dioneus_. Each of them was very affable and well conditioned,
and walked abroade (for their greater comfort in such a time of
tribulation) to trie if they could meete with their faire friends, who
(happily) might all three be among these seaven, and the rest kinne
unto them in one degree or other. No sooner were these Ladies espyed
by them, but they met with them also in the same advantage; whereupon
Madam _Pampinea_ (amiably smiling) saide.
See how graciously Fortune is favourable to our beginning, by
presenting our eyes with three so wise and worthy young Gentlemen, who
will gladly be our guides and servants, if we doe not disdaine them
the office. Madam _Neiphila_ beganne immediatly to blush, because one
of them had a love in the company, and saide; Good Madam _Pampinea_
take heed what you say, because (of mine owne knowledge) nothing can
be spoken but good of them all; and I thinke them all to be absolutely
sufficient, for a farre greater employment then is here intended: as
being well worthy to keepe company, not onely with us, but them of
more faire and precious esteeme then we are. But because it appeareth
plainely enough, that they beare affection to some here among us: I
feare, if wee should make the motion, that some dishonour or reproofe
may ensue thereby, and yet without blame either in us or them. That is
nothing at all, answered Madam _Philomena_, let mee live honestly, and
my conscience not checke me with any crime; speake then who can to the
contrary, God and truth shal enter armes for me. I wish that they were
as willing to come, as all wee are to bid them welcome: for truly (as
Madam _Pampinea_ saide) wee may very well hope that Fortune will bee
furtherous to our purposed journey.
The other Ladies hearing them speake in such manner, not onely were
silent to themselves, but all with one accord and consent saide,
that it were well done to call them, and to acquaint them with their
intention, entreating their company in so pleasant a voyage. Whereupon,
without any more words, Madam _Pampinea_ mounting on her feete (because
one of the three was her Kinsman) went towards them, as they stood
respectively observing them; and (with a pleasing countenance) giving
them a gracious salutation, declared to them their deliberation,
desiring (in behalfe of all the rest) that with a brotherly and modest
minde, they would vouchsafe to beare them company.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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