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
The Gentlemen imagined at the first apprehension, that this was
spoken in mockage of them, but when they better perceived, that her
words tended to solemne earnest; they made answer, that they were
all heartily ready to doe them any service. And without any further
delaying, before they parted thence, tooke order for their aptest
furnishing with all convenient necessaries, and sent word to the
place of their first appointment. On the morrow, being Wednesday,
about breake of day, the Ladies, with certaine of their attending
Gentlewomen, and the three Gentlemen, having three servants to waite
on them; left the City to beginne their journey, and having travelled
about a leagues distance, arrived at the place of their first purpose
of stay; which was seated on a little hill, distant (on all sides) from
any high way, plentifully stored with faire spreading Trees, affoording
no meane delight to the eye. On the top of all stood a stately Pallace,
having a large and spacious Court in the middest, round engirt with
galleries, hals and chambers, every one separate alone by themselves,
and beautified with pictures of admirable cunning. Nor was there any
want of Gardens, Meadowes, and other pleasant walkes, with welles
and springs of faire running waters, all encompassed with branching
vines, fitter for curious and quaffing bibbers, then women sober and
singularly modest.
This Pallace the company found fully fitted and prepared, the beddes in
the Chambers made and daintily ordered, thickly strewed with variety
of flowers, which could not but give them the greater contentment.
_Dioneus_, who (above the other) was a pleasant young gallant, and
full of infinite witty conceits, saide; Your wit (faire Ladies) hath
better guided us hither, then our providence. I know not how you have
determined to dispose of your cares; as for mine owne, I left them at
the City gate, when I came thence with you: and therefore let your
resolution be, to spend the time here in smiles and singing (I meane,
as may fittest agree with your dignity) or else give me leave to
goe seeke my sorrowes againe, and so to remaine discontented in our
desolate City. Madam _Pampinea_ having in like manner shaken off her
sorrowes, delivering a modest and bashfull smile, replied in this
manner.
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