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
Let me tell you moreover, woorthy Woman, that you see me reverenced
here as Lord Abbot, yet am I but as other men are, and in regard I am
neither aged, nor misshapen, me thinkes the motion I have made, should
be the lesse offensive to you, and therefore the sooner granted.
For, all the while as _Ferando_ remaineth in Purgatory, doe you but
imagine him to be present with you, and your perswasion will the more
absolutely be confirmed. No man can, or shall be privy to our close
meetings, for I carrie the same holy opinion among all men, as you
your selfe conceived of me, and none dare be so saucie, as to call
in question whatsoever I doe or say, because my wordes are Oracles,
and mine actions more then halfe miracles; doe you not then refuse so
gracious an offer. Enow there are, who would gladly enjoy that, which
is francke and freely presented to you, and which (if you be a wise
Woman) is meerely impossible for you to refuse. Richly am I possessed
of Gold and Jewelse, which shall be all yours, if you please in favour
to be mine; wherein I will not be gaine-saide, except your selfe doe
denie me.
The Woman having her eyes fixed on the ground, knew not wel how shee
should denie him; and yet in plaine words, to say shee consented, shee
held it to be over-base and immodest, and ill agreeing with her former
reputation: when the Abbot had well noted this attention in her, and
how silent shee stood without returning any answer; he accounted the
conquest to be more then halfe his owne: so that continuing on his
formall perswasions, hee never ceased, but allured her still to beleeve
whatsoever he saide. And shee much ashamed of his importunity, but more
of her owne flexible yeelding weakenesse, made answer, that shee would
willingly accomplish his request; which yet shee did not absolutelie
grant, untill _Ferando_ were first sent into Purgatory. And till then
(quoth the Abbot) I will not urge any more, because I purpose his
speedy sending thither: but yet, so farre lend me your assistance, that
either to morrow, or elsee the next day, he may come hither once more
to converse with me. So putting a faire gold Ring on her finger, they
parted till their next meeting.
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