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
When _Jehannot_ heard these words, he became exceeding sorrowfull,
saide within himselfe. I have lost all the paines, which I did thinke
to be well imployed, as hoping to have this man converted here: For,
if he goe to the Court of Rome, and behold there the wickednes of the
Priests lives; farewell all hope in me, of ever seeing him to become
a Christian. But rather, were he already a Christian, without all
question, he would turne Jew: And so (going neerer to _Abraham_) he
said. Alas my loving friend, why shouldst thou undertake such a tedious
travell, and so great a charge, as thy journey from hence to Rome will
cost thee? Consider, that to a rich man (as thou art) travaile by
land or sea is full of infinite dangers. Doest thou not thinke, that
here are Religious men enow, who will gladly bestowe Baptisme upon
thee. To me therefore it plainely appeareth, that such a voyage is to
no purpose. If thou standest upon any doubt or scruple, concerning the
faith whereto I wish thee; where canst thou desire conference with
greater Doctours, or men more learned in all respects, then this famous
Citie doth affoord thee, to resolve thee in any questionable case? Thou
must thinke, that the Prelates are such there, as here thou seest them
to be, and yet they must needes be in much better condition at Rome,
because they are neere to the principall Pastour. And therefore, if
thou wilt credit my counsell, reserve this journey to some time more
convenient, when the Jubilee of generall pardon happeneth, and then
(perchance) I will beare thee company, and goe along with thee as in
vowed pilgrimage.
Whereto the Jew replied. I beleeve _Jehannot_, that all which thou hast
said may be so. But, to make short with thee, I am fully determined
(if thou wouldst have me a Christian, as thou instantly urgest me to
be) to goe thither, for otherwise, I will continue as I am. _Jehannot_
perceiving his setled purpose, said: Goe then in Gods name. But
perswaded himselfe, that hee would never become a Christian, after hee
had once seene the Court of Rome: neverthelesse, he counted his labour
not altogether lost, in regard he bestowed it to a good end, and honest
intentions are to be commended.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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