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
It is not many yeares since (worthy assembly) that in _Bulloigne_
there dwelt a learned Physitian, a man famous for skill, and farre
renowned, whose name was Master _Albert_, and being growne aged, to the
estimate of threescore and tenne yeares: hee had yet such a sprightly
disposition, that though naturall heate and vigour had quite shaken
hands with him, yet amorous flames and desires had not wholly forsaken
him. Having seene (at a Banquet) a very beautifull woman, being then
in the estate of widdowhood, named (as some say) Madame _Margaret de
Chisolieri_, shee appeared so pleasing in his eye; that his sences
became no lesse disturbed, then as if he had beene of farre younger
temper, and no night could any quietnesse possesse his soule, except
(the day before) he had seene the sweet countenance of this lovely
widdow. In regard whereof, his dayly passage was by her doore, one
while on horsebacke, and then againe on foote; as best might declare
his plaine purpose to see her.
Both shee and other Gentlewomen, perceiving the occasion of his
passing and repassing; would privately jest thereat together, to see
a man of such yeares and discretion, to be amorously addicted, or
over-swayed by effeminate passions. For they were partly perswaded,
that such wanton Ague fits of Love, were fit for none but youthfull
apprehensions, as best agreeing with their chearefull complexion.
Master _Albert_ continuing his dayly walkes by the widdowes lodging,
it chaunced upon a Feastivall day, that shee (accompanied with divers
other women of great account) being sitting at her doore; espied Master
_Albert_ (farre off) comming thitherward, and a resolved determination
among themselves was set downe, to allow him favourable entertainement,
and to jest (in some merry manner) at his loving folly, as afterward
they did indeede.
No sooner was he come neere, but they all arose, and courteously
invited him to enter with them, conducting him into a goodly Garden,
where readily was prepared choyse of delicate wines and banquetting. At
length, among other pleasant and delightfull discourses, they demanded
of him: how it was possible for him, to be amorously affected towards
so beautifull a woman, both knowing and seeing, how earnestly she was
sollicited by many gracious, gallant, and youthfull spirits, aptly
suting with her yeares and desires? Master _Albert_ perceiving, that
they had drawne him in among them, onely to scoffe and make a mockery
of him; set a merry countenance on the matter, and honestly thus
answered.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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