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
Supper being served in to the Table, and hee seated according as the
Lady commanded, shee began to observe him very considerately; for he
was a goodly man, compleate in all perfections of person, a delicate
pleasing countenance, a quicke alluring eye, fixed and constant, not
wantonly gadding, in the joviall youthfulnesse of his time, and truest
temper for amorous apprehension; all these were as battering engines
against a Bulwarke of no strong resistance, and wrought strangely upon
her flexible affections. And though hee fed heartily, as occasion
constrained, yet her thoughts had entertained a new kinde of diet,
digested onely by the eye; yet so cunningly concealed, that no motive
to immodesty could be discerned. Her mercy thus extended to him in
misery, drew on (by Table discourse) his birth, education, parents,
friends, and alies; his wealthy possessions by Merchandize, and a sound
stability in his estate, but above all (and best of all) the single and
sole condition of a batcheler; an apt and easie steele to strike fire,
especially upon such quicke taking tinder, and in a time favoured by
Fortune.
No imbarment remained, but remembrance of the Marquesse, and that being
summond to her more advised consideration, her youth and beauty stood
up as conscious accusers, for blemishing her honour and faire repute,
with lewd and luxurious life; farre unfit for a Lady of her degree, and
well worthy of generall condemnation. What should I further say? upon a
short conference with her Chambermaide, repentance for sinne past, and
solemne promise of a constant conversion, thus shee delivered her minde
to _Rinaldo_.
Sir, as you have related your fortunes to me, by this your casuall
happening hither, if you can like the motion so well as shee that makes
it, my deceased Lord and husband living so perfectly in your person;
this house, and all mine, is yours; and of a widow I will become your
wife, except (unmanly) you denie me. _Rinaldo_ hearing these words,
and proceeding from a Lady of such absolute perfections, presuming
upon so proud an offer, and condemning himselfe of folly if he should
refuse it, thus replied. Madam, considering that I stand bound for ever
hereafter, to confesse that you are the gracious preserver of my life,
and I no way able to returne requitall; if you please so to shadow
mine insufficiency, and to accept me and my fairest fortunes to doe you
service: let me die before a thought of deniall, or any way to yeeld
you the least discontentment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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