The Decameron (Day 6 to Day 10): Containing an hundred pleasant NovelsBoccaccio, Giovanni
History
The Decameron (Day 6 to Day 10): Containing an hundred pleasant Novels
Boccaccio, Giovanni
Allegories; Frame stories; Plague -- Europe -- History -- Fiction; Storytelling -- Fiction
Hitherto I have lived with the losse of time, which yet (in some
measure) may be releeved and recompenced: For, though Fortune were mine
enemy in Mariage, by such a disproportion of our conditions: yet she
may befriend in another nature, and kindely redeeme the injury done me.
Wherefore _Lesca_, to be as compleate in this case, as I am in all the
rest beside; I have resolved upon a private Friend, and one more worthy
then any other; Namely, my Servant _Pyrrhus_, whose youth carieth some
correspondency with mine; and so constantly have I setled my love
to him, as I am not well, but when I thinke on him, or see him: and
(indeede) shall dye, except the sooner I may enjoy him. And therefore,
if my life and well-fare be respected by thee, let him understand the
integrity of mine affection, by such good means as thou findest it most
expedient to be done: entreating him from me, that I may have some
conference with him, when he shall thereto be solicited by me.
The Chamber-Gentlewoman _Lesca_, willingly undertooke the Ladies
Embassie; and so soone as opportunity did favor her: having withdrawne
_Pyrrhus_ into an apt and commodious place, shee delivered the Message
to him, in the best manner she could devise. Which _Pyrrhus_ hearing,
did not a little wonder thereat, never having noted any such matter;
and therefore sodainly conceyved, that the Lady did this onely to
try him; whereupon, somewhat roundly and roughly, hee returned this
answere. _Lesca_, I am not so simple, as to credite any such Message
to be sent from my Lady, and therefore be better advised of thy words.
But admit that it should come from her, yet I cannot be perswaded, that
her soule consented to such harsh Language, far differing from a forme
so full of beauty**. And yet admit againe, that her hart and tongue herein
were relatives: My Lord and Master hath so farre honoured mee, and so
much beyond the least part of merite in mee: as I will rather dye, then
any way offer to disgrace him: And therefore I charge thee, never more
to move mee in this matter.
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