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
The Lords and Ladies hearing these words, and beleeving this deed
of hers to be done no otherwise, but out of her entire affection to
_Nicostratus_, according as her speeches sounded: compassionately
turning towards him (who was exceedingly displeased) and all smiling,
said. Now in good sadnesse Sir; Madame _Lydia_ hath done well, in
acting her just revenge upon the Hawke, that bereft her of her Husbands
kinde companie; then which nothing is more precious to a loving wife,
and a hell it is to live without it. And _Lydia_, being sodainly
withdrawne into her chamber; with much other friendly and familiar
talke, they converted the anger of _Nicostratus_ into mirth and smiling.
_Pyrrhus_, who had diligently observed the whole cariage of this
businesse, saide to himselfe. My Ladie hath begun well, and proceeding
on with no worse successe, will (no doubt) bring her love to an happy
conclusion. As for the Lady her selfe, she having thus kild the
Hawke, it was no long while after, but being in the Chamber with her
husband, and they conversing familiarly together: she began to jest
with him, & hee in the like manner with her, tickling and toying each
the other, till at the length she played with his beard, and now she
found occasion aptly serving, to effect the second taske imposed by
_Pyrrhus_. So, taking fast hold on a small tuft of his beard, she gave
a sodaine snatch, and plucked it away quite from his chin. Whereat
_Nicostratus_ beeing angerly moved, she (to appease his distaste)
pleasantly thus spake. How now my Lord? Why do you looke so frowningly?
What? Are you angry for a few loose haires of your beard? How then
should I take it, when you plucke mee by the haire of my head, and yet
I am not a jot discontented, because I know you do it but in jesting
manner? These friendly speeches cut off all further contention, and
she kepte charily the tuft of her Husbands beard, which (the verie
selfe-same day) shee sent to _Pyrrhus_ her hearts chosen friend.
But now concerning the third matter to be adventured, it drove her
to a much more serious consideration, then those two which shee had
already so well and exactly performed. Notwithstanding, like a Ladie of
unconquerable spirit, and (in whom) Love enlarged his power more and
more: she sodainly conceited, what course was best to bee kept in this
case, forming her attempt in this manner. Upon _Nicostratus_ wayted
two young Gentlemen, as Pages of his Chamber, whose Fathers had given
them to his service, to learne the manners of honourable Courtship, and
those qualities necessarily required in Gentlemen. One of them, when
_Nicostratus_ sate downe to dinner or supper, stood in Office of his
Carver, delivering him all the meats whereon he fed. The other (as
Taster) attended on his Cup, and he dranke no other drinke, but what
hee brought him, and they both were highly pleasing unto him.
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