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
Wherein, you have not onely performed more then I could wish, upon a
subject so sutable to my minde: but in every Novell, such variety of
excellent matter, such singular illustrations, and delicate eloquence
hath flowne from you all; as I am utterly unable to invent any thing
(notwithstanding the most curious search of my braine) apt or fit
for the purpose, to paragon the meanest of them already related.
And therefore seeing I must needs sinne in the Law established by
my selfe; I tender my submission, as worthy of punishment, or what
amends else you please to enjoyne mee. Now, as returned to my wonted
priviledge, I say, that the Novell recounted by Madame _Eliza_, of the
Fryar Godfather and his Gossip _Agnesia_, as also the sottishnesse
of the _Senese_ her Husband, hath wrought in me (worthy Ladies) to
such effect; as, forbearing to speake any more of these wily prancks,
which witty wives exercise on their simple Husbands; I am to tell you
a pretty short Tale; which, though there is matter enough in it, not
worthy the crediting, yet partly it will bee pleasing to heare.
Sometime there lived in _Sienna_ two popular men; the one being named
_Tingoccio Mini_ and the other _Meucio de Tora_; Men simple, and of
no understanding, both of them dwelling in _Porta Salaia_. These two
men lived in such familiar conversation together, and expressed such
cordiall affection each to other, as they seldome walked asunder; but
(as honest men use to doe) frequented Churches and Sermons, oftentimes
hearing, both what miseries and beatitudes were in the world to come,
according to the merits of their soules that were departed out of this
life, and found their equall repaiment in the other. The manifold
repetition of these matters, made them very earnestly desirous to know,
by what meanes they might have tydings from thence, for their further
confirmation. And finding all their endeavours utterly frustrated, they
made a solemne vow and promise (each to other under oath) that hee
which first dyed of them two, should returne backe againe (so soone
as possibly he could) to the other remaining alive, and tell him such
tydings as hee desired to heare.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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