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
By this time the gentle blast of _Zephirus_ began to blow, because the
Sunne grew neere his setting, wherewith the King concluded his Novell,
and none remaining more to be thus imployed: taking the Crowne from off
his owne head, he placed it on Madame _Laurettaes_, saying, Madame, I
Crowne you with your owne Crowne, as Queene of our Company. You shall
henceforth command as Lady and Mistresse, in such occasions as shall
be to your liking, and for the contentment of us all; With which words
he set him downe. And Madame _Lauretta_ being now created Queene, shee
caused the Master of the houshold to bee called, to whom she gave
command, that the Tables should be prepared in the pleasant vally, but
at a more convenient houre, then formerly had beene, because they might
(with better ease) returne backe to the Pallace. Then shee tooke order
likewise, for all such other necessary matters, as should bee required
in the time of her Regiment: and then turning her selfe to the whole
Company, she began in this manner.
It was the Will of _Dioneus_ yesternight, that our discourses for this
day, should concerne the deceits of wives to their Husbands. And were
it not to avoyde taxation, of a spleenitive desire to be revenged,
like the dog being bitten, biteth againe: I could command our to
morrows conference, to touch mens treacheries towards their wives. But
because I am free from any such fiery humour, let it be your generall
consideration, to speake of such queint beguylings, as have heretofore
past, either of the woman to the man, the man to the woman, or of one
man to another: and I am of opinion, that they will yeeld us no lesse
delight, then those related (this day) have done. When she had thus
spoken, she rose; granting them all liberty, to goe recreate themselves
untill Supper time.
The Ladies being thus at their owne disposing, some of them bared their
legges and feete, to wash them in the coole current. Others, not so
minded, walked on the greene grasse, and under the goodly spreading
trees. _Dioneus_ and Madame _Fiammetta_, they sate singing together,
the love-warre betweene _Arcit_ and _Palemon_. And thus with diversity
of disports, in choice delight and much contentment, all were imployed,
till Supper drew neere. When the houre was come, and the Tables covered
by the Ponds side: we need not question their dyet and dainties,
infinite Birds sweetly singing about them, as no musicke in the world
could be more pleasing; beside calme windes, fanning their faces from
the neighbouring hilles (free from flyes, or the least annoyance) made
a delicate addition to their pleasure.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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