While _Lacisca_ was delivering these speeches, the Ladies smiled on one another, not knowing what to say in this case: And although the Queene (five and or severall times) commaunded her to silence; yet such was the earnestnes of her spleen, that she gave no attention, but held on still even untill she had uttered all that she pleased. But after she had concluded her complaint, the Queene (with a smiling countenance) turned towards _Dioneus_ saying. This matter seemeth most properly to belong to you; and therefore I dare repose such trust in you, that when our Novels (for this day) shall be ended, you will conclude the case with a definitive sentence. Whereto _Dioneus_ presently thus replyed. Madam, the verdict is already given, without any further expectation: and I affirme, that _Lacisca_ hath spoken very sensibly, because shee is a woman of good apprehension, and _Tindaro_ is but a puny, in practise and experience, to her. When _Lacisca_ heard this, she fell into a lowd Laughter, and turning her selfe to _Tindaro_, sayde: The honour of the day is mine, and thine owne quarrell hath overthrowne thee in the fielde. Thou that (as yet) hath scarsely learned to sucke, wouldest thou presume to know so much as I doe? Couldst thou imagine mee, to be such a trewant in losse of my time, that I came hither as an ignorant creature? And had not the Queene (looking verie frowningly on her) strictly enjoyned her to silence; shee would have continued still in this triumphing humour. But fearing further chastisement for disobedience, both shee and _Tindaro_ were commanded thence, where was no other allowance all this day, but onely silence and attention, to such as should be enjoyned speakers. And then the Queene, somewhat offended at the folly of the former controversie, commanded Madame _Philomena_, that she should give beginning to the dayes Novels: which (in dutifull manner) shee undertooke to doe, and seating her selfe in formall fashion, with modest and very gracious gesture, thus she began. _A Knight requested Madam_ Oretta, _to ride behinde him on horse-backe, and promised, to tell her an excellent Tale by the way. But the Lady perceiving, that his discourse was idle, and much worse delivered: entreated him to let her walke on foote againe._ The First Novell. _Reprehending the folly of such men, as undertake to report discourses, which are beyond their wit and capacity, and gaine nothing but blame for their labour._