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
Being come to the Widdowes house, they passed through a small nether
Court, where lights stood ready to welcome him thither; and entring
into a goodly Hall, there was store of good wine and banquetting, which
the Bishop accepted in very thankefull manner: and courteous complement
being overpassed, one of the Brethren, thus spake. My good Lord, seeing
it hath pleased you to honour our poore Widdowed Sisters house with
your presence, for which wee shall thanke you while we live: We would
intreate one favour more of you, onely but to see a sight which we will
shew you. The Lord Bishop was well contented with the motion: so the
Brethren conducting him by the hand, brought him into their Sisters
Chamber, where the the Provoste was in bed with _Ciutazza_, both
soundly sleeping, but enfolded in his armes, as wearied (belike) with
their former wantonning, and whereof his age had but little need.
The Courtaines being close drawne about the bed, although the season
was exceeding hot, they having lighted Torches in their hands; drew
open the Curtaines, and shewed the Bishop his Provoste, close snugging
betweene the armes of _Ciutazza_. Upon a sudden the Provoste awaked,
and seeing so great a light, as also so many people about him: shame
and feare so daunted him, that hee shrunke downe into the bed, and hid
his head. But the Bishop being displeased at a sight so unseemely, made
him to discover his head againe, to see whom he was in bed withall. Now
the poore Provoste perceiving the Gentlewomans deceite, and the proper
hansome person so sweetly embracing him: it made him so confounded with
shame, as he had not the power to utter one word: but having put on his
cloathes by the Bishops command, hee sent him (under sufficient guard)
to his Pallace, to suffer due chastisement for his sinne committed; and
afterward he desired to know, by what meanes hee became so favoured of
_Ciutazza_, the whole Historie whereof, the two brethren related at
large to him.
When the Bishop had heard all the discourse, highly he commended the
wisedome of the Gentlewoman, and worthy assistance of her brethren,
who contemning to soile their hands in the blood of a Priest, rather
sought to shame him as hee deserved. The Bishop enjoyned him a pennance
of repentance for forty dayes after, but love and disdaine made him
weepe nine and forty: Moreover, it was a long while after, before he
durst be seene abroad. But when he came to walke the streets, the Boyes
would point their fingers at him, saying. Behold the Provoste that
lay with _Ciutazza_: Which was such a wearisome life to him, that he
became (well neere) distracted in his wits. In this manner the honest
Gentlewoman discharged her dutie, and rid her selfe of the Provosts
importunity: _Ciutazza_ had a merry night of it, and a new Smocke also
for her labour.
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