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
And albeit he saw his Gowne furred with Miniver, as also the hood about
his necke, a Penne and Inkehorne hanging at his girdle, and one skirt
of his Garment longer then the other, with more misshapen sights about
him, farre unfitting for a man of so civill profession: yet he spyed
one errour extraordinary, the most notable (in his opinion) that ever
he had seene before. Namely, a paultry paire of Breeches, wickedly
made, and worse worne, hanging downe so lowe as halfe his legge,
even as he sate upon the Bench, yet cut so sparingly of the Cloath,
that they gaped wide open before, as a wheele-barrow might have full
entrance allowed it. This strange sight was so pleasing to him; as
leaving off further search of his friend, and scorning to have such a
spectacle alone by himselfe: hee went upon another Inquisition; Namely,
for two other merry Lads like himselfe, the one being called _Ribi_,
and the other _Matteuzzo_, men of the same mirth-full disposition as he
was, and therefore the fitter for his Company.
After he had met with them, these were his salutations: My honest
Boyes, if ever you did me any kindnesse, declare it more effectually
now, in accompanying me to the Court-house, where you shall behold
such a singular spectacle, as (I am sure) you never yet saw the
like. Forthwith they went along altogether, and being come to the
Court-house, he shewed them the Judges hansome paire of Breeches,
hanging down in such base and beastly manner; that (being as yet farre
off from the Bench) their hearts did ake with extreamity of laughter.
But when they came neere to the seat whereon _Messer Niccolao_ sate,
they plainely perceived, that it was very easie to be crept under, and
withall, that the board whereon he set his feet, was rotten and broken,
so that it was no difficult matter, to reach it, and pull it downe as
a man pleased, and let him fall bare Breecht to the ground. Cheare up
your spirits (my hearts) quoth _Maso_, and if your longing be like to
mine; we will have yonder Breeches a good deale lower, for I see how it
may be easily done.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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