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
Now, it came to passe (within no long while after) that Fortune being
favourable to our injured Scholler, prepared a new accident, whereby
he might fully effect his harts desire. For the lusty yong Gallant,
who was Madame _Helenaes_ deare darling and delight, and (for whose
sake) she dealt so inhumanely with poore _Reniero_: became weary of her
amourous service, and was falne in liking of another Lady, scorning
and disdaining his former Mistresse; whereat shee grew exceedingly
displeased, and began to languish in sighes and teares.
But _Ancilla_ her waiting-woman, compassionating the perilous condition
of her Lady, and knowing no likely meanes whereby to conquer this
oppressing melancholly, which shee suffered for the losse of her hearts
chosen friend: at length she began to consider, that the Scholler still
walked daily by the doore, as formerly hee was wont to doe, and (by
him) there might some good be done.
A fond and foolish opinion overswayed her, that the Scholler was
extraordinarily skilfull in the Art of Nigromancy, and could thereby
so over-rule the heart of her lost friend, as hee should bee compelled
to love her againe, in as effectuall manner as before; herewith
immediately she acquainted her Lady, who being as rashly credulous, as
her maide was opinionative (never considring, that if the Scholler had
any experience in Negromancy, hee would thereby have procured his owne
successe) gave releefe to her surmise, in very Joviall and comfortable
manner, and entreated her in all kindnes, to know of him, whether he
could worke such a businesse, or no, and (upon his undertaking to
effect it) shee would give absolute assurance, that (in recompence
thereof) he should unfainedly obtaine his hearts desire. _Ancilla_ was
quicke and expeditious, in delivering this message to discontented
_Reniero_, whose soule being ready to mount out of his body, onely by
conceit of joy; chearefully thus he said within himselfe. Gracious
Fortune! how highly am I obliged to thee for this so great a favour?
Now thou hast blest me with a happy time, to be justly revenged on so
wicked a woman, who sought the utter ruine of my life, in recompence of
the unfaigned affection I bare her. Returne to thy Lady (quoth he) and
saluting her first on my behalfe, bid her to abandon all care in this
businesse; for, if her amourous Friend were in India, I would make him
come (in meere despight of his heart) and crave mercy of her for his
base transgression. But concerning the meanes how, and in what manner
it is to bee done, especially on her owne behalfe: I will impart it to
her so soone as she pleaseth: faile not to tell her so constantly from
me, with all my utmost paines at her service.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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