Worthy Ladies, it exceedeth the power of my capacitie, to censure in the case whereof I am to speake, by saying, who sinned most, either Nature, in seating a Noble soule in a vile body, or Fortune, in bestowing on a body (beautified with a noble soule) a base or wretched condition of life. As we may observe by _Cistio_, a Citizen of our owne, and many more beside; for, this _Cistio_ beeing endued with a singular good spirit, Fortune hath made him no better then a Baker. And beleeve me Ladies, I could (in this case) lay as much blame on Nature, as on Fortune; if I did not know Nature to be most absolutely wise, & that Fortune hath a thousand eyes, albeit fooles have figured her to bee blinde. But, upon more mature and deliberate consideration, I finde, that they both (being truly wise and judicious) have dealt justly, in imitation of our best advised mortals, who being uncertaine of such inconveniences, as may happen unto them, do bury (for their own benefit) the very best and choisest things of esteeme, in the most vile and abject places of their houses, as being subject to least suspition, and where they may be sure to have them at all times, for supply of any necessitie whatsoever, because so base a conveyance hath better kept them, then the very best chamber in the house could have done. Even so these two great commanders of the world, do many times hide their most precious Jewels of worth, under the clouds of Arts or professions of worst estimation, to the end, that fetching them thence when neede requires, their splendour may appeare to be the more glorious. Nor was any such matter noted in our homely Baker _Cistio_, by the best observation of _Messer Geri Spina_, who was spoken of in the late repeated Novell, as being the husband to Madame _Oretta_; whereby this accident came to my remembrance, and which (in a short Tale) I will relate unto you. Let me then tell ye, that Pope _Boniface_ (with whom the fore-named _Messer Geri Spina_ was in great regard) having sent divers Gentlemen of his Court to _Florence_ as Ambassadors, about very serious and important businesse: they were lodged in the house of _Messer Geri Spina_, and he employed (with them) in the saide Popes negotiation. It chanced, that as being the most convenient way for passage, every morning they walked on foot by the Church of Saint _Marie d'Ughi_, where _Cistio_ the Baker dwelt, and exercised the trade belonging to him. Now although Fortune had humbled him to so meane a condition, yet shee added a blessing of wealth to that contemptible quality, and (as smiling on him continually) no disasters at any time befell him, but still he flourished in riches, lived like a jolly Citizen, with all things fitting for honest entertainment about him, and plenty of the best Wines (both White and Claret) as _Florence_, or any part thereabout yeelded.