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
Heereupon, he went with them to _Cistio_, who had caused an handsome
seate to be fetched forth of his house, whereon he requested them to
sit downe, and having commanded his men to wash cleane the Glasses,
he saide. Fellowes, now get you gone, and leave me to the performance
of this service; for I am no worse a skinker, then a Baker, and tarry
you never so long, you shall not drinke a drop. Having thus spoken,
himselfe washed foure or five small glasses, faire and new, and causing
a Viall of his best wine to be brought him: hee diligently filled it
out to _Messer Geri_ and the Ambassadours, to whom it seemed the very
best Wine, that they had drunke of in a long while before. And having
given _Cistio_ most hearty thankes for his kindnesse, and the Wine his
due commendation: many dayes afterwardes (so long as they continued
there) they found the like courteous entertainment, and with the good
liking of honest _Cistio_.
But when the affayres were fully concluded, for which they were thus
sent to _Florence_, and their parting preparation in due readinesse:
_Messer Geri_ made a very sumptuous Feast for them, inviting thereto
the most part of the honourablest Citizens, and _Cistio_ to be one
amongst them; who (by no meanes) would bee seene in an assembly of such
State and pompe, albeit he was thereto (by the saide _Messer Geri_)
most earnestly entreated.
In regard of which deniall, _Messer Geri_ commaunded one of his
servants, to take a small Bottle, and request _Cistio_ to fill it with
his good Wine; then afterward, to serve it in such sparing manner to
the Table, that each Gentleman might be allowed halfe a glasse-full
at their down-sitting. The Serving-man, who had heard great report
of the Wine, and was halfe offended, because he could never taste
thereof: tooke a great Flaggon Bottle, containing foure or five
Gallons at the least, and comming there-with unto _Cistio_, saide
unto him. _Cistio_, because my Master cannot have your companie among
his friends, he prayes you to fill this Bottle with your best Wine.
_Cistio_ looking uppon the huge Flaggon, replied thus. Honest Fellow,
_Messer Geri_ never sent thee with such a Message to me: which although
the Servingman very stoutly maintained, yet getting no other answer, he
returned backe therewith to his Master.
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