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
_Whereby appeareth, that such as meet with cunning Harlots, and suffer
themselves to be deceived by them: must sharpen their Wits, to make
them requitall in the selfesame kinde._
Needlesse it were to question, whether the Novell related by the
Queene, in divers passages thereof, mooved the Ladies to hearty
laughter, and likewise to compassionate sighes and teares; as pittying
Madame _Helena_ in her hard misfortune, and yet applauding the Scholler
for his just revenge. But the discourse being ended, _Dioneus_, who
knew it was his Office to be the last speaker every day, after silence
was commanded, he began in this manner.
Worthy Ladies, it is a matter very manifest, that deceits do appeare
so much the more pleasing, when (by the selfe-same meanes) the subtle
deceyver is artificially deceived. In which respect, though you all
have reported very singular deceits: yet I meane to tel you one, that
may prove as pleasing to you, as any of your owne. And so much the
rather, because the woman deceived, was a great and cunning Mistris
in beguiling others; equalling (if not excelling) any of your former
beguilers.
It hath bene observed heretofore, and (happily) at this very day it is
as frequent, that in all Cities and Townes upon the Sea-coasts, having
Ports for the benefit and venting Merchandises; Merchants use to bring
their wealthy laden Vessels thither. And when they unlade any Ship of
great fraught, there are prepared Store-houses, which in many places
are called _Magazines_ or _Doganaes_, at the charge of the Communalty,
or Lord of the Towne or City, for the use whereof, they receive yearly
gain and benefit. Into those warehouses, they deliver (under writing,
and to the owners of them in especiall charge) all their goods and
merchandises, of what price or valew soever they are.
Such as be the Owners of these Magazines, when the Wares are thus
stored uppe in them, doe safely locke them up there with their keyes,
having first registred downe truly all the goods, in the Register
belonging to the Custome-house, that the Merchant may have a just
account rendred him, and the rights payed to the Custome-house,
according to the Register, and as they are either in part, or in all
made sale of.
Brokers are continually there attending, being informed in the quality
of the Merchandises stored, and likewise to what Merchants they
appertaine: by meanes of these men, and according as the goods come
to their hands, they devise to have them exchaunged, trucked, vented,
and such other kinds of dispatches, answerable to the mens minds, and
worth of the Commodities. As in many other Kingdomes and Countries, so
was this custome observed at _Palermo_ in _Sicily_, where likewise then
were, and (no doubt) now a-dayes are, store of Women, faire and comely
of person, but yet vowed enemies to honesty.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account