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
_Salabetto_ having heard this Message, was the onely joyfull man that
could be: and having receyved the Ring, looking on it advisedly; first
kissed it, and then put it upon his finger. Then in answer to the
Messenger, he sayd: That if her Mistresse _Biancafiore_ affected him,
she sustained no losse thereby, in regard he loved her as fervently,
and was ready to be commanded by her, at any time whensoever she
pleased.
She having delivered this message to her Mistresse, was presently
returned backe againe to him, to let him understand, in which of the
Bathes she meant to meet him, on the next morrow in the evening. This
being counsell for himselfe onely to keepe, he imparted it not to any
friend whatsoever; but when the houre for their meeting was come, he
went unto the place where he was appointed, a Bathe (belike) best
agreeing with such businesse.
Not long had he taried there, but two Women slaves came laden to him,
the one bearing a Mattresse of fine Fustian on hir head, and the other
a great Basket filled with many things. Having spred the Mattresse in
a faire Chamber on a Couch-bed, they covered it with delicate white
Linnen sheets, all about embroidred with faire Fringes of gold, then
laid they on costly quilts of rich Silkes, artificially wrought with
gold and silver knots, having pearles and precious stones interwoven
among them, and two such rich pillowes, as sildome before had the
like bin seene. _Salabetto_ putting off his garments, entred the Bath
prepared for him, where the two Slaves washed his body very neatly.
Soone after came _Biancafiore_ hirselfe, attended on by two other
women slaves, and seeing _Salabetto_ in the Bathe; making him a lowly
reverence, breathing forth infinite dissembled sighes, and teares
trickling downe her cheekes, kissing and embracing him, thus she spake.
I know not what man else in the worlde, beside thy selfe, could have
the power to bring me hither: the fire flew from thy faire eies (O thou
incompareable lovely _Tuscane_) that melted my soule, and makes me
onely live at thy command. Then hurling off her light wearing garment
(because she came prepared for the purpose) shee stept into the bathe
to him, and, not permitting the Slaves a-while to come neere, none
but her selfe must now lave his body, with Muske compounded Sope and
Gilly-floures. Afterward, the slaves washed both him and her, bringing
two goodly sheetes, softe and white, yeelding such a delicate smell of
Roses, even as if they had bene made of Rose-leaves. In the one, they
folded _Salabetto_, and her in the other, and so conveyed them on their
shoulders unto the prepared Bed-Couch, where because they should not
sweate any longer, they tooke the sheets from about them, and laid them
gently in the bed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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