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
Then they opened the Basket, wherein were divers goodly Silver bottles,
some filled with Rosewaters, others with flowers of Orenges, and Waters
distilled of Gelsomine, Muske, and Amber-Greece, wherewith (againe) the
slaves bathed their bodyes in the bed, & afterward presented them with
variety of Comfites, as also very precious Wines, serving them in stead
of a little Collation. _Salabetto_ supposed himself to be in Paradise:
for this appeared to be no earthly joy, bestowing a thousand gladsome
gazes on her, who (questionlesse) was a most beautifull creature, and
the tarrying of the Slaves, seemed millions of yeares to him, that
hee might more freely embrace his _Biancafiore_. Leaving a Waxe Taper
lighted in the Chamber, the slaves departed, and then shee sweetly
embracing _Salabetto_, bestowed those further favours on him, which hee
came for, and she was not squeamish in the affoording; whereof he was
exceedingly joyfull, because he imagined, that they proceeded from the
integrity of her affection towards him.
When she thought it convenient time to depart thence, the slaves
returned; they cloathed themselves, and had a Banquet standing ready
prepared for them; where-with they cheared their wearyed spirits, after
they had first washed in odorifferous waters. At parting: _Salabetto_
(quoth she) whensoever thy leysures shall best serve thee, I will
repute it as my cheefest happinesse, that thou wilt accept a Supper
and Lodging in my house, which let it be this instant night, if thou
canst. He being absolutely caught, both by hir beauty and flattering
behaviour: beleeved faithfully, that he was as intirely beloved of her,
as the heart is of the body: whereuppon hee thus answered. Madame,
whatsoever pleaseth you, must needes be much more acceptable unto
mee: and therefore, not onely may command my service this night, but
likewise the whole employment of my life, to be onely yours in my very
best studies and endeavours.
No sooner did she heare this answer, but she returned home to her
owne house, which she decked in most sumptuous manner, and also made
ready a costly Supper, expecting the arrivall of _Salabetto_: who
when the darke night was indifferently well entred, went thither, and
was welcommed with wonderfull kindnesse, wanting no costly Wines and
Delicates all the Supper while. Being afterward conducted into a goodly
Chamber, he smelt there admirable sweete senting savours, such as might
well beseeme a Princes Pallace. He beheld a most costly Bed, and very
rich furniture round about the roome: which when he had duly considered
to himself, he was constantly perswaded, that she was a Lady of infinit
wealth. And although he had heard divers flying reports concerning her
life, yet hee would not credite any thing amisse of her, for albeit
she might (perhappes) beguile some other; yet shee affected him (he
thought) in better manner, and no such misfortune could happen to him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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