The Decameron (Day 6 to Day 10): Containing an hundred pleasant Novels — John Shaqi
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
The Husband of this Gentlewoman (albeit descended of a worthie Family)
was, neverthelesse, immeasurably covetous, and a verie vile harsh
natured man. Which the Lord Marshall understanding, made such a madde
composition with him, as to give him five hundred Ducates of Gold, on
condition, that hee would let him lye one night with his wife, not
thinking him so base minded as to give consent. Which in a greedy
avaritious humour he did, and the bargaine being absolutely agreed
on; the Lord Marshall prepared to fit him with a payment, such as it
should be. He caused so many peeces of silver to be cunningly guilded,
as then went for currant mony in _Florence_, and called _Popolines_, &
after he had lyen with the Lady (contrary to her will and knowledge,
her husband had so closely carried the businesse) the money was duely
paid to the cornuted Coxcombe. Afterwards, this impudent shame chanced
to be generally knowne, nothing remaining to the wilfull Wittoll, but
losse of his expected gaine, and scorne in every place where he went.
The Bishop likewise (beeing a discreete and sober man) would seeme to
take no knowledge thereof; but bare out all scoffes with a well setled
countenance.
Within a short while after, the Bishop and the Lord Marshall (alwaies
conversing together) it came to passe, that upon Saint _Johns_ day,
they riding thorow the City, side by side, and viewing the brave
beauties, which of them might best deserve to win the prize; the Byshop
espied a yong married Lady (which our late greevous pestilence bereaved
us of) she being named Madame _Nonna de Pulci_, and Cousine to _Messer
Alexio Rinucci_, a Gentleman well knowne unto us all. A very goodly
beautifull yong woman she was, of delicate language, and singular
spirite, dwelling close by S. _Peters_ gate. This Lady did the Bishop
shew to the Marshall, and when they were come to her, laying his hand
uppon her shoulder, he said. Madam _Nonna_, What thinke you of this
Gallant? Dare you adventure another wager with him?
Such was the apprehension of this witty Lady, that these words seemed
to taxe her honour, or else to contaminate the hearers understanding,
whereof there were great plenty about her, whose judgement might be as
vile, as the speeches were scandalous. Wherefore, never seeking for any
further purgation of her cleare conscience, but onely to retort taunt
for taunt, presently thus she replied. My Lord, if I should make such a
vile adventure, I would looke to bee payde with better money.
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