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
After some part of the night was overpast, they divided themselves into
two bands, one to guard _Isabellaes_ Dorter doore, the other to carry
newes to the Abbesse, and knocking at her Closet doore, saide. Rise
quickely Madame, and use all the hast you may, for we have seene a man
enter our Sister _Isabellaes_ Dorter, and you may take her in bed with
him. The Lady Abbesse, who (the very same night) had the company of a
lusty Priest in bed with her selfe, as oftentimes before she had, and
he being alwayes brought thither in a Chest: hearing these tidings,
and fearing also, lest the Nunnes hastie knocking at her doore, might
cause it to fly open, and so (by their entrance) have her owne shame
discovered: arose very hastily, and thinking she had put on her plaited
vaile, which alwayes she walked with in the night season, and used to
tearme her Psalter; she put the Priests breeches upon her head, and
so went away in all hast with them, supposing them verily to be her
Psalter: but making fast the Closet doore with her keye, because the
Priest should not be discovered.
Away shee went in all haste with the Sisters, who were so forward in
the detection of poore _Isabella_, as they never regarded what manner
of vaile the Lady Abbesse wore on her head. And being come to the
Dorter doore, quickly they lifted it off from the hookes, and being
entred, found the two Lovers sweetly imbracing: but yet so amazed at
this sudden surprisall, as they durst not stirre, nor speake one word.
The young Nunne _Isabella_, was raised forthwith by the other Sisters,
and according as the Abbesse had commaunded, was brought by them into the
Chapter-house: the young Gentleman remaining still in the Chamber, where
he put on his garments, awaiting to see the issue of this businesse,
and verily intending to act severe revenge on his betrayers, if any
harme were done to _Isabella_, and afterward to take her thence away
with him, as meaning to make her amends by marriage.
The Abbesse being seated in the Chapter house, and all the other Nunnes
then called before her, who minded nothing else but the poore offending
Sister: she began to give her very harsh and vile speeches, as never
any transgressor suffered the like, and as to her who had (if it should
be openly knowne abroad) contaminated by her lewde life and actions,
the sanctity and good renowne of the whole Monastery, and threatned her
with very severe chastisement. Poore _Isabella_, confounded with feare
and shame, as being no way able to excuse her fault, knew not what
answer to make, but standing silent, made her case compassionable to
all the rest, even those hard-hearted Sisters which betrayed her.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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