A comely youthfull Gentleman of our City, became amorously affected to the Damosell, resorting thither divers times as hee travelled on the way, to expresse how much he did respect her. And she accounting her fortune none of the meanest, to bee beloved by so youthfull a Gallant, declared such vertuous and modest demeanour, as might deserve his best opinion of her: so that their love grew to an equall simpathy, and mutuall contentment of them both, in expectation of further effects; he being named _Panuccio_, and she _Nicholetta_. The heate of affection thus encreasing day by day, _Panuccio_ grew exceedingly desirous to enjoy the fruits of his long continued liking, and divers devises mustred in his braine, how he might compasse one nights lodging in her fathers house, whereof hee knew every part and parcell, as not doubting to effect what hee desired, yet undiscovered by any, but the maide her selfe. According as his intention aymed, so he longed to put it in execution, and having imparted his mind to an honest loyall friend, named _Adriano_, who was acquainted with the course of his love: hyring two horses, and having Portmantues behind them, filled with matters of no moment, they departed from _Florence_, as if they had some great journey to ride. Having spent the day time where themselves best pleased, darke night being entred, they arrived on the plaine of _Mugnone_, where, as if they were come from the parts of _Romanio_, they rode directly to this poore Inne, and knocking at the doore, the honest Hoste (being familiar and friendly to all commers) opened the doore, when _Panuccio_ spake in this manner to him. Good man, we must request one nights lodging with you, for we thought to have reached so farre as _Florence_, but dark night preventing us, you see at what a late houre wee are come hither. Signior _Panuccio_, answered the hoste, it is not unknowne to you, how unfitting my poore house is, for entertaining such guests as you are: Neverthelesse, seeing you are overtaken by so unseasonable an houre, and no other place is neere for your receite; I will gladly lodge you so well as I can.