In our City of _Florence_, famous for some good, though as many bad qualities, there dwelt (not long since) a Gentlewoman, endued with choice beauty and admirable perfections, being wife to Signior _Beltramo_, a very valiant Knight, and a man of great possessions. As oftentimes it commeth to passe, that a man cannot alwayes feede on one kind of bread, but his appetite will be longing after change: so fared it with this Lady, named _Isabella_, she being not satisfied with the delights of her Husband; grew enamoured of a young Gentleman, called _Lionello_, compleate of person and commendable qualities, albeit not of the fairest fortunes, yet his affection every way sutable to hers. And full well you know (faire Ladies) that where the mindes irreciprocally accorded, no dilligence wanteth for the desires execution: so this amorous couple, made many solemne protestations, untill they should bee friended by opportunity. It fortuned in the time of their hopefull expectation a Knight, named Signior _Lambertuccio_, fell likewise in love with _Isabella_: but because he was somewhat unsightly of person, and utterly unpleasing in the eye, she grew regardlesse of his frequent solicitings, and would not accept either tokens, or letters. Which when hee saw, (being very rich and of great power) hee sought to compasse his intent by a contrary course, threatning her with scandall and disgrace to her reputation, and with his associates to bandie against her best friends. She knowing what manner of man he was, and how able to abuse any with infamous imputations, wisely returned him hopefull promises, though never meaning to performe any, but onely (Lady-like) to flatter and foole him therewith. Some few miles distant from _Florence, Beltramo_ had a Castle of pleasure, and there his Lady _Isabella_ used to live all Summer, as all other doe the like, being so possessed. On a day, _Beltramo_ being ridden from home, and she having sent for _Lionello_, to take the advantage of her Husbands absence; accordingly he went, not doubting but to winne what he had long expected. Signior _Lambertuccio_ on the other side, meeting _Beltramo_ riding from his Castle, and _Isabella_ now fit to enjoy his company: gallops thither with all possible speede, because hee would bee no longer delayed. Scarcely was _Lionello_ entred the Castle, and receiving directions by the waiting woman, to her Ladies Chamber: but _Lambertuccio_ gallopped in at the Gate, which the woman perceiving, ranne presently and acquainted her Lady with the comming of _Lambertuccio_.