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
Now was shee the onely sorrowfull woman of the world; for nothing was
now to bee feared, but stormes and tempests, because _Lambertuccio_,
spake no other, then Lightning and Thunder, and _Lionello_, (being no
lesse affraide then shee) by her perswasion crept behind the bed,
where he hid himselfe very contentedly. By this time _Lambertuccio_ was
dismounted from his Courser, which he fastened (by the bridle) to a
ring in the wall, and then the waiting woman came to him, to guide him
to her Lady and Mistresse: who stood ready at the staires head, graced
him with a very acceptable welcome, yet marvelling much at his so
sodaine comming. Lady (quoth he) I met your Husband upon the way, which
granting mine accesse to see you; I come to claime your long delayed
promise, the time being now so favourable for it.
Before he had uttered halfe these words, _Beltramo_, having forgot
an especiall evidence in his Study, which was the onely occasion of
his journey, came gallopping backe againe into the Castell Court,
and seeing such a goodly Gelding stand fastened there, could not
redily imagine who was the owner thereof. The waiting woman, upon
the sight of her Masters entring into the Court, came to her Lady,
saying: My Master _Beltramo_ is returned backe, newly alighted, and
(questionlesse) comming up the staires. Now was our Lady _Isabella_,
ten times worse affrighted then before, (having two severall amourous
suters in her house, both hoping, neither speeding, yet her credite
lying at the stake for either) by this unexpected returne of her
Husband. Moreover, there was no possible meanes, for the concealing of
Signior _Lambertuccio_, because his Gelding stood in the open Court,
and therefore made a shrewde presumption against her, upon the least
doubtfull question urged.
Neverthelesse, as womens wits are alwayes best upon sudden constraints,
looking forth of her window, and espying her Husband preparing to come
up: she threw her selfe on her day Couch, speaking thus (earnestly)
to _Lambertuccio_. Sir, if ever you loved mee, and would have me
faithfully to beleeve it, by the instant safety both of your owne
honour, and my life, doe but as I advise you. Forth draw your Sword,
and, with a stearne countenance, threatning death and destruction: run
downe the staires, and when you are beneath, say. I sweare by my best
fortunes, although I misse of thee now heere, yet I will be sure to
finde thee some where else. And if my Husband offer to stay you, or
moove any question to you: make no other answere, but what you formerly
spake in fury. Beside, so soone as you are mounted on horsebacke,
have no further conference with him, upon any occasion whatsoever; to
prevent all suspition in him, of our future intendments.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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