This so sodaine dexterity of wit in _Isabella_, related in verie modest manner by Madame _Pampinea_, was not onely admired by all the company; but likewise passed with as generall approbation. But yet Madam _Philomena_ (whom the King had commanded next to succeede) peremptorily sayde. Worthy Ladies, if I am not deceived; I intend to tell you another Tale presently; as much to be commended as the last. You are to understand then, that it is no long while since, when there dwelt in _Paris_ a _Florentine_ Gentleman, who falling into decay of his estate, by over-bountifull expences; undertooke the degree of a Merchant, and thrived so well by his trading, that he grew to great wealth, having one onely sonne by his wife, named _Lodovico_. This Sonne, partaking somewhat in his Fathers former height of minde, and no way inclineable to deale in Merchandize, had no meaning to be a Shop-man, and therefore accompanied the Gentlemen of _France_, in sundry services for the King; among whom, by his singular good carriage and qualities, he happened to be not meanly esteemed. While thus he continued in the Court, it chanced, that certaine Knights, returning from _Jerusalem_, having there visited the holy Sepulcher, and comming into company where _Lodovico_ was: much familiar discourse passed amongst them, concerning the faire women of _France, England,_ and other parts of the world where they had bin, and what delicate beauties they had seene. One in the company constantly avouched, that of all the Women by them so generally observed, there was not any comparable to the Wife of _Egano de Galluzzi_, dwelling in _Bologna_, and her name Madam _Beatrix_, reputed to be the onely faire woman of the world. Many of the rest maintained as much, having bin at _Bologna_, and likewise seene her. _Lodovico_ hearing the woman to be so highly commended, and never (as yet) feeling any thought of amorous inclination; became sodainely toucht with an earnest desire of seeing her, and his minde could entertaine no other matter, but onely of travailing thither to see her, yea, and to continue there, if occasion so served. The reason for his journey urged to his Father, was to visit _Jerusalem_, and the holy Sepulcher, which with much difficulty, at length he obtained his leave.