The Decameron quotes

But I would not therefore have this affright you from reading further, as if in the reading you were still to fare among sighs and tears.

Let this grisly beginning be none other to you than is to wayfarers a rugged and steep mountain, beyond which is situate a most fair and delightful plain

, which latter cometh so much the pleasanter to them as the greater was the hardship of the ascent and the descent; for, like as dolour occupieth the extreme of gladness, even so are miseries determined by imminent joyance.

How many memorable families, how many ample heritages, how many famous fortunes were seen to remain without lawful heir!

How many valiant men, how many fair ladies, how many sprightly youths, whom, not others only, but Galen, Hippocrates or Aesculapius themselves would have judged most hale, breakfasted in the morning with their kinsfolk, comrades and friends and that same night supped with their ancestors in the other world!

I am myself weary of going wandering so long among such miseries;

… as we would death, the dishonourable example of others, betake ourselves quietly to our places in the country, whereof each of us hath great plenty, and there take such diversion, such delight and such pleasance as we may, without anywise overpassing the bounds of reason.

There may we hear the small birds sing, there may we see the hills and plains clad all in green and the fields full of corn wave even as doth the sea

;

… today in this place and tomorrow in that, taking such pleasance and diversion as the season may afford, and on this wise abide till such time (an we be not earlier overtaken of death) as we shall see what issue Heaven reserveth unto these things.

And I would remind you that it is no more forbidden unto us honourably to depart than it is unto many others of our sex to abide in dishonour.

”

As soon as they had seated themselves, Dioneo, who was the merriest springald in the world and full of quips and cranks, said, “Ladies, your wit, rather than our foresight, hath guided us hither, and

I know not what you purpose to do with your cares; as for my own, I left them within the city gates, whenas I issued thence with you awhile agone

; wherefore, do you either address yourselves to make merry and laugh and sing together with me (in so far, I mean, as pertaineth to your dignity) or give me leave to go back for my cares and abide in the afflicted city.”

To church he went never and all the sacraments thereof he flouted in abominable terms, as things of no account; whilst, on the other hand, he was still fain to haunt and use taverns and other lewd places.

Of women he was as fond as dogs of the stick

; but in the contrary he delighted more than any filthy fellow alive. He robbed and pillaged with as much conscience as a godly man would make oblation to God;

whilst, on the other hand, he was still fain to haunt and use taverns and other lewd places. Of women he was as fond as dogs of the stick; but in the contrary he delighted more than any filthy fellow alive.

He robbed and pillaged with as much conscience as a godly man would make oblation to God

; he was a very glutton and a great wine bibber, insomuch that bytimes it wrought him shameful mischief, and to boot, he was a notorious gamester and a caster of cogged dice. But why should I enlarge in so many words?

he was a very glutton and a great wine bibber, insomuch that bytimes it wrought him shameful mischief, and to boot, he was a notorious gamester and a caster of cogged dice. But why should I enlarge in so many words?

He was belike the worst man that ever was born

. His wickedness had long been upheld by the power and interest of Messer Musciatto, who had many a time safeguarded him as well from private persons, to whom he often did a mischief, as from the law, against which he was a perpetual offender.

I have heard what you say of me and am well assured that it would happen even as you say, should matters pass as you expect; but it shall go otherwise.

I have in my lifetime done God the Lord so many an affront that it will make neither more nor less, an I do Him yet another at the point of death

;

The friar, then, seeing that Master Ciappelletto had no more to say, gave him absolution and bestowed on him his benison, holding him a very holy man and devoutly believing all that he had told him to be true.

And who would not have believed it, hearing a man at the point of death speak thus?

Then, after all this, he said to him, ‘Master Ciappelletto, with God’s help you will speedily be whole;

This is a handsome wench and is here unknown of any in the world. If I can bring her to do my pleasure, I know not why I should not do it.

Who will know it? No one will ever know it and a sin that’s hidden is half forgiven.

Maybe this chance will never occur again. I hold it great sense to avail ourselves of a good, whenas God the Lord sendeth us thereof.’

So saying and having altogether changed purpose from that wherewith he came, he drew near to the girl and began gently to comfort her, praying her not to weep, and passing from one word to another, he ended by discovering to her his desire.

The girl, who was neither iron nor adamant, readily enough lent herself to the pleasure of the abbot

, who, after he had clipped and kissed her again and again, mounted upon the monk’s pallet and having belike regard to the grave burden of his dignity and the girl’s tender age and fearful of irking her for overmuch heaviness, bestrode not her breast, …

The marchioness, who understood the king’s question excellent well, herseeming God had vouchsafed her, according to her wish, an opportune occasion of discovering her mind, turned to him and answered boldly, ‘

Nay, my lord; but women, albeit in apparel and dignities they may differ somewhat from others, are natheless all of the same fashion here as elsewhere.

’

Then, after the laughter had subsided and all were silent again, Filostrato, whose turn it was to tell, began to speak on this wise: “

It is a fine thing, noble ladies, to hit a mark that never stirreth; but it is well-nigh miraculous if, when some unwonted thing appeareth of a sudden, it be forthright stricken of an archer.

The lewd and filthy life of the clergy, in many things as it were a constant mark for malice, giveth without much difficulty occasion to all who have a mind to speak of, to gird at and rebuke it;

When he saw him, incontinent there came into his mind an ill thought and one that had never yet been there, and he said in himself, “

See to whom I give my substance to eat!

” Then, turning back, he bade shut the chamber-door and enquired of those who were about him if any knew yonder losel who sat at table over against his chamber-door; but all answered no.

Guglielmo, hearing this his preposterous question, answered, ‘

Sir, I doubt me I cannot undertake to tell you of aught that was never yet seen, except it were sneezings or the like

; but, an it like you, I will tell you of somewhat which me thinketh you never yet beheld.’ Quoth Messer Ermino, not looking for such an answer as he got, ‘I pray you tell me what it is.’

but, an it like you, I will tell you of somewhat which me thinketh you never yet beheld.’ Quoth Messer Ermino, not looking for such an answer as he got, ‘I pray you tell me what it is.’ Whereto Guglielmo promptly replied, ‘

Cause Liberality to be here depictured.

’

wherefore, presenting herself in tears before him, she said to him, ‘My lord, I come not into thy presence for any redress that I expect of the wrong that hath been done me; but in satisfaction thereof,

I prithee teach me how thou dost to suffer those affronts which I understand are offered unto thyself, so haply I may learn of thee patiently to endure mine own

, the which God knoweth, an I might, I would gladly bestow on thee, since thou art so excellent a supporter thereof.’

wherefore, you may in all assurance command me, as your creature, of your every pleasure, saving only mine honour.’ The physician, rising with his companions, thanked the lady and taking leave of her with laughter and merriment, departed thence.

Thus the lady, looking not whom she rallied and thinking to discomfit another, was herself discomfited

; wherefrom, an you be wise, you will diligently guard yourselves.”

Whereto he answered, ‘Sooth to say, I am but a plain man and little versed in these matters and have few orisons in hand;

I live after the old fashion and let a couple of shillings pass for four-and-twenty pence.

Nevertheless, I have still been wont, when on a journey, to say of a morning, what time I come forth of the inn, a Pater and an Ave for the soul of St.

Wherefore, bewailing himself, as one who was now fully aware of his mischance, ‘Ah, woe is me!’ cried he. ‘

In how little time have I lost five hundred florins and a sister!

’ Then, after many other words, he fell again to battering the door and crying out and this he did so long and so lustily that many of the neighbours, being awakened and unable to brook the annoy, arose and one of the courtezan’s waiting-women, …

whereat fear redoubled upon him. But, after the newcomers had forced open the tomb and propped up the lid, they fell into dispute of who should go in, and none was willing to do it. However, after long parley, a priest said, ‘What fear ye?

Think you he will eat you? The dead eat not men.

I will go in myself.’ So saying, he set his breast to the marge of the tomb and turning his head outward, put in his legs, thinking to let himself drop.

and she, who had lain with eight men belike ten thousand times, was put to bed to him for a maid and making him believe that she was so, lived happily with him as his queen awhile after; wherefore it was said, ‘

Lips for kissing forfeit no favour; nay, they renew as the moon doth ever.

’ ”

wherefore, however honest she be, it is possible she may do that which other women do; and nothing that is possible she be so peremptorily denied nor the contrary thereof affirmed with such rigour as thou dost.’ To which Bernabo made answer, saying, ‘

I am a merchant, and not a philosopher, and as a merchant I will answer

; and I say that I acknowledge that what thou sayst may happen to foolish women in whom there is no shame;

wherefore, whenas they may secretly, they do it, or, if they forebear, it is for stupidity.

And have thou this for certain that she alone is chaste, who hath either never been solicited of any or who, having herself solicited, hath not been hearkened.

And although I know by natural and true reasons that it is e’en as I say, yet should I not speak thereof with so full an assurance, had I not many a time and with many women made essay thereof.

but, seeing the most part of them with their hair clipped after one and the same fashion, he marvelled and said in himself, ‘

He whom I seek, for all he may be of mean estate, showeth right well he is of no mean wit.

’ Then, seeing that he could not, without making a stir, avail to have him whom he sought, and having no mind to incur a great shame for the sake of a paltry revenge, it pleased him with one sole word to admonish the culprit …

wherefore, turning to all who were present, he said, ‘

Let him who did it do it no more and get you gone in peace.

’ Another would have been for giving them the strappado, for torturing, examining and questioning, and doing this, would have published that which everyone should go about to conceal;

… but to give you to know withal that even the clergy, to whom we women, beyond measure credulous as we are, yield overmuch faith, can be and are whiles adroitly befooled, and that not by men only, but even by certain of our own sex.

In our city, the which is fuller of cozenage than of love or faith

, there was, not many years agone, a gentlewoman adorned with beauty and charms and as richly endowed by nature as any of her sex with engaging manners and loftiness of spirit and subtle wit, whose name albeit I know, I purpose not to discover …

He found the lattice open and entering the chamber as quickliest he might, threw himself into the arms of his fair mistress, who, having awaited him with the utmost impatience, received him joyfully, saying, ‘

Gramercy to my lord the friar for that he so well taught thee the way hither!

’ Then, taking their pleasure one of the other, they solaced themselves together with great delight, devising and laughing amain anent the simplicity of the dolt of a friar and gibing at wool-hanks and teasels and carding-combs.

and on this wise the latter continued to do penance, whilst his wife did her delight with the monk, to whom quoth she merrily, now and again, ‘

Thou hast put Fra Puccio upon performing a penance, whereby we have gotten Paradise.

’ Indeed, the lady, finding herself in good case, took such a liking to the monk’s fare, having been long kept on low diet by her husband, that, whenas Fra Puccio’s penance was accomplished, she still found means to feed her fill with him elsewhere …

She, rather tartly than otherwise, not out of malice, but of old habit, began to speak thus, “

Many folk, knowing much, imagine that others know nothing, and so ofttimes, what while they think to overreach others, find, after the event, that they themselves have been outwitted of them

; wherefore I hold his folly great who setteth himself without occasion to test the strength of another’s wit.

But presently, it seeming to Catella time to vent the resentment she felt, she began, all afire with rage and despite, to speak thus, ‘

Alas, how wretched is women’s lot and how ill bestowed the love that many of them bear their husbands!

I, unhappy that I am, these eight years have I loved thee more than my life, and thou, as I have felt, art all afire and all consumed with love of a strange woman, wicked and perverse man that thou art!

Or, if they will e’en give themselves unto this, why do they not ensue that other holy saying of the Gospel, “Christ began to do and to teach?”

Let them first do and after teach others.

I have in my time seen a thousand of them wooers, lovers and haunters, not of lay women alone, but of nuns; ay, and of those that make the greatest outcry in the pulpit. Shall we, then, follow after these who are thus fashioned?

I have in my time seen a thousand of them wooers, lovers and haunters, not of lay women alone, but of nuns; ay, and of those that make the greatest outcry in the pulpit. Shall we, then, follow after these who are thus fashioned?

Whoso doth it doth that which he will, but God knoweth if he do wisely.

But, granted even we are to allow that which the friar who chid you said to you, to wit, that it is a grievous sin to break the marriage vow, is it not a far greater sin to rob a man and a greater yet …

but why would they have this? So they may do that, which if the laity did, themselves could not do.

Who knoweth not that without money idleness may not endure?

An thou expend thy monies in thy pleasures, the friar will not be able to idle it in the monastery;

go we then, and put the Devil in hell.” And while they did so, she would now and again say:—“

I know not, Rustico, why the Devil should escape from hell; were he but as ready to stay there as hell is to receive and retain him, he would never come out of it.

” So, the girl thus frequently inviting and exhorting Rustico to the service of God, there came at length a time when she had so thoroughly lightened his doublet that he shivered when another would have sweated;

then, whenas he had made an end thereof, the queen, knowing the term of her sovranty to be come, lifted the laurel from her head and set it merrily on that of Filostrato, saying: “

We shall presently see if the wolf will know how to govern the ewes better than the ewes have governed the wolves.

” Filostrato, hearing this, said, laughing, “An I were hearkened to, the wolves had taught the ewes to put the devil in hell, no worse than Rustico taught Alibech; wherefore do ye not style us wolven, since you yourselves have not been ewen.

“Are ill things then made after this fashion?” and Filippo answered, “Ay.” Then said the son, “I know not what you would say nor why these are an ill thing; for my part, meseemeth I never yet saw aught goodly or pleasing as are these.

They are fairer than the painted angels you have shown me whiles.

For God’s sake, an you reck of me, contrive that we may carry one of yonder green geese back with us up yonder, and I will give it to eat.” “Nay,” answered the father, “I will not: thou knowest not whereon they feed.”

For God’s sake, an you reck of me, contrive that we may carry one of yonder green geese back with us up yonder, and I will give it to eat.” “Nay,” answered the father, “I will not: thou knowest not whereon they feed.”

And he understood incontinent that nature was stronger than his wit and repented him of having brought the youth to Florence.

But I will have it suffice me to have told this much of the present story and return to those for whose behoof I have related it.

Certes, I know not, save that, whenas I seek to imagine in myself what would be their answer, an I should of necessity beseech them thereof, to wit, of bread, methinketh they would reply, “Go seek it among thy fables.”

Indeed, aforetime poets have found more thereof among their fables than many a rich man among his treasures

, and many, following after their fables, have caused their age to flourish; whereas, on the contrary, many, in seeking to have more bread than they needed, have perished miserably. What more [shall I say]?

This stair was so out of all folk’s minds, for that it had been unused from time immemorial, that well nigh none remembered it to be there; but

Love, to whose eyes there is nothing so secret but it winneth, had recalled it to the memory of the enamoured lady

, who, that none should get wind of the matter, had laboured sore many days with such tools as she might command, ere she could make shift to open the door;

Whereto Guiscardo answered nothing but this, ‘

Love can far more than either you or I.

’ Tancred then commanded that he should be kept secretly under guard and in one of the chambers of the palace, and so was it done.

but unto this it was not so much my feminine frailty that moved me as thy little solicitude to remarry me and his own worth.

It should have been manifest to thee, Tancred, being as thou art flesh and blood, that thou hadst begotten a daughter of flesh and blood and not of iron or stone;

and thou shouldst have remembered and should still remember, for all thou art old, what and what like are the laws of youth and with what potency they work;

yet poverty bereaveth not any of gentilesse; nay, rather, wealth it is that doth this.

Many kings, many great princes were once poor and many who delve and tend sheep were once very rich.

The last doubt that thou broachest, to wit, what thou shouldst do with me, drive it away altogether;

but, seeing the extremity wherein she was, he fell a-weeping grievously; whereupon quoth the lady to him, ‘Tancred, keep these tears against a less desired fate than this of mine and give them not to me, who desire them not.

Who ever saw any, other than thou, lament for that which he himself hath willed?

Nevertheless, if aught yet live in thee of the love which once thou borest me, vouchsafe me for a last boon that, since it was not thy pleasure that I should privily and in secret live with Guiscardo, my body may openly abide with his, …

wherefore, as most I may, I humbly ask pardon of you for my default, to wit, the having without your knowledge taken him who most pleased me to husband.

And this boon I ask of you, not for that my life may be spared me, but to die your daughter and not your enemy.

’ So saying, she fell weeping at his feet.

… dolour of her lost lover and fear of the punishment demanded by Stramba fell, for having rubbed the sage against her teeth, into that same mischance, whereinto her lover had fallen [and dropped dead], to the no small wonderment of as many as were present.

O happy souls, to whom it fell in one same day to terminate at once your fervent love and your mortal life!

Happier yet, an ye went together to one same place! And most happy, if folk love in the other life and ye love there as you loved here below!

The thing pleased the girl, who was too late grown pitiful and would fain look upon him, dead, whom, living, she had not willed to pleasure with one poor kiss, and she went thither.

A marvellous thing it is to think how uneath to search out are the ways of love!

That heart, which Girolamo’s fair fortune had not availed to open, his illhap opened and the old flames reviving all therein, whenas she saw the dead face it melted of a sudden into such compassion that she pressed between the women, veiled as she was …

which when the knight saw, he said to her, ‘Wife, how deem you of this dish?’ ‘In good sooth, my lord,’ answered she, ‘it liketh me exceedingly.’ Whereupon, ‘So God be mine aid,’ quoth Roussillon; ‘

I do indeed believe it you, nor do I marvel if that please you, dead, which, alive, pleased you more than aught else.

’ The lady, hearing this, hesitated awhile, then said, ‘How? What have you made me eat?’ ‘This that you have eaten,’ answered the knight, ‘was in very truth the heart of Sir Guillaume de Guardestaing, whom you, disloyal wife as you are, so loved;

for, if I, unenforced of him, made him lord of my love and therein offended against you, not he, but I should have borne the penalty thereof.

But God forfend that ever other victual should follow upon such noble meat the heart of so valiant and so courteous a gentleman as was Sir Guillaume de Guardestaing!

’ Then, rising to her feet, without any manner of hesitation, she let herself fall backward through a window which was behind her and which was exceeding high above the ground;

The time coming the covenanted nuptials of Iphigenia and the bridegroom having sent for her, Cimon said to himself, ‘Now, O Iphigenia, is the time to prove how much thou are beloved of me.

By thee am I become a man and so I may but have thee, I doubt not to become more glorious than any god; and for certain I will or have thee or die.

’

whereat Ricciardo was mightily rejoiced. He had many a time a mind to speak to her, but kept silence of misdoubtance; however, one day, taking courage and opportunity, he said to her, ‘

I prithee, Caterina, cause me not die of love.

’ To which she straightway made answer, ‘Would God thou wouldst not cause me die!’

whereupon, having recognized Ricciardo, he went out again and repairing to his wife’s chamber, called to her, saying, ‘

Quick, wife, get thee up and come see, for that thy daughter hath been so curious of the nightingale that she hath e’en taken it and hath it in hand.

’ ‘How can that be?’ quoth she; and he answered, ‘Thou shalt see it, an thou come quickly.’

The scantness of the cover constrained them to press close one to other, and this touching was the means of somewhat emboldening their minds to discover the amorous desires that consumed them both; and Pietro first began to say, ‘

Would God this hail might never give over, so but I might abide as I am!

’ ‘Indeed,’ answered the girl, ‘that were dear to me also.’ From these words they came to taking each other by the hands and pressing them and from that to clipping and after to kissing, it hailing still the while;

then, playing the messenger herself, she told her father and mother that she was content to be Nastagio’s wife, whereat they were mightily rejoiced, and he, espousing her on the ensuing Sunday and celebrating his nuptials, lived with her long and happily.

Nor was this affright the cause of that good only; nay, all the ladies of Ravenna became so fearful by reason thereof, that ever after they were much more amenable than they had before been to the desires of the men.

”

Whereupon her brothers, making mock of her, said ‘Silly woman that thou art, what is this thou sayest? How canst thou choose him, seeing he hath nothing in the world?’ ‘Brothers mine,’ answered she, ‘I know very well that it is as you say; but

I would liefer have a man that lacketh of riches than riches that lack of a man.

’ Her brethren, hearing her mind and knowing Federigo for a man of great merit, poor though he was, gave her, with all her wealth, to him, even as she would;

The queen’s story come to an end and all having praised God for that He had rewarded Federigo according to his desert, Dioneo, who never waited for commandment, began on this wise: “

I know not whether to say if it be a casual vice, grown up in mankind through perversity of manners and usances, or a defect inherent in our nature, that we laugh rather at things ill than at good works, especially when they concern us not.

Wherefore, seeing that the pains I have otherwhiles taken and am now about to take aim at none other end than to rid you of melancholy and afford you occasion for laughter and merriment—albeit the matter of my present story may be in part not …

Then, seeing that this might result rather in her own exhaustion than in the amendment of her husband’s depravity, she said in herself, ‘

Yonder caitiff forsaketh me to go of his ribaldries on pattens through the dry, and I will study to carry others on shipboard through the wet.

I took him to husband and brought him a fine great dowry, knowing him to be a man and supposing him desireful of that whereunto men are and should be fain;

… wilt do exceeding well, and if for nought else, yet shouldst thou do it, thou and every other young woman, not to lose the time of your youth, for that to whoso hath understanding, there is no grief like that of having lost one’s time.

And what a devil are we women good for, once we are old, save to keep the ashes about the fire-pot?

If none else knoweth it and can bear witness thereof, that do and can I;

but this much I know that on the following morning the youth was escorted back to the public place, not altogether certain which he had the more been that night, wife or husband. Wherefore, dear my ladies, this will I say to you, ‘

Whoso doth it to you, do you it to him

’; and if you cannot presently, keep it in mind till such time as you can, so he may get as good as he giveth.”

and as for the wives, I know full well how many and what tricks they play their husbands; and this blockhead would teach me to know women, as if I had been born yesterday.”

What while Licisca spoke, the ladies kept up such a laughing that you might have drawn all their teeth

; and the queen imposed silence upon her a good half dozen times, but to no purpose; she stinted not till she had said her say.

Licisca, hearing this, fell a-laughing and turning to Tindaro, said, “I told thee so; begone and God go with thee; thinkest thou thou knowest better than I, thou whose eyes are not yet dry?

Gramercy, I have not lived here below for nothing, no, not I!

” And had not the queen with an angry air imposed silence on her and sent her and Tindaro away, bidding her make no more words or clamour, an she would not be flogged, they had had nought to do all that day but attend …

… of the heart, as she were sick and near her end, and at last, being unable to brook the thing any more and seeing the gentleman engaged in an imbroglio from which he was not like to extricate himself, she said to him pleasantly, ‘

Sir, this horse of yours hath too hard a trot; wherefore I pray you be pleased to set me down.

’ The gentleman, who, as it chanced, understood a hint better than he told a story, took the jest in good part and turning it off with a laugh, fell to discoursing of other matters and left unfinished the story that he had begun and …

wherefore I pray you be pleased to set me down.’

The gentleman, who, as it chanced, understood a hint better than he told a story, took the jest in good part and turning it off with a laugh, fell to discoursing of other matters and left unfinished the story that he had begun and conducted so ill.

”

which Cisti being gifted with a very lofty spirit, fortune made him a baker. And for this, certes,

I should curse both nature and fortune like, did I not know the one to be most discreet and the other to have a thousand eyes, albeit fools picture her blind

;

wherefore, not thinking to purge away the soil, but to return blow for blow, she promptly answered,

‘Maybe, sir, he would not make a conquest of me; but, in any case, I should want good money.’

The marshal and the bishop, hearing this, felt themselves alike touched to the quick by her speech, the one as the author of the cheat put upon the bishop’s brother’s granddaughter and the other as having suffered the affront in the person of his kinswoman, …

whereupon Currado said to him, ‘How sayst thou now, malapert knave that thou art? Deemest thou they have two legs?’ Chichibio, all confounded and knowing not whether he stood on his head or his heels, answered,

‘Ay, sir; but you did not cry, “Ho! Ho!” to yesternight’s crane; had you cried thus, it would have put out the other thigh and the other leg, even as did those yonder.’

This reply so tickled Currado that all his wrath was changed into mirth and laughter and he said, ‘Chichibio, thou art in the right; indeed, I should have done it.’

An there encountered us here a stranger who had never seen thee, thinkest thou he would believe thee to be, as thou art, the finest painter in the world?’

‘Ay, sir,’ answered Giotto forthright, ‘methinketh he might e’en believe it whenas, looking upon you, he should believe that you knew your A.B.C.’

Messer Forese, hearing this, was sensible of his error and saw himself paid with money such as the wares he had sold.”

and so was it said but now among these. Now the Cadgers are more ancient than anyone else, so that they are nobler; and showing you how they are the most ancient, I shall undoubtedly have won the wager.

You must know, then, that the Cadgers were made by God the Lord in the days when He first began to learn to draw; but the rest of mankind were made after He knew how to draw.

And to assure yourselves that in this I say sooth, do but consider the Cadgers in comparison with other folk;

Should I cast it to the dogs?

Was it not far better to gratify withal a gentleman who loveth me more than himself, than to leave it waste or spoil?

’ Now well nigh all the people of Prato had flocked thither to the trial of such a matter and of so fair and famous a lady, and hearing so comical a question, they all, after much laughter, cried out as with one voice that …

but, harkye, whenas thou shalt have found that God is not, what wilt thou have accomplished?’ Guido, seeing himself hemmed in by them, answered promptly,

‘Gentlemen, you may say what you will to me in your own house’

; then, laying his hand on one of the great tombs aforesaid and being very nimble of body, he took a spring and alighting on the other side, made off, having thus rid himself of them.

be thou, then, king and rule on such wise that, in the end, we may have reason to give ourselves joy of thy governance.” Dioneo took the crown and answered, laughing, “

You may often enough have seen much better kings than I, I mean chess-kings

; but, an you obey me as a king should in truth be obeyed, I will cause you enjoy that without which assuredly no entertainment is ever complete in its gladness. But let that talk be; I will rule as best I know.”

The king no sooner perceived Elisa’s story to be ended than, turning without delay to Lauretta, he signified to her his pleasure that she should tell; whereupon she, without hesitation, began thus, “

O Love, how great and how various is thy might! How many thy resources and thy devices!

What philosopher, what craftsman could ever have availed or might avail to teach those shifts, those feints, those subterfuges which thou on the spur of the moment suggestest to whoso ensueth in thy traces!

The lady, who had hidden herself near the door, no sooner saw him run to the well than she slipped into the house and locked herself in; then, getting her to the window,

‘You should water your wine, whenas you drink it,’ quoth she, ‘and not after and by night.’

Tofano, hearing this, knew himself to have been fooled and returned to the door, but could get no admission and proceeded to bid her open to him;

but, for that he saw thee so blithe and gamesome, he had a mind to try thee.’ Then said the lady, ‘

Praised be God that he hath tried me with words and thee with deeds!

Methinketh he may say that I suffered his words more patiently than thou his deeds. But, since he is so loyal to thee, it behoveth thee hold him dear and do him honour.’ ‘Certes,’ answered Egano, ‘thou sayst sooth’;

but thou art an ass.’ Then, somewhat despited at his words, she returned to her mistress, who, hearing what Pyrrhus had said, wished for death, but, some days after, she again bespoke the chamberwoman of the matter and said to her, ‘

Lusca, thou knowest that the oak falleth not for the first stroke

; wherefore meseemeth well that thou return anew to him who so strangely willeth to abide loyal to my prejudice, and taking a sortable occasion, throughly discover to him my passion and do thine every endeavour that the thing may have effect;

Meuccio was somewhat affrighted at seeing him; nevertheless, taking heart, ‘Thou art welcome, brother mine,’ quoth he, and presently asked him if he were lost.

‘Things are lost that are not to be found,’ replied Tingoccio; ‘and how should I be here, if I were lost?’

‘Alack,’ cried Meuccio, ‘I say not so; nay, I ask thee if thou art among the damned souls in the avenging fire of hell.’ Whereto quoth Tingoccio, ‘As for that, no;

The other asked me what sin this was, and I answered, “It was that I lay with a gossip of mine, and that with such a vengeance that it cost me my life”; whereupon quoth he, making merry over my fear,

“Go to, fool; have no fear. Here is no manner of account taken of gossips.”

Which when I heard, I was altogether reassured.’ This said and the day drawing near, ‘Meuccio,’ quoth he, ‘abide with God, for I may no longer be with thee,’ and was suddenly gone.

The clerk made off with the cloak and did her message to the priest, who said, laughing,

‘Tell her, when thou seest her, that, an she will not lend me her mortar, I will not lend her my pestle; and so we shall be quits.’

Bentivegna concluded that his wife had said this, because he had chidden her, and took no heed thereof; but Belcolore bore the priest a grudge and held him at arm’s length till vintage-time;

‘Gramercy, madam,’ answered the rector, overjoyed, ‘to tell you the truth, I have often wondered how you could hold out so long, considering that never did the like betide me with any woman; nay, I have said whiles,

“Were women of silver, they would not be worth a farthing, for that not one of them would stand the hammer.”

But let that pass for the present. When and where can we be together?’

But, as soon as the end of the story was come, the queen charged Pampinea tell hers, and she promptly began thus: “

It chanceth oft, dearest ladies, that craft is put to scorn by craft and it is therefore a sign of little wit to delight in making mock of others.

We have, for several stories, laughed amain at tricks that have been played upon folk and whereof no vengeance is recorded to have been taken;

but that it behoveth me look to mine honour, so I may hold up my head with the other ladies; whereof and he be as wise as folk say, he will hold me so much the dearer.’

Alack, poor silly soul, she knew not aright, ladies mine, what it is to try conclusions with scholars.

The maid went in search of Rinieri and finding him, did that which had been enjoined her of her mistress, whereat he was overjoyed and proceeded to use more urgent entreaties, writing letters and sending presents, all of which were accepted, but he got nothing …

… been left me, wherewithal I would have written such and so many things of thee and after such a fashion that, whenas thou camest (as thou wouldst have come) to know of them, thou wouldst a thousand times a day have wished thyself never born.

The power of the pen is far greater than they imagine who have not proved it with experience.

I swear to God (so may He gladden me to the end of this vengeance that I take of thee, even as He hath made me glad thereof in the beginning!)

Zeppa, having been with the lady so long as it pleased him, dismounted from the chest, and she asking for the promised jewel, he opened the chamber-door and called his wife, who said nought else than ‘

Madam, you have given me a loaf for my bannock

’; and this she said laughing. To her quoth Zeppa, ‘Open this chest.’ Accordingly she opened it and therein Zeppa showed the lady her husband, saying, ‘Here is the jewel I promised thee.’

And if aforetime he had entreated them with honour, from that time forth he honoured them yet more and made much of them, entertaining them with banquets and otherwhat, for fear lest they should publish his shame.

Thus, then, as you have heard, is sense taught to whoso hath learned no great store thereof at Bologna.

”

and in brief, with all that was there, there was not more than two hundred florins’ worth. Wherefore Biancofiore, confessing herself outwitted, long lamented the five hundred florins repaid and yet more the thousand lent, saying often, ‘

Who with a Tuscan hath to do, Must nor be blind nor see askew.

’ On this wise, having gotten nothing for her pains but loss and scorn, she found, to her cost, that some folk know as much as others.”

‘Marry,’ quoth she, ‘he lieth in his throat, for he was never abed with Niccolosa, seeing that I have lain here all night; more by token that I have not been able to sleep a wink; and thou art an ass to believe him.

You men drink so much of an evening that you do nothing but dream all night and fare hither and thither, without knowing it, and fancy you do wonders.

’Tis a thousand pities you don’t break your necks. But what doth Pinuccio yonder? Why bideth he not in his own bed?’

The lady shook her head and said, ‘

Who willeth thee ill, dreameth thee ill.

Thou feignest thyself mighty careful of me; but thou dreamest of me that which thou wouldst fain see come to pass;

Here beginneth the tenth and last day of the Decameron wherein under the governance of Pamfilo is discoursed of whoso hath anywise wrought generously or magnificently in matters of love or otherwhat.

Certain cloudlets in the West were yet vermeil, what time those of the East were already at their marges grown lucent like unto very gold

, when Pamfilo, arising, let call his comrades and the ladies, who being all come, he took counsel with them of whither they should go for their diversion and fared forth with slow step, accompanied by Filomena and Fiammetta, whilst all the others followed after.

The pope had had news of the taking of the abbot and albeit it had given him sore concern, he asked him, when he saw him, how the baths had profited him; whereto he replied, smiling, ‘

Holy Father, I found a worthy physician nearer than at the baths, who hath excellently well cured me

’; and told him how, whereat the pope laughed, and the abbot, following on his speech and moved by a magnanimous spirit, craved a boon of him. The pope, thinking he would demand otherwhat, freely offered to do that which he should ask;

wherefore I hold it far better to bestow it by way of gift, like as I have still given and expended my [other] treasures, than to seek to keep it until such times as it shall be taken from me by nature against my will.

To give an hundred years is no great boon; how much less, then, is it to give the six or eight I have yet to abide here?

Take it, then, an it like thee. Prithee, then, take it, an thou have a mind thereto;

… lady’s intent and chasing away anger with better counsel, he said, ‘Dianora, it is not the part of a discreet nor of a virtuous woman to give ear unto any message of this sort nor to compound with any for her chastity under whatsoever condition.

Words received into the heart by the channel of the ears have more potency than many conceive and well nigh everything becometh possible to lovers.

Thou didst ill, then, first to hearken and after to enter into terms of composition;

Moreover, the nigromancer, to whom the gentleman was for giving the promised guerdon, seeing Gilberto’s generosity towards his wife’s lover and that of the latter towards the lady, said, ‘

God forbid, since I have seen Gilberto liberal of his honour and you of your love, that I should not on like wise be liberal of my hire

; wherefore, knowing it will stand you in good stead, I intend that it shall be yours.’ At this the gentleman was ashamed and studied to make him take or all or part;

Is this of the justice of kings, that they who resort on such wise to their arms should be entreated after such a fashion, be they who they may?

Let me tell you, king, that it was an exceedingly great glory to you to have overcome Manfred, but a far greater one it is to overcome one’s self

; wherefore do you, who have to correct others, conquer yourself and curb this appetite, nor offer with such a blot to mar that which you have so gloriously gained.’

Then, remembering him of Sophronia and going over to the contrary, he denounced all that he had said, saying, ‘

The laws of love are of greater puissance than any others; they annul even the Divine laws, let alone those of friendship

; how often aforetime hath father loved daughter, brother sister, stepmother stepson, things more monstrous than for one friend to love the other’s wife, the which hath already a thousand times befallen!

… Titus, consented to become a Roman and accordingly took up his abode in the city, where he with his Fulvia and Titus with his Sophronia lived long and happily, still abiding in one house and waxing more friends (an more they might be) every day.

A most sacred thing, then, is friendship and worthy not only of especial reverence, but to be commended with perpetual praise, as the most discreet mother of magnanimity and honour, the sister of gratitude and charity and the enemy of hatred and avarice, still, without waiting to be entreated, ready virtuously to do unto others that which it would have done to itself.

Nowadays its divine effects are very rarely to be seen in any twain, by the fault and to the shame of the wretched cupidity of mankind, which, regarding only its own profit, hath relegated it to perpetual exile, beyond the extremest limits of the earth.

but I pray God that He bring nor you nor me to such an extremity in these days.’ This said, she embraced him, weeping, and drawing a ring from her finger, gave it to him, saying, ‘

And it chance that I die ere I see you again, remember me when you look upon this ring.

’

Then, mounting her on a palfrey, he carried her, honourably accompanied, to his mansion, where the nuptials were celebrated with the utmost splendour and rejoicing, no otherwise than as he had taken to wife the king’s daughter of France.

The young wife seemed to have, together with her clothes, changed her mind and her manners.

She was, as we have already said, goodly of person and countenance, and even as she was fair, on like wise she became so engaging, so pleasant and so well-mannered that she seemed rather to have been the child of some noble gentleman than the …

whereupon, without changing countenance, albeit she felt a sore anguish at heart, she straightway took her from the cradle and having kissed and blessed her, laid her in the servant’s arms, saying, ‘

Take her and punctually do that which thy lord hath enjoined thee; but leave her not to be devoured of the beasts and the birds, except he command it thee.

’ The servant took the child and reported that which the lady had said to Gualtieri, who marvelled at her constancy and despatched him with the child to a kinswoman of his at Bologna, praying her to bring her up and rear her diligently, without …