Page 276 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron Now, what shall we say in this case but that even into the homes be of like mind, that we now go back whence we came. And that
the rather that our company, the bruit whereof has already reached
divers others that are in our neighborhood, might be so increased
of the poor, the heavens let fall at times spirits divine, as into the
that all our pleasure would be destroyed. And so, if my counsel
palaces of kings souls that are fitter to tend hogs than to exercise
meets with your approval, I will keep the crown I have received of
lordship over men? Who but Griselda could have endured the
you until our departure, which I purpose shall be tomorrow morning.
hard and unheard-of trials to which Gualtieri subjected her with a
countenance not only tearless but cheerful? Who might have deemed
crown for the ensuing day."
himself to have made no bad investment, had he chanced upon one
who, having been turned out of his house in her shift, had found Should you decide otherwise, I have already determined whom to
means to dust the pelisse of another to get herself a fine robe? Much debate ensued among the ladies and young men; but in the
end, they approved the king's proposal as expedient and seemly and
So ended Dioneo's story, whereof the ladies, diversely inclining, resolved to do even as he had said. The king, therefore, summoned
one to censure where another found matter for commendation, the seneschal; and having conferred with him on the order he was to
had discoursed not a little. The king, having glanced at the sky and observe on the morrow, he dismissed the company until supper-time.
marked that the sun was now low, insomuch that it was near the
vesper hour, still keeping his seat, thus began: "Exquisite ladies, And so, the king being risen, the ladies and the rest likewise rose and
as, methinks, you know, it is not only in minding them of the past betook themselves, as they were wont, to their several diversions.
and apprehending the present that the wit of mortals consists; but Supper-time being come, they supped with exceeding great delight.
by one means or another to be able to foresee the future is by the Which done, they addressed themselves to song, music, and dancing;
sages accounted the height of wisdom. Now, tomorrow, as you and, while Lauretta was leading a dance, the king bade Fiammetta
know, it will be fifteen days since, in quest of recreation and for give them a song.
the conservation of our health and life, we, shunning the dismal
and dolorous and afflicting spectacles that have ceased not in our As soon as Fiammetta had ended her song, Dioneo, who was beside
city since this season of pestilence began, took our departure from her, said with a laugh: "Madam, it would be a great courtesy on your
Florence. Wherein, to my thinking, we have done nothing that was part to let all the ladies know who he is, so that he is not stolen from
not seemly; for, if I have duly used my powers of observation, albeit you in ignorance, seeing that you threaten such dire resentment."
some gay stories, and of a kind to stimulate concupiscence, have
here been told, and we have daily known no lack of dainty dishes and Several other songs followed; and it being then nigh upon midnight,
good wine, nor yet of music and song, things, one and all, apt to incite all, as the king was pleased to order, betook themselves to rest. With
weak minds to that which is not seemly, neither on your part nor on the first light of the new day, they rose, and, the seneschal having
ours have I marked deed or word, or aught of any kind, that called already conveyed thence all their chattels, they, following the lead of
for reprehension. But, by what I have seen and heard, seemliness their discreet king, hied themselves back to Florence. In Santa Maria
and the sweet intimacy of brothers and sisters have ever reigned Novella, whence they had set forth, the three young men took leave
among us. Which, assuredly, for the honor and advantage which of the seven ladies and departed to find other diversions elsewhere,
you and I have had thereof, is most grateful to me. Wherefore, lest while the ladies in due time repaired to their homes.
too long continuance in this way of life might beget some occasion
of weariness, and that no man may be able to misconstrue our too Endeth here the tenth and last day of the book called Decameron,
long abidance here, and as we have all of us had our day's share of otherwise Prince Galeotto.
the honor which still remains in me, I should deem it meet, so you
272 THE END
The Decameron