The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5) Read online

  _The Authors Prologue, to the Lords, Ladies, and Gentlewomen._

  It is a matter of humanity, to take compassion on the afflicted, andalthough it be fitting towards all in generall, yet to such as are mosttied by bond of duty, who having already stood in neede of comfort,do therefore most needfully deserve to enjoy it. Among whom, if everany were in necessity, found it most precious, and thereby received nosmall contentment, I am one of them; because from my verie yongestyeeres, even untill this instant: mine affections became extraordinarilyenflamed, in a place high and Noble, more (perhaps) then beseemedmy humble condition, albeit no way distasted in the judgement ofsuch as were discreete, when it came truly to their knowledge andunderstanding. Yet (indeed) it was very painfull for me to endure,not in regard of her cruelty, whom I so deerely loved; as for want ofbetter government in mine owne carriage; being altogether swayed byrash and peevish passions, which made my afflictions more offensive tomee, then either wisedome allowed, or suited with my private particular.

  But, as counsell in misery is no meane comfort, so the good advice of aworthy friend, by many sound and singular perswasions, wrought such adeliberate alteration; as not onely preserved my life (which was beforein extreame perill) but also gave conclusion to my inconsiderate love,which in my precedent refractarie carriage, no deliberation, counsell,evident shame, or whatsoever perill should ensue thereon, could in anymanner contradict; beganne to asswage of it selfe in time, bestowingnot onely on me my former freedome; but delivering me likewise frominfinite perplexities.

  And because the acknowledgement of good turnes or courtesies received(in my poore opinion) is a vertue among all other highly to beecommended, and the contrary also to be condemned: to shewe my selfenot ingratefull, I determined (so soone as I saw my selfe in absoluteliberty) in exchange of so great a benefit bestowne on mee, to ministersome mitigation, I will not say to such as releeved me, because theirowne better understanding, or blessednesse in Fortune, may defendthem from any such necessity; but rather to them which truly stand inneed. And although that my comfort, may some way or other availe thecommon needie, yet (methinkes) where greefe is greatest, and calamitymost insulteth; there ought to be our paines soundly imployed, and ourgravest instructions and advise wholly administred.

  And who can deny, but that it is much more convenient, to commisseratethe distresse of Ladies and Gentlewomen, then the more able conditionof men? They, as being naturally bashfull and timorous, have their softand gentle soules, often enflamed with amorous afflictions, which liethere closely concealed, as they can best relate the power of them,that have bin subject to the greatest proofe. Moreover, they beingrestrained from their wils and desires, by the severity of Fathers,Mothers, Bretheren, and Husbands, are shut up (most part of their time)in their Chambers, where constrainedly sitting idle, diversity ofstraunge cogitations wheele up and downe their braines, forging as manyseverall imaginations, which cannot be alwayes pleasant and contenting.If melancholly, incited by some amorous or lovely apprehension,oppresse their weake and unresisting hearts: they must be glad to beareit patiently (til by better Fortune) such occasions happen, as mayovercome so proud an usurpation.

  Moreover, we cannot but confesse, that they are lesse able, then men,to support such oppressions: for if men grow affectionate, wee plainelyperceive, when any melancholly troublesome thoughts, or what greefeselse can any way concerne them, their soules are not subject to thelike sufferings. But admit they should fall into such necessity,they can come and go whither they will, heare and see many singularsights, hawk, hunt, fish, fowle, ride, or saile on the Seas, all whichexercises have a particular power in themselves, to withdraw amorouspassions, and appropriate the will to the pleasing appetite, either byalteration of ayre, distance of place, or protraction of time, to killsorrow, and quicken delight.

  Wherefore, somewhat to amend this error in humane condition, and whereleast strength is, as we see to bee in you most gracious Ladies andGentlewomen, further off (then men) from all fraile felicities: forsuch as feele the weighty insultations of proud and imprious love, andthereby are most in neede of comfort (and not they that can handle theNeedle, Wheele, and Distaffe) I have provided an hundred Novelles,Tales, Fables, or Histories, with judicious moralles belonging to them,for your more delight, and queinter exercise. In a faire and worthyassembly, of seven Honourable Ladies, and three Noble Gentlemen, theywere recounted within the compasse of ten dayes, during the wofull timeof our so late dangerous sicknesse, with apt Sonnets or Canzons, forthe conclusion of each severall day.

  In which pleasing Novels, may be observed many strange accidents ofLove, and other notable adventures, happening as well in our times, asthose of graver antiquity: by reading whereof, you may receyve bothpleasure and profitable counsell, because in them you shal perceive,both the sin to be shunned, and the vertue to be embraced; whichas I wholly hate the one, so I do (and ever will) honour the othersadvancement.