The Decameron (Day 6 to Day 10) Read online

  THE SIXT DAY.

  _Governed under the Authority of Madam Eliza, and the Argument of theDiscourses or Novels there to be recounted, doe concerne such persons;who by some witty words (when any have checkt or taunted them) haverevenged themselves, in a sudden, unexpected and discreet answere,thereby preventing loss, danger, scorne and disgrace, retorting them onthe busi-headed Questioners._

  The Induction.

  The Moone having past the heaven, lost her bright splendour, by thearising of a more powerfull light, and every part of our world beganto looke cleare: when the Queene (being risen) caused all the Companyto be called, walking forth afterward upon the pearled dewe (so farreas was supposed convenient) in faire and familiar conference together,according as severally they were disposed, & repetition of divers thepassed Novels, especially those which were most pleasing, and seemed soby their present commendations. But the Sunne beeing somewhat highermounted, gave such a sensible warmth to the ayre, as caused theirreturne backe to the Pallace, where the Tables were readily coveredagainst their comming, strewed with sweet hearbes and odoriferousflowers, seating themselves at the Tables (before the heat grew moreviolent) according as the Queene commanded.

  After dinner, they sung divers excellent Canzonnets, and then some wentto sleepe, others played at the Chesse, and some at the Tables: But_Dioneus_ and Madam _Lauretta_, they sung the love-conflict betweene_Troylus_ and _Cressida_. Now was the houre come, of repairing totheir former Consistory or meeting place, the Queene having theretogenerally summoned them, and seating themselves (as they were wontto doe) about the faire fountaine. As the Queene was commanding tobegin the first Novell, an accident suddenly happened, which never hadbefalne before: to wit, they heard a great noyse and tumult, among thehoushold servants in the Kitchin. Whereupon, the Queene caused theMaster of the Houshold to be called, demaunding of him, what noyse itwas, and what might be the occasion thereof? He made answere, that_Lacisca_ and _Tindaro_ were at some words of discontentment, but whatwas the occasion thereof, he knew not. Whereupon, the Queene commandedthat they should be sent for, (their anger and violent speeches stillcontinuing) and being come into her presence, she demaunded the reasonof their discord; and _Tindaro_ offering to make answere, _Lacisca_(being somewhat more ancient then he, and of a fiercer fiery spirit,even as if her heart would have leapt out of her mouth) turned herselfe to him, and with a scornefull frowning countenance, said. See howthis bold, unmannerly and beastly fellow, dare presume to speake inthis place before me: Stand by (saucy impudence) and give your betterleave to answere; then turning to the Queene, thus shee proceeded.

  Madam, this idle fellow would maintaine to me, that Signior_Sicophanto_ marrying with _Madama della Grazza_, had the victoryof her virginity the very first night: and I avouched the contrary,because shee had been a mother twise before, in very faire adventuringof her fortune. And he dared to affirme beside, that yong Maides areso simple, as to loose the flourishing Aprill of their time, in meerefeare of their parents, and great prejudice of their amourous friends.Onely being abused by infinite promises, that this yeare and thatyeare they shall have husbands, when, both by the lawes of nature andreason, they are not tyed to tarry so long, but rather ought to layhold upon opportunity, when it is fairely and friendly offered, so thatseldome they come maides to marriage. Beside, I have heard, and knowsome married wives, that have played divers wanton prancks with theirhusbands, yet carried all so demurely and smoothly; that they havegone free from publique detection. All which this woodcocke will notcredit, thinking me to be so yong a Novice, as if I had been borne butyesterday.

  While _Lacisca_ was delivering these speeches, the Ladies smiled on oneanother, not knowing what to say in this case: And although the Queene(five and or severall times) commaunded her to silence; yet such wasthe earnestnes of her spleen, that she gave no attention, but held onstill even untill she had uttered all that she pleased. But after shehad concluded her complaint, the Queene (with a smiling countenance)turned towards _Dioneus_ saying. This matter seemeth most properly tobelong to you; and therefore I dare repose such trust in you, that whenour Novels (for this day) shall be ended, you will conclude the casewith a definitive sentence. Whereto _Dioneus_ presently thus replyed.Madam, the verdict is already given, without any further expectation:and I affirme, that _Lacisca_ hath spoken very sensibly, because sheeis a woman of good apprehension, and _Tindaro_ is but a puny, inpractise and experience, to her.

  When _Lacisca_ heard this, she fell into a lowd Laughter, and turningher selfe to _Tindaro_, sayde: The honour of the day is mine, and thineowne quarrell hath overthrowne thee in the fielde. Thou that (as yet)hath scarsely learned to sucke, wouldest thou presume to know so muchas I doe? Couldst thou imagine mee, to be such a trewant in losse ofmy time, that I came hither as an ignorant creature? And had not theQueene (looking verie frowningly on her) strictly enjoyned her tosilence; shee would have continued still in this triumphing humour. Butfearing further chastisement for disobedience, both shee and _Tindaro_were commanded thence, where was no other allowance all this day, butonely silence and attention, to such as should be enjoyned speakers.

  And then the Queene, somewhat offended at the folly of the formercontroversie, commanded Madame _Philomena_, that she should givebeginning to the dayes Novels: which (in dutifull manner) sheeundertooke to doe, and seating her selfe in formall fashion, withmodest and very gracious gesture, thus she began.