The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5) Read online

  THE DECAMERON, Containing, an Hundred pleasant NOVELLES.

  _Wherein, after demonstration made by the Author, upon what occasion ithapned, that the persons (of whom we shall speake heereafter) shouldthus meete together, to make so queint a Narration of Novels: Heedeclareth unto you, that they first begin to devise and conferre, underthe government of Madam Pampinea, and of such matters as may be mostpleasing to them all._

  The Induction of the Author, to the following Discourses.

  Gracious Ladies, so often as I consider with my selfe, and observerespectively, how naturally you are enclined to compassion; as manytimes do I acknowledge, that this present worke of mine, will (in yourjudgement) appeare to have but a harsh and offensive beginning, inregard of the mournfull remembrance it beareth at the verie entranceof the last Pestilentiall mortality, universally hurtfull to all thatbeheld it, or otherwise came to knowledge of it. But for all that,I desire it may not be so dreadfull to you, to hinder your furtherproceeding in reading, as if none were to looke thereon, but withsighes and teares. For, I could rather wish, that so fearefull abeginning, should seeme but as an high and steepy hill appeares to them,that attempt to travell farre on foote, and ascending the same withsome difficulty, come afterward to walk upon a goodly even plaine,which causeth the more contentment in them, because the attainingthereto was hard and painfull. For, even as pleasures are cut off bygriefe and anguish; so sorrowes cease by joyes most sweete and happiearriving.

  After this breefe molestation, briefe I say, because it is containedwithin small compasse of Writing; immediately followeth the most sweeteand pleasant taste of pleasure, whereof (before) I made promise to you.Which (peradventure) could not bee expected by such a beginning, ifpromise stoode not thereunto engaged. And indeed, if I could wel haveconveyed you to the center of my desire, by any other way, then sorude and rocky a passage as this is, I would gladly have done it. Butbecause without this Narration, we could not demonstrate the occasionhow and wherefore the matters hapned, which you shall reade in theensuing Discourses: I must set them downe (even as constrained theretoby meere necessity) in writing after this manner.

  The yeare of our blessed Saviours incarnation, 1348. that memorablemortality happened in the excellent City, farre beyond all the rest in_Italy_; which plague, by operation of the superiour bodies, or ratherfor our enormous iniquities, by the just anger of God was sent upon usmortals. Some few yeeres before, it tooke beginning in the Easternepartes, sweeping thence an innumerable quantity of living soules:extending it selfe afterward from place to place Westward, untill itseized on the said City. Where neither humane skill or providence,could use any prevention, notwithstanding it was cleansed of manyannoyances, by diligent Officers thereto deputed: besides prohibitionof all sickly persons enterance, and all possible provision dayly usedfor conservation of such as were in health, with incessant prayers andsupplications of devoute people, for the asswaging of so dangerous asicknesse.

  About the beginning of the yeare, it also began in very strange manner,as appeared by divers admirable effects; yet not as it had done in theEast Countries, where Lord or Lady being touched therewith, manifestsignes of inevitable death followed thereon, by bleeding at the nose.But here it began with yong children, male and female, either underthe armpits, or in the groine by certaine swellings, in some to thebignesse of an Apple, in others like an Egge, and so in divers greateror lesser, which (in their vulgar Language) they termed to be a Botchor Byle. In very short time after, those two infected parts were grownmortiferous, and would disperse abroad indifferently, to all parts ofthe body; whereupon, such was the qualitie of the disease, to shew itselfe by blacke or blew spottes, which would appeare on the armes ofmany, others on their thighes, and everie part else of the body: insome great and few, in others small and thicke.

  Now as the Byle (at the beginning) was an assured signe of neereapproaching death; so prooved the spots likewise to such as had them:for the curing of which sicknesse it seemed, that the Physitianscounsell, the vertue of Medicines, or any application else, couldnot yeeld any remedy: but rather it plainely appeared, that eitherthe nature of the disease would not endure it, or ignorance in thePhysitians could not comprehend, from whence the cause proceeded, andso by consequent, no resolution was to be determined. Moreover, besidethe number of such as were skilfull in Art, many more both women andmen, without ever having any knowledge in Physicke, became Physitians:so that not onely few were healed, but (well-neere) all dyed, withinthree dayes after the saide signes were seene; some sooner, and otherslater, commonly without either Feaver, or any other accident.

  And this pestilence was yet of farre greater power or violence; for,not onely healthfull persons speaking to the sicke, comming to seethem, or ayring cloathes in kindnesse to comfort them, was an occasionof ensuing death: but touching their garments, or any foode whereonthe sicke person fed, or any thing else used in his service, seemed totransferre the disease from the sicke to the sound, in very rare andmiraculous manner. Among which matter of marvell, let me tell you onething, which if the eyes of many (as well as mine owne) had not seene,hardly could I be perswaded to write it, much lesse to beleeve it,albeit a man of good credit should report it. I say, that the qualityof this contagious pestilence was not onely of such efficacy, in takingand catching it one of another, either men or women: but it extendedfurther, even in the apparant view of many, that the cloathes, or anything else, wherein one died of that disease, being toucht, or lyenon by any beast, farre from the kind or quality of man, they did notonely contaminate and infect the said beast, were it Dogge, Cat, or anyother; but also it died very soone after.

  Mine owne eyes (as formerly I have said) among divers other, one dayhad evident experience hereof, for some poore ragged cloathes of linnenand wollen, torne from a wretched body dead of that disease, and hurledin the open streete; two Swine going by, and (according to theirnaturall inclination) seeking for foode on every dung-hill, tossed andtumbled the cloathes with their snouts, rubbing their heads likewiseuppon them; and immediately, each turning twice or thrice about, theyboth fell downe dead on the saide cloathes, as being fully infectedwith the contagion of them: which accident, and other the like, if notfar greater, begat divers feares and imaginations in them that beheldthem, all tending to a most inhumane and uncharitable end; namely, toflie thence from the sicke, and touching any thing of theirs, by whichmeanes they thought their health should be safely warranted.

  Some there were, who considered with themselves, that living soberly,with abstinence from all superfluity; it would be a sufficientresistance against all hurtfull accidents. So combining themselves ina sociable manner, they lived as separatists from all other company,being shut up in such houses, where no sicke body should be neere them.And there, for their more security, they used delicate viands andexcellent wines, avoiding luxurie, and refusing speech to one another,not looking forth at the windowes, to heare no cries of dying people,or see any coarses carried to buriall; but having musicall instruments,lived there in all possible pleasure. Others were of a contraryopinion, who avouched, that there was no other physicke more certaine,for a disease so desperate, then to drinke hard, be merry amongthemselves, singing continually, walking every where, and satisfyingtheir appetites with whatsoever they desired, laughing, and mocking atevery mournefull accident, and so they vowed to spend day and night:for now they would goe to one Taverne, then to another, living withoutany rule or measure; which they might very easilie doe, because everyone of them, (as if he were to live no longer in this World) had evenforsaken all things that he had. By meanes whereof the most part ofthe houses were become common, and all strangers, might doe the like(if they pleased to adventure it) even as boldly as the Lord or owner,without any let or contradiction.

  Yet in all this their beastly behaviour, they were wise enough, toshun (so much as they might) the weake and sickly: In which misery andaffliction of our City, the venerable authority of the Lawes, as welldivine as humane, was even destroyed, as it were, through want of t
heawefull Ministers of them. For they being all dead, or lying sickewith the rest, or else lived so solitary, in such great necessity ofservants and attendants, as they could not execute any office, wherebyit was lawfull for every one to doe as he listed.

  Betweene these two rehearsed extremities of life, there were other ofa more moderate temper, not being so daintily dieted as the first, nordrinking so dissolutely as the second; but used all things sufficientfor their appetites, and without shutting up themselves, walkedabroade, some carrying sweete nose-gayes of flowers in their hands;others odoriferous herbes, and others divers kinds of spiceries,holding them to their noses, and thinking them most comfortable for thebraine, because the ayre seemed to be much infected, by the noysomesmell of dead carkases, and other hurtfull savours. Some other therewere also of more inhumane minde (howbeit peradventure it might bethe surest) saying, that there was no better physicke against thepestilence, nor yet so good; as to flie away from it, which argumentmainely moving them, and caring for no body but themselves, verymany, both men and women, forsooke the City, their owne houses, theirParents, kindred, friends, and goods, flying to other mens dwellingselse-where. As if the wrath of God, in punishing the sinnes of men withthis plague, would fall heavily upon none, but such as were enclosedwithin the City wals; or else perswading themselves, that not any oneshould there be left alive, but that the finall ending of all thingswas come.

  Now albeit these persons in their diversity of opinions died not all,so undoubtedly they did not all escape; but many among them becommingsicke, and making a generall example of their flight and folly, amongthem that could not stirre out of their beds, they languished moreperplexedly then the other did. Let us omit, that one Citizen fledafter another, and one neighbour had not any care of another, Parentsnor kinred never visiting them, but utterly they were forsaken on allsides: this tribulation pierced into the hearts of men, and with sucha dreadfull terror, that one Brother forsooke another; the Unkle theNephew, the Sister the Brother, and the Wife her Husband: nay, a mattermuch greater, and almost incredible; Fathers and Mothers fled away fromtheir owne Children, even as if they had no way appertained to them.In regard whereof, it could be no otherwise, but that a countlessemultitude of men and women fell sicke; finding no charity among theirfriends, except a very few, and subjected to the avarice of servants,who attended them constrainedly, for great and unreasonable wages, yetfew of those attendants to be found any where too. And they were menor women but of base condition, as also of groser understanding, whonever before had served in any such necessities, nor indeed were anyway else to be imployed, but to give the sicke person such things as hecalled for, or to awaite the houre of his death; in the performance ofwhich services, oftentimes for gaine, they lost their owne lives.

  In this extreame calamity, the sicke being thus forsaken of neighbours,kinred, and friends, standing also in such need of servants; a customecame up among them, never heard of before, that there was not anywoman, how noble, young, or faire soever shee was, but falling sicke,shee must of necessity have a man to attend her, were he young orotherwise, respect of shame or modesty no way prevailing, but all partsof her body must be discovered to him, which (in the like urgency)was not to be seene by any but women: whereon ensued afterward, thatupon the parties healing and recovery, it was the occasion of furtherdishonesty, which many being more modestly curious of, refused suchdisgracefull attending, chusing rather to die, then by such helpe tobe healed. In regard whereof, as well through the want of convenientremedies, (which the sicke by no meanes could attain unto) as also theviolence of the contagion, the multitude of them that died night andday, was so great, that it was a dreadfull sight to behold, and as muchto heare spoken of. So that meere necesssity (among them that remainedliving) begat new behaviours, quite contrary to all which had beene informer times, and frequently used among the City Inhabitants.

  The custome of precedent dayes (as now againe it is) was, that women,kinred, neighbours, and friends, would meete together at the deceasedparties house, and there, with them that were of neerest alliance,expresse their hearts sorrow for their friends losse. If not thus,they would assemble before the doore, with many of the best Cittizensand kindred, and (according to the quality of the deceased) the Clergymet there likewise, and the dead body was carried (in comely manner)on mens shoulders, with funerall pompe of Torch-light, and singing,to the Church appointed by the deceased. But these seemely orders,after that the fury of the pestilence began to encrease, they in likemanner altogether ceased, and other new customes came in their place;because not onely people died, without having any women about them, butinfinites also past out of this life, not having any witnesse, how,when, or in what manner they departed. So that few or none there were,to deliver outward shew of sorrow and grieving: but insteed thereof,divers declared idle joy and rejoycing, a use soone learned of immodestwomen, having put off al feminine compassion, yea, or regard of theirowne welfare.

  Very few also would accompany the body to the grave, and they notany of the Neighbours, although it had beene an honourable Cittizen,but onely the meanest kinde of people, such as were grave-makers,coffin-bearers, or the like, that did these services onely for money,and the beere being mounted on their shoulders, in all haste they wouldrunne away with it, not perhaps to the Church appointed by the dead,but to the neerest at hand, having some foure or sixe poore Priestsfollowing, with lights or no lights, and those of the silliest; shortservice being said at the buriall, and the body unreverently throwneinto the first open grave they found. Such was the pittifull misery ofpoore people, and divers, who were of better condition, as it was mostlamentable to behold; because the greater number of them, under hope ofhealing, or compelled by poverty, kept still within their houses weakeand faint, thousands falling sick daily, and having no helpe, or beingsuccoured any way with foode or physicke, all of them died, few or noneescaping.

  Great store there were, that died in the streetes by day or night,and many more beside, although they died in their houses; yet firstthey made it knowne to their neighbours, that their lives perished,rather by the noysome smell of dead and putrified bodies, then by anyviolence of the disease in themselves. So that of these and the rest,dying in this manner every where, the neighbours observed one courseof behaviour, (moved thereto no lesse by feare, that the smell andcorruption of dead bodies should harme them, then charitable respect ofthe dead) that themselves when they could, or being assisted by somebearers of coarses, when they were able to procure them, wold hale thebodies (alreadie dead) out of their houses, laying them before theirdoores, where such as passed by, especially in the mornings, might seethem lying in no meane numbers. Afterward, Bieres were brought thither,and such as might not have the helpe of Bieres, were glad to lay themon tables, and Bieres have bin observed, not onely to be charged withtwo or three dead bodies at once, but many times it was seene also,that the wife with the husband, two or three Brethren together; yea,the Father and the mother, have thus beene carried along to the graveupon one Biere.

  Moreover, oftentimes it hath bene seene, that when two Priests wentwith one Crosse to fetch the body; there would follow (behind) threeor foure bearers with their Bieres, and when the Priests intendedthe buriall but of one bodie, sixe or eight more have made up theadvantage, and yet none of them being attended by any seemly company,lights, teares, or the very least decencie, but it plainly appeared,that the verie like account was then made of men or Women, as if theyhad bene Dogges or Swine. Wherein might manifestly bee noted, that thatwhich the naturall course of things could not shewe to the wise, withrare and little losse, to wit, the patient support of miseries andmisfortunes, even in their greatest height: not onely the wise mightnow learne, but also the verie simplest people; & in such sort, thatthey should alwaies be prepared against all infelicities whatsoever.

  Hallowed ground could not now suffice, for the great multitude of deadbodies, which were daily brought to every Church in the City, andevery houre in the day; neither could the bodies have proper place ofburiall
, according to our ancient custome: wherefore, after that thechurches and Church-yards were filled, they were constrained to makeuse of great deepe ditches, wherein they were buried by hundreds atonce, ranking dead bodies along in graves, as Merchandizes are laidealong in ships, covering each after other with a small quantity ofearth, & so they filled at last up the whole ditch to the brim.

  Now, because I would wander no further in everie particularity,concerning the miseries happening in our Citie: I tell you, thatextremities running on in such manner as you have heard; little lessespare was made in the Villages round about; wherein (setting asideenclosed Castles, which were now filled like to small Cities) pooreLabourers and Husband-men, with their whole Families, dyed mostmiserably in out-houses, yea, and in the open fieldes also; withoutany assistance of physicke, or helpe of servants; & likewise in thehigh-wayes, or their ploughed landes, by day or night indifferently,yet not as men, but like brute beasts.

  By meanes whereof, they became lazie and slothfull in their dailyendeavours, even like to our Citizens; not minding or medling with theirwonted affaires: but, as awaiting for death every houre, imployed alltheir paines, not in caring any way for themselves, their cattle, orgathering the fruits of the earth, or any of their accustomed labours;but rather wasted and consumed, even such as were for their instantsustenance. Whereupon, it fell so out, that their Oxen, Asses, Sheepe,and Goates, their Swine, Pullen, yea their verie Dogges, the truestand faithfullest servants to men, being beaten and banished from theirhouses, went wildly wandring abroad in the fields, where the Corne grewstill on the ground without gathering, or being so much as reapt orcut. Many of the fore-said beasts (as endued with reason) after theyhad pastured themselves in the day time, would returne full fed atnight home to their houses, without any government of Heardsmen, or anyother.

  How many faire Palaces! How many goodly Houses! How many noblehabitations, filled before with families of Lords and Ladies, werethen to be seene emptie, without any one there dwelling, except somesilly servant? How many Kindreds, worthy of memory! How many greatinheritances! And what plenty of riches, were left without any truesuccessours? How many good men! How many woorthy Women! How manyvaliant and comely yong men, whom none but _Galen, Hippocrates,_and _?sculapius_ (if they were living) could have reputed any wayunhealthfull; were seene to dine at morning, with their Parents,Friends, and familiar confederates, and went to sup in another worldwith their Predecessors?

  It is no meane breach to my braine, to make repetition of so manymiseries; wherefore, being willing to part with them as easily as Imay: I say that our Citie being in this case, voide of inhabitants, itcame to passe (as afterward I understoode by some of good credite) thatin the venerable Church of S. _Marie la Neufue_, on a Tuesday morning,there being then no other person, after the hearing of divine Service,in mourning habits (as the season required) returned thence sevendiscreet yong Gentlewomen, all allyed together, either by friendship,neighbour-hood, or parentage. She among them that was most entred intoyeares, exceeded not eight and twenty, and the yongest was no lessethen eighteene; being of Noble descent, faire forme, adorned withexquisite behaviour, and gracious modesty.

  Their names I could report, if just occasion did not forbid it, inregard of the occasions following by them related, and because timesheereafter shall not taxe them with reproofe; the lawes of pleasurebeing more straited now adayes (for the matters before revealed)then at that time they were, not onely to their yeares, but to manymuch riper. Neither will I likewise minister matter to rash heades(over-readie in censuring commendable life) any way to impaire thehonestie of Ladies, by their idle detracting speeches. And therefore,to the end that what each of them saith, may be comprehended withoutconfusion; I purpose to stile them by names, wholly agreeing, or (inpart) conformable to their qualities. The first and most aged, we willname _Pampinea_; the second _Fiammetta_; the third _Philomena_; thefourth _?milia_; the fift _Lauretta_; the sixt _Neiphila_; and the lastwe terme (not without occasion) _Elissa_, or _Eliza_. All of them beingassembled at a corner of the Church, not by any deliberation formerlyappointed, but meerely by accident, and sitting as it were in a roundring: after divers sighs severally delivered, they conferred on sundrymatters answerable to the sad qualitie of the time, and within a whileafter, Madam _Pampinea_ began in this manner.

  Faire Ladies, you may (no doubt as well as I) have often heard, thatno injury is offered to any one, by such as make use but of their owneright. It is a thing naturall for everie one which is borne in thisWorld, to aide, conserve, and defend her life so long as shee can; andthis right hath bene so powerfully permitted, that although it hathsometimes happened, that (to defend themselves) men have beene slainewithout any offence: yet Lawes have allowed it to be so, in whosesolicitude lieth the best living of all mortals. How much more honestand just is it then for us, and for every other well-disposed person,to seeke for (without wronging any) and to practise all remedies thatwee can, for the conservation of our lives? When I well consider,what we have heere done this morning, and many other already past;remembring (withall) what likewise is proper and convenient for us:I conceive (as all you may do the like) that everie one of us hath adue respect of her selfe, and then I mervaile not, but rather am muchamazed (knowing none of us to be deprived of a Womans best judgement)that wee seeke not after some remedies for our selves, against that,which every one among us, ought (in reason) to feare.

  Heere we meete and remaine (as it seemeth to mee) in no other manner,then as if we would or should be witnesses, to all the dead bodies atrest in their graves; or else to listen, when the religious Sistershere dwelling (whose number now are well-neere come to be none at all)sing Service at such houres as they ought to do; or else to acquaintall commers hither (by our mourning habites) with the quality andquantitie of our hearts miseries. And when we part hence, we meetewith none but dead bodies; or sicke persons transported from one placeto another; or else we see running thorow the City (in most offensivefury) such as (by authoritie of publike Lawes) were banished hence,onely for their bad and brutish behaviour in contempt of those Lawes,because now they know, that the executors of them are dead and sicke.And if not these, more lamentable spectacles present themselves to us,by the base rascality of the Citie; who being fatted with our blood,tearme themselves Grave-makers, and in meere contemptible mockerie ofus, are mounted on horse-backe, gallopping everie where, reproachingus with our losses and misfortunes, with lewd and dishonest songs: sothat we can hear nothing else but such and such are dead, and such andsuch lie a dying; heere hands wringing, and everie where most pittifullcomplaining.

  If we returne home to our houses (I know not whether your case beeanswerable to mine) when I can finde none of all my Family, but onelymy poore waiting Chamber-maide; so great are my feares, that the veriehaire on my head declareth my amazement, and wheresoever I go or sitdowne, me thinkes I see the ghostes and shadowes of deceased friends,not with such lovely lookes as I was wont to behold them, but with mosthorrid and dreadfull regards, newly stolne upon them I know not how.In these respects, both heere, else-where, and at home in my house,methinkes I am alwaies ill, and much more (in mine owne opinion) thenany other bodie, not having meanes or place of retirement, as all wehave, and none to remaine heere but onely we.

  Moreover, I have often heard it said, that in tarrying or departing, nodistinction is made in things honest or dishonest; onely appetite willbe served; and be they alone or in company, by day or night, they dowhatsoever their appetite desireth: not secular persons onely, but suchas are recluses, and shut up within Monasteries, breaking the Lawes ofobedience, and being addicted to pleasures of the flesh, are becomelascivious and dissolute, making the world beleeve, that whatsoever isconvenient for other women, is no way unbeseeming them, as thinking inthat manner to escape.

  If it be so, as manifestlie it maketh shew of it selfe; What do wehere? What stay we for? And whereon do we dreame? Why are we morerespectlesse of our health, then all the rest of the Citizens? Reputewe our selves lesse precious then al
l the other? Or do we beleeve, thatlife is linked to our bodies with stronger chaines, then to others, andthat therefore we should not feare any thing that hath power to offendus? Wee erre therein, and are deceived. What brutishnesse were it inus, if wee should urge any such beleefe? So often as wee call to minde,what, and how many gallant yong men and women, have beene devoured bythis cruell pestilence; wee may evidently observe a contrary argument.

  Wherefore, to the end, that by being over-scrupulous and carelesse, wefall not into such danger, whence when we would (perhaps) we cannotrecover our selves by any meanes: I thinke it meete (if your judgementtherein shall jumpe with mine) that all of us as we are (at least, ifwe will doe as divers before us have done, and yet daily endeavourto doe) shunning death by the honest example of other, make ourretreate to our Countrey houses, wherewith all of us are sufficientlyfurnished, and thereto delight our selves as best we may, yet withouttransgressing (in any act) the limits of reason. There shall we hearethe pretty birds sweetly singing, see the hilles and plaines verdantlyflourishing; the Corne waving in the field like the billowes of theSea; infinite store of goodly trees, and the Heavens more fairely opento us, then here we can behold them: And although they are justlydispleased, yet will they not there denie us better beauties to gazeon, then the walles in our City (emptied of Inhabitants) can affoord us.

  Moreover, the Ayre is much fresh and cleere, and generally, there isfarre greater abundance of all things whatsoever, needefull at thistime for preservation of our health, and lesse offence or molestationthen wee find here.

  And although Countrey people die, as well as heere our Citizens doe,the griefe notwithstanding is so much the lesse, as the houses anddwellers there are rare, in comparison of them in our City. And beside,if we well observe it, here wee forsake no particular person, butrather wee may tearme our selves forsaken; in regard that our Husbands,Kinred, and Friends, either dying, or flying from the dead, have leftus alone in this great affliction, even as if we were no way belongingunto them. And therefore, by following this counsell, wee cannot fallinto any reprehension; whereas if we neglect and refuse it, danger,distresse, and death, (perhaps) may ensue thereon.

  Wherefore, if you thinke good, I would allow it for well done, to takeour waiting women, with all such things as are needfull for us, and (asthis day) betake our selves to one place, to morrow to another, takingthere such pleasure and recreation, as so sweete a season liberallybestoweth on us. In which manner we may remaine, till we see (if deathotherwise prevent us not) what ende the gracious Heavens have reservedfor us. I would have you also to consider, that it is no lesse seemelyfor us to part hence honestly, then a great number of other Women toremaine here immodestly.

  The other Ladies and Gentlewomen, having heard Madam _Pampinea_, notonely commended her counsell, but desiring also to put it in execution;had already particularly consulted with themselves, by what means theymight instantly depart from thence. Neverthelesse, Madam _Philomena_,who was very wise, spake thus.

  Albeit faire Ladies, the case propounded by Madam _Pampinea_ hathbeene very wel delivered; yet (for all that) it is against reason forus to rush on, as we are over-ready to doe. Remember that we are allwomen, and no one among us is so childish, but may consider, that whenwee shall be so assembled together, without providence or conduct ofsome man, we can hardly governe our selves. We are fraile, offensive,suspicious, weake spirited, and fearefull: in regard of whichimperfections, I greatly doubt (if we have no better direction then ourowne) this society will sooner dissolve it selfe, and (perchance) withlesse honour to us, then if we never had begunne it. And therefore itshall be expedient for us, to provide before wee proceede any further.Madam _Elissa_ hereon thus replied.

  Most true it is, that men are the chiefe or head of women, andwithout their order, sildome times doe any matters of ours sort tocommendable ende. But what meanes shal we make for men? we all knowwell enough, that the most part of our friends are dead, and such asare living, some be dispearsed here, others there, into divers placesand companies, where we have no knowledge of their being. And to acceptof strangers, would seeme very inconvenient; wherefore as we havesuch care of our health, so should wee be as respective (withall) inordering our intention: that wheresoever wee aime at our pleasure andcontentment, reproofe and scandall may by no meanes pursue us.

  While this discourse thus held among the Ladies, three young Gentlemencame forth of the Church (yet not so young, but the youngest hadattained to five and twenty yeeres) in whom, neither malice ofthe time, loss of friends or kinred, nor any fearefull conceit inthemselves, had the power to quench affection; but (perhaps) mighta little coole it, in regard of the queazy season. One of themcalled himselfe _Pamphilus_, the second _Philostratus_, and thelast _Dioneus_. Each of them was very affable and well conditioned,and walked abroade (for their greater comfort in such a time oftribulation) to trie if they could meete with their faire friends, who(happily) might all three be among these seaven, and the rest kinneunto them in one degree or other. No sooner were these Ladies espyedby them, but they met with them also in the same advantage; whereuponMadam _Pampinea_ (amiably smiling) saide.

  See how graciously Fortune is favourable to our beginning, bypresenting our eyes with three so wise and worthy young Gentlemen, whowill gladly be our guides and servants, if we doe not disdaine themthe office. Madam _Neiphila_ beganne immediatly to blush, because oneof them had a love in the company, and saide; Good Madam _Pampinea_take heed what you say, because (of mine owne knowledge) nothing canbe spoken but good of them all; and I thinke them all to be absolutelysufficient, for a farre greater employment then is here intended: asbeing well worthy to keepe company, not onely with us, but them ofmore faire and precious esteeme then we are. But because it appearethplainely enough, that they beare affection to some here among us: Ifeare, if wee should make the motion, that some dishonour or reproofemay ensue thereby, and yet without blame either in us or them. That isnothing at all, answered Madam _Philomena_, let mee live honestly, andmy conscience not checke me with any crime; speake then who can to thecontrary, God and truth shal enter armes for me. I wish that they wereas willing to come, as all wee are to bid them welcome: for truly (asMadam _Pampinea_ saide) wee may very well hope that Fortune will beefurtherous to our purposed journey.

  The other Ladies hearing them speake in such manner, not onely weresilent to themselves, but all with one accord and consent saide,that it were well done to call them, and to acquaint them with theirintention, entreating their company in so pleasant a voyage. Whereupon,without any more words, Madam _Pampinea_ mounting on her feete (becauseone of the three was her Kinsman) went towards them, as they stoodrespectively observing them; and (with a pleasing countenance) givingthem a gracious salutation, declared to them their deliberation,desiring (in behalfe of all the rest) that with a brotherly and modestminde, they would vouchsafe to beare them company.

  The Gentlemen imagined at the first apprehension, that this wasspoken in mockage of them, but when they better perceived, that herwords tended to solemne earnest; they made answer, that they wereall heartily ready to doe them any service. And without any furtherdelaying, before they parted thence, tooke order for their aptestfurnishing with all convenient necessaries, and sent word to theplace of their first appointment. On the morrow, being Wednesday,about breake of day, the Ladies, with certaine of their attendingGentlewomen, and the three Gentlemen, having three servants to waiteon them; left the City to beginne their journey, and having travelledabout a leagues distance, arrived at the place of their first purposeof stay; which was seated on a little hill, distant (on all sides) fromany high way, plentifully stored with faire spreading Trees, affoordingno meane delight to the eye. On the top of all stood a stately Pallace,having a large and spacious Court in the middest, round engirt withgalleries, hals and chambers, every one separate alone by themselves,and beautified with pictures of admirable cunning. Nor was there anywant of Gardens, Meadowes, and other pleasant walkes, with wellesand springs of faire running waters, all enc
ompassed with branchingvines, fitter for curious and quaffing bibbers, then women sober andsingularly modest.

  This Pallace the company found fully fitted and prepared, the beddes inthe Chambers made and daintily ordered, thickly strewed with varietyof flowers, which could not but give them the greater contentment._Dioneus_, who (above the other) was a pleasant young gallant, andfull of infinite witty conceits, saide; Your wit (faire Ladies) hathbetter guided us hither, then our providence. I know not how you havedetermined to dispose of your cares; as for mine owne, I left them atthe City gate, when I came thence with you: and therefore let yourresolution be, to spend the time here in smiles and singing (I meane,as may fittest agree with your dignity) or else give me leave togoe seeke my sorrowes againe, and so to remaine discontented in ourdesolate City. Madam _Pampinea_ having in like manner shaken off hersorrowes, delivering a modest and bashfull smile, replied in thismanner.

  _Dioneus_, well have you spoken, it is fit to live merrily, and noother occasion made us forsake the sicke and sad Citie. But, becausesuch things as are without meane or measure, are subject to no longcontinuance. I, who began the motion, whereby this society is thusassembled, and ayme at the long lasting thereof: doe hold it veryconvenient, that wee should all agree, to have one chiefe commaunderamong us, in whom the care and providence should consist, for directionof our merriment, performing honour and obedience to the party, asto our Patrone and sole Governour. And because every one may feelethe burthen of sollicitude, as also the pleasure of commaunding, andconsequently have a sensible taste of both, whereby no envie may ariseon any side: I could wish, that each one of us (for a day onely) shouldfeele both the burthen and honour, and the person so to be advanced,shall receive it from the election of us all. As for such as are tosucceede, after him or her that hath had the dayes of dominion: theparty thought fit for succession, must be named so soone as nightapproacheth. And being in this eminencie (according as he or she shallplease) hee may order and dispose, how long the time of his rule shalllast, as also of the place and manner, where best we may continue ourdelight.

  These words were highly pleasing to them all, and, by generall voyce,Madame _Pampinea_ was chosen Queene for the first day. Whereupon,Madame _Philomena_ ranne presently to a Bay-tree, because she had oftenheard, what honour belonged to those branches, and how worthy of honourthey were, that rightfully were crowned with them, plucking off diversbranches, she made of them an apparant and honourable Chaplet, placingit (by generall consent) upon her head, and this, so long as theircompany continued, manifested to all the rest, the signall of dominionand Royall greatnesse.

  After that Madame _Pampinea_ was thus made Queene, she commandedpublique silence, and causing the Gentlemens three servants, and thewaiting women also (being foure in number) to be brought before her,thus shee began. Because I am to give the first example to you all,whereby (proceeding on from good to better) our company may live inorder and pleasure, acceptable to all, and without shame to any: Icreate _Parmeno_ (servant to _Dioneus_) Maister of the Houshold, heetaking the care and charge of all our trayne, and for whatsoeverappertaineth to our Hall service. I appoint also that _Silisco_(servant to _Pamphilus_) shall be our Dispencer and Treasurer,performing that which _Parmeno_ shall commaund him. And that _Tindaro_serve as Groome of the Chamber, to _Philostratus_ his Maister, and theother two, when his fellowes (impeached by their offices) cannot bepresent. _Misia_ my Chambermaid, and _Licisca_ (belonging to Philomena)shall serve continually in the Kitchin, and diligently make ready suchvyands, as shall be delivered them by _Parmeno. Chimera_, wayting-womanto _Lauretta_, and _Stratilia_ (appertaining to _Fiammetta_) shall havethe charge and governement of the Ladies Chambers, and preparing allplaces where we shall be present. Moreover, we will and commaund everyone of them (as they desire to deserve our grace) that wheresoever theygoe or come, or whatsoever they heare or see: they especially respectto bring us tydings of them. After shee had summarily delivered themthese orders, very much commended of every one; shee arose fairely,saying. Heere wee have Gardens, Orchards, Meadowes, and other places ofsufficient pleasure, where every one may sport & recreate themselves:but so soone as the ninth houre striketh, then all to meete hereagaine, to dine in the coole shade.

  This jocund company having received licence from their Queene todisport themselves, the Gentlemen walked with the Ladies into a goodlyGarden, making Chaplets and Nosegayes of divers flowers, and singingsilently to themselves. When they had spent the time limitted by theQueene, they returned into the house, where they found that _Parmeno_had effectually executed his office. For, when they entred into theHall, they saw the Tables covered with delicate white naperie, and theGlasses looking like silver, they were so transparantly cleare, all theroome beside streawed with floures of Juniper. When the Queene and allthe rest had washed; according as _Parmeno_ gave order, so every onewas seated at the Table: the vyands (delicately drest) were served in,and excellent wines plentifully delivered, none attending but the threeservants, and little or no loud table-talke passing among them.

  Dinner being ended, and the tables withdrawne (all the Ladies, and theGentlemen likewise, being skilfull both in singing and dauncing, andplaying on instruments artificially) the Queene commaunded, that diversinstruments should be brought, and (as she gave charge) _Dioneus_tooke a Lute, and _Fiammetta_ a Violl _de gamba_, and began to play anexcellent daunce. Whereupon the Queene, with the rest of the Ladies,and the other two young Gentlemen (having sent their attending servantsto dinner) paced foorth a daunce very majestically. And when the dauncewas ended, they sung sundry excellent Canzonets, out-wearing so thetime, untill the Queene commaunded them all to rest, because the houredid necessarily require it. The Gentlemen having their Chambers farresevered from the Ladies, curiously strewed with flowers, and theirbeds adorned in exquisite manner, as those of the Ladies were not ajote inferiour to them: the silence of the night bestowed sweet reston them all. In the morning, the Queene and all the rest being risen,accounting overmuch sleepe to be very hurtfull: they walked abroadeinto a goodly Meadowe, where the grasse grew verdantly, and the beamesof the Sunne heated not over-violently, because the shades of fairespreading trees gave a temperate calmenesse, coole and gentle windsfanning their sweet breath pleasingly among them. All of them beingthere set downe in a round ring, and the Queene in the middest, asbeing the appointed place of eminencie, she spake in this manner.

  You see (faire company) that the Sunne is highly mounted, the heate(else-where) too extreme for us, and therefore here is our fittestrefuge, the aire being so coole, delicate, and acceptable, and ourfolly well worthie reprehension, if we should walke further, and speedeworse. Heere are Tables, Cards, and Chesse, as your dispositions maybe addicted. But if mine advice might passe for currant, I would admitnone of those exercises, because they are too troublesome both to themthat play, and such as looke on. I could rather wish, that some quaintdiscourse might passe among us, a tale or fable related by some one,to urge the attention of all the rest. And so wearing out the warmthof the day, one prety Novell will draw on another, until the Sun belower declined, and the heates extremity more diminished, to solaceour selves in some other place, as to our minds shal seeme convenient.If therefore what I have sayde be acceptable to you (I purposing tofollow in the same course of pleasure) let it appeare by your immediateanswer; for, til the Evening, I think we can devise no exercise morecommodious for us.

  The Ladies & Gentlemen allowed of the motion, to spend the time intelling pleasant tales; whereupon the Queene saide: Seeing you haveapprooved mine advice, I grant free permission for this first day,that every one shall relate, what to him or her is best pleasing. Andturning her selfe to _Pamphilus_ (who was seated on her right hand)gave him favour, with one of his Novels, to begin the recreation: whichhe not daring to deny, and perceiving generall attention prepared forhim, thus he began.