Dioneo’s novel, which was now concluded, was much canvassed by the whole company, this blaming one thing, and that commending another, according to their respective fancies; when the king, seeing the sun was now far in the west, and that the evening drew on apace, said, without rising from his seat, “I suppose you all know, ladies, that a person’s sense and understanding consist, not only in remembering things past, or knowing the present, but that to be able, by both these means, to foresee what is to come, is, by the more knowing part of mankind, judged the greatest proof of wisdom. To-morrow, you are aware, it will have been fifteen days since we, by way of amusement, and for the preservation of our lives, came out of Florence, avoiding all those cares and melancholy reflections which continually haunted us in the city, since the beginning of that fatal pestilence. And, in my opinion, we have done honestly and well. For, though some light things have been talked of, and a loose given to all sorts of innocent mirth, yet am I not conscious of anything blame-worthy that has passed among us; but everything has been decent, everything harmonious, and such as might well beseem the community of brothers and sisters. Lest, therefore, something should happen, which might give us uneasiness, and make people put a bad construction upon our being so long together, now all have had their days, and their shares of honour, which at present rests in me, I hold it most advisable for us to return from whence we came. Besides, as people know of our being together, our company may probably increase, which would make it entirely disagreeable. If you approve of it, then, I will keep the power till to-morrow, that we depart; but if you resolve otherwise, I have a person in my eye to succeed me.” This occasioned great debates, but at last it was thought safest and best to comply with the king’s advice. He consequently called the master of the household, and, after giving proper directions for the next morning, dismissed them all till supper-time. They now betook themselves;s as usual, some to one thing and some to another, for their amusement; and, when the hour came, supped very agreeably together, after which they began their music; and whilst Lauretta led up a dance, the king ordered Fiammetta to sing a song, which she did in a pretty, easy manner, as follows: –
SONG.
CHORUS.
Did love no jealous cares infest,
No nymph on earth would be so blest.
If sprightliness, and blooming youth,
An easy and polite address,
Strict honour, and regard for truth,
Are charms which may command success;
Then sure you will my choice approve,
For these all centre in my love.
Did love, etc.
But when I see what arts are tried,
By nymphs as fair and wise as I,
A thousand fears my heart betide,
Lest they should rob me of my joy;
Thus that for which I triumph’d so,
Becomes the cause of all my woe.
Did love, etc.
Would he prove firm to my desire,
No more I should myself perplex:
But virtues like to his inspire
The same regard in all our sex:
This makes me dread what nymph be nigh,
And watch each motion of his eye.
Did love, etc.
Hence, then, ye damsels, I implore,
As you regard what’s just and fit,
That yon, by am’rous wiles, no more
This outrage on my love commit:
For know, whilst thus you make me grieve,
You shall repent the pain you give.
Did love no jealous cares infest,
No nymph on earth would be so blest.
As soon as Fiammetta had finished her song, Dioneo, who sat close to her, laughed and said, “Madam, it would be kind to let the ladies know whom you mean, for fear some other should take possession out of ignorance, and you have cause to be offended.” The song was followed by many others, and, it now drawing near midnight, they all went, at the king’s command, to repose themselves. By break of day they arose, and, the master of the household having sent away their carriages, returned, under the conduct of their discreet king, to Florence, when the three gentlemen left the seven ladies in new St. Mary’s church, where they first met, going from thence where it was most agreeable to themselves; and the ladies, when they thought fit, repaired to their several houses.
(THE END)