The Second Day.
_Wherein, all the Discourses are under the government of MadamPhilomena: Concerning such men or women, as (in divers accidents) havebeene much molested by Fortune, and yet afterward, contrary to theirhope and expectation, have had a happy and successefull deliverance._
Already had the bright Sunne renewed the day every where with hissplendant beames, and the Birds sate merrily singing on the bloomingbranches, yeelding testimony thereof to the eares of all hearers; whenthe seven Ladies, and the three Gentlemen (after they were risen)entered the Gardens, and there spent some time in walking, as alsomaking of Nose-gayes and Chaplets of Flowers. And even as they had donethe day before, so did they now follow the same course; for, after theyhad dined, in a coole and pleasing aire they fell to dancing, and thenwent to sleepe awhile, from which being awaked, they tooke their places(according as it pleased the Queene to appoint) in the same faireMeadow about her. And she, being a goodly creature, and highly pleasingto beholde, having put on her Crowne of Laurell, and giving a graciouscountenance to the whole company; commanded Madam _Neiphila_ that herTale should begin this daies delight. Whereupon she, without returningany excuse or deniall, began in this manner.
The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5) Page 15
