The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5)

by Giovanni Boccaccio

  _Three yong Gentlemen affecting three Sisters, fledde with them into_Candie. _The eldest of them (through jealousie) becommeth the death ofher Lover: The second, by consenting to the Duke of_ Candies _request,is the meanes of saving her life. Afterward, her owne Friend killethher, and thence flyeth away with the elder Sister. The third couple,both man & woman, are charged with her death, and being committedprisoners, they confesse the facte: And fearing death, by corruptionof money they prevaile with their keepers, escaping from thence to_Rhodes, _where they died in great poverty._

  The third Novell.

  _Heerein is declared, how dangerous the occasion is, ensuing by angerand despight, in such as entirely love, especially, being injuried andoffended by them that they love._

  When the King perceived, that Madame _Pampinea_ had ended herdiscourse; he sat sadly a prety while, without uttering one word, butafterward spake thus. Little goodnesse appeared in the beginning ofthis Novell, because it ministred occasion of mirth; yet the endingproved better, and I could wish, that worse inflictions had falne onthe venerious Friar. Then turning towards Madam _Lauretta_, he said;Lady, do you tell us a better tale, if possible it may be. She smiling,thus answered the King: Sir, you are over-cruelly bent against pooreLovers, in desiring, that their amourous processions should have harshand sinister concludings. Neverthelesse, in obedience to your severecommand, among three persons amourously perplexed, I will relate anunhappy ending; whereas all may be saide to speede as unfortunately,being equally alike, in enjoying the issue of their desires, and thus Ipurpose for to proceede.

  Every vice (choise Ladies) as very well you know, redoundeth to thegreat disgrace and prejudice, of him or her by whom it is practised,and oftentimes to others. Now, among those common hurtfull enemies, thesinne or vice which most carrieth us with full carrere, and drawethus into unavoidable perils and dangers; in mine opinion, seemeth tobe that of choller or anger, which is nothing elsee, but a sudden andinconsiderate moving, provoked by some received injury, which havingexcluded all respect of reason, and dimde (with darke vapours) thebright discerning sight of the understanding, enflameth the minde withmost violent furie. And albeit this inconvenience happeneth most tomen, and more to some few, then others; yet notwithstanding, it hathbeen noted, that women have felt the selfe same infirmity, and in moreextreme manner, because it much sooner is kindled in them, and burnethwith the brighter flame, in regard they have the lesser consideration,and therefore not to be wondred at. For if we will advisedly observe,we shall plainely perceive, that fire (even of his owne nature) takethhold on such things as are light and tender, much sooner then it canon hard and weighty substances; and some of us women (let men take nooffence at my words) are farre more soft and delicate then they be,and therefore more fraile. In which regard, seeing we are naturallyenclined hereto, and considering also, how much our affability andgentlenesse, doe shew themselves pleasing and full of content, tothose men with whom we are to live; and likewise, how anger and furyare compacted of extraordinary perils; I purpose (because we may bethe more valiant in our courage, to outstand the fierce assaults ofwrath and rage) to shew you by mine ensuing Novel, how the loves ofthree young Gentlemen, and of as many Gentlewomen, came to fatall andunfortunate successe, by the tempestuous anger of one among them,according as I have formerly related unto you.

  _Marseilles_ (as you are not now to learne) is in _Provence_, seatedon the Sea, and is also a very ancient and most noble City, whichhath beene (heretofore) inhabited with farre richer and more wealthyMerchants, then at this instant time it is. Among whom there was one,named _Narnaldo Civada_, a man but of meane condition, yet clearein faith and reputation, and in lands, goods, and ready monies,immeasurably rich. Many children he had by his Wife, among whom werethree Daughters, which exceeded his Sonnes in yeeres. Two of them beingtwinnes, and borne of one body, were counted to be fifteene yearesold; the third was foureteene, and nothing hindered marriage in theirParents owne expectation, but the returne home of _Narnaldo_, who wasthen abroade in _Spaine_ with his Merchandises. The eldest of theseSisters was named _Ninetta_, the second _Magdalena_, and the third_Bertella_. A Gentleman (albeit but poore in fortunes) and called_Restagnone_, was so extraordinarily enamoured of _Ninetta_, as noman possibly could be more, and shee likewise as earnest in affectiontowards him; yet both carrying their loves proceeding with suchsecresie, as long time they enjoyed their hearts sweete contentment,yet undiscovered by any eye.

  It came to passe, that two other young Gallants, the one named _Folco_,and the other _Hugnetto_, (who had attained to incredible wealth, bythe decease of their Father) were also as farre in love, the one with_Magdalena_, and the other with _Bertella_. When _Restagnone_ hadintelligence thereof, by the meanes of his faire friend _Ninetta_; hepurposed to releeve his poverty, by friendly furthering both theirlove, and his owne: and growing into familiarity with them, one whilehe would walke abroade with _Folco_, and then againe with _Hugnetto_,but oftner with them both together, to visite their Mistresses, andcontinue worthy friendship. On a day, when hee saw the time sutableto his intent, and that hee had invited the two Gentlemen home to hisHouse, hee fell into this like conference with them.

  Kind friends (quoth he) the honest familiarity which hath past betweeneus, may render you some certaine assurance, of the constant love Ibeare to you both, being as willing to worke any meanes that may tendto your good, as I desire to compasse mine owne. And because the truthof mine affection cannot conceale it selfe to you, I meane to acquaintyou with an intention, wherewith my braine hath a long while travelled,and now may soone be delivered of, if it may passe with your liking andapprobation. Let me then tell you, that except your speeches savourof untruth, and your actions carry a double understanding, in commonbehaviour both by night and day, you appeare to pine and consume away,in the cordiall love you beare to two of the Sisters, as I suffer thesame afflictions for the third, with reciprocall requitall of theirdearest affection to us. Now, to qualifie the heate of our tormentingflames, if you will condescend to such a course as I shall advise you,the remedy will yeeld them equall ease to ours, and we may safelyenjoy the benefit of contentment. As wealth aboundeth with you both,so doth want most extremely tyrannize over me: but if one banke mightbe made of both your rich substances, I embraced therein as a thirdpartaker, and some quarter of the World dissigned out by us, where tolive at hearts ease upon your possessions; I durst engage my credite,that all the Sisters, (not meanly stored with their Fathers treasure)shall beare us company to what place soever we please. There each manfreely enjoying his owne dearest love, we may live like three brethren,without any hinderance to our mutuall contentment; it remaineth now inyou Gentlemen, to accept this comfortable offer, or to refuse it.

  The two Brothers, whose passions exceeded their best meanes forsupport, perceiving some hope how to enjoy their loves; desired nolong time of deliberation, or greatly disputed with their thoughtswhat was best to be done: but readily replyed, that let happen anydanger whatsoever, they would joyne with him in this determination,and he should partake with them in their wealthiest fortunes. After_Restagnone_ had heard their answer, within some few dayes following,he went to conferre with _Ninetta_, which was no easie matter for himto compasse. Neverthelesse, opportunity proved so favourable to him,that meeting with her at a private place appointed, he discoursed atlarge, what had passed betweene him and the other two young Gentlemen,maintaining the same with many good reasons, to have her like and allowof the enterprize. Which although (for a while) he could very hardlydoe; yet, in regard shee had more desire then power, without suspitionto be daily in his company, she franckly thus answered. My heartschosen friend, I cannot any way mislike your advise, and will take suchorder with my Sisters, that they shall agree to our resolution: let ittherefore be your charge, that you and the rest make every thing ready,to depart from hence so soone, as with best convenient meanes we may beenabled.

  _Restagnone_ being returned to _Folco_ and _Hugnetto_, who thoughtevery houre a yeere, to heare what would succ
eed upon the promise pastbetweene them; he told them in plaine termes, that their Ladies were asfree in consent as they, and nothing wanted now, but furnishment fortheir sudden departing. Having concluded, that Candye should be theirharbour for entertainment, they made sale of some few inheritances,which lay the readiest for their purpose, as also the goods in theirHouses, and then, under colour of venting Merchandises abroade; theybought a nimble Pinnace, fortified with good strength and preparation,and waited but for a convenient wind. On the other side, _Ninetta_,who was sufficiently acquainted with the forwardnesse of her Sistersdesires and her owne; had so substantially prevailed with them, thata good voyage now was the sole expectation. Whereupon, the same nightwhen they should set away, they opened a strong barred Chest of theirFathers, whence they tooke great store of gold and costly Jewelse,wherewith escaping secretly out of the House; they came to the placewhere their Lovers attended for them, and going all aboard the Pinnace,the windes were so furtherous to them; that without touching any where,the night following they arrived at _Geneway_.

  There being out of peril or pursuite, they all knit the knot of holywedlocke, and then freely enjoyed their long wished desires, fromwhence setting sayle againe, and being well furnished with all thingswanting; passing on from Port to Port, at the end of eight dayes theylanded in _Candie_, not meeting with any impeachment by the way.Determining there to spend their dayes, first they provided themselvesof faire and goodly Lands in the Countrey, and then of beautifulldwelling Houses in the City, with all due furnishments belonging tothem, and Families well beseeming such worthy Gentlemen, and alldelights elsee for their daily recreations, inviting their Neighbours,and they them againe in loving manner; so that no Lovers could wish tolive in more ample contentment.

  Passing on their time in this height of felicity, and not crossed byany sinister accidents, it came to passe (as often wee may observe inthe like occasions, that although delights doe most especially pleaseus, yet they breed surfet, when they swell too over-great in abundance)that _Restagnone_, who most deerely affected his faire _Ninetta_, andhad her now in his free possession, without any perill of loosing her:grew now also to bee wearie of her, and consequently, to faile inthose familiar performances, which formerly had passed betweene them.For, being one day invited to a Banket, hee saw there a beautifullGentle-woman of that Countrey, whose perfections pleasing him beyondall comparison: hee laboured (by painfull pursuite) to win his purpose;and meeting with her in divers private places, grew prodigall in hisexpences upon her. This could not be so closely carried, but beeingseene and observed by _Ninetta_, she became possessed with suchextreame jelousie, that hee could not doe any thing whatsoever, butimmediately he had knowledge of it: which fire, growing to a flame inher, her patience became extreamely provoked, urging rough and rudespeeches from her to him, and daily tormenting him beyond power ofsufferance.

  As the enjoying of anything in too much plenty, makes it appeareirkesome and loathing to us, and the deniall of our desires, do moreand more whet on the appetite: even so did the angry spleene of_Ninetta_ proceede on in violence, against this newe commenced loveof _Restagnone_. For in succession of time, whether hee enjoyed theembracements of his new Mistresse, or no: yet _Ninetta_ (by sinisterreports, but much more through her owne jealous imaginations) held itfor infallible, and to be most certaine. Heereupon, she fell into anextreame melancholly, which melancholly begat implacable fury, and(consequently) such contemptible disdaine: as converted her formerkindly love to _Restagnone_, into most cruell and bloudie hatred; yea,and so strangely was reason or respect confounded in her, as no revengeelsee but speedy death, might satisfie the wrongs shee imagined toreceive by _Restagnone_ and his Minion.

  Upon enquiry, by what meanes shee might best compasse her bloodyintention, she grew acquainted with a _Gr?cian_ woman, and wonderfullyexpert in the compounding of poysons, whom shee so perswaded, by giftsand bounteous promises, that at the length shee prevailed with her. Adeadly water was distilled by her, which (without any other counsellto the contrary) on a day when _Restagnone_ had his blood some-whatover-heated, and little dreamed on any such Treason conspired againsthim by his Wife, she caused him to drinke a great draught thereof,under pretence, that it was a most soveraigne and cordiall water:but such was the powerfull operation thereof, that the very nextmorning, _Restagnone_ was found to be dead in his bed. When his deathwas understood by _Folco, Hugnetto_ and their Wives, and not knowinghow hee came to bee thus empoysoned (because their sister seemed tobemoane his sodaine death, with as apparant shewes of mourning as theycould possibly expresse) they buried him very honourably, and so allsuspition ceased.

  But as Fortune is infinite in her fagaries, never acting disaster soclosely, but as cunningly discovereth it againe: so it came to passe,that within a few dayes following, the _Gr?cian_ woman, that haddelivered the poyson to _Ninetta_, for such another deede of damnation,was apprehended even in the action. And being put upon the tortures,among many other horrid villanies by her committed, she confessed theempoysoning of _Restagnone_, and every particle thereto appertaining.Whereupon, the Duke of _Candie_, without any noyse or publication,setting a strong guard (in the night time) about the house of _Folco_,where _Ninetta_ then was lodged; there sodainly they seized on her, &upon examination, in maintainance of her desperate revenge; voluntarilyconfessed the fact, and what elsee concerned the occasion of his death,by the wrongs which hee had offered her.

  _Folco_ and _Hugnetto_ understanding secretly, both from the Duke,& other intimate friends, what was the reason of _Ninettaes_apprehension, which was not a little displeasing to them, laboured byall their best pains and endeavour, to worke such meanes with the Duke,that her life might not perish by fire, although she had most justlydeserved it; but all their attempts prooved to no effect, because theDuke had concluded to execute justice.

  Heere you are to observe, that _Magdalena_ (beeing a very beautifullWoman, yong, and in the choisest flower of her time:) had often beforebin solicited by the Duke, to entertaine his love and kindnesse,whereto by no meanes she would listen or give consent. And being nowmost earnestly importuned by her, for the safety of her Sisters life,shee tooke hold on this her daily suite to him, and in private toldher, that if she was so desirous of _Ninettaes_ life: it lay in herpower to obtaine it, by granting him the fruition of her love. Sheapparantly perceiving, that _Ninetta_ was not likely to live, but bythe prostitution of her chaste honour, which she preferred beforethe losse of her owne life, or her Sisters; concluded, to let herdye, rather then run into any such disgrace. But having an excellentingenious wit, quicke, and apprehensive in perillous occasions, sheeintended now to make a trial of over-reaching the lascivious Duke inhis wanton purpose, and yet to be assured of her Sisters life, withoutany blemish to her reputation.

  Soliciting him still as she was wont to doe, this promise passed fromher to him, that when _Ninetta_ was delivered out of prison, and insafety at home in her house: hee should resort thither in some queintdisguise, and enjoy his long expected desire; but untill then she wouldnot yeeld. So violent was the Duke in the prosecution of his purpose,that under colour of altering the manner of _Ninettaes_ death, notsuffering her to bee consumed by fire, but to be drowned, accordingto a custome observed there long time, and at the importunity of herSister _Magdalena_, in the still silence of the night, _Ninetta_was conveyed into a sacke, and sent in that manner to the House of_Folco_, the Duke following soone after, to challenge her promise.

  _Magdalena_, having acquainted her Husband with her vertuous intention,for preserving her Sisters life, and disappointing the Duke in hiswicked desire; was as contrary to her true meaning in this case, as_Ninetta_ had formerly beene adverse to _Restagnone_, onely beingover-ruled likewise by jealousie, and perswaded in his rash opinion,that the Duke had already dishonoured _Magdalena_, otherwise, he wouldnot have delivered _Ninetta_ out of prison. Mad fury gave further fireto this unmanly perswasion, and nothing will now quench this violentflame, but the life of poore _Magdalena_, suddenly sacrificed in ther
escue of her Sisters, such a divell is anger, when the understandingsbright eye is thereby abused. No credit might be given to her womanlyprotestations, nor any thing seeme to alter his bloody purpose; but,having slaine _Magdalena_ with his Poniard, (notwithstanding her tearesand humble entreaties) hee ran in haste to _Ninettaes_ Chamber, sheenot dreaming on any such desperate accident, and to her he used thesedissembling speeches.

  Sister (quoth he) my wife hath advised, that I should speedily conveyyou hence, as fearing the renewing of the Dukes fury, and your fallingagaine into the hands of Justice: I have a Barke readily prepared foryou, and your life being secured, it is all that she and I doe mostdesire. _Ninetta_ being fearefull, and no way distrusting what he hadsaide; in thankfull allowance of her Sisters care, and curteous tenderof his so ready service; departed thence presently with him, not takingany farewell of her other Sister and her Husband. To the Sea-shore theycame, very weakely provided of monies to defray their charges, andgetting aboard the Barke, directed their course themselves knew notwhether.

  The amourous Duke in his disguise, having long daunced attendance at_Folcoes_ doore, and no admittance of his entrance; angerly returnedbacke to his Court, protesting severe revenge on _Magdalena_, ifshe gave him not the better satisfaction, to cleare her from thusbasely abusing him. On the morrow morning, when _Magdalena_ was foundmurthered in her Chamber, and tidings thereof carried to the Duke;present search was made for the bloody offendor, but _Folco_ being fledand gone with _Ninetta_; some there were, who bearing deadly hatred to_Hugnetto_, incensed the Duke against him and his wife, as supposingthem to be guilty of _Magdalenaes_ death. He being thereto very easilyperswaded, in regard of his immoderate love to the slaine Gentlewoman;went himselfe in person (attended on by his Guard) to _Hugnettoes_House, where both he and his wife were seized as prisoners.

  These newes were very strange to them, and their imprisonment asunwelcome; and although they were truly innocent, either in knowledgeof the horrid fact, or the departure of _Folco_ with _Ninetta_: yetbeing unable to endure the tortures extremity, they made themselvesculpable by confession, and that they had hand with _Folco_ in themurder of _Magdalena_. Upon this their forced confession, and sentenceof death pronounced on them by the Duke himselfe; before the dayappointed for their publike execution, by great summes of money,which they had closely hid in their House, to serve when any urgentextremitie should happen to them; they corrupted their keepers, andbefore any intelligence could be had of their flight, they escapedby Sea to _Rhodes_, where they lived afterward in great distresseand misery. The just vengeance of Heaven followed after _Folco_ and_Ninetta_, he for murthering his honest wife, and she for poysoningher offending Husband: for being beaten a long while on the Seas, bytempestuous stormes and weather, and not admitted landing in any Portor creeke; they were driven backe on the Coast of _Candie_ againe,where being apprehended, and brought to the City before the Duke, theyconfessed their severall notorious offences, and ended their loathedlives in one fire together.

  Thus the idle and loose love of _Restagnone_, with the franticke rageand jealousie of _Ninetta_ and _Folco_, overturned all their longcontinued happinesse, and threw a disastrous ending on them all.