The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5)

by Giovanni Boccaccio

  _A beautifull yong Virgin, named_ Andreana, _became enamored of ayong Gentleman, called_ Gabriello. _In conference together, shedeclared a dreame of hers to him, and he another of his to her;whereupon_ Gabriello _fell downe sodainly dead in her armes. Shee,and her Chamber-maide were apprehended, by the Officers belonging tothe Seigneury, as they were carrying_ Gabriello, _to lay him beforehis owne doore. The Potestate offering violence to the Virgin, andshe resisting him vertuously: it came to the understanding of herFather, who approved the innocence of his daughter, and compassed herdeliverance. But she afterward, being weary of all worldly felicities,entred into Religion, and became a Nun._

  The sixth Novell.

  _Describing the admirable accidents of Fortune; and the mightyprevailing power of Love._

  The Novell which Madam _Philomena_ had so graciously related, washighly pleasing unto the other Ladies; because they had oftentimesheard the Song, without knowing who made it, or uppon what occasionit was composed. But when the King saw that the Tale was ended: heecommanded _Pamphilus_, that hee should follow in his due course:whereupon he spake thus.

  The dreame already recounted in the last Novell, doth minister matterto me, to make report of another Tale, wherein mention is made of twoseverall dreames; which divined as well what was to ensue, as the otherdid what had hapned before. And no sooner were they finished in therelation, by both the parties which had formerly dreampt them, but theeffects of both as sodainly followed.

  Worthy Ladies, I am sure it is not unknowne to you, that it is, &hath bene a generall passion, to all men and women living, to seedivers and sundry things while they are sleeping. And although (tothe sleeper) they seeme most certaine, so that when he awaketh, heejudgeth the trueth of some, the likelyhood of others, and some beyondall possibility of truth: yet notwithstanding, many dreames have beneobserved to happen, and very strangely have come to passe. And thishath bene a grounded reason for some men, to give as great credit tosuch things as they see sleeping, as they do to others usually waking.So that, according unto their dreames, and as they make construction ofthem, that are sadly distasted, or merrily pleased, even as (by them)they either feare or hope. On the contrary, there are some, who will notcredit any dreame whatsoever, untill they be falne into the very samedanger which formerly they saw, and most evidently in their sleepe.

  I meane not to commend either the one or other, because they do notalwayes fall out to be true; neither are they at all times lyars.Now, that they prove not all to be true, we can best testifieto our selves. And that they are not alwayes lyars, hath alreadysufficiently bene manifested, by the discourse of Madame _Philomena_,and as you shall perceive by mine owne, which next commeth in orderto salute you. Wherefore, I am of this opinion, that in matters ofgood life, and performing honest actions; no dreame is to be fearedpresaging the contrary, neither are good works any way to be hindredby them. Likewise, in matters of bad and wicked quality, although ourdreames may appeare favourable to us, and our visions flatter us withprosperous successe: yet let us give no credence unto the best, noraddicte our minds to them of contrary Nature. And now we will proceedto our Novell.

  In the Citie of _Brescia_, there lived sometime a Gentleman, named_Messer Negro da Ponte Cararo_, who (among many other children)had a daughter called _Andreana_, yong and beautifull, but as yetunmarried. It fortuned, that shee fell in love with a neighbour, named_Gabriello_, a comely yong Gentleman, of affable complexion, andgraciously conditioned. Which love was (with like kindnesse) welcommedand entertained by him, and by the furtherance of her Chamber-maide, itwas so cunningly carried, that in the Garden belonging to _Andreanaes_Father, she had many meetings with her _Gabriello_. And solemne vowesbeing mutually passed betweene them, that nothing but death could altertheir affection: by such ceremonious words as are used in marriage,they maried themselves secretly together, and continued their stolnechaste pleasures, with equall contentment to them both.

  It came to passe, that _Andreana_ sleeping in her bed, dreamed, thatshe met with _Gabriello_ in the Garden, where they both embracinglovingly together, she seemed to see a thing blacke and terrible, whichsodainely issued forth of his body, but the shape thereof she couldnot comprehend. It rudely seized upon _Gabriello_, & in despight ofher utmost strength (with incredible force) snatched him out of herarmes, and sinking with him into the earth, they never after did seeone another; whereuppon, overcome with extremity of greefe and sorrow,presently shee awaked, being then not a little joyfull, that she foundno such matter as shee feared, yet continued very doubtfull of herdreame. In regard whereof, _Gabriello_ being desirous to visite her thenight following: she laboured very diligently to hinder his comming toher; yet knowing his loyall affection toward her, and fearing least heshould grow suspitious of some other matter: she welcommed him into theGarden, where gathering both white and Damaske Roses (according to thenature of the season) at length, they sate downe by a goodly Fountaine,which stoode in the middst of the Garden.

  After some small familiar discourse passing betweene them, _Gabriello_demanded of her upon what occasion shee denied his comming thither thenight before, and by such a sodaine unexpected admonition? _Andreana_told him, that it was in regard of a troublesome dreame, wherewith hirsoule was perplexed the precedent night, and doubt what might ensuethereon. _Gabriello_ hearing this, began to smile, affirming to her,that it was an especiall note of folly, to give any credit to idledreames: because (oftentimes) they are caused by excesse of feeding,and continually are observed to be meere lies. For (quoth hee) if Ihad any superstitious beleefe of dreames, I should not then have comehither nowe: yet not so much as being dismayed by your dreame, butfor another of mine owne, which I am the more willing to acquaint youwithall.

  Me thought, I was in a goodly delightfull Forrest, in the Nobleexercise of sportfull hunting, and became there possessed of a yongHinde, the verie loveliest and most pleasing beast that was everseene. It seemed to be as white as snow, and grew (in a short while)so familiar with mee, that by no meanes it would forsake me. I couldnot but accept this rare kindnesse in the beast, and fearing least (bysome ill hap) I might loose it, I put a coller of Gold about the neckethereof, and fastned it into a chain of Gold also, which then I heldstrictly in my hand. The Hind afterward couched downe by mee, layinghis head mildely in my lap; and on a sudden, a blacke Grey-hound bitchcame rushing on us (but whence, or how I could not imagine) seeminghalfe hunger-starved, and very ugly to look upon. At me she made herfull carriere, without any power in me of resistance: and putting hermouth into the lefte side of my bosome, griped it so mainly with herteeth, that (me thought) I felt my heart quite bitten through, and shetugged on still, to take it wholly away from me; by which imaginedpaine and anguish I felt, instantly I awaked: Laying then my hand uponmy side, to know whether any such harme had befaln me, or no, andfinding none at all, I smiled at mine owne folly, in making such afrivolous and idle search. What can be said then in these or the likecases? Divers times I have had as ill seeming dreames, yea, and muchmore to be feared: yet never any thing hurtfull to me followed thereon;and therefore I have alwaies made the lesse account of them.

  The yong Maiden, who was still dismayed by her owne dreame, became muchmore afflicted in her minde, when shee had heard this other reported by_Gabriello_: but yet to give him no occasion of distast, she bare itout in the best manner she could devise to doe. And albeit they spentthe time in much pleasing discourse, maintained with infinite sweetekisses on either side: yet was she still suspitious, but knew notwhereof; fixing her eies oftentimes upon his face, and throwing strangelookes to all parts of the Garden, to catch hold on any such blackeugly sight, whereof he had formerly made description to her. As thusshe continued in these afflicting feares, it fortuned, that _Gabriello_sodainly breathing forth a very vehement sighe, and throwing his armesfast about her, said: O helpe me deare Love, or elsee I dye; and,in speaking the words, fell downe uppon the ground. Which the yongDamosell perceiving, and drawing him into her lappe, weeping saide:Alas sweete Friend, What paine d
ost thou feele?

  _Gabriello_ answered not one word, but being in an exceeding sweate,without any ability of drawing breath, very soone after gave up theghost. How greevous this strange accident was to poore _Andreana_,who loved him as deerely as her owne life: you that have felt lovestormenting afflictions, can more easily conceive, then I relate.Wringing her hands, & weeping incessantly, calling him, rubbing histemples, and using all likely meanes to reduce life: she found allher labour to be spent in vain, because he was starke dead indeed,and every part of his body as cold as ice: whereupon, she was in suchwofull extremity, that she knew not what to do or say. All about theGarden she went weeping, in infinite feares and distraction of soule,calling for her Chamber-maid, the only secret friend to their stolnemeetings, and told her the occasion of this sudden sorrow. After theyhad sighed and mourned awhile, over the dead body of _Gabriello,Andreana_ in this manner spake to her maid.

  Seeing Fortune hath thus bereft me of my Love, mine owne life mustneeds be hatefull to me: but before I offer any violence to my selfe,let us devise some convenient meanes, as may both preserve mine honourfrom any touch or scandall, and conceale the secret love passingbetweene us: but yet in such honest sort, that this body (whose blessedsoule hath too soone forsaken it) may be honourably enterred. Wheretoher Mayde thus answered: Mistresse, never talke of doing any violenceto your self, because by such a blacke and dismall deed, as you havelost his kind company here in this life, so shall you never more seehim in the other world: for immediately you sinke downe to hell,which foule place cannot bee a receptacle for his faire soule, thatwas endued with so many singular vertues. Wherefore, I holde it farrebetter for you, to comfort your selfe by all good meanes, and withthe power of fervent prayer, to fight against all desperate intrudingpassions, as a truly vertuous minde ought to doe. Now, as concerninghis enterrement, the meanes is readily prepared for you heere in thisGarden, where never he hath bene seene by any, or his resorting hitherknowne, but onely to our selves. If you will not consent to have it so,let you and I convey his bodye hence, and leave it in such apt place,where it may be found to morrow morning: and being then carried to hisowne house, his friends and kindred will give it honest buriall.

  _Andreana_, although her soule was extraordinarily sorrowfull, & tearesflowed abundantly from her eyes; yet she listned attentively to hirmaids counsell; allowing her first advice against desperation, to betruly good; but to the rest thus she replied. God forbid (quoth she)that I shold suffer so deare a loving friend, as he hath alwayes shewedhimselfe to mee; nay, which is much more, my husband; by sacred andsolemn vowes passed betweene us, to be put into the ground basely, andlike a dog, or elsee to be left in the open streete. He hath had thesacrifice of my virgin teares, and if I can prevaile, he shall havesome of his kindred, as I have instantly devised, what (in this hardcase) is best to be done. Forthwith she sent the maid to her Chamber,for divers elles of white Damaske lying in her Chest, which when shehad brought, they spread it abroad on the grasse, even in the manner ofa winding sheete, and therein wrapped the bodie of _Gabriello_, witha faire wrought pillow lying under his head, having first (with theirteares) closed his mouth and eyes, and placed a Chaplet of Flowers onhis head, covering the whole shrowd over in the same manner, whichbeing done, thus she spake to her maide.

  The doore of his owne house is not farre hence, and thither (betweenus two) he may be easily carried, even in this manner as we haveadorned him; where leaving him in his owne Porch, we may returne backbefore it be day; and although it will be a sad sight to his friends;yet, because he dyed in mine armes, and we being so well dischargedof the bodie, it will be a little comfort to me. When she had endedthese words, which were not uttered without infinite teares, the Maidentreated her to make hast, because the night passed swiftly on. Atlast, she remembred the Ring on her finger, wherewith _Gabriello_ hadsolemnly espoused her, and opening the shroud againe, she put it onhis finger, saying, My deare and loving husband, if thy soule can seemy teares, or any understanding do remaine in thy body, being thusuntimely taken from me: receive the latest guifte thou gavest me, as apledge of our solemne and spotlesse marriage. So, making up the shroudagaine as it should be, and conveighing it closely out of the Garden,they went on along with it, towardes his dwelling house.

  As thus they passed along, it fortuned, that they were met and takenby the Guard or Watch belonging to the Potestate, who had bin solate abroad, about very earnest and important businesse. _Andreana_,desiring more the dead mans company, then theirs whom she had thusmet withall, boldly spake thus to them. I know who and what you are,and can tel my selfe, that to offer flight will nothing availe me:wherefore, I am ready to go along with you before the Seigneurie, andthere will tel the truth concerning this accident. But let not any manamong you, be so bold as to lay hand on me, or to touch me, becauseI yeeld so obediently to you: neither to take any thing from thisbody, except he intend that I shal accuse him. In which respect, notany one daring to displease her, shee went with the dead bodye to theSeigneurie, there to answere all Objections.

  When notice heereof was given to the Potestate, he arose; and sheebeing brought foorth into the Hall before him, he questioned withher, how and by what meanes this accident happened. Beside, he sentfor divers Physitians, to be informed by them, whether the Gentlemanwere poysoned, or otherwise murthered: but al of them affirmed thecontrary, avouching rather, that some impostumation had engendred neerehis heart, which sodainly breaking, occasioned his as sodaine death.The Potestate hearing this, and perceiving that _Andreana_ was littleor nothing at all faulty in the matter: her beauty and good carriage,kindled a villanous and lustfull desire in him towards her, provokinghim to the immodest motion, that upon granting his request, he wouldrelease her. But when he saw, that all his perswasions were to nopurpose, hee sought to compasse his will by violence; which, like avertuous and valiant _Virago_, shee worthily withstood, defending herhonour Nobly, and reprooving him with many injurious speeches, such asa lustfull Letcher justlie deserved.

  On the morrow morning, these newes being brought to her Father, _MesserNegro da Ponte Cararo_; greeving thereat exceedingly, and accompaniedwith many of his friends, he went to the Palace. Being there arrived,and informed of the matter by the Potestate: hee demaunded (in teares)of his daughter, how, and by what meanes shee was brought thither? ThePotestate would needs accuse her first, of outrage and wrong offered tohim by her, rather then to tarry her accusing of him: yet, commendingthe yong Maiden, and her constancie, proceeded to say, that onely toprove her, he had made such a motion to her, but finding her so firmlyvertuous, his love and liking was now so addicted to her, that if hirFather were so pleased, to forget the remembrance of her former secrethusband, he willingly would accept her in marriage.

  While thus they continued talking, _Andreana_ comming before herFather, the teares trickling mainly downe her cheekes, and falling athis feete, she began in this manner. Deare Father, I shall not needeto make an historicall relation, either of my youthfull boldnesse ormisfortunes, because you have both seene and knowne them: rather mosthumblie, I crave your pardon, for another error by me committed, inthat, both without your leave and liking, I accepted the man as mytroth-plighted husband, whom (above all other in the world) I mostintirely affected. If my offence heerein do challenge the forfeite ofmy life, then (good Father) I free you from any such pardon: because myonely desire is to die your daughter, and in your gracious favour; withwhich words, in signe of her humility, she kissed his feete. _MesserNegro da Ponte_, being a man well stept into yeares, and of a mildeand gentle nature, observing what his daughter had saide: could notrefraine from teares, and in his weeping, lovingly tooke her from theground, speaking thus to her.

  Daughter, I could have wished, that thou hadst taken such an husband,as (in my judgement) had bene best fitting for thee, and yet if thoudidst make election of one, answerable to thine owne good opinion &liking: I have no just reason to be therewith offended. My greatestcause of complaint, is, thy too severe concealing it from me, and thesle
nder trust thou didst repose in me, because thou hast lost him,before I knew him. Neverthelesse, seeing these occasions are thuscome to passe, and accidents alreadie ended, cannot by any meanes bere-called: it is my will, that as I would gladly have contented thee,by making him my Sonne in Law, if he had lived; so I will expressethe like love to him now he is dead. And so turning himself to hiskindred and friends, lovingly requested of them, that they would grace_Gabriello_ with most honourable obsequies.

  By this time, the kindred and friends to the dead man (uppon noise ofhis death bruited abroad) were likewise come to the Pallace, yea, mostof the men and women dwelling in the City, the bodie of _Gabriello_beeing laide in the midst of the Court, upon the white Damaske shrowdegiven by _Andreana_, with infinite Roses and other sweet Flowerslying thereon: and such was the peoples love to him, that never wasany mans death, more to be bemoaned and lamented. Being deliveredout of the Court, it was carried to buriall, not like a Burgesse orordinary Citizen, but with such pompe as beseemed a Lord Baron, and onthe shoulders of very noble Gentlemen, with very especiall honour andreverence.

  Within some few dayes after, the Potestate pursuing his former motionof marriage, and the Father moving it to his daughter; she wold notby any meanes listen thereto. And he being desirous to give hercontentment, delivered her and her Chamber-maid into a Religious Abbey,very famous for devotion and sanctity, where afterwardes they endedtheir lives.