The Decameron (Day 1 to Day 5)

  THE FIFT DAY.

  _Whereon, all the Discourses do passe under the Governement of themost Noble Lady_ Fiammetta: _Concerning such persons, as have benesuccessefull in their Love, after many hard and perillous misfortunes._

  The Induction.

  Now began the Sunne to dart foorth his golden beames, when Madam_Fiammetta_ (incited by the sweete singing Birdes, which since thebreake of day, sat merrily chanting on the trees) arose from her bed:as all the other Ladies likewise did, and the three young Gentlemendescending downe into the fields, where they walked in a gentle pace onthe greene grasse, until the Sunne were risen a little higher. On manypleasant matters they conferred together, as they walked in severallcompanies, til at the length the Queene, finding the heate to enlargeit selfe strongly, returned backe to the Castle; where when they wereall arrived, shee commanded, that after this mornings walking, theirstomackes should bee refreshed with wholsome Wines, as also diverssorts of banquetting stuffe. Afterward, they all repaired into theGarden, not departing thence, untill the houre of dinner was come: atwhich time, the Master of the houshold, having prepared every thingin decent readinesse, after a solemn song was sung, by order from theQueene, they were seated at the Table.

  When they had dined, to their owne liking and contentment, they began(in continuation of their former order) to exercise divers dances, andafterward voyces to their instruments, with many pretty Madrigals andRoundelayes. Uppon the finishing of these delights, the Queene gavethem leave to take their rest, when such as were so minded, went tosleep, others solaced themselves in the Garden. But after midday wasoverpast, they met (according to their wonted manner) and as the Queenehad commanded, at the faire Fountaine; where she being placed in herseate royall, and casting her eye upon _Pamphilus_, shee bad him beginthe dayes discourses, of happy successe in love, after disastrous andtroublesome accidents; who yeelding thereto with humble reverence, thusbegan.

  Many Novelse (gracious Ladies) do offer themselves to my memory,wherewith to beginne so pleasant a day, as it is her Highnesse desirethat this should be, among which plenty, I esteeme one above all therest: because you may comprehend thereby, not onely the fortunateconclusion, wherewith we intend to begin our day; but also, how mightythe forces of Love are, deserving to bee both admired and reverenced.Albeit there are many, who scarsely knowing what they say, do condemnethem with infinite grosse imputations: which I purpose to disprove, &(I hope) to your no little pleasing.