Conclusion
Conclusion
[Voice: author]
[001]
So ended Dioneo's story, whereof the ladies, diversely inclining,
one to censure where another found matter for commendation, had
discoursed not a little, when the king, having glanced at the sky,
and marked that the sun was now low, insomuch that 'twas nigh the
vesper hour, still keeping his seat, thus began:
[002]
Exquisite my
ladies, as, methinks, you wot, 'tis not only in minding them of
the past and apprehending the present that the wit of mortals
consists; but by one means or the other to be able to foresee the
future is by the sages accounted the height of wisdom.
[003]
Now,
to-morrow, as you know, 'twill be fifteen days since, in quest of
recreation and for the conservation of our health and life, we, shunning
the dismal and dolorous and afflicting spectacles that have ceased
not in our city since this season of pestilence began, took our departure
from Florence.
[004]
Wherein, to my thinking, we have done
nought that was not seemly; for, if I have duly used my powers of
observation, albeit some gay stories, and of a kind to stimulate
concupiscence,
have here been told, and we have daily known no lack
of dainty dishes and good wine, nor yet of music and song, things,
one and all, apt to incite weak minds to that which is not seemly,
neither on your part, nor on ours, have I marked deed or word, or
aught of any kind, that called for reprehension;
[005]
but, by what I have
seen and heard, seemliness and the sweet intimacy of brothers and
sisters have ever reigned among us. Which, assuredly, for the honour
and advantage which you and I have had thereof, is most grateful to
me.
[006]
Wherefore, lest too long continuance in this way of life might
beget some occasion of weariness, and that no man may be able to
misconstrue our too long abidance here, and as we have all of us had
our day's share of the honour which still remains in me, I should
deem it meet, so you be of like mind, that we now go back whence
we came:
[007]
and that the rather that our company, the bruit whereof
has already reached divers others that are in our neighbourhood, might
be so increased that all our pleasure would be destroyed. And so, if
my counsel meet with your approval, I will keep the crown I have
received of you until our departure, which, I purpose, shall be tomorrow
morning. Should you decide otherwise, I have already
determined whom to crown for the ensuing day.
[008] Much debate ensued among the ladies and young men; but in the end they approved the king's proposal as expedient and seemly; and resolved to do even as he had said. The king therefore summoned the seneschal; and having conferred with him of the order he was to observe on the morrow, he dismissed the company until supper-time. [009] So, the king being risen, the ladies and the rest likewise rose, and betook them, as they were wont, to their several diversions. Supper-time being come, they supped with exceeding great delight. Which done, they addressed them to song and music and dancing; and, while Lauretta was leading a dance, the king bade Fiammetta give them a song; whereupon Fiammetta right debonairly sang on this wise:
[015]
As soon as Fiammetta had ended her song, Dioneo, who was
beside her, said with a laugh:
Madam, 'twould be a great courtesy
on your part to do all ladies to wit, who he is, that he be not stolen
from you in ignorance, seeing that you threaten such dire resentment.
Several other songs followed; and it being then nigh upon
midnight, all, as the king was pleased to order, betook them to rest.
[016]
With the first light of the new day they rose, and, the seneschal
having already conveyed thence all their chattels, they, following the
lead of their discreet king, hied them back to Florence; and in Santa
Maria Novella, whence they had set forth, the three young men
took leave of the seven ladies, and departed to find other diversions
elsewhere, while the ladies in due time repaired to their homes.