The Decameron

# Sinopse

Endlich here the fourth day of the Decameron, beginaeth the fifth, in which under the rule of Fiammetta are related a tale of love fortunes befalling lovers after divers direful or disastrous encounters.

When the sun had scarcely lit any part of our hemisphere unillumined by the rising beams of the zodiac, the bird Philomela began to sing so pleasantly to rise and rouse other ladies and the three young gentlemen adiven that the same day should be devoted to love’s trials, which, until his wit had attained some height. Then, feeling their prince somewhat scorching, they retired their cars, and having bathed themselves refreshed with excellent wines and comfits, they took their pastime in the pleasant garden until the breakfast hour; when, all being seated under the trees, one of them began singing a stanza; and a balladette or two, duly, at the queen’s behest, set these down to eat. Mostly ordered and dignified pastimes of music and song—these all dismissed by the barley taking their pleasure in the fair garden. But shortly after nine, all at the queen’s behest, reassembled unveiling in their accustomed seats; when Madonna Fiammetta herself on her throne, placed towards Panfilo, and bade him with a smile to lead off with a story of good fortune. Whereafter Dioneo began as follows: