The Induction of the Author , to the following Discourses .

GRacious Ladies , so often as I consider with my selfe , and obserue respectiuely , how naturally you are enclined to compassion ; as many times do I acknowledge , that this present worke of mine , will ( in your iudgement ) appeare to haue but a harsh and offensiue b●ginning , in regard of the mournfull remembrance it beareth at the verie entrance of the last Pestilentiall mortality , vniuersally hurtfull to all that beheld it , or otherwise came to knowledge of it . But for all that , I desire it may not be so dreadfull to you , to hinder your further proceeding in reading , as if none were to looke thereon , but with sighes and teares . For , I could rather with , that so fearefull a beginning , should seeme but as an high and steepy hil appeares to them , that attempt to trauell farre on foote , and ascending the same with some difficulty , come afterward to walk vpon a goodly euen plaine , which causeth the more contentment in them , because the attaining thereto was hard and painfull . For , euen as pleasures are cut off by griefe and anguish ; so sorrowes cease by ioyes most sweete and happie arriuing .

After this breefe mollestation , briefe I say , because it is contained within small compasse of Writing ; immediately followeth the most sweete and pleasant taste of pleasure , whereof ( before ) I made promise to you . Which ( peraduenture ) could not bee expected by such a beginning , if promise stoode not thereunto engaged . And indeed , if I could wel haue conueyed you to the center of my desire , by any other way , then so rude and rocky a passage as this is , I would gladly haue done it . But because without this Narration , we could not demonstrate the occasion how and wherefore the matters hapned , which you shall reade in the ensuing Discourses : I must set them downe ( euen as constrained thereto by meere necessity ) in writing after this manner .

The yeare of our blessed Sauiours incarnation , 1348. that memorable mortality happened in the excellent City , farre beyond all the rest in Italy ; which plague , by operation of the superiour bodies , or rather for our enormous iniquities , by the iust anger of God was sent vpon vs mortals . Some few yeeres before , it tooke beginning in the Easterne partes , sweeping thence an innumerable quantity of liuing soules : extending it selfe afterward from place to place Westward , vntill it seized on the said City . Where neither humane skill or prouidence , could vse any preuention , notwithstanding it was cleansed of many annoyances , by diligent Officers thereto deputed : besides prohibition of all sickly persons enterance , and all possible prouision dayly vsed for conseruation of such as were in health , with incessant prayers and supplications of deuoute people , for the asswaging of so dangerous a sicknesse .

About the beginning of the yeare , it also began in very strange manner , as appeared by diuers admirable effects ; yet not as it had done in the East Countries , where Lord or Lady being touched therewith , manifest signes of incuitable death followed thereon , by bleeding at the nose . But here it began with yong children , male and female , either vnder the arm-pits , or in the groine by certaine swellings , in some to the bignesse of an Apple , in others like an Egge , and so in diuers greater or lesser , which ( in their vulgar Language ) they termed to be a Botch or Byle . In very short time after , those two infected parts were grown mortiferous , and would disperse abroad indifferently , to all parts of the body ; whereupon , such was the qualitie of the disease , to shew it selfe by blacke or blew spottes , which would appeare on the armes of many , others on their thighes , and euerie part else of the body : in some great and few , in others small and thicke .

Now , as the Byle ( at the beginning ) was an assured signe of neere approaching death ; so prooued the spots likewise to such as had them : for the curing of which sicknesse it seemed , that the Physitians counsell , the vertue of Medicines , or any application else , could not yeeld any remedy : but rather it plainely appeared , that either the nature of the disease would not endure it , or ignorance in the Physitians could not comprehend , from whence the cause prooceeded , and so by consequent , no resolution was to be determined . Moreouer , beside the number of such as were skilfull in Art , many more both women and men , without euer hauing any knowledge in Physicke , became Physitians : so that not onely few were healed , but ( well-neere ) all dyed , within three dayes after the saide signes were seene ; some sooner , and others later , commonly without either Feauer , or any other accident .

And this pestilence was yet of farre greater power or violence ; for , not onely healthfull persons speaking to the sicke , comming to see them , or ayring cloathes in kindnesse to comfort them , was an occasion of ensuing death : but touching their garments , or any foode whereon the sicke person fed , or any thing else vsed in his seruice , seemed to transferre the disease from the sicke to the sound , in very rare and miraculous manner . Among which matter of maruell , let me tell you one thing , which if the eyes of many ( as well as mine owne ) had not seene , hardly could I be perswaded to write it , much lesse to beleeue it , albeit a man of good credit should report it . I say , that the quality of this contagious pestilence was not onely of such efficacy , in taking and catching it one of another , either men or women : but it extended further , euen in the apparant view of many , that the cloathes , or any thing else , wherein one died of that disease , being toucht , or lyen on by any beast , farre from the kind or quality of man , they did not onely contaminate and infect the said beast , were it Dogge , Cat , or any other ; but also it died very soone after .

Mine owne eyes ( as formerly I haue said ) among diuers other , one day had euident experience hereof , for some poore ragged cloathes of linnen and wollen , torne from a wretched body dead of that disease , and hurled in the open streete ; two Swine going by , and ( according to their naturall inclination ) seeking for foode on euery dung-hill , tossed and tumbled the cloathes with their snouts , rubbing their heads likewise vppon them ; and immediately , each turning twice or thrice about , they both fell downe dead on the saide cloathes , as being fully infected with the contagion of them : which accident , and other the like , if not far greater , begat diuers feares and imaginations in them that beheld them , all tending to a most inhumane and vncharitable end ; namely , to flie thence from the sicke , and touching any thing of theirs , by which meanes they thought their health should be safely warranted .

Some there were , who considered with themselues , that liuing soberly , with abstinence from all superfluity ; it would be a sufficient resistance against all hurtfull accidents . So combining themselues in a sociable manner , they liued as separatists from all other company , being shut vp in such houses , where no sicke body should be neere them . And there , for their more security , they vsed delicate viands and excellent wines , auoiding luxurie , and refusing speech to one another , not looking forth at the windowes , to heare no cries of dying people , or see any coarses carried to buriall ; but hauing musicall instruments , liued there in all possible pleasure . Others were of a contrary opinion , who auouched , that there was no other physicke more certaine , for a disease so desperate , then to drinke hard , be merry among themselues , singing continually , walking euery where , and satisfying their appetites with whatsoeuer they desired , laughing , and mocking at euery mournefull accident , and so they vowed to spend day and night : for now they would goe to one Tauerne , then to another , liuing without any rule or measure ; which they might very easilie doe , because euery one of them , ( as if he were to liue no longer in this World ) had euen forsaken all things that he had . By meanes whereof the most part of the houses were become common , and all strangers , might doe the like ( if they pleased to aduenture it ) euen as boldly as the Lord or owner , without any let or contradiction .

Yet in all this their beastly behauiour , they were wise enough , to shun ( so much as they might ) the weake and sickly : In which misery and affliction of our City , the venerable authority of the Lawes , as well diuine as humane , was euen destroyed , as it were , through want of the awefull Ministers of them . For they being all dead , or lying sicke with the rest , or else liued so solitary , in such great necessity of seruants and attendants , as they could not execute any office , whereby it was lawfull for euery one to doe as he listed .

Betweene these two rehearsed extremities of life , there were other of a more moderate temper , not being so daintily dieted as the first , nor drinking so dissolutely as the second ; but vsed all things sufficient for their appetites , and without shutting vp themselues , walked abroade , some carrying sweete nose-gayes of flowers in their hands ; others odoriferous herbes , and others diuers kinds of spiceries , holding them to their noses , and thinking them most comfortable for the braine , because the ayre seemed to be much infected , by the noysome smell of dead carkases , and other hurtfull sauours . Some other there were also of more inhumane minde ( howbeit peraduenture it might be the surest ) saying , that there was no better physicke against the pestilence , nor yet so good ; as to flie away from it , which argument mainely mouing them , and caring for no body but themselues , very many , both men and women , forsooke the City , their owne houses , their Parents , kindred , friends , and goods , flying to other mens dwellings else-where . As if the wrath of God , in punishing the sinnes of men with this plague , would fall heauily vpon none , but such as were enclosed within the City wals ; or else perswading themselues , that not any one should there be left aliue , but that the finall ending of all things was come .

Now albeit these persons in their diuersity of opinions died not all , so vndoubtedly they did not all escape ; but many among them becomming sicke , and making a generall example of their flight and folly , among them that could not stirre out of their beds , they languished more perplexedly then the other did . Let vs omit , that one Citizen fled after another , and one neighbour had not any care of another , Parents nor kinred neuer visiting them , but vtterly they were forsaken on all sides : this tribulation pierced into the hearts of men , and with such a dreadfull terrour , that one Brother forsooke another ; the Vnkle the Nephew , the Sister the Brother , and the Wife her Husband : nay , a matter much greater , and almost incredible ; Fathers and Mothers fled away from their owne Children ▪ euen as if they had no way appertained to them . In regard whereof , it could be no otherwise , but that a countlesse multitude of men and women fell sicke ; finding no charity among their friends , except a very few , and subiected to the auarice of seruants , who attended them constrainedly , for great and vnreasonable wages ) yet few of those attendants to be found any where too . And they were men or women but of base condition , as also of groser vnderstanding , who neuer before had serued in any such necessities , nor indeed were any way else to be imployed , but to giue the sicke person such things as he called for , or to awaite the houre of his death ; in the performance of which seruices , oftentimes for gaine , they lost their owne liues .

In this extreame calamity , the sicke being thus forsaken of neighbors , kinred , and friends , standing also in such need of seruants ; a custome came vp among them , neuer heard of before , that there was not any woman , how noble , young , or faire soeuer shee was , but falling sicke , shee must of necessity haue a man to attend her , were he young or otherwise , respect of shame or modesty no way preuailing , but all parts of her body must be discouered to him , which ( in the like vrgency ) was not to be seene by any but women : whereon ensued afterward , that vpon the parties healing and recouery , it was the occasion of further dishonesty , which many being more modestly curious of , refused such disgracefull attending , chusing rather to die , then by such helpe to be healed . In regard whereof , as well through the want of conuenient remedies , ( which the sicke by no meanes could attain vnto ) as also the violence of the contagion , the multitude of them that died night and day , was so great , that it was a dreadfull sight to behold , and as much to heare spoken of . So that meere necessity ( among them that remained liuing ) begat new behauiours , quite contrary to all which had beene in former times , and frequently vsed among the City Inhabitants .

The custome of precedent dayes ( as now againe it is ) was , that women , kinred , neighbours , and friends , would meete together at the deceased parties house , and there , with them that were of neerest alliance , expresse their hearts sorrow for their friends losse . If not thus , they would assemble before the doore , with many of the best Cittizens and kindred , and ( according to the quality of the deceased ) the Clergy met there likewise , and the dead body was carried ( in comely manner ) on mens shoulders , with funerall pompe of Torch-light , and singing , to the Church appointed by the deceased . But these seemely orders , after that the fury of the pestilence began to encrease , they in like manner altogether ceased , and other new customes came in their place ; because not onely people died , without hauing any women about them , but infinites also past out of this life , not hauing any witnesse , how , when , or in what manner they departed . So that few or none there were , to deliuer outward shew of sorrow and grieuing : but insteed thereof , diuers declared idle ioy and reioycing , a vse soone learned of immodest women , hauing put off al feminine compassion , yea , or regard of their owne welfare .

Very few also would accompany the body to the graue , and they not any of the Neighbours , although it had beene an honourable Cittizen , but onely the meanest kinde of people , such as were graue-makers , coffin-bearers , or the like , that did these seruices onely for money , and the beere being mounted on their shoulders , in all haste they would runne away with it , not perhaps to the Church appointed by the dead , but to the neerest at hand , hauing some foure or sixe poore Priests following , with lights or no lights , and those of the silliest ; short seruice being said at the buriall , and the body vnreuerently throwne into the first open graue they found . Such was the pittifull misery of poore people , and diuers , who were of better condition , as it was most lamentable to behold ; because the greater number of them , vnder hope of healing , or compelled by pouerty , kept still within their houses weake and faint , thousands falling sick daily , and hauing no helpe , or being succoured any way with foode or physicke , all of them died , few or none escaping .

Great store there were , that died in the streetes by day or night , and many more beside , although they died in their houses ; yet first they made it knowne to their neighbours , that their liues perished , rather by the noysome smell of dead and putrified bodies , then by any violence of the disease in themselues . So that of these and the rest , dying in this manner euery where , the neighbours obserued one course of behauiour , ( moued thereto no lesse by feare , that the smell and corruption of dead bodies should harme them , then charitable respect of the dead ) that themselues when they could , or being assisted by some bearers of coarses , when they wer able to procure them , wold hale the bodies ( alreadie dead ) out of their houses , laying them before their doores , where such as passed by , especially in the mornings , might see them lying in no meane numbers . Afterward , Bieres were brought thither , and such as might not haue the helpe of Bieres , were glad to lay them on tables ; and Bieres haue bin obserued , not onely to be charged with two or three dead bodies at once , but many times it was seene also , that the wife with the husband , two or three Brethren together ; yea , the Father and the mother , haue thus beene carried along to the graue vpon one Biere .

Moreouer , oftentimes it hath bene seene , that when two Priests went with one Crosse to fetch the body ; there would follow ( behind ) three or foure bearers with their Bieres , and when the Priests intended the buriall but of one bodie , sixe or eight more haue made vp the aduantage , and yet none of them being attended by any seemly company , lights , teares , or the very least decencie , but it plainly appeared , that the verie like account was then made of men or Women , as if they had bene Dogges or Swine . Wherein might manifestly bee noted , that that which the naturall course of things could not shewe to the wise , with rare and little losse , to wit , the patient support of miseries and misfortunes , euen in their greatest height : not onely the wise might now learne , but also th● verie simplest people ; & in such sort , that they should alwaies be prepared against all infelicities whatsoeuer .

Hallowed ground could not now suffice , for the great multitude of dead bodies , which were daily brought to euery Church in the City , and euery houre in the day ; neither could the bodies haue proper place of buriall , according to our ancient custome : wherfore , after that the churches and Church-yards were filled , they were constrained to make vse of great deepe ditches , wherein they were buried by hundreds at once , ranking dead bodies along in graues , as Merchandizes are laide along in ships , couering each after other with a small quantity of earth , & so they filled at last vp the whole ditch to the brim .

Now , because I would wander no further in euerie particularity , concerning the miseries happening in our Citie : I tell you , that extremities running on in such manner as you haue heard ; little lesse spare was made in the Villages round about ; wherein ( setting aside enclosed Castles , which were now filled like to small Cities ) poore Labourers and Husband-men , with their whole Families , dyed most miserably in out-houses , yea , and in the open fieldes also ; without any assistance of physicke , or helpe of seruants ; & likewise in the high-wayes , or their ploughed landes , by day or night indifferently , yet not as men , but like brute beasts .

By meanes whereof , they became lazie and slothfull in their daily endeuours , euen like to our Citizens ; not minding or medling with their wonted affaires : but , as awaiting for death euery houre , imployed all their paines , not in caring any way for themselues , their cattle , or gathering the fruits of the earth , or any of their accustomed labours ; but rather wasted and consumed , euen such as were for their instant sustenance . Whereupon , it fell so out , that their Oxen , Asses , Sheepe , and Goates , their Swine , Pullen , yea their verie Dogges , the truest and faithfullest seruants to men , being beaten and banished from their houses , went wildly wandring abroad in the fields , where the Corne grew still on the ground without gathering , or being so much as reapt or cut . Many of the foresaid beasts ( as endued with reason ) after they had pastured themselues in the day time , would returne full fed at night home to their houses , without any gouernment of Heardsmen , or any other .

How many faire Palaces ! How many goodly Houses ! How many noble habitations , filled before with families of Lords and Ladies , were then to be seene emptie , without any one there dwelling , except some silly seruant ? How many Kindreds , worthy of memory ! How many great inheritances ! And what plenty of riches , were left without any true successours ? How many good men ! How many woorthy Women ! How many valiant and comely yong men , whom none but Galen , H●ppocrates , and Aesculapius ( if they were liuing ) could haue bene reputed any way vnhealthfull ; were seene to dine at morning , with their Parents , Friends , and familiar confederates , and went to sup in another world with their Predecessors ?

It is no meane breach to my braine , to make repetition of so many miseries ; wherefore , being willing to part with them as easily as I may : I say that our Citie being in this case , voide of inhabitants , it came to passe ( as afterward I vnderstoode by some of good credite ) that in the venerable Church of S. Marie la Neufue , on a Tuesday morning , there being then no other person , after the hearing of diuine Seruice , in mourning habits ( as the season required ) returned thence seuen discreet yong Gentlewomen , all allyed together , either by friendship , neighbor-hood , or parentage . She among them that was most entred into yeares , exceeded not eight and twenty ; and the yongest was no lesse then eighteene ; being of Noble descent , faire forme , adorned with exquisite behauiour , and gracious modesty .

Their names I could report , if iust occasion did not forbid it , in regard of the occasions following by them related , and because times heereafter shall not taxe them with reproofe ; the lawes of pleasure being more straited now adayes ( for the matters before reucaled ) then at that time they were , not onely to their yeares , but to many much riper . Neither will I likewise minister matter to rash heades ( ouer-readie in censuring commendable life ) any way to impaire the honestie of Ladies , by their idle detracting speeches . And therefore , to the end that what each of them saith , may be comprehended without confusion ; I purpose to stile them by names , wholly agreeing , or ( in part ) conformable to their qualities . The first and most aged , we will name Pampinea ; the second Fiametta ; the third Philamena ; the fourth Aemilia ; the fift Lauretta ; the sixt Neiphila ; and the last we terme ( not without occasion ) Elissa , or Eliza. All of them being assembled at a corner of the Church , not by any deliberation formerly appointed , but meerely by accident , and sitting as it were in a round ring : after diuers sighs seuerally deliuered , they conferred on sundry matters answerable to the sad qualitie of the time , and within a while after , Madam Pampinea began in this manner .

Faire Ladies , you may ( no doubt as well as I ) haue often heard , that no iniury is offered to any one , by such as make vse but of their owne right . It is a thing naturall for euerie one which is borne in this World , to aide , conserue , and defend her life so long as shee can ; and this right hath bene so powerfully permitted , that although it hath sometimes happened , that ( to defend themselues ) men haue beene slaine without any offence : yet Lawes haue allowed it to be so , in whose solicitude lieth the best liuing of all mortals . How much more honest and iust is it then for vs , and for euery other well-disposed person , to seeke for ( without wronging any ) and to practise all remedies that wee can , for the conseruation of our liues ? When I well consider , what we haue heere done this morning , and many other already past ; remembring ( withall ) what likewise is proper and conuenient for vs : I conceiue ( as all you may do the like ) that euerie one of vs hath a due respect of her selfe , and then I meruaile not , but rather am much amazed ( knowing none of vs to be depriued of a Womans best iudgement ) that wee seeke not after some remedies for our selues , against that , which euery one among vs , ought ( in reason ) to feare .

Heere we meete and remaine ( as it seemeth to mee ) in no other manner , then as if we would or should be witnesses , to all the dead bodies at rest in their graues ; or else to listen , when the religious Sisters here dwelling ( whose number now are well-neere come to be none at all ) sing Seruice at such houres as they ought to do ; or else to acquaint all commers hither ( by our mourning habites ) with the quality and quantitie of our hearts miseries . And when we part hence , we meete with none but dead bodies ; or sicke persons transported from one place to another ; or else we see running thorow the City ( in most offensiue fury ) such as ( by authoritie of publike Lawes ) were banished hence , onely for their bad and bru●●sh behauiour in contempt of those Lawes , because now they know , that the executors of them are dead and sicke . And if not these , more lamentable spectacles present themselues to vs , by the base rascality of the Citie ; who being fatted with our blood , tearme themselues Graue-makers , and in meere contemptible mockerie of vs , are mounted on horsebacke , gallopping euerie where , reproaching vs with our losses and misfortunes , with lewd and dishonest songs : so that we can hear nothing els but such and such are dead , and such and such lie a dying ; heere hands wringing , and euerie where most pittifull complaining .

If we returne home to our houses ( I know not whether your case bee answerable to mine ) when I can finde none of all my Family , but onely my poore waiting Chamber-maide ; so great are my feares , that the verie haire on my head declareth my amazement , and wheresoeuer I go or sit downe , me thinkes I see the ghostes and shadowes of deceased friends , not with such louely lookes as I was wont to behold them , but with most horrid and dreadfull regards , newly stolne vpon them I know not how . In these respects , both heere , else-where , and at home in my house , methinkes I am alwaies ill , and much more ( in mine owne opinion ) then any other bodie , not hauing meanes or place of retirement , as all we haue , and none to remaine heere but onely we .

Moreouer , I haue often heard it said , that in tarrying or departing , no distinction is made in things honest or dishonest ; onely appetite will be serued ; and be they alone or in company , by day or night , they do whatsoeuer their appetite desireth : not secular persons onely , but such as are recluses , and shut vp within Monasteries , breaking the Lawes of obedience , and being addicted to pleasures of the flesh , are become lasciuious and dissolute , making the world beleeue , that whatsoeuer is conuenient for other women , is no way vnbeseeming them , as thinking in that manner to escape .

If it be so , as manifestlie it maketh shew of it selfe ; What do we here ? What stay we for ? And whereon do we dreame ? Why are we more respectlesse of our health , then all the rest of the Citizens ? Repute we our selues lesse precious then all the other ? Or do we beleeue , that life is linked to our bodies with stronger chaines , then to others , and that therefore we should not feare any thing that hath power to offend vs ? Wee erre therein , and are deceiued . What brutishnesse were it in vs , if wee should vrge any such beleefe ? So often as wee call to minde , what , and how many gallant yong men and women , haue beene deuoured by this cruell pestilence ; wee may euidently obserue a contrary argument .

Wherefore , to the end , that by being ouer-scrupulous and carelesse , we fall not into such danger , whence when we would ( perhaps ) we cannot recouer our selues by any meanes : I thinke it meete ( if your iudgement therein shall iumpe with mine ) that all of vs as we are ( at least , if we will doe as diuers before vs haue done , and yet daily endeauour to doe ) shunning death by the honest example of other , make our retreate to our Countrey houses , wherewith all of vs are sufficiently furnished , and thereto delight our selues as best we may , yet without transgressing ( in any act ) the limits of reason . There shall we heare the pretty birds sweetly singing , see the hilles and plaines verdantly flourishing ; the Corne twaning in the field like the billowes of the Sea ; infinite store of goodly trees , and the Heauens more fairely open to vs , then here we can behold them : And although they are iustly displeased , yet will they not there denie vs better beauties to gaze on , then the walles in our City ( emptied of Inhabitants ) can offoord vs .

Moreouer , the Ayre is much fresh and cleere , and generally , there is farre greater abundance of all things whatsoeuer , needefull at this time for preseruation of our health , and lesse offence or mollestation then wee find here .

And although Countrey people die , as well as heere our Citizens doe , the griefe notwithstanding is so much the lesse , as the houses and dwellers there are rare , in comparison of them in our City . And beside , if we well obserue it , here wee forsake no particular person , but rather wee may tearme our selues forsaken ; in regard that our Husbands , Kinred , and Friends , either dying , or flying from the dead , haue left vs alone in this great affliction , euen as if we were no way belonging vnto them . And therefore , by following this counsell , wee cannot fall into any reprehension ; whereas if we neglect and refuse it , danger , distresse , and death , ( perhaps ) may ensue thereon .

Wherefore , if you thinke good , I would allow it for well done , to take our waiting women , with all such things as are needfull for vs , and ( as this day ) betake our selues to one place , to morrow to another , taking there such pleasure and recreation , as so sweete a season liberally bestoweth on vs . In which manner we may remaine , till we see ( if death otherwise preuent vs not ) what ende the gracious Heauens haue reserued for vs . I would haue you also to consider , that it is no lesse seemely for vs to part hence honestly , then a great number of other Women to remaine here immodestly .

The other Ladies and Gentlewomen , hauing heard Madam Pampinea , not onely commended her counsell , but desiring also to put it in execution ; had already particularly consulted with themselues , by what means they might instantly depart from thence . Neuerthelesse , Madam Philomena , who was very wise , spake thus .

Albeit faire Ladies , the case propounded by Madam Pampinea hath beene very wel deliuered ; yet ( for all that ) it is against reason for vs to rush on , as we are ouer-ready to doe . Remember that we are all women , and no one among vs is so childish , but may consider , that when wee shall be so assembled together , without prouidence or conduct of some man , we can hardly gouerne our selues . We are fraile , offensiue , suspicious , weake spirited , and fearefull : in regard of which imperfections , I greatly doubt ( if we haue no better direction then our owne ) this society will sooner dissolue it selfe , and ( perchance ) with lesse honour to vs , then if we neuer had begunne it . And therefore it shall be expedient for vs , to prouide before wee proceede any further . Madam Elissa hereon thus replied .

Most true it is , that men are the chiefe or head of women , and without their order , sildome times doe any matters of ours sort to commendable ende . But what meanes shal we make for men ? we all know well enough , that the most part of our friends are dead , and such as are liuing , some be dispearsed here , others there , into diuers places and companies , where we haue no knowledge of their being . And to accept of strangers , would seeme very inconuenient ; wherefore as we haue such care of our health , so should wee be as respectiue ( withall ) in ordering our intention : that wheresoeuer wee aime at our pleasure and contentment , reproofe and scandall may by no meanes pursue vs .

While this discourse thus held among the Ladies , three young Gentlemen came forth of the Church ( yet not so young , but the youngest had attained to fiue and twenty yeeres ) in whom , neither malice of the time , losse of friends or kinred , nor any fearefull conceit in themselues , had the power to quench affection ; but ( perhaps ) might a little coole it , in regard of the queazy season . One of them called himselfe Pamphilus , the second Philostratus , and the last Dioneus . Each of them was very affable and well conditioned , and walked abroade ( for their greater comfort in such a time of tribulation ) to trie if they could meete with their faire friends , who ( happily ) might all three be among these seauen , and the rest kinne vnto them in one degree or other . No sooner were these Ladies espyed by them , but they met with them also in the same aduantage ; whereupon Madam Pampinea ( amiably smiling ) saide .

See how graciously Fortune is fauourable to our beginning , by presenting our eyes with three so wise and worthy young Gentlemen , who will gladly be our guides and seruants , if we doe not disdaine them the office . Madam Neiphila beganne immediatly to blush , because one of them had a loue in the company , and saide ; Good Madam Pampinea take heed what you say , because ( of mine owne knowledge ) nothing can be spoken but good of them all ; and I thinke them all to be absolutely sufficient , for a farre greater employment then is here intended : as being well worthy to keepe company , not onely with vs , but them of more faire and precious esteeme then we are . But because it appeareth plainely enough , that they beare affection to some here among vs : I feare , if wee should make the motion , that some dishonour or reproofe may ensue thereby , and yet without blame either in vs or them . That is nothing at all , answered Madam Philomena , let mee liue honestly , and my conscience not checke me with any crime ; speake then who can to the contrary , God and truth shal enter armes for me . I wish that they were as willing to come , as all wee are to bid them welcome : for truly ( as Madam Pampinea saide ) wee may very well hope that Fortune will bee furtherous to our purposed iourney .

The other Ladies hearing them speake in such manner , not onely were silent to themselues , but all with one accord and consent saide , that it were well done to call them , and to acquaint them with their intention , entreating their company in so pleasant a voyage . Whereupon , without any more words , Madam Pampinea mounting on her feete ( because one of the three was her Kinsman ) went towards the● , as they stood respectiuely obseruing them ; and ( with a pleasing countenance ) giuing them a gracious salutation , declared to them their deliberation , desiring ( in behalfe of all the rest ) that with a brotherly and modest minde , they would vouchsafe to beare them company .

The Gentlemen imagined at the first apprehension , that this was spoken in mockage of them , but when they better perceiued , that her words tended to solemne earnest ; they made answer , that they were all heartily ready to doe them any seruice . And without any further delaying , before they parted thence , tooke order for their aptest furnishing withall conuenient necessaries , and sent word to the place of their first appointment . On the morrow , being Wednesday , about breake of day , the Ladies , with certaine of their attending Gentlewomen , and the three Gentlemen , hauing three seruants to waite on them ; left the City to beginne their iourney , and hauing trauelled about a leagues distance , arriued at the place of their first purpose of stay ; which was seated on a little hill , distant ( on all sides ) from any high way , plentifully stored with faire spreading Trees , affoording no meane delight to the eye . On the top of all stood a stately Pallace , hauing a large and spacious Court in the middest , round engirt with galleries , hals and chambers , euery one separate alone by themselues , and beautified with pictures of admirable cunning . Nor was there any want of Gardens , Meadowes , and other pleasant walkes , with welles and springs of faire running waters , all encompassed with branching vines , fitter for curious and quaffing bibbers , then women sober and singularly modest .

This Pallace the company found fully fitted and prepared , the beddes in the Chambers made and daintily ordered , thickly strewed with variety of flowres , which could not but giue them the greater contentment . Dioneus , who ( aboue the other ) was a pleasant young gallant , and full of infinite witty conceits , saide ; Your wit ( faire Ladies ) hath better guided vs hither , then our prouidence . I know not how you haue determined to dispose of your cares ; as for mine owne , I left them at the City gate , when I came thence with you : and therefore let your resolution be , to spend the time here in smiles and singing ( I meane , as may fittest agree with your dignity ) or else giue me leaue to goe seeke my sorrowes againe , and so to remaine discontented in our desolate City . Madam Pampinea hauing in like manner shaken off her sorrowes , deliuering a modest and bashfull smile , replied in this manner .

Dioneus , well haue you spoken , it is fit to liue merrily , and no other occasion made vs forsake the sicke and sad Citie . But , because such things as are without meane or measure , are subiect to no long continuance . I , who began the motion , whereby this society is thus assembled , and ayme at the long lasting thereof : doe hold it very conuenient , that wee should all agree , to haue one chiefe commaunder among vs , in whom the care and prouidence should consist , for direction of our merriment , performing honour and obedience to the party , as to our Patrone and sole Gouernour . And because euery one may feele the burthen of sollicitude , as also the pleasure of commaunding , and consequently haue a sensible taste of both , whereby no enuie may arise on any side : I could wish , that each one of vs ( for a day onely ) should feele both the burthen and honour , and the person so to be aduanced , shall receiue it from the election of vs all . As for such as are to succeede , after him or her that hath had the dayes of dominion : the party thought fit for succession , must be named so soone as night approacheth . And being in this eminencie ( according as he or she shall please ) hee may order and dispose , how long the time of his rule shall last , as also of the place and manner , where best we may continue our delight .

These words were highly pleasing to them all , and , by generall voyce , Madame Pampinea was chosen Queene for the first day . Whereupon , Madame Philomena ranne presently to a Bay-tree , because she had often heard , what honour belonged to those branches , and how worthy of honour they were , that rightfully were crowned with them , plucking off diuers branches , she made of them an apparant and honourable Chaplet , placing it ( by generall consent ) vpon her head , and this , so long as their company continued , manifested to all the rest , the signall of dominion and Royall greatnesse .

After that Madame Pampinea was thus made Queene , she commanded publique silence , and causing the Gentlemens three seruants , and the waiting women also ( being foure in number ) to be brought before her , thus shee began . Because I am to giue the first example to you all , whereby ( proceeding on from good to better ) our company may liue in order and pleasure , acceptable to all , and without shame to any : I create Parmeno ( seruant to Dioneus ) Maister of the Houshold , hee taking the care and charge of all our t●ayne , and for whatsoeuer appertaineth to our Hall seruice . I appoint also that Silisco ( seruant to Pamphilus ) shall be our Dispencer and Treasurer , performing that which Parmeno shall commaund him . And that Tindaro serue as Groome of the Chamber , to Philostratus his Maister , and the other two , when his fellowes ( impeached by their offices ) cannot be present . Misia my Chambermaid , and Licisca ( belonging to Philomena ) shall serue continually in the Kitchin ) and diligently make ready such vyands , as shall be deliuered them by Parmeno ▪ Chimera , wayting-woman to Lauretta , and Stratilia ( appertaining to Fiammetta ) shall haue the charge and gouernement of the Ladies Chambers , and preparing all places where we shall be present . Moreouer , we will and commaund euery one of them ( as they desire to deserue our grace ) that wheresoeuer they goe or come , or whatsoeuer they heare or see : they especially respect to bring vs tydings of them . After shee had summarily deliuered them these orders , very much commended of euery one ; shee arose fearefully , saying . Heere wee haue Gardens , Orchards , Meadowes , and other places of sufficient pleasure , where euery one may sport & recreate themselues : but so soone as the ninth houre striketh , then all to meete here againe , to dine in the coole shade .

This iocund company hauing receiued licence from their Queene to disport themselues , the Gentlemen walked with the Ladies into a goodly Garden , making Chaplets and Nosegayes of diuers flowers , and singing silently to themselues . When they had spent the time limitted by the Queene , they returned into the house , where they found that Parmeno had effectually executed his office . For , when they entred into the Hall , they saw the Tables couered with delicate white naperie , and the Glasses looking like siluer , they were so transparantly cleare , all the roome beside streamed with flames of Iuniper . When the Queene and all the rest had washed ; according as Parmeno gaue order , so euery one was seated at the Table : the vyands ( delicately drest ) were serued in , and excellent wines plentifully deliuered , none attending but the three seruants , and little or no loud table-talke passing among them .

Dinner being ended , and the tables withdrawne ( all the Ladies , and the Gentlemen likewise , being skilfull both in singing and dauncing , and playing on instruments artificially ) the Queene commaunded , that diuers instruments should be brought , and ( as she gaue charge ) Dioneus tooke a Lute , and Fiammetta a Violl de gamba , and began to play an excellent daunce . Whereupon the Queene , with the rest of the Ladies , and the other two young Gentlemen ( hauing sent their attending seruants to dinner ) paced foorth a daunce very maiestically . And when the daunce was ended , they sung sundry excellent Canzonets , out-wearing so the time , vntill the Queene commaunded them all to rest , because the houre did necessarily require it . The Gentlemen hauing their Chambers farre seuered from the Ladies , curiously strewed with flowers , and their beds adorned in exquisite manner , as those of the Ladies were not a iote inferiour to them : the silence of the night bestowed sweet rest on them all . In the morning , the Queene and all the rest being risen , accounting ouermuch sleepe to be very hurtfull : they walked abroade into a goodly Meadowe , where the grasse grew verdantly , and the beames of the Sunne heated not ouer-violently , because the shades of faire spreading trees gaue a temperate calmenesse , coole and gentle winds fanning their sweet breath pleasingly among them . All of them being there set downe in a round ring , and the Queene in the middest , as being the appointed place of eminencie , she spake in this manner .

You see ( faire company ) that the Sunne is highly mounted , the heate ( else-where ) too extreme for vs , and therfore here is our fittest refuge , the aire being so coole , delicate , and acceptable , and our folly well worthie reprehension , if we should walke further , and speede worse . Heere are Tables , Cards , and Chesse , as your dispositions may be addicted . But if mine aduice might passe for currant , I would admit none of those exercises , because they are too troublesome both to them that play , and such as looke on . I could rather wish , that some quaint discourse might passe among vs , a tale or fable related by some one , to vrge the attention of all the rest . And so wearing out the warmth of the day , one prety Nouell wil draw on another , vntil the Sun be lower declined , and the heates extremity more diminished , to solace our selues in some other place , as to our minds shal seeme conuenient . If therefore what I haue sayde be acceptable to you ( I purposing to follow in the same course of pleasure , ) let it appeare by your immediate answer ; for , til the Euening , I think we can deuise no exercise more commodious for vs .

The Ladies & Gentlemen allowed of the motion , to spend the time in telling pleasant tales ; whereupon the Queene saide : Seeing you haue approoued mine aduice , I grant free permission for this first day , that euery one shall relate , what to him or her is best pleasing . And turning her selfe to Pamphilus ( who was seated on her right hand ) gaue him fauour , with one of his Nouels , to begin the recreation : which he not daring to deny , and perceiuing generall attention prepared for him , thus he began .