[1] In reference to the forlorn condition of the city while the seat of the papacy was at Avignon, 1308-1377.
NOVEL 4. OF THE FIFTH DAY
— Ricciardo Manardi is found by Messer Lizio da Valbona with his daughter, whom he marries,and remains at peace with her father. —
In silence Elisa received the praise bestowed on her story by her fair companions; and then the queen called for a story from Filostrato, who with a laugh began on this wise:—Chidden have I been so often and by so many of you for the sore burden,which I laid upon you, of discourse harsh and meet for tears, that, as some compensation for such annoy,I deem myself bound to tell you somewhat that may cause you to laugh a little: wherefore my story,which will be of the briefest, shall be of a love, the course whereof, save for sighs and a brief passage of fear mingled with shame, ran smooth to a happy consummation.