The Nights of Straparola Volume 2
Author: Giovanni Francesco Straparola
Publisher: Theclassics.Us
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 114
ISBN-13: 9781230737768
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... Vicenza's subtle enigma won the praise of all who heard it, but there was not one of them, however sharp-witted, who was not baffled thereby. Wherefore Vicenza, perceiving that all were silent, and that her riddle was yet unsolved, stood up, and having obtained permission, thus explained it: "The subject of my enigma, ladies and gentlemen, is the warming-pan, which, after it is filled with burning cinders, is placed between the white sheets. It has eyes, that is to say, the holes pierced therein, and it is used when the weather is coldest." Fiordiana, whose turn it was to tell the next story, did not wait for the Signora's command, but with a smiling face began in the following words. THE SECOND FABLE. ttna becomes rnamourrt of Ceototo, a fjmnit, anto stoims across tjje sea to meet Ijtm, bnt bring toiscobereo by fjei brothers antr trirfcrt by a false signal, aljr nirs tofrtrljrfcly by ototomng. FIND that wise men have most aptly described love to be nothing but an irrational desire caused by a passion which has entered the heart through wanton thoughts. And its ill effects are: the squandering of earthly riches, the wasting of bodily strength, the destruction of the mind, and the loss of liberty. It knows no order, no reason; neither is there aught of steadfastness therein. It is the father of vice, the enemy of youth, the murderer of old age, and rarely or ever is its issue happy or prosperous. This is shown by the fate which happened to a damsel of the Spolatina family, who, being subjugated by love, ended her days most miserably. Ragusa, noble ladies, is a celebrated city of Dalmatia, situated upon the sea. Not far from it there is a little island, commonly called the centre island, whereon stands a strong and well-built hamlet, and...