[073]
The other ladies praised Pampinea's plan, and indeed were so
prompt to follow it, that they had already begun to discuss the
manner in some detail, as if they were forthwith to rise from their
seats and take the road, [074]when Filomena, whose judgment was
excellent, interposed, saying: "Ladies, though Pampinea has spoken
to most excellent effect, yet it were not well to be so precipitate as
you seem disposed to be. Bethink you that we are all women; nor
is there any here so young, but she is of years to understand how
women are minded towards one another, when they are alone
together, and how ill they are able to rule themselves without the
guidance of some man.
[075]
We are sensitive, perverse, suspicious,
pusillanimous and timid; wherefore I much misdoubt, that, if we
find no other guidance than our own, this company is like to break
up sooner, and with less credit to us, than it should. Against which
it were well to provide at the outset."
[076]
Said then Elisa:
"Without
doubt man is woman's head, and, without man's governance, it is
seldom that aught that we do is brought to a commendable conclusion.
But how are we to come by the men?
[077]
Every one of us
here knows that her kinsmen are for the most part dead, and that the
survivors are dispersed, one here, one there, we know not where, bent
each on escaping the same fate as ourselves; nor were it seemly to
seek the aid of strangers; for, as we are in quest of health, we must
find some means so to order matters that, wherever we seek diversion
or repose, trouble and scandal do not follow us."
