[104]
Having thus spent the time allowed them by the queen, they
returned to the house, where they found that Parmeno had entered
on his office with zeal; for in a hall on the ground-floor they saw
tables covered with the whitest of cloths, and beakers that shone
like silver, and sprays of broom scattered everywhere. So, at the bidding
of the queen, they washed their hands, and all took their places
as marshalled by Parmeno. [105]Dishes, daintily prepared, were served,
and the finest wines were at hand; the three serving-men did their
office noiselessly; in a word all was fair and ordered in a seemly
manner;
[106]
whereby the spirits of the company rose, and they
seasoned their viands with pleasant jests and sprightly sallies.
Breakfast done, the tables were removed, and the queen bade fetch
instruments of music; for all, ladies and young men alike, knew
how to tread a measure, and some of them played and sang with
great skill: so, at her command, Dioneo having taken a lute, and
Fiammetta a viol, they struck up a dance in sweet concert;
[107]
and,
the servants being dismissed to their repast, the queen, attended by
the other ladies and the two young men, led off a stately carol; which
ended they fell to singing ditties dainty and gay.
[108]
Thus they diverted
themselves until the queen, deeming it time to retire to rest, dismissed
them all for the night. So the three young men and the
ladies withdrew to their several quarters, which were in different
parts of the palace. There they found the beds well made, and
abundance of flowers, as in the hall; and so they undressed, and
went to bed.
