“And who will deny that this [comfort], whatsoever [worth] it be, it behoveth much more to give unto lovesick ladies than unto men? For that these within their tender bosoms, fearful and shamefast, hold hid the fires of love (which those who have proved know how much more puissance they have than those which are manifest), and constrained by the wishes, the pleasures, the commandments of fathers, mothers, brothers and husbands, abide most time enmewed in the narrow compass of their chambers and sitting in a manner idle, willing and willing not in one breath, revolve in themselves various thoughts [by] which it is not possible [that one] should still be merry. By reason whereof if there arise in their minds any melancholy, bred of ardent desire, needs must it with grievous annoy abide therein, except it be done away by new discourse; more by token that they are far less strong than men to endure. With men in love it happeneth not on this wise, as we may manifestly see.”
Quote by Giovanni Boccaccio
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Giovanni Boccaccio was an Italian author and poet, born on June 16, 1313, and died on December 21, 1375. He is best known for his work 'The Decameron', a collection of 100 tales told by a group of young people during the Black Death. Boccaccio's contributions to literature are significant for his depiction of human nature and his influence on the development of the novel form. more
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