[432] Cf. Decameron, Proem, where he speaks of his love for Fiammetta and the "discomfort," and "suffering" it brought him, "not indeed by reason of the cruelty of the beloved lady, but through the superabundant ardour engendered in the soul by ill-bridled desire; the which, as it allowed me no reasonable period of quiescence, frequently occasioned me inordinate distress."
[433] We know that Boccaccio had three children, two sons and a daughter. We do not know by whom.
[434] So that when he wrote the Proem (? 1353) he still loved her.
[435] Conclusion to Day IV.
[436] Day II, Nov. 10.
[437] Closing words of Day II, Nov. 7.
[438] Day II, Nov. 10.
[439] Day II, Nov. 9.
[440] That mere fact should enlighten us, for we may well believe such a subject of "jovial discourse" impossible to-day.
[441] Cf. Prologue to the Fourth Day: "Know then, my discreet ladies, that some there are who reading these little stories have alleged that I am too fond of you, and that 'tis not a seemly thing that I should take so much pleasure in ministering to your gratification and solace; and some have found fault with me for praising you as I do."