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15. CONCLUSION

NOT one was there that followed Massaline that had anything more to say, for that they had all now propounded their questions. The sun now in setting left the place replete with a temperate air. By reason whereof Fiammetta most reverend queen of this amorous people, raised her one foot and thus said:

"Gentlemen and gentlewomen, your questions are finished whereunto (the gods be thanked) we have according to our small knowledge made answer, following rather pleasant reasoning than matter of contention. And we know that much more might have been answered unto the same, yea, and in far better sort than we have done. But yet that which we have said may suffice to our pastime, and for the rest let it remain to the philosophers of Athens. We see Phoebus now not to behold us with a straight aspect; we feel the air refreshed and know this feast which we at our coming hither left through the excessive heat, to be again begone by our companions. And therefor it seems us good that we return to the same."

And this being said she took with her delicate hand the laurel crown from her head, and in the place where she sat she laid it down, saying: "I leave here the crown of my honour and yours until that we shall return hither to the like reasoning."

And having thus said she took Philocopo by the hand, that now with the rest was risen, and so returned with them all to their feast.

Thence was heard of all sides the pleasant instruments and the air resounding of amorous sounds; no part of the garden was without banqueting, wherein they all abode merrily all that day even to the last hour. But night being come upon them and the stars shewing forth their light, it seemed good to the lady and to them all to depart and to return to the city, wherein being entered, Philocopo taking his leave, thus said unto her:

"Most noble Fiammetta, if the gods should ever grant me that I were mine own, as I am another's, without doubt I should be presently yours. But because mine own I am not, I cannot give myself to another. Howbeit forsomuch as the miserable heart could receive strange fire, so much the more it feels through your inestimable worthiness to be kindled, and shall feel always and incessantly with more effect shall desire never to be forgetful of your worthiness."

She thanked Philocopo greatly of his courtesy at his departure, adding that it would please the gods quickly to bring a gracious peace to his desire.