grossest feeder, as euer was seene in any Countrey, all his meanes &
procurements meerly vnable to maintaine expences for filling his
belly. But otherwise he was of sufficient and commendable carri∣age,
fairely demea••ed, and well discoursing on any argument: yet,
not as a curious and spruce Courtier, but rather a frequenter of
rich mens Tables, where choice of good cheere is sildome wanting,
& such should haue his company, albeit not inuited, yet (like a bold
intruder) he had the courage to bid himselfe welcome.
At the same time, and in our City of Florence also, there was ano∣ther
man, named Blondello, very low of stature, yet comly formed,
quicke witted, more neat and brisk then a Butter flye, alwaies wea∣ring
a wrought silke cap on his head, and not a haire staring out of
order, but the tuft flourishing aboue the forehead, and he such ano∣ther
trencher-fly for the table, as our forenamed Guiotto was. It so
fel out on a morning in the Lent time, that hee went into the Fish∣market,
where he bought two goodly Lampreyes, for Messer Viero
de Cherchi, and was espied by Guiotto, who (comming to Blondello)
said. What is the meaning of this cost, and for whom is it? Where∣to
Blondello thus answered. Yesternight, three other Lampries, far
fairer and fatter then these, and a whole Sturgeon, were sent vnto
Messer Corso Donati, and being not sufficient to feede diuers Gentle∣men,
whom hee hath inuited this day to dine with him, hee caused
me to buy these two beside: Doest not thou intend to make one a∣mong
them? Yes I warrant thee, replied Guiotto, thou knowst I can
inuite my selfe thither, without any other bidding.
So parting; about the houre of dinner time, Guiotto went to the
house of the saide Messer Corso, whom he found sitting and talking
with certain of his neighbors, but dinner was not (as yet) ready, nei∣ther
were they come thither to dinner. Messer Corso demaunded of
Guiotto, what newes with him, and whither he went? Why Sir (said
Guiotto) I come to dine with you, and your good company. Wher∣to
Messer Corso answered, That he was welcom, & his other friends
being gone, dinner was serued in, none els therat present but Messer
Corso and Guiotto: al the diet being a poore dish of Pease, a litle piece
of Tunny, & a few smal fishes fried, without any other dishes to fol∣low
after. Guiotto seeing no better fare, but being disapointed of his
expectation, as longing to feed on the Lampries and Sturgeon, and
so to haue made a ful dinner indeed was of a quick apprehension, &
apparantly perceiued, that Blondello had meerly guld him in a kna∣uery,
which did not a litle vex him, and made him vow to be reuen∣ged
on Blondello, as he could compasse occasion afterward.
Before many daies were past, it was his fortune to meete with
Blondello, who hauing told this iest to diuers of his friends, and much