In like manner there will be some who will say that there are stories here which ’twere better far had been omitted.  Granted; but ’twas neither in my power, nor did it behove me, to write any but such stories as were narrated; wherefore, ’twas for those by whom they were told to have a care that they were proper; in which case they would have been no less so as I wrote them.  But, assuming that I not only wrote but invented the stories, as I did not, I say that I should take no shame to myself that they were not all proper; seeing that artist there is none to be found, save God, that does all things well and perfectly.  And Charlemagne, albeit he created the Paladins, wist not how to make them in such numbers as to form an army of them alone.  It must needs be that in the multitude of things there be found diversities of quality.  No field was ever so well tilled but that here and there nettle, or thistle, or brier would be found in it amid the goodlier growths.  Whereto I may add that, having to address me to young and unlearned ladies, as you for the most part are, I should have done foolishly, had I gone about searching and swinking to find matters very exquisite, and been sedulous to speak with great precision.  However, whoso goes a reading among these stories, let him pass over those that vex him, and read those that please him.  That none may be misled, each bears on its brow the epitome of that which it hides within its bosom.

Again, I doubt not there will be such as will say that some of the stories are too long.  To whom, once more, I answer, that whoso has aught else to do would be foolish to read them, albeit they were short.  And though, now that I approach the end of my labours, ’tis long since I began to write, I am not, therefore, oblivious that ’twas to none but leisured ladies that I made proffer of my pains; nor can aught be long to him that reads but to pass the time, so only he thereby accomplish his purpose.  Succinctness were rather to be desired by students, who are at pains not merely to pass, but usefully to employ, their time, than by you, who have as much time at your disposal as you spend not in amorous delights.  Besides which, as none of you goes either to Athens, or to Bologna, or to Paris to study, ’tis meet that what is meant for you should be more diffuse than what is to be read by those whose minds have been refined by scholarly pursuits.

Nor make I any doubt but there are yet others who will say that the said stories are too full of jests and merry conceits, and that it ill beseems a man of weight and gravity to have written on such wise.  To these I am bound to render, and do render, my thanks, for that, prompted by well-meant zeal, they have so tender a regard to my reputation.  But to that, which they urge against me, I reply after this sort:—­That I am of weight I acknowledge, having been often weighed in my time; wherefore, in answer to the fair that have not weighed me, I affirm that I am not of gravity;