How we cite our quotes: (Day.Story.Page)
Quote #10
There may also be those among you who will say that I have an evil and venomous tongue, because in certain places I write the truth about the friars. But who cares? I can readily forgive you for saying such things, for doubtless you are prompted by the purest of motives, friars being decent fellows, who forsake a life of discomfort for the love of God, who do all their grinding when the millpond's full, and say no more about it. Except for the fact that they all smell a little of the billy-goat, their company would offer the greatest of pleasure. (Author's Epilogue, 802. Boccaccio's defense of his work)
In the "Author's Epilogue," Boccaccio pretends to take on a conciliatory tone toward his critics. But the fact is that Boccaccio's not interested in backing down on any of his previous opinions concerning the clergy. He's having a great time here insulting them even more, dropping in the word "discomfort" to change the meaning of the usual phrase describing a life dedicated to God and accusing them of sexual indiscretions and homosexuality. Way to make friends, B.