How we cite our quotes: (Day.Story.Page)
Quote #7
'With men it is different: they are born with a thousand other talents apart from this, and older men do a far better job than the younger ones, as a rule; but women exist for no other purpose than to do this and to bear children, which is why they are cherished and admired [...] And since this is the purpose for which we are born, I repeat that you are very well advised to pay your husband in his own coin, so that when you're an old woman your heart will have no cause for complaint against your flesh.' (V.10.434-35, Dioneo's tale of Pietro di Vinciolo)
The old bawd in this tale may not have a lot of couth, but she does have some bitter insight into the truth of a woman's life in the 14th century. It's an argument that Boccaccio makes in the opening of The Decameron: men have other things to take them into the world and distract them from their passions; women do not. They really only have two things (hint: sex and procreation) so they better enjoy it and use it to their advantage while they can.
Quote #8
'Moreover, because a young man will cover more miles in a single day, he seems to you a better rider. But whereas I admit that he will shake your skin-coat with greater vigour, the older man, being more experienced, has a better idea of where the fleas are lurking. Besides, a portion that is small, but delicately flavoured, is infinitely preferable to a larger one that has no taste at all. And a hard gallop will tire and weaken a man, however young, whilst a gentle trot, though it may bring him somewhat later to the inn, will at least ensure that he is still in good fettle on arrival.' (VIII.7.602, Pampinea's story of the Scholar and the Widow)
There's no real indication of how much older Rinieri is than this beautiful but ruthless Widow, but he's armed himself with arguments about how much better mature men are in bed. For instance—and speaking euphemistically—they know "where the fleas are lurking" (you know, an itch that needs scratching). Young men may have more sexual stamina, but this doesn't necessarily translate into satisfaction for the ladies.
Quote #9
Isabetta was then set at liberty, and she and the Abbess returned to their beds, the latter with the priest and the former with her lover. She thenceforth arranged for him to visit her at frequent intervals, undeterred by the envy of those of her fellow nuns without lovers, who consoled themselves in secret as best they could. (IX.2. 658, Elissa's story of Isabetta and the Abbess)
You're right in thinking that this is a peculiar kind of sleeping arrangement for a convent full of nuns. But then again, you're probably fairly familiar with Boccaccio's opinion about the purity of ecclesiastics. More interesting, however, is the reference in the last sentence. Yes, "nuns without lovers, who consoled themselves in secret" means what you think it means. Goodness gracious.