Sometime there lived in _Sienna_ two popular men; the one being named _Tingoccio Mini_ and the other _Meucio de Tora_; Men simple, and of no understanding, both of them dwelling in _Porta Salaia_. These two men lived in such familiar conversation together, and expressed such cordiall affection each to other, as they seldome walked asunder; but (as honest men use to doe) frequented Churches and Sermons, oftentimes hearing, both what miseries and beatitudes were in the world to come, according to the merits of their soules that were departed out of this life, and found their equall repaiment in the other. The manifold repetition of these matters, made them very earnestly desirous to know, by what meanes they might have tydings from thence, for their further confirmation. And finding all their endeavours utterly frustrated, they made a solemne vow and promise (each to other under oath) that hee which first dyed of them two, should returne backe againe (so soone as possibly he could) to the other remaining alive, and tell him such tydings as hee desired to heare.
After the promise was thus faithfully made, and they still keeping company, as they were wont to doe: It fortuned, that _Tingoccio_ became Gossip to one, named _Ambrosito Anselmino_, dwelling in _Camporeggio_, who by his wife, called _Monna Mita_, had a sweet and lovely Sonne. _Tingoccio_ often resorting thither, and consorted with his companion _Meucio_; the she-Gossip, being a woman worthy the loving, faire and comely of her person: _Tingoccio_, notwithstanding the Gossipship betweene them, had more then a moneths minde to his Godchilds Mother. _Meucio_ also fell sicke of the same disease, because shee seemed pleasing in his eye, and _Tingoccio_ gave her no meane commendations; yet, carefully they concealed their love to themselves, but not for one & the same occasion. Because _Tingoccio_ kept it closely from _Meucio_, lest he should hold it disgracefull in him, to beare amourous affection to his Gossip, and thought it unfitting to bee knowne. But _Meucio_ had no such meaning, for hee knew well enough that _Tingoccio_ loved her, and therefore conceived in his minde, that if he discovered any such matter to him: He will (quoth he) be jealous of me, and being her Gossip, which admitteth his conference with her when himselfe pleaseth; he may easily make her to distaste me, and therefore I must rest contented as I am.