Not long since, there lived in _Naples_, an honest meane man, who did take to Wife, a fayre and lustie young Woman, being named _Peronella_. He professing the Trade of a Mason, and shee Carding and Spinning, maintained themselves in a reasonable condition, abating and abounding as their Fortunes served. It came to passe, that a certayne young man, well observing the beauty and good parts of _Peronella_, became much addicted in affection towardes her: and by his often and secret sollicitations, which he found not to be unkindly entertayned; his successe proved answerable to his hope, no unindifferencie appearing in their purposes, but where her estate seemed weakest, his supplies made an addition of more strength.
Now, for their securer meeting, to stand cleare from all matter of scandal or detection, they concluded in this order between themselves. _Lazaro_, for so was _Peronellaes_ Husband named, being an earely riser every morning, either to seeke for worke, or to effect it being undertaken: this amorous friend being therewith acquainted, and standing in some such convenient place, where hee could see _Lazaroes_ departure from his house, and yet himselfe no way discerned; poore _Lazaro_ was no sooner gone, but presently he enters the house, which stood in a verie solitarie street, called the _Avorio_. Many mornings had they thus met together, to their no meane delight and contentation, till one especiall morning among the rest, when _Lazaro_ was gone forth to worke, and _Striguario_ (so was the amorous young man named) visiting _Peronella_ in the house: upon a very urgent occasion, _Lazaro_ returned backe againe, quite contrary to his former wont, keeping foorth all day, and never comming home till night.
Finding his doore to be fast lockt, and he having knockt softlie once or twice, he spake in this manner to himselfe. Fortune I thanke thee, for albeit thou hast made mee poore, yet thou hast bestowed a better blessing on me, in matching me with so good, honest, & loving a Wife. Behold, though I went early out of my house, her selfe hath risen in the cold to shut the doore, to prevent the entrance of theeves, or any other that might offend us. _Peronella_ having heard what her husband sayde, and knowing the manner of his knocke, said fearfully to _Striguario_. Alas deare friend, what shall wee doe? I am little lesse then a dead Woman: For, _Lazaro_ my Husband is come backe again, and I know not what to do or say. He never returned in this order before now, doubtlesse, hee saw when you entred the doore; and for the safety of your honour and mine: creepe under this brewing Fat, till I have opened the doore, to know the reason of his so soone returning.