Note 59 — Chapter X
Reading edition
It may be mentioned that not all stories were recited before women. Bandello introduces one of his tales with the remark that in the absence of the ladies men may be less careful in their choice of themes (Nov. xxx. pt. i.). The exception is singular, as illustrating what was thought unfit for female ears. The Novella itself consists of a few jokes upon a disgusting subject; but it is less immodest than many which he dedicated to noble women.