midnight
but thou shalt no more be vexed with the tedious drivel of a petty dealer in ass 's dung , some blackguard , belike , that came hither from the country because he was dismissed the service of some petty squire , clad in romagnole , with belfry-breeches , and a pen in his arse , and for that he has a few pence , must needs have a gentleman 's daughter and a fine lady to wife , and set up a coat of arms , and say : -- ` I am of the such and such , ' and ` my ancestors did thus and thus . ' Ah ! had my sons but followed my advice ! Thy honour were safe in the house of the Counts Guidi , where they might have bestowed thee , though thou hadst but a morsel of bread to thy dowry : but they must needs give thee to this rare treasure , who , though better daughter and more chaste there is none than thou in Florence , has not blushed this very midnight and in our presence to call thee a strumpet , as if we knew thee not . God 's faith ! so I were hearkened to , he should shrewdly smart for it . '' Then , turning to her sons , she said : -- `` My sons , I told you plainly enough that this ought not to be .