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At some miles' distance from the village there dwelt a certain

Don Ferrante, and Donna Prassede his wife; the latter was a woman

of high birth, somewhat advanced in age, and exceedingly inclined

to do good; which is surely the most praiseworthy employment one

can be engaged on in this world; but which, indulged in without

judgment, may be rendered hurtful, like all other good things. To

do good, we must have correct ideas of good in itself considered,

and this can be acquired only by control over our own hearts.

Donna Prassede governed herself with her ideas, as some do with

their friends; she had very few, but to these she was much

attached. Among these few, were a number unfortunately a little

narrow and unreasonable, and they were not those she loved the

least.