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Because Masuccio—so far as the general public is concerned—may be counted among the lesser-known of the Novellieri of the Cinquecento, it may not be inappropriate to give a few details of his life and work. To this purpose we cannot do better than quote from the admirable introduction to Mr. W. G. Waters' translation of the Novellino, whence is taken our story of The Damsel and the Prince.

Masuccio, says Mr. Waters, "was probably born about 1420……Seeing that he was Sanseverino's secretary, and that the great majority of his novels are dedicated to prominent Neapolitans, it may be assumed that his life was chiefly spent in Naples and the neighbourhood……After 1474 Masuccio fades entirely from view……

"Masuccio seems to have rated himself as one with a message to deliver……his phraseology gives one the impression that he wrote with his feelings at white heat……In the very Prologue to the work he announces his primary theme, by proclaiming himself the scouter of priestly vices……If the words which a man speaks or writes are ever to be taken as evidence of the mind that is in him, then assuredly Masuccio may be credited with ardent hatred