Page 168 - SUMMARIES OF BOCCACCIO’S DECAMERON - A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

Lydia and Pyrrhus

This novella weaves a tale of love, deception, and wit, showcasing
Lydia’s ingenuity and Pyrrhus’s resourcefulness. Themes of
forbidden passion and cunning manipulation enrich the story.

Lydia, the wife of Nicostratus, finds herself enamored with
Pyrrhus, one of her husband’s trusted attendants. Eager to test
her devotion, Pyrrhus challenges her to prove her love by fulfilling

three bold and seemingly impossible tasks.

First, Lydia steals her husband’s prized falcon. Next, she plucks
a tuft from Nicostratus’s beard while he is asleep. Finally, she

obtains one of his most cherished possessions, a valuable gold
ring. With remarkable cunning and daring, Lydia accomplishes each
task, solidifying her commitment in Pyrrhus’s eyes.

Having gained her trust, Pyrrhus devises a way to be with Lydia
in Nicostratus’s presence. Using Lydia’s wit, they orchestrate
a scenario where Nicostratus observes their rendezvous but is
made to believe it is an illusion. Through clever manipulation and

persuasive charm, Lydia convinces her husband that what he saw
was not real.

The tale concludes with Lydia maintaining her marriage

while indulging in her affair, showcasing her intelligence and
resourcefulness in navigating societal and marital constraints.

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