Page 44 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Rinaldo d’Asti and the Compassionate Widow

Rinaldo d’Asti, a merchant of good repute, sets out from Bologna after
concluding his business, heading toward Verona. On the road, he falls in with
three men who appear to be fellow merchants. They speak politely, share

stories, and even discuss the prayers they offer for safe travels. Rinaldo, devout
in his own way, shares that he always prays to St. Julian, the patron saint of
travelers, asking for a good inn at day’s end. The others scoff, claiming their
own prayers are more effective.

But their piety is a ruse. That night, the three men rob Rinaldo of all his
possessions, leaving him nearly naked in the middle of a snowstorm. His
servant flees, and Rinaldo is left to wander alone through the bitter cold. He

stumbles toward Castel Guiglielmo, a fortress town, only to find its gates
locked for the night. With nowhere to go, he finds a hay-filled alcove near a
noblewoman’s home and collapses there, praying once more to St. Julian.

Inside, the widow, an aristocrat’s mistress, has prepared a sumptuous meal and

bath, expecting her lover. When he cancels, she indulges herself. Hearing Rinaldo’s
cries, she opens the door and is struck by his handsome appearance and pitiful
state. Moved by compassion and perhaps a touch of romantic longing, she

welcomes him in, bathes him, feeds him, and offers him a warm bed.

Their connection deepens quickly. Rinaldo’s charm and gratitude stir the widow’s
heart, and they spend the night together in mutual comfort. By morning, she outfits
LACED WITH RADIANT MOSAIC
him with fine clothes and money, restoring his dignity and fortune. Rinaldo returns
FORMS AND A TANGLE OF
VIBRANT MOTION, THE ARTWORK home, praising St. Julian for answering his prayers in the most unexpected way.
CHANNELS AN ALMOST
SPIRITUAL TRANSCENDENCE,
Later, the robbers are caught and confess their crimes, returning Rinaldo’s stolen
CAPTURING THE MOMENT WHEN
goods, except for a pair of garters. The tale ends with Rinaldo safe, restored, and
HUMAN VULNERABILITY MEETS
REDEMPTIVE WARMTH. wiser, having learned that misfortune can be the gateway to grace.
DECAMERON 42 43