Page 72 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Ricciardo’s Horse, Zima’s Victory

In Pistoia, a city of pride and pretense, Ricciardo, known to all as Zima for
his flamboyant dress and lively spirit, finds himself hopelessly enamored
with the beautiful wife of Messer Francesco Vergellesi, a wealthy and
arrogant man whose affections are reserved for his own status and

possessions. When Francesco is appointed Governor of Milan, he seeks
a horse worthy of his new title, and Zima owns the finest palfrey in town.
Everyone knows of Zima’s love for the lady, and they suggest that he
might part with the horse if given a chance to speak with her. Francesco,

calculating and miserly, sees an opportunity to gain the horse without
payment. He agrees to Zima’s condition but commands his wife to remain
silent during the exchange, believing he can outwit the lovesick suitor.

Zima, undeterred, pours out his heart in a speech rich with courtly
passion and poetic longing. Though the lady says nothing, her eyes
and demeanor betray her interest. Seizing the moment, Zima cleverly
responds to his own declaration in her voice, accepting his love and

proposing a future meeting. Francesco, amused and dismissive, accepts
this theatrical exchange as harmless and takes the horse, unaware that
his own arrogance has sealed the pact. With Francesco off to Milan,
Zima and the lady begin a secret affair, their union made possible by wit,

boldness, and the blind pride of a man who thought himself too clever to
be deceived.

Told by Elissa, this tale is a celebration of intelligence, romantic daring,
A PLAYFUL FUSION OF GRIDS,
and the subtle power of performance. It reminds us that true cleverness
GALLOPING FORMS, AND STOLEN
GLANCES, THE IMAGE CAPTURES lies not in wealth or status, but in the ability to read between silences
WIT DISGUISED AS DECORUM, and turn constraints into opportunity. Zima’s victory is not just in love, it’s
WHERE ZIMA’S QUIET REBELLION
in proving that wit can outmaneuver arrogance, and that even the most
TROTS BENEATH THE POMP OF
guarded hearts can be won with the right words.
TRANSACTIONAL FARCE.
DECAMERON 70 71