Page 110 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron When Neifile finished her tale, moving the entire assembly to The next day, Rossiglione, armed and accompanied by two loyal
compassion, the King, wanting to uphold Dioneus’ privilege, began
servants sworn to secrecy, hid in a woodland area about a mile from
his castle where Guardastagno would pass. After waiting for about
thus: "I recall a story, gentle ladies, which, seeing we are so deeply
two hours, he saw Guardastagno approaching with two unarmed
into tragic tales of unsuccessful love, will provoke as much sympathy
attendants, as they suspected no treachery. As Guardastagno
as the one just told. What makes it even more moving is that it
reached the ambush spot, Rossiglione charged at him with a sharp
involves people of high standing.
According to the people of Provence, there once lived two noble
to defend himself and unsupported by his attendants, was mortally
knights, each owning castles and having followers. One was named lance, shouting, "False villain, you are dead!" Guardastagno, unable
wounded and fell dead. His men hurried back to their lord's castle,
Messer Guiglielmo de Rossiglione, and the other, Messer Guiglielmo fearing the same fate. They did not recognize the attackers due to
Guardastagno. Both were valiant and skilled in arms, which only their martial disguises.
strengthened their friendship. They were often seen together in
tournaments and other martial activities, going about nearly every Rossiglione dismounted and, with a sharp knife, took Guardastagno's
day in matching garments. Though their castles were five miles apart, heart, wrapped it in the bandolier of his lance, and gave it to one of
they regularly spent time together as close friends. his men, instructing strict secrecy. He then returned to his castle
as night fell. The lady, having expected Guardastagno, wondered
Messer Guiglielmo de Rossiglione was married to a beautiful lady. at his delay and expressed surprise to Rossiglione. He lied, saying
Messer Guardastagno, forgetting the laws of respect and loyal Guardastagno would not arrive until the next day, leaving her in
friendship, fell deeply in love with her. He expressed his love openly silent disappointment."
enough that she noticed and, seemingly, reciprocated his feelings.
However, she remained mindful of her honour, unlike Guardastagno, Rossiglione left his wife and went to the kitchen, where he called
who neglected his loyalty to his friend. for the cook. He gave him the heart, saying, "Take this heart of a
wild boar, which I had the good fortune to kill today, and prepare it
This careless love was carried on with such recklessness that, in the most delicious way you can. When it is ready, serve it to me
while it may or may not have reached fruition, Rossiglione noticed in a silver dish with appropriate sauce." The cook took the heart,
certain behaviour he couldn't tolerate. This long-standing friendship believing it to be from a boar as his master said, and using his best
turned into deep-seated hatred, which he masked with an outward cooking skills, he expertly sliced it and made it delicious.
display of continued friendship, but inwardly, he had sworn to kill When supper time came, Rossiglione sat at the table with his wife,
Guardastagno. He only needed to find the best way to do it, which but he had almost no appetite, as the terrible deed weighed heavy
he did. on his mind. Finally, the cook brought in the dish and served it to his
wife. Rossiglione, pretending to lack appetite, urged her with kind
A tournament was announced throughout France by the sound of a words to taste the cook’s skill.
trumpet, and Rossiglione informed Guardastagno, inviting him to visit
if he planned to participate. Guardastagno, eager to see his beloved, The lady, having a good appetite, enjoyed the dish so much that she
replied that he would come and have supper with Rossiglione the nearly finished it. When Rossiglione saw that she had eaten it all,
next evening. Rossiglione then plotted how to carry out the deed. he asked her how she liked it. She replied, "In all my life, I’ve never
had anything better." Rossiglione responded, "I believe you, madam,

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The Decameron