Page 121 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

lady for whom I often work. She is an old and compassionate lady. I will to be dead, but upon hearing that he was alive, her love for him reignited,
commend you to her care, and I am sure she will gladly receive you and and her hope was revived.
treat you as her daughter. Serve her well and gain her favor until God
sends you better fortune." Gostanza confided in the good lady with whom she lived, expressing
her desire to go to Tunis to see Martuccio with her own eyes. The lady,
The old lady listened, gazed at the damsel's face, shed tears, kissed her supportive as a mother, agreed and accompanied her to Tunis. They were
forehead, and led her into the house. There, she and other women lived honorably received by one of the lady's kinswomen. Carapresa, who
alone, doing various kinds of handiwork in silk, palm leaves, and leather. had attended Gostanza, was sent to gather information about Martuccio
In a few days, the damsel acquired some skill and worked with them, and returned with the news that he was alive and held in high esteem.
rising high in their favor and learning their language.
The gentlewoman decided to inform Martuccio of Gostanza's arrival
While the damsel, mourned at home as lost and dead, lived in Susa, herself. She went to him and said, "Martuccio, a servant of yours from
Mariabdela was King of Tunis. A young chieftain in Granada, backed by Lipari has come to my house and wishes to speak with you privately. I
mighty allies, claimed the realm of Tunis and gathered a vast army to have come to deliver his message." Martuccio thanked her and went with
expel the King. Martuccio Gomito, who knew the language of Barbary well, her to her house. When Gostanza saw him, she was overwhelmed with
heard the news in prison. Learning that the King of Tunis was mustering joy and embraced him, weeping with a mix of sorrow for past woes and
a mighty host for defense, he told one of the warders that he had advice happiness for the present. Martuccio, in silent wonder, sighed and said,
that would secure the King's victory. The warder reported this to his chief, "You live, my Gostanza? I heard long ago that you were lost, and nothing
who took it to the King. By the King's command, Martuccio was brought was known of you at home." He tenderly embraced her, and Gostanza
before him and asked for his advice. recounted all her adventures and how honorably she had been treated
by the gentlewoman.
Martuccio said, "Sire, if I observed correctly in the past, you rely mainly
on archers in battle. If you could ensure that your enemy's supply of After a long conversation, Martuccio returned to the King and told him
arrows runs out while yours remains plentiful, you would win the battle." everything, including his own adventures and those of Gostanza. He
The King replied, "Indeed, if I could do that, I would conquer." Martuccio expressed his desire to marry her according to their law. The King,
continued, "You can do it, Sire. Fit your archers' bows with finer strings finding the story remarkable, called Gostanza to him and confirmed that
than usual and match them with arrows that only these fine strings can everything was as Martuccio had said. "Well indeed," said the King, "you
notch. Do this secretly so your enemy does not find out. When both sides have won your husband." He then brought forth ample and excellent
have expended their arrows, the enemy will pick up your arrows, but gifts, giving some to Gostanza and some to Martuccio, and left them to
they won't be able to use them because their strings are too thick. Your their own devices.
men, however, can use the enemy's arrows because the fine strings
will fit the large-notched arrows. Thus, your men will have an abundant Martuccio, in honorable terms, bade farewell to the old lady who had
supply of arrows, while the enemy will be at a loss." cared for Gostanza, thanking her for her service and giving her suitable
presents. Gostanza, shedding many tears, also bid farewell. With the
The King, who was wise, appreciated Martuccio's advice and King's permission, they boarded a light bark, taking Carapresa with them,
implemented it fully. As a result, he emerged victorious from the war, and sailed to Lipari with a prosperous breeze. They were received with
and Martuccio, being raised to the highest place in the King's favor, great joy and celebration. Martuccio and Gostanza were wedded with
became rich and powerful. News of these events spread throughout the all pomp and splendor, and they lived together in peace and happiness
country, eventually reaching Gostanza. She had long believed Martuccio for many years, enjoying their love.
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