Page 122 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron The Fifth Day | The Third Novell
Storyteller: Elissa
Pietro Boccamazza runs away with Agnolella, and encounters a
gang of robbers: the girl takes refuge in a wood, and is guided to a
castle. Pietro is taken, but escapes out of the hands of the robbers,
and after some adventures arrives at the castle where Agnolella is,
marries her, and returns with her to Rome.
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
118
The Decameron
Elisa received the praise for her story in silence, and then the queen
called for a story from Filostrato. With a laugh, he began:
"I have often been chided by many of you for the heavy burden of
sorrowful tales I have told, so to make amends, I will tell you a brief
story that may make you laugh. It is a love story that, aside from a few
sighs and a brief moment of fear mixed with shame, ran smoothly to a
happy conclusion.
Not long ago, there lived in Romagna a worthy and courteous knight
named Messer Lizio da Valbona. He was already approaching old age
when his wife, Madonna Giacomina, gave birth to a daughter. As she grew
up, she became the fairest and most charming girl in the region. Being
their only daughter, she was dearly loved and cherished by her parents,
who guarded her closely, hoping to arrange a great match for her.
Frequently visiting Messer Lizio's house was a fine, young man named
Ricciardo de' Manardi da Brettinoro. Messer Lizio and his wife trusted
him as if he were their own son. Ricciardo, noticing the girl's beauty,
grace, and commendable behavior, fell deeply in love with her but kept
his feelings hidden. The girl, however, sensed his love and fell in love
with him as well, much to Ricciardo's delight. Though he often wanted
to speak to her, he refrained out of fear. Finally, he gathered his courage
and seized an opportunity to speak to her.
'Caterina, I implore you, do not let me die for love of you,' he said.
The girl immediately responded, 'No, God grant that it is not I who die
for love of you.' Greatly encouraged, Ricciardo replied, 'It will never be
my fault if you lack anything that may please you. But it is up to you to
find a way to save both our lives.'
Caterina said, 'You see how closely I am watched. I do not see how it
would be possible for you to come to me. But if you see anything I can
do without dishonor, tell me, and I will do it.'
Ricciardo pondered for a while and then said, 'Sweet Caterina, there is
only one way I can see. You should sleep either on or near the terrace
by your father's garden. If I know you will be there at night, I will find a
way to meet you, even though it is very high.'
Caterina replied, 'As for sleeping there, I doubt not that it can be arranged
if you are sure you can join me.' Ricciardo assured her that he could.
They exchanged a furtive kiss and parted."