Page 135 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Fifth Day | The Ninth Novell You should know that Coppo di Borghese Domenichi, a man who
Storyteller: Filammetta was, and perhaps still is, held in high regard and great reverence
in our city, not only for his noble lineage but also for his manners
Federigo degli Alberighi loves and is not loved in return: he wastes and merit, was in his old age often amused by recounting past
his substance by lavishness until nought is left but a single falcon, events with his neighbors and other people. He had no equal in
which, his lady being come to see him at his house, he gives her to accuracy and memory and was known for his eloquence. Among
eat: she, knowing his case, changes her mind, takes him to husband his many good stories, he would tell of a gallant named Federigo
and makes him rich. di Messer Filippo Alberighi, who was unmatched in Tuscany for
his feats of arms and courtesy. Like many gentlemen, Federigo
fell in love with a lady named Monna Giovanna, who was among
the fairest and most elegant ladies of Florence. To win her love,
he jousted, tilted, gave entertainments, scattered largess, and
spared no expense. However, the lady, as virtuous as she was
fair, cared not at all for his efforts or for him.

Spending far beyond his means and earning nothing, Federigo
eventually fell into poverty, reduced to owning only a small
estate and a single falcon, the best in the world. The estate was
at Campi, and deeming it impossible to live in the city as he
desired, he moved there, more in love than ever. In complete
seclusion, he diverted himself with hawking and bore his poverty
as best he could.

One day, Monna Giovanna's wealthy husband fell ill and, seeing
his end near, made his will. He left his estate to his son and, in
the event of his son's death without lawful heir, named Monna
Giovanna as his heir. After making these arrangements, he
died. Monna Giovanna, now a widow, did as many ladies do
and spent the summer at one of her country estates, which was
near Federigo's. Her son began to make friends with Federigo
and developed a fondness for hawks and dogs. Having seen
Federigo's falcon fly several times, the boy took a great liking to
it and longed to have it, but did not dare ask Federigo, knowing
how much he prized the bird.

The boy fell ill, and his mother was deeply distressed, for he was
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE her only son and she loved him dearly. She stayed by his side,
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE). comforting him and repeatedly asking if there was anything he
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The Decameron