Page 153 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Sixth Day | The Ninth Novell
Storyteller: Elissa One such company was led by Messer Betto Brunelleschi. Messer Betto and
his comrades tried hard to bring Guido, son of Cavalcante de' Cavalcanti,
Clearly revealing the difference between learning and ignorance into their company. Besides being one of the best logicians in the world
through sharp perception. Signior Guido Cavalcante, with a and an excellent natural philosopher, Guido was unmatched in gallantry,
sudden and witty response, reproached the hasty foolishness of courtesy, discourse, and aptitude for all matters befitting a gentleman. He
certain Florentine gentlemen who attempted to mock him. was also very rich and knew how to bestow honor to the utmost when he
deemed someone worthy. However, Messer Betto could never win him
over, and he and his comrades supposed it was because Guido, being
addicted to speculation, was estranged from men. Guido was somewhat
inclined to the opinion of the Epicureans, and the common people believed
his speculations aimed to prove that God did not exist.

One day, Guido came from Or San Michele by the Corso degli Adimari to
San Giovanni, where the great marble tombs that are now in Santa Reparata
were located. Guido was between the columns of porphyry, the tombs,
and the locked door of San Giovanni when Messer Betto and his company
rode onto the piazza of Santa Reparata. Seeing him among the tombs, they
said, "Let's go and mock him." They spurred their horses and were upon
him almost before he saw them. "Guido," they began, "you will not join
our company, but when you have proved that God does not exist, what
will you have achieved?" Guido, seeing he was surrounded, answered,
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE). "Gentlemen, you may say to me what you please in your own house." He
then laid his hand on one of the great tombs, vaulted over it, and evaded
them, leaving them gazing at each other. Some said he had lost his wits
and that his answer was meaningless, as the ground they stood on was
common to all citizens, including Guido.
You should know that in former times, our city had many excellent and
commendable customs, none of which remain today due to the greed
But Messer Betto, turning to them, said, "Nay, but it is you who have lost
that has grown with the wealth of our people. One such custom was that
your wits if you have not understood him. In few words, he has given us a
gentlemen in various quarters of Florence would form companies of a
shrewd reprimand. These tombs are the houses of the dead, who are laid
limited number, including only those who could bear the expenses. Each
and remain there. He calls them our house to show us that we, and all other
member would take turns entertaining the rest of the company for a day.
simple, unlettered men, are in a sorrier case than dead men compared
They would often honor gentlemen from distant parts visiting the city and
to him and the learned. So, being here, we are in our own house." Then
their fellow citizens. They would also meet at least once a year, all dressed
everyone understood Guido's meaning and was abashed. They mocked
alike, and ride through the city on notable days. They would sometimes tilt
him no more and henceforth regarded Messer Betto as a gentleman of
together, especially on great feasts or when the city received joyful news
subtle and discerning wit.
of victory or other glad events.
149
The Decameron