Page 168 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron whenever you hadn't been. Who but you, blinded by jealousy, wouldn't In our city, rich in all manner of good things, there dwelt a
young gentlewoman, exceedingly fair, and married to a most
have understood my riddle? You guarded the door, thinking you had gone
out to sleep and eat. Think about your actions and be as you used to be, a
worthy and excellent gentleman. As it often happens that one
real man. Stop this strict confinement, for if I wanted to cheat on you, I could
cannot always stick to the same diet and would like to vary
it, this lady, finding her husband not altogether to her liking,
do it so well that you'd never find out, even if you had a hundred eyes."
became enamored of a gallant named Leonetto. Though he was
Chastened, the jealous fool, who thought he had cunningly discovered his
wife's secret, was ashamed and impressed by her wit and honor. Realizing
his jealousy was baseless, he abandoned it. The clever lady, now free from
fell in love with her as well. As you know, it is rare that mutual
his constant watch, no longer had to sneak her lover in over the roof but not of high rank, he was very charming and courteous, and he
desire does not come to fruition, and it was not long before
admitted him through the door. Using due discretion, they continued their they enjoyed their love.
affair and lived happily.
Now, the lady, being fair and winsome, caught the eye of a
gentleman named Messer Lambertuccio, who became mightily
enamored of her. However, she found him so tiresome and
The Seventh Day | The Sixth Novell odious that she could not bring herself to love him. Growing
tired of fruitlessly soliciting her favor, Messer Lambertuccio,
Storyteller: Pampinea
who was a powerful lord, sent her a message threatening to
defame her if she did not comply with his wishes. Terrified, the
Madame Isabella, who enjoyed the company of her friend Lionello,
lady decided to appease him.
was also loved by Signior Lambertuccio. One day, as she was
entertaining Lionello, Lambertuccio visited. To cover her tracks, she
One summer, as is our Florentine custom, Madonna Isabella,
had Lambertuccio run out with a drawn sword, creating a distraction
for such was the lady's name, went to spend some time on a
and giving her enough time to make an excuse to her husband.
very goodly estate she had in the countryside. One morning,
finding herself alone because her husband had ridden off to
stay elsewhere for a few days, she sent for Leonetto to keep
her company. Leonetto came forthwith in high spirits. While
they were together, Messer Lambertuccio, having heard that
the husband was away, mounted his horse and rode there
alone, knocking at the door. The lady's maid quickly informed
her mistress, who was alone with Leonetto, saying, "Madam,
Messer Lambertuccio is here below, quite alone." The lady was
vexed and dismayed, and she said to Leonetto, "Please, hide
behind the curtain and stay there until Messer Lambertuccio is
gone." Leonetto, who feared Messer Lambertuccio as much as
the lady did, hid as instructed. The lady then told the maid to
open the door for Messer Lambertuccio.
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
164
The Decameron