Page 175 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

by what they had seen and heard, turned to Arriguccio and, after giving In Argos, there once lived a nobleman named Nicostratus. As he
him the soundest scolding ever bestowed upon a wretch, concluded, got older, Fortune gave him a wife named Lydia, a great lady whose
"This once we pardon thee, knowing thee to be a drunken knave—but courage matched her beauty. Nicostratus, fitting his rank and wealth,
as thou holdest thy life dear, take care that henceforth we hear no such kept many retainers, hounds, and hawks, and was very fond of
tales of thee; for rest assured that if anything of the kind reaches our hunting. Among his dependents was a young man named Pyrrhus, a
ears, we will repay thee for both offenses." With that, they departed. gallant with many accomplishments, good-looking, and beloved and
trusted by Nicostratus above all others. Lydia grew deeply enamored
Arriguccio, standing there like one dazed, not knowing whether his of Pyrrhus, so much so that her thoughts never strayed from him, day
recent actions were real or a dream, said no more about the matter or night. However, whether Pyrrhus was unaware of her love or simply
and left his wife in peace. Thus, by her cleverness, she not only uninterested, he gave no sign of recognition. Lydia's suffering grew
escaped imminent peril but also opened a way to gratify her passion unbearable, and she decided to declare her love to him. She called
fully without any further fear of her husband. her trusted chambermaid, Lusca, and said:

"Lusca, you have received tokens of my regard that should ensure your
obedience and loyalty. Be careful that what I tell you now reaches only
The Seventh Day | The Ninth Novell the ears of the person I bid you to tell. You see, Lusca, that I am in the

Storyteller: Pamfilo prime of my youth and vitality, and I lack nothing that people desire,
except that my husband's years far outnumber my own. Therefore,
Lydia, a lady of great beauty and honor, was the wife of I am ill-provided with what young ladies most enjoy. My desire is no
Nicostratus, the Governor of Argos. She fell in love with Pyrrhus. less than theirs, and I have decided that if Fortune has given me an
To prove her affection, Pyrrhus asked her to perform three older husband, I will not be my own enemy by failing to find happiness
actions. She did so and kissed Pyrrhus in Nicostratus's presence, and health. To complete my joy, I have chosen Pyrrhus, deeming him
convincing him it was an illusion. more worthy than any other man. I am ever ill at ease unless he is
present in my sight or mind, and unless I meet with him soon, I fear it
will be the death of me. If you value my life, show him my love in the
best way you can and ask him to come to me when you fetch him."

"That I will gladly do," replied Lusca. As soon as she found a convenient
time and place, she drew Pyrrhus aside and conveyed her lady's
message. Pyrrhus was surprised and doubted the lady's sincerity,
thinking she might be testing him. He replied:
"Lusca, I cannot believe this message comes from my lady. Be careful
what you say. If it does come from her, I doubt she means it. If she
does mean it, I am honored by my lord above what I deserve, and I
would not wrong him for anything. So, never speak of such matters
to me again."
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
171
The Decameron