Page 19 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

Pamfilo's story elicited laughter from some of the ladies and convert. He tried to dissuade Abraham from the journey,
hearty commendation from all, who listened attentively until but Abraham was determined. So Jehannot wished him
the end. The queen then asked Neifile, who sat next to her, good luck, though he felt sure the trip would be in vain.
to continue the storytelling. Neifile, whose grace of mind
matched her beauty, agreed with cheerful goodwill and began: Abraham traveled to Rome and was honorably received by
his fellow Jews. He discreetly observed the Pope, cardinals,
"Pamfilo has shown that the goodness of God overlooks our and other prelates, discovering their disgraceful lewdness,
errors when they result from unavoidable ignorance. In my gluttony, and avarice. He found them sinning without
story, I will show how the same goodness, bearing patiently remorse or shame, buying and selling sacred things for
with the shortcomings of those who should be its faithful money, and engaging in open simony and excess. Disgusted
witnesses, draws from them evidence of His infallible truth, so by what he saw, Abraham decided to return to Paris.
that we may follow our beliefs with more assured conviction.
Upon his return, Jehannot welcomed him warmly. After a few
In Paris, gracious ladies, there was once a great merchant days, Jehannot asked what he thought of the Holy Father and
named Jehannot de Chevigny, a large dealer in drapery, known the cardinals. Abraham replied, 'I think God owes them all
for his loyalty and righteousness. He had a close friendship an evil recompense. I found no holiness, devotion, or good
with a wealthy Jew named Abraham, who was also loyal works among them, only lewdness, avarice, and gluttony.
and righteous. Jehannot, observing Abraham's virtues, was They seem to be trying to destroy the Christian religion, yet
troubled that such a worthy soul should perish for lack of it continues to grow and shine more clearly. This convinces
faith. He began to plead with Abraham to leave the errors me that it is the true and holy faith, supported by the
of the Jewish faith and turn to the Christian truth, which he Holy Spirit. Therefore, I am ready to become a Christian.'
saw prospering daily, while the Jewish religion dwindled.
Jehannot, overjoyed, took Abraham to Notre Dame, where
Abraham replied that he believed the Jewish faith was the he was baptized and named Jean. He was then thoroughly
only sound and holy faith and intended to live and die in it. instructed in the Christian faith, which he readily learned and
Despite this, Jehannot continued to argue with him, explaining practiced in a good, virtuous, and holy life.
in simple terms why the Christian faith was better. Though
Abraham was a master of Jewish law, he began to be interested Jehannot hearing these words, became extremely sorrowful and
in Jehannot's arguments, though still too staunch in his faith said within himself; I have lost all the efforts which I thought
to convert. Jehannot persisted, and eventually, Abraham were well spent, hoping to convert this man here. For, if he
said, 'Jehannot, I am willing to become a Christian, but first, I goes to Rome and sees the wickedness of the priests' lives, I
must go to Rome and see the Pope and his cardinals. If their will lose all hope of him becoming a Christian. Instead, if he
lives, in conjunction with your words, convince me that your were already a Christian, without a doubt he would turn Jew.
faith is better, I will convert. Otherwise, I will remain a Jew.' So, going closer to Abraham, he said, "Alas, my loving friend,
why undertake such a tedious journey and so great an expense
Jehannot was distressed, thinking that if Abraham saw as traveling from here to Rome? Consider that for a rich man
the corrupt lives of the clergy in Rome, he would never like you, travel by land or sea is full of infinite dangers. Do you

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The Decameron