Page 20 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron not think there are enough religious men here who will gladly spiritual significance. He found more brokers of open simony
under the guise of negotiation than in Paris, attending to all trades
baptize you? To me, it seems that such a journey is pointless. If
for gluttony rather than sustenance, as if God did not know the
you have any doubts or concerns about the faith I wish for you,
meaning of words or the intentions of wicked hearts and could
where can you find better doctors or more learned men than in
be deceived by outward names, as wretched men often are.
this famous city to resolve any questions? You must think that
the prelates are similar there as they are here, and they must

be in much better condition in Rome because they are near the
were deeply displeasing to the Jew, being a sober and modest
principal pastor. Therefore, if you trust my counsel, reserve
this journey for a more convenient time, when the Jubilee of These things, and many more (better kept silent than spoken),
man. He soon saw enough and decided to return to Paris, which
general pardon happens, and then, perhaps, I will accompany he quickly did. When Jehannot heard of his arrival, he expected
you as a fellow pilgrim." different news rather than seeing him as a converted Christian.
He went to welcome him, and they feasted together. After a few
To which the Jew replied, "I believe, Jehannot, that all you days of rest, Jehannot asked him what he thought of the Holy
have said may be true. But, to be brief, I am fully determined Father the Pope, his Cardinals, and all the other Courtiers. The
to go there if you want me to become a Christian, as you insist. Jew readily answered, "It is strange, Jehannot, that God should
Otherwise, I will remain as I am." Jehannot, perceiving his settled give them so much. I will tell you truly, if I had considered
purpose, said, "Go then in God's name." But he was persuaded everything I heard and saw there, I would have concluded
that after seeing the Court of Rome, the Jew would never become never to find in any priest any sanctity, devotion, good works,
a Christian. Nevertheless, he counted his effort not altogether examples of honest life, or anything else good. But if one wants
lost, as he had good intentions, which are commendable. to see luxury, avarice, gluttony, and such wickedness, even
worse, if worse may be, held in general estimation by all, let him
The Jew mounted on horseback and made no delay in his go to Rome, which I think is rather a forge of damnable actions
journey to Rome. Upon his arrival, he was honorably received than any way leaning to grace or goodness. From what I could
by other Jews living there. During his stay (without revealing the perceive, your chief pastor and all his dependents strive with
reason for his visit), he carefully observed the Pope's life, the all their efforts to bring to nothing or banish out of the world
Cardinals, Prelates, and all the Courtiers. Being a discreet and the Christian religion, which they should support and uphold.
judicious man, he saw clearly, both with his own eyes and from
the information of friends, that from the highest to the lowest, But because I see that their wicked intent will never succeed,
without any restraint, remorse of conscience, shame, or fear of and that your faith grows and shines every day more clearly, I
punishment, all sinned in abhorrent luxury, not only naturally but conclude that the Holy Spirit is the true foundation and support,
also in vile acts. He found that the favor of prostitutes and young being more true and holy than any other. Therefore, whereas I
boys was not only attainable but widely sought after. Moreover, was stubborn and obstinate against the good advice, and never
he saw drunkards, gluttons, and those who served their intended to become a Christian, now I freely open my heart
appetites more than anything else, behaving like brutish beasts. to you, that nothing in the world can or will hinder me from
becoming a Christian. Let us go to the church now, and according
He also observed that all men were so covetous and greedy for to the true custom of your holy faith, help me to be baptized."
money that everything was bought and sold, not only the blood
of men but also the faith of Christians, and matters of the highest
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The Decameron