Page 201 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Eighth Day | The Eighth Novell It was grievous and distressing for the ladies to hear what
Storyteller: Filammetta happened to Elena. However, they considered the retribution
somewhat justified and felt only moderate compassion for her,
Two neighbors, Spineloccio Tavena and Zeppa di Mino, spent time though they criticized the scholar for being severe, excessively
together daily. Spineloccio cuckolded his friend and neighbor. relentless, and indeed ruthless in his vengeance. After Pampinea
When Zeppa found out, he managed to win over Spineloccio's wife. finished her story, the queen asked Fiammetta to continue.
Locking Spineloccio in a chest, Zeppa took his revenge, and neither Prompt to obey, Fiammetta began:
of them complained about their misfortune.
"Charming ladies, as I think your feelings have been somewhat
troubled by the severity of the resentful scholar, I believe it is
appropriate to soothe your spirits with something more cheerful.
Therefore, I will tell you a little story about a young man who
bore an affront with a milder temper and avenged himself
with more moderation. This story will show that one should be
satisfied if the wrong is righted and not turn the requital of a
wrong into an occasion for wrongdoing.

In Siena, there lived two young men of good substance and,
for commoners, of good family: Spinelloccio Tanena and Zeppa
di Mino. Their houses were next to each other in the Camollia,
and they were always together, loving each other as brothers,
or even more so. Each had a very fine wife. It happened that
Spinelloccio, being often in Zeppa's house, grew so familiar with
Zeppa's wife that he sometimes lay with her. They continued
this way for a long time without anyone knowing.

One day, Zeppa was at home, though his wife did not know it.
Spinelloccio came looking for him, and the lady sent word that
he was not at home. Spinelloccio went upstairs, found the lady
in the living room, and kissed her, as she did him. Zeppa saw
everything but said nothing, wanting to see how it would end.
He soon saw his wife and Spinelloccio, still in each other's arms,
go to her chamber and lock themselves in. Zeppa was mightily
incensed but knew that making a noise or doing anything overt
would only increase his dishonor. He thought about how he might
be avenged without the affair becoming public and finally came
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE up with a plan. He stayed hidden until Spinelloccio left the lady.
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
197
The Decameron