Page 224 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron So, at no great length, ended Neifile her story, which the company and face at a well that was in the courtyard of the house, and, while she
allowed to pass with none too much laughter or remark: whereupon
was so engaged, it happened that Calandrino came there for water, and
greeted her familiarly. Having returned his salutation, she, rather because
the queen, turning to Fiammetta, bade her follow suit. Fiammetta, with
Calandrino struck her as something out of the ordinary, than for any other
a most cheerful demeanor, made answer that she willingly obeyed, and
interest she felt in him, regarded him attentively. Calandrino did the same
thus began: "As I doubt not, you know, most charming ladies, be the
by her, and being smitten by her beauty, found reasons enough why he
topic of discourse never so well worn, it will still continue to please, if the
speaker knows how to make due choice of time and occasion. Wherefore,
considering the reason for which we are here (how that it is to make
know who she was, he did not dare to address her. She, upon whom his
gaze was not lost, being minded to amuse herself at his expense, let her
merry and speed the time gaily, and that merely), I deem that there is should not go back to his comrades with the water; but, as he did not
nothing that may afford us mirth and solace but here may find time and glance from time to time rest upon him, while she heaved a slight sigh
occasion, and, after serving a thousand turns of discourse, should still or two. Whereby Calandrino was immediately captivated, and tarried in
prove not unpleasing for another thousand. Wherefore, notwithstanding the courtyard, until Filippo called her back into the chamber. Returned to
that of Calandrino and his doings not a little has from time to time been his work, Calandrino sighed like a furnace: which Bruno, who was ever
said among us, yet, considering that, as a while ago Filostrato observed, regardful of his doings for the diversion they afforded him, failed not
there is nothing that concerns him that is not entertaining, I will make to notice, and by and by: "What the Devil is wrong with you, comrade
bold to add to the preceding stories another, which I might well, had I Calandrino?" said he. "You do nothing but puff and blow." "Comrade,"
been minded to deviate from the truth, have disguised, and so recounted replied Calandrino, "I should be in luck, had I but one to help me." "How
it to you, under other names; but as whoever in telling a story diverges so?" said Bruno. "Why," returned Calandrino, "it is not to go farther, but
from the truth does thereby in no small measure diminish the delight of there is a damsel below, fairer than a lamia, and so mightily in love with
his hearers, I purpose for the reason aforesaid to give you the narrative me that it would astonish you. I observed it just now, when I went to fetch
in proper form. the water." "Nay, but, Calandrino, make sure she is not Filippo's wife," said
Bruno. "I doubt it is even so," replied Calandrino, "for he called her and she
Niccolo Cornacchini, one of our citizens, and a man of wealth, had among joined him in the chamber; but what does it matter? I would circumvent
other estates a fine one at Camerata, on which he had a grand house Christ Himself in such a case, not to say Filippo. Truly, comrade, I tell you
built, and engaged Bruno and Buffalmacco to paint it throughout; in she pleases me I could not say how." "Comrade," returned Bruno, "I will
which task, for that it was by no means light, they associated with them find out for you who she is, and if she is Filippo's wife, two words from me
Nello and Calandrino, and so set to work. There were a few rooms in the will make it all straight for you, for she is much my friend. But how shall
house provided with beds and other furniture, and an old female servant we prevent Buffalmacco knowing it? I can never have a word with her
lived there as caretaker, but otherwise the house was unoccupied, for but he is with me." "As to Buffalmacco," replied Calandrino: "I care not
which reason Niccolo's son, Filippo, being a young man and a bachelor, if he does know it; but let us make sure that it does not come to Nello's
was wont sometimes to bring there a woman for his pleasure, and after ears, for he is of kin to Monna Tessa, and would spoil it all." To which:
keeping her there for a few days to escort her away again. Now on one of "You are right," returned Bruno.
these occasions it happened that he brought there one Niccolosa, whom
a vile fellow, named Mangione, kept in a house at Camaldoli as a common Now Bruno knew what the damsel was, for he had seen her arrive,
prostitute. And a fine piece of flesh she was, and wore fine clothes, and and moreover Filippo had told him. So, Calandrino having given over
for one of her sort, knew how to behave properly and talk agreeably. working for a while, and betaken himself to her, Bruno acquainted Nello
and Buffalmacco with the whole story; and thereupon they privately
Now one day at high noon forth tripped the damsel from her chamber concerted how to treat him in regard to this love affair. Wherefore, upon
in a white gown, her locks braided about her head, to wash her hands his return, said Bruno softly: "Did you see her?" "Yes, woe's me!" replied
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