Page 268 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron not be the same, replied: "My lord, there is no robe here that I recognize, Eight days before the time appointed for her marriage, Torello espied in
albeit it is true that those two robes are such as I once wore myself, in
Alexandria one he had seen go with the Genoese ambassadors aboard
the galley to Genoa. He called him and asked about their voyage and when
company with three merchants that came to my house." Saladin could
they had reached Genoa. The other replied: "My lord, the galley made a
refrain himself no longer and, tenderly embracing him, said: "You are
sorry voyage, as I learned in Crete, where I remained. While nearing Sicily,
Messer Torello d'Istria, and I am one of those three merchants to whom
a terrible gale from the North drove her onto the shoals of Barbary, and
your lady gave these robes. Now is the time to warrant you of the quality
of my merchandise, as I told you might come to pass when I parted from
you." Torello was overjoyed and abashed, overjoyed to have entertained
which was indeed true, and recalling that the term he had asked of his
wife would soon be fulfilled, Torello surmised there could be no tidings
such an illustrious guest, and abashed, for it seemed to him that he had never a soul escaped, including my two brothers." Believing this report,
given him but a sorry entertainment. Saladin said: "Messer Torello, since of him at Pavia. He made no question but that the lady was provided
God has sent you to me, deem that it is no more I that am lord here, but with another husband, sinking into such a depth of woe that he lost all
you." They made great cheer together, and Saladin caused Torello to be power to eat and took to his bed, resigning himself to die. When Saladin,
royally arrayed, presented him to all his greatest lords, and extolled his who dearly loved him, learned of this, he came to Torello and, after many
merit in no stinted measure. He bade all, as they hoped for grace from entreaties, learned the cause of his distress and sickness. Chiding him
him, to honor Messer Torello even as himself. From that hour, they all did, for not sooner apprising him, Saladin besought him to put on a cheerful
especially the two lords who had been with Saladin at Torello's house. courage, assuring him that he would bring it to pass that Torello should
be in Pavia at the appointed time, and told him how. Believing Saladin's
The glory to which Torello suddenly found himself raised somewhat words, Torello recovered heart and urged Saladin to make all haste.
diverted his mind from the affairs of Lombardy, especially as he
entertained no doubt that his letter had reached his uncle's hands. Saladin bade one of his necromancers, whose skill he had already proven,
However, in the Christian camp, on the day they were taken by Saladin, to devise a method whereby Messer Torello should be transported abed
there died and was buried one Messer Torello de Dignes, an obscure in a single night to Pavia. The necromancer agreed but suggested it would
knight of Provence. As Messer Torello d'Istria was known to all the host be best to put Messer Torello to sleep. With the matter arranged, Saladin
as a noble gentleman, those who heard that Messer Torello was dead returned to Messer Torello, finding him earnestly desirous to be in Pavia
supposed it was Messer Torello d'Istria, not Messer Torello de Dignes. The at the appointed time, or else to die. Saladin said: "Messer Torello, if you
capture did not undeceive them, for many Italians carried the report home, dearly love your lady and fear she may become the bride of another, I
some even claiming to have seen Messer Torello d'Istria's dead body and do not censure you. Of all the ladies I have ever seen, she seems to me
attended its interment. This rumor reached his lady and kinsfolk, causing the most worthy to be lauded and cherished for her bearing, manners,
great distress to them and all who knew him. The mode and measure of and address, to say nothing of her beauty, which is but a fleeting flower.
his lady's grief, mourning, and lamentation were immense. I would have been gratified if Fortune had allowed us to exercise equal
lordship in the governance of my realm while we both lived. If that was
After months of almost unmitigated tribulation, her sorrow showed signs not God's will, and you must either be at Pavia at the appointed time or
of abatement. Suitors, some of the greatest men of Lombardy, began to die, I wish I had known sooner so I could have sent you home with the
seek her hand, and her brothers and kinsfolk importuned her to marry honor and state befitting your high desert. Since that is not possible, and
again. She refused many times with floods of tears but, overborne at nothing will content you but to be there forthwith, I will speed you there
last, consented to do as they wished, on the condition that she remain as I have promised."
unmarried until the term she had bound herself to Messer Torello was
fulfilled. Messer Torello replied: "My lord, you have already proven your goodwill
towards me beyond my deserts. I am assured of the truth of what you
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