Page 30 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron eminence, and excellent and quick beyond all others in versifying; Primasso, not used to fasting and with his appetite whetted by the
whereby he became so notable and famous that, although he was not
journey, drew out one of the loaves he had brought and began to eat.
everywhere known by sight, there were scarcely any who did not at least
The Abbot, after a while, sent a servant to see if Primasso had left. The
know his name and reputation. Once, while in Paris and in straitened
servant returned, saying, "No, sir, and he is eating a loaf of bread he
circumstances, as was often his lot due to the lack of appreciation for
seems to have brought with him." The Abbot, vexed that Primasso had
virtue by the powerful, he heard about the Abbot of Cluny. The Abbot,
except for the Pope, was considered the richest prelate in the Church of
God due to his vast revenues. Marvellous and magnificent things were
eat his own bread if he has any, for he shall have none of ours today."
told about the perpetual court the Abbot kept and how he denied neither not left of his own accord but not disposed to turn him out, said, "Let him

food nor drink to anyone who requested it while he was at the table. Primasso finished his first loaf and, as the Abbot still did not appear,
began to eat the second. This was also reported to the Abbot, who again
Primasso decided to see for himself the magnificent state the Abbot sent to see if he had left. Finally, as the Abbot still delayed, Primasso
kept, as he delighted in observing the ways of powerful and lordly men. began on the third loaf. The Abbot, hearing this, began to reflect and
He learned that the Abbot was staying at a place about six miles from said to himself, "Oh my soul, what unusual mood harbors you today?
Paris, which he could reach in time for breakfast if he started early in What greed? What scorn? And of whom? I have given my hospitality
the morning. Finding no one else traveling the same way and fearing he for many years to anyone who craved it, without regard to whether
might lose his way and find himself without food, he took three loaves they were gentle or churl, poor or rich, merchant or cheat, and I have
of bread with him, assuming water would be available everywhere. seen it squandered on vile fellows without number. Never have I felt
towards anyone what I feel towards this man. Surely, he must be a
Primasso reached the Abbot's place before breakfast time and man of consequence to cause this greed in me. Though he seems a vile
observed the vast array of tables and the well-appointed kitchen. fellow, he must be great for my mind to be so averse to honoring him."
He thought to himself, "In truth, this man is as magnificent as he is
reported to be." While he was occupied with his observations, the The Abbot sent to inquire who the vile fellow was and learned that he was
Abbot's steward ordered water for washing hands, and everyone Primasso, come to see if the reports of the Abbot's magnificence were
sat down to breakfast. Primasso was placed directly in front of the true. Stricken with shame, knowing Primasso's fame and greatness, the
door through which the Abbot would pass from his chamber into the Abbot sought to make amends. He honored Primasso in many ways, had
hall. According to the rule of his court, no food or drink was set on him nobly arrayed, set him upon a palfrey, filled his purse, and left it to
the tables before the Abbot made his appearance and was seated. his choice whether to stay or go. Primasso, with a full heart, thanked the
Abbot for his courtesy and, having left Paris afoot, returned on horseback.
The steward sent word to the Abbot that everything was ready,
and they awaited his pleasure. The Abbot stepped forward towards Messer Cane understood Bergamino's meaning perfectly and said with a
the hall, gazing straight ahead, and the first person he saw was smile, "Bergamino, your parable is apt and clearly explains your losses,
Primasso, who was in very sorry trim. The Abbot, who did not know my greed, and what you desire of me. This access of greed, of which
him by sight, was surprised by a churlish mood and thought, "So it you are the occasion, is the first I have experienced. But I will expel the
is to such as this man that I give my hospitality." He returned to his intruder with the baton you have furnished." So he paid Bergamino's
chamber, locked the door, and asked his attendants if they knew reckoning, dressed him nobly in one of his own robes, gave him money
the vile fellow sitting at the table. They all answered in the negative. and a palfrey, and left it to his discretion whether to stay or go.

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The Decameron