Page 31 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu
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The First Day | The Eighth Novell Next to Filostrato sat Lauretta, who, when the praises for
Storyteller: Lauretta Bergamino’s address had ceased, knowing it was her turn to
speak, began with charming graciousness: “The last story,
Which plainly declares that a greedy gentleman is not worthy dear friends, prompts me to share how a worthy man, also a
of any honor or respect. Guillaume Boursier, with a few quaint jester, successfully reprimanded the greed of a very wealthy
and familiar words, checked the miserable greed of Signior merchant. Though the theme of my story is similar to the last, I
Herminio de Grimaldi. hope it will still be appreciated because it has a happy ending.
Madam Lauretta, sitting next to Philostratus, after hearing the witty
tale of Bergamino, knew she was to say something, so she pleasantly
began: This last story, fair and virtuous company, prompts me to tell
you how an honest courtier similarly, and not unprofitably, reproved
base greed in a wealthy merchant. Though the tale may resemble
the previous one, it may still be pleasing due to its good outcome.
Not long ago, there lived in Genoa a gentleman named Signior
Herminio de Grimaldo, known for his vast inheritances and
ready sums of money, surpassing any other known citizen
in Italy. However, he also excelled in miserly greed, denying
not only others but even himself of necessary things to avoid
expenses, contrary to the general custom of the Genoese, who
enjoyed decent clothing and good food. Due to his miserable
greed, they took away the surname Grimaldi, calling him Master
Herminio the covetous miser, a nickname fitting his nature.
During his time of spending nothing but multiplying his wealth, a civil
and honest gentleman, a witty courtier named Guillaume Boursier,
arrived in Genoa. Unlike many courtiers who flatter disgraceful
manners to gain favor, Guillaume was known for his virtues and
was willingly welcomed by the best men in Genoa. After a few
days in the city, Guillaume heard much talk of Master Herminio’s
miserable greed and desired to see him. Understanding Guillaume’s
virtuous disposition, Master Herminio, despite his greed, welcomed
him graciously and conversed with him on various occasions.
In the company of other Genoese, Master Herminio showed
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE Guillaume his new house, a costly and beautiful building. After
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
showing him the various rarities, he asked Guillaume for advice
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The Decameron
