Page 35 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

governance of our realm for tomorrow to Queen Filomena, the The group then walked to a stream, where they played and enjoyed
most discreet of damsels." So saying, she rose, took the laurel themselves before returning to the palace for supper. After supper,
wreath from her brow, and with a gesture of reverence, placed the queen called for musical instruments and asked Lauretta to lead
it on Filomena's brow. The other ladies and young men then a dance while Emilia sang a song accompanied by Dioneo on the lute.
saluted Filomena as queen, paying her due and graceful homage.
Thus ended the first day of the Decameron, and the second day
Queen Filomena blushed modestly as she was crowned with began under Queen Filomena's rule, with stories of those who, after
the sovereignty. Encouraged by Pampinea's recent advice, various misadventures, attained unexpected happiness.
she quickly regained her composure. She began by confirming
all the arrangements made by Pampinea and organizing the
plans for the following morning and evening, which they would
spend in their current location. She then addressed the group:

"Dear friends, though I am made queen thanks to Pampinea's
courtesy rather than my own merit, I do not intend to rely solely
on my judgment in governing our lives. I wish to combine your
wisdom with mine. Let me share my plans with you, so you can
suggest any changes if needed. Pampinea's course today was
commendable and enjoyable, so I do not plan to alter it unless it
becomes tedious. After we finish our current tasks, we will take a
short walk, have supper at sundown, and then sing a few songs and
entertain ourselves until bedtime. Tomorrow, we will rise early, take
another walk, return to break our fast, dance, sleep, and resume
our storytelling, which brings both pleasure and profit. However,
Pampinea neglected one matter due to her recent election: the
preassignment of our storytelling topics. This will allow each of us
to prepare an appropriate story. Since Fortune has always played a
role in human affairs, our theme will be the fortunes of those who,
after various adventures, have attained unexpected happiness."

The ladies and young men agreed to follow this rule. Dioneo,
however, requested a favor: "Madam, I agree with the rule,
but I ask for a special favor. I wish to be free to choose my
own topic if I am not inclined to follow the assigned theme. I
am content to always tell my story last." The queen, knowing
Dioneo's merry nature and understanding his desire to entertain
the group, granted his request with the consent of the others.

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The Decameron