Page 40 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron The ladies and the young men, especially Filostrato, laughed wall. He gathered some straw and settled under the balcony,
appealing to St. Julian for help.
heartily at Neifile's narrative of Martellino's misadventures.
Then Filostrato, who sat next to Neifile, received the queen's
In the castle lived a beautiful widow loved by Marquis Azzo.
command to follow her and promptly began: "Fair ladies, I have
That night, the Marquis had planned to visit her but was called
a story in mind that mingles sacred themes with passages of
adverse fortune and love. It may be especially useful to travelers
away by urgent news. The lady, somewhat disconsolate, decided
in love's treacherous lands, who often find that, despite having
Rinaldo's mournful sounds and sent her maid to investigate.
a good bed, they are ill-lodged if they fail to say St. Julian's
paternoster. to take a bath and then go to bed. As she bathed, she heard
The maid found Rinaldo shivering and pitifully explained his
situation. The lady, moved by pity, had the maid let Rinaldo in
In the time of the Marquis Azzo da Ferrara, a merchant named and brought him to her.
Rinaldo d'Asti, having completed his business in Bologna, set
out for Verona. On his way, he joined the company of some Seeing Rinaldo nearly dead from the cold, the lady directed
men who appeared to be merchants but were actually robbers. him to a warm bath, which revived him. She provided him with
They played the part of respectable men, engaging in seemly clothes that had belonged to her late husband, and Rinaldo,
and honorable conversation, so Rinaldo felt fortunate to have grateful for the warmth and shelter, thanked God and St. Julian
met them. As they traveled, they discussed various topics, for delivering him from a wretched night and bringing him to
including the prayers people say while traveling. One of the comfortable quarters.
robbers asked Rinaldo about his usual prayer, and Rinaldo
replied that he always said a paternoster and an avemaria for The lady, after taking a little rest, had a roaring fire put in one
the souls of St. Julian's parents, asking for a good inn for the of her large rooms. She then asked her maid how the good
night. He believed this prayer had often saved him from peril man was doing. The maid replied, "Madam, he has put on the
and provided comfortable lodging. clothes, and he looks quite handsome and well-bred." The lady
instructed the maid to call him to the fire so they could sup
The robber, knowing their plan to rob Rinaldo, remarked that he together, knowing he had not eaten.
had never said such prayers but always found good lodging. As
they continued their journey, the robbers waited for the right When Rinaldo entered the room and saw the lady, he made
moment to strike. Near Castel Guglielmo, they set upon Rinaldo, a low bow and thanked her for her kindness. His words and
robbed him, and left him barefoot and in his shirt, mocking him appearance pleased the lady, who welcomed him warmly
to see if St. Julian would provide him with good lodging that and questioned him about his adventure. Rinaldo detailed his
night. Rinaldo's servant fled, leaving Rinaldo to fend for himself misfortune, and the lady, having heard about his servant's arrival
in the cold and snowy night. at the castle, believed his story. She informed him about his
servant and how he could find him the next day.
Rinaldo, shivering and desperate, set off for Castel Guglielmo,
hoping to find shelter. However, he arrived to find the gates They sat down to supper, and the lady, noticing Rinaldo's comely
locked and the bridges raised. He looked for a place to shelter form and gracious manner, felt a growing desire for him. After
from the snow and found a house with a balcony above the castle supper, she conferred with her maid, who encouraged her

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The Decameron