Page 42 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron The ladies marveled at Rinaldo d'Asti's adventures, praised Alessandro, seeing no peace in sight, decided to return to
Italy. He traveled alone but joined an abbot and his retinue
his devotion, and gave thanks to God and St. Julian for their
on the way. The abbot, a young kinsman of the King, was
help in his time of need. They also discussed the lady's night
of delight, while Pampinea, seated by Filostrato, prepared for
traveling to Rome for a dispensation and confirmation in his
her turn to speak. When the queen called on her, she began:
office. Alessandro, recognized by two knights, was received

into their company. The abbot, taken with Alessandro's
"Noble ladies, Fortune's handiwork is vast and varied, and
much remains to be said about it. All matters we consider
Alessandro told his story and offered his service. The abbot,
our own are in her hands, subject to chance and change. appearance and manners, asked about his background.
moved by his misfortunes, consoled him and invited him to
This is evident everywhere and all day long. As our queen travel together to Tuscany. Alessandro gratefully accepted.
wishes us to speak of Fortune, I will add another story
to those already told, which I believe will please you. This story, so consistent and detailed, flowed smoothly from
her tongue. Andreuccio remembered that his father had indeed
In our city, there was once a wealthy knight named Messer lived in Palermo. He knew how young people are prone to
Tedaldo, who had three sons: Lamberto, Tedaldo, and Agolante. love, saw her tears, felt her embraces and sisterly kisses, and
They inherited great wealth from their father and spent it lavishly, believed everything she said. When she finished, he replied:
indulging in every desire. They maintained a large establishment,
kept dogs and hawks, and lived extravagantly. Before long, "Madam, it should not surprise you that I marvel, for
their wealth was exhausted, and they began to sell and pledge my father never mentioned you or your mother. I knew
their property. Poverty opened their eyes, and Lamberto urged nothing of you, so finding my sister here is a great joy. I
his brothers to sell what little remained and leave Florence. am pleased to have such a sister, especially as I am just a
petty merchant. But tell me, how did you know I was here?"
They went to England, lived frugally, and lent money
at high interest, amassing a fortune. They returned to She answered, "A poor woman who was long in our father's
Florence, bought back their estates, and married. They service told me this morning. I thought it more fitting for you
left their business in England to their nephew, Alessandro, to come to see me at home than for me to visit you at an inn."
while they resumed their extravagant lifestyle in Florence.
Alessandro lent money to barons on the security of their She then inquired about his family, and Andreuccio, becoming
castles and rents, supporting his uncles' expenditure. more convinced of her story, answered all her questions. As
their conversation continued and the heat grew, she brought
However, a war broke out in England between the King and in Greek wine and sweetmeats for him. When he made as if
his son, causing Alessandro to lose all his mortgages and to leave towards supper-time, she insisted he stay, saying:
income. Hoping for peace, he stayed in England, while his
uncles continued borrowing in Florence. Years passed, and "Now it's clear how little you care for me. You are with
their hopes were frustrated. The three brothers lost credit, your sister for the first time in her own house, and you
were arrested, and their property was insufficient to cover want to leave to sup at an inn? No, you shall sup with me.
their debts. Their wives and children were left destitute. Though my husband is not here, I can still show you honor."

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The Decameron