Page 50 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron Currado marveled at his words and, assured of his magnanimity and Guasparrino sent for the nurse and cautiously questioned her about
the affair. The nurse, having heard of the revolt in Sicily and that
love, embraced and kissed him. He then brought Spina, who had
Arrighetto was still alive, banished her fear and told Guasparrino the
wasted away in prison, and in Currado's presence, they plighted
whole story, explaining her actions. Finding her account consistent
their troth. After providing for their comfort, Currado decided it was
with what he had learned from Currado's envoy, Guasparrino believed
time to share the news with their mothers. He sent for his lady and
her and, feeling remorse for his treatment of the boy, gave him one of
Cavriuola and said to Cavriuola: "What would you say if I restored
your elder son as the husband of one of my daughters?" Cavriuola,
to Arrighetto's rank. He celebrated their nuptials with great festivity.
weeping, replied, "I would say that you have strengthened the his daughters, a beautiful girl of eleven, as a wife with a dowry suited
bond between us by restoring what I cherish more than myself and Guasparrino then brought the boy, the girl, Currado's envoy, and the
renewing my lost hope." nurse in a well-armed galliot to Lerici, where Currado met them with
great preparations for their entertainment. The reunion of the mother
Turning to his lady, Currado asked, "And you, madam, what would with her son, the brothers with each other, and all with the faithful
you think if I presented you with such a son-in-law?" She replied, "A nurse was beyond words to describe. Their joy was further enhanced
son-in-law of gentle blood or a mere churl, if he pleased you, would by the news that Arrighetto Capece was alive and prosperous.
content me."
As they feasted, the envoy from Sicily arrived and reported that the
Currado waited until the young couple had recovered and were people had freed Arrighetto from prison, made him their captain,
dressed appropriately. He then asked Giusfredi if it would add to his and under his command, they had defeated the French. Arrighetto
joy to see his mother. Giusfredi, doubting she had survived, said it had regained his estates and honors and was now prosperous and
would bring him great joy and help him recover his lost heritage in mighty. He had sent a brigantine with gentlemen aboard to bring
Sicily. Currado brought the ladies and presented the bride. Madam his family home.
Beritola recognized her son and, overcome with joy, fainted in his
embrace. Giannotto, realizing she was his mother, wept and kissed The envoy and his news were heartily welcomed. Currado and
her. Currado's lady and Spina revived her, and mother and son his friends met the gentlemen who came for Madam Beritola and
exchanged joyful greetings. Giusfredi and invited them to the feast. Joy was evident on everyone's
faces as they greeted each other. The gentlemen conveyed
Currado announced the new alliance to his friends and prepared for a Arrighetto's greetings and gratitude to Currado and his lady. They
grand celebration. Giusfredi asked Currado to bring his brother, now also assured Messer Guasparrino that Arrighetto would be equally
a servant in Messer Guasparrino d'Oria's house, and send someone grateful for his kindness to Outcast.
to Sicily to learn about his father, Arrighetto. Currado agreed and
sent agents to Genoa and Sicily. An envoy arrived in Genoa and The day passed joyously with the brides and bridegrooms. After
requested Outcast and the nurse from Guasparrino, explaining all the festivities, Madam Beritola, Giusfredi, and the rest, including
that had happened. Guasparrino, astonished, agreed to surrender Spina, parted tearfully from Currado, his lady, and Guasparrino. They
them but warned Currado to beware of Giannotto's tales, doubting boarded the brigantine and, with a favorable wind, soon arrived
his guilelessness. in Sicily. At Palermo, Arrighetto received them with indescribable
cheer. It is believed that they all lived long and happily, grateful for
Having provided honorable entertainment for the envoy, Messer the blessings they had received.
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The Decameron