Page 51 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Second Day | The Seventh Novell Had Emilia's story lasted a little longer, the young ladies might have
Storyteller: Panfilio been moved to tears, so great was their sympathy for Madam Beritola.
But now that it was ended, the Queen bade Pamfilo follow suit, and
The Sultan of Babylon sent one of his daughters to be married to he, ever obedient, began: "Hardly, gracious ladies, is it given to us to
the King of Colchis. Over the span of four years, she came into the know what is truly good for us. Many, believing that great riches would
custody of nine different men in various places. At length, being ensure an easy and tranquil life, have sought them with such ardor that
restored to her father, she went to the King of Colchis as a maid, they spared no effort or danger. Yet, upon attaining their goal, they lost
as she was initially intended to be his wife. their lives to those covetous of their wealth. Others, who rose from
humble beginnings to regal estates through perilous battles, found
not the expected felicity but an infinity of cares and fears. Many have
desired beauty and strength, only to learn their error through death or
a dolorous life. In sum, no human desire is exempt from the chances
and changes of fortune. We ought to be content with what He gives
us, who alone knows our true needs.

Among the aberrations of desire, there is one to which you, gracious
ladies, are especially prone: undue solicitude for beauty. Not content
with nature's charms, you enhance them with art. I will acquaint you
with the misadventures of a fair Saracen, whose beauty led her to be
wedded nine times in four years.

There was once a Soldan of Babylon named Beminedab, who had many
children, including a daughter named Alatiel, the most beautiful woman
in the world. The Soldan, aided by the King of Algarve in defeating a host
of Arabs, gave Alatiel to the King as a wife. With an honorable escort,
she was placed aboard a well-armed ship and sent on her journey. The
mariners had a prosperous voyage until they passed Sardinia, where
they were caught in a fierce storm. The ship labored for two days, and
on the third night, it struck the shore of Majorca with such force that
it embedded itself in the sand.

The lady and her women, brought to the verge of death by the storm,
found themselves alone on the ship. When the storm abated, the lady
called for her servants, but none answered. She saw her companions
prostrate on the deck, and after calling them one by one, she found
few signs of life. Terrified and in need of counsel, she induced those
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE with life to get on their feet. They abandoned themselves to piteous
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
47
The Decameron