Page 63 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

there. Her plan succeeded, and Bernabo arrived, now very poor. She The Second Day | The Tenth Novell
arranged for him to stay with a friend until the right moment to reveal Storyteller: Dioneo
the truth. She had already convinced Ambrogiuolo to tell his story to
the Soldan, who took an interest in the matter. Paganino da Monaco carries off the wife of Messer Ricciardo di
Chinzica, who, having learned where she is, goes to Paganino
With Bernabo in Alexandria, Sicurano persuaded the Soldan to and in a friendly manner asks him to restore her. He consents,
summon both men and question Ambrogiuolo about his boast. In provided she be willing. She refuses to go back with her
front of Bernabo and many others, Ambrogiuolo recounted the affair, husband. Messer Ricciardo dies, and she marries Paganino.
thinking he only needed to refund the money. Sicurano, acting as the
Soldan's minister, asked Bernabo how he had treated his wife after
the accusation. Bernabo admitted that he had her put to death by a
servant, who reported that her body was devoured by wolves.

The Soldan, not yet understanding Sicurano's purpose, listened as
she explained the situation. She revealed that both Ambrogiuolo and
Bernabo had wronged the lady, who had been falsely accused and
unjustly condemned. She asked the Soldan to punish the deceiver
and pardon the deceived. The Soldan agreed and asked for the lady
to be brought forth.
Bernabo, who believed his wife was dead, was astonished.
Ambrogiuolo, realizing his predicament, was filled with dread. Sicurano,
weeping, knelt before the Soldan and revealed herself as Zinevra,
the falsely accused wife. She showed her true identity by baring her
breast and challenged Ambrogiuolo to prove his claim. Ambrogiuolo,
recognizing her, was struck dumb with shame.

The Soldan, amazed by Zinevra's constancy and virtue, praised her
and ordered that she be nobly dressed and surrounded by ladies. He
granted Bernabo his life, and Zinevra forgave him, embracing him as
her husband. Ambrogiuolo was bound to a stake, his flesh anointed
with honey, and left to be devoured by insects. The Soldan awarded
Zinevra Ambrogiuolo's estate and additional wealth, entertained her
and Bernabo with great ceremony, and provided a ship for their return
to Genoa.

Zinevra and Bernabo returned to Genoa rich and happy, and she was
honored by all the citizens who had believed her dead. Ambrogiuolo's
bones, stripped of flesh by insects, remained as a testament to his
baseness. Thus, the deceived triumphed over the deceiver. 1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
59
The Decameron