Page 71 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Third Day | The Third Novell When Pampinea finished her story, and several of the company
Storyteller: Filomena praised the groom's bravery and the King's wisdom, the queen
turned to Filomena and asked her to continue. Filomena, with a
Under the guise of confession and a pure conscience, a fair young gracious manner, began:
woman, being romantically inclined towards an honest man, "The story I will tell you is about a trick played by a clever lady
persuaded a devout and solemn friar to advise her on how to on a foolish religious man. This tale should be especially amusing
secretly fulfill her desires and enjoy the company of her friend to laymen, as these religious men often think themselves more
without his suspicion or awareness. knowledgeable and capable than others, despite their odd manners
and habits. In reality, they are often inferior and rely on others for
sustenance, much like pigs seeking food. I share this story not
only to continue the sequence as the queen requested but also to
show that even religious men, in whom we place great faith, can
be outwitted by women.

In our city, where cunning is more common than love or faith, there
lived a gentlewoman endowed with beauty, grace, high spirit, and
discernment. Though I know her name, I will not disclose it or any
other names in this story, as some might take offense. This high-
born lady was married to a wool merchant, whom she disdained
due to his occupation. No matter how wealthy he was, she felt
he was unworthy of a gentlewoman. She decided to avoid his
embraces as much as possible and sought satisfaction elsewhere
with a more suitable man.

She fell in love with a man worthy of her affection, but he remained
unaware of her feelings. She was too cautious to reveal her love
directly or through friends. She learned that he was close to a
simple, clownish friar, reputed to be very holy. She decided the
friar would be the perfect intermediary.

One day, she went to the convent where the friar lived and asked
to confess to him. The friar, seeing she was a gentlewoman, gladly
heard her confession. Afterward, she said, 'Father, I need your help
and counsel. My husband loves me dearly and provides for me
generously. I love him just as much and would never do anything to
harm his honor. However, there is a man, a gentleman who is often
with you, who seems to have taken an interest in me. He appears
whenever I leave the house, and I fear unmerited reproach may
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE fall upon me. I considered telling my brothers but worried it might
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
67
The Decameron