Page 73 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

is a monstrous presumption and a heinous offense. You did well The Third Day | The Fourth Novell
to send him away. Since God has preserved you from shame, I Storyteller: Panfilo
implore you to follow my advice once more. Do not complain to your
kinsfolk; leave it to me to control this devil, whom I thought was This story highlights the cunning and subtlety some clever
a saint. If I succeed, well and good; if I fail, you have my blessing individuals use to deceive the naive and achieve their desires. A
to do as you see fit." young scholar named Felice taught Puccio di Rinieri how to become

wealthy quickly. While Puccio was diligently following the scholar's
The lady agreed, saying, "I will not disobey you again, but ensure instructions, Felice gained the favor of Puccio's daughter.
he refrains from further annoyance, as I will not seek your help
again on this matter." She then left the church with a troubled air.
As soon as she was gone, the gallant arrived. The friar called him
aside and berated him as a disloyal and perjured traitor. The gallant,
having learned from previous encounters, listened attentively and
responded ambiguously.

"Why are you so angry, Sir?" he began. "Have I crucified Christ?"
The friar retorted, "Listen to him! He talks as if his villainies and
lewdnesses were forgotten. Have you forgotten this morning's
outrage? Where were you shortly before daybreak?" The gallant
replied, "Where was I? I don't know. It's early for news to reach
you." The friar continued, "The news has reached me. You thought
the lady would welcome you with open arms because her husband
was not there. You now prowl by night, break into gardens, and
climb trees! Do you think you can overcome her virtue by sheer
persistence? She dislikes you, yet you persist. She has kept silent
about your misdeeds because of my prayers, but she will do so no
more. I have given her leave to act as she sees fit if you continue
to annoy her. What will you do if she informs her brothers?"

The gallant, now fully understanding the situation, promised to stop
and reassured the friar. The next night, as soon as the matin hour
came, he entered the garden, climbed the tree, found the window
open, and embraced his fair lady. She greeted him warmly, saying,
"All thanks to master friar for teaching you the way here." They
laughed at the friar's simplicity and enjoyed each other's company
to their delight. They arranged matters so they could continue
meeting without the friar's help, ensuring many more nights of
satisfaction. May God guide all who are so minded to such a goal
in His holy mercy. 1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
69
The Decameron