Page 74 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron When Filomena finished her story, Dioneo added a few kind words sky at night. There, you must stand on a broad beam, resting your
lower part on it, with your arms extended like a crucifix. Say three
praising the lady's wit and Filomena's closing prayer. The queen then
hundred paternosters and as many avemarias in honor of the Trinity,
smiled at Pamfilo and said, "Now, Pamfilo, give us a pleasant tale to
delight us." Pamfilo replied, "Gladly, Madam," and began:
contemplating the sky and meditating on Christ's passion. When the
matin-bell sounds, you may go to bed without undressing. In the
"Many people, while trying their best to secure a place in Paradise,
inadvertently send others there, as happened to a fair neighbor of
morning, attend at least three masses, say fifty paternosters and
ours, as you shall hear.
and the exercise at compline. If you do this devoutly, you will have a
Near San Pancrazio lived a wealthy and devout man named Puccio di avemarias, and then go about your day. Repeat the prayers at vespers
foretaste of eternal blessedness before the penance ends."
Rinieri, who later in life became a tertiary of the order of St. Francis and
was known as Fra Puccio. His household consisted of his wife and a Fra Puccio found the penance manageable and decided to begin
maid, allowing him to spend much time at church, saying his prayers, on Sunday. He informed his wife of every detail, with Dom Felice's
hearing sermons, and attending mass. His wife, Monna Isabetta, was permission.
a young, attractive woman who often found herself abstinent due to
her husband's devoutness. The lady understood very well what the monk meant by instructing her
husband not to move from his post until matins. She thought it was
One day, a young monk named Dom Felice returned from Paris to an excellent idea and agreed that he should do whatever he thought
the convent of San Pancrazio. He was well-favored, keen-witted, and was good for his soul. To support his penance, she decided to fast
learned. Fra Puccio became very close to him, often bringing him with him, though she would not go further.
home for meals. Monna Isabetta, out of love for her husband, also
grew familiar with Dom Felice and honored him. When Sunday came, Fra Puccio began his penance. The monk, with
the lady's understanding, came most evenings to sup with her,
Seeing Monna Isabetta's beauty, Dom Felice decided to relieve both bringing plenty of food and drink. After supper, he would sleep with
Fra Puccio and the lady by pursuing her. He cast admiring glances at her until the matin hour, then leave, and Fra Puccio would go to bed.
her, kindling a mutual desire. He declared his passion to her, and she Fra Puccio's chosen place for penance was close to the room where
was willing to gratify it, but only in her own house, where Fra Puccio the lady slept, separated only by a thin partition. As the monk and the
was always present. lady enjoyed each other's company, Fra Puccio felt the floor shake
slightly. Pausing at his hundredth paternoster, he called out to the
Dom Felice devised a plan to be with her without arousing suspicion. lady to ask what she was doing.
He told Fra Puccio, "I know you desire to become a saint, but you are
taking a circuitous route. There is a direct way known to the Pope The lady, who loved a good jest and was just then enjoying herself,
and higher prelates, but they keep it secret to avoid ruining the clergy replied, "I'faith, husband, I am as restless as can be." Fra Puccio,
who live by alms. As you are my friend, I will teach you this way if you thinking her restlessness was due to fasting, said, "Wife, I told you not
promise to keep it secret." to fast. But since you chose to, try to compose yourself to sleep. You
toss about so much that the shaking is felt here." The lady, laughing,
Fra Puccio eagerly agreed, and Dom Felice explained the penance: replied, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'll manage as best I can,
"First, confess your sins with great exactitude. Then, fast and and you do the same."
abstain strictly for forty days, touching no woman, not even your
wife. You must have a place in your house where you can see the Fra Puccio resumed his prayers, and every night while his penance
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The Decameron