Page 76 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron me. It would not be honorable for you to be the cause of my death, but I surpass those of any other lady. I love you more than any man has ever
loved a woman, and I will continue to do so as long as I live. If love exists
believe you would feel remorse and regret not having pity on me. Please,
in the next world, I will love you there too. You can be sure that nothing
show me mercy while you can and make me the happiest man alive. I trust
is more yours than I am. I would consider it a great favor to do something
in your generosity to grant my request and restore my spirits."
to please you, more than if the whole world obeyed me. As your devoted
When he finished, Zima sighed deeply and shed a few tears, waiting for
servant, I ask you to show me compassion and ease the harshness you
the lady's response.
me. It would not be honorable for you to be the cause of my death, but I
When Pamfilo finished the story of Fra Puccio, making the ladies laugh,
the queen kindly asked Elisa to continue. Elisa, who had a slightly severe have shown me. If you do not, I will die, and it may be said that you killed
believe you would feel remorse and regret not having pity on me. Please,
manner that was habitual rather than spiteful, began: show me mercy while you can and make me the happiest man alive. I trust
"Many people, thinking themselves clever, believe others to be quite the in your generosity to grant my request and restore my spirits."
opposite. Often, those who try to deceive others end up being deceived When he finished, Zima sighed deeply and shed a few tears, waiting for
themselves. Therefore, I consider it foolish to challenge someone to a the lady's response.
contest of wit without good reason. But since not everyone may agree, I
will tell you a story about a knight from Pistoia. For a long time, Zima had wooed her with his eyes, tilted in her honor, and
greeted her with music, but she had remained indifferent. However, his
In Pistoia, there lived a knight named Messer Francesco of the Vergellesi heartfelt words now began to affect her, and she started to understand
family. He was wealthy, wise, and clever, but extremely stingy. When what love really meant. Though she obeyed her husband's command to
he was appointed podesta of Milan, he prepared everything for his new remain silent, she couldn't help but sigh slightly, revealing her feelings.
position except for a handsome palfrey, which he couldn't find. In Pistoia, After waiting for a while, Zima found it strange that she didn't respond
there was a wealthy young man named Ricciardo, known as Zima, who was and realized the trick the knight had played on him. Observing her glowing
always well-dressed and foppish. Zima had long been in love with Messer eyes and suppressed sighs, he gathered hope and decided to try a new
Francesco's beautiful and virtuous wife, but his love was unrequited. approach. He began to answer for her, saying, "Zima, I have long known
of your great love for me, and I am content with it. Though I seemed
Someone told Messer Francesco that Zima, who owned one of the harsh, I have always loved you and held you dear. Fear and concern for
finest palfreys in Tuscany, would give him the horse for the love he bore my reputation made me act otherwise. Soon, I will be able to show you
Francesco's wife. Hoping to get the horse as a gift, the stingy knight sent my love and reward your devotion. Messer Francesco is going to Milan,
for Zima and offered to buy the horse. Zima replied, "I won't sell my horse, and I promise that within a few days, you will be with me, and we will
even if you give me everything you own. But I will give it to you if you allow consummate our love. When you see two towels in my window, come to
me to speak privately with your wife in your presence." me after nightfall, and we will spend the night together."
Thinking he could outwit Zima, the knight agreed. He told his wife about the
arrangement, instructing her to listen to Zima but not to respond. Though Zima then resumed his own voice and said, "Dearest madam, your
she disliked the idea, she agreed to obey her husband. Zima then confirmed response overwhelms me with joy. I will do as you bid and thank you
the agreement with the knight and sat down beside the lady in the hall. as best I can. For now, I commend you to God and wish you joy and
bliss." The lady remained silent, so Zima rose and rejoined the knight,
Zima began, "Noble lady, I respect your intelligence and know you are who asked if he had kept his promise. Zima replied, "Not so, Sir. I was
aware of my deep passion for you. Your beauty, manners, and virtues to speak with your wife, but I spoke to a statue of marble." The knight,

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