Page 77 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

pleased with his wife's loyalty, laughed and said, "So the palfrey is mine." When Elisa finished her story, the queen praised Zima's cleverness and
Zima agreed, adding that he would have given the horse as a gift if he asked Fiammetta to continue with a tale. Fiammetta, smiling, began:
had known the outcome. "Though our city is rich in stories, I will take you to Naples, where you
will hear how a sanctified lady, shy of love, was subtly brought to taste
The knight soon left for Milan, and the lady, now free, thought about its fruit before knowing its flowers. This tale offers both counsel for the
Zima's words and his love for her. She decided not to waste her youth future and present delight.
and set two towels in the window. Zima, seeing the signal, went to her
house at night and found her waiting. They embraced and kissed, then In ancient Naples, a young noble named Ricciardo Minutolo, known for
went to bed and consummated their love. This was not the last time, as his noble blood and wealth, fell in love with Catella, a lady considered
Zima continued to visit her to their mutual delight, even after the knight the most beautiful in Naples. Catella was married to Filippello Fighinolfi,
returned from Milan. whom she loved dearly. Despite Ricciardo's efforts, he could not win her
love and fell into despair.

One day, Ricciardo learned of Catella's jealousy over her husband. He
The Third Day | The Sixth Novell decided to use this to his advantage. He pretended to transfer his love to
another lady, tilting and jousting in her honor. Soon, everyone, including
Storyteller: Fiammetta
Catella, believed he had forgotten her. Catella, now less reserved, greeted
him like a neighbor.
Ricciardo Minutolo loves the wife of Filippello Fighinolfi, and
knowing her to be jealous, makes her believe that his own wife
is to meet Filippello at a bagnio on the ensuing day; whereby she During the hot season, many went to the coast to relax. Ricciardo, knowing
is induced to go thither, where, thinking to have been with her Catella was there, joined her company. The ladies, including Catella,
husband, she discovers that she has tarried with Ricciardo. teased him about his new love. Ricciardo hinted at Filippello's supposed
infidelity, sparking Catella's jealousy. She demanded Ricciardo explain,
and he agreed, provided she kept it secret.

Ricciardo told her that Filippello had been pursuing his wife and had
arranged a secret meeting at a bagnio. He suggested Catella go instead
of his wife to catch Filippello in the act. Catella, believing Ricciardo, agreed
to go and shame her husband.

Satisfied with his plan, Ricciardo confirmed her belief and secured her
promise of secrecy.
The next morning, Ricciardo went to the woman who kept the bagnio and
explained his plan, asking for her help. She agreed and prepared a dark
room with a bed, where Ricciardo waited after breakfast.
Catella, still believing Ricciardo's story, went home in a resentful mood.
Filippello, preoccupied, was less familiar with her than usual, which fueled
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE).
73
The Decameron