Page 80 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron the benefits for themselves, often living in luxury and idleness while You acted on the friar's chatter, likely a broth-guzzling, pastry-gorging
preaching austerity to others.
knave, who may have sought to take Tedaldo's place. This is the sin that
Divine justice, ever operative and impartial, has decreed not to leave
The pilgrim urged the lady to understand the true nature of these friars
unpunished. As you unjustly deprived Tedaldo of yourself, your husband is
and to recognize that her harsh treatment of Tedaldo was the sin that
now in jeopardy of his life on Tedaldo's account, causing you great affliction.
had brought her current suffering. He emphasized that she should have
If you wish to be delivered from this, you must promise and perform the
considered the consequences before severing ties with him and that her
actions were unjust and disgraceful.
following: should Tedaldo return from his long exile, you will restore to him
your favor, love, tender regard, intimacy, and reinstate him in the position
The pilgrim continued, "They accuse themselves as often as they excuse he held before you foolishly hearkened to the friar."
themselves in the hearing of those who understand. Why do they not
seclude themselves if they doubt their ability to lead holy lives? Or if they The pilgrim finished his speech, and the lady, who had listened intently,
must not live as recluses, why do they not follow the Gospel's teaching: found his words very convincing. She believed her tribulation was indeed
'Christ began to do and to teach'? Let them practice first and then teach a punishment for her sin and said, "Friend of God, I believe what you say is
us with their precepts. I have seen many in my day, admirers, lovers, true. Thanks to your explanation, I now understand the nature of the friars,
philanderers, not only of worldly ladies but also of nuns, and they are often whom I had thought were all holy. I realize my fault in how I treated Tedaldo
the ones who make the most noise in the pulpits. Are these the ones we are and would gladly make amends if I could. But how can I do this? Tedaldo
to follow? He who does so pleases himself, but God knows if he does wisely. is dead. I don't see how I can promise something that cannot be fulfilled."

But assume that your censor, the friar, spoke the truth, that breaking the The pilgrim replied, "Madam, it has been revealed to me by God that Tedaldo
marriage vow is a grave sin. What then? To rob a man, to slay him, to make is not dead but alive and well, provided he has your favor." The lady, still
him an exile and a wanderer on the face of the earth, are these not greater skeptical, said, "I saw his body with multiple knife wounds. I held him in
sins? None will deny that they are. A woman who indulges in intimacy with my arms and wept over his dead face. How can you say he is alive?" The
a man commits a sin of nature, but if she robs him, slays him, or drives him pilgrim insisted, "I assure you, Tedaldo lives. If you promise to make amends,
into exile, her sin proceeds from depravity of spirit. You robbed Tedaldo by I believe you will soon see him."
severing yourself from him after willingly becoming his. You drove him to
despair, and in the law's intent, the cause of the wrong is as culpable as the The lady, moved by his conviction, said, "I promise, and I will gladly fulfill it.
wrongdoer. You caused him to be an exile and a wanderer for seven years. Nothing would bring me more joy than to see my husband free and Tedaldo
alive." Tedaldo, seeing the time was right, decided to reveal himself. He
Consider the matter more closely: did Tedaldo deserve such treatment? No, said, "Madam, to ease your mind about your husband, I must share a secret
he did not. You have confessed this yourself. He loved you more dearly than with you. Promise to tell no one."
himself, praised you above all other ladies, and placed his bliss, honor, and
liberty entirely in your hands. He was of noble birth, handsome, excelled Trusting the pilgrim's sanctity, the lady agreed. Tedaldo then showed her
in all youthful accomplishments, and was beloved by all. How could you, a ring she had given him on their last night together and asked, "Madam,
at the behest of a paltry friar, treat him harshly? Ladies who look down on do you recognize this?" The lady immediately recognized it and said, "Yes,
men and hold them cheap err greatly. They should glory in the love men I gave it to Tedaldo long ago." The pilgrim then removed his disguise and,
give them and strive to please them so that their love may never fail. speaking in his Florentine accent, asked, "And do you recognize me?"

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