Page 84 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron severely. Ferondo, in pain, asked, "Where am I?" The monk replied, "In his proper clothes and secretly returned him to the tomb. At daybreak,
Ferondo revived and, seeing a glimmer of light through a chink in the
purgatory." Ferondo, believing he was dead, bewailed his fate and that of
tomb, realized he was alive. He began to shout, "Let me out, let me out!"
his wife and son. The monk brought him food and drink, explaining that it
was sent by his wife as alms for masses for his soul. Ferondo, finding the
He pushed against the lid of the tomb, which started to give way. The
wine not to his taste, cursed his wife for not sending better wine.
monks, having just finished matins, heard his voice and saw him emerging
from the tomb. Terrified, they fled to the abbot, who, pretending to rise
After eating, the monk thrashed Ferondo again. Ferondo asked why he
was being treated so, and the monk explained that God had decreed
and follow me. Let us see what sign of His might God will vouchsafe us."
it as punishment for his jealousy. Ferondo, lamenting his ignorance of from prayer, said, "Sons, be not afraid; take the cross and the holy water,
God's displeasure with jealousy, vowed to be a better husband if he ever The abbot led the way to the tomb, where they found Ferondo, deathly pale
returned to life. The monk assured him that dead folk sometimes returned from his long absence from the light. Upon seeing the abbot, Ferondo ran
to earth if God willed it. to him, threw himself at his feet, and said, "My father, it has been revealed
to me that I owe my release from purgatorial pain and restoration to life
Ferondo, believing the monk, promised to let his wife do as she pleased if to your prayers, those of St. Benedict, and my lady. I pray that God gives
he returned. He asked the monk who he was, and the monk replied that he you a good year and good calends, today and always." The abbot replied,
was from Sardinia, also dead, and doomed to serve Ferondo as penance "Laud we the power of God! Go then, son, as God has restored you to
for encouraging his lord's jealousy. Ferondo inquired if they were the only earth, comfort your wife, who has been in tears since your departure, and
ones there, and the monk explained that there were thousands, though live henceforth in the love and service of God." Ferondo promised to do
they could not see or hear each other. Ferondo, realizing they were far so and went on his way.
from home, concluded they must be out of the world.
The abbot, left alone with his monks, pretended to marvel at the event and
Ferondo was kept in this manner for ten months, alternately beaten, fed, had them chant the Miserere devoutly. Ferondo returned to his hamlet,
and entertained with idle tales. Meanwhile, the abbot enjoyed many visits where people initially fled from him in fear. He called them back, asserting
to the fair lady, having the jolliest time with her. However, as misfortune that he had risen from the tomb. His wife was also fearful at first, but as
would have it, the lady conceived. Upon realizing this, she informed the people realized he was alive, they began to ask him many questions.
abbot, and they agreed that Ferondo must be brought back from purgatory Ferondo, with newfound confidence, answered them all, sharing tales
immediately and be made to believe that she was pregnant with his child. of the souls of their kinsfolk and inventing stories about the purgatorial
The next night, the abbot went to the prison and, in a disguised voice, state. He recounted the revelation given to him by Ragnolo Braghiello
called out Ferondo's name. He told Ferondo to be of good cheer, for God before his resurrection.
had decided to return him to earth. He also informed him that he would
have a son by his lady, whom he should name Benedetto, as a sign of Ferondo was reinstated in his property and reunited with his wife, who,
God's grace in answer to the prayers of the abbot and the lady, and for believing she was pregnant by him, gave birth to a son named Benedetto
the love of St. Benedict. Overjoyed, Ferondo expressed his gratitude and Ferondi. Ferondo's return from purgatory and his tales greatly enhanced
praised God, the abbot, and St. Benedict. the abbot's reputation for holiness. Cured of his jealousy by the thrashings
he had received, Ferondo never again offended his wife in that manner.
The abbot then administered enough of the powder to make Ferondo They lived together in outward harmony, though the lady continued to
sleep for four hours. With the help of the monk, he dressed Ferondo in meet with the abbot as needed.

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