Page 97 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The following day, Lisetta visited Friar Albert, boasting about her Albert bribed the poor man with fifty ducats to keep his secret, but the
encounter with Cupid. Albert, maintaining his deception, described man couldn't resist the temptation of fame. He suggested disguising
a fantastical experience of his soul being transported to the fields Albert as a wild man to escape through Saint Mark's market place, a
of Elysium by elves and fairies. Lisette, thrilled by the story, believed plan Albert reluctantly accepted.
every word and continued to meet with Friar Albert under the guise of
divine love. The poor man covered Albert in honey and feathers, chained him, and
put a mask on his face. Proclaiming that "God Cupid" would appear at
Feeling proud of her perceived divine favor, Lisetta shared the story with Saint Mark's, the man led Albert into the marketplace. Recognized and
a gossip, who encouraged her to make her secret known for admiration. humiliated, Friar Albert's deceit was exposed, and he was taken away as
This unintended reveal led to a series of events exposing Friar Albert's a prisoner, revealing the power of gossip and the foolishness of vanity.
deceit, ultimately revealing the lengths to which vanity and gullibility
can be manipulated. After disguising Albert as a wild man, the poor man led him through the
streets, drawing a large crowd curious about the strange sight. They
Lisetta replied, "I understand your curiosity, Gossip, and out of my love arrived at the marketplace, where even more people had gathered in
for you, I would fulfill your wish if I were sure of your secrecy. As I have response to the proclamation. The poor man chained Albert to a high
trusted you before, I want to trust you now, but this is a matter of great pillar, pretending to wait for a mock hunt to begin.
importance. If you swear by your virtue never to reveal it to anyone, I
will share an almost miraculous story." Lisetta's friend swore an oath, Albert, covered in honey, was tormented by flies, wasps, and hornets,
and Lisetta continued: causing him immense pain. When the crowd was at its peak, the poor
"It's common for ladies to have admirers of mortal men who are often man removed Albert's mask and announced, "Gentlemen and others,
inconstant. But when gods become enamored with humans, desiring since our hunt won't take place today, I'll show you the great God of
them above all others, it's a sign of supreme beauty. That's my fortune, Love, Cupid, grown to manly stature. He left his heavenly abode for the
Gossip. Cupid himself fell in love with me and visited me in mortal form, comfort of our Venetian beauties and fell into our gulf."
expressing his love and the sufferings he endured for my sake."
The crowd immediately recognized Friar Albert, unleashing a torrent of

The Gossip, astonished by Lisetta's delusions, couldn't wait to share shouts, outcries, and insults, throwing stones, dirt, and filth at him. His
this extraordinary story with the women at a wedding the next day. The friends couldn't save him, and no one showed pity for his suffering. The
tale soon spread throughout Venice, reaching even Lisetta's brothers. commotion reached the convent, and six of his brethren arrived to cast
They decided to catch the "god" visiting their sister, determined to a habit over him and release him from the chain. They led him back to
uncover the truth. the monastery, facing much resistance from the angry mob.

Friar Albert, hearing of the widespread rumor, intended to reprimand Imprisoned at the convent, Albert's days were cut short by either a
Lisetta for her indiscretion. Disguised as before, he arrived at her house. severe punishment or the weight of his public disgrace.
However, her brothers, lying in wait, followed him in and caught him
as he revealed himself as Cupid. In a panic, Albert leapt from a window Thus, this tale serves as a reminder that a life of deceit and hidden
into the river but managed to swim across and seek refuge in a poor wickedness will eventually be exposed, allowing the good to shine in
man's house. their rightful glory, while the wicked face their deserved shame.

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The Decameron