Summary
In the midst of a devastating plague sweeping through Florence, ten young individuals seek refuge in a villa outside the city. During their retreat, they engage in storytelling, with each day led by a different member of the group who sets the theme for the stories. This collection of tales covers a wide spectrum, from romance and comedy to tragedy and farce.
Pampinea’s Tale of the Three Tedaldo Brothers
After the death of Messer Tedaldo, his three sons inherit his wealth but quickly squander it with their reckless lifestyle. Facing financial ruin, the eldest proposes they liquidate their remaining assets and journey to London, where they are unknown. In London, they amass wealth by lending money at high interest and eventually return to Florence to resume their extravagant ways, relying on their English profits.
Meanwhile, their nephew Alessandro manages the English operations. Political turmoil ensues when a rift develops between the English king and his son, disrupting Alessandro's business. Hoping for reconciliation, Alessandro stays in England but eventually journeys back to Italy with monks escorting their young abbot to the pope for a dispensation.
During their travels, Alessandro discovers the abbot is actually a woman, and the two marry in secret. In Rome, the woman seeks the pope's blessing not for her intended marriage to the king of Scotland but for her union with Alessandro. Returning to Florence, they settle the brothers' debts and soon Alessandro is knighted after helping to mend relations between the English king and his son.
Fiammetta’s Tale of Tancred and Ghismonda
Tancred, the prince of Salerno, dotes on his daughter Ghismonda, neglecting to find her a new husband after she is widowed. Longing for companionship, she chooses Guiscardo, a valiant but low-born man in her father's court, as her lover. They rendezvous in secret until Tancred, by chance, discovers their affair.
Concealed in his daughter's room, Tancred witnesses her intimate meeting with Guiscardo. Furious yet dismissive of her pleas to forgive Guiscardo's low status, Tancred has him executed and sends his heart to Ghismonda in a golden cup. In grief, she drinks poison from the cup and dies with her lover's heart held to her own. Tancred, moved by her devotion, fulfills her wish for a shared burial with Guiscardo.
Filomena’s Tale of Isabetta and Lorenzo
In Messina, Isabetta lives with her three merchant brothers and Lorenzo, their business assistant. She falls in love with Lorenzo but when her eldest brother discovers their relationship, the brothers plot to preserve their family's honor. They lure Lorenzo on a journey and secretly murder him.
Isabetta is inconsolable over Lorenzo's disappearance until his ghost reveals the truth in a dream, leading her to his burial site. She retrieves his head, hiding it beneath a basil plant she waters with her tears. Her brothers, suspicious of her attachment to the plant, uncover the gruesome secret, but by then, Isabetta has died from heartbreak.
Pamfilo’s Tale of Cimone and Efigenia
Cimone, originally considered a simpleton, undergoes a transformation after encountering the beautiful Efigenia. Determined to win her, he refines his mannerisms and becomes a cultured young man. Despite her engagement to another, Cimone tries to secure her hand but is denied.
As Efigenia is transported to her intended on Rhodes, Cimone and his friends intercept and abduct her. Their ship, however, is caught in a storm and brought to Rhodes, where they are imprisoned. With the help of Lisimaco, who also loves Efigenia's sister, a daring rescue at the wedding feast ensues, ending with both couples eloping and finding temporary sanctuary in Crete.
Fiammetta’s Tale of Federigo and His Falcon
(This entire section contains 1022 words.)
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Fiammetta’s Tale of Federigo and His Falcon
Federigo, a noble Florentine, ruins himself trying to win the affection of Monna Giovanna. Reduced to poverty, he retreats to a country farm, his only companion a prized falcon. When Monna's son longs for the falcon, believing it will cure his illness, she visits Federigo to request it.
Unaware of her motive, Federigo serves the falcon as their meal, having nothing else to offer. When Monna reveals her request post-dinner, Federigo mourns his inability to fulfill her son's wish. The boy dies, prompting Monna eventually to marry Federigo, appreciating his selfless act.
Filostrato’s Tale of Peronella and the Butt
Peronella, married to a poor bricklayer, entertains an affair with Strignario. One day, as her husband unexpectedly returns, she hides her lover in a sizable barrel. Her husband arrives with a prospective buyer for the barrel, but Peronella cleverly convinces him that the barrel is already sold for a higher price.
The husband proceeds to clean it, giving Strignario the chance to escape after reaffirming his intentions to buy. The ruse maintains Peronella's secret and the lovers' tryst.
Filostrato’s Tale of Nathan’s Generosity
Nathan, a wealthy and benevolent man, is renowned for his hospitality in Cathay. Mitridanes, envious of Nathan's reputation, plots to murder him to gain prominence. During his quest, Mitridanes unknowingly encounters Nathan, who graciously welcomes him.
Upon realizing Nathan's identity and unmatched generosity, Mitridanes abandons his plan, humbled by Nathan's kindness. Nathan, in turn, offers Mitridanes his identity, but Mitridanes declines, having learned a valuable lesson in humility.
Pamfilo’s Tale of Saladin and Messer Torello
During the Crusades, Saladin, disguised as a merchant, explores Europe with his knights. They encounter Messer Torello, who lavishly hosts them at his estate near Pavia. Unaware of each other's identities, Torello and Saladin form a bond.
Later, captured by Saladin's forces, Torello, now recognized, serves Saladin in Alexandria. An agreement with his wife to wait a year before remarrying complicates matters. Saladin magically returns Torello to Italy just in time to stop his wife's second marriage, reaffirming their bond through shared generosity.
Dioneo’s Tale of Griselda’s Patience
Gualtieri, son of a marquess, marries Griselda, a humble peasant, testing her loyalty through harsh trials. He pretends to kill their children and sends her away, claiming he will marry another. Griselda, unwavering, obeys his every command.
When Gualtieri reveals that the supposed bride is their daughter, Griselda's faithfulness is rewarded. The family is joyously reunited, and Griselda is celebrated for her enduring patience and virtue.
