Page 32 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Bergamino and Messer Cane della Scala

Messer Cane della Scala, lord of Verona and one of the most illustrious figures in
Italy, was renowned for his wealth, power, and occasional bursts of generosity.
He once planned a grand festival, inviting entertainers, jesters, and courtiers
from across the land to dazzle his court. Among them was Bergamino, a man

of refined speech and clever wit, who had earned favor in many noble courts.
But just as the festivities were about to begin, Messer Cane abruptly canceled
the event and dismissed the guests with meager tokens. Bergamino, however,
received neither payment nor farewell. He lingered in Verona, hopeful that his

patience might be rewarded.

Days passed, and Bergamino found himself increasingly neglected. Though he
had brought with him three fine robes, gifts from other patrons, he was forced

to sell two of them to pay his innkeeper and support his servants. With only
one robe left and no sign of recognition from Messer Cane, Bergamino grew
melancholic. Yet he remained, unwilling to leave without making his case. Rather
than confront the lord directly, Bergamino chose a more artful path. He requested

an audience and, when granted, began to tell a story. It was the tale of Primasso,
a learned and dignified man who journeyed to the monastery of Cluny, famed
for its hospitality and generosity. Primasso arrived hungry and hopeful, but the
Abbot, judging him by his humble appearance, refused to offer food or welcome.

Bergamino told this tale with grace and subtlety, never once naming
STRUCTURED WITH RHYTHMIC Messer Cane or accusing him directly. Yet the parallel was unmistakable.
ASYMMETRY AND CLOAKED Messer Cane, like the Abbot, had failed to recognize the worth of the man
IN TONAL RESTRAINT, THE
IMAGE WEAVES ALLEGORY INTO before him. The story was a mirror, held up gently but clearly. Messer
ARCHITECTURAL SILHOUETTES, Cane, struck by the elegance and tact of Bergamino’s parable, understood
SUGGESTING MORAL AWAKENING the message. He was moved not by confrontation, but by the quiet dignity
THROUGH VISUAL ECHOES OF of the storyteller. Without delay, he paid Bergamino generously, settled
CLOISTERED ISOLATION AND
IRONIC GRANDEUR. his debts, and sent him on his way with honor restored.
DECAMERON 30 31