Page 164 - THE DECAMERON: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Decameron The Seventh Day | The Fourth Novell more. Almost whenever she wished, she led him to drink to excess. When
he was well drunk, she would put him to bed. On several occasions, without
Storyteller: Lauretta
any risk, she met with her lover. Growing bolder, she not only brought her
lover into her house but also spent a great part of the night at his house,
Tofano locked his wife out one night. Despite her pleas, she couldn't
which was not far away.
get back in. She dropped a stone into a well to make him believe she
had thrown herself in. Convinced, Tofano ran to the well. Meanwhile,
This became the lady's constant practice. Eventually, the dishonored
she slipped back into the house, locked the door, and scolded him
husband noticed that while she encouraged him to drink, she never drank
with many reproachful words.
a drop herself. He began to suspect the truth: that she was making him
drunk so she could enjoy herself while he slept. Determined to prove his
suspicion, one evening, having drunk nothing all day, he pretended to be
drunk, mimicking a drunken sot in speech and behavior. The lady, believing
him to be genuinely drunk, put him to bed without plying him with liquor.
Once he was in nt to her lover's house, where she stayed until midnight.

As soon as Tofano realized his wife was gone, he got up, locked the door,
and posted himself at the window to observe her return and let her know
he was aware of her misconduct. When the lady returned and found herself
locked out, she was annoyed and tried to force the door open. Tofano
let her try for a while and then said, "Madam, it's all to no purpose. You
cannot get in. Go back to where you have been, and rest assured you
will never cross this threshold again until I have done you the honor you
1985 HAND COLORED AQUA TINTA / AQUA FORTE
29,5X19,5 CM. | 11¾X7½ IN. (IMAGE SIZE). deserve in the presence of your kinsfolk and neighbors."

The lady pleaded with him to open the door for the love of God, insisting
she had only been passing the time with a friend because the nights were
Know then that there once lived in Arezzo a rich man named Tofano, who long and she could not spend all the time either sleeping or watching alone.
took to wife Monna Ghita, an exceedingly fair lady. For reasons he could But her supplications were in vain, for Tofano was determined that all of
not understand, Tofano soon grew jealous of her. Aware of his jealousy, Arezzo should know their shame, of which no one yet knew. Seeing that
the lady became resentful. Having asked him several times for the reason entreaties were useless, the lady assumed a menacing tone, saying, "If
behind his jealousy and receiving only vague and trivial answers, she you do not open the door, I will make you the saddest man alive." Tofano
resolved to give him a real cause for his suspicions. Knowing that a gallant, replied, "And what can you do?" The lady, her wits sharpened by love,
whom she deemed worthy of her, was enamored of her, she discreetly rejoined, "Rather than endure the indignity to which you would unjustly
came to an understanding with him. Once their words were ready to be subject me, I will cast myself into the well nearby. When I am found dead
put into action, the lady devised a plan. there, everyone will believe you did it in your cups. You will either have
to flee, lose everything, and be outlawed, or forfeit your head as guilty of
Aware that her husband had a bad habit of drinking excessively, she not my death, as indeed you will be."
only encouraged his indulgence but also cunningly incited him to drink
160
The Decameron