Page 190 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
P. 190
A Game of Wits: Salabaetto’s Revenge
This novella recounts the tale of Salabaetto, a cunning merchant Feigning reconciliation, Salabaetto approaches the woman and
who turns the tables on a deceitful Sicilian woman. Themes of borrows a large sum of money from her, promising lucrative
trickery, retribution, and cleverness weave through the story. returns. Trusting she will reap the rewards, the woman eagerly
agrees, unaware of his true intentions.
Salabaetto, a merchant from Florence, arrives in Palermo with a
modest selection of goods to sell. A wealthy and manipulative Salabaetto absconds with her money, leaving behind nothing but
Sicilian woman, known for deceiving men, sets her sights on him. water and tow. The woman, realizing she has been outwitted, is
Pretending to be smitten, she seduces Salabaetto and cunningly left humiliated and unable to seek retribution without exposing her
takes all his merchandise, leaving him penniless. own deceitful nature.
Determined to reclaim his losses, Salabaetto devises a brilliant This witty tale celebrates Salabaetto’s ingenuity and underscores
plan. He spreads word of his return to Palermo, boasting of an even the poetic justice dealt to the dishonest Sicilian woman.
greater stock of valuable goods ready for sale. The rumor reaches
the Sicilian woman, who sees another opportunity for profit.
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