Page 56 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
P. 56
Bernabò and Ambrogiuolo
This novella from The Decameron tells the gripping tale of Bernabò, Zinevra, however, escapes her fate by disguising herself as a man
a wealthy merchant, and his virtuous wife, Zinevra, whose loyalty and fleeing. She finds refuge in the court of the Soldan, where
is tested by the deceit of Ambrogiuolo. Themes of betrayal, her intelligence and resourcefulness earn her a position of trust.
resilience, and justice weave through this dramatic story. Meanwhile, Ambrogiuolo enjoys the spoils of his deceit, unaware
that Zinevra is plotting her revenge.
Bernabò, proud of Zinevra’s beauty and fidelity, boasts of her
virtues to his peers. Ambrogiuolo, a cunning and envious man, In time, Zinevra uncovers Ambrogiuolo’s lies and orchestrates
challenges Bernabò’s claims, wagering that he can prove Zinevra a confrontation in Alexandria. She reveals her true identity and
unfaithful. Bernabò, confident in his wife’s loyalty, accepts the exposes Ambrogiuolo’s treachery before the Soldan and Bernabò.
wager, unaware of Ambrogiuolo’s treachery. Ambrogiuolo is sentenced to death for his crimes, and Bernabò,
overcome with remorse, begs Zinevra’s forgiveness.
Ambrogiuolo travels to Zinevra’s home and, through deceit, gains
access to her private chambers. He steals personal items and Zinevra, magnanimous in victory, forgives her husband and
fabricates evidence of an affair, returning to Bernabò with false resumes her role as his wife. Together, they return to Genoa, their
proof of her infidelity. Devastated and enraged, Bernabò orders fortunes restored and their bond strengthened by the trials they
Zinevra’s execution. endured.
DECAMERON 56 57
