Page 64 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
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Agilulf’s Secret and the Peasant’s Love
This novella tells the story of King Agilulf of the Lombards, whose reacting impulsively, the King chooses to keep his own counsel,
wisdom, restraint, and cunning are tested by a betrayal within demonstrating his remarkable self-control. He resolves to address
his own court. It explores themes of justice, discretion, and the the betrayal discreetly, preserving his dignity and authority.
delicate balance of power.
Under the cover of night, Agilulf cleverly identifies the guilty groom
King Agilulf, though a beloved and capable ruler, is deeply by feeling the hearts of his servants as they sleep, knowing the
discontented in his marriage. His Queen’s distant demeanor leaves guilty man’s heart would betray his fear. Once identified, Agilulf
him vulnerable to humiliation. Unknown to Agilulf, one of his takes an unconventional approach to punishment, he shears the
groomsmen, a crafty and opportunistic young man, secretly wins man’s hair to mark him without revealing the cause of his shame.
the Queen’s affection and lies with her.
The groom, realizing his predicament, shears the heads of his
Agilulf becomes suspicious of the Queen’s behavior and, fellow grooms to obscure his identity. This act of cunning allows
through careful observation, uncovers the affair. Rather than him to escape detection and avoid the King’s wrath, completing the
tale with a twist of irony and wit.
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