Page 166 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Lydia and Pyrrhus
This novella weaves a tale of love, deception, and wit, showcasing
Lydia’s ingenuity and Pyrrhus’s resourcefulness. Themes of
forbidden passion and cunning manipulation enrich the story.
Lydia, the wife of Nicostratus, finds herself enamored with
Pyrrhus, one of her husband’s trusted attendants. Eager to test
her devotion, Pyrrhus challenges her to prove her love by fulfilling
three bold and seemingly impossible tasks.
First, Lydia steals her husband’s prized falcon. Next, she plucks
a tuft from Nicostratus’s beard while he is asleep. Finally, she
obtains one of his most cherished possessions, a valuable gold
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ring. With remarkable cunning and daring, Lydia accomplishes each
task, solidifying her commitment in Pyrrhus’s eyes.
Having gained her trust, Pyrrhus devises a way to be with Lydia
in Nicostratus’s presence. Using Lydia’s wit, they orchestrate
a scenario where Nicostratus observes their rendezvous but is
made to believe it is an illusion. Through clever manipulation and
persuasive charm, Lydia convinces her husband that what he saw
was not real.
The tale concludes with Lydia maintaining her marriage
while indulging in her affair, showcasing her intelligence and
resourcefulness in navigating societal and marital constraints.
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