Page 230 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Titus and Gisippus: A Tale of Loyalty

This novella tells the profound story of Titus Quintius Fulvus and marry her in his place. Sophronia, initially bewildered, accepts
Gisippus, two inseparable friends whose loyalty and integrity Titus as her husband, trusting in Gisippus’s wisdom.
transcend societal expectations. Themes of friendship, sacrifice,

and justice shine throughout. Years later, fate turns cruelly against Gisippus. Reduced to poverty,
he travels to Rome in search of help, but misunderstanding and
Titus, a Roman nobleman, befriends Gisippus, a Greek of equal rank, despair lead him to falsely confess to a murder. Titus, recognizing
during his studies in Athens. Their bond flourishes, and when Gisippus Gisippus and learning of his plight, publicly claims responsibility for
is betrothed to Sophronia, a woman of great beauty and virtue, he the crime to save his friend.

shares his joy with Titus. However, Titus secretly falls in love with
Sophronia but buries his feelings out of loyalty to his friend. The true murderer, hearing Titus’s noble lie, steps forward, and all
three are pardoned by Emperor Octavianus for their honesty and

On the day of the wedding, Gisippus senses Titus’s silent anguish courage. Reunited, Titus and Gisippus rebuild their friendship. As a
and confronts him. Moved by Titus’s honesty and love for gesture of gratitude, Titus gives Gisippus his sister in marriage and
Sophronia, Gisippus magnanimously steps aside, allowing Titus to shares his wealth, ensuring their families are united.

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