Page 30 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
P. 30
Bergamino and Messer Cane
This novella from The Decameron tells the story of Bergamino, a He recounts the tale of Primasso, a renowned poet, who visits the
clever storyteller, who uses wit and a fable to tactfully critique the opulent court of the Abbot of Cluny. Trusting in the Abbot’s famed
avarice of Messer Cane della Scala, a powerful and wealthy lord. generosity, Primasso embarks on the journey with little preparation.
Yet, upon arrival, he is ignored and left unfed, much to his surprise.
Messer Cane, known for his generosity, falls into an Despite his hunger, Primasso’s resolve allows him to endure,
uncharacteristic bout of greed while hosting Bergamino at his reflecting both patience and wit.
court. The jester arrives expecting hospitality but is instead
neglected. Aware of the sudden shift in Messer Cane’s nature, The parable mirrors Bergamino’s current plight, subtly casting
Bergamino seizes the opportunity to teach him a lesson through a Messer Cane in the role of the Abbot. As the story unfolds, Messer
parable. Cane recognizes his own behavior in the Abbot’s actions. Ashamed,
Messer Cane sees the wisdom in Bergamino’s fable, regains his
generosity, and compensates the storyteller handsomely for his
grace and cleverness.
DECAMERON 30 31
