Fool

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Dearest ladies, I find myself faced with the task of having to recount an actual occurrence which sounds much more like an invention than it really was…
— Boccaccio, The DecameronGiovanni Boccaccio, The Decameron, trans. Mark Musa, 3.8, p.255. The Italian is: “Carissime donne, a me si para davanti a doversi far raccontare una veritá che ha troppo piú, che di quello che ella fu, di menzogna sembianza...”.

Preface

Y dearest nephew Claudio, May God lend grace to my pen, for at last I bear witness to the Truth. Until now this tale has been locked in a chamber stronger than stone, for I was bound by the Seal of Holy Confession and could not tell a single good soul—but as I am now defrocked and sent from my motherland, only the guiding rule of the Holy Virtues will restrain me.

I hope you will allow me to divest myself of this burdensome tale, and to lay it upon you in turn. My intentions are not entirely selfish, for even a dark tale may bring forth light, and harsh truths are oftentimes the most instructive. This story is of a young woman, the daughter of a powerful Marquis from one of the great families. I wish to show you how it was this woman became locked in a tower by her own flesh and blood, and the means by which she escaped.

In the service of Prudence, be advised that I have changed the names of some persons involved in this affair. You will of course know of whom I speak, and the less said the better. Nevertheless, I have kept especially the names of the oppressors intact, even though doing so may endanger me, for it is right and just that the whole world should know the crimes of the powerful. They have tortured and executed men for far less than what is contained herein. Nevertheless, I must proceed, undaunted by the principalities of this world.

I only pray that you, dear Claudio, may keep your wits about you; and that by bequeathing this document to you, I do not endanger your life. May the holy angels, who stand before God’s throne and intercede for us night and day, beseech their Creator on our behalf.

— Bonifacio Dellaguardata