It Could Happen Here - CZM Book Club: A Story from the Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Episode Date: March 8, 2026

 Margaret reads you a medieval comedic tale of trickery and lust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. I'm Clayton Eckerd. In 2022, I was the lead of ABC's The Bachelor. But here's the thing. Bachelor fans hated him. If I could press a button and rewind it all I would. That's when his life took a disturbing turn.

A one-night stand would end in a courtroom. The media is here. This case has gone viral. The dating contract. Agree to date me, but I'm also suing you. This is unlike anything I've ever seen before. I'm Stephanie Young. Listen to Love Trapped on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, host of the on-purpose podcast. I'm joined by Luke Combs, award-winning country music artist and one of the most authentic voices in music today. The guy that says he's always going to be there and that will do anything to be there is the only guy that's not there. No matter what, I'm going to prioritize my wife and my children. dread the conversation with my son. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Chetty on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, it's Joe Interesting, host of the Spirit Daughter podcast where we talk about astrology, natal charts, and how to step into your most vibrant life.

And today, I'm talking with my dear friend, Krista Williams. It can change you in the best way possible. Dance with the change. Dance with the breakdowns. The embodiment. of Pisces' intuition with Capricorn power moves. So I'm, like, delusionally proud of my chart. Listen to the Spirit Daughter podcast, starting on February 24th, on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you listen to your podcast. I'm Amanda Knox, and in the new podcast, Doubt, the case of Lucy Letby, we unpack the story of an unimaginable tragedy that gripped the UK in 2023. But what if we didn't get the whole story? I just been made to fit. You look at the whole picture of the case collapsed. What if the truth was disguised by a story we chose to believe? Oh my God, I think she might be innocent.

Listen to Doubt, the case of Lucy Lettby, on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ballzone Media. Book Club. Book, club, book club, book club, club, club, club. Club, club. Hello, and welcome to Club, Club, Club, Club, Club, the only book club club, club where you You don't have to do the reading because I do it for you. And if you thought that introduction didn't make much sense,

well, we're going to read medieval literature to you today. But I actually think the story we're going to read makes sense. I think it's really funny. I think it's a good story. This week we have a funny story for you. This is a story from the DeCameron, which is a verified ye-oldy collection of stories, thought to have been written in Italian between 1348 and 1353

by a guy named Giovanni Boccaccio. The overarching thread between these stories, if you haven't seen the, there's a TV show that gets at a lot of the basic ideas of it that came out recently. That's pretty good. The overarching thread between the tales is that 10 young people are sheltering in quarantine

from the black death and a piazza outside of Florence and take turns telling each other's stories to pass the time. Each day, one of them is appointed monarch and chooses a topic for the day, such as clever replies, that save the speaker or tricks that women play on men. The Decamaran tackles themes of love, wit, practical jokes, erotics, and life lessons, and it covers an awful lot of ground in the 900 pages it spans.

And we're going to read you the entire thing from beginning to end. No, wait, no we're not. We're going to read you one of the stories. You have probably heard of Dante's Inferno, a long Italian epic poem, about the speaker descending into hell, and how it shaped both the Italian language and our ideas about hell. Inferno is actually the first part of three poems,

the latter two being purgatory and paradise, that together are called the divine comedy. This is, weirdly enough, in contrast to the decamerin, which is often called the human comedy. The decamarin is at its core just about people who are trying to live their life and enjoy the good times while they can,

which is apt for a plague story. A lot of stories of this time, Dante's Inferno or the Canterbury Tales are very focused on piety and going to church and submitting to God. The DeCamaran instead is actually pretty anti-clerical, and it features a lot of priests behaving poorly and succumbing to their human natures. It was even banned by the Catholic Church on and off throughout the 1500s, and whom amongst us wasn't banned by the Catholic Church throughout the 1500s. This story today is from the third day. it is the eighth story of that day. Today's theme is ruses in courtship,

and the narrator of this story is a young lady named Loretta, who we don't know very much else about. And normally we just read you the story, right? We like to trust our audiences to figure out what's going on and the stories we choose. But because this story is written

in a more archaic sentence structure, I'm going to give you a pretty high-level view of what happens to help you follow. And if you're like, oh, no, spoilers. Well, there's two overviews in the first couple paragraphs of this story. That is a way that people wrote really intentionally

back when this was written. So it is period accurate for me to tell you what happens in this story before you hear it. And honestly, there's like some like vows and doists and me seymouth so's and stuff in there. So you might want to. I needed to know what it was about before I read it.

All right, you've got this guy named Ferando. He's really shitty to his wife, and he is not very intelligent. They go to church and they meet the abbot, who the wife confides in, asking for help. The abbot, who is very pious in all things, except women, immediately sees an opportunity. With the wife's help, they fake the husband's death by giving him a sleeping draft and bury his body. the abbot then redigs up the husband's grave who's still comatose and locks him inside a pitch-black mausoleum with a monk from the next town over

who convinces the husband once he wakes up that he has died and gone to purgatory and being not very intelligent and also kind of evil the husband believes the guy believes the monk and this carries on for six months while the wife and the abbot who is dressed in her husband's clothes have a very sweet and tender affair together She eventually gets pregnant, and they decide it's time to get the husband back out of the tomb and help raise this baby. They stage a resurrection for the husband, and again, being stupid and gullible, he continues to believe all the things that they claim happen to him.

But he's learned his lesson from the quote-unquote dying and treats her right now and is really sweet to the kid, and the wife gets to continue to sleep with the abbot on the side, because why not? Anyway, it's a fun story. The eighth story from the decamaron by Giovanni Boccacho. Day the Third Ferando, having swallowed a certain powder, is entombed for dead, and being taken forth of the sepulchre by the abbot, who enjoyeth his wife the while,

is put in prison and given to believe that he is in purgatory, after which, being raised up again, he reareth for his own, a child begotten, of the abbot on his wife. The end being come of Amelia's long story, which had not withal for its length been unpleasing to any of the company, nay, but was held of all the ladies to have been briefly narrated, having regard to the number and diversity of the incidents therein recounted.

The queen, having, with a mere sign, intimated her pleasure to Loretta, gave her occasion to begin thus, Dearest ladies, there occurth to me to tell you a true story which hath much more semblance of falsehood than that which it indeed is, and which hath been recalled to my mind by hearing one to have been be wept and buried for another. I purpose then to tell you how a live man was entombed for dead, and how, after he and many other folk believed himself to have come forth of the sepulchre, as one raised from the dead, dead, by reason whereof he was adored as a saint, who should rather have been condemned as a criminal. There was, then, and yet is, in Tuscany, an abbey situate, like as we see many thereof, in a place not overmuch frequented of men, whereof a monk was made abbot, who was a very holy

man in everything, save in the matter of women, and in this he contrived to do so warily that well-nigh none, not to say knew, but even suspected him thereof, for that he was holden exceedingly godly and just in everything. It chanced that a very wealthy farmer, by the name Ferando, contracted a great intimacy with him, a heavy, clod-pate fellow, and dull-witted beyond measure, whose commerce pleased the abbot, but for that his simplicity wiles afforded him some diversion,

and in the course of their acquaintance, the latter perceived that Ferando had a very handsome woman to wife, of whom he became so passionately enamored that he thought of nothing else day or night. But hearing that, simple and shallow-witted as Ferrando was and everything else, he was shrewd enough in the matter of loving and guarding his wife. He well-nigh despaired of her. However, like a very adroit man as he was,

he wrought on such wise with Ferando that he came wiles with his wife to take his pleasance in the Abbey Garden and there he very demurely entertained them with discourse of the beatitude of life eternal and of the pious works of many men and women of times past insomuch that the lady was taken with a desire to confess herself to him and asked and had Ferrando's leave thereof

accordingly to the abbot's exceeding pleasure She came to confess to him And seating herself at his feet Before she proceeded to say Other what began thus Sir, if God had given me a right husband Or had given me none

It would be like be easy to me With the help of your exhortations To enter upon the road Which you say leadeth folk unto life eternal But I, having regard to what Ferando Is and to his witlessness May style myself a widow And yet I am married

inasmuch as he living, I can have no other husband. And dalt as he is, he is without any cause, so out of all measure jealous of me, that by reason thereof I cannot live with him otherwise than in tribulation and misery. Wherefore, ere I come to other confession, I humbly beseech you, as most I may,

that it may please you to give me some counsel concerning this. For that, and the occasion of my well-doing begin not therefrom, confession or other good work will profit me little. This speech gave the abbot great satisfaction, and him seemed fortune had opened him the way to his chief desire. Wherefore, daughter, quoth he, I can well believe that it must be a sore annoy for a fair and dainty dame such as you are,

to have a blockhead to husband. But a much greater me seemeth to have a jealous man, wherefore you have both the one and the other I can lightly credit that to which you avouch of your tribulation but for this speaking briefly I see neither counsel nor remedy save one the which is that Ferando be cured

of this jealousy the medicine that will cure him I know very well how to make provided you have the heart to keep secret that which I shall tell you "'Father mine,' answered the lady, "'have no fear of that,

"'for I would like or suffer death "'and tell any that which you had bid me not repeat. "'But how may this be done?' "'Quoth the abbot, "'and we would have him cured. "'It behooveth of necessity "'that he go to purgatory. "'But how?' asked she,

"'can he go thither alive?' "'Needs must he die,' replied the abbot, "'and so go thither, and whenas he shall have suffered such penance as shall suffice to purge him of his jealousy, we will pray God with certain orisons that he restore him to this life, and he will do it. Then, said the lady, am I to become a widow? I, answered the abbot, for a certain time, wherein you must look well you suffer not yourself to be married again, for that God would take an ill part.

And when as Ferando returned hither, it would behoove you to return to him, and he would then be more jealous than ever. Quoth she, provided he but be cured of this calamity, so it may not behove me abide in prison all my life. I am content, do as it pleaseth you. And I will do it, rejoined he. But what geared on am I to have for such a service? Father, answered the lady, you shall have whatsoever pleaseth you. so but it be in my power. But what could the like of me that may befit such a man as yourself? Madame, replied the abbot, you can do no less for me than that which I undertake to do for you.

For that, like as I am disposed to do, that which is to be your wheel and your solacement, even so can you do that which will be the saving and assainment of my life. Quoth she, And it be so, I am ready. Then, said the abbot, You must give me your love And vouchsaith me satisfaction of yourself,

For whom I am all afire with love and languishment. The lady hearing this was all aghast and answered, Alack, father mine, what is this you ask? Me thought you were a saint. Doth it be seem holy men to require women who come to them for counsel of such things? Fair my soul, rejoined the abbot, marvel not, for that sanctity no wise abetteth by this. Seeing it hath its seat in the soul, and that which I ask of you is a sin of the body.

But, be that as it may, your ravishing beauty hath such might that love constraineth me to do thus. And I tell you that you may glory in your charms over all. all other women, considering that they please holy men, who are used to look upon the beauties of heaven. Moreover, avid though I be, I am a man like another and am, as you see, not yet old. Nor should this that I ask be grievous of you to do. Nay, you should rather desire it, for that, what, while Fernando sojourneth in purgatory, I will bury you company by night, and rende you that solacement which he should give you, nor shall any ever come to know of this, for that everyone believe of me that, and more than that, which you but now believed of me.

Reject not the grace that God sendeth you, for there be women enough who covet that which you may have and shall have, if, like a wise woman, you hearken to my counsel. Moreover, I have fair and precious jewels, which I purpose shall belong to none other than yourself. Do then for me, sweet my hope, that which I willingly do for you. The lady hung her head, knowing not how to deny him, whilst her seemed it were ill done to grant him what he asked.

But the abbot, seeing that she hearkened and hesitated to reply, and him seeming he had already half-converted her, followed up his first words with many others, and stayed not till he had persuaded her that she would do well to comply with him. Accordingly, she said, blushing, that she was ready to do his every commandment, but might not avail thereto till such time as Ferando should be gone to purgatory, whereupon, quote, the abbot, exceeding well pleased, and we will make shift to send him thither incontinent, do you but contrived, that he come hither tomorrow or next day to sojourn with me.

So saying he privily put a very handsome ring into her hand and dismissed her. The lady rejoiced at the gift and looking to have others rejoined her companions, to whom she fell to relating marvelous things of the avid sanctity, and presently returned home with them. And do you know what else will return home with you? Sweet, sweet deals on products and services. they're going to come right on home with you. Canadian women are looking for more.

More to themselves, their businesses, their elected leaders, and the world are out of them. And that's why we're thrilled to introduce the Honest Talk podcast. I'm Jennifer Stewart. And I'm Catherine Clark. And in this podcast, we interview Canada's most inspiring women. Entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, politicians, and newsmakers, all at different stages of their journey.

So if you're looking to connect, then we hope you'll join us. Listen to the Honest Talk podcast on IHartRadio or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, host of the on-purpose podcast. I'm joined by Luke Combs, award-winning country music artist and one of the most authentic voices in music today. Luke opens up about success, self-doubt, mental health, and what it really takes to stay true to who you are when your life changes overnight. I hate fame, I hate the word celebrity, I hate those words, that you make me uncomfortable. But I think when you get to a certain point, the fame or the success or the influence, it just accentuates and exacerbates the inherent person that you are.

The guy that says he's always going to be there and that will do anything to be there is the only guy that's not there. I'm in Australia when Beau is born. My whole identity is that no matter what, I'm going to prioritize my wife and my children over my job. I dread the conversation with my son. What do you think you'd say? Listen to On Purpose with Jay Chetty on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. In 2023, a story gripped the UK, evoking horror and disbelief.

The nurse who should have been in charge of caring for tiny babies is now the most prolific child killer in modern British history. Everyone thought they knew how it ended. A verdict, a villain, a nurse named Lucy Leppie. Lucy Letby has been found guilty. But what if we didn't get the whole story? The moment you look at the whole picture, the case collapses. I'm Amanda Knox, and in the new podcast, Doubt the case of Lucy Lettby, we follow the evidence and hear from the people that lived it, to ask what really happened when the world decided who Lucy Lettby was.

No voicing of any skepticism or doubt. It'll cause so much harm at every single level of the British establishment of this is wrong. Listen to doubt the case of Lucy Letby on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, this is Joe Winterstein, host of the Spirit Daughter podcast, where we talk about astrology, natal charts, and how to step into your most vibrant life. And I just sat down with a mini driver. The Irish traveler said when I was 16, you're going to have a terrible time with men. Actor, storyteller, and unapologetic, Aquarian. visionary. Aquarius is all about freedom-loving and different perspectives, and I find a lot of people

with strong placements in Aquarius are misunderstood. A son and Venus and Aquarius in her seventh house spark her unconventional approach to partnership. He really has taught me to embrace people sleeping in different rooms, on different houses, in different places, but just an embracing of the isness of it all. If you're navigating your own transformation or just want to chart-side view into how a leading artist integrates astrology, creativity, and real life, this episode is a must listen.

Listen to the Spirit Daughter podcast starting on February 24th on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcast. And we're back. A few days after Ferando repaired to the Abbey, whom went as the abbot saw,

he cast about to send him to purgatory. Accordingly, he sought out a powder of marvelous virtue. which he had gotten in the parts of the levant of a great prince who avouched it to be that which was wont to be used by the old man of the mountain. When as he would fain send anyone sleeping into his paradise or bring him forth thereof, and that according as more or less thereof was given, without doing any hurt, it made him who took it sleep more or less time on such wise that whilst its virtue lasted, none would say he had life in him.

of this he took as much as might suffice to make a man sleep three days, and putting it into a beaker of wine that was not yet well cleared, gave it to Ferando to drink in his cell, without the latter suspecting aught, after which he carried him into the cloister, and there with some of his monks fell to making sport of him in his dunceries. Nor was it long before, the powder working. Ferando was so taken, with so sudden and overpowering a drowsiness,

that he slumbered, as yet he stood afoot, and presently fell down, fast asleep. The abbot made a show of being concerned at this accident, and letting untrust him, caused fetched cold water, and cast it in his face, and to say many other remedies of his fashion, as if he would recall the strayed life and senses from the oppression of some fumosity of the stomach, or what not like affection that had usurped them. The monks, seeing that for all this he came not to himself and feeling his pulse, but finding no sign of life in him, all held it for certain that he was dead. Accordingly, they sent to tell his wife and his kind folk, who all came thither forthright, and the lady having bewept him a while with her kin's women. The abbot caused Layham, clad as he was in a tomb, whilst the lady returned to her house, and giving out that she meant never to,

apart from a little son, whom she had by her husband, abode at home and occupied herself with the governance of the child and the wealth which had been Ferrandos. Meanwhile, the abbot arose stealthily in the night, and with the aid of a Bologna's monk, in whom he much trusted, and who was that day come thither from Bologna, took up Ferrando out of the tomb and carried him into a vault, in which there was no light to be seen, and which had been made for prison of such of the monks as should make default an aunt. There they pulled off his garments and clothing him in monk fashion, laid him on a truss of straw, and there left him against he should recover his senses, while the Bollonese monk, having been instructed by the abbot of that which he had to do, without any else knowing aught thereof, proceeded to await his coming to himself.

On the morrow the abbot, accompanied by sundry of his monks, betook himself by way of visitation to the house of the lady, whom he found clad in black and in great tribulation, and having comforted her a while, he softly required her for promise. The lady, finding herself free and unhindered of Ferando or any other, and seeing on his finger another fine ring, replied that she was ready and appointed him to come to her that same night. Accordingly, night come, the abbot disguised in Ferando's clothes and accompanied by the monk his confidant, repaired thither to lay with her in the utmost delight and pleasance till the morning, when he returned to the abbey. After this he very often made the same journey on a like errand, and being wiles encountered coming or going, of one or another villagers, it was believed,

he was Ferando who went about those parts doing penance. By reason whereof many strange stories were after brooded about among the simple country folk, and this was more than once reported to Ferrando's wife who well knew what it was. As for Ferando,

when he recovered his senses and found himself he knew not where, the Bolanese monk came into him with a horrible noise and laying hold of him, gave him a sound drubbing with a rod he had in his hand. Ferrando, No, weeping and crying out, did not but ask, Where am I? to which the monk answered.

Thou art in purgatory. How? cried Ferando. Am I that dead? Aye, certes, said the other. Whereupon Ferrando fell to bemoaning himself and his wife and child, saying the oddest things in the world. Presently the monk brought him somewhat of meat and drink, which Ferando seen.

What? cried he. Do the dead eat? "'I they do,' answered they monk. "'This is what I bring thee, is what the woman, thy wife that was, sent this morning to the church to let say masses for thy soul, and God the Lord willeth, that it be made over to thee.' Quoth Ferando, "'God grant her a good year! I still cherished her ear I died, insomuch that I held her all night in mine arms, and did not but kiss her, and to other thing also I did when I had a month. I'm there too. Then, being very sharp set, he felt to eating and drinking, and him seeing the wine was not over good.

Lord confound her, quoth he, why did she not give the priest wine of the cask against the wall? After he had eaten, the monk laid hold of him anew, and gave him another sound beating with the same rod. Whereat, Ferando roared out lustily and said, Alack! Why dost thou this to me? Quoth the monk, Because thus hath God the Lord ordained that it be done unto thee twice every day.

And for what cause? asked Ferando. Because, answered the monk, thou wast jealous, having the best woman in the country to wife. Alas, said Ferando. Thou say'st sooth, eh? And the kindest creature. She was sweeter than syrup. But I knew not that God the Lord held it for ill that a man should be jealous. else I had not been so, Quoth the monk,

Thou shouldst have be thought thyself of that, when as thou wast below, and have abended thee thereof, and should it betide that thou ever return thither, look thou so have it in mind, that which I do unto thee at this present, that thou be never more jealous. What? said Ferando,

do the dead ever return thither? I answered the monk, Whom God willeth. Mary, cried Ferrando, and if I ever return thither, I will be the best husband in the world. I will never beat her, nor give her an ill word, except it be a net to the wine she sent hither this morning,

and for that she sent no candles. So it behoved me to eat in the dark. Nay, said the monk, she sent candles enough, but they were all burnt for the masses. True, rejoined Ferrando, And assuredly, and I return thither, I will let her do what she will. But tell me, who art thou that us?

Quoth the monk, I am also dead. I was of Sardinia, and for that of four time, I much commended a master of mine of being jealous. I have been doomed of God to this punishment, that I must give thee to eat and drink and beat thee thus, till such time as God shall ordain other what of thee and of me. Then, said Ferando, Is there none here other than we twain? I, answered the monk, there be folk by the thousands,

but thou canst neither see nor hear them, nor they thee. Quoth Ferando, And how far are we from our own countries? A cod, replied the other. are distant then more miles than we can well cack at about. Faith, rejoined the farmer. That is far enough. Me Seymouth, we must be out of the world, and it be so much as all that. And do you know what else is out of this world? It's the deals that are offered by the sponsors of this show. Canadian women are looking for more. More out of themselves, their businesses, their elected leaders,

and the world around them. And that's why we're thrilled to introduce the Honest Talk podcast. I'm Jennifer Stewart. And I'm Catherine Clark. And in this podcast, we interview Canada's most inspiring women. Entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, politicians, and newsmakers, all at different stages of their journey. So if you're looking to connect, then we hope you'll join us.

Listen to the Honest Talk podcast and IHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, host of the on-purpose podcast. I'm joined by Luke Combs, award-winning country music artist and one of the most authentic voices in music today. Luke opens up about success, self-doubt, mental health, and what it really takes to stay true to who you are when your life changes overnight. I hate fame, I hate the word celebrity,

I hate those words, that you make me uncomfortable. But I think when you get to a certain point, the fame or the success or the influence, it just accentuates and exacerbates the inherent person that you are. Guy that says he's always going to be there and that will do anything to be there is the only guy that's not there. I'm in Australia when Beau is born. My whole identity is that no matter what, I'm going to prioritize my wife and my children.

Over my job, I dread the conversation with my son. What do you think you'd say? Listen to On Purpose with Jay Chetty on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, this is Joe Winterstein, host of the story. Spirit Daughter podcast, where we talk about astrology, natal charts, and how to step into your most vibrant life. And I just sat down with a mini driver. The Irish traveler said when I was 16, you're going to have a terrible time with men. Actor, storyteller, and unapologetic, Aquarian visionary. Aquarius is all about freedom loving and different perspectives. And I find a lot of

people with strong placements in Aquarius are misunderstood. A sun and Venus in Aquarius, in her seventh house, spark her unconventional approach to partnership. He really has taught me to embrace people sleeping in different rooms, on different houses, and different places, but just an embracing of the isness of it all. If you're navigating your own transformation or just want to chart side view into how a leading artist integrates astrology, creativity, and real life, this episode is a must listen. Listen to the Spirit Daughter podcast, starting on February 24th on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcast.

In 2023, a story gripped the UK, evoking horror and disbelief. The nurse who should have been in charge of caring for tiny babies is now the most prolific child killer in modern British history. Everyone thought they knew how it ended. A verdict, a villain, a nurse named Lucy Leppie. Lucy Letby has been found guilty. But what if we didn't get the whole story? The moment you look at the whole picture, the case collapses.

I'm Amanda Knox, and in the new podcast, Doubt, the case of Lucy Letby, we follow the evidence and hear from the people that lived it, to ask what really happened when the world decided who Lucy Lettby was. No voicing of any skepticism or doubt. It'll cause so much harm at every single level of the British establishment of this is wrong. Listen to Doubt, The Case of Lucy Letby on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And we're back.

In such and the like discourse was Ferando entertained half a score months while eating and drinking and beating. What while the abbot assiduously visited the fair lady without miscarriage and gave himself the goodliest time in the world with her. At last as ill luck would have it, the lady found herself with child and straightaway acquainted the abbot therewith. Wherefore, it seemed well to them both that Ferando should without delay be recalled from purgatory to life and returned to her, so she might avouch yourself with child by him. Accordingly, the abbot the same knight caused a call to Ferando in prison with a counterfeit voice, saying,

have a son by thy wife whom look thou named Benedict. For that by the prayers of thy holy abbot and of thy wife, and for the love of Saint Benedict, he doth thee this favor. Forondo, hearing this, was exceedingly rejoiced and said, It liketh me well. Lord grant me a good year to senior Lord Almighty and to the abbot and St. Benedict and my cheesy, sweet, honey wife. The abbot, let give him, in the wine that he sent him, so much of the powder aforesaid as should cause him to sleep maybe four hours, and with the aid of his monk,

having put his own clothes on him, restored him privily to the tomb wherein he had been buried. Next morning at break of day, Ferando came to himself in a spying light, a thing which he had not seen for a good ten months, through some crevice of the tomb, doubted not, but he was alive again. accordingly he fell to bawling out open to me open to me and heaving so lustily at lid of the tomb with his head that he stirred it for that was eith to move and had begun to move it away when the monks having now made an end of saying matins ran thither and knew ferrondo's voice and saw him in act to come forth of the sepulchre whereupon all aghast for the strangeness of the case they took to their heel

and ran to the abbot, who made a show of rising from prayer and said, My sons, have no fear. Take the cross and the holy water and follow after me, so we may see that which God willeth to show forth to us of his might. And as he said, so he did. Now Ferrando was come forth of the sepulchre all pale, as well might he be who had so long abidden without seeing the sky. As soon as he saw the abbot

He ran to cast himself at his feet and said Father mine According to that which has been revealed to me Your prayers and those of St. Benedict And my wife have delivered me From the pains of purgatory And restored me to life Wherefore I pray God

To give you a good year and good calends Now and always Quoth the abbot Praise'd be God and his might Go my son since he hath sent thee back hither comfort thy wife, who hath been still in tears since thou departest this life, and henceforth be a friend and servant of God. Sir, replied Ferando, so hath it indeed been said to me, only leave me do, for as soon as I find her,

I shall bus her. Such good will do I bear her. The abbot, left alone with his monks, made a great show of wonderment at this miracle, and caused devoutly sing, Misre, therefore. As for Ferando, he returned to his village, where all who saw him fled, as men used to do from things frightful. But he called them back and avouched himself to be raised up again. His wife, unlikewise, feigned to be a dread of him.

But after the folk were somewhat reassured, anent him, and saw that he was indeed alive, they questioned him of many things, and he, as it were he had returned wise, made answer to all and gave them news of the souls of their kinsfolk, making up of his own motion the finest fables in the world of the affairs of purgatory, and recounting in full assembly the revelation made him by the mouth of the Rangelbregel, ere he was raised up again.

Then, returning to his house and entering again into possession of his goods, he got his wife, as he thought, with child, and by chance it befell that in due time to the thinking of the fools who believe that women go just nine months with child, the lady gave birth to a boy who was called Benedict Ferrandi. Ferrando's return and his talk well-nigh everyone believing him to have risen from the dead, added infinitely to the renown of the abbot's sanctity, and he himself, as if cured of his jealousy by the many beatings he had received therefore thenceforward, according to the promise made by the abbot to the lady, was no more jealous, whereat she was well pleased

and lived honestly with him, as of her want, save indeed that when as she conveniently might, she willingly foregathered with the Holy Abbott, who had so well and diligently served her in her greatest needs. The end. Hazel, who helps pick the stories, has this to say about it. I feel like this collection is such a perfect example of the more things change, the more things stay the same.

People are always going to people, and it's really fun to read stuff from olden times that treats women with agency, priests like they're humans with regular desires, and people who do bad shit like they're capable of changing, while also getting some good dunks on them in the meantime. Old-timey people having fun, it's so much fun to me. Anyway, I thought that sometimes, like the decamerin was written by people dealing with the fucking plague, and they were like, man, you know what we need during the plague?

we need to just have some funny stories about people fucking. I don't know. I also believe we should confront the evils of the world as head on as possible. But sometimes you just need to read some weird old clever shit from the Middle Ages. That's how I feel about things. So that's what we did. We read you a story. And in the meantime, take care of each other.

Fuck ice. See you soon. It could happen here as a production of Cool Zone Media. For more podcast from Cool Zone Media, visit our website. website, coolzonemedia.com, or check us out on the IHeard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can find sources where it could happen here updated monthly at coolzonemedia.com slash sources. Thanks for listening. I'm Clayton Eckerd. In 2022, I was the lead of ABC's The Bachelor. But here's the thing. Bachelor fans hated him. If I could press a

button and rewind it all I would. That's when his life took a disturbing turn. A one-night stand would end in a courtroom. The media is here. This case has gone viral. The dating contract. Agree to date me, but I'm also suing you. This is unlike anything I've ever seen before. I'm Stephanie Young.

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