[004]Who Calandrino,
Bruno and Buffalmacco were, I need not explain; you know them
well enough from the former story; and therefore I will tarry no
longer than to say that Calandrino had a little estate not far from
Florence, which his wife had brought him by way of dowry, and
which yielded them yearly, among other matters, a pig; and 'twas
his custom every year in the month of December to resort to the
farm with his wife, there to see to the killing and salting of the
said pig.
[005]
Now, one of these years it so happened that his wife
being unwell, Calandrino went thither alone to kill the pig. And
Bruno and Buffalmacco learning that he was gone to the farm, and
that his wife was not with him, betook them to the house of a
priest that was their especial friend and a neighbour of Calandrino,
there to tarry a while.
[006]
Upon their arrival Calandrino, who had
that very morning killed the pig, met them with the priest, and
accosted them, saying: "A hearty welcome to you. I should
like you to see what an excellent manager I am;" and so he took
them into his house, and shewed them the pig.
[007]
They observed
that 'twas a very fine pig; and learned from Calandrino that he was
minded to salt it for household consumption. "Then thou art but
a fool," quoth Bruno. "Sell it, man, and let us have a jolly time
with the money; and tell thy wife that 'twas stolen."
[008]
"Not I,"
replied Calandrino: "she would never believe me, and would drive
me out of the house. Urge me no further, for I will never do it."
The others said a great deal more, but to no purpose; and Calandrino
bade them to supper, but so coldly that they declined, and left him.
