Decameron Ninth Day, Eighth Story Summary

Biondello and Ciacco

Storyteller: Lauretta
Laura says she was inspired by Pampinea's story about the lady who got what she deserved for tricking the scholar, so she's going to tell another story of revenge. This time, though, the payback isn't quite as bad.

There was a gluttonous man in Florence called Ciacco. He loved to eat better food than he could afford, so he amused wealthy people with his wit in order to feed himself well.
There was also a man called Biondello who was a particularly cool and fashionable guy.
Biondello also earned his bread by hanging out with rich people and displaying his wit, so this made the two men rivals.
One day, Ciacco was wandering through the fish market when he saw Biondello buying two enormous fish for one of his wealthy patrons.
Ciacco's mouth starts watering for a tasty breakfast, so he asks about the fish. Biondello gives him the wrong destination for the market where he got it.
So Ciacco goes off in search of his breakfast. Though he's welcomed in to breakfast at the house where Biondello sent him, it's a meager meal. Ciacco's seriously chafed about this.
When Biondello teases him about the prank, Ciacco vows to pay him back.
So Ciacco decides to rile up the wine seller—who's a huge guy—against Biondello. Then, he sends word to Biondello that the wine seller wants to see him. Classic.
When Biondello arrives, the wine seller beats him to pieces.
After the bruises heal, Biondello encounters Ciacco again, who promises him an "excellent drink" if Biondello ever sends him to another great meal.
The two men decide to leave each other in peace forever after.