Verona

Verona is the setting for an entertainment that never takes place: Cangrande della Scala plans to gather distinguished guests and artists there, then abruptly cancels. The episode makes the city the scene of a reversal in the host’s conduct, as Bergamino’s pointed story moves Cangrande from unexplained withholding to generous recompense.

The Planned Entertainment

Cangrande intends to hold a notably splendid entertainment in Verona, expecting people to come from various parts, especially performers and other skilled court entertainers. The city is presented as the destination for this gathering, rather than as a described urban landscape; the account gives no details of its streets, buildings, or the particular venue.

Cancellation and Bergamino’s Wait

For reasons the narrative does not explain, Cangrande suddenly abandons the plan. He compensates, to some extent, the people who have arrived and dismisses them, but Bergamino remains: neither granted a largesse nor told to leave. A ready and accomplished speaker, Bergamino stays in hope that waiting may eventually benefit him. Cangrande, meanwhile, privately regards any gift to him as worse than money thrown into a fire, yet says nothing to explain his refusal.

The Reversal

Bergamino’s story gives indirect form to his own grievance and to Cangrande’s newly displayed stinginess. Cangrande understands the rebuke without further explanation and acknowledges both Bergamino’s merit and what he wants. He then has Bergamino’s host paid, dresses sumptuously, and gives Bergamino money and a palfrey, leaving him free to stay or go. Verona’s importance to the episode lies in this contrast: the promised celebration is withdrawn, but Bergamino’s wit restores the generosity that the gathering was meant to display.