Part 1: Chapters 1-3 Summary

The story starts with a view of the city under siege and divided by religious factions, it has been invaded by both the Spanish and the Germans. To save her household, Fiammetta welcomes the Spanish in and plies them with food, drink, and luxuries; nevertheless, the German Protestants arrive and she must flee the city, taking Bucino with her. Before she does, however, she must escape from the Protestants: she does so by cutting off all of her beautiful hair and proclaiming that she has been saved and converted. Behind the Germans' backs, the two swallow as many jewels as they can, and flee the city.

Fiammetta takes them to Venice, her hometown, where she still has a home. Nevertheless, the journey has made her weary and ill - a situation further complicated by the fact that she finds...