Chapter 5 Summary

Messer Lizio di Valbona is a rich knight who has one daughter, named Caterina. Caterina falls in love with Ricciardo Manardi da Brettinoro, a friend of Lizio di Valbona. Caterina and Ricciardo cannot stay away from one another and begin an affair. Since Caterina is so closely watched, the only way for the couple to be together is if Caterina is able to sleep on the balcony outside her bedroom. After complaining mercilessly about the heat, Caterina is allowed to sleep outside. Ricciardo joins her and the couple spends the entire night making love. As dawn approaches, the couple falls asleep and is discovered by Lizio. At first Lizio is angry then amused to find the couple in such a compromising position, particularly since Caterina's hand is wrapped around the coveted "nightingale." Ricciardo awakes and realizes that he is trapped and doomed to...