Chapter LIV: Here It Is Told How the Parish Priest Porcellino Was Accused

A parish priest who was called Porcellino in the days of Bishop Mangiadore [103] was accused before the bishop of conducting his parish badly because of his light behaviour with women.

The bishop, holding an inquiry on him, found him most guilty.

And as he was dwelling at the bishop’s palace, waiting to be deposed, his family, to help him, showed him how he might escape punishment.

They hid him at night under the Bishop’s bed.

And that night the Bishop sent for one of his paramours. And being with her in bed, he sought to take hold of her, but the woman refused him, saying: many promises you have made me, but you never keep your word. The Bishop replied: light of my eyes, I promise and swear it. No, she said, I want the money paid down.

The Bishop rose to fetch the money in order to give it to his mistress, when the priest came from under the bed and said: Messer, for this do they punish me? Now who could do otherwise?

The Bishop was ashamed and forgave him. But sorely did he take him to task before the other clergy.