[201] We know nothing of the cause of Boccaccino's ruin. It is interesting to remember, however, that he was connected with the Bardi who in 1339 had, with the Peruzzi, lent Edward III of England 1,075,000 florins. As we know, this sum was never repaid, and the transaction ruined the lenders. Boccaccino himself seems to have been already short of money in 1336, when he sold Casa di Boccaccio.
[202] The church is situated, according to Della Torre, in the village of S. Maria Maggiore. See Della Torre, op. cit., pp. 309-13.
[203] Corazzini, op. cit., p. 17.
[204] That Boccaccio considered Virgil in some sort a magician is certain. Cf. Hortis, Studi, etc., pp. 394, 396-8.
[205] Not being able to understand it, he asks for an example with glosses. Cf. Corazzini, op. cit., p. 465.
[206] Cf. the letter to Niccolò Acciaiuoli, dated from Florence, August 23, 1341, where he speaks of "il reverendo mio padre e signore, Maestro Dionigi," Corazzini, op. cit., p. 18. Possibly Dionigi made him read Seneca. Cf. Della Torre, op. cit., pp. 323-4.
[207] Boccaccino had lost almost everything, including the dote of his wife. Giovanni declares this was the justice of heaven upon him for the desertion of his (Giovanni's) mother. Cf. Ameto, ed. cit., pp. 187-8. He never forgave his father for this. Yet, like a good son, he obeyed the summons, and says later that "we ought to learn to bear the yoke of our fathers, and should honour with the greatest reverence their trembling old age." We believe Margherita died in 1339. The last document we have which speaks of her is, however, of 1337. When Francesco died we cannot say.
[208] Cf. Della Torre, op. cit., p. 339. This letter is, as I have already said, considered apocryphal by many scholars, though not by Della Torre.
[209] Ibid., p. 343. See document there given, which equally proves that on 11th January, 1341, Boccaccio was already in Florence.
[210] Fiammetta, ed. cit., p. 40, where he says Panfilo (himself) left Naples "essendo il tempo per piove e per freddo noioso."