"True Gold Is Tested by Fire": A Tale of The King of Cyprus and The Test of Friendship

Introduction

Giovanni Boccaccio’s Decameron is best known for its lively and often outrageous stories about love, trickery, and survival during the Black Death. But hidden among the tales of mischief and scandal is a quiet gem about loyalty and character: Day 1, Tale 9, the story of Guiglielmo Borsiere and Ruggieri de' Figiovanni. This tale, unlike many others in the collection, doesn’t rely on drama to make its point. Instead, it shows us the strength of true friendship—the kind that doesn’t care about wealth, appearance, or status. In this blog post, I’ll explore how Boccaccio uses subtle storytelling to highlight values like loyalty and generosity, and why those values still matter in today’s world.

Summary

The story follows Guiglielmo Borsiere, a nobleman who has fallen into poverty. Wanting to know if his old friend Ruggieri still values their friendship, he travels to Genoa in disguise. Ruggieri, unaware of Guiglielmo’s true identity, welcomes him with kindness and hospitality. When Guiglielmo finally reveals who he is and explains his situation, Ruggieri doesn’t hesitate to help. He gives Guiglielmo money, clothing, and a place to live, treating him not as a burden, but as a brother. The story ends with the two friends reunited, proving that true loyalty doesn’t fade with fortune.

Analysis

This tale might not have the twists and turns of other stories in the Decameron, but its simplicity is part of its power. Boccaccio’s decision to keep the plot straightforward draws our attention to the characters’ actions and values. There’s no elaborate trick, no revenge, and no downfall—just a sincere test of friendship and a generous, heartfelt response. The story is quiet but moving, offering a contrast to the more sensational tales in the collection. It suggests that in a world full of deceit, honesty and kindness still matter.

The characters of Guiglielmo and Ruggieri are not deeply complex, but they serve an important symbolic purpose. Guiglielmo’s decision to test his friend doesn’t come from mistrust but from a desire to confirm whether their bond still exists in hard times. Ruggieri’s response is immediate and genuine, showing that his loyalty isn’t tied to status or wealth. He doesn’t just offer basic help; he fully restores Guiglielmo’s dignity. This act of generosity reflects Boccaccio’s broader interest in how people reveal their true nature when faced with moral choices. Ruggieri doesn’t make a speech about friendship—he lives it.

The use of disguise in the story also plays a significant role. Disguise is a common literary device in the Decameron, often used to create suspense or comedy. But here, it serves a deeper purpose: it tests the essence of character. By welcoming a stranger with no known status or benefit, Ruggieri proves that his kindness isn’t conditional. It’s a subtle but powerful message about how we treat others when no one is watching, and when there's nothing to gain. In today’s world, where appearances and networking often dominate relationships, this idea feels especially important.

Thematically, the tale speaks to the nature of real wealth. While Guiglielmo has lost his fortune, he discovers that the “richest” thing he has is a loyal friend. Meanwhile, Ruggieri, who still has material wealth, shows that his most valuable asset is his moral character. Boccaccio is making a point here: wealth and status can be lost, but true friendship and integrity remain. In an age when people are often judged by what they own or how successful they seem, this story challenges us to think differently. What really defines us isn’t our bank account, but how we treat the people in our lives.

Personal Response

When I read this story, I found myself thinking about my own friendships. Would I pass the kind of test that Guiglielmo gave Ruggieri? Would my friends do the same for me? The story felt surprisingly modern, even though it was written centuries ago. It reminded me that in tough times, you find out who really cares about you—not for what you can offer, but for who you are. It also made me want to be the kind of person who shows up for others without being asked. Stories like this make you pause and think about what actually matters.

Conclusion

Day 1, Tale 9 of the Decameron may not be as flashy or dramatic as some of Boccaccio’s other stories, but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. It shows that the strongest relationships are the ones built on loyalty, respect, and unconditional kindness. At a time when so much of life is performative—on social media, in school, in work—this tale is a reminder that the most meaningful connections are the quiet ones, proven through actions, not words. Boccaccio gives us a story that still feels real, centuries later. And that’s wh

y it matters.