Listen to the AudioBook: XII conti pomiglianesi by Vittorio Imbriani

Giuseppe 'a Veretà

Pomigliano d'Arco

In a village, not far from Naples, named Pomigliano d'Arco, there lived a simple and honest man, a shoemaker by trade, named Giuseppe. He was known throughout the village for his unwavering honesty, so much so that he was affectionately called "Giuseppe 'a Veretà" – Giuseppe the Truth.

Giuseppe was a hardworking man, always fair in his dealings, and never resorting to deceit. He believed that truth and integrity were the cornerstones of a good life, and he lived by this principle every day. His small shop was a place where villagers felt comfortable, knowing they would receive not only good craftsmanship but also honest advice and fair prices.

One day, a wealthy merchant from Naples visited Pomigliano d'Arco. He had heard tales of Giuseppe's honesty and decided to test him. The merchant, dressed in fine clothes and carrying a bag of gold, entered Giuseppe's shop.

"Good day, shoemaker," the merchant said, his voice smooth and calculated. "I have a special commission for you. I need a pair of boots, the finest you can make, for a special occasion. And I need them by tomorrow evening."

Giuseppe looked up, his brow furrowed slightly. "By tomorrow evening, sir? That is a very short time for such a fine pair of boots. I would need at least three days."

The merchant smiled, a glint in his eye. "Ah, but these are not ordinary boots. I am willing to pay handsomely for your speed and skill. Here," he said, opening his bag and revealing a pile of gold coins, "a significant down payment. And if you can finish them by tomorrow, I will double your usual price."

Giuseppe's eyes widened at the sight of the gold, but he quickly shook his head. "Sir, I appreciate your generosity, but my word is my bond. I cannot promise what I cannot deliver. It is better for me to disappoint you with the truth than to deceive you with a lie. I will make you the finest boots I can, but it will take me three days."

The merchant was taken aback. He had expected Giuseppe to be tempted by the gold, to promise the impossible, and then perhaps try to cut corners. But Giuseppe's refusal was genuine, his commitment to his word absolute.

"You are indeed Giuseppe 'a Veretà," the merchant said, a hint of admiration in his voice. He closed his bag of gold. "Very well. Three days it is. But I must warn you, these boots are for a very important meeting. If they are not ready, the consequences could be severe."

Giuseppe nodded calmly. "I understand, sir. I will do my best. But my best will be honest work, and that takes time."

The merchant left, pondering Giuseppe's integrity. He had encountered many people in his dealings, but few with such a strong moral compass.

The next three days, Giuseppe worked tirelessly. He selected the finest leather, meticulously stitched every seam, and polished the boots until they shone. He took no shortcuts, ensuring that every detail was perfect.

On the third day, as promised, Giuseppe presented the boots to the merchant. They were indeed magnificent, a testament to his skill and dedication.

The merchant inspected them carefully, his eyes missing no detail. He tried them on, and they fit perfectly. A satisfied smile spread across his face.

"Giuseppe 'a Veretà," the merchant said, pulling out a pouch of coins. "You have exceeded my expectations. You have proven that true worth lies not just in skill, but in honesty. Here is your payment, as agreed. And take this as a token of my respect." He handed Giuseppe an extra bag of gold.

Giuseppe, though grateful, was surprised. "Sir, this is more than we agreed upon."

"It is a small price to pay for such integrity," the merchant replied. "Keep it. And know that your reputation for truth is well-earned."

From that day on, Giuseppe's fame grew even further. He continued to live his life with honesty and dignity, a beacon of truth in his village, proving that integrity, though sometimes costly in the short term, always brings its own rich rewards.

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