Angelo Beolco (il Ruzante), La Prima Oratione

This volume presents a full transcription of the three extant manuscripts of Angelo Beolco's Prima oratione, delivered to Cardinal Marco Cornaro in 1521 at his villa in Asolo subsequent to his entrance as bishop of Padua. Praising the new bishop on his accomplishment, the peasant orator expounds boisterously on the agricultural riches of the Paduan countryside and concludes with a request that the bishop enact a series of laws that will improve the lives of his fellow peasants, including allowing both men and women to take four spouses. Masked by the humour, however, are serious considerations on contemporary issues. Accompanying the transcription is an extensive historical-literary introduction and notes.