Which story closes the Decameron?

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Giovanni Boccaccio Italian poet and scholar Giovanni Boccaccio, detail of a fresco by Andrea del Castagno; in the Cenacolo di Sant'Apollonia, Florence.

The story that closes the Decameron is the tale of "The Patient Griselda."

In this narrative, the Marquis of Saluzzo selects Griselda, a peasant, as his wife and subjects her to a series of cruel trials to test her fidelity and obedience, including pretending that their children have died and that he is remarrying. Griselda endures these hardships with unwavering patience and devotion, eventually leading the Marquis to relent and restore her to her home and children. This story serves as the final piece in the collection, bringing the themes of the preceding days to a high pitch.123