In memory of my grandparents Alfonso and Maria
and to my son Fabio, who has done so much
to redeem the honor of Armando Bruni


Desolina, have you opened the iron gate?
No, madam, I have not.
Desolina, have you opened the iron gate?
No, madam, I have not.
Desolina, have you opened the iron gate?
No, madam, I have not.
—FOLKTALE, Emilia Romagna