Would you sell your son if it means he will lead a better life than you can offer him; if it means a bag of gold for you; if it means the boy will never lead a 'normal' life?
Phillipe, the narrator of this tale, is secretary to Count De Lorenzo, and love to the Count's young wife. He is tasked with buying young boys from poor villagers, having them castrated and taking them to Florence to be taught to sing as castrati. The parents are told that...