“Historical Epitome” - “Erythraea or Herophile, a Sibyl”
Boccaccio writes, “She (Erythraea) summarized briefly and accurately the varied fortunes of the Roman Empire long before its beginning: indeed her words seem more like a historical epitome written in our time than a prediction of the future.” Likening Erythraea's prophecy to ‘a historical epitome’ alludes to the accuracy of her forecasts regarding Rome. Her exactness results in the unfolding of all the realities which she had foreseen before they transpired.
Supernatural - “Medusa, Daughter of Phorcus”
Boccaccio expounds, “If we can believe the ancients, Medusa was astonishingly beautiful that she not only surpassed every other woman, but like something wondrous and supernatural.” Medusa's supernatural beauty cannot be likened to the ordinary beauty. She is lovely that she would be likened to an angel or a goddess.
“Citizen of Paradise” - “Eve, Our First Mother”
Boccaccio explains, "Even was made a citizen of paradise as much by right of her creation as of her dwelling in it, and she was cloaked in a splendour such as is not known to us. She was eagerly enjoying the garden's pleasures together with her husband." Eden is analogous to a state whose foremost citizens are 'Adam and Eve.' Sinning prompted God to strip them of their citizenship in the Eden.
“Masterly ability” - “Irine, Daughter of Cratinus”
Boccaccio expounds, “Irine was famous for her talent, and her skill deserves to be remembered. Proofs of her masterly ability survived for a long time: a girl seen on a panel painting at Eleusis, the aged Calypso, Theodorus the gladiator, and Alcisthenes, a celebrated dancer in his day.” Irine, despite the question of her femaleness, has extraordinary ability in painting. She paints exceptionally which sets her apart from other women. Irine rises above her gender by engaging in a trade which is mostly dominated by men.
