In virtual enslavement, Taddeo performs numerous household chores for his master's wife, who is labeled moglie del Calavrese (wife of Cala[b]rese), and who sits indolently at center infingarda e da poco (lazy and good-for-nothing). He makes his employers' bed, brings wood and water from the cellar, and crouches on the floor to start the fire for cooking. Taddeo is so busy that he cannot study the glories of Rome that lie just outside.