Mandragola is a satirical comedy written by Niccolò Machiavelli in the early 16th century. The play revolves around the cunning schemes of Callimaco, who desires the beautiful Lucrezia, a virtuous woman married to the gullible Messer Nicia. To achieve his goal, Callimaco enlists the help of the clever Ligurio and the conniving Friar Timoteo. Through a series of elaborate deceptions and manipulations, they convince Nicia that his wife is infertile and that a magical herb, the mandrake, can cure her. Ultimately, Callimaco's plan succeeds, and he sleeps with Lucrezia, while Nicia is left believing he is the father of the future child. Mandragola is a witty and incisive commentary on the hypocrisy and moral decay of society, specifically the institutions of marriage and religion, through the lens of a hilarious and intricate plot.