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diff --git a/old/17703-h.htm.2021-01-25 b/old/17703-h.htm.2021-01-25 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..513f3e4 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/17703-h.htm.2021-01-25 @@ -0,0 +1,6859 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Heptameron, Volume III. + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 2em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + pre { font-family: Times; font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tales Of The Heptameron, Vol. III. (of +V.), by Margaret, Queen Of Navarre + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Tales Of The Heptameron, Vol. III. (of V.) + +Author: Margaret, Queen Of Navarre + +Illustrator: Freudenberg and Dunker + +Translator: George Saintsbury: From The Authentic Text +Of M. Le Roux De Lincy With An Essay Upon The Heptameron by the Translator + +Release Date: February 7, 2006 [EBook #17703] +Last Updated: September 9, 2016 +Last Updated: October 12, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TALES OF THE HEPTAMERON *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="cover (92K)" src="images/cover.jpg" width="100%" /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="spines (63K)" src="images/spines.jpg" width="100%" /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE TALES OF<br /> THE HEPTAMERON<br /> <br /> OF<br /> <br /> Margaret, Queen + of Navarre + </h1> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <i>Newly Translated into English from the Authentic Text</i> <br /> <br /> + OF M. LE ROUX DE LINCY WITH <br /> <br /> AN ESSAY UPON THE HEPTAMERON <br /> + BY <br /> GEORGE SAINTSBURY, M.A. <br /> <br /> Also the Original + Seventy-three Full Page Engravings <br /> Designed by S. FREUDENBERG <br /> + <br /> And One Hundred and Fifty Head and Tail Pieces <br /> By DUNKER<br /> + <br /> <i>IN FIVE VOLUMES</i> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + VOLUME THE THIRD + </h2> + <h4> + LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY OF ENGLISH BIBLIOPHILISTS <br /> MDCCCXCIV + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17701/17701-h/17701-h.htm">Volume + I.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17702/17702-h/17702-h.htm">Volume + II.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17704/17704-h/17704-h.htm">Volume + IV.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17705/17705-h/17705-h.htm">Volume + V.</a> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="100%" alt="Frontispiece " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Margaret, Queen of Navarre, from a crayon drawing by Clouet, preserved at + the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="100%" alt="Titlepage " /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <b>SECOND DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <i>TALE XIX</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <i>TALE XX</i>. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <b>THIRD DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PROL"> PROLOGUE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> <i>TALE XXI</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> <i>TALE XXII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> <i>TALE XXIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> <i>TALE XXIV</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> <i>TALE XXV</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> <i>TALE XXVI</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> <i>TALE XXVII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> <i>TALE XXVIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> <i>TALE XXIX</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> <i>TALE XXX</i>. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> <b>APPENDIX.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> A. (Tale XX., Page 21.) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> B. (Tale XXV., Page 131.) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> C. (Tale XXVI., Page 143.) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> D. (Tale XXX., Page 191). </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + List of Illustrations + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Titlepage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> 001a.jpg the Parting Between Pauline and The + Gentlemen </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> 001.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> 020.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> 021a.jpg the Lord de Riant Finding The Widow + With Her Groom </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> 021.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> 029.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> 035a.jpg Rolandine Conversing With Her Husband + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> 035.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> 071.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> 073a.jpg Sister Marie and the Prior </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0013"> 073.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0014"> 095.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0015"> 097a.jpg the Grey Friar Deceiving The Gentleman + of Périgord </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0016"> 097.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0017"> 112.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0018"> 113a.jpg Elisor Showing the Queen Her Own Image + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0019"> 113.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0020"> 130.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0021"> 131a.jpg the Advocate’s Wife Attending on The + Prince </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0022"> 131.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0023"> 142.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0024"> 143a.jpg the Lord of Avannes Paying his Court + in Disguise </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0025"> 143.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0026"> 170.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0027"> 171a.jpg the Secretary Imploring The Lady Not + to Tell of his Wickedness </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0028"> 171.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0029"> 175.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0030"> 177a.jpg the Secretary Opening The Pasty </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0031"> 177.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0032"> 183.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0033"> 185a.jpg the Husbandman Surprised by The Fall + of The Winnowing Fan </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0034"> 185.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0035"> 190.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0036"> 191a.jpg the Young Gentleman Embracing his + Mother </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0037"> 191.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0038"> 204.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DETAILED CONTENTS OF VOLUME III. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + SECOND DAY—Continued. <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0003">Tale XIX.</a> + The honourable love of a gentleman, who, when his sweetheart <br /> is + forbidden to speak with him, in despair becomes a monk of the <br /> + Observance, while the lady, following in his footsteps, becomes a nun of + <br /> St. Clara <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0004">Tale XX.</a> How the + Lord of Riant is cured of his love fora beautiful widow <br /> through + surprising her in the arms of a groom <br /><br /> THIRD DAY. <br /> + Prologue <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0007">Tale XXI.</a> The affecting + history of Rolandine, who, debarred from <br /> marriage by her father’s + greed, betrothes herself to a gentleman to <br /> whom, despite his + faithlessness, she keeps her plighted word, and does <br /> not marry + until after his death <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0008">Tale XXII.</a> + How Sister Marie Heroet virtuously escapes the attempts of <br /> the + Prior of St. Martin in-the-Fields <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0009">Tale + XXIII.</a> The undeserved confidence which a gentleman of Perigord <br /> + places in the monks of the Order of St. Francis, causes the death of + <br /> himself, his wife and their little child <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0010">Tale XXIV.</a> Concerning the unavailing love + borne to the Queen of Castile <br /> by a gentleman named Elisor, who in + the end becomes a hermit <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0011">Tale XXV.</a> + How a young Prince found means to conceal his intrigue with <br /> the + wife of a lawyer of Paris <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0012">Tale XXVI.</a> + How the counsels of a discreet lady happily withdrew the <br /> young + Lord of Avannes from the perils of his foolish love for a lady of <br /> + Pampeluna <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0013">Tale XXVII.</a> How the + wife of a man who was valet to a Princess rid <br /> herself of the + solicitations of one who was among the same Princess’s <br /> servants, + and at the same time her husband’s guest <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0014">Tale XXVIII.</a> How a Gascon merchant, named + Bernard du Ha, while <br /> sojourning at Paris, deceived a Secretary to + the Queen of Navarre who <br /> had thought to obtain a pasty from him + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0015">Tale XXIX.</a> How the Priest of + Carrelles, in Maine, when surprised with <br /> the wife of an old + husbandman, gets out of the difficulty by pretending <br /> to return him + a winnowing fan <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0016">Tale XXX.</a> How a + gentleman marries his own daughter and sister unawares <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/001a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="001a.jpg the Parting Between Pauline and The Gentlemen " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Parting between Pauline and The Gentlemen] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/001.jpg" width="100%" alt="001.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XIX</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>Pauline, being in love with a gentleman no less than he was with her, + and finding that he, because forbidden ever again to speak with her, had + entered the monastery of the Observance, gained admittance for her own + part into the convent of St. Clara, where she took the veil; thus + fulfilling the desire she had conceived to bring the gentleman’s love and + her own to a like ending in respect of raiment, condition and manner of + life. (1)</i> + </p> + <p> + In the time of the Marquis of Mantua, (2) who had married the sister of + the Duke of Ferrara, there lived in the household of the Duchess a damsel + named Pauline, who was greatly loved by a gentleman in the Marquis’s + service, and this to the astonishment of every one; for being poor, albeit + handsome and greatly beloved by his master, he ought, in their estimation, + to have wooed some wealthy dame, but he believed that all the world’s + treasure centred in Pauline, and looked to his marriage with her to gain + and possess it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The incidents related in this tale appear to have taken + place at Mantua and Ferrara. M. de Montaiglon, however, + believes that they happened at Lyons, and that Margaret laid + the scene of her story in Italy, so that the personages she + refers to might not be identified. The subject of the tale + is similar to that of the poem called <i>L’Amant rendu + Cordelier à l’Observance et Amour</i>, which may perhaps have + supplied the Queen of Navarre with the plot of her + narrative.—M. and Ed. + + 2 This was John Francis II. of Gonzaga, who was born in + 1466, and succeeded his father, Frederic I., in 1484. He + took an active part in the wars of the time, commanding the + Venetian troops when Charles VIII. invaded Italy, and + afterwards supporting Ludovico Sforza in the defence of + Milan. When Sforza abandoned the struggle against France, + the Marquis of Mantua joined the French king, for whom he + acted as viceroy of Naples. Ultimately, however, he espoused + the cause of the Emperor Maximilian, when the latter was at + war with Venice in 1509, and being surprised and defeated + while camping on the island of La Scala, he fled in his + shirt and hid himself in a field, where, by the treachery of + a peasant who had promised him secrecy, he was found and + taken prisoner. By the advice of Pope Julius II., the + Venetians set him at liberty after he had undergone a year’s + imprisonment. In 1490 John Francis married Isabella d’Esté, + daughter of Hercules I. Duke of Ferrara, by whom he had + several children. He died at Mantua in March 1519, his widow + surviving him until 1539. Among the many dignities acquired + by the Marquis in the course of his singularly chequered + life was that of gonfalonier of the Holy Church, conferred + upon him by Julius II.—L. and En. +</pre> + <p> + The Marchioness, who desired that Pauline should through her favour make a + more wealthy marriage, discouraged her as much as she could from wedding + the gentleman, and often hindered the two lovers from talking together, + pointing out to them that, should the marriage take place, they would be + the poorest and sorriest couple in all Italy. But such argument as this + was by no means convincing to the gentleman, and though Pauline, on her + side, dissembled her love as well as she could, she none the less thought + about him as often as before. + </p> + <p> + With the hope that time would bring them better fortune, this love of + theirs continued for a long while, during which it chanced that a war + broke out (3) and that the gentleman was taken prisoner along with a + Frenchman, whose heart was bestowed in France even as was his own in + Italy. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This would be the expedition which Louis XII. made into + Italy in 1503 in view of conquering the Kingdom of Naples, + and which was frustrated by the defeats that the French army + sustained at Seminara, Cerignoles, and the passage of the + Garigliano.—D. +</pre> + <p> + Finding themselves comrades in misfortune, they began to tell their + secrets to one another, the Frenchman confessing that his heart was a fast + prisoner, though he gave not the name of its prison-house. However, as + they were both in the service of the Marquis of Mantua, this French + gentleman knew right well that his companion loved Pauline, and in all + friendship for him advised him to lay his fancy aside. This the Italian + gentleman swore was not in his power, and he declared that if the Marquis + of Mantua did not requite him for his captivity and his faithful service + by giving him his sweetheart to wife, he would presently turn friar and + serve no master but God. This, however, his companion could not believe, + perceiving in him no token of devotion, unless it were that which he bore + to Pauline. + </p> + <p> + At the end of nine months the French gentleman obtained his freedom, and + by his diligence compassed that of his comrade also, who thereupon used + all his efforts with the Marquis and Marchioness to bring about his + marriage with Pauline. But all was of no avail; they pointed out to him + the poverty wherein they would both be forced to live, as well as the + unwillingness of the relatives on either side; and they forbade him ever + again to speak with the maiden, to the end that absence and lack of + opportunity might quell his passion. + </p> + <p> + Finding himself compelled to obey, the gentleman begged of the Marchioness + that he might have leave to bid Pauline farewell, promising that he would + afterwards speak to her no more, and upon his request being granted, as + soon as they were together he spoke to her as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Heaven and earth are both against us, Pauline, and hinder us not only + from marriage but even from having sight and speech of one another. And by + laying on us this cruel command, our master and mistress may well boast of + having with one word broken two hearts, whose bodies, perforce, must + henceforth languish; and by this they show that they have never known love + or pity, and although I know that they desire to marry each of us + honourably and to worldly advantage,—ignorant as they are that + contentment is the only true wealth,—yet have they so afflicted and + angered me that never more can I do them loyal service. I feel sure that + had I never spoken of marriage they would not have shown themselves so + scrupulous as to forbid me from speaking to you; but I would have you know + that, having loved you with a pure and honourable love, and wooed you for + what I would fain defend against all others, I would rather die than + change my purpose now to your dishonour. And since, if I continued to see + you, I could not accomplish so harsh a penance as to restrain myself from + speech, whilst, if being here I saw you not, my heart, unable to remain + void, would fill with such despair as must end in woe, I have resolved, + and that long since, to become a monk. I know, indeed, full well that men + of all conditions may be saved, but would gladly have more leisure for + contemplating the Divine goodness, which will, I trust, forgive me the + errors of my youth, and so change my heart that it may love spiritual + things as truly as hitherto it has loved temporal things. And if God grant + me grace to win His grace, my sole care shall be to pray to Him without + ceasing for you; and I entreat you, by the true and loyal love that has + been betwixt us both, that you will remember me in your prayers, and + beseech Our Lord to grant me as full a measure of steadfastness when I see + you no more, as he has given me of joy in beholding you. Finally, I have + all my life hoped to have of you in wedlock that which honour and + conscience allow, and with this hope have been content; but now that I + have lost it and can never have you to wife, I pray you at least, in + bidding me farewell, treat me as a brother, and suffer me to kiss you.” + </p> + <p> + When the hapless Pauline, who had always treated him somewhat rigorously, + beheld the extremity of his grief and his uprightness, which, amidst all + his despair, would suffer him to prefer but this moderate request, her + sole answer was to throw her arms around his neck, weeping so bitterly + that speech and strength alike failed her, and she swooned away in his + embrace. Thereupon, overcome by pity, love and sorrow, he must needs swoon + also, and one of Pauline’s companions, seeing them fall one on one side + and one on the other, called aloud for aid, whereupon remedies were + fetched and applied, and brought them to themselves. + </p> + <p> + Then Pauline, who had desired to conceal her love, was ashamed at having + shown such transports; yet were her pity for the unhappy gentleman a just + excuse. He, unable to utter the “Farewell for ever!” hastened away with + heavy heart and set teeth, and, on entering his apartment, fell like a + lifeless corpse upon his bed. There he passed the night in such piteous + lamentations that his servants thought he must have lost all his relations + and friends, and whatsoever he possessed on earth. + </p> + <p> + In the morning he commended himself to Our Lord, and having divided among + his servants what little worldly goods he had, save a small sum of money + which he took, he charged his people not to follow him, and departed all + alone to the monastery of the Observance, (4) resolved to take the cloth + there and never more to quit it his whole life long. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 The monastery of the Observance here referred to would + appear to be that at Ferrara, founded by Duke Hercules I., + father of the Marchioness of Mantua. The name of + “Observance” was given to those conventual establishments + where the rules of monastic life were scrupulously observed, + however rigorous they might be. The monastery of the + Observance at Ferrara belonged to the Franciscan order, + reformed by the Pope in 1363.—D. and L. +</pre> + <p> + The Warden, who had known him in former days, at first thought he was + being laughed at or was dreaming, for there was none in all the land that + less resembled a Grey Friar than did this gentleman, seeing that he was + endowed with all the good and honourable qualities that one would desire a + gentleman to possess. Albeit, after hearing his words and beholding the + tears that flowed (from what cause he knew not) down his face, the Warden + compassionately took him in, and very soon afterwards, finding him + persevere in his desire, granted him the cloth: whereof tidings were + brought to the Marquis and Marchioness, who thought it all so strange that + they could scarcely believe it. + </p> + <p> + Pauline, wishing to show herself untrammelled by any passion, strove as + best she might to conceal her sorrow, in such wise that all said she had + right soon forgotten the deep affection of her faithful lover. And so five + or six months passed by without any sign on her part, but in the meanwhile + some monk had shown her a song which her lover had made a short time after + he had taken the cowl. The air was an Italian one and pretty well known; + as for the words, I have put them into our own tongue as nearly as I can, + and they are these:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + What word shall be + Hers unto me, + When I appear in convent guise + Before her eyes? + + Ah! sweet maiden, + Lone, heart-laden, + Dumb because of days that were; + When the streaming + Tears are gleaming + ‘Mid the streaming of thy hair, + Ah! with hopes of earth denied thee, + Holiest thoughts will heavenward guide thee + To the hallowing cloister’s door. + What word shall be, &c. + + What shall they say, + Who wronged us, they + Who have slain our heart’s desire, + Seeing true love + Doth flawless prove, + Thus tried as gold in fire? + When they see my heart is single, + Their remorseful tears shall mingle, + Each and other weeping sore. + What word shall be, &c. + + And should they come + To will us home, + How vain were all endeavour! + “Nay, side by side, + “We here shall bide + “Till soul from soul shall sever. + “Though of love your hate bereaves us + “Yet the veil and cowl it leaves us, + “We shall wear till life be o’er.” + What word shall be, &c. + + And should they move + Our flesh to love + Once more the mockers, singing + Of fruits and flowers + In golden hours + For mated hearts upspringing; + We shall say: “Our lives are given, + Flower and fruit, to God in Heaven, + Who shall hold them evermore.” + What word shall be, &c. + + O victor Love! + Whose might doth move + My wearied footsteps hither, + Here grant me days + Of prayer and praise, + Grant faith that ne’er shall wither; + Love of each to either given, + Hallowed by the grace of Heaven, + God shall bless for evermore. + What word shall be, &c. + + Avaunt Earth’s weal! + Its bands are steel + To souls that yearn for Heaven; + Avaunt Earth’s pride! + Deep Hell shall hide + Hearts that for fame have striven. + Far be lust of earthly pleasure, + Purity, our priceless treasure, + Christ shall grant us of His store. + What word shall be, &c. + + Swift be thy feet, + My own, my sweet, + Thine own true lover follow; + Fear not the veil, + The cloister’s pall + Keeps far Earth’s spectres hollow. + Sinks the fire with fitful flashes, + Soars the Phoenix from his ashes, + Love yields Life for evermore. + What word shall be, &c. + + Love, that no power + Of dreariest hour, + Could change, no scorn, no rage, + Now heavenly free + From Earth shall be, + In this, our hermitage. + Winged of love that upward, onward, + Ageless, boundless, bears us sunward, + To the heavens our souls shall soar. + What word shall be, &c. +</pre> + <p> + On reading these verses through in a chapel where she was alone, Pauline + began to weep so bitterly that all the paper was wetted with her tears. + Had it not been for her fear of showing a deeper affection than was + seemly, she would certainly have withdrawn forthwith to some hermitage, + and never have looked upon a living being again; but her native discretion + moved her to dissemble for a little while longer. And although she was now + resolved to leave the world entirely, she feigned the very opposite, and + so altered her countenance, that in company she was altogether unlike her + real self. For five or six months did she carry this secret purpose in her + heart, making a greater show of mirth than had ever been her wont. + </p> + <p> + But one day she went with her mistress to the Observance to hear high + mass, and when the priest, the deacon and the sub-deacon came out of the + vestry to go to the high altar, she saw her hapless lover, who had not yet + fulfilled his year of novitiate, acting as acolyte, carrying the two + vessels covered with a silken cloth, and walking first with his eyes upon + the ground. When Pauline saw him in such raiment as did rather increase + than diminish his comeliness, she was so exceedingly moved and disquieted, + that to hide the real reason of the colour that came into her face, she + began to cough. Thereupon her unhappy lover, who knew this sound better + than that of the cloister bells, durst not turn his head; still on passing + in front of her he could not prevent his eyes from going the road they had + so often gone before; and whilst he thus piteously gazed on Pauline, he + was seized in such wise by the fire which he had considered well-nigh + quelled, that whilst striving to conceal it more than was in his power, he + fell at full length before her. However, for fear lest the cause of his + fall should be known, he was led to say that it was by reason of the + pavement of the church being broken in that place. + </p> + <p> + When Pauline perceived that the change in his dress had not wrought any + change in his heart, and that so long a time had gone by since he had + become a monk, that every one believed her to have forgotten him, she + resolved to fulfil the desire she had conceived to bring their love to a + like ending in respect of raiment, condition and mode of life, even as + these had been akin at the time when they abode together in the same + house, under the same master and mistress. More than four months + previously she had carried out all needful measures for taking the veil, + and now, one morning she asked leave of the Marchioness to go and hear + mass at the convent of Saint Clara, (5) which her mistress granted her, + not knowing the reason of her request. But in passing by the monastery of + the Grey Friars, she begged the Warden to summon her lover, saying that he + was her kinsman, and when they met in a chapel by themselves, she said to + him:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 There does not appear to have been a church of St. Clara + at Mantua, but there was one attached to a convent of that + name at Ferrara.—M. and D. +</pre> + <p> + “Had my honour suffered me to seek the cloister as soon as you, I should + not have waited until now; but having at last by my patience baffled the + slander of those who are more ready to think evil than good, I am resolved + to take the same condition, raiment and life as you have taken. Nor do I + inquire of what manner they are; if you fare well, I shall partake of your + welfare, and if you fare ill, I would not be exempt. By whatsoever path + you are journeying to Paradise I too would follow; for I feel sure that He + who alone is true and perfect, and worthy to be called Love, has drawn us + to His service by means of a virtuous and reasonable affection, which He + will by His Holy Spirit turn wholly to Himself. Let us both, I pray you, + put from us the perishable body of the old Adam, and receive and put on + the body of our true Spouse, who is the Lord Jesus Christ.” + </p> + <p> + The monk-lover was so rejoiced to hear of this holy purpose, that he wept + for gladness and did all that he could to strengthen her in her resolve, + telling her that since the pleasure of hearing her words was the only one + that he might now seek, he deemed himself happy to dwell in a place where + he should always be able to hear them. He further declared that her + condition would be such that they would both be the better for it; for + they would live with one love, with one heart and with one mind, guided by + the goodness of God, whom he prayed to keep them in His hand, wherein none + can perish. So saying, and weeping for love and gladness, he kissed her + hands; but she lowered her face upon them, and then, in all Christian + love, they gave one another the kiss of hallowed affection. + </p> + <p> + And so, in this joyful mood Pauline left him, and came to the convent of + Saint Clara, where she was received and took the veil, whereof she sent + tidings to her mistress, the Marchioness, who was so amazed that she could + not believe it, but came on the morrow to the convent to see Pauline and + endeavour to turn her from her purpose. But Pauline replied that she, her + mistress, had had the power to deprive her of a husband in the flesh, the + man whom of all men she had loved the best, and with that she must rest + content, and not seek to sever her from One who was immortal and + invisible, for this Was neither in her power nor in that of any creature + upon earth. + </p> + <p> + The Marchioness, finding her thus steadfast in her resolve, kissed her and + left her, with great sorrow. + </p> + <p> + And thenceforward Pauline and her lover lived such holy and devout lives, + observing all the rules of their order, that we cannot doubt that He whose + law is love told them when their lives were ended, as He had told Mary + Magdalene: “Your sins are forgiven, for ye have loved much;” and doubtless + He removed them in peace to that place where the recompense surpasses all + the merits of man. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot deny, ladies, that in this case the man’s love was the greater + of the two; nevertheless, it was so well requited that I would gladly have + all lovers equally rewarded.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Hircan, “there would be more manifest fools among men and + women than ever there were.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call it folly,” said Oisille, “to love virtuously in youth and + then to turn this love wholly to God?” + </p> + <p> + “If melancholy and despair be praiseworthy,” answered Hircan, laughing, “I + will acknowledge that Pauline and her lover are well worthy of praise.” + </p> + <p> + “True it is,” said Geburon, “that God has many ways of drawing us to + Himself, and though they seem evil in the beginning, yet in the end they + are good.” + </p> + <p> + “Moreover,” said Parlamente, “I believe that no man can ever love God + perfectly that has not perfectly loved one of His creatures in this + world.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by loving perfectly?” asked Saffredent. “Do you consider + that those frigid beings who worship their mistresses in silence and from + afar are perfect lovers?” + </p> + <p> + “I call perfect lovers,” replied Parlamente, “those who seek perfection of + some kind in the objects of their love, whether beauty, or goodness, or + grace, ever tending to virtue, and who have such noble and upright hearts + that they would rather die than do base things, contrary and repugnant to + honour and conscience. For the soul, which was created for nothing but to + return to its sovereign good, is, whilst enclosed in the body, ever + desirous of attaining to it. But since the senses, through which the soul + receives knowledge, are become dim and carnal through the sin of our first + parent, they can show us only those visible things that approach towards + perfection; and these the soul pursues, thinking to find in outward + beauty, in a visible grace and in the moral virtues, the supreme, absolute + beauty, grace and virtue. But when it has sought and tried these external + things and has failed to find among them that which it really loves, the + soul passes on to others; wherein it is like a child, which, when very + young, will be fond of dolls and other trifles, the prettiest its eyes can + see, and will heap pebbles together in the idea that these form wealth; + but as the child grows older he becomes fond of living dolls, and gathers + together the riches that are needful for earthly life. And when he learns + by greater experience that in all these earthly things there is neither + perfection nor happiness, he is fain to seek Him who is the Creator and + Author of happiness and perfection. Albeit, if God should not give him the + eye of Faith, he will be in danger of passing from ignorance to infidel + philosophy, since it is Faith alone that can teach and instil that which + is right; for this, carnal and fleshly man can never comprehend.” (6) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 The whole of this mystical dissertation appears to have + been inspired by some remarks in Castiglione’s <i>Libro del + Cortegiano</i>—which Margaret was no doubt well acquainted + with, as it was translated into French in 1537 by Jacques + Colin, her brother’s secretary. This work, which indeed + seems to have suggested several passages in the + <i>Heptameron</i>, was at that time as widely read in France as + in Italy and Spain.—B. J. and D. +</pre> + <p> + “Do you not see,” said Longarine, “that uncultivated ground which bears + plants and trees in abundance, however useless they may be, is valued by + men, because it is hoped that it will produce good fruit if this be sown + in it? In like manner, if the heart of man has no feeling of love for + visible things, it will never arrive at the love of God by the sowing of + His Word, for the soul of such a heart is barren, cold and worthless.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Saffredent, “is the reason why most of the doctors are not + spiritual. They never love anything but good wine and dirty, ill-favoured + serving-women, without making trial of the love of honourable ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “If I could speak Latin well,” said Simontault, “I would quote you St. + John’s words: ‘He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can + he love God whom he hath not seen?’ (7) From visible things we are led on + to love those that are invisible.” + </p> + <p> + “If,” said Ennasuite, “there be a man as perfect as you say, <i>quis est + ille et laudabimus eum?</i>” (8) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 I St. John, iv. 20. + + 8 We have been unable to find this anywhere in the + Scriptures.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “There are men,” said Dagoucin, “whose love is so strong and true that + they would rather die than harbour a wish contrary to the honour and + conscience of their mistress, and who at the same time are unwilling that + she or others should know what is in their hearts.” + </p> + <p> + “Such men,” said Saffredent, “must be of the nature of the chameleon, + which lives on air. (9) There is not a man in the world but would fain + declare his love and know that it is returned; and further, I believe that + love’s fever is never so great, but it quickly passes off when one knows + the contrary. For myself, I have seen manifest miracles of this kind.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 A popular fallacy. The chameleon undoubtedly feeds upon + small insects.—D. +</pre> + <p> + “I pray you then,” said Ennasuite, “take my place and tell us about some + one that was recalled from death to life by having discovered in his + mistress the very opposite of his desire.” + </p> + <p> + “I am,” said Saffredent, “so much afraid of displeasing the ladies, whose + faithful servant I have always been and shall always be, that without an + express command from themselves I should never have dared to speak of + their imperfections. However, in obedience to them, I will hide nothing of + the truth.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/020.jpg" width="100%" alt="020.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/021a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="021a.jpg the Lord de Riant Finding The Widow With Her Groom " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lord de Riant finding the Widow with her Groom] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/021.jpg" width="100%" alt="021.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XX</i>. + </h2> + <p> + <i>The Lord of Riant, being greatly in love with a widow lady and finding + her the contrary of what he had desired and of what she had often declared + herself to be, was so affected thereby that in a moment resentment had + power to extinguish the flame which neither length of time nor lack of + opportunity had been able to quench.</i> (1) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The unpleasant discovery related in this tale is + attributed by Margaret to a gentleman of Francis I.‘s + household, but a similar incident figures in the + introduction to the <i>Arabian Nights</i>. Ariosto also tells + much the same tale in canto xxviii. of his <i>Rolando + Furioso</i>, and another version of it will be found in No. 24 + of Morlini’s <i>Novella</i>, first issued at Naples in 1520. + Subsequent to the <i>Heptameron</i> it supplied No. 29 of the + <i>Comptes du Monde Adventureux</i>, figured in a rare imitation + of the <i>Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles</i> printed at Rouen early in + the seventeenth century, and was introduced by La Fontaine + into his well-known tale <i>Joconde</i>. On the other hand, there + is certainly a locality called Rians in Provence, just + beyond the limits of Dauphiné, and moreover among Francis + I.‘s “equerries of the stable” there was a Monsieur dc Rian + who received a salary of 200 livres a year from 1522 to + 1529.—See the roll of the officers of the King’s Household + in the French National Archives, <i>Sect. Histor</i>., K. 98. + Some extracts from Brantôme bearing on the story will be + found in the Appendix to this vol. (A).—L. and En. +</pre> + <p> + In the land of Dauphiné there lived a gentleman named the Lord of Riant; + he belonged to the household of King Francis the First, and was as + handsome and worshipful a gentleman as it was possible to see. He had long + been the lover of a widow lady, whom he loved and revered so exceedingly + that, for fear of losing her favour, he durst not solicit of her that + which he most desired. Now, since he knew himself to be a handsome man and + one worthy to be loved, he fully believed what she often swore to him—namely, + that she loved him more than any living man, and that if she were led to + do aught for any gentleman, it would be for him alone, who was the most + perfect she had ever known. She at the same time begged him to rest + satisfied with this virtuous love and to seek nothing further, and assured + him that if she found him unreasonably aiming at more, he would lose her + altogether. The poor gentleman was not only satisfied, but he deemed + himself very fortunate in having gained the heart of a lady who appeared + to him so full of virtue. + </p> + <p> + It would take too long to tell you his love-speeches, his lengthened + visits to her, and the journeys he took in order to see her; it is enough + to say that this poor martyr, consumed by so pleasing a fire that the more + one burns the more one wishes to burn, continually sought for the means of + increasing his martyrdom. + </p> + <p> + One day the fancy took him to go post-haste to see the lady whom he loved + better than himself, and whom he prized beyond every other woman in the + world. On reaching her house, he inquired where she was, and was told that + she had just come from vespers, and was gone into the warren to finish her + devotions there. He dismounted from his horse and went straight to the + warren where she was to be found, and here he met with some of her women, + who told him that she had gone to walk alone in a large avenue. + </p> + <p> + He was more than ever beginning to hope that some good fortune awaited + him, and continued searching for her as carefully and as quietly as he + could, desiring above all things to find her alone. He came in this way to + a summer-house formed of bended boughs, the fairest and pleasantest place + imaginable, (2) and impatient to see the object of his love, he went in; + and there beheld the lady lying on the grass in the arms of a groom in her + service, who was as ill-favoured, foul and disreputable as the Lord of + Riant was handsome, virtuous and gentle. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 For a description of a summer-house of the kind referred + to, see Cap’s edition of Palissy’s <i>Dessein du Jardin + Délectable</i>, p. 69. Palissy there describes some summer- + houses formed of young elmtrees, with seats, columns, + friezes, and a roofing so cunningly contrived of bent boughs + that the rain could not penetrate into the interior. It is + to some such construction that Queen Margaret refers.—M. +</pre> + <p> + I will not try to depict to you his resentment, but it was so great that + in a moment it had power to extinguish the flame which neither length of + time nor lack of opportunity had been able to impair. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” he said to her, being now as full of indignation as once he had + been of love, “much good may this do you! (3) The revelation of your + wickedness has to-day cured me, and freed me from the continual anguish + that was caused by the virtue I believed to be in you.” (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The French words here are “prou face,” which in Margaret’s + time were very generally used in lieu of “Amen” or “So be + it.”—M. + + 4 In <i>Joconde</i> La Fontaine gives the end of the adventure as + follows:— + + “Sans rencontrer personne et sans etre entendu + Il monte dans sa chambre et voit près de la dame + Un lourdaud de valet sur son sein étendu. + Tous deux dormaient. Dans cet abord Joconde + Voulut les envoyer dormir en l’autre monde, + Mais cependant il n’en fit rien + Et mon avis est qu’il fit bien.” + + Both in La Fontaine’s <i>Conte</i> and in Ariosto’s <i>Rolando</i> the + lady is the Queen, and the favoured lover the King’s dwarf. + —Ed. +</pre> + <p> + And with this farewell he went back again more quickly than he had come. + </p> + <p> + The unhappy woman made him no other reply than to put her hand to her + face; for being unable to hide her shame, she covered her eyes that she + might not see him who in spite of her deceit now perceived it only too + clearly. + </p> + <p> + “And so, ladies, if you are not minded to love perfectly, do not, I pray + you, seek to deceive and annoy an honest man for vanity’s sake; for + hypocrites are rewarded as they deserve, and God favours those who love + with frankness.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Oisille, “you have kept us a proper tale for the end of the + day. But that we have all sworn to speak the truth, I could not believe + that a woman of that lady’s condition could be so wicked both in soul and + in body, and leave so gallant a gentleman for so vile a muleteer.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam,” said Hircan, “if you knew what a difference there is between + a gentleman who has worn armour and been at the wars all his life, and a + well-fed knave that has never stirred from home, you would excuse the poor + widow.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not believe,” said Oisille, “whatever you may say, that you could + admit any possible excuse for her.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard,” said Simontault, “that there are women who like to have + apostles to preach of their virtue and chastity, and treat them as kindly + and familiarly as possible, saying that but for the restraints of honour + and conscience they would grant them their desire. And so these poor + fools, when speaking in company of their mistresses, swear that they would + thrust their fingers into the fire without fear of burning in proof that + these ladies are virtuous women, since they have themselves thoroughly + tested their love. Thus are praised by honourable men, those who show + their true nature to such as are like themselves; and they choose such as + would not have courage to speak, or, if they did, would not be believed by + reason of their low and degraded position.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Longarine, “is an opinion which I have before now heard + expressed by jealous and suspicious men, but it may indeed be called + painting a chimera. And even although it be true of one wretched woman, + the same suspicion cannot attach to all.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Parlamente, “the longer we talk in this way, the longer will + these good gentlemen play the critics over Simontault’s tale, and all at + our own expense. So in my opinion we had better go to vespers, and not + cause so much delay as we did yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + The company agreed to this proposal, and as they were going Oisille said:— + </p> + <p> + “If any one gives God thanks for having told the truth to-day, Saffredent + ought to implore His forgiveness for having raked up so vile a story + against the ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “By my word,” replied Saffredent, “what I told you was true, albeit I only + had it upon hearsay. But were I to tell you all that I have myself seen of + women, you would have need to make even more signs of the cross than the + priests do in consecrating a church.” + </p> + <p> + “Repentance is a long way off,” said Geburon, “when confession only + increases the sin.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you have so bad an opinion of women,” said Parlamente, “they ought + to deprive you of their honourable society and friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “There are some women,” he returned, “who have acted towards me so much in + accordance with your advice, in keeping me far away from things that are + honourable and just, that could I do and say worse to them, I should not + neglect doing so, in order that I might stir them up to revenge me on her + who does me so much wrong.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst he spoke these words, Parlamente put on her mask (5) and went with + the others into the church, where they found that although the bell had + rung for vespers, there was not a single monk, present to say them. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 Little masks hiding only the upper part of the face, and + called <i>tourets-de-nez</i>, were then frequently worn by ladies + of rank. Some verses by Christine de Pisan show them to have + been in vogue already in the fourteenth century. In the MS. + copy of Margaret’s poem of <i>La Coche</i> presented to the + Duchess of Etampes, the ladies in the different miniatures + are frequently shown wearing masks of the kind referred to. + Some curious particulars concerning these <i>tourets</i> will be + found in M. Léon do Laborde’s <i>Le Palais Mazarin et les + grandes habitations de ville et de campagne au XVIIe + Siècle</i>, Paris, 1846, 8vo, p. 314.—L. +</pre> + <p> + The monks, indeed, had heard that the company assembled in the meadow to + tell the pleasantest tales imaginable, and being fonder of pleasure than + of their prayers, they had gone and hidden themselves in a ditch, where + they lay flat on their bellies behind a very thick hedge; and they had + there listened so eagerly to the stories that they had not heard the + ringing of the monastery bell, as was soon clearly shown, for they + returned in such great haste that they almost lacked breath to begin the + saying of vespers. + </p> + <p> + After the service, when they were asked why they had been so late and had + chanted so badly, they confessed that they had been to listen to the + tales; whereupon, since they were so desirous of hearing them, it was + granted that they might sit and listen at their ease every day behind the + hedge. + </p> + <p> + Supper-time was spent joyously in discoursing of such matters as they had + not brought to an end in the meadow. And this lasted through the evening, + until Oisille begged them to retire so that their minds might be the more + alert on the morrow, after a long, sound sleep, one hour of which before + midnight was, said she, better than three after it. Accordingly the + company parted one from another, betaking themselves to their respective + rooms; and in this wise ended the Second Day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/029.jpg" width="100%" alt="029.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THIRD DAY. + </h2> + <p> + <i>On the Third Day are recounted Tales of the<br /> Ladies who have only + sought what was<br /> honourable in Love, and of the<br /> hypocrisy and + wickedness<br /> of the Monks</i>. <a name="link2H_PROL" id="link2H_PROL"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PROLOGUE. + </h2> + <p> + Though it was yet early when the company entered the hall on the morrow, + they found Madame Oisille there before them. She had been meditating for + more than half-an-hour upon the lesson that she was going to read; and if + she had contented them on the first and second days, she assuredly did no + less on the third; indeed, but that one of the monks came in search of + them they would not have heard high mass, for so intent were they upon + listening to her that they did not even hear the bell. + </p> + <p> + When they had piously heard mass, and had dined with temperance to the end + that the meats might in no sort hinder the memory of each from acquitting + itself as well as might be when their several turns came, they withdrew to + their apartments, there to consult their note-books until the wonted hour + for repairing to the meadow was come. When it had arrived they were not + slow to make the pleasant excursion, and those who were prepared to tell + of some merry circumstance already showed mirthful faces that gave promise + of much laughter. When they were seated, they asked Saffredent to whom he + would give his vote for the beginning of the Third Day. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said he, “that since my offence yesterday was as you say very + great, and I have knowledge of no story that might atone for it, I ought + to give my vote to Parlamente, who, with her sound understanding, will be + able to praise the ladies sufficiently to make you forget such truth as + you heard from me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not undertake,” said Parlamente, “to atone for your offences, but + I will promise not to imitate them. Wherefore, holding to the truth that + we have promised and vowed to utter, I propose to show you that there are + ladies who in their loves have aimed at nought but virtue. And since she + of whom I am going to speak to you came of an honourable line, I will just + change the names in my story but nothing more; and I pray you, ladies, + believe that love has no power to change a chaste and virtuous heart, as + you will see by the tale I will now begin to tell.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/035a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="035a.jpg Rolandine Conversing With Her Husband " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Rolandine Conversing With Her Husband] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/035.jpg" width="100%" alt="035.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXI</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Having remained unmarried until she was thirty years of + age, Rolandine, recognising her father’s neglect and her + mistress’s disfavour, fell so deeply in love with a bastard + gentleman that she promised him marriage; and this being + told to her father he treated her with all the harshness + imaginable, in order to make her consent to the dissolving + of the marriage; but she continued steadfast in her love + until she had received certain tidings of the Bastard’s + death, when she was wedded to a gentleman who bore the same + name and arms as did her own family</i>. +</pre> + <p> + There was in France a Queen (1) who brought up in her household several + maidens belonging to good and noble houses. Among others there was one + called Rolandine, (2) who was near akin to the Queen; but the latter, + being for some reason unfriendly with the maiden’s father, showed her no + great kindness. + </p> + <p> + Now, although this maiden was not one of the fairest—nor yet indeed + was she of the ugliest—she was nevertheless so discreet and virtuous + that many persons of great consequence sought her in marriage. They had, + however, but a cold reply; for the father (3) was so fond of his money + that he gave no thought to his daughter’s welfare, while her mistress, as + I have said, bore her but little favour, so that she was sought by none + who desired to be advanced in the Queen’s good graces. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This is evidently Anne of Brittany, elder daughter of Duke + Francis II. and wife in turn of Charles VIII. and Louis XII. + Brantôme says: “She was the first to form that great Court + of ladies which we have seen since her time until now; she + always had a very great suite of ladies and maids, and never + refused fresh ones; far from it, indeed, for she would + inquire of the noblemen at Court if they had daughters, and + would ask that they might be sent to her.”—Lalanne’s + <i>OEuvres de Brantôme</i>, vol. vii. p. 314—L. + + 2 This by the consent of all the commentators is Anne de + Rohan, elder daughter of John II. Viscount de Rohan, Count + of Porhoët, Léon and La Garnache, by Mary of Brittany, + daughter of Duke Francis I. The date of Anne de Rohan’s + birth is not exactly known, but she is said to have been + about thirty years of age at the time of the tale, though + the incidents related extend over a somewhat lengthy period. + However, we know that Anne was ultimately married to Peter + de Rohan in 1517, when, according to her marriage contract, + she was over thirty-six years old (<i>Les Preuves de Histoire + ecclésiastique et civile de Bretagne</i>, 1756, vol. v. col. + 940). From this we may assume that she was thirty in or + about 1510. The historical incidents alluded to in the tale + would, however, appear to have occurred (as will be shown by + subsequent notes) between 1507 and 1509, and we are of + opinion that the Queen of Navarre has made her heroine + rather older than she really was, and that the story indeed + begins in or about 1505, when Rolandine can have been little + more than five or six and twenty.—Ed. + + 3 See notes to Tale XL. (vol. iv). +</pre> + <p> + Thus, owing to her father’s neglect and her mistress’s disdain, the poor + maiden continued unmarried for a long while; and this at last made her sad + at heart, not so much because she longed to be married as because she was + ashamed at not being so, wherefore she forsook the vanities and pomps of + the Court and gave herself up wholly to the worship of God. Her sole + delight consisted in prayer or needlework, and thus in retirement she + passed her youthful years, living in the most virtuous and holy manner + imaginable. + </p> + <p> + Now, when she was approaching her thirtieth year, there was at Court a + gentleman who was a Bastard of a high and noble house; (4) he was one of + the pleasantest comrades and most worshipful men of his day, but he was + wholly without fortune, and possessed of such scant comeliness that no + lady would have chosen him for her lover. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 One cannot absolutely identify this personage; but judging + by what is said of him in the story—that he came of a great + house, that he was very brave but poor, neither rich enough + to marry Rolandine nor handsome enough to be made a lover + of, and that a lady, who was a near relative of his, came to + the Court after his intrigue had been going on for a couple + of years—he would certainly appear to be John, Bastard of + Angoulôme, a natural son of Count John the Good, and + consequently half-brother to Charles of Angoulôme ( who + married Louise of Savoy) and uncle to Francis I. and Queen + Margaret. In Père Anselme’s <i>Histoire Généalogique de la + Maison de France</i>, vol. i. p. 210 B. there is a record of + the letters of legitimisation granted to the Bastard of + Angoulême at his father’s request in June 1458, and M. Paul + Lacroix points out that if Rolandine’s secret marriage to + him took place in or about 1508, he would then have been + about fifty years old, hardly the age for a lover. The + Bastard is, however, alluded to in the tale as a man of + mature years, and as at the outset of the intrigue (1505) he + would have been but forty-seven, we incline with M. de Lincy + to the belief that he is the hero of it.—Eu. +</pre> + <p> + Thus this poor gentleman had continued unmated, and as one unfortunate + often seeks out another, he addressed himself to Rolandine, whose fortune, + temper and condition were like his own. And while they were engaged in + mutually lamenting their woes, they became very fond of each other, and + finding that they were companions in misfortune, sought out one another + everywhere, so that they might exchange consolation, in this wise setting + on foot a deep and lasting attachment. + </p> + <p> + Those who had known Rolandine so very retiring that she would speak to + none, were now greatly shocked on seeing her unceasingly with the + well-born Bastard, and told her governess that she ought not to suffer + their long talks together. The governess, therefore, remonstrated with + Rolandine, and told her that every one was shocked at her conversing so + freely with a man who was neither rich enough to marry her nor handsome + enough to be her lover. + </p> + <p> + To this Rolandine, who had always been rebuked rather for austereness than + for worldliness, replied— + </p> + <p> + “Alas, mother, you know that I cannot have a husband of my own condition, + and that I have always shunned such as are handsome and young, fearing to + fall into the same difficulties as others. And since this gentleman is + discreet and virtuous, as you yourself know, and tells me nothing that is + not honourable and right, what harm can I have done to you and to those + that have spoken of the matter, by seeking from him some consolation in my + grief?” + </p> + <p> + The poor old woman, who loved her mistress more than she loved herself, + replied— + </p> + <p> + “I can see, my lady, that you speak the truth, and know that you are not + treated by your father and mistress as you deserve to be. Nevertheless, + since people are speaking about your honour in this way, you ought to + converse with him no longer, even were he your own brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother,” said Rolandine, “if such be your counsel I will observe it; but + ‘tis a strange thing to be wholly without consolation in the world.” + </p> + <p> + The Bastard came to talk with her according to his wont, but she told him + everything that her governess had said to her, and, shedding tears, + besought him to have no converse with her for a while, until the rumour + should be past and gone; and to this he consented at her request. + </p> + <p> + Being thus cut off from all consolation, they both began, however, to feel + such torment during their separation as neither had ever known before. For + her part she did not cease praying to God, journeying and fasting; for + love, heretofore unknown to her, caused her such exceeding disquiet as not + to leave her an hour’s repose. The well-born Bastard was no better off; + but, as he had already resolved in his heart to love her and try to wed + her, and had thought not only of his love but of the honour that it would + bring him if he succeeded in his design, he reflected that he must devise + a means of making his love known to her and, above all, of winning the + governess to his side. This last he did by protesting to her the + wretchedness of her poor mistress, who was being robbed of all + consolation. At this the old woman, with many tears, thanked him for the + honourable affection that he bore her mistress, and they took counsel + together how he might speak with her. They planned that Rolandine should + often feign to suffer from headache, to which noise is exceedingly + distressful; so that, when her companions went into the Queen’s apartment, + she and the Bastard might remain alone, and in this way hold converse + together. + </p> + <p> + The Bastard was overjoyed at this, and, guiding himself wholly by the + governess’s advice, had speech with his sweetheart whensoever he would. + However, this contentment lasted no great while, for the Queen, who had + but little love for Rolandine, inquired what she did so constantly in her + room. Some one replied that it was on account of sickness, but another, + who possessed too good a memory for the absent, declared that the pleasure + she took in speaking with the Bastard must needs cause her headache to + pass away. + </p> + <p> + The Queen, who deemed the venial sins of others to be mortal ones in + Rolandine, sent for her and forbade her ever to speak to the Bastard + except it were in the royal chamber or hall. The maiden gave no sign, but + replied— + </p> + <p> + “Had I known, madam, that he or any one beside were displeasing to you, I + should never have spoken to him.” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless she secretly cast about to find some other plan of which the + Queen should know nothing, and in this she was successful. On Wednesdays, + Fridays and Saturdays she was wont to fast, and would then stay with her + governess in her own room, where, while the others were at supper, she was + free to speak with the man whom she was beginning to love so dearly. + </p> + <p> + The more they were compelled to shorten their discourse, the more lovingly + did they talk; for they stole the time even as a robber steals something + that is of great worth. But, in spite of all their secrecy, a serving-man + saw the Bastard go into the room one fast day, and reported the matter in + a quarter where it was not concealed from the Queen. The latter was so + wroth that the Bastard durst enter the ladies’ room no more. Yet, that he + might not lose the delight of converse with his love, he often made a + pretence of going on a journey, and returned in the evening to the church + or chapel of the castle (5) dressed as a Grey Friar or a Jacobin, or + disguised so well in some other way that none could know him; and thither, + attended by her governess, Rolandine would go to have speech with him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 This would be either the château of Amboise or that of + Blois, we are inclined to think the latter, as Louis XII. + more frequently resided there.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Then, seeing how great was the love she bore him, he feared not to say— + </p> + <p> + “You see, fair lady, what risk I run in your service, and how the Queen + has forbidden you to speak with me. You see, further, what manner of man + is your father, who has no thought whatsoever of bestowing you in + marriage. He has rejected so many excellent suitors, that I know of none, + whether near or far, that can win you. I know that I am poor, and that you + could not wed a gentleman that were not richer than I; yet, if love and + good-will were counted wealth, I should hold myself for the richest man on + earth. God has given you great wealth, and you are like to have even more. + Were I so fortunate as to be chosen for your husband, I would be your + husband, lover and servant all my life long; whereas, if you take one of + equal consideration with yourself—and such a one it were hard to + find—he will seek to be the master, and will have more regard for + your wealth than for your person, and for the beauty of others than for + your virtue; and, whilst enjoying the use of your wealth, he will fail to + treat you, yourself, as you deserve. And now my longing to have this + delight, and my fear that you will have none such with another, impel me + to pray that you will make me a happy man, and yourself the most contented + and best treated wife that ever lived.” + </p> + <p> + When Rolandine heard the very words that she herself had purposed speaking + to him, she replied with a glad countenance— + </p> + <p> + “I am well pleased that you have been the first to speak such words as I + had a long while past resolved to say to you. For the two years that I + have known you I have never ceased to turn over in my mind all the + arguments for you and against you that I was able to devise; but now that + I am at last resolved to enter into the married state, it is time that 1 + should make a beginning and choose some one with whom I may look to dwell + with tranquil mind. And I have been able to find none, whether handsome, + rich, or nobly born, with whom my heart and soul could agree excepting + yourself alone. I know that in marrying you I shall not offend God, but + rather do what He enjoins, while as to his lordship my father, he has + regarded my welfare so little, and has rejected so many offers, that the + law suffers me to marry without fear of being disinherited; though, even + if I had only that which is now mine, I should, in marrying such a husband + as you, account myself the richest woman in the world. As to the Queen, my + mistress, I need have no qualms in displeasing her in order to obey God, + for never had she any in hindering me from any blessing that I might have + had in my youth. But, to show you that the love I bear you is founded upon + virtue and honour, you must promise that if I agree to this marriage, you + will not seek its consummation until my father be dead, or until I have + found a means to win his consent.” + </p> + <p> + To this the Bastard readily agreed, whereupon they exchanged rings in + token of marriage, and kissed each other in the church in the presence of + God, calling upon Him to witness their promise; and never afterwards was + there any other familiarity between them save kissing only. + </p> + <p> + This slender delight gave great content to the hearts of these two perfect + lovers; and, secure in their mutual affection, they lived for some time + without seeing each other. There was scarcely any place where honour might + be won to which the Bastard did not go, rejoicing that he could not now + continue a poor man, seeing that God had bestowed on him a rich wife; and + she during his absence steadfastly cherished their perfect love, and made + no account of any other living man. And although there were some who asked + her in marriage, the only answer they had of her was that, since she had + remained unwedded for so long a time, she desired to continue so for ever. + (6) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 The speeches of Rolandine and the Bastard should be + compared with some of Clement Marot’s elegies, notably with + one in which he complains of having been surprised while + conversing with his mistress in a church.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + This reply came to the ears of so many people, that the Queen heard of it + and asked her why she spoke in that way. Rolandine replied that it was + done in obedience to herself, who had never been pleased to marry her to + any man who would have well and comfortably provided for her; accordingly, + being taught by years and patience to be content with her present + condition, she would always return a like answer whensoever any one spoke + to her of marriage. + </p> + <p> + When the wars were over, (7) and the Bastard had returned to Court, she + never spoke to him in presence of others, but always repaired to some + church and there had speech with him under pretence of going to + confession; for the Queen had forbidden them both, under penalty of death, + to speak together except in public. But virtuous love, which recks naught + of such a ban, was more ready to find them means of speech than were their + enemies to spy them out; the Bastard disguised himself in the habit of + every monkish order he could think of, and thus their virtuous intercourse + continued, until the King repaired to a pleasure house he had near Tours. + (8) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 The wars here referred to would be one or another of Louis + XII.‘s Italian expeditions, probably that of 1507, when the + battle of Aignadel was fought.—Ed. + + 8 This would no doubt be the famous château of Plessis-lez- + Tours, within a mile of Tours, and long the favourite + residence of Louis XI. Louis XII. is known to have sojourned + at Plessis in 1507, at the time when the States-general + conferred upon him the title of “Father of the People.” + English tourists often visit Plessis now adays in memory of + Scott’s “Quentin Durward,” but only a few shapeless ruins of + the old structure are left.—M. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + This, however, was not near enough for the ladies to go on foot to any + other church but that of the castle, which was built in such a fashion + that it contained no place of concealment in which the confessor would not + have been plainly recognised. + </p> + <p> + But if one opportunity failed them, love found them another and an easier + one, for there came to the Court a lady to whom the Bastard was near akin. + This lady was lodged, together with her son, (9) in the King’s abode; and + the young Prince’s room projected from the rest of the King’s apartments + in such a way that from his window it was possible to see and to speak to + Rolandine, for his window and hers were just at the angle made by the two + wings of the house. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 This lady would be Louise of Savoy. She first came to the + Court at Amboise in 1499, a circumstance which has led some + commentators to place the incidents of this story at that + date. But she was at Blois on various occasions between 1507 + and 1509, to negotiate and attend the marriage of her + daughter Margaret with the Duke of Alençon. Louis XII. + having gone from Blois to Plessis in 1507, Louise of Savoy + may well have followed him thither. Her son was, of course, + the young Duke de Valois, afterwards Francis I.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In this room of hers, which was over the King’s presence-chamber, all the + noble damsels that were Rolandine’s companions were lodged with her. She, + having many times observed the young Prince at his window, made this known + to the Bastard through her governess; and he, having made careful + observation of the place, feigned to take great pleasure in reading a book + about the Knights of the Round Table (10) which was in the Prince’s room. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 10 Romances of chivalry were much sought after at this time. + Not merely were there MS. copies of these adorned with + miniatures, but we find that <i>L’Histoire du Saint Gréai, La + Vie et les Prophéties de Merlin, and Les Merveilleux Faits + et Gestes du Noble Chevalier Lancelot du Lac</i> were printed + in France in the early years of the sixteenth century.—B.J. +</pre> + <p> + And when every one was going to dinner, he would beg a valet to let him + finish his reading, shut up in the room, over which he promised to keep + good guard. The servants knew him to be a kinsman of his master and one to + be trusted, let him read as much as he would. Rolandine, on her part, + would then come to her window; and, so that she might be able to make a + long stay at it, she pretended to have an infirmity in the leg, and + accordingly dined and supped so early that she no longer frequented the + ladies’ table. She likewise set herself to work a coverlet of crimson + silk, (11) and fastened it at the window, where she desired to be alone; + and, when she saw that none was by, she would converse with her husband, + who contrived to speak in such a voice as could not be overheard; and + whenever any one was coming, she would cough and make a sign, so that the + Bastard might withdraw in good time. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 11 In the French, “<i>Ung lût de reseul:” reticella—i.e.</i>, a + kind of open work embroidery very fashionable in those days, + and the most famous designers of which were Frederic + Vinciolo, Dominic de Sara, and John Cousin the painter. + Various sixteenth and seventeenth century books on + needlework, still extant, give some curious information + concerning this form of embroidery.—M. +</pre> + <p> + Those who kept watch upon them felt sure that their love was past, for she + never stirred from the room in which, as they thought, he could assuredly + never see her, since it was forbidden him to enter it. + </p> + <p> + One day, however, the young Prince’s mother, (12) being in her son’s room, + placed herself at the window where this big book lay, and had not long + been there when one of Rolandine’s companions, who was at the window in + the opposite room, greeted her and spoke to her. The lady asked her how + Rolandine did; whereon the other replied that she might see her if she + would, and brought her to the window in her nightcap. Then, when they had + spoken together about her sickness, they withdrew from the window on + either side. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 12 Louise of Savoy. +</pre> + <p> + The lady, observing the big book about the Round Table, said to the + servant who had it in his keeping— + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised that young folk can waste their time in reading such + foolishness.” + </p> + <p> + The servant replied that he marvelled even more that people accounted + sensible and of mature age should have a still greater liking for it than + the young; and he told her, as matter for wonderment, how her cousin the + Bastard would spend four or five hours each day in reading this fine book. + Straightway there came into the lady’s mind the reason why he acted thus, + and she charged the servant to hide himself somewhere, and take account of + what the Bastard might do. This the man did, and found that the Bastard’s + book was the window to which Rolandine came to speak with him, and he, + moreover, heard many a love-speech which they had thought to keep wholly + secret. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow he related this to his mistress, who sent for the Bastard, + and after chiding him forbade him to return to that place again; and in + the evening she spoke of the matter to Rolandine, and threatened, if she + persisted in this foolish love, to make all these practices known to the + Queen. + </p> + <p> + Rolandine, whom nothing could dismay, vowed that in spite of all that + folks might say she had never spoken to him since her mistress had + forbidden her to do so, as might be learned both from her companions and + from her servants and attendants. And as for the window, she declared that + she had never spoken at it to the Bastard. He, however, fearing that the + matter had been discovered, withdrew out of harm’s way, and was a long + time without returning to Court, though not without writing to Rolandine, + and this in so cunning a manner that, in spite of the Queen’s vigilance, + never a week went by but she twice heard from him. + </p> + <p> + When he no longer found it possible to employ monks as messengers, as he + had done at first, he would send a little page, dressed now in one colour + and now in another; and the page used to stand at the doorways through + which the ladies were wont to pass, and deliver his letters secretly in + the throng. But one day, when the Queen was going out into the country, it + chanced that one who was charged to look after this matter recognised the + page, and hastened after him; but he, being keen-witted and suspecting + that he was being pursued, entered the house of a poor woman who was + boiling her pot on the fire, and there forthwith burned his letters. The + gentleman who followed him stripped him naked and searched through all his + clothes; but he could find nothing, and so let him go. And the boy being + gone, the old woman asked the gentleman why he had so searched him. + </p> + <p> + “To find some letters,” he replied, “which I thought he had upon him.” + </p> + <p> + “You could by no means have found them,” said the old woman, “they were + too well hidden for that.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you,” said the gentleman, in the hope of getting them before long, + “tell me where they were.” + </p> + <p> + However, when he heard that they had been thrown into the fire, he + perceived that the page had proved more crafty than himself, and forthwith + made report of the matter to the Queen. + </p> + <p> + From that time, however, the Bastard no longer employed the page or any + other child, but sent an old servant of his, who, laying aside all fear of + the death which, as he well knew, was threatened by the Queen against all + such as should interfere in this matter, undertook to carry his master’s + letters to Rolandine. And having come to the castle where she was, he + posted himself on the watch at the foot of a broad staircase, beside a + doorway through which all the ladies were wont to pass. But a serving-man, + who had aforetime seen him, knew him again immediately and reported the + matter to the Queen’s Master of the Household, who quickly came to arrest + him. However, the discreet and wary servant, seeing that he was being + watched from a distance, turned towards the wall as though he desired to + make water, and tearing the letter he had into the smallest possible + pieces, threw them behind a door. Immediately afterwards he was taken and + thoroughly searched, and nothing being found on him, they asked him on his + oath whether he had not brought letters, using all manner of threats and + persuasions to make him confess the truth; but neither by promises nor + threats could they draw anything from him. + </p> + <p> + Report of this having been made to the Queen, some one in the company + bethought him that it would be well to look behind the door near which the + man had been taken. This was done, and they found what they sought, namely + the pieces of the letter. Then the King’s confessor was sent for, and he, + having put the pieces together on a table, read the whole of the letter, + in which the truth of the marriage, that had been so carefully concealed, + was made manifest; for the Bastard called Rolandine nothing but “wife.” + The Queen, who was in no mind, as she should have been, to hide her + neighbour’s transgressions, made a great ado about the matter, and + commanded that all means should be employed to make the poor man confess + the truth of the letter. And indeed, when they showed it to him, he could + not deny it; but for all they could say or show, he would say no more than + at first. Those who had him in charge thereupon brought him to the brink + of the river, and put him into a sack, declaring that he had lied to God + and to the Queen, contrary to proven truth. But he was minded to die + rather than accuse his master, and asked for a confessor; and when he had + eased his conscience as well as might be, he said to them— + </p> + <p> + “Good sirs, I pray you tell the Bastard, my master, that I commend the + lives of my wife and children to him, for right willingly do I yield up my + own in his service. You may do with me what you will, for never shall you + draw from me a word against my master.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, all the more to affright him, they threw him in the sack into + the water, calling to him— + </p> + <p> + “If you will tell the truth, you shall be saved.” + </p> + <p> + Finding, however, that he answered nothing, they drew him out again, and + made report of his constancy to the Queen, who on hearing of it declared + that neither the King nor herself were so fortunate in their followers as + was this gentleman the Bastard, though he lacked even the means to requite + them. She then did all that she could to draw the servant into her own + service, but he would by no means consent to forsake his master. However, + by the latter’s leave, he at last entered the Queen’s service, in which he + lived in happiness and contentment. + </p> + <p> + The Queen, having learnt the truth of the marriage from the Bastard’s + letter, sent for Rolandine, whom with a wrathful countenance she several + times called “wretch” instead of “cousin,” reproaching her with the shame + that she had brought both upon her father’s house and her mistress by thus + marrying without her leave or commandment. + </p> + <p> + Rolandine, who had long known what little love her mistress bore her, gave + her but little in return. Moreover, since there was no love between them, + neither was there fear; and as Rolandine perceived that this reprimand, + given her in presence of several persons, was prompted less by affection + than by a desire to put her to shame, and that the Queen felt more + pleasure in chiding her than grief at finding her in fault, she replied + with a countenance as glad and tranquil as the Queen’s was disturbed and + wrathful— + </p> + <p> + “If, madam, you did not know your own heart, such as it is, I would set + forth to you the ill-will that you have long borne my father (13) and + myself; but you do, indeed, know this, and will not deem it strange that + all the world should have an inkling of it too. For my own part, madam, I + have perceived it to my dear cost, for had you been pleased to favour me + equally as you favour those who are not so near to you as myself, I were + now married to your honour as well as to my own; but you passed me over as + one wholly a stranger to your favour, and so all the good matches I might + have made passed away before my eyes, through my father’s neglect and the + slenderness of your regard. By reason of this treatment I fell into such + deep despair, that, had my health been strong enough in any sort to endure + a nun’s condition, I would have willingly entered upon it to escape from + the continual griefs your harshness brought me. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 13 Of all those with pretensions to the Duchy of Brittany, + the Viscount de Rohan had doubtless the best claim, though + he met with the least satisfaction. It was, however, this + reason that led the Queen [Anne of Brittany] to treat him + with such little regard. It was with mingled grief and + resentment that this proud princess realised how real were + the Viscount’s rights; moreover, she never forgave him for + having taken up arms against her in favour of France; and + seeking an opportunity to avenge herself, she found one in + giving the Viscount but little satisfaction in the matter of + his pretensions.”—Dora Morice’s <i>Histoire ecclésiastique et + civile de Bretagne</i>, Paris, 1756, vol. ii. p. 231.—L. +</pre> + <p> + “Whilst in this despair I was sought by one whose lineage would be as good + as my own if mutual love were rated as high as a marriage ring; for you + know that his father would walk before mine. He has long wooed and loved + me; but you, madam, who have never forgiven me the smallest fault nor + praised me for any good deed, you—although you knew from experience + that I was not wont to speak of love or worldly things, and that I led a + more retired and religious life than any other of your maids—forthwith + deemed it strange that I should speak with a gentleman who is as + unfortunate in this life as I am myself, and one, moreover, in whose + friendship I thought and looked to have nothing save comfort to my soul. + When I found myself wholly baffled in this design, I fell into great + despair, and resolved to seek my peace as earnestly as you longed to rob + me of it; whereupon we exchanged words of marriage, and confirmed them + with promise and ring. Wherefore, madam, methinks you do me a grievous + wrong in calling me wicked, seeing that in this great and perfect love, + wherein opportunity, had I so desired, would not have been lacking, no + greater familiarity has passed between us than a kiss. I have waited in + the hope that, before the consummation of the marriage, I might by the + grace of God win my father’s heart to consent to it. I have given no + offence to God or to my conscience, for I have waited till the age of + thirty to see what you and my father would do for me, and have kept my + youth in such chastity and virtue that no living man can bring up aught + against me. But when I found that I was old and without hope of being + wedded suitably to my birth and condition, I used the reason that God has + given me, and resolved to marry a gentleman after my own heart. And this I + did not to gratify the lust of the eye, for you know that he is not + handsome; nor the lust of the flesh, for there has been no carnal + consummation of our marriage; nor the ambition and pride of life, for he + is poor and of small rank; but I took account purely and simply of the + worth that is in him, for which every one is constrained to praise him, + and also of the great love that he bears me, and that gives me hope of + having a life of quietness and kindness with him. Having carefully weighed + all the good and the evil that may come of it, I have done what seems to + me best, and, after considering the matter in my heart for two years, I am + resolved to pass the remainder of my days with him. And so firm is my + resolve that no torment that may be inflicted upon me, nor even death + itself, shall ever cause me to depart from it. Wherefore, madam, I pray + you excuse that which is indeed very excusable, as you yourself must + realise, and suffer me to dwell in that peace which I hope to find with + him.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen, finding her so steadfast of countenance and so true of speech, + could make no reply in reason, but continued wrathfully rebuking and + reviling her, bursting into tears and saying— + </p> + <p> + “Wretch that you are! instead of humbling yourself before me, and + repenting of so grievous a fault, you speak hardily with never a tear in + your eye, and thus clearly show the obstinacy and hardness of your heart. + But if the King and your father give heed to me, they will put you into a + place where you will be compelled to speak after a different fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” replied Rolandine, “since you charge me with speaking too + hardily, I will e’en be silent if you give me not permission to reply to + you.” + </p> + <p> + Then, being commanded to speak, she went on— + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis not for me, madam, to speak to you, my mistress and the greatest + Princess in Christendom, hardily and without the reverence that I owe to + you, nor have I purposed doing so; but I have no defender to speak for me + except the truth, and as this is known to me alone, I am forced to utter + it fearlessly in the hope that, when you know it, you will not hold me for + such as you have been pleased to name me. I fear not that any living being + should learn how I have comported myself in the matter that is laid to my + charge, for I know that I have offended neither against God nor against my + honour. And this it is that enables me to speak without fear; for I feel + sure that He who sees my heart is on my side, and with such a Judge in my + favour, I were wrong to fear such as are subject to His decision. Why + should I weep? My conscience and my heart do not at all rebuke me, and so + far am I from repenting of this matter, that, were it to be done over + again, I should do just the same. But you, madam, have good cause to weep + both for the deep wrong that you have done me throughout my youth, and for + that which you are now doing me, in rebuking me publicly for a fault that + should be laid at your door rather than at mine. Had I offended God, the + King, yourself, my kinsfolk or my conscience, I were indeed obstinate and + perverse if I did not greatly repent with tears; but I may not weep for + that which is excellent, just and holy, and which would have received only + commendation had you not made it known before the proper time. In doing + this, you have shown that you had a greater desire to compass my dishonour + than to preserve the honour of your house and kin. But, since such is your + pleasure, madam, I have nothing to say against it; command me what + suffering you will, and I, innocent though I am, will be as glad to endure + as you to inflict it. Wherefore, madam, you may charge my father to + inflict whatsoever torment you would have me undergo, for I well know that + he will not fail to obey you. It is pleasant to know that, to work me ill, + he will wholly fall in with your desire, and that as he has neglected my + welfare in submission to your will, so will he be quick to obey you to my + hurt. But I have a Father in Heaven, and He will, I am sure, give me + patience equal to all the evils that I foresee you preparing for me, and + in Him alone do I put my perfect trust.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen, beside herself with wrath, commanded that Rolandine should be + taken from her sight and put into a room alone, where she might have + speech with no one. However, her governess was not taken from her, and + through her Rolandine acquainted the Bastard with all that had befallen + her, and asked him what he would have her do. He, thinking that his + services to the King might avail him something, came with all speed to the + Court. Finding the King at the chase, he told him the whole truth, + entreating him to favour a poor gentleman so far as to appease the Queen + and bring about the consummation of the marriage. + </p> + <p> + The King made no reply except to ask— + </p> + <p> + “Do you assure me that you have wedded her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sire,” said the Bastard, “but by word of mouth alone; however, if it + please you, we’ll make an ending of it.” + </p> + <p> + The King bent his head, and, without saying anything more, returned + straight towards the castle, and when he was nigh to it summoned the + Captain of his Guard, and charged him to take the Bastard prisoner. + </p> + <p> + However, a friend who knew and could interpret the King’s visage, warned + the Bastard to withdraw and betake himself to a house of his that was hard + by, saying that if the King, as he expected, sought for him, he should + know of it forthwith, so that he might fly the kingdom; whilst if, on the + other hand, things became smoother, he should have word to return. The + Bastard followed this counsel, and made such speed that the Captain of the + Guards was not able to find him. + </p> + <p> + The King and Queen took counsel together as to what they should do with + the hapless lady who had the honour of being related to them, and by the + Queen’s advice it was decided that she should be sent back to her father, + and that he should be made acquainted with the whole truth. + </p> + <p> + But before sending her away they caused many priests and councillors to + speak with her and show her that, since her marriage consisted in words + only, it might by mutual agreement readily be made void; and this, they + urged, the King desired her to do in order to maintain the honour of the + house to which she belonged. + </p> + <p> + She made answer that she was ready to obey the King in all such things as + were not contrary to her conscience, but that those whom God had brought + together man could not put asunder. She therefore begged them not to tempt + her to anything so unreasonable; for if love and goodwill founded on the + fear of God were the true and certain marriage ties, she was linked by + bonds that neither steel nor flame nor water could sever. Death alone + might do this, and to death alone would she resign her ring and her oath. + She therefore prayed them to gainsay her no more; for so strong of purpose + was she that she would rather keep faith and die than break it and live. + </p> + <p> + This steadfast reply was repeated to the King by those whom he had + appointed to speak with her, and when it was found that she could by no + means be brought to renounce her husband, she was sent to her father, and + this in so pitiful a plight that all who beheld her pass wept to see her. + And although she had done wrong, her punishment was so grievous and her + constancy so great, that her wrongdoing was made to appear a virtue. + </p> + <p> + When her father heard the pitiful tale, he would not see her, but sent her + away to a castle in a forest, which he had aforetime built for a reason + well worthy to be related. (14) There he kept her in prison for a long + time, causing her to be told that if she would give up her husband he + would treat her as his daughter and set her free. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 14 The famous château of Josselin in Morbihan. See notes to + Tale XL., vol. lv.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Nevertheless she continued firm, for she preferred the bonds of prison + together with those of marriage, to all the freedom in the world without + her husband. And, judging from her countenance, all her woes seemed but + pleasant pastimes to her, since she was enduring them for one she loved. + </p> + <p> + And now, what shall I say of men? The Bastard, who was so deeply beholden + to her, as you have seen, fled to Germany where he had many friends, and + there showed by his fickleness that he had sought Rolandine less from true + and perfect love than from avarice and ambition; for he fell deeply in + love with a German lady, and forgot to write to the woman who for his sake + was enduring so much tribulation. However cruel Fortune might be towards + them, they were always able to write to each other, until he conceived + this foolish and wicked love. And Rolandine’s heart gaining an inkling of + it, she could no longer rest. + </p> + <p> + And afterwards, when she found that his letters were colder and different + from what they had been before, she suspected that some new love was + separating her from her husband, and doing that which all the torments and + afflictions laid upon herself had been unable to effect. Nevertheless, her + perfect love would not pass judgment on mere suspicion, so she found a + means of secretly sending a trusty servant, not to carry letters or + messages to him, but to watch him and discover the truth. When this + servant had returned from his journey, he told her that the Bastard was + indeed deeply in love with a German lady, and that according to common + report he was seeking to marry her, for she was very rich. + </p> + <p> + These tidings brought extreme and unendurable grief to Rolandine’s heart, + so that she fell grievously sick. Those who knew the cause of her + sickness, told her on behalf of her father that, with this great + wickedness on the part of the Bastard before her eyes, she might now + justly renounce him. They did all they could to persuade her to that + intent, but, notwithstanding her exceeding anguish, she could not be + brought to change her purpose, and in this last temptation again gave + proof of her great love and surpassing virtue. For as love grew less and + less on his part, so did it grow greater on hers, and in this way make + good that which was lost. And when she knew that the entire and perfect + love that once had been shared by both remained but in her heart alone, + she resolved to preserve it there until one or the other of them should + die. And the Divine Goodness, which is perfect charity and true love, took + pity upon her grief and long suffering, in such wise that a few days + afterwards the Bastard died while occupied in seeking after another woman. + Being advised of this by certain persons who had seen him laid in the + ground, she sent to her father and begged that he would be pleased to + speak with her. + </p> + <p> + Her father, who had never spoken to her since her imprisonment, came + without delay. He listened to all the pleas that she had to urge, and + then, instead of rebuking her or killing her as he had often threatened, + he took her in his arms and wept exceedingly. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter,” he said, “you are more in the right than I, for if there + has been any wrongdoing in this matter, I have been its principal cause. + But now, since God has so ordered it, I would gladly atone for the past.” + </p> + <p> + He took her home and treated her as his eldest daughter. A gentleman who + bore the same name and arms as did her own family sought her in marriage; + he was very sensible and virtuous, (15) and he thought so much of + Rolandine, whom he often visited, that he gave praise to what others + blamed in her, perceiving that virtue had been her only aim. The marriage, + being acceptable both to Rolandine and to her father, was concluded + without delay. + </p> + <p> + It is true, however, that a brother she had, the sole heir of their house, + would not grant her a portion, for he charged her with having disobeyed + her father. And after his father’s death he treated her so harshly that + she and her husband (who was a younger son) had much ado to live. (16) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 15 Peter de Rohan-Gié, Lord of Frontenay, third son of + Peter de Rohan, Lord of Gié, Marshal of Prance and preceptor + to Francis I. As previously stated, the marriage took place + in 1517, and eight years later the husband was killed at + Pavia.—Ed. + + 16 Anne de Rohan (Rolandine) had two brothers, James and + Claud. Both died without issue. Some particulars concerning + them will be found in the notes to Tale XL. The father’s + death, according to Anselme, took place in 1516, that is, + prior to Anne’s marriage.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + However, God provided for them, for the brother that sought to keep + everything died suddenly one day, leaving behind him both her wealth, + which he was keeping back, and his own. + </p> + <p> + Thus did she inherit a large and rich estate, whereon she lived piously + and virtuously and in her husband’s love. And after she had brought up the + two sons that God gave to them, (17) she yielded with gladness her soul to + Him in whom she had at all times put her perfect trust. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 17 Anne’s sons were René and Claud. Miss Mary Robinson (<i>The + Fortunate Lovers</i>, London, 1887) believes René to be + “Saffredent,” and his wife Isabel d’Albret, sister of Queen + Margaret’s husband Henry of Navarre, to be “Nomerfide.”—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “Now, ladies, let the men who would make us out so fickle come forward and + point to an instance of as good a husband as this lady was a good wife, + and of one having like faith and steadfastness. I am sure they would find + it so difficult to do this, that I will release them from the task rather + than put them to such exceeding toil. But as for you, ladies, I would pray + you, for the sake of maintaining your own fair fame, either to love not at + all, or else to love as perfectly as she did. And let none among you say + that this lady offended against her honour, seeing that her constancy has + served to heighten our own.” + </p> + <p> + “In good sooth, Parlamente,” said Oisille, “you have indeed told us the + story of a woman possessed of a noble and honourable heart; but her + constancy derives half its lustre from the faithlessness of a husband that + could leave her for another.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Longarine, “that the grief so caused must have been the + hardest to bear. There is none so heavy that the love of two united lovers + cannot support it; but when one fails in his duty, and leaves the whole of + the burden to the other, the load becomes too heavy to be endured.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you ought to pity us,” said Geburon, “for we have to bear the whole + burden of love, and you will not put out the tip of a finger to relieve + us.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Geburon,” said Parlamente, “the burdens of men and of women are often + different enough. The love of a woman, being founded on godliness and + honour, is just and reasonable, and any man that is false to it must be + reckoned a coward, and a sinner against God and man. On the other hand, + most men love only with reference to pleasure, and women, being ignorant + of their ill intent, are sometimes ensnared; but when God shows them how + vile is the heart of the man whom they deemed good, they may well draw + back to save their honour and reputation, for soonest ended is best + mended.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, that is a whimsical idea of yours,” said Hircan, “to hold that an + honourable woman may in all honour betray the love of a man; but that a + man may not do as much towards a woman. You would make out that the heart + of the one differs from that of the other; but for my part, in spite of + their differences in countenance and dress, I hold them to be alike in + inclination, except indeed that the guilt which is best concealed is the + worst.” + </p> + <p> + Thereto Parlamente replied with some heat— + </p> + <p> + “I am well aware that in your opinion the best women are those whose guilt + is known.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us leave this discourse,” said Simontault; “for whether we take the + heart of man or the heart of woman, the better of the twain is worth + nothing. And now let us see to whom Parlamente is going to give her vote, + so that we may hear some fine tale.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” she said, “to Geburon.” + </p> + <p> + “Since I began,” (18) he replied, “by talking about the Grey friars, I + must not forget those of Saint Benedict, nor an adventure in which they + were concerned in my own time. Nevertheless, in telling you the story of a + wicked monk, I do not wish to hinder you from having a good opinion of + such as are virtuous; but since the Psalmist says ‘all men are liars,’ and + in another place, ‘there is none that doeth good, no not one,’ (19) I + think we are bound to look upon men as they really are. If there be any + virtue in them, we must attribute it to Him who is its source, and not to + the creature. Most people deceive themselves by giving overmuch praise or + glory to the latter, or by thinking that there is something good in + themselves. That you may not deem it impossible for exceeding lust to + exist under exceeding austerity, listen to what befel in the days of King + Francis the First.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 18 See the first tale he tells, No. 5, vol. i.—Ed. + + 19 Psalms cxvi. 11 and xiv. 3. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/071.jpg" width="100%" alt="071.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/073a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="073a.jpg Sister Marie and the Prior " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Sister Marie and the Prior] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/073.jpg" width="100%" alt="073.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Sister Marie Heroet, being unchastely solicited by a Prior + of Saint-Martin-in-the-Fields, was by the grace of God + enabled to overcome his great temptations, to the Prior’s + exceeding confusion and her own glory</i>. (1) + + 1 This story is historical, and though M. Frank indicates + points of similarity between it and No. xxvii. of St. Denis’ + <i>Comptes du Monde Adventureux</i>, and No. vi. of Masuccio de + Solerac’s <i>Novellino</i>, these are of little account when one + remembers that the works in question were written posterior + to the <i>Heptameron</i>. The incidents related in the tale must + have occurred between 1530 and 1535. The Abbey of Saint- + Martin-in-the-Fields stood on the site of the present + Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers, Paris.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In the city of Paris there was a Prior of Saint-Martin-in-the-Fields, + whose name I will keep secret for the sake of the friendship I bore him. + Until he reached the age of fifty years, his life was so austere that the + fame of his holiness was spread throughout the entire kingdom, and there + was not a prince or princess but showed him high honour when he came to + visit them. There was further no monkish reform that was not wrought by + his hand, so that people called him the “father of true monasticism.” (2) + </p> + <p> + He was chosen visitor to the illustrious order of the “Ladies of + Fontevrault,” (3) by whom he was held in such awe that, when he visited + any of their convents, the nuns shook with very fear, and to soften his + harshness towards them would treat him as though he had been the King + himself in person. At first he would not have them do this, but at last, + when he was nearly fifty-five years old, he began to find the treatment he + had formerly contemned very pleasant; and reckoning himself the mainstay + of all monasticism, he gave more care to the preservation of his health + than had heretofore been his wont. Although the rules of his order forbade + him ever to partake of flesh, he granted himself a dispensation (which was + more than he ever did for another), declaring that the whole burden of + conventual affairs rested upon him; for which reason he feasted himself so + well that, from being a very lean monk he became a very fat one. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 This prior was Stephen Gentil, who succeeded Philip + Bourgoin on December 15, 1508, and died November 6, 1536. + The <i>Gallia Christiana</i> states that in 1524 he reformed an + abbey of the diocese of Soissons, but makes no mention of + his appointment as visitor to the abbey of Fontevrault. + Various particulars concerning him will be found in Manor’s + <i>Monasterii Regalis S. Martini de Campis, &c. Parisiis</i>, + 1636, and in <i>Gallia Christiana</i>, vol. vii. col. 539.—L. + + 3 The abbey of Fontevrault, near Saumur, Maine-et-Loire, was + founded in 1100 by Robert d’Arbrissel, and comprised two + conventual establishments, one for men and the other for + women. Prior to his death, d’Arbrissel abdicated his + authority in favour of Petronilla de Chemillé, and from her + time forward monks and nuns alike were always under the sway + of an abbess—this being the only instance of the kind in + the history of the Roman Catholic Church. Fourteen of the + abbesses were princesses, and several of these were of the + blood royal of France. In the abbey church were buried our + Henry II., Eleanor of Guienne, Richard Coeur-de-Lion, and + Isabella of Angoulême; their tombs are still shown, though + the abbey has become a prison, and its church a refectory.— + Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Together with this change of life there was wrought also a great change of + heart, so that he now began to cast glances upon countenances which + aforetime he had looked at only as a duty; and, contemplating charms which + were rendered even more desirable by the veil, he began to hanker after + them. Then, to satisfy this longing, he sought out such cunning devices + that at last from being a shepherd he became a wolf, so that in many a + convent, where there chanced to be a simple maiden, he failed not to + beguile her. But after he had continued this evil life for a long time, + the Divine Goodness took compassion upon the poor, wandering sheep, and + would no longer suffer this villain’s triumph to endure, as you shall + hear. + </p> + <p> + One day he went to visit the convent of Gif, (4) not far from Paris, and + while he was confessing all the nuns, it happened that there was one among + them called Marie Heroet, whose speech was so gentle and pleasing that it + gave promise of a countenance and heart to match. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Gif, an abbey of the Benedictine order, was situated at + five leagues from Paris, in the valley of Chevreuse, on the + bank of the little river Yvette. A few ruins of it still + remain. It appears to have been founded in the eleventh + century.—See Le Beuf s <i>Histoire du Diocèse de Paris</i>, vol. + viii. part viii. p. 106, and <i>Gallia Christiana</i>, vol. vii. + col. 596.—L. and D. +</pre> + <p> + The mere sound of her voice moved him with a passion exceeding any that he + had ever felt for other nuns, and, while speaking to her, he bent low to + look at her, and perceiving her rosy, winsome mouth, could not refrain + from lifting her veil to see whether her eyes were in keeping therewith. + He found that they were, and his heart was filled with so ardent a passion + that, although he sought to conceal it, his countenance became changed, + and he could no longer eat or drink. When he returned to his priory, he + could find no rest, but passed his days and nights in deep disquiet, + seeking to devise a means whereby he might accomplish his desire, and make + of this nun what he had already made of many others. But this, he feared, + would be difficult, seeing that he had found her to be prudent of speech + and shrewd of understanding; moreover, he knew himself to be old and ugly, + and therefore resolved not to employ words but to seek to win her by fear. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, not long afterwards, he returned to the convent of Gif + aforesaid, where he showed more austerity than he had ever done before, + and spoke wrathfully to all the nuns, telling one that her veil was not + low enough, another that she carried her head too high, and another that + she did not do him reverence as a nun should do. So harsh was he in + respect of all these trifles, that they feared him as though he had been a + god sitting on the throne of judgment. + </p> + <p> + Being gouty, he grew very weary in visiting all the usual parts of the + convent, and it thus came to pass that about the hour for vespers, an hour + which he had himself fixed upon, he found himself in the dormitory, when + the Abbess said to him— + </p> + <p> + “Reverend father, it is time to go to vespers.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, mother,” he replied, “do you go to vespers. I am so weary that I will + remain here, yet not to rest but to speak to Sister Marie, of whom I have + had a very bad report, for I am told that she prates like a worldly-minded + woman.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbess, who was aunt to the maiden’s mother, begged him to reprove her + soundly, and left her alone with him and a young monk who accompanied him. + </p> + <p> + When he found himself alone with Sister Marie, he began to lift up her + veil, and to tell her to look at him. She answered that the rule of her + order forbade her to look at men. + </p> + <p> + “It is well said, my daughter,” he replied, “but you must not consider us + monks as men.” + </p> + <p> + Then Sister Marie, fearing to sin by disobedience, looked him in the face; + but he was so ugly that she though it rather a penance than a sin to look + at him. + </p> + <p> + The good father, after telling her at length of his goodwill towards her, + sought to lay his hand upon her breasts; but she repulsed him, as was her + duty; whereupon, in great wrath, he said to her— + </p> + <p> + “Should a nun know that she has breasts?” + </p> + <p> + “I know that I have,” she replied, “and certes neither you nor any other + shall ever touch them. I am not so young and ignorant that I do not know + the difference between what is sin and what is not.” + </p> + <p> + When he saw that such talk would not prevail upon her, he adopted a + different plan, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Alas, my daughter, I must make known to you my extreme need. I have an + infirmity which all the physicians hold to be incurable unless I have + pleasure with some woman whom I greatly love. For my part, I would rather + die than commit a mortal sin; but, when it comes to that, I know that + simple fornication is in no wise to be compared with the sin of homicide. + So, if you love my life, you will preserve it for me, as well as your own + conscience from cruelty.” + </p> + <p> + She asked him what manner of pleasure he desired to have. He replied that + she might safely surrender her conscience to his own, and that he would do + nothing that could be a burden to either. + </p> + <p> + Then, to let her see the beginning of the pastime that he sought, he took + her in his arms and tried to throw her upon a bed. She, recognising his + evil purpose, defended herself so well with arms and voice that he could + only touch her garments. Then, when he saw that all his devices and + efforts were being brought to naught, he behaved like a madman and one + devoid not only of conscience but of natural reason, for, thrusting his + hand under her dress, he scratched wherever his nails could reach with + such fury that the poor girl shrieked out, and fell swooning at full + length upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + Hearing this cry, the Abbess came into the dormitory; for while at vespers + she had remembered that she had left her niece’s daughter alone with the + good father, and feeling some scruples of conscience, she had left the + chapel and repaired to the door of the dormitory in order to learn what + was going on. On hearing her niece’s voice, she pushed open the door, + which was being held by the young monk. + </p> + <p> + And when the Prior saw the Abbess coming, he pointed to her niece as she + lay in a swoon, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly, mother, you are greatly to blame that you did not inform me of + Sister Marie’s condition. Knowing nothing of her weakness, I caused her to + stand before me, and, while I was reproving her, she swooned away as you + see.” + </p> + <p> + They revived her with vinegar and other remedies, and found that she had + wounded her head in her fall. When she was recovered, the Prior, fearing + that she would tell her aunt the reason of her indisposition, took her + aside and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “I charge you, my daughter, if you would be obedient and hope for + salvation, never to speak of what I said to you just now. You must know + that it was my exceeding love for you that constrained me, but since I see + that you do not wish to love me, I will never speak of it to you again. + However, if you be willing, I promise to have you chosen Abbess of one of + the three best convents in the kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + She replied that she would rather die in perpetual imprisonment than have + any lover save Him who had died for her on the cross, for she would rather + suffer with Him all the evils the world could inflict than possess without + Him all its blessings. And she added that he must never again speak to her + in such a manner, or she would inform the Abbess; whereas, if he kept + silence, so would she. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon this evil shepherd left her, and in order to make himself appear + quite other than he was, and to again have the pleasure of looking upon + her he loved, he turned to the Abbess and said— + </p> + <p> + “I beg, mother, that you will cause all your nuns to sing a <i>Salve + Regina</i> in honour of that virgin in whom I rest my hope.” + </p> + <p> + While this was being done, the old fox did nothing but shed tears, not of + devotion, but of grief at his lack of success. All the nuns, thinking that + it was for love of the Virgin Mary, held him for a holy man, but Sister + Marie, who knew his wickedness, prayed in her heart that one having so + little reverence for virginity might be brought to confusion. + </p> + <p> + And so this hypocrite departed to St. Martin’s, where the evil fire that + was in his heart did not cease burning night and day alike, prompting him + to all manner of devices in order to compass his ends. As he above all + things feared the Abbess, who was a virtuous woman, he hit upon a plan to + withdraw her from the convent, and betook himself to Madame de Vendôme, + who was at that time living at La Fère, where she had founded and built a + convent of the Benedictine order called Mount Olivet. (5) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 This is Mary of Luxemburg, Countess of St. Paul-de- + Conversan, Marie and Soissons, who married, first, James of + Savoy, and secondly, Francis de Bourbon, Count of Vendôme. + The latter, who accompanied Charles VIII. to Italy, was + killed at Vercelli in October 1495, when but twenty-five + years old. His widow did not marry again, but retired to her + château of La Fère near Laon (Aisne), where late in 1518 she + founded a convent of Benedictine nuns, which, according to + the <i>Gallia Christiana</i>, she called the convent of Mount + Calvary. This must be the establishment alluded to by Queen + Margaret, who by mistake has called it Mount Olivet, i.e., + the Mount of Olives. Madame de Vendôme died at a very + advanced age on April 1, 1546.—See Anselme’s <i>Histoire + Généalogique</i>, vol. i. p. 326.—L. +</pre> + <p> + Speaking in the quality of a prince of reformers, he gave her to + understand that the Abbess of the aforesaid Mount Olivet lacked the + capacity to govern such a community. The worthy lady begged him to give + her another that should be worthy of the office, and he, who asked nothing + better, counselled her to have the Abbess of Gif, as being the most + capable in France. Madame de Vendôme sent for her forthwith, and set her + over the convent of Mount Olivet. + </p> + <p> + As the Prior of St. Martin’s had every monastic vote at his disposal, he + caused one who was devoted to him to be chosen Abbess of Gif, and this + being accomplished, he went to Gif to try once more whether he might win + Sister Marie Heroet by prayers or honied words. Finding that he could not + succeed, he returned in despair to his priory of St. Martin’s, and in + order to achieve his purpose, to revenge himself on her who was so cruel + to him, and further to prevent the affair from becoming known, he caused + the relics of the aforesaid convent of Gif to be secretly stolen at night, + and accusing the confessor of the convent, a virtuous and very aged man, + of having stolen them, he cast him into prison at St. Martin’s. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he held him captive there, he stirred up two witnesses who in + ignorance signed what the Prior commanded them, which was a statement that + they had seen the confessor in a garden with Sister Marie, engaged in a + foul and wicked act; and this the Prior sought to make the old monk + confess. But he, who knew all the Prior’s misdoings, entreated him to + bring him before the Chapter, saying that there, in presence of all the + monks, he would tell the truth of all that he knew. The Prior, fearing + that the confessor’s justification would be his own condemnation, would in + no wise grant this request; and, finding him firm of purpose, he treated + him so ill in prison that some say he brought about his death, and others + that he forced him to lay aside his robe and betake himself out of the + kingdom of France. Be that as it may, the confessor was never seen again. + </p> + <p> + The Prior, thinking that he had now a sure hold upon Sister Marie, + repaired to the convent, where the Abbess, chosen for this purpose, + gainsaid him in nothing. There he began to exercise his authority as + visitor, and caused all the nuns to come one after the other into a room + that he might hear them, as is the fashion at a visitation. When the turn + of Sister Marie, who had now lost her good aunt, had come, he began + speaking to her in this wise— + </p> + <p> + “Sister Marie, you know of what crime you are accused, and that your + pretence of chastity has availed you nothing, since you are well known to + be the very contrary of chaste.” + </p> + <p> + “Bring here my accuser,” replied Sister Marie, with steadfast countenance, + “and you will see whether in my presence he will abide by his evil + declaration.” + </p> + <p> + “No further proof is needed,” he said, “since the confessor has been found + guilty.” + </p> + <p> + “I hold him for too honourable a man,” said Sister Marie, “to have + confessed so great a lie; but even should he have done so, bring him here + before me, and I will prove the contrary of what he says.” + </p> + <p> + The Prior, finding that he could in no wise move her, thereupon said— + </p> + <p> + “I am your father, and seek to save your honour. For this reason I will + leave the truth of the matter to your own conscience, and will believe + whatever it bids you say. I ask you and conjure you on pain of mortal sin + to tell me truly whether you were indeed a virgin when you were placed in + this house?” + </p> + <p> + “My father,” she replied, “I was then but five years old, and that age + must in itself testify to my virginity.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my daughter,” said the Prior, “have you not since that time lost + this flower?” + </p> + <p> + She swore that she had kept it, and that she had had no hindrance in doing + so except from himself. Whereto he replied that he could not believe it, + and that the matter required proof. + </p> + <p> + “What proof,” she asked, “would you have?” + </p> + <p> + “The same as from the others,” said the Prior; “for as I am visitor of + souls, even so am I visitor of bodies also. Your abbesses and prioresses + have all passed through my hands, and you need have no fear if I visit + your virginity. Wherefore throw yourself upon the bed, and lift the + forepart of your garments over your face.” + </p> + <p> + “You have told me so much of your wicked love for me,” Sister Marie + replied in wrath, “that I think you seek rather to rob me of my virginity + than to visit it. So understand that I shall never consent.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he said to her that she was excommunicated for refusing him the + obedience which Holy Church commanded, and that, if she did not consent, + he would dishonour her before the whole Chapter by declaring the evil that + he knew of between herself and the confessor. + </p> + <p> + But with fearless countenance she replied— + </p> + <p> + “He that knows the hearts of His servants shall give me as much honour in + His presence as you can give me shame in the presence of men; and since + your wickedness goes so far, I would rather it wreaked its cruelty upon me + than its evil passion; for I know that God is a just judge.” + </p> + <p> + Then the Prior departed and assembled the whole Chapter, and, causing + Sister Marie to appear on her knees before him, he said to her with + wondrous malignity— + </p> + <p> + “Sister Marie, it grieves me to see that the good counsels I have given + you have been of no effect, and to find you fallen into such evil ways + that, contrary to my wont, I must needs lay a penance upon you. I have + examined your confessor concerning certain crimes with which he is + charged, and he has confessed to me that he has abused your person in the + place where the witnesses say that they saw him. And so I command that, + whereas I had formerly raised you to honourable rank as Mistress of the + Novices, you shall now be the lowest placed of all, and further, shall eat + only bread and water on the ground, and in presence of all the Sisters, + until you have shown sufficient penitence to receive forgiveness.” + </p> + <p> + Sister Marie had been warned by one of her companions, who was acquainted + with the whole matter, that if she made any reply displeasing to the + Prior, he would put her <i>in pace</i>—that is, in perpetual + imprisonment—and she therefore submitted to this sentence, raising + her eyes to heaven, and praying Him who had enabled her to withstand sin, + to grant her patience for the endurance of tribulation. The Prior of St. + Martin’s further commanded that for the space of three years she should + neither speak with her mother or kinsfolk when they came to see her, nor + send any letters save such as were written in community. + </p> + <p> + The miscreant then went away and returned no more, and for a long time the + unhappy maiden continued in the tribulation that I have described. But her + mother, who loved her best of all her children, was much astonished at + receiving no tidings from her; and told one of her sons, who was a prudent + and honourable gentleman, (6) that she thought her daughter was dead, and + that the nuns were hiding it from her in order that they might receive the + yearly payment. She, therefore, begged him to devise some means of seeing + his sister. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 It is conjectured by M. Lacroix that this “prudent and + honourable gentleman,” Mary Heroet’s brother, was Antoine + Heroet or Hérouet, alias La Maisonneuve, who at one time was + a valet and secretary to Queen Margaret, and so advanced + himself in life that he died Bishop of Digne in 1544. He was + the author of <i>La Parfaite Amie, L’Androgyne, and De n’aimer + point sans être aimé</i>, poems of a semi-metaphysical, semi- + amorous character such as might have come from Margaret’s + own pen. Whether he was Mary Heroet’s brother or not, it is + at least probable that he was her relative.-B. J. and L. +</pre> + <p> + He went forthwith to the convent, where he met with the wonted excuses, + being told that for three years his sister had not stirred from her bed. + But this did not satisfy him, and he swore that, if he did not see her, he + would climb over the walls and force his way into the convent. Thereupon, + being in great fear, they brought his sister to him at the grating, though + the Abbess stood so near that she could not tell her brother aught that + was not heard. But she had prudently set down in writing all that I have + told you, together with a thousand others of the Prior’s devices to + deceive her, which ‘twould take too long to relate. + </p> + <p> + Yet I must not omit to mention that at the time when her aunt was Abbess, + the Prior, thinking that his ugliness was the cause of her refusal, had + caused Sister Marie to be tempted by a handsome young monk, in the hope + that if she yielded to this man through love, he himself might afterwards + obtain her through fear. The young monk aforesaid spoke to her in a garden + with gestures too shameful to be mentioned, whereat the poor maiden ran to + the Abbess, who was talking with the Prior, and cried out— + </p> + <p> + “Mother, they are not monks, but devils, who visit us here!” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the Prior, in great fear of discovery, began to laugh, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly, mother, Sister Marie is right.” + </p> + <p> + Then, taking Sister Marie by the hand, he said to her in presence of the + Abbess— + </p> + <p> + “I had heard that Sister Marie spoke very well, and so constantly that she + was deemed to be worldly-minded. For this reason I constrained myself, + contrary to my natural inclination, to speak to her in the way that + worldly men speak to women—at least in books, for in point of + experience I am as ignorant as I was on the day when I was born. Thinking, + however, that only my years and ugliness led her to discourse in so + virtuous a fashion, I commanded my young monk to speak to her as I myself + had done, and, as you see, she has virtuously resisted him. So highly, + therefore, do I think of her prudence and virtue, that henceforward she + shall rank next after you and shall be Mistress of the Novices, to the + intent that her excellent disposition may ever increase in virtue.” + </p> + <p> + This act, with many others, was done by this worthy monk during the three + years that he was in love with the nun. She, however, as I have said, gave + her brother in writing, through the grating, the whole story of her + pitiful fortunes; and this her brother brought to her mother, who came, + overwhelmed with despair, to Paris. Here she found the Queen of Navarre, + only sister to the King, and showing her the piteous story, said— + </p> + <p> + “Madam, trust no more in these hypocrites. I thought that I had placed my + daughter within the precincts of Paradise, or on the high road thither, + whereas I have placed her in the precincts of Hell, and in the hands of + the vilest devils imaginable. The devils, indeed, do not tempt us unless + temptation be our pleasure, but these men will take by force when they + cannot win by love.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen of Navarre was in great concern, for she trusted wholly in the + Prior of St. Martin’s, to whose care she had committed her sisters-inlaw, + the Abbesses of Montivilliers and Caen. (7) On the other hand, the + enormity of the crime so horrified her and made her so desirous of + avenging the innocence of this unhappy maiden, that she communicated the + matter to the King’s Chancellor, who happened also to be Legate in France. + (8) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 The abbess of Montivilliers was Catherine d’Albret, + daughter of John d’Albret, King of Navarre and sister of + Queen Margaret’s husband, Henry. At first a nun at the abbey + of St. Magdalen at Orleans, she became twenty-eighth abbess + of Montivilliers near Havre. She was still living in 1536. + (<i>Gallia Christ</i>., vol. xi. col. 285). The abbess of Caen + was Magdalen d’Albret, Catherine’s sister. She took the veil + at Fontevrault in 1527, subsequently became thirty-third + abbess of the Trinity at Caen, and died in November 1532. + (<i>Gallia Christ</i>., vol. xi. col. 436).—L. + + 8 This is the famous Antony Duprat, Francis I.‘s favourite + minister. Born in 1463, he became Chancellor in 1515, and + his wife dying soon afterwards, he took orders, with the + result that he was made Archbishop of Sens and Cardinal. It + was in 1530 that he was appointed Papal Legate in France, so + that the incidents related in this tale cannot have occurred + at an earlier date. Duprat died in July 1535, of grief, it + is said, because Francis I. would not support him in his + ambitious scheme to secure possession of the papal see, as + successor to Clement VII.-B. J. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The Prior was sent for, but could find nothing to plead except that he was + seventy years of age, and addressing himself to the Queen of Navarre he + begged that, for all the good she had ever wished to do him, and in token + of all the services he had rendered or had desired to render her, she + would be pleased to bring these proceedings to a close, and he would + acknowledge that Sister Marie was a pearl of honour and chastity. + </p> + <p> + On hearing this, the Queen of Navarre was so astonished that she could + make no reply, but went off and left him there. The unhappy man then + withdrew in great confusion to his monastery, where he would suffer none + to see him, and where he lived only one year afterwards. And Sister Marie + Heroet, now reputed as highly as she deserved to be, by reason of the + virtues that God had given her, was withdrawn from the convent of Gif, + where she had endured so much evil, and was by the King made Abbess of the + the convent of Giy (9) near Montargis. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 Giy-les-Nonains, a little village on the river Ouanne, at + two leagues and a half from Montargis, department of the + Loiret.—L. +</pre> + <p> + This convent she reformed, and there she lived like one filled with the + Spirit of God, whom all her life long she ever praised for having of His + good grace restored to her both honour and repose. + </p> + <p> + “There, ladies, you have a story which clearly proves the words of the + Gospel, that ‘God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the + things which are mighty, and things which are despised of men hath God + chosen to bring to nought the glory of those who think themselves + something but are in truth nothing.’ (10) And remember, ladies, that + without the grace of God there is no good at all in man, just as there is + no temptation that with His assistance may not be overcome. This is shown + by the abasement of the man who was accounted just, and the exaltation of + her whom men were willing to deem a wicked sinner. Thus are verified Our + Lord’s words, ‘Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that + humbleth himself shall be exalted.’” (11) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 10 I Corinthians i. 27, 28, slightly modified. + + 11 St. Luke xiv. 11 and xviii. 14. +</pre> + <p> + “Alas,” said Oisille, “how many virtuous persons did that Prior deceive! + For I saw people put more trust in him than even in God.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> should not have done so,” said Nomerfide, “for such is my horror + of monks that I could not confess to one. I believe they are worse than + all other men, and never frequent a house without leaving disgrace or + dissension behind them.” + </p> + <p> + “There are good ones among them,” said Oisille, “and they ought not to be + judged by the bad alone; but the best are those that least often visit + laymen’s houses and women.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said Ennasuite. “The less they are seen, the less they + are known, and therefore the more highly are they esteemed; for + companionship with them shows what they really are.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us say no more about them,” said Nomerfide, “and see to whom Geburon + will give his vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall give it,” said he, “to Madame Oisille, that she may tell us + something to the credit of Holy Church.” (12) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 12 In lieu of this phrase, the De Thou MS. of the + <i>Heptameron</i> gives the following: “To make amends for his + fault, if fault there were in laying bare the wretched and + abominable life of a wicked Churchman, so as to put others + on their guard against the hypocrisy of those resembling + him, Geburon, who held Madame Oysille in high esteem, as one + should hold a lady of discretion, who was no less reluctant + to speak evil than prompt to praise and publish the worth + which she knew to exist in others, gave her his vote, + begging her to tell something to the honour of our holy + religion.”—L. +</pre> + <p> + “We have sworn,” said Oisille, “to speak the truth, and I cannot therefore + undertake such a task. Moreover, in telling your tale you have reminded me + of a very pitiful story which I feel constrained to relate, seeing that I + am not far from the place where, in my own time, the thing came to pass. I + shall tell it also, ladies, to the end that the hypocrisy of those who + account themselves more religious than their neighbours, may not so + beguile your understanding as to turn your faith out of the right path, + and lead you to hope for salvation from any other than Him who has chosen + to stand alone in the work of our creation and redemption. He is all + powerful to save us unto life eternal, and, in this temporal life, to + comfort us and deliver us from all our tribulations. And knowing that + Satan often transforms himself into an angel of light so that the outward + eye, blinded by the semblance of holiness and devotion, cannot apprehend + that from which we ought to flee, I think it well to tell you this tale, + which came to pass in our own time.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/095.jpg" width="100%" alt="095.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/097a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="097a.jpg the Grey Friar Deceiving The Gentleman of Périgord " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Grey Friar deceiving the Gentleman Of Périgord] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/097.jpg" width="100%" alt="097.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXIII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The excessive reverence shown by a gentleman of Périgord to + the Order of St. Francis, brought about the miserable death + of his wife, his little child and himself</i>. (1) + + 1 Etienne introduces this tale into his <i>Apologie pour + Hérodote</i>, ch. xxi.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + In the county of Périgord dwelt a gentleman whose devotion to St. Francis + was such that in his eyes all who wore the saint’s robe must needs be as + holy as the saint himself. To do honour to the latter, he had caused rooms + and closets to be furnished in his house for the lodgment of the brethren, + and he regulated all his affairs by their advice, even to the most + trifling household matters, believing that he must needs pursue the right + path if he followed their good counsels. + </p> + <p> + Now it happened that this gentleman’s wife, who was a beautiful woman and + as discreet as she was virtuous, was brought to bed of a fine boy, whereat + the love which her husband bore her was increased twofold. One day, in + order to entertain his dear, he sent for one of his brothers-in-law, and + just as the hour for supper was drawing nigh, there arrived also a Grey + Friar, whose name I will keep secret out of regard for his Order. The + gentleman was well pleased to see his spiritual father, from whom he had + no secrets, and after much talk among his wife, his brother-in-law and the + monk, they sat down to supper. While they were at table the gentleman cast + his eyes upon his wife, who was indeed beautiful and graceful enough to be + desired of a husband, and thereupon asked this question aloud of the + worthy father— + </p> + <p> + “Is it true, father, that a man commits mortal sin if he lies with his + wife at the time of her lying-in?” (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Meaning the period between her delivery and her + churching.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The worthy father, whose speech and countenance belied his heart, answered + with an angry look— + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly, sir, I hold this to be one of the very greatest sins that + can be committed in the married state. The blessed Virgin Mary would not + enter the temple until the days of her purification were accomplished, + although she had no need of these; and if she, in order to obey the law, + refrained from going to the temple wherein was all her consolation, you + should of a surety not fail to abstain from such slight pleasure. + Moreover, physicians say that there is great risk to the offspring so + begotten.” + </p> + <p> + When the gentleman heard these words, he was greatly downcast, for he had + hoped that the good Friar would give him the permission he sought; + however, he said no more. Meanwhile the worthy father, who had drunk more + than was needful, looked at the lady, (3) thinking to himself that, if he + were her husband, he would ask no Friar’s advice before lying with her; + and just as a fire kindles little by little until at last it envelops the + whole house, so this monk began to burn with such exceeding lust that he + suddenly resolved to satisfy a desire which for three years he had carried + hidden in his heart. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The French word here is <i>damoiselle</i>, by which + appellation the lady is called throughout the story. Her + husband, being a petty nobleman, was a <i>damoiseau</i>, whence + the name given to his wife. The word <i>damoiselle</i> is + frequently employed in the <i>Heptameron</i>, and though + sometimes it merely signifies an attendant on a lady, the + reference is more frequently to a woman of gentle birth, + whether she be spinster, wife or widow. Only women of high + nobility and of the blood royal were at that time called + <i>Madame</i>.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + After the tables had been withdrawn, he took the gentleman by the hand, + and, leading him to his wife’s bedside, (4) said to him in her presence— + </p> + <p> + “It moves my pity, sir, to see the great love which exists between you and + this lady, and which, added to your extreme youth, torments you so sore. I + have therefore determined to tell you a secret of our sacred theology + which is that, although the rule be made thus strict by reason of the + abuses committed by indiscreet husbands, it does not suffer that such as + are of good conscience like you should be balked of all intercourse. If + then, sir, before others I have stated in all its severity the command of + the law, I will now reveal to you, who are a prudent man, its mildness + also. Know then, my son, that there are women and women, just as there are + men and men. In the first place, my lady here must tell us whether, three + weeks having gone by since her delivery, the flow of blood has quite + ceased?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 The supper would appear to have been served in the + bedroom, and the tables were taken away as soon as the + repast was over. It seems to us very ridiculous when on the + modern stage we see a couple of lackeys bring in a table + laden with viands and carry it away again as soon as the + <i>dramatis personæ</i> have dined or supped. Yet this was the + common practice in France in Queen Margaret’s time.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The lady replied that it had. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said the Friar, “I permit you to lie with her without scruple, + provided that you are willing to promise me two things.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman replied that he was willing. + </p> + <p> + “The first,” said the good father, “is that you speak to no one concerning + this matter, but come here in secret. The second is that you do not come + until two hours after midnight, so that the good lady’s digestion be not + hindered.” + </p> + <p> + These things the gentleman promised; and he confirmed his promise with so + strong an oath that the other, knowing him to be foolish rather than + false, was quite satisfied. + </p> + <p> + After much converse the good father withdrew to his chamber, giving them + good-night and an abundant blessing. But, as he was going, he took the + gentleman by the hand, and said to him— + </p> + <p> + “You too, sir, i’ faith must come, nor keep your poor lady longer awake.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the gentleman kissed her. “Sweetheart,” said he, and the good + father heard him plainly, “leave the door of your room open for me.” + </p> + <p> + And so each withdrew to his own chamber. + </p> + <p> + On leaving them the Friar gave no heed to sleep or to repose, and, as soon + as all the noises in the house were still, he went as softly as possible + straight to the lady’s chamber, at about the hour when he was wont to go + to matins, and finding the door open in expectation of the master’s + coming, he went in, cleverly put out the light, and speedily got into bed + with the lady, without speaking a single word. + </p> + <p> + The lady, believing him to be her husband, said— + </p> + <p> + “How is this, love? you have kept but poorly the promise you gave last + evening to our confessor that you would not come here before two o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + The Friar, who was more eager for action than for contemplation, and who, + moreover, was fearful of being recognised, gave more thought to satisfying + the wicked desires that had long poisoned his heart than to giving her any + reply; whereat the lady wondered greatly. When the friar found the + husband’s hour drawing near, he rose from the lady’s side and returned + with all speed to his own chamber. + </p> + <p> + Then, just as the frenzy of lust had robbed him of sleep, so now the fear + that always follows upon wickedness would not suffer him to rest. + Accordingly, he went to the porter of the house and said to him— + </p> + <p> + “Friend, your master has charged me to go without delay and offer up + prayers for him at our convent, where he is accustomed to perform his + devotions. Wherefore, I pray you, give me my horse and open the door + without letting any one be the wiser; for the mission is both pressing and + secret.” + </p> + <p> + The porter knew that obedience to the Friar was service acceptable to his + master, and so he opened the door secretly and let him out. + </p> + <p> + Just at that time the gentleman awoke. Finding that it was close on the + hour which the good father had appointed him for visiting his wife, he got + up in his bedgown and repaired swiftly to that bed whither by God’s + ordinance, and without need of the license of man, it was lawful for him + to go. + </p> + <p> + When his wife heard him speaking beside her, she was greatly astonished, + and, not knowing what had occurred, said to him— + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sir, is it possible that, after your promise to the good father to + be heedful of your own health and of mine, you not only come before the + hour appointed, but even return a second time? Think on it, sir, I pray + you.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing this, the gentleman was so much disconcerted that he could not + conceal it, and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “What do these words mean? I know of a truth that I have not lain with you + for three weeks, and yet you rebuke me for coming too often. If you + continue to talk in this way, you will make me think that my company is + irksome to you, and will drive me, contrary to my wont and will, to seek + elsewhere that pleasure which, by the law of God, I should have with you.” + </p> + <p> + The lady thought that he was jesting, and replied— + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, sir, deceive not yourself in seeking to deceive me; for + although you said nothing when you came, I knew very well that you were + here.” + </p> + <p> + Then the gentleman saw that they had both been deceived, and solemnly + vowed to her that he had not been with her before; whereat the lady, + weeping in dire distress, besought him to find out with all despatch who + it could have been, seeing that besides themselves only his brother-in-law + and the Friar slept in the house. + </p> + <p> + Impelled by suspicion of the Friar, the gentleman forthwith went in all + haste to the room where he had been lodged, and found it empty; whereupon, + to make yet more certain whether he had fled, he sent for the man who kept + the door, and asked him whether he knew what had become of the Friar. And + the man told him the whole truth. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, being now convinced of the Friar’s wickedness, returned to + his wife’s room, and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “Of a certainty, sweetheart, the man who lay with you and did such fine + things was our Father Confessor.” + </p> + <p> + The lady, who all her life long had held her honour dear, was overwhelmed + with despair, and laying aside all humanity and womanly nature, besought + her husband on her knees to avenge this foul wrong; whereupon the + gentleman immediately mounted his horse and went in pursuit of the Friar. + </p> + <p> + The lady remained all alone in her bed, with no counsel or comfort near + her but her little newborn child. She reflected upon the strange and + horrible adventure that had befallen her, and, without making any excuse + for her ignorance, deemed herself guilty as well as the unhappiest woman + in the world. She had never learned aught of the Friars, save to have + confidence in good works, and seek atonement for sins by austerity of + life, fasting and discipline; she was wholly ignorant of the pardon + granted by our good God through the merits of His Son, the remission of + sins by His blood, the reconciliation of the Father with us through His + death, and the life given to sinners by His sole goodness and mercy; and + so, assailed by despair based on the enormity and magnitude of her sin, + the love of her husband and the honour of her house, she thought that + death would be far happier than such a life as hers. And, overcome by + sorrow, she fell into such despair that she was not only turned aside from + the hope which every Christian should have in God, but she forgot her own + nature, and was wholly bereft of common sense. + </p> + <p> + Then, overpowered by grief, and driven by despair from all knowledge of + God and herself, this frenzied, frantic woman took a cord from the bed and + strangled herself with her own hands. + </p> + <p> + And worse even than this, amidst the agony of this cruel death, whilst her + body was struggling against it, she set her foot upon the face of her + little child, whose innocence did not avail to save it from following in + death its sorrowful and suffering mother. While dying, however, the infant + uttered so piercing a cry that a woman who slept in the room rose in great + haste and lit the candle. Then, seeing her mistress hanging strangled by + the bed-cord, and the child stifled and dead under her feet, she ran in + great affright to the apartment of her mistress’s brother, and brought him + to see the pitiful sight. + </p> + <p> + The brother, after giving way to such grief as was natural and fitting in + one who loved his sister with his whole heart, asked the serving-woman who + it was that had committed this terrible crime. + </p> + <p> + She replied that she did not know; but that no one had entered the room + excepting her master, and he had but lately left it. The brother then went + to the gentleman’s room, and not finding him there, felt sure that he had + done the deed. So, mounting his horse without further inquiry, he hastened + in pursuit and met with him on the road as he was returning disconsolate + at not having been able to overtake the Grey Friar. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the lady’s brother saw his brother-in-law, he cried out to him— + </p> + <p> + “Villain and coward, defend yourself, for I trust that God will by this + sword avenge me on you this day.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman would have expostulated, but his brother-in-law’s sword was + pressing so close upon him that he found it of more importance to defend + himself than to inquire the reason of the quarrel; whereupon each dealt + the other so many wounds that they were at last compelled by weariness and + loss of blood to sit down on the ground face to face. + </p> + <p> + And while they were recovering breath, the gentleman asked— + </p> + <p> + “What cause, brother, has turned our deep and unbroken friendship to such + cruel strife as this?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” replied the brother-in-law, “what cause has moved you to slay my + sister, the most excellent woman that ever lived, and this in so cowardly + a fashion that under pretence of sleeping with her you have hanged and + strangled her with the bed-cord?” + </p> + <p> + On hearing these words the gentleman, more dead than alive, came to his + brother, and putting his arms around him, said— + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that you have found your sister in the state you say?” + </p> + <p> + The brother-in-law assured him that it was indeed so. + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, brother,” the gentleman thereupon replied, “hearken to the + reason why I left the house.” + </p> + <p> + Forthwith he told him all about the wicked Grey Friar, whereat his + brother-in-law was greatly astonished, and still more grieved that he + should have unjustly attacked him. + </p> + <p> + Entreating pardon, he said to him— + </p> + <p> + “I have wronged you; forgive me.” + </p> + <p> + “If you were ever wronged by me,” replied the gentleman, “I have been well + punished, for I am so sorely wounded that I cannot hope to recover.” + </p> + <p> + Then the brother-in-law put him on horseback again as well as he might, + and brought him back to the house, where on the morrow he died. And the + brother-in-law confessed in presence of all the gentleman’s relatives that + he had been the cause of his death. + </p> + <p> + However, for the satisfaction of justice, he was advised to go and solicit + pardon from King Francis, first of the name; and accordingly, after giving + honourable burial to husband, wife and child, he departed on Good Friday + to the Court in order to sue there for pardon, which he obtained through + the good offices of Master Francis Olivier, then Chancellor of Alençon, + afterwards chosen by the King, for his merits, to be Chancellor of France. + (5) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 M. de Montaiglon has vainly searched the French Archives + for the letters of remission granted to the gentleman. There + is no mention of them in the registers of the Trésor des + Chartes. Francis Olivier, alluded to above, was one of the + most famous magistrates of the sixteenth century. Son of + James Olivier, First President of the Parliament of Paris + and Bishop of Angers, he was born in 1493 and became + successively advocate, member of the Grand Council, + ambassador, Chancellor of Alençon, President of the Paris + Parliament, Keeper of the Seals and Chancellor of France. + This latter dignity was conferred upon him through Queen + Margaret’s influence in April 1545. The above tale must have + been written subsequent to that date. Olivier’s talents were + still held in high esteem under both Henry II. and Francis + II.; he died in 1590, aged 67.—(Blanchard’s <i>Éloges de tous + les Présidents du Parlement, &c</i>., Paris, 1645, in-fol. p. + 185.) + + Ste. Marthe, in his funeral oration on Queen Margaret, + refers to Olivier in the following pompous strain: “When + Brinon died Chancellor of this duchy of Alençon, Francis + Olivier was set in his place, and so greatly adorned this + dignity by his admirable virtues, and so increased the + grandeur of the office of Chancellor, that, like one of + exceeding merit on whom Divine Providence, disposing of the + affairs of France, has conferred a more exalted office, he + is today raised to the highest degree of honour, and, even + as Atlas upholds the Heavens upon his shoulders, so he by + his prudence doth uphold the entire Gallic commonwealth.”— + M. L. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I am of opinion, ladies, that after hearing this true story there is none + among you but will think twice before lodging such knaves in her house, + and will be persuaded that hidden poison is always the most dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + “Remember,” said Hircan, “that the husband was a great fool to bring such + a gallant to sup with his fair and virtuous wife.” + </p> + <p> + “I have known the time,” said Geburon, “when in our part of the country + there was not a house but had a room set apart for the good fathers; but + now they are known so well that they are dreaded more than bandits.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” said Parlamente, “that when a woman is in bed she should + never allow a priest to enter the room, unless it be to administer to her + the sacraments of the Church. For my own part, when I send for them, I may + indeed be deemed at the point of death.” + </p> + <p> + “If every one were as strict as you are,” said Ennasuite, “the poor + priests would be worse than excommunicated, in being wholly shut off from + the sight of women.” + </p> + <p> + “Have no such fear on their account,” said Saffredent; “they will never + want for women.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Simontault, “‘tis the very men that have united us to our + wives by the marriage tie that wickedly seek to loose it and bring about + the breaking of the oath which they have themselves laid upon us.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a great pity,” said Oisille, “that those who administer the + sacraments should thus trifle with them. They ought to be burned alive.” + </p> + <p> + “You would do better to honour rather than blame them,” said Saffredent, + “and to flatter rather than revile them, for they are men who have it in + their power to burn and dishonour others. Wherefore ‘<i>sinite eos</i>,’ + and let us see to whom Oisille will give her vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” said she, “to Dagoucin, for he has become so thoughtful that + I think he must have made ready to tell us something good.” + </p> + <p> + “Since I cannot and dare not reply as I would,” said Dagoucin, “I will at + least tell of a man to whom similar cruelty at first brought hurt but + afterwards profit. Although Love accounts himself so strong and powerful + that he will go naked, and finds it irksome, nay intolerable, to go + cloaked, nevertheless, ladies, it often happens that those who, following + his counsel, are over-quick in declaring themselves, find themselves the + worse for it. Such was the experience of a Castilian gentleman, whose + story you shall now hear.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0017" id="linkimage-0017"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/112.jpg" width="100%" alt="112.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0018" id="linkimage-0018"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/113a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="113a.jpg Elisor Showing the Queen Her Own Image " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Elisor showing the Queen her own Image] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0019" id="linkimage-0019"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/113.jpg" width="100%" alt="113.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXIV</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Elisor, having unwisely ventured to discover his love to + the Queen of Castile, was by her put to the test in so cruel + a fashion that he suffered sorely, yet did he reap advantage + therefrom</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In the household of the King and Queen of Castile, (1) whose names shall + not be mentioned, there was a gentleman of such perfection in all + qualities of mind and body, that his like could not be found in all the + Spains. All wondered at his merits, but still more at the strangeness of + his temper, for he had never been known to love or have connection with + any lady. There were very many at Court that might have set his icy nature + afire, but there was not one among them whose charms had power to attract + Elisor; for so this gentleman was called. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 M. Lacroix conjectures that the sovereigns referred to + are Ferdinand and Isabella, but this appears to us a + baseless supposition. The conduct of the Queen in the story + is in no wise in keeping with what we know of Isabella’s + character. Queen Margaret doubtless heard this tale during + her sojourn in Spain in 1525. We have consulted many Spanish + works, and notably collections of the old ballads, in the + hope of being able to throw some light on the incidents + related, but have been no more successful than previous + commentators.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The Queen, who was a virtuous woman but by no means free from that flame + which proves all the fiercer the less it is perceived, was much astonished + to find that this gentleman loved none of her ladies; and one day she + asked him whether it were possible that he could indeed love as little as + he seemed to do. + </p> + <p> + He replied that if she could look upon his heart as she did his face, she + would not ask him such a question. Desiring to know his meaning, she + pressed him so closely that he confessed he loved a lady whom he deemed + the most virtuous in all Christendom. The Queen did all that she could by + entreaties and commands to find out who the lady might be, but in vain; + whereupon, feigning great wrath, she vowed that she would never speak to + him any more if he did not tell her the name of the lady he so dearly + loved. At this he was greatly disturbed, and was constrained to say that + he would rather die, if need were, than name her. + </p> + <p> + Finding, however, that he would lose the Queen’s presence and favour in + default of telling her a thing in itself so honourable that it ought not + to be taken in ill part by any one, he said to her in great fear— + </p> + <p> + “I cannot and dare not tell you, madam, but the first time you go hunting + I will show her to you, and I feel sure that you will deem her the fairest + and most perfect lady in the world.” + </p> + <p> + This reply caused the Queen to go hunting sooner than she would otherwise + have done. + </p> + <p> + Elisor, having notice of this, made ready to attend her as was his wont, + and caused a large steel mirror after the fashion of a corselet to be made + for him, which he placed upon his breast and covered with a cloak of black + frieze, bordered with purflew and gold braid. He was mounted on a + coal-black steed, well caparisoned with everything needful to the + equipment of a horse, and such part of this as was metal was wholly of + gold, wrought with black enamel in the Moorish style. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Damascened.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + His hat was of black silk, and to it was fastened a rich medal on which by + way of device was engraved the god of Love subdued by Force, the whole + enriched with precious stones. His sword and dagger were no less + handsomely and choicely ordered. In a word, he was most bravely equipped, + while so skilled was his horsemanship that all who saw him left the + pleasures of the chase to watch the leaps and paces of his steed. + </p> + <p> + After bringing the Queen in this fashion to the place where the nets were + spread, he dismounted from his noble horse and went to assist the Queen to + alight from her palfrey. And whilst she was stretching out her hands to + him, he threw his cloak back from before his breast, and taking her in his + arms, showed her his corselet-mirror, saying— + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, madam, look here.” + </p> + <p> + Then, without waiting for her reply, he set her down gently upon the + ground. + </p> + <p> + When the hunt was over, the Queen returned to the castle without speaking + to Elisor, but after supper she called him to her and told him that he was + the greatest liar she had ever seen; for he had promised to show her at + the hunt the lady whom he loved the best, but had not done so, for which + reason she was resolved to hold him in esteem no more. + </p> + <p> + Elisor, fearing that the Queen had not understood the words he had spoken + to her, answered that he had indeed obeyed her, for he had shown her not + merely the woman but the thing also, that he loved best in all the world. + </p> + <p> + Pretending that she did not understand him, she replied that he had not, + to her knowledge, shown her a single one among her ladies. + </p> + <p> + “That is true, madam,” said Elisor, “but what did I show you when I helped + you off your horse?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” said the Queen, “except a mirror on your breast.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did you see in the mirror?” said Elisor. + </p> + <p> + “I saw nothing but myself,” replied the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Then, madam,” said Elisor, “I have kept faith with you and obeyed your + command. There is not, nor ever will there be, another image in my heart + save that which you saw upon my breast. Her alone will I love, reverence + and worship, not as a woman merely, but as my very God on earth, in whose + hands I place my life or my death, entreating her withal that the deep and + perfect affection, which was my life whilst it remained concealed, may not + prove my death now that it is discovered. And though I be not worthy that + you should look on me or accept me for your lover, at least suffer me to + live, as hitherto, in the happy consciousness that my heart has chosen so + perfect and so worthy an object for its love, wherefrom I can have no + other satisfaction than the knowledge that my love is deep and perfect, + seeing that I must be content to love without hope of return. And if, now + knowing this great love of mine, you should not be pleased to favour me + more than heretofore, at least do not deprive me of life, which for me + consists wholly in the delight of seeing you as usual. I now have from you + nought but what my utmost need requires, and should I have less, you will + have a servant the less, for you will lose the best and most devoted that + you have ever had or could ever look to have.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen—whether to show herself other than she really was, or to + thoroughly try the love he bore her, or because she loved another whom she + would not cast off, or because she wished to hold him in reserve to put + him in the place of her actual lover should the latter give her any + offence—said to him, with a countenance that showed neither anger + nor content—“Elisor, I will not feign ignorance of the potency of + love, and say aught to you concerning your foolishness in aiming at so + high and hard a thing as the love of me; for I know that man’s heart is so + little under his own control, that he cannot love or hate at will. But, + since you have concealed your feelings so well, I would fain know how long + it is since you first entertained them.” + </p> + <p> + Elisor, gazing at her beauteous face and hearing her thus inquire + concerning his sickness, hoped that she might be willing to afford him a + remedy. But at the same time, observing the grave and staid expression of + her countenance, he became afraid, feeling himself to be in the presence + of a judge whose sentence, he suspected, would be against him. + Nevertheless he swore to her that this love had taken root in his heart in + the days of his earliest youth, though it was only during the past seven + years that it had caused him pain,—and yet, in truth, not pain, but + so pleasing a sickness that its cure would be his death. + </p> + <p> + “Since you have displayed such lengthened steadfastness,” said the Queen, + “I must not show more haste in believing you, than you have shown in + telling me of your affection. If, therefore, it be as you say, I will so + test your sincerity that I shall never afterwards be able to doubt it; and + having proved your pain, I will hold you to be towards me such as you + yourself swear you are; and on my knowing you to be what you say, you, for + your part, shall find me to be what you desire.” + </p> + <p> + Elisor begged her to test him in any way she pleased, there being nothing, + he said, so difficult that it would not appear very easy to him, if he + might have the honour of proving his love to her; and accordingly he + begged her once more to command him as to what she would to have him do. + </p> + <p> + “Elisor,” she replied, “if you love me as much as you say, I am sure that + you will deem nothing hard of accomplishment if only it may bring you my + favour. I therefore command you, by your desire of winning it and your + fear of losing it, to depart hence to-morrow morning without seeing me + again, and to repair to some place where, until this day seven years, you + shall hear nothing of me nor I anything of you. You, who have had seven + years’ experience of this love, know that you do indeed love me; and when + I have had a like experience, I too shall know and believe what your words + cannot now make me either believe or understand.” + </p> + <p> + When Elisor heard this cruel command, he on the one hand suspected that + she desired to remove him from her presence, yet, on the other, he hoped + that this proof would plead more eloquently for him than any words he + could utter. He therefore submitted to her command, and said— + </p> + <p> + “For seven years I have lived hopeless, bearing in my breast a hidden + flame; now, however, that this is known to you, I shall spend these other + seven years in patience and trust. But, madam, while I obey your command, + which robs me of all the happiness that I have heretofore had in the + world, what hope will you give me that at the end of the seven years you + will accept me as your faithful and devoted lover?” + </p> + <p> + “Here is a ring,” said the Queen, drawing one from her finger, “which we + will cut in two. I will keep one half, and you shall keep the other, (3) + so that I may know you by this token, if the lapse of time should cause me + to forget your face.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This was a common practice at the time between lovers, and + even between husbands and wives. There is the familiar but + doubtful story of Frances de Foix, Countess of + Châteaubriant, who became Francis I.‘s mistress, and who is + said to have divided a ring in this manner with her husband, + it being understood between them that she was not to repair + to Court, or even leave her residence in Brittany, unless + her husband sent her as a token the half of the ring which + he had kept. Francis I., we are told, heard of this, and + causing a ring of the same pattern to be made, he sent half + of it to the Countess, who thereupon came to Court, + imagining that it was her husband who summoned her. Whether + the story be true or not, it should be mentioned that the + sole authority for it is Varillas, whose errors and + inventions are innumerable.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Elisor took the ring and broke it in two, giving one half of it to the + Queen, and keeping the other himself. Then, more corpse-like than those + who have given up the ghost, he took his leave, and went to his lodging to + give orders for his departure. In doing this he sent all his attendants to + his house, and departed alone with one servingman to so solitary a spot + that none of his friends or kinsfolk could obtain tidings of him during + the seven years. + </p> + <p> + Of the life that he led during this time, and the grief that he endured + through this banishment, nothing is recorded, but lovers cannot be + ignorant of their nature. At the end of the seven years, just as the Queen + was one day going to mass, a hermit with a long beard came to her, kissed + her hand, and presented her with a petition. This she did not look at + immediately, although it was her custom to receive in her own hands all + the petitions that were presented to her, no matter how poor the + petitioners might be. + </p> + <p> + When mass was half over, however, she opened the petition, and found in it + the half-ring which she had given to Elisor. At this she was not less glad + than astonished, and before reading the contents she instantly commanded + her almoner to bring her the tall hermit who had presented her the + petition. + </p> + <p> + The almoner looked for him everywhere, but could obtain no tidings of him, + except that some one said that he had seen him mount a horse, but knew not + what road he had taken. + </p> + <p> + Whilst she was waiting for the almoner’s return, the Queen read the + petition, which she found to be an epistle in verse, written in the best + style imaginable; and were it not that I would have you acquainted with + it, I should never have dared to translate it; for you must know, ladies, + that, for grace and expression, the Castilian is beyond compare the tongue + which is best fitted to set forth the passion of love. The matter of the + letter was as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Time, by his puissance stern, his sov’reign might, + Hath made me learn love’s character aright; + And, bringing with him, in his gloomy train, + The speechless eloquence of bitter pain, + Hath caused the unbelieving one to know + What words of love were impotent to show. + Time made my heart, aforetime, meekly bow + Unto the mastery of love; but now + Time hath, at last, revealed love to be + Far other than it once appeared to me; + And Time the frail foundation hath made clear + Whereon I purposed, once, my love to rear— + To wit, your beauty, which but served as sheath + To hide the cruelty that lurked beneath. + + Yea, Time hath shown me beauty’s nothingness + And taught me e’en your cruelty to bless, + That cruelty which banished me the place + Where I, at least, had gazed upon your face. + And when no more I saw your beauty beam + The harsher yet your cruelty did seem; + Yet in obedience failed I not, and this + Hath been the means of compassing my bliss. + For Time, love’s parent, pitiful at last, + Upon my woe commiserate eyes hath cast, + And done to me so excellent a turn, + That, if I now come back, think not I yearn + To sigh and dally, and renew the spell— + I only come to bid a last farewell. + + Time, the revealer, hath not failed to prove + How base and sorry is all human love, + So that through Time, I now that time regret + When all my fancy upon love was set, + For then Time wasted was, lost in love’s chains, + Sorrow whereof is all that now remains. + And Time in teaching me <i>that</i> love’s deceit + Hath brought another, far more pure and sweet, + To dwell within me, in the lonely spot + Where tears and silence long have been my lot. + Time, to my heart, that higher love hath brought + With which the lower can no more be sought; + Time hath the latter into exile driven, + And, to the first, myself hath wholly given, + And consecrated to its service true + The heart and hand I erst had given to you. + + When I was yours you nothing showed of grace, + And I that nothing loved, for your fair face; + Then, death for loyalty, you sought to give, + And I, in fleeing it, have learnt to live. + For, by the tender love that Time hath brought + The other vanquished is, and turned to nought; + Once did it lure and lull me, but I swear + It now hath wholly vanished in thin air. + And so your love and you I gladly leave, + And, needing neither, will forbear to grieve; + The other perfect, lasting love is mine, + To it I turn, nor for the lost one pine. + + My leave I take of cruelty and pain, + Of hatred, bitter torment, cold disdain, + And those hot flames which fill you, and which fire + Him, that beholds your beauty, with desire. + Nor can I better part from ev’ry throe, + From ev’ry evil hap, and stress of woe, + And the fierce passion of love’s awful hell, + Than by this single utterance: <i>Farewell</i>. + Learn therefore, that whate’er may be in store, + Each other’s faces we shall see no more.” + </pre> + <p> + This letter was not read without many tears and much astonishment on the + Queen’s part, together with regret surpassing belief; for the loss of a + lover filled with so perfect a love must needs have been keenly felt; and + not all her treasures, nor even her kingdom itself, could hinder the Queen + from being the poorest and most wretched lady in the world, seeing that + she had lost that which all the world’s wealth could not replace. And + having heard mass to the end and returned to her apartment, she there made + such mourning as her cruelty had provoked. And there was not a mountain, a + rock or a forest to which she did not send in quest of the hermit; but He + who had withdrawn him out of her hands preserved him from falling into + them again, and took him away to Paradise before she could gain tidings of + him in this world. + </p> + <p> + “This instance shows that a lover should never acknowledge that which may + do him harm and in no wise help him. And still less, ladies, should you in + your incredulity demand so hard a test, lest in getting your proof you + lose your lover.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly, Dagoucin,” said Geburon, “I had all my life long deemed the lady + of your story to be the most virtuous in the world, but now I hold her for + the most cruel woman that ever lived.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Parlamente, “it seems to me that she did him no wrong + in wishing to try him for seven years, in order to see whether he did love + her as much as he said. Men are so wont to speak falsely in these matters + that before trusting them, if indeed one trust them at all, one cannot put + them to the proof too long.” + </p> + <p> + “The ladies of our day,” said Hircan, “are far wiser than those of past + times, for they are as sure of a lover after a seven days’ trial as the + others were after seven years.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet there are those in this company,” said Longarine, “who have been + loved with all earnestness for seven years and more, and albeit have not + been won.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Fore God,” said Simontault, “you speak the truth; but such as they ought + to be ranked with the ladies of former times, for they cannot be + recognised as belonging to the present.” + </p> + <p> + “After all,” said Oisille, “the gentleman was much beholden to the lady, + for it was owing to her that he devoted his heart wholly to God.” + </p> + <p> + “It was very fortunate for him,” said Saffredent, “that he found God upon + the way, for, considering the grief he was in, I am surprised that he did + not give himself to the devil.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you give yourself to such a master,” asked Ennasuite, “when your + lady ill used you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, thousands of times,” said Saffredent, “but the devil, seeing that + all the torments of hell could bring me no more suffering than those which + she caused me to endure, never condescended to take me. He knew full well + that no devil is so bad as a lady who is deeply loved and will make no + return.” + </p> + <p> + “If I were you,” said Parlamente to Saffredent, “and held such an opinion + as that, I would never make love to woman.” + </p> + <p> + “My affection,” said Saffredent, “and my folly are always so great, that + where I cannot command I am well content to serve. All the ill-will of the + ladies cannot subdue the love that I bear them. But, I pray you, tell me + on your conscience, do you praise this lady for such great harshness?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Oisille, “I do, for I think that she wished neither to receive + love nor to bestow it.” + </p> + <p> + “If such was her mind,” said Simontault, “why did she hold out to him the + hope of being loved after the seven years were past?” + </p> + <p> + “I am of your opinion,” said Longarine, “for ladies who are unwilling to + love give no occasion for the continuance of the love that is offered + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said Nomerfide, “she loved some one else less worthy than that + honourable gentleman, and so forsook the better for the worse.” + </p> + <p> + “‘T faith,” said Saffredent, “I think that she meant to keep him in + readiness and take him whenever she might leave the other whom for the + time she loved the best.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see,” said Oisille, (4) “that the more we talk in this way, the + more those who would not be harshly treated will do their utmost to speak + ill of us. Wherefore, Dagoucin, I pray you give some lady your vote.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Prior to this sentence the following passage occurs in + the De Thou MS.: “When Madame Oysille saw that the men, + under pretence of censuring the Queen of Castille for + conduct which certainly cannot be praised either in her or + in any other, continued saying so much evil of women, that + the most discreet and virtuous were spared no more than the + most foolish and wanton, she could endure it no longer, but + spoke and said,” &c.—L. +</pre> + <p> + “I give it,” he said, “to Longarine, for I feel sure that she will tell us + no melancholy story, and that she will speak the truth without sparing man + or woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you deem me so truthful,” said Longarine, “I will be so bold as to + relate an adventure that befel a very great Prince, who surpasses in worth + all others of his time. Lying and dissimulation are, indeed, things not to + be employed save in cases of extreme necessity; they are foul and infamous + vices, more especially in Princes and great lords, on whose lips and + features truth sits more becomingly than on those of other men. But no + Prince in the world however great he be, even though he have all the + honours and wealth he may desire, can escape being subject to the empire + and tyranny of Love; indeed it would seem that the nobler and more + high-minded the Prince, the more does Love strive to bring him under his + mighty hand. For this glorious God sets no store by common things; his + majesty rejoices solely in the daily working of miracles, such as + weakening the strong, strengthening the weak, giving knowledge to the + simple, taking intelligence from the most learned, favouring the passions, + and overthrowing the reason. In such transformations as these does the + Deity of Love delight. Now since Princes are not exempt from love’s + thraldom, so also are they not free from its necessities, and must + therefore perforce be permitted to employ falsehood, hypocrisy and deceit, + which, according to the teaching of Master Jehan de Mehun, (5) are the + means to be employed for vanquishing our enemies. And, since such conduct + is praiseworthy on the part of a Prince in such a case as this (though in + any other it were deserving of blame), I will relate to you the devices to + which a young Prince resorted, and by which he contrived to deceive those + who are wont to deceive the whole world.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 John dc Melun, who continued the <i>Roman de la Rose</i> begun + by Lorris.—D. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0020" id="linkimage-0020"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/130.jpg" width="100%" alt="130.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0021" id="linkimage-0021"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/131a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="131a.jpg the Advocate’s Wife Attending on The Prince " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Advocate’s Wife attending on the Prince] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0022" id="linkimage-0022"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/131.jpg" width="100%" alt="131.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXV</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A young Prince, whilst pretending to visit his lawyer and + talk with him of his affairs, conversed so freely with the + lawyer’s wife, that he obtained from her what he desired</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In the city of Paris there dwelt an advocate who was more highly thought + of than any other of his condition, (1) and who, being sought after by + every one on account of his excellent parts, had become the richest of all + those who wore the gown. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 In five of the oldest MSS. of the <i>Heptameron</i>, and in + the original editions of 1558, 1559, and 1560, the words are + “than nine others of his condition.” The explanation of this + is, that the advocate’s name, as ascertained by Baron Jerome + Pichon, was Disome, which, written Dix-hommes, would + literally mean “ten men.” Baron Pichon has largely + elucidated this story, and the essential points of his + notice, contributed to the <i>Mélanges de la Société des + Bibliophiles Français</i>, will be found summarized in the + Appendix to this volume, B.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Now, although he had had no children by his first wife, he was in hopes of + having some by a second; for, although his body was no longer hearty, his + heart and hopes were as much alive as ever. Accordingly, he made choice of + one of the fairest maidens in the city; she was between eighteen and + nineteen years of age, very handsome both in features and complexion, and + still more handsome in figure. He loved her and treated her as well as + could be; but he had no children by her any more than by his first wife, + and this at last made her unhappy. And as youth cannot endure grief, she + sought diversion away from home, and betook herself to dances and feasts; + yet she did this in so seemly a fashion that her husband could not take it + ill, for she was always in the company of women in whom he had trust. + </p> + <p> + One day, when she was at a wedding, there was also present a Prince of + very high degree, who, when telling me the story, forbade me to discover + his name. I may, however, tell you that he was the handsomest and most + graceful Prince that has ever been or, in my opinion, ever will be in this + realm. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Francis L, prior to his accession.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The Prince, seeing this fair and youthful lady whose eyes and countenance + invited him to love her, came and spoke to her with such eloquence and + grace that she was well pleased with his discourse. + </p> + <p> + Nor did she seek to hide from him that she had long had in her heart the + love for which he prayed, but entreated that he would spare all pains to + persuade her to a thing to which love, at first sight, had brought her to + consent. Having, by the artlessness of love, so promptly gained what was + well worth the pains of being won by time, the young Prince thanked God + for His favour, and forthwith contrived matters so well that they agreed + together in devising a means for seeing each other in private. + </p> + <p> + The young Prince failed not to appear at the time and place that had been + agreed upon, and, that he might not injure his lady’s honour, he went in + disguise. On account, however, of the evil fellows (3) who were wont to + prowl at night through the city, and to whom he cared not to make himself + known, he took with him certain gentlemen in whom he trusted. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The French expression here is <i>mauvais garsons</i>, a name + generally given to foot-pads at that time, but applied more + particularly to a large band of brigands who, in the + confusion prevailing during Francis I.‘s captivity in Spain, + began to infest the woods and forests around Paris, whence + at night-time they descended upon the city. Several + engagements were fought between them and the troops of the + Queen-Regent, and although their leader, called King + Guillot, was captured and hanged, the remnants of the band + continued their depredations for several years.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + And on entering the street in which the lady lived, he parted from them, + saying— + </p> + <p> + “If you hear no noise within a quarter of an hour, go home again, and come + back here for me at about three or four o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + They did as they were commanded, and, hearing no noise, withdrew. + </p> + <p> + The young Prince went straight to his advocate’s house, where he found the + door open as had been promised him. But as he was ascending the staircase + he met the husband, carrying a candle in his hand, and was perceived by + him before he was aware. However Love, who provides wit and boldness to + contend with the difficulties that he creates, prompted the young Prince + to go straight up to him and say— + </p> + <p> + “Master advocate, you know the trust which I and all belonging to my house + have ever put in you, and how I reckon you among my best and truest + servants. I have now thought it well to visit you here in private, both to + commend my affairs to you, and also to beg you to give me something to + drink, for I am in great thirst. And, I pray you, tell none that I have + come here, for from this place I must go to another where I would not be + known.” + </p> + <p> + The worthy advocate was well pleased at the honour which the Prince paid + him in coming thus privately to his house, and, leading him to his own + room, he bade his wife prepare a collation of the best fruits and + confections that she had. + </p> + <p> + Although the garments she wore, a kerchief and mantle, made her appear + more beautiful than ever, the young Prince affected not to look at her or + notice her, but spoke unceasingly to her husband about his affairs, as to + one who had long had them in his hands. And, whilst the lady was kneeling + with the confections before the Prince, and her husband was gone to the + sideboard in order to serve him with drink, she told him that on leaving + the room he must not fail to enter a closet which he would find on the + right hand, and whither she would very soon come to see him. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had drunk, he thanked the advocate, who was all eagerness to + attend him; but the Prince assured him that in the place whither he was + going he had no need of attendance, and thereupon turning to the wife, he + said— + </p> + <p> + “Moreover, I will not do so ill as to deprive you of your excellent + husband, who is also an old servant of mine. Well may you render thanks to + God since you are so fortunate as to have such a husband, well may you + render him service and obedience. If you did otherwise, you would be + blameworthy indeed.” + </p> + <p> + With these virtuous words the young Prince went away, and, closing the + door behind him so that he might not be followed to the staircase, he + entered the closet, whither also came the fair lady as soon as her husband + had fallen asleep. + </p> + <p> + Thence she led the Prince into a cabinet as choicely furnished as might + be, though in truth there were no fairer figures in it than he and she, no + matter what garments they may have been pleased to wear. And here, I doubt + not, she kept word with him as to all that she had promised. + </p> + <p> + He departed thence at the hour which he had appointed with his gentlemen, + and found them at the spot where he had aforetime bidden them wait. + </p> + <p> + As this intercourse lasted a fairly long time, the young Prince chose a + shorter way to the advocate’s house, and this led him through a monastery + of monks. (4) And so well did he contrive matters with the Prior, that the + porter used always to open the gate for him about midnight, and do the + like also when he returned. And, as the house which he visited was hard + by, he used to take nobody with him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 If at this period Jane Disome, the heroine of the story, + lived in the Rue de la Pauheminerie, where she is known to + have died some years afterwards, this monastery, in Baron + Jerome Pichon’s opinion, would be the Blancs-Manteaux, in + the Marais district of Paris. We may further point out that + in the Rue Barbette, near by, there was till modern times a + house traditionally known as the “hôtel de la belle + Féronnière.” That many writers have confused the heroine of + this tale with La Belle Féronnière (so called because her + husband was a certain Le Féron, an advocate) seems manifest; + the intrigue in which the former took part was doubtless + ascribed in error to the latter, and the proximity of their + abodes may have led to the mistake. It should be pointed + out, however, that the amour here recorded by Queen Margaret + took place in or about the year 1515, before Francis I. + ascended the throne, whereas La Féronnière was in all her + beauty between 1530 and 1540. The tradition that the King + had an intrigue with La Féronnière reposes on the flimsiest + evidence (see Appendix B), and the supposition, re-echoed by + the Bibliophile Jacob, that it was carried on in the Rue de + l’Hirondelle, is entirely erroneous. The house, adorned with + the salamander device and corneted initials of Francis I., + which formerly extended from that street to the Rue Git-le- + Coeur, never had any connection with La Féronnière. It was + the famous so-called Palace of Love which the King built for + his acknowledged mistress, Anne de Pisseleu, Duchess of + Étampes.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Although he led the life that I have described, he was nevertheless a + Prince that feared and loved God, and although he made no pause when + going, he never failed on his return to continue for a long time praying + in the church. And the monks, who when going to and fro at the hour of + matins used to see him there on his knees, were thereby led to consider + him the holiest man alive. + </p> + <p> + This Prince had a sister (5) who often visited this monastery, and as she + loved her brother more than any other living being, she used to commend + him to the prayers of all whom she knew to be good. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 This of course is Queen Margaret, then Duchess of + Alençon. On account of her apparent intimacy with the prior, + M. de Montaiglon conjectures that the monastery may have + been that of St. Martin-in-the-Fields.—See ante, Tale + XXII.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + One day, when she was in this manner commending him lovingly to the Prior + of the monastery, the Prior said to her— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam, whom are you thus commending to me? You are speaking to me of + a man in whose prayers, above those of all others, I would myself fain be + remembered. For if he be not a holy man and a just”—here he quoted + the passage which says, “Blessed is he that can do evil and doeth it not”—“<i>I</i> + cannot hope to be held for such.” + </p> + <p> + The sister, wishing to learn what knowledge this worthy father could have + of her brother’s goodness, questioned him so pressingly that he at last + told her the secret under the seal of the confessional, saying— + </p> + <p> + “Is it not an admirable thing to see a young and handsome Prince forsake + pleasure and repose in order to come so often to hear our matins? Nor + comes he like a Prince seeking honour of men, but quite alone, like a + simple monk, and hides himself in one of our chapels. Truly such piety so + shames both the monks and me, that we do not deem ourselves worthy of + being called men of religion in comparison with him.” + </p> + <p> + When the sister heard these words she was at a loss what to think. She + knew that, although her brother was worldly enough, he had a tender + conscience, as well as great faith and love towards God; but she had never + suspected him of a leaning towards any superstitions or rites save such as + a good Christian should observe. (6) She therefore went to him and told + him the good opinion that the monks had of him, whereat he could not hold + from laughing, and in such a manner that she, knowing him as she did her + own heart, perceived that there was something hidden beneath his devotion; + whereupon she rested not until she had made him tell her the truth. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 In Boaistuau’s edition this sentence ends, “But she had + never suspected him of going to church at such an hour as + this.”—L. +</pre> + <p> + And she has made me here set it down in writing, for the purpose, ladies, + of showing you that there is no lawyer so crafty and no monk so shrewd, + but love, in case of need, gives the power of tricking them both, to those + whose sole experience is in truly loving. And since love can thus deceive + the deceivers, well may we, who are simple and ignorant folk, stand in awe + of him. + </p> + <p> + “Although,” said Geburon, “I can pretty well guess who the young Prince + is, I must say that in this matter he was worthy of praise. We meet with + few great lords who reck aught of a woman’s honour or a public scandal, if + only they have their pleasure; nay, they are often well pleased to have + men believe something that is even worse than the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Oisille, “I could wish that all young lords would follow his + example, for the scandal is often worse than the sin.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Nomerfide, “the prayers he offered up at the monastery + through which he passed were sincere.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not a matter for you to judge,” said Parlamente, “for perhaps his + repentance on his return was great enough to procure him the pardon of his + sin.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis a hard matter,” said Hircan, “to repent of an offence so pleasing. + For my own part I have many a time confessed such a one, but seldom have I + repented of it.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be better,” said Oisille, “not to confess at all, if one do not + sincerely repent.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, madam,” said Hircan, “sin sorely displeases me, and I am grieved to + offend God, but, for all that, such sin is ever a pleasure to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You and those like you,” said Parlamente, “would fain have neither God + nor law other than your own desires might set up.” + </p> + <p> + “I will own to you,” said Hircan, “that I would gladly have God take as + deep a pleasure in my pleasures as I do myself, for I should then often + give Him occasion to rejoice.” + </p> + <p> + “However, you cannot set up a new God,” said Geburon, “and so we must e’en + obey the one we have. Let us therefore leave such disputes to theologians, + and allow Longarine to give some one her vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” she said, “to Saffredent, but I will beg him to tell us the + finest tale he can think of, and not to be so intent on speaking evil of + women as to hide the truth when there is something good of them to + relate.” + </p> + <p> + “In sooth,” said Saffredent, “I consent, for I have here in hand the story + of a wanton woman and a discreet one, and you shall take example by her + who pleases you best. You will see that just as love leads wicked people + to do wicked things, so does it lead a virtuous heart to do things that + are worthy of praise; for love in itself is good, although the evil that + is in those that are subject to it often makes it take a new title, such + as wanton, light, cruel or vile. However, you will see from the tale that + I am now about to relate that love does not change the heart, but + discovers it to be what it really is, wanton in the wanton and discreet in + the discreet.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0023" id="linkimage-0023"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/142.jpg" width="100%" alt="142.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0024" id="linkimage-0024"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/143a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="143a.jpg the Lord of Avannes Paying his Court in Disguise " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lord of Avannes paying His Court in Disguise] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0025" id="linkimage-0025"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/143.jpg" width="100%" alt="143.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXVI</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>By the counsel and sisterly affection of a virtuous lady, + the Lord of Avannes was drawn from the wanton love that he + entertained for a gentlewoman dwelling at Pampeluna</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In the days of King Louis the Twelfth there lived a young lord called + Monsieur d’Avannes, (1) son of the Lord of Albret [and] brother to King + John of Navarre, with whom this aforesaid Lord of Avannes commonly abode. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This is Gabriel d’Albret, Lord of Avesnes and Lesparre, + fourth son of Alan the Great, Sire d’Albret, and brother of + John d’Albret, King of Navarre, respecting whom see <i>post</i>, + note 4 to Tale XXX. Queen Margaret is in error in dating + this story from the reign of Louis XII. The incidents she + relates must have occurred between 1485 and 1490, under the + reign of Charles VIII., by whom Gabriel d’Albret, on + reaching manhood, was successively appointed counsellor and + chamberlain, Seneschal of Guyenne and Viceroy of Naples. + Under Louis XII. he took a prominent part in the Italian + campaigns of 1500-1503, in which latter year he is known to + have made his will, bequeathing all he possessed to his + brother, Cardinal d’Albret. He died a bachelor in 1504.—See + Anselme’s <i>Histoire Généalogique</i>, vol. vi. p. 214.—L. and + Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Now this young lord, who was fifteen years of age, was so handsome and so + fully endowed with every excellent grace that he seemed to have been made + solely to be loved and admired, as he was indeed by all who saw him, and + above all by a lady who dwelt in the town of Pampeluna (2) in Navarre. She + was married to a very rich man, with whom she lived in all virtue, + inasmuch that, although her husband was nearly fifty years old and she was + only three and twenty, she dressed so plainly that she had more the + appearance of a widow than of a married woman. Moreover, she was never + known to go to weddings or feasts unless accompanied by her husband, whose + worth and virtue she prized so highly that she set them before all the + comeliness of other men. And her husband, finding her so discreet, trusted + her and gave all the affairs of his household into her hands. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Pampeluna or Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, wrested + from King John in 1512 by the troops of Ferdinand the + Catholic.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + One day this rich man was invited with his wife to a wedding among their + kinsfolk; and among those who were present to do honour to the bridal was + the young Lord of Avannes, who was exceedingly fond of dancing, as was + natural in one who surpassed therein all others of his time. When dinner + was over and the dances were begun, the rich man begged the Lord of + Avannes to do his part, whereupon the said lord asked him with whom he + would have him dance. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” replied the gentleman, “I can present to you no lady fairer and + more completely at my disposal than my wife, and I therefore beg you to + honour me so far as to lead her out.” + </p> + <p> + This the young Prince did; and he was still so young that he took far + greater pleasure in frisking and dancing than in observing the beauty of + the ladies. But his partner, on the contrary, gave more heed to his grace + and beauty than to the dance, though in her prudence she took good care + not to let this appear. + </p> + <p> + The supper hour being come, the Lord of Avannes bade the company farewell, + and departed to the castle, (3) whither the rich man accompanied him on + his mule. And as they were going, the rich man said to him— + </p> + <p> + “My lord, you have this day done so much honour to my kinsfolk and to me, + that I should indeed be ungrateful if I did not place myself with all that + belongs to me at your service. I know, sir, that lords like yourself, who + have stern and miserly fathers, are often in greater need of money than + we, who, with small establishments and careful husbandry, seek only to + save up wealth. Now, albeit God has given me a wife after my own heart, it + has not pleased Him to give me all my Paradise in this world, for He has + withheld from me the joy that fathers derive from having children. I know, + my lord, that it is not for me to adopt you as a son, but if you will + accept me for your servant and make known to me your little affairs, I + will not fail to assist you in your need so far as a hundred thousand + crowns may go.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 Evidently the castle of Pampeluna, where Gabriel d’Albret + resided with his brother the King.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The Lord of Avannes was in great joy at this offer, for he had just such a + father as the other had described; accordingly he thanked him, and called + him his adopted father. + </p> + <p> + From that hour the rich man evinced so much love towards the Lord of + Avannes, that morning and evening he failed not to inquire whether he had + need of anything, nor did he conceal this devotion from his wife, who + loved him for it twice as much as before. Thenceforward the Lord of + Avannes had no lack of anything that he desired. He often visited the rich + man, and ate and drank with him; and when he found the husband abroad, the + wife gave him all that he required, and further spoke to him so sagely, + exhorting him to live discreetly and virtuously, that he reverenced and + loved her above all other women. + </p> + <p> + Having God and honour before her eyes, she remained content with thus + seeing him and speaking to him, for these are sufficient for virtuous and + honourable love; and she never gave any token whereby he might have + imagined that she felt aught but a sisterly and Christian affection + towards him. + </p> + <p> + While this secret love continued, the Lord of Avannes, who, by the + assistance that I have spoken of, was always well and splendidly + apparelled, came to the age of seventeen years, and began to frequent the + company of ladies more than had been his wont. And although he would fain + have loved this virtuous lady rather than any other, yet his fear of + losing her friendship should she hear any such discourse from him, led him + to remain silent and to divert himself elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + He therefore addressed himself to a gentlewoman of the neighbourhood of + Pampeluna, who had a house in the town, and was married to a young man + whose chief delight was in horses, hawks and hounds. For her sake, he + began to set on foot a thousand diversions, such as tourneys, races, + wrestlings, masquerades, banquets, and other pastimes, at all of which + this young lady was present. But as her husband was very humorsome, and + her parents, knowing her to be both fair and frolicsome, were jealous of + her honour, they kept such strict watch over her that my Lord of Avannes + could obtain nothing from her save a word or two at the dance, although, + from the little that had passed between them, he well knew that time and + place alone were wanting to crown their loves. + </p> + <p> + He therefore went to his good father, the rich man, and told him that he + deeply desired to make a pilgrimage to our Lady of Montferrat, (4) for + which reason he begged him to house his followers, seeing that he wished + to go alone. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 The famous monastery of Montserrate, at eight leagues + from Barcelona, where is preserved the ebony statue of the + Virgin carrying the Infant Jesus, which is traditionally + said to have been carved by St. Luke, and to have been + brought to Spain by St. Peter.—See <i>Libro de la historia y + milagros hechos à invocation de Nuestra Seilora de + Montserrate</i>, Barcelona, 1556, 8vo.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + To this the rich man agreed; but his wife, in whose heart was that great + soothsayer, Love, forthwith suspected the true nature of the journey, and + could not refrain from saying— + </p> + <p> + “My lord, my lord, the Lady you adore is not without the walls of this + town, so I pray that you will have in all matters a care for your health.” + </p> + <p> + At this he, who both feared and loved her, blushed so deeply that, without + speaking a word, he confessed the truth; and so he went away. + </p> + <p> + Having bought a couple of handsome Spanish horses, he dressed himself as a + groom, and disguised his face in such a manner that none could know him. + The gentleman who was husband to the wanton lady, and who loved horses + more than aught beside, saw the two that the Lord of Avannes was leading, + and forthwith offered to buy them. When he had done so, he looked at the + groom, who was managing the horses excellently well, and asked whether he + would enter his service. The Lord of Avannes replied that he would; saying + that he was but a poor groom, who knew no trade except the caring of + horses, but in this he could do so well that he would assuredly give + satisfaction. At this the gentleman was pleased, and having given him the + charge of all his horses, entered his house, and told his wife that he was + leaving for the castle, and confided his horses and groom to her keeping. + </p> + <p> + The lady, as much to please her husband as for her own diversion, went to + see the horses, and looked at the new groom, who seemed to her to be well + favoured, though she did not at all recognise him. Seeing that he was not + recognised, he came up to do her reverence in the Spanish fashion and + kissed her hand, and, in doing so, pressed it so closely that she at once + knew him, for he had often done the same at the dance. From that moment, + the lady thought of nothing but how she might speak to him in private; and + contrived to do so that very evening, for, being invited to a banquet, to + which her husband wished to take her, she pretended that she was ill and + unable to go. + </p> + <p> + The husband, being unwilling to disappoint his friends, thereupon said to + her— + </p> + <p> + “Since you will not come, my love, I pray you take good care of my horses + and hounds, so that they may want for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + The lady deemed this charge a very agreeable one, but, without showing it, + she replied that since he had nothing better for her to do, she would show + him even in these trifling matters how much she desired to please him. + </p> + <p> + And scarcely was her husband outside the door than she went down to the + stable, where she found that something was amiss, and to set it right gave + so many orders to the serving-men on this side and the other, that at last + she was left alone with the chief groom, when, fearing that some one might + come upon them, she said to him— + </p> + <p> + “Go into the garden, and wait for me in a summer house that stands at the + end of the alley.” + </p> + <p> + This he did, and with such speed that he stayed not even to thank her. + </p> + <p> + When she had set the whole stable in order, she went to see the dogs, and + was so careful to have them properly treated, that from mistress she + seemed to have become a serving-woman. Afterwards she withdrew to her own + apartment, where she lay down weariedly upon the bed, saying that she + wished to rest. All her women left her excepting one whom she trusted, and + to whom she said— + </p> + <p> + “Go into the garden, and bring here the man whom you will find at the end + of the alley.” + </p> + <p> + The maid went and found the groom, whom she forthwith brought to the lady, + and the latter then sent her outside to watch for her husband’s return. + When the Lord of Avannes found himself alone with the lady, he doffed his + groom’s dress, took off his false nose and beard, and, not like a timorous + groom, but like the handsome lord he was, boldly got into bed with her + without so much as asking her leave; and he was received as the handsomest + youth of his time deserved to be by the handsomest and gayest lady in the + land, and remained with her until her husband returned. Then he again took + his mask and left the place which his craft and artifice had usurped. + </p> + <p> + On entering the courtyard the gentleman heard of the diligence that his + wife had shown in obeying him, and he thanked her heartily for it. + </p> + <p> + “Sweetheart,” said the lady, “I did but my duty. Tis true that if we did + not keep watch upon these rogues of servants you would not have a dog + without the mange or a horse in good condition; but, now that I know their + slothfulness and your wishes, you shall be better served than ever you + were before.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, who thought that he had chosen the best groom in the world, + asked her what she thought of him. + </p> + <p> + “I will own, sir,” she replied, “that he does his work as well as any you + could have chosen, but he needs to be urged on, for he is the sleepiest + knave I ever saw.” + </p> + <p> + So the lord and his lady lived together more lovingly than before, and he + lost all the suspicion and jealousy with which he had regarded her, seeing + that she was now as careful of her house hold as she had formerly been + devoted to banquets, dances and assemblies. Whereas, also, she had + formerly been wont to spend four hours in attiring herself, she was now + often content to wear nothing but a dressing-gown over her chemise; and + for this she was praised by her husband and by every one else, for they + did not understand that a stronger devil had entered her and thrust out a + weaker one. + </p> + <p> + Thus did this young lady, under the guise of a virtuous woman, like the + hypocrite she was, live in such wantonness that reason, conscience, order + and moderation found no place within her. The youth and tender + constitution of the Lord of Avannes could not long endure this, and he + began to grow so pale and lean that even without his mask he might well + have passed unrecognised; yet the mad love that he had for this woman so + blunted his understanding that he imagined he had strength to accomplish + feats that even Hercules had tried in vain. However, being at last + constrained by sickness and advised thereto by his lady, who was not so + fond of him sick as sound, he asked his master’s leave to return home, and + this his master gave him with much regret, making him promise to come back + to service when he was well again. + </p> + <p> + In this wise did the Lord of Avannes go away, and all on foot, for he had + only the length of a street to travel. On arriving at the house of his + good father, the rich man, he there found only his wife, whose honourable + love for him had been in no whit lessened by his journey. But when she saw + him so colourless and thin, she could not refrain from saying to him— + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, my lord, how your conscience may be, but your body has + certainly not been bettered by your pilgrimage. I fear me that your + journeyings by night have done you more harm than your journeyings by day, + for had you gone to Jerusalem on foot you would have come back more + sunburnt, indeed, but not so thin and weak. Pay good heed to this one, and + worship no longer such images as those, which, instead of reviving the + dead, cause the living to die. I would say more, but if your body has + sinned it has been well punished, and I feel too much pity for you to add + any further distress.” + </p> + <p> + When my Lord of Avannes heard these words, he was as sorry as he was + ashamed. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” he replied, “I have heard that repentance follows upon sin, and + now I have proved it to my cost. But I pray you pardon my youth, which + could not have been punished save by the evil in which it would not + believe.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon changing her discourse, the lady made him lie down in a handsome + bed, where he remained for a fortnight, taking nothing but restoratives; + and the lady and her husband constantly kept him company, so that he + always had one or the other beside him. And although he had acted + foolishly, as you have heard, contrary to the desire and counsel of the + virtuous lady, she, nevertheless, lost nought of the virtuous love that + she felt towards him, for she still hoped that, after spending his early + youth in follies, he would throw them off and bring himself to love + virtuously, and so be all her own. + </p> + <p> + During the fortnight that he was in her house, she held to him such + excellent discourse, all tending to the love of virtue, that he began to + loathe the folly that he had committed. Observing, moreover, the lady’s + beauty, which surpassed that of the wanton one, and becoming more and more + aware of the graces and virtues that were in her, he one day, when it was + rather dark, could not longer hold from speaking, but, putting away all + fear, said to her— + </p> + <p> + “I see no better means, madam, for becoming a virtuous man such as you + urge me and desire me to be, than by being heart and soul in love with + virtue. I therefore pray you, madam, to tell me whether you will give me + in this matter all the assistance and favour that you can.” + </p> + <p> + The lady rejoiced to find him speaking in this way, and replied— + </p> + <p> + “I promise you, my lord, that if you are in love with virtue as it beseems + a lord like yourself to be, I will assist your efforts with all the + strength that God has given me.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, madam,” said my Lord of Avannes, “remember your promise, and + consider also that God, whom man knows by faith alone, deigned to take a + fleshly nature like that of the sinner upon Himself, in order that, by + drawing our flesh to the love of His humanity, He might at the same time + draw our spirits to the love of His divinity, thus making use of visible + means to make us in all faith love the things which are invisible. In like + manner this virtue, which I would fain love all my life long, is a thing + invisible except in so far as it produces outward effects, for which + reason it must take some bodily shape in order to become known among men. + And this it has done by clothing itself in your form, the most perfect it + could find. I therefore recognise and own that you are not only virtuous + but virtue itself; and now, finding it shine beneath the veil of the most + perfect person that was ever known, I would fain serve it and honour it + all my life, renouncing for its sake every other vain and vicious love.” + </p> + <p> + The lady, who was no less pleased than surprised to hear these words, + concealed her happiness and said— + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I will not undertake to answer your theology, but since I am + more ready to apprehend evil than to believe in good, I will entreat you + to address to me no more such words as lead you to esteem but lightly + those who are wont to believe them. I very well know that I am a woman + like any other and imperfect, and that virtue would do a greater thing by + transforming me into itself than by assuming my form—unless, indeed, + it would fain pass unrecognised through the world, for in such a garb as + mine its real nature could never be known. Nevertheless, my lord, with all + my imperfections, I have ever borne to you all such affection as is right + and possible in a woman who reverences God and her honour. But this + affection shall not be declared until your heart is capable of that + patience which a virtuous love enjoins. At that time, my lord, I shall + know what to say, but meanwhile be assured that you do not love your own + welfare, person and honour as I myself love them.” + </p> + <p> + The Lord of Avannes timorously and with tears in his eyes entreated her + earnestly to seal her words with a kiss, but she refused, saying that she + would not break for him the custom of her country. + </p> + <p> + While this discussion was going on the husband came in, and my Lord of + Avannes said to him— + </p> + <p> + “I am greatly indebted, father, both to you and to your wife, and I pray + you ever to look upon me as your son.” + </p> + <p> + This the worthy man readily promised. + </p> + <p> + “And to seal your love,” said the Lord of Avannes, “I pray you let me kiss + you.” This he did, after which the Lord of Avannes said—: + </p> + <p> + “If I were not afraid of offending against the law, I would do the same to + your wife and my mother.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this, the husband commanded his wife to kiss him, which she did + without appearing either to like or to dislike what her husband commanded + her. But the fire that words had already kindled in the poor lord’s heart, + grew fiercer at this kiss which had been so earnestly sought for and so + cruelly denied. + </p> + <p> + After this the Lord of Avannes betook himself to the castle to see his + brother, the King, to whom he told fine stories about his journey to + Montferrat. He found that the King was going to Oly and Taffares, (5) and, + reflecting that the journey would be a long one, he fell into deep + sadness, and resolved before going away to try whether the virtuous lady + were not better disposed towards him than she appeared to be. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 Evidently Olite and Tafalla, the former at thirty and the + latter at twenty-seven miles from Pamplona. The two towns + were commonly called <i>la flor de Navarra</i>. King John + doubtless intended sojourning at the summer palaces which + his predecessor Carlos the Noble had built at either + locality, and which were connected, it is said, by a gallery + a league in length. Some ruins of these palaces still exist. + —Ed. +</pre> + <p> + He therefore went to lodge in the street in which she lived, where he + hired an old house, badly built of timber. About midnight he set fire to + it, and the alarm, which spread through the whole town, reached the rich + man’s house. He asked from the window where the fire was, and hearing that + it was in the house of the Lord of Avannes, immediately hastened thither + with all his servants. He found the young lord in the street, clad in + nothing but his shirt, whereat in his deep compassion he took him in his + arms, and, covering him with his own robe, brought him home as quickly as + possible, where he said to his wife, who was in bed— + </p> + <p> + “Here, sweetheart, I give this prisoner into your charge. Treat him as you + would treat myself.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was gone, the Lord of Avannes, who would gladly have been + treated like a husband, sprang lightly into the bed, hoping that place and + opportunity would bring this discreet lady to a different mind; but he + found the contrary to be the case, for as he leaped into the bed on one + side, she got out at the other. Then, putting on her dressing-gown, she + came up to the head of the bed and spoke as follows— + </p> + <p> + “Did you think, my lord, that opportunity could influence a chaste heart? + Nay, just as gold is tried in the furnace, so a chaste heart becomes + stronger and more virtuous in the midst of temptation, and grows colder + the more it is assailed by its opposite. You may be sure, therefore, that + had I been otherwise minded than I professed myself to be, I should not + have wanted means, to which I have paid no heed solely because I desire + not to use them. So I beg of you, if you would have me preserve my + affection for you, put away not merely the desire but even the thought + that you can by any means whatever make me other than I am.” + </p> + <p> + While she was speaking, her women came in, and she commanded a collation + of all kinds of sweetmeats to be brought; but the young lord could neither + eat nor drink, in such despair was he at having failed in his enterprise, + and in such fear lest this manifestation of his passion should cost him + the familiar intercourse that he had been wont to have with her. + </p> + <p> + Having dealt with the fire, the husband came back again, and begged the + Lord of Avannes to remain at his house for the night. This he did, but in + such wise that his eyes were more exercised in weeping than in sleeping. + Early in the morning he went to bid them farewell, while they were still + in bed; and in kissing the lady he perceived that she felt more pity for + the offence than anger against the offender, and thus was another brand + added to the fire of his love. After dinner, he set out for Taffares with + the King; but before leaving he went again to take yet another farewell of + his good father and the lady who, after her husband’s first command, made + no difficulty in kissing him as her son. + </p> + <p> + But you may be sure that the more virtue prevented her eyes and features + from testifying to the hidden flame, the fiercer and more intolerable did + that flame become. And so, being unable to endure the war between love and + honour, which was waging in her heart, but which she had nevertheless + resolved should never be made apparent, and no longer having the comfort + of seeing and speaking to him for whose sake alone she cared to live, she + fell at last into a continuous fever, caused by a melancholic humour which + so wrought upon her that the extremities of her body became quite cold, + while her inward parts burned without ceasing. The doctors, who have not + the health of men in their power, began to grow very doubtful concerning + her recovery, by reason of an obstruction that affected the extremities, + and advised her husband to admonish her to think of her conscience and + remember that she was in God’s hands—as though indeed the healthy + were not in them also. + </p> + <p> + The husband, who loved his wife devotedly, was so saddened by their words + that for his comfort he wrote to the Lord of Avannes entreating him to + take the trouble to come and see them, in the hope that the sight of him + might be of advantage to the patient. On receiving the letter, the Lord of + Avannes did not tarry, but started off post-haste to the house of his + worthy father, where he found the servants, both men and women, assembled + at the door, making such lament for their mistress as she deserved. + </p> + <p> + So greatly amazed was he at the sight, that he remained on the threshold + like one paralysed, until he beheld his good father, who embraced him, + weeping the while so bitterly that he could not utter a word. Then he led + the Lord of Avannes to the chamber of the sick lady, who, turning her + languid eyes upon him, put out her hand and drew him to her with all the + strength she had. She kissed and embraced him, and made wondrous + lamentation, saying— + </p> + <p> + “O my lord, the hour has come when all dissimulation must cease, and I + must confess the truth which I have been at such pains to hide from you. + If your affection for me was great, know that mine for you has been no + less; but my grief has been greater than yours, because I have had the + anguish of concealing it contrary to the wish of my heart. God and my + honour have never, my lord, suffered me to make it known to you, lest I + should increase in you that which I sought to diminish; but you must learn + that the ‘no’ I so often said to you pained me so greatly in the utterance + that it has indeed proved the cause of my death. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, I am glad it should be so, and that God in His grace should + have caused me to die before the vehemence of my love has stained my + conscience and my fair fame; for smaller fires have ere now destroyed + greater and stronger structures. And I am glad that before dying I have + been able to make known to you that my affection is equal to your own, + save only that men’s honour and women’s are not the same thing. And I pray + you, my lord, fear not henceforward to address yourself to the greatest + and most virtuous of ladies; for in such hearts do the deepest and + discreetest passions dwell, and moreover, your own grace and beauty and + worth will not suffer your love to toil without reward. + </p> + <p> + “I will not beg you, my lord, to pray God for me, because I know full well + that the gate of Paradise is never closed against true lovers, and that + the fire of love punishes lovers so severely in this life here that they + are forgiven the sharp torment of Purgatory. And now, my lord, farewell; I + commend to you your good father, my husband. Tell him the truth as you + have heard it from me, that he may know how I have loved God and him. And + come no more before my eyes, for I now desire to think only of obtaining + those promises made to me by God before the creation of the world.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she kissed him and embraced him with all the strength of + her feeble arms. The young lord, whose heart was as nearly dead through + pity as hers was through pain, was unable to say a single word. He + withdrew from her sight to a bed that was in the room, and there several + times swooned away. + </p> + <p> + Then the lady called her husband, and, after giving him much virtuous + counsel, commended the Lord of Avannes to him, declaring that next to + himself she had loved him more than any one upon earth, and so, kissing + her husband, she bade him farewell. Then, after the extreme unction, the + Holy Sacrament was brought to her from the altar, and this she received + with the joy of one who is assured of her salvation. And finding that her + sight was growing dim and her strength failing her, she began to utter the + “In manus” aloud. + </p> + <p> + Hearing this cry, the Lord of Avannes raised himself up on the bed where + he was lying, and gazing piteously upon her, beheld her with a gentle sigh + surrender her glorious soul to Him from whom it had come. When he + perceived that she was dead, he ran to the body, which when alive he had + ever approached with fear, and kissed and embraced it in such wise that he + could hardly be separated from it, whereat the husband was greatly + astonished, for he had never believed he bore her so much affection; and + with the words, “Tis too much, my lord,” he led him away. + </p> + <p> + After he had lamented for a great while, the Lord of Avannes related all + the converse they had had together during their love, and how, until her + death, she had never given him sign of aught save severity. This, while it + gave the husband exceeding joy, also increased his grief and sorrow at the + loss he had sustained, and for the remainder of his days he rendered + service to the Lord of Avannes. + </p> + <p> + But from that time forward my Lord of Avannes, who was then only eighteen + years old, went to reside at Court, where he lived for many years without + wishing to see or to speak with any living woman by reason of his grief + for the lady he had lost; and he wore mourning for her sake during more + than ten years. (6) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 Some extracts from Brantôme bearing on this story will be + found in the Appendix, C. +</pre> + <p> + “You here see, ladies, what a difference there is between a wanton lady + and a discreet one. The effects of love are also different in each case; + for the one came by a glorious and praiseworthy death, while the other + lived only too long with the reputation of a vile and shameless woman. + Just as the death of a saint is precious in the sight of God, so is the + death of a sinner abhorrent.” + </p> + <p> + “In truth, Saffredent,” said Oisille, “you have told us the finest tale + imaginable, and any one who knew the hero would deem it better still. I + have never seen a handsomer or more graceful gentleman than was this Lord + of Avannes.” + </p> + <p> + “She was indeed a very virtuous woman,” said Saffredent. “So as to appear + outwardly more virtuous than she was in her heart, and to conceal her love + for this worthy lord which reason and nature had inspired, she must needs + die rather than take the pleasure which she secretly desired.” + </p> + <p> + “If she had felt such a desire,” said Parlamente, “she would have lacked + neither place nor opportunity to make it known; but the greatness of her + virtue prevented her desire from exceeding the bounds of reason.” + </p> + <p> + “You may paint her as you will,” said Hircan, “but I know very well that a + stronger devil always thrusts out the weaker, and that the pride of ladies + seeks pleasure rather than the fear and love of God. Their robes are long + and well woven with dissimulation, so that we cannot tell what is beneath, + for if their honour were not more easily stained than ours, (7) you would + find that Nature’s work is as complete in them as in ourselves. But not + daring to take the pleasure they desire, they have exchanged that vice for + a greater, which they deem more honourable, I mean a self-sufficient + cruelty, whereby they look to obtain everlasting renown. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 This reading is borrowed from MS. No. 1520. In the MS. + mainly followed for this translation, the passage runs as + follows-“if their honour were not more easily stained than + their hearts.”—L. +</pre> + <p> + By thus glorying in their resistance to the vice of Nature’s law—if, + indeed, anything natural be vicious—they become not only like + inhuman and cruel beasts, but even like the devils whose pride and + subtility they borrow.” (8) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 8 This reading is borrowed from MS. No. 1520. In our MS. + the passage runs—“like the devils whose semblance and + subtility they borrow.”—L. +</pre> + <p> + “Tis a pity,” said Nomerfide, “that you should have an honourable wife, + for you not only think lightly of virtue, but are even fain to prove that + it is vice.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad,” said Hircan, “to have a wife of good repute, just as I, + myself, would be of good repute. But as for chastity of heart, I believe + that we are both children of Adam and Eve; wherefore, when we examine + ourselves, we have no need to cover our nakedness with leaves, but should + rather confess our frailty.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said Parlamente, “that we all have need of God’s grace, being + all steeped in sin; but, for all that, our temptations are not similar to + yours, and if we sin through pride, no one is injured by it, nor do our + bodies and hands receive a stain. But your pleasure consists in + dishonouring women, and your honour in slaying men in war—two things + expressly contrary to the law of God.” (9) + </p> + <p> + “I admit what you say,” said Geburon, “but God has said, ‘Whosoever + looketh with lust, hath already committed adultery in his heart,’ and + further, ‘Whosoever hateth his neighbour is a murderer.’ (10) Do you think + that women offend less against these texts than we?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 9 This sentence, defective in our MS., is taken from No. + 1520.—L. + + 10 1 St. John iii. 15.—M. +</pre> + <p> + “God, who judges the heart,” said Longarine, “must decide that. But it is + an important thing that men should not be able to accuse us, for the + goodness of God is so great, that He will not judge us unless there be an + accuser. And so well, moreover, does He know the frailty of our hearts, + that He will even love us for not having put our thoughts into execution.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you,” said Saffredent, “let us leave this dispute, for it savours + more of a sermon than of a tale. I give my vote to Ennasuite, and beg that + she will bear in mind to make us laugh.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said she, “I will not fail to do so; for I would have you know + that whilst coming hither, resolved upon relating a fine story to you + to-day, I was told so merry a tale about two servants of a Princess, that, + in laughing at it, I quite forgot the melancholy story which I had + prepared, and which I will put off until to-morrow; for, with the merry + face I now have, you would scarce find it to your liking.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0026" id="linkimage-0026"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/170.jpg" width="100%" alt="170.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0027" id="linkimage-0027"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/171a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="171a.jpg the Secretary Imploring The Lady Not to Tell of his Wickedness " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Secretary imploring the Lady not To Tell Of His Wickedness] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0028" id="linkimage-0028"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/171.jpg" width="100%" alt="171.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXVII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A secretary sought the wife of his host and comrade in + dishonourable and unlawful love, and as she made show of + willingly giving ear to him, he was persuaded that he had + won her. But she was virtuous, and, while dissembling + towards him, deceived his hopes and made known his + viciousness to her husband</i>. (1) + + 1 The incidents here related would have occurred at Amboise + between 1540 and 1545. The hero of the story would probably + be John Frotté, Queen Margaret’s First Secretary, who also + apparently figures in Tale XXVIII. The Sires de Frotté had + been in the service of the Dukes of Alençon since the early + part of the fifteenth century. Ste-Marthe says of John + Frotté that he was a man of great experience and good wit, + prudent, dutiful and diligent. He died secretary to Francis + I.—L. and B. J. +</pre> + <p> + In the town of Amboise there lived one of this Princess’s servants, an + honest man who served her in the quality of valet-de-chambre, and who used + readily to entertain those that visited his house, more especially his own + comrades; and not long since one of his mistress’s servants came to lodge + with him, and remained with him ten or twelve days. + </p> + <p> + This man was so ugly that he looked more like a King of the cannibals than + a Christian, and although his host treated him as a friend and a brother, + and with all the courtesy imaginable, he behaved in return not only like + one who has forgotten all honour, but as one who has never had it in his + heart. For he sought, in dishonourable and unlawful love, his comrade’s + wife, who was in no sort attractive to lust but rather the reverse, and + was moreover as virtuous a woman as any in the town in which she lived. + When she perceived the man’s evil intent, she thought it better to employ + dissimulation in order to bring his viciousness to light, rather than + conceal it by a sudden refusal; and she therefore made a pretence of + approving his discourse. He then believed he had won her, and, paying no + heed to her age, which was that of fifty years, or to her lack of beauty, + or her reputation as a virtuous woman attached to her husband, he urged + his suit continually. + </p> + <p> + One day, the husband being in the house, the wife and her suitor were in a + large room together, when she pretended that he had but to find some safe + spot in order to have such private converse with her as he desired. He + immediately replied that it was only necessary to go up to the garret. She + instantly rose, and begged him to go first, saying that she would follow. + Smiling with as sweet a countenance as that of a big baboon entertaining a + friend, he went lightly up the stairway; and, on the tip-toe of + expectation with regard to that which he so greatly desired, burning with + a fire not clear, like that of juniper, but dense like that of coal in the + furnace, he listened whether she was coming after him. But instead of + hearing her footsteps, he heard her voice saying— + </p> + <p> + “Wait, master secretary, for a little; I am going to find out whether it + be my husband’s pleasure that I should go up to you.” + </p> + <p> + His face when laughing was ugly indeed, and you may imagine, ladies, how + it looked when he wept; but he came down instantly, with tears in his + eyes, and besought her for the love of God not to say aught that would + destroy the friendship between his comrade and himself. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure,” she replied, “that you like him too well to say anything he + may not hear. I shall therefore go and tell him of the matter.” + </p> + <p> + And this, in spite of all his entreaties and threats, she did. And if his + shame thereat was great as he fled the place, the husband’s joy was no + less on hearing of the honourable deception that his wife had practised; + indeed, so pleased was he with his wife’s virtue that he took no notice of + his comrade’s viciousness, deeming him sufficiently punished inasmuch as + the shame he had thought to work in another’s household had fallen upon + his own head. + </p> + <p> + “I think that from this tale honest people should learn not to admit to + their houses those whose conscience, heart and understanding know nought + of God, honour and true love.” + </p> + <p> + “Though your tale be short,” said Oisille, “it is as pleasant as any I + have heard, and it is to the honour of a virtuous woman.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Fore God,” said Simontault, “it is no great honour for a virtuous woman + to refuse a man so ugly as you represent this secretary to have been. Had + he been handsome and polite, her virtue would then have been clear. I + think I know who he is, and, if it were my turn, I could tell you another + story about him that is no less droll.” + </p> + <p> + “Let that be no hindrance,” said Ennasuite, “for I give you my vote.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Simontault began as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Those who are accustomed to dwell at Court or in large towns value their + own knowledge so highly that they think very little of all other men in + comparison with themselves; but, for all that, there are subtle and crafty + folk to be found in every condition of life. Still, when those who think + themselves the cleverest are caught tripping, their pride makes the jest a + particularly pleasant one, and this I will try to show by telling you of + something that lately happened.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0029" id="linkimage-0029"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/175.jpg" width="100%" alt="175.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0030" id="linkimage-0030"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/177a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="177a.jpg the Secretary Opening The Pasty " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Secretary Opening the Pasty] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0031" id="linkimage-0031"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/177.jpg" width="100%" alt="177.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXVIII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A secretary, thinking to deceive Bernard du Ha, was by him + cunningly deceived</i>. (1) + + 1 The incidents of this story must have occurred subsequent + to 1527. The secretary is doubtless John Frotté. We have + failed to identify the Lieutenant referred to.—M. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + It chanced that when King Francis, first of the name, was in the city of + Paris, and with him his sister, the Queen of Navarre, the latter had a + secretary called John. He was not one of those who allow a good thing to + lie on the ground for want of picking it up, and there was, accordingly, + not a president or a councillor whom he did not know, and not a merchant + or a rich man with whom he had not intercourse and correspondence. + </p> + <p> + At this time there also arrived in Paris a merchant of Bayonne, called + Bernard du Ha, who, both on account of the nature of his commerce and + because the Lieutenant for Criminal Affairs (2) was a countryman of his, + was wont to address himself to that officer for counsel and assistance in + the transaction of his business. The Queen of Navarre’s secretary used + also frequently to visit the Lieutenant as one who was a good servant to + his master and mistress. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 The Provost of Paris, who, in the King’s name, + administered justice at the Châtelet court, and upon whose + sergeants fell the duty of arresting and imprisoning all + vagabonds, criminals and disturbers of the peace, was + assisted in his functions by three lieutenants, one for + criminal affairs, one for civil affairs, and one for + ordinary police duties.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + One feast-day the secretary went to the Lieutenant’s house, and found both + him and his wife abroad; but he very plainly heard Bernard du Ha teaching + the serving-women to foot the Gascon dances to the sound of a viol or some + other instrument. And when the secretary saw him, he would have had him + believe that he was committing the greatest offence imaginable, and that + if the Lieutenant and his wife knew of it they would be greatly displeased + with him. And after setting the fear of this well before his eyes, until, + indeed, the other begged him not to say anything about it, he asked— + </p> + <p> + “What will you give me if I keep silence?” + </p> + <p> + Bernard du Ha, who was by no means so much afraid as he seemed to be, saw + that the secretary was trying to cozen him, and promised to give him a + pasty of the best Basque ham (3) that he had ever eaten. The secretary was + well pleased at this, and begged that he might have the pasty on the + following Sunday after dinner, which was promised him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 So-called Bayonne ham is still held in repute in France. + It comes really from Orthez and Salies in Beam.—D. +</pre> + <p> + Relying upon this promise, he went to see a lady of Paris whom above all + things he desired to marry, and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “On Sunday, mistress, I will come and sup with you, if such be your + pleasure. But trouble not to provide aught save some good bread and wine, + for I have so deceived a foolish fellow from Bayonne that all the rest + will be at his expense; by my trickery you shall taste the best Basque ham + that ever was eaten in Paris.” + </p> + <p> + The lady believed his story, and called together two or three of the most + honourable ladies of her neighbourhood, telling them that she would give + them a new dish such as they had never tasted before. + </p> + <p> + When Sunday was come, the secretary went to look for his merchant, and + finding him on the Pont-au-Change, (4) saluted him graciously and said— + </p> + <p> + “The devil take you, for the trouble you have given me to find you.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 The oldest of the Paris bridges, spanning the Seine + between the Châtelet and the Palais. Originally called the + Grand-Pont, it acquired the name of Pont-au-Change through + Louis VII. allowing the money-changers to build their houses + and offices upon it in 1141.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Bernard du Ha made reply that a good many men had taken more trouble than + he without being rewarded in the end with such a dainty dish. So saying, + he showed him the pasty, which he was carrying under his cloak, and which + was big enough to feed an army. The secretary was so glad to see it that, + although he had a very large and ugly mouth, he mincingly made it so small + that one would not have thought him capable of biting the ham with it. He + quickly took the pasty, and, without waiting for the merchant to go with + him, went off with it to the lady, who was exceedingly eager to learn + whether the fare of Gascony was as good as that of Paris. + </p> + <p> + When supper-time was come and they were eating their soup, the secretary + said— + </p> + <p> + “Leave those savourless dishes alone, and let us taste this loveworthy + whet for wine.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he opened the huge pasty, but, where he expected to find ham, + he found such hardness that he could not thrust in his knife. After trying + several times, it occurred to him that he had been deceived; and, indeed, + he found ‘twas a wooden shoe such as is worn in Gascony. It had a burnt + stick for knuckle, and was powdered upon the top with iron rust and + sweet-smelling spice. + </p> + <p> + If ever a man was abashed it was the secretary, not only because he had + been deceived by the man whom he himself had thought to deceive, but also + because he had deceived her to whom he had intended and thought to speak + the truth. Moreover, he was much put out at having to content himself with + soup for supper. + </p> + <p> + The ladies, who were well-nigh as vexed as he was, would have accused him + of practising this deception had they not clearly seen by his face that he + was more wroth than they. + </p> + <p> + After this slight supper, the secretary went away in great anger, + intending, since Bernard du Ha had broken his promise, to break also his + own. He therefore betook himself to the Lieutenant’s house, resolved to + say the worst he could about the said Bernard. + </p> + <p> + Quick as he went, however, Bernard was first afield and had already + related the whole story to the Lieutenant, who, in passing sentence, told + the secretary that he had now learnt to his cost what it was to deceive a + Gascon, and this was all the comfort that the secretary got in his shame. + </p> + <p> + The same thing befalls many who, believing that they are exceedingly + clever, forget themselves in their cleverness; wherefore we should never + do unto others differently than we would have them do unto us. + </p> + <p> + “I can assure you,” said Geburon, “that I have often known similar things + to come to pass, and have seen men who were deemed rustic blockheads + deceive very shrewd people. None can be more foolish than he who thinks + himself shrewd, nor wiser than he who knows his own nothingness.” + </p> + <p> + “Still,” said Parlamente, “a man who knows that he knows nothing, knows + something after all.” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Simontault, “for fear lest time should fail us for our + discourse, I give my vote to Nomerfide, for I am sure that her rhetoric + will keep us no long while.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she replied, “I will tell you a tale such as you desire. + </p> + <p> + “I am not surprised, ladies, that love should afford Princes the means of + escaping from danger, for they are bred up in the midst of so many + well-informed persons that I should marvel still more if they were + ignorant of anything. But the smaller the intelligence the more clearly is + the inventiveness of love displayed, and for this reason I will relate to + you a trick played by a priest through the prompting of love alone. In all + other matters he was so ignorant that he could scarcely read his mass.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0032" id="linkimage-0032"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/183.jpg" width="100%" alt="183.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0033" id="linkimage-0033"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/185a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="185a.jpg the Husbandman Surprised by The Fall of The Winnowing Fan " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Husbandman surprised by the Fall of the Winnowing Fan] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0034" id="linkimage-0034"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/185.jpg" width="100%" alt="185.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXIX</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A parson, surprised by the sudden return of a husbandman + with whose wife he was making good cheer, quickly devised a + means for saving himself at the expense of the worthy man, + who was never any the wiser</i>. (1) + + 1 Etienne brings this story into his <i>Apologie pour + Hérodote</i>, ch xv.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + At a village called Carrelles, (2) in the county of Maine, there dwelt a + rich husbandman who in his old age had married a fair young wife. She bore + him no children, but consoled herself for this disappointment with several + lovers. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Carrelles is at six leagues from Mayenne, in the canton of + Gorron. Margaret’s first husband, the Duke of Alençon, held + various fiefs in this part of Maine, which would account for + the incident related in the story coming to her knowledge.— + M. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + When gentlemen and persons of consequence failed her, she turned as a last + resource to the Church, and took for companion in her sin him who could + absolve her of it—that is to say, the parson, who often came to + visit his pet ewe. The husband, who was dull and old, had no suspicion of + the truth; but, as he was a stern and sturdy man, his wife played her game + as secretly as she was able, fearing that, if it came to her husband’s + knowledge, he would kill her. + </p> + <p> + One day when he was abroad, his wife, thinking that he would not soon + return, sent for his reverence the parson, who came to confess her; and + while they were making good cheer together, her husband arrived, and this + so suddenly that the priest had not the time to escape out of the house. + </p> + <p> + Looking about for a means of concealment, he mounted by the woman’s advice + into a loft, and covered the trap-door through which he passed with a + winnowing fan. + </p> + <p> + The husband entered the house, and his wife, fearing lest he might suspect + something, regaled him exceedingly well at dinner, never sparing the + liquor, of which he drank so much, that, being moreover wearied with his + work in the fields, he at last fell asleep in his chair in front of the + fire. + </p> + <p> + The parson, tired with waiting so long in the loft, and hearing no noise + in the room beneath, leaned over the trap-door, and, stretching out his + neck as far as he was able, perceived the goodman to be asleep. However, + whilst he was looking at him, he leaned by mischance so heavily upon the + fan, that both fan and himself tumbled down by the side of the sleeper. + The latter awoke at the noise, but the priest was on his feet before the + other had perceived him, and said— + </p> + <p> + “There is your fan, my friend, and many thanks to you for it.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he took to flight. The poor husbandman was in utter + bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” he asked of his wife. “‘Tis your fan, sweetheart,” she + replied, “which the parson had borrowed, and has just brought back.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon in a grumbling fashion the goodman rejoined— + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis a rude way of returning what one has borrowed, for I thought the + house was coming down.” + </p> + <p> + In this way did the parson save himself at the expense of the goodman, who + discovered nothing to find fault with except the rudeness with which the + fan had been returned. + </p> + <p> + “The master, ladies, whom the parson served, saved him that time so that + he might afterwards possess and torment him the longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not imagine,” said Geburon, “that simple folk are more devoid of craft + than we are; (3) nay, they have a still larger share. Consider the thieves + and murderers and sorcerers and coiners, and all the people of that sort, + whose brains are never at rest; they are all poor and of the class of + artisans.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think it strange,” said Parlamente, “that they should have more + craft than others, but rather that love should torment them amid their + many toils, and that so gentle a passion should lodge in hearts so base.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” replied Saffredent, “you know what Master Jehan de Mehun has said— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Those clad in drugget love no less + Than those that wear a silken dress.” (4) + + 3 In MS. No. 1520 this passage runs—“that simple and + humble people are,” &c.—L. + + 4 This is a free rendering of lines 4925-6 of Méon’s + edition of the <i>Roman de la Rose</i>:— + + “Aussy bien sont amourettes + Soubz bureau que soubz brunettes.” + + <i>Bureau</i>, the same as <i>dure</i>, is a kind of drugget; + <i>brunette</i> was a silken stuff very fashionable among the + French lords and ladies at the time of St. Louis. It was + doubtless of a brown hue.—B, J. and M. +</pre> + <p> + Moreover, the love of which the tale speaks is not such as makes one carry + harness; for, while poor folk lack our possessions and honours, on the + other hand they have their natural advantages more at their convenience + than we. Their fare is not so dainty as ours, but their appetites are + keener, and they live better on coarse bread than we do on delicacies. + Their beds are not so handsome or so well appointed as ours, but their + sleep is sounder and their rest less broken. They have no ladies pranked + out and painted like those whom we idolise, but they take their pleasure + oftener than we, without fear of telltale tongues, save those of the + beasts and birds that see them. What we have they lack, and what we lack + they possess in abundance.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you,” said Nomerfide, “let us now have done with this peasant and + his wife, and let us finish the day’s entertainment before vespers. ‘Tis + Hircan shall bring it to an end.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said he, “I have kept in reserve as strange and pitiful a tale as + ever you heard. And although it grieves me greatly to relate anything to + the discredit of a lady, knowing, as I do, that men are malicious enough + to blame the whole sex for the fault of one, yet the strangeness of the + story prompts me to lay aside my fear. Perhaps, also, the discovery of one + woman’s ignorance will make others wiser. And so I will fearlessly tell + you the following tale.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0035" id="linkimage-0035"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/190.jpg" width="100%" alt="190.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0036" id="linkimage-0036"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/191a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="191a.jpg the Young Gentleman Embracing his Mother " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Young Gentleman embracing his Mother] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0037" id="linkimage-0037"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/191.jpg" width="100%" alt="191.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXX</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A young gentleman, of from fourteen to fifteen years of + age, thought to lie with one of his mother’s maids, but lay + with his mother herself; and she, in consequence thereof, + was, nine months afterwards, brought to bed of a daughter, + who, twelve or thirteen years later, was wedded by the son; + he being ignorant that she was his daughter and sister, and + she, that he was her father and brother</i>.(1) +</pre> + <p> + In the time of King Louis the Twelfth, the Legate at Avignon being then a + scion of the house of Amboise, nephew to George, Legate of France, (2) + there lived in the land of Languedoc a lady who had an income of more than + four thousand ducats a year, and whose name I shall not mention for the + love I bear her kinsfolk. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This story is based on an ancient popular tradition + common to many parts of France, and some particulars of + which, with a list of similar tales in various European + languages, will be found in the Appendix, D.—En. + + 2 The Papal Legate in France here alluded to is the famous + George, Cardinal d’Amboise, favourite minister of Louis XII. + His nephew, the Legate at Avignon, is Louis d’Amboise, + fourth son of Peter d’Amboise, Lord of Chaumont, and brother + of the Grand-Master of Chaumont. Louis d’Amboise became + bishop of Albi, and lieutenant-general of the King of France + in Burgundy, Languedoc and Roussillon, and played an + important part in the public affairs of his time. He died in + 1505.—See <i>Gallia Christiana</i>, vol. i. p. 34.—L. and R. J. +</pre> + <p> + While still very young, she was left a widow with one son; and, both by + reason of her regret for her husband and her love for her child, she + determined never to marry again. To avoid all opportunity of doing so, she + had fellowship only with the devout, for she imagined that opportunity + makes the sin, not knowing that sin will devise the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + This young widow, then, gave herself up wholly to the service of God, and + shunned all worldly assemblies so completely that she scrupled to be + present at a wedding, or even to listen to the organs playing in a church. + When her son was come to the age of seven years, she chose for his + schoolmaster a man of holy life, so that he might be trained up in all + piety and devotion. + </p> + <p> + When the son was reaching the age of fourteen or fifteen, Nature, who is a + very secret schoolmaster, finding him in good condition and very idle, + taught him a different lesson to any he had learned from his tutor. He + began to look at and desire such things as he deemed beautiful, and among + others a maiden who slept in his mother’s room. No one had any suspicion + of this, for he was looked upon as a mere child, and, moreover, in that + household nothing save godly talk was ever heard. + </p> + <p> + This young gallant, however, began secretly soliciting the girl, who + complained of it to her mistress. The latter had so much love for her son + and so high an opinion of him, that she thought the girl spoke as she did + in order to make her hate him; but, being strongly urged by the other, she + at last said— + </p> + <p> + “I shall find out whether it is true, and will punish him if it be as you + say. But if, on the other hand, you are bringing an untruthful accusation + against him, you shall suffer for it.” + </p> + <p> + Then, in order to test the matter, she bade the girl make an appointment + with her son that he might come and lie with her at midnight, in the bed + in which she slept alone, beside the door of his mother’s room. + </p> + <p> + The maid obeyed her mistress, who, when night came, took the girl’s place, + resolved, if the story were true, to punish her son so severely that he + would never again lie with a woman without remembering it. + </p> + <p> + While she was thinking thus wrathfully, her son came and got into the bed, + but although she beheld him do so, she could not yet believe that he + meditated any unworthy deed. She therefore refrained from speaking to him + until he had given her some token of his evil intent, for no trifling + matters could persuade her that his desire was actually a criminal one. + Her patience, however, was tried so long, and her nature proved so frail + that, forgetting her motherhood, her anger became transformed into an + abominable delight. And just as water that has been restrained by force + rushes onward with the greater vehemence when it is released, so was it + with this unhappy lady who had so prided herself on the constraint she had + put upon her body. After taking the first step downwards to dishonour, she + suddenly found herself at the bottom, and thus that night she became + pregnant by him whom she had thought to restrain from acting in similar + fashion towards another. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was the sin accomplished than such remorse of conscience began + to torment her as filled the whole of her after-life with repentance. And + so keen was it at the first, that she rose from beside her son—who + still thought that she was the maid—and entered a closet, where, + dwelling upon the goodness of her intention and the wickedness of its + execution, she spent the whole night alone in tears and lamentation. + </p> + <p> + But instead of humbling herself, and recognising the powerlessness of our + flesh, without God’s assistance, to work anything but sin, she sought by + her own tears and efforts to atone for the past, and by her own prudence + to avoid mischief in the future, always ascribing her sin to circumstances + and not to wickedness, for which there is no remedy save the grace of God. + Accordingly she sought to act so as never again to fall into such + wrongdoing; and as though there were but one sin that brought damnation in + its train, she put forth all her strength to shun that sin alone. + </p> + <p> + But the roots of pride, which acts of sin ought rather to destroy, grew + stronger and stronger within her, so that in avoiding one evil she wrought + many others. Early on the morrow, as soon as it was light, she sent for + her son’s preceptor, and said— + </p> + <p> + “My son is beginning to grow up, it is time to send him from home. I have + a kinsman, Captain Monteson, (3) who is beyond the mountains with my lord + the Grand-Master of Chaumont, and he will be very glad to admit him into + his company. Take him, therefore, without delay, and to spare me the pain + of parting do not let him come to bid me farewell.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 Monteson was one of the bravest captains of his time; as + the comrade of Bayard, he greatly distinguished himself by + his intrepidity in Louis XII.‘s Italian campaigns. Some + particulars concerning him will be found in M. Lacroix’s + edition of <i>Les Chroniques de Jean d’Anton</i>.—B. J. + Respecting the Grand-Master of Chaumont, also mentioned + above, see <i>ante</i>, vol ii., notes to Tale XIV. +</pre> + <p> + So saying, she gave him money for the journey, and that very morning sent + the young man away, he being right glad of this, for, after enjoying his + sweetheart, he asked nothing better than to set off to the wars. + </p> + <p> + The lady continued for a great while in deep sadness and melancholy, and, + but for the fear of God, had many a time longed that the unhappy fruit of + her womb might perish. She feigned sickness, in order that she might wear + a cloak and so conceal her condition; and having a bastard brother, in + whom she had more trust than in any one else, and upon whom she had + conferred many benefits, she sent for him when the time of her confinement + was drawing nigh, told him her condition (but without mentioning her son’s + part in it), and besought him to help her save her honour. This he did, + and, a few days before the time when she expected to be delivered, he + begged her to try a change of air and remove to his house, where she would + recover her health more quickly than at home. Thither she went with but a + very small following, and found there a midwife who had been summoned as + for her brother’s wife, and who one night, without recognising her, + delivered her of a fine little girl. The gentleman gave the child to a + nurse, and caused it to be cared for as his own. + </p> + <p> + After continuing there for a month, the lady returned in sound health to + her own house, where she lived more austerely than ever in fasts and + disciplines. But when her son was grown up, he sent to beg his mother’s + permission to return home, as there was at that time no war in Italy. She, + fearing lest she should fall again into the same misfortune, would not at + first allow him, but he urged her so earnestly that at last she could find + no reason for refusing him. However, she instructed him that he was not to + appear before her until he was married to a woman whom he dearly loved; + but to whose fortune he need give no heed, for it would suffice if she + were of gentle birth. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile her bastard brother, finding that the daughter left in his + charge had grown to be a tall maiden of perfect beauty, resolved to place + her in some distant household where she would not be known, and by the + mother’s advice she was given to Catherine, Queen of Navarre. (4) The + maiden thus came to the age of twelve or thirteen years, and was so + beautiful and virtuous that the Queen of Navarre had great friendship for + her, and much desired to marry her to one of wealth and station. Being + poor, however, she found no husband, though she had lovers enough and to + spare. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 This is Catherine, daughter of Gaston and sister of + Francis Phoebus de Foix. On her brother’s death, in 1483, + she became Queen of Navarre, Duchess of Nemours and Countess + of Foix and Bigorre, and in the following year espoused + John, eldest son of Alan, Sire d’Albret. Catherine at this + time was fourteen years old, and her husband, who by the + marriage became King of Navarre, was only one year her + senior. Their title to the crown was disputed by a dozen + pretenders, for several years they exercised but a + precarious authority, and eventually, in July 1512, + Ferdinand the Catholic despatched the Duke of Alva to + besiege Pamplona. On the fourth day of the siege John and + Catherine succeeded in escaping from their capital, which, + three days later, surrendered. Ferdinand, having sworn to + maintain the <i>fueros</i>, was thereupon acknowledged as + sovereign. However, it was only in 1516 that the former + rulers were expelled from Navarrese territory. “Had I been + Don Juan and you Donna Catherine,” said the Queen to her + pusillanimous husband, as they crossed the Pyrenees, “we + should not have lost our kingdom.” From this time forward + the d’Albrets, like their successors the Bourbons, were + sovereigns of Navarre in name only, for an attempt made in + 1521 to reconquer the kingdom resulted in total failure, and + their dominions were thenceforth confined to Beam, Bigorre, + and Foix on the French side of the Pyrenees. Queen Catherine + died in 1517, aged 47, leaving several children, the eldest + of whom was Henry, Queen Margaret’s second husband.—M., B. + J., D. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Now it happened one day that the gentleman who was her unknown father came + to the house of the Queen of Navarre on his way back from beyond the + mountains, and as soon as he had set eyes on his daughter he fell in love + with her, and having license from his mother to marry any woman that might + please him, he only inquired whether she was of gentle birth, and, hearing + that she was, asked her of the Queen in marriage. The Queen willingly + consented, for she knew that the gentleman was not only rich and handsome, + but worshipful to boot. + </p> + <p> + When the marriage had been consummated, the gentleman again wrote to his + mother, saying that she could no longer close her doors against him, since + he was bringing with him as fair a daughter-in-law as she could desire. + The lady inquired to whom he had allied himself, and found that it was to + none other than their own daughter. Thereupon she fell into such exceeding + sorrow that she nearly came by a sudden death, seeing that the more she + had striven to hinder her misfortune, the greater had it thereby become. + </p> + <p> + Not knowing what else to do, she went to the Legate of Avignon, to whom + she confessed the enormity of her sin, at the same time asking his counsel + as to how she ought to act. The Legate, to satisfy his conscience, sent + for several doctors of theology, and laid the matter before them, without, + however, mentioning any names; and their advice was that the lady should + say nothing to her children, for they, being in ignorance, had committed + no sin, but that she herself should continue doing penance all her life + without allowing it to become known. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the unhappy lady returned home, where not long afterwards her + son and daughter-in-law arrived. And they loved each other so much that + never were there husband and wife more loving, nor yet more resembling + each other; for she was his daughter, his sister and his wife, while he + was her father, her brother and her husband. And this exceeding love + between them continued always; and the unhappy and deeply penitent lady + could never see them in dalliance together without going apart to weep. + </p> + <p> + “You see, ladies, what befalls those who think that by their own strength + and virtue they may subdue Love and Nature and all the faculties that God + has given them. It were better to recognise their own weakness, and + instead of running a-tilt against such an adversary, to betake themselves + to Him who is their true Friend, saying to Him in the words of the + Psalmist, ‘Lord, I am afflicted very much; answer Thou for me.’” (5) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 We have failed to find this sentence in the Psalms. + Probably the reference is to <i>Isaiah</i> xxxviii. 14, “O Lord, + I am oppressed; undertake for me.”—Eu. +</pre> + <p> + “It were impossible,” said Oisille “to hear a stranger story than this. + Methinks every man and woman should bend low in the fear of God, seeing + that in spite of a good intention so much mischief came to pass.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure,” said Parlamente, “that the first step a man takes in + self-reliance, removes him so far from reliance upon God.” + </p> + <p> + “A man is wise,” said Geburon, “when he knows himself to be his greatest + enemy, and holds his own wishes and counsels in suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “Albeit the motive might seem to be a good and holy one,” said Longarine, + “there were surely none, howsoever worthy in appearance, that should + induce a woman to lie beside a man, whatever the kinship between them, for + fire and tow may not safely come together.” + </p> + <p> + “Without question,” said Ennasuite, “she must have been some + self-sufficient fool, who, in her friar-like dreaming, deemed herself so + saintly as to be incapable of sin, just as many of the Friars would have + us believe that we can become, merely by our own efforts, which is an + exceeding great error.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible, Longarine,” asked Oisille, “that there are people foolish + enough to hold such an opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “They go further than that,” replied Longarine. “They say that we ought to + accustom ourselves to the virtue of chastity; and in order to try their + strength they speak with the prettiest women they can find and whom they + like best, and by kissing and touching them essay whether their fleshly + nature be wholly dead. When they find themselves stirred by such pleasure, + they desist, and have recourse to fasts and grievous discipline. Then, + when they have so far mortified their flesh that neither speech nor kiss + has power to move them, they make trial of the supreme temptation, that, + namely, of lying together and embracing without any lustfulness. (6) But + for one who has escaped, so many have come to mischief, that the + Archbishop of Milan, where this religious practice used to be carried on, + (7) was obliged to separate them and place the women in convents and the + men in monasteries.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 Robert d’Arbrissel, the founder of the abbey of + Fontevrault (see ante, p. 74), was accused of this + practice.—See the article Fontevraud in Desoer’s edition of + Bayle’s Dictionary, vi. 508, 519.—M. + + 7 Queen Margaret possibly refers to some incidents which + occurred at Milan in the early part of the fourteenth + century, when Matteo and Galeazzo Visconti ruled the city. + In Signor Tullio Dandolo’s work, <i>Sui xxiii. libri delta + Histories Patrice di Giuseppe Ripamonti ragionamento</i> + (Milano, 1856, pp. 52-60), will be found the story of a + woman of the people, Guglielmina, and her accomplice, Andrea + Saramita, who under some religious pretext founded a secret + society of females. The debauchery practised by its members + being discovered, Saramita was burnt alive, and + Guglielmina’s bones were disinterred and thrown into the + fire. The Bishop of Milan at this time (1296-1308) was + Francesco Fontana.—M. +</pre> + <p> + “Truly,” said Geburon, “it were the extremity of folly to seek to become + sinless by one’s own efforts, and at the same time to seek out + opportunities for sin.” + </p> + <p> + “There are some,” said Saffredent, “who do the very opposite, and flee + opportunities for sin as carefully as they are able; nevertheless, + concupiscence pursues them. Thus the good Saint Jerome, after scourging + and hiding himself in the desert, confessed that he could not escape from + the fire that consumed his marrow. We ought, therefore, to recommend + ourselves to God, for unless He uphold us by His power, we are greatly + prone to fall.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not notice what I do,” said Hircan. “While we were telling our + stories, the monks behind the hedge here heard nothing of the vesper-bell; + whereas, now that we have begun to speak about God, they have taken + themselves off, and are at this moment ringing the second bell.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall do well to follow them,” said Oisille, “and praise God for + enabling us to spend this day in the happiest manner imaginable.” + </p> + <p> + Hereat they rose and went to the church, where they piously heard vespers; + after which they went to supper, discussing the discourses they had heard, + and calling to mind divers adventures that had come to pass in their own + day, in order to determine which of them were worthy to be recounted. And + after spending the whole evening in gladness, they betook themselves to + their gentle rest, hoping on the morrow to continue this pastime which was + so agreeable to them. + </p> + <p> + And so was the Third Day brought to an end. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0038" id="linkimage-0038"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/204.jpg" width="100%" alt="204.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A. (Tale XX., Page 21.) + </h2> + <p> + Brantôme alludes as follows to this tale, in the Fourth Discourse of his + <i>Vies des Dames Galantes</i>:— + </p> + <p> + “I knew a great lady whose plumpness was the subject of general talk both + whilst she was a maid and when she became a wife, but she happened to lose + her husband, and gave way to such extreme grief that she became as dry as + a stick. Still she did not cease to enjoy herself to her heart’s content, + with the assistance of one of her secretaries, and even so it is said of + her cook. Nevertheless, she did not regain her plumpness, albeit the said + cook, who was all grease and fat, should as it seems to me have made her + stout again. Whilst she thus amused herself with one and another of her + varlets, she affected more prudery and chastity than any other lady of the + Court, having none but words of virtue on her lips, speaking ill of all + other women and finding something to be censured in each of them. Very + similar to this one was that great lady of Dauphiné who is mentioned in + the Hundred Tales of the Queen of Navarre, and who was found, lying on the + grass with her stableman or muleteer, by a gentleman who was in love with + her to distraction. On finding her thus, however, he was speedily cured of + his love-sickness. + </p> + <p> + “I have read in an old romance about John de Saintré, printed in + black-letter, that the late King John brought him up as a page. In the old + times it was usual for great personages to send their pages about with + messages, as is indeed done nowadays, but at that time they journeyed + anywhere across country, on horseback. In fact, I have heard our fathers + say that pages were often sent on little embassies, for very often a + matter would be settled and expense saved by merely despatching a page + with a horse and a piece of silver. This little Jehan de Saintré, as he + was long called, was a great favourite with his master King John, for he + was full of wit, and it often happened that he was sent with messages to + his [the King’s?] sister, who was then a widow, though of whom the book + does not say. This lady fell in love with him after several messages that + he had delivered to her, and one day finding him alone, she engaged him in + converse, and, according to the usual practice of ladies when they wish to + engage any one in a love attack, she began to ask him if he were in love + with any lady of the Court, and which one pleased him the most. This + little John de Saintre, who had never even so much as thought of love, + told her that he cared for none at the Court as yet, whereupon she + mentioned several other ladies to him, and asked him whether he thought of + them. ‘Still less,’ replied he.... Thereupon the lady, seeing that the + young fellow was of good appearance, told him that she would give him a + mistress who would love him tenderly if he would serve her well, and + whilst he stood there feeling greatly ashamed, she made him promise that + he would keep the matter secret, and finally declared to him that she + herself wished to be his lady and lover, for at that time the word + ‘mistress’ was not yet used. The young page was vastly astonished, + thinking that the lady was joking, or wished to deceive him or to have him + whipped. However, she soon showed him so many signs of the fire and fever + of love, saying to him that she wished to tutor him and make a man of him, + that he at last realised that it was not a jest. Their love lasted for a + long time, both whilst he was a page and afterwards, until at length he + had to go upon a long journey, when she replaced him by a big, fat abbot. + This is the same story that one finds in the <i>Nouvelles du Monde + Advantureux</i> by a valet of the Queen of Navarre [Antoine de St. Denis], + in which one sees the abbot insult this same John de Saintré who was so + brave and valiant, and who right speedily and liberally paid back my lord + the abbot in his own coin.... So you see it is no new thing for ladies to + love pages. What inclinations some women have, they will willingly take + any number of lovers but they want no husband! All this is through love of + liberty, which they deem such a pleasant thing. It seems to them as though + they were in Paradise when they are not under a husband’s rule. They have + a fine dowry and spend it thriftily, they have all their household affairs + in hand, receive their income, everything passing through their hands; and + instead of being servants they are mistresses, select their own pleasures + and favourites, and amuse themselves as much as they like.”—Lalanne’s + <i>OEuvres de Brantôme</i>, vol. xi. pp. 703-6. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + B. (Tale XXV., Page 131.) + </h2> + <p> + Baron Jerome Pichon’s elucidations of this story, as given by him in the + <i>Mélanges de la Société des Bibliophiles Français</i>, 1866, may be thus + summarised:— + </p> + <p> + The advocate referred to in the tale is James Disome, who Mézeray declares + was the <i>first</i> to introduce Letters to the bar, though this, to my + mind, is a very hazardous assertion. Disome was twice married. His first + wife, Mary de Rueil, died Sept. 17, 1511, and was buried at the Cordeliers + church; he afterwards espoused Jane Lecoq, daughter of John Lecoq, + Counsellor of the Paris Parliament, who held the fiefs of Goupillières, + Corbeville and Les Porcherons, where he possessed a handsome château, a + view of which has been engraved by Israel Silvestre. John Lecoq’s wife was + Magdalen Bochart, who belonged like her husband to an illustrious family + of lawyers and judges. Their daughter Jane, who is the heroine of the + tale, must have been married to James Disome not very long after the death + of the latter’s first wife, for her intrigue with Francis I. originated + prior to his accession to the throne (1515). This is proved by the tale, + in which Disome is spoken of as being the young prince’s advocate. Now + none but the Procurors and Advocates-General were counsel to the Crown, + and Disome held neither of those offices. He was undoubtedly advocate to + Francis as Duke de Valois, and, from certain allusions in the tale, it may + be conjectured that he had been advocate to Francis’s father, the Count of + Angoulême. + </p> + <p> + When Francis ascended the throne his intrigue with Jane Disome was already + notorious, as is proved by this extract, under date 1515, from the <i>Journal + d’un Bourgeois de Paris</i>: “About this time whilst the King was in + Paris, there was a priest called Mons. Cruche, a great buffoon, who a + little time before with several others had publicly performed in certain + entertainments and novelties’ (<i>sic</i>) on scaffolds upon the Place + Maubert, there being in turn jest, sermon, morality and farce; and in the + morality appeared several lords taking their cloth of gold to the tomb and + carrying their lands upon their shoulders into the other world. And in the + farce came Monsieur Cruche with his companions, who had a lantern by which + all sorts of things were seen, and among others a hen feeding under a + salamander, (1) and this hen carried something on her back which would + suffice to kill ten men (<i>dix hommes, i.e.</i>, Disome). + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The salamander was Francis I.‘s device. +</pre> + <p> + The interpretation of this was that the King loved and enjoyed a woman of + Paris, who was the daughter of a counsellor of the Court of Parliament, + named Monsieur le Coq. And she was married to an advocate at the bar of + Parliament, a very skilful man, named Monsieur James Disome, who was + possessed of much property which the King confiscated. Soon afterwards the + King sent eight or ten of his principal gentlemen to sup at the sign of + the Castle in the Rue de la Juiverie, and thither, under the false + pretence of making him play the said farce, was summoned Messire Cruche, + who came in the evening, by torch-light, and was constrained to play the + farce by the said gentlemen. But thereupon, at the very beginning, he was + stripped to his shirt, and wonderfully well whipped with straps until he + was in a state of the utmost wretchedness. At the end there was a sack all + ready to put him in, that he might be thrown from the window, and then + carried to the river; and this would assuredly have come to pass had not + the poor man cried out very loudly and shown them the tonsure on his head. + And all these things were done, so it was owned, on the King’s behalf.” + </p> + <p> + It is probable that this intrigue between the King and Jane Disome ceased + soon after the former’s accession; at all events Francis did not evince + much indulgence for the man whose wife he had seduced. Under date April, + 1518, the Journal dun Bourgeois de Paris mentions the arrest of several + advocates and others for daring to discuss the question of the Pragmatic + Sanction. Disome was implicated in the matter but appears to have escaped + for a time; however in September of that year we find him detained at + Orleans and subjected to the interrogatories of various royal + Commissioners. The affair was then adjourned till the following year, when + no further mention is made of it. + </p> + <p> + Disome died prior to 1521, for in September of that year we find his wife + remarried to Peter Perdrier, Lord of Baubigny, notary and secretary to the + King, and subsequently clerk of the council to the city of Paris. Perdrier + was a man of considerable means; for when the King raised a forced loan of + silver plate in September 1521, we find him taxed to the amount of forty + marcs of silver (26 1/2 lbs. troy); or only ten <i>marcs</i> less than + each counsellor of Parliament was required to contribute. Five and twenty + years later, he lost his wife Jane, the curious record of whose death runs + as follows: “The year one thousand five hundred forty-six, after Easter, + at her house (hôtel) Rue de la Parcheminerie, called Rue des + Blancs-Manteaux, died the late Demoiselle Jane Lecoq, daughter of Master + John Lecoq, Counsellor of the Court of Parliament, deceased; in her + lifetime wife of noble Master Peter Perdrier, Lord of Baubigny, &c, + and previously wife of the late Master James Disome, in his lifetime + advocate at the Court of Parliament and Lord of Cernay in Beauvaisis; and + the said Demoiselle Jane Lecoq (2) is here—buried with her father + and mother, and departed this life on the 23rd day of April 1546. Pray ye + God for her soul.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 The church of the Celestines. +</pre> + <p> + Less than a twelvemonth afterwards King Francis followed his whilom + mistress to the tomb. She left by Peter Perdrier a son named John, Lord of + Baubigny, who in 1558 married Anne de St. Simon, grand-aunt of the author + of the Memoirs. John Perdrier was possibly the Baubigny who killed Marshal + de St. André at the battle of Dreux in 1562. + </p> + <p> + Such is Baron Pichon’s account of Jane Lecoq and her husbands. We have now + to turn to an often-quoted passage of the <i>Diverses Leçons</i> of Louis + Guyon, sieur de la Nauthe, a physician of some repute in his time, but + whose book it should be observed was not issued till 1610, or more than + half-a-century subsequent to King Francis I.‘s death. La Nauthe writes as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Francis I. became enamoured of a woman of great beauty and grace, the + wife of an advocate of Paris, whom I will not name, for he has left + children in possession of high estate and good repute; and this lady would + not yield to the King, but on the contrary repulsed him with many harsh + words, whereat the King was sorely vexed. And certain courtiers and royal + princes who knew of the matter told the King that he might take her + authoritatively and by virtue of his royalty, and one of them even went + and told this to the lady, who repeated it to her husband. The advocate + clearly perceived that he and his wife must needs quit the kingdom, and + that he would indeed find it hard to escape without obeying. Finally the + husband gave his wife leave to comply with the King’s desire, and in order + that he might be no hindrance in the matter, he pretended to have business + in the country for eight or ten days; during which time, however, he + remained concealed in Paris, frequenting the brothels and trying to + contract a venereal disease in order to give it to his wife, so that the + King might catch it from her; and he speedily found what he sought, and + infected his wife and she the King, who gave it to several other women, + whom he kept, and could never get thoroughly cured, for all the rest of + his life he remained unhealthy, sad, peevish and inaccessible.” + </p> + <p> + Brantôme, it may be mentioned, also speaks of the King contracting a + complaint through his gallantries, and declares that it shortened his + life, but he mentions no woman by name, and does not tell the story of the + advocate’s wife. It will have been observed in the extract we have quoted + that Guyon de la Nauthe says that the advocate had left children “in + possession of high estate and good repute.” Disome, however, had no + children either by his first or his second wife. The question therefore + arises whether La Nauthe is not referring to another advocate, for + instance Le Féron, husband of La belle Féronnière. These would appear to + have left posterity (see <i>Catalogue de tous les Conseillers du Parlement + de Paris</i>, pp. 120-2-3, and Blanchard’s <i>les Présidents à mortier du + Parlement de Paris, etc</i>., 1647, 8vo). But it should be borne in mind + that the Féronnière intrigue is purely traditional. The modern writers who + speak of it content themselves with referring to Mézeray, a very doubtful + authority at most times, and who did not write, it should be remembered, + till the middle of the seventeenth century, his <i>Abrégé Chronologique</i> + being first published in 1667. Moreover, when we come to consult him we + find that he merely makes a passing allusion to La Féronnière, and even + this is of the most dubious kind. Here are his words: “In 1538 the King + had a long illness at Compiègne, caused by an ulcer.... He was cured at + the time, but died [of it?] nine years later. <i>I have sometimes heard + say</i>(!) that he caught this disease from La belle Féronnière.” + </p> + <p> + Against this we have to set the express statement of Louise of Savoy, who + writes in her journal, under date 1512, that her son (born in 1494) had + already and at an early age had a complaint <i>en secrete nature</i>. Now + this was long before the belle Féronnière was ever heard of, and further + it was prior to the intrigue with Jane Disome, who, by Queen Margaret’s + showing, did not meet with “the young prince” until she had been married + some time and was in despair of having children by her husband. The latter + had lost his first wife late in 1511, and it is unlikely that he married + Jane Lecoq until after some months of widowhood. To our thinking Prince + Francis would have appeared upon the scene in or about 1514, his intrigue + culminating in the scandal of the following year, in which Mons. Cruche + played so conspicuous a part. With reference to the complaint from which + King Francis is alleged to have suffered, one must not overlook the + statement of a contemporary, Cardinal d’Armagnac, who, writing less than a + year before the King’s death, declares that Francis enjoys as good health + as any man in his kingdom (Genin’s <i>Lettres de Marguerite</i>, 1841, p. + 473). Cardinal d’Armagnac’s intimacy with the King enabled him to speak + authoritatively, and his statement refutes the assertions of Brantôme, + Guyon de la Nauthe and Mézeray, besides tending to the conclusion that the + youthful complaint mentioned by Louise of Savoy was merely a passing + disorder.—Ed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + C. (Tale XXVI., Page 143.) + </h2> + <p> + Brantome mentions this tale in both the First and the Fourth Discourse of + his <i>Dames Galantes</i>. In the former, after contending that all women + are naturally inclined to vice—a view which he borrows from the <i>Roman + de la Rose</i>, and which Pope afterwards re-echoed in the familiar line, + “Every woman is at heart a rake”—he proceeds to speak of those who + overcome their inclinations and remain virtuous:— + </p> + <p> + “Of this,” says he, “we have a very fine story in the Hundred Tales of the + Queen of Navarre; the one in which that worthy Lady of Pampeluna, vicious + at heart and by inclination, burning too with love for that handsome + Prince, Monsieur d’Avannes, preferred to die consumed by the fire that + possessed her rather than seek a remedy for it, as she herself declared in + her last words on her deathbed. This worshipful and beautiful lady dealt + herself death most iniquitously and unjustly; and as I once heard a worthy + man and worthy lady say of this very passage, she did really offend + against God, since it was in her power to deliver herself from death; + whereas in seeking it and advancing it as she did, she really killed + herself. And thus have done many similar to her, who by excessive + continence and abstinence have brought about the destruction both of their + souls and bodies.”—Lalanne’s <i>OEuvres de Brantôme</i>, vol. ix. + pp. 209-n. + </p> + <p> + In the Fourth Discourse of his work, Brantôme mentions the case of a + “fresh and plump” lady of high repute, who, through love-sickness for one + of her admirers, so wasted away that she became seriously alarmed, and for + fear of worse resolved to satisfy her passion, whereupon she became “plump + and beautiful as she had been before.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard speak,” adds Brantôme, “of another very great lady, of very + joyous humour, and great wit, who fell ill and whose doctor told her that + she would never recover unless she yielded to the dictates of nature, + whereupon she instantly rejoined: ‘Well then, let it be so;’ and she and + the doctor did as they listed.... One day she said to him: ‘It is said + everywhere that you have relations with me; but that is all the same to + me, since it keeps me in good health... and it shall continue so, as long + as may be, since my health depends on it.’ These two ladies in no wise + resemble that worthy lady of Pampeluna, in the Queen of Navarre’s Hundred + Tales, who, as I have previously said, fell madly in love with Monsieur + d’Avannes, but preferred to hide her flame and nurse it in her burning + breast rather than forego her honour. And of this I have heard some worthy + ladies and lords discourse, saying that she was a fool, caring but little + for the salvation of her soul, since she dealt herself death, when it was + in her power to drive death away, at very trifling cost."-Lalanne’s <i>OEuvres + de Brantôme</i>, vol. xi. pp. 542-5. + </p> + <p> + To these extracts we may add that the problem discussed by Brantôme, three + hundred years ago, is much the same as that which has so largely occupied + the attention of modern medical men, namely the great spread of nervous + disease and melancholia among women, owing to the unnatural celibacy + enforced upon them by the deficiency of husbands.—Ed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + D. (Tale XXX., Page 191). + </h2> + <p> + Various French, English and Italian authors have written imitations of + this tale, concerning which Dunlop writes as follows in his History of + Fiction:— + </p> + <p> + “The plot of Bandello’s thirty-fifth story is the same as that of Horace + Walpole’s comedy <i>The Mysterious Mother</i>, and of the Queen of + Navarre’s thirtieth tale. The earlier portion will be found also in + Masuccio’s twenty-third tale: but the second part, relating to the + marriage, occurs only in Bandello’s work and the <i>Heptameron</i>. It is + not likely, however, that the French or the Italian novelist borrowed from + one another. The tales of Bandello were first published in 1554, and as + the Queen of Navarre died in 1549, it is improbable that she ever had an + opportunity of seeing them. On the other hand, the work of the Queen was + not printed till 1558, nine years after her death, so it is not likely + that any part of it was copied by Bandello, whose tales had been edited + some years before.” + </p> + <p> + Walpole, it may be mentioned, denied having had any knowledge either of + the <i>Heptameron</i> or of Bandello when he wrote <i>The Mysterious + Mother</i>, which was suggested to him, he declared, by a tale he had + heard when very young, of a lady who had waited on Archbishop Tillotson + with a story similar to that which is told by Queen Margaret’s heroine to + the Legate of Avignon. According to Walpole, Tillotson’s advice was + identical with that given by the Legate. + </p> + <p> + Dunlop mentions that a tale of this character is given in Byshop’s <i>Blossoms</i> + (vol. xi.); and other authors whose writings contain similar stories are: + Giovani Brevio, <i>Rime e Prose vulgari</i>, Roma, 1545 (Novella iv.); + Desfontaine’s <i>L’Inceste innocent, histoire véritable</i>, Paris, 1644 5 + Tommaso Grappulo, or Grappolino, <i>Il Convito Borghesiano</i>, Londra, + 1800 (Novella vii.); Luther, <i>Colloquia Mens alia</i> (article on + auricular confession); and Masuccio de Solerac, <i>Novellino</i>, Ginevra, + 1765 (Novella xxiii.). + </p> + <p> + Curiously enough, Bandello declares that the story was related to him by a + lady of Navarre (Queen Margaret?) as having occurred in that country, + while Julio de Medrano, a Spanish author of the sixteenth century, asserts + that it was told to him in the Bourbonnais as being actual fact, and that + he positively saw the house where the lady’s son and his wife resided; but + on the other hand we find the tale related, in its broad lines, in <i>Amadis + de Gaule</i> as being an old-time legend, and in proof of this, it figures + in an ancient French poem of the life of St. Gregory, the MS. of which + still exists at Tours, and was printed in 1854. + </p> + <p> + In support of the theory that the tale is based on actual fact, the + following passage from Millin’s <i>Antiquités Nationales</i> (vol. iii. f. + xxviii. p. 6) is quoted— + </p> + <p> + “In the middle of the nave of the collégial church of Ecouis, in the cross + aisle, was found a white marble slab on which was inscribed this epitaph:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Hore lies the child, here lies the father, + Here lies the sister, here lies the brother, + Here lie the wife and the husband, + Yet there are but two bodies here.” + </pre> + <p> + “The tradition is that a son of Madame d’Écouis had by his mother, without + knowing her or being recognised by her, a daughter named Cecilia, whom he + afterwards married in Lorraine, she then being in the service of the + Duchess of Bar. Thus Cecilia was at one and the same time her husband’s + daughter, sister and wife. They were interred together in the same grave + at Écouis in 1512.” + </p> + <p> + According to Millin, a similar tradition will be found with variations in + different parts of France. For instance, at the church of Alincourt, a + village between Amiens and Abbeville, there was to be seen in Millin’s + time an epitaph running as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Here lies the son, here lies the mother, + Here lies the daughter with the father; + Here lies the sister, here lies the brother, + Here lie the wife and the husband; + And there are only three bodies here.” + </pre> + <p> + Gaspard Meturas, it may be added, gives the same epitaph in his <i>Hortus + Epitaphiomm Selectorum</i>, issued in 1648, but declares that it is to be + found at Clermont in Auvergne—a long way from Amiens—and + explains it by saying that the mother engendered her husband by + intercourse with her own father; whence it follows that he was at the same + time her husband, son and brother.—L. M. and Ed. + </p> + <p> + End of vol. III. + </p> + <p> + LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY OF ENGLISH BIBLIOPHILISTS <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17701/17701-h/17701-h.htm">Volume + I.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17702/17702-h/17702-h.htm">Volume + II.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17704/17704-h/17704-h.htm">Volume + IV.</a> + </td> + <td> + <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17705/17705-h/17705-h.htm">Volume + V.</a> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tales Of The Heptameron, Vol. III. +(of V.), by Margaret, Queen Of Navarre + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TALES OF THE HEPTAMERON *** + +***** This file should be named 17703-h.htm or 17703-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17703/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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