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diff --git a/old/17704-h.htm.2021-01-25 b/old/17704-h.htm.2021-01-25 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bf7b6c1 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/17704-h.htm.2021-01-25 @@ -0,0 +1,7811 @@ +<?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 IV. + </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. IV. (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. IV. (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 #17704] +Last Updated: October 24, 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 FOURTH + </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/1/7/7/0/17703/17703-h/17703-h.htm">Volume + III.</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_0002"> <b>FOURTH DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PROL"> PROLOGUE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <i>TALE XXXI</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <i>TALE XXXII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> <i>TALE XXXIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> <i>TALE XXXIV</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> <i>TALE XXXV</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> <i>TALE XXXVI</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> <i>TALE XXXVII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> <i>TALE XXXVIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> <i>TALE XXXIX</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> <i>TALE XL</i>. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> <b>FIFTH DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PROL5"> PROLOGUE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> <i>TALE XLI</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> <i>TALE XLII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> <i>TALE XLIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> <i>TALE XLIV.(A)</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> <i>TALE XLIV. (B)</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> <i>TALE XLV</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> <i>TALE XLVI. (A)</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> <i>TALE XLVI.(B)</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> <i>TALE XLVII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> <i>TALE XLVIII</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> <i>TALE XLIX</i>. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> <i>TALE L</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_0029"> A. (Tale XXXVI., Page 63.) </a> + </p> + <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"> 007a.jpg the Wicked Friar Captured </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> 007.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> 0016.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> 017a.jpg Bernage Observing the German Lady’s + Strange Penance </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> 017.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> 028.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> 029a.jpg the Execution of The Wicked Priest + and his Sister </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> 029.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> 037.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> 039a.jpg the Grey Friar Imploring The Butcher + to Spare his Life </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0013"> 039.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0014"> 047.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0015"> 049a.jpg the Lady Embracing The Supposed + Friar </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0016"> 049.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0017"> 062.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0018"> 063a.jpg the Clerk Entreating Forgiveness of + The President </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0019"> 063.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0020"> 072.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0021"> 073a.jpg the Lady of Loué Bringing Her + Husband The Basin Of Water </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0022"> 073.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0023"> 081.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0024"> 083a.jpg the Lady of Tours Questioning Her + Husband’s Mistress </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0025"> 083.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0026"> 088.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0027"> 089a.jpg the Lord of Grignaulx Catching The + Pretended Ghost </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0028"> 089.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0029"> 094.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0030"> 095a.jpg the Count of Jossebelin Murdering + his Sister’s Husband </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0031"> 095.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0032"> 109.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0033"> 115a.jpg the Beating of The Wicked Grey Friar + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0034"> 115.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0035"> 122.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0036"> 123a.jpg the Girl Refusing The Gift of The + Young Prince </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0037"> 123.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0038"> 142.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0039"> 143a.jpg Jambicque Repudiating Her Lover </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0040"> 143.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0041"> 155.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0042"> 157.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0043"> 162.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0044"> 163a.jpg the Lovers Returning from Their + Meeting in The Garden </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0045"> 163.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0046"> 176.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0047"> 177a.jpg the Man of Tours and his + Serving-maid in The Snow </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0048"> 177.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0049"> 186.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0050"> 187.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0051"> 193.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0052"> 195a.jpg the Young Man Beating his Wife </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0053"> 195.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0054"> 201.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0055"> 203a.jpg the Gentleman Reproaching his Friend + for His Jealousy </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0056"> 203.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0057"> 211.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0058"> 213a.jpg the Grey Friars Caught and Punished + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0059"> 213.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0060"> 218.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0061"> 219a.jpg the Countess Facing Her Lovers </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0062"> 219.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0063"> 232.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0064"> 233a.jpg the Lady Killing Herself on The + Death of Her Lover </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0065"> 233.jpg Page Image </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0066"> 240.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <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 IV. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> FOURTH DAY. </a> + </p> + <p> + Prologue <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0004">Tale XXXI.</a> Punishment + of the wickedness of a Friar who sought to lie <br /> with a gentleman’s + wife. <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0005">Tale XXXII.</a> How an + ambassador of Charles VIII., moved by the repentance <br /> of a German + lady, whom her husband compelled to drink out of her lover’s <br /> + skull, reconciled husband and wife together. <br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0006">Tale XXXIII.</a> The hypocrisy of a priest who, + under the cloak of sanctity, <br /> had lain with his own sister, is + discovered and punished by the wisdom <br /> of the Count of Angoulême. + <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0007">Tale XXXIV.</a> The terror of two + Friars who believed that a butcher <br /> intended to murder them, + whereas the poor man was only speaking of his <br /> Pigs. <br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0008">Tale XXXV.</a> How a husband’s prudence saves his + wife from the risks she <br /> incurred while thinking to yield to merely + a spiritual love. <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0009">Tale XXXVI.</a> + The story of the President of Grenoble, who saves the honour <br /> of + his house by poisoning his wife with a salad. <br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0010">Tale XXXVII.</a> How the Lady of Loué regained her + husband’s affection. <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0011">Tale XXXVIII.</a> + The kindness of a townswoman of Tours to a poor <br /> farm-woman who is + mistress to her husband, makes the latter so ashamed <br /> of his + faithlessness that he returns to his wife. <br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0012">Tale XXXIX.</a> How the Lord of Grignaulx rid one + of his houses of a <br /> pretended ghost. <br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0013">Tale XL.</a> The unhappy history of the Count de + Jossebelin’s sister, who <br /> shut herself up in a hermitage because + her brother caused her husband to <br /> be slain. <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> FIFTH DAY. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> Prologue <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0016">Tale XLI.</a> Just + punishment of a Grey Friar for the unwonted penance that <br /> he would + have laid upon a maiden. <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0017">Tale XLII.</a> + The virtuous resistance made by a young woman of Touraine <br /> causes a + young Prince that is in love with her, to change his desire to <br /> + respect, and to bestow her honourably in marriage. <br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0018">Tale XLIII.</a> How a little chalk-mark revealed + the hypocrisy of a lady <br /> called Jambicque, who was wont to hide the + pleasures she indulged in, <br /> beneath the semblance of austerity. + <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0019">Tale XLIV. (A).</a> Through telling + the truth, a Grey Friar receives as alms <br /> from the Lord of Sedan + two pigs instead of one. <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0020">Tale XLIV. + (B).</a> Honourable conduct of a young citizen of Paris, who, <br /> + after suddenly enjoying his sweetheart, at last happily marries. <br /> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0021">Tale XLV.</a> Cleverness of an + upholsterer of Touraine, who, to hide that <br /> he has given the + Innocents to his serving-maid, contrives to give them <br /> afterwards + to his wife. <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0022">Tale XLVI. (A).</a> + Wicked acts of a Grey Friar of Angoulême called De Vale, <br /> who fails + in his purpose with the wife of the Judge of the Exempts, but <br /> to + whom a mother in blind confidence foolishly abandons her daughter. <br /> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0023">Tale XLVI. (B).</a> Sermons of the Grey + Friar De Vallès, at first against <br /> and afterwards on behalf of + husbands that beat their wives. <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0024">Tale + XLVII.</a> The undeserved jealousy of a gentleman of Le Perche towards + <br /> another gentleman, his friend, leads the latter to deceive him. + <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0025">Tale XLVIII.</a> Wicked act of a + Grey Friar of Perigord, who, while a <br /> husband was dancing at his + wedding, went and took his place with the <br /> bride. <br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0026">Tale XLIX.</a> Story of a foreign Countess, who, + not content with having <br /> King Charles as her lover, added to him + three lords, to wit, Astillon, <br /> Durassier and Valnebon. <br /> <br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027">Tale L.</a> Melancholy fortune of Messire John + Peter, a gentleman of <br /> Cremona, who dies just when he is winning + the affection of the lady he <br /> loves. <br /> <br /> Appendix to Vol. + IV. <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOURTH DAY. + </h2> + <p> + <i>On the Fourth Day are chiefly told Tales of the<br /> virtuous patience + and long suffering of<br /> Ladies to win over their husbands; <br /> and of + the prudence that Men <br /> have used towards Women <br /> to save the + honour of <br /> their families and <br /> lineage.</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> + The Lady Oisille, as was her excellent custom, rose up on the morrow very + much earlier than the others, and meditating upon her book of Holy + Scripture, awaited the company which, little by little, assembled together + again. And the more slothful of them excused themselves in the words of + the Bible, saying, “I have a wife, and therefore could not come so + quickly.” (1) In this wise it came to pass that Hircan and his wife + Parlamente found the reading of the lesson already begun. Oisille, + however, knew right well how to pick out the passage in the Scriptures, + which reproves those who neglect the hearing of the Word, and she not only + read the text, but also addressed to them such excellent and pious + exhortations that it was impossible to weary of listening to her. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”—St. + Luke xiv. 20.—M. +</pre> + <p> + The reading ended, Parlamente said to her— + </p> + <p> + “I felt sorry for my slothfulness when I came in, but since my error has + led you to speak to me in such excellent fashion, my laziness has profited + me double, for I have had rest of body by sleeping longer, and + satisfaction of spirit by hearing your godly discourse.” “Well,” said + Oisille, “let us for penance go to mass and pray Our Lord to give us both + will and power to fulfil His commandments; and then may He command us + according to His own good pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + As she was saying these words, they reached the church, where they piously + heard mass. And afterwards they sat down to table, where Hircan failed not + to laugh at the slothfulness of his wife. After dinner they withdrew to + rest and study their parts, (2) and when the hour was come, they all found + themselves at the wonted spot. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Meaning what they had to relate. The French word is + <i>rolle</i> from <i>rotulus</i>.—M. +</pre> + <p> + Then Oisille asked Hircan to whom he would give his vote to begin the day. + </p> + <p> + “If my wife,” said he, “had not begun yesterday, I should have given her + my vote, for although I always thought that she loved me more than any man + alive, she has further proved to me this morning that she loves me better + than God or His Word, seeing that she neglected your excellent reading to + bear me company. However, since I cannot give my vote to the discreetest + lady of the company, I will present it to Geburon, who is the discreetest + among the men; and I beg that he will in no wise spare the monks.” + </p> + <p> + “It was not necessary to beg that of me,” said Geburon; “I was not at all + likely to forget them. Only a short while ago I heard Monsieur de + Saint-Vincent, Ambassador of the Emperor, tell a story of them which is + well worthy of being rememorated and I will now relate it to you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/007a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="007a.jpg the Wicked Friar Captured " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Wicked Friar Captured] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/007.jpg" width="100%" alt="007.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 XXXI</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A monastery of Grey Friars was burned down, with the monks + that were in it, as a perpetual memorial of the cruelty + practised by one among them that was in love with a lady</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In the lands subject to the Emperor Maximilian of Austria (1) there was a + monastery of Grey Friars that was held in high repute, and nigh to it + stood the house of a gentleman who was so kindly disposed to these monks + that he could withhold nothing from them, in order to share in the + benefits of their fastings and disciplines. Among the rest there was a + tall and handsome friar whom the said gentleman had taken to be his + confessor, and who had as much authority in the gentleman’s house as the + gentleman himself. This friar, seeing that the gentleman’s wife was as + beautiful and prudent as it was possible to be, fell so deeply in love + with her that he lost all appetite for both food and drink, and all + natural reason as well. One day, thinking to work his end, he went all + alone to the house, and not finding the gentleman within, asked the lady + whither he was gone. She replied that he was gone to an estate where he + proposed remaining during two or three days, but that if the friar had + business with him, she would despatch a man expressly to him. The friar + said no to this, and began to walk to and fro in the house like one with a + weighty matter in his mind. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 Maximilian I., grandfather of Charles V. and Ferdinand + I., and Emperor of Germany from 1494 to 1519.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + When he had left the room, the lady said to one of her women (and there + were but two) “Go after the good father and find out what he wants, for I + judge by his countenance that he is displeased.” + </p> + <p> + The serving-woman went to the courtyard and asked the friar whether he + desired aught, whereat he answered that he did, and, drawing her into a + corner, he took a dagger which he carried in his sleeve, and thrust it + into her throat. Just after he had done this, there came into the + courtyard a mounted servant who had been gone to receive the rent of a + farm. As soon as he had dismounted he saluted the friar, who embraced him, + and while doing so thrust the dagger into the back part of his neck. And + thereupon he closed the castle gate. + </p> + <p> + The lady, finding that her serving-woman did not return, was astonished + that she should remain so long with the friar, and said to the other— + </p> + <p> + “Go and see why your fellow-servant does not come back.” + </p> + <p> + The woman went, and as soon as the good father saw her, he drew her aside + into a corner and did to her as he had done to her companion. Then, + finding himself alone in the house, he came to the lady, and told her that + he had long been in love with her, and that the hour was now come when she + must yield him obedience. + </p> + <p> + The lady, who had never suspected aught of this, replied— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure, father, that were I so evilly inclined, you would be the first + to cast a stone at me.” + </p> + <p> + “Come out into the courtyard,” returned the monk, “and you will see what I + have done.” + </p> + <p> + When she beheld the two women and the man lying dead, she was so terrified + that she stood like a statue, without uttering a word. The villain, who + did not seek merely an hour’s delight, would not take her by force, but + forthwith said to her— + </p> + <p> + “Mistress, be not afraid; you are in the hands of him who, of all living + men, loves you the most.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he took off his long robe, beneath which he wore a shorter one, + which he gave to the lady, telling her that if she did not take it, she + should be numbered with those whom she saw lying lifeless before her eyes. + </p> + <p> + More dead than alive already, the lady resolved to feign obedience, both + to save her life, and to gain time, as she hoped, for her husband’s + return. At the command of the friar, she set herself to put off her + head-dress as slowly as she was able; and when this was done, the friar, + heedless of the beauty of her hair, quickly cut it off. Then he caused her + to take off all her clothes except her chemise, and dressed her in the + smaller robe he had worn, he himself resuming the other, which he was wont + to wear; then he departed thence with all imaginable speed, taking with + him the little friar he had coveted so long. + </p> + <p> + But God, who pities the innocent in affliction, beheld the tears of this + unhappy lady, and it so happened that her husband, having arranged matters + more speedily than he had expected, was now returning home by the same + road by which she herself was departing. However, when the friar perceived + him in the distance, he said to the lady— + </p> + <p> + “I see your husband coming this way. I know that if you look at him he + will try to take you out of my hands. Go, then, before me, and turn not + your head in his direction; for, if you make the faintest sign, my dagger + will be in your throat before he can deliver you.” + </p> + <p> + As he was speaking, the gentleman came up, and asked him whence he was + coming. + </p> + <p> + “From your house,” replied the other, “where I left my lady in good + health, and waiting for you.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman passed on without observing his wife, but a servant who was + with him, and who had always been wont to foregather with one of the + friar’s comrades named Brother John, began to call to his mistress, + thinking, indeed, that she was this Brother John. The poor woman, who + durst not turn her eyes in the direction of her husband, answered not a + word. The servant, however, wishing to see her face, crossed the road, and + the lady, still without making any reply, signed to him with her eyes, + which were full of tears. + </p> + <p> + The servant then went after his master and said—“Sir, as I crossed + the road I took note of the friar’s companion. He is not Brother John, but + is very like my lady, your wife, and gave me a pitiful look with eyes full + of tears.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman replied that he was dreaming, and paid no heed to him; but + the servant persisted, entreating his master to allow him to go back, + whilst he himself waited on the road, to see if matters were as he + thought. The gentleman gave him leave, and waited to see what news he + would bring him. When the friar heard the servant calling out to Brother + John, he suspected that the lady had been recognised, and with a great, + iron-bound stick that he carried, he dealt the servant so hard a blow in + the side that he knocked him off his horse. Then, leaping upon his body, + he cut his throat. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, seeing his servant fall in the distance, thought that he + had met with an accident, and hastened back to assist him. As soon as the + friar saw him, he struck him also with the iron-bound stick, just as he + had struck the servant, and, flinging him to the ground, threw himself + upon him. But the gentleman being strong and powerful, hugged the friar so + closely that he was unable to do any mischief, and was forced to let his + dagger fall. The lady picked it up, and, giving it to her husband, held + the friar with all her strength by the hood. Then her husband dealt the + friar several blows with the dagger, so that at last he cried for mercy + and confessed his wickedness. The gentleman was not minded to kill him, + but begged his wife to go home and fetch their people and a cart, in which + to carry the friar away. This she did, throwing off her robe, and running + as far as her house in nothing but her shift, with her cropped hair. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman’s men forthwith hastened to assist their master to bring + away the wolf that he had captured. And they found this wolf in the road, + on the ground, where he was seized and bound, and taken to the house of + the gentleman, who afterwards had him brought before the Emperor’s Court + in Flanders, when he confessed his evil deeds. + </p> + <p> + And by his confession and by proofs procured by commissioners on the spot, + it was found that a great number of gentlewomen and handsome wenches had + been brought into the monastery in the same fashion as the friar of my + story had sought to carry off this lady; and he would have succeeded but + for the mercy of Our Lord, who ever assists those that put their trust in + Him. And the said monastery was stripped of its spoils and of the handsome + maidens that were found within it, and the monks were shut up in the + building and burned with it, as an everlasting memorial of this crime, by + which we see that there is nothing more dangerous than love when it is + founded upon vice, just as there is nothing more gentle or praiseworthy + when it dwells in a virtuous heart. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Queen Margaret states (<i>ante</i>, p. 5) that this tale was + told by M. de St.-Vincent, ambassador of Charles V., and + seems to imply that the incident recorded in it was one of + recent occurrence. The same story may be found, however, in + most of the collections of early <i>fabliaux</i>. See <i>OEuvres de + Rutebeuf</i>, vol. i. p. 260 (<i>Frère Denise</i>), Legrand + d’Aussy’s <i>Fabliaux</i>, vol. iv. p. 383, and the <i>Recueil + complet des Fabliaux</i>, Paris, 1878, vol. iii. p. 253. There + is also some similarity between this tale and No. LX. of the + <i>Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles</i>. Estienne quotes it in his + <i>Apologie pour Hérodote</i>, L’Estoile in his <i>Journal du règne + de Henri III. (anno</i> 1577), Malespini uses it in his + <i>Ducento Novelle</i> (No. 75), and it suggested to Lafontaine + his <i>Cordeliers de Catalogne</i>.—L. and M. +</pre> + <p> + “I am very sorry, ladies, that truth does not provide us with stories as + much to the credit of the Grey Friars as it does to the contrary. It would + be a great pleasure to me, by reason of the love that I bear their Order, + if I knew of one in which I could really praise them; but we have vowed so + solemnly to speak the truth that, after hearing it from such as are well + worthy of belief, I cannot but make it known to you. Nevertheless, I + promise you that, whenever the monks shall accomplish a memorable and + glorious deed, I will be at greater pains to exalt it than I have been in + relating the present truthful history.” + </p> + <p> + “In good faith, Geburon,” said Oisille, “that was a love which might well + have been called cruelty.” + </p> + <p> + “I am astonished,” said Simontault, “that he was patient enough not to + take her by force when he saw her in her shift, and in a place where he + might have mastered her.” + </p> + <p> + “He was not an epicure, but a glutton,” said Saffredent. “He wanted to + have his fill of her every day, and so was not minded to amuse himself + with a mere taste.” + </p> + <p> + “That was not the reason,” said Parlamente. “Understand that a lustful man + is always timorous, and the fear that he had of being surprised and robbed + of his prey led him, wolf-like, to carry off his lamb that he might devour + it at his ease.” + </p> + <p> + “For all that,” said Dagoucin, “I cannot believe that he loved her, or + that the virtuous god of love could dwell in so base a heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Be that as it may,” said Oisille, “he was well punished, and I pray God + that like attempts may meet with the same chastisement. But to whom will + you give your vote?” + </p> + <p> + “To you, madam,” replied Geburon; “you will, I know, not fail to tell us a + good story.” + </p> + <p> + “Since it is my turn,” said Oisille, “I will relate to you one that is + indeed excellent, seeing that the adventure befel in my own day, and + before the eyes of him who told it to me. You are, I am sure, aware that + death ends all our woes, and this being so, it may be termed our happiness + and tranquil rest. It is, therefore, a misfortune if a man desires death + and cannot obtain it, and so the most grievous punishment that can be + given to a wrongdoer is not death, but a continual torment, great enough + to render death desirable, but withal too slight to bring it nearer. And + this was how a husband used his wife, as you shall hear.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/016.jpg" width="100%" alt="016.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/017a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="017a.jpg Bernage Observing the German Lady’s Strange Penance " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Bernage observing the German Lady’s Strange Penance] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/017.jpg" width="100%" alt="017.jpg Page Image " /> + </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> + <i>TALE XXXII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Bernage, learning in what patience and humility a German + lady submitted to the strange penance laid upon her for her + unchastity by her husband, so persuaded the latter that he + forgot the past, showed pity to his wife, and, taking her + back again, afterwards had by her some very handsome + children</i>. +</pre> + <p> + King Charles, eighth of the name, sent into Germany a gentleman called + Bernage, Lord of Sivray, near Amboise, (1) who to make good speed spared + not to travel both by day and night. In this wise he came very late one + evening to a gentleman’s castle, where he asked for lodging, a request + which was not granted him without great difficulty. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 Bernage, Bernaige, or Vernaiges, as the name is diversely + written in the MSS. of the <i>Heptameron</i>, was in 1495 equerry + to Charles VIII., a post which brought him an annual salary + of 300 livres.—See Godefroy’s <i>Histoire de Charles VIII</i>., + p. 705. Civray, near Chenonceaux, on the Cher, was a fief of + the barony of Amboise. In 1483 we find a certain John + Goussart doing homage for it to the crown.—Archives + Nationales, Section Domaniale, côte 3801.—L. +</pre> + <p> + However, when the gentleman came to know that he was servant to so great a + King, he went to him and begged him not to take the churlishness of his + servants in bad part, since he was obliged to keep his house thus closed + on account of certain of his wife’s kinsfolk who sought to do him hurt. + Bernage then told him the nature of his mission, wherein the gentleman + offered to serve the interests of the King his master, so far as in him + lay; and he forthwith led Bernage into the house, where he lodged and + entertained him honourably. + </p> + <p> + It was the hour for supper, and the gentleman led him into a handsome + room, hung with beautiful tapestry, where, as soon as the meats were + served, he saw come from behind the hangings the most beautiful woman it + were possible to behold; though her head was shorn and she was dressed in + black garments of the German fashion. + </p> + <p> + After the gentleman had washed his hands with Bernage, water was borne to + the lady, who also washed hers and then sat down at the end of the table + without speaking to the gentleman, or he to her. The Lord de Bernage + looked very closely at her, and thought her one of the most beautiful + women he had ever seen, except that her face was very pale, and its + expression very sad. + </p> + <p> + After eating a little, she asked for drink, which was brought to her by a + servant in a most marvellous vessel, for it was a death’s head, the + eyeholes of which were closed with silver; and from this she drank two or + three times. When she had supped, the lady washed her hands, made a + reverence to the lord of the house, and retired again behind the tapestry + without speaking to any one. Bernage was exceedingly amazed at this + strange sight, and became very melancholy and thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, who perceived this, then said to him— + </p> + <p> + “I perceive that you are astonished at what you have seen at this table; + but for the sake of the excellence that I find in you I will explain the + matter, so that you may not think I could show such cruelty without + reasons of great weight. The lady whom you saw is my wife; I loved her + more than ever man loved woman, insomuch that in order to marry her I + forgot all fear, and brought her hither in defiance of her relations. On + her part, she showed me so many tokens of love that I would have risked + ten thousand lives in bringing her hither, to her delight and mine. And + here we lived for a while in such peace and gladness that I deemed myself + the happiest gentleman in Christendom. + </p> + <p> + “But it came to pass, upon my undertaking a journey which my honour + compelled me to make, she forgot her honour, conscience and love for me to + such a degree as to fall in love with a young gentleman whom I had brought + up in this house, and this I thought I could perceive when I returned home + again. Nevertheless, the love I bore her was so great that I was not able + to mistrust her, until at last experience opened my eyes and made me see + what I dreaded more than death, whereupon my love for her was turned to + frenzy and despair in such wise that I watched her closely, and one day, + while feigning to walk abroad, I hid myself in the room in which she now + dwells. + </p> + <p> + “Thither she withdrew soon after my departure, and sent for the young + gentleman, whom I saw come in with such familiarity as should have been + mine alone. But when I saw him about to get upon the bed beside her, I + sprang out, seized him in her very arms, and slew him. And as my wife’s + crime seemed to me so great that death would not suffice to punish it, I + laid upon her a penalty which she must hold, I think, to be more bitter + than death; and this penalty was to shut her up in the room to which she + was wont to retire to take her greatest pleasures in the company of him + for whom she had more love than she had for me; and there I further placed + in a cupboard all her lover’s bones, hanging there even as precious things + are hung up in a cabinet. + </p> + <p> + “That she may not lose the memory of this villain I cause her to be served + with his skull, (2) in place of a cup, when she is eating and drinking at + table, and this always in my presence, so that she may behold, alive, him + whom her guilt has made her mortal enemy, and dead, through love of her, + him whose love she did prefer to mine. And in this wise, at dinner and at + supper, she sees the two things that must be most displeasing to her, to + wit, her living enemy, and her dead lover; and all this through her own + great sinfulness. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 It will be remembered that the Lombard King Alboin forced + his wife Rosamond to drink his health out of a goblet which + had been made from the skull of her father Cunimond, + sovereign of the Gepidæ. To revenge herself for this + affront, Rosamond caused her husband to be murdered one + night during his sleep in his palace at Pavia.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “In other matters I treat her as I do myself, save that she goes shorn; + for an array of hair beseems not the adulterous, nor a veil the unchaste. + </p> + <p> + “For this reason is her hair cut, showing that she has lost the honour of + virginity and purity. Should it please you to take the trouble to see her, + I will lead you to her.” + </p> + <p> + To this Bernage willingly consented, and going-downstairs they found her + in a very handsome apartment, seated all alone in front of the fire. The + gentleman drew aside a curtain that hung in front of a large cupboard, + wherein could be seen hanging a dead man’s bones. Bernage greatly longed + to speak to the lady, but durst not do so for fear of the husband. The + gentleman, perceiving this, thereupon said to him— + </p> + <p> + “If it be your pleasure to say anything to her, you will see what manner + of grace and speech is hers.” + </p> + <p> + Then said Bernage to her—“Lady, your patience is as great as your + torment. I hold you to be the most unhappy woman alive.” + </p> + <p> + With tears in her eyes, and with the humblest grace imaginable, the lady + answered— + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I acknowledge my offence to have been so great that all the woes + that the lord of this house (for I am not worthy to call him husband) may + be pleased to lay upon me are nothing in comparison with the grief I feel + at having offended him.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she began to weep bitterly. The gentleman took Bernage by the + arm and led him away. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning Bernage took his leave, in order to proceed on + the mission that the King had given him. However, in bidding the gentleman + farewell, he could not refrain from saying to him— + </p> + <p> + “Sir, the love I bear you, and the honour and friendship that you have + shown me in your house, constrain me to tell you that, having regard to + the deep penitence of your unhappy wife, you should, in my opinion, take + compassion upon her. You are, moreover, young and have no children, and it + would be a great pity that so fair a lineage should come to an end, and + that those who, perhaps, have no love for you, should become your heirs.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, who had resolved that he would never more speak to his + wife, pondered a long time on the discourse held to him by the Lord de + Bernage, and at last recognised that he had spoken truly, and promised him + that, if his wife should continue in her present humility, he would at + some time have pity upon her. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Bernage departed on his mission, and when he had returned to + his master, the King, he told him the whole story, which the Prince, upon + inquiry, found to be true. And as Bernage among other things had made + mention of the lady’s beauty, the King sent his painter, who was called + John of Paris, (3) that he might make and bring him a living portrait of + her, which, with her husband’s consent, he did. And when she had long done + penance, the gentleman, in his desire to have offspring, and in the pity + that he felt for his wife who had submitted to this penance with so much + humility, took her back again and afterwards had by her many handsome + children. (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 John Perréal, called “Jehan de Paris,” was one of the + most famous painters of the reigns of Charles VIII. and + Louis XII. At the end of 1496 we find him resident at Lyons, + and there enjoying considerable celebrity. From October 1498 + to November 1499 he figures in the roll of officers of the + royal household, as valet of the wardrobe, with a salary of + 240 livres. In the royal stable accounts for 1508 he appears + as receiving ten livres to defray the expense of keeping a + horse during June and July that year. He is known to have + painted the portrait and planned the obsequies of Philibert + of Savoy in 1509; to have been sent to England in 1514 to + paint a portrait of the Princess Mary, sister of Henry + VIII., who married Louis XII.; and in 1515 to have had + charge of all the decorative work connected with Louis + XII.‘s obsequies. In his <i>Légende des Vénitiens</i> (1509) John + Le Maire de Belges praises Perréal’s skill both in landscape + and portrait painting, and describes him as a most + painstaking and hardworking artist. He had previously + referred to him in his <i>Temple d’Honneur et de Vertu</i> (1504) + as being already at that period painter to the King. In the + roll of the officers of Francis I.‘s household (1522) + Perréal’s name takes precedence of that of the better known + Jehannet Clouet, but it does not appear in that of 1529, + about which time he would appear to have died. Shortly + before that date he had designed some curious initial + letters for the famous Parisian printer and bookseller, + Tory. The Claud Perréal, “Lyonnese,” whom Clement Marot + commemorates in his 36th <i>Rondeau</i> would appear to have been + a relative, possibly the son, of “Jehan de Paris.”—See Léon + de La Borde’s <i>Renaissance des Arts</i>, vol. i., Pericaud + ainé’s <i>Notice sur Jean de Paris</i>, Lyons, 1858, and more + particularly E. M. Bancel’s <i>Jehan Perréal dit Jean de + Paris, peintre et valet-de-chambre des rois Charles VIII. + Louis XII., &c</i>. Paris, Launette, 1884.—L. and M. + + 4 Brantôme refers to this tale, as an example of marital + cruelty, in his <i>Vies des Dames Galantes</i>, Lalanne’s + edition, vol. ix. p. 38.—L. +</pre> + <p> + “If, ladies, all those whom a like adventure has befallen, were to drink + out of similar vessels, I greatly fear that many a gilt cup would be + turned into a death’s head. May God keep us from such a fortune, for if + His goodness do not restrain us, there is none among us but might do even + worse; but if we trust in Him He will protect those who confess that they + are not able to protect themselves. Those who confide in their own + strength are in great danger of being tempted so far as to be constrained + to acknowledge their frailty. Many have stumbled through pride in this + way, while those who were reputed less discreet have been saved with + honour. The old proverb says truly, ‘Whatsoever God keeps is well kept.’” + </p> + <p> + “The punishment,” said Parlamente, “was in my opinion a most reasonable + one, for, just as the offence was more than death, so ought the punishment + to have been.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not of your opinion,” said Ennasuite. “I would rather see the bones + of all my lovers hanging up in my cabinet than die on their account. There + is no misdeed that cannot be repaired during life, but after death there + is no reparation possible.” + </p> + <p> + “How can shame be repaired?” said Longarine. “You know that, whatever a + woman may do after a misdeed of that kind, she cannot repair her honour.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you,” said Ennasuite, “tell me whether the Magdalen has not now + more honour among men than her sister who continued a virgin?” (5) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 Martha, sister of Lazarus and Mary Magdalen.—M. +</pre> + <p> + “I acknowledge,” said Longarine, “that we praise her for the great love + she bore to Jesus Christ and for her deep repentance; yet the name of + sinner clings to her.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not care what name men may give me,” said Ennasuite, “if only God + forgive me, and my husband do the same. There is nothing for which I + should be willing to die.” + </p> + <p> + “If the lady loved her husband as she ought,” said Dagoucin, “I am amazed + that she did not die of sorrow on looking at the bones of the man whom her + guilt had slain.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Dagoucin,” returned Simontault, “have you still to learn that women + know neither love nor even grief?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have still to learn it,” said Dagoucin, “for I have never made + trial of their love, through fear of finding it less than I desired.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you live on faith and hope,” said Nomerfide, “as the plover does on + air. (6) You are easily fed.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 This popular error was still so prevalent in France in + the last century, that Buffon, in his Natural History, took + the trouble to refute it at length.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + “I am content,” he replied, “with the love that I feel within myself, and + with the hope that there is the like in the hearts of the ladies. If I + knew that my hopes were true, I should have such gladness that I could not + endure it and live.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep clear of the plague,” said Geburon; “as for the other sickness you + mention, I will warrant you against it. But I should like to know to whom + the Lady Oisille will give her vote?” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” she said, “to Simontault, who I know will be sparing of + none.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” he replied, “is as much as to say that I am somewhat given to + slander; however, I will show you that reputed slanderers have spoken the + truth. I am sure, ladies, that you are not so foolish as to believe all + the tales that you are told, no matter what show of sanctity they may + possess, if the proof of them be not clear beyond doubt. Many an abuse + lurks even under the guise of a miracle, and for this reason I am minded + to tell you the story of a miracle that will prove no less to the honour + of a pious Prince than to the shame of a wicked minister of the Church.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/028.jpg" width="100%" alt="028.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/029a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="029a.jpg the Execution of The Wicked Priest and his Sister " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Execution of the Wicked Priest and his Sister] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/029.jpg" width="100%" alt="029.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXXIII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The hypocrisy of a priest who, under the cloak of sanctity, + had got his sister with child, was discovered by the wisdom + of the Count of Angoulême, by whose command they both were + visited with punishment by law</i>. (1) +</pre> + <p> + Count Charles of Angoulême, father of King Francis, a pious Prince and one + that feared God, happened to be at Coignac when he was told that in a + village called Cherues, (2) not far away, there dwelt a maiden who lived a + marvellously austere life, and who, for all that, was now great with + child. She made no secret of the matter, but assured every one that she + had never known a man and that she could not tell how such a fortune + should have befallen her, unless indeed it were the work of the Holy + Ghost. This explanation the people readily received, and knowing as they + all did how virtuous she had been from her youth up, and how she had never + given a single token of worldliness, they believed and deemed her a second + Virgin Mary. She used to fast not only on the days commanded by the + Church, but, from natural devotion, several times a week also; and she + never stirred from the church whenever there was a service going on there. + For these reasons she was held in such great repute among all the vulgar + that every one came to see her as though she were a miracle, and those who + succeeded in touching her dress deemed themselves fortunate indeed. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This tale is historical, the incidents must have occurred + between 1480 and 1490.—L. + + 2 Cherves-de-Cognac, now a large village of nearly 3000 + inhabitants, within four miles of Cognac. The church, where + some of the incidents recorded in the tale occurred, is + still in existence. It dates from the eleventh and twelfth + centuries, and is surmounted by three cupolas.—Eu. +</pre> + <p> + The priest of the parish was her brother; he was a man advanced in years + and of very austere life, and was loved and reverenced by his + parishioners, who held him for a holy man. He treated his sister with such + harshness as to keep her shut up in a house, to the great discontent of + all the people; and so greatly was the matter noised abroad that, as I + have told you, the story reached the ear of the Count. He perceived that + the people were being deceived, and, wishing to set them right, sent a + Master of Requests and an Almoner, two very worthy men, to learn the + truth. These repaired to the spot and inquired into the matter with all + possible diligence, addressing themselves for information to the priest, + who, being weary of the whole affair, begged them to be present at an + examination which he hoped to hold on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning the said priest chanted mass, his sister, who was + now far gone with child, being present on her knees; and when mass was + over, the priest took the “Corpus Domini,” and in presence of the whole + congregation said to his sister— + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy woman that you are, here is He who suffered death and agony for + you, and in His presence I ask you whether, as you have ever affirmed to + me, you are indeed a virgin?” + </p> + <p> + She boldly replied that she was. + </p> + <p> + “How is it possible that you can be with child and yet be still a virgin?” + </p> + <p> + “I can give no reason,” she replied, “except that the grace of the Holy + Ghost has wrought within me according to His good pleasure; nevertheless, + I cannot deny the grace that God has shown me in preserving me a virgin + without ever a thought of marriage.” + </p> + <p> + Forthwith her brother said to her— + </p> + <p> + “I offer you the precious Body of Jesus Christ, which you will take to + your damnation if it be not as you say; and the gentlemen here present on + behalf of my lord the Count shall be witnesses thereof.” + </p> + <p> + The maiden, who was nearly thirty years of age, (3) then swore as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “I take this Body of Our Lord, here present, to my damnation in the + presence of you, gentlemen, and of you, my brother, if ever man has + touched me any more than yourself.” + </p> + <p> + And with these words she received the Body of Our Lord. + </p> + <p> + Having witnessed this, the Master of Requests and the Almoner went away + quite confounded, for they thought that no lie was possible with such an + oath. And they reported the matter to the Count, and tried to persuade him + even as they were themselves persuaded. But he was a man of wisdom, (4) + and, after pondering a long time, bade them again repeat the terms of the + oath. And after weighing them well, he said— + </p> + <p> + “She has told you the truth and yet she has deceived you. She said that no + man had ever touched her any more than her brother had done, and I feel + sure that her brother has begotten this child and now seeks to hide his + wickedness by a monstrous deception. We, however, who believe that Jesus + Christ has come, can look for none other. Go, therefore, and put the + priest in prison; I am sure that he will confess the truth.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 In the MS. followed for this edition, as well as in + Boaistuau’s-version of the <i>Heptameron</i>, the age is given as + “thirteen.” We borrow the word “thirty” from MS. 1518 + (Béthune).—L. + + 4 Charles of Angoulême, father of King Francis and Queen + Margaret, had received for the times a most excellent + education, thanks to the solicitude of his father, Count + John the Good, who further took upon himself to “instruct + him in morality, showing him by a good example how to live + virtuously and honestly, and teaching him to pray God and + obey His commandments.”—<i>Vie de très illustre et vertueux + Prince Jean, Comte d’Angoulême</i>, by Jean du Port, Angoulême, + 1589, p. 66. That Count Charles profited by this teaching is + shown in the above tale.—ED. +</pre> + <p> + This was done according to his command, though not without serious + remonstrances concerning the putting of this virtuous man to open shame. + </p> + <p> + Albeit, as soon as the priest had been taken, he made confession of his + wickedness, and told how he had counselled his sister to speak as she had + done in order to conceal the life they had led together, not only because + the excuse was one easy to be made, but also because such a false + statement would enable them to continue living honoured by all. And when + they set before him his great wickedness in taking the Body of Our Lord + for her to swear upon, he made answer that he had not been so daring, but + had used a wafer that was unconsecrated and unblessed. + </p> + <p> + Report was made of the matter to the Count of Angoulême, who commanded + that the law should take its course. They waited until the sister had been + delivered, and then, after she had been brought to bed of a fine male + child, they burned brother and sister together. And all the people + marvelled exceedingly at finding beneath the cloak of holiness so horrible + a monster, and beneath a pious and praiseworthy life indulgence in so + hateful a crime. + </p> + <p> + “By this you see, ladies, how the faith of the good Count was not lessened + by outward signs and miracles. He well knew that we have but one Saviour, + who, when He said ‘Consummatum est,’ (5) showed that no room was left for + any successor to work our salvation.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, + It is finished.”—St. John xix. 30.—M. +</pre> + <p> + “It was indeed,” said Oisille, “great daring and extreme hypocrisy to + throw the cloak of Godliness and true Christianity over so enormous a + sin.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard,” said Hircan, “that such as under pretext of a commission + from the King do cruel and tyrannous deeds, receive a double punishment + for having screened their own injustice behind the justice of the Crown. + In the same way, we see that although hypocrites prosper for a time + beneath the cloak of God and holiness, yet, when the Lord God lifts His + cloak, they find themselves exposed and bare, and then their foul and + abominable nakedness is deemed all the more hideous for having had so + honourable a covering.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing can be pleasanter,” said Nomerfide, “than to speak forth frankly + the thoughts that are in the heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for profit’s sake,” (6) replied Longarine. “I have no doubt that you + give your opinion according to your temper.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 This sentence is rather obscure in the MSS., and we have + adopted the reading suggested by M. Frank. M. Lacroix, + however, was of opinion that the sentence should run, “Yes, + for mirth’s sake.”—M. +</pre> + <p> + “I will tell you what it is,” said Nomerfide. “I find that fools, when + they are not put to death, live longer than wise folk, and the only reason + that I know for this, is that they do not conceal their passions. If they + be angry, they strike; if they be merry, they laugh: whereas those that + aim at wisdom conceal their imperfections with such exceeding care that + they end by thoroughly corrupting their hearts.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are right,” said Geburon, “and that hypocrisy, whether + towards God, man or Nature, is the cause of all our ills.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a glorious thing,” said Parlamente, “if our hearts were so + filled with faith in Him, who is all virtue and all joy, that we could + freely show them to every one.” + </p> + <p> + “That will come to pass,” said Hircan, “when all the flesh has left our + bones.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” said Oisille, “the Spirit of God, which is stronger than Death, is + able to mortify our hearts without changing or destroying the body.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” returned Saffredent, “you speak of a gift of God that is not as + yet common among mankind.” + </p> + <p> + “It is common,” said Oisille, “among those that have faith, but as this is + a matter not to be understood by such as are fleshly minded, let us see to + whom Simontault will give his vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I will give it,” said Simontault, “to Nomerfide, for, since her heart is + merry, her words cannot be sad.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Nomerfide, “since you desire to laugh, I will give you + reason to do so. That you may learn how hurtful are ignorance and fear, + and how the lack of comprehension is often the cause of much woe, I will + tell you what happened to two Grey Friars, who, through failing to + understand the words of a butcher, thought that they were about to die.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/037.jpg" width="100%" alt="037.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/039a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="039a.jpg the Grey Friar Imploring The Butcher to Spare his Life " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Grey Friar imploring the Butcher to Spare his Life] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/039.jpg" width="100%" alt="039.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 XXXIV</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Two Grey Friars, while listening to secrets that did not + concern them, misunderstood the language of a butcher and + endangered their lives</i>. (1) +</pre> + <p> + Between Nyort and Fors there is a village called Grip, (2) which belongs + to the Lord of Fors. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This story is evidently founded upon fact; the incidents + must have occurred prior to 1530.—L. + + 2 Gript, a little village on the Courance, eight miles + south of Niort (Deux-Sèvres), produces some of the best + white wine in this part of France. Its church of St. Aubin + stood partly in the diocese of Poitiers, partly in that of + Saintes, the altar being in the former, and the door in the + latter one. This is the only known instance of the kind in + France. Fors, a few miles distant from Gript, was a fief + which Catherine, daughter of Artus de Vivonne, brought in + marriage to James Poussart, knight, who witnessed the Queen + of Navarre’s marriage contract, signing himself, “Seigneur + de Fors, Bailly du Berry.” He is often mentioned in the + Queen’s letters.—See Génin’s <i>Lettres de Marguerite, &c</i>, + pp. 243-244, 258-259, 332.—L. and M. +</pre> + <p> + It happened one day that two Grey Friars, on their way from Nyort, arrived + very late at this place, Grip, and lodged in the house of a butcher. Now, + as there was nothing between their host’s room and their own but a badly + joined partition of wood, they had a mind to listen to what the husband + might say to his wife when he was in bed with her, and accordingly they + set their ears close to the head of their host’s bed. He, having no + thought of his lodgers, spoke privately with his wife concerning their + household, and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “I must rise betimes in the morning, sweetheart, and see after our Grey + Friars. One of them is very fat, and must be killed; we will salt him + forthwith and make a good profit off him.” + </p> + <p> + And although by “Grey Friars” he meant his pigs, the two poor brethren, on + hearing this plot, felt sure that they themselves were spoken of, (3) and + so waited with great fear and trembling for the dawn. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The butcher doubtless called his pigs “Grey Friars” in + allusion to the latter’s gluttony and uncleanly habits. Pigs + are even nowadays termed <i>moines</i> (monks) by the peasantry + in some parts of France. Moreover, the French often render + our expression “fat as a pig” by “fat as a monk.”—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + One of them was very fat and the other rather lean. The fat one wished to + confess himself to his companion, saying that a butcher who had lost the + love and fear of God would think no more of slaughtering him than if he + were an ox or any other beast; and adding that as they were shut up in + their room and could not leave it without passing through that of their + host, they must needs look upon themselves as dead men, and commend their + souls to God. But the younger Friar, who was not so overcome with fear as + his comrade, made answer that, as the door was closed against them, they + must e’en try to get through the window, for, whatever befel them, they + could meet with nothing worse than death; to which the fat Friar agreed. + </p> + <p> + The young one then opened the window, and, finding that it was not very + high above the ground, leaped lightly down and fled as fast and as far as + he could, without waiting for his companion. The latter attempted the same + hazardous jump, but in place of leaping, fell so heavily by reason of his + weight, that one of his legs was sorely hurt, and he could not rise from + the ground. + </p> + <p> + Finding himself forsaken by his companion and being unable to follow him, + he looked around him to see where he might hide, and could espy nothing + save a pigsty, to which he dragged himself as well as he could. And as he + opened the door to hide himself within, out rushed two huge pigs, whose + place the unhappy Friar took, closing the little door upon himself, and + hoping that, when he heard the sound of passers-by, he would be able to + call out and obtain assistance. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the morning was come, however, the butcher got ready his big + knives, and bade his wife bear him company whilst he went to slaughter his + fat pig. And when he reached the sty in which the Grey Friar lay + concealed, he opened the little door and began to call at the top of his + voice— + </p> + <p> + “Come out, Master Grey Friar, come out! I intend to have some of your + chitterlings to-day.” + </p> + <p> + The poor Friar, who was not able to stand upon his leg, crawled on + all-fours out of the sty, crying for mercy as loud as he could. But if the + hapless Friar was in great terror, the butcher and his wife were in no + less; for they thought that St. Francis was wrathful with them for calling + a beast a Grey Friar, and therefore threw themselves upon their knees + asking pardon of St. Francis and his Order. Thus, the Friar was crying to + the butcher for mercy on the one hand, and the butcher to the Friar on the + other, in such sort that a quarter of an hour went by before they felt + safe from each other. + </p> + <p> + Perceiving at last that the butcher intended him no hurt, the good father + told him the reason why he had hidden himself in the sty. Then was their + fear turned to laughter, except, indeed, that the poor Friar’s leg was too + painful to suffer him to be merry. However, the butcher brought him into + the house, where he caused the hurt to be carefully dressed. + </p> + <p> + His comrade, who had deserted him in his need, ran all night long, and in + the morning came to the house of the Lord of Fors, where he lodged a + complaint against the butcher, whom he suspected of killing his companion, + seeing that the latter had not followed him. The Lord of Fors forthwith + sent to Grip to learn the truth, and this, when known, was by no means the + cause of tears. And he failed not to tell the story to his mistress the + Duchess of Angoulême, mother of King Francis, first of that name. (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 Many modern stories and anecdotes have been based on this + amusing tale.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “You see, ladies, how bad a thing it is to listen to secrets that do not + concern us, and to misunderstand what other people say.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I not know,” said Simontault, “that Nomer-fide would give us no cause + to weep, but rather to laugh? And I think that we have all done so very + heartily.” + </p> + <p> + “How comes it,” said Oisille, “that we are more ready to be amused by a + piece of folly than by something wisely done?” + </p> + <p> + “Because,” said Hircan, “the folly is more agreeable to us, for it is more + akin to our own nature, which of itself is never wise. And like is fond of + like, the fool of folly, and the wise man of discretion. But I am sure,” + he continued, “that no one, whether foolish or wise, could help laughing + at this story.” + </p> + <p> + “There are some,” said Geburon, “whose hearts are so bestowed on the love + of wisdom that, whatever they may hear, they cannot be made to laugh. They + have a gladness of heart and a moderate content such as nought can move.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are they?” asked Hircan. + </p> + <p> + “The philosophers of olden days,” said Geburon. “They were scarcely + sensible of either sadness or joy, or at least they gave no token of + either, so great a virtue did they deem the conquest of themselves and + their passions. I too think, as they did, that it is well to subdue a + wicked passion, but a victory over a natural passion, and one that tends + to no evil, appears useless in my eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” added Geburon, “the ancients held it for a great virtue.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not maintained,” said Saffredent, “that they all were wise. They + had more of the appearance of sense and virtue than of the reality.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, you will find that they rebuke everything bad,” said + Geburon. “Diogenes himself, even, trod on the bed of Plato, who was too + fond (5) of rare and precious things for his taste, and this in order to + show that he despised Plato’s vanity and greed, and would put them under + foot. ‘I trample with contempt,’ said he, ‘upon the pride of Plato.’” + </p> + <p> + “But you have not told all,” said Saffredent, “for Plato retorted that he + did so from pride of another kind.” + </p> + <p> + “In truth,” said Parlamente, “it is impossible to accomplish the conquest + of ourselves without extraordinary pride. And this is the vice that we + should fear most of all, for it springs from the death and destruction of + all the virtues.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I not read to you this morning,” said Oisille, “that those who + thought themselves wiser than other men, since by the sole light of reason + they had come to recognise a God, creator of all things, were made more + ignorant and irrational not only than other men, but than the very brutes, + and this because they did not ascribe the glory to Him to whom it was due, + but thought that they had gained the knowledge they possessed by their own + endeavours? For having erred in their minds by ascribing to themselves + that which pertains to God alone, they manifested their errors by disorder + of body, forgetting and perverting their natural sex, as St. Paul to-day + doth tell us in the Epistle that he wrote to the Romans.” (6) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 The French word here is <i>curieux</i>, which in Margaret’s + time implied one fond of rare and precious things.—B. J + + 6 <i>Romans</i> i. 26, 27.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “There is none among us,” said Parlamente, “but will confess, on reading + that Epistle, that outward sin is but the fruit of infelicity dwelling + within, which, the more it is hidden by virtue and marvels, is the more + difficult to pluck out.” + </p> + <p> + “We men,” said Hircan, “are nearer to salvation than you are, for we do + not conceal our fruits, and so the root is readily known; whereas you, who + dare not display the fruit, and who do so many seemingly fair deeds, are + hardly aware of the root of pride that is growing beneath so brave a + surface.” + </p> + <p> + “I acknowledge,” said Longarine, “that if the Word of God does not show us + by faith the leprosy of unbelief that lurks in the heart, yet God is very + merciful to us when He allows us to fall into some visible wrongdoing + whereby the hidden plague may be made manifest. Happy are they whom faith + has so humbled that they have no need to test their sinful nature by + outward acts.” + </p> + <p> + “But just look where we are now,” said Simontault. “We started from a + foolish tale, and we are now fallen into philosophy and theology. Let us + leave these disputes to such as are more fitted for such speculation, and + ask Nomerfide to whom she will give her vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” she said, “to Hircan, but I commend to him the honour of the + ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “You could not have commended it in a better place,” said Hircan, “for the + story that I have ready is just such a one as will please you. It will, + nevertheless, teach you to acknowledge that the nature of men and women is + of itself prone to vice if it be not preserved by Him to whom the honour + of every victory is due. And to abate the pride that you display when a + story is told to your honour, I will tell you one of a different kind that + is strictly true.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/047.jpg" width="100%" alt="047.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/049a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="049a.jpg the Lady Embracing The Supposed Friar " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lady embracing the Supposed Friar] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/049.jpg" width="100%" alt="049.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 XXXV</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The affection of a lady of Pampeluna—who, thinking that + there was no danger in spiritual love, had striven to + insinuate herself into the good graces of a Grey Friar—was + subdued by her husband’s prudence in such wise that, without + telling her that he knew aught of the matter, he brought her + mortally to hate that which she had most dearly loved, and + wholly to devote herself to him</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In the town of Pampeluna there lived a lady who was accounted beautiful + and virtuous, as well as the chastest and most pious in the land. She + loved her husband, and was so obedient to him that he had entire trust in + her. This lady was constantly present at Divine service and at sermons, + and she used to persuade her husband and children to be hearers with her. + She had reached the age of thirty years, at which women are wont to claim + discretion rather than beauty, when on the first day of Lent she went to + the church to receive the emblem of death. (1) Here she found that the + sermon was beginning, the preacher being a Grey Friar, a man esteemed holy + by all the people on account of his great austerity and goodness of life, + which made him thin and pale, yet not to such a point as to prevent him + from being one of the handsomest men imaginable. + </p> + <p> + The lady listened piously to his sermon, her eyes being fixed on this + reverend person, and her ears and mind ready to hearken to what he said. + And so it happened that the sweetness of his words passed through the + lady’s ears even to her heart, while the comeliness and grace of his + countenance passed through her eyes and so smote her soul that she was as + one entranced. When the sermon was over, she looked carefully to see where + the Friar would celebrate mass, (2) and there she presented herself to + take the ashes from his hand. The latter was as fair and white as any + lady’s, and this pious lady paid more attention to it than to the ashes + which it gave her. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 To receive the ashes on Ash Wednesday.—M. + + 2 That is, in which of the chapels. A friar would not + officiate at the high altar.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Feeling persuaded that a spiritual love such as this, with any pleasure + that she might derive from it, could not wound her conscience, she failed + not to go and hear the sermon every day and to take her husband with her; + and they both gave such great praise to the preacher, that they spoke of + nought beside at table or elsewhere. At last this supposed spiritual fire + became so carnal that the poor lady’s heart in which it glowed began to + consume her whole body; and just as she had been slow to feel the flame, + so did she now swiftly kindle, and feel all the delights of passion, + before she knew that she even was in love. Being thus surprised by her + enemy, Love, she offered no further resistance to his commands. But the + worst was that the physician who might have cured her ills was ignorant of + her distemper; for which reason, banishing the dread she should have had + of making known her foolishness to a man of wisdom, and her vice and + wickedness to a man of virtue and honour, she proceeded to write to him of + the love she bore him, doing this, to begin with, as modestly as she + could. And she gave her letter to a little page, telling him what he had + to do, and saying that he was to be careful above all things that her + husband should not see him going to the monastery of the Grey Friars. + </p> + <p> + The page, desiring to take the shortest way, passed through a street in + which his master was sitting in a shop. Seeing him pass, the gentleman + came out to observe whither he was going, and when the page perceived him, + he was quite confused, and hid himself in a house. Noticing this, his + master followed him, took him by the arm and asked him whither he was + bound. Finding also that he had a terrified look and made but empty + excuses, he threatened to beat him soundly if he did not confess the + truth. + </p> + <p> + “Alas, sir,” said the poor page, “if I tell you, my lady will kill me.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, suspecting that his wife was making some bargain without + his knowledge, promised the page that he should come by no hurt, and + should be well rewarded, if he told the truth; whereas, if he lied, he + should be thrown into prison for life. Thereupon the little page, eager to + have the good and to avoid the evil, told him the whole story, and showed + him the letter that his mistress had written to the preacher. At this her + husband was the more astonished and grieved, as he had all his life long + been persuaded of the faithfulness of his wife, in whom he had never + discovered a fault. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, being a prudent man, he concealed his anger, and so that he + might fully learn his wife’s intention, he sent a reply as though from the + preacher, thanking her for her goodwill, and declaring that his was as + great towards her. The page, having sworn to his master that he would + conduct the matter with discretion, (3) brought the counterfeit letter to + his mistress, who was so greatly rejoiced by it that her husband could see + that her countenance was changed; for, instead of growing lean from the + fasts of Lent, she now appeared fairer and fresher than before they began. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This is borrowed from MS. 1520. In our MS. the passage + runs, “The page having shown his master how to conduct this + affair,” &c.—L. +</pre> + <p> + It was now mid-Lent, but no thought of the Passion or Holy Week prevented + the lady from writing her frenzied fancies to the preacher according to + her wont; and when he turned his eyes in her direction, or spoke of the + love of God, she thought that all was done or said for love of her; and so + far as her eyes could utter her thoughts, she did not spare them. + </p> + <p> + The husband never failed to return her similar answers, but after Easter + he wrote to her in the preacher’s name, begging her to let him know how he + could secretly see her. She, all impatient for the meeting, advised her + husband to go and visit some estates of theirs in the country, and this he + agreed to do, hiding himself, however, in the house of a friend. Then the + lady failed not to write to the preacher that it was time he should come + and see her, since her husband was in the country. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, wishing thoroughly to try his wife’s heart, then went to + the preacher, and begged him for the love of God to lend him his robe. The + preacher, who was a man of worth, replied that the rules of his Order + forbade it, and that he would never lend his robe for a masquerade. (4) + The gentleman assured him, however, that he would make no evil use of it, + and that he wanted it for a matter necessary to his happiness and his + salvation. Thereupon the Friar, who knew the other to be a worthy and + pious man, lent it to him; and with this robe, which covered his face so + that his eyes could not be seen, the gentleman put on a false beard and a + false nose, each similar to the preacher’s. He also made himself of the + same height by means of cork. (5) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 This may be compared with the episode of Tappe-coue or + Tickletoby in Pantagruel:—“Villon, to dress an old clownish + father grey-beard, who was to represent God the Father [at + the performance of a mystery], begged of Friar Stephen + Tickletoby, sacristan to the Franciscan Friars of the place, + to lend him a cope and a stole. Tickletoby refused him, + alleging that by their provincial statutes it was rigorously + forbidden to give or lend anything to players. Villon + replied that the statute reached no further than farces, + drolls, antics, loose and dissolute games.... Tickletoby, + however, peremptorily bid him provide himself elsewhere, if + he would, and not to hope for anything out of his monastical + wardrobe.... Villon gave an account of this to the players + as of a most abominable action; adding that God would + shortly revenge himself and make an example of Tickletoby.”— + Urquhart’s <i>Works of Rabelais, Pantagruel</i>, (Book IV. + xiii.)—M. + + 5 In Boaistuau’s edition the sentence runs, “and by putting + some cork in his shoes made himself of the same height as + the preacher.”—L. +</pre> + <p> + Thus garmented, he repaired in the evening to his wife’s apartment, where + she was very piously awaiting him. The poor fool did not tarry for him to + come to her, but ran to embrace him like a woman bereft of reason. Keeping + his face bent down lest he should be recognised, he then began making the + sign of the cross, and pretended to flee from her, saying the while + nothing but— + </p> + <p> + “Temptation! temptation!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, father,” said the lady, “you are indeed right, for there is no + stronger temptation than that which proceeds from love. But for this you + have promised me a remedy; and I pray you, now that we have time and + opportunity, to take pity upon me.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she strove to embrace him, but he ran all round the room, + making great signs of the cross, and still crying— + </p> + <p> + “Temptation! temptation!” + </p> + <p> + However, when he found that she was urging him too closely, he took a big + stick that he had beneath his cloak and beat her so sorely as to end her + temptation, and that without being recognised by her. Then he immediately + went and returned the robe to the preacher, assuring him that it had + brought him good fortune. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, pretending to come from a distance, he returned home and + found his wife in bed, when, as though he knew nothing of her sickness, he + asked her the cause of it; and she replied that it was a catarrh, and that + she could move neither hand nor foot. The husband, who was much inclined + to laugh, made as though he were greatly grieved, and as if to cheer her + told her that he had bidden the saintly preacher to supper that evening. + But she quickly replied— + </p> + <p> + “God forbid, sweetheart, that you should ever invite such folk. They bring + misfortune into every house they visit.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sweet,” said the husband, “how is this? You have always greatly + praised this man, and for my own part I believe that if there be a holy + man on earth, it is he.” + </p> + <p> + “They are good in church and when preaching,” answered the lady, “but in + our houses they are very antichrists. I pray you, sweet, let me not see + him, for with my present sickness it would be enough to kill me.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you do not wish to see him,” returned the husband, “you shall not + do so, but I must have him here to supper.” + </p> + <p> + “Do what you will,” she replied, “but let me not see him, for I hate such + folk as I do the devil.” + </p> + <p> + After giving supper to the good father, the husband said to him— + </p> + <p> + “Father, I believe you to be so beloved of God, that He will refuse you no + request. I therefore entreat you to take pity on my poor wife, who for a + week past has been possessed by the evil spirit in such a way, that she + tries to bite and scratch every one. She cares for neither cross nor holy + water, but I verily believe that if you will lay your hand upon her the + devil will come forth, and I therefore earnestly entreat you to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “My son,” said the good father, “all things are possible to a believer. Do + you, then, firmly believe that God in His goodness never refuses those + that in faith seek grace from Him?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, father,” said the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Be also assured, my son,” said the friar, “that He can do what He will, + and that He is even as powerful as He is good. Let us go, then, strong in + faith to withstand this roaring lion, and to pluck from him his prey, whom + God has purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the gentleman led this worthy man to where his wife lay on a + little bed. She, thinking that it was the Friar who had beaten her, was + much astonished to see him there and exceedingly wrathful; however, her + husband being present, she cast down her eyes, and remained dumb. + </p> + <p> + “As long as I am with her,” said the husband to the holy man, “the devil + scarcely torments her. But sprinkle some holy water upon her as soon as I + am gone, and you will soon see how the evil spirit does his work.” + </p> + <p> + The husband left them alone together, and waited at the door to see how + they would behave. When the lady saw no one with her but the good father, + she began to cry out like a woman bereft of reason, calling him rascal, + villain, murderer, betrayer. At this, the good father, thinking that she + was surely possessed by an evil spirit, tried to put his hands upon her + head, in order to utter his prayers upon it; but she scratched and bit him + in such a fashion, that he was obliged to speak at a greater distance, + whence, throwing a great deal of holy water upon her, he pronounced many + excellent prayers. + </p> + <p> + When the husband saw that the Friar had done his duty, he came into the + room and thanked him for his trouble. At his entrance his wife ceased her + cursings and revilings, and meekly kissed the cross in the fear she had of + him. But the holy man, having seen her in so great a frenzy, firmly + believed that Our Lord had cast out the devil in answer to his prayer, and + he went away, praising God for this wonderful miracle. + </p> + <p> + The husband, seeing that his wife was well punished for her foolish fancy, + did not tell her of what he had done. He was content to have subdued her + affection by his own prudence, and to have so dealt with her that she now + hated mortally what she had formerly loved, and, loathing her folly, + devoted herself to her husband and household more completely than she had + ever done before. + </p> + <p> + “In this story, ladies, you see the good sense of a husband and the + frailty of a woman of repute. I think that if you look carefully into this + mirror you will no longer trust to your own strength, but will learn to + have recourse to Him who holds your honour in His hand.” + </p> + <p> + “I am well pleased,” said Parlamente, “to find you become a preacher to + the ladies, and I should be even more so if you would make these fine + sermons to all those with whom you speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Whenever you are willing to listen to me,” said Hircan, “I promise you + that I will say as much.” + </p> + <p> + “In other words,” said Simontault, “when you are not present, he will + speak in a different fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “He will do as he pleases,” said Parlamente, “but for my content I wish to + believe that he always speaks in this way. At all events, the example he + has brought forward will be profitable to those who believe that spiritual + love is not dangerous. In my opinion it is more so than any other.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” said Oisille, “it seems to me that to love a worthy, virtuous and + God-fearing man is in nowise a matter for scorn, and that one cannot but + be the better for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Parlamente, “I pray you believe that no one can be more + simple or more easily deceived than a woman who has never loved. For in + itself love is a passion that seizes upon the heart before one is aware of + it, and so pleasing a passion is it that, if it can make use of virtue as + a cloak, it will scarcely be recognised before some mischief has come of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “What mischief,” asked Oisille, “can come of loving a worthy man?” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Parlamente, “there are a good many men that are esteemed + worthy, but to be worthy in respect of the ladies, and to be careful for + their honour and conscience—not one such man as that could, I think, + be found in these days. Those who think otherwise, and put their trust in + men, find at last that they have been deceived, and, having begun such + intimacy with obedience to God, will often end it with obedience to the + devil. I have known many who, under pretext of speaking about God, began + an intimacy from which they could not withdraw when at last they wished to + do so, being held in subjection by this semblance of virtue. A vicious + love perishes of its own nature, and cannot continue in a good heart, but + virtuous love has bonds of silk so fine that one is caught in them before + they are seen.” + </p> + <p> + “According to you,” said Ennasuite, “no woman should ever love a man; but + your law is too harsh a one to last.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that,” said Parlamente, “but none the less must I desire that + every one were as content with her own husband as I am with mine.” + </p> + <p> + Ennasuite, who felt that these words touched her, changed colour and said— + </p> + <p> + “You ought to believe every one the same at heart as yourself, unless, + indeed, you think yourself more perfect than all others.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Parlamente, “to avoid dispute, let us see to whom Hircan will + give his vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” Hircan replied, “to Ennasuite, in order to make amends to her + for what my wife has said.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, since it is my turn,” said Ennasuite, “I will spare neither man nor + woman, that all may fare alike. I see right well that you are unable to + subdue your hearts to acknowledge the virtue and goodness of men, for + which reason I am obliged to resume the discourse with a story like to the + last.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0017" id="linkimage-0017"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/062.jpg" width="100%" alt="062.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0018" id="linkimage-0018"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/063a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="063a.jpg the Clerk Entreating Forgiveness of The President " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Clerk entreating Forgiveness of the President] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0019" id="linkimage-0019"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/063.jpg" width="100%" alt="063.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 XXXVI</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>By means of a salad a President of Grenoble avenged himself + upon one of his clerks with whom his wife was smitten, and + so saved the honour of his house</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In the town of Grenoble there dwelt a President whose name I shall not + mention, but he was not a Frenchman. (1) He had a very beautiful wife, and + they lived in great tranquillity together. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The personage referred to is Jeffroy Charles or Carles, + Chief President of the Parliament of Grenoble, and President + of the Senate of Turin; his wife’s name was Margaret du + Mottet; she came of a very old family of Embrun. Some + interesting particulars concerning President Charles, + supplied by that erudite scholar M. Jules Roman, will be + found in the Appendix to the present volume (A).—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + This lady, finding that her husband was now old, fell in love with a young + clerk, called Nicholas. When the President went to the court in the + morning, Nicholas used to enter his room and take his place. This was + observed by a servant of the President’s who had served his master well + for thirty years, and in his faithfulness he could not refrain from + speaking to him of the matter. + </p> + <p> + The President, being a prudent man, would not lightly believe the story, + but said that the servant wished to create contention between himself and + his wife. If the matter, said he, were really as the servant declared, he + could easily prove it to him, and if proof were not given he would believe + that it was a lie contrived in order to destroy the love existing between + himself and his wife. The servant promised that he would show him the + truth of what he had said, and one morning, as soon as the President was + gone to the court and Nicholas had entered the room, he sent one of his + fellow-servants to tell his master to come, while he himself remained + watching at the door lest Nicholas should come out. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the President saw the sign that was made to him by one of his + servants, he pretended to be ill, left the court and hastened home. Here + he found his old servant at the door, and was assured by him that Nicholas + was inside and had only just gone in. + </p> + <p> + “Do not stir from this door,” said his lord to him, “for, as you are + aware, there is no other means of going into or out of the room, except + indeed by way of a little closet of which I myself alone carry the key.” + </p> + <p> + The President entered the room and found his wife and Nicholas in bed + together. The clerk, clad in nothing but his shirt, threw himself at his + feet to entreat forgiveness, while his wife began to weep. + </p> + <p> + Then said the President— + </p> + <p> + “Though you have done a deed the enormity of which you may yourself judge, + I am yet unwilling that my house should be dishonoured on your account, + and the daughters I have had by you made to suffer. Wherefore,” he + continued, “cease to weep, I command you, and hearken to what I am going + to do; and do you, Nicholas, hide yourself in my closet and make not a + single sound.” + </p> + <p> + When this was done, he opened the door, and calling his old servant, said + to him— + </p> + <p> + “Did you not assure me that you would show me Nicholas in company with my + wife? Trusting in your word, I came hither in danger of killing my poor + wife, and I have found nothing of what you told me. I have searched the + whole room, as I will show you.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he caused his servant to look under the beds and in every + quarter. The servant, finding nothing, was greatly astonished, and said to + his master— + </p> + <p> + “The devil must have made away with him, for I saw him go in, and he did + not come out through the door. But I can see that he is not here.” + </p> + <p> + Then said his master to him— + </p> + <p> + “You are a wicked servant to try to create contention in this way between + my wife and me. I dismiss you, and will pay you what I owe you for your + services to me, and more besides; but be speedily gone, and take care that + you are not in the town twenty-four hours from now.” + </p> + <p> + The President paid him for five or six years in advance, and, knowing him + to be a faithful servant, resolved to reward him still further. + </p> + <p> + When the servant was gone weeping away, the President made Nicholas come + forth from the closet, and after telling them both what he thought of + their wickedness, he commanded them to give no hint of the matter to + anyone. He also charged his wife to dress more bravely than was her wont, + and to attend all assemblies, dances and feasts; and he told Nicholas to + make more merry than before, but, as soon as he whispered to him, + “Begone,” to see that he was out of the town before three hours were over. + Having arranged matters in this way, he returned to the court, none being + any the wiser. And for a fortnight, contrary to his wont, he entertained + his friends and neighbours, and after the banquet had the tabourers, so + that the ladies might dance. + </p> + <p> + One day, seeing that his wife was not dancing, he commanded Nicholas to + lead her out. The clerk, thinking that the past had been forgotten, did so + gladly, but when the dance was over, the President, under pretence of + charging him with some household matter, whispered to him, “Begone, and + come back no more.” And albeit Nicholas was grieved to leave his mistress, + yet was he no less glad that his life was spared. + </p> + <p> + When the President had convinced all his kinsfolk and friends and the + whole countryside of the deep love that he bore his wife, he went into his + garden one fine day in the month of May to gather a salad, of such herbs + that his wife did not live for twenty-four hours after eating of them; + whereupon he made such a great show of mourning that none could have + suspected him of causing her death; and in this way he avenged himself + upon his enemy, and saved the honour of his house. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Whilst admitting the historical basis of this story, M. + Le Roux de Lincy conceives it to be the same as No. xlvii. + of the <i>Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles</i>, printed half-a-century + before the <i>Heptameron</i> was written. Beyond the + circumstance, however, that in both cases a judge is shown + privily avenging himself on his wife for her infidelity, + there is no resemblance between the two tales. There is good + reason for believing that Queen Margaret’s narrative is + based on absolute fact, and not on the story in the <i>Cent + Nouvelles</i>. Both tales have often been imitated. See for + instance Bonaventure Despéricr’s <i>Contes, Nouvelles, et + joyeux Devis</i> (tale xcii., or, in some editions, xc. ); <i>Les + Heures de Récréation de Louis Guicciardini</i>, p. 28; G. + Giraldi Cinthio’s <i>Hecatommithi, overro cento Novelle, &c</i>. + (dec. iii. nov. vi. ); Malespini’s <i>Ducento Novelle </i>(part + ii. nov. xvi.); Verboquet’s <i>Les Délices, &c</i>, 1623, p. 23; + and Shirley’s <i>Love’s Cruelly</i>. These tales also inspired + some of the Spanish dramatists, notably Calderon.—Ed. and + L. +</pre> + <p> + “I do not mean by this, ladies, to praise the President’s conscience, but + rather to bring out the frailty of a woman and the great patience and + prudence of a man. And I beg you, ladies, be not angered by the truth, + which sometimes speaks as loudly against ourselves as against the men; for + vice and virtue are common alike to men and women.” + </p> + <p> + “If all those,” said Parlamente, “who have fallen in love with their + servants were obliged to eat salads of that kind, I know some who would be + less fond of their gardens than they are at present, and who would pluck + up the herbs to get rid of such as restore the honour of a family by + compassing the death of a wanton mother.” + </p> + <p> + Hircan, who guessed why she had said this, angrily replied—“A + virtuous woman should never judge another guilty of what she would not do + herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Knowledge is not judgment nor yet foolishness,” returned Parlamente. + “However, this poor woman paid the penalty that many others have deserved, + and I think that the President, when desirous of vengeance, comported + himself with wondrous prudence and wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + “And with great malevolence, also,” said Longarine. “‘Twas a slow and + cruel vengeance, and showed he had neither God nor conscience before his + eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what would you have had him do,” said Hircan, “to revenge himself + for the greatest wrong that a woman can deal to a man?” + </p> + <p> + “I would have had him kill her in his wrath,” she replied. “The doctors + say that since the first impulses of passion are not under a man’s + control, such a sin may be forgiven; so it might have obtained pardon.” + “Yes,” said Geburon, “but his daughters and descendants would have always + borne the stain.” + </p> + <p> + “He ought not to have killed her at all,” said Longarine, “for, when his + wrath was past, she might have lived with him in virtue, and nothing would + ever have been said about the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think,” said Saffredent, “that he was appeased merely because he + concealed his anger? For my part, I believe that he was as wrathful on the + last day, when he made his salad, as he had been on the first, for there + are persons whose first impulses have no rest until their passion has + worked its will. I am well pleased you say that the theologians deem such + sins easy to be pardoned, for I am of their opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well to look to one’s words,” said Longarine, “in presence of + persons so dangerous as you. What I said is to be understood of passion + when it is so strong that it suddenly seizes upon all the senses, and + reason can find no place.” + </p> + <p> + “It is so,” said Saffredent, “that I understood your words, and I thence + conclude that, whatever a man may do, he can commit only venial sin if he + be deeply in love. I am sure that, if Love hold him fast bound, Reason can + never gain a hearing, whether from his heart or from his understanding. + And if the truth be told, there is not one among us but has had knowledge + of such passion; and not merely do I think that sin so committed is + readily pardoned, but I even believe that God is not angered by it, seeing + that such love is a ladder whereby we may climb to the perfect love of + Himself. And none can attain to this save by the ladder of earthly love, + (3) for, as St. John says, ‘He that loveth not his brother whom he hath + seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?’” (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 All this passage is borrowed, almost word for word, from + Castiglione’s <i>Libro del Cortegiano</i>. See <i>ante</i>, vol. i. p. + 10.—B.J. + + 4 i John iv. 20.—M. +</pre> + <p> + “There is not a passage in Scripture,” said Oisille, “too good for you to + turn to your own purposes. But beware of doing like the spider, which + transforms sound meat into poison. Be advised that it is a perilous matter + to quote Scripture out of place and without cause.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call speaking the truth out of place and without cause?” said + Saffredent. “You hold, then, that when, in speaking to you unbelieving + women, we call God to our assistance, we take His name in vain; but if + there be any sin in this, you alone must bear the blame, for it is your + unbelief that compels us to seek out all the oaths that we can think of. + And in spite of it all, we cannot kindle the flame of charity in your icy + hearts.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Longarine, “proves that you all speak falsely. If truth were + in your words, it is strong enough to make you be believed. Yet there is + danger lest the daughters of Eve should hearken too readily to the + serpent.” + </p> + <p> + “I see clearly,” said Saffredent, “that women are not to be conquered by + men. So I shall be silent, and see to whom Ennasuite will give her vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” she said, “to Dagoucin, for I think he would not willingly + speak against the ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “Would to God,” said Dagoucin, “that they were as well disposed towards me + as I am towards them. To show you that I have striven to honour the + virtuous among them by recalling their good deeds, I will now tell you the + story of such a one. I will not deny, ladies, that the patience of the + gentleman at Pampeluna, and of the President at Grenoble was great, but + then it was equalled in magnitude by their vengeance. Moreover, when we + seek to praise a virtuous man, we ought not so to exalt a single virtue as + to make of it a cloak for the concealment of grievous vice; for none are + praiseworthy save such as do virtuous things from the love of virtue + alone, and this I hope to prove by telling you of the patient virtue of a + lady whose goodness had no other object save the honour of God and the + salvation of her husband.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0020" id="linkimage-0020"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/072.jpg" width="100%" alt="072.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0021" id="linkimage-0021"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/073a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="073a.jpg the Lady of Loué Bringing Her Husband The Basin Of Water " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lady of Loué bringing her Husband the Basin of Water] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0022" id="linkimage-0022"> + <!-- 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_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XXXVII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Lady of Loué so influenced her husband by her great + patience and longsuffering, that she drew him from his evil + ways, and they lived afterwards in greater love than + before</i>. +</pre> + <p> + There was a lady of the house of Loué (1) who was so prudent and virtuous, + that she was loved and esteemed by all her neighbours. Her husband trusted + her, as well he might, with all his affairs, and she managed them with + such wisdom that his house came, by her means, to be one of the wealthiest + and best appointed in either the land of Anjou or Touraine. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 Loué is in Anjou, in the department of the Sarthe, being + the chief locality of a canton of the arrondissement of Le + Mans. The Lady of Loué referred to may be either Philippa de + Beaumont-Bressuire, wife of Peter de Laval, knight, Lord of + Loué, Benars, &c.; or her daughter-in-law, Frances de + Maillé, who in or about 1500 espoused Giles de Laval, Lord + of Loué. Philippa is known to have died in 1525, after + bearing her husband five children. She had been wedded fifty + years. However, the subject of this story is the same as + that of the Lady of Langallier, or Languillier (also in + Anjou), which will be found in chapter xvii. of <i>Le Livre du + Chevalier de la Tour-Landry</i>, an English translation of + which, made in the reign of Henry VI., was edited in 1868 by + Mr. Thomas Wright for the Early English Text Society.—See + also Le Roux de Lincy’s <i>Femmes célèbres de l’ancienne + France,</i> vol i. p. 356. Particulars concerning the Laval- + Loué family will be found in Duchesne’s Histoire de la + Maison de Montmorency.—L. and M. +</pre> + <p> + In this fashion she lived a great while with her husband, to whom she bore + several handsome children; but then, as happiness is always followed by + its opposite, hers began to be lessened. Her husband, finding virtuous + ease to be unendurable, laid it aside to seek for toil, and made it his + wont to rise from beside his wife as soon as she was asleep, and not to + return until it was nearly morning. The lady of Loué took this conduct + ill, and falling into a deep unrest, of which she was fain to give no + sign, neglected her household matters, her person and her family, like one + that deemed herself to have lost the fruit of her toils, to wit, her + husband’s exceeding love, for the preserving of which there was no pain + that she would not willingly have endured. But having lost it, as she + could see, she became careless of everything else in the house, and the + lack of her care soon brought mischief to pass. + </p> + <p> + Her husband, on the one part, spent with much extravagance, while, on the + other, she had ceased to control the management, so that ere long affairs + fell into such great disorder, that the timber began to be felled, and the + lands to be mortgaged. + </p> + <p> + One of her kinsfolk that had knowledge of her distemper, rebuked her for + her error, saying that if love for her husband did not lead her to care + for the advantage of his house, she should at least have regard to her + poor children. Hereat her pity for them caused her to recover herself, and + she tried all means to win back her husband’s love. + </p> + <p> + In this wise she kept good watch one night, and, when he rose from beside + her, she also rose in her nightgown, let make her bed, and said her + prayers until her husband returned. And when he came in, she went to him + and kissed him, and brought him a basin full of water that he might wash + his hands. He was surprised at this unwonted behaviour, and told her that + there was no need for her to rise, since he was only coming from the + latrines; whereat she replied that, although it was no great matter, it + was nevertheless a seemly thing to wash one’s hands on coming from so + dirty and foul a place, intending by these words to make him perceive and + abhor the wickedness of his life. But for all that he did not mend his + ways, and for a full year the lady continued to act in this way to no + purpose. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, seeing that this behaviour served her naught, one day, while + she was waiting for her husband, who tarried longer than ordinary, she had + a mind to go in search of him, and, passing from room to room, found him + at last in a closet at the back of the house, lying asleep by the side of + the ugliest, vilest, and filthiest serving-woman they had. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, thinking she would teach him to leave so excellent a wife for + so filthy and vile a woman, she took some straw and set it on fire in the + middle of the room; but on seeing that it would as soon kill her husband + as awaken him, she plucked him by the arm, crying out— + </p> + <p> + “Fire! fire!” + </p> + <p> + If the husband was ashamed and sorry at being found by so virtuous a wife + in company with such a slut, he certainly had good reason for it. Then + said his wife to him— + </p> + <p> + “For a year, sir, have I tried by gentle and patient means to draw you + from this wickedness, and to show you that whilst washing the outside you + should also cleanse that which is within. Finding that all I could do was + of no avail, I have sought assistance from that clement which brings all + things to an end, and I promise you, sir, that, if this do not mend you, I + know not whether I shall a second time be able to deliver you from the + danger as I have now done. I pray you remember that the deepest despair is + that caused by love, and that if I had not had the fear of God before my + eyes I could not have endured so much.” + </p> + <p> + The husband, glad to get off so easily, promised that he would never again + cause her any pain on his account. This the lady was very willing to + believe, and with her husband’s consent turned away the servant who had so + offended her. And from that time forth they lived most lovingly together, + so that even the errors of the past, by the good that had resulted from + them, served but to increase their happiness. + </p> + <p> + “Should God give you such husbands, ladies, I pray you despair not until + you have fully tried all means to win them back. There are twenty-four + hours in the day in which a man may change his mind, and a wife who has + gained her husband over by patience and longsuffering should deem herself + more fortunate than if fate and her kinsfolk had given her one more + perfect.” + </p> + <p> + “It is an example,” said Oisille, “that all married women ought to + follow.” + </p> + <p> + “Follow it who will,” said Parlamente; “for my own part, I should find it + impossible to be patient so long. Although in every condition patience is + a seemly virtue, yet I think that in wedded life it finally produces + ill-will. For, when suffering is caused you by your partner, you are + compelled to keep yourself as much apart from him as possible; and from + such estrangement there springs up contempt for the faithless one; and + this contempt gradually lessens love, for a thing is loved in proportion + as it is esteemed.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is a danger,” said Ennasuite, “that the impatient wife may meet + with a passionate husband who, instead of patience, will bring her pain.” + </p> + <p> + “And what more,” said Parlamente, “could a husband do than was done by the + husband in the story?” + </p> + <p> + “What more?” said Ennasuite. “Why, beat his wife soundly, and make her lie + in the smaller bed, and his sweetheart in the larger.” (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 At this period, and for some time afterwards, there were + usually two beds in the master’s room, a large one for + himself and his wife, and a small one in which slept a + trusty servant, male or female. These little beds are shown + in some of the designs engraved by Abraham Bosse in the + seventeenth century.—L. +</pre> + <p> + “It is my belief,” said Parlamente, “that a true woman would be less + grieved by being beaten in anger than by being contemned for one of less + worth than herself. After enduring the severance of love, nothing that her + husband could do would be able to cause her any further pain. And in this + wise the story says that the trouble she took to regain him was for the + sake of her children—which I can well believe.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think that it showed great patience on her part,” said + Nomerfide, “to kindle a fire beneath the bed on which her husband was + sleeping.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Longarine; “for when she saw the smoke she waked him, and + herein, perhaps, was she most to blame; for the ashes of such a husband as + hers would to my thinking have been good for the making of lye.” + </p> + <p> + “You are cruel, Longarine,” said Oisille, “but those are not the terms on + which you lived with your own husband.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Longarine, “for, God be thanked, he never gave me cause. I have + reason to regret him all my life long, not to complain of him.” + </p> + <p> + “But if he had behaved in such a manner towards you,” said Nomerfide, + “what would you have done?” + </p> + <p> + “I loved him so dearly,” said Longarine, “that I believe I should have + killed him, and myself as well. To die after taking such a vengeance would + have been sweeter to me than to live faithfully with the faithless.” + </p> + <p> + “So far as I can see,” said Hircan, “you do not love your husbands except + for your own sakes. If they are what you want them to be, you are very + fond of them; but if they fall into the slightest error towards you, they + lose on a Saturday the toil of an entire week. Thus you are minded to + rule, and I for my part will consent to it provided, however, that all + other husbands agree.” + </p> + <p> + “It is reasonable,” said Parlamente, “that man should rule us as our head, + but not that he should forsake us or treat us ill.” + </p> + <p> + “God has provided so wisely,” said Oisille, “both for man and for woman, + that I hold marriage, if it be not abused, to be the goodliest and + securest condition imaginable, and I am sure that, whatever they may seem + to do, all here present think the same. And if the man claims to be wiser + than the woman, he will be the more severely blamed should the fault come + from him. But enough of such talk. Let us now see to whom Dagoucin will + give his vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” he said, “to Longarine.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me a great pleasure,” she replied, “for I have read a story that + is worthy to follow yours. Since we are set upon praising the virtuous + patience of ladies, I will show you one more worthy of praise than she of + whom we have just been speaking. And she is the more deserving of esteem + in that she was a city dame, and therefore one of those whose breeding is + less virtuous than that of others.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0023" id="linkimage-0023"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/081.jpg" width="100%" alt="081.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0024" id="linkimage-0024"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/083a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="083a.jpg the Lady of Tours Questioning Her Husband’s Mistress " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lady of Tours questioning her Husband’s Mistress] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0025" id="linkimage-0025"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/083.jpg" width="100%" alt="083.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 XXXVIII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A towns-woman of Tours returned so much good for all the + evil treatment she had received from her husband, that the + latter forsook the mistress whom he was quietly maintaining, + and returned to his wife</i>. (1) + + 1 It is probable that the incidents related in this tale + occurred between 1460 and 1470. They will be found recorded + in the <i>Ménagier de Paris</i>. (See Baron Pichon’s edition, + 1847, vol. i. p. 237). A similar narrative figures in some + editions of Morlini’s tales, notably the <i>Novello, Fabello, + et Comedies, Neapoli</i>, 1520. We further find it in + Gueudeville’s translation of Erasmus’s Colloquies (<i>Dialogue + sur le mariage, collogues, &c., Leyden</i>, 1720, vol. i. p. + 87), and Mr. Walter Keily has pointed out (the <i>Heptameron</i>, + Bohn, 1864) that William Warner worked the same incidents + into his poem <i>Albion’s England</i>, his stanzas being + reproduced in Percy’s <i>Reliques</i> under the title of <i>The + Patient Countess</i>.—L. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In the city of Tours there dwelt a chaste and comely townswoman, who, by + reason of her virtues, was not only loved but feared also and respected by + her husband. Nevertheless, with all the fickleness of men who grow weary + of ever eating good bread, he fell in love with a farm tenant (2) of his + own, and would oft-time leave Tours to visit the farm, where he always + remained two or three days; and when he came back to Tours he was always + in so sorry a plight that his wife had much ado to cure him, yet, as soon + as he was whole again, he never failed to return to the place where + pleasure caused him to forget all his ills. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 The French word here is <i>métayère</i>. The <i>métayer</i> (fem. + métayère) was a farm tenant under the general control of his + landlord, who supplied him with seed and took to himself a + considerable portion of the produce. The system was done + away with at the Revolution, but was revived here and there + under the Restoration, when some of the nobles came to + “their own” again, and there may even nowadays be a few + instances of the kind.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + When his wife, who was anxious above all things for his life and health, + found him constantly return home in so evil a plight, she went to the farm + and found there the young woman whom her husband loved. Then, without + anger but with graceful courage, she told her that she knew her husband + often went to see her, but that she was ill-pleased to find him always + return home exhausted in consequence of her sorry treatment of him. The + poor woman, influenced as much by respect for her mistress as by regard + for the truth, was not able to deny the fact, and craved forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + The lady asked to see the room and bed in which her husband was wont to + sleep, and found it so cold and dirty and ill-appointed that she was moved + to pity. Forthwith she sent for a good bed furnished with sheets, blankets + and counterpane such as her husband loved; she caused the room to be made + clean and neat and hung with tapestries; provided suitable ware for his + meat and drink, a pipe of good wine, sweetmeats and confections, and + begged the woman to send him back no more in so miserable a state. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before the husband again went, as was his wont, to see his + tenant, and he was greatly amazed to find his poor lodging in such + excellent order. And still more was he surprised when the woman gave him + to drink in a silver cup; and he asked her whence all these good things + had come. The poor woman told him, weeping, that they were from his wife, + who had taken such great pity on his sorry treatment that she had + furnished the house in this way, and had charged her to be careful of his + health. + </p> + <p> + When the gentleman saw the exceeding generosity of his wife in returning + so much good for all the evil turns that he had done her, he looked upon + his own wrongdoing as no less great than her kindness; and, after giving + some money to his tenant, he begged her to live in future as an honest + woman. Then he went back to his wife, acknowledged his wrongdoing, and + told her that, but for her great gentleness and generosity, he could never + have forsaken the life that he had been leading. And thenceforward, + forgetting the past, they lived in all peacefulness together. + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure, ladies, that there are but few husbands whom a wife’s + love and patience cannot win at last, unless they be harder even than + stone, which weak and yielding water will in time make hollow.” + </p> + <p> + “That woman,” said Parlamente, “had neither heart, gall nor liver.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you have had her do?” said Longarine. “She practised what God + commands, and returned good for evil.” (3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 “Recompense to no man evil for evil.”—<i>Rom</i>. xii. 17. + “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing.”—1 + <i>Pet</i>. iii. 9.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I think,” said Hircan, “she must have been in love with some Grey Friar, + who had laid upon her the penance of having her husband well treated in + the country, so that, meantime, she might be free to entertain herself + well in the town.” + </p> + <p> + “Therein,” said Oisille, “you clearly show the wickedness of your own + heart, judging ill of a good deed. I rather believe her to have been so + subdued by the love of God that she cared for naught save the salvation of + her husband’s soul.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” said Simontault, “that he had more reason to return to + his wife when he was so cold at the farm than afterwards when he was + treated so well.” + </p> + <p> + “From what I can see,” said Saffredent, “you are not of the same opinion + as the rich man of Paris who, when he lay with his wife, could not put off + his gear without being chilled, but who never felt the worse when he went + without cap or shoes, in the depth of winter, to see his servant-maid in + the cellar. Yet his wife was very beautiful and the maid very ugly.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you not heard,” said Geburon, “that God always aids lunatics, lovers + and sots? Perhaps he was all three in one.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you thence conclude,” said Pariamente, “that God recks not of the + wise, the chaste and the temperate? Help is not needed by those who can + help themselves. He who said that He had come for the sick and not for the + whole, (4) came by the law of His mercy to succour our infirmities, + thereby annulling the decrees of His rigorous justice; and he that deems + himself wise is a fool in the sight of God. But, to end the sermon, to + whom will Longarine give her vote?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but + they that are sick.”—<i>St. Mark</i> ii. 17. See also <i>St. + Luke</i> v. 31.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I give it,” she said, “to Saffredent.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I hope,” said Saffredent, “to prove to you that God does not favour + lovers. For although it has already been said, ladies, that vice is common + to men and women alike, yet will a subtle artifice be more readily and + adroitly devised by a woman than by a man Of this I am now about to give + you an instance.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0026" id="linkimage-0026"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/088.jpg" width="100%" alt="088.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0027" id="linkimage-0027"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/089a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="089a.jpg the Lord of Grignaulx Catching The Pretended Ghost " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lord of Grignaulx catching the Pretended Ghost] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0028" id="linkimage-0028"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/089.jpg" width="100%" alt="089.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 XXXIX</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Lord of Grignaulx freed his house from a ghost which + had so tormented his wife that for the space of two years + she had dwelt elsewhere</i>. +</pre> + <p> + A certain Lord of Grignaulx (1) who was gentleman of honour to the Queen + of France, Anne, Duchess of Brittany, on returning to his house whence he + had been absent during more than two years, found his wife at another + estate, near by, and when he inquired the reason of this, she told him + that a ghost was wont to haunt the house, and tormented them so much that + none could dwell there. (2) Monsieur de Grig-naulx, who had no belief in + such absurdities, replied that were it the devil himself he was not afraid + of him, and so brought his wife home again. + </p> + <p> + At night he caused many candles to be lighted that he might see the ghost + more clearly, and, after watching for a long time without hearing + anything, he fell asleep; but immediately afterwards he was awaked by a + buffet upon the cheek, and heard a voice crying, “Brenigne, Brenigne,” + which had been the name of his grandmother. (3) Then he called to the + serving-woman, who lay near them, (4) to light the candle, for all were + now extinguished, but she durst not rise. And at the same time the Lord of + Grig-naulx felt the covering pulled from off him, and heard a great noise + of tables, trestles and stools falling about the room; and this lasted + until morning. However, the Lord of Grignaulx was more displeased at + losing his rest than afraid of the ghost, for indeed he never believed it + to be any such thing. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This is John de Talleyrand, knight, lord of Grignols and + Fouquerolles, Prince of Chalais, Viscount of Fronsac, mayor + and captain of Bordeaux, chamberlain of Charles VIII., first + majordomo and gentleman of honour in turn to two French + Queens, Anne of Brittany and Mary of England. His wife was + Margaret de la Tour, daughter of Anne de la Tour, Viscount + of Turenne, and Mary de Beaufort. She bore him several + children. It was John de Talleyrand who warned Louise of + Savoy that her son Francis, then Count of Angoulême, was + paying court to the young Queen, Mary of England, wife to + Louis XII. Apprehensive lest this intrigue should destroy + her son’s prospects, Louise prevailed on him to relinquish + it (Brantôme’s <i>Dames Illustres</i>).—L. 4 89 + + 2 The house haunted by the ghost would probably be + Talleyrand’s château at Grignols, in the department of the + Gironde. His lordship of Fouquerolles was only a few miles + distant, in the Dordogne, and this would be the estate to + which his wife had retired.—Ed. + + 3 Talleyrand’s grandmother on the paternal side was Mary of + Brabant; the reference may be to his maternal grandmother, + whose Christian name was possibly “Bénigne.” On the other + hand, Boaistuau gives the name as Revigne, and among the old + French <i>noblesse</i> were the Revigné and Revigny families.— + Ed. + + 4 See <i>ante</i>, note 2 to Tale XXXVII. +</pre> + <p> + On the following night he resolved to capture this ghost, and so, when he + had been in bed a little while, he pretended to snore very loudly, and + placed his open hand close to his face. Whilst he was in this wise waiting + for the ghost, he felt that something was coming near him, and accordingly + snored yet louder than before, whereat the ghost was so encouraged as to + deal him a mighty blow. Forthwith, the Lord of Grignaulx caught the + ghost’s hand as it rested on his face, and cried out to his wife— + </p> + <p> + “I have the ghost!” + </p> + <p> + His wife immediately rose up and lit the candle, and found that it was the + serving-woman who slept in their room; and she, throwing herself upon her + knees, entreated forgiveness and promised to confess the truth. This was, + that she had long loved a serving-man of the house, and had taken this + fine mystery in hand in order to drive both master and mistress away, so + that she and her lover, having sole charge of the house, might be able to + make good cheer as they were wont to do when alone. My Lord of Grignaulx, + who was a somewhat harsh man, commanded that they should be soundly beaten + so as to prevent them from ever forgetting the ghost, and this having been + done, they were driven away. In this fashion was the house freed from the + plaguy ghosts who for two years long had played their pranks in it. (5) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 Talleyrand, who passes for having been the last of the + “Rois des Ribauds” (see the Bibliophile Jacob’s historical + novel of that title), was, like his descendant the great + diplomatist, a man of subtle and caustic humour. Brantôme, + in his article on Anne of Brittany in <i>Les Dames Illustres</i>, + repeatedly refers to him, and relates that on an occasion + when the Queen wished to say a few words in Spanish to the + Emperor’s ambassador—there was a project of marrying her + daughter Claude to Charles V.—she applied to Grignols to + teach her a sentence or two of the Castilian language. He, + however, taught her some dirty expression, but was careful + to warn Louis XII., who laughed at it, telling his wife on + no account to use the Spanish words she had learnt. On + discovering the truth, Anne was so greatly vexed, that + Grignols was obliged to withdraw from Court for some time, + and only with difficulty obtained the Queen’s forgiveness.— + L. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “It is wonderful, ladies, to think of the effects wrought by the mighty + god of Love. He causes women to put aside all fear, and teaches them to + give every sort of trouble to man in order to work their own ends. But if + the purpose of the serving-woman calls for blame, the sound sense of the + master is no less worthy of praise. He knew that when the spirit departs, + it returns no more.” (6) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 “A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.”—<i>Psalm</i> + lxxviii. 39.—M. +</pre> + <p> + “In sooth,” said Geburon, “love showed little favour to the man and the + maid, but I agree that the sound sense of the master was of great + advantage to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Ennasuite, “the maid through her cunning lived for a + long time at her ease.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis but a sorry ease,” said Oisille, “that is founded upon sin and that + ends in shame and chastisement.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true, madam,” said Ennasuite, “but many persons reap pain and + sorrow by living righteously, and lacking wit enough to procure themselves + in all their lives as much pleasure as these two.” + </p> + <p> + “It is nevertheless my opinion,” said Oisille, “that there can be no + perfect pleasure unless the conscience be at rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Simontault, “the Italian maintains that the greater the sin + the greater the pleasure.” (7) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 This may be a reference to Boccaccio or Castiglione, but + the expression is of a proverbial character in many + languages.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “In very truth,” said Oisille, “he who invented such a saying must be the + devil himself. Let us therefore say no more of him, but see to whom + Saffredent will give his vote.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom?” said he. “Only Parlamente now remains; but if there were a + hundred others, she should still receive my vote, as being the one from + whom we shall certainly learn something.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, since I am to end the day,” said Parlamente, “and since I promised + yesterday to tell you why Rolandine’s father built the castle in which he + kept her so long a prisoner, I will now relate it to you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0029" id="linkimage-0029"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/094.jpg" width="100%" alt="094.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0030" id="linkimage-0030"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/095a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="095a.jpg the Count of Jossebelin Murdering his Sister’s Husband " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Count of Jossebelin murdering his Sister’s Husband] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0031" id="linkimage-0031"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/095.jpg" width="100%" alt="095.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 XL</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The sister of the Count of Jossebelin, after marrying + unknown to her brother a gentleman whom he caused to be put + to death (albeit except for his lowlier rank he had often + desired him for his brother-in-law) did, with great patience + and austerity of life, spend the remainder of her days in a + hermitage</i>. (1) +</pre> + <p> + This lord, who was the father of Rolandine and was called the Count of + Jossebelin, had several sisters, some of whom were married to wealthy + husbands, others becoming nuns, whilst one, who was beyond comparison + fairer than all the rest, dwelt unwedded in his house. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The events here narrated would have occurred in or about + 1479.—L. + + 2 The so-called Count of Jossebelin is John II., Viscount + de Rohan, previously referred to in Tale XXI. He was the son + of Alan IX., Vicount of Rohan, by his second wife, Mary of + Lorraine. Alan, by a first marriage with Margaret of + Brittany, had three daughters, Jane, Margaret and Catherine, + all three of whom were married advantageously. Contrary to + Queen Margaret’s assertion above, none of them became nuns; + Alan may, however, have had illegitimate daughters who took + the veil. By his second wife he had a son, John II., and a + daughter christened Catherine, like her half-sister. She + died unmarried, says Anselme’s <i>Histoire Généalogique</i> (vol. + iv. p. 57), and would appear to be the heroine of Queen + Margaret’s tale.—L. and B. J. +</pre> + <p> + And so dearly did she love her brother that he, for his part, preferred + her even to his wife and children. + </p> + <p> + She was asked in marriage by many of good estate, but her brother would + never listen to them through dread of losing her, and also because he + loved his money too well. She therefore spent a great part of her life + un-wedded, living very virtuously in her brother’s house. Now there was a + young and handsome gentleman who had been reared from childhood in this + same house, and who, growing in comeliness and virtue as well as in years, + had come to have a complete and peaceful rule over his master, in such + sort that whenever the latter desired to give any charge to his sister he + always did so by means of this young gentleman, (3) and he allowed him so + much influence and intimacy, sending him morning and evening to his + sister, that at last a great love sprang up between the two. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This is possibly a Count of Keradreux, whom John II. is + known to have put to death, though the Breton and French + chroniclers do not relate the circumstances of the crime.— + See<i>post</i>, p. 100, note 4.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + But as the gentleman feared for his life if he should offend his master, + and the lady feared also for her honour, their love found gladness in + speech alone, until the Lord of Jossebelin had often said to his sister + that he wished the gentleman were rich and of as good a house as her own, + for he had never known a man whom he would so gladly have had for his + brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + He repeated these sayings so often that, after debating them together, the + lovers concluded that if they wedded one another they would readily be + forgiven. Love, which easily believes what it desires, persuaded them that + nothing but good could come of it; and in this hope they celebrated and + consummated the marriage without the knowledge of any save a priest and + certain women. + </p> + <p> + After they had lived for a few years in the delight that man and woman can + have together in marriage, and as one of the handsomest and most loving + couples in Christendom, Fate, vexed to find two persons so much at their + ease, would no longer suffer them to continue in it, but stirred up + against them an enemy, who, keeping watch upon the lady, came to a + knowledge of her great happiness, and, ignorant the while of her marriage, + went and told the Lord of Jossebelin that the gentleman in whom he had so + much trust, went too often to his sister’s room, and that moreover at + hours when no man should enter it. This the Count would not at first + believe for the trust that he had in his sister and in the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + But the other, like one careful for the honour of the house, repeated the + charge so often that a strict watch was set, and the poor folk, who + suspected nothing, were surprised. For one evening the Lord of Jossebelin + was advised that the gentleman was with his sister, and, hastening + thither, found the poor love-blinded pair lying in bed together. His anger + at the sight robbed him of speech, and, drawing his sword, he ran after + the gentleman to kill him. But the other, being nimble of body, fled in + nothing but his shirt, and, being unable to escape by the door, leaped + through a window into the garden. + </p> + <p> + Then the poor lady, clad only in her chemise, threw herself upon her knees + before her brother and said to him— + </p> + <p> + “Sir, spare the life of my husband, for I have indeed married him; and if + you are offended punish only me, for what he did was done at my request.” + </p> + <p> + Her brother, beside himself with wrath, could only reply— + </p> + <p> + “Even if he be your husband one hundred thousand times over, yet will I + punish him as a rascally servant who has deceived me.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he went to the window and called out loudly to kill him, which + was speedily done before the eyes of himself and his sister. The latter, + on beholding the pitiful sight which no prayers on her part had been able + to prevent, spoke to her brother like a woman bereft of reason. + </p> + <p> + “Brother,” she said, “I have neither father nor mother, and I am old + enough to marry according to my own pleasure. I chose one whom many a time + you said you would gladly have me marry, and for doing by your own + counsels that which the law permits me to do without them, you have put to + death the man whom you loved best of all the world. Well, since my prayers + have been of no avail to preserve his life, I implore you, by all the love + you have ever borne me, to make me now a sharer in his death even as I + have been a sharer in all his living fortunes. In this way, while sating + your unjust and cruel anger, you will give repose to the body and soul of + one who cannot and will not live without him.” Although her brother was + almost distracted with passion, (4) he had pity upon his sister, and so, + without granting or denying her request, withdrew. After weighing well + what he had done, and hearing that the gentleman had in fact married his + sister, he would gladly have undone his grievous crime. Nevertheless, + being afraid that his sister would seek justice or vengeance for it, he + caused a castle to be built in the midst of a forest, (5) and, placing her + therein, forbade that any should have speech with her. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 John II. of Rohan was a man of the most passionate, + resentful disposition, and the greater part of his life was + spent in furthering ambitious schemes, stirring up feuds and + factions, and desolating Brittany with civil war. In 1470 we + find him leaving the service of the Duke, his master, to + enter that of Louis XI., on whose side he fought till the + peace of Senlis in 1475. Four years later the Duke of + Brittany caused him to be arrested on the charge of + murdering the Count of Keradreux, and he appears to have + remained in prison till 1484, when it is recorded that he + fled to France, and thence to Lorraine. In 1487 he leagued + himself with several discontented nobles to drive away the + Chancellor of Brittany and various foreign favourites around + the Duke, and carried civil war into several parts of the + duchy. Then for a brief space he made his peace with the + Duke, but again took up arms for the French King, fought at + St. Aubin du Cormier, captured Dinan and besieged and + pillaged Guingamp. Charles VIII. appointed him Lieutenant- + general of Lower Brittany in 1491, and he was first + commissary of the King of France at the States of Brittany + held at Vannes in 1491 and 1501. In 1507 he witnessed the + marriage contract of the Princess Claude with Francis, Duke + of Valois, afterwards Francis I. (Anselme’s <i>Histoire + Généalogique</i>, vol. iv. p. 57). When Anne became Duchess of + Brittany, John II. vainly strove to compel her to marry his + son, James, and this was one of the causes of their life- + long enmity (<i>ante</i> vol. iii. Tale XXI.) John II. died in + 1516.—L. and Ed. + + 5 If this be the chateau of Josselin, as some previous + commentators think, Queen Margaret is in error here, for + records subsist which prove that Josselin, now classed among + the historical monuments of France, was built not by John + II., but by his father, Alan IX. It rises on a steep rock on + the bank of the Oust, at nine miles from Ploèrmel, and on + the sculptured work, both inside and out, the letters A. V. + (Alan, Viscount) are frequently repeated, with the arms of + Rohan and Brittany quartered together, and bearing the proud + device <i>A plus</i>. It seems to us evident that the incidents + recorded in the early part of Queen Margaret’s tale took + place at Josselin, and that Catherine de Rohan was + imprisoned in some other chateau expressly erected by her + brother.—D. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Some time afterwards he sought, for the satisfaction of his conscience, to + win her back again, and spoke to her of marriage; but she sent him word + that he had given her too sorry a breakfast to make her willing to sup off + the same dish, and that she looked to live in such sort that he should + never murder a second husband of hers; for, she added, she could scarcely + believe that he would forgive another man after having so cruelly used the + one whom he had loved best of all the world. + </p> + <p> + And although weak and powerless for revenge, she placed her hopes in Him + who is the true Judge, and who suffers no wickedness to go unpunished; + and, relying upon His love alone, was minded to spend the rest of her life + in her hermitage. And this she did, for she never stirred from that place + so long as she lived, but dwelt there with such patience and austerity + that her tomb was visited by every one as that of a saint. + </p> + <p> + From the time that she died, her brother’s house came to such a ruinous + state, that of his six sons not one was left, but all died miserably; (6) + and at last the inheritance, as you heard in the former story, passed into + the possession of Rolandine, who succeeded to the prison that had been + built for her aunt. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 Queen Margaret is in error here. Instead of six sons, + John II., according to the most reliable genealogical + accounts of the Rohan family, had but two, James, Viscount + of Rohan and Lord of Leon, who died childless in 1527, and + Claud, Bishop of Cornouailles, who succeeded him as Viscount + of Rohan (Anselme). These had two sisters, Anne, the + Rolandine of Tale XXI., and Mary, who died in June 1542 + (Dillaye).—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I pray God, ladies, that this example may be profitable to you, and that + none among you will seek to marry for her own pleasure without the consent + of those to whom obedience is due; for marriage is a state of such long + continuance that it should not be entered upon lightly and without the + advice of friends and kin. And, indeed, however wisely one may act, there + is always at least as much pain in it as there is pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “In good faith,” said Oisille, “were there neither God nor law to teach + maidens discretion, this example would suffice to give them more reverence + for their kindred, and not to seek marriage according to their own + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, madam,” said Nomerfide, “whoso has but one good day in the year, + is not unhappy her whole life long. She had the pleasure of seeing and + speaking for a long time with him whom she loved better than herself, and + she moreover enjoyed the delights of marriage with him without scruple of + conscience. I consider such happiness so great, that in my opinion it + surpassed the sorrow that she bore.” + </p> + <p> + “You maintain, then,” said Saffredent, “that a woman has more pleasure in + lying with a husband, than pain in seeing him put to death before her + eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not my meaning,” said Nomerfide, “for it would be contrary to my + experience of women. But I hold that an unwonted pleasure such as that of + marrying the man whom one loves best of all the world, must be greater + than that of losing him by death, which is common to all.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Geburon, “if the death be a natural one, but that in the story + was too cruel. And I think it very strange, considering he was neither her + father nor her husband but only her brother, and she had reached an age + when the law suffers maidens to marry according to their own pleasure, + that this lord should have had the daring to commit so cruel a deed.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think it at all strange,” said Hircan, “for he did not kill his + sister whom he dearly loved, and who was not subject to his control, but + dealt with the gentleman whom he had bred as his son and loved as his + brother. He had bestowed honour and wealth upon him in his service, and in + return for all this the other sought his sister in marriage, a thing which + was in nowise fitting for him to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Moreover,” said Nomerfide, “it was no ordinary or wonted pleasure for a + lady of such high lineage to marry a gentleman servant for love. If the + death was extraordinary, the pleasure also was novel, and it was the + greater seeing that it had against it the opinions of all wise folk, for + it was the happiness of a loving heart with tranquillity of soul, since + God was in no wise offended by it And as for the death that you call + cruel, it seems to me that, since death is unavoidable, the swifter it + comes the better; for we know that it is a road by which all of us must + travel. I deem those fortunate who do not long linger on the outksirts of + death, but who take a speedy flight from all that can be termed happiness + in this world to the happiness that is eternal.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by the outskirts of death?” said Simontault. + </p> + <p> + “Such as have deep tribulation of spirit,” replied Nomerfide, “such, too, + as have long been ill, and in their extreme bodily or spiritual pain have + come to think lightly of death and find its approach too slow, such, I + say, as these have passed through the outskirts of death and will tell you + of the hostels where they knew more lamentation than rest. The lady of the + story could not help losing her husband through death, but her brother’s + wrath preserved her from seeing him a long time sick or distressed in + mind. And turning the gladness that she had had with him to the service of + Our Lord, she might well esteem herself happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you make no account,” said Longarine, “of the shame that she endured, + or of her imprisonment?” + </p> + <p> + “I consider,” said Nomerfide, “that a woman who lives perfectly, with a + love that is in keeping with the commands of her God, has no knowledge of + shame or dishonour except when they impair or lessen the perfection of her + love; for the glory of truly loving knows no shame. As for her + imprisonment, I imagine that, with her heart at large and devoted to God + and her husband, she thought nothing of it, but deemed her solitude the + greatest freedom. When one cannot see what one loves, the greatest + happiness consists in thinking constantly upon it, and there is no prison + so narrow that thought cannot roam in it at will.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing can be truer than what Nomerfide says,” observed Simontault, “but + the man who in his passion brought this separation to pass must have + deemed himself unhappy indeed, seeing that he offended God, Love and + Honour.” + </p> + <p> + “In good sooth,” said Geburon, “I am amazed at the diversity of woman’s + love. I can see that those who have most love have most virtue; but those + who have less love conceal it in their desire to appear virtuous.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said Parlamente, “that a heart which is virtuous towards God + and man loves more deeply than a vicious one, and fears not to have its + inmost purpose known.” + </p> + <p> + “I have always heard,” said Simontault, “that men should not be blamed if + they seek the love of women, for God has put into the heart of man desire + and boldness for asking, and in that of woman fear and chastity for + refusal. If, then, a man be punished for using the powers that have been + given him, he suffers wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “But it must be remembered,” said Longarine, “that he had praised this + gentleman for a long time to his sister. It seems to me that it would be + madness or cruelty in the keeper of a fountain to praise its fair waters + to one fainting with thirst, and then to kill him when he sought to taste + them.” + </p> + <p> + “The brother,” thereupon said Parlamente, “did indeed so kindle the flame + by gentle words of his own, that it was not meet he should beat it out + with the sword.” + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised,” said Saffredent, “to find it taken ill that a simple + gentleman should by dint of love alone, and without deceit, have come to + marry a lady of high lineage, seeing that the wisdom of the philosophers + accounts the least of men to be of more worth than the greatest and most + virtuous of women.” + </p> + <p> + “The reason is,” said Dagoucin, “that in order to preserve the + commonwealth in peace, account is only taken of the rank of families, the + age of persons, and the provisions of the laws, without regard to the love + and virtue of individuals, and all this so that the kingdom may not be + disturbed. Hence it comes to pass that, in marriages made between equals + and according to the judgment of kinsfolk and society, the husband and + wife often journey to the very outskirts of hell.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed it has been seen,” said Geburon, “that those who, being alike in + heart, character and temperament, have married for love and paid no heed + to diversity of birth and lineage, have ofttime sorely repented of it; for + a deep unreasoning love is apt to turn to jealousy and rage.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” said Parlamente, “that neither course is worthy of + praise, but that folks should submit themselves to the will of God, and + pay no heed to glory, avarice or pleasure, and loving virtuously and with + the approval of their kinsfolk, seek only to live in the married state as + God and nature ordain. And although no condition be free from tribulation, + I have nevertheless seen such persons live together without regret; and we + of this company are not so unfortunate as to have none of these married + ones among the number.” + </p> + <p> + Hircan, Geburon, Simontault and Saffredent swore that they had wedded + after this sort, and had never repented since. Whatever the truth of this + declaration may have been, the ladies concerned were exceedingly content + with it, and thinking that they could hear nothing to please them better, + they rose up to go and give thanks for it to God, and found the monks at + the church, ready for vespers. + </p> + <p> + When the service was over they went to supper, but not without much + discourse concerning their marriages; and this lasted all the evening, + each one relating the fortune that had befallen him whilst he was wooing + his wife. + </p> + <p> + As it happened, however, that one was interrupted by another, it is not + possible to set down these stories in full, albeit they would have been as + pleasant to write as those which had been told in the meadow. Such great + delight did they take in the converse, and so well did it entertain them, + that, before they were aware of it, the hour for rest had come. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Oisille made the company separate, and they betook themselves to + bed so joyously that, what with recounting the loves of the past, and + proving those of the present, the married folk, methinks, slept no longer + than the others. + </p> + <p> + And so the night was pleasantly spent until the morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0032" id="linkimage-0032"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/109.jpg" width="100%" alt="109.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </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> + FIFTH DAY. + </h2> + <p> + <i>On the Fifth Day Tales are told of the virtue of those<br /> maids and + matrons who held their honour in<br /> more consideration than their + pleasure,<br /> also of those who did the contrary,<br /> and of the + simplicity of<br /> certain others</i>. <a name="link2H_PROL5" + id="link2H_PROL5"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PROLOGUE. + </h2> + <p> + When morning was come, the Lady Oisille made ready for them a spiritual + breakfast of such excellent flavour that it sufficed to strengthen both + body and mind. The whole company was very attentive to it; it seemed to + them that they had never harkened to a sermon with such profit before. + Then, when the last bell rang for mass, they went to meditate upon the + pious discourse which they had heard. + </p> + <p> + After listening to mass, and walking for a little while, they went to + table feeling assured that the present day would prove as agreeable as any + of the past. Saffredent even said that he would gladly have the bridge + building for another month, so great was the pleasure that he took in + their entertainment; but the Abbot was pressing the work with all speed, + for it was no pleasure to him to live in the company of so many honourable + persons, among whom he could not bring his wonted female pilgrims. + </p> + <p> + Having rested for a time after dinner, they returned to their accustomed + diversion. When all were seated in the meadow, they asked Parlamente to + whom she gave her vote. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” she replied, “that Saffredent might well begin this day, for + his face does not look as though he wished us to weep.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, ladies, you will needs be very hard-hearted,” said Saffredent, “if + you take no pity on the Grey Friar whose story I am going to relate to + you. You may perhaps think, from the tales that some among us have already + told of the monks, that misadventures have befallen hapless damsels simply + because ease of execution induced the attempt to be fearlessly begun, but, + so that you may know that it is the blindness of wanton lust which + deprives the friars of all fear and prudence, I will tell you of what + happened to one of them in Flanders.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0033" id="linkimage-0033"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/115a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="115a.jpg the Beating of The Wicked Grey Friar " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Beating of the Wicked Grey Friar] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0034" id="linkimage-0034"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/115.jpg" width="100%" alt="115.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 XLI</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Grey Friar to whom a maiden had presented herself on + Christmas night that he might confess her, laid upon her so + strange a penance that she would not submit to it, but rose + from before him without having received absolution; but her + mistress, hearing of the matter, caused the Grey Friar to be + flogged in her kitchen, and then sent him back, bound and + gagged, to his Warden</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In the year when my Lady Margaret of Austria came to Cambray on behalf of + her nephew the Emperor, to treat of peace between him and the Most + Christian King, who on his part was represented by his mother, my Lady + Louise of Savoy, (1) the said Lady Margaret had in her train the Countess + of Aiguemont, (2) who won, among this company, the renown of being the + most beautiful of all the Flemish ladies. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 It was in June 1529 that Margaret of Austria came to + Cambrai to treat for peace, on behalf of Charles V. Louise + of Savoy, who represented Francis I., was accompanied on + this occasion by her daughter, Queen Margaret, who appears + to have taken part in the conferences. The result of these + was that the Emperor renounced his claims on Burgundy, but + upheld all the other stipulations of the treaty of Madrid. + Having been brought about entirely by feminine negotiators, + the peace of Cambrai acquired the name of “La Paix des + Dames,” or “the Ladies’ Peace.” Some curious particulars of + the ceremonies observed at Cambrai on this occasion will be + found in Leglay’s <i>Notice sur les fêles et cérémonies à + Cambray depuis le XIe siècle</i>, Cambrai, 1827.—L. and B. J. + + 2 This is Frances of Luxemburg, Baroness of Fiennes and + Princess of Gavre, wife of John IV., Count of Egmont, + chamberlain to the Emperor Charles V. They were the parents + of the famous Lamoral Count of Egmont, Prince of Gavre and + Baron of Fiennes, born in 1522 and put to death by the Duke + of Alba on June 5, 1568.—B.J. +</pre> + <p> + When this great assembly separated, the Countess of Aiguemont returned to + her own house, and, Advent being come, sent to a monastery of Grey Friars + to ask for a clever preacher and virtuous man, as well to preach as to + confess herself and her whole household. The Warden, remembering the great + benefits that the Order received from the house of Aiguemont and that of + Fiennes, to which the Countess belonged, sought out the man whom he + thought most worthy to fill the said office. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, as the Grey Friars more than any other order desire to obtain + the esteem and friendship of great houses, they sent the most important + preacher of their monastery, and throughout Advent he did his duty very + well, and the Countess was well pleased with him. + </p> + <p> + On Christmas night, when the Countess desired to receive her Creator, she + sent for her confessor, and after making confession in a carefully closed + chapel, she gave place to her lady of honour, who in her turn, after being + shriven, sent her daughter to pass through the hands of this worthy + confessor. When the maiden had told all that was in her mind, the good + father knew something of her secrets, and this gave him the desire and the + boldness to lay an unwonted penance upon her. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter,” said he, “your sins are so great that to atone for them I + command you the penance of wearing my cord upon your naked flesh.” + </p> + <p> + The maiden, who was unwilling to disobey him, made answer— + </p> + <p> + “Give it to me, father, and I will not fail to wear it.” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter,” said the good father, “it will be of no avail from your own + hand. Mine, from which you shall receive absolution, must first bind it + upon you; then shall you be absolved of all your sins.” + </p> + <p> + The maiden replied, weeping, that she would not suffer it. + </p> + <p> + “What?” said the confessor. “Are you a heretic, that you refuse the + penances which God and our holy mother Church have ordained?” + </p> + <p> + “I employ confession,” said the maiden, “as the Church commands, and I am + very willing to receive absolution and do penance. But I will not be + touched by your hands, and I refuse this mode of penance.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said the confessor, “I cannot give you absolution.” + </p> + <p> + The maiden rose from before him greatly troubled in conscience, for, being + very young, she feared lest she had done wrong in thus refusing to obey + the worthy father. + </p> + <p> + When mass was over and the Countess of Aiguemont had received the “Corpus + Domini,” her lady of honour, desiring to follow her, asked her daughter + whether she was ready. The maiden, weeping, replied that she was not + shriven. + </p> + <p> + “Then what were you doing so long with the preacher?” asked her mother. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” said the maiden, “for, as I refused the penance that he laid + upon me, he on his part refused me absolution.” + </p> + <p> + Making prudent inquiry, the mother learnt the extraordinary penance that + the good father had chosen for her daughter; and then, having caused her + to be confessed by another, they received the sacrament together. When the + Countess was come back from the church, the lady of honour made complaint + to her of the preacher, whereupon the Countess was the more surprised and + grieved, since she had thought so well of him. Nevertheless, despite her + anger, she could not but feel very much inclined to laugh at the unwonted + nature of the penance. + </p> + <p> + Still her laughter did not prevent her from having the friar taken and + beaten in her kitchen, where he was brought by the strokes of the rod to + confess the truth; and then she sent him bound hand and foot to his + Warden, begging the latter for the future to commission more virtuous men + to preach the Word of God. + </p> + <p> + “Consider, ladies, if the monks be not afraid to display their wantonness + in so illustrious a house, what may they not do in the poor places where + they commonly make their collections, and where opportunities are so + readily offered to them, that it is a miracle if they are quit of them + without scandal. And this, ladies, leads me to beg of you to change your + ill opinion into compassion, remembering that he (3) who blinds the Grey + Friars is not sparing of the ladies when he finds an opportunity.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The demon.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + “Truly,” said Oisille, “this was a very wicked Grey Friar. A monk, a + priest and a preacher to work such wickedness, and that on Christmas day, + in the church and under the cloak of the confessional—all these are + circumstances which heighten the sin.” + </p> + <p> + “It would seem from your words,” said Hircan, “that the Grey Friars ought + to be angels, or more discreet than other men, but you have heard + instances enough to show you that they are far worse. As for the monk in + the story, I think he might well be excused, seeing that he found himself + shut up all alone at night with a handsome girl.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Oisille, “but it was Christmas night.” + </p> + <p> + “That makes him still less to blame,” said Simontault, “for, being in + Joseph’s place beside a fair virgin, he wished to try to beget an infant + and so play the Mystery of the Nativity to the life.” + </p> + <p> + “In sooth,” said Parlamente, “if he had thought of Joseph and the Virgin + Mary, he would have had no such evil purpose. At all events, he was a + wickedly-minded man to make so evil an attempt upon such slight + provocation.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Oisille, “that the Countess punished him well enough to + afford an excellent example to his fellows.” + </p> + <p> + “But ‘tis questionable,” said Nomerfide, “whether she did well in thus + putting her neighbour to shame, or whether ‘twould not have been better to + have quietly shown him his faults, rather than have made them so publicly + known.” + </p> + <p> + “That would, I think, have been better,” said Geburon, “for we are + commanded to rebuke our neighbour in secret, before we speak of the matter + to any one else or to the Church. When a man has been brought to public + disgrace, he will hardly ever be able to mend his ways, but fear of shame + withdraws as many persons from sin as conscience does.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Parlamente, “that we ought to observe the teaching of the + Gospel towards all except those that preach the Word of God and act + contrary to it. We should not be afraid to shame such as are accustomed to + put others to shame; indeed I think it a very meritorious thing to make + them known for what they really are, so that we take not a mock stone (4) + for a fine ruby. But to whom will Saffredent give his vote?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 The French word here is <i>doublet</i>. The doublet was a + piece of crystal, cut after the fashion of a diamond, and + backed with red wax so as to give it somewhat the colour of + a ruby.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + “Since you ask me,” he replied, “I will give it to yourself, to whom no + man of understanding should refuse it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, since you give it to me, I will tell you a story to the truth of + which I can myself testify. I have always heard that when virtue abides in + a weak and feeble vessel, and is assailed by its strong and puissant + opposite, it especially deserves praise, and shows itself to be what it + really is. If strength withstand strength, it is no very wonderful thing; + but if weakness win the victory, it is lauded by every one. Knowing, as I + do, the persons of whom I desire to speak, I think that I should do a + wrong to virtue, (which I have often seen hidden under so mean a covering + that none gave it any heed), if I did not tell of her who performed the + praiseworthy actions that I now feel constrained to relate.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0035" id="linkimage-0035"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/122.jpg" width="100%" alt="122.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0036" id="linkimage-0036"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/123a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="123a.jpg the Girl Refusing The Gift of The Young Prince " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Girl refusing the Gift of the Young Prince] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0037" id="linkimage-0037"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/123.jpg" width="100%" alt="123.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A young Prince set his affections upon a young girl, and + although she was of low and poor parentage, he could not, in + spite of all his efforts, obtain from her what he had hoped + to have. Accordingly, recognising her virtue and honour, the + Prince desisted from his attempt, esteemed her highly all + his life, and, marrying her to a follower of his own, + bestowed great benefits upon her</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In one of the best towns in Touraine there dwelt a lord of illustrious + family, who had there been brought up from early youth. Of the + perfections, graces, beauty and great virtues of this young Prince (1) I + will say nothing, except that in his time his equal could not be found. + Being fifteen years of age, he had more pleasure in hunting and hawking + than in looking at beautiful ladies. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This is undoubtedly Francis I., then Count of Angoulême. + M. de Lincy thinks that the scene of the story must be + Amboise, where Louise of Savoy went to live with her + children in 1499, and remained for several years; Louis XII. + having placed the château there at her disposal. Francis, + however, left Amboise to join the Court at Blois in August + 1508, when less than fourteen years old (see Memoir of Queen + Margaret, vol. i. p. xxiii.), and in the tale, above, he is + said to have been fifteen at the time of the incidents + narrated. These, then, would have occurred in the autumn of + 1509. It will be seen that in the tale the young Prince’s + sister (Margaret) is described as residing at the castle. + Now Margaret married Charles of Alençon at Blois, in October + 1509, and forthwith removed to Alençon. Possibly Francis, + who was very precocious, especially in matters of gallantry, + engaged in the love affair narrated by his sister at a yet + earlier age than she asserts, in which case the town she + refers to would undoubtedly be Amboise.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + One day in a church he beheld a young maiden who formerly, during her + childhood, had been bred in the castle where he dwelt; but after her + mother’s death, her father having married again, she had withdrawn into + Poitou with her brother. This maiden, who was called Frances, had a + bastard sister whom her father dearly loved, and whom he had married to + the young Prince’s butler, who maintained her in as excellent a condition + as that of any of her family. It came to pass that the father died and + left to Frances as her portion what he possessed near the town + aforementioned, and thither she returned after his death; nevertheless, + being unmarried and only sixteen years of age, she would not live alone in + her house, but went to lodge with her sister, the butler’s wife. + </p> + <p> + On perceiving this girl, who was passably beautiful for a light brunette, + and possessed a grace beyond her condition (for, indeed, she seemed rather + a lady or princess than a towns-woman), the young Prince gazed at her for + a long time, and he, who never yet had loved, now felt in his heart an + unwonted delight. On returning to his apartment he inquired concerning the + maiden he had seen in the church, and then recollected that formerly in + her youth she had come to the castle to have dolls’ play with his sister. + He reminded the latter of her; and his sister sent for her, received her + kindly, and begged her to come often to see her. This she did whenever + there was a feast or entertainment; and the young Prince was so pleased to + see her that he had in mind to be deeply in love with her, and, knowing + her to be of low and poor parentage, hoped easily to obtain what he + sought. + </p> + <p> + Having no means of speaking with her, he sent a gentleman of his chamber + to her to conduct his intrigue. But she, being discreet and fearing God, + told the gentleman that she did not believe so handsome and honourable a + Prince as his master could have pleasure in looking upon one so ugly as + herself, since he had so many beautiful ladies in the castle where he + lived, that he had no need to search through the town; and she added that + in her opinion the gentleman was speaking of his own authority, and + without his master’s command. + </p> + <p> + When the young Prince received this reply, love, which becomes the more + eager the more it meets with resistance, caused him to pursue his + enterprise more hotly than before, and to write her a letter in which he + begged that she would believe all the gentleman had told her. + </p> + <p> + Being well able to read and write, she read the letter through, but, in + spite of all the gentleman’s entreaties, she would never send an answer to + it. It was not for one of such low degree, she said, to write to so noble + a Prince, and she begged the gentleman not to deem her foolish enough to + believe that the Prince had so much love for her. Moreover, he was + deceived if he thought that he could have her at his will by reason of her + humble condition; for her heart was as virtuous as that of the greatest + Princess in Christendom, and she looked upon all the treasures in the + world as naught in comparison with honour and a good conscience. She + therefore entreated him not to try to hinder her from keeping these + treasures safe her whole life long, for she would never change her mind + even were she threatened with death. + </p> + <p> + The young Prince did not find this reply to his liking, nevertheless he + loved her dearly for it, and never failed to have his chair set in the + church to which she went to hear mass, where, during the service, he would + ever turn his eyes upon the same image. When she perceived this, she + changed her place and went to another chapel—not indeed to flee the + sight of him, for she would not have been a reasonable being had she not + found pleasure in beholding him—but because she dreaded to be seen + by him. She did not deem herself worthy to be loved by him in honour or + marriage, and, on the other hand, she would not be loved wantonly and for + pleasure. When she found that, in whatever part of the church she placed + herself, the Prince heard mass close by, she would no longer go to the + same church, but repaired every day to the remotest that she could find. + And when there was feasting at the castle, although the Prince’s sister + often sent for her, she would no longer go thither, but excused herself on + the plea of sickness. + </p> + <p> + Finding that he could not have speech with her, the Prince had recourse to + his butler, and promised him great rewards if he would lend assistance in + the matter. This the butler, for the sake both of pleasing his master and + of the gain that he expected, readily promised to do. Every day he would + relate to the Prince what she said or did, telling him that she was + especially careful to shun all opportunities of seeing him. However, the + great desire that the Prince had of speaking with her at his ease, + prompted him to devise the following plan. + </p> + <p> + One day he took his chargers, which he was beginning to manage excellently + well, to a large open space in the town opposite to his butler’s house, in + which Frances lived. After making many courses and leaps which she could + easily see, he let himself fall from his horse into some deep mire, but so + softly that he was not hurt. Nevertheless he uttered passably loud groans, + and asked whether there was a house near in which he might change his + dress. Every one offered his own, but on some one saying that the butler’s + was the nearest and worthiest, it was chosen before all the others. + </p> + <p> + He found the room well furnished, and, as all his garments were soiled + with the mud, he stripped himself to his shirt, and got into a bed. Then, + when he saw that, except the gentleman aforementioned, every one was gone + to bring him some clothes, he called his host and hostess and asked them + where Frances was. They had much ado to find her, for, as soon as she had + seen the young Prince coming in, she had gone to hide herself in the most + retired nook in the house. Nevertheless her sister found her, and begged + her not to be afraid to speak to so worshipful and virtuous a Prince. + </p> + <p> + “What! sister,” said Frances, “do you, whom I look upon as my mother, + advise me to go and speak with a young lord, of whose purpose, as you are + aware, I cannot be ignorant?” + </p> + <p> + However, her sister addressed so many remonstrances to her, and promised + so often not to leave her alone, that she at last went with her, showing + so pale and sorry a face that she seemed more likely to beget compassion + than desire. + </p> + <p> + When the young Prince saw her by his bedside, he took hold of her hand, + which was cold and trembling, and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “Frances, do you deem me so wicked a man, and so strange and cruel, that I + eat the women I look upon? Why have you come to be so afraid of me who + seek only your honour and profit? You know that I have sought to hold + converse with you in all possible places, but all in vain; and, to grieve + me still more, you have even shunned the places where I had been wont to + see you at mass, so that my eyes might bring me as little gladness as my + tongue. But all this has availed you naught, for I have never rested until + I came hither in the manner you have seen, and I have risked my neck, in + allowing myself to fall, in order that I might have the joy of speaking to + you without hindrance. I therefore entreat you, Frances, that the + opportunity gained by so much toil may not be thrown away, and that my + deep love may avail to win your own.” + </p> + <p> + After waiting a long time for her reply, and seeing that her eyes were + full of tears and fixed upon the ground, he drew her to him as closely as + he could, and tried to embrace and kiss her. But she said to him— + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord, no; what you desire cannot be, for although I am but a worm + of the earth compared with you, I hold my honour dear, and would rather + die than lessen it for any pleasure that the world can give. And the dread + I have lest those who have seen you come in should suspect the truth, + makes me tremble and be afraid as you see. And, since it pleases you to do + me the honour of speaking to me, you will also forgive me if I answer you + according as my honour requires. I am not so foolish, my lord, nor so + blind as not to perceive and recognise the comeliness and grace that God + has given you, or not to consider that she who shall possess the person + and love of such a Prince must be the happiest woman alive. But what does + all this avail me, since it is not for me or any woman of my condition, + and since even to long for it would, in me, be utter folly? What reason + can I believe to be yours in addressing yourself to me except that the + ladies in your house, whom you must love if you have any love for beauty + and grace, are so virtuous that you dare not seek or expect from them what + the lowliness of my condition has led you to expect from me? I am sure + that if you obtained your desire from one such as I, it would afford + matter for entertainment to your mistress during two good hours, to hear + you tell her of your conquests over the weak. But, my lord, be pleased to + bear in mind that I shall never be of their number. I have been brought up + in your house, where I have learned what it is to love; my father and my + mother were your faithful servants. Since, therefore, God has not made me + a Princess to marry you, nor of sufficient rank to be your mistress and + love, you will be pleased not to try to number me with the unfortunate, + seeing that I deem and would have you to be one of the happiest Princes in + Christendom. If for diversion you would have women of my condition, you + will find in this town many who are beyond compare more beautiful than I, + and who will spare you the pains of so many entreaties. Content yourself, + then, with those to whom you will give pleasure by the purchase of their + honour, and cease to trouble one who loves you more than she loves + herself. For, indeed, if either your life or mine were required of God + this day, I should esteem myself fortunate in offering mine to save yours. + It is no lack of love that makes me shun your presence, but rather too + great a love for your conscience and mine; for I hold my honour dearer + than life. I will continue, my lord, if it please you, in your good grace, + and will all my life pray God for your health and prosperity. And truly + the honour that you have done me will lend me consideration among those of + my own rank, for, after seeing you, where is the man of my own condition + upon whom I could deign to look? So my heart will continue free save for + the duty which shall always be mine of praying to God on your behalf. But + no other service can you ever have of me.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing this virtuous reply, contrary though it was to his desires, the + young Prince could not but esteem her as she deserved. He did all that he + could to persuade her that he would never love another woman, but she was + too prudent to suffer so unreasonable a thought to enter her mind. While + they were talking together, word was often brought that his clothes were + come from the castle, but such was his present pleasure and comfort, that + he caused answer to be given that he was asleep. And this continued until + the hour for supper was come, when he durst not fail to appear before his + mother, who was one of the discreetest ladies imaginable. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the young man left his butler’s house thinking more highly + than ever of the maiden’s virtue. He often spoke of her to the gentleman + that slept in his room, and the latter, who deemed money to be more + powerful than love, advised his master to offer her a considerable sum if + she would yield to his wishes. The young Prince, whose mother was his + treasurer, had but little money for his pocket, but, borrowing as much as + he was able, he made up the sum of five hundred crowns, which he sent by + the gentleman to the girl, begging her to change her mind. + </p> + <p> + But, when she saw the gift, she said to the gentleman— + </p> + <p> + “I pray you tell my lord that I have a good and virtuous heart, and that + if it were meet to obey his commands his comeliness and grace would ere + now have vanquished me; but, since these have no power against my honour, + all the money in the world can have none. Take it, therefore, back to him + again, for I would rather enjoy virtuous poverty than all the wealth it + were possible to desire.” + </p> + <p> + On beholding so much stubbornness, the gentleman thought that violence + must needs be used to win her, and threatened her with his master’s + authority and power. But she laughed, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Make those fear him who have no knowledge of him. For my part, I know him + to be so discreet and virtuous that such discourse cannot come from him, + and I feel sure that he will disown it when you repeat it to him. But even + though he were what you say, there is neither torment nor death that would + make me change my mind; for, as I have told you, since love has not turned + my heart, no imaginable evil or good can divert me one step from the path + that I have chosen.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, who had promised his master to win her, brought him back + this reply in wondrous anger, and counselled him to persevere in every + possible way, telling him that it was not to his honour to be unable to + win a woman of her sort. + </p> + <p> + The young Prince was unwilling to employ any means but such as honour + enjoins, and was also afraid that if the affair made any noise, and so + came to his mother’s ears, she would be greatly angered with him. He + therefore durst make no attempt, until at last the gentleman proposed to + him so simple a plan that he could already fancy her to be in his power. + In order to carry it into execution he spoke to the butler; and he, being + anxious to serve his master in any way that might be, begged his wife and + sister-in-law one day to go and visit their vintages at a house he had + near the forest. And this they promised to do. + </p> + <p> + When the day was come, he informed the Prince, who resolved to go thither + alone with the gentleman, and caused his mule to be secretly held in + readiness, that they might set out at the proper time. But God willed it + that his mother should that day be garnishing a most beautiful cabinet, + (2) and needed all her children with her to help her, and thus the young + Prince lingered there until the hour was past. + </p> + <p> + There was, however, no hindrance to the departure of the butler, who had + brought his sister-in-law to his house, riding behind him, (3) and had + made his wife feign sickness, so that when they were already on horseback + she had come and said that she could not go with them. But now, seeing + that the hour at which the Prince should have come was gone by, he said to + his sister-in-law— + </p> + <p> + “I think we may now return to the town.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 The French word here is <i>cabinet</i>, which some English + translators have rendered as “little room.” We think, + however, with the Bibliophile Jacob, that the allusion is to + an article of furniture, such as we ourselves still call a + cabinet in England, though in France the word has virtually + lost that sense.—Ed. + + 3 The MSS. do not say whether she rode on a pillion, or + simply bestrode the horse. This last fashion was still + common at this period and long afterwards, even among women + of high degree. See, for instance, several of the enamels in + the Louvre, notably one which depicts Henry II. of France + with Diana of Poitiers riding behind him. The practice is + also referred to in a sixteenth century ballad. “La + Superfluity des habitz des Dames” (<i>Anciennes Poésies + Françaises</i>. Bib. Elzev. 1858, p. 308).—M. +</pre> + <p> + “What is there to hinder us from doing so?” asked Frances. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said the butler, “I was waiting here for my lord, who had promised + me that he would come.” + </p> + <p> + When his sister-in-law heard this wickedness, she replied— + </p> + <p> + “Do not wait for him, brother, for I know that he will not come to-day.” + </p> + <p> + The brother-in-law believed her and brought her back again, and when she + had reached home she let him know her extreme anger, telling him that he + was the devil’s servant, and did yet more than he was commanded, for she + was sure that the plan had been devised by him and the gentleman and not + by the young Prince, whose money he would rather earn by aiding him in his + follies, than by doing the duty of a good servant. However, now that she + knew his real nature, she would remain no longer in his house, and + thereupon indeed she sent for her brother to take her to his own country, + and immediately left her sister’s dwelling. + </p> + <p> + Having thus failed in his attempt, the butler went to the castle to learn + what had prevented the arrival of the young Prince, and he had scarcely + come thither when he met the Prince himself sallying forth on his mule, + and attended only by the gentleman in whom he put so much trust. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” the Prince asked of him, “is she still there?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the butler related all that had taken place. + </p> + <p> + The young Prince was deeply vexed at having failed in his plan, which he + looked upon as the very last that he could devise, but, seeing that it + could not be helped, he sought out Frances so diligently that at last he + met her in a gathering from which she could not escape. He then upbraided + her very harshly for her cruelty towards him, and for having left her + brother-in-law, but she made answer that the latter was, in regard to + herself, the worst and most dangerous man she had ever known, though he, + the Prince, was greatly beholden to him, seeing that he was served by him + not only with body and substance, but with soul and conscience as well. + </p> + <p> + When the Prince perceived by this that the case was a hopeless one, he + resolved to urge her no more, and esteemed her highly all his life. + </p> + <p> + Seeing this maiden’s goodness, one of the said Prince’s attendants desired + to marry her, but to this she would not consent without the command and + license of the young Prince, upon whom she had set all her affection; and + this she caused to be made known to him, and with his approval the + marriage was concluded. And so she lived all her life in good repute, and + the young Prince bestowed great benefits upon her. (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 We take this concluding paragraph from MS. 1520; it is + deficient in ours.—L. +</pre> + <p> + “What shall we say to this, ladies? Have we hearts so base as to make our + servants our masters—seeing that this woman was not to be subdued + either by love or torment? Let us, I pray you, take example by her conduct + and conquer ourselves, for this is the most meritorious conquest that we + can make.” + </p> + <p> + “I see but one thing to be regretted,” said Oisille, “which is that these + virtuous actions did not take place in the days of the old historians. + Those who gave so much praise to their Lucretia would have neglected her + to set down at length the virtues of this maiden.” + </p> + <p> + “They are indeed so great,” said Hircan, “that, were it not for the solemn + vow that we have taken to speak the truth, I could not believe her to have + been what you describe. We have often seen sick persons turn in disgust + from good and wholesome meats to eat such as are bad and hurtful, and in + the same way this girl may have had some gentleman of her own estate for + whose sake she despised all nobility.” + </p> + <p> + But to this Parlemente replied that the girl’s whole life showed that she + had never loved any living man save him whom she loved more than her very + life, though not more than her honour. + </p> + <p> + “Put that notion out of your head,” said Saffredent, “and learn the origin + of the term ‘honour’ as used among women; for perhaps those that speak so + much of it are ignorant of how the name was devised. Know then that in the + earliest times, when there was but little wickedness among men, love was + so frank and strong that it was never concealed, and he who loved the most + perfectly received most praise. But when greed and sinfulness fastened + upon heart and honour, they drove out God and love, and in their place set + up selfishness, hypocrisy and deceit. Then, when some ladies found that + they fostered in their hearts the virtue of true love but that the word + ‘hypocrisy’ was hateful among men, they adopted instead the word ‘honour.’ + At last, too, even those who could feel no honourable love said that + ‘honour’ forbade them, and cruelly made this a law for all, so that now + even those who love perfectly use concealment, holding virtue for a vice. + But such as have an excellent understanding and a sound judgment never + fall into any such error. They know the difference between darkness and + light, and are aware that true honour consists in manifesting the purity + of their hearts, (which should live upon love alone), and not in priding + themselves on the vice of dissimulation.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” said Dagoucin, “it is said that the most secret love is the most + worthy of praise.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, secret,” said Simontault, “from the eyes of those who might misjudge + it, but open and manifest at least to the two persons whom it concerns.” + </p> + <p> + “So I take it,” said Dagoucin, “but it would be better to have one of the + two ignorant of it rather than have it known to a third. I believe that + the love of the woman in the story was all the deeper for not being + declared.” + </p> + <p> + “Be that as it may,” said Longarine, “virtue should be esteemed, and the + highest virtue is to subdue one’s own heart. Considering the opportunities + that the maiden had of forgetting conscience and honour, and the virtue + she displayed in all these opportunities and temptations by subduing her + heart, will, and even him whom she loved better than herself, I say that + she might well be called a strong woman. And, since you measure virtue by + the mortification of self, I say that the lord deserved higher praise than + she, if we remember the greatness of his love, his opportunities, and his + power. Yet he would not offend against that rule of true love which + renders prince and peasant equal, but employed only such means as honour + allows.” + </p> + <p> + “There are many,” said Hircan, “who would not have acted in the same way.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the more is he to be esteemed,” said Longarine, “in having + subdued the common craftiness of men. He who can do evil and yet does it + not is happy indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “Your words,” said Geburon, “remind me of one who was more afraid of doing + wrong in the eyes of men than of offending against God, her honour and + love.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I pray you tell us the story,” said Parlamente, “for I give you my + vote.” + </p> + <p> + “There are some persons,” said Geburon, “who have no God, or, if they + believe in one, think Him so far away that He can neither see nor know the + wicked acts that they commit; or, if He does, imagine that He pays no heed + to things here below, and is too careless to punish them. Of this opinion + was a lady, whose name I will alter for the sake of her family, and whom I + will call Jambicque.( 5) She used often to say that a woman who had only + God to deal with was very fortunate, if for the rest she was able to + maintain her honour among men. But you will see, ladies, that her prudence + and her hypocrisy did not prevent her secret from being discovered, as + will appear from her story, wherein the truth shall be set forth in full, + except that the names of persons and places will be changed.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 Some of the MSS. give the name as Camele or Camille, + which is also that adopted by Boaistuau.—L. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0038" id="linkimage-0038"> + <!-- 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-0039" id="linkimage-0039"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/143a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="143a.jpg Jambicque Repudiating Her Lover " /> + </div> + <h4> + [Jambicque repudiating her Lover] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0040" id="linkimage-0040"> + <!-- 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_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLIII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Jambicque, preferring the praise of the world to a good + conscience, strove to appear before men other than site + really was; but her friend and lover discovered her + hypocrisy by means of a little chalk-mark, and made known to + everybody the wickedness that she was at such pains to + hide</i>. +</pre> + <p> + There dwelt in a very handsome castle a high and mighty Princess, who had + in her train a very haughty lady called Jambicque. (1) The latter had so + deceived her mistress that the Princess did nothing save by her advice, + deeming her the discreetest and most virtuous lady of her day. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 There are no means of positively identifying this woman. + Brantôme, who refers at length to the above tale in his + <i>Vies des Dames Galantes</i> (Lalanne’s edition, pp. 236-8), + implies that he knew her name but would not tell it. He + says, however, that “she was a widow and lady of honour to a + very great Princess, and knew better how to play the prude + than any other lady at Court.”—M. +</pre> + <p> + This Jambicque used greatly to inveigh against wanton passion, and + whenever she perceived any gentleman in love with one of her companions, + she would chide them with much harshness, and, by making ill report of + them to her mistress, often cause them to be rebuked; hence she was feared + far more than she was loved by all the household. As for herself, she + never spoke to a man except in a loud voice, and with much haughtiness, + and was therefore reputed a deadly enemy to all love. Nevertheless, it was + quite otherwise with her heart, for there was a gentleman in her + mistress’s service towards whom she entertained so strong a passion that, + at last, she could no longer endure it. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Brantôme writes as follows concerning the gentleman + referred to above: “According to what I have heard from my + mother, [Anne de Vivonne, wife of Francis de Bourdeille], + who was in the Queen of Navarre’s service and knew some of + her secrets, and was herself one of the narrators [of the + <i>Heptameron</i>, i.e., Ennasuite], this gentleman was my late + uncle La Chastàigneraye, who was brusque, hasty, and rather + fickle. The tale, however, is so disguised as to hide this, + for my said uncle was never in the service of the great + Princess, who was mistress of the lady [Jambicque], but in + that of the King her brother.” This shows the Princess to + have been Queen Margaret herself; and Jambicque, being + described by Brantôme as a widow and lady of honour to the + Princess, might possibly be Blanche de Tournon ( Madame de + Chastillon), concerning whom see vol. i. of the present + work, p. 84 (note 7) and pp. 122-4. Her successor as lady of + honour to Margaret was Brantôme’s own grandmother, of whom + he says that she was not so shrewd, artful, or ready-witted + in love matters as her predecessor. On the other hand, + Blanche de Tournon must have been over forty when La + Chastàigneraye engaged in this adventure, even allowing that + he was only a youth at the time.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The regard which she had for honour and good name caused her to conceal + her affection, but after she had been consumed by this passion for a full + year, being unwilling to find relief as other lovers do in look and + speech, she felt her heart so aflame that, in the end, she sought the + final cure. And she resolved that it were better to satisfy her desire + with none but God in the secret of her heart, rather than speak of it to a + man who might some time make it known. + </p> + <p> + After taking this resolve, she chanced to be one day in her mistress’s + apartment, when, looking out upon a terrace, she perceived walking there + the man whom she so dearly loved. She gazed upon him until the falling + darkness was hiding him from her sight, when she called a little page of + hers, and pointing to the gentleman, said— + </p> + <p> + “Do you see yonder that gentleman who wears a crimson satin doublet and + cloak of lynx fur? Go and tell him that one of his friends would speak + with him in the garden gallery.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the page was gone, she herself passed through her mistress’s + wardrobe and into the gallery, having first put on her low hood and + half-mask. (3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 See <i>ante</i>, vol. iii. p. 27. +</pre> + <p> + When the gentleman was come to where she was waiting, she immediately shut + the two doors by which they might have been surprised, and then, without + taking off her mask, embraced him very closely, and in the softest whisper + imaginable said— + </p> + <p> + “For a long time, sweetheart, the love I bear you has made me desire time + and place for speaking with you, but fearfulness for my honour was for a + while so strong as to oblige me, in my own despite, to conceal my passion. + Albeit, in the end, the strength of love has vanquished fear, and, in the + knowledge that I have of your honour, I protest to you that if you will + promise to love me without ever speaking of the matter to any one, or + asking of me who I am, I will be your true and faithful sweetheart, and + will never love any man but you. But I would rather die than that you + should know who I am.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman promised her what she asked, which made her very ready to do + as much for him, namely, to refuse him nothing he might desire to have. It + was between five and six o’clock in winter-time, so that he could see + nothing of the lady, but by the touch of her dress he perceived that it + was of velvet, which at that time was not worn every day except by ladies + of high and mighty lineage. And so far as his hand could let him judge of + what was beneath, there was nothing there that was not excellent, trim, + and plump. Accordingly, he was at pains to entertain her as well as he was + able. She on her part did no less, and the gentleman readily perceived + that she was a married woman. + </p> + <p> + She desired afterwards to return immediately to the place whence she had + come, but the gentleman said to her— + </p> + <p> + “I esteem greatly the undeserved favour that you have shown me, but I + shall esteem still more that which you may bestow at my request. So well + pleased am I by this your kindness, that I would fain learn whether I may + not look for more of the same sort, and, also, in what manner you would + have me act; for, knowing you not, I shall be powerless to woo.” + </p> + <p> + “Have no concern,” said the lady, “about that. You may rest assured that + every evening, before my mistress sups, I shall not fail to send for you, + and do you be in readiness on the terrace where you were just now. I shall + merely send you word to remember what you have promised, and in this way + you will know that I am waiting for you here in the gallery. But if you + hear talk of going to table, you may withdraw for that day or else come + into our mistress’s apartment. Above all things, I pray you will never + seek to know me, if you would not forthwith bring our friendship to an + end.” + </p> + <p> + So the lady and the gentleman went their several ways. And although their + love affair lasted for a great while, he could never learn who she was. He + pondered much upon the matter, wondering within himself who she might be. + He could not imagine that any woman in the world would fain be unseen and + unloved; and, having heard some foolish preacher say that no one who had + looked upon the face of the devil could ever love him, he suspected that + his mistress might be some evil spirit. + </p> + <p> + In this perplexity he resolved to try and find out who it was that + entertained him so well, and when next she sent for him he brought some + chalk, and, while embracing her, marked the back of her shoulder without + her knowledge. Then, as soon as she was gone, the gentleman went with all + speed to his mistress’s apartment, and stood beside the door in order to + look from behind at the shoulders of those ladies that might go in. + </p> + <p> + He saw Jambicque enter among the rest, but with so haughty a bearing that + he feared to look at her as keenly as at the others, and felt quite sure + that it could not have been she. Nevertheless, when her back was turned, + he perceived the chalk mark, whereat he was so greatly astonished that he + could hardly believe his eyes. + </p> + <p> + However, after considering both her figure, which was just such a one as + his hands had known, and her features, which he recognised in the same + way, he perceived that it was indeed none other than herself. And he was + well pleased to think that a woman who had never been reputed to have a + lover, and who had refused so many worthy gentlemen, should have chosen + himself alone. + </p> + <p> + But Love, which is ever changeful of mood, could not suffer him to live + long in such repose, but, filling him with self-conceit and hope, led him + to make known his love, in the expectation that she would then hold him + still more dear. + </p> + <p> + One day, when the Princess was in the garden, the lady Jambicque went to + walk in a pathway by herself. The gentleman, seeing that she was alone, + went up to converse with her, and, as though he had never elsewhere met + her, spoke as follows— + </p> + <p> + “Mistress, I have long borne towards you in my heart an affection which, + through dread of displeasing you, I have never ventured to reveal. But now + my pain has come to be such that I can no longer endure it and live, for I + think that no man could ever have loved you as I do.” + </p> + <p> + The Lady Jambicque would not allow him to finish his discourse, but said + to him in great wrath— + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever hear or see that I had sweetheart or lover? I trow not, and + am indeed astonished to find you bold enough to address such words to a + virtuous woman like me. You have lived in the same house long enough to + know that I shall never love other than my husband; beware, then, of + speaking further after this fashion.” + </p> + <p> + At this hypocrisy the gentleman could not refrain from laughing and saying + to her— + </p> + <p> + “You are not always so stern, madam, as you are now. What boots it to use + such concealment towards me? Is it not better to have a perfect than an + imperfect love?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no love for you,” replied Jambicque, “whether perfect or + imperfect, except such as I bear to the rest of my mistress’s servants. + But if you speak further to me as you have spoken now, I shall perhaps + have such hatred for you as may be to your hurt.” + </p> + <p> + However, the gentleman persisted in his discourse. + </p> + <p> + “Where,” said he, “is the kindness that you show me when I cannot see you? + Why do you withhold it from me now when the light suffers me to behold + both your beauty and your excellent and perfect grace?” + </p> + <p> + Jambicque, making a great sign of the cross, replied— + </p> + <p> + “Either you have lost your understanding or you are the greatest liar + alive. Never in my life have I to my knowledge shown you more kindness or + less than I do at this moment, and I pray you therefore tell me what it is + you mean.” + </p> + <p> + Then the unhappy gentleman, thinking to better his fortune with her, told + her of the place where he had met her, and of the chalk-mark which he had + made in order to recognise her, on hearing which she was so beside herself + with anger as to tell him that he was the wickedest of men, and that she + would bring him to repent of the foul falsehood that he had invented + against her. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, knowing how well she stood with her mistress, sought to + soothe her, but he found it impossible to do so; for, leaving him where he + stood, she furiously betook herself to her mistress, who, loving Jambicque + as she did herself, left all the company to come and speak with her, and, + on finding her in such great wrath, inquired of her what the matter was. + Thereupon Jambicque, who had no wish to hide it, related all the + gentleman’s discourse, and this she did so much to the unhappy man’s + disadvantage, that on the very same evening his mistress commanded him to + withdraw forthwith to his own home without speaking with anyone and to + stay there until he should be sent for. And this he did right speedily, + for fear of worse. (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 It has been mentioned in note 2 that the gentleman in + question was Brantôme’s uncle La Chastaigneraye. Born, + according to most accounts, in 1520, Francis de Vivonne, + Lord of La Chastaigneraye, was a godson of Francis I., and + early displayed marked skill and prowess in all bodily + exercises and feats of arms. He was, however, of a very + quarrelsome disposition, and had several duels. A dispute + arising between him and Guy de Chabot, Lord of Jarnac, they + solicited permission to fight, but Francis I. would not + accord it, and it was only after the accession of Henry II. + that the encounter took place. The spot fixed upon was the + park of St. Germain-en-Laye, and the King and the whole + Court were present (July 10, 1547)—In the result, La + Chastaigneraye was literally ham-strung by a back-thrust + known to this day as the <i>coup de Jarnac</i>. The victor + thereupon begged the King to accept his adversary’s life and + person, and Henry, after telling Jamac that “he had fought + like Cæsar and spoken like Cicero,” caused La Chastaigneraye + to be carried to his tent that his wound might be dressed. + Deeply humiliated by his defeat, however, the vanquished + combatant tore off his bandages and bled to death.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + So long as Jambicque dwelt with her mistress, the gentleman returned not + to the Princess’s house, nor did he ever have tidings of her who had vowed + to him that he should lose her as soon as he might seek her out. (5) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 After referring to this tale Brantôme adds that he had + heard tell of another Court lady who was minded to imitate + Jambicque, but who, “every time she returned from her + assignation, went straight to her room, and let one of her + serving maids examine her on all sides to see if she were + marked. By this means she guarded herself against being + surprised and recognised, and indeed was never marked until + at her ninth assignation, when the mark was at once + discovered by her women. And thereupon, for fear of scandal + and opprobrium, she broke off her intrigue and never more + returned to the appointed spot. Some one said ‘twould have + been better if she had let her lover mark her as often as he + liked, and each time have had his marks effaced, for in this + wise she would have reaped a double pleasure—contentment in + love and satisfaction at duping her lover, who, like he who + seeks the Philosopher’s Stone, would have toiled hard to + discover and identify her, without ever succeeding in doing + so.”—(Lalanne’s <i>OEuvres de Brantôme</i>, pp. 236-8).—M. +</pre> + <p> + “By this tale, ladies, you may see how one who preferred the world’s + esteem to a good conscience lost both the one and the other. For now may + the eyes of all men read what she strove to hide from those of her lover, + and so, whilst fleeing the derision of one, she has incurred the derision + of all. Nor can she be held excused on the score of simplicity and artless + love, for which all men should have pity, but she must be condemned twice + over for having concealed her wickedness with the twofold cloak of honour + and glory, and for making herself appear before God and man other than she + really was. He, however, who gives not His glory to another, took this + cloak from off her and so brought her to double shame.” + </p> + <p> + “Her wickedness,” said Oisille, “was without excuse. None can defend her + when God, Honour, and even Love are her accusers.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Hircan, “Pleasure and Folly may; they are the true chief + advocates of the ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “If we had no other advocates,” said Parlamente, “than those you name, our + cause would indeed be ill supported; but those who are vanquished by + pleasure ought no longer to be called women but rather men, whose + reputation is merely exalted by frenzy and lust. When a man takes + vengeance upon his enemy and slays him for giving him the lie, he is + deemed all the more honourable a gentleman for it; and so, too, when he + loves a dozen women besides his own wife. But the reputation of women has + a different foundation, that, namely, of gentleness, patience and + chastity.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak of the discreet,” said Hircan. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” returned Parlamente, “because I will know none others.” + </p> + <p> + “If none were wanton,” said Nomerfide, “those who would fain be believed + by all the world must often have lied.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, Nomerfide,” said Geburon, “receive my vote, and forget that you are + a woman, in order that we may learn what some men that are accounted + truthful say of the follies of your sex.” + </p> + <p> + “Since virtue compels me to it, and you have made it my turn, I will tell + you what I know. I have not heard any lady or gentleman present speak + otherwise than to the disadvantage of the Grey Friars, and out of pity I + have resolved to speak well of them in the story that I am now about to + relate.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0041" id="linkimage-0041"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/155.jpg" width="100%" alt="155.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0042" id="linkimage-0042"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/157.jpg" width="100%" alt="157.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLIV.(A)</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>In reward for not having concealed the truth, the Lord of + Sedan doubled the alms of a Grey Friar, who thus received + two pigs instead of one</i>. (1) +</pre> + <p> + To the castle of Sedan once came a Grey Friar to ask my Lady of Sedan, who + was of the house of Crouy, (2) for a pig, which she was wont to give to + his Order every year as alms. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This tale, though it figures in all the MSS., does not + appear in Gruget’s edition of the <i>Heptameron</i>, but is there + replaced by the one that follows, XLIV. (B).—Ed. + + 2 This Lady of Sedan is Catherine de Croï, daughter of + Philip VI. de Croï, Count of Chimay. In 1491 she married + Robert II. do la Marck, Duke of Bouillon, Lord of Sedan, + Fleuranges, &c., who was long the companion in arms of + Bayard and La Trémoïlle. Robert II. lost the duchy of + Bouillon through the conquests of Charles V., and one of the + clauses of the treaty of Cambrai (the “Ladies’ Peace”) was + that Francis I. would in no wise assist him to regain it. + His eldest son by Catherine de Croï was the celebrated + Marshal de Fleuranges, “the young adventurer,” who left such + curious memoirs behind him. Robert II. died in 1535, his son + surviving him a couple of years.—Anselme’s <i>Histoire + Généalogique</i>, vol. vii. p. 167.—L. and B. J. +</pre> + <p> + My Lord of Sedan, who was a prudent man and a merry talker, had the good + father to eat at his table, and in order to put him on his mettle said to + him, among other things— + </p> + <p> + “Good father, you do well to make your collection while you are yet + unknown. I greatly fear that, if once your hypocrisy be found out, you + will no longer receive the bread of poor children, earned by the sweat of + their fathers.” + </p> + <p> + The Grey Friar was not abashed by these words, but replied— + </p> + <p> + “Our Order, my lord, is so securely founded that it will endure as long as + the world exists. Our foundation, indeed, cannot fail so long as there are + men and women on the earth.” + </p> + <p> + My Lord of Sedan, being desirous of knowing on what foundation the + existence of the Grey Friars was thus based, urgently begged the father to + tell him. + </p> + <p> + After making many excuses, the Friar at last replied— + </p> + <p> + “Since you are pleased to command me to tell you, you shall hear. Know, + then, my lord, that our foundation is the folly of women, and that so long + as there be a wanton or foolish woman in the world we shall not die of + hunger.” + </p> + <p> + My Lady of Sedan, who was very passionate, was in such wrath on hearing + these words, that, had her husband not been present, she would have dealt + harshly with the Grey Friar; and indeed she swore roundly that he should + not have the pig that she had promised him; but the Lord of Sedan, finding + that he had not concealed the truth, swore that he should have two, and + caused them to be sent to his monastery. + </p> + <p> + “You see, ladies, how the Grey Friar, being sure that the favour of the + ladies could not fail him, contrived, by concealing nothing of the truth, + to win the favour and alms of men. Had he been a flatterer and dissembler, + he would have been more pleasing to the ladies, but not so profitable to + himself and his brethren.” + </p> + <p> + The tale was not concluded without making the whole company laugh, and + especially such among them as knew the Lord and Lady of Sedan. And Hircan + said—“The Grey Friars, then, should never preach with intent to make + women wise, since their folly is of so much service to the Order.” + </p> + <p> + “They do not preach to them,” said Parlamente, “with intent to make them + wise, but only to make them think themselves so. Women who are altogether + worldly and foolish do not give them much alms; nevertheless, those who + think themselves the wisest because they go often to monasteries, and + carry paternosters marked with a death’s head, and wear caps lower than + others, must also be accounted foolish, for they rest their salvation on + their confidence in the holiness of wicked men, whom they are led by a + trifling semblance to regard as demigods.” + </p> + <p> + “But who could help believing them,” said Enna-suite, “since they have + been ordained by our prelates to preach the Gospel to us and rebuke our + sins?” + </p> + <p> + “Those who have experienced their hypocrisy,” said Parlamente, “and who + know the difference between the doctrine of God and that of the devil.” + </p> + <p> + “Jesus!” said Ennasuite. “Can you think that these men would dare to + preach false doctrine?” + </p> + <p> + “Think?” replied Parlamente. “Nay, I am sure that they believe anything + but the Gospel. I speak only of the bad among them; for I know many worthy + men who preach the Scriptures in all purity and simplicity, and live + without reproach, ambition, or covetousness, and in such chastity as is + unfeigned and free. However, the streets are not paved with such as these, + but are rather distinguished by their opposites; and the good tree is + known by its fruit.” + </p> + <p> + “In very sooth,” said Ennasuite, “I thought we were bound on pain of + mortal sin to believe all they tell us from the pulpit as truth, that is, + when they speak of what is in the Holy Scriptures, or cite the expositions + of holy doctrines divinely inspired.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” said Parlamente, “I cannot but see that there are men of + very corrupt faith among them. I know that one of them, a Doctor of + Theology and a Principal in their Order, (3) sought to persuade many of + the brethren that the Gospel was no more worthy of belief than Cæsar’s + Commentaries or any other histories written by learned men of authority; + and from the hour I heard that I would believe no preacher’s word unless I + found it in harmony with the Word of God, which is the true touchstone for + distinguishing between truth and falsehood.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 In MS. No. 1520 this passage runs, “a Doctor of Theology + named Colimant, a great preacher and a Principal in their + Order.” However, none of the numerous works on the history + of the Franciscans makes any mention of a divine called + Colimant.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + “Be assured,” said Oisille, “that those who read it constantly and with + humility will never be led into error by deceits or human inventions; for + whosoever has a mind filled with truth cannot believe a lie.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it seems to me,” said Simontault, “that a simple person is more + readily deceived than another.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Longarine, “if you deem foolishness to be the same thing as + simplicity.” + </p> + <p> + “I affirm,” replied Simontault, “that a good, gentle and simple woman is + more readily deceived than one who is wily and wicked.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Nomerfide, “that you must know of one overflowing with + such goodness, and so I give you my vote that you may tell us of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you have guessed so well,” said Simontault, “I will indeed tell you + of her, but you must promise not to weep. Those who declare, ladies, that + your craftiness surpasses that of men would find it hard to bring forward + such an instance as I am now about to relate, wherein I propose to show + you not only the exceeding craftiness of a husband, but also the + simplicity and goodness of his wife.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0043" id="linkimage-0043"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/162.jpg" width="100%" alt="162.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0044" id="linkimage-0044"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/163a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="163a.jpg the Lovers Returning from Their Meeting in The Garden " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lovers returning from their Meeting in the Garden] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0045" id="linkimage-0045"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/163.jpg" width="100%" alt="163.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLIV. (B)</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Concerning the subtlety of two lovers in the enjoyment of + their love, and the happy issue of the latter</i>. (1) + + 1 This is the tale given by Gruget in his edition of the + <i>Heptameron</i>, in lieu of the preceding one.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + In the city of Paris there lived two citizens of middling condition, of + whom one had a profession, while the other was a silk mercer. These two + were very old friends and constant companions, and so it happened that the + son of the former, a young man, very presentable in good company, and + called James, used often by his father’s favour to visit the mercer’s + house. This, however, he did for the sake of the mercer’s beautiful + daughter named Frances, whom he loved; and so well did James contrive + matters with her, that he came to know her to be no less loving than + loved. + </p> + <p> + Whilst matters were in this state, however, a camp was formed in Provence + in view of withstanding the descent of Charles of Austria, (2) and James, + being called upon the list, was obliged to betake himself to the army. At + the very beginning of the campaign his father passed from life into death, + the tidings whereof brought him double sorrow, on the one part for the + loss of his father, and on the other for the difficulty he should have on + his return in seeing his sweetheart as often as he had hoped. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Charles V. entered Provence by way of Piedmont in the + summer of 1536, and invested Marseilles. A scarcity of + supplies and much sickness among his troops compelled him, + however, to raise the siege.—M. +</pre> + <p> + As time went on, the first of these griefs was forgotten and the other + increased. Since death is a natural thing, and for the most part befalls + the father before the children, the sadness it causes gradually + disappears; but love, instead of bringing us death, brings us life through + the procreation of children, in whom we have immortality, and this it is + which chiefly causes our desires to increase. + </p> + <p> + James, therefore, when he had returned to Paris, thought or cared for + nothing save how he might renew his frequent visits to the mercer’s house, + and so, under cloak of pure friendship for him, traffic in his dearest + wares. On the other hand, during his absence, Frances had been urgently + sought by others, both because of her beauty and of her wit, and also + because she was long since come to marriageable years; but whether it was + that her father was avaricious, or that, since she was his only daughter, + he was over anxious to establish her well, he failed to perform his duty + in the matter. This, however, tended but little to her honour, for in + these days people speak ill of one long before they have any reason to do + so, and particularly in aught that concerns the chastity of a beautiful + woman or maid. Her father did not shut his ears or eyes to the general + gossip, nor seek resemblance with many others who, instead of rebuking + wrongdoing, seem rather to incite their wives and children to it, for he + kept her with such strictness that even those who sought her with offers + of marriage could see her but seldom, and then only in presence of her + mother. + </p> + <p> + It were needless to ask whether James found all this hard of endurance. He + could not conceive that such rigour should be without weighty reason, and + therefore wavered greatly between love and jealousy. However, he resolved + at all risks to learn the cause, but wished first of all to know whether + her affection was the same as before; he therefore set about this, and + coming one morning to church, he placed himself near her to hear mass, and + soon perceived by her countenance that she was no less glad to see him + than he was to see her. Accordingly, knowing that the mother was less + stern than the father, he was sometimes, when he met them on their way to + church, bold enough to accost them as though by chance, and with a + familiar and ordinary greeting; all, however, being done expressly so that + he might the better work his ends. + </p> + <p> + To be brief, when the year of mourning for his father was drawing to an + end, he resolved, on laying aside his weeds, to cut a good figure and do + credit to his forefathers; and of this he spoke to his mother, who + approved his design; for having but two children, himself and a daughter + already well and honourably mated, she greatly desired to see him suitably + married. And, indeed, like the worthy lady that she was, she still further + incited his heart in the direction of virtue by countless instances of + other young men of his own age who were making their way unaided, or at + least were showing themselves worthy of those from whom they sprang. + </p> + <p> + It now only remained to determine where they should equip themselves, and + the mother said— + </p> + <p> + “I am of opinion, James, that we should go to our friend Master Peter,”—that + is, to the father of Frances—“for, knowing us, he will not cheat + us.” + </p> + <p> + His mother was indeed tickling him where he itched; however, he held firm + and replied— + </p> + <p> + “We will go where we may find the cheapest and the best. Still,” he added, + “for the sake of his friendship with my departed father, I am willing that + we should visit him first.” + </p> + <p> + Matters being thus contrived, the mother and son went one morning to see + Master Peter, who made them welcome; for traders, as you know, are never + backward in this respect. They caused great quantities of all kinds of + silk to be displayed before them, and chose what they required; but they + could not agree upon the price, for James haggled on purpose, because his + sweetheart’s mother did not come in. So at last they went away without + buying anything, in order to see what could be done elsewhere. But James + could find nothing so handsome as in his sweetheart’s house, and thither + after a while they returned. + </p> + <p> + The mercer’s wife was now there and gave them the best reception + imaginable, and after such bargaining as is common in shops of the kind, + during which Peter’s wife proved even harder than her husband, James said + to her— + </p> + <p> + “In sooth, madam, you are very hard to deal with. I can see how it is; we + have lost my father, and our friends recognise us no longer.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he pretended to weep and wipe his eyes at thought of his + departed father; but ‘twas done in order to further his design. + </p> + <p> + The good widow, his mother, took the matter in perfect faith, and on her + part said— + </p> + <p> + “We are as little visited since his death as if we had never been known. + Such is the regard in which poor widows are held!” + </p> + <p> + Upon this the two women exchanged fresh declarations of affection, and + promised to see each other oftener than ever. While they were thus + discoursing, there came in other traders, whom the master himself led into + the back shop. Then the young man perceived his opportunity, and said to + his mother— + </p> + <p> + “I have often on feast days seen this good lady going to visit the holy + places in our neighbourhood, and especially the convents. Now if, when + passing, she would sometimes condescend to take wine with us, she would do + us at once pleasure and honour.” + </p> + <p> + The mercer’s wife, who suspected no harm, replied that for more than a + fortnight past she had intended to go thither, that, if it were fair, she + would probably do so on the following Sunday, and that she would then + certainly visit the lady at her house. This affair being concluded, the + bargain for the silk quickly followed, since, for the sake of a little + money, ‘twould have been foolish to let slip so excellent an opportunity. + </p> + <p> + When matters had been thus contrived, and the merchandise taken away, + James, knowing that he could not alone achieve so difficult an enterprise, + was constrained to make it known to a faithful friend named Oliver, and + they took such good counsel together that nothing now remained but to put + their plan into execution. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, when Sunday was come, the mercer’s wife and her daughter, on + returning from worship, failed not to visit the widow, whom they found + talking with a neighbour in a gallery that looked upon the garden, while + her daughter was walking in the pathways with James and Oliver. + </p> + <p> + When James saw his sweetheart, he so controlled himself that his + countenance showed no change, and in this sort went forward to receive the + mother and her daughter. Then, as the old commonly seek the old, the three + ladies sat down together on a bench with their backs to the garden, + whither the lovers gradually made their way, and at last reached the place + where were the other two. Thus meeting, they exchanged some courtesies and + then began to walk about once more, whereupon the young man related his + pitiful case to Frances, and this so well that, while unwilling to grant, + she yet durst not refuse what he sought; and he could indeed see that she + was in a sore strait. It must, however, be understood that, while thus + discoursing, they often, to take away all ground for suspicion, passed and + repassed in front of the shelter-place where the worthy dames were seated—talking + the while on commonplace and ordinary matters, and at times disporting + themselves through the garden. + </p> + <p> + At last, in the space of half-an-hour, when the good women had become well + accustomed to this behaviour, James made a sign to Oliver, who played his + part with the girl that was with him so cleverly, that she did not + perceive the two lovers going into a close rilled with cherry trees, and + well shut in by tall rose trees and gooseberry bushes. (3) They made show + of going thither in order to gather some almonds which were in a corner of + the close, but their purpose was to gather plums. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 Large gardens and enclosures were then plentiful in the + heart of Paris. Forty years ago, when the Boulevard + Sebastopol was laid out, it was found that many of the + houses in the ancient Rues St. Martin and St. Denis had, in + their rear, gardens of considerable extent containing + century-old trees, the existence of which had never been + suspected by the passers-by in those then cramped and dingy + thoroughfares.—M. +</pre> + <p> + Accordingly, James, instead of giving his sweetheart a green gown, gave + her a red one, and its colour even came into her face through finding + herself surprised sooner than she had expected. And these plums of theirs + being ripe, they plucked them with such expedition that Oliver himself had + not believed it possible, but that he perceived the girl to droop her gaze + and look ashamed. This taught him the truth, for she had before walked + with head erect, with no fear lest the vein in her eye, which ought to be + red, should take an azure hue. However, when James perceived her + perturbation, he recalled her to herself by fitting remonstrances. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, while making the next two or three turns about the garden, + she would not refrain from tears and sighs, or from saying again and again—“Alas! + was it for this you loved me? If only I could have imagined it! Heavens! + what shall I do? I am ruined for life. What will you now think of me? I + feel sure you will respect me no longer, if, at least, you are one of + those that love but for their own pleasure. Alas, why did I not die before + falling into such an error?” + </p> + <p> + She shed many tears while uttering these words, but James comforted her + with many promises and oaths, and so, before they had gone thrice again + round the garden, or James had signalled to his comrade, they once more + entered the close, but by another path. And there, in spite of all, she + could not but receive more delight from the second green gown than from + the first; from which moment her satisfaction was such that they took + counsel together how they might see each other with more frequency and + convenience until her father should see fit to consent. + </p> + <p> + In this matter they were greatly assisted by a young woman, who was + neighbour to Master Peter; she had some kinship with James, and was a good + friend to Frances. And in this way, from what I can understand, they + continued without scandal until the celebration of the marriage, when + Frances, being an only child, proved to be very rich for a trader’s + daughter. James had, however, to wait for the greater part of his fortune + until the death of his father-in-law, for the latter was so grasping a man + that he seemed to think one hand capable of robbing him of that which he + held in the other. (4) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 This reminds one of Moliere’s Harpagon, when he requires + La Flèche to show him his hands. See <i>L’Avare</i>, act i. sc. + iii.—M. +</pre> + <p> + “In this story, ladies, you see a love affair well begun, well carried on, + and better ended. For although it is a common thing among you men to scorn + a girl or woman as soon as she has freely given what you chiefly seek in + her, yet this young man was animated by sound and sincere love; and + finding in his sweetheart what every husband desires in the girl he weds, + and knowing, moreover, that she was of good birth, and discreet in all + respects, save for the error into which he himself had led her, he would + not act the adulterer or be the cause of an unhappy marriage elsewhere. + And for this I hold him worthy of high praise.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” said Oisille, “they were both to blame, ay, and the third party + also who assisted or at least concurred in a rape.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call that a rape,” said Saffredent, “in which both parties are + agreed? Is there any marriage better than one thus resulting from secret + love? The proverb says that marriages are made in heaven, but this does + not hold of forced marriages, nor of such as are made for money or are + deemed to be completely sanctioned as soon as the parents have given their + consent.” + </p> + <p> + “You may say what you will,” said Oisille, “but we must recognise that + obedience is due to parents, or, in default of them, to other kinsfolk. + Otherwise, if all were permitted to marry at will, how many horned + marriages should we not find? Is it to be presumed that a young man and a + girl of twelve or fifteen years can know what is good for them? If we + examined into the happiness of marriages on the whole, we should find that + at least as many love-matches have turned out ill as those that were made + under compulsion. Young people, who do not know what is good for them, + attach themselves heedlessly to the first that comes; then by degrees they + find out their error and fall into others that are still greater. On the + other hand, most of those who act under compulsion proceed by the advice + of people who have seen more and have more judgment than the persons + concerned, and so when these come to feel the good that was before unknown + to them, they rejoice in it and embrace it with far more eagerness and + affection.” + </p> + <p> + “True, madam,” said Hircan, “but you have forgotten that the girl was of + full age and marriageable, and that she was aware of her father’s + injustice in letting her virginity grow musty rather than rub the rust off + his crown pieces. And do you not know that nature is a jade? She loved and + was loved; she found her happiness close to her hand, and she may have + remembered the proverb, ‘She that will not when she may, when she will she + shall have nay.’ All these things, added to her wooer’s despatch, gave her + no time to resist. Further, you have heard that immediately afterwards her + face showed that some noteworthy change had been wrought in her. She was + perhaps annoyed at the shortness of the time afforded her to decide + whether the thing were good or bad, for no great pressing was needed to + make her try a second time.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, for my part,” said Longarine, “I can find no excuse for such + conduct, except that I approve the good faith shown by the youth who, + comporting himself like an honest man, would not forsake her, but took her + such as he had made her. In this respect, considering the corruption and + depravity of the youth of the present day, I deem him worthy of high + praise. I would not for all that seek to excuse his first fault, which, in + fact, amounted to rape in respect to the daughter, and subornation with + regard to the mother.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Dagoucin, “there was neither rape nor subornation. + Everything was done by mere consent, both on the part of the mothers, who + did not prevent it (though, indeed, they were deceived), and on that of + the daughter, who was pleased by it, and so never complained.” + </p> + <p> + “It was all the result,” said Parlamente, “of the great kindliness and + simplicity of the mercer’s wife, who unwittingly led the maiden to the + slaughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, to the wedding,” said Simontault, “where such simplicity was no less + profitable to the girl than it once was hurtful to one who suffered + herself to be readily duped by her husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you know such a story,” said Nomerfide, “I give you my vote that + you may tell it to us.” + </p> + <p> + “I will indeed do so,” said Simontault, “but you must promise not to weep. + Those who declare, ladies, that your craftiness surpasses that of men, + would find it hard to bring forward such an instance as I will now relate, + wherein I propose to show you not only the great craftiness of a husband, + but the exceeding simplicity and goodness of his wife.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0046" id="linkimage-0046"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/176.jpg" width="100%" alt="176.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0047" id="linkimage-0047"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/177a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="177a.jpg the Man of Tours and his Serving-maid in The Snow " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Man of Tours and his Serving-maid in the Snow] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0048" id="linkimage-0048"> + <!-- 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_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLV</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>At his wife’s request, an upholsterer of Tours gave the + Innocents to his serving-maid, with whom he was in love; but + he did so after such a fashion as to let her have what + belonged by right only to his wife, who, for her part, was + such a simpleton that she could never believe her husband + had so wronged her, albeit she had abundant warning thereof + from a neighbour</i>. +</pre> + <p> + In the city of Tours dwelt a man of shrewd and sound understanding, who + was upholsterer to the late Duke of Orleans, (1) son of King Francis the + First; and although this upholsterer had, through sickness, become deaf, + he had nevertheless lost nothing of his wit, which, in regard both to his + trade and to other matters, was as shrewd as any man’s. And how he was + able to avail himself of it you shall hear. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 Charles of France, Duke of Orleans, Bourbonnais, + Angoumois and Châtelherault, Count of Clermont, La Marche, + and Civray, Governor and Lieutenant-General of Champagne and + Brie. He has been referred to in the Memoir of Queen + Margaret, <i>ante</i>, vol. i. pp. xxxvi., xlvii.-viii. Born at + St. Germain in January 1521, the Duke of Orleans took part + in several military expeditions, and gave proof of much + ability as a commander. He died, according to some accounts, + of a pleurisy, and, according to others, of the plague, in + 1545. The above story was evidently written subsequent to + that date, as Queen Margaret refers to him as “the late Duke + of Orleans.”—L. +</pre> + <p> + He had married a virtuous and honourable woman, with whom he lived in + great peace and quietness. He was very fearful of displeasing her, whilst + she, on her part, sought in all things to obey him. But, for all the + affection that he bore her, he was so charitably inclined that he would + often give to his female neighbours that which by right belonged to his + wife, though this he did as secretly as he was able. + </p> + <p> + There was in their house a very plump serving-maid with whom the + upholsterer fell in love. Nevertheless, dreading lest his wife should know + this, he often made show of scolding and rebuking her, saying that she was + the laziest wench he had ever known, though this was no wonder, seeing + that her mistress never beat her. And thus it came to pass that one day, + while they were speaking about giving the Innocents, (2) the upholsterer + said to his wife— + </p> + <p> + “It were a charity to give them to that lazy wench of yours, but it should + not be with your hand, for it is too feeble, and in like way your heart is + too pitiful for such a task. If, however, I were to make use of mine, she + would serve us better than she now does.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 Prior to the Reformation it was the custom, not only in + France but throughout Europe, to whip children on the + morning of Innocents’ Day (December 28), in order, says + Gregory in his treatise on the <i>Boy Bishop</i>, “that the + memory of Herod’s murder of the Innocents might stick the + closer.” This custom (concerning which see Haspinian, <i>De + Orig. Festor, Christianor</i>. fol. 160) subsequently + degenerated into a jocular usage, so far as the children + were concerned, and town-gallants and country-swains + commonly sought to surprise young women in bed, and make + them play the part of the Innocents, more frequently than + otherwise to the loss of their virtue. A story is told of a + French nobleman who in taking leave of some ladies to join a + hunting party, heard one of them whisper, “We shall sleep at + our ease, and pass the Innocents without receiving them.” + This put the nobleman, a certain Seigneur du Rivau, on his + mettle. “He kept his appointment,” we are told, “galloped + back twenty leagues at night, arrived at the lady’s house at + dawn on Innocents’ Day, surprised her in bed, and used the + privilege of the season.” (Bonn’s <i>Heptameron</i>, p. 301). + Verses illustrative of the custom will be found in the works + of Clement Marot, Jannet’s edition, 1868, vol iii. p. 7, and + in those of Cholières, Jouaust’s edition, 1879, vol. i. p. + 224-6.—L. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The poor woman, suspecting no harm, begged him to do execution upon the + girl, confessing that she herself had neither strength nor heart for + beating her. + </p> + <p> + The husband willingly accepted this commission, and, playing the part of a + stern executioner, had purchase made of the finest rods that could be + found. To show, moreover, how anxious he was not to spare the girl, he + caused these rods to be steeped in pickle, so that his poor wife felt far + more pity for her maid than suspicion of her husband. + </p> + <p> + Innocents’ Day being come, the upholsterer rose early in the morning, and, + going up to the room where the maid lay all alone, he gave her the + Innocents in a different fashion to that which he had talked of with his + wife. The maid wept full sore, but it was of no avail. Nevertheless, + fearing lest his wife should come upon them, he fell to beating the + bed-post with the rods which he had with him in such wise that he barked + and broke them; and in this condition he brought them back to his wife, + saying— + </p> + <p> + “Methinks, sweetheart, your maid will remember the Innocents.” + </p> + <p> + When the upholsterer was gone out of the house, the poor servant threw + herself upon her knees before her mistress, telling her that her husband + had done her the greatest wrong that was ever done to a serving-maid. The + mistress, however, thinking that this merely had reference to the flogging + which she believed to have been given, would not suffer the girl to + finish, but said to her— + </p> + <p> + “My husband did well, and only what I have for more than a month been + urging him to do. If you were hurt I am very glad to hear it. You may lay + it all at my door, and, what is more, he did not even do as much as he + ought to have done.” + </p> + <p> + The serving-maid, finding that her mistress approved of the matter, + thought that it could not be so great a sin as she had imagined, the more + so as it had been brought to pass by a woman whose virtue was held in such + high repute. Accordingly she never afterwards ventured to speak of it. + </p> + <p> + Her master, however, seeing that his wife was as content to be deceived as + he was to deceive her, resolved that he would frequently give her this + contentment, and so practised on the serving-maid, that she wept no more + at receiving the Innocents. + </p> + <p> + He continued this manner of life for a great while, without his wife being + any the wiser, until there came a time of heavy snow, when, having already + given the girl the Innocents on the grass in his garden, he was minded to + do the same in the snow. Accordingly, one morning before any one in the + house was awake, he took the girl clad in nothing but her shift to make + the crucifix in the snow, and while they were pelting each other in sport, + they did not forget the game of the Innocents. + </p> + <p> + This sport, however, was observed by one of their female neighbours who + had gone to her window, which overlooked the garden, to see what manner of + weather it was, and so wrathful was she at the evil sight, that she + resolved to tell her good gossip of it, to the end that she might no + longer suffer herself to be deceived by a wicked husband or served by a + wanton jade. + </p> + <p> + After playing these fine pranks, the upholsterer looked about him to see + whether any one could perceive him, and to his exceeding annoyance + observed his neighbour at her window. But just as he was able to give any + colour to his tapestry, so he bethought him to give such a colour to what + he had done, that his neighbour would be no less deceived than his wife. + Accordingly, as soon as he had gone back to bed again, he made his wife + rise in nothing but her shift, and taking her into the garden as he had + taken his serving-maid, he played with her for a long time in the snow + even as he had played with the other. And then he gave her the Innocents + in the same way as he had given them to the maid, and afterwards they + returned to bed together. + </p> + <p> + When the good woman went to mass, her neighbour and excellent friend + failed not to be there, and, while unwilling to say anything further, + zealously begged of her to dismiss her serving-maid, who was, she said, a + very wicked and dangerous wench. This, however, the other would not do + without knowing why she thought so ill of the girl, and at last her + neighbour related how she had seen the wench that morning in the garden + with her husband. + </p> + <p> + At this the good woman fell to laughing heartily, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Eh! gossip dear, ‘twas myself!” + </p> + <p> + “What, gossip? Why she wore naught but her shift, and it was only five + o’clock in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “In faith, gossip,” replied the good woman, “‘twas myself.” + </p> + <p> + “They pelted each other with snow,” the other went on, “on the breasts and + elsewhere, as familiarly as could be.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh! gossip, eh!” the good woman replied, “‘twas myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, gossip,” said the other, “I saw them afterwards doing something in + the snow that to my mind is neither seemly nor right.” + </p> + <p> + “Gossip,” returned the good woman, “I have told you, and I tell you again, + that it was myself and none other who did all that you say, for my good + husband and I play thus familiarly together. And, I pray you, be not + scandalised at this, for you know that we are bound to please our + husbands.” + </p> + <p> + So the worthy gossip went away, more wishful to possess such a husband for + herself than she had been to talk about the husband of her friend; and + when the upholsterer came home again his wife told him the whole story. + </p> + <p> + “Now look you, sweetheart,” replied the upholsterer, “if you were not a + woman of virtue and sound understanding we should long ago have been + separated the one from the other. But I hope that God will continue to + preserve us in our mutual love, to His own glory and our happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen to that, my dear,” said the good woman, “and I hope that on my part + you will never find aught to blame.” (3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This tale is accounted by most critics and commentators + to be the best in the <i>Heptameron</i>. Dunlop thinks it may + have been borrowed from a <i>fabliau</i> composed by some + <i>Trouvère</i> who had travelled in the East, and points out + that it corresponds with the story of the <i>Shopkeeper s + Wife</i> in Nakshebi’s Persian Tales (<i>Tooti Nameh</i>). Had it + been brought to France, however, in the manner suggested it + would, like other tales, have found its way into the works + of many sixteenth-century story-writers besides Queen + Margaret. Such, however, is not the case, and curiously + enough, so far as we can find, the tale, as given in the + <i>Heptameron</i>, was never imitated until La Fontaine wrote his + <i>Servante Justifiée (Contes, livre</i> ii. No. vi.), in the + opening lines of which he expressly acknowledges his + indebtedness to the Queen of Navarre.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “Unbelieving indeed, ladies, must be the man who, after hearing this true + story, should hold you to be as crafty as men are; though, if we are not + to wrong either, and to give both man and wife the praise they truly + deserve, we must needs admit that the better of the two was worth naught.” + </p> + <p> + “The man,” said Parlamente, “was marvellously wicked, for he deceived his + servant on the one side and his wife on the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you cannot have understood the story,” said Hircan. “We are told + that he contented them both in the same morning, and I consider it a + highly virtuous thing, both for body and mind, to be able to say and do + that which may make two opposites content.” + </p> + <p> + “It was doubly wicked,” said Parlamente, “to satisfy the simplicity of one + by falsehood and the wickedness of the other by vice. But I am aware that + sins, when brought before such judges as you, will always be forgiven.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet I promise you,” said Hircan, “that for my own part I shall never + essay so great and difficult a task, for if I but render <i>you</i> + content my day will not have been ill spent.” + </p> + <p> + “If mutual love,” said Parlamente, “cannot content the heart, nothing else + can.” + </p> + <p> + “In sooth,” said Simontault, “I think there is no greater grief in the + world than to love and not be loved.” + </p> + <p> + “To be loved,” said Parlamente, “it were needful to turn to such as love. + Very often, however, those women who will not love are loved the most, + while those men who love most strongly are loved the least.” + </p> + <p> + “You remind me,” said Oisille, “of a story which I had not intended to + bring forward among such good ones.” + </p> + <p> + “Still I pray you tell it us,” said Simontault. “That will I do right + willingly,” replied Oisille. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0049" id="linkimage-0049"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/186.jpg" width="100%" alt="186.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0050" id="linkimage-0050"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/187.jpg" width="100%" alt="187.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLVI. (A)</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Grey Friar named De Vale, being bidden to dinner at the + house of the Judge of the Exempts in Angoulême, perceived + that the Judge’s wife (with whom he was in love) went up + into the garret alone; thinking to surprise her, he followed + her thither; but she dealt him such a kick in the stomach + that he fell from the top of the stairs to the bottom, and + fled out of the town to the house of a lady that had such + great liking for those of his Order (foolishly believing + them possessed of greater virtues than belong to them), that + she entrusted him with the correction of her daughter, whom + he lay with by force instead of chastising her for the sin + of sloth-fulness, as he had promised her mother he would + do</i>. (1) + + 1 Boaistuau and Gruget omit this tale, and the latter + replaces it by that numbered XLVI. (B). Count Charles of + Angoulême having died on January i, 1496, the incidents + related above must have occurred at an earlier date.—L. +</pre> + <p> + In the town of Angoulême, where Count Charles, father of King Francis, + often abode, there dwelt a Grey Friar named De Vale, the same being held a + learned man and a great preacher. One Advent this Friar preached in the + town in presence of the Count, whereby he won such renown that those who + knew him eagerly invited him to dine at their houses. Among others that + did this was the Judge of the Exempts (2) of the county, who had wedded a + beautiful and virtuous woman. The Friar was dying for love of her, yet + lacked the hardihood to tell her so; nevertheless she perceived the truth, + and held him in derision. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 The <i>Exempt</i> was a police officer, and the functions of + the <i>Juge des Exempts</i> were akin to those of a police + magistrate.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + After he had given several tokens of his wanton purpose, he one day espied + her going up into the garret alone. Thinking to surprise her, he followed, + but hearing his footsteps she turned and asked whither he was going. “I am + going after you,” he replied, “to tell you a secret.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, good father,” said the Judge’s wife. “I will have no secret converse + with such as you. If you come up any higher, you will be sorry for it.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that she was alone, he gave no heed to her words, but hastened up + after her. She, however, was a woman of spirit, and when she saw the Friar + at the top of the staircase, she gave him a kick in the stomach, and with + the words, “Down! down! sir,” (3) cast him from the top to the bottom. The + poor father was so greatly ashamed at this, that, forgetting the hurt he + had received in falling, he fled out of the town as fast as he was able. + He felt sure that the lady would not conceal the matter from her husband; + and indeed she did not, nor yet from the Count and Countess, so that the + Friar never again durst come into their presence. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The French words here are “<i>Dévaliez, dévaliez, + monsieur</i>,” whilst MS. No. 1520 gives, “<i>Monsieur de Vale, + dévalés</i>.” In either case there is evidently a play upon the + friar’s name, which was possibly pronounced Vallès or + Vallès. Adrien de Valois, it maybe pointed out, rendered his + name in Latin as <i>Valesius</i>; the county of Valois and that + of Valais are one and the same; we continue calling the old + French kings Valois, as their name was written, instead of + Valais as it was pronounced, as witness, for instance, the + nickname given to Henry III. by the lampooners of the + League, “<i>Henri dévalé</i>.” See also <i>post</i>, Tale XLVI. (B), + note 2.—M. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + To complete his wickedness, he repaired to the house of a lady who + preferred the Grey Friars to all other folk, and, after preaching a sermon + or two before her, he cast his eyes upon her daughter, who was very + beautiful. And as the maiden did not rise in the morning to hear his + sermon, he often scolded her in presence of her mother, whereupon the + latter would say to him—“Would to God, father, that she had some + taste of the discipline which you monks receive from one another.” + </p> + <p> + The good father vowed that if she continued to be so slothful, he would + indeed give her some of it, and her mother earnestly begged him to do so. + </p> + <p> + A day or two afterwards, he entered the lady’s apartment, and, not seeing + her daughter there, asked her where she was. + </p> + <p> + “She fears you so little,” replied the lady, “that she is still in bed.” + </p> + <p> + “There can be no doubt,” said the Grey Friar, “that it is a very evil + habit in young girls to be slothful. Few people think much of the sin of + sloth, but for my part, I deem it one of the most dangerous there is, for + the body as for the soul. You should therefore chastise her for it, and if + you will give me the matter in charge, I will take good care that she does + not lie abed at an hour when she ought to be praying to God.” + </p> + <p> + The poor lady, believing him to be a virtuous man, begged him to be kind + enough to correct her daughter, which he at once agreed to do, and, going + up a narrow wooden staircase, he found the girl all alone in bed. She was + sleeping very soundly, and while she slept he lay with her by force. The + poor girl, waking up, knew not whether he were man or devil, but began to + cry out as loudly as she could, and to call for help to her mother. But + the latter, standing at the foot of the staircase, cried out to the Friar—“Have + no pity on her, sir. Give it to her again, and chastise the naughty jade.” + </p> + <p> + When the Friar had worked his wicked will, he came down to the lady and + said to her with a face all afire—“I think, madam, that your + daughter will remember my discipline.” + </p> + <p> + The mother thanked him warmly and then went upstairs, where she found her + daughter making such lamentation as is to be expected from a virtuous + woman who has suffered from so foul a crime. On learning the truth, the + mother had search made everywhere for the Friar, but he was already far + away, nor was he ever afterwards seen in the kingdom of France. + </p> + <p> + “You see, ladies, with how much security such commissions may be given to + those that are unfit for them. The correction of men pertains to men and + that of women to women; for women in the correction of men would be as + pitiful as men in the correction of women would be cruel.” + </p> + <p> + “Jesus! madam,” said Parlamente, “what a base and wicked Friar!” + </p> + <p> + “Say rather,” said Hircan, “what a foolish and witless mother to be led by + hypocrisy into allowing so much familiarity to those who ought never to be + seen except in church.” + </p> + <p> + “In truth,” said Parlamente, “I acknowledge that she was the most foolish + mother imaginable; had she been as wise as the Judge’s wife, she would + rather have made him come down the staircase than go up. But what can you + expect? The devil that is half-angel is the most dangerous of all, for he + is so well able to transform himself into an angel of light, that people + shrink from suspecting him to be what he really is; and it seems to me + that persons who are not suspicious are worthy of praise.” + </p> + <p> + “At the same time,” said Oisille, “people ought to suspect the evil that + is to be avoided, especially those who hold a trust; for it is better to + suspect an evil that does not exist than by foolish trustfulness to fall + into one that does. I have never known a woman deceived through being slow + to believe men’s words, but many are there that have been deceived through + being over prompt in giving credence to falsehood. Therefore I say that + possible evil cannot be held in too strong suspicion by those that have + charge of men, women, cities or states; for, however good the watch that + is kept, wickedness and treachery are prevalent enough, and the shepherd + who is not vigilant will always be deceived by the wiles of the wolf.” + </p> + <p> + “Still,” said Dagoucin, “a suspicious person cannot have a perfect friend, + and many friends have been divided by suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “If you know any such instance,” said Oisille, “I give you my vote that + you may relate it.” + </p> + <p> + “I know one,” said Dagoucin, “which is so strictly true that you will + needs hear it with pleasure. I will tell you, ladies, when it is that a + close friendship is most easily severed; ‘tis when the security of + friendship begins to give place to suspicion. For just as trust in a + friend is the greatest honour that can be shown him, so is doubt of him a + still greater dishonour. It proves that he is deemed other than we would + have him to be, and so causes many close friendships to be broken off, and + friends to be turned into foes. This you will see from the story that I am + minded to relate.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0051" id="linkimage-0051"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/193.jpg" width="100%" alt="193.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0052" id="linkimage-0052"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/195a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="195a.jpg the Young Man Beating his Wife " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Young Man beating his Wife] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0053" id="linkimage-0053"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/195.jpg" width="100%" alt="195.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLVI.(B)</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Concerning a Grey Friar who made it a great crime on the + part of husbands to beat their wives</i>. (1) +</pre> + <p> + In the town of Angoulême, where Count Charles, father of King Francis, + often abode, there dwelt a Grey Friar named De Vallès, (2) the same being + a learned man and a very great preacher. At Advent time this Friar + preached in the town in presence of the Count, whereby his reputation was + still further increased. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 This is the tale inserted in Gruget’s edition in lieu of + the previous one.—Ed. + + 2 We had thought that Friar Vallès might possibly be Robert + de Valle, who at the close of the fifteenth century wrote a + work entitled <i>Explanatio in Plinium</i>, but find that this + divine was a Bishop of Rouen, and never belonged to the Grey + Friars. In Gessner’s <i>Biographia Universalis</i>, continued by + Frisius, mention is made of three learned ecclesiastics of + the name of Valle living in or about Queen Margaret’s time: + Baptiste de Valle, who wrote on war and duelling; William de + Valle, who penned a volume entitled <i>De Anima Sorbono</i>; and + Amant de Valle, a Franciscan minorité born at Toulouse, who + was the author of numerous philosophical works, the most + important being <i>Elucidationes Scoti</i>.—B. J. +</pre> + <p> + It happened also that during Advent a hare-brained young fellow, who had + married a passably handsome young woman, continued none the less to run at + the least as dissolute a course as did those that were still bachelors. + The young wife, being advised of this, could not keep silence upon it, so + that she very often received payment after a different and a prompter + fashion than she could have wished. For all that, she ceased not to + persist in lamentation, and sometimes in railing as well; which so + provoked the young man that he beat her even to bruises and blood. + Thereupon she cried out yet more loudly than before; and in a like fashion + all the women of the neighbourhood, knowing the reason of this, could not + keep silence, but cried out publicly in the streets, saying— + </p> + <p> + “Shame, shame on such husbands! To the devil with them!” + </p> + <p> + By good fortune the Grey Friar De Vallès was passing that way and heard + the noise and the reason of it. He resolved to touch upon it the following + day in his sermon, and did so. Turning his discourse to the subject of + marriage and the affection which ought to subsist in it, he greatly + extolled that condition, at the same time censuring those that offended + against it, and comparing wedded to parental love. Among other things, he + said that a husband who beat his wife was in more danger, and would have a + heavier punishment, than if he had beaten his father or his mother. + </p> + <p> + “For,” said he, “if you beat your father or your mother you will be sent + for penance to Rome; but if you beat your wife, she and all the women of + the neighbourhood will send you to the devil, that is, to hell. Now look + you what a difference there is between these two penances. From Rome a man + commonly returns again, but from hell, oh! from that place, there is no + return: <i>nulla est redemptio</i>” (3) + </p> + <p> + After preaching this sermon, he was informed that the women were making a + triumph of it, (4) and that their husbands could no longer control them. + He therefore resolved to set the husbands right just as he had previously + assisted their wives. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This was the Pope’s expression apropos of Messer Biagio, + whom Michael Angelo had introduced into his “Last + Judgment.”—M. + + 4 The French expression is <i>faisaient leur Achilles</i>, the + nearest equivalent to which in English would probably be + “Hectoring” It is curious that the French should have taken + the name of Achilles and we that of Hector to express the + same idea of arrogance and bluster.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + With this intent, in one of his sermons he compared women and devil + together, saying that these were the greatest enemies that man had, that + they tempted him without ceasing, and that he could not rid himself of + them, especially of women. + </p> + <p> + “For,” said he, “as far as devils are concerned, if you show them the + cross they flee away, whereas women, on the contrary, are tamed by it, and + are made to run hither and thither and cause their husbands countless + torments. But, good people, know you what you must do? When you find your + wives afflicting you thus continually, as is their wont, take off the + handle of the cross and with it drive them away. You will not have made + this experiment briskly three or four times before you will find + yourselves the better for it, and see that, even as the devil is driven + off by the virtue of the cross, so can you drive away and silence your + wives by virtue of the handle, provided only that it be not attached to + the cross aforesaid.” + </p> + <p> + “You have here some of the sermons by this reverend De Vallès, of whose + life I will with good reason relate nothing more. However, I will tell you + that, whatever face he put upon the matter—and I knew him—he + was much more inclined to the side of the women than to that of the men.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, madam,” said Parlamente, “he did not show this in his last sermon, + in which he instructed the men to ill-treat them.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, you do not comprehend his artifice,” said Hircan. “You are not + experienced in war and in the use of the stratagems that it requires; + among these, one of the most important is to kindle strife in the camp of + the enemy, whereby he becomes far easier to conquer. This master monk well + knew that hatred and wrath between husband and wife most often cause a + loose rein to be given to the wife’s honour. And when that honour frees + itself from the guardianship of virtue, it finds itself in the power of + the wolf before it knows even that it is astray.” + </p> + <p> + “However that may be,” said Parlamente, “I could not love a man who had + sown such division between my husband and myself as would lead even to + blows; for beating banishes love. Yet, by what I have heard, they [the + friars] can be so mincing when they seek some advantage over a woman, and + so attractive in their discourse, that I feel sure there would be more + danger in hearkening to them in secret than in publicly receiving blows + from a husband in other respects a good one.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Dagoucin, “they have so revealed their plottings in all + directions, that it is not without reason that they are to be feared; (5) + although in my opinion persons who are not suspicious are worthy of + praise.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 From this point the dialogue is almost word for word the + same as that following Tale XLVI. (A).—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “At the same time,” said Oisille, “people ought to suspect the evil that + is to be avoided, for it is better to suspect an evil that does not exist + than by foolish trustfulness to fall into one that does. For my part, I + have never known a woman deceived by being slow to believe men’s words, + but many are through being too prompt in giving credence to falsehood. + Therefore I say that possible evil cannot be too strongly suspected by + those that have charge of men, women, cities or states; for, however good + may be the watch that is kept, wickedness and treachery are prevalent + enough, and for this reason the shepherd who is not vigilant will always + be deceived by the wiles of the wolf.” + </p> + <p> + “Still,” said Dagoucin, “a suspicious person cannot have a perfect friend, + and many friends have been parted by bare suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “If you should know any such instance,” thereupon said Oisille, “I will + give you my vote that you may relate it.” + </p> + <p> + “I know one,” said Dagoucin, “which is so strictly true that you will hear + it with pleasure. I will tell you, ladies, when it is that close + friendship is most readily broken off; it is when the security of + friendship begins to give place to suspicion. For just as to trust a + friend is the greatest honour one can do him, so is doubt of him the + greatest dishonour, inasmuch as it proves that he is deemed other than one + would have him to be, and in this wise many close friendships are broken + off and friends turned into foes. This you will see from the story that I + am now about to relate.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0054" id="linkimage-0054"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/201.jpg" width="100%" alt="201.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0055" id="linkimage-0055"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/203a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="203a.jpg the Gentleman Reproaching his Friend for His Jealousy " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Gentleman reproaching his Friend for his Jealousy] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0056" id="linkimage-0056"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/203.jpg" width="100%" alt="203.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLVII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Two gentlemen lined in such perfect friendship that for a + great while they had everything excepting a wife in common, + until one was married, when without cause he began to + suspect his companion, who, in vexation at being wrongfully + suspected, withdrew his friendship, and did not rest till he + had made the other a cuckold</i>. +</pre> + <p> + Not far from the province of Le Perche (1) there dwelt two gentlemen who + from the days of their childhood had lived in such perfect friendship that + they had but one heart, one house, one bed, one table, and one purse. They + continued living in this perfect friendship for a long time, without there + ever being between them any wish or word such as might betray that they + were different persons; so truly did they live not merely like two + brothers but like one individual man. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 Between Normandy and Maine. Its chief town was Mortagne. +</pre> + <p> + Of the two one married, yet did not on that account abate his friendship + for his fellow or cease to live with him as had been his wont. And + whenever they chanced to lodge where room was scanty, he failed not to + make him sleep with himself and his wife; (2) though he did, in truth, + himself lie in the middle. Their goods were all in common, so that neither + the marriage nor aught else that might betide could impair their perfect + friendship. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 To do honour to a guest it was then a common practice to + invite him to share the same bed as one’s self and one’s + wife. In this wise, long after Queen Margaret s time, we + find Louis XIII. sharing the bed of the Duke and Duchess of + Luynes. Tale vii. of the <i>Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles</i> + (imitated in Malespini’s <i>Ducento Novelle</i> and the <i>Joyeuses + Adventures et nouvelles récréations</i>) relates what befell a + Paris goldsmith who took a carter to bed with him and his + spouse, and neglected to follow the usual custom of sleeping + in the middle. In Queen Margaret’s time, it may be added, + the so-called “beds of honour” in the abodes of noblemen and + gentlemen were large enough to accommodate four or five + persons.—B. J. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + But after some time, worldly happiness, which is ever changeful in its + nature, could no longer abide in this too happy household. The husband, + without cause, lost the confidence that he had in his friend and in his + wife, and, being unable to conceal the truth from the latter, spoke to her + with angry words. At this she was greatly amazed, for he had charged her + in all things save one to treat his friend as she did himself, and now he + forbade her to speak with him except it were before others. She made the + matter known to her husband’s friend, who did not believe her, knowing as + he well did that he had never purposed doing aught to grieve his comrade. + And as he was wont to hide nothing from him, he told him what he had + heard, begging him not to conceal the truth, for neither in this nor in + any other matter had he any desire to occasion the severance of the + friendship which had so long subsisted between them. + </p> + <p> + The married gentleman assured him that he had never thought of such a + thing, and that those who had spread such a rumour had foully lied. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon his comrade replied— + </p> + <p> + “I well know that jealousy is a passion as insupportable as love, and were + you inclined to jealousy even with regard to myself, I should not blame + you, for you could not help it. But there is a thing that is in your power + of which I should have reason to complain, and that is the concealment of + your distemper from me, seeing that never before was thought, feeling or + opinion concealed between us. If I were in love with your wife, you should + not impute it to me as a crime, for love is not a fire that I can hold in + my hand to do with it what I will; but if it were so and I concealed it + from you, and sought by demonstration to make it known to your wife, I + should be the wickedest comrade that ever lived. + </p> + <p> + “As far as I myself am concerned, I can truly assure you that, although + she is an honourable and virtuous woman, she is the last of all the women + I have ever seen upon whom, even though she were not yours, my fancy would + light. But even though there be no occasion to do so, I ask you, if you + have the smallest possible feeling of suspicion, to tell me of it, that I + may so act as to prevent a friendship that has lasted so long from being + severed for the sake of a woman. For, even if I loved her more dearly than + aught in the world beside, I would never speak to her of it, seeing that I + set your honour before aught else.” + </p> + <p> + His comrade swore to him the strongest oaths he could muster, that he had + never thought of such a thing, and begged him to act in his house as he + had been used to do. + </p> + <p> + “That will I,” the other replied, “but if after this should you harbour an + evil opinion of me and conceal it or bear me ill-will, I will continue no + more in fellowship with you.” + </p> + <p> + Some time afterwards, whilst they were living together as had been their + wont, the married gentleman again fell into stronger suspicion than ever, + and commanded his wife to no longer show the same countenance to his + friend as before. This she at once made known to her husband’s comrade, + and begged that he would of his own motion abstain from holding speech + with her, since she had been charged to do the like towards him. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman perceived from her words and from divers tokens on the part + of his comrade that the latter had not kept his promise, and so said to + him in great wrath— + </p> + <p> + “If, comrade, you are jealous, ‘tis a natural thing, but, after the oaths + you swore to me, I must needs be angered that you have used such + concealment towards me. I had always thought that neither obstacle nor + mean intervened between your heart and mine, but to my exceeding sorrow, + and with no fault on my part, I see that the reverse is true. Not only are + you most jealous of your wife and of me, but you seek to hide your + distemper from me, until at last it must wholly turn to hate, and the + dearest love that our time has known become the deadliest enmity. + </p> + <p> + “I have done all I could to avoid this mishap, but since you suspect me of + being so wicked and the opposite of what I have always proved towards you, + I give you my oath and word that I will indeed be such a one as you deem + me, and that I will never rest until I have had from your wife that which + you believe I seek from her. So I bid you beware of me henceforward, for, + since suspicion has destroyed your friendship for me, resentment will + destroy mine for you.” + </p> + <p> + Although his comrade tried to persuade him of the contrary, he would no + longer believe him, but removed his portion of the furniture and goods + that had been in common between them. And so their hearts were as widely + sundered as they had before been closely united, and the unmarried + gentleman never rested until, as he had promised, he had made his comrade + a cuckold. (3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The idea developed in this tale, that of bringing to pass + by one’s own actions the thing one fears and seeks to avoid + or prevent, has much analogy with that embodied in the + “novel of the Curious Impertinent” which Cervantes + introduces into <i>Don Quixote</i> (Part I. chaps, xxviii., + xxix). In this tale it will be remembered Anselmo and + Lothario are represented as being two such close friends as + the gentlemen who figured in Queen Margaret’s tale. Anselmo + marries, however, and seized with an insane desire to test + the virtue of his wife, Camilla, by exposing her to + temptation, urges Lothario to pay court to her. Lothario at + first resists these solicitations, pointing out the folly of + such an enterprise, but his friend entreats him so + pressingly that he finally consents, and in the sequel the + passion which he at first simulates for Camilla becomes a + real one and leads to his seducing her and carrying her + away, with the result that both the wretched Anselmo and his + wife soon die of grief, whilst Lothario betakes himself to + the wars and perishes in battle.—M. & Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “Thus, ladies, may it fare with those who wrongfully suspect their wives + of evil. Many men make of them what they suspect them to be, for a + virtuous woman is more readily overcome by despair than by all the + pleasures on earth. And if any one says that suspicion is love, I give him + nay, for although it results from love as do ashes from fire, it kills it + nevertheless in the same way.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think,” said Hircan, “that anything can be more grievous to + either man or woman than to be suspected of that which is contrary to + fact. For my own part, nothing could more readily prompt me to sever + fellowship with my friends than such suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Oisille, “woman is without rational excuse who + revenges herself for her husband’s suspicion by her own shame. It is as + though a man should thrust his sword through his own body, because unable + to slay his foe, or should bite his own fingers because he cannot scratch + him. She would have done better had she spoken to the gentleman no more, + and so shown her husband how wrongly he had suspected her; for time would + have softened them both.” + </p> + <p> + “Still ‘twas done like a woman of spirit,” said Ennasuite. “If many women + acted in the same way, their husbands would not be so outrageous as they + are.” + </p> + <p> + “For all that,” said Longarine, “patience gives a woman the victory in the + end, and chastity brings her praise, and more we should not desire.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Ennasuite, “a woman may be unchaste and yet commit no + sin.” + </p> + <p> + “How may that be?” said Oisille. + </p> + <p> + “When she mistakes another man for her husband.” + </p> + <p> + “And who,” said Parlamente, “is so foolish that she cannot clearly tell + the difference between her husband and another man, whatever disguise the + latter may wear?” + </p> + <p> + “There have been and still will be,” said Ennasuite, “a few deceived in + this fashion, and therefore still innocent and free from sin.” + </p> + <p> + “If you know of such a one,” said Dagoucin, “I give you my vote that you + may tell us about her, for I think it very strange that innocence and sin + can go together.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen, then,” said Ennasuite. “If, ladies, the foregoing tales have not + sufficiently warned you of the danger of lodging in our houses those who + call us worldly and consider themselves as something holy and far worthier + than we, I will give you yet a further instance of it, that you may see by + the errors into which those fall who trust them too much that not only are + they human like others, but that there is something devilish in their + nature, passing the ordinary wickedness of men. This you will learn from + the following story.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0057" id="linkimage-0057"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/211.jpg" width="100%" alt="211.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0058" id="linkimage-0058"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/213a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="213a.jpg the Grey Friars Caught and Punished " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Grey Friars Caught and Punished] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0059" id="linkimage-0059"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/213.jpg" width="100%" alt="213.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLVIII</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The older and wickeder of two Grey Friars, who were lodged + in an inn where the marriage of the host’s daughter was + being celebrated, perceived the bride being led away, + whereupon he went and took the place of the bridegroom + whilst the latter was still dancing with the company</i>. (1) + + 1 We have already had an instance of a friar stealing into + a wife’s bed at night-time, in the husband’s absence (see + <i>ante</i>, vol. iii., tale xxili.). For a similar incident see + the <i>Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles</i>, No. xxx.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + At an inn, in a village of the land of Perigort, there was celebrated the + marriage of a maiden of the house, at which all the kinsfolk and friends + strove to make as good cheer as might be. On the day of the wedding there + arrived at the inn two Grey Friars, to whom supper was given in their own + room, since it was not meet for those of their condition to be present at + a wedding. However, the chief of the two, who had the greater authority + and craft, resolved that, since he was shut out from the board, he would + share the bed, and in this way play them one of the tricks of his trade. + </p> + <p> + When evening was come, and the dances were begun, the Grey Friar continued + to observe the bride for a long time, and found her very handsome and to + his taste. Then, inquiring carefully of the serving-woman concerning the + room in which she was to lie, he found that it was close to his own, at + which he was well pleased; and so good a watch did he keep in order to + work his end, that he perceived the bride being led from the hall by the + old women, as is the custom. As it was yet very early, the bridegroom + would not leave the dance, in which he was so greatly absorbed that he + seemed to have altogether forgotten his wife. + </p> + <p> + Not so the Friar, for, as soon as his ears told him that the bride was in + bed, he put off his grey robe and went and took the husband’s place. Being + fearful of discovery, however, he stayed but a very short time, and then + went to the end of a passage where his comrade, who was keeping watch for + him, signed to him that the husband was dancing-still. + </p> + <p> + The Friar, who had not yet satisfied his wicked lust, thereupon went back + to bed with the bride, until his comrade gave him a signal that it was + time to leave. + </p> + <p> + The bridegroom afterwards came to bed, and his wife, who had been so + tormented by the Friar that she desired naught but rest, could not help + saying to him— + </p> + <p> + “Have you resolved never to sleep or do anything but torment me?” + </p> + <p> + The unhappy husband, who had but just come in, was greatly astonished at + this, and asked what torment he had given her, seeing that he had not left + the dance. + </p> + <p> + “A pretty dance!” said the poor girl. “This is the third time that you + have come to bed. I think you would do better to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + The husband was greatly astonished on hearing these words, and set aside + thought of everything else in order that he might learn the truth of what + had passed. + </p> + <p> + When his wife had told him the story, he at once suspected the Grey Friars + who were lodged in the house, and forthwith rising, he went into their + room, which was close beside his own. + </p> + <p> + Not finding them there, he began to call out for help in so loud a voice + that he speedily drew together all his friends, who, when they had heard + the tale, assisted him with candles, lanterns, and all the dogs of the + village to hunt for the Grey Friars. + </p> + <p> + Not finding them in the house, they made all diligence, and so caught them + among the vines, where they treated them as they deserved; for, after + soundly beating them, they cut off their arms and legs, and left them + among the vines to the care of Bacchus and Venus, of whom they had been + better disciples than of St. Francis. + </p> + <p> + “Be not amazed, ladies, if such folk, being cut off from our usual mode of + life, do things of which adventurers (2) even would be ashamed. Wonder + rather that they do no worse when God withdraws his hand from them, for so + little does the habit make the monk, that it often unmakes him through the + pride it lends him. For my own part, I go not beyond the religion that is + taught by St. James, who has told us to ‘keep the heart pure and unspotted + toward God, and to show all charity to our neighbours.’”(3) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 This is an allusion to the dismissed French Swiss, and + German lansquenets who roamed about France in little bands, + kidnapping, plundering, and at times hiring themselves out + as spadassins. These men, the pests of the country, were + commonly known by the name of adventurers.—B. J. + + 3 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is + this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction + and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”—<i>James</i> i. + 27.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “Heavens!” said Oisille, “shall we never have done with tales about these + tiresome Grey Friars?” + </p> + <p> + Then said Ennasuite— + </p> + <p> + “If, ladies, princes and gentlemen are not spared, the Grey Friars, it + seems to me, are highly honoured by being noticed. They are so useless + that, were it not that they often do evil things worthy of remembrance, + they would never even be mentioned; and, as the saying goes, it is better + to do evil than to do nothing at all. Besides, the more varied the flowers + the handsomer will our posy be.” + </p> + <p> + “If you will promise not to be angry with me,” said Hircan, “I will tell + you the story of a great lady whose wantonness was so extreme that you + will forgive the poor friar for having taken what he needed, where he was + able to find it, seeing that she, who had enough to eat, nevertheless + sought for dainties in too monstrous a fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “Since we have sworn to speak the truth,” said Oisille, “we have also + sworn to hear it. You may therefore speak with freedom, for the evil + things that we tell of men and women are not uttered to shame those that + are spoken of in the story, but to take away all trust in created beings, + by revealing the trouble to which these are liable, and this to the end + that we may fix and rest our hope on Him alone who is perfect, and without + whom every man is only imperfection.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then,” said Hircan, “I will relate my story without fear.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0060" id="linkimage-0060"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/218.jpg" width="100%" alt="218.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0061" id="linkimage-0061"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/219a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="219a.jpg the Countess Facing Her Lovers " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Countess facing her Lovers] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0062" id="linkimage-0062"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/219.jpg" width="100%" alt="219.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE XLIX</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Same French gentlemen, perceiving that the King their + master was exceedingly well treated by a foreign Countess + whom he loved, ventured to speak to her, and sought her with + such success, that one after another they had from her what + they desired, each, however, believing that he alone + possessed the happiness in which all the others shared. And + this being discovered by one of their number, they all + plotted together to be revenged on her; but, as she showed a + fair countenance and treated them no worse than before, they + brought away in their own bosoms the shame which they had + thought to bring upon her</i>. (1) +</pre> + <p> + At the Court of King Charles—which Charles I shall not mention, for + the sake of the lady of whom I wish to speak, and whom I shall not call by + her own name—there was a Countess of excellent lineage, (2) but a + foreigner. And as novelties ever please, this lady, both for the + strangeness of her attire and for its exceeding richness, was observed by + all. Though she was not to be ranked among the most beautiful, she + possessed gracefulness, together with a noble assurance that could not be + surpassed; and, moreover, her manner of speech and her seriousness were to + match, so that there was none but feared to accost her excepting the King, + who loved her exceedingly. That he might have still more intimate converse + with her, he gave some mission to the Count, her husband, which kept him + away for a long time, and meanwhile the King made right good cheer with + his wife. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The incidents here related must have occurred during the + reign of Charles VIII., probably in or about 1490.—L. + + 2 This Countess cannot be identified. She was probably the + wife of one of the many Italian noblemen, like the + Caraccioli and San Severini, who entered the French service + about the time of the conquest of Naples. Brantôme alludes + to the story in his <i>Dames Galantes</i> (Fourth Discourse) but + gives no names.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Several of the King’s gentlemen, knowing that their master was well + treated by her, took courage to speak to her, and among the rest was one + called Astillon, (3) a bold man and graceful of bearing. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 This is James de Chastillon, not, however, J. Gaucher de + Chastillon, “King of Yvetot,” as M. de Lincy supposes, but + J. de Coligny-Chastillon, as has been pointed out by M. + Frank. Brantôme devotes the Nineteenth Discourse of his + <i>Capitaines françois</i> to this personage, and says: “He had + been one of the great favourites and <i>mignons</i> of King + Charles VIII., even at the time of the journey to the + kingdom of Naples; and ‘twas then said, ‘Chastillon, + Bourdillon and Bonneval [see post, note 5] govern the royal + blood.’” Wounded in April 1512 at the battle of Ravenna, + “the most bloody battle of the century,” he was removed to + Ferrara, where he died (May 25). He was the second husband + of Blanche de Tournon, Lady of Honour to Queen Margaret, + respecting whom see <i>ante</i>, vol. i. pp. 84-5, 122-4, and + vol. iv. p. 144, note 2.—L., F. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + At first she treated him so seriously, threatening to tell of him to the + King his master, that he well-nigh became afraid of her. However, as he + had not been wont to fear the threats even of the most redoubtable + captains, he would not suffer himself to be moved by hers, but pressed her + so closely that she at last consented to speak with him in private, and + taught him the manner in which he should come to her apartment. This he + failed not to do, and, in order that the King might be without suspicion + of the truth, he craved permission to go on a journey, and set out from + the Court. On the very first day, however, he left all his following and + returned at night to receive fulfilment of the promises that the Countess + had made him. These she kept so much to his satisfaction, that he was + content to remain shut up in a closet for five or six days, without once + going out, and living only on restoratives. + </p> + <p> + During the week that he lay in hiding, one of his companions called + Durassier (4) made love to the Countess. At the beginning she spoke to + this new lover, as she had spoken to the first, with harsh and haughty + speech that grew milder day by day, insomuch that when the time was come + for dismissing the first prisoner, she put the second into his place. + While he was there, another companion of his, named Valnebon, (5) did the + same as the former two, and after these there came yet two or three more + to lodge in the sweet prison. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 This in all probability is the doughty James Galliot de + Genouillac, who—much in the same way as in our own times + the names of the “Iron Duke” and the “Man of Iron” have been + bestowed on Wellington and Bismarck—was called by his + contemporaries the “Seigneur d’Acier” or “Steel Lord,” + whence “Durassier”—hard steel. Born in Le Quercy in or + about 1466, Genouillac accompanied Charles VIII. on his + Italian expeditions, and, according to Brantôme, surpassed + all others in valour and influence. He greatly distinguished + himself at the battle of Fornova (1495), and in 1515 we find + him one of the chief commanders of the French artillery. For + the great skill he displayed at Marignano he was appointed + Grand Master of the Artillery and Seneschal of Armagnac, and + he subsequently became Grand Equerry of France. At Pavia, + where he again commanded the artillery, he would have swept + away the Spaniards had not the French impetuously charged + upon them, preventing him from firing his pieces. Most of + the latter he contrived to save, severe as was the defeat, + and he effectually protected the retreat of the Duke of + Alençon and the Count of Clermont into France. Genouillac + died in 1546, a year after he had been appointed Governor of + Languedoc.—B. J. and Ed. + + 5 Valnebon is an anagram of the name Bonneval, and Queen + Margaret evidently refers here to a member of the Bonneval + family. In the time of Charles VIII. this illustrious + Limousin house had two principal members, Anthony, one of + the leading counsellors of that king (as of his predecessor + Louis XI. and his successor Louis XII.), and Germain, also a + royal counsellor and chamberlain. The heroes of the above + story being military men and old friends and comrades, it is + probable that the reference is to Germain de Bonneval, he, + like Chastillon and Genouillac, having accompanied Charles + VIII. on his expedition into Italy. Germain de Bonneval, + moreover, was one of the seven noblemen who fought at the + battle of Fornova, clad and armed exactly like the French + king. He perished at the memorable defeat of Pavia in 1525. + From him descended, in a direct line, the famous eighteenth + century adventurer, Claud Alexander, Count de Bonneval.—B. + J. and Ed. +</pre> + <p> + This manner of life continued for a long time, and was so skilfully + contrived that none of the lovers knew aught of the others; and although + they were aware of the love that each of them bore the lady, there was not + one but believed himself to be the only successful suitor, and laughed at + his comrades who, as he thought, had failed to win such great happiness. + </p> + <p> + One day when the gentlemen aforesaid were at a banquet where they made + right good cheer, they began to speak of their several fortunes and of the + prisons in which they had lain during the wars. Valnebon, however, who + found it a hard task to conceal the great good fortune he had met with, + began saying to his comrades— + </p> + <p> + “I know not what prisons have been yours, but for my own part, for love of + one wherein I once lay, I shall all my life long give praise and honour to + the rest. I think that no pleasure on earth comes near that of being kept + a prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + Astillon, who had been the first captive, had a suspicion of the prison + that he meant, and replied— + </p> + <p> + “What gaoler, Valnebon, man or woman, treated you so well that you became + so fond of your prison?” + </p> + <p> + “Whoever the gaoler may have been,” said Valnebon, “my prisonment was so + pleasant that I would willingly have had it last longer. Never was I + better treated or more content.” + </p> + <p> + Durassier, who was a man of few words, clearly perceived that they were + discussing the prison in which he had shared like the rest; so he said to + Valnebon— + </p> + <p> + “On what meats were you fed in the prison that you praise so highly?” + </p> + <p> + “What meats?” said Valnebon. “The King himself has none better or more + nourishing.” + </p> + <p> + “But I should also like to know,” said Durassier, “whether your keeper + made you earn your bread properly?” + </p> + <p> + Valnebon, suspecting that he had been understood, could not hold from + swearing. + </p> + <p> + “God’s grace!” said he. “Had I indeed comrades where I believed myself + alone?” + </p> + <p> + Perceiving this dispute, wherein he had part like the rest, Astillon + laughed and said— + </p> + <p> + “We all serve one master, and have been comrades and friends from boyhood; + if, then, we are comrades in the same good fortune, we can but laugh at + it. But, to see whether what I imagine be true, pray let me question you, + and do you confess the truth to me; for if that which I fancy has befallen + us, it is as amusing an adventure as could be found in any book.” + </p> + <p> + They all swore to tell the truth if the matter were such as they could not + deny. + </p> + <p> + Then said he to them— + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you my own fortune, and you will tell me, ay or nay, if yours + has been the same.” + </p> + <p> + To this they all agreed, whereupon he said— + </p> + <p> + “I asked leave of the King to go on a journey.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” they replied, “did we.” + </p> + <p> + “When I was two leagues from the Court, I left all my following and went + and yielded myself up prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “We,” they replied, “did the same.” + </p> + <p> + “I remained,” said Astillon, “for seven or eight days, and lay in a closet + where I was fed on nothing but restoratives and the choicest viands that I + ever ate. At the end of a week, those who held me captive suffered me to + depart much weaker in body than I had been on my arrival.” + </p> + <p> + They all swore that the like had happened to them. + </p> + <p> + “My imprisonment,” said Astillon, “began on such a day and finished on + such another.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine,” thereupon said Durassier, “began on the very day that yours ended, + and lasted until such a day.” + </p> + <p> + Valnebon, who was losing patience, began to swear. + </p> + <p> + “‘Sblood!” said he, “from what I can see, I, who thought myself the first + and only one, was the third, for I went in on such a day and came out on + such another.” + </p> + <p> + Three others, who were at the table, swore that they had followed in like + order. + </p> + <p> + “Well, since that is so,” said Astillon, “I will mention the condition of + our gaoler. She is married, and her husband is a long way off.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis even she,” they all replied. + </p> + <p> + “Well, to put us out of our pain,” said Astillon, “I, who was first + enrolled, shall also be the first to name her. It was my lady the + Countess, she who was so extremely haughty that in conquering her + affection I felt as though I had conquered Cæsar.” + </p> + <p> + [Said Valnebon—(6)] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 6 It is probable that the angry Valnebon is speaking here, + and that his name has been accidentally omitted from the + MSS. At all events the three subsequent paragraphs show that + these remarks are not made by Astillon, who declines the + other speaker’s advice, and proposes a scheme of his own.— + Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “To the devil with the jade, who gave us so much toil, and made us believe + ourselves so fortunate in winning her! Never was there such wantonness, + for while she kept one in hiding she was practising upon another, so that + she might never be without diversion. I would rather die than suffer her + to go unpunished.” + </p> + <p> + Each thereupon asked him what he thought ought to be done to her, saying + that they were all ready to do it. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said he, “that we ought to tell the King our master, who prizes + her as though she were a goddess. + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” said Astillon; “we are ourselves able to take vengeance + upon her, without calling in the aid of our master. Let us all be present + to-morrow when she goes to mass, each of us wearing an iron chain about + his neck. Then, when she enters the church, we will greet her as shall be + fitting.” + </p> + <p> + This counsel was highly approved by the whole company, and each provided + himself with an iron chain. The next morning they all went, dressed in + black and with their iron chains twisted like collars round their necks, + to meet the Countess as she was going to church. And as soon as she saw + them thus attired, she began to laugh and asked them— + </p> + <p> + “Whither go such doleful folk?” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Astillon, “we are come to attend you as poor captive slaves + constrained to do your service.” + </p> + <p> + The Countess, feigning not to understand, replied— + </p> + <p> + “You are not my captives, and I cannot understand that you have more + occasion than others to do me service.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Valnebon stepped forward and said to her— + </p> + <p> + “After eating your bread for so long a time, we should be ungrateful + indeed if we did not serve you.” + </p> + <p> + She made excellent show of not understanding the matter, thinking by this + seriousness to confound them; but they pursued their discourse in such + sort that she saw that all was discovered. So she immediately devised a + means of baffling them, for, having lost honour and conscience, she would + in no wise take to herself the shame that they thought to bring upon her. + On the contrary, like one who set her pleasure before all earthly honour, + she neither changed her countenance nor treated them worse than before, + whereat they were so confounded, that they carried away in their own + bosoms the shame they had thought to bring upon her. + </p> + <p> + “If, ladies, you do not consider this story enough to prove that women are + as bad as men, I will seek out others of the same kind to relate to you. + Nevertheless I think that this one will suffice to show you that a woman + who has lost shame is far bolder to do evil than a man.” + </p> + <p> + There was not a woman in the company that heard this story, who did not + make as many signs of the cross as if all the devils in hell were before + her eyes. However, Oisille said— + </p> + <p> + “Ladies, let us humble ourselves at hearing of so terrible a circumstance, + and the more so as she who is forsaken by God becomes like him with whom + she unites; for even as those who cleave to God have His spirit within + them, so is it with those that cleave to His opposite, whence it comes + that nothing can be more brutish than one devoid of the Spirit of God.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever the poor lady may have done,” said Ennasuite, “I nevertheless + cannot praise the men who boasted of their imprisonment.” + </p> + <p> + “It is my opinion,” said Longarine, “that a man finds it as troublesome to + conceal his good fortune as to pursue it. There is never a hunter but + delights to wind his horn over his quarry, nor lover but would fain have + credit for his conquest.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Simontault, “is an opinion which I would hold to be heretical + in presence of all the Inquisitors of the Faith, for there are more men + than women that can keep a secret, and I know right well that some might + be found who would rather forego their happiness than have any human being + know of it. For this reason has the Church, like a wise mother, ordained + men to be confessors and not women, seeing that the latter can conceal + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not the reason,” said Oisille; “it is because women are such + enemies of vice that they would not grant absolution with the same + readiness as is shown by men, and would be too stern in their penances.” + </p> + <p> + “If they were as stern in their penances,” said Dagoucin, “as they are in + their responses, they would reduce far more sinners to despair than they + would draw to salvation; and so the Church has in every sort well + ordained. But, for all that, I will not excuse the gentlemen who thus + boasted of their prison, for never was a man honoured by speaking evil of + a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Since they all fared alike,” said Hircan, “it seems to me that they did + well to console one another.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Geburon, “they should never have acknowledged it for the sake + of their own honour. The books of the Round Table (7) teach us that it is + not to the honour of a worthy knight to overcome one that is good for + naught.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 7 Queen Margaret was well acquainted with these (see + <i>ante</i>, vol. iii. p. 48). In a list drawn up after her + father’s death, of the two hundred volumes of books in his + library, a most remarkable one for the times, we find + specified several copies of “Lancelot,” “Tristan,” &c, some + in MS. with miniatures and illuminated letters, and others + printed on parchment. Besides numerous religious writings, + volumes of Aristotle, Ovid, Mandeville, Dante, the + Chronicles of St. Denis, and the “Book of the Great Khan, + bound in cloth of gold,” the library contained various works + of a character akin to that of the <i>Heptameron</i>. For + instance, a copy of the <i>Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles</i> in print; + a French translation of Poggio’s <i>Facetio</i>, also in print, + and two copies of Boccaccio in MS., one of them bound in + purple velvet, and richly illuminated, each page having a + border of blue and silver. This last if still in existence + would be very valuable.—Eu. +</pre> + <p> + “I am amazed,” said Longarine, “that the unhappy woman did not die of + shame in presence of her captives.” + </p> + <p> + “Those who have lost shame,” said Oisille, “can hardly ever recover it, + excepting, however, she that has forgotten it through deep love. Of such + have I seen many return.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Hircan, “that you must have seen the return of as many as + went, for deep love in a woman is difficult to find.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not of your opinion,” said Longarine; “I think that there are some + women who have loved to death.” + </p> + <p> + “So exceedingly do I desire to hear a tale of that kind,” said Hircan, + “that I give you my vote in order to learn of a love in women that I had + never deemed them to possess.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you hearken,” said Longarine, “you will believe, and will see + that there is no stronger passion than love. But while it prompts one to + almost impossible enterprises for the sake of winning some portion of + happiness in this life, so does it more than any other passion reduce that + man or woman to despair, who loses the hope of gaining what is longed for. + This indeed you will see from the following story.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0063" id="linkimage-0063"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/232.jpg" width="100%" alt="232.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0064" id="linkimage-0064"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/233a.jpg" width="100%" + alt="233a.jpg the Lady Killing Herself on The Death of Her Lover " /> + </div> + <h4> + [The Lady killing herself on the Death of her Lover] + </h4> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0065" id="linkimage-0065"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/233.jpg" width="100%" alt="233.jpg Page Image " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + <i>TALE L</i>. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Messire John Peter for a long time wooed in vain a + neighbour of his by whom he was sorely smitten, and to + divert his humour withdrew for a few days from the sight of + her; but this brought so deep a melancholy upon him that the + doctors ordered him to be bled. The lady, who knew whence + his distemper proceeded, then thought to save his life, but + did indeed hasten his death, by granting him that which she + had always refused. Then, reflecting that she was herself + the cause of the loss of so perfect a lover, she dealt + herself a sword-thrust that made her a partner in his fate</i>. + (1) +</pre> + <p> + In the town of Cremona not long ago there lived a gentleman called Messire + John Peter, (2) who had long loved a lady that dwelt near to his own + house; but strive as he might he was never able to have of her the reply + that he desired, albeit he loved her with his whole heart. Being greatly + grieved and troubled at this, the poor gentleman withdrew into his lodging + with the resolve that he would no longer vainly pursue the happiness the + quest of which was devouring his life; and accordingly, to divert his + humour, he passed a few days without seeing her. This caused him to fall + into deep sadness, so that his countenance was no longer the same. His + kinsfolk summoned the doctors, who, finding that his face was growing + yellow, thought that he had some obstruction of the liver and ordered a + blood-letting. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The incidents here narrated probably occurred in or about + 1544.—L. + + 2 “Jehan Piètre” (Pietro) in the MSS.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + The lady, who had dealt so sternly with him, knew very well that his + sickness was caused by her refusal alone, and she sent to him an old woman + in whom she trusted, to tell him that, since she saw his love to be + genuine and unfeigned, she was now resolved to grant him all that which + she had refused him so long. She had therefore devised a means to leave + her house and go to a place where he might privately see her. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, who that same morning had been bled in the arm, found + himself better cured by this message than by any medicine or bloodletting + he could have had, and he sent word that he would be at the place without + fail at the hour she had appointed. He added that she had wrought an + evident miracle, since with one word she had cured a man of a sickness for + which all the doctors were not able to find a remedy. + </p> + <p> + The longed-for evening being come, the gentleman repaired to the appointed + place with such extreme joy as must needs come soon to an end, since + increase of it were not possible. He had waited but a short time after his + arrival, when she whom he loved more dearly than his own soul came to meet + him. He did not occupy himself with making long speeches, for the fire + that consumed him prompted him to seek with all speed that which he could + scarcely believe to be at last within his power. But whilst, intoxicated + beyond measure with love and joy, he was in one direction seeking a cure + that would give him life, he brought to pass in another the hastening of + his death; for, heedless of himself for his sweetheart’s sake, he + perceived not that his arm became unbound, and that the newly-opened wound + discharged so much blood that he was, poor gentleman, completely bathed in + it. Thinking, however, that his weakness had been caused by his excess, he + bethought himself of returning home. + </p> + <p> + Then love, which had too closely united them, so dealt with him that, as + he was parting from his sweetheart, his soul parted from his body, and, by + reason of his great loss of blood, he fell dead at his lady’s feet. + </p> + <p> + She, on her side, stood there in astonishment, contemplating the loss of + so perfect a lover, of whose death she had herself been the sole cause. + Reflecting, on the other hand, on the shame and sorrow that would be hers + if the dead body were found in her house, she carried it, with a + serving-woman whom she trusted, into the street in order that the matter + might not be known. Nevertheless, she felt that she could not leave it + there alone. Taking up the dead man’s sword, she was fain to share his + fate, and, indeed, to punish her heart, which had been the cause of all + his woe, she pierced it through and through, so that her dead body fell + upon that of her lover. + </p> + <p> + When her father and mother came out of their house in the morning, they + found this pitiful sight, and, after making such mourning as was natural, + they buried the lovers together. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, ladies, may it be seen that excessive love brings with it other + woe.” + </p> + <p> + “This is what I like to see,” said Simontault, “a love so equal that when + one died the other could not live. Had I, by the grace of God, found such + a mistress, I think that none could ever have ioved her more perfectly + than I.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet am I of opinion,” said Parlamente, “that you would not have been so + blinded by love as not to bind up your arm better than he did. The days + are gone when men were wont to forget their lives for the ladies’ sake.” + </p> + <p> + “But those are not gone,” said Simontault, “when ladies are apt to forget + their lovers’ lives for their pleasure’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Ennasuite, “that there is no living woman that can take + pleasure in the death of a man, no, not even though he were her enemy. + Still, if men will indeed kill themselves, the ladies cannot prevent + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Saffredent, “she that denies the gift of bread to a + poor starving man is held to be a murderess.” + </p> + <p> + “If your requests,” said Oisille, “were as reasonable as those of a poor + man seeking to supply his needs, it would be over cruel of the ladies to + refuse you. God be thanked, however, your sickness kills none but such as + must of necessity die within the year.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand, madam,” said Saffredent, “that there can be any + greater need than that which causes all others to be forgotten. When love + is deep, no bread and no meat whatsoever can be thought of save the glance + and speech of the woman whom one loves.” + </p> + <p> + “If you were allowed to fast,” said Oisille, “with no other meat but that, + you would tell a very different tale.” + </p> + <p> + “I acknowledge,” he replied, “that the body might fail, but not so the + heart and will.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Parlamente, “God has dealt very mercifully with you in + leading you to have recourse to a quarter where you find such little + contentment that you must needs console yourself with eating and drinking. + Methinks in these matters you acquit yourself so well, that you should + praise God for the tenderness of His cruelty.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been so nurtured in torment,” he replied, “that I am beginning to + be well pleased with woes of which other men complain.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said Longarine, “our complaints debar you from company where + your gladness makes you welcome; for nothing is so vexatious as an + importunate lover.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, rather,” answered Simontault, “as a cruel lady ———‘” + </p> + <p> + “I clearly see,” said Oisille, “now that the matter touches Simontault, + that, if we stay until he brings his reasonings to an end, we shall find + ourselves at complines (3) rather than vespers. Let us, therefore, go and + praise God that this day has passed without graver dispute.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 The last division in the Roman Catholic breviary.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + She was the first to rise, and all the others followed her, but Simontault + and Longarine ceased not to carry on their quarrel, yet so gently that, + without drawing of sword, Simontault won the victory, and proved that the + strongest passion was the sorest need. + </p> + <p> + At this point they entered the church, where the monks were waiting for + them. + </p> + <p> + Having heard vespers, they went to sup as much off words as meat, for + their converse lasted as long as they were at table, and throughout the + evening also, until Oisille told them that they might well retire and give + some rest to their minds. The five days that were past had been filled + with such brave stories, that she had great fear lest the sixth should not + be equal to them; for, even if they were to invent their tales, it was not + possible to tell any better than those true ones which had already been + related in the company. + </p> + <p> + Geburon, however, told her that, so long as the world lasted, things would + happen worthy of remembrance. + </p> + <p> + “For,” said he, “the wickedness of wicked men is always what it has been, + as also is the goodness of the good. So long as wickedness and good reign + upon earth, they will ever fill it with fresh actions, although it be + written that there is nothing new under the sun. (4) But we, who have not + been summoned to the intimate counsels of God, and who are ignorant of + first causes, deem all new things noteworthy in proportion as we would not + or could not ourselves accomplish them. So, be not afraid that the days to + come will not be in keeping with those that are past, and be sure that on + your own part you perform well your duty.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 <i>Ecclesiastes</i> i. 9, 10.—M. +</pre> + <p> + Oisille replied that she commended herself to God, and in His name she + bade them good-night. + </p> + <p> + So all the company withdrew, thus bringing to an end the Fifth Day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0066" id="linkimage-0066"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/240.jpg" width="100%" alt="240.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_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A. (Tale XXXVI., Page 63.) + </h2> + <p> + The following are the more important particulars, supplied by M. Jules + Roman, with reference to President Charles of Grenoble:— + </p> + <p> + Jeffroy Charles was an Italian, born in the marquisate of Saluzza, where + his father, Constant, had been a distinguished jurisconsult. The hero of + Queen Margaret’s xxxvith tale always signed his name Jeffroy Charles, but + his descendants adopted the spelling Carles. Doubtless the name had + originally been Caroli. Before fixing himself in France, Jeffroy Charles + had been in the service of Luigi II., Marquis of Saluzza, who had + appointed him to the office of “Podesta” and entrusted him with various + diplomatic missions to the French Court (see <i>Discorsi sopre alame + famiglie nobili del Piemonte</i> by Francesco Agostini della Chiesa, in + MS. in the State Archives, at Turin). At the time when Charles VIII. was + planning his expedition to Naples, he gave a cordial greeting to all the + Italians who presented themselves at his Court, and, securing the services + of Jeffroy Charles, he appointed him counsellor of the Parliament of + Grenoble (October 5, 1493), and entrusted him with various secret + missions, the result being that he sojourned but unfrequently in Dauphiné. + On the death of Charles VIII., Jeffroy secured the good graces of his + successor, Louis XII., and was appointed (June 16, 1500) President of the + Senate of Turin, and some months later Chief President of the Parliament + of Grenoble. Charles spent the greater part of that year on missions, both + to the Court of the Emperor Maximilian and that of the Pope. It was he who + obtained from the former the investiture of Louis XII. as Duke of Milan, + which afterwards led to so much warfare. Most of the following years he + spent at Milan, seeking to organise the government of the duchy, and + contending against the rapacity of both the French and the Italian nobles. + In 1508 he was sent by Louis XII. to Cambrai, in company with Cardinal + d’Amboise, to conclude an alliance with the Emperor against Venice, and he + also repaired the same year to Rome with Marshal Trivulzio to negotiate + the Pope’s entry into this league. + </p> + <p> + On war being declared, he set aside his judicial robes, and took an active + part in the campaign against Venice, fighting so bravely at Agnadel that + Louis XII. knighted him on the battlefield. His last diplomatic mission + was to the Court of Leo X. in 1515, in which year he was, on account of + his great learning, appointed to direct the education of the King’s + younger daughter, the celebrated Renée of Ferrara. But it is doubtful + whether he ever even entered upon these duties, since he died soon after + he had been entrusted with them. His family remained in Dauphiné, where it + died out, obscurely, during the seventeenth century. Only one of his sons, + Anthony, evinced any talent, becoming counsellor of the Rouen Parliament + (1519), and ambassador at Milan (1530). Lancelot de Carles, Bishop of + Riez, was not, as some biographers assert, a son of Jeffroy Charles, nor + was he, it would seem, in any way connected with the Saluzza family. + </p> + <p> + Jeffroy Charles’s wife, Margaret du Mottet, had borne him eight children + before he surprised her in adultery. After the tragical ending of his + conjugal mishaps he adopted as his crest the figure of an angel holding + the forefinger of one hand to his mouth as if to enjoin secrecy. (1) In + the seventeenth century this “angel of silence” was to be seen, carved in + stone, and serving as a support of the Charles escutcheon, on the house + where the President had resided in the Rue des Clercs at Grenoble (Guy + Allard’s <i>Dictionnaire du Dauphiné, &c</i>, Grenoble 1695). + Escutcheon and support have nowadays disappeared, but on certain of + Charles’s seals, as well as in books that belonged to him, now in the + Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, the emblem of the angel will still be + found. The earliest seal on which we find it is one affixed to a receipt + dated from Milan, July 31, 1506. Assuming that he adopted this crest in + memory of the events narrated by Queen Margaret, it is probable that the + latter occurred in the earlier part of 1506 or the latter part of the + previous year. (2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1 The suggestion here presents itself that, apart from the + question of any crime, this emblem of secrecy was a very + fitting one for a diplomatist to assume.—Ed. + + 2 That is, twenty years after the <i>Cent Nouvelles + Nouvelles</i>, from which some commentators think the + <i>Heptameron</i> story to have been borrowed, was first printed. + —Ed. +</pre> + <p> + Three copies of a medal showing Charles’s energetic, angular profile, with + the inscription <i>Jafredus Karoli jurisconsultus preses Delphinatus et + Mediolani</i>, are known to exist; one in the Grenoble museum, one in that + of Milan, and one in my (M. Roman’s) collection. Three MS. works from the + President’s library are in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris. The + frontispiece of one of these (MSS. Lat. No. 4801) is a miniature painting + of his escutcheon, surmounted by the half-length figure of the “angel of + silence,” who is clad in dark blue, with wings of red, green and blue + feathers. On folio 74 of the same MS. is a full-length figure of the + angel, clad in light blue and supporting Charles’s escutcheon with one + hand, whilst the forefinger of the other is pressed to his lips. In the + libraries of Lyons, Grenoble and Turin are other richly-illuminated works + that belonged to the President, who was a distinguished bibliophilist and + great patron of letters, several learned Italian writers, and among + others, J. P. Parisio, J. M. Cattaneo and P’ranchino Gafforio, having + dedicated their principal works to him. He it was, moreover, who saved the + life of Aldo Manuzio, the famous Venetian printer, when he was arrested by + the French as a spy in 1506. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + From the foregoing particulars it will be seen that + President Charles was alike learned, brave and skilful. But + for the Queen of Navarre’s circumstantial narrative it would + be hard to believe that a man with so creditable a public + record killed his wife by means of a salad of poisonous + herbs.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + THE END OF THE FOURTH VOLUME <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/1/7/7/0/17703/17703-h/17703-h.htm">Volume + III.</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. IV. +(of V.), by Margaret, Queen Of Navarre + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TALES OF THE HEPTAMERON *** + +***** This file should be named 17704-h.htm or 17704-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/0/17704/ + +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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