“Longarine,” replied Geburon, “they who are not accustomed to such lovers as yours do by no means despise the Grey Friars, for the latter are as handsome and as strong as we are, and they are readier and fresher also, for we are worn-out with our service.  Moreover, they talk like angels and are as importunate as the devil, so that such women as have never seen other robes than their coarse drugget ones,(9) are truly virtuous when they escape out of their hands.”

     9 Meaning who have never seen gallants in gay apparel.—­Ed.

“In faith,” said Nomerfide, in a loud voice, “you may say what you like, but I would rather be thrown into the river than lie with a Grey Friar.’’

“So you can swim well?” said Oisille, laughing.

Nomerfide took this question in bad part, for she thought that she was esteemed by Oisille less highly than she desired.  Accordingly she answered in anger—­

“There are some who have refused more agreeable men than Grey Friars without blowing a trumpet about it.”

Oisille laughed to see her so wrathful, and said to her—­

“Still less do they beat a drum about what they have done and granted.”

“I see,” said Geburon, “that Nomerfide wishes to speak.  I therefore give her my vote that she may relieve her heart in telling us some excellent story.”

“What has just been said,” replied Nomerfide, “touches me so little that it affords me neither pleasure nor pain.  However, since I have your vote, I pray you listen to me whilst I show that, although one woman used cunning for a good purpose, others have been crafty for evil’s sake.  Since we have sworn to tell the truth I will not hide it, for just as the boatwoman’s virtue brings no honour to other women unless they follow her example, so the vice of another cannot disgrace her.  Wherefore, listen.”

[Illustration:  102.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration:  103a.jpg The Wife’s Ruse to secure the Escape of her Lover]

[The Wife’s Ruse to secure the Escape of her Lover]

[Illustration:  103.jpg Page Image]

TALE VI.

An old one-eyed valet in the service of the Duke of Alencon being advised that his wife was in love with a young man, desired to know the truth, and feigned to go away into the country for a few days.  He returned, however, so suddenly that his wife, on whom he was keeping watch, perceived how matters stood, and whilst thinking to deceive her, he was himself deceived.

There was in the service of Charles, last Duke of Alencon, an old valet who had lost an eye, and who was married to a wife much younger than himself.  Now, since his master and mistress liked him as well as any man of his condition that was in their service, he was not able to visit his wife as often as he could have wished.  Owing to this she so far forgot her honour and conscience as to fall in love with a young man, and the affair being at last noised abroad, the husband heard of it.  He could not believe it, however, on account of the many notable tokens of love that were shown him by his wife.