ere are good ones among them," said Oisille, "and they ought not
to be judged by the bad alone; but the best are those that least often
visit laymen's houses and women."

"You are right," said Ennasuite. "The less they are seen, the less
they are known, and therefore the more highly are they esteemed; for
companionship with them shows what they really are."

"Let us say no more about them," said Nomerfide, "and see to whom
Geburon will give his vote."

"I shall give it," said he, "to Madame Oisille, that she may tell us
something to the credit of Holy Church." (12)

12 In lieu of this phrase, the De Thou MS. of the
_Heptameron_ gives the following: "To make amends for his
fault, if fault there were in laying bare the wretched and
abominable life of a wicked Churchman, so as to put others
on their guard against the hypocrisy of those resembling
him, Geburon, who held Madame Oysille in high esteem, as one
should hold a lady of discretion, who was no less reluctant
to speak evil than prompt to praise and publish the worth
which she knew to exist in others, gave her his vote,
begging her to tell something to the honour of our holy
religion."--L.

"We have sworn," said Oisille, "to speak the truth, and I cannot
therefore undertake such a task. Moreover, in telling your tale you have
reminded me of a very pitiful story which I feel constrained to relate,
seeing that I am not far from the place where, in my own time, the
thing came to pass. I shall tell it also, ladies, to the end that the
hypocrisy of those who account themselves more religious than their
neighbours, may not so beguile your understanding as to turn your faith
out of the right path, and lead you to hope for salvation from any other
than Him who has chosen to stand alone in the work of our creation and
redemption. He is all powerful to save us unto life eternal, and,
in this temporal life, to comfort us and deliver us from all our
tribulations. And knowing that Satan often transforms himself into an
angel of light so that the outward eye, blinded by the semblance of
holiness and devotion, cannot apprehend that from which we ought to
flee, I think it well to tell you this tale, which came to pass in our
own time."

[Illustration: 095.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 097a.jpg The Grey Friar deceiving the Gentleman Of Perigord]

[The Grey Friar deceiving the Gentleman Of Perigord]

[Illustration: 09