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_TALE XXIII_.

_The excessive reverence shown by a gentleman of Perigord to
the Order of St. Francis, brought about the miserable death
of his wife, his little child and himself_. (1)

1 Etienne introduces this tale into his _Apologie pour
Herodote_, ch. xxi.--B. J.

In the county of Perigord dwelt a gentleman whose devotion to St.
Francis was such that in his eyes all who wore the saint's robe must
needs be as holy as the saint himself. To do honour to the latter,
he had caused rooms and closets to be furnished in his house for the
lodgment of the brethren, and he regulated all his affairs by their
advice, even to the most trifling household matters, believing that he
must needs pursue the right path if he followed their good counsels.

Now it happened that this gentleman's wife, who was a beautiful woman
and as discreet as she was virtuous, was brought to bed of a fine boy,
whereat the love which her husband bore her was increased twofold.
One day, in order to entertain his dear, he sent for one of his
brothers-in-law, and just as the hour for supper was drawing nigh, there
arrived also a Grey Friar, whose name I will keep secret out of regard
for his Order. The gentleman was well pleased to see his spiritual
father, from whom he had no secrets, and after much talk among his wife,
his brother-in-law and the monk, they sat down to supper. While they
were at table the gentleman cast his eyes upon his wife, who was indeed
beautiful and graceful enough to be desired of a husband, and thereupon
asked this question aloud of the worthy father--

"Is it true, father, that a man commits mortal sin if he lies with his
wife at the time of her lying-in?" (2)

2 Meaning the period between her delivery and her
churching.--Ed.

The worthy father, whose speech and countenance belied his heart,
answered with an angry look--

"Undoubtedly, sir, I hold this to be one of the very greatest sins that
can be committed in the married state. The blessed Virgin Mary would not
enter the temple until the days of her purification were accomplished,
although she had no need of these; and if she, in order to obey the law,
refrained from going to the temple wherein was all her consolation,
you should of a surety not fail to abstain from such slight pleasure.
Moreover, physicians say that there is great risk to the offspring so
begotten."

When the gentleman heard these words,