her sinfulness in such
sort that she gained the pity of the whole company, who quite believed
that she was speaking from the bottom of her heart. And, finding her
thus subdued and sorry, they began to comfort her, telling her that God
was in no wise so terrible as many preachers represented Him, and that
He would never refuse to show her mercy.

1 Louis XII.'s favourite place of residence.--Ed.

2 Implying the Officialite or episcopal court.--B. J.

After this excellent discourse, they sent for a virtuous man to come
and confess her, and on the morrow the priest of the parish came to
administer the Holy Sacrament. This she received so piously, that
all the virtuous women of the town who were present wept to see her
devoutness, praising God, who of His goodness had in this wise shown
compassion upon this poor creature.

Afterwards she pretended that she could no longer take food, whereupon
the extreme unction was brought by the priest and received by her with
many pious signs; for (as they thought) she was scarcely able to speak.
She continued thus for a great while, and it seemed as though she were
gradually losing her sight, hearing and other senses, whereat there came
from all a cry of "Jesus!" As night was at hand and the ladies were far
from home, they all withdrew; and just as they were leaving the house it
was told them that she was dead, whereupon, saying their _De profundis_
for her, they returned to their houses.

The priest asked the chanter where he would have her buried, and the
other replied that she had desired to be buried in the cemetery,
and that it would be well to bring her there at night. So the poor
unfortunate was shrouded by a serving-woman, who was careful not to hurt
her, and then by brave torchlight she was carried to the grave that the
chanter had caused to be made.

When the body passed in front of the houses of those who had been
present when she received the extreme unction, they all came forth
and followed her to the tomb; and there she was soon left by women and
priests alike. The chanter, however, did not go away, but, as soon as he
saw the company some distance off, he and the serving-woman opened the
grave wherein was his sweetheart more alive than ever, and he sent her
secretly to his house, where for a long time he kept her concealed.

The husband, who was in pursuit of her, came as far as Blois to demand
justice, when he found that she was dead and buried accordin