ith mine."

"So you call it your trade," said Parlamente, "to deceive women? Thus
out of your mouth are you judged."

"Had I deceived a hundred thousand," said Simontault, "I should yet not
have avenged the woes that I have endured for the sake of one alone."

"I know," said Parlamente, "how often you complain of women; yet,
for all that, we see you so merry and hearty that it is impossible
to believe that you have endured all the woes you speak of. But the
'Compassionless Fair One' (3) replies that--

"'Tis as well to say as much
To draw some comfort thence.'"

3 _La belle Dame sans mercy_, by Alain Chartier.--Ed.

"You quote a truly notable theologian," said Simontault, "one who is
not only froward himself, but makes all the ladies so, who have read and
followed his teaching."

"Yet his teaching," said Parlamente, "is as profitable for youthful
dames as any that I know."

"If it were indeed true," said Simontault, "that the ladies were without
compassion, we might as well let our horses rest and our armour grow
rusty until the next war, and think of nothing but household affairs.
And, I pray you, tell me whether it is an excellence in a lady to have
the reputation of being without pity, or charity, or love, or mercy."

"Without charity or love," said Parlamente, "they should not be, but the
word 'mercy' sounds so ill among women that they cannot use it without
wounding their honour; for properly speaking 'mercy' means to grant a
favour sought, and we well know what the favour is that men desire."

"May it please you, madam," said Simontault, "there are some men who are
so reasonable that they crave nought but speech."

"You remind me," said Parlamente, "of one who was content with a glove."

"We must know who this easy lover was," said Hircan, "and so this time I
give my vote to you."

"It will give me pleasure to tell the tale," said Parlamente, "for it is
full of virtue."

[Illustration: 061.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 063a.jpg The English Lord seizing the Lady's Glove]

[The English Lord seizing the Lady's Glove]

[Illustration: 063.jpg Page Image]

_TALE LVII_.

_An English lord for seven years loved a lady without ever
venturing to let her know of it, until one day, when
observing her in a meadow, he lost all colour and control of
feature through a sudden throbbing of the heart that came
upon him. Then she, showing her compassion, at his