into the hand of her from whom I look for indulgence,
life and pity, and which now constrains me to make known to you the
love that I have so long concealed, for neither my heart nor I can now
control this potent God.'

"When she heard those words, she deemed them very strange. She wished
to withdraw her hand, but I held it fast, and the glove remained in her
cruel hand's place; and having neither before nor since had any more
intimate favour from her, I have fastened this glove upon my heart as
the best plaster I could give it. And I have adorned it with the
richest rings I have, though the glove itself is wealth that I would not
exchange for the kingdom of England, for I deem no happiness on earth so
great as to feel it on my breast."

The Lord de Montmorency, who would have rather had a lady's hand than
her glove, praised his very honourable behaviour, telling him that
he was the truest lover he had ever known, and was worthy of better
treatment, since he set so much value upon so slight a thing; though
perchance, if he had obtained aught better than the glove, the greatness
of his love might have made him die of joy. With this the English lord
agreed, not suspecting that the Lord de Montmorency was mocking him. (3)

3 Alluding to this story, Brantome writes as follows in his
_Dames Galantes_: "You have that English _Milord_ in the
Hundred Tales of the Queen of Navarre, who wore his
mistress's glove at his side, beautifully adorned. I myself
have known many gentlemen who, before wearing their silken
hose, would beg their ladies and mistresses to try them on
and wear them for some eight or ten days, rather more than
less, and who would then themselves wear them in extreme
veneration and contentment, both of mind and body."--
Lalanne's _OEuvres de Brantome_, vol. ix. p. 309.--L.

"If all men were so honourable as this one, the ladies might well trust
them, since the cost would be merely a glove."

"I knew the Lord de Montmorency well," said Geburon, "and I am sure that
he would not have cared to fare after the English fashion. Had he been
contented with so little, he would not have been so successful in love
as he was, for the old song says--

'Of a cowardly lover
No good is e'er heard.'"

"You may be sure," said Saffredent, "that the poor lady withdrew her
hand with all speed, when she felt the beating of his heart, because she
thought that he was a