manner we lost our Captain Thrasileon, but he left not his fame
and honour.

When this was done wee packed up our treasure, which we committed to the
sepulchre to keepe, and got out of the bounds of Platea, thus thinking
with our selves, that there was more fidelity amongst the dead than
amongst the living, by reason that our preyes were so surely kept in the
sepulchre. So being wearied with the weight of our burthens, and well
nigh tyred with long travell, having lost three of our soldiers, we are
come home with these present cheats.

Thus when they had spoken in memory of their slaine companions, they
tooke cups of gold, and sung hymns unto the god mars, and layd them
downe to sleep. Then the old woman gave us fresh barley without measure,
insomuch that my horse fed so abundantly that he might well thinke hee
was at some banquet that day. But I that was accustomed to eat bran
and flower, thought that but a sower kinde of meate. Wherfore espying a
corner where lay loaves of bread for all the house I got me thither and
filled my hungry guts therewith.

THE TWENTY-FIRST CHAPTER

How the Theeves stole away a Gentlewoman, and brought her to their den.

When night was come the Theeves awaked and rose up, and when they had
buckled on their weapons, and disguised their faces with visards, they
departed. And yet for all the great sleep that came upon me, I could in
no wise leave eating: and whereas when I was a man I could be contented
with one or two loaves at the most, now my huts were so greedy that
three panniers full would scantly serve me, and while I considered these
things the morning came, and being led to a river, notwithstanding
my Assie shamefastnesse I quencht my thirst. And suddenly after, the
Theeves returned home carefull and heavy, bringing no burthens with
them, no not so much as traffe or baggage, save only a maiden, that
seemed by her habit to be some gentlewoman borne, and the daughter of
some worthy matron of that country, who was so fair and beautiful, that
though I were an Asse, yet I had a great affection for her. The virgin
lamented and tare her hair, and rent her garments, for the great sorrow
she was in; but the theeves brought her within the cave, and assisted
her to comfort in this sort, Weep not fair gentlewoman we pray you, for
be you assured we wil do no outrage or violence to your person: but take
patience a while for our profit, for necessity and poore estate hath
compelled us t