I shrink
from declaring it even to her from whom I would fain have the like
affection. I dare not even think of it lest my eyes should reveal
it, for the more I keep my flame secret and hidden, the more does my
pleasure increase at knowing that my love is perfect."

"For all that," said Geburon, "I believe that you would willingly have
love in return."

"I do not deny it," said Dagoucin, "but even were I beloved as much as I
love, my love would not be increased any more than it could be lessened,
were it not returned with equal warmth."

Upon this Parlamente, who suspected this fantasy of Dagoucin's, said--

"Take care, Dagoucin; I have known others besides you who preferred to
die rather than speak."

"Such persons, madam;" said Dagoucin, "I deem very happy."

"Doubtless," said Saffredent, "and worthy of a place among the innocents
of whom the Church sings:

'_Non loquendo sed moriendo confessi sunt_.' (4)

4 From the ritual for the Feast of the Holy Innocents.--M.

I have heard much of such timid lovers, but I have never yet seen one
die. And since I myself have escaped death after all the troubles I have
borne, I do not think that any one can die of love."

"Ah, Saffredent!" said Dagoucin, "how do you expect to be loved since
those who are of your opinion never die? Yet have I known a goodly
number who have died of no other ailment than perfect love."

"Since you know such stories," said Longarine, "I give you my vote to
tell us a pleasant one, which shall be the ninth of to-day."

"To the end," said Dagoucin, "that signs and miracles may lead you to
put faith in what I have said, I will relate to you something which
happened less than three years ago."

[Illustration: 012.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 013a.jpg The Dying Gentleman receiving the Embraces of
his Sweetheart]

[The Dying Gentleman receiving the Embraces of his Sweetheart]

[Illustration: 013.jpg Page Image]

_TALE IX_.

_The perfect love borne by a gentleman to a damsel, being too deeply
concealed and disregarded, brought about his death, to the great regret
of his sweetheart_.

Between Dauphine and Provence there lived a gentleman who was far richer
in virtue, comeliness, and honour than in other possessions, and who was
greatly in love with a certain damsel. I will not mention her name,
out of consideration for her kinsfolk, who are of good and illustrious
descent; but you may rest assured that my story is a true