d Ennasuite, "that he is too famous for our praises
to equal his merit, and that the day would be spent before we each could
say all the good we think of him. And so, madam, I pray you, give your
vote to one who will tell us some further good of men, if such there
be."

Then said Oisille to Hircan--

"It seems to me that, as you are so wont to speak ill of women, you will
find it easy to tell us some good story in praise of a man. I therefore
give you my vote."

"That can I easily do," said Hircan, "for but a little while since I was
told a story in praise of a gentleman whose love, constancy and patience
are so meritorious that I must not suffer them to be forgotten."

[Illustration: 203.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 205a.jpg The Student escaping the Temptation]

[The Student escaping the Temptation]

[Illustration: 205.jpg Page Image]

_TALE XVIII_.

_A young student of noble birth, being smitten with love for
a very beautiful lady, subdued both love and himself in
order to achieve his end, and this in spite of many such
temptations as might have sufficed to make him break his
promise. And so all his woes were turned to joy by a reward
suitable to his constant, patient, loyal and perfect love_.
(1)

1 This story seems to be based on fact, being corroborated
in its main lines by Brantome, but there is nothing in the
narrative to admit of the personages referred to being
identified.--Ed.

In one of the goodly towns of the kingdom of France there dwelt a
nobleman of good birth, who attended the schools that he might learn how
virtue and honour are to be acquired among virtuous men. But although
he was so accomplished that at the age of seventeen or eighteen years he
was, as it were, both precept and example to others, Love failed not to
add his lesson to the rest; and, that he might be the better hearkened
to and received, concealed himself in the face and the eyes of the
fairest lady in the whole country round, who had come to the city in
order to advance a suit-at-law. But before Love sought to vanquish the
gentleman by means of this lady's beauty, he had first won her heart by
letting her see the perfections of this young lord; for in good looks,
grace, sense and excellence of speech he was surpassed by none.

You, who know what speedy way is made by the fire of love when once it
fastens on the heart and fancy, will readily imagine that bet