" And albeit that his companion would haue made him beleue
the contrarie, and that hee mistrusted hym nothing at all, yet
he withdrewe his part of his moueables and goodes that before
were common betweene them, so that then both their hartes and
goodes were so farre separated as before they were vnited and
ioyned together. In such wyse as the vnmaried Gentleman neuer
ceassed till he had made his companion cockolde, according to
his promise.

THE SIXTIETH NOUELL.

_The piteous death of an Amorouse Gentleman, for the slacke comfort
geuen him to late, by his beloued._

Betwene Daulphine and Prouence, there was a gentleman, more
riche and better furnished with beautie, vertue, and good
condicions, then with the goodes of fortune: who fill in loue
with a gentlewoman that for this time shall want a name, for
respecte of her parentes that are come of honorable houses, and
the Gentleman's name also shalbe vntolde, for like respecte,
although altogether not so honorably allied, as the Gentlewoman
that he loued, and yet the historie very certen and true. And
bicause his degree was not so high as hers, hee durst not
discouer his affection: for the loue which he bare her, was so
good and perfect, as rather would he haue bene tormented with
the panges of death, then couet the least aduauntage that might
redounde to her dishonor. And seing his state to base in
respecte of hers, had no hope to marry her. Wherefore he
grounded his loue vpon none other foundation and intent, but to
loue her with all his power so perfectlye as was possible, which
in the ende came vnto her knowledge. And the Gentlewoman knowing
and seing the honest amitie which he bare her, to be ful of
vertue, ioyned with chast and comly talke, felt her selfe right
happie to be beloued and had in prise, of a personage so well
condicioned, practising dayly cherefull countinaunce towardes
him (whiche was the best rewarde he pretended to haue) whereof
he conceiued great ease and contentment. But malice the cancred
enemy of all reste and quiet, could not long abide this honest
and happie life. For some frowning at his good happe, (as malice
euer accompanieth a well disposed mynde) tolde the mother of the
mayden, howe they marueiled that the Gentleman should bee so
familiar in her house, inferring therewithall that the beautie
of her daughter was the only cause, with whom they sawe him many
times to vse secrete and priuat speach. The mother which by no
mean