n her virtue, promising her
many rich gifts, and explaining to her that it was her duty to let him
have his way, and trying first this way and then that to seduce her. But
he was grieved to find that he could not induce her to return his love.
The girl was wise and chaste, and not so foolish as to grant her master
any favour, but spoke him so fairly that he did not lose heart, though
he would have preferred a different kind of answer.

When he found that kindness was of no use, he tried harshness and rough
words, but the wench was not frightened, and told him that, "He might
do as he pleased, but whilst she had life she would never let him near
her."

The gentleman, seeing that her mind was fully made-up, spake no more
to her for some days, but spared not loving looks and signs; which much
annoyed her, and if she had not feared to make discord between husband
and wife, she would have told the latter how unfaithful her spouse was,
but, in the end, she resolved to conceal this as long as she could.

The infatuation of the old man increased every day, and begging and
praying no longer sufficed. He went to her and renewed his entreaties
and vows, which he confirmed by a hundred thousand oaths. But--to cut
matters short--it was all no good; he could not obtain a single word, or
the least shadow of hope, that he would ever attain his purpose.

Thereupon he left her, but he did not forget to say that if ever he
found a favourable opportunity she would have to comply with his wishes,
or it would be the worse for her.

The wench was not much frightened, thought no more of it, and went about
her duties as usual.

Some time afterwards, one Monday morning, the pretty servant, having
some pies to make, was sifting meal. Now you must know that the room
where she was thus engaged, was not far from her master's bedroom, and
he heard the noise of the sieve, and knew very well that it was made by
the servant-girl at her work.

He thought that perhaps she was not alone, but, if she should be, he
would never find a better chance.

He said to himself, "Though she has often refused me by word of mouth, I
shall succeed at last if I only keep to my purpose."

It was early dawn, and his wife was not awake, at which he was glad. He
stole quietly out of bed; put on his dressing-gown and his slippers, and
crept to the damsel's room so quietly that she never knew he was there
until she saw him.

The poor girl was much astonished, and tr