him;

"Ah, master, what is this? Where are now all your learning, your honour,
your knowledge and prudence?"

He saw that he had been deceived, and replied quickly.

"Wife, they are all collected at the end of my c--k.", and with that,
being much annoyed and angry, he threw down the sieve and went back to
his room.

His wife followed him, and began to lecture him again, but he paid
little heed. When he was ready, he ordered his mule, and went to the
palace, where he related his adventure to divers gentlemen, who laughed
loudly thereat. And, although he was at first angry with the wench,
he afterwards helped her, by his influence and rich gifts, to find a
husband.

*****

[Illustration: 18.jpg FROM BELLY TO BACK.]

STORY THE EIGHTEENTH -- FROM BELLY TO BACK. [18]

By Monseigneur De La Roche.

_Of a gentleman of Burgundy who paid a chambermaid ten crowns to sleep
with her, but before he left her room, had his ten crowns back, and
made her carry him on her shoulders through the host's chamber. And in
passing by the said chamber he let wind so loudly that all was known, as
you will hear in the story which follows._

A gentleman of Burgundy went on some business to Paris, and lodged at a
good inn, for it was his custom always to seek out the best lodgings. He
knew a thing or two, and he noticed that the chambermaid did not look a
sort of woman who was afraid of a man. So, without much ado, or making
two bites at a cherry, he asked if he could sleep with her?

But she set her back up at once. "How dare you make such a proposal
to me," she said. "I would have you to know that I am not one of those
girls who bring scandal upon the houses in which they live." And in
short, for all he could say she refused to have anything to do with him
"for any money."

The gentleman who knew well what all these protestations were worth,
said to her;

"My dear, if fitting time and place were given me, I would tell you
something you would be glad to learn; but as, perhaps, it might hurt
your reputation if you were seen conversing with me, talk to my valet,
and he will arrange matters on my behalf."

"I have nothing to say either to him or to you," she replied, and with
that she walked away, and the gentleman called his valet, who was a
clever rogue, and ordered him to follow her and win her over at any
cost.

The valet, who was well trained, promised that he would perform his
task, and, as soon as he found her, set