o their wont, to disport themselves somewhat in the
meadow, and then retired to rest, in order that their memories might be
the sounder on the morrow.

[Illustration: 099.jpg Tailpiece]

SEVENTH DAY.

_On the Seventh Day relation is made of such as have done quite contrary
to their duty or desire_.

PROLOGUE.

In the morning the Lady Oisille failed not to administer to them
wholesome nutriment, which she did by reading of the acts and virtuous
deeds of the glorious knights and apostles of Jesus Christ, as related
by St. Luke, telling them withal that these relations should suffice to
make them long for the return of such a time, and to make them weep
for the uncomeliness of this age as compared with that. When she had
sufficiently read and expounded to them the beginning of this excellent
book, she begged them to go to the church in such union as that in which
the Apostles were wont to pray, seeking of God the mercy which is never
refused to those who ask for it in faith. Her counsel was approved by
all, and they came to the church just as the Mass of the Holy Spirit
was beginning; this seemed to them very apt to the occasion, and they
hearkened to the service in great devotion.

Afterwards they went to dinner, where they called to mind the apostolic
life, and took such great delight in it that it was as though their
undertaking had been forgotten. But Nomerfide, who was the youngest,
noticed this, and said, "The Lady Oisille has made us so devout that we
are letting slip the hour at which we are wont to withdraw, in order to
make ready for the relating of our tales."

Her words caused the whole company to rise, and, after they had been for
a while in their rooms, they failed not to repair to the meadow as on
the day before. When they were seated at their ease, the Lady Oisille
said to Saffredent, "Although I am certain that you will say nothing to
the advantage of women, yet I must call upon you to tell the tale that
you had in readiness yester evening."

"I protest, madam," replied Saffredent, "against winning the repute of
a slanderer through telling the truth, or losing the favour of virtuous
ladies through relating the deeds of the wanton. I have felt what it is
to lack their presence, and had I equally lacked their fair favours, I
had not been alive to-day."

So saying, he turned his eyes away from her who was the cause of his
happiness and of his woe; and, looking upon Ennasuite, caused h