the story
without laughing, could not refrain from doing so, and said--

"By what I can see, you are well qualified to tell the tale."

The poor lady tried in every possible way to clear her honour, but it
was already flown so far away that she was never able to recall it.

"I assure you, ladies, that had she felt any deep displeasure in doing
such a deed, she would have desired to forget it. But, as I have told
you, sin will of itself be discovered before it could otherwise be
known, unless it be hidden by the mantle which, as David says, makes man
blessed."

"In good sooth," said Ennasuite, "she was the greatest fool I have ever
heard of, to make the others laugh at her own expense."

"I do not deem it strange," said Parlamente, "that the word should
follow the deed, for it is easier to say than to do."

"Why," said Geburon, "what sin had she committed? She was asleep in her
bed, he threatened her with shame and death; Lucrece, who is so highly
praised, did just the same."

"That is true," said Parlamente, "and I confess that there is none too
righteous to fall. But when one has felt great offence in the deed, the
same holds good of the recollection; and whereas Lucrece to efface the
latter killed herself, this foolish woman tried to make others laugh."

"Nevertheless," said Nomerfide, "it seems that she was a virtuous woman,
seeing that she had been many times entreated but would never consent,
so that the gentleman must needs resort to treachery and force in order
to wrong her."

"What!" said Parlamente. "Do you think that a woman has answered for
her honour, when she gives herself up after refusing two or three times?
There would then be many virtuous women among those that are deemed the
opposite, for many of them have been known to refuse for a long while
those to whom their hearts had been given, some doing this through fear
for their honour, and others in order to make themselves still more
ardently loved and esteemed. No account, therefore, should be made of a
woman unless she stands firm to the end. But if a man refuse a beautiful
girl, do you regard that as great virtue?"

"Truly," said Oisille, "if a young and lusty man so refused, I should
hold it worthy of high praise, but none the less difficult of belief."

"Yet," said Dagoucin, "I know one who refused to partake in amours that
were sought after by all his comrades."

"I pray you," said Longarine, "take my place and tell us the tale, yet