ver
done before, and inquired how he thought he might best excuse himself,
since Princes often frown on those who do not praise what they like.

"I have always heard," he replied, "that a wise man has a journey or
a sickness in his sleeve for use in time of need. I have therefore
resolved that I will feign a grievous sickness four or five days
beforehand, and in this matter your countenance may render me true
service."

"Tis a worthy and holy hypocrisy," said his wife, "and I will not fail
to serve you with the saddest face I can command; for he who can avoid
offending God and angering the Prince is fortunate indeed."

As it was resolved, so was it done, and the King was very sorry to hear
from the wife of her husband's sickness. This, however, lasted no
long time; for, on account of certain business which arose, the King
disregarded his pleasure to attend to his duty, and betook himself away
from Paris.

However, one day, remembering their unfinished undertaking, he said to
the young lord:--

"We were very foolish to leave so suddenly without seeing the four girls
who are declared to be the fairest in my kingdom."

"I am very glad," replied the young lord, "that you failed in the
matter, for I was in great fear that, by reason of my sickness, I should
be the only one to miss so pleasant an adventure."

By reason of this answer the King never suspected the dissimulation of
the young lord, who was thenceforward loved by his wife more dearly than
he had ever been before.

Hereupon Parlamente began to laugh, and could not hold from saying--

"He would have loved his wife better if he had done this for love of her
alone. But in any case he is worthy of great praise."

"It seems to me," said Hircan, "that it is no great merit in a man
to keep his chastity for love of his wife, inasmuch as there are many
reasons which in a manner compel him to do so. In the first place, God
commands it; his marriage vow binds him to it, and, further, surfeited
nature is not liable to temptation or desire as necessity is. But when
the unfettered love that a man bears towards a mistress of whom he has
no delight, and no other happiness save that of seeing her and speaking
with her, and from whom he often receives harsh replies--when this love
is so loyal and steadfast that nothing can ever make it change, I say
that such chastity is not simply praiseworthy but miraculous."

"'Tis no miracle in my opinion," said Oisille, "for when t