church of St. John was mainly of
silver, and, according to Quincarnon, at the time of a
Huguenot outbreak at Lyons it was thrown to the ground by a
Calvinist minister named Ruffy, who, after reducing it to
fragments, carried all the precious metal away with him.--M.

4 The latter portion of this story and all the dialogue
that follows it are omitted by Boaistuau in his edition.
Gruget inserted the dialogue, but he did not dare to print
the passage respecting the talking crucifix.--L.

"'Tis notable," said Hircan, "that, whatever the matter in question may
be, women always do wrong."

"Is it wrong," asked Nomerfide, "to bring candles to a tomb?"

"Yes," said Hircan, "if the flame be turned against a man's forehead;
for nothing good should be called good if it be attended with evil. You
may be sure that the poor woman thought she had made a fine gift to God
with her little candle."

"I look not to the gift," said Oisille, "but to the heart that offers
it. Perhaps this worthy woman had more love for God than those who offer
great torches; for, as the Gospel says, she gave of her need."

"Still, I no not believe," said Saffredent, "that God, who is sovereign
wisdom, can be pleased with the foolishness of women. Although
simplicity is pleasing to Him, I see from the Scriptures that He
despises the ignorant; and if He commands us to be as harmless as the
dove, He none the less commands us to be wise like the serpent."

"For my part," said Oisille, "I do not call the woman ignorant who
brings her candle or burning taper into the presence of God, and makes
amends for her wrongdoing on bended knees before her sovereign Lord,
confessing her unworthiness and with steadfast hope seeking pity and
salvation."

"Would to God," said Dagoucin, "that all understood it in the same way
as you; but I do not believe that these poor fools do it with the intent
you say."

"The women," said Oisille, "who are least able to speak are just those
who are most sensible of the love and will of God; wherefore 'tis well
to judge none but ourselves."

Ennasuite laughed and said--"'Tis no wonderful thing to have frightened
a sleeping varlet, since women of as lowly condition have frightened
noble Princes, without putting fire to their foreheads."

"I am sure," said Geburon, "that you know some such story, which you
are willing to relate; wherefore, if it please you, you shall take my
place."

"The