d which, further, should
strengthen the hearts of ladies, since it shows the virtue of this young
Princess, and the good sense of her lady of honour. If the like fortune
should befall any among you, the remedy has now been pointed out."

"It seems to me," said Hircan, "that the tall gentleman of whom you have
told us was so lacking in spirit as to be unworthy of being remembered.
With such an opportunity as that, he ought not to have suffered any one,
old or young, to baffle him in his enterprise. It must be said, also,
that his heart was not entirely filled with love, seeing that fear of
death and shame found place within it."

"And what," replied Nomerfide, "could the poor gentleman have done with
two women against him?"

"He ought to have killed the old one," said Hircan, "and when the young
one found herself without assistance she would have been already half
subdued."

"To have killed her!" said Nomerfide. "Then you would turn a lover into
a murderer? Since such is your opinion, it would indeed be a fearful
thing to fall into your hands."

"If I had gone so far," said Hircan, "I should have held it
dishonourable not to achieve my purpose."

Then said Geburon--

"You think it strange that a Princess, bred in all honour, should prove
difficult of capture to one man. You should then be much more astonished
at a poor woman who escaped out of the hands of two."

"Geburon," said Ennasuite, "I give my vote to you to tell the fifth
tale, for I think you know something concerning this poor woman that
will not be displeasing to us."

"Since you have chosen me," said Geburon, "I will tell you a story which
I know to be true from having made inquiries concerning it on the spot.
By this story you will see that womanly sense and virtue are not in the
hearts and heads of Princesses alone, nor love and cunning in such as
are most often deemed to possess them."

[Illustration: 094.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 095a.jpg The Boatwoman of Coulon outwitting the Friars]

[The Boatwoman of Coulon outwitting the Friars]

[Illustration: 095.jpg Page Image]

_TALE V._

_Two Grey Friars, when crossing the river at the haven of
Coulon, sought to ravish the boatwoman who was taking them
over. She, however, being virtuous and Clever, so beguiled
them with words that, whilst promising to grant their
request, she deceived them and handed them over to justice.
They were then delivered up to