r the most
angelic form we can devise, and in this disguise receive many favours
before we are found out. And perhaps we lead the ladies' hearts so far
forward, that when they come upon vice while believing themselves on the
high road to virtue, they have neither opportunity nor ability to draw
back again."

8 This sentence is borrowed from MS. No. 1520 (Bib. Nat.)--
L.

"Truly," said Geburon, "I thought you a different man than your words
would show you to be, and fancied that virtue was more pleasing to you
than pleasure."

"What!" said Saffredent. "Is there any virtue greater than that of
loving in the way that God commands? It seems to me that it is much
better to love one woman as a woman than to adore a number of women as
though they were so many idols. For my part, I am firmly of opinion that
use is better than abuse."

The ladies, however, all sided with Geburon, and would not allow
Saffredent to continue, whereupon he said--

"I am well content to say no more on this subject of love, for I have
been so badly treated with regard to it that I will never return to it
again."

"It is your own maliciousness," said Longarine, "that has occasioned
your bad treatment; for what virtuous woman would have you for a lover
after what you have told us?"

"Those who did not consider me unwelcome," answered Saffredent, "would
not care to exchange their virtue for yours. But let us say no more
about it, that my anger may offend neither myself nor others. Let us see
to whom Dagoucin will give his vote."

"I give it to Parlamente," said Dagoucin, "for I believe that she must
know better than any one else the nature of honourable and perfect
love."

"Since I have been chosen to tell the third tale," said Parlamente, "I
will tell you something that happened to a lady who has always been one
of my best friends, and whose thoughts have never been hidden from me."

[Illustration: 117.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 119a.jpg The Sea-captain talking to the Lady]

[The Sea-captain talking to the Lady]

[Illustration: 119.jpg Page Image]

_TALE XIII_.

_A sea-captain, being greatly in love with a lady, sent her a diamond;
but she despatched it to his wife, whom he had long neglected, and in
this wise so atoned for his conduct that his wife was reconciled to him
in perfect affection_. (1)

1 M. Le Roux de Lincy believes that this story has some
historical basis, and, Louise of Savoy being