hey vowed and
promised what was not in their power, namely, perpetual affection. For
this is a thing that can neither spring up nor abide in the heart of
man, as only those ladies know who have had experience of how long such
feelings last. (4)

4 In Boaistuau's edition of the _Heptameron_ the final part
of the above sentence is given as follows: "And those women
that have had experience of it know this, and also how long
such fancies last." An extract from Brantome in connection
with the story will be found in the Appendix to this volume,
D.

"So, ladies, if you are wise, you will beware of us even as the stag,
had he understanding, would beware of the hunter; for our glory,
happiness, and delight is to see you captured in order to rob you of
that which is more precious to you than life."

"Why, Geburon," said Hircan, "since when have you turned preacher? I can
remember a time when you did not talk after that fashion."

"It is quite true," said Geburon, "that I have just spoken contrary to
what I have always said my life long; but since my teeth are no longer
able to chew venison, I warn the hapless deer to beware of the hunters,
in order that I may atone in my old age for all the mischief which I
sought to do in my youth."

"We thank you, Geburon," said Nomerfide, "for warning us to our profit,
but for all that we do not feel very greatly beholden to you. You never
spoke in that way to one you truly loved, and this is a proof that
you have little love for us, and, moreover, would not have us loved.
Nevertheless, we hold ourselves as discreet and as virtuous as the
ladies whom you so long pursued in your youth. But old folk are commonly
vain enough to think that they have been wiser in their time than those
who come after them."

"Well, Nomerfide," said Geburon, "will you believe that I have told
you the truth when the faithlessness of one of your lovers has made you
acquainted with the evil nature of men?"

"It seems to me," said Oisille to Geburon, "that the gentleman whom you
praise so highly for his boldness ought rather to be praised for the
ardour of his love. So strong is this passion, that it impels the most
cowardly to embark on enterprises about which the bravest would think
twice."

"If, madam," said Saffredent, "he'had not deemed the Italians to be
better at talking than acting, me-thinks he had reason to be afraid."

"Yes," said Oisille, "if he had not had in his