3 It is impossible to identify the lady mentioned in this story, her name being spelt in so many ways in the various MSS. of the _Heptameron_. It is given as Roncex in the copy here followed, as Roubex in a copy that belonged to Louis XVIII., and as Roncci in the De Thou MS., whilst Boaistuau printed it as Roucey. The Madame de la Trémoille, alluded to at the outset, is believed by Lacroix and Dillaye to have been Anne de Laval (daughter of Guy XV., Count of Laval, and of Charlotte of Aragon, Princess of Tarento), who married Francis de la Trémoille, Viscount of Thouars, in 1521, and was by her mother a cousin of Queen Margaret. Possibly, however, the reference is to Gabrielle de Bourbon, wife of Louis II. de la Trémoille, a lady of exemplary piety, who erected the beautiful Renaissance chapel of the château of Thouars.--L. & Ed. “I think, ladies,” said Nomerfide, “that this story has proved neither long nor melancholy, and that I have given you what you expected.” At this the company laughed heartily, and Oisille said--“The story is indeed nasty and unclean, yet, knowing the persons who fared in this manner, we cannot consider it unwelcome. Gladly would I have seen the faces of La Mothe and of the lady to whom she brought such timely aid. But now,” she added to Nomerfide, “since you have finished so soon, give your vote to some one whose thoughts are of a graver turn.” “Since you desire me to atone for my fault,” answered Nomerfide, “I give my vote to Dagoucin, whose discretion is such that he would die rather than say anything foolish.” Dagoucin then thanked her for the esteem in which she held his good sense, and thus began--“The story I am minded to relate is intended to show you how love blinds the greatest and most honourable hearts, and how hard it is to overcome wickedness by any kindness whatsoever.” [Illustration: 093.jpg Tailpiece] [Illustration: 095a.jpg The Grey Friar telling his Tales] [The Grey Friar telling his Tales] [Illustration: 095.jpg Page Image] _TALE XI._ (B). _Of the jests made by a Grey Friar in his sermons_. (1) 1 See _ante_, p. 89, note 2, _and post_. Appendix B. Near the town of Bléré in Touraine there is a village called St. Martin-le-Beau, whither a Grey Friar belonging to the monastery at Tours was summoned to preach during the seasons of Advent and Lent. This friar, who was more garrulous than learned, and now and then found himself at a loss for matter to eke out his hour, would thereupon begin telling tales which more or less agreeably satisfied the good villagers.