“For my part,” said Parlamente, “I cannot but see that there are men of very corrupt faith among them. I know that one of them, a Doctor of Theology and a Principal in their Order, (3) sought to persuade many of the brethren that the Gospel was no more worthy of belief than Cæsar’s Commentaries or any other histories written by learned men of authority; and from the hour I heard that I would believe no preacher’s word unless I found it in harmony with the Word of God, which is the true touchstone for distinguishing between truth and falsehood.” 3 In MS. No. 1520 this passage runs, “a Doctor of Theology named Colimant, a great preacher and a Principal in their Order.” However, none of the numerous works on the history of the Franciscans makes any mention of a divine called Colimant.--B. J. “Be assured,” said Oisille, “that those who read it constantly and with humility will never be led into error by deceits or human inventions; for whosoever has a mind filled with truth cannot believe a lie.” “Yet it seems to me,” said Simontault, “that a simple person is more readily deceived than another.” “Yes,” said Longarine, “if you deem foolishness to be the same thing as simplicity.” “I affirm,” replied Simontault, “that a good, gentle and simple woman is more readily deceived than one who is wily and wicked.” “I think,” said Nomerfide, “that you must know of one overflowing with such goodness, and so I give you my vote that you may tell us of her.” “Since you have guessed so well,” said Simontault, “I will indeed tell you of her, but you must promise not to weep. Those who declare, ladies, that your craftiness surpasses that of men would find it hard to bring forward such an instance as I am now about to relate, wherein I propose to show you not only the exceeding craftiness of a husband, but also the simplicity and goodness of his wife.” [Illustration: 162.jpg Tailpiece] [Illustration: 163a.jpg The Lovers returning from their Meeting in the Garden] [The Lovers returning from their Meeting in the Garden] [Illustration: 163.jpg Page Image] _TALE XLIV. (B)_. _Concerning the subtlety of two lovers in the enjoyment of their love, and the happy issue of the latter_. (1) 1 This is the tale given by Gruget in his edition of the _Heptameron_, in lieu of the preceding one.--Ed. In the city of Paris there lived two citizens of middling condition, of whom one had a profession, while the other was a silk mercer. These two were very old friends and constant companions, and so it happened that the son of the former, a young man, very presentable in good company, and called James, used often by his father’s favour to visit the mercer’s house. This, however, he did for the sake of the mercer’s beautiful daughter named Frances, whom he loved; and so well did James contrive matters with her, that he came to know her to be no less loving than loved.