“At the same time,” said Oisille, “people ought to suspect the evil that is to be avoided, especially those who hold a trust; for it is better to suspect an evil that does not exist than by foolish trustfulness to fall into one that does. I have never known a woman deceived through being slow to believe men’s words, but many are there that have been deceived through being over prompt in giving credence to falsehood. Therefore I say that possible evil cannot be held in too strong suspicion by those that have charge of men, women, cities or states; for, however good the watch that is kept, wickedness and treachery are prevalent enough, and the shepherd who is not vigilant will always be deceived by the wiles of the wolf.” “Still,” said Dagoucin, “a suspicious person cannot have a perfect friend, and many friends have been divided by suspicion.” “If you know any such instance,” said Oisille, “I give you my vote that you may relate it.” “I know one,” said Dagoucin, “which is so strictly true that you will needs hear it with pleasure. I will tell you, ladies, when it is that a close friendship is most easily severed; ‘tis when the security of friendship begins to give place to suspicion. For just as trust in a friend is the greatest honour that can be shown him, so is doubt of him a still greater dishonour. It proves that he is deemed other than we would have him to be, and so causes many close friendships to be broken off, and friends to be turned into foes. This you will see from the story that I am minded to relate.” [Illustration: 193.jpg Tailpiece] [Illustration: 195a.jpg The Young Man beating his Wife] [The Young Man beating his Wife] [Illustration: 195.jpg Page Image] _TALE XLVI.(B)_. _Concerning a Grey Friar who made it a great crime on the part of husbands to beat their wives_. (1) In the town of Angoulême, where Count Charles, father of King Francis, often abode, there dwelt a Grey Friar named De Vallès, (2) the same being a learned man and a very great preacher. At Advent time this Friar preached in the town in presence of the Count, whereby his reputation was still further increased. 1 This is the tale inserted in Gruget’s edition in lieu of the previous one.--Ed.