“How now, Simontault!” said Oisille. “I did not think that you knew so much good.” “Madam,” said Simontault, “‘tis a pity that I have not been proved, for I see that through lack of knowledge you have already judged ill of me. Yet I may well practise a Grey Friar’s trade, since a Grey Friar has meddled with mine.” “So you call it your trade,” said Parlamente, “to deceive women? Thus out of your mouth are you judged.” “Had I deceived a hundred thousand,” said Simontault, “I should yet not have avenged the woes that I have endured for the sake of one alone.” “I know,” said Parlamente, “how often you complain of women; yet, for all that, we see you so merry and hearty that it is impossible to believe that you have endured all the woes you speak of. But the ‘Compassionless Fair One’ (3) replies that-- “‘Tis as well to say as much To draw some comfort thence.’” 3 _La belle Dame sans mercy_, by Alain Chartier.--Ed. “You quote a truly notable theologian,” said Simontault, “one who is not only froward himself, but makes all the ladies so, who have read and followed his teaching.” “Yet his teaching,” said Parlamente, “is as profitable for youthful dames as any that I know.” “If it were indeed true,” said Simontault, “that the ladies were without compassion, we might as well let our horses rest and our armour grow rusty until the next war, and think of nothing but household affairs. And, I pray you, tell me whether it is an excellence in a lady to have the reputation of being without pity, or charity, or love, or mercy.” “Without charity or love,” said Parlamente, “they should not be, but the word ‘mercy’ sounds so ill among women that they cannot use it without wounding their honour; for properly speaking ‘mercy’ means to grant a favour sought, and we well know what the favour is that men desire.” “May it please you, madam,” said Simontault, “there are some men who are so reasonable that they crave nought but speech.” “You remind me,” said Parlamente, “of one who was content with a glove.” “We must know who this easy lover was,” said Hircan, “and so this time I give my vote to you.” “It will give me pleasure to tell the tale,” said Parlamente, “for it is full of virtue.” [Illustration: 061.jpg Tailpiece] [Illustration: 063a.jpg The English Lord seizing the Lady’s Glove] [The English Lord seizing the Lady’s Glove] [Illustration: 063.jpg Page Image] _TALE LVII_.