“Nay,” said Simontault, “‘twas because the jealousy and spitefulness of women make them die without knowing the reason, whereas men are led by their prudence to inquire into the truth of the matter. When this has been learnt through their sound sense, they display their courage, as this gentleman did; for, as soon as he understood the reason of his sweetheart’s misfortune, he showed how truly he loved her and did not spare his own life.” “Yet,” said Ennasuite, “she died of true love, for her steadfast and loyal heart could not endure to be so deceived.” “It was her jealousy,” said Simontault, “which would not yield to reason, so that she believed evil of her lover of which he was not guilty at all. Moreover, her death was matter of necessity, for she could not prevent it, whilst her lover’s death was voluntary, after he had recognised his own wrongdoing.” “Still,” said Nomerfide, “the love must needs be great that causes such deep sorrow.” “Have no fear of it,” said Hircan, “for you will never die of that kind of fever.” “Nor,” said Nomerfide, “will you ever kill yourself after recognising your error.” Here Parlamente, who suspected that the dispute was being carried on at her own expense, said, laughing-- “‘Tis enough that two persons should have died of love, without two others fighting for the same cause. And there is the last bell sounding for vespers, which will have us gone whether you be willing or not.” By her advice the whole company then rose and went to hear vespers, not forgetting in their fervent prayers the souls of those true lovers, for whom, also, the monks, of their charity, said a _De profundis_. As long as supper lasted there was no talk save of the Lady du Vergier, and then, when they had spent a little time together, they withdrew to their several apartments, and so brought to an end the Seventh Day. [Illustration: 213.jpg Tailpiece] EIGHTH DAY. _On the Eighth Day relation is made of the greatest yet truest follies that each can remember_. PROLOGUE.