horns of everlasting derision. However, seeing his wife in such wrath
by reason of the love he had borne his maid-servant, he took care not
to tell her of the evil trick that he had played her; and entreating her
forgiveness, with promises of full amendment of his former evil life,
he gave her back the ring which he had recovered from his friend. He
entreated the latter not to reveal his shame; but, as what is whispered
in the ear is always proclaimed from the housetop, the truth, after
a time, became known, and men called him cuckold without imputing any
shame to his wife.

"It seems to me, ladies, that if all those who have committed like
offences against their wives were to be punished in the same way, Hircan
and Saffredent would have great cause for fear."

"Why, Longarine," said Saffredent, "are none in the company married save
Hircan and I?"

"Yes, indeed there are others," she replied, "but none who would play a
similar trick."

"Whence did you learn," asked Saffredent, "that we ever solicited our
wives' maid-servants?"

"If the ladies who are in question," said Longarine, "were willing to
speak the truth, we should certainly hear of maid-servants dismissed
without notice."

"Truly," said Geburon, "you are a most worthy lady! You promised to make
the company laugh, and yet are angering these two poor gentlemen."