the day. But that we have all sworn to speak the truth, I could not
believe that a woman of that lady's condition could be so wicked both
in soul and in body, and leave so gallant a gentleman for so vile a
muleteer."

"Ah, madam," said Hircan, "if you knew what a difference there is
between a gentleman who has worn armour and been at the wars all his
life, and a well-fed knave that has never stirred from home, you would
excuse the poor widow."

"I do not believe," said Oisille, "whatever you may say, that you could
admit any possible excuse for her."

"I have heard," said Simontault, "that there are women who like to
have apostles to preach of their virtue and chastity, and treat them as
kindly and familiarly as possible, saying that but for the restraints of
honour and conscience they would grant them their desire. And so these
poor fools, when speaking in company of their mistresses, swear that
they would thrust their fingers into the fire without fear of burning in
proof that these ladies are virtuous women, since they have themselves
thoroughly tested their love. Thus are praised by honourable men, those
who show their true nature to such as are like themselves; and they
choose such as would not have courage to speak, or, if they did, would
not be believed by reason of their low and degraded position."

"That," said Longarine, "is an opinion which I have before now heard
expressed by jealous and suspicious men, but it may indeed be called
painting a chimera. And even although it be true of one wretched woman,
the same suspicion cannot attach to all."