did no less on the third; indeed, but that one of the monks came in
search of them they would not have heard high mass, for so intent were
they upon listening to her that they did not even hear the bell.

When they had piously heard mass, and had dined with temperance to
the end that the meats might in no sort hinder the memory of each from
acquitting itself as well as might be when their several turns came,
they withdrew to their apartments, there to consult their note-books
until the wonted hour for repairing to the meadow was come. When it had
arrived they were not slow to make the pleasant excursion, and those who
were prepared to tell of some merry circumstance already showed mirthful
faces that gave promise of much laughter. When they were seated, they
asked Saffredent to whom he would give his vote for the beginning of the
Third Day.

"I think," said he, "that since my offence yesterday was as you say very
great, and I have knowledge of no story that might atone for it, I ought
to give my vote to Parlamente, who, with her sound understanding, will
be able to praise the ladies sufficiently to make you forget such truth
as you heard from me."

"I will not undertake," said Parlamente, "to atone for your offences,
but I will promise not to imitate them. Wherefore, holding to the truth
that we have promised and vowed to utter, I propose to show you that
there are ladies who in their loves have aimed at nought but virtue. And
since she of whom I am going to speak to you came of an honourable line,
I will just change the names in my story but nothing more; and I pray
you, ladies, believe that love has no power to change a chaste and
virtuous heart, as you will see by the tale I will now begin to tell."