now, swarmed in Spain, but to the Mendicant friars.--Ed.

3 In Boaistuau's and Gruget's editions of the _Heptameron_
the dialogue following this tale is replaced by matter of
their own invention. They did not dare to reproduce Queen
Margaret's bold opinions respecting the clergy, the monastic
orders, &c., at a time when scores of people, including even
Counsellors of Parliament, were being burnt at the stake for
heresy.--L. and Ed.

"What think you? Was she not far more prudent than her husband, and
did she not think less of her conscience than of the advantage of her
household?"

"I think," said Parlamente, "that she did love her husband; but, seeing
that most men wander in their wits when at the point of death, and
knowing his intentions, she tried to interpret them to her children's
advantage. And therein I hold her to have been very prudent."

"What!" said Geburon. "Do you not hold it a great wrong not to carry out
the last wishes of departed friends?"

"Assuredly I do," said Parlamente; "that is to say if the testator be in
his right mind, and not raving."

"Do you call it raving to give one's goods to the Church and the poor
Mendicants?"

"I do not call it raving," said Parlamente, "if a man distribute what
God has given into his hands among the poor; but to make alms of another