When the company were all seated on the green grass, which was so
fine and soft that they needed neither cushion nor carpet, Simontault
commenced by saying--
"Which of us shall begin before the others?"
"Since you were the first to speak," replied Hircan,"'tis reasonable
that you should rule us; for in sport we are all equal."
"Would to God," said Simontault, "I had no worse fortune in this world
than to be able to rule all the company present."
On hearing this Parlamente, who well knew what it meant, began to
cough. Hircan, therefore, did not perceive the colour that came into her
cheeks, but told Simontault to begin, which he did as presently follows.
[Illustration: 039a.jpg Du Mesnil learns his Mistress's Infidelity from her Maid]
[Du Mesnil learns his Mistress's Infidelity from her Maid]
[Illustration: 039.jpg Page Image]
FIRST DAY.
_On the First Day are recounted the ill-turns which
have been done by Women to Men and by
Men to Women._
_TALE I_.
_The wife of a Proctor, having been pressingly solicited by
the Bishop of Sees, took him for her profit, and, being as
little satisfied with him as with her husband, found a means
to have the son of the Lieutenant-General of Alencon for her
pleasure.
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