"
"Well, since it is thus, madam," said the lady of honour, "it seems to
me that you have more reason to thank God than to think of vengeance;
for you may well believe that, since the gentleman had spirit enough
to make such an attempt, his grief at having failed will be harder
of endurance than any death you could award him. If you desire to be
revenged on him, let love and shame do their work; they will torment
him more grievously than could you. And if you would speak out for your
honour's sake,(10) beware, madam, lest you fall into a mishap like to
his own.
10 In Boaistuau's edition this passage runs: "Let love and
shame do their work, they will know better than you how to
torment him; and do this for your honour's sake. Beware,"
&c.--L.
He, instead of obtaining the greatest delight he could imagine, has
encountered the gravest vexation any gentleman could endure. So you,
madam, thinking to exalt your honour, may perchance diminish it. If you
make complaint, you will bring to light what is known to none, for you
may rest assured that the gentleman on his side will never reveal aught
of the matter.
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