(12)
12 This story is referred to by Brantome, both in his _Vies
des Homines illustres et grands Capitaines francais_, and in
his _Vies des Dames galantes_. See Appendix to the
present volume (C. ).
"This, ladies, is a story which should be a warning to those who would
grasp at what does not belong to them, and which, further, should
strengthen the hearts of ladies, since it shows the virtue of this young
Princess, and the good sense of her lady of honour. If the like fortune
should befall any among you, the remedy has now been pointed out."
"It seems to me," said Hircan, "that the tall gentleman of whom you have
told us was so lacking in spirit as to be unworthy of being remembered.
With such an opportunity as that, he ought not to have suffered any one,
old or young, to baffle him in his enterprise. It must be said, also,
that his heart was not entirely filled with love, seeing that fear of
death and shame found place within it."
"And what," replied Nomerfide, "could the poor gentleman have done with
two women against him?"
"He ought to have killed the old one," said Hircan, "and when the young
one found herself without assistance she would have been already half
subdued.
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