"Madam," said Parlamente, "there are a good many men that are esteemed
worthy, but to be worthy in respect of the ladies, and to be careful for
their honour and conscience--not one such man as that could, I think, be
found in these days. Those who think otherwise, and put their trust in
men, find at last that they have been deceived, and, having begun such
intimacy with obedience to God, will often end it with obedience to the
devil. I have known many who, under pretext of speaking about God, began
an intimacy from which they could not withdraw when at last they wished
to do so, being held in subjection by this semblance of virtue. A
vicious love perishes of its own nature, and cannot continue in a good
heart, but virtuous love has bonds of silk so fine that one is caught in
them before they are seen."

"According to you," said Ennasuite, "no woman should ever love a man;
but your law is too harsh a one to last."

"I know that," said Parlamente, "but none the less must I desire that
every one were as content with her own husband as I am with mine."

Ennasuite, who felt that these words touched her, changed colour and
said--

"You ought to believe every one the same at heart as yourself, unless,
indeed, you think yourself more perfect than all others."

"Well," said Parlamente, "to avoid dispute, let us see to whom Hircan
will give his vote."

"I give it," Hircan replied, "to Ennasuite, in order to make amends to