"God has provided so wisely," said Oisille, "both for man and for woman,
that I hold marriage, if it be not abused, to be the goodliest and
securest condition imaginable, and I am sure that, whatever they may
seem to do, all here present think the same. And if the man claims to
be wiser than the woman, he will be the more severely blamed should the
fault come from him. But enough of such talk. Let us now see to whom
Dagoucin will give his vote."

"I give it," he said, "to Longarine."

"You do me a great pleasure," she replied, "for I have read a story that
is worthy to follow yours. Since we are set upon praising the virtuous
patience of ladies, I will show you one more worthy of praise than she
of whom we have just been speaking. And she is the more deserving of
esteem in that she was a city dame, and therefore one of those whose
breeding is less virtuous than that of others."


[Illustration: 081.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 083a.jpg The Lady of Tours questioning her Husband's Mistress]

[The Lady of Tours questioning her Husband's Mistress]

[Illustration: 083.jpg Page Image]




_TALE XXXVIII_.