"Yet," said Simontauit, "I believe that there are more men deceived by
women than [women] by men. The slenderness of women's love towards us
keeps them from believing our truths, whilst our exceeding love towards
them makes us trust so completely in their falsehoods, that we are
deceived before we suspect such a thing to be possible."

"Methinks," said Parlamente, "you have been hearing some fool complain
of being duped by a wanton woman, for your words carry but little
weight, and need the support of an example. If, therefore, you know of
one, I give you my place that you may tell it to us. I do not say that
we are bound to believe you on your mere word, but it will assuredly not
make our ears tingle to hear you speak ill of us, since we know what is
the truth."

"Well, since it is for me to speak," said Dagoucin, "'tis I who will
tell you the tale."


[Illustration: 070.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 071a. The Gentleman Mocked by the Ladies When Returning From The False
Tryst]

[The Gentleman Mocked by the Ladies When Returning From The False Tryst]

[Illustration: 071.jpg Page Image]