whereupon the two ladies below answered her so loudly that their voices
were heard all over the castle.

I leave you to imagine with what vexation the gentleman fled to his
lodgings. He was not so well muffled as not to be known by those who
were in the mystery, and they often twitted him with it, as did even
the lady who had done him this ill turn, saying that she had been well
revenged upon him.

It happened, however, that he was so ready with his replies and evasions
as to make them believe that he had quite suspected the plan, and had
only consented to visit the lady in order to furnish them with some
diversion, for, said he, he would not have taken so much trouble for
her sake, seeing that his love for her had long since flown. The ladies
would not admit the truth of this, so that the point is still in doubt;
nevertheless, it is probable that he believed the lady. And since he
was so wary and so bold that few men of his age and time could match
and none could surpass him (as has been proved by his very brave and
knightly death), (3) you must, it seems to me, confess that men of
honour love in such wise as to be often duped, by placing too much trust
in the truthfulness of the ladies.

3 This naturally brings Bonnivet to mind, though of course
the gay, rash admiral was not the only Frenchman of the time
who spent his life in making love and waging war.--Ed.

"In good faith," said Ennasuite, "I commend this lady for the trick she
played; for when a man is loved by a lady and forsakes her for another,
her vengeance cannot be too severe."