The Tales of the Heptameron, Vol. IV | Page 8

(1522) Perréal's name takes precedence of that of the better
known Jehannet Clouet, but it does not appear in that of 1529, about
which time he would appear to have died. Shortly before that date he
had designed some curious initial letters for the famous Parisian printer
and bookseller, Tory. The Claud Perréal, "Lyonnese," whom Clement
Marot commemorates in his 36th Rondeau would appear to have been a
relative, possibly the son, of "Jehan de Paris."--See Léon de La Borde's
Renaissance des Arts, vol. i., Pericaud ainé's Notice sur Jean de Paris,
Lyons, 1858, and more particularly E. M. Bancel's _Jehan Perréal dit
Jean de Paris, peintre et valet-de-chambre des rois Charles VIII. Louis
XII., &c_. Paris, Launette, 1884.--L. and M.
4 Brantôme refers to this tale, as an example of marital cruelty, in his
Vies des Dames Galantes, Lalanne's edition, vol. ix. p. 38.--L.
"If, ladies, all those whom a like adventure has befallen, were to drink
out of similar vessels, I greatly fear that many a gilt cup would be
turned into a death's head. May God keep us from such a fortune, for if
His goodness do not restrain us, there is none among us but might do
even worse; but if we trust in Him He will protect those who confess
that they are not able to protect themselves. Those who confide in their
own strength are in great danger of being tempted so far as to be
constrained to acknowledge their frailty. Many have stumbled through
pride in this way, while those who were reputed less discreet have been
saved with honour. The old proverb says truly, 'Whatsoever God keeps
is well kept.'"
"The punishment," said Parlamente, "was in my opinion a most
reasonable one, for, just as the offence was more than death, so ought
the punishment to have been."
"I am not of your opinion," said Ennasuite. "I would rather see the

bones of all my lovers hanging up in my cabinet than die on their
account. There is no misdeed that cannot be repaired during life, but
after death there is no reparation possible."
"How can shame be repaired?" said Longarine. "You know that,
whatever a woman may do after a misdeed of that kind, she cannot
repair her honour."
"I pray you," said Ennasuite, "tell me whether the Magdalen has not
now more honour among men than her sister who continued a virgin?"
(5)
5 Martha, sister of Lazarus and Mary Magdalen.--M.
"I acknowledge," said Longarine, "that we praise her for the great love
she bore to Jesus Christ and for her deep repentance; yet the name of
sinner clings to her."
"I do not care what name men may give me," said Ennasuite, "if only
God forgive me, and my husband do the same. There is nothing for
which I should be willing to die."
"If the lady loved her husband as she ought," said Dagoucin, "I am
amazed that she did not die of sorrow on looking at the bones of the
man whom her guilt had slain."
"Why, Dagoucin," returned Simontault, "have you still to learn that
women know neither love nor even grief?"
"Yes, I have still to learn it," said Dagoucin, "for I have never made
trial of their love, through fear of finding it less than I desired."
"Then you live on faith and hope," said Nomerfide, "as the plover does
on air. (6) You are easily fed."
6 This popular error was still so prevalent in France in the last century,
that Buffon, in his Natural History, took the trouble to refute it at
length.--B. J.

"I am content," he replied, "with the love that I feel within myself, and
with the hope that there is the like in the hearts of the ladies. If I knew
that my hopes were true, I should have such gladness that I could not
endure it and live."
"Keep clear of the plague," said Geburon; "as for the other sickness you
mention, I will warrant you against it. But I should like to know to
whom the Lady Oisille will give her vote?"
"I give it," she said, "to Simontault, who I know will be sparing of
none."
"That," he replied, "is as much as to say that I am somewhat given to
slander; however, I will show you that reputed slanderers have spoken
the truth. I am sure, ladies, that you are not so foolish as to believe all
the tales that you are told, no matter what show of sanctity they may
possess, if the proof of them be not clear beyond doubt. Many an abuse
lurks even under the guise of a miracle, and for this reason I am minded
to tell you the story of a miracle that will prove no less to the honour