When they were seated at their ease, the Lady Oisille
said to Saffredent, "Although I am certain that you will say nothing to
the advantage of women, yet I must call upon you to tell the tale that
you had in readiness yester evening."
"I protest, madam," replied Saffredent, "against winning the repute of
a slanderer through telling the truth, or losing the favour of virtuous
ladies through relating the deeds of the wanton. I have felt what it is
to lack their presence, and had I equally lacked their fair favours, I
had not been alive to-day."
So saying, he turned his eyes away from her who was the cause of his
happiness and of his woe; and, looking upon Ennasuite, caused her to
blush as deeply as though his words had been directed to her. Yet was he
none the less understood by her whom he desired should understand him.
The Lady Oisille then assured him that he might freely speak the truth
at the cost of any person concerned; whereupon he thus began:--
[Illustration: 105a. The Lady returning to her Lover, the Canon of Autun]
[The Lady returning to her Lover, the Canon of Autun]
[Illustration: 105.jpg Page Image]
_TALE LXI_.
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