The Heptameron (Machen)/Day 3: Prologue

On the morrow they all arose early and came into the hall, but yet found Oisille there before them, she having been for the last half-hour in meditation on the Scripture she was to read. And if on the first and second days she gave them good matter of contentment, she did no less on the third. And had not one of the monks sought them out, that they might hear High Mass, they would not have heard it; for in such wise did they meditate that they made no account of the bell. And when they had with due devotion heard Mass, they dined very soberly, so as not by an excess of meats to prevent each one's memory quitting itself as well as might be. After this they went to their rooms to look at their note-books till the hour was come for going into the meadow, which was no long time. And those who had resolved on telling some merry case had already such pleasant faces that they gave promise of abundant laughter. When they were seated, they asked Saffredent to whom he would give his vote to begin the third day. "It seems to me," said he, "that since the fault I committed yesterday was so great, and you say it is a grievous one, and since I know no tale fit to atone for it, I must give my vote to Parlamente, who with her good sense knows so well how to praise the ladies that she will cover my true story with the cloak of forgetfulness." "I do not undertake," answered Parlamente, "to make atonement for your sins, but only not to follow in your steps. Wherefore, with the truth to which we are sworn and agreed, it is my purpose to show you that there are women who in their love passages always keep honour before their eyes. And since she, of whom I am about to tell you, came of a good house, I will only change the names: and pray you, ladies, believe that love has no power to make alteration in a chaste and honourable heart, the which you shall see by the following relation."