The Heptameron (Machen)/Day 7: Prologue

On the morrow Mistress Oisille failed not to administer to them their wholesome refection, reading from St. Luke concerning the acts and deeds of the glorious knights and apostles of Jesus Christ. And she told them that this relation should suffice to make them desire to see such a time, and to bring tears for this degenerate age. And when she had read and sufficiently expounded the beginning of this holy Gospel, she entreated them to go to the church, where they should unite their prayers as did the apostles, asking of God his grace, which ​was never refused to them that craved it faithfully. And as they came into the church the mass of the Holy Ghost was beginning, and this seeming much to the purpose, they heard the service with great devotion. Afterwards they went to dinner, calling again to mind the life apostolical, and took such pleasure therein that their tales were well-nigh forgotten. This Nomerfide, who was the youngest, perceived, and said to them: "Mistress Oisille hath so filled us with devotion that we let the time go by, in the which we are wont to go apart, to make us ready for the telling of our novels." These words made all the company to arise, and after they had stayed some while in their rooms they went forth into the meadow as they had done on the precedent day, and when they were seated at their ease Oisille said to Saffredent: "Though I be assured that you will say nothing to the advantage of women, yet I must require you to tell the novel that yesterday evening was in your mouth." "I except, mistress," answered Saffredent, "to acquiring the fame of an evil speaker for telling the truth; nor should I lose the favour of such ladies as are virtuous for recounting the deeds of wantons, for I know what it is to lack the sight of them, and if I was put out of their favour also I could no longer live." So saying he turned his eyes towards her who was the occasion of his weal and woe; but chancing to look on Ennasuitte, he made her to blush, all as if she had been the one to whom his discourse was addressed, yet none the less was it understood of her to whom it was spoken. And Oisille assured him he could tell the truth freely, let who would bear the blame. Then began Saffredent, and said: