The Heptameron (Machen)/Day 8: Prologue

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DAY THE EIGHTH.
On the Eighth Day relation is made of the most lecherous cases that can be conceived.
PROLOGUE.

When morning was come they made inquiry as to how their bridge was being forwarded, and found that in two or three days it would be finished. At this certain of the company were sorry, for they would have had the work last much longer, that this pleasant life might last also; but seeing that there were not more than two or three days left to them, they resolved to lose no time, and prayed Oisille to give them their spiritual refection as she was wont. And this she did, but kept them longer than afore, for she wished before they departed to bring to end the Epistle General of St. John. And in the expounding of it she quitted herself so well, that it seemed as if the Holy Ghost, full of love and sweetness, spoke by her mouth. So, all enflamed with this heavenly fire, they went to hear high mass, and afterwards while they were at dinner spoke together of the day that was past, calling on one another to make this as fine. And to that intent they went apart, each one to his chamber, until the time was come for them to go to their Recounting-House on the Board of Green Grass, where they found the monks already come and in their accustomed place. When all were seated it was asked who should make a beginning, and Saffredent said: "Since you have done me the honour to let me begin two days, methinks we should do a wrong to the ladies if one of them did not also begin two." "If that be so," said Oisille, "we should have to stay here a long time, or one of you and one of us would have to go without a day." "As for me," said Dagoucin, "if I had been chosen I should have given my place to Saffredent." "And I," said Nomerfide, "should have given mine to Parlamente, since I am so accustomed to obey that I know not how to command." ​To this all the company agreed, and Parlamente thus began: "The days that are passed have been filled with such discreet stories, that I am of opinion that this day should be made up of the most wanton follies that we can devise. Wherefore, to set you an ensample, I will begin."

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