How the death of the Asse, and the Gentlewoman was stayed.
After supper they began to talke, and declare unto him the going away
of the Gentlewoman, and how I bare her upon my backe, and what death
was ordained for us two. Then he desired to see her, whereupon the
Gentlewoman was brought forth fast bound, whom as soone as he beheld,
he turned himselfe wringing his nose, and blamed them saying: I am not
so much a beast, or so rash a fellow to drive you quite from your
purpose, but my conscience will not suffer me to conceale any thing
that toucheth your profit, since I am as carefull for you, howbeit if
my counsell doe displease you, you may at your liberty proceed in your
enterprise. I doubt not but all theeves, and such as have a good
judgement, will preferre their owne lucre and gain above all things in
the world, and above their vengeance, which purchaseth damage to divers
persons. Therefore if you put this virgin in the Asses belly, you shall
but execute your indignation against her, without all manner of profit;
But I would advise you to carry the virgin to some towne and to sell
her: and such a brave girle as she is, may be sold for a great quantity
of money. And I my selfe know certaine bawdy Marchants, amongst whom
peradventure one will give us summes of gold for her. This is my
opinion touching this affaire: but advise you what you intend to do,
for you may rule me in this case. In this manner the good theefe
pleaded and defended our cause, being a good Patron to the silly
virgin, and to me poore Asse. But they staied hereupon a good space,
with long deliberation, which made my heart (God wot) and spirit
greatly to quaile. Howbeit in the end they consented to his opinion,
and by and by the Maiden was unloosed of her bonds, who seeing the
young man, and hearing the name of brothels and bawdy Merchants, began
to wax joyfull, and smiled with herself. Then began I to deeme evill of
the generation of women, when as I saw the Maiden (who was appointed to
be married to a young Gentleman, and who so greatly desired the same)
was now delighted with the talke of a wicked brothel house, and other
things dishonest. In this sort the consent and manners of women
depended in the judgement of an Asse.