5 “For every tree is known by his own fruit.”--St. Luke vi.
45.
6 The Father Superior of the Grey Friars was called the
Warden.--B.J.
7 Henry Etienne quotes this story in his _Apologie pour
Hérodote_, and praises the Queen for thus denouncing the
evil practices of the friars.--F.
“I pray you, ladies, consider, since this poor boatwoman had the wit to
deceive two such evil men, what should be done by those who have read
of and witnessed so many fair examples, and who have had the goodness of
virtuous ladies ever before their eyes? Indeed, the virtue of well-bred
women is not so much to be called virtue as habit. It is in the women
who know nothing, who hear scarcely two good sermons during the whole
year, who have no leisure to think of aught save the gaining of their
miserable livelihood, and who nevertheless jealously guard their
chastity, hard-pressed as they may be (8)--it is in such women as these
that one discovers the virtue that is natural to the heart. Where
man’s wit and might are smallest, there the Spirit of God performs the
greatest work. And unhappy indeed is the lady who keeps not close ward
over the treasure which brings her so much honour if it be well guarded,
and so much shame if it be neglected.”
8 Boaistuau’s edition of 1558 here contains the following
interpolation: “As should be done by those who, having their
lives provided for, have no occupation save that of studying
Holy Writ, listening to sermons and preaching, and exerting
themselves to act virtuously in all things.”--L.
“It seems to me, Geburon,” said Longarine, “that there is no great
virtue in refusing a Grey Friar, and that it would rather be impossible
to love one.”
“Longarine,” replied Geburon, “they who are not accustomed to such
lovers as yours do by no means despise the Grey Friars, for the latter
are as handsome and as strong as we are, and they are readier and
fresher also, for we are worn-out with our service. Moreover, they talk
like angels and are as importunate as the devil, so that such women as
have never seen other robes than their coarse drugget ones,(9) are truly
virtuous when they escape out of their hands.”