第8章

Tobebrief，mattersweresowellarrangedbetweenthemthattheLordengagedtosparenopainstoenlightentheunderstandingofMadamed\'Amboise\'sdaughter-in-law，whopromisedtocomeandstudyherlessoninhisroom。Thesaidladyd\'AmboisepretendedaftersuppertoplayterriblemusicinahighkeytoMonsieurBraguelongnesayingthathehadnogratitudefortheblessingsshehadbroughthim——herposition，herwealth，herfidelity，etc。Infact，shetalkedforhalfanhourwithouthavingexhaustedaquarterofherire。Fromthisahundredknivesweredrawnbetweenthem，buttheykeptthesheaths。Meanwhilethespousesinbedwerearrangingtothemselveshowtogetaway，inordertopleaseeachother。Thentheinnocentbegantosayhefellquitegiddy，heknewnotfromwhat，andwantedtogointotheopenair。Andhismaidenwifetoldhimtotakeastrollinthemoonlight。

Andthenthegoodfellowbegantopityhiswifeinbeingleftaloneamoment。Atherdesire，bothofthematdifferenttimeslefttheirconjugalcouchandcametotheirpreceptors，bothveryimpatient，asyoucanwellbelieve；andgoodinstructionwasgiventothem。How？I

cannotsay，becauseeveryonehashisownmethodandpractice，andofallsciencesthisisthemostvariableinprinciple。Youmaybesurethatneverdidscholarsreceivemoregaylythepreceptsofanylanguage，grammar，orlessonswhatsoever。Andthetwospousesreturnedtotheirnest，delightedatbeingabletocommunicatetoeachotherthediscoveriesoftheirscientificperegrinations。

“Ah，mydear，“saidthebride，“youalreadyknowmorethanmymaster。“

Fromthesecurioustestscametheirdomesticjoyandperfectfidelity；

becauseimmediatelyaftertheirentryintothemarriedstatetheyfoundouthowmuchbettereachofthemwasadaptedforlovethananyoneelse，theirmastersincluded。Thusfortheremainderoftheirdaystheykepttothelegitimatesubstanceoftheirownpersons；andthelordofMontcontoursaidinoldagetohisfriends——

“Dolikeme，becuckoldsintheblade，andnotinthesheath。“

Whichisthetruemoralityoftheconjugalcondition。

THEDEARNIGHTOFLOVE

Inthatwinterwhencommencedthatfirsttakingupofarmsbythoseofthereligion，whichwascalledtheRiotofAmboise，anadvocate，namedAvenelles，lenthishouse，situatedintheRuedesMarmousetsfortheinterviewsandconventionsoftheHuguenots，beingoneofthem，withoutknowing，however，thatthePrinceofConde，LaRegnaudie，andothers，intendedtocarryofftheking。

ThesaidAvenellesworeanastyredbeard，asshinyasastickofliquorice，andwasdevilishlypale，asarealltherogueswhotakerefugeinthedarknessofthelaw；inshort，themostevil-mindedadvocatethathaseverlived，laughingatthegallows，sellingeverybody，andatrueJudas。Accordingtocertainauthorsofagreatexperienceinsubtlerogueshewasinthisaffair，halfknave，halffool，asitisabundantlyprovedbythisnarrative。ThisprocureurhadmarriedaverylovelyladyofParis，ofwhomhewasjealousenoughtokillherforapleatinthesheets，forwhichshecouldnotaccount，whichwouldhavebeenwrong，becausehonestcreasesareoftenmetwith。Butshefoldedherclothesverywell，sothere\'stheendofthematter。Beassuredthat，knowingthemurderousandevilnatureofthisman，hiswifewasfaithfulenoughtohim，alwaysready，likeacandlestick，arrangedforherdutylikeachestwhichnevermoves，andopenstoorder。Nevertheless，theadvocatehadplacedherundertheguardianshipandpursuingeyeofanoldservant，aduennaasuglyasapotwithoutahandle，whohadbroughtuptheSieurAvenelles，andwasveryfondofhim。Hispoorwife，forallpleasureinhercolddomesticlife，usedtogototheChurchofSt。Jehan，onthePlacedeGreve，where，aseveryoneknows，thefashionableworldwasaccustomedtomeet；andwhilesayingherpaternosterstoGodshefeastedhereyesuponallthesegallants，curled，adorned，andstarched，young，comely，andflittingaboutliketruebutterflies，andfinishedbypickingoutfromamongthelotagoodgentleman，loverofthequeen-mother，andahandsomeItalian，withwhomshewassmittenbecausehewasintheMayofhisage，noblydressed，agracefulmover，braveinmien，andwasallthatalovershouldbetobestowaheartfullofloveuponanhonestmarriedwomantootightlysqueezedbythebondsofmatrimony，whichtormenther，andalwaysexcitehertounharnessherselffromtheconjugalyoke。AndyoucanimaginethattheyounggentlemangrewtoadmireMadame，whosesilentlovespokesecretlytohim，withouteitherthedevilorthemselvesknowinghow。Bothoneandtheotherhadtheircorrespondenceoflove。Atfirst，theadvocate\'swifeadornedherselfonlytocometochurch，andalwayscameinsomenewsumptuosity；andinsteadofthinkingofGod，shemadeGodangrybythinkingofherhandsomegentleman，andleavingherprayers，shegaveherselfuptothefirewhichconsumedherheart，andmoistenedhereyes，herlips，andeverything，seeingthatthisfirealwaysdissolvesitselfinwater；andoftensaidtoherself：“Ha！Iwouldgivemylifeforasingleembracewiththisprettyloverwholovesme。“Often，too，inplaceofsayingherlitaniestoMadametheVirgin，shethoughtinherheart：“Tofeelthegloriousyouthofthisgentlelover，tohavethefulljoysoflove，totasteallinonemoment，littleshouldImindtheflamesintowhichthehereticsarethrown。“Thenthegentlemangazingatthecharmsofthisgoodwife，andherburningblusheswhenheglancedather，camealwaysclosetoherstool，andaddressedtoherthoserequestswhichtheladiesunderstandsowell。Thenhesaidasidetohimself：“Bythedoublehornonmyfather，Isweartohavethewoman，thoughitcostmemylife。“

Andwhentheduennaturnedherhead，thetwoloverssqueezed，pressed，breathed，ate，devoured，andkissedeachotherbyalookwhichwouldhavesetlighttothematchofamusketeer，ifthemusketeerhadbeenthere。Itwascertainthatalovesofaradvancedintheheartshouldhaveanend。ThegentlemandressedasascholarofMontaign，begantoregaletheclerksofthesaidAvenelles，andtojokeinthecompany，inordertolearnthehabitsofthehusband，hishoursofabsence，hisjourneys，andeverything，watchingforanopportunitytostickhishornson。Andthiswashow，tohisinjury，theopportunityoccurred。

Theadvocate，obligedtofollowthecourseofthisconspiracy，and，incaseoffailure，intendingtorevengehimselfupontheGuises，determinedtogotoBlois，wherethecourtthenwasingreatdangerofbeingcarriedoff。Knowingthis，thegentlemancamefirsttothetownofBlois，andtherearrangedamaster-trap，intowhichtheSieurAvenellesshouldfall，inspiteofhiscunning，andnotcomeoutuntilsteepedinacrimsoncuckoldom。ThesaidItalian，intoxicatedwithlove，calledtogetherallhispagesandvassals，andpostedtheminsuchamannerthatonthearrivaloftheadvocate，hiswife，andherduenna，itwasstatedtothematallthehostelriesatwhichtheywishedtoputupthatthehostelrybeingfull，inconsequenceofthesojournofthecourt，theymustgoelsewhere。ThenthegentlemanmadesuchanarrangementwiththelandlordoftheSoleilRoyal，thathehadthewholeofthehouse，andoccupied，withoutanyoftheusualservantsoftheplaceremainingthere。Forgreatersecurity，mylordsentthesaidmasterandhispeopleintothecountry，andputhisownintheirplaces，sothattheadvocateshouldknownothingofthisarrangement。Beholdmygoodgentlemanwholodgeshisfriendstocometothecourtinthehostelry，andforhimselfkeepsaroomsituatedabovethoseinwhichheintendstoputhislovelymistress，heradvocate，andtheduenna，notwithoutfirsthavingcutatrapintheboards。Andhisstewardbeingchargedtoplaythepartoftheinnkeeper，hispagesdressedlikeguests，andhisfemaleservantslikeservantsoftheinn，hewaitedforspiestoconveytohimthedramatispersonaeofthisfarce——viz。，wife，husband，andduenna，noneofwhomfailedtocome。Seeingtheimmensewealthofthegreatlords，merchants，warriors，membersoftheservice，andothers，broughtbythesojournoftheyoungking，oftwoqueens，theGuises，andallthecourt，noonehadarighttobeastonishedortotalkoftheroguishtrap，oroftheconfusioncometotheSoleilRoyal。BeholdnowtheSieurAvenelles，onhisarrival，bundledabout，he，hiswifeandtheduennafrominntoinn，andthinkingthemselvesveryfortunateinbeingreceivedattheSoleilRoyal，wherethegallantwasgettingwarm，andlovewasburning。Theadvocate，beinglodged，theloverwalkedaboutthecourtyard，watchingandwaitingforaglancefromthelady；andhedidnothavetowaitverylong，sincethefairAvenelles，lookingsoonintothecourt，afterthecustomoftheladies，thererecognisednotwithoutgreatthrobbingoftheheart，hergallantandwell-belovedgentleman。Atthatshewasveryhappy；andifbyaluckychancebothhadbeenalonetogetherforanounceoftime，thatgoodgentlemanwouldnothavehadtowaitforhisgoodfortune，soburningwasshefromheadtofoot。

“Howwarmitisintheraysofthislord，“saidshe，meaningtosaysun，sinceitwasthenshiningfiercely。

Hearingthis，theadvocatesprangtothewindow，andbeheldmygentleman。

“Ha！youwantlords，mydear，doyou？”saidtheadvocate，draggingherbythearm，andthrowingherlikeoneofhisbagsontothebed。

“RememberthatifIhaveapencaseatmysideinsteadofasword，I

haveapenknifeinthispencase，andthatpenknifewillgointoyourheartontheleastsuspicionofconjugalimpropriety。IbelieveIhaveseenthatgentlemansomewhere。“

Theadvocatewassoterriblyspitefulthattheladyrose，andsaidtohim——

“Well，killme。Iamnotafraidofdeceivingyou。Nevertouchmeagain，afterhavingthusmenacedme。Andfromto-dayIshallneverthinkofsleepingsavewithalovermoregentlethanyouare。“

“There，there，mylittleone！”saidtheadvocate，surprised。“Wehavegonealittletoofar。Kissme，chick-a-biddy，andforgiveme。“

“Iwillneitherkissnorpardonyou，“saidshe“Youareawretch！”

Avenelles，enraged，wishedtotakebyforcethatwhichhiswifedeniedhim，andfromthisresultedacombat，fromwhichthehusbandemergedclawedallover。Buttheworstofitwas，thattheadvocate，coveredwithscratches，beingexpectedbytheconspirators，whowereholdingacouncil，wasobligedtoquithisgoodwife，leavinghertothecareoftheoldwoman。

Theknavehavingdeparted，thegentlemanputtingoneofhisservantstokeepwatchatthecornerofthestreet，mountstohisblessedtrap，liftsitnoiselessly，andcallstheladybyagentlepsit！psit！whichwasunderstoodbytheheart，whichgenerallyunderstandseverything。

Theladyliftsherhead，andseesherprettyloverfourfleajumpsaboveher。Uponasign，shetakesholdoftwocordsofblacksilk，towhichwereattachedloops，throughwhichshepassesherarms，andinthetwinklingofaneyeistranslatedbytwopulleysfromherbedthroughtheceilingintotheroomabove，andthetrapclosingasithasopened，lefttheoldduennainastateofgreatflabbergastation，when，turningherhead，sheneithersawrobenorwoman，andperceivedthatthewomenhadbeenrobbed。How？bywhom？inwhatway？where？——

Presto！Foro！Magico！AsmuchknewthealchemistsattheirfurnacesreadingHerrTrippa。Onlytheoldwomanknewwellthecrucible，andthegreatwork——theonewascuckoldom，andtheothertheprivatepropertyofMadameAdvocate。Sheremaineddumbfounded，watchingfortheSieurAvenelles——aswellsaydeath，forinhisragehewouldattackeverything，andthepoorduennacouldnotrunaway，becausewithgreatprudencethejealousmanhadtakenthekeyswithhim。Atfirstsight，MadameAvenellesfoundadaintysupper，agoodfireinthegrate，butabetterintheheartofherlover，whoseizedher，andkissedher，withtearsofjoy，ontheeyesfirstofall，tothankthemfortheirsweetglancesduringdevotionatthechurchofStJehanenGreve。Nordidtheglowingbetterhalfofthelawyerrefuseherlittlemouthtohislove，butallowedherselftobeproperlypressed，adored，caressed，delightingtobeproperlypressed，admirablyadored，andcalorouslycaressedafterthemannerofeagerlovers。Andbothagreedtobeallinalltoeachotherthewholenightlong，nomatterwhattheresultmightbe，shecountingthefutureasafigincomparisonwiththejoysofthisnight，herelyinguponhiscunningandhisswordtoobtainmanyanother。Inshort，bothofthemcaringlittleforlife，becauseatonestroketheyconsummatedathousandlives，enjoyedwitheachotherathousanddelights，givingtoeachotherthedoubleoftheirown——believing，heandshe，thattheywerefallingintoanabyss，andwishingtorolltherecloselyclasped，hurlingalltheloveoftheirsoulswithrageinonethrow。Thereintheylovedeachotherwell。Thustheyknewnotlove，thepoorcitizens，wholivemechanicallywiththeirgoodwives，sincetheyknownotthefiercebeatingoftheheart，thehotgushoflife，andthevigorousclaspasoftwoyounglovers，closelyunitedandglowingwithpassion，whoembraceinfaceofthedangerofdeath。Nowtheyouthfulladyandthegentlemanatelittlesupper，butretiredearlytorest。Letusleavethemthere，sincenowords，exceptthoseofparadiseunknowntous，woulddescribetheirdelightfulagonies，andagonisingdelights。

Meanwhile，thehusband，sowellcuckoldedthatallmemoryofmarriagehadbeensweptawaybylove，——thesaidAvenellesfoundhimselfinagreatfix。TothecounciloftheHuguenotscamethePrinceofConde，accompaniedbyallthechiefsandbigwigs，andthereitwasresolvedtocarryoffthequeen-mother，theGuises，theyoungking，theyoungqueen，andtochangethegovernment。Thisbecomingserious，theadvocateseeinghisheadatstake，didnotfeeltheornamentsbeingplantedthere，andrantodivulgetheconspiracytothecardinalofLorraine，whotooktheroguetotheduke，hisbrother，andallthreeheldaconsultation，makingfinepromisestotheSieurAvenelles，whomwiththegreatestdifficultytheyallowed，towardsmidnight，todepart，atwhichhourheissuedsecretlyfromthecastle。Atthismomentthepagesofthegentlemanandallhispeoplewerehavingarightjovialsupperinhonourofthefortuitousweddingoftheirmaster。Now，arrivingattheheightofthefestivities，inthemiddleoftheintoxicationandjoyoushuzzahs，hewasassailedwithjeers，jokes，andlaughterthatturnedhimsickwhenhecameintohisroom。

Thepoorservantwishedtospeak，buttheadvocatepromptlyplantedablowinherstomach，andbyagesturecommandedhertobesilent。Thenhefeltinhisvalise，andtooktherefromagoodponiard。Whilehewasopeningandshuttingit，afrank，naive，joyous，amorous，pretty，celestialroaroflaughter，followedbycertainwordsofeasycomprehension，camedownthroughthetrap。Thecunningadvocate，blowingouthiscandle，sawthroughthecracksintheboardscausedbytheshrinkingofthedooralight，whichvaguelyexplainedthemysterytohim，forherecognisedthevoiceofhiswife，andthatofthecombatant。Thehusbandtooktheduennabythearm，andwentsoftlyatthestairssearchingforthedoorofthechamberinwhichwerethelovers，anddidnotfailtofindit。Fancy！thatlikeahorrid，rudeadvocate，heburstopenthedoor，andwithonespringwasonthebed，inwhichhesurprisedhiswife，halfdressed，inthearmsofthegentleman。

“Ah！”saidshe。

Theloverhavingavoidedtheblow，triedtosnatchtheponiardfromthehandsoftheknave，whohelditfirmly。

Now，inthisstruggleoflifeanddeath，thehusbandfindinghimselfhinderedbyhislieutenant，whoclutchedhimtightlywithhisfingersofiron，andbittenbyhiswife，whotoreawayathimwithawill，gnawinghimasadoggnawsabone，hethoughtinstantlyofabetterwaytogratifyhisrage。Thenthedevil，newlyhorned，maliciouslyordered，inhispatois，theservantstotietheloverswiththesilkencordsofthetrap，andthrowingtheponiardaway，hehelpedtheduennatomakethemfast。Andthethingthusdoneinamoment，herammedsomelinenintotheirmouthstostoptheircries，andrantohisgoodponiardwithoutsayingaword。AtthismomentthereenteredseveralofficersoftheDukeofGuise，whomduringthestrugglenoonehadheardturningthehouseupsidedown，lookingfortheSieurAvenelles。

Thesesoldiers，suddenlywarnedbythecriesofthepagesofthelord，bound，gaggedandhalfkilled，threwthemselvesbetweenthemanwiththeponiardandthelovers，disarmedhim，andaccomplishedtheirmissionbyarrestinghim，andmarchinghimofftothecastleprison，he，hiswife，andtheduenna。AtthesametimethepeopleoftheGuises，recognisingoneoftheirmaster\'sfriends，withwhomatthismomentthequeenwasmostanxioustoconsult，andwhomtheywereenjoinedtosummontothecouncil，invitedhimtocomewiththem。Thenthegentlemansoonuntied，dressinghimself，saidasidetothechiefoftheescort，thatonhisaccount，fortheloveforhim，heshouldbecarefultokeepthehusbandawayfromhiswife，promisinghimhisfavour，goodadvancement，andevenafewdeniers，ifhewerecarefultoobeyhimonthispoint。Andforgreatersuretyheexplainedtohimthewhyandthewhereforeoftheaffair，addingthatifthehusbandfoundhimselfwithinreachofthisfairladyhewouldgiveherforcertainablowinthebellyfromwhichshewouldneverrecover。

Finallyheorderedhimtoplacetheladyinthejailofthecastle，inapleasantplacelevelwithgardens，andtheadvocateinasafedungeon，notwithoutchaininghimhandandfoot。Thewhichthesaidofficepromised，andarrangedmattersaccordingtothewishofthegentleman，whoaccompaniedtheladyasfarasthecourtyardofthecastle，assuringherthatthisbusinesswouldmakeherawidow，andthathewouldperhapsespouseherinlegitimatemarriage。Infact，theSieurAvenelleswasthrownintoadampdungeon，withoutair，andhisprettywifeplacedinaroomabovehim，outofconsiderationforherlover，whowastheSieurScipionSardini，anobleofLucca，exceedinglyrich，and，ashasbeenbeforestated，afriendofQueenCatherinedeMedici，whoatthattimedideverythinginconcertwiththeGuises。Thenhewentupquicklytothequeen\'sapartments，whereagreatsecretcouncilwasthenbeingheld，andtheretheItalianlearnedwhatwasgoingon，andthedangerofthecourt。MonseigneurSardinifoundtheprivycounsellorsmuchembarrassedandsurprisedatthisdilemma，buthemadethemallagree，tellingthemtoturnittotheirownadvantage；andtohisadvicewasduethecleverideaoflodgingthekinginthecastleofAmboise，inordertocatchthehereticstherelikefoxesinabag，andtheretoslaythemall。

Indeed，everyoneknowshowthequeen-motherandGuisesdissimulated，andhowtheRiotofAmboiseterminated。Thisisnot，however，thesubjectofthepresentnarrative。Wheninthemorningeveryonehadquittedthechamberofthequeen-mother，whereeverythinghadbeenarranged，MonseigneurSardini，innowayobliviousofhisloveforthefairAvenelles，althoughhewasatthetimedeeplysmittenwiththelovelyLimeuil，agirlbelongingtothequeen-mother，andherrelationbythehouseofLaTourdeTurenne，askedwhythegoodJudashadbeencaged。ThentheCardinalofLorrainetoldhimhisintentionwasnotinanywaytoharmtherogue，butthatfearinghisrepentance，andforgreatersecurityofhissilenceuntiltheendoftheaffair，heputhimoutoftheway，andwouldliberatehimatthepropertime。

“Liberatehim！”saidtheLuccanese。“Never！Puthiminasack，andthrowtheoldblackgownintotheLoire。InthefirstplaceIknowhim；heisnotthemantoforgiveyouhisimprisonment，andwillreturntotheProtestantChurch。ThusthiswillbeaworkpleasanttoGod，toridhimofaheretic。Thennoonewillknowyoursecrets，andnotoneofhisadherentswillthinkofaskingyouwhathasbecomeofhim，becauseheisatraitor。Letmeprocuretheescapeofhiswifeandarrangetherest；Iwilltakeitoffyourhands。“

“Ha，ha！”saidthecardinal；“yougivegoodcouncil。NowIwill，beforedistillingyouradvice，havethembothmoresecurelyguarded。

Hi，there！”

Cameanofficerofpolice，whowasorderedtoletnopersonwhoeverhemightbe，communicatewiththetwoprisoners。ThenthecardinalbeggedSardinitosayathishotelthatthesaidadvocatehaddepartedfromBloistoreturntohiscausesinParis。Themenchargedwiththearrestoftheadvocatehadreceivedaverbalordertotreathimasamanofimportance，sotheyneitherstrippednorrobbedhim。Nowtheadvocatehadkeptthirtygoldcrownsinhispurse，andresolvedtolosethemalltoassurehisvengeance，andprovedbygoodargumentstothejailersthatitwasallowableforhimtoseehiswife，onwhomhedoted，andwhoselegitimateembracehedesired。MonseigneurSardini，fearingforhismistressthedangeroftheproximityofthisredlearnedrogue，andforherhavinggreatfearofcertainevils，determinedtocarryheroffinthenight，andputherinaplaceofsafety。Thenhehiredsomeboatmenandalsotheirboat，placingthemnearthebridge，andorderedthreeofhismostactiveservantstofilethebarsofthecell，seizethelady，andconducthertothewallofthegardenswherehewouldawaither。

Thesepreparationsbeingmade，andgoodfilesbought，heobtainedaninterviewinthemorningwiththequeen-mother，whoseapartmentsweresituatedabovethestrongholdinwhichlaythesaidadvocateandhiswife，believingthatthequeenwouldwillinglylendherselftothisflight。Presentlyhewasreceivedbyher，andbeggedhernottothinkitwrongthat，attheinstigationofthecardinalandoftheDukeofGuise，heshoulddeliverthislady；andbesidesthis，urgedherverystronglytotellthecardinaltothrowthemanintothewater。Towhichthequeensaid“Amen。“Thentheloversentquicklytohisladyaletterinaplateofcucumbers，toadviseherofherapproachingwidowhood，andthehourofflight，withallofwhichwasthefaircitizenwellcontent。Thenatduskthesoldiersofthewatchbeinggotoutofthewaybythequeen，whosentthemtolookatarayofthemoon，whichfrightenedher，beholdtheservantsraisedthegrating，andcaughtthelady，whocamequicklyenough，andwasledthroughthehousetoMonseigneurSardini。

Buttheposternclosed，andtheItalianoutsidewiththelady，beholdtheladythrowasidehermantle，seetheladychangeintoanadvocate，andseemysaidadvocateseizehiscuckolderbythecollar，andhalfstranglehim，dragginghimtowardsthewatertothrowhimtothebottomoftheLoire；andSardinibegantodefendhimself，toshout，andtostruggle，withoutbeingable，inspiteofhisdagger，toshakeoffthisdevilinlongrobes。Thenhewasquiet，fallingintoasloughunderthefeetoftheadvocate，whomherecognisedthroughthemistsofthisdiabolicalcombat，andbythelightofthemoon，hisfacesplashedwiththebloodofhiswife。TheenragedadvocatequittedtheItalian，believinghimtobedead，andalsobecauseservantsarmedwithtorches，camerunningup。Buthehadtojumpintotheboatandpushoffingreathaste。

ThuspoorMadameAvenellesdiedalone，sinceMonseigneurSardini，badlystrangled，wasfound，andrevivedfromthismurder；andlater，aseveryoneknows，marriedthefairLimeuilafterthissweetgirlhadbeenbroughttobedinthequeen\'scabinet——agreatscandal，whichfromfriendshipthequeen-motherwishedtoconceal，andwhichfromgreatloveSardini，towhomCatherinegavethesplendidestateofChaumont-sur-Loire，andalsothecastle，coveredwithmarriage。

Buthehadbeensobrutallyusedbythehusband，thathedidnotmakeoldbones，andthefairLimeuilwasleftawidowinherspringtime。Inspiteofhismisdeedstheadvocatewasnotsearchedafter。Hewascunningenougheventuallytogetincludedinthenumberofthoseconspiratorswhowerenotprosecuted，andreturnedtotheHuguenots，forwhomheworkedhardinGermany。

PoorMadameAvenelles，prayforhersoul！forshewashurlednooneknewwhere，andhadneithertheprayersoftheChurchnorChristianburial。Alas！shedatearforher，yeladiesluckyinyourloves。

THESERMONOFTHEMERRYVICAROFMEUDON

When，forthelasttime，cameMasterFrancisRabelais，tothecourtofKingHenrytheSecondofthename，itwasinthatwinterwhenthewillofnaturecompelledhimtoquitforeverhisfleshlygarb，andliveforeverinhiswritingsresplendentwiththatgoodphilosophytowhichweshallalwaysbeobligedtoreturn。Thegoodmanhad，atthattime，countedasnearlyaspossibleseventyflightsoftheswallow。HisHomericheadwasbutscantilyornamentedwithhair，buthisbeardwasstillperfectinitsflowingmajesty；therewasstillanairofspring-timeinhisquietsmile，andwisdomonhisamplebrow。Hewasafineoldmanaccordingtothestatementofthosewhohadthehappinesstogazeuponhisface，towhichSocratesandAristophanes，formerlyenemies，butthenbecomefriends，contributedtheirfeatures。HearinghislasthourstinklinginhisearshedeterminedtogoandpayhisrespectstothekingofFrance，becausehewashavingjustatthattimearrivedinhiscastleofTournelles，thegoodman\'shousebeingsituatedinthegardensofStPaul，wasnotastone\'sthrowdistantfromthecourt。HesoonfoundhimselfinthepresenceofQueenCatherine，MadameDiana，whomshereceivedfrommotivesofpolicy，theking，theconstable，thecardinalsofLorraineandBellay，MessieursdeGuise，theSieurdeBirague，andotherItalians，whoatthattimestoodwellatcourtinconsequenceoftheking\'sprotection；theadmiral，Montgomery，theofficersofthehousehold，andcertainpoets，suchasMelindeSt。Gelays，Philibertdel\'Orme，andtheSieurBrantome。

Perceivingthegoodman，theking，whoknewhiswit，saidtohim，withasmile，afterashortconversation——

“HastthoueverdeliveredasermontothyparishionersofMeudon？”

MasterRabelais，thinkingthatthekingwasjoking，sincehehadnevertroubledhimselffurtherabouthispostthantocollecttherevenuesaccruingfromit，replied——

“Sire，mylistenersareineveryplace，andmysermonheardthroughoutChristendom。“

Thenglancingatallthecourtiers，who，withtheexceptionofMessieursduBellayandChatillon，consideredhimtobenothingbutalearnedmerry-andrew，whilehewasreallythekingofallwits，andafarbetterkingthanhewhosecrownonlythecourtiersvenerate，therecameintothegoodman\'sheadthemaliciousideatophilosophicallypumpovertheirheads，justasitpleasedGargantuatogivetheParisiansabathfromtheturretsofNotreDame，soheadded——

“Ifyouareinagoodhumour，sire，Icanregaleyouwithacapitallittlesermon，alwaysappropriate，andwhichIhavekeptunderthetympanumofmyleftearinordertodeliveritinafitplace，bywayofanaulicparable。“

“Gentlemen，“saidtheking，“MasterFrancisRabelaishasthefloorofthecourt，andoursalvationisconcernedinhisspeech。Besilent，I

prayyou，andgiveheed；heisfruitfulinevangelicaldrolleries。“

“Sire，“saidthegoodvicar，“Icommence。“

Allthecourtiersbecamesilent，andarrangedthemselvesintoacircle，pliantasosiersbeforethefatherofPantagruelwhounfoldedtothemthefollowingtale，inwordstheillustriouseloquenceofwhichitisimpossibletoequal。Butsincethistalehasonlybeenverballyhandeddowntous，theauthorwillbepardonedifhewriteafterhisownfashion。

“InhisoldageGargantuatooktostrangehabits，whichgreatlyastonishedhishousehold，butthewhichhewasforgivensincehewassevenhundredandfouryearsold，inspiteofthestatementofSt。

ClementofAlexandrainhisStromates，whichmakesoutthatatthistimehewasaquarterofadayless，whichmatterslittletous。Nowthispaternalmaster，seeingthateverythingwasgoingwronginhishouse，andthateveryonewasfleecinghim，conceivedagreatfearthathewouldinhislastmomentsbestrippedofeverything，andresolvedtoinventamoreperfectsystemofmanagementinhisdomains，andhedidwell。InacellarofGargantuanabodehehidawayafineheapofredwheat，besidetwentyjarsofmustardandseveraldelicacies，suchasplumsandTourainianrolls，articlesofadessert，Olivetcheese，goatcheese，andothers，wellknownbetweenLangeaisandLoches，potsofbutter，harepasties，preservedducks，pigs\'

trottersinbran，boatloadsandpotsfullofcrushedpeas，prettylittlepotsofOrleansquincepreserve，hogsheadsoflampreys，measuresofgreensauce，rivergame，suchasfrancolins，teal，sheldrake，heron，andflamingo，allpreservedinsea-salt，driedraisins，tonguessmokedinthemannerinventedbyHappe-Mousche，hiscelebratedancestor，andsweetstuffforGarga-melleonfeastdays；andathousandotherthingswhicharedetailedintherecordsoftheRipuarylawsandincertainfoliosoftheCapitularies，Pragmatics，royalestablishments，ordinancesandinstitutionsoftheperiod。Tobebrief，thegoodman，puttinghisspectaclesonhisnoseorhisnoseinhisspectacles，lookedaboutforafineflyingdragonorunicorntowhomtheguardofthisprecioustreasurecouldbecommitted。Withthisthoughtinhisheadhestrolledaboutthegardens。HedidnotdesireaCoquecigrue，becausetheEgyptianswereafraidofthem，asitappearedintheHieroglyphics。HedismissedtheideaofengagingthelegionsofCaucquemarres，becauseemperorsdislikedthemandalsotheRomansaccordingtothatsulkyfellowTacitus。HerejectedthePechrocholiersincouncilassembled，theMagi，theDruids，thelegionorPapimania，andtheMassorets，whogrewlikequelch-grassandover-ranalltheland，ashehadbeentoldbyhisson，Pantagruel，onhisreturnfromhisjourney。Thegoodmancallingtomindoldstories，hadnoconfidenceinanyrace，andifithadbeenpermissiblewouldhaveimploredtheCreatorforanewone，butnotdaringtotroubleHimaboutsuchtrifles，didnotknowwhomtochoose，andwasthinkingthathiswealthwouldbeagreattroubletohim，whenhemetinhispathaprettylittleshrew-mouseofthenobleraceofshrew-mice，whobearallgulesonanazureground。Bythegods！besurethatitwasasplendidanimal，withthefinesttailofthewholefamily，andwasstruttingaboutinthesunlikeabraveshrew-mouse。ItwasproudofhavingbeeninthisworldsincetheDeluge，accordingtoletters-

patentofindisputablenobility，registeredbytheparliamentoftheuniverse，sinceitappearsfromtheEcumenicalInquiryashrew-mousewasinNoah\'sArk。“HereMasterAlcofribasraisedhiscapslightly，andsaid，reverently，“ItwasNoah，mylords，whoplantedthevine，andfirsthadthehonourofgettingdrunkuponthejuiceofitsfruit。“

“Foritiscertain，“hecontinued，“thatashrew-mousewasinthevesselfromwhichweallcame；butthemenhavemadebadmarriages；

notsothemice，becausetheyaremorejealousoftheircoatofarmsthananyotheranimals，andwouldnotreceiveafield-mouseamongthem，eventhoughhehadtheespecialgiftofbeingabletoconvertgrainsofsandtofinefreshhazelnuts。ThisfinegentlemanlycharactersopleasedthegoodGargantua，thathedecidedtogivethepostofwatchinghisgranariestotheshrew-mouse，withthemostampleofpowers——ofjustice，comittimus，missidominici，clergy，men-at-

arms，andall。Theshrew-mousepromisedfaithfullytoaccomplishhistask，andtodohisdutyasaloyalbeast，onconditionthathelivedonaheapofgrain，whichGargantuathoughtperfectlyfair。Theshrew-

mousebegantocaperaboutinhisdomainashappyasaprincewhoishappy，reconnoiteringhisimmenseempireofmustard，countriesofsugar，provincesofham，duchiesofraisins，countiesofchitterlings，andbaroniesofallsorts，scramblingontotheheapofgrainandfriskinghistailagainsteverything。Tobebrief，everywherewastheshrew-mousereceivedwithhonourbythepots，whichkeptarespectfulsilence，excepttwogoldentankards，whichknockedagainsteachotherlikethebellsofachurchringingatocsin，atwhichhewasmuchpleased，andthankedthem，rightandleft，byanodofthehead，whilepromenadingintheraysofthesun，whichwereilluminatinghisdomain。Thereinsosplendidlydidthebrowncolourofhishairshineforth，thatonewouldhavethoughthimanorthernkinginhissablefurs。Afterhistwists，turns，jumpsandcapers，hemunchedtwograinsofcorn，satupontheheaplikeakinginfullcourt，andfanciedhimselfthemostillustriousofshrew-mice。Atthismomenttheycamefromtheiraccustomedholesthegentlemenofthenight-prowlingcourt，whoscamperwiththeirlittlefeetacrossthefloors；thesegentlemenbeingtherats，mice，andothergnawing，thieving，andcraftyanimals，ofwhomthecitizensandhousewivescomplain。Whentheysawtheshrew-

mousetheytookfright，andallremainedshylyatthethresholdoftheirdens。Amongthesecommonpeople，inspiteofthedanger，oneoldinfidelofthetrotting，nibblingraceofmice，advancedalittle，andputtinghisnoseintheair，hadthecouragetostaremylordshrew-

mousefullintheface，althoughthelatterwasproudlysquatteduponhisrump，withhistailintheair；andhecametotheconclusionthathewasadevil，fromwhomnothingbutscratchesweretobegained。Andfromthesefacts，Gargantua，inorderthatthehighauthorityofhislieutenantmightbeuniversallyknownbyalloftheshrew-mice，cats，weasels，martins，field-mice，mice，rats，andotherbadcharactersofthesamekidney，hadlightlydippedhismuzzle，pointedasalardingpin，inoilofmusk，whichallshrew-micehavesinceinherited，becausethisone，isspiteofthesageadviceofGargantua，rubbedhimselfagainstothersofhisbreed。FromthissprangthetroublesintheMuzaraigniaofwhichIwillgiveyouagoodaccountinanhistoricalbookwhenIgetanopportunity。

“Thenanoldmouse，orrat——therabbisofTalmudhavenotyetagreedconcerningthespecies——perceivingbythisperfumethatthisshrew-

mousewasappointedtoguardthegrainofGargantua，andhadbeensprinkledwithvirtues，investedwithfullpowers，andarmedatallpoints，wasalarmedlestheshouldnolongerbeabletolive，accordingtothecustomofmice，uponthemeats，morsels，crusts，crumbs，leavings，bits，atoms，andfragmentsofthisCanaanofrats。

Inthisdilemmathegoodmouse，artfulasanoldcourtierwhohadlivedundertworegenciesandthreekings，resolvedtotrythemettleoftheshrew-mouse，anddevotehimselftothesalvationofthejawsofhisrace。Thiswouldhavebeenalaudablethinginaman，butitwasfarmoresoinamouse，belongingtoatribewholiveforthemselvesalone，barefacedlyandshamelessly，andinordertogratifythemselveswoulddefileaconsecratedwafer，gnawapriest\'sstolewithoutshame，andwoulddrinkoutofaCommunioncup，caringnothingforGod。Themouseadvancedwithmanyabowandscrape，andtheshrew-mouselethimadvancerathernear——for，totellthetruth，theseanimalsarenaturallyshort-sighted。ThenthisCurtiusofnibblersmadehislittlespeech，notthejargonofcommonmice，butinthepolitelanguageofshrew-mice：——\'Mylord，Ihaveheardwithmuchconcernofyourgloriousfamily，ofwhichIamoneofthemostdevotedslaves。Iknowthelegendofyourancestors，whowerethoughtmuchofbytheancientEgyptians，whoheldthemingreatveneration，andadoredthemlikeothersacredbirds。Nevertheless，yourfurrobeissoroyallyperfumed，anditscolourissosplendiferouslytanned，thatIamdoubtfulifIrecogniseyouasbelongingtothisrace，sinceIhaveneverseenanyofthemsogloriouslyattired。Howeveryouhaveswallowedthegrainaftertheantiquefashion。Yourproboscisisaproboscisofsapience；youhavekickedlikealearnedshrew-mouse；butifyouareatrueshrew-mouse，youshouldhaveinIknownotwhatpartofyourear——Iknownotwhatspecialauditorialchannel，whichIknownot，whatwonderfuldoor，closesIknownothow，andIknownotwithwhatmovements，byyoursecretcommandstogiveyou，Iknownotwhy，licencenottolistentoIknownotwhatthings，whichwouldbedispleasingtoyou，onaccountofthespecialandpeculiarperfectionofyourfacultyofhearingeverything，whichwouldoftenpainyou。“

“\'True，\'saidtheshrew-mouse，\'thedoorhasjustfallen。Ihearnothing！\'

“\'Ah，Isee，\'saidtheoldrogue。

“Andhemadeforthepileofcorn，fromwhichhecommencedtotakehisstoreforthewinter。

“\'Didyouhearanything？\'askedhe。

“\'Ihearthepit-a-patofmyheart。\'

“\'Kouick！\'criedallthemice；\'weshallbeabletohoodwinkhim。\'

“Theshrew-mouse，fancyingthathehadmetwithafaithfulvassal，openedthetrapofhismusicalorifice，andheardthenoiseofthegraingoingtowardsthehole。Then，withouthavingrecoursetoforfeiture，thejusticeofcommissaries，hesprangupontheoldmouseandsqueezedhimtodeath。Gloriousdeath！fortheherodiedinthethickofthegrain，andwascanonisedasamartyr。Theshrew-mousetookhimbytheearsandplacedhimonthedoorthegranary，afterthefashionoftheOttomanPorte，wheremygoodPanurgewaswithinanaceofbeingspitted。Atthecriesofthedyingwretchtherats，mice，andothersmadefortheirholesingreathaste。Whenthenighthadfallentheycametothecellar，convokedforthepurposeofholdingacounciltoconsiderpublicaffairs；towhichmeeting，invirtueofthePapyrianandotherlaws，theirlawfulwiveswereadmitted。Theratswishedtopassbeforethemice，andseriousquarrelsaboutprecedencenearlyspoiledeverything；butabigratgavehisarmtoamouse，andthegafferratsandgammermicebeingpairedoffinthesameway，allweresoonseatedontheirrumps，tailsinair，muzzlesstretched，whiskersstiff，andtheireyesbrilliantasthoseofafalcon。Thencommencedadeliberation，whichfinishedupwithinsultsandaconfusionworthyofanecumenicalcouncilofholyfathers。Onesaidthisandanothersaidthat，andacatpassingbytookfrightandranaway，hearingthesestrangenoises：\'Bou，bou，grou，ou，ou，houic，houic，briff，briffnac，nac，nac，fouix，fouix，trr，trr，trr，trr，za，za，zaaa，brr，brr，raaa，ra，ra，ra，fouix！\'sowellblendedtogetherinababelofsound，thatacouncilattheHoteldeVillecouldnothavemadeagreaterhubbub。Duringthistempestalittlemouse，whowasnotoldenoughtoenterparliament，thrustthroughachinkherinquiringsnout，thehaironwhichwasasdownyasthatofallmice，toodownytobecaught。Asthetumultincreased，bydegreesherbodyfollowedhernose，untilshecametothehoopofacask，againstwhichshesodextrouslysquattedthatshemighthavebeenmistakenforaworkofartcarvedinantiquebas-relief。Liftinghiseyestoheaventoimplorearemedyforthemisfortunesofthestate，anoldratperceivedthisprettymouse，sogentleandshapely，anddeclaredthattheStatemightbesavedbyher。AllthemuzzlesturnedtothisLadyofGoodHelp，becamesilent，andagreedtoletherlooseupontheshrew-mouse，andinspiteoftheangerofcertainenviousmice，shewastriumphantlymarchedaroundthecellar，where，seeingherwalkmincingly，mechanicallymovehertail，shakehercunninglittlehead，twitchherdiaphanousears，andlickwithherlittleredtonguethehairsjustsproutingonhercheeks，theoldratsfellinlovewithherandwaggedtheirwrinkled，white-whiskeredjawswithdelightatthesightofher，asdidformerlytheoldmenofTroy，admiringthelovelyHelen，returningfromherbath。Thenthemaidenwasconductedtothegranary，withinstructionstomakeaconquestoftheshrew-mouse\'sheart，andsavethefineredgrain，asdidformerlythefairHebrew，Esther，forthechosenpeople，withtheEmperorAhasuerus，asiswritteninthemaster-book，forBiblecomesfromtheGreekwordbiblos，asiftosaytheonlybook。Themousepromisedtodeliverthegranaries，forbyaluckychanceshewasthequeenofmice，afair，plump，prettylittlemouse，themostdelicatelittleladythateverscamperedmerrilyacrossthefloors，scratchedbetweenthewalls，andgaveutterancetolittlecriesofjoyatfindingnuts，meal，andcrumbsofbreadinherpath；atruefay，prettyandplayful，withaneyeclearascrystal，alittlehead，sleekskin，amorousbody，rosyfeet，andvelvettail——ahighbornmouseandapolishedspeakerwithanaturalloveofbedandidleness——amerrymouse，morecunningthananoldDoctorofSorbonnefedonparchment，lively，whitebellied，streakedontheback，withsweetmouldedbreasts，pearl-whiteteeth，andofafrankopennature——infact，atrueking\'smorsel。“

Thisportraiturewassobold——themouseappearingtohavebeenthelivingimageofMadameDiana，thenpresent——thatthecourtiersstoodaghast。QueenCatherinesmiled，butthekingwasinnolaughinghumour。ButRabelaiswentonwithoutpayinganyattentiontothewinksoftheCardinalBellayanddeChatillon，whowereterrifiedforthegoodman。

“Theprettymouse，“saidhe，continuing，“didnotbeatlongaboutthebush，andfromthefirstmomentthatshetrottedbeforetheshrew-

mouse，shehadenslavedhimforeverbyhercoquetries，affectations，friskings，provocations，littlerefusals，piercingglances，andwilesofamaidenwhodesiresyetdaresnot，amorousoglings，littlecaresses，preparatorytricks，prideofamousewhoknowshervalue，laughingsandsqueakings，triflingsandotherendearments，feminine，treacherousandcaptivatingways，alltrapswhichareabundantlyusedbythefemalesofallnations。When，aftermanywrigglings，smacksintheface，noselickings，gallantriesofamorousshrew-mice，frowns，sighs，serenades，titbits，suppersanddinnersonthepileofcorn，andotherattentions，thesuperintendentovercamethescruplesofhisbeautifulmistress，hebecametheslaveofthisincestuousandillicitlove，andthemouse，leadingherlordbythesnout，becamequeenofeverything，nibbledhischeese，atethesweets，andforagedeverywhere。Thistheshrew-mousepermittedtotheempressofhisheart，althoughhewasillatease，havingbrokenhisoathmadetoGargantua，andbetrayedtheconfidenceplacedinhim。Pursuingheradvantagewiththepertinacityofawoman，onenighttheywerejokingtogether，themouserememberedthedearoldfellowherfather，anddesiringthatheshouldmakehismealsoffthegrain，shethreatenedtoleaveherlovercoldandlonelyinhisdomainifhedidnotallowhertoindulgeherfilialpiety。Inthetwinklingofamouse\'seyehehadgrantedletterspatent，sealedwithagreenseal，withtagsofcrimsonsilk，tohiswench\'sfather，sothattheGargantuanpalacewasopentohimatallhours，andhewasatlibertyseehisgood，virtuousdaughter，kissherontheforehead，andeathisfill，butalwaysinacorner。Thentherearrivedavenerableoldrat，weighingabouttwenty-

fiveounces，withawhitetail，marchinglikethepresidentofaCourtofJustice，wagginghishead，andfollowedbyfifteenortwentynephews，allwithteethassharpassaws，whodemonstratedtotheshrew-mousebylittlespeechesandquestionsofallkindsthatthey，hisrelations，wouldsoonbeloyallyattachedtohim，andwouldhelphimtocountthethingscommittedtohischarge，arrangeandticketthem，inorderthatwhenGargantuacametovisitthemhewouldfindeverythinginperfectorder。Therewasanairoftruthaboutthesepromises。Thepoorshrew-mousewas，however，inspiteofthisspeech，troubledbyideasfromonhigh，andseriousprickingofshrew-mousianconscience。Seeingthatheturneduphisnoseateverything，wentaboutslowlyandwithacarewornface，onemorningthemousewhowaspregnantbyhim，conceivedtheideaofcalminghisdoubtsandeasinghismindbyaSorbonnicalconsultation，andsentforthedoctorsofhistribe。Duringthedaysheintroducedtohimone，SieurEvegault，whohadjuststeppedoutofacheesewherehelivedinperfectabstinence，anoldconfessorofhighdegree，amerryfellowofgoodappearance，withafineblackskin，firmasarock，andslightlytonsuredontheheadbythepatofacat\'sclaw。Hewasagraverat，withamonasticalpaunch，havingmuchstudiedscientificauthoritiesbynibblingattheirworksinparchments，papers，booksandvolumesofwhichcertainfragmentshadremaineduponhisgreybeard。Inhonourofandgreatreverenceforhisgreatvirtueandwisdom，andhismodestlife，hewasaccompaniedbyablacktroopofblackrats，allbringingwiththemprettylittlemice，theirsweethearts，fornothavingadoptedthecanonsofthecouncilofChesil，itwaslawfulforthemtohaverespectablewomenforconcubines。Thesebeneficedrats，beingarrangedintwolines，youmighthavefanciedthemaprocessionoftheuniversityauthoritiesgoingtoLendit。Andtheyallbegantosniffthevictuals。

“Whentheceremonyofplacingthemallwascomplete，theoldcardinaloftheratslifteduphisvoice，andinagoodrat-latinorationpointedouttotheguardianofthegrainthatnoonebutGodwassuperiortohim；andthattoGodaloneheowedobedience，andheentertainedhimwithmanyfinephrases，stuffedwithevangelicalquotations，todisturbtheprincipalandfoghisflock；infact，fineargumentinterlardedwithmuchsoundsense。Thediscoursefinishedwithaperorationfullofhighsoundingwordsinhonourofshrew-mice，amongwhomhishearerwasthemostillustriousandbestbeneaththesun；andthisorationconsiderablybewilderedthekeeperofthegranary。

“Thisgoodgentleman\'sheadwasthoroughlyturned，andheinstalledthisfinespeakingratandhistribeinhismanor，wherenightanddayhispraisesandlittlesongsinhishonourweresung，notforgettinghislady，whoselittlepawwaskissedandlittletailwassniffedatbyall。Finally，themistress，knowingthatcertainyoungratswerestillfasting，determinedtofinishherwork。Thenshekissedherlordtenderly，loadinghimwithlove，andperformingthoselittleendearinganticsofwhichonealonewassufficienttosendabeasttoperdition；

andsaidtotheshrew-mousethathewastedtheprecioustimeduetotheirlovebytravellingabout，thathewasalwaysgoinghereorthere，andthatsheneverhadherpropershareofhim；thatwhenshewantedhissociety，hewasontheleadschasingthecats，andthatshewishedhimalwaystobereadytoherhandlikealance，andkindasabird。Theninhergreatgriefshetoreoutagreyhair，declaringherself，weepingly，tobethemostwretchedlittlemouseintheworld。

Theshrew-mousepointedouttoherthatshewasthemistressofeverything，andwishedtoresist，butaftertheladyhadshedatorrentoftearsheimploredatruceandconsideredherrequest。Theninstantlydryinghertears，andgivinghimherpawtokiss，sheadvisedhimtoarmsomesoldiers，trustyandtriedrats，oldwarriors，whowouldgotheroundstokeepwatch。Everythingwasthuswiselyarranged。Theshrew-mousehadtherestofthedaytodance，play，andamusehimself，listentotheroundelaysandballadswhichthepoetscomposedinhishonour，playtheluteandthemandore，makeacrostics，eat，drinkandbemerry。Onedayhismistresshavingjustrisenfromherconfinement，afterhavinggivenbirthtothesweetestlittlemouse-sorexorsorex-mouse，Iknownotwhatnamewasgiventothismongrelfoodoflove，whomyoumaybesure，thegentlemeninthelongrobewouldmanagetolegitimise“(theconstableofMontmorency，whohadmarriedhissontoalegitimisedbastardoftheking\'s，hereputhishandtohisswordandclutchedthehandlefiercely)，“agrandfeastwasgiveninthegranaries，towhichnocourtfestivalorgalacouldbecompared，noteventhatoftheFieldoftheClothofGold。Ineverycornermiceweremakingmerry。Everywherethereweredances，concerts，banquets，sarabands，music，joyoussongs，andepithalamia。

Theratshadbrokenopenthepots，anduncoveredthejars，lappedthegallipots，andunpackedthestores。Themustardwasstrewnovertheplace，thehamsweremangledandthecornscattered。Everythingwasrolling，tumbling，andfallingaboutthefloor，andthelittleratsdabbledinpuddlesofgreensauce，themicenavigatedoceansofsweetmeats，andtheoldfolkscarriedoffthepasties。Thereweremiceastridesalttongues。Field-micewereswimminginthepots，andthemostcunningofthemwerecarryingthecornintotheirprivateholes，profitingbytheconfusiontomakeampleprovisionforthemselves。NoonepassedthequinceconfectionofOrleanswithoutsalutingitwithonenibble，andoftenerwithtwo。ItwaslikeaRomancarnival。Inshort，anyonewithasharpearmighthaveheardthefrizzlingfrying-

pans，thecriesandclamoursofthekitchens，thecracklingoftheirfurnaces，thenoiseoftheturnspits，thecreakingofbaskets，thehasteoftheconfectioners，theclickofthemeat-jacks，andthenoiseofthelittlefeetscamperingthickashailoverthefloor。Itwasabustlingwedding-feast，wherepeoplecomeandgo，footmen，stablemen，cooks，musicians，buffoons，whereeveryonepayscomplimentsandmakesanoise。Inshort，sogreatwasthedelightthattheykeptupageneralwaggingoftheheadtocelebratethiseventfulnight。Butsuddenlytherewasheardthehorriblefoot-fallofGargantua，whowasascendingthestairsofhishousetovisitthegranaries，andmadetheplanks，thebeams，andeverythingelsetremble。Certainoldratsaskedeachotherwhatmightmeanthisseignorialfootstep，withwhichtheywereunacquainted，andsomeofthemdecamped，andtheydidwell，forthelordandmasterenteredsuddenly。Perceivingtheconfusionthesegentlemanhadmade，seeinghispreserveseaten，hismustardunpacked，andeverythingdirtiedandscratchedabout，heputhisfeetupontheselivelyverminwithoutgivingthemtimetosqueak，andthusspoiledtheirbestclothes，satins，pearls，velvets，andrubbish，andupsetthefeast。“

“Andwhatbecameoftheshrew-mouse？”saidtheking，wakingfromhisreverie。

“Ah，sire！”repliedRabelais，“hereinweseetheinjusticeoftheGargantuantribe。Hewasputtodeath，butbeingagentlemanhewasbeheaded。Thatwasilldone，forhehadbeenbetrayed。“

“Yougoratherfar，mygoodman，“saidtheking。

“Nosire，“repliedRabelais，“butratherhigh。Haveyounotsunkthecrownbeneaththepulpit？Youaskedmeforasermon；Ihavegivenyouonewhichisgospel。“

“Myfinevicar，“saidMadameDiana，inhisear，“supposeIwerespiteful？”

“Madame，“saidRabelais，“wasitnotwellthenofmetowarntheking，yourmaster，againstthequeen\'sItalians，whoareasplentifulhereascockchafers？”

“Poorpreacher，“saidCardinalOdet，inhisear，“gotoanothercountry。“

“Ah！monsieur，“repliedtheoldfellow，“erelongIshallbeinanotherland。“

“God\'struth！Mr。Scribbler，“saidtheconstable(whoseson，aseveryoneknows，hadtreacherouslydesertedMademoiselledePiennes，towhomhewasbetrothed，toespouseDianaofFrance，daughterofthemistressofcertainhighpersonagesandoftheking)，“whomadetheesoboldastoslanderpersonsofquality？Ah，wretchedpoet，youliketoraiseyourselfhigh；wellthen，Ipromisetoputyouinagoodhighplace。“

“Weshallallgothere，mylordconstable，“repliedtheoldman：“butifyouarefriendlytothestateandtothekingyouwillthankmeforhavingwarnedhimagainstthehordesofLorraine，whoareevilsthatwilldevoureverything。“

“Mygoodman，“whisperedCardinalCharlesofLorraine，“ifyouneedafewgoldcrownstopublishyourfifthbookofPantagruelyoucancometomeforthem，becauseyouhaveputthecaseclearlytotheenemy，whohasbewitchedtheking，andalsotoherpack。“

“Well，gentlemen，“saidtheking，“whatdoyouthinkofthesermon？”

“Sire，“saidMellindeSaint-Gelais，seeingthatallwerewellpleased，“IhadneverheardabetterPantagruelianprognostication。

MuchdoweowetohimwhomadetheseleonineversesintheAbbeyofTheleme：——

\'“Cyvousentrez，quilesaintEvangileEnsensagileannoncez，quoyqu\'ongronde，Ceansaurezunerefugeetbastile，Contrel\'hostileerreurquitantpostilleParsonfauxstyleempoisonnerlemonde。\'“

[\'“ShouldyewhoenterhereprofessinjubilationOurgospelofelation，thensufferdoltstocurse！

Hererefugeshallyefind，andsurecircumvallationAgainsttheprotestationofthosewhosedelectationBringsfalseabominationtoblighttheuniverse。\'“]

Allthecourtiershavingapplaudedtheircompanion，eachonecomplimentedRabelais，whotookhisdepartureaccompaniedwithgreathonourbytheking\'spages，who，byexpresscommandheldtorchesbeforehim。

SomepersonshavechargedFrancisRabelais，theimperialhonourofourland，withspitefultricksandapishpranks，unworthyofhisHomericphilosophy，ofthisprinceofwisdomofthisfatherlycentre，fromwhichhaveissuedsincetherisingofhissubterraneanlightagoodnumberofmarvellousworks。Outuponthosewhowoulddefilethisdivinehead！Alltheirlifelongmaytheyfindgritbetweentheirteeth，thosewhohaveignoredhisgoodandmoderatenourishment。

Deardrinkerofpurewater，faithfulservantormonachalabstinence，wisestofwisemen，howwouldthysidesachewithlaughter，howwouldstthouchuckle，ifthoucouldstcomeagainforalittlewhiletoChinon，andreadtheidioticmouthings，andthemaniacalbabbleofthefoolswhohaveinterpreted，commentated，torn，disgraced，misunderstood，betrayed，defiled，adulteratedandmeddledwiththypeerlessbook。AsmanydogsasPanurgefoundbusywithhislady\'srobeatchurch，somanytwo-leggedacademicpuppieshavebusiedthemselveswithbefoulingthehighmarblepyramidinwhichiscementedforevertheseedofallfantasticandcomicinventions，besidesmagnificentinstructioninallthings。Althoughrarearethepilgrimswhohavethebreathtofollowthybarkinitssublimeperegrinationthroughtheoceanofideas，methods，varieties，religions，wisdom，andhumantrickeries，atleasttheirworshipisunalloyed，pure，andunadulterated，andthineomnipotence，omniscience，andomni-languagearebythembravelyrecognised。ThereforehasapoorsonofourmerryTouraineherebeenanxious，howeverunworthily，todotheehomagebymagnifyingthineimage，andglorifyingtheworksofeternalmemory，socherishedbythosewholovetheconcentrativeworkswhereintheuniversalmoraliscontained，whereinarefound，pressedlikesardinesintheirboxes，philosophicalideasoneverysubject，science，artandeloquence，aswellastheatricalmummeries。

THESUCCUBUS

PrologueAnumberofpersonsofthenoblecountryofTouraine，considerablyedifiedbythewarmsearchwhichtheauthorismakingintotheantiquities，adventures，goodjokes，andprettytalesofthatblessedland，andbelievingforcertainthatheshouldknoweverything，haveaskedhim(afterdrinkingwithhimofcourseunderstood)，ifhehaddiscoveredtheetymologicalreason，concerningwhichalltheladiesofthetownaresocurious，andfromwhichacertainstreetinToursiscalledtheRueChaude。Byhimitwasreplied，thathewasmuchastonishedtoseethattheancientinhabitantshadforgottenthegreatnumberofconventssituatedinthisstreet，wheretheseverecontinenceofthemonksandnunsmighthavecausedthewallstobemadesohotthatsomewomanofpositionshouldincreaseinsizefromwalkingtooslowlyalongthemtovespers。Atroublesomefellow，wishingtoappearlearned，declaredthatformerlyallthescandalmongersoftheneighbourhoodwerewonttomeetinthisplace。

Anotherentangledhimselfintheminutesuffragesofscience，andpouredforthgoldenwordswithoutbeingunderstood，qualifyingwords，harmonisingthemelodiesoftheancientandmodern，congregatingcustoms，distillingverbs，alchemisingalllanguagessincetheDeluge，oftheHebrew，Chaldeans，Egyptians，Greeks，Latins，andofTurnus，theancientfounderofTours；andthegoodmanfinishedbydeclaringthatchaudeorchauldewiththeexceptionoftheHandtheL，camefromCauda，andthattherewasatailintheaffair，buttheladiesonlyunderstoodtheendofit。Anoldmanobservedthatinthissameplacewasformerlyasourceofthermalwater，ofwhichhisgreatgreatgrandfatherhaddrunk。Inshort，inlesstimethanittakesaflytoembraceitssweetheart，therehadbeenapocketfulofetymologies，inwhichthetruthofthematterhadbeenlesseasilyfoundthanalouseinthefilthybeardofaCapuchinfriar。Butamanwelllearnedandwellinformed，throughhavinglefthisfootprintinmanymonasteries，consumedmuchmidnightoil，andmanuredhisbrainwithmanyavolume——

himselfmoreencumberedwithpieces，dypticfragments，boxes，charters，andregistersconcerningthehistoryofTourainethanisagleanerwithstalksofstrawinthemonthofAugust——thisman，old，infirm，andgouty，whohadbeendrinkinginhiscornerwithoutsayingaword，smiledthesmileofawisemanandknittedhisbrows，thesaidsmilefinallyresolvingitselfintoapish！wellarticulated，whichtheAuthorheardandunderstoodittobebigwithanadventurehistoricallygood，thedelightsofwhichhewouldbeabletounfoldinthissweetcollection。

Tobebrief，onthemorrowthisgoutyoldfellowsaidtohim，“Byyourpoem，whichiscalled\'TheVenialSin，\'youhaveforevergainedmyesteem，becauseeverythingthereinistruefromheadtofoot——whichI

believetobeaprecioussuperabundanceinsuchmatters。ButdoubtlessyoudonotknowwhatbecameoftheMoorplacedinreligionbythesaidknight，BruyndelaRoche-Corbon。Iknowverywell。Nowifthisetymologyofthestreetharassyou，andalsotheEgyptiannun，Iwilllendyouacuriousandantiqueparchment，foundbymeintheOlimoftheepiscopalpalace，ofwhichthelibrarieswerealittleknockedaboutataperiodwhennoneofusknewifhewouldhavethepleasureofhishead\'ssocietyonthemorrow。Nowwillnotthisyieldyouaperfectcontentment？”

“Good！”saidtheauthor。

Thenthisworthycollectoroftruthsgavecertainrareanddustyparchmentstotheauthor，thewhichhehas，notwithoutgreatlabour，translatedintoFrench，andwhichwerefragmentsofamostancientecclesiasticalprocess。Hehasbelievedthatnothingwouldbemoreamusingthantheactualresurrectionofthisantiqueaffair，whereinshinesforththeilliteratesimplicityofthegoodoldtimes。Now，then，giveear。Thisistheorderinwhichwerethemanuscripts，ofwhichtheauthorhasmadeuseinhisownfashion，becausethelanguagewasdevilishlydifficult。

I

WHATTHESUCCUBUSWAS。

/InnominePatris，etFilii，etSpiritusSancti。Amen。/

IntheyearofourLord，onethousandtwohundredandseventy-one，beforeme，HieromeCornille，grandinquisitorandecclesiasticaljudge(theretocommissionedbythemembersofthechapterofSaintMaurice，thecathedralofTours，havingofthisdeliberatedinthepresenceofourLordJeandeMontsoreau，archbishop——namely，thegrievancesandcomplaintsoftheinhabitantsofthesaidtown，whoserequestisheresubjoined)，haveappearedcertainnoblemen，citizens，andinhabitantsofthediocese，whohavestatedthefollowingfactsconcerningademonsuspectedofhavingtakenthefeaturesofawoman，whohasmuchafflictedthemindsofthediocese，andisatpresentaprisonerinthejailofthechapter；andinordertoarriveatthetruthofthesaidchargewehaveopenedthepresentcourt，thisMonday，theeleventhdayofDecember，aftermass，tocommunicatetheevidenceofeachwitnesstothesaiddemon，tointerrogateheruponthesaidcrimestoherimputed，andtojudgeheraccordingtothelawsenforced/contrademonios/。

Inthisinquiryhasassistedmetowritetheevidencethereingiven，GuillaumeTournebouche，rubricanofthechapter，alearnedman。

FirstlyhascomebeforeusoneJehan，surnamedTortebras，acitizenofTours，keepingbylicencethehostelryofLaCigoyne，situatedonthePlaceduPont，andwhohasswornbythesalvationofhissoul，hishandupontheholyEvangelists，tostatenootherthingthanthatwhichbyhimselfhathbeenseenandheard。

Hehathstatedasherefolloweth：——

“IdeclarethatabouttwoyearsbeforethefeastofSt。Jehan，uponwhicharethegrandilluminations，agentleman，atfirstunknowntome，butbelongingwithoutdoubttoourlordtheKing，andatthattimereturnedtoourcountryfromtheHolyLand，cametomewiththepropositionthatIshouldlettohimatrentalacertaincountry-housebymebuilt，inthequitrentofthechapteroveragainsttheplacecalledofSt。Etienne，andthewhichIlettohimfornineyears，fortheconsiderationofthreebesansoffinegold。Inthesaidhousewasplacedbythesaidknightafairwenchhavingtheappearanceofawoman，dressedinthestrangefashionoftheSaracensMohammedans，whomhewouldallowbynonetobeseenortobeapproachedwithinabow-shot，butwhomIhaveseenwithmineowneyes，weirdfeathersuponherhead，andeyessoflamingthatIcannotadequatelydescribethem，andfromwhichgleamedforthafireofhell。Thedefunctknighthavingthreatenedwithdeathwhoevershouldappeartospyaboutthesaidhouse，Ihavebyreasonofgreatfearleftthesaidhouse，andIhaveuntilthisdaysecretlykepttomymindcertainpresumptionsanddoubtsconcerningthebadappearanceofthesaidforeigner，whowasmorestrangethananywoman，herequalnothavingasyetbymebeenseen。

“Manypersonsofallconditionshavingatthetimebelievedthesaidknighttobedead，butkeptuponhisfeetbyvirtueofthesaidcharms，philters，spells，anddiabolicalsorceriesofthisseemingwoman，whowishedtosettleinourcountry，IdeclarethatIhavealwaysseenthesaidknightsoghastlypalethatIcanonlycomparehisfacetothewaxofaPaschalcandle，andtotheknowledgeofallthepeopleofthehostelryofLaCigoyne，thisknightwasinterredninedaysafterhisfirstcoming。Accordingtothestatementofhisgroom，thedefuncthadbeenchalorouslycoupledwiththesaidMoorishwomanduringsevenwholedaysshutupinmyhouse，withoutcomingoutfromher，thewhichIheardhimhorriblyavowuponhisdeathbed。

Certainpersonsatthepresenttimehaveaccusedthisshe-devilofholdingthesaidgentlemaninherclutchesbyherlonghair，thewhichwasfurnishedwithcertainwarmpropertiesbymeansofwhicharecommunicatedtoChristianstheflamesofhellintheformoflove，whichworkinthemuntiltheirsoulsarebythismeansdrawnfromtheirbodiesandpossessedbySatan。ButIdeclarethatIhaveseennothingofthisexceptingthesaiddeadknight，bowelless，emaciated，wishing，inspiteofhisconfessor，stilltogotothiswench；andthenhehasbeenrecognisedasthelorddeBueil，whowasacrusader，andwhowas，accordingtocertainpersonsofthetown，underthespellofademonwhomhehadmetintheAsiaticcountryofDamascusorelsewhere。

“AfterwardsIhaveletmyhousetothesaidunknownlady，accordingtotheclausesofthedeedoflease。ThesaidlordofBueil，beingdefunct，Ihadneverthelessbeenintomyhouseinordertolearnfromthesaidforeignwomanifshewishedtoremaininmydwelling，andaftergreattroublewasledbeforeherbyastrange，half-nakedblackman，whoseeyeswerewhite。

“ThenIhaveseenthesaidMoorishwomaninalittleroom，shiningwithgoldandjewels，lightedwithstrangelights，uponanAsiaticcarpet，whereshewasseated，lightlyattired，withanothergentleman，whowasthereimperilinghissoul；andIhadnottheheartboldenoughtolookuponher，seeingthathereyeswouldhaveincitedmeimmediatelytoyieldmyselfuptoher，foralreadyhervoicethrilledintomyverybelly，filledmybrain，anddebauchedmymind。Findingthis，fromthefearofGod，andalsoofhell，Ihavedepartedwithswiftfeet，leavingmyhousetoheraslongasshelikedtoretainit，sodangerouswasittobeholdthatMoorishcomplexionfromwhichradiateddiabolicalheats，besidesafootsmallerthanitwaslawfulinarealwomantopossess；andtohearhervoice，whichpiercedintoone\'sheart！AndfromthatdayIhavelackedthecouragetoentermyhousefromgreatfearoffallingintohell。Ihavesaidmysay。“

TothesaidTortebraswehavethenshownanAbyssinian，NubianorEthiopian，who，blackfromheadtofoot，hadbeenfoundwantingincertainvirilepropertieswithwhichallgoodChristiansareusuallyfurnished，who，havingperseveredinhissilence，afterhavingbeentormentedandtorturedmanytimes，notwithoutmuchmoaning，haspersistedinbeingunabletospeakthelanguageofourcountry。AndthesaidTortebrashasrecognisedthesaidAbysshereticashavingbeeninhishouseincompanywiththesaiddemoniacalspirit，andissuspectedofhavinglenthisaidtohersorcery。

AndthesaidTortebrashasconfessedhisgreatfaithintheCatholicreligion，anddeclarednootherthingstobewithinhisknowledgesavecertainrumourswhichwereknowntoeveryone，ofwhichhehadbeeninnowayawitnessexceptinthehearingofthem。

Inobediencetothecitationsserveduponhim，hasappearedthen，Matthew，surnameCognefestu，aday-labourerofSt。Etienne，whom，afterhavingswornbytheholyEvangeliststospeakthetruth，hasconfessedtousalwaystohaveseenabrightlightinthedwellingofthesaidforeignwoman，andheardmuchwildanddiabolicallaughteronthedaysandnightsoffeastsandfasts，notablyduringthedaysoftheholyandChristmasweeks，asifagreatnumberofpeoplewereinthehouse。Andhehassworntohaveseenbythewindowsofthesaiddwellings，greenbudsofallkindsinthewinter，growingasifbymagic，especiallyrosesinatimeoffrost，andotherthingsforwhichtherewasaneedofagreatheat；butofthishewasinnowayastonished，seeingthatthesaidforeignerthrewoutsomuchheatthatwhenshewalkedintheeveningbythesideofhiswallhefoundonthemorrowhissaladgrown；andoncertainoccasionsshehadbythetouchingofherpetticoats，causedthetreestoputforthleavesandhastenthebuds。Finally，thesaid，Cognefestuhasdeclaredtoustoknownomore，becauseheworkedfromearlymorning，andwenttobedatthesamehourasthefowls。

AfterwardsthewifeoftheaforesaidCognefestuhasbyusbeenrequiredtostatealsouponoaththethingscometohercognisanceinthisprocess，andhasavowednaughtsavepraisesofthesaidforeigner，becausesincehercominghermanhadtreatedherbetterinconsequenceoftheneighbourhoodofthisgoodlady，whofilledtheairwithlove，asthesundidlight，andotherincongruousnonsense，whichwehavenotcommittedtowriting。

TothesaidCognefestuandtohiswifewehaveshownthesaidunknownAfrican，whohasbeenseenbytheminthegardensofthehouse，andisstatedbythemforcertaintobelongtothesaiddemon。Inthethirdplace，hasadvancedHarduinV。，lordofMaille，whobeingbyusreverentiallybeggedtoenlightenthereligionofthechurch，hasexpressedhiswillingnesssotodo，andhas，moreover，engagedhisword，asagallantknight，tosaynootherthingthanthatwhichhehasseen。ThenhehastestifiedtohaveknowninthearmyoftheCrusadesthedemoninquestion，andinthetownofDamascustohaveseentheknightofBueil，sincedefunct，fightatclosequarterstobehersolepossessor。Theabove-mentionedwench，ordemon，belongedatthattimetotheknightGeoffroyIV。，LordofRoche-Pozay，bywhomshewassaidtohavebeenbroughtfromTouraine，althoughshewasaSaracen；concerningwhichtheknightsofFrancemarvelledmuch，aswellasatherbeauty，whichmadeagreatnoiseandathousandscandalousravagesinthecamp。Duringthevoyagethiswenchwasthecauseofmanydeaths，seeingthatRoche-PozayhadalreadydiscomfitedcertainCrusaders，whowishedtokeephertothemselves，becausesheshed，accordingtocertainknightspettedbyherinsecret，joysaroundhercomparabletononeothers。ButintheendtheknightofBueil，havingkilledGeoffroydelaRoche-Pozay，becamelordandmasterofthisyoungmurderess，andplacedherinaconvent，orharem，accordingtotheSaracencustom。Aboutthistimeoneusedtoseeherandhearherchatteringasentertainmentmanyforeigndialects，suchastheGreekortheLatinempire，Moorish，and，aboveall，FrenchbetterthananyofthosewhoknewthelanguageofFrancebestintheChristianhost，fromwhichsprangthebeliefthatshewasdemoniacal。

ThesaidknightHarduinhasconfessedtousnottohavetiltedforherintheHolyLand，notfromfear，coldnessorothercause，somuchasthathebelievedthetimehadarrivedforhimtobearawayaportionofthetruecross，andalsohehadbelongingtohimanobleladyoftheGreekcountry，whosavedhimfromthisdangerindenudinghimoflove，morningandnight，seeingthatshetookallofitsubstantiallyfromhim，leavinghimnoneinhisheartorelsewhereforothers。

AndthesaidknighthasassuredusthatthewomanlivinginthecountryhouseofTortebras，wasreallythesaidSaracenwoman，comeintothecountryfromSyria，becausehehadbeeninvitedtoamidnightfeastatherhousebytheyoungLordofCroixmare，whoexpiredtheseventhdayafterwards，accordingtothestatementoftheDamedeCroixmare，hismother，ruinedallpointsbythesaidwench，whosecommercewithhimhadconsumedhisvitalspirit，andwhosestrangephantasieshadsquanderedhisfortune。

Afterwardsquestionedinhisqualityofamanfullofprudence，wisdomandauthorityinthiscountry，upontheideasentertainedconcerningthesaidwoman，andsummonedbyustoopenhisconscience，seeingthatitwasaquestionofamostabominablecaseofChristianfaithanddivinejustice，answerhasbeenmadebythesaidknight：——

ThatbycertainofthehostofCrusadersithasbeenstatedtohimthatalwaysthisshe-devilwasamaidtohimwhoembracedher，andthatMammonwasforcertainoccupiedinher，makingforheranewvirtueforeachofherlovers，andathousandotherfoolishsayingsofdrunkenmen，whichwerenotofanaturetoformafifthgospel。Butforafact，he，anoldknightonthatturnoflife，andknowingnothingmoreoftheaforesaid，felthimselfagainayoungmaninthatlastsupperwithwhichhehadbeenregaledbythelordofCroixmare；

thenthevoiceofthisdemonwentstraighttohisheartbeforeflowingintohisears，andhadawakenedsogreataloveinhisbodythathislifewasebbingfromtheplacewhenceitshouldflow，andthateventually，butfortheassistanceofCypruswine，whichhehaddrunktoblindhissight，andhisgettingunderthetableinordernolongertogazeuponthefieryeyesofhisdiabolicalhostess，andnottorendhisheartfromher，withoutdoubthewouldhavefoughttheyoungCroixmare，inordertoenjoyforasinglemomentthissupernaturalwoman。Sincethenhehadhadabsolutionfromhisconfessorforthewickedthought。Then，byadvicefromonhigh，hehadcarriedbacktohishousehisportionofthetrueCross，andhadremainedinhisownmanor，where，inspiteofhisChristianprecautions，thesaidvoicestillatcertaintimestickledhisbrain，andinthemorningoftenhadheinremembrancethisdemon，warmasbrimstone；andbecausethelookofthiswenchwassowarmthatitmadehimburnlikeayoungman，behalfdead，andbecauseitcosthimthenmanytransshipmentsofthevitalspirit，thesaidknighthasrequestedusnottoconfronthimwiththeempressoflovetowhom，ifitwerenotthedevil，GodtheFatherhadgrantedstrangelibertieswiththemindsofmen。