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OF CONFIDENCE IN WOMEN.
TALE XLIV.
OF CONFIDENCE IN WOMEN.
A certain noble knight had grievously offended a king whose vassal he was. He sent messengers to the monarch to intercede for him, and they obtained his pardon, but on condition that he should enter the senate-house on foot and on horseback at the same time—that is, half walking, half riding. Moreover, he was to bring with him his most attached friend, the best joculator or jester (28), and his most deadly foe. The knight, exceedingly distressed, reflected how these strange conditions were to be fulfilled. One night, as he exercised the hospitality of his mansion towards a pilgrim, he said privately to his wife, "I know those pilgrims often
