Page:Margaret of Angoulême, Queen of Navarre (Robinson 1886).djvu/187

172 a gift, but the heart that gives it. It may be this good woman had more love for God than those who give him their great torches, for, as the Scripture says, she hath cast in of her need, even all her substance."

"Yet I will not believe," said Saffredant, "that God, Who is sovereign wisdom, can take pleasure in the foolishness of women; for, let simplicity please Him as it will, I see in the Scripture He makes no account of the ignorant; and, if He commands us to be simple as the dove, He commands no less the wisdom of the serpent."

"As for me," said Oisille, "I esteem her not ignorant who carries to God her candle or lighted taper, carrying it as one who recants her sin, kneeling on the ground, torch in hand, before her Sovereign Saviour, to Whom, confessing her damnation, she appeals in a sure hope for mercy and salvation."

"Would to God," said Dagoucin, "that everyone understood the matter as well as you! But I believe these poor simpletons have no such meaning in their deeds."

Oisille answered him, "Those who least know how to tell it are often these who feel the must the Love of God and of His Will; wherefore we should judge no one but ourself."

Émarsuitte, in laughing, added, "It is not so strange a thing to have frighted a sleeping clown; for women as low-born as she have made great princes afraid, and without setting fire to their foreheads."

"I am sure," said Dagoucin, "that you know some story you will tell us; wherefore you will take my place, if you please."

"The story will not be long," said Émarsuitte;