"Unless we have some amusing and virtuous way of occupying ourselves, we run the risk of [falling] sick" (Prelude, pg. 66.)

"However, you must bear in mind that we have not yet become so mortified in the flesh that we are not in need of some sort of amusement and physical exercise in order to pass the time" (Prelude, pg. 67.)

"Together with Monseigneur the Dauphin the ladies promised to produce ten stories each, and to get together a party of ten people who were qualified to contribute something, excluding those who studied and were men of letters" (Prelude, pg. 68.)

"There we can sit and rest, and each of us will tell a story which he has either witnessed himself, or which he has heard from somebody worthy of belief" (Prelude, pg. 69.)

"I think you'll agree that ever since Eve made Adam sin, women have taken it upon themselves to...