Short Fiction · Chapter
The False Rhyme explained
On a rainy July day, Queen Margaret of Navarre challenges her brother King Francis I after finding his cynical couplet about women's inconstancy.
What happens
On a rainy July day, Queen Margaret of Navarre challenges her brother King Francis I after finding his cynical couplet about women's inconstancy. She bets she can prove a woman's fidelity within a month, citing the case of Emilie de Lagny, who disappeared after her husband's imprisonment. As the deadline approaches, the jailor brings a message from the imprisoned Sire de Lagny. The king, in good humor after a military victory, agrees to see the prisoner. The prisoner reveals herself to be Emilie, who had exchanged places with her husband to save him. She explains that her husband, disguised as her page, escaped, joined the army, and delivered the victory dispatches. Francis pardons de Lagny, breaks the window with the false rhyme, and celebrates the triumph of women's fidelity.
Themes in this chapter
Gender and Sacrifice
Emilie de Lagny's self-sacrifice—taking her husband's place in prison and enduring privation—challenges gender expectations and proves women's fidelity.
Love and Loss
The tale centers on Emilie's love for her husband, her apparent loss, and her ultimate reunion through a daring act of devotion.
Political Conflict and Exile
The Sire de Lagny's imprisonment for alleged treason and Emilie's secret journey reflect the political turmoil and exile of the period.
Characters to notice
- Francis
King Francis I of France, melancholy from a lover's quarrel, writes a cynical couplet about women's inconstancy on his window.
- Queen Margaret
Queen Margaret of Navarre, visiting her brother, challenges his cynical view and bets she can prove a woman's fidelity.
- Emilie de Lagny
Emilie, formerly a maid of honor, sacrifices herself by taking her husband's place in prison to prove his innocence and her fidelity.
Key passages
“Souvent femme varie, Bien fou qui s'y fie!”
Women are often fickle; only a fool trusts them.
King Francis's cynical couplet about women's inconstancy, written on his window.
“Souvent homme varie, Bien folle qui s'y fie?”
Men are often fickle; only a fool trusts them.
Queen Margaret's playful retort, turning the accusation back on men.
“We have treason here! ... Sir jailor, where is your prisoner!”
This is treason! Jailor, where is the real prisoner?
King Francis's shocked exclamation when the prisoner reveals herself as Emilie, not her husband.