65 not by their chastity but by their extensive experience. Adultery, for them, is considered a vice and a sin, not a grave offense, especially for the unmarried. Thus, their women were a testament to the saying of some wise men: "Do not be lenient with a woman, nor trust in her wealth, however abundant." Another said, "Women are the snares of Satan." And a poet said: "Be patient with your wife, and do not be impatient. If she leaves, she will surely leave. If she gives you honey, she will soften for another suitor. And if she is created such that her vows cannot be broken, then the one with the soft hand is not to blame." In summary, this city, like other great cities of France and the Frankish lands, is filled with many vices, innovations, and deviations. Although the city of Paris is considered the wisest in all the world, a land of practical sciences, and the Athens of France. It has been said that it is a city that presents a certain kind of discourse, a city of wise men, like the ancient Greek city. Then I saw some French literary figures say, in essence, that Parisians are the most like the people of Athens, or they are the Athenses of this age. Their intellect is Roman, and their nature is Teutonic. We have previously mentioned that the French are among the peoples who consider imitation and embellishment to be important. I say here that they deny miracles and believe that natural phenomena cannot be altered at all. They believe that religions came only to guide man to do good and avoid its opposite, and that the development of countries, the progress of people, and their advancement in arts and refinement can substitute for religions. They believe that in prosperous kingdoms, political matters are sufficient, just as religious matters are. Among their reprehensible beliefs is their saying that the intellects and natures of their philosophers are greater than and purer than those of the prophets. They have many blameworthy beliefs, such as the denial of divine decree and destiny by some, even though among the wise there are those who believe in divine decree and take firm action in all matters.

(5 - Journey)