|
"Madame," quod he, "by God that this world made, |
| 260 | So that I wiste it myghte your herte glade, |
| I wolde that day that youre Arveragus |
| Wente over the see, that I, Aurelius, |
| Hadde went ther nevere I sholde have come agayn. |
| For wel I woot my servyce is in vayn, |
| 265 | My gerdoun is but brestyng of myn herte. |
| Madame, reweth upon my peynes smerte, |
| For with a word ye may me sleen or save. |
| Heere at your feet, God wolde that I were grave, |
| I ne have as now no leyser moore to seye, |
| 270 | Have mercy, sweete, or ye wol do me deye." |
|
| "Madam," said he, "by God who this world made, |
| 260 | So that I knew it might your sad heart aid, |
| I would, that day when your Arviragus |
| Went overseas, that I, Aurelius, |
| Had gone whence never I should come again; |
| For well I know my service is in vain. |
| 265 | My reward is the breaking of my heart; |
| Madam, have pity on my pains that smart; |
| For with a word you may slay me or save, |
| Here at your feet would God I found my grave! |
| Time to say more, at present naught have I; |
| 270 | Have mercy, sweet, or you will make me die!" |
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