|
"Traitour," quod he, "with tonge of scorpioun, |
| Thou hast me broght to my confusioun, |
| Allas, that I was wroght! Why nere I deed? |
| O deere wyf, O gemme of lustiheed, |
| 275 | That were to me so sad and eek so trewe, |
| Now listow deed with face pale of hewe, |
| Ful giltelees, that dorste I swere, ywys. |
| O rakel hand, to doon so foule amys! |
| O trouble wit, O ire recchelees! |
| 280 | That unavysed smyteth gilteles. |
| O wantrust, ful of fals suspecioun, |
| Where was thy wit and thy discrecioun? |
| O every man, be war of rakelnesse, |
| Ne trowe no thyng withouten strong witnesse. |
| 285 | Smyt nat to soone, er that ye witen why, |
| And beeth avysed wel and sobrely, |
| Er ye doon any execucioun |
| Upon youre ire for suspecioun. |
| Allas, a thousand folk hath rakel ire |
| 290 | Fully fordoon, and broght hem in the mire! |
| Allas, for sorwe I wol myselven slee!" |
|
|
"Traitor," cried he, "with tongue of scorpion, |
| You have brought me to ruin, treacherous one! |
| Alas, that I was born! Why died I not? |
| O my dear wife, jewel of joy, God wot, |
| 275 | Who were to me so trusty and so true, |
| Now you lie dead, with face all pale of hue, |
| And you were guiltless, I dare swear to this! |
| O hasty hand, to do so foul amiss! |
| O stupid brain, O anger all reckless, |
| 280 | That unadvisedly struck the guiltless! |
| O ill distrust that jealousy had sown! |
| Where were your thought and your discretion flown? |
| O every man, beware of hastiness, |
| Do not believe without a strong witness; |
| 285 | Strike not too soon, before you reason why, |
| And be advised full well and soberly |
| Before you do any execution thus |
| In your wild anger when it is jealous. |
| Alas! A thousand folk has hasty ire |
| 290 | Ruined, and left them bleeding in the mire. |
| Alas! I'll slay myself forthwith for grief!" |
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