|
"Now wyf," quod he, "heere nys but thou and I, |
| That art the creature that I best love. |
| 950 | For by that lord that sit in hevene above, |
| Levere ich hadde to dyen on a knyf, |
| Than thee offende, trewe deere wyf! |
| For Goddes sake, thenk how I thee chees, |
| Noght for no coveitise, doutelees, |
| 955 | But oonly for the love I had to thee. |
| And though that I be oold, and may nat see, |
| Beth to me trewe, and I wol telle yow why. |
| Thre thynges, certes, shal ye wynne therby: |
| First, love of Crist, and to youreself honour, |
| 960 | And al myn heritage, toun and tour; |
| I yeve it yow, maketh chartres as yow leste; |
| This shal be doon to-morwe er sonne reste, |
| So wisly God my soule brynge in blisse. |
| I prey yow first, in covenant ye me kisse; |
| 965 | And though that I be jalous, wyte me noght. |
| Ye been so depe enprented in my thoght |
| That, whan that I considere youre beautee, |
| And therwithal the unlikly elde of me, |
| I may nat, certes, though I sholde dye, |
| 970 | Forbere to been out of youre compaignye |
| For verray love; this is withouten doute. |
| Now kys me, wyf, and lat us rome aboute." |
|
| "Now, wife," said he, "here's none but you and I, |
| And you're the one of all that I best love. |
| 950 | For by that Lord Who sits in Heaven above, |
| Far rather would I die upon a knife |
| Than do offence to you, my true, dear wife! |
| For God's sake how I did choose you out, |
| And for no love of money, beyond doubt, |
| 955 | But only for the love you roused in me. |
| And though I am grown old and cannot see, |
| Be true to me, and I will tell you why. |
| Three things, it's certain, shall you gain thereby; |
| First, Christ's dear love, and honour of your own, |
| 960 | And all my heritage of tower and town; |
| I give it you, draw deeds to please you, pet; |
| This shall be done tomorrow before sunset. |
| So truly may God bring my soul to bliss, |
| I pray you first, in covenant, that we kiss. |
| 965 | And though I'm jealous, yet reproach me not. |
| You are so deeply printed in my thought |
| That, when I do consider your beauty |
| And therewith all the unlovely age of me, |
| I cannot, truly, nay, though I should die,' |
| 970 | Abstain from being in your company, |
| For utter love; of this there is no doubt. |
| Now kiss me, wife, and let us walk about." |
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