|
Virginius gan upon the cherl biholde, |
| But hastily, er he his tale tolde, |
| And wolde have preeved it as sholde a knyght, |
| And eek by witnessyng of many a wight, |
| 195 | That it was fals, that seyde his adversarie, |
| This cursed juge wolde no thyng tarie, |
| Ne heere a word moore of Virginius, |
| But yaf his juggement and seyde thus: |
| "I deeme anon this cherl his servant have, |
| 200 | Thou shalt no lenger in thyn hous hir save. |
| Go, bryng hir forth, and put hir in our warde. |
| The cherl shal have his thral, this I awarde." |
| And whan this worthy knyght Virginius, |
| Thurgh sentence of this justice Apius, |
| 205 | Moste by force his deere doghter yeven |
| Unto the juge in lecherie to lyven, |
| He gooth hym hoom, and sette him in his halle, |
| And leet anon his deere doghter calle, |
| And with a face deed as asshen colde, |
| 210 | Upon hir humble face he gan biholde |
| With fadres pitee stikynge thurgh his herte, |
| Al wolde he from his purpos nat converte. |
|
|
Virginius' eyes the churl's began to hold, |
| But hastily, before his tale he'd told, |
| Ready to prove it, as befits a knight, |
| And by the evidence of many a wight, |
| 195 | That false was this charge of his adversary. |
| The wicked judge, he would no moment tarry, |
| Nor hear a word more from Virginius, |
| But gave his judgment then and there, as thus: |
| "I do decree in favour of the churl: |
| 200 | No longer shall you hold this servant girl. |
| Go bring her here and leave her as my ward. |
| This man shall have his slave, as my award." |
| And when this noble knight Virginius, |
| By judgment of this Justice Appius, |
| 205 | Must now, perforce, his darling daughter give |
| Unto the judge, in lechery to live, |
| He did go home and sat down in his hall, |
| And gave command his daughter there to call; |
| And, with a face dead white and ashen cold, |
| 210 | Her modest mien his eyes did then behold, |
| With father's pity striking through his heart, |
| Though from his purpose he would not depart. |
|
