|
"Cosyn," quod she, ''if that I hadde a space, |
| As I have noon, and namely in this place, |
| 145 | Thanne wolde I telle a legende of my lyf, |
| What I have suffred sith I was a wyf |
| With my housbonde, al be he youre cosyn." |
| "Nay," quod this monk, "by God and seint Martyn, |
| He is na moore cosyn unto me |
| 150 | Than is this leef that hangeth on the tree! |
| I clepe hym so, by Seint Denys of Fraunce, |
| To have the moore cause of aqueyntaunce |
| Of yow, which I have loved specially |
| Above alle wommen, sikerly. |
| 155 | This swere I yow on my professioun. |
| Telleth youre grief, lest that he come adoun; |
| And hasteth yow, and gooth youre wey anon." |
|
|
"Cousin," said she, "if I had time and space, |
| As I have not, and specially in this place, |
| 145 | Then would I tell a legend of my life, |
| What I have suffered since I've been a wife, |
| From my husband, though he is your cousin." |
| "Nay," said the monk, "by God and Saint Martin, |
| He is no more a cousin unto me |
| 150 | Than is this leaf that hangs on the tree! |
| I call him so, by Saint-Denis of France, |
| To have but better reason to advance |
| With you, whom I have loved especially |
| Above all other women, and truly; |
| 155 | I swear this to you on the faith I own. |
| Tell me your grief before your man comes down, |
| Come, hasten now, and go your way anon." |
|
