The Tale 4246

A poor widow, somedeal y-stept 4247 in age, Was whilom dwelling in a poor cottáge, Beside a grovë, standing in a dale. This widow, of which I tellë you my tale, Since thilkë day that she was last a wife, In patiénce led a full simple life, For little was her chattel and her rent. 4248 By husbandry 4249 of such as God her sent, She found 4250 herself, and eke her daughters two. Three largë sowës had she, and no mo’; Three kine, and eke a sheep that hightë Mall. Full sooty was her bow’r, 4251 and eke her hall, In which she ate full many a slender meal. Of poignant saucë knew she never a deal. 4252