Almachius, that heard of this doíng, Bade fetch Cecilie, that he might her see; And alderfirst, 4562 lo, this was his askíng; “What manner woman artë thou?” quoth he. “I am a gentle woman born,” quoth she. “I askë thee,” quoth he, “though it thee grieve, Of thy religion and of thy believe.”

“Ye have begun your question foolishly,” Quoth she, “that wouldest two answérs conclude In one demand? ye askë lewëdly.” 4563 Almach answér’d to that similitude, “Of whencë comes thine answering so rude?” “Of whencë?” quoth she, when that she was freined, 4564 “Of consciénce, and of good faith unfeigned.”