Go forth thy way, or I will cast a stone; And let me sleep; a twenty devil way.” 1143 “Alas!” quoth Absolon, “and well away! That true love ever was so ill beset: Then kiss me, since that it may be no bet, 1144 For Jesus’ love, and for the love of me.” “Wilt thou then go thy way therewith?” quoth she. “Yea, certes, leman,” quoth this Absolon. “Then make thee ready,” quoth she, “I come anon.” [And unto Nicholas she said full still: 1145 “Now peace, and thou shalt laugh anon thy fill.”] This Absolon down set him on his knees, And said; “I am a lord at all degrees: For after this I hope there cometh more; Leman, thy grace, and, sweetë bird, thine ore.” 1146 The window she undid, and that in haste. “Have done,” quoth she, “come off, and speed thee fast, Lest that our neighëbours should thee espy.” Then Absolon gan wipe his mouth full dry. Dark was the night as pitch or as the coal,