“I wouldë live in peace, if that I might; Wherefore I am disposed utterly, As I his sister served ere 2589 by night, Right so think I to serve him privily. This warn I you, that ye not suddenly Out of yourself for no woe should outraie; 2590 Be patient, and thereof I you pray.”

“I have,” quoth she, “said thus, and ever shall, I will no thing, nor n’ill no thing, certáin, But as you list; not grieveth me at all Though that my daughter and my son be slain At your commandëment; that is to sayn, I have not had no part of children twain, But first sicknéss, and after woe and pain.