“Wherefore, in guerdon 2641 of my maidenhead, Which that I brought and not again I bear, As vouchësafe to give me to my meed 2642 But such a smock as I was wont to wear, That I therewith may wrie 2643 the womb of her That was your wife: and here I take my leave Of you, mine owen Lord, lest I you grieve.”

“The smock,” quoth he, “that thou hast on thy back, Let it be still, and bear it forth with thee.” But well unnethës 2644 thilkë word he spake, But went his way for ruth and for pitý. Before the folk herselfë stripped she, And in her smock, with foot and head all bare, Toward her father’s house forth is she fare. 2645