“One thing beseech I you, and warn also, That ye not prickë with no tórmentíng This tender maiden, as ye have done mo: 2692 For she is foster’d in her nourishing More tenderly, and, to my supposing, She mightë not adversity endure As could a poorë foster’d creatúre.”

And when this Walter saw her patience, Her gladdë cheer, and no malíce at all, And 2693 he so often had her done offence, And she aye sad 2694 and constant as a wall, Continuing ev’r her innocence o’er all, The sturdy marquis gan his heartë dress 2695 To rue upon her wifely steadfastness.