As for the morë part; I say not all⁠— God shieldë 2743 that it shouldë so befall. Ah! good Sir Host, I have y-wedded be These moneths two, and morë not, pardie; And yet I trow 2744 that he that all his life Wifeless hath been, though that men would him rive Into the heartë, could in no mannére Tellë so much sorrów, as I you here Could tellen of my wifë’s cursedness.” 2745

“Now,” quoth our Host, “Merchánt, so God you bless, Since ye so muchë knowen of that art, Full heartily I pray you tell us part.” “Gladly,” quoth he; “but of mine owen sore, For sorry heart, I tellë may no more.”