That bade her hold all that she haddë hight; So loth him was his wife should break her truth And in his heart he caught of it great ruth, 3389 Considering the best on every side, That from his lust yet were him lever 3390 abide, Than do so high a churlish wretchedness 3391 Against franchise, 3392 and allë gentleness; For which in fewë words he saidë thus;