Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/352

178 in return for the benefits accumulated upon him, seduced the lady, and wasted the country over which he was placed. When the husband, therefore, knew of his wife's infidelity, he was overwhelmed with sorrow, and repudiated her with the loss of every honour. Thus circumstanced, she fell into extreme poverty; and reduced to despair by the wretchedness of her condition, walked from place to place, begging her bread, and wishing for the death that came not to her relief. But at length, the husband, compassionating her distress, sent messengers to recall her to his court. "Come, lady," they said, "come in perfect safety. Thy lord wishes thy return; fear nothing." Yet she refused, and exclaimed, "Tell my lord, that I would willingly come to him, but I am unable to do so. If he ask why, say, in compliance with an imperious law. If a man marry, and his wife prove an adultress, he shall give her a writing of divorcement; but from that hour, she can be no longer his wife. To me such a writing has been given—for, alas! I am an adultress: therefore, it is impossible for me to return to