Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/124

 This was our oath, and which you dare not gainsay. You are of my counsel, and yet falsely would presume to love the lady whom I love, and ever shall so long as I live. Truly, therefore, Arcite, I first loved her, and made you, my sworn brother, my confidant: as a true knight, then, are you bound to assist me according to the extent of your power; or else I dare to pronounce you false to your honour.'

Arcite haughtily retorted upon him, that he was the false one: 'And false you are,' said he; 'I tell you utterly false. I first loved her. What! you, who even now could not say whether she were a woman or a goddess! Yours is a holy affection, mine for an earthly creature; and I therefore disclosed to my mind, as to my cousin and sworn brother. Grant it even, that you first loved her, have you forgotten that saying of the old writer—"Who shall give laws to a lover? Love is itself a higher law than any framed by man!" All decrees, therefore, however stern, are daily broken in favour of the more positive commands of love. Whether maiden or widow, a man must needs love in spite of his head; he