Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/173

 delight above all things in this world; Constance, your child, recommends herself to your frequent prayers. I shall go into Syria, and you will never more behold my face;—since it is your will, alas! that I must go to this barbarous nation: but, who suffered for our redemption, give me grace to fulfil all his commands. For me, wretched creature! no matter though I perish. Women are born to thraldom and penance, and to be subjected to the dominion of man..' [sic]

When Pyrrhus rased the walls of Troy and burned the town; when Thebes was levelled with the ground; when Hannibal three times overcame the Romans, there was not heard more piteous weeping than in this chamber at the parting of Constance.

This fair and woful maid was brought to the ship with every circumstance of solemnity. 'Now, Jesus, our heavenly Saviour, be with you all,' she said. There was no more, but,—'Farewell, fair Constance!' she all the while striving to put on a cheerful face. In this manner she sailed away; and now I will turn to another part of my story.