Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/214

 The poor man may go on his way and have no dread of robbers. Poverty is a hateful good, though the redeemer from the cares of life: the improver of wisdom, to him who bears it patiently. Poverty makes a man know himself and his Maker too. It is a glass in which he may discover his true friends. Reprove me, therefore, no more for my poverty.

'As for my great age—though we had no written authority for the command—you men of gentle blood have ever held that age, in man or woman, is entitled to honour.

'And, to conclude, since I am loathsome as well as old, you will be in no danger that any one will seduce away your wife. Now, therefore, choose one of these two things:—to have me old and ugly till my death; to be to you a true and humble wife, and never to displease you during the whole course of my life: or to have me young and beautiful, and to take your chance of the temptation that will befall me from the great resort that will throng to your house on my account.'

The Knight bethought him,—sighed; and then said;—'My dear wife, I place myself